I am 'me' because of sports: Eijaz Khan

Actor Eijaz Khan might be busy, however he makes sure to take out time for all that's important to him. One such thing is sports. The actor has a few games that he loves and has fond memories of playing them. "Basketball is one of my favourites, but I love football the most. Then comes hockey and then basketball. I used to play football every evening in my building. Hockey used to be seasonal. I was not a basketball player, but I remember going to the basketball courts when I used to stay in Chembur. Kids, nowadays, have no access to such courts or grounds, so I feel really really sad. Where will the kids play?" he says. 

The actor adds that sports has taught him a lot in life. "I never realised the value of sports initially. But my father, who is a sportsperson, used to tell us, how sports teaches you discipline, it teaches you a way of life. It also teaches you that you cannot win all the time, you have to accept defeat. It teaches you to respect and congratulate and be happy for someone who has won and come back a little stronger. Now that I am going through a tough phase in my personal space, I know how to tackle it. It is like you have to run for the ball. You should have a single-minded approach. Sports also teaches you to be a team player. A person who is not a sports player will never understand how a team works like, how is it to work in coordination, it is almost spiritual. Sports is a very integral part of me, I would not be 'me' without sports," he says. 

The actor has been playing basketball with his friend's son Ishaan, who has taught him a few things. "He taught me something called a Ghost shot, which I was not aware of. I realised some things. I missed some shots. It took me some time to get it right. Then I sweated it out. I felt so relieved. I realised that I am a little unfit and should practice some more. But it was a complete stress-buster. It made me realize sports can take you into a zen-like state where you are so focused. All the issues in your life which are so trivial are forgotten. I was reminded of my childhood and which made me realize that I need to get back to sports," he says.

DIL PEER HAI – BHUPINDER-MITALI’S MELODIOUS OFFERING WITH BHUMITAAL MUSIC!

“The earth has music for those who listen...” 

“Mother Earth has given us so much, and as artistes, we have felt the need to give back what we got. Hence, we looked at setting up a record label that would help us pay an ode to Mother Earth in our own, melodious way. What else could be more apt than a way to celebrate the creative spirit of art with earth music,” echo the legendary musical duo Bhupinder Singh and Mitali Singh as they bring to the music world, Bhumitaal Music, their latest melodious platform. 

Aptly christened by veteran lyricist Gulzar, the word Bhumitaal embraces the totality of the thought of the duo, and their long-going aspirations to celebrate the art and cultures of the whole Earth. 

 “As artists of course we believe in music beyond boundaries. Bhumitaal Music strives to bring world music to the Indian audiences with international collaborations, fascinating fusion and also lending global talent into the Indian music scenario and film industry alike,” feels Mitali Singh. 

The maiden album from Bhumitaal Music is Dil Peer Hai, that boasts of compositions by Bhupinder Singh, lyrics by Gulzar with the voices of stalwarts Mitali Singh, Sonu Nigam and Rashid Khan with young talents Vaishakhi Desai Dave and Shivangi Desai. “With Dil Peer Hai, we unravel the first talents Vaishakhi Desai Dave and Shivangi Desai,  whom Bhumitaal Music is introducing to the world of professional music. Simple and soulful, the duo holds immense promise. 

“My compositions are not easy to render, but these talented children did total justice to the songs,” avers Bhupinder Singh. “In Dil Peer Hai, Amandeep Singh has rendered his voice and played the solo guitar parts as well.” The album also has Gulzar narrating the lyrics of Kya Dhoondta Hai, again an amazing experience in itself. 

Says Shivangi Desai, “I felt very touched when we were chosen as the first duo to be rendering our voices to Bhumitaal Music. I have tried my best to do justice to the songs. It was a great learning experience for me.” 

Adds Vaishakhi Desai Dave, “I live abroad and have met Bhupinder-Mitaliji as a child. When they heard my songs and wanted us to sing Bhupinder ji’s compositions, I was in shock. It was like an unexpected jolt of happiness. I have worked hard on the songs, each of which is unique in its own way.” 

Feels Gulzar, “Bhupinder is an amazing composer. He has composed my lyrics from the eighties and he is the only composer who has dared to compose my blank verses. He breathes life into my verses. Most of my non-filmi lyrics are composed by Bhupinder and sung by Bhupinder and Mitali.” 

Consorting with the two on their seamless creations through Bhumitaal Music, will be new talents, representative, emerging voices of Mother Earth. Bhumitaal Music aims to hone their artistic excellence by bringing young talents together. Bhumitaal Music is also looking at a musical extravaganza that bridges the gap between genres, stalwarts and novices, the classical and the cutting-edge, the performers and the audiences alike. 

Let us listen to Dil Peer Hai... Be one with Bhumitaal!

Karva Chauth nostalgia!

Karva Chauth is here and as our favourite telly actors get ready to doll up in their favourite outfits and fast for their better halves, they also share their memories of their first Karva Chauth and what they love about their partner. 

Mrunal Jain and Sweetie Jain - Mrunal says, " On my first Karva Chauth, I didn’t fast but, yes, we went for dinner together,  just the two of us and had our own quality time".Sweetie Jain adds, "Generally, as per our religion, we don’t keep the Karva Chauth Vrath. But this year I am planning to keep the Karva Chauth Vrath and surprise my husband. I am super excited for it and can't wait to see how he reacts". 

Supriya Kumari and Rishikesh Ingley - "I would be fasting and so will be my husband. I will also be cooking a special dinner with dessert for both of us. My first Karwa Chauth was celebrated with a couple of our friends, who were also married and I remember it was so much fun. The most wonderful thing is that my husband also fasted along with me and that's what is special about him. He is a very caring husband. The best thing about marriage is getting to spend your life with your love, your best friend". Rishikesh adds, "I intend to spend the day with my love as we both would be fasting. On our first Karva Chauth, all of us friends got together and celebrated it and it was great fun. The special thing about Supriya is she has the purest soul and she has definitely made me a better person. The best thing about marriage is getting to spend every moment of your life with your love. 

Sheeba and Akashdeep - I do the whole routine - Mehndi, sargi, Karwa Puja. On this day, every year, my husband, my parents and mother-In-law give me gifts and pamper me. On my first Karva Chauth my husband gifted me a car. I was shooting in Amby Valley and he drove it there. He is a very understanding husband.

Wadali Brothers on The Drama Company

Tonight’s episode will show the soulful Wadali Brothers on Sony Entertainment Television’s The Drama Company where Shekhar Suman and Raveena Tandon are seen hosting tonight’s show. Wadali Brothers quietly hit the right chords made it a memorable night with their soulful performance which is worth looking out for. 

Watch the episode of The Drama Company tonight, 9PM only on Sony Entertainment Television!

Playing Porus is a big responsibility: Laksh

Actor Laksh, who plays the lead role in Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s Porus, talks about what it means to be a good actor and how it’s important to stay fit.

You are playing the title role in Porus. How do you feel about playing such a pivotal role?

> I feel really blessed that I am playing such an important role. It is a big responsibility on my shoulders. The show is great and so is the story line. It’s a great honour to play this character and I hope I am doing justice to it.

You have worked hard on your physique which is visible. What is the secret of your fitness?

 Being fit is very important for an actor. Besides acting well, it is also very important to look the part and keeping fit helps you do that. The big secret is diet and working out religiously. I make sure to go to exercise every day.

You are one of the latest young sensation. You are considered sexy Comment.

If people say that about me, then I take it as a compliment. However, I don't think too much about myself. I am focused on my work. I feel that is what has made me come this far and will take me ahead as well.

What you think is your sex appeal and why?

That is something that my fans or friends can answer the best. But according to me, I think my intelligence and my way of talking are appealing. I feel that people feel free to come and tell me whatever they want to.

Do you think good looks are important for an actor?

 No, I don't think good looks are that important. An actor should look like the character. If the character is good looking, the actor should too. But otherwise, just being good looking is not enough for an actor to be successful.

Who, according to you, is the hottest male Bollywood actor and why?

> The most good looking guy in the industry is Hrithik Roshan. I think he looks so different in each and every film.

Who according to you is the hottest female Bollywood actress and why?

> The most beautiful and good looking actress would be Deepika Padukone.

Five adjectives to describe yourself.

> My fans know me so well. But if I had to describe myself, I would call myself a go-getter, determined, moody, optimistic and passionate.

Two habits you want to change about yourself.

> I want to be more social, I should go for more parties and social events. I feel that is a very important part of my profession. I need to be more on social networking platforms as well. This is the best way to connect to your fans. They love to see how you are in real life and social media is the best way to give them a glimpse into your life. 

Will you do a sexy bold film like Hate Story if offered?

> The sexy and the bold statements are made by the audience itself, I would not mind doing the film if the character and role is interesting. It all depends on the story line. I want to take up roles that challenge me as an actor. 

What are your future plans?

> There is no plan as such. I just want to see myself growing. I live in the present and like to go with the flow. I have never been someone who plans in advance.