Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to meet up with Onir, director of My Brother Nilkhil at a coffee shop in Versova. Onir, (who goes only by his first name), arrived a little late and wanted to wrap things up in fast. So without much ado, I went right ahead and asked the first question.

Please tell us something about your creative background?

I always wanted to make films, the only thing I can remember wanting to do is make films. When I joined college I took up literature parallel with film studies. Literature I think is very closely related to films and in India you don’t start with film studies after school, you can only after graduation. And then I got my scholarship for Training in Film Making for which I went to Berlin.

Click here to continue reading ‘Interview : Straight Talk With Onir’

So there I was, seated next to India’s entertainment powerhouse, desperately trying to get a grip on reality. And from the other end, my good friend utters the dreaded words in true Macish style; “Sakshi, aap maidam se questions ask kariye aur mai yeh photo leti hoon” (”Sakshi, you ask madam questions, and I’ll take these photos“). Thank God I had a notepad at hand or else we would have looked like some real, professional journalists (not!). Oh! Didn’t I mention, apparently we were introduced to Ms. Sawant as “Online Journalists-cum-Freelance Writers”. (Though I have some serious doubts whether she understood the terms, “online” or “freelance”)

Anyway, since I was pushed to the edge of the cliff with no usable option at hand, I decided to take the plunge.

Kindly note: My landing on Nach Baliye sets was not planned, my meeting Rakhi Sawant was unexpected and this interview was totally unanticipated – but all of this did happen, thanks to a dear friend, who decided to give me the ‘mother of all surprises’.

So ladies and gents, without any further ado - I present to you desi reality shows ki Rani, Rakhi Sawant (Juneja ishtyle).

Click here to continue reading ‘Interview : Entertainment Ki Rani, Rakhi. (Part 2)’

How it happened!

I even would be content with just a photograph of me standing next to Rakhi Sawant. No, really, even just that would mean a lot! Frankly much of my blogging popularity (if I may call it so) I owe to this woman; at blogging camps/meets I am often referred to as the “Un-official online PR agent of Rakhi Sawant” and not to forget the heavy-duty traffic my blog experiences when people Google her name for reasons I cannot mention here (I cater to family crowd na).

And so, meeting the lady in person was a wish – a wish which I knew would come true -but this soon, was something I didn’t imagine.

Click here to continue reading ‘Interview : Entertainment Ki Rani, Rakhi. (Part 1)’

I have come to believe that in order for us to pursue “something” we need to connect to it at a deep emotional level. Until we ourselves are not affected by it, we cannot expect others to see it the way we would like them to.

During my recent trip to our capital city, I was blessed with an opportunity of meeting Mr. Nau Nihal Singh, 87 years old.. Nope, he isn’t a politician nor a rich business tycoon or some ex-Bollywood personality; to me he is in fact no less than a real-life “Hero”. And this is his story.

Fondly known as Papaji, Mr. Singh was born in 1922 in Lahore, Pakistan. An advocate by profession, and like most patriotic young men of his generation, he fought for India’s freedom in his youth. In recognition of his services, the Government of India awarded him a Freedom Fighter status. After India’s Partition, Papaji, moved to Shimla with his young wife and baby daughter. He made Delhi his home since 1955.

Click here to continue reading ‘Interview Mr. Nau Nihal Singh : When Actions Speak Louder Than Words’

Chatting Up With Sanjana Kapoor

I guess for many like me, the first thing that comes to mind when we think about Theatre or Stage plays is a tiny little block in Juhu, very close to the beach and ever so filled with vibrant atmosphere - Yes, I am talking about Prithvi Theatre.

Prithvi holds many fond memories for me, starting from my college days. Since it is just a couple of blocks from home, I use to practically end up there every second day either enjoying some electrifying performances or simply making conversations with friends over a cup of coffee.

Click here to continue reading ‘Interview Sanjana Kapoor : Carrying On With Family Tradition’

Karan Johar in Conversation

It is often said that “A friend in need is a friend indeed” and I am one of those fortunate people who is surrounded by such close association. And one of them is my best friend, Shirrin who is currently living in New York.

Equally excited about DesiDabba launch, she was generous enough to spend her entire Saturday evening behind something she usually isn’t fond off - Bollywood and Bollywood Personalities.

Click here to continue reading ‘Interview Karan Johar : A Chit-Chat in New York’