Shraddha Kapoor Said: Happy Times Are Now Start For Me - Interviews

Happy days are here for the petite pretty and gentle Shraddha Kapoor. Last year she was struggling, auditioning ferociously for roles and getting rejected. One such role was that in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali production My Friend Pinto which went to Kalki Koechlin

And now Shraddha, in all humility, is all set to do Bhansali's production Gabbar opposite Akshay Kumar.

Sounding humbled rather than vindicated, Shraddha says, "Times change. It's taken a lot of hard work to get out of the struggler's space. It was very difficult to break out of the struggle. But that period of uncertainty will always be cherished. I've learnt to expect the unexpected in life. Because anything can happen."

Now she's looked on with different eyes. "Yes, the film industry's attitude towards me has changed. There is a drastic change. From flop I've gone to flip (laughs). It feels nice to be finally appreciated. When someone like Anurag Basu called me to tell me he absolutely loved me in Aashiqui 2, it feels very encouraging."

Shraddha feels Aashiqui 2 couldn't have happened at a better time. "You know, in spite of being from a film family I had to go through that whole struggle to find a place. I think that struggle has made me a better person and a better actress. There were days when I'd audition while my faithful sets of friends patiently waited. Then I'd come away without grabbing the role. Of course it hurt. But my family and friends were there to hold my hand. And how would I enjoy the current phase of positivity if I didn't have the other experience of failure?"

There were many humiliating experiences, like a film where Shraddha actually signed and shot before she was replaced. But she would rather not dwell on the dark. "Finally it's talent that counts. I truly believe your talent will be spotted sooner or later. Of course it helped that producers knew me as Shakti Kapoor's daughter. But I've done so many auditions where I've been rejected. I don't hold any grudges. Who knows, I might be working with the very people who replaced me."

Shraddha has just returned from Kashmir from the shooting of Vishal Bhardwaj's Haider.

And she can't stop raving about the Valley. "It is definitely heaven on earth. That Kashmir is part of India is our good fortune. Though my parents made sure that I travelled extensively as a child this was my first visit to Kashmir. And to see the unsurpassable beauty first-hand just took my breath away. The best thing about the movie business is that you get to travel a lot. And when you get to travel to Kashmir for a Vishal Bhardwaj film to do Shakespeare, it's like three levels of nirvana."

Cautious and committed, Shraddha clams up about Haider. "We've done just one ten- day schedule and we go back for another in January. Right now I've two choices. I could go on and on about the film or I could wait to have a more cohesive perception on the experience. So I'll just say, Haider will take me to another level after Aashiqui 2."

Besides Haider and Gabbar, Shraddha is also doing Mohit Suri's The Villain.

"I had a wish-list of directors when I started out. Vishal Bhardwaj and Mohit Suri were on the list. So now I've ticked two names in my list, a double trick before Mohit's name. Though it brings back the complete Aashiqui team barring Aditya Roy Kapur, The Villain is a completely new experience. Even our DOP is the same. It's like coming home again. The only newbie in the group is Sidharth Malhotra."

So if Sidharth plays the villain does Shraddha play the vamp?

Scandalized by the suggestion, the prim actress replies, "Goodness me! Everyone will know in due course what I play The Villain."

Deepika Padukone: I’ll call Finding Fanny Fernandes An Alternate Movie

She has scored a hat-trick of hits on the Bollywood pitch, with each film offering a different flavour of her versatile talent…

Deepika Padukone is in no mood to rest. She is raring to go with more multifarious roles and says she will continue to give them all her 100 percent. Her first big hit of the year, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani saw her impress the audience as nerdy Naina, and she followed up its success with her South Indian act as Meenamma in the box office record-breaking Chennai Express.

Deepika’s latest release Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, in which she plays a Gujarati girl, has also made its way to the Rs 100 crore club. “It is magical,” the 27-year-old told a reporter on phone as she shared her sentiment post the film’s success, but she was quick to add that “nothing has changed”.

Her debut in Hindi films was like a fairytale – she entered with Shahrukh Khan in 2007 blockbuster Om Shanti Om and the reincarnation drama turned out to be a perfect springboard for the success and popularity that she continues to revel in even today. In fact, she is enjoying much more. However, a career graph can’t be “planned”, says the tall and dusky beauty, who made a natural transition from the modelling world to the big screen.

“I’ve always believed that everyone has one’s own pattern, the only thing that I can do is to work with the best of my ability, to work honestly and whole-heartedly and to know that I’m giving my 100 percent. I think the results follow eventually,” said Deepika, who is the daughter of Ujjala and former badminton star Prakash Padukone, who was one of the world’s best badminton players of his time.

She is also ready to take on more new kinds of films. Independent films? She drove the conversation to her first 2014 release – Homi Adajania’s Finding Fanny Fernandes, an English language film produced by Saif Ali Khan’s Illuminati Films. “I’ll call it alternate, because it will be pitched differently and it will look slightly different from some of the other films that I have done in the past,” explained Deepika, who finds it strange to dissect her films into mainstream commercial and alternate cinema.

“I think it is convenient from the audience’s point of view to categorise films, but for an actor, what I bring to a film is the same. The only thing probably different in Finding Fanny is that it’s an English language film. That was the first time for me, but in terms of my approach to a film, in terms of what I bring to a film or character, that doesn’t change with the type of film I do. “It doesn’t matter if I am doing a Chennai Express, I’m less or more committed. My enthusiasm for every film will be the same, irrespective of the budget of the film or the way the film looks.”

How about her experience of playing such different characters and yet getting the act right each time? “I think in my case, it’s just that the films are doing well commercially, that people are sitting up and noticing that each of my films is different from the other in terms of characters. “But if you step back a bit, you will realise that even in between 2009 and 2011, the films I did didn’t do well commercially, whether it was Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey, where I played a freedom fighter, to Break Ke Baad to Karthik Calling Karthik… I am including my first film Om Shanti Om, where I played a heroine from the 1980s… So, from the start of my career, I have had the opportunity to play various characters. I am glad that I haven’t been slotted as doing just one kind of character or just being stuck to doing one kind of cinema.”

Elli Avram Doesn't Like Being Compared To Katrina Kaif

Swedish-Greek actress Elli Avram, who has been compared with Bollywood's top notch actress Katrina Kaif, says she cannot measure up to the star of films like "Namastey London".

Elli, who made her Bollywood debut with 'Mickey Virus', participated in 'Bigg Boss - Saath 7'. She was evicted Saturday.

In one of the episodes of the reality show, when actor Sunny Deol came to promote his movie, its host and Hindi film superstar Salman praised Elli saying, "Paanch saal pehle ki Katrina Kaif lagti hai (Looks like how Katrina used to look five years ago)".

Elli Avram In Sizzling Action in Movie Mikey Virus

Talking about the comparison, Elli told IANS: "Well, it's like a huge compliment because I really look up to Katrina. I felt it was very nice and sweet thing, but I cannot even compare myself with Katrina."

"She is such a huge star and I am just a newcomer," she added.

Last seen in 2012 movie 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan', Katrina will soon be seen opposite Aamir Khan in the forthcoming action thriller 'Dhoom 3'. It hits theatres Dec 20.

Sonakshi Sinha Rubbishes Reports of Salman Khan Being Upset with Me

Dabangg Girl Sonakshi Sinha says all is well between her and 'Dabangg' co-star Salman Khan and that he is not upset with her over anything.

There were reports that Salman was miffed with Sonakshi as she turned down a film offer from Arbaaz and the superstar, but she rubbishes such gossips.

"If he is upset, ask him, don't ask me. But there is nothing like that. No, he is not upset with me and there is nothing of the sort that has come out in the papers," Sonakshi told PTI.

Salman was keen on having Sonakshi in 'Kick' but things did not work out and now Jacqueline Fernandez is doing it. "It was long back when it was discussed, but by the time it started, I couldn't do it. I will have to cut myself into two (because of hectic shooting schedules)," she said.

Sonakshi made her debut as an actress in 'Dabangg' opposite Salman and was even part of the sequel. Both the films were a huge hit.

"I don't know when we will be seen together again. As of now there is nothing in the pipeline. We both are busy with our respective films," Sonakshi said.

The actress finds Salman quite stylish. "He is very stylish, he can carry anything he wears with ease. I think the most stylish actor for me would be Akshay Kumar. Among my contemporaries, I think Deepika Padukone is very stylish, she has got effortless style to her. She has got a great body and looks fantastic in whatever she wears," she added.

My Room Like College Dorm-Room Says Priyanka Chopra

Actress Priyanka Chopra compares her room to a college dormitory and says it has everything -- from glow-in-the dark-stars to a mood board.

"My room is like a college dorm (Dormitory)-room. I've like glowing stars on the roof, mood board, whatever my moods are I write on the mood board because I am very creative. I like writing," said the 31-year-old actress while doing a photo shoot for a realty brand.

"I have a tack board. I cut things that I like and I put that in the board. I have a vision board, lots of photograph of friends and family. I have books, a library in my room because I like seeing my books in my room... it's like cluttered.

"It has everything that I would ever need from the reach of my bed," she added.

The actress will next be seen in Krrish 3 with Hrithik Roshan and in an item number in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ram Leela.

Watch: In My City by Priyanka Chopra

My father Is My Superhero Says Hrithik Roshan

Hrithik says he wants his own sons to look upon him as their superhero

Actor Hrithik Roshan, who will be seen as a superhero in his filmmaker father's movie Krrish 3, says his dad is his superhero.

Hrithik also credited his father with popularising the superhero genre in Bollywood with the Krrish franchise, which started with Koi Mil Gaya.

"I am thankful to my dad. If he didn't exist, there would have been no superhero genre in Indian cinema. He has broken all the barriers and has made it possible. This is because of the power of his conviction. For me, my father is my superhero, " Hrithik told reporters here Tuesday at the launch of Krrish 3 merchandise.

Asked if his own sons look up to him as their superhero, Hrithik said: "I always hope they see me as superhero. Being a father is the biggest chance and opportunity to be a superhero in your life."

Krrish 3, releasing in November, also features Vivek Oberoi, Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut.

Watch: KRRISH 3 - Official Theatrical Trailer (Exclusive)

Sharman Joshi Impressed With His War Chhod Na Yaar - Director!

You will soon see Sharman Joshi playing an Indian army officer in a war-comedy movie. As he looks forward to its release, the actor entertains After Hrs in an engaging conversation.

Sharman Joshi is slowly getting into the groove. So, from a shy actor who barely spoke a word (when he'd visited the city to celebrate the 3 Idiots success party more than three years back), today, he rattles off answers with practised flair.

"This entire marketing process is the one aspect of my job as an actor that I still need getting used to," admits Sharman. That said, when it comes to talking about his upcoming movie, War Chhod Na Yaar, the actor gets into effusive mode.

Slated to be India's first war comedy ever, we wonder if that peg was what convinced Sharman to take on the role - he plays an army officer in the movie - and he says, "Sure, as a war comedy, it was a virgin territory we were exploring here but that wasn't the main reason why I accepted the role. Fact is, I decided to do the film because as a script it works exceptionally well. The director Faraz Haider had mailed me the script and I was bowled over when I read it. I loved it but one is always a little skeptical about whether a good script like this would translate into a good movie but when I met Faraz for a narration, I knew he'd be able to do it. In fact, I will in so far as go to say that I count War Chhod Na Yaar as one of the top 10 films of my career, yet. "

Shot largely in the deserts of Rajasthan - Bikaner and thereabouts - the film's story as Sharman cares to informs us is about the casual, tongue-in-cheek relationship the Indo-Pak soldiers on the border share and how they eventually stop a war because they realise it is futile. "There's a bonhomie that exists between the two countries' soldiers and the movie tries to show through them that while we may have our differences, we can look beyond them and learn to live together despite those differences."

For a film that chooses to convey a serious message through comedy, we ask him if comedy is probably a more effective way to put forth ideas to audiences. "Not necessarily," he opines before elaborating, "Comedy may possibly be more powerful way to say something but I believe that whether it's a serious film or a comedy, the effectiveness of putting across a message truly depends on the director. Chak De India for instance was a serious movie but it was an inspiring one that told you that if you put your heart into anything you could achieve what you want. "

Rang De Basanti, 3 Idiots, Ferrari Ki Sawaari and now, War ..., it would seem that Sharman has a predilection for doing movies with messages. Sharman counters that saying, "As an actor, I've only believed in doing movies that are entertaining." "I always hope that my movies are worth the time and money that audiences invest in watching them. If there's a good message in the movie, then it's great. So, I'll say that while it's never been my intention, I have only been fortunate that I have done movies that are not only entertaining but have substance as well. "

Post the war-comedy film that releases on October 11, Sharman has a handful of movies he's working on. "I am doing Inder Kumar's Super Naani where I play grandson to Rekha. I am also doing Gang Of Ghosts, an ensemble film being directed by Satish Kaushik and 1920 London, which is a sequel to the supernatural drama, 1920.

Honey Singh First Exclusive Serious Interview - Lot Of Struggle Behind The Success

Yo Yo Honey Singh was interviewed with Sudhir Chaudhary, by Zee News about his life, struggles, controversies and more. He talks about his latest associations with Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar

Watch: Yo Yo Honey Singh's Interview with Sudhir Chaudhary1

Watch: Yo Yo Honey Singh's Interview with Sudhir Chaudhary2

Kalki Koechlin Alleges Designer Duo Called Her "Mentally Disturbed"

The talented and versatile Bollywood actress Kalki Koechlin is feeling low after she has been labelled as “mentally disturbed” by designer duo Riddhi-Siddhi Mapxencar and DP jewellers at the Glamour Style Week 2013 event. Finally she broke her silence on the insulting tag and spoke out against the offenders.

Kalki said, "After a 4hour wait in lehenga, jewellery make up they have the gall to call me mentally disturbed! Riddhi siddhi, dp designers shame on you!" She further wrote in a defensive tone, “@faizanshoaib half of them wanted me to do interviews and other half wanted me to dance. And to think I was being so polite the whole time!” She also stormed out against the event organisers, "Not seen a more disorganised show than #glamourstyleweek2013 where the organisers called me off the ramp when I'm the showstopper!"

As reported by the media, Kalki was the showstopper at the show but she completely went out of her mind when the moment arrived for her to walk the ramp with the designer duo. This fault of hers annoyed the designers to a large extent and they described her as mentally disturbed. Clad in a lehenga choli, Kalki danced on the stage to entertain the audience and walked out as fast as possible. Furthermore, her eccentric behaviour has been said to be the result of her disturbed married life with Anurag Kashyap. Huma Qureshi is said to be the reason behind all the troubles between Kalki and Anurag.

Kalki tweeted clarifying, “By the way I am mentally disturbed but its certainly not because of my hubby;)” In the meantime the designer duo opted to stay away from the entire controversy, "@kalkikanmani DP jewellers were mighty pissed with you for not walking with them since they are the one to pay you for this show." They added, "It's a matter between you and them, please sort out with them... @kalkikanmani We are not interested to be a part of this charade and derive public attention for wrong reasons, thanks! Riddhi Siddhi."

In Conversation With John Abraham And Shoojit Sircar

With their upcoming film Madras Café nearing its release, actor-producer John Abraham along with director Shoojit Sircar of Vicky Donor fame, give us an overview of their experience in working on the subject of civil war, a territory that has remained untouched in Indian cinema so far.

"It's a complete u-turn from Vicky Donor. Vicky Donor was no doubt also a sensitive film. However, Madras Café is a story of a soldier, Captain Vikram Singh, played by John who has been appointed to conduct covert operations in Sri Lanka," says Shoojit Sircar in an exclusive conversation with Screen team.

Shoojit says tackling the subject of a civil war has been both challenging as well as a new genre for him. "People have not seen nor have I ever tried to shoot a film based on a civil war. We've seen war films but not civil war," he says. "We've seen James Bond films but not any spy thrillers in the real sense. I hope I'm successful in catering something new to my audience."

When asked if taking up this film has proved to be somewhat risky for John, he says, "Films are a lot like cricket. People forget the last innings or your last film, and only remember the new one."

Reportedly having claimed that Madras Café is in par with Hollywood films like Argo, John clarifies, "What I tried to imply is that a film like Madras Café has never been made in this country. We've made a commercial hindi film. But to give you a benchmark, we've given examples like Argo and Body of Lies. However, we've not made a Hollywood film," he stresses.

Talking about the techniques as well as the research, he's used as a director, Shoojit says, "Firstly, we have not tried to take any sides in the film – neither the rebels, nor the peace fighters or the Prime Minister."

"There is a voice-over element in the film, which connects the story. It's all from John's point of view. It took me six years to develop the script. When it comes to research, it was mainly books. I read a lot of articles and I did check some government records." However, the director says with information available on the Internet, he didn't meet or interview any army officers.

When asked about how he got into the skin of the character – playing a soldier, John shares a touching scene from the film. "There is one scene in the film, where my wife gets some photographs and she asks me, 'Do you kill people for a living?' And I had to look at her and tell her 'the country's security is in my hands'. To perform that scene I needed to feel those emotions and saying those words...I've never felt more Indian…it gave me goose bumps," he says.

Though 'Madras Café' is based on a real-life incident, the film is a work of fiction. "We've taken inspiration from real-life characters. But, my character is fictitious," says John.

Talking about the film's title, "Wherever there are Indians, there is a Madras Café. Be it in Singapore, Bangkok, Chennai or Delhi. In the film, Madras Café is the place where certain things are intercepted and conspiracies are hatched," explains Shoojit. "At this Madras Café, you don't get idli-sambhar, only gun-powder," jokes John.

Being an actor-turned-producer, John Abraham reveals that he agreed to do the film because it was something new. "I like different kinds of subjects. And as a producer I need to marry content with commerce, because at the end of the day, we all need to make money. But, I'm very honored to be a part of this film."

Rockstar actress Nargis Fakhri will be seen reprising the role of a war correspondent in the spy-thriller. "The first time I met Nargis and showed her the script, she seemed apprehensive about pulling it off. So I sent her a lot of links on war stories and war correspondents, and so the next time she came to meet me, she was more prepared and had fully understood the depth of her character," says Shoojit.

Watch:Watch: Madras Cafe Official Trailer - HD

"She faced a lot of criticism for Rockstar, so she wasn't confident. But, it's the job of the director to hold the actor's hand. She has done a wonderful job with this film and this will be her re-launch," Shoojit says confidently with a hint of pride.

Having an interesting cast such as Siddharth Basu, Piyush Pandey and Agnello Dias, Shoojit says he wanted faces, which are credible. "Casting is very important. 50% of a director's job is done by the look of the cast alone, the rest depends on the craftsmanship of the director," he says.

The Madras Café team has been facing certain opposition from a pro-Tamil group claiming that the film depicts the Lite in bad light. "Post the Tamil group having problems, we have dubbed the film in Tamil. I'm sure they will be happy after seeing the film", says John reassuringly.

John confesses that promoting the film was one of the most challenging parts of the project. "It's much easier to sing and dance, trust me," he says. "But when you've got something serious to say, that's when it gets difficult. We are so scared of going wild in our films, because only the NRI's will love them," he says jokingly. However on a more serious note, he added, "Entertainment is not just about song and dance. It should give you the ability to think."

Talking about his expectations from the film, Shoojit says, "When you're doing a film on a civil war, it's a huge task on the part of the director to transport his audience to that civil war zone. If I am able to do that, I know then I have achieved my task."

On his part, John says he feels every Indian must watch Madras Café at some point to know what happened and how it happened, a series of events that changed the history of our country.

Courtesy: Indian Express

Model Anchal Kumar Got Married With Shaadi.com CEO Anupam Mittal - Wedding Photos

Model Aanchal Kumar got married to entrepreneur Anupam Mittal in a lavish ceremony at Jaipur. The 4 day long destination wedding had quite a few glitzy celenbrations. Aanchal wore outfits designed by Manish Malhotra, Rocky S, Mandira Wirk and Sabyasachi

Anchal've Known acerca Anupam for seven years now, and as the cliche goes were 'just good friends' Before This announcement. Reportedly, the duo started dating some years ago but managed to keep it under wraps. It was only this year in January, officially Anupam Proposed When Anchal for marriage.

For the wedding, Anchal've Chosen a lehenga-choli by Manish Malhotra. According To one of the interviews Given to TOI, Anchal divulged the details, "The sangeet and wedding dresses are by Manish Malhotra, while the reception outfits are by Sabyasachi. The sit-down dinner ensemble, a white gown, is by Mandira Wirk and Rocky S. And for the mehendi, I'll wear something from designer Pam Mehta's clothing line. "

Despite career coming from completely different reasons, this cute looking couple found love in each other. According To Anchal, it was Anupam's intelligence, attitude and creativity That Attracted her. She says, "With him, you can not have a dull moment. He's a party freak (more than I am) and very understanding. "

Aanchal with Mugdha Godse

This gorgeous soon-to-be bride has Decided as her wedding venue Jaipur since she is in absolute love with the city. The functions include a sit-down dinner with a white and Victorian theme on July 2. There is a mehendi ceremony on July 3 in the morning, with a pool party in the afternoon. At night, there is an engagement party with a grand sangeet. July 4 starts Sehra With The groom's ceremony, With The wedding at night.

Chetan Bhagat With His wife

The guest list includes designers Manish Malhotra, Wendell Rodricks, Rocky S, and models Candice Pinto, Kanchi Kaul, Shahwar Ali and Mugdha Godse. Also, Anchal has invited two of her former Bigg Boss housemates - Manoj Tiwary and Abbas Kazmi. From the cricketing fraternity, Zaheer Khan and Yuvraj Singh Also will be attending this wedding.

My Love Life Has been Unsuccessful: Says Sonam Kapoor - Exclusive Interviews

She is young, vivacious and has played the love struck romantic in reel life, but Sonam Kapoor confesses that she has not been lucky when it came to love in real life.

Born with a silver spoon, the daughter of actor Anil Kapoor and former model Sunita was said to be dating "I Hate Luv Storys" director Punit Malhotra and was also romantically linked to her "Mausam" co-star Shahid Kapoor.

But in a candid confession, she said: "My love life has been quite unsuccessful. I am single, but I think human beings have the capacity to love."

The 27-year-old feels love is not a restricted feeling.

"I don't think you can fall in love only once. You can fall in love over and over again. We have the capacity and we have the heart to do that," Sonam told IANS.

Her real life romance has not been inspiring, but on the screen she has been part of several love stories, including her debut film "Saawariya" as well as mushy dramas like "I Hate Luv Storys" and "Aisha".

Her forthcoming film "Raanjhanaa" also belongs to the same genre. In the film, she will be seen romancing southern star Dhanush, who is debuting in Bollywood with the Anand L. Rai-directed movie coming out Friday.

When asked about her chemistry with Dhanush in "Raanjhanaa", Sonam said: "Chemistry is not between two people, it's between two characters. Chemistry gets created by moments. For example, Shahid and Kareena had done many films together, but people never spoke about their chemistry. But when they did 'Jab We Met' because of the scenes and their roles, people liked it."

She insists that chemistry can be created through "acting, scenes and the way the director projects it. Chemistry is a very overdone, overspoken thing".

"Raanjhanaa" was shot in Varanasi and the actress admits being nervous while giving her first shot in the holy city.

"It wasn't difficult, I was nervous doing it. When I was in Varanasi, about 200 people were there when I gave my first shot," she said.

She was in a "school uniform" for the shot and was surrounded by men. They accepted us very well, but I was nervous while shooting".

Dhanush is not familiar with Hindi and he struggled with the dialogues, but Sonam feels that when it comes to emotions, language has never been a barrier.

"He is very quiet and modest... he worked hard on the language. When it comes to emotions, you don't need a language to express it. He expressed himself beautifully. He is such a creative person," she said.

Although most of her films bombed at the box office, the actress doesn't regret anything.

"I don't regret anything because when I was doing films like 'Thank You' and 'Mausam', I decided to do the films that satisfied me. I don't look at films with their box-office success. I want that 20 years down the line, people should remember my films," she explained.

Source: TOI

I’ll Do It My Way – The Incredible Journey of Aamir Khan Reads Like A Documentary

Christina Daniels’ book is a collection of excerpts from Aamir Khan’s interviews and quotes, and not a biography...

His film 3 Idiots is the highest grosser ever in India, with over Rs 200 crore in box office collections. Add another Rs 100 crore if you count the overseas figures, and it’s a record. It’s also the second highest grossing Hindi film abroad (the highest being Shahrukh Khan’s My Name is Khan). But Aamir Khan did not achieve this overnight. His debut Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak was a blockbuster, followed by a series of flops. The actor realised that “the intense fan following on the release of QSQT was for someone new rather than someone good”.

A career spanning many ups and downs, failures and successes has led to the Aamir of today. Megastar, marketing maverick, sensitive director, shrewd producer, social activist, loving family man and great friend. All this was achieved with a great deal of attitude and is showcased in a book aptly titled I’ll Do It My Way – The Incredible Journey of Aamir Khan by Christina Daniels. The book is a collection of excerpts from and analysis of quotes, anecdotes and experiences of Aamir and his colleagues, sourced from old magazines, newspapers, websites and television interviews. It’s been broken down into chapters like A Star is Born, ‘Break away’ Cinema, Icon, Iconoclast, Cinema for Change and The Superstar.

So what’s new? Not much for admirers who’ve been following the ace actor-director’s career from its start. But for younger fans, the book will be an interesting read, not just for rare pictures and an insight into how AK chose his scripts, but also for his complex childhood (bully in school, timid at home) and his transformation from a shy guy and actor to the evolved and confident human being that he is today.

Daniels shares bites like how Aamir had his initial hands-on training as spot boy, assistant and production manager on his friend Aditya Bhattacharya’s film Paranoia. He soon knew his calling and joined his uncle Nasir Hussain on Manzil Manzil as assistant and simultaneously acted in Ketan Mehta’s Holi. He later starred in Aditya’s National Award-winning film Raakh.

What was fascinating to read was that in a rare combined interview of Aamir and Shahrukh to Filmfare magazine in 1993, Shahrukh advised Aamir to continue on his pathbreaking trail. He said, “He’s (Aamir) one of the finest actors we have, someone I expect to evolve like Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor did… I know he has no limitations… Aamir, I feel you should start playing someone else besides Aamir Khan. You’re good for another six-seven years and you’ll be remembered for ten more for your performances.”

It’s been more years than SRK stated Aamir would last, and both superstars have in fact maintained their positions and achieved much more.

Speaking to Filmfare, again in 1993, Aamir predicted the likeability of Andaz Apna Apna even as he was shooting for the film. He said, “Both Salman and I have performed very well. We have distinctly different and well-balanced roles and it will be difficult to decide who is better.” Showing no insecurity and a thorough understanding of the market he stated, “My fans will argue that I have overshadowed him while Salman loyalists will campaign for him, but in the end, I’m sure there will be no strong vote in favour of either one of us. The audience will like both of us and that should contribute to the success of the film.” Andaz… was not a big success when it released, but is considered a cult comedy now.

Quotes by Aamir’s various directors, producers and co-stars when interviewed by Daniels are fresh. Aditya Bhattacharya, Mansoor Khan, Indra Kumar, Mahesh Bhatt, Dharmesh Darshan, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, AR Murugadoss, Asin Thottumkal, Rajkumar Hirani et al speak about the man’s genius and how his vision or his persona helped shape their films. The only person conspicuous by her absence is Aamir’s QSQT co-star Juhi Chawla. Both stars acted in several movies together, but were always known to share a love-hate relationship. All that can be forgotten now, with Juhi’s recent appearance at the 25th anniversary celebration of the iconic celluloid love story and her expressed desire to star in the sequel.

All in all, I’ll Do It My Way is exhaustive, but unlike what Aamir says cinema should be – entertaining. The book reads more like a documentary than a commercially successful Aamir Khan film. And so it might get a tad boring for readers. What could’ve made it better? One can’t say, as the author maintains that it’s not a biography. Neither is it only in praise of the actor. Fair enough. You will like it if you don’t expect too much from it.

I’ll Do It My Way – The Incredible Journey of Aamir Khan by Christina Daniels | Price: Rs 495/- | Spotlight, 2012...