Showing posts with label Mandira Bedi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mandira Bedi. Show all posts
I can’t wait to tell Harmanpreet Kaur that she’s the lady version of M S Dhoni-Mandira Bedi
8:39 AM
S Farah Rizvi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 10, 2025)
Actor and television personality Mandira Bedi, one of the first female faces of cricket broadcasting in India, is still basking in the joy of India’s historic cricket Women’s World Cup victory. “I can’t get over the win,” she smiles, calling it a culmination of decades of grit and growth.
“To just 20-25 people in the stadiums for their tournaments all these years to a full house at D Y Patil Stadium, after a comprehensive defeat against Australia and then South Africa, the Indian women’s cricket team has come a long way,” she says. “I feel so proud and joyful to see them setting milestones for women’s sport in the country.”
Mandira admits the magnitude of the achievement is still sinking in. “The feeling is settling slowly,” she says. “Seeing them everywhere, getting the recognition they truly deserve, becoming household names, and receiving the rewards they’ve earned, it’s heartwarming.”
The victory has also brought back stories of Mandira’s early support for women’s cricket in the 2000s. Between 2003 and 2005, she had quietly contributed funds to help the team when they struggled for resources. “This news has made me a bit embarrassed because it’s two decades old,” she confesses. “The team needed help at that time, and I just did what I could with whatever funds I had,” she adds.
She recalls lobbying for better infrastructure and support: “I remember meeting Jagmohan Dalmiya, the then BCCI chief, and discussing the merger of WCA and BCCI. Back then, the players didn’t even have money to host tournaments or travel for matches. I didn’t think, I just acted.”
Mandira says her contribution stayed out of the news for a reason: “It was never done for publicity. Sadly, no one was interested in women’s cricket back then; it didn’t even get a two-by-two space in newspapers.”
Now that the story has resurfaced, she believes it’s time to celebrate the team’s journey properly: “Someone should write a book or make a documentary on this incredible rise of women’s cricket in India. People finally want to know their story, and that can only strengthen the future of the game.”
Having recently interacted with members of the winning squad, Mandira says she remains a fan first. “My work keeps me connected with the players. I recently met Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Shafali Verma, and I’ll be meeting them again soon,” she shares, adding, “I can’t wait to tell Harmanpreet Kaur that she’s the lady version of M S Dhoni, or better still, her own brand of calm and cool.”
I am not the same person I was 30 years ago-Mandira Bedi
8:59 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; July 4, 2025)
Mandira Bedi has been a familiar face for over three decades – as an actor, presenter and fitness advocate. But behind her public persona, she has long focused on something more personal and less visible: her mental health.
‘Sometimes it is easy to open up to a third person as there are no judgements’
Talking about how mental health has been an important part of her life, Mandira says, “The first time I went for therapy was 18 years ago. When I told my mom about it, she was aghast and didn’t understand the need because it has always been a taboo subject. It exists even now... very few people talk about it.”
She adds, “Friends and family are always there to listen, but sometimes a qualified person, who is unbiased and honest, is required to help you deal with the emotions. Sometimes it is easy to open up to a third person, as there are no judgments.”
‘There were a lot of times when I did not like myself’
Over the years, Mandira made mental health a priority. “Mental health has been something that I’ve not put on the back burner, but on the front burner. It’s important to me. There were many times I didn’t like myself. I was negative and very tough on myself. I discovered self-love only recently. And now that I have, I protect it. I wake up every morning with the intent to be happy. I protect my peace,” she shares.
‘It’s not like I don’t miss Raj, but I’ve processed it over a period of time’
After losing her husband Raj Kaushal in 2021, Mandira allowed herself the space and time to grieve. Only now does she speak openly about how therapy and emotional work helped her heal. She says, “I lost my husband four years ago, and I would not talk about it because I was not ready back then. Now, I can have a conversation and say that I had to feel to process that grief. There is no shortcut when it comes to grief, there’s no quick fix. It’s not like I don’t miss him, but I’ve processed it over a period of time.”
She remembers the early days of loss vividly. “I remember when it happened, I kept asking myself, how long am I going to feel like this? It’s like the tectonic plates under my feet have shifted. The first year was particularly hard. The first of everything... my birthday, his birthday, the first anniversary, Christmas, Diwali, New Year... they are shattering. Your heart breaks into a million pieces. But the second time gets a little bit easier because you’ve dealt with that first year.”
‘I’ve taught my kids to talk to a therapist whenever something feels off’
As a single parent to Vir and Tara, she’s made mental health a part of her children’s lives as well. “Vir needed therapy after Raj, and he needed to speak to somebody who was not his parent. I understood that. I got him the counselling that he needed. I’ve instilled in both my kids that whenever there’s something that you’re feeling, some sort of unrest, we have a therapist we call and we speak to.”
‘I had so much anger in me and used to lash out often’
Mandira’s reflections also touch on personal growth. “I had so much anger in me and used to lash out often. But when I had awareness of that, I worked on it. I’ve worked hard on myself and I’ve come a long way. It’s been a long journey and I’ve benefited so much from working on myself. I’m not the same person I was when I began in this industry 30 years ago – I’ve grown and changed in many ways.”
"Back home and recovering": Tahira Kashyap Khurrana shares update after cancer relapse
9:12 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (April 11, 2025)
Filmmaker Tahira Kashyap Khurrana shared a health update on Instagram on Wednesday, writing that she is “Back home and recovering” after a fresh round of treatment. This update comes after her breast cancer relapsed.
The 42-year-old also thanked her fans and friends for their love and prayers, writing in the caption of the post, “I know some of you who are praying and so many whom I don’t know and yet I receive all your goodness with grace, similarly some of you know me and others might not but I send all my gratitude to all of you. And when such a connection is made which is beyond actual relationship it’s called Humanity which is the highest form of spirituality.”
Several celebrities extended support in the comments section. Mandira Bedi wrote, “I’m saying a prayer for you every day,” Rajkummar Rao commented, “The strongest girl ever. Sending lots of love to you Tahira”, and Twinkle Khanna sent her a “big hug”.
Her husband, Ayushmann Khurrana, brother-in-law Aparshakti Khurana, and colleagues Hina Khan, Guneet Monga Kapoor, and Bhumi Pednekar dropped heart emojis.
Tahira was first diagnosed in 2018, after which she underwent chemotherapy and mastectomy.
After World Cup 2003, nobody saw me as an actor anymore, people only saw me as a host-Mandira Bedi
7:43 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; July 9, 2024)
Mandira Bedi started her journey in the entertainment industry 30 years ago with the long-running television serial Shanti. The actress went on to feature in several other daily soaps following the success of her first show. She also became a very popular host, and while she really enjoyed that space, Mandira tells us that she missed out on a lot of acting opportunities.
‘I got an opportunity to host and that changed things for me’
She says, “After nine years of acting in TV shows, I thought of taking a sabbatical in 2003, but coincidentally, the Cricket World Cup was taking place that year and I got an opportunity to host that. It changed things for me. It was nice to break the glass ceiling, but after that nobody saw me as an actor anymore, people only saw me as a host.”
‘I want to do a good role, I miss acting’
The actress, who was seen in 24 with Anil Kapoor in which she played the role of a cop, says that she still longs to act. “If there’s one thing that I’m really missing, it’s acting. After doing the web show The Railway Men, I realized how much I missed being in front of the camera. People offer me roles to play a cricket presenter or a news anchor, but I turn them down. I want to do a good role, I miss acting. It’s like people have completely forgotten that I’m an actor.”
‘I’ve seen a lot of ups and downs in life’
The actress has been through a lot on her personal and professional journey all these years. However, she is deeply grateful for everything that she has. “I wake up every morning and say thank you. Gratitude inspires me and keeps me positive. I’ve seen a lot of ups and downs in life. A lot hasn’t gone my way, but focusing on that can take you into a downward spiral. I just focus on the positives,” she says.
My husband was good cop; I was bad cop for our kids, but now I’m good and bad cop rolled into one-Mandira Bedi
8:01 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; May 12, 2024)
Mandira Bedi is a doting mother to her son Vir (12) and daughter Tara (8). She says that her experiences as a mom have been unique. On Mother's Day, today, the actress opens up about her parenting journey and the challenges she faces as a single mom.
She says, “I’ve had an interesting and eventful career, but of all the things I’ve done in life, I am most grateful for this journey of parenthood. I got to experience something unique; I am a biological parent and an adoptive parent, and few people are privileged to have that kind of a journey.”
‘Being a parent is something you learn on the job’
Mandira lost her husband, filmmaker Raj Kaushal, in 2021 after he suffered a cardiac arrest. Reflecting on how she handles the dual responsibility, she says, “It’s very hard, there are times when I just don’t know what to do. My husband was the good cop, and I was the bad cop for our kids, but now I’m the good and the bad cop rolled into one. Sometimes, it calls for sternness and at times for gentleness, and finding that balance is the journey of parenthood. At times, you don’t know what to do and which route to take, but you learn on the job. I’ve been navigating quite a fascinating journey with both my kids. Sometimes it is difficult and tiring, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
‘Parenthood has made me more grateful and patient’
Mandira says it is important to be your child’s parent as well as a friend. She shares, “My kids’ nature, temperaments and personalities are very different. Parenthood has made me more grateful and patient than I was. It is all about unlearning and relearning, and that’s what I have been doing. Today, you have to find the right balance between being a friend and a parent to your child. So, I’m learning on the job, just like every parent.”
‘I want Vir and Tara to grow up with strong values’
The actress, who is also known for her hosting skills, grew up in a very disciplined environment and wants the same for Vir and Tara.
“My kids should be in a good place mentally, emotionally and physically,” she says, adding, “I want them to grow up with strong values, be well-mannered and respectful. I want them to be truthful. They should be good human beings. I am very hardworking, and I want my kids to imbibe that quality of mine.”
Talking about her daughter, who she adopted in 2020, she says, “We brought her home when she was four, which was about nine months before my husband passed, and I’m just so grateful that she’s there with us and we’re now a family of three.”
‘I discovered self-love late in my life’
Mothers are known for their generous and giving ways, but ask her what she wants on Mother’s Day, and Mandira says, “I’ve learned about self-love recently in my life. I would say that it is something that I’ve discovered very late. When I need a break, I don’t ask my kids or wait for it, I just take my time out for a workout or read a book, which gives me joy. Doing my work is a part of self-love, too. I love being invited for talks, hosting events and acting.”
Shooting for a film involves 10 hours of waiting and only one hour of actual acting-Samir Soni
8:06 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; May 9, 2024)
Samir Soni believes he is in a sweet spot as an actor, as today he has the flexibility to work across all mediums without any baggage. His stint on television, including shows like A Mouthful of Sky, Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, and Parichay, have played a pivotal role in shaping his career.
Talking about working on TV shows vis-Ã -vis films, He shares, “For some reason, TV has been very kind to me. As an actor, I have received more respect, compelling characters, and due on television. So, that’s where I feel most comfortable. However, I can’t say the same about films because I am a workaholic, and what I dislike the most is sitting and waiting for my next shot. During film shoots, 70 per cent of the time is spent waiting for the shot to be ready. The daily process involves 10 hours of waiting and only one hour of actual acting; I am not a fan of that. Some people argue that you get time to delve into your character. Not really! Instead, you spend a lot of time ensuring you don’t lose the character because you are essentially doing nothing.”
It’s rather surprising that he has been absent from his preferred platform, the small screen, for the past nine years.
He says, “I am itching to make a comeback. However, I don’t see myself fitting into the current trend of shows. Many are mythologicals, and I have also been approached for such roles. I don’t feel I could convincingly portray them. While I have respect for those who do, I find it too limiting. I am happy being human and don’t aspire to be a God even if it’s for a feature film (smiles). Also, there seems to be a shift towards rural-based shows with the focus more on the character’s mannerisms than its journey. I don’t see myself fitting into those narratives either. My strength lies in portraying characters with an urban essence. I enjoy playing relatable characters, which unfortunately aren’t coming my way at the moment. I keep sending the feelers out saying that I am available. I believe we are going through a transitional phase, but I am confident it will settle down, and I will find something interesting to return with.”
During his hiatus from television, he has been exploring the OTT space. Reflecting on his career, he shares, “No one will ever say Samir is a bad actor or a bad looker. However, if you look back at my career trajectory, I have never landed an author-backed role. Despite this, I’ve managed to maintain a presence in the industry for over 25 years solely based on my performance. Even today, people recall my dialogue from China Gate, even though 90 per cent of my role was chopped off. So, I must have done something right. My work has stayed with people and that’s a saving grace.”
Along with OTT, he has been deeply immersed in preparing for the 400th show of his long-running play, Anything But Love, co-starring Mandira Bedi, which was staged recently. Theatre allows the actor within him to flourish while also keeping him mindful of his audience’s expectations.
“It’s been a 20-year journey. We never imagined it would last this long. In fact, it’s doing better now. The play revolves around two individuals who are divorced and explores their inability to be together or apart. It offers a relatable perspective on relationships, highlighting that in marriage or love, it’s often about anything but love.”
Saiyami Kher turns host for World Cup; wants to focus on cricket, not players’ ‘fashion or food choices’
8:08 AM
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 25, 2023)
Having played cricket at the state level (Maharashtra women’s team), Saiyami Kher lived her dream when did starred in a cricket-centric film Ghoomer. Now, the actor “thrilled” to use her knowledge of the game as a technical host for the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Talking about turning her dream into reality, she says, “The energy is unparalleled. When I was 12 and (host-actor) Mandira Bedi was hosting the World Cup, I was inspired to do the same. Dad and I tried to convince my mum to let me quit school for this. This has been a childhood dream.”
Elaborating on her role, Kher says, “I’m not into the fashion or food choices of the cricketers. Instead, I like to discuss the technicalities of the sport, since I’m a cricket geek.”
Sharing space with several renowned cricketers is also a matter of pride for the 31-year-old. She says, “Discussing cricket with (cricketers) Harsha Bhogle, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Shaun Pollock and Michael Vaughan, among others is exciting. I don’t see it as a pressure because this is my passion. We do pre-match analysis, talk about the game and discuss it after it’s over. It feels like friends talking about what they love.”
The way I coped with my grief and loss is extremely private to me-Mandira Bedi
8:21 AM
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; March 18, 2023)
Over the years, Mandira Bedi has successfully donned many hats – including that of an actor, a cricket show host, a reality show participant, a fashion designer, a fitness enthusiast, and a motivational speaker. In 2021, she suddenly lost her life partner of 25 years – her husband, filmmaker Raj Kaushal – who passed away after suffering a heart attack.
However, she bravely and gracefully kept moving ahead and went on to become a pillar of strength for her children. In an exclusive interview with Bombay Times, she talks about parenting her two kids, Vir and Tara, what keeps her going and the kind of roles she is seeking. Excerpts:
‘I’M ALWAYS UP FOR A CHALLENGE’
In the last few years, Mandira has had her hands full — acting, being a social media influencer, focusing on her fitness and being a hands-on mother to her two children, 11-year-old son Vir and six-year-old daughter Tara.
“Whenever I’m not working, I am with my children. We have a great routine, I am with them all the time, I drop and pick them up from school and we go on holidays. But just like me, my kids are homebodies, too. I love my work. I am doing a new show for TV, I shoot for brands on social media, do workout videos and give motivational talks at events on fitness. It’s great to inspire people, but my kids are my happy place... that is what keeps me going. And even in the middle of all this, I find the time to exercise. It is a challenge, but I’m always up for a challenge.”
‘I HAD TO DO WHAT I HAVE TO, TO GIVE MY KIDS A LOVING AND HAPPY ENVIRONMENT’
Mandira has always been a private person and has rarely spoken about how she coped with the pain of losing her partner of 25 and kept going. She shares, “I have my children, and after Raj, I had to do what I had to do to give them a loving, normal and happy environment. I have had to get on with life. The way I coped with my grief and loss in the last few years is something that is extremely private to me. It is not something that I have shared or talked about with anyone. I believe that I have gone through the right channels and done it all in the best possible way, without any shortcuts. I do a lot of motivational talks and I talk about everything else, and yet, when it comes to me as a pointed question, I answer it just like the way I have answered you today.”
‘OTT HAS GIVEN ACTORS A NEW LEASE OF LIFE’
Mandira, who has worked in the OTT space since 2018, says, “The rise of OTT has been phenomenal. There’s work for everybody, and that is just incredible. Many actors who were not doing films are getting a new lease of life in the OTT world.”
‘24 WAS THE SHOW I BINGE-WATCHED WITH RAJ’
Mandira played Nikita Rai, based on the character Nina Myers in the action thriller 24, the Indian adaptation of the American series of the same name. The actress shares how she almost manifested her role.
“It was the first show that Raj and I binge-watched. I remember telling Raj that playing the character of Nina Myers would be like a dream come true. Many years later, when the show came to India, I got a call from Abhinay Deo’s (the director of 24) office. They wanted me for another role, and I said, ‘Are you serious! You are not calling me for the Nina Myers’ role?’ They said that they had already cast somebody. But eventually, I did play Nina Myers, and it was a dream come true!”
‘I KEPT GETTING OFFERED COP ROLES’
Mandira’s role in the thriller and her look in 24 was much appreciated. However, it did kind of typecast her. “Because of that role, people only saw me as a short-haired cop, and I kept getting offered similar roles. I have said no to every kind of film because of this. I was offered to play a cop in a Telugu and Tamil film. Then there was a show where I was offered to play a jailer. Due to my hair, the way I look and my fitness, makers think that I really fit the bill to play a cop. However, I don’t want to do that anymore. I want to do other interesting roles. I have been turning down a lot of roles, and I am being picky about what I choose.”
Anubhav Sinha trains his lens on 1999 Kandahar hijacking for his web series
8:20 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 22, 2023)
Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha is working on a long-format series based on the 1999 Kandahar hijacking, we have exclusively learnt. The drama will follow the events that unfolded between December 24 and 31. From what we have gathered, the series is yet to go on floors, however, the makers have picked their cast members.
Actor Vijay Varma, in his first-ever collaboration with the Anek (2022) director, will be seen playing a central character, as will actor Pankaj Kapur, who also stars in Sinha’s Bheed, which releases this year. Actors Naseeruddin Shah and Mandira Bedi, too, have pivotal roles, details of which are yet to be known. The series, currently in pre-production, will soon go on floors and is expected to stream on a leading OTT giant.
The hijacking of flight IC-814, is one of the most tragic terrorist incidents in history, where 176 passengers were held hostage by five Pakistani militants. Several projects have been made on the episode, including the 2003 film Zameen and the Kunal Shivdasani-directed Hijack (2008), as well as the 2010 Malayalam film Kandahar, starring Mohanlal.
Losing somebody very close to you, your life partner, is a life changing experience-Mandira Bedi
8:34 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 23, 2023)
Actor-host Mandira Bedi has returned to work with a cricket-themed reality show. Bedi, who lost her husband, filmmaker Raj Kaushal in 2021, says she has spent the last two years focusing on finding strength. Now, she wants to find happiness from within and through the work she does.
“For me, 2023 looks very promising, starting with a reality show and some other incredible events lined up. I am also reading some scripts, and I hope to say yes to doing some work in fiction,” says Bedi.
Opening up about starting the year with a reality show, the 50-year-old says, “The reality show, stemming from our national passion, will feature both men and women. A show like this has not been made before. It’s different from the live telecast that I have, which is the reason I am excited and really looking forward to being a part of it.”
Her focus is not just on her professional life but also on gaining more strength and happiness in her personal sphere as well. “My life has changed. In the last two years, I have had no choice but to become stronger. I was a strong person, and I am a stronger person now,” she says, adding. “Losing somebody very close to you, your life partner, is a life-changing experience. You can either sink or swim after something like that, and I choose to swim. I have no choice. I have two young children, and I have a family to take care of.”
Bedi goes on, “Last year, I had a lot to deal with, and I had to be strong. This year, I am not going to focus on anything to become happier. I’m just going to try and find that happiness from within. That’s how I want to live my life, and I want to continue my journey.”
Images: Mouni Roy ties the knot with beau Suraj Nambiar in Goa
8:29 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (January 28, 2022)
Mouni Roy tied the knot with Dubai-based businessman Suraj Nambiar in Goa yesterday. The wedding festivities took place over two days — January 26 and 27. While the haldi and mehendi ceremonies took place on Wednesday, the wedding yesterday had Mouni dressed as a South Indian bride.
Suraj is a South Indian, and the couple wanted their wedding to be a mix of Bengali and South Indian rituals. Mouni wedding ensemble included a red sari with a white blouse and traditional gold jewellery with gajras in her hair, while Suraj wore a kurta and mundu.
Arjun Bijlani and his wife Neha, Mandira Bedi, Aashka Goradia and Karishma Modi Chandhoke were among the guests present for the celebration. As per buzz, a reception party was planned to take place in Mumbai a few days after the wedding, but the couple had to cancel it because of the Coronavirus pandemic-led restrictions.
(Top) Arjun Bijlani with Mouni at the haldi ceremony and (above) Mandira Bedi with Suraj
Celebfie: Go on a staycation cruise with your favourite celebrities
4:40 PM
BOMBAY TIMES (August 8, 2021)
Celebfie, a new-age platform that promises to bridge the gap between celebrities and their fans, is set to ship across international waters with celebrities on a cruise. The event ‘Celebfie – Cruise with the Stars’ will have Sonakshi Sinha and Nora Fatehi flagging off the cruise to its course after a fun meet and greet session. Kailash Kher, Sukhwinder Singh, Sunil Grover, Kiku Sharda, Sudhanshu Pandey and Mandira Bedi will be on board. Asim Riaz, Himanshi Khurana, Chunky Panday, Rahul Dev, Mugdha Godse, DJ Aqeel, Flora Saini and many other popular personalities will also be going on this cruise from Mumbai, on September 16.
With this, the brand aims to be one of the world’s first FX (fan experience) platforms that gives people an opportunity to directly interact with well-known personalities. For the upcoming event, the platform has partnered with Cordelia Cruises, with the luxurious ship ‘The Princess’ offering a plethora of entertainment options. You can spend the evening at the bars and lounges or even visit the casino. You will also get to watch Sukhwinder Singh and Kailash Kher’s live music show. Not just that, there will be an entertainment show by Kiku Sharda and Sunil Grover, who will come together after four years.
“We’ll be connecting fans and brands with their choicest celebrities to create unforgettable memories. With this experience, we aim to break the limits of the online space and enter the physical realm with its core message headstrong. Guests on board will experience the time of their lives, partying alongside their favourite celebrities. The cruise will follow all required COVID-19 protocols as per the government’s guidelines, and 100 per cent staff and cruise members will be vaccinated,” said Raminder Singh, Founder and CEO, Celebfie.
The brand has collaborated with BookMyShow as their exclusive ticketing partner for this and other upcoming events. They are also coming up with more staycation concepts that will take people to places at regular intervals. “We intend to offer many such opportunities for fans to experience different destinations and connect with celebrities and artists across platforms and spaces in the near future,” Singh added.
Before every take, Raj Kaushal would say energy instead of action-Sanjay Suri
8:02 AM
As Raj Kaushal’s sudden demise leaves family, friends shocked, Sanjay Suri and Dino Morea remember coming together for their maiden movie, Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi
MID-DAY (July 1, 2021)
His friends remember him as someone with a ready smile on his face. And his Sundays were dedicated to what he treasured the most — friends and family. Over the weekend, Raj Kaushal’s heart was full as wife Mandira Bedi and he played host to their near and dear ones. Three days later, the film and television industry woke up to the shocking news of the filmmaker’s demise, the incident reminding us of the fragility of life.
Kaushal had forayed into filmmaking with Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi (1999). The campus drama not only ushered in a new sound of music with Musu Musu Hasi and Woh Pehli bBaar, but also launched a string of new faces, including Dino Morea, Sanjay Suri and Rinke Khanna. “I get so many messages about the film’s songs to date. Raj knew how to make it special,” says Morea, remembering how Kaushal was completely in charge of the project. “My most striking memory of the film is Raj’s smiling face. No matter what went on around him, he had a positive energy that rubbed off on everyone. Mandira was a big part of the film’s making. Seeing her distraught today broke my heart. He was young, and has been taken away from us too soon.”
Suri, who had spoken to Kaushal four days ago, is shocked. “When we spoke, he said, ‘Bhai, milte hai aur kuch karte hai.’ I planned to meet him after returning from my shoot [in Uttarakhand],” says Suri, who had gone on to team up with him on Shaadi Ka Laddoo (2004) and My Brother Nikhil (2005).
“Not many know this, but he was one of the best narrators I have ever met. You could give him a boring one-liner, but he would narrate it with such skill that you could visualise it completely. He was always bursting with ideas. He inculcated a lot of confidence in his actors. We were all new, but he gave us complete freedom between ‘action’ and ‘cut’. It was liberating to work with him.”
The actor is grateful to Kaushal for co-producing My Brother...Nikhil when few had faith in the same-sex love story. “Raj played a big part in my career and my life. I called him a yaaron ka yaar. He had magnetic energy to him. In fact, before every take, he would say energy instead of action, and the vibe on the set would be so positive.”
Actor Manish Chaudhari, who recently shot for Kaushal’s web debut Akkad Bakkad, has yet to come to terms with the loss. “We had finished shooting only three weeks ago. He was happy to have wrapped up 10 episodes in less than 30 days of shooting. He was kicked about his first OTT project, and was looking forward to directing the second season. Mandira and he had recently adopted Tara, and he would keep sharing stories about his kids on the set.”
Bollywood director Raj Kaushal dies of cardiac arrest
7:58 AM
THE TIMES OF INDIA (July 1, 2021)
Mumbai: Filmmaker Raj Kaushal passed away of a cardiac arrest around 4.30 am Wednesday. He was in his fifties. Kaushal was actress Mandira Bedi’s husband. The couple have two children, 10-year-old Vir and a daughter Tara whom they adopted in 2020. Kaushal began his career as copywriter and went on to produce and direct scores of advertising films. He also directed three movies namely Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi, Shaadi Ka Laddoo, and Anthony Kaun Hai (2006). He produced ‘My Brother Nikhil’, a sensitive film on the subject of HIV-AIDS.
Kaushal’s sudden death evoked shock and sorrow in the entertainment industry. Actors Ashish Chowdhry, Apoorva Agnihotri, Rohit and Ronit Roy, Manasi Joshi Roy, Sameer Soni and Huma Qureshi arrived to console his wife and children. Meanwhile, Vicky Kaushal, Onir, Neha Dhupia, Arshad Warsi, Randeep Hooda, Boman Irani and Shekhar Ravjiani offered tributes on social media. Anupam Kher, Ronnie Screwvala and Sudhir Mishra also expressed sorrow.
Composer Vishal Dadlani tweeted, “The first person to trust me with making music for a film, @rajkaushal created so many careers with #PyaarMeinKabhiKabhi. Above that, he always stood with his friends.”
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BOMBAY TIMES (July 1, 2021)
Filmmaker Raj Kaushal, 49, who made his directorial debut in Bollywood with Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi (1999), passed away yesterday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest. He is survived by wife Mandira Bedi and children Vir (10) and Tara (4).
The couple had adopted their daughter last year. Raj, who had directed many ads and helmed Shaadi Ka Laddoo (2004) and Anthony Kaun Hai (2006), had recently finished wrapping up a web series. While a few friends and colleagues from the industry were present for the final rites, others expressed grief on social media.
Remembering Raj, Onir, whose first directorial venture, My Brother…Nikhil (2005) was co-produced by the filmmaker, said, “He will always be remembered as someone who was always smiling and made everyone feel like a buddy. I am shocked that he left us at this very young age. He extended support for my first film at a time when nobody was willing to, and I give him credit for helping me fulfil my dream of becoming a director.”
Talking about the filmmaker, friend Rohit Roy said, “There is no way one can come to terms with Raj’s passing. He was one of the happiest, positive and vibrant people around. He never had anything negative to say about anyone… nor did anyone have anything negative to say about him. He was the kind of friend anyone would want to have in their life. He stood by people through thick and thin. I will never forgive him for going away without saying goodbye.”
Sudhanshu Pandey, who has known Raj since 24 years, shot with him a couple of weeks ago. “Raj was like a brother to me. I cannot come to terms with the fact that he is no more. We shot for something two or three weeks back and we had a great time on the sets. I didn’t know that it would be the last time I would meet Raj. I couldn’t attend his last rites. But my wife was there. We connected over a video call because I wanted to see him one last time,” he said.
I ignore trolls and haters, but if they attack my children my claws will come out-Mandira Bedi
8:05 AM
The actress breathes fire as she talks about a social media hater who posted nasty comments about her four-year-old adopted daughter, Tara
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; April 15, 2021)
Talking about the distasteful comments on social media, which continue to anger her, Mandira says, “I have faced trolling from the time I have been on social media. Initially, I used to respond to negative comments, but I realised I was giving these haters what they were seeking — attention.”
Mandira continues. “I don’t make statements, I am not rude, and I have never used social media to attack people or to make points. I use it to spread positivity. I don’t know what struck me that I went through the comments on this one photograph of my family. It was appalling to see those nasty comments for a little child. What kind of people say such disgusting things about a harmless kid? While I normally ignore trolls and haters, these two-three messages that I saw late at night on Monday upset me, and this time, I felt the need to respond. Tara is innocent and too young to understand what happened, but it hurt me. I don’t give two hoots about nasty comments. I can laugh over them when they are about me but it’s not okay to attack my family, my children. I can’t take it. My claws will come out.”
Discussing the issue further, Mandira says, “Some of my friends said that I should have ignored the troll, but a few of them reached out to the cyber cell and to Instagram, too. His account is suspended. My blood boils at the mere thought of what that troll said about my daughter. People have angst and they’re looking for ways to vent. I just wish they could use their energies for something better.”
Speaking about her children, Mandira shares, “Tara has been with us for a few months and people often ask, ‘Can you love and comfort her as much as your son Vir?’ Each day when I hug her, kiss her and put her to sleep, I just feel that it’s unbelievable how much I love her. It’s my proudest and most grateful moment to have her on one side and Vir on the other, sleeping peacefully. I feel blessed that I could give a family and a home to one child, and give birth to another.”
Tara talks a lot and is very observant-Mandira Bedi
8:03 AM
Mandira Bedi on a handful of a daughter, how she has helped her relationship with son Vir evolve, and being ready for motherhood at 48
As told to Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; November 1, 2020)
I have often been asked how I can multitask, and strike a work-life balance, despite my hectic professional career. I used to say, it's because I have only one husband. Then came, "I have only one son". Now, I have two children, and my work has picked up again [after the lockdown]. I am travelling and shooting at least two days a week. To do this while being a parent to two kids… Man!
But, Raj [Kaushal, husband] and I had long thought of adoption. It was when we were in fact, dating, that we had first discussed it. We thought it was a cool thing to want to do. But, to build the resolve to adopt a child and follow through, we realised, was a different story. My first child, Vir, was born late. It was already 2011 and I realised that my biological clock was ticking. We had been married 12 years before he came along. But, we had known that we'd go through with adopting a child, and finally managed to start the process three years ago. According to CARA's [Central Adoption Resource Authority] rules, when the combined age of both parents is above 90, they cannot adopt a newborn baby. But, Raj and I were fine with that, since we were keen on a toddler.
I am guessing that for a childless couple, the determination to follow through with the process, which is a tedious one and involves paperwork, is strong. Our resolve took a backseat somewhere along the way, I think, although the intent was in place. Things were moving very slow on the procedure front.
And, then suddenly, something moved inside me. And it had to do with the lockdown. My need [for the child] grew stronger. I got around to following up on the process as if I was on warpath.
A couple is asked to pick three states from where they'd like the child to be, and we had selected random names. I realised that if we didn't choose and, instead, agreed to a child from any state, our case would move up the rung and things could move faster. We did this, and the wheel turned.
CARA shares a picture of the child who has been matched with you. Raj and I had decided that we wouldn't let the photo become a determinant. We were going to say, "yes". By the time we were sent her photo, it was July. She looked like a little imp. Next, we could do video calls with her. We'd have the every day simple conversation, "what did you eat?" "what's your favourite colour?" "what did you do today?" But these conversations are hard to have at the beginning. Most of the times, kids are being promoted [by staff around]. It's hardly ever natural. But at least, she got to see our faces.
Tara comes from Tikamgarh in Madhya Pradesh, a town that's five hours away from the nearest airport. At the time, it was the height of the lockdown, and Tikamgarh also had a few positive Coronavirus cases. When Raj made it to the centre to meet her, he said, she sat on his lap and said, "Chalo." She was all set to go with him. She was not sad to leave [the centre] and had no tears.
Vir and I were waiting for them at the airport. When she arrived there, I saw this tiny person, in a weird dress and plastic hat. On the flight to Mumbai, she sat on my lap and stared at Vir the whole time. Vir didn't seem like he was going to be warm towards her. We had started the adoption process when he was six, and he was excited back then. But now, at nine, he was a bit like, "I am not sure how I feel about this".
On the first day back home in Mumbai, she didn't speak at all. She nodded when we asked her anything. And at bedtime, there were a few tears. But by the next day, she was brighter.
Vir has warmed up to her now; he introduced her to his class at school on Zoom the other day. When he is "at school" via online classes on weekdays, he hates her, but by the time the weekend comes, he is chasing her around the house. He sees her as the pesky sister.
As a parent, I have had to strike a new balance. Vir told me the other day, "I feel jealous when you tell her, 'good girl'." So, I am now paying him more attention too. I decided to take a few courses on parenting, and they have given me new ways and tools to deal with the change in our lives. I play a game called Secret Box where you put 15 to 20 items in a box, put a timer on, and just be with the child. I do this with both my kids. Vir usually chooses the colour pencils and creates art. Tara goes for the play dough. Nobody else but the child and I are together at this time.
I remember, when we used to be on video call, and I had once asked Tara what colour she liked best, she had said pink. But, I realised she didn't even know what colour that was. We have now taught her how to identify colours, and taken her through numbers and the alphabet. She talks a lot and is very observant. She will say, "oh, you are wearing a saree", or when Raj is away for work, she says, "Papa is not there for dinner. Does he sleep in office?" She asks a hundred questions.
Raj and I have different parenting styles. I am the sort of parent who is always there. Raj delegates. But I too have to come away for work. And while Vir is used to not having me around, Tara was shocked the first time I left. But then, I explained to her that mama works, and will be back in the evening. She told me, "jaldi aana".
I don't know her story [the past] but adopted children tend to have abandonment issues. This is Tara's third home. She has passed through the home she was born in, then the adoption home, and now our home. So, our main goal right now is to make her feel as secure and safe as possible.
We have always wanted a daughter, and Tara is a fulfilment of that dream-Mandira Bedi
8:26 AM
The actress introduces her four-and-a-half-year-old adopted daughter, who she welcomed home in July
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; October 27, 2020)
On the occasion of Dussehra on Sunday, Mandira Bedi introduced the newest member of her family to the world, daughter Tara Bedi Kaushal. The actress and her filmmaker husband, Rraj Kaushal, who have been trying to adopt a girl for the past three years, finally fulfilled their dream when the four-anda-half-year-old entered their lives in July this year.
Ask Mandira why she was tightlipped about it for almost three months, and she replies, “Until the legal formalities are completed, one is not supposed to make it public. When a child comes home, he/she is considered to be in foster care for the first month; the legal procedures begin after that. However, since the courts were shut, we had to wait.”
Talking about how Tara — a name she and Rraj had finalised years ago — became a part of their family, she shares, “We had applied for adoption three years ago, but it was during the lockdown that I felt the void even more. So, I revisited my adoption application (filed before the Central Adoption Resource Authority). We realised that our wait has been long as we had mentioned a preference for three states from where we would have liked to adopt. We were looking for an older child, since we didn’t want too much of an age gap between her and Vir (the couple’s nine-year-old son). However, nobody matched the criteria. So, we were advised to extend our search across India. Within a week, we found Tara in a place near Jabalpur.” Mandira adds, “Rraj went to Jabalpur first, while Vir and I took a private jet the next day. By the time we reached, he had completed all the legal formalities. We fetched them at the airport and flew back.”
The actress says that Tara hit it off with them from the word go. “We did a few video calls before meeting her, and she kept asking us, ‘When are you coming?’ Today, Tara is very happy and has settled in. She is naughty, fun and absolutely comfortable,” she shares, adding that Vir, too, is revelling in his role as the big brother. “Tara dotes on him and keeps calls him Viru bhaiyya, while he treats her like his pesky little sister. The other day, during one of his online classes, he asked his teacher if he could introduce his sister to the class. All of them got excited and kept asking her questions. We then told them that she can’t speak English and knows only Jabalpuri,” she says.
These days, Mandira is busy tutoring her daughter. “When she came to us, she didn’t know the concept of colours. Now, she knows colours and English alphabets, can count up to 50 and write from 1 to 20. I don’t think it makes sense to enrol her in a school now, as the classes are online. We are teaching her the basics at home, and she will start going to school whenever it reopens,” she says.
The actress mentions that she and Rraj had first dreamt of Tara years ago. “Many years back, we had decided that we would have one biological child and adopt the other. We have always wanted to bring a daughter into our lives, and Tara is a fulfillment of that dream,” she signs off.
25 years of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge: Kajol thought Simran was ‘old-fashioned, but cool’
8:09 AM
Supporting cast also shares their experience
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 20, 2020)
In a career spanning almost three decades, actor Kajol has done more than 30 films, but the one title which shines more than any other is Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ; 1995). This timeless classic turns 25 today, and its leading lady feels it remains so because everyone identifies a little with Simran and Raj, played by Shah Rukh Khan. “I think they just like these characters a lot! It’s one of those things that you will probably always like,” Kajol, 46, beams.
When asked about her character which went on to become synonymous with her, she confesses she found Simran a little “boring”. “But I recognised her. I realised there is a bit of Simran in almost everyone we know. There’s always that desire to do the right thing... You want to get that approval, that feeling that you are doing something right in the world. So, yes, Simran was like that. I thought she was a little old-fashioned but cool,” she says.
DDLJ marked Aditya Chopra’s debut as a director, and the actor is all praise for him. “He doesn’t take on a project if he isn’t absolutely convinced about it. That sets him apart. He is not willing to let go of that basic core conviction that he has in his characters and he knows them best.” That the film would be this monumental in her career is something Kajol wasn’t expecting. She says the only thing they were sure about is that they were making a “cool” film, that’d hopefully be a hit. “We were all crossing our fingers that the music would do well, etc. but I don’t think any one of us ever realised the kind of impact DDLJ would have on people,” Kajol exclaims.
Anupam Kher aka Dharamveer Malhotra
I always knew it would be a special film. Indian cinema can be categorised as before and after DDLJ. The most important thing was that before this, the couple would elope in a film if the parents were against their relationship. When the film released 25 years back, I met so many youngsters who wanted their father to be like my character.
Pooja Ruparel aka Chutki
I was 13 when I played the role of Chutki. There was a young energy on the set. DDLJ being Adi’s first love, there was freshness in his point of view, and it was all very ahead of its time. I don’t know if we realised that, because at that point, you’re just making a film and hoping for the best. I didn’t think for a second that it’d enter into Guinness Book of World Records.
Farida Jalal aka Lajjo
Itne saalon mein bhi logon ka pyaar kam nahi hua. Late Yash Chopra ji was a big filmmaker and we used to be surprised seeing him do everything, from being the AD to spotboy on set. Pam bhabi (Pamela Chopra, Yash Chopra’s wife) would set up the toys in Kajol’s room, bring things from her own kitchen to be used in film. Dil se banai gayi film thi, successful honi hi thi.
Mandira Bedi aka Preeti
Though I shot for 25 days, when I watched the film I was barely there. So back then, it felt bad. But, it feels nice to do even a small part in a historical film. While shooting, food would come from Yash ji’s house, and everyone would sit together to eat. There used to be a happy atmosphere on the set. In between shots, we would also play cards.
Himani Shivpuri aka Kammo
I knew Anupam from National School of Drama and our characters had a cute romantic angle. We all used to eat together. None of us thought that the film would become a milestone, these things just happen.
Anaita Shroff Adajania aka Sheena
My experience was surreal. There was no entourage while we travelled for shoot, it was like a family. I didn’t know I was working with so many greats. SRK showed me the way on set. We all are still good friends.
Parmeet Sethi aka Kuljeet Singh
I almost didn’t get the part as Armaan Kohli was short-listed for it. But I went to Adi and insisted for a screen test. It was my and Adi’s first film, and we were all so pumped up.
Coronavirus lockdown: It's bas karo vs aur karo
8:11 AM
With an overdose of celebrity photos and videos on social media, is the fatigue factor setting in? We find out...
Radhika Bhirani (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 10, 2020)
Are you with Farah Khan, Rohit Shetty, Diljit Dosanjh when they say “Bas karo yeh workout, cooking videos” or you’re like, ‘yeh dil maange more’? Cooking, exercising, cleaning, reading, sleeping — by now we’ve seen celebs doing all that and more.Recently, tennis star Sania Mirza asked, “Aren’t we done with posting cooking videos and food pictures yet? Just spare a thought — there are hundreds of thousands of people... starving to death.” Earlier, Khan posted a video ruing that “there are bigger problems to focus on” while Shetty took a jibe at those showing their “cooking skills”.
While that’s one way to look at it, there are also those for whom social media is a creative outlet to feed into the demands of their fans.
Fitness enthusiast Mandira Bedi said, “Some people are peeved about workouts from home being posted, but I’m going to keep posting mine.”Even Kishwer Merchantt, wrote, “...I made this only coz I have been getting DMs asking me to make one. (sic)”
Meanwhile, Dia Mirza has a balanced approach. She says, “Some days, I feel like we’re witnessing The Truman Show. But I guess everyone has their way of managing this time.”
Yami Gautam adds in agreement, “Everyone has their way of being themselves, and have their own coping mechanisms.”
Digital teams of actors seem to be working overtime to ensure the content keeps trickling in. There are live chat sessions, recipe sharing, masterclasses, musical snippets etc being shared.
Manish Chopra, Director and Head of Partnerships, Facebook India, confirms, “There’s been a rise in the number of IG (Instagram) Lives, with views increasing by more than 60 per cent from the past week.”
Digital media and marketing entrepreneur Sagar Madhani says, “This phase is the most insightful as celebs are actually enjoying a real connection with fans”, while digital and experiential marketing expert Udit Bhatia opines, “Celebs are taking this time to focus on spreading positivity, which in the long run helps build their credibility.”
Why Mandira Bedi got an anxiety attack amid Coronavirus pandemic
8:39 AM
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 25, 2020)
Like many others around the world, actor Mandira Bedi, too, is cooped up inside her home amid the Covid-19 crisis. She reveals that she had a brief anxiety attack a few days back because of all the negativity with regards to the present situation.
“I was in Australia for the women’s cricket World Cup and came in on March 9. I was in self-isolation and have been counting the days because the symptoms take 14 days to show. I have been so anxious, nervous and fearful that I actually did work myself up to get an asthma attack out of anxiety,” shares Bedi.
The 47-year-old urges people to stay positive during these times and advises them to stay away from rumours, citing how her attack was a result of that.
“The day I got my attack, I worked myself into a frenzy to get into that space. The night before the incident, the last thing I saw was a video of someone coughing and people not taking it seriously. It was so negative and depressing. The next morning I woke up at 5.30am in a total state of panic,” she says.
Bedi says she is now focusing on just being positive about the situation and wants people to not feel dejected. “I just want people to know that whatever they are going through is real but it is okay. The only thing to now do is to just be positive,” muses Bedi, while adding a tip or two about what one can do at home.
“Have a routine. Use your time to exercise. I am putting a lot of home workout videos because that is what is keeping me going. Besides, I am also home schooling my son (Vir),” adds the actor.
While socialising is out of question, Bedi says she and her husband, Raj Kaushal, have devised a unique way to keep in touch with friends. “What we do is we open a bottle of wine and then we video call our friends and we raise a toast together. Few days ago, I also celebrated my mother’s birthday on video,” she says.
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