Entertainment

Sara Ali Khan, On Movies, Moving To The Beat and Motherly Love.

The svelte Sara Ali Khan ventured into acting with Kedarnath and Simmba. Since then, there has been no looking back for this petite beauty. Since her debut, and following the commercial success of her films, she has gone on to work in a variety of advertisements. Her latest venture, Atrangi Re, saw a Christmas Eve release on Disney+ Hotstar. Produced by Yellow Productions and T-Series, and directed by Aanand L Rai, the film stars Akshay Kumar, Dhanush and Sara Ali Khan in the leading roles. Sara discloses her wish of working with filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, her relationship with her mother and her sibling and more in this enticing interview with Lipika Varma.

We have a lot of expectations from director Aanand L Rai’s film. How was your experience working with him?

Insha’Allah, I hope people love it. I would like to say that I had a lot of fun working with [Director] Aanandji. More than anything, what is special about him is that he is an extremely simple person. This is not a simple story. But Aanandji is so simple, emotional, and sensitive that he has managed to present his character in the same light. I have learned so much through Aanandji. Himanshu [Writer] pens it beautifully; both don’t give weightage to the lines as much as the character. He wants you to understand the thought of the character. He wants your eyes to speak differently than your words. This is the first time the director has told me ‘You are mouthing cuss words with your tongue, but your eyes are filled with tears…aankhen ro rahi hai.’ I was like ‘How do I do this?’ Slowly and gradually, I started understanding Aanandji’s language.

‘Chaka Chak’ is a peppy folk number and you have danced so well. How many days have you rehearsed?

It wasn’t that; we were in lockdown. We were shooting in March 2020 in Banaras and then the lockdown happened. No sooner was the lockdown to open that we were to do this song. Thus, I got 5-6 days to shoot. But my body had not moved for so long. I was locked down. We didn’t do anything for almost 6-7 months. All that irritation of not working was put into this song. Vijay Ganguly [Choreographer] made me sizzle to his tune very nicely.

Will we see you working down South? Any discussions in the offing?

I would love to work in every language. Not only South films, but I wish to work in Punjabi films, and Bengali films. Undeniably, I am Indian, and wish to do any film from any territory of our country. I only intend to make a mark of my own first in Hindi films. In the meantime, if I get offered films from any region of our country I shall do it happily. I have yet to get any offers from down South.

Any future films signed?

There will be an announcement. From the very beginning until today the two things that have been important to me is that I want to be a part of stories that deserve to be told and I want to work with filmmakers that will help me perform. I think I am trying to do that with films.

Would you like to name the filmmakers that you wish to work with?

I want to work with everybody. Mr Bhansali, and Zoya Akhtar are the names that excite me, off the top of my head.

Would you like to work for any particular genre?

I don’t think there is any genre I don’t wish to do. Kedarnath, Simmba, Luv Aaj Kal and Atrangi Re are all different films. Whether people appreciate my films or not, I feel good. Even my songs are so different; Aankh Mare is not the same as Chaka-Chak which is not the same as Husnn Hai Suhaana. All are very different. If I can sit in my room and have fun watching YouTube videos of my work my songs, I feel like I have done different stuff. I need to do much more; I would love to explore action

The Professional Side

What are some technical know-hows you have learnt from your co-stars and directors?

All my directors have been very supportive for me. Right from Gattu [Abhishek Kapoor] sir to Aanandji, if the continuity AD comes to remind me of something, they will tell him to go away and encourage me to do whatever I want to do. The technical thing about Aanandji is that he is emotionally very strong. He is sensitive but does not want to limit you technically. You learn so much. I learned that when you scream with blank eyes, it’s irritating. From my co-stars…I remember all the actors, right from Shushant to Dhanush, who’ve told me this – ‘Since this is a tight close-up shot, don’t shake your heads and eyebrows too much. Be natural.’ Varun [Dhawan] and Ranveer [Singh] also all gave me these tips.

Dhanush is known to be a very disciplined actor. Did you give him a tough competition?

Not at all. That was never the intention. It was great as he is so senior. He is a multiple National Award winner. He is called Thalaiva for a reason. I remember, when we were shooting in Madurai, it was so crowded, and people were yelling Thalaiva at the top of their voice. I was like wow, what’s this? He has also worked with Aanandji before and so they had that kind of rapport. Aanandji was like my father figure and Dhanush was like my fairy godmother, that was the dynamic. It was never ‘Actor hai aur usko takkar dena hai!’ That can never happen. No one can give him any competition. He is outstanding. The intention was to be inspired by him and learn from him and perform to the best of my ability.

Do you agree that down South, the fans hero worship actors?

I don’t know about this; all I can say is that people in places all over the world have a different way to do it. When I worked with Ranveer [Singh] and walked with him in malls, people were screaming his name as loudly as they were screaming Thalaiva. If you idolize or are a fan or a well-wisher then the language you follow does not matter. Of course, there is hero worship down South that is more prevalent than with us. But in our industry – with whatever I have gauged through social media – there is an element of aspiration which is not so much about ‘Yeh Bhagwan Hai’ but ‘I can become this,’ especially with the girls in our generation. I feel relatability is an aspect and very important in today’s day and age, rather than that godly kind of fan worship.

The Personal Equation

What did you do during the lockdown?

I spent a lot of my time with my mother and forced my brother to spend as much time as possible with me. I watched movies and read; in fact, I had stopped reading. Life had gotten so busy in 2019. By the end of 2018, two films of mine had seen the light of the day. The entire year of 2019, I was either shooting or doing some brand adverts, working on covers etc. It was a beautiful year for me but very hectic. Between all this, getting time for myself and with my books stopped. So, I think a large part of the lockdown was kind of family time. More than family time, I love my mom and my brother. I was happy to have some, me time. Even if I must sacrifice work sometimes to be with my mom and brother I shall do it. But prioritizing time for myself, and my reading, that was important.

What books did you read?

I did a lot of reading. I finished Anna Karenina which is just a beautiful book and I’m happy about it. I also completed Madame Bovary and finished a lot of [Leo] Tolstoy books consisting of short stories. I read a lot of Russian literature. I read a lot of love poems by William Wordsworth, the nature poet.

December 28, 2021

Tripti Dimri on Dhadak 2, Inter-Caste Love, and Negative Roles

Tripti Dimri made her debut as a leading lady in Laila Majnu (2018) and received critical acclaim for her work in Anvita Dutt’s Bulbbul (2020) and Qala (2022). She rose to fame with her scene-stealing role in the blockbuster Animal (2023) and is now one of the most talked-about names in the industry. With Dhadak 2 on the way and her recent casting in Spirit, a role that was initially set for Deepika Padukone, Tripti is clearly on a career high. In conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Tripti talks about her upcoming films, social change through cinema, and her desire to play complex, layered roles. Tripti Simri answers a volley of questions while promoting Dhadak 2. Excerpts: How do you feel about starring in Dhadak 2? Does doing a sequel bring added pressure? I think, if you don’t take that pressure, but perform with full honesty and trust in your director and your team, that’s when magic happens. And I think that’s what Siddhanth and I and everybody else did on this project. So, we made sure not to take any pressure and just take each day as it comes. What were your inputs to the character in terms of improvisation, intensity, and spontaneity? It was a collaborative work. Every day was different. We would rehearse the scenes and then just play off each other. Siddhant has been a wonderful actor. There were a lot of scenes that were based on his reaction, even though you didn’t plan it that way. Because acting is all about reacting. The way you interact with someone day to day, naturally, your expressions come out to the best of your abilities. So, that is what happened. I think I was lucky to have good actors in this film. Everybody is just brilliant. I am happy

Entertainment

Kajol on Horror, Motherhood, and ‘Maa’: “This Role Will Stay with Me Forever”

In her upcoming horror-thriller Maa, Kajol steps into a space that’s as emotionally charged as it is spiritually rooted one that reimagines horror through the lens of motherhood, mythology, and inner strength. The film draws from the legend of Goddess Kali, blending it with a modern narrative that challenges both genre and tradition. It also stars Indraneil Sengupta, Kherin Sharma, and Ronit Roy in pivotal roles. In conversation with LIPOKAVARMA, Kajol opens up about the film that has deeply resonated with her both personally and professionally. A Story Rooted in Myth and Modernity “When we started, this wasn’t even meant to be a horror film,” Kajol begins, reminiscing about the origin of Maa. Maa draws inspiration from the mythological tale of Kali and Raktabeej stories Kajol remembers from her childhood and even used to scare her children with. The story was meant to be a tight thriller, but as the script evolved, so did its scope. “We realised we had to make it bigger, as the characters and the situations were so large in scale. A simple ending wouldn’t do justice to the emotion we had built. You can’t just have her shoot him in the head and walk away,” she explains. The spiritual and symbolic depth of the film demanded a more profound resolution something that echoed the power of Goddess Kali herself. The Title That Found Its Meaning What began as a working title became central to the film’s soul. “By the time we finished, we realised Maa said everything the film was about. It was not just about a mother, but the divine mother—Kali Maa—and the raw energy of maternal strength, both nurturing and destructive.” Kajol on the Evolution of Motherhood On and Off Screen In a reflective moment, Kajol discusses the enduring societal expectations around mothers.

Entertainment

Future Stars of Indian Cricket: Young Talents to Watch

Indian cricket has always been a powerhouse of extraordinary talent, consistently producing legends who have left an indelible mark on both national and international stages. The era of Sunil Gavaskar laid the foundation for batting excellence, while Kapil Dev’s leadership brought India its first World Cup glory. Then came Sachin Tendulkar, whose unmatched brilliance inspired generations, followed by the calm resilience of MS Dhoni, who redefined captaincy, and the fiery passion of Virat Kohli, who has set new benchmarks in modern cricket. Together, these icons have cemented India’s status as a cricketing giant. At the core of this success is a steady pipeline of young talent, nurtured through grassroots programs, domestic leagues like the IPL, and a deep love for the game across the nation. Today, anticipation surrounds the vibrant new generation of Indian cricketers. These young players, showing promise on domestic and international platforms, are poised to carry forward the legacy of excellence. Their fearless approach and adaptability to modern formats highlight their readiness to make an impact on cricket’s biggest stages. The growing interest extends to fans engaging with the sport in unique ways, such as exploring the top betting sites in India, where they follow the matches and support their favorite players by betting on them. This article will spotlight the top 10 emerging talents from India, exploring their journeys, achievements, and potential to shape the future of Indian cricket. Let’s take a closer look at the stars of tomorrow. Shubman Gill: Shubman Gill, hailed as the “prince of Indian cricket,” represents the future of India’s batting lineup. With a composed technique, Gill thrives as an opener, seamlessly transitioning between formats. By 2025, his ODI average exceeds 60, backed by seven centuries, including a stunning 208 against New Zealand. He was the Player of the Series during

Entertainment

Nimrat Kaur Talks About Her Latest Web Series “Kull”

Nimrat Kaur is back with a powerful role in Kull: The Legacy of the Raisinghs, a family drama that dives deep into generational wounds and societal facades. The actor, known for her intensity and grace, brings a haunting vulnerability to her character Indrani. In an exclusive chat with LIPIKA VARMA, Nimrat discusses the show’s themes, her artistic journey, and the emotional tribute she recently paid to her father. On the title, “Kull”- Yes, absolutely, kull is an interesting word, right? Kul-dosh, kul-ko-aage-badhane-wala. It symbolizes lineage, burdens, responsibilities. I really liked the title when Ekta chose it. I hoped it would stay. For me, Kull represents generational trauma and the weight we carry forward. On Indrani, her character-I feel incredibly grateful that people have embraced Indrani Rai Singh’s part and they have been able to relate to her circumstances, not necessarily her as a person, which I think was my intention in any case in the first place. Behind the sarees, the pearls, the carefully curated perfection, there’s a broken woman barely holding it together. By the end, she becomes so lost in her own delusions, she can’t even tell what’s real anymore. On doing justice to all the characters–Meryl Streep once said, you don’t become someone else entirely—you bring bits of yourself into every role. And that’s so true. I live on my own, I make my own decisions, I have a certain kind of independence in how I think and move through the world. That probably seeps into the women I play. Every character has a journey, a heartbeat—I always try to tap into that. Working with Ekta Kapoor- Ekta gave me my first web series, “The Test Case,” before OTT platforms even existed. That was a bold move. She gave me a platform when the space was still