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After 'Krrish' in Singapore…

By Taran Adarsh (IndiaFM) | Tuesday, 15 August , 2006, 13:37

Legendary Kamaal Amrohi's Grandson Mashhoor Films His Debut Venture In This Beautiful Country!

Five decades ago, the legendary Kamaal Amrohi changed tracks. After writing the script of several successful films then, he decided to direct a film. His first film, MAHAL, starring Ashok Kumar and Madhubala, was a money-spinner. The songs continue to play on radio stations even today. Some people, some films are immortal…

Circa 2006. Kamaal Amrohi's grandson Mashhoor has decided to follow his grandpa's footsteps. Only thing, 24-year-old Mashhoor is wearing three caps in his debut film. Besides writing the script and directing HUM LAAKH CHHUPAYEN PYAAR… MAGAR, he is also essaying the main lead in the film.

A major shooting schedule of the film is being held in Singapore and the writers were invited by Tajdar Amrohi [son of Kamaal Amrohi and father of Mashhoor] to cover the shoot at this foreign destination. The best thing about Singapore is that you can never get tired of it, even if you've been there for VAADA or I.I.F.A. or several times before. There's so much to explore in this beautiful country.

For those who're unaware, HUM LAAKH CHHUPAYEN PYAAR… MAGAR was supposed to be shot in London, but the Amrohis decided to film the portions in Singapore after the British High Commission refused visa to the crew of the film. "Singapore has an incredible skyline, so I am not missing London one bit. It hasn't made an iota of difference to my story," Mashhoor smiles. Incidentally, the Amrohis were planning to shoot the portion in Dusseldorf [Germany] earlier, "but it seemed difficult and unviable," Tajdar adds.

The youngster is filming a song outside the sprawling Takashimaya Mall at the Orchard Road and by the looks of it, he seems like a complete pro at the job. "I think David Dhawan was the best teacher," Mashhoor [he assisted DD in MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI] reveals, "He's the bravest director I know. He tells the audience to leave their brains at home while coming to watch his film and they've been following his advice since the past twenty years."

DD may be Mashhoor's guru, but the Amrohi lad is inspired by Manoj Night Shyamalan's style of narrating stories. "I was fascinated by his work in THE SIXTH SENSE, SIGNS and THE VILLAGE. That's precisely what I am trying in HUM LAAKH CHHUPAYEN PYAAR… MAGAR. It's not one of those routine love stories with light moments aplenty. There's an element of suspense, besides romance," Mashhoor adds.

Handling multiple departments in his debut film [writing, directing and acting] can prove to be one big gamble. "Aren't there many instances of banners failing when they launch careers? Haven't people messed up in the past? And what's the guarantee that an A-list director would make a success? Can any producer, director or actor guarantee a hit? PAKEEZAH was a gamble and so was TITANIC. I would like to be responsible for my actions, hence I decided to direct the film myself," pat comes the reply.

Wasn't Tajdar apprehensive? "I was, initially. Mashhoor used to wake up pretty late and that got me worried. Why does he wake up at noon, I asked Neelu [Nilofer Amrohi, Tajdar's graceful and elegant wife]. But I realized that he had been working in nights, writing the script of his film. This may come as a surprise, but Mashhoor has readied thirty scripts so far," the doting father reveals.

So how did the project take shape? "Mashhoor was firm, he didn't want to entrust the script to any director. He wanted to direct it himself. He asked me if I'd fund the project. I agreed, but I wanted to hear the script. Mashhoor didn't buy time, he started with the opening sequence and that blew my mind. I didn't want to listen further. The project is on, I told him," Tajdar reminisces.

Tajdar gets emotional at this point. "Every father wants the best for his kids. I am no exception. For me, my two sons [Mashhoor and Bilal] mean the world to me. In their happiness lies my happiness. And I realized that I had entrusted my faith in the right person. I was nervous on the first-day shoot. My son was taking his first step in life. But when I saw the high level of confidence, I realized that my son could walk well," you could feel the glow when Tajdar says this.

Mashhoor has assembled an all-new crew for his debut film. "Newcomers are brimming with ideas. They bring in a lot of confidence when they walk into a set," Mashhoor states. The youngster has an able team of assistants to help put the film together. Bilal, Mashhoor's younger brother, steps into his brother's shoes the moment Mashhoor faces the camera. Bilal is not a novice; he had assisted J.P. Dutta during L.O.C.

"I can't do without my brother Bilal. He's my strength, my support," Mashhoor says, adding in the same breath, "He has lived with my script. I bounce ideas to him all the while and his suggestions make sense." But does the David Dhawan school of film-making clash with that of J.P. Dutta? "Never, because we aren't making a DD or JP film. HUM LAAKH CHHUPAYEN PYAAR… MAGAR is a film of today. Comparisons or clashes would be inevitable if we were making a laughathon or a war film," Mashhoor and Bilal echo in unison.

What's great about the brothers and also the unit is that there is tremendous camaraderie and bonhomie on the sets. No one's out to prove the other a point or impress each other. In fact, the entire Amrohi family -- father Tajdar, mother Neelu and sons Mashhoor and Bilal -- are on their toes, ensuring that everything goes right. If Tajdar is looking after the nitty-gritties of production and the two sons are giving shape to their dreams, Neelu is lending a helping hand to the production staff, ensuring that every need is taken care of. Without doubt, hospitality comes naturally to this family.

Also participating in this schedule with Mashhoor are Vishakha Singh [the leading lady] and Suved Lohia [the hi-profile entrepreneur, who's a big name in the hospitality business. He enacts the role of Mashhoor's friend in the film]. Vishakha, the Delhi girl, was recommended to Amrohis by Yash Raj. In fact, the youngster says that she was being considered for Yash Raj's NEAL N NIKKI, "but I wasn't comfortable with the idea of smooching and exposing," she divulges.

How's her role in HUM LAAKH CHHUPAYEN PYAAR… MAGAR? "It's a hero-dominated industry, but I must add that Mashhoor isn't focusing on himself alone. He's not selfish at all. He makes sure that we compliment one another. He keeps guiding me all along," the pretty actress says.

Since Vishakha has just taken her first step, is she liking the experience? "I am a great student under a good teacher. I wouldn't like to tom-tom about myself, but I'd like to add that I am doing a decent job. Of course, there's always scope to improvise and one does so with the passage of time," she adds.

Suved too has just started out as an actor. His debut film is ARYAN [he enacts the role of Sohail Khan's friend in the film], while HUM LAAKH CHHUPAYEN PYAAR… MAGAR will be his second release. Hailing from a business family, Suved has already made a name for himself by starting a couple of nightspots in Mumbai. "Acting is like a hobby for me and working with friends is an altogether different experience," Suved states.

HUM LAAKH CHHUPAYEN PYAAR… MAGAR will be 75% complete after this schedule. The Amrohis are planning to release the film on January 12, 2007. The film also stars Jackie Shroff, Govinda and a host of surprise stars…

Shah Rukh Khan's concert postponed in Mauritius!

By Gianysh Toolsee (IndiaFM) | Tuesday, 15 August , 2006, 13:40

The mega event 'Craze 2006' which was going to be held on Saturday 19 August 2006 at the Anjalay Stadium with Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Zayed Khan has been postponed. The new date will be announced shortly.

According to the communiqu issued by the organisers (Entertainment Quotient and Pro Global Concept), it states that many necessary equipments and special firework products from London will not arrive before the show. This is due to the incidents which happened recently in London with the disruption of the terrorists' plot of the flights.

The organisers and producer (CineYug Entertainment) have promised a bigger event with more surprises. Mauritian fans will have to wait longer before Shah Rukh Khan's first concert in the beautiful island.

Meanwhile, 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' is doing very good business in most parts of the island since its release on Friday.

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

Movie
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

Director
Karan Johar

Producer
Dharma Productions

Music
Shankra - Ehsan - Loy

Cast
Amitabh Bachchan, ShahRukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukherjee

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Taran Adarsh

The wait has finally ended! Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna has generated tremendous heat within and outside the film industry. It's not the star cast alone that has resulted in unparalleled, unmatched and unprecedented craze for the film. It's also the person seated on the director's chair that makes Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna special. Very special. With Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, his directorial accomplishments, Karan Johar has set such high standards that an all-important question crosses your mind as you walk into the screening: Will Karan surpass his own achievements with Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna? Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna is also an acid test for Karan for yet another reason. It's the first time that Karan has changed tracks. Agreed, the supremely talented director has tackled romance and relationships in the past, but Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna goes a step further. It takes a bold look at relationships and makes an equally bold statement on the institution of marriage. Just don't expect Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna to be a typical candyfloss entertainer. Or an archetypal fare that Bollywood is known for. In those 3.06 hours/22 reels, Karan packs in some solid stuff. And the conclusion to the story is bound to hit the orthodox elements hard. A film like KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA is sure to have its share of advocates and adversaries no doubt, but it's a film that has the courage to say what it believes in. There are bound to be comparisons with films of similar genre. But let's put certain myths to rest at the very outset. The story revolves around two couples, but it's not CLOSER [Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, Clive Owen], it's not SILSILA either. The speculation should end there. Karan's take on relationships is fresh, bold and innovative. It takes you by surprise. It shocks you as well. And it's also trend-setting. Frankly, a film like Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna is akin to a big gamble. The subject matter has to be treated cautiously and delicately, or else it can boomerang badly. It might even hurt the sensibilities if entrusted in wrong hands. But Karan's skilled directorial abilities take the film to a different level altogether. The film charters a novel path as it progresses and gets bolder gradually. In a nutshell, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna bears the unmistakable stamp of a genius, Karan Johar. The master storyteller only polishes his skills further, proving yet again that he's a forward-thinker and also, a progressive storyteller. KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA narrates the story of two families -- Sarans and Talwars -- both not connected to one another. But circumstances bring them together. Dev Saran [Shah Rukh Khan] has an uneasy and troubled relationship with his wife Rhea [Preity Zinta] and son Arjun [child artist Ahsaas]. He resents his wife's growing success and in the process, ends up turning all his anger towards his loved ones. Maya Talwar's [Rani Mukherji] relationship with her husband Rishi [Abhishek Bachchan] is layered with a lot of self-doubt and question. She is unable to whip up enough passion for Rishi and is disappointed that her love for him does not match her own expectations of what it ought to be. This dilemma pulls her further apart from him, thereby causing a strain on their marital life. One fine day, Dev and Maya's path cross each other… Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna starts like a nice romantic drama, with Abhishek getting married to his childhood sweetheart and SRK talking to his wife about the $ 5 million deal after he has won a game of soccer. But minutes later, the film does a 180-degree turn and establishes the friction between the two couples. The tension between the couples surfaces gradually, but reaches the crescendo 20 minutes before intermission. The spat between SRK and Preity on one hand [Preity: "I wear the pants in this house"], followed by the heated argument between Abhishek and Rani [Abhishek: "You can't even bear a child"] is amongst the most remarkable portions in the film. These sequences hit you like a ton of bricks! It's not that the first half is laced with tense-filled moments. In fact, the first hour-and-a-half has light portions in abundance. Amitabh Bachchan's philandering lifestyle provides ample moments of laughter and of course, eye-candy, what with some gorgeous firang babes jumping out of the closet. In the post-interval portions, infidelities occur, betrayals are discovered and the couples' worlds go upside down. The sequence at the dinner [Sr. Bachchan hosts a sit-down dinner on Kiron Kher's birthday], when SRK expresses his feelings, or when SRK opens up to Preity and Rani to Abhishek about the affairs are master strokes from the writing and execution point of view. Note another scene: SRK waiting with a bouquet of roses for Rani and by a sheer coincidence, Preity walks in at that time at the signal crossing. This sequence [it depends on treatment alone] deserves distinction marks. The end is powerful, but disturbing. Disturbing for those who believe in the age-old traditions. The film moves about in a serpentine fashion. Just when you thought that the couples have decided to go separate ways, there's another twist in the tale and yet another, in the end. Karan Johar takes colossal strides as a storyteller. Films like K.K.H.H. and K.K.K.G. were the tip of the iceberg. Karan's take on relationships and marriages is refreshingly different because there's tremendous identification with the characters. You see it happening all around you these days. Technically too, this is Karan's finest work to date; he balances style and substance beautifully. Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehnais not a date film and the writers [Karan Johar, Shibani Bathija] spell it out at the very outset. The screenplay balances the two extremes -- light moments and dollops of emotions -- with amazing ease. The relationship between the couples or even those between the parent and child [the Bachchans] is delicately handled. If there are moments that move you to tears, there are ample moments that bring a smile to your face as well. Another noteworthy aspect is its forthright dialogues [Niranjan Iyengar]. The lines sound straight of life and there also exist a host of interesting observations. Yes, the film is talky, but in a smart way. You never feel that the characters are talking to hear their own words or to fill up screen time. Anil Mehta's cinematography is awesome. The film has been filmed in New York and the lensman captures the various seasons and colors with gusto. The outcome is easily comparable to the best in Hollywood. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music is melodious. 'Mitwa', 'Rock N Roll Soniye' and 'Where's The Party Tonite' appeal also due to the vibrant choreography [Farah Khan]. The styling and the production values are topnotch. Editing could be tighter. A bit of trimming, in the first half mainly, would only sparkle the film further. In Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, the actors get a chance to shine and no one shines brighter than Shah Rukh Khan. Let's just state one thing here: This is SRK's finest work after D.D.L.J. His sequences with Preity specifically, when the couple has their spats, or in the climax, when he just stares at Rani from inside the train, proves that he's undoubtedly the best in the business. The ferocity with which he delivers his lines and the restless energy he imparts to his character electrifies every scene that he's in. Rani is remarkable yet again. In fact, if you consider BLACK to be her most memorable performance so far, then watch her in KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA. This surpasses her work in Black or Veer-Zaara and Paheli. Her makeup as well as her overall appearance is tremendous. She's never looked as good before! It would be unfair to describe either Abhishek Bachchan or Preity Zinta's performances as 'lesser'. Abhishek is brilliant, especially when he gets serious towards the end. His penultimate sequence, when he gives a golden advice to Rani, is outstanding. Preity not only looks gorgeous, but the dedication to her role shows at vital points. Her penultimate scene with Rani, when she confronts her at the marriage reception, is fabulous.

Amitabh Bachchan is in superb form. The naughty streak that he displays soon disappears in the second half, when he realizes that something is amiss. In fact, his expressions at the dinner first and also in the hospital only reiterates the fact that he's an icon. Kirron Kher excels in a brief but significant role. Arjun Rampal looks perfect for the part. Kajol and John Abraham [both appear in songs] add to the glamour quotient. Child artist Ahsaas looks cute and acts well.

On the whole, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna is an outstanding film from the writing, performance and execution point of view. It has style, substance, it takes challenges and doesn't follow formulas -- and that is its biggest strength. At the box-office, the film will embark on a hurricane-like start, establishing new records in days to come. The first weekend will be superb, while the weekdays [15th and 16th August are also holidays] will result in a record-shattering first week billing. With no opposition in sight for the next few weeks, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna will have a dream run at the box-office. Its business in Overseas will also be remarkable. Has the potential to prove the biggest money spinner in this territory.

Movie Preview : Shah Rukh Khan - Best-Seller

He sells everything... from films and fizzies to family cars, polio vaccines and biscuits. In just over a decade SRK has become one of the biggests brands . His face is everywhere, but the man himself admits he's become something of a reclusive who prefers playing with his toys--his children.

Excerpts from the Interview:

Karan Johar says that you and Gauri are the world's ideal couple and are the reason he still believes that all's not lost with the institution of marriage. So were the two of you responsible for the tag-line on the Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna T-shirts, 'Married' and 'Happy'?

(With a wry grin) That T-shirt gives you an option. You can either be married...or happy. (Getting serious) Actually marriage and happiness are two very complex issues. It's strange that someone should have coined a phrase like "happily married". I don't believe you're happy just being married. You have to work to make the marriage happy. From the outside Gauri and I may seem like a happily- married couple but like any two people working or living together, we also have our share of issues. It's just that we've resolved most of these issues completely.

Kabhi Alvida... is perhaps the first film in which you are torn between two women...

(Interrupts) I'm not torn between two women in Kabhi Alvida.... Dev's very clearly interested in a woman who is not his wife. If he's torn it's because of his son. Otherwise he is a man who without making excuses, without being judgemental, is consciously looking at another woman outside of his wife. He's sexually interested in Maya though the relationship is not all about sex. The simple fact is that he's not happy with his wife, Rhea, though mind you, she's not a bad person. If anything he's the bad guy, though another man in a similar situation could argue that you're not going through what he is and do not have the right to pass judgements. Dev has a marriage with Rhea but he finds love with Maya who by a strange twist of fate is also married to someone she doesn't love either. (With another wry grin). So you could say that my character in the film is a guy who is in love with someone else's wife.

Hypothetically speaking how would you react if you ever found yourself in a similar situation?

(Smiling) Hypothetically speaking I'd wish that God would let my story end the way Karan's does because that would be the best way to resolve the situation. But deep down I know it's not going to happen that way because Kabhi Alvida... is more of a wish-fulfillment.

The mood was sad during Devdas, stoical during Chalte Chalte, resigned during Veer-Zaara and perky during Main Hoon Na. What's it like today?

(Reflectively) I'm passing through a more mellow phase today. In fact, if you notice my performances from Paheli onwards have become more mellow. It's not because I'm hurt or disturbed. But I find myself becoming a little reclusive. Mind you I'm not a lonely recluse, I'm a child-like recluse who these days wants to play more with his toys. And my toys are my children. I like to spend more time with Aryan and Suhana because that's where I find more happiness.

Does that mean that you're distancing yourself from films too?

Films are my life...my livelihood. I can't live without them. It's a satisfying day when I give a good shot...can a few good scenes. But at the end of the day I find my children more fun.

Which are your children's favourite films?

They enjoyed Dhoom and Koi...Mil Gaya. They requested Adi (Aditya Chopra) and Duggu (Hrithik Roshan) for DVDs of the films and a year-and-a-half ago, I caught them watching these two films quite often. Of late, Nanny McPhee's a hot favourite...also, Pirates Of The Caribbean. The other day I found Aryan and Suhana jumping from one sofa to another, their legs wide apart. The only thing missing was the Rs 150-crown tag!

Didn't they like Krrish?

Yeah, they liked Krrish too. (With a smile) My son's very fond of Duggu. Also Abhishek (Bachchan) and John (Abraham).

I believe you're into the Special Effects business now...

Yeah, my studio's just three buildings down the road. Red Chillies VFX is a team of 30-40 young talents headed by Arjun, Ketan and Harry. We've worked on Main Hoon Na, Paheli and more recently Don .

What did you think of Krrish's SFX?

Without taking away any of the credit from Krrish and its team of foreign technicians I'd want to say that what was done in the film is possible here...at my studio. You know what makes Red Chillies--VFX different? We don't count minutes. It irritates me when I hear that an ad has 30 seconds and a film 95 seconds of visual effects. Most VFX studios are doing dhanda but I'm not in this business to make a fortune. If I can help out my team with finances and give them a chance to do some really creative work, I'll be more than happy. They're very talented and with some support can work wonders.

Now that you have your own Special Effects' studio do you see yourself playing a super-hero in the near future?

(With a smile) I don't need special effects to play a super-hero to my children and their friends.

There was a time, soon after Baazigar, when you were dreaming of playing a larger-than-life, gun-toting superhero.

(With a flash of dimples) Yeah, well, Don is that dream come true. It's my tribute to Amitabh Bachchan. Don is the kind of film I grew up on and today, after 10-15 years in the industry, I feel blessed that I can mouth lines that have become a part of Hindi filmlore like, "Don ko pakadna mushkil nahin, namumkin hai!" (With a wry smile) It's interesting that the film is being made by Farhan Akhtar whose father Javed was responsible for writing half of the original script and half of this one too.

Back in the '70s 'Khaike paan Banaraswala...' made paan-chewing a fad. But today very few people ask for a Banarasi meetha after dinner.

Hey, I'm not going to be propagating paan-chewing, it's not a good habit. In fact, I'm even running an anti-smoking campaign in the film. 'Khaike paan Banaraswala khul jaye band akal ka tala...' is a classic chartbuster from a cult film. We haven't tried to add anything new nor take away any of its magic. 'Khaaike paan Banaraswala...' is a dhamaal song and I've done it the way a guy my age would dance when he heard it. (With a wry chuckle) Of course, I don't dance as well as Amitji.

Devdas was a tribute to Dilip Kumar, Kal Ho Na Ho serenaded Rajesh Khanna and now Don salutes Amitabh Bachchan.

Devdas was a tribute to Dilip sahab and Don to Amitji but Kal Ho Na Ho was not stated to be a remake of Anand nor intended to be. So I wouldn't call it a tribute to Rajesh Khanna.

Kishore Kumar was another of your childhood idols. So are you eyeing a remake of Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi or Half Ticket next?

(Smiling) I think I'd like to make a film on the life of Mr Kishore Kumar. That would be an interesting and a more apt tribute.

Karan completely endorses the emotions encapsulated in the title of your latest film, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna because, as he points out, for him a journey doesn't end once the person is gone. Do you also hold on to moments and memories?

I hold dear moments, memories, people, thoughts...and love. In fact, most of my work has grown from these moments and memories. I may not openly express these emotions but I don't know of anyone else who treasures and respects them as much.I'm very sensitive about them. (With a flash of dimples) May be that's why I'm good with love stories and not so good in lean mean roles with their darker emotions.

May be not now but in the initial stages of your career you were the first of the new generation heroes to play the bad man effectively and successfully in films like Baazigar and Darr. Today, we see actors like Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan following your lead. What did you think of Saif's performance in Omkara?

Saif was stupendous in Omkara, far better than any performance of mine as a negative hero. In fact, all the actors in the film from Ajay (Devgan) to Kareena (Kapoor) and Viveik (Oberoi) to Konkona (Sen Sharma), given their role and the darkness of the film, were excellent. I don't watch too many films these days. This year I've only watched Rang De Basanti, Krrish and Omkara and I give full marks to producer and director Vishal Bharadwaj for making such a brave film.

You've been quoted as saying that you intend to get more selective now and are even willing to do such experimental projects?

(Frowning) I've only said that I'll concentrate on one film at a time now. In fact, that's been the way it's been these last few years. After Paheli I was busy with Kabhi Alvida.... Then it was Don that I wrapped up only four days ago. Now I'll start work on Shimit Amin's Chak De.

Would you consider a Hindi adapatation of a Shakespearean play?

I don't know about Shakespeare but yes, if Vishal had offered me Omkara I'd have done it.

Which role?

Any role. As a student of English literature I've read several of Shakespeare's plays—A Mid-summer Night's Dream, Merchant Of Venice, Romeo And Juliet, Othello...(With a twinkle) I didn't get half of what he wrote. I'm intellectual enough to say that I don't understand Shakespeare. But I liked what Vishal's done with Othello. (With a sigh) I'm always open to a meaty role but unfortunately I don't get offered films like Omkara. The makers who come to me saying they have a "different" role are often being different just for the sake of being different. In such a scenario I prefer sticking with friends like Karan - when he offers me a film I don't even ask about the role. I do films like Kabhi Alvida..., Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om and Chak De. They are all stories I want to tell but perhaps the only really different film revolving around a great, historical character that I've done was Asoka. And I produced it myself because no one else was willing.

Chak De appears to be a very different film with you coaching a girl's hockey team.

Chak De's an interesting film. I'll be playing hockey after 20 years. I hope I'll be safe with the girls and not get a drubbing because I've heard they're very good (Grins). I played with the Indian girl's hockey team and they were fantastic! I like to make one woman's film a year. Last year it was Paheli. This year it will be Chak De that will showcase the strength of our women.

Hockey's not very popular at the moment.

Yeah, my biggest embarrassment was when I described hockey to my son and his friends explaining that it was a game played with sticks and a white ball. Soon after, I found them playing snooker. And since they were playing with sticks and white ball they thought this was hockey. I felt like such a dud! Hopefully, I've been able to make a difference to the lives of many young children by urging their parents to give them their polio vaccines. Now I'm optimistic that I'll make our national sport popular with the youngsters with Chak De.

Talking about polio vaccines, it's interesting that on one hand you should lend your support to such public service campaigns and on the other endorse biscuits that taste like sawdust and colas that are known to be loaded with pesticides. As a public figure and a responsible citizen shouldn't you be choosing the brands you lend your name to with more care?

I sell ideas. It could be a film or biscuits, polio vaccines, cars or the 'One Mumbai' campaign...just about anything. I don't have to justify myself. If the government believes that aerated drinks are harmful to public health shouldn't they be banned? Shouldn't the media ban the drinks instead of plastering their pages and gobbling up air time with ads promoting them? Ban the products and I will not sell them.

Interview : Sanjay Suri - Just a moment

Since his debut in Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi, Sanjay Suri has come a long way. After gaining immense response for his performance as an AIDS victim in My Brother Nikhil, he is all geared up for the release of Bas Ek Pal made by Onir, the same maker ...

Excerpts from the Interview:

Bas Ek Pal (BEP) was recently screened at the Eighth Osian Cinefan Festival held in New Delhi. How was the response?

It was great. Since it is directed by Onir of My Brother Nikhil fame, it was welcomed with open arms.

It is your second film with director Onir after My Brother Nikhil (MBN), which had dealt with AIDS. What is your equation with the director?

I have know Onir for the last six years. He is a very loyal, honest and hardworking guy and this reflects in his work as well. When the script of MBN was narrated to me, I was so touched by it that I decided to do the film. As for Bas Ek Pal (BEP), though the script was written much before MBN, I am glad the latter was made first. I am very comfortable working with Onir who is open to ideas, suggestions and discussions as long as it doesn't affect his views.

Are you also doing his next film?

That is right. That is because we jell very well. We understand and recognise each other's limitations and strengths as a maker and an actor.

Is he a tough task master?

He can be one at times (Laughs). But that is justified. Onir believes in logic in his film. His vision as a director is very strong. His way of explaining the scene to his artistes is very beautiful and the actor has to give his best. He understands women very well and their portrayal in his films is very touching.

Juhi Chawla seems to be your hot favourite. This is your third film in a row with her.

Juhi is a gem of a person. I just love her. We have undergone a gamut of relationships on screen. While Juhi played my wife in Jhankaar Beats, in MBN, she was my sister and in BEP we are die-hard friends. Maybe next she will play a vamp in my life (Laughs). But she is an absolute delight. Her goodness is very endearing and it shows in her work as well.

You seem to be enamoured by the actress.

I am - since the age of 12! I saw Juhi for the first time when she was shooting for her debut film Sultanat in Kashmir. I was a school-going kid then and what got etched on my mind was her trying desperately to learn to ride a bicycle. Her determination, her beauty and her sincerity won several hearts and I too developed a crush on her (Laughs).

Is she aware of this? Have you ever told her about your adolescent love?

When we were cast together for Jhankaar Beats, we did not know each other. I approached her and when I told her about my being a witness to her cycling lessons, she laughed heartily. Since then we have been good friends.

This is also your second film with Urmila Matondkar and Jimmy Sheirgill.

After Pinjar, we are coming together again. Urmila is a thorough professional. She doesn't take anything for granted. She is sporting short hair in the film which looks very refreshing.

I am very comfortable working with Jimmy Sheirgill with whom I have done Dil Vil Pyar Vyar earlier.

Coming back to My Brother ..., the film seems to have touched many hearts.

Yes, it has attended 25 film festivals and has even several awards. Recently it even won the Audience Choice award at the Gay and Lesbian film festival at Milan as well as The Mobilization and Critical Resistance Award at the ICASA 2005 Film Festival in Nigeria. Today even after one-and-a-half years after its release, it still has shelf life. The film is being shown internationally as a subject on AIDS. While dealing with the stigma, the film solves a bigger issue in the interest of the general public. It has helped changed many people's mindset as well. Moreover, it takes a lot of courage to make such a film.

Is Bas Ek Pal as heart-wrenching as My Brother Nikhil was?

MBN was a poignant story about a young swimmer's life who is diagnosed with AIDS and about the subsequent trauma that he goes through. And Bas Ek Pal s about modern-day relationships and how a particular incident impacts the life of all some people.

Any other projects on hand?

There is Speed with Urmila Matondkar, Zayed Khan, Aftab Shivdasani, Tanushree Dutta and Amrita Arora -followed by Kabhi Up Kabhi Down, a romantic comedy with Perizaad Zorabian.

Interview : I will never use 'doctor' before my name: Amitabh

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who has recently been awarded a doctorate by Britain's De Montford University, says he will never use the title before his name.

"I respect the university for this recognition, but 'Dr. Bachchan' is a term that shall remain always with the memory of my father (Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan). He was the true bearer of this title. I would never ever acknowledge the 'use' of this abbreviation before my name," said Amitabh who raised funds for the Mumbai blast victims during his trip abroad.

And now he is waiting for the green signal from authorities to distribute the money.

"We are going to distribute this personally to the victims as soon as we can obtain relevant legal permissions from the government to bring this amount in," Amitabh told us.

Excerpts from an interview:

You've just been awarded a doctorate by the De Montford University.

It has been an extremely humbling experience. The honour and dignity afforded to me has been incredibly overwhelming. The pageantry and protocol, discipline and dcor, procedures and grace - all were quite unbelievable and most un-deserving.

The university is the third largest in Britain and has a great history and tradition. For them to give recognition to an actor of the Indian film industry is a first not just for India but also for Britain.

I believe you were mentioned in British parliament?

Yes, the ceremony and occasion apart, what is most breathtaking is that my name will go down the annals of British parliament and therefore in British history. The parliament acknowledged my contribution through a motion passed on the floor of the House of Commons, and to top it all, a confirmation of it by the Leader of the House Jack Straw in the august premises, during the day's proceedings and I sat in the gallery witnessing all this.

What followed thereafter were personal meetings, with almost half the cabinet, including Foreign Affairs Secretary Margaret Beckett, now very much in the news on Lebanon, and her great desire to seek autographs from me for the Indian staff working in her office, or else she would have 'a heavy price to pay'.

Wasn't there a fund-raising dinner for Mumbai's blast victims?

The next day a dinner was held in my honour in the House of Commons for over 200 people and what was most gratifying for me is that the event, on my insistence, was turned into a fund-raiser for the Mumbai blast victims.

And may I add that the two largest donors were from Pakistan. We raised approximately 26,000 pounds and my dear friend and younger brother Amar Singh-ji, who had accompanied me, matched the entire amount to make it 50,000 pounds.

How will you make sure the money reaches the victims?

We are going to distribute this personally to the victims as soon as we obtain relevant legal permissions from the government to bring this amount in. Rt. Hon Keith Vaz, MP, my friend and host will be writing to the concerned authorities for clearances.

So a pleasurable experience?

Yes, I must tell you meeting the community in Leicester was another high. The affection and the love of the people never cease to amaze me, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

At the end of it all, I respect the university for this recognition, but 'Dr. Bachchan' is a term that shall remain always with the memory of my father. He was the true bearer of this title. I would never ever acknowledge the 'use' of this abbreviation before my name.

Did you give a speech?

Yes I did. It was part of the protocol and a meticulously designed formal procedure.

Were you accompanied by your family?

No. Jaya had to be in Mumbai to be with my ailing mother, now hospitalised, and also to be present a day before in parliament for her swearing in. Abhishek was in South Africa shooting for "Dhoom 2". But the family was more than ably represented by Amar Singh-ji (Samajwadi Party MP).

Were you also there for a shooting?

I was shooting for "Baabul", left for Mumbai and connected to Delhi the next morning, witnessed the swearing in, came back to Mumbai by evening and at night took the flight back to London to resume shooting the following morning.

British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) held a Bollywood weekend recently. Why weren't you there?

BAFTA is the British Academy of Film Theatre and Arts... I presume or something similar. It is not the British Academy For Trivial Amitabh!