I shot my first ad at the age of five and loved being in front of the camera. I went on to act in my college’s dramatic society but since I come from a conservative family, I was focused on completing my studies and getting married. But a billboard of a supermarket chain I was promoting, caught the eye of filmmaker Raj Pippalla who was in Chennai to find a heroine for his next, the Telugu film Boni. I got a call, went for the audition and was selected. My parents were behind me and I signed up. I was thrilled I was being paid money in advance, was getting to play another girl, learn a new language and best of all, did not have to go to college.

In the film, I plan my own kidnapping. My first shot was in a stationary van with green screens. It felt strange. More so because during the shot, people were shaking the van till my director explained things to me. I had just turned 18 and was wearing a branded pink top with blue jeans and a scarf. I couldn’t afford such costly clothes in real life so it felt great to be wearing that. I took that top home with me as a keepsake. I still have it.

My entry in Hindi films also happened by accident. I was in Mumbai for an ad shoot when my talent agency told me that Mukesh Bhatt wanted to meet me. He had seen my work down South and wanted to cast me in Raaz: Reboot. He didn’t want an audition, just wanted to give me a narration. I was humbled by the respect he showed. We had a reading the same day while Vikram (Bhatt, director) sir was in the next room. When he came in, I asked him if he wanted to take my audition and he said he could already see his Shaina in me, now, it was for me to decide. I asked for some time and flew back home that night. I spoke to my parents and two days later, signed the contract.

We started out with Emraan (Hashmi) and me shooting the song “Yaad Hai Na” in a haunted castle. It was minus 4 degrees. There was a dialogue leading to the song and while saying it, the language felt alien because till then I had been memorising my lines in Telugu or Kannada and suddenly Hindi was so effortless. I missed all the preparation.

But I quickly realised that here, I could improvise, and was focusing more on what to eat rather than my lines. After the first take, Vikram sir walked up to me, put his hand on my head and said I had done it really well. And that wasn’t all, after a scene, which had me standing in front of a fogged-up mirror in a towel, which I clean up to look at myself, he came all the way to my vanity van and said that he had been directing for a long time and that shot was one of the best he had ever seen. “I am proud to say that I have found you,” his words still resonate. South taught me dedication to my craft, in Hindi films, I found my passion.

Kriti Kharbanda with Emraan Hashmi in Raaz: Reboot; The actress in Boni (left)

Kriti Kharbanda may be just two films old in Bollywood, but she has been a leading lady in Kannada and Telegu films since 2009. Ahead of her Hindi romantic drama Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana hitting screens this Friday, the actress spoke to BT about how women still don't have decision-making rights post marriage, why auditioning for a role is not the norm in B-Town and why more than pay parity, actresses need to fight for the same respect that's shown to male actors. Excerpts...

While your Bollywood debut was a horror flick, the second outing was a comedy. And now, your upcoming release is a romantic drama. Are you making deliberate efforts to avoid getting stereotyped?
It's plain luck that I've been offered films from various genres. When I did Raaz Reboot, many people warned me that I would be typecast as an actress who does horror and serious films. Though the fear of being typecast was there, I had faith in myself and I knew that I had a funny face (laughs). Fortunately, my second film (Guest Iin London) was a comedy, which gave me the chance to be seen as a typical Hindi film heroine. I was asked to test for Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana even before that film released. I was a little taken aback because I hadn't auditioned for my earlier films, but then, I realised that we'll be tested at every stage in our lives. That experience also made me realize that one could be a fabulous actor, but until and unless you fit the director's vision, you will not be finalized for a role.

Given the competitive environment that you inhabit, was there any other incident that made you realise that you have to bring your A-game with you all the time?
Three years ago, I delivered a huge hit in Kannada, titled Googly. Soon after, I attended an awards function where they were giving away two awards — one critics’ choice and the other, popular choice. I was confident about receiving an award, as I felt that I deserved it. However, there was some politics involved and I didn’t win anything. That’s when I realized that being talented and having a beautiful face is not enough. That incident made me work harder and the following year, I got that award. But it still hurts me that one of my best performances went unappreciated. I know actors say that awards don’t matter but I love being appreciated and I want awards. In fact, I want both rewards and awards. If another actor has performed better than me, I will genuinely appreciate him or her. But at the end of the day, I am very competitive.

While you come across as someone who is frank, many stars prefer being politically correct, fearing backlash on social media. Have you ever felt the pressure to be more diplomatic?
I will speak my mind. I feel strongly for people who aren't able to speak out because I was that person at one point. I couldn't speak my mind, I used to have panic attacks and feel anxious. It was and it still is a part of my life. For me, stardom is also the ability to influence people. So, when I see Deepika Padukone speak about her battle with depression, I feel inspired. She is making the right use of her stardom. I want to help people who have been abused both men and women. I want to make it big so that when I address the issue, it will make an impact.

Coming back to Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, there is a dialogue in the film, (“Beti ko padhana chahiye beton ke tarah, padha diya use, aage kya karegi, sasural kya karvaega usse, kahan us beti ke haath main hota hai”) which seems to echo a patriarchal mindset. Do you think that even with so much progress, women still don’t have a voice after marriage?
It’s sad, but true. In fact, I have seen it happening to people I know. Our definition of marriage is still the age-old one. If our thinking about rapes hasn’t changed, how can we evolve as far as our attitude towards marriage is concerned? Eighty per cent men still consider women as their ‘paaon ki jooti’. Harsher punishments have to be meted out to rapists and similar punishments should be given to people who abuse their partners in a marriage as well.

Since you addressed abuse, do you think a campaign like #metoo (women speaking out against sexual harassment and abuse) is important to unite women to stand up against abuse? Will it eventually lead women and men to take legal recourse and ensure that the perpetrators are punished?
The women who were part of the #MeToo campaign had the guts to speak up, but they are not the women we need to reach out to. I don’t undermine the power of social media, but that campaign didn’t do justice to the women who actually need help. I remember how, when I was in class eight, a guy on a bike slapped my behind when I was walking down the street, but I never spoke about it. We need to help such women — the ones who face harassment and then go back to do chulha-chauka as if nothing has happened.

What are the challenges that you encounter as an actress in the Hindi film industry? Many leading ladies have spoken about pay disparity and discrimination between the hero and the heroine when it comes to assignment of hotel rooms and logistics like that...
I think an actress can ask for a remuneration that is directly proportional to the opening her film can fetch at the box office. Since even an average Salman Khan-starrer will earn close to Rs 150 or Rs 200 crore, he can demand a fee that is way higher than anyone else. As an actor, I cannot guarantee that business. today. It’s an industry and everyone wants to make money, people are not here just for the love of cinema. Actually, I feel it’s even more important to be respected. If a director tells me that I am perfect for a role and this is how much he can offer me, I’ll do that film. On the contrary, I’ll walk away if I am told, ‘arre itne main karlona bade hero ki picture hai aapko break de rahe hain hum’.

A n interview with the vivacious actress Kriti Kharbanda can easily be summed up as 'confessions of a talkaholic'. Meeting this South siren feels like bumping into an old friend with whom you can aimlessly chat about anything under the sun. The conversation meanders into random territories and you find yourself identifying with her idiosyncrasies. The Bengaluru girl talks about living alone, being a toughie and her upcoming release, Guest Iin London. Read on...

You were born in Delhi, then shifted to Bengaluru and now live in Mumbai. Which city are you most comfortable in?
I'm a loner and I'm most comfortable living by myself, but Bengaluru is home to me as my family is there. Having said that, once you come to Mumbai, you can't turn your back on it. I've grown close to Mumbai now. For someone like me who gets bored very easily, this life is perfect. I can't be at one place for too long. Travelling broadens your thinking as a person and as an actor. Also, I like to watch people; I go early to airports so that I can observe people. You can use that observation to your advantage when you are essaying a character. You can slip in some character traits of those people into your roles.

Has Maximum City changed you as a person?
You discover who you truly are only when you live alone. Mumbai is the only place where I have lived alone, so I had to be self-sufficient. I am a much happier person today. When I meet people, I meet them because I want to, not because I am lonely. Today, if I don't like someone, I make it very obvious. Mumbai has taught me to love and look after myself.

Looks like you've undergone a transformation of sorts.
A major transformation has happened to me in the past year. Earlier, I was always there for everyone, always giving and not receiving anything. But you soon realise that you cannot be nice to everybody all the time. I've stayed in a protected atmosphere back home. When you are alone in your apartment, you have to be self-sufficient. Today, I choose myself before everyone else. Mumbai has made me realise my worth. At three in the morning when you are upset, you are the only one who can hug yourself to sleep.

Since you are popular in South cinema, it must have been tough for you to start all over again in Bollywood?
My life had become monotonous, so the shift to Mumbai came as a good challenge but when you start from scratch, you value what you had. The leap was amazing. When I step out in Bengaluru or Hyderabad, I get mobbed. That doesn't happen here (Mumbai) and I would be lying if I say I don't feel insecure about that. Every person is insecure in his/her own way. I am glad that happened as it has made me who I am today.

Don't you think Bollywood has a wider reach?
Yes, because of the language. The whole of North India speaks Hindi. But you cannot deny how huge some stars are down South - Rajinikanth, Suriya, Mahesh Babu etc. have a massive fan following.

Don't you think actors from South are often stereotyped, especially when they try and make a foray in Bollywood?
Fortunately for me, there was no stereotyping as such but I am aware that it happens. Initially, people don't take you seriously. There is a perception that 'Ise glamour ke liye picture mein dal do'. I get asked if I can speak Hindi because I've done South films. But these weren't obstacles as such. My last name helped in a way. Also, I had a lead role in Raaz Reboot, so that helped too.

Did the film's failure deeply affect you?
I got a positive feedback for my role in Raaz Reboot but of course it hurt. A failure is bound to break your heart. I was bummed out that the film didn't do well. I personally thought it was a decent film. I wish it had done better but I did my best as an actor. There is nothing in my hands beyond a point. The one thing that I'd like to change about it is probably the result (laughs).

As an actor, what was the transition from horror to a full-fledged comedy like Guest Iin London (GIL)?
It was a relief because I wanted to try my hand at something different. Though I have had a career down South, most of my characters have been performance-driven even if they were bubbly. My character in GIL is exactly how I am. I got an opportunity to be myself on screen. Anaya Patel (her character in the film) is as whiny, emotional and talkative as I am in real life. I got to play a role that is much more than a love interest of someone. Also, I am super excited to have worked with actors like Tanve Azmi and Paresh Rawal in this film.

The story revolves around guests who overstay in someone's house. Have you faced that in real life?
I don't like visitors so the irritable expression in the film came naturally to me. I can't do small talk. I love people with whom I can share moments of comfortable silence. If I am quiet, it doesn't mean I am upset. I love talking and meeting people face to face, but that's outside. At home, I like my peace. A lot of my friends have still not seen my house in Mumbai because I mark my territory (laughs).

Any such particular incident that took you by surprise?
I was shooting in Hyderabad and was putting up at a hotel. A friend called to ask where I was as she was visiting the city. I shared my hotel details with her. The next day, I get a call from the reception saying my friend has showed up. She came to my room with her luggage and said, “Since we are both staying at the same hotel, why should I get another room?“ She stayed with me for four days. After much contemplation on the last day, I told her that I can't do this, I need my space. For a tiny person, I have a lot of confidence. No one messes with me!

Kartik Aaryan is known to be high on energy. How did the chemistry work between the two of you?
I thought Kartik would be a fun, chirpy person but he is actually a quiet guy. I didn't know that about him. He is very serious about his work. When you look at him, it doesn't feel like that. We didn't even have each other's phone numbers until almost 80 per cent of our film was shot! I keep teasing him that he was not nice to me initially and obviously he dismisses my claims. On a serious note, he comes with no baggage. I enjoyed working with him. We get along very well as friends since we are of the same age.

Do you still get asked if you are related to Kulbhushan Kharbanda?
Oh yes, I get asked if I am his daughter, granddaughter or niece. Even during Raaz Reboot, the makers asked me if I was related to him but I clarified that we just share our last name. I am a rank outsider. But thanks to him, in some way, people are able to relate to my name. Weirdly, I have never met him.

Raaz Reboot has generated curiosity ever since the first teaser was launched online. Given that the makers have called it curtains on their hit franchise after the fourth instalment, here's looking at four reasons why audience shouldn't miss this Emraan Hashmi-Kriti Kharbanda-Gaurav Arora-starrer that is written and directed by Vikram Bhatt.

ROMANIA
One of the locations that top the imagination of horror aficionados, the country, famed for its countless tales of Dracula, has been aptly explored by Vikram. From shooting in Romania's most haunted forests to other spine-chilling yet exotic locales, the film promises to be a visual treat.

RAAZ
The film's makers revolutionised the horror genre with a different story that also gave audiences something to take back with them. Not to forget, every franchise in this series has been a box office hit. What's the raaz this time for Kriti's possessed avatar to send shivers down the spine is what the producers and director keep the viewers guessing.


ROMANCE
This is a significant ingredient that makes the franchise unique in the genre. Toplined with talented names in the music industry, the haunting and soulful soundtrack has only added to the romance and mystery of Raaz Reboot.

REUNION
This film also brings together producers Bhushan Kumar and Bhatt brothers - Mahesh and Mukesh - a formidable combination, who prove it yet again with the soundtrack. Emraan teams up again with his Raaz 3 director, Vikram, in a role he owns with trademark ease.


BEHIND THE SCENES
- While shooting at the Bucharest Palace, Emraan, Kriti, Gaurav, Vikram and the team could sense a eerie vibe. What's more, they would get gooseflesh each time they walked down the hallways and felt that they were being watched.

- Besides steamy intimate scenes with Emraan, Kriti also performed the action scenes herself. Not only does the film mark her Bollywood debut, but also her first in doing stunts, dubbing her own lines and mouthing expletives as part of her character.

- According to Emraan, this is the scariest of the Raaz films. The actor, who has been associated with the franchise from the first, on which he was assisting Vikram, says the locations and the atmosphere added to the chilling moments.

- After having played a painter in Raaz 2 and a director in Raaz 3, Emraan turns a photographer for Raaz Reboot. He experiments with a different look, sporting a man-bun, which has got him a lot of attention.


- Gaurav, who plays a banker, looked to Hollywood star Harrison Ford for inspiration and adapted his sophistication and mannerisms for his role.

- The first intalment featured a raven and the director has brought the bird back in the fourth outing as well. The scene in which a raven flies straight into the windshield of Gaurav's car spooked the crew at the shoot, too.


- Vikram was impressed that his lead actress had no qualms about looking ugly in the scenes her character gets possessed. He says, “Kriti was the first actress who insisted on being made to look ugly.“

- Emraan calls Lo Maan Liya from this film his 'all-time favourite' song. He says, “The tunes are haunting and have an element of mystery about them.“

- While shooting for the scene that required her character to be nude, Kriti insisted that every crew member in the room would strip down, too, despite minus 10 degrees temperature. “Why would I freeze alone?“ she joked, making sure all present were stripped down to their basics.

Men of mystery get their hair ripened at youth while the greys within take a hold of their mind. Sometimes possessing them like ghosts of events and ghoulfriends of the past. These men are up to the brim with the raazs of a 1,000 skeletons and rebooted cobwebs. Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt is one such, who churns out stories from his experiences - some exhilarating, some haunting. Audacious and eyepopping, nonetheless. His demons are his alone, but his stories are secrets that delight. Awaiting his upcoming Raaz Reboot, he tells us how the deep secrets of his life have been his enemy of love. Let this mystery unfold...

Your films mostly delve in subjects that are discussed behind closed doors. It's risky, but you don't mind taking those chances.
I have always worn my heart on my sleeve and I have paid a price for that. There's a line in the film that says, 'You are what you hide and not what you show'. I know that a fairy tale is more saleable and people like to see such films, but I like exploring the darker side of life. They say that in music, there are two kinds of people - those who like major notes and those who like minor notes. So, I think I am a minor note guy.

Are your stories a culmination of your life experiences and all that you have been through?
For the last 10 years, I have had a great spiritual journey that has shaken me up, too. You can say it was miraculous, but I don't talk about it much because I don't want people to think that I am talking rubbish. So when I am making a movie, for me, it's as real as you and me having this conversation. Human beings, through time, have never believed what they cannot see. Do you know that Galileo was under house arrest and he had to retract his statement that the earth is not the centre of our solar system, because that went against religious traditions? So, the more we discover, the more we realise how wrong we were. I know that people think demons and dark forces don't exist, some even believe God doesn't exist. I have felt love universally and I know it's there because I have seen it. The fact that I make commercial films out of all my experiences is another matter.

But doesn't the dark side of life scare you?
Believe it or not, I am very scared of horror films. It took me a lot to see Conjuring and I haven't yet seen Conjuring 2. If I did not feel fear, perhaps I wouldn't be able to make you feel fear through my films. I think that if I don't have a good sense of humour, I possibly cannot make good comedy films. If I am not romantic at heart, I can't really make romantic films.

Speaking of romance, are you a romantic at heart?
I would like to think so, but I haven't been able to keep relationships. I am a man filled with contradictions. I am someone who needs a lot of space. There was a time when I thought that there was something wrong with people around me. Years later, I realised that it's not them, but me. There's something definitely off with me when it comes to romance. I figured that I like this whole wining and dining the girl, but only for a bit. Suddenly, I get so absorbed in my work that I don't want to do anything else and the woman in my life can't obviously deal with it. Over the years, I have come to understood that it's not the women, but me who is not stable in relationships.

But have you tried working on it?
Basically, I've come to terms with the fact that I will have to live a huge part of my life alone. I think I have become one of the characters of my films. Now, it's very difficult for me to get along with somebody, and it's not because I am impatient or I fight. It's just that I don't know how to prioritise. If a man has eight things to do and one of them is romance, and he prioritises it at number seven or eight, then there's something definitely wrong. So there, that's the problem with me.

But living alone is also not easy, right? There are times when you need someone...
Sometimes when I am having dinner with my parents, I think what would happen to me if they aren't around. It scares me. I have a daughter who really pampers me and knows how weird I am, but even she has a life of her own. So I know that I am going to be this lonely old man. But I hope that I am not a disgruntled lonely old man.

Don't you miss having a companion?
If I can't keep something going, then I shouldn't let it take off. I have realised that there are no bad people; I just feel that sometimes, two good people don't get along. Today, when I look back, I have nothing but a lot of respect for all the women who I have dated. Somewhere, there was a basic goodness in all of them, but I believe that secrets are the enemy of love. I married early in life, and we were a very young couple. I thought it was childish of my (then) wife to put restrictions on me, and even I was immature at handling it. Then I started hiding what I was feeling and that secret became the third person in our relationship. When you are not happy with the person you are married to and you can't tell her that, it becomes a secret. I had an extramarital affair, which was again a secret. It was not Sushmita's (Sen) fault, because I was the one with secrets. Even Ameesha (Patel) is a great girl, but when she was not happy, I told her, 'Listen, two people come together to be happy and if you are not, then you should find happiness elsewhere.''

Do you think secrets are born out of a sense of guilt?
The point is that you can be honest and hurt a person or be dishonest and hurt yourself everyday. If you love somebody, then you will have to understand whether guilty or not, secrets will crawl out sooner or later. Secrets have been the enemy of love through time, and I have learnt it the hard way. That is exactly what Raaz Reboot is about; it's the secrets that you keep from one another that create trouble. This film has a crazy plot where all three characters have secrets.

What gives you courage to be so open about your life? Don't you fear being judged?
How many battles can you fight? The first battle you fight is with yourself. I think everything starts going downhill when you create an image of yourself. I already have a problem living with my real self, so to create somebody else is too much to bear. I would rather be myself with all my faults than become someone perfect and suffer the consequences.

You have gone through a fair share of heartbreak in life. How do you cope with it and come out of it?
I am a huge introvert, I barely have friends and I don't go out and socialise. So I possibly can't isolate myself more than I already do. I think I have come to a stage where I feel that I am almost an emotional masochist.

You like working with new talent. Or do you think the wait for a bigger line-up is too much?
I have had my biggest hits without stars. My answer to this is simple and it's nothing to do with stars. It's my impatience. When I have an idea, I don't want to wait, or else I will lose my marbles. One person I have a lot of respect for is Sanjay Leela Bhansali, as I think that man has sustained enthusiasm. I can see the amount of work he puts into every frame; I clearly don't have that tenacity.

You are making short films and your first one is an erotic one, along the lines of 50 Shades Of Grey. Do you think the youth will get shocked by the audacity of your subject?
I think that youngsters are ready for such concepts. Today, premarital sex is not even a discussion amongst the youth anymore; it was a huge deal years ago. So you can imagine how progressive they are. They are also non-judgemental, and today, conversations about virginity are not a big deal.

If you are given a chance to reboot your life, what would you change about it?
I think that the worst thing to do is hurt someone. So if I had to press the reboot button, I would go back and undo all the hurt I have caused to the people I love. I am the kind of person who goes crazy apologising if I know that I have hurt somebody. Professionally, I have made some good films and some obnoxious films, too, but they were enjoyable. Whenever I have made films for money, they have always gone wrong. So, if I was to correct something, I would change the films that I did for money.

Piracy is every filmmaker's night mare, more so if the movie gets leaked online before its release. No wonder then that Mukesh Bhatt, Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar, the producers of Raaz Reboot, were horrified when the internet buzzed with the news of the Emraan Hashmi-Kriti Kharbanda-Gaurav Arora-starrer being leaked online prior to its date with cinemas. They got a real-life scare when they came across links to download the horror flick being circu lated in the digital space. The surge in traffic to the website, as the number of views increased, only added to their woes.

Having seen recent instances when films leaked online before their release cost those producers heavily, the makers of Raaz Reboot swung into action to minimise the damage. Says writer-director Vikram Bhatt, “We felt the movie had got leaked. When we downloaded from the links, it turned out to be just one clip - of a possessed Kriti screaming the F-word multiple times in quick succession. We were relieved that the film hadn't got leaked.“

Clueless about how it happened, he says, “The overseas prints have been dispatched. The clip doesn't have a censor cut, nor is the recording clear. Maybe someone recorded it on their smartphone from some studio and leaked it online.“

Also suspecting some foul play, Vikram adds, “Mukeshji had said that we didn't have cuts, so someone was playing a dirty game to prove otherwise.“ Though they have nothing to fear about for the final instalment of Raaz now, Vikram concedes the fear of piracy looms large till all leaks are plugged. “In this age of computers, internet and smartphones, you can't say where a film can be leaked from. It can only be sorted with great technical intervention. Until then, piracy will be our worst nightmare,“ he concludes.

Raaz Reboot, presented by Gulshan Kumar and Vishesh Films, releases September 16.

Director Vikram Bhatt, whose films have ran into censorship hurdles in the past, had a tough time with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for his upcoming flick, Raaz Reboot. He concedes that the cuts they asked for the Emraan Hashmi-Kriti Kharbanda-Gaurav Arora-starrer left him flabbergasted.

The CBFC told the filmmaker to cut down the usage of the 'F' word from 32 to 16. The original scene in question features a possessed Kriti screaming the 'F' word at Emraan and Gaurav in a satanic kind of succession. Vikram says the reason given to him was that '32 is too much and can't be allowed'.

In another instance, the trailer, which was given a 'U/A' rating for theatres, was given an 'A' rating for television. The director asked his promo makers to study horror shows on TV and cut the trailers accordingly. “Out of the three 20-second promos that we sent to the Censor Board, one was given 'U/A' and the other two were rated 'A'. I was appalled,“ he recalls.

Having had to water down the trailers considerably for a 'U/A ' rating for TV, Vikram admits, “I cannot showcase the horror film unless I use a videosharing site. But there is a huge audience out there that doesn't even visit the site. How do I reach them?“

"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired." -Mother Teresa

"His son is better now?“ asked one of the sisters at the gate, her voice dripping with affection. They were aware of the chain of events - little Ayaan's fight against cancer and the glorious victory. It didn't come as a surprise to Emraan Hashmi, who, stripped off his starry image, was just a concerned father as he reached Mother House - Saint Teresa's AJC Bose Road home (Kolkata) where she lived and served on Saturday, a little past 4 pm.

MY MOTHER HAD COME HERE
Emraan, who was in town to promote his latest film Raaz Reboot with co stars Gaurav Arora and Kriti Kharbanda, had expressed his desire to visit Mother House even before he touched down in the city. He had heard about the place at least a 1,000 times from his mother, Maherrah Hashmi, who breathed her last in March. With a deep sense of loss, Emraan said, “I have been hearing about Mother House since I was a kid. My mother, a Catholic, would talk a lot about this place and I think she had even come here once. If she was there today, she would have been very happy.“

Emraan, who offered white flowers at Saint Teresa's tomb, stood there for several minutes praying for son Ayaan, who has now joined school and is back to his normal routine after prolonged chemotherapy. Accompanied by sisters of the Missionaries of Charity, Emraan, Kriti and Gaurav next visited the prayer room upstairs. They were amused to see a Mother statue adorning the seat where she would pray since the early 1950s. Emraan was seen thumbing through the booklet on the saint that one of the sisters gifted him.

IF WE CAN DO ONE PER CENT OF WHAT SHE DID
There was more in store. “I went to her room upstairs and it was quite a revelation. This is the room where Mother breathed her last. The room is so small and so basic. This is from where she would work for the poorest of the poor. I could totally feel her love as I stood there. If we can do even one per cent of what she did, this world will be a much better place to live,“ said Emraan, who was crowded by visitors amazed to see him there.

The actor, who interacted with the sisters, was humbled by the experience. “I have started praying a lot more after my son's illness. And now I don't go to bed without praying. When you know you have no control over things, you want to hold on to hope,“ he said.

Mother Teresa was declared a saint by Pope Francis last Sunday at a canonisation ceremony held in Vatican City. The canonisation on September 4 came on the eve of her 19th death anniversary.

Raaz Reboot filmmaker Vikram Bhatt's recent revelations about his experiences with the paranormal and supernatural entities left many shocked. And if you thought that Bollywood's tryst with scare-fare has only been an onscreen affair, then read on to find out about the other A-listers who've had off-screen real life spooky encounters as well with the bhoots:

EMRAAN HASHMI
Though the Raaz Reboot star Emraan Hashmi admits that he doesn't believe in ghosts, reportedly he had a real-life tryst with the supernatural. The actor revealed that he once had a spooky experience while on a vacation with his friends in a Matheran hotel. At night they heard some loud screams. Initially they thought someone was playing a prank on them, but then they were spooked to see that there was no one outside their room. The group checked out of the hotel at the earliest.

RANVEER SINGH
Apparently the star was paid a visit by the ghost of Bajirao on the sets while shooting Bajirao Mastani! The actor is said to have seen some white dust settle on a black wall that took on the form of a turbaned Peshwa Bajirao.

VARUN DHAWAN
The star had a slice of real-life spook when he checked into the Sinatra suite of a Las Vegas hotel while shooting for ABCD - Any Body Can Dance - 2. The suite is supposedly haunted by the ghost of Frank Sinatra - the legendary American singer-actor. Varun is said to have shared that at night he heard someone sing and the doors would fling open on their own.

Gulshan Kumar and Vishesh films present Raaz Reboot which is produced by Mukesh Bhatt, Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar and written and directed by Vikram Bhatt. The film is slated for 16th September, 2016 release.

Even as Raaz Reboot, featuring Emraan Hashmi, Kriti Kharbanda and Gaurav Arora, opens in cinemas this Friday , the Bhatts - who have produced all the four movies of the Raaz franchise - are set to take a curtain call on their most successful offering. Mahesh Bhatt says, “This series, which has nourished and sustained us for 14 years, has finally come to its glorious end. Raaz Reboot is by far the finest human take that has been woven into the horror genre by Vikram Bhatt.“

Vikram, who helmed the first, third and fourth instalment, says each film has offered something new to the viewers. He elaborates, “We have always had stories of human angst and relationships. Raaz (2002) was not about just being married, but what it means to be married. Raaz 3 (2012) was about someone who doesn't give up fame and refuses to fade away. In Raaz Reboot, you will see how secrets can be the enemy of love. Usually, you don't find this kind of world view in horror movies. Raaz, as a series, has a lot to offer to viewers in terms of story, emotion, music and something that they can take back home.“

Mahesh stresses that it has given them memorable moments for life. He recalls, “When Paul McCartney called up Bipasha Basu and told her that she reminded him of Sophia Loren, she thought someone was pulling a prank on her. Going to the studio at midnight to check out the result of the cockroach scene, which was brilliantly created by an Indian VFX team in Raaz 3, was an exciting moment for us.“

Elaborating how the series has not only benefitted them monetarily but also earned them credibility as a banner, producer Mukesh Bhatt says, “We were going through a rough patch but this franchise turned the tide for us. It became a trendsetter and a blockbuster. Each film in the series gave me extra muscle and power as a filmmaker. It's been a fulfilling journey.“

Given that Emraan also has been associated with the franchise from its start, as an assistant director on the first film and starring in the next three movies, how is he taking this decision? Mahesh says, “Raaz 3 was Emraan's biggest hit. It's time for us to say thank you and bid goodbye to the Raaz franchise as we move on into a new uncertainty after this.“

Matching Emraan Hashmi kiss for kiss in Raaz Reboot, the latest instalment of the Raaz franchise is Bollywood's newest find Kriti Kharbanda. Not your regular debutante, Kriti is goofy, gregarious and carries her stardom with ease, which only adds to her appeal. In this interview, she reveals how actresses who star in horror flicks can be so much more than just scream queens...

You have moved to Mumbai, bag and baggage...
Yes, I need to give myself that one chance. I never tried getting into Hindi films because I always wanted to be closer to my family . The idea was to work for a few years and get married. In fact, work was never a priority; getting married was. At 14, I would tell my mom I wanted to get married. That hasn't changed; it has just been pushed by a few years. In fact, I have postponed it for the second time. I aspire to be a good wife, daughter in-law and mother. Actually, I will make a great goofy wife because I am a goofball.

Talking about Raaz Reboot, how is this instalment different from the previous ones?
It's been shot on a grand scale. When the film starts, you see a frozen lake and a mansion. We have braved extreme climatic conditions and shot in Romania for 60 days. Besides that, this film has more raaz, anger and hurt. There is more pressure on us as the previous three instalments have been successful, so this has to be bigger.

Did you have apprehensions about debuting in Bollywood with a horror film like Raaz?
Unfortunately, people don't consider the horror genre commercial. And most actors don't get to explore this genre in their entire career. In spite of being an A-rated film catering to a limited audience, Raaz made huge profits when the 100-crore club wasn't even in the picture. It had fabulous music, but that alone can't pull you to a theatre. The statistics prove that the genre enjoys a loyal set of viewership. I am hoping to recreate the magic, draw the same audience and more.

A horror flick is mostly laced with scintillating and intimate scenes. Do you feel that it takes away from the core story?
Our audience has become open-minded and such things are no longer considered a taboo.Kissing is just an emotion and can't be looked down upon. Also, the film is not sleazy. What you see in the trailer is all that's there in it. Come on, we were under four layers of clothing. Our film is more about suspense and horror.

How did you break the ice with Emraan Hashmi?
Actually, Emraan broke the ice. He introduced himself, which he didn't need to. I guess he was trying to be funny (laughs). Later, he offered to carry my bags when he saw me struggling at the airport. That was something as he is a self-confessed lazy guy. Emraan is fun to work with and I had a blast shooting the film.

He is known as the serial-kisser of Bollywood. Was there any pressure on you to outdo him?
In kissing? Are you kidding me? Who can beat the king? I didn't feel any kind of pressure. I was skeptical and terrified at the idea at first as I have never kissed onscreen before. But eventually, it felt like any other scene. It's not big a deal; people around you make it a big deal. For the crew, it seemed like any other day on the set with Mr Emraan Hashmi as they have worked with him before.

The movie catapulted Bipasha Basu to the big league overnight. What are your expectations from it?
I am hoping that it puts me on the map as well. Bipasha got there because she had it in her. She is the queen of horror and has made a mark for herself. I can imagine how hard she must have worked because I have been in that space. I understand the hard work that goes into a horror flick and the energy it consumes. It's exhausting after a certain point. She was an outsider and see where she has reached. I am also an outsider and I hope I get there. I really look up to her. All three films have had strong female characters who have performed well and were appreciated.

So, are you looking at becoming the new scream queen?
Why? I want to have my own throne rather than dethroning anyone. I want to make my own place.

You have been linked with your Raaz co-actor Gaurav Arora and South actor-producer Sumanth Kumar. You even said that you are married to films, but you are having an affair...
Gaurav is a friend and there is nothing more to it. I am still married to films. I was having an affair at that time, but now I am not. I will talk about a relationship only when I am certain it's heading somewhere. I have a crazy schedule for a while. I want to make time to fall in love and that will happen in time. I hope it happens soon. I love the concept of love. My guy needs to be a hopeless romantic like me and totally filmi, too.

Considering your last name, are you often asked if you are related to actor Kulbhushan Kharbanda?
All Indians are my brothers and sisters and he is like a father figure (laughs). But it's flattering to have any kind of association with an artiste of that calibre. When I started acting, people advised me to change my name as it sounded Punjabi and was difficult to pronounce, but I didn't give in. I am proud of my name and my roots.

Vikram Bhatt's Raaz (2002) showed Malini Sharma sitting nude by the fire. A decade later, Raaz 3 featured Esha Gupta, who is terrified by the cockroaches crawling up her body, undressing herself and running stark naked into a party.

Now, in the upcoming film Raaz Reboot, which is produced by Mukesh Bhatt, Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar, leading lady Kriti Kharbanda (a newbie in Bollywood) will appear in the buff too. Vikram, who is the writer-director, declines to divulge too many details.

When quizzed about showcasing women undressing on screen, he is quick to assert that the nudity in the Raaz franchise is not meant to titillate viewers. He says, “I think it is fiercely demonic when a woman shuns all societal parameters to reveal herself. It is not sleazy or even blatantly sexual.“

He elaborates, “When a person is possessed, he or she loses all inhibitions. And that's exactly what we have tried to show. Given that they are not expected to shed their clothes and inhibitions in our society, when a woman exposes herself in her natural state, it's like she has been subdued and the demon is in control. She's at that point where she doesn't care who is around her or watching her. She doesn't even care if it's minus 10 degrees outside, like in Raaz Reboot.“

Raaz Reboot, presented by Gulshan Kumar and produced by T-Series and Vishesh Films, releases on September 16.

Emraan Hashmi was launched by Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt 13 years ago. He became a hero followed by the masses, thanks to his mentors' continuous backing and vision.While he was labelled 'serial kisser' for his lip-locks with his leading ladies. Often, the songs of his films fuelled their success and his.

Now, in a symbiotic relationship, the filmmakers' favourite actor will help newcomer Gaurav Arora find his feet. He plays the parallel lead in their upcoming horror venture with T-Series, Raaz Reboot, written and directed by Vikram Bhatt. In the past too, the Bhatts and Emraan have together promoted artistes like Shiney Ahuja in Gangster, Randeep Hooda in Jannat 2 and Kunal Kemmu in Kalyug, besides endorsing acclaimed names like Irrfan in Killer.

Gaurav, who debuted under Vikram's direction in Love Games, for the first time, shares screen space with an established actor close to his mentors. Those who have seen the rushes of the spine-chiller's fourth installment, produced by Mukesh Bhatt, Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar, claim that Emraan will prove lucky for this new actor too.

Raaz Reboot, presented by Gulshan Kumar and Vishesh Films, releases September 16.