When asked, the actor says, “Naina is a special character for me. The glasses helped me live that part. I’d like to keep them as a memory of her.”

An insider close to her adds that Deepika asked Karan Johar (the film’s producer) to send her the glasses: “She’s emotional about the character, and the glasses were an important part of it. Also, people kept calling her ‘chashmish’ (a term she was addressed as in the film too).”

The spectacles are currently with the team at Dharma Productions, but Karan has already given them instructions to send the pair to Deepika. “She has never worn glasses in her other films, so she wants to keep these as a souvenir. She’s also relieved that the audience liked her bespectacled look,” says the insider.

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Speaking at the occasion, Katsuya Sogo, Managing Director & CEO, MANDOM CORPORATION (India) PVT. LTD. said, “India signifies a very important market for us. We are looking at consolidating and expanding our presence in the country and emerge as the No. 1 brand in the Men’s Grooming Category soon. Signing on Varun marks a major step in this direction as he connects well with our target audience and will play a significant role in influencing the choices of youth and cultivate the ‘hair styling culture’ in the country.”

Commenting on the development, Varun Dhawan said, “I am excited and thrilled to be associated with a brand like GATSBY. GATSBY today, has come to be synonymous with a superior range of products that have a mass appeal and more importantly, a brand the youth can relate to. In fact, it has played pivotal role in making hair styling a ‘cool’ concept amongst the youth today. I am extremely happy to be the face of GATSBY and look forward to exploring the brand proposition further.”

GATSBY was launched in Japan in 1978 as a hair styling brand and evolved rapidly to offer a complete range of grooming products for men. It currently is the No. 1 brand in the men’s grooming category in Japan and has an overwhelming 55% share in the men’s hair styling category in the country. The brand made its India debut in 2003 when MANDOM started distribution of GATSBY products from MANDOM Indonesia, through zonal distribution companies which then merged into on single entity – Gardenia Cosmocare Pvt. Ltd. Since then the brand has moved from strength to strength and resulted in the company establishing a direct presence in India through MANDOM CORPORATION (India) PVT. LTD. in 2012, making it the 11th country where the company has a direct presence.

L-R: Enomoto Takayuki, Head – Marketing, Mandom Corporation (India) Pvt Ltd, Katsuya Sogo, Managing Director & CEO, Mandom Corporation (India) Pvt Ltd, Varun Dhawan & Shinichiro Koshiba, Managing Executive Officer and Head – Marketing, MANDOM CORPORATION

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Although Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani looks like a holiday in itself, for director Ayaan Mukerji it was a result of a lot of hard work. And as his high-on-energy film has crossed the 100 crore mark at the domestic box office, the filmmaker has planned an elaborate vacation in Europe with his close friend Aarti.

We can now confirm that, in a few days time, Ayaan will leave for Istanbul, and after soaking in the historical capital of Turkey, will move on to the Spanish city of Barcelona.

But that’s not where the talented filmmaker’s sojourn ends. After this fanciful European tour, Ayaan will fly off to Canada where he will meet a few friends in Montreal, and then conclude his trip in the land of Hollywood, Los Angeles.

Once back, the director plans to set-off on another holiday, but this time with his parents. A well-deserved outing, we say.

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is out on general release worldwide.

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Our Bollywood correspondent Sunny Malik caught up with Sunny and Bobby Deol in London recently to talk about this much awaited summer film.

Welcome back to the UK. You guys shot here and now you are here promoting the film. How does it feel?
Bobby Deol: It feels good to be back here. I have been coming here since I was five-years-old. Now that I am in London, I am actually missing Leicester and Birmingham. I would like to go back and walk around and spend some time there. So, it’s good to be here.

Was it at times difficult to film there because of the large Asian population?
Sunny Deol: There was nothing like that. Difficult and easy is not the issue whenever we shoot. I would go anywhere to shoot if it’s required. The subject of the film required us to come here. I have stayed in the Midlands quite a lot and know the area quite well. It was easier to coordinate everything and it was peaceful.

You are producing the film on your own. Why did you not co-produce it with a studio, which is what most people are doing?
Sunny Deol: Well, you see, we don’t have studios in India. We have multinational companies which are coming into India to do business. They are not studios because they don’t know anything about movies. They are not people who understand a subject or a story. They wouldn’t know if the story is good or not. They have a different thought process. The main focus should be on the story of the film. That’s what turned us into producers and that is how it’s going to be because I believe that if the script is good, then I will make the film.

You are not doing as many films as you used to do. Is that a conscious decision, to be selective?
Bobby Deol: Like my brother said, we just want to make films that we really want to do. There are not many people who believe in it. I want to make films that I enjoy doing. I chose not to do many films because I would rather do a film which is worthy of me spending my 6 months on it and I have to believe in it. That’s what I look forward to when I do a film. I am not saying I won’t work in outside productions, but I would rather do a film produced by our production house, Vijeta Films. The next production I am working on is called Cheers and also stars my Dad. It’s a film about a father and his relationship with his son. It’s a feel-good kind of film.
Sunny Deol: It’s about two generations. It’s a very interesting project.

You said you get nervous when you have to speak in front of your Dad. Why is that?
Bobby Deol: (Laughs) It’s nothing like that. When I am speaking at a press conference with my father present, I have to think what I speak about as he is my father. When we are working, I can fool around with my Dad like a friend. It was quite fun shooting Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 together. Even though we live in the same house, we were always confined to our own areas. So here in the UK during the shooting, we were always together. There was a lot of bonding and it was fun. Every father wants his son to be his buddy. It was great.

There were news reports that you patched up with Aditya Chopra and finalised the deal with Yash Raj Music for the music of the film…
Sunny Deol: There was nothing like that really. As we were talking about studios, Yash Raj is a production house and studio that believes in making films that they believe in. They also released the Home Video of Yamla Pagla Deewana. We reached out to all music companies with the music of the film. Yash Raj Music liked it and my gut feeling was to go with them. They are from the film fraternity and they would do things like I would want them to be done with the marketing of the music. That’s why I chose Yash Raj Music.

What are your expectations from the UK audience for the film?
Bobby Deol: I don’t think we make films for a specific geographical area. We make films for everyone. The film is a really good entertainer. Yes, people in the UK may relate to the film more because we shot here. I am sure it’s a film that will be liked by audiences in any country.

Photos by Hayat Khan

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Three days back, Karan decided to take up an offer to act in Anurag Kashyap’s next, Bombay Velvet (BV). Karan says the offer “came out of the blue”. In the film, he will be seen playing the “antagonist” opposite Ranbir Kapoor.

“Yes, it’s true that I’m acting in Bombay Velvet, and of course, it’s unusual for me,” Karan says, adding, “I was blown away by the narrative. And all the cast members — besides Ranbir and Anushka (Sharma, lead actress) — have strong roles in Anurag’s film. Since I’m playing an antagonist, there are shades of grey to my character.”

Over a decade and a half ago, Karan played a cameo in the Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol-starrer Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995). More recently, he made guest appearances in films like Om Shanti Om (2007) and Luck By Chance (2009).

But what’s interesting is that now the director of feel-good, family-oriented dramas will be seen in a negative role. Karan explains, “I’ve never shied away from trying new things. Fifteen years ago, I took up direction (with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai; 1998) on an impulse, followed by my stint as a TV show host (Koffee With Karan).”

He says he always knew that, somewhere down the line, acting will happen. “I didn’t know whether I was ready for it. Now, I will start working on my role with Anurag. I will follow his directorial vision, and I won’t bring my director’s baggage on the sets,” he clarifies.

Has he discussed this with anyone else? “Besides Anurag, Ranbir too was keen that I come on board. As for my mother (Hiroo Johar), she has always been encouraging in whatever I do,” he says.

When contacted, Anurag says, “Karan is fantastic for the part. I actually wanted to bounce ideas off him. He loved the script, and I suddenly asked if he will play the role. He was surprised, but said yes. Karan said he will charge Rs 11, and the money kept aside will go for special effects and production.”

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Last heard she was also offered to play Anil Kapoor’s wife in his serial 24. Although humbled by the offer, Divya could not take it up due to her prior commitments and we hear she looks forward to working with Anil in another project soon.

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The Student Of The Year actor is a big fan of the cricketer. Both Sachin and Varun not only share the same birth date but also share the same passion for football.

This was the first time ever that Varun met Sachin and was really excited to meet his cricket idol.

In other news, Varun has also been signed by Karan Johar for another film to be produced by Dharma Productions. The yet-untitled project will also launch a new director and a new leading lady.

Varun is currently busy preparing for his role in Main Tera Hero, which will be directed by his father, Dawid Dhawan.

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In its unique and a first of its kind brand tie up Closeup brings to its consumer the special edition packs of Closeup Deep Action with the lead pair of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani : Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone on their packs. Additionally the packs will also have Closeup freindship bands specially autographed by Ranbir Kapoor & Deepika Padukone free with them.

Ranbir was especially seen in a good mood and was seen grooving to ‘Badtameez Dil’ signature steps.

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani releases on 31st May 2013.

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How are you feeling that your second film is releasing?
It’s just a lot of excitement. We are presenting the film to the rest of the world and I want to know what they feel about my work as well as the entire film. It’s a little hard to explain in words, but you have the same feeling before very film releases. I have always heard people say that the feeling is the same. But now I can actually say that it is. It’s the same feeling I had before the release of my first film, Ishaqzaade.

Don’t you feel more confident since your first film was accepted and was a commercial success?
Of course, I am confident. I was confident about Ishaqzaade as well. When we were making the film, I knew that we were making something unique. I knew that people will find it exciting. But I did not except the reaction towards the film as it has been unprecedented. So, yes there is confidence. But a year’s hard work goes into making a film and you want to know what people think about it. Even if you are confident, there is always a part of you that is uncertain. Everyone wants validation from the audience.

Your first film, Ishaqzaade, did not get an overseas and UK release. Was that disappointing?
Well, it was unfortunate but I guess, not all films with newcomers get released overseas. I could not have asked for a better debut film. I could not have asked for anything more than what Yash Raj Films already did for me. They have to see value in you as an actor, to spend money on you and release a film. They also had a vision in mind as they wanted to release it as an overseas friendly film for the non-traditional markets as well. They took a chance and I don’t mind that. Life is all about taking chances. They are releasing my second film overseas and in the UK and that means there is a market for my film. I am happy with that.

When will the international cut of Ishaqzaade release?
I haven’t seen it myself. I am sure that they are talking to people. Yash Raj Films International distribution will be able to answer this question better. We have done our job as actors, made the film and put it out there for the Indian audience. I do know that many people from the UK watched the film as it’s out on DVD in the UK. I do know that people enjoyed the film. I hope that the translation of Ishaqzaade’s success in the UK will hopefully unfold with Aurangzeb’s release.

When I saw the trailer of Aurangzeb, it reminded me of Amitabh Bachchan’s Don. What was your reaction when you first heard the script?
The world of the film is set in the confrontational zone of the 70’s and 80’s when we had multi-starrers and films that had ‘dialogue baazi’. The films had dialogues, confrontation, action, intensity and drama. The world is very similar but the take is completely new and contemporary. It’s a very real and rooted story. It can happen to anyone in India. The double role has been given a lot of honest and genuine justification as there is logic behind it. The presentation and vision of Aurangzeb is completely fresh and new.

How was your experience working with your director, Atul Sabharwal?
It was great fun. He is somebody I got along with really well. I spent a lot of time with him for the preparations of Aurangzeb as I play a double role in the film. More than that, we get on really well personally. He is somebody who loves cinema, and so do I. We share that inherent passion for all kinds of cinema. He was also very clear about Aurangzeb. He knew how he wanted to set the world of the film, the way he wanted to shoot it and the way he wanted me to perform both of my characters. He is very patient and calm and a very positive influence. He never loses his cool on the sets and these are good qualities.

Aurangzeb is an action thriller like Ishaqzaade.
Aurangzeb is actually more like a drama and an action thriller. Ishaqzaade was more of an intense romantic film. That is a completely different genre. It would be unfair to put them in the same genre.

But a lot of newcomers start their careers with rom-coms. Was it a conscious decision to do something different in the beginning of your career?
It is good to be the exception right? It gets you the attention in the first place. It was a chance and it is good to take chances, like I said. Ishaqzaade wasn’t something that I planned. I didn’t come into Yash Raj Films and tell them that I want to do a different film. Aditya Chopra saw me in that light and able to pull of that part.

He also offered you Aurangzeb during the making of Ishaqzaade …
He saw the rushes of Ishaqzaade as we had completed the film. I was passing my time sitting at home. I was blissfully unaware that he had seen rushes of the film. He called me into the office and gave me a Valentine’s Day gift two years ago by offering me the film. I was surprise to see him offering me a double role so early in my career.

You worked with senior actors like Jackie Shroff and Rishi Kapoor in Aurangzeb. Tell us about your experience.
See, I have grown up in the industry and for them I am Boney Kapoor’s (producer) son. For Chintu Uncle (Rishi Kapoor), I am Ranbir’s friend. He has seen me in that light. For me it was surreal and life coming to a full circle to be able to work with them and act with them. I had a blast with them as I felt a genuine connect with them. Jackie Shroff is playing my father in the film. I felt that the fatherly love he gave me was genuine. Rishi Kapoor Sir has such an intimidating personality but is a warm person and made me really comfortable. An interesting trivia is that, on the first day of filming, Rishi Kapoor Sir sent my father a message. He said “Don’t tense. Your son is a really good actor”. He basically told my father that he liked my work.

A lot of people from the Indian Film fraternity have been praising you for your acting skills…
You find a sense of belonging and I found my sense of belonging as actor when that happens. I felt like I belong here. I want to do good work and want to be an actor. But when people from the industry and your co-stars find your work good, it feels really special. For me, Amitabh Bachchan watching my film, picking up the phone and sending me a handwritten note, just underlines the fact that I was genuinely accepted into the film fraternity of actors.

When you started out, some fans did point fingers at you for only being casted in a film because you are a producer’s son.  What’s your take on nepotism in the industry?
I respect everyone’s opinion. If they spend their hard earned money on buying a ticket, then they should have an opinion. And they should share it with the rest of the world as well. Social networking is a very big platform and you should use it responsibly. I don’t believe that nepotism exists because many have come and many have before me who are director’s sons, producer’s sons, actor’s son and so on and have not survived.

So it’s the talent that works?
Of course. I think there is a minority that has a myopic view. Our audiences are very intelligent. I don’t think anybody sitting in the UK, beyond a point, cares about my surname. When they watch Ishaqzaade or Aurangzeb, they care about how well I do my job as an actor. They care about how I can bring emotions across to them using the character. It’s very myopic view of looking at it and nepotism is a very strong word. Everybody has their own journeys and struggles. I don’t undermine anybody else’s and nobody should undermine mine. I respect every opinion. They matter. I don’t appreciate it when it is hitting below the belt just because I have a ‘surname’. It’s unfair and unfortunate but sadly it happens. It exists and it’s out duty to break that myth. The more good work you do, you can break that myth and dispel notion.

Yash Raj Films releases Aurangzeb in UK cinemas and worldwide on 17th May 2013.

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