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MIDDLE EAST
OCTOBER 2020
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FILMFARE (INDIA) Chief Executive Officer Deepak Lamba Chief Community Officer & Editor Jitesh Pillaai Executive Editor Anuradha Choudhary Brand Solutions Director Jyoti Verma PUBLISHED BY: Starz Media Inc P.O BOX: 18022 Dubai, United Arab Emirates REGIONAL PARTNER OF
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Cricket, Cinema and the New Normal… It is cricketing season in Dubai with the IPL matches on in full swing. And SRK, Preity Zinta, Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli and a bevy of Bollywood stars are here – some of who attended the matches while others watched it on TV from the confines of their rooms. The city is also playing host to a couple of web series being shot here and the actors are all here - R Madhavan, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Sajjad Delafrooz, Tanuj Virwani, Elli AvrRam, Ameesha Patel, Rohit Roy, Shama Sikander, Daisy Shah, as well as producer Gaurang Doshi, director Karan Darra and filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar. Sanjay Dutt has joined wife Maanayata here for spending quality family time, while actor Saqib Saleem was here for a shoot too. The UAE has coped superbly with the new normal with masks, gloves and physical distancing in place, and retaining its spirit of joie de vivre. No wonder, the city, despite the world pandemic scare, has welcomed tourists from across the world. On our cover is one of the handsomest men in the world – the gorgeous Hrithik Roshan. An actor par excellence, he reclaimed his fame, never gave up on his dreams and worked harder every time he hit a down. An inspiration in every sense of the term, Hrithik epitomizes quiet strength and resilience and the courage to rise again. In an earlier interview in November, I had asked him if success was sweeter today and he agreed wholeheartedly. The come-back for Hrithik has always been bigger than the set -back. Watch him talk about fitness during the pandemic and how his parents have taken the health route so dedicatedly. In the midst of all these star visits, we at Filmfare Middle East, announced the winners of the Arab Asia Starz, the region’s biggest virtual talent hunt. As entries poured in from all over the world, our celebrity judges had a tough time choosing the winners. Zeeshan Barmeda won for Fashion, Souhaila Haroon for Beauty and Anish Vatnani for Entertainment. The Filmfare ME apna choice title went to stand-up comic Zubair Sarookh and calisthenics expert Farah Ahmed. Watch Zeeshan, Souhaila and Anish grace the second cover of this edition and a lavish photoshoot done at Hockwood Digital Studios. This issue that focusses on glamour, glitz and Diwali preparations, brings to you the hottest actors from the Bollywood pantheon who dot the silver skies of the Hindi film industry. Some of them are successful entrepreneurs too and find out who all made it to the list. Designer Michael Cinco, who is based in Dubai, speaks to us about the Bollywood actors he has dressed and the challenges faced by couturiers during the current pandemic. Check out Aakanksha-Naval-Shetye’s exclusive interview with production designer Amrita Mahal Nakai and with some of the biggest stars of the OTT to find out how they plan to celebrate Diwali. In the Southern Spice section, do check out my interview with Tovino Thomas. Tovino, the current Malayalam film heartthrob has attempted Malayalam cinema’s first ever superhero role. Incidentally, our cover boy Hrithik Roshan, who is known for his superhero avatar as Krrish, shared the trailer of Tovino’s forthcoming superhero film Minnal Murali. On the Filmfare ME website, do check out an interview with the film’s director Basil Joseph. The last month took away from us, the doyen of Indian classical music Pandit Jasraj and ace director Nishikant Kamath. We at Filmfare Middle East mourn their loss. This month is the breast cancer awareness month and cancer warriors Zoha Beig and Fiza Khan tell us how their lives and perspectives changed after cancer hit them. Both stories are dipped in courage, resilience and an indomitable will. As the winter sets into the UAE, it’s time for the great outdoors and savoring the cool weather. Write to us at filmfaremiddleeast@gmail.com and tell us which Bollywood star did you spot in Dubai and send us pictures with a short caption.
Manju Ramanan
Editor-in-Chief Filmfare Middle East LOG ON TO WWW.FILMFAREMIDDLEEAST.COM FOR OUR DAILY UPDATES! Filmfare Middle East takes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs or material | ALL PHOTOGRAPHS, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ARE USED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY
October 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 5
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Volume 31 # October 1, 2020
14
COVER STORY
The real superheroes are the frontline workers
20
THE CINCO EFFECT MANJU RAMANAN SPEAKS TO THE HUGELY TALENTED DESIGNER IN HIS STUDIO IN DUBAI
rumours and more
10
VIRAT KOHLI AND ANUSHKA SHARMA CONFIRM THEY ARE EXPECTING A BABY JOHN ABRAHAM TO JOIN SRK IN PATHAN
F&B
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MIRROR MAGIC SAVLEEN MANCHANDA BELIEVES IN KEEPING IT SIMPLE
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OUR LIST OF BOLLYWOOD’S DIVAS AND DUDES WHO ROCK THE SCREEN AND BEYOND
30exclusive
EXCLUSIVE PHOTO SHOOT WITH THE WINNERS OF
THE ULIMATE DIWALI GIFT GUIDE
DIWALI RECIPES
FILMFARE ME SHARES TWO RECIPES BY READER BHAWANA PUNJABI THAT ARE SURE TO LIGHT UP YOUR DIWALI PARTY!
42 AAKANKSHA NAVALSHETYE SPEAKS TO THE REIGNING AND THE MOST POPULAR STARS OF THE OTT PLATFORM AND FINDS OUT HOW SPECIAL DIWALI IS FOR THEM
48
THE DUNHILL AUTUMN WINTER 2020
BOLLYWOOD’S BIGGEST ENTREPRENEURS SOUTHERN SUPERHERO
MANJU RAMANAN CATCHES UP WITH MALAYALAM CINEMA’S CURRENT HEART THROB, THE VERSATILE TOVINO THOMAS
58 38
SCREEN SCORCHERS
50 54
YES WE CAN
OCTOBER IS THE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. WE AT FILMFARE ME SPOKE TO THE WOMEN WHO KEEP US INSPIRED WITH HOW THEY FOUGHT THE DREADED DISEASE
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WINNERS OF
62
SET TO AMAZE!
IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AAKANKSHA NAVALSHETYE, THE ACCLAIMED AND THE HIGHLY-CELEBRATED PRODUCTION DESIGNER - AMRITA MAHAL NAKAI REVEALS ALL ABOUT HER UNEXPECTED FORAY INTO BOLLYWOOD
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Bandhan
WEDDINGS BY RADISSON BLU HOTEL DUBAI DEIRA CREEK
LETTERS
IN THE MAIL
READERS WRITE AND BITE BACK... WITH LOVE AND AFFECTION
BEST INSTA MOMENTS Check out what your favourites are upto on instagram......
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Good stuff, love the posts on Filmfare ME Instagram handle. Neha Naidu Ayee! Thank you for all the love and support. Actor Ranjeet Love the content. Keep up the good work Shopru Haniyat Rajkummar Rao should be Tara Sutaria‘s hero in her next. Please convey my message Sujeet Raj Good luck to Virat and Anushka they both deserve best Shaheryar Firdous
Post your reviews to
Send us your views, opinions and suggestions to: Email: manjuramanan@starzmediainc.com
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RUMOURS AND MORE
Rumours & More VIRAT KOHLI AND ANUSHKA SHARMA CONFIRM THEY’RE EXPECTING A BABY
KAUSAR SULEMAN KHAN HUMANITARIAN, NATUROPATH & OWNER OF QUEENS KSENSES LADIES SALON & SPA
HOW TO ACHIEVE AND GROW INNER STRENGTH! What is Attraction ?
OMG! This is the best news you’ll hear in a while. Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli are expecting their first child. Isn’t that awesome news? The couple took to social media and made the announcement that they have a baby on the way. For the announcement, Virat and Anushka shared a picture of themselves with Anushka’s baby bump showing. The caption read, “And then, we were three! Arriving Jan 2021.” As soon as the picture went online, the comment section of their Instagram accounts was flooded with well-wishers congratulating the couple. Preity Zinta, Varun Dhawan, Kiara Advani, Vaani Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, Dia Mirza, Sanya Malhotra, Jassie Gill, Neil Nitin Mukesh and many others sent in their wishes. We congratulate the couple too.
NEETU KAPOOR BACK ON THE SILVER SCREEN
Neetu Kapoor’s cameo in Love Aaj Kal, as well as her role as the middle-class wife in Do Dooni Chaar, both were a delightful watch. Now we hear that the actress is ready to face the screen again after almost five years. Neetu Kapoor who was last seen in Besharam with her son Ranbir Kapoor has now signed Raj Mehta’s next film. According to reports, the film stars Varun Dhawan and Kiara Advani. Neetu Kapoor and Anil Kapoor will play Varun’s parents. Just like Mehta’s earlier Good Newwz, this film too will be high on humour and drama. The film will probably go on floors by November first week. Neetu Kapoor is such a natural actress and this is a welcome step indeed.
JOHN ABRAHAM TO JOIN SHAH RUKH KHAN IN PATHAN? Yash Raj Films is pulling all strings to make their next big announcements even bigger. There is a new story out almost every day about the studio’s new ventures. Shah Rukh Khan who has been missing from the big screen post the release of Zero (2018), is said to be the male lead of YRF’s next, Pathan helmed by Siddharth Anand. However, reports suggest that John Abraham might also
ask the expert
be part of the film. While nothing has been confirmed it is said that John Abraham and Shah Rukh Khan will lock horns if this casting is finalised. This will be the first time that the two actors will work together. YRF has other big releases involving projects with Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in the pipeline. Let’s just hope the coronavirus goes away soon for the fun to begin.
Gravity, or gravitation, is a natural phenomenon by which all things with mass or energy, including planets, stars, galaxies, and even light are brought toward one another. So, if the earth has a strong power to pull and hold, we are the magnet that is being held by the earth along with all the other mass and we do not fall or disappear in the universe. If we understand that our inner core is the magnet and whatever we visualize, dream desire converse want think decide work or plan, it is all a source of manifestation! That, whatever we ask for from God, is all that we are attracting back to us. If we think or fear negative paths or results for any tough situations that we might be facing in life, our thoughts or fears, attracts and pulls in negativity. Stand with your feet close to each other on a green grass area. It can be in a park or at home. Fold your hands together and point them towards the sky. Hold yourself straight and close your eyes, and feel from the bottom of your soul that your inner body strength is getting recharged, that you are getting strong electric energy from the sun and the sky above to fight all situations. In a few minutes of standing tall and pulling your body upwards, you will slowly feel a pull towards your existence.Remember, no matter what your struggle is, your shoulders are strong enough to carry them and overcome them only if you remember to attract only Positivity towards you. (This also strengthens your spine). Do the best that you can do towards whoever you interact with, that will manifest positive energy for you. Be a strong magnet that only - Visualizes goodness, - Dreams to spread happiness, - Desires to achieve peace & harmony, - Converses using truth & understanding, - Wants to give as much as he/ she receives, - Thinks about creating a harmonious atmosphere where ever he/she is!, - Decide to do good more for the underprivileged! - Work for a fulfilling future rather than a greed & evil plans - And plans to sustain all that has been blessed on them. Queries on Instagram
@QueenKausarSuleman (KAUSAR SULEMAN KHAN Entrepreneur, traveler, blogger, singer, natural beauty consultant.)
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T he Ultimate Male Grooming Experience! Do you want to stay home and get the perfect groomed look, or fancy going out and getting yourself pampered? The Art of Shaving has you covered! With products covering head-to-toe grooming, for all those grooming at home (DIY) they provide the best and most affordable products. These vary from beard care (oils, balms, shampoo, conditioner), to shave care (pre-shave oil, shave cream, after-shave balm), to the best tools you can use including razors, brushes, and blades. For those who are looking for premium treatment in the stores, The Art of Shaving provides signature services which are done by the best professionals under strict COVID guidelines ensuring you look good – while keeping safe! The Art of Shaving, a creator and purveyor of the finest shaving and grooming products, rooted in unique, multisensorial experiences started in 1996. Considered one of the world’s leading premium grooming brands, it is trademarked with “The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave” – Prepare, Lather Up! Shave, and Moisturize. Its rich repertoire includes essential oils based grooming products, high-end shaving instruments, Barber Spas, and global retail operations. The brand aims to induct discerning men into the “Brotherhood of Shaving”, a mission to help men elevate grooming from an act to a cherished ritual. It is the “Ultimate Male Grooming Experience for Men”.
PRODUCT LINE At The Art of Shaving, you can experience the brand’s diverse variety of products for head to toe grooming. Shaving consultants will help clients navigate through the signature 4 elements of the perfect shave
collections, facial hair, skin care, body care, fragrances, and newly introduced hair styling products. Additionally, the store boasts an array of finely crafted grooming instruments and accessories.
BARBER SPA In addition to the retail setup, The Art of Shaving also features a Barber Spa, which offers men an indulgent grooming experience in a luxurious and masculine environment. Master Barbers are expertly trained to provide a range of services using The Art of
Shaving products and pure essential oils to leave clients wellgroomed and ready for the day. Guests can treat themselves to the brand’s signature Royal Shave or traditional barber services like a shave, haircut, head shave, or facial hair shaping and styling.
For store information and to learn more about The Art of Shaving and its products, please visit www.theartofshaving.ae October2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 11
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expert advice
FASHION & BEAUTY
MIRROR MAGIC
Dr.Ali Altaaye GP – Aesthetician American Aesthetic Medical Center
ANALITA SETH SPEAKS TO MAKE-UP ARTIST SAVLEEN MANCHANDA WHO BELIEVES IN KEEPING IT SIMPLE A dash of highlighter, a pop of glossy tint, a stroke of perfect liner and your face is transformed. Make-up is nothing short of art. From the exaggerated pancake look of the ’70s to the minimalism of the current decade, make-up is more than just some brush strokes and concealers hiding your blemishes. It’s a form of expression which helps you flaunt what you’ve got.
LATEST ADVANCEMENT IN SKIN GLOW TREATMENTS In the world of cosmetology, there has been a rapid shift to minimally invasive procedures. It is also driven by incredible advancements in facial rejuvenation and the introduction of cost-effective facial injectables and procedures. Profhilo® and Mesotherapy are two major advancement in antiageing and skin glow treatments. DO YOU THINK THAT PROFHILO® IS BETTER THAN FILLERS? Profhilo® is not better than fillers, and vice versa. Each of these treatment options provide different approaches, so there will be one treatment that works best for your skin and your desired outcomes. If you like to achieve a holistic result that can be seen across your face, Profhilo® is the best treatment for you. IS MESOTHERAPY FOR MATURE OR YOUNG SKIN? This treatment is recommended for people of all ages, regardless of skin type. Interestingly, Mesotherapy can be carried out not only on the face but also on the hands, neck, neckline and scalp. For people with mature skin, the treatment will smooth out wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and lighten discolorations. Thanks to mesotherapy, young people can get rid of acne, scars, cellulite and stretch marks. However, those who suffer from excessive hair loss may undergo surgery regardless of age and skin type.
Kareena Kapoor Khan
Savleen Manchanda
“The future of make-up is minimalism. The idea is to have good skin that looks fresh and dewy. These things will never go out of style”
CAN MESOTHERAPY HELP WITH LINES AND WRINKLES? Yes and no. Botox works on dynamic wrinkles, wrinkles caused by movement, so those types of wrinkles are always best treated with Botox. Mesotherapy will improve the texture of the skin where Botox is used. Mesotherapy is brilliant for perpendicular lip lines, dry dehydrated lips and the barcode wrinkles patients get adjacent to the mouth and under the cheekbones. Your skincare is a journey not a race - Dr. Sana Sajan
Jaqueline Fernandez 12 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST October 2020
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FP ATMOSPHER.pdf
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COVER STORY
THE REAL
SUPERHEROES ARE THE FRONTLINE WORKERS…
They add ‘extra’, to the ordinary,” says Bollywood’s biggest superhero, Hrithik Roshan. He celebrates the efforts of all frontline workers and sectors battling Covid 19, be it health-care professionals, essential service providers, the local grocers, vegetable vendors, or delivery partners. Last November, when Hrithik Roshan came to Dubai to promote Cult Fit, we had a long conversation on how success is sweeter today after a spate of new successful films in the box office. The master of reinvention, like his role in Dhoom 2, Hrithik Roshan has come a long way. As we hear news of him working towards Krrish 4, his Instagram feed is filled with intimate family moments during the lockdown, at the same time, ensuring that his fitness regime stays in top form. Manju Ramanan chats up with one of the handsomest men in the world who is loved not just for his sheer physicality but also for his relentless effort to rise back and fight back with quiet resilience, hard work and persistence. What have you learnt from the lockdown? he lockdown gave me the opportunity to connect with fitness as a means to self-care. Usually, I would follow a regime with a goal to transition into aesthetics of a certain character I would be playing as an actor. So, the routine would help me understand the mind and body of my onscreen persona. The last few months however have been all about me as a person. I’ve worked on overcoming my limitations in terms of body and mind. So, I adopted a wholesome
T
fitness routine that allowed me to be the best version of myself. It wasn’t rigorous, in fact it was a lot of fun as I worked out with my children. If anything, the lockdown has reiterated my belief that fitness is a state of mind. So, it has been a healthy lockdown for me. What does a dedication to fitness do to the general sense of gloom the world is facing? Like I said, I see fitness as the health of mind over matter. With the uncertainty, chaos and noise that has cast itself
on our world, a healthy lifestyle empowers me to stay calm. A lot of exercises involve focus, balance and activating certain parts of our body. I feel these are the key factors to live a peaceful life. The added beauty of neuroscience also proves that physical activity releases generous quantities of endorphins, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These brain chemicals play
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COVER STORY
an important part in regulating your mood. So, the answer to finding peace and happiness is within you, literally. What do you recommend to people who have taken it easy during this period but want to start getting active again? I am no lifestyle expert, but I would want to add that, as a human being, it is okay to rest and reset. I understand that the busy routines and chasing deadlines are a staple of lives, irrespective of age and geography. So, if you have allowed your body and mind to rejuvenate, it isn’t a lost opportunity. What is important is to bounce back stronger. Let your down time enable you to touch new heights at work and personal life. More importantly, reboot into an updated version of yourself. How have you managed your diet while indoors? Has it been tougher during this time? I wouldn’t say it was difficult. It was in fact a much-needed detox, with home-cooked food and not following a particular nutritional diet. It was traditional Indian living for me that was wholesome and tasty, eating alongside my family. How have you ensured that your children understand the importance of fitness early on and what do you encourage them to do? I do not ensure my children understand any specific thought process. What I do is, present them with credible facts and data. It is up to them to make their decisions by weighing pros and cons. Adapt to what they feel is suitable and prevent themselves from the unwanted. But something that I do ensure as a parent is that they treasure their health. So, I would emphasize on nutritious meals. Playing and leisure is all the physical 16 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST October 2020
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activity they need to develop at this age, and my boys do so inherently. With digital conversations happening the world over, how do you see people dedicate a few hours to exercise and fitness - is it a challenge today? I believe the world is evolving, with a more internal progression. For those who realize the dimensions of fitness, it shouldn’t be a challenge. Physical activity is the least expensive medium of selfcare. You can simply avoid the lift and climb a few flights of stairs. Breathing exercises and mindfulness help manage anxiety while on the go. You don’t necessarily need to make time, you just have to make the most of time at hand by being mindful and agile. Do you recommend a separate diet for people at home during the lockdown? What would it be? The traditional Indian ‘ghar ka khana’. It is a perfect mix of all nutrients that enable us to keep going. You epitomize the tagline of the brand; Keep Going; How do you take that to your life, to your films,
to your work and to yourself? Keep going, for me is just not a tagline. It has been my life mantra for as long as I can remember. It is the simple mindset that allows you to live life on your own terms. Irrespective of success or failure, you keep going about with what you like, how you like it. While at it, have fun and make the most of your journey. Because it is your life. You only get one chance at it. Tell us about HRX, its footprint in the UAE and the response? UAE is fast emerging as a dynamic market with a young workforce who want to excel. My team at HRX studied fitness trends and discovered that the masses were seeking fitness guidance and were keen on equipping themselves with a healthy lifestyle. Observing the demand, it was only natural for us to introduce HRX to UAE natives. Our brand has been carefully developed to be a cost-effective and convenient means to a healthy lifestyle and I am happy to be able to deliver to the needs of the consumers.
IT’S A PROCESS AND USUALLY A LONG ONE. NOTHING HAPPENS OVERNIGHT. How do you see your fans from the Middle East be inspired by your fitness journey? I am humbled, if my health journey has inspired anyone. I simply strive to be the best version of myself, each day, every day. And if I have made a difference to even a single life, by encouraging them in any way to extract the best of themselves and their life, it is my honour. What has been the feedback? We at HRX, see feedback as instrumental to our growth and strength. If anything, the recent feedback has been encouraging. My team and I are determined to make the most of the opportunity our UAE audience presents
to us, by hearing and listening to their needs and requirements. A number of your roles required a certain kind of physicality - what were the different techniques you used to arrive at that character in terms of fitness. Dhoom 2, War, Jodha Akbar, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Agneepath, Kaabil, Krrish 3? It’s a process and usually a long one. Nothing happens overnight. The most important is to be: A. Disciplined B. Hard Working C. Relentless D. Consistent If you have seen my film October 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 17
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KAHO NAA... PYAAR HAI RECENTLY CELEBRATED ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY. HRITHIK TOOK TO INSTAGRAM ON THE OCCASION AND WROTE,
I THINK THE 2 EMOTIONS WHICH BEST DESCRIBE MY JOURNEY OF THE PAST 20 YEARS SINCE KNPH, IS SIMPLY “FEAR” AND “FEARLESS” BOTH EXISTING SIMULTANEOUSLY AND NEVER ONE DEVOID OF THE OTHER ... ON THE FACE OF IT, FEARLESS IS A DAVID. FEAR IS MORE A GOLIATH. BUT NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU REPEAT THE STORY OR IN HOW MANY DIFFERENT WAYS, DAVID STILL ALWAYS DEFEATS GOLIATH... I FEEL TERRIBLY BAD FOR FEAR. CAUSE IT TRIES SO HARD. FEARLESS IS A SMART COOKIE, IT ONLY FOLLOWS ONE RULE. TO KEEP GOING... THANKS FEAR. IF NOT FOR 20 YEARS OF YOU, I’D NEVER HAVE LIVED MY 20 YEARS OF FEARLESS
which encapsulates the preparation time before War, you would know what the process looks like and what the challenges are. Usually training includes a multitude of thingsfunctional training, cardio, weights, ZMR technique, animal flow, endurance, etc. The diet is the toughest one and the most important part. Sticking to a schedule, eating clean and bouncing back immediately if cheating is the key. Any of your roles that have stayed with you to motivate you to keep going? As an artist, I have always been attracted to characters and stories that connect with me at
a personal level, so it would be unfair for me to pick just one role. I think all my characters have a part of me and I have a part of them. What keeps me going is newness, uniqueness, curiosity, work that challenges me as an actor and pushes the limits of my craft. How did you motivate your mom (and her generation) towards fitness? I wouldn’t say it was me that motivated my mom or anyone in her generation. From how I see it, my mom was motivated by her life experience. I was a mere catalyst here. She endured and overcame every bit of my speech limitations, my brain
surgery, my father’s health situation... a series of these tough times we’ve been through as a family has led us to value the gift of health. Each one of us is strengthening ourselves to be able to support another.
What about working on the OTT platforms? Have you considered anything? OTT platform is an extremely exciting space for sure. I have myself been binge watching films and shows on the platform during the last couple of months. Also, I am an
KATRINA KAIF IS QUITE FIT I MUST SAY. THEN THERE’S ALSO VIDYUT JAMWAL, AND TIGER’S FITNESS LEVELS WE ALL HAVE WITNESSED.
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explorer by nature, so I have no restrictions - be it working for content on OTT/YouTube/ Cinemas or any other format, as long as the stories and characters excite me, I am open to anything and everything. How are you celebrating Diwali this year? Diwali for me is a time to celebrate love and light with my family. This year will be no different, I will have an intimate family time. The fittest actor/actress you know? Katrina Kaif is quite fit I must say. Then there’s also Vidyut Jamwal, and Tiger’s fitness levels we all have witnessed.
Anil Kapoor... He is aging but backwards :) Your favourite web series till date? Well, I have quite a few favourites. Amongst the Indian shows, caught up
with Masaba Masaba, a remarkable show with the right amount of humour and some great performances. It was pure fun, and an entertaining display of human spirit. Also, Social Dilemma is
an important documentary on the dangerous human impact of social networking, it’s a must watch. Self-awareness, mindfulness and .... (complete the line) Peace
DIWALI FOR ME IS A TIME TO CELEBRATE LOVE AND LIGHT WITH MY FAMILY. THIS YEAR WILL BE NO DIFFERENT, I WILL HAVE AN INTIMATE FAMILY TIME.
Who is the handsomest man you know?
Adding extra to your ordinary is the best super power you can exhibit today. I would say these unprecedented times have exposed the super humans of our society, the frontline workers of our health-care industry, and the essential service providers. You cannot undermine the commitment of your local grocers, vegetable vendors, or the delivery partners who have ensured unhindered supply of essentials during lockdown. They have all been risking their safety to keep us safe. And that to me is the true definition of a superhero. n
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THE CINCO EFFECT! 20 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST October 2020
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In
a small coastal village in the Philippines, a young boy, mesmerized by the elaborate outfits of classic Hollywood movies on his black and white TV, dreams of being a designer. Despite family objections he chases his dream and achieves it. Today Michael Cinco is a world-renowned fashion designer with branches across the world and boasts of a celeb list right from Lady Gaga to an Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. His innate creativity and masterful techniques have catapulted him to the front ranks of fashion and he has cultivated a dedicated following for the luxe and intricacy of his designs, with their fresh, elegant and detailed juxtapositions of fabric and Swarovski crystals. Manju Ramanan speaks to the hugely talented designer in his studio in Dubai.
You come from Samar in the Philippines. Tell me about your childhood? Was it rich in art and design?
I was born and raised in Samar. It is a very small town surrounded by mountains and the sea. People there, dress up there during Sundays for church or during birthdays and weddings. My inspiration for design therefore didn’t come from my surroundings but from the classical movies I watched as a child. I was mesmerized by the outfits worn by Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Betty Davies, Marlene Dietrich, etc. I fell in love with My Fair Lady and decided at ten years of age that I wanted to be a fashion designer.
Did you face opposition from the family?
My parents were against my choice of being a fashion designer and
wanted me to be a painter. I went to one of the most prestigious art schools and studied fine arts but I found it boring. It wasn’t what my heart desired. I stopped taking the course and decided to take up fashion. I was looked down by my relatives but I followed my heart and worked two years in one of the leading fashion houses in my country till Dubai beckoned!
How did your tryst with Dubai happen?
I first came here in 1993 but had to hone my skills. I went back and returned in 1997 to work for one of the biggest fashion houses here and had to reinvent the brand. I met customers at the fabric shops at the Al Ghurair Centre and convinced them to work with us and soon it was back to business. Then, I went to London in 2002 to study and stayed in Paris for 2 months when I received a call from my sponsor that he wanted to open his fashion house with me. I started
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FASHION
the label in 2003 and I am thankful to Dubai for the opportunity.
You won the President’s award in Philippines and then there was no looking back? Tell me about that journey? In 2014 I was conferred the PRESIDENTIAL AWARD for Outstanding Filipinos Overseas by President Benigno Aquino Jr. It is the highest award given to Filipinos who have made their country proud across the world.
How important is it to chase your dreams?
When you set a dream, you don’t set any limitations on yourself. You have this confidence and belief that becomes the drive of your life. Life would be so boring without dreams.
What is the lesson you’ve learnt from failure?
I look at my life as a glass half full not half empty. When there is a failure or set back I don’t really take it seriously. It is a lesson to learn.
Do you only cater to the richest of the rich?
I said this as a joke. An interviewer once asked me who is the Michael Cinco woman and I said that it is someone who is moneyed, is rich or is married to royalty.
You have designed for celebs from across the world?
I have a PR company in LA which opened in 2013 and I was lucky that the first celeb to wear my outfit was Lady Gaga. She had launched her perfume Monster and liked the outfit I designed for her. Then it was Sofia Vergara who wore my outfit to the Golden Globes and then Britney Spears to the Oscars. Both ladies didn’t know that they were wearing my work but loved it. I designed a red outfit for Sonam Kapoor that she wore to the Filmfare Awards and also for Malaika Arora. In 2017, a stylist asked me if I could lend my outfit to a Bollywood star. I had no clue who it was and what occasion she wanted to wear 22 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST October 2020
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I WAS LUCKY THAT THE FIRST CELEB TO WEAR MY OUTFIT WAS LADY GAGA. SHE HAD LAUNCHED HER PERFUME ‘MONSTER’ AND LIKED THE OUTFIT
it to, but I agreed. When my assistant reached Mumbai, she realised that it was for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. I was overjoyed! She wore it to the Cannes Film Festival. She loved it and so did the world!
What are your fashion predictions for the next year?
Designers should adapt to the new normal. People will always wear clothes and not wear the PPE suits. Yes, people will spend smartly and judiciously, so fashion has to follow suit. Luxury fashion is the most vulnerable in the fashion business because of high costs. And due to the Covid situation, big weddings are a big no no. They are held in homes now and are intimate affairs, so the outfit’s grandeur changes, so, does the volume of the gown. My winter wedding gown collection is made with that in mind and is a huge hit because of slashed prices.
WE ARE COPING WITH THE CURRENT SITUATION. MY TEAM HAS BEEN VERY RESILIENT AND UNDERSTANDING
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Screen
Scorchers
They are the reasons films look this glamorous and desirable. Here’s our list of Bollywood’s divas and dudes who rock the screen and beyond…. Manju Ramanan
The
Quintessential
Beauty
Her grey green eyes have mesmerized the silver screen for decades now. The glam diva, former Miss World and actor par excellence, who is a favourite of the Cannes Film Festival, does the country proud with being who she is – a celebrity with a heart, a brand ambassador with a conscience and a classic beauty who is a doting mother and wife as well.
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The Badshah of
Bollywood He is self-effacing when it comes to his look and credits all his stylists and designers for looking the way he does – both onscreen and offscreen. Sharp, clean, classic, SRK rocks his every look with grace and aplomb. And most of all, is his superb sense of repartee and a sense of humour that charms the ladies off their feet.
SHAH RUKH KHAN Grit, Gumption
and Courage She is aspirational. She reeks of power. She is idolized across the world. A tech-savvy, today’s woman and one of the most brilliant actors/ entrepreneurs to grace the silver screen. Her ambition inspires millions to break all boundaries and explore and achieve everything a woman desires and pursues.
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BOLLYWOOD
The Eye of
the Tiger The prince of fitness, Tiger Shroff inspires many to be like him – fit, focused and grounded. He not only dances like a dream, he is an icon of action sequences in films and has a slew of successes behind him. One of the most promising stars of Bollywood, this young man is a huge youth influencer in terms of health, wellness and sport.
TIGER SHROFF The Queen of
Hearts
Her spirit shines in her skin and she wins hearts with equal aplomb as she leads her life. The ace actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, makes news wherever she goes. Be it her high-profile wedding with the erstwhile Nawab of Pataudi, Saif Ali Khan or her son Taimur, she is the paparazzi’s favourite always!
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The Dancing
Diva
If there is an actress in the Hindi film industry who worked on herself to emerge as a winner, it has to be Katrina Kaif. She not only learnt Hindi, she adapted herself to the Bollywood world despite having never been raised in India. Her dancing numbers are emulated in reality dance shows across India and she is a huge hit in the Arab world as well!
KATRINA KAIF The Whacky
Superstar Which actor can wear a skirtghagra, look good and get away with it? No one, but the very unique Ranveer Singh. A bit OTT about his choices of clothes, the actor always makes a statement with his outrageous but creative choice of outfits and the way he styles himself. The king of experimentation, be it award winning roles or his clothes, audiences look forward to each of his appearances and know that he will do something unique!
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BOLLYWOOD
The Suave
Sassy
A mischief playing in his eyes, oodles of talent, the willingness to experiment with his roles and an understated, almost shy sense of humour makes this boyish actor an instant heartthrob of millions. His stellar roles in well-chosen films have shown audiences his unique range of acting abilities. A man who dares to experiment with his roles and is private about his life – he doesn’t have an official account on twitter or any social media but the day he does, he will be followed by millions!
RANBIR KAPOOR So Simply
Sonam Her name resonates with the word “fashion” and she is the favourite of some of the top designers across the world. There’s a classic quality to her that is elegant, beautiful and glam at the same time. She is one of the most favourite actors among the Arab population and has a huge fan following across the world. A Sonam Kapoor appearance is a vision awaited because she adds the drama and the suspense element to what she would wear!
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INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE
HIGHLIGHTS IN THE
UAE
The Perfect Diwali Treats by M&S !
Marks & Spencer’s range of premium baskets are filled with indulgent home comforts. Available in stores across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, customers can choose from a wide range of hampers containing delicious sweet and savoury treats, chic homeware, ultra-soft babywear and floral-inspired beauty products – offering something for everyone.
The stunning hampers are filled with the finest handpicked gourmet treats from around the world. Think expertly crafted Swiss and Belgian chocolates, to the ultimate Italian feast and ingredients to cook up mouth-watering Indian dishes – the Marks & Spencer’s food hamper range from the collection is just perfect for Diwali. And that’s not all – those looking to
unwind and relax can enjoy a selection of quintessentially British treats including afternoon tea alongside delicious cakes and biscuits. Don’t miss these festive goodies ! Available at all the Marks & Spencer’s Stores in UAE and visit www.marksandspencer.com/ae/
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Zeeshan Barmeda
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n o i h s a F 28/09/2020 6:19 PM
Beauty
Souhaila Haroon
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Anish Vatnani
t n e m n i ta
r e t En
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Arab Asia Starz winners, Filmfare ME Team along with celebrity judge Sajjad Delafrooz
Outfits - Splash Fashions Shoes & Bags - Steve Madden Hair Stylist - Dani Hiswani Caractère by Dani Salons @ danihairstylist1 Makeup Artist - Arwa Beig @arwabeig Stylists - Sharmine Khan & Manju Ramanan Photography & Videography -Yasir Arafat & Nomer Balita Studio- Hockwood Digital Studios
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Diwali Prep
and the
New Normal...
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FASHION
iwali DGift Guide The Ultimate
BOSE
OPPO HUBLOT
MONTBLANC
JBL BY HARMAN
DUNE
CADBURY
DUNE JO MALONE
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CHARLES & KEITH
MALABAR
OSCAR DE LE RENTA
DUNE
MASK & GO
THE ART OF SHAVING DERMALOGICA
GODIVAS
IKEA
NARCISO RODRIGUEZ
GUCCI GUILTY
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iwali D Recipes FASHION
It’s Diwali time!
We all love the way homes and hearts light up around Diwali and our kitchen is lit up with all the festive awesomeness. Filmfare ME shares two recipes by reader Bhawana Punjabi that are sure to light up your Diwali party!
Paneer Kesar Kheer
Ingredients 1 liter milk 1 cup paneer (homemade cottage cheese), crumbled 15 saffron strands 1/4 cup sugar
Bhawana Punjabi 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder (elaichi) 4 almonds (badam), pound 4 pistachios, pound 1 edible silver foil/leaf (chandi ka vark), for garnishing
Method 1.Heat the milk in a heavy bottomed pan and bring the milk to a boil. Turn the heat to low and start condensing the milk until it becomes half its quality. 2.After about 25 to 30 minutes, when the milk has condensed to half its quantity, add the saffron strands, sugar, cardamom and the crumbled chenna. 3.Simmer Paneer Ki Kheer until it has thickened to a desired consistency, about 5 minutes. Once done, turn off the heat. 4.Transfer the Paneer Ki Kheer in the serving bowl, garnish with almond and pistachio and silver leaf and your kheer is ready
Sata Bhajiyun/Saat Bhaaji
(Seven Mix Vegetable Curry, Sindhi Style)
Sata Bhajiyun curry is made on special days such as Laxmi Puja on Diwali in Sindhi households. It is basically a mixture of seven vegetables, which is another way of making a great mix of vegetables. You can cook this in a spinach based gravy and make use of all the winter vegetables. You can cook this dish in any season.
Ingredients Base 500 grams spinach leaves/palak Handful fenugreek leaves /methi Spices ¼ tsp cumin seeds Veggie mix 1 medium onion, chopped 3 medium tomatoes, pureed 1 carrot, cubed
6-7 cauliflower florets 4-5 pieces boiled arbi/ taro 4-5 pieces boiled lotus stem 6-7 French beans, cut medium 1 boiled potato, medium sized pieces ¼ cup green peas 2-3 green chilli, chopped 3 tbsp cooking oil
Method First of all, par boil vegetables-or
saute separate– cauliflower florets, carrot, French beans & green peas. For gravy 1.Boil about 6 cups of water in a saucepan and add spinach, fenugreek leaves and drain water using strainer. 2.Wash the boiled mixture under running tap water to bring it to room temperature. 3.Blend it into a fine puree once it cools. 4.In a sauce pan, heat 3 tbsp oil and add cumin seeds. Add fine chopped onions and fry them till golden brown. 5.Add ginger-garlic paste, green chilli and saute for a minute. 6.Now add salt, all dry spices and saute for 30 seconds. 7.Add tomato puree and saute on medium heat till oil separates. 8.Add spinach/methi puree. 10.Combine all the vegetables and mix very gently. 11.Add little water and let the curry simmer on medium flame until water evaporates. 12.Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
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khaleejtimes.com
TRENDING NOW A leisure read that inspires trendsetters and influencers to discover the sophisticated persona of the ‘City of Gold’. Bask in its rich content that features lifestyle, glamour, grooming, interiors, fine dining, well-being, getaways and destinations and pet care. If you wish to stay informed, entertained and inspired, don’t look any further! #MetroLifeDXB
THE FESTIVAL OF JOYOUS LIGHTS AND DELICIOUS TREATS!
As Diwali is just around the corner, it’s time to celebrate food, family, and festivities in a grand and spectacular way. At Khau Galli, we indulge in the spirit of Diwali with some mouth-watering delicacies, unique sweets, and truly sumptuous gift hampers! For us, it’s all about celebrating and bonding over food – the emotion that connects us all. Our Bollywood-themed restaurant is designed to offer a unique twist to vegetarian Indian street food. We’re inspired by the legacies of our movies and superstars and bring some of the best Bollywood Masala on every platter. Craving some Indian specialities during this Diwali? Order for refreshing chaats, decadent desserts or some authentic South-Indian or North-Indian meals. For all the Diwali party hosts, you don’t need to stress about food with our best-in-class catering services! Head to our restaurant at JLT Cluster T or visit us during your Diwali shopping escapades in IBN Battuta Mall, Food court. Wishing everyone a bright and prosperous Diwali with unlimited sweets and savouries!
PAMPER YOURSELF THIS DIWALI AT CUTTING EDGE LADIES SALON The festival of lights, celebrations, and parties is here! It’s time to leave behind all your worries and stress and focus on happiness and togetherness. As you gear up to indulge in the Diwali festivities, Cutting Edge Ladies Salon welcomes you to some great pampering activities. Unwind with a full body massage and give your body and mind the much-needed rest and peace. Flaunt your nails with contemporary nail art or opt for a traditional festive look with some Henna art. Transform your look with a haircut, colour, and spa or give your skin a refreshing boost with a facial. Our salons in JLT Cluster U, Marina Plaza, and IBN Battuta Mall bring you irresistible offers and services for a truly joyous and glamourous festival. Discover your most beautiful self and flaunt your fabulous beauty on this auspicious occasion with Cutting Edge Ladies Salon. Book your appointment today. Our stylists are waiting to amplify your looks! Cutting Edge Ladies Salon wishes you a beautiful Diwali!
CELEBRATE A STYLISH DIWALI WITH CUTTING EDGE GENTS SALON Festivities are a great time to revamp your look and try something new and cool. At Cutting Edge Men’s Salon, we offer a wide range of services to transform your look from head to toe. From some soothing head massages to a refreshing haircut, fruit facials to tan removal treatments, beard care to nail care, and in-depth hair treatments, we do it all. For us, the focus is always on customer service, and we go the extra mile to bring you the best of skin, nails, and hair care services at affordable prices. We also bring our salon at home so you can save time and ensure the best services in the comfort of your residence. Our full body massage is just what you need to shed all the work stress and get into the festive mode! You can book an appointment at any of our salons – JLT Cluster B, Cluster P, and Cluster T or you can even book a salon at home experience. Our stylists will love to add extra glamour and style to your festivities. Wishing you a happy and healthy Diwali! October 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 41
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Bring iwali
D
on that
cheer
The global pandemic may have redefined ‘normal’ for people across the world, but what it has not dented is the spirit to celebrate special moments with loved ones and cherish them even more. And with Diwali coming up soon, the mood is already upbeat with the thought of all the festivities. The beauteous and joyous festival this year is all the more about revelling with loved ones and revering family time with them. Ahead of the much-loved festival, Aakanksha Naval-Shetye speaks to the reigning and the most popular stars of the OTT platform and finds out how special Diwali is for them and how they plan to celebrate it this year!
TRIPTI DIMRI One of the break-out stars of 2020 on the OTT is Tripti Dimri. The Laila Majnu actress made a stunning digital debut with Anushka Sharma’s Bulbbul on Netflix and instantly went on to becoming an OTT heartthrob! The gorgeous star reveals that Diwali has always been her favourite festival and says, “I make sure that I am with my family and friends during Diwali. As kids we would burst crackers and eat a lot of sweets, but now since the past seven-eight years we haven’t been buying crackers because we know how harmful they can be for our environment. So now we just make sure to meet all our friends and relatives and exchange gifts with them.” However, the actress adds that this year’s Diwali is going to be rather different. “We’ll be following all the COVID guidelines and won’t be going to meet our relatives as much too.” As for what she will be doing, she says, “Well, every year I make rangoli for Diwali and decorate the house. So the plan is to go home, be with family, make rangoli and just have a lot of homemade sweets. Simple and best!” she smiles.
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RONIT ROY Power-house performer Ronit Roy is not only the undisputed numero uno on the small screen, but he is easily one of the mostcelebrated and acclaimed names in Bollywood as well. And now the popular star is also reigning in the OTT space with his hit web-series - ALTBalaji’s Kehne Ko Humsafar Hain
and Hostages on Disney+ Hotstar. For Ronit, Diwali has always been a time to celebrate with family, but also with friends. This is in fact the only time when the otherwise reclusive star along with his family, is seen attending parties hosted by some of his closest industry friends! From the puja at home to catching up with family and friends, the festival spells happiness and celebration for the Roy family. “Deepawali for us has never been a festival of noise or crackers for close to two decades now. Since our
children were born, we have established a no-cracker policy at home. Just for satiation, my daughter lights a few sparklers, but that’s about it. My son is not fond of noise or smoke anyway, so we don’t do the cracker bit at all,” says the Filmfare Award-winning actor. “But barring the crackers,” he adds, “the rest is all there, the pakwaan-shakwaan that my wife (Neelam) prepares at home, Deepawali is also Laxmi puja for us so there is the puja at home and the bhog, some years the family comes over, and then in the night there are these few two-three homes that we visit every year. It’s like a tradition. One
ofcourse is Mr Bachchan’s (Amitabh Bachchan) Diwali celebration, then there’s Jeetu Saab (Jeetendra) and Ekta’s (Ekta Kapoor) Diwali party and once in a while Aamir (Khan) has a bash. I’m a bit reclusive, so these are the three outings out of the five I make in a year. But given the current pandemic situation, these parties too may or may not happen.” The Udaan actor however reveals that this year he will anyway be out of the country with his family. “Yes, we are out of the country. But wherever we are, we will put up the lights, there’ll be new clothes and we will do the Laxmi puja,” says Ronit. October 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 23
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FASHION
SHWETA TRIPATHI Ruling the OTT roost with her highly-acclaimed performances in web-series as well as movies is Shweta Tripathi. Easily one of the most-popular faces in the web-space, the actress has won hearts and praise for her several digital outings including Laakhon Mein Ek, Mirzapur, Cargo, Raat Akeli Hai, The Gone Game, Made in Heaven… amongst others. Currently awaiting the release of her muchanticipated show Mirzapur 2, Shweta shares that she plans to visit her parents in Delhi for Diwali this year. “I want to go and meet my parents because I haven’t seen them since the lockdown started. And now I have promised myself that I will meet my parents atleast once every three months. So, besides binge-eating, Diwali is going to be catching up with family and loved ones,” says the Masaan actress. Confessing that she’s never been high on fashion, Shweta reveals that she prefers desi, when it comes to dressing-up. “Even as a child, dressing-up was never a highlight for me, but when I do, I love Indian clothes, so a sari it will be for me this Diwali!” says Shweta excitedly. Recalling her Diwali memories as a child, she says that the festival used to be funtime! “We would play cards for Rs 10 and indulge in a lot of North Indian delicacies like samosas and kachoris.” But bursting crackers never excited her. “In fact, I really would request everyone to respect what nature has given us and keep it happy, clean and green.”
MAANVI GAGROO The affable and adorable Maanvi Gagroo of the popular OTT series - Four More Shots Please!, TVF Tripling, Made in Heaven - reveals that she is yet to make any plans for Diwali this year! “A lot of projects had been thrown off gear due to the pandemic, so it’s going to take some time to figure out the shoot dates. But if I’m not shooting in Mumbai, then it will be a ‘gharwali Diwali’ for me with my parents and family in Delhi,” says the young actress. Sharing her childhood memories of the festival, Maanvi adds that her fondest Diwali memories are dressing up, visiting friends and neighbours, bingeing on mithais and Diwali snacks, exchanging presents, the Laxmi puja, rangoli and ofcourse lighting diyas. “We don’t burst crackers anymore, except for one or two for shagun, but sweets are still an indulgence,” she shares. As for that one tradition she always observes, is the making of the rangolis. “Whether I am here or in Delhi, the rangoli is integral and I love making different kinds too – coloured powder, rice, flowers, paper rangoli...,” she smiles. 24 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST October 2020
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KIRTI KULHARI Juggling effortlessly between path-breaking movies like Pink, Mission Mangal, URI: The Surgical Strike and successful web-shows like Four More Shots Please! Kirti Kulhari is one of the most talented faces in the industry today. Excited to get back to work post the lockdown, the actress reveals that while her plans revolve around her shoot schedules, she does hope to visit her grandparents. “This Diwali I plan to visit my grandparents in their village in Rajasthan. My family always celebrates Diwali there and I plan to join them this year. I’m really looking forward to spending time with my chachas, chachis, and all the kids and cousins! It’s also the time when winter starts setting in Rajasthan, so the weather is super pleasant too,” says Kirti. The actress adds that as long as they all are responsible and mindful of following all the guidelines to protect themselves, meeting all should be a celebration. “We all have been through tough times the past few months, the spirit is low, and people are still scared. But I think Diwali might be a good time for everyone to kind of acknowledge and celebrate the fact that we have been through something extraordinary and survived. With all precautions in place, I hope people can celebrate this spirit of surviving, spreading love and kindness this Diwali,” shares Kirti.
RASIKA DUGAL One of the strongest performers out there on the OTT today with series like Mirzapur, Made in Heaven, Delhi Crime and Out of Love, among others to her credit, is Rasika Dugal. She has proven her acting mettle many times over and not just in the digital space, Rasika has proven to be an actress par excellence in her big screen outings too including in critically-acclaimed films like Qissa and Hamid. The actress reveals that unlike previous years, she hopes that this year will be a working Diwali for her! “If all goes well, then my Diwali this year is going to be lit with lights from the shooting unit of Out of Love (Season 2). Every year I crave to have time off on Diwali, but this year I will be grateful if the circumstances and conditions are safe for us all to be filming again,” shares the Lootcase actress.
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FASHION
The Future is
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Now! 30/09/2020 3:37 PM
Photo courtesy KANGOL X H&M
For the
Self made
generation... October 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 47
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FASHION
A Li’l bit of Shine AUTUMN WINTER 2020 The Dunhill’s Autumn Winter 2020 is considered Mark Weston’s strongest collection since joining the brand in 2017 as Creative Director. Nuanced with a lightness of touch, the collection broke away from Dunhill’s old-school style that was broad-shouldered plaid jackets, moustaches, gold lighters, brown cars and dolly birds. Today the old was used to express the new, with a unique twist. The shiny-cuffed trousers and trenches in black, red and teal - as a well as the gloves - were all made from strips of eel skin. All staying within the boundaries of sophisticated restraint rather than excess. Some of the highlights were the chisel-toed loafers featuring hardware that riffed on steel linked watch bracelet closures - catnip to a certain flavor of geezer - and the updating of old school accessory codes to encompass contemporary EarPods. 48 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST October 2020
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MARKS & SPENCER
GIULIVA HERITAGE XH&M
GIULIVA HERITAGEX H&M
MARKS & SPENCER SWAROVSKI
OSCAR DE LE RENTA
DOLCE GABBANA
n o i t c i d d a r olou
c
e!
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KYLIE ADAM SELMAN
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BODY SHOP
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CREED
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INTERVIEW
BOLLYWOOD’S BIGGEST
ENTREPRENEURS The being human
The boss lady
PRIYANKA CHOPRA JONAS
SALMAN KHAN
Linkedin Influencer, Tech investor (Holberton School and Bumble), film producer, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and UN Foundation Girl Up Champion and founder of The Priyanka Chopra Foundation for Health and Education.
Film and TV producer, apparel and branded products
The gorgeous award-winning actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas founded Purple Pebble Productions that released its first project in 2016, with the mobile series It’s My City, followed by Bhojpuri, Marathi, Punjabi, Assamese as well as Hindi films. Her Marathi film Ventilator won three awards at the 64th National Film Awards, her Sikkimese film Pahuna: The Little Visitors won a Special Mention in The International Feature Film Category at SCHLINGEL International Children’s Film Festival in Germany. In February 2019, she released Paani, based on a true story exploring the water crisis issue in Maharashtra that won the National Film Award for Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation at the 66th National Film Awards. This was followed by the biographical film The Sky Is Pink, a coproduction with RSVP Movies and Roy Kapur Films, directed by Shonali Bose.
Salman Khan owns The Being Human brand that is licensed to Mandhana Retail Ventures, which operates dozens of outlets in various cities selling fashion accessories and apparel. He is an investor and has registered the BeingSmart trademark for smartphones targeted at the entry into the middlemarket segment. He has also selected the Chinese plant and initial phone models that will run on Android and cost below Rs 20,000. Salman has a five per cent stake in Yatra.com, which is an adfor-equity deal besides investing and producing in known TV serials.
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Badshah of business
SHAH RUKH KHAN Film producer, entrepreneur and investor SRK is one of the richest people in the world. The co-chairman of the motion picture production company Red Chillies Entertainment and its subsidiaries, his production company produces films and its VFX division offers VFX and animation services to other production houses and filmmakers. Shah Rukh Khan is also the co-owner of the Indian Premier League cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders. Khan acquired ownership rights for the franchise in 2008 in partnership with Juhi Chawla, who has been his co-star in many successful films. KKR is one of the richest teams in the IPL, with a brand value of several million. Shah Rukh Khan is also an award show host and television presenter. He has also invested in the Indian franchisee of KidZania, a Mexican chain of family entertainment centres.
ANUSHKA SHARMA Film producer, entrepreneur and investor
Simply astute
Actor and producer Anushka Sharma owns a fashion line aptly named NUSH that started in October 2017. Vibrant colours, breezy cuts, peppy prints and not high-maintenance, the entrepreneur-actress wanted to ensure that her brand was easy on the pocket. With her brother, she co-founded Clean Slate Films in September 2013 and their debut venture was the crime-thriller NH10 that was a co-production between Clean Slate Filmz and Phantom Films followed by their independent production Phillauri, a romantic comedy. Next was Pari, a supernatural horror film. But it was their web series, a cop drama titled Paatal Lok, on Amazon Prime that drew applause. This was followed by Bulbbul, which released on Netflix. More expected from the enterprising siblings!
Compassion is the Word DEEPIKA PADUKONE Film producer, philanthropist, fashion brand entrepreneur and investor in FMCG products. Deepika Padukone launched ‘All About You’ a fashion product line available on Myntra. This was followed by her investing in Drum Foods International Pvt. Ltd, the maker of flavored yogurt brand Epigamia. She also founded the The Live Love Laugh Foundation in 2015 that conducted school awareness programmes for mental health for preteens, teenagers and rural folk. She recently ventured into film production by launching Ka Productions for her recent film Chhapaak. October 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 51
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INTERVIEW
The ‘anna’ effect
SUNIEL SHETTY Entrepreneur across health, food and apparel Suniel Shetty first ventured into the business of fitness and opened many gyms across India. Franchises of his gyms can be spotted in many parts of the country. Suniel Shetty also owns a film production house called Popcorn Entertainment, which has produced a string of films like Khel (2003), Rakht (2004), Bhagam Bhag (2006), Mission Istanbul (2008), EMI (2008) and Loot (2011). He is also the owner of Mischief, a chain of boutiques spread across Mumbai and runs several restaurants specializing in Udupi cuisine in the city. He has even ventured into designing and development of luxury real estate projects through his company S2 Reality. He is also said to have a 50 percent stake in Hakim Aalim’s salons.
A Tryst with Beauty KATRINA KAIF Katrina Kaif launched her beauty and cosmetics line Kay Beauty in partnership with popular beauty retailer Nykaa in October last year. The brand offers a complete make-up range that comprises powders, foundations, highlighters, concealers, contours, stick contours, powder contours, and more.
Fashion sense & Sensibility SONAM K AHUJA The fashionista started being financially independent from the age of 17 years and turned businesswoman with her sister Rhea, by launching their fashion label Rheson in 2017. Derived from a combination of Sonam and Rhea’s first names, Rheson - a quirky, affordable, daily wear apparel brand for “every Indian girl” has done well, since the time it launched with Shoppers Stop and then grew the collaboration by launching on Shoppers Stop’s store on Amazon.in.
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Star Struck
SUNNY LEONE Beauty entrepreneur Apart from the fact that Sunny Leone has been the face of an online adult store and a perfume brand Lust that she launched with her husband Daniel Weber, Leone, launched her cosmetics line Starstruck in 2018. The product range includes lipsticks, glosses, liners, mascaras, eyeliners, and highlighters, among other products. They are all vegan and not tested on animals and for all skin types and colour.
Rockstar at Work RANVEER SINGH Ranveer Singh has teamed up with his childhood friend Navzar Eranee to launch an independent music record label called IncInk. The label will look to unearth talent in the music scene in India and present them to a global audience. The first three talents being launched by the new label are Kaam Bhari, SlowCheeta and Spitfire. The label intends to sign and promote several more artistes, across various genres of music. Eranee is the founder of WalkAbout Films and a music lover aiming to nurture, launch and build artistes in India.
The Deadly Devgn AJAY DEVGN Film producer, solar power investor and VFX studio owner The actor is a part investor in the Charanaka solar project in Gujarat. In addition to that, Ajay also owns a production house called Ajay Devgn Films. Established in 2000, its maiden venture was Raju Chacha (2000) featuring Devgn and his wife Kajol. Ajay also owns a VFX Studio.
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INTERVIEW
OUTHERN
UPERHERO The versatile Tovino Thomas recently released the trailer of his Malayalam movie Minnal Murali directed by Basil Joseph. Our cover boy Hrithik Roshan supported him by tweeting the trailer. Manju Ramanan catches up with Malayalam cinema’s current heartthrob
“I am a huge Hrithik Roshan fan. He is the handsomest man in the world. I had sent him the trailer and in 3-4 days he not only replied to me, he even tweeted it,” says Tovino Thomas. His team is planning to ask Hrithik to release the film that has about 35-40 days of shoot left. The Covid 19 situation had brought a halt to the film’s shoot. However, the support from across all film industries was overwhelming, with known stars sharing the trailer. The names included Abhishek Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor, Rana Daggubati, Yash, Vijay Sethupati, Keerthy Suresh, Prithviraj and Fahad Fasil. Tovino is all praise for his director Basil Joseph who he feels, is not just hardworking and determined, but won’t stop till he gets what is required. “He might look like a 17-18-year-old but is a maverick.” 54 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST October 2020
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I DON’T MIND WORKING FOR 12 HOURS A DAY AND MAYBE ONCE IN A WHILE, BUT NOT ALL THE TIME. THERE WERE DAYS WHEN I’VE WORKED FOR 48-50 HOURS CONTINUOUSLY. THE LOCKDOWN HAS HELPED ME SLOW DOWN AND FOCUS ON MY HEALTH AND FAMILY.
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COVER STORY
The actor who started his career with Prabhuvinte Makkal directed by Sajeev Anthikkad in 2012, feels that Basil’s films are strung to each other in a unique way. His film Kunjiramayanam is set in an imaginary village called Desham and in Minnal Murali there is a bus going to Desham and Godha, the setting of his earlier film. Minnal Murali is itself set in an imaginary village. So, Basil creates his own world and audiences are drawn to this world. Ask him about the film and he says that though it is a superhero movie, it doesn’t have too many special effects to cushion the character. In fact, it is loaded with humour.” How does he see Malayalam cinema’s discerning audiences react to a superhero film? “In the beginning of the film itself, if you shed a set of logical issues, the audiences are forgiving. Minnal Murali is not a flying superhero. He is grounded and he is a more powerful version of himself in his superhero avatar,” adds Tovino. Ask him who are his favourite superheroes and he mentions Superman. He also owns a couple of superman toys and several Superman T shirts. In fact, he also owns the first copy of the Superman comic dating 1975. “I always liked Henry Cavill as Superman and not Christopher Reeve,” he says. Tovino toned himself up for his role. One of the fittest actors in Malayalam cinema, he lost 5-6 kilos for the film that was shot in a chronological manner. The initial scenes have a chubbier version and he goes lean as the film progresses.
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He doesn’t call himself a star but an actor and he is all for doing character roles such as the ones he did in Theevandi, Uyare, Lucifer and Virus, etc. “I am happy to explore various characters and story lines. Acting is an art for me not business. I have a production company but I have two business partners who run it. I only handle the acting side of the business,” he adds. The lockdown has given him time with his family. “My daughter, son and wife have never seen so much of me. I am happy that I have been part of my son’s first four months completely,” he adds. Tovino has also fulfilled his childhood dream of having pets. “My mother didn’t allow pets when I was growing up. So now I convinced her. I have chicken, pigeons, doves, fishes, two dogs etc. I have a dog trainer friend and sometimes I visit his facility and play with all the dogs. Sometimes I feel you can depend more on animals than human beings”. Along with Prithviraj and Jaisurya, he has volunteered to be part of the government initiative to battle Covid 19.
I’D RATHER BE A DIFFERENT VILLAIN THAN A CLICHED HERO. I LIKE PORTRAYING DIFFERENT CHARACTERS WITH DIFFERENT SHADES. I DON’T WANT TO BE THE GOOD GUY ALWAYS. IF I KEEP DOING THE GOOD GUY CHARACTER ALL THE TIME, I’M LIMITING MY CALIBRE TO PLAY THE BAD GUY. WHY WOULD I DO THAT?
Favourite Web Series Pataal Lok Black Mirror The Boyz Stranger Things Breaking Bad
RUMOURS
Tovino Thomas is rumoured to play an important role in Srinath Rajendran’s Kurup. The gangster-drama starring Dulquer Salmaan and Sobhita Dhulipala is reported to feature Tovino in the role of Chacko. Thereafter, Tovino Thomas has Jitin Lal’s Ajayante Randam Moshanam and K.S. Bava’s Karachi 81 in the pipeline.
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CANCER WARRIORS
Yes,
We Can!
October is the breast cancer awareness month. Owing to the Covid 19 situation, we at Filmfare ME haven’t held our annual event FFME4Cancer. However, these brave women we spoke to, will certainly keep you inspired with what they learnt from the dreaded disease -Manju Ramanan
An Indomitable Will! Zoha Beig
CEO and Founder, 321 Events Ali and Arwa trading LLC
The effervescent and gregarious Zoha Beig was detected with cervical cancer in 2017 and in the beginning of 2018, underwent a surgery followed radiotherapy and chemotherapy. When she was recovering, the cancer relapsed and the whole painful process lasted close to two-and-a-half years. Zoha is cancer free now and shares a few perspectives that changed her life.
Health is the real wealth. Cancer made me understand that importance of a healthy lifestyle
which I clearly ignored previously. I now make sure to look after myself, eat healthy and exercise. I ensure to keep my immunity high because that is particularly important. Also, prayer and meditation are the best stress relievers.
Pleasure comes in small doses. Cancer had taught me to savour life fully and treat each moment we breathe, as a gift. I have realised that spending time with my family and friends is the most precious thing and we should cherish those moments. I am now aware that making memories for today is what matters the most and I have learned to appreciate all small things in life. 58 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST October 2020
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Never Ever Give Up Giving up is easy and one loses the essence of experiencing life, if someone says it cannot be done. I am determined
to prove them wrong. Having cancer shows you that you can be persistent and no obstacle is bigger than this deadly disease.
Material things mean nothing All that matters, is well-being. I don’t worry about material things that consumed my life before cancer. A luxury car or a branded bag doesn’t matter when you don’t have health or your loved ones by your side.
Look good, feel good. There were times when I used to feel low after treatment but my daughter encouraged me to dress up and show up. This really uplifted my confidence and made me realise that, in moments like these, a little dressing up truly lifts your spirit and makes you feel beautiful. Cancer might be life-altering but it doesn’t define me.
But I fought and won... Fiza Khan
Head of Sales and Business Development Petrochemical Association
The bright-eyed and cheerful Fiza Khan is a story of courage. Since the last year and half, she has been undergoing treatment to beat cancer. At the FilmfareME4Cancer event in 2019, she had come after one of her chemotherapy sessions and resolved to kick the disease out of her life. Here’s her take on what she experienced and learnt.
Keep a positive attitude What is cancer but a disease. But you need a lot of strength – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual strength to face it. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions drain you, kill you, make you feel lifeless as if you are a zombie. You feel like some liquid metal filled with poison is flowing through your veins, but guess what. The human spirit wins against all odds. Take one step at a time.
Don’t take health for granted Get yourself checked today. Delaying it or ignoring it is not worth the pain. Live now! Have fun with family and friends. Live for today because we aren’t sure of tomorrow. Practice to live in the moment and enjoy the little things – a cup of Maggi, some chai with friends, a Tiktok video, go ahead and do it!
Do not Worry It only adds to your pressure if you worry. So, don’t sit on the problem or wait (it could become bigger and you could go from
stage 1 to stage 4 without realising the magnitude and that can impact you and your closest people). Meet your problems, face it, beat it before it takes over and consumes you!
Be kind to Yourself Don’t forget that you are human. It is perfectly ok to have a meltdown. Cry and then refocus on your life. Cancer is just one chapter of our life, not the whole story. It came, but you fought and won!
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LITTLE ANGELS
Filmfare ME’s digital contest asked for black and white pictures of children between 0-10 years of age. Here’s a list of winners from across the UAE chosen by celebrity judges Celina Jaitly and Urvashi Dholakia.
KIARA SERAI AFRIDI Age -3 years 4 months What she/he likes to watch on TV/ Online She likes to watch PJ Mask on Netflix Favourite Cartoon or Bollywood/Hollywood celeb She likes Little Singham character on Netflix
HOORAIN SAYED Age -1 year 2 months What she/he likes to watch on TV/ Online Hoorain is interested in listening and watching old Bollywood music videos from the 70’s and 80’s. She loves to watch Animal Planet as she is very fond of animals and when it comes to animation she watches Cocomelon and Omar & Hana on YouTube.
NATASHA JAIN HETANSH JAIN Age - 6 years 5 months and 3 years What she/he likes to watch on TV/ Online Both love to watch a variety of animations / cartoons online Bahubali, Motu-Patlu, Tom and Jerry, Watch Car, Kiki Miu Miu, Miraculous Favourite Cartoon or Bollywood / Hollywood celeb Natasha loves Ranveer Singh (having seen him at close range) and Hetansh is a big fan of Jackie Chan (and uses the kungfu on his sister and papa) Amongst the cartoon characters, Natasha likes Catnoir and Hetansh once again goes for the action figure, Baahubali
MIVAAN PRATHEESH Age -1 year and 10 months What she/he likes to watch on TV/ Online Nursery rhymes & Songs Favourite Cartoon or Bollywood / Hollywood celeb – Cocomelon
ANAVV KAMATH SAM ZREIK Age -1 year and 5 month Favourite song Itsy Bitsy Spider
Age -2 years and 4 months What she/he likes to watch on TV/ Online His favourite series is Chotta Bheem on Netflix, but we stopped showing him as he imitates the character and jumps all around. His other favourites are Cocomelon - Wheels on the Bus, Masha and Bear, Pepa pig. As Cars are his favourite of all, he loves to sing and listen to ‘Lamborgini’ song and watch Super Blondie all day.
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WHAT IS COMMON BETWEEN FILMS LIKE DOSTANA, WAKE UP SID, YEH JAWAANI HAI DEEWANI, 2 STATES, AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL, STUDENT OF THE YEAR, KALANK… WELL, BESIDES THE FACT THAT THEY ARE ALL DHARMA PRODUCTIONS, CHANCES ARE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN FLOORED BY THE STUNNING ART DIRECTION IN ALL OF THESE FILMS – BE IT THE CONTEMPORARY YET ASPIRATIONAL MILIEU OF MIAMI-BASED DOSTANA, AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL’S LONDON HIGH-LIFE OR THE ROYAL CHARM OF A LUCKNOW WEDDING, THE REALISTIC BACKDROP OF WAKE UP SID OR THE LARGERTHAN-LIFE GRANDEUR AND OPULENCE OF THE KINDS THAT WE SAW IN KALANK. AND THERE’S ONE NAME BEHIND IT ALL – AMRITA MAHAL NAKAI! IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AAKANKSHA NAVAL-SHETYE, THE ACCLAIMED AND HIGHLY-CELEBRATED PRODUCTION DESIGNER REVEALS ALL ABOUT HER UNEXPECTED FORAY INTO BOLLYWOOD, THE JOURNEY SO FAR, FACING THE CHALLENGES AND CARVING HER OWN NICHE. SHE ALSO TALKS ABOUT JUGGLING A HIGH-PRESSURE DREAM JOB WITH BEING A WIFE AND A MOTHER ON THE PERSONAL FRONT! Did you always aspire to be an art director or be a part of the movies? ar from it! My father was in the Air Force and I grew up travelling the country all through my teenage years up until college in Chandigarh. And all through my childhood and growing years I have never been influenced by Bollywood or films so to say. Later I graduated in Fine Arts only because I wasn’t keen on studying Science or Commerce.
F
So how did someone who was not aspiring for the movies at all, end up becoming such a renowned name in Bollywood? Well, I would say that one thing led to another for me professionally. After completing my studies,
I came to Mumbai. And one of the days I was just hanging out, assisting my sister at the Yash Raj office, when we ran into Sharmishta Ma’am (wellknown production designer Sharmishta Roy). At the time she was looking for an assistant and my sister suggested that I join her and I did. So, I assisted her on Bunty Aur Babli (2005), Salaam Namaste (2005), Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006), The Namesake (2006). I have literally learnt it all on the job. Later when Sharmishta Ma’am moved to the US after her marriage, Tarun (Mansukhani) offered me Dostana (2008) which I was very reluctant to do, because I was still unsure if I could do it on my own. But Ma’am met me and told me that I have her
whole team to use and that I should do it. She was still working, like she would do one film a year, but she had moved to the US. So, she was the one who pushed me to take up Dostana, and I just inherited her team and went ahead and did the job. That’s how it all started for me. In the meantime I had also assisted Sooni (filmmaker Sooni Taraporevala) in Little Zizou (2008) and she was kind enough to credit me as the art director. So, Dostana was my first independent film. I’d worked as essentially the only art assistant, a prop master, a set dresser (The Namesake), an art director in (Little Zizou) and then finally turned production designer with Dostana and then Wake Up Sid (2009) when Ayan (Mukerji)
asked me to join his film, immediately followed by Punit’s (Malhotra) I Hate Luv Storys (2010) post which the films have continued and I have just gone with the flow. Were you inspired by a certain style of set-designing or by the work of any art director? Honestly no, because it wasn’t something that I studied or was remotely interested in or was looking out to make a career in. So there’s no particular format or anyone’s work that I studied with an intention of learning or trying to imbibe their style. Now, ofcourse I end up watching and observing from that aspect as an insider. But back then, not just art, films themselves were never a part of my immediate consciousness for me to notice things like that.
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Bollywood was never in my realm. Do you think that the technical departments are finally getting their due in the industry in terms of recognition and respect? I agree. I do feel that now people are a lot more aware of what an art director does or what a cinematographer does. Not just people from the industry, but even outside it, they now understand the nature and the profile of the jobs better. Earlier when I had gone home after working here for a year, people thought that I had directed Dostana. So now they atleast know the difference, and that there’s more to movie-making than acting and directing. In the industry too I think they are finally getting their due, there are more prospects, more growth, more scope for people to see your work too. And I see hundreds of more kids who are art directors and who are doing good work too. There’s still a place for everyone who is good with their work and not just with commercial movies with big budgets. No matter what your style is, you can get creative satisfaction on a lot more platforms today which is encouraging. What has been the most challenging aspect for you so far in terms of working in a largely male-dominated industry? Did you ever feel that you were not taken seriously or faced a resistance in terms of acceptance because of your gender? Well I really never faced any sort of resistance or bias based on the fact that I am a woman. And I don’t know if I’m an exception there. I never had any such issues with my team. It’s the team I had worked with since the time I was assisting Sharmishta Ma’am. They too have all grown working under her and they’ve always treated me more like a kid because they had seen me from my first day up. In fact, they were more than happy for me. It’s the same with the directors too. Punit (Malhotra), Ayan (Mukerji), Abhishek (Varman), Tarun (Mansukhani)… we all
started out together, so there’s a great comfort level we all share as colleagues and friends. There may be differences in terms of opinions, but it’s always sorted in a friendly manner, there are no ego hassles or biases. The majestic grandeur of the sets of Kalank was compared to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s lavish sets and his opulence and yet they carried your distinct style… That was what we had hoped to achieve and so we take that as a compliment. We wanted to be as lavish as Bhansali. He’s brilliant and his sets are the benchmark. So it’s a compliment being compared to him and his work that way. But we also tried to give it our own take especially the sets of Hira Mandi. That was quite unlike anything we had done before.
‘The story dictates it all. Every time you enter a new project, it has its own journey and you just do the best you can do with that space.’
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INTERVIEW the pressures and expectations of having to live up and measure up to the previous work that has been accomplished? Not any previous work, but I would say that every day is overwhelming in itself. The pressure to produce something that should work for the film, the director and that you feel will do justice to the kind of money that is being spent and the time that is being put in, so that is overwhelming every single day. I have to say that every day when I go into work I am nervous. Till the time that we don’t start filming and everything settles down, I feel every day there is a new space, and have I ticked off all the boxes that are required in the scene or how the audience will finally take it all in. But yes, also doing something new and doing something exciting is always beautiful. The story dictates it all. Every time you enter a new project it has its own journey and you just do the best you can do with that space. But I really haven’t thought about it, as such. It’s just that there’s some stuff you are comfortable with and some stuff you learn and grow with. Research and try a bit harder When you are doing a period film which is not a biopic, to what extent do you take cinematic liberty? We obviously can’t compromise on the feel or the texture or the flavour of the era, but we did take a few liberties, like we did try that in Kalank while creating the Hira Mandi. Sometimes it works and sometimes you hope that with time people will love it as much as you did while making it. You brought in a certain freshness to the production designs that was highly appreciated. Did it help having an outsider’s perspective to approaching art and the sets? I don’t know if it did help, but yes, I definitely did not have any pre-conceived notions or ideas about the aesthetics. There was no precedent for me to follow or adhere to. Like I said I had never watched cinema apart from its entertainment value. It wasn’t something I studied meticulously. What I brought to the table was my instinct and a real-time feel of the story and characters. Also, each project was different and every director came on with a different vision, so there was never anything to study from. The story dictates the space. So you go through the story and understand the characters and the backdrop and the setting. Most of the films I did had contemporary tones, so it’s easy to also relate to them. I don’t know if that
helped with freshness, but I did my own thing. So if it’s fresh fresh, I’m glad.The only time where I would say it was kind of needed that I research, study and understand was during Kalank. Abhishek (director Abhishek Varman) was very clear about what he wanted and we were keen to fulfil his vision. We were inspired by other period dramas for it, but we had our own aesthetics too.
‘The pressure to produce something that should work for the film, the director and that you feel will do justice to the kind of money that is being spent and the time that is being put in, so that is overwhelming every single day.’
Is there a film you wish you had gotten a chance to do? Anushka Sharma’s Bulbbul. I found the palette very exciting and the storyboard with its fantasy lent itself to some beautiful sets. And I feel this is one film where the technical team has really elevated the film to be something even more special than its content. Do you ever get overwhelmed by
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What would you say has been your most challenging work so far? I’d say Brahmastra has been the most challenging for me. It’s a mix of fantasy, but set in modern contemporary India, and has a fantastical element to the story. The basic format of it - there’s a lot of VFX effects too, so it’s been a learning experience for all of us. The first full VFX set that I’ve had to experience so for me, Brahmastra is very challenging. What genre is there on your wishlist that you want to create for? I would love to work on a murder mystery or a dark thriller kind of film. It’s the one thing I haven’t done. Gritty and real! It’s also the kind of content I love watching the most. Balancing out home and family - How do you manage juggling it all? Well, I have been truly blessed there I would say. Right from when I was expecting, Karan (Johar) had made working for me so comfortable, that I did
Amrita’s pick
continue through my pregnancy and was back on sets soon after my daughter was born. But even today, the production house takes utmost care of ensuring that it’s conducive for me to attend to my daughter Gia, who is 10 now, when required, whether that means letting her accompany me, or allowing me to fly down to her when required. Also my husband and I had decided early on about how we’d work around it. So we schedule our work accordingly. Vir is a motorcycle journalist who runs a Motorcycle Adventure Touring company (He’s into bikedesigning and riding) so when he goes for his trips, I try to be there and he’s there when I go for my shoots. And of course our families pitch in too… They do say it takes a village to raise a child! So how do you look back at the journey so far? The journey has been a smooth, fun ride and it has gone by very quickly. It feels like it was just
Favourite films done by other Art Directors
Lamhe DDLJ The Namesake Khamoshi
yesterday that I started working. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The last 15 years have given me the best friendships and I have seen parts of the world I would never have had the chance to experience. And the only place that shows you how important team-work is. I have had the best teams a person can ask for. I wouldn’t trade this life for anything in the world.
Roja Bombay Maqbool Mr India
Favourite films from her own work
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