Showing posts with label Valentine's Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Valentine's Day. Show all posts
Nobody asks Bollywood mein kya gaaya hai anymore-Darshan Raval
4:18 PM
Soumitra Das (BOMBAY TIMES; February 22, 2026)
Darshan Raval, who performed in Vadodara on Valentine's Day, says this concert felt “extra special.” Darshan, who tied the knot with Dharal Surelia in January last year, says, “Ab Valentine’s Day pe toh biwi ko saath mein le jaana padega na! It was the first time after our wedding that she could attend a live concert of mine. I couldn’t have celebrated the day in a better way.”
Darshan, known for hits like Taarifein, Chogada and Kamariya, adds, “I thoroughly enjoyed performing in Vadodara after a long time because I share a special connection with the city. Even before I participated in India’s Raw Star (the music reality show which made him famous), I used to come to Vadodara with my band for a college-level competition hosted by MSU. It was the first competition in which I participated with my band. So, my journey as a performer started here. Every time I perform in Vadodara, I fondly remember those days. I feel happy that so many of my songs are about love and romance. I love this genre. I love all songs by Pritam Chakraborty in this genre, and Tere Hawaale is one of my all-time favourites. Among my songs, Taarifein is very close to my heart.”
‘Non-film songs are ruling the charts now’
Happy with the way indie music has grown in India, Darshan says, “Earlier, when I used to say I want to do my own music, people would laugh and say, ‘That is fine, lekin Bollywood mein kya gaaya hai?’ Today, non-film songs are ruling the charts, and Bollywood songs often struggle to make it to the top 10 in these charts, which are made by the public. Nobody asks those questions now and there has been a complete shift, which makes me very happy.”
He adds, “Indie music has now become mainstream in our country. Artistes who haven’t sung many Bollywood songs also enjoy immense popularity and are doing a crazy number of concerts. People no longer ask me about Bollywood songs; they just ask, ‘Aap ka naya gaana kab aayega?’ It’s a big change, and new artistes are doing some amazing work.”
‘You have to upgrade your concerts’
With the growing number of concerts in the country, Darshan says, “As artistes, we have to constantly try and upgrade our concerts. I always try to make sure that even after listeners leave the concert, the performance stays with them. This year is going to be very special for my fans because be it concerts or new songs, there are some exciting announcements in store.”
He adds, “Constant travel and hectic schedules are an integral part of our job. However, even when I am not feeling 100 per cent, discomfort vanishes the moment I am on the stage. Even today, I feel the same excitement as I felt during my first live concert. It keeps me going.”
Asked about the impact of AI on music, he says, “At this point, AI seems to be a useful tool for musicians, and it has made lives easier. But these are early days and we have to wait and watch for the long-term impact.”
‘Had no idea life would be so beautiful after marriage’
Darshan, who celebrated his first wedding anniversary last month, says, “I had no idea that life would be so beautiful after marriage. Dharal and I have been best friends for 13 years, and we still share the same equation. I keep telling her that it feels like it’s just been a month since our wedding (smiles). I am grateful to have a supportive partner like her, who has always been with me during my ups and downs. We keep celebrating the little things and love listening to music together. It’s very comforting to have her around; it makes me feel at peace.”
I still look at Tejasswi Prakash and I’m like, yeh kya ladki hai-Karan Kundrra
10:31 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; February 14, 2026)
Karan Kundrra has often spoken candidly about love and on Valentine's Day as he talks about his relationship with Tejasswi Prakash, there’s an unmistakable sense of certainty and comfort. Looking back at how their bond began, Karan shared that neither of them had anticipated where their journey would lead. “When we met each other, we didn’t know that we would be together, that we would date and fall in love,” he said, adding that despite the years gone by, the feelings remain unchanged.
Karan and Tejasswi met on Bigg Boss 15, where their friendship slowly turned into love amid the pressures of the reality show. Reflecting on what makes their relationship work, Karan said, “I still look at her and I’m like, yeh kya ladki hai. She is still the same girl that I met. Every day something happens and I am reminded why I fell in love with her. We fell in love for the right reasons. We still have the same amount of fun, and we still like doing similar things together.”
Having spent four years together, including sharing the intense experience of reality television, Karan believes that understanding each other’s emotional rhythms has been key. “She understands my mood. I know kab yeh phatne wali hai. I know when she is comfortable and when she is not,” he said. “When you’ve done a reality show together, you’ve seen the extreme sides of each other.”
Interestingly, Karan also finds inspiration in long-term relationships around him. Like his Splitsvilla X6: Pyaar Ya Paisa co-host Sunny Leone, and her husband Daniel Weber. He shares, “When I see Daniel and Sunny together, it makes me feel that I want to be somebody like that for my girlfriend.”
Watching them as parents has had a deep impact on him. “Ab meri woh stage ho gayi hai jahan main dekh raha hoon how they are with their kids. You keep getting inspired,” he added.
It’s very romantic to wake up with a woman this beautiful every day-Saif Ali Khan
10:29 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; February 14, 2026)
For close to two decades, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan have defined – and defied – what it means to be a Bollywood power couple. Long before social media turned celebrity romance into a spectacle, they wore their love unapologetically, from choosing each other at the peak of their careers to building a family while remaining fiercely individual stars. Popularly christened Saifeena, they became Bollywood’s original ‘it’ couple. Kareena and Saif, who recently visited the Tiffany & Co. boutique in Mumbai, talk to us about quiet celebrations over grand gestures, friendship as the foundation of romance, raising children while protecting their individuality, and why – in a world full of responsibilities – love should never feel like just another mundane thing. Excerpts from the Valentine's Day special interview as followed...
‘If we’re together, unhurried, that’s celebration enough'
To start off, we ask them how they spend their Valentine’s Day. “We don’t plan grand gestures. We watch a movie, stay at home, lounge on the couch, and have a night in with pizza and some great wine or Chinese food,” says Saif. Kareena adds, “If we’re together and unhurried, that’s celebration enough.”
So, is there any Valentine's Day gift that Saif is planning to give Kareena? He replies, “I like to gift her when it feels right. Not just because the calendar says so.” She quickly agrees and adds, “It’s nicer when it comes with a thought behind it.”
‘We didn’t fall in love trying to impress anyone’
Next year marks two decades of them being together. They met on the sets of Tashan - the movie may not have been a success, but it led to a very successful union between the two. “We didn’t fall in love trying to impress anyone. We were working, talking, arguing, laughing and one day it just became obvious. That honesty is still the base of everything,” Saif reminisces. Kareena says, “We chose each other as people first. Everything else came later.”
‘It’s very romantic to wake up with a woman this beautiful every day’
Saif and Kareena have been an inspiration to many when it comes to love. Ask them how they feel about their love story being romanticized by many, and Kareena, in her trademark spunky style, declares, “I’d say the love story is far better in real life.”
Saif, on the other hand, elaborates, “It’s very romantic to wake up with a woman this beautiful every day. But the story has required a lot more than what meets the eye. Relationships are about romance but also about intent. And mostly friendship.”
How does their relationship look to them today? Kareena feels “settled and anchored, in the best way.” To that, Saif says, “I feel chosen every day by a wonderful woman, who is brilliant, beautiful and kind.”
‘Kareena is more romantic’
As Shah Rukh Khan once famously said, ‘Pyaar dosti hai’, for both Saif and Kareena, friendship came before romance, and it continues to define their relationship.
Kareena couldn’t agree more. “Completely! He’s still the person I want to gossip with at the end of the day.”
Saif chimes in, “And she’s the first person I want to share things with, good or bad.” Quiz them on who is more romantic, and Saif promptly responds, “She is!” She laughs and adds, “We both have different styles, but I will take that, I am.”
‘We just get each other without words’
From friends to partners to parents (to Taimur and Jeh), has anything changed? Kareena quickly explains, “What’s changed is perspective. What hasn’t changed is comfort. He is home!” Saif adds, “There’s no pretending. That’s a luxury in itself. The ease of being around someone is the best leisure.”
The two continue to live life on their own terms, in matters of family and love, too. “More than ever. Especially after children. Having Saifu by my side... is my favourite part of everyday life,” Kareena confesses.
Saif explains, “When you’re free with each other, everything else becomes easier. Life is full of chores, love can’t be one of them. We don’t have to explain anything to each other. We just get each other without words.”
Hina Khan is in a profession where, out of 2,000 episodes, she was a bride in about 1,500-Rocky Jaiswal
10:25 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; February 13, 2026)
Hina Khan and Rocky Jaiswal, who met on the sets of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai in 2009, got married in June 2025. On Valentine’s Day, the couple shares how their love has evolved over the years.
Since Rocky’s birthday is on the same day as Valentine’s Day, Hina says, “It’s a double celebration of love with the love of my life. Throughout the year, he has looked after me, so I am on a mission to make him feel special on his birthday. But there’s just this one day where every girl wants to feel special; it may be childish, but I like celebrating Valentine's Day. Rocky makes sure that the whole year is filled with love.”
Talking about what has changed after marriage, Hina explains, “Before marriage, I always said that I needed my own space, but it has changed for me. Now, we want to spend more time together.” Rocky’s perspective has remained constant.
“I’ve always wanted to be close to her. In the beginning, you think life is precious, so you want to spend more time. Later, you realize what makes life precious, and you simply want to be around that, and for me, that’s her,” he says.
Hina had a quiet wedding. The actress says that little of it was planned. She adds, “Everyone saw the best decor, mehendi artiste and wedding outfit, but there was nothing like that. Two-three days before the wedding, there were no elaborate arrangements.”
She adds, “Things came together slowly. I met Manish (Malhotra) for an event fitting, and he got to know I am getting married, and that’s how he decided to design my wedding outfit. Originally, we were supposed to sit on a couch and sign the papers, but a lot of people and things came together, and it just aligned perfectly to make our wedding memorable.”
Rocky shares, “We didn’t have a dream wedding in our minds, but it all just happened. Hina is in a profession where, out of 2,000 episodes, she was a bride in about 1,500 (laughs). So we decided we would have a simple wedding.”
‘We are together in good and bad times’
Ask them about their decision to tie the knot after dating for 9 years, and Hina says, “It was me who said let’s do it now.” Rocky says, “In my head, I have always been married to her.” In 2024, Hina was diagnosed with breast cancer. She shares how her husband was a rock-solid support during her battle with the disease. Rocky says, “It is the most normal thing anybody can do.” Hina adds, “The storms in our life will not determine our love for each other. We love each other, no matter what. We are together in good and bad times.”
Prateik went down on one knee in his boxers-Priya Banerjee
8:57 AM
On Propose Day, today, actor-couple Prateik Smita Patil and Priya Banerjee recall the moment that led to their forever
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 8, 2026)
Valentine's Day, this year, is a day of double celebration for actor-couple Prateik Smita Patil and Priya Banerjee Patil, as it marks their first wedding anniversary. Ahead of the special moment, the couple recalls Prateik’s dreamy and “unexpected” proposal on Propose Day, today.
“I had planned to propose to Priya at the stroke of midnight on the eve of my birthday, November 28. But we had work the next morning, so we wouldn’t have had time to enjoy the moment,” Prateik recalls, adding, “Then two days before, on a Sunday morning, I was sitting on my ‘throne’ in the bathroom, where I get some of my best ideas, and realized we had the whole day to ourselves. It was the perfect day to propose.”
On November 26, 2024, after five years of living together, Prateik went for it. “It was 8 am, and I saw him crying in the corner. I was lying in bed with our dog when he suddenly came next to me and proposed,” Priya gushes. “He was so emotional that I didn’t even understand the first question he asked me,” she adds.
“He went down on one knee in his boxers. Our dog was there too, wagging his tail—it was a celebration with the three of us,” she says. While Priya suspected a proposal was coming since Prateik had spoken to her parents, the timing caught her off guard. “I’m glad he did it the day I expected it the least,” says Priya.
I didn’t want to go out on a date with Daniel Weber as he was friends with someone I didn’t like-Sunny Leone
9:36 AM
The actress talks about the bond she shares with her husband Daniel Weber
Onkar Kulkarni (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 1, 2026)
Onkar Kulkarni (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 1, 2026)
Ahead of Valentine's Day, Sunny Leone took a moment to look back at her own journey with husband Daniel Weber. Married for over 14 years, the actor reflected on how their relationship has grown and matured over time, from a dramatic, Bollywood-style first date to a quieter, more meaningful companionship today, proving that while the definition of love may change, its essence remains timeless.
Recalling their first date, Sunny said, “It was just like a Bollywood film. I was with my friends and I didn’t want to go out on a date with Daniel because he was friends with someone I didn’t like. So then I was like, chalo chhodo.” She added that even when she finally agreed to meet him in New York, she wasn’t fully convinced. “I was like, I’ll wait for five minutes and then I’ll be late, on purpose, so he doesn’t like me, because he is friends with that guy I don’t like.”
What followed, however, completely changed her mind. “We went to dinner, we sat down, and after about one or two minutes, the entire restaurant disappeared,” Sunny recalled. “We sat there for three hours just talking. Like a Bollywood film, he met me later, pulled me into the elevator, gave me a sweet kiss, and then we laughed.”
Talking about how romance looks today, Sunny said things have naturally evolved. “Now he’s not pulling me into the elevator! Daniel remains just as romantic. He sent me flowers the other day. He was in Texas, and he always does very sweet things.”
On the professional front, Sunny has also weighed in on the ongoing industry debate around regulated eight-hour workdays, sparked by Deepika Padukone’s comments on burnout and work-life balance. Reacting with humour, Sunny quipped, “Oh my God, I need to write that in the contract — eight hours only. But that’s not how reality shows work.”
Having shot extensively for Splitsvilla X6: Pyaar Ya Paisa, Sunny explained that long hours are an unavoidable part of the format. “I have never been on a set where you work for only eight hours. Aisa mere saath kabhi hua hi nahi. It’s always a minimum of 12 hours, from start to finish,” she said, calling reality television a completely different ballgame.
She also highlighted the often unseen effort of the crew. “We work hard, but those guys are unbelievable. They are not sleeping, just working around the clock,” Sunny shared, stressing that while advocating for healthier work hours is important, the realities of large-scale productions must also be acknowledged.
Relationships aren’t fairy tales, love takes effort-Kartik Aaryan
4:31 PM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; February 14, 2025)
He won over young fans with his perfectly delivered monologues in romcoms like Pyaar Ka Punchnama and Pati Patni Aur Woh, and then, Kartik Aaryan went on to become the charming face of tongue-twisting movie titles like Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety and the upcoming Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri (try saying that fast on a loop). The actor’s take on love, however, is anything but complicated. When it comes to matters of the heart, Rooh Baba is refreshingly real. Bombay Times exclusively caught up with one of B-Town’s most eligible bachelors on Valentine’s Day and quizzed him on love, modern dating, relationships, situationships and everything in between. Read on…
What do you think of Valentine’s Day? Do you believe in the concept of a soulmate?
I think Valentine’s Day is a sweet celebration of love, but honestly, if you truly love someone, every day should feel special. As for soulmates – yes, I’d like to believe there’s someone out there who just gets you. But I also think love is about effort and growing together, rather than waiting for the perfect person to show up. Relationships aren’t fairy tales, but they do have their own magic when two people make an effort.
How different are you as a person when single as opposed to when you are in a relationship?
When I’m single, my life is all about the hustle – shoots, promotions, scripts, gym and late-night binge-watching. But If I were in a relationship, my world would revolve around that one person. I’m always busy making that person feel special every moment. I become that person who texts khana khaya kya? a hundred times a day, plans surprise dates, and cancels night-outs with friends just to spend time with her. I still don’t know how to balance things out (laughs).
From Pyaar Ka Punchnama to Love Aaj Kal 2, Luka Chuppi to Satyaprem Ki Katha, and now a rather intense musical with Anurag Basu – does the choice of these films reflect your evolution as a lover, too? Are you more serious about finding love today?
Every film I’ve done has shown different shades of love – some fun, some intense, some heartbreaking. And just like my characters, I’ve evolved too. I think romance has always been my strong suit, and I’m grateful filmmakers see that, too. And honestly, my approach to relationships in real life helps me bring out the best on-screen, too. It’s all connected, and it always reflects. Audiences and fans only connect with us as performers when we are able to bring that authenticity to our characters. You will see an intense, never-seen-before side of me in Anurag Basu da’s musical love story and then you will see me playing a fun, yet, character with gravitas in Sameer Vidwans’ Tu Mera Main Teri Main Tera Tu Meri. 2025 is shaping up to be a romantic year for me.
How integral were Bollywood movies in shaping your perception of love? Growing up, were you a Shah Rukh Khan and Yash Chopra fan?
Bollywood definitely shaped my idea of romance. I grew up watching Shah Rukh Khan spreading his arms and making it look so effortless. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Mohabbatein, Dil To Pagal Hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, all those films made love feel larger than life and magical. And yes, I’m a huge SRK and Yash Chopra fan. Who isn’t?
We all go through heartbreak, and some of us, even unrequited love. How do you heal from a heartbreak?
I’m a diehard romantic, on-screen and off-screen. I don’t rush the process. I let myself feel everything, but I also make sure to channel my emotions into something productive, whether it’s work, fitness, or spending time with friends and family. I think the key is to surround yourself with love in different forms—whether it’s from your close ones, your passion, or even your pet. And some of the best love stories are born after a heartbreak.
What’s your love language, and what, according to you, is the true definition of love?
For me, love is about effort, consistency, honesty and showing up for the person you care about. It’s not just about grand gestures but also the little ones. My love language is a mix of quality time and acts of service. I believe in being present, and in making life easier and happier for the person I love.
What’s your take on the modern dating culture of situationships and no-strings-attached relationships?
I’m a diehard romantic. Love is pure, in-depth emotion, and I feel there is no place for practicality when you are in love. I understand that times are changing rapidly, and our dating culture is also evolving with it. People have different ways of expressing love, and that’s okay. Personally, I believe in something more meaningful and long-term rather than just fleeting connections.
What does a ‘green flag’ mean to you in a relationship?
For me, a real green flag is feeling secure, not just in yourself but also in your partner’s success and achievements. No one’s perfect, but what really matters is appreciating and supporting each other. At the end of the day, if you truly love someone, you should be their biggest cheerleader.
You often talk about your bond with your mother and sister. How has growing up around strong women shaped your perspective on love and relationships?
Everything I am today because of them. Watching my mother’s resilience and my sister’s strength has taught me what true love and respect mean. They’ve always been my biggest cheerleaders, and that has influenced the way I treat people, especially women. I believe love should be built on mutual respect, support, and understanding – just like the bond I share with them.
Lin Laishram and I wanted to go to the next step, we wanted to have babies-Randeep Hooda
10:13 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; February 14, 2024)
A rather phlegmatic Randeep Hooda becomes mushy the moment his now-wife actress Lin Laishram enters the room. On Valentine’s Day, the newlyweds shoot for their maiden joint interview, for Bombay Times. “You are looking like a doll,” Randeep whispers in Lin’s ears, while playing with the strings of her dress, leaving her pinker than her dress. “It is always fun to shoot with him, because he's trying to crack me up,” Lin confesses after the shoot.
Mention the mushiness to Randeep and he quips, “My carefully constructed façade over many years is going to ruins. All my hard work of being this standoffish person has been punctured, thanks to her.”
Talking about the Valentine's Day, the Jaane Jaan actress says, “It is very cute. I love my teddies, flowers, diamonds (laughs). I am very cheesy that way. So, I love Valentine’s Day.”
'We wanted to have babies'
The couple tied the knot in Manipur on November 26. "It is a strife ridden state as we speak and it has been for a while, which is very sad. I hope peace comes there very quickly. We went to some relief camps where people were displaced due to the conflict and we tried contributing to that part as well," Randeep states.
Ask the Highway actor how did he know Lin was the one, and he replies, "It happened point by point. We started living together through COVID and that really brought us together. We had better understanding with each other. And then it happened very organically, we wanted to go to the next step, we wanted to have babies and grow our family. I have never been a very easy person to be around because I'm always demanding too much of myself, but when she comes around everything changes."
Further excerpts of the interview as followed...
How does it feel to be Mr and Mrs?
Randeep: For me there is a sense of responsibility, the caretaker of sorts. I'm not alone on my own trip (anymore) and there is somebody else along with it. Now, I must adapt to that, do more work and make our life more comfortable. Enough of the single carefree life, now it's time to dig your heels in and make something which will last and will be for the family to come. She has brought new energy in my life, new impetus to do things, look at life differently.
Lin: It has been lovely for me. I love his family. I love talking to his dad; he is such a cool person. I always wanted to have a bigger family. I like what he said, to make my life comfortable (laughs). It gives you that confidence, that somebody is holding your back. I never felt that ever. And that's a very good feeling. One must marry to feel that I guess.
Talk to us about the wedding?
Randeep: There were a lot of problems going on in Manipur (directing at the ongoing Manipur crisis) but then we thought that we cannot stop our lives. We went there amidst a lot of uncertainty and it turned out very well. The whole marriage rituals were very new for me. For the wedding, they had asked me to sit there like a statue, you can't move for 1.5 hours because on that day, I was god, and she was goddess. When I saw her in that splendid attire, I was like, ‘Wow, she looked like a goddess’. It was a wonderful day for us. I made it a point that we should go there and then get married according to her rituals.
Lin: I was skeptical because our wedding is not like Punjabi wedding. It's not loud, there is no disco. But I didn't expect him to perform so well.
Randeep: My parents were just so happy that finally I'm getting married. They had started having doubts that I'll never get married. I'm quite proud of my parents also. They took to their culture very well and there was a cultural exchange. Also, we've got married in the Northeast, came to Mumbai, which is in the West, for a reception, then went for reception to Delhi and then to Kerala for the honeymoon. We have covered the whole country and tried unifying the country.
How did you all plan the wedding?
Randeep: The intention was to go there quietly get married and out. It is a personal thing. The social media pictures just came out and then we had no other option but to post as well.
Lin: We never discussed our marriage for so long. In fact for a really long time I never thought that I would get married.
Randeep: I was actually very busy with the movie SwatantryaVeer Savarkar and all kudos to her. She managed it all, because I had no time and I'm very grateful to her. She did it with so much grace and took control of it because I was busy doing the post production. It has been a very tough journey for me through this movie financially, emotionally, creatively and physically as well. I had lost so much weight and she saw me through it all. I'm very grateful to her. I was not the easiest person to be around. I appreciate the fact that she took charge of it and let me do my work with as much sincerity as I could.
Lin: During our initial dating phase, he told me one thing that was very clear to me. He said I'm married to my job. So, from that day onwards, I have never questioned him about the choices that he makes for himself. He's completely dedicated to what he's doing. It was not easy to see your life partner going through what he was going through, losing weight. I felt like is he sick. I cried seeing him like that, next day he moved to a hotel. But that is marriage. That's why we get married.
Prateik Babbar and I are both impulsive, we could get married tomorrow-Priya Banerjee
10:04 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; February 13, 2024)
"It is celebration of love,” says Prateik Patil Babbar, when asked what Valentine’s Day means to him and now his fiancée-actress Priya Banerjee. For their first interview together, since their engagement in November last year, the couple, shot on the streets of Mumbai, as this is the city where they fell in love. They spoke to us about their love story and their idea of romance.
It's your first Valentine’s Day as an engaged couple, how does it feel?
Prateik: We have butterflies in our stomachs, it’s all exciting. It is going to feel like a mature Valentine’s Day. We are engaged now, so it is exciting.
Priya: We are engaged and now our families are involved. So, it is very special. I always thought that dating, engagement or wedding wouldn’t change much, but that’s a lie. Trust me, when there is a ring on your finger, things change.
Tell me about the proposal, how did that unfold?
Priya: Last year, on November 26, he proposed to me. I wasn’t expecting it. It was about 8 am, I was still in bed and just about waking up. He went down on one knee at the side of the bed and started staring at me, and I was like, ‘What are you doing?’ I could see that he had tears in his eyes. Then he said a lot of things, which honestly in that moment, I couldn't process. But the only thing I remember is him asking me, ‘Will you, Priya Banerjee, marry me? And since I didn’t know how to react, I was like, ‘Hain?’ (laughs).
Prateik: She said yes, and then I put a ring on her finger. Also, I did it the proper way. I asked her parents for permission. I called them a day earlier and asked for their daughter’s hand in marriage. They were thrilled about it.
So, now when will the wedding bells ring?
Priya: The kind of people we are, it could happen tomorrow, or it could happen in five years. We are both very impulsive. We have spoken about it, and we are ready for it. So, hereon, it could be any minute.
Prateik: Having said that, we do want to focus on work.
Priya: We do want to feel like we've done substantial amount of credible work to go with that feeling of togetherness. Our work is always going to be a priority. We're both extremely ambitious people. Everything else just falls in place for us like we know that nothing else.
Prateik: Not that we haven't already, but it just, it feels like we need to achieve a little bit more to take that step.
What made you feel that he/she is the one?
Prateik: We fit like hand in glove. We have so many things in common. We love the same kind of films, shows and food.
Priya: We're both extremely similar and different people. We know when to apologize and when to end an argument, which I think in today's generation, a lot of couples have a problem with. They let the ego come in. I'm not saying we are a perfect couple. We have our differences, but at the same time there is compatibility and a lot of mutual respect. People think that when you get in a relationship it's all going to be nice, with flowers and candies. No, you're going to have to put in hard work. You need to understand each other at your lowest. You have to be each other's strength and you have to push each other, especially in the industry that we're in, because our work can pull us down. So, Prateik is my rock. He has supported me even more than my family.
Prateik: You have to stick through. Relationships are work. She is extremely loving and caring and she knows how to keep her home happy. That's what every man looks for.
Did you think you will fall in love with each other?
Priya: He is my first love. I've never fallen in love before. He is actually the first love of my life. I used to be very frivolous growing up. I never had a very positive outlook towards relationships. But then I met him, and he changed that about me. I was very scared of marriage commitment. But now I want to be married to him and I never felt that ever before.
Prateik: When we first kissed, I knew it. It was game over after that. We both knew in that moment. We took a breath and we looked at each other in that moment and we knew this is a problem.
BT Exclusive: Arshad Warsi and Maria Goretti register their marriage after almost 25 years
9:54 AM
Arshad Warsi and Maria Goretti, who will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary on Valentine’s Day, recently had a court marriage
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; February 12, 2024)
On February 14, 1999, Arshad Warsi and Maria Goretti walked down the aisle in a church ceremony, followed by a traditional nikah. Despite being married for almost 25 years, the couple never got down to legally registering their marriage. So, to celebrate their upcoming 25th wedding anniversary on Valentine’s Day, Arshad and Maria got their marriage registered in court on January 23.
‘Never thought that getting the marriage legally registered was important’
Talking about why it took so long for the couple to legally register their marriage, Arshad says, “It crossed our minds, but we never thought that it was really important. But then we realized that it is important to do it when you have to deal with property matters and even after you are no more. We did it for the sake of the law. Otherwise, I feel as partners, if you are committed to each other, then that’s all that matters.”
‘Maria and I are poles apart’
As the duo hits the silver jubilee mark, Arshad shares his mantra for a happy married life. “Well, not ‘happy married life’, it’s been a successful ‘married life’ (laughs). These 25 years have been insanely crazy. Maria and I are poles apart. We are completely different people and I think that is where the magic lies. As much as Maria is hyper, I am calm. She is well-educated and I am not. Maria is extremely practical and I live by where life takes me. I think that’s what works for us. Her madness and my calmness all put together works fine. She drives me up the wall and I drive up the wall (laughs). It’s exciting... I love it,” he says.
‘In matters of the heart, being practical doesn’t always work’
The Golmaal actor also talks about how times have changed and today, young couples often move on without trying hard to make a relationship work. “People are becoming impatient. Tolerance levels have gone down. We are not accepting enough and are in a hurry to move on. Mindsets have changed. Like, if this doesn’t work, then I will wrap it up and move on to another one. Life has become too materialistic and practical. I believe, in matters of the heart, being practical doesn’t always work.”
He adds, “My dad always told me, ‘In a relationship if you are not happy, then leave it and move on to the next one. But there’s no guarantee that you will be happy in that relationship’. You have to think of your partner and do what the other person likes to do. You have to change yourself a little bit for your partner. You can’t be stubborn and say that you better accept me the way I am or it’s the end of the story.”
I married the same man for the third time: Maria
Talking about their court marriage recently, Maria shares, “We had a court marriage because that was something we’d been wanting to do for some time now. We got married under the Special Marriage Act. Our kids could not attend it as we could not take them to the court. Just witnesses were allowed. We sat in those big chairs and laughed a lot. Yes, I married the same man for the third time! Who does that? (laughs).”
Getting married on February 14 was never intentional... Now I have the scariest memory of V-Day: Arshad
Ask Arshad how they came down to choosing Valentine’s Day to get married and he breaks into a laugh. He shares, “I hate to share my wedding date with anyone because it sounds so cheesy. Both Maria and I are embarrassed about this! It was never intentional though. Maria’s parents wanted us to get married soon. We couldn’t during Lent and then I was getting busy with work. We didn’t want to waste one year and the one date that looked feasible to us back then was February 14, so we went ahead with it. Now I have the scariest memory of Valentine’s Day - that I got married (laughs).”
Prateik Babbar and I thought it was time, says Priya Banerjee on going Insta official
8:47 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 27, 2023)
On Valentine’s Day this year, actors Priya Banerjee and Prateik Babbar went Instagram-official as a couple. The two have been rumoured to be seeing each for around a year now, but have never openly spoken about their relationship.
“It is always nice to fall in love,” admits Banerjee, 32, as she opens up about her bond with Babbar, 36, for the first time. Ask what made them go Insta official on February 14, and she says, “We (Prateik and her) thought it was time... We have been together since last year. And, it was Valentine’s Day, so [we thought], why not!”
At present, the two are in a “happy phase”. “We met through friends and just clicked. We are very similar people... we are fun, lazy people! We just want to work and be at home,” shares Banerjee.
Rumours of their relationship surfaced every now and then, but the couple chose to keep mum. “We are a little private when it comes to things like this. You want to be spoken about [for] your work, not your relationship. The moment you talk about relationships, the whole focus shifts there. We work so hard for people to talk about our work, and then suddenly, they don’t want to know about that — they [just] want to know who you’re dating. So, we wanted to keep it under wraps. Even now, we want to make sure it’s not the highlight of our lives. Work should always be the highlight,” she asserts.
That being said, Banerjee is elated at the response she got on the post. “We didn’t expect it to go viral! Everybody was happy for us, our friends and families. That is what matters [to us],” says the Bekaaboo actor.
Malaika had to face so much, but I admire her for giving me and our relationship so much dignity-Arjun Kapoor
8:42 AM
On Valentine’s Day, Arjun Kapoor, for the first time, talks about his bond with ladylove Malaika Arora
Monika Rawal Kukreja (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 14, 2022)
Actors Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora are not seeking anyone’s approval for their relationship. Having kept it under wraps for a long time, it was in 2019 that they finally made it Insta official, followed by public appearances and holidays. However, they still haven’t spoken much about it in public. On Valentine's Day, Kapoor, 36, exclusively talks to us about his relationship with Arora, 48, what it takes to stand by his ladylove, and deal with all the social media negativity that is thrown at them. Excerpts:
You have navigated your relationship with Malaika beautifully. Was it difficult or does love make it easy?
I didn’t think about anything except giving the relationship respect, dignity and integrity. I made peace with the fact that once you are out there for people to see or judge, you have to allow breathing room for them to absorb, and start looking at the relationship the way you want them to.
When you posted your first ever picture together on social media, did you both talk it through?
The decision to be open about our relationship just happened organically. I had to give space and respect to Malaika and her life decisions on whether she wants to make things public or give it time. There came a point when we felt solid, and steady enough to face all the speculation and conversation that’d follow. Our relationship dynamic is unique for people who have a slightly traditional outlook for love. Today, we can say we became a public couple to encourage the thought process that age doesn’t come in the way of being in a relationship. It was done respectfully. We never threw it in anybody’s face.
You’ve been with her like a rock and are among the few celeb couples to show that love needs no labels...
We’ve stood by each other facing speculation, brickbats, chatter, at times unnecessary. It was hell for us for many days. Malaika had to face so much, but I admire her for giving me and our relationship so much dignity. Standing by her never felt like something extraordinary. It just felt like the right thing to do. We’re humbled to be called torchbearers for shattering labels. We just wanted to stand by love and let people see who we were with each other.
How did you deal with the negativity on social media?
I was prepared for the reaction to be extreme. I’ve been through situations in life that have been far worse — seeing my parents split up, losing mom, having to see the upheaval of my father, losing out on a loved one, his wife Sridevi — you do realise that life is fickle and only love is permanent. So, I let these trolls be. I guess there’s so much relevance to Malaika and my relationship that everyone has a say, and likes to talk about us.
Do you both believe in Valentine’s Day?
Yes, we always make sure we take out time for each other and make the most of this day. We try to do something unique and catch each other by surprise. I love surprising Malaika and today also, there will be a surprise or two planned.
Define Malaika in one sentence. And how has her presence in your life changed you, as a person?
One sentence isn’t enough. I’ll get into trouble. Malaika has changed me as a person by allowing me to believe in myself even more, through my weakest moments. She has always been there, making me realise that I’m worth it. She’s made me feel that phases will pass, and these are important times when you’re going through a tricky situation personally and professionally. If I’ve to describe our relationship — we’re friends, we talk about everything, we confide in each other a lot that has allowed us to make decisions — big and small ones. And I think friendship is the key for any relationship to last.
When I entered Bigg Boss, I was clear that I wouldn’t date anyone on national television-Tejasswi Prakash
8:35 AM
Unnati Joshi (BOMBAY TIMES; February 14, 2022)
It isn’t uncommon for a couple to strike up a romance on Bigg Boss, but not every relationship survives when the cameras turn off. However, Bigg Boss 15 sweethearts Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash are proof that a showmance can continue even after the show. The two are in love and can’t stop gushing about each other. “When I entered Bigg Boss, I was clear that I wouldn’t date anyone on national television. I always found Karan cute and nice, but I never went ahead with that feeling. One thing led to the other, and here I am head over heels, madly in love with this guy. I know he is the one,” Tejasswi says.
Karan adds, “I am in love with her, too. She is a smart and strong-headed woman, yet extremely vulnerable. We have gone through the most difficult situations together on the show and always had each other’s back. Now, we are stronger than ever.”
The couple is yearning to spend some quality time with each other. “Show ke baad, Tejasswi started shooting for Naagin. She hardly gets four hours of sleep every day. It’s tough for her. So, I try to manage my time according to her schedule and do everything possible to be with her. I pick her up from the set as we hardly get alone time.”
Tejasswi says, “Karan keeps everything aside for me. He takes care of me like a baby. I love how he comes to pick me up from the set, drops me home on time and makes sure that I get everything I love. I am lucky to have him as my boyfriend.”
In an earlier interview with us, Karan had said that right after her big win, Tejasswi went to his house at 5:30 am. When we ask Tejasswi about it, she says, “Oh my god! It was so awkward! After the finale, I was waiting for him on the set, but he had gone home. I wanted to meet him, so I left for his house in my grand finale outfit. Imagine, at 5:30 am. And guess what, his father opened the door (laughs!), it was very awkward. But he welcomed me very warmly. Then when Karan came out, he was shocked to see me there. He was also extremely happy that I won the show. His parents were happy, too. I have met very sweet.”
Talking about his first meeting with Tejasswi’s parents, Karan shares, “I first met them on the finale night. There, I spoke to them for 10 minutes. Uncle was sitting on my left, and aunty was on my right (laughs!), so there was a bit of nervousness. It was also a little awkward because I was constantly thinking that they saw us fighting on TV. But they said that they also saw us falling back on each other. And they told me that they think we are compatible. As far as my parents are concerned, they said, ‘Aisi hi ladki chahiye, yeh tujhko seedha rakhegi' (laughs!).”
Today, the couple is celebrating their first Valentine's Day together. Even though it’s going to be a working day for Tejasswi, Karan is all set to make it special for her. He shares, “It’s our first Valentine’s Day, so it will be special. I know she doesn’t like elaborate plans as she is very simple. So, I have to plan everything keeping all of that in mind. I might go to her set, it’s like my second home now. I am going to ask them to let her go a bit early (laughs!). Also, I have worked with the production house for 13 years, they are like my family. I can getthings arranged on the set, too.”
Tejasswi adds, “I wanted to do something special for him, but I have been occupied with my shoot. I asked him if I should take a day off, but he understands that my show (Naagin 6) has just started, and it’s not professional to do that. So, I will be working today. Maine sab Karan par chhor diya hai (laughs!).”
I used to be very moody. That has changed with Rahul Vaidya being around. I throw less tantrums now-Disha Parmar
8:31 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 14, 2022)
This Valentine's Day marks singer Rahul Vaidya and actor Disha Parmar’s first post their wedding last year. Though they will be working during the day, they plan to spend the evening together. Not a big believer in Valentine’s Day, Vaidya says, “Love fades away after a point, but it’s each other’s temperament that keeps the relationship strong. If you have a sense of loyalty, you will sail through.”
For Parmar, an ideal relationship is one where a couple shares similar values: “My kind of an ideal relationship is when two people are on the same page, want the same things from life and respect each other. Rahul and I share that.”
They credit each other for bringing stability into their respective lives. “I used to be very moody. That has changed with Rahul being around. I throw less tantrums now,” says Parmar. So, do they fight? “There are days we don’t talk to each other, but it makes our love grow stronger,” reveals Vaidya, 34.
The Woh Apna Sa actor chimes in, “We have small, dumb fights, at times, which we make up for a few days later. Both of us don’t believe in fighting or showing our anger in a livid way.”
Talking about the most compatible trait between them, the Yaad Teri singer says, “We don’t like to go gaga about love on social media. We like to live a normal, simple life.”
Parmar, 29, quips, “We sleep and wake up at the same time, which is important. That, I think, is also the cutest thing we share.”
Eijaz Khan says marriage will take time; adds "We are dealing with lives, the pandemic, and a lot of other factors"
8:28 AM
For Pavvitra Punia V-Day is no less than a festival, but Eijaz Khan doesn’t need a special day to express his love
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 14, 2022)
Actors Pavvitra Punia and Eijaz Khan are excited to celebrate their second Valentine’s Day together. “Last year, family wala mahul tha as we celebrated it with our families. This year, it will be just us,” Punia reveals. Khan, who calls himself as “socialist and not capitalist”, admits to not conforming to “special days specifically to show love or grand gestures”.
However, he adds, “But if one particular day gives me a chance to do something special for my loved one and bring a smile to her face, why not? I am excited about this Valentine’s Day as it is another day to build on our relationship and make it stronger.”
For Punia, the day of love is like a festival, and she believes in going all out to celebrate it. “Jaise shaadi hoti hai, yeh ek aur festival hai, of showing your love. It is a special day, and one should celebrate it. I expect it to be exciting,” she says with a laugh.
The couple have been together for more than a year now and have often been quizzed about marriage. Punia says, “People are curious and while we don’t have any pressure or want to disrespect the expectations of people, par thodi freedom khatam ho jaati hamari. At times, we don’t want to share or reveal something before others and try to keep certain things private.”
Whereas Khan says, “Our families are chilled about it. They say, ‘It (marriage) will happen when it has to’. But when people ask, it insinuates, ke kyun nahin kar rahe ho, problem kya hai?’ [One has to understand that] we are dealing with lives, the pandemic, and a lot of other factors, and you just don’t start making doll houses. This is for real and forever. We want to do it nicely, aaram se, take our time and enjoy the process.”
I will spend Valentine’s Day with my family; celebrating singlehood is fun-Rohit Saraf
8:08 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 11, 2022)
There’s always some buzz around actor Rohit Saraf’s love life, but he asserts that it isn’t as exciting as it seems on paper. Saraf admits that he is “very much single and really happy about it”.
In fact, he is excited to celebrate singlehood, this Valentine’s Day. “I wish I was dating somebody, then I’d have been able to share some exciting plans with you,” he quips, adding, “I will spend Valentine’s with my family. My niece has got a pup, we’ll celebrate it with the pup.”
On the subject of celebrating being single, Saraf jokes about the memes he came across on social media recently. “Valentine’s Day is also about self-love. I saw a meme which said that people who celebrate self-love on Valentine’s are the most single people ever. I laughed… (but) it is sad when you see such memes. Celebrating singlehood is fun though,” stresses the Ludo (2020) actor.
He goes on to urge single people not to fret about their relationship status. “You are not going to be single for the rest of your life. I’m sure there’s somebody special for everyone. I’m sure whenever you find them, every day will be like Valentine’s Day,” says the 25-year-old.
The actor continues, “I know a lot of teenagers, as I’m a chachu and mamu, and they get disheartened to not have a date on that day… But I feel there’s no rush. You can have your version of Galentine’s Day or a boys’ day out. The idea is to celebrate love. It doesn’t necessarily have to be with your significant other.”
Ask him about his dating game, and he doesn’t describe himself as someone into dating apps. “I found it to be forced. But I have nothing against anyone who uses it,” Saraf mentions, adding that he’s also scared of being catfished.
That’s why he is relying on finding love organically. “I haven’t really found anyone who I would be interested in while I am working. And I haven’t really met people outside of my work. But, never say never! I hope to find that person soon, maybe on the next project that I am working on,” Saraf concludes on a hopeful note.
I got upset when my getting a challan made headlines-Vivek Oberoi
8:36 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 15, 2021)
After getting penalised for riding his bike without wearing a helmet, actor Vivek Oberoi has found a way to take it in jest, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t get upset when his “silly mistake” became a talking point.
Last month, on Valentine’s Day, the actor along with his wife Priyanka Alva Oberoi had gone out for a “refreshing joyride”. But he was fined for not wearing a helmet and mask.
He says, “It was the same week when I had announced a scholarship worth Rs. 16 crore for children belonging to farmer families. But what became national news was that I was fined for not wearing a helmet. I was singled out. I did get a little upset thinking that instead of focussing on the scholarship, which can help change people’s lives, the focus is on a silly mistake I made,” he shares.
But he says that over the years, he has “developed a mindset to take something negative and turn it into positive”. “They were right. I should have worn my helmet. So, I thought let’s use it to have fun, and at the same time give out a positive message,” he adds.
Bipasha Basu & I make each other laugh; that’s the best part about us-Karan Singh Grover
7:11 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; February 14, 2021)
Does marriage change the way we perceive love? Is Valentine’s Day brutal for singles, what sort of boundaries are essential in relationships and more. It’s the month of love, and we got fab-abs couple Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover, who tied the knot in 2016, to talk all things romantic. Excerpts...
At what point in your relationship did you realise that he’s ‘the one’ and she’s ‘the one’ for me, for life?
Bipasha: We went through a crazy courtship. It was like a film where we were together, then not together, and in and out of the relationship because of family, responsibilities, society. There was this time when I took a strong decision of going away from him. That’s when it hit me hard. I realised that he is the person that I love and can’t do without. Till then, I wasn’t clear. I thought I had lost him and that feeling was a wake-up call. It made me realise that he is my everything. And this is the love story of my life.
Karan: I listen to everyone, but I don’t share what’s going on in my heart easily. I don’t share my innermost feelings with anybody. With her, I was suddenly expressing everything I felt. The connect was organic and this is what we all wait for our whole lives. When you get it and don’t recognise it, you are stupid. I might make a lot of mistakes and I could be silly, but I am not stupid. I recognised it and that made me realise that I love her.
One rarely speaks of married couples on Valentine’s Day. It’s always about fancy proposals, young love and confessions. Married couples aren’t romanticized enough, isn’t it?
Karan: I don’t think that married couples are overlooked on Valentine’s Day. It’s about sharing and celebrating love and not just romance. Romance is a small part of what love truly means. There are many depths and dimensions to love which you understand only after marriage.
Bipasha: All throughout my life, this has been a day when I send flowers to my mother, and my parents have their own celebration. We wish our sisters and have family dinners. It’s a day of love and it’s for the entire family. We don’t make it just about Karan and me.
Does marriage, living with someone and getting too familiar with your partner’s ways, change how we perceive love?
Bipasha: You should not take your partner for granted but there is definitely a sense of comfort that creeps in when you are living together. As a team, you are more chilled out and laid back. You want to watch a movie together at home and eat some great food rather than succumbing to the quintessential idea of romance — candle-light dinners, flowers, etc. The stuff that you see in the movies. Marriage makes you more comfortable with each other.
Karan: And well, that’s not a bad thing. I have not heard anyone complaining, “Oh man! I hate my life because it’s comfortable.” (laughs!)
Sometimes, a day like this isn’t too kind to singles, puts a kind of a pressure on them, too. Did you feel this way when you were single?
Bipasha: I think it’s got something to do with our society. I do have friends and family where single girls sometimes feel that their one big aim is to find a life partner. That’s the way we are often raised. We are made to believe that until we don’t find a life partner, our life is incomplete. That’s flawed. You need to celebrate who you are, your achievements, work, people in your life... everything. I want to tell all the singles that there’s nothing that they need to feel sad about. Just celebrate yourself. I’ve never felt low on V-Day when I was single. I used to pamper myself a lot. My girlfriends and I celebrated Galentine’s Day. There is no dearth of love in life. It doesn’t have to only come from a man for a woman and vice versa. As long as you have love in your life, be it self-love, or family and friends, you have to be grateful for what you have.
Karan: I never felt low on V-Day when I was single either. Lot of people say that they aren’t happy because they haven’t found love. But what needs to change is how you look at yourself. If you like who you are, you will attract people who will love you, too.
We often see love being expressed with diamonds, hearts and roses. But the real joy lies in the smaller things, doesn’t it? What has been the biggest revelation about love for you two over the years?
Bipasha: Diamonds, hearts, roses, balloons… I can never complain about them. I love it all and Karan is well aware of that. He has surprised me with all these lovely gestures, but it all would mean nothing if there wasn’t love behind it. I know that he loves me to death. The intention is what matters more, and yes, the real joy lies in the smaller things like remembering what the other person likes. He writes poems for me. He packages it in a lovely scroll. We are khadadus. We eat everything. I make cakes and desserts for us. We play Ludo together. We pine for each other when we are away and happy when reunited. We have been together for six-and-a-half years and it has always been this way.
Karan: We are quite lame! Even if I am painting or doing something upstairs in our house and we haven’t seen each other for hours, we video call each other to say, ‘I miss you’. This is true. We both are romantic at heart and we both are vocal about it. She is funny and we can make each other laugh and that’s the best part about our relationship.
What is the biggest love myth that people shouldn’t fall for?
Bipasha: You often hear people saying that, ‘work on your marriage, work on your relationship’, but it has been quite effortless for us. There’s a connect. There’s no effort that we need to take to make our marriage better or keep the spark alive. We have a strong foundation of friendship and that is integral to love. As Karan said before, ‘Romance is just a small part of what love truly means’. I love biryani, but if you keep it in front of me and Karan isn’t eating, it won’t taste that good! Over the years, I have realised that Karan will first say ‘no’ to everything and then say ‘yes’.
Karan: That is true. If I am not around or I am not eating something, she won’t enjoy it either. I honestly keep trying to be better for her because she is perfect at everything she does!
Have you set any boundaries about what not to say during an argument, when things go sour?
Bipasha: There are disagreements, but there are ways to communicate. Screaming and shouting is not a solution, we never say hurtful or nasty things to each other. Never forget the respect you have for the person. I don’t like abusive words.
Karan: Yes, refrain from using abusive words when there’s a disagreement. Talk it out.
Who among the two apologizes first when there’s a fight and how important is it to be forgiving in a relationship?
Karan: The person who is wrong should apologize. That person in this relationship is always me because Bipasha is always right. And I am not exaggerating. It’s true that she is never wrong and it’s frustrating. I apologize whenever we fight because it is always my fault. I tell myself that don’t make the same mistakes, make different mistakes and apologize (laughs!).
Bipasha: It is important to be forgiving in relationships because you can’t keep dragging things. In our case, Karan makes more mistakes (laughs!). But yes, if a person has understood what he/she has done wrong, there’s no point bringing it up. Having said that, an apology is useless if the same mistake is repeated and it becomes an excuse. I detest the word sorry. I believe it was invented by people who were looking for an easy way out. Karan knows I hate that word and it’s always been this way.
Karan: Yes, I don’t say sorry to her. I say hello (laughs!) .
Imtiaz Ali terminated the contract, says Madhubala's sister on her biopic
2:36 PM
On Madhubala's birth anniversary, citing a lack of approval from all members of Madhubala's family, Imtiaz Ali steps back from helming biopic on the veteran actor, her sister Madhur Brij Bhushan reveals
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 14, 2020)
There was palpable excitement among cinephiles when reports of the Madhubala biopic landing in Imtiaz Ali's able hands hit headlines. The announcement was to be made today on Valentine's Day, which also coincides with the Mughal-e-Azam actor's birth anniversary. But even the most earnest efforts made by the veteran's sister Madhur Brij Bhushan couldn't persuade her siblings to give their nod. Bhushan told mid-day that she faced strong opposition from their sister Kaneez Balsara. "[Imtiaz and Reliance Entertainment] asked my sisters for an NOC [no-objection certificate], [but] they said they wouldn't permit a biopic on [Madhubala] to be made," Bhushan says, adding that despite reiterating that their stories would not be part of the film, she couldn't get them on the same page. "Kaneez's kids didn't allow her to talk to me. I requested them to read the agreement exchanged, but they sent notices to me and the makers. Imtiaz terminated the contract citing the misunderstanding. He was to announce it on Madhubala's birthday, which also coincides with the release of his next, Love Aaj Kal," says Bhushan, adding that at least one more sister requested her to not entertain the makers.
Ali's interest in the yesteryear actor had appealed to Bhushan. "It hurts to have lost out on a golden opportunity. I still want the biopic to be made." Bhushan says she planned to make a home for the elderly with the money generated from the development. "I, along with my guruji, Arvind Malviya, who was also backing this project, also wanted to open a school which would provide free education to poor girls." Ali did not respond to our texts till the time of going to press.
I first met Andrei Koscheev while diving in Maldives & what followed was a magical love story-Shriya Saran
2:27 PM
Suhas Yellapantula (BOMBAY TIMES; February 14, 2020)
It’s Valentine’s Day and love is definitely in the air when we catch up with Shriya Saran at a studio in Hyderabad. She may be four thousand miles away from her husband of almost two years, but mention his name and she still blushes like a new bride. “I am in the happiest phase of my life and all credit goes to Andrei Koscheev,” she gushes, speaking of her hubby, a Russian tennis player and entrepreneur based in Barcelona.Having moved to the Catalonian coastal city to live with Andrei, away from the hustle-bustle of Mumbai, Shriya says she has discovered a whole new side to her. She’s pursuing new hobbies, reigniting her love affair with dance and is on a quest to fulfill her insatiable thirst for travel. The actress, who’s been hitherto hushhush about her private life, opens up for the first time about her marriage. Excerpts:
You look happier than ever before. Are you enjoying married life?
Yes, I’m very happy. God has been kind and I’m blessed to have such a supportive partner like Andrei. I somehow like the word partner more than husband. Because Andrei is like my partner-in-crime, partner-in-fun and everything else. He’s really proud of me and my work. Whenever I’m stressed or worried about what I’m doing, he always tries to calm me down. He’s the best thing that’s happened to me and I’m loving every minute that I spend with him.
You’ve always been tight-lipped about your private life and that hasn’t changed after marriage. In fact, your wedding itself was very hush-hush and you promptly shot down reporters who asked you about Andrei. But you’ve slowly started opening up about your relationship to the outside world, be it by posting his pictures on social media or attending Ramesh Taurani’s Diwali party together in Mumbai last year. What changed?
I felt like there were too many negative comments going around. People would say stuff like, ‘Why are you marrying a white boy?’, ‘Couldn’t you find someone here?’, etc. But when you fall in love, you fall for the person he is and not where he comes from or what he does. And that’s what happened with me. Yes, I’ve always been quiet about my personal life and I’ve never really spoken about what I was doing apart from work. That’s because I’m a very private person outside of work. Of course, I’m a happy-go-lucky person, I have a lot of friends and I love people. But we all have a right to personal life. But yes, now, little by little, we’re slowly talking about each other publicly. It’s just so happened that I wanted to post a picture and in all the pictures, he was there. So I told myself, ‘Let us start with one’. We both were very nervous about it. Because if you’re on social media, you will get 90 bad comments and maybe 10 good ones. I told myself, ‘Concentrate on the positive and don’t bother about the negative’. After a while, I reached a stage, where I could tell myself, ‘Don’t concentrate on anything. You like a picture, just go ahead and post it’. In my case luckily, 99 per cent of the comments were good and only two-three were bad. So I thought to myself, maybe it’s not so bad after all.
Tell us more about your love story. Where did you first meet Andrei?
I’m not too comfortable going into the details, but yes, my love story with Andrei is beautiful and magical. We first met while I had gone diving in Maldives. He didn’t even know who I was when we first met. It was only later that he found out I’m an actress. A few months after we met, he asked me, ‘Do you have a movie online?’ and I said, ‘Yes I do’. So then, he went ahead and watched it. That was really sweet.
What’s the most romantic thing Andrei has done for you?
One gesture of his that surprised me the most was when he once took me to St Petersburg. I had shot for a song with Mahesh Babu there for Arjun (2004). Obviously, he didn’t know about this — or so I thought. When I reached St. Petersburg, he picked me up in his car and he took me to all the places where I shot and he kept asking me, ‘Do you remember?’ And I was like, ‘No, I don’t remember anything’. And then he started laughing and said, ‘You shot at all these places’. I was stunned and asked him how he knew this, and he replied, ‘Because I saw it’. That was the cutest thing he had done.
Ever since you got married, you’ve been shuffling between Mumbai and Barcelona. What’s that been like?
I love Mumbai... India is where part of my heart lies. Everytime I come back home, I gorge on paranthas and dosas and it makes me happy. I simply love Indian food. But I’m a completely different person when I’m in Barcelona. There’s no make-up and I get to walk around in shorts, without worrying about how I look or what I’m wearing. We live in the central part of the city, so I get to walk around everywhere. I have a foldable bicycle, so everyday I take it out and cycle around town. It’s great fun. I have a problem with directions a bit, whenever I want to turn right, I go left (laughs). And Barcelona has a completely different driving style. I do a lot of yoga and I’m learning Spanish. So I’m doing a whole lot of things that I really love. But I do love India and I get excited whenever I come here for shoot. So, I’m currently enjoying the best of both worlds.
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