However, the name is hardly a figment of his imagination, for there really is an Iram Parveen Bilal . The real Iram, unlike the character in the film, is a Pakistani filmmaker who is currently working on her film Josh.

"I met Sriram at the Indian Film Festival Los Angeles, in 2008. I guess Sriram just liked the sound of my name.

He did tell me that he was going to use it in his film, but I didn't know it was going to be the full name. I am still unsure about how I feel about that," says Iram, on a telecon from Los Angeles where she has been living for 10 years.

A short filmmaker by profession, Iram's current project is her first commercial venture. About Josh, Iram says it's inspired by the true stories of the village-ordered rape of Mukhtar Mai in tribal Pakistan and of activist Parveen Saeed who vowed to decrease crime in Pakistan by creating self-sustaining food kitchens in the slums.

"It is a story about a group of friends, a murder mystery actually. It would fit into the genre that Bollywood's Rang De Basanti would be classified in," she explains.

A woman filmmaker from Pakistan is bound to raise eyebrows, and Iram admits, "It can be tough or easy, depending on where you come from. For an independent filmmaker like me, it could be an uphill task.

But since this is a sweet story, I am hoping it won't be difficult to break through." As for Agent Vinod , Iram adds, "I have not watched the film yet, but there will be a screening of the film at the next festival and I'll be there.

" (less)

However, the name is hardly a figment of one's imagination, for there really is an Iram Parveen Bilal. While she is a Pakistani national alright, the real Iram is a filmmaker who is currently working on the post production of her Pakistani film -Josh.

"I met Sriram at the Indian Film Festival Los Angeles, in 2008. My short film, Poshak, set in Karachi , was screened at that festival.

There were a lot of Bollywood directors at the fest, including Anurag Kashyap. I guess Sriram just liked the sound of my name.

He did tell me that he was going to use it in his film, as there was a Pakistani character in there, but I didn't know it was going to be the full name. I am still unsure about how I feel about that," says Iram, on a telephonic interview from Los Angeles where she has been living since the last 10 years.

A short filmmaker by profession, Iram's current project, Josh, is her first commercial venture. The film stars Aamina Sheikh (a popular actress in Pakistan), Mohib Mirza , Khalid Malik , Adnan Shah Tipu and Khalid Ahmed (Imtiaz Ali's uncle) amongst others.

About Josh, Iram says it's inspired by the true stories of the village-ordered rape of Mukhtar Mai in tribal Pakistan and of activist Parveen Saeed who vowed to decrease crime in Pakistan by creating self-sustaining food kitchens in the slums. Saeed's motto: erase hunger to erase crime.

"It is a story about a group of friends, a murder mystery actually. It would fit into the genre that Bollywood's Rang De Basanti would be classified in.

It is about friendship and hope, and we are looking at a fall release," explains the director. A woman filmmaker from Pakistan is bound to raise enough eyebrows, and Iram admits, "Not many films get made in Pakistan.

It can be tough or easy, depending on where you come from. For an independent filmmaker like me, it could be an uphill task.

But since this is a sweet story, I am hoping it won't be too difficult to break through." As for Agent Vinod, Iram adds, "I have not watched the film yet.

But there will be a screening of the film at the next festival here and I will be there." (less)

However when it was released here, two scenes were cut from the movie that time. But the 3D version of the movie, that is set for an April 5 release, has been passed without any cuts and has received a clear U/A censor rating by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

" Titanic 3D has been passed with a clear U/A rating from the Censor Board. The scenes cut in 1997 have now been included in the 3D version releasing on 5th April across all theaters in India," said a source.

The film, to be released in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, is a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic and a special tribute to the tragedy that took place in 1912. Tweet (less)

Twelve years later, the Bhatts are ready to create another Aashiqui, one of the most celebrated love stories of the Hindi cinema industry. And though a nationwide hunt has been launched to find the two new faces for the Mohit Suri directed project, Mirror has learnt that the Bhatts have already zeroed in on their male lead.

According to sources from the industry, Jackie Shroff's son Tiger, who was initially going to be launched by Subhash Ghai and then rumoured to be introduced to filmdom by none other than Aamir Khan , will be the male lead in Mahesh Bhatt's new age Aashiqui. The project, reportedly based on Mahesh Bhatt's first love, will have two male and two female actors.

Saying that they have already launched a nation wide hunt to look for newcomers to be cast in Aashiqui 2 , Mahesh Bhatt told Mirror, "We will not select anyone till the newcomer does not filter through the process. So we have not finalised Tiger for the film.

" However, Bhatt did not deny the fact that he has indeed met the young actor. "We have met for something else.

Film people meet film people. And then, Tiger is the son of a very dear friend Jackie.

We met and discussed something. But nothing has been finalised yet.

" However, a source from the production house confirmed, "Aashiqui 2 will have to leading pairs unlike the first. And Tiger is definitely one of them.

The formalities need to be worked out. A massive publicity plan is being discussed for his launch.

The contest that has been launched will only determine the other lead pair in the film. Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt are very keen on launching Tiger Shroff.

" Guess , Tiger's first film has finally been decided (less)

Having given some heart-warming performances in the past in Hindi and American films, Irrfan Khan is undoubtedly one of the finest Indian actors to have achieved global recognition. Directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, his latest offing Paan Singh Tomar has opened to rave reviews.

It's an intriguing story of an athlete who goes on to become a dreaded dacoit of Chambal Valley. Irrfan plays the protagonist.

Renuka Vyavahare spoke to the very talented Irrfan Khan on his latest film, career in Hollywood and why he won't attend award shows! Paan Singh Tomar is a biopic. Bollywood does not make too many biopics.

India does not have a tradition of making research based films but the new generation knows the importance of research. Filmmaking is changing.

Young filmmakers are getting experimental and there is an audience in India for these films. How was it to act in one? I was on a lookout for something like this for a long time.

I was able to relate to the character. Biopics are always exciting.

You always have this feeling that somebody has lived in these circumstances. Real life is more interesting than fiction.

Did it take some eight years to make the film? It took us eight years to find the right producers besides we didn't have a bound script. The idea of making this film sprang from a magazine article which was about a dacoit who was once a National Champion in Steeplechase for 5 consecutive years! Nobody was ready to finance the project, research.

Information wasn't available on the internet about him. We had to go door to door to conduct our research.

After UTV gave a go-ahead things started to fall in place. We shot in the scorching heat of Chambal valley for a long period of time.

What kind of physical and mental training did you undergo to execute this role? I like challenges as an actor and this role was challenging. I had to stretch all my limitations as an actor.

I exercised and underwent steeplechase training for three months. Our national coach trained me.

Balwant Singh, the nephew of Paan Singh Tomar had filed an FIR against Tigmanshu for failing to pay him 40 Lakhs in return for the information he gave. Tigmanshu must have spoken to hundred people while conducting the research.

He hadn't promised money to anyone. It was not upto him to take such a decision, he's just a director.

A director can never promise money. Is Bollywood finally doing justice to you by offering you roles that suit your calibre as an actor? People have appreciated me here.

Finding the right film is difficult but times are changing. Audiences and filmmakers have matured.

Scripts are gaining more importance. Do you think the presence of superstars take away from the essence of the film in Bollywood? Did Shah Rukh's item songs adversely affect Billu? May be - I am not sure - Shah Rukh's part could have knitted well in the story which wasn't the case.

A better screenplay could have done justice to the film. Coming to your Hollywood projects, how was it working on Mark Webb's 'The Amazing Spider-Man'? You initially didn't want to be a part of the 'violent American fantasy'! Spiderman and other renowned superhero films are the biggest products of American folklore.

They don't have mythological stories like we do. I read the part and I wanted to know the scenes.

I don't take up films for visibility, no matter how big they are. I look for significant roles.

Mark is an excellent filmmaker and when he told me what exactly I had to do, I took it. Andrew Garfield plays the lead and he's brilliant.

What did you think of Anil Kapoor's role in Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol? Unfortunately, I haven't seen the film. Any plans of working with Danny Boyle post Slumdog Millionaire? I'd love to.

More than anything else he is an excellent human being. He is intelligent and a great storyteller.

You are close to Brad Pitt and Angelina? I have worked with Brad, Angelina and they both are fantastic. In spite of all the glamour and fame they enjoy, they don't let it affect their work or rapport with fellow actors.

I'd love to show them and Natalie Portman, Paan Singh Tomar soon. What's next? You'll see me in Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster sequel.

You are not seen at award shows too often? It's the credibility of an award that matters. If an award, nomination makes a difference to your life, to your market as an actor, it matters.

Oscars do that. This year's Oscar winning film 'The Artist' was brilliant and so were documentaries like Senna and Separation.

I don't think much of the song and dance routine that happens at our award shows. I also don't believe in PR.

I prefer my work to speak. I don't have a PR manager as most actors do (less)

Standing at a bitter-sweet fork, Boney Kapoor's reticent son Arjun Kapoor decides he's finally ready to talk. His first ask-me-any-question interview, with Tinaz Nooshian Arjun Kapoor doesn't know me.

He's not meant to. I'm not the celebrity.

He is. Or at least, will be once his debut film hits theatres next month.

He knows every Hindi film journalist by face. "I've grown up around them.

I'm a truly filmi child," says the actor, stripping his faraway eyes of a pair of Prada glares. "I don't traditionally cover Bollywood," I offer, in defence.

"That's good. Let's chat.

" The 26-year-old son of producer Boney Kapoor and his first wife, late Mona Shourie Kapoor, is telling me something about happiness; and that's a bit odd because of the timing. His mother passed away on March 25.

"I'm happiest when in front of the camera, and I didn't know it until I got up there." Kapoor's first film, Ishaqzaade , is the upshot of a life-changing chat with a superstar, a change of plan, a diet from another moon, and consistent grind.

At the end of it, what he is sitting with is public curiosity and industry chatter about being the hot, raw talent Bollywood is hungry for. It hasn't been easy, he assures me.

"The cast was freezing in Lucknow's single digit temperatures, but dressed in ganjis , and acting like they were hot and sticky, because that's how the scene was written! If that's not tough, what is?" he asks with characteristic wit that's leisurely revealing itself, while he shifts his weight onto another foot, to reveal a pair of lived-in flip flops. Which brings him to a weakness.

"I'm always in chappals. Salman bhai (Khan) fires me for wearing them.

My dad says I walk like a lethargic idiot in them. You know, I could be in track pants and chappals all my life.

Unless, I'm given a suit. So, it's a choice between James Bond and vagabond.

" Kapoor knows his life is about to change, his privacy slayed. But he is "willing to pay a small price".

He's going to have to be ready for questions, even uncomfortable ones. It seems he's treating his first press chat like a test-run.

"Will I pass?" he asks, raising a shaggy eyebrow. May 11 will tell.

Excerpts: Is this your first interview? Yes. Are you nervous? Slightly.

Your producers issued a statement calling Ishaqzaade the most promising debutant production of the year. What they are saying is, you are the guy to watch out for, the next probable superstar.

What sort of pressure does that put on you? You will find stardom at some point, if you work towards being a successful actor. I'm fine with expectations.

I'd rather they say that about me than something not nice. But it takes years to become a star.

Salman Khan is one. Right now, I just want to be an actor.

They've been cagey about sharing information on the film, other than that it's a love story set against the backdrop of a political feud. What more can you tell me? The film is set in a fictitious town in North India.

What people perhaps haven't caught from the trailer is the politics running beneath the love story. It's at the core of the plot, just the way it is for most people in small-town India.

Who is Parma? What's he like? He is the typical country boy. He speaks and acts before he thinks or feels.

There's not much to worry him. His grandfather is a powerful politician, so life is sorted.

He rarely plans. He just goes ahead and does.

And it's the same when he falls in love. Is that close to who Arjun is? I've never been in a fight, not even while in college.

But that's probably because I was rarely at college (laughs). No, seriously, I've never been beaten.

Parma gets down and dirty. He lets his emotions show.

I internalise things. My sorrows and joys are private.

How did you manage the mental switch? How did the privileged Juhu boy inside you become Parma? Habib (Faisal; director) told me I'd have to let Arjun depart from my system. 'You think you know what a small-town boy is like.

But that's an urban man's perception,' he said. He engineered the transformation.

That I was cast before anyone else, helped because I spent that much more time with Habib, asking him a million questions. He had lived with Parma in his head, since he has written the film.

Are you the sort, then, who trains to become the character. Or do you land up on set and roll? We spent weeks in Lucknow, where we shot the film over 90 days, interacting with locals.

I saw how they spoke, and walked. I walk very differently from the way Parma does.

He throws his head up, at a tilt. His shoulders are flared, hands off the sides of his body.

He walks like he has arrived. I had to learn that.

Acting workshops with Habib in Mumbai helped me open up. He got me to learn Kalaripayattu, a martial arts form from Kerala.

The power of those movements altered my body language. Having been an assistant director yourself, what do you think is Habib's strength? That he's a sweet tyrant.

He doesn't give up, just like that child who knows what he wants and won't budge till he gets it. He pushed us real hard, even broke us.

But he knew we were capable of better. It's a pucca Hindi film - the dialogues are chaste, no urban lingo in the lyrics, the posters are in Hindi.

How will the upmarket urban viewer receive it? There's a curiosity about how a large chunk of India lives. The little-known stories are of sudden interest.

The guys who took us to Switzerland are now making you journey through India's countryside. Small-town audiences will enjoy it, anyway.

They'll see themselves in there. There's some serious action in the film.

How comfortable are you fighting? I went to acting school, and I polished my dancing, but I didn't really learn how to fight. And that's fine because, unlike in say, Dabanng , Parma doesn't send enemies flying into air.

We shot realistic fights, just like the ones you see in our streets. In that sense, I'd say, this is a realistic masala film, if there is such a thing.

And what about dance? Even when I was a 140-kilo kid, I danced well. I've done a sort of male item number, Chokra Jawaan , which you'll see.

That you are a Facebook find is now a famous story..

(Interrupts) The casting director, Shanoo Sharma saw my profile on Facebook and auditioned me. I didn't land Ishaqzaade because of Facebook.

In fact, that was for another film that got delayed. I had to re-audition for this one.

You know it's not as if people in the industry know you, open the door and say, come let's make a film. You said you consider meeting Aditya Chopra on your own steam, an achievement.

I'm sitting here at their office, going in and out every day as if it's my home. But I didn't think I'd meet him this early in my career.

It's my own little victory. You were into production, and even assisted Karan Johar .

You had plans to write a film, and direct it. What changed your mind? I'm not really sure, but Salman Khan had a chat with me one day and said he thought I was cut out for acting; that I should give it a try rather than regret I hadn't.

I was obese, and didn't see myself as an actor. But I think, in a way, I took up his challenge; said, let's see if I can become that.

Was it tough? Losing 50 kilos in four years? Yes. And seeing six-pack abs-sporting actors in papers every day doesn't make it easy.

It's intimidating. Did it change you? I'm still fat in my head.

If I eat a bit more, I imagine I am bloating. I've won the challenge, now I must sustain it.

It's ongoing. I can't stop eating, but now I'm careful.

I'll pick a roti over a bowl of rice. They say you are private, happy being just Arjun, rather than flying the family flag.

Is that correct? I open up to a few, yes , and sometimes, that's perceived as arrogance. I won't be the heart of a party.

I'll do my own thing with friends in a corner, you know. I'm proud to be a Kapoor, but I want to give them a reason to feel the same about me.

But you are Boney Kapoor's son. That doesn't change.

Does it open doors? People take you seriously only when you deliver. What sort of relationship do you share with him? I don't get too much time with him because we don't live together.

He's busy with his production company, and now, me with my movies. But we speak more often now because he knows so much about this industry.

I respect him for that. Mum was the friend.

He's always been the protective father, watching over us, providing. Do you grudge him for having moved out of home for Sridevi (actress), marrying a second time? I don't grudge him anything.

I told him, do whatever makes you happy. He's my father.

How can I not love him? But it couldn't have been easy? It's easy for me to sit here and speak all these years later. Back then, when we were kids, it was difficult.

But what can you do? How long will you complain? You have to accept what is, take it on your chin, and move on. Do you get that streak from your mother? She was like that.

She looked ahead. It's because of her that we dealt with it, never lost touch with the family.

We could have been bitter. It's natural for a single parent to turn protective, but she let us fly.

I don't believe I would have been the person I am without that experience. So, does the entire extended family share a comfort level? You with Sridevi, for instance? I'd rather not answer that.

The last month has been demanding on you. Your mum's illness, death, and a debut film looming.

How did you hold it together? It hasn't really sunk in. I still feel numb.

The song Pareshan in which Parma romances Parineeti Chopra , makes his gun a prime prop. What sort of lover do you make? I haven't been in love for seven years, but I'm emotional when in a relationship.

It's my release, since I'm closed otherwise. Passionate is how I'd describe myself.

I think I give women space, but they might tell you otherwise. Would you do-or-die in love? No.

So you agree with the film's tagline: ishaqzaade hai jitney fasaanon mein, milte hain nahin ab jahanon mein? Absolutely. People are practical these days.

They have other priorities. Look at me; I have no time for love.

It's cliched but warranted when speaking to a reserved actor - tell me something most people don't know about you. I have a mild phobia concerning ceiling fans.

It's probably because I'm tall. I'm constantly watching my head, careful when I raise my arms.

What's your gut feeling about your debut, 20 days before it releases? I haven't had the time to sit back and think. It's been crazy.

It's a bitter-sweet moment; I have lost deeply, and I'm excited about what's to come. Will it be a lag gayi lottery launde ki moment, as Parma says? I hope so (less)

.these 50 gorgeous ladies in the pecking order impacted common psyche like none other and tipped the desirability quotient in their favour! As the voting on itimes.

com closes with 3.74 votes, we bring you the Times 50 Most Desirable Women 2011 -who wove great success stories.

Top 50 Desirable Women of 2011 1. Kareena Kapoor 11.

Chitrangda Singh 21. SunnyLeone 31.

Lisa Haydon 41. Candice Boucher 2.

Katrina Kaif 12. GeneliaD'souza 22.

Sonakshi Sinha 32. Prachi Desai 42.

Nicole Faria 3. Deepika Padukone 13.

Bipasha Basu 23. Amrita Rao 33.

Angela Jonsson 43. Freida Pinto 4.

Priyanka Chopra 14. Sonam Kapoor 24.

Bruna Abdulla 34. Mallika Sherawat 44.

Shonali Nagrani 5. Anushka Sharma 15.

Shriya Saran 25. Dia Mirza 35.

Aditi Rao Hydari 45. Kanishtha Dhankar 6.

Vidya Balan 16. Shruti Haasan 26.

Neha Sharma 36. Poonam Pandey 46.

Jyothsna Chakravathy 7. Jacqueline Fernandez 17.

Asin Thottumkal 27. Sushmita Sen 37.

Shazahn Padamsee 47. Ameesha Patel 8.

Nargis Fakhri 18. Amy Jackson 28.

Malaika Arora Khan 38. Sonal Chauhan 48.

Simran Kaur Mundi 9. Kangana Ranaut 19.

Trisha Krishnan 29. Sameera Reddy 39.

Giselli Monteiro 49. Hasleen Kaur 10.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan 20. Ileana D'cruz 30.

Ankita Shorey 40. Parvati Melton 50.

Preeti Desai TOP 10 MOST DESIRABLE WOMEN The year has shown that one's desire can truly be a most fickle mistress. Get ready for heady surprises, a few regulars and then some more.

..

1)Kareena Kapoor Who: Actress Claim to fame: Her popularity was sky high after Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, not only in India but in abroad too. In her other movies like Chameli, Jab We Met, Tashan, Kambakkht Ishq and Bodyguard her sensuality and innate talent came to light.

She has worked with all the biggies of B-town and is soon slated to become part of royalty through marriage with Saif Ali Khan of the Pataudi family. Relationship Status: Dating Saif Ali Khan.

DQ: Her upcoming movie 'Agent Vinod' with beau Saif Ali Khan has already become the talk of the town. However, her lips and eyes are the most admired features by her friends and fans alike.

Fun Fact: Though she is outspoken, bold and beautiful yet she is erratic in relationship. 2) Katrina Kaif Who: Actress Claim to Fame: She had a good year, beginning with the hit "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara", where she played a gorgeous go-getter opposite Hrithik Roshan's surly-burly executive, an item number in "Bodyguard" and lastly, as the tomboyish bride in "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan".

Relationship Status: Rumoured to be seeing Ranbir Kapoor again. Desirability Quotient: Last year's queen of desire had to give up her crown and sceptre to make way for Bebo.

Does that make her any less desirable? Our voters seem to think so. Fun fact: Personal life rocking now that she's back with Ranbir Kapoor.

Professionally things can't get better. She has films opposite Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan.

Watch out competition. And she is Aditya Chopra's current muse! Some girls DO have it all.

3)Deepika Padukone Who: Actress Claim To Fame: The former model stuck to roles that required her to ooze glamour and dollops of oomph ("Desi Boyz") and perform ("Aarakshan"). And who can forget that sexy item number in "Dum Maaro Dum".

Relationship Status: Single. DQ: Our voters' thoughts? Her playing it safe paid off, she moved up one spot on the list.

fun fact: She's freshly single and will soon act with ex-beau Ranbir Kapoor. 4)Priyanka Chopra Who: Actress Claim To Fame: With performance-driven roles in "7 Khoon Maaf" and "Don-2", she stayed in the public eye.

Was also a regular at several high-profile star parties. She also announced her friendship with Lady Gaga, her intention to turn singer and an international album in the offing.

Relationship Status: Single. Currently mingling with one Shah Rukh Khan.

DQ: She switched spots with Deepika. What led to the slip? We're guessing the voters don't find aspiring 'singers' too desirable.

..

Fun fact: Right now, she is banned from the Mannat guestlist. Maybe signing "Don 3" will put a smile on her face.

5) Anushka Sharma Who: Actress Claim To Fame: Her off-on chemistry/romance with Ranveer Singh. Yash Raj Films' second fav girl who did several high-profile ads this past year.

Had two releases "Patiala House" and "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl". Relationship Status: Single.

Or with Ranveer Singh. It's complicated.

For them. And us! DQ: She's sexy, outspoken, fiercely independent.

fun fact: She was number 21 last year. What caused her leap this year? She's not telling! 6) Vidya Balan Who: Actress.

Claim to fame:. Her voluptuous curves had the audience going crazy in "The Dirty Picture".

Let's not forget her deadly performance in "Ishqiya" and "No One Killed" Jessica. Relationship Status: Dating Bollywood's other SRK.

..

Siddharth Roy Kapoor. DQ: Curves are back in fashion because of Vidya! Move over size zero.

Fun Fact: This bold and beautiful actress is the brand ambassador for hatke cinema. 7) Jacqueline Fernandez Who: Actress Claim to fame: Her never-ending legs in "Murder 2" and the "Dhanno" song from "Housefull".

Relationship Status: Dating Sajid Khan. DQ: She went from being sweet and innocent Riteish Deshmukh's object of adoration to Emraan Hashmi's object of desire.

fun fact: She's already lost two films because she is following beau's diktat of not exposing. Hope it's worth it.

8)Nargis Fakhri Who: Model CLAIM TO FAME: The Czech-born popular swimsuit calendar model made her film debut in 2011 in "Rockstar". Before that she briefly appeared in "America's Next Top Model".

Relationship Status: Single. Ranbir Kapoor was so yesterday.

DQ: Angelic face and great screen presence. fun fact: She was the hottest property before "Rockstar".

But hasn't signed a single film after. Needs to network and join acting classes.

9)Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Who: Actress. Claim to fame: Aishwarya may have dropped a few notches down on the list, but the new mommy will surely be back with a bang.

Relationship Status: Married to Abhishek Bachchan. DQ: Ash, who is among the most beautiful women in the world, is currently busy playing mommy to her baby girl.

However, rumours about her comeback are already making news. B-Town can't do without this light-eyed diva.

Fun Fact: Move aside, yummy Mummies! When Mrs B sets her foot back in a film studio, she will rewrite all the rules. Bach ke rehna 'Heroines'.

10) Kangana Ranaut Who: Actress. Claim to fame: Her desi girl act in "Tanu Weds Manu" had the audience going gaga over her.

Then she donned a bikini in "Rascals". Relationship Status: Dating.

DQ: Though Kangana's bikini act couldn't do much for the film, it sure won her a whole lot of admirers. Fun Fact: She's dating a doctor! She's quirky, fun and unpredictable.

She is working on a sequel of "Tanu Weds Manu". And to top it all she will be seen in "Krissh 3" with Hrithik Roshan.

NEW ENTRANTS TO TIMES 50 MOST DESIRABLE WOMEN OF 2011 The new entries in the Times Most Desirable women of 2011 Amy Jackson No. 18 Who: Model Claim To Fame: The British model, who won the Miss Liverpool 2010 title, made her debut in the Tamil period drama, Madrasapattinam.

Now she's ready to make her entry in Bollywood with Gautham Menon's Ekk Deewana Tha opposite off-screen boyfriend Prateik. Amy has also signed a couple of South films that go on floors this year.

Relationship Status: Dating EDT co-star Prateik. DQ: Great sex appeal and a likeable personality.

Lisa Haydon No. 31 Who: Model, Actress Claim To Fame: One of the hottest faces on the Indian ramps, Lisa made her B-Town debut in Aisha.

The Australian-bred model moved to India a few years back and started out hosting a TV show. A trained Bharatnatyam dancer, she was most recently seen in a sizzling item song in David Dhawan's Rascals.

Relationship Status: Dating musician-entrepreneur Karan Bhojwani. DQ: Dusky siren with endless legs.

Shazahn Padamsee No. 37 Who: Model, Actress Claim To Fame: Daughter of famous parents Alyque Padamsee and Sharon Prabhakar, Shazahn started off with modelling and television commercials before dabbling with acting.

Her first acting project was Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year (2009) with Ranbir Kapoor. She later starred in the 2011 release Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji, and will soon be seen in the Housefull sequel.

Relationship Status: Single. DQ: Hot and intelligent.

Angela Jonsson No. 33 Who: Model Claim To Fame: Chennai-born Angela started modelling at an early age.

An extrovert, she had an affinity for acting during her college days. A swimsuit calendar girl, she recently signed her first Bollywood film with Salman Khan, to be produced by Sajid Nadiadwala.

Angela was also in the news over her alleged linkup with Ranbir Kapoor. Relationship Status: Single.

DQ: Sensuous and sexy. Sunny Leone No.

21 Who: Adult entertainment star Claim To Fame: An established name in the adult entertainment industry, Sunny Leone (born Karen Malhotra) became a household name after her stint on the popular reality show Bigg Boss 5. Canadian-born Sunny had a cameo in the film The Girl Next Door, and even performed in rap star Ja Rule's video Livin It Up.

Her appearance on Bigg Boss was laced with controversy as viewers curiously did online searches to find more about the star. Sunny will make her debut in Hindi films with Pooja Bhatt's Jism 2, where she plays the lead.

Relationship Status: Married to entrepreneur Matt Erikson. DQ: Smoulderingly sexy, with an innocent face.

Ankita Shorey No. 30 Who: Model Claim To Fame: She is the winner of the Pantaloons Femina Miss India-International 2011 title.

Apart from modelling, Ankita has also taken up the cause for blind students. She has done ads with SRK and Ranbir Kapoor.

Recently hosted a segment at the Filmfare Awards. Relationship Status: Single.

DQ: Gorgeous face. Her title and her never-say-die attitude.

Aditi Rao Hydari No. 35 Who: Actress Claim To Fame: A trained Bharatnatyam dancer, Aditi made her debut in Tamil film Sringaram (2006).

Her Hindi film debut was in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Delhi 6, where she played a supporting role. In 2011, she was seen in two films - Yeh Saali Zindagi and Rockstar .

Her first big role as a lead actress is in the soon-to-release London , Paris , New York with Ali Zafar. Relationship Status: Single.

DQ: The quintessential girl next door appeal. Kanishtha Dhankhar No.

45 Who: Model Claim To Fame: The reigning Pantaloons Femina Miss India-World 2011, she won five subtitles including Miss Catwalk, Beauty with a Purpose, Miss Sexy Legs, Best Skin and Natural Beauty, the maximum number of subtitles any girl has won in the pageant's history. She made an appearance as a model in Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion.

Relationship Status: Single. DQ: Great legs, pleasing personality.

Jyothsna Chakravarthy No. 46 Who: Model Claim To Fame: At 5ft 9, the Bangalore lass has made quite a name for herself in the modelling world.

In 2011, she was among a bevy of beauties who walked for Chanel's Metiers D'Art collection, inspired by India. Another Bollywood aspirant, she aspires to work with Ranbir Kapoor, Abhay Deol and Farhan Akhtar in the near future.

Relationship Status: Single. DQ: Striking looks, amazing ramp presence.

Candice Boucher No. 41 Who: Model Claim To Fame: The former Playmate from South Africa got her Bolly break opposite Sachiin Joshi in 2011's Aazaan.

Relationship Status: Single. DQ: Scorching sex appeal.

Hasleen Kaur No. 49 Who: Model Claim To Fame: The winner of the 2011 Pantaloons Femina Miss India-Earth title, Hasleen is a known face on the advertising circuit.

She made a cameo appearance in Imtiaz Ali's Love Aaj Kal. As the reigning Miss India Earth, Hasleen was a part of Nav Jyoti, an NGO headed by Dr Kiran Bedi, dealing with environmental issues.

Relationship Status: Single. DQ: Charming, sensuous, earthy appeal.

Preeti Desai No. 50 Who: Model, Actress Claim To Fame: Preeti is the first ever Britisher of Indian origin to win the 2006 Miss Great Britain crown.

A popular model who featured in print campaigns and TV commercials, she debuted in Bollywood opposite Heroes actor Sendhil Ramamurthy in Shor In The City. Relationship Status: In a live-in relationship with Abhay Deol.

DQ: Earthy beauty, striking personality Poonam Pandey No. 36 Who: Model Claim To Fame: She became famous when she offered to strip naked if India won the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

Even though she never really made good on her promise, Poonam got enough publicity to make her popular fodder for the tabloids. She made her TV debut with Akshay Kumar in the reality adventure show Fear Factor - Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 4.

Relationship Status: Single. DQ: Bold and hot (less)

But can a Hindi movie ever show a collective effort? Just one braveheart has to do everything. Earlier he had to be a superman.

Later, women were granted that status (only for causes such as dowry and rape), but they had to be flawless in character (and looks, of course). Today, we've this one-woman army Meera Gaity who can be hateful and nasty.

In fact, her bitchiness, in which she revels, characterises Rani Mukherjis's reporter-cum-anchor in No One Killed Jessica , obviously inspired by the iconic Barkha Dutt. Are those working in English TV channels known to use F*** in every sentence? Other journalists in the same movie don't.

So, it's a character trait exclusive to her. Fearless, she reports from the snowy heights of Kargil, where every soldier has a helmet but our heroine's brown silky hair flies uncovered.

She lives alone in a sprawling bungalow, unafraid to open doors to strangers at night, with not even a barking Alsatian to protect her. Ambitious, she thumbs her nose at local stories of models being shot by politicians' sons — good touch that, displaying both, incomprehension of ground realities and her vanity.

That is the only grey in the gloss. A combination of James Bond and Modesty Blaise, our heroine thinks nothing of breaking away from a passionate romp to answer her phone and leave with not a word of apology to the bimbo left frustrated — "fly solo" she tells him.

She's a hawk in politics too, dismissing India as a soft state for handing over terrorists to the Kandahar hijackers. It's her male boss, sober and cautious in contrast to her flamboyance, attention-seeking ways, who points out that the lives of 155 passengers were involved.

Her interactions with her colleagues speak volumes about our reporter. She has no colleagues, for that implies a relationship of equality.

She has a boss, and then she has subordinates. With her boss, she shares an easy camaraderie.

To get her way, she resorts not to patient arguments or impatient insistence. That wouldn't be exciting enough for our Alpha Woman, who does shirshashan in office.

It has to be action all the way — rushing down the stairs, stilettos in hand, landing square in front of his car and then with one agile jump, perching on the bonnet, a little bundle of sex appeal. With subordinates, there's no conversation with those colourless creatures, just orders laced with abuses.

The director gives just one other reporter moments of her own, but only to use her as a foil to the heroine. She is gentle, sympathetic — and dumb.

Considering she had the instinct to pick up the 'model' story and commitment to stick with it, it's a cruel blow to her character to show her as a puppet. But then, can a heroine be one without dwarfing everyone else? One wonders when a Hindi film will show the real world of reporting: the exhausting treks to all kinds of neighbourhoods in any weather; the tedious tracking down of interviewees; the cross-checking with reluctant officials; the back-breaking deadlines; and the support of family and friends.

Though many successful female journalists have built their reputations on such hard work, that's not the stuff heroines are made of. How much easier it is, even for a film based on a real story, to show the stereotype of the single, ambitious, self-sufficient and supremely successful Power Woman — never mind the disservice this does to the image of the female reporter (less)

., but hasn’t been able to secure a permanent citizenship of tinseltown.

Your directorial debut revolves around a 10-year-old orphan. Why did you choose to write and direct a children’s film? The child is in the desolate hills and his life revolves around his daadi and his friends.

His life is a ball and then something begins to happen. Anything more would let the cat out of the bag.

There is no rape, no mujra, no action. It’s a simple, innocent story.

Let me clarify that it’s not a children’s film. Hopefully, it will appeal to everyone.

It’s about how things affect children, a world that’s cut off, and how you aspire for things. There’s a big gap between the real world and such an innocent world.

It’s a lost world that has four houses, no electricity and no room for a big bus. The project has taken so long to materialise.

After Chashme Buddoor and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro Ask ask, I know what you’re getting at..

. Why do you not have a more stable and successful career graph? Firstly, let me accept it.

If you begin with cinema like that, where do you go from there? I was quite determined that if I was going to work, it has to be good work. Secondly, I don’t like the label of a comedian.

We’ve done a lot of theatre; I felt that we were capable of doing, hopefully, all kinds of roles. I cannot play a villain for example.

But I did some serious, emotional roles and I stuck to my guns. I will wait, I will die without making my film.

But I will not begin with a compromise. Let’s go further back when Naseer, Om and Raj Babbar had made it in theatre.

They’d say, “Tu kya kar raha hai, yaar? Aaja, bahut kaam hai.” I said, “With a face like mine .

..

?” I had decided agar mere naseeb mein films hogi, then it will come to me in Delhi. And Chashme Buddoor came to me in Delhi.

Everything has to take its own time. Connect the dots for us, please.

..

I got my first film to direct back then on the recommendation of Shashi Kapoor and I politely turned the lady down. I said that I must learn filmmaking first.

After Jaane Bhi ..

. , colour television came to my rescue.

I got to act in a lot of serials on Doordarshan. Soon after, I got to produce and direct my first serial.

These things have kept me occupied and learning. Before 2001, if you would’ve asked me to write a script, I would’ve said, “Wrong number.

I don’t write.” Thanks to the computer which helped my Libran trait of writing in an organised manner, in 2001, I began to write.

I narrated the first draft of my directorial debut to 12 people — writers, editors and the like. Fortunately, I have a group of friends who are quite capable of telling me it is shit.

They unanimously said, ‘Shoot tomorrow.’ Given your uncompromising stand, have your relationships been strained in the industry? Not really.

But people feel that I am a difficult man. I ask four questions: What is my role? What is the film about? How much money will you give? And if it’s acceptable, when and how will you pay me? Till recently there were no stories! Now there is an obsession about bound scripts.

A boy goes abroad, meets a girl and marries her. This is the story.

What am I to play? The flight or the air ticket? To money, the reaction is, ‘Hain? You’re asking about money also?’ It’s about clarity, which the industry lacks. A producer remarked, “Ravi, it is difficult to do comedy”.

I say, “Yaar, you give me difficult work, while you give Suniel Shetty the easy work. And you give him more money.

I don’t understand the logic.” Let’s be clear about the terms.

If professionalism makes you difficult, so be it. Has it made you bitter or cynical? Not at all.

I celebrate life. You understand why people are like that.

Sometimes it is distinct lack of knowledge. One has worked with all kinds.

I am one actor you can set your watch by. People think jitna late aayega, utna bada star.

Galat hai. I once asked an actor why he was coming late.

He said, ‘Sir, they never start on time.’ I said, ‘Why are you spoiling your discipline?’ Recently, I heard another actor saying, ‘I have done a lot of research on this character.

And because this is a serious role, I will wear glasses.’ He wasn’t laughing about it.

What do you think of cinema today? Soul ka problem hai. It has become very aspirational .

..

with one eye on the Oscar and one eye on New York’s Times Square. There is a vast audience for Hindi films, NRIs specially, but the change is reflected in two prominent things — one is the English titles.

I mean, Kites? Kyon bhai? There was an ad where Hrithik Roshan tells a writer to go to an island, think of the film and call him. He calls Hrithik and says, “I’ve thought of the title — Kites.

” If I were Hrithik, I’d tell the writer, “You come back on the next flight out!” The second is the use of English in songs. My cameraman Anshul Chaubey asks me in his Bengali accent, “Sir, but where is the Indian culture?” I don’t know about Indian culture but I know about Indian ethos.

If we didn’t ignore that, we’d make a genuine film. We make films dimaag se, not dil se.

It’s very calculated. Subject matter thanda padh jaata hai.

We have to admit that we are very poor in storytelling. If we take Karan Johar’s cinema for reference, it’s technically superb, polished.

There is gloss and glam. Emotions hain, but there is nothing new.

It’s always about family, saas, sasur and culture. We just have to turn around and start reading our regional literature.

Don’t say audience nahin samajhti hai, I say aapko samajh nahin aata hai. Of course, if there is a big budget you have to recover it.

My question is: Why make a film costing `2 crore or `100 crore? Among the current lot, which directors would you like to work with? Vishal Bhardwaj, Anurag Kashyap, Ashutosh Gowariker..

. I told Ashutosh that Jodhaa Akbar was a terrible film.

I don’t think I’ve seen a worse assembly of actors. It’s like he said, “Bring me all the bad actors.

I’m going to make cinema out of that.” He will kill me for this, but he knows that I mean well.

What happened to the Jaane Bhi..

. sequel? It has been on the cards for three years.

We were signed on by Firoz Nadiadwala. Kundan Shah was to direct and write.

We had one session and we haven’t heard about it since. Can you take criticism as generously as you dole it out? I hope people won’t have to say those words (less)

You together with Salim Khan have made cult films which raised the bar of Hindi cinema. What according to you is the formula of a blockbuster? If I knew the formula I would not have written a disaster like Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja! But I can tell you the formula to make a sure shot flop! Embark upon a plot, thinking that the film you are making will be the greatest ever.

Second, choose a script thinking that you wouldn't like to watch a film like this, but the audience will. I guarantee that the film you make will be a flop! What is your take about the films being made today? The variety of stories we have today are incredible! But we are losing out on characterisation.

Look at the characters in our films today-they are neither strong nor heroic. They have been replaced by the ordinary man.

When I go into the theatre I want to see an icon, a role model and a person I can admire and look up to. I miss such characters in todays films.

Did you and Salim saab ever think that Deewaar would become a cult film, and remembered for its dialogues even today? Not at all! Salim and I never thought that the film, or any other films we were making, were progressive or would take the society forward in any way. We wrote stories instinctively.

What according to you was the strong point of your screenplays? The films we wrote are not remembered because of the plots, as hundreds of films with similar plots have been made. The characters and their interaction made the films stand out.

But I must mention that at times what we thought was new and catchy wasJaved Akhtar missed out by the audience. Like Sunny Deol's character in Arjun was a completely new one, but hardly anyone spoke about that.

On the other hand, people come up to me and say what a wonderful dialogue Kitne aadmi the or Tera kya hoga Kaliya was, and I wonder what is so earth-shattering about such a simple line. You and Salim were the only writers who gave a bound script to film-makers during the 70s.

Did that also contribute to your success? I know, in those days a bound script was a big thing. But I think developing the art of getting a producer interested in your script is more important.

To understand their psyche and make them see your point. Basically it's more about how to win and influence people! Do you think a formal training is essential to becoming a good screenplay writer and lyricist? When I came to Mumbai I didn't know the difference between editing and writing a screenplay.

That's how na?ve I was. Everything I learnt was hands-on.

I guess it all depends on how passionate you are about your work. Do you think after the success of Slumdog Millionaire there will be more influence of Western cinema on Hindi cinema? The furniture, the upholstery and clothes may all be very Western in our films, but the soul, sensibilities and flavour of Hindi cinema will always remain Indian, very Indian.

What was the thought behind conceptualising villains like Gabbar Singh and Mogambo in your stories? Our villains were exceptional indeed. They did not lech only at women, but at everyone! Woh sab ko buri nazar se dekhte the.

Making them rather magnificent and larger than life and not some downmarket rouges was intentional. You are known to be a very prolific poet and writer.

Don't you think you compromise on quality when you write for Hindi films? When I write for an enlightened audience my work is more abstract and high-flown. But when writing stories or lyrics for a Hindi film which is for a mass audience I have to write in a language which they understand.

This is not compromising on quality but it arises out of a desire to communicate with the masses. What are the essentials of a good screenplay? Awareness, simplicity and intrigue! (less)