The Dancing Queens

If the men beat up the goons in our films, the women blow us over with their killer dance moves. Mujras, cabaret, item songs - we have seen it all. Our actresses have always brought their unique style to the silver screen and made songs larger than life. We list down 11 dancing queens in Bollywood whose grace is unmatched.


 

Vyjayathimala
She's a Bharathnatyam dancer, so there’s no doubt that she’ll be exceptional with her moves. Vyjayanthimala’s dance numbers have gone on to be super hits. Check out her graceful moves in songs like Man dole mera tan dole (Nagin), Chadh gayo paapi bichhua (Madhumati), Buddha mil gaya (Sangam) or Hothon pe aisi baat (Jewel Thief),

 

Helen
The reason item numbers were not termed crass back in the day was because Helen made them classy. From Gabbar to Don, all villains loved to watch her dance. Helen is undoubtedly the uncrowned cabaret queen of Hindi cinema. Helen's moves were sensuous but not cheap. She got oomph in her songs. There is no one who can dance like Helen till date!

 

Mumtaz
Mumtaz is a true success story in our industry. She was a background dancer before she became a superstar. It is said that other actresses were given videotapes of her songs so that they could adapt her steps. Watch her in Bindiya Chamkegi (Do Raaste) to know why.

 

Rekha
She has mastered the art of enchanting the audience just with her expressive eyes. Who can forget Inn ankhon ki masti ke (Umrao Jaan)? And it's not only mujra she excels in; watch her dance as a free-spirited village belle in Pardesiya (Mr Natwarlal) and you’ll know she’s an ace.

 

Hema Malini
The eternal dreamgirl loves dancing and she still does live performances. She excels in classical dancing and her expressions are to die for.

 

Sridevi
Which other actress can do the nagin dance the way Sridevi does? Her songs and dance were so popular that people knew about the films because of her songs. We bet even today Sridevi can give any actress a run for her money if she decides to dance.

Madhuri Dixit
Even if the camera just focuses on her face, she will be the best dancer in Indian cinema. That’s the prowess of Madhuri Dixit and ability to express. Her dance numbers created a riot in the cinema halls. Birju Maharaj has called her the “best Bollywood dancer.” Saroj Khan has continually stated she’s her favourite protégé.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
You will be left awestruck when you watch her dance on the big screen. Even in a dance-off with Madhuri Dixit in Dola re from Devdas, it’s difficult to judge who is performing better. And boy how can we forget Crazy kiya re!

 

Katrina Kaif
She may not be the best at speaking Hindi, but she surely knows how to dance on Hindi numbers. Zara zara (Race) was just a trailer, because she created fireworks with her item song Sheila ki jawaani (Tees Maar Khan) in 2010. The film tanked at the box-office but what remained was Katrina Kaif - the dancing queen. Watch Maashallah, Ishq Shaava and Kamli and you will forget the fact that she is dancing opposite three powerful Khans, because you will be only looking at her.

Priyanka Chopra
If she can win your heart by being a desi girl, she can also be a Babli badmaash and show you her naughty side. Priyanka Chopra is an amazing dancer and we still remember when she paid an ode to Madhuri Dixit's hit dance numbers at 58th Filmfare Awards, she was no less than the dhak dhak girl. Watch Asalaam-e-ishqum and Ram chahe leela as she seduces a la Priyanka Chopra style.

 

Deepika Padukone
The first time she faced the silver screen she imitated the dance steps of veteran actresses in her song Dhoom Tana (Om Shanti Om). We knew it right then that this girl would burn the big screen with her moves every single time. When she danced on Nagada Sang Dhol in Ram Leela, people started comparing her to Aishwarya Rai. And last year she shocked the audiences with her sizzling act as Lovely in Happy New Year. Welcome the new dancing queen.

Fitoor to have a 2016 Valentine Release

      

Abhishek Kapoor, who has given us memorable films in the past (Rock On!!! and Kai Po Che!) is all set to release his much awaited film Fitoor. Fitoor is based on Charles Dicken’s novel Great Expectations. The film stars Aditya Roy Kapur, Katrina Kaif and Rekha. The big budgeted film is produced by UTV Motion pictures and they have officially announced that the film will release on February 12th 2016 which is the Valentines Day weekend.

Hello Brothers

Bollywood is known for its knack of pairing up people just right. And while the hero-heroine jodis are memorable, it’s the camaraderie and fireworks that come with having two powerhouse men pair off that is really exciting to watch. As siblings, as friends, as enemies and sometimes, even as lovers, a film with two male leads has its own unique and loveable charm. And this is why we can’t wait to watch Sidharth Malhotra and Akshay Kumar in Brothers, the new Dharma Productions remake of the 2011 film, Warrior. As these two dashing and dynamic actors come together as siblings on screen, we recount some of the best male jodis in Hindi cinema.

 

Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra – Sholay
Jai and Veeru immortalised the promise – “yeh dost hum nahin todenge” – by setting a high benchmark of true friendship in Sholay. Whether it was the perfectly coordinated songs and outfits or the in-sync fight sequences, there was s much to love about these two men together on screen. Partners in crime, Jai and Veeru’s playful camaraderie, staunch loyalty and the courage to stand up for one another no matter what, is what makes them an endearing pair that we just can’t get enough of.

 

Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor – Deewar
When two brothers are found on the opposite sides of the law, sparks are bound to fly. And that’s why Mr Bachchan as the criminal Vijay and and Shashi Kapoor as the earnest cop Ravi make Deewar the landmark film that it is. As the two brothers are torn apart by circumstances, the sacrifices of the older brother Vijay, along with the younger brother Ravi’s dedication to make his brother a better man, are heartrending to watch.


 

Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan – Yeh Dillagi, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Keemat, Aarzoo, Tu Chor Main Sipahi
This was one of the hit jodis of the 90s, featuring in many films together. Right from playing brothers who fall in love with the same woman in Yeh Dillagi, crooks in Keemat and finally, with Akshay Kumar as an honest police officer being studied by an actor played by Saif Ali Khan in Main Khiladi Tu Anari, they have been cast together in various scenarios. Their camaraderie is casual and worked well on screen. They were even seen together in Tashan, as they came together to fight against a local don. 

Aamir Khan and Salman Khan – Andaz Apna Apna
Amar-Prem from Andaz Apna Apna is one of the most loved jodis of Bollywood. Aamir Khan and Salman Khan brought out their comic side in this cult film. With cases of mistaken and switched identities, nefarious criminal plans and ulterior motives, this hilarious twosome, with their easy comic timing made the film and absolute delight to watch.

 

Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan – Karan Arjun
Playing two brothers who are reincarnated for revenge, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan in and as Karan-Arjun are forever etched in our memory. Bound by ties of blood and the need to avenge their father’s death, the two brothers reunite in their second birth to fulfill their mother's prophecy of revenge. From their playfulness as brothers to the way they both fight to keep one other safe, one can indeed say, "yeh bandhan toh pyaar ka bandhan hai"

 

Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan – Kal Ho Na Ho
This duo was amazing together especially during the humorous sequences that involved a lot of sexual innuendo and a very scandalised Kanta Ben. Their emotional bond showed as well, especially in the crucial scene where Aman (Shah Rukh) makes up a diary entry for Rohit (Saif) so that Rohit can profess his love for Naina (Preity Zinta). 

Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff - Ram Lakhan
Jackie Shroff as the older brother to Anil Kapoor in Ram Lakhan is one of the most iconic pairs. The responsible and level-headed Ram is an excellent foil to the free-wheeling dreamer Lakhan, as they go through ups and downs to achieve the common objective - making their father's assailants pay for his death. Though they starred in many more films together, like Karma, Trimurti and Kabhi Na Kabhi, their pairing in Ram Lakhan stands out as the most memorable and successful one. 

Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham – Dostana
Now this jodi was a fabulous one as Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham played gay in order to get an apartment and hopefully even the girl, Priyanka Chopra. Right from their cute made-up love story, to the pranks they pull on each other in pursuit of the leading lady, these two left no stone unturned in the act, especially when they took the blessings of the mother, played by Kirron Kher, in full couple style. 

 

Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra – Student of the Year
These two actors have been friends before their first film together and the bonding translated to the screen as well. When they played best friends Rohan and Abhimanyu in SOTY, their bonhomie was a treat to watch. As their characters go through clashes, competition and the battle for a girl's heart, they still emerge as strong friends even after 10 years of separation and animosity. 

Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor - Gunday
The film celebrates a legendary friendship of childhood buddies Bikram and Bala and Ranveer and Arjun did justice to their bromance. Tested by politics, ploys of the police and shared love for the cabaret dancer, Nandita, their fierce loyalty to one another shines through. Reckless, fun loving and action-packed, this jodi brought back the charm of Calcutta in the 70s.

Anushka Sharma's interview After World Cup

If Virat doesnât play well Im blamed for it

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Does being under the scanner constantly put the relationship under strain?
I had a back problem so I’ve been going to the physiotherapist at the Kokilaben Hospital. Someone took a picture when I was getting out of the hospital. Now they’re making it seem like I developed the back problem after my trip to Australia. I was like WHAT? What does my back problem have to do with my Australia trip? People are obsessed and they want to go on and on about the same thing.The back problem happened on the NH10 set. You don’t do that to a male star. It’s because they don’t take heroines seriously. They assume we should be answering questions about our personal lives because that’s the only exciting thing about us. It’s not. That’s why I don’t choose to talk about it. Because we take our work seriously. And if you don’t understand the seriousness of my work, why should I answer your questions? I don’t hide my relationship. We go about it normally. I go to see him, people know that. It’s not like I’m saying no to photographs, or stopping people from clicking us, or hiding and meeting him. We’re in a relationship just the way anyone else would be.  

It becomes big news when he’s blowing kisses to you…
Yaa. Well…

Is it frustrating that being a public figure, you can’t react to this PDA like a normal girl would?
No, I just felt embarrassed. My brother still makes fun of me. I was embarrassed ya. It’s a stadium and people were turning around and looking at me. I felt shy.

Does this take a toll on both of you?
No. We’re both cut off from everything. When it takes away from your work then it’s a problem. It doesn’t take a toll on your relationship. Virat and I are quite strong. But it definitely does on your work. He wants to focus on his work. The baggage of his relationship in the media is something else. If he scores well, it’s attributed to me, if he doesn’t play well, it’s because of me. I’m blamed for everything. I don’t understand. But all this doesn’t harm our relationship. I wouldn’t be with someone if we were not on the same wavelength. During the England tour, it did take a toll, not on our relationship, but on Virat. What happened was unfair. We weren’t prepared for it. For him more so because he’s a sportsman, he plays to win. It’s our stupidity that we start paying attention to these things. Later you wonder why I was even responding to the stupid things. After that episode, now it doesn’t make any difference to us. If your film is a hit it’s all okay, if you score a century, it’s all okay. The best thing is to keep silent and let your work speak.

Credit to Filmfare magazine 

Hrithik Roshan's Interview

The Marathon Man

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"I will find my heart to fight with my mind. I will not be afraid because I will never give up. I have to forget what failure means before I give victory a shot. I have to defeat, defeat,” says Hrithik Roshan, passionately, in his new promotional video for his brand, HRX. That’s also Hrithik for you. A fighter. He’s never been afraid of a challenge. For him, defeat is just an illusion. Be it his personal troubles or physical ailments, he’s always emerged triumphant. A raring urge to keep moving on fuels his soul. If there’s one thing he exemplifies, it’s the sheer grit and determination, which can literally move mountains. In an introspective chat, the actor talks about never succumbing to his injuries – physical or otherwise - dealing with fears, never repeating the same mistake twice and kicking ass in life. If motivation had a face, it would be Hrithik Roshan’s…



Your life has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride...
Life is a rollercoaster ride. You will go upside down; there will be unexpected turns and dips at every juncture but the key is to keep moving forward. You’ve just got to scream, shout and enjoy it. Also, who wants to sit on a rollercoaster that moves at a snail’s pace, right?

You’ve been through a brain surgery, had multiple injuries and have even been told that you would never be able to walk again…
(Cuts in) Yes, that happened when I was about to start Kites. I thought I would not be able to do the film because my knee hadn’t healed for two years. I was even on a crutch for six months. That’s the time I signed Guzaarish as my last film because the doctors told me my knee would never get okay. At 35, doctors told me I had only one year left to walk as my knee was already arthritic and it would only get worse. When I heard that, I was in hell. I’d get upset imagining myself, not being able to play football with my sons. Or not being able to teach them the BMX stunts I used to do. I’d even bought a piano thinking that if I couldn’t act, at least I’d try to sing. But I didn’t want to give up. I couldn’t. So I took the alternative route. I went to China, Finland and even Singapore to practise every single alternative therapy there was for my knee. Two hours every day, for a whole two years. And one day, the pain 
just vanished. 

That’s some serious discipline and determination…
Well, you have to take action. You can beat every adversity to the curb. Even the doctors were surprised that my knee had healed. They told me I’d beaten science. 

How do you deal with fear?
All fear is just an illusion. So today, if something goes wrong, I take the lesson of my past and apply it to the fear that’s in front of me. Once you do that, your mind creates a pattern. You are going to fear different kinds of things at various stages of your life. You’re going to feel even more scared when a new situation arises but once your mind adopts a pattern, which assures you there’s a way out, you’ll find that way. 

Two decades ago, would you have imagined that you’d have to stand strong in the face of so many adversities? 
Not at all. But the point is you have to be happy. If one of the fuel pipes that fuelled you is cut off, what are you going to do? You will feel a vacuum. You cannot sit there and say, I’m going to be unhappy because I’ve lost the pipeline. Or you can’t 
sit there blaming someone. You have to do something about it. Create other pipelines. 

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in the past five years? 
To be a cause and not an effect. The moment you’re an effect, it means you’re being a victim. You are allowing the surroundings to affect your balance and you’re creating a story in your head. Then your thoughts are not aligned with your higher purpose. We all have a higher purpose. It’s something you discover through the course of your journey.

How do you keep yourself grounded considering every star is surrounded by yes men?
I’m not actually. I make sure that I’m not surrounded by people who feed my ego. I like to be surrounded by the truth. I do have people around me who are loyal and respect me but they won’t think twice before telling me something blatantly honest. It could be my driver, my boy or even my assistant. I can immediately sense when a person is sucking up to me. Similarly, if my assistant is throwing his weight around because he is my assistant, I will immediately sack him. He has to be a representative of the kind of person I am. You’re not allowed to assert power over others just because you are associated with me.

Most people who know you say you’re the humblest among the stars...
Humility is a good thing but it’s used by people to create an image about themselves because they know it will go down well with people. I can sense the lies and the futility of being nice. I am just who I am. I’m someone who goes all out for the people I love.

Have you ever made the same mistake twice? 
(Smiles) I never make the same mistakes twice. I learn from my mistakes and from other people’s mistakes. I’m a fast learner. 

Professionally, you have never given competition or the number one game any importance...
I am not bitten by that foolish bug. There’s no end to wanting to be first. There is no first. I’m happy when I can make other people happy and that is an everyday practice. Even though you’ll achieve success and awards, you’ll never be fulfilled unless you give to people. Whatever emotion you want to experience, first give it and you will receive it in abundance. For instance, if you want to feel love, all you have to do is have the courage to give love. Right now, if I get up and give you a hug, you’ll give me a hug back. Be the source of the emotion you want to sense and you’ll receive it in profusion.

How do you deal with the disappointment of a film not doing well or not winning an award?
You drop it and move on. Those are things you can’t do much about. Why hold on to things that are not in your control? It’s a waste of time. 

When was the last time you were affected by a film not doing well?
The last time would’ve been probably when Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage released. 

Nothing has affected you after that?
Nope… Like I said, I don’t make the same mistake twice.

What is the one thing you kick ass at?
(Laughs) I kick ass at life. That’s the best sport of all.

Have you closed your mind to love? 
(Pauses) That you can probably ask me in about a year from now.

Credit to Filmfare magazine 

Anushka Sharma 's Latest interview

Ranbir Kapoor made me cry

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Karan Johar recently said that he didn’t even know where the camera was while shooting for Bombay Velvet. 
Yeah. You would never know and he won’t tell you. And after a while you don’t even bother. Raju sir will tell you yeh camera hai, yeh emotion hai and I will take it from here. Kashyap’s set is like a drama. It’s like a play, you go into an empty room, it’s so intimate and real, you can’t see the cameraman, who’s anyway such a calm guy. You get used to both their styles after a while.

Bombay Velvet also engulfed you in the lip job controversy…
I didn’t realise it would become such a big issue. But it did.  People went on talking… tumne yeh kiya, tumne woh kiya... and I was like please meri bhi sun lo. I couldn’t understand why people were reacting so much. But then I realised why they were…

Was it a good decision to express your mind on Twitter?
Yes it was. Because otherwise you leave too much room for unnecessary speculation. Why would I hide it? I knew people would notice it na. I wasn’t living in a bubble thinking no one would notice it. I wanted to put an end to it for my mental peace. Though I don’t owe anyone any explanation. Usskey baad anyone said anything, it just fell on deaf ears. People are intelligent. Once you give an intelligent answer they understand, they stopped trolling.

What was the experience like working with Ranbir Kapoor on Bombay Velvet?
He’s easy to work with because he’s been my friend. His irritating me is normal but on set I don’t like getting irritated. I don’t even like talking.I sit quietly in one corner. He thought he was being funny and I couldn’t take it because I had to do the scene. (Laughs) I just went in one corner and started crying. Then Ranbir came to me and said,
‘I swear I won’t trouble you again’. I was like I know we do this normally but I don’t want you to do this right now. I was like ‘Ranbir just stop talking and stop irritating me.’ I didn’t want to fight with him because we were going to shoot a romantic scene. I was like I can’t even fight with him, so what do I do? And I started crying like a chick. That was the only time. After that we were fine. I’ve huge respect for Ranbir as an artiste. He’s a very good actor and so effortless. He’s not like pumping up before a shot or thinking too much. We would be just talking before we’d start filming. Then we’d be out of it and we’d be planning dinner.  It was as casual as that. I like his selection of films and the way he uses his stardom to back good cinema. I wish he continues to do that, I pray that his tribe may increase. He has it in him to create that kind of legacy.

You have a kissing scene in the film. How did you deal with it?
It’s nothing. Both of us are in very solid relationships. We both are secure actors. It’s strange to even explain this. We both don’t do meaningless films; we both don’t do scenes just to grab attention. We are working on an Anurag Kashyap film, so everything is happening for a reason.

As you said both of you are in relationships, does that baggage come in?
No. Rather, you think I saw this film and those guys were so real. We should be real too. You think how
I can make this film better. We wanted to make the kissing scene in Bombay Velvet look effortless. The way Ranbir and I view our characters is similar. When I read about Rosie and Balraj’s relationship, it was so freaking real. It was how you would be with your boyfriend. The intensity, that passion was so real; I was scared to do this film. I know Ranbir just thinks of his character. He has no malice, no double thoughts. Anurag, Ranbir and I are concerned with the same thing - let’s make great cinema. If I was working with any other actor who I knew didn’t think like that, I would have been scared – not of kissing but that it may not look as good on screen as it does on paper.

Credit to Filmfare Magazine 

Ayushman Khuranna Latest interview

I would do frontal nudity even without a transistor

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In the '90s, who was your singing idol? 
Of course Kumar Sanu! Prem has no other option in Dum Laga Ke Haisha. 

How important was the success of Dum Laga Ke Haisha for you? And why?
It was really important. Got a déjà vu feeling. It reminded me of Vicky Donor days where I was only sure about critical acclaim.

If you turned obese overnight, what would you do? 
I will coax Sharat Katariya to write Dum Laga Ke Haisha part 2 with roles reversed. Hehe.

Do you think love marriages work better than arranged ones?
Only "friendship" works as Shah Rukh Khan once said: Pyaar Dosti Hai in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Companionship always works in a marriage 

How do you take criticism?
Criticism is the only drive in my laid back life. I take it with a 'pinch of salt' 

2015 has began with a bang for you. What's next?
Some concerts lined up with my band. Reading scripts. Et el. PS - hoping the bang continues.

If a role demands frontal nudity, would you be game for it? 
Yes if the role demands, I won't even keep the transistor. Sigh. 

What will a world without women be?
sans PMS and the design of the filmfare trophy will be different with some muscles and crotch.

Define yourself in three words?
Sexy, sexy, sexy mujhe log boley.

Name three films that you'd watch over and over again!
Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na, Dilwale Dulahniya Le Jaayengey, Maine Pyaar Kiya.

Credit to Filmfare magazine