Acting was never on my agenda: Nargis Fakhri

Foxy Kangana Ranaut at an event!

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Why Emraan would never accept awards

By Hindustan Times

Emraan Hashmi is never seen at Bollywood award functions, whether as a guest, performer or winner. This year, he was up for a Stardust Award in the category of Best Thriller/Action Actor for Murder 2 (2011) and had two nominations at the Apsara Awards — Best Actor in a Leading Role (Murder 2) and Best Actor In A Supporting Role (The Dirty Picture). He didn’t win and he’s not surprised. In fact, Emraan says that if he were to get an award now, he would not accept it.

“Audience appreciation matters more to me than this recognition. And I’d be happy if I could pass on an award meant for me to a contemporary who values it more and takes days out of his schedule every year to attend these functions,” he reasons, adding that he had once attended an awards night, but walked out after 20 minutes. “I know it was wrong to get up and leave but I just couldn’t sit through it anymore. So rather than insult a function again, I’ve decided not be there.”

Emraan, however, isn’t averse to performing at a show even though he hasn’t for the past three years because of time constraints: “Other actors need only a few hours of rehearsal but I have two left feet and require a few days’ practice. If I can make time for that towards the end of the year, you’ll see me on stage,” he says, adding that he wouldn’t agree to be a performer just to make money. “If that were the only criterion, I would have taken on projects of producers who were willing to pay me three times my market rate. Whether it’s a film or a function, I don’t want to do something I don’t believe in.”

Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan in The Dirty Picture

After nine years, Emraan seems to have finally made the A-list, with director Karan Johar saying that he’s a huge fan. He’s been signed on by Vishal Bhardwaj and Ekta Kapoor for Daayan, has three sequels — Jannat 2, Raaz 3D and Murder 3 — with the Bhatt camp lined up. There’s also talk of him doing a Dharma film to be directed by Rensil D’Souza and a YRF production with Parmeet Sethi as director. “I’m flattered by Karan’s remark, but for me the benchmark of success is the box-office,” Emraan says. “I’ve never yearned to be on any A, B or C list. It’s enough if I’m accepted by the audience.”

Emraan’s ‘A’ list
Apsara Film and Television Producers’ Guild Award: Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Actor in a Negative Role (Once Upon A Time In Mumbai, 2011), Best Actor in a Leading Role (Murder 2, 2012) and Best Actor in a Supporting Role (The Dirty Picture, 2012)

Screen Awards: Won for Best Villain (Murder, 2005, Once Upon...)

IIFA: Nominated for Best Performance in Negative Role (Gangster)

Zee Cine Awards: Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Male (Once Upon...)

Stardust Awards: Nominated for Best Actor in an Ensemble Cast (Once Upon...), Best Thriller/Action Actor (Murder2)

Filmfare: Nominated for Best Performance in a Negative Role (Gangster), Best Supporting Actor (Once Upon...)

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Never thought Kahaani would be a success: Sujoy Ghosh

By Hindustan Times

What was Sujoy Ghosh doing on the streets of Kolkata, exactly three days after his film Kahaani's release? No, he was not looking for his next story plot. Ghosh was in Kolkata to watch Kahaani with his fans, who by his own admission, don't even recognise him. "I bought the ticket, and watched the film with my fans. I was thrilled with the response. Of course, they don't recognise me, I'm not that famous. But I enjoyed the experience to the core."

The director is still in Kahaani mode. Thoughts of making his next are far away. All he wants at this point is soak in the praise he's getting from all quarters. That's probably why when I mentioned that I liked the film, Sujoy was overjoyed. I was still reeling under the impact of this suspense film when I gave him a call. He addressed me as Paromita. It reminded me of Vidya Bagchi getting frustrated over Kolkata folks calling him Bidiya. She eventually accepts the fact that she's Bidiya for Bengalis. I don't mind being called Paromita, instead of Parmita by Sujoy, who's a typical Bengali babu. We go on to discuss his life post Kahaani.

Did he thank the main character of his film, the city of Kolkata for the film? "I'm too small to thank Kolkata. I'm just grateful for what I have got. Frankly, I take it (Kolkata) for granted," says the ecstatic Sujoy.

Sujoy admits he was nervuos, when he was going through the first review of Kahaani, but says he's realised that critics at the end of the day are also audience.

"Everybody is an audience including critics. If the film is good, they would also like it," says Sujoy who got a brilliant reception from movie critics across the country.

Not just the viewers, congratulatory messages are pouring in for this four-film old director, from industry veterans. One call that bowled him over was from evergreen beauty Rekha. "I almost had a heart attack when she called me. She said, the film was good."

Ghosh who debuted with critically acclaimed Jhankaar Beats (2003), went on to direct Home Delivery (2005) and Aladdin (2009). But it's only after Kahaani, that he's got his due.

Filmmakers often wish, pray, and hope for their film's success. But Sujoy's 'Kahaani' is different. Now that the film's business is showing an upward trend over Saturday and Sunday, (it has collected Rs 13.83 crore net), after a slow start, Sujoy says he was not at all expecting the film's commercial success. "My intention was to make a film and play with the script beautifully, I never thought about the commercial aspect."

Will Vidya Balan's National Award win help the film's prospect at box office? "Whatever helps to sell the movie," says Sujoy enthusiastically. On a more serious note, he adds, "But it's ultimately the film's script and the word of mouth that will ensure success for the movie."

In case, you are thinking, Sujoy Ghosh is already eyeing National Award, you cannot be more wrong. "It's too early to think about awards, I don't plan that much."

As I wrap up the interview the director quips: "But do tell your friends to watch the movie and spread the word around." Certainly, but on a condition, that he'll keep directing entertaining movies like Kahaani. "That's a promise," he signs off.

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