Filmfare-ME-March-2025

Sharvari

EELeel

Ramadan Kareem

EDITORIAL TEAM

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Aakanksha Naval-Shetye aakanksha.naval@starzmediainc.com

Digital Marketing Executive Shruti Nigam shruti.nigam@starzmediainc.com

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BUSINESS HEAD

Kanwal Singh kanwal.singh@starzmediainc.com

Sales Manager Roymon Pascal roymon.pascal@starzmediainc.com

Magazine Co-ordinator Yunus Naik yunus.naik@starzmediainc.com

FILMFARE (INDIA)

Chief Executive Officer Rohit Gopakumar

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

ACCELERATE ACTION!

While women have always been the backbone of society, this month serves as a powerful reminder to actively recognize and celebrate their strength and resilience that defines generations. The International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrated every year on March 8th is a call to amplify support and commitment to gender equality, and the theme for IWD 2025, ‘Accelerate Action,’ urges us to move beyond this acknowledgment and take meaningful steps in our relentless pursuit of equality. Dubai, that has always supported an equitable world, is home to countless such women who break barriers every day and whose stories remind us that progress is not just about opportunity, but also about empowerment and support. With the safe infrastructure and limitless opportunities provided to women for financial independence, it leads the way in paving the path for this equality.

The 4th Edition of Filmfare Middle East Most Influential Women 2025 presented by Yardley London was one such celebration that felicitated women achievers and honoured their legacies! Adding star power and more glamour to the exciting evening was Bollywood’s young talent Sharvari! Touted to be the Next Big Thing, the actress was honored with ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’ by Mr. Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group, who was a part of the esteemed panel of judges. Check out the winners and highlights of the power-packed event in the pages ahead!

The celebration became all the more special with Sharvari being presented as the Filmfare Middle East March Cover Star! Fearless in her choices and a power-performer on screen, the gorgeous actress has been raising the bar and breaking barriers in Bollywood in her unstoppable journey to the top. Winning hearts and redefining versatility with three back-to-back stellar performances - from the critically-acclaimed role in Vedaa to her breakout success in Maharaj and the blockbuster hit Munjya - she’s all the buzz in B-Town. And now, with an exciting slate of big-ticket films, including YRF’s first-ever women-spy thriller Alpha, Sharvari is poised to take over Bollywood like never before. In our exclusive Cover Story, the star gets candid about her journey, passion for her craft, and also reveals what the off-screen Sharvari is really like. Flip on the pages to read the full interview.

Also celebrating women power in entertainment, in the pages ahead, we have interviews ahead with industry trailblazers like Loire Cotler, Ananya Panday, Sanya Malhotra, Shilpa Rao, Arati Kadav, Saiyami Kher and Dubai’s very own Zenofar Fathima!

UAE and the faithful across the globe are gearing up for the upcoming Eid festivities marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. With hearts filled with peace, gratitude, and prayers, the blessed fasting and Zakat, followed by the feasting at the Iftaars and Suhoors, the joy and the festive spirit is in the air with the much-awaited Eid Al Fitr a few days away and the celebrations are being looked forward to with divine grace and joy.

For the best in Eid Gifting and to get inspired for the perfect Ramadan Looks, check out the pages ahead. And on that note, here’s wishing all of you,

Ramadan Kareem and Eid Mubarak!

ADITYA ROY KAPUR ALL SET TO RETURN TO ACTION RANBIR KAPOOR TO GEAR UP FOR DHOOM 4

TRIPTII DIMRI LOCKED FOR PARVEEN BABI BIOPIC!

CHECK OUT RAMADAN MODEST DRESSING

HERE’S OUR PICK OF SOME OF THE BEST GIFTS THIS EID

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COVER STORY

UNSTOPPABLE AND HERE TO RULE, ALL EYES ARE ON THE ALPHA STAR! IN THIS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW, SHARVARI TALKS TO AAKANKSHA NAVAL-SHETYE, ABOUT RAISING THE BAR AND BREAKING BARRIERS ON HER JOURNEY TO THE TOP 14

SANYA MALHOTRA GETS CANDID WITH AAKANKSHA NAVALSHETYE ABOUT LOVE, LIFE, BREAKING STEREOTYPES AND MAKING AN IMPACT WITH MRS

PHOTOGRAPHER - ROHAN SHRESTHA

STYLIST - CHANDINI WHABI; ASSISTED BY JUNNI KHYRIEM

MAKEUP - SAHITYA SHETTY

HAIR - HRISHIKESH NASKAR

OUTFIT - JULY ISSUE | JYOTSNA S BISHT

COVER DESIGN : AMIT PANCHAL

ZENOFAR FATHIMA TALKS ABOUT CREATING WAVES ON THE OTT WITH HER HORROR SERIES THE REEL FILES

RHYTHM VOCALIST LOIRE COTLER TALKS TO TANZIM PARDIWALLA ABOUT HER INDIAN CONNECTION AND MORE

CHECK OUT THE WINNERS AND THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YARDLEY LONDON PRESENTS 4TH EDITION OF FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2025

PRESENTING SOME OF BOLLYWOOD’S MOST POWER-PACKED WOMEN ROLES

ON THE GRAM

READERS WRITE AND BITE BACK... WITH LOVE AND AFFECTION

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

Khushi Kapoor: No Competition with

Sister Janhvi Kapoor

SALMAN KHAN TALKS ABOUT FAMILY AND FORGIVENESS

In a podcast with his nephew Arhaan Khan, Salman Khan candidly opened up about family and forgiveness. He told his nephew that one should be there for their loved ones. “You just need to be there for friends and family. The effort that you have to keep on putting in,” he advises. He also shares a personal insight, revealing, “If I give you advice, the advice I give to myself, the way I speak to myself… you will hate me. Because I speak to myself rather harshly.” As the conversation progressed, Salman Khan also talked about forgiveness. “You can forgive a person once, twice, third time… chalo khalaas.”

Khushi Kapoor is currently making waves in the entertainment industry, with exciting projects Loveyapa and Nadaaniyan. Despite the obvious comparisons to her sister Janhvi Kapoor, who has already made a name for herself in Bollywood, Khushi rmly believes there’s no rivalry between them. In a candid interview, she said. “That thought is so foreign to both of us. I think it’s so strange to think that we could be competing at all. Even if we were to be up for the same project and if she were to get it over me, it would be a win for me, and vice versa. I don’t think there would ever be any other way to look at it.”

ADITYA ROY KAPUR RETURNS TO ACTION IN RAKT BRAHMAND

Rakt Brahmand, with Raj and DK as showrunners and directed by Tumbaad fame Rahi Anil Barve, promises an intriguing mix of intense action sequences and stunning visuals, creating a world unlike any other. The series will see Aditya Roy Kapur doing hardcore action. Speaking about the training, the actor stated that despite being intense, the preparation is enjoyable. “The prep has been intense. But one of the most enjoyable perks of being an actor is to be able to pick up new skills, and this show has me doing that in spades, with everything from sword ghting to archery and horse riding.”

WILL VICKY KAUSHAL AND ANANYA PANDAY STAR IN GULLY BOY SEQUEL?

It’s been almost six years since Gully Boy took the country by storm. Fans might get the sequel they’ve been waiting for. Sources reveal that Vicky Kaushal and Ananya Panday are in talks for the project, though nothing is con rmed yet. Stay tuned.

VEDANG RAINA AND ANANYA PANDAY IN TALKS FOR IMTIAZ ALI’S NEXT?

Could Vedang Raina and Ananya Panday become the next iconic on-screen couple in an Imtiaz Ali romance? While nothing is set in stone, insiders say the two actors have auditioned and done look tests for a forthcoming romantic drama helmed by the master of love stories himself. Both Vedang and Ananya have been rising stars in their own right, and this lm could very well mark a signi cant step in their careers.

RANBIR KAPOOR’S MAJOR TRANSFORMATION FOR DHOOM 4

Get ready to see Ranbir Kapoor like never before! The actor is set to undergo a jawdropping transformation for Dhoom 4, which is slated to begin lming in April 2026. Known for his dedication to roles, Kapoor is expected to have four distinct looks in this high-octane action lm.

IBRAHIM ALI KHAN DEDICATES

ACTING DEBUT TO HIS DAD

Ibrahim Ali Khan, the son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, is set to make his much-awaited acting debut in the lm Nadaaniyan alongside Khushi Kapoor. The young actor shared an emotional post on social media, dedicating his debut to his father, Saif, with the caption: “2025, I’m coming for you… slowly but surely, you’re mine. For dad.” This sweet tribute shows the deep bond between father and son, with Ibrahim following in Saif’s footsteps as he enters the industry. His striking resemblance to his father has only fuelled anticipation for his debut. Fans can’t wait to see how Ibrahim carves his own path in Bollywood.

PRIYADARSHAN RETURNS TO THE HERA PHERI FRANCHISE

Triptii Dimri Drops More Hints About Her Relationship with Sam Merchant

Triptii Dimri, known for her roles in Laila Majnu and Bulbbul, has been keeping her relationship with Sam Merchant largely private. She recently dropped a not-so-subtle hint on social media. She posted a heartfelt birthday message for Sam, which included a few photos of the two together. The two have been spotted together on multiple occasions, and netizens have long speculated about their relationship. While Triptii has always kept her personal life low-key, this latest post seems to con rm what fans have been hoping for.

TRIPTII DIMRI LOCKED FOR PARVEEN BABI BIOPIC

Triptii Dimri is set to star in an exciting new biopic about the legendary actress Parveen Babi. Directed by Shonali Bose, the series will dive into the iconic actress’s life and tragic end. Sources con rm that Triptii’s dates have been locked and production is expected to kick off soon.

Fans of the Hera Pheri series were in for a birthday treat when lmmaker Priyadarshan announced that he would be returning to direct the third instalment of the beloved comedy franchise. Priyadarshan, who helmed the rst two lms in the series, shared the exciting news via a social media post. The announcement was made even more special when Akshay Kumar, who played one of the iconic roles in the franchise, wished Priyadarshan on his birthday, prompting the director to respond, “Thank you so much for your wishes, Akshay. In return, I would like to give you a gift — I’m willing to do Hera Pheri 3. Are you ready?”

NUSHRRATT BHARUCCHA AND ANURAG KASHYAP TEAM UP

In an exciting new development, actress Nushrratt Bharuccha has teamed up with lmmaker Anurag Kashyap and producer Vishal Rana for an untitled thriller that promises to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Kashyap, known for his gritty and intense lmmaking, will serve as the creative producer for the project, which will be produced under the banner of Rana’s Echelon Productions.

Sharvari

Photographer: Vaishnav Praveen (The House of Pixels) | Hair: Mike Desir

| Makeup: Riviera Lynn Stylist: Anaita Shroff Adajania; Assisted by Neona Bahri

FEARLESS IN CHOICES AND A POWER-PERFORMER ON SCREEN, ALL EYES ARE ON SHARVARI AS SHE RAISES THE BAR AND BREAKS BARRIERS IN BOLLYWOOD! IN AN EXCLUSIVE CHAT, AAKANKSHA NAVAL-SHETYE DIVES INTO HER JOURNEY, PASSIONS, AND FINDS OUT WHAT’S NEXT ON THE PATH TO STARDOM FOR THIS ALPHA STAR

Gorgeous, talented and raring to go! Bollywood’s young star Sharvari is all the buzz since her three back-to-back power performances in 2024 won the audience and critics alike. From packing in a punch in the critically acclaimed Vedaa to her heart-winning outing in Maharaj and to hitting the boxoffice jackpot with Munjya along with her sizzling moves in the horror-comedy’s chartbuster song ‘Taras’ being all the rage, the actress showcased her versatility in all with aplomb. Blending talent, dedication, and charisma with an unshakable conviction in her craft, Sharvari is touted to be the next big thing in Bollywood. This year too, the stunning and immensely talented actress is simply unstoppable with an impressive line-up of big-ticket films to boast of, including YRF’s first women-spy thriller Alpha! Having won the ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’ at the 4th Edition of the Filmfare Middle East Most Influential Women 2025, the young star is already off to a great start. We catch up with the actress in Dubai for our exclusive interview. Elegant, poised and stunningly beautiful, her grace masks the fiery passion she brings to the table as an artiste and the intensity she so convincingly portrays on screen. And as we dive headlong into our candid tete-a-tete, we ask her what Sharvari is really like! Decoding this talented actress as she shares some lesser-known facts about herself, we also talk about her evolution as an artist and the dreams that continue to fuel her unstoppable rise. Excerpts

Photographer: Bharat Rawail | Stylist: Humaira Lakdawala | HMU: Shefali Sharma, Assisted by Sakshi Shah Hair: Chu Feng Chen|Outfit: Bird Eye

2024 was a phenomenal year for you. You had the action-packed Vedaa, you had a blockbuster 100cr Munjya, and a critically-acclaimed Maharaj…

To sum it up in one word, I think I’m just grateful because I had been waiting for my films to release, I’d been waiting for my work to be out there and I think that 2024 truly surprised me and it just gave me so much. It gave me love from the audience, from critics and I think that’s most important for any artist. So I’m just very grateful for the year that it has been and it almost makes me feel very like ‘pinch me’ sometimes, so it’s just been amazing.

And 2025 is promising to be just as actionpacked again! There’s YRF’s big-ticket actioner Alpha coming up and you’re looking fitter than ever before. How is the prep going on for that?

So the prep is great. Like you said, it’s an action-packed film, it is the first spy universe film which is helmed by two women. It’s actually the first action film in India which is led by two women and I think that’s incredible. So that’s a lot of responsibility on our shoulders. The prep has been incredible, it’s been amazing to shoot with Alia (Bhatt), get to learn every day from her on screen, off screen, just the spirit that she has and so hardworking that she is and other than that, I guess just that gym and diets and workouts, and just you know, the grind.

It makes you the youngest action star here! Also you are touted to be the

Thefirstbattleiswonwhenyou’redreamingbig-bigenough thatitkindofscaresyousometimes,butpropelsyoutogoand achieve it.

Photographer - Rohan Shrestha| Stylist - Chandini Whabi | Makeup - Sahithya Shetty Hair - Hrishikesh Naskar

‘Next Big Thing’ in Bollywood. How does it feel to carry that tag with all eyes on you now?

It’s amazing actually! It’s overwhelming at times but it is something that I have waited for and wanted and manifested and dreamt of for so many years through my journey and the years that I used to audition. So for me I think being here is only a testimony of the hard work and just the passion that I have for acting and for my craft, so I think I’m just very proud as I speak to you today of myself and everybody who believed in me and supported me in this journey. And I think that this is just the beginning. I think it’s just the start and I’m really looking forward to what’s next for me.

YRF’s spy universe apart, you’re also a part of another cinematic universe with Dinesh Vijan’s horror comedy Munjya – probably one of the only ones to be a part of two huge franchises! I’m just very grateful because both are very big IPs in Bollywood. The horror-comedy universe which is helmed by Dinesh Vijan and the spy universe which is helmed by Aditya (Chopra) Sir, I mean these are huge franchisees. The spy universe has the biggest superstars, there is Shah Rukh (Khan) sir and there is Salman (Khan) Sir, there is Jr NTR, there’s Hrithik (Roshan), so there’re so many people and just to get your name attached with all of these names, it’s a big dream come true. And the horrorcomedy universe, it never disappoints, it comes to the theatres and it’s just like magic, it works. Stree 2 has done it, I mean it’s gone off the roof and I think Munjya in its own way

it was such an underdog film and I think that film doing a 100 cr was not expected I guess in some sense, but I think that it was just pure love and hard work and of course the vision that Dinu has behind this franchisee so I’m just very grateful to be a part of these.

The spy universe stars some of the biggest names you have probably grown up watching on screen. Which one was a personal ‘wow moment’ for you?

Newerthebetter,themorechallengingthe better.I’malwaysjustlookingforsomething newtodoeachtimesohopefullyI’llbeableto dodifferentgenresorjustsomedifferent stories I haven’t done before.

Photographer - Samrat Nagar | Stylist - Shaleena Nathani | Outfit - Gaurav Gupta | Hair - Rohit Bhatkar Makeup - Lovleen Ramchandani

Actually, Alia is my biggest wow moment because I’ve been a huge fan of Alia. I’d never thought that I would be able to share screen space with her so early on in my career and just to be able to be on that set and to learn from her, watch her perform, I think that has been super-inspirational for me and I think that is something I will always cherish and I of course look forward to each shooting day. The first day that I actually got to do a sequence with Alia was a big moment for me.

You pulled off some really gruelling schedules… like 18 hours for Munjya’s chartbuster hit song Taras and you were also shooting for the

actioner Vedaa around the same time, right?

No I was shooting for Alpha, I was prepping for Alpha and that’s when I actually shot this song which is before the promotions of the film. And I remember I was already prepping for this very intense action sequence and this song comes up and I had some three to four days to prep for this song, so I was literally leaving home with packed bags and all my bags had some three different gym clothes so that I can go to gym and then I can go for action sequence rehearsal and then I can go for my dance rehearsal and I was just hopping from one place to another, but it’s all worth it in the end.

But what came easier to you, like what was more fun?

I think because everything is so new to me, like these genres are so new to me that I’m very excited to do something

Ineverreallythoughtofitlike,‘okayI’mgoing tomakeastatementwiththisone’,Ithinkfor meitwasalwaysjust‘whatisthisfilmandam Iexcitedtobeapartofit’

different each time so I really can’t pick. Like even in real, I’m this person who wants to try different things. So I feel like when it’s a different genre, it comes with its own set of challenges and its own set of learnings so I think this journey has truly just been about learning.

Talking about real life, you have always surprised us

with your screen choices and portrayals, so what is the real Sharvari like?

I think the real Sharvari is just a simple Indian girl, a family person... Like I would just describe myself to be a simple Indian family person and I’m so happy that you say that because what I do want to do is play different roles which are unpredictable and every

time I come on screen, the audience can say ‘oh I didn’t expect this from Sharvari’ and I think that would be my biggest compliment.

You’ve already showcased so much versatility that it would be hard to box you in any one genre! So what is it that would excite you about a script?

What’s most important is what the film is about and what my character is and that’s something I really look forward to in a film because I think that you live with that character for three months - six months - a year – two years, so I think that it’s very important that you are invested in the character because you’re living an entire life with it. That also excites me to observe people, to kind of learn from them and to sort of portray that on screen. That’s something I always look forward to. So the newer the better, the more challenging the better. I’m always just looking for something new to do each time so hopefully I’ll be able to do different genres or just some different stories I haven’t done before. So like thrillers maybe, love stories maybe, mythology, there’re so many.

Almost all of your roles have been in some way strong women characters and statements in their own way. Is that a conscious call to seek out such roles?

No, I never really thought of it like, ‘okay I’m going to make a statement with this one’, I think for me it was always just ‘what is this film and am I excited to be a part of it’. Also just the connect with the makers and directors and purely coming out and saying ‘you know what, I want to spend time on this film set’. That’s all I cared about and then everything else just fell into place.

What has been your core strength during the times when things didn’t pan out the way you had expected, what kept you powering through the lows and pushing the envelope?

My core strength truly is my family. I live with my family and they have always been the

backbone of everything that I do, ever since I was in school. Not just about being in this industry, but in life. And whether, I’m having a difficult day, or the best one, like if I sign a film, the first people I want to tell are my parents or my sister and I just rush home to them. Like if I have a bad day, I’ll sit in my living room probably and just rant about it to my parents and they’ll listen to it and that just makes the day better.

A lot of young girls look up to you as a role model and an inspiration

to pursue their dreams and achieve success. Is there a message for them?

I would just say, ‘dream big’. That’s where it starts from, because if you don’t dream big then you’re limiting yourself. The first battle is won when you’re dreaming big - big enough that it kind of scares you sometimes, but propels you to go and achieve it. It’s easier said than done at most times, but not backing down even if you face setbacks and failures, just continue doing your best for that day, is the best that you could do.

Photographer: Vaishnav Praveen (The House of Pixels)|Hair: Mike Desir Makeup: Riviera Lynn | Stylist: Anaita Shroff Adajania; Assisted by Neona Bahri

Rapid Fire Sharvari

IF YOUR LIFE HAD A THEME SONG, IT WOULD BE… Kar Har Maidaan Fateh

A HISTORICAL FEMALE PERSONALITY YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A DINNER CONVERSATION WITH… Savitri Bai Phule. Right from my childhood, I’ve always read stories about her and my mom has always told us how she used to champion for women education. I’d love to know more from her.

IF YOU COULD SWITCH YOUR LIFE WITH ANY OTHER ICONIC WOMAN, WHO WOULD THAT BE? Meryl Streep.

THE MOST USED EMOJI ON YOUR PHONE? Hearts

WHAT’S THE MOST USED APP?

I think WhatsApp.

ONE SECRET ABOUT YOU THAT VERY FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT?

That I actually have a pigeon-phobia. I get very scared of pigeons. I don’t know it’s very strange.

WHAT’S THE WEIRDEST THING YOU’VE EVER GOOGLED?

Probably some food combination or something!

A CELEBRITY THAT YOU’VE GOOGLED?

Yeah, I was googling Zendaya and Hailey Bieber just now to see some hair and makeup references.

WHAT’S THE FUNNIEST NICKNAME THAT SOMEONE’S GIVEN YOU?

In Marathi, sometimes people have a way of adding ‘ya’ so I get called ‘Sharya’.

IF YOU WERE A SUPERHERO, WHAT IS THE SUPERPOWER YOU’D WANT?

To be able to read minds of dogs, like animals, pets.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A HASHTAG. #fun

GUILTY PLEASURE?

Just binging on midnight snacks.

WHAT’S THE NAUGHTIEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE AND GOTTEN AWAY WITH?

Probably stealing my sisters clothes and really like putting them back in a way that she doesn’t find out.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

I think anything that brings a bright smile on my face is just my style.

It’soverwhelmingattimesbutitissomethingthatIhavewaitedforandwantedand manifestedanddreamtofforsomanyyearsthroughmyjourneyandtheyearsthatIusedto audition.SoformeIthinkbeinghereisonlyatestimonyofthehardworkandjustthepassion thatIhaveforactingandformycraft…

Photographer - Tejas Nerurkar | Outfit - Manish Malhotra | Stylist - Chandini Whabi; Assisted by Shubhra Sharma | Hair - Madhav Trehan | Makeup - Riviera Lynn

The of R Spiit Spi it

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MANISH MALHOTRA

H & M

ALDO

Rizwan Fashion

AL HARMAIN

Jimmy choo

RADO

Grain de CafE ring cartier

Rizwan Fashion

Rizwan Fashion

RIVA

vivre

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garrard

Stella D 'Oro Damas

Love this Eid Gift your

Benedetta Bruzziches

Chaumet

L'ATELIER NAWBAR

Christian Louboutin

Jimmy Choo

Dior

MARLI New York

Pierre Marcolini

Ninja Double Stack XL Air Fryer

Vatika lush

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L'Objet Aegean Gold Dinner Set

lily clutch

rituals

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baobab Collection

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Yardley London presents 4th Edition of Filmfare Middle East Most Influential Women 2025, celebrated Women Power at its best at a grand event held on 25th February at Lapita Dubai Parks and Resorts. From trailblazers who redefine industries to change-makers who inspire generations – this glamorous night was all about felicitating and honouring women achievers and celebrating their legacies!

Award goes to AND THE

Sharvari and Mr. Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group

Sharvari, Mrs. Sameera Sajan, and Mr. Rizwan Sajan

Sharvari and Dr. Sana Sajan, Director at Danube

Vimi Joshi

Mr. Rizwan Sajan and Mr. Anis Sajan, Vice CharimanDanube Group

Dr. Sana Sajan, Mr. Anis Sajan, and Mrs. Sameera Sajan Mrs. Sameera Sajan and Mr. Rizwan Sajan

Mr. Rizwan Sajan and Sharvari with Team Filmfare Middle East unveiling the March cover

Injeel Moti Khan

Team Kaya Clinic

Shruti Chhangani

Vinita Michael Slavka Majdi

Aemen Aisha

Aadharika Gandotra

Pavit Gujral

Lavanya Vikram with husband Sophiya Anjam

Dr. Mary Jane Alvero and guests

Alveena Abrar

Cathy Ninen

Samya Al Harbi

Manjusha PM, Mr. Vivek Janardanan, Mr. Shabu Abdul Majeed, Director – Global Operations, Lulu Group International and Mr. Priyadarshee Panigrahi, Sr. General Manager & Business Head, Wipro Yardley FZE with guest

Munira Rahman

Kanwal Singh - Business Head, Filmfare Middle East Vimi Joshi with friend

Sowmya Menon

Lima Farran

Komal Jajoo

Vinita Hirani

Sneha Rebecca with husband

Aakanksha Naval-ShetyeEditor-in-Chief, Filmfare Middle East

Shraddha Barot-Amariei

Olga Shapozhnikova

Meera Gandhi

Zuleikha Sayani

Alina Anwar Khan

Samaira Wallani

Kushboo Surana

Vishakha Verma

Sonal Chhiber

Leena Thawrani

Tania Lodi

Kaunain Fatima with husband Safa Peshimam

Diya Samtani

Priyanka Sengar Farah Khan

Taira Adil

Shaheen Abbas RJ Faizan

Purva Grover

Dhwani Maheshwari

Drishti Israni Parnani with Sunny Parnani

Team Filmfare Middle East

Shruti Nigam, Munira Rahman, and Amit Panchal

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO CREDITS : JAFAR VETTIYIL, DAWOOD SHAIKH, VIPIN VISWANATH, KHURAM NASEEM, ABDUL VAHID

THE WHAT, WHERE, WHO IN THE CITY

DUBAI SCOPE

WHO:

AYAAN AGNIHOTRI, SALMAN KHAN, BOBBY DEOL, SONAKSHI SINHA, ZAHEER IQBAL, SUNIL GROVER, IULIA VANTUR, HIMESH RESHAMMIYA

WHAT:

SONG LAUNCH

IT WAS AN ALL OUT STARRY EVENING AS AYAAN AGNIHOTRI AKA AGNI DROPPED HIS DEBUT SINGLE ‘UNIVERSAL LAWS’ IN DUBAI. THE GRAND LAUNCH EVENT SAW SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY - SALMAN KHAN, BOBBY DEOL, SONAKSHI SINHA, ZAHEER IQBAL, SUNIL GROVER, IULIA VANTUR, HIMESH RESHAMMIYA - TURN UP TO WITNESS THE UNVEILING OF THE CATCHY HIP-HOP TRACK AND DEBUT PERFORMANCE OF THE UPCOMING SINGER. THE FAMILIES TOO WERE OUT IN FULL ATTENDANCE INCLUDING AYAAN’S PARENTS ALVIRA AND ATUL AGNIHOTRI, SISTER ALIZEH AGNIHOTRI, GRAND MUMS – SALMA AND HELEN WITH UMA AGNIHOTRI, COUSINS ARHAAN AND NIRVAAN KHAN, AS WELL AS ARPITA AND AYUSH SHARMA! HOSTED BY KRIS FADE, THE EVENT WAS MANAGED BY AMANE TEURDI’S ROYAL SEA ENTERTAINMENT

VIDEO AND PHOTOGRAPHY : JAFAR VETTITYIL

Salman Khan and Ayaan Agnihotri

Ayaan with Alizeh Agnihotri, Arhaan and Nirvaan Khan

Bobby Deol, Ayaan, Arpita and Aayush Sharma

Abdu Rozik

Himesh Reshammiya and Sonia with Ayaan Yasmin Karachiwala and Ayaan

Sunil Grover

Kris Fade

Alvira with Ayaan and Raza Beig

Rashed Belhasa with Ayaan and friend

Atul Agnihotri

Amane Teurdi and Ayesha Sayeed

Ayaan with grand-mums – Salma and Helen with Uma Agnihotri

Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal

Iulia Vantur and Ayaan with RedOne (Nadir Khayat) and Laila Aziz

Zenofar Fathima KEEPING REELeel it

ACTOR-FILMMAKER ZENOFAR FATHIMA TALKS ABOUT CREATING WAVES ON THE OTT WITH THE REEL FILES, SHARES HER VISION AS A PRODUCER AND TALKS ABOUT JUGGLING HER MULTIPLE ROLES WITH GREAT ELAN IN THIS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AAKANKSHA NAVAL-SHETYE

Zenofar Fathima is unstoppable! The Dubaibased actor-filmmaker who has been pushing the envelope with her screen offerings has now raised the bar yet again as her anthology series The Reel Files has taken a thrilling leap on the OTT bandwagon with its digital release on ZEE5 Global. The groundbreaking 60-second anthology series first captured hearts on Instagram following its launch on September 6, 2024 and quickly amassed an impressive following, solidifying its status as a favorite among horror enthusiasts. Now with its launch on ZEE5 Global, The Reel Files is stepping into a new realm of storytelling.

Created by Zenofar, who also serves as the CEO of Zen Film Productions, the innovative series delivers a captivating collection of short stories designed to elicit fear and intrigue in under a minute. Collaborating with Afraah Farhana, the series intricately blends horror, suspense, and sharp social commentary, ensuring that viewers are left on the edge of their seats. Recent episodes feature an exciting mix of Bollywood actors, popular UAE influencers, and rising talents, all shot in a variety of captivating locations that enhance the series' eerie ambiance.

Transitioning to an innovative OTT format, the new episodes of The Reel Files will be presented in stunning landscape view, distinctly different from the original reel format. This change allows for a deeper exploration of each story, promising a more immersive experience for viewers. In this new direction, the visionary filmmaker shifts her creative focus from acting to directing and producing, amplifying her unique vision and expertise to ensure that each episode is a masterclass in suspense. We caught up with the multi-talented Zenofar and in an exclusive interview, the filmmaker talks all about her horror series, the vision for her production house, and also gets candid about navigating the industry while juggling her many roles with elan!

WITH THE SERIES ENTERING THE OTT, WHAT’S THE HEADSPACE LIKE?

Transitioning from short films to a major platform like OTT feels like a dream come true for me. It’s a significant milestone, as having content featured on an OTT platform reflects a commitment to exceptional quality and production value. I believe I’ve achieved that level of quality, which is something every creator aspires to. Having come a long way from anchoring TV shows and making short films, I’m genuinely thrilled about this opportunity and feel like I’m on top of the world right now.

TELL

US MORE ABOUT IT…

While embracing this thrilling evolution, the series will also delve into themes of social awareness, enriching its narrative and maintaining the adrenalinepumping thrills that fans have come to love. Regular episodes will air on ZEE5 Global, with exclusive new releases every six months, responding to the demand for longer content. However, for fans who still crave the quick thrills of its Instagram roots, The Reel Files will continue to release weekly episodes on social media. With its ambitious new direction, The Reel Files is poised to redefine the anthology genre, merging chilling entertainment with meaningful discourse. Whether you’re drawn to the heart-pounding suspense or the insightful commentary, this is a series you won’t want to miss!

AS A FILMMAKER, WHAT’S THE VISION FOR YOUR PRODUCTION HOUSE?

The vision for my production house, Zen Film Productions, is to focus on innovative concept creation and highlighting homegrown talent of the UAE. We aim to produce diverse content while integrating cutting-edge technologies and techniques to further elevate our visual storytelling. This approach will define the future of our company and enable us to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.

AS A WOMAN, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE GREATEST STRENGTH AND ADDS TO YOUR APPROACH AS A FILMMAKER?

As a female filmmaker, I believe the greatest strength lies in the ability to have unwavering self-

As a female filmmaker, I believe the greatest strength lies in the ability to have unwavering selfbelief and a clearly focused vision despite the odds. These qualities are essential in filmmaking; they allow me to effectively guide the audience through the story I want to tell audiences through my lens.

belief and a clearly focused vision despite the odds. These qualities are essential in filmmaking; they allow me to effectively guide the audience through the story I want to tell audiences through my lens. When I maintain a strong vision and focus, I find that I’m able to create a captivating narrative that resonates with viewers, helping them to resonate deeply with the themes and emotions portrayed in the film. Without this clarity, it becomes challenging to engage the audience and convey the essence of the story I want to share. In essence, having a strong sense of purpose in my work enables me to lead viewers on a meaningful journey through my films.

ACTOR, DIRECTOR, WHAT’S MORE CREATIVELY SATISFYING AS AN ARTISTE?

While I find great joy in being a director, I’d like to highlight my passion for another role: that

of a producer. The producer role allows me to take control of the entire process, ensuring that the story I am passionate about is brought to life in the best possible way. As a producer, I can manage the broader aspects of production, which is incredibly fulfilling. However, I would always choose to be a director. As a director, I have the opportunity to lead the narrative, collaborate closely with actors, and guide the production team, all of which provide a unique and deeply satisfying creative experience in realizing my creative vision.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES AS A FILMMAKER?

I would say that one of the biggest challenges filmmakers face is time management. If time is not valued and shoots are not conducted on schedule, it can lead to delays in releasing the film to OTT platforms or buyers. Poor time management can also significantly impact production costs, often resulting in

budget overruns. Here, it’s imperative to strike a balance between realizing one’s vision and doing so in an efficient manner. Another challenge is achieving the desired lighting during shoots. Whether filming in daylight or at night, the lighting can affect how the colors and atmosphere of the scene come across, which is crucial for conveying the intended emotions of the story. Balancing these elements effectively is essential for creating a visually compelling film.

HOW DO YOU LOOK BACK AT THE JOURNEY SO FAR?

Looking back on my journey so far, I would say it hasn’t always been smooth sailing; there have certainly been some challenges along the way. What matters most is how I’ve navigated those

obstacles and emerged stronger. Early in my career, I found a niche by focusing on COVID-related stories in my short films, which helped me stand out. Currently, I’m also excited about creating one-minute reels that capture attention and leave a lasting impression in under 60 seconds.

The film industry is highly competitive, with many filmmakers and new projects constantly emerging, making it essential to distinguish myself from the crowd. While there have been turbulent moments, I believe I’ve managed to balance them effectively and continue to carve out my own unique path.

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE YOU AS A WOMAN AND A FILMMAKER?

Three words that best describe me as a woman and

a filmmaker are ‘go-getter’ which was what I was touted as by powerhouse actor Rahul Dev - it is a term that truly resonates with me. I also identify as ‘confident’ and ‘visionary’. I believe that having a clear vision, coupled with the confidence to pursue it relentlessly, defines my approach to both life and filmmaking. I strive to seize opportunities and achieve my goals with determination.

SO MANY WOMEN LOOK UP TO YOU, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR MESSAGE?

My message to all the women out there is that dreams can indeed come true if you pursue them with passion and determination. Never lose sight of your aspirations — believe in yourself and keep chasing your dreams relentlessly. Your perseverance will pave the way for success.

Looking back on my journey so far, I would say it hasn't always been smooth sailing; there have certainly been some challenges along the way. What matters most is how I've navigated those obstacles and emerged stronger.

I believe that having a clear vision, coupled with the confidence to pursue it relentlessly, defines my approach to both life and filmmaking. I strive to seize opportunities and achieve my goals with determination.

Why Khaleej Times...

Marvelous Malhotra! Miss

Right from a breakthrough performance in her blockbuster debut Dangal, Sanya Malhotra has carved a niche for herself in Bollywood with her versatility, powerful performances and compelling screen presence. Right from her fearless choice of unconventional scripts with powerful narratives and story-telling that challenge stereotypes to portraying those characters impactfully on screen, the dynamic young actress has consistently been showcasing her ability to bring depth and authenticity to every character she portrays. With her effortless charm and expressive acting, Sanya seamlessly blends into diverse roles, whether it’s a fierce wrestler, a strong-willed woman navigating societal expectations, a dreamy shy girl, or a headstrong, quirky, relatable protagonist. Her impressive slate of films, from Dangal to Photograph, Pagglait to Ludo, Kathal to Jawan, to name a few, are a testimony to her acting range and dedication to her craft. An equally talented dancer, she recently had hearts racing with her sizzling hot moves in the single Aankh. Her latest ZEE5 Global film, Mrs, further solidifies her reputation as an actress who not only entertains but also sparks meaningful conversations through her work. In a candid conversation, we talk to Sanya about her impressive choices, impactful performances, and also get the young star to reveal her own take on marriage and love

The chartbuster track Aankh that showcased your prowess as a dancer was all the rage and now your ZEE5 Global outing Mrs is all the buzz! Interestingly, your character in the film is fond of dancing too… Before releasing on ZEE5 Global, the movie had already been so wellreceived at the various film festivals internationally where it was showcased and you already garnered so much love and acclaim for it.

So how is the headspace ahead of its OTT release?

I think it’s a beautiful question! Because we’ve been doing these rounds of film festivals, I have seen it with audience in Melbourne, and then at IFFI, and we also had a special screening in Mumbai, so yes, I am overwhelmed with the love that I’m getting and that has also given me so much confidence that I’m not feeling anxious or worried about how it would be received by the audience because I’ve see how people are responding to the film and to my character. So, I think I’m quite confident that it will be received very well.

Are there any similarities you share with the character besides your passion for dance?

No, I think that the struggles that Richa faces, I have not faced those. I have faced some bits and parts like whole period thing… But apart from that, there’s nothing common between Richa and me. However, I have seen other women around me go through these struggles, so I was able to empathise with them and also my character and make it more personal in that way.

You have played so many different characters and versatile roles on screen, but what is the real Sanya like?

I’m nothing like any of the characters I have portrayed till date. So, the real Sanya, I think my social media is all about the real me. So, if you want to know who

I am, what you see on my Instagram is the real me. Of course it’s also wellcurated, but I keep things real there. So, on days when I’m feeling low and not so great about things around me, I don’t go and post about those days, so I’m very honest that way and that also somewhere reflects in the films that I choose to do. So the real me… I’m still actually trying to figure out who the real me is. Because I do films, and then I sometimes get those personalities back home. I don’t know who the real me is actually (laughs).

Your journey has not been without its struggles, but you have powered yourself forward with each step and on your own terms. What has been your strength through the highs and lows?

I think definitely my friends and my family. I am what I am because of the people that I surround myself with. They have kept me grounded and they have given me the strength to power through things professionally and also personally. So definitely my family and my friends.

You have done such a huge variety of ‘wife’ roles in so many of your screen outings, have you ever thought what kind of a wife would you be when you actually get married? Never actually (laughs). But I keep joking about that there are so many times I’ve gotten married on screen, that I might get married in pyjamas when it comes to my actual wedding. Because oh my God! It’s hectic to do bridal makeup and those looks and I’ve done it so many times, not just for my films but even for the photoshoots and all, so I just feel exhausted when I’m doing all of that. I feel oh my God, I’m definitely going to have a very chill wedding. My wedding will be a pyjama wedding, a pyjama party!

But with lots of music... 100 per cent! Music, dance, that goes without saying.

Definitely, it’s a conscious decision to pick such characters and scripts because I feel empowered doing such films and I also hope that young girls who are watching me feel empowered as well.

“ “

So are you very romantic at heart?

Am I romantic, I think I am. I’m quite romantic, but in my own ways.

And what would be the way to win your heart?

Just be honest and kind. I like people who are honest and kind.

None of that tall-darkhandsome criteria?

That is not important. One needs to be a nice human being. That is way more important than how you look.

Has it ever happened that you’ve had a crush

on someone that you’re probably working with, not necessarily a co-actor?

Sadly never because I think when I go on set, I’m completely locked in. I’m not thinking about anything else apart from work or my character or the script so that has never happened. I think I’ll be very bored if I am with someone from the same industry. Like I would like to have some disconnect. You know when I come back home, I don’t want to talk about work. But if you’re with someone who’s from the same industry then you’re constantly surrounding yourself with the same old

because I feel empowered doing such films and I also hope that young girls who are watching me feel empowered as well. When they are watching these women that we watch around us almost every day on screen - women that one can relate and resonate with. So definitely it’s a conscious decision.

Who has been the strongest influence in your life?

My mother. My mother always wanted to become a fashion designer, and unfortunately, she kept her dreams and desires aside after marriage, and also kind of fulfilled those desires and dreams through us. Like she still makes clothes for my sister and me and we wear it, like for my sister’s wedding, I wore something that my mother designed for me, for Mrs’s premier at the Melbourne Indian Film Festival, I wore a dress that my mother made. She has powered through cancer, she is a cancer survivor, and even when she was going through the treatment, she was taking care of us and the house, she used to come back after her chemo sessions and cook meals for us, I mean there are crazy things that my mother has done I feel that she is one of the strongest influences in my life. I think every day I learn something new about her and from her so she’s an incredible woman and I am what I am because of her.

So, now we know why you are such a strong woman yourself!

conversation, nothing new is happening. So I don’t know, I might get bored.

A lot of films that you’ve done have carried a beautiful message. Has that been a very conscious choice or are you just picking up basis something that came your way?

No, this is definitely what I want to do and a choice I make keeping that in mind. I think as an actor, I have gotten this opportunity and a platform so why not use it. So, definitely, its a conscious decision to pick such characters and scripts

Yeah, I have really strong women around me. Mumma, my aunt, my grand-mom, my sister, friends, I have such amazing women around me, who have shaped me and are still shaping me somewhere.

And what are your upcoming projects now!

Sunny Sanskari, Tulsi Kumari with Varun Dhawan, Jahnvi and Rohit Saraf. Then there is Toaster with Rajkumar Rao, then there’s one I’ve done with Bobby Deol, directed by Anurag Kashyap which will release this year. So, I have about four releases this year, and I’m quite happy and elated.

I think I’ll be very bored if I am with someone from the same industry. Like I would like to have some disconnect. You know when I come back home, I don’t want to talk about work.

“ “

BOMBAE HIGH!

YANANYA PANDAY IS BOTH A WISE WOMAN AND A CHILD LOST AT THE MOVIES, FINDS JITESH PILLAAI

ou saw a different side to Ananya Panday in films like CTRL, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan and shows like Call Me Bae. There was a different energy to her, a certain maturity, or more specifically, a gravitas which was missing earlier. She has an online image which is totally in contrast with the actor, with the person she’s turning into now. Sitting besides her for an interview, I don’t see her pulling any starry airs. She loves to talk and I love to listen to her. Our off the record conversation is much more interesting. Alas! I cannot share it with you. She has no qualms about admitting to her failures and listing her insecurities because she’s secure in the belief that she has moved past them. She’s only interested in the future, in becoming a better, more involved actor. She knows an actor is a product of her choices and she has her fingers crossed towards not only choosing the best but creating some on her own too. Excerpts from an engaging interview with the actor.

BEFORE GEHRAIYAAN , MY DREAM WAS SIMPLE: TO BE ON THE BIG SCREEN, DANCING, SINGING, WEARING CHIFFON SAREES AND STARRING IN KARAN JOHAR FILMS…BUT SHAKUN BATRA PUSHED ME TO THINK DIFFERENTLY

PHOTOGRAPHS: TARAS TARAPORVALA / FEMINA

How have you processed this year?

It’s been a truly life-changing year, both personally and professionally. Everything I’ve worked towards over the past few years has finally come to fruition. It’s also the year I feel most connected to the audience. Anchal, who does my hair, told me about her daughter’s elocution competition. A child came on stage and said, “I am

don’t affect me much. But on bad days, even the smallest comment can feel amplified. After Liger released and underperformed, there was a lot of chatter. I had to start shooting for Dream Girl 2 just two days later. I remember thinking, “I can’t do this.” For the first time, I felt nervous and fumbled my lines on the set. Over time, I’ve learnt to manage it.

With Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, it felt like we were seeing an entirely new version of you. Honestly, the shift happened with Gehraiyaan. As an actor, that film changed everything for me. Before Gehraiyaan, my dream was simple: to be on the big screen, dancing, singing, wearing chiffon sarees and starring in Karan Johar films. I wasn’t a thinking actor; I just followed instructions. But Shakun Batra pushed me to think differently. He told me, “Not everyone is going to look out for you. You need to take responsibility—do your homework and build your character independently.” That advice changed my perspective.

myself out there.

But you seem confident now…

I was very confident as a child. I’d lead dances, nail all the steps and was cheerful, just like I am now. But during my teenage years, when people started commenting on my looks and personality, it made me self-conscious. I stopped volunteering for performances. I avoided school plays and stayed with my friends instead of stepping into the spotlight. If there was a dance performance, I’d stand at the back.

When did you start taking yourself seriously as an actor?

Honestly, I’ve always taken myself seriously. Even in school, I was studious, a first-bencher, determined not to make mistakes. I was the teacher’s pet. If my friends cut classes, I’d complain to the teacher.

What kind of conversations do you have with your parents?

My dad always says I’m too honest for my own good. I can’t keep secrets, especially from people close to me. I just don’t have a filter.

Bae, I’m here to slay” as their official entry. That, for me, is the biggest win as an actor. My dad always says that when people imitate you, it means you’ve made your mark.

You faced trolling and the usual nepotism debate. How have you managed to silence those voices?

I’ve handled it differently at various stages of life. When things are going well, like now, the voices

During your teenage phase, people reportedly called you “chicken legs” or said you had a hunchback. At that age, you’re just beginning to understand yourself, your body, your personality. You start experimenting with how you dress, maybe develop crushes. Everything feels heightened during your teenage years. So, when someone comments on your appearance or body, it can leave a lasting scar.

Did those experiences erode your personality in any way? Not erode but they definitely affected my confidence. Even though I always dreamt of becoming an actor, in school, I wasn’t as confident about putting

Did that honesty carry over into your relationships too?

Oh, absolutely. I remember my first boyfriend in school. When he asked me to be his girlfriend, I paused and said, “Wait, I need to ask my mom.” I literally called her and said, “Mom, I like this boy. Can I date him?” Back then, dating just meant holding hands and texting. It wasn’t anything serious.

Which boyfriends have they approved of? They don’t outright disapprove of anyone, they believe I’ll figure it out myself. I can tell from their mood or body language if they’re not

AS A CHILD, I WAS VERY CONFIDENT. I’D LEAD DANCES, NAIL ALL THE STEPS, AND WAS CHEERFUL, JUST LIKE I AM NOW. BUT DURING MY TEENAGE YEARS, WHEN PEOPLE STARTED COMMENTING ON MY LOOKS AND PERSONALITY, IT MADE ME SELF-CONSCIOUS

fond of someone. And yes, they’ve been right a few times.

What kind of girlfriend are you? Over time, I’ve become more comfortable with who I am, and that’s had an impact on my relationships. I used to mould myself into whoever I was dating. I’d spend less time with my friends and change things in my life, even without them asking.

That sounds exhausting. It was. Now, I’ve found a balance. I don’t change myself to fit someone else’s expectations anymore. If someone doesn’t want to be with me for who I am, I’d rather be with myself. I’ve realised that relationships only work when both people can be themselves without losing their individuality.

How do you handle longdistance relationships?

I think it’s quite healthy to have some space.

How often do you meet in a month?

I think 45 days without meeting is fine. That space really does make the heart grow fonder.

It’s said you gave 100 missed calls to someone because they weren’t answering?

I was exaggerating a bit but people tend to latch onto certain things. A lot of comments were like, “We’ve all done that before.”

So, you’re mildly stalker-ish? No, I don’t think so. But people can bring out

certain sides of you.

Have you stalked your boyfriend’s Instagram? Everyone does that. That doesn’t make you a stalker.

You don’t like leaving things unresolved? Exactly. I don’t believe in taking a break and then coming back to talk things through later. I need to express how I feel immediately. Even if my partner is emotional or angry, I’d rather they get it all out. I can handle that.

Have you been in a situationship? No, I can’t do that.

Have you ever been cheated on?

Yeah, I have.

And you were okay with it? It happened when I was much younger, in my first few relationships, like in school. Of course, I was angry. But it was school, so you get over it eventually.

What are the red flags in a relationship for you? Dishonesty. I’m honest, so if you ask me something, I’ll tell you exactly what it is. I expect the same from the other person.

What else?

Disrespect. You know when you’re with someone, and they’re kind to you at home. But when you’re out with

GROWING UP, SEEING SRK NOT JUST AS THIS HUGE STAR BUT ALSO SITTING DOWN TO HELP HIS KIDS WITH THEIR HOMEWORK AND ASSIGNMENTS, IT MADE ME REALISE THAT YOU CAN BE SUCCESSFUL AT WORK AND STILL FULLY PRESENT AT HOME

others, their behaviour changes? That’s a red flag for me. Also, someone who can’t support your victories is a big red flag. People might not openly show it but you can tell when they’re not as happy for you as you are for them.

Does social media impact your life?

100 per cent. When I was younger, I used to go down to play with friends in our building’s compound. Then Instagram came when I was about 14 or 15. Since then, it’s been a huge part of everyone’s life. It affects work, relationships and how you feel about yourself.

How do you deal with social media?

I turned off my Instagram notifications and that made a huge difference. The constant notifications can be overwhelming. I don’t scroll through my feed as much now. I used to feel the need to catch up on every post but now I don’t do that. Going on holiday helped me break that habit. I’ve also muted a lot of accounts on Instagram. It’s actually helped my mental health.

How do you deal with drama, especially being an actor? Honestly, there’s no drama in my life. And I’m okay with some drama. Right now, everything is calm.

What usually makes you cry?

Big things don’t make me cry but the smallest things do. If I don’t eat on time, if something is late, or if I’m frustrated, I’ll cry. But big events? No, they don’t faze me as much.

How do you process deeper emotions or baggage from the past?

I let it all out. I’m the kind of person who needs to release it at the moment. If I’m having a bad day on the set, I let people see that side of

me. I saw that quality in Deepika (Padukone) as well. She’s human, and she lets people around her see that. It’s a beautiful thing. People forget that actors feel things too. Showing that human side can be a huge advantage. If I’m not okay, I cry, I vent, I talk to someone, or go to therapy. Eventually, I get over it.

Did you start therapy recently?

I started therapy as a kid. I used to wear glasses, I still do. I was very selfconscious about my appearance back then. I avoided wearing them to school because I was scared people would comment. My parents finally made me wear them when I started failing because I couldn’t read the board. Therapy helped me with those insecurities. I stopped therapy when I didn’t need it anymore. But during COVID, I started feeling anxious, like many people did, so I went back to it. In my family, therapy isn’t taboo, my dadi, mom and sister have all done it. My dad may have tried it too.

It’s great that it’s so normal for your family. Exactly. That’s why I talk about it openly as an actor. I don’t want it to remain a taboo.

What were your therapy sessions like?

Therapy has been incredibly helpful. For instance, in my first year, shortly after my film’s release, someone created a fake profile claiming to know me from school. They accused me of bullying and spread rumours. Some even questioned my education, claiming I hadn’t actually gotten into college. Over time, I’ve stopped caring about what others think. You can’t control it.

Is there something that Shah Rukh has said, some kind of advice that has stayed with you? Everything he says is like advice or something you can take away. His presence and the way

he conducts himself has been the biggest lesson. For example, the way he’s been with his kids, how present he’s been as a father, really reinforced that work-life balance for me. Growing up, seeing him not just as this huge star but also seeing him sitting down to help his kids with their homework and assignments, it made me realise that you can be successful at work and still be fully present at home.

Suhana Khan and Shanaya Kapoor have faced their fair share of trolling. What kind of conversations do you have with them during these times?

We talk about everything. I used to sleep on Maheep’s belly when she was pregnant with Shanaya. So, they’re more like family to me at this point. We don’t really need to say much; we understand one another without having to explain things. I never give unsolicited advice. But in case they want to talk about something, I’m always here to listen.

Do you have people who keep you grounded?

I have my Suhana, Shanaya and Navya group, who are all from film families. But I also have my school friends, who have nothing to do with

the film industry. I have a solid group of about six girls and we’ve been best friends since I was four. They know me inside out. If they don’t like my movie, they’ll just say, “Yeah, nice,” but I can tell from their demeanour that they weren’t impressed. My parents are always honest with me. Even my team always tells me the truth, which I really appreciate.

What’s the worst and best piece of advice you’ve gotten? The worst advice was anyone suggesting that I change my body in any way. People told me I should put on weight to get certain roles or suggested I change my face.

So many of your colleagues and contemporaries are constantly altering their looks. Do you feel that pressure?

I don’t feel the pressure. I’m more of a “to each their own” person. If that’s what works for them and they’re happy with it, fine. I don’t believe anyone should tell someone else how to look or what to do with their body. All kinds of beauty and body types are thriving on the screen, so it feels unfair to say that to someone.

IN MY FIRST YEAR, SHORTLY AFTER MY FILM’S RELEASE, SOMEONE CREATED A FAKE PROFILE CLAIMING TO KNOW ME FROM SCHOOL. THEY ACCUSED ME OF BULLYING AND SPREAD RUMOURS. SOME EVEN QUESTIONED MY EDUCATION

Kho Gaye Hum Kahan

Geharahiyaan

Raising the bar!

Shilpa Rao

The dynamic and versatile singerpar-excellence, Shilpa Rao in conversation with Aakanksha Naval-Shetye talks about her incredible and inspiring musical journey driven by passion, perseverance and an unshakeable love for all things music

From soulful renditions to romantic songs and from club favourites to foot-tapping chart-busters, Bollywood and South hits to Indie music, Shilpa Rao aces all genres of music across industries with incredible ease. Known for her versatility and distinct style of seamlessly blending classical influences with contemporary sounds, the singer has carved her own niche in the music industry as one of the most celebrated artistes. Having first gained recognition with songs like 'Tose Naina' from Anwar and 'Khuda Jaane' from Bachna Ae Haseeno, which became instant hits, over the years, Shilpa has delivered several chart-topping tracks, including 'Besharam Rang', 'Chaleya', 'Malang', 'Bulleya', 'Ghungroo', to name just a few, each showcasing her rich evocative voice and singing range. Continuing to push creative boundaries and redefining contemporary playback singing, Shilpa’s deep understanding of music, combined with her emotive vocal delivery, has made her a favorite among music lovers and critics alike. Fearless and experimental in her approach to music, the singer continues to raise the bar. We caught up with Shilpa for a candid tete-a-tete and over cups of coffee talked about her passion for music, navigating the highs and lows in the industry and find out what makes her such a favourite!

ONE CHARTBUSTER SONG AFTER ANOTHER… YOU ARE ALWAYS ON A ROLL!

I’m just grateful for the love I keep getting song after song.

YOUR VOICE IS NOT THE MOST CONVENTIONAL ONE WHEN IT COMES TO BOLLYWOOD MUSIC. WAS IT CHALLENGING TO BREAK INTO THAT BOLLYWOOD FORMAT?

I think it’s high time that we come to accept the whole thought process ofeveryone has their face and everyone should have their voice. I mean literally and metaphorically; you should have your voice. And of course we’ve all grown up with a certain musicality, but if you go back, you’ll actually realise that back in the 20s, the 30s, women had very unique voices that were all celebrated. From Begum Akhtarji to Ella Fitzgerald, or if you look at Surinder Kaur Jeet from Punjab or MS Subbulakshmiji from south, or Prabha Atreji from Maharashtra, each of these women had their own voices. So, I think it was always the norm. And over the years, Bollywood has broken so many formats. It has become more life-like. People are changing, people

are noticing. And art mirrors that. That’s why Bollywood songs have also changed. In the same way the voices need to reflect what we are right now. We don’t have just one kind of a women right now, there are so many different kinds and I hope I get to portray all those women on the screen.

PLAYBACK SINGING AND INDIE MUSIC SCENE, DO YOU PREFER ONE MORE THAN THE OTHER?

Love is love, food is food and music is music! I’m not

a very complicated person and I have a very simple way of looking at life. You go to the studio and there’s a song and the only thing that I have is fun. I forget everything else. When I’m in the studio I like to bond with that song, connect with it and express it in my way. I don’t over analyse things.

BUT DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE GENRE… OR A GENRE THAT YOU FIND YOURSELF MORE ATTRACTED TO AS AN ARTISTE?

There is one genre which is

INTERVIEW

my most favorite and I think it’s the most difficult genre to deliver. I fell in love with Ghazals when I was about 11ish… I was just mesmerized by that whole art form and I still am. So that’s one genre that I really love to work at and I’m still training to do that. But when it comes to listening to music, I pretty much listen to everything. From western classical, jazz to acid jazz, hiphop, pop… I listen to anything... My brother is a pianist so that’s why we had a lot of music at home.

WHAT’S ON YOUR PLAYLIST RIGHT NOW?

Whenever I hear something nice, fatak se I shazam it and I have it on my playlist. So, my playlist keeps changing. But of course, there are some things that are perennial and that never leave your playlist. There’s Sting… Jazz for that matter. So, they don’t leave the playlist, you keep adding to it.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR OWN SONGS?

I don’t listen to them as such after I finish them. I tend to be a bit critical, like I could have done this better or sung that better… But I love all my songs. Each one has a very emotional connection so it’s tough to choose one.

YOUR DAD HAS BEEN A SINGER TOO. DO YOU THINK THAT HIS ERA WAS BETTER THAN YOURS WHEN IT CAME TO THE MUSIC AND THE MUSIC INDUSTRY OR IF ANY SPECIFIC TIME WAS LIKE THE GOLDEN PERIOD?

I don’t think there’s any specific era which is absolutely perfect. Right now, this generation, we have many things that are easy which our parents didn’t have. But of course, there are many things that are difficult also. In the same way my parents had their own share of advantages and disadvantages. And my grandparents. So, every era is great and probably you make it great. Like you and me, we belong to this era, and we just want to make the most of it and make great work out of it. But I think every generation has a responsibility. And I think we are writing history as we go. The whole thing is about making today matter, so it’s important to focus on today. But yes, every era has its own artists that jump off the page and that’s how it’s supposed to be.

I've never been motivated by numbers. But yes, I am motivated by one thing and that is if I'm singing a song on stage and someone asks me for my specific song, I think that's what matters. I go by the connection that people have to that song.

DO YOU FEEL THAT SONGS TODAY ARE MORE ABOUT OVERALL PACKAGING OVER JUST THE AUDITORY ENTERTAINMENT?

When you’re starting obviously you have no idea what’s going to happen with the song. This is my 16th year, and I still don’t know anything (laughs). So once we finish the song, it’s not ours. It belongs to every listener. So, all we do is sing it with all our heart and to the best of our ability and leave it to the audience, however they want to receive it. Like I follow so many singers, and each one sits differently with emotions. So, I would say music should make us feel. At the core of it, that’s all that matters, rest all is an additional.

WHICH ACTRESS DO YOU FEEL HAS DONE COMPLETE JUSTICE TO YOUR VOICE AND SONGS?

Well, in that sense, I do have to give it to the actresses because I sing a song and go, but they shoot on it and they emote it so beautifully on it. So, it’s like a 50-50 like that. But I love what Deepika (Padukone) does, what Katrina (Kaif) does. I would love to sing for Tabu. She’s one of my favorites. I’d love to sing for her.

YOU HAVE DONE SOME AWESOME COLLABORATIONS, WHO’S NEXT ON YOUR WISHLIST?

There’s such a big list. But you know you plan things and then life does something else for you which is even

better for you than you thought it would be. So, I’ve not thought much but yeah, some artists I really admire, and I would love to work with them. I would love to sing with Sting.

YOU STARTED OFF WITH JINGLES AND HAVE COME SUCH A LONG WAY SINCE WHERE YOU ARE CELEBRATED GLOBALLY. HOW DO YOU LOOK BACK AT THE JOURNEY?

Grateful, I’m just grateful. I came to Mumbai to do good music and I’m glad to be doing that. I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve worked with some awesome artists. Not just workwise great, but are great human beings too. What stays with you after you finish your song is how nice they were as people. And that stays with you. I feel that being a nicer human being is a far more important quality for all of us. And I’ve been very fortunate and grateful for the audience giving so much love for anything I’ve done, they’ve accepted it, they’ve loved it and I’m very grateful. So all I feel is a lot of gratitude.

DO YOU EVER FEEL THE PRESSURE TO CRACK THE NUMBER OF VIEWS, OR SHARES? DO THEY MATTER?

I always look at music as music because when I started there wasn’t any Facebook or Instagram. So, I believe in doing music

There is no one day that'll change you. It's the other way around. Even after you've had a failure, and if you pick up yourself and go back to work the next day. And work because you want to do it. I think that's a game changer.

and that hasn’t changed. I mean if tomorrow there’s no social media, would you stop doing the music? So, I think it shouldn’t be about an external force, it should be about yourself! You should do it for yourself. If you eat something, it should be because you want to have it. If you make friends with someone it’s because you are invested in that friendship. If you choose to be with a partner, that’s because you want to invest in that relationship. So, I think it should be about you and not because someone expects numbers from you or something. So, I’ve never been motivated by numbers. But yes, I am motivated by one thing and that is if I’m singing a song on stage and someone asks me for my specific song, I think that’s what matters. I go by the connection that people have to that song.

SO, WHICH IS THE MOST REQUESTED SONG?

It keeps changing. Sometimes it’s ‘Ghunghroo’, sometimes its ‘Bulleya’. ‘Toh Se Naina’ would be one of my most favorites because it was my first song, so it’s very special anyway. It still is one of the most-requested song.

WHICH SONG WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN THE GAME-CHANGER FOR YOU?

There is no one song, one project, one award as such

that will change your life forever. It doesn’t work like that. I think it’s a myth that we’ve been fed as children that you make it there and you’ll be fine. I think your entire life is a constant game-changer. You need to keep working every single day. There is no one day that’ll change you. It’s the other way around. Even after you’ve had a failure, and if you pick up yourself and go back to work the next day. And work because you want to do it. I think that’s a game changer. Because everyone sees your successes. But between those successes there are many failures which no one knows of or sees. And failures are demoralizing. So, when you get up and you go back to work, that shows the sheer love you have for what you do. When people look at our Instagram timelines, they see only successes. But there’s so much behind it. And I’m going to go on record and say this that I have failed way more times than I’ve succeeded. Because you’re doing this for music. You’re doing it for yourself. Nobody should be chasing you for anything. You should do this because you love to do this. And to break the myth I would say that you would fail more than you will succeed in your life, the only thing that matters is how much you love to do what you do.

edefined! R Storytelling Arati Kadav

FILMMAKER ARATI KADAV HAS BEEN GARNERING MUCH CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR HER LATEST ZEE5 GLOBAL RELEASE MRS STARRING SANYA MALHOTRA. IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AAKANKSHA NAVAL-SHETYE, THE TRAILBLAZING DIRECTOR TALKS ABOUT HER THOUGHT-PROVOKING FILM CHALLENGING SOCIETAL NORMS AND BEING A CONVERSATION-STARTER

Arati Kadav’s directorial Mrs has been all the rage on the OTT since its release on ZEE5 Global. Garnering popularity and critical acclaim, the thought-provoking film starring Sanya Malhotra has been quite the conversation starter as it takes on patriarchy and societal norms without being preachy. Having honed her directorial skills with over nine short films and a sci-fi feature film Cargo to her credit, Arati’s latest is an exploration of a woman’s identity beyond her defined roles, responsibilities and duties! With a powerful narrative and compelling story-telling, the film is being praised for the strong relevance to the way society and families treat their women. In an exclusive interview, we talk to Arati all about it and she reveals how the directorial was actually shaped by her own experiences and of the several women she interacted with in the course of the filmmaking. The director also talks about women filmmakers being boxed for making women-centric films, pointing out ‘is it even a genre!’ Excerpts

Your earlier film Cargo was a sci-fi that had cinema-lovers intrigued with the unique concept. And now you have captivated hearts with a drama Mrs that’s being much celebrated for the narrative…

Yes, I’m very grateful. They are two such different subjects and for me as an artist, as a director to explore such two different films is amazing. I’m very proud of Mrs in terms of the conversations which it has sparked and the way it’s connecting to so many women across the board. So it feels nice, like a beautiful sisterhood with all the girls and all the women when I talk to them.

Had you gauged that it would be such a conversation-starter socially when the movie was doing the rounds at the festival circuits? Actually, no! So I did have a very strong connection with the audience at the festival, but I thought that maybe it’s that particular theatre audience or that particular screening audience is reacting to. I never thought that it would be at this scale. But I remember as part of ZEE5 Global, we had a tour of Delhi where I met a lot of journalists who had seen the film and then we also met a lot of women, who were shown the film ahead of its release and the way they were talking to me, pouring their hearts to me, I remember telling one of my crew members, “something is happening with this film that I feel we

have not anticipated. Let’s wait for the release and see but I feel something huge will happen”. And it’s even bigger than what I was anticipating. So I feel very blessed and grateful that we could tell a story like this.

Yes, it’s certainly a film that families, not just women need to watch and with an OTT release on ZEE5 Global, the reach is massive…

Yes, you’re right! The film has reached so many countries, and I have friends outside India messaging me for it. Most of the time, they would see my work through me pushing them, like ‘hey see my film’ or through my social media. But this film reached way beyond even my sphere of influence and they sought me out and it was amazing. That was the strength of this platform that it was available so many places and it was easier for people to access it and watch it.

From the script to the screen, what was the journey like? It was very important that I don’t just go with what’s the script is about, but bring in my own experience and also go with a curious person perspective where I actually went and spoke to a lot of girls, especially in North of India. I was very blessed that I had a wonderful actress Sanya Malhotra who accompanied me and we met a lot of women. And Sanya has so much empathy, the women found a safe space with her and me to confide with what is happening to them. When I heard their stories, I started bringing in some of their nuances into the film, along with my own. So I made this film with a lot of honesty and also lot more important than that, like I felt way more responsible for this story than I have for any other

“

Just seeing a woman as a whole human is very important and we ourselves don’t realise that we start diminishing ourselves

to fit in

to that expectations of ourselves. So we also try to match the mercilessness of the world around us by becoming smaller.

film. Because when you see how your film can actually tell the story of so many women who don’t have a voice and if I’m choosing to tell the story, I better do it right, because if I waste this opportunity I fail a lot of people. So that’s what I felt about this particular story and I’m very grateful that I could do it in a way that was true to essence of what we wanted to say. And I also feel Sanya is a very good carrier for a story like this because you feel like loving her, you feel like protecting her, you root for her when she’s trying to please making those Biryanis so you root for her and I think that a lot of anger that is coming while you’re watching the film is also because you feel bad for her.

Audience usually expects womencentric films, especially those helmed by women filmmakers to be very preachy, but your film hasn’t taken that approach… Yeah, it’s a scam. I’m very against preachy messages. Samajhdaar ko ishaara kaafi hai and the film’s story is going forward organically. So why do you need those extra lines to spell it out and then defeat the purpose of telling the whole thing through a screenplay. The idea is to show, not tell. And let people take what they can. So that was the idea.

More often than not, women filmmakers do get judged when they make a woman-centric film, even though you have earlier made a sci-fi Cargo... Was that not a concern when making Mrs? Because the premise was very familiar to me and I thought that I could do justice to the story is the reason I picked this up. But yes, now I’m getting a lot of offers saying, “we have a lot of women centric stories, would you be interested to direct” and I said “Is that even a genre for a woman to explore or what?” So it’s not surprising. But I also knew that I wanted to tell this story irrespective. And yes, a female gaze does add in to a story like this, the way in which we face sexism or patriarchy, not just at home, even at workplace and they are not always direct statements, the messages are so subtle that we don’t even realise that it’s been said to us. So I wanted to bring in those finer jabs, the belittling of her passion in the name of jokes. I am still very passionate about sci-fi and I definitely want to do that. But I think my gender does colour whatever story I tell and it will colour all the more because the thing is when you make a film, the film also makes you, you grow

“A female gaze does add in to a story like this, the way in which we face sexism or patriarchy, not just at home, even at workplace and they are not always direct statements, the messages are so subtle that we don’t even realise that it’s been said to us. So I wanted to bring in those finer jabs, the belittling of her passion in the name of jokes. I am still very passionate about sci-fi and I definitely want to do that. But I think my gender does colour whatever story I tell and it will colour all the more because the thing is when you make a film, the film also makes you, you grow as you make the film, so now I think it has influenced my lens also a lot more. I think my gender does colour whatever story I tell…

as you make the film, so now I think it has influenced my lens also a lot more. You and I are lucky we go out, work, but there are a lot of women who do not and we need to understand that through other stories we can impact their lives.

Yes, these have been underlying issues that keep getting brushed aside, like it’s acceptable to trivialise the wife or her aspirations, her talents and it’s okay to make fun of her all the time…

Not just at home, I have even faced it at workplace, even while making feminist films! I don’t know how much the lives will change, but even if those jokes or criticism for food or no appreciation is corrected, the small changes sometimes can feel big.

All these multiple terms of feminism, toxicity, green flag, red flag, put aside, what is that one core necessity for women today?

I think it’s very important that women treat every other woman as a whole person. It’s a very easy tendency to reduce women to a function, but it’s important that people have a more complete vision of them as individuals rather than just them being defined in roles – whether at home or work! I think the way we see a man is as a whole man and we respect him that his passion

for his own life is not taking away his commitment for the job or what he’s doing for his family or for his workplace, right? They say, ‘oh nice he’s so passionate’. But a driven and passionate woman can sometimes be judged negatively. Just seeing a woman as a whole human is very important and we ourselves don’t realise that we start diminishing ourselves to fit in to that expectations of ourselves. So we also try to match the mercilessness of the world around us by becoming smaller. I have been guilty of treating my own mother as a function all my life and even after making a film like this, I subconsciously still do it. So many times I’ll go over and say ‘Mumma I want food’ or even though I’m married and I have kids, I still treat my mother like you don’t be a person, just be my mother! So we ourselves do treat other women like that too.

The entire responsibility of maintaining peace and compromising at home lies on shoulders of the women!

Yes, and everything is so complicated and the nuances of this is so tough to navigate. As a woman you don’t know what trade off one is making to get something that she really wants, so that is also very complicated, how a woman navigates her social reality for her own passion.

Lost in Oz

SAIYAMI KHER RECOUNTS HER AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE TO SRIJANI ROY CHOWDHURY

Imagine a journey that perfectly combines your passions, whether it’s the thrill of watching a live cricket, the adrenaline of adventure sports or savouring world class culinary delights. Saiyami Kher's recent trip to Australia was exactly that, a dream come true. From diving into the Great Barrier Reef to experiencing the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, her trip to the land down under was more than just a vacation. Australia's landscapes, cities and vibe left her awestruck at every turn. She recounts moments that made her trip unforgettable, shares the travel hacks she lives by and adds a few new destinations to her evergrowing bucket list. Read on.

AUSTRALIA CALLING

I chose Australia as my yearend destination because I was keen on exploring the country. My film Ghoomer premiered there, so I had a soft spot for the place. Our world premiere had happened in Australia. At that time, I’d gone only for one day. I remember it being a super long flight. I also came back within a day. But the trip was special. Then, I was invited by Tourism Australia in January last year. They offered me the opportunity to watch the Australian Open. Everyone knows I love sports, so they had called me to watch the match. I spent time only in Melbourne last year. This year, they called me back again

to watch the Australia-India cricket match. On boxing day i.e. December 26 They curated a fantastic itinerary for me as well. I was in the country from December 11 to December 28, 2024, around 17 to 18 days. I love Australia because of all the adventure and outdoor activities you get to do there.

CRICKET MANIA

Interestingly, it was a solo trip this time. But during my visit to Brisbane, I was with a group to see the India vs Australia cricket match. There was Sara Tendulkar, Ishaan Khatter, Mini Mathur, Kabir Khan and Prachi Desai at The Gabba. We were together only for

that one day of the match. Otherwise, I was travelling solo. Everyone knows that I am a huge cricket lover. I was supposed to watch only one day of the match but I extended and stayed back. I watched the Test match for three more days. The vibe in the stadium was superfriendly. Due to tourism opportunities, India’s relationship with Australia is booming right now. You see so many Indians there;

you don’t even feel like you’re out of India. During my visit to Melbourne, I went to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the Boxing Day test match. There were many Indians there because of cricket and Christmas. For cricket lovers the boxing day test match is the biggest day in the calendar. There were 90,000 people watching the game. I was really excited about that. R Balki sir was also there. He had bought tickets long ago. Unfortunately, the match didn’t go India’s way. However, it was like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Another memorable event was spending time with Australian cricketers, David Warner, Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan. I sat and discussed the game with them. A pinch-me moment for sure.

WILD AT HEART

Besides the matches, the whole trip was filled with

WHAT SHOULD YOU PACK WHILE VISITING AUSTRALIA?

 Lightweight clothing

 Sun hat

 Comfortable walking shoes

 Light jacket for cooler evenings

 Sunscreen with high SPF

 Insect repellent

 Travel towel

 Universal travel adapter

adventure. I was rock climbing, kayaking, surfing and ziplining. I also went deep sea diving. It was great fun to see the city from the water while kayaking. For rock climbing, you get to see the city and the scenic beauty from a height. I loved that. I also went to the Gold Coast to surf. Surfing is a water sport I have wanted to learn for a long time. I practised for two days at surf classes and picked it up pretty quickly. The Great Barrier Reef is like a tick mark for every diver. I went down to Cairns to see it. There was a terrible storm but I didn’t back off. I was diving for three days in the long stretch but I did it up North in Cairns. It’s something that words can’t describe because what you see underwater is something you can’t explain. The colours are perfect.

You don’t see those colours on land. You can’t explain life underwater. The first day was rough because we were in the ocean for two hours. The storm was on. The dive that day wasn’t the best but I dived for two days after that. It’s completely worth the hype that people make around the Great Barrier Reef. If given a choice, I would have done that for 15 days. But I had to do other things as well. I’ll definitely go back again. I went ziplining into the rainforest, which was fun. It’s simple, you go into the rainforest and zipline through it. In Mahabari, there was an animal sanctuary with kangaroos and koalas. They’re just walking around in the wild and you’re walking around with them. If you ever go vacationing with me, you’ll realise that I never relax on any of my holidays. I have a jam-packed schedule all the time. I also went to an animal sanctuary where I

I CHOSE AUSTRALIA AS MY YEAR-END DESTINATION BECAUSE I WAS KEEN ON EXPLORING THE COUNTRY. MY FILM GHOOMER PREMIERED THERE, SO I HAD A SOFT SPOT FOR THE PLACE

held a snake. There was an activity called “crocodile feeding”, which I did. The animal sanctuary felt so natural. They keep it so real and well-maintained. It was a pleasurable experience.

PLEASING THE PALATE

I am also someone who loves trying local dishes whenever I am on vacation. You get to learn about new cultures, especially about new food. I always eat local food. The food is also good in Australia. Melbourne is known to be the

food capital of Australia. It’s got some delicious food. So, all the diets go out of the window when you’re on holiday. As Melbourne is a multicultural hub when it comes to food, I mostly had Japanese food. I also ate at a nice Mediterranean place. Also, hot chocolates and croissants are a must try in Melbourne. I had those from certain places.

BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE

The best part about being an actor is how much I get to travel. I absolutely love that about my job. I just got back from Mangalore where I was shooting, and now I’m heading to Hyderabad. During my debut film, we spent a lot of time in Ladakh. I also did a show that took me to Turkey, Georgia, Baku and rest of Azerbaijan. Because of all the travel, work never

MUST-VISIT PLACES IN AUSTRALIA

feels like work.

It’s more like a holiday for me. But I also make it a point to take at least one trip with my parents every year, usually around Diwali. I also try to plan a trip with my school friends and one solo trip. So, three trips a year are a must for me.

TIPS AND TRICKS

When it comes to my trips, there are definitely some non-negotiables. I can’t just stay in a hotel room all the time. It really irritates me. I need to get out, explore and do things when I visit a place. It’s non-negotiable. Also, I’m a light traveler. I don’t like being around people who carry too much stuff. I just pack the essentials. I’m also a fan of backpacking trips. About seven years ago, I went to Hawaii with just a backpack.

 Cairns and Great Barrier Reef Region

 Sydney

 Uluru

 Melbourne

 Perth and Margaret River

 Kangaroo Island

 Kakadu

 Hobart

 Gold Coast

 Byron Bay

THE GREAT BARRIER REEF IS LIKE A TICK MARK FOR EVERY DIVER. I WENT DOWN TO CAIRNS TO SEE IT. THERE WAS A TERRIBLE STORM, BUT I DIDN’T BACK OFF

Traveling light makes it so much easier to enjoy doing touristy things. I’m not someone who feels the need to document everything for social media. In fact, half the things I experience don’t even make it onto Instagram. I prefer to just enjoy the experience and have some time off. If I had to give some travel tips, I’d say, for Australia, don’t try to cram everything into one schedule. It’s a huge country, and it’s better to really explore and enjoy one area at a time. If you’re going to Queensland, for example, focus on discovering everything Queensland has to offer. Don’t just rush off to Melbourne or Sydney because you won’t get to fully experience what Queensland is about. And definitely try to enjoy the local things. That’s the essence of visiting an outdoorsy country like Australia. As for dream destinations, my list is long. I’d love to spend time in Spiti Valley, learn how to ski in Japan, see the Northern Lights and cycle around Switzerland, just to name a few. 

Modern Elegance Tradition meets

with

Alish Apparel’s latest collection is a celebration of rich textures, vibrant prints, and thoughtful craftsmanship. From bold, pleated red skirts paired with hand embroidered floral blouses to sleek black gowns detailed with shimmering beadwork, every piece blends traditional techniques with contemporary style.

Flowy kaftans in earthy prints and jewel toned satin borders highlight the brand’s signature comfort meets luxury approach. Designed for the modern woman who values culture and confidence, Alish Apparel continues to turn timeless artistry into everyday elegance. We blend heritage techniques with a contemporary heartbeat.

Ms Shabnam Nissar Kassam FounderofAlishApparelandDirectorofthe Danube Welfare Center

packin’ a

Punch!

AS WE CELEBRATE WOMEN-POWER, ANUSHKA GAIKWAD LISTS SOME OF THE MOST POWER-PACKED WOMEN ROLES BOLLYWOOD HAS SEEN IN RECENT TIMES!

Bollywood has seen a significant shift in the portrayal of female characters in recent years. Women are no longer just playing the love interest or a supporting role — they are now driving the story forward, leading action-packed narratives, and showcasing their depth as performers, while cracking the numbers at the Box Office! These power-packed roles highlight not just the strength of their characters but also the evolution of storytelling in Hindi cinema. Here’s taking a closer look at some of the most impactful female characters in recent films.

IN VEDAA

SHARVARI YAMI GAUTAM

Sharvari plays Vedaa Berwa, a fierce and determined girl who takes a stand against an oppressive system and packs in a punch, literally! Her character is courageous, emotionally resilient, and refuses to back down in the face of adversity. She embodies strength and defiance, making her an inspirational figure.

IN ARTICLE 370

As Zooni Haksar, Yami portrays a bold and highly-skilled intelligence officer tasked with leading a covert mission. Her character is sharp, fearless, and deeply connected to the trauma and struggles of her community, making her both emotionally and tactically strong.

In Singham Again, Deepika plays Shakti Shetty, the franchise’s first female cop, who is fierce, authoritative, and unafraid to take on criminals. In Kalki 2898 AD, she plays Sum 80, a vulnerable yet determined pregnant woman carrying a child prophesied to be an avatar of Kalki, adding a mix of mythological intrigue and emotional depth to the film.

JIGRA

DEEPIKA PADUKONE IN SINGHAM AGAIN AND KALKI 2898 AD ALIA BHATT IN

As Satyabhama Anand, Alia portrays a fiercely protective elder sister who will stop at nothing to save her younger brother. She is relentless, emotionally strong, and incredibly determined, taking on powerful enemies despite overwhelming odds.

SHRADDHA KAPOOR

IN STREE 2

Shraddha returns as Stree, a supernatural entity who is both eerie and charming. Taking on a new enemy in the form of Sarkata, a headless malevolent entity that abducts women at night, her character is fearless, witty, and enigmatic, blending horror and humor in a way that keeps the audience engaged.

PRATIBHA RANTA AND CHHAYA KADAM LAAPATA LADIES

Pratibha’s Jaya is a strong-willed woman who refuses to accept her fate after being mistakenly married to the wrong man. She is determined, smart, and courageous in fighting for her own future. Chhaya Kadam’s Manju Mai is a tough yet kind-hearted tea stall owner who becomes a mentor, guiding and empowering Phool Kumari through her struggles.

SANYA MALHOTRA

IN MRS.

Sanya’s character, Richa Sharma, is an independent and confident dancer who struggles to balance her own ambitions with the societal expectations placed on her after marriage. She is emotionally strong, yet vulnerable, making her journey of selfdiscovery and empowerment deeply relatable.

BHUMI PEDNEKAR

BHAKSHAK

Bhumi plays Vaishali Singh, a fearless journalist who stops at nothing to uncover the truth about a shelter home abuse case. She is bold, relentless, and refuses to be intimidated, making her character a symbol of justice and courage.

TABU, KRITI SANON, KAREENA KAPOOR

Kriti as Divya Rana is young, ambitious, and impulsive, willing to take risks to change her circumstances. Kareena as Jasmine Kohli is sophisticated, charming, and confident, using her wit and experience to navigate tricky situations. Tabu as Geeta Sethi is the practical, no-nonsense leader of the trio, keeping them grounded as they execute their high-stakes heist.

CHHAYA KADAM

Chhaya plays Kanchan Kombdi, a tough and intimidating gangster with a darkly humorous side. She is unpredictable, sharp, and commands attention in every scene, adding to the film’s intense and comic elements.

THE VOICE

Rhythm vocalist Loire Cotler, whose haunting vocals in the Dune franchise made her a household name, talks to Tanzim Pardiwalla about her Indian connection and more...

“I’m so pleased to meet you,” I tell Loire Cotler. But I’m looking at a blank screen. The American rhythm vocalist is somewhere in Dubai and informs me she doesn’t have a video set-up for our early morning call. In a way, it feels fitting. The musician may not be the most famous face out there but her voice sparks instant recognition. She is, after all, the voice of the Dune Suite. When her iconic chant fills the soundscape of Denis Villeneuve’s acclaimed films, it’s impossible not to feel the goosebumps. Loire seems unaware of the effect she has on millions of moviegoers. She isn’t on social media and makes a concerted effort to drown out the noise when she’s at work, most of which involves jamming with stalwarts like Hans Zimmer. It’s particularly interesting that she has made her Bollywood debut with Sonu Sood’s Fateh, a cyber-crime thriller. Over the next half an hour, Cotler takes me through her process, what rhythm means to her and her fondness for the late Zakir Hussain. Excerpts:

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CONNECTION WITH INDIAN MUSIC…

I have to mention something that’s happened recently. I don’t want to get too sad but because I’m a rhythmist and rhythm vocalist who has been studying Konnakol, the art of vocal percussion from South India, specifically the Carnatic tradition, this is something that resonates deeply with me. Zakir Hussain passed away recently. I knew him. It’s an especially moving moment for the global musical community. I just want to take a moment to honour him and celebrate his soul journey. He inspired all of us. Throughout my journey, I’ve been following him. I’ve had the great privilege of knowing him. Having had that presence in my life felt like a portal into much of the Indian music community. I wouldn’t even know where to begin, as I’ve been so immersed in the musical side of things. But I did want to mention this. As for Bollywood, I’ve had very little exposure. Fateh is my debut. It’s something I’ve

always wanted to explore. I’ve had close encounters with AR Rahman, of course, because of my musician colleagues who’ve collaborated with him. I haven’t had the chance to collaborate with him directly. But I’ve certainly been following his scores. The list would be too long if I started listing all the brilliant musicians I’ve worked with from India.

YOU’RE THE ICONIC VOICE FROM THE DUNE MOVIES. HOW DOES IT FEEL KNOWING THAT FANS WORLDWIDE KNOW YOUR CHANT?

It’s such an honour and privilege to have even been part of such a monumental work of art, with Hans Zimmer and everyone involved in Denis Villeneuve’s film. It is so magnificent and wild. When I heard that people were grasping the meaning behind my expressions, I just felt so uplifted and proud. Not just because it has to do with my voice but more so because of the intention behind everything

I BELIEVE THAT MUSIC IS AN UNBROKEN LINE OF CONNECTION, POSITIVELY RAISING FREQUENCIES THROUGH PASSION AND LOVE

THE SPIRIT

OF PLAY

IS AN UNBROKEN LINE TO NEVER, EVER RUN OUT OF INSPIRATION, JUST LIKE A CHILD WHO CAN KEEP PLAYING FOR HOURS WITH A TOY OR THEIR IMAGINATION

I do in music. I believe that music is an unbroken line of connection, positively raising frequencies through passion and love. Even though we have these characters we play in Hollywood or Bollywood, we are exploring and shape-shifting to support a character or a story. When I imagine people singing or having fun with some of the chants from Dune, like when people send me little video clips of people in parking lots, for example, singing the Dune chant, it means that it’s transcended. It’s a sacred expression that was meant to support the story and Hans’ music. But then you see people having fun with it and laughing, which is the most important thing: joy and uplifting the spirit. That’s the main concern for me and the reason I do what I do.

WHAT’S A MUSICAL PHILOSOPHY YOU’VE PICKED UP FROM WORKING WITH HANS ZIMMER?

The thing that just popped into my soul is, first of all, the spirit of play. It’s something he talks about all the time. He encourages his musicians and collaborators that when we’re

creating and collaborating on ideas, the spirit of play is so critical to expressing and finding the sound, or, in my case, the unique character sound, for the score. So, I would say that the spirit of play is an unbroken line to never, ever run out of inspiration, just like a child who can keep playing for hours with a toy or their imagination. We are simply capturing the openness and unbounded space that happens when you’re in that space of play. It’s hard to describe but I follow that energy into my musical expressions.

YOUR COLLABORATION WITH SONU SOOD IN FATEH IS A CROSSOVER WE DIDN’T SEE COMING… It was simple and beautiful. Sonu reached out to me, and we scheduled a video chat. There was an instant feeling of creative synergy. He started explaining the storyline of the movie and it clicked right away. I didn’t even think twice about jumping on board. It was just his energy. I could feel that I was in the presence of someone brilliant who was also looking at the craft from all angles. I felt an unspoken connection that we could do something here, even though this was our first collaboration. Hopefully, there’ll be many more projects we can continue to grow and utilise what I have to offer. Things move quickly in our world, and it certainly helps when you’re on the same wavelength. There’s that feeling in art or music, or that kind of cross-collaboration between music and film, where it starts to paint itself and you go into the zone. There’s that bit of back and forth of, “Do you think this works as a colour or the textures of the music?” And then the rest is history.

FATEH IS SONU’S DIRECTORIAL DEBUT. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CUES YOU GOT FROM HIM? What I loved about working with Sonu is that, as a director, he led me into the emotion, the atmosphere, the pulse and the rhythm

of the film or of an actionpacked sequence. Often, in my work in Hollywood, the less I see, the more powerful it is for me to create something that never existed before. But Sonu’s creative genius was in guiding me there. That brings it into a much richer, emotional and subliminal space. In movies, that’s what engages the audience. They’re seeing one thing but they’re also feeling layers of a story that might be happening in the subplots. Of course, there are other moments in action films and that’s fine. But in this case, when you compose and use your voice, you become part of a character’s inner world—what’s going on in their thoughts or emotions. The story is being told beyond words. That’s the power of music to bridge dimensions.

HOW DIFFERENT IS YOUR APPROACH TO MAKING MUSIC OR SCORING WHEN IT’S FOR A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT INDUSTRY?

Certainly, the technical aspect differs when you’re working on movies, as you’re mostly working with cues, as you mentioned earlier. You might first look into finding the character sound for a specific cue. Sometimes, I’m asked not just to do one but to represent one character suite or theme. It might be multiple cues and I could be used for many different moments in a film. It’s different from recording for someone’s album or creating music for audio without a picture. The technical side is different.But for me, number one is always musical empathy. Making music is like making contact with a language that is in a higher form because it transcends all boundaries of culture. It allows us to amplify emotion and the rhythms of life.

LASTLY, WHAT’S IT LIKE GOING VIRAL?

That’s quite relevant to the theme of Fateh, which deals with cyber-crime issues. I know this is a strange reply. But I don’t do social

MAKING MUSIC IS LIKE MAKING CONTACT WITH A LANGUAGE THAT IS IN A HIGHER FORM BECAUSE IT TRANSCENDS ALL BOUNDARIES OF CULTURE

SONU (SOOD) REACHED OUT TO ME, AND WE SCHEDULED A VIDEO CHAT. THERE WAS AN INSTANT FEELING OF CREATIVE SYNERGY. HE STARTED EXPLAINING THE STORYLINE OF THE MOVIE, AND IT CLICKED RIGHT AWAY

media. I’m still invested in raising awareness about the dangers and problems with social media algorithms and the dark side of it. People are being exploited and brainwashed by information and led in the wrong

direction. Coming to your question, not knowing I was going viral was actually a good thing because at the time, I was working on Dune 2 and needed to be a blank slate. When I start a new project, I meditate and clear my mind so that I can fully understand what the director is looking for. If I were aware of what’s happening in the world, I would have to work to clear out the noise. Maybe my chant sounds like a warrior call and people want to know what it means. And suddenly it goes viral. All of my expressions are the purest love you can imagine. When I hear that it’s gone viral and people are making reels, it feels like I’ve won the biggest award.

Fateh