RS: Volvo XC 40 Recharge is all about sustainability and our issue as well. So, tell me, what has been your experience with an electric car? Have you ever driven an electric car?
Rakul Preet Singh: Yes, but very briefly. However, I want to make my next buy an electric one because we all need to be more responsible towards the planet, and sustainability starts from the smallest things. I’m not saying everyone should buy an electric car, but whoever has the ability to or has the awareness should make that switch. I think we need to have more electric charging stations, and a lot of people would switch to electric.
RS: if you have to go on a road trip with Volvo XC 40 Recharge, where would you go and who would you like to take along?
Rakul: I would drive to Goa or Delhi to Bombay once that expressway is ready, and I would take somebody who could give me a hand in driving, for instance, my friends from the “Spark”. Well, we have a group of five people called Spark, and I would take the entire Spark with me because we are sparks in each other’s life.
RS: How do you maintain your healthy work-life balance?
Rakul: Yeah, it’s all about what your priorities are. I choose a healthy lifestyle as it’s a way of life. It’s not something that I take pressure for. In fact, on the contrary, if I don’t find time for myself, whether it’s my workout or my little peace with myself, then I get very edgy. Also, you can always find time for things you love and prioritise. In easy words, people are busy, but they find time to watch TV, they find time to party, but they don’t find time to work out. So it’s just priorities.
Ramesh: Any tips for staying motivated?
Rakul: You will be motivated if you’re very passionate about something. You don’t need tips for it. Like, there’s a fire up my belly all the time, 24×7, because I love my job and want to do a lot more. Have you seen my Twitter header? It says Build a life you don’t need a vacation from. I love my work; I want to go to shoot every day and be in front of a camera every day, that’s my sanity, and if I take a break, I get anxious.
Ramesh: Do you read books?
Rakul: I do. I am more of a spiritual reading sort of person. So one of my all-time favourite books is The Power of Now. Then there’s Cosmic Consciousness, which is a beautiful book.
Ramesh: Do you read e-books, and what about audiobooks?
Rakul: No, I read on paperback. Anybody who’s a reader will prefer to avoid reading e-books. I tried audiobooks during the lockdown, but my problem with audiobooks is that if I don’t like your voice, I will not listen to it. I think reading is how your brain processes and absorbs the information the book offers. So, for me, reading is a very personal affair, and I can’t read in public. I need absolutely pin-drop silence. I can watch content from anywhere, but when I’m reading, I need to be alone at home because otherwise, I feel I’m not doing a good job; I’m missing something that the author said. I feel like I’m with the book or connected with the matter or the material of the book only when I’m in my piece, in my space, alone; it’s also giving respect to the author.
Ramesh: You have been involved in a lot of philanthropic activities. Tell us more about that.
Rakul: Whatever I’ve done in the past is something I will keep doing again to give back a little to society. When COVID was at its peak, there was a village of 500 families near Gurgaon that I had adopted, which I haven’t shared in the media. We put caterers in our house on the terrace, and every day my dad went and gave the food to the people. Then I love to educate people, especially young girls. Currently, there are four girls I’m helping with their education, and all these girls are my house help’s daughters living in the village while their mothers work in the city.
Ramesh: What are your thoughts about sustainability?
Rakul: I’ll be frank, I’m also new to sustainability, but this is a conversation we must have more often because it has been trending for the last two or three years, mainly since COVID-19 struck the planet. While we were in lockdown, the air became purer, but as we stepped out again, we were back to square one. The climate change is extreme; we’re already running out of water, the Antarctic is melting, and there’s summer in the Arctic region. We should not make a complete switch, but we can always start making efforts with small contributions in our daily lives. In the last couple of years, I started refusing new plates after a one-course meal by saying, “I’m good with my plate. Do we change our plates at home?”
Ramesh: You have a big army of 23 million followers on Instagram. Tell us about your journey to the film industry ?
Rakul: I’m highly thankful to all those 23 million people who have given me love and been my great pillars of support ever since I started my journey because my journey has been of someone who had no clue about the industry. I came from an Army background, somebody who didn’t know about films at all. Yaariyan was my first Hindi film, and then I started working in the Telugu industry. I always wanted to be an actor, and the journey began when I was 18. At first, I started modelling, and within a month of my pictures being shot and circulated, someone saw my pictures, and they called my dad and said, we want to cast her in a film. At that point, I was unaware of any film industry except Bollywood; hence I refused the offer. However, when they called back, I said yes to the movie just for pocket money and wanted to be the first one who buys a car in my friend circle. Then I moved to Bombay when I was 20, started auditioning, standing in Aaram Nagar queues, trying to reach out to people, driving from Kandivali to Bandra every single day as a routine, whether I have meetings or not, in the hope that I would crack something and then I cracked the Yaariyan. I signed a Telugu film after that, which became a hit, and before I knew it, I signed a lot of other films. The journey began when I thought that let me be a star in one place rather than a struggle in the other, and then I focused on Telugu films until I felt that, okay, I’ve worked with everyone, and it’s time to change the ground.
Ramesh: Who do you look up to?
Rakul: If there’s one person, and I’ve said this many times, that I truly look up to is my father because, being an army man, he comes with a lot of sense of dignity and discipline and just the way he is and his personality. You can talk to him about anything under the sun, whether it’s world politics, regional politics, wine or anything.
Ramesh: Tell me something, any quotes or phrases that peps you up on a daily basis?
Rakul: Well, there’s a quote in my living room which says, people who tried to bury you didn’t know you were a seed. So it’s something I see every time I eat my meal in the dining room, and it’s a real motivator.
Ramesh: What parting words would you like to say to our readers?
Rakul: Thank you so much to all of you who supported me and also all the readers of Exhibit; this drive interview in the Volvo XC 40 Recharge has been really fun. And yes, this issue is all about sustainability, so all of you should take small steps towards a sustainable self, towards a sustainable nation and make small changes.
I want to make my next buy an electric one because we all need to be more responsible towards the planet, and sustainability starts from the smallest things
With his soulful voice, catchy tunes, and engaging lyrics, Guru Randhawa has taken the Punjabi music industry by storm and has won the hearts of millions of fans not just in India but across the globe. Besides being a musician, he is a tech-savvy individual who has leveraged the power of technology to reach out to his fans and grow his fan base, along with experimenting with new-age music production techniques.
His ability to blend traditional Punjabi folk music with contemporary pop beats is a testament to his innovative spirit and willingness to embrace new technologies. In this exclusive interview, we delve deeper into Guru Randhawa’s journey as a musician and his thoughts on the intersection of music and technology. We explore the various aspects of his work that have made him a household name in the Indian music industry.
Exhibit: What was it like working with Kapil Sharma on your latest song?
Guru Randhawa: It is always great working with artists whom you admire. Kapil Paaji has been a dear friend since I’ve known him. I love his work, and it was great to collaborate with him on his debut song. While I was shooting for Kapil Sharma’s show, we discussed the idea of making a song together, and I’m glad to see it come to life. The response has been really great as well.
Ex: How do you think the driving experience has changed over the years as technology and electric vehicles have become more prevalent?
Guru: I think advances in fields of technology are happening at a rapid rate, and the future of cars is electric. In fact, we see a lot of that in developed countries, and it’s making its way to IndiGuru: Driving cars has indeed become a seamless experience with assistance like ADAS and many more.
Ex: Out of all your songs, which one holds the most emotional value for you?
Guru: My recent song, “Alone”, is very emotional, and I’m currently enjoying that.
Ex: Are there any songs or albums you think are particularly suited for driving, and why?
Guru: I like listening to soundtracks of Hans Zimmer, I enjoy Weekend’s music on drives, some Punjabi legends, and trying out new artists as well.
Ex: You’ve been in the music industry for over a decade now. How has the journey been? And what advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting out?
Guru: Yes. I’m grateful for everything. God has been kind, and it’s all a blessing! I’m thankful to my fans for their undivided support. Honestly, I’ve grown so much as an individual and artist. Overall, it’s been an enriching experience for me and very special too. As I said, I started my career as an independent artist and always kept at it. I believe one should never give up, keep putting in that effort, and love what you do, even if it is challenging. Consistency transcends into success.
Ex: How does the experience of driving a car compare to performing on stage or recording music?
Guru: Yes, both activities involve adventure and thrill. Sometimes both are really relaxing as well. Each day is a new experience that I look forward to.
Ex: You’ve collaborated with many different artists over the years, from Pitbull to Jay Sean. Who would you like to work with next, and why?
Guru: I would love to collaborate with Bruno Mars because I absolutely love his music.
Ex: Your music often blends traditional Punjabi sounds with modern beats and rhythms. How do you balance these two influences in your work?
Guru: I think it comes to me naturally, maybe because I was born in a village in Punjab and later moved to Delhi for higher studies. So I think both places have had their influences on my music and style.
Ex: Your song “Lahore” became a massive hit, with over 1 billion views on YouTube. Did you expect it to become so popular, and what do you think made it resonate with so many people?
Guru: Well, I think it is the simplicity of the song that makes it easier for people to connect.
Ex: You’re known for your energetic live performances. How do you prepare for a show, both mentally and physically?
Guru: Yes, of course, we work hard on our live shows regarding a set list, rehearsals and production. Not just for live shows, but otherwise, on a regular basis, I take care of my health.
Ex: Do you think there is a connection between music and driving, and if so, how would you describe it?
Guru: Yes. Music has a connection with everything. It’s the rhythm of life. It enhances the state of mind and is the best company while driving. I like listening to my songs first in the car, which gives me the right feel about them.
Ex: What makes you smile, and what scares you the most?
Aditya Seal: Nature makes me smile the most as I am the happiest on a mountain, and letting down people and hurting people I love scares me the most.
Ex: Any recent gadget trick that you discovered on your smartphone or laptop?
AS: It’s more to do with an app, to be honest. I didn’t really know how to make reels and always thought its a HUGE task. Until I recently made one, and now I think I’m hooked on it.
Ex: Where did you grow up, and what were you like as a kid?
AS: I grew up in JB Nagar Andheri East and lived in a society with many kids of my age and many friends. I studied at Hiranandani Foundation School and made friends there that are my friends until today. As a kid, every day was like coming back from school and deciding what time to go down to play. We used to play cricket and football most of the time but also the games that today’s kids may not have heard of. So it was a happy and content childhood.
Ex:What’s the most exciting tech news you’ve read or seen this week?
AS: I think the iPhone 14, it has made a lot of news.
Ex: What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a celebrity?
AS: Advantages are galore – love and adulation are the first and foremost. I get to travel the world, and it’s easier to meet people who I have always idolised. It’s a good feeling when someone says that my story or I inspire them, but there’s always pressure to be known. No mistake that you make goes unnoticed. There’s pressure to be right because you don’t know who you could, knowing or unknowingly, influence.
Ex: What got you into acting, and what’s your most embarrassing childhood memory?
AS: My father showed me the door to acting. Falling in love with it was totally on me. Also, I started at 14, so I fell in love quite early in life. There’s a memory that embarrassed me then but not anymore. I was a kid who had fallen sick at school, and my parents had to pick me up. The only thing was they found me sleeping on a girl’s lap who was my classmate.
Ex: What has been your best/worst date?
AS: My best date was with Anushka in Paris, on her birthday, on a cruise on the river seine, looking at the Eiffel tower, Notre Dame and many more spots over the city. My worst date was with a girl I had met for the first time. I thought she was very attractive, but then she started talking and wouldn’t stop. And I wanted to cut the date short. I drove back as fast as I could cause she started singing loudly in the car.
Ex: What are your favourite and least favourite technology products, and why?
AS: My Favourite has to be the cell phone. My least favourite also has to be the cell phone because I feel I get lost in it for hours once I unlock it. And it also makes me feel much more disconnected from people I used to meet with more often.
Ex: What is your creative process like, and have you ever dealt with performance anxiety?
AS: My process involves a lot of questions to the writer and director. I need to understand their vision of the character and the film. I try and read the script as many times as I can. After that, I sit down and develop a back story, and all the answers just come flowing. I think I had performance anxiety while working on Rocket Gang because, for the first time, I had done so much dancing and a lot of focus was on me while I was doing it.
Ex: How did you mentally handle yourself when you were new in the industry, and any advice for the strugglers?
AS: I always told myself I am a good performer and that rejection doesn’t mean they dont like you. It only means they don’t like you for that particular role. I always had my father supporting and pushing me. I have always manifested a good life, and I know everything will eventually work out. That’s my mantra. My only advice to aspiring actors is to sit down and actually ask yourself if you truly want to be an actor for the love of it or because of the perks. If you love what you do, no work seems like work, and no boundaries seem like boundaries. You will push yourself to get there. And this is for any profession. But even if there’s a slight hesitation, re-evaluate.
Ex: What is your favourite memory from your time on set, and is there any interesting behind-the-scenes story you would like to share?
AS: My favourite memory would be from Ek Chhotisi Love Story. There was a lady, Saroj Bhargawa ma’am, who played my grandmother in the film. She was very old and very sick and had a nurse on set with an oxygen tank. Sometime back in the day, my director, Shashilal Nair sir, had seen her perform in a play and had promised her a film. That time came when she was so old. As life would have it, she completed the film and finished her dubbing but passed before the release. She held on till that long only because she wanted to fulfil her dream. That incident taught me a lot of things even though I was just a kid.
Ex: What’s the weirdest thing you have read/seen about yourself on social media or entertainment news sites that isn’t real but was trending in the media?
AS: For some reason, Wikipedia and IMDb feel that I am a part of every film that’s being made. They have randomly put my name in films like 99 songs, Ghoomketu and some film with Tapsee. I dont know where they get this information from.
Quickies:
Would you date a fan?
Why not!
What is your go-to attire?
Blue jeans, white tee, white sneakers, or an all-black attire
Who is your celebrity crush?
Konkana Sen Sharma & Anne Hathaway
Your favourite app?
Instagram and WhatsApp
Gadget you can’t live without?
Cell phone (love-hate relationship)
Are you a bookworm? If yes – any suggestions for your fans?
Nope, not at all. But there’s a self-help book called ‘ask and it’s given’, which has greatly benefited me.
Who is the messiest person you know?
Me
What’s your favourite place to eat in Mumbai?
My childhood favourite restaurant – Sai Palace and Kofuku
What celebrity would you rate as a perfect 10?
Hrithik Roshan
What would be a good theme song for your life?
And I’m feeling good – Michael Buble
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Love what you do, and it doesn’t feel like work
Which celebrity would you like to swap places with?
Ex: What makes you smile, and what scares you the most?
Karan Kundrra: The simplest things make me smile, like when I notice people meeting each other after a long time, especially at the airports. Also, when I’m in my car, and I see people walking hand in hand. The fact is that these emotions are genuine, and I have a knack for grabbing real emotions. What scares me the most is the exact opposite of this. I’ve noticed that people are fake and pretend to be another person, and these types of people scare me. Besides this, I think my biggest fear would be being taken for a ride. I have a tendency to trust people very easily, but I like that about me because that’s why I have the most amazing people around me.
Ex: What is tech & lifestyle according to you?
KK: I think our lives are surrounded by tech, from working out in the gym to relying on a smartwatch to figure out what you’ve done, how much you’ve done, how many calories you’ve burnt to almost everything; we are connected with technology. I believe it’s the best time to be alive, and everything that you want to do can be done with technology. When you’re hungry? Tech helps you to order food online. Want to gain knowledge? Tech allows you to look out for it. Basically, anything you want can be accomplished with the help of technology.
Ex: Any recent gadget trick that you discovered on your smartphone or laptop?
KK: Yeah, it’s hilarious because I keep losing my phone, and so does my girlfriend. I’ve realized that if you call out ‘Hey Siri’ to find the phone and Siri goes like ‘Uhh’. Otherwise, I have my watch, and I can tap on a button to find my phone, and the phone starts flashing. But the easiest way to find the phone is to say, ‘Hey Siri’, and Siri goes like, ‘Uhh’. I mean, it’s a very simple hack, but yeah, it’s pretty cool.
Ex: Where did you grow up and define the technology of the time when you were a kid?
KK: I grew up in Punjab, and I’ve grown up with computers around me. When I was less than ten years old, I got my first computer which had a hard drive of 1.9 MB and later, in 1996, I got my hands on a laptop for the first time. I’m from the modem time when we used to have dial-up Internet, and Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited was the only source of the Internet at that time. The first Internet that I ever used was actually a call that I made from Punjab to Delhi.
Ex: What’s the most exciting tech news you’ve read or seen this week? And do you intend to invest in one?
KK: I’m a big fan of FPV drones, so I think there’s this one particular FPV drone, which is now, I think, they’re making available in India because it comes under the small drone category. About investing, absolutely. I already have two drones – the Mavic Pro, a full-fledged drone with the Hazard lens, and another one, a DJI drone, but there’s an FPV with DJI as well, which I want to import.
Ex: What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a celebrity?
KK: We get a lot of free stuff, and if you’ve seen my Instagram, I do a lot of tech endorsements, like phones and watches and everything. I’ve worked with brands like Vivo, Samsung, and Apple. They always send in their best phones for me, I was the first one to get the Galaxy Foldable phone. I was the first guy to get it. About disadvantages, privacy is one of the concerns for every celebrity because we’re in the public domain. Anybody hiding behind the phone, making a fake ID, can come and say whatever they want to say to you. They can demean your family and your love, and you can’t do much about it.
Ex:What has been your best date?
KK: The one with my girlfriend. The day she got out of the Bigg Boss house, of course, after winning the show. She finished off everything that she had to do because I wanted her to have her glory. And then she landed at my house because we didn’t even have each other’s numbers. We didn’t know where we lived. So she’s threatened one of the production guys to get her to my house. It was about 6:30 in the morning, she came to my house, and we went for a drive and had some roadside tea.
Ex: What are your favourite and least favourite technology products, and why?
KK: If it’s the least favourite, why would I even have it? About my favourite technology product, it has to be my smartphone. I literally operate everything through my phone, be it finances, be it my call times, be it my deals, be it my construction thing that’s going on.
Ex: What’s the weirdest thing you have read/seen about yourself on social media or entertainment news sites that isn’t real but was trending in the media?
KK: I read a lot of bad stuff about myself, and this has been happening since the start of my career. I’ve been married, I’ve done all sorts of shows, and these are not even speculation, these were proper articles.
Ex: How was your first experience while playing international-level cricket?
Shubman: I was in New Zealand, and the first experience of playing international cricket was great, except for the fact that we, as a team, got all out for 90 odd runs while playing against New Zealand. The game was very short as they chased down the target very quickly. We lost the match, but the experience was definitely worth it.
Ex: At what age did you start playing cricket? And what is your best memory of playing cricket in your childhood?
Shubman:I started playing cricket when I was three, and my father saw me while I was playing the game, and that’s when he realized my potential and decided to work on my game. About my favourite memory – there was this game called BEAT where you play in a net and don’t need any ground. When I was a kid, I used to play that a lot with my friends.
Ex: What kind of struggles did you have while growing up as a budding cricketer?
Shubman:The struggles that I had while growing up were mostly about facilities, and that’s when my dad decided to shift along with me to Chandigarh, which was predominantly a much better city in terms of facilities. I was very young when we moved to Chandigarh, and I used to play most of my cricket in older groups. The struggle didn’t end here; sometimes, I had to travel by bus alone, going to different cities, and when you don’t have your friends on the team, it gets a bit intimidating. Also, there weren’t many places where I could practice on my own, so I usually used to wake up at three in the morning and practice for a couple of hours from 4-6 in the morning before the academy hit the ground.
Ex: What is your opinion about the current bench strength of the Indian cricket team?
Shubman: I think the current bench strength of the Indian cricket team is magnificent. We have almost two to three players competing for the same position, which makes us one of the strongest cricket teams in the world. However, for a player, it is a very challenging scenario because if you don’t perform well in a couple of games, or a series, there are always two to three players waiting for their chance. I think that keeps you on your toes all the time, and you don’t take any game lightly. You play with all you have and give your everything every time you play for the nation.
Ex: What sort of a relationship do you have with Rahul Dravid? And how would you describe the team culture since he joined as a coach?
Shubman: I have a special bond with Rahul Dravid sir, and my relationship with him has been quite honest and splendid because he’s been with me from my U19 days. He is someone that doesn’t hesitate to tell me anything, be it about my cricket or anything off the field. Since he’s taken over as a coach, the team culture is more communicative regarding what he wants from the players and what players want from themselves.
Ex: You recently won your first one-day international man of the series award; how was that feeling? And in the last couple of years, where exactly do you think you have improved as a batsman overall?
Shubman: The feeling was quite good when I won the man of the series against West Indies, and talking about my improvement as a batsman, I would say I have gained a lot of experience over the past couple of years while playing international cricket and it has helped me a lot.
Ex: What do you do to motivate yourself when you go through a bad patch?
Shubman:I try to stick to the process, and I try to think about things, what I was doing when I was performing well, and try to go back to the basics and get back into the process.
Ex: What is it like opening with and playing under Shikhar Dhawan, with whom you’ve had a 119-run opening stand?
Shubman: Shikar Bhai has a flamboyant personality and is very encouraging. No matter the situation, he would tell the other person or the other batsman to be patient, and there’s always more time than you think there is. So in terms of that, it’s very helpful when you are under the pump sometimes.
Ex: How would you describe the importance of tech in modern-day cricket?
Shubman: I think it’s helpful if you want to see anyone’s recent performances, what they’ve been doing, and where they have been bowling. In terms of that, it’s pretty useful — me as a player and a batter, I don’t go too much into it, but it is definitely worthwhile.
Ex: I believe you’re strict about your diet. What do you eat to stay fit and fine?
Shubman: I don’t have a set plan, but there are certain things that I definitely avoid. Like, when I’m at home, I prefer Bajra rotis over Wheat. Then, I don’t eat anything gluten and try to eat as many vegetables and fibres. I would probably eat red meat, grilled vegetables or fish twice or thrice a week.
Ex: How much consistency is required to be on top of your game? And do you think being a sportsperson has changed your life?
Shubman: Yeah, I think being a sports person has definitely changed my life in terms of discipline. About consistency, you can never really be on top of your game. So, it’s all about being consistent, even if it’s your diet, even if it’s your performance, your process, or your practice. If you’re consistent, you will get the results sooner or later.
Ex: Do you have any advice for young people who want to start a sports career, particularly cricket?
Shubman: I feel hard work and being consistent in that hard work is one thing that gives you an edge over others who are not as consistent. I don’t consider practising too much as hard work because it’s something that I love doing and want to do. So, if you are willing to put in a lot of effort and like something from your heart, the sky’s the limit.
Quickies:
What’s your favourite shot? – Pull
Three gadgets you can’t live without? – iPad, my phone and my smartwatch
A historic cricket match you would have loved to play in? – 2011 World Cup final
How would you describe your batting style in three words? – Aggressive, Flawless and Flamboyant
When judges asked her during the final question and answer round of Miss World 2017, “Which profession should receive the highest salary in the world?” she responded, “A mother”, and we all knew what happened ahead. The young lady was crowned Miss World 2017, and she’s none other than our very own Manushi Chhillar, who’s recently roped in by UNDP to spread awareness and all set to get the biggest launch in Bollywood opposite superstar Akshay Kumar in Prithviraj.
Ex: You have taken over the world quite literally, how would you like to describe your journey?
Manushi:I would describe my journey as fun, exciting, and I think it was like an adventure ride because there was so much I got to do in life, and there’s so much growth that I’ve seen in the last four years. But I think most importantly, it’s been a vast learning experience for me because I got to experience a lot of things at a very young age. Whether it was travelling, meeting different kinds of people, or meeting world leaders to the most underprivileged of a particular society. So I think it’s been a fascinating journey, and there’s been a lot of learning.
Ex: What is your favourite Mumbai street food?
Manushi: I think Bombay is incomplete without its Vada Pav, and I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad Vada Pav in Bombay.
Ex: Most people perceive that you need to be an exceptional beauty to hold a title like ‘Miss World or Miss Universe. How would you describe the term beauty?
Manushi: I believe that beauty for me is being unapologetically yourself and being who you are. We’re all unique, and we can all stay unique as long as we are ourselves. And when you talk about Miss Pageants, like Miss World, I’d say that they are not about being an exceptional beauty, but they’re about recognizing the fact that all of us, including all the contestants and everyone else, are exceptional beauties.
Ex: What do you do for a digital detox?
Manushi:My digital detox is usually on the days when I’m not working because on the working days, there’s always something or the other that’s happening on the phone, and all the communication happens over there. However, I love taking at least one day off a week and doing something that I love doing, maybe painting. And when I’m in that zone, I usually don’t need any gadgets, or I don’t even look at my phone. I travel a lot, but I click very few pictures because I don’t like to have my phone on me when I’m travelling. Unless, of course, you need to make an urgent call. So my holidays are my digital detox because I don’t like being on my phone. Otherwise, when I’m on set and when I’m working, except for the parts that I’m shooting, I need my phone.
Ex: What is your average screen time on a daily basis?
Manushi: My average screen time keeps varying. There are days when I only spend an hour on my phone, and I’m not kidding, but then there are days when this goes up to almost 8 hours a day. So basically, it depends on what kind of day I’m having.
Ex: Manushi, you have inspired many young women, but who has been your inspiration all this while?
Manushi: I think it’s really sweet and humbling when people tell me that I have in some way added value or inspired them in life. But for me, I’ve had a lot of great men and women that I’ve looked up to growing up. And the constant has been my parents. I think they are two individuals that I really look up to, and I absolutely adore, and I’ve always tried to become someone like my mother.
Ex: What is that one cause you always stand up for and believe everyone should come together?
Manushi: I have always strongly felt for health and hygiene, especially for women, because I believe that if the woman of a family is healthy and learns the right hygiene, that impacts the entire family. She makes sure that the entire family is healthy and entire family knows how to practice good hygiene. So for me, female health and hygiene have always been essential. And I think that is something which I wish is very basic and I hope that it’s something that a lot more people in the world would take up.
Ex: What is the most expensive piece of gadget you own, and what is that one gadget besides your phone, of course, that you believe holds great importance in your life or home?
Manushi:The most expensive piece of gadget that I own is my watch because I love how mechanical watches work and how they use kinetic energy in order to make sure that the watch runs for a longer time. I absolutely love that whole idea, so it has to be my watch. A gadget that holds great importance in my life or home besides my phone would definitely be my iPad and AirPods because I really can’t go anywhere without them. I think our houses are now so dependent on gadgets, whether it’s a good television set or great speakers. There are so many gadgets that go into the kitchen and, of course, your air conditioning. All of these gadgets have evolved so quickly over time. So it would be challenging for me to pick just one crucial device for homes.
Ex: Three things you do to keep yourself calm during stressful times.
Manushi: There are many things that help me keep calm during stressful times but talking about the top three – The first one is a form of physical activity, whether it’s cycling, taking a long walk somewhere around nature or working out or dancing. Physical activity helps release all the endorphins I need during a stressful day. The second has to be painting as it has a long-lasting effect on my mood, and I always feel very calm when I paint. And the third is spending time with family and loved ones.
Ex: Every actor takes something away from the character they portray. What do you take away from your first film Prithviraj?
Manushi:My takeaway from my first film, Prithviraj, would be the fact that Sanyogita is the first character that I will be portraying on screen and the first character that I prepared for a film. And I feel like a lot of situations that she was put in and a lot of opinions that she had or emotions that she felt were very new to me as an individual who had not experienced such a situation in life. So it took a lot of understanding because I had to justify her actions to myself before I could justify her actions to the world in front of the camera. Also, there’s a lot to learn from that girl who had a transition from being a Princess to being a Queen and standing up for what she believed was right. And more than anything else, your first film, your first experience, teaches a lot to you. And I only fall in love with the process of filmmaking through Prithviraj.
A Few Quick Bytes
Ex: What do you prefer? Movies or web series?
Manushi:Movies.
Ex: What’s your dream car?
Manushi: One of those convertible red Porsche, those two-seater ones.
Ex: What’s your favourite place to escape to?
Manushi: Currently it would be Paris.
Ex: Where do you stand on the pineapple pizza discourse?
Manushi: I don’t think I stand anywhere because I would rather throw up.
Ex: Are you fond of collectibles? What do you like collecting?
Manushi:Yes, I do like to collect keychains, stickers, and postcards.
Ex: One bizarre dream you remember having recently?
Manushi: Recently, I dreamt that I had broken my phone.
Intro: From being a filmy young boy who started his journey at age 16 to being known as “Ye voi jo gaadia udata hai”, Rohit Shetty’s journey as one of Bollywood’s most successful directors has been nothing short of magical. In a candid interview with Ramesh Somani, Rohit unveils his lesser-known side and first-hand insight into the world behind his lens.
Ramesh Somani: You love powerful machines that tear up the road, and you are unstoppable just like the Jeep. How has been your journey? Rohit Shetty: My journey has been, I would say, adventurous. It was quite filmy, like a boy who starts his journey at 16 and has seen a lot in life. Dad is one of the finest action directors of his time, and I wanted to be like him, so I started doing car stunts at the age of 18. All I ever wanted to be was an action director, so I started with it, and I got to work with Ajay’s father, a renowned action director. I learnt a lot from him, and then I was working as an assistant director. Gradually, it started with being an action director and then every other thing happened with the flow. Before working as an AD, Ajay, with whom I was working, started his production. Then came a turn in my life where he said now you direct a film and that’s how everything happened. That’s why you see in all my movies that cars blow up and action scenes because the action director is still there inside me.
Ramesh Somani: You’ve had a long history with cars. You’ve driven them, blown them apart, sent them hundreds of feet in the air. Which moment is your favourite one among them? Rohit Shetty: I have done more than 100 stunts with a car. We have blown up more than 200 vehicles. To be honest, I have even lost count of it. I also do a show called Fear Factor and because of that, what has happened to me is I love action. I have met the action teams worldwide, like how food lovers meet other food lovers who have the same taste of food or fashion, but I met many action teams when I was doing Fear Factor. At that point, I created my group, which is also from around the world. If there is some specific stunt I want to do or want some stunt guy to do it, I call them from Cape Town, Bulgaria, and multiple places like those and work together. In my latest movie Suryavanshi, I have a bike stunt in which the stunt guy is from Bulgaria. The other for the car stunt is from Cape Town so that’s how these come together and shoot for me. We had a CGI shot with drifting, so they did it. Coming back to your question, the Guinness book of the world record for a topple is for Casino Royale. You will not believe the Bulgarian driver name Kaleem. He was shooting and did a 7 round, but the record is for eight topples, so if we had two more, we would have broken the world record for it.
Ramesh Somani: Do you love adventure and sports? Driving on rugged terrains? What have you been itching to do next? Rohit Shetty: I just want to go to the next level, and now because we have a team, it is like a family. As you say, the world is small. Now we work along with worldwide people. Sometimes we have people from abroad coming here for shoots, and we have our people going there. Hence, I just want to keep increasing the level. If you see the Hollywood projects, they have bigger budgets and more sophisticated equipment, and we here don’t even have a proper drifting school like the ones in South Africa or America. I want to open an action school where people can train, and we can create worldwide drivers under one roof and not only that, I want to expand Hindi cinema when action is concerned.
Ramesh Somani: If you have to take this Jeep to an off-roading destination – where will you dash out to? Rohit Shetty: I have never been to the Himalayas. I would take this Jeep to the Himalayas, and I have not even visited Leh and Ladakh. I think I am the only director who has not shot in Leh and Ladakh.
Ramesh Somani: Which is the most recent car you crashed while shooting, and how did you do it? Rohit Shetty: The most recent car crash was a few days ago, it was a Honda Accord and we were shooting for a noodle ad. There is a team that was working with my father at that time and my team as well. The driver who skids the car is my father’s team member’s son so basically, we have three generations of drivers with us. People think that we topple cars, and it’s straightforward, but that’s not the case. It is a dangerous thing we do, and many mechanisms go under the process. The main priority is the driver’s safety. We put a cage around the car, which is like piping. It’s used so that after the vehicle is toppled, it does not crash. We will make sure the whole unit is safe and precautions are taken. One example of this is we had a stunt with a Lexus SUV, so for that, a lot of things had to be considered, like the engine weight and the platform through which it is going to be jumped. We have to gauge how much speed it should be jumped so that it lands appropriately, and so much science goes behind this. Still, in our country, there is no respect for it.
Ramesh Somani: Difficult people or difficult situations, what’s your mantra to handle them calmly? Rohit Shetty:Difficult people and difficult situations; to be honest, I have not faced anything like that till now. My mantra, though, is that we have to stay firm with difficult people and polite people. At work, you lose your temper sometimes, but it’s natural. My team, which is working with me, has been with me for over five years. They are married and are still working with
me. Some have been working for more than 15 years, so they know my temper.
Ramesh Somani: Your garage is very envious. Let’s start with the Urus. How do you like it and what’s next in your buy? Rohit Shetty:I like the one I am driving right now, the Jeep Wrangler. I am buying the first assembled Indian Wrangler. As our PM says, we should be an Atmanirbhar Bharat, and I am happy and thrilled to be buying this car. It is a great car to drive and the pricing is exceptional. It is how a Jeep should be. The most important thing while driving the jeep is that you should be able to see the bonnet. Another dream car that I have is G63.
Ramesh Somani: What does the word legend mean to you? What do you think are the qualities one must possess to be legendary? Rohit Shetty: It all started gradually. When I started, I wanted to become an action director who was in love with cars since he was a kid. When I started doing stunts for my films after 2-3 movies, I realised that I am becoming like a brand to everyone who connects you with cars. Now people recognise me with “Ye voi jo gaadia udata hai”. But this was not the plan. I was working on my movies, but then I realised I have become like a brand. It is sporadic that what you love becomes your profession, and now that I have reached this position, I feel the most important thing is honesty towards my life, fans, movies. Whatever I do, it has to be honest. My first movie that crossed the 100cr mark was in 2010, and it’s been 11 years since each of my films has crossed that mark. And it’s not that I am some great director. It’s the people I work with, like the actors, technicians and the entire crew, that make it possible.
Ramesh Somani: Movie making requires significant teamwork, and you are the captain, some leadership advice you would like to share? Rohit Shetty: Being a leader, the most important thing is there are a lot of sacrifices involved. If somebody does something wrong, you have to stand by their side and say, I am with you, which makes it unique. As a leader, how my character will be my team will behave accordingly. If my team is working for 18 hours, I’ll see that I am working for 20 hours. The leader has to work more than the team. Another most important thing is to treat them as a family. I make sure that salary and all are fine, but the team also knows that I am there for them whenever they need me.
Ramesh Somani: The pandemic halted the world for the better part of the last year; things are slowly but steadily coming back to normal; how has the return to work been for you? Rohit Shetty: Pandemic hit us all. After a month or so, no one knew what was going on. When will things get to normal? How will things happen from now? I had a company to run, I didn’t know what to do, my film was about to be released, and we had to hold it back because the theatres were shut. I mean, people are still asking when the movie will come, and all, but what I had in mind was that the world wouldn’t get over, right? I went out to shoot Fear Factor in July. I did not meet my family as my mother lives with me, and she is old. I did not want to risk her life, but I was shooting, and life has to move on. That time was also tricky. I had to stay in isolation for 45 days during the shoots, but I started working, and that is the only way, and now if you see we are not out of the pandemic, but people are working currently, going to offices and now we have accepted it that we have to live with it.
Quickies
Ramesh Somani:What do you enjoy more? Directing or hosting? Rohit Shetty: Directing, for sure. Ramesh Somani: If you could sum up your experience as a director in one hashtag, what would it be? Rohit Shetty: #Magical Ramesh Somani: If you could choose just one car for the rest of your life which one would you choose? Rohit Shetty: Range Rover Ramesh Somani:Who is your favourite director that you look up to? Rohit Shetty:There is not just one, but if I have to name a few, Raju Hirani, Shankar, Rajamouli, James Cameron and Michael Bay. Ramesh Somani: One actor/actress you wish to direct? Rohit Shetty: I want to make a full-fledged film with Mr Amitabh Bacchan.
Ramesh Somani:Would you choose an EV or a petrol engine in the long run? Rohit Shetty: It depends. I have not driven an EV. If the EV gives me the same kind of performance as a petrol engine, then definitely go for an EV. Ramesh Somani:What app do you check first when you get up. Rohit Shetty:Instagram Ramesh Somani: Which Books inspire you, and which ones are currently on your reading list? Rohit Shetty: Goldy, Vijay Anand Autobiography. Ramesh Somani: Which are some of the best roads you have driven on? What’s the farthest you have gone or travelled on a single trip? Rohit Shetty: Cape Town, I love the roads there.
Ramesh Somani: There is so much tech that is used in movie-making, especially yours. Tell us some of the cool techs that you use. Rohit Shetty: There are many things, but the most exciting thing we use is a crane named a Boult, it moves within seconds, and then there is this camera I love called the Phantom. Ramesh Somani: Your upcoming film “Cirkus” starring Ranvir Singh recently got a release date of 31 December 2021. How excited are you about the movie? Rohit Shetty:It is quite a mix of all things. It’s based in the ’60s and ’70s, and it’s a funny entertainer. We are trying to get a new feel to it with many special effects, and it’s like a fairy tale world.
Although she has just begun her journey in Bollywood, Kriti Kharbanda is already a star down South where she has been working for 9 long years. From ‘Boni’ in 2009 to now, ‘Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana’ and ‘Veerey Ki Wedding’ in 2018, this Delhi girl has come a long way. In an exclusive chat with Exhibit Magazine, the beautiful Kriti Kharbanda is all heart for gaming and flaunts her gaming quotient like a player!
Ex: What do you think about the ever-changing gaming scenario in India? KK: Gaming is more serious than it used to be. When we were kids, we used to play video games just for fun. But now it can be a serious profession as well. My friend is a professional gamer now. He gets paid to test games (laughs). So yeah it has changed in more ways than one. We had parents telling us not to play video games as there is no future in it. But now they cannot say that as it is a great source of income.
It takes a lot of courage to actually give up everything else and do something in this regard.
Ex: Which is that one mobile game that you are addicted to? KK: You know when Candy Crush had come, I was really addicted to it. Then I remember I used to love Pokemon Go as well. Whenever I used to travel for work or when I was bored, collecting Pokemon was my big-time high. In fact, my mom made me quit as I was that into it.
Ex: Have you ever played PUBG? KK: Yes, I am currently addicted to this game. I started playing it because it was trending all over. The best part about PUB G is that you can play with a real person, unlike other games.
Ex: What is your preferred gaming platform? – Console (PlayStation, WII), PC or Mobile? KK: My PS4 and I are best buddies. My brother got me addicted to it as we both sit and play FIFA together. Something I am really excited about. Sometimes on a day off you really want to be lazy on the couch but at the same time, you do want to keep your mind occupied. So this is like the best way to go about things. So the answer would be the console.
Ex: Tell us about the first game that you ever played in your life. KK: My first game was Super Mario.
I remember playing it with my brother when I was young. I always used to wait for my brother to die soon in the game so that I can play. He purposely used to take a lot of time.
Ex: Kriti And Tech: Tell us about your relationship with technology. KK: I am totally into technology. As I loved gaming and I was always curious to know about the new gadgets that have come into the market. I like to keep myself updated about certain electronic accessories including mobiles, AirPods, speakers, etc.
Ex: How does technology help you ease your life on a daily basis? KK: I think technology has evolved over the years and it certainly plays a major role in everyone’s lives, especially if you consider women safety in today’s time, it’s pretty much sorted, in terms of security cameras installed at almost every public place.
Ex: Do you agree that the future is all about technology? KK: Yes, we are rapidly moving into a progressive and an advanced technology world. Sometimes, it feels that the world is at your feet, with everything you need is at your disposal, all thanks to the technology.
Ex: Any message to our gamer audience? KK: I love the concept of gaming awards as I feel that gamers in India need more encouragement and motivation. So thank you Exhibit for coming up with ‘India Gaming Awards’. All my best wishes to the gamers and the events. I am sure it’s gonna be a super hit!
His brooding eyes stole hearts of many a young girls when he just stepped into the business. While Arjun Kapoor has done a series of toughie roles, somewhere everyone still knows that he is gentle; that he doesn’t boil, he simmers. And that simmering is ineffable.
Coming from a family that is full of names Bollywood is proud of, Arjun Kapoor leaves no stone unturned and continues to maintain the legacy. In a one-on-one with Exhibit, Arjun reveals to us a side we never saw. The techie side.
While Arjun Kapoor is riding high on success with 2 States, he dismisses his contribution saying, “While I’m glad people appreciated my performance, the movie’s success excites me more than my success. It is a great feeling to know that people have accepted the movie and that it was seen a source of wholesome entertainment.”
Being one of the most sought after actors from the new crop, he is one of those actors who started working behind the cameras before they changed sides.
“My first assignment was with Dharma Productions and I was the 6th AD (Assistant Director) on Kal Ho Na Ho. I was basically the one behind the making of the movie; if you go back and watch it, they have even included my name as its Director which was really sweet of them. I got paid ` 3,000 for it and after deducting the tax, it was somewhere close to 2,700”, he ends with a laugh.
This was followed by assisting Director Nikhil Advani on Salaam-E-Ishq and working as an Associate Producer on ‘No Entry’ and ‘Wanted’. Did that help him when he started his career as an Actor? “It did. In retrospect, I know it better as to why things happen the way they do; that if there are 300 people on the set, it is because they are needed. You understand the process and do not act like an outsider. I have been and would like to remain a part of this industry.”
And while the camera loves him, his aspiration also extends to Directing. He wants to be a part of the film making process by all means. But currently, he is on a journey of self-improvisation and wishes to give his best to everything he does. “With each thing one does, the benchmarks keep on raising. My first movie was with YashRaj and that was an achievement by itself. The more I do, the more I feel the urge to better it.”
One might consider him to be shy but he invests, almost preserves, himself for those he loves the most. And Arjun’s love for his mother, Late Mona Kapoor, his Sisters Anshula, Sonam and Rhea and mentor Salman Khan is widely known of. He elaborates, “I think I’ve spoken for Salman bhai a dime a dozen times – of how he has been an emotional support to me and my family and how he has inspired and motivated me and helped me believe in myself. As for my sisters, Anshula, my real sister, is someone who I need all the time. She is that person who I am closest to right now.
As for Sonam, she’s more like a friend. We have the same set of friends since we were in the same school and bond at the same level. We care a lot for each other. As for Rhea, she’s extreme. If ever I need an honest opinion and a critique for my work, she’s there. She is like my mirror. She’s a bohemian. There are times when she will stay away from everyone but she jumps into action whenever I need her. Like the other day I told her that I’ll be shooting and she came with 6 bags of clothes… that’s how she expresses her love.”
There are various shades to Arjun – at times he goes all out in explaining himself and at others, he thinks some matters are “too personal to discuss.” Giving a miss to all such topics, we ask him about his role in his upcoming movie, Finding Fanny. “It’s a Homi Adjania movie so you can expect a complete Homi kind of humour; somewhere on the lines of Being Cyrus. It’s an English-Konkani movie and my co-stars are Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Dimple Kapadia, Deepika Padukone.
Unlike all the roles I’ve played in the past for all the commercial movies, I play the role of Savio Fernandes who is a mechanic and the only one amongst the lot who knows how to drive. All of them are on a road trip to find Fanny, who Naseeruddin Shah is deeply in love with and only realizes a little too late, after 40 years. So it is about the discoveries and revelations that take place while all are together and about what eventually happens. It’s releasing on the 14th of September”, he ends with a smirk.
Arjun Kapoor – Up and Close!
Car that you drive?
Mercedes’ Limited Edition ML 350 CDI. That’s how they sold it to me!
One habit you want to change?
I bite my nails and fidget a lot with my hair, too. These are two habits I want to change.
A word that describes you the best?
Pragmatic.
How do you unwind?
Sleep. With the kind of things I have at hand right now, it is something that I really need.
Could you tell us about your love for gadgets? Which are your must have gadgets and what apps do you use the most?
Phone is something that goes without saying. Since I love watching movies whenever I have time at hand, I have a huge DVD collection and love sticking around with my Blu Ray. PS4 is an indispensable part of this list and my love for it never dies.
Currently I’m always on it because of FIFA’14. Also, I always need a trimmer in order to maintain my stubble. Since, I have a tendency to get addicted to things too soon, I have deactivated my Apple account, otherwise all I will do is download apps. I don’t have an iPhone for the same reason.
Any gadget that you bought and regretted?
I had an iPad that I later replaced with an iPad Mini and frankly there was nothing different about it. I’m finally using the Mini, but I was like ‘What the hell!’
If you were to invent an app for convenience or luxury, which one would that be? A Time machine… I think it’s high time we get one; plus, I’d like to get a phone that walks with me… on a practical level, that is. One that can read my mind, dial numbers of people who I am thinking of, text what I want to… Just so that I don’t have to carry it.
The next gadget that you want to invest in?
I don’t know if you could consider it as a gadget, but it would be the Jukebox that you can connect to your iPhone. It’s already available abroad and I’m waiting for it to arrive in India.
If you could write a biography of one person, who would that be and what would it be called?
My father. It’d be nice to spend some time with him and interesting to know him. I’ll call it ‘My Father’… as simple as that. The title speaks for itself.
What is the most expensive thing you have ever purchased online?
I mostly purchase a lot of plain tees and Blu Ray DVDs online. But recently, I purchased Alexander McQueen Shoes worth ` 90,000 and I’ve not even used it until now.
If you were to get into a tech related profession, which one would that be?
I would be a Car Designer. That’s some cool profession to be in! And this, I say, after watching Rush. I would like to design a Ferrari.Also Read: Undaunted Taapsee Pannu Answers Our Fiery Questions
Leaping forward moment by moment and Tan Tana-ing her way to the top, Taapsee Pannu returns to add her exclusive charm on the Exhibit cover once again. While at that, we revelled in a lot of nostalgia – catching her between shots as she touched her makeup and she bowling us over with her bold aura. But like she said, February wasn’t too far away when we shot her first. So we wonder has anything changed at all?
Well, by the looks of it, it was long enough for Taapsee to become absolutely fit, do multiple films, have a big release under her belt that I’m sure you all know about and mark her “here to stay” spot in Bollywood, too. The last time was an intense conversation about Bollywood, Taapsee as an individual and her strong tech game. So this time, we decided to ask her a bunch of strange questions. But the undaunted Taapsee answered like a Queen and we expected nothing less from this intelligent actress who has been ever so smart in her film choices just like the Hyundai Verna she poses with that’s equally intelligent in design and style.
We took a little tour inside Taapsee’s mind, and it was more entertaining than the Netflix show you’re going to watch today.
Ex: When we shot you in February cut to now – what has changed since we spoke last? Taapsee Pannu: I have reduced a few inches! Apart from that, I’ve had an interesting change over in terms of the film that I’m doing and something totally different coming up. It’s a very good, upbeat phase of my career. Actually from the time I shot for Exhibit the first time, there has been a very interesting up-phase of my career where people have started noticing me much more, not only in terms of the roles and films I’ve been choosing and doing but also beyond films that I’ve been doing. Everything has been going extremely well without a plan.
Ex: You are on a roll and we’re super excited about seeing you in Judwaa 2. How was your experience working in it? TP: It was a very different experience from what I’ve done so far but it wasn’t a new experience because I’ve been doing that kind of big, glamourous films in South. It’s just that in Hindi it’s the first time I’m a doing a film of this scale with all glamour and fun. So that way it is new, I’ve done it after a really long time. It felt nostalgic working with David Sir again because I started my career with him in Hindi so getting to work with him again is a big back to square one kind of a feeling. It actually felt like a continuity coming back to the set because a lot of people are same behind the scene when it comes to David sir.
A lot of different co-stars but the same set. Even the choreographer Ganesh Acharya has been doing the Oonchi hai buildings to the Tan Tana Tans and he choreographed Chashme Baddoor and he’s back here. So there were a lot of deja vu moments being on a David Dhawan set. I think I had my moment of being a quintessential Bollywood heroine – you get to wear the best of clothes, the best dances and be the Diva. So it’s like I had to go through those entrance exams to finally be the Bollywood Diva. It was like a picnic or like a gift you get when you’ve done well where I could just enjoy and be like royalty.
Ex: Tech and Fashion – what do you think of this unique relationship? TP: When you talk about a person who bends towards Technology, we very rarely care about what Fashion is because we’re so into what technology about, what’s new, what’s coming up, what can be changed and rebooted. But when it comes to gadgets, they need to be extremely in sync with Fashion because it becomes a part of your look. So gadgets need to be in sync with Fashion, I feel. That’s where Fashion comes in Technology.
Ex: Who is your fashion role model and why? TP: It has always been Kate Middleton. I’ve always seen her as a fashion inspiration.
Ex: What’s your go-to Fashion trend? TP: Actually I don’t follow trends; it’s more like what you are comfortable in or what you can carry with confidence or with which you can make your own style statement. I don’t keep track of trends actually, my stylist does it for me. I’m very bad at keeping up-to-date with what is going on in the Fashion world right now.
Ex: Name the worst fashion blunder you made. TP: When I went by someone else’s fashion sensibilities, feeling nice about what I was wearing just because I thought that person was better than me. It turned out to be a big blunder because I was not comfortable, it didn’t match my sensibilities and I wasn’t carrying it well.
Ex: What is the best learning you have had as an actress? TP: Just forget that there is a camera. A lot of times people act for the camera, I used to do that too. The moment you forget that there is a camera, you’ll become a better actor.
Taapsee PANNU – the Tech Freak
Ex: Tell us the techiest fact about yourself. TP: That I’m still one of those teenagers or kids who get excited when they see a toy. I still spend 24 hours non-stop whenever I get a new gadget in hand. So I get very excited with my new gadgets.
Ex: The latest gadget you’re trying your hands on? TP: New Macbook Pro
Ex: Best tech you own? TP: Being a traveller, I’m very proud of owning a GoPro because I feel like I don’t need anyone to take my pictures anymore and take some really cool pictures.
Ex: A gadget you can’t wait to get your hands on? TP: I need to get some new Wi-Fi speakers for my place which I can connect to my TV, my phone or computer.
Ex: Favourite App? TP: Right now I’m trying some courier app which can help me deliver couriers without going to a place.
Ex: Thoughts on AI? TP: I want AI to tell me which picture or video out of the lot is better because I always get confused.
Ex: Favourite feature in a phone? TP: That I can multitask in between my mails, calls, messages and pictures.
Ex: A gadget you wish is invented? TP: Time machine.
IF-
Ex: You could live in any era what would it be? TP: I would probably want to go back to 90s. There’s some nostalgia about, that time.
Ex: You were the President for a day what would you do? TP: I would give myself a National Award.
Ex: You had to be stuck on an island, 3 things you’d have with you? TP: I don’t want my phone at that point (laughs). I would want a boat but not to go back home, but to go exploring, a small sleeping bag because I live to sleep and my GoPro!
Ex: You could have one superpower? TP: Travel in time.
Ex: You could master one instrument- Flute TP: Your life was a book, the title would be- Live life Queen size.
THAT ONE-
Ex: Country you’d like to visit? TP: There’s not one. I need to visit many before I die. But the one country I’m really looking forward to seeing is Caribbean because there are so many islands! I want to get stuck on one of the islands there.
Ex: Thing you can’t live without? TP: I think I can live without anything. I’m not over-attached. I know the art of detachment.
Ex: Person who makes you starstruck? TP: Sam Clafflin, Andy Murray and Robert Downey Jr.
Ex: Sci-fi character you wish comes to life? TP: I want all Avengers to come to life. My personal fav is Iron Man. He should come to life and I should get to meet him.
FAVOURITE-
Ex: Movie? TP: I’m a huge X-men fan so it has to be the X men series.
Ex: Cheat food? TP: Chole Bhature or cake.
Ex: Quote? TP:“Jo hota hai ache ke liye hota hai aur acche logon ke saath hamesha accha hota hai” – that is something I always tell myself whenever I feel a little down or out.
Ex: Cocktail? TP: I’m a hopeless teetotaler. I can’t even tell you the difference between any type of alcohol.
THE BEST
Ex: Piece of advice given to you? TP:“Suno sabki karo apni” – by my dad.
Ex: Gift you have given? TP: I think I give the best gifts to my sister. I give her gifts without her knowing it’s a gift. She gets free trips to Goa, she gets everything sitting at home be it holiday or the best of restaurants to go to or the spas.
Ex: Pinch me moment? TP: I still don’t believe it has happened when I had dinner sitting next to the President of India. I saw Pink next to him and then I went and sat next to him to have dinner.
Ex: Inspirational movie? TP: Chak de India.
We’re sure you never got asked this but-
Ex: What makes you judge a person the most? TP: Just the sense of conversation, how that person strikes a conversation.
Ex: What song are you listening to on loop? TP: A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
Ex: Your spirit animal? TP: Tiger
Ex: Best and worst pick up lines said to you? TP: Some of them are very lame like, “Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk by again?”
Ex: Funniest person you know? TP: My sister.
Ex: An animated character you love the most? TP: All the three Powerpuff girls.
Ex: Weirdest hashtag you’ve read? TP: There is one I made which is called #IDon’tKnowHowToUseFilters because I try to use them and I make it worse at times. So I just say #NoFilter because #IDon’tKnowHowToUseFilters.
For no reason at all:
Ex: Worst habit? TP: I eat my nails and the skin around it.
Ex: Priciest thing you’ve splurged on? TP: I don’t spend on anything as much as I spend on my travel.
Ex: Funniest thing you’ve read about yourself on the internet? TP: When I started my wedding planning company people just didn’t understand that I was not the one getting married.
Ex: Ideal first date? TP: It will be either in the middle of the air while skydiving or underwater while scubadiving.
Ex: Most romantic thing someone can do for you? TP: If he just lets me be without expecting anything from me in return. Just not expect me to always be nice or sweet or be active or do something for him. That is romantic enough for me.
Ex: You always travel with? TP: Phone, wallet, keys, earphones.
Ex: Secret talent? TP: That if need be, I can act really well in real life also.
