Entertainment

Jahnvi Set to Explore Genres in ‘21

Janhvi Kapoor became India’s darling with her work in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl last year. Janhvi has an array of films lined up for this year as she attempts to reinforce her versatility as an actor. Her March release Roohi falls under the comedy-horror genre and is already catching steam as an enthralling watch. Working alongside Varun Sharma and Rajkumar Rao on the project, Janhvi speaks to Lipika Varma on how she took the leap into comedy, and why she thinks the “glam” era can be passe…

You are coming off the rousing success of Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl. What did you take away from that experience?

I look at Gunjan with fond memories and a lot of love and affection. Those were some big shoes to fill as an actor, and I am glad audiences across the country warmed up to our portrayal of a national hero. It is a film experience that I will always cherish.

Dhadak brought you onto the big screen back in 2018. How has the journey been since then?

I can’t look at my journey from the perspective of a third person. I am enjoying it. I want to get better at my work. I hope to find roles which will be memorable. When I say memorable roles I mean cherishing roles that have the ability to make a lasting impression on people.

Your role in Roohi is quite “de-glam.” How was that like for you? Do you believe this genre of characters is here to stay?

There is nothing glamorous about Roohi. I actually don’t understand the term “de-glam” anymore. Emphasis should be on how real or otherwise characters are. What happens to Roohi might be unreal, but we still tried to portray her with as much reality as possible.

How was your experience working with Rajkumar Rao?

Rajkumar is an actor with a lot of finesse. He has garnered acclaim for the kind of work that he has done. I also believe he is extremely versatile. This was my first comedy film, and although I don’t do too much of the comedy, it was interesting to observe Rajkumar and Varun deliver some charming banter with great comic timing.

You have a few films in the pipeline. How are they shaping up?

The two I am working on right now are Dostana 2 and Good Luck Jerry. Dostana 2 is a proper comedy showdown, and I am extremely excited about it because that is a whole new world for me. It is, as they say, the complete opposite of de glam (chuckles). Good Luck Jerry on the other hand is an action movie, and I thoroughly enjoyed pulling off some exciting scenes. Lara Croft is my favourite action star, and they made me feel quite heroic. I would love to do a good action role in the future too.

You worked with your sister Shanaya on the sets of Gunjan, and now she is set to make her debut on the silver screen. Do you have any words of wisdom as the older sister?

Both Shanaya is set to make her debut, and I have all the faith in her. I actually believe my sisters are way cooler than I am. Shanaya assisted with Gunjan and she was extremely professional, putting in all the hours. Even as a kid, she was a master of all trades, be it diction classes, belly dancing, kathak, or acting classes, she nailed all of them. I believe she is ready to make a splash on the screen now.

March 26, 2021

#artsandtheater, #jahnvikapoor, #roohi

The Rise of Meenaakshi Chaudhary: Reigning Queen of the South India

From donning a crown in beauty pageants to delivering powerful performances on screen, MEENAAKSHI CHAUDHARY’S journey from dentistry to dazzling stardom is nothing short of cinematic. With a string of critically acclaimed roles across Telugu and Tamil cinema, Meenaakshi is fast emerging as a pan-Indian powerhouse. With exciting projects lined up, including collaborations with Naga Chaitanya and Naveen Polishetty, her star power continues to soar, captivating audiences with her blend of talent, grace, and versatility. SINDURI VUPPALA catches up with the actress for an exclusive conversation, tracing her inspiring rise and what lies ahead. Let’s start from the beginning—what drew you to acting, and how did your journey into Telugu cinema begin? Was the transition from pageants and dentistry to movies something you planned, or did it unfold organically? I believe it was a destiny move for me, because I never thought of becoming an actor. I grew up wanting to be Miss India for sure, a doctor and probably in civil services. After I joined Miss India, I got a lot of other opportunities, which I never thought that I could possibly foray into. So, I gave everything a try because whatever comes my way, I never just let it go, and I thought I might as well try it. If I don’t like it, I can continue doing what I’m doing, and I think that’s how my journey began. The transition from pageantry, modelling, dentistry to getting into acting was truly something that just happened and I think when something’s meant to happen, it just finds its own way and that’s truly what happened in my case as well. What inspired you to leave your dental career behind and pursue acting? Was there a specific moment that made you feel this is where I belong? Honestly, I never really thought of considering dentistry as my first option, I

Entertainment

Action Reloaded: Sunny Deol Steps into the South with Jaat

Sunny Deol is riding high on the success of Jaat, his first full-fledged lead role in a South Indian film. Directed by Gopichand Malineni and produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, the film has struck critical and commercial gold. In an exclusive chat with LIPIKA VARMA, Sunny opens up about his experience working in the South, redefining stardom, and why audiences are returning to strong, rooted cinema. Exclusive Excerpts After Gadar 2, would you call this a golden phase in your career? Absolutely. When the first Gadar became a hit, meri dukaan band ho gayi. Then came the second one and dukaan khul gayi. People said Gadar 2 was outdated, but the audience loved it. Today, we’re returning to rooted films. Bollywood directors have moved away from making original, grounded stories—they’re focusing too much on city-centric films. But 99 percent of our audience is Indian, and they want stories they can connect with. How do you define stardom today? Do you consider yourself a star or an actor? I focus on my work, not on stardom. These days, actors feel the need to constantly stay in the public eye. But for me, stardom is enjoying my work as an actor. If my work is appreciated, I feel fulfilled. I feel blessed to be in this industry where we live different lives through our characters, even if it means no weekends and no regular work hours. We are people who love a peaceful life. Is doing physically demanding roles still challenging for you?Honestly, I’ve never found physical roles difficult. That’s just who I am. Age is just a number. If the role suits me and I can live the character truthfully, that’s enough. I don’t shy away from physically demanding work. What precautions do you take while performing

Entertainment

5 Paranormal Podcasts which will send shivers down your spine

Love the thrill of a good scare? Paranormal podcasts are the perfect escape into the unknown, where haunted tales, ghostly encounters, and eerie investigations come alive through chilling audio. If you are looking for something more than just background noise, these supernatural podcasts will tingle your spine and mess with your sleep. Grab your headphones and prepare to get haunted as DHANUSH KUMAR brings five podcasts that are not for the faint of heart. 1. Bhay Originals Created by Ankan Sharmishtha Bose, Bhay Originals has rapidly become a leading name in Indian horror podcasts. With over 2 million organic listens, it offers immersive, movie-style Hindi horror audio dramas that delve into ghost stories, paranormal encounters, and suspenseful narratives. Why it’s popular: High-quality production and original storytelling that keeps listeners on the edge. Listener feedback: Praised for its originality and spine-chilling narratives. 2. Paranormal Reality Hosted by paranormal investigator Jay Alani, Paranormal Reality explores real-life, supernatural phenomena across India. Jay shares his extensive experiences, discussing various entities and their characteristics, making it a compelling listen for those intrigued by the unknown. Why it’s popular: Authentic accounts from a seasoned investigator who provides a unique perspective. Listener feedback: Appreciated for its legitimacy and engaging content. 3. Ghosts Encounters Unfiltered Produced by Scare Events India, this podcast features Pooja Vijay, Sarbajeet Mohanty, and Savio Furtado from the Parapsychology and Investigations Research Society (PAIRS). They dissect infamous paranormal cases, sharing decades of experience and insights into the supernatural world. Why it’s popular: In-depth analysis of well-known paranormal incidents by experienced investigators. Listener feedback: Valued for its detailed discussions and professional insights. 4. Spookcast Spookcast offers original horror stories in Hindi, narrated by Avi and produced by Manjila Basu. The podcast covers a range of spooky tales, from haunted highways to eerie personal experiences, providing

Entertainment

Top 10 Travel Destinations Most Indian Celebrities Flock to During Summer Vacations

From pristine beaches to mountain hideouts and global fashion capitals, Indian celebrities love to escape the spotlight and unwind in some of the world’s most luxurious and scenic destinations during summer. Whether it’s Bollywood stars, cricketers, or influencers, their vacation choices often set travel trends for fans. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 travel destinations by Hashtag Magazine that are hot favourites among Indian celebrities for their summer getaways. 1. Maldives – The Celebrity Island Escape The Maldives continues to top the list as the most Instagrammed vacation destination by Indian celebrities. With its overwater villas, turquoise lagoons, and unmatched privacy, stars like Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Janhvi Kapoor, and Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma have chosen this paradise for summer getaways. 2. London, United Kingdom – The Summer Chill Spot London’s cool summer weather, art scene, shopping hotspots, and Indian food joints make it a magnet for celebs like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karan Johar, and Saif Ali Khan. Several Bollywood families often spend weeks at a stretch in their London homes during summer. 3. Paris, France – The Style Capital Paris is not only about romance but also fashion and culture. Celebrities like Sonam Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, and Deepika Padukone often make it a point to stop in Paris for fashion shows or a summer escape. 4. Tuscany, Italy – Rustic Luxury Tuscany’s scenic countryside, vineyards, and historical villas make it an ideal celebrity retreat. Shilpa Shetty, Anushka Sharma, and even Hrithik Roshan have been spotted exploring this region. 5. New York City, USA – For the Buzz and Vibe The Big Apple is a summer hot spot for Indian celebrities looking for energy, art, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Stars like Priyanka Chopra, who partly resides there, and others like Karan Johar and Alia Bhatt visit frequently. 6. Switzerland – The Eternal Bollywood Dream From DDLJ nostalgia to skiing in the Alps, Switzerland remains a dreamy escape for Indian