Filmmakers Sanjay Gupta and Rakesh Roshan reminisce working with actor-writer Ranjit Chowdhry
MID-DAY (April 17, 2020)

Actor-director-writer Ranjit Chowdhry, 65, passed away in Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital on Thursday morning. Survived by his wife and 16-year-old son, Chowdhry was in Mumbai for a dental treatment since December. He was expected to fly back on April 8. "He ruptured an ulcer in the intestine on April 14 and was taken to the hospital. They operated on him but he died yesterday at four in the morning," informs socialite Dolly Thakore.

Director Sanjay Gupta, who last worked with him in Kaante (2002), told mid-day, "As an actor, I was extremely fond of him. He flew down from New York to Los Angeles to work with us in Kaante. We needed an actor who could translate scenes effortlessly. I remember discussing Khatta Meetha (1978) with him. That is one of my favourite movies of his and I loved his performance. He is a thoroughly professional actor with a great command over comic timing. Only an actor like him could shine in a brief role in an ensemble film like Kaante. I always remember him as this jovial man, full of energy and life."

Rahul Khanna, his co-star from Bollywood/Hollywood helmed by Deepa Mehta, tweeted, "Despite his diminutive frame, he was a towering icon of Indian diaspora cinema and a master of his craft. By far, one of the most endearingly quirky and acerbically witty people I've had the pleasure of knowing!" Rakesh Roshan who worked with Chowdhry in Khoobsurat (1980) told mid-day, "I remember Ranjit as a loveable young boy who was adored by all. He was a natural actor. I was immensely sad to hear about him."

Chowdhry's half-sister Raell Padamsee wrote on Instagram, on Wednesday, "For all those who knew Ranjit, the funeral will be held tomorrow and a gathering to celebrate his life n share his stories May 5."

His Best Works
Khatta Meetha (1978)
Baton Baton Mein (1979)
Khubsoorat (1980)
Kaalia (1981)
Bandit Queen (1994)
Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love (1996)
Bollywood/Hollywood (2002)
Kaante (2002)
American Blend (2006)
Prison Break (2006)
Breakaway (2011)

MUMBAI MIRROR (February 7, 2020)

Rahul Khanna, who describes himself as a “Boutique Bollywood Actor” on Instagram, is routinely blesses his followers with snapshots of his toned torso. On Thursday, he pulled out all stops.

While it’s not known what warranted this, the actor’s comments section has been, in millennial lexicon, lit. “I feel there’s a lesson here about being in the right place at the right time,” the actor noted alongside the picture, in which he is seen standing in an open bathrobe with a mirror protecting his modesty.

“Women (and men) all over the World Wide Web are getting mildly to completely pregnant looking at this picture,” declared Gaurav Kapoor, calling it a “global medical emergency”. A bit of an overstatement, given that coronavirus could be snowballing into a pandemic anytime soon. Then, there was Sikandar Kher, who’s been sliding into RK’s comments section for a while now. “I tried to replicate this, babydoll,” he informed. While Malaika Arora said that Rahul is “trying to break the mirror”, Karan Johar’s “uh…” elicited a “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai?” Just an aside: Who took the picture?

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; September 11, 2019)

With every film, Akshaye Khanna reminds us that there’s no role that he’s not at ease with. As someone who had pulled off a vanishing act between 2012 and 2016, the actor has three films releasing this year. Yes, he’s deeply committed to his acting career, even though one won’t say that he’s fiercely competitive or ambitious. He has his way of doing things, at his pace, and he’s glad that the audience doesn’t feel that they have seen enough of him. The actor spoke to BT about his upcoming film, Section 375, and why he doesn’t feel the need to socialise to a degree that makes him uncomfortable. Excerpts:

As someone who is so selective about his work, it’s quite a surprise that you have three releases this year...
This wasn’t planned (smiles). As an actor, one is constantly reading scripts and interacting with creative teams. Sometimes, things work and sometimes, they don’t. It’s never in an actor’s hands. I mean, I can’t predict what I might like in the near future and just how much work I might end up doing in a year or so. The thing is, I don’t go looking for anything. I’ve never consciously chased a particular kind of a film or role. I choose from what is offered. I am not a writer, so I don’t write my stuff. I usually don’t even suggest anyone to write something for me. Of course, I am trying to change that now.

In today’s day and age, it’s as important to be seen and heard as it is to act well. But you keep an arm’s distance from attending parties, events and even being on social media... Do you feel the need to change this, too?
I don’t enjoy being on social media or at events. Honestly, if my last film or any of my last 10 films had done Rs 200 crores, one would probably not ask me this. You wouldn’t see it as a gap that needs to be plugged. In my case, not just today, but for many years, it has been seen as a gap that needs to be filled. I don’t think I am doing any injustice to my fans by not being accessible socially. While there is nothing right or wrong, to me, being an actor or a singer doesn’t mean that I have to be everywhere. What makes it so compelling that one has to be social to the extent of feeling uncomfortable to continue being an actor? I don’t see the correlation at all. And honestly, I am sick of seeing some of the actors — as they are coming out of my nose and ears. Every day and night, they are everywhere, displaying themselves to the world. I admire the stamina, and I respect it. It’s so much display for public consumption, but I can’t do it and I salute people who can. It takes talent to keep yourself on display continuously. I understand where your question comes from, but I can’t wrap my head around it. If at all there are notional or actual disadvantages of being the way I am, I’ll happily go with them.

In recent years, your brother Rahul and you have lost your parents, has that changed your relationship in any way?
My relationship with my brother was independent of my parents. In that sense, it hasn’t changed. But the immediate family for an individual is parents and siblings, and once that starts getting smaller, you hold to what is left even more.

In 22 years, you have just 44 films to your credit, of which five have not released, which makes it less than two releases a year. Some of your peers have thrice the number of releases to their credit. Why have you been so excessively selective?
Nothing wrong with it, no? It irritates me when actors blame things on other people or circumstances. Be brave enough to take the onus for what you do and learn to take the bad with the good. This, what you see, is my doing, entirely. If someone feels that I have not done enough, I would take that positively because it essentially means that people have not seen enough of me. Which also means they’re not shouting, ‘Enough of this guy!’ The work that has come my way has given me a lot of space to display my skills as an actor.

Section 375 revolves around a rape case being heard in court. You are playing a lawyer who defends an individual, who, the society strongly feels, doesn’t deserve the defence. That is not an easy role to step into, and the premise of the film itself can lend itself to controversies?
I wouldn’t call this film controversial. The debate on whether the law is skewed in favour of a particular sex, could be the controversial part of the narrative at hand. If a section of society, big or small, feels a certain way, then it’s an interesting topic for a film, and it has the potential to strike a conversation. I looked at this film as something that could spark a conversation or debate and something that can lead to a positive outcome, not as something that can be seen as biased, unfair and titillation. It’s not that sort of a film. It doesn’t take sides. The writer and director, right till the end of the film, have not taken sides. The film depicts certain facts and circumstances and leaves you to make up your mind. Being able to stay on the fence is the USP of the film’s writing. I also liked the characterisation, dialogues and how the film not only shows what is happening in the particular case, but it gives a glimpse of what we call behind-the-scenes life in the legal system.

Did you ever feel conflicted about playing criminal lawyer Tarun Saluja in this film? Have you ever been at conflict with any role that you have played in the past?
No, I have never had an issue with any character or its moralities, in any of my films. It’s possible that an actor could feel uncomfortable with the morality of his character. Having said that, what is morally correct is so fluid, it changes with time. I mean look at Kabir Singh. It’s a flawed character. Traditionally, a lead character would not be expected to show such behaviour, but people accepted the film. Maybe my character is not going that far, but people can have an issue with his morality. People have issues with some of the biggest lawyers representing criminals in our country. Some of the biggest lawyers in the world have represented people who were alleged criminals. Sometimes, people in society decide someone is a criminal even if it is yet to be proven. That’s not how the law works. Even Ajmal Kasab got a fair trial, although one would have felt he didn’t deserve it. That is how civil society works.

While the law does not allow one to name a rape victim or a complainant, but nothing stops anyone from naming an accused. The trailer of Section 375 makes a statement about how an accused, whether found guilty or not, leads a tainted life. Many activists have been speaking out and raising awareness about the need to be fair to both the parties involved (until one is proven guilty). Your thoughts...
The laws pertaining to rape were amended after the Nirbhaya Case. The burden of proof in any other criminal case is on the person who is prosecuting, but not in a rape case. A man has to prove that he didn’t do it. Now, there are many people who feel against this. It’s an ongoing debate in legal circles. These are debates that will go on as the society evolves, and as a collective consciousness, we have to decide the direction in which we need the change. Right and wrong are difficult things to assess as one size doesn’t fit all. I think this is a tough phase for those in the legal system today. In a civil society, even if a man is not proven guilty, he faces public trial and his family suffers, too.

Section 375 was dragged to court in Pune over allegedly misrepresenting lawyers and court proceedings.
I’d rather let the lawyers on both sides discuss this. But I very strongly feel that if this person is so offended with the trailer and its content, he must go to court but if his claims are even slightly frivolous, he must not waste its time. There are thousands of cases awaiting trials; the courts are backlogged. Why should someone waste the court’s time on a film’s trailer? Whether one feels I’ve done a great job or not, is it fair to waste the court’s time? That’s the bigger question here.

Akshaye with his mother at father Vinod Khanna’s funeral in 2017

MUMBAI MIRROR (December 17, 2018)

Late Bollywood actor Vinod Khanna’s first wife Geetanjali died at the family’s farmhouse in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, police said on Sunday. She was 70.

Geetanjali and her actor son Akshaye Khanna (pictured above) were visiting the farmhouse located at Mandva over the weekend. She complained of uneasiness at the farmhouse on Saturday evening following which she was taken to a hospital in Chondi village, Mandva police station in-charge, assistant police inspector Meghna Burande said.

After treatment at the hospital, Geetanjali and Akshaye returned to the farmhouse where the actor took her to the bedroom and asked her to take rest, she said.

Akshaye later went out of the farmhouse for some time. When he returned, he enquired with a care-taker about his mother and then went to her bedroom where he found her unconscious, the official said. He then called the doctors again at the local hospital and also his actor-brother Rahul Khanna (right) in Mumbai. On doctor’s advice, he took his mother to the Alibaug-based civil hospital where she was declared dead, Burande said.

After the postmortem at the civil hospital on Sunday morning, the body was handed over to the family, she said. “It appeared to be a natural death, but doctors have preserved the viscera to ascertain the exact cause of demise,” the official said.

“We recorded Rahul Khanna’s statement and have not found anything suspicious,” she said, adding that the last rites of the deceased were performed by the family members at Alibaug on Sunday afternoon.

This duo has followers hooked on the social media with their unfiltered conversations and quirky humour
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 20, 2018)

Those who follow Sikandar Kher and Rahul Khanna on Instagram are privy to their unfiltered conversations which often raise chuckles. The banter brings out the actors’ quirky sense of humour that has gone untapped on screen. It also showcases a bond not many outside of the duo’s friends circle are aware of.

Sikander when contacted guffawed in acknowledgement, “Yes, I’m always passing some comment or the other on Rahul’s posts.” He however surprised by admitting that though they both belong to film families — Rahul is Vinod Khanna’s son and Sikander Kirron and Anupam Kher’s — they weren’t chaddi-buddies. “I’m much younger than that generation so I wouldn’t say we are bumchums. We were part of the same circle and knew each other but we really connected during Games Night some time ago and now catch up regularly, hanging out together with industry friends and playing a general knowledge game called Articulate. It’s competitive and great fun,” he exults.

The actor loves his new buddie’s sharp wit and gives Rahul credit for taking his comments sportingly instead of misunderstanding or misinterpreting things and getting offended. “It’s all fun for us, we don’t bother about who’s reading the comments. If anybody chances on them and find them entertaining, super!” Sikandar shrugs nonchalantly, saying these posts and chats have encouraged him to try his hand at stand-up comedy. “I put up some fun videos during the just concluded FIFA World Cup and many seemed to enjoy them going by their encouraging comments.”

On the work front, the 36-year-old actor has wrapped up his portions in Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Milan Talkies and is currently shooting for RAW - Romeo Akbar Walter, which features John Abraham and Jackie Shroff in the lead roles. “I head back to Gujarat in a day. I’m looking forward to more work so the audience can see different sides of me, like these chats with Rahul have brought my sense of humour to light,” he signs off with a laugh.

Lasyapriya Sundaram (BOMBAY TIMES; April 24, 2018)

The 65th National Awards will be held in New Delhi on May 3. Late actor Vinod Khanna has been honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award which has been won by other stalwarts in acting like Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor, Ashok Kumar Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Shashi Kapoor and Manoj Kumar in the past. The actor was undoubtedly one of Bollywood’s most dashing poster boys in the 1970s. After making a mark in Hindi cinema with villainous roles, he smoothly transitioned into playing the leading man. Last year, Vinod Khanna breathed his last at the age of

70. BT reached out to his eldest son, actor Rahul Khanna and got him talking about his relationship with his father, his favourite films and much more…

What are your first thoughts on Vinod Khanna being posthumously awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke award?
It’s a proud moment, naturally! Apart from being an actor, at his core he was the most avid film fan and, up until his last days, his favourite pastime was watching movies. So, being given this honour would have really meant a lot to him. If he had been around to receive this award, he would have been ecstatic.

Who is likely to go and collect the award on his behalf at the ceremony that will be held on May 3? Would you be keen on receiving the award along with your brother, actor Akshaye Khanna?
I’m not sure about that at this point.

During your growing-up years, were you aware that your father was such a huge star? Or did the realisation happen much later?
My parents split up when we were very young, so we didn’t actually grow up with dad around. However, I occasionally visited him on his film sets and I did have a reasonable notion that he was a big star. When you’re a kid, you don’t know any different and you just accept that as your reality. Some dads went to the office, some flew planes and our dad just happened to make movies.

His good looks are always spoken about and reams have been written about it. Give us an insight into the kind of person he was...
Dad had a larger-than-life persona, but he was unusually down to earth and always approachable to his fans and his constituents in Gurdaspur. As far as possible, he loved driving himself and was well known for stopping his car to give a ride to old ladies.

What are some of the things you enjoyed doing with your father. You once posted a picture of you teaching him how to navigate Twitter...
(Laughs!) Yes, he decided to give social media a try and got onto Twitter. When he started out on social media, he asked me for a few tips, but I think he was more of a people’s person and preferred connecting with his fans and constituents face-to-face. For him, that connect was more real.

Did you watch most of your dad’s films? Any favourites?
I love Qurbani (1980) and Dayavan (1988), but, Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) is my all-time favourite by a mile.

Your dad was a spiritually inclined person. Did you get to know that part of his persona?
That was a highly personal aspect of his life and I don’t think I necessarily knew too much about it.

Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar, Hrithik Roshan and Sonakshi Sinha were among those who bid the actor goodbye on Wednesday
Meena Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 4, 2017)

"In my religion, death is not to be feared.’’ Osho’s voice played in the background as mourners filed into Nehru Centre, Worli, on Wednesday evening for Vinod Khanna’s prayer meet. The 70-year-old actor, politician and longtime Rajneesh devotee lost a prolonged battle with cancer on April 27.

“Death is celebrated because there is no death,’’ the godman’s voice continued, as snapshots from the late actor’s albums chronicled his two marriages, the birth of his children – Rahul and Akshaye with first wife Geetanjali Taleyarkhan, and Sakshi and Shraddha with second wife Kavita Daftary – his political journey and his social life, painting a picture of a man who was a Greek God on desi shores.

Disciples of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar sang bhajans, as the family quietly took a seat in front of the stage. Earlier, Kavita had received visitors with her head bowed and hands folded. Rahul and Akshaye had been unable to stop the tears from flowing. Earlier in the day, Rahul had shared a picture of himself as a baby in the arms of his father as he planted a gentle kiss on his tiny forehead. It was a moment lost or perhaps captured forever.

Vinod Khanna’s film family was there too—Sridevi, his beloved Chandni, his biwi from Insaan, Reena Roy, his better half from Dayavan, Madhuri Dixit, his long-lost brother from Amar Akbar Anthony, Amitabh Bachchan, and his Dabangg daughter-in-law, Sonakshi Sinha. Also present were the Khans, Shah Rukh and Aamir Khan who came with wife Kiran Rao, Hrithik Roshan with parents Pinky and Rakesh, Farhan Akhtar with sister Zoya and business partner Ritesh Sidhwani. Shakti Kapoor was accompanied by wife Shivangi and Chunky Pandey came with mother Snehlata. Suresh Oberoi, Rajeev Kapoor, Adi Godrej were other faces spotted in a sea of dignitaries queuing up to offer their condolences.

One left the Prayer Meet with images of VK meditating at the Osho Ashram in Oregon. Perhaps he’s at peace today…

MUMBAI MIRROR (April 28, 2017)

Randhir Kapoor is first to arrive at Worli crematorium where late actor Vinod Khanna's body was expected at 5:30pm.

After paying his condolences, he meets the late actor’s sons, Rahul and Sakshi, before sitting in the lawn under a peepal tree.

He looks pensive as a pandit starts performing the last rites. His brother, Rishi Kapoor, joins him, as do filmmaker Ramesh Sippy and actress Dia Mirza.

Akshaye Khanna arrives around 5:45pm and joins his brothers inside.

A posse of 100 cops has been manning the entrance since 3pm, confused about whom to allow in and whom to barricade as the crowd swells.

Fans, some dressed like the late actor, try to push their way in. They are stopped from entering so they start playing his songs near the gate.

Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan enter and a large group follows them in. The pyre is lit by the veteran actor’s youngest son, Sakshi, at 6:20pm.

Within 10 minutes the teary-eyed Bachchans and Kapoors leave together.

They are followed by Gulzar, Jackie Shroff, Randeep Hooda, Arjun Rampal, Danny Denzongpa, Kabir Bedi, Ajit and Puneet Issar.

At 7:00pm, Vinod Khanna's first wife, Gitanjali, leaves with sons Rahul and Akshaye.

The pyre burns and the chants continue. Sakshi remains by mother Kavita's side, along with uncle Pramod Khanna and cousin Akhil Kapoor.

MUMBAI MIRROR (April 5, 2017)

While several reports about veteran actor-politician Vinod Khanna’s recent hospitalisation claimed that he was rushed to a Girgaum hospital on Sunday, his actor-son Rahul Khanna has told Mirror, “Dad was hospitalised on Friday for severe dehydration. The situation was quickly brought under control, he’s doing much better and the doctors are looking to discharge him soon. Our family is most grateful for the extraordinary care he’s been receiving at the hospital and we are touched by all the good wishes pouring in.”

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; March 23, 2017)

It wouldn’t be wrong to call Rahul Khanna one of the fittest bachelors in town. At 44, he looks half his age, regularly works out, and is always impeccably turned out and is flawlessly groomed. Here he talks about fitness and why women should be equally fit. Excerpts...

I get bored easily
“For me, consistency is the key. I try and do an intense workout consisting of weight-lifting, functional exercises and cardio at least three to five times a week. I support this with an eating plan that consists of whole, unprocessed foods and a daily meditation practice. I get bored easily, so no two workouts are ever the same. I don’t divide workouts by body parts. Rather, I use a holistic approach and constantly vary my routines every day. It baffles me when I see people who don’t want to sweat during a workout. I dislike the concept of exercising in cold air-conditioning. My muscles need to be warm in order to use their full potential and toxins need to be sweated out. I find the most productive workouts are in slightly warm, yet ventilated environments.”

Sustaining fitness
“Fitness is about feeling good and being healthy and pushing yourself to become stronger. Choose a routine or sport that is always challenging and something you look forward to, otherwise you won’t be able to sustain it.”

Fitness: Necessity or love?
It is both. The way being fit makes one feel is addictive. And when you feel good, you look good. It’s a pleasant side-effect.

Outdoor activities?
I work out in the gym, but I also love outdoor activities like hiking and swimming.

No marathon yet!
No, unfortunately I haven’t run a marathon. But someday I hope to get a chance to.

3 principles of fitness
Discipline—I’m ruthlessly devoted to my fitness routine and try to make it a non-negotiable part of my week.

Education—I keep asking questions, researching and experimenting with different routines.

Fun —I have a short attention span so I always do things which are not just challenging, but also engaging and enjoyable. Looking forward to my workouts is the only way I’m able to stick to them.

Same as men
Women should also be very fit. And for all the same reasons it’s important for men to be fit!

On DNA iCan marathon:
I love the concept of a marathon because it’s more about competing with yourself rather than competing with the people running with you. It’s so much about mind over matter and, if you can conquer that voice in your head saying, “You can’t do it. Give up”— then who knows what else you can achieve!

The Internet's latest boyfriend Rahul Khanna talks style and television ahead of his new show, a three part travelogue on Scotland's whiskey trail
Kasmin Fernandes (MID-DAY; August 11, 2016)

Rahul Khanna calls himself a boutique Bollywood actor on his humorous blog, but the 44-year-old is far from that. Such is the shy crossover actor’s charm that he has become the thinking Indian woman’s sophisticated pin- up — he is the son of India’s first sex symbol, Vinod Khanna, after all. The face of MTV India in the 1990s, he plays Yousaf Rana, an Oxford-educated Pakistani intelligence officer in the multiple Emmy Award-nominee, The Americans. He is currently shooting for the show’s fifth season and is set to be seen in The Mavericks, a three-part travelogue on Scotland’s whiskey trail. hitlist gets up, close and personal with Rahul…

How has life changed after The Americans?
These days, the scale, quality and reach of international TV is on par with, or has, perhaps, surpassed feature films. Everyone is discussing what shows they are binge-watching. So, it was a dream come true to get an opportunity to work on what is widely regarded as one of the best shows on American television. The writing, production and performances are on such a high level, working on it was a joy and an education, no less.

What can we expect from your character going forward?
Since The Americans is an espionage show, the producers and writers are incredibly secretive. The good news is that my character, Yousaf, is still alive, but in terms of when — or, in fact, if — he will be back, your guess is as good as mine.

You were a poster boy for the MTV generation in the ’90s. Now, you are being labelled as the Internet’s latest boyfriend.
That’s quite a lofty title to bear. From my first job, being the face of MTV Asia, to The Americans, I have been really lucky with the projects that have come my way. But more than that, I have been blessed with the kind of fans I have. Right from the beginning, they have been supportive and encouraging of everything I do, be it on screen or online.

When and how did your love affair with suits begin?
I have worked with some of the best stylists, both internationally and in India, and I credit them with inculcating and developing a sense of style in me and exposing me to so much in the sartorial world. I see style as an art form, and designers and stylists as artists. It's putting forward a creative point of view. I'd really love to start a men's clothing line some day.

What do you do when you aren't working?
I love reading, listening to music, travelling and meeting friends for great meals and board games. Apart from working out in the gym, I also love the outdoors, so I take every opportunity to go hiking or swimming.

You've been missing from the Bollywood scene.
After 'Love Aaj Kal', I did 'Wake Up Sid' [both in 2009], then 'Fireflies' (2014) and also had an arc in 24's Indian version, not to mention numerous events and appearances. So, I haven't really been missing. I am constantly reading scripts, meeting people and always on the lookout for interesting new projects in India as well as abroad.

Your brother, actor Akshaye Khanna, made his comeback as a baddie with 'Dishoom'. Have you watched it?
I have. I thought it was slick and great fun. Akshaye's performance was smooth and Machiavellian — I loved it.

What are you working on currently?
I just finished filming 'The Mavericks', which airs next month. It's a stylish travel show shot on the whiskey trail in Scotland. I got insider access to the entire distilling process, and also got to taste rare whiskeys, including one from 1958.

Akshaye Khanna attributes his four-year hiatus to 'personal issues', dismisses rumours of an impending wedding, an addiction, and production plans; returns as an 'entertaining' baddie who people won't hate
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 22, 2016)

Akshaye Khanna has never played by the rules. Ever since his acting debut with Himalay Putra 19 years ago, he has been breaking them consistently, refusing resolutely to stay faithful to the stereotypical Bollywood lover boy or action hero. Instead, he tugged at your heartstrings with a portrayal of a young soldier afraid to kill in Border and a fresh-out-of college artist in love with an older woman in Dil Chahta Hai, surprised with bad boy roles in Humraaz and Race, tickled the funny bone in Hungama and Hulchul and made you cry as the conflicted Hiralal in Gandhi, My Father. Then, after playing a film star with an Oscar in his eyes in Farah Khan's Tees Maar Khan, AK disappeared, and not just from the screen. Yes, there was a Gali Gali Meil Shor Hai in 2012 but it didn't create 'shor' of any kind.

He's back now and still lays down his own rules. No telephonic interviews to promote his upcoming film, Dishoom. He will drive down to Boney Kapoor's office in suburban Mumbai for a face-to-face, at his own time, and if it rains or there's traffic, well, those who want to meet him can wait. But it's worth the wait because Akshaye is as suave as ever and more voluble than he's ever been. Admitting that journalists today are a surprise — less aggressive and inquisitive, more polite and accepting—he attributes the four-year haitus to "personal issues which did not allow him to work". And admits that it was a difficult time for someone who's been working since he was 19.

"I felt suffocated, creatively stifled, as acting is the only thing I know. I don't have any other hobbies or talents like a Farhan Akhtar who is a fantastic writer, director, singer and now, I was told by his business partner, Ritesh (Sidhwani), recently that he is also writing lyrics and composing music, besides acting of course! He's blessed but not everyone can be a Salman Rushdie and a Steven Spielberg at the same time. There's nothing else I want to do in my life at the moment besides acting," he asserts.

He shrugs off rumours about him getting into direction or production, acknowledging that many actors feel the creative urge to do so because the ultimate control rests with the director and as a producer too one gets to wield a huge influence on the film. "But I don't feel that urge in me yet. I'm back to act. Once I was in front of the camera I felt like I was able to breathe again, there was a sense of belonging," he admits, sitting crossed-legged on the chair.

However, once he was ready to get back, it took him a while to zero in on the right project because he was worried he might have got a little rusty in the interim. And so he decided that the first couple of films should not rest on his shoulders alone. In Rohit Dhawan's action-thriller Dishoom which revolves around an abducted cricketer and two cops giving chase, he plays the antagonist and points out that while it is a significant role, it demanded only 25 days from him. "I've played the villain before, but my baddies have always entertained. The audience enjoyed these badmash guys rather than hating them. It's the same this time too. I wanted to test the waters before taking on bigger roles. I had to earn my stripes again, after being away for four years. I had to start from scratch like any newcomer," he avers.

Akshaye adds that today's newcomers, whether it's Arjun Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Tiger Shroff, Ranveer Singh or Ranbir Kapoor, were all prepped up and polished in their first film itself. "In our time the audience allowed us to learn on the job, but these actors came for the job after having gone to the right schools and classes. They know how to handle the press and connect with the audience. They are amazing! My PR skills are zero, may even go into the negative," he sighs.

The actor who is 41, is looking as fit as he did four years ago, maybe more so. He agrees that it's a welcome change to see everyone from 17 to 70 so fitness-conscious today. "For me exercising has always been an important part of my life. I go to the club because I need to sweat. If I don't, I'd go into a depression," he says.

But while he is compulsive about fitness he is not obesssive about his diet like brother Rahul Khanna for whom anything he puts in his mouth is carefully thought out. "A year or so ago, Rahul decided to cut out sugar from his life and suddenly the guy who was so fond of cakes and chocolates won't take even a pinch of sugar," he marvels. Akshaye himself is thinking about dinner while having lunch. "I won't compromise on food."

However, he admits that he dearly wants to kick the butt even as he lights up a cigarette. Smoking is a habit he picked up in boarding school when he'd sneak out of the campus once a week to buy a Gold Flake from the kirana shop because it was 'cool'. "I've tried to quit once and failed, but I will some day, I want to badly. One can understand other types of nasha like drugs but smoking does nothing for you. It's plain stupid," he exclaims, stubbing out his own cigarette and waving the smoke out of the door.

At the risk of sounding like a nottoo-positive journo one points out that his disappearing act has fuelled all kinds of speculations, from talk about dad Vinod Khanna's illness and his own alcoholism, to buzz about an impending wedding. "Whether they are factual or malicious, these rumours are natural because in India we are not used to actors disappearing on us suddenly. I don't want to dwell on the four years except to say that there were personal issues that did not allow me to work. Yes, dad wasn't well, but he is better now. The alcohol rumours are nonsense. I don't gossip but I understand that when you are not around to clarify things, there is some loose talk," he says without heat.

So, is there any truth to the shaadi rumours, you prod, pointing out that our society is obsessed with marriage. He smiles, "No, I'm not getting married, I don't plan to. I'm not cut out for it. My 'aloneness' is extremely valuable to me. I know I'm an oddball given that today 90 per cent of all human beings are extremely social, and I, for one, am a part of a profession which is not perceived to be for introverts, but I enjoy my personal space," he avers.

However, he promises that he's not going to disappear again anytime soon, and has almost completed Boney Kapoor's next production, tentatively titled Mom, with Sridevi and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. "It's a gem of a script. And Sridevi is a gem of a person," he beams, saying he'd like to collaborate with Dil Chahta Hai actor-director Farhan Akhtar again, but with Farhan as the writer-director.

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 7, 2016)

JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ, SIDHARTH MALHOTRA: Soaking the Miami sun

After kicking off the first schedule of the second Bang Bang film, directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, in South Mumbai last month, Sidharth Malhotra took off to Miami, last week and was followed by his leading lady, Jacqueline Fernandez. "I am super excited about going to Miami. I want to go to the tattoo lady who appears on the popular TV show called Miami Ink but I don't know what to get yet," says the 30-year-old actress who also wants to go rollerblading and skate boarding on the South beach. "I intend to indulge in a lot of water sports on and off screen with Sid. It will be fun to figure out what else to explore in Miami long the way," she adds. While Jackie has big plans for her extended stay in the sunny city, her 29-year-old-co-star is determined to keep his fitness regime on track by religiously working out and playing basketball.


PARINEETI CHOPRA: It's a queen-sized life

After wrapping up the Kolkata schedule of her next with Ayushmann Khurrana, Parineeti Chopra took off to London with friends, last Friday, for a three-day break. The 27-year-old actress who returned to the bay last night will resume shooting for the film in Mumbai on June 8. In the Queen's City, she enjoyed a spot of shopping with girlfriends, Namrata, Anchal Khosla and celebrity stylist Sanjana Batra. "London with these girls. The shopping bags say the rest! Hapinessssss," Pari posted with a picture on the social media.

She also went out for high-tea with her gal pals at Claridge's. "Pretending to be proper. Failing, of course. #BritishWannabes," she remarked.


SUNNY LEONE: 'Family detox' time

Before she starts shooting for the next season of the youthbased reality show she hosts, Sunny Leone, along with hubby Daniel Weber, has managed to squeeze in some time for a 'family detox' in Rome.

"Daniel had planned the holiday well in advance and the couple left for the vacay last week. Daniel's parents who live in New York have joined them. The couple return to the bay by mid-June," informs a source close to the actress.

The family has been exploring places like the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican museums. Sunny caught her first opera show and visited Capri on a private yacht. "Sorrento and Sicily also figure on their travel destinations. Europe is one of their most favourite holiday destinations," the source adds.

Apart from the reality show, Sunny will also kick off shooting for her next, titled Tera Intezaar, co-starring Arbaaz Khan, after her return.


RAHUL KHANNA: Raising a toast to the Scots

When he's not making his fans giggle with innuendo-laden puns on social media, Rahul sets temperatures soaring with shirtless pictures from scenic locales and beach-bumming with his pets. More recently, he teased his followers with a glimpse into his Scotland getaway which is, in his own words, punctuated by "whiskey trails and Scottish tales".

The actor spent two days in Dufftown, hometown to the legendary single malt whiskey, Glennfiddich which included a trip through the distillery, sipping on cucumber and rose-flavoured gin, and meeting maverick whisky-makers by the banks of River Fiddich. Matching his suit with the skyline, Rahul also met up with chef Addy Daggart and sampled his whisky-infused creations apart from digging into some local delicacies before he went on to raise a toast to the land of the Scots. "It's been special. Here's a big shout out to Jim and Scott from the Dufftown service for their incredible, delicious limousine vans. What a treat to meet and get a personal tour from the Wonka-esque, Lesley Gracie, Master Distiller and the creator of gin!"

R MADHAVAN: A Himalayan retreat

R Madhavan took off to Ananda Spa, in the Himalayas, with wife Sarita Birje to ring in their 17th wedding anniversary on Sunday night.

"Sarita had planned the trip and took Madhavan along directly from the Chennai airport on his return from Colombo where he had gone to deliver a speech. They will spend three days at the spa," reveals a source close to the actor, adding that the couple will also undergo a digital detox of sorts by staying away from their smartphones.

Virat Kohli opted out of a fashion gala to spend time with girlfriend Anushka while the Bollywood brigade lamented the absence of leading ladies at the do.
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 4, 2016)

Virat Kohli who was to attend a fashion gala, 'GQ Best Dressed Men 2016', at a SoBo fivestar on Thursday gave the do a miss for a farewell dinner with ladylove Anushka Sharma.

While shutterbugs waited for his arrival on the red carpet, the cricketer was snapped at the airport bear-hugging and planting a kiss on Anushka as she left for Budapest to film a song with Salman Khan for their upcoming wrestling drama. Sallu's girlfriend, Iulia Vantur accompanied him to Hungary too and the couple are set to make a detour to meet Iulia's folks. But let's leave that for another time...

Back at the bash, Virat's change of plans sent the organisers scrambling for Shahid Kapoor who arrived five hours late. Imran Khan, Abhay Deol and Dino Morea were the early birds. Ayushmann Khurrana who stood out in a green three-piece suit, posing with John Abraham who appeared to be in his element, thanks to a pre-party sushibinge. Inside, Sanam Teri Kasam actors Harshvardhan Rane and Pakistani starlet Mawra Hocane, who arrived and left together, stayed close. Rahul Khanna was his charming best, working a Dior suit as he mingled with guests.

Single-and-ready-to-mingle boys Arjun Kapoor and Saqib Saleem scanned the crowd for PYTs with the former, entertaining onlookers with a brief Gunday jig on the red carpet.

"There was a live band, with plenty of scope for dirty dancing too but the Bollywood brigade was on its best behaviour, since there were more men than women at the do. They went back to their respective homes in their own cars," laughs a guest at the party.

As Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards 2016 rolled out, filmi folk revealed their favourite getaways
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 11, 2016)


Sidharth Malhotra was mobbed as he sauntered into a Lower Parel five-star hotel for the Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards 2016. When asked who he'd take along on an exotic vacation so he wasn't "lonely", the 31-year-old actor quipped, "All of my travels are romantic because I love to travel alone. If I had to take a Bollywood actress along, I'd take all my co-stars, why leave anyone behind?" Later, he shook a leg to "Kar Gayi Chull" from his last release, Kapoor And Sons.

Sayani Gupta and Claudia Ciesla playfully competed to hold John Abraham's biceps for as long as they could. At the end of the dare, an excited Sayani asked, "Mujhe bhi protein shake milega kya?" and left bulky John blushing. When he was mobbed later, the 43-year-old hunk requested his male fans to stand back, saying, "Ladies first, please!" The gentleman got our thumbs up!

Hunterrr actor Gulshan Devaiah has never really been on the hunt. He introduced his "gorgeous firang" wife, Kalliroi Tziafeta. That said, not everyone arrived with a funnybone. Sooraj Pancholi dashed in and out in a bid to avoid any questions on his court case.

Daisy Shah wished Salman Khan and his girlfriend Iulia Vantur "a happy life", dimissing rumours of a spat between the Romanian model and her over Sallu. When asked if the 50-year-old bachelor and his 35-year-old ladylove would tie the knot soon, the Jai Ho actress simply flashed a wide smile and walked off.


Amy Jackson
I can never get over Spain and Italy... Their sights, pubs and the vintage feel of old cities. I'm happily single so I love travelling with my girl gang. From Bollywood, I'd love to take my new favourite co-star Nawazuddin Siddiqui with me through Europe.

Mandana Karimi
I love Maldives - The beach, sun, getting a tan and the seafood. After the Bigg Boss madness, I took off on a holiday to the island. The water is sparkling clear and snorkelling was the high point of the trip.


Rahul Khanna
I recently went on a trip to Vietnam for a photo shoot. Just getting to my hotel in Nha Trang involved three flights, two car rides and a long boat ride. The team brought out the mermaid in me, making me ride the high tide in a Louis Vuitton. It was insane! I have great memories of my Malibu vacation too. I love the beaches.


Sidharth Malhotra
My father was in the Merchant Navy so I've travelled a lot. I find New Zealand fascinating for its culture. I love seafood, fresh oysters are a fave. The most bizarre dish I've tasted is fried rattlesnakes. Next on my bucket list is Bora Bora, in the South of France.


Athiya Shetty
London has been a fave destination for my mom and me since I was a child. As I grew older, the city has grown with me and become a lot more fascinating. I have great memories of going to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, sitting at a coffee shop at St Christopher's and shopping at Selfridges. I still look forward to visiting the Queen City's every year.

Gulshan Devaiah
Since my wife is Greek, the country has some wonderful memories for us. I've visited Greece several times in the past six years. Life doesn't get better than being at the Acropolis and spending the day walking through Athens.