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HEADLINES January to June 2008

JUNE 2008

Kabir Bedi to fly kites - on celluloid June 24, 2008
After enjoying some out time with his family - his son Hridhaan was born on May 1, 2008 - Hrithik Roshan is due to fly to New Mexico to supervise construction of the sets for Kites. He will travel with his father, who produces the movie, and director Anurag Basu. According to Hrithik Roshan's manager, shooting for Kites will take three months and involve several locations in the U.S., including Las Vegas, where Kabir will have a number of scenes. Shooting will then continue in Bombay for another two months. Roshan will have a further break after that, his manager said. The actor is taking elocution lessons in American English for the movie, which is said to be similar to Woody Allen's marital drama Match Point (2006).

Treat your men like you would Kabir Bedi or Jackie Shroff! June 21, 2008
In her review of Shobhaa De's latest book, Spouse (Penguin India), Mohsena Reza Shopna agrees with the author "that the woman should make her husband feel he is Jackie Shroff or Kabir Bedi and he too should make her get the impression she is Bipasha Basu at her sizzling best. Couples who do not recognize or respect the spiritual core of their partners can never achieve that wonderful level of becoming soulmates, an idea poets frequently uphold." The review was published in today's Daily Star.

Kabir Bedi filming with Hrithik Roshan June 19, 2008
After his return from Italy, Kabir will start shooting one of his new Indian movie projects. He will join Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan in a leading role, playing the owner of a Las Vegas casino with two adult children whose somewhat complicated love life is the theme of this romantic comedy. Kabir says the film, with the working title Kites is complex and sensitive, and quite different from the usual hackneyed Bollywood fare.
Kabir is looking forward to the shooting in the U.S. this summer and autumn.
Some scenes starring Kabir will be filmed on location in Las Vegas.
Kites should be seen symbolically, Kabir says: "The kites are a symbol of a kind of relationship that exists in the love story of the film."
After Kites Kabir is planning another mega-project with Indian superstar Govinda, who marked a convincing comeback with his film Partner.

Nikki Bedi's interview with Kabir Bedi June 19, 2008
Nikki's hour-long interview with her ex-husband Kabir was recorded just after her June 17 radio show and broadcast the next day shortly after 2 p.m.
Kabir talked at length about his view of the international future for Bollywood's entertainment industry, and how he managed to annoy 27 car owners. He also reflects on why women from 16 to 60 think he's sexy.
The most exciting news is about Kabir's future plans, which include making films with Hritik Roshan and Govinda. Las Vegas and the kites beloved of all Indians also play a major part in the interview...
More information: BBC Asian Network - Nikki meets... Kabir Bedi

Sandokan's Mompracem is a coral reef! June 19, 2008
All those who still aren't sure there was ever an island of Mompracem should listen to Fabio Negro's presentations. Fabio spoke about his Salgari research project at La Spezia in May [check out The Mompracem myth, Sandokan and La Spezia].
The next Emilio Salgari Festival, where Fabio will also be speaking, is being held June 19-29, 2008, in San Mauro near Turin. Poster Emilio Salgari Festival [.pdf]
Further Salgari events are planned in northern Italy throughout the summer and into the autumn.
Fabio, who's been researching Salgari's Mompracem since 2002, has come to the conclusion there really is such an island, a small coral reef in the South China Sea.
Kabir's view is that "Mompracem becomes a great thing through our dreams."

With the author's kind permission, here is a short article about the presentation "Salgari-Spezia - beyond the adventure", which Fabio Negro gave at the Per Terra e Per Mare project - more information: www.emiliosalgari.it - in May 2008 in La Spezia:
Mompracem Day in La Spezia - including pictures [.pdf]

BBC presenter Nikki Bedi has another interview with ex-husband Kabir June 18, 2008
Today, Nikki Bedi will use part of her three-hour radio show on the BBC's Asian Network to have another interview with Kabir Bedi. Billed as "international actor, Bollywood star and Nikki's ex-husband," Kabir will discuss his latest projects and plans for the future, as well as the Bollywood entertainment industry. Those familiar with the earlier episodes of "Nikki meets..." as well as her other interviews with Kabir know they have some sparkling conversation to look forward to - and some great music!

Kabir Bedi on CNN in debate about St. Stephen's college quota June 18, 2008
On Face the Nation, a CNN-IBN panel, Kabir debated with other panel members if quotas will destroy elite educational institutions.
Face the Nation was broadcast On IBNLive India at prime time on Monday, June 16, 2008.
Click here for CNN videos of the debate.
Here's the CNN report, published today:

- Even Stephens: College quota, a minor issue?

Is this the death of brand St Stephen's? One of India's most prestigious colleges has introduced a 50 per cent quota for Christian applicants on the basis that it is a Christian minority institute. But there is a criticism that the college too may soon join the long list of centres of excellence whose standards have been irreversibly lowered by those practising the politics of religion or ideology on campus.

On Face the Nation, a CNN-IBN panel - comprising actor Kabir Bedi, historian Ramachandra Guha, Professor Nandita Narain and Former JNU Student Union President Albeena Shakil debated if quotas will destroy elite educational institutions.

Incidentally, Bedi, Guha and Narain were Stephanians and so was the moderator of the show, Sagarika Ghose.

A typical Devil’s Advocate argument for the pro-quota lobby would be: St Stephen’s was not built by Christians. It was founded by missionaries all right, but it has become an institution to reckon with because of the diversity that Indians - and not necessarily Christians - brought to it.

Narain kickstarted the debate by disagreeing with the argument. She argued there nothing wrong with the idea of quota and the General Category students have little reason to feel bad. "No one is above the law. And the law in 1992 clearly stated St Stephen’s was a minority institute. The number of Christian students kept increasing from that year - and there’s no denying it - till it reached 40 pc last year. But the General category quota has been kept to 40 per cent. So there’s no reason for General students to feel disappointed and let down," she said, pointing out was a 2003 TMA Pai judgement that upheld the minority status of St Stephens, empowering it to admit more than 50 pc Christian students.

In the argument against quota in St Stephen’s, more often than not, elitism is confused with excellence. Narain warned against this line of thought and said dilution of elitism does not necessarily mean dilution of excellence.

The argument sounds a striking parallel with what the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Chief Raj Thackeray has been insisting. Thackeray cites a Constitutional Article (that applies to both linguistic and religious minorities) and says Maharashtrian institutions of the state must admit only Maharashtrians people since they are a minority in that state.

Owe and Awe: Indebted to Christians?

But Narain did not take kindly to the comparison and said there was a difference between Raj Thackeray and the Supreme Court. "Sagarika, you and I are Stephanians. We owe the college for what we are today. The college, for 120 years, catered to us like a foster mother," she said. Narain also said we owed a lot to the Christian community. "Christian community has made a significant contribution to education and health and we owe it to them," she said.

Therefore, the question that most from the pro-quota are asking is: should we grudge if Stephen’s tries to help its own community?

Ramchandra Guha joined the debate on a very crucial note. He pointed out the difference between religion-based quota and "integrity-based" quota. Guha, a Stephanian himself, also pointed out the quota in Stephen’s was different from quotas in IITs and IIMs. "The SC says that a minority institution may hike a quote to 50 per cent. It does not say "must". There’s a huge difference between the two. If it’s a religious purpose, it’s being read as "must" but for integrity purposes, it becomes may," he said.

Guha also pointed out the fallacy of not being able to differentiate between "may" and "must". "St Stephen’s, like the IIM, is funded by the state and two per cent of the population gets 50 per cent of the seats. This is because of the shoddy interpretation of the law," he said.

Hence, the real winners in this process are the communalists, he said.

Standard deduction: Elite is excellent?

Actor Kabir Bedi - also a St Stephen’s alumni - on Monday said the quotas will not lead to a fall in the standards of the college. Bedi took on Guha’s argument and said St Stephen’s had the right to implement quota, regardless of it being an oversight in interpreting laws. He insisted the quality won’t suffer if quota was for the brightest students in the community. "Experience of IITs and IIMs has been that minority students there have a hard time in the beginning but in the end, their results are at par with others. In these competitive situations, the difference between getting and not getting through is narrow. So St Stephen’s would rather have the brightest representatives from their community and there’s nothing wrong in that," he explained.

The Sachar Committee says those wanting reservation for minorities were playing politics. Many Muslim intellectuals like Irfan Habib have argued that places like the Aligarh Muslim University should not be declared a minority institute.

However, Albeena Shakil disagreed and vouched for the rights of minorities. "In India, minorities enjoy only one right - to build their own educational institutions and administer them. Today, when Christians are coming under attack from all quarters, it’s okay to give them 50 per cent reservation," she said.

Shakil also said the argument about merit being diluted was a prejudiced argument. She cited the example of southern states where minority institutes have quota up to 59-60 per cent and they are better educationally and fare better on the Human Development Index.

Shakil also said JNU too had a similar record. She wrapped up her argument on a rather strong point. "Quota will make educational institutes better."

Guha responded to Shakil’s argument and said in southern states, backward castes formed a majority of the population and so it was natural for them to be featured prominently on toppers’ list. "Christians are 2 pc of population, only elite Christians get the benefits and Dalit Christians are not recognised by the government. So St Stephen’s is again going against the Constitution," he said countering Narain’s earlier argument.

Major vs minor: Who's the winner?

An emotionally charged Guha also said T F Andrews, the founder of St Stephen’s ethos, will be "turning in his grave" at the "narrow communalism by those who run the college today".

So is the St Stephen’s pro-quota lobby inadvertently strengthening the hand of majority chauvinists? Narain disagreed and put the onus on the media which, she alleged, was encouraging the Hindu Right where most of the backlash came from.

Shakil also took on Guha and said since St Stephen’s was a government-funded institute, it adhered to all UGC norms regarding teachers and syllabus. "Therefore, unlike other minority institutes that are not aided, St Stephen’s will stick to its quality," she argued.

In fact, Shakil’s argument gains credit because there are no statistics to show that minority institutes or institutes implementing quota showed a decline in standards. Guha retorted, citing the example of Jamia Milia which had a world-class mass communication centre with representation from across communities without going the whole hog (50 per cent).

However, he seemed to have forgot that even Jamia has a 25 pc reservation for admission to the Mass Communication Research Centre (MCRC).

Bedi returned to the debate and made an interesting point. "The reservation issue has been decided by Supreme Court and by debates in Parliament. Let’s admit that we owe the Christian community for their schools and colleges and if they now choose to help members of their community in this competitive world, I see no harm in it," he said, adding it was St Stephen’s responsibility to assure secularism as well.

Narain too agreed a balance needed to be maintained. "50 pc is okay but if you increase it, there’ll be a dis-balance. I am not for the ghettoisation of Christian community either because it will be counter productive," she said. The prof also warned the right to free speech and expression also get hampered if the rights of minorities are misused to promote totalitarian systems.

So are quotas the only way to create rational, sensitive individuals? Guha insisted there had to be a balance in numbers. "Jamia reserves 25 per cent for Muslims - who are 50 per cent of the population - it’s just twice their number. St Stephen’s wants 50 per cent quota for two per cent of the population which is 25 times their number and that’s what is unfair," he said.

However, none of the other panelists agreed with Guha and said he was making a flawed argument. The debate remained open ended with most among the panel - except Guha - approving of the college’s decision.

Final results of Web/SMS poll:
QOTD: Will quotas destroy elite educational institutions?
Yes: 89 per cent
No: 11 per cent

Kabir Bedi about the new quotas at his school, St.Stephen's June 16, 2008
On Saturday, Kabir's school in Delhi, St. Stephen's College, raised its quota for Christian students to 50% of all enrolments. Kabir had this to say, in an article published today by the Times of India:
- "I don't think that the standard of St Stephen's can fall because of more reservations. Let's face it that St Stephen's is a Christian institution and it has all the right to promote the interests of its community. Even when more students are admitted through reservations, the result will remain as good because St Stephen's takes only excellent students."
Kabir, who studied English at St Stephen's and was the secretary of the school's Shakespearean Society, said the quota system shouldn't be taken to extremes as the college has great national prestige.
- "Look at the kind of people the college has produced. This cannot stop," he said, according to the paper.

Style icon Kabir Bedi on his favourite fashion labels June 3, 2008
Kabir, currently filming on location in Italy for a TV series, talks to Kunal Majumder of Indian fashion magazine Images BOF about his favourite fashion items and labels:

Kabir Bedi: Epitome of style, pizzazz and glamour

Style, pizzazz and glamour - one person who epitomises all of this best is Kabir Bedi - perhaps the first crossover actor from India. Handsomely suave, he received great reviews for his title role in the Italian television series, Sandokan. Too dapper to be serenading lady loves around trees, he did some films for the Hindi film industry and achieved greater success abroad with memorable roles for both the big and the small screens in Thief of Baghdad, Octopussy, The Lost Empire and Dynasty. Bedi was recently awarded the Asian Jewel Award by the London-based Institute of British Asian Professionals. Still capable of setting hearts aflutter, he has been a style icon for decades now. Question him on his branded sartorial preferences and he retorts: "I am not a fashion victim. Fashion isn’t about designer brands alone. It’s about your personal sense of style. I am eclectic. I often mix and match high street labels with designer items. For the consumer, fashion should be an expression of the self". Currently shooting in Italy, he shares with Kunal Majumder his list of favourite fashion brands.

Casual Comfort
During the day, I wear pleatless pants and jeans, with casual shirts and tees that I never tuck in. I love Indian cottons in all the colours of autumn leaves. My favourite jeanswear brand is Armani. I have no brand favourites for casualwear, although in India I do like Colorplus. During the evening, I love wearing comfortable cotton kurta-pyjamas at home.

Formal Tucks
Indian designer kurta-pyjamas are my favourite formalwear attire. But I wear suits too. In India my suits are tailored for me, often with fabric from Raymond. I like Italian designer suits too, especially Armani, Cavalli and Brioni. I also like London’s Oswald Boetang.

Be Jewelled
I don’t wear jewellery. But I do like nice cufflinks and have acquired an interesting collection over the years. I wear Rolex, Dunhill and Cartier, and a Swatch for casualwear. My favourite is the Cartier because my daughter Pooja (Bedi) gave it to me. But India’s Titan make some great watches too.

Accessories
I love Mont Blanc belts and card holders. Italy is a great place to buy sunglasses - my favourites are Prada and Bulgari. I like leather satchels that can be hung from the shoulder and my favourite brand is Hidesign. As for wallets, my brands keep changing. Currently, I’m using Missoni and Mont Blanc.

Under Secrets
Soft cottons from Marks & Spencer, and whatever else feels good.

Foot Loose
Sandals and chappals for Indian clothing, lace-up shoes for suits, sneakers and slip-ins/loafers for jeans. I never compromise on formal shoes. They have to be well-crafted, quality leather and comfortable. My favourite Italian brands are Prada, Rosetti and Ferragamo. Most brands don’t make my size and I’m always grateful to find shoes that fit me.

Brands I Long For In India
Victoria’s Secret

Shopping Destination
India is experiencing a retail revolution. There are so many new stores I haven’t seen yet.
My favourite shopping destination abroad is Los Angeles. The city has brands from all over the world and the prices are much cheaper than Europe. And parking is never a problem. Right now I’m in Italy, shooting for an Italian TV series,living in the centre of Rome minutes away from the Via Condotti-the mecca of world class brands.The whole city centre is a great shopping experience.

MAY 2008

Calling all Kabir Bedi fans: Vote! May 26, 2008
Help Kabir make it into the top slot in a vote - until June 8, 2008 - for Italy's most popular TV star organised by TV Sorrisi e Canzoni magazine!
Send an SMS to (+39) 3341600900 containing the code for Kabir, which is A2705.
You can send the code once only per SMS and send only five messages per mobile phone.
You can also vote for Kabir's TV series Un Medico in Famiglia by sending code T27 to the same number.
Sending messages to the Italian number from abroad is OK technically, but it's not clear from TV Sorrisi's terms and conditions if foreign votes actually count!
Based on the SMS vote, the magazine will name the country's most popular TV star from the period between April 1, 2007 and April 30, 2008. The winners will be presented at the Grand Prix Italian TV Drama 2007-2008 event hosted by TV Sorrisi e Canzoni.
The show is part of the second RomaFictionFest 2008, from July 7-12, 2008 at the Auditorium Conciliazione, 4 Via della Conciliazione, Rome, a stone's throw from the Vatican and the venue for the recent Italian Oscars (David Di Donatello).
RomaFictionFest showcases popular TV series, docudramas and blockbusters. This year, the festival has two main sections: one for Italian drama and one for DVDs, focusing on British comedy.

Please note:
More than 1000 "Friends of Kabir Bedi" received this news item directly via email.
If you too would like to be well-informed about Kabir, please register with Kabir's international club "Friends of Kabir Bedi" (it's free, easy and you will not receive any spam-mails)!

Horseman Kabir Bedi rides bareback May 25, 2008
A few days ago, Kabir Bedi stayed in Singapore, to attend the 4th Cartier Polo Tournament (May 13-18, 2008), among other social engagements.
In a Straits Times, Singapore, interview published today, Kabir Bedi talks about his love for riding, his riding scenes in Sandokan and he announces that production of his long-awaited first movie should start next year, 2009:

- Majestic Bedi -
Bollywood actor Kabir Bedi comes close to achieving acting royalty with his international roles.
Film and television star Kabir Bedi, 62, is a man comfortable straddling continents.
Born in Lahore to respected Indian philosopher Baba Phyare Lal Bedi and British nun Freda Marie Houlston Bedi, he holds an Indian passport but has a career that spans three decades over three countries - India, Britain and Italy.
Fluent in five languages, including Italian, Bedi first shot to fame in India as the face of Wills cigarette commercials.
Since then, he has starred in over 60 films, most notably as Gobinda the villain in the James Bond movie Octopussy (1983), the pirate Sandokan in the Italian television mini-series Sandokan (1976) and Emperor Shah Jahan in Bollywood epic The Taj Mahal (2005).
Speaking at Raffles Hotel during his recent visit to Singapore for a social engagement, the 1.88m-tall actor with amber eyes recalls, with a wry smile, acting opposite a reticent Roger Moore in Octopussy.
He says, with a laugh: "Moore was a bit of an imposter to me because, in my mind, Sean Connery was always the true Bond. He was quite a shy person who hid his shyness under an aristocratic aloofness, but was a genuinely warm person once you got to know him. His Italian wife recognised me from the television series Sandokan, which was really popular in Italy."
Married and divorced three times - his ex-wives are dancer Protima Bedi, fashion designer Susan Humphreys and television presenter Nikki Bedi - he has two children. Pooja Bedi, 38, whose mother is Protima, and 27-year-old Adam Bedi, whose mother is Humphreys, are both in the entertainment industry too.
It’s not hard to see he is a charmer: dressed casually in an open-necked shirt and jeans, he has a distinguished air.
Occasionally breaking into thoughtful and passionate descriptions about his craft, the charmingly candid actor is someone who knows the ins and outs of showbusiness. He says: "It’s a merciless industry, so much depends on luck." With a short laugh, he adds: "But if you’re crazy enough to take your chances, like I did, I wish you all the best, it’s an incredible journey."

Which role would you most like to reprise in real life?
(Laughs) From a purely fun point of view, being a pirate and a vagabond at sea is most reflective of my life as an actor. However, I would most love to play an emperor in real life. You have the power to affect the destinies of so many people.

How do you prepare for your roles?
There are specific ways for specific roles. For a villain or an emperor, you have to immerse yourself and remain focused. An actor draws from his life experiences as well. It’s like when a boxer goes into the ring, depending on the moment, he pulls out a combination of punches to deliver what is needed.

When did your passion for acting begin?
Acting was always a hobby of mine in school and college. When I moved to Bombay, I started a career in advertising but continued acting on stage. One of the plays I was in became successful and that was when I was picked to be in a film.

Would you go back to the stage?
I would love to do more stage work, unfortunately, it doesn’t really pay. It is largely a labour of love. My last stage appearance was in 2005 in The Far Pavilions at the West End in London. I have been offered a role in a play in Italy, and I am considering it.

Of the three cities you live in - Delhi, Rome and London - which is your favourite?
I can’t choose. I have three favourite cities! They are all romantic, historical cities that have integrated beautifully with the modern world. I love London for the ease of living and the sense of connectedness to the world, Rome for its beauty of ancient times, and Delhi for the wonderfully rich history and its new modernity.

You’re in town for the Cartier Polo Tournament, do you play polo?
No, but I ride horses. As a boy, I used to run away from school on horseback. (Laughs) In my role as Sandokan, I rode bareback as well. I had to jump on and off the horse without touching the stirrups.

What do you think of today’s film industry?
It’s a fantastic time in terms of Asian films in the international market. There is a type of Asian cinema that is emerging that has universal themes, it’s not so much geared towards local context, as it was previously.

Complete this sentence: If I could relive my life again, I would...
Start making films earlier. I always wanted to be a film-maker but the acting world was just too seductive. (Laughs)
My first film is in the works at the moment and we should be starting production next year..

A summer surprise on TV: Kabir Bedi's Christmas comedy to be shown May 19, 2008
Kabir's fans have something to look forward to this summer: one of his best TV films, an Italian comedy set in a very Christmassy Turin, is coming to TV screens again on May 19. A/R andata + ritorno features Kabir in the part of a sly and warm-hearted hotel-porter-with-a-past. Kabir. who loves his part in the film, often speaks of the fun he had while shooting it.
A/R andata + ritorno will show at 3:05 a.m. on May 29, 2008 by Italian broadcaster Rai Uno.
Browse more than 100 Kabir stills from A/R in the Pictures section of kabir-bedi.com.

In Italy, Kabir Bedi will always be Sandokan May 17, 2008
In a Times of India interview published today, Kabir relates how much he enjoyed being honoured by students at the University of Turin (see kabir-bedi.com report of March 14, 2008) and highlights his new projects. There's even some comment about his possible wedding to Parveen Dusanj:
Bedi’s baatein
It’s been over thirty years since Sandokan was first aired, but Kabir Bedi, despite the passage of time, continues to be part of the collective consciousness of the Italians. "Despite the number of films I’ve done all across, together with TV and radio shows since then, I’ll always be Sandokan in Italy," smiles Bedi.
No wonder, when Bedi was recently honoured by the country’s University of Turin, they set aside a whole day dedicated to him. "It was a huge honour. Though I must confess that I was a bit taken aback when this prestigious 600-year-old university told me that a whole day with round-table academic discussions focussing on my career, screenings of my films and a dinner by the Museum of Cinema will be organised. It made me very happy," he reveals.
And as the day progressed, "Youngsters who were not just fans but serious students who understood and appreciated cinema wanted to know more about me, my relationship with Sandokan, my life and work, making it all a very engaging experience," he says. Bedi on his part, strived to make them understand what Bollywood was all about. "I told them that it mustn’t be compared with Hollywood but should be seen as part of a tradition of a culture that’s quite different from theirs," he says. He adds that Indian cinema has its share of followers in Italy too - "those who like to go beyond what they consider traditional cinema. That’s why almost every festival abroad has films from India."
Given his long association with Italy, Bedi is looking at an Indo-Italian venture soon. "I have a lot of interesting ideas and am also looking at some scripts. So, something should materialise soon," he lets on. But before that, he’s winding up a major TV series about an immigrant in Italy and a radio show and plans to also work on ventures that are more India focused. Like the Incredible India campaign he’s currently doing in Singapore and Beijing to promote tourism in India. "I’ve been involved in this since we did the campaign in Los Angeles and New York and the response generated has been good," says Bedi.
On the personal front, he’s happy with the way his kids are faring. "Adam is studying production in LA. Pooja keeps reinventing herself. She’s totally unputdownable - she rushes headlong into things but manages to land on her feet," he laughs. Ask him whether marriage is on the cards with his lady love Parveen and he says, "Everything’s possible. Let’s see..."

The Mompracem myth, Sandokan and La Spezia May 14, 2008
Centro Salvador Allende in La Spezia is hosting an event (Saturday May 17, 10 a.m.) that shows the close relationship between Sandokan author Emilio Salgari and the Italian port city.
Salgari expert Corinne D'Angelo will give a presentation of the project Per Terra e per Mare, and discuss the myth of the island Mompracem, the haunt of the Tiger of Malaysia. The morning will focus on Salgari's novel I naviganti della Meloria. The book, published in 1902, is about the extraordinary plan of two Venetian engineers in 1889 to build a canal across Italy from La Spezia on the Mediterranean to Venice on the Adriatic coast, much like the Suez or Panama canals. The show is organised by the Cultural Institute of La Spezia, Per Terra e per Mare, and the city library. Entrance is free of charge.

Mother's Day - Kabir's daughter Pooja has to confess... May 10, 2008
Kabir's daughter Pooja Bedi is among the celebrities who have something to confess... in an article published today in Indian daily Mid-Day:

- Tujhe sab hai pataa, hai na maa?
- (quote from song Maa (Mother), performed by Shankar Mahadevan in Aamir Khan's movie Taare Zameen Par, 2007)

[...]
Pooja Bedi, actor-presenter
My brother and I once flushed the bhindi down the loo, and drove around Sunset Boulevard at the age of 14-15 at another time. And, by the way, Mother’s Day is also my birthday!

Un Medico in famiglia with Nonno Kabir Bedi now on TV May 9, 2008
Rai International, the Satelite TV channel of Italian broadcaster Rai, is repeating the 5th series of Un Medico in famiglia, starring Kabir Bedi in one of the main parts. Fourteen of the episodes have already been shown from March 2008 owards, although in a piecemal way as the programme slot was often taken up by Italian election and sports news. Kabir, playing alongside Lino Banfi's Nonno Libero, can be watched worldwide from Mexico to New Zealand. Tomorrow, May 10, episode 14 (Concorrenza sleale) is on air in North and Latin America. Kabir only has a one scene in this episode.
See listings in the TV section on kabir-bedi.com.

APRIL 2008

The Master on German TV in July! April 24, 2008
- "He is the best warrior ever. Just his glance can kill... women are defenceless against his charms. Just his glance will melt them." - No, that's not Sandokan, nor is it Kabir Bedi: this is an ad slogan for U.S. TV series The Master, which will be broadcast on German channel Premiere in June 2008. The 50-minute episode "The Java-Tiger" with Bedi as a guest star is scheduled to be shown Saturday, July 12 at 5:45 pm (see TV listings) Did you know there's a censored version of the episode, which is exactly one minute and one second shorter?

Party tiger Kabir Bedi in Rome April 24, 2008
Society glossy Novella 2000 threw a big party in Rome today to celebrate the 40th birthday of its major makeover, with Kabir among the many VIP guests in attendance. The magazine, founded in 1919 with the title Novella, includes famous names like Ernest Hemingway among its many contributors, and has often reported on Kabir. Showgirls Serena Grandi and Eleonara Giorgi were among the many other Italian and international guests at the Blue King club. The venue of choice for Rome's gamers also hosted an exhibition on the magazine and its scoops.

Will James Bond 007 (Roger Moore) write about Kabir Bedi?! April 14, 2008
Pre-orders are being taken now in shops and on the internet for Roger Moore's autobiography, "My Word Is My Bond. A Memoir" with lots of information about 007's co-stars, including baddie Kabir Bedi in Octopussy (1983).
Bedi's and Moore's families spent time together during the Octopussy shooting.
Kabir Bedi, however, thinks Sean Connery was the best Bond ever!
The book is now scheduled to be published on October 9 in the UK (Michael O'Mara Books) and on November 4 in the U.S. (Harper Collins).
Roger Moore's ghost writer was his personal assistant. Moore is said to tell the story of how his equally famous neighbour on Lake Geneva, Audrey Hepburn, got him involved in the charity world for Unicef; Moore, now 80, still travels the world as a Unicef ambassador. Moore's encounters with Elizabeth Taylor, Cary Grant and Frank Sinatra will also be covered by the book, according to a HarperCollins press release.

Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan's dagger fetches record price April 10, 2008
In Kabir Bedi's epic Taj Mahal.An Eternal Love Story (2005), a key part is played by an ancient sword belonging to the Moghul dynasty. Today, Shah Jahan's real dagger, dating back to the 17th century, made headlines. The golden and bejewelled weapon, with engravings showing that it was made on the occasion of the Moghul's 39th birthday in 1690, fetched $3.3. million at auction, about three times the estimated value. The dagger and its sheath were the prize items in the collection of Belgian art lover Jacques Desenfans, sold by the London auction house Bonhams. Shah Jahan (1592-1666), who built the Taj Mahal, was played by Bedi in the movie. According to the Associated Press, there is only one other similar Shah Jahan dagger, which is part of a private collection.

Kabir Bedi in Beijing April 8, 2008
Kabir Bedi was one of the moderators of the Incredible India event in Beijing in the evening of April 7, 2008.
The show was part of a promotion campaign aimed at making India better known as a travel destination among Chinese tourists. The guests included the Indian ambassador. The Indian tourism minister said India and China will both celebrate festivals in 2010, and invited Chinese entrepreneurs to come and help build a high-quality tourism infrastructure in India. The many Chinese visitors enjoyed exquisite Indian dishes and saw classical dance shows, including Odissi performances. India also opened a tourist office in the Chinese capital.
An Indian culinary festival continues until April 14, 2008.

Kabir Bedi to interview Elizabeth director Shekhar Kapur April 8, 2008
According to a promotional article published today, director Shekhar Kapur is Kabir Bedi's 13th celebrity guest in his talk show Director's Cut on Zoom TV, April 13, 2008, 8:00pm:
Shekhar Kapur on Director's Cut - What makes Shekhar Kapur tick?

Kabir Bedi's movie tip for Singapore minister: Om Shanti Om April 6, 2008
On Saturday evening, April 5, 2008, Kabir Bedi compered Incredibleindia@60 in Singapore. Bedi suggested that Information, Communications and Arts Minister Lee Boon Yang should see Farah Khan's hit Om Shanti Om (2007, lead actor: Shahrukh Khan) to find out more about Indian film. Lee said he was delighted by the few Indian movies he had seen so far, particularly Aamir Khan's Mangal Pandey. He also said he knew Monsoon Wedding and Bride & Prejudice. After a show by more than 70 performers presenting the best of Indian folkloristic dance, Bedi said it is this treasure of popular culture that inspires the Bollywood's song and dance sequences that are so well-liked by many.

Kabir Bedi to interview Anurag Kashyap April 1, 2008
According to a promotional article published today, director Anurag Kashyap is Kabir Bedi's 12th celebrity guest in his talk show Director's Cut on Zoom TV, April 6, 2008, 8:00pm:
Anurag Kashyap on Director's Cut

MARCH 2008

Kabir Bedi's interview with director Prakash Jha March 30, 2008
Today to appear on Kabir Bedi's Indian talkshow Director's Cut is Director Prakash Jha.
The ambassador of Bihar has won 10 national accolades and has achieved fame for his documentary films. Jha wanted to be a painter, and it took him years of exceptional achievement to gain the respect of his father.
Jha, who scored box office hits with such films as Apaharan, came to Bombay with just five dollars in his pocket. The single dad, whose work often has a political twist, isn't scared of anything, he says.
And what's that about his star performer, Ajay Devgan - the husband of Kajol - not being a good actor?
Here are some excerpts from the one-to-one with Kabir Bedi:

Kabir Bedi: What is your agenda behind making movies?
Prakash Jha: The reason I make movies is because I feel if I can understand the equations of the society I live in, I can share my point of view with my audience. The main agenda is to bring about an improvement so it becomes more equitable, where development and growth is inclusive.

Kabir Bedi: You speak mainly about Bihar...
Prakash Jha: Yes, because I belong there and it becomes easy for me to relate every story to that place. But my target audience is not just the people of Bihar; it just forms the setting to my story.
Kabir Bedi: You were brought up in Bihar.
Prakash Jha: I belonged to a well-to-do family of farmers from Bihar. My father was a graduate and even worked as a government official.

Kabir Bedi: Whom were you close to, your father or mother?
Prakash Jha: My mother. She was only 16 when she gave birth to me, so we were more like siblings.

Kabir Bedi: What was the reason for you to come to Mumbai?
Prakash Jha: While studying in an army school, I had a regimented life. I knew I wouldn’t like to continue with a restricted life. I came to Mumbai with the intention of being a painter, not a director. I convinced my mother of my decision, but was unable to convince my father. He didn’t speak to me for the next five years. I left my house for Mumbai with just Rs 300.

Kabir Bedi: How did you become a director?
Prakash Jha: There was an art director living in my building. As I had never watched how shooting took place, I joined him at the studio one day. I was so mesmerized by the sight that I stood in one place that entire day, watching the direction, the hustle and bustle. That night, I decided I would become a director.

Kabir Bedi: What was your first movie as a director?
Prakash Jha: It was a documentary film for children. Even my second project was a documentary for Goa tourism.

Kabir Bedi: When your father watched your first movie, what was his reaction?
Prakash Jha: My father and mother once went to a theatre to watch a movie and my documentary on Goa tourism was screened. He read my name and it was then that he realized his son had achieved something. My mother used to tell me how emotional he was looking at my name on the screen. They then came to Mumbai and we started talking. This time, we bonded very well.

Kabir Bedi: You have received awards for Damul, Mrityudand, Gangajal and Apaharan. Which of the award was more satisfying?
Prakash Jha: I have received 10 National Awards, but the most satisfying was the first one. I received it for my documentary Faces After Storm, which was unexpected. It was the most satisfying documentary I have made and it received greater recognition.

Kabir Bedi: Your films clearly show the anger of the maker with a quest to change society. What is the reason behind the anger?
Prakash Jha: I won’t simplify things by saying it is just anger, because it is the constant change I keep observing in the society I am part of. There is a reason to every polarization, and the insecurities we observe in society. I feel I can understand the situation and just try to share it with my audience.

Kabir Bedi: You have made nine feature films and a lot of documentaries. Do you feel documentaries are a better way of expression?
Prakash Jha: I look at documentaries as a mirror. In a film, you bring about drama, while documentary is a beautiful mirror that portrays what is seen around you. I love making documentaries and, as I began my career making them, I will continue to make them.

Kabir Bedi: You have featured Ajay Devgan in many of your movies.
Prakash Jha: Ajay is a person who brings about a feel of a common man. I don’t consider him a good actor, that is why I like him. I believe the best acting is no acting.

Kabir Bedi: You have not directed any movie since 2005.
Prakash Jha: Since 2005, I have been very busy in Bihar. But my production company has been functioning and has been producing films with other directors.

Kabir Bedi: You portray a very serious image, but your friends say you are mischievous too. What’s the real Prakash Jha like?
Prakash Jha: People have pointed out to me that I tend to concentrate on a point when I am working and that’s why they feel I am a serious guy.

Kabir Bedi: Are relationships important to you?
Prakash Jha: Yes, but not so important that I cannot live without them.

Kabir Bedi: What went wrong with your marriage with Deepti Naval?
Prakash Jha: I loved and respected Deepti, which is why I married her. I am not blaming anybody as we both had our limitations due to which our relationship didn’t work out. At that point of time, we were both growing, she in her field of acting and me as a filmmaker. Suddenly there was a feeling that our relationship was suffocating that artistic growth. This was the reason that triggered our separation.

Kabir Bedi: So marriage to you was like a prison.
Prakash Jha: Marriage has no importance in my life. For me what is important is love, feelings, and emotions. I believe in maintaining a good relationship with every person I meet.

Kabir Bedi: You have been living alone for some time now. Does loneliness trouble you or is it a part of you now?
Prakash Jha: I look out for loneliness, which I don’t find. I have so many people who work with me, kids who are learning from me. I am constantly working and it leaves me no time to be lonely.

Kabir Bedi: The feeling of loneliness I was speaking about was personal. Do you have someone personal to share your life with?
Prakash Jha: If you are talking of a man-women relationship then my answer is no. The only man-women relationship I have today is with my daughter.

Kabir Bedi: Was being a single father a challenge or did it come easily to you?
Prakash Jha: I adopted my daughter when we were separating. I have brought up this little girl all by myself and it’s been wonderful. It was an amazing experience as she was only 11 days old when I brought her into my life.

Kabir Bedi: Adoption is a very unusual step to be taken by a man in India.
Prakash Jha: I used to give time to orphanages when I was a student. I have also made a documentary on orphans. I had decided to adopt an orphan girl and, since her coming, I have been blessed.

Kabir Bedi: Do other people’s opinions matter to you?
Prakash Jha: They matter, but not to the extent that they start troubling me.

Kabir Bedi: Does appreciation from people make you happy or scare you?
Prakash Jha: I feel both feelings go together.

Kabir Bedi: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Prakash Jha: In the next five years, I want people to tell me my Bihar is no longer lawless, it is progressing, people are looking up to economic development, people are not going hungry. Then I will feel I have lived my life.

Kabir Bedi: All of your movies are based in Bihar and have all been successful. You have set up a series of multiplexes in Bihar. Is this a way of saying thank you?
Prakash Jha: My four major films are based in Bihar, for which I am recognized today. My aim behind bringing up multiplexes was to bring about development in the entertainment sector and create economic opportunity.

Kabir Bedi: You show a lot of violence in your movies. Any specific reason for this?
Prakash Jha: If you have noticed the villain in Gangajal, he has not raised his hands until the last scene. There is this tension developed in my films. This tension may not necessarily be in the form of violence. The violence is intent; it is shown in the talking, the body language, the scene composition, and that’s how the tension prevails through the movie.

Kabir Bedi: Are you the one chasing controversy or does it chase you?
Prakash Jha: It is difficult to answer this one. When you are dealing with political and social issues, there will be few people supporting you and some will oppose you, so controversies automatically develop. I take a position and comment on issues. Controversies develop and I am not afraid of them. I don’t see why anyone should be afraid to express his opinions and take a stand.

Kabir Bedi: You always cast at least one big actor in your movies.
Prakash Jha: As I make commercial; movies, they have to compete with the big-starrers. Besides, I want my films to reach the common man. As I don’t have drama and song sequence like other movies, I cannot say something intense through unknown faces.

Kabir Bedi: Who has been your greatest support?
Prakash Jha: Manmohan Shetty has been my biggest supporter and friend. We have a relationship that goes back 30 years.

Kabir Bedi: If you could call three people from the past, who would they be?
Prakash Jha: Michelangelo, Mahatma Gandhi, and Karan from the Mahabharata.

Kabir Bedi: Are you superstitious?
Prakash Jha: Conveniently.

Kabir Bedi: What’s your biggest fear?
Prakash Jha: I have no fear. I don’t have the fear of losing everything I have; I don’t even have the fear of people losing faith in me.

Kabir Bedi: Would you like to win an Oscar?
Prakash Jha: I would like to, but it’s not going to be my defining cause or aim.

Kabir Bedi: Are National Awards more satisfying in some way?
Prakash Jha: If I hadn’t to receive a National Award, I would still make the films I am making.

Kabir Bedi: For you, your cinema is...
Prakash Jha: Sharing my understanding of society.

- "Kabir Bedi", the copy, is Italy's laughing stock March 28, 2008
All Italy will be laughing about "Kabir Bedi" soon - but fear not, it won't be the original Tiger of Malaysia!
On Sunday, April 15, 2008, Italian comedian Max Giusti will present his new show, "...my very best!" at the Auditorium San Domenico, a former church in the medieval town of Foligno, central Italy.
Giusti - who does a mean Kabir Bedi impression - also performed in the 2004 edition of L'Isola dei Famosi, in which the original Indian actor finished in second place but was widely regarded as the true winner. Other "victims"' of Giusti's sharp-tongued impersonations include Al Bano, Diego Maradona, Youssou N'Dour, Romano Prodi and Nicolas Sarkozy.

Kabir Bedi: "My eyes make more of a statement than the specs I wear" March 27, 2008
Kabir knows a thing or two about style - and the right choice of a pair of glasses. Here's an article published today by Indian newspaper Mid-Day:

Are you in the right frame?

If there is one thing that can transform you from a young, callow executive to a career-minded, focussed, mature professional in just a minute, it is your pair of glasses. Don’t believe it? Try it for yourself. Put on those glasses and see for yourself how many young professionals resort to them to create that killer impression. These days, eyewear is more of a fashion accessory than just a medical necessity. Agrees actor Kabir Bedi, "I think glasses look quite cool. You just need to choose a colour frame that suits your complexion and face cut. I prefer wearing glasses that are almost invisible because I think my eyes make more of a statement than the specs I wear."
These days eyewear choices are more diverse than ever. In fact today people have more than two pairs simply to co-ordinate it with their work outfits. So get rid of those dull black-grey-steel frames. "Dark coloured frames are in now and that too in plastic. It is lighter, more user-friendly and looks bolder than any metal," says Atul Pednekar, retail manager, Lawrence & Mayo. Popular hues include blues, greens, reds and pinks (guys, please stay away).
Bedi says, "When you’re wearing glasses, there are three styles that may dictate your choice. First of all you try to make them as visible as possible, secondly you make a statement through your specs and lastly, you buy the latest trends. Even though I prefer branded frames, it doesn’t mean I won’t pick up one off the shelf if it suits me. If it looks nice on me, I don’t mind using it, whether it’s plastic or metal."
However, picking up a good spectacle frame isn’t as easy as picking up a shirt off the rack, believe us. It is not only the colour and shape of the frame that is important. You need to look at your own complexion, facial shape and even body size.
A huge guy wearing tiny glasses can look like an elephant on a tricycle and a small man with huge double-brow specs will look just as silly. Your frame needs to contrast your face shape and enhance it, while the colour needs to highlight your stronger features. Brighter colours like reds, blues even purples go well with people of fairer complexion while warmer hues like browns, maroons, bluish-greys go well on darker complexion.
If you have lovely deep eyes, go rimless.
Make sure your frames also suit your outfits. Narrow square or rectangular frames or rimless specs look good on sober formal wear, while colourful oblong frames go well with a semi-formal outfit or even a funky tie.
Make sure you take a friend or spouse along when choosing your glasses; a second opinion might help!
Kabir Bedi's specs appeal
Style Statement: It’s all about elegance. Whether you wear a Nehru jacket with a kurta or a pair of jeans with a shirt, it doesn’t matter. Style is an expression of yourself, because it affects the way people perceive you
Power Dressing: It is an inner sense that comes from self-confidence. Being well dressed certainly helps. For years I was very badly dressed because I just didn’t care about the way I looked, but that didn’t take away my self-confidence
Making a Spectacle: I wear frames that suit my face cut. I don’t have any favourite brands but I think designers are turning out an incredible variety of specs these days.

Kabir Bedi: "I've never read Salgari's books, not even Sandokan" March 14, 2008
A patient, open and straightforward Kabir Bedi gave a guest lecture at Turin University this morning and answered questions from Italian and Indian students in the main hall.
- "I've never read Salgari's books. not even Sandokan," was his surprising confession. Author Emilio Salgari was a Turin resident from 1892 until his death in 1911. Kabir Bedi's appearance was part of a co-operation project between four Italian and three Indian universities. He told students his Italian wasn't up to the job at the time Sandokan was being shot in 1976..
- "Today I know your language well," Kabir Bedi told the students. "Together with Bombay and London, Italy is my capital."' The actor and film producer said that "India is now ready for an Oscar. Hollywood isn't." Kabir Bedi, who is entitled to vote in the U.S. on who gets an Oscar, spoke of the many young Indian film makers who want to show their country to the world - a country where miniskirts and computer technology are now part of everyday life. Some 300 films a day are shown to a nationwide audience of about 15 million viewers, as well as the 20 million Indians living abroad, he said.
Kabir Bedi said he loves Italian directors Tornatore and Muccino, as well as Marco Ponti, who directed Andata e Ritorno, the 2004 "big production" shot on location in Turin, in which Kabir Bedi had a major part. The actor, whose radio show Ch@t -- together with Daniela Giordano -- is on air every afternoon on Italy's RadioDue, called on his audience to build bridges between Italy and India.
- "In your country there are so many opportunities, and no discrimination," Kabir Bedi said. "But India has so much to offer to young Italians too."

Kabir Bedi gives guest lecture at Turin University March 14, 2008
Cinema helps to emancipate a people, Kabir Bedi said in his guest lecture at Turin University, where clips from his latest work, Director's Cut Taj Mahal.An Eternal Love Story were also shown. In India, the film hasn't so far been shown publicly in its current form, and there has so far only been a single full viewing in Dubai. Kabir Bedi says Bollywood "is a sign of success of the new India, an India that is finding its place in the international community, which is made not only of poverty. but of computer science, of the future."
In a country like India, "where the industry produces 1000 films a year on average and 15 million people a day to go see them, cinema is an art form with a strong social impact." Kabir Bedi, who played 17th-century Moghul emperor Shah Jajan in the Taj Mahal epic, says "it's very important in a country where marriages are still arranged by the family to see stories of love told on the big screen." The same applies to freedom of expression, and to various cultures, religions and ethnic groups living together in peace. The four or five most successful stars in Bollywood are Muslims, he noted, and in a country with 23 official languages and hundreds of dialects, cinema helps build bridges and makes one aware of one's own roots at the same time. "Bollywood is to India what football is to Italy," he said. The current trend for change is equally visible in the style of Indian films. - "Young directors would like to make different, more modern, films," he said.

Kabir Bedi's interview with Sudhir Mishra March 9, 2008
Director Sudhir Mishra is one of the next celebrity guests in Kabir Bedi's Indian chat show Director's Cut on Zoom TV.
The widower says his least favourite job would be being an accountant, and that he gets on famously with his ex-wife. First Kundan Shah, then Vinod Chopra discovered his talents, and a traumatic childhood experience still haunts Sudhir Mishra today.
Here are some excerpts from the one-to-one with Kabir Bedi:
Director's Cut with Sudhir Mishra

Kabir Bedi on space in a relationship March 9, 2008
Kabir Bedi on space in a relationship, in an article published today in the Indian daily The Times of India:

As veteran actor Kabir Bedi pertinently points out, two people in a relationship are not like Siamese twins where one is joined at the hip. "One must enjoy one's individual hobby, preferences and friends. The single-most important factor is the intent behind wanting space. If it is to avoid one's partner, one is in trouble. If it is to avoid a conflicting situation, one again is in trouble. If it is to look for another partner, one is in deep trouble. Space is important, but the reason to have space is more important. And yes, even a two-year-old child should have his/her space," Bedi maintains.

Kabir Bedi is disappointed! March 4, 2008
Kabir Bedi shares his thoughts on the Oscars™ this year:
Kabir's Oscar disappointment!

FEBRUARY 2008

Kabir Bedi joins party for Ashok Amritraj's reality show Gateway February 28, 2008
Kabir was sighted today at the party for Ashok Amritraj's new reality show Gateway at the Olive Restaurant in Bandra, a Bombay district. Kabir, dressed in a striped shirt and brown suede jacket and jeans, brought his girlfriend, Parveen Dusanj.
Ashok Amritraj, who is also the director of Hyde Park Entertainment, a production company, threw the party to celebrate his new show loosely modelled on The Apprentice - the would-be manager contest of Donald Trump, Martha Stewart and Sir Alan Sugar fame. Amritraj and his jury will look for the best candidate in 13 weekly episodes. In the Indian version the winner won't be a corporate megaboss, but will direct Ashok's next movie!

Kabir Bedi's favourite food February 26, 2008
Does Kabir like fried eggs on toast ? Here's the answer, and then some:

Mouthful of India / Food funda - Kabir Bedi
- interview with The Telegraph, Calcutta - by Anita Raheja, Heena Agarwal (Bollywood News Service)

Long before the phrase ‘crossover films’ became fashionable in Bollywood, Kabir Bedi had worked consistently on both sides of the great divide. From Sandokan in Italy to Octopussy in Hollywood, Kabir has done it all. And now he is anchoring a TV show, Director’s Cut. Kabir’s culinary adventures uncut...

My breakfast: I make my own breakfast and lunch. So I visit the kitchen every day. I love eating egg fry and toast; it’s my greatest joy. And it’s so simple to make; just fry two eggs and eat it with toast.

My lunch: If it’s a working lunch it could be toasted sandwiches, humus, fried eggs.

My favourite cuisine: In order of rank, Indian, Thai, Italian, Chinese. Thai comes a close second because it is a half-way blend between Indian and Chinese influences. Then there is Malaysian cuisine, which is very similar in some way to curries, especially coconut curries.

In my book, Indian cooking scores over others because: It has the ability to infuse the spices deep into the food which is being cooked, whether it is meat, potatoes, cauliflower, or any other vegetable. Most other cuisines rely on sauces for the flavour.

My culinary abilities: I like making a great Indian meal which is also experimental and cook food that is closer to home, like Chicken Chettinad, a South Indian dish, and Bengali fish curry. I refer to cook books for the recipes. My favourite foodie book is 50 Great Recipes. The author went to homes of different communities and hand-picked the recipes.

Fussy food logic: But I am not fussy. I tell the women in my life to cook meals only when they feel like because we can always order from outside or manage with what we have at home. It’s not an obligation.

There is nothing quite as appetising as: Perfectly fried eggs on toast.

I love: Rogan Josh.

When I am abroad I like eating: This great dish which is very popular in England - Chicken Tikka Masala.

My favourite eating places in Mumbai are: The Olive restaurant in Bandra; it is perfect for light Mediterranean cuisine. I like Trishna for seafood, besides Khyber and Copper Chimney.

My favourite eating places abroad: World famous chef Wolfgang Puck’s cooking in his Los Angeles, Zaika and Chor Bizarre restaurants in London.

Kabir Bedi to interview Madhur Bhandarkar February 26, 2008
According to a promotional article published today by agencyfaqs, director Madhur Bhandarkar is Kabir Bedi's seventh celebrity guest in his talk show Director's Cut on Zoom TV, March 2, 2008, 8:00pm:
Reality check with Madhur Bhandarkar on Zoom

Kabir Bedi's interview with Parineeta director Pradeep Sarkar February 24, 2008
Director Pradeep Sarkar is one of the next guests on Kabir Bedi's Indian talkshow Director's Cut. Sarkar, a classical Bollywood stalwart, started out in the advertising spot industry before he made his international debut with films like Parineeta (2005, with Sanjay Dutt, Vidya Balan and Saif Ali Khan) and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007, with Abishek Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee). Bedi's surprise guest at the end of the show is Vidya Balan, the lead actress from Parineeta.
Here are some excerpts from the one-to-one with Kabir Bedi:

Kabir Bedi: The visuals of your films are truly fantastic. Is there a special technique or style you adopt?
Pradeep Sarkar: I was trained to make the frames correctly. Though I didn’t know I would get into filmmaking, I had a great visual sense right from childhood. This led me to take up arts as an educational option.

Kabir Bedi: Did studying at an arts school change your life in any way?
Pradeep Sarkar: Not really, it was this old gentleman, Mr Roy, who almost caught me by my hand and told me what to do in life.

Kabir Bedi: You have a soul and spirit of an artist from the time you were young.
Pradeep Sarkar: Yes, I was a dreamer. I was always engrossed with pens and pencils, and drawing. At the time, I wasn’t aware it could be a line I could choose as a career.

Kabir Bedi: You worked in advertising for 17 years. What made you change the line?
Pradeep Sarkar: I was simply fed up. I was an art director for press ads, but I always felt there needed some movement, people from Mumbai would come to Delhi to hear the script we prepared and make films. This developed a deep desire within me to do the same.

Kabir Bedi: Did you face any difficulty during your journey from ad films to feature films?
Pradeep Sarkar: Vidhu Vinod Chopra was another person in my life who held me. Working with him in Parineeta was a miracle.

Kabir Bedi: How did Vidhu Vinod Chopra choose you?
Pradeep Sarkar: He had watched some of the music videos I had prepared. He then asked me to join him at the shooting of his movie for a music video.

Kabir Bedi: How did Parineeta happen?
Pradeep Sarkar: I was shooting for a project and Chopra happened to be in the same studio. He asked if I had any story ideas. I narrated the story of Parineeta, which was in my head.

Kabir Bedi: Parineeta will surely go down as a classic of Indian cinema. How did you convince Vidhu Vinod Chopra to cast Vidya Balan?
Pradeep Sarkar: Vidya Balan had always been in my mind, but Chopra wanted a top actress and asked me how I could close my mind. I then showed him some shots we had done. He packed all of it and asked me to do it on my own, saying he wouldn’t touch it. I cried a lot after that and my wife motivated me to convince Vidhu to cast Vidya. A series of test were taken of Vidya. When the look was finalized, there was this unassailability, which you need. After that, Vidhu had only one thing to tell me - that apart from the two big stars, all of India had to fall for Vidya Balan or Parineeta would not happen.

Kabir Bedi: After Parineeta, you made Laaga Chunari Mein Daag for Yash Raj. What was Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s reaction?
Pradeep Sarkar: He was obliviously very angry. I wanted to try doing that film, and he eventually realized that. He even called to tell me he liked the promos of the movie.

Kabir Bedi: When Aditya Chopra narrated the story of Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, you were very touched and became very emotional. But it didn’t touch the audience. What happened?
Pradeep Sarkar: I don’t believe the audience wasn’t touched by the film, as many told me it did touch them. Many people have considered it regressive; people have not liked the story, which is the root cause of the film’s failure.

Kabir Bedi: Which of the Chopras has given you more freedom?
Pradeep Sarkar: Both offered me enough freedom to explore my work. Be it Aditya Chopra or Vidhu Vinod Chopra, I always discussed my work with them along with the entire team. I believe in doing my homework before I start of with the direction.

Kabir Bedi: What is the most enjoyable thing about being a director?
Pradeep Sarkar: When an addiction becomes a passion, that’s when working becomes most enjoyable.
Kabir Bedi: What’s the most challenging thing about being a director?
Pradeep Sarkar: To create something out of nothing and make people believe it happens and they are in it.

Kabir Bedi: How do you take criticism?
Pradeep Sarkar: I don’t think anybody can take criticism with a big heart; it does hurt. Aditya Chopra once told me I should build a foundation from the stones that have hurt me. I think it is a fantastic thing to do.

Kabir Bedi: In Parineeta, what were you trying to convey through the last scene?
Pradeep Sarkar: When Shaker is slapped by his father, he rebels, his eyes falls on the wall and he realizes the wall to be the main cause of all problems. Shaker then takes it to on him to break the wall.

Kabir Bedi: You were the man responsible for grooming and launching Vidya Balan. Did you feel betrayed when she refused to do Laaga Chunari Mein Daag?
Pradeep Sarkar: I was lost and a little hurt. But, if dates clash, you can’t do anything.

Kabir Bedi: What would you say to Vidya Balan at this moment?
Pradeep Sarkar: With the kind of discipline and perseverance she exhibits, she will go much further though she has entered late.

Kabir Bedi: Were you convinced that Vidya would be a good actor?
Pradeep Sarkar: I was zapped by her acting skills the first time I saw her and definitely knew she would one day make it big.

Kabir Bedi: What are the qualities you admire most in a filmmaker?
Vidya Balan: When someone is able to generate a great or real performance, that is the real quality in a filmmaker.

Kabir Bedi: What are the qualities you look for in an actor?
Pradeep Sarkar: With the actors’ intelligence, you get everything. You just have to explain to them the scene and it’s up to them how they do it.

Kabir Bedi's interview with director David Dhawan, the Comedy King February 17, 2008
Director David Dhawan is today one of the next celebrity guests in Kabir Bedi's Indian chat show Director's Cut on Zoom TV.
The director made the Bollywood blockbusters Aankhen (1993), Biwi No.1 (1999), Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge (2000), Chal Mere Bhai (2000), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), and Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya? (2005).
Comedy specialist David, not actually his real name, readily confesses that he was a mother's boy. He was nominated several times for an award but never got one.
He is a family man even today, and makes films where unfaithfulness is a theme although the wayward spouse always returns to the matrimonal bed.
And if he has the whole world at his feet, why on earth does David Dhawan so love to travel to Madrid and rainy Nottingham?
Here are some excerpts from the one-to-one with Kabir Bedi:
The Comedy King David Dhawan

Kabir Bedi not to play in 6th series of Un Medico in Famiglia February 17, 2008
Kabir Bedi won't be appearing in the sixth series of the Italian TV series Un Medico in Famiglia, which will be aired by RAI TV early next year, according to Italian press reports. Instead, the producers have decided to once again use several main characters of the previous series, the star of the series will continue to be the popular Nonno Libero, played by Lino Banfi.

Kabir Bedi to interview David Dhawan February 13, 2008
According to a promotional article published today on IndianTelevision.com, director David Dhawan is Kabir Bedi's fifth celebrity guest in his talk show Director's Cut on Zoom TV, February 17, 2008, 8:00pm:
David Dhawan on Director's Cut on Zoom

Kabir Bedi to interview Nagesh Kukunoor & Ayesha Takia February 7, 2008
According to a promotional article published today on IndianTelevision.com, young director Nagesh Kukunoor is Kabir Bedi's fourth celebrity guest in his talk show Director's Cut on Zoom TV, February 10, 2008, 8:00pm.
The two stars will be joined by actress Ayesha Takia who starred in Kukunoor's acclaimed film Dor:
Nagesh Kukunoor on Director's Cut, Zoom

Kabir Bedi's interview with Don director Farhan Akhtar February 3, 2008
Director Farhan Akhtar is one of the next celebrity guests in Kabir Bedi's Indian chat show Director's Cut on Zoom TV. His debut Dil Chahta Hai (2001, with Mandala Tayde of Il Ritorno di Sandokan fame) was an international success. Farhan Akhtar is a Capricorn like Kabir. Akhtar, who was born into a famous family, often makes films about relationships and father-son conflicts in modern India, hitting a nerve with the young generation. Akhtar's wife is also a guest in the studio, and tells Kabir about her career as a Bombay businesswoman.
Impetuous Akhtar, who confesses to a deadly fear of cockroaches, will be doing his thing in front of the camera too. His wife prefers Shahrukh Khan over Amitabh Bachchan...
And what's this about Hrithik Roshan, who didn't get a leading part in the new version of Bachchan's Don?
Here are some excerpts from the one-to-one with Kabir Bedi:

Kabir Bedi: Your parents are Bollywood’s famous writers. How has this influenced you?
Farhan Akhtar: It was always a very creative atmosphere at home. There used to be a small study in my house where my father sat to work. As kids, we were never allowed to enter the room when they were working. So, when they weren’t at home, we would sneak into the room and I remember seeing a black and white photograph of Salim and my dad surrounded by trophies.

Kabir Bedi: From your point of view, were you a mummy’s boy or daddy’s boy?
Farhan Akhtar: I was a mummy’s boy. When I was young, both Zoya and I were very close and spent most of our time with our mother as dad was constantly working. We never got to see him as much as we wanted to, but my mom always made up for it. We travelled a lot with her. We got to meet our dad only when he wasn’t working on a project.

Kabir Bedi: How did your parent’s separation affect you when you were young?
Farhan Akhtar: I tried to forget the incident deep down in my heart. I really don’t remember it, nor do I remember where I was when I was told about their separation. Zoya remembers a lot of things because of her sharp memory. I was very sad about it because it made my mother sad. I mainly started understanding it through her. The person behind my successful relationship till date is my mother. It is a period in time where you feel you are a victim left behind, but she kept Zoya and me away from it and ensured that Zoya and my relationship with my father would never be polluted by her feelings.

Kabir Bedi: What was your nature as a child?
Farhan Akhtar: There was a period when I was very naughty. I used to lie a lot and make up stories. I was also a huge Amitabh Bachchan fan. There was a period after my parents divorced where I became completely quiet.

Kabir Bedi: Why did you drop out of college?
Farhan Akhtar: I never really thought about it while deciding to study commerce. I was very disappointed with the attention given to making sure students learn. I felt the personal feeling towards teaching, like in school, had disappeared. So my mind started moving away from the system. Doing science and maths was just not my cup of tea. I guess opting for commerce was wrong on my part.

Kabir Bedi: Weren’t you afraid you didn’t have any qualification, which would make it difficult for you to find a job?
Farhan Akhtar: At that point, I never really thought about it. Now I feel that if four to five films don’t work in a row, I won’t even have a college degree in hand. When you are young, you tend to be more adventurous.

Kabir Bedi: When did you decide you wanted to become a filmmaker?
Farhan Akhtar: I was an assistant cameraman with Manmohan Singh on the sets of Lamhe. I also watched how chief assistant Aditya Chopra worked. I was very interested in photography, which is why I joined Manmohan Singh, but I found direction to be a more wholesome department. So, I began working as an assistant director for advertisements on television. I wrote a lot during that time, and Dil Chahta Hai eventually came about.

Kabir Bedi: When you decided to enter the film industry, how did your family react?
Farhan Akhtar: They were shocked. They didn’t expect me to write a script like Dil Chahta Hai. I narrated the story a few times while writing the script, but my dad had no clue about it until I had completed the entire screenplay. One day, I told my dad I had written a story I wanted him to hear. When he did, he was pleasantly surprised and proud of me.

Kabir Bedi: How do you feel when you look at your movie clips?
Farhan Akhtar: When I see clips of Dil Chahta Hai, I realize first of all that I haven’t seen the movie for a long time. I also think of the inputs that have gone into the movie from my life.

Kabir Bedi: From where did you get the inspiration to write that story?
Farhan Akhtar: I got it from my friends, our social lives and our issues regarding love.

Kabir Bedi: Are you making a sequel to Dil Chahta Hai?
Farhan Akhtar: I am doing a film called Rock On, which is based along the same lines as Dil Chahta Hai but is not a sequel to it.

Kabir Bedi: You will also be acting in this movie?
Farhan Akhtar: Yes, I play a small part.

Kabir Bedi: Among all your movies, do you think there is a similarity in theme?
Farhan Akhtar: There is a resolution that a father makes to the son - be it Aamir to his father in Dil Chahta Hai, or Boman Irani to Hrithik in Lakshya.

Kabir Bedi: Do you think such feelings come to you due to your inner desires to reconcile with your father?
Farhan Akhtar: The reconciliation has already taken place. It is strange that there is a common tie — of a father’s issue with his son and how he resolves it.

Kabir Bedi: How do you compare Amitabh’s performance to that of Shah Rukh Khan’s?
Farhan Akhtar: You really can’t compare, because each has his own take on how to play the character. The original Don is a fantastic movie and there is nothing better that could be done in my movie.

Kabir Bedi: For a person who was so uncertain about so many things in life, how did you manage to organize such a fantastic crew for your movies? How did this transformation take place?
Farhan Akhtar: This has probably got to do with all the lies I told during my childhood. Storytelling is a big lie. Once I write a script, I visualize the story and start visiting locations when the story is clear in my head. It is easier to explain to others what I want.

Kabir Bedi: When you work with experienced actors and they have their own way at looking at things, how do you handle them?
Farhan Akhtar: Fortunately, in recent times, people do not involve their egos in a creative issue. All the actors I have worked with have been very open to discussions.

Kabir Bedi: During the shooting of Lakshya, why did you get angry with Amitabh Bachchan?
Farhan Akhtar: Nothing like this ever happened. It was a journalist’s way of creating sensational news.

Kabir Bedi: It is also heard that, because you didn’t cast Hrithik in Don, he was very upset with you?
Farhan Akhtar: Hrithik is a dear friend and I have known him since the second standard. There is no issue of him feeling bad for not being cast in Don. In fact, Zoya and I are planning to sign him for our next venture.

Kabir Bedi: What about Uday Chopra? You did have some problems with him?
Farhan Akhtar: There was no problem or misunderstanding as such; it was a gradual moving away. It was an ugly episode surrounding the shoot of Dilwale with my mother. There was this whole controversy where her name was not mentioned in the credits as a writer. It was a very sad thing because our relation was very tight as we used to spend a lot of time with Uday. But life, unfortunately, had some sad things in store for everybody. After that episode, everyone drifted apart. But time is a good healer; I do meet them very often.

Kabir Bedi: You are acting in Anand’s Fakheer and Zoya’s film. You are also acting in a sequel to Dil Chahta Hai. Do you enjoy working in front of the camera the way you do behind it?
Farhan Akhtar: I love movies, I just like being on sets. When I heard the story of Fakheer, or Zoya’s script, or Rock On, all of them are within the world I understand. I felt I knew these characters, so I could be them and act well if I worked hard and gave it 100 percent.

Kabir Bedi: What’s your worst habit?
Farhan Akhtar: Never going to the doctor when I know I should. Even today, whenever I fall ill, I tend not to get medical help till it gets bad.

Kabir Bedi: You take very quick decisions. Are you an impatient man? Where does it come from?
Farhan Akhtar: I am not too sure where it comes from but, yes, I am an impatient man.

Kabir Bedi: Since you take quick decisions, have you ever regretted any?
Farhan Akhtar: Not one I can think of.

Kabir Bedi: People say you are very scared of cockroaches...
Farhan Akhtar: Yes, I am. Whenever I see a cockroach, it means there is a lot of dirt around. It’s not the fright; it’s just that it makes me feel dirty. Once I was in a car and, luckily, I wasn’t driving. A cockroach flew in from the window and the only thing I could hear was my instinct - which was not very good. I jumped out of the moving car and was hurt.

Kabir Bedi: You are a Capricorn like me. Do you believe in astrology?
Farhan Akhtar: No, I don’t, but I do believe in people believing in themselves. If one thinks one can do something, everything is possible. It’s your will that gets you where you want to be.

Kabir Bedi: How much do other people’s opinions affect you?
Farhan Akhtar: I listen to everybody and weigh the pros and cons of what they are saying. I then decide on the best option, whether the decision is to be made for others or for me.

Kabir Bedi: While you were working on your first film, you got married at the same time...
Farhan Akhtar: Shakya, my first daughter, was born on the seventh day of the shoot of Dil Chahta Hai. So 2000 was a very big year of my life.

Kabir Bedi: After the separation of your parents, weren’t you scared of marriage?
Farhan Akhtar: No, I wasn’t scared because I love my wife Adhuna very much. She is very understanding of what my life is like. She is working as well, which keeps her busy and we realize space is required. I do regret not spending enough time with her or my daughters, especially with the first who was born during a shoot. I missed the first five to six months of her life, which I am fortunately getting to share with the second one. I miss the kind of attachment I share with my younger daughter as I used to meet my elder one only during holidays. This is one of the saddest things in this profession.

Kabir Bedi: How did you first meet your wife?
Farhan Akhtar: I meat Adhuna for the first time at a nightclub in Mumbai through a common friend. I was extremely fascinated with her as she had red hair. She was an adventurous sort of girl and I was like ‘Wow’ who is this girl?’

Kabir Bedi: Did you instantly become friends?
Farhan Akhtar: We did become friends but, in terms of romantic interest, I was more keen towards her. She was seeing someone else but, fortunately, they broke up. I had nothing to do with the break-up, but I did celebrate it.

Kabir Bedi: How did you convince Adhuna to marry you?
Farhan Akhtar: I think just by spending a lot of time together. As I said, when she broke up with the guy she was seeing, we spent a lot of time together. That’s when she recognized it might not be such a bad idea.

Kabir Bedi: What are the small things about her that infuriate you?
Farhan Akhtar: Things about her that infuriate me are not what she does. She wants me to spend more time with the kids, and so do I. At times, it’s more frustrating as you are not able to do it because of work, not because you don’t want to do it.

Kabir Bedi: Did you have any fights before marriage?
Farhan Akhtar: Actually, we don’t really fight. We have not fought before marriage and haven’t fought after that. But as all grown-ups, we have opinions and certain disagreements.

Kabir Bedi: Tell me, Adhuna, how do you deal with the attention your husband gets? Doesn’t it make you a little insecure when aspiring actors want to meet him and people want to take him away from you?
Adhuna Akhtar: Not at all. I am comfortable with who I am and what I am.

Kabir Bedi: Adhuna, you own a leading salon in Mumbai called B Blunt. How did you become a stylist?
Adhuna Akhtar: I wasn’t a very good student, so the minute I could leave school I did. I took up hairdressing as a profession from day one. I was 16 and knew what I wanted to do and that what I did.

Kabir Bedi: How many children do you have? What are their names?
Farhan Akhtar: I have two kids. Shakya is the older one and Akhira the younger.

Kabir Bedi: Why did you give them such unusual names?
Adhuna Akhtar: The name was gifted to me by my best friend who had it in her thoughts for many years. When she eventually had a daughter, she decided on another name. Farhan and I loved the name, so we decided on it.
Farhan Akhtar: Akhira was special because of the great director Akira Kurosawa. It is a pretty name, which means ‘anchor’.

Kabir Bedi: Does Farhan help you with housework?
Adhuna Akhtar: He is very house-trained; his mom has done a good job. He cooks more than I and is extremely house proud. It’s great.

Kabir Bedi: Between you two, who decides how to spend the money?
Farhan Akhtar: It depends on what it is being spent on.

Kabir Bedi: Who is the director in the house?
Adhuna Akhtar: We always discuss everything.
Farhan Akhtar: On an actual working level, I am responsible for the entire electronic department. Fortunately, our tastes are very similar so there is very little room for complaint.

Kabir Bedi: Let me ask you a few rapid fire questions. Rambo or Rocky?
Farhan Akhtar: Rocky.

Kabir Bedi: Rasmalai or Jalebi?
Farhan Akhtar: Jalebi.

Kabir Bedi: Lata or Asha?
Farhan Akhtar: Asha.

Kabir Bedi: Dil Chahta Hai or Don?
Adhuna Akhtar: Dil Chahta Hai.

Kabir Bedi: Amitabh Bachchan or Shah Rukh Khan?
Adhuna Akhtar: Shah Rukh Khan.

Kabir Bedi: Farhan Akhtar the director or Farhan Akhtar the actor?
Adhuna Akhtar: The director. We haven’t seen him as an actor yet.

JANUARY 2008

Kabir Bedi to interview Farhan Akhtar January 30, 2008
According to a promotional article published today on IndianTelevision.com, young director Farhan Akhtar is Kabir Bedi's third celebrity guest in his talk show Director's Cut on Zoom TV, February 3, 2008, 8:00pm:
Farhan Akhtar on Director's Cut on Zoom

Kabir Bedi on mangoes, his faith, inner peace and India's bliss January 26, 2008
In an interview by the Indian news agency IANS published today in the News Post India, Kabir talks about his faith, his search for inner peace, and also about his looks and Indian mangoes:
I miss the bliss one finds in India: Kabir Bedi

Kabir Bedi to interview Rajkumar Santoshi January 25, 2008
According to a promotional article published today on IndianTelevision.com, director Rajkumar Santoshi is Kabir Bedi's second celebrity guest in his talk show Director's Cut on Zoom TV, January 27, 2008, 8:00pm:
Zoom - Director's Cut - Rajkumar Santoshi Special

Kabir Bedi's interview with Aamir Khan January 20, 2008
Versatile and talented Aamir Khan is Kabir Bedi's first guest in his talk show Director's Cut.
Khan, a popular actor and director, loved to fly kites as a boy and thought film sets were a little creepy. He is convinced that film-making is team work and talks openly about his temporary retirement from the industry. He often finds his superstar status difficult to deal with, but finds comfort with his family. Khan would love to shoot a movie with Amitabh Bachchan, but he is even more fascinated by the unlikely threesome of Cleopatra, Mahatma Gandhi and Frank Capra:
Here are some excerpts from the one-to-one with Kabir Bedi:
Inside the mind of Aamir Khan

Kabir Bedi's Sunday show to be repeated on Wednesdays January 20, 2008
According to the Times of India, Kabir's hot new talk show Director's Cut - broadcast on Sundays, in a prime time slot (20:00), will be repeated on Wednesdays, at 13:00:
Lights, Camera, Action!

Kabir Bedi to interview Aamir Khan January 17, 2008
According to a promotional article published today on IndianTelevision.com, Aamir Khan is Kabir Bedi's very first celebrity guest in his talk show Director's Cut on Zoom TV, January 20, 2008, 8:00pm:
The vibrant debut of Director's Cut with Aamir Khan on Zoom TV

Happy Birthday! - 'Sandokan' reaches yet another milestone January 16, 2008
A ZeeNews exclusive published today - on Kabir's 62nd birthday - compares Kabir with a precious gem and looks back at his life and international career of more than 30 years:
'Sandokan' reaches yet another milestone

- "I am reviving my passion for photography" January 13, 2008
In an interview published today by the Indian newspaper Deccan Herald, Kabir talks about his forthcoming projects, including his own book, his favourite James Bond 007 star, the Oscars Academy, about ageing gracefully and about a celebrity's privacy:
So says Kabir Bedi

- "Save traditional Goan style," pleads Kabir Bedi" January 11, 2008
In the Navhind Times article "Goan homes.Treasures to be cherished", published today, Kabir Bedi is quoted as being concerned about current building politics:
- "I plead with the legislators to pass legislations that will necessitate that the builders who buy land have to build houses in true traditional Goan style. This has to be strictly followed otherwise they will ruin the landscape of this be