Jackets have always been a classic piece of clothing. The grey-brown fur that Janhvi chose creates a stylish and comfortable look. Choose synthetic fur jackets instead of real ones because the former are very costly and it might be difficult to determine whether the fur was obtained responsibly…writes Olivia Sarkar
Winter will officially arrive in a few weeks when the temperature drops and you pull your coats and woolies out of storage. Now that the season is slowly approaching, it’s time to update our clothes again.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja
Checks are a fantastic way to improve one’s mood and, of course, a fashion statement that never goes wrong. And no one can demonstrate the need for this kind of investment more than style icon Sonam Kapoor. She casually pairs a camel-brown overcoat with a checked co-ord outfit.
Priyanka Chopra
Because of her extensive jacket collection, Priyanka always looks great for winter. A shearing-style jacket made of suede-like material is what you should wear if you want to seem as stylish as her. Shearling coats in the aviator design are always a hit with rock stars.
Janhvi Kapoor
Jackets have always been a classic piece of clothing. The grey-brown fur that Janhvi chose creates a stylish and comfortable look. Choose synthetic fur jackets instead of real ones because the former are very costly and it might be difficult to determine whether the fur was obtained responsibly.
Sara Ali Khan
Parka jackets provide body protection from the weather by having an insulated filling and a slightly longer length. This winter, try Sara Ali Khan’s style for a chic, laid-back, and comfortable look. Her parka has a stylish black-and-white colour scheme with graphic text on it.
Ananya Panday
What you get when a coat and a jacket fall deeply in love is a blazer. I’m kidding! However, although they seem more like a longer, slightly casual coat, they do offer all the functionality of a jacket. This winter, Ananya Panday’s paid blazer is the ideal ensemble for a chilly breakfast.
Shraddha Kapoor
Over the past few years, puffer coats have evolved from utilitarian jackets to fashion statements. These days, oversized puffers are a girl’s must-have for the winter. With the new season upon us, everyone from Hailey Bieber to Kylie Jenner is wearing it. To achieve the desired it-girl look, try Shraddha’s puffer.
Deepika Padukone
With this brown, oversized leather jacket, Deepika Padukone exuded an extreme amount of rocker chic. There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a leather-brown jacket.
The much-anticipated Bollywood film “Sam Bahadur” has made its grand debut worldwide in cinemas on Friday, 1 December. This cinematic masterpiece pays homage to Field Marshal Sam HFJ, Manekshaw, MC, a name synonymous with valour and strategic brilliance in Indian military history. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
Starring in this monumental film is Vicky Kaushal, who vividly brings to life the title role of Sam Bahadur with his power-packed and unique performance. Alongside him are the very talented Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Neeraj Kabi, Edward Sonnenblick, and Zeeshan Ayyub, each contributing to the film’s rich tapestry of characters. Directed by the acclaimed Meghna Gulzar, known for her impactful storytelling in films like “Raazi” and “Talvar,” and produced by the visionary Ronnie Screwvala, “Sam Bahadur” is more than just a biopic – it’s a tribute to a man whose life shaped the geopolitical contours of South Asia.
India’s first Field Marshal, Manekshaw, led an extraordinary life. His career spanned from the tumultuous times of World War II to his pivotal role as the Chief of Army Staff during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. This conflict not only altered the course of history but also led to the creation of Bangladesh.
Vicky Kaushal as Sam Manekshaw
“Sam Bahadur” delves deep into Manekshaw’s dynamic personality, showcasing his unyielding spirit and strategic genius. The film is crafted with a narrative that intertwines personal triumphs and professional milestones, bringing to light the essence of a no-nonsense army commander affectionately known as “Sam Bahadur” by those he led.
The screenplay, penned by Bhavani Iyer, Shantanu Srivastava, and Meghna Gulzar, take the audience on a journey through the life of a legendary leader, a man of principle and valour. The musical score of “Sam Bahadur” is crafted by the renowned trio Shankar Ehsan Loy, with soul-stirring lyrics by the legendary Gulzar, adding depth and emotion to this epic narrative.
“Sam Bahadur” isn’t just a film; it’s a slice of history, a story of leadership, and a tribute to a man who became a legend.
“Sam Bahadur” has released nationwide in cinemas through Bakrania Media on Friday, 1 December.
Hailing from Bihar, Manoj is an example of how an outsider can make it big in the film industry…reports Asian Lite News
Actor Manoj Bajpayee undoubtedly churns out good films every year but he knows very well how to balance out the limelight by staying low-key with his personal life. In a recent conversation Manoj called himself a private person and also talked about how “shyness is an aspect” of his personality.
“(In childhood) I was stubborn and I was shy… I am still that sort of a person today till I get comfortable and I am able to open up. That shyness is an aspect of me,” he said on the sidelines of the 54th International Film Festival of India in Goa. The ‘Satya’ star also shared that he does not like to talk about himself so much in public.
“When you work you have to talk to people, give interviews…so everyone is not aware about that aspect of yours …everybody thinks that you know it is very easy for me to talk but no it is not. I am giving interviews I take it as a job and I have to do it well. I am a very private person. I don’t like to talk about my life …I don’t like to get out from my home …I don’t like giving interviews. I feel tired talking about myself … I get exhausted. I like to talk about other people, other filmmakers and actors more than myself,” Manoj emphasised.
Hailing from Bihar, Manoj is an example of how an outsider can make it big in the film industry. His current stardom is a result of decades of hard work, underlined by hits, crushing failures and most importantly his never-say-die attitude. Reflecting on his journey in the Indian film industry, he said,” I believe it is a miracle…a boy from a village has spent 30 years in this industry. I have done a lot of work it is nothing short of a miracle.
With a big smile on his face, Manoj described his journey as “extraordinary”. “My story is not an ordinary story it is extraordinary because for a village person to come this far you need blessings from God…you need some kind of miracle to happen because it has not been easy and it is still not easy but people don’t understand they always see the end part of it they don’t see the journey,” Manoj shared. (ANI)
The Mardaani actor, whose family is Bengali, exudes elegance when dressed in sarees. Wearing a pink saree and gold jewelry, she exuded charm…reports Asian Lite News
Durga Puja is celebrated with grand fervour across the country, especially amongst Bengalis. In honour of the goddess Durga, it is also known as Durgotsava. Here are some stylish outfits to consider, inspired by Bollywood, during Durga Puja:
Kajol
The picture of grace, Kajol, never fails to win over her admirers. The performer continues to be one of the most talked-about stars in Bollywood, whether it’s because of her roles or her appearance. Her admirers have been waiting all year for her pandal-hopping outings during Durga Puja, and they got their first glimpse of her in wearing an traditional yellow saree.
Rani Mukherjee
The Mardaani actor, whose family is Bengali, exudes elegance when dressed in sarees. Wearing a pink saree and gold jewelry, she exuded charm.
Rupali Ganguly
Indian household name Rupali Ganguly has a sizable saree collection, and her Banarsi silk reflects the joyous occasion.
Mouni Roy
The actress wore a traditional Bengali saree with a red border to meet her fans on Durga Puja.
Sushmita Sen
The former Miss Universe’s Rajasthsni Bandhani and gotta sari is a source of inspiration for many.
Konkona Sen Sharma
The stunning actress, who is well-known for her understated style sense, chose a printed handloom saree. Wearing a delicate floral saree and matching blouse, she was picture perfect.
Vidya Balan
Wear a traditional red Banarasi silk saree, like the one Vidya Balan so elegantly wears, to radiate joyful sentiments.
Co-founder of the band ‘Sandaraa’ (with Michael Winograd), a project she calls closest to her heart, Bangash, ended up playing with him entirely by chance in the US, and on that gig, they decided to play together again. Soon after, the band came together…writes Sukant Deepak
She always thought composing music for an entire film in Bollywood would mean extremely high pressure and working in a somewhat corporate structure. However, Zeb Bangash, the first Pakistani artist to serve as music director of a Bollywood film – ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ – recalls it felt more like “coming home”.
Stressing that the movie was very special as there was a real sense of creating something new, and carving out a space that was absent before, she recalls: “Alankrita Anvita, Ankur Mukherjee, Amrit Mahajan and I shared and carried that sentiment with us. It really was like finding a community. Meetings were held, not in production houses but in homes over food and music, jokes, and poetry.”
Lamenting the current non-exchange of artists between India and Pakistan, she says for her, it is not about opportunities lost vis-a-vis audiences and markets, but the fact that it shrinks an artistic community.
“The movie we created was not supposed to be a bazillion crore hit. It was just special and important for a special and important artist who we all believed in, and who believed in us. That kind of camaraderie between neighbours is so enriching — and I say that from experience,” says the artist whose first outing in India was with the film ‘Madras Cafe’.
All set to perform live at Times Square in New York in collaboration with renowned 2023 Pollack Prize winner artist Shahzia Sikander, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Du Yun, and interdisciplinary artist Eddy Kwon on September 30, she says: “To be right there in Times Square and perform live, while the square is immersed in Shahzias work, just thinking about it feels like a dream. It is exhilarating and surreal. Collaborating with Du Yun, and Eddy Kwon for ‘Reckoning’ has been an enchanting journey. To be a part of this synergy of art and music, coming together in this historic public celebration is one of the best things that could happen.”
For someone who sings in multiple languages, she laughs when asked which one is closest to her. “Pashto makes me think of home, Urdu and Hindi open up my imagination, Persian feels like a warm hug, Kashmiri feels like being transported to a magical land, Turkish is nostalgia and Punjabi is the closest friend — like a yaarana.”
Co-founder of the band ‘Sandaraa’ (with Michael Winograd), a project she calls closest to her heart, Bangash, ended up playing with him entirely by chance in the US, and on that gig, they decided to play together again. Soon after, the band came together.
“We shared the same vision of the band as co-founders but really Michael is the captain of the ship. He got a stellar group of Brooklyn-based musicians from Klezmer, European, Jewish music, heavy metal, Jazz, Turkish and Arabic styles. I learned so much about musical aesthetics and diversity working with them. The vision is to build bridges between cultures and tell stories with music that blur the lines between the past, present, and future.”
She feels being in Sandaraa validated much of her “weirdness”. “All that home could not understand about me… I found space to sing Sabzal Samagi’s Balochi classics and Haji Saifoos comic Persian ghazals to audiences all over North America.”
For someone who believes collaborations are the best way to learn and grow as one gets ‘barkat’ associated with sharing, she asserts that the same ascertains that one truly gets to experience other worlds musically. “But most importantly your relationships and your community expands and you feel a part of something big and universal.”
Ask her about the secret of the extremely interesting music scene in Pakistan, she admits it sometimes surprises her considering how tough it can get for artists there. “But then I wonder whether the output is exciting for precisely the same reason that it is challenging, which is the lack of a structured industry and a hyper-responsive market. In some ways that allows us to work in our silos and stay focused on our own expression without the burden of imagining success. Creating without a keen focus on the audience is freedom.”
With diverse influences including Popular music from the West starting from the ’50s, South Asian folk and films, ghazals and Semi- classical music, Pop music from the ’60s till the ’90s from Turkey besides a whole range of music from Afghanistan and the Middle East, the singer who is also learning from Ustad Naseeruddin Saami says the training in classical has completely changed her life and musical expression.
“The most obvious change is in my voice itself. What it can do and where it can go has expanded. Learning Khayal has transformed my relationship with myself, it’s really brought a sense of quiet self-assurance and helped me integrate all of my musical influences into one perspective,” she says.
During the Pandemic, Bangash recorded her solo album, with a crew of musicians and producers based out of L.A. Though that one is yet to release, she recording another one. “There is also a collection of regional songs that I am recording based out of Dubai,” she concludes.
With daughter Aaradhya by her side, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan attended the event wearing a traditional in a sky blue shade…reports Asian Lite News
As the season of festivities begins, with Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most important Hindu festivals in India, it is that time of year again when family and friends meet to rejoice, make prayers, and reflect on life as a whole.
The 10-day festival began with intricate rituals, vivid decorations, and exuberant festivities, began with a bang as India’s well-known billionaire family, the Ambani family, hosted a star-studded Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. Take a peek at the guests who have arrived at Antilia:
Alia Bhatt
Alia joins the party wearing a red backless saree adorned with mirror work and letting her open, giving the impression of fire and passion, as the Gangubai Kathiawadi actress captioned the photo on Instagram.
Pathan, aka Shah Rukh Khan, one of the biggest names in Bollywood attended the event with his family, including his wife Gauri Khan, daughter Suhana, son AbRam, and mother-in-law Savita Chibber.
While Suhana and Gauri opted for pastel-coloured shalwar kameez suits for the occasion, SRK was seen wearing a black kurta pyjama.
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone
Power couple DeepVeer also made an appearance at Mukesh Ambani’s home for his lavish Ganesh Chaturti event. The duo even posted some candid photos on Instagram while dressed in festive-themed red, pink and green clothing.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
With daughter Aaradhya by her side, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan attended the event wearing a traditional in a sky blue shade.
The Malhotra couple
Love birds Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani both looked stylish in their respective ensembles. The adorable couple never ceases to dazzle their admirers. Sidharth was dressed in a dark blue kurta pyjama, while Kiara donned a yellow saree and styled her hair in the season’s elegant hair bun.
Vicky Kushal
Though Katrina Kaif was not spotted at the opulent puja, actor Vicky Kushal was seen with his brother Sunny Kushal and sister-in-law Isabelle Kaif. The actor of the upcoming film The Great Indian Family opted for an ivory kurta pyjamas.
KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty
Cricketer KL Rahul and his wife Athiya Shetty were also present at the celebration.
Vidya Balan shared a picture of herself dressed up at home in a bright silk sari and traditional beauty look. She wore a mango yellow Kanjeevaram sari by Silk Mark India…reports Asian Lite News
Particularly for ladies, dressing up in magnificent traditional outfits is an essential component of the celebration. For those wishing to make a stunning impression on this Ganesh Chaturthi, let’s have a peek at Bollywood celebs’ adaptable outfit choices.
The festival is not complete for women unless they dress up in gorgeous traditional outfits. In order to provide some inspiration for those hoping to make a stunning impact this Ganesh Chaturthi, let’s take a peek at some of Bollywood celebs’ adaptable outfit choices.
Embrace the White Saree Magic like Alia Bhatt
We couldn’t take our eyes off Alia Bhatt in her white saree since she looked absolutely royal. She finished off her fashion statement by going makeup-free.
Get the Radiant Energy in Red by Aditi Rao Hydari
She is someone who can even make all colour work for every occasion. This red saree is quite beautiful as Aditi Rao Hydari accessorized simply with minimal makeup, wearing this lovely Straavi design with a half-sleeved blouse.
Mesmerize in a Blue saree just like Katrina Kaif!
You can never go wrong with an AnuSara by Anousshka organza saree, and Katrina Kaif is wearing one here while sporting a natural makeup look.
Embrace Vidya Balan’s Yellow Saree Look and Glow like a Diva!
Vidya Balan shared a picture of herself dressed up at home in a bright silk sari and traditional beauty look. She wore a mango yellow Kanjeevaram sari by Silk Mark India.
Deepika Padukone: Pretty in Pink
Deepika Padukone looked gorgeous while wearing a pink saree made of Banarasi silk. She appeared no less like royalty in the extravagant dress, complete with stunning neckpiece and sleek bun.
Janhvi Kapoor
Janhvi Kapoor is able to turn on the charm like no other when she dons a saree. She posted lovely images of herself wearing a silk saree with floral designs in blue and gold. She wore a strappy blouse with a strappy back to go with her stunning drape.
Actress Rashmika Mandana, who swayed the nation as Srivalli in ‘Pushpa: The Rise’, celebrated the moment…reports Asian Lite News
India created history on Wednesday after its Chandrayaan-3 successfully soft-landed on the Moon’s surface at 6.04 p.m. – a feat matched only by erstwhile Soviet Republic, the US and China.
As the historic event opened up new possibilities for mankind, the film folks celebrated India’s mark on the lunar canvas as they congratulated the scientists and the brains behind Chandrayaan-3 on their success.
Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn wrote on social media, “Proud, amazed, excited, honoured to be living this moment of history. Bharat Mata ki Jai #Chandrayaan”.
Another Bollywood icon Akshay Kumar wrote, “A billion hearts saying THANK YOU ISRO. You’ve made us so proud. Lucky to be watching India make history. India is on the moon, we are over the moon. #Chandrayaan3.”
Star actress Shraddha Kapoor took to Instagram as she shared a clip of the control room of ISRO. She wrote on the video, “Waah, what a moment.”
Vijay Deverakonda, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming film ‘Kushi’, also wrote on Instagram, “Those smilesss 🙂 That joy & pride across the country.. Kushiiii.”
Vijay’s ‘Kushi’ co-star Samantha Ruth Prabhu also took to social media to express her joy as she wrote, “Yet again, we land on the Moon! Jai Hind. Congratulations @isro.in #Chandrayaan3.”
Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “My heart swells with pride a little more today, as I witness my people soar high and give their very best. Congratulations & all my respect to @isro & the geniuses behind #Chandrayaan3’s lunar exploration mission. #IndiaOnTheMoon.”
Bollywood’s action hero Tiger Shroff wrote, “Mission accomplished…history made. Jai Hind Congratulations @isro.in @isroindiaofficial.”
Actress Rashmika Mandana, who swayed the nation as Srivalli in ‘Pushpa: The Rise’, celebrated the moment.
She wrote in her Instagram Story, “A proud moment for all of us as #Chandrayaan3 lands on the moon today… Respect and salute to each and everyone who worked on and supported this mission.”
Actress Taapsee Pannu wrote in her Instagram Story, “@isro.in and @chandrayan_3 Congratulations @isro.in We did it #Chandrayaan3.”
Coming back to ‘Gadar 2’, though the sequel comes after a gap of 22 years, the fact is, the film would have done well even if it was not a sequel. Quite a few of the generation today may not have watched ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’ and for those who did, the gap is too huge…reports Vinod Mirani
The Independence Day weekend has been hogged by the veterans of the Indian screen. Be it on Hindi, Tamil or Telugu screens.
This weekend is one of the specials few in a year that filmmakers seek for the release of a new film. The other sought-after weekends are Republic Day (January 26), Diwali, Eid and Christmas.
Some of the biggest hits were released during one of these periods and it is universal knowledge that Hindi cinema’s historical blockbuster, ‘Sholay’, was released on August 15, 1975.
Actors have their favourite release slots like the Eid week is Salman Khan’s. Shah Rukh Khan chose January 26 this year for ‘Pathaan’.
If the holiday for any of these special days falls on a Friday, it assures a film of a decent opening and the rest depends on its merits. But for any film, if the holiday for one of these occasions comes mid-week, it works as a booster dose adding to its weekend collections.
Independence Day was on a Tuesday this past week and one can’t ask for a better weekend than this. Because, out of the four films released on August 11, three have opened well, though OMG2 was a slow starter. The four films are Sunny Deol’s ‘Gadar 2’, Akshay Kumar’s ‘OMG 2’, Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailor’ and Chiranjeevi’s ‘Bholaa Shankar’.
As the week progressed, as ‘OMG 2’ picked up pace, ‘Bhola Shankar’ started dropping.
I call this a week of the seniors because three of the four stars credited for these films are senior citizens. Sunny Deol is 66, Rajinikanth 72 and Chiranjeevi 68. Akshay Kumar at 55 isn’t a senior citizen yet, but is a senior-enough artiste who has been doing films for almost 33 years.
What these four have done this past week is set the box office on fire all over. These films were released on August 11 and Independence Day, which fell on the fifth day of their release, only added to their glory. It may have also helped to have the Parsi New Year, an optional holiday in certain parts of India, fall on August 16.
As far as the initial draw went, Akshay Kumar’s ‘OMG 2’ suffered because of the whimsical ways of the Censor Board. The exhibitors felt the film’s release was uncertain because the Censors had raised some silly issues about the film’s content. So, rather than not having a new release for the Independence Day week, most halls opted for ‘Gadar 2’, leaving fewer cinemas for ‘OMG 2’ than the film merited.
Worst still was that this film, dealing with the sensitive issue of sex and young adults on the verge of entering the teens, was granted an Adult only certificate! Imagine, at age 12, a boy is going through his initial urges and seeking a solution, and the film can be seen only by an 18-plus. That 12-year-old and million such young adults needed to watch this movie!
With such setbacks, the film still managed to open with Rs 10 crore but the headlines were hogged by ‘Gadar 2’ grossing Rs 41 crore. It is worth seeking a legal opinion on whether the Censor Board can be sued for damages on the grounds of its nil understanding of the facts of life, whimsical ratings of films, and causing huge economic losses to films and filmmakers.
‘OMG 2’ picked up as the week progressed and it looks like it has overcome the initial setback.
Coming back to ‘Gadar 2’, though the sequel comes after a gap of 22 years, the fact is, the film would have done well even if it was not a sequel. Quite a few of the generation today may not have watched ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’ and for those who did, the gap is too huge.
The reason is, the theme in the original and the sequel is the same, the cause is just incidental. And Sunny Deol’s one-man army running roughshod over the Pakistanis and whatever represents power there.
What is more, for those who are familiar with the original, ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’, it was a nostalgia trip with Sunny and Ameesha Patel still continuing their romance like a couple freshly in love and, best of all, this gives the makers an opportunity to replay old melodies from the original. Today, when music and melody in films are extinct, that is an inherent advantage the film enjoys.
‘Gadar 2’ has the advantage of complying with the national mood today. The nation exudes patriotism and nationalism with Indians being deeply immersed in these sentiments. In such a situation, no better villain to humiliate than the neighbouring country.
‘Gadar 2’ had shown a drop after bountiful first three days, but the film still had the Independence Day holiday and Parsi New Year the following day to regain its ground. The film ended its first week scoring Rs 284.6 crore.
My column has been advocating the return to traditional Indian themes. Drama, melodrama, romance, music and all that.
The approach of course can be in keeping with the times we live in. If the story has a mother, sister, sahelis and other such familiar elements around, the more the fun.
Now, all we need is a few writers with ideas and a few music composers to match the melodies of the bygone era. I know it is asking for too much in today’s scenario, but it is not impossible.
Meanwhile, folks on social media are having a field day going ga-ga over ‘Gadar 2’. Most are predicting the film’s collections will go beyond the figures claimed by ‘Pathaan’! Juggling of figures and tall claims despite empty cinema theatres has been a practice much in use by filmmakers. But, in the age of social media, people know what the real picture is. You may throw up big figures, but people don’t counter you. They only take them with a pinch of salt, or a bagful of salt, depending on the claims.
Not saying that this is done by all filmmakers, but when two out of three do it, people become sceptical.
While of the subject of the box-office race between ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Gadar 2’, and of inflated figures, this does not seem to be happening in the Hindi film industry alone.
The same thing has been happening in other countries too. In South Korea, for instance, the Seoul Police has found the practice of inflating box-office figures being rampant. The numbers issued by the police are astonishing: box-office figures of 323 films were found to have been inflated over the past five years.
The Seoul Police has probed the business of 462 movies and 98 film distributors from 2018 till June this year. As a follow-up, it has referred 69 exhibitors and 24 film distributors to prosecutors, who will now decide on the action to be taken.
Now, this is a serious business. This amounts to cheating and misleading the masses and your other business associates such as the satellite and OTT rights buyers. Is this due to the GST to be paid on the amounts claimed to be collected?
How is it that when you check an online ticket booking portal, the charts show no seats available. But, if you go to the cinema theatre, there are as many available and as many as you wish to buy! Are the GST commissioners missing out on something?
Her upcoming film ‘Trial Period’ is a family drama that follows the journey of a single mother Ana, played by Genelia, whose world turns upside down when her inquisitive son demands a father on a trial period of 30 days…writesDurga Chakravarty
One of Bollywood’s most loved actresses Genelia Deshmukh or ‘Meow’, as many fondly call her courtesy her iconic character in from the 2008 movie ‘Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na’, has had a two-decade-long journey in the world of acting which she says she did not choose – it chose her.
Over her two decade long career, Genelia has not only worked in Bollywood but many other language films including Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.
Looking back at her journey in the world of cinema, the 35-year-old actress said that she fell in love with acting along the way.
“I think my journey has been amazing. It has been a journey of appreciation because it wasn’t the career that I chose, it chose me. I fell in love on the way,” Genelia told.
She added: “I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of people, regions and hence I feel your craft has developed so much more because a girl in the north will be different from the girl in south, and having the opportunity to play so much just makes it a wholesome career.”
Genelia, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film ‘Trial Period’, was last seen on screen in the Hindi films ‘Mister Mummy’ and ‘Ved’ which released in 2022. Before that, she was in the 2016 film ‘Force 2’.
Would we now get to see her more often on screen?
“Initially, when I did films, I liked to plan the entire year. But now, I feel when I do a film, it means taking out that much time from kids, means giving just a lot more than just doing a number of films. So, I just want to own a choice that I make. I’d like to do a lot more work but I am happy to wait it out if it takes that kind of time to wait out too,” said that actress, who is married to actor Riteish Deshmukh.
Genelia and Ritesh got married in February 2012. The two welcomed their first son, Riaan, in 2014. Their second son, Rahyl, was born June 2016.
The ‘Tujhe Meri Kasam’ actress wanted to focus on family life as her children were younger.
“I took a break initially because my kids were younger and I felt that I needed that time. I feel that I am ready now and I feel I am ready to accept a lot more work. I feel there is a lot more work that comes according to what I want also.”
She believes she would do a lot more work now.
“So, I do believe I’ll be doing a lot more work now versus how I was in the last 10 years.”
Her upcoming film ‘Trial Period’ is a family drama that follows the journey of a single mother Ana, played by Genelia, whose world turns upside down when her inquisitive son demands a father on a trial period of 30 days.
“Yeah ‘Trial Period’ is a film of humour and innocence but what caught my interest was the fact that it was about a mum and the various things that are associated with it. It’s a lovely family entertainer.”
“It has various elements of family, neighbors in a love story which is not really conventional. It is very urban and countryside, which makes it really interesting.”
Produced by Jyoti Deshpande, presented by Jio Studios, a Chrome Pictures production, produced by Hemant Bhandari, Amit Ravindernath Sharma, and Aleya Sen, ‘Trial Period’ is set to be released on July 21 on JioCinema.
