From his debut film CHEENI KUM to his upcoming film PAD MAN, R. Balki has maintained one common element in all his directorial ventures — and that is the presence of Amitabh Bachchan. The filmmaker says the whole nation is obsessed with the megastar and he is just a part of it.

Balki has explored various sides of Amitabh's acting talent in all his films — be it through telling a love story between a 64-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman in CHEENI KUM, or a tale of a 12-year-old progeria patient in PAA, or showing the dark side of showbiz with Big B as a failed actor and drunkard in SHAMITABH.

Balki got Big B to make cameo appearances in ENGLISH VINGLISH and KI & KA as well.

Asked whether he is obsessed with Big B, Balki told IANS: "I am not obsessed with Amitabh Bachchan… the nation is; I am just a part of the nation."

He continued: "Let me tell you, even in this film ('Pad Man') Mr. Bachchan is playing an important role. Yes, it is a cameo, but once you watch the film, (you) will understand the relevance of his presence in that moment of the story. I know people said that I keep bringing him in my film somewhere, but all those moments are crucial in the story.

"If we talk about KI & KA, the conversation between Mr Bachchan and Jaya ji, was crucial, that is also one side of the main topic of the film, that added a perspective."

Asked if, given his advertising background, it is easier for him to tell a story that amalgamates the value of brand and entertainment, he shared how the length of the story makes all the difference.

"You might just find an ad film boring if I take 20 seconds extra to tell a story elaborately. On the other hand, there is a time when the audience could find things are happening too fast in a feature film. But that is how it is, depends on the format," he explained.

Balki expressed his happiness over famous south Indian film composer and musician Illaiyaraja being honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour.

"I think even Bharat Ratna is less to show our respect to his talent. For me, he is not just an incredible musician, he is music. We have spoken after I got to know the news, I am really happy," said Balki who worked with Ilaiyaraaja in films like PAA, CHEENI KUM, KI & KA and SHAMITABH.

PAD MAN, a film highlighting awareness on menstrual hygiene, stars Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte. It will release on February 9.

From his debut film CHEENI KUM to his upcoming film PAD MAN, R. Balki has maintained one common element in all his directorial ventures — and that is the presence of Amitabh Bachchan. The filmmaker says the whole nation is obsessed with the megastar and he is just a part of it.

Balki has explored various sides of Amitabh's acting talent in all his films — be it through telling a love story between a 64-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman in CHEENI KUM, or a tale of a 12-year-old progeria patient in PAA, or showing the dark side of showbiz with Big B as a failed actor and drunkard in SHAMITABH.

Balki got Big B to make cameo appearances in ENGLISH VINGLISH and KI & KA as well.

Asked whether he is obsessed with Big B, Balki told IANS: "I am not obsessed with Amitabh Bachchan… the nation is; I am just a part of the nation."

He continued: "Let me tell you, even in this film ('Pad Man') Mr. Bachchan is playing an important role. Yes, it is a cameo, but once you watch the film, (you) will understand the relevance of his presence in that moment of the story. I know people said that I keep bringing him in my film somewhere, but all those moments are crucial in the story.

"If we talk about KI & KA, the conversation between Mr Bachchan and Jaya ji, was crucial, that is also one side of the main topic of the film, that added a perspective."

Asked if, given his advertising background, it is easier for him to tell a story that amalgamates the value of brand and entertainment, he shared how the length of the story makes all the difference.

"You might just find an ad film boring if I take 20 seconds extra to tell a story elaborately. On the other hand, there is a time when the audience could find things are happening too fast in a feature film. But that is how it is, depends on the format," he explained.

Balki expressed his happiness over famous south Indian film composer and musician Illaiyaraja being honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour.

"I think even Bharat Ratna is less to show our respect to his talent. For me, he is not just an incredible musician, he is music. We have spoken after I got to know the news, I am really happy," said Balki who worked with Ilaiyaraaja in films like PAA, CHEENI KUM, KI & KA and SHAMITABH.

PAD MAN, a film highlighting awareness on menstrual hygiene, stars Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte. It will release on February 9.

Shamita Shetty does wonder how her career would be different if she had taken up more work, but lives without any regret. The actress says all her ups and downs helped her evolve, and she is "happy and content" at the moment.

"There are many times when I sit back and try to analyse the things that I could have done differently. Maybe I should have taken on more work, but then again I don't know if I would have been happy doing work that I was not convinced with," Shamita told IANS in an email.

She added: "Unfortunately, giving up on work because I was not convinced (meant) I would not be seen onscreen too much (and) made people think that I left the industry, which was really not the case. On the whole, I don't think I have any regrets. Every decision that I have made and all the ups and downs made me the person that I am. I am happy and content. I go with the flow and I don't fight situations anymore. I have learnt to be happy with whatever I have."

Shamita, sister of actress Shilpa Shetty, scored a dream debut with Yash Raj Films' MOHABBATEIN, but post that her career went downhill.

Some of her projects like WAJAHH: A REASON TO KILL, BEWAFAA, ZEHER, FAREB and CASH went unnoticed, and in some she just made special appearances.

The actress, who has appeared in reality TV shows like "Bigg Boss" and "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa" as well, admits that "every experience in life — good, bad or ugly — has taught me so much about myself as a person".

"The toughest situations help you understand your true strength and that's how it has been for me always. In terms of learning, there isn't one particular thing that I can talk about. But I think as time has gone by, I have kind of understood what works for me or doesn't. Now, I am able to be the person that I am mentally and truly with no excuses."

She continued: "Many a times you are faced with a situation where you have to make a decision and challenge yourself. When you do that you really understand your true strength. There are several incidents where I challenged myself… going into the 'Bigg Boss' house was a challenge that went completely against my personality,"

The actress, who turned 39 on Friday, says she likes to do some charity work on her birthday.

On the work front, she was last seen in web series "Yo Ke Hua Bro".

[By Sugandha Rawal]

Shamita Shetty does wonder how her career would be different if she had taken up more work, but lives without any regret. The actress says all her ups and downs helped her evolve, and she is "happy and content" at the moment.

"There are many times when I sit back and try to analyse the things that I could have done differently. Maybe I should have taken on more work, but then again I don't know if I would have been happy doing work that I was not convinced with," Shamita told IANS in an email.

She added: "Unfortunately, giving up on work because I was not convinced (meant) I would not be seen onscreen too much (and) made people think that I left the industry, which was really not the case. On the whole, I don't think I have any regrets. Every decision that I have made and all the ups and downs made me the person that I am. I am happy and content. I go with the flow and I don't fight situations anymore. I have learnt to be happy with whatever I have."

Shamita, sister of actress Shilpa Shetty, scored a dream debut with Yash Raj Films' MOHABBATEIN, but post that her career went downhill.

Some of her projects like WAJAHH: A REASON TO KILL, BEWAFAA, ZEHER, FAREB and CASH went unnoticed, and in some she just made special appearances.

The actress, who has appeared in reality TV shows like "Bigg Boss" and "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa" as well, admits that "every experience in life — good, bad or ugly — has taught me so much about myself as a person".

"The toughest situations help you understand your true strength and that's how it has been for me always. In terms of learning, there isn't one particular thing that I can talk about. But I think as time has gone by, I have kind of understood what works for me or doesn't. Now, I am able to be the person that I am mentally and truly with no excuses."

She continued: "Many a times you are faced with a situation where you have to make a decision and challenge yourself. When you do that you really understand your true strength. There are several incidents where I challenged myself… going into the 'Bigg Boss' house was a challenge that went completely against my personality,"

The actress, who turned 39 on Friday, says she likes to do some charity work on her birthday.

On the work front, she was last seen in web series "Yo Ke Hua Bro".

[By Sugandha Rawal]

Shree Rajput Karni Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi on Saturday dismissed reports that his outfit has withdrawn protests against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's PADMAAVAT and said it must be some "fake news" circulated by a "fake Karni Sena".

He also said that his group has made the BJP pay – via its loss in the Rajasthan bypolls – for not respecting the sentiments of the protesting Rajputs.

"There are many fake Karni Senas emerging in India. At present there are eight such entities operating in the country with vested interests," Kalvi told IANS.

The Rajput leader, whose group has been at the forefront of massive protests against PADMAAVAT, said there has been a duplicacy in matters pertaining to Karni Sena's functioning.

He stressed that there was "only one Rajput Karni Sena operating in India and I proudly say that I am the founder of that organisation".

He also asked people to "beware of such similarly named organisations functioning and operating in the market".

The Shree Rajput Karni Sena has been protesting the Deepika Padukone starrer since its inception, claiming the film distorts history.

"We started the initial protests against the release of the film, which we still continue to do," he said.

"However, the other duplicate Karni Senas are creating a dubious situation by releasing contradictory and fake news," Kalvi added.

Speaking on the Bharatiya Janata Party's loss in the Rajasthan bypolls, the Rajput leader said: "Around 17 organisations have joined hands and declared that they will make sure that BJP loses elections on each and every seat."

"And we proved what we said. Congress won with a big margin while BJP was a loser on its home turf."

"Jauhar ki jwala mein bahut kuchh jalega. Aur bhi bahut ghatnayen hongi (The fire of Jauhar will burn down many things, there is more to come). 'Padmaavat' will decide many things in future."

Kalvi said: "We want the government to understand via political loss how it has hurt the sentiments of people here."

"We have hit hard on notes as well as votes. Bhansali was expected to get Rs 500 crore return, however, we scuttled his dreams and cut the profit margin to Rs 150 crore.

"Similarly, the vote share of the BJP was reduced," he added.

"I have met 21 Chief Ministers and am looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon. I have got the call from PMO asking about my schedule and have given them my schedule.

"Will see when can I meet him and apprise him on the present situation," Kalvi added.

The Rajput leader strongly denied having any political aspirations.

"None of us have any dream of floating a political party," he said.

The Rajput Karni Sena on Friday had announced that it had decided to end the protests against Bhansali's PADMAAVAT stating that the film glorifies the valour of the Rajputs.

Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena's Mumbai leader, Yogendra Singh Kartar said that a few members of the outfit watched the film on the directions of the organisation's national President Sukhdev Singh Gogamadi and found that the "film glorifies" the valour and sacrifice of Rajputs, and "every Rajput would feel proud" after watching it.

[By Archana Sharma]

Shree Rajput Karni Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi on Saturday dismissed reports that his outfit has withdrawn protests against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's PADMAAVAT and said it must be some "fake news" circulated by a "fake Karni Sena".

He also said that his group has made the BJP pay – via its loss in the Rajasthan bypolls – for not respecting the sentiments of the protesting Rajputs.

"There are many fake Karni Senas emerging in India. At present there are eight such entities operating in the country with vested interests," Kalvi told IANS.

The Rajput leader, whose group has been at the forefront of massive protests against PADMAAVAT, said there has been a duplicacy in matters pertaining to Karni Sena's functioning.

He stressed that there was "only one Rajput Karni Sena operating in India and I proudly say that I am the founder of that organisation".

He also asked people to "beware of such similarly named organisations functioning and operating in the market".

The Shree Rajput Karni Sena has been protesting the Deepika Padukone starrer since its inception, claiming the film distorts history.

"We started the initial protests against the release of the film, which we still continue to do," he said.

"However, the other duplicate Karni Senas are creating a dubious situation by releasing contradictory and fake news," Kalvi added.

Speaking on the Bharatiya Janata Party's loss in the Rajasthan bypolls, the Rajput leader said: "Around 17 organisations have joined hands and declared that they will make sure that BJP loses elections on each and every seat."

"And we proved what we said. Congress won with a big margin while BJP was a loser on its home turf."

"Jauhar ki jwala mein bahut kuchh jalega. Aur bhi bahut ghatnayen hongi (The fire of Jauhar will burn down many things, there is more to come). 'Padmaavat' will decide many things in future."

Kalvi said: "We want the government to understand via political loss how it has hurt the sentiments of people here."

"We have hit hard on notes as well as votes. Bhansali was expected to get Rs 500 crore return, however, we scuttled his dreams and cut the profit margin to Rs 150 crore.

"Similarly, the vote share of the BJP was reduced," he added.

"I have met 21 Chief Ministers and am looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon. I have got the call from PMO asking about my schedule and have given them my schedule.

"Will see when can I meet him and apprise him on the present situation," Kalvi added.

The Rajput leader strongly denied having any political aspirations.

"None of us have any dream of floating a political party," he said.

The Rajput Karni Sena on Friday had announced that it had decided to end the protests against Bhansali's PADMAAVAT stating that the film glorifies the valour of the Rajputs.

Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena's Mumbai leader, Yogendra Singh Kartar said that a few members of the outfit watched the film on the directions of the organisation's national President Sukhdev Singh Gogamadi and found that the "film glorifies" the valour and sacrifice of Rajputs, and "every Rajput would feel proud" after watching it.

[By Archana Sharma]

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who is a father to twins Roohi and Yash, said his priority is not to give his kids fashionable and trendy clothes but to imbibe right values in them.

Asked being a fashion conscious father, does he ensure to dress his kids in trendiest clothes, Karan told IANS: "I don't think so. Although that's the expectation when it comes to me."

"Right now, I am focussing on them being good and being well brought up children. I am giving them the right value system rather than the right clothes. Fashion is really not on the priority list for me," said Karan, who became father to the twins via surrogacy in 2017.

But what about paparazzi continuously chasing celebrity kids?

"Well it's the order of the day and it is not a hazard really. It is what it is. We are in the business called show business so everything in our lives is now inclusive.

"Nothing can remain private and that's what it is. And if it is collateral damage and it comes with a territory then we have to accept it with open arms," Karan told IANS.

The filmmaker, who is known for creating fashion trends with his films like KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI, KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM… and KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA, turned showstopper for designers Shane and Falguni Peacock's debut men's wear line along with actress Sonakshi Sinha.

Talking about how Bollywood influences fashion, Karan said: "Bollywood has always been the impressionable medium that has really dictated fashion trend."

"When you go back to the 60s and beyond, everything that happened on celluloid always had a deep impact on the way people presented themselves, They emulate and imbibe the fashion on screen, so I think that's the kind of relation fashion has with films.

"Of course nowadays everyone is so exposed to the internet, social media, which teaches so much about trends.

"But I still feel that films have their own niche place in modelling the fashion and DNA of our times," he added.

Karan, who tried his hands in designing as well, in the past in association with a fashion brand, however, said he has no plans to get into that anytime soon.

"Not for a while. I would rather just wear other people's clothes and enjoy it as there is too much happening on the work front for me," said Karan, who is currently seen on small screen judging "India's Next Superstars" along with director Rohit Shetty.

Talking about designers Shane and Falguni's debut men's wear line, Karan said that their "clothes look fabulous and flamboyant".

"I had a lot of fun walking on the runway. Also, since I am Half Sindhi, bling goes with my territory. I think men should never shy away from shinning. Men should stop thinking that plain clothing is the way forward for them," he said.

So is this his personal taste, too?

"Fortunately with the presence of Ranveer Singh in the industry, people will accept every trend because he has raised the fashion bar so high.

"I applaud him and I adore him for completely taking men's fashion to an all different level. He is the brand ambassador of edgy fashion," said Karan.

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who is a father to twins Roohi and Yash, said his priority is not to give his kids fashionable and trendy clothes but to imbibe right values in them.

Asked being a fashion conscious father, does he ensure to dress his kids in trendiest clothes, Karan told IANS: "I don't think so. Although that's the expectation when it comes to me."

"Right now, I am focussing on them being good and being well brought up children. I am giving them the right value system rather than the right clothes. Fashion is really not on the priority list for me," said Karan, who became father to the twins via surrogacy in 2017.

But what about paparazzi continuously chasing celebrity kids?

"Well it's the order of the day and it is not a hazard really. It is what it is. We are in the business called show business so everything in our lives is now inclusive.

"Nothing can remain private and that's what it is. And if it is collateral damage and it comes with a territory then we have to accept it with open arms," Karan told IANS.

The filmmaker, who is known for creating fashion trends with his films like KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI, KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM… and KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA, turned showstopper for designers Shane and Falguni Peacock's debut men's wear line along with actress Sonakshi Sinha.

Talking about how Bollywood influences fashion, Karan said: "Bollywood has always been the impressionable medium that has really dictated fashion trend."

"When you go back to the 60s and beyond, everything that happened on celluloid always had a deep impact on the way people presented themselves, They emulate and imbibe the fashion on screen, so I think that's the kind of relation fashion has with films.

"Of course nowadays everyone is so exposed to the internet, social media, which teaches so much about trends.

"But I still feel that films have their own niche place in modelling the fashion and DNA of our times," he added.

Karan, who tried his hands in designing as well, in the past in association with a fashion brand, however, said he has no plans to get into that anytime soon.

"Not for a while. I would rather just wear other people's clothes and enjoy it as there is too much happening on the work front for me," said Karan, who is currently seen on small screen judging "India's Next Superstars" along with director Rohit Shetty.

Talking about designers Shane and Falguni's debut men's wear line, Karan said that their "clothes look fabulous and flamboyant".

"I had a lot of fun walking on the runway. Also, since I am Half Sindhi, bling goes with my territory. I think men should never shy away from shinning. Men should stop thinking that plain clothing is the way forward for them," he said.

So is this his personal taste, too?

"Fortunately with the presence of Ranveer Singh in the industry, people will accept every trend because he has raised the fashion bar so high.

"I applaud him and I adore him for completely taking men's fashion to an all different level. He is the brand ambassador of edgy fashion," said Karan.

Contrary to reports that Yami Gautam might lose her latest project 'BATTI GUL METER CHALU' because of her tussle with T-series, the actress says that she is very excited to be part of the film.

"'BATTI GUL METER CHALU' is the next. I am very excited to be on board. I am playing a lawyer. I'm also excited to collaborate with Prernaa Arora (of KriArj Entertainment), Shahid (Kapoor), Shraddha Kapoor.

"We are very excited as a team. The efforts are going to be the highest," Yami told IANS on the sidelines of Lakme Fashion (LFW) Week Summer/Resort 2018.

In an effort to promote sustainable fashion in India, the Woolmark Company and couturier Manish Malhotra unveiled a capsule collection using natural fibre Merino Wool titled 'Inaya' at Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Summer/Resort 2018.

Yami, who was draped in a merino wool-made sari designed by Malhotra, said that she "never felt so light in a six yard wonder".

"Let me start by talking about Manish Malhotra. He is the most warm person you will ever meet in the industry and he comes with such a great humility.

"His collection is my all-time favourite. This sari is actually very comfortable. It is made up of National fibre which is trans seasonal. I love it," said Yami.

The 'Inaya' collection is Malhotra's first Merino wool line which presents this fibre in a way like never before.

The newly unveiled signature collection will be available to the designer's high-end clientele at Manish Malhotra stores in India, Dubai, Europe and Britain.

Capturing the essence of the ongoing sustainable fashion dialogue, 'Inaya' presents wool sarees for women and bandhgalas and sherwanis for men, throwing the spotlight on Merino wool as a natural, biodegradable and renewable fibre.

Contrary to reports that Yami Gautam might lose her latest project 'BATTI GUL METER CHALU' because of her tussle with T-series, the actress says that she is very excited to be part of the film.

"'BATTI GUL METER CHALU' is the next. I am very excited to be on board. I am playing a lawyer. I'm also excited to collaborate with Prernaa Arora (of KriArj Entertainment), Shahid (Kapoor), Shraddha Kapoor.

"We are very excited as a team. The efforts are going to be the highest," Yami told IANS on the sidelines of Lakme Fashion (LFW) Week Summer/Resort 2018.

In an effort to promote sustainable fashion in India, the Woolmark Company and couturier Manish Malhotra unveiled a capsule collection using natural fibre Merino Wool titled 'Inaya' at Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Summer/Resort 2018.

Yami, who was draped in a merino wool-made sari designed by Malhotra, said that she "never felt so light in a six yard wonder".

"Let me start by talking about Manish Malhotra. He is the most warm person you will ever meet in the industry and he comes with such a great humility.

"His collection is my all-time favourite. This sari is actually very comfortable. It is made up of National fibre which is trans seasonal. I love it," said Yami.

The 'Inaya' collection is Malhotra's first Merino wool line which presents this fibre in a way like never before.

The newly unveiled signature collection will be available to the designer's high-end clientele at Manish Malhotra stores in India, Dubai, Europe and Britain.

Capturing the essence of the ongoing sustainable fashion dialogue, 'Inaya' presents wool sarees for women and bandhgalas and sherwanis for men, throwing the spotlight on Merino wool as a natural, biodegradable and renewable fibre.