Further talking about the latest problem with singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan…. He says,” I would not like to comment on this issue. I do not know what exactly the matter is. All I can say is that this is not a very pleasant situation and no one would ever like to get indulged in such happening.” He averts the query smartly.

Getting into a bigger bracket with the likes of YRF and Karan Johar he adds,” I think I was lucky enough to get recognition through my first flick “Tere Bin… and offers started pouring in thereafter.”

Given a chance Ali will choose singing over acting.” Ya! I am passionate about singing. I shall surely choose singing over acting but if I am bestowed upon a chance to work for both I shall definitely jump for it.” He gushes smilingly.

Coming back to his latest film”MBKS ,Ali Zafar who seems to be very enthused for he is the fiancée of Kathrina Kaif. Don’t you jump to conclusion he is the fiancé on reel. He adds, “Imran and I are brothers in “Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. While Katrina is my fiancée. I am a very charming and flamboyant person but confused about what I want from life. It was not only fun working with Kat and Imraan but also a great learning experience.” the Pakistani actor gives away some details, giving a sneak peek into the film.

Ali Zafar also clarifies about not being miffed with Imraan on the sets.” I fail to understand as to where from such stories pop up. Infact Imraan Khan is a very humble guy. We get along pretty well. Whenever we have time we surely meet up on a coffee and enjoy discussing various subjects.”

Meri Brother Ki Dulhan is being directed by debutante Ali Abbas Zafar. The film. is a musical romantic-comedy set around a love triangle. The film is likely to release in July.

Getting personal we ask his take on metro sexual man.” Showing off his painted nails he gives away a secret,”Actually, before I could take the flight to India my father-in-law was doing pedicure and manicure. He just called me and asked me to clean up with my nails. The only regret is that the nail polish I am wearing is too shinnying. There is no harm in cleaning your nails. Even we guys can be prim and proper with our body parts.

Since Ali is the field of Glitz n glamor and also married will he prefer getting into an extra marital affair we quiz? Laughs aloud and quips,” Well! I am totally a family person. Not that I may not get attracted to any female actor while working. But I will always think twice to get into any relationship cause I am of the opinion that why spoil your family life just for the sake of enjoying only for 45 minutes. Family is more important than any other momentary link ups. So I better be away from it”

Alis take on love is,” Love sees no boundaries… love happens .. no one tries to fall in love intentionally. I.E at times love is one sided. Yes! Attraction and meeting any opposite sex often may develop likings for each other but love also may happen instantly at the very first sight… Love is an unusual happening which definitely puts your heart above your mond.” Ali Zafar adds philosophically.

-Lipika Varma

Released on 25th Feb,2011

Producers: Vinod Bachchan, Shailesh R. Singh, Surya Singh

Banner: Vitcom 18 Motion Pictures Paramahans Creations and Movies Ltd

Director: Anand.L.Rai

Cast – Credits : R Madhavan as Manoj Sharma; Kangna Ranaut as Tanuja Trivedi; Jimmy Shergill as Raja; Ravi Kissen · Deepak Dobriyal as Pappi ,Swara Bhaskar[Tanu’s friend]

Music: K rsna

Stars***

Marriages are solemnized on earth although made in heaven. Tanu weds Manu showcases both unlike poles attracting to each other. Initially Tanu does not want to marry the simpleton yet intelligent Dr.Manu. However if it was not for the family’s satisfaction and Manu would have not made it to Kanpur he would have not met Tanu.

After meeting Tanu begins the interesting journey of Tanu weds Manu. What all happens in their life, the two opposite personalities keep bumping into each other and inspite of the fact that Tanu does not want to marry Manu nor does she love him. This small town girl who has studied in Delhi does not believe in arranged marriages also she always likes to do things opposite to what her parents want her to do. Her rebellious kind of a nature provokes her to do something happening and different in life.

The film tells the story of two individuals who are thrown together by destiny. Manu a doctor by profession has lead an unromantic life but after meeting Manu he gets cleaned bowled by her persona and decides to marry her. But Tanu rejects his proposal as she is already in love with someone else. Tanu very easily falls in love and also falls out of love. But finally she decides to marry Jimmy Shergill[Raja]. Nonetheless the best boy for Jimmy and Tanu’s marriage is Manu. He is there at every step buying the trousseau for Tanu, getting her married in the court. Finally, when Tanu realizes Manu’s love she clearly informs Jimmy about her love for Manu. The breath taking scenes as to what will happen to Manu’s love keeps the audiences nerves thudding. The climax in which Jimmy decides amicably to part with Tanu brings sympathy for Jimmy too. The romantic thrills and comic situations keep one glued to the silver screen. Though just love is being depicted yet you feel there is so much of happening.

Direction: Director Anand.L.Rai holds the sequences brilliantly. He really seems to have used all the nuances to holding your breath while depicted the intricacies in love. hold. The North Indian backdrop and its flavor have been portrayed excellently. Anand has carried forward the “Shaadi Ka Mahaul” brilliantly. A good on screen narration.

Story-Screenplay-Dialogues: A well knit, intriguing story, with tight screenplay. Comic yet emotional dialogues will definitely be liked by the audiences. Every minutest expression has been showcased with delicacy. While igniting romantic inclination towards Manu, Tanu recollects the difference in mannerisms of both R. Madhavan and Jimmy Shergill with reference to her dupatta episode-for this u need to watch the film. What will happen to the feelings of Dr Manu how will he win Tanu forms the crux of the intriguing story. Kya Shaadi upperwallen ke yahn se tai hoti hai? To know this go watch TWM

Performances: Madhavan has surely underplayed his emotions in a subtle, exuberant yet electrifying manner. For this he definitely deserves a pat on his back. Madhavan’s exuberant and simple performance will make the girls fall for him. Kangana has brilliantly performed her bubbly and extrovert character. Jimmy Shergill plays a negative character. He did equal justice to his character. Jimmy is surely matured in his performance. Swara Bhaskar plays Tanu’s friend she is a pleasant surprise and has performed well.

Music Director: Krashana has done a good job. Songs suit the situation and also pep your ears. Probably lack of promotions could not prove its worth.

Editing- Fast paced editing is enjoyable. Cinematography is ok.

TWM will allure the audiences down North. Overall a must watch film. . Kya Shaadi upperwalle ke yahn se tai hoti hai? To know this go watch TWM

-Lipika Varma

Director:Vishal Bhardwaj

Producers:Vishal Bhardwaj, Ronnie Screwvala

Star Cast: Priyanka Chopra as Susanna,Neil Nitin Mukesh as Major Rodriques
John Abraham as Jimmy, Irrfan Khan as Wasiullah, Aleksandr Dyachenko as Vronsky, Annu Kapoor as Keemat Lal, Naseeruddin Shah as Tarafdar, Vivaan Shah

Usha Uthup as a Maid, Konkona Sen Sharma in a Guest appearance

Stars: ***

Saat khoon maaf is a thriller, drama and a black comedy film. The story is based on Ruskin Bond’s novel ‘Susanna’s seven husbands. Susanna’s husbands [on reel] Naseeruddin Shah, Neil Nitin Mukesh, John Abraham, Anu Kapoor, Irfan Khan, Vivan Shah (son of Naseeruddin Shah) and the actor from Russia Aleksandr Dyachenko.

Vivan Shah (son of Naseeruddin Shah) is in awe with Priyanka and she gets him educated. He has a soft corner for Priyanka.[Sussana]

Life can be mean to some and they have to relish bad taste in their relationships. So in order to get rid of the unusual relationship and find solace in life Sussana kills her husband’s cleverly by not really committing the murder. Well! The murders of these hubby’s are meticulously managed by Priyanka and her loyal servants. But when she kills the Russian hubby it becomes a little difficult for Susanna to escape. But with the entry of Anu Kapoor who is clean bowled by the beauty of Susanna, helps her get rid of the cold blooded murder. Now wife murdering the husband’s may sound treacherous. But why Sussana decides to kill them forms the crux of the story?

Director Vishal Bhardwaj has intelligently painted the tale on the celluloid. Painting the novel on to the screen, nonetheless, becomes a difficult job. However he has been true to his craftsmanship. Showing older Priyanka and convincing her to look so real must have been so tough but this has surely enabled him to portray her character so very truly. Vishal has done justice to all his male characters. A brilliant job indeed!

Performances of all the actors however is praiseworthy but nothing much to vouch for. John as a druggist has done justice to his character. Naseer was as usual meticulous in his bong character. Irfan performed his usual self nothing great. But the man who remained in the” Not Smooching Controversy was brilliant. Yeah! You guessed rightly Anu Kapoor performed so very exuberantly that his performances will surely leave an undying impression on the audiences. Vivan has ample of potentials. He surely inherits it from both his father and mother. He was excellent in his performances. Vivan as a beginner deserves a pat on his back. Last but not the least Priyanka Chopra enacted well. Her mind blowing performances both as beauty and the beast will kill the audiences

Music: Music is wonderful and the sexy peppy number “Darling… which is already a rave amongst one and all will be liked by the audiences.

Editing: The fast paced editing has added colors to the film However towards the end few scenes could be chopped off to make the film crisper. Cinematography with proper lightings brings the sequences alive.

Flaws: the film could be shorter towards the climax. SKM targets class and International audiences. Minus bollywood ishtyle filmy masala which could restrict the aam junta from coming to the box office windows.

All in all SKM to Priyanka… But Y… for this….. You definitely need to watch the flick at least once.

-Lipika Varma

Producers: Nikhil Advani,Mukesh Talreja,Bhushan Kumar,Bhushan Kumar,Kishan Kumar, Twinkle Khanna, Zoeb Springwala.

Director: Nikhil Advani.

Starcast: Akshay Kumar, Rishi Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Dimple Kapadia, Prem Chopra, Hard Kaur and Soni Razdan

Stars: **

Patiala House is a film about the Kahlon household of Southall. The family is headed by orthodox Sikh Gurtej Kahlon (Rishi Kapoor) who expresses every emotion with a little moustache dance. He is deadly against the British for the Shiks who were subjected to racists exploitations.All the family members which comprises of about 13-15 members in all have to follow Gurtej blindly. No one is allowed to pursue any profession of their own. Although all the members of the family do not want to agree to whatever Gurtej dictates but the eldest of all Parghat Singh [Akki] is indifferent to their ideas. He believes in following his father blindly.While 17 years old he was selected to represent the England team but Gurtej did not allow him to play for them as an Indian this would bring disgrace to his country. Anushka Sharma is seen playing the love interest of Akki and she brings back the light of the day in the life of the cricketer.Dimple plays a silent watcher as a mother. Hard Kaur fashioned as a Punjabi aunt dressed as a Sikh is another comic element. Well! Will Gattu[ Akki ]turn to his passion “Cricket” and will Gurtej accept Akki playing for the England team forms the crux of the story.

Story Sreenplay: The tale is based on family bonding, attachments and emotional proximity. An engaging family drama with cricket. Let’s hope the father son relationship and the feeling of other family members amalgamated with cricket brings the audiences at the box office windows.

Performances-Appearances of cricketers like Symonds, McCullum, Gibbs, Pollard and ex-England captain Nassir Hussain who tries to speak Hindi seems like an unintentional comic element. Hard Kaur fashioned as a Punjabi aunty is worth a watch and finally when she comes back to her normal avatar of jazz singer she looks a killer.

Anushka looks good and definitely done a wonderful jabbering job. Akshay Kumar has definitely tried to aptly perform this emotional character. Nonetheless we miss his regular genre of screaming, laughing and punching. Last but not the least Rishi Kapoor tried to keep up to his angry fatherly character.

Music-The film’s music is predictably bhangra. Music has nothing much to offer.

The dialogues Though sound philosophical but are not very catchy.

Cinematography and editing is absolutely normal.

Direction- Like any other bollywood movie Nikhil tried to bring all the elements of masala. Nonetheless something seemed to be missing on the cricket field as it failed to keep the nerve of the onlookers thudding. Nothing much to vouch for.

All in all the usp of the film Akki and Anushaka demand a onetime watch atleast.

-Lipika Varma

Dev Anand is one man who believes in going on and on but with the contemporary scripts which can be identified by the newer generation.” Yes! I am planning to make “Hare Rama Hare Krishna but I do not believe in remakes nor do I believe in making sequels. This time when I make HRHK it will be having a contemporary subject which the younger generation too would be able to identify. No one would like to watch a film that was made in the seventies. Changes with the present scenario are a must.”

Not wanting to divulge further information he states,” Whether it will be a thriller or any other genre will be a matter of wait and watch for you guys.”

Well! Talking about the present state of Cinema he says,” I am not unsatisfied with it. But the fact is that today’s cinema does not sustain longer. Today’s cinema is becoming beyond sensibility Cinema has changed and so have the thought process of the audiences. Unless they like the film it does not make an impression on their minds. May be to me a particular film would be alluring enough but to others the same film may not be satisfactory.”

In addition to awards he adds,” Getting awards is not a certificate to a good film. A film may have been liked by the one who is judging the awards but it may not be liked by the others. In short it is a conspicuous thing while some may like it and the others may write it off.” He adds.

Fine in today’s publicity struck world would he like to attend TV shows in order to promote he films?” I will never like to beg people to go and see my film. It is merely wastage of energy. I would like to stay out of television publicity. Unless something I feel is worthwhile. I make films and if they like it they will go to watch my films. I will never like to go along with my family nanny etc to promote my films on the sets of television shows. I do not favor such publicity. I feel this kind of publicity is cheap and immature publicity.”

But of late all your films have failed at the box office windows. So what precautions have you taken this time?” Charge sheet is all set to release. I have tried to improve on my flaws. May be I need to do a huge publicity campaign which may have brought failures to my recent earlier films.” According there is no genre as “thriller.” Yes! Any film which is good will surely thrill you. Films need to be made to thrill the audiences. Entertainment for relaxation of mind that thrills you will obviously be a good film.” He concludes.

-Lipika Varma

So can we call you a Southern siren? “I turned southward merely because Abbas Mastan had advised me to do some films down South. And having worked in South I feel I have learned few tips of acting. It is an additional feather to my acting career.”  Elaborating the difference in tollywood and bollywood she says,” People out there are damn professional, if they have to begin the first shot at 6a.m they will see to it that they call for the first at the same time. Bollywood guys are not very punctual. But I love to work in bollywood.In South I feel like an alien as I do not know the language at all, though I have learnt few words here and there. But all in all finally we are working in cinema and we enjoy our profession so it does not matter whether it is Tollywood or Bollywood.” She gasps.

Maddalsa was to be the muse of Abbas Mastan but things did not work as she expected. She was finalized for their film two years ago but since the script went hay wire and in the meanwhile she got an opportunity to work with Choreographer turned Director Ganesh Acharya she could not resist the offer.” Yes! I was to do a film with the duo director Abbas Mastan but somehow or the other things were being delayed and in the mean while I got a call from Ganeshji. I fared for an audition and got selected. ”

Talking about the character she adds,” I liked the character very much. I have to perform everything in gestures. I am suffering from cerebral palase and hence acting without speaking was like a challenge. I enjoyed performing this wonderful character.

Well! Since Nilesh Sahay is Sanjay Dutt’s nephew did you not feel side tracked? “No it is an advantage to have Sanjay Dutt‘s nephew as we get some extra perks for the publicity of the film. I never felt side tracked as I hail from the family belonging to the filmdom, so I can understand it fully well that Nilesh Sahay proved to be an extra bonus to us as far as publicity is concerned.”

Also being from the filmy family she feels she could easily avert being the victim to casting couch.” ‘Yes! I do agree that casting couch exists in the film industry. But since my mom belongs to this filed she handles all my meetings and my auditions. I am lucky to be moving under the protective wings of my mom. All my assignments are handled my mom. Also directors and producers are known to us, more over I do not think anyone will forcibly say,’ Mein tumhe role de raha hoon toh tum mujhe kya dogi.’ A girl is responsible to be the victim to casting couch they are infact the ones who readily make advances towards it. I feel we need to know our limits and success is bestowed upon us without facing any such things.” Confesses Madalssa.”

Last but not the least talking about her love interest she adds,” I am not interested in getting into any relationship. Especially getting involved in any love affair is not of importance to me. I can wait for match making. Right now I am interested in my career and definitely wanna make my name on the bollywood map” she concludes.

Hmmm…. the new kid on the bollywood horizon seems to have learnt her lessons well  merely because she has been nurtured in the filmy arena.

-Lipika Varma

I had an earnest desire to make entertaining, honest cinema. Films give me abundant joy. Belonging to the field of Cinema I felt it as my duty to come up with good entertaining yet worth watching films. Although, I am turning as a producer but I will continue acting too.”Love Break ups Zindagi is the title of comedy film launched today. What the film is like and the story etc you guys need to wait and watch.”, Further refusing to accept that her films did not do well she says,” I feel whatever films I have done till date have been appreciated by my fans. Their appreciation brings contentment onto me.” She answers simply., The title “LBZ” have you experienced any such thing in your life and will you incorporate your real life experiences?” Laughs! But sincerely adds,” Who does not experience love ….. I have had my share. But In this wonderful life I have learnt to move ahead by not caring for the negative aspect of life. Be positive and go ahead in life and this mantra surely brings happiness in your life. Life must go on.” She concludes.

-Lipika Varma

On shopping destination
I also pick and choose dresses and attractive shoes. I love to shop in London because they have stuff with latest fashion. So, I can say that London is my favorite shopping destination, although Dubai also has wonderful shopping center. I also love to pick up stuff from there randomly as and when I get time to visit these destinations. I carry bagful of my favorite stuff.

On Street shopping
Belonging to Pune , I had heard of Mumbai’s special shopping destinations like Fashion Street, Linking Road, and Colaba Causeway. No sooner I would land up in Mumbai I would enjoy shopping at these joints. I always picked lovely exciting casual wear, chunky jeweleries, and bags whenever I visited these shopping joints.

On Brands
I don’t much care for branded stuff although I do buy branded clothes, but I would not swear by any brand. I buy clothes that I like and whatever suits me. I prefer going by my gut choice rather than asking anyone and everyone what may suit me. I feel comfortable only if I wear things of my choice.

On her valuable tips
At time I notice women adorning too many jewelery pieces. They should not over dose themselves with unnecessary jewelries which may make them look like a clown. Wear decent amount of jeweleries o r for that matter any accessories.

H…mm mm….That’s why the simple yet serene Prachi looks so gorgeous!!

-Lipika Varma

Director: Kiran Rao

Starring: Aamir Khan, Prateik Babbar, Monica Dogra, Kirti Malhotra

Rating: ***

Watching a 95-minute- Dhobi Ghat -Mumbai diaries has a different and a fresh way of storytelling.  This film surely stands apart from our earlier films also because the narration of the characters has been showcased through different means. Like Yasmin’s life has been narrated over on the television set. The movie is about four unrelated characters, who come across each other after spending few days in the company of each other and later they slowly move onto their way of living.

The incidents that occur in the life span of these four characters surely keep the anxiety level of the on looker at a higher level.

Arun (Aamir Khan), a chain smoker and artist (painter), goes to bed with Shai (Monica Dogra), an NRI investment banker who wants to capture ‘poor India, hungry India’. Shai also gets close to Dhobi, Munna (Prateik Babbar) also invites him home for tea and then goes ahead to shoot his portfolio, as he wants to be an actor. While Shai is busy scanning the by-lanes of Mumbai with her camera, Arun gets en-tangled with his new muse, Yasmin (Kriti Malhotra), whose depressing story is filmed in abandoned tapes that he finds lying  in his  fresh rented apartment. Pratiek plays three characters simultaneously- a rat killer, Dhobi and a gigolo.

Kiran Rao showcases ample of potentials as fresh director. She has the guts of painting the celluloid in a different way. Indeed an

intense, intelligent film. It’s a great idea to ally characters from all spheres of life with the background of the city the film is surely a festival film and also for classes. The masses may be attracted by Aamir‘s charm.

Prateik has played all the three characters in a very subdued manner. Acting genes in the actor has been proved by his meticulous performances. Monica believed as an upper class NRI has definitely performed exuberantly, being a first timer there will be no looking back for her. Kirti Malhotara’s monologue does not bore you at all. You surely crave to know what will be her end. She deserves a pat on her back for her brilliant performances.

Aamir brings-forth his contemplative role with great burgeon; His strip of white hair will indeed steal the hearts of many a beautiful young girls.

The ending is abrupt so for traditional audiences may not like it as they are more used to the summing up of each trail.

Cinematography is pretty attractive. Music soothes ones ears. Effective editing as per the demand of the script indeed is excellent without which the film would have been a drab.

All in all Aamir Charm will surely allure the audiences and create traffic jam at the box office windows.

-Lipika Varma

Since the film deals with marriage we ask Riya what is her take on marriage?” I feel there has to be no pre conceived notions which are prevalent all over. Marriage is a very sweet relationship it works only if we allow our partners to have their space. We need not try to change a person which then becomes a difficult job for both of us, as an individual grows with a persona and certain habits which then becomes very difficult to change. When in relationship one needs to take all good and bad in their stride and only then marriages work.”

And if marriage does not work, will you advice to part ways? “I think there is no need to stress yourself if a relationship goes sour. We have been bestowed upon a very beautiful life span so we need to enjoy it and have maximum fun. But we are no one to hurt any individual but then it is also to each one as to how they feel.”

Have you never been in love?“Smiles and blushingly answers”‘I have fallen in and out of love many times. But at the moment I am not interested in falling in love.” She further adds,” No I have had no sour taste but yes! I think marriage can happen at a little later stage.”

Talking about her journey she says,” I am satisfied 100% .What ever I have achieved until today brings no regret unto me. I believe in doing my bit and going ahead in life.”

Further talking like a philosopher she quips,” Love is unconditional. No one can intentionally fall in or fall out of it. Love happens if you find the other sex attractive and he or she becomes irresistible for you. I see no harm in going in for a companionship as long as you crave for his or her company. After all it is a matter of likes and dislikes.”

Well being single what will her like to find in her man?” All good qualities. My man needs be handsome, intelligent and he should be under taking all the balancing factors while being in relationship with me. I will want my man to be able to make and take appropriate decisions as I am unable to make quick decisions. My man needs to look after every minutest detailing in keeping me close to him.”

We interrupt and quiz and what will you do for your man?” I shall pour all my love and heart to him if has all these qualities.”
Jokes apart on a serious note she adds,” Actually I will also like to give in my share of responsibility as a woman. I shall take care about all his need.”

Last but not the least we quiz is Riya a difficult woman to handle? “I feel it varies from situations to situations. I can never be rude and I am quite amicable person. But at times some articles may have made a difference to my personality. I never like to throw any tantrums on the sets but at the same time if something I am looking forward to and have been promised for it then we shall surely remind them for it and ask for it. We are here to do our jobs but differences of opinions do matter and hence things are blown out of proportions.” She concludes.

Men with qualities that Riya is looking forward to can kindly queue in for Riya and try their luck!

-Lipika Varma