Sharmila Tagore: Filmfare 19 agosto 1966

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Filmfare, il celeberrimo periodico indiano in lingua inglese dedicato al cinema hindi, inaugurò le pubblicazioni nel lontano 1952. Vi propongo la copertina del numero del 19 agosto 1966, forse la più famosa in assoluto nella storia della carta stampata del subcontinente. Grande scalpore fece Sharmila Tagore, l'attrice che per prima osò indossare un bikini per lo scatto di copertina. Sharmila è la madre di Soha Ali Khan e di Saif Ali Khan. 

Ecco cosa scrive M.J. Akbar nel suo romanzo Fratelli di sangue: ''Sopravvissi al 1967 grazie al bikini di Sharmila Tagore. (...) Vidi Sharmila Tagore in bikini mentre, in stato di grazia, stavo tornando dall'ufficio di Desmond; mi sembrò una ricompensa divina per il mio duro lavoro. Era sulla copertina di Filmfare, la più popolare rivista di cinema indiana. Quel bikini fu una rivoluzione. Era la prima volta che una stella appariva così scoperta, e quell'audacia aprì così tante falle nel senso del pudore della borghesia indiana che alla fine l'antico retaggio s'inabissò senza neanche un piccolo gorgoglio. Ormai anche le brave ragazze delle famiglie per bene potevano apparire sensuali'. 

Aggiornamento dell'8 ottobre 2015: vi segnalo l'articolo The first bikini cover, pubblicato oggi da Filmfare. Di seguito un estratto:

'It was the ‘60s and young India was progressing rapidly in all spheres. Along with that progressed the Hindi movie industry and one such example was this controversial yet iconic Filmfare cover of Sharmila Tagore. A memorable cover for which the actress, looking ravishing as ever, donned a bikini with nonchalance and posed for renowned photographer Dhiren Chawda. With this cover, she became the first Indian actress to pose for a magazine cover in a two-piece bikini. The issue hit the stands on the 19th of August 1966 and her bold move went on to create controversies like no other. So much so that it even raised questions in the Parliament. After becoming a raging success in Bollywood, 22-year-old Sharmila shot for this cover just a couple of weeks before she got married to handsome cricketer and royalty, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.

The actress had walked in to the studio and when photographer Dhiren Chawda asked her what she would like to wear, the actress promptly pulled out a two-piece floral bikini out of her bag and said that she’d be wearing that. Years later when asked about what was going on in her mind when she made that decision, she said, “Oh! God, how conservative our society was back then! I’ve no idea why I did that shoot. It was just before I got married. I remember when I showed the two-piece bikini to the photographer he asked me, “Are you sure about this?” In some of the shots, he even asked me to cover my body. He was more worried than I was but I had no qualms doing that shoot. Only when people started reacting strongly to the cover, was I taken aback. I was puzzled as to why they didn’t like the picture. I thought I looked nice. Some called it a deliberate move to grab eyeballs; others termed me as ‘astutely uncanny’. I hated that. Maybe, there was an exhibitionist in me, as I was young and excited to do something different”. 

That year alone she was seen in five movies and gave some of her most memorable performances. Rebellious move that it was the actress set a stone with this cover that sent out a strong message that India too can be sensuous. And how!'.

Randeep Hooda: I'm in touch with my exes

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Com'è come non è, mi ero dimenticata di segnalarvi questa bella intervista (non lasciatevi ingannare dal titolo zuccheroso) concessa dal tenebroso Randeep Hooda ad Ashwini Deshmukh, pubblicata l'11 dicembre 2013 da Filmfare. I’m in touch with my exes:

'He’s the quintessential alpha male and he lets everyone know it. Best part is Randeep Hooda’s tongue-in-cheek humour and no-mincing-words attitude add an edge to his sex appeal. But the capricious actor is a transformed man today. The somewhat difficult nature is now replaced with a more accommodating attitude. Clearly, he’s a man amongst the boys who has seen much more than the fanfare of tinsel town. And just as casually he recalls those drunken nights when he’d get thrown out of house parties. But he’s moved on. To a career that’s alive and kicking. (...) 

Once the poster boy for middle-of-the-road cinema, Randeep now has a place on the rosters of A-list production houses. Banners like Dharma Productions and directors like Imtiaz Ali have placed their faith in the intense actor. “It’s flattering. I consider myself lucky. Not too many people have an outing and then a second outing,” he says of his earlier not-so-eventful stint in films. (...) “I don’t know if I’m a brand yet but I’m getting interesting work out of my comfort zone and that keeps me on my toes. I’m also putting in more effort. I’ve found a way to communicate with myself, thinking about pros and cons, rather than just being moody.” In a confessional mode he says, “I believed I was the centre of the Universe. I was young and brash. Not being from a film family, I did not follow the ‘pairi-pona’ (touching the feet of elders) tradition. I realised that people in the industry are too sensitive and their egos are fragile. All creative people are like that. I was like ‘I’m doing my thing and I am right’. But I realised everyone needs encouragement and respect. So it’s dangerous to be yourself - a brash Jatt,” he smiles adding, “In that way you end up bruising a few egos. I’m not going to make those mistakes again.” It must be mentioned that while his acting skills were never questioned his allegedly brash behaviour and people skills were. “You cannot blame your circumstances because they are somewhere created by your own actions. I blame myself for the bad spell. Also, maybe the timing wasn’t right. But now an actor like me is getting work because of the kind of films being made. Cinema is evolving, so I’m evolving as an actor.”

Also success has triggered a change in him. “I started saying ‘yes’ more than ‘no’. I started trusting people. I’m seeking work rather than being idealistic because unless you reach somewhere, you can’t be idealistic. Beggars can’t be choosers.” Earlier he’d say no to movies for ‘stupid reasons and whims’. “The whole thing about ‘I’m going to do only one movie at a time’ works for stars like Aamir Khan. I couldn’t afford that liberty. Today I’m doing double shifts, small roles, big roles, extreme roles... Basically, I’ve become more professional. I work a lot more, so you see more of me. I’m grateful to what you call ‘fate’. People are knocking at my door now to do their movies as opposed to when I was a nobody. When I step out people treat me with a newfound respect. I even enjoy some privileges here and there,” he smiles.

Bagging a film with Imtiaz Ali sure is a huge achievement. But Randeep thought someone was playing a prank when Imtiaz’s team called him up regarding the project. But eventually the actor did meet the director. “He’s a lovely guy. I’m glad that the ‘Randeep Hooda image’ will be broken. I’m playing a physically and mentally ugly character. So I’m pushing the envelope. It was stepping out of a certain quintessential, mature ‘deep voiced Hooda’ that people had started liking. I did that on purpose.”

He’s also kicked up about working with Salman Khan in the mega project Kick, which he says just ‘fell into his lap’. “I’ve always been inspired by Salman. He’s a real superstar. He doesn’t give a damn about anything. He is what he is, which is difficult to be. I consider him as a friend though we haven’t been in touch for long,” he smiles. Doesn’t he have a problem playing second fiddle to another actor, more so now? “To Salman Khan? Everyone should play second fiddle to him,” he grins.

He was always referred to as a sex symbol but with his homosexual character in Karan Johar’s short film in Bombay Talkies, he’s added an edge to his sensuality. About his lip lock with co-star Saqib Saleem he says, “I guess Saqib was a bit nervous. But when it happened, it just happened. I did not feel uncomfortable at all.” And no, his homosexual act has not made a dent in his female following. “In fact, women have started liking me more. Some even said, ‘You look hot in the movie’,” he says. His well-wishers dissuaded him from playing a gay character but Karan Johar’s conviction made him go ahead. “Karan delivered what was promised and it was not cheap or trivial. It was a deep character. I deliberately played a mature character, someone who has lived his life but there’s pent-up frustration and questions about his sexual orientation.”

Can we safely assume that he’s become the thinking woman’s sex symbol then? “Usually, the thinking woman’s sex symbol is one who’s not so good-looking. But I’d like to be pompous and say that I’m not that bad looking!” he laughs adding, “Actually, for me there’s no distinction between thinking and non-thinking women.” He goes on to add that all the attention has not affected him. “I make it a point to be oblivious to it. That’s the only way to deal with it. Because you’re the same person, just that the people around you change. I don’t get swayed by all this.” He attributes this level-headedness to his past experiences. That’s also got to do with the anonymity and failure he has faced. “I know what the ‘Almost famous syndrome’ is. It’s important to be human and not think that we are God’s gift to mankind... or womankind for that matter,” he grimaces adding, “That’s why I love horses and riding because they don’t know whether my movie is a hit or whether people are talking good or bad about me. They love me regardless.”

His busy schedules and travel leave him without any time for friends or loved ones. “I don’t intend to neglect people but they feel I do. I make an effort to make a phone call or meet them. I was never regular at parties. But when I do attend, I feel nice when people talk to me and compliment me. But you have to keep reminding yourself that, ‘Hey, they are saying all these things because of your work. So go back and work harder.” His career may have taken off but his lifestyle hasn’t. With the exception of a luxury car that he bought for his father, life hasn’t changed much. “My dad had liked this particular car with particular interiors, so when I got money that’s the first thing I bought. Though I now have a big house, I still enjoy sleeping in one corner. I’m not even particular about fancy clothes or eating out,” he says. “It’s hard not to get used to luxuries. But I indulge in what I love. Like I bought this polo team, which I’m going to take forward in a big way. I’m also thinking of buying horses from Germany or England for my show jumping. I’m already buying polo ponies from England.”

His relationship status as of now is ‘single’ courtesy his hectic schedules. “Everything is in a limbo for now because I’m so engrossed with my work.” He adds with a smile, “I’m sure you journalists hear this all the time!” Then on a serious note he explains, “It’s not good to be in a relationship if you can’t contribute. Being just a taker can never work out. Unless I have the time and mental space to enjoy togetherness, I don’t want to be in a relationship. I’ve had some wonderful people in my life. And I’m trying to keep that equation healthy. But I’m not in the frame of mind to have a spouse right now. I am honest about it.” The last time we met, things were different. He was keen on settling down. Remind him and he says, “Yes. I felt that way then and it was wonderful. But then due to work and erratic schedules my personal life took a beating. Sooner or later, someone will fit in. Even if someone doesn’t I won’t regret it. In that sense I’m quite detached.” He chooses not to speak about the much reported relationship with actress Nitu Chandra or anyone else due to the respect he accords to all his relationships. Ask him if he’s in touch with any of his previous girlfriends and it doesn’t take him a second to answer, “All of them. Because my biggest asset is that I am honest. Though it’s hard to be honest in a relationship!”.'  

Kajol: As a single mother, it was tougher for mom

Vi segnalo l'intervista concessa da Kajol a Karishma Loynmoon, pubblicata oggi da Filmfare. As a single mother, it was tougher for mom:

'Ferocious, uncontrollable and loyal to a fault. That’s Kajol for you. When she’s around, the octave levels in the room rise by a few notches. And in her roar, she’s all love. You realise she’s all bark and no bite. (...) Perhaps it’s this child-woman persona that has kept her endeared to a generation of viewers. (...)

How has the meaning of romance changed for you?

A lot. What Ajay [Devgan] and I have today is much deeper. Those 10 minutes we spend together in the day are enough. It’s just that you’re spending time with your spouse. You’re probably discussing stuff or doing your own thing. It’s the comfort and companionship. I used to do this with my mom (Tanuja). My mom, sister and me would sit in three corners and we’d all read. That’s how we’d bond. No one chatted at the time and we were content. Marriage is no different, you can be comfortable with the person even if you don’t say much.

How does he react when you throw a fit?

He gets to know I’ve had a bad day from the way I say hello. He asks me what’s wrong and that’s that. I’ll vent and rant and crib, then he’ll vent and rant and crib. In his defense, he’s not the sort to raise his voice often. But he won’t hold back when he’s absolutely pissed off. But for him to reach that point takes a lot. I get there easily.

What were you like as a newlywed bride?

It took me nearly a year to get comfortable in the house. It took time to come to terms with compromising or feeling at home. It took me six months to go to the ground floor to ask for a coffee. I used to come down every day like a sweet guest. (...) I had the right people backing me.

What’s your take on extra-marital affairs?

I don’t have them. (Giggles) Thank God for it! Frankly, it takes too much time and effort. I don’t know how people do it. As he (Ajay Devgn) tells me, one woman is more than enough. It works for me too. Seriously, I find one man difficult to handle, I can’t imagine handling two and three for that matter. (...)

What are the things Ajay loves about you?

(Laughs) You know after 15 years, you should ask me what are things he hates about me? And I’ll give you a list. Whatever’s not on that list, will be what he loves about me. Jokes apart, when he’s in a good mood, he likes me talking. I think he likes my sense of priority. (...)

What are family holidays like?

They are a mess. I need a two-to-three day holiday to recover from our vacations. I tell Ajay to not look or even talk to me after our holidays. I let the maid do all the work. (...) We take three to four holidays a year usually with the extended family with nieces and nephews. So we’re basically 25 people with the staff. We go for three to four days but for those many days we manage to pack in so much, run around like headless chickens to get things done and also handle kids' tantrums. And we have a blast. (...)

Do you see your mother Tanuja in yourself?

I see a lot of her in me now. I didn’t realise how much of her was in me till I got married and more so when I had kids. It’s happened unintentionally. Her sense of discipline, the way she looks at situations and people, the way she meets people - I think I’m a lot like her. But I’m not as nice or forgiving. We share a sense of conduct and confidence. We have our doubts and fears. But we don’t know what it feels like to be insecure.

She was largely a single mother. Now that you’re a mom, can you fathom the kind of sacrifices she may have made in her heyday?

Definitely. (...) In retrospect, I remember it so clearly. As a single mother, it was tough for her. Now that I think about it, every holiday there was no male figure or maid around to help her out. My mom took us everywhere. (...) We were seven children including my cousins. (...) She used to put us in the car and drive up and down for the weekend. It was amazing! She’s a wonder woman!'.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali: I don't want more heartbreak

Vi segnalo l'intervista concessa da Sanjay Leela Bhansali a Farhana Farook, pubblicata da Filmfare il 6 gennaio 2014. I don’t want more heartbreak:

'Was it a challenge to have Deepika Padukone as your muse [in Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela], Aishwarya Rai Bachchan being your longstanding one?

I went to meet Deepika Padukone after the existing leading lady (Kareena Kapoor) left my film at a time when the set was already constructed.  Deepika was unwell and had fever. (...) Her eyes were watery and she appeared beautiful. (...) Many felt that she wouldn’t be able to do justice to the role. But I realised here was an evolved actor. She’s intelligent and speaks little, saving all the energy for the shot. When she walked onto the set, she looked every inch my heroine. That was the same feeling I got when Ash or even Madhuri Dixit walked in. When you view Ash on camera you’re hypnotised. Deepika’s beauty is earthy and confident.

Was it difficult reining a ‘hyper’ Ranveer Singh?

(Laughs) If Red Bull was a person, it would be Ranveer Singh. You can come laughing and jumping on my set and can continue jumping till the evening, I don’t care. What I want is work. And that boy, though over-energised, is at the same time talented and focused. He got his character of Ram bhai, a village Romeo, bang on! He worked hard on his body. He gave good suggestions, never behuda (irrelevant) ones. I’d pamper him but after a point I’d say ‘enough is enough, go and give the shot!’ But I never had to tell him to concentrate. (...)

What are those subtexts [in your work]?

You are your childhood. You are what you’ve experienced, succumbed to or fought with and overcome. I can’t reveal why I made Khamoshi but it had personal elements. That’s why my films have power. Your work can only resonate if it comes from within. (...) Devdas is a tribute to my father’s alcohol bottle. Black was based on a story, which my father always wanted to script - the importance of words for human beings. Ram-Leela is a tribute to my mother.

In your films, tragedy assumes a celebratory flavour...

I’ve done samjhauta (compromise) with my pain long ago. So when you’re no longer fighting pain, you can express it well. Being unhappy and sad are two different things. Unhappiness is destructive. But sadness gives a perspective. (...) But in spite of having lived a sad life, I’m a happy person. I want to sing, dance...

Why do you say that?

I was a kid when my father took me to the studio. I realised this was my world. Make-up, dust, lights... that is my world. I want to express even the saddest moments in a grand way. I love life. I believe in opening the door of the dark studio and letting the light come in. That’s why I made Guzaarish. It said celebrate your destiny. I don’t look up to the skies. My God is in the catwalk.

Can you ever envision a film without candles, curtains and chandeliers?

No, no, I love them. (...) Had I not been a filmmaker I’d have been an architect. (...)

You come across as lonely...

I am lonely. Even when there are 150 people working on the set, I’m aware of my loneliness. When the shift is over, I like to sit on the set alone'.

Aishwarya Rai ha compiuto 40 anni

[Archivio] Il primo novembre 2013 la donna più bella del mondo ha compiuto 40 anni. Il numero del 20 novembre 2013 di Filmfare aveva dedicato una stupenda copertina ad Aishwarya Rai. In Italia, il primo novembre La Repubblica ha offerto ai suoi lettori una ricca photo gallery: Bollywood festeggia Aishwarya: la più bella compie quarant'anni. Vi segnalo anche il video dell'incontro con la stampa organizzato il giorno stesso del suo compleanno. I prossimi 40 anni? Ash si mostra in pubblico sempre più spesso, per mondanità o per rispettare impegni professionali: fra gli altri, vi ricordo l'evento L'Oréal che si è tenuto a Mumbai nel dicembre 2013, in occasione del quale la diva ha sfoggiato un abito Dolce&Gabbana. Ma il cinema? Aishwarya ha lasciato un vuoto difficile, per le colleghe, da colmare, e quindi non vediamo l'ora di ammirarla nuovamente su grande schermo. 

Mumbai, primo novembre 2013

 

Evento L'Oréal - Mumbai, dicembre 2013

Monica Bellucci: Shah Rukh Khan is sensual

SRK e Monica Bellucci - Marrakech, 2012

Vi segnalo l'intervista concessa da Monica Bellucci a Vivek Bhatia, pubblicata da Filmfare il 26 febbraio 2013. SRK is sensual - Monica Bellucci:

'Do you watch Hindi films? 

I’ve watched quite a lot of Hindi films. Indian films are all over the world. My favourite film is Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen. I loved the way it was filmed and I wish I had been part of it. I’d love to work with an Indian director but it depends on the role I’m offered. Then I’ll be visiting India for the first time.

Weren’t you offered the role of Sonia Gandhi in the supposed Rajiv Gandhi biopic? 

They did ask me but at that time the script wasn’t ready. So I wasn’t keen on working on the project.
Apparently, Shekhar Kapur approached you for his next directorial venture Paani... 

No, he didn’t. But I’d love to work with him. (...)
Who among the Indian actors are your favourites? 

I know the faces but not all the names. I love Shah Rukh Khan. He’s a beautiful man. He’s sensual. He’s yummy. I love Aishwarya Rai Bachchan too. She’s the actress with the beautiful green eyes. I had the privilege of meeting her in Cannes. She’s sweet'.

Vi ricordo che SRK e Monica si erano incontrati in occasione dell'edizione 2012 del Festival International du Film de Marrakech (clicca qui). Il regista Anurag Kashyap, presente all'evento, aveva dichiarato in Twitter di essere rimasto colpito dalla bellezza dell'attrice, e aveva postato una fotografia scattata di straforo, da vero fan innamorato...

Anurag Kashyap e Monica Bellucci

Filmfare Awards per l'anno 2012 : I vincitori

[Blog] Segnaliamo, anche se con estremo ritardo la nomi dei vincitori della Sessantesima edizione dei Filmfare Awards. La cerimonia, presentata dalla sexy coppia di attori Shahrukh Khan / Saif Ali Khan, si è svolta il 20 febpresso gli Yash Raj Studios di Andheri (Mumbai) ed ha reso omaggio al centesimo anniversario del cinema indiano.

Shah Rukh Khan: My wife doesn’t think I am a good actor

Il 2 novembre 2012 Shah Rukh Khan ha compiuto 47 anni. Come sempre in queste occasioni, i media indiani hanno offerto centinaia di tributi dedicati al divo. Vi segnalo un revival davvero gradito: il 31 ottobre 2012 Filmfare ha riproposto la prima intervista concessa al periodico da un giovanissimo SRK (parliamo degli inizi degli anni novanta). My wife doesn’t think I am a good actor: Shah Rukh Khan, Meera Joshi:

'How does it feel that your first film Deewana is a hit?

I'm glad the film has done so well. I feel happy for the producer, the director. A hit is a good for the industry as well. But I don’t think I’ve contributed in any way to its success. My performance was awful - loud, vulgar and uncontrolled. I overacted terribly and I take full responsibility for it. But that’s what happens when you work without a graph. I didn’t even have the script with me. I was to start shooting for the film much later but then some of my other schedules got cancelled and I allotted my dates to this film. I am my worst critic and when I saw myself on the screen I was appalled. Isn’t it amazing that that people have liked me in the film? Perhaps that’s because I am a fresh face. It’s not a performance I’d care to repeat or remember. (...) I wish people could say that 'the film's music is good but Shah Rukh is better.' But in Deewana the music scored over everything. (...) The producer has spent so much money on my clothes, my make up, my conveyance, my meals in addition to paying me a fat sum, so it’s only fair that I should've contributed my best to the film. I don’t want to be successful because of my film; the film should do well because of me. (...)

Have you signed a great many new films?

After Deewana I had taken on five more films which are now complete. (...) That’s going to be my strategy. Four to five films a year which will leave me with enough time to do an occasional offbeat film. If the role is good, I’m always interested.

Why did you turn down the sequel to Fauji? (...)

Because I didn’t want to repeat myself. Though (...) the character I play had become quite popular, I wasn’t convinced about the sequel. I’m sure my fans wouldn’t want to see me doing the same thing again.

Does this mean you won’t be doing any more serials?

I am doing Mani Kaul's telefilm Idiot (...) in which I play a negative role. If the role is interesting, I’ll definitely do even a serial. When Fauji began I was nobody, six and a half hours on television and I became a superstar. Today what little success I’ve seen is because of television. (...) 

For a newcomer you appear extra confident. What makes you so sure of yourself?

My talent. Some actors get on by their looks and their physique, some bank on their voice; my asset is my spontaneity, my ability to do a variety of roles. If in one film I play a man on the brink of insanity, in another, I’m someone's kid brother. I work hard on every role - my expressions, my look and my mannerisms. This has at times landed me in trouble too, with producers and directors. They want me to enact the role in a particular way but my argument is that since they've signed me because they think I'm a good actor, they should just let me do things my way. Just because I'm playing a romantic hero doesn’t mean that I have to follow a set pattern. I may have just one release to my credit, but I'm not new to the camera, I know how to act, so let me act my way.

In most of your films you're pitted against a veteran. (...) Doesn’t this put you at a disadvantage?

Why should it? I don’t think any actor or actress is better than I am. No one honestly feels that another guy is better than he. If anyone denies this, he is lying. If you are good, you shouldn’t have any problem even if you have 35 stars opposite you, but if you don’t have the talent, you'd be lost even in a solo manner. I deliberately chose to match skills with these talented actors because I was sure I’d be noticed. If I am not, I’ll admit I made a mistake. (Shrugs) Everyone makes mistakes.

Is there any film you are particularly excited about?

Nothing really. How interesting can a role in a Hindi film be? I am trying to do five different roles in a year but next year they may not look all that different. I am trying to develop the character I play, make them individuals that audience can identify with. (...) The offers had been pouring in and had I wanted I could have signed 25 films by now. But why should I work with producers that only come to me because I’ve had a hit? For them I am like a racehorse - they'll back me only so long as I am on a winning streak. One flop and they'll stay away. I will only work with those people who have faith in my talent, who believe that I am one of the finest actors in the country.

Who would you say is your closest rival?

Well, there's Aamir Khan, I can’t call him competition, he is a far better actor. If there's a superb actor in a country today it’s Aamir. I’ve heard that he wants to retire after 30 and turn director. I plan to quit at 30 too.

Do you also want to direct?

I don’t know anything about direction. But I just might try my hand at it. Basically I am a very lazy man. Even now I can’t handle more than five films a year. I want to slog for another three or four years and then sit back and take it easy. If I still get good roles, I might do one film a year. Otherwise I’ll stop altogether and do theatre or something else connected with films.

That explains your attitude towards the press. While other newcomers hanker after publicity, you've banned all film magazines and even shun photo sessions?

I didn’t want to talk to any film magazine till my film was released. I wanted journalists to approach me only after seeing my work. Also, I was put off by certain journalists who are so pompous they believe they can make or break a star. If publicity is everything, all those actors who give fantastic interviews would be superstars. But no, Mr. Bachchan, who the press shunned for years, is still the reigning no.1. There’s no substitute for good work. Interviews and magazine covers don’t make you a good actor. Does taking off your clothes for photographs prove your virility? Are you a macho hero only if you pose for magazine covers with five girls clinging to you? If other want to do it they are welcome, I’ll stick to my work and keep my private life as private as possible'.

Emraan Hashmi: Meet the Coolio

Vi segnalo l'intervista concessa da Emraan Hashmi a Karishma Loynmoon, pubblicata da Filmfare il 2 maggio 2012. Meet the Coolio:

'Most of your films have done well at the box-office. Do you consider yourself lucky?

Till recently I was not much into trade figures and stuff. I’ve just woken up to them. Initially, figures spelt boredom for me. Because I had nothing to do, I became an actor. I never wanted to be one. I don’t watch too many Hindi films either. (...) I don’t get the time. I can’t remember the last Hindi film I watched. I still have to watch my own films. I’m probably the only actor who doesn’t watch Hindi films. (...)

Do you think the media has given you your due?

The industry or the media’s perception of me was right to a certain extent. Here was a guy who didn’t in any way fit into the conventional mould of a Hindi film hero. My looks are below average, I’m a terrible dancer, I kissed on screen, which was blasphemous for its time. I agreed to eroticism on screen, which again was blasphemous. Everyone must have thought, what the hell is this guy doing? He’s contaminating and corrupting Indian cinema. But tastes evolve. The paradigm doesn’t shift overnight. I came at a time when the audience was ready for bolder cinema. I started in 2003 and it took till 2012 for the audience to understand what I was doing. For the first five years, my films were ripped apart. Slowly, people started warming up to them. You heard random voices saying, ‘This is nice.’ So from ‘really bad’ it became ‘okay’ and ‘bearable’.

But shouldn’t you have defended yourself?

The audience comes to watch my film. They’ll come again if they like them. I don’t want to be intrusive. I am not desperate to get into someone else’s mind space. I don’t like too much media noise'.

Madhuri Dixit compie 45 anni

La divina Madhuri Dixit compie oggi 45 anni. L'articolo Mad about Mads di Rahul Gangwani, pubblicato da Filmfare, ripercorre la carriera della celebre attrice e ballerina attraverso le sue coreografie migliori:

'A breathtakingly beautiful girl dressed in pretty pink dancing benevolently on the 70 mm screen. The year was 1988 and the film was Tezaab. And the nation was in love. There was enchantment in her smile, charm in her moves and exuberance in her personality. In brief, it was pure magic. We are talking about a phenomenon known as Madhuri Madness. (...) There is no explanation on how a simple Maharashtrian would-be micro-biologist became one of the biggest names of Hindi Cinema. Madhuri Dixit’s journey in the movie business is as enticing as her aura. She is one woman who can attract the fantasy of nine year old as well as a nonagenarian. M.F. Husain’s fascination for Madhuri is a story well known and goes on to prove her alluring magnetism.  

Madhuri Dixit is the epitome of grace. There are many attributes which contributed in the making of the Superstar. But the one factor which still dominates her personality is her dancing flair. Dance is Madhuri’s X factor. Boy she can dance and how! (...) Her moves serve as a perfect confluence of poetry and music. Her dance beautifully amalgamates method with spontaneity and make for a visual epiphany. She is one actor who can be a picture of poise and at the same time steam up the screen with her seduction. Maverick film-maker Sanjay Leela Bhansali once famously said that one can go mad watching her dance. We concur that'.

Sapete qual è l'origine di dhak dhak girl, l'affettuoso soprannome con cui viene identificata la star? Ecco soddisfatta la vostra curiosità: si tratta del brano Dhak Dhak Karne Laga, tratto dalla colonna sonora del film Beta del 1992.

Vidya, Priyanka & Ranbir: Filmfare 14 marzo 2012

Vidya Balan, Priyanka Chopra e Ranbir Kapoor si offrono sulla copertina del prossimo numero di Filmfare in distribuzione il 14 marzo 2012.  La rivista sarà dedicata al fotodiario della 57ma edizione dei Filmfare Awards che ha avuto luogo a Mumbai lo scorso 29 gennaio. 

Kajol: Filmfare 1 febbraio 2012

La radiosa Kajol è il volto della copertina del numero di Filmfare distribuito il 1° febbraio nelle edicole indiane. L'attrice abbaglia con il suo inconfondibile sorriso, e il colore dell'abito indossato per il servizio fotografico suggerisce piacevoli ricordi. Gustiamoci una splendida Kajol in giallo nei video di Yeh Ladki Hai Allah e Suraj Hua Maddhan da Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Gham.

Kareena Kapoor e Imran Khan: Filmfare 15 febbraio 2012

Kajol e Aishwarya Rai sono in congedo temporaneo per maternità. Di conseguenza le due coppie cinematografiche più amate di Bollywood si riducono agli spaiati cavalieri: Shah Rukh Khan e Hrithik Roshan. Ma a Mumbai non ci si perde d'animo, e da diverso tempo si stanno sperimentando nuove combinazioni, nella speranza di azzeccare quella davvero magica in grado di incantare il pubblico, imbavagliare la critica e assicurare lauti guadagni. Per San Valentino ci provano Kareena Kapoor e Imran Khan. Il 10 febbraio 2012 verrà distribuito Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu. Il numero di Filmfare del 15 febbraio 2012 presenta l'inedita coppia in copertina.