Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Rishi Kapoor accepts Deepika as his bahu
Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone's marriage is finally fixed. Papa Rishi Kapoor has given green signal to their relationship and now it's only the choice of the couple when to convert their decision into reality. On the show Oye! Its Friday! hosted by Farhan Akhtar, Ranbir accepted the truth of their love relationship; he had brought to rest all those wrong rumors of their break-up. He accepted that they are more than good friends.
Rishi Kapoor seemed more than happy to have Deepika as his bahu. He said that he has no objection on Ranbir's choice and whoever his son wished to marry, he would cordially accept as his loving bahu. But things are not as easy as it is sounding. Ranbir's mom Neeetu Singh is dead against their relationship and creating hurdle in their love relationship. She has objection with Deepika and not in the favor to make her Kapoor Khandhan's bahu.
On a particular occasion, Neetu Singh raised doubts about Deepika and remarked that Deepika is just another girlfriend of Ranbir. She said, "Both are very young. It's a long way to go before marriage. No one knows what future holds for them". Ranbir's sister Riddhima has also raised objection in their relationship and finding hard to accept Deepika as her Bhabhi.
Whatever, if Deepika-Ranbir are determined to get married, no force can depart them. Let's wait and see what's coming up next.
Rishi Kapoor seemed more than happy to have Deepika as his bahu. He said that he has no objection on Ranbir's choice and whoever his son wished to marry, he would cordially accept as his loving bahu. But things are not as easy as it is sounding. Ranbir's mom Neeetu Singh is dead against their relationship and creating hurdle in their love relationship. She has objection with Deepika and not in the favor to make her Kapoor Khandhan's bahu.
On a particular occasion, Neetu Singh raised doubts about Deepika and remarked that Deepika is just another girlfriend of Ranbir. She said, "Both are very young. It's a long way to go before marriage. No one knows what future holds for them". Ranbir's sister Riddhima has also raised objection in their relationship and finding hard to accept Deepika as her Bhabhi.
Whatever, if Deepika-Ranbir are determined to get married, no force can depart them. Let's wait and see what's coming up next.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Ranbir-Deepika’s wavering relationship
Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone came together quietly under dramatic circumstances more than a year back. There were talks that Ranbir was seeing his first co-star Sonam and Deepika was oscillating between Yuvraaj Singh and M.S Dhoni after her break up with Nihar Pandya.
They have been officially seeing each other for a while but there have been some uncertainties.
Of late there have been talks about Ranbir getting close to his new co-star Katrina Kaif and Deepika being spotted with some mystery man.
In the beginning, Neetu Singh seemed to be confident about her dear Ranbir’s relationship with Deepika. Both Rishi and she seemed to have accepted her as their bahu.
In fact, she was even spotted with Deepika at the Lakme Fashion week and caught the attention of all and sundry.
But now things have changed. Because of the differences they too are uncertain about what the future holds for the young couple.
Neetu has recently said, “Deepika is just another girlfriend in Ranbir’s life. Both of them are very young. It’s a long way to go before marriage. No one knows what the future holds for them.”
The bad thing is that both of them are busy and don’t have enough time to sort out things. We too wonder what the future holds for the young love birds.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Have Sonam and Deepika really turned friends?
Saawariya girl Sonam Kapoor is in no mood to compare herself to Deepika Padukone.In an recent interview she said, “I am not an underdog at all. I am Anil Kapoor’s daughter. I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth.”
She has been compared to another new star Deepika Padukone as both of them have made their debuts around the same time. She admits that she was ‘quite upset’ when Deepika walked away with awards for best female debutante last year. “Awards are important and it was important for me to win one for Saawariya. I was quite upset that I didn’t get the award,” she says.
However, she makes the distinction between their working styles and maintains that she finds comparisons between the two unfair. “Deepika is mostly doing commercial roles while I’m not. I wouldn’t sign a film for an ornamental role or just to look pretty. Ek achhi film ban ne mein ek saal to lagta hi hai. That’s why I am being seen lesser than her,” she says.
Recently Ranbir tried to break ice between the two but it seems that the professional rivalry is till on!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Deepika Padukone's fringe hairstyle catches on
In the 1960s, actor Sadhana styled her hair with a fringe and it became a craze. Now more than four decades later Deepika Padukone has rekindled the magic of this bygone hairstyle with her recently released movie "Chandni Chowk To China".
"Sporting a fringe will be the coolest thing of this year as the style is back in vogue. Fringe hides your age and makes you look younger. Fringe goes well for people who have a broad forehead - when fringes fall on their forehead, it gives a definite shape to their face cut," said stylist Mallika Bhat.
Bhat had styled Deepika's look for "Chandni Chowk To China". Though the film isn't doing well at the box office, Bhat says the fringe is a hit among young girls and they have already started copying the cut.
Fringes or horizontal bangs are a shaped cut of the front part of the hair so that it falls on the forehead. A typical fringe is cut fairly straight above the eyebrows.
Celebrity stylist Ryan D. Rozario says that there are different ways of cutting a fringe, depending on the face cut.
"Face cut plays an important role and oval-shaped face is the perfect face-cut for a fringe. But if you are not oval-faced then leave it to the stylist who can cut your fringes in such a way that it goes well with your face shape," Rozario told IANS on phone from Mumbai.
Fringes that are expected to be popular this season are asymmetrical fringe that start away from the centre of the eyebrow and move diagonally across the face, heavy fringe that start from the ear and move across the face and side-swept fringe in which hair swoops across the forehead slightly covering one eye.
Javed Habib says hair texture plays an important role in deciding whether a person should go in for a fringe or not. He suggests people with fizzy hair should stay away from fringe.
"People with curly hair should stay away from this style as it will be an absolute disaster for them. Fringes are essentially meant for straight hair. If curly-haired people go for this style, it will be very difficult for them to maintain it," said Habib.
But stylist Sylvie didn't agree with Habib and said: "If a person with curly hair wants to go for them, she should get it done; all she needs is to do is to put some extra efforts like ironing the fringes or use a straightener."
Another stylist Samantha Kochhar suggested one should add a dash of colour on the fringe to make a style statement.
"One should go for solid colours to colour their bangs; it looks sexy and different, you can make a style statement with it," Kochhar said.
But there is a word of advice from Rozario for those who are ready to go for this ultra-chic look.
"You shouldn't try it before any major function or wedding as it might ruin your day if the style doesn't go well with your face. The cut just falls straight on your face and you cannot even hide it. So better try this cut in advance to escape any fashion disasters," Rozario said.
"Maintaining these fringes also requires time as they grow faster and require regular trimming," he added.
"Sporting a fringe will be the coolest thing of this year as the style is back in vogue. Fringe hides your age and makes you look younger. Fringe goes well for people who have a broad forehead - when fringes fall on their forehead, it gives a definite shape to their face cut," said stylist Mallika Bhat.
Bhat had styled Deepika's look for "Chandni Chowk To China". Though the film isn't doing well at the box office, Bhat says the fringe is a hit among young girls and they have already started copying the cut.
Fringes or horizontal bangs are a shaped cut of the front part of the hair so that it falls on the forehead. A typical fringe is cut fairly straight above the eyebrows.
Celebrity stylist Ryan D. Rozario says that there are different ways of cutting a fringe, depending on the face cut.
"Face cut plays an important role and oval-shaped face is the perfect face-cut for a fringe. But if you are not oval-faced then leave it to the stylist who can cut your fringes in such a way that it goes well with your face shape," Rozario told IANS on phone from Mumbai.
Fringes that are expected to be popular this season are asymmetrical fringe that start away from the centre of the eyebrow and move diagonally across the face, heavy fringe that start from the ear and move across the face and side-swept fringe in which hair swoops across the forehead slightly covering one eye.
Javed Habib says hair texture plays an important role in deciding whether a person should go in for a fringe or not. He suggests people with fizzy hair should stay away from fringe.
"People with curly hair should stay away from this style as it will be an absolute disaster for them. Fringes are essentially meant for straight hair. If curly-haired people go for this style, it will be very difficult for them to maintain it," said Habib.
But stylist Sylvie didn't agree with Habib and said: "If a person with curly hair wants to go for them, she should get it done; all she needs is to do is to put some extra efforts like ironing the fringes or use a straightener."
Another stylist Samantha Kochhar suggested one should add a dash of colour on the fringe to make a style statement.
"One should go for solid colours to colour their bangs; it looks sexy and different, you can make a style statement with it," Kochhar said.
But there is a word of advice from Rozario for those who are ready to go for this ultra-chic look.
"You shouldn't try it before any major function or wedding as it might ruin your day if the style doesn't go well with your face. The cut just falls straight on your face and you cannot even hide it. So better try this cut in advance to escape any fashion disasters," Rozario said.
"Maintaining these fringes also requires time as they grow faster and require regular trimming," he added.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Deepika was six when she first saw her first Akshay-movie
‘Chandni Chowk To China’ boasts of two of the latest hot-properties of Bollywood - Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone. While the former has an impressive experience behind him to add the required punch to his one-liners or his kicks, Deepika has the freshness of a winter rose. But the age-gap between the two leading actors was only fully realised when Deepika made an interesting revelation.
“I was just six when I watched Akshay’s ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’!” Deepika said to a news daily.
Talking about this discrepancy, Akshay joked, “The other day I was telling Karisma, who was my first heroine, that I want to play hero opposite her daughter Samaira.”
Considering that Khiladi Akshay was already a pro in the Industry at that time, he might as well belong to a higher generation. So much for the generation gap!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Chandni Chowk to China: Sticking to the formula
If you are looking for intellectual stimulation at the movies, watch Clint Eastwood’s “Changeling” or wait for “Slumdog Millionaire” — “Chandni Chowk to China” is definitely not what you are looking for.
It’s the first big release of the year, is produced by a big Hollywood studio looking to enter the Indian market and has one of India’s most bankable stars. But it also has a lot of Bollywood “formula”.
Now whether you like this film or not depends on whether you like the “formula”. Do you like the twins separating-at-birth-and-meeting-20-years-later formula? Or perhaps the I-will-avenge-my-father’s-death formula? Take your pick because “Chandni Chowk to China” has taken each and every cliché from Hindi cinema of the 70s and 80s and repackaged it.
Akshay Kumar plays Sidhu, a simpleton cook in Delhi’s famed Chandni Chowk, who fumbles his way through life and is waiting for the stroke of luck that will change his life. Through a chance encounter possible only in Hindi cinema, he meets two natives of China. They are convinced Sidhu is the reincarnation of the ancient warrior Liu Sheng, who will rescue them from the clutches of evil villain Hojo.
Somewhere along the way we also learn of Inspector Chang, whose family was separated because of Hojo. Chang’s twin daughters, Sakhi and Suzie (played by Deepika Padukone) are separated while he loses his memory.
To attempt to explain the story beyond this point is difficult, because the plot gets too convoluted and loses itself at many places. Except for the 20 minutes in the second half, where Chang is training Akshay in the art of kung fu, the rest of the movie is one chaotic scene.
But “Chandni Chowk to China” is unabashed about this chaos. It seems to be saying — this is how we like our movies and this is how we will make them. Who cares about a coherent plot line when you have Akshay Kumar performing stunts and singing mid-air with Deepika Padukone?
Like it or not, this is Bollywood formula at its best or worst, whichever way you look at it.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
I'm not a celebrity I'm not a celebrity: Deepika Padukone
She made her first big screen appearance with superstar Shah Rukh Khan, in her second film she worked under the prestigious Yash Raj banner and her third release saw her teaming up with Akshay Kumar, and yet Deepika Padukone doesn't consider herself a celebrity.
"I don't consider myself a celebrity. I believe that I've had a fantastic upbringing and I believe my parents have kept me really grounded and rooted. I hope that success never gets to me," said Deepika whose "Chandni Chowk To China" has just hit the screens.
"I've seen my father (badminton champion Prakash Padukone) handle success really well and I hope I continue in the same way because I believe that fame and money are secondary things. The main thing is to enjoy your work," she added.
The 23-year-old was applauded for her performances in her maiden venture "Om Shanti Om" followed by "Bachna Ae Haseeno".
She is currently working in Imtiaz Ali's "Production No. 1".
Friday, January 16, 2009
Hardly the great paratha warrior
Chandni Chowk to China
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Kiran Juneja, Ramesh Sippy (voice only)
Direction: (huh?) Nikhil Advani
Rating: *
Hai hai, Hindi-Chini bye bye. Out there at the Great Wall of China, there’s a bizarre beggar who laughs lustily like a hyena. Meanwhile, his lost-and-still-not-found daughter Meow Meow sings like a mynah. And it’s all because of a Mr Sidhu (no relative to Navjot) who keeps going blah, blah, blah till you want to beg, “Hey dude, bas ab ja, ja.” More ho-ham here than ha ha.
Neither a dumb aloo nor a dumb sum, Chandni Chowk to China has been directed by Nikhil Advani and produced by more individuals and companies (including good ole Warner Bros) than you can count on your toes, fingers and teeth. So, is this a classic case of too many Bros spoiling the broth? Or is it just a case of woeful, woozy, wasteful filmmaking? And since for the first time in Indian cinema, a plot premise seems to resemble an animation movie (Kung Fu Panda), the outcome is bound to be hooey. Now how Warner be is that!
Gee, so your eyes become round like freshly roasted paapadums when that Sidhu (Akshay Kumar) chops radishes and carrots in Delhi’s Parathewalli Gully. Or is it a Studio Canteen? There a foster Dixo Dad (Mithun Chakraborty, help) who calls Sidhu Carrot his ‘bhai’ probably because he’s seen too many Ram Gopal Underworld movies. And he’s still normal! Anyway, Sidhu Carrot is often kicked by dad to the high heavens (literally) and is soon flying to Chinistan to rescue a collection of expressionless coolies from a Mr Hojo Hatwalla (Very Bad Actor Ling). Hojo hi Hoja. This gent beheads tender necks with his sickle-sharp hat. How hat ke is that!
Now from what you can decipher, Carrot Sidhu goes berserk. Saddled with a kimono-draped Ranvir Shorey and two under-fed Chinese, that’s quite understandable. Mayhem ahead. Carrot, Chopsticks and Underfed are tormented by that Hojo hi Hojo Hatter, Orange Hair Goonda (Scowl Machine), Seetika Thams (Deepika) and Geetika Thams (Padukone), not to forget a very brainy airline passenger, who keeps asking, “Are you STUPID?” How rude is that!
Next: you nearly fly through the multiplex roof yourself. Like angels, Carrot and Seetika fly over Shanghai by night, almost landing in outer space like Yuri Gagarin did. Good heavens! Foster Dixo Dad is killed, Hojo hi Hojo Hatman does wee-wee (like Amrish Puri did in Priyadarshan’s Kaalapaani) on the Carrot’s face. Ewww. At long last to wreak vendetta, Carrot is given a crash course in Cosmic Kinng Phew by that Bizarre Wall Mart Beggar. No free shark’s fin soup for guessing the ending. Spoiler: A sickle turns out to be deadlier than red chilli pickle. How you wish you were far away like Rip Van Winkle.
Throughout, the patchy screenplay and direction, the harum-scarum shot takings, the snore-inspiring editing and the assembly-whine music score (the title song sounds better on CD) add to your astonishment. Is this where entertainment is headed? To Nowhere Land? Also, there are so many narrative jumps that it takes Ramesh Sippy’s intervening voice-over to (try and) clue you into what the hell’s going yawn. How you miss Amitabh Bachchanji’s dub.. for once.
Phew, now to come to the great acting crew. Kiran Juneja is shockingly wasted in a cameo as the twins’ harrowed mom. Roger Chiun as the Deewaar Beggar is the most competent of the lot which is not saying much.
Deepika Padukone looks fairly good, acts fairly bad. As for Akshay Kumar, his I’m-so-cute bumpkin formula (Namaste London, Singh is Kinng) has become a mammoth, over-the-top bore. Please quit hamming. Incidentally, he describes himself as a 27-and-a-half-year-old here despite a distinctly salt-and-pepper stubble.
How, how, how disappointing is that! Just like the rest of this Chandni Chowk to Choona.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Deepika, Katrina Battle it Out
Yahoo! India's top people search 2008 was dominated by Deepika Padukone as opposed to Google's India Zeitgeist 2008 where Katrina Kaif was the most searched person in India.
Yahoo! has recently announced the most popular searches, themes, and trends as part of its 2008 Year-ender Special on the basis of searches conducted by millions of users from India.
Yahoo! says India's entertainment industry and Bollywood icons definitely ruled in 2008, as they were included in almost all of the top categories. The hottest searches this year along with Deepika Padukone were Indian Railways and the Sixth Pay Commission. Following Deepika in the top people searches were Shilpa Shetty and Aishwarya Rai.
Below are the highlights from Yahoo! India Top 10 searches for 2008:
Users are increasingly searching for information on a mobile device, noticed Yahoo!. The launch of the iPhone, the Bhajji-Sreesanth Row, and the Bangalore Blasts were among the Top News Search for 2008. Searches in the sports category comprised Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, and the Indian Tour of Australia. Films took centrestage as well, with titles like Singh Is Kinng, Dasavatharam, and Kuselan being searched heavily by users.
The top 10 most searched words on Yahoo! India Mobile included Cricket, Asin, Bipasha Basu, Priyanka Chopra, and Bihar Flood.
Yahoo! has recently announced the most popular searches, themes, and trends as part of its 2008 Year-ender Special on the basis of searches conducted by millions of users from India.
Yahoo! says India's entertainment industry and Bollywood icons definitely ruled in 2008, as they were included in almost all of the top categories. The hottest searches this year along with Deepika Padukone were Indian Railways and the Sixth Pay Commission. Following Deepika in the top people searches were Shilpa Shetty and Aishwarya Rai.
Below are the highlights from Yahoo! India Top 10 searches for 2008:
Users are increasingly searching for information on a mobile device, noticed Yahoo!. The launch of the iPhone, the Bhajji-Sreesanth Row, and the Bangalore Blasts were among the Top News Search for 2008. Searches in the sports category comprised Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, and the Indian Tour of Australia. Films took centrestage as well, with titles like Singh Is Kinng, Dasavatharam, and Kuselan being searched heavily by users.
The top 10 most searched words on Yahoo! India Mobile included Cricket, Asin, Bipasha Basu, Priyanka Chopra, and Bihar Flood.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
No, partying is not my thing: Deepika Padukone
You have a phenomenon 2009 ahead of you and life seems too good to be true. But did you have any resolutions this New Year’s eve?
No resolutions really, every year I hope that the following year is as exciting as the previous year and I am very happy with the way my professional life is going and I just hope that this year is the same for me. I always hope that I remain happy because I think happiness is very important.
You celebrated your birthday some days ago. How does it feel to turn And if reports are anything to go by, you visited a temple in Mumbai. Did you party at all?
No, partying is not my thing, I preferred spending time with my family and yes I did visit a temple in the morning, that’s generally how I start my day on my birthday and generally do things that I enjoy doing, so I spent time with my family and also worked a bit, so I managed to balance out both.
Any birth-day wishes?
Well…what better way to start the year with a big film? My film Chandni Chowk To China is going to release soon, so I hope that it does really well.
Chandni Chowk to China was your first action movie. Was it tough to film?
Yes, it was tough, but I am glad that I went through the extensive training – physically and mentally it was important. So I was well prepared.
What training did you undertake prior to filming?
I trained for six months. My trainers came down from Hong Kong and trained me in all the cable work and wire work and all the sword fights and all those things.
The trailers of Chandni Chowk to China seems very promising. What made you choose this venture?
This project was offered to me before “Om Shanti Om” released. And the fact that I was always very keen to do an action film and the fact that is sounded like a very big and exciting project , the fact that Nikhil Advani was directing it and it was opposite Akshay Kumar and the fact that I have a double role, so what more could I have asked for?
You are playing a double role once again. (After OSO). Do you think opting for double roles gives you more scope to exercise your acting prowess?
I would have considered myself very lucky to have got to do the opportunity of a double role again. It just gives me that much more confidence that my directors and the audience believe that I can carry off different kinds of looks in different kinds of roles. And obviously as an actor it is a lot more challenging doing two roles in the same film. It’s definitely not easy and is quite challenging.
You look phenomenal yielding all the sticks, the magical umbrellas … How difficult was it to pull off all the stunts?
It was quite difficult because I had to train for about six months; I used to train for about eight hours a day. But I think it’s all paid off, it was something that I had to do because of the kind of action that was required in the film. And my trainers came down from Honk Kong to train me for the action sequences in the film. I think it has really all paid off very well. The action sequences were all ready before we even started shooting for the film. Once we started shooting everything was all in place and I didn’t waste any time learning.
Do you always identify with the roles that you take up on screen? And more importantly, will we see you in a non-glamorous avatar any time soon?
Sure, as an actor I would definitely like to do different kinds of roles and different kinds of cinema.
Can you tell us about some interesting anecdotes while shooting for the CC2C?
For me the most interesting part would be shooting at the “Great Wall Of China.” I had always thought that I would end up there as a tourist, but it was a greater experience actually shooting there, and I think with the first film to have ever been shot at the Great Wall Of China.
How was it working with Akshay Kumar? (We hear that you were in awe and a bit intimidated while performing stunts alongside him). How do you rate his stunt quotient?
I wouldn’t say intimidated because then that would be taking away credit from him. He’s some one who has made me feel extremely comfortable, whether it was on the sets, whether it was scene or whether it was an action stunt. He’s made me feel absolutely comfortable and also I give my director credit for that and I would also give myself a little bit of credit for that because I had trained really hard for it. No, I wasn’t intimidated. I am just some one who really admires the way he’s groomed himself over the years and the way he has evolved as an actor and the kind of cinema that he’s doing, I think he’s some one who we can all really learn a lot from.
You are considered to be one of the most beautiful/promising faces to hit Bollywood in a long time? Do all the sky-high expectations bog you down?
No, it doesn’t. I am here to enjoy my work. I think enjoying my work is extremely important and that’s the reason I am here.
Who is your worst critic?
I think myself and my family. I think my family would be most honest with me.
When you see yourself on screen, do you cringe or do you analyze it to pieces?
I do a little bit of both.
How would you best describe Deepika Padukone - the person and the Deepika Padukone - the celebrity?
I don’t consider myself a celebrity, I believe that I’ve had a fantastic up bringing and I believe my parents have kept me really grounded and rooted and my family keeps me rooted. And I hope that success never gets to me. I’ve seen my father handle success really well and I hope I continue in the same way because I believe that fame and money, all of that are all secondary things. The main thing is to enjoy your work.
With the economic downturn, do you think it’s feasible to plan magnum opuses? As an actor, how do you plan to tackle the downturn?
I’ll tackle it when I have to; I haven’t really faced the situation yet.
You seem to be very picky about choosing roles? Do you consult anybody from the film fraternity before signing on a venture?
Obviously the final decision is mine, but I do have my parents who I always consult before I do a film and I take their advice.
Will we ever see you in a Hollywood venture?
If some thing exciting comes up, why not?
How do you de-stress after a day’s hard work and what’ the mantra that keeps you going?
I enjoy doing simple things. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, eating simple home food
Tell us something that nobody else knows about Deepika Padukone - the actress
Nothing in particular. I like to believe that I am a very simple person. I like doing simple things, I like spending time at home with my family and friends. And I am extremely fond of chocolate.
Does it rile you up about your personal life being discussed till the cows come home? Are you on/off with Ranbir, are you on/off with XXX, what is your take?
All I can say at this point is that I know it’s a part of your profession to be written about your personal life and people are going to keep speculating which is fine as long as I know what is happening in my life and I am very secured any happy in my relationship.
How does it feel to be a part of Imtiaz Ali’s next venture Production No 1? Were you aware of the tug of war between Saif Ali Khan and the director over who should be cast?
That’s really none of my business and decision. I think if Imtiaz has approached me for a film and if he thinks I fit the role then… It was offered to me and obviously I agreed to do it. It’s a great script and a great role and I think certain roles are written with certain people in mind. So that’s really the director’s decision. I am no one to really comment on that.
You won several awards for your role in Om Shanti Om. How has the film changed your life?
It’s changed my life in a lot of ways. The fact that I got to debut with Sharukh and Farah, they gave me such a huge launch. Apart from that I am completely great full to the industry and the audience for accepting me and the fact that I have got such fabulous roles and opportunities to be a part of such good films.
You used to play badminton, like your father. What made you change your career path?
I always wanted to be a model and wanted to be in the glamor field. So it’s something that I always wanted to do.
You famously criticized the media for publishing stories about your romantic link-ups. Has this affected your private life and how you conduct interviews?
To me it really doesn’t matter; I understand that it’s the job of the media to get as much as they can. I understand that it’s also a part of the profession that I am in. I know that people appreciate my work and that’s the most important thing. I really don’t react to these kinds of things when they are written.
What are your hopes for 2009?
I hope that my films that release do really well.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
My parents are my biggest inspiration.
How do you like to relax?
By spending time with my family.
No resolutions really, every year I hope that the following year is as exciting as the previous year and I am very happy with the way my professional life is going and I just hope that this year is the same for me. I always hope that I remain happy because I think happiness is very important.
You celebrated your birthday some days ago. How does it feel to turn And if reports are anything to go by, you visited a temple in Mumbai. Did you party at all?
No, partying is not my thing, I preferred spending time with my family and yes I did visit a temple in the morning, that’s generally how I start my day on my birthday and generally do things that I enjoy doing, so I spent time with my family and also worked a bit, so I managed to balance out both.
Any birth-day wishes?
Well…what better way to start the year with a big film? My film Chandni Chowk To China is going to release soon, so I hope that it does really well.
Chandni Chowk to China was your first action movie. Was it tough to film?
Yes, it was tough, but I am glad that I went through the extensive training – physically and mentally it was important. So I was well prepared.
What training did you undertake prior to filming?
I trained for six months. My trainers came down from Hong Kong and trained me in all the cable work and wire work and all the sword fights and all those things.
The trailers of Chandni Chowk to China seems very promising. What made you choose this venture?
This project was offered to me before “Om Shanti Om” released. And the fact that I was always very keen to do an action film and the fact that is sounded like a very big and exciting project , the fact that Nikhil Advani was directing it and it was opposite Akshay Kumar and the fact that I have a double role, so what more could I have asked for?
You are playing a double role once again. (After OSO). Do you think opting for double roles gives you more scope to exercise your acting prowess?
I would have considered myself very lucky to have got to do the opportunity of a double role again. It just gives me that much more confidence that my directors and the audience believe that I can carry off different kinds of looks in different kinds of roles. And obviously as an actor it is a lot more challenging doing two roles in the same film. It’s definitely not easy and is quite challenging.
You look phenomenal yielding all the sticks, the magical umbrellas … How difficult was it to pull off all the stunts?
It was quite difficult because I had to train for about six months; I used to train for about eight hours a day. But I think it’s all paid off, it was something that I had to do because of the kind of action that was required in the film. And my trainers came down from Honk Kong to train me for the action sequences in the film. I think it has really all paid off very well. The action sequences were all ready before we even started shooting for the film. Once we started shooting everything was all in place and I didn’t waste any time learning.
Do you always identify with the roles that you take up on screen? And more importantly, will we see you in a non-glamorous avatar any time soon?
Sure, as an actor I would definitely like to do different kinds of roles and different kinds of cinema.
Can you tell us about some interesting anecdotes while shooting for the CC2C?
For me the most interesting part would be shooting at the “Great Wall Of China.” I had always thought that I would end up there as a tourist, but it was a greater experience actually shooting there, and I think with the first film to have ever been shot at the Great Wall Of China.
How was it working with Akshay Kumar? (We hear that you were in awe and a bit intimidated while performing stunts alongside him). How do you rate his stunt quotient?
I wouldn’t say intimidated because then that would be taking away credit from him. He’s some one who has made me feel extremely comfortable, whether it was on the sets, whether it was scene or whether it was an action stunt. He’s made me feel absolutely comfortable and also I give my director credit for that and I would also give myself a little bit of credit for that because I had trained really hard for it. No, I wasn’t intimidated. I am just some one who really admires the way he’s groomed himself over the years and the way he has evolved as an actor and the kind of cinema that he’s doing, I think he’s some one who we can all really learn a lot from.
You are considered to be one of the most beautiful/promising faces to hit Bollywood in a long time? Do all the sky-high expectations bog you down?
No, it doesn’t. I am here to enjoy my work. I think enjoying my work is extremely important and that’s the reason I am here.
Who is your worst critic?
I think myself and my family. I think my family would be most honest with me.
When you see yourself on screen, do you cringe or do you analyze it to pieces?
I do a little bit of both.
How would you best describe Deepika Padukone - the person and the Deepika Padukone - the celebrity?
I don’t consider myself a celebrity, I believe that I’ve had a fantastic up bringing and I believe my parents have kept me really grounded and rooted and my family keeps me rooted. And I hope that success never gets to me. I’ve seen my father handle success really well and I hope I continue in the same way because I believe that fame and money, all of that are all secondary things. The main thing is to enjoy your work.
With the economic downturn, do you think it’s feasible to plan magnum opuses? As an actor, how do you plan to tackle the downturn?
I’ll tackle it when I have to; I haven’t really faced the situation yet.
You seem to be very picky about choosing roles? Do you consult anybody from the film fraternity before signing on a venture?
Obviously the final decision is mine, but I do have my parents who I always consult before I do a film and I take their advice.
Will we ever see you in a Hollywood venture?
If some thing exciting comes up, why not?
How do you de-stress after a day’s hard work and what’ the mantra that keeps you going?
I enjoy doing simple things. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, eating simple home food
Tell us something that nobody else knows about Deepika Padukone - the actress
Nothing in particular. I like to believe that I am a very simple person. I like doing simple things, I like spending time at home with my family and friends. And I am extremely fond of chocolate.
Does it rile you up about your personal life being discussed till the cows come home? Are you on/off with Ranbir, are you on/off with XXX, what is your take?
All I can say at this point is that I know it’s a part of your profession to be written about your personal life and people are going to keep speculating which is fine as long as I know what is happening in my life and I am very secured any happy in my relationship.
How does it feel to be a part of Imtiaz Ali’s next venture Production No 1? Were you aware of the tug of war between Saif Ali Khan and the director over who should be cast?
That’s really none of my business and decision. I think if Imtiaz has approached me for a film and if he thinks I fit the role then… It was offered to me and obviously I agreed to do it. It’s a great script and a great role and I think certain roles are written with certain people in mind. So that’s really the director’s decision. I am no one to really comment on that.
You won several awards for your role in Om Shanti Om. How has the film changed your life?
It’s changed my life in a lot of ways. The fact that I got to debut with Sharukh and Farah, they gave me such a huge launch. Apart from that I am completely great full to the industry and the audience for accepting me and the fact that I have got such fabulous roles and opportunities to be a part of such good films.
You used to play badminton, like your father. What made you change your career path?
I always wanted to be a model and wanted to be in the glamor field. So it’s something that I always wanted to do.
You famously criticized the media for publishing stories about your romantic link-ups. Has this affected your private life and how you conduct interviews?
To me it really doesn’t matter; I understand that it’s the job of the media to get as much as they can. I understand that it’s also a part of the profession that I am in. I know that people appreciate my work and that’s the most important thing. I really don’t react to these kinds of things when they are written.
What are your hopes for 2009?
I hope that my films that release do really well.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
My parents are my biggest inspiration.
How do you like to relax?
By spending time with my family.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone speaks exclusively to TIMES NOW
If one goes by what she said, then definitely she is the female Akshay Kumar of Bollywood. Actress Deepika Padukone will be seen in an action film 'Chandni Chowk to China', and the action girl is all excited about her first action flik. Speaking exclusively to TIMES NOW's Natasha Israni, Deepika said that she did a lot of training to pull off the role.
Natasha: You do a lot of martial arts in the film. How difficult of easy was that?
Deepika: I would say a little bit of both. The fact that I have been an athlete earlier all my life, made my training process a lot more easier. I still think that the training process was very difficult because I remember, whenever I finished my trainers had to pick me up literally and put me back inside my car as I was in so much pain. But I think it has all paid off.
Natasha: And the Great Wall of China, no Indian film has ever been shot over there. What was that experience like?
Deepika: When people ask me what my most memorable experience would be, I think that would be the most memorable experience because one would always imagine going there as a tourist, but you never imagine that you would end up getting permission to shoot there. I think that is definitely one of the most difficult schedules we had.
Natasha: What was shooting with Akshay Kumar like?
Deepika: I give him a lot of credit for making me feel so comfortable on set.
Natasha: Are you planning to do more international films after this exposure from Chandni Chowk to China?
Deepika: Sure. I think at the end of the day we are all actors and yes I am an Indian and I am looking forward to do more Indian cinema. But if something else comes up I will definitely be interested.
(Interviewed by Natasha Israni)
Natasha: You do a lot of martial arts in the film. How difficult of easy was that?
Deepika: I would say a little bit of both. The fact that I have been an athlete earlier all my life, made my training process a lot more easier. I still think that the training process was very difficult because I remember, whenever I finished my trainers had to pick me up literally and put me back inside my car as I was in so much pain. But I think it has all paid off.
Natasha: And the Great Wall of China, no Indian film has ever been shot over there. What was that experience like?
Deepika: When people ask me what my most memorable experience would be, I think that would be the most memorable experience because one would always imagine going there as a tourist, but you never imagine that you would end up getting permission to shoot there. I think that is definitely one of the most difficult schedules we had.
Natasha: What was shooting with Akshay Kumar like?
Deepika: I give him a lot of credit for making me feel so comfortable on set.
Natasha: Are you planning to do more international films after this exposure from Chandni Chowk to China?
Deepika: Sure. I think at the end of the day we are all actors and yes I am an Indian and I am looking forward to do more Indian cinema. But if something else comes up I will definitely be interested.
(Interviewed by Natasha Israni)
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Deepika Padukone painted three shades lighter for Chinese look
Bollywood's dusky beauty Deepika Padukone's complexion has been lightened by three shades to suit her Chinese look in the film "Chandni Chowk To China", says stylist Mallika Bhat.
"Deepika has a dusky skin tone. In 'Chandni Chowk To China', she plays two different roles - one with a Chinese look and the other with an Indian look. We worked on her complexion for both the looks," Bhat told IANS over phone from Mumbai.
"For the Chinese look we gave her a three shades lighter complexion than her original. Then we gave it a yellowish tinge that is typical with Chinese people and teamed it with sharp and prominent make-up.
"For the Indian look, we gave her a shade darker in terms of complexion, used her normal hair and gave slightly over-the-top make-up but nothing extraordinary," she added.
Bhat, who is responsible for Deepika's Chinese eyes and poker-straight fringed hair in the film, says working on the actress' look was difficult, as she does not fit the bill of a Chinese girl easily.
"It was a very challenging task. Director Nikhil Advani had briefed me very specifically about the look that he wanted Deepika to flaunt in the film. But Deepika was not an easy girl for it.
"She has a dusky complexion, large, almond-shaped eyes and long eyelashes that are totally opposite to what Chinese women look like. So I had to kind of work against nature to get the right look for her," explained Bhat.
A lot of research went behind Deepika's Chinese look in the film.
Most often in Bollywood, stylists settle for cosmetic tapes at the end of each eye to give the Chinese look to actors, but Bhat says it wasn't a feasible option because Deepika's doctors had advised her against their use.
"Cosmetic tapes would have been very painful for Deepika. She would have to keep them on for the 10-12 hours of shooting. It is one of the easiest ways to get that Chinese look, but it was not feasible and totally out of question to expect Deepika to wear it for 60-70 days of shooting," said Bhat.
To overcome this, Bhat created the look using eyeliner.
"I gave her a slightly slanted and curvy eyeliner to make her eyes look narrow. We gave her light shade contact lenses besides working upon her eyelashes also."
To enhance the look, Deepika was made to wear a specially cut wig with "poker straight and rebonded hair".
"Indians have thick hair, but in China they have fine hair; so that aspect also had to be kept in mind. I got the wig cut by celebrity hair stylist Ryan D'Rozario," said Bhat.
The 23-year-old actress also sports long fringes as a result of the stylist's research on Chinese women. She revealed that nearly 80 percent of youth there flaunted fringes or horizontal bangs. "It gives the person a very Oriental look," she said.
According to Bhat, it took her just four hours to decide upon Deepika's final look along with her team. After that, it took her team just half an hour to do up the Chinese look every time it was required.
Though Bhat says she isn't confident that she has got the look "bang on", she admits to having "managed to make Deepika look at least half-Chinese".
Releasing Jan 16, "Chandni Chowk To China" also stars superstar Akshay Kumar in the lead. The action-adventure-comedy is about an Indian cook who goes to China and has many adventures. Deepika plays Akshay's love interest in the film.
"Deepika has a dusky skin tone. In 'Chandni Chowk To China', she plays two different roles - one with a Chinese look and the other with an Indian look. We worked on her complexion for both the looks," Bhat told IANS over phone from Mumbai.
"For the Chinese look we gave her a three shades lighter complexion than her original. Then we gave it a yellowish tinge that is typical with Chinese people and teamed it with sharp and prominent make-up.
"For the Indian look, we gave her a shade darker in terms of complexion, used her normal hair and gave slightly over-the-top make-up but nothing extraordinary," she added.
Bhat, who is responsible for Deepika's Chinese eyes and poker-straight fringed hair in the film, says working on the actress' look was difficult, as she does not fit the bill of a Chinese girl easily.
"It was a very challenging task. Director Nikhil Advani had briefed me very specifically about the look that he wanted Deepika to flaunt in the film. But Deepika was not an easy girl for it.
"She has a dusky complexion, large, almond-shaped eyes and long eyelashes that are totally opposite to what Chinese women look like. So I had to kind of work against nature to get the right look for her," explained Bhat.
A lot of research went behind Deepika's Chinese look in the film.
Most often in Bollywood, stylists settle for cosmetic tapes at the end of each eye to give the Chinese look to actors, but Bhat says it wasn't a feasible option because Deepika's doctors had advised her against their use.
"Cosmetic tapes would have been very painful for Deepika. She would have to keep them on for the 10-12 hours of shooting. It is one of the easiest ways to get that Chinese look, but it was not feasible and totally out of question to expect Deepika to wear it for 60-70 days of shooting," said Bhat.
To overcome this, Bhat created the look using eyeliner.
"I gave her a slightly slanted and curvy eyeliner to make her eyes look narrow. We gave her light shade contact lenses besides working upon her eyelashes also."
To enhance the look, Deepika was made to wear a specially cut wig with "poker straight and rebonded hair".
"Indians have thick hair, but in China they have fine hair; so that aspect also had to be kept in mind. I got the wig cut by celebrity hair stylist Ryan D'Rozario," said Bhat.
The 23-year-old actress also sports long fringes as a result of the stylist's research on Chinese women. She revealed that nearly 80 percent of youth there flaunted fringes or horizontal bangs. "It gives the person a very Oriental look," she said.
According to Bhat, it took her just four hours to decide upon Deepika's final look along with her team. After that, it took her team just half an hour to do up the Chinese look every time it was required.
Though Bhat says she isn't confident that she has got the look "bang on", she admits to having "managed to make Deepika look at least half-Chinese".
Releasing Jan 16, "Chandni Chowk To China" also stars superstar Akshay Kumar in the lead. The action-adventure-comedy is about an Indian cook who goes to China and has many adventures. Deepika plays Akshay's love interest in the film.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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