Kirti Malhotra Interviews: I never thought of acting

Kirti Malhotra Interviews: I never thought of acting: Her three-year long association with the Indian film industry as a costume designer never led her to face the camera, but Kirti Malhotra couldn’t say no when she was handpicked by Kiran Rao to play an important role in her directorial debut “Dhobi Ghat”.

"I never thought of acting. When the question came whether I want to do this film or not, it was clear to me it’s the kind of film I would always go and watch. I think I was really, really lucky in this case. There are newcomers every day in the masala films and you rather be in a film that stands out than be lost in the crowd with all these films,” Kirti told us.

Kirti is not the absolute fresh face as she’s done costume designing for “Sarkar Raaj”, the dream song in “Delhi 6", “Action Replayy” and recently “No Problem”. “The acting kept happening in between. And then there was dubbing, but I continued with my costume designing until last month,” said Kirti.

Kirti has portrayed the character of Yasmin in “Dhobi Ghat”.

Though “Dhobi Ghat” is a film where emotions are expressed more through action, Yasmin has most dialogues in the film, said Kirti.

“Yasmin is one character who has a lot to speak. It’s about her perspective of the city and people and how they have affected her. The whole character graph you get only through her voice,” she said.

Director Kiran Rao also identifies most with Yasmin’s character. Kirti said, “I think Yasmin is her closest character. Other than Munna (Prateek Babbar), which is one author-backed character. She knows Yasmin so well that when we were acting out the scenes, she knew how Yasmin would say a line, how she would look, how she would pause between two sentences. In fact, I didn’t have to do much.”

Apart from Kirti and Prateek, Monica Dogra (Shai) plays an Indian-American banker who is in the city for a photographic expedition.

Aamir Khan, who is producing the film, played the character of Arun, a seclusive modern art painter, but he was yet to come on board when Kirti was selected for the film.

“When I got on to the film, Aamir wasn’t in the film yet. He was, I think, still in the process of convincing Kiran that he can play a role. When I got on to the film it was going to be the small film festival kind of film.

“When Aamir came into the film my reaction was ‘Oh my God, now everyone is going to watch the film’ because immediately your audience space becomes that huge,” said Kirti.

Talking about her experience with Aamir, she said, “Nothing can prepare you best when you are acting in front of Aamir Khan. He is literally an artiste within acting. When we were doing the reading, he acted out his first scene in three different ways, just to give options to Kiran how differently the scene could be done. I felt that my voice even wouldn’t come out while shooting the film.

“He is super intelligent, very sharp, very perceptive; so I think once you get over the fact that superstar Aamir Khan is in front of you and be normal, he is very normal.”

Asked if the feeling of being an actor has sunk in her by now, she said, “Of course in the Toronto International Film Festival I had the whole fairy tale experience. But in the last three weeks, when the promos have started coming out, there are posters around, friends and parents have started talking about it, it has started sinking in.”

Kirti isn’t sure which way her acting career would head after “Dhobi Ghat” is released.

“Since I have been given this opportunity on a golden platter, I want to see how it goes with the reaction of the film, my performance and everything and then I can pursue this. Acting career can go anyway. The kind of film this is it could go to crossover films. I am not too sure about the typical masala film, may be one I have to do in my life,” said Kirti.

VENKAT PRABHU INTERVIEW

Interviewer : Pranavikha Coordination : Cinemimi Team Camera : Sasi Text : Pranavikha
Cinemimi[Sunday,January,16,2011]
Known for his irreverent style in film making with his forte in ensemble cast, Venkat Prabhu represents the gen-next director in Tamil film industry. Having bagged the prestigious assignment of directing Ajith’s 50th film, the young director spoke to Senior Editor Jyothsna Bhavanishankar on Ajith, Mankatha and assorted subjects on a rainy evening in Chennai.


Ajith does not treat me like a

director

For the first time, you are doing a film with a big star cast. How do you feel?

I am happy and at the same time, a little anxious too. My responsibilities are huge in Mankatha as I have to satisfy Ajith sir’s fans and also the general audience. This is what we are targeting at and working towards it. At the same time, it is also an enjoyable experience as I know Ajith sir from the days of Ji. We share a good rapport. Ajith is my friend, well wisher and does not treat me like a director but like a friend. He never gave me a feeling that I am directing a big star. He made it so cool and is very cool with my boys too. He has put everybody at ease which is the best part of him. During shoots, he never goes into the caravan and always sits outside, chatting with everyone. Overall, it is a nice feeling.

When there are many directors waiting for Ajith, how did you manage to rope him in?

Ever since Ajith watched Chennai-28, he showed interest in working with me. We tried in two films but it did not take place. I don’t know how it happened but it just happened in an unexpected manner. I think it is pre-ordained that I do Ajith’s 50th film. I feel proud and happy about it.

It is pre-ordained that I do

Ajith’s 50th film




Did you write the script with Ajith in mind?

I had a script ready but it was not intended for Ajith. He just heard the one line of this and opined that it would be good if he did it. I call Ajith as Anna and asked him, “Anna, do u really mean it, are you serious?” Later I spoke to producers Durai and Vivek and it was a pleasant jerk for all of us because we had planned for an ensemble cast and were skeptical about introducing such a big star into the script. We had discussions and brought about changes in the script which are necessary when a star comes in. That’s why the project got delayed because there are many artists and it is difficult to bring everybody together and shoot. Yes… the script was a little altered for Ajith sir although he told me not to change it for his sake. I am also a big fan of Ajith and would expect certain elements from a fan’s point of view and would incorporate all those in Mankatha. To sum it all, we had a script; Ajith came along; we made a few changes for Ajith sir and we are ready now.

Will there be Venkat Prabhu style in Mankatha too?

You will have to watch and tell whether I have retained my style or not. There may not be huge changes but there would indeed be a few variations. Generally, I am also very keen to bring about differences right from the genre to film making in every film of mine. Fortunately, it has come out that way now. Although humor is the common thread that connects Chennai -28, Saroja and Goa, their premise and the manner of narration are different. Boys have fun in all my films which will be there in Mankatha too. You can certainly perceive the difference in Mankatha; that’s what we feel. Hope you also feel the same way.

First there was Nagarjuna and then it is Arjun. Who is actually there now?

Yes, initially we had told the story explaining about the ensemble cast to Nagarjuna and he had also agreed. Later when the shoot got delayed, there were some date issues and he had wondered if we could shoot his portion alone from March. But there were some combination sequences also which would get affected and we are working for a summer release on Ajith sir’s birthday. Rains have also played spoilsport and we have no control on such matters. Hence we needed to look for an alternate and the next best choice was Arjun. I know Arjun for a very long time right from my school days and when I explained to him about the date issues of Nagarjuna, he was kind enough to agree and that’s how he came on board. We would start shooting his portions from this month end. So it is only due to date problems that Nagarjuna could not do Mankatha and nothing else.

Neetu Chandra has said that she has missed Mankatha. Is Trisha her replacement?

No, the initial line of Mankatha was different and Neetu Chandra’s role in it was perfect. When I altered the script for Ajith sir, it was necessary to modify certain components which brought about the change in the character of the heroine with a different personality. By then, Neetu had also started doing Ameer’s film and I asked her if she could do a different role in Mankatha. But date issues came into play and it was not possible. More over, when I wanted a heroine with a certain personality, I felt Trisha was suitable and approached her. She also consented. Hence the character that Neetu Chandra was supposed to play and what Trisha is currently playing are totally different.



My forte is ensemble cast

You have a unique style of film making. Is it a conscious attempt?

No No, it is not like that. My forte is ensemble cast. Films like Italian job, Oceans Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen are my kind and I almost follow that style. Goa and Saroja were multi-starrers. I have not yet come out of this although I wish to do single hero subjects. Let’s see.

Don’t you think there is a danger of getting slotted if you continue with ensemble cast?

I think I can bring in variety in ensemble too. With ensemble, it was street cricket in Chennai-28, a kidnapping story in Saroja, a rom-com in Goa. I am doing a more mature and responsible theme in Mankatha which will still have the entertainment value in tact. The manner of narration is more significant. As I had said earlier, I would like to do single hero subjects too. However more than that, I want to do films for children in 3 D format.

I want to do films for children






I want to do a film for my

daughter, her friends and all the

kids

Goa’s A certification was the saddest part for me because I was not able to take my daughter to the film. My daughter’s friend, a 3rd grader, reproached me saying, “how dare you take such movie” as she was not allowed into the theatre. But I don’t think Goa was such an adult rated film. They said it had a mature content; but films with more mature content had received U certificate. I pleaded with the censor officials for a U/A. They said there is a lot of drinking, bikini clad babes and adult content which children should not watch. I argued saying that TV already shows such stuff but they did not agree. Hence I want to do a film for my daughter, her friends and all the kids. When my target audience is kids, it is only natural that they come with their parents and in the process you have a full house. I have such desires, let’s see how things go.

Why there is no Sampath in Mankatha?

There is no suitable role for Sampath in Mankatha but I tried to cast him in a different one and it did not work out well. Sampath is just not there in this film of mine and he had shouted at me enough for this. If I had to have a role for him, it was like a repeat of his character in Saroja which I did not want. My earlier 3 films had a different role for Sampath and I don’t want to waste Sampath’s talent by giving him an ordinary role in Mankatha. That’s the reason.

There is no suitable role for

Sampath






Mankatha will go under the

black comedy genre

What will be Premji’s signature statement in Mankatha?

Nothing like that! I have slightly changed his looks in Mankatha; there are many interesting things and you need to watch the film to understand it. Mankatha will go under the black comedy genre. There is a lot of comedy and action in Mankatha and it is a commercial entertainer. I cannot say I have conceived an artistic plot or anything like that. It is a fun film and I am sure it will be a big treat for Ajith sir’s fans. The usual elements of Premji are abundant in this film. In the recent times, Ajith sir’s comedy has not been utilized fully and in Mankatha I have taken care to bring that aspect out because by nature Ajith is a humorous person. There will be many hilarious moments and Mankatha will be a fun game for all.

Will you act again?

Absolutely no way! There is a character in Mankatha and Ajith suggested I do it. I am not sure if I can straddle the twin horses of action and direction. I did not want to risk and have used another artist for this. I am not keen to act. Samudirakani told a story for me but when things are going smooth, why rock the boat? As of now, I am happy in direction and have the complete job satisfaction.

What do you think of current trend in Tamil film industry?

It is good. There will always be rough and smooth phases. I see a lot of changes and variety in the industry. Prabhu Solomon rocked with Myna. The market is getting bigger and Endhiran proved that a regional film can be marketed big with many overseas prints. Hindi films always enjoy a wider global audience than Tamil films and in such a scenario Endhiran has certainly taken Tamil films to the next higher level. This trend is certain to usher in good films. When we enjoy Iranian films, people in Iran also will watch Tamil films and the ways to such trend are slowly getting unraveled. In my opinion, we have good projects in hand but it should reach global audience. And Tamil film industry is definitely proceeding in that direction in terms of film making, distribution and the pattern is very similar to Hollywood. Over there, independent film makers produce the film and release it through Warner Brothers, Buena vista. In a similar vein, Cloud Nine, Red Giant and Sun Movies operate here. Hence, make films that you like it and distribute through major players and get a wider audience. If we have more distribution companies, then we will have lot of good films and the trend will be healthier.

Directors, who prove themselves well in their very first film, fade out fast. Why is that so?

When a director makes his first film, he has lot of time in hand. The time period comes down for subsequent film. I don’t know if that’s the reason; it was just an extempore answer. Every director gives his best in every film. There is no doubt on that. Some films reach the audience while some don’t. Personally I liked Goa but it did do well like Chennai-28. A thought of us is getting made into a film and some are accepted and some don’t. That’s the difference. Every director works hard; we can say we are having fun making films but we definitely toil hard but we enjoy it. I don’t get tensed or angry in a big way. I feel bad when people tell we boys succeed working playfully but we do work sincerely.

Shazahn Padamsee's confidence rise up after work with Ajay Devgan

Shazahn Padamsee's confidence rise up after work with Ajay Devgan: She is a novice; he is a veteran. She is just 22; he is 41. Shazahn Padamsee was apprehensive about matching up her performance with Ajay Devgn, whom she romances in Madhur Bhandarkar's first comedy Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji, but says her "zero confidence" level shot up when he praised her acting skills.

"When I met Ajay sir for the first time...I wasn't nervous, but I was just hoping that there were no complaints. I felt so junior suddenly...and it was like 'My god! I am working with someone so talented!' Shazahn told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

"I just hoped that I could impress him with my talent. So, when at the end of the shoot he came and patted me on the back and said: 'Well Shazahn Padamseedone!', my confidence level went from like zero to 100."

In Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji, Shazahn plays June Pinto, "a happy, bubbly young girl who is child-like, very cute and innocent". The film will release on January 28.

The actress said it was simply "inspiring" to be around Ajay, who has been active in showbiz for the past two decades.

"I remember watching him in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and his performance was so good. He was so awesome in Raajneeti. Ajay sir chooses his films so carefully and all of them are so different, because of which he is among few actors who are not typecast and that's what I love.

"The journey that he has taken in his career is so inspiring because he is not someone who says 'I am an action guy' or 'I am the lover boy', he is someone who does so many different roles. That, for someone new like me, is very inspiring and one feels to be like him," she said.

Shazahn, daughter of noted theatre artiste Alyquee Padamsee and singer Sharon Prabhakar, loved being in Ajay's company not just because she got to learn a lot from him but also due to his sense of humour.

"People think Ajay sir is a very serious kind of person, but he is not so! He is very witty. Many people know that my dad has a very good sense of humour, very tongue-in-cheek, very sarcastic. And I found Ajay sir very similar with the tongue-in-cheek humour.

"I love people who are funny, so I loved being on the sets because he would always keep me in splits," she said.

For a girl as young as her, the box office fate of her debut Hindi film Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year, in which she had a blink-and-you-miss role, could have shaken her confidence. But Shazahn has no regrets.

In fact, she is more than happy that she has got the chance to work with formidable names like Ajay and Bhandarkar so early in her Bollywood career.

"I think if I wouldn't have done Rocket Singh, I wouldn't have got Dil Toh.... In life, everything happens for a reason. I don't believe in living with regrets, it's quite a waste of time. I am a super-optimistic person and very positive. It was my first film; so it will always remain special.

"Butm, of course, Dil Toh... has been a great learning experience. I just adore Madhur sir. For a newcomer it is very comforting to have someone who believes in you - and it was very satisfying to know that Madhur sir, who is such a big name in the industry, believed in me. He was confident that I have the potential to do a role opposite someone as big as Ajay Devgn in his film," she added.

Kiran Rao interview: Aamir do not take bath regularly

Kiran Rao interview: Aamir do not take bath regularly: Now that's a disadvantage of having a celebrity wife. Dhobi Ghat director Kiran Rao leaked Aamir Khan's best kept secret in one of the interviews.

In an interview to Live India, Kiran Rao said, “The one thing that I don’t like about him is the fact that he doesn’t take a bath. And trust me when I say this that his bathing habits are not very regular.” To this the actor jumped in to his rescue and said, “I do take bath when I go out for work.

And considering most of the time I step out for work, I take bath most of the time. It is only when I am not stepping out or when I am on a holiday when I don’t take a bath.”

But Kiran is relieved with the fact that she has someone in the house that she can count on to understand her in and out. “We are really happy together. We are both strong minded people but till now we haven’t faced any problem and it has been six years so far. We are more of friends, so we collaborate our ideas. There are no ego clashes; in fact it is purely enriching to be with each other.”

Kiran Rao admits that she puts across certain points firmly when she's directing a movie, and Aamir is acting. “I do tell him that I am doing a certain thing because I am the director of the movie.” To this Aamir added smiling, “And I give her a suggesting and say that I am the actor of the movie.”

When quizzed about the recent patch-up wave in the industry (SRK and Farah patching up), this is what the couple had to say. “See I don’t have any grudges against anyone in the industry. So I really don’t want to comment,” says Aamir. Adding final twist to the tale was Kiran’s answer to the same question, “I am so new to the industry that I am really no one to comment on this. But I must confess that sometimes what SRK says makes no sense to me.”

Katrina Kaif Interview: I will not happy if i am not married in five years!

Katrina Kaif Interview: I will not happy if i am not married in five years!:
A lot of people are comparing Sheila Ki Jawani to Munni Badnaam Hui – what is one thing that Sheila has that Munni doesn’t, and vice versa?
I have no idea and it’s not really my job to compare and analyse the differences and similarities between the songs. Malaika has done a fabulous job and Dabangg was a great movie. I, on the other hand, have done the best I could in Sheila Ki Jawani. As long as people love them both, I am happy.

Do you feel the media is unfair to you?
Not at all. The media has played a huge role in the recognition I get and has helped me become the person I am today.

I attribute my fan base and other accolades like ‘the most searched person on Google’ to the media. If they speculate and print what they do, it is because it is their job! It’s been done to everyone, right from Marilyn Monroe to others… so why blame them really?

Why did you choose 2012 for marriage...
One morning, I just said, “Who knows?” It could happen in two weeks if I meet the right person. If I am not married in five years, I will be very sad. Everyone wants a companion in life – I have worked very hard from a young age and find that the harder I work, the more I crave that stable home, with a partner. Unfortunately, my family lives outside India and I miss them … well, all I can do is hope that marriage, love and happiness comes to me at the right time, in the form of the right man.

Ranbir Kapoor-Imran Khan-Ranveer Singh now in Akshay's favorite list

Ranbir Kapoor-Imran Khan-Ranveer Singh now in Akshay's favorite list: After completing two successful decades in the Hindi film industry, Akshay Kumar is now definitely into the senior bracket and is counted amongst the top stars of Bollywood, despite the recent setbacks. The actor picked his favourite new generation of actors who he feels come closest to him.

The first name that Akshay chooses does not spring a surprise. It is Ranbir Kapoor, who Akshay feels is doing a fine job. Ranbir is not just a future super star but with super hit films like AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI and RAJNEETI, he is already a force to reckon with and amongst the top five actors of Bollywood.

Then Akki picks up Imran Khan who has already made his presence felt in the industry with hits like JAANE TU...YA JAANE NA and the runaway success I HATE LUV STORYS and is certainly counted amongst the most promising future stars of Bollywood.

The third and last name does surprise and in fact we are sure that the newest entrant in Bollywood, Ranveer Singh, who made such a terrific debut via BAND BAAJA BAARAAT will be thrilled to bits when he comes to know that Akshay finds him very good and is amongst his choice of promising talents.

Subhash K Jha talking about 'Tees Maar Khan' Movie

Subhash K Jha talking about 'Tees Maar Khan' Movie: You have to hand it to Farah Khan. The zany spirit never leaves her side. Tees Maar Khan (TMK) is a goofy oddball of a film, replete with the most outrageous takeoffs on the dreaded Hindi Film 'formula' seen in recent times.

The film, we understand, is inspired by a 1966 Peter Sellers comedy After The Fox. But the foxiness of this feisty farce comes entirely from Farah Khan's own sensibilities as a storyteller.

The laughter never deserts the belly of the plot. In TMK, she pulls out all stops to tell a tale that never grows pale under the gaze of the camera.

The plot is the kind of kinky concoction that one associates with the literature of P.G Wodehouse and the drama of Sheridan. As hard to put down on paper as it is to pin down on camera, Farah Khan manages to just about hold the myriad madcap characters into a firm comic grip. The clasp of the comic is strong and engaging.

The grin ever slips off. The spirit of a spoofy satirical homage to the larger-than-life hero-giri of the Formula Fillum never slips up. Yes, some parts of the takeoff refuses to take off. At times the storytelling becomes a casualty of its own parodic intentions. You never know when the narration slips into a parody of its own parody. That, you realize, is a part of this film's chirpychalu charm.

The energy-driven narrative propels the parody from one gag to another. The gasbag narration is never short of tricks to seduce us into a state of helpless laughter.

When the dialogues fail to lift the satire(and this fuel-shortage happens frequently), Akshay Kumar steps in to do his number. No stranger to comedy, Akshay turns in one of his zaniest performances since Priyadarshan's Hera Pheri. To say his comic timing is impeccable would be stating the obvious. Akshay just blends into the no-man's-land ambience of the film with unquestioning sincerity.

Tees Maar Khan Akshaye Khanna as the Oscar-crazy superstar comes up with a comically compelling performance. We've never seen him having so much fun before. Maybe it's the company he 'quips'. Katrina Kaif's airheaded eyelash-batting makeup-splashing item-girl act gets its rippling rhythms from her lately-honed comic aptitudes. Her 'Sheila Ki Jawani' item number which was the film's selling-point before release is performed with a gusto and elegance that could have easily overpowered the film. Happily TMK manages to hold its own right up to the crazy chaotic finale.

The plot is crammed full with empty-headed and moronic characters. Farah Khan's vibrant vision encompasses the entire gamut of giggles chuckles and guffaws in one swift confident sweep. You are hooked from the word go.

The supporting actors too furnish the hectic hilarity with enormous zaniness.Particularly notable are Aarya Babbar (fully in form as a boorish slightly dimwitted cop), Apara Mehta(endearingly nutty as Akshay's filmy mother) and Ali Asgar(as one of Akshay's sidekicks).

Tees Maar Khan is a kind of subverted homage to the cinema of Manmohan Desai. There are no lost-and-found kids in this 'ever-grin' film. But there's plenty of that spirit of daring destiny to do what it can.

Yup, MKD would've smiled on watching this one. Go for Tees Maar Khan. Ignore all the negative comments you've been hearing about. It's great unpretentious fun. To actually put so many IQ-challenged characters into an intelligent piece of comedy couldn't be easy.

So who said being the new-age Manmohan Desai was easy?

Akshay shares titbits about 'Kat' from behind the scenes of TMK

Akshay shares titbits about 'Kat' from behind the scenes of TMK: Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif return again to the big screen this Friday with Farah Khan’s much-awaited film Tees Maar Khan. As expected, the duo had a lot of fun while shooting the film.

During the shoot of the song ‘Bade Dilwala’, a funny incident happened when Katrina accidentally hit Akshay.

“We were shooting for the song Bade dilwala and Katrina got so involved in her dance that she actually hit me hard with her elbow. The impact was such that the shooting had to be stalled for two hours,” Akshay told reporters while promoting the film in New Delhi. He was accompanied with Katrina and Farah Khan.

When asked if he isn’t worried about being typecast as a comedy hero, Akshay said he did comedies because that what audiences want to see.

“I don't think I have lowered down my experimentation level as I am only doing what the audience wants. Audience today only want full entertainment which can be provided only through comedy,” Akshay said.

To everyone’s delight Akshay and Katrina also danced to the tune of ‘Sheila Ki Jawani’ at the promotional event.

“When we shoot for any song, there are often many cuts but I enjoy performing in front of live audiences because the response makes me feel good,” Akshay said after the dance.

Katrina too talked about her raunchy song in the film.

“Sheila is a character which will always remain close to my heart as compared to my earlier roles,” she said.

Rani Mukherjee talks about her role in 'No One Killed Jessica'

Rani Mukherjee talks about her role in 'No One Killed Jessica': Rani Mukherjee is coming back with a bang. After a slew of weepy roles, the actress steps into the shoes of a fiery, foul-mouthed crime reporter in No One Killed Jessica which is slated to release on January 7.

The 32-year-old actress said that by playing the role of crime reporter she realized how difficult and risky is the job.

“Through my character in the film I am sure people will respect and salute them for the kind of job they do. It is very fascinating profession where the basic job requirement is to be fearless and brave. I feel great that I am portraying the role of a crime reporter,” Rani is quoted as saying by a news agency.

Stressing on the risk faced by crime reporters, Rani added: “When we see crime reporters on TV we do not understand how difficult and risky their work is. I think in a day-to-day life, crime reporting is more risky as they are unaware of what assignment they would go for. They go to weird and dangerous places. Especially for girls it is tougher.”

The film, directed by Rajkumar Gupta, is based on the murder of model Jessica Lall in 1999 by Manu Sharma, son of a Haryana politician, in a Delhi night club. It has Vidya Balan playing Jessica's sister Sabrina, who fought the case to get justice and Rani plays a journalist in the movie.

“The very fact that I am playing a journalist in the film is also one of the reasons why I am part of it. It is the first time that media is shown in a powerful light in the movie,” Rani said.

Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Farah Khan's exclusive Interview

Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Farah Khan's exclusive Interview: Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Farah Khan flew into London this week to promote TEES MAAR KHAN. From 'Sheila Ki Jawani' to Shah Rukh Khan's casting controversies, the film consistently generated column inches. Our correspondent went head-to-head with the director and stars of the movie, to talk about the production. Trade analysts are predicting it will be the biggest Bollywood grosser of 2010.

What is the USP of this film?
Akshay: The USP of TEES MAAR KHAN is the kind of role that I have been offered in the movie. Also, that I am working with Farah for the first time. On top of that we have 'Sheila Ki Jawani'.

Can you confirm the rumours that the project was first offered to Shah Rukh Khan?
Farah: When it was decided that I was going to direct the film the first person I called was Akshay and he was the only choice. Akshay was fabulous to work with. As a star to have in your film, he is bang on with time. If you want him there at 6am he will be there at 5.30am. He brings 200% and gives everything to the shot. Other than that, he improvises and will give you two or three variations of how to do it.

How did you decide on the casting of Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif?
Farah: For me, it was the first time I was working with Akshay and Katrina both. For a long time I resisted bringing the two of them together as I thought they had been together in too many movies. But I think we have presented them in a very different way, both of them are not doing anything we have seen before, and they look like different actors. When they come together their chemistry is so special, and when the camera goes on, magic happens. You cannot explain two people's chemistry, but for them it is there in abundance. They are also both tall, good looking and they complement each other physically.

What was it like working with Farah?
Katrina: There are a few directors who you want to work with on the basis of their talent and their reputation. In this film it was definitely a case of that with Farah. Luckily for me there were a lot of things that I found challenging in this film, obviously the songs and the level of the dancing expected.

Akshay: She is a very strict director, and if she was only allowed to have a cane in her hands. She loves beating up people.

And working with each other again?
Katrina: (Laughs) I had to be brought to set screaming and kicking.

Did you realize 'Sheila Ki Jawani' would be such a hit?
Katrina: I had not worked with Farah for many years, and her songs are always hugely talked about and they have always been a focal point. Especially the songs the girl have done like Sushmita Sen's 'Tumhe Jo Maine Dekha' in MAIN HOON NA and Deepika's [Padukone] introduction song in OM SHANTI OM. All her movies have that one really special song for the girls and I didn't want to let anyone down. I was very nervous about it and put in those hours to make sure I did the best that I could.

Farah: I knew 'Sheela Ki Jawani' would be a big hit. We composed it, constructed it and choreographed it in such a way. But it is incredible that it has gone onto become this kind of a rage, with people watching it a hundred times on YouTube. What is surprising is that little kids are loving it. Maybe it is a children's jingle. When Akshay saw it, he said in small cities they are going to stop the film and replay the song again.

Akshay: It will be fun watching this song in the interiors of India. I watch each and every film on the theatre, and when I am shooting in the interiors I love to watch films and literally they throw money at such kind of songs.

Farah: And this time I am going to be there right in front to pick up all the money.

How do you feel about the battle that has developed between Munni vs Sheila?
Katrina: I don't think we ever realized it, as when we were shooting the song, DABANGG had not yet released. I don't think Farah and I want to compare or fight or anything like that. It is about doing the best that I can do for this song. In my opinion, it is very different to the songs in DABANGG, which coincidentally Farah has done anyway.

How did Salman Khan come onboard for the project?
Farah: I asked Salman Khan to do a song for our movie as there were rumours already that he was in it. I asked him if he would do it and he agreed. It was as simple as that.

Does the movie show off your comic actor or action hero skills?
Akshay: Well there is not much action in this film. It is more comic, because the way the character is written, if there is any action he doesn't want to fight he just wants to run away, and will come back when there are less people and he can handle then very easily. So the character is like that.

Why is the film releasing earlier in the international market?
Farah: In the UK and US we are releasing earlier because the holidays begin on 22nd, so we get a really long weekend. We want to get the advantage of a bigger opening weekend and we get a five-day weekend this way. In the Middle East we release 23rd because all films release on a Thursday over there.