KOFFEE WITH KARAN

shashichief · 1st Moderator

RE: KOFFEE WITH KARAN

shashichief · 1st Moderator

Episode 22

Esha Deol and Shahid Kapoor

Karan: This poor girl was really burdened with heavy expectations. Dharmendra and Hema Malini's daughter had a rough ride till the right ride came along. The bike ride, Dhoom really did it for her. The title song became a national rage and Esha Deol announced her own arrival. What does the future hold for her? Let's call on the dream girl's daughter.

Karan: Was it difficult being Dharmendra and Hema Malini's daughter initially in your career? Esha: People feel star kids get it very easy. In a way, yeah, we do initially. People come and give us offers. But after a point, I realised that it's all in your hands. I mean if your films don't do well no one is going to give you a second look. You have to work hard on your own.
Karan: He truly represents the Gen X of Bollywood. He is what you call a teenage heartthrob. Girls from 6 to 16 absolutely adore him. One girl, a little older than that, adores him as well. Yes, he is Kareena Kapoor's love interest. Let's find out what makes Shahid Kapoor tick.

Karan: You came with a bang. For you, it was easier as there was no initial struggle.
Esha: Star kid!
Karan: Pankaj Kapoor is a great actor. I am sure you are just honoured to share the same life with him. But Ishq Vishk was an immediate success, an immediate connection with the youth and not much of a struggle there. So how did it feel when it all happened?
Shahid: Well, it's quite overwhelming because the whole film was such that it was a lot of new people. It wasn't going to be one the biggest launches of the year and all we knew was that we are going to put in our best. That's how it seems to work. I was just 21 at that time and it's quite overwhelming and I have said that word thrice! (smiles)
Karan: Yes. So we will stop saying overwhelming. I will move on to my next question now. One thing that everyone talks about is your relationship with Kareena. That seems to be the focus. Do you at all feel that it takes away from your personality and your individuality?
Shahid: Initially, when it started off, when people got to know about it, it became public knowledge that we were seeing each other. It was rather blown out of proportion. So it was something that I suddenly realised that things are written more about my personal life. It was uncomfortable because I am a very private person. But both of us, Kareena and I, never felt the need to hide our relationship. But what we realised is that the media never draws a line, and it's up to the individual to draw the line. And somewhere I took that decision about my personal life.

Karan: Are Esha Deol and Kareena Kapoor really friends? So what happened? Big friendship gone sour now…
Esha: Bebo and I are equally honest, very brutal and brash people. Karan: Ok, you know I have this lie-o-meter. So tell me the truth.
Esha: Bebo and I have known each other from school and ended up in the same career. Initially we used to hang out, spend time and I was not that busy when I started out. Bebo was already full-fledged in it. So I used to go and meet her on her sets. We were very open about our friendship. I guess both of us are slightly off also! We don't know when things go wrong between us! (Laughs)
Karan: So what went wrong?
Esha: Nothing actually went wrong. We just decided to let each other do our own thing for a while.
Karan: Did she talk about Shahid initially when it was happening?
Esha: She told me about him - that she is dating someone. Because Bebo and I were good friends at the age when girls meet guys and that whole thing happens, so we have seen each other go through a lot. She told me that she is seeing Shahid now and said, "Someday, hope you also get a boy who loves you just that way."
Karan: How sweet!

Karan: What happened with Fardeen?
Shahid: What ever it was, it was from his side. I have no issues with him.
Karan: So you feel there was something from his side?
Shahid: I am sure there was. He has spoken about it in quiet a few places. As far as I am concerned, it was a professional relationship with him. If he felt I was rude to him then I really don't know where that came from.
Karan: You don't remember being rude to him.
Shahid: I am never rude to any of my co-stars.

Esha: You know my mom and dad are looking for someone for me right now. I don't find anyone interesting. I don't know what's wrong with me?
Karan: Are you not attracted to any of the young boys in Bollywood?
Esha: All of them are really nice looking and very attractive, but I am very choosy that way.
Karan: You are looking for Mr Right.
Esha: I am not looking for Mr right but if he is there, around the corner, he can come and have coffee with me.

Karan: Has your dad seen Dhoom? Esha: No.
Karan: What do you think his reaction would be?
Esha: I am sure he has seen certain promos but all I can say is everyone is happy no one is complaining.
Karan: Are you scared of him?
Esha: I am very scared of him because I just love him so much. (smiles)

Karan: Your father is a great actor. What is his take on your work?
Shahid: You don't want to know…
Karan: What does he say? Tell me one mean thing he told you.
Shahid: When he saw my first film, he said, "This is not how you should have started."
Karan: Really?
Shahid: He is extremely critical of me, which I think is very important. You always need to have this one person who tells you that you are really bad because that helps you improve and if it comes from your father, especially my dad, who is a good actor himself… Well, he also praises me, but he somewhere keeps me rooted to the ground.

shashichief · 1st Moderator

Episode 23

Hema Malini and Zeenat Aman

Karan: She was perhaps the first Hindi film heroine who wielded real power. She was the reigning superstar for 15 years and completely on her own terms. Her warm smile would light up your hearts and her stare could put anyone in their place. Gorgeous, but no nonsense, a damsel but certainly not in any distress, she is and will always be Indian cinema's only Dream Girl. It is my privilege and pleasure to welcome my first guest tonight, the exceptionally beautiful Hema Malini.

Karan: I have grown up watching yours and Dharamji's films. What is that one moment that made you realise that he was going to be the man in your life because we have seen so much of your romance on celluloid but what was that one moment that when you felt, "I want to spend the rest of my life with him"?
Hema: I think the first time I saw him, I never thought that he is going to be my man. But I thought somebody like him should be…
Karan: First time you set your eyes on him?
Hema: Yes.
Karan: So it was really love at first sight then?
Hema: No, I won't say that (laughs). I just liked him because he was a very handsome man, a very good-looking man. I had never seen anybody so good looking, so I thought he is so wonderful. I thought I would get somebody like him. But he himself came in my life.
Karan: Around the same time that Hemaji reigned supreme, there was another looming presence in cinema that completely revolutionised the way we perceived our leading lady. Her western sophistication was always neck-to-neck in competition with the traditional leading lady of the Indian celluloid. She was bohemian, yet professional; bold, yet revered; rebellious, yet respected. I am exceptionally excited to welcome my next guest tonight, the original oomph girl of Indian cinema, Zeenat Aman.

Karan: I was just telling Hemaji how excited I am today on this show. I am excited because I have grown up watching both your films and it's like a dream come true. I hope you are as happy to be on my show.
Zeenat: Karan, I am delighted to be on your show. I had the opportunity of being in the first film made by your dad and it gives me immense pleasure to be here today as part of Kofee with Karan.

Karan: Today there is so much of all this you know. There is rivalry between actors. There was so much more dignity at that time point of time…
Hema: We were very friendly.
Karan: Was there no rivalry in those days?
Hema: I mean, as an artist, little will come in your mind. But when we meet personally, we find how wonderful she is, as much as Parveen Babi and Rekha.
Zeenat: Karan, you know what happened with Hemaji and myself was our roles were very well defined. I think Hemaji did very classical, traditional roles, and I personally had a very modern role, so we were never slotted for the same roles. The press always compared me with Parveen.
Karan: So was there a Zeenat Aman-Parveen Babi rivalry?
Zeenat: I think it was more hype in the media.

Karan: We all know and I am sure Hemaji will agree - there was no one hotter than you on Indian celluloid and today these girls go on and on about skin show and make a big hype for no reason. You have done it all, been there done that. How does it feel?
Zeenat: Well, I have not really thought about it, but it feels great now to be appreciated. Whatever body of work any creative person has, if you are appreciated, it always feels good.
Karan: But at that point of time do you think you were over sensational when you wore those sexy clothes?
Zeenat: Honestly, my mindset was not attuned to what was happening in Indian cinema, at that time. So I didn't realise, that while I was doing these parts it was a path-breaking situation. I was cast in roles like that.
Karan: Today Bipasha, Lara and Priyanka are compared to you. Does it feel good?
Zeenat: Yes, of course, it feels good.

Karan: You feel when you look back, "God! Why are they comparing me?" Or you take it as a compliment?
Zeenat: I do take it as a compliment, because these girls are lovely and they are doing good work with good filmmakers.
Hema: And they have lovely figures! At that time, only Zeenat had. Nobody else did.
Zeenat: Everybody is into health and fitness right now.

Karan: And what is your take today when you see this whole new brand of cinema, this whole new sensuality…
Hema: I feel sad looking at these girls, because they have to expose.
Karan: You feel it's a requirement today?
Hema: It is a requirement because I find Esha has to struggle with these ideas. I don't want her to expose. I thought I will be bringing her up just like me. But it's not possible now.
Karan: Does it disturb you when you see Esha in a sexy costume, does it bother you as a mother?
Hema: It bothers me but at the same time she has got a very lovely figure and it does not look vulgar. So as long as it is not looking bad, it's fine.
Karan: There has been Dhoom that as been aesthetically shot.
Zeenat: That always makes a difference - who you are working with and who is presenting you - it makes all the difference.
Hema: The right angle has to be taken. (laughs) Directors in those days also used to keep the camera in...
Zeenat: Weird angles! Don't we know about that! (laughs)
Karan: Did that happen to you?
Zeenat: Absolutely
Hema: Today, I think the girls are not at all aware of it. Or they know it and they don't bother about it.

Karan: Everyone thought that Hema Malini is this dream girl, and everyone spoke in great reverence but there was also a section that called you an ice maiden. It was almost like journalists used to be afraid to ask you any questions. There was this big wall. Did you cultivate that whole image for yourself or was it just you?
Hema: It was just myself. I think I was a little reserved. I never used to talk much to people, may be I was very shy at that time. Now at least I am talking to you.
Karan: At that time you would not have done even this?
Hema: At that time I don't think I would have attended this programme.

Karan: Hemaji kept all the controversies at bay because she never opened up to the media. Your controversies, affairs and link ups, on the other hand, were always all over the place.
Zeenat: Well, some that were and some that weren't, were all over the place. Existent and non-existent ones.
Karan: You mean they were made-up stories?
Zeenat: Absolutely.
Karan: Were there alleged link ups at that time with you, Hemaji, that got written about that were completely untrue?
Hema: Hmm, they were true. Only true link ups were there. They were very nice to me, I must say. (laughs)

Karan: What is the other thing you notice today when you are working as opposed to what used to happen earlier? Is there any major difference you notice in the way the fraternity functions today?
Hema: I think, professionally, everything is more organised now. I worked in Bhagban. All the scenes were only with Mr Bachchan, so I do not know anything else, because I was not working with any new artist of today. May be if I work I will know.
Karan: What about you?
Zeenat: Everything now is much larger then it used to be. Everything is done on a bigger scale. Then, there was no cable television, no mobile phones, no Internet. And I think the pay packets today are much more appealing.

Karan: Were there any super brat heroes at that time, heroes who are quite entertaining?
Hema: I think it was Shatrughan Sinha.
Zeenat: I think Shashiji was a lot of fun. He had a great sense of humour.
Karan: No one trying to be over romantic?
Hema: But I think all men have to be that…(smiles)
Zeenat: Absolutely.
Karan: Who said very romantic things?
Hema: Oh, very romantic…
Karan: Really? I want to know one name.
Hema: I don't want to tell anyone's name.
Zeenat: I am not going to say anyone's name, but I will tell you about a wonderful incident. I was in my make-up room once and I got a big cardboard box wrapped up in a ribbon. I opened the ribbon and there was this cardboard box. I looked into it and there was another box. Open that up and there was the third box. Open that up and inside, wrapped up was a tennis ball and there was a little note that said, "The ball is in your court." (laughs)

shashichief · 1st Moderator

The Grand Finale

Episode 24

Amitabh Bachchan - Jaya Bachchan - Shah Rukh Khan - Kajol.
Jury -- Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Farah Khan, Farhan Akhtar.

Shah Rukh: He is a producer, a director, a wannabe costume designer, an awful actor… He is all over the place for no rhyme or reason and thankfully, tonight he is not here on the show. The film fraternity and all of us decided that we have tortured you enough with Karan's presence on this show in the past few months, so we threw him out. And I am here to do the season finale. So where's Karan? Well, let's just say that I put something in his coffee that he does not know about.
Ladies and gentlemen, tonight I am calling upon a guest who has been the greatest inspiration for me in my growing years. I've had the honour of sharing the same cinematic space with him. To millions around the world, he is a living legend. To millions around the world, he is the biggest ever superstar in Hindi cinema. To me, he is Hindi cinema itself. Please put your hands together and welcome Mr Amitabh Bachchan.

Shah Rukh: What did you think of me when you first met me?
Amitabh: My first impression of you was that you spoke fast; you thought even faster, you had lot of energy, that's it.

Shah Rukh: We are going to be rudely interrupted by the person, who is supposed to handle this show.
Amitabh: Can we just get rid of him?
Shah Rukh: No, I think the security is not able to hold him.
Karan: I hope that was not too torturous.
Amitabh: He is doing a marvellous job.
Karan: He is even better then I am?
Amitabh: Yeah.
Karan: Shah Rukh, you have asked everything I wanted to ask.
Shah Rukh: Do you want to go back? (smiles)

Karan: Everyone talks about both of you selling a lot of products. Between the both of you, I think the poor models have just died completely. There is no work left for them. So when this is thrown at you, what do you say, Shah Rukh?

Shah Rukh: I think it's a part of changing times. I also feel who are working in the film industry are being recognised by corporate sector which feels we are good enough to help them market their product. The media has increased so much.

Karan: You have seen Black?
Shah Rukh: Yes, I have.
Karan: What do you think of it?
Shah Rukh: I think it's one of the finest films that I have seen and I was very moved by the technical aspect of the film, cinematic aspect of the film, the directorial touches and also, I think (pointing towards Amitabh), after many years I felt like touching an actor's feet and I went and touched Amitji's feet. I start crying if I talk about it. It was just so beautiful to see him act in a film like that. I think Rani was marvellous. I really feel emotional about the film.
Karan: And I really believe that Mr Bachchan has a huge graph when it comes to his filmography but I think that Black is just on another level altogether. And I think we should ask Sanjay his thoughts on Black and Devdas.

Karan: We were just saying the most beautiful things about Black. How does it feel post Black, Sanjay?
Sanjay Leela Bhansali: It feels very good. It feels satisfying. But there is a big question in my mind - now what? So, I think post Black, my mind is only working on what am I am going to make now. Or am I going to do something better? I don't know. So, I am a little confused right now.

Karan: On record, I think Shah Rukh has said that Devdas is his finest work as an actor. On record again, Mr Bachchan has gone on to say that Black is his most satisfying experience. How does it feel that both of them, two brilliant actors, hold you in such a high regard as a film maker and rate your film as one of their best?
Sanjay Leela Bhansali: I am blessed. I think I am the kind of person who does not believe too much in myself, so for me if they say that, I think it's the time to believe it.

Karan: What was it like working with Amitabh and Shah Rukh? They are from different schools... Sanjay Leela Bhansali: Both of them are similar, I think. I think they are very intelligent actors. They love their work to death. I think, if you take acting out of their lives they would perish. They have a great sense of humour. They are willing to stress themselves to the limit.

Introducing Farhan Akhtar and Farah Khan: Karan: There is a reason Sanjay is still there because we have two more members of our jury who are going to arrive to judge the grand rapid fire round.
We have to now introduce two rocking members of our jury. Both of them are directors. (Pointing towards Amitabh) You've worked with one of them and are going to work with another. The very talented, Farah Khan and the super-talented, Farhan Akhtar.

Karan: Sanjay, your sentiments on being here as a member of this jury?
Sanjay Leela Bhansali: I wish I were not here.
Karan: And you, Farah?
Farah Khan: I want both of them in my next movie, so I will be extremely tactful.
Karan: And you, Farhan?
Farhan Akhtar: Even I want both of them in my next movie!

Introducing Kajol: In this segment, we have someone special who is going to come on. Someone very special to me, someone very special to Shah Rukh, someone who has also worked with Mr Bachchan and has a great equation with him today. One of my closest friends and one of the best actresses Indian cinema has ever seen. She started the show with Shah Rukh and me. She has to be here today at the grand finale. Let's welcome none other than Kajol.

Karan: You know Kajol's coming back after a gap of many years in a film. Now she is working with Aamir. How does it feel, Shah Rukh?
Shah Rukh: Well, it's absolutely all right. I mean, as actors, we all must experiment with different kind of films. Aamir is a fantastic actor and Kunal is a wonderful director and I am sure we will have some great cinema when all of these people come together. Though I wish she would have done our film together.

Karan: Now, I remember calling Kajol when I was casting for the film and Kajol, of course, for domestic reasons...
Amitabh: (to Kajol) I really do admire that you have always placed your home and your child before anything that is commercial or connected with your profession. I think that's very brave.

Introducing Jaya Bachchan: Now we have a guest with us who is extremely special to me. A guest whose pairing with Mr Bachchan is in resulted in tremendous box office success in the past. Well, her 'mother' pairing with Shah Rukh Khan has also resulted in tremendous box office success. More popularly known in the Indian film industry as the First Lady, let's call upon the extremely talented the beautiful Jaya Bachchan.

Karan: If I had to ask you to sum your years with Jaya aunty - the marriage that has been for so many years - what would you say?
Amitabh: She has given me two of the most beautiful and wonderful gifts that I have ever had in my life - Shweta and Abhishek. I think that really sums up my relationship with her and all that she means to me.

Karan: And if I had to ask you how the journey has been being Mrs Amitabh Bachchan all these years, what would you say?
Jaya Bachchan: It has been wonderful sometimes, not so wonderful otherwise, but great fun.

Karan: When you look at the two of them, Shah Rukh, literally, the First Lady and the Lord of the film fraternity, what do you say?
Shah Rukh: I am perhaps too small in every which way to say anything but I think god and everyone around have really blessed them, and the children are the nicest things that can happen to a couple.

Karan: On this very show, we had Gauri Khan and Suzanne Roshan. Both younger star wives and both of them said how they looked up to Jaya aunty, as a star wife who has brought up her children so well. And that's a compliment that I am sure you have received all the time. Abhishek is so loved by every member of the film fraternity and Shwetha is always so well brought-up and always comes across so dignified. When you hear that how do you feel?
Amitabh: We are very proud of the fact that other people think like this about our children. I think it's been a great effort on Jaya's part to sacrifice her film career and spend a lot of time with them.
Jaya: I don't think that it's a sacrifice...
Amitabh: In the sense of time for them, despite the fact that she was acting in movies. I think children are meant to be loved and everybody's child is their favourite and every parent wishes to bring them up in the best possible way.