Vidya Balan talking to SAT Editor Neeraj Nanda in Melbourne

Interview with Bollywood star Vidya Balan, who recently created headlines in ‘No one Killed Jessica’. Within a few years of her feature debut Parineeta, she is now one of the most sought-after actresses in Bollywood. Some of her later movies were Lage Raho Munna Bhai,Guru,Ishqiya, Kismat Konnection, Hey Baby, Paa etc. Vidya was in Melbourne recently for the Indian Film Festival 2011 – Bollywood and Beyond organised by the Mind Blowing Films. SAT Editor Neeraj Nanda caught up with Vidya Balan on 11 th March 2011 at the Hotel Cullen, Prahran. Some of the question inputs are by Prashant Tandon, senior journalist in New Delhi. Excerpts from the interview:

Q: A Kerala born girl from a Tamil speaking family…you speak Hindi like Dilliwallas. How come?

A: I was born and brought up in Mumbai and my parents hail from Kerala. That is the reason why I speak Hindi well. I always liked Hindi and my neighbours in Mumbai were Punjabis. I used to talk to them in Hindi. But could not pick up Punjabi. I speak Bengali, a bit of Marathi, Malyalum and some Gujarati.

Q: You had a long struggle in TV and Ad. Films and then came success with hit movies, awards etc…How do you feel about it?

A: It was a wonderful journey. I have worked in all mediums. Whether it is advertising, regional films, music videos and then came Hindi movies. I had the opportunity of working with good people.

Q: So, do you remember those advertising films?

A: Off course. There are a few ads which are still on. People remember them. This makes me happy.

Q: From “Parineeta’ to ‘No One Killed Jessica’ you did a variety of roles. Was it by chance or deliberate?

A: It was a combination of both. I always want to do something new in a movie. I do not want to repeat myself. As an actress I have the thirst to do something new. It is a bit of chance and choice.

Q: What was your reaction when you got the chance to become Amitabh Bachchan’s mom in ‘Paa’?

A: First, I got scared. I was not sure whether I want to do this at this stage of my career. The director. said if you do not come then I will not make the movie. I thought he thinks I can do it. So, I agreed. Thank god I did it.

Q: Such a big star was acting with you. What satisfaction did you get working with Amitabh Bachchan?

A: Everyone wants to work with him. I keep joking that I will tell my kids that your eldest brother was Amitabh Bachchan.

Q: In Jessica and Parineeta you did non glamorous roles. But the current rage is of ‘Munni badnam hui’ and ‘Sheela Ki Jawani’. Aren’t u scared of such roles?

A: ‘Munni badnam hui’ because there is a ‘Parineeta’ . People understand the meaning of my ‘badnami’. I comes because it is a contrast.

Q: When you took the ‘Jessica’ role did u read the Jessica case?

A: Only a little bit. My character was based on a script. Anyway, I was reading in the newspapers over the years.
Q: Similar cases are still happening. How do you react to that?

A: I feel terrible about such cases and also feel afraid. But also feel that I am fortunate to have a protected life. It can be very scary for a woman. I only pray such incidents reduce more and more.

Q: How was it to be that abusive, dhoti clad eastern UP women in Ishikya?

A: I loved it. She was a bold woman on her own. In that role even swearing was a ‘maza’. This is these peoples language. We feel it bad but it is part of their language.

Q: So, you became expert in this type of language?

A: Even if I am an expert, I do not get a chance to use it.

Q: In Google there are thousands of entries about you with all sorts of stuff. How do you react to that?

A: Earlier, I used to feel bad about it. Lots of rumours and one was about M. F. Hussain was to … Earlier, I was effected by such things for days together, but now it cools down fast.

Q : Are you net savvy?

A: Not at all. I work or see the net.

Q: Many Indian girls in Australia want to be in Bollywood. What do you say to them?

A: If you want to become an actor it is not that difficult. One has to overcome the struggles that one comes across. Neverstart unbelieving yourself. People say it is a bad place. But that is not true. You can make it a good place, anyway.

SOURCE: SAT, March 2011.

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Nalini Jyawant (Right) with Dev Anand in 'Munimji'.

By Melbourne News Bureau

Nalini Jayawant, 84, yesteryears actress died of a heart attack in Mumbai on 24 December 2010. She lived in a small secluded bungalow in Mumbai’s Chembur suburb, for more than two decades. She was taken to a hospital in a municipal ambulance summoned by neighbours who were alarmed that her mongrels, Bachchan and Pappu, kept howling. Later, someone claiming to be a distant relative had her cremated.

She was the first cousin to actress Shobhna Samarth, the mother of actresses Nutan and Tanuja . Shobhna’s mother, actress Rattan Bai, was a sibling of Nalini’s father. Since 1983, she has been living mostly a reclusive life. She was married to director Virendra Desai in the 1940s. Later, she married her second husband, actor Prabhu Dayal, with whom she acted with in several movies.

n her teens, she got some prominence through her performance in Mehboob Khan’s Bahen (1941), a movie about a brother’s obsessive love for his sister. The movie had strong shades of incest. She performed in a few more movies before the notable Anokha Pyaar (1948). The movie involved a love triangle among characters played by Dilip Kumar, Nargis, and Nalini, Nalini’s character sacrificing her love for the hero played by Dilip Kumar. Nalini’s performance in that movie proved to be the movie’s saving grace.

1950 was a breakthrough year for Nalini when she became a top star with her performances opposite Ashok Kumar in Samadhi and Sangram. Samadhi was a patriotic drama concerning Subash Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army. Though the leading movie magazine of the day, Film India, called Samadhi politically obsolete, it enjoyed big success at the box office. The song Gore Gore O Banke Chhore sung by a Lata Mangeshkar and Ameerbai Karnataki for Nalini’s character in Samadhi had become immensely popular. Sangram was a crime drama wherein she played the heroine reforming the anti-hero. Nalini and Ashok Kumar performed together in several more movies: Kafila (1952), Naubahar (1952), Saloni (1952), Mr. X, and Sheroo (1957).

Nalini remained an important leading actress through the mid-1950s. Movie makers K. A. Abbas (Rahi), Ramesh Saigal (Shikast and Railway Platform), and Zia Sarhady (Awaaz) extended Nalini Jaywant’s association with realistic movies, while movie makers Mahesh Kaul (Naujavan (1951)) and AR Kardar (Jaadu) developed her musical persona. She performed admirably in successful Filmistan musicals, Nastik (opposite Ajit), Munimji (opposite Dev Anand), Hum Sab Chor Hain (opposite Shammi Kapoor).

The 1958 movie Kaala Pani, directed by Raj Khosla, was Nalini’s last successful movie. That year, she won the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award for her performance in that movie as a shady nautch girl, Kishori, who formed a “key witness” in framing the hero’s father for a murder. Her come-hither mujra in S. D. Burman’s composition Nazar Laage Raaja Tore Bangle pe and her tearful looks at Dev Anand from across the room in Burman’s Hum Bekhudi Mein were memorable.

Bombay Race Course (1965) was Nalini’s last main movie, though she did make a comeback of sorts playing a blind mother in Nastik (1983). (This Nastik had no connection with Nastik(1954) in which she had starred.)

Actor Dilip Kumar considered Nalini as the greatest actress he ever worked with, citing her instinct for grasping the essence of a scene as second to none.[citation needed] A Filmfare poll in the 1950s named her the most beautiful woman in the Indian movie world.[citation needed] She acted opposite all top actors of her time, barring Raj Kapoor, in hit movies like Samadhi (1950), Jaadu (1951), Nastik (1954), Munimjee (1955), Mr. X (1957), and Kaala Pani (1958). She received much critical acclaim for her performances in Rahi (1952), Shikast (1953), Railway Platform (1955), and Awaaz (1956). Nalini Jaywant died on 21 st December 2010 in tragically lonely circumstances at her bungalow in Chembur,Mumbai. (ref:times of india edition dated 25 Dec 2010)

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By Neeraj Nanda

Melbourne, 1 Nov.: The Diwali party has taken off in Melbourne. With two big Diwali fairs already over and a big funding boost announced by the Labour Party and the Liberals has been welcomed by the community.
Indian and South Asian shops are gearing up with sweets from India, diyas, snacks, puja stuff and many decorative items. At the Little India area of Dandenong many Indian readymade clothing shops are doing good business. Some shops are decorated with colourful Rangoli and buntings. Sarees, ladies suits and artificial jewellery are in big demand. Many shops have been selling large quantities of DVDs and music CDs. Latest from Bollywood is more in demand.
Despite rain the AIII Diwali Mela at the Sandown Racecourse on the 31st of Oct. was attended by thousands. The variety of stalls, entertainment and fireworks were a big attraction.
One day before on 30th Nov. the Celebrate India organised the ‘Diwali @ Federation Square. Due to the heavy rain the cultural program was shifted indoors where people enjoyed it.
Many community organisations are also celebrating their Diwali functions and families will light the Diwali lamps and do Laxmi puja in their homes on 6th November.

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2. Thousands attend AIII-Diwali Fair 2007 in Melbourne By our correspondent Melbourne: Thousands of people from all walks...

Indian conglomerate Sahara India Pariwar is in talks to acquire movie studio the Lion for more than $2 billion, according to an unnamed Wall Street Journal source.

A report in the Hollywood reporter says. “Spyglass Entertainment co-toppers Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum have been in an extended review of MGM financial data after signing a letter of intent to run the studio as co-chairman and CEOs, with Spyglass in line for an almost 5% stake in the Lion. That tentative deal is part of a prospective bankruptcy-reorganization plan that would see almost $4 billion in MGM debt turned into slivers of studio ownership to be spread among more than 100 lenders.”

Current MGM owners including Providence Equity, TPG Capital, Sony, Comcast, DLJ Merchant and Quadrangle likely would see their equity positions in the studio wiped out in a restructuring.

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Video: Aamir Khan in Melbourne promoting \'Peepli Live\'
By Neeraj Nanda

Melbourne: Bollywood film star and producer, Aamir Khan, today said he was not a social activist. Aamir was addressing and later answering to media queries about his new film production ‘Peepli Live’, which is being premiered here tonight at the Melbourne International Film festival (MIFF).

Answering a pointed question from South Asia Times, Aamir Khan said ‘Peepli Live’ was not a movie on India’s farmer’s suicides but the issue was in the movie’s backdrop.

“The issue of farmer’s suicide has been noticed by the government, Planning Commission and journalists and they are coming up with solutions. It is not an easy issue,” he said.

To another question, Aamir ruled out joining politics and said he was happy as an entertainer.

On the issue of attacks on Indian students in Australia last year, Aamir Khan said violence and racism is in every country and the incidents were unfortunate.

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MUMBAI: Stepping into the city in the midst of the raging controversy over his IPL statement and the apprehension over the release of his film My Name Is Khan, actor Shah Rukh Khan said on Saturday that while he was a proud Mumbaikar, he felt the proudest about being an Indian.

Mr. Khan, who landed here amid heavy security, scored a point by placing the national identity above the regional and religious identities, even as he stood firm on his view on the exclusion of Pakistani cricketers from the IPL tournament.

“I never felt I have said anything which is anti-national. We have identities that we are proud of, like our religious identities, identities of families we come from. Then there are identities connected to where we live in, work, eat. They are our regional identities. But above all, there is a national identity, which comes with its rights and freedoms. I am proud of being a Mumbaikar, but I am the proudest of being an Indian, and you can’t take that away from me. I said what any Indian should say. I stand by what I have said. I have not said anything to feel sorry about,” he told journalists at the launch of a brand of Lux cozi vest, the official licensee for his team, Kolkata Knight Riders.
- Read full story in The Hindu 7 Feb., www.hindu.com

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Gazal King Jagjit Singh at the Melbourne concert on 28 Sept., 2009

By our reporter

Melbourne: Thousands of people from the Indian sub continent yesterday (Sept.28, 2009) enjoyed an evening concert by gazal king Jagjit Singh at the Melbourne Town Hall today. He sang his best gazals and people enjoyed then with full appreciation and clappings. He also made the audience sing ‘Hoonto Ko chou Lo…’. The concert organised by Galaxy Entertainers, attracted people from all Melbourne suburbs and some people came from faraway places in Victoria.

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INTERVIEW

By our Mumbai correspondent

The King of Comedies, filmmaker David Dhawan is back with a bang with ‘Do Knot Disturb,’ the film that is set to hit the screens on October 2. Catch him in a candid chat where he talks about his new film, his association with some of the big names in the industry and his favourite comedy films…

So finally the hit Trimurti…David, Vashu and Govinda are back together?

(Laughs) Good one. I must say you journalist have a way with your words. Yes, we are back and I feel good making movies with my old gang. It’s like working with your family.

What took you guys so long to make a movie together?

Well, in between Govinda also got busy with his political career and Vashu was busy with his other business.

What about the rumours about fallout between you guys?

That’s all rubbish. We are one family and nothing can separate us.

You have not repeated your favourite partner Salman for Do Knot Disturb?

We will be working together soon. I’m dying to see his new film, Wanted. I heard it’s awesome. Salman is a superstar.

Coming back to Do Knot Disturb, what’s the USP of the film?

It’s a wholesome family entertainer. Like all my previous films, one can enjoy the film with the whole family.

DKD also has two former Miss Universe, Sushmita and Lara, coming together for the first time. What’s the high and low point?

Believe me it was never intentional to cast them together. It just happened. After casting them, we realised their background is similar…both have won Miss India and Miss Universe. But more than anything, they are also great actors and human beings.

Why it’s called Do Knot Disturb and not Do Not Disturb?

Because, Do Knot Disturb suggests naughtiness.

What about ‘Do Knot Disturb’ moments of your life?

I hate being disturbed in the mornings when I wake up. That’s my own space and no one should invade my privacy, and also late nights.

It is now exactly two decades in your filmmaking career. You are known for your penchant for comedy. Do you think you have evolved as a comedy filmmaker?

(Pause) What do you think about my movies? Don’t you think I have evolved as a filmmaker? Give me an honest opinion.

That’s for you to answer…

Well, I think, I have evolved as a filmmaker. And I keep experimenting with my films. I have never stuck to the same formula; and whenever I make a movie, I take the feedback of my son and other young family members. See whatever it maybe, today’s young generation plays a very important part in deciding the fate of the film.

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By our Mumbai Correspondent

We saw him in a girlie avatar in Apna Sapna Money Money, next he created a laugh riot in De Taali and tickled our funny bone in Dhamaal recently. The talented actor, Ritiesh Deshmukh, hailing from the powerful political family, meets yet another milestone with his next film, Do Knot Disturb which is being released by BIG Pictures on 2nd October. And this time with the terrific trio- Vashu Bhagnani, David Dhawan and Govinda, he is al set to tickle our funny bone again.

So yet another multi-starrer comedy film for you. What’s stopping you from doing the solo leads?

When I did my first film in 2003, the industry was not doing well. Thus, things didn’t work out for me. I know that solo roles are the barometer for an actor but, frankly I am glad to be a part of multi-starrer films. However, you’ll see me in romantic, dramatic and serious roles too in near future!

How was your chemistry with the star cast of ‘Do Knot Disturb’?

I am working for the first time with Sushmita Sen and Govinda. Yet, we all knew each other much before the film. I shared a fantastic chemistry with Lara as she’s a great friend of mine. Sohail is a darling friend too. I love him! But, I would surely like to mention that when Sushmita walked in the room for the first time… I realised how beautiful can a girl be! She’s pretty, stylish and indeed the most beautiful woman in the world! She’s truly a Miss Universe, a rare Indian beauty.

And your first experience with comedy King- Govinda? Were you nervous?

It was amazing! I have grown up with his films… and I remember dancing to his songs in fourth standard. He is the best and no one could have a better comic timing than him. He manages to shock you each time. I have learnt a lot from him and he has helped me improve as an actor. Now I know what should I do and not do in my future films, all thanks to this great actor.

He’s known for his unpunctual habits. Did you come across something like that?

No I did not. He wasn’t late for even a day!

Govinda is also known for his tantrums in the industry. Any such experiences?

No I didn’t. In fact he was very sweet and accommodating through out the shooting.
You mean no slapping incident happened?
(Chuckles) No, no. However, I have been slapped by many people in the film.

Experience with comedy Kind David Dhawan?

It was an honour to work with David Dhawan. It’s great to be with him on the sets. He is like an excited kid who has just got a new toy. His vibrancy and energy on the sets is infectious and gets everybody charged up. Also, I am lucky to work with the terrific trio of Vashu Bhagnani, David Dhawan and Govinda. They are a deadly combination. And the producers, Big Pictures were excellent.

What’s the USP of your role in the film?

In one line, I would say, the protagonist despite of all the negative habits is a simple-hearted guy who loves his mother.
Your favourite song in the film?
I like ‘Bebo’ and ‘Mere Naal’.

And favourite character?

I am extremely fond of Rajpal Yadav’s character and Sohail Khan’s character. They are really funny! Also, Sohail’s ‘He-man’ physique and a ‘baby’ face make an amazing combination. I think he looks too cute.

We believe Govinda has the best lines in the film?

He makes every line the best. In fact, he adds charm to the simplest of lines. But, you have to watch the film to know.
What about the rumours that Sushmita and Lara had some ego clashes during the shooting?
Really. When? I have no idea about it… it’s a news to me. First time I’m hearing something of this sort. Did you cooked up this story to get some gossip from me? (laughs)

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Pakistani major general who was planning to blow the whistle on fellow generals’ dealings with the Taliban was shot dead by unknown assailants on November 19. Pakistani newspaper Dawn’s headline said Amir Faisal Alavi, brother-in-law of Nobol-winning novelist V.S. Naipaul, “Was against pacts with Taliban, Musharraf had sacked him”.

- Hindustan Times (Dec. 16, 2008)