Showing posts with label Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. Show all posts
Shefali Jariwala passes away at 42; friends, colleagues shocked at her untimely demise
8:40 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; June 29, 2025)
Shefali Jariwala, best known as the Kaanta Laga girl, passed away at the age of 42 on June 27 in Mumbai. She reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest and was rushed to a hospital by her husband, Parag Tyagi. She was declared dead on arrival. A post-mortem was later conducted at the hospital.
Rising to fame in 2002 with the music video Kaanta Laga, she later appeared in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and participated in reality shows like Bigg Boss 13 and Nach Baliye 5. Known for her candour, she had also spoken openly about battling epilepsy and mental health issues.
The news of Shefali Jariwala’s sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Her friends and colleagues are “shocked and saddened” by the untimely passing of the actress.
I wish spent more time and made more memories: Mika Singh
Mika Singh, who had worked with Shefali in the music video Hoton Pe Bas, said, “Life is so unpredictable. I knew this beautiful soul for over 25 years. We did countless shows together, crossed paths at many events, yet never truly got the chance to work closely. Then in 2020, Shefali called me and said, ‘Let’s do a song.’ We finally made it happen. Now I sit here thinking, I wish we had done more. Spent more time and made more memories. This has made me realize life is short and we must keep in touch with our loved ones… because sometimes, we don’t get a second chance.”
On set, she was always cheerful and down-to-earth: Surbhi Shukla
Shefali appeared in the TV show Shaitani Rasmein last year. Her co-actor Surbhi Shukla said, “I’m still finding it hard to believe she’s gone. On set, she was always cheerful and down-to-earth. At the same time, she was very hardworking, often quietly sitting in a corner, going over her lines with full dedication. She was fit, committed and full of life. She was very kind, warm and a great co-actor. What I remember most is her at our 50-episode celebration — dancing, singing, and laughing. That happy image is what stays with me now.”
Her absence will be deeply felt: Rahul Vaidya
I had known her for 15 years — we had performed together at a few live shows. She supported me during Bigg Boss. The last time we spoke was a year ago. We had even discussed collaborating on a song. She was a kind-hearted and fun-loving soul. Her absence will be deeply felt.
Shefali wanted to adopt a child once
Earlier in an interview with us, Shefali had spoken about her plans to adopt a child. However, post the pandemic, she had said, “I have lost too many close ones in this period, which has made me realize that life is fragile. I am scared to become a parent now, but Parag is ready. I believe you should bring home your baby only when you are ready and confident. I have just taken a step back and will wait until I feel confident to take that step in life.”
– Inputs by Neha Maheshwri and Onkar Kulkarni
-------------------------------------
Shefali Jariwala, who rose to fame with the Kaanta Laga music video, is suspected to have died of a cardiac arrest
S Farah Rizvi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 29, 2025)
Actor Shefali Jariwala, widely known as the “Kaanta Laga girl” for her iconic early 2000s music video, died at the age of 42 on June 27. Mumbai Police have confirmed her passing.
“Her body was found at her residence in Andheri. The police received the information at 1 am (early hours of Saturday). Her body has been sent to Cooper Hospital for postmortem. The cause of her death is not yet clear,” police told PTI on Saturday.
She was rushed to Bellevue Hospital in suburban Mumbai by her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, and three others around 11.15 pm on Friday, where she was declared dead. Parag was seen leaving the hospital but did not speak to the media till the time of going to press. The cause of her death remains unclear, though some sources suggest she may have suffered a cardiac arrest.
Shefali, also known for her dance numbers in films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) and Hudugaru (2011), was earlier married to music composer Harmeet Singh. They separated in 2009 after five years of marriage. She married Parag in 2014. They had no children.
KIKU SHARDA
The actor-comedian was among the first to post: “Of course, it’s a shocker for all. Working with her on a couple of shows, she was so full of life and that big smile on her face. I mean, it’s unbelievable for all of us, the entire fraternity.”
VINDU DARA SINGH
”I worked with her on a show. She was a livewire on stage, no fatigue even when performing live for long stretches. Of late, she was worried about her father who was not keeping well. But Parag, as she always said, was her source of strength.”
SUYYASH RAI
“Parag and Shefali have been close to us. Shefali was among the most pleasant and happy people around. Whenever we got time to catch up at parties or gatherings, she was the brightest and happiest to be with.”
SHARAD MALHOTRA
Shefali worked with Sharad on a web series Ratri ke Yatri. He says, “She was among the best of co-stars. I remember during the promotions, she praised me as a good co-actor, and it was mutual admiration for the person and performer she was.”
MIKA SINGH
The singer wrote on Insta, “I’m deeply shocked, saddened, and feeling a heavy heart... Our beloved star and my dearest friend has left us. Still can’t believe it. You will always be remembered for your grace, smile, and spirit. Om Shanti.”
In an old interview clip that is going viral on social media, Shefali said, “There can only be one Kaanta Laga girl... and that is me. I love it. I want to be known as the Kaanta Laga girl till the day I die.”
Zaid Darbar started talking on July 17 and he proposed to me on August 23-Gauahar Khan
10:32 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 10, 2025)
Gauahar Khan and Zaid Darbar’s love story is straight out of a Bollywood movie. It started with Zaid sliding into Gauahar’s DMs on Insta. “I knew if I started a conversation, it would go to another level, as I was looking for something more permanent. I had just come out of a weird relationship and was not looking to date anymore. I took three days to message Gauahar,” Zaid reveals.
Gauahar adds, “For the first 20 days of knowing each other, we didn’t even meet, as I was in Pune. And then, in the next few days, he asked me for marriage. We started talking on July 17, and he proposed to me on August 23.”
Gauahar says she never doubted her decision: “It’s surreal that even after saying yes, I never thought, ‘What did I do?’ Maybe it was divine intervention.”
Sharing how the proposal happened, she adds, “It was my birthday (August 23) and he had planned a surprise at home with both our families. We played dumb charades. We were on the same team, and he was given the movie title Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) to enact. As soon as I guessed the name, suddenly the song Mujhse Shaadi Karogi started playing. I thought people were teasing me, so I got embarrassed and shut my eyes. And when I opened my eyes, Zaid was on his knees with the ring. And I said, ‘yes’.”
Zaid goes on to narrate another incident he cherishes — their first meeting. “She refused to sit in my car. She said, ‘I am not sitting with you in your car’,” he laughs.
Sharing the reason behind doing so, Gauahar adds, “I was thinking what kind of a woman would he think I was if I was ready to sit in his car in our first meeting.”
I would want my first child to be adopted-Shefali Jariwala
8:01 AM
Shefali Jariwala has convinced husband Parag Tyagi, but the process of bringing a girl child home has been interrupted by the lockdown
Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 24, 2020)
When Shefali Jariwala signed up as a wild card entrant on the last edition of Salman Khan’s realilty show Bigg Boss, after refusing to feature in the first season and every subsequent offer thereafter, little did she know it would serve as prep for the coming months. Evicted in Week 17, she was basking in all the attention coming her way, till the Coronavirus-triggered pandemic brought the world to a halt. But the dancer-actress prefers this lockdown to being under the surveillance of 150 cameras while locked up in the Bigg Boss house. “At least there is no controversy here; no one is getting eliminated every week. I am also full of gratitude for all that I have with me through the lockdown—my family, the TV and phone. In the house, you don’t even get a piece of paper and a pen,” she points out.
However, she admits that had it not been for the show, she would have “gone nuts” under house arrest. “After learning to cook and clean bathrooms on camera, there was no shame in doing the same at home. Having been captain of the house, I had also learnt to delegate work. I gave Parag (Tyagi, actor-husband) a set of duties and kept the rest for myself, telling him to stay out of my way,” she chuckles.
During her time in the house, Shefali had spoken of her desire to adopt a girl child. She says she has been ready since the first time she visited an orphanage at the age of 10. “After five years of marriage, everyone was going, ‘bachcha, bachcha, bachcha’. That’s when I spoke to Parag about adoption. My life has been like a fairytale and I want to share this love and blessing with someone. It took a while for him and our families to understand and accept my decision,” she relays, rueing the delay brought on by the lockdown. “Research, paperwork and counselling sessions take time, but we are positive,” she adds wistfully. And what about a child of her own? “Never say never. But for having a baby, we have to be together, right?” she laughs, adding, “I would want my first child to be adopted. If we go for a second child, maybe I’ll have one of my own.”
But as of now, she’s busy with musician-friend Mika Singh’s music video. “He sent over the remixed version of ‘Honthon Pe Bas’ and asked me to collaborate. I loved the song and he managed to get it shot during the lockdown. I tried singing too, but I sound like a cockroach, so we both stuck to what I know best,” guffaws the self-proclaimed ‘thong girl of India’ who created a stir when she gyrated to a remixed version of “Kaanta Laga” for her debut music video in 2002, recreating the same in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. “It was the first time a remix was used in a film and with names like Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, there was no way I’d say no,” she points out.
However, Shefali has refused acting offers in films and TV because it was uncharted territory, choosing to do stage shows instead and completing her education on her father’s insistence. “Like every teenager, I wanted to see myself on TV. There was the added lure of pocket money. But coming from an academic family, giving up on a degree was never an option,” says the qualified computer engineer and partner in her sister’s gamification company in Dubai. “If the lockdown lasts longer, I’ll sign up for MBA. I’m also looking forward to doing a comedy; I am a funny girl,” she giggles, signing off.
Wajid Khan played the guitar from the heart-David Dhawan
8:40 AM
As told to Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 2, 2020)
On Monday, at about 2 am, my son Varun [Dhawan] knocked on our bedroom door to inform my wife about Wajid. I couldn't sleep the whole night after that. I was close to Wajid and I cannot describe how I am feeling today. We have done five films together — Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Partner, Chashme Baddoor, Main Tera Hero and Judwaa 2. All were box-office hits and the songs, chartbusters. You wanna partner, the title song in Partner and Besharmi ki height, Palat tera dhyan kidar hai in Main Tera Hero are my favourites. I would narrate my concept, explain it to him and he would compose songs [that met my expectations]. My last five films have been composed by the brothers.
Wajid was like a child for me. My relationship with him was indescribable. He would come home, jam with us, and have dinner with the family. Salman [Khan], who was instrumental in giving them a break in Bollywood, Sajid-Wajid and I did lot of work together. All the best songs of Salman and Varun are [composed] by him. He loved Varun and gave him such great songs in Main Tera Hero and Judwaa 2, which was difficult to compose.
Wajid was like family to us. He was a musician who played the guitar from the heart. I was discussing Wajid's music with Salman, who was shattered [on hearing the news], yesterday. Sadly, none of us could go to the funeral. We can mourn only from home.
We were in touch when he was unwell because of his kidney transplant and I didn't want to disturb him. He told me that he would step out as soon as he could and see me in my office, but he was hospitalised due to the recent virus. He didn't smoke, drink, nor did he have any vices. He passed away too young.
Bollywood film fraternity remembers Wajid Khan; Salman Khan’s Radhe is composer’s last film score
8:39 AM
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 2, 2020)
Singer-composer Wajid Khan, 42, of the Sajid-Wajid duo, passed away around midnight on Sunday following health complications from Coronavirus. He had undergone a kidney transplant last year.Wajid belonged to a classical music gharana and was trained by his father, Ustad Sharafat Ali Khan, a tabla player. He made his debut with brother Sajid in a qawwali for the Salman Khan and Kajol-starrer Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya. Soon, the brothers became a favourite with the actor and worked with him in films like Hello Brother, Tere Naam, Garv, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Partner, God Tussi Great Ho, Wanted, Main Aur Mrs Khanna, Veer, the Dabangg franchise, Jai Ho and as a guest composer on Ek Tha Tiger.
In an earlier interview, Wajid had informed that Veer was special for him as a lot of work went into creating tunes from the pre-Independence era. “We went to villages to record sounds of stones and glasses,” he had informed. Director Anil Sharma recalls how one night, Salman called him home and introduced him to Sajid-Wajid. “I was planning to go with multiple composers. When they played the tune of “Surili Akhiyon Wale” on the piano, I decided to go solo with them,” says Sharma, admitting that he’s still wowed by that music sitting.
Anees Bazmee informs that the duo composed the title track of Welcome, fronted by Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, in less than 12 hours. “I was in Dubai and called them during lunch time asking for a title track. In two hours, they had a tune ready for me. Within a day they had the lyrics sorted and had recorded the song which contributed significantly to the film’s success,” admits the producer-director.The composers gave more hits with Akshay Kumar, including Housefull 2 and Rowdy Rathore. Their other notable scores are Heropanti, Main Tera Hero, Himmatwala and Teri Meri Kahaani. They also recorded the album Deewana (1999), which was Sonu Nigam’s claim to fame with songs like “Ab Mujhe Raat Din” and “Deewana Tera”.
Sukhwinder Singh, who sung the Dabangg title track and “Lagan Lagi” from Tere Naam for the duo, reveals that they were among the very few musicians who didn’t use machines. “Wajid was a natural composer with a classical base who used instruments for sound. They waited 15 days to record ‘Lagan Lagi’ with me, one of Salman’s best,” he exults.
Just a few days ago, Sajid-Wajid’s single, “Bhai Bhai” with Salman was released. Radhe will be among Wajid’s last Bollywood scores. Atul Agnihotri, who is producing Radhe with Salman and Sohail, describes him as a beautiful person. The filmmaker has also worked with the duo in his home production, Hello. “His laughter and music will be missed by the family, in our life and movies. Sajid-Wajid shared a great bond with Bhai and have come up with a killer title track for Radhe. It’s straight from the heart, with lots of passion and goodness,” he signs off.
Sidharth Shukla and I had a special relationship-Shefali Jariwala
7:42 AM
Shefali Jariwala on coming face-to-face with her ex after years and why she did not agree to go on Salman's show earlier
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 4, 2019)
This weekend, Salman Khan welcomed six wildcard contestants in the Bigg Boss house after its first four-week finale. One of them is the “Kaanta Laga” girl, Shefali Jariwala, who believes that the environment in the house had become negative and she will bring in some positivity.
Shefali shares that she was approached for previous seasons too but she was keen to complete her education. "After that there were personal issues. But when they came to me this time, I realised I am getting old. I asked myself if I'd done anything of note and since the answer didn't satisfy me, I said ‘yes’ to the show,” she says, adding that Salman is a big reason for her to sign on.
The actress had one scene in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi with Salman and is all praise for him, recalling how he made her feel comfortable and constantly checked up on her. “After all these years, when we met again, he remembered me and was nice. Now at least I’ll get to see him twice a week through the show,” she blushes.
Sidharth Shukla (left), one of the most controversial contestants this season, is Shefali's ex. Is she anticipating awkwardness between them on the show? “Yes, Sidharth and I had a special relationship, but it ended on a cordial note and we haven’t met in years. So, I am not sure what the dynamic will be like between us,” she muses.After the controversies in the first few weeks, Shefali is happy that Siddharth Dey (right) has been eliminated. “As a viewer I was disgusted by his remarks, and I am so glad he is gone before I entered the house."
Kader Khan was my Hero No.1; an anchor in my career-David Dhawan
8:16 AM
David Dhawan talks about being at ease as soon as 'my best actor' Kader Khan walked in on set
David Dhawan (MID-DAY; January 2, 2018)
I got to know at 5 am yesterday that Bhaijaan [Kader Khan] had passed away. I spoke to his son, Sarfaraz. He was crying because he knew the relationship I shared with his dad. I was shattered, and started crying too. You will never see me cry like that.The first film I did with him was Bol Radha Bol (1992), and the last film was Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004). He was excited to work with a newcomer like me in Bol Radha Bol and listened attentively when I narrated his scenes. Role hila ke rakh diya! His work was fantastic. He'd play the most challenging characters with such conviction! I don't think we can get an actor like him again. He was my Hero No.1; an anchor in my career. We did 15 movies together, all of them were hits. Our relationship changed from a professional one, to one that was personal - a deeper, warmer friendship emerged.
When I saw him perform for the first time, I was shocked. He was completely different before the camera, and never did any prep. Today, people read scripts and prepare for days before shooting. He would understand how to perform scenes in no time. If there was a challenging sequence, I didn't have to instruct him about it. He was a race driver; one who was very fast. At times, I would tell him, Bhaijaan, kuch karo na? Mazaa nahi aa raha hai. He would be spontaneous and deliver.
The film industry has not given him what he deserved. Woh raja tha… pen aur acting se kya kamaal karta tha. People thought he wrote great comedies, but the kind of emotional [material] he wrote was unbelievable. He would work on a scene seamlessly, jaise teer maar diya ho. But, he'd never put up a front to imply that he was such a good writer or actor.
He deserved to get a Padmashri award, but did not. He has also got [limited] awards from Bollywood. At a point, the South film industry was in his pocket. Every producer wanted to sign him. When he would land at the airport, four to five cars, full of producers, would be waiting for him.
He conducted himself with dignity, and commanded respect when he came on set. He had the aura of a star - Pathani mein aate the, gaadi se utar ke van jaate the and would ask for the scenes. He would not sit and fool around with us. When he would come on set, my confidence would increase several notches, as I knew my best actor has come.
After he fell ill, I could not keep in touch with him, because he wasn't able to talk. He suffered a lot over the last 10 years. He was also losing his memory. I wish Varun [Dhawan, son] had the opportunity to work with Bhaijaan. But now, it won't be fulfilled. I salute Bhaijaan.
I'm conscious about my films being relevant to the times-Anees Bazmee
7:13 AM
Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; July 28, 2017)
You can take a director out
of a writer, but you can't take the writer out of a director. That
perhaps explains why Anees Bazmee, who has helmed films like No Entry,
Ready, Singh Is Kinng, Welcome and Welcome Back, still spends his nights
rewriting scenes before shooting them the following morning. As he
readily says, “Main writer hoon, aur main dil se kaam karta hoon.“ As
his latest, Mubarakan, gears up for its date with audiences, BT catches
up with the director for a tete-a-tete. Excerpts...
At the outset, Mubarakan looks like a typical Anees Bazmee film. So, what sets it apart from your other movies?
Whenever I start working on a subject, I don't think about my previous films. When I made Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha (1998), many people said that I should make Yash Chopra-style romance. Then, when I made Deewangee (2002), they said that it was more in the Abbas-Mustan zone. After No Entry (2005) became a huge success, I set out to make a romantic film titled Welcome (2007). Akshay wanted me to make a film with him and was instrumental in getting Firoz Nadiadwala to produce it. However, likhte-likhte, it became a comedy. Singh Is Kinng (2008) too started as a romance, but gradually, a considerable amount of comedy entered the narrative. Talking about Mubarakan, it's not just a comedy. It has family, emotions...when you see it, you will agree that it's different from my previous outings.
Most of your films have been comedies, and one can't completely avoid stereotypes in that genre. So, are you apprehensive of being panned for stereotyping in your films?
I try to avoid clichés and stereotypes. Also, I think that I am a good writer. When I was planning to turn director, many of my filmmaker friends dissuaded me, saying that we don't have enough good writers. Swarg, Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen, Bol Radha Bol, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi... I have written many superhit films and that can't be by chance. I meet people from diverse walks of life and always try to keep up with the times. I'm conscious about my films being relevant to the times. I don't know anything else besides movies. Jeena yahaan, marna yahaan, iske siwa jaana kahaan.
At the end of the day, films are business and producers consider the recovery of their investment before backing a film. Do you also get influenced by commercial aspects while penning or helming a project?
See, main hisaab-kitaab nahin jaanta. I've never planned a film with an eye on the box office, nor do I repeat the elements of a previous hit. Main writer hoon, aur main dil se kaam karta hoon.
Despite the success of Deewangee, you never made a thriller again. Also, you haven't teamed up with Ajay Devgn after your fourth film, Benaam, didn't make it to the theatres.
It's not intentional, it's just that I have been looking for a good subject to make a thriller. Now, I finally have one and if it develops well, I will go ahead. I make one film in one-and-a-half to two years so, it's important that the subject retains my interest for that long. As for working with Ajay, he's a very good friend. However, we got busy with our respective movies. We don't meet for months, but whenever we do, we have that instant connect. If I tell him that I have a very good subject for him, he won't insist on a bound script. He trusts me as a good writer.
You've already worked with actors like Govinda, Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar and now, you are working with Arjun Kapoor. Do you see yourself working with Arjun's contemporaries like Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra and Ranveer Singh?
Why not? I like Varun a lot and have known him since he was five years old. He loves and respects me. I'd love to cast him, but it has to be a fantastic subject.
You reportedly developed differences with Salman during the making of Ready (2011). You haven't worked together after that and despite of it being in news, there is no progress on No Entry Mein Entry, the sequel to No Entry...
It's all false, there are no issues. It's just that we got tied up with our respective commitments. As for the sequel to No Entry, only Boneyji (producer Boney Kapoor) can tell you about it. I am always ready, but I can't discuss money and dates with actors.
As someone who started his career as a writer, what advice would you give to new writers, who get shortchanged by filmmakers? There are many who don't get money and credit for their work...
It's unethical and unprofessional when filmmakers shortchange new writers. I'd advise new writers to first register their scripts with the Film Writers Association and safeguard their rights to their work. They should also focus on one script at a time and make it so good that no filmmaker can refuse it.
Even after you turned director, you continued to write for other filmmakers for a while...
I was scared. A filmmaker friend gave me a list of 134 writers who had turned directors, but failed. He said, 'Aisa na ho tumhari film flop ho jaaye aur tumhe writer ka kaam bhi na mile.' I then had to give interviews saying that 'main writer hoon aur main sirf shauq ke liye direction kar raha tha'. I come from a humble background and had to support my family. I struggled for 10 years before achieving significant success. It's only after achieving success as a director that I said I wouldn't write for other filmmakers. In fact, it was David (Dhawan), who coaxed me to write Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.
Do you have any fears now?
No. While I want to make films and entertain the audiences, I also want to enjoy life and give time to my family. I consider myself lucky to have 15-20 superhit films as a writer. If you ask me which is my favourite film, my answer would be 'the one I'm making next'. I don't know if I'll make a film with a big star or a newcomer. Let's first see how people respond to Mubarakan. I'll rest for a week or two before I go about deciding what I want to make next. It all depends on the story; it should retain my excitement for the next one year.
At the outset, Mubarakan looks like a typical Anees Bazmee film. So, what sets it apart from your other movies?
Whenever I start working on a subject, I don't think about my previous films. When I made Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha (1998), many people said that I should make Yash Chopra-style romance. Then, when I made Deewangee (2002), they said that it was more in the Abbas-Mustan zone. After No Entry (2005) became a huge success, I set out to make a romantic film titled Welcome (2007). Akshay wanted me to make a film with him and was instrumental in getting Firoz Nadiadwala to produce it. However, likhte-likhte, it became a comedy. Singh Is Kinng (2008) too started as a romance, but gradually, a considerable amount of comedy entered the narrative. Talking about Mubarakan, it's not just a comedy. It has family, emotions...when you see it, you will agree that it's different from my previous outings.
Most of your films have been comedies, and one can't completely avoid stereotypes in that genre. So, are you apprehensive of being panned for stereotyping in your films?
I try to avoid clichés and stereotypes. Also, I think that I am a good writer. When I was planning to turn director, many of my filmmaker friends dissuaded me, saying that we don't have enough good writers. Swarg, Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen, Bol Radha Bol, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi... I have written many superhit films and that can't be by chance. I meet people from diverse walks of life and always try to keep up with the times. I'm conscious about my films being relevant to the times. I don't know anything else besides movies. Jeena yahaan, marna yahaan, iske siwa jaana kahaan.
At the end of the day, films are business and producers consider the recovery of their investment before backing a film. Do you also get influenced by commercial aspects while penning or helming a project?
See, main hisaab-kitaab nahin jaanta. I've never planned a film with an eye on the box office, nor do I repeat the elements of a previous hit. Main writer hoon, aur main dil se kaam karta hoon.
Despite the success of Deewangee, you never made a thriller again. Also, you haven't teamed up with Ajay Devgn after your fourth film, Benaam, didn't make it to the theatres.
It's not intentional, it's just that I have been looking for a good subject to make a thriller. Now, I finally have one and if it develops well, I will go ahead. I make one film in one-and-a-half to two years so, it's important that the subject retains my interest for that long. As for working with Ajay, he's a very good friend. However, we got busy with our respective movies. We don't meet for months, but whenever we do, we have that instant connect. If I tell him that I have a very good subject for him, he won't insist on a bound script. He trusts me as a good writer.
You've already worked with actors like Govinda, Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar and now, you are working with Arjun Kapoor. Do you see yourself working with Arjun's contemporaries like Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra and Ranveer Singh?
Why not? I like Varun a lot and have known him since he was five years old. He loves and respects me. I'd love to cast him, but it has to be a fantastic subject.
You reportedly developed differences with Salman during the making of Ready (2011). You haven't worked together after that and despite of it being in news, there is no progress on No Entry Mein Entry, the sequel to No Entry...
It's all false, there are no issues. It's just that we got tied up with our respective commitments. As for the sequel to No Entry, only Boneyji (producer Boney Kapoor) can tell you about it. I am always ready, but I can't discuss money and dates with actors.
As someone who started his career as a writer, what advice would you give to new writers, who get shortchanged by filmmakers? There are many who don't get money and credit for their work...
It's unethical and unprofessional when filmmakers shortchange new writers. I'd advise new writers to first register their scripts with the Film Writers Association and safeguard their rights to their work. They should also focus on one script at a time and make it so good that no filmmaker can refuse it.
Even after you turned director, you continued to write for other filmmakers for a while...
I was scared. A filmmaker friend gave me a list of 134 writers who had turned directors, but failed. He said, 'Aisa na ho tumhari film flop ho jaaye aur tumhe writer ka kaam bhi na mile.' I then had to give interviews saying that 'main writer hoon aur main sirf shauq ke liye direction kar raha tha'. I come from a humble background and had to support my family. I struggled for 10 years before achieving significant success. It's only after achieving success as a director that I said I wouldn't write for other filmmakers. In fact, it was David (Dhawan), who coaxed me to write Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.
Do you have any fears now?
No. While I want to make films and entertain the audiences, I also want to enjoy life and give time to my family. I consider myself lucky to have 15-20 superhit films as a writer. If you ask me which is my favourite film, my answer would be 'the one I'm making next'. I don't know if I'll make a film with a big star or a newcomer. Let's first see how people respond to Mubarakan. I'll rest for a week or two before I go about deciding what I want to make next. It all depends on the story; it should retain my excitement for the next one year.
Ten days is the longest I have gone without sleep-Priyanka Chopra
8:16 AM
Priyanka Chopra spills secrets — from her favourite breakfast food to the television show she wants to be trapped in!
Sarita A Tanwar (DNA; December 20, 2016)
I like watching Priyanka Chopra on TV shows. She has done so many chat shows in India and in the US. I think she is so sought-after because of her personality. She is fun and isn’t afraid of getting silly. So I couldn’t think of anyone better to pose these mad (and somewhat irrelevant) questions to. She was game. Read on to find out what she splurged on last and the last time she said a lie...
What is the last picture you’ve clicked?
I adopted a dog recently. Her name is Diana, she is adorable and I was doing a photo shoot and I don’t know what it is about her, but she just kept snuggling beside me and I couldn’t let her go back. So, I got her home. I am just obsessed about clicking pictures with her.
What’s your blood type?
O+. Universal donor.
Me too!
Yes, we can give blood to the whole world. Some people are born just to do that.
What is the last lie you told?
That I woke up late because I was late on set as usual. That is my every morning lie.
One person you trust with your life other than your family?
My best friend, Tamanna.
If you had a choice to be ugly and live forever or be attractive and die in one year, what would you choose?
If I could be young and live forever it wouldn’t matter if I was attractive or ugly, I’d make the most of it.
If you could have personally witnessed something what would it have been?
I would have liked to witness India’s independence.
If you could wake up in the body of someone else tomorrow else, who would you pick and what would you do?
It would be so disgusting if I had to wake up and look at someone else’s body.
One question you hate to answer?
When people attach “How you are feeling?” with every situation. “Aapko kaisa lag raha hai?” I usually reply, “Mujhe bhookh lag rahi hai, thandi lag rahi hai.”
If you could be any age for a week, what age would you choose to be and why?
34. I’m great right now.
If you had a brainwashing machine, who would you use it on?
If I tell you, I will have to kill you, Sarita.
What is the longest you’ve gone without sleep?
Ten days is the longest I have gone without sleep. I think, at the beginning of my career. There was some date clash in 2005 or 2006 and I was shooting about four films together. I remember Aitraaz was one of them, Mujhse Shaadi Karoge was the other, I don’t remember the other two films. There were four films, and all of their sets were put in Filmistan and I was doing one climax in Film City. I was doing five shifts every day.
You have to look good on screen and you have to act, how do you do that without sleep?
Yes. And act and remember lines of all your characters. I used to come down to Mumbai when I was shooting Bajirao Mastani during Quantico just to shoot on Sunday and then go back and then land and then go straight to work. You have to find ways to train your body. I have a quick fix for jet lag. Whenever you get on to a long flight you have to time your sleep according to the country you are going to land in. Because once you land, then you are on that cycle.
What is the one habit you are proud of breaking or want to break?
Not reaching on time. I haven’t broken any bad habits. I am very bad, I have lots of bad habits. So one thing I want to do is get healthy which I am not but I want to be able to... I don’t work out, eat right, I just get coffee and forget to eat sometimes, I want to try and get healthy. A lot of my friends have done that and at the same time I want to try and sleep on time. I am a vampire I think.
What is your favourite word?
I say, ‘what are you saying’ a lot.
Who is your hero?
My mother.
Are you still learning who you are or you know who you are?
I think you could spend a lifetime to know who you are because change is the most constant thing in life. As soon as you get to know who you are today, tomorrow you’ll think, ‘Oh really?’ You are going to keep spending your whole life in figuring that out.
If you could spend a day with a celebrity who would it be?
I admire musicians a lot so I would have liked to spend some time with Mohammad Rafi, I grew up listening to his music. And Bruce Springsteen.
Your favourite breakfast food?
Eggs and toast and dosa.
Which famous person do people say you resemble?
I guess Eva Mendes.
What do you think is Victoria’s Secret?
She looks great in lingerie.
If you had to be trapped in a TV show which one would you pick?
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Great food and great drama what else would anybody want from their family?
The last time you shopped and what did you buy?
I bought a diamond necklace for myself.
If you had to join a circus what would you do there?
I’d be a Trapeze artiste because I think they are beautiful and I miss dancing.
What is the weirdest thing about you and are you proud of it?
The weirdest thing about me is that I am extremely comfortable with being weird. I am okay with who I am. However, there is nothing weird as such about me. In any case, my friends will be able to answer that better.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)