Tete-a-Tete With Vidya Balan on Tumhari Sulu

Settled in a cozy white cabin on a hot Wednesday afternoon in Mumbai, Vidya Balan is like her character in her new film, Tumhari Sulu - warm, fun, happy and carefree.

The actress sips water from her mason jar as she complains about the heat in the city.

With an infectious smile, she candidy discusses her film .

You said Tumhari Sulu is a breezy film and you were dying to shoot it. How was the experience?

It was exceptional.

Firstly, because of her character, I identify with her a lot. I am just like her - restless and waiting to try out new things, to move on, get ahead, looking for reasons to smile, laugh.

She laughs at herself and at others. I could identify with that trait.

She is one of those who will say, 'Main kar sakti hoon' (I can do it).

She is happy being a homemaker but she also wants to try different things. It was so refreshing because my past few films have been serious.

It was all in the script and (director) Suresh Triveni has done a marvellous job. He brought the character alive.

Working under his direction was an amazing experience. Every unit member was invested in this film because Suresh kept the environment like that.

Since Sulu's character is relatable. Is that one of the reasons why you signed up for this film?

With every character, I need a point of identification. Only then I can play her.

I found Sulu very relatable because I come from a middle class family. I know what it is like when you are happy with what you have.

I have grown up with my family in Chembur (in suburban Mumbai). It wasn't like we had to travel abroad, have cars; we were absolutely content with whatever we had.

It never struck me that I should move out of that place.

I love that bit about Sulu. She is not a housewife who is bogged down by responsibilities, family or is lonely. She has a zest for life. Sulu is an enthu cutlet!

What is the most interesting thing about Sulu?

You think of her as someone who is sexy, sultry and intimate, especially since she is an RJ. You imagine her a certain way.

You don't imagine her to be someone clad in a sari; even if she is in a sari, you think of her wearing a low-cut blouse, with her hair blowing in the breeze. But she is not sexualized that way (laughs).

Does being sexy come naturally to you?

As a matter of fact, I thought we would shoot and then Suresh would get the sensual bits dubbed later.

But he was shocked that I even asked him about that.

I told him, 'You want it to sound sexy, na?'

So he asked, 'Did you hear yourself?'

I was like, 'Really...?'

It was kind of effortless. I didn't think about anything. I just tried talking in a slightly husky tone.

How was it working with Manav Kaul?

Incredible!

I had seen him in Kai Po Che and felt he was amazing.

But I didn't interact with him. I met him for the first time during the film. He was chilled out. The minute we met, the ice broke.

There was a certain trust. We weren't in competition and we weren't insecure. He wasn't insecure that the film was called Tumhari Sulu.

Your last release Begum Jaan did not do well. Were you disappointed?

It's always disappointing.

But thankfully, this time, it didn't feel it much because the movie released on April 13 and, the next day, I had to start my sittings for Tumhari Sulu. We began shooting the film on April 26. So there was no time to think.

I thought to myself that I should always do this. On the day one of my films release, I should start the prep for my next movie (laughs).

I always hope the films do well though I don't have a figure in my head.

Do you agree that content is king?

Content isn't the king, it's the queen!

I feel very, very blessed about the audience's love and expectations from me.

Today, more than ever, there is no one type of a film working. You have Judwaa 2 andGolmaal Again on one side and you have Shubh Mangal Saavdhan and Bareilly Ki Barfi on the other. Then, you have Newton and Lipstick Under My Burkha as well. All the films are completely different.

People aren't saying they will watch only this genre or actor. They are demanding good content.

Do you believe that promotions help in bringing in the audiences?

Actually, promotions don't bring in audiences.

People watch the trailer and decide if they want to watch the film. Promotions are a way of hammering into people's minds that we are coming on so and so date. This is so that, if they like the trailer, then they will land up in the theatre.

I don't think promotions serve any other purpose and people are understanding it slowly.

I enjoy promoting a film but we should stop doing it. It has become too much. It is the same thing over and over again.

I feel you don't need to promote anymore films today. Doing 20 interviews and talking about my character isn't exciting. During Lage Raho Munnabhai, getting a Sanjay Dutt talk about his character was a big thing. Now, we are everywhere.

But actors and producers feel insecure. They feel that what if the promotions have the slightest impact...

Most stars are tired of promotions but, if they don't do it and the film fails, they feel kar lena chahiye tha (should have done it).

How was it grooving to the recreated version of Sridevi's Hawa hawai?

We haven't recreated it. It is impossible to recreate a Sridevi song. I was happy I got to do it because, all my life, I have danced to Hawa hawai. It is an energetic song on which you want to dance. And whether you like it or no, you cannot help but think of Sridevi.

I remember Shekhar Kapur's quote at that time. My sister told me Shekhar Kapur had said, 'I didn't know what to shoot -- Sridevi's face or feet because if I did a close up of her feet, I realised I was missing out on her face and vice versa'.

I wonder what would it be like to be on the sets of that film. If there was a time machine, I would want to go back in time and visit the sets of Mr India and watch Sridevi dance.

We plan to show the song to her.

I have told her that I am not recreating your song, just paying tribute to you. She was very happy. She is so gentle and lovely.

What was your husband Siddharth Roy Kapur's reaction to the trailer of Tumhari Sulu?

He loved the trailer and me in it. He hasn't seen the film yet. I have and I think it's good (smiles, taps the table saying, 'Touch wood!').

What's next?

I haven't decided. I was reading scripts until two weeks ago. I will take a call after Tumhari Sulu releases. I am a little torn between two films -- that's always the case with me.

There were reports of you being approached to play Indira Gandhi in a film. Any truth to it?

I was approached a long time ago but I said no. Unless the permissions are sorted, I will not invest that kind of time and energy in the film. It will be painful and heartbreaking if it doesn't release.

I am dying to play Indira Gandhi.

Elli AvrRam Turning Comfortable In Hindi

Just when people were casting aspersions on her ability to speak in Hindi, Elli AvrRam is all set to shock her detractors with her debut in the South. The actress will reprise Lisa Haydon's role from 'Queen' in the Tamil and Kannada remake of the Kangana Ranaut hit. 

What's more, Elli will be shooting the two South Indian versions simultaneously, scene by scene. Interestingly, she is also learning French, as Lisa's character had quite a few lines in that language in the Hindi film.

Elli says, "Since I didn't know French, I auditioned in my mother tongue Swedish and English for the part. I won't copy anyone and will treat the character in my own style. I've already started training in Tamil, Kannada and French. It's a fun process and I am enjoying every bit of it."

The actress is also hosting a reality show on which she converses in Hindi. Looks like she isn't going to let criticism deter her from learning multiple languages.

Jhanvi Kapoor Ready For Bollywood Debut

Sridevi and Boney Kapoor’s daughter Jhanvi Kapoor is all grown up and Bollywood ready. After much speculation about her Bollywood debut, it was reported that the star kid will be launched by Karan Johar in what will be a Hindi remake of Marathi blockbuster film, ‘Sairat’.

However, Karan, who took the young lad under his wings, is now reportedly in two minds over the commercial viability of the Marathi remake film.

According to reports, ‘Sairat’ worked its charm in Marathi because the story of a forbidden love affair across caste lines was anchored to the Maharashtrian milieu.

However, to make it more appealing to his urbane audience, Karan reportedly wanted to relocate the plot and make it more to the level of Romeo and Juliet than just play on the caste card. And in doing so, the film has reportedly started to look like any other love story.

It seems that the star kid’s debut will either be delayed or shelved. Jhanvi Kapoor has also been reportedly approached for Bollywood remake of the Hollywood flick, ‘The Fault In Our Stars’.

Taapsee Pannu in a ‘Legal’ situation

It's a high for anyone to buy a house, but what if you don't get to spend any time in the beloved property? Taapsee Pannu has barely spent time at her newly-acquired home.

After playing a London-based NRI and a spy in her recent releases, Taapsee Pannu has now started shooting for filmmaker 'Mulk'. The social thriller, being shot in Lucknow, that also stars Rishi Kapoor in a pivotal role, has the actress playing a lawyer.

Given how nuanced most of her performances have been, Taapsee met a lot of her friends in the legal space to get a clear understanding of the profession. She has also been interacting with the lawyers her friends have referred her in a bid to understand how counsels argue in the court room, what their mannerisms are and what their mindset is while debating from either side.

"Some of my lawyer friends handle high-profile criminal cases. So, I decided to meet them with my script and wanted them to help me understand what the story behind the scenes is. I wanted to know how cases are presented to the judge. They're guiding me on how lawyers prepare themselves for a case while battling their personal opinion on the matter. I'm getting a hang of their body language, too. It's fascinating to understand what a lawyer's day-to-day job entails," says Taapsee.

Taapsee Pannu Shooting For ‘Mulk’

Actress Taapsee Pannu, who is currently enjoying the success of 'Judwaa 2', has now kick-started the shooting of filmmaker Anubhav Sinha's thriller film 'Mulk'.

Taapsee will play veteran actor Rishi Kapoor's daughter-in-law in the film and will be seen as a lawyer.

"After a short break of doing a light-hearted film, I am back to doing a movie which will trigger debate and touch hearts," Taapsee said.

The film will also feature Prateik Babbar, Rajat Kapoor, Ashutosh Rana and Neena Gupta.

‘Aditi Rao Hydari’ Excited For ‘Padmavati’

“Padmavati” is undoubtedly one of the most awaited films of the year. The film piqued fans’ curiosity ever since its inception ad the announcement of the star cast. After the launch of the trailer, the excitement has only doubled so much so that, it is now among the highest viewed trailers on YouTube.

While everyone was blown away by Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh's avatar, many of you might have noticed that Aditi Rao Hydari, who plays Ranveer’s wife in the film, wasn’t a part of the trailer.

On being asked about the same, the actress revealed that she was shooting her part till two days before the trailer launch.

The actress also admitted that she is very happy to be a part of such a film and to feature opposite "great actors and talent". And much like the rest of us, Aditi said that she is looking forward to watching the film.

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, ‘Padmavati’ is slated to release on December 1, 2017.

Shweta Tripathi To Turn Film Producer

Actress Shweta Tripathi, known for 'Masaan' and 'Haraamkhor', is stepping into film production. She said it's a great time to explore, expand and grow.

Asked about the reason why she has got into production, Shweta said: "It's never too early to start doing something that excites you. I feel now is a great time to explore, expand and grow."

The 32 year old actress says she doesn't want to "sit and wait for roles and scripts".

Shweta made her debut in Hindi filmdom with 'Masaan' in 2015 and was later seen in 'Haraamkhor'.

When asked, “Is being a part of a commercial film in her wishlist?”, the actress replied, "I would love to do a commercial film. But my hero is the script. That has to woe me".

Shweta will also be seen in a film titled 'Zoo', completely shot on a phone. It had its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival.

“'Zoo', directed by Shlok Sharma, is India's first iPhone film. It's so much fun to try out something new. It was great to be shot on an iPhone... Very intimate. Just the actors and the cinematographer in the room. We didn't even know where the camera was and that helped us be the character throughout,” she said.

Shweta has also been roped in for a web-series directed by Zoya Akhtar.

Parineeti Chopra was Down for almost a Year

Actress Parineeti Chopra said she was "down in the dumps" for almost a year, but her brother Sahaj helped her in overcoming depression.

"I think every human being who consider themselves to be emotionally evolved, always have this one very big event or one person who comes into their lives and completely changes the way they think. And I can say very confidently that happened in my life," Parineeti said in a statement.

"A couple of years ago, I went through a very low phase emotionally in my life where I was really down in the dumps. It wasn't like a person especially came into to my life, but it was a person who has always been in my life - my brother Sahaj.

"Sahaj was the guy who was my voice of reason, he was the calming factor. He is the guy who knows me, he knows my pulse, he understands me, he understands the grain that I am made of. So, speaking to him, being with him everyday really used to give me that confidence in myself and really took me out of that phase," she added.

Parineeti said her fight against depression lasted for "almost a year", but she fought it and emerged a "more positive" person.

"So, Sahaj thank you and I love you. You are my baby, you are my brother, you are my life, you are my soulmate, and no man will be able to ever replace that, and I am proud to say that I love you," Parineeti said.

Vidya Balan not Interested for Remakes

Remakes may be the latest trend in Bollywood but the actor Vidya Balan believes one should not tamper with an old classic.

There were reports that Vidya was offered to play Sridevi's role in a remake of 'Sadma'.

"I would not do it (remake a film). I can't dare to make or do something again. I was offered 'Sadma' remake and I said no to it. As I feel one should not touch a film like 'Sadma', why tamper with it? These are timeless films. One can reinterpret it but I am not one of those who would go for it," Vidya said at a film event.

Vidya said Hrishikesh Mukherjee's 'Anand', Ramesh Sippy's 'Sholay', Mahesh Bhatt's 'Arth' and Shekhar Kapur's 'Mr. India' were her favorite films during a conversation with film critics.

The National award-winning actor, meanwhile, is looking forward to her next film, 'Tumhari Sulu'.

She plays a carefree housewife who turns into a late night radio jockey.

The film was earlier slated to release on November 1 but the makers have shifted the date to avoid a clash with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus, 'Padmavati'.

'Tumhari Sulu' will now release on November 24.

Kalki Koechlin Cleavage Showing Pics

Parineeti Chopra in ‘Golmaal Again’

Actress Parineeti Chopra, who joined the 'Golmaal' team for the fourth installment of the blockbuster franchise, said that friends for life is what she has taken away from 'Golmaal Again'.

Asked about her experience as the new group member, Parineeti said: "First, I was completely star-struck by these guys. There was this bond between them and they understood each other. They knew exactly what to do. On the other hand, I thought that I might just mess this up.

"I didn't know what to do. But within 10 minutes, I felt welcome and these people are so mad that I realized why I was cast for this film... because I am like them. I really found friends for life and that is my biggest take away from the film."

The 'Ishaqzaade' actress says she always thought comedy was an easier genre, but she was proven wrong after working on 'Golmaal Again', helmed by Rohit Shetty.

"When I used to watch these films, I used to feel comedy is easier. They are just doing comedy, it's just making people laugh. And dramatic scenes are so much tougher to do. But after 'Golmaal', now as an actor, I feel those dramatic scenes are easier.

"But to do this kind of comedy and this kind of film, to speak in a language that keeps the whole country (entertained) is very tough. Now I have realized that as cliched as it sounds, but comedy is a serious business."

'Golmaal Again', scheduled to release this Diwali later this month, also features Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tushar Kapur, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Kemmu and Tabu.

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