Filmfare Middle East - May 2020

AED 10

MIDDLE EAST

MAY 2020 www.filmfaremiddleeast.com

#LockdownSpecial QUARANTINE BUZZ Arab celebs get creative indoors

SRK, Salman, Aamir, Akshay, Hrithik... go all out to donate for COVID 19

Kartik Aaryan and Rakul Preet Singh speak about the highs and the lows of showbiz

Eid WITH

NUSHRAT BHARUCHA

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

MIDDLE EAST

EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Manju Ramanan manju.ramanan@starzmediainc.com

Deputy Editor Aakanksha Naval- Shetye Aakanksha.Naval@starzmediainc.com

Asst Manager - Digital Marketing Neelam Punjabi neelam.punjabi@starzmediainc.com

Graphic Designer Amit Panchal amit.panchal@aldanube.com

Arabic Translator Hanan Yehia Mulazem hanan.yehia@starzmediainc.com

Editorial Coordinator Maria Deang maria.deang@starzmediainc.com

Event Executive Harshit Vohra harshit.vohra@starzmediainc.com

SALES MANAGERS Anup Sharma anup.sharma@starzmediainc.com

SUBCRIPTION

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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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Copyright 2020: Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or part without prior written permission is prohibited

Eid Mubarak!

T

he holy month of Ramadan this time was indoors and so is Eid, given the lockdown due to the Covid 19 situation. But that has’t ever dampened the spirits of those celebrating the festival. On cover, we have the beautiful Nushrat Bharucha, who is celebrating Eid with her family indoors. This cover was shot during the lockdown too and she and her family took it up as a project to create the looks that you will see. Out came Nushrat’s mom’s vintage sarees, ancient jewellery and her desi outfits that she put together. In the interview, Nushrat talks about battling through body shaming for being petite and looking younger than her age. Nushrat worked her way through all these challenges to create a niche for herself in Bollywood.

The month of April was heavy for the Bollywood fraternity. Our much loved and respected actors Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor, succumbed to their long battles with cancer. I last met Rishi Kapoor in Dubai when he came to inaugurate the Prithvi festival at the Mall of the Emirates and during the interview told me that he never attempted to be onstage while he was shooting films. Irrfan Khan and I met several times at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival where some of his films directed by Anup Singh were screened including Qissa - A Tale of the Lonely Ghost and Song of the Scorpions. I remember meeting him four days after I watched the immaculately made Haider and discussing his character of Roohdaar that he was fond of. The last I met him was the Dubai International Film Festival. Both Sonu Nigam ( who is in Dubai currently) and Asees Kaur, during my Instalive interviews commemorated these legendary actors by dedicating songs to them.

As we postpone the print edition of Filmfare Middle East for a few months, we have gone digital in a big way. You can check out our IGTV interviews on the FilmfareME Instagram pages - interviews of Armaan and Amaal Mallik, Shruti Haassan, Benny Dayal, Jubin Nautiyal, Priya Mani, Gauahar Khan and more by Akanksha Naval Shetye.

The Ramadan with Filmfare ME digital challenge on Instagram, where tasks were handed out to those fasting during the festival and celebrity judges would pick a few entries gathered a lot of eyeballs. Over the weeks, we had ghazal singer Talat Aziz, actors Gauahar Khan, Elli AvrRam, Zarine Khan and Dubai based influencer Jumana Khan judge the event .The contest was executed with great finesse by Neelam Punjabi from the digital team.

The eminent singer and five times Filmfare awardee Kumar Sanu spoke to me via a telephonic interview and gave me recipes of two dishes he made during the lockdown- a mutton curry recipe, and a vegetarian recipe too. Check our Filmfare ME Youtube pages to see the videos. Also watch Aditya Raval, Paresh Raval’s son speak about his debut film Bamfaad that premiered on Zee 5 recently. The actor has been lauded for his debut film and looks up to the legendary Naseeruddin Shah whom he idolises.

Also, in this edition check out our short interviews with some of the important singers and performers from Bollywood compiled by Harshit Vohra and Hanan Yehyia.

As working hours go back to normal, we at Filmfare ME urge all our readers to stay safe and stay indoors as much as possible and keep watching our digital pages, as we create new content for you all.

EID MUBARAK AND STAY SAFE!

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

May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 3

Volume 26 # MAY 1, 2020

34

NAWAZUDDIN SIDDHIQUI TALKS ABOUT STRUGGLES AND MORE

Winners

22

masala fix

Exclusive

05

16

MASK OUT ACTRESS SARA ALI KHAN WAS SEEN SPORTING A MASK AT MUMBAI AIRPORT AMID THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK.

Master Stroke

08

ELEBRITY C MAKE-UP ARTIST, MEHAK OBEROI, ON WHY BEAUTY IS A THING OF ART AND MORE...

4 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

NUSHRAT BHARUCHA CELEBRATE EID INDOORS

26 30

INDIAN FILM CELEBS UNITE TO FIGHT COVID 19 DEVESH SHARMA RAKUL PREET SINGH WAITING TO FALL IN LOVE SUMAN SHARMA

LOVE , RUMOURS & REALITY CANDID CHAT WITH KARTIK AARYAN

Lockdown Speical

38

RADHIKA MADAN WANTS TO HUG HER PARENTS SHARES SUMAN SHARMA

42

FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST AKELE HUM AKEL TUM DIGITAL CHALLEANGE

Gulf Cinema

54

QUARANTINE BUZZ ARAB CELEBS GET CREATIVE INDOORS

F&B Local

58

SUMMER COLLECTION

a bird’s-eye view of show town’s happenings

MASK OUT! Better safe than sorry. Actress Sara Ali Khan was seen sporting a mask at Mumbai airport amid the coronavirus outbreak. Reportedly, she was snapped while returning from the set of Aanand L Rai’s Atrangi Re in Varanasi. The shoot had to be halted due to the pandemic. The film also stars Akshay Kumar and Dhanush.

May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 5

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 Thank you choosing me as the winner of #RamadanWithFilmfareME contest - Faryal Fariyyy.

Thank you for all the Instalive interview on Instagram - Sana Rayat Kiara Advani as Raveena Tandon and Janhvi Kapoor as Karishma Kapoor; Kartik Aaryan as Aamir Khan Tiger Shroff as Salman Khan. We want Andaaz Apna Apna remake - Neel Sen Thank you so much FilmfareME for this one️. I am really happy and excited. Thank you Tejas Dhoke sir I won this on your choreography.

Thank you for informing me about sir’s live session #AkeleHumAkeleTumChallenge - Vaidehi Rastogi Ramadan Mubarak! May Allah bless everyone with peace, abundance, health, love, happiness, and good things in life - Boussy 12 Congratulations for 200K on Instagram.

- Saraaa Sen

Post your reviews to 6 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

Hi Manju How are you safe Hope you are inform Just wanted to won ds ki y m you that of on ti ti pe m Tik Tok co dle East id M re fa Film such Thank you for s. ve ti ia it in uraging It is really enco - Deepa Nair

Indian classical dancer Deepa Nair who we lost recently, wrote to Manju Ramanan 3 days before her death on how happy she was that her daughters won the Filmfare Middle East Akele Hum Akele Tum Challenge. We wish a bright future for her daughters and lots of happiness for the whole family.

RIP Deepa Nair

Send us your views, opinions and suggestions to: Email: manjuramanan@starzmediainc.com

FilmfareME

FilmfareMiddleEast

Insta click reader’s reviews, box-office, celebrity column & more

Sab Thik Ho Jayega says SRK and lite AbRam #IForIndia

Priceless Picture of Kapoor Dynasty

David Warner is not only a fan of Bollywood but also Tollywood song

Singer Anamta Khan dedicated a lovely song. #RamadanWithFilmfareME

RIP Rishi Kapoor and Irrfan Khan.

Somethings don’t change and this picture of Anushka Sharma is a proof

May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 7

FASHION & BEAUTY

They are hot, they are cool.

Meet our trend makers and breakers

Mehak Oberoi

MASTER STROKE “Every girl should possess a foundation with SPF, a good powder compact, a lip and cheek tint, a multi-purpose brow pencil and a waterproof mascara... When resources are limited, you can use lipstick as a blush. Also I remember being stuck once and using a Q-tip and gel liner to create smokey eyes. You just have to be on the ball with what you have.”

Celebrity make-up artist, Mehak Oberoi, on why beauty is a thing of art and more...

8 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

A THING OF BEAUTY… Celebrity make-up artist, Mehak Oberoi, believes every face tells a story. A quick chat with Analita Seth

May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 9

FASHION & BEAUTY

From a conservative upbringing in Delhi to choosing a profession that’s erratic and demanding, it was perhaps karma calling for Mehak Oberoi. Making-up a face for her is no less than a creative pursuit. With deft strokes and an ability to enhance the natural, she’s the hand behind the most stunning faces in showbiz. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tara Sutaria, Sonakshi Sinha, Kiara Advani, Katrina Kaif, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Kajol, Malaika Arora… her strength lies not in the numbers but the nuances she lends to their beauty… making portraits out of pancake. Excerpts…

When did you realise that you wanted to get into the beauty and glamour business?

I enrolled myself into the Pearl Academy of fashion in Delhi and learnt make-up and hair.

I realised it’s something I was good at and wanted to do. As for the glamour world, I realised it was for me when I got a call from Anushka Sharma’s manager early in my career. It was the start of my professional journey as a make-up artist.

Katrina Kaif

Alia Bhatt

How important is makeup when putting a look together?

that will never go out of style would definitely be sheer glass skin with rosy cheeks, soft-winged liners and brown and black smokey eyes. Also the signature look of the ’40s with vintage curls and winged-liners, I believe, will always be in.

How different is an editorial look from a red-carpet or a regular off-duty look?

What are some make-up essentials every girl must possess given the weather conditions in India?

It’s extremely essential.

Your face is generally the focus point. Also, it’s not about putting a lot of make-up. It’s about the right amount for holding the look together.

Editorial looks may or may not be different from the red carpet or a regular off-duty look. It depends on the lighting and the overall theme, which has been decided. It can be as simple as flaunting a clean beautiful skin or it could be be experimental.

What are some make-up trends that will never go out of style?

Few make-up trends

Every girl should possess Bobbi Brown’s long-wear weightless foundation with SPF, a good powder compact, a lip and cheek tint, a multi-purpose brow pencil and a waterproof mascara.

A make-up trend you don’t like…

Extreme strobing and highlighting, which makes the skin look oily.

Tara Sutaria

Which is your favourite from your own look book?

LOOK PROUD

Tara Sutaria’s look from the Bobbi Brown campaign and Sonakshi Sinha’s look from a beauty campaign would be my all-time favourites.

“Make-up trends that will never go out of style would be sheer glass skin with rosy cheeks, soft-winged liners and brown and black smokey eyes… The signature look of the ’40s with vintage curls and winged-liners will always be in” 10 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Sonakshi Sinha

“Make-up is extremely essential. Your face is the focus point. It’s not about putting a lot of make-up. It’s about the right amount for holding the look together”

It’s something I stay away from.

How different is screen make-up from what you do otherwise?

For movies, the make-up has to be extra matte. We tend to use less of it. Also, sometimes it’s the exact opposite, we tend to use a lot of it to make the look appear natural.

Of the stars you’ve worked with, who’s experimental and who sticks to comfort and basics?

The most experimental would be Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Sonakshi Sinha and Tara Sutaria. Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif and Malaika Arora like to stick to their comfort zone.

One make-up myth you want to bust…

You needn’t go with all the steps – correct, bake, contour and highlight – on the same face.

One beauty hack you learnt on the job…

When resources are limited, you can use lipstick as a blush. Also I remember being stuck once and using a Q-tip and gel liner to create smokey eyes. You just have

DR. SANJAY PARASHAR Consultant Plastic Surgeon CEO of Cocoona Centre of Aesthetic Transformation

ANTI -AGEING SKIN Keep your skin from ageing and maintain an everlasting glow. A few must do treatments to add to their beauty regime…

1.CHEMICAL PEELS Peels are typically the first procedure a patient gets in their regime to defy ageing. It is used for instant and shortterm rejuvenation.

Dry skin, dead skin, pigmentation, acne, minor scars, discoloration of skin, sun damage, tan, etc are problems that happen to everyone and at every age. Peels work by removing the top layers of the skin in the face thus getting rid of old and ageing cells and stimulating new cell growth and collagen formation.

There are different grades of peeling such as mild, medium and deep peeling.

Who would you cite as your inspirations?

I look up to makeup artists like Scott Barnes, Alex Box and Pat McGrath. They’re all incredible at what they do.

ask the expert

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja

IDOL TALK

Malika Arora

to be on the ball with what you have.

Who in the Indian make-up fraternity always gets the look on-point?

Make-up artists like Anil Chinnappa, Puneet B Saini, Daniel Bauer and Mario Dedivanovic have done some great looks.

One recent look you admired…

Alia Bhatt’s look for Gangubai Kothiawadi by Puneet Saini. It added to her character.

Celebrities you wish to work with…

I want to work with Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey. n

2.MICRONEEDLING It is a very simple procedure to stimulate and produce new collagen in the face and hands. It involves use of tiny needles, which are rolled on the skin to create minimum, yet controlled injury. The body immediately responds to the treatment by creating new tissues and contraction of the skin. This causes skin tightening and gives a beautiful glow to the skin. It can be done for superficial acne scars, wrinkles, dull skin and also for hair regrowth in the scalp.

3.MICRODERMABRASION You can call this procedure advance scrubbing. Most people have used scrubs at home. In microdermabrasion, we make scrubbing scientific, controlled and safe. Over scrubbing at home my lead to scratches, marks and scars. In microdermabrasion, we use devices with it that is used with a fine diamond microabrader to exfoliate the skin and polish it. In this procedure, the aim is to remove the dead skin layer thus helping to stimulate new cells. This also cause skin tightening to some extent.

This is a very good last minute procedure for instant glow and has long term benefits such as skin rejuvenation, improvement of minor acne scars, minor skin irregularities etc. The procedure takes 15-20 minutes and can be repeated on a weekly basis.

(Dr Sanjay Parashar has spent several years working with and learning from some of the best plastic surgeons in the world) May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 11

RUMOURS AND MORE

Rumours&More

PRIYANKA HELPS STUDENTS Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ latest initiative is helping students in Los Angeles to adapt to virtual classrooms in times of the coronavirus outbreak. The actress has collaborated with a brand to provide headphones to children in LA, who are adapting to the new virtual classrooms. She took to Instagram and shared a video explaining her efforts, “In this crazy time, it is so important for people to help out where they can. Youth empowerment, success in education have been two causes close to my heart…” Kudos to you girl!

Kartik’s Koki Poochega is a hit Kartik Aaryan, whose #CoronaStopKarona monologue went viral a few weeks back, has come up with another unique idea during the COVID-19 outbreak. His latest initiative, Koki Poochega (Kartik’s fans call him Koki), will have him interviewing people, who’ve been working tirelessly during the pandemic including doctors, policemen and social workers. He will also be speaking to the survivors of this illness. His first post was with Sumiti Singh, one of the first-ever coronavirus survivors in India. We applaud Kartik’s initiative.

A BOOK ON JANHVI KAPOOR STARRER GUNJAN SAXENA: THE KARGIL GIRL, IS BEING PLANNED BY KIRANDEEP SINGH AND NIRVAN SINGH. THE FILM IS A BIOPIC AND ALSO STARS ANGAD BEDI.

12 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

HRITHIK’S SUPER 30 TO RELEASE IN CHINA Coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China has affected the entire world. But now the lockdown has ended there and the situation is getting better. According to reports, once the situation returns to normal, the first Bollywood film to be screened in China will be the Hrithik Roshan starrer Super 30. It is based on the life and struggles of Anand Kumar, a mathematician and founder of the Super 30 programme in Patna, India. Hrithik played the role of the genius mathematician in the film, directed by Vikas Bahl.

MEANWHILE...

Veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan revealed that he’s waiting for the coronavirus situation to ease before starting work on Krrish 4, which is at the scripting stage right now.

Toplined by son Hrithik Roshan, the lead actress will be roped in only after the script is complete.

expert advice

SRK – THE REAL BADSHAH Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan have outdone themselves when it comes to helping people during this unprecedented time.

Ever since the outbreak, the Khans, under the names of their companies, Red Chillies, Kolkata Knight Riders and Meer Foundation have donated money to PM CARES and CM of Maharashtra’s relief funds. They also offered their 4-storey building to the BMC to convert into quarantine facilities for patients in Mumbai. Moreover, SRK also donated 25,000 Personal Protective Equipment kits to hospitals around Maharashtra. Truly king-like magnanimity.

Dr. Ali Altaye GP - Aesthetic Physician American Aesthetic Medical Center

SKIN HYDRATION & WRINKLES SOLUTION WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS FOR SKIN HYDRATION FOR SUMMERS? With summer going on and Eid around the corner we need to keep in mind the health of our skin, not only face and neck but our hands also need attention.

We at American Aesthetic Medical Center would recommend Profhilo, Jalupro, NCTF, Hydrafacial, and Botox & Fillers..

Jaggu Dada’s organic holiday When the lockdown was imposed, Jackie Shroff was at his farmhouse located between Mumbai and Pune. While his family including wife Ayesha, son Tiger Shroff and daughter Krishna are in Mumbai, the actor is happy in the company of plants in his huge garden. Wife Ayesha revealed he was there to do some premonsoon work and got stuck there. Jackie shared a video urging his fans to follow the rules of lockdown. He said, “Sudhar jao. Even God is relaxing above. Breathe a bit, just relax at home.”

MEANWHILE...

To spread awareness about coronavirus, the police department is adapting newer methods to appeal to the masses. Mumbai Police recently tweeted a scene from Farah Khan’s Main Hoon Na, where Shah Rukh Khan is seen dodging a spit-attack by Satish Shah to save himself from germs. Mumbai Police tweeted the video and captioned it, “@ iamsrk wouldn’t need to do such stunts any longer - Mask Hai Na!” Witty indeed.

NOTICING DRYNESS AND WRINKLES ON YOUR WRIST AS WELL AS HANDS? This may be due to excessive use of sanitizer and constant hand wash as precautions you might be taking to prevent COVID-19. You would need hand rejuvenation with Profhilo or Jalupro to smooth the wrinkles on your skin and makes it beautiful for longer.

HOW CAN HYALURONIC ACID HELP IN HYDRATING SKIN IN SUMMERS? Dermal Fillers made of hyaluronic acid, yields immediate results and adds volume to the skin. The natural substance is produced by the human body that binds water in the cells, and comes with minimal discomfort.

CAN BOTOX HELP REDUCE FACIAL SWEATING DURING SUMMERS? Botox has been found to be a very effective treatment to reduce sweating.

Injections under the arms block the nerve controls and can reduce sweating by up to 95%. This treatment is currently only licensed for the armpits, however it can also be used in the hands and feet by experienced practitioners.

With Eid around the corner it is important to book our hydration solutions with American Aesthetic now to get the desired look this Eid. HOW SAFE IS BIO-ENHANCED FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT? As the main solution used in the procedure is created with the patient’s own cells, the procedure is very safe.

Replace Instagram filters with Fillers this Eid and let your confidence shine!

- Dr. Sana Sajan May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 13

RUMOURS AND MORE

SALMAN HELPS GROUND WORKERS

Manoj stuck in Uttarakhand Manoj Baypayee was shooting a film in Uttarakhand when the lockdown was announced. The actor got stranded in the outskirts of Uttarakhand, where there’s no proper network. A source close to Manoj informed, “He was shooting for a film with Deepak Dobriyal in the wilderness when disaster struck. Luckily, he has his wife Shabana and daughter Ava Nyla with him.” Deepak Dobriyal, who was shooting with Manoj in Uttarakhand, is there too.

PRASOON PANDEY’S SHORT FILM, FAMILY, WENT VIRAL ON SOCIAL MEDIA. THE FILM FEATURING AMITABH BACHCHAN, RAJINIKANTH, RANBIR KAPOOR, ALIA BHATT, PRIYANKA CHOPRA JONAS, DILJIT DOSANJH, CHIRANJEEVI, MOHANLAL, MAMMOOTTY AND PROSENJIT CHATTERJEE AMONG OTHERS, URGES FANS TO STAY AT HOME.

Salman Khan is currently in quarantine in his Panvel farmhouse, away from family.

But the actor has been actively helping people in need ever since the lockdown started.

Earlier, the actor offered to handle the daily expenses of 25,000 workers from the industry. Now, he’s helping 50 female ground workers in Malegaon, who have run out of everyday essentials. Known for his generosity, this gesture of Bhai doesn’t come as a surprise.

MEANWHILE...

Although Salman has announced that he will take up Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali after wrapping up Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai, latest reports suggest that the script of Kabhi Eid… is being re-written and hence the film might be delayed. So Salman might zero in on another project during quarantine. Hopefully, details about the new project will be revealed soon.

SAIF MISSES MOM ANUSHKA AAYUSH’S ENJOYS SHARMILA GOL GAPPE SAFARI LIFE Saif Ali Khan is spending his quarantine with Kareena Kapoor Khan and baby Taimur Ali Khan. According to a picture that Kareena posted on her Instagram, her boys are keeping themselves busy with planting and painting among other things. It seems Saif is worried about mom Sharmila Tagore and sister Saba Ali Khan, who are in Delhi. But he’s glad they are safe at home.

He compared the social distancing during the lockdown to a voyage, where you can see the shore from afar but there’s water in between.

14 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

One thing we all miss during the lockdown is the delicious street food.

Whether it’s pani puri or hot momos, we have food cravings taking over us every day. But the lockdown did not stop Anushka Sharma from getting some scrumptious gol gappas at home. Anushka, who is in home quarantine with her parents and husband Virat Kohli, was fortunate to enjoy homemade gol gappas followed by besan barfi made by her mother. Lucky girl.

Salman Khan was at his Panvel farmhouse when the lockdown was announced. Salman’s sister Arpita Khan Sharma, husband Aayush Sharma, their kids Ahil and Aayat are at the farmhouse along with Salman and Sohail Khan’s son Nirvaan Khan.

As Aayush put it, they are living the ‘safari’ life there.

Apart from animals like cows, goats and ducks there, the family also witnessed wild life in the form of leopards in the vicinity. In fact, they even found a king cobra in the gym.

ACCORDING TO REPORTS, AAMIR KHAN’S FAMILY IS AT THEIR PALI HILL RESIDENCE HOWEVER HIS SON JUNAID KHAN IS AT THEIR PANCHGANI BUNGALOW EVER SINCE THE LOCKDOWN WAS ANNOUNCED. WITH NO WAY TO TRAVEL BACK TO THE CITY AMIDST THE LOCKDOWN, THE STAR KID IS STAYING PUT AT THE FAMILY BUNGALOW.

NUSHRAT BHARUCHA will be one of the judges for FilmfareME’s oncoming digital talent hunt called Arab Asia Stars. She and her family spent six days shooting the images of her cover story.

May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 15

Eid COVER STORY

C

g n i t a elebr

with

Nushrat Bharucha

A

s the pretty actor celebrates Eid at home in the current lockdown, she reminisces of the time she faced a different kind of body shaming – for not being the conventional Bollywood actress but being petite and looking younger than her

age. Nushrat Bharucha cocks a snook at the regressive idea and embraces herself with self-love. She discusses how she managed to quieten the inner murmurs of her self-critical mind, worked on her self-esteem and emerged victorious. This self-made actor treated every audition as a stepping stone to improve her skills, and vehemently refused to give up.

She tells Manju Ramanan how her parents helped her shoot the Eid cover at home. Nushrat will be next seen in Chaalang with Rajkummar Rao and Hudrang with Sunny Kaushal.

Tell us about shooting the Filmfare ME cover in quarantine?

How was the whole process?

Shooting the cover was challenging but very interesting and a lot of fun. My mom and dad pitched in and got their creative juices going as well. We pulled out old sarees, especially vintage sarees, deciding the camera angle, accessories, pulling out my entire desi clothes section, skirts, tops, kurtis. the works. It was like a project we pulled off together and we took over 5-6 days.

What is the Nushrat twist you bring to your apparel? Any 16 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

signature look you put on?

I think the signature look would have to be my mom’s vintage sarees, ancient jewelry and making it all look good with a certain aesthetic. At the same time, make it look interesting as a picture..

What are your plans for Eid?

My plans for Eid are a lot to do with food. I am not that talented as a cook, but will learn to make biryani from my mom and send it to friends and family. Yes, my sheer korma is going to be made with almond milk this time. That

My favourite Eidi was what my nana and naani used to send me. We used to call it ‘mawa’ and that had a bunch of chocolates, dry-fruits and sweets put together.

May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 17

COVER STORY

will make it even more interesting.

What has been your most memorable Eidi till date?

My favourite Eidi was what my nana and naani used to send me. We used to call it ‘mawa’ and that

had a bunch of chocolates, dry-fruits and sweets put together.

My cousins and I would get equal shares of the packets.

Both my maternal grandparents have passed on, and I really miss them during Eid.

Every year of your adult life when asked about your marriage you bargained one more year? Are you getting married anytime soon?

Yes, I am living on borrowed time as far as marriage time is concerned.

My entire family is hoping

that I find someone and get married and settled.

But I have no plans to get married and every year I ask them for one more year. I am happy with the way my career has shaped and I will marry when I meet the right person. I want to take my time in knowing the person but I haven’t found my man yet.

What do you look for in a partner?

I rate understanding above everything else. A mature understanding and respect for the kind of work I do and an unwavering trust in the fact that I would always have the larger picture in my head. As partners, we need to complete each other.

How did the ads, TV serials and films happen?

Ads, TV and films have all happened the traditional way for me through auditions. I waited in long queues, held the placard, showed my side profile to the camera, did my bit and if I got lucky, would get shortlisted.

LSD happened through an audition. Pyaar ka Punchnama was an audition too.

With no background in the film industry, was your journey tough?

I think everybody goes through their own process of self-discovery. Acting as an art form is very pure and if, you are able to connect to the emotion of the scene and bring it out onscreen, you will deliver a great performance. If you captivate audiences, hone your skills with every film and get better at your craft, it will make you a better actor. I made good use of all my auditions, even if I wasn’t sure I wanted to do that role. They all helped me train better. I would carry the knowledge I gathered in my auditions to the roles I was handed out on TV or cinema. I learnt on the job.

Are you glad that the issue of body shaming is finally addressed?

Yes, I am glad it is being addressed through cinema.

Like several actresses, I too have been body shamed.

18 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

People would look at me and ask me if I was a child looking for a role and I had to convince them that I was older. As for my height, I am petite. I have danced in uncomfortable six-inch heels because the heroes were taller and if I was going to be in the same frame as them, I had to look right. I got used to being all day in heels and fit into the frame. It was painful initially but I got used to it. When you walk in heels it is different but you have to master dancing in heels. I always feel that I dance with more vigor and abandon without heels but hey! no complaints.

Which were the tall hero -short heroine films that gave you hope?

I loved all of them. Over the years, there are many actors and actors who have been paired like that. When I watched Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji in Bunty aur Babli and Yuva, it gave me a lot of hope. Shraddha Kapoor, who is petite has been very encouraging. She and Aditya Roy Kapoor in Aashiqui 2 have a difference in height but it hardly shows.

She is super supportive and full of love and positivity. I am glad that a certain mold of the heroine has changed over the years and petite girls are being cast like any other actress. There is acceptance on both sides.

How did you handle rejection? And how did you get stronger?

Rejection does dampen your spirits and hopes. I experienced rejection a lot of times in the beginning of my career. But then, I would tell myself “koi nahi, the next one will work out.” Hope makes you stronger.

You’ve been part of edgy roles. Do they resonate with your real-life persona ?

My roles have been hatke and I don’t personally resonate with them. I am edgy in real life and quite a handful. I am eccentric at times and well balanced too.

Sometimes I am mad and sometimes moody. But I am responsible and don’t let my emotions get the better of me.

May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 19

COVER STORY

How did you manage to keep people away when you are in a mental zone of preparing for a role?

While preparing for my role in my film Akashwani where I play a rape victim, I left home and lived alone.

I went through workshops, rehearsals and confined myself to a solitary space.

My character in the film was a live corpse and there was no sense of happiness

20 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

and hope left in her and I had to project that. My food would arrive from home, otherwise I was totally on my own. Today I have evolved to a space where I can disconnect from everybody to get into character wherever I am, and I don’t have to leave home.

You are very close to your paternal granmom. Tell us

how she inspires you?

My dadi is a Rockstar. She is 87 years old and does all her work by herself. She even insists on washing her own clothes, cook her own food, make her own tea, dust, clean etc and be active always.

Also, she has a very agile mind. She is up to date with all magazine, surfs YouTube, watches news across the world and keeps herself busy. Also, she is comfortable

with her me-time. She sings ghazals, prays and she has got a really nice routine to her life. I aspire to be like that at her age. That would be amazing.

You have said that roles come looking for you and work out better than the ones you chase?

When the directors and makers reach out to me and offer me a role, it gives me

Quick Question FIVE THINGS THE QUARANTINE HAS TAUGHT YOU Cooking, how to be okay with being silent for a long time, to be okay with yourself and be responsible to the other people in the house who need to be looked after, to run a house and that it is absolutely fine to have nothing to do and have bad days.

HOW MANY FILMS HAVE YOU BINGE WATCHED? I cannot count. Everything that is trending has been consumed and more on the way.

ANY NEW TATTOOS PLANNED? I won’t brave it anytime soon. The next one is going to take a long time.

YOUR FAVOURITE CHEAT MEAL? I love the Chinese Chowmein my mom makes. It is yum.

A BOLLYWOOD DANCING STAR YOU FOLLOW? There are some truly great dancers in the industry. I was amazed to see Shradha and Varun perform in Street Dancer.

Tiger Shroff, Hrithik sir, Ranveer Singh – the list is endless. I am far behind.

ANY CELEBRITY YOU STALK? I stalk Kareena Kapoor Khan madam. Her pictures, looks, her clothes, I fully stalk her.

THREE TIPS FOR A GLOWING SKIN Drink lots of water, don’t take stress, don’t get anxious and eat right.

HOW DO YOU KEEP FIT INDOORS? I work out indoors and sometimes add a dance to my workout to keep me energetic and pumped up

immense faith and zest to deliver the faith back to them. When that happens, the magic can be seen on screen. Having said that I will say that I love cinema as a whole. I love everything

about cinema. Everybody brings such uniqueness to a project and it is just amazing an industry to be a part of.

What about acting in a web series space? Today big

films are releasing on these platforms.

I love the web series space and I feel it is very accessible and the freedom to make cinema – of your kind. It is not restricted by big budgets

and there is some fabulous talent out there to explore. I am an avid binger and look out for what is new on all OTT platforms. n May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 21

COVERSTORY COVERSTORY

#LOCKDOWNSPECIAL COVERSTORY

#LOCKDOWNSPECIAL

CORONA

RELIEF WARRIORS DEVESH SHARMA LISTS THE REAL HEROES FROM THE FILM INDUSTRY, WHO HAVE COME OUT TO SUPPORT INDIA’S FIGHT AGAINST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

BE

it flood, drought, famine or earthquake, the denizens of the film industry have always come forward to help their fellow citizens in time of need.

Currently, when India is suffering from the corona pandemic and is under lockdown, our stars have been keeping us entertained through fitness, food and videos of them being goofy.

But apart from the feel-good factor, they have also opened up their coffers and displayed a large-heartedness that should be appreciated.

Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan, for instance, through their various companies - Kolkata Knight Riders, Red Chillies Entertainment, Meer Foundation and Red Chillies VFX – have pledged their support to various initiatives.

Meer Foundation will supply 50,000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Maharashtra and West Bengal governments f or healthcare professionals. It has also tied up with Ek Saath - The Earth organisation to provide food to over 5500 families for a month in Mumbai. Meer Foundation will also provide three lakh meal kits to 10,000 underprivileged people and daily wage labourers daily in Mumbai, in association with the Roti Foundation.

SRK has also pledged support to the Working People’s Charter to provide essentials to over 2500 daily wage 22 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

workers in Delhi for a month. SRK and Gauri also offered their 4-storey office space to the BMC to help expand their quarantine capacity, equipped with essentials for children, women and the elderly.

Salman Khan has pledged to financially support 25,000 daily wage workers from the film industry till the end of the lockdown. He has also extended help to 50 female ground workers in Malegaon after he heard of their financial plight.

Amitabh Bachchan too has pledged to provide monthly ration to one lakh daily wage workers belonging to the All India Film Employees Confederation amid the coronavirus pandemic. The initiative is supported

by Sony Pictures Networks India and Kalyan Jewellers. Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty too have contributed 51 lakhs each to the fund set up by Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to bring relief to daily wage workers. Hrithik Roshan transferred 25 lakhs to the Cine Artiste Welfare Trust (CAWT). He has also partnered with an NGO to facilitate 1.2 lakh meals for senior citizens, daily wage workers and low-income groups during the lockdown period. He reached out to the paparazzi fraternity too in their hour of need. The actor’s helped in procuring N95 and FFP3 masks for the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) workers and other caretakers as well.

Akshay Kumar donated 25 crores in the fight against the

AMITABH BACHCHAN HAS PLEDGED TO PROVIDE MONTHLY RATION TO ONE LAKH DAILY WAGE WORKERS, BELONGING TO THE ALL INDIA FILM EMPLOYEES CONFEDERATION AMID THE PANDEMIC coronavirus pandemic. He also pledged to contribute three crores to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to assist in the making of personal protection equipment. The Yash Chopra Foundation declared it would donate 5000 each to 3000 daily wage earners — 250 randomly selected members of Mahila Kalakar Sangh, 250 members of Junior Artistes Association and 25000 members of Film Studios Setting and Allied Mazdoor Union — from the film fraternity. Karan Johar will be donating to PM-CARES and Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Relief Fund through his banner Dharma Productions. The production house will also be helping out not-for-profits such as Give India Fundraisers, GOONJ, Zomato Feeding India, International Association for Human Values (IAHV) and Producers Guild of India. Netflix India will contribute

7.64 crores to the relief fund set up by Producers Guild of India, which will be distributed to daily wage earners hit by the complete lockdown.

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan have decided to donate to UNICEF, GIVE INDIA and the International Association for Human Values (IAHV). Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas too donated an undisclosed amount to 10 charities including the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 23

COVERSTORY

#LOCKDOWNSPECIAL

SOUTH CRUSADERS The South industry too rallied their support in a big way. Rajinikanth donated 50 lakhs to the daily wage workers of the South film industry. The actor donated the amount to the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) Union workers, who were facing a shutdown due to the coronavirus outbreak. Prabhas donated three crores to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and 50 lakhs each to the Chief Minister’s relief fund of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Mahesh Babu contributed one crore to the CM Relief Fund of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states. Pawan Kalyan announced a donation of one crore to the PM Relief Fund and added he would be donating 50 lakhs each to both the AP and Telangana CM Relief Fund to fight against the pandemic.

Ram Charan announced that he would be donating 70 lakhs to the PMO and the state governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

His father, superstar Chiranjeevi, donated one crore for providing relief to the film workers. While Kamal Haasan and Dhanush contributed 10 lakhs each to the Film Employees Association of South India, director Shankar contributed 15 lakhs. Ajith Kumar donated 50 lakhs each to the PM and the CM’s Relief Fund.

He also contributed 25 lakhs to the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI).

24 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

Situations Fund (PMCARES), UNICEF, Goonj, Doctors Without Borders, No Kid Hungry and SAGAFTRA. Ayushmann Khurrana contributed to the PM-CARES Fund and along with wife Tahira Kashyap, has extended support to a non-profit organisation in Delhi, Gulmeher - a women’s collective of wastepickers turned artisans. The organisation works with

about 200 women ragpickers. Rakul Preet Singh and her family are feeding 200 families from a slum near their Gurugram home daily. Arjun Kapoor went on a virtual date with five lucky winners to raise funds for out of work daily wage earners. Arjun made this possible through his sister Anshula Kapoor’s online fundraising platform Fankind. He raised enough funds to feed the families of 300 daily wage earners for a month.

Tamannaah Bhatia has joined hands with an NGO, Letsallhelp.org, to help migrant workers. She mobilised almost 50 tonnes of food products to help 10,000 migrant workers in Mumbai. Rohit Shetty has put eight of his hotels at the disposal of on-duty police officers to rest, shower and change. He’s also made arrangements for their breakfast and dinner. He too has donated 51 lakhs to help daily wage workers.

Bhushan Kumar donated 11 crores to the PM-CARES Fund. He also gave one crore to the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh also pledged their support towards the PM-CARES Fund to help combat the coronavirus pandemic in the country. Vicky Kaushal said he would be contributing one crore to the PM-CARES Fund and Maharashtra CM’s Relief Fund. So did Kartik Aaryan, who mentioned

ARJUN KAPOOR WENT ON A VIRTUAL DATE WITH FIVE LUCKY WINNERS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR DAILY WAGE EARNERS that whatever money he had earned, was only because of the people of India. Nana Patekar sent out a tweet along with a video message, announcing that he would be donating 50 lakhs to the PM CARES Fund to support India’s fight against COVID-19.

Patekar donated the amount on behalf of Naam foundation.

Shilpa Shetty Kundra pledged to donate a sum of 21 lakhs to the PM-CARES Fund. Varun Dhawan pledged 30 lakhs to the PM-CARES Fund and 25 lakhs to Maharashtra CM’s Relief Fund. India’s Nightingale, Lata Mangeshkar contributed 25 lakhs to Maharashtra CM’s Relief Fund to combat the crisis. Diljit Dosanjh pledged to donate 20 lakhs to support the ongoing battle against the coronavirus pandemic, while singer Badshah pledged 25 lakhs.

Comedian Kapil Sharma has also donated a sum of 50 lakhs to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

Aamir Khan too contributed to the PM-CARES Fund and the Maharashtra CM’s Relief Fund. In addition to donating to the funds, the actor will also be extending support to the daily wage workers, who are employed in his upcoming film Laal Singh Chaddha. Alia Bhatt, Sonam Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Bhumi Pednekar, Kriti Sanon and Sara Ali Khan too have donated to the PM-CARES Fund but didn’t mention the amount. Rajkummar Rao voiced his support and donated to the PM’s Relief Fund, CM’s Relief Fund and also to Zomato Feeding India.

In such a scenario, we’re reminded about what the late President of the United States, John F Kennedy said in his famous inaugural address, “Ask not what your country has done for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Back home too, our stars, who keep us entertained during peacetime, have come out all guns blazing while we are at war with an invisible enemy. The abovementioned names are just some shining examples. We’re sure there are many, who have anonymously contributed to this cause. We would like to thank them as well. And see you at the movies. Hopefully soon...

n May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 25

I’m waiting

INTERVIEW

love

to fall in

RAKUL PREET SINGH ON LIFE, LOVE AND LESSONS IN AN INTIMATE CHAT WITH SUMAN SHARMA

F

PHOTOGRAPHS: TARAS TARAPORVALA | HAIR: ASHIS BOGI | MAKE-UP: SALIM SAYYED | STYLIST: AASTHA SHARMA Sweat shirt: Amy Winehouse Foundation, Collective India | Jewellery: Confluence Official Zariin, Bhavya Ramesh Jewellery, Mukuchyan

rom the stark military background to the shimmery showbiz stage… dreamy-eyed Rakul Preet Singh has traversed the two worlds effortlessly. Armed with discipline, focus and willpower, the army girl applied these in her mercurial vocation and emerged

trumps. The Femina Miss India made her Telugu debut in Keratam (2011) and Tamil debut in in Thadaiyara Thaakka the next year. Going on to enjoy massive popularity in the Telugu industry with films like Current Theega, Rough and Loukyam, the South megastar made her Bollywood debut in Yaariyan in 2014. Aiyaary and Marjaavaan were add-ons to her Hindi repertoire. But it was De De Pyaar De (DDPD) opposite Ajay Devgn that made Hindi audiences thaw to her talent and charm. Coming up are Attack with Arjun Kapoor and Indra Kumar’s comedy, Thank God, with Ajay Devgn, confirming she’s come home to the maximum city. Widely followed on Instagram, the millennial star says her postings are only to show her fans and followers how much she’s like them. Excerpts…

What took you so long to make a mark in Hindi films?

I’ve been busy doing South films. I thought I’d manage both. But both the industries work differently. So it became difficult. I’ve shifted my base to Mumbai now.

I’m happy that it happened after so many years because I gained experience being before the camera. I grew in touch with my craft. Or else I couldn’t have pulled off Aisha’s character in De De 26 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

Pyaar De (DDPD). I was a kid when I did Yaariyan.

My role in DDPD was full-fledged, a show reel where I had to dance, show emotions… everything. I want to keep experimenting and do different roles.

Modern, girl-next-door, glam, no-glam... Playing varied roles is a high for any actor. Even if I act in one cult film – like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge or Jab We Met – in my career I’ll be happy.

Did you always aspire to be an actress?

I was not filmi. My father was in the army. We used to stay around the border.

We used to watch films on VCR, months after they were released. We didn’t have TV till I was in class four. Dad wanted us to do outdoor activities. I began watching and enjoying films only after the ninth standard when we came to Delhi. Every girl somewhere wants to be an actor. After finishing my

studies, I thought I’d give it a try. I gave myself two years to try my luck in films.

I moved to Mumbai. Luckily, things worked out.

How has the trek been?

Nothing comes without a struggle. I am spiritual so I hate the word struggle.

It’s so negative. You’ll only find it a struggle when you do something, which you don’t want to. Acting is my passion. So the struggle itself becomes sweet. I had

I am spiritual so I hate the word struggle.

It’s so negative…

Acting is my passion.

So the struggle itself becomes sweet...

Choose a job from which you don’t need a vacation. I can work 360 days a year

May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 27

INTERVIEW

De De Pyaar De

Aiyaary

NTR Kathanayakudu

I love being a different person every day. I love to go on the set, act, feel... It’s a beautiful job where you get to express different emotions. You might not have love in your life but on screen you create the idea of romance never faced a camera in my life. I learnt everything on the job. That’s the beauty of it.

What are your takeaways from the disappointments?

When you’ve auditioned from door to door and waited so many years – you value your work. You value time. I knew the journey would be tough. But what’s the fun if it’s easy? I don’t crib about it. The profession taught me to have a strong willpower, believe in myself and remain focussed and disciplined. If you don’t give your 100 per cent, you’ll never get 100 per cent. Before Yaariyan, I was told I had a generic face.

But I accepted it. It made me believe in myself all the more. You just become stronger emotionally and mentally.

What have you discovered about yourself in the last few years?

That I am a workaholic.

Feeling tired is just a state of mind. I love my work so much that I can go on working. I have that drive.

I can push myself. My willpower has been tested time and again. I’m glad I possess it. Choose a job from which you don’t need a vacation. I can work 360 days a year.

Do you believe socialising/ networking is necessary to 28 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

further opportunities?

In any profession,networking is important. But partying is not going to get you a film.

Ultimately, it’s your talent that will work. I like to hang out with people. I love socialising. But I don’t like to talk work when I socialise. Relationships forged without career concerns are the ones that matter the most.

What do you love the most about your profession?

friends, parents or relatives.

My family and friends give me a reality check.

You’re active on social media. Is it a necessity or do you enjoy it?

I’m more active on Instagram than Twitter. I can handle Insta myself. It’s a happier platform where people come together and share happy things. Twitter can sometimes get negative. There’s so much hatred in the world, which

Just being in front of the camera. I love being a different person every day.

I love to go on the set, act, feel... It’s such a beautiful job where you get to express different emotions. You might not have love in your life but on screen you create the idea of romance.

It gives you so much to tap internally.

Are you single or attached?

(Smiles) Single since the past four years. My brother jokes saying I intimidate guys. I guess, work has

Love is a beautiful emotion, which has lost its meaning today... In a way self-love and being selfless go hand in hand. Caring for

How do you stay real in a glamorous world?

Acting is just a job for me.

Once I come home, I’m like a girl-next- door. I don’t take myself so seriously. We should have a life beyond films. Life needs to include other things. I read, I play golf, I hang out with my friends. I enjoy baking. It’s important to disconnect and be normal. It’s important to surround yourself with people, who can still yell at you… be it your school

is why I don’t interact much there. Insta is a great platform to connect with people, who give you so much love. When they see my day-to-day life, behind-the-scene videos, they realise I’m a normal girl.

I’m like anyone of you.

others and at the same time respecting yourself

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EXTROVERT OR INTROVERT… An extrovert. Some people

RAPID FIRE

taken priority. But if you find the right person you can always make time. I haven’t found the right person. But I truly will. I’m a believer in love.

A DATING TIP… Be who you are.

find me intimidating. But after knowing me, they find

DESCRIBE A PERFECT

me clumsy.

KISS… A perfect kiss doesn’t have

EMOTIONAL OR

to be described. It has

PRACTICAL…

to be felt.

What’s your kind of a guy?

A mix of both. I’m an I take time to invest my emotions in someone.

I don’t wear my heart on my sleeves.

My dream man has to be sixfeet tall. I’m tall myself and I wear heels. Someone who’s a happy person with no hang-ups. Someone who’s driven.

I don’t want all the money with no intellect and drive.

Someone who’s focussed about his work and what he has to achieve. Someone who’s not only intelligent but an intellectual.

IF YOU CATCH

emotional person but

THE SEXIEST GUY IN BOLLYWOOD..

Ranveer Singh.

YOURBOYFRIEND CHEATING ON YOU? I’ll first ask why. But you can’t justify cheating in a relationship. So I’ll

SUCCESS MEANS… How happy and content you are. What’s the point of all the money and fame if you don’t wake up happy?

A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK RANVEER SINGH… Yeh energy ka raaz kya hai?

leave him.

THREE THINGS YOU DO ON THE SET… If it’s an easy day, I read some scripts. I watch

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

Netflix on my iPad or

Life. Actually, I’m spiritual.

phone if I have a longer

So nothing should make you

break.

Your concept of love…

happy or unhappy.

YOUR TRAVEL WISH WHAT IRRITATES YOU?

LIST…

People, who don’t take their job seriously, who don’t value time.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT?

I want to go on a world

…TO AJAY DEVGN? How do you remain so calm always?

tour and enjoy the cuisines in different countries. I am a foodie.

WHAT MAKES A WOMAN

No. That’s infatuation. Love is

SEXY?

deep-rooted.

Self-confidence.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST FALL

YOUR SEX-APPEAL

IN LOVE?

LIES IN…

I’m waiting to fall in love.

My soul.

A QUALITY THAT DRAWS YOU TO A MAN… Intellect.

A TRAIT THAT PUTS YOU

…TO ARJUN KAPOOR? Do you crack jokes even in your sleep?

ONE THING YOU WANT TO CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF: I’m too harsh on myself.

Like if I have a 6 am shoot,

OFF…

I’ll work out at 4 am and

Showing off.

then do yoga. I don’t let go.

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I should have been born in a purana zamana. I’ve an old world view about love... When I see Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma I’m like wow!

Unko dekhkar you believe in love. You have to make each other’s lives better

Love is a beautiful emotion, which has lost its meaning today. In a way self-love and being selfless go hand in hand. Caring for others and at the same time respecting yourself. I should have been born in a purana zamana.

I’ve an old-world view about love. Like how my parents are each other’s pillars.

When I see Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma I’m like vow! Unko dekhkar you believe in love. You don’t have to be demanding in love. You just have to make each other’s lives better. It’s about giving and taking at the same time. Whether it’s with your friend, parents or your partner… it’s all about making the relationship worthwhile.

What cements a relationship?

Common interests. Because the initial attraction will fade if you don’t have anything to do beyond meeting for a few hours. Marriages are not surviving today because they were based on infatuation. If two people are first good friends, if they can sit for hours and share a conversation… it makes a relationship strong.

What kind of wedding would you like to have?

A destination wedding on the beach with just about 100 people. It will be a complete party. I have it all planned. I just have to find the guy. n May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 29

PRINCE

INTERVIEW

CHARMING K A RTI K A A RYA N O N LOVE, RUMOURS AND REALITY… IN A C ANDID C HAT WITH AN URADHA CHO UDHARY

If there’s one actor, whose success story is the stuff of blockbusters, it’s definitely Kartik Aaryan.

The young boy from Gwalior, went through an extended struggle to make it at the movies. But once he did, the outsider received immense love and recognition. Good looks mixed with talent and a humble persona has made him the poster boy of millennials. A determined Kartik balanced attending engineering lectures with giving auditions till he finally made his acting debut with Pyaar Ka Punchnama (2011). The small-town boy was on his way to realise his big dreams. His popularity soared with Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 (2015) and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018) – his lover boy charm having a pan-India appeal. His latest release Love Aaj Kal won him praise for his double take while Pati Patni Aur Woh is yet another superhit in his profile. With biggies like Anees Bazmee’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Karan Johar’s Dostana 2 in the pipeline, there’s no denying that Kartik Aaryan has slalomed into the elite showbiz club…

Love Aaj Kal didn’t do as expected. What did it teach you?

 Love Aaj Kal

Love Aaj Kal has been a journey like no other.

Imtiaz Ali sir changed me as an actor. He’s a Sufi in his outlook. Playing two characters in a film could have been difficult. But he made it easy. For both my characters, Veer and Raghu, we had separate body language classes. I had to lose 10 kilos for Raghu, who’s in school. I had to be lanky while shooting those portions.Through conversations, through workshops, through his direction, I learnt a lot from him. Every day was a new learning.

Are you romantic in real life as in your films?

At heart, I’m a romantic. In a relationship, I’d do anything to make the other person smile. I’d keep gifting her things. It could be the biggest 30 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

of things or the smallest of them. The thought is all that matters. Even if it’s gifting her a rose, a chocolate, toffees… every day to make her feel happy and special. I love it when a loved one is happy and there’s a smile on their face. That’s my idea of love.

You’ve been romantically linked with all your co-stars – Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Panday and now Janhvi Kapoor. What’s the truth?

If there’s a rumour linking me to a co-star, I don’t know what to say about it. It’s not in my hands.

Whom are you seeing – Ananya or Janhvi?

Technically, I’m single.

I am a romantic person but currently only interested in work. (Laughs) I only talk about my work and professional life.

Okay, tell us about Janhvi.

She’s a great co-star. I’ve done just one schedule of

THE THOUGHT MATTE RS. EV EN IF IT’S GIF TIN G HER A ROS E , A CHOCOL AT E, TOFF E E S … EV ERY DAY TO MAKE HER FE E L HA PPY AND S P E CIA L. I L OV E IT WHE N A LOV ED ONE I S HA PPY

PHOTOGRAPHS: ARJUN MARK / FEMINA

May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 31

INTERVIEW

Dostana 2 with her. Our next schedule is in London, the last one was in Patiala.

I’m looking forward to starting the second one.

Janhvi’s a quiet person but once she opens up, you want to spend time with her. That’s a quality she has. We bonded well during our shoot. I hope people like

biggest of things matter to me.

Are you a natural or method actor?

Most of my films have been comedies. So they didn’t require method. For Love Aaj Kal, I was living the characters Raghu and Veer. There was a method

outsider in terms of getting his/her first break and then to get the second and the third. But at the end of the day, your hard work and talent sees you through. I’m blessed that the industry welcomed me. I am from Gwalior. I feared my parents wouldn’t allow me to leave the place. So I told them I’m

was rubbished by people saying, ‘Arre paagal hai’.

Today it can be seen as ‘overconfidence’. When people you trust begin to think like that about you it’s sad. At the end of the day we’re just humans, not ‘stars’.

You can take the boy out of

IF THE R E ’S A RUMOUR LINK ING ME TO A CO-S TAR, I DON’T K NOW WHAT TO SAY A BOUT IT. IT’S NOT IN M Y HA NDS … TE C HNIC A LLY, I’M S INGLE . I A M A ROMA N T IC P E RS ON BUT C UR R E NTLY ONLY INTE R E S TE D IN WORK

Dostana 2.

Did you ever imagine this kind of success?

You do dream about such days. Then one day when it finally happens it feels unreal. As a child, I’ve witnessed the difficult journeys of both my parents.

That inspired me. Hence, I was never let down by failures. I learnt from them and tried to do better each time. Once you’re content, your journey ends. I relish my journey. I’m glad I’m still not content. I am constantly working. Every second for me counts. The smallest of things and the 32 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

involved. I got emotional when we shot the last scene.

Imtiaz sir hugged me and said, “I understand...it’s after all the journey of living those characters.”

You’re an outsider who’s made it. What’s your take on nepotism?

Of course, nepotism exists big time here and outside.

Initially, you don’t get the chances. You don’t get to meet the right people as you don’t know anyone in the industry. It’s a task to crack it or be in the same room as the star kids. It’s always difficult for an

going to Mumbai to study engineering. I’m proud of my struggle because what it has taught me, no school would have been able to.

You have to create your own path. It’s a different journey for each person. I value everything because it hasn’t come easy to me. Today, filmmakers are just a phone call away. Earlier getting their numbers was also a big deal.

Do you fear success can go to your head?

No. I’ve always believed in myself. When I was a struggler that confidence

a small-town but you cannot take the small town out of the boy. Does that hold true for you?

Yeah. I’m a complete small-town boy. I don’t know whether that’s good or derogatory. I’ve seen so much of life because I’m from Gwalior. I didn’t live in a pampered bubble. Being a small-town boy has been my strength.

WILL YOU DO FILMS BEYOND THE ROM-COM GENRE? I want to do action after this. I love thrillers. My favourite series is Breaking Bad. I’m a diehard fan of

JANHVI KAPOOR’S A GREAT CO-STAR. SHE’S A QUIET PERSON. BUT ONCE SHE OPENS UP, YOU WANT TO SPEND TIME WITH HER. WE BONDED WELL DURING THE SHOOT OF DOSTANA 2

Game Of Thrones. I’d love to do something like that.

But I love comedies as well.

I loved playing Sonu (Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety), Guddu Shukla from Luka Chuppi or Chintu Tyagi from Pati Patni Aur Woh and now Raghu and Veer from Love Aaj Kal. I also want to do negative characters as in films like Baazigar and Darr. I want to attempt all genres.

You’re going to start Bhool Bhulaiyaa now...

I can’t wait to go on the sets of Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Anees (Bazmee) sir and the team have had several meetings already. There’s great energy amongst us. Dostana 2 is something, which will push the envelope.

 With Janhvi Kapoor

 With Ananya Panday

You’ve become the go-to-guy for filmmakers. How do you analyse that?

I’m happy about it. For the first time in the last two years, I’m facing date issues. For the last eight years, I had all the dates available and they were hardly needed. I’m gathering momentum. But I don’t want to hamper the quality of my work. Boxoffice figures should be maintained along with your calibre as an actor. n May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 33

INTERVIEW

Escape to fantasy NAWAZUDDIN SIDDIQUI TELLS SUMAN SHARMA ACTING HAS BEEN CATHARTIC FOR HIM PHOTOGRAPHS: PRATHAMESH BANDEKAR

N

awazuddin Siddiqui was perhaps a chameleon in his previous birth. That possibly explains his penchant for immersing himself into his characters.

An unassuming presence off-screen, the effect is totally reversed on screen.

You can’t take your eyes off him. His gestures say a thousand words and he steals the scene even with his silences. He can be the legendary writer Saadat Manto, Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray as well as

the fictional crime lord, Ganesh Gaitonde, with equal ease. Who would have thought that the no-name actor, who was beaten up by the police in Sarfarosh (1999), would one day rub shoulders with top stars and make them a fan of his talent?

But showbiz dreams are made up of such improbabilities.

I first met Nawaz on the set of Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012). He had made waves as a maverick police inspector in Sujoy Ghosh’s

Motichoor Chaknachoor

34 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

TEN YEARS AGO, LOOKING AT MY FACE, PEOPLE USED TO REJECT ME FOR ROMANTIC ROLES. NOW, FILMMAKERS BELIEVE I’M CAPABLE OF SUCH CHARACTERS. WHY SHOULD I SAY NO TO THEM? THIS IS THE RIGHT AGE TO DO IT. I CAN’T DO ROMANTIC ROLES AT 60

May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 35

INTERVIEW

Kahaani (2012) and was basking in his newfound success. Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur escalated that even further and made him a household name. The National School of Drama graduate since then has wowed viewers with a medley of portrayals in hordes of films. Aamir Khan’s Talash, Salman Khan’s Kick and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Varun Dhawan’s Badlapur, Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees and Ketan Mehta’s critically acclaimed Manjhi – The Mountain Man comprise just a few of those.

N

ow, hurrying through numerous interviews in a five-star hotel in Mumbai, he seems to be the same person I first met. Ask him whether he’s changed and he grins. “A person has to change with time. But your honesty shouldn’t get corrupted, otherwise you’ll lose out as an actor.

I believe I’ve been able to retain my truthfulness and integrity.” Back in the ‘80s, an actor like him would have been relegated

SATYAJIT RAY ROCKED THE WHOLE WORLD SITTING IN KOLKATA. I DON’T NEED TO WORK IN HOLLYWOOD TO PROVE THAT I’M A GOOD ACTOR. WHEN I AM GETTING GOOD ROLES HERE, WHY SHOULD I GO TO HOLLYWOOD? to just art cinema. But Nawaz today is thriving in the mass space. His last release, Debamitra Biswal’s Motichoor Chaknachoor, for example, saw him as a leading man opposite Athiya Shetty.

“I don’t understand what mainstream cinema is.

I’m doing the work that I wanted to do,” he cites modestly.

He agrees that he does not have to struggle to get films now. He states that he wanted to do romantic roles from the beginning of his career. He reminds you that apart from romancing Athiya, he has  Thackeray

36 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

also romanced Sanya Malhotra in Ritesh Batra’s Photograph. He smiles, “Ten years ago, looking at my face, people used to reject me for such roles.

Now, filmmakers think I’m capable of such characters.

Why should I say no to them? This is the right age to do it. I can’t do romantic roles at 60.” He’s amazed when people accuse him of doing films strictly for money. Something like Munna Michael for instance, which had him co-starring with Tiger Shroff. He counters saying all actors work for money.

“Signing a film purely for money doesn’t mean you have to give less than your best as an actor. I’ve given my 100 per cent and more to such films too.” He adds that variety helps him grow as an actor. Or else the industry is quick to typecast actors.

It’s said that there are two kinds of actors. One type is always in character and the other can snap out of it at will. What’s Nawaz’s approach towards his roles?

He states that it depends from role to role. He needs to know the mindset of the character he’s portraying.

For that he works closely with the director, as well as the writer of the film. “I listen to everyone’s views and pick out a common element from them.

Basically, my aim is to start thinking like my character.

The rest follows,” he says.

He gives the example of bringing to life the late Balasaheb Thackeray in Abhijit Panse’s Thackeray.

He said he didn’t want to mimic the politician.

He wanted to convey the essence of his personality.

“I wanted to look like him but not imitate him. It was a challenge to be able to portray his charismatic persona. Seeing the response, it seems to be well-received.”

Sometimes a role does get to him and interferes with his off-screen life.

For instance, Nandita Das’ Manto acted as a sort of truth serum. “After doing Manto, I wanted to speak the truth however bitter it

was,” he laughs. “I had to face many difficulties because of that. I realised that if you want to live peacefully you have to lie sometimes.”

He does comedies because they give him relief from hardcore roles.

Interestingly, comedy is considered a tough nut to crack for actors but Nawaz bounces to a different beat. He jokes that films where he has worked the hardest on his characters have mostly not done well at the box-office. “So it’s better to take up something, which has more chances of earning money,” he chuckles. More seriously, comedy helps him maintain a balance. “An actor can easily fall into a comfort zone. It’s good to keep changing genres.”

T

he talk veers to his recent web series Sacred Games.

Celebrated author Paulo Coelho had even recommended Sacred Games to his Twitter followers calling Nawazuddin a ‘great actor’.

In the web series, Nawaz plays Ganesh Gaitonde, a Mumbai don with a Godcomplex. His dialogue, “Kabhi kabhi lagta hai apun hi Bhagwan hai (sometimes I believe I am God)!” has acquired cult status. Based on Vikram Chandra’s book of the same name, it centres around police officer Sartaj Singh (Saif Ali Khan), trying to save the city from an attack. Gaitonde tips him off before killing himself.

Nawaz is all praise for his co-star. “Saif has balanced his role well.

He experiments a lot. He has experimented in Laal Kaptaan as well. That’s why I like him.”

Part one of the series (co-directed by Anurag Kashyap, and Vikramaditya Motwane) was much appreciated but part second (co-directed by Kashyap and Neeraj Ghaywan) didn’t match up to the hype. But it won Nawaz worldwide notice so much so that offers from Hollywood have come his

Manto

AFTER DOING MANTO, I WANTED TO SPEAK THE TRUTH HOWEVER BITTER IT WAS. BUT I HAD TO FACE MANY DIFFICULTIES BECAUSE OF THAT. I REALISED THAT IF YOU WANT TO LIVE PEACEFULLY YOU HAVE TO LIE SOMETIMES

way. But Nawaz is in no hurry to go there. “Satyajit Ray rocked the whole world sitting in Kolkata.

I don’t need to work in Hollywood to prove that I’m a good actor. When I am getting good roles here, why should I go to Hollywood?”

Cinema is often called an escape door from life’s mundanities. Nawaz says that’s why he became an actor in the first place.

Acting helps him escape the real world into a world of fantasy. “You face a lot of lies in the real world. In cinema too, you put on a mask and live a character’s life truthfully for some time,” he explains.

He adds it’s important for an actor to have emotional

support in the form of family and friends, who help him stay grounded.

Nawaz and his wife Anjali have two kids, son Yaani and daughter Shora. He admits he should be spending more time with his family. “If I reach home early, it’s a surprise for my wife,” smiles the actor who has Kushan Nandi’s Dimple Kidnap Ho Gai Hai (DKHGH) and Mysskin’s Tamil film in the pipeline.

“When my daughter complains, my wife tells her about the struggles we’ve been through, to enjoy these better days.

Kids should know about your hardships. So that they don’t take things for granted,” he reflects.

True that. n May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 37

INTERVIEW

#LOCKDOWNSPECIAL

‘‘I WANT TO HUG MY

PARENTS’’ RADHIKA MADAN TELLS SUMAN SHARMA THAT THE CORONA PANDEMIC HAS MADE HER LOVE HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS ALL THE MORE

38 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

D

elhi girl, Radhika Madan, first won notice with her show Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi. She made her feature film debut with Vishal Bhardwaj’s comedy drama Pataakha in 2018. Last year, she

appeared in Vasan Bala’s award-winning action comedy Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota. Both feisty and feminine, she packed a punch in her action-oriented performance. Recently, she was seen alongside Irrfan Khan in the drama Angrezi Medium. Though the film was enjoying good-word-of-mouth, it had to be pulled out of the theatres due to the lockdown. The film has now dropped on the OTT platform and has only won her more fans. We caught up with the young actress, who’s learning newer skills during her time at home…

How are you staying positive in this difficult hour?

It’s important to take care of your mental health as well as your physical health.

What we don’t realise is that our immunity is related to our mental health. Of course, we should be aware about what’s happening around. But I also keep myself disconnected. I make sure that I learn something new every day. I am thankful for the blessings I enjoy – food, health... That’s how I keep myself positive.

What are you enjoying the most about this quarantine period?

Usually, we keep complaining that we don’t have time to do the things we want. Now we have all the time. I always wanted to learn tap dancing.

I’m learning it online. I’m learning to play the piano.

I’m cooking, writing, reading and doing yoga as well.

One movie or show, you’ve been binge watching.

I watched the Oscar-winning Parasite. I also saw Angrezi Medium with my house help yesterday. We enjoyed ourselves.

After the lockdown ends, who are the two people you’d want to meet?

I’d want to meet my family.

I want to hug my parents.

I’m here and my parents are in Delhi. As soon as the

lockdown is over, I’ll fly across to meet them.

What have you learnt from this critical period?

I’ve learnt to be thankful for everything. People behave as if they have all the power in the world. At the end of the day, it just comes down to washing your hands and sitting at home. No matter how rich or powerful you are. Everyone is at home doing nothing, just making sure they’re eating well and washing their hands. This time has made me realise the value of family and friends.

Which is the one book/ series/ film, you’d like to recommend to your fans?

I’m reading The Goose Is Out by Osho. It’s a lovely book.

Angrezi Medium has released on the digital platform. What kind of response are you expecting?

Unfortunately, the lockdown happened when Angrezi Medium released.

The film is far bigger than our personal interest in it.

You make a film to entertain the audience. So, our main motto was to entertain people. That’s the reason we released it digitally. We want people to see the film with their families. We just want to put a smile on their faces. The response I’ve received is humbling. It’s positive and encouraging.

With her parents

I CAN’T SAY WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN AFTER THE PANDEMIC. BUT I HOPE WE REALISE THE VALUE OF THE IMPORTANT THINGS IN OUR LIVES. AND WE GET OUT OF THIS AS BETTER PEOPLE, MORE AWARE ABOUT THINGS

What kinds of roles are you looking forward to doing?

I want to do whatever excites me. I don’t want to live the same character twice. That’s the reason Angrezi was different from Pataakha. Shiddat is going to be different from Angrezi.

I want to explore different shades of me as an actor.

Tell us something about Shiddat.

It’s a love story with

Sunny Kaushal directed

by Kunal Deshmukh.

I play a swimmer in it.

what lies in store for Bollywood post the coronavirus pandemic?

I can’t say what’s going to happen after the pandemic.

But I hope we realise the value of the important things in our lives. And we get out of this as better people, more aware about ourselves. n May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 39

INTERVIEW

DON’T WORRY BE HAPPY

#LOCKDOWNSPECIAL

ALAYA FURNITUREWALA BELIEVES IN MAKING THE MOST OF HER LOCKDOWN

EVEN AS SHE PINES FOR THE SUNLIGHT, WRITES VEDANSHI PATHAK

40 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

are quick fixes.

Alaya Furniturewala made her debut in Jawaani Jaaneman starring Saif Ali Khan and Tabu. The pretty girl did a commendable job in her first film and was welcomed warmly by the audience. Her effervescence and easy presence on screen won her extra brownie points. Much to her glee. Alaya is currently spending time with her family during the ongoing lockdown due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Here she chats with Filmfare about the highs and the lows of quarantine. Read on...

Tell us one thing you’re panicking about during the lockdown?

Our country has a large population. Sometimes, social distancing isn’t even an option, for example in the slums. Here, people live in close proximity. It’s hard to maintain distance. There’s only so much you can do to control the pandemic. That’s worrisome.

What trouble have you faced during quarantine?

I’m staying with my mom (actor Pooja Bedi) and my brother (Omar). I was travelling within India a while ago. When I returned, the city got into a lockdown.

I haven’t been able to meet my father (entrepreneur Farhan Furniturewala), my half-brother (Zaan), my stepmother (Laila Khan), my grandparents … even my Nana (actor Kabir Bedi), although I did see him before the lockdown.

Also, keeping good mental health is a challenge as you’re enclosed all the time.

You can’t step out in the sunlight. That does take a toll on your mental health.

But you have to be aware of that and do things to lift

IF I STAY INACTIVE FOR TOO LONG, IT BOTHERS ME. JUST TAKING A SHOWER, FEELING FRESH, WEARING NICE CLOTHES, DOING MY HAIR… THOUGH I HAVE NOWHERE TO GO, MAKES ME FEEL GOOD

With mom Pooja Bedi

The lockdown has forced people to stay on social media longer. Is that true for you too?

Yes, it’s a bit more than usual. But I do get frustrated with my phone. The worst thing to happen was that my phone gave up on me.

My main phone has become dysfunctional. Now, I’m using my backup phone. So even if I want to be on my phone, I can’t be on it for too long because it’s slow.

Generally, I don’t like being on my phone too much.

This was the Universe’s way of saying, ‘You don’t like it, you don’t do it’. So yeah, be careful what you wish for.

Recall some memes you saw online related to the shutdown.

your spirits. Having said that, we’re fortunate we have proper food to eat and the company of our family.

How do you keep calm?

I’m trying to keep myself busy as much as possible.

That’s helping. Even in my regular life, if I stay inactive for too long, it bothers me. Just taking a shower, feeling fresh, wearing nice clothes, doing my hair… though I have nowhere to go, makes me feel good.

What do you indulge in being at home?

I love drawing, spending time with my mom and brother – something I don’t usually get to do.

I also cook when I get the chance. I work out too.

But I don’t love doing that. That’s something I don’t really want to do. It’s something I have to.

Three quick dishes you can prepare during the lockdown…

Pasta with readymade sauce. Maggi noodles and eggs are quick and easy to prepare. Also sandwiches

I saw a meme that said people are making Dalgona Coffee like it’s gonna be the cure for the coronavirus.

It was funny and had a personal touch to it. There was one by Filmfare too, a video of me doing kathak chakkars in my dance class.

It showed getting out of home after this lockdown would be like… It was related to me so I liked it even more.

Two new things you plan to learn during the lockdown...

I want to learn to cook well.

I was studying in New York, so I can survive on my own cooking.

I can cook eggs and pastas.

Recently, I learnt to prepare protein pancakes. But I want to learn authentic cooking.

Also, I’d want to keep up the discipline of working out at home every single day. I’m not a workout fan. I like doing Pilates, dancing, gymnastics… as exercise.

I must adhere to some discipline when it comes to working out at home.

Have you downloaded any games to amuse yourself?

I’m not a game person. But I’m ‘house partying’ a lot.

I can talk to my friends all over the world and even in India. You can chat with many people at once on this video app. It’s fun. n May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 41

FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST CONDUCTED A TIKTOK CHALLENGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA WHERE WE WANTED OUR FOLLOWERS TO SHOWCASE THEIR CREATIVITY AT HOME .

NEELAM PUNJABI QUIZZED THE WINNERS.

42 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

Judges for the challenge MANIESH PAUL

ESHA DEOL TAKHTANI

APARSHAKTI KHURANA

May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 43

RAZYA SULTAN AGE -40 YEARS

Insta/Facebook blogger influencer One of the best gifts I could receive for my birthday is winning this contest. We will be buying something special for myself with the voucher.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE BOLLYWOOD ACTORS?

My favorite Bollywood actress is Deepika Padukone and favourite actor is and Emraan Hashmi both are excellent actors and amazing human beings. â?¤I am also the biggest fan of Sushmita Sen .

RAHUL BHALLA AGE -25 YEARS

I was born and brought up in Delhi, I am regular guy with a lot of dreams. I am an HR and Business developer by profession.

I have worked as a model as well shared the ramp with Urvashi Rautela in Jaipur for Jaipur Couture.

So acting Modeling were my passion but could not carry it forward due to some responsibilities but now I will be carrying it forwarding and looking further for this profession.

I felt great after wining #akelehumakelehumchallenge because I never expected that the official Filmfare Middle East page to share my post or video. I feel really great.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE BOLLYWOOD ACTOR?

I would go with Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone

44 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

POOJA THAPA AGE -22 ABOUT YOU

I am from Nepal working with luxury diamonds & social media influencer HOW DOES IT FEEL AFTER WINNING THE #AKELEHUMAKELEHUMCHALLENGE? It feels amazing after winning the challenge

HOW MANY BOLLYWOOD MOVIES DID YOU WATCH DURING QUARANTINE?

I have watched almost 10-12 Bollywood movies during this quarantine

RACHNA BERI AGE -26 YEARS

I am an artist on Indian television, movies, ads etc.

HOW DOES IT FEEL AFTER WINNING THE #AKELEHUMAKELEHUMCHALLENGE?

I feel very proud. This is an amazing Digital challenge.

YOUR FAVOURITE BOLLYWOOD MOVIE AND WHY?

Hum Aapke Hai Kaun 90’s movie because it has love, respect for family and my favorite actor is Salman Khan.ð&#x;™ˆ

May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 45

VAIDEHI RASTOGI AGE -10 YEARS

I am a passionate dancer who wants to achieve big things in life & join the film industry.

HOW DOES IT FEEL AFTER WINNING THE #AKELEHUMAKELEHUMCHALLENGE?

I was super excited to win the challenge and being judged

by Aparshakti Khurrana sir was the cherry on the cake. I like all contests of Filmfare Middle East and always try to participate in them.

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE BOLLYWOOD SONG? Genda Phool

ABHISHEK RAWAL AGE -29 YEARS

I am first human being above everything else, I am at home wherever I find myself.

HOW DOES IT FEEL AFTER WINNING THE #AKELEHUMAKELEHUMCHALLENGE?

After winning the challenge I feel more value and confident.

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE ON-SCREEN BOLLYWOOD COUPLE? Salman Khan and Sushmita Sen

46 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

THRINITHA AND SRESHTA (TAS SISTERS) AGE -20 YEARS AND 17 YEARS

We sisters are dancers / choreographers. We started training from a very young age. We do all forms of dances ranging from traditional Indian classical, folk, Bollywood, bollyhop, hip hop, lyrical...and more. We love to try out new kinds of dance forms and love mixing between different dance styles to create something different. We started dance because our mother. She is the one who told to take part in this challenge. Till date everything we achieved in dance is because of her.

Other than dance, me (Thrinitha) is a 3rd year Industrial Engineering student at RIT Dubai and my younger sister (Sreshta) is in 12th grade at DPS Dubai. Dance and education go hand in hand for us since a young age.

HOW DOES IT FEEL AFTER WINNING THE #AKELEHUMAKELEHUMCHALLENGE?

We felt really good to win. We really didn’t expect to win because there were a lot of entries. The comments received from Esha Deol Ma’am were the best. It really motivated us to work harder and do better in dance.

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE OFF-SCREEN BOLLYWOOD COUPLE? Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli.

AANUSHKA RAMESH AGE -24 YEARS

I am actor and I am born and brought up in Mumbai and graduated from the New York Film Academy. I have worked in short films, music videos, commercials, brand campaigns and have an upcoming Bollywood project. Acting is a passion now, but it happened by chance as I was initially planning to pursue my Masters in Business Administration. I love dancing, music, reading and contrary to what people may think, I am actually quite a nerd and love being one. Love reading about subjects like quantum physics and other mysterious things, but I am outgoing and social at the same time.

HOW DOES IT FEEL AFTER WINNING THE #AKELEHUMAKELEHUMCHALLENGE?

It felt absolutely great ! I have a competitive streak in me, and I love challenges and winning, although it is healthy competition. Besides I loved the fact that I had my gang of girlies with me, and we could make productive use of this challenging time of quarantine and isolation.

My whole idea was to show that even though we are separate we can still be together in spirit. And thank you Filmfare ME for coming up with this awesome challenge Which is the last Bollywood movie that you have watched?

Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan and I laughed my guts out !

May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 47

FEATURE

Musically yours HARSHIT VOHRA SPOKE TO A FEW RENOWNED ARTIEST FROM THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

MUSIC DIRECTORS MANMEET SINGH AND HARMEET SINGH OR MEET BROS ARE WELL KNOWN FOR COMPOSING THE VERY HUMMABLE ‘BABY DOLL’ FROM RAGINI MMS 2 AND ‘CHITTIYAAN KALAIYAAN’ FROM ROY, FEATURE THE VOCALS OF ‘KANIKA KAPOOR’. THEY WON THE ‘FILMFARE BEST MUSIC DIRECTOR’ AWARD IN 2016 FOR FILM ROY.

Why did you choose the name Meet Bros?

In 1999, we finished our college, and the journey of finding a name for our musical band started. Back then, there were no brand consultants, therefore, we came up with names like ‘Band of Brothers’, ‘Punjabi Brothers’, ‘Tandoori Brothers’, ‘Bhaangada Brothers’ and ‘Meet Bros’, all these names were suggested by family and friends, and all the votes went to Meet Bros.

What is the special thing about each one of you?

We complement each other. Manmeet is cool and Harmeet is aggressive. Harmeet works on reaching his goals. We both love music & spirituality.

Tell us about your songs ‘Baby Doll’ and ‘Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan’?

Meet Bros 48 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

There is no formula on how songs like ‘Baby Doll’ and ‘Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan’ are done. We were trying to compose a song from 1999. These two songs just happened to us. That’s the time when our team was, the PRO, composer, programmer,

writer and singer too. We made these two songs from our heart and, happy with the results.

the lyrics writer, changed our life after the first movie Boss in 2013.

Tell us about your experience in working with Salman Khan, Sonu Nigam & lyricist Kumaar?

With a non-musical background, how did you make it in the industry?

Working with Salman Khan is always an honour. When you work with him, you feel that you achieved a very important thing in life. Sonu Nigam and Salman both are very down to earth and humble artiste to work with. You can achieve a high level of creative satisfaction after working with them. Kumaar,

There were no consultants or mentors. I prayed to God as my only hope. We learnt by experience. ‘Never Say Never’ and be positive has been our attitude. We were rejected for 2 years, but we didn’t give up till we succeded

COMING FROM A FAMILY OF MUSICIANS, SINGER SHILPA RAO EMBARKED ON HER MUSICAL JOURNEY THROUGH BOLLYWOOD AND INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC. SHE IS THE VOICE BEHIND SOME OF BOLLYWOOD GEMS SUCH LIKE, JAVEDA ZINDAGI (ANWAR, 2007), EK LAU (AAMIR, 2008), KHUDA JAANE (BACHNA AE HASEENO, 2008), MANMARZIYAN (LOOTERA, 2013), KALANK TITLE TRACK (KALANK, 2019) AND THE RECENT MEGA CHARTBUSTER GHUNGROO (WAR, 2019), HAAN TUM HO (LOVE AAJ KAL, 2020). RECENTLY, SHE WON ‘THE BEST PLAYBACK SINGER’ AT FILMFARE AWARDS (2020) FOR ‘GHUNGROO’, FROM WAR.

Did you have many years of struggle for work?

The struggle will always be there. To start working in Bollywood, it may take years, months or maybe longer for any musician. The best way to get your chance is by keeping your style of singing and your originality. For sustaining in Bollywood or in any form of music or art, you have to constantly keep learning, you have to evolve, enhance your art and skills, your craftsmanship year after year

Share with us your special memory with A R Rahman?

I met and recorded the song with A R Rahman on the same day, it is unforgettable. I walked into the room and found A R Rahman, Gulzar saab and Yash Chopra sitting together. It is so inspiring to see all these legends working together with that same enthusiasm from day one. This is what I have learnt from them

Tell us about your song Ghungroo?

All credit goes to Vishal Shekhar, Kumaar, Siddharth Anand and YRF. When I was recording Ghungroo, I was very emotionaly involved in, I was literally dancing, because it is such a funky cool song. I enjoyed the journey of making this song.

How did you learn Urdu although you’re South Indian?

I spent my childhood listening and singing ghazals. I got my first lecture in Urdu from Hari Haran Ji and Gulam Huswa Khan Saab. Ghazals are very important part of my life, and for the past two years I have been singing ghazal in different parts of India.

What is the most important quality a singer must have?

Learning music is a must. It can be any kind of music, it could be jazz, salsa or classical music etc. Also, hard work beats talent, and you will reach your goal once you are ready. There is no specific time or age to reach what you are aiming for. But to sum it up, just enjoy the ride.

Shilpa Rao May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 49

FEATURE

SOPHIE CHOUDRY IS A KNOWN HOST AND FORMER MTV VJ. SHE IS A SINGER, BOLLYWOOD ACTRESS AND A REGULAR FACE IN DUBAI. Why did you decide to start a career in this industry?

Sophie Choudry What type of singer would you classify yourself as?

I was never a playback singer, and more of a pop style artiste. That’s what I have grown up watching, and grown up loving. It was all about watching people like Jennifer Lopez, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Britney Spears, Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé - who went solo, George Michael, and of course the King of Pop - Michael Jackson who inspired me.

I was blessed to see almost all of them in concerts, and see them perform on stage.

I also love Nazia Hassan, Alisha Chinai and many of the pop stars of those years.

What is your best performance 50 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

till date?

According to everyone, it is ‘Ek Pardesi’ and ‘Mera Babu Chhail Chhabila’.

People still associate me with those songs. I think my singing style changed a lot, and the pop style is not popular anymore and i hope it comes back soon. Before the lockdown, I recorded a bunch of good songs with the amazing Rishi Rich, and I am thrilled to release them.

In terms of movies, I think ‘Pyaar Ke Side Effects’ is my best performance. .

How are you managing staying away from home for long time?

I am not home away always.

I am lucky to have my mom, She is my manager, she handles my work and we travel together. I just miss

my puppy a lot. I travel for live shows, therefore, I am kind of in and out - I will travel for a couple of days and come back, and sometimes it may be for a week.

If I am away from home for long periods, it would be probably a bit like the lockdowns right now. We would be locked out and we would still use the same mediums to constantly stay in touch with our loved ones, taking each day as it comes, stay positive and grateful for what we have at the moment.

You have hosted events.

What has been your special moment with audience?

Yes, I host events since a very long time. There are

I don’t think that’s a decision you can take, It is a destiny. Even though I was in London, I grew up singing in my choirs, doing western classicals, and a lot of drama classes. I even went to the London Academy of Music and Drama. I’ve never imagined that this would be my career. Life started changing when I was about 11-12 years old, and I met the music producer Biddu, who is responsible for all Nazia Hassan’s songs. When I met him, he loved my voice, and told me that one day he will launch me. He was looking for girls to sing backing vocals for ‘Made In India’ for Alisha, which I ended up doing. Every time Biddu makes an album I sing with him or I would help to write the lyrics.

He involved me in his work from a very young age many special moments, like from Filmfare to Femina, and more, which I am grateful for. While hosting Femina, I danced with Ranveer Singh on stage, which was fun. At one of the awards he came on stage and sang my song ‘Hungama Ho Gaya’ to me, which was so funny and embarrassing at the same time. Another great memory I have is, when late Rishi Kapoor came on stage to receive his award, I asked him to sing, and surprisingly he did. He is a kind person who supported me from day one, he loved my songs, and launched two of my albums. I share wonderful memories with Mr Bachchan too.

ASEES KAUR STARTED WITH SINGING THE ‘GURBANI’ AT THE AGE OF FIVE. AFTER PARTICIPATING IN VARIOUS REALITY SHOWS LIKE ‘INDIAN IDOL’ AND ‘AWAZ PUNJAB DI’, SHE MADE HER BOLLYWOOD DEBUT WITH ‘DILDARA REPRISE’ FROM TAMANCHEY. SINCE THEN, SHE HAS WORKED WITH VARIOUS MUSIC COMPOSERS BELTING OUT SONGS SUCH AS ‘VE MAAHI’ FROM KESARI, ‘MAKHNA’ FROM DRIVE, ‘BANDEYA RE BANDEYA’ AND ‘TERE BIN’ FROM SIMMBA, ‘AKH LAD JAVE’ AND ‘CHOGADA’ FROM LOVE YATRI AND ‘BOLNA’ FROM KAPOOR & SONS. You come from a non-musical background, how difficult was it for you to start your singing career?

I started singing Shabad ‘Gurbani’ at a very young age. When I was in class 6, I decided to become a playback singer and I then i shifted to Mumbai and started meeting various composers. I landed with ‘Dildara Reprise’ in two months and the rest is a history.

How does Gurbani effect your career?

Singing Gurbani has a huge impact on how I sing, It connects you to God, and it suits my voice and the way I sing.

Which Bollywood composers are you willing to work with for playback singing?

Asees Kaur I am happy that I have worked with ShankarEhsaan-Loy, Amit Trivedi and Tanishk Bagchi. I am looking forward to work with Vishal-Shekhar, Vishal Bhardwaj and A R Rahman.

How did your family support you in your career?

I remember when I moved to Mumbai, Mom wondered if everyone has to move to support me. But, my father decided that the family must move to Mumbai to show me all the support that I need. Without my family, I wouldn’t have reached where I am now.

ARMAAN MALIK IS A YOUNG SINGER, SONGWRITER AND AN ACTOR. HE IS KNOWN FOR HIS SINGING IN HINDI, TELUGU, KANNADA, TAMIL, BENGALI, GUJARATI & MARATHI SONGS. A FINALIST ON SA RE GA MA PA L’IL CHAMPS (2006). HE IS THE BROTHER OF COMPOSER AMAAL MALLIK. HIS FIRST ON-SCREEN APPEARANCE WAS IN THE FILM KACCHA LIMBOO IN THE YEAR 2011. HE WON THE ‘FILMFARE BEST MALE PLAYBACK SINGER - KANNADA’ AWARD IN 2018 FOR SONG ‘ONDU MALEBILLU’ FROM FILM CHAKRAVARTHY..

How do you choose the lyrics of the song?

Lyrics are always important for me otherwise, It is just a melody. If the song doesn’t have meaningful lyrics then, what it is the point?

Tell us about your new single ‘Control’ and how did it all happen? Writing lyrics and

singing were my childhood dream. Finally after seven years of singing Indian songs, I found the right opportunity to make my dream comes true and release my first English single ‘Control’. I signed with the prestigious US label Arista May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 51

FEATURE

Records (Sony Music Entertainment) and I’m going to release more English songs in the near future.

Control is a song that describes the push and pull feeling of being trapped in a controlling relationship and how confusing it can be to want in but also want out.

It’s inspired by relationships I’ve seen around me.

Any fond memory of your grandfather?

My grandfather and I shared some special memories over the years. Even though he passed away, I still feel his presence everywhere around me. My grandather used to teach classical music and I still remember those days, I used to barge into his music lessons and just sit next to him, trying to copy what he was teaching the students.

That is my fondest memory with him, it was in those classes where my love for music grew.

Your brother Amaal and you complement each other?

Amaal and I share a lot of moments together. The one incident that comes to my mind is when both of us were about to go on stage to perform on the school annual day performance, and he suddenly turned to me saying ‘Armaan, I don’t think you will play well’, but, I held his hand and told him ‘Nahi. Let’s go, everyone is waiting for us to perform’.

Tell us about your experience working with Salman Khan?

Salman Khan is a main reason for me being where I am today. He gave me my first Bollywood break in 2014’s ‘Jai Ho’ and I will never forget the efforts he put to make sure I make a great debut. He pushed me to work hard to enhance my dancing skills, have a healthier lifestyle and get a better personality and screen presence. He pushes you to do your best and believes that a singer needs to be an all-round package. I’ll never forget what he did for me.

The experience of working with him has definitely been life-changing.

52 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

Armaan Malik Tell us about your song ‘Chale Aana’ from film De De Pyaar De? Well, Chale Aana is a very special song, and slowly but surely made a place in people’s hearts. The experience of making this song on the other hand was hilarious and frustrating.

For the longest time in the studio Amaal was not convinced with my takes, and I was getting fed up of singing the same lines again and again. At one point, the tension in the room was too much to handle, so I just left the dubbing booth. Amaal got furious and ran after

me and tried to stop me.

I went back in and with a lot of anger sang the song completely in one take and then another take and it got approved. It is definitely the most frustrating yet funniest recording session I’ve ever had! (Laughs) n

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL WITH

Talat Aziz FILMFARE ME MEHFIL LOCKDOWN SPECIAL – TALAT AZIZ WENT LIVE ON HIS FACEBOOK FOR THE FIRST TIME ON A SPECIAL REQUEST FROM FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST.

Live with Anupam Kher

TALAT AZIZ IS ONE OF THOSE ARTISTES WHO DOES NOT HESITATE TO GIVE HIS ALL IN HIS LIVE PERFORMANCES. HIS GENUINE LOVE FOR HIS FANS AND FOLLOWERS, IS WHAT MAKES HIS PERFORMANCES NOT JUST ENTERTAINING, BUT SO ENDEARING AS WELL..

May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 53

GULF CINEMA

e n i t n a r a u Q Z Z BU The quarantine has become a talent show on social media. Only here, the audience is the judge, and celebrities are the participants. Stars surprise us every day with new content, we wouldn’t see on TV and the big screen otherwise. Starting from raising awareness of social distancing till discovering their culinary skills, stars have done it all. Filmfare Middle East decides to showcase Arab celebrities in their indoor spaces.

-Hanan Yehia Mulazem

Nadine Nassib Njeim Nadine, the Lebanese actress who got her Ramadan series postponed due to the lockdown, TikTok with the actor Ahmad Al Sakka

Sharing pictures of her children on instagram

54 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

decides that TikTok is the way to spend time with fans, and stays in touch with them. She keeps sharing on Instagram pictures of her children when they were younger. Her TikTok videos are fun to watch, and definitely her TikTok with the actor Ahmad Al Sakka is hilarious

Hannah El Zahed The newly married Egyptian actress Hannah El Zahed is one of the stars who entered the world of TikTok after the lockdown. She and Her siblings spend their time making different TikTok videos. Her recent video where she explains a song about Egypt, in sign language, will touch your heart.

Hannah El Zahed on TikTok

Cyrine Abdlnour The Lebanese Sharing skin care routine on Tiktok singer took part in TikTok videos too.

She opened the doors for the foodie in her, as she shared many videos of her cooking and feasting. Skin care routine and cooking tips were Cyrine’s choice as well. Her family members were part used the medium to of her TikTok promote for her new videos. She also song Leila.

Sharing food tips on tiktok

May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 55

GULF CINEMA

Mohammad Henedy The Egyptian actor who made us laugh over the years, is big on social media. A tweet or a comment from him is enough to go viral. He is all upbeat to raise the awareness and tell people about COVID19. He also surprised his fans by joining the Live Chat on TikTok, and post their reaction.

Joining the Live Chat on TikTok

Dorra Zarrouk When Dorra arrives at any event, everyone is fascinated by her looks. No one can beat her when it comes to her choice of dresses. But, she wasn’t not active on social media platforms during this crisis compared to other stars.

56 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

Ahmad Helmy This actor is super active on all social media platforms. He keeps engaging with his fans and followers in different ways. For instance, cooking, exercises and posting videos of his fans lips sync on scenes from his films.

Ahmad took these platforms as a chance to educate people about the importance of social distancing, wearing masks and sanitizing hands always.

Sharing cooking, exercises videos for fans

Nelly Karim We are used to watch her in dramatic roles, and no doubt she is a drama queen!

This year she decided to take a new path and act in a comedy series. She is winning hearts and applause for her new role and the legend Adel Emam, the Amitabh Bachchan of Middle East compliments her for her new series saying “Nelly Karim makes everything she does very special.” She has seven few TikTok videos all about her series, and doesn’t seem like an active person on social media

Nora Fatehi The popular Moroccan-Canadian actress and dancer is living it up on TikTok. The actress was part of many Bollywood movies like, Street Dance 3D and Bharat. Her videos on TikTok get many views and likes. Her recent video of lip sync Nancy Ajram’s song got more than two million views on Instagram, and more the 6 million views on TikTok.

Nora on TikTok

May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 57

FASHION & BEAUTY

STEVE MADDEN AED 449

STEVE MADDEN AED 449

MARKS & SPENCER AED 450

MAJE AED 1420

MARKS & SPENCER AED 185

58 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

MAJE AED 1420

MAJE AED 1320

STEVE MADDEN AED 599

MAJE AED 1080

STEVE MADDEN AED 349

STEVE MADDEN AED 349

STEVE MADDEN AED 429 May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 59

ONLINE

insta click

FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST WENT LIVE WITH TALENT FROM BOLLYWOOD. HERE’S A RUN DOWN...

LIVE WITH

ELLI AVRRAM

13TH MAY

LIVE WITH

SHRUTI HAASAN InstaLIVE with the very beautiful Shruti Haasan. This has the highest views. Go check it out

Lovely afternoon Instagram LIVE session with Elli AvrRam

4TH MAY

LIVE WITH

HINA KHAN

13TH MAY

LIVE WITH

SHARAD MALHOTRA InstaLive with the husband of the year, Sharad Malhotra

InstaLIVE with Television queen Hina Khan who recently made her Bollywood debut.

29TH APRIL

LIVE WITH

ASEES KAUR

10TH MAY

LIVE WITH

GAUAHAR KHAN Our #RamadanWithFilmfareME Judge Gauahar Khan announced the winners of the contest on InstaLIVE Asees Kaur sang her beautiful songs and also dedicated a song in the memory of late Irrfan Khan on our InstaLIVE

60 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST May 2020

20TH MAY

LIVE WITH

SRITI JHA

17TH MAY

LIVE WITH

AMAAL MALIK Dubai loves Amaal Khan

Sriti Jha delighted all her fans on our InstaLIVE

21ST MAY

LIVE WITH

BENNY DAYAL

08TH MAY

LIVE WITH

SHASHANK VYAS Is Shashank Vyas single? Find out on our IGTV

This weekend party at home onBenny Dayal songs.

Find the InstaLIVE video on our IGTV

30TH APRIL

LIVE WITH

DAISY SHAH

30TH APRIL

LIVE WITH

SONU NIGAM Sonu Nigam who is lockdown in Dubai sang his hit numbers for the fans all over the world on our InstaLIVE

Daisy Shah spoke about her reaction on signing a movie with Salman Khan and much more on our InstaLIVE

May 2020 FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST 61