Celebrities Talk - Know about the Tech love of Celebrities'

Sushant Singh Rajput – The Curious Mind

Sushant Singh Rajput Pens Heartbreaking

I had known Sushant Singh for 5 years, used to meet him in various parties and clubs and have had a lot of drunken memories with him so much that either he has dropped me or I have dropped him home. He was successful, a versatile actor and got all the attention from everyone that one should expect. But he was a curious soul , the most technologically inclined actor I have known till now so often conversations were around what to buy , what’s new to as deep as AI , quantum science etc. He was so intrigued that he bought a telescope and stationed it in his pad and often got into star gazing. Rightfully we gave him “the most techy celeb of the year“ in 2018. But the news of him committing suicide has pulled the rug from below my feet, I can continue to rub my eyes for many days now and repeat “it’s shocking”.

Did he have a mental illness? Yes, he was in rehab recently but was doing fine, infact we were planning a shoot with him also for our cover for which he was an ardent follower but could not get him to shoot ever, either the dates were not there or we had someone else already blocked. But we knew we will shoot something very techy and kick ass whenever we do. Infact we were in conversations for him to endorse a clothing brand, and as a matter of fact he did not like attending events and doing appearances, which today celebrities makes a lot of money from. His idea of life was little different and loved his cars and bikes, and was learning computer gaming in the lockdown. Recently he bought and built a farm house away from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and often spent time there. Not only he understood algorithms and machine learning, being an engineer he often indulged in it . Did you know that he was a national level Olympiad winner in physics?

Why Suicide? I did not believe the news and I actually dialed his phone which was ringing and went answered. Only wish we could connect with departed souls but I guess technology knows its boundaries and there in no network up there. Yes, he was very inquisitive and curious about life and recently came back from rehab even after all the success which he has achieved and one of the earliest actors who transitioned from “TV” to Bollywood and became a successful hero who could ride a big-ticket Bollywood movie on his shoulders.

I am still shocked if you are with me till here than hang in and let me take a dig at this lockdown and uncertainties which are surrounding all of us and allowed more time to introspect. As they say a busy mind is a happy mind, that’s why probably god has programmed us to do the daily chores, eat, sleep and the rituals and wired us to keep aspiring for the pot of gold which is as invisible as the COVID 19 which we are fighting for. An actors life is not work from home, it’s the sets, it’s the people, lot of them today are doing script reading, training post that you are left with ample time with yourself and then if you have a curious mind like Sushant who often writes poetic, philosophical and does star gazing, what can stop his mind to stop that trigger to explore the other side of life, called afterlife. Stay sane, and rest in peace Sushant, your journey remains incomplete but whatever you have achieved in 34 years of your life is a dream for 99.99% of our population.

Here’s something for all those who are feeling low right now. Which My Colleague Aneesha Kochar has written a few days ago

If it ever crosses your mind

To leave the world behind

Know that kindness is bigger

Than any of your triggers

Know that happiness is real

And not everything is cruel

Know that you can’t yet see

All that your life can be

Know that you’re loved

Even though you’ve not been hugged

I’m here with you to start over

I’ll hear your story, I’ll be your power

I’ll help you undo all the pain

We will embrace happiness once again

But if you’ve followed your mind

And have left the world behind

Know that I’m crying

For you left without trying

Ananya Birla Is Raring To Build Her Own Unique Legacy

For more videos, Subscribe Now!

Interviewed | April 2017

One of our most anticipated shoots, we knew instinctively, was going to be replete with a lot of youthful vibe despite the location (which is popularly said to be one of the most haunted places of Mumbai) and we couldn’t have been more right. Ananya Birla and her youthful entourage totally justified the theme of our issue. The banter, Ananya’s quirky yet honest responses to our questions and her being a total pro at striking just the right poses all made for a great shoot.
And finally, Ananya was everything she stands for – humble, charming, gentle and genuine, and we were in awe. As we caught her in between shots, she bared her thoughts showing us why she is not just her father’s daughter but her own unique identity that’s ready to propel the Birla legacy to greater heights.

Ex: “What’s in a surname?” Tell us about the stress that comes with being a Birla.
Ananya Birla: I see myself as a girl following her passions and pursuing her vision. I feel very blessed for the emotional strength parents, siblings, grandparents lend. My biggest challenge is to live up to my own expectations which, at times, can be stressful.

Ex: You can’t take the Birla out of Ananya – is it so? Or the other way?
AB: I would like to believe that both complement each other to distinctly make me who I am today.

Ex: From Businesswoman to Popstar – what’s the transition about and why?
AB: I don’t see it as a transition. It is just a parallel career path that I have taken up. I have always been composing my own music and at one point decided that I wanted to share it with the world. Soon after, I started to pitch my work to music labels and in due time, eventually after the struggle, saw acceptance at Universal Music Group – India.

Ex: Does your childhood dream and present reality match when career is concerned?
AB: Yes absolutely! I always wanted to be a singer-songwriter, but always doubted myself. As soon as I was able to break out of those shackles and become more self-aware, it all started to fall into place.

Ex: Tell us something about Svatantra and MPower.
AB: Svatantra is a Microfinance company, a mini lending-bank of sorts. I started Svatantra when I was 17, so I am very emotionally attached to it. We lend loans to women in rural and semi-urban areas in India to financially support their businesses. In a sense, being an entrepreneur myself, I wanted to fund rural entrepreneurs given the vast potential and confidence these women have.
Svatantra means ‘freedom’ in Hindi and the organization is one of the fastest-growing microfinance organizations today in India. The key aim is to encourage entrepreneurship, self-sufficiency, and financial literacy and inclusion.

While studying at university in England, I interacted with people about my own age who were suffering from anxiety and depression. The experience stirred something familiar in me. In fact, when someone breaks a leg or has a surgery, they get flowers and get well soon cards. But to someone who suffers from mental health related illness, the empathy is sporadic just because they don’t see an actual wound!
I co-founded MpowerMinds as it is a cause very close to my heart, to increase public awareness about mental health and diffuse the social stigma associated with those suffering quietly. At the Mpower center, we let people know that they are not alone and offer a range of confidential services including therapy and psychiatric help.

Ex: What are the other business ideas that Ananya is brewing up in the days ahead?
AB: At present, creating music is my main aim and personal focus. However, we have many leaders in our team and together, we are working on a few other ventures as well. You will hear about this soon enough. They all have a larger vision of creating a positive impact and I hope that as a community, it enables conversations and sees participation on various levels.

Ex: Ananya – the Businesswoman or Ananya – the Popstar – which one do you like more personally?
AB: This is a very tough question as I fancy both the facets in different ways. The business woman keeps my mind going. However, I think being able to create music for myself and the world is probably closer to my soul. I see them both cross pollinating eventually and thus the time I invest would be prioritized as such. Having said that, presently I am investing more of my time in music.

Ex: What have been your lowest lows and highest highs?
AB: I had a phase in my life while studying at Oxford where at times I wasn’t able to get out of my cottage. There was a lot brewing inside me then, which at times saw an outlet in composing and writing my music. That time, feeling stifled was probably one of the lowest I have been. Even though there have been speed bumps after the launch of my music career, I have had my highest highs during this journey. I would say peaking on #11 on Shaazam was one of them. Being the first Indian to have DJ Afrojack’s remix of Livin’ the Life being backed by PM:AM – one of the largest dance labels in the world – was another one. I find making history, however small or large that maybe, quite contagious.

Ex: Who is your inspiration to reach where you are now?
AB: A larger vision; a wish to impact people’s lives through my work is what keeps me inspired. If you ask of a person, it will have to be my grandfather.

Ex: Do you think your age comes in the way at any point?
AB: Only in a positive way. Retrospectively, if I wasn’t 17 when I had started my first company, I would not have made certain decisions that have led up to it being successful today. Having more experience under my belt now, I have learnt a lot from my mistakes and my achievements. I am now in a position where I stand strong and plough my knowledge to excel further in all my other ventures.

Ex: What’s Ananya’s definition of “Livin’ the Life”?
AB: Spreading love and seeing people smile. I question whether true altruism exists, however having pure intentions is all that matters. Enjoying everything I do, making the best of every moment that we have been offered, is also what Livin’ the Life means to me.

Ex: Ananya Birla – give us the unknown story.
AB: I am an explorer, a writer, a singer and just a girl who believes in following her dreams and wishing to make a change in this world. At the end of our time here, we are all just stories and I would like mine to make an interesting read. I love the energy each new day brings.
Some days are spent in board rooms leading strategy, other days are more creative and spent ideating on music. Mostly all my hours are hi-performance driven and crazy but it is that energy that I enjoy. With all that goes on through the week, I try and take a break and choose to be lazy on Sundays. These are spent in bed with my comfortable blanky, reading a book and fighting for space with Skai, my Yorkshire Terrier.Ex: How do you keep a balance between business, music and personal life?
AB: I don’t. I am learning to. I don’t truly see it as ‘work’, reason being both the businesses and my music have become a part of my lifestyle. Where my personal life is concerned, I am lucky to have found friendships within my core team itself. Outside of this, my circle is very close knit, very supportive, always there for me and very understanding.Ex: What is the impact of social media?
AB: I think anything powerful has both boons and banes. Where social media is concerned, I think one must be absolutely honest and authentic to themselves. That is how I choose to run my social media handles as well. I think it is a great platform, and if used correctly to voice our thoughts and opinions, we can bring about a collective positive change to make the world a better place.Ex: Your take on relationships.
AB: Always be yourself. Don’t compromise on who you are.

Ex: What kind of boys would you like to go out with?
AB: Blonde hair, blue eyes…haha! On a serious note, someone who I connect with on a spiritual level is important to me.

Ex: Quote that gets you motivated.
AB: ‘Fall down for 7, Stand Up 8’ and ‘Try your best and leave the rest to God.’

Ex: Any closing thoughts or positive vibes for our readers?
AB: Wake up in the morning and seize each day. Believe in yourself no matter what anyone says because they don’t know the entirety of your life and story – let’s not judge. If you have the right values, work hard, be self-reliant and self-aware, you can do and achieve anything you set out to do no matter what the circumstance.

ANANYA BIRLA – UP AND CLOSE

1) What’s your favorite:
• Gadget?
Boring answer but it has to be my iPod
• Outfit?
Torn Boyfriend jeans, White shirt and Havaianas. I need to be comfortable when not at events or the red carpet.
• Vacation?

Rishikesh and Florence
• Cuisine?
Lebanese
• Music?
Rap and mainstream pop. Acoustic renditions always touch my soul.
2) Music idols:
Eminem and Kurt Cobain
3) You would tag him on a #ManCrushMonday:
Zac Efron. Honestly though, I think I have a new man crush everyday.
4) Your guilty pleasure:
I chew way too much gum to the point that my jaws start hurting.
5) Food item you hate the most:
Cucumbers
6) One gadget you have your eyes on:
A drone
7) New Year resolution for 2017:
To be less critical of myself.
8) One thing on your Bucket list:
I want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for Mpower.

Also Read:

Avicii on How He Wanted His Music To be A Tool Of A More Connected World

Cosmic Gate on How Their Musical marriage Only Grows Stronger

Irrfan Khan In Our Fondest Memories

My life is more like a blank page. I would like to fit myself in other people’s biography. I would like to take their color in mine.

A master in his art of acting, storytelling and making you feel, Irrfan Khan was one of the most treasured actors that Indian cinema had seen. His simplicity oozes out of his personality that will always leave you with a smile. From being a letter writer in his first movie, Salaam Bombay! to his latest, Champak Bansal in Angrezi Medium, we will remember Sahaabzaade Irrfan Ali Khan in our fondest memories, always.
Till then, here is a peek into his life back in 2016. We couldn’t help breaking into the make up room and have a tech chat with this superbly skilled personality. What makes him so perfect in whatever he does?
Lets find out.

Ex: What is next in line for Mr. Khan?
IK: Next in line are surprises, hopes and expectations.

Ex: Currently, any project you are working on?
IK: I would probably come to know in a weeks’ time. I might be going out of the country for a shoot.

Ex: You seem to disappear into characters you play; do you put in a lot of research into every role?
IK: Not always. It depends. If the role requires research, I do. I also get into discussions with my director. But most of my work, I do by instinct. I go by my instinct. Sometimes however, I do prepare for certain roles.

Ex: Which has been your best project till date and why?
IK: I have no idea. Shooting wise there are few which gave me pleasure but coming to the output, what will be the best, I am no one to judge. I think it’s the audience, which can claim that. For me, there are lots of films, which didn’t do well but they gave me immense pleasure.

Ex: Are you a very brand conscious person when it comes to buying gadgets? Do you follow particular brands for phones or laptops?
IK: Not at all. I see the features and go by that. However I do have a concern about the services. Sometimes a product could be great, but the services are not there, so I wouldn’t go in for that. For me, reliability is the ultimate.

Ex: Android or Apple?
IK: I have used both. The thing is I don’t like the business model of the Iphone. Things become redundant after a while. That is a philosophy that I detest. I still use an Iphone but then as a philosophy it’s alluring.

Ex: Would you invest in a not so fancy phone just because it has a better battery life?
IK: Battery does matter, but just for the battery, no. You need to have combination of features. But again, battery does matter a lot. If there is a very good product but the battery life is bad, then the product is useless.

Ex: Do you use a smartwatch?
IK: I have used an apple watch and it’s really not convenient. There is a battery issue with it.

Ex: Are you an online shopper?
IK: Yes, I used to buy DVD’s online but definitely not clothes or fabrics. Sometimes, I do order super foods online. There are various gadgets too, which I buy online. In India trust is a very shaky thing, but abroad, online shopping is a very reliable thing.

Ex: Are you into reading? Is there any book you consider as an inspiration?
IK: I am not a junkie but I do read up on things, which interest me.

Ex: Can you envisage what kind of environment it will be 10 years from now?
IK: See, we would only go forward towards convenience, not something that is totally going to change our life. Things will be alluring us again and again. I wont be surprised if somebody brings out a chip to put in your eyes or your hair with a switch on and off button.

Ex: In a biographical film of your life, who would you like to play you?
IK: I have never ever thought of writing my biography. I am not ready for it. I don’t think my life is that great enough to make a movie on. My life is more like a blank page. I would like to fit myself in other people’s biography. I would like to take their color in mine.

Ex: Tell us why do you love Exhibit?
IK: We don’t have that many magazines about technology. Its keeps you updated with new things in the market.

Ex: What does your tech wardrobe consist of?
IK: My iphone, desktop and laptop.

Ex: Do you believe in staying updated with technology all the time?
IK: If something attracts your attention, then I would mostly go for it but I don’t have a phobia. If a new phone comes into the market, I wouldn’t be dying to have it. I completely detest that. When a company allures you with nothing new, it’s the same invention with just 2-3 more features, then its pointless. If something new comes up which is different altogether and is also user friendly, I would prefer that.

Hrithik Roshan On His Love for Tech and his Undying Life Mantra

Take a Greek God and strip him of his immortality and superpowers. And what have you now is a mortal human being — Hrithik Roshan!
The moment he stepped into the industry, he literally set hearts on fire with his looks. Be it a movie promotion event or red carpet appearances, Hrithik always looks a class apart. Women want him. Men want to be like him. Kids look up to him. Its awe-inspiring to see the level of love and respect Hrithik has earned not just from his fans, but also from the whole film fraternity. Apart from giving stunning performances in super hit films like Agneepath, ZNMD, War, Hrithik has also proved his acting skills with unconventional films like Guzaarish, Jodha Akbar, Super 30 and Kaabil. His work prowess speaks about his versatility as an actor, be it comedy, action or romance.
In a candid interview, Harsha Prerna attempted to cut down the chase while discovering the techie inside this desirable and drool-worthy masterpiece.

Ex: It’s your first with us, let’s start with your love for technology.
HR: Technology is here to make our lives easier, sometimes, unfortunately, it doesn’t. I think the world and all of us are more indebted and dependent now on technology. And, there are a variety of options out there. So, it’s very important for us to be able to look through the crowd of things out there and actually source out the stuff that’s most suitable for our individual lifestyles. I am very particular about this and I genuinely don’t have too much. I just have enough that makes my life easier. Because it’s very easy to get addicted to technology and keep getting the latest stuff.

Ex: Even social media is a big addiction these days, don’t you agree?
HR: Yes, that’s true. I don’t mind the addiction, but you have to be very careful because it can drive you a bit crazy. But if used properly, it can serve as a great tool.

Ex: We know you are into music in a big way and the world will follow your playlist if the tunes go public. We want to “exhibit” that playlist through us. Fill us in with what music is to your ears?
HR: Well, right now I am training very hard and when I am in the gym, I listen to the music that suites me and what really energizes me are these high octane background scores of movies. There is this one song I am currently in love with, it’s by Audio Machine and the album is called ‘Existence’. They have about some 21 tracks in that album. Also, there’s another song called ‘Remember I told you’ by Nick Jonas.
I am a person who can listen to classical Hindi as well as old Hindi songs while working out. The slower the music in my head, the faster I go. It’s almost like doing something in 500 frames. You take all that energy and just pace it out.

Ex: I am actually imagining you doing chest press on a slow number.
HR: (Laughs) Yes sometimes slow music can really make u focus. It is very powerful. Almost meditative…

Ex: You are the brand ambassador of Zebronics currently, whose philosophy resonates with yours “always ahead”. Name some gadgets & tech you think keep you ahead in life?
HR: ‘Staying ahead’ to me means never running out of battery. And, for that I think the power bank is something, which is a ‘must’ in today’s time. Because more battery means more power and in turn staying ahead.

Ex: What was your first impression on Zebronics Products? What are your personal favorites from Zebronics Audio Series and why?
HR: I love the look and feel of all the Zebronics products. The products are very light; cleanly designed especially the headphones range. They are good looking, clean, strong, light and designed really well. You feel like you’re buying a good product. I think, the visual appeal is very important. The sensibility of technology is definitely at par with the best and I am very happy and excited to be associated with the brand.

Ex: What would be the Future of Technology? Would you invest in technology or any startup idea?
HR: The Future and scope of technology is limitless Virtual Reality I feel is going to be the future. About startups, personally I don’t have an idea, that’s not my background. But I am always looking for interesting, innovative and bright ideas. If I can back an idea, I would be very excited to do so, because it’s the idea I invest in. My most recent such investment is Curefit.

Ex: That’s great to hear that you are with us in supporting innovative ideas. Tell us more about ‘CureFit’?
HR: CureFit is a Bangalore based startup and is all about wellness & lifestyle. Along with that, it has also got a fitness focus as well. So, I like that idea of being able to impart fitness online. It’s a one stop shop where you can find solutions for all the health and fitness needs. Whether it’s a mental health challenge or a diet issue, you will find everything under one roof.

Ex: Let’s be straight and honest, you have a physique to die for, and that is definitely a specimen of your love for fitness. In fact, you have also started your own line of fitness clothing.
HR: Yes, the physique is to die for and I am dying to get it back (laughs). About the fitness clothing line, apparel and footwear is one of the branches of HRX. It makes me really proud and humbled that people have responded to HRX so well. It has really empowered us to put more power behind the HRX movement. I call it a movement because its more than just a brand or a business. HRX is a way to enable and empower people to be the best version of themselves. I am very happy that HRX is slowly and steadily turning into one of the most incredible business opportunities for me as well; there is Myntra, CureFit and many more in the pipeline. It is slowly and steadily, spreading its wings.

Ex: When you are on the go, which is the most important gadget to you?
HR: It’s the Zebronics Powerbank to stay in power all day.

QUICKIES

Undying mantra of life:
Be the very best version of myself.
Books that you can read again and again:
Which has some kind of self learning like ‘Who moved my cheese’ and ‘The monk who sold his Ferrari’.
Your very first gadget:
The big bulky Walkman
Message for Zebronics fans:
Keep listening to music, keep dancing and swaying to the tunes. It’s time to pump up that volume a little bit more with Zebronics.
One Quote that comes to your mind:
Whether you think you can, whether you think you can’t, you’re right.

Watch More:
Hrithik Roshan walked the ramp for Tech fashion Tour 3.0
Check out what’s inside Hrithik Roshan’s garage!

Akshay Kumar – The Ever Charged, Power Packed ‘Khiladi’

Akshay Kumar is a name that has been ruling the box office with every new project that he takes up. A common visitor of the 100 crore club, Akshay Kumar has had a trajectory of a winner from his first movie, Sugandh, to his latest hit, Good Newwz. With each movie, he gives his audience something to think about and view the world from a different perspective. His films like The Padman, or Toilet: Ek Prem Katha are a direct hit on people’s mentality and is helping change people’s mindsets and age old societal norms. A Padma Shri awardee, Akshay Kumar, in a free flowing conversation with Harsha Prerna, gives an insight about how he maintains his drool worthy physique, his upcoming projects and a lot of tech trivia, obviously!

Ex: We all know your hard line disciplines, in fact, we were waiting for a 6 A.M call time, & fortunately you gave us an extra 2 hours of sleep – What keeps you going every morning without hitting the snooze button?
AK: In all honesty, I don’t even have an alarm clock.I tell myself what time I need to wake up, I trust my instincts to the point that a Snooze Button has never existed in my life. Don’t ask me how?! I always thought it was because I looked forward to the day that’s why I’ve always been so eager to start it. I sleep, as much as I need it, kinda slows me down, there are so many tracks running through my head, I like to get up early so I can sort out everything that means something to me.

Ex: In your fitness regime, does fitness tracker or any other tech have a role to play?
AK: Fortunately, enough for me, I like it old school, a blackboard full of reps & exercises, & a bit of chalk to tick them off along the way. I don’t want to be on my phone any more than I already am, I still want to be normal despite how much or how far technology has taken us. “Simple is as Simple does.”

Ex: Your social media following can easily form a country – Any experiences with trolls or anything wrong gone viral.
AK: “With Great Responsibility comes Great Trolling!” You can’t win them all, but I’m certainly not going to glorify them in a magazine. But as we’re on the subject I’d like to mention the incredible Fan following I have, & I’m not talking numbers, I’m talking Genuine Human Incredibleness. My fans aren’t just fans, they should be leaders in our society, they read to the elderly, help farmers, build toilets, encourage women’s self-defense, give out sanitary pads at schools, do charity, they spend time with homeless kids, organize blood donation camps, they even keep the local flower waala in business from all the garlands they make, every release I have, they are the kindest humanitarians in the World. They are literally stepping into every project I put my heart into, & they put their entire soul into it as well. They deserve so much in life for all they give, I will never stop giving my best for them!!

Ex: Tell us the secret multi-million dollar formula behind your movie selection which ultimately lands you with a pot of “Gold” leaving us entertained and socially awakened?
AK: I believe when a man or woman follow their heart, they can’t go wrong!It may not be perfect, it may not be everything you hoped, but the sheer fact that one does something with passion and with no other agenda like money, fame or fortune the chances of being content with yourself and choices are higher. Just the sheer reality of doing good, or showing a story that has never been told, changing lives of those you haven’t even met. Just the fact, that a subject touches me makes me think my fellow Indians would appreciate it as well and truly makes me grasp it tighter. It’s nerve-racking, especially in a country where commercial cinema works best, but sometimes it takes a leaping head first, over the fence of fear to become proud of one’s work. I love making comedies, but I’ve reached a point where I’d like to take movie making to the next social level. Not always just sometimes, because I say this as I’m filming Housefull 4, so for those that are worried, I still live for making people laugh.

Ex: One life turning event which changed your life?
AK: My first film changed my life, therefore, I was able to change my family’s and since childhood, that’s all I ever wanted to do. I wanted to give them all their heart desired. It may not be ground-breaking, I may not have saved World Hunger, but my family never went hungry again, & from there on, I’ve worked so hard so I can generate even more work for others so they can change their family’s lives as well. We get out of life what we put into it. I’ve been blessed with a lot, but that came at its own cost, we all have the ability to change our stars, it’s up to us though, for no one else will ever do it for us.

Ex: Since you are known to churn out films after films, how do you think Tech has helped the film industry evolve?
AK: Massively, in many ways! I remember the days when my manager would sit by his landline scheduling my dates making sure the 3 films I was shooting for that day shot according to plan. Mobiles have made us busier, Special Effects have made us look more impressive, monitors have made us more conscious, the days of the director asking the cameraman if the shot was good are sadly over, we now have an entire tech station judging whether we can move on or not. So much has evolved, we barely make posters anymore, we now promote our movies online, my industry grows in strength daily, and we just need to not become Robots pretending to be Humans only in films.

Ex: Do you remember the first piece of technology you ever bought and what had been your most treasured tech?
AK: My very first Walkman was my pride & joy which went on running because of Eveready’s long-lasting batteries. That Walkman went everywhere with me, it gave me more pleasure than any technology of today, music makes the world go round, & I could handle any day long as I had my Walkman.

Ex: Tech you wish you had invented or would like to invent?
AK: I want to make an at-home digital camera that detects cancer on the spot. One picture of each family member a week will save lives. So, no one will have to go through the agony I did, when I found out that we caught my Father’s cancer too late. Simple, easy, affordable and safe, that’s my tech dream!!

Ex: How do you associate yourself with Eveready other than being their Brand Ambassador?
AK: I like to be involved with brands that either has a past, present or future connected with me. I can’t sell something I don’t believe in, wouldn’t swallow, use or want my children to have. Eveready batteries have especially been a part of my life since my childhood because in my day there were no chargers, life was incomplete without batteries.

Ex: We are excited and can’t wait for you to walk the Tech Fashion Tour powered by Eveready? What do you think of the amalgamation of Tech and fashion?
AK: I actually can’t wait to see this amalgamation in action!!

QUICKIES

One thing that you just can’t stand:
Negativity.
Must have gadget that’s not your phone or laptop:
My Portable Speaker.
Any unusual App which we can find in your phone:
A plane landing game where I get to land all kinds of aircraft.
One gadget you can’t wait to get your hands on:
A Helicopter.
Apart from you, what differentiates Bollywood from Hollywood:
Budgets.
Sports you play:
Anything with a ball.
In cars do you like Sedan or SUV – Tell us the cars that you own and perhaps the jet or a seaplane you are planning to buy:
I’m an SUV kinda guy, they are light & I can get around Bombay traffic swifter & cheaper. As for my sea plane I’m waiting to see how my next movie pans out, then we’ll see!

Conversation with Vicky Kaushal on Tech , Cars , life ….

After chasing his dream with conviction and staunch perseverance at 31, our cover boy Vicky Kaushal is at a good place in his career. It’s been the start of an incredible year in 2019 with his breakthrough and larger than life persona in ‘Uri‘ which didn’t just strike a chord in the box office rather marked the making of a superstar in the industry. But we would be lying if we say that we didn’t see the actor had worked his smouldering way almost about 4 years ago through his cinematic debut in ‘Masaan‘. The fans have only witnessed cerebral craft considering his work with India’s finest filmmakers like Rajkumar Hirani in ‘Sanju’, Meghna Gulzar in ‘Raazi’ or Anurag Kashyap in ‘Manmarziyaan’.

The actor walks in with his 6 feet tall charisma for our shoot greeting with the most humble smile. As I walk up to him and say ‘Hi, I am Krishti Khound from Exhibit Magazine, and I am here to interview you for our cover story.’ and he replied with his fathom ‘Oh! Surely we will have a long chat then.’ And believe me, it was one.

Exhibit: Your journey from Masaan to Uri of four years in the industry has seen the rise of a maverick star, how do you recall the feeling when you looked at yourself on the screen for the first time?

Vicky Kaushal: The first time I saw myself on the screen was for a film called ‘Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana’ that I had done much before ‘Masaan‘. It was just a cameo; a small part where I was in the film for about 2-3 scenes. That was the first time I saw myself on the big screen. And it was awkward (laughs). You’re highly critical when you’re watching your own work. I never watch my video interviews. I can watch my work or me playing another character but watching me talk about myself? I can’t. That is a very weird feeling. The first time I watched myself on the big screen I had gone there with my family and it was not an industry screening, it was a ticketed show that we went for. So it was special.

Ex: Do you remember your first audition? What was that like?

VK: Absolutely! My first audition was for the film ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag‘. It wasn’t for Farhan Akhtar’s part, but for his friend’s role which eventually got heavily edited from the film. That was the first audition I gave after I got done with assisting Anurag Kashyap for ‘Gangs of Wasseypur‘ and started doing theatre. Honey Trehan, the casting director, was very sweet and encouraging. He gave me about 3 hours to try and make me act but I couldn’t deliver anything. That night I couldn’t sleep thinking that maybe I had taken up the wrong work. I had finished my graduation in Engineering, I had a job letter in hand that I had torn because I wanted to be an actor. And then this is how your first audition goes, where you feel like you don’t know how to act. There are so many things you still have to learn. It was really frightening and it’s an audition I’ll never forget.

Ex: What was the first time you faced any rejection?

VK: The first audition itself I felt rejected (laughs). What I can remember at this point in time are the rejections I have faced during the audition rounds. I have given a lot of auditions, specifically from late 2011 to 2014. ‘Manmarziyaan’ and ‘Uri’ are the only two films that I got without giving a screen test. Apart from that, my selection in a film has happened only after I have given an audition. So yes, I have gone through my fair share of rejections but you don’t really take it to your heart or take it in a way that pulls you down. At that time, you’re so fragile and tender that an opportunity to work can mean so much.

Ex: Does acting liberate you?

VK: Yes it does, so much that sometimes you are not prepared for it. Acting liberates you, it gives you happiness, it gives you sorrow, it reminds you of your past but the most important thing that it does is that it makes you understand different perspectives. Sometimes you get to know of that perspective by chance in real life but here, it’s our job to understand the perspectives of all the characters we play, believe in them, not judge them and then live them. So what happens for me as Vicky Kaushal is that after every experience, after playing every character and being a part of every film, my horizon of understanding the world and people around me keeps extending, keeps getting pushed and that is great for my own evolution, my own growth as a human being. That, I feel is one of the most beautiful things about being an actor.

Ex: Did your father’s profession play an influence on you when you were growing up?

VK: Not really, my career choices were never dependent on his profession. Maybe subconsciously because I have heard those terms from childhood about films and cameras. I was fascinated by it on a subconscious level because I was active on stage. It was always a hobby that I never really thought could turn into a profession. And how my dad being in the same profession, at least as a technician in the film industry, helped me was that I was never delusional. My reason for entering the industry was not that glitter and glamour because I know the hardships that go behind it. I was prepared for the obstacles and the hardships that were to come my way.

Ex: With an experience of 11 films, you have managed to play diversified characters. What validates your choice of scripts?

VK: I follow my heart. My gut validates my choices. I feel, for any artist especially those who pour their heart and soul into their job, it’s very important to really feel a ‘yes’ about that project. I can’t dive into a project with a doubt in my brain or heart. For me, firstly I go by the instinct of me as an audience; if I read something and I really want to talk about it to people who are near and dear to me, it’s a yes. If it moves me in a certain way, it’s a yes. Then comes the consequent interest in who the director is, who the producers are and where the set up is; all of that stuff becomes secondary.

Ex: Out of the characters you’ve played on screen, which are the characters that come closest to you?

VK: I think there are two and they are quite different from each other but both were characters I could explore inside me. It would be ‘Deepak’ from ‘Masaan’ and ‘Vicky Sandhu’ from ‘Manmarziyaan’. Both, I feel those are two shades I connect to. At some times I connect to the ‘Deepak‘ and at some point, I really connect to ‘Vicky Sandhu‘. But I don’t know when which one comes out but yes, I could understand them.

Aditya Roy Kapur Reigning His Way Forward

He is an alchemy of talent, hard work, passion, and effortlessness. Aditya Roy Kapur started his career as a VJ was very content with his job, had no plans of getting into the movie industry, yet has earned all his praise as an actor of this generation. His 2013 musical romantic hit Aashiqui 2 proved that surely a star was born for which he garnered most of the acting awards. Aditya’s upcoming movie ‘Kalank’ with Dharma production promises nothing less than a spectacular experience for his viewers. And believe us, we cannot wait to see him on the big screen again. Aditya Roy Kapur on our April cover spilling the beans of stardom and more.

Ex: Congratulations and good luck with your upcoming movie Kalank. How does it feel when the movie is due to release in less than 2 weeks
ARK: Kalank will be in the theaters in 2 weeks and I cannot be more excited about it. I have prepared very hard for the role and cannot wait for the audience to give their love to this movie.

Ex: The cast in Kalank is quite a diverse one. What was your fondest memory from the sets of the movie?
ARK: I think we were a bunch who used to take our work very seriously. We used to go to set on time, give our shot and leave, we were damn boring that way.

Ex: Social media has become an inseparable part of an actor’s life. Was there any reason that you thought of before joining Instagram?
ARK: I am less on Instagram now, that I am on Instagram. I don’t spend so much of my time in it. It is a crazy place to be. It’s obviously nice to be in here but I like it best when I connect and disconnect to it automatically.

Ex: You are aware of the pros and cons of the social media world, how much does it affect you as an actor?
ARK: I don’t like to think so much about social media. I get to post a lot about my movies or projects and I appreciate the responses from my fans be it good or bad.

Ex: Are you a fitness freak? What is your current fitness regime like
ARK: I won’t call myself a freak but yes I am very careful with what I am eating. The motto is to ‘shut your mouth’ (laughs) by that I mean you have to control your diet. The challenge is to consistency and discipline on your diet with an hour and a half workout every day is necessary. And I tend to follow it quite religiously.

Ex: The world is slowly progressing towards tech. How do you think technology has affected film-making in recent times?
ARK: Film-making and technology are intertwined. It has changed with the evolution of technology. We are being able to make films at huge scales more effectively with lesser time and budget. Filmmakers are able to fulfill their imagination, now you can say ‘if you can think it, you can make it’.

Ex: Do you think the days ahead are going to be technology dominated? What do you think?
ARK: If you look from outside technology has changed everything in the world. In the film industry from your cameras to special effects. Tech is going leaps and bounds improving every year. Technically our industry is at the best place it has ever been, our films are looking better than ever before.

Ex: We know of your undying love for cars. If you had to drive down where would you go?
ARK: Yes I love cars and driving but Mumbai is not the best city for a drive in. But yes I took a road trip to the West coast of America, it was beautiful.

Ex: Are you into gaming?
ARK: Yes of course I am but not an addict. I own a PS4 and I absolutely enjoy it.

Ex: India is becoming a hub of startups. Have you ever considered investing or mentoring in any?
ARK: It is something that has a lot of potential to grow considering especially in India because of our youth with so much talent and a fresh mind. I would definitely consider investing in it.

Ex: What would be your piece of advice for struggling actors, who are still trying to make a mark?
ARK: Just keep giving your best and put out your best shoe forward. Sometimes just working hard and getting experience leads to one thing from another because after a certain point you can’t plan anything. It is very difficult to expect that you will get a perfect start or launch at the beginning of your career but you have got to push yourselves no matter how much failure pulls you down.

QUICKIES

A gadget you are currently in love with?
Apple airpods
Whom do you stalk the most on Instagram?
Everyone eventually
One fashion trend you follow religiously?
I create my own trend
Your current celebrity crush?
No one actually
If you had a superpower what would that be?
I would love to fly or to teleport myself
A book that you want to read again?
Asterix
The idea of a perfect vehicle?
Something very light that can move around easily in the traffic
A rumor about you wished was true?
That I was some Prince

Subscribe to our channel for more – Exhibit Magazine