An interview with Farhan Akhtar

TWF, Bollywood Trade News Network
There are a very few things that Farhan Akhtar hasn't tasted success with. From making his directorial debut with landmark film like DIL CHAHTA HAI to a hit remake like DON, Farhan has come a long way. And now his fans are eagerly waiting to see him in a yet another avatar, as actor and singer in forthcoming release ROCK ON. The director-actor-singer speaks to our correspondent on his new roles.

So from a director you are now an actor and a singer...

(Ha...Ha)...It's nothing like that. I am doing this film because I liked the story and the role. That's why when director Abhishek Kapoor came to me, I did not hesitate much.

But we never knew that there was an actor and singer in you...

I was never averse to acting. I always liked acting, only that I never thought of giving it a serious try but I was always open to it. I was waiting for a right time because I don't think I could do so many things at a time. I started as a director and wanted to focus on my work.

But you are a brilliant singer too. Didn't you think of singing someday?

Oh...is it so? I was also interested a lot in music but again I never gave it a serious thought. It just happened but I really enjoyed the whole experience.

So do you plan to act and sing in the future?

Why not if I enjoy the script... I am in fact acting in my sister Zoya Akhtar's LUCK BY CHANCE. As of singing I haven't thought much. I am right now immersed in ROCK ON.

Okay then tell me how did ROCK ON happen?

Abhishek came up to me with the script, he wanted me to act. I too liked it and it just happened. But he was very clear from the beginning that whoever plays the lead vocalist has to sing. He knew me for a long time and he trapped me. (Laughs)

But you did justice to the songs?

I learnt playing the guitar and was a great rock fan but I should also credit Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy who showed faith in me. I have worked with them earlier IN DIL CHAHTA HAI LAKSHYA and DON so I know how talented they are. In fact it was Shankar who honed my singing skills and a lot of credit goes to him.

Won't you say that ROCK ON is another film that the audience is waiting for because rock music hasn't found that much of a place in Bollywood?

That's because Indians have heard international rock music and sound. But there are so many good musicians here who haven't been tried out. Had they been utilized we would have got rock music in Hindi films long before.

So, you will be the person to look out for once the film releases?

Come on don't say that. It is a film about four friends and the story doesn't move if one is missing out. It is a film of four people, Arjun Rampal, Luke Kenny, Purab and myself. But at the end of the day it's Abhishek's film. I must say he has done a brilliant job.

So what next after Rock On? Acting or back to direction?

In fact both because I am gearing up for my next directorial VOICE FROM THE SKY at the same time I will be acting in LUCK BY CHANCE. I take my job seriously so once I start these two things my focus will shift there completely.

And what's your next film all about?

I won't say much but what I can promise is something interesting...

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Drona - Music Review

Rating: **

Creating music for a film like Drona is always a tricky preposition. A conventional soundtrack isn't really what the film warrants while boundaries have to be set around how unconventional can the music actually go.

This is why one carefully looks at what composer Dhruv Ghanekar (who was a part of the composer duo Ashu-Dhruv) has to offer in Drona which is Abhishek's first solo release since Guru.

Surprisingly, unlike some huge expectations that one had from recent biggies like Singh Is Kinng, Bachna Ae Haseeno and Karzzzz, Drona (which has lyrics by Vaibhav Modi) is relatively low key in nature.

One can't exclaim 'I have been waiting with a bated breath' for the music of Drona which has just hit the stands. And this is what turns Drona into a fairly okay score which is certainly not exceptional but not a bad hear either.

The anthem track 'Drona' (sung by Dhruv himself) opens up proceedings and it has the kind of sound which just fits in well with the theme of the movie.

A number with a Western base to it, it does have an advertisement jingle feel to it but one doesn't quite mind it due to the comic book spirit of the movie. Narrating the background of 'Drona' and how he would be acting as a savior for the rest of the world, 'Drona' is a kind of number which appears at numerous junctures in the film.

Sunidhi Chauhan version of the same song comes at the album's end and carries a funky feel to it, courtesy a full on club setting. In both the versions, 'Drona' stays on to be primarily situational though and doesn't even attempt taking a popular route.

The number which does aim at being popular though is 'Oop Cha' which has an interesting orchestra throughout its duration. Different instruments are brought together to give this item number an edgy sound.

The number by Sunidhi Chauhan and Nandini Shrikar is foot tapping, yes, but beyond the initial setting 'Oop Cha' doesn't quite turn out to be THE item number which Priyanka Chopra could carry for couple of years or so.

The culprit here are the lyrics that do touch upon the philosophy of 'living life every moment' but somewhere down the line, they fail to make an impact. 'Remix version' sounds good at high volume as well though how one wishes the lyrics could have made a little more impact!

'Bandagi' follows next and though it doesn't promise much in terms of popularity, it is easy on ears nevertheless.

While Roop Kumar Rathod is subdued as usual, Sunidhi Chauhan too keeps her pitch low for 'Bandagi' which comes across as a laidback love song to be heard with the lights switched off.

For those who are fond of 'ghazals' and soft music, 'Bandagi' is a decent offering though a wide spread reach of the number doesn't seem feasible.

A number which is seemingly picturised on Jaya Bachchan and the kid (who grows on to be Abhishek Bachchan), 'Nanhe Nanhe' is a lullaby that follows next.

Sadhna Sargam (with support from Nandini Shrikar) comes up with good rendition in this extremely slow moving number and at places does sound like Lata Mangeshkar from 'Ek Tu Hi Bharosa' (Pukar).

A situational track, this is yet another number which derives its value from it's placement in the film's narrative.

Finally arrives 'Khushi' which is experimental to say the least. With a jazz feel to it, 'Khushi' sees quite a few ups and downs during it's 4 minutes duration even as Suzzane D'mello, Francois Castellino, Dean and Sunaina Gupta give Shaan, the prime singer here, ample support.

A conversation song which seems to be picturised on Abhishek Bachchan having fun with his friends, 'Khushi' has a lot to look forward in the way it is picturised because audio wise it is not a number that one expects to be sung or played around.

As mentioned in the start, Drona takes an unconventional route for most part of the album and the only place where it does follow the popular trend ('Oop Cha'), the final result is 'theek-thaak'.

Goldie Behl, Dhruv and Vaibhav have their intentions right in making Drona look and sound different from the league; however while doing so the soundtrack turns out to be the kind which would has it's chances of making a better impression as a part of the narrative and able choreography/picturisation.

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Good girl Diya Mirza has gone Bad!!

Known for her Ms Goody Two-Shoes Image Diya is currently enjoying being bad in Hyderabad.

In Suparn Verma's Acid Factory she plays a girl locked up in a factory with four men with apparently no way out. She's being made to do the most impossible stunts. But Diya doesn't mind. Diya is the only woman in the entire script. "What I enjoy is being one of the boys. I'm doing everything that the boys are being made to do. And that includes all the stunts.

After playing dainty utterly feminine roles I'm enjoying being put on a harness dangling from ropes, jumping from heights, kicking and punching. In spite of my dainty image I've always been a tomboy. "

What Diya enjoys even more is being mean. "My character is bad through and through. No apologies. No justification. She just enjoys being bad.

I like bringing that dark side of me out on screen because there's way I can tap into it in real life. I like the surprise element in my role in Acid Factory. I remember seeing a film with Julia Roberts where she was a schoolteacher by day and quite naughty in the night."

Diya just finished shooting with the Big B in Shoojit Sircar's Shoebite. "Though we were co-stars in Shootout At Lokhandwala we didn't have any scenes together.

In Shoebite most of my vital scenes are with Mr Bachchan. And believe me it was like going to acting school. He taught me one thing I'll never forget.

'To be a good actor you've to be a good listener.' I'm going to follow that mantra, " says the quietly attentive Diya who admits she's an introvert.

"It was hard for me to come out and play the aggressive bad girl in Acid Factory or be part of the goofy comedy in Kunal Vijaykar's Fruit & Nut. I'm basically quiet and shy. I like to read and write."

Diya admits there's no man in her life. "Oh, the amount of men I'm linked with! Where's the time? Sometimes when I see my my friends with their soul mates I do wish I had someone to cuddle. But then I quickly move on to something else."

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Birthday Boy Akshay goes De Dana Dhan with Katrina

The Venus produced 'De Dana Dhan' will have Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif coming together for the fifth time.

This jodi has emerged as one of the most successful on screen jodis of all times in Bollywood what with their three back two back hits, 'Namastey London', 'Welcome' and 'Singh Is Kinng' having done record business at the box office world wide( though most of the above can only be called surprise hits!)

'De Dana Dhan ' is directed by Priyadarshan and it brings back the super hit team of Hera Pheri - Priyadarshan, Akshay Kumar, Suneil Shetty and Paresh Rawal after over 8 years.

It is a mad cap comedy to be shot almost completely in Singapore from November 2008 onwards. Industry insiders claim it was Akshay's suggestion to get Katrina opposite him in the film after reading the script.

Now one wonders what is going to be Salman's reaction to this! It is a known fact that Salman wasn't exactly happy on knowing that Katrina had signed 'Singh Is Kinng' without even telling him about it.

The Akshay - Katrina pair is being considered the hottest pair in Bollywood today with a great strike record with only a one flop, 'Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye' (2006) which incidentally was their first film together.

Today is Akki's b'day and we present a brief sketch of this new King's life and prediction for the year ahead:

Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia was born to a middle class Punjabi family in Amritsar. His father was a government worker. From a very young age, he was recognised as a performer, particularly as a dancer.

Kumar was raised in Delhi's Chandni Chowk neighbourhood before moving to Mumbai. In Mumbai, he lived in Koliwada, which was another Punjabi dominated area. He studied at Don Bosco School and then Khalsa College, where he took an interest in sports.

He studied martial arts in Bangkok and worked as a chef. He then came back to Mumbai, where he started teaching martial arts. One of his students happened to be a photographer and recommended him to do modelling. The student gave him a modelling assignment for a small company.

For his two hours posing in front of the camera, he got Rs. 5,000, compared to his previous salary of Rs. 4,000 in one month. That was one of the main reasons why he chose to be a model. After a couple of months of modelling, Kumar was finally offered a lead role by producer Pramod Chakravarthy for the movie Deedar.

During the 90s, Kumar was primarily described as the action hero of Bollywood, starring in hit action films such as Khiladi (1992), Mohra (1994) and Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995), and being particularly known for his "Khiladi Series".

However, he was simultaneously recognised for his performances in romantic films like Yeh Dillagi (1994) and Dhadkan (2000) as well as dramatic films such as Ek Rishtaa (2001), showing his versatility to perform a range of roles.

In 2002, he won his first Filmfare Award under the Best Villain category, for his performance in Ajnabee (2001). Willing to change his intransigent image, Kumar later ventured mostly into comedy films. His comic performances in films such as Hera Pheri (2000), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Garam Masala (2005) and Jaan-E-Mann (2006) met with critical acclaim.

His success further rose in 2007, when he starred in four consecutive commercial hits. Having done so, he has established himself as one of the prominent actors of the Hindi film industry.

The Year ahead:

His last few films, performances or both have clicked 'big time' with the audiences and 'success' seems to have 'married' him off late.

Noted astro numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi predicts what's in store for the undisputed 'king of the box office' who will celebrate his birthday soon.

Born on 9th September 1967, Akshay is a Number 9 in numerology ruled by Number 9 ( Mars ), Number 5 ( Virgo – ruling planet Mercury ) and Number 5 again

( Mercury - 9 + 9 + 1 + 9 + 6 + 7 = 41 = 4 + 1 = 5 ).

" Akshay will be entering his 42nd year ( 4 + 2 = 6 ) which is amongst his best numbers and he will continue to rule hearts atleast till a year more ".

Bhavikk continues " His next release CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA will add one more feather ( read hit ) to his tally of successes. His 'jodi' with Deepika Padukone

( also a Number 5 – born on January 5 ) in the film will also be much appreciated ".

" On a personal front as well, Akshay will be seen taking timely breaks from his hectic schedules to accommodate his family responsibilities ".

" Even though he is a fitness freak, wearing a Red Coral will help him maintain high energy levels at all times" advices Bhavikk. In nutshell, this reigning supremo is here to stay…!

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Drona is not a super-hero film

Another director who's back after a sabbatical is Goldie Behl. There has been a substantial gap between his directorial debut BAS ITNA SA KHWAAB HAI and his second outing DRONA. "Two reasons, " Goldie spells out, "Nothing inspired me to start a film in the intervening period. Besides, I decided to dabble in television and establish my company."

He gets into an introspective mood. "I was completely disillusioned. I took failure to my heart. But with the passage of time, I realized that one should never take failure to heart or success to head, " the soft-spoken director states.

Goldie penned a couple of scripts in the intervening period. "And also made 3 / 4 films in my mind, " he laughs. DRONA was 'born' after a lot of thinking and brainstorming sessions.

Now this is important: A lot of people feel that DRONA is a super-hero film, on the lines of Batman and Superman. Is it? "It's not! It's a modern-day fantasy adventure. Let me clarify, we haven't copied the West or the East. It's an original concept, very Indian at heart, a desi film, but presented in a contemporary format, " he divulges.

Please continue. "I've grown up on popular Indian cinema and having grown up in a family environment, you'll see a lot of familial bonding in DRONA.

The bonding between Jaya Aunty (Jaya Bachchan) and Abhishek on screen is terrific, it's an extension of what they're in real life. In fact, Jaya Aunty is the trump card of my film, the real USP. And as a director, I must add that it's one of her finest works ever, " Goldie states with all humility.

Final words? "I am sure, DRONA would not only work with the Indian audiences, but also internationally, " he says. Amen!

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Dil Kabaddi - Movie Preview

Set in contemporary Mumbai, the movie takes a close look at the evolving equations among urban couples and paints the metamorphosis amongst the relationships with a comic stroke.

The film tracks the lives of two modern day married couples Samit (Irrfan Khan) and Mita (Soha Ali Khan); Rishi (Rahul Bose) and Simi (Konkona) caught in web of boredom, loss of love and temptation.

The film starts with an announcement by Samit and Mita Of their separation, and follows the moral muddles and emotional crises of the couples over the next year and a half - as friends fight, separate, take lovers and, in a way, reconcile

The film is irected by debutante Anil Sharma

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You can call me sexy and hot, I won't mind: Esha Deol

Esha Deol, daughter of actors Dharmendra and Hema Malini, says that her mom wouldn't mind her being in a live-in relationship before marriage and adds that her dream man should be like her dad.

"I believe in a love marriage and am looking for a guy who would have some qualities of my father, " said Esha, who will be seen next with Shiney Ahuja in "Hijack".

"I think every girl wants her life partner to have some qualities of her father and I also want the same. My father has been the closest man in my life till now and I'm familiar with his qualities and therefore want my man to be like him, " Esha told in an interview.

Although her parents are looking for a suitable match for her, the 25-year-old actress is not game for an arranged marriage.

"My mom is a modern kind of person and would not mind if I even go for a live-in relationship with someone. I think I would like to live with him for at least two years and then think of getting married.

"It's always better to know a person well before marriage than getting divorced later, " she quipped.

According to Esha, she and her mother share many interests.

"Both of us like dancing and acting; therefore we share a lot of common things among us. Besides, she has been a constant support in my life."

She said Hema is now trying to revive her banner H.M. Creations, which made Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Dil Aashna Hai" in 1992.

"My mom is very keen to revive her banner. She thinks this is the best time to start a project as the market has really grown during the past couple of years. Also, we believe in the saying 'make hay when the sun shines'."

Though they have decided to make a film, the script has not yet been finalised.

"We are going through various scripts, but nothing has been finalised yet."

Esha debuted with "Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe" in 2002 and in the last six years featured in several films, but success has eluded her so far. She was a part of successful films like "Dhoom", "Yuva" and "No Entry", but all of them were multi-starrers.

After doing glamorous roles in run-of-the-mill films, Esha now wants to do some meaningful cinema.

"Though I am happy with my sexy image, I want to do meaningful cinema. There is nothing wrong being sexy as most of the actresses feel proud if they are termed as 'sexy and hot'; so do I.

"But at the same time I want to do some films that also show my acting talent, " she said.

She is positive about "Hijack" and says it has tapped her acting potential in the right way.

"The role that I am playing in 'Hijack' is what I have never tried before. For the first time I will not be romancing my hero, neither will I be seen running around trees, not even in a dream sequence, " said Esha who plays an air hostess in the movie.

"My character is experienced and believes in herself and helps the protagonist, played by Shiney Ahuja, with all her experience in rescuing the passengers."

She rubbished reports that she didn't get along with Shiney on the sets of "Hijack".

"It is not true at all. Shiney and I get along well and I think the media reports of my strained relations with him were just a publicity gimmick. I'm looking forward to do another film with him."

Asked about working with debutant director Kunal Shivdasani, Esha said: "Kunal is an experienced ad filmmaker and he has applied his experience in making the film. He has shot the film aesthetically and also in a realistic way."

"Hijack", which also stars K.K. Raina and debutante Kaveri Jha in important roles, releases this Friday.

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We did a mistake by making our relationship public: Deepika

If we go by the number of directors desirous of bringing the two together, it would seem Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone are the hottest most saleable pair in moviedom today.

After seeing them together in Siddharth Anand's Bachna Ae Haseenon at least three big directors have decided to cast them together in their films and have in fact approached the pair with their projects.

Anees Bazmi (taking a break from Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif after Welcome and Singh Is Kinng), David Dhawan (getting away from his Govinda-Salman-Katrina-Lara comfort zone) and Raj Santoshi (who after working with Ranbir in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazak Kahani wants to take a longer break from his Ajay Devgan starrers) have all offered Ranbir-Deepika films.

But the pair is surprisingly reluctant to work together.

Says a source close to both Ranbir and Deepika, "They've definitely been offered films by Bazmi, Dhawan and Santoshi and are considering taking up at least one of these.

But Ranbir –Deepika are in no hurry to sign films together. Not after seeing what happened to Kareena and Shahid in all their films until their breakup and recently to Kareena and Saif in Tashan.

Ranbir-Deepika know the public gets satiated reading about real-life couples and seeing them constantly at events on television. The novelty factor is over.

Deepika would rather be seen with Saif in Imtiaz Ali's film and Ranbir with Katrina and Konkona in his forthcoming films rather than come together on screen repeatedly to entertain each other and bore the audience."

At the moment all the three major offers for Ranbir-Deepika are on hold.

Says the source, "They might finally take up one of the offers. As for the much talked-about film by Ranbir's childhood friend Vicky Singh, that has three leading ladies in it and Deepika might or might not be one of them finally. And that project won't be shot until 2010. In fact Ranbir hasn't even signed it as yet."

One thing is for sure. Ranbir and Deepika are in no hurry to sign films together and are in fact, reluctant to be seen together.

Says Deepika, "We decided to be open about our relationship and lived to regret it because the more open we were the more out honesty was misconstrued.

Our right to privacy was completely disregarded. So we've decided to be less public about our relationship. And we don't need to do films together to prove anything."

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