Relationship is all about making time for each other | Kareena Kapoor Khan - Exclusive Interview
I was around 8 years old when one of Dharma's most ambitious projects - Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, hit the screens. While the family drama kept me entertained, one girl left a strong impression with her amazing personality and care-free attitude. I was mesmerised by the fact that someone could pull off a character like Poo so flawlessly, without making it look too caricaturish. Other characters namely Kaurwaki, Sanjana, Chameli followed and needless to say, the actress went on to become one of my favourites. Not because of her beauty, nor the glamorous avatar (she wins brownie points for it anyway), but the sheer magic that she created, every time she appeared on screen.
There is something very charming about Kareena Kapoor Khan, who then went on to win many more hearts with her impeccable act as Geet in Jab We Met. Her sixteen year long journey in Bollywood has been a courageous one. The actress experimented with her roles, and created a benchmark that younger actresses could follow. Be it going size zero, taking up cameos in the form of dance numbers for fun or turning singer in Dev, she always took the unconventional route and preferred to follow her heart, instead of accepting trends that were often followed by her peers. Last week, I met the Begum for a chat at her office, just before her dinner time (she is very particular about food timings). She is one of the few people who can make even the most simple pair of jeans look glamorous. For someone who likes a heart-to-heart conversation over a WhatsApp message, Kareena still prefers to be old school and honestly, we love her for that! In a freewheeling chat, the actress discusses films, relationships and Ki & Ka, which hits the screens tomorrow.
What was the first thing that attracted you to the script of Ki & Ka?
The concept! The very fact that Balki decided to work on a concept like this and wanted to present a unique love story. He didn't want to go the typical boy meets girl route. Here, you have a boy who wants to be like his mother, which is very rare. Normally, most guys would say that they want to be like their father. Kabir (Arjun's character) is different. So you see, the script started on an amazing note and I just couldn't say no! You have to see the movie to believe it.
How much of Kareena do you see in Kia, your character?
Um! I do relate to it, since she is married, independent and hard working. She is very much a modern girl, who has grown up with ambitions and believes in chasing her dreams.
And what about Saif? Is he anything like Arjun's character, Kabir?
Not at all! He started working at the age of 17. He can never think of not working.
The trailer of Ki & Ka, especially the intimate moments, gave rise to unnecessary controversies. How did you react to it?
We live in India. According to some people, everything in life is terminated once you are married. It's like you gotta change the way you breathe as well, as if you have sold your soul. But, that's not the case, right? I am an actor and my husband respects me for that. We are in 2016 and the concepts of our films are changing with time. If the two characters in a film are husband and wife, they have to be intimate with each other. There is no other way! I discussed the script and the requirements with my husband before signing the film. He was absolutely fine and said that if it is the requirement, you must go ahead and do it. In fact, he added that I have stood for a lot of things that go against the norm, which includes working after marriage. So, he has always wanted me to be the modern woman that I claim to be. People must not forget that I am an actor as well.
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| Image credit: Femina 2016 |
For me, a relationship between two individuals is built over love, support and respect for each other. Ki & Ka shows how the woman accepts her man, despite knowing that he has no ambitions. Love knows no boundaries or calculations. Separations and break-ups happen in a very personal space. Nobody knows what actually happens behind the closed doors. That's how I look at it.
In the case of celebrities, do you think it is stardom that often takes a toll?
Not really. In my case, both Saif and I are actors. Both of us are busy with our respective projects. When I was shooting for Udta Punjab and Ki & Ka, he was not. Now that he has begun working on Rangoon, I am caught up with promotions. So, we often miss each other. But, relationship is all about making time for one another. You can't just make a statement and yell out - I don't have time for love! Women are multi-taskers and if one really wants to, you can always remove some time. Personally, I always try and make an effort to take sometime out to go see him. Sometimes, we both take some time off for a getaway. You have to work on things in a way that you get that little extra time for your loved ones.
Do you also think the fast paced lifestyle today has played a role in this?
More than that, I feel people are getting used to depending on all things digital. You get one million likes and folks go, Oh! I am so loved. I read stories where normal conversations, that could happen face to face, are taking place on Twitter. People are taking to Facebook to wish their loved ones on birthdays and anniversaries! How difficult is it to pick up the phone and wish someone?
So, it seems like you are unlikely to break your promise (that of never creating a social media account).
Obviously! I will never be on any social media platform. Why can't I just meet someone or talk to them over the phone? Or if I like someone in a film, I'll call them up or send them a note na. That's so much more personal and special. The only thing I like about Twitter is the fact that it can help spread awareness, especially during a time of crisis. But for conversations and using it as a tool to simply send out messages? Never. I think, I am still a little old school like that.
But, what about fans who look up to you and wish to connect with their favourite actress?
I like to connect with them through interviews, promotions among others. Also, it is not possible to answer millions of fans on social media. You will always end up disappointing someone. But, I am glad I have a strong and active fan club on social media called Kareena Online. They are almost like my army and are very possessive about me. I feel proud to be on Twitter and Instagram through them. With fans as protective as them, I know I am safe on social media. They will bajao anyone who writes anything against me (laughs). They will troll them.
You are now working with co-actors from the new lot. What do you have to say about their skills and the experience of working with them?
As far as Arjun is concerned, he is as experienced as any other senior actor in the industry. Perhaps, that is also because he is an industry kid and has grown up watching films. But, I feel all the young boys have great energy and acting skills, which is almost like a seasoned star. They are very conscious about everything that they do. They are all guns blazing, raring to go!
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| Image credit: Harper's Bazaar Bride |
What was Saif's first reaction when he heard about the concept of this film?
He thought it was very cool. The very fact that Balki came up with a concept like this fascinated him. It's not a commercial blockbuster kind of a formula, with item songs and a huge ensemble cast. But, it has a concept from the heart, which will stand for something and be a nice film. So, that's why he encouraged me to do the film.
There is a lot of curiosity building up around your character in Udta Punjab. What is it all about?
It's a drug drama and I play a doctor. Udta Punjab stresses upon an important reality of Punjab - the drug busts that have been taking place. The film is more intense, gritty and dark, which is completely different from Ki & Ka. The latter is also real, but so much more quirky and fun. Udta Punjab is very dark and I am sure people will like the look once it is released.
Since you were shooting for the two films simultaneously, was it difficult to shift from a dark world to a quirky one the very next day?
In fact, I shot for three films from completely different genres - Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Udta Punjab and Ki & Ka, all back to back. As an actor, you have to give your best in each character and work it out as much as possible. For someone who loves cinema and acting, I absolutely enjoyed the experience!
Love,
Priya Adivarekar aka
The Dancebee
He thought it was very cool. The very fact that Balki came up with a concept like this fascinated him. It's not a commercial blockbuster kind of a formula, with item songs and a huge ensemble cast. But, it has a concept from the heart, which will stand for something and be a nice film. So, that's why he encouraged me to do the film.
There is a lot of curiosity building up around your character in Udta Punjab. What is it all about?
It's a drug drama and I play a doctor. Udta Punjab stresses upon an important reality of Punjab - the drug busts that have been taking place. The film is more intense, gritty and dark, which is completely different from Ki & Ka. The latter is also real, but so much more quirky and fun. Udta Punjab is very dark and I am sure people will like the look once it is released.
Since you were shooting for the two films simultaneously, was it difficult to shift from a dark world to a quirky one the very next day?
In fact, I shot for three films from completely different genres - Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Udta Punjab and Ki & Ka, all back to back. As an actor, you have to give your best in each character and work it out as much as possible. For someone who loves cinema and acting, I absolutely enjoyed the experience!
Love,
Priya Adivarekar aka
The Dancebee
Water Wonder | The Aquamagica Experience
With Holi celebrations on in full swing, it is also time to welcome happy, bright and super hot days of summer. Plus, the much awaited long weekend is here. I am quite sure that most of you based in Mumbai have had enough of those Pune / Lonavala one day trips with family, gorging on chocolate fudge or perhaps, taking selfies at Shaniwaar Wada. Oh, and those visiting the city for a Mumbai Darshan, aren't you tired of just checking out the huge gate outside Mannat already? There is something better waiting for you just a few kilometres away from Mumbai (and for those residing in Pune, the same goes for you). The perfect escape for all those water babies, who want to enjoy a day out and return home with memories to last a lifetime - Aquamagica.
Just 90 mins away from both Mumbai and Pune and off the Expressway, Aquamagica is a beautiful water park, complete with some of the most exciting rides. The variety of rides and ample space to relax in between all the fun makes Aquamagica perfect for families and large group of friends. Plus, they have got three in-house stores that help, in case you are not carrying the required gear to enter the rides. Team Dancebee was invited to visit Aquamagica earlier this month and must say, we had one helluva amazing experience. Well, our pictures speak louder than words.
Within minutes after buying tickets, the cable cars transport you to the world of Aquamagica, which is located on a hill. This super short ride gave us an incredible view of the entire Adlabs Imagica property below. The cable car ride, a quick 2 min walk and ticket checking later, we were welcomed to the in-house merchandise and apparel store, which is situated next to the huge changing room area for men and women. We liked how the maintenance staff took great care of the visitor's requirements and also kept the rooms, shower cubicles and washrooms super clean. Despite the weekend rush, there was enough room for everyone. To avail locker facility, you can pay a nominal fee and keep your valuables secured. Once you are done changing, you are all set to enter the world of fun.
Rides | The Pirate Bay is a hit with parents and children alike, especially the pirate water bucket. The slides are great fun and we spent almost 20-25 minutes taking a spin at each one of them, back to back. There are some adorable rides reserved for toddlers and little kids as well.As you walk ahead, you come across some more thrilling and adventurous water rides. Some of the most popular ones include Loopy Woopy, Zip Zap Zoom, Boomeranggo, Yell-O and my most favourite - Swirl Whirl. Both Loopy Woopy and Swirl Whirl look super scary, but leave you flying on cloud nine with a crazy high! Boomeranggo was great fun, and we ended up taking this ride up almost 5 times. The queue outside both Soakerz and Twisty-Turvy was super long. Unfortunately, we had to give them a miss. Personally, I had a gala time screaming my lungs out while enjoying some of these super thrilling rides. Unfortunately, it wasn't possible for us to get clicked in all the rides. But hey, I must say - it was pure cray! We love how all the rides are well guarded by the staff and provide excellent security. Each ride is monitored by a group of well trained guards and they make sure all the rules are followed by an individual before enjoying the ride. Safety first, always!
If going adventurous is not your thing, don't fret! There are many other rides that will keep you entertained. A little ahead of Loopy Woopy comes the much loved Wacky Wavess, where you can spend hours enjoying the artificial waves, with some super awesome music playing in the background. I loved spending sometime at Wacky Wavess, enjoying the great music and shaking a leg in the artificial waves. Trust me, it's great fun.
For those who love some lazy moments and want to catch 40 winks while floating on a long stream, there is Floatsa. Here you can float for several minutes on an individual tube, enjoy the lazy river and soak in the sun. There is also a separate area for those who love 'dancing in the rain'. Yes! Rain dance is the ultimate place for those who can't stop shaking a leg, while enjoying the cold water drizzle.
Food | After all the adventure, you are bound to pay some attention to those hunger pangs! Aquamagica houses various restaurants, shacks, cafes and stalls, that serve various cuisines - right from Indian to Italian and Mexican. We liked the Pizza slice served at Sunbeatz - a pizzeria located right next to the rain dance area. While the restaurant also had Salads on the menu, it was unavailable during our visit. Ammos has some decent variety of Indian dishes, including Jain options. For those who prefer a heavy lunch can opt for the unlimited Aqua Lunch buffet available near Ammos (Aquamagica main entrance) for a decent cost. All the restaurants have dishes that are decently priced, but we personally felt that they can do with some more variety. All the restaurant areas provide good shade and perfect to catch up on some conversations over food.
With great connectivity by rail, road and air + some super innovative rides, Aquamagica is the perfect place for families to bond and spend some quality time together, away from the humdrum of the city. In fact, they even have some exciting activities planned for Holi today. For all those who love water and don't believe in wasting it by planning a 'water wastage dance show' in their societies, head to Aquaimagica for a fabulous experience. We had a wonderful time being our water loving self in the magical world of Aquamagica, and honestly, I can't wait to get my entire team for a bonding session now (Oh! They have corporate booking offers too).
A few tips to keep in mind before planning a trip to Aquamagica:
Carry a pair of beach flip flops. The floor gets super hot and unbearable from 11 am to 4:30 pm.
Do not forget your sunscreen. Golden rule. Period!
Carry appropriate swimwear. Unless you plan to buy something from the in-house store.
Got an injury? Ensure you get a clearance from the doctor, before enjoying any ride.
How to get there:
By Road - 75kms drive time from Mumbai / Pune. Situated near Pali Road, a little off the Express highway.
By Air - Chhatrapati Shivaji International / Domestic Airport and then, by road to Aquamagica
By Rail - Nearest local station is Khopoli. Hop into the free shuttle bus provided by Aquamagica at Khopoli.
Aquamagica also offers third party A/C bus and car packages.
We personally prefer the latter, because the former is disorganised offering by Neeta Travels. During our trip, we had originally booked a bus ticket (only on being told that the bus would be an A/C Volvo), but what turned up was a rickety non a/c mini bus by some Vinayak Travels. Thankfully, the Aquamagica team was super prompt in making the changes and our car arrived well in time. Too bad, Neeta Travels just lost our trust.
Ticket Rates: Rs 899 on non-peak days, Rs 999 on peak days (follow Aquamagica on social media for exciting offers and keep an eye on their official website as well). Psst! They even have a pre-holiday offer and a special Student discount, which is valid up to March 31.
Verdict: Clean, well guarded, packed with some crazy rides and super exciting, Aquamagica is the ultimate family destination for all those who love water rides. Make the most of your holiday by enjoying a day out at this amazing water park. This summer, Aquamagica is the place to be!
Have you been to Aquamagica? Share your story with us by leaving a comment or join the conversation on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Love,
The Dancebee
My job is more than just a profession for me - Priyanka Chopra | Exclusive Interview
She is steadily taking over the world, one successful project at a time. From earning the biggest opening in the U.S with Quantico to bagging prestigious awards and wowing the audience with her red carpet appearance at the Academy Awards, Priyanka Chopra is fast becoming the darling of Hollywood. The actress, whose Jai Gangaajal hits the screens today and will once again be seen as Alex Parrish in the second season of Quantico premiering this Sunday, is one busy girl! She successfully juggles between being a badass FBI recruit in America and portraying a female cop in the hinterland of India.
Her global domination continues, as she is all set to play the lead role, that of a baddie, in Baywatch - the film. Right after her glamorous appearance at the Oscars 2016, where as a presenter, she gave away the Best Editing award along with America actor Live Schreiber, the actress took off to Miami for her film shoot. With Indian and International producers running around for her dates, and the who's who of Hollywood going gaga over her talent, Chopra has now become the new face of Indian cinema on the international shores! But even today, she is still the hard working Indian at heart, whose smile is enough to brighten even the dullest of rooms. Excerpts from a delightful conversation with our very own desi girl:
Bajirao Mastani, Jai Gangaajal and Quantico; you were simultaneously working on three projects that come from completely different genres. As an actor, how difficult was this phase?
Difficult? Not really. Fortunately, I have always done multiple projects together. My process as an actor is completely different. Nobody taught me acting. I learnt things on my own and when I started off, I looked up to my directors, co-actors as teachers. For all my films, I do a lot of homework before the project takes off. I create a personality around the character. I don't believe in working on scenes or lines. My main priority is to understand the character, in and out. What does she do, where did she study, what are her hobbies, favourite food items; I try to understand the person that my character is and believe in creating her from scratch. Once I know the person well, almost like a best friend, then I am confident enough to enact any scene in her periphery. That's exactly why I can easily switch in and out of multiple roles at the same time.
But for Bajirao Mastani and Quantico, you were working on two dialects that were poles apart. Was that tough?
Oh yes! American and Marathi. That was very difficult. At least, I am familiar with Marathi, because I live in Mumbai. So, there was a dialect coach who helped me and Ranveer during Bajirao Mastani. She was a Maharashtrian Bhramin girl, who would listen to our dialogues on the set. In case there was any mistake, she would correct us and then, we would do a retake. For such projects, where my dialect needs to be in a particular way, I always have a coach. I had one on the sets of Quantico as well. If my American accent goes a little off, she makes me do the retake. It's like a tool to get your job right!
What's the best compliment that you have received for your performance in Quantico?
There are so many of them. My fans have always been generous with their compliments and have stood by me, through thick and thin. But, my most favourite has to be seeing little girls dressing up as Alex Parrish on Halloween last year. They tweeted these pictures, where they had tied up their long, blonde hair and wore black wigs. It is such a big compliment for me to be universally known as an actor, and not for the colour of my skin. Actors are always put into categories. I don't want to be one of them. I want to be noticed for my merit, more than what I look like, where I come from or how I speak. Tomorrow, if I am approached for something that requires me to play a Spanish girl, then I want to learn the language, dress like a Spanish girl and convince people ki main Puerto Rico se hoon. That's my job as an actor - to become other people!
How has it been interacting with the American audience and media?
It's been so overwhelming! Both the audience and media in America have been very warm and welcoming. In fact, forget winning, just getting nominated for the People's choice award was the biggest thing in the my first year as an actor there. Everyone has been very kind and sweet. Even the security at international airports see me and go, "Who's the terrorist?" I don't even know (laughs). Also, it's fun to introduce people to Indian cinema and talk about it on shows. For them, Indian cinema is all about running around trees. But, I explain that our music is a part of our culture. We tell stories through music. That's when they get fascinated about the whole thing. It's like a cultural programme for me.
You have always been someone who has tried new things and emerged victorious. Be it winning Miss World, National Award for Fashion, trying your hand at singing and dubbing, and now, winning the People's choice award for Quantico. How do you look at all this?
That's the beauty of my job. You can't control creativity, it will come out and shine in some way or the other. You are a writer, but perhaps, you can even paint tomorrow (I tell the actress that I have been multitasking in different roles for years and she gives me a high-five). Creativity is not restricted to a particular medium. If you are a creative person, it can be in any form. I have written for so many magazines and newspapers, right from Elle to Hindustan Times. I am a writer and I enjoy the process. That's because I am a girl who was raised with a voice, with parents who taught me to be a thinking person. I like taking out my creativity in different ways.
And now, you are also turning producer. Tell us something about your new role.
Oh yes! My production company is called Purple Pebble Pictures and our aim is to work with new talent. It's not easy for talented people to get a foothold without knowing someone or having a godfather. I have been through that struggle and hence, I want be a producer who gives new talent a chance. I also want to promote regional cinema and three projects - one each in Punjabi, Marathi and Bhojpuri are in the pipeline. The Marathi project is called Ventilator, directed by Rajesh Mapuskar and it went on the floors in February.
Many believed that your portrayal of Kashibai resulted in one of your best performances till date. What do you think?
Well, that the audience can tell you better (laughs). But personally, I knew from the beginning that Kashibai's character will resonate. She was never at fault and even history ignored her. The entire focus has always been on Bajirao and Mastani, so no one remembered Kashibai's journey. Credits to Sanjay (Leela Bhansali) sir for bringing her to life and showcasing her side of the story so well. I was one of the first actors to be cast for the film and he told me, "I need to know who my Kashi is. Only then, I can get my Bajirao and Mastani."
Is that why you believed that a character like Kashibai can never be written again?
Absolutely! She had a different voice, and she stood for herself. Kashibai said a lot, without even talking that much and that too, in an era that dates back to the 19th century. If I was in her place, I would have just asked my husband to get out and leave me alone. But, Kashibai stood like a pillar of strength with Bajirao, through his good and bad times.
Do you agree share the same sentiment as Kashibai did in the film, that of letting a man go?
Pyaar ho jaata hain. You can't tie someone up and never let them go. Even if Kashibai did that, Bajirao's heart would still be with Mastani. Love cannot be controlled, and that's why Kashibai asks Radha Maa to free Mastani. Personally, I am someone who is of the belief that you have to let someone go, if they are not wholeheartedly involved in a relationship. Even today, societal pressure has forced several women to continue a relationship, despite their ordeal. Just because, haw! Duniya kya bolegi. Par, galat toh ho raha hain na. It is better to live by your self respect and allow someone to go. You don't need someone to complete you. Also, I hate the double standards that the society has for women.
Actors are usually skeptical about opting for a supporting role, especially at the peak of their career.
But, I have always believed that there is no role that is big or small. There are only small actors, and I am not one of them. There are many films where I have hardly had any screen space. Look at Kaminey, I had just eight scenes. Par main apni kaabiliyat mein bahut believe karti hoon. I do all my work with honesty. My job is more than just a profession to me. There is a strange spiritual connect between the moments when the director goes 'action' and 'cut'. That's how I treat my job!
In one of our earlier interactions, you had mentioned that Jai Gangaajal is a prime example of feminism.
I am a feminist and proud to be one. I strongly believe that feminism is not about hating, berating a man or making him feel smaller. Feminism stands for equality, where a man and woman can walk shoulder to shoulder. Why should any woman feel she can't do certain things, just because she is a woman? This is a global issue. Women have been globally treated like second class citizens since years. For example, the issue of renumeration disparity is a global problem. Several female actors in Hollywood have voiced their opinion on it. As for Jai Gangaajal, I do believe that the film is a prime example of feminism. A uniform has set values and respect. It has nothing to do with being a man or a woman.
As an independent woman who strongly believes in Feminism, what is your solution to challenging this disparity?
Nobody will fight our battle. We have to do it ourselves.We can do it only by being really good at our respective jobs, so that we can't be denied anything. Also, just the way you shouldn't be denied something because you are a woman, there should not be an exception either. If you are good at anything that you do, be it as a doctor, engineer, CEO of a company or an actor, no one has the right to take away what you deserve.
So, do you see things changing around you?
Personally, I feel that we have just started and the battle ahead is a long one. But, I do see big changes across the globe, which is a very good thing. The CEO of Pepsi is a woman. Our nation was the first to have a female Prime Minister. So, women have always taken important steps in history to bring about a change. Films like Jai Gangaajal, Fashion, Queen, where only a woman's face draws the audience, are also important. It is a big step! And these small steps are crucial. Duniya ek din mein thodi hi badlegi.
You are one of the few female actors who stays away from the race to outdo one another.
But, I don't have the time. I am constantly working on new things, and trying to outdo myself. My only priority is to better myself. My career has never been dependent on someone else's failure. I am not a competitive person. I compete only with myself. I like being collaborative - the coming together of great minds, creating stories and good cinema is what excites me.
So, apart from Quantico and Baywatch, what else is keeping you busy?
I have got my hands full already (laughs). It's been a super busy start to 2016 already, with Quantico season 2, Oscars. I have the option of choosing a bunch of films between India and America. Honestly, it feels like I should do them all, because I am a very greedy actor. But, my team believes that I don't have a clone, and hence, I need to make a choice (laughs). So, I am still in the process of finalising some more projects after I finish the commitments that are currently on priority.
Love,
The Dancebee
