In Bollywood

Although well-known for her ‘bold’ movies and even ‘bolder’ roles, Neha Dhupia is yet to make a place for herself in Bollywood.

Appearing with Rajpal Yadav in her last film ‘Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama’, Neha has now made her audience speculate how long she would last in Bollywood. Undeterred by such reports and rumors, Neha has taken her career in Bollywood as a struggle and is determined to stay here.

Currently, Neha is pinning her hopes on Rajat Kapoor’s recently released film ‘Mithya’. We met the actress

to know more about her, especially the unknown facets of her life. Here are the excerpts of the interview:

Q: We’ve heard that both Ranvir and Vinay used to pull your leg a lot on the sets and they had even made a ‘jhandulal’ crown for you?
A: No, this is not true. Actually, ‘jhandulal’ is a song and they had never made a crown by that name. I felt nice working with them and can’t really express how happy I was while working with them.

In fact, Ranvir and I used to fight so much on the sets that it often became difficult for Rajat to handle the situation. He used to often say that it was easier to handle kids, but not us!

Q: Naseeruddin is such a veteran actor that you’ve grown up watching him. How did it feel doing the role of his moll in the film? Were you hesitant?
A: You are absolutely right. Before going to the sets, I was really nervous and uneasy, but once on the sets, Naseeruddin made me feel so easy that I never felt that I was working with a great actor and a legend. I feel that the matter became much easier as Rajat was the director and he made me feel comfortable.

Q: On what basis do you select your roles?
A: When the story of a film makes me feel bore, I don’t accept the film. And to a large extent, I depend on my experience while selecting films and roles. After all, I am also a human being who has learnt from her mistakes.

I don’t regret making mistakes as I have learnt a lot from them. I can assure one thing to the audience and that is from ‘Mithya’ they would be seeing me in good and meaningful cinema only.

Q: Do you think that your last two films “Sheesha’ and ‘Julie’ has had a role in projecting you as a sexy actress?
A: No, I don’t think so. Today even if I wear a salwar-kameej people say that I look sexy. However, like many others, I don’t take this as a compliment.

I have received a compliment that is unique. During the question-answer session after ‘Mithya’ was screened at the ‘Osian Film Festival’, a female critic came up to me and openly said, ‘Neha, I have watched many of your films, but I feel that after this movie, you have emerged as an excellent actress’.

Q: On what basis did you choose your last film ‘Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama’?
A: Actually, when I had read the story of the film, it attracted me. Unfortunately, the final product did not turn out that way. Moreover, I am not responsible nor do I have a hand in a film being good or bad.

There are many times when I have to accept films for friendship sake, but now I have realized that it is often wise to say ‘no’ to some offers.

Q: Which are your other films after ‘Mithya’?
A: After ‘Mithya’ I am acting in Vipul Shah’s ‘Singh is King’, Ashwin Nair’s ‘Maharathi’, Rajat Kapoor’s ‘I am 24’ and ‘Raat Gayee Baat Gayee’ made by Pritish Nandy Communications.

I have a very interesting role in ‘Singh is King’ where my co-stars are Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Ranvir. In ‘Maharathi’ I am working with Paresh Rawal, Boman Irani, Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri.

In ‘I am 24’ I have Rajat Kapoor and Ranvir opposite me, while Rajat Kapoor is again my co-star in ‘Raat Gayee, Baat Gayee’.

Q: What kind of roles would you prefer to perform in the future?
A: First of all let me make one thing clear to all and that is I am not familiar with the past of Indian cinema. I don’t even know the names of many olden days’ heroines, so how can I say that I would like to do roles done by them.

I can only talk about the films I have seen and the performance that I have watched. I would prefer some ‘hot’ roles done by Julia Roberts and Marilyn Monroe.

In addition, I would also like to do a role done by Kareena Kapoor in ‘Jab We Met’.

Q: We have noticed that you have shed a lot of weight. Is this makeover for your personal satisfaction or for any character in any film?
A: Losing weight is every woman’s dream. Many a times our look on the screen is real, but there are times when the camera does the trick. My mother has inspired me to lose weight.

At the age of 53, she has shed 13 kilos in four months. When I saw this I asked myself, if she can do this, why not me.

I promise you that when you come to interview me next time you will find me even more slim and trim.

Q: Tell us something about your dream home that you purchased recently in Goa.....
A: That is not my dream home. Actually, my dream home is very costly, so I purchased a cheaper home. And as far as Goa is concerned, I love the place very much.

If I had my way, I would have worked five days of the week in Mumbai and flown off to Goa for rest on Saturdays and Sundays. Anyways, now that ‘Mithya’ is released, I will go to Goa for a break.

Q: Although your sense of humor is great, what is the reason that you have not been offered any comedy film?
A: Even I don’t have an answer to this. Everyone, including you and I, know that I deserve a comedy role, but it hasn’t happened so far. May be, people will realize my potentials after watching ‘Mithya’.

I am yet not sure that when so many directors feel that my acting is good, why they don’t offer me good films and good roles. Anyways, my struggle is on and I am sure that some day I will surely emerge a winner.

Q: What is the reason that big banners are not making any offers to you?
A: I feel that people are still obsessed with my ‘Julie’ image and cannot come out of it. Anyways, I am certain that like everyone, I too will have my share of the sun.

My time will also come someday. I am also sure that ‘Mithya’ will prove to be a landmark film in my career. - Rajnee Gupta

Hrithik Roshan is in the mood to do more work this year, to loosen up and have more fun while working. With his first costume drama and a second child around the corner, life never looked rosier for Hrithik. He speaks to Subhash K Jha.

After Jodha-Akbar you shot an ad. Was it a deliberate effort to lighten the load?
Fortunately for me I enjoyed both equally. In fact I've enjoyed everything I've done so far. Jodha-Akbar has been tough. Luckily people are looking forward to it.

Some for the grandeur and ambience. Others so that they get an opportunity to throw some tomatoes on the screen. I'm happy everyone is motivated to come for the film.

You were quoted as saying you'd never do a historical again.
Not true. I might've said that in a specific context. But I'd definitely not do another one for a long time. It's such a momentous opportunity. Doing it again would make it less sublime.

When you think of period you think of a grandeur that's hard to replicate. I don't think I'd want to get into that space for a long time.

Has Joddha-Akbar been specially taxing?
None of my films has been easy. Krissh and Dhoom 2 have been as physically and emotionally taxing as Jodha- Akbar. I've enjoyed it so much. And I wouldn't do a historical for the same reasons that I woudn't do a Dhoom for a long time. Dhoom and Jodha-Akbar covered two genres exhaustively. Now it's time to move on.

But playing Akbar would be radically different from playing Buddha? Apparently Shyam Benegal offered you Buddha?
I'm sure Buddha would be a great subject and a wonderful characters to explore. But again playing Siddharth is about armours and horses. And I've been there done that.

The ambience, country and language would require a similar discipline for me. I wouldn't mind doing a period-fantasy like Pirates Of The Caribbean. It's always fun to bounce off into the other extreme.

Dhoom helped me to get excited and challenged about Jodha- Akbar. It was a challenge for both Ash and me. Now I want to do something entirely contemporary.

That brings me to the question of how open the audience is to watching Aishwarya and you do a costume drama after the fiercely contemporary Dhoom 2?
It's always a challenge for any actor to make the audience forget not just the outside world but everything that they've seen before on screen, to suck you completely into the magic of the moment and to make the audience exhilarated.

You are asking me if Jodha-Akbar does that or not. Only the audience can answer that.For me the film is already a success. The boxoffice is only going to be a bonus…hopefully.

This is your first collaboration with Ashutosh Gowariker.
Yes. My primary motivation for doing Jodha-Akbar was to mingle with a mind that'd be as alert and innovative as Ashutosh's.I knew he'd help me explore a different facet of my acting. He helped me go to places in my psyche I had never gone to before.It's been great fun.

Ashutosh is a damn good combination of intelligent preparation and spontaneity. He comes fully prepared. But has the guts to throw it out of the window if he so wishes. He has the power to turn the scenes around in your head. Sometimes he'd whisper a thought in my ear.

And my entire being would be reverberating with that emotion, and with the desire to express it in front of the camera. Then you look back on the shot and you whistle in admiration and pride. Different films offer me different tunings with the director. Jodha-Akbar has benefited me immensely as an actor.

You're doing a lot of ads. Do they provide the same creative sustance as feature films?
I give the same level of commitment to whatever I do. Otherwise I can't do it. It's not a matter in which I've a choice. Giving my best is the only option I have.

I'd say working in ads and feature films different and yet the same. Ads give you a chance to explore areas that perhaps feature films do not. The dimensions are smaller. It's quickly in and out.

One is able to experiment without having to shoulder the responsibility. An ad doesn't really affect your career. So it's more fun. As an actor it's my responsibility to put myself in spaces I'm not comfortable with all the time.

Is it a challenge to say the whole story on just 90 seconds?
That's the director's challenge. Sometimes it's restrictive for the actor. I don't think an actor should be asked to accommodate his discipline to the duration of the film. So ads do cramp you.

They don't allow the though process to flow that freely. It becomes a little artificial at times. And that's something I try to avoid at any cost.

Would you like to be a slip-in-slip-out actor?
I'd want that. I think acting is about developing your skills to such an extent that you can command it at your will.That confidence when you have the experience and the body of work. Hopefully some day I'll be slipping in slipping out and forgetting my roles once I'm done.

I don't look forward to that day.
I do. Believe me I do. That's why I enjoy doing ads. Like I said the responsibility lessens. I shoulder less responsibility and have more fun in ads.

Having to dance in all your ads…is that an irritant?
It might become annoying for viewers. I mean you may enjoy eating mangoes. But you can't keep eating them all the time. I think it's better to get cautious about the dancing before it gets excessively in-your-face. Now some of the ad-makers agree with me on this.

You like to work only with like-minded people?
Yeah. There's no point being okay with mediocrity.And you can only be heading towards mediocrity if the effort isn't collaborative enough.

Do you feel you'veso far achieved what you set out to ?
One of life's greatest lessons is that you never reach the summit. I've seen my dad achieve more success than anyone else. Mine pales in comparison.

I still see him tense fearful anxious unsure and ready to fight every time he starts a new film. I don't want to reach that summit where I say, 'Ah,I've arrived' Right now that place doesn't even exist in my head.

The veteran filmmaker Aashutosh Govarikar is now hitting the headlines of the newspaper once again with his new arrival “Jodha Akbar”.

After films like “Lagaan” and “Swadesh” he took long span to come in the front of the news. Where on one hand people are curious and interested about the arrival of “Jodha Akbar” on the other hand few people are in debate about the name of Jodhabai in the film.

Here we present an excerpt of Aashutosh’s view regarding the story, debate about the film and the future of his film.

Q.: At the beginning we would like to know how is your back-pain?
A.: It’s under control now. I can now sit for twenty minutes at a stretch. I endured worse of the pain during the editing of the film. I have done the most of the editing of this film lying in the bed. But I am really happy as I didn’t have to endure the pain during the shooting.

(Smiling) otherwise I would have to postpone the releasing date of the film once again and you would have come to ask me the reason.

Q.: Why did you choose Aishwarya and Hrithik for the film? Was there any influence of “Dhoom 2” in characterisation?
A.: It’s absolutely wrong to think that I want to cash the famous “Dhoom 2” pair on the screen once again. The reality is that I started my film much earlier than “Krish” and “Dhoom 2”.
While I heard the story I thought only about Hrithik and Aishwarya as they really have that princely touch in their appearance. I spent my childhood with the books like “Amar Chitrakatha” and “Chanda Mama”.

Actually those stories inspired me to think about my own stories. I saw exactly the same image in Aishwarya and Hrithik that I used to see in those characters.

Q.: Don’t you think your Akbar is little skinny?
A.: Before replying to your question I would like to ask you something. Where did you see Akbar? The actuality is that you have seen Prithviraj Kapoor as Akbar in “Mughal E Azam”. In that film you have witnessed the Akbar who is in his sixties and is a father of a young man. But in my film you will get the young look of Akbar.

According to the story I have chosen the middle period of twenty eighth year of his age. Hrithik is fit for the character not only because of his age but also because of his physical structure, mental ability and maturity.

Actually I needed a passionate actor who would equally be dedicated to this movie. I am happy that Hrithik proved his best for the character.

Q.: There are lots of conflicts regarding the release of the film. What’s the reason?
A.: Let me make very clear that there will be no problem releasing the movie on the given date. People are so excited about the film that their interest just grows on and on for the film to get released. It’s really justified taking time to make historical movies.

It’s quite easy to think and make films on paper but filming it requires pure technical knowledge. My film required lot of people to work on. Even filming a small scene I required all the artists. There were many times when few of them were not present in the set and then I used to call them to get their shots.

Everything including location, jewelry, look, make-up, junior artists as well as animals are most important for the movie. Despite all those things I faced many problems filming the movie.

Q.: How did you think about the references for the movie?
A.: In accordance with the story of the film I referred to the Mughal and Rajput history as well as books like “Akbar Nama” and “Ain – E- Akbari”. Apart from them I went through books of Badauni who wrote many things about Akbar’s life.

The most important part of that period’s writing was that people used to write against each other. And in that way I faced many problems deciding the truth. At the end I accepted which I thought might be the truth. Besides, I chose many things from the royal family of Jaipur and information from the Kachchhaya family.

And Bhavani Singh, the king of Jaipur, as well as the queen Padmini also informed me about many things regarding Akbar.

Q.: Were you ready for such controversy?
A.: Yeah, absolutely. Even during the pre-production I knew there will be some controversy regarding the movie. When there are so many controversies in the history itself then there has to be some difference in thought about the movie. I would only say that I have taken the truth only.

Through the media I would like to inform people that I have made the film for general entertainment and there’s little historical theory in it comparing with the creative thoughts.

My prime focus is to show the proximity between two different societies of people that came together hundreds of years ago because of a marriage. I have depicted the traditional collaboration between two completely different strata of people. I appeal to all the people to take “Jodha Akbar” just as a film.

Q.: How are you prepared to face controversies as the film is released?
A.: First thing first that controversy is absolutely baseless. As far as the release of the film is concerned, I think, once the film is released people will love it so much that they will forget to think even about the old controversies.

Q.: We have heard that there were some misunderstanding between Aishwarya and Hrithik during the shooting. Is that true?
A.: (smiling) It’s just a gossip, nothing else. Even I don’t know from where that gossip originated. Both Aishwarya and Hrithik supported each other during the shooting. I am really happy because of their on-screen chemistry.

Q.: Which one is your favourite pair?
A.: As far as films are concerned I like pairs as Hema-Dharmendra, Rekha-Amitabh, Amir-Juhi, and Shahrukh-Kajol. And as far as reality is concerned the pair most close to my heart is that of Laila-Majnoo.

Q.: How do you see your journey from “Pehla Nasha” to “Jodha Akbar”?
A.: I have been very lucky. I never thought of coming to that pinnacle of life. Whether actor or director I started working in both the fields by accident. In both the cases I got chance and I grabbed them. Now you can see me here all because of my readiness to accept things that life offers me. - Rajnee Gupta

Neha Dhupia gets candid about her forthcoming movie Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama, her character in the movie, the USP - the comedy quotient of the film, her experience of working with Rajpal Yadav, Amrita Arora and Aashish Chaudhry and last but least her future projects.

Whether it's Mr & Mrs Iyer, Page 3, Omkara, Life in a Metro or the recent Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, her performances have always given her the critical acclaim an actor needs. But now she faces her toughest task, the task of sharing screen space with Madhuri Dixit in her second Yash Raj outing - Aaja Nachle. Sounding calm and composed over the phone, Konkana Sen Sharma tells me that she is all geared up for her biggest ever release till date, her onscreen chemistry with Kunal Kapoor and the fun and excitement of working with the best dancer in Bollywood - Madhuri Dixit.

What's going through your mind right now?
I am very excited and dying to see the film's reaction. I've just seen the film and it's come out better than the best. It was such fun to shoot that it was evident from the film.

Was working with Madhuri like working with any other co-star you've worked with before?
When you are on the sets working with Madhuri Dixit, you tend to forget that she is 'The Madhuri Dixit' because she is so normal. Honestly speaking, she is unassuming, very friendly, very considerate. There was a time when my knees were hurting and she came forward like any other friend and offered her help. Yes, it was special to be working with her because I never thought that my wish to work with her would come true one day.

Again with Kunal Kapoor...or....Not again!
No, not at all. He is a great co-star to work with and very funny. We are romancing each other in this film too like you saw us in Laaga Chunari Mein Daag but in a different context all together. Here you will see a lot of humour and laughter in our roles here.

Did you say 'Yes' to Aaja Nachle because of Madhuri Dixit or Yash Raj Films?
The first time I read the script, I did not know that Madhuri Dixit was in the lead. Her presence in the film was given to us in the later stage. I didn't even meet Anil Mehta in the beginning. It was Aditya Chopra who narrated me the idea. I heard his thoughts and Aaja Nachle came across to me as a very warm-hearted film and a story with a lot of soul. I like it from that stage onwards and then came all the surprises when I found out that Anil Mehta was directing it and Madhuri was to play the lead. As one says - It just got better and better.

How was it to share screen space with Madhuri?
Madhuri shares screen space with not only me but all of us, whether it's Kunal, Ranvir, Vinay Pathak or Raghuveer Yadav. Sharing screen space with Madhuri is just so unbelievable. She is right in front of you and you tend to go speechless when she delivers her lines. She is an inspiration to watch and when you watch this film you will know exactly why.

How was Anil Mehta as a director?
Anil Mehta is extremely relaxed and laid back. He isn't one of those who shouts and stresses on the sets and it's so easy to work in such an environment where your director is calm and focused. He is very creative too and all of us had a memorable time working with Anil Mehta.

In your recent past, we've seen you play very lively and vivacious characters. Is Aaja Nachle going to be repetitive?
I don't frankly think that any of them have been repetitions in the past either whether it's 15 Park Avenue or Page 3 or Laaga Chunari Mein Daag. Lively and vivacious aren't the generic terms to describe the roles I've played so far. I think they are versatile. Aaja Nachle too in a cliched way is 'zara hatke'.

Are we going to see you complete a hat-trick with Yash Raj Films after Aaja Nachle?
For the time being, I have only been offered Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Aaja Nachle. Let's see what happens in the future with Yash Raj Films.

What's so different about Yash Raj Films than other banners?
I think the biggest advantage of working with Yash Raj Films as a producer is that they do not bring their 'Yash Raj' presence on the sets. They make sure that everything goes smoothly and on time and let the actors and directors do the things.

Any memorable behind the scene incidents you'd like to share with us?
We all used to bring home made food on the sets and then get together at lunch time in one room and share our food with each other. Now this is quite rare and it doesn't happen in any film. That was a good bit of bonding for us. I also remember on the first day when I went to see how the choreography of the film was, I fainted and died but it lasted only for that day. Then I got used to it and got better and better at it.

Don't you think Aaja Nachle's true star is the choreographer?
Yes, certainly. Vaibhavi Merchant is instrumental to the film. It's all about singing and dancing but what Madhuri plays in the film is a choreographer's role and all that comes from Vaibhavi herself. She is indeed an inspiration for all of us.

Any message for your fans?
Please go and watch Aaja Nachle because you will definitely enjoy it, have fun and be good to all.

“Madhuri is a very very special performer,” says Anil Mehta, director of Madhuri Dixit's comeback film Aaja Nachle which is releasing shortly. Mehta a renowned cinematographer of such films as Lagaan, Saathiya, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna and Kal Ho Na Ho in an uncharacteristic move has used the services of Mohanan (Farhan Akhtar's Don) as the Cinematographer as he feels “direction requires lots of concentration”. In this exclusive interview with IndiaFM, Anil Mehta talks about the germination of the story idea of Aaja Nachle, what makes Madhuri an easy person to get along with and why media should cross check facts before spreading rumours.

How has been the experience of directing your first feature film Aaja Nachle?
It has been very exhausting. We are at the finishing stages. It's been quite tiring. The first print just came out. The entire schedule was quite packed. It was not as if I was gunning to be a director. It was Adi's (Aditya Chopra) idea. He has written the story. It all started as a casual chat while shooting Veer Zaara. The script appealed to me. After this I may or may not direct again. After this I may or may not direct again.


How does it feel to direct Madhuri Dixit, one of the biggest stars of Hindi Cinema of all times?
It feels special. I had not worked with her earlier even as a cinematographer. She is an iconic figure of our times. For me she is a special performer. At the end of the day it was an enriching experience. She is a fantastic person to work with. When she started working, she worked with ease and grace. She is a very easy person to get along with. What started off as a huge task, just got simplified.


Madhuri is one of the finest dancers and she is making a comeback of sorts with a film which has dance as one of its principal element….for she is back from US to save a dance academy…
It's not a formal dance school. She has an open air theatre space. Song and dance is woven in the narrative. When you see Madhuri dance, it can't be spoken of, it just connects. These things can't be articulated. I had to watch the footage of her dancing again and again in the post production stage. But I was never tired of watching her dance. She is a very very special performer. She is a trained Kathak dancer. Grace is a part of her. I had to watch the footage of her dancing again and again in the post production stage. But I was never tired of watching her dance


Jaideep Sahni is the screenplay writer of Aaja Nachle. What's his contribution to the film?
The story is by Adi while Jaideep has written the screenplay. Adi had brought him in quite early. Jaideep has been there since the beginning. For me as a director his contributions were very important. I believe a film is made at the scripting stage. Jaideep has an eye for detail and a flair for local flavour. He knows the local colloquialism.


You also have a couple of talented actors like Kunal Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma in the film. What are your thoughts about them?
In the second half, they play an important part. Konkona is fabulous. Kunal is a toughie who is into local politics. For him it's a journey for realizing that there are other important things in life as well.


Aaja Nachle seems to be a film set in a small town in India and it talks about the plight of a dance school. Why do you think it should appeal to the masses?
Why it should be appealing to the masses is the worry of market pundits, not mine. I believe it is relevant. The subject is based in a small town in India. I would be very eager to get the response from small towns. It's a direct connection. It's a fun and entertaining story.


The subject is based in a small town in India. I would be very eager to get the response from small towns
The music of the film has caught the fancy of people. What's your favourite track?
'Show Me Your Jalwa' draws from small town feel. It has a pretty upbeat tempo, yet it's folksy. It's not just a pop number. 'Ishq Hua' is a soft romantic number. I believe release of the film will give a fresh lease of life to music as well. 'O Re Piya' is my favourite track and also 'Show Me Your Jalwa'.


A lot of rumours have been floating around that Madhuri isn't happy with the film or the way it's being promoted. Is it true?
The rumours got off to a start when she wasn't even there in India. She hasn't said anywhere that she is unhappy. She hasn't seen the finished film. Obviously someone is concocting stories. When we are available, why are the facts not being cross checked! She also has a representative in Mumbai who could have been contacted as well. Why file stories just for the heck of it?


How was the experience of directing the film from a Cinematographer's perspective?
I haven't shot the film myself. Mohanan is the Cinematographer of the film. I was very clear that if I am directing I won't do Cinematography. Direction requires a lot of concentration. In the film, the cinematographic approach has been very simple. It's the kind of cinematography that gives the space to narrative to get a life of its own.

What about the 25 minute Nautanki that has been written by Piyush Mishra and is an integral part of the film?
Chod Do Main Karwaoongi, Aur Inhi Logon Se Karwaaongi…It's at the culmination of the film. It wouldn't be proper to talk about it till you actually see it.

The Big B of the Bollywood Industry faces facts with Taran Adarsh and we are talking about Sanjay Leela Bhansali. See this exclusive tete-a-tete with the filmmaker whose films are nothing less than beautiful paintings which fill u with awe and love. Take a look at this dreammaker talk about his experience of working with the Biggies of Bollywood like Aishwarya, SRK, Rani and Amitabh Bachchan and falling straight to 2 star kids in the making. Also take a look at this Godfather speak very proudly of his newcomers Ranbir and Sonam Kapoor who hes taken the onus of launching in Saawariya.

You’re turning a year older. What’s your plan for the day?
I don’t plan much on my birthdays. We are quite an underplayed family. We like to stay at home. We like calling close friends over and then head out to a restaurant. I don’t like going out that often. But on my birthday, I’m forced to go out. What I look forward to, are presents from my friends. But my friends can be very cheap; sometimes they don’t give me good presents. However, most of the time Karan (Johar) and Adi (Aditya Chopra) get good presents for me. I hope they bring some nice electronic gifts.

What gifts did you get last year?
Karan got me a computer. A friend of mine gave me a Louis Vuitton bag. Let me tell you, I have a fetish for bags, especially handbags. Adi gave me camera. I got some really nice pens - Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan) had given me a beautiful pen. He has asked me to use it on Kaun Banega Crorepati. I will use it when I film for it next year.

Do you write with those pens?
I write a bit but not with those pens, as they are nice and expensive ink pens. I like keeping good pens and whenever I need to make notes, I use them.

Do you practise any rituals on your birthday?
I do pray to my parents for their goodness and their blessings. I think of my parents’ pictures and then go on my rooftop to say a little prayer. I believe that they are these two stars in the sky. I thank them for having given birth to me…. I pray for my family - my sister, my wife, my children and my friends.

How were your birthdays when you were a kid?
Now that you ask, I don’t remember throwing any birthday parties. We were not rich enough to waste money on parties. But I remember my father giving me some of his old things. I think he couldn’t afford to buy me new things. On my 12th birthday, he gave me his Olivetti typewriter. I was too young to learn typing, but I used it very carefully. On another birthday, he gave me his Grundig gramophone, which I could never run.

Have you preserved those gifts?
I wish I had. When I was moving out of Delhi, I had to leave in a hurry. The only thing that I could bring back with me is a Videocon TV that my mother gave me. I have my TV somewhere. Every once in a while, I think: Where is that typewriter and where is that gramophone? Every few months, I feel that I should go back and find them.

What are the craziest gifts you have received so far?
Last year on my birthday, I went to a party hosted by my friends. They gave me 41 gifts. There were a few crazy ones, too -- Badshah lal mirchi powder, and strange stuffed toys, etc.

What does your wife give you?
My wife is very cheap. She doesn’t give me anything. She says that she has given me the kids.

What about your kids, Suhana and Aryan?
My daughter is very sweet. She picks up tid-bits from the house and wraps them up neatly. She writes a beautiful card, saying ‘I love you papa. Happy birthday!’ She will paint something that I always put up in my office. My son doesn’t gift me anything. He just comes up and says ‘Happy birthday, papa.’ My son forgets. I sympathise with the girls who complain that their boyfriends don’t get them any gifts. I wonder what it will be like on my son’s wedding anniversary.

Do you feel that you are 42?
Physically, mentally and emotionally, I feel I’m still 26 years old - that’s when I had come to Mumbai. I still feel I have to work hard. I feel the same enjoyment that I did when I gave my first shot.

Do you get annoyed when people call you ‘uncle’?
Actually, my kids’ friends call me Shah Rukh Khan. Not too many people call me ‘uncle’, but they will soon, I’m sure. Sometimes I’m taken aback when the kids call me by my name during our soccer sessions.

They usually say, “Shah Rukh can you pass the ball. We need to practise.” I wish they would call me ‘uncle’. My daughter feels awkward when her friends call me ‘SRK’.

SRK’s wishlist

• I want to make 10 beautiful films. I have no idea what they are going to be like
• I would like my son and daughter to beat me at all sports
• I will like them to be more educated than I am. I want them to have more knowledge than I do
• Make a beautiful film studio. I'm yet to acquire land for it
• Make a trust and a hospital
• Make public utilities and amenities for women all around the country

These are just good thoughts. I hope they come true.

Model and aspiring actress Rohini Sahani talks to IndiaFM about her favourite actors, movies and roles she would have loved to work in, right from 'Karz' to 'Dor'. She has hit the screen with a music album 'Maheroo' by Joe Joe and is waiting to explore the Bollywood arena. She gives us an insight into 'her dream man'.