I don't compare myself with my peers, I only care about good work: Anushka Sharma

Her debut as Taani in Rab Ne Banadi Jori was an icebreaker after which Anushka dished out the same in four more films — the effervescent Shruti Kakkar in Band Baaja Baaraat for which she bagged Best Female Award, followed by the bubbly Simran of Patiala House, Ishika of Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, Bijli in Matru ki Bijli ka Mandola (MKBKM) and Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

In PK, she began to walk away from the ‘bubbly’ typecast while NH10 andBombay Velvet were turning points where her stellar performances show just how much she has matured as an actor.

Nevertheless, the bold, brash and bouncy belle she effortlessly reels off on camera is very much a part of her strong-headed personality. But be it a media furore over her relationship with Virat Kohli or a public frenzy over her lip job, she takes her challenges head on and her six million followers on Twitter love her for who she is.

Whilst in Austria for Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, model, actor, film producer, activist Anushka Sharma took time out between shots to talk to Images on Sunday.

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“Quite honestly, I don’t have a plan in life. I just go with the flow, with my instincts,” — Anushka Sharma

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What role is closest to the real Anushka Sharma? “I think there is a bit of me in all the films I do but I have yet to do a role that’s the closest to the real me,” she says.

She sizzles on the cover of Femina (Oct 2015) and Elle (May 2015), launches Pawsitivity, a campaign aimed at sensitising people about the adverse effects of noise, air, water and soil pollution on animals around Diwali; while ‘Twitter blames Anushka Sharma for Team India’s defeat, Bollywood comes to her rescue’ (Times of India), ‘In an open letter Anushka refutes lip surgery’ (ToI), ‘Anushka’s in a ‘shiny phase’ (The Hindu) amidst shenanigans, campaigns and controversies, who is the real Anushka Sharma?

“I’m very straightforward, grounded and honest. What you see is what you get. I have no agenda at all in my head; ever. Quite honestly, I don’t even have a plan in life. I just go with the flow, with my instincts. I am doing things that seem right to me and I think I have the courage to sit at home and not do a film rather than do a film I cannot relate to or be proud of.”

Career shift: From model to actor and now producer

She heads a production house along with my brother Karnesh and is soon going to be making some new announcements about films that they will be producing soon. “Currently, I am very fired up about producing films and working with a lot of interesting people.”

What was the NH10 experience like? “It was fantastic and strengthened our resolve that more stories were waiting to be told and we would like to be instrumental in making those.”

In gritty crime-thrille NH10, Anushka as Meera stumbles across an honour killing, which has serious consequences for her

As an actor, it was physically very taxing, she explained. “I suffered multiple injuries everyday during the shooting. I woke up with bruises without knowing when and where I got them. Becoming a producer was never on my mind. It was not premeditated, but this film evoked an interest, I felt so strongly for this film that I wanted to back it in this way and I wanted to be a part of this film completely. So all in all, it was a good experience prompting me to do more.”

On the ADHM set with Ranbir Kapoor & Selfie time with the gang

So what kind of films should we expect her to produce in future? “I think film production is a wonderful process. I would like to produce films with interesting content and tell more stories that are waiting to be told.”

Working in the Bollywood jungle

Any friends in Bollywood which is notorious for arch rivalry and fierce competition? “Very few friends. Ranbir and Arjun Kapoor are my friends; but I don’t hang out with them very often. I am more of a homebody you could say when I am not shooting. My brother is possibly my best friend.”

And what about competition? “The thing is that we have this habit of comparing our success or failure on the basis of someone else’s. That is not the way I look at it. I don’t compare myself to my peers. I admire their work. I agree that there is competition. I am not saying I’m my only competition but I am charting my own course just like everyone else is and I am not pressured by what others are driven by. I am only concerned with doing good work.”

Talking about the two Khans who she has worked with, she says, “They are both very unique. Aamir is Aamir and Shah Rukh is Shah Rukh. They have worked for so many years and both have their style of working and how they are as people. They are very unique and it’s so great that they both are unique, so we have both of them.”

Are looks more important than talent in Bollywood, especially if you’re not a protégé or a star son or daughter?

Anushka with her father, Colonel Ajay Kumar Sharma

“When I was new in Bollywood, lots of people told me that you should grab as many films as you can or that out of sight is out of mind. But I knew that I wanted to do the right films and I wanted to give my best in every film that I did. So that was a better strategy in my head."

"Of course, it could have completely backfired or blown up in my face. But by God’s grace, it all worked out and today I’m really happy. Now when I look back, I feel proud of that quiet confidence which was present inside me at all times. It was a small voice but it was there — telling me, ‘No, it’s okay. Things will work out’. I am proud that I was able to cut out the negativity/expectations that was around me.”

The other 'dude' in Anushka's life

Despite rumours of Anushka marrying cricketer Virat Kohli in January 2016, she dodges my question about them being a ‘Rab ne banadi jori’. She instead speaks about the other ‘Dude’ in her life, a Labrador, being an animal lover and in October this year campaigning for a “noise-free” Dilwali. “My NGO is in process. It will cater to various causes, be it people or animals.”

With her pet Labrador, Dude

While her fans and co-stars like Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan actively support her humane mission, it isn’t difficult to understand that behind the makeup and beyond the lights and lens is a young woman who has continually broken stereotypes and boundaries in reel and real life, and will continue to do so.

Prepare to be bewitched by Anushka Sharma in her upcoming movie

Anushka Sharma has been on everyone’s radar since Virat Kohli stood up for her against trolls on social media.

However, Anushka herself has just been immersed in work and has her hands full with Salman Khan’s Sultan and Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. If that wasn't enough, she's also working on a new production, Phillauri which she's written herself and plans to produce.

While it is still a project in the making, it has been reported that Anushka will be playing the role of a witch. Her first production NH10 was lauded by critics for a power-packed script and acting prowess so we're excited to see what the actress has up her sleeve this time around.

With reports of Phillauri being a romantic comedy, one expects the character probably won't be of the stereotypical horror-loaded churail sort but perhaps she'll channel her inner Sabrina? We'll just have to wait and see!

There is no bitter competition in Bollywood, says Fawad Khan

Fawad Khan is a superstar, there is no doubt about it; a cross-border, true blue, hysteria-inducing one-of-a-kind phenomenon.

The female screams recently echoing through Karachi’s Nueplex cinema were testament to this. Fawad’s acting tryst with Dharma Productions,Kapoor & Sons, had just released and the actor had flown in from the premiere in India to host special screenings in Pakistan.

Predictably — for this is what always happens — an eager, jostling mob of fans crowded Fawad as soon as he walked onto the red carpet. They wanted to shake his hand and congratulate him for his performance or record a few snippets from him on their cell phones or of course, pose with him for umpteen selfies. Surprisingly, his admirers now include a fair smattering of males aside from the usual milieu of smitten ladies. The latter has long been swooning over the indelibly attractive combination that forms Fawad, the drop-dead gorgeous successful actor melded with the refined family man. The former have been won over by his considerable acting mettle.

Hordes of fans showed up at every Kapoor & Sons promotional event in Pakistan

Fawad seemed unperturbed by the cataclysmia surrounding him. Graciously, he proceeded to click selfies with record-breaking speed — he’s been doing it for so long that he’s now a natural at it. That’s bona fide 21st century superstar behavior as we know it.

Fawad’s also become more prolific during interviews, spending less time pondering and coming up with prompt, characteristically precise answers. This is something I observe out loud to him when I talk to him immediately following K&S’ Indian premiere.

“I have always been comfortable during interviews,” he is quick to correct me, “although perhaps my answers are more to the point now.”

Is he no longer afraid of being misquoted? “I don’t think I have ever been misquoted on a serious issue,” he says. “Sometimes, funny things do happen though. For instance, I was asked which movie’s remake would I like to act in and I replied Guide. I was misheard to have said Ghayal. Similarly, I was misinterpreted to have stated that I was offered a role in the movie ‘PK’ when I never was! But it isn’t a big deal.”

So begins my talk with Fawad Khan, the hero who has easily traversed the Indo-Pak divide and skyrocketed to stardom. He is veritable hot Bollywood property now, with a big banner Karan Johar hit to his credit — going by the initial box office innings — a Filmfare award last year for Best Male Debut and he is seen in the social pages hobnobbing with Bollywood’s ‘it’ crème de la crème. And yet, this ‘superstar’, relatively more eloquent Fawad still continues to be politically correct, ‘to the point’ and rarely but deliciously, not so much …

Dharma and co.

Fawad spent a few busy weeks promoting Kapoor & Sons across India with co-stars Alia Bhatt and Siddharth Malhotra

“I don’t think there is any so-called ‘Dharma Camp’,” Fawad ponders. “Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra, my co-stars in K&S, debuted with Karan Johar which is probably why people associate them with his production company. They have gone on to work with other film-makers too. Having said that, the team at Dharma consists of wonderful, very talented people and I would love to work with them again.”

The feeling may be mutual, for Fawad is often spotted hanging out with his friends at Dharma, the veritable who’s who that make up Bollywood’s coveted ‘inner circle’. How has he, an outsider, managed to fit in so easily into such a clustered, fiercely competitive industry? “Perhaps I am just a great guy who gets along with everyone,” he wisecracks. “I think the current generation of actors focuses more on improving their own craft rather than bringing down each other. There is no bitter competition at play. I genuinely have gotten along with everyone I have worked with so far.”

This includes his illustrious line-up of co-stars in K&S with whom he says he shares an ‘easy camaraderie’. The movie has placed Fawad amidst an impressive star cast and comes with all the gloss, hype and hoopla attached to the Karan Johar name.

Fawad Khan's Kapoor & Sons role was a conscious effort to break away from his brooding romantic hero image

At the same time, Fawad has made a brave choice with his role in the movie, dabbling with some very unconventional shades. Was he comfortable with his character’s ‘coming out’? “I enjoyed the challenges that came with the role,” he says. “Every movie is a reinvention of the same wheel but a good movie attempts to tell a story differently. I think this movie does this. In my role, also, I tried to add aspects that were new and would keep the audience intrigued.”

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"For Albela Rahi, I have already had one online meeting with Alamgir and I plan to meet him again. The action-related requirements of Maula Jatt are going to pose a challenge but I will focus on them when filming draws closer."

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Even prior to K&S, Fawad seemed to be on an ostensible mission to break out of the mold of the brooding romantic hero and prove his diversity. He has recently been seen as the befuddled Oochi in the ad campaign for a local food brand and soon, he is going to be shooting for Pakistani biopic Albela Rahi,enacting singer Alamgir. Later in the year, he will take on his first action film avatar with the upcoming Maula Jatt. How does he prepare himself for this line-up of myriad roles?

“It varies from character to character,” he explains. “With K&S, I just fell naturally into my role. The atmosphere on the set was very easygoing and I think that helped. I did need to work on my dancing though! For Albela Rahi, I have already had one online meeting with Alamgir and I plan to meet him again. The action-related requirements of Maula Jatt are going to pose a challenge but I will focus on them when filming draws closer. As for Oochi, I enacted him simply because I felt like delving into comedy.”

Starry airs

No one can call Fawad Khan's style boring

Notwithstanding the fashionably challenged Oochi, Fawad has also been looking better than ever. Within Pakistan, he’s always had a penchant for suits by Republic and across the border he’s been positively smoldering on the covers of Filmfare magazine, experimenting with statements like salmon-coloured pants and on-screen as K&S’ Rahul, he’s personified the serious but hot older son. “I have always enjoyed making different style statements,” he points out. “I am not afraid of trying out new looks and often, they work for me.”

We may just see him in an all-new rock star avatar in Karan Johar’s upcomingAe Dil Hai Mushkil, where he is set to play a small but pivotal part as a Pakistani DJ. How is he going to be managing his commitments on either side of the border as he shuttles back and forth? “I have some very able representatives in India who are helping me manage my career. It is true that I may lose out on projects because of date issues but that cannot be helped. I am also considering some Bollywood scripts at the moment,” he adds.

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"I never blow my own trumpet and let my work speak for itself but I do expect respect. If I am working in a project, I want to make sure that I am living comfortably while doing it. I don’t consider that an ego issue."

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He seems to be on a roll in India but Fawad does have his critics at home. Every now and then, rumours tend to surface about his bloated ego and how he is fond is throwing his weight around. “There’s not much that can be done about rumours! I never blow my own trumpet and let my work speak for itself but I do expect respect. If I am working in a project, I want to make sure that I am living comfortably while doing it. Even in India, my co-workers are aware that I have a diabetic condition and they take care of it accordingly. I expect the same when I am working in my own country. I don’t consider that an ego issue. In any profession, as well as acting, you put in your best and work your way up the ladder. As you progress, certain benefits are accorded to you.” That’s a typically honest Fawad Khan answer for you.

Moving on to his admirers, does he ever get unnerved by the flattery surrounding him, newfound friends who throw parties for him simply because of his current success? “I love hosting parties and attending them,” he says. “It is cool to play the host and make sure that everyone is having a good time. Charhtay sooraj ke sub pujari hotay hain but I don’t waste my time being paranoid about it. I would rather just enjoy myself and make hay while the sun shines!”

He’s certainly doing that. The sun’s shining glaringly, dazzlingly bright for Fawad Khan right now.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, March 27th, 2016

Mawra Hocane tries to answer fan questions on Twitter and gets cyber-bullied instead

Yesterday, the hashtag #AskMawra was trending on Twitter. And the bubbly Mawra Hocane fell victim to cyber-bullying.

The 23-year-old probably wanted to do something nice for her massive fan army but instead, got hoarded with mean remarks regarding the spelling of her last name.

Or why she chose to lock lips on screen for her Bolly debut.

Some refused to even acknowledge who she was yet still tweeted about it.

In a recent interview with Filmfare, Mawra says she's "a dreamer who wants to break stereotypes.” Well, that's exactly what she's doing, whether by deliberately misspelling her name or sharing a kiss onscreen with her co-star to prove that she's committed enough to her career to ruffle a few feather, if necessitated by the script.

While we often laugh off digital cruelty, it's important to sometimes take a step back and think about the adverse effect it might have on the person on the other end. Celebrities may warrant equal parts love and hate, it's what the job entails but we sometimes forget that they're only human, after all and your skin can only be so thick.

In a sea of celebrities that are just too vanilla Mawra is unapologetically honest and keeps her admirers on their toes. Let's not bring down her spirit with emotional keystrokes of cyber-bullets.

8 eye-catching looks at the HT Most Stylish Awards red carpet

The fifth edition of Hindustan Times (HT) Most Stylish Awards happened last night and boy, did the attendees do justice to the event's name.

The massive shindig aims to celebrate Bolly stars who have made their mark in fashion, using it as a tool of self-expression,

Here are some standout looks; some good, some not so much:

Let's be real: you can never go wrong with a black ensemble. Sonam Kapoor knows that too. She looked stunning in alluring peekaboo Ashistudio couture.

Loved her simple yet flirty makeup - just look at those lashes!

Siddharth Malhotra. on the other hand rocked white with a dash of black and red.

And with Alia on his arm, he looked even better

When she entered the industry, Parineeti Chopra was fashion roadkill. Well, not any more. Her fashion evolution has been a delightful ride and we loved this Intrinsic coat-dress, paired with strappy ASOS heels and a studded Louboutin clutch.

The military style and the disheveled beach waves get a big thumbs up from us

Alia Bhatt's Georges Hobeika dress paired with sleek hair was super cute; we just wish she had skipped that belt. It was just too middle school.

The nude pumps were also safe, maybe too safe.

Ranveer Singh took us down memory lane in his red blazer and flared pants, all the way to the 70s. We adore his quirky side but this look was a big nay. Then again, this still doesn't make it to his top 10 fashion faux pas.

He sure knows how to keep us on our toes

Katrina Kaif, who also bagged the award for the most stylish actress, took us by surprise in this sunkissed strapless Antonio Grimaldo dress. At first glance, we weren't loving it but the more we looked at it, the more it grew on us. It's refreshing to see her taking risks on the red carpet.

The kind of beach tan you long for after a holiday

Malaika Arora channeled a racy librarian in this Diogo Miranda skirt suit. The only thing redeeming about this look were her shoes.

The peplum would have looked better if the neckline hadn't been so low

Maybe if Kalki had pulled back on the OTT makeup and beehive hairdo we would have appreciated her funky Masaba Gupta matching separates.

The camera print is fun but it didn't exactly belong on the red carpet

Athiya Shetty didn't win most stylish newcomer for nothing; her monochrome Kanika Goyal suit, paired with a layered necklace was edgy and chic.

If you’re in a really messy relationship, break up: Sonam Kapoor

If Sonam Kapoor’s new video with Hrithik Roshan ‘Dheere Dheere’ couldn’t bring her into the limelight, her latest ‘advice’ vid will definitely do the trick.

Speaking about how the media never gives coverage to the end of her relationships, Sonam, who calls herself a full-time fashionista and part-time actor, tells her fans about the reality of her breakups.

She says: “Breakups are so liberating. My first breakups were easy because we were young, stupid and immature. But after the breakup, [he] would make a thousand promises, do a hundred dramas... ‘I am new and improved!'... 'Give me a shot?' But, that's rubbish! It’s all the same.”

Her final piece of advice is: “If you’re in a really messy relationship, breakup!” Just do it, she says!

That’s not all. Sonam has some more to say on the matter, but we'll have to wait for September 18 to hear it. Let's see if people will take this Khoobsuratlady's relationship advice seriously.