She added: “So, it’s really crazy that somebody says 25 years…I say ‘don’t say na 25 years’ it’s making me feel like I am here forever.”…Rani speaks with Durga Chakravarty
She made her acting debut with the Bengali film ‘Biyer Phool’ in 1996 and entered Bollywood the same year with ‘Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat’. Rani Mukerji, who has been in the industry for over 25 years, has talked about how in Bollywood the definition of a “heroine” has changed over the years.
Rani, who has always wooed the audiences with her power-packed performances, says actresses have always been showcased in a “dynamic” way and that films “portray women in the way the society sees them”.
Talking to about it, Rani, who has impressed the audience and critics alike with her impactful skills in movies such as ‘Hey Ram’, ‘Saathiya’, ‘Black’, ‘Mardaani’ and ‘Hichki’ among many others, said: “For me, a heroine has always been a quintessential Hindi film heroine. I don’t think anything has changed.”
“If you see the graph of film actresses from the ’40s or from ’50s, you will see that Indian women were always portrayed in a very dynamic way…barring a few because every time your film has to reflect society as such. So, if you have seen the growth in India…you have seen the growth in the films as well in all characters and stories.”
Rani added: “Things have changed with the times so I think films portray women in the way that the society sees them, the way they are right now and with each passing year that’s what has happened and shown in films.”
Having been in the industry for over two decades, Rani does not “feel” it.
“When somebody says 25 years I say ‘oh really!’ because for me it just doesn’t feel like it is 25 years. Time has really flown I feel. I still remember my first day on my first film, I still remember my ‘Ghulam’ days, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’…”
She added: “So, it’s really crazy that somebody says 25 years…I say ‘don’t say na 25 years’ it’s making me feel like I am here forever.”
Rani, who is married to the head honcho of Yash Raj Films Aditya Chopra and has a daughter named Adira, has reprised her role of Babli/Vimmy in the latest release ‘Bunty Aur Babli 2’.
Is there any pressure to up her own game every time she comes on screen?
Pat came to the reply: “Absolutely”.
That’s the fun of it, feels Rani.
“That’s the fun I feel for my craft you see because when I kind of work in a film that challenges me as an artist that is what drives me. That is what makes me kind of excited about going back on set and trying to deliver something I don’t think I will be able to do unless or until I reach the set. So, there is always that excitement you know.”
A closer look at her Indian wardrobe shows how the 28-year-old likes to keep it elegant and fuss-free on most occasions…reports Nimerta C Sharan
Given that things have finally opened up post-pandemic, a series of Diwali celebrations were witnessed this year. We spotted Bollywood celebrities leaving no stone unturned with their festive looks. From lavish lehengas to stunning saris, there were a variety of sparkling outfits on display. Take a look!
Priyanka Chopra
Our very own desi’ girl was spotted in a bright velvet sharara set from Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Statement sunglasses, chunky jewellery and a bucket bag from the designer completed the look. When it comes to head-turning fashion, Chopra leads the list with her quirky fashion choices.
Malaika Arora
Whether it’s a casual lunch date or a red-carpet appearance, Malaika Arora never disappoints. For one of the Diwali parties, she was spotted in a rose-red Manish Malhotra sari finished with a lime-green border. Keeping it entirely ethnic, the 48-year-old opted for matching bangles, a Polki necklace and a floral bun.
Alia Bhatt
The young and vibrant Alia Bhatt stepped out in a striking purple Sabyasachi lehenga. She accessorised her outfit with just gold jhumkas, letting the outfit do its magic. A closer look at her Indian wardrobe shows how the 28-year-old likes to keep it elegant and fuss-free on most occasions.
Jacqueline Fernandez
From power suits to playful separates, tailored gowns to flowy lehengas, there’s nothing that she can’t pull off. This year, for one of the festivities, Fernandez picked a beautiful Benarasi sari from Ekaya. The all-red ensemble made for a striking choice, with the OTT floral bun being the highlight.
Janhvi Kapoor
A quick glimpse at Kapoor’s Instagram feed shows the young star’s love for Indian wear. While lehengas and saris are mostly her go-to ensembles, this time the actress opted for a heavily embellished Anamika Khanna anarkali. The styling and make-up did full justice to her look.
Sonam Kapoor
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja chose an ivory-hued chikankari’ anarkali from Abu Jani-Sandeep Kosla. The style icon kept her make-up minimal and opted for a pair of danglers to accessorise the look.
Pulkit Samrat
For Diwali, actor Pulkit Samrat was seen in a cherry kurta set. He paired his dual-toned printed kurta with a mirror-work jacket and tassel shoes. Simple yet striking.
Responding to the BJP leader Bharatiya’s charges of Saturday, Malik said that he had never met Sunil Patil, nor is he linked with the NCP in any manner…reports Asian Lite News.
Making a sensational statement, Nationalist Congress Party Minister Nawab Malik on Sunday claimed that Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan was “trapped, kidnapped for ransom” in the Cordelia Cruise rave party raid by the Narcotics Control Bureau.
Moreover, Shah Rukh Khan has been threatened ever since he started making the expose series on the NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede since October 6, Malik told mediapersons.
“There are four persons — Wankhede, his juniors V.V. Singh and Ashish Ranjan and one of their drivers Mane…They are the quartet in the NCB office… They run the private army to trap high-profile people and then extort them of crores of rupees,” Malik said.
The other members of the alleged ‘private army’ are Kiran Gosavi, Mohan Bhanushali, Sam D’souza – whose real name is Sanville Steanley D’Souza, Mohit Kamboj-Bharatiya and Sunil Patil, the NCP National Spokesperson said.
Responding to the BJP leader Bharatiya’s charges of Saturday, Malik said that he had never met Sunil Patil, nor is he linked with the NCP in any manner.
According to the NCP leader Aryan Khan was invited to the cruiser party by Pratik Gaba and Amir Furniturewala, both are the friends of Rishab Sachdeva – who is linked with Bharatiya.
“Now it is established that Aryan Khan was kidnapped and a ransom of Rs 25-crore was demanded for his release, and the final figure was sealed at Rs 18 crore, of which Rs 50-lakh was already takena Mohit Kamboj-Bharatiya is the mastermind,” Malik said, referring to the affidavit of one of the witnesses Prabhakar Sail.
He revealed that one Congress Minister Aslam Shaikh and children of other ministers were also invited to join the party.
Malik charged Bharatiya of owning a dozen hotels in Mumbai, an accused in a Rs 1,100-crore financial scam, is close to Wankhede and is a member of his ‘private army’ that traps prominent personalities to extort big money from their victims.
The NCP leader’s briefing came a day after Bharatiya alleged that the real brain behind the cruiser raids was Sunil Patil, who is very close to the NCP leaders and ministers and even released a purported picture of him (Sunil Patil) with Kiran Gosavi and a Gujarat cabinet minister Kiritsinh Rana.
Congress Spokesperson Atul Londhe-Patil said it was strange that the allegation is made of Sunil Patil’s links with NCP but his photograph posing with a BJP minister was released.
“All this is to divert attention from the massive quantity of several tonnes of drugs which entered Gujarat via Mundra Porta Why nobody is talking about it, where have all the drugs gone… There should be a full investigation into it,” demanded Londhe-Patil.
Aryan Khan Released From Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai on Saturday, october 30, 2021.(Photo: IANS)
Aryan Khan reached well in time for a piping-hot home-cooked lunch, 29 days after he left ‘Mannat’ on October 2 for the fun-filled Mumbai-Goa luxury cruise which ended in an unexpected jail sojourn, reports Asian Lite News
Ending a 29-day long vigil, Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan and his producer wife Gauri, finally walked out of the Arthur Road Central Jail (ARCJ) here on Saturday.
With thousands of fans, admirers, a huge posse of police and mediapersons camping here for the second day, Aryan’s much-anticipated exit out of the ARCJ to the waiting vehicle lasted barely a couple of seconds.
All that the waiting crowds managed to grab was a glimpse of Aryan sporting a bright blue shirt with his stark mane visible, but face covered by a dark mask as he stepped inside the car without looking around.
Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan arrives at Arthur Road Central Jail to meet son Aryan Khan last week.
Whisked off by a bevy of bouncers and bodyguards to the white SUV with dark glasses on all sides, Aryan was immediately driven toward his Bandra home via the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
At least 100 metres ahead of his Arabian Sea-facing bungalow, fans had organised a band of drums which started playing furiously on seeing his vehicle, some admirers began dancing with joy, others waved banners and posters with pictures of the father-son actor duo, followed by a burst of loud fire-crackers, signalling the arrival of Diwali at the megastar’s residence, ‘Mannat’.
Aryan reached well in time for a piping-hot home-cooked lunch, 29 days after he left ‘Mannat’ on October 2 for the fun-filled Mumbai-Goa luxury cruise which ended in an unexpected jail sojourn.
Aryan Khan
Earlier in the day, Shah Rukh Khan sped out in a motorcade to the ARCJ, around 15 km away in Chinchpokli, eager to welcome and hug Aryan.
However, after the ARCJ Superintendent Nitin Waychal told waiting newspersons that Aryan would be out only after another three hours, the actor’s motorcade slowed down and diverted to a five-star hotel en route.
To calm his jumpy nerves and curb his palpable excitement, he waited in the vehicle at the hotel, partook in some light refreshments, all the while hoping for a reunion with his son, who he last met inside the ARCJ on October 21.
The Mumbai Police deployed massive security, barricades and roadblocks at vantage points outside the jail, in the ‘Mannat’ vicinity and on the Bandra-Chinchpokli road to control the jostling fans of both SRK and Aryan, the media hordes and curious onlookers, too.
At present, Aryan is lodged at the Arthur Road Jail along with another accused Arbaaz Merchant. Whereas, Munmun Dhamecha is at Byculla women prison…reports Asian Lite News.
In a huge relief, the Bombay High Court on Thursday granted bail to Aryan Khan, Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha who were nabbed in the cruise ship rave party raided by the Narcotics Control Bureau.
While granting bail to the trio, Justice N.W. Sambre will pass a detailed order in the matter on Friday.
Accordingly, the trio of Khan, Merchant and Dhamecha will not step out of the jails till the court’s orders are received, said a defence lawyer.
At present, Aryan is lodged at the Arthur Road Jail along with another accused Arbaaz Merchant. Whereas, Munmun Dhamecha is at Byculla women prison.
Aryan Khan was arrested on October 3. An NCB team busted an alleged drugs party on the Cordelia Cruise ship which was on its way to Goa at mid-sea on October 2. A total of 20 people, including two Nigerian nationals, have been arrested so far in the case.
After starting out in B-films in the 1960s, he caught the eye in “Sungharsh” (1967), where the manner in which he held his own against Dilip Kumar is now the stuff of Hindi film folklore…writes Makhijani
They hail from diverse backgrounds. Mumbai-based Hanif Zaveri is an author, journalist, actor and playwright. New Delhi-based Sumant Batra is one of India’s leading insolvency lawyers, rated amongst the top 100 globally — and a film buff. The meeting of their minds has resulted in “An Actor’s Actor” (Penguin/Ebury Press), the first authorised and authoritative biography of the personal and professional life of Sanjeev Kumar, an actor who remains a role model even 35-years after his death.
Born Harihar Jethalal Jariwala in Surat on July 9, 1938, the book takes off from his family’s traditional ‘zariwala’ business, his struggles in the Hindi film industry where he underwent a “celluloid metamorphosis and was known to the worlds as Sanjeev Kumar”, his romantic involvement with some of Hindi cinema’s biggest names, his lifelong battle with loneliness and his glittering achievements on screen that won him several accolades, including two National Awards for “Dastak” and “Koshish”.
“Sanjeev Kumar was in a league of his own, one of cinema’s most prolific stars, one of its finest actors. All he cared about was the integrity of his performance and the intensity of his role. The body of work that Sanjeev Kumar left behind remains a treat to watch,” Batra told IANS in an interview.
“Even over thirty years after his death he remains among the most mimicked actors of all time. His style informs the works of many actors who came after him. Indeed, he remains the gold standard when it comes to the art and craft of acting. He remains an actor’s actor in the truest sense of the phrase. Sanjeev Kumar was a complete actor,” Batra added.
And what an oeuvre he has left behind!
Sanjeev Kumar could light up the screen in underpants, paunch showing, in one of Hindi cinema’s most lovable song sequences, “Thande thande paani se nahana chahiye” (“Pati Patni Aur Woh”, 1977). Entirely unselfconscious of his image as a star, he would often be cast as the father figure to a number of his contemporaries, most famously Sharmila Tagore in “Mausam” (1975) and Amitabh Bachchan in “Trishul” (1978), or as the elderly Thakur in “Sholay” (1975) — not forgetting the indolent Mirza Sajid Ali in “Shatranj ke Khiladi” (1977), the only Hindi film directed by Satyajit Ray — and yet leave an indelible mark with his presence and his acting prowess.
After starting out in B-films in the 1960s, he caught the eye in “Sungharsh” (1967), where the manner in which he held his own against Dilip Kumar is now the stuff of Hindi film folklore. Equally adept at comedy (“Angoor” and “Manchali”, for example) and dramatic serious roles (“Anubhav” and “Koshish”), he was truly an actor’s actor.
Through all this, he remained down to earth.
“Sanjeev Kumar was shy and an introvert. He had no greed for publicity. In his entire film career, he never kept a personal public relations officer, which most of his contemporaries appointed. His sartorial sense was also in keeping with his down-to-earth lifestyle. No costly, fashionable suits for him. He was a simple person who was most comfortable in a kurta pyjama or in a silk kurta and lungi with simple slippers. Whenever in stress, he smoked but never discussed his feelings with anyone,” Zaveri said during the interview.
Zaveri also revealed a lesser-known facet of Sanjeev Kumar’s personality, quoting from a previous interview with the actor.
“I wanted to be like other actors who played romantic roles and sang songs, running around trees. But working on stage changed my concept and helped me a lot, and I found myself improving. I learnt that an actor has to justify the given character. I got confidence after working on stage.
“Whenever I watch an English movie, I always think what I can do to make it better. I always watch films from the actor’s point of view, trying to find something new in the role. Sometimes I practise particular characters in front of the mirror to improve myself. I advise newcomers to do stage,” Sanjeev Kumar had said during the interview.
Considerable research has gone into the book, which is based mainly on information resulting from extensive interviews held with the family members of Sanjeev Kumar, his co-actors, filmmakers and other artists. As a freelance film journalist, Zaveri had also interviewed Sanjeev Kumar a few times.
“Of course, we had to carefully corroborate and verify the information provided by the interviewees from other sources as Sanjeev Kumar had passed away over three decades ago when the interviews were conducted. Memories had faded and people were at times unsure. We had to undertake extensive research to ascertain the veracity of the facts and where possible, other information. The researchers at (Batra’s) Indian Cinema Heritage Foundation worked hard to dig out as much material as they could from the Foundation’s archive,” Zaveri explained.
Given their diverse backgrounds, how did Zaveri and Batra come together to collaborate on the biography?
“Hanif Bhai had just finished extensive rounds of interviews with the family members of Sanjeev Kumar and other persons associated with the late actor when we were introduced by a common friend. As the founder of the Indian Cinema Heritage Foundation, which is documenting the history of Indian cinema, I have deep interest in cinema. I am also a die-hard fan of Sanjeev Kumar,” Batra said.
“I therefore, enthusiastically volunteered to write the book. We sat together over many following months to decide the structure of the book and its narration. I am based in Delhi and Hanif Bhai is in Mumbai. I met him whenever I travelled to Mumbai for my professional work, which was in fact, quite frequently. Hanif Bhai had gathered extensive notes from the interviews. Selecting relevant information was the most time-consuming task.
“Then started the actual writing of the book, stitching pieces of information together to tell the story of his personal and professional journey. Unfortunately, the completion of the book got delayed due to the two lockdowns. But for this disruption, the book would have been out last year,” Batra elaborated.
What next? What’s their next project?
“We’re both discussing another book together. It is a bit early to reveal any details,” Zaveri said.
“I am working on a historical fiction which should come out next year if all goes as per plan,” Batra said.
With a foreword by Shatrughan Sinha, “An Actor’s Actor” is truly a succinct introduction to the life and films of a star who tragically left this world at the young age of 47 on November 6, 1985 but who continues to live through his unforgettable and remarkable contribution to Hindi cinema.
He is also well-known in Bollywood with outings such as ‘Khudagawah’, ‘Criminal’ and the soon-to-be-released ‘Brahmastra’…writes Narendra Puppala.
He’s been compared to fine wine. And rightly so. With each passing year Nagarjuna is only getting better.
As he turned 62 on Sunday, the face of the Akkineni film family continues to give 26-year-old stars a run for their money – in looks, and physique, not to mention in box-office collections. No wonder he’s popularly known as ‘King’ Nagarjuna in Tollywood.
Understandably, Sunday had social media erupting with stars and celebrities wishing the evergreen hero on his special day. Best friend and megastar Chiranjeevi was among the first to reach out to Nagarjuna. “An ultra-cool guy who takes life as it comes and makes most of each moment,” he tweeted. “An Actor who is constantly experimenting and pushing boundaries. And Most of All a dear Friend to have for all times and forever, dearest @iamnagarjuna, a Very Happy Birthday to you!”
Among politicos, the BJP’s co-incharge for Andhra Pradesh, Sunil Deodhar, wished the star. “Wishing @iamnagarjuna Garu A Very Happy Birthday! A great actor that you are, you’ve been gracefully carrying the Legacy of ANR Garu. Wishing you more success, Good Health in the Years to Come!” Deodhar tweeted.
Nagarjuna has remained one of Tollywood’s most loved and enduring stars. His movie releases are a mixture of commercial and technically well-crafted offerings that just stand out in the flood of movies the Telugu film industry churns out year in and year out.
He is also well-known in Bollywood with outings such as ‘Khudagawah’, ‘Criminal’ and the soon-to-be-released ‘Brahmastra’.
As the son and inheritor of his famous father Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s acting legacy, Nagarjuna had an easy entry into Tollywood. But thereafter, its been his show all the way.
Although he began his film career as a child actor in several movies, his formal entry into tinsel town was in the year 1986, with his debut in ‘Vikram’, a remake of the Subhash Ghai movie ‘Hero’ (1983), starring Jackie Shroff and Meenakshi Seshadri.
Ever since, Nagarjuna has continued to stay relevant with Telugu audiences across the world. From Tollywood to Bollywood, family-oriented movies, mythologicals, edge-of-seat thrillers, to romance, and even comedies – he’s done them all. His biggest asset is his ability to ease himself effortlessly into any role – old, middle-aged, or young – without looking odd or out of place.
Whether it’s choosing roles or picking projects, Nagarjuna is the cool analyst at work. Many an eyebrow was raised when he went out on a limb to give director Ram Gopal Verma his break with his 1990 Telugu debut film ‘Siva’.
The movie revolving around colleges and politics was a blockbuster and trendsetter rolled in one. The visual of the central charater Siva snapping a bicycle chain and wrapping it around his palm, to take on the bad guys, is one of Nagarjuna’s iconic scenes. For Ram Gopal Varma, it was ticket to bigger successes.
Incidentally, ace director Mani Ratnam’s sole Telugu directorial venture ‘Geetanjali’ starred Nagarjuna and was a super smash hit.
Apart from giving new talent a break behind the camera, Nagarjuna is also known for introducing new faces to the silver screen, foremost among them being Anushka Shetty of ‘Bahubali’ fame.
An astute businessman, Nagarjuna set about nurturing new talent with his film school. He has also forayed into other businesses such as restaurants and hospitality. But showbiz remains his focus.
His family is choc-a-bloc with film stars. Nagarjuna tied the knot with Amala, who had acted with him in several movies, during the making of which their romance blossomed somewhere along the way. Apart from being a vocal supporter of animal rights, Amala acts in the odd-movie nowadays.
His elder son Naga Chaitanya, from a previous marriage, is an established actor while daughter-in-law Samantha is a leading South Indian film star who essays a leading role in the second season of the web series ‘The Family Man’, starring Manoj Bajpayee.
Nagarjuna and Amala’s son Akhil is also trying to find his place in moviedom. And then there are the other stars in the extended family, such as nephews Sumant and Sushant.
Whether it’s televison or on OTT platforms, Nagarjuna has made sure he’s a part of the game as it evolves. Be it ‘Bigg Boss’ or ‘KBC’, he has been on all.
For now, ‘King’ Nagarjuna has his hands full as actor, producer, television anchor, mentor and businessman. As his next Tollywood ventures unspool, for Nagarjuna, life is all about about the journey, not the destination.
If it is for the day, I prefer denims that are lose and slouchy. Having said that, that would also be my style for an evening out…says Deepika.
Nothing like statuesque Deepika Padukone in a pair of jeans right? Well she gets our vote, as well as iconic denim brand Levi’s who recently announced the launch of its collaboration Levi’s x Deepika Padukone. Rooted in the brand’s authentic style and updated with Padukone’s signature style, this inaugural collaboration exudes freshness and confidence.
It re-imagines Levi’s classics through its range of jeans and denims while introducing Padukone’s signature favourites like athleisure pieces, edgy faux leather pants and oversized shirts. “The endeavour with my first ever collaboration with Levi’s was for it to be an authentic representation of my personal style. And I believe we’ve been able to stay true to that vision,” said Padukone.
The collaboration brings Padukone’s ultra-casual style to life through long varsity jackets, co-ord sweatsuits, crop-tops and bralettes. It also features modern and updated interpretations of Levi’s denims, with new on-trend 70s-inspired high waist jeans and cut and sew wide leg silhouettes to be paired with extra-long or cropped trucker jackets, a range of oversized shirts, soft romantic tops with organza sleeves, easy graphic t-shirts and elevated sweatshirts. Overall, the collection features quintessential pieces that will stand out in any wardrobe.
The collaboration is responsibly made, in line with the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Sixty per cent of the collaboration line is sustainably sourced with 100 per cent of the line ethically produced. Featuring organic cotton, super-soft Tencel made from wood pulp, cottonized hemp and denim produced with the brand’s Waterless technology, the line allows consumers to make a statement, with sustainability at the forefront. IANSlife caught up with the actress to get her take on the collection and her personal favourites:
Nothing beats a pair of denims, you can dress them up or down depending on your mood. Do you agree?
Absolutely! I think a good pair of denims are an absolute must in anyone’s wardrobe. And the best part is that you can either dress it up or dress it down. That’s what makes it extremely versatile apart from it also being extremely comfortable.
Although you’re known to constantly experiment with your style, what we see now is a much more relaxed, athleisure vibe to your outfit choices. How come?
Absolutely! While I love experimenting with fashion and my personal style, I have also always prioritised comfort; and with athleisure wear I am able to achieve both.
Share a few details about your new collaboration with Levis?
The endeavour with my first ever collaboration with Levi’s was for it to be an authentic representation of my personal style. And I believe we have been able to stay true to that vision.
A fashion icon from the yesteryear’s who’s style you admire and why?
Over the years, my personal style has been influenced by several people. But if I really had to choose one icon whose style I admire, it would have to be Rekha ji and her most exquisite sarees. I absolutely love sarees and could wear them almost every day! Millennials and Gen Z focus on utility, minimalism and the use they get out of a garment as much as the style. Do you agree?
Absolutely! I think today, especially post the pandemic, sustainability and utility really are the two main areas of focus. I believe the world was headed in that direction anyway and the pandemic has only accelerated that process.
Which style of denims are your favourite and why?
Honestly, it depends on my mood and the occasion. If it is for the day, I prefer denims that are lose and slouchy. Having said that, that would also be my style for an evening out. All I would do is pair them with different shoes. In the day, I would pair them with flip-flops or sneakers. For the evening, I would probably wear the same look with a pair of heels. That’s what makes a pair of jeans so versatile!
“We are absolutely thrilled that Deepika Padukone’s first collaboration as brand ambassador for Levi’s is so iconic yet personal. We have always believed in ‘authentic self-expression’ and the collaboration is just that. We wanted to work with Deepika because of her iconic sense of style and its influence on consumers. Her understanding of colours, fabrics and silhouettes is unique and extremely individual. With this collaboration we see the inclusion of newer fabrics, finishes and fits. The introduction of athleisure pieces, faux leather pants, long varsity jackets and even the oversized shirts are a way for us to explore unknown textile territories and also relate to a newer fashion consumer,” said Sanjeev Mohanty, SVP and MD — South Asia, Middle East and Africa, Levi’s
The collaboration will be available at Levi’s retail outlets, Levi.in and select partner e-commerce platforms on October 8, 2021.
A special salute to Bear who has been inspiring millions to explore and develop a much-needed relationship with nature, and of course for keeping me safe in the wild…says Ajay.
The survival skills-based reality show ‘Into The Wild with Bear Grylls’ is back this year with another celebrity – Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn.
The show last year featured personalities like superstar Rajnikanth and Akshay Kumar. Now Ajay Devgn can be seen experiencing an adventurous journey in the Indian Ocean, dominated by sharks and facing unfavourable weather conditions, eventually moving towards uninhabited islands around the Indian Ocean.
Ajay Devgn opens up on his shooting experience of this real-life adventure to survive in the most desolate islands of the Indian Ocean.
“This is my first ever expedition ‘into the wild’ and I can tell you it wasn’t child’s play! My father was an action director and in my career span of 30 years in the Indian industry, I have had the fortune to play several roles including some dangerous action ones too. And, this was one of those times when I had to put those learnings to the test again. I’m so glad this opportunity came my way, it helped me explore and go beyond my comfort zone.
“A special salute to Bear who has been inspiring millions to explore and develop a much-needed relationship with nature, and of course for keeping me safe in the wild. From hungry jungles to the depths of the ocean, Bear knows it all!” shares Ajay Devgn on his shooting experience.
The first look of this show was revealed in Tuesday in which the adventure specialist Bear Grylls who has hosted multiple distinguished personalities is seen engaging in a candid conversation with Ajay on his family, career, and life in the new season.
Bear Grylls has become known as one of the most recognised faces of survival and outdoor adventure. His journey to this acclaim started on a small island off the UK coast where his late father taught him to climb and sail. Trained from a young age in martial arts, Grylls spent three years as a soldier in the British Special Forces as part of the 21st SAS Regiment.
He says on his association with Ajay Devgn for this show and his journey with him: “To get to take the legendary Ajay into the wild and have an adventure with him was a privilege. Desert islands are always tough to survive on and Ajay showed total commitment to do what we needed to get out in one piece. He was also incredibly honest, sharing so many insights into his life and career and I value that honesty so much. One thing that I’ve learnt about Ajay is he is a quietly spoken man, but he is a man with great love and strength in his heart.”
‘Into The Wild’ will be available in 7 languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bangla, Malayalam and Kannada. The episode will premiere on discovery+ India and Philippines on October 22. The broadcast premiere of the show is scheduled at 8 p.m. on October 25 on Discovery Channel and others.
My favourite items to cook would be chicken (in various forms), egg curry, rice, dal and roti. My family loves the food that I cook…says Khali.
As part of a 360 campaign, KFC India which recently brought back The Double Down Burger in a limited edition, has partnered with The Great Khali, to give burger fans a nudge in the right direction.
The unique, one-a-kind-burger, is a cult-favourite being all chicken and no bun (two chicken fillets and sauces in between) — making it the perfect indulgence for hard-core chicken lovers.
The Great Khali, features in a video for the brand trying his hands on new and unusual things, contemplating his career choices, making audiences question “Ki khali ko yeh hua kya hai?” (what has happened to Khali?). IANSlife caught up with the wrestler to get more details. Read excerpts:
Being a foodie yourself; what are some of your favourite meals?
My go to meals are gravy chicken, rice, dal, sarson ka saag and makke ki roti. But my current favourite is definitely KFC’s Double Down Burger — something that is so unique and unlike any burger I have tasted in the past. It has no bun and chicken fillets on both sides — like I say “uppar bhi chicken, neeche bhi chicken, chicken hi chicken” (Chicken on top, chicken below, there’s only chicken…).
Great Khali (Twitter)
Do you cook and what is it you love to whip up?
Not many people know but I am a No. 1 cook (laughs). I love cooking, and I can cook almost every Indian dish. However, my favourite items to cook would be chicken (in various forms), egg curry, rice, dal and roti. My family loves the food that I cook. When it comes to your profession, nutrition and fitness go hand in hand… what do you include and exclude from your diet to maintain a healthy standard?
If I am on a diet, I avoid things like bread, biscuits, etc. I pay attention to maintaining a balanced diet that has the right mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fiber and fats.
Sports and entertainment have both been on hold during Covid, how have you spent this time and what has it taught you?
Honestly, yes, this lockdown did hinder a lot of work related to sports and wrestling — there were no shows, no events, travel was on hold for many many months. But on the other hand, I got to spend a lot of time with my family. I spent a lot of time with my daughter, learning new things with and from her. I also tried to cook new dishes that my daughter likes.
Can you tell us what’s on the charts professionally and what are you looking forward to?
I am working towards a wrestling academy in Haryana. It is going to be a world class academy with sports like Karate, Judo, Boxing, Kick Boxing, Kabaddi and of course body building. I am also planning to make a hotel there.
You have plans for Bollywood? How did this come about and are you excited to be part of India’s most preferred form of entertainment?
It was nice. Whatever experience that I have had so far, it was good. Other than that, I am not persistent about Bollywood, it’s not like I would make proactive efforts for it. I have lots of other things to do and Bollywood is a small part of it. If things work out, well and good, I would be happy to evaluate.
Can you tell us about your collaboration with KFC and how do you like the Double Down burger?
I have always been a huge KFC fan, whether in India or while I was travelling abroad. So, when I heard that they have a new and different burger, which is literally like the Khali of all burgers, I knew it was for me, and I hopped on to it. I had a lot of fun working with KFC because I got a chance to do and try things that otherwise my fans don’t expect me to do. Also, I am a big chicken lover, I can eat chicken in all forms so I absolutely loved Double Down burger and would recommend everybody to try it. It is all chicken, no bun — like I said Chicken hi Chicken (laughs). It was fun to work on this and give the world a glimpse of the true chicken lover in me.
