Unlike many actors who begin their journey in the industry as assistant directors or models, Delhi lad Manish Paul had never imagined that he would become an actor some day. He was content tickling the funny bone, hosting shows, live and on television. Only after he packed his bags and moved to Mumbai, did he set his mind to foray into acting. When he got bored of television serials, he quit and sat at home for a year, hoping for something better. Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa proved to be a turning point, as the dance reality show not only got him opportunities to host award ceremonies and shows, but also gave him a break in Bollywood with Mickey Virus. As he gears up for his next release, Tere Bin Laden: Dead Or Alive, this Friday, we catch up with the actor at a suburban club over a cuppa coffee for a free-wheeling chat.

We heard that you had to convince director Abhishek Sharma to cast you in this film.
Yes, I got this project in a filmi style. I was supposed to meet Abhishek for a small role in another movie, Sharmaji Ka Atom Bomb. I missed it as my manager didn't inform me. Naturally, as a director he was angry and called to blast me for not turning up for the audition. I apologised to him and went to meet him the next day. He looked at me in a peculiar manner and said, 'Today you go. You don't do this film'. I apologised to him profusely and he said, 'You do the lead in my next film'. He gave me the script and asked me to meet him after a day for an audition. Usually, I get nervous for auditions, but we had such a wonderful interaction that it went on for four hours.

Your kiss with Sikandar Kher has made headlines.
Ha, ha, ha! It's not a kiss, it's just a gimmick. Sikandar and I had such a great time shooting for the film and promoting it. We didn't lip-lock, we just cheated. At a promotional event, a journo was pestering us with questions on whether we would play gay or bisexual characters. We were too exhausted with all the promotions; so we just impromptu decided to give it back to that journalist.

Back home, what did your wife Sanyukta have to say about it?
Touchwood, I'm blessed with a wife who has a good sense of humour. I credit her for the important role she has played in my life that helped me reach here today. Also, I'm in a profession in which I have to make people happy. How can I do that if my family isn't happy?

Going back to where you started from...your family is associated with finance, how did you venture into entertainment?
My dad is a chartered accountant and my brother is a financial advisor. But I've been filmi since childhood. I was a big Amitabh Bachchan fan since I was seven years old, and I remember that once I didn't step outside until I got my mother to write 'Mard' on my chest. In school too, I'd participate in dramatics, elocution and singing competitions. It all started when I got a job in a multi-brand department store where I'd make announcements. A multiplex guy offered me to host film premieres at their properties in Delhi. I quoted Rs 1,500 per event, so when he said that they have four events a month, I felt like I had settled. Though some relatives would run me down, my parents always sup ported me. That's how I later bagged a TV show that set me on the path to this industry.

Didn't you ever think of enrolling into an acting school?
I believe that learning on the job teaches you more than a drama school. As for theatre, I did a play called Bade Bhai Sahab, originally written by Munshi Premchand. I got only Rs 600 after working on the play for a month and a half, after that I didn't want to pursue theatre. While newcomers try to grab as much work as possible, you are taking time to choose your films. I didn't get too many interesting offers. I was being offered the part of the hero's friend or brother, which I didn't want to do. Though I won the Best Debut award for Mickey Virus at some award shows, and I also share good rapport with Karan Johar, people wondered why I'm not working with him. I told them that if Karan felt I suited a role in any of his productions, he will cast me. Tere Bin Laden: Dead Or Alive got delayed a bit, but the buzz has boosted our confidence. I have the Katha remake coming up, in which I reprise Farooque Shaikh saab's role. It's such an interesting character that I didn't need to listen to the script. If a good role comes my way, I'll do it irrespective of the banner backing it.

Do you feel stereotyped with your image that comes with comedy?
Stereotype is a term that is overused in the industry. When I came to Mumbai, no one knew I could do this. Now people are telling me, 'Comedy bahut ho gayi. Let's do something different.' Contrary to popular belief, comedy is not an easy task. Besides, I've just begun a new film, Baa Baa Black Sheep, with Anupam Kher. It's a father-son story, but I play a sharpshooter in it.

While outside people expect you to make them laugh, did you win Sanyukta's heart with your humour as well?
I know her since kindergarten. I used to flirt a lot in school and even tell her about it. She would say that I'm a cheap guy. She's been with me through out, from doing my school homework while I played with my friends to lending me her father's shirts and perfumes. One day I expressed my feelings for her, and she turned around and told me that,' Dosti kharaab ho jayegi', but I was persistent. I was in 12th grade when we started dating. After years of courtship, I popped the question. At first, she had reservations as I was still trying to sort out my career. She suggested that while I moved to Mumbai, she would stay back in Delhi. I was adamant about living together after marriage. Later, when I stopped doing TV and had no work for a year, she ran the house, while I did the washing, cooking, et al. We have been friends before we started dating and we continue to remain so. She is my toughest critic. Sanyukta and my brother, Vivek, keep me grounded.

What did she say about your link-ups, like with Elli Avram during Mickey Virus?
That was the first time I kissed on screen. Sanyukta didn't take it too well. She said that was a little too much. I explained to her that it was a part of the script. There was uneasiness at home initially, but it eased out after a couple of days. She knows I'm not into all these things. I'm happily married and go back to my life after work.

You have a five-year-old daughter, Saisha. Tell us about the kind of father you are.
I'm a very doting father. I ensure that I take my family for two vacations, one in summer and the other at the end of the year. We haven't told Saisha about what I exactly do, though she sees me on TV. When she asks me why people want to click selfies with me, I tell her it's because I'm her father. We're trying to give her a normal life, instead of giving her an idea ki woh actor ki beti hai.

After a good response in its first season, Mission Sapne is back with a second season to bring a change in the lives of the underprivileged. Stars like Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Alia Bhatt, Parineeti Chopra, Sonakshi Sinha, Jimmy Sheirgill, Manish Paul, Sonu Nigam, Arjun Kapoor and sportsperson Sania Mirza will step into the shoes of the common man. The show, which airs from today at 11 am on Colors, will see them raise funds to help people build a better future.

Raj Nayak, CEO Colors, says, “We are looking forward to the show's new sea son with the industry's top entertain ers who have displayed extraordinary passion and commitment towards bettering lives of the common man. We would like to thank them for their support and willingness to aid humanity.“

Akshay Kumar will crush and sell fresh sugarcane juice at a BSF cantonment in Jaisalmer. He states, “While I have been able to change a few lives, I have learnt how to be more patient.“ Vidya Balan will sweat it out as a porter in Jaipur while supporting Manju, the city's only lady coolie. She exclaims, “I salute Manju for her determination, and the way she does her job.“

Sania Mirza will be seen as a beautician to aid an acid-attack victim. She recalls, “Being a makeup artist is far more difficult than playing tennis. It is an art of making people feel nice about themselves. I now appreciate my make-up artist's efforts.“ Arjun Kapoor, who will polish shoes to support polio-stricken Ramakant, says, “It is unbelievable how Ramakant has been polishing shoes for the past 20 years.“

Smruti Shinde, producer of the show, explains, “We want to magnify the effect of positivity and hope in making a difference in the common man's lives.“ The second season will also see celebs indulge in gully cricket, song and dance-led requests and selfies.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan walked down the red carpet, arm-in-arm with pa-in-law, Amitabh Bachchan, and took home the power-packed performance of the year award for Jazbaa from a Monday evening gala. Presenting her the trophy was the ethereal diva Rekha, dressed in her signature Kanjivaram sari. She congratulated Ash with a jhappi and a kiss.

Salman Khan hugged Kajol, bonded with bestie Shah Rukh Khan, but did not interact with Saif Ali Khan. The actor, who arrived only ten minutes before Aishwarya and Amitabh Bachchan, left the venue before Ash went on stage. They were seated in the same row but Prem was sandwiched between Mukesh and Nita Ambani on the far left, while the Bachchan bahu sat poised on the right.

Alia Bhatt and Manish Paul set the ball rolling with a series of dubsmash videos that were aired live and had the audience in splits. “Salman nearly fell off his chair laughing,“ a guest informed Mirror. Varun Dhawan, Jacqueline Fernandez and Ranveer Singh sizzled on stage.

Bajirao Mastani director Sanjay Leela Bhansali was across the street at a restaurant enjoying a quiet meal. He met some of the B-townies who dropped by for a quick bite on their way home.

PS: Sooraj Pancholi, whom Salman had referred to as the “heroine“ of his production, Hero, after he teared up at the film's trailer launch, cried once again, while receiving his Best Debut award. Sob, sob!

How has your 10-year journey in Mumbai been?
I complete a decade in the city on September 12. I came with just two suitcases and stayed with my maternal grandparents in Chembur. I walked every day to the domestic airport, that was about 14 kilometers away. I used to pack a bag, which I still have and call it my struggle bag, with one pack of biscuits and a mango drink and walk. Then, I would take a bus to Andheri. From those days to where I am today, I think it has been a great journey. It feels good when people tell me that they like my work. It's nice when grannies recognise me at airports and signal me to come and meet them.

How much of your humour on screen is scripted?
I believe in on the spot humour. I have a very good writer who gives me pointers. So mostly whatever you have seen on stage, like the kind of masti I have done with Karan Johar or Madhuri Dixit, is not written.

You have been an RJ, VJ and actor. What are you most comfortable with?
I am an entertainer and comfortable with everything. Many have asked me what I would have been if not an actor.I don't know! All I know is that I would have put my best into whatever I do.

Who do you think is the best host?
I like what Amitabh Bachchan sir does. I had hosted a KBC episode with him, and I was amazed at how he reads from the prompters and suddenly takes off, talks to audience and has fun with them. It is important to keep the audience inter ested and he does it brilliantly. I also enjoyed working with Shah Rukh sir. Before every show that we do, we meet in the vanity, read the script once and go on stage and take pointers. So even if I crack a joke at him, he takes it very sportingly and then cracks one right back on me.

There's been a long gap since your first film...
Yes, but I have not become as big an actor that I can decide the release dates of my films. I often joke that I should block Nag Panchami for release of my films. Tere Bin Laden 2 is ready now. The film requires a lot of CG, and we also redid the film a bit as the director felt it was not up to the mark. Thankfully, it has come out well and we are really happy!

Tell us about some crazy fan experiences.
There is this fan in Delhi who has got the same tattoo as mine. She told me that she is not getting married and that she's told her family she wants some one like me. She knows everything about me and it's almost scary. But she tells me that I need not worry as she is not going to trouble me. There was another girl in Bengaluru, who kept sliding letters below my door throughout the night. She left only after I wrote to her, telling her that I have got all her letters and that I would really like to sleep.

Any message for your fans on Follo?
One message to all my fans - 'Follo' me! On a serious note, I tell everybody that I came to Mumbai with nothing but my work. If someone asks me to sweep the floor, I will do it better than anyone else. Have faith in yourself and do your best.

It was one glitzy and entertaining evening as Bollywood stars came together for the first edition of Arab Indo Bollywood Awards in Dubai. The event will air on Indian television this evening. Packing in the most exciting performance of the awards was superstar Salman Khan, who danced to a medley of his chartbusters. Salman was clearly in his element as was seen in his sporting replies to host Karan Johar and Manish Paul's queries on who among Bollywood's current crop he pairs up best with. Priyanka Chopra is said to have made a dhamakedaar entry on a hot air balloon followed by a sizzling act to a mash-up of her hits. Parineeti Chopra added to the entertainment quotient of the evening, as she presented the nominees of 2014's Best Film category. Jacqueline Fernandez turned up the heat with her act and taught Manish Paul how to belly dance in style! Varun Dhawan performed to Jeena Jeena, Tera Hero Idhar Hai, Saturday Saturday and Jee Karda.

Also present at the event were Kriti Sanon, Arbaaz Khan, David Dhawan, Sajid Nadiadwala, Neha Dhupia, Shraddha Kapoor and Kanika Kapoor amongst many others.

The event was replete with side-splitting gags by its celebrity hosts, performances and recognition to deserving performers of 2014.

Lakme Absolute Sculpt AIBA co-powered by Mahindra Centuro and Ditto TV will air at 5.30 pm today on Zee TV. 

In 2010, Abhishek Sharma's Tere Bin Laden opened in Indian theatres to a rousing reception. The satire, about a young Pakistani man's desperate attempts to migrate to the US, involved Ali Zafar's character selling a video featuring a fake Osama Bin Laden to news channels.

Taking it a step further, Sharma says that the sequel which is titled Tere Bin Laden Dead or Alive explores what happened on May 2, 2011, the day the “Most wanted man in the world“ was finally executed. While Ali Zafar has been replaced by Manish Paul, Pradhuman Singh, who played Laden in the original, will return in the sequel. On what inspired the story, Sharma said, “His so-called killing is still shrouded in mystery and I felt this story would give us a great narrative edge.“

The director adds that conspiracy theories have been used to create laughs. “It's absolute farce! We're making fun of the war on terror, America's foreign policies, Pakistan's reaction to the global outrage and even the movie Zero Dark Thirty that claimed to be a serious take on what exactly happened,“ Sharma said. So why did it take him so long to organise the film's release? He replied: “We finally have locked October 30 as the date of release. The film required extensive VFX work and I got busy with another film in between ­ the Akshay Kumar-starrer The Shaukeens. We had to digitally recreate the silent helicopter which was allegedly used to land in Abbottabad, the sleepy town in Pakistan which is where Osama is believed to have been killed.“

Mirror was the first to report (November 27) that Vir Das, Sharman Joshi and Zarine Khan will be seen in a film titled Nonsense to be helmed by debutant Ashwin Shetty.

Now we have learnt that Vir is no longer part of the project. Although the makers wanted somebody with great comic timing, they were baffled by the large paycheque Vir asked for. “Despite days of negotiations, a figure couldn't be agreed upon. And eventually they had to let go of the actor,“ says a source close to the development. “It made sense for them to look for a more economical alternative. Manish Paul fits the bill.“

The film will be shot in Mauritius and will see the popular TV host play a NGO worker.

When we quizzed Vir about leaving the project over remuneration, he said, “I don't want to comment on this.“

However, the film's producer Sandeep Singh told Mirror, “Vir is a good actor but we couldn't just agree on dates and the price. I've known Manish for years. He's very talented. We start shooting with him in April.“

Just a few days ago, Manish replaced Sohum Shah in Khalid Mohamed's Katha remake.

Manish Paul, who made his big screen debut with Mickey Virus in 2013, will next be seen in Khalid Mohamed's remake of Sai Paranjpye's 1983 cult classic Katha. He will play the suave playboy Vasu, the part essayed by Farooq Sheikh in the original.

Two days ago, Mirror had reported that Sohum Shah, the actor-producer of Ship of Theseus, who was the first choice for the role, was out of the project, following date clashes and creative differences.

Elaborating on how he had found a replacement so quickly, Khalid said: “I had already spoken to Manish about the character while we were auditioning other actors. I emailed him the script and he responded positively. Then he watched the original film and we were on.“

According to the filmmaker, Manish is far better choice than Sohum. “He has a lot more star value and is an interesting guy,“ he pointed out.

The film goes on floors today. “We've locked the cast and the location. It is mostly going to be a start-to-end schedule. We should be done by mid-February,“ Khalid informed.

Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, best remembered for his turn as Dhanush's friend in Raanjhanaa, will play Naseerudin Shah's role, while newbie Sharmila Mandre steps into Dipti Naval's shoes.

Akshay Kumar was shooting for Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 7 in Goregaon on Tuesday night when he got an unexpected chance to flaunt his martial arts skills. But when host Manish Paul asked the Khiladi Kumar to show him some of his moves, little did he know what lay in store.

Revealed an eyewitness, “What started as a casual conversation, ended with a minor injury for Manish. Akshay warned him to keep his distance but Manish came in the way of one of Akshay's kicks. Though it was unintentional, it sent Manish flying and he landed with a thud a few feet away.“

The source added that everybody present on the sets of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa burst out laughing, not realising the gravity of the situation. But Manish was in a lot of pain and the shoot had to be stopped for a while. “But he took the knock on his chin and later even hugged Akshay,“ said the source.

Confirming the same, Manish told Mirror, “It was terrifying, but I was the one who had insisted that he show me the stunt. He didn't mean to hurt me but the impact sent me crashing and I was blinded by the pain.
But I felt good that this little tragedy led to an unintentional bout of laughter. Even though it was embarrassing, I was happy that at least it entertained people.“
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Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; July 31, 2014)

On Tuesday evening, Akshay Kumar shot his portion for the reality dance show, Jhalak Dikhhlaa Jaa. The actor was making an aearance on the show to promote his forthcoming film. During the shoot, Akki was asked to demonstrate one of his famous kicks and the actor put so much energy into it that he landed on host Manish Paul, who then fell on the floor. The anchor is said to have been hurt in the thigh due to the incident.
When contacted, Manish Paul said that he was hurt, but quickly added that there’s nothing to worry about now. He recounted, “At first, Akshay did the flying kick and then when he demonstrated the ground kick, I was supposed to jump aside. But I got the timing wrong and ended up getting hit. Akshay was worried about me and he kept asking me if I was okay. I told him I was fine and we continued shooting.’’