Here’s why Salman Khan doesn't like being called bhai!

Salman Khan is popularly called ‘bhai‘ by most of his fans. Not just fans, but people close to him, his body guard, manager, and secretary also are often heard saying, “bhai kahan hai ?”. A family member close to Salman recently told us that Salman isn’t too fond of being called ‘bhai‘. Here’s why…

According to the source Salman feels that the only people who can actually call him ‘bhai‘ are his sisters Alvira and Arpita. He is of the opinion that he isn’t any one’s brother other than his sisters. The source says, “It’s funny how every one has taken for granted that Salman is their brother! He gets quite irritated when a stranger who he’s just met starts calling him ‘bhai’.”

Apart from the brother connotation, the word bhai is also at times used in reference of the underworld or a don! Salman definitely doesn’t want to be perceived as one! The source adds, “He was once heard asking someone, ‘kya mein goonda hoon jo tu mujhe bhai bula raha hai ?’. But his fans have often called him bhai, in fact the way they use that word so liberally, Sajid Nadiadwala even used it in his first trailer for Kick!.”

We think whether he likes it or not, we will always call Salman ‘bhai’, cause there is no other actor in the industry who can carry off that nickname with such charisma!

Ek Villain: A raw and intense take on romance

Mohit Suri has an exciting germ of an idea but instead of building on the suspense, the director bundles in every filmy element into ‘Ek Villain’. There is so much going on in this film that it leaves the viewer exhausted and exasperated.

Here’s a plot that needs to be moulded into an intriguing psychological thriller; a story that is crying out for a “different” approach but alas, it falls prey to the typical tried and tested formula.

For once the villain at hand has a very clear victimology, his psychosis has a definitive trigger and every kill is a false reaffirmation. It would have been interesting to see how this character developed from his first attack and how he is eventually found out. However, by the first half, Suri has already dished out both the conflict and a quick resolution, while the second half is a regular Bollywood revenge saga.

The biggest problem with ‘Ek Villain’ is that there is too little of too many things. While most films spend too much time on the foreplay, here we hurry towards an early climax. The film has interesting nuggets but the director doesn’t let you dwell on any emotion for long enough – the romance, the loss, the suspense, the chase, the redemption – it’s all over before you can soak it in. The overall effect is therefore, disjointed.

The characters could have been etched out and crafted as complex individuals. But the effect gets muted because we are not allowed to stay with them for long enough to feel their passion or their pain.

Aisha (Shraddha Kapoor) overdoes the chirpy, helpful girl-next-door part, often sounding squeaky and annoyingly preachy. She’s nothing like the Geet of ‘Jab We Met’ who seemed so natural as the bubbly Punjabi kudi.
This is Sidharth Malhotra’s first “angry young man” part and he essays an understated performance but he just can’t rise above the inept writing. A character with a troubled past, blinded by rage and grief needs a much more nuanced approach. His pain remains superficial at best.

Riteish Deshmukh’s character is definitely handled the best – we get an insight into his mind – we understand why a loving husband and father can also be brutal and ruthless. How our antihero is driven by the urge to become a hero in front of his wife, the pleasure he feels when she appreciates the trophies he collects exclusively for her, how he his torn between love and loathing towards her. What we don’t understand is why doesn’t he ever lose it with his friend (Kamal R Khan) who is as insulting towards him?

And just when we are grappling with these questions, we have an unnecessary item song thrust in that is completely incongruous to the narrative.

The love story in ‘Ek Villain’ is tragic but it is a supreme tragedy that a film that could have been an intriguing thriller remains just another squandered opportunity.

After a vacation with Katrina Kaif in South Africa, Ranbir Kapoor ready to romance Deepika Padukone in France!

Just when we were glad to be spotting B-town lovebirds paint South Africa red with love, looks like it’s time to focus on the ex-lovers

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone will be soon heading to France. Unlike RK’s last outing with ladylove Katrina Kaif in Johannesburg, it seems like his France visit is strictly professional. So, will we see the duo’s love interests follow them to France. Well, you never know…Ranbir Kapoor was out for a promotional event in Mumbai and the actor seemed excited to be before the media. The Kapoor lad who just returned from his long Jagga Jasoos schedule to Mumbai is all set to head to France in the couple of weeks. His escapade in South Africa with Kat, Ranbir will be leaving for Corsica, South France along with ex-girlfriend Deepika very soon! But this one unlike the last is not a vacation as you might think, it’s Imtiaz Ali’s Tamaasha that brings the Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani jodi together again.

Ranbir said at the event,”I leave for Corsica, South France in 12 days. We (Deepika Padukone and I) will be there for a month, shooting with Imtiaz Ali.” He added, “It’s a romantic film. I am,looking forward to shoot for it.”

Well now, 30 days is a long time and that too in a romantic destination like France. We wonder if Ranbir’s gal who’s keeping a close watch on his every move off late will accompany him to France. If not, we won’t be surprised to see Kat fuming red with fury soon. Wink, wink!

Aamir Khan makes it to Time magazine’s 100 most influential people list

We knew Aamir Khan was a favourite of Time magazine when he was featured on its cover in 2012, with the caption Khan Quest. So it's no surprise that the actor has made it to the magazine's list of 100 Most Influential People in 2013. Last year, Khan's television show Satyamev Jayate, a talk show with a conscience, became one of the most talked about shows on Indian television because of the many social issues it addressed and the taboo topics Khan discussed on the show. Unusually for India, Satyamev Jayate seemed to havemade an impact beyond that of advertising revenues and ratings. The show motivated the Rajasthan government to promise fast track courts would be set up to resolve pending female foeticide cases. Khan was also invited to the Parliament to discuss issue of FDI in pharmaceuticals. He met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to emphasise the plight of manual scavengers. Time said of Khan  in 2012, “He’s breaking the Bollywood mould by tackling India’s social evils. 


Can one actor change a nation?” A cover of Time magazine featuring Bollywood actor Aamir Khan From the look of things, Time's fandom hasn't waned. Khan is described as an actor and an activist. His profile has been written by music director AR Rahman, who praises Khan for his sense of social responsibility. Rahman wrote in Time,  " In a world of false diplomacy and evasiveness, Aamir is a straightforward man. A man of his word. His movies are commercial successes — Lagaan was nominated for an Academy Award — but they also display a sense of social responsibility: they tackle important themes, like poverty and education. His TV show, Satyamev Jayate, is part journalism and part talk show, and it confronts India’s deepest social ills, from sexual abuse to caste discrimination..." Others who made it to the list are Michelle Obama, Daniel Day-Lewis, Christina Aguilera, Mindy Kaling, Jennifer Lawrence, Malala Yousafzai, Jay Z and Rand Paul. This is the first time Yousafzai has been photographed since the attempted assassination. Time has issued seven special covers and Khan is one of the covers.

Priyanka cries gender inequality, wants more pay for actresses

Mumbai: Actress Priyanka Chopra on Tuesday said that a huge disparity exists in remuneration accorded to male and female actors in Bollywood, which she feels can be reduced only if women-centric films fare well at the Box Office. 




Priyanka Chopra wants more pay for female actors. IBN "The male actors do get paid a lot more. There is a tremendous disparity in remuneration between male and female actors. The remuneration difference is insane as the disparity is big. I feel we have strong female performers, and the day female-oriented films do well at the box office it will lead to it (change in remuneration of female actors). "I think we will be able to command a remuneration that we deserve... It will be a slow and steady thing but it will happen," Priyanka said. Priyanka, however, expressed her happiness at the way actresses are being portrayed in films. "There is a huge change from the way female films were being made a decade back. Female-oriented films like 'The Dirty Picture', 'Kahaani' are doing well...There is an audience for (such films), which is great. It feels positive to see this," Priyanka said. The actress interacted with adolescent girls associated with the 'Deepshikha' programme that is supported by UNICEF. Priyanka, who is a goodwill ambassador of UNICEF, has been taking special interest in empowering girls. The Deepshikha programme is aimed to strengthen adolescent and young women groups through imparting life skill, enterprise and networking skills. "I am glad to be associated with UNICEF Deepshikha programme that aims at empowering the young girls of India. I feel girls should be given more opportunities to grow in their life. Girls have the ability to build their own future," 
Priyanka said. Priyanka revealed that her uncles were not in favour of her joining filmdom and she could enter films only because of her parents. "Even my family was conservative... from my father's side there was discrimination between girls and boys. I was told that my dad had to be with me if I wanted to get into films. My parents, who are doctors, did sacrifice and came to Mumbai to fulfil my dreams. I feel lucky that my parents have always supported me," Priyanka said. She feels that education is the key for women empowerment and girls be given a chance to stand up for what they want to do in their life and that girls and boys be treated equally.

Amitabh Bachchan goes for age-defying stunts

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan is said to be going all out for his fiction television debut, Yudh. The Anurag Kashyap show is said to be an intense fare loaded with action and drama, and to get into the skin of his angry old man avatar, Amitabh Bachchan has reportedly performed some extremely dangerous action shots defying medical advice.

The scenes required the 71-year-old actor to wear a body rig, which is a heavy metal contraption that harnesses the actor onto a moving camera as he performs stunts mid-air.

Amitabh Bachchan as Yudhishthir Sikarwar in TV-series Yudh

Big B last wore a body rig to perform such stunts around three decades ago. He has avoided doing such shots by himself ever since he had a near-fatal accident while filming a violent scene on the set of Coolie in 1982, which saw him battle death for months in hospital.

Sources close to the actor have said an intense pain in the lower stomach area, an outcome of the Coolie accident, often keeps coming back even today. Under the given circumstance, Big B's decision to shoot on a body rig would indeed seem dangerous.

Amitabh Bachchan performed stunts himself

The show Yudh has Kashyap as its overall creative director with Ribhu Dasgupta helming individual episodes. Big B is cast as Yudhisthir Skarwar, a top tycoon waging corporate war with his rivals even as he tackles a psychological battle with his health and an emotional tussle with his family.

"The action scene is an important one, pertaining to Yudhishthir Skarwar confronting a big crisis. Initially, Amitji's team had informed the unit that he wouldn't be doing the stunt wearing a body rig.

However, when he realised how important the scene was, he decided to do it himself," said a unit source.

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AKSHAY KUMAR'S FITNESS MANTRA REVEALED

"In 24 hours, if you cannot give one hour to your body, then you should kill yourself”.

Such a blunt and thought provoking remark can come only from one actor. Akshay Kumarhas earned himself the reputation of a 'khiladi' for his intrepid performances and impeccable fitness. Akshay, 41, can give a run for the money to any new comer who may be half of his age.

Workout regimen

Akshay constantly encourages youth to remain fit instead of going for muscles. He denounces the use of food supplements and Steroids in a bid to look muscular. His fitness mantra revolves around myriad exercises. It is a renowned fact that Akshay religiously practices Martial Arts. He often takes up kick boxing to keep himself agile. Besides Martial Arts, he also regularly practices Yoga and meditates for catharsis. He often takes time out of his busy schedule to take up swimming and trekking with his son. It goes without saying that he never eschews working out in the gym. Sources close to Akshay stress that irrespective of how late he turns from his shoot, he will hit the Gym even at wee hours of the morning showcasing is indefatigability. He is also an avid basket ball player. He rotates his fitness regimen in order to keep it interesting. He believes that same fitness routine can be quite mundane.

Diet

Akshay seldom takes his fitness for granted. He does not subscribe to dieting. He maintains that the secret of his physique is the healthy home cooked food. However, he does not eat like a glutton. He stresses on eating a balanced diet. He has abnegated liquor, smoking and partying from his life. Another astonishing fact about his diet is that, he has never even tasted tea or coffee. He scrupulously forbears from nicotine or caffeine.

Discipline

Akshay strongly adheres to the maxim, “Early to bed, early to rise makes you healthy and wise”. He follows a disciplined life style. He has an early dinner at 7:30 PM and wakes up at 4.30 a.m. He never compromises on his sleep. He also recommends that the key to fitness is to have an ideal amalgamation of mental and physical fitness.

Akshay has set an arduous benchmark for the industry in terms of fitness. Even, other actors come up to Akshay for advice. Therefore, one can extrapolate that fitness can be achieved by relentless workout and a balanced diet. It should hold paramount importance in one's life. 

Life in Bollywood

We catch up with 2012 graduate Sarah Noon as she tells us about her new life in Bollywood. Sarah isn’t the first DFA graduate to work there – 2010 graduate Lisa Aytoun spent her 2011 in India. Sarah’s work so far has included the Indian MTV awards and filming with the award winning Canadian actor Donald Sutherland on a 1940s film set.



Congratulations Sarah! Did you ever imagine you’d be working somewhere like Bollywood so soon after graduating?

“To be honest all through college my main worry was just getting any job at all! I’m so thankful that I’ve been this lucky and I’m very aware that many dancers struggle to get jobs at all. My agency likes taller girls and don’t tend to take on girls my height: 5 foot 6, so I was lucky with that too!”

What’s the Bollywood industry like?

“It’s amazing and I’m having one of the best times of my life! I always loved performing in college and Bollywood’s very over the top and big! It’s all about using your face when you perform. I never thought I’d be able to say I’ve done half the things I have, and with it being my first job, I’m so grateful for whatever the future brings.”

Were you nervous before you left?

“I was both nervous and excited. I had no idea about anything in India, even the most simple things like what clothes I’d be able to wear out in public. I wasn’t told much before I came and, I didn’t know it, but India has everything we have in Scotland! There are very few things we can’t get out here and there’s loads of things to do on your time off and everything’s so cheap!”

Did you get to meet some of the people you’d be working with before you left Scotland?

“I didn’t meet anyone until I got off the plane and my coordinator Mahir came and picked me up. That was a bizarre moment walking out of the airport not knowing who I was looking for! Then I went to my flat and met some of the other girls. Every few months someone leaves and a new girl arrives.”

Do you spend most of your time in Mumbai, or are you travelling to other parts of India?

“For the first part of my contract I flew weekly, sometimes twice a week. I’ve flown all over India: Chennai, Jodhpur, Hyderabad, Lavasa, but at the moment there’s more work in Mumbai, so I’ve been based here for the past few weeks.”



What is a typical day like for you?

“No day is the same. I work for an agent who tells me the day before (sometimes on the day) if I have work. Indians are very laid back. One day we got told we were flying out then five minutes before we left we got told the flight was cancelled! You just learn to roll with it and take it as it comes.

I’m told beforehand if I have an audition, rehearsals or a shoot and what time I’ll be picked up or need to get to the hall for and if I need to take anything with me e.g. shoes, dresses, etc. I tend to work with girls in my agency with a similar height or hair colour to myself as most jobs want similar girls. However, if it’s a big shoot, there can be more than twenty foreign girls on the job – you get to meet loads of people!

Shoots are long – 13 hour days – but they are so much fun and at the end of the day you’re getting paid to do what you love: dance, dress up and have your hair & make-up done – I can’t complain at all! We sometimes learn the choreography on set, other times we have rehearsals for a few days before. If I don’t have work I’m free to do whatever; go to the markets, the pool, on tours etc.”

Do you have a favourite project so far?

My favourite project was doing the MTV Video Music Awards India. It was an amazing experience and seeing myself on TV was so bizarre! Only four of us got to do it, the rest of the dancers were Indian. The choreography was jazz and commercial, which are my favourite styles of dance. I also met and got to dance for the rapper T-Pain, who I love, so that was an added bonus!

I’ve been really lucky with my jobs, obviously as I’m with an agency it’s just luck what I get job wise and it depends on what’s being produced at that moment. I recently worked with the actors Donald Sutherland and Tyne Daly on a Hollywood film based here. I’ve also worked with leading lady Shilpa Shetty, travelled all around India and had loads of random shoots, like a day filming in a water park where we had a day just playing on the slides! It’s so random and so much fun!”

What do you love most about India?

“I love everything about India. I’ve never met a more happy and helpful group of people. Of course having naan bread and curries whenever you want is amazing, but the country itself is beautiful and I love everyone’s laid back attitude, and how every day is different. I’m doing my dream job working in music videos and film – I’m so thankful.”

Thank you Sarah, Dance For All is happy for you and very proud as well. Principal Director Tracy Hawkes says: “Sarah’s certainly blossomed into her international career.” Well done!