Bollywood Zone : Blog, Movies, Celebs

It’s a known fact that the actor cut himself from all acting assignments for the last eleven months. Suniel Shetty had made it very clear that he was focusing on something that he was very passionate about – the television show, ‘Biggest Loser Jeetega’ on Sahara One. But come July 16, he hits the studio to play his role in Kumar Mangat’s new production, ‘Laxmi Narayan 123′. About the odd title, he says, “There are three Laxmi Narayans in the film.” “I love the script, it’s an unreal comedy written by the guys who script the TV show, ‘Naya Office Office’. The shooting should be completed by August. I’m looking forward to working with my co-stars, Paresh Rawal and Tusshar Kapoor.

I love Paresh as an actor – it’s been a while since I acted with him. After ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’, I also share a great rapport with Tusshar – and this, despite the fact that he beat me up in the film,” laughs Shetty.

Saying that it’s been a role reversal of sorts ever since he’s taken up anchoring ‘Biggest Loser Jeetega’, Shetty adds, “It’s a huge high to be associated with a group of people who are committed to do all it takes to reduce their weight and lead a healthy lifestyle. I’ve become the comfort factor for all the contestants.”

That said, the show has taken on the typical reality TV angle with each and every contestant playing dirty to evade eviction. About these underhanded games, he remarks, “It’s the survival of the fittest and one can’t be laidback any longer.

Natural human instincts of treating everyone with caution are coming to the forefront in the show. Groups are being formed and then broken when purposes are fulfilled. From team-based, it’s now becoming more individual-based. Each one is learning how their plans are backfiring and how fragile their relationships really are.”

Some reports have criticized Shetty for deliberately being low profile on the show. So how does he react to this? “Honestly, I’m not affected. I’ve received feedback that I’m doing a good job from people who matter to me, and that’s all that matters. Had I been as aggressive and loud as the others, these same critics would have said that I’m copying them,” he ends.

There’s trouble in lovers paradise. Sometime ago, it happened to tinsel ville’s hottest couple, Bipasha Basu and John Abraham, then Lara Dutta and Kelly Dorji suffered the 8-year itch, and now it’s the newest jodi in Bolly-town who is facing rough weather. It’s Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor. We’ve heard that the duo had their first lovers’ tiff; they didn’t even talk to each other for a few days. In fact, our sources claim Deepika and Ranbir almost called it quits, till better sense prevailed. All thanks to a few common friends, the couple is back together, allegedly much in love all over again. With two firebrands, it ain’t all that easy, you see.

Not just content with working in an international film ‘Love Has No Language’, Celina Jaitley now wishes to work in the desi version of the notable Italian film ‘Malena’ (2000), which had actor Monica Bellucci as protagonist.

Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, the film was nominated for the Oscars. Here, Celina discloses the impact that the film has made on her.

You seem to be very impressed with the film ‘Malena’
Ever since I saw it, I can’t get over it. I was lucky to lay my hands on the film’s DVD. The script’s beauty lies in the fact that it makes you think about your very existence. I must have seen it multiple times. Yet, I don’t mind viewing it again.

What’s so special about the film?
The film is about Malena-a young woman (played by Monica Bellucci), who is trapped in a Sicilian town while her husband is away serving in the World War. She is so lonely, that she becomes an easy target of lust for most men in the town. She is raped, brutalised and used! In this situation comes a young boy, who watches her go through all the humiliation. The relationship, which the two share, is heart-warming. The boy observes her from a distance and even tries to gain courage from the way she faces adversities.

What do you think of actor Monica Bellucci?
Monica has brought out the pathos very well. I couldn’t stop crying watching her. Her innocence and vulnerability make her stand out as an actor.

You seem to be very inspired by her
I feel challenged. I wish I could be part of such a film. I wish some filmmaker makes this film in Bollywood. I would be more than happy to play this role. It would be the right opportunity to relive a great role. Such stories deserve to be told in all parts of the world, especially in Bollywood, which has a huge market.

Hrithik Roshan‘s Rs 35 crore, three-film deal with Adlabs seems to be finally on the road. What’s interesting is that he will be working with Ram Gopal Varma for the first time, in one of the three films. Now, here’s an unlikely combination: a dancing superhero teaming up with a filmmaker who likes to venture off the beaten track every now and then. However, reports says that Adlabs has signed Ram Gopal Varma to make an action film with Hrithik. Incidentally, John Matthew Mathan will be directing a film with the actor too.

A source from Adlabs says, “Yes, Hrithik’s three-film deal is finally on. Adlabs had an old understanding with John Matthan for his film Shikhar and that’s why he has been signed for a film with Hrithik. The second film will be directed by Ram Gopal Varma and he has been paid a huge amount to direct the film. Ramu is currently working on the script. It’s supposed to be a stylish action film, based in Afghanistan.”

Hrithik’s look in the film will apparently be somewhat like Rambo and the tentative title of the film is Aryan. The budget of the film will be approximately Rs 40 crore.

Adds our source, “Hrithik is busy with Jodhaa Akbar right now. Once that’s done, he will take a final call on which film he wants to start first, Ramu’s or Mathan’s, in August.”

While Ramu remained unavailable for comment, Hrithik Roshan’s secretary, Ashok Vashodia, only said, “Nothing has been finalised yet.”

Acouple of years ago Aishwarya Rai had agreed to do the Kajra re number on Aidtya Chopra’s special request. It was her way of getting back into Yash Chopra’s camp after her professional fall-out with Shah Rukh Khan over Chalte Chalte. That fall-out had cost her Veer-Zara, among other roles. Lara Dutta has learnt it’s never right to say no to a banner as big as that of Yashji’s. She admits she did Fanaa to get into their good books. “It helped me get an entry into Yash Chopra’s camp,” she admits candidly. “Though I didn’t strike any such bargain with them, in the back of my mind, I did know that doing the part would put me in their good books. And to be in the same frame as Aamir Khan and Kajol…wow! Would that ever happen again? Also Kunal Kohli had asked me to do a cameo in Hum Tum. At that time I was busy shooting Aisa jadoo. I was petrified to say no to Fanaa. Because having said no once to Yash Chopra’s banner, I thought I was out of the camp. Obviously not,” she laughs about getting Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom.

Jhoom… has indeed changed Lara’s positioning in the movie market. “I’ve become very choosy. I don’t perceive myself as frivolous any longer.”

To prove her seriousness, Lara is going places other than Bollywood. After Shilpa Shetty, the British House Of Commons had yet another celebrity guest-speaker last week. Lara Dutta addressed the House Of Commons on the sensitive subject of human trafficking. Her oratorical skills were received with thunderous applause. No wonder Lara is glowing. “It was a wonderful opportunity, and to my good fortune, it was very well received. I believe this was the first time that the Medical Aid UK was allowed to have a say in this way within the British House Of Parliament,”

Lara says she has always enjoyed her role as a spokesperson for her country over and above her other roles. “But being an actress is also fun. It certain was fun working in Partner with David Dhawan and Salman Khan for the first time.”

Surprisingly, Lara isn’t taller than Salman. “(Laughs). Fortunately, I wasn’t taller. Because of Salman’s court cases Partner took 15 months to finish. But it was so much fun. Working with David Dhawan on a comedy was very different from working on a comedy with Priyadarshan (Bhagam Bhaag). Also, in Partner, Govinda is in full form. After No Entry, I haven’t laughed so much doing any of my films.’ Then comes the tonguein-cheek remark, “Considering how much of me has been seen in some recent films, you’ll see me doing enough in Partner.” Personally, she has been with Kelly Dorji for years. “I just don’t feel the need to make it legal. I’m having a bit too much fun with my career right now. I feel I’ve walked into the industry now,” she says.

Work. That’s where it’s all at for Esha Deol right now. “It’s because I really don’t have a personal life now and I’m totally dedicated to my work,” she confesses.

If it’s her work that gives her the biggest high, Esha is looking forward to acting with mom Hema Malini in the near future. “It will be a reality soon. But I’m going to act with Rekhaji even sooner and am looking forward to that. She has seen me as a baby. People like her and my mom are special,” she says.

Ask her about acting with papa Dharmendra and she says that won’t be possible. “It’s because we are so emotional about each other; there’ll be tears in our eyes and we wouldn’t be able to act,” says Esha.

Papa is her role model, but her ideal man is not a romantic hero. “He should be down-to-earth, love me for who I am and accept me with my flaws. He should be driven and like working,” says Esha.

As for her own work, she says a variety of roles keeps her interest alive. As a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, she’s someone who can easily express the navarasas or emotions. Which is probably why Esha can switch from one type of role to another with considerable ease. “In Na Tum Jaano Na Hum it was about a relationship kept alive by writing letters; in Just Married it was about a woman in an arranged marriage; and now there’s Jannat on the cards. Chemistry is important in such films and I keep observing people to get into the skin of the character,” says Esha.

There was homework to be done for her more complex role in Ankahee in which she’s in love with a married man. “I had to meet and know women who’ve been in that situation to internalise that character,” she says.

And for the thriller, Cash, she had to learn to pivot a car 360 degrees! “I did the stunts myself and although I’ve been driving for a long time, I took special training,” she adds.

Alongside those heavy duty performances, she also swung to an item tune in Kya Kashmakash Hai. “I like dancing when I’m irritated or angry; it helps release stress. Dancing is about emoting gracefully and that’s what I’ve tried to do in the item song. They’ve spent a lot of money on it. It’s like a Russian ballet and I get to fly from one end of the set to the other,” says the dancer.

Career apart, politics interests Esha and she discusses it with her mother. “I always talk to mom about improving infrastructure and culture in our country. There are so few people who are interested in Bharatanatyam or other traditional dance forms; everybody wants to learn salsa and waltz,” she says.

She converses with her mom in Tamil. “It’s our code language in a place where most people speak Marathi.” Ask her what her mom tells her in Tamil and Esha says, her diction perfect, “Pavam yen kozhandai, yevlo velai pannitu vandrikai (my poor baby, how much work you’ve done!). That’s what my mom says when I am back from a hard day’s work!”

If that explains how Esha bagged a role in Mani Ratnam’s Aayitha Ezhuthu, her desire to watch Sivaji shows her love for southern cinema. “I admire Rajnikanth, but haven’t had the time to watch Sivaji yet. I must,” she says.

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan has always said he never yearned to act in Hollywood. Though he hasn’t said no, the actor is not sure whether he’ll be able to take up director Ridley Scott’s film that stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe.

“The email for this offer came from Mira Nair’s office. Someone from Ridley Scott’s unit was to come to me and tell me the story. Just an offer on the e-mail from a third party isn’t enough,” says Amitabh.

“Besides they want to shoot in September. It seems impossible for me to leave behind my commitments here to do this film,” added the Big B, who is currently busy shooting a sequel to Ram Gopal Varma’s Sarkar.

Amitabh has, however, asked for a copy of the script. He says he wants to get an idea about the role first and then only take a final decision. “I’ve asked for the script. Right now, I don’t have any idea about my role or the theme. Where’s the question of saying yes without getting the details?”

Scott’s film, which is titled Body Of Lies, is a thriller based on a novel by David Ignatius.

Priyanka Chopra has wowed us as an actress and she keeps impressing us with her performances, but did you know that there’s a softer, mushier side to her too? Priyanka, we hear, is very fond of ghazals and poetry. In fact, she takes time off her busy schedule to listen to ghazals and read up as much poetry as possible. And as if that weren’t easy, she even pens her thoughts and poetry constantly whenever she can. Now if you suddenly hear of a poetry book authored by Priyanka Chopra, don’t be surprised – it’s PC at her poetic best.

Your film Naqaab has not yet released and you have already been signed for an eight-film contract. How do you feel about your newly acquired stardom?
Stardom seems to be such a high word. I am just beginning my journey. But it feels good to know that my hard work is paying off and I am moving in the right direction. Bollywood was always where I wanted to be. And considering that I had no filmy background and support, it’s been a fulfilling journey so far. But with Naqaab, my journey has just begun, the challenge starts now. I have lots to achieve.

You are called a stunner in terms of looks and performance. How do you see yourself?
Wow, it’s a big compliment. If they say that, then there must be some element of truth in it! Seriously, though I’m confident, I believe that hard work pays, there are no short cuts. There is so much to learn and unlearn. There are my own expectations to fulfill. There is so much responsibility attached. I have to keep striving hard. I am lucky to get a complex character for my debut film.

You started your career as a model and now you are doing films. Was this a natural progression?
Modelling was a stepping stone. It gave me the experience to face the camera and understand the camera angles, etc. Since I was doing well in the modelling circuit in Delhi, the shift to Mumbai was a bit easier. I had just dreams in my eyes. Mumbai’s a fulfillment of all my dreams.

You maintained a low profile before the release of your debut…
It’s a well-thought of strategy by the producer. I trust them completely. I was presented very sensually in Mika’s album Something Something, and in Atif’s Doorie. And in Naqaab they would like to present my versatility. Maybe I’m the naqaab of Naqaab.

How was it working with Bobby Deol and Akshaye Khanna?
Bobby Deol made me comfortable on the sets. He taught freestyle dancing. And also the fact that I am a Punjabi, added to the comfort level with him on the sets. I found Akshaye Khanna very sweet. In fact, he used to always help me whenever I used to get stuck in some of the scenes. He used to enact those scenes with my lines and show it to me. He too made me feel very comfortable and was very patient. He is so talented.

Which male actor from Hollywood and Bollywood would you prefer to do a bedroom scene with?
Enrique Iglesias – if he acts in a film.

Are you single and ready to mingle?
Single yes. Not thought about mingling yet!

Tell us about your funniest experience while working in Naqaab?
I had to run behind the ambulance and the directors, Abbasji and Mustanji were shooting a close-up scene. Suddenly I disappeared from the frame. Since it was raining in Dubai, I just slipped and fell down. I did not know whether to laugh or cry. And though everyone was concerned about me, I could sense that they were controlling their laughter.

What do you feel about the casting couch?
I have never encountered it. I have worked hard to reach here, and have been rewarded. I didn’t have to struggle. Being at the right time, at the right place is so important, along with hard work…