Sunday 24 February 2013

Mohanlal confirms his presence in Peruchaazhi

Mohanlal confirms his presence in Peruchaazhi

With a flurry of projects being announced in his name, Mollywood superstar Mohanlal had taken to a social networking site to clear the air and announce the two projects he's committed to this year — a Tamil film with Kollywood star Vijay scheduled to start in May, besides a Malayalam project he will start working on before he commences work on the Tamil film.

However, the announcement triggered a fresh wave of rumours, what with Kollywood director Arun Vaidyanathan having announced his directorial debut in Malayalam, Peruchaazhi, will have Mohanlal in the lead. Now, to put to rest all the buzz, the actor has taken to the social networking site again, wherein he confirms being a part of the film.

Quiz Arun about the film and the Achchamundu! Achchamundu! director tells us, "I've always been a huge fan of Mohanlal and he does comedy like no one else can. Though, it's been a while since he did a full-length comic caper. Peruchaazhi, which is primarily set in the US, is an out and out comedy and only Mohanlal can do complete justice to the role he is cast in the film," he says, adding, "The film will have a heroine from the US. No one has been finalised and discussions are still on."

While Arun has done the script in Tamil, a source tells us that English writer Ajayan is working on the translation. While the crew maintains that the rest of the cast is yet to be finalised, we've learnt that Mukesh has also been roped in for the film. Our source says, "Each time Mohanlal and Mukesh have teamed up, we've had some rib-tickling comedy, be it Boeing Boeing, Vandanam or the more recent Arabiyum, Ottakavum, P Madhavan Nairum. The shooting will start by this year-end once the pre-production work and visa formalities are completed. In the meanwhile, Arun will also do his next Tamil film, the official announcement of which is expected to be made by the second week of April."

Kate Hudson cuts down on work

Kate Hudson cuts down on work

Actress Kate Hudson is choosing her films prudently following the birth of her second son in 2011, as she does not wish to spend much time away from her children.

She is mother to nine-year-old Ryder, by her ex-husband Chris Robinson, and 19-month-old Bingham, her son with rocker fiance Matt Bellamy.

Hudson has cut down on her workload in recent years, but has been shooting a recurring role on hit US series " Glee". She admits she prefers taking jobs which involve a short filming period, reports dailystar.

"If someone says it's a three-month shoot, I get a little shy because of Ryder in third grade and Bing being 19 months. It's so much to juggle, so I've been doing films that are a little less time (consuming).

"I'm more specific about what they are and I don't want to do work that will take me away from my kids, so I have to really love it," Hudson told UsMagazine.

I'd like to find a girlfriend: Simon Cowell

I'd like to find a girlfriend: Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell is looking for love with a British woman after splitting with Hollywood beauty Carmen Electra.

Speaking exclusively to the Sunday People, The X Factor boss said that he would like to find a girlfriend.The 53-year-old dated Baywatch star Carmen, 40, after meeting her when she was a judge on last year's Britain's Got Talent.Now he says they are just good friends.

"I'm now a single man. We spent time together and she is so much fun. But I'd like to find a girlfriend," the Mirror quoted him as saying. "I do particularly like British women but I haven't got my eye on anyone."

Simon also admitted his workaholic character gets in the way of finding the right partner.

Saturday 23 February 2013

Jackman has sexiest facial hair: Survey

ugh Michael Jackman has sexiest facial hair: Survey

Actor Hugh Jackman has topped a poll for the man with the sexiest facial hair, beating David Beckham and Johnny Depp.

The 44-year-old most recently sported thick facial hair in the Oscar-nominated film "Les Miserables".

In the second place was stubbly actor Bradley Cooper. Star footballer David Beckham, who is currently sporting a designer stubble, came third, while grey-bearded George Clooney and Ben Affleck, who has full face fuzz, took the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, reports contactmusic.com.

The poll, involving 1,000 people, was conducted by the Britain's leading hair transplant centre, the Crown Clinic in Manchester.

Surgeon Asim Shahmalak insists Jackman is a worthy winner.

"Hugh Jackman looks great whatever kind of facial hair he has - stubble, a moustache or a beard ... For many men, growing a beard or designer stubble defines their masculinity. It is not surprising that more than six out of 10 believe they look sexier with some form of facial hair," said Shahmalak.

Sunday 17 February 2013

Sameera Reddy set to romance Nandamuri Balakrishna?

Sameera Reddy set to romance Nandamuri Balakrishna?

After ending a six-year hiatus from Tollywood with a sizzling item number with Venky and Rana — in the recently-released Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum — Bollywood siren Sameera Reddy could be making a comeback as a lead actress in Telugu films. It is reliably learnt that the actress has been approached to play the lead opposite actor Balakrishna in his next venture.

Sameera Reddy set to romance Nandamuri Balakrishna?

Sources close to Balayya reveal that the filmmakers are on the verge of signing her up. Apparently, the actress has already heard the script and loved it. It's going to be a big-ticket, action-entertainer and Sameera, it is learnt, has a meaty role in the movie. "Sameera loves the role sketched out for the leading lady in the movie.

However, it is too early to comment about it as she is yet to sign on the dotted line, as some details are yet to be worked out, and an official confirmation will be made as soon as she does that," says her spokesperson. Incidentally, Sam's last outing in a lead role was opposite NTR Jr (Balakrishna's nephew) in Ashok. It will be interesting to see if Sameera can rework the magic with his uncle, Balayya.Well, if her item number with the other famous uncle-nephew duo — Rana and Venky — is anything to go by, Sameera might just ace it again.

Shraddha Das wants to kiss Salman Khan

Shraddha Das wants to kiss Salman Khan

Shraddha Das, who made her debut in Hindi film Lahore, starred in Tollywood movies like Arya-2, Marocharitra and Mogudu among other commercially successful movies, is now all set to play a pop singer in her upcoming movie Rey. In a chat with Hyderabad Times, the actress talks about her work and more.

Shraddha Das wants to kiss Salman Khan

Initially, when you started off in Tollywood, you did almost every movie that came your way. Do you regret not being choosy?
Yes, I do. I did around nine films in one year. It was a learning experience for me. But to be honest, these films have made me a confident actor. So, now I am a lot more choosy about my films.

You have studied to be a journalist, but you have chosen acting as your career...
I was born and brought up in Chembur, Mumbai. I did my schooling in St Anthony's Girls High School where B-town actors like Vidya Balan, Malaika Arora, Shilpa Shetty, Kareena Kapoor, Shamita Shetty and the like have studied. In school, I was very good in science and my dad wanted me to be a chemical engineer, but I had an accident in Class XII where one person died and I was paralysed. My head was shaved off completely and I sustained several fractures. It is

something I cannot forget all my life. However, this incident worked in my favour and I was able to take up journalism.
I completed my graduation in mass media. However, acting is my passion. Once I'm done with acting, I'll pursue a career in mass media.

What are the projects you have in hand?
My co-star in Rey is Megastar Chiranjeevi's nephew, Sai Dharam Tej. I'm playing an American-Mexican pop singer. I am sporting a totally new look as the script demands it. Next is a 3D film directed by Vinayan which is releasing in Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada. Also, two of my Hindi films — Lucky Kabootar and Chai Shai Biscuit — are yet to release.

The title for Lucky Kabootar was inspired by a song from Sanjay Dutt's film and is a tribute to Raj Kanwar, who passed away last year. I play a Punjabi girl in this comedy. It is my first commercial role in Hindi with a lot of dances choreographed by Vishnu Deva. In my other Hindi film, I play a middle class girl who meets an NRI. Both pretend to be something they are not. It's a performance-oriented role. There are no songs in the movie. The script is brilliant.

Tell us about your 'dream role' and the hero you adore the most.
I want to work in an action film as I have trained in martial arts and I also want to do an unconventional role like Rani Mukerji in Black. I'm one of the craziest fans of Salman Khan. Before I die, I want to work in a Salman Khan movie and if that does not work out, I'd be happy if I can kiss him on his cheek — just once.

Your breakup with Varun Sandesh was much talked about. Are you still in touch with him?
I've had one relationship so far and I'm very much open about it. I don't see any reason to hide it. We dated for two years and we broke up. I don't have any contact with him anymore. That's the end of it.

Jennifer Aniston offered a book deal?

Jennifer Joanna Aniston offered a book deal?

Actress Jennifer Aniston has reportedly been offered a book deal that will talk about her marriage and break-up with actor Brad Pitt.

According to American tabloid the National Enquirer, publishers have offered Aniston mega bucks for an authorised biography.

"Jen is in a very stable place in her life now. She is feeling much more open. She would love to get the truth out to her fans once and for all...," showbizspy.com quoted a source as saying.

"Of course, the big is Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and this is the tough one for Jen. She knows it is a great chance to clear the air. A lot of people think Brad wanted kids and she didn't - that's not true."

"Jen won't want to dwell on bad things. It is not about going after Brad and Angelina, but if she does write it, she's not going to sugarcoat the truth," the source added.

More to life than box office success: Vivek Oberoi

More to life than box office success: Vivek Oberoi

In a film career spanning 10 years, Vivek Oberoi has played diverse roles, witnessed ups and downs, successes and failures, but he says nothing is more gratifying than being able to aid society and work towards its betterment.

Indulging in social work and supporting charitable causes helps him move away from the parameters of success and failure, he maintains.

"Doing social good has taught me that there is more to my life than just box office's parameters of success and failure. It has taught me to reach out and do some more to my life, and the satisfaction that I get is amazing," Vivek told IANS in an interview here.

Over the years, he has involved himself in charity work, but hardly talks about any of it.

Vivek helped re-build a village, which was hit severely by the 2006 tsunami in Tamil Nadu. He was in Chennai when disaster struck and assembled six truckloads of relief supplies. He has also adopted a tsunami-ravaged village in the state's Cuddalore district.

The 36-year-old, who recently became a father to a boy, also runs a school in Vrindavan. Named Project Devi, the facility caters to underprivileged girls abandoned by their families.

"Doing charity makes me feel really happy. A lot of people asked me to speak, when Forbes magazine featured me as one of the 'Top 40 Philanthropists around the world under the age of 40'. Talking about it doesn't really matter to me as the work here is important, not the recognition," he said.

In Bollywood, the work and the recognition have been equally important for the actor, who still feels like a newcomer and looks at every role with the same excitement as he did in his first film.

"I describe my whole journey as just a beginning. Time has just flown by and it has been 10 years, but I am still looking at almost all the films as a newcomer, with same excitement, same energy and enthusiasm. I am just happy to be here.

"I am still very instinctive and spontaneous. I don't calculate, think or plan. I just jump to the opportunity. I am still like that kid in a playground, just running around and doing different films," he added.

Son of veteran actor Suresh Oberoi, Vivek made his Bollywood debut with Ram Gopal Varma's "Company" in 2002, which went on to earn rave reviews for him. He also impressed everyone as a lover boy in "Saathiya".

He has tried to maintain variety - whether it was a gangster's part in "Company", a lover boy in "Saathiya" or a villain in upcoming film "Krrish 3".

Vivek hasn't feared experimentation either - "Yuva", "Masti", "Kaal","Omkara", "Shootout at Lokhandwala", "Kurbaan" and "Prince", all stand as examples. While some worked in his favour, others did not - but it has all been a learning experience for him.

"The ups and downs in the career have taught me perspective, whether it is material or superficial. Whether the happiness that I am getting is temporarily linked to the ups and downs on a Friday in Bollywood, or it is the happiness linked to something more real and stable," said Vivek.

"You have to determine what makes you happy and that is what this life has taught me," added the actor, who plays lead in just released "Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story".

Ajmal and Radhika Apte fights with each other!

Ajmal Ameer and Radhika Apte fights with each other!

Actor Ajmal who won praises for his negative role in the movie 'Ko'. He is now acting in the movie 'Vetriselvan' directed by Rudhran. Radhika Apte who acted in the movie 'Dhoni' is sharing the screen space with him. This movie is about the socially untouched persons and gives a positive message to the society. The shooting for this movie is going on now and will completed in few days.

Recently, in the sets Ajmal and Radhika Apte started arguing with each other suddenly which turned up in to a fight! Director Rudhran came and made peace on both side. The reason for this is said as difference in opinion and lack of communication. Because the shooting was stopped abruptly for 3 hours! Later the couple finished the shoot quickly.

Tuesday 12 February 2013

Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya (2013) - Tamil Movie Review

Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya (2013) - Tamil Movie Review

Cast :
  • Santhanam as Kaalkattu Kaliyaperumal/ K.K
  • Srinivasan as Power Kumar/ P.K
  • Sethu as Shiva
  • Vishaka as Sowmiya
  • VTV Ganesh as Krishnamoorthi
  • Kovai Sarala as Sowmiya's Aunt
  • Vithusan as Koundan
  • K. Sivasankar as Sowmiya's Dad
  • Pattimandram Raja as Shiva's father
  • Vanitha Krishna Chandran as Shiva's mother
  • Devadarshini
  • Ganeshkar
  • Lollu Sabha Swaminathan
  • Lollu Sabha Manohar
  • Robert in a cameo appearance
  • Silambarasan Rajendar as himself (Special appearance)
  • Gautham Menon (Special appearance)
  • M. Rajesh Director as Voice over
Directed by : K. S. Manikandan
Produced by : Santhanam, Rama Narayanan
Written by : Santhanam, K. S. Manikandan
Singers : Suchitra, Ranjith, Rahul Nambiar, Naveen Madhav, M. L. R. Karthikeyan, Senthil, Sam P.Keerthan, Muralidhar, Gaana Bala, Mukesh
Lyricist : Viveka, Gaana Bala, Vaali
Music by : S. Thaman
Cinematography : Balasubramaniem
Editing by : G. Ramarao
Studio : Hand Made Films, Sri Thenandal Films
Distributed by : Red Giant Movies


Based on the 1981 hit-film “Indru Poi Naalai Va” this “Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya” is a comedy riot throughout. Santhanam who also happens to be the producer of this film is normally known to be a crowd-puller with his comedy and in this film with Power Star Dr. Srinivasan as his company there is no dearth of comedy. Sethu forms the third member in the gang.

The introduction sequences of each of the three lead characters carry enough excitement, the most being that of Power Star’s. After their characters are explained (with the narrator cursing his own fate for having to introduce these characters) the movie rolls on to the main storyline.

Shiva’s (Sethu) house is the base for all three to meet. One fine day, Sowmya (Vishaka) comes as a tenant to the opposite house. Its love at first sight for Shiva and the same feeling is also with his other two friends. K K (Santhanam) and Power (Power Star) along with Shiva decide to fight it out for who would win the girl’s heart.

Each one of them follow their own way, the original had it as one would do household work, the second would learn Hindi while the third will come to learn Kusthi. In this version, Shiva does the household work, K K comes to learn singing while Power Star comes to learn dance. What happens from now on and who does what to win over Sowmya’s heart is told in a funny way in the film which has a running time of 140 minutes. For those who have seen the 1981 film, there is nothing that has changed in this version except a few cosmetic ones.

Music by Thaman is commendable and so is the Cinematography (Balasubramaniem). With Red Giant Movies acquiring its distribution rights, this film is sure to be a winner at the box-office for the only reason that after a long time one can enjoy a laugh riot in Tamil cinema.

In terms of acting, each actor has been exemplary in their roles but at the same time have made sure that they do not carry the resemblance of their characters from the original. Vishaka having got a heroine role has been pretty impressive in acting as well as in glamour. VTV Ganesh, Devadarshini, Pattimandram Raja play supporting roles while STR and Gautham Vasudev Menon play guest roles.

Director K S Manikandan has treated the subject with respect and hence has come out successful with flying colors.

“Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya” is an impressive adaptation of “Indru Poi Naalai Va” and at the same time enjoyable to the core.

Alex Pandian (2013) - Tamil Movie Review

Alex Pandian (2013) - Tamil Movie Review

Cast :
  • Karthi as Alex Pandian
  • Anushka Shetty as Divya
  • Santhanam as Kaalayan
  • Milind Soman as Alvin Martin
  • Suman as Dr. GKM
  • Prathap Pothen as Radhakrishnan
  • Visu as Chief Minister
  • Mahadevan as Swamiji
  • Nikita Thukral as Gayathri
  • Sanusha as Sneha
  • Akanksha Puri
  • Manobala as Captain Divakaran
  • Renuka as Rani
  • Rajkapoor
  • Santhana Bharathi
  • Saravanan as Parthiban
  • Vaiyapuri as Nandu
  • Lollu Sabha Manohar
Directed by : Suraj
Produced by : K. E. Gnanavelraja
Written by : Suraj
Singers : Mukesh, Priyadarshini, Karthik, Devi Sri Prasad, Anitha, Baba Sehgal, Priya Himesh, Javed Ali, Ranina Reddy
Lyricist : Vaali, Viveka, Karunakaran, P. Vijay
Music by : Devi Sri Prasad
Cinematography : Saravanan
Editing by : Praveen K. L., N. B. Srikanth
Studio : Studio Green
Distributed by : Studio Green


With "Alex Pandian", Karthi has proved that he has been swept away by the tide of commercial cinema and it is very unlikely that he would be washed ashore anytime soon. The film, which was promised to be a better follow up to "Saguni", only qualifies to be called a disappointing commercial pot-boiler.

Alex Pandian (Karthi) earns a livelihood by doing odd jobs for money. Having spent most of his life in prison, he is freed on bail by an NRI businessman (Milind Soman) and his partner (Suman) to help them in the abduction of the Chief Minister's daughter, Divya (Anushka).

Milind and his partner plan to use Divya as bait to make her father sign a deal, which will allow them to distribute thousands of crores-worth medicines, considered fatal for consumption in Tamil Nadu. They leave Divya in the custody of Alex, who later comes to learn about the motive behind the kidnapping and decides to help.

Alex hands over Divya to the personal assistant of the Chief Minister without knowing that he led the kidnapping plot at the first place. Alex is double-crossed and held captive along with Divya, forcing the Chief Minister to sanction the deal. Will he sign the deal and what happens to Alex and Divya?

"Alex Pandian" remains commercial throughout the first half, with good amount of action and comedy. But alas, it turns irksome post interval. While one may wonder what would have happened to this film without Santhanam, who keeps the movie alive with his wit and one-liners, what is even more surprising is that the film struggles to evoke interest despite the presence of actors such as Milind Soman and Suman.

In an effort to make the film a crowd-puller, director Suraaj randomly throws in five songs, plenty of action sequences and good amount of comedy, without any purpose or passion. His definition of entertainment is to make three heroines look cheap and drool over the protagonist. The first half progresses at good pace, but the second meanders at snail's pace and makes one very impatient.

Karthi and Anushka make a good pair, but the romance between them looks artificial and it definitely lacks the oomph factor on screen. Karthi shines in his part, but Anushka hardly delivered anything worth discussing. Santhanam helps the film to live through certain cliched and boring moments and so does Mano Bala in the second half.

This is probably the first time that a composer like Devi Sri Prasad has created an album, in which not even a single number is worth listening to. Typically, at least one track from most of his films lingers in the minds of the audiences as they leave the cinemas, but it doesn't happen here. The background score helps in elevating certain moments of the film, but overall, it lacks energy.

"Alex Pandian" may be presented as a high energetic commercial entertainer, but it gives no reasons to cheer.

Sunday 10 February 2013

Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills

Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Vishal, Anjali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Santhanam on Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie StillsMadha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Vishal, Anjali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Santhanam on Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie StillsMadha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Vishal, Anjali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Santhanam on Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie StillsMadha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Vishal, Anjali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Santhanam on Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie StillsMadha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Vishal, Anjali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Santhanam on Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie StillsMadha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Vishal, Anjali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Santhanam on Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie StillsMadha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Vishal, Anjali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Santhanam on Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie StillsMadha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Vishal, Anjali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Santhanam on Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie StillsMadha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Vishal, Anjali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Santhanam on Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie StillsMadha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Vishal, Anjali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Santhanam on Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Vishal, Anjali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Santhanam on Madha Gaja Raja (2013) Tamil Movie Stills

Sanjjanaa’s getting ready for TV

Sanjjanaa’s getting ready for TV

Sandalwood actress Sanjjanaa, who has been busy shooting for her Telugu-Tamil bilingual that is tentatively titled Production No 1 in Hyderabad, recently took time off to also shoot for a special appearance on actress Khushbu's television show, Get Ready.

"Was too much fun shooting wid @khushsundar mam yesterday fo her show Getready,was really mesmerised by her charm," Sanjjanaa wrote on her micro-blogging page, along with a picture of the two together. The actress also tweeted a picture of herself during the show.

Sanjjanaa, who has three Kannada films ready for release - Mahanadhi, Rebel and Agraja - as well as a Telugu flick called Jagan Nirdoshi, has been so busy with her new film and the TV show that she could not attend the first match of this year's Celebrity Cricket league, despite being an ambassador for the same. "Missing out with the match in siligudi coz I hav early morn shoot on Monday in rfc,Looking fwd to the rest of the matches though.," she wrote hours before the first match on February 9 in Siliguri.

Film awards are corrupt: Saif Ali Khan

Film awards are corrupt: Saif Ali Khan

He steps out of the makeup van, passes a squealing crowd and finds himself amidst a Bengali family in north Kolkata. There's no disconnect - reel or real. "My feminine side is Bengali, my masculine self is Pathan," he says and cracks up at his own line. Returning to the city where he shot for Parineeta and his own production, Love Aaj Kal, memories come crowding back. "Kolkatans are very critical about films made on their own city. I was a little jittery when I did Parineeta. But mom said, 'You've got it right'." On the sidelines of the shoot for Tigmanshu Dhulia's film on Saturday, we catch up with the Bullet Raja - Saif Ali Khan.

You were just through with your reception when Tigmanshu took you out of all the hullabaloo and whisked you off to Lucknow to shoot for Bullet Raja...
The starting point for the film was the kind of films these guys have been making — Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster and Paan Singh Tomar. I don't watch too many films, maybe I should watch more, but I'm clued into these films. Somewhere I had put it out that I wanted to do such films and I also wanted to work with Tigmanshu. And it worked out. We had met a few times and we were discussing various scripts when I finally said, 'Look I leave it to you. I'm okay with whatever you come up with'. Luckily for me, the film we zeroed in on was something really exciting. We were talking about all kinds of films but not this — it's more of an Indian Scarface. It's an interesting role, which involves total acting rather than playing an extension of my own self. That's rare. And so here we are.

It's heard your act in Omkara inspired Tigmanshu to offer you this role...
I think he knows I can act and Omkara is one of those films which proves that I can. It's a leading question. It might imply if I'm required to act in the same way that I did in Omkara, but it's not. But then, Tigmanshu will get more than my off-screen persona because if he was getting just that, he wouldn't be satisfied. I love doing different things.

Has the experience of playing langda Tyagi stayed with you...
The experience of acting always stays with you. There's a discipline involved in learning the lines and trying to do something you are not - create a character. There's a different fun in getting a role where you can choose the clothes interestingly, not stylish clothes, some of them are horrible clothes but you make them stylish — like a silk shirt, trousers, boots with zips on them. You dress like a character. That's the fun. Omkara was a little like that. In all the other films, you play normal people. These are not normal guys. It's good fun to not play usual people. I loved Paan Singh Tomar, it's pretty near-flawless and I think Irrfan is perhaps the best Indian actor alongside Naseeruddin Shah. With this film, we hope to make lots of money at the box office and become bigger stars.

This is the first time you are doing a film opposite Sonakshi...
Sonakshi's very nice. I like her work in films. She's genetically an industry child. They are different. They know how to act and behave and Sonakshi seems like a well-brought up girl.

You too are an industry child...
Not at all. I'm an outsider to this industry. I haven't been brought up in a filmi atmosphere. Not that it's good or bad - it's a fact. We were brought up in a cricketing house. Of course, I remember visiting film sets as a child, but that was different. I had no understanding of what was going on. There's a way of behaving in the industry which you learn. But people like Sonakshi or Kareena know it from the start.

Sharmila Tagore was in Kolkata last week and in an interview to us she said she couldn't communicate with either Soha or you after her name was announced for the Padma Bhushan and that you learnt it from the papers...
I heard about it from various other people. They congratulated me. I tried calling her. She was in Jaipur, but she didn't answer the call. She's become like my father. He doesn't answer my phone either.

So, did you celebrate the occasion?
No, we are not that kind of a family. We don't celebrate our achievements. We celebrate being together. Because we don't live together, it's different. We used to come and visit our parents, and when we are there, we don't say, 'Yeah, things are going well or not going well'. The moments are important. If it's her birthday, we make an effort to celebrate that. That's the way we are.

A lot was written about Rajesh Khanna receiving the honour late. Do you think it came at the right time for your mother?
There's a time for everything. On the other hand, how does it matter really?

Do awards matter?
The ones that have mattered came at a time when people thought I wasn't deserving. These film awards certainly don't matter. I think they are a little corrupt. I don't see Aamir Khan getting an award because he doesn't want to turn up. If an award is based on your attendance, then what kind of an award is that? Government awards are also not much different. I wonder how many people get an award purely based on merit! It doesn't mean anything to me because I never get the feeling that it's something you have won fair and square.

Do you watch your mom's films?
No, I used to find them too disturbing. She would be crying a lot in them and I don't like to see her cry. I haven't even watched Apur Sansar, though I know I should be watching her films. She might be a great actress but she's my mother and I see her differently. I've seen some of her films, but not all. But I'm fully aware of what she has done and who she is.

How does it feel coming back to Kolkata?
Now, most of my relatives are dead. But yes, I feel there's a Bengali in me. Earlier, I used to think differently, but now I'm pretty much sure. Particularly when I'm in my white kurta-pyjama and chashma, I get this feeling. Also, I've memories of this place. Let me share a story with you. My father once told Farokh Engineer that Victoria Memorial was his house. So Farokh Engineer went there at night, knocked on the gate and said, 'Please tell Nawab saab that I'm here'. The surprised gatekeeper replied, 'No Sir, this is Victoria Memorial. This is a public building!' On this visit, I am pretty much staying in the hotel and hitting the gym.

You started working on Bullet Raja just after your wedding. How are you catching up with Kareena?
It's just a matter of time management. Your work is also important. You do a little bit of work and you are home. It's easy.

Kadal (2013) Tamil Movie Stills

Kadal (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Arjun on Kadal (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Kadal (2013) Tamil Movie StillsKadal (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Thulasi Nair on Kadal (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Kadal (2013) Tamil Movie StillsKadal (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Gautham Karthik on Kadal (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Kadal (2013) Tamil Movie StillsKadal (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Arvind Swamy on Kadal (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Kadal (2013) Tamil Movie StillsKadal (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Arjun on Kadal (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Kadal (2013) Tamil Movie StillsKadal (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Thulasi Nair on Kadal (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Kadal (2013) Tamil Movie StillsKadal (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Gautham Karthik on Kadal (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Kadal (2013) Tamil Movie StillsKadal (2013) Tamil Movie Stills
Arvind Swamy on Kadal (2013) Tamil Movie Stills