Vidya Balan's interview: Female actors deserve fatter pay cheques

Give us fatter pay cheques: demands Bollywood actor Vidya Balan
By Medha Shri

Actor Vidya Balan, who is often ­credited for ­being one of those who made women-centric films mainstream, is happy to see that in the recent months, “some brilliant films with female leads have done extremely well — both critically and ­commercially”. 

Vidya Balan; Pic: IndiaTribune

However, there is still something that pains her heart. “You know, I feel that there is still a lot of disparity in the pay cheques of male and female actors,” she sighs, and adds, “If there is one thing I could change about the industry, I think it’d be this disparity. The female actors should also get an equally fat cheque.”

The actor, who made her Bollywood debut with Parineeta (2005), a film appreciated for its strong female protagonist, recalls that there was a time when the kind of films she did were considered ­exceptions. “I am very happy to see the kind of films being made over the past two years.  I remember when I did Ishqiya (2010), No One Killed Jessica (2011), The Dirty Picture (2011) and Kahaani (2012), these films were considered an ­aberration. Slowly but surely, I think it gained momentum, and between last year and this year, I can think of at least eight good films with women in the lead,” says the 37-year-old actor.

Vidya observes that the trend on reel potrays the change in society. “It’s a very hopeful ­scenario for us (female actors), and it’s here to stay now. I don’t think this is a phase. I think this is how it is going to be, because if you see all around, women are now in-charge of their lives. They are becoming aware that they could lead their lives the way they wish to. They are becoming aware of their rights, and they are coming into their own. They are getting into professions that were considered a male bastion earlier. So there are going to be more ­stories with female leads. And we will see more such stories on screen, because cinema is a reflection of our society.”

First published in Hindustan Times on Jul 17, 2015

Akshay Kumar and the little-known stories

Actor Akshay Kumar's mom shares some interesting childhood anecdotes 

By Medha Shri

Her son, actor Akshay Kumar, is one of Bollywood's most successful actors, but not many know about Aruna Bhatia, Akki's doting mom. On Mother's Day today, she shares little-known stories about her son, and daughter Alka Hiranandani. 

Actor Akshay Kumar with mom Aruna (C) and sister Alka (L)

Recalling Akki's childhood days, she says, "He was the trouble-starter on our street, and the naughtiest boy in school." And although Akshay was mischief incarnate, she shares how he showed that he cared in his own little ways. 

"We had no help at home when he was a boy, so he would help me do the dishes, clean the clothes, and keep the house up and running, as we couldn't afford a house-help those days. So behind that cheeky grin of his, he has a heart of gold. He was very naughty, but always nice," she remembers fondly. 

And, the 47-year-old actor, who is shooting in Goa, took a break from his schedule to talk to us about his mom who means the world to him - "Mother's Day is every day! Not a single day passes by when I don't make my mom feel like the most important mother in the world, just like my son does with my wife," says the Special 26 actor, adding, "the bond between a mother and her son is so strong yet so gentle ... nothing could come between us, no amount of miles or continents can keep us from letting each other know every day that I would be nothing and no one without her."

 Aruna, meanwhile, speaks equally lovingly about her daughter, Alka. "My daughter is like no other. Alka has made me feel loved and cherished every day of her life. For her, it's always her family first," says an emotional Aruna, adding, "I have been blessed with the kindest children any mother could ask for. I have never felt lonely since the day they came along, and I've never felt as proud of anything." 

First published in Hindustan Times on May 10, 2015

Sushmita Sen will have an incredible marriage, wants to work with Aishwarya Rai and more (interview excerpts)

Sushmita Sen

I'm looking forward to acting with Ash: Sushmita Sen 

She is known to live life on her own terms and her joie de vivre is ­contagious. Actor Sushmita Sen likes to love, and has no place for harbouring hate. In her signature style, she ­dispels the reported rivalry with actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, with whom she may share screen space in Prahlad Kakkar’s upcoming film.

“I live my life loving people; not ­loving is a waste of time and life. I’ve never known Aishwarya well enough to call her a friend. But I think she is a great human being. In those days, our lives ran parallel. ,” says. Ash’s one-time rival and former Miss Universe, Sushmita Sen, and adds, that she is looking ­forward to work with her in adman Prahlad Kakar’s debut Bollywood directorial, Happy Anniversary. “Aishwarya, I am looking forward to working with you! The truth is that Prahlad, Ash and I go back a long way... to our (1994) beauty pageant days.”

It has been long since we saw you on the big screen. Why have you been away?
Yes, it has been quite ­some time. I want these three years to come back. I want to do great cinema. 2014 is my year ... I used to say this to people earlier, and now it is turning out to be true. I am doing a few films and then I am ­starting my own studio.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Is marriage on your mind? Are you in love? 
It has been on my father’s mind more than mine. I will have an incredible marriage when I know I have found the right person. Do I love? Yes. Am I in love? No.

Age does not seem to be ­catching up with you...
You have to love yourself and accept everything about ­yourself. People reject things like ageing. But every ­wrinkle, every line makes us who we are, those are what we have earned. Today, I am 38. Tomorrow I will be 40 and I will still celebrate myself ... After I ended up with a bad back 10 years ago, a young boy introduced me to the acrobatic concept of aerial silk. It’s about training your mind before body. I took to it like a fish to water.

How do you stay so positive? 
You become what inspires you. You should do what you like. If you want to be an actor, become one. I wanted to be famous, so that I could touch lives. I wanted to leave an impact that will stay long after I am gone and dusted.

You just got your seventh tattoo.
Earlier, I had my children’s name. My seventh tattoo is inspired by Kabbalah and it’s God’s name in Hebrew, Elohim. In English, it means “I am that I am”.

First published in Hindustan Times

Kangana Ranaut (interview excerpts)

Bollywood is a difficult place, says Kangana Ranaut; interview by Medha Shri

This is not something that a leading female star in Bollywood will admit to easily, but Kangana Ranaut confesses that the film industry does make actors insecure. "It's natural to be insecure in an industry where hundreds of beautiful, young girls walk in every day. It's a difficult place," says Kangana.

The 26-year-old adds that it is, therefore, important to reinvent yourself. "I want to grow and learn as much as I can. I don't want to limit myself," says Kangana, who recently was enrolled in a screenplay writing course in New York, USA, but gave it up midway to promote her new release.

"I don’t want to be known for just being a pretty little thing. I want to be remembered and loved even when I have grey hair," she says, explaining why she took up the course. And while achievements make her happy, failures don't affect her for long. "Failure does affect you at that time. It's a weekend thing that you deal with. But in your mind you know where you are headed," she says.

First published in Hindustan Times

Priyanka Chopra's mom wants her to be a bride (interview excerpts)

My mom wants me to be a bride: PeeCee

Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra, who is also an international music personality now, is probably one of the most eligible women in the country. Even though she has rarely spoken of settling down, she says that her mother wants her to tie the knot.

"My mom wants to see me as a bride. She has wanted to do that since I was four,” says Priyanka, laughing. “In fact, I was a bride in her head the day I was born,” says the 32-year-old. However, the actor says marriage is not a matter that can be taken lightly.

“It is an extremely important aspect of your life. It’s not something one can rush into. You should get married to the person who makes you feel like you are the only girl around,” she says, adding that if she has to wait longer to find that person in her life, she will.

So does she have a special someone in her life, considering not very long ago, she had said, “I’ve never said I’m single.” “What I said was, ‘I have neither negated nor affirmed if I am dating anyone’. People just assume that I am single,” says Priyanka. When asked to clear her relationship status, the actor evasively says, “If there’s someone, whoever it is, who is relevant enough to be spoken about, I will."

Right now the star is busy answering congratulatory calls for her last hit --a biopic on boxer Mary Kom that was directed by Omung Kumar -- even as she shoots for her next project. "It's no mean fact for a 'female film' to earn Rs 100 crore," she says.

First published in Hindustan Times 

John Abraham, Bollywood actor, reacts to comments (such as 'rape is a mistake boys make') made by politicians

Our politicians’ remarks on rapes are embarrassing: John Abraham
Medha Shri

Besides being an actor-producer, John Abraham is a ­compassionate humanitarian. He has lent his star power to many a social cause and hasn’t shied away from voicing his thoughts on what he ­considers inappropriate. For instance, referring to the recent remarks by some politicians on rapes, he says, “Such remarks by our politicians are embarrassing ... they’ve embarrassed us enough already.”
Although the 41-year-old calls himself apolitical, he isn’t politically ignorant. “I am not politically inclined but I am politically aware. It’s a waste of time to discuss such statements, but politicians ought to be careful with their words, since their words make a huge difference as they are public figures,” says John, who was in Delhi on Monday as the face of the CSR campaign Fever Voice of Change.

The Madras Cafe actor ­further says that to make ­society safe for women, one must start with making changes at the grassroot level.

“The laws should be made stricter. We, all of us in the nation, are hoping that the new government proactively works towards women’s safety issues. We are all optimistic about it. And even parents should teach their sons to respect women. The mindsets need to change. Jo hamari soch chali aa rahi hai, that has to change. How we think about women, how we treat them should also change for the better.”

Not one to believe in mere lip service, Abraham walks the talk. From helping ­charities raise funds to doing events for charities, he is also one of the few actors who chose to cast his vote in the general elections over attending an awards function abroad. “How can you attend award functions?  You have to vote, no? I don’t like awards, but that’s a ­separate story,” says John.

The actor feels that films, too, need to change the way they depict women. “I agree that movies are a great ­influence, but in movies, we do a lot of things like picking up guns and firing, and not everything translates into real life. But as creative people, we must be responsible. When we make films, we call them  ‘women centric’ or ‘male ­centric’. We must do away with gender-bias and these tags. As an actor-producer, I hope we create responsible films.”

Firs published in Hindustan Times

Neeta Lulla on Bollywood Costumes, Fashion and her Designer Journey

Decking up the Stars

Neta Lulla's costumes depict life. The clothes become an indispensable part of the narrative and an essential agent of story-telling. From screens to red-carpets, she is everywhere. India's original Bollywood designer Neeta Lulla shares with Medha Shri her journey from a teenage bride to a tailoring student to the most coveted designers to the stars.  (First published in ATELIER). With more than 350 Bollywood movies to her credit and several awards in her kitty, Neeta Lulla definitely knows what women want. The fashion designer, known for her meticulousness in understanding her subject before working on a design, has made a formidable reputation for creations that are a happy communion of fashion, colours and grandeur. “If I’m designing for a film, I need to have the script narrated to me, which helps me understand the character, his or her life, and the setup,” explains Lulla, who has various period dramas in her repertoire of film costume design. Her designs are remembered as much as the characters of the films themselves. After Jodhaa-Akbar, Jodhaa’s jewellery and saris became every bride-to-be’s trousseau wish. After Devdas, Paro’s (both roles played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), detailed saris became a cult too. But not many know the mental, physical and emotional labour on Lulla’s part that went into creating those masterpieces. For instance, she scanned several Bengali movies, visited museums, read through the script several times and had hours-long discussions with the creative team to develop costumes which were magically periodic yet acceptable to contemporary audiences. About 600 saris were brought from Kolkata, which were later mixed and matched to create memorable costumes – light and simple in the first half of the film when Paro is a wilful young girl, rich and detailed once Paro marries into a wealthy household. Each sari was also about eight to nine metres long, and took at least three hours to tie. With that kind of effort, it comes as a surprise that Lulla didn’t really start out as a designer; she was a trained fashion choreographer. “It was never planned. I feel God had a plan for me. I had a fashion choreographer background and experience, since I worked a lot with friends like Hemant Trivedi. Thanks to them, I got introduced to fashion and designing.” Her initial films like Lamhe and Chandni got great reviews and the films themselves were box-office hits, but she never really realised where this path was going to lead her. “At that time, it was just a Bollywood project for me. It was much later, after the film turned out to be a hit and I got more offers, did I understand the challenges, work and art of this field,” she reminisces. Lamhe also got her a National Film Award for best costume design in 1991. Later, she also won the same for Devdas, Jodhaa-Akbar and Balgandharva (2012). Looking back at her youth, it does seem as if her career path had been a result of divine intervention. A rebel child, Lulla quit high school as she had ‘no interest in books and studies’. Her parents threatened to marry her off if she didn’t get back to her studies. Lulla didn’t take up the alternative option. Instead, she was married at the vulnerable age of 16. Her in-laws, however, forced her into another school. By the time she reached class 12, Lulla had her first baby. Talking about those times, she smiles, “I loved each and every part of my life. I don’t regret any decisions I made. I had a whale of a time growing up and I always had fun in doing what I did. Given a chance I would want to repeat some of the crazy things I did!” Later, her in-laws and husband suggested she go for a tailoring and designing course. “I have very supportive, loving in-laws. They let me do what keeps me happy,” she says. As Lulla’s brand grew stronger and bigger, her family became a part of her happiness. “They were always happy for my growth. In fact, it was my husband who received my first national award with me and even explained to me the magnitude of the same, as I was ignorant of its prestige and value at that time,” she shares with ATELIER, adding that her family is very close-knit and her parents and in-laws have been her support system all these years. Though she didn’t appreciate studying, she emphasises the importance of following the heart backed up by excellent skills and knowledge. “The choice of a course for your career has to be studied honestly in order to grow and develop yourself as a person. One needs to have certain skill sets even to utilise one’s talents,” opines she Lulla’s client list includes Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Juhi Chawla, Sridevi, Dia Mirza, Sushmita Sen to name but a few. That’s many generations. What remains unchanged? “The only factor that remains unchanged is that they all stick to their signature style and personality, and I have to design outfits keeping in mind their distinct style factor. I am a versatile designer, reinventing my style and creating new innovations in my costumes in each film,” she shares. She likes to experiment with colour, cuts and design and has noted that her client’s preferences are also changing. “Every actor today needs to look their best and at the same time have an outfit that looks different. I guess that’s where a designer needs to understand the fashion trend and help the celebrity,” Lulla explains. Celebrities are known to throw tantrums, but Lulla say she has been lucky so far: “By the grace of God, I have faced no tantrums. Besides, I believe they all have a right to look their best and ask for the best since they work in an industry that is very competitive and very tough. Their films go down in history; their roles are forever. No wonder they want to look perfect.” She refrains from naming any personal favourite star, of course. “Each one that I have worked with has been a beautiful experience,” she quips diplomatically, while pooh-poohing popular notions that the industry is ‘fake’. “It is a very warm and affectionate world. People are very real and dedicated,” she says, admitting that she herself is an affectionate and a very emotional person. Lulla’s timeless designs rooted deep in cultural heritage have helped India leave a mark all over the world. Her shows in the UK, Monte Carlo and Canada besides other international destinations, and film projects such as Pride and Prejudice, Provoked, et cetera, got appreciative reviews and proved that, besides blingy Bollywood designs, she is equally adept at crafting prêt, couture and Western masterpieces as well. The three-time President’s Award winner’s daughter Nishka Lulla has also picked up designing. “Nishka is one of the youngest designers we have in the industry. She is full of energy and creativity,” says the mother with pride. “I enjoy working with her. Her designs have a young, vibrant Boho touch today.” The mother-daughter designer duo share notes all the time. “I'm playing mom and she keeps saying, ‘Don't be a momma,’ when I do,” she laughs. Is this the culmination of her dream? Lulla pauses before she responds, “I dream every day and that’s what really keeps me going on an everyday basis.” Aishwarya Rai in the movie Jodhaa Akbar Shriya Saran showcasing Neeta Lulla’s creation. An anarkali sketch by Neeta Lulla. Neeta Lulla in a black ensemble after one of her shows.

Sonam Kapoor on Bollywood Movies, Style, Fashion, Love and Crush

Princess Charming

Actress Sonam Kapoor 

An endearing diva, a chic fashionista,and a through romantic, Sonam Kapoor is also delightful as a breeze, finds Medha Shri, who talks to her about love, life and adventure sports. 

(First published in ATELIER ). 

Sonam Kapoor is known for her style sense.  Even at midnight, Sonam Kapoor bubbles with energy. Her optimism and captivating smile are sort of contagious. Only a few years old in the industry and still in her twenties, she already has the world by its tail. “I would say I have been very lucky. In fact, I am very lucky to have got so much of love from everyone, so many opportunities and such a loving family,” says Sonam, humbly, attributing much to destiny. “Hard work is extremely important but fate and chance also play a role in deciding the outcome,” she believes. Her beliefs about work also tie in with her romanticism. She is a romantic to the core. She grew up reading cheesy romances, dreaming about her prince charming, in a room full of Tom Cruise pictures and posters. So, when she got a chance to meet her teenage crush, she was naturally ecstatic about it. “You know, at one point when I was a teenager, he was my crush. So when I met him at my dad’s movie premiere (Mission Impossible 4), it was fantastic! He is so good looking,” gushes Sonam. She adds that, in later years, her crush was Leonardo Di Caprio but Tom is now back to being her favourite. “Like any other teenager, I loved Tom and Leo and Brad Pitt. When I watched Interview with the Vampire, I was delighted; Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in the same frame! Isn’t it any teenage girl’s dream, you know what I mean?” asks she in her usual zealous style. Moving on from crushes to her dream man, she states he has to be, “An absolute gentleman. A great guy. A great friend. Should love food and travel. That would be the perfect guy,” she giggles. You connect to her instantly. Under all the labels of star kid and fashionista, she is just a regular girl. And she loves food and travelling too. One of her favourite destinations is Rome, because of its historical value, rich past, interesting culture and aesthetic appeal. Also because, “there is so much beauty to see and enjoy there”. Well, also because she loves vintage. Her Mausam co-star, Shahid Kapoor, once said that anyone can sell Sonam junk in the name of vintage. She only laughs and says that a vintage piece contains so much of history and heritage in it that it is irresistible. Did you notice the incurable romantic surfacing again? Well, let us introduce you to a lesser known side of her, the adventure seeker. This delicate looking dame is an adventuresports enthusiast. She loves bungee jumping and skydiving, amongst others. “I like skydiving the best. I remember doing that in New Zealand,” recounts Sonam passionately, “We had to just jump from the plane. It was exhilarating.” She loved it so much that she went back to it again. And while recalling the thrill she makes a point, “It’s an amazing way to discover oneself. I love adventure sports. It thrills and teaches you to enjoy the moment. You know,when you are young you don’t care about mortality, you believe in invincibility... the thrill and the kicks...” She is very passionate about whatever she does, be it sports, films or dressing up. Her impeccable style sense has made her a fashion diva. From getting offers to wear ‘it’ brands to attending international fashion parties in Paris, Sonam is always dressed for the occasion. Her sister Rhea does help her choose a look or a dress, but mostly it is her own fashion instincts. And it comes to her naturally. “I enjoy dressing up. I love clothes. It’s a part of every girl’s growing up, like all the girls enjoy it. It’s a girl thing, you know what I mean,” she shares. Though she has a reputation for donning high-end brands, she iterates that “brands do not matter so much; the quality has to be good.” Her magnetic persona has fetched her several fans and admirers. She is used to people rushing to her for autographs and media chasing her, but a few encounters with some unlikely fans – at least she thought they were unlikely fans – have left an indelible mark on her. “This is about the time Aisha released; often little girls about four to fifteen would walk up to me and tell me they love me or that they think I am pretty or that they love my dresses. That was really special for me. I mean the realisation that I influence children too; the whole idea that kids look up to me is very special,” she divulges, adding that it also makes her think of it as a great responsibility. One action can influence so many, “The whole thing about great power coming with great responsibility is absolutely true,” believes she. She adores her fans and makes it a point to stay connected to them on a personal level through social networking sites (Twitter). She is also very techno-savvy and loves gadgets. “I can’t live without my gadgets like laptop, iPad, phones etc. Today, you can carry your whole world wherever you go. And it’s important to be tech-friendly in this age,” she opines. Talking about gadgets and technology, does she sometimes Google her name just to see what’s happening and doing rounds? “I will be very honest and tell you, yes, I do look up my name. I don’t get much time but once in a while kind of thing,” she confesses candidly. So, has she stumbled upon any piece of gossip? “Not really. Though my mangers keep updating me on it. Nothing too alarming has come my way yet, I am still safe that way. But sometimes they’d tell me ridiculous stories about me,” she adds, “It’s like the 24x7 channels need news all the time. When they run out of it, they start making up fictitious stuff. At the same time, they need us and we need them.” As you begin to know her better, she surprises you more and more. She is polite, responsible and chilled out. She has no starry tantrums, maybe because she has grown up in a family where her father, uncles, aunts et al were all stars. The stardom is not new to her. And also because her mother made sure the kids had a regular childhood. They went to a regular school, did regular things with friends and weren’t spoilt. Her sister is her best buddy. But it is her mother whom she is closest too. “I love dad, but I am closer to mom. Mom is your, well, mom, you know,” she smiles. Her dad is her favourite actor too. As for actresses she admires Zeenat Aman and Kate Moss. Ask her if her multifaceted life has taught this multifarious charmer any lessons and, in her signature childlike enthusiasm, she says, “Lessons? I am still too young to comment on that, you know what I mean? I believe in enjoying the moment.” So what would the mantra of this chirpy star be? “Enjoy what you do, have fun and live it up as it comes. Live life to the fullest,” she announces. Her joie de vivre is infectious; you know what we mean?