Interviews

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  "I'm not the least disappointed by the Oscar snub" - Irrfan Khan

  While Mira Nair has openly said that Hollywood suffers from colour blindness after her resplendent film The Namesake failed to make it into any of the Oscar nominations, Mira's leading man Irrfan says he isn't the least disappointed.

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  "I do take Aishwarya's advice for my films" - Abhishek

  Abhishek Bachchan who turns 32 on Feb 5 has much to look forward to. 2008 is a significant year for Abhishek. He starts the year with Ram Gopal Varma's 'family saga' Sarkar Raj , goes on to the f-x caper Drona and ends with the mellow Dilli 6.

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  "I thought the kids would hate me" - Vidya Balan

  At the moment, Vidya Balan has only one assignment, Aziz Mirza's Kismat Connection. "And it's very different from every thing I've done so far. That's how I like it. I don't want to get repetitive so early in my career."

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  "I was sure Aamir will make a good film" - Ajay Devgan

  “We weren’t taking a dig on anybody. The people concerned have no issues, then, whose issue is it! And why should I answer this question,” said an angry Ajay Devgan replying to a question based on a news report in a tabloid stating that Devgan’s character in Halla Bol had taken digs at Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan.

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  Shah Rukh is a 'portrait of graciousness': Hrithik Roshan

  Shah Rukh Khan is currently shooting for an item song for Rakesh Roshan's "Krazzy 4" and Hrithik Roshan, who will feature in another version of the same number, says this proves that there is solidarity in Bollywood.

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  Govinda brings positive changes in Upen's life

  Upen Patel, who stars in "Money Hai To Honey Hai" with Govinda, says working with the actor has changed his perspective on life.

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  I want a girl this time: Hrithik Roshan

  Hrithik Roshan and his wife Sussanne are expecting their second child in May and the actor says he would like to have a daughter this time.

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  "Shah Rukh Khan will perform with 11 girls" - Ekta Kapoor

  What are the show's highlights?
  Lots of performances by the biggies including Shah Rukh Khan, who's the biggest of them all. Then there's Lara Dutta performing with Jay Bhanushali and few other TV stars. We wanted the TV and film stars to co-exist on the same stage. Then the actors from my brother Tusshar's starrer Shootout At Lokhandwala will perform.

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  Shah Rukh injured, braves it for his protégé's premiere

  The one quality in Shah Rukh Khan that seems more appreciable than all others is the generosity with which he supports his friends and protégés. The most recent beneficiary of his largesse is the My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves wana-shine Nikhil Dwivedi. Not only has Shah Rukh been supporting Dwivedi’s starry dreams he has also been making sure the boy is seen in public places with the superstar.

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  Anil says no to starring with daughter Sonam

  Actor Anil Kapoor is the latest to join the list of Bollywood parents who are wary of being seen with their star children when the children make their screen debut.

  Anil has turned down a chance to co-star with his daughter Sonam in her second film -Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's much talked-about "Dilli 6".

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  I like making masala films: Rohit Shetty

  Rohit Shetty, the son of legendary fight master Shetty, grew up on a staple of action movies and started his career by directing a film in the same genre. But now he is focusing on comedies.

  "Comedy was always there and will stay because of the stress in our lives. Unconsciously, we are leading a very stressful life and light-hearted comedies are a respite for the common people. People lap up comedies. For more than 20 years, people have been making comedies and they will continue to do so," Rohit told IANS on phone from Mumbai.

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  I'd love to be in a relationship: Karan Johar

  He makes films on relationships and now multifaceted filmmaker Karan Johar is ready to enter into a relationship in real life.

  "I hate walking into an empty bedroom at night. There're large lonely moments. Fortunately, I've the best relationship possible with my mother. That makes up for every relationship I don't have. Of course, I'd love to be in a relationship. But it has to be one I completely believe in," Karan told IANS in an interview.

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  "Maharani of Jaipur will release JA music" - Ashutosh Gowariker

  Troubled and tired of all the controversies surrounding the release of Jodhaa Akbar, Ashutosh Gowariker finally speaks from his bed where he's recovering from a back problem.

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  If Karan Johar made Taare Zameen Par

  With Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par appealing the masses, the actor has surely made an impressive directorial debut. The sensitivity with which he has handled the subject is worth appreciating. However, one of the forwards related to the film being sent around on emails talks about what TZP would be like if the film was made by some other Bollywood filmmakers.

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  'Jodhaa-Akbar' as relevant as arranged marriage: Gowariker

  Young and dynamic director Ashutosh Gowariker, who is ready with "Jodhaa-Akbar", says he was fascinated by the relationship that the two historical figures must have shared after marriage.

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  Celebrity Interview: Karan Johar

  Your year was filled with celeb interviews and shooting ads.

  I'd agree with that. In 2007, I directed no films. But did many ads including the latest Alfred Dunhill. I'm the ambassador for their clothes lines. Then there was ICI paint where I shot with Kareena and Brew, the coffee, which I've just tied up. And Timond watches.

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  I have survived it all: Kabir Bedi

  Actor Kabir Bedi, who has marked his presence in Western cinema and is set to host a chat show on television, feels proud when he looks back at his career spanning over three decades, three continents and three mediums.

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  R.D. Burman was made of music: Anu Malik

  The legendary R.D. Burman, who revolutionised Hindi film music since he debuted as composer with comedian Mehmood's 1961 movie "Chote Nawab", is almost a forgotten man today.

  But the songs he composed continue to live on in the minds of all music lovers. Those are Bollywood's imperishable treasure trove, more particularly, perhaps, for the music companies cashing in on his composing genius.

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  Professionally, I've learnt to say no: Vidya Balan

  In terms of box office success, last year was not so fruitful for Vidya Balan but the actress says professionally she has come a long way and has learnt to voice her opinion confidently.

  "Last year there were lessons to be learnt. Professionally, I've learnt to say no to projects I don't want to do. I'm no longer apologetic about voicing my opinion. I guess I've become more confident and therefore more assertive," Vidya told IANS.

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  It was Renzel who wanted Anurag: Karan Johar

  Karan Johar has patched up with Anurag Kashyap and offered the talented filmmaker a job as a dialogue writer at the behest of director Renzel d'Silva.

  To be produced by Karan's Dharma Productions, the film will be directed by d'Silva.

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  I cannot cast Kareena wrongly: Imtiaz Ali

  Director Imtiaz Ali locked horns with Saif Ali Khan over the casting of the leading lady for their next film and it was the former who won. The director of "Jab We Met" fame has cast Deepika Padukone instead of Kareena Kapoor with the actor.

  It's not official yet. But Saif's first production will start shooting in May 2008. It won't star Saif's ladylove Kareena. The matter in fact became a big bone of contention between producer Saif and director Imtiaz.

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  Prachi Desai is my blue-eyed baby: Ekta Kapoor

  TV tycoon Ekta Kapoor openly admits that Prachi Desai, the protagonist in her soap "Kkasam Se" and the winner of the "Jhalalk Dikhla Jaa" title, is her most favourite actor at Balaji Telefilms.

  "I'm so thrilled she has won 'Jhalak Dikhla Jaa'. Prachi is my blue-eyed baby. I wish her absolutely the best in life," Ekta told IANS in an interview.

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  John Abraham not being experimental

  After doing the experimental "No Smoking" and the semi-experimental "Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal", John Abraham says he isn't deliberately heading for the experimental mode.

  "I'm not aiming to be an art house actor or anything so lofty. I know my limitations. And I've been working my way around them. To me, doing a 'No Smoking' is as valid as doing a 'Goal'," John told IANS.

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  Tanuja is a natural-born actress: Anupam Kher

  Anupam Kher is shooting for a fascinating new film about the warm relationship between a man and his granddaughter in "Hawai Dada". And what makes it special is that veteran actress Tanuja is playing his wife.

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  TZP runs into trouble in Gujarat

  Aamir Khan seems to have become controversy’s favorite child these days. One day prior to the release of his maiden directorial venture Taare Zameen Parⁱ , comes this piece of news that the film has runⁱ into some kind of trouble in the state of Gujarat.