Things to do in Maldives | Explore Malè City
Always wanted to explore Republic of Maldives - the beautiful tropical nation blessed by Indian ocean all around, but never got the chance? Or, you couldn’t plan an itinerary that could be perfect for your next holiday family? Well, we’ve got you covered in this post.
If you are currently planning a vacation or jotting down ideas for the next big trip, we would highly recommend that you experience the sunny side of life at Maldives. Sun, sand, fun activities, markets and more; Maldives is all this and so much more. However, apart from the water sports and beach attractions which Maldives is well known for, you must check out the local markets and key landmarks in and around the capital island city - Malè. Take out your notepads and pens to create the perfect itinerary for your next trip, as we list some of the best activities and must visit attractions.
Hukuru Miskiiy
Also known as the Malè Old Friday Mosque, Hukuru Miskiiy is one of the oldest mosques in the country, dating back to seventeenth century. Built using coral stones, which display intricate designs, carvings and fine Maldivian artwork like wood carvings and lacquer work. The mosque, built approximately in 1658, is considered to be a testament of the Maldivian craftsmanship, and is also declared as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Sultan Park
If all you wanna you do is laze around and soak in the sunshine in a peaceful atmosphere (and if you get a little bored with those frequent beach strolls), visit the beautiful Sultan Park. Located near the Republic Monument in Malè, the park is a quaint little place to relax and unwind, after a long day of sightseeing.
National Museum
Get a peek into the history of Maldives by visiting the National Museum, which is situated a little close to Sultan Park. While the museum was built in 1952, it got a major makeover and was re-opened in 2010. One gets to see several artefacts, relics as well as items associated with the Maldivian royalty. The museum has preserved a decent amount of items, making this a must visit place for those who love a slice of history.
Tsunami Monument
If you are taking a stroll around the south-west corner of Malè, which is an otherwise peaceful and quaint area, we suggest you pay a visit to the Tsunami Monument. Built as a tribute to the victims of the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004, the monument is silent reminder of the devastating calamity. Spend a few minutes in silence and pay a heartfelt tribute to those who lost their lives.
Water Sports
For most people, no visit to Maldives is complete without water sports. There are tons of options to choose from, some of the best being the packages offered by Dive Club. Take your pick from an array of options ranging from diving, snorkelling and more. If adventure ain’t your thing, you can try fishing or opt for a boat tour.
Explore Local Markets
If shopping tops your agenda, especially fresh fruits and fish, then look no further! The local markets in Malè are well known for their fresh produce. Choose from the Local Market for tropical fruits, organic vegetables or the Fish Market for super fresh fish.
How to travel?
Various airlines operate regular flights to Malè International Airport, which is well connected to almost all metro cities in India. Non-stop flights from Mumbai take approximately 5 hours to reach Malè, after which, you can opt for a speed boat or other services from the ferry terminal to reach the capital island city. Ensure you get the flight bookings done well in advance to avail decent discounts / offers.
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| Velana / Malè International Airport |
Where to stay?
There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Be it guest houses, luxury hotels, home stay or liveaboards; there is something for everyone. Some of our top picks include:
Kurumba Maldives Resort (North Malè Atoll)
Floating Resort by Scubaspa (Malè)
Centara Ras Fushi Resort and Spa (North Malè Atoll)
Best time to visit: November to April
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| Kurumba Maldives |
Maldives on your mind already? Or have do you have some recommendations to add? Join the conversation by dropping a comment a below
Love,
The Dancebee
How to Save Money | Beginners Finance 101
Savings - sounds like a big word, isn’t it? As teens, we have all been through the phase of dreading any conversation related to savings or future investments. However, it’s always a good idea to start focusing on the basics of saving money a little early in life. It all starts with a piggy bank, where we saved up whatever little money we earned through small tasks or activities. I remember earning my first pay cheque, a modest amount of Rs 100, for my debut dubbing assignment at the age of 7 - 8, and my joy knew no bounds. I felt like I could buy so many things. Until reality struck and I understanding how things actually work. So, I was told to deposit the cheque in my ‘cubs’ account (the bank had introduced a special account for kids back then), so that I could keep it safe and use it for something more ‘important’. Times changed, I continued to work on various assignments and went on to explore new opportunities. During my teens, the process of taking someone’s help to deposit money and understand the functions of a bank continued. However, with every passing year, the responsibilities increased and I began exploring various aspects of banking, saving, budgeting among others. Thankfully, all this wasn’t much of a burden, as I began my prep quite early.
I realised it was all much easier, thanks to the fact that I created a simple a process and routine. For beginners, tracking your payments, creating budgets and saving money isn’t rocket science. And you don’t need thousands of rupees to start with. Even saving up Rs 5 everyday can add up to Rs 1825 a year. That can buy you some of your favourite drugstore make up items or a dress that you have been eyeing for too long. Read on, as we share a simple routine for beginners, that can help you track, prioritise and save.
Maintain a Finance Planner
It can be a book or even an app. Though, I personally prefer maintaining a finance or budget planner, which can help track everyday expenses. This is important, as it can not only help you calculate your daily expenditure, but also maintain an account of the amount you require for basic necessities every month. Plus, you can highlight items where you can try saving money. For e.g: Walk that 1km distance instead of taking a rickshaw. Unless it is raining or you simply cannot walk due to a genuine reason, of course.
It can be a book or even an app. Though, I personally prefer maintaining a finance or budget planner, which can help track everyday expenses. This is important, as it can not only help you calculate your daily expenditure, but also maintain an account of the amount you require for basic necessities every month. Plus, you can highlight items where you can try saving money. For e.g: Walk that 1km distance instead of taking a rickshaw. Unless it is raining or you simply cannot walk due to a genuine reason, of course.
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| Finance Planner 2017 - Credit: Etsy |
Create a Monthly Budget
Setting a budget is easy, but sticking to it is the biggest nightmare! But, it is a must for everyone out there, especially beginners. If you can’t ace budgeting now, what will you do when you actually get to the next stage? Budgeting for beginners will mostly involve sticking to the amount you have reserved for the month, and not going overboard (or asking your Dad for extra pocket money). For those like me who have started working early, you might want to ensure you prioritise and stick to buying only the most important stuff on your list. For e.g: If I had some amount reserved for a project, I decided to let that gorgeous pair of sneakers go. I can’t use an amount reserved for something else and splurge on sneakers, only to go overboard with my budget by the end of the month. I tell myself - “If those sneakers are meant to be mine, they will come back to me when I have saved enough for it.” In most cases, things did work out in my favour.
Setting a budget is easy, but sticking to it is the biggest nightmare! But, it is a must for everyone out there, especially beginners. If you can’t ace budgeting now, what will you do when you actually get to the next stage? Budgeting for beginners will mostly involve sticking to the amount you have reserved for the month, and not going overboard (or asking your Dad for extra pocket money). For those like me who have started working early, you might want to ensure you prioritise and stick to buying only the most important stuff on your list. For e.g: If I had some amount reserved for a project, I decided to let that gorgeous pair of sneakers go. I can’t use an amount reserved for something else and splurge on sneakers, only to go overboard with my budget by the end of the month. I tell myself - “If those sneakers are meant to be mine, they will come back to me when I have saved enough for it.” In most cases, things did work out in my favour.
S for Savings
This is where it all begins. Once you start maintaining weekly / monthly records and stick to a budget, you can start a simple plan for savings. Like I said, it need not be huge. For starters, you can try and reserve anywhere between 10 - 20% of your total amount for savings. Collect that amount and keep it away. It can be in your bank, a box or any place that you consider safe (by safe, I mean even from your own prying eyes). If you think you are unable to save up even 5% of your total money, then you need to consider cutting down on your expenses. And no, by that, I don’t mean shunning everything in life. You just gotta be smart! Here are a few ideas:
This is where it all begins. Once you start maintaining weekly / monthly records and stick to a budget, you can start a simple plan for savings. Like I said, it need not be huge. For starters, you can try and reserve anywhere between 10 - 20% of your total amount for savings. Collect that amount and keep it away. It can be in your bank, a box or any place that you consider safe (by safe, I mean even from your own prying eyes). If you think you are unable to save up even 5% of your total money, then you need to consider cutting down on your expenses. And no, by that, I don’t mean shunning everything in life. You just gotta be smart! Here are a few ideas:
Honestly, the list is endless!
Set Goals and Save
The best way to achieve something is to set practical goals and work towards earning the reward. For e.g: If you have been eyeing a guitar for long, now is the time. Create a chart in your book and set a target amount. Create a plan for the next 3,6 or 9 months (according to the amount you can save) and work towards reaching your target. Nothing beats the joy of bringing home something special with your hard earned / saved money.
The best way to achieve something is to set practical goals and work towards earning the reward. For e.g: If you have been eyeing a guitar for long, now is the time. Create a chart in your book and set a target amount. Create a plan for the next 3,6 or 9 months (according to the amount you can save) and work towards reaching your target. Nothing beats the joy of bringing home something special with your hard earned / saved money.
Check Quarterly Progress
For beginners, a quarterly progress on budgeting, prioritising and savings is good enough. As you follow the records and look back at your performance, you will feel motivated to work on new ideas, that can help increase your monthly savings. Sometimes, even a jump from Rs 5 to 7 can make a difference. So, don’t hesitate.
For beginners, a quarterly progress on budgeting, prioritising and savings is good enough. As you follow the records and look back at your performance, you will feel motivated to work on new ideas, that can help increase your monthly savings. Sometimes, even a jump from Rs 5 to 7 can make a difference. So, don’t hesitate.
The process maybe pretty simple for beginners, but the road ahead is not easy. Especially once you start working / establish your own business, and additional responsibilities take over. Suddenly, it’s not just about savings anymore. Enter terms like investments, insurance, policies and once again, everything starts sounding very complicated. But, what’s life without growing and learning something new at every step, right? Fortunately, companies like Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance offer complete solution to all your queries and ensure every aspect of their plans are decoded clearly. So, start early, be prepared to learn as you progress and #JiyoBefikar.
Psst… we’ve got some exciting news for you. An early bird tells us that Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance is all set to launch something very exciting on June 22. Stay tuned, as we bring you exclusive updates all week long.
Always wanted to #InvestBefikar? Follow Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance on their official Facebook and Twitter page @BajajAllianzLIC
Love,
The Dancebee
The Dancebee
Birthday Special | Quotes by Sonam Kapoor That Prove Why We Love Her
Let's be honest, we love Sonam Kapoor! And that's for a legit reason. An absolute sweetheart, who has been winning hearts for her performances and sartorial choices alike. But, we love how the actress has never shied away from being honest! She has a strong opinion, will stand up for a cause that needs attention and is always out there to support young talent. All this, and the fact that she has a pure soul with a golden heart, makes her the perfect girl boss!
When it comes to conversations with Sonam, you are bound to leave the venue feeling inspired and motivated (and we love the fact that she does not mince words). As the gorgeous actress and newly turned entrepreneur celebrates her 32nd birthday, we take a look at some of her most fabulous quotes, compiled from our interviews.
On behalf of Team Dancebee, here's wishing Sonam Kapoor a very happy birthday! We can't wait for her to create magic with Veerey Di Wedding, Padman and all the other projects lined up. Tons of luck coming your way, Sonam.
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Raabta | Film Review
For his debut venture as a director, Dinesh Vijan helms a film which brings together passionate lovers, who have been crossing various hurdles and challenges of life. With a tagline that goes - Everything is connected, you know you are in for something interesting. The film stays true to the tagline, with a twist of reincarnation. Shiv (Sushant Singh Rajput) and Saira (Kriti Sanon) cross paths and instantly feel a connection with each other. It’s all hunky dory, until someone from the past ruins their happiness.
The film begins with our Punjabi boy flying to Europe for work. It is here Shiv meets the love of his life - Saira, who makes chocolates. Shiv is a lady killer, while Saira is a single, young, vibrant baker, who often gets some weird dreams in the night. As Shiv and Saira go on to happily romance each other, a twist comes in the form of Zak Merchant (Jim Sarbh), who opens the door to a parallel universe. He is the answer to all the questions that arise in the first half. However, just when you think it’s all going well, the film becomes a little too predictable in the second half. To know where life leads Shiv, Saira and Zak next, you gotta watch the film!
Sushant Singh Rajput has once again proved that he can make you believe in any character he plays on screen. There is surely no iota of similarity in both the characters he has portrayed in the film. His performance is clearly one of the biggest strengths of this film. Kriti Sanon had a tough time putting her act together, especially when compared to Rajput and Sarbh. After an excellent performance in Neerja, Sarbh brings in the dark and intense feel to the film with his performance. He has a unique dialogue delivery, which helped his character to come across as strong and impactful. He is intense and mysterious, thus essaying an obsessive lover bang on. Both Rajput and Sanon display crackling chemistry, which definitely stands out. The cameo by Rajkumar Rao (as an old character) and Deepika Padukone’s guest appearance in the title track were both refreshing and interesting.
In the technical space, the film has good VFX and costumes. The make up is great. Music is interesting and the casting is on point. However, the biggest highlight here would the fabulous background score by Sachin-Jigar. It sets the mood right throughout the film.
Although, Raabta had all the elements of a successful commercial film, somewhere, we felt there was something amiss. You know, how despite having all the other products in place, one missing spice can ruin a dish? That’s exactly what goes wrong here. There is no soul or connect in the film. The storyline was lacklustre. A film like Raabta could have certainly done with a much stronger story and screenplay. It could have only taken the film a notch higher. More so, for the fabulous performances delivered by the cast, especially Rajput and Sarbh.
Verdict: If the storyline doesn't bother you much, go ahead & watch Raabta for the artists. Especially Sushant Singh Rajput, who shines as both a warrior and lover.
☆☆☆
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Watch | When Shah Rukh Khan got pranked and taught us how to Keep Calm, like a Boss!
You don't mess with a legend, alright! And Shah Rukh Khan is certainly one of them. But, Egypt based host Ramez Galal took a chance and invited SRK over for a fake chat show, which was followed by a crazy prank that left the actor fuming. Galal's Ramez Tahl El Ard (Ramez Underground) is a rather controversial reality show, where celebrities are pranked in some seriously scary situations. Several celebrities including Antonio Banderas and Paris Hilston have been pranked by Galal in the past, and this time, he had none other than King Khan.
The episode kicks off with Galal interviewing Khan in what like a fake chat show (a fake one, of course). After wrapping up the shoot, Khan is seen leaving the premises for a safari. He leaves in a 4x4, accompanied by three other people. After a smooth ride through the desert, the car loses control and comes to a halt. Within minutes, the car starts sinking into an area surrounded by quicksand. Two men and a female assistant, the trio who accompanied Khan, are seen trembling with fear and trying to escape.
It is commendable how throughout the apparent disaster, SRK was calm and composed. Instead of screaming or adding up to the confusion (which according to viewers of the show, many other participants have often resorted to), the actor is seen helping his co-passengers. He is constantly seen pulling them up and asking them to keep calm. While one man vanished, Khan ensured the other two were around him and did not let go of them. However, that's not all! What happens next is sure to blow your mind. We shall leave that for you to watch, of course.
Needless to say, Khan lost his cool when he found out the reality behind this set up. Initially, he felt aghast, but that soon turned into disgust, as the actor said, "This is nonsense! You got me all the way from India to do this?" While Galal kept pleading Khan to forgive him, with the constant "I love you" and "You are my hero," the actor did not budge. He walked away with his team. Though, we did see a smirk on his face, as he watched Galal's antics. However, if Galal's instagram account is anything to go by, it looks like Khan finally managed to forgive the prankster!
So, we don't know if the prank was scripted or not, but we gotta give it to SRK for being such a great sport. Khan has always left us awe-inspired, and this episode is yet another fine example. Kudos to SRK for being the real hero and rescuing his co-passengers, even if it was for a prank (although in that situation, he wasn't really aware). Also, how did he manage to stay so calm? If anyone of us were in his place, the scenario would have been more like - "Dayum boy! All hell just broke lose and ain't nobody gonna be spared."
But, that's SRK for you. They call him 'Badshah' for a reason!
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Love,
The Dancebee
But, that's SRK for you. They call him 'Badshah' for a reason!
For the best of Entertainment and Lifestyle, follow us on,
Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat | Instagram | YouTube
Love,
The Dancebee
The Wagah Border Vlog | Dancebee Travels
One of those posts where the video will speak louder than words. I got the golden opportunity to witness the Beating Retreat ceremony at the India - Pakistan border near Attari (Amritsar) earlier this year. The experience left my heart swelling with pride, with memories that I shall cherish for a lifetime! Salute to the Indian Army and Border Security Force.
Finally! Here's presenting The Wagah Border - Beating Retreat Ceremony Vlog.
An experience of a lifetime.
An experience of a lifetime.
Watch the full vlog here
Love,
The Dancebee
Beauty on a Budget | Top Pink Lipsticks under Rs 500
We all love getting a steal deal, especially on apparel and accessories. But, when the same applies to make up, the joy is doubled. Everybody loves a good eyeshadow or mascara, especially the ones that don't burn a hole in your pocket and at the same time, deliver as they promise. In our new beauty series, we aim to get you covered on the latest trends and best beauty buys, all under a budget. To kick off the series, we picked one of our favourite lipstick shade - Pink, and got a round up of the best lipsticks under 500 INR. These are tried, tested and approved by Team Dancebee. So, get ready to fill your shopping cart with these budget beauty top picks.
Lakmè Enrich Crayon
Shade: Shocking pink
Price: Rs 185
What we love: Great quality and staying power at an affordable price. Plus, free sharpener too!
Elle 18 Color Pop Matte
Shade: Deep Pink
Price: Rs 100
What we love: Beautiful colour. Moisturising. Pocket sized beauty. All for 100 bucks!
Nykaa So Matte Lipstick
Shade: Frisky Fuschia 02 M
Price: Rs 399
What we love: A bright pop of creamy matte fuschia pink. Classy packaging.
Avon True Colour Perfectly Matte Lipstick
Shade: Electric Pink
Price: Rs 479
What we love: Good colour pay off. The perfect pop of pink to brighten up any day.
Lakme Enrich Matte Lipstick
Shade: PM 11
Price: Rs 295
What we love: Lovely bright pink with blue undertones. Glides on smoothly.
Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Gradation
Shade: Pink 2
Price: Rs 500
What we love: Super creamy texture. Great staying power. Decent matte finish.
Waiting to buy any of these? Would you like to add one of your favourites to the list?
Leave a comment below or join the conversation on
Love,
The Dancebee
I am not future obsessed - Sushant Singh Rajput | Exclusive Interview
While most of his contemporaries are busy running the multiple crore club race, Sushant Singh Rajput is carving a niche for himself. The 31-year-old is in a league of his own, miles away from the BO number game. He is focussed, determined and a storyteller in his own right. With multiple interesting projects in his kitty, Sushant (or SSR as he is called) is clearly the rising superstar of Bollywood. On a busy weekday evening, we caught up with SSR in between a hectic day of promotions. The actor, dressed in relaxed casuals, has been busy with multiple promotional activities for his upcoming romantic - drama Raabta, where he will be seen essaying two completely different characters. In fact, during the conversation, he confessed to have had goosebumps while talking about the experience of working on this film. Leaving the unnecessary controversies aside, we settled down for a relaxed chat with the talented actor. Excerpts from our tete-a-tete:
Was it a challenge to essay two completely different characters in the same film?
Was it a challenge to essay two completely different characters in the same film?
See, I am being very honest with you. I find myself very boring. There are times when I hangout with my friends, where a house party is going on and suddenly I become very interesting with all my guy friends. But, the next morning, I am back to being my boring self again. So, that few seconds of my exciting self was this first character, the contemporary one. So, I could be the exciting version of myself in those 3-4 months and I get paid for it, which was a good thing (smiles). Then, I had a short gap for 3-4 months to prepare for my next character. However, there was no reference for it. He is so animalistic. This character is wired with the most fundamental basic wiring that we are all made of – survival. He would kill or get killed. That's how he operates. Suddenly, in those 20 minutes, I have to prove I am like that and show that I am being put in a situation, where I am dealing with these emotions for the first time. Something that I have never dealt with and stuff that changes many things without completely drastically changing myself. He is suddenly becoming human. The character was filled with aspects and situations that I have personally not dealt with. Honestly, I didn’t know how to do it. I didn’t know how to fight like somebody who would be known for his fighting skills. The mannerisms, voice; everything was so different. It was quite a challenge.
In your career so far, you have opted for unconventional films and roles. How do you approach such characters or prepare for it?
In your career so far, you have opted for unconventional films and roles. How do you approach such characters or prepare for it?
Acting is a very delicate job. I have to convince you that I am somebody else. You know I am not Dhoni or Byomkesh, but because you are playing someone for that 2 - 3 hours, I have to create an illusion for you that I am somebody else. In a film like Raabta, it gets much more trickier. Just when I have made you believe that I am someone like Shiv, in the next 20 minutes I have convince you again that I am somebody else too. Hence, in the same time span, I have to use all my tools and skills as an actor to make sure that there is not an iota of similarity between the two characters. So, that’s what I have tried to do in this film.
My character (Raabta) was filled with aspects and situations that I have personally not dealt with
Fan Question
The film is a modern take on reincarnation. Basically, what we are trying to portray is - if there is something called as pure love, it doesn’t dilute with time. So, be it one life or multiple lives. Even if you don’t remember what happened in the previous life, you have a tendency to get close to someone without any reason. You just don’t like somebody without any reason. At the same time, during flashback, you would see everything that is there in those 20 – 24 minutes. The world, those people; everything we see and are dealing with in that world has been created from scratch. Both the characters that I essay in this film talk and behave differently. In the same way, there is no similarity between the past life and the present life. But, if you look through things, still, everything is connected.
Portraying a demanding character on screen tends to leave an actor exhausted. You have essayed two such characters in your latest film. Did the process get physically taxing?
It is always physically taxing, because you almost give close to 8-9 months of your life playing a certain character. You are thinking in a different way and also changing the pattern of your thinking. It is definitely a exhausting process. However, things have been slightly different for me. In the initial 19-20 years of my life, before I started doing theatre, I realised that I act like a certain person. When I talk to you, I have a certain perception of myself and I act according to that. So, it just started getting quite boring. I thought, this is just one kind of acting that I have been doing. So, let me act like two - three different personalities every year and get paid. So, I started acting (laughs). See, it does get taxing. But, having said that, there are skills that you need to develop for each and every film. Like in Dhoni, it was cricket. In my next film, I go to Nasa and almost become an astronaut. Its just that I wont land on the moon (smiles).
Acting is a very delicate job. I have to convince you that I am somebody else
Was there any specific training that you had to go through, especially for your second character?
One of the skills I had to develop was Martial Arts. That's primarily because just before my character is introduced in the film, during the flashback, the audience (and characters in the film) are introduced to the other guy, who is established because of his fighting skills. I have 50 – 60 seconds in the film to prove that I am such a great fighter. So, we had to ensure the skills were next level. We went to Bangkok and stayed there for a month. Everyday, I went through 12 hours of weapon training.. Let me tell you that I have already had a basic training in martial arts much before I started doing TV, but I never got the chance to show it. But, despite the basic training, we were investing 12 hours everyday for month. Just for those 50 seconds, where we have to create the illusion that the story you have been told is right and he is a good fighter.
Fan Question
Of course, it has to be the story. I think the most important thing is, there should be something I should not completely comprehend or understand. Hence, in order to understand that, I will do the film. If I already know how to do it, I will never do it. No matter how commercially viable the film is, I will not touch it. I will give you an example for it. So, when MS Dhoni released, I had three films back to back. I was suppose to shoot for it immediately, but for some reason, the film (Paani) that I was suppose to shoot for right after Dhoni’s release didn’t start. I had already prepared for close to 10 months for this film. Suddenly, I had a gap of 3-4 months in between. During this period, many filmmakers, including some who I really wanted to work with, came with their scripts. Somehow, those scripts were not appealing to me. Something was missing.. I knew that I couldn’t do it, so I didn’t do it. Also, I was preparing for a play. I could have done any of those films and probably there was 50-50% chances of them being successful. Plus, I would have definitely got a pay cheque for it which would have been huge. Saying no to that for a play, which nobody has seen till now, just tells me something about myself. The very fact that I need those 3-4 months of excitement where I should not know how to do things and I just try to figure it out. You see, the process has to be exciting. So, this is one thing I definitely want in a script to say yes to it. If you see all those films that I have signed, and the 4-5 other projects that are coming up after this, there is something that will make you wanna ask - how will he do it? That is exactly what I would like to ask myself. And, that is why I am doing it (smiles).
In my next film, I go to Nasa and almost become an astronaut. Its just that I won't land on the moon
Many actors continue to dread the arrival of Friday, which marks the day of their film's release. What is your state of mind during the opening weekend of your film?
Well, I have worked very hard for all the 54 characters that I have essayed, which includes the ones from both theatre and films. Now, if you look at my films. For Byomkesh... I had worked a lot. The d-day arrived, it didn't get a good opening. Weekend was miserable. By Monday, I was completely okay. I wasn't even forcing myself to act normal. For MS Dhoni too, I had worked hard. The film got a fantastic opening, and continued to do well during the weekend. But, it was the same feeling on Monday again. Ideally, I should have been flipping, but I was very normal. So, I cannot let these 2-3 days of spike affect the 7-8 months that I have invested in a film. I am not future obsessed at all. I don't think about Friday, because I know I am gonna be normal by Monday. But, during those 7-8 months of hard work, if I don't get something right, I can't sleep. It's not that I have to prove a point to something or someone, it's just very personal. So, I am always very concerned about the process.
What is that one thing you love about being a star?
Honestly, I don't look at it that way. People may look at me as a star if I have given a hit today. Tomorrow, if two films don't do well, they may not consider me a star. So, people's perception keeps changing. In my head, the day when I dropped out of my college in the third year, despite knowing it was a premiere institution and I could have stayed there for another year to earn a degree. But, I didn't do that. Somehow, I mustered up the courage to drop out. I went on to dance behind Aishwarya Rai and Shahid Kapoor, which made me very happy. So, the day I decided to follow my dream and do something that I really wanted to do, I was a star. From that day in 2006 to now, there is not a single day where I have regretted my decision. I have enjoyed every day of my life and enjoyed being a superstar (smiles).
I cannot let these 2-3 days of spike (opening weekend at BO) affect the 7-8 months that I have invested in a film
You have a great connect with your fans, especially with frequent chats on social media platforms.
I was a big fan of Shah Rukh Khan, and I still am. He is the only actor whose autograph I always wanted. When I came to Mumbai, I went to the sets of Swades, just to get an autograph from him, which was an unsuccessful attempt. Due to some reason, I couldn't meet him and felt very bad about it. Few years later, while performing at an award function as a background dancer, we were at technical rehearsals. Shah Rukh was there and suddenly, he just turned. I said hi, to which he replied with a 'Hi'. Now, he normally says 'Hi' to ten thousand people everyday. But, it was such a big deal for me, that even ten years later, I am telling you this story (smiles). So, I know the importance of just looking at a fan for an extra second, waving at them, or probably writing down something. I make sure I do this, just so that they have something that they can talk about.
From a student at DCE to venturing into an unknown territory, that of acting, how would you look back at your journey so far?
I was a good student, and got quite a few scholarship offers from international universities to study there. It does guarantee you a certain amount of money per annum and all other perks, but not a job security. So, you have to slog. Every time I used to work for that kind of money, I would end up slogging, but never liked the feeling. But, when I was in my first year, I started dancing with the Shiamak Davar Dance Company. I was dancing behind all the stars, and although I knew nobody was looking at me, I quite liked the feeling. Then, Shiamak asked me to join theatre. Till then, I was a very shy, introvert guy. The first time when I was on stage, and saw people getting affected by my act, I felt very powerful. It was a magical feeling. The very fact that they connect with what I am saying is a feeling I experienced for the first time in nineteen years. That is something that has stayed with me since 2006. Nothing has changed. So, the feeling of working on a character like Dhoni is very similar to when I started out doing Shakespeare back then. The excitement is still the same.
(With inputs from Priya Adivarekar)
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Back to Basics | Summer Essentials
Some summer trends may come and go, but certain basic essentials will always be in vogue. Especially those from your summer side of the wardrobe. As the temperature shoots up, all our favourite tees, comfortable denims, shorts and comfy shoes make a comeback. There will always be that one pair of jeans you will never get enough of, or a crisp white shirt that has been your wardrobe staple since forever. Every girl has got a list of basics that they can't do without. Well, needless to say, I have got mine too. Here are some basic pieces that should make it's way into your wardrobe:
A white crew neck tee
Pair of well fitted Blue Jeans
A crisp white shirt
Pair of pumps (either nude or black. I prefer the former)
A bright coloured bag
Pair of flat sandals in a neutral colour
A statement watch
Pair of sunglasses
A basic denim jacket (In summer - mostly for the cinemas)
A pair of white sneakers
The most basic yet timeless look that I swear by would be the white shirt / tee + blue denim combination. It is the most versatile look that can be amped up with a bold lip, statement eyes or just, some really cool accessories. Plus, you can easily take it from day to night by switching from your sneakers to a pair of pumps. However, I like to take the minimalist route. A statement watch and pair of sunglasses are the only two accessories I need to complete my favourite summer look. For winter, I like to layer this look with a jacket or even a long trench.
Outfit: Zara, Levi's and Swatch Watches | Photography: Ranveer Dua
Location: J.W Sahar, Mumbai
What are your favourite summer essentials? Drop a comment below or join the conversation on
Love,
The Dancebee
