The hitherto Chhote Nawab is acutely aware of the many responsibilities the title brings with it. Meanwhile, Sharmila Tagore stands on a bitter-sweet fork, between coping with the loss of her better half on the one hand and preparing for Saif's and Soha's impending marriages on the other.

How are you dealing with the changed circumstances? I really don't know. Some days are okay, others are not so good.

There are times when all that I shared with Tiger seems unreal. Initially, I had completely lost my power to concentrate on anything.

At a film festival in Kolkata in November, it was an ordeal speaking even a few lines. I would forget what I was saying.

The NDDC film festival in January was a shade better. Things have improved now.

One has to find ways of forgetting the pain..

. I read Tagore's poetry on stage with Soumitra Chatterjee in January.

It was enriching. I had never done anything on stage, where your performance gets an instant response from the audience.

While shooting for a film, you only get the fragmented feedback of a few. Here, the audience responded spontaneously.

It was very rewarding, more so because I was reading with my old co-star, Soumitra, and that too from Tagore. What occupies your mind these days? There's a lot of churning, a lot of looking back.

I'm reading a lot of Tagore, Dostoevsky and all my favourite authors. And I am pruning my life to a manageable degree.

Earlier, there was someone to always take care of me. Now, I've to take care of myself.

And that's a bother. At the same time, you've got to play the part of both parents to your three children? My children are grown up.

They take their own decisions. They're very affectionate toward me and that goes for Kareena as well.

She is very much a part of the family. Saif and Kareena complement one another.

He's mercurial. She's grounded.

You sound very affectionate..

. I am.

I've seen Kareena through the crisis in my family. She was there through Tiger's illness, and very quiet, absolutely not in-your-face.

Tiger passed away on September 22 and Kareena's birthday was on September 23. Saif and Kareena were planning to go away but they didn't.

That was no big deal. But she made sure no big deal was made of it.

It was very nice to have her around at the time. Just before Tiger's death, on his 70th birthday too, she was around.

It's so easy to accept her. I am very happy for Saif.

He's really lucky. I hope he continues to appreciate her.

Otherwise, he'll have me to deal with. What about Soha's beau, Kunal Khemu ? He's also very nice.

But he's young and trying to find his bearings. He's got many goals in front of him.

He will find himself, I'm sure. My daughters are special.

Soha is calm and clever, very much like Tiger. Clear in her priorities and very giving.

So, there are two weddings coming up in the family? I don't know about Soha, but Saif's wedding is definitely happening. It will happen as soon as the weather improves (after the summer and monsoon).

Do you enjoy Saif's new role as the heir-apparent? He is the head of the family now. He is morally responsible for the well-being of his mother, sisters and wife-to-be.

He is the support and the decision maker. It's all a bit daunting for him.

But he's trying. All of us have worked hard to get where we are.

We'd like Saif to carry his father's legacy forward. If he can't add to it, he shouldn't allow it to be eroded either (less)

Saif's mother, actress Sharmila Tagore arrived here Saturday evening. It is for the first time that both mother and son would be present together in the city, which is their ancestral hometown.

Some observers believe that after the demise of Pataudi, who passed away in September last year, the family now want to interact with the people (less)

The hitherto chote nawab is acutely aware of the many responsibilities the title brings with it. Meanwhile, Sharmila Tagore stands on a bittersweet fork, between coping with the loss of her better half on the one hand and preparing for Saif's and Soha's impending marriages on the other.

How are you dealing with the changed circumstances? I really don't know. Some days are okay, others are not so good.

There are times when all that I shared with Tiger seems unreal. Initially, I had completely lost my power to concentrate on anything.

At a film festival in Kolkata in November, it was an ordeal speaking even a few lines. I would forget what I was saying.

The NDDC film festival in January was a shade better. Things have improved now.

One has to find ways of forgetting the pain..

. I read Rabindranath Tagore's poetry on stage with Soumitra Chatterjee in January.

It was enriching. I had never done anything on stage, where your performance gets an instant response from the audience.

While shooting for a film, you only get the fragmented feedback of a few. Here, the audience responded spontaneously.

It was very rewarding, more so because I was reading with my old co-star Soumitra, and that too from Tagore. What occupies your mind these days? There's a lot of churning, a lot of looking back.

I'm reading a lot of Tagore, Dostoevsky and all my favourite authors. And I am pruning my life to a manageable degree.

Earlier, there was someone to always take care of me. Now I've to take care of myself.

And that's a bother. At the same time, you've got to play the part of both parents to your three children? My children are grown up.

They take their own decisions. They're very affectionate toward me and that goes for Kareena as well.

She is very much part of the family. Saif and Kareena complement one another.

He's mercurial. She's grounded.

You sound very affectionate toward her. I am.

I've seen Kareena through the crisis in my family. She was there through Tiger's illness, and very quiet, absolutely not in-your-face.

Tiger passed away on September 22 and Kareena's birthday was on September 23. Saif and Kareena were planning to go away but they didn't.

That was no big deal. But she made sure no big deal was made of it.

It was very nice to have her around at the time. Just before Tiger's death, on his 70th birthday too, she was around.

It's so easy to accept her. I am very happy for Saif.

He's really lucky. I hope he continues to appreciate her.

Otherwise, he'll have me to deal with. What about Soha's beau Kunal Khemu? He's also very nice.

But he's young and trying to find his bearings. He's got many goals in front of him.

He will find himself, I'm sure. My daughters are special.

Soha is calm and clever, very much like Tiger. Clear in her priorities, and very giving.

So there are two weddings coming up in the family? I don't know about Soha and Kunal but Saif's wedding is definitely happening. It will happen as soon as the weather improves (after the summer and monsoon).

Do you enjoy Saif's new role as the heir-apparent? Well, he is the head of the family now. He is morally responsible for the well-being of his mother, sisters and wife-to-be.

He is the support and the decision maker. It's all a bit daunting for him.

But he's trying. All of us have worked hard to get where we are.

We'd like Saif to carry his father's legacy forward. If he can't add to it, he shouldn't allow it to be eroded either (less)

So when opportunity presented itself, she was happy to pay a tribute to one of Sharmila's most remembered roles; a role for which she won a National Award. Commenting on the topic, Madhur Bhandarkar said, "Actually I'm a huge Gulzar saab fan and I wanted Bebo to pay a tribute to Gulzar saab in this scene.

It is a happy coincidence that it's a film that had a respected actress like Sharmila Tagore." Madhur also adds, "Yes, Bebo has done a perfect take-off of that Mausam character with cigarette and gaalis intact.

" (less)

Earlier Saif Ali Khan had said that marriage would have to wait after the release of Agent Vinod. With the movie come and gone without shaking the box office, maybe the couple can take the plunge.

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She told this newspaper, "Nothing and no one is ever how they seem. I'm very excited about the role.

" Soha is very excited because her look, body language, clothes and appearance would be modelled on her mother Sharmila Tagore's in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Anupama. When contacted, director Tigmanshu Dhulia said, "Soha has been added to Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster 2.

We want the sequel to be glossy and viewer-friendly. We also needed more characters to carry the sequel forward.

Jimmy Shergil, Mahie Gill and Randeep Hooda are back. But, Irrfan and Soha play the other couple.

Soha will play a mysterious character." (less)

Yet people continue to speculate." Soha's mom, Sharmila Tagore, has apparently gifted the couple an apartment, where Soha and Kunal are expected to move in to post marriage.

Soha is reportedly living in with Kunal, but she denies it. Meanwhile, on the work front, the actor has been signed up for the sequel of Tigmanshu Dhulia's 'Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster', in which she plays Irrfan Khan's wife.

The character in the film has been styled along the lines of the role that Sharmila Tagore portrayed in Anupama - that of a suppressed daughter. Soha is kicked about getting the opportunity to act opposite Irrfan again, after 'Dil Kabaddi'.

"Acting is like playing a sport. When the person paired opposite you is talented, the game becomes interesting," says Soha.

And while acting is priority now, Soha too wants to turn producer some day, like bro Saif. "I want to turn producer, but right now, I see a lot of potential in the films that I am acting in," she says and adds, "The nature of our profession is very unstable, so we cannot plan anything based on the income we draw as it's not regular.

I totally support it when big actors venture out into production; it makes sense to have a back-up plan." And the back-up plan would include making the most of opportunities.

"When the going is good, it makes sense to cash in. Brand endorsements or making appearances are good image-building tools, as long as you are being selective.

Sometimes filmmakers cast you in films depending on how much you are being written about or seen around," she signs off (less)

"Whatever I had to say, I had cleared yesterday. It shouldn't have happened.

It was an unfortunate incident. In a way I would like to say sorry for whatever happened," Saif told reporters at a press conference.

The 41-year-old actor, son of the late Nawab of Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore, was arrested Wednesday evening with two others -- Shakeel Ladak and Bilal Amrohi for assaulting Iqbal Sharma , an Indian-origin businessman from South Africa, early Wednesday at the seafront Taj Mahal Hotel and Towers. They were out on bail same day, and after getting bail Saif spoke to the media at a press conference Wednesday night.

He has also filed a case against Sharma, who claimed the actor and his friends abused and assaulted him. On Thursday, Saif addressed another press conference to unveil the trophy of World Series Hockey .

He was bombarded with questions about the incident. Asked if it was a publicity stunt, Saif denied it, adding: "I never publicise my film through negative publicity.

Whoever does that, it depends on the mentality of the production house and their class." (less)

With V-Day round the corner, celebs recount inspiring tales of love ..

. Dipan Dash, actor Among the celeb love stories, I like the one between Shahrukh Khan and Gauri Khan.

They are from different religious backgrounds, but they never had any issues regarding that. This society is fractured with conflicting issues between Hindu and Muslims, but this love story has stood the test of time.

Behind Shahrukh's success, Gauri has a lot of contribution. Gauri performs the Hindu rituals at home and Shahrukh has always honoured that.

Another thing is that, despite leading a busy life, Shahrukh always spends quality time at home. He cares and gives maximum priority to his family.

That's what makes their relationship so unique. His V-Day Story Since Valentine's Day is my parent's marriage anniversary, I stay at home on that day and celebrate it with my parents.

Personally, I have never celebrated V-Day since I haven't been in any serious relationship. I remember, when I was in Class VIII, a girl had proposed.

I was actually very clueless about love at that time. So, I told her that I have to ask my mom about it before I say yes! The girl was astonished.

I also told her that if I don't take my mom's permission, she might scold me! That's the most weird experience I had on V-Day. Aishwarya Pathy, actor Neetu Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor have a great love story.

They share a very good understanding between themselves. I have seen many couples in the film industry and but I still feel that there is something special between Rishi and Neetu that makes them the unique jodi of Bollywood.

You know, according to the tradition of the Kapoor family, Neetu had to quit acting after marriage. She gave up her career without complaining.

In fact, she has happily adapted to her new life with Rishi. That is love.

Her V-Day Story When I was in college, there was a guy in my group with whom I used to hangout regularly. He was really a good friend of mine, but nothing more than that.

On one V-Day, he came with my other friends and proposed. I was really surprised.

Then I told him that I am sorry that I don't feel anything special for him. But I assured him that I will remain his good friend.

Rituparna Sengupta, actor Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi's romance has been the most profound example of true love that crosses all barriers. While she came from the Tagore family, he was the Nawab of Pataudi.

The cultural backgrounds were different. So were the religious beliefs.

What's also important is that all this happened decades back when society wasn't this progressive. Yet, their marriage was so beautiful.

She continued being in the public glare, did some bold acts on screen as well as gave quality time to her family while raising her children so well. All this is possible with a great understanding between the spouse.

Her V-Day Story I was in Class IX when this incident happened. One day, while going to school, a boy came running up to me.

He said he couldn't take his eyes off me and handed over a parcel to me. It was a V-Day card where he had written: "To the most beautiful woman I know".

I showed the card to my friends in the bus and secretly enjoyed being the centre of attention of everyone! Arjun Bajwa, actor One profound romance was that of Sunil Dutt and Nargis who stood by each other to give rock solid support. They lived life to the hilt.

Their's was an unusual love story and stood the test of time. They lived a happy life as a couple together even while retaining their individuality.

Sunil Dutt took utmost care of her when she was suffering from cancer. They acted in "Mother India" as mother and son.

It intrigues me how they portrayed such a relationship so well that the movie went on to become a classic. Sunil Dutt set up the Nargis Dutt Memorial Fund, which has collected millions of dollars for cancer victims in India.

For me, this is a timeless romance. His V-Day Story When I was a teenager, I invited my girlfriend on a date to a restaurant at a remote location in Delhi thinking no family member would ever spot me there.

To my shock, when I was having dinner, my father turned up there at the same restaurant with my mother and a family friend. I was extremely embarrassed as I had told them I'm going to a friend's house to study for my forthcoming exams.

Chandan Roy Sanyal, actor I think, the romance between Guru Dutt and Geeta Roy was truly profound. They had a tragic story.

On the day he died, he started drinking at five and the last call he made was to Ashaji to find out if Geeta was there even after finding out that she was seeing someone else. I think, he just loved her a lot.

That's an overwhelming feeling and love is like that. Love is just a feeling which is beyond wanting to restrain the partner.

It's a desire for the person's well being that makes it so special. Love can be destructive.

I read about him and I realised that his feelings were too intense. I could relate to his emotions because I have also loved someone to the point of actually feeling that I would almost get devastated.

His V-Day Story I was going to England for the first time in my career. That was for work.

When I was leaving for England for my performance in February 2006, my ex-girlfriend called me up on the phone. It was Valentine's Day.

I was rehearsing in Puducherry then and she was in Mumbai. I still remember how heartbroken I felt when she said that she wouldn't continue because I would be going out for a long tour.

She was still in love with me but she didn't want to wait. Her priorities were different.

I still love her and will continue to do so all my life. Sujata Mohapatra, Odissi Dancer Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan are the most romantic celebrity couple I have ever seen in my life.

Both of them are great artistes and they share a great chemistry. Though Amitabh Bachchan is still in the limelight and still giving amazing performances, he never lets his family life get disturbed.

It amazes me, how despite having a hectic life, they share this kind of a strong and loving bond. Her V-Day Story I remember when my Guru asked me to marry his son.

I had also noticed that Ratikant, my guru's son and now my husband, was interested to marry me. We were aware of each other's feelings, but didn't acknowledge it.

But when my guru came with that proposal, I happily accepted. It was a love-cum-arranged marriage.

Compiled by Priyanka Dasgupta and Jyoti Prakash Naik (less)

The time when Saif was dating Moon Moon Sen, Gulzar had played host to Saif at his Pali Hill bungalow. This is when the young Saif smashed up a car around then.

Rahul Rawail, director known for introducing talent, dropped Saif from Bekhudi, because of lack of discipline. He was replaced by Kamal Sadanah.

In 2008, a police complaint was filed against the actor after his security staff assaulted a photojournalist during the shooting of his home production Love Aaj Kal in Patiala, Punjab. It is said that the journalist clicked some pictures of Khan, who was shooting at a railway station.

A verbal spat followed after which Khan’s security assaulted the journalist and snatched the cameras, apparently on Khan’s orders. The matter was settled amicably when Khan called up a press conference in Patiala and apologised.

In April 1994, Saif and his then wife Amrita Singh assaulted a female journalist — Kanan Divech of Star and Style — because of an interview she did with Singh in which some uncomfortable questions were apparently asked about liaisons, appearances etc. Apparently, the couple created havoc in Divecha’s office and ended up breaking some furniture too.

The matter was finally settled in the Bombay high court, after Singh issued a formal apology in writing. In 1995, Saif went over to journalist Ashok Row Kavi’s house and punched him because he had mocked his mother Sharmila Tagore’s acting on television.

Apparently, he even pushed Row Kavi’s elderly mother when she tried to intervene. Row Kavi later said that the real provocation could have been his review of Saif’s film Main Khiladi Tu Anadi in the magazine Bombay Dost.

The article had claimed that Saif and his co-star Akshay Kumar seemed to be so in love with each other that it should have been India’s entry to the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. The incident resulted in Row Kavi dragging Saif to court and the latter apologising.

After being arrested for punching a fellow diner yesterday and getting out on bail, Saif Ali Khan [ Images ] released an official statement this morning, telling his side of the story. He said, “There was an ugly incident last night where my friends and the ladies with us were abused and I was assaulted.

He further said, “I was hit and I defended myself. I have been to the police station to answer the requirements of law as I am a law-abiding citizen.

I have also filed a complaint about what happened last night and I am confident justice will be done.” Co-diner Amrita Arora is going around telling everyone that Sharma abused the women in the group.

Says Amrita, ?I guess we are paying the price of being celebs and whatever has happened is very unfortunate. They are on TV giving interviews; it’s a common case of getting 15 minutes of fame.

When you punch one of our guys and abuse the woman on our table, any man would respond in this fashion.? We didn’t know that people from ‘cultured families’ assaulted and beat up senior citizens, even when provoked?? “A man is great by deeds, not by birth.

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