RANI MUKERJI: 40 IS THE NEW 20

The talent powerhouse Rani Mukerji turned 40 recently - she definitely doesn’t look it - only to announce that her time in Bollywood is far from over.

Rani, who’s making a comeback to the silver screen after four long years with Hichki, says she wants to cherish the foundation years of her two-year-old daughter Adira with husband and filmmaker Aditya Chopra.

“I want to treat my 40 as my 20,” said the actor. “And I want to do a lot of work... more and more movies. I want to enjoy bringing up Adira. It is going to be the most important years of her life, so I think it’s going to be a really, really nice decade.”

She added, “I was so consumed with motherhood that I thought I might just do Hichki and that’s it. But I think I was born to be an actor - it is just something I love doing.”

The Sidharth Malhotra directorial, which explores the life of a person suffering from Tourette Syndrome, is just another example of a film where Rani will let the story shine rather than her star persona.

“Because for me, the story is that connect... Stories that are human, which have a strong emotional connect or the stories that connect with me or resonate with me as a person. I give more precedence to that,” said Rani.

The actor, however, doesn’t feel comfortable spending time away from her daughter. “But I guess I have to do what I have to do. But I am looking forward to spend time with her after all this settles down.”

That’s right, Rani - women have always been showing that motherhood is no hichki to their careers!

AND THE INSTAGRAM AWARD GOES TO…

They are India’s favourites alright: one’s a star on the cricket field, and the other shines brilliantly on the silver screen. Yes we’re talking about Virat Kohli and Deepika Padukone. For the very first time in India, the duo have been awarded Instagram’s ‘Most Engaged Account’ and the ‘Most Followed Account’.

Kohli, who’s got 19.8 million followers, generated the biggest number of engagements with likes and comments from his scores of fans in India and abroad.

As for the long-legged beauty, unsurprisingly, Deepika beat Priyanka Chopra’s 22 million followers with a staggering 22.4 million. We adore PeeCee, no doubt, but that’s the beauty of showbiz: no one can rule the roost forever, right, Piggy Chops?

Deepika said in a statement, “Staying connected with my fans and loved ones is extremely important to me. I value the love, support and connection I share with them and I hope I continue to remain true and authentic.”

And remember Shahid Kapoor’s half-brother, Ishaan Khatter? Most of you might remember him as a child actor in the 2005 film Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! Ishaan has been named as India’s ‘Emerging Account’ for growing his fan base on Instagram significantly throughout 2017.

“It’s a nonstop source for inspiration from people and personalities all over the world. I find it especially enjoyable because it’s about connecting through pictures and videos. On a more personal note it’s almost like a time machine for your memories and a way to immortalise your favourite moments,” said the actor who’ll be seen opposite Sridevi’s daughter Janhvi in Dhadak.

Alia also got a ‘milestone plaque’ with Shraddha Kapoor in recognition for building a community of 20 million followers.

Which other stars do you think are on their way to make Instagram stars? We’ve got our money on Janhvi Kapoor!

Soha Ali Khan Doles Out Expert Mommy Advice

New mum on the block, actor Soha Ali Khan has come up with some pretty good mummy mantras for all the mothers out there. Soha, who’s married to actor Kunal Kemmu, gave birth to baby Inaaya last September.

The actor says she has learnt not to stress over things when it comes to her five-month-old daughter. “The one thing I have learned from my daughter is not to stress. Kids are very resilient. They grow up and become their own individuals. They have their own personalities, so as much as you try to force your ways, they will rebel. You have to learn to be calm,” said Soha.

Looks like you’ve got motherhood down pat, Soha. Now, if only we could say the same for your movies…

MADHURI TAKES SRIDEVI’S PLACE IN ABHISHEK VARMAN’S FILM

After superstar Sridevi’s tragic and unexpected death last month, her place will be taken by actor Madhuri Dixit in Abhishek Varman’s new directorial.

Madhuri has been cast in a role that was to be played by Sridevi, the late actor’s daughter Janhvi Kapoor announced recently.

Diehard fans of both would confirm that these two ladies were archrivals. Madhuri made a grand entrance into Bollywood at a time when Sridevi was already being touted as India’s first female superstar. Although they never made their professional rivalry public, entertainment magazines never missed an opportunity to pit the two against each other.

Janhvi, however, warmly thanked Madhuri for taking over the role.

“Abhishek Varman’s next film was very close to Mom’s heart... Dad, Khushi and I are thankful to Madhuriji for now being a part of this beautiful film,” she posted on her Instagram page, along with a picture of the two actors together.

HERE’S WHY KATRINA THINKS MOVIES ARE ‘AMAZING’

Although she’s pegged for just another pretty face, Katrina Kaif does talk sense most of the time. The actor recently said that movies are an amazing way to get a message across.

Katrina, who joined the international award-winning non-profit organisation ‘Educate Girls’ as their ambassador recently, was asked what she thought about a movie being made on educating girls. She responded, “I don’t believe you need to have a movie to take this cause further or spread the awareness about this cause. There are many ways we can do it, although with a movie on it, sometimes a message comes across in a non-judgmental, non-forceful or organic entertaining form.”

Kartrina added, “A movie is an amazing way to get the message across. A movie on this (issue) would be outstanding.”

Citing the example of Secret Superstar, the film starring Amir Khan and Zaira Wasim that received critical acclaim for its subject and the treatment of it, Katrina said, “That movie had that message. That was definitely the message that got across - a young talented girl is being stopped from fulfilling her dreams because the society and world around her (think it is unsuitable). So, there are movies being made like that. You don’t necessarily need a movie just about the classroom.”

“Our movies are a great way to take the message further in our society. We all love movies and that is a great way to get people’s attention on the topic,” added the star, who’s currently busy with Zero, starring Shah Rukh Khan, and Thugs of Hindostan.

Chitrangada Reveals Why She Never Made It To The Top

Actor Chitrangada Singh, who dazzled many with her debut performance in Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, has finally talked about why she could never become a top actor in Bollywood.

“Taking breaks took a toll on my career, I guess,” Chitrangada said. “You know, from when I started, my life has gone through phases where my priorities changed. I debuted and then took a break for four years, and then I came back and again took a two-year break. In the film industry, if you are not present when opportunity is coming your way, it will surely effect your career. That is what happened to me.”

A former model, Chitrangada went on to act in films like Sorry Bhai!, Desi Boyz and Gabbar Is Back. She said that perhaps she did not push herself “enough to shine like a star”. “I think being talented is not enough to get work. Being available at the right time makes all the difference.”

How true! And Chitrangada isn’t the only actor to have not been in the right place at the right time – look what happened to Gracy Singh, Preeti Jhangiani, Shamita Shetty, Bhagyasree and Ayesha Jhulka from the older crop of actors.

JUHI CHAWLA, BADDIE

It’s hard to picture Juhi Chawla as a villain - the actor has won millions of hearts since her younger days as a cutesy and bubbly actor. Juhi, however, thinks she was the best villain ever, especially after her performance in Gulaab Gang beside Madhuri Dixit.

In fact, she was surprised that no one ever approached her again with similar roles. “After Gulaab Gang, believe me, I thought I was the best villain ever! I had such a fun time portraying that role that I would have loved to do some more of that but strangely not many people came up to me to say let’s do something black like that,” Juhi said.

Although she was praised for her antagonistic role in the film, Juhi says she would love to experiment with more such characters. The 50-year-old actor says she is playing a role close to it in a yet-untitled film where she is essaying a dark grey character. “I’m quite enjoying it,” said Juhi, who has also ventured into the digital world with the web series The Test Case.

Well, here’s hoping you get more of those negative roles, Juhi because as much as we love the goofball from Ishq, we would love to watch you in an edgy role like the one in Gulaab Gang.

Slb Gets A Pat From Lata Mangeshkar

We all know that Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a director extraordinaire, but legendary songstress Lata Mangeshkar believes that even his music sense is as sharp as late Raj Kapoor’s.

“I have always loved the music of his films. Earlier, it was Ismail Durbarji who would do the music. Now Bhansaliji is doing his own music, which is a very good thing,” said Lata.

“I believe Bhansaliji has a music sense as sharp as Raj saab (Raj Kapoor). Raj saab was a complete musician. He played the tabla, the harmonium and the piano. He composed songs and sang them in his own voice before handing them over to professional playback singers. He could have easily scored the music in his films. But he chose not to take credit for the music in his films,” she added.

Nushrat Bharucha On A High

Chances are you know the name, if you’ve seen the new film Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety. Actor Nushrat Bharucha seems to have won many a heart with her performance the new-age love triangle set with a ‘bromance’ twist, which has crossed the Rs 100 crore mark.

The 32-year-old says people in the industry are now looking at her in a new light. “Industry has already started looking at me differently. And that difference is of belief. I can feel a sense of belief in me,” Nushrat said.

Given that this the film is only the second film to have crossed the 100-crore mark this year (Padmavat was the first), we’d say the Pyar Ka Punchnama is on the right track, eh folks?

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