Losing it?

Embrace yourself


As humans, it's natural that we're attracted to beautiful things, to beautiful people and we wish to see all things beautiful! But to think of it? Who defines beauty? What has happened is, that over the years we've had pre-concieved notions of 'beauty' and we probably do not wish to broaden our horizons. And while that's still okay, what's troublesome is the fact that most people today, relate beauty with weight, which somehow does amuse me.

'Weight-loss' : that's one term that probably seems to attract every woman. Two women are talking about weight-issues and then I'll notice that the rest ten of us have joined in the conversation. Sometimes, it does get irritating. Especially, when, for once, you wish that you had a conversation that doesn't have to anything to do with 'weight'. While it is important to remain healthy, eat healthy, in order to have a good life, it's also important to not get all obsessed with it. I've seen women who wish to lose weight just so that some man would like them, which still amuses me, because why in the first place would you want to be with a man who refuses to be with you just because you're a little overweight?

First and foremost, here's a question I have for every girl, woman. Why do you wish to lose fat? Why do you wish to get in shape? It could be for your own self. It could be to just feel more confident and good about your self, or just to be healthy! I'm amazed when girls say that they wish to lose weight so that a guy would like them. My only query? Why do you want to do something to show to the world or just so that people like you? Unless you're in the business of glamour. And then, begins all the madness and crash diets. Girls go on to absolutely starving themselves in order to just prove something to the world? Why?

All right. Here's my story! I've always been on the healthier side. I've never really had men falling for me. I've always been someone who under-estimates her own self. But I've never tried to prove something to the world. Or just be a part of the 'cool' gang despite studying in a top-notch south Bombay college with all the quintessential sobo girls around. Because, that wasn't a priority. Yes, I've always wished that it would be nice if I could just shed few kilos. But what I knew, for sure, was that I wouldn't go on the crazy 'khakhra-salad' diet, because I'm not going to be on 'khakhra-salad' all my life. I love food, and I'm someone who relishes even a simple khichdi or dal chawal. And after a long tiring day of work, if you can't even relish your simple ghar ka dal-chawal without feeling guilty, then why am I working so hard? Then, what's the point of all the 'ghaddha-mazdoori' that life has to offer?

I wanted to may be work on myself, but not to prove anything to the world, even though I've had people around me who've always had something to comment on everything I did. But that doesn't matter no? As long you know what you think of your own self. First and foremost, it's important to just embrace yourself. One you just embrace yourself, with all your flaws, you feel good. First love yourself the way you are, only then, people would love you the way you are. And then, probably, just work on how you can be better.

Losing weight shouldn't just be about sticking to a diet and regime for few months. I think, it's about lifestyle changes. Changes that you can incorporate in your life, not just for a short duration, but perhaps, forever.
For instance, having green tea. As cliched as it sounds, green tea does work. Even if it does not, it's just a very healthy option. And no you don't have to stop having your normal coffee or tea, but probably, you could just cut down on it right?

Eat what you feel like, but just understand what's healthy for your body and what would give you ample nutrients. You could probably relish that pizza once in a while, and you should, but then just include salads and fruits in your everyday meals. Just having a carrot or cucumber everyday, would cause no harm to you right? Eating every few hours, is important. The most important thing is not to starve yourself because if you do, then your body produces hormones that makes you fat, is what I've been told by my yoga instructor. Replacing rice in one meal, by 'daliya' is a great option, because trust me when I say this, daliya khichdi made with oodles of vegetables is as tasty as say your 'tawa pulao', and extremely healthy. Though, try avoid 'daliya' in the night since it takes time to digest.

Have Pav Bhaji, but instead of Pav, you could try whole wheat bread or bread made up of 'nachni/ragi' which is extremely healthy. Of course, it would be nice if there's no butter in the bhaji. Just add a little bit of walking to your routine, or few minutes of yoga if there's no time to go to the gym. Even just skipping everyday at home, and a few simple exercises and streching, if done few days a week, might work wonders. And honestly, it's just a stereotypical notion that healthy food is not tasty. It is very tasty. A simple dosa, without butter and lots of vegetables is tasty. A 'moong-daal' chilla with capsicum, onion, carrots, chillies, eaten with whole-wheat bread, made in hardly any oil is tasty, and healthy. A simple sukha bhel, with less 'sev' or 'no sev' at all, is chatpata, teekha and healthy. There's also boiled chana and boiled moong with salt, pepper, chilli powder and nimboo added, which is a healthy snack option. So whoever said that healthy is not tasty! And no, you don't really have to compromise on your normal 'roti-sabzi-dal-chawal' meal. It's important to have a balanced diet. Just a little approach needs to be changed. There are several options. Just choose the right one. And once in a while, obviously, sinful indulgences are fun! 

So, these are just the little changes that I've made. And I don't know if I agree, but people have been telling me that I seem to have lost some weight. While I may not be wanting to prove anything to the world, but compliments are always nice right? I think it's just important to not stress yourself about this whole weight-loss tamasha. Just relax, work slowly, and be happy. What matters is, do what makes you happy. Obviously, that doesn't mean you go on gorging on cupcakes and donuts everyday! 
All said and done, it's just not nice to see women literally getting obsessed with losing weight. Just embrace yourself you know. Love yourself. Work towards being better. And I'm sure, you'll be there! :D 

On that note, let's sip on this green tea. Cheers :)

Lots of love, 
ChotuMissMuffet 

Ayushmann Khurrana

“I’m a sucker for super scripts” 

By Ankita R Kanabar

(This interview was published in the November 10 - Diwali issue of Super Cinema)

He’s wasn’t really an unknown face, even before he commenced his journey in films. We’ve seen Ayushmann Khurrana on television, but, back then, we were probably unaware of the man’s hidden talents and acting prowess. And then, ‘Vicky Donor’ came. A film that changed Ayushmann’s life; even changed everyone’s perception towards him. He seems to have broken the stereotype that most people from the small-screen, aren’t successful in films, due to over-exposure. His charm worked like magic and women fell for his portrayal of Vicky Arora. He seems like the current heartthrob and thus could give a really tough competition to his contemporaries. He flashes his dimpled smile, and that probably gets him all the extra brownie points. He tickled your funny bone with his sense of humour and comic timing in ‘Vicky Donor’, but just as I get to know him, I realise, that the man is extremely witty and sarcastic for real, and that’s probably what translates on-screen. His sense of humour, is put to display even through his tweets. But behind all that fun, is someone who’s very serious about his work, and sometimes, philosophical too. And no, that’s not all. He can pen lyrics, compose, sing and dance!  Of course, that ‘Pani da Rang’ became a rage, is a testament to the very fact that he has a voice that you may immediately fall for. Now, that’s what a multi-talented man is all about. We caught up with Ayushmann and spoke about several things, including his upcoming film ‘Nautanki Saala’ and a lot more!

How have things changed for you, post ‘Vicky Donor’?
There have been quite a few changes. People have started respecting me more. Things certainly look much better now. I’ve started getting more offers for shows. And yes, too many film offers too. So, yes, life is good (smiles).

What kind of offers have you been getting?
Every kind of offer. Not just comedy, but also thrillers and all kinds of films. But mostly after ‘Vicky Donor’ I kept getting offers of films which have this north-Indian flavour. But I’ve been restraining myself from picking such films, because then I would get typecast and get the same kind of roles like ‘Vicky Donor’. That of a typical, happy-go-lucky Punjabi guy.

Since your debut film was a success, the audience must now be expecting more from you. Does that make you nervous?
I think I’m pretty confident about my second film. I’ve acted better, I’ve looked better, I’ve sung better, and I’ve composed better. Nobody can predict the box office result of a film, but from my side, I’ve put in my best. I believe, I’ve evolved as an actor, from my previous film. So, as far as my work is concerned, I feel confident.

What kind of characters do you wish to play on-screen?
I’m a sucker for super scripts. So, for me, if the script is very good, then I might just do the film. Like I don’t really want to play a character of a Delhi-based Punjabi guy again and again, but if I get an awesome script, and it has a similar character I would still do it. Having said that, I also believe, that the character of Vicky Arora came easy to me because of the cultural influence. I’m from Chandigarh, so the accent and the dialect came natural to me. Nobody has ever spoken Punjabi so fluently in a Hindi film. But now, yes, of course I want to explore more characters. But I’ve no plan in mind. I’ve not thought about what I want to do. I’ll take up anything interesting that comes my way.

Tell us about your upcoming film, Rohan Sippy’s ‘Nautanki Sala’.
I’m playing a theatre actor in the film. His name is Ram, but on stage he plays Raavan’s character. So, he has these grey shades. I took up the film because of the range that my character has. Better scope for me to perform. We’re done with the shoot, and it shall release in March, next year.

How has it been working with Rohan Sippy?
He comes with some great experience, and I’ve always been an admirer of his work. I’ve loved ‘Bluffmaster’, and ‘Dum Maro Dum’. He’s very intelligent, and always gives you a great feeling. I believe, Rohan is a director who mixes conventional cinema with new age cinema. He comes from a lineage and legacy, so he has immense knowledge about films.

You’re also singing and composing again for ‘Nautanki Sala’. Singing does seem like love, alongside acting.
I still believe that I’m not a trained singer, or have no classical singing background. May be it’s just this texture in my voice that I have. But I think, I’m more of an actor than a singer. I’ve sung 2-3 songs in the film, and composed a song with Rochak Kohli. The song is titled, ‘Saadi Gali Aaja’. And again, it’s a Punjabi song.

What do you have to say about all the women drooling over you? And yes, some of them are shocked to know that you’re married!
(Laughs) Since, I belonged to theatre, and then did TV shows, I’ve always had a certain following, and kept getting some attention from women. Though, of course, the scale is much higher now, because I think it’s just a gradual process. But most people who’ve known me as a TV anchor and all, know that I’m married. Moreover, it’s not recently that I’ve got married, it’s been so many years. And I’ve never even tried to hide the fact that I’m married. But there are some people who’ve suddenly realised that now, and yes, quite a few of them get really shocked!

How is ‘Hamara Bajaj’ shaping up?
It’s a film that I’d signed even before ‘Vicky Donor’ released. My character in the film is called Sanjay Bajaj, hence the title of the film is ‘Hamara Bajaj’. He is this guy from Agra who wants to become an actor. I’ll be shooting for the film in the first quarter of 2013, once Shoojit Sircar finishes shooting for ‘Jaffna’ with John Abraham.

Any other projects that you’ve signed? It was being said that you’re a part of the ‘Tere Bin Laden’ sequel, and doing a film with Kunal Kohli…
There were only talks about both the films. Abhishek Verma is a great friend but I don’t know how the ‘Tere Bin Laden’ sequel is shaping up. So, at the moment, I don’t know if I’m doing the film. It shall still take time. And Kunal Kohli’s film, I’m not doing for sure. At the moment, I’m just reading scripts every day. I just want to make the right choice.

Being an anchor and being an actor are both totally different things. While anchoring, you have to be yourself, but while acting, you have to be your character. Has the transition been difficult?
Yes, they certainly are very different. While anchoring, you’ve to look straight into the camera, and while acting you have to ignore the camera. But looking right into the camera can be intimidating. So being an anchor has given me a lot of confidence. The transition though, wasn’t very difficult. As much as I love acting, anchoring has also been a great experience for me.

You’ve been an RJ, and also a journalist for some time. Now you’re on the other side, answering questions…what’s more difficult?

I’ve always been someone who’s very confident and very inquisitive. So, I love asking questions to people, and try to know about their life and their work. So, I loved that, and it was also a little easy for me. But now I realise that answering questions is much more difficult. In fact, I’m still in the process of learning to answer questions.

More often than not, your tweets are full of sarcasm. You seem quite witty. That’s why you seem to enjoy comedy…
Well, yes, that may be true. But then, my tweets depend on my state of mind. Sometimes, I’m also highly philosophical and serious. Though, most times I try and be witty. And I love comedy because it’s just good to make people laugh. Nobody wants to be serious all the time. People are entangled with something or the other all the time, so they need cinema to entertain them and make them laugh. Of course, comedy is also the most difficult to do.

When you get some time for yourself, what do you like doing?
At the moment, I feel I’m just living my life out of a suitcase. I’ve been travelling so much. Even right now, I’m just back from Chhattisgarh and talking to you. Lots of work for the day, and then again going out of town. So there’s very little time to do other things than films. But, if I do get some time off, I like to compose music, sing just for myself. I also love reading a lot.

What does Diwali mean to you?
Diwali means a lot to me. Most of the times, I try and go to Chandigarh during Diwali. I remember, when I first came to Bombay, my mother insisted that I do a Laxmi Pooja at home. I didn’t even know how to do it. So, I downloaded a video from the net, saw it and performed the pooja accordingly. I gorge on so many sweets during Diwali. Even this Diwali, when I go to Chandigarh, I’m sure I’d at least put on 3kilos (laughs). Diwali for me is a festival of lights, giving gifts to people. I don’t burst crackers, and I would request people not to do so. Bursting crackers, sometimes, is more like a status symbol, specially in Punjab. But, people should just light diyas and candles, eat a lot, and spend good time with their family. 

Akshay Kumar

“I don’t like camps; they’re made up of cloth. I like palaces”

By Ankita R Kanabar

(This interview was published in the December 2, 2012 issue of Super Cinema)

He’s the ultimate ‘action hero’ of Hindi cinema. He was one of the reigning actors in the 90’s with his ‘Khiladi’ films and his ‘chikna inspector’ roles in films like ‘Mohra’ and ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’. He made women skip a heartbeat, back then. Not that he’s any less now. He still continues to reign at the box office. But, I must confess, he was my childhood crush too. He’s made it all on his own and just when he was at a peak with his action-packed films, he decided to give action a little break and forayed into other genres, mainly comedy. He excelled with that too. But one can’t deny that action is Akki’s  first love, and that’s what his audience loves to see him doing. So, this year, with ‘Rowdy Rathore’, he returned to doing what he does the best – lots of ‘dhishoom dhishoom’. While he makes you laugh with his antics on the 70mm, the man is so funny, even off-screen. Meet him for an interview and he makes you laugh with his mad sense of humour. Most of his co-stars admit that the man has no starry tantrums, and talk about his punctuality. So, when we asked Akshay how he remains so grounded, he puts his sense of humour to display, and says, “How do I remain grounded? I’m six feet, I have a lot of weight in my bones, and that’s how I remain grounded.’ Now, isn’t he funny? At the moment, the Khiladi is back with ‘Khiladi 786’, yet another film from the biggest franchise we have. Of course, the brand ‘Khiladi’ would be enough to draw audiences to the theatres and garner some ‘moolah’ at the box office. But Akshay seems to have left no stone unturned to make the film highly entertaining. And now, he’s all out there to promote the film. While we meet him, he dons his ‘Khiladi 786’ avatar – the trademark pathani, scarf and that unique pair of ‘mojadi’. The first thing you notice, as he settles for a chat, is his ‘mojadi’. Shiny, golden coloured ‘mojadi’, with nails. He says the nails are real and the ‘mojadi’ costs Rs 3 lakhs. Undoubtedly, the man can carry off almost anything and everything. He has his distinctive style of dressing, of acting and of kicking some butt. Let’s have a look as to what Akshay Kumar has to about his upcoming film, about the ‘Khiladi’ franchise and the action genre. He also reveals his fitness secret and much more. Here we have, The Khiladi Kumar at his candid best.

Why ‘Khiladi 786’?
786 would mean ‘Bismillah’ for the Muslims. ‘Bismillah’ is a big word for the muslims, not just for them, but for everyone. It means to begin something fresh. We’ve seen in so many Hindi films where heroes have this badge with 786 on it, but in this film, my character has 786 written on his hand, with his ‘lakeer’, which means God has his hand on him, and hence nobody can cause harm to him. There’s also a dialogue in the film, that says, “Naam bahatar, jhilla mankhanpur, gaav taasi, sar par haath rab ka, haath mein saat sau chhyasi.” So, such is my character in the film.

From ‘Khiladi’ to ‘Khiladi 420’ and now ‘Khiladi 786’. How has it been for you?
‘Khiladi’ is a name that has come has come to me. The audience and the media have always referred to me as ‘Khiladi Kumar’. And it’s a name that has been with me since 20 years now. It has never gone away from me. My first ever hit was ‘Khiladi’. So, that has given me the boost and confidence to survive in this industry. So, obviously all my ‘Khiladi’ films have contributed immensely to my career. So, it’s been great for me. I would be foolish to say that I have any regrets, because today, anybody would want to be in my shoes.

How does it feel when fans demand that ‘Khiladi’ legacy must continue?
It feels great! It always feels great when a name and an image is being associated with you. And it’s even more better when you find an appropriate script, make it into a film, present it to the audience, and the legacy continues. Like people associate me even with ‘Singh is Kingg’ and that could be yet another franchise, though, I haven’t yet come across a script that could be an appropriate sequel. Having said that, if someone else wants to make a film with ‘Khiladi’ as the title, I obviously can’t stop them.

So, despite being a pro at comedy too, action does remain your first love, isn’t it?
It mostly definitely is my first love. I started off with action. I’m in this industry because of action. So, it is something very close to my heart. But then, 12 years back, I stopped doing action since I got married. I wanted to work on comedy, romance and other genres. Then, my son was also born. Being a husband and father, one has to settle down a bit. But now, my son has grown up, he’s 10. So, I wanted to go back to hardcore action, and that’s why I did ‘Rowdy Rathore’. But ‘Khiladi 786’ has some over-the-top action. And in fact, it’s not just an action film, it’s an action comedy.

But how has the transition from action to comedy been for you?
You know, when I had entered the industry, comedy didn’t exist at all. That time, lead actors didn’t really do comedy, and it was never around. I think the whole phase of lead actors doing comedy started with ‘Hera Pheri’. Back then, the collection of comedy films, overseas was zero. But then, as time passes, you have to learn everything, because that’s the demand of the audience. The audience wants the hero to do everything in a film – action, comedy, singing, dancing, romancing the heroine. They want all in one, and hence, you can’t have a comedian to fill in the humour quotient all the time. Having said that, comedy is obviously the most difficult. Action, you can still learn, comedy, is way tougher. I can put glycerin in my eyes and cry, and you would probably cry with me. But how do I make you laugh? That has been a tough part. But as actors, here we are, fulfilling the demands of the audience. Moreover, now, you see, it’s the phase of action with comedy. Only action films or only comedy films don’t do well overseas, but if you give them both, it works.

You mentioned that ‘Khiladi 786’ is an over-the-top action comedy. What’s your take on the kind of larger-than-life action we see on-screen lately? The kind of action you did in the 90’s was more real.
See, the kind of questions you ask me, would be the kind of questions, the readers want to know about. You’re being true to your journalism, by writing what your readers would want to read. Similarly, we as artists, are trying to live-up to the demands of the audience. Through the feedback we get, we realise that the audience loves to see larger-than-life action, on-screen. They want to see cars flying. They love it when Salman Khan or me or Ajay Devgn, any of us, hits someone, and he goes 10 feet far. In reality, we know that it doesn’t happen like that. I know that if I hit someone, forget going 10 feet away, he might not even fall down. I know what we show on-screen, doesn’t happen for real, but what can we do? The audience loves it. If you see auto walas, bus walas, people in areas like UP, they enjoy such action. Or forget, UP, even people in Dubai, they love films like these. Be it classes or masses, they love action. A little over-the-top is fun you know (laughs)!

What’s your definition of ‘Khiladi’. Who according to you is a real ‘Khiladi’?
If you ask me, in my personal opinion, a real ‘Khiladi’ is someone who takes care of his parents and family. Being good in athletics, being focused, fit and hardworking, all that comes later. But according to me, the most important thing is to take care of your parents, and a real ‘Khiladi’ should be able to do that.

How has your association with Himesh Reshammiya been for this film?
Well, it’s Himesh’s script. I remember, he actually made me hear the script, 36000 feet up, in a flight. You won’t believe, I was hearing the script and was going mad laughing. I was amazed and kept wondering what kind of a script is this. And that’s when I told Himesh that let’s work together in this film. We’ve known each other for quite some time. He’s composed music for many of my films, and he’s also done a brilliant job for the music of this film. He’s one of those very rare music composers, who have started a hip-hop song, with a harmonium melody. That I think is a sign of a very intelligent man, who has a lot of guts. He’s also given me such romantic songs in ‘Namaste London’. But two of my most favourite songs, that he’s composed, are ‘Gela Gela’ and ‘Kitne Armaan’. But Himesh is so serious. Even on the sets, I would try so much to make him laugh, he doesn’t laugh only. (laughs)

Which has been your most difficult action sequence, till date?
There was a scene in ‘Khiladi 420’ where I had to climb a plane which was 3000 feet above the ground. Most people usually even fear sitting in planes like these, but I had to stand on the top of the plane and jump from there. That has to be my most difficult action scene till now.

After doing so many action films, and a number of stunts, do you still have a fear sometimes? Or some sort of nervousness?

Fear always remains. Fear never goes. But you see, there are two types of fear – good fear and bad fear. Good fear makes you more careful and better. Bad fear makes you a coward. For instance, if you ask me to jump from this stool, my good fear shall make me find how the ground surface is, or how my landing would be. So, I have that good fear, which I think will remain always.

Who’s your favourite action hero?
I think it would be Jackie Chan. Also, Jet Li and Mel Gibson.

Over the years, you continue to remain one of the fittest and good looking actors of the industry. What’s the secret?
(Laughs) You know what? I don’t do anything other than laughing! I mean, of course, there are other things you do to remain healthy, but the most important thing is to laugh and be happy. It’s also proven, scientifically, since it improves the blood circulation. I love to laugh, and I love to make others laugh. I read jokes. In fact, some times when I get funny messages, I read it even though, I may not recognise the number, and then I save it. Then I also read it out to others. Even on the sets, I like to just have fun and make people laugh. Because when you’re laughing and having a good time, you don’t even realise that you’re working. Even while shooting for ‘Khiladi 786’, we used to always laugh, except for Himesh ji. Like I said, he always remained serious. So, smile and laugh, that’s my secret.

Before a film’s release, do you have anxiety pangs, or does it build pressure? Especially, when your previous films have done great and the expectations are more. 
To be honest, yes, a little bit of pressure does come. Especially, on Friday-Saturday-Sunday, when the film releases. But, if it doesn’t work, I move on to the next film. I also do not think much when a film does really well at the box office and makes 100 crore, because I know that over here, things will change for you every Friday. I don’t let the success really affect me, because I don’t know, what will happen when my next film releases, since the equation keeps changing. I don’t really take much pressure, because there’s no point in taking pressure and killing yourself. So, I don’t think much. I just take things as they come. I work, I entertain, I enjoy my life.

This year seemed like a happy-sad year for you. Professionally, it’s been great though. Tell us about it.
I’m glad that my films have done well. But my father-in-law passed away, and that has been the biggest loss for my family. Also, we lost several others like Yash Chopra ji. I’d worked with him, and it was a big loss, not just for me personally, but for the industry as a family, on the whole. There were also several others like Dev Anand Saab, Ashok Mehta, and so many other legends who passed away. So on a personal level, this has been a bad year for us, but when it comes to films, I think the year has been good for the Indian Film Industry in terms of the different films that we’ve had, and how they’ve done well.

Seemingly, Hindi films are bringing back the ‘desi’ touch, and the audience is loving it…
At the end of the day, we’re Indians. And so, of course, our films will always have that desi touch. And desi films shall always work. But when I used to shoot several films abroad, people would come and tell me, you’re doing only such kind of films. And now, when I’m doing slightly desi films, people are again questioning. I think, any kind of film, with a good script does well. Like, we had ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Doabara’ in recent times which did so well. It was more contemporary, and not all earthy and desi like ‘Dabangg’ or ‘Son Of Sardar’.

Over the years, you’ve made it on your own and never been a part of any camp…
I hate camps; camps are made up of cloth. I like palaces. (Laughs)

On production front, you seem to be concentrating on quality cinema, which could be slightly niche too. Like ‘OMG Oh My God’, and you’re also producing a Marathi film…
While I was making ‘OMG Oh My God’, I felt that religion is a universal subject, and we’ve never really had a film like that. More importantly, what I loved about the script was that, it didn’t sound preachy. I thought it was a funny film. It was a satire on religion. My thoughts about God, and religion changed about 4 years ago, and I thought it was essential to make people aware about certain things. For instance, every Monday, 7800 litres of milk goes into the gutter. We see people standing outside a Shiv temple, but nobody’s drinking the milk really. It’s going waste. Instead, why not give it to somebody to drink? It was about how we people actually pray and what God actually wants form us. He wants you to help people. It was a satire and it was quite funny in parts. So, I didn’t even think it could be categorised as niche. And the Marathi film, ’72 Miles’, it shall release next year. It’s a very special film for me, but I’m not acting in it. Be it as a producer, or actor, I would want to be a part of fun films, mainly something like a ‘hasya-katha’.