Born to an actor mother who would often play melodramatic roles in Gujarati plays, veteran artiste Ratna Pathak Shah never quite liked the idea of being an actor.
She resented the fact that it was simply assumed she would be an actor owing to her mother, Dina Pathak's career, and it took her a while to realise that acting was where her heart lay.
"I was always taken along for my mother's shows, but I never enjoyed seeing them," Ratna said, adding that the backstage was her haunt.
She was speaking at a session at the ongoing Mountain Echoes literary festival here.
It was her introduction to theatre director and actor Satyadev Dubey that opened her eyes to the possibilities of what theatre could do.
"He did not rely on magic. He used texts that talked about issues that were around us, and discussed contemporary new ways of looking at the world.
"He did plays by writers like Mohan Rakesh and Girish Karnad, and would give them the most simple, without frill kind of styling," she ...

Did not like the idea of being an actor: Ratna Pathak Shah

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Mouni Roy, one of the popular actors of television, is still in "disbelief" about having bagged Karan Johar produced "Brahmastra" and John Abraham-starrer "RAW: Romeo Akbar Walter".
The 32-year-old actor, who was most recently seen in Akshay Kumar-starrer "Gold", says she is "grateful" that good roles are coming her way.
"I feel elated and grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. I don't know how it happened, I am still in suspension of disbelief. I am very excited about this part of my life.
"I will be giving my best. I have started working on the two films 'Brahmastra' and 'Romeo Akbar Walter'," Mouni told PTI,
The actor, however, did not divulging the details of her roles in the upcoming films.
In "Brahmastra", she joins the star-studded cast of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Amitabh Bachchan.
Calling herself a proud television actor, Mouni says she was very happy working on the small screen and if there are interesting projects then she will definitely take them up, ...

Still in disbelief: Mouni on bagging 'Brahmastra' and 'RAW'

Actor Shahid Kapoor says when he was approached to star in the Hindi version of Telugu blockbuster "Arjun Reddy" he felt there was no need to remake the film as the original was "too perfect".
Shahid, 37, will be playing the lead in the film and the actor said the arc of the character excited him and he decided to come on-board the project.
"'Arjun Reddy' is in the preparation stage. We will start shooting for it around October 1. The first thought I had in mind was why are we remaking it. It is too perfect. But then after spending sometime with the script I thought this character is so exciting I want to give it a try," Shahid told PTI.
The actor said he prefers being part of projects that come from a place which is "very real".
"Content is changing and it is reflection of the fact that different material is coming to actors. And whenever I get that opportunity I kind of jump on it. I am very attracted to films which talk about the issues that we can relate to. I like stories being ..

When Shahid thought 'Arjun Reddy' was too perfect for a remake

Designer Amit Aggarwal has always given importance to recycling and sustainability in fashion and he is happy that the new generation is well-aware of the consequences the world has to face if they do not make their production process environment-friendly.
The designer says even the consumers are equally conscious about the harm their clothes will cause to the earth.
"Designers have become more conscious and aware about what they create and how they create. I believe the new educated generation understands how to create something which is unique and healthy and something which won't cause harm to the nature.
"The clients are also equally aware about why sustainability is necessary in fashion. I always believe that one should have lesser pieces in their wardrobe, but something which they can use for years or probably hand it over for the generations to come," Amit told PTI.
The designer showcased his first ever menswear range last night at the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive .

Designers have become conscious about what their creations do to environment: Amit Aggarwal

Shahid Kapoor and wife Mira Rajput welcomed their first child together, Misha, two years ago and the actor says fatherhood has completely changed his outlook towards life.
Shahid, 37, says it is impossible for an actor to not be "self-oriented", but fatherhood has taught him to be less self-absorbed.
"Fatherhood has brought a lot of change in me as a person and as a human being. My priorities have changed. I am less self-oriented now, because I believe actors can never be not self-oriented. I think I am more open to different point of views. I have matured and feel a lot more grown up now," Shahid told PTI.
The actor, who will be soon welcoming his second child with wife Mira, said he wants to be a part of every moment of their life and spend as much time as he can with them.
"It is no more about just being an actor. I have a family and a kid. I want to be part of my child's growth. I want to be with her in each and every moment. The whole experience of being a parent has been ...

Fatherhood has made me less self-oriented: Shahid Kapoor

Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi are expecting their first child, the couple announced via Instagram.
"Here's to new beginnings ... #3ofUs. #satnamwaheguru," Dhupia captioned a picture of the couple, where her baby bump is visible.
The "Pink" actor shared similar photos on his Intagram, writing, "Ha! Turns out this rumour is true.. #3ofus #satnamwaheguru."
Dhupia, 37, and Bedi, 35, got married on May 10 this year in a secret ceremony.
Neha and Angad will be walking the ramp tomorrow for the first time together at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018.
The two will be turning showstoppers for designer Payal Singhal's show presented by Lakme Salon.

Neha Dhupia Angad Bedi expecting first child

Bollywood veteran Anupam Kher, who is in New York for last one month shooting for "New Amsterdam", says he is looking forward to the medical television drama.
The show will premiere on September 25 on NBC.
The 63-year-old actor, who will be delivering a key note address in Houston at a spectacular Janmashtami celebrations this saturday, plays the role of a neurologist, Dr Vijay Kapoor in the show.
"NBC's New Amsterdam, which will premier on September 25, is anticipated as the next big thing in international television. I'm glad that the medical drama has been selected among other shows of NBC for this upcoming season. It's quite an interesting show and the role is challenging enough due to very hard to pronounce medical terms that pushes my envelope as an actor and keeps me more focused and engaged," he said.
Kher, whose Hollywood movies include Oscar-winning "Silver Linings Playbook" and "The Big Sick", said it was an "interesting Journey" for a "Hindi medium instructed, small town ..

Anupam Kher-starrer 'New Amsterdam' to premiere on September 25

Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi are expecting their first child, the couple announced via Instagram.
"Here's to new beginnings ... #3ofUs. #satnamwaheguru," Dhupia captioned a picture of the couple, where her baby bump is visible.
The "Pink" actor shared similar photos on his Intagram, writing, "Ha! Turns out this rumor is true.. #3ofus #satnamwaheguru."
Dhupia, 37, and Bedi, 35, got married on May 10 this year in a secret ceremony.

Neha Dhupia, Angad Bedi expecting first child

Sunny Deol today said he misses acting and plans to take up more projects after completing work on his son Karan's debut film.
The 61-year-old actor said he missed out on many projects as an actor owing to his commitment to the third installment of the "Yamla Pagla Deewana" franchise and  Karan's debut film "Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas', which he is directing.
"Workwise, I'm going to be doing a couple of more films. I've missed acting. I've been busy with 'Yamla Pagla Deewana 3' and my son's debut," Sunny told PTI.
The actor also addressed rumours regarding a film with his frequent collaborator from the '90s, Rajkumar Santoshi.
"I see myself situated in a place where I'll either be working with Raj (Kumar Santoshi) or a couple of more directors. That's what we are working on right now," Sunny said.
The actor and Santoshi have earlier worked on hits such as "Ghayal" (1990), "Damini" (1993) and "Ghatak" (1996).
Post "Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se", Sunny will resume shooting for "Pal Pal Dil Ke .

I have missed acting: Sunny Deol

Celebrated designer Gaurang took fashion enthusiasts on a cinematic journey as he showcased his new collection, "Anupama", on the third day of Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018.
With models sashaying down the runway on songs like "Piya aiso jeeya main", "Mudd mudd ke na dekh", "Dil ki nazar se" and "Aye dil hai mushkil", and portraits of yesteryear divas Madhubala, Nutan, Meena Kumari and Vyjayanthimala shining in the background, the designer brought alive the bygone era in a magical way.
The inspiration for the collection came from Gaurang's work on Telugu superstar Savitri's biopic "Mahanati". He had recreated 100 hand-woven looks for the biopic dating back to the '50s to depict the female actors' fashion grandeur.
"This collection is in an extension of my work on 'Mahanati'. Towards the end of the film, I decided that I would work on recreating the '50s looks that includes every detail of textile, designs, textures, and colours. I incorporated everything I learned during the ..

Gaurang brings alive the golden era of Indian cinema at LFW

Huma Qureshi says issues like female empowerment and gender equality may have taken the centrestage but the fact that women are still expected to dress up for "male gaze" saddens her.
The 32-year-old actor says women are still objectified and expected to be "corseted" to match up to the beauty standards set up by the society.
"Commodification of women still persists. They are still expected to be very prim and proper and corseted to look a certain way. The idea behind this is that we are suppose to dress up for male gaze. We are not supposed to dress up for ourselves.
"I love dressing sexy and looking my best, but there is a big difference when you are dressing up for yourself and when you dressing up for someone else. It shows," Huma told PTI.
The actor says the patriarchal mindset has "packaged a female body in a certain way," but its high time women should start being comfortable in their skin.
"Beauty comes in all packages. For years people have sold the idea that fair skin is ...

Commodification of women still persists: Huma Qureshi

Actor Anushka Sharma mastered the art of embroidery to ace her character of Mamta in her upcoming film "Sui Dhaaga - Made in India".
The 30-year-old actor, who co-stars with Varun Dhawan in the Sharat Katariya-directed film, said she likes to take up new challenges.
"I'm always up for a challenge, up for a new journey and experience through my films. I knew I had to look the part and also come across extremely confident with the art of 'Sui Dhaaga'," Anushka said in a statement.
"I knew I had to give in considerable time and effort to look like an authentic embroiderer and I was really excited to learn this skill. I really dived into the prep sessions and I enjoyed them thoroughly," she added.
This is the first time Anushka and Varun will be sharing the screen place.
The Yash Raj Films project, which also features Raghubir Yadav, will hit the theatres on September 28.

Anushka Sharma learnt embroidery for 'Sui Dhaga'

Reema Kagti, fresh from the success of her latest "Gold", says both good reviews and commercial success matter to her.
"Logic dictates that a commercial success is better for the director than a flop. Whether it is an actor, a director or a technician, appreciation for your work makes you feel good.
"The balance has to be right... You do not want the other thing happening, where your film has earned lot of money but got zero appreciation," Reema told PTI.
Reema made her directorial debut with romcom "Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd" in 2007 to psychological horror "Talaash" (2012).
Sports drama "Gold" is the director's latest offering, which has earned decent reviews and money at the ticket window.
She says she is her own critic, which she believes is an advantage.
"I am critical of my own work, when I see my films, you only see mistakes, you don't see what is good. It is good and it keeps you on your toes."
Reema says she always wanted to do a sports film and never understood what kept her 

I am critical of my own work: Reema Kagti

"Sacred Games", Radhika Apte's second project with streaming giant Netflix, has quickly attained a cult following and an "overwhelmed" actor credits the people behind the camera for the thriller's success.
Based on Vikram Chandra's 2006 novel of the same, the Netflix series featured Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Apte in the lead.
"Sacred Games" was well-received by both the critics and audiences who are now looking forward to its second season.
The actor, who is now back with another project from Netflix's stable, "Ghoul", believes the hardwork put in by the writers and director duo of Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane, bore results for them.
"I was not surprised but happy. I was so overwhelmed. I knew that this will be liked because I knew the efforts that have gone in making this show. These guys have worked on it for months," Apte told PTI.
The 32-year-old actor said that the presence of Netflix on the project ensured that special emphasis is given towards ...

Overwhelmed by 'Sacred Games' success: Radhika Apte

The trailer of "The Man in the High Castle" season three has been launched and it features a reimagining of popular track "Pride (In the Name of Love)" from rock band U2.
The song is from the band's 'The Unforgettable Fire' album and is an ode to Martin Luther King Jr.
Berlin-based artist Lxandra's cover of the track features in the backdrop of the trailer as it explores the themes of hope and heroism.
Amazon contends that this is the first time U2 has allowed the track to be covered by another artist.
"'Pride (In the Name of Love)' is a powerful, emotional and cross generational song of political resistance, and it is a natural fit for 'The Man in the High Castle'," said Mike Benson, Head of Marketing, Amazon Studios.
"This song ties in perfectly to themes in season three including those of hope, heroism and the importance of fighting for the world that you want," he added.
Based on Philip K. Dick's novel of the same name, the series is set in an alternate universe where the Axis ...

'The Man in the High Castle' season three trailer features cover of U2's 'Pride'

After Danny Boyle's abrupt exit from next James Bond movie, the untitled film is likely to miss its release date of November 8, 2019 in the US.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bond 25 film may not hit theatres until late 2020.
Talks of postponing the movie were doing the rounds even before Boyle left the project due to creative differences.
Early this week, the official James Bond Twitter account shared the news of Boyle's departure, saying the filmmaker chose to walk out of the project. He was supposed to start shooting in December.
"Michael G Wilson, Barbara Broccoli and Daniel Craig today announced that due to creative differences Danny Boyle has decided to no longer direct Bond 25," the official James Bond Twitter account tweeted.
The producers are yet to announce a replacement for Boyle.
MGM is handling domestic distribution, while Universal will release the film overseas, which has a UK release date of October 25, 2019.
MGM hasn't confirmed that Bond 25 will be postponed.

Bond 25 delayed after Danny Boyle's departure, may not release till 2020

Manav Kaul says the format of a series like "Ghoul" allows an actor to explore the character and delve into diverse themes to enhance one's performance.
The 41-year-old actor, whose Netflix horror outing started streaming from today, says the three-episode series will help viewers peel off the various layers of his part of colonel Sunil Dacunha.
"He has a lot of layers and that's what a series does. It gives you a little breathing time. A breather. Lets the actor do all the detailing, add sub-text and develop sub-plots. You can play with the psyche and all. You get to explore those themes that usually get cut out in films. And 'Ghoul' is horror. Everything is grey in horror, nothing is black and white," Kaul told PTI in an interview.
The actor says he always wants to be part of "well-written" projects and he was blown away by director-writer Patrick Graham's vision.
"I was attracted to the script. It was stunning. The moment I read the script, you know this is something you haven't ...

'Ghoul' lets you explore themes that get cut in films: Manav Kaul

Hollywood star John Cho was moved by the "cool gesture" of "Crazy Rich Asians" team buying a theatre screening his upcoming film "Searching", directed by Indian-American Aneesh Chaganty.
"Searching", like "Crazy Rich Asians", represents Asian-American talent in Hollywood at a time when debate around diversity and inclusion is at the forefront.
Cho, 46, said he was touched by the news.
"How cool is that? I heard about it. I think it is a beautiful gesture," Cho told PTI in an interview over phone from Los Angeles.
"What is great about this recognition is that we are all in this boat together and the success of one project helps another. That was very magnanimous and I was very moved by it," the actor added.
As part of the #GoldOpen campaign on social media, fans around the world bought out screenings of "Crazy Rich Asians" and its director Jon M Chu and star Henry Golding decided to return that favour to another film starring Asian-Americans by announcing on social media that they had .

That's so cool: John Cho on 'Crazy Rich Asians' stars booking a theatre for his film

Actor Jim Parsons has written a heartfelt letter to the cast and crew of his comedy show "The Big Bang Theory" and expressed "intense gratitude" to viewers for making it popular.
The show is set to bow out with its finale season in 2019, producers Warner Bros Television and channel CBS announced this week.
Sharing a picture with his fellow cast members Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch, the 45-year-old actor wrote a lengthy post on Instagram.
"It is hard (really impossible, actually) to really accept that this is a picture of the first of the final 24 episodes we will shoot for 'The Big Bang Theory'. I feel very fortunate that we have another 23 episodes to shoot this season because I am hopeful that with each and every one, my level of REALLY accepting this fact will sink in.
"Something else I feel grateful for  and this gratitude needs no time to 'sink in' or become more 'realized'; this grateful-feeling is always with me but is multiplied in .

Jim Parsons writes heartfelt tribute to cast, crew of 'The Big Bang Theory'

Bagging a Karan Johar directorial so early in her career was  a dream come true for Bhumi Pednekar who believes it's a big opportunity to be a part of his next "Takht".
Directed by Johar, "Takht" also stars Kareena Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Janhvi Kapoor and Anil Kapoor.
"It was a dream come true. I didn't expect to bag a Karan Johar film so soon in my career. I always hoped I would work with him, he's a prolific filmmaker. He has really changed the game
"He has a great vision. I was surprised when it happened... I immediately told my parents," Bhumi told PTI.
"Takht" is set in Mughal era and chronicles the story of two warring brothers.
While Bhumi is tight-lipped about her role, the "Dum Laga Ke Haisha" star says she's happy that the films she's doing align with her sensibilities.
"When I started out, I didn't realise I would get a chance to have an effect on so many people. I've been lucky to get work I believe in and which completely goes with my ...

Didn't expect to do a Karan Johar film so early in career: Bhumi

Rajkummar Rao has redefined the word 'hero' in Bollywood and the actor believes one of the biggest reasons for his success is that he has always tried to challenge the norms.
The 33-year old star said it is important for an artiste to break through the shackles of "obvious" as being predictable can hinder their growth.
"I love it when people call me unconventional. My aim has always been to break conventions and to keep experimenting. I feel it is good to be unpredictable.  People are experimenting in every field. We can't keep following what has been there since always. It is important to reinvent as an artiste," Rao told PTI.
The actor said he has again tried to do something unique with his upcoming film "Stree", which releases on his birthday August 31.
"'Stree' is something fresh and new. Audiences want to see different kind of content on-screen and 'Stree' is exactly that. It is a unique genre horror-comedy which has not been explored much in our country."
Rao revealed that he ...

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