“I wouldn’t be a strict mom”

Kareena Kapoor plays the ‘stepmom’ character in ‘We Are Family’. And it’s a role she’s unofficially playing in real-life too. Kareena’s man Saif has two kids, Sara and Ibrahim, with ex-wife Amrita Singh. And we guess the actress speaks from experience when she gets talking about ‘the need to understand, love and respect’ for both stepmums and stepkids.

Her answer is cautious when we ask her what kind of mom she’d make in real life but her striking confidence gives us a feeling she’ll be fine when the time comes. No false modesty for Bebo, who proudly says she’s the only who could have played Julia Roberts’ part in the B’wood version of ‘Stepmom’. And we love the tossed-off way in which Kareena says she doesn't really see any competition for herself in the ad world. Here’s more with the very candid hottie.

What kind of mom do you think you’d be in real life?
It’s difficult to say. I don’t think one can say without being a mom in real life. And I haven’t thought about this much. But I don’t think I’d be a strict mom, more the pampering kind. That’s how I am with my niece and nephew (Karisma Kapoor’s kids Samaira and Kiaan). I get to spend such little time with them because of work, so I just can’t be strict.

What advice would you give to someone who’s going to be a stepmom?
I think there’s nothing wrong with the term. You need to understand, love and respect the children. There’s adjustment involved of course. A lot of perceptions of a stepmom have changed now, and with ‘We Are Family’, we’re going to change them a lot more.

What’s Kajol like as a co-star? Was it any different working with her all these years after ‘Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham’?
Kajol is absolutely amazing. She’s the most exceptional person I know. We got along, we gave each other space, and when we were not together we ended up really missing one another. You know when Karan (Johar) started this movie, he told us that Kajol and I were the only actresses he could imagine in the roles played by Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts in the original ‘Stepmom’. That was such a compliment to both of us.

Your other co-star from ‘We Are Family’ Arjun Rampal has called you the Tendulkar of Bollywood. What do you have to say about that?
Arjun just likes me and cricket too. So he put us together! (Laughs). It’s a wonderful compliment. And I’m lucky to work with him. It’s great to see that he has come into his own as an actor, his metamorphosis. He’s a true star now.

You’re the most in-demand actress in the ad world for this year. Do you see any other actresses as competition there?
Not really. I think everyone’s doing an equal amount of work. If there are three shampoos out there, they’ll have three different actresses in the ads. The brands I am endorsing, Vaio among them, are international brands with international teams and concepts.

You’ll be working with Imran Khan soon. Any other actors from the newer lot you want to act with?
Well, there’s Ranbir but we’re brother and sister so we can’t be cast together as hero and heroine.

What if you and Ranbir were cast as brother and sister?
Someone has to write such a script!

Have you seen Imran and Ranbir’s recent movies?
No, but I’ve heard good things about ‘I Hate Luv Storys’ and ‘Raajneeti’. Actually, I don’t watch too many movies. The last one I saw was ‘3 Idiots’. I’ve got very little free time, so when I do I’d rather spend it with family and friends, instead of watching a movie. I’ve shot five films in the last one year, so that hasn’t left me free for much else. But I do take time out to travel, which is my passion.

Where did you last travel to?
Switzerland (Saif and Kareena spent his 40th birthday there). I just got back this morning. We make it a point to visit Switzerland at least three times a year. Basically, we love Europe, we’re big fans! It’s so hot in our country most of the time. So Paris and London are always great.

Aamir Khan talks insecurities, hopes and ‘Peepli Live’ dreams

When Aamir Khan enters the room at the Park Hyatt where we’re to interview him, he does so very quietly. He introduces himself and settles down on the sofa. At this point, he seems just like a regular guy. Then Aamir starts to re-touch his make-up. Ah, the star emerges! A star who’s openly nervous about producing an unconventional film with no big stars. It’s plain to see how much Aamir cares about his home production ‘Peepli Live’, a satire on society woven around farmer suicides, that he’s in the city to promote.

It’s also plain to see that he won’t answer a question specifically if he doesn’t really want to. He’ll just smile and say, “I feel awkward talking about that.” Now, don’t go thinking we asked him something offensive! That was actually his reply when we asked him what was the most touching fan experience he’d had! Aamir seems the serious, somewhat reserved sort. The kind of person who prefers reading books to magazines (Yes, he told us so). So we ask him what he’s reading at the moment and he tells us it’s a thriller he bought at New York Duty Free, though he can’t remember the name just then. We’ll put down that memory lapse to the hectic promotional travelling he’s been doing. Meanwhile, here’s the man on himself and what’s driving him right now.

Who is the real Aamir Khan? How would you describe yourself?

I don’t do that actually. I am what I am, it’s for people to decide what they think of me. First of all I see myself as a human being. Then I am a creative person, and as a creative person I work as an actor sometimes, as a director sometimes. I am all of these things. And I am just an average guy with my hopes and fears, insecurities and strengths and weaknesses like everyone else.

We’ve read on your blog that you’ve lost your appetite and sleep as Peepli Live’s release nears. Does this happen to you before every movie of yours or just this one?

(Smiles) That happens to me pretty much for every movie. When a film comes close to release, I get nervous about how people will react to it. I wonder whether the efforts and emotions of the entire team that has made the film, me included, will engage and entertain people; if it will connect with them.

You’ve talked about ‘Peepli Live’ being particularly tough because the movie doesn’t have any big stars. Did you ever think about acting in it yourself?

Very early on Anusha (Peepli Live’s director) and Mahmood (the casting director) and I discussed whether I should play Natha, who is the central character of the film. It was a great part. But for me to pull off Natha I would have had to go through a major physical transformation. I would have done it too if I were playing the part. We thought that we should do a screen test to see if at all I was suitable for the role. So we were flirting with that idea for a bit. Then they found Omkar (who plays Natha in the movie) when they were testing for some other part. And they really liked him. They showed his test to me and I agreed with them completely that we had found our Natha. After that, there was no point of me testing anymore.

When an unconventional script like this comes your way, do you think about the commercial aspects?

I don’t think about the commercial aspects when I decide to do it. My excitement about doing something is based purely on my reaction to the material. Once I’ve decided to do it then I look at the practical side. The film should work, economically it should be viable, and the people investing the money shouldn’t lose out. All these practical points come later.

You said in a recent interview that you only like your own movies because they’re universal.

(Looks surprised) I’ve never said that! But you're the second person to tell me about this interview. I’d like to look this up. I’ve never said that, it’s an inaccurate statement. Please clear the air. Actually when I watch my movies I always feel like I could have done better. Some of my films do have a universal theme, that’s true. And I do feel that less and less films are being made which are universally appealing to audiences across the country, people who live in smaller towns, villages, and cities. India is such a large country with people from so many different cultural and economic backgrounds living together. At one time there were many films being made which were viewed universally, I think less and less of those films are being made today. But no, not all my movies are universal either.

Having said that, has there been a role in recent times that you wish had come your way?

I don’t look at things that way. Occasionally I’ve felt that way but I can’t think of any strong example of late.

What are the projects you’re excited about for the future?

There’s ‘Dhobi Ghaat’, a film that my wife Kiran has written and directed, which I am also acting in. Then there’s ‘Delhi Belly’. It’s too early to talk about them now, we don’t even know when ‘Dhobi Ghaat' is releasing. Probably sometime in January.

Celina in Dubai: “I’m a peaceful rebel!”

Celina Jaitly surprises us the moment we meet her, for two very different reasons. First, we observe that in person she looks young enough to be a schoolgirl. Second, she mentions that Masala! magazine often criticises her style sense. After hearing this, we expect her to follow it up by criticising us. Instead what Celina says is, “I hope I have not offended anyone.”

In the city for Dubai Fashion Fiesta, Celina will be walking the ramp for designer Archana Kochhar’s show later today (July 22). We caught up with the ‘Golmaal Returns’ star earlier at the Hyatt Regency, and got her talking about her Bollywood journey so far, her style faves, and lots more

Do you think you’ve got your due in Bollywood?

(Smiles) You know making it in Bollywood is a continuous process. There have been people who had overnight success and then disappeared. As for me, this November I’ll complete seven years in Bollywood. Before I joined the industry, I had a very different life. The most glamorous thing I did then was go to the Army Club with my parents to play Tambola! Now, I have seven movies lined up for release. I’m here to stay!

What’s your next release going to be?

It’s Subhash Ghai’s ‘Hello Darling’ which takes a comical look at the issues facing Indian women. I’ve always felt that Indian women are multi-tasking machines. They have to look after so many people and do so many things, and this movie traces the journey of such women. I play an Anglo-Indian girl in the film, what people in Mumbai would call ‘Sandra from Bandra’! She supports her boyfriend, is harassed by her boss, and wonders how to change her life. It’s strange because in real life I’m a very strong person.

You’ve always been outspoken about your beliefs. What’s the reaction you get in the industry for this?

I get a lot of silent support. But I’ve lost out with conservative people when it comes to work. That’s what happens when you take a stand. I accept it. Martin Luther King said, “Don’t see the staircase, just see the first step.” So I’ve always been a peaceful rebel.

What made you decide to walk the ramp for Archana Kochhar?

I love Archana’s designs! She’s a dear friend and we have very similar tastes. The collection she’s showing at Dubai Fashion Week is inspired by romance and poetry. It makes me feel really beautiful , like a princess. And I do believe that every woman has a right to be a princess!

CELINA'S CHOICE

Style Watch

Celina was wearing an Archana Kochhar design when we met and she said about it, ‘It makes me feel like a schoolgirl, yet very feminine and womanly’. Check out this picture, you can see she looks gorgeous. As the showstopper for Archana at Dubai Fashion Fiesta, Celina is going to be wearing a pink gown with lots of flounce, very Princess-like. Celina told us, “After wearing the dress, I’m going to go looking for Prince Charming!”

Most stylish people in Bollywood

"Rekha. She puts us all to shame with how she looks. I look at her and think, ‘What am I going to do? I am already wilting!’ I think Aishwarya’s very stylish too. Among the men, I’d say Hrithik Roshan and Feroze Khan."

Fave Dubai hangouts

"I’ve got my maasi and mama and cousins and the Jashn store here. So I’ve always had a great time in the city. And there are all the lovely malls. I love Festival City and Dubai Mall, even though I’m ready to faint after shopping because the mall is so huge."

Being a gay icon is flattering: Imran Khan

Imran Khan in a freewheeling chat with TOI talks about men applying make-up in Bollywood, his love for food and more

Next time? Noida!

Imran Khan had a problem on his hands when he came to Delhi recently. He’d posted online that he was going to be in the capital at an event in Vasant Kunj, and that everyone could come and meet him, Sonam Kapoor and Punit Malhotra, his co-star and director from I Hate Luv Storys. He got a reply from someone saying, ‘But I’m in Noida - what do I do?’

In between getting his make-up and hair done, Imran promised that next time, people, he will come to Noida. But since he was stuck in a hotel room with his stylist putting pancake on his face, we were able to pin him down for a chat with her help. Here are some excerpts:

Doesn’t make-up make you uncomfortable?

Discomfort, no - it’s standard part of the thing. I like to keep it as minimal as possible because you can tell when people are wearing make-up on screen.

Even the male actors?

No, but at one time they did because at the time the way the lights were, the film was, the lens was, you needed to cover up a lot more.

And any lip gloss?

No. My lips are too pink already. People see lip gloss on me as it is, so imagine what’d happen if I actually did wear it!

You’ve said you have a near perfect body in IHLS.

No, I don’t. It’s as near as I can get it. When I say near perfect, that’s what I mean - as near to perfect as I could get it at the time. Maybe in two years, I’ll do even better.

Do you work out a lot?

I change depending on what I’m doing. Right now I’m not working out at all. As a result of that, I’ve lost a bit of weight. I lose weight if I don’t work out, I have to do that to maintain size. If I don’t work out, I remain very, very thin.

Lucky!

Not for guys. IHLS, I think, involved doing the toughest workout that I think I’ve done in my life. That was because of two things - one, a scene where I wake up in the morning without a shirt, and the other, a song where my shirt is open and flying back, and I’m singing to the heavens. I wanted to look as near to perfect as I could for those scenes.

If you were a girl, you’d have been exhausted and grumpy all the time ...

I was. I was a very, very grumpy person at that time. I’m big on food ... and at the time, because I was eating utterly tasteless steamed food, I was a very, very grumpy person.

What sort of food are you big on?

Anything. Everything. Absolutely everything. I go nuts on Indian food when I’m in Delhi.

Have you ever gotten mobbed in Delhi?

No, I’m pretty careful with that. It’s gotten a bit hairy at times while shooting, but you have security so they can keep it under control.

You can’t just walk into any place and get something you want?

Nope.

Except a five star ...

Yeah, you have to be smart about it. If it’s a short way, and if you quickly walk through it, by the time people register that it’s you, you’re already gone. You gauge situations, take calculated risks.

It’s never happened that you walked through a street and no one recognised you ...

No, that you really can’t. For a short while, you can avoid being recognised. It’s a strange thing, like a star aura you can turn on and turn off. I can turn it off and for a long time, people will not notice that I’m there. Or you can actually turn it on and - I can walk into a room and people by themselves just turn around and look. It’s a weird thing, if there is such a thing.

Anything you miss because of all this visibility?

I can’t browse anywhere.

Not even in Mumbai, which is supposed to be less star-struck than Delhi?

There’s a limit na. I can’t spend an hour browsing somewhere. I can’t just walk into a place not knowing what I want and just look at stuff. Everything needs to be a tactical mission - I need to know what I want, so I’ll pull up, I know where my entry point is, my exit point, and my car will be ready and I’ll get into it and be gone.

When we asked Sonam about you ragging her about appearing in those ‘deadly numbers’, she was very surprised, and said that Avantika (Imran’s fiancé) is a pretty cool dresser. Have they met?

Yeah, of course they’ve met. Avantika was there during the shoot in New Zealand.

You like to have her come along when you’re shooting?

Yeah, otherwise it gets very lonely.

Co-actors, directors - they’re not company?

How much company... At some point, you want someone from home - friends, family. If you’re a heroine, you get your mummy along, I can’t do that because it would be weird.

Does your mum also think it’d be weird?

Yeah, it’d be pretty weird.

You’re not very big on talking about Avantika now, are you?

I feel there’s not much left to talk about. It was such a grand topic during the promotions of Jaane Tu ... that now I don’t know what’s left to say. People say, so you’re very open about your relationship. Yes, I am. Ab kya?

But why did you decide to talk about it right from the beginning?

It’s easier than hiding it. Really, if you’re trying to lie or hide something, everyone knows what’s actually going on.

Isn’t she bugged that the whole country knows?

Umm ... er ... she’s never brought that up. I don’t think it bothers her, I’d imagine she’d have told me if it did. Some things you just take as it is. It’s not like we’re hiding from our families.

How did she take the gay icon thing? How did you take the gay icon thing?

It’s flattering, but it’s not a big deal. As an actor, you want people to like you. It’s not like, oh my God, suddenly I have gay fans. That means I have fans, no? It doesn’t make me uncomfortable or anything.

Like having a votebank - and you couldn’t care less who it is ...

It’s not that you couldn’t care less, you just don’t differentiate. When you have fans, you respect and appreciate them, but you don’t differentiate. It’s not like arrey, now I have fans in China, now I’ve arrived!

But it must be a little different having gay fans and being a huge hit in China. Yeah, I think it translates into more tickets sold (laughs).

It was that one particular photo that did it, right?

Yeah, the one with me lying on my stomach. The entire idea with this photoshoot was to push that look a bit, because that ties into what my character and the film is.

How does it tie in with a sarcastic cynic who doesn’t believe in love?

It’s the sexy look. He’s a womaniser, a player. He’s the guy who believes in sex, not love.

You play a womaniser? Was it aspirational for you - I’d like to play a womaniser someday?

I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think it might be aspirational for a lot of guys, a lot of guys are gonna watch it and - in the first half - go ‘yes, that’s the way it is!’ It’s probably not a good thing to be in real life, though.

Big B wants Aamir to direct him in a movie

Lately he has been interacting a lot with Bollywood perfectionist Aamir Khan and even convinced him to join Twitter. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan admits it would be nice to work with the talented actor, but there is no project in the pipeline yet.

"Why would you assume that when two actors meet and have dinner together they would be doing a project together? Aamir was in the same hotel as me. He called, we met and went out for a meal. Just another social evening, nothing more," Big B, who recently dined with Aamir in London, said in an interview.

"Working with Aamir would be a joy, particularly if he were to direct the film," added the megastar who is unperturbed by the negative feedback of his son Abhishek's recently-released ‘Raavan’.

"People pay to go and see a film. If they do not like something, they have the liberty to criticise it... It's filmmaking. Happens the world over. One accepts the public verdict, learns from it and tries again," he said.

Excerpts from an interview:

Q: You have started signing films after a long gap. Please describe the projects.

A: Yes, I had not signed a film for a while. There had been an accumulation of five films one after the other, due to the multiplex strike. All of them have released, barring one. I have signed up with Raj Kumar Santoshi. There are projects on the verge of finalisation with Pritish Nandy Communications, Prakash Jha, Puri Jagannath, Abbas Mustan and of course R. Balakrishnan.

Q: In London, you had dinner with Aamir Khan. Any projects with him?

A: Why would you assume that when two actors meet and have dinner together they would be doing a project together? Aamir was in the same hotel as me. He called, we met and went out for a meal. Just another social evening, nothing more. Though working with Aamir would be a joy, particularly if he were to direct the film.

Q: Any projects featuring you and Abhishek?

A: I hope there will be. There are talks in progress; when they are ready we can talk about it.

Q: Does the criticism Abhishek's solo films ‘Delhi 6’ and now ‘Raavan’ strike you as being unjust to him?

A: No not all. People pay to go and see a film. If they do not like something, they have the liberty to criticise it. I cannot understand why you particularly mention 'solo'. None of my successful films 'Deewar', 'Trishul', 'Muqaddar Ka Sikandar', 'Sholay', etc were solo. Abhishek too has had his share of solo successes and non-successes. Some work, some do not. It's filmmaking. Happens the world over. One accepts the public verdict, learns from it and tries again.

Q: I remember your emphatic support of ‘Guru’. Do you feel as strongly about ‘Raavan’?

A: Yes, but in different ways. ‘Guru’ was straight storytelling and Mani's brilliance in its presentation was very clear to observe. ‘Raavan’ is asking me to study and think and analyse and probe. It's taken a while to comprehend, so it is not immediate. It is driving me to intellectualise something that most viewers are not prepared for when they go to see a film...

Q: Ratnam and Abhishek have worked thrice together and it's about time you got a chance to work with him. Is a film with Mani round the corner?

A: I wish it was true, but there is no such offering. Could you put in a word for me?

Q: I can't help asking...you're tweeting and blogging. Do these means of communication make the press redundant for you?

A: How could you possibly ask this question at the end of this most exhaustive response of mine to the press! No, the media will never be redundant. Yes, I blog and tweet and Vog and soon shall also video blog, but the press shall always have its presence and importance. For me, these mediums are a wonderful opportunity to connect with my fans and well-wishers independently and instantly.

The internet is becoming a vast medium for the future. Most of the requests for interviews have also reduced because the media picks up all the daily news from our blogs and tweets. Look at the vast amount of information that these mediums provide on individuals you would perhaps have never had the opportunity to interact with. It should be allowed to grow and prosper, its use and misuse notwithstanding.