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Starry Night

Before they hit the green carpet with their picture perfect ensembles and dazzling smiles, the Bollywood celebs in town for the special IIFA screening flocked to Ritz Carlton’s Bar no. 5 for a quick drink and chat session, where City Times caught up with them

Arbaaz Khan talks…

Awards: Personally, I feel there are too many award functions. It’s not like Hollywood where there are the chosen two or three. Every channel, every club worth its salt has got one. And once your film is nominated you are obliged to attend. My last six months have gone in attending award functions. It’s important to stick to the few that have gained credibility over the years.

Dabangg 2: It’s in the scripting stages with principal shooting starting next year. The casting and the music is a long way from being finalised but the main characters will be retained. Fresh characters will also be introduced. We’re hoping for Dabangg 2 to be just as much of a crowd pleaser as the first. We will also have another number like Munni, but it’s too early to say whether Malaika will be a part of it at this point in time. But I would love to have her create another sensational song.

Working with family: People always use the phrase, ‘it was like working with family’. So imagine a scenario where you’re actually working with family. There are a lot of situations that your brother or your wife will understand better and be supportive about.

Dubai: Given the opportunity I love to fly down to Dubai. I was here last week and I was here last month. We shots bits of Dabangg here too, so I came down then as well. When I come here, I frequent places like Zuma and I went to Atmosphere last night for dinner with a few friends and loved it.

Malaika’s style file

Her ensemble: Actually, when I was getting dressed I was not quite sure of what to wear. But at the end of the day, summer has hit its peak in Dubai right now, so I decided to go with white. The dress is Versace, the shoes are Louboutin.

Top style tip: Everybody’s so different in their approach to what they wear. So my general advice is stick to what looks good on you, make sure you keep it simple and dress according to the occasion. Nothing is as important as that.

Favourite accessory: Oh, I love wearing statement pieces of jewellery. You’ll rarely ever see too much jewellery on me - I prefer to stick to the bare minimum – but what I wear should stand out. I also love shoes and really indulge in them. And I can’t leave home without my watch and my wedding ring.

Introducing Dia and Ameesha, the producers

Ameesha Patel and Dia Mirza may not have experienced much success as actresses (seriously, who can remember the last time either of them were seen in a film, let alone delivered a commercial or critical hit?), but both Bollywood ladies are convinced that they will fare better as producers.

While Patel has formed an alliance with old friend Kunal Goomer, who accompanied her to the IIFA screening in Dubai, Mirza has partnered up with fellow actor Zayed Khan and rumoured–to-be-boyfriend Sahil Sangha for Born Free Productions.

“We want to make entertaining films, that give people joy to watch. We want to give the audience a wholesome viewing experience with great performances, intelligent acting and music. Our first film is with David Dhawan and we’ve signed on another director. We’ll be announcing his name in the next four to five days,” noted Patel.

When quizzed on why she chose Dhawan for her first production, the actress reverted with, “He’s always been the sort that says, ‘Leave your brains behind when you come watch my film. If it’s troubles of the world you want to see, turn on the news.’ It promises to be an out and out entertainer with big stars involved. This production started out as a dream, but considering the pace at which we’re going, sky is the limit.”

Meanwhile, Mirza has opted for a slightly different route with her romantic comedy Love Breakups Zindagi. The actress will be seen starring in the film alongside co-producer Khan, while her second partner Sangha will be directing the feature.

“As a first time production house what we’re most grateful for is that we’ve made the film that we set out to make. It would have been acutely disappointing for us otherwise. But with working in your own production you get exploited at every level. You work harder than ever before – you sweep floors, get furniture from your own house and become a slave to the story,” commented Mirza.

“Sahil, Zayed and I are not here to make projects. We want to make good films, tell good stories and doe everything we do with complte honest, integrity and focus.”

davina@khaleejtimes.com