Now, before your imagination goes wild, let us tell you what we are talking. This happened at the TOIFA (Times Of India Film Awards) 2016, the grandest Bollywoood show that Dubai has ever witnessed with stellar acts from the biggest stars in the industry. So while, the audience was super excited watching SRK dancing to Lungi dance, he had two bigs fans in the audience who we couldn't take our eyes off - Varun Dhawan and Ranveer Singh. They boys jumped on top on the couch in the front row and started matching steps with the King Khan. Need we say what followed? Hysteria! TOIFA will be telecast on Sony TV on Sunday, April 17, 2016.

While the Pyaar Ka Punchnama boys Kartik Aaryan, Omkar Kapoor and Sunny Singh went on a shopping spree during TOIFA 2016, their co-stars from the film, Sonnalli Seygall and Nushrat Bharucha indulged themselves by digging into decadent desserts. Sonnalli reminsces, “Why should boys have all the fun? They can't beat us at what we did. We girls were in our gowns, hogging cheesecakes in the hotel lobby when the car was outside to pick us up. We finished it at lightning speed and made a dash for the awards show.“ She sheepishly admits that next day, she took a guilt trip to the mall and bought new fitness clothes. Well, after all that indulgence it doesn't quite fit in, right? Ask her if she regrets gorging on the sinful delights and pat comes her reply, “I wouldn't give up on cheesecake in a million years!“

That Ranveer Singh is a cannon ball of energy is known to all. But for his recent astounding performance at The Times of India Film Awards 2016 (TOIFA) in Dubai, the actor had packed in more than the usual quota of his superb spirit that is often the envy of most.And he had to pull all stops for this performance. After all, his act was an ode to none other than his screen idol and superstar Amitabh Bachchan.

Apparently, when the actor heard that Mr Bachchan was being honoured with The Living Legend Award, he promptly decided that his act would be dedicated to the superstar. And of course, the biggest high was that he would be performing live with AB in the audience. So, he personally chose the songs and discussed each detail of the act with Shiamak Davar instead of just rehearsing the steps designed by the choreographer.

From making a grand entry on an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) in true Muqaddar ka sikandar style to swinging hips to Jumma chumma de de and Kajra re, even Big B was in splits watching Ranveer imitate his signature moves. “The toughest part was choosing the songs. All of them are my favourites and they are unforgettable numbers,“ says Ranveer. It was a continuous high-on-energy 15-minute act, which is rare for such performances in Bollywood.

TOIFA will be telecast on Sony TV on Sunday, April 17, 2016.

The Times of India Film Awards 2016 (TOIFA), which was held at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai Sports City on Friday night, witnessed a bevy of Bollywood beauties and dapper men gracing the event. Of course, there was a lot of glam and bling, and it all started from the 'gold' carpet on the first day of the award show. Instead of the customary red carpet, TOIFA rolled out a gold carpet for celebrities to walk, dazzle and shine. Pan Bahar Pan Masala presents TOIFA 2016 in partnership with Gulf Air, Uttar Pradesh and in association with Sanjay Ghodawat Group, Pacific Ventures and Capital Group was a glitzy two-day affair. Hosts regaled, stars enthralled and performers pumped up the adrenaline with their power-packed acts. On the first evening, the night of the technical awards, it was encouraging to see Hindi cinema's biggest stars turn up to honour the stock of talent that works behind the scenes to create memorable films. The finale followed the same vein with its heart-warming tributes and stirring speeches.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who has been nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category for Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Best Actor in a Negative role for Badlapur at the Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) 2016, speaks on stardom, cinema and much more.

How does it feel to have bagged two TOIFA nominations in different categories this year?
I am thrilled. It is good to know that your work is being appreciated. Both the films have been special for me. I remember people telling me after watching Badlapur that they didn't expect me in such an avatar. That was a great compliment as it's good to surprise people. Bajrangi Bhaijaan was equally special as it had a beautiful message.

How important is winning for you?
It's good to be appreciated but if I don't win, I don't get depressed. Appreciation shouldn't make you complacent or kill your hunger to achieve more. This is what happens to most people from the National School of Drama. Mehnat karna chod dete hai. (They stop working hard). Awards should inspire you to not give up. I am discovering myself with every film as I believe my best is yet to come.

You've become a prominent face of Indian cinema today. Has stardom changed things?
I feel stardom can corrupt your mind as an actor. I don't think about the fame at all as it can affect your performance. There is a certain spontaneity or instinct that I bring into my characters for which it's important to stay raw.

Why do you say that stardom can corrupt your mind as an actor?
Once you believe you are a star, you feel that no matter what you do, people are going to like you and that's scary. But that's a mistake.

You've come up the hard way. Any lessons learnt?
Never imitate someone or try to fit in. Jo aapki khaasiyat hoti hai, usko khona nahi chahiye. (Just retain your uniqueness). Don't follow trends, just focus on your craft and keep things simple.

2015 was a good year for you. Do you think Bollywood has evolved and that better films are being made?
Yes, all kinds of films are being made and there is room for everyone. It is not as restricted or stereotypical anymore.

You hate to label characters as dark and white, right?
I am often asked why I play 'dark' characters. I have never understood why people label it as dark, grey, white, black. That is one thing that irks me. Characters are characters.

Seema Mattoo, Tanvi Trivedi and Purvaja Sawant (BOMBAY TIMES; March 18, 2016)

AANAND L RAI, FILMMAKER

Aanand L Rai, nominated in the Best Director award category for The Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) 2016, for Tanu Weds Manu Returns (TWMR) talks about his convictions while helming a film.

How do you balance story telling and direction?
My state of mind guides me towards storytelling. While keeping my commercial and creative beliefs separate, I maintain an internal balance since I am answerable only to my audience

How do you deal with the expectations?
I am selfish while making films to the extent that I remain faithful to my stories and characters. I want them to have that connect with the audience without any pressures. I don't ever get pressurised. If at all, it is only creative and thus I have no particular expectations from any of my films.

TWMR has won many accolades... how does it feel?
Coming from a middle-class background, being accepted in this industry is a big thing for me. Making films in itself is a pleasure but of course, being part of the award-winning group is a prestigious feeling.


IRSHAD KAMIL, LYRICIST

Nominated in the Best Lyricist category at TOIFA 2016 for Agar Tum Saath Ho (Tamasha), Irshad Kamil on music in Hindi cinema.

How was the song conceived?
I feel appreciated when my hard work gets a nomination. It reaffirms our faith in poetry. Since the film's director Imtiaz Ali is a friend, I was aware of the situation that I had to write. A R Rahman and I had composed three songs for the situation, but we agreed that this was ideal.

Do you feel that the kind of music people listen to has changed over the years?
We are composing better music now. People argue that the songs have a short recall value, but today's generation is exposed to all kinds of music. People recall only the songs from 60s and 70s so they feel that old tracks was better. Even today, despite consumerism, good lyrics survive.

A lot depends on the quality of tracks when the movie is being marketed. How do you work on your songs?
Marketing is not connected with quality. Many times masses like a song that isn't marketed well. Songs and music are a film's soul so we have to work on conveying the film's essence through them.

VARUN GROVER, LYRICIST

Screenplay writer and stand-up comedian Varun Grover, who has been nominated in the Best Lyricist category at TOIFA 2016 for Moh moh ke dhaage (Dum Laga Ke Haisha) talks about his hatke lyrics.

Did you think the song would be so well-received?
This is a moment of realisation, as the song has become way bigger than I could ever imagine. Also, it's great to be nominated alongside one of our greatest writers, Gulzar saab... it's a dream come true.

Your lyrics are often hatke... do you feel the need to write songs that have mass appeal?
Not at all. For me, song writing is very instinctive. I don't want the world to enter my creative space. In fact, whenever I write, I shut the doors, windows and lock myself in a room! I don't think of any thing and anybody.

Does it irk you to see songs with frivolous lines becoming popular?
I think Bollywood needs all kinds of songs. Writers are creating stuff which is suit able to a particular situation in the film. For example, you can't have a Moh moh ke dhaage in Mastizaade or a Chittiyaan kalaiyaan in Dum Laga Ke Haisha!

Does your shuddh Hindi give you an edge over other lyricists?
When it comes to writing songs about India's heartlands, I have an advantage, because I come from Lucknow. So, the words come naturally to me.

The noticeable nuances of his voice, his firm hold over Indian classical music and his modest disposition has propelled Arijit Singh to the top echelon of Bollywood playback singing. The 28-year-old, who has bagged three nominations at The Times Of India Film Awards 2016 (TOIFA) for Chunar (ABCD2), Aayat (Bajirao Mastani) and the title track of Hamari Adhuri Kahani tells BT how each of these songs are different and motivated him to push his boundaries as an artiste. Excerpts from the interview...

How do you perceive each of these tracks?
All the three songs have a melodious and emotional approach. Chunar is close to my heart because it is about Ma. I was not sure how to deliver it and it took me one week to understand how to approach this song, but composer Sachin (of Sachin-Jigar fame) pushed me and one day we cracked it.

Hamari adhuri kahani is one of the toughest songs that I have ever sung. Its melody was strong. I loved the first line - it was an epic tune and I kept playing it on the piano. It took me a lot of time to master it, but we weren't sure after we heard the recording. I even suggested that the makers should rope in a senior singer. However, producer Mukesh Bhatt and director Mohit Suri came and briefed me about it for hours. Finally, it took us two hours to record the track.

The third song Aayat is immensely memorable. When I was practising for Lal ishq (Goliyon Ki Raasleela RamLeela), Sanjay ji (Bhansali) said that he would give me something similar for his next movie. I was waiting for Aayat but I finally got it at a time when I was busy with another number. However, I did a session for five to six hours, edited it and sent it to him. He loved it. And, I would like to thank TOIFA for nominating me for these songs.

Many singers are now composers. Do you see yourself as one too?
I wanted to be a music director and started concentrating on programming. But after meeting Pritamda I realised being a composer is the toughest job in Mumbai and I would never become a composer.

You had done a Bengali video Bojhena shey bojhena. Have you ever given acting a thought?
That was a fluke. I'm bad in front of the camera. However, if someone gave me a small role in a film with two dialogues and one scene, I'd do it. (laughs)

You have been on a winning spree with Piku at various award functions held so far. Is it gratifying when your performance is awarded and rewarded (the film also did well at the box office). Did you imagine that you and the film would get such a stupendous response when you signed the film?
When we do a film, other than what is going to be the manner in which we address the role, its performance and the connect with the story, I doubt very much if any of us search for a stupendous response to a film during the process of signing it. Yes, Piku has been winning many awards, in fact all of them, which is most gratifying. I feel important to be associated with such a product, and to have had the opportunity to have worked with such exceptional talent from Juhi Chaturvedi, its writer to Shoojit (Sircar), its director and my co-artistes.

You will be at TOIFA on March 18. What are your thoughts on being a part of this award show?
This shall be my first association with TOIFA and I do look forward to its presence in Dubai. International award shows conducted in different parts of the world have given great exposure to the world about our films and our artistes. Apart from the merits that it brings for the talent on review, it provides a wonderful opportunity to have an entire industry celebrating its best among people away from home and in a different environment.

Your movie Te3n may possibly clash with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's next release Sarbjit this May. In your opinion, is there room for two such important movies to release on the same date?
I am not aware of this, but even if I were, this is not the first time that two films shall release on the same day.

You recently wrote about a shoulder injury. Has your shoulder healed?
It is on its way to recovery.

We would like to know about your next round of films.
I am presently in Delhi shooting for my new project PINK, under the production banner of Shoojit Sircar. It should end by April end. TE3N is slated to release on May 20. I have a few projects in the pipeline but talking about them now would be without the consent of the makers. But yes, at least four films are on schedule after PINK.

Word is that Abhishek and you will do a film for your home banner. Is there any truth to this?
I hope this is true. I would love to work together with Abhishek again.

Shreya Ghoshal bagged three nominations as the Best Playback Singer (Female) for The Times Of India Film Awards (TOIFA) 2016. She talks to us at length about how much this means to her and more. Excerpts...

Debarati Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; March 15, 2016)

How does it feel to have been nominated for three songs - Deewani mastani, Pinga and Mohe rang do lal - for TOIFA?
This doesn't happen usually. This is also special because all the songs, though from Bajirao Mastani, are from different genres and had different renditions. I have been nominated earlier for four tracks out of five, but that was different. I feel extremely proud to be a part of TOIFA.

So which one of the three is your favourite?
Although Deewani mastani is really huge, I wish Mohe rang do lal wins the award - it is one of my favourite songs. I don't get to sing such tracks at all - this kind of a song is a rarity in new-age cinema. I don't think I will get to sing a number like this any time soon.

Though from the same album, each song is different. Tell us about it...
Each of these three tracks had their own challenges - they required a lot of R&D, knowledge and creativity. Mohe... ran smoothly but during the recording of Deewani Mastani, I was unwell. When you have a bad throat, you are helpless as a singer. But, there was no way we could have deferred the recording because the elaborate set was ready and they needed the song for the shoot to commence. And when Sanjayji (Bhansali) is in the studio, everything just falls into place. There is this energy that charges you up. Something just worked in our favour that day, there was this God-like energy that came in and we completed the song.

You have worked with Sanjay before. How was the experience this time around?
Sanjayji is my mentor and I have a lot of respect and reverence for him. This whole album was composed by him and it belongs to him. He is a director of the movie but people should know that he is also a full-fledged composer.

Last year was a roller coaster ride for Pancholi. He had a Sooraj dream launch that most actors die for. On the other hand, his name was mired in actress Jiah Khan's death case. But Sooraj says he has emerged stronger. Three years after the first charge sheet was filed against him in the impending case, the Bombay High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to return his passport. Much to the actor's delight, his first trip will be to Dubai for The Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) 2016 where he has been nominated in the Best Debut (Male) category. He opens up on his `bad guy' image and why his Hero co-star Athiya Shetty deserves her share of awards too. Excerpts:

You have finally got your passport back...
Yes. After three years. And TOIFA will be my first trip abroad. I am ecstatic and it is the best feeling ever. I am hoping that I win. It will just make my experience even better.

Your 'bad guy' image has lingered far too long. Did you feel worried that it will hamper you professionally?
When I am at work, my focus is completely on my job. I am 100 per cent dedicated towards it. An image or the lack of it has never been my prerogative. Also, once people got to interact with me more, they got to know me better. I have never felt like the bad boy I was made out to be. I was always portrayed like that but that image has changed with time.

Salman Khan launched you at a time when your personal life had hit rock bottom...
I will always be indebted to him for that. Ever award I win is dedicated to Salman Khan. He has always been there for me and I will never let him down. I have worked very hard. I don't think that I have won awards just because of him. The awards are a result of my hard work and bhai's blessings.

Your co-star Athiya Shetty has stood by you through thick and thin.
Athiya and I will always share a special bond. We did our first film together. She is a brilliant co-star. I think she makes me look better on screen. Though there have been many good newcomers this year, I feel Athiya deserved a few awards too.

Bollywood has become far more competitive in the last few years. Does that make you more aggressive?
It is a highly competitive industry. There are millions who want to make it big here and hence competition is inevitable. But for someone like me who is barely a film old, the biggest challenge is to decide wisely what my next movie should be. I have to find a stable ground here and not lose myself in the rat race.

Do you feel the pressing need to sign more films now?
No. I wouldn't take up anything. I would choose a script that gives me goosebumps. Salman bhai wanted to remake the film and that's how it happened. But I am taking my time and weighing the options before signing anything else. I haven't signed any film after Hero.

Manoj Bajpayee, who has been nominated for the Best Actor in a Negative Role category at the Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) 2016 for his stark portrayal of an obsessed politician and lover in Tevar, shares his views on good cinema, box-office numbers and controversies

You have played many negative roles. So, what excited you about Tevar?
I was impressed with director Amit Sharma's belief in my character, Gajendra Singh. He isn't just a negative guy; he is in love with a beautiful woman and will do anything to get her. There were two-three facets of his personality, which were endearing. I am happy that it has earned me a TOIFA nomination. Gajendra reminded me how I was completely mesmerized by my wife Neha when I was dating her and would call her every day.

What is a good film for you - one that earns money at the box-office or one that wins critical acclaim?
Box-office numbers cannot determine the quality of a film. But all of us have fallen in the trap. The number game is the worst thing that has happened to cinema. I believe that a good movie is not classified as a commercial or an art film. It is about good storytelling and the unique way in which it connects with the audience.

Till some years back, there were fewer actors like you, who could essay an unconventional character like Bhiku Mhatre (Satya). But now, there are many artistes like Nawazuddin Siddiqui and others who aren't scared to attempt such roles. Do you feel today it's difficult to get good roles?
Isn't it nice that a talent like Nawaz is blossoming in cinema? This means that with more such actors in the fray, exciting films are being made. And who else can be happier than me? Till a few years ago, I had to sit at home and wait for a good film. In the process, I used up all my savings. It required conviction and patience to do movies that I did. I refused many projects, which offered me a lot of money, because the roles weren't great. Actors like Rajkummar Rao and Vicky Kaushal have options now, so I am happy about the situation.

Nowadays, every other film is embroiled in a controversy as people claim it hurts their sentiments. How do you feel about that?
People have become touchy about everything. Controversies are happening due to political reasons. It is just to attract attention to a particular political party. So, people go and do such theatrics. But the fact is, that is affecting us and the distributors and we don't belong to any party. We are here to make good cinema and we all know how much we have to struggle to do so.

Director Neeraj Ghaywan has been on a winning streak with his debut film Masaan. The 36-year-old, who gave up a corporate job to pursue his passion, has now been nominated in the Best Debut Director category at the Times of India Film Awards 2016 (TOIFA). He had nurtured the movie's idea for more than seven years, even before he entered Bollywood as an assistant director. He attributes its success to writer Varun Grover, who worked with him for two years and fleshed out the idea into a full-fledged screenplay.

The director is happy that his film, which tackles the existential crises faced by human beings, has bagged several awards. He says, “The TOIFA nomination is a healthy sign. It shows how films are being perceived in the current milieu. Even collectively, storylines of movies are improving in our industry. Credence is being given to films that may not be juggernauts, but have a soul.“

There are few actors in Indian cinema who manage to surprise the audience each time with their performance. One of them is Irrfan. With his unconventional looks and candid views, he is a far cry from the typical Bollywood hero. However, the actor has defied norms and made a mark for himself in the Hindi film industry as well as in Hollywood. Rather than basking in the glory, he continues to strive and take up roles that challenge him. Nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category for Piku and Best Actor Critics Choice category for Talvar at The Times of India Film Awards 2016 (TOIFA), he talks to BT about how being an actor is a long, but wonderful journey.

How does it feel to have bagged two TOIFA nominations in different categories this year?
Piku and Talvar have been special to me and I am happy that I have been nominated. I am pleased to be a part of them as they are important for me, the film industry and the audience. These are path-breaking movies. When Piku released, several directors said they wouldn't have attempted it as it doesn't have a story, per se. It broke many conventions. Talvar, too, had various technicalities and was a dialogue-oriented film. There was a doubt, if the audience was ready to receive it or not. But both the movies show how our viewers have evolved over the years.

The roles you take up are not always 'popular' but they are definitely significant.
I am trying to redefine what is popular and what isn't...this is the best time for the Hindi film indus try and it is going to get better in the coming years. This is when we can experiment and satisfy audiences, who are looking for multi-layered entertainment.

You completed a decade in Hollywood this year. Now, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone have forayed into mainstream Hollywood movies. Your thoughts?
I've been saying this for years that American cinema has opened up to India. I am delighted that Priyanka and Deepika are making their mark internationally. Now, I am looking forward to an Indian director going there and telling a story in a universal language.

Were things different before?
I started doing films in Hollywood when Indian actors were cynical about the kind of roles they were offered. They thought they would only get roles of a taxi driver or a terrorist and they weren't entirely wrong. Indians were not given that kind of importance in Hollywood movies, but that has gradually changed.

Over the years, what is the one thing that you have learnt is essential for success?
Being an actor is a long journey. Choose wisely and find your own voice. As an actor, you meet people from various countries with diverse cultures and it gives you a completely different outlook towards life, which is wonderful. If your profession doesn't give you a chance to evolve as a human being then it is a burden or a curse for life. It should be able to engage you intellectually. I think if your work doesn't help you grow as a person, it is slavery.

You've been a part of some landmark films over the years. How has your journey been?
It has been unbelievable. It feels like a dream. I had never imagined that one day I would work with such fine directors. I am pleased with my destiny or whatever they call it. I have been a part of such good cinema, like Haasil, Maqbool, Paan Singh Tomar, Piku, Talvar and many more. But I would like to work with Anurag Basu, Vishal Bhardwaj, Shoojit Sircar, Tigmanshu Dhulia again, and also some of the directors who I haven't worked with till date.

His boy-next-door looks and charming smile belie his wicked sense of humour. Kartik Aaryan, who shot to fame with Pyaar Ka Punchnama, thanks to his ;anti-women' rant, has been nominated in the Best Actor in a Comic Role category at the Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) 2016 for the movie's sequel. He speaks to us about how he has managed to win the hearts of women despite his harsh monologues against them. Excerpts:

Your performance in Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 has won you a nomination at many award functions this year...
I am humbled and grateful for being recognised in this industry. It has been a great year and being nominated amongst stalwarts is a matter of pride for me. I am very excited about TOIFA.

Is it difficult for non-star kids to get access to Bollywood?
Perhaps the access is easier. But easier doesn't necessarily translate to better opportunities. At the end of the day, it is your work that takes you far in any industry. I would have got better recognition, if I were a star kid. But I seek joy in the fact that my son or daughter will be known as a star kid. I was 20 when I entered Bollywood. It took me five years to win nominations at award shows. The way up has been difficult but I have worked hard to get here.

While all your other male co-actors from the prequel were replaced, you were surprisingly retained...
Bhaiyya...issi ko toh kehte hai talent (laughs) I think I was retained because of the monologue connect. I accepted it because my character was different from the first part.

Were you worried that the monologue will deprive you of female fans?
Initially, I did think that the monologue against women was a bit dicey. But I got lucky and now I have many female fans. Their love was unexpected, but women are sensible and hence know how to laugh at a good joke. I am happy that most of them took it in the right spirit.

Do you feel that whatever has been depicted in the film happens in real life too?
Incidents cannot be generalized but such things do happen. Girls promise they will be ready in 10 minutes but take 40 minutes instead. Window shopping is every boyfriend's harsh reality. Fiction finds inspiration in real life incidents.

With her unconventional roles, strong views and an insa tiable urge to explore the unknown, Kalki Koechlin has emerged as an actress who epitomises the modern Indian woman. The 32-year-old follows her heart and likes to lead life on her own terms. In fact, these were the aspects that attracted her towards the role of Laila, an 18-year-old who suffers from cerebral palsy, in Shonali Bose's critically-acclaimed film Margarita With A Straw. The effort has paid off as Kalki has been nominated in the Best Actress Critic's Choice category at the Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) 2016 for her adept portrayal of a disabled character discovering her sexuality.

What prompted you to take up this role?
I liked the script. We hardly think about the sexual drive of disabled people. I have never thought about it myself. This movie opened my eyes. I loved the character of Laila. She is not a victim or someone who you feel bad for. She is naughty and loves to enjoy her life.

Has the TOIFA nomination come as a surprise?
I never expect a nomination as I rarely get nominated. So yes, it is a surprise.

You have vociferously expressed your thoughts about women's rights and matters close to your heart off-screen. Do you look for roles that reflect these values?
I don't have such grand plans when I write on social media or take up a role. For me, expressing my thoughts is writing or talking about something which deeply affects me. As artistes, we get an opportunity to explore human relationships and understand people who are different from us and then depict them on celluloid. I have played empowered characters as well as light-hearted roles in films. I am not dictated by social causes. I am an entertainer. I don't like to be stereotyped. I want to play roles that are real and want to make them believable.

Have you been stereotyped in real life due to your looks?
It's a funny situation as it's like two sides of the same coin. On one hand, we are obsessed with fair skin and on the other, I get to hear comments from people like, 'Go back to your country', 'You don't understand Indian values' or 'You have loose morals'. But those people don't know all of me. They don't know that I was born in Puducherry and can speak Tamil. Having said that, I have realised that it comes with the territory. Every celebrity gets criticised for some reason.

From gaining 30 kilos as Ayushmann Khurrana's plus-sized wife in Dum Laga Ke Haisha to being back to a head-turner, Bhumi Pednekar is thanking her stars for the right moves she made at the beginning of her filmi career.

It turned out to be the best debut she could have ever dreamed of. Eating and acting were the parameters for cracking this role. The 25-year-old did it perfectly well. There were days when she woke up to butter chicken for breakfast. She was pampered and fed all the time. In an industry where extra kilos lead to body shaming and low self-esteem, the youngster took that risk and got it right. She has been nominated in the Best Debut Actor (Female) category in The Times of India (TOIFA) 2016 to be held in Dubai on March 18.

Bhumi says, “I would like to thank TOIFA for nominating me. It's an honour for me to be sharing space with actors who have given great performances. When your work is appreciated, it motivates you to do better. Dum Laga Ke Haisha changed my life. It has given me a chance to make a career out of the only thing I know and love to do. To get a chance to work with such a phenomenal director and team is rare for your first and I am indebted to Adi sir (Aditya Chopra), director Sharat Katariya and producer Maneesh Sharma for giving me a chance and making this life-changing movie.“

Angaraag Mahanta, popularly known as Papon, knows how to hit the right note. He warms the cockles of our hearts with his mellifluous voice. The singer, who has bagged a nomination in the playback singer category at The Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) 2016 for Moh moh ke dhaage (Dum Laga Ke Haisha), tells us how good songs always find their way into the hearts of the audience. Excerpts:

You must be happy to be nominated for this song as it is different from your earlier tracks...
It's a pleasant surprise that this track has managed to come so far. In today's fast-paced world where music is created in a rush, Moh moh ke dhaage bears testament to the fact that good songs will find their way into the hearts of the audience.

What do you attribute the track's popularity to?
When it bagged nominations at each and every award function this season, I was amazed. I never knew that the song was on top of the charts. Wherever I went after the film released, I heard good things about it. Any composition is a confluence of different elements. From singing to music to lyrics, everything has to be spot on for any track to work.

It is a popular belief in Bollywood that people don't have the taste for ghazals anymore. Doesn't this number nullify that idea?
It does. Its biggest strength is its earthy melody. This track proves that Indian music is wholesome by itself. It is a heart-warming ditty that lingers in your mind. I love the musical arrangement. It has a sturdy ghazal base with a good balance of Indian and modern beats. Classical Indian music can win you over with its sheer simplicity.

Do you think you will win the award?
I don't know about that, but being nominated itself is a fabulous feeling. I am humbled and blessed.

With her versatile voice, singer Monali Thakur has definitely made a mark in Bollywood. She has received a lot of appreciation for her song Moh moh ke dhaage from Dum Laga Ke Haisha. The singer, who is nominated in the Best Playback Singer (Female) category at the Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA), talks about it. Excerpts:

How do you feel about being nominated?
I didn't even know that I was nominated; it definitely comes as a pleasant surprise to be chosen for such a prestigious award. I am delighted and I really hope I win, since we all worked very hard on the song.

How was your experience singing this song, considering it was about two protagonists trying to find love...
I was extremely excited when I heard the melody for the first time; I felt lucky, as we seldom get such rich melodies these days. In an age, where we mostly have digitally-produced sounds, purely organic music is a treat to the ears. Also, I was slightly scared if I would be able to do justice to it. I focussed on the soul of the song that involved showering love through melody and voice. Anuji (Malik) gave me absolute freedom and I recorded it when he wasn't around. To my surprise, he simply loved the way I rendered it.

Do you think your classical background helped?
I am trained in Thumri from the Patiala Gharana and my teachings definitely helped me strike a balance between the semi-classical and filmi notes, giving it a natural flow.

How did you like the lyrics of the song?
Varun (Grover) has definitely become one of my favourite lyricists. He's extremely talented and knows the art of weaving simplicity and exuberance in lyrics. I think that's what beautiful writing is all about.

The TOIFA 2016 nominations list is out and Shefali Shah is happy to find her name in the Best Supporting Actor - Female category for the film Dil Dhadakne Do. She is pitted against Priyanka Chopra and Tanvi Azmi, both for Bajirao Mastani and Tabu for Drishyam. Her role of Neelam Mehra (wife of Anil Kapoor) was a far cry from her real-life persona. Neelam Mehra was a rather insecure, slightly bitchy and helpless woman. “I am completely different from her. I am a transparent person,“ says Shefali.

The actress says she is humbled and overwhelmed with the compliments she has received till date for her role. Commenting on the nomination, she says, “I am very excited to be nominated at the Times of India Film Awards and with such great talent. I am keeping my fingers crossed.“

Dil Dhadakne Do is a special film for the mother of two as it gave her a chance to pursue the dual passions of her life - travelling and acting. To spend five weeks on a cruise liner with 25 cast and 200 crew members was a task and an experience to cherish.

Reminiscing about the film shoot, she says, “Director Zoya Akhtar brought out the dynamics of every character's emotions beautifully.“ She adds on a lighter note, “In fact, I was also keen to play the pivotal role of the dog - Pluto Mehra - which Zoya refused, obviously!“