He sleeps for “four to five hours” a day, burns the midnight oil to blog and has a packed shooting schedule.

But 67-year-old megastar Amitabh Bachchan insists he is neither the busiest person in the Hindi film industry nor an important part of any of his projects.

“I don’t think that is entirely correct. I just do whatever is offered to me. I do films, I am now doing television (’Big Boss 3′),” said Amitabh shrugging off the busy bee title.

“If you plan your day and time, you can find time to do all these things. If the body responds, it’s fine. But sooner or later it’s going to pack up, so might.

on Thursday, October 22, 2009

After mastering all negative shades, Kangana Ranaut is all set to try out lighter shades in her forthcoming film VAADA RAHA.
The actor in a chit chat with our correspondent.  What's Vaada Raha all about?
VAADA RAHA is a film by Next Gen and Top Angle Productions. It is produced and directed by Samir Karnik. I play the love-interest of Bobby Deol.
He plays a doctor who is researching on cancer. He is very positive and fun-loving person.

In a recent magazine interview Shahid Kapoor shared his views on what he will say to he the actors if her ever shares the same elevator with them.

Vidya Balan: Vidya and I would just say hi to each other and make small talk.

Kareena Kapoor: I don’t know what I’d say to her when caught alone with her in an elevator.We were once very close.I was close to her family too.I guess I would enquire about them,especially about her niece Samaira,whom I adore.

Priyanka Chopra:Priyanka and I can’t stop talking.We’ll probably yak,yak,yak.She’ll probably lecture me that I should stop being shy and reserved and I’ll probably tell her how fab she looks in Kaminey.We’ll probably bitch about the lax security in our building.

Shahrukh Khan:I look up to him a lot so I’d like him to lecture me on how to better myself.I still remember the Pepsi ad we did together.There was Rani and him and in between them was me,looking like a Pappu.Someone made a rude comment and he took up a mike and said, ‘The next one who makes such remarks will be thrown off the set’.He didn’t have to take it up for me but he did.I still respect him for that.

Saif Ali Khan:I don’t know what I’ll say to Saif.We will discuss the weather I guess.

Aamir Khan:We’ll probably compare our abs as we both have worked quite hard on them.

Akshay Kumar:Akshay’s wife Twinkle did my first house and she did a fab job.Unfortunately, I have lost her number so I’ll probably ask Akshay fo that as I have just bought another house.

Amitabh Bachchan:I’m probably his biggest fan so I’d stare at him wide-eyes.It’s happened to me with Sachin Tendulkar.We were in a life together and I was so awestruck that I could’nt gather the courage to talk to him.

B-Wood fraternity bid MJ final goodbye

Not only the West, the whole world is in a state of shock due to Michael Jackson’s sudden death and he is fondly remembered by our Bollywood folks:

Shilpa Shetty : “I still can’t believe Michael Jackson is gone! When my Dad told me I thought he was joking.I’ve always been a huge fan of Michael. I’m shattered. I had booked tickets to watch his show at 02 in London . They got cancelled and re-scheduled. To call him an icon would be an understatement . I still can’t believe it!

Asin : “Michael Jackson is a legend. I absolutely love his music and dance.His music defined a generation, just like Elvis Presley and the Beatles before him. ‘Heal The World’ is my favourite Michael Jackson track. It left an indelible imprint on my mind. This is is a big loss to all us MJ fans. I already miss him.

Anushka Sharma : “Oh my God! I’m utterly shocked. Michael Jackson’s ‘Black Or White’ was one of the few western pop tunes I was introduced to in my early teens . We’ve lost a musical genius and a splendid performer. His music will live forever. He was undoubtedly a genius.

Minissha Lamba : “It’s devastating to know Michael Jackson is no more. He revolutionized pop music. It was sad to see someone who gave joy to millions around the world with his songs, go through so much in the last decade of his life. Destiny makes you the King, and then decides to snatch away your happiness.

Amrita Arora : “I’m hugely shocked and saddened. We’ve lost the world’s biggest and most beloved entertainer. Michael is dead. But his music will live forever.

Amrita Rao : “I’m a huge Michael Jackson fan. This news is devastating. He had the best body language ever. In ‘Thriller’ just his expressions and selfconfidence make him look like the most handsome man on earth. The world will miss him. And for many of us, it’s like losing a childhood friend.”

Malaika Arora : “I’m in total shock. For me MJ is the greatest, a true legend. The King will live on through his music.

Sammir Dattani : “Shit , Michael Jackson gone! I was supposed to go for his concert which coincided with my sister’s graduation in London .Damn, now I’ll never see get to see the original moonwalker. I’ll just made do with Darsheel in Tare Zameen Par.

Himesh Reshammiya : “He was a legend and an inspiration for everyone in music.I think his popularity was unmatched. I truly pray for his soul to rest in peace.”

Rajeev Bhatia, more popularly known as Akshay Kumar, is happily married to former actress Twinkle Khanna, the daughter of Hindi film's first superstar, Rajesh Khanna. The couple has a cute, intelligent and well mannered child, Araav. The actor is the true epitome of what is truly a self made superstar, having no contacts in the industry. Akshay started of with small banner projects and slowly but surely rose to the top slot of Bollywood, by his dedication, punctuality and hard work. We bring to you his views on some unheard of aspects of his life, so sit back, enjoy and get inspired to emulate him!
Just like most of us, you must have grown up watching Sylvester Stallone movies, especially as you are an action icon who redefined action in Hindi films. So, how was the experience of working with him in KAMBAKKHT ISHQ?

Sly is such a genuine man, we got along so well, normally I'm very reserved when meeting people for the first time, but with him around there was no time for bashfulness. He spoke like he'd known me for years, told me about his fear of heights shooting for CLIFFHANGER and have I ever been made to do something I'd dreaded? So I told him a few of my Indian adventures, I said to him he was lucky, coz safety didn't exist in my country till only a few years back. The man's face dropped and he called me a mad man, I told him that wasn't the first time I've heard those words... But I have to tell everyone out there, he exceeded way beyond my expectations and more...

You and Sajid Nadiadwala go back a long way as a successful team. What is the secret of this long association?

Great understanding and the fact that we are great school friends

Having watched almost all your movies in cinemas, starting with SAUGANDH, I have to admit that your rise to the top has been phenomenal. What do you attribute your success to?

My father told me a long time ago, before I went to Thailand (and had to leave home for the first time). ''The Brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all...'' He was so right, if I had been cautious through all that came my way I would not be where I am, this is a scary path believe me, but it takes guts, there's hardly any real glamour in my life, only hard work and a heavy pair of shoulders...

You are a true self made superstar as you achieved it without even a single contact or Godfather, what is your message to other such aspirants?

Work hard and believe in yourself and God and things will just fall into place.

While some of the other stars have always banked on successful actresses, you have made actresses like Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif top stars by way of many big hits with them, your comments!

No one can make anyone a star. Everyone comes into this industry with their KISMAT and hard work. They both are talented and have got the status that they deserve.

Many of your fans want to see you back in your action avatar in a big way, so is there any hope of seeing the 'Khiladi' of MAIN KHILADI TU ANARI, SABSE BADA KHILADI and KHILADIYON KA KHILADI again?

Nothing at the moment...hopefully soon

KAMBAKKHT ISHQ is one of the hottest and most awaited releases of 2009, but what according to you is the USP of the film?

KAMBAKKHT ISHQ is the first film to have an on screen synergy between Hollywood and Bollywood. Before KAMBAKKHT ISHQ it was always behind the screens. The huge international star cast also breaks the norm for this exceptional Bollywood movie. But it still of course has its fair share of passion, love hate scenarios, marriages to divorce to more marriages, stunts, street fights and rescues, its one heck of an enjoyable film.

When it comes to defining an original voice in films today, director Imtiaz Ali leaves a unique stamp on conventional genres, from Socha Na Tha to Jab We Met and his soon to be released Love Aaj Kal, his ambitious take on the classic romantic era of the 1960's and today's 2009. With its old fashioned and grown up romance that is heart pounding, thrilling and cinematically exquisite, Love Aaj Kal seems like an unapologetic work of a visionary filmmaker with his own unique style, who is clearly happy that the journey has ended. So when asked by a journalist what his take on love is, at the recently held press meet to promote Love Aaj Kal, Imtiaz said, "Love is something that I don't understand. It's an inappropriate word."

Kareena has expressed a lot of sorrow as you didn't rope her in Love Aaj Kal in spite of her calling you her favourite director.
I'm very happy to hear that Kareena thinks so highly of me. I should also say that Kareena is my favourite actress. But just for the greed of working with your favourite actor, you cannot cast her wrong because you'll be doing injustice to everybody including the actor. My role as a director is to avoid such mistakes. I'd like Kareena to be in all my movies but the point is that I need to be fair to her and her talent.

So what was special in Deepika then?
When you see the film you'll know better. There is a sense of silence in Deepika and a sense of innocence. I cannot express that in words. There is a certain character or the nature of Meera, the role which Deepika plays in the film, which suited her. Deepika has impressed me completely because of her synergy with the character she plays, just like how Kareena impressed me while she played Geet.

Are you nervous of your film being pitted against Kambakkht Ishq?
You see, I don't get time to get nervous, luckily. As the release date is just around the corner, I feel happy that the film is finally going to be seen by the world. But I think that nervousness is a luxury that I don't think directors can really afford because we are always working.

You think Love makes the world go round?
Yes I do. That's why I've made this film. The whole idea of the story came from us talking about love back then and love in today's time. People say that today love is only about having sex. All the fifty plus say that love has lost its essence. Whereas in the current world, we think that yesteryear lovers were fools. They took their entire lifetime to convey the message of love. But the elders think that the 2009 love is like an equation. How one can solve it is pretty strange. Love is surely making the world go round.

Are you judgmental about love yesterday and love today?
Love is something that I don't understand. It means different things for different people. It's a very confusing term. I believe in words like affection, intimate, togetherness, but love for me is always an inappropriate word. I am not judgmental about it. There is really no message that I'm trying to convey through this film. I cannot comment conclusively. I can only tell you that if you think there is no innocence and love now, and you only consider that there was love back then, you're wrong. That's not true. If people get a bit more physical in love now, it doesn't mean that the intensity of pure feeling between two people is less in this generation.

Are you in search of love through the films you make?
May be yes. People who write books about Gods don't know Gods. They are trying to look for him. May be I'm too.

I could never understand how successful producer’s son could claim that he had “struggled” to get his first movie. Reading this fact in most of Jackky Bhagnani’s interviews made absolutely no sense to me. But, little did I know that the son of ace producer Vashu Bhagnani has had to dance to a completely different beat altogether. His debut film, Kal Kisne Dekha, is coming close to release, and as I was going to find out, Bhagnani Jr. has had to face challenges in various forms before he was considered worthy of being displayed on the big screen. Sincerity reeks from the young man, but more importantly, gracious and film savvy, he is not afraid of hard work. He may be new to acting, but films run through his blood. This newcomer is about to be part of the contemporary actors brigade only to give them additional competition. BollySpice caught up with Jackky Bhagnani to talk struggles, acting and producing.

The promo’s are out and the movie looks top notch. What is your role like in Kal Kisne Dekha?

My role in Kal Kisne Dekha is of a middle class boy who comes from a small town in Chandigarh to the city of dreams which is Mumbai, to fulfill all his dream of studying at his dream college. He has a special power due to which he falls into a lot of problems and how he overcomes that and in the long run changes from a boy to a man. It’s the story of an underdog who is very innocent, middle class and how he faces challenges.

Great! How did you prepare for your role?

I prepared for two months with the director, Vivek Sharma. Obviously, I’m a guy from Mumbai and it was a little tough for me to sober and tone down in terms of dressing, in terms of behavior. So he told me how to behave because he comes from a small town. He explained to me how people are very innocent; believe in things and people at face value. They are not manipulative. That innocence should show. In other aspects, in terms of nature, he is very much like me, very full of life, hyper, bubbly, cannot sit in one place. That part was still me. So it was a combination of all that.

How was it working with the director, Vivek Sharma?

It was amazing working with him, he helped me a lot. His first movie was Bhootnath, and he made the kid act so well, so he must have done a good job with me at least (laughs). So it was good working with him, he gave me a lot of tips. And the good part about him is he still let me be natural and didn’t let me become methodical which I don’t believe in. So he gave me that free hand and was not stuck up. If I had any suggestions, he was always open to it. If I gave him wrong suggestions, he was open to that too and then made me realize that what I was saying didn’t make sense, not just shun me off completely. So it was nice and as a newcomer, you couldn’t ask for anyone better; my dad is the producer and my friend is a director.

Yeah, your dad is the producer. Is it hard being the producer’s son because expectations are a lot higher of you?

Yeah it is, it is. It is very hard to be a producer’s son. First of all, people think I’ve not struggled. I have struggled for four years to be where I am mentally and emotionally. Plus I have had to satisfy my father who is a producer and who has launched so many people: Abhishek Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor. Their first films were technically with him. So I had to convince him professionally, that I am worth it. Plus the pressure as you said. It is overwhelming and huge because people think, he is Vashu Bhagnani’s son, and have expectations. You have prove everyone wrong in a good way.

It’s interesting you’re saying that because Rishi Kapoor is very “impressed” with you and your performance.

That’s a big compliment. He’s the biggest romantic hero we’ve had. Shah Rukh is after him. So if he feels that way about me, then I am very happy.

I can imagine. How was it working with Vaishali Desai?

She’s amazing. She’s completely opposite to me. I am over hyper and mischievous. I keep on playing pranks on the set. She’s very docile, very calm. So the combination is perfect.

Were you always into acting? Or is it something you realized later on?

I was always interested in acting but obviously you must have read and heard that I was overweight. I was just shy of sharing my dream of acting to the world.

Right, this is something you constantly say, that you have “struggled” to become an actor. But I think people don’t understand that because you are a producer’s son, so what was the struggle exactly? Was it just the physicality?

For me the struggle was double. Firstly, I am the producer’s son. Second, I was physically unfit and I was overweight. So my battle was with my father, with myself, with the world. I feel like my struggle has been the toughest, you know the grass is always greener on the other side; we always think our problems are the worst. All I’m trying to say is that it was not easy for me, if that’s what people think.

But that said, you are being deemed as an actor to watch out for. The media and industry members who have seen rushes have said that the movie looks really good. They are literally calling you, “The star of tomorrow.” How does that feel?

It feels nice of course. I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel flattered because you work hard and if you get acknowledgement for your hard work, or praises for your hard work, it always feels good. And all I will say if I hope I don’t let people down in the future also. I’ll try to do my best and outdo myself with every film I do in the future.

How was it working with you father? He was the producer of the film too.

Oh it was wonderful. Professionally, it was amazing because he is one of the best producers we have. He gives you whatever you need. We have amazing production value, even today’s recession times. We’ve got a huge canvas. We’ve shot for songs in South Africa for 60 days, we’ve gone to Thailand for action, and we’ve gone to Chandigarh, Pune. We’ve shot all over the world. So I couldn’t have asked for anything better. The sad part is, he’s my boss and he’s my father, so when I’m home, I’m still at work so there is no pack up for me.

That’s true. How is the music of the film?

If you ask me, I would be biased. But apart from that also, I love the music, because Sajid-Wajid have done a great job. They’ve given the movie completely commercial music. All the tracks are amazing. Like you know how Kaho Naa Pyar Hai was? Every track has a different flavor. Some age groups would like some tracks, other age groups would like other tracks. So I can say that the movie’s album is like that.

Great! What are some of your favorite movies produced by your dad? And you can’t say all.

I would say Biwi No. 1, Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai, and I would say Om Jai Jagadish because it was emotionally touching.


Which of your father’s films would you have liked to played the lead part in?

I liked Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya. I really liked that and I would have liked to play the lead part in that. And I would have liked to have done Rehnaa Hai Tere Dil Mein. I think it was a very sweet film, and a lot of scope for performance. And obviously Biwi No. 1 but I wouldn’t want to do that because I don’t think anyone could have done it better than Salman. If he wouldn’t have been in the film, I don’t think it would have been so great.

What were you doing before you were acting? Were you helping your dad out?

I assisted my dad for six years. I was 16 when I started assisting him. I did Deewanapan. I was the associate producer and termed as the youngest producer in the world. I worked on Deewanapan, Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein, Silsiilay, Out of Control, Vaada and Shaadi No. 1. I did six films with him. That was until two years back, when I was 22. For the past two years, I’ve just concentrated on my film, and acting.


Did you have to go to any acting schools?

I went to Lee Strasberg Theatre in New York. It was a nine months course and I received a diploma. Plus, I’ve done a couple of course in Mumbai. I’ve done Shiamak Davar’s dance classes for eight months. And worked with John Moyyo; he’s a stunt coordinator in L.A. So I worked with him for six weeks. So I’ve tried to do as much as I could to my maximum according to my capabilities. Everyone’s maximum is different. I did a little bit of everything, so at least I have an idea about everything. That’s where you begin, but it’s a long way to go.

Okay, so there is a big rumor that Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Juhi Chawla all have special appearances in the movie. True or false?

We’ve requested all of them to do guest appearances but we’ve not got confirmation as yet. Juhi Chawla, yes. Juhi ma’am has already done her guest appearance. We’ve shot so I can confirm about her. Sanjay Dutt has done an appearance in a song. So he’s also confirmed. I can only say yes to the people who have shot already. Who’ve not, the request is still pending. As you know everyone is very busy. We just wanted them as special appearances, just like in Om Shanti Om, just for blessings. No part playing, or no roles or anything of that sort.

Editors note: Jackky later confirmed that Sanjay Dutt, Juhi Chawla, Rajpal Yadav and the Slumdog Kids all have special appearances in the film.

If you weren’t a producer’s son, would you have still ventured into acting?

Yes! I think I was born to act.

What are some of your other upcoming projects after Kal Kissne Dekha?

As of now, I’m not looking at anything else. I’m just concentrating on this movie because I believe that the harder I work on this, the better my future will be.

Who are some actors or directors you want to work with?

That’s a long list. I can’t name them. (laughs)

Okay, top three.

If I have to name some of them, Karan Johar, Aditya Chopra, Raj Kumar Hirani, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Siddharth Anand…

So you can go on.

Yeah. I’m not going to say Vivek Sharma, because I am already working with him. There are so many more. It’s a never-ending list.

Your favorite actors from the industry?

Mr. Bachchan, Abhishek, because I am very attached to him. I would say Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan. There are just too many! I’ve grown up here so I like everyone for various reasons.

Have any other actors given you any advice?

A lot of them. Abhishek is very close to me, he keeps on giving me advice. Same with Zayed Khan, Ritesh Deshmukh the same, Diya Mirza, Esha Deol. They all are my friends. I’ve grown up in front of them so they’re really fond of me, and they look out for me, and yes they keep on giving me lots of advice. So what took them five years, or eight years, or ten years to achieve and understand, I get it right away. So I’m grateful. When I say I’m lucky to be a producer’s son, I would say for these reasons I am lucky. I have straight approach to these people but other than that, the struggle and the hard work is the same or even much more.

What is your advice for any upcoming actors or anyone who wants to be an actor?

My advice would be that nothing hides from the camera, so be honest, and be hardworking. And my take is that you need to be a good human being to be a good actor. You cannot be a manipulative person because you can’t hide anything from the camera. And that is the only way to connect with your audiences. You have to be pure at heart.

And any message for everyone who will eventually watch your movie?

I would just say, I’ve made an honest effort. Try to like me at least, if not love me.

Just in case anyone wondered how hard star kids have it, you heard it straight from the debutant producer’s son. However, Jackky is a child of a newer generation who isn’t afraid to walk solo and prove himself to the filmy world and the audiences. We wish him the best of luck for his debut film and his endeavors ahead. Catch Kal Kissne Dekha in theaters this Friday June 12th!

Q. What type of man do you dig for? A. First of all, I don’t dig for man. I prefer a self-made man, who’s down to earth. One who’s loving and caring? Someone who understands me and pampers me a lot. He should have respect for my parents. He should also have a killer smile.

Q. Your favourite romantic getaway would be… A. Gold coast. It’s a beautiful beach in Australia. In India, it would be Goa.

Q. Do you believe that men are from mars and women from Venus? A. No. I don’t.

Q. Which man inspires you the most? A. My dad for the person he is. He is head strong, focused in life, very intelligent and educated. He has taught me that money isn’t all that matters in life. He believes in good will. He has proved to be a great husband and the greatest father.

Q. If given a chance to date a historical character who would he be and why? A. Hitler. Maybe I would have brought out the romantic angle in him and prevented Second World War from taking place.

Q. You believe in one night stand or commitment? A. Definitely, commitment.

Q. Can a man and a woman have a platonic relationship? A. People say that a man and a woman can’t be friends, but I believe that they can take care of each other without any sexual feelings attached to it.

Q. Your first crush? A. There was a cute boy residing in my society. I used to go and stand for my school bus half an hour before to take a glimpse of this boy.

Q. Your take on institution of marriage from the point of view of you being a bachelor? A. Indian culture and rashams are very rich and meaningful. Our traditions and culture should definitely be followed. I feel marriage is a very important part of anyone’s life.

Q. What would you do if your man is found to be a gay? A. First of all, I can never fall for a guy who’s a gay. His body language and behaviour would easily suggest his state.

Q. Is the sense of humour most important to you? A. It’s not the most important. The most important is that the guy should love me. There should be an argument between us on the fact that who loves whom the most. – Sampurn Media

Check out a still from Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai starrer upcoming flick Action Replay directed by Vipul Shah. Like it?

Check out a funny interview with Akshay and Ash on the sets of Action Replay:
Akshay: This is a fun film, absolutely different from Khaki, full on — it reflects the happy phase of the 1970s…
Ash: Yes, the Rishi Kapoor era, with those handling the music, dance and fashion having a party with their creativity.
Akshay: You weren’t born then! How many songs do we have — five together, you’ve got an extra one, na? Remember the first time? The dance steps I couldn’t get right for Khaki? You were so good. I was, like, doing aerobics!
Ash: That’s your style! But what’s with you… when we work, you’re really quick, it doesn’t take you time. I remember the first time we met, at Madh Island to do a ‘stylised picture shoot’ for a filmi magazine. I was just getting into the industry. We had to be covered with sand and sea!
Akshay: It was 1995-96…
Ash: Sssshhh, that reveals our ages!
Akshay: But we’re still around… and still struggling!
Ash: You’re done struggling. You’ve got your due in the last five years.
Akshay: But I want more!
Ash: This is an exciting time for creativity in the industry. There are so many different genres. You just put it out there and see what everybody will find.
Akshay: Yeah, like Chak De! India. People know what hockey’s all about, but to make a film on it… Even Singh Is King. Bollywood has had Sardar characters. But nobody has played a Sardar throughout the film as hero. I stood up and took the risk.
Ash: That’s what I like about Action Replayy… it’s a fun genre romantic film.
Akshay: Fun? You’re forgetting the wigs! And two hours of makeup. I have no patience. Do they put that gum on you?
Ash : No, it depends on what your look is…
Akshay: Gulshan Grover loves this kind of thing, I don’t. Why are you smiling?
Ash: I’m thinking of Hrithik in Jodhaa-Akbar and Shah Rukh in Devdas… their hours of agony doing makeup! And Hrithik coming out and bowing to me and saying, “Full respect!” because he finally knew what we actresses go through.
Akshay: Rubbish, the heroes are always saying, “Heoine ko jaldi bulao!” But, seriously, you enjoy two-and-half hours of being made up?
Ash:You can’t enjoy it. This is not vanity. It’s trying our patience.
Akshay: You know what tries my patience? The ease with which you remember all your lines when I’m mentally struggling to cope. And then you prompt me! Which makes me sick. Because you’ve learned my lines as well…

Rahul Gandhi, MP from Amethi is the new chocolate boy of our nation and while every girl is swooning over the young politician our Bollywood divas are not left far behind. Check out their views about going on a date with the cute young politician and they also reveal his sex appeal.

Asin:On a date with Rahul Gandhi, I would expect an entourage! As for his sex appeal, it’s his persona, charm and intelligence.

Vidya Balan:I’m confident he’ll make sure that everything’s just perfect on a date. I think the specs and white kurta-pyjama make him look very hot and graceful. Also he has a very charming smile that would make anyone connect to him instantly.

Sonam Kapoor:If I do get the chance to date him, I would spend the time applauding his courage in trying to lead our country. Sex appeal? I think Rahul Gandhi has a humane quality to him and that is the most important appeal.

Amrita Rao:It’ll be a damn interesting date… Maybe I’ll persuade him to do a film opposite me, so that he understands the industry better and grants us zero entertainment tax. His sex appeal… his specs.

Minissha Lamba:On a date with Rahul Gandhi, perhaps we could go diving in the ocean. Sex appeal? Those dimples, of course.

Mugdha Godse:On a date with Rahul Gandhi, I would expect my political knowledge to get updated. He is young, dynamic and pretty intelligent. That, and his charisma make him sexy.

Celina Jaitley:On a date with Rahul Gandhi, I would expect loads of romance… because it runs in the family, Rajiv Gandhi wooed Soniaji in the true Prince Charming way. And his sex appeal lies in his charm.

So girls what do you think about Rahul?

After a long hiatus Shahid gives a rocking interview where he talks about everything under the sun, ranging from the blame that Saif-Bebo had imposed on him to his link ups with his leading ladies.

Are you and Priyanka Chopra a couple?

I have not spoken about my private life for the last two years and will continue not to do so. All I am going to say is that I am not going to make an effort to hide a relationship. When there is something substantial, people will know about it. There’s very little as an actor that you can keep to yourself, and this is an area which I would like to keep to myself. At the same time I would not like to be a hypocrite and hide it. But, when something substantial happens in my life, only then will I talk.

So then, of course, there’s no point in talking about the fact that you have been squabbling with Priyanka and that there are problems in your relationship…

(Laughs) I think people need to have these CCTV cameras in my house or in Priyanka’s house to know and record the hypothetical fights that we’ve been having. Sometimes it’s irritating, but yes, most of the times it’s funny. As an actor you learn to have a sense of humour about these things.

So do you laugh equally when we talk about, Sania Mirza or Vidya Balan?

Laugh equally in what context?

How do you react to Kareena saying that she has moved on and you should do so too?

As you see, I don’t react. That’s what I choose to do. That’s what I have been taught to do by my parents. That’s what I think is the right thing to do. I can only take responsibility for what I say. And I know what I do. And I know what has happened. And nothing can change the truth, so I don’t feel the need to clarify it because I don’t feel the need to justify it because I know I’m right in whatever I’m doing.

Maybe Kareena was just being a concerned friend…

I really wouldn’t like to jump to conclusions as to why she said what she said, honestly because I am me and she is she. She can choose to react the way she does to things and she is responsible for those reactions. And I choose to react the way I do, and I am responsible for my actions. I’m happy with where I am in my life and I’m trying to be positive and constructive about it and that’s all that I’m focusing on right now.

Saif says that Kaminay came to him first and that you are using his name now to get mileage for Kaminay. This is in the professional space. How do you react to this?

Well, first of all, Saif is many years senior to me, so as a professional, I wouldn’t really want to get into any kind of a… to-andfro kind of a situation in print. I think Vishal Bharadwaj is a great director, the role I am doing in Kaminay is a role to die for. It’s just that it’s really hard to believe that anybody would turn that down. I feel fortunate that I’m doing it, regardless of whether it was offered to anybody else or not.