Prakash Raj: the real Singham

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"I loved you in Wanted. I told Salman the same. You were awesome. In fact for me the film worked because of you and not because of Salman. I told him that too." I was as excited as a Harry Potter fan who has just purchased the latest edition of the series. "Thank you, thank you so much," he replied. Most celebrities I've interviewed have told me they have no regrets in life. I, on the other hand, have a never-ending list of regrets, the conversation mentioned above being one of them. I met actor Prakash Raj back in 2008 at the National Film Awards ceremony held at the Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. I can't recall much as it was a very brief interaction but I do remember that he had an electric presence. His eyes were as big and intimidating as they look....

The 'cheap heat' of Delhi Belly

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I'm a big WWE (formerly WWF) fan; a lot of factors contribute in making the show 'the longest running prime time show' - maybe in the entire history of television. It's like a never-ending film with constantly evolving storylines and characters played by the wrestlers. A storyline, much like the movies, would consist of a wrestler playing a good guy, called 'babyface' going head to head with the villain or the 'heel' in wrestling terminology. WWE has had many classic heels such as 'The Undertaker' or 'Shawn Michaels' or even 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin. What worked for all these characters was that they had a lot of 'Heat' with the audience; people would pay to boo them, to see them getting beat up. All of these wrestlers are either current or future Hall of Famers. But there were a lot of other wrestlers/heels in particular who started off....

Exclusive: Big B uncut, Imran on Coke Studio

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In this exclusive video blog, Amitabh Bachchan says Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and SRK are much bigger stars than him. Amitabh also speaks about his role and his 'bling' wardrobe in 'Buddhah Hoga Tera Baap' and Aishwarya's pregnancy. Also, did you know that Amitabh features on an Australian postal stamp ? Well, neither did he! We've seen Amitabh's 'Agneepath' act inspired act inspired by Al Pacino's 'Scarface', but have you seen his Umar Sharif (Pakistani comedian) inspired act in 'Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan'. The video blog also has actor Imran Khan speaking on bringing 'Coke Studio' to India. The video sets the temperatures soaring as TV's hottest show, MTV Grind, is back.....

Exclusive: Stars caught with their guard down

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From Abhay Deol on the notion that 'Deols don't sing, they kill!' and why he's singing in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, to why Om Puri does 'silly' films like Dabbang. The exclusive blog captures our stars in their most candid moments. An eccentric interview with Ila Arun: is she the raunchy queen of Bollywood? Satish Kauhsik talks about his favourite on screen character 'Pappu Pager'. ....

Exclusive: Bollywood stars, candid and uncut

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From Asin taking on the perverts of the internet to Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor slamming the journalists at their press conferences, the exclusive blog captures our stars in their most candid moments. Also watch Rajeev Khandelwal talk on how he broke his nose trying to impress women at a swimming pool and why my co-host Vivek Oberoi apologised to Salman Khan. ....

'Maine Pyaar Kiya': 22 years and counting

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I've always believed Aditya Chopra was 'wannabe' Sooraj Barjatya. The same way I believe Karan Johar is 'wannabe' Aditya Chopra. Barajatiya's theory of achieving guaranteed blockbusters (which he formulated in 1989) has successfully stood the test of time for the past two decades. This whole new world of extremely melodramatic love stories exploiting classic Indian traditions mixed with powerful background score (preferably 10 tracks by Lata Mangeshkar) started with 'Maine Pyaar Kiya'. In a way Barjatya introduced what to me is the most 'irritating' genre of films - the world of repetitive cinema. Now while I can't stomach any of the Karan Johar, Aditya Chopra type films, 'Maine Pyaar Kiya' remains my favourite 'love story' from Bollywood. Here's an interview with director Sooraj Barjatya on the making of 'Maine Pyaar Kiya': SM: Describe your initial days in Bollywood, and where did the idea of....

Top 10 Films and Best Actors of 2010

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As promised, here's the list of the top 10 movies of 2010 with brief reviews. Unfortunately I haven't seen 127 Hours yet, so it doesn't feature on the list. Try and watch every film on this list, they truly deserve your time. 1)BLACK SWAN (Psychological Thriller/Drama) The story of a ballet dancer 'Nina Sayers'(portman) who's given the lead part in the prestigious 'Swan lake' ballet, Sayer's has to tackle her insecurities and an overwhelming pressure to deliver the perfect performance, the one she's been waiting for all her life. Sayer's is an underdog, a fighter, a psycho, a talent but most importantly she's YOU. What really works for 'Black Swan' is the fact that no matter who you are, you will miraculously relate to 'Nina Sayers' and find a bit of yourself in her, as the director succeeds in creating the most beautiful multi-layered....

Sharmila Tagore on Saif-Kareena & Soha

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I was sent a list of questions for Sharmila Tagore by a colleague in our Mumbai bureau. The interview was part of our Bollywood blockbusters series. At the end of the interview, I added some questions on Saif-Kareena and Soha and thought I'd share parts of the on and off camera conversation with the legend. SM: Do you ever talk about marriage with your kids? How much time do you get with them ? Sharmila Tagore: We are not the kind of family who would exchange gifts everyday, who would call up each day to say 'Oh, I miss you so much', no. All of us have our own lives we are doing very well, so we need our space. Me and Tiger also want to enjoy our lives now... we have what, about 15 years left? Yes, we are all there for each other so if....

Colin Firth & the Tragedy of Awards

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Hi! I'm posting an 'off camera' conversation with actor Colin Firth about award ceremonies, his favourite actors, and of course Bollywood. This was after my 'formal' interview with Firth at the Dubai Film Festival yesterday. SM: They never give it to the 'best' performers of the year; it's always someone who screams and shouts and yells. Or an intense character; disabled is a favourite too. So you are on this year. (Firth plays King George the VIth who struggles with a speech impediment in the movie 'The King's Speech' and is being hailed as a frontrunner for the Best Actor trophy at the Oscars this year) CF: Yes I know what you mean, I mean comedy for instance, and they completely ignore comedy. SM: I think comedies are the most difficult ones to pull off. CF: Oh yes, yes they are. SM:....

Behind the scenes: Dates with Katrina

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Disclaimer: The name of this blog is dedicated to Peter Jackson's ultra gory masterpiece which goes by the same name and in no ways is a comment/pun on the personalities that I interview. Yeah Right. Katrina and Farah are doing some last minute pictures with the staff at DLF Promenade's DT Cinema. Me and my cameraperson arrive, we're panting heavily courtesy the sprint from the porch to the auditorium. Farah and Katrina move away from the overenthusiastic staff after the shot, and in a jiffy attend a call on their respective phones in a strikingly synchronized manner. Farah is by the big screen her phone call lasts about 30 seconds Katrina moves to the top left corner of Audi-6, she takes her time. 'Kya... tune kitne time liya...' Farah enquires, I am watching Katrina wondering who she's talking to - she couldn't stop smiling, blushing actually. ....