highlightes of recent chats

THE ESHA AND SHAHID EPISODE

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Karan: This poor girl was really burdened with heavy expectations. Dharmendra and Hema Malini's daughter had a rough ride till the right ride came along. The bike ride, Dhoom really did it for her. The title song became a national rage and Esha Deol announced her own arrival. What does the future hold for her? Let's call on the dream girl's daughter.

Karan: Was it difficult being Dharmendra and Hema Malini's daughter initially in your career? Esha: People feel star kids get it very easy. In a way, yeah, we do initially. People come and give us offers. But after a point, I realised that it's all in your hands. I mean if your films don't do well no one is going to give you a second look. You have to work hard on your own.

Karan: He truly represents the Gen X of Bollywood. He is what you call a teenage heartthrob. Girls from 6 to 16 absolutely adore him. One girl, a little older than that, adores him as well. Yes, he is Kareena Kapoor's love interest. Let's find out what makes Shahid Kapoor tick.

Karan: You came with a bang. For you, it was easier as there was no initial struggle.
Esha: Star kid!
Karan: Pankaj Kapoor is a great actor. I am sure you are just honoured to share the same life with him. But Ishq Vishk was an immediate success, an immediate connection with the youth and not much of a struggle there. So how did it feel when it all happened?
Shahid: Well, it's quite overwhelming because the whole film was such that it was a lot of new people. It wasn't going to be one the biggest launches of the year and all we knew was that we are going to put in our best. That's how it seems to work. I was just 21 at that time and it's quite overwhelming and I have said that word thrice! (smiles)
Karan: Yes. So we will stop saying overwhelming. I will move on to my next question now. One thing that everyone talks about is your relationship with Kareena. That seems to be the focus. Do you at all feel that it takes away from your personality and your individuality?
Shahid: Initially, when it started off, when people got to know about it, it became public knowledge that we were seeing each other. It was rather blown out of proportion. So it was something that I suddenly realised that things are written more about my personal life. It was uncomfortable because I am a very private person. But both of us, Kareena and I, never felt the need to hide our relationship. But what we realised is that the media never draws a line, and it's up to the individual to draw the line. And somewhere I took that decision about my personal life.

Karan: Are Esha Deol and Kareena Kapoor really friends? So what happened? Big friendship gone sour now…
Esha: Bebo and I are equally honest, very brutal and brash people.
Karan: Ok, you know I have this lie-o-meter. So tell me the truth.
Esha: Bebo and I have known each other from school and ended up in the same career. Initially we used to hang out, spend time and I was not that busy when I started out. Bebo was already full-fledged in it. So I used to go and meet her on her sets. We were very open about our friendship. I guess both of us are slightly off also! We don't know when things go wrong between us! (Laughs)
Karan: So what went wrong?
Esha: Nothing actually went wrong. We just decided to let each other do our own thing for a while.

Karan: Did she talk about Shahid initially when it was happening?
Esha: She told me about him - that she is dating someone. Because Bebo and I were good friends at the age when girls meet guys and that whole thing happens, so we have seen each other go through a lot. She told me that she is seeing Shahid now and said, "Someday, hope you also get a boy who loves you just that way."
Karan: How sweet!

Karan: What happened with Fardeen?
Shahid: What ever it was, it was from his side. I have no issues with him.
Karan: So you feel there was something from his side?
Shahid: I am sure there was. He has spoken about it in quiet a few places. As far as I am concerned, it was a professional relationship with him. If he felt I was rude to him then I really don't know where that came from.
Karan: You don't remember being rude to him.
Shahid: I am never rude to any of my co-stars.

Esha: You know my mom and dad are looking for someone for me right now. I don't find anyone interesting. I don't know what's wrong with me?
Karan: Are you not attracted to any of the young boys in Bollywood?
Esha: All of them are really nice looking and very attractive, but I am very choosy that way.
Karan: You are looking for Mr Right.
Esha: I am not looking for Mr right but if he is there, around the corner, he can come and have coffee with me.

Karan: Has your dad seen Dhoom? Esha: No.
Karan: What do you think his reaction would be?
Esha: I am sure he has seen certain promos but all I can say is everyone is happy no one is complaining.
Karan: Are you scared of him?
Esha: I am very scared of him because I just love him so much. (smiles)

Karan: Your father is a great actor. What is his take on your work?
Shahid: You don't want to know…
Karan: What does he say? Tell me one mean thing he told you.
Shahid: When he saw my first film, he said, "This is not how you should have started."
Karan: Really?
Shahid: He is extremely critical of me, which I think is very important. You always need to have this one person who tells you that you are really bad because that helps you improve and if it comes from your father, especially my dad, who is a good actor himself… Well, he also praises me, but he somewhere keeps me rooted to the ground.

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HEMA MALINI AND ZEENAT AMAN

Karan: She was perhaps the first Hindi film heroine who wielded real power. She was the reigning superstar for 15 years and completely on her own terms. Her warm smile would light up your hearts and her stare could put anyone in their place. Gorgeous, but no nonsense, a damsel but certainly not in any distress, she is and will always be Indian cinema's only Dream Girl. It is my privilege and pleasure to welcome my first guest tonight, the exceptionally beautiful Hema Malini.

Karan: I have grown up watching yours and Dharamji's films. What is that one moment that made you realise that he was going to be the man in your life because we have seen so much of your romance on celluloid but what was that one moment that when you felt, "I want to spend the rest of my life with him"?
Hema: I think the first time I saw him, I never thought that he is going to be my man. But I thought somebody like him should be…
Karan: First time you set your eyes on him?
Hema: Yes.
Karan: So it was really love at first sight then?
Hema: No, I won't say that (laughs). I just liked him because he was a very handsome man, a very good-looking man. I had never seen anybody so good looking, so I thought he is so wonderful. I thought I would get somebody like him. But he himself came in my life.

Karan: Around the same time that Hemaji reigned supreme, there was another looming presence in cinema that completely revolutionised the way we perceived our leading lady. Her western sophistication was always neck-to-neck in competition with the traditional leading lady of the Indian celluloid. She was bohemian, yet professional; bold, yet revered; rebellious, yet respected. I am exceptionally excited to welcome my next guest tonight, the original oomph girl of Indian cinema, Zeenat Aman.

Karan: I was just telling Hemaji how excited I am today on this show. I am excited because I have grown up watching both your films and it's like a dream come true. I hope you are as happy to be on my show.
Zeenat: Karan, I am delighted to be on your show. I had the opportunity of being in the first film made by your dad and it gives me immense pleasure to be here today as part of Kofee with Karan.

Karan: Today there is so much of all this you know. There is rivalry between actors. There was so much more dignity at that time point of time…
Hema: We were very friendly.
Karan: Was there no rivalry in those days?
Hema: I mean, as an artist, little will come in your mind. But when we meet personally, we find how wonderful she is, as much as Parveen Babi and Rekha.
Zeenat: Karan, you know what happened with Hemaji and myself was our roles were very well defined. I think Hemaji did very classical, traditional roles, and I personally had a very modern role, so we were never slotted for the same roles. The press always compared me with Parveen.
Karan: So was there a Zeenat Aman-Parveen Babi rivalry?
Zeenat: I think it was more hype in the media.

Karan: We all know and I am sure Hemaji will agree - there was no one hotter than you on Indian celluloid and today these girls go on and on about skin show and make a big hype for no reason. You have done it all, been there done that. How does it feel?
Zeenat: Well, I have not really thought about it, but it feels great now to be appreciated. Whatever body of work any creative person has, if you are appreciated, it always feels good.
Karan: But at that point of time do you think you were over sensational when you wore those sexy clothes?
Zeenat: Honestly, my mindset was not attuned to what was happening in Indian cinema, at that time. So I didn't realise, that while I was doing these parts it was a path-breaking situation. I was cast in roles like that.
Karan: Today Bipasha, Lara and Priyanka are compared to you. Does it feel good?
Zeenat: Yes, of course, it feels good.

Karan: You feel when you look back, "God! Why are they comparing me?" Or you take it as a compliment?
Zeenat: I do take it as a compliment, because these girls are lovely and they are doing good work with good filmmakers.
Hema: And they have lovely figures! At that time, only Zeenat had. Nobody else did.
Zeenat: Everybody is into health and fitness right now.

Karan: And what is your take today when you see this whole new brand of cinema, this whole new sensuality…
Hema: I feel sad looking at these girls, because they have to expose.
Karan: You feel it's a requirement today?
Hema: It is a requirement because I find Esha has to struggle with these ideas. I don't want her to expose. I thought I will be bringing her up just like me. But it's not possible now.
Karan: Does it disturb you when you see Esha in a sexy costume, does it bother you as a mother?
Hema: It bothers me but at the same time she has got a very lovely figure and it does not look vulgar. So as long as it is not looking bad, it's fine.
Karan: There has been Dhoom that as been aesthetically shot.
Zeenat: That always makes a difference - who you are working with and who is presenting you - it makes all the difference.
Hema: The right angle has to be taken. (laughs) Directors in those days also used to keep the camera in...
Zeenat: Weird angles! Don't we know about that! (laughs)
Karan: Did that happen to you?
Zeenat: Absolutely
Hema: Today, I think the girls are not at all aware of it. Or they know it and they don't bother about it.

Karan: Everyone thought that Hema Malini is this dream girl, and everyone spoke in great reverence but there was also a section that called you an ice maiden. It was almost like journalists used to be afraid to ask you any questions. There was this big wall. Did you cultivate that whole image for yourself or was it just you?
Hema: It was just myself. I think I was a little reserved. I never used to talk much to people, may be I was very shy at that time. Now at least I am talking to you.
Karan: At that time you would not have done even this?
Hema: At that time I don't think I would have attended this programme.

Karan: Hemaji kept all the controversies at bay because she never opened up to the media. Your controversies, affairs and link ups, on the other hand, were always all over the place.
Zeenat: Well, some that were and some that weren't, were all over the place. Existent and non-existent ones.
Karan: You mean they were made-up stories?
Zeenat: Absolutely.
Karan: Were there alleged link ups at that time with you, Hemaji, that got written about that were completely untrue?
Hema: Hmm, they were true. Only true link ups were there. They were very nice to me, I must say. (laughs)

Karan: What is the other thing you notice today when you are working as opposed to what used to happen earlier? Is there any major difference you notice in the way the fraternity functions today?
Hema: I think, professionally, everything is more organised now. I worked in Bhagban. All the scenes were only with Mr Bachchan, so I do not know anything else, because I was not working with any new artist of today. May be if I work I will know.
Karan: What about you?
Zeenat: Everything now is much larger then it used to be. Everything is done on a bigger scale. Then, there was no cable television, no mobile phones, no Internet. And I think the pay packets today are much more appealing.

Karan: Were there any super brat heroes at that time, heroes who are quite entertaining?
Hema: I think it was Shatrughan Sinha.
Zeenat: I think Shashiji was a lot of fun. He had a great sense of humour.
Karan: No one trying to be over romantic?
Hema: But I think all men have to be that…(smiles)
Zeenat: Absolutely.
Karan: Who said very romantic things?
Hema: Oh, very romantic…
Karan: Really? I want to know one name.
Hema: I don't want to tell anyone's name.
Zeenat: I am not going to say anyone's name, but I will tell you about a wonderful incident. I was in my make-up room once and I got a big cardboard box wrapped up in a ribbon. I opened the ribbon and there was this cardboard box. I looked into it and there was another box. Open that up and there was the third box. Open that up and inside, wrapped up was a tennis ball and there was a little note that said, "The ball is in your court." (laughs)

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RISHI AND NEETU KAPOOR

Karan: Tonight is extremely special for me. This is truly going to be one of my favourite episodes ever. We have with us one of the hottest off-screen and onscreen couple of Indian cinema. He has been the king of romance and she has been the teen queen. Together, theirs' is a love story that fairy tales are made of.
On a personal note, I would like to add that he is one of my favourite actors ever! He gave birth to this entire phenomenon of natural acting. What do we say about her? We are so honoured to have her with us. This is her first appearance on camera after 25 years! So let's welcome the heartthrobs of the '70s for the first time on Indian television, Neetu and Rishi Kapoor.

Karan: It has been 25 years of an association of marriage?
Neetu: And five years before that. So it's 30 years.
Karan: Good marriages are like dinosaurs - they don't exist. So how does it feel? Sir, you tell me.
Rishi: I am a difficult man.
Neetu: Thank god, he has admitted that!
Rishi: Well, we just sailed through I guess! We have had ups and downs…
Neetu: I think, basically, you have to be a good human being.
Rishi: We dated for five years and we knew we could get along well and so it happened. And it happened today, my friend. Today is April 13. We got engaged today, 26 years back.
Karan: This is too much nostalgia happening. That's even more special! Ok, going back, I think millions of people want to know including me, how did this love story start?
Neetu: I was just his friend. I was his confidante; he would fight and argue with me. I was 13 and he used to have his girlfriends, but I was his shoulder to cry on. In the end, he said, "I miss you when you are not around".

Rishi: We were shooting for Kabhi Kabhi in Kashmir and I had to leave for shooting in Paris. We were working quite regularly and one day I was very lonely when I went to a foreign land. So I sent a telegram - Yeh sikhni badi yaad aathi hai!
Neetu: And with that telegram, Karan, I was all over the place.
Karan: You are truly Raj Kapoor's son! Yeh tho sirf film wala likh sakta hai. How did you feel?
Neetu: I am telling you I was just jumping.
Karan: Were you dating someone at that time?
Rishi: Can you ask me this question later on? (Winks)
Neetu: I know all about his girlfriends, he used to call his girlfriend and because he could not call her directly, he used to tell me you call her up, call her on the line and give me the phone, I used to do that for him!

Karan: I also heard you had commitment phobia at that time?
Neetu: He would say, "I would never get married to you. I am dating you".
Rishi: It was my sister who got me engaged today, years ago. I had gone to somebody's marriage. Kehte hain na ke marriages are made in heaven ya marriages are not made in heaven…

Karan: Most heroes have these affairs, but nothing really came up on you.
Rishi: I didn't let it come up (winks).
Neetu: He is very smart.
Karan: So do you think he is hiding something from you?
Rishi: I am an open book!
Karan: And you believe that?
Neetu: I do actually. I can't believe him having an affair. If he will do it, he will do it openly.

Karan: But he has worked with so many young girls. I mean there is a record! You are the only actor who has worked with 23 new heroines.
Neetu: Because nobody suited him. When he was in the movies he was so young, everybody was his senior. There was Hemaji, Rekha, Tina, so I was the only one. I did 11 movies with him.
Karan: So you must have had all kinds of women hitting on you?
Rishi: I am very grateful to all my leading ladies. They have played a very big part in my career as well. In 1973, I worked with a new girl and 1991 also I was working with a new girl.

Karan: And therefore no link up and no affair. A very good boy you have been.
Rishi: This is an irony.
Neetu: He didn't need to have an affair if I was in his life!
Karan: Of course, look at you. Why would any man want to have an affair?

Karan: You are full of amazing things. You are very candid in your interviews. You have even said that booze and food has been Neetu's biggest sauthan! Now, booze I can understand, but why food?
Neetu: Food, because I can't control him! People say fat is genetic but it's a lifestyle disease.
Karan: And what's with the booze then?
Rishi: If there are people seeing this interview it's not a good habit. And probably I will get out of it but it's not a good habit.

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MALAIKA AND AMRITA ARORA

Karan: When I think of her, the first thought that comes to my mind is "My god! She is gorgeous". In fact, she is the hottest young mother in India today. She has danced around a pole; she has danced on a train and she has danced her way into your hearts. She is a successful model, a successful VJ - a sexy, successful story. Now she has one big thing in common with Jennifer Lopez, but I am not going to tell you that now. You can figure it out yourself. Let's welcome none other than Malaika Arora Khan.

Karan: You have been married to Arbaaz. How long has it been?
Malaika: The seven-year itch is on actually!

Karan: Of course, we have all heard about her. She is hot, she is happening, she represents generation next and she has many a boyfriend and a girlfriend. We will find out when we call her right on. Let's bring on Amrita Arora. I like the visual of these two sisters. It's all leg and everything else!

Karan: Amrita, We will talk about your boyfriends later but you have also had a girlfriend on celluloid. So was that fun?
Amrita: No, it's something that if I could go back and change, I would change. I don't blame anyone for it, but myself. I perceived it to be something else, something progressive. But when my parents saw it, they were really upset with me and they walked out. Everyone was just very uncomfortable. To see them disappointed in me really upset me.

Karan: Malaika, what is Arbaaz's reaction to all your sensuality?
Malaika: I think he is somebody who is very confident of himself. So if that is there in you, it obviously transcends into something else, so things like these don't really bother you. Arbaaz is somebody who is very understanding and very comfortable.

Karan: You had no boyfriends when you were young?
Amrita: I was a lot of telltale sister. Malaika had a lot of male attention and I was a geek. I wanted to become a nun, Karan.
Karan: But darling that's not what you are doing right now…
Malaika: She is doing 'nun' of it. Let's put it that way now.

Karan: Let's not talk in general. Let us be specific. There was a rumoured link up with Fardeen. Now did that happen ever?
Amrita: It was just a friendship that was rumoured…

Karan: Tell us about your new boyfriend. Now, you talk about it Malaika.
Malaika: I don't know Usmaan too well. He plays cricket for the England team. Amrita met him through Arbaaz and me, so now it is in that phase where things are very rosy...
Amrita: To set the records straight, let me just quote Britney spears. "She kissed a lot of frogs to finally know who her prince charming is" and I think with Usmaan the quote lies well. I always thought Arbaaz is the ideal brother and I want qualities of a man like Arbaaz bhai and Usmaan does have those qualities.

Karan: What is great is that there is a certain amount of aesthetic value attached to sensuality now on celluloid and that you agree Malaika we have done a song together you look super hot and it was all very aesthetic.
Amrita: I think people keep pointing fingers at her about wearing clothes that she does but she can give any actress, any model, any socialite a run for their money. No one can look half as good as she looks.
Malaika: I didn't really tutor her. (smiles and kisses Amrita)

Karan: Well, that's wonderful. You guys represent new generation but is there a line you draw? Let's start with you, Malaika. Do you draw lines?
Malaika: Of course, I do. Well, at the end of the day, I know there are people who I care about back home and I have got to keep a lot of things in mind without hurting people's sentiments. I am a mother, I am a daughter-in-law to somebody, daughter to somebody, a wife to somebody and I have to take all these parameters into account but I think I am somebody who knows between right and wrong. I think I can make that differentiation and I don't think anybody can ever point a finger at me.
Karan: What about you, Amrita?
Amrita: I do. I don't think I am sexy and I don't think I can pull of the whole sex appeal and if I am comfortable in a pair of shorts then I wear it. If am absolutely convinced about it then I would go ahead and do it. I will never make my mom watch something and say, "Baby, why do you need to do these films?"

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SUNNY AND BOBBY DEOL

Karan: He's a super star and still extremely introverted. He likes to maintain a low profile. Many women say that in an industry full of boys, he's the only man. You are media shy and feel awkward giving an interview...
Sunny: Yes, it's true. Right now, I've come over here, but I don't know what I'll be doing. I get so nervous.

Karan: You were wild in your younger days and there were many girlfriends. And so you were packed off to London.
Sunny: Wild? Yes, when you're young, you do a lot of silly and stupid things. Now one looks back and thinks, "Why the hell did I do that?" But it was fun and one misses all that. Actually as everyone says, I'm a shy guy. And I wanted to join films. Being in India, being my dad's son, it was difficult being treated normal. All the time you're either treated over nicely or treated like shit. I just wanted to go somewhere where no one knew me. And that's why I went to London, I wasn't packed off.
Karan: And you did a course in acting in London.
Sunny: Yes, it was in Birmingham. I was in a theater called the Old Web Theater. I was there for a year and a half.
Karan: Do you think that helped at all when you came back, to face the camera in India?
Sunny: Yes, it did. I had rarely been to a studio or shooting with my dad. (laughs) So when I was over there, working on the stage… I slowly broke the ice, started getting more comfortable. And when I came back to Bombay, I was very confident. I look back and see that as the period of time I got educated with my work.

Karan: Very interestingly, your wife today, Pooja, gave you lessons in Shakespeare when you were in London. Is that true? You can't imagine - Sunny, this big action hero, taking lessons in Shakespeare with his wife! (laughs)
Sunny: (smiles) Yes, she used to help me on that because I was not aware of him at that time. I wasn't too sure about the language spoken and she being there was a great help.
Karan: So do you think your wife helped you in your vocation of acting?
Sunny: Yes, she did.

Karan: He's cool, he's sophisticated, he's hip. The youngest Deol is also a Deol who can dance. So do you make your brother and your father dance to your tunes?
Bobby: I did try. Now I'm a father so I know how it feels. (smiles)

Karan: You're the only one who can share Sunny's clothes. Apparently, he's so possessive about them.
Bobby: I remember when I was in my 10th standard I sneaked into his cupboard. At that point, faded jeans in different colours were in. So I got a pair of green jeans, a green shirt and leather tie of his.

Karan: He's also your father figure, someone older that you also have respect for.
Bobby: Definitely. No brother would stop his work and give up what he's doing to launch his brother. I love him so much that I'd do anything for him and he'd do anything for me.
Karan: That is true. Sunny, you put your career on hold when Barsaat got delayed.
Sunny: Yes, I know. But the film was being made the way it had to be made. One doesn't think of all that. That was my goal then, nothing else.
Karan: There was an upswing-downswing with the film. A change in the director and script...
Sunny: Yes, it went through all that. You know, when you try too hard things do get a little difficult.

Karan: It does come across that you're very close but there are differences characteristically. Bobby is more media friendly than you. Is there some kind of an inner war against the media?
Sunny: No, it's not a war or anything. It's just that one doesn't know how to tackle it or go about it. I'd love to be like everybody else - be written about or spoken about. I get more uptight because they're putting you down all the time. I'm the kind of person who'll say, "Forget it" and run away from things.
Karan: And you, Bobby, do you think the media has behaved unfairly with you and your family?
Bobby: I think so too. But that's the way media is. They do it to everybody. I hardly speak to the media myself.

Karan: What's your take on these family dramas as you said. Films that are coming year after year like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge or Kuch Kuch Hota Hai?
Sunny: I don't know much about what they say. But when media picks it up and says just another that kind of a film, it's not right. It's irrelevant whether it is or not. At the end of the day, you go and watch it. Don't review it and make up the minds of people who are going to watch that film.

Karan: You, Bobby, haven't had any spat with filmmakers but had one with the two Kapoor sisters, Karisma and Kareena.
Bobby: (laughs) If anything happened, I'm sure it was quite immature. We were in Singapore and witnessed a lot of things there.
Karan: But does it make it awkward? You belong to a small world really.
Bobby: That's the sad part. I don't like to be not friendly with people.

Karan: There was also the movie London, which eventually became Dillagi. It would've been the first crossover film. Now that Gurinder Chadda is so acclaimed, are there any regrets for not having made that movie.
Sunny: No regrets as such. If I had been a sensible businessman then, I wouldn't have let go of anything. I would've gone ahead and made the film. Even financially, most actors get into production and get out soon. I'm the only one who gets the beating of the financial sector again and again. (laughs) I've got so much vision. I just want to keep making films.

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PRIYANKA CHOPRA AND ARJUN RAMPAL

Karan: She is the latest 'A' list, mainstream girl. She is sexy, she is earthy and she's got what it takes. She is known for her curves, charisma and her controversies. You praise her onscreen performance and she will accept it in her Andaaz. Say anything about her alleged affairs, there will be an Aitraaz. Let's welcome Miss World 2000, Priyanka Chopra.

Karan: There is a new stand Priyanka is taking - no exposure suddenly?
Priyanka: It's a conscious decision. It's required when you are performing. When I played Aitraaz, it was more of a character that I was playing. I don't want to be known for exposure.
Karan: Are you trying to say that the girls who show skin are not going to ever make it into the big league?
Priyanka: No, I never said that. That's how I started. It happened with me in the beginning. I did do an Andaaz. I did wear a bikini. It's not something I can say I am ashamed of. But it is not something I want to do now. I want to be known more for my performance.
Karan: How many times recently have you refused kissing scenes in films?
Priyanka: I have not done any! (smiles)
Karan: Anyone you want to kiss onscreen?
Priyanka: No, those things I keep for privacy. (laughs)

Karan: My next guest tonight is a super model-turned-actor, Greek-god-gorgeous, has women going weak in the knees as they see him, but not much can happen because he is happily married and intends to keep it that way. That's what he says. So let's call Arjun Rampal.

Karan: 'Good looking' - you have heard that a lot, has it ever frustrated you?
Arjun: It's got nothing to do with me. This is the way I am, they find me good looking and I make money.

Karan: What happens when you have a string of flops? How does it bother you?
Arjun: It does bother you. Because all you want to do is good films and I consciously do want to do it because I am very passionate about films and I want the films to work. I work on every film really hard. But I guess you just got to be strong. Mr Bachchan had 10 to 12 flops before he became Mr Bachchan, so there is a man who has rocked it even after so many flops and disasters and is a great example.

Karan: You have been from the modelling world, when they said there is a casting couch even for men. Have you been subjected to it?
Arjun: (laughs) I don't know. I have not seen it. I have not experienced it. It is not the people from the fraternity but people from outside.

Karan: Have you felt the vibe around you ever, Priyanka?
Priyanka: When it comes to the casting couch, no. I have never had to go through it or been even offered or felt the vibe of it because when I came into the industry I was already Miss World and before that Miss India just happened. So it always started with the media knowing who I was.

Karan: So much talk about the alleged romance with Akshay Kumar, Priyanka.
Priyanka: I am honestly tired of it because there is enough that's been said, speculated, thought of. Opinions of people do not matter to me as they does not matter to my family.
Karan: Does it upset your working relationship with a man?
Priyanka: Of course, it does. I just seem to be crowned as the Controversy Queen and I detest it. I just want to be known for my work.
Karan: Do you want to say anything to the media who go on and on writing about it?
Priyanka: Aren't you tired of it? Let's talk about something interesting and fresh. (laughs)

Karan: Are you seeing anyone?
Priyanka: No
Karan: You are single and ready to mingle?
Priyanka: Pretty much actually. I am sick and tired of this whole thing. I just want to work.
Karan: You are only 21! How could you be sick and tired?
Priyanka: 22! See I am being honest. (laughs)

Karan: You have an international look. You don't look like filmi prototype. Do you think that comes in your way?
Arjun: No, I don't think so. If somebody is just saying, "That's a good-looking guy", how long can you watch him? You have to hold the story. I hope people start looking at me as a good actor.

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BIPASHA BASU N LARRA DUTTA

Karan: She's the ambassadress of sensuality in Hindi cinema. An ex-model, a Bengali beauty and the love of John Abraham's life, let's welcome the super sexy Bipasha Basu. (smiles). I'll ask you a very corny question, Bipasha - What's the Raaz of your Jism? (laughs)
Bipasha: (groans) Ok, there's a lot of food, good Bengali food, which made me quite healthy in the middle. (smiles) I was working back to back. There was just no time, and with the kind of food the film industry gives you, I became a tubby girl. I didn't realize it. But it's a good jolt. You learn from your mistakes.
Karan: Don't you want to thank John Abraham?
Bipasha: (laughs) John? Yes. He knew I didn't have time to work out, he gifted me a treadmill on my birthday, so now I can just go into the other room and start working out.

Karan: I loved a dialogue of yours in Jism, I even used it in Kal Ho Na Ho. I want you to say it on my show. Say it as sexily as you can.
Bipasha: Don't ask me to sit like that now. (laughs) I'll try and say it like that. "Ye jism pyar nahi jaantha hai. Jaantha hai tho sirf bhook, jism ki bhook." (giggles) Very different from what I would normally be saying.
Karan: Not with your image. (smiles) That's exactly what I thought you would be saying in that movie. Awesome dialogue. How long have you been seeing John for now?
Bipasha: Almost two and a half years.
Karan: Before that you had a long relationship with Dino Morea. How do you look back at that relationship in comparison to what you have with John today?
Bipasha: Firstly, I don't compare them. In life, I'm not the first to have a second boyfriend. It's a part of growing up. When I met Dino, both of us were little children and we grew up to be different individuals. We still have great fun when we meet. Today, with the kind of maturity I've attained, I needed somebody as mature as John. It's not childhood love anymore, it's something deeper.

Karan: Is it easy to balance the equation with your ex?
Bipasha: Yes, we're talked about the most. Just because you move on does not mean you start hating that person.

Karan: My next guest is Miss Universe 2000, another successful crossover from modeling to the world of Indian cinema. Thank you for coming despite a leg injury, Lara.
Lara: (laughs) Despite a torn muscle actually. I'm as glamorous as I can be on crutches. (laughs)
Karan: What did you do?
Lara: This was a gym accident. (smiles) I like going to the gym because I like looking at the men working out. (laughs)
Bipasha: Actually I started working out with Lara, after I saw Esha going at it all the time. I said, "Ok, I'm going to start then and there." Lara: So, full fledged power puff girls? (laughs)

Karan: Do you know each other? Have you been friends? Do you like each other?
Lara: We've known each other as models, even before we got into the film industry.
Bipasha: Yes, we like each other. Don't flash your lie-o-meter at us. (laughs)
Lara: We don't get much opportunity to hang out. And surprisingly, Bipasha and I have known each other's respective other halves, better. (laughs) I knew Dino from Bangalore, since I was 15 years old.
Karan: What a happy foursome! And you've known Kelly, Bipasha?
Bipasha: Yes, I've known Kelly even before Lara did. We're best buddies. We've eaten together, woken up together. I've known Lara through Kelly. And honestly, once we've started acting, we've been very busy and not had time.

Karan: (laughs) But does it make it your equation awkward? There are rumors even now about John and Lara.
Bipasha: I think the fact that we are here together says that none of us are bothered with it. I'm very happy for Lara and Kelly and I trust my boyfriend, most importantly.
Lara: We live with these kind of rumors. I've done Elaan with John. He's a great co-star. We've got a great chemistry on screen. There are very few co-stars with whom you build that kind of rapport. I think Bipasha and I are both very secure women in our relationships. The rumors are just all in a day's work.
Bipasha: People who talk openly are targeted more than the people who hide.

Karan: Yes, it's amazing how both of you've been very open about your relationship always. Lara, tell us about your alleged romance with Tiger Woods.
Lara: I helped Tiger with his foundation. So I did a 3-day golf clinic with Tiger, helping him with the media. So Tiger showed me how to putt a few rounds of golf. That's all we did. (laughs) I think Tiger's more into blondes than brunettes. (laughs)

Karan: Both of you are perceived to be very beautiful, stunning women. Do you think people talk more about your Jism than your performances?
Bipasha: I've been called a sex symbol from Day 1. Even in Raaz where I played a housewife. Filmmakers come to me with roles, which are not too sensual, with acting involved. And even if the media perceives me as a sex symbol, it's ok. It works for me. I'm just acting for a few years. I'm not here to create a legend.
Lara: This is what our cinema is about - you're supposed to look beautiful, sexy and glamorous. And as an Hindi actress, you do have a short span where you play the lead actress role, but I hope I can leave a beautiful legacy behind. (smiles)

Karan: Have you always wanted to be an Hindi film actress? I remember I came to chat with the Miss India girls.
Lara: And I was the one right at the back. (grins sheepishly)
Karan: Yes, looking least interested in what I had to say. I was rather shattered. (smiles)
Lara: That's not true. (laughs) Where's my lie-o-meter? (smiles) I've always wanted to act. I've come from Ghaziabad. Coming from a small town, I never knew I'd land up in Bombay. It's so competitive to get into this, and now that I'm here, I'm going give it everything that I've got.

Karan: Both of you didn't have a very easy time with the co-star you were with, Kareena Kapoor.
Bipasha: (smiles) Honestly, I didn't have any preconceived notions about her. I didn't know anybody when I entered that unit. It was in the second schedule that I realized that she does not like me. I hate hypocrites. It's better for me if people are clear with their thoughts if they don't want to talk to me. But we work professionally. There were no tantrums or problems. The media created all the rumors.

Karan: How was your working equation with Priyanka Chopra, Lara? Again the media reported that there was stress.
Lara: The media created the same hype between Sush and Ash, when they first came into the film industry. We both came into the film industry from a very different field. We didn't go in there thinking, "This is what actors are like". Your main concentration is in getting your lines right, and giving it your best. There hasn't been a genuine conflict of interest between Priyanka and me. I've known her since Miss India. Of course, there's been a lot of "she said-he said" talk, but there's a phone line available to clear that. We don't meet each other regularly. But if there's a situation, we've called each other and sorted it out.
Karan: So you like Priyanka Chopra? (holds the lie-o-meter ready)
Lara: Honestly, I do like her. She's got a lot of gumption and a lot of focus in her. You have to admire the things in people that are great. There are things in her that I'm not crazy about but on a general basis, I admire a woman like her who knows what she wants and goes for it.

Karan: I'm coming to my favorite topic of today's show, Amisha Patel. I read an interview where she has gone on to say that she would never do a role like in Jism, because her grandmother wouldn't approve of it.
Bipasha: Amisha doesn't have the physical attributes to carry out a Jism, to be very honest. (Lara laughs) You need a woman, a full package, for the role. She's too petite, too small. Her whole image is wrong, she would not fit a Jism.
Karan: She had something to say about you too Lara. In one of her quotes, she said, "John and Lara are too inconsequential for me to talk about" in Elaan.
Lara: I'm very happy that the girl is focused enough on her own problems. She's dealing with more than enough in her life to think or talk about anybody else. That's a good thing. (laughs) Yes, Amisha has taken potshots at people, more than just the two of us. You look at it from both sides. It's not very nice to hear about it. This person doesn't figure very much in your private life. To me, she's just another co-star, but on the other hand, I think she's upset with her personal life. And when there's discord you need some way to take it out.

FARHAAN AKHTAR AND HRITHIK ROSHAN

Karan: He came, he saw and boy! He conquered! A lot of people have asked me this - your pet name is Duggu. The origin of the name is?
Hrithik: From, Guddu, that's my dad's name. (Smiles)
Karan: I personally thought you were outstanding in Lakshya. I told you that. But after Lakshya, you haven't signed on a single film! Why is that?
Hrithik: I took my first break after five years. There were the award functions, my world tour for three-and-a-half months, and I'm also helping my dad with his film.

Karan: Is there a particular reason why you haven't signed on any films. Is the writing or talent not worthy of Hritik Roshan?
Hrithik: Yes, I've stretched my break too far. I need a break from my break! On a more serious note, no, there is nothing wrong with the industry or the talent. (Smiles) I think I'm at a place where I can have a choice - the film should raise my excitement to a certain level.
Karan: What happens when you say no to a certain film and it goes on to become a success, like you said no to Hum Tum, and it was big hit.
Hrithik: I don't regret it at all. Hum Tum was a hit because they did a good job, it went in the right direction. If I was in the movie, I dunno… Maybe I gave the push in the right direction. (Smiles) It's a predominant notion in our industry - to say 'yes' to a big filmmaker or a company; I think the character should come within you, simply put, it's instinct.

Karan: It does take a lot to say 'no' to noted people. That's why I admire you - like when Ashutosh Gowarikar comes to you for Swades, you say 'no'. There must be a thought and a reason.
Hrithik: Yes, that was for a different reason. I was doing Lakshya at that time and I didn't have the dates. It sort of went out of my hands. (smiles) Eventually, the best things happen. What I need to do is follow my instincts.
Karan: Till I saw Dil Chata Hai, I thought I was the coolest director. Not just me, but every filmmaker thought the traditional way is the only way. But Farhan Akhtar's cinema breaks every conventional norm. Farhan, Hritik and me were talking about his creative sabbatical and being selective, do you endorse his view?
Farhan: Yes, I do. I remember chatting with him, both before and during Lakshya, about focusing one film at a time. Maybe not taking a year- and a half as a break.

Karan: The two of you are childhood friends. Did you always know Hritik would be a great star?
Farhan: Its funny. We all used to hang out at Uday Chopra's house, who had this big home camera. We kept filming each other and Uday would do screen tests. (laughs) We thought Uday would end up being a director, Hritik, we were convinced would be an actor and they all thought I would be in jail. (laughs)
Karan: Yes, you were this super brat. I didn't, in my wildest dreams, think you would be a director. Did you, Hritik?
Hrithik: No, I didn't, I thought maybe he'd take up bodybuilding. (laughs)

Farhan: I might as well tell you, when I was 15-16 I used to work out in the gym pretty seriously. One day, the instructor comes in and says, "Who wants to take part in a gym body building meet?" (laughs) We had the enthusiasm and we worked out and went, but thank god, we didn't take part. (smiles)
Hrithik: He's basically a great guy. He's also a dam good dancer. He used to get all the first prizes I used to get the second.
Karan: I remember seeing you people dancing in all these parties, you and Aditya Chopra - dancing and winning.
Hrithik: I just sat and watched. Now I imbibe them.
Farhan: Yes, when I took up dancing is when Hritik became my disciple. (laughs)

Karan: Was it strange when Farhan had to direct you, Hritik?
Hritik: It was a serious film and I'm a very serious person when I'm on the sets. After seeing a film like Dil Chahta Hai, I knew he would settle for nothing less.
Karan: Your first impression when you first saw Dil Chahta Hai?
Hritik: I was depressed! I was thinking, "How did Farhan get this way? Where had he been these six years? I want to go there. What books he has read? What has been doing?"
Karan: Hritik, you were one of the initial choices for the film. Infact the cast that finally played was not what you had planned for the movie, Farhan. (smiles) Hritik and Abhishek, who are both your childhood friends, did not do your first film.
Farhan: Well, somebody got to them before I did. (smiles) When I was writing the film the cast I had was Akshay, Saif and Hritik.
Hritik: It was a genuine problem of dates, I had signed on many films and could not give the dates.

Karan: Farhan, contrary to the person we've all known, the stories that came out of Lakshya sets claimed that you had this autocratic nature.
Farhan: When people want to write about something and there's no information forthcoming, they tend to make it up. Ritesh and I consciously decided that we don't want to talk about the film. The media reported various things, like an episode with Amitabh Bachan. It is upsetting, as he's somebody who's known me since I was born. I was so excited that he was a part of this film I was making. Of course, by the end of it various stories came out - that I had a fight with Hritik, Ritesh and me have split, that Prabhu Deva has fired me. (laughs)
Hritik: He's a director and was expecting what any director expects from his crew - to be on time, to know your lines and to be equally motivated as he is about the film. On the other productions that I've worked, there was discipline. You didn't fear being punished. But with him, on the first two schedules, you'd think, "If you didn't do this right, you might get punished." I was scared. (laughs) It takes a little time to get adjusted to the whole thing.

Karan: Farhan, you come from a different world from your dad's. He's been a screenplay writer and a lyricist. Professionally, is it easy having a father like that?
Farhan: Having somebody like that can only be an advantage. He has tremendous talent and is a source of inspiration. He's committed to doing good quality work. He's completely rational and logical. That completes everything that I would want from a peer.
Karan: Has the generation gap never bothered you?
Farhan: I give him a lot more credit. He understands my lot a lot better than I understand his lot. He's evolved over the years to accept the new sensibilities. He's adamant about his view when he knows he's right. (laughs)

Karan: How was it being directed by your father, Hritik?
Hritik: It was fun. I was assisting him for six years before I started acting. So, we share the most amazing understanding between an actor and a director.
Karan: Farhan, Lakshya, your second film, got a lot of critical acclaim. But didn't do too well commercially. How did you react to the box office success of Lakshya?
Farhan: I've given it a lot of thought to figure out what didn't work for people. It's still very close for me to step away and judge. From what I've heard, I think the pace of the second half of the film was a problem. They adored the first half though. For me, my film doing well equates with more people seeing it. I think the people who didn't see it, eventually missed out.
Karan: And what do you think, Hritik, the film missed out on to not do well commercially?
Hritik: I'm all for commercial success, that's where people are putting their money where their mouth is. I was delighted with Lakshya, because I was hugely appreciated. Some things run, some don't. You can sit and analyze and sound intelligent; your reasons may make sense or may fall short. But it misses the point. Lakshya has given me a better perspective of me as an actor. I've learnt to respect myself more with Lakshya.
Karan: Farhan, you worked with two perfectionists, Aamir and Hritik. Who got more to you? Farhan: Aamir is more for focusing on details, apart from his performance, he likes to know about other things. Hritik is a lot more focused on just his character.

Karan: Do you think you're a perfectionist, Hritik? You're very self-critical. You underestimate your own brilliance. You actually don't think you are a good dancer.
Hritik: I hope you're right. (laughs) But I don't see it like that. It takes a lot out of me. I was really embarrassed on my first day of shooting the dance sequence in Kaho Na… Pyar Hai, so I just keep working hard.

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FARDEEN AND ZAYED KHAN

Karan: He's stylish. He's sophisticated. He's suave. He may not have box office success, but he certainly has the women. You get the women going, don't you, Fardeen?
Fardeen: That's what I've been told. I don't do anything consciously. (laughs) You want me to stop the bullshit?
Karan: Yes, tell us. It must be flattering that women want to do strange things to you. Do you play hard to get?
Fardeen: Yes. It's flattering and a little scary sometimes. I play hard to get every now and then. (laughs)

Karan: I found out that you waited tables when you were a student out of the country.
Fardeen: Yes, when I was in the university, I was on a tight budget. My dad didn't give me too much money. So I worked.
Karan: How was the experience?
Fardeen: I didn't get along with the chef. I took orders as well and when I didn't understand what people asked for, I'd just pretend to know and write something. The chef would come out and yell at me. (laughs)

Karan: I've heard about you doing naughty things in nightclubs. And I mean bashing people up. Is it true?
Zayed: Really? (laughs) Actually I'm very mellow. But if a person rubs me the wrong way once too many times…
Fardeen: Yes, he does have some temper.
Zayed: He shouldn't talk. I learnt it all from him! He just covers his tracks really well (laughs). I'll soon learn hopefully. It was pure self-defense. It was uncalled for. I'm forced into these situations.

Karan: Both of you are westernized and have this 'cool dude' image. Do you think that restricts the roles that come your way, Zayed?
Zayed: The movie business has changed so dramatically. There's a great international market out there that wants to see Indian movies, which make people like me more feasible. I don't think it's stopping me in anyway. I'm not cooler than Bollywood. In my heart of hearts, I'm very Indian, very Bollywood.
Karan: What about you, Fardeen? Do you think you come across alien on screen?
Fardeen: All actors are restricted in some way by their physiology, their looks, demeanor, the whole attitude. You know about casting Karan... I wouldn't play a villager. I would look ridiculous. I would look like Jaadu.
Karan: (laughs)
Fardeen: You got to know your USP. You got to know your strengths, your weaknesses, your limitations, and capitalize on them. I've done contemporary roles, the Gen-X, appealing to both NRIs and city audiences.

Karan: You're in relationship with Malaika, Zayed. I've met her. She's a very sweet girl. There has been controversy with that. There were rumors about you and Esha...
Zayed: Being an actor, this sort of journalism which matches people up, will be there. Esha and me are great friends. We share a great rapport. We're buddies and gestures like putting an arm around each other is read as, "Oh! He's cheating on her!" or "They're going out". We are just good friends. She's part of the troop that I go out and party with.
Karan: (smiles) Ok, turning left now.
Fardeen: (Gets up and pretends to run away)
Karan: (laughs) You can't get away, Fardeen, we have security. Kareena Kapoor - alleged romance. Did you have an affair?
Fardeen: No, we didn't have an affair. (Karan beeps his lie-o-meter and laughs). I would've loved that affair if we did. I find her absolutely stunning. She has a cute, almost perfect, heart-shaped butt.
Karan: (laughs) But do you think that's why Shahid has a problem with you? Because he thinks something happened?
Fardeen: I'm sure that impression could go out. But it's with her and me. We are the way we are.

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SAIF AND PREITY

Karan: Preity Zinta should really have a talk show of her own because she can talk and talk and talk and she doesn't care if you're not listening. Everyone calls her cute but she hates being referred to as bubbly. Why is that?
Preity: I also have my good days and bad days. There are other aspects to my character other than 'bubbly' and 'talkative' (smiles). I can't be bubbly always. Even as a person you know me, I've lots of energy and pep but not ALL THE TIME...

Karan: How do the rumors about Saif Ali Khan, Brett Lee or Brian bother you?
Preity: Uf-Oh! Being single is such a problem. I was just being friendly with these people. And I think I'm pretty honest. If I'm seeing someone, then I say that I'm seeing someone.

Karan: The other day, this huge fan of yours came up to me and asked me if you had a fixation with white men. Is it true that if you're not white, Preity is out of sight?
Preity: (shrieks) You just made that up, didn't you? No, there's no such thing. A, I've to like the person and B, it doesn't matter if you're white, black, gray, pink, orange.
Karan: It's the heart that counts. You're like this Mills & Boon's kind of a girl.
Preity: Yes (gestures) dhak-dhak dhak-dhak dhak-dhak Saif: I think Preity and I share a lot of trust. I've never behaved with her in a manner that's physical.
Karan: But maybe that's not what you give out. When we were in New York, you got a text from Fardeen saying...
Saif: "I heard that you and Preity are at it. Be careful, brother." Just then Amrita called and I told her this is what happened. It creates a certain amount of insecurity when you are in America for 40 days.

Preity: And after that, he ignored me the whole time we were in New York! I'll never get involved with a married man. This rumor is about an alleged romance. And he's my buddy!

Karan: Do you think Preity's attractive as a woman? With or without make up?

Saif: Well, some mornings. (laughs)

Karan: Going back to Kal Ho Na Ho, Saif, you were working in a Shah Rukh Khan domain. How did that make you feel? A little insecure?
Saif: Yeah, well, you'd weep when he performs! But honestly, I did feel insecure very fleetingly. The root of insecurity is not knowing your job really. If you do know what you're doing, then it starts going places. Shah Rukh is not at all selfish as a performer, he's concerned towards the big picture, he's a sort of paternal figure on the sets. It would be infantile to be jealous. He just really loves what he does. I'm basically paranoid. I don't enjoy any movie. I think a good movie is a nightmare. I'd look at Shah Rukh looking a little thoughtful or worried about something and I obviously thought it was me! A persecution complex. But, of course, we talked it out, smoked a cigarette and I realized it wasn't really me.