Aishwarya Rai is really very beautiful: Hugh Jackman

In an exclusive interview, Hollywood superstar Hugh Jackman speaks about his next film and the Indian film he really liked - My Name is Khan.

Hollywood superstar Hugh Jackman is a popular name in India as well, esp. for his Wolverine act in the X-Men series. His upcoming film Real Steel releases this Friday in India, simultaneously with its global release. In an exclusive interview to Gaurav Malani , Hugh speaks about his next film Real Steel and his view on India and Indian films.

Are you aware that both Hugh Jackman and Wolverine enjoy a massive fan-following in India?
Well, if that's true then I am really happy. I hope I get all the love and support for Real Steel as well.
 
Talking about 'Real Steel', does it have the popular 'man v/s machine' theme?
It revolves around the concept, where machines have taken over the boxing ring replacing human. So, it is a kind of Man v/s machine but it has a different take to it.
 
What would you say is the USP of the film - boxing robots or the father-son bonding?
I'd say both. It's a proper mix of both and that's its USP.
 
Dakota Goyo (who plays the son in Real Steel ) has been winning rave reviews. What do you have to say about the young talent?
He is a very talented young lad and I am proud of his work. He deserves the appreciation he is getting.
 
How heavy-duty is the action in the film and can kids watch it?
Certainly kids can watch the film. My kids are going to watch it. There is no blood shed so it's a safe watch for the entire family.
 
Did you ever try your hands at boxing before this film? How good are you at the sport?
I have always been a crazy supporter of sports especially boxing but I never got an opportunity to try my hand at boxing as much as I got in Real Steel .
 
Is a sequel to Real Steel in the offing?
That question goes for Steven Spielberg.
 
Real Steel releases simultaneously in India with its US release. How important is the
Indian market for any Hollywood film today?
It has become extremely important in today's date. The growing success of Hollywood films in India proves that there is a huge demand for Hollywood films.
 
How was your experience the last time you came to India during FICCI in March 2011?
It was wonderful, had a great time. People over there are so warm and humble. They made me feel at home.
 
How was your interaction with Shah Rukh Khan and Vidya Balan?
They both are amazing human beings. Extremely warm and humble.
 
Other than Shah Rukh Khan, any Indian actor that you can recollect at the back of your mind?
I met Aishwarya Rai also. She is really beautiful.
 
Have you seen any Indian films? What do you think about them?
I have seen My Name is Khan and I quite liked it.
 
Given a chance, would you like to work in any Indian film?
  It would be my pleasure
 
When do we see you in India again?
I hope soon.

Vulnerability is sexy : Emma Stone

The star admits she finds Ryan Gosling, and his character in 'Crazy, Stupid, Love.', attractive

So how many times had you watched "Dirty Dancing" before you made this film?
Once

Ryan said that you were afraid to be lifted into the air like that?
Yeah, I did have a panic attack. That was a stunt double. That was a stunt double, from a distance. We tried a couple of times, but it didn't end up working out for me.

Did he drop you or something?
No, he didn't do anything wrong. He keeps thinking that I was afraid that he was going go drop me. Did you see how strong he was? He was pretty muscley.

How do you feel about how men pick up women in the way that Ryan Gosling's character, Jacob, does in the film?
Well, I know a lot of guys, to be honest with you, that don't pick up women in that way or that have figured out that women figured that out a long time ago, and have outsmarted the situation. Although, I do see the game. I see the game a lot, you know that. The insult, compliment, insult, compliment, insult, compliment. So, that's the new pickup line. The game. It works.

What was it like playing the romantic one? Oftentimes in films, I think women want to see the men do it. Your character does it in this film. What was that like?
It was really great. The tables turned. He's shirtless and I'm wearing all my clothes. It's fantastic.

In real life, would you ever be attracted to someone like Ryan? His character, not him.
Why not him?

Because we are talking about " Crazy, Stupid, Love."
Absolutely.

He starts out a bad guy.
He doesn't start out a bad guy. He starts out a guy that's going through something that he hasn't really examined, just like Hannah. They're both people that haven't really looked at what they're doing with their lives, and then they kind of force each other to see who they truly are, pretty vulnerable goofy.

What attracts you in other people?
Vulnerability and honestly. I don't like where you can sense that they're not telling you something or they're being strong. I think it's a lot sexier and a lot stronger when they admit what they're afraid of. That's probably the only one thing. And sense of humour, of course. Anybody would say that, but that's huge.

Celebrity Fitness, Fitness Mantra of Gul Panag

Former Miss India Gul Panag is one of the hottest and most powerful Indian film industry, and has attracted the eye of his regular participation in a marathon every year.

An activist, animal lover, adrenalin junkie, adventurer, avid traveler and biker - the secret of her energy and enthusiasm lies in her fitness routine and disciplined lifestyle. So keep a pen and paper handy, here's what the charming Gul Panag told us about her fitness mantra.

How do you keep fit? What's your daily fitness routine like?
Gul Panag: For me fitness is a lifestyle choice - something that I adapt to suit my current situation. On a day when the weather is good, I choose an outdoor option - running, cycling, tennis, etc. On rainy days I do indoor activities like squash, yoga or strength training in the gym.

How important is daily nutrition and balanced food intake for you? What kind of an eating routine do you follow?
Gul Panag: What one eats is the key to how one looks and feels. There is absolutely no point in doing an hour's run if you are going to have a brownie and ice cream after it. Eating healthy is the key. And we all know what healthy is. Too much of something that doesn't naturally exist (desserts, deep fried foods and so on) can play havoc with our insulin and cholesterol levels, and of course undo all our fitness efforts.

Do you rely on any sports (group or endurance) for fitness pursuits? Could you tell us about how you train for them?
Gul Panag: I have been running marathons for 8 years now, and there is no better test of endurance. Striving for endurance is great, as it gives you more energy to cope with daily life's assaults on our stamina. Training for endurance is not rocket science, though it is a discussion in itself. I follow online modules - based on routines professional athletes follow.

What fitness advice would you like to share with our readers?
Gul Panag: Don't see fitness as something that's a burden you need to carry. It's a lifestyle choice you need to make for longevity and vitality. Take care of your body if you want it to last and complement you as long as you live. 

The Khans want me, I'm lucky says Kareena Kapoor

With three back-to-back blockbusters, you almost expect Kareena Kapoor to be sitting pretty on her throne with a tiara on, waving her magic wand.

Instead, she remains as we know her; candid and confident as she talks about love, life and leading the big, bad Bollywood race.

You must have your hands full, guarding the number one status you've reclaimed with Bodyguard.

I am more than happy being number 100 on the list, too! But that doesn't take away from the fact that Bodyguard has shattered records. I'm enjoying every bit of it. I work to see and sense this adulation, not for tags that are hardly permanent.

But a Salman Khan film is always all about him. The heroine is generally incidental.

I can proudly say that here's a Salman film where the girl finally has something to do apart from hanging around and singing songs. Bodyguard is predominantly about the heroine. There is no movie without her.

Many say you're piggyback riding on the Khans' success. Is it easy to earn a hit that way?

It was the Khans who came to me. They could have chosen anyone, but they wanted me. If I don't work with Aamir, Salman, Saif, Shah Rukh and Imran, with whom am I supposed to work with? They are practically half the industry. I'm pretty lucky. I mean, I'm the only actress to have worked with Aamir in two back-to-back films.

Your equation with the three big Khans must be quite different

They basically see me as Karisma Kapur's little sister. With each of them, the relationship is very professional. Like Salman has his quirks, so do SRK and Aamir. They also know how I work, so there is a comfort level.

Is Aamir your favourite of the lot?

Everyone knows I am a huge Aamir fan. We share great chemistry, but I think Saif and I also make a deadly pair in Agent Vinod. It's probably why he insisted on casting me in this film.

Are you insecure when Saif casts other heroines in his home productions?

Not at all! I'm actually looking forward to a film where he'd be cast opposite Priyanka (Chopra). There's something very approachable about her and something very suave and sexy about Saif. Their pairing would work well.

On a personal note, we hear Saif and you are getting hitched next February.

I also hear about how many carats Saif has gifted me, and the desert we'll be serving at our wedding! It's very intriguing. I barely manage to meet my family and Saif and people are already planning my wedding in their heads.

You're doing the Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai sequel. Would you be comfortable if (former boyfriend) Shahid joins the cast?

I still have to read the script, but I would be okay with anyone.

Are you in touch with Shahid?

I don't pick up the phone and talk to him, but there is no bad blood between us. It's a chapter in my life both Saif and I respect, and it will always be like that.

Lastly, is there a role you recently saw and wish you did?

All of Meryl Streep's roles. It's incredible what she does. I wish, when I am 60, I work as much as her. That would be something.

Why hide marriage plans, especially since you've said you're ready for it?

I am the only actress who can proudly proclaim to have a personal and professional life. I don't understand when people say things like they don't have time for love. I have given some of my biggest hits with Saif in my life.

What bigger proof that it works if you balance it out. There was a point when I said I want to do nothing but work. Now that has changed. My relationship is of utmost importance. So when a date is fixed, we will let everyone know.

Is there family pressure? What does your sister have to say?

She asks me to enjoy life and work at my own pace. Plus, nothing will change after marriage. I may cook for Saif when I get the time, but otherwise it's going to be the same.

Udita Goswami reveals her stylish side

You can never go wrong with blue jeans and white shirt, says actress Udita Goswami as she shares her style secrets

What is your style quotient?
Style is being yourself and comfortable, wearing what suits you and not a model or someone else. I hate wearing heels, it makes me uncomfortable and my back goes for a toss, so you'll rarely find me wearing heels unless it's for work. I am most comfortable in my jeans or leggings with a nice top and cool chappals so I wear that the most.

Your favourite colours
I am a very boring person. I mainly like earthy shades although I look good in bright colours. My friends keep telling me I should wear more colours.

Your must have accessories
I just love wearing my bracelets. It's something I can't do without. I also have this amazing collection of chappals. Every colour, any style. I just love them. My mother throws a fit every time I buy more and more chappals because I have so many.

Your idea of party wear
Depends on the kind of party. But if it's a formal work-related party then I take usually 45 minutes to an hour for my hair, make up and dressing up. I am always in my jeans otherwise I like to wear dresses when I go out. Dress is more girly which is so not me. So when I wear dresses I actually feel like I am going out then and even my attitude changes according to what I wear.

Your little experiments in style
I'm not really experimental but when I used to model I was once doing a fashion shoot with my then favourite and mad photographer Anand Seth and he actually made me put only baby oil on my face and eggs in my hair while wearing the most expensive designer outfits and shooting in the slums.

What has been your best fashion buy?
Oh all my expensive handbags! They last long, I have them in different sizes, so they could be used for travelling or any other purpose and occasion. Even if you wear something simple and not so branded but carry an expensive bag, your look is set.

Most extravagant fashion purchase
I keep buying stuff. Some don't even make any sense but I still buy.

Best fashion trend
The ever green, fitted light denim jeans and a feminine white shirt. In malmal or soft cotton. To add some colour, wear a funky neck accessory. You just can't go wrong.

Worst fashion trend
Hate it when guys show their under garment purposely which come higher than their jeans and think it's cool. They look like wanna-bes!

What designer item/s are on your fashion wish list?
I buy something only if I like it. But if you're buying something just to be the proud owner of a silly limited edition something, I would never blow my money. I think I have a face that can get me attention and I don't need to resort to carrying designer stuff.

If you had just 2 minutes to put together the perfect outfit - what would it be?
My blue jeans and white shirt if it's casual and a little black dress for a formal event. No thinking.

Bodyguard has universal appeal: Siddique

'Bodyguard' has already been made in Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi languages and is now being made in Telugu, Kannada and even Bengali.

Bodyguard - one film, six languages. Writer Siddique who has directed the film in three languages - Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi says the reason is the story's universal appeal. Irrespective of the language, Indian emotion remain the same says the popular South filmmaker who makes his Hindi film debut with the Salman Khan starrer. While the film is already minting money, Siddique reveals its success mantra in an exclusive conversation with Gaurav Malani .

Many of your Malayalam films have already been remade in Hindi from ' Hera Pheri ' to ' Hulchul '. Didn't you ever think of making a Hindi film before?
I was getting several offers from Bollywood but I never accepted them because I was comfortable making Malayalam and Tamil films. But then I realized one day, why am I not doing Hindi films?

So how did your Hindi directorial debut happen?
I have a friend in Mumbai called Nirupa who always insisted that with the kind of films I make, I should be directing a Bollywood film. When I was making Bodyguard in Malayalam, I thought this is an ideal film for Bollywood and especially with Salman Khan in the title role. I promised myself that if I get Salman Khan for the role, I will direct it in Hindi.

Fortunately Nirupa is a good friend of Salman Khan's sister Alvira. She got Atul Agnihotri and Alvira to come from Mumbai and watch the original film and they loved it. Salman came the same day to watch the film and immediately after the screening he said, I am doing the film. That is Salman Khan - once he likes something, he doesn't need any more discussion. It was literally what you call a 'dream-come-true' moment.

How comfortable were you making a Hindi film?
I cannot read or write Hindi but I can manage to speak in Hindi. Directors in South take classes for the language but I never had to get into that. Also though the dialogues of Bodyguard are translated in Hindi, the content of the dialogue is mine.

Do you find any difference in the working styles of the Hindi and South film industry?
While the basic functioning is same, there is one major difference here. In South we start our shoot sharp at 7 am. That never happens in Bollywood. We always start late here.

So is Bollywood comparatively less professional?
Not really (laughs). Once the stars reach sets, they work very hard and ensure that they finish the scene before leaving, no matter what.

Bodyguard has already been made in Malayalam and Tamil....
Not just that... now the film is being remade by other directors in Telugu, Kannada and even Bengali language. The story has a universal appeal. That's the beauty of our country - irrespective of the language; the Indian emotion remains the same.

But doesn't it get monotonous to direct the same story repeatedly?
It is actually boring to direct the same story again and again. But my thrill comes from bringing some difference and freshness each time. Once you are able to achieve that, you forget the monotony.

So how different have you made the Hindi version from the original?
The content is the same but the way of telling the story is different. The major difference is the characterization of the hero. In Malayalam and Tamil versions, the hero was a college dropout who becomes a bodyguard. In Hindi version he is a professional bodyguard. Other than that, in Malayalam the treatment was more comical, in Tamil it was more romantic but in Hindi we have tried to tap the macho side of Salman Khan.

Is Salman Khan better than Vijay and Dileep in the earlier versions?
Salman can't do what Vijay has done in Kaavalan and vice versa. Also, what Vijay has done in Tamil will not suit Salman in Hindi or Dileep in Malayalam versions. Likewise, what Salman has done in Hindi will not suit Vijay in Tamil or Dileep in Malayalam versions.

Is Kareena better than Asin and Nayanthara in the earlier versions?
In terms of the female lead, they are three very different personalities with different style of acting. Since Kareena had already seen the Malayalam and Tamil versions, it was a challenge for her to portray the same character in a different way. She comes from an acting background where she doesn't need any rehearsals. If you see all the three films, you can definitely understand the difference between them.

Has the Hindi film turned out to be the best amongst the three?
Certainly the Hindi version has a bigger budget and larger canvas so it is a visual feast. But the Malayalam film has its own beauty and so does the Tamil. So there cannot be any comparisons as such.

What next? More Hindi films or South cinema?
I have commitments in Malayalam and Tamil cinema. But if I get a good offer in Hindi, I shall surely consider it.

Eesha Koppikhar: Every woman has a ‘Shabri’ in her

The ‘khallaas’ girl is usually seen as a glam doll, but with her soon-to-be-released Shabri, she is all set to break the mould and wield the gun, that too in a totally non-glam avatar

She spoke to us about how attached she is to the character she plays in Shabri and Bollywood’s need to have more films revolving around women and children.

When you heard the story, were you concerned about the trauma you might face during the shoot, physically and emotionally?

The moment I was narrated the script of Shabri, I knew this was one role that would define my career. Just before I got it, I had prayed for that role of a lifetime that would help me make a mark as a serious actor, in a big way. I consider bagging this role divine intervention. At that point I was mentally prepared to take up any challenge that came my way and Shabri did. Playing a character this real is a dream come true for any actor and I jumped into it without thinking about the physical and emotional repercussions. As I sank into the character, I realised what I had got into, because the role is so demanding and, with a fiercely passionate director like Lalit Marathe at the helm, things were certainly not easy. Shabri has been shot in real locations (slum areas) and it took me almost four hours a day to get in and out of the makeup. The best acknowledgement of my efforts came from the crew, who thought I was some slum-dwelling troublemaker and tried to chase me out of the shoot. That was the best high for me!

Which women-centric films have made an impact on you?

There are few films that have really made an impact on me, like Nargis’ Mother India, Nutan’s Bandini, Meenakshi Sheshadri’s Damini and Kajol’s Dushman. It is unfortunate that such films are so few and far between.

Films based on women and children get step-motherly treatment in Bollywood – what do you feel about this?

The problem here is that heroes are not ready to take a backseat. There is a huge void as far as women and children-centric films are concerned, but Bollywood is so obsessed with the superstar hero and his arm-candy heroine format that there is hardly any place for experimental cinema. I think it is high time the heroes stepped back a bit and made way for films about female protagonists. Even female actors should push the envelope when it comes to doing films that are not just about being seen with a superstar and accept it as their claim to fame. Bollywood should start experimenting more with film genres than re-churning the same mundane love stories. Shabri is definitely a step in this direction and it is sad that it took so long to release, but all is well that ends well.

Given that the censor board has become more accepting, do you think a film like Shabri would do better with expletives and bold scenes thrown in?

Shabri is a woman of few words. So the gradual loosening of the censor board would have no impact on the storytelling. It is more an action-oriented film than a dialogue-oriented one. I am not saying that it is your typical Bollywood action film, but you have to see it to believe it.

What do you think about the obscenity and swearwords being freely used in films?

While I personally don’t advocate the usage of foul language, at the end of the day, it is the character that is being portrayed. As I am very open to taking up challenges and risks, I would do any role that would excite me as an actor. Spouting swearwords or donning swimwear is fine with me, but only if it adds substance to the film.

Do you think women still have to compromise, even in modern society today?

Not only in India, it’s a worldwide phenomenon that women have to put their egos aside to keep their families together. Whatever growth has happened in the world, the status of a woman has always been secondary in the male-dominated world. There are some rare occasions when the latent power of a woman comes out and that becomes their Shabri moment. I think every woman has a Shabri within her; it is only a matter of how far you push them, so they snap out of their usually docile and caring nature.

Would you have done an intense film like Shabri after you got married?

Of course! This is one role that is really close to my heart and my husband is also extremely proud of it. Had the movie not been released, I would have gone ahead and released it on my own. There are a few other films of mine that haven’t seen the light of day, but Shabri is one that I will take to my grave – I am that attached to it. The director (Lalit) has already written a sequel to Shabri and I am really excited to take it to the next level.

Those who have seen the film say that yours is an award-winning performance…is it?

In all practicality, who remembers these awards a few years down the line? It is just an exercise to massage egos and feel good about your work, but beyond that it doesn’t mean a thing. From what I hear, most awards are rigged and aimed at getting TRPs. As I said earlier, I got the biggest award for this role from the crew of Shabri who couldn’t even recognise me on the sets, as I was so much into the character. For all the hard work and passion that was border-line obsession, we really don’t need any further validation and we are happiest that the film is finally being released.

Who do you think is the most convincing gangster in Bollywood?

As of now I think Ram Gopal Varma has made the best gangster films in Bollywood, but I think even Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt are doing a good job of making films in this genre.

Mahie Gill: ‘Not a Love Story’ was mentally exhausting

‘Bold’ has become Mahie Gill’s second name. Ever since her debut in Bollywood, she has done roles that most actors would shy away from. Her latest act is the onscreen portrayal of Maria Susairaj in Ram Gopal Varma’s Not a Love Story. She gets candid about playing this controversial character…

Mahie Gill is a well-known name in the stratum once called ‘parallel cinema’. She is of the ilk that filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap et al focus on. For the masses, she played Arbaaz Khan’s lover Nirmala in Dabangg. After a few films (Gulaal, Mirchi, Utt Pataang and Aagey Se Right) here and there, the Chandigarh born actor returns to the limelight with another controversial act. But then that’s what filmmakers like about Mahie: she doesn’t limit herself. Remember the daring liplock in her first film, Dev.D?

After a series of calls, finally, just the day before deadline, she calls to do the promised interview. Mahie is at the hospital nursing a sick friend, the reason for the delay in talking to us, but she keeps her word. From our telephonic conversations, she comes across as an easy-going, friendly and chilled-out girl.

So, what was her first reaction when she was offered Not a Love Story (NALS)? “First of all, I have really wanted to work with Ram Gopal Varma for a very long time. I am a big fan of his,” says Mahie in her deep voice accentuated with the slight twang of the north. “The moment I got a call from his office, there were no questions asked. I just wanted to meet him. He told me about this particular film. And I thought it was a very challenging role.”

Challenging it is, but surrounded by controversy. Did she not harbour any apprehensions when saying ‘yes’? The girl with a Masters degree from Punjab University immediately rejects the thought. “I am an actor. I got a good script and it was RGV.” It can be a satisfying experience for an actor, but what about her image in the public eye? Often an actor’s screen persona is what the real off-screen individual becomes for the audience, unless, of course, it is a Salman Khan or an Aamir Khan.

But Mahie is unperturbed by the constant questions regarding her controversial role. In fact, she seems prepared for brickbats. “The kind of work that I am doing, each role is very different from the other. Here was this character that I had never played before. So it was a challenge for me and, at the same time, the film is inspired by Maria’s story and not based on her life,” says Mahie.

However, playing the part was not a cakewalk for her. The Dev.D actor was aware of the troubles of a struggling actor, but “We know of the incident, but nobody in the world would ever know what happened in the flat where there were three people, one of whom died.”

“So here came the director’s interpretation. Ramu sir was very helpful. But otherwise this film was mentally very exhausting and very difficult,” says the young actor. Also, when shooting, Mahie and her cast and crew colleagues would often think about the protagonists in the film – that’s the closest they came to empathising with the real people behind the characters. “While shooting our scenes in the flat (the same building where the real life incident occurred), we would often think about how they (Maria Susairaj and Jerome Mathew) managed to chop the body into pieces, burn it and then put it into packets in such a small place,” she says, matter-of-factly.

Despite the raised eyebrows and hullabaloo surrounding Not A Love Story, Mahie is excited about the release. “My friends and family are very happy because whatever little they have seen in the promos they are finding very interesting.” And what about the kissing and bold scenes she does on screen? “Recently my mom saw the photograph from Sahib Biwi aur Gangster in a newspaper. It’s difficult for her to understand. So she told me, ‘I wish you had done your PhD and become a lecturer instead’,” she laughs. “But she likes it when people appreciate my work and tell her that. It was only this particular incident. Otherwise she is fine (with me being an actor).”