Celebrities Talk - Know about the Tech love of Celebrities'

Shruti Haasan – The Sensational

Ex: Your upcoming flick Pitta Kathalu is about a dystopian tech society plunged into chaos! Do you think such a dark future awaits us as well?
Shruti: We are already a tech society. How distorted that gets depends on our ability to use technology wisely as a tool of communication and connection with others. Technology is a driving force in our everyday lives and it needs to remain a positive one rather than replace real human connection and warmth.
The narrative the director has put across in Pitta Kathalu is not an unbelievable scenario – it is possible but it’s also avoidable.

Ex: What was the most fun part about playing a damsel in distress in a technocratic world?
Shruti: There’s no fun in playing a damsel in distress EVER so let’s get that out of the way first lol. I enjoy playing the role of various women and telling their stories through cinema- it’s not about me connecting to them as personalities or traits I relate to it’s about me connecting to the feeling of wanting to tell that story. The funny thing is even in a technocratic world basic human emotions never change but it made it more exciting to go through an emotional landscape in an almost cold world taken over by technology.

Ex: You recently bought a PS5, how did you manage to secure one with such an insane demand worldwide?
Shruti: Hahahaha thanks to my mates at games the shop for hooking me up with an early pre-order for the console!

Ex: What games are you currently playing on your PS5 and which ones are you looking forward to the most?
Shruti: I’m playing Astro’s PlayRoom which is a free game with the Playstation 5 and it teaches you the new features of the PS5 controller which I’m getting used to. I’m also playing Mortal Combat and apart from that, I’ve pre-ordered the new Resident Evil Village which I’m super stoked about.

Ex: Are you a fan of Elon Musk and his Mission to Mars program? Would you like to live on Mars if given a chance and why?
Shruti: I admire anyone making forays into unknown territory and exploring the new and being brave through technology and life. I also think we have to be aware of the fine balance of exploration and caution. Humans have an easy ability to be greedy and self-entitled – whichever planet we may explore in the future, let us first be aware that we haven’t been the kindest to our own!
So while it’s exciting to think about exploring another planet it’s so important, to me personally, that we care for and cherish what we have on this earth and conserve and reverse the dire damage we have caused.

Ex: What car do you drive? If we are to arrange any car of your choice on any track /road which ones would you wish you?
Shruti: I’m the worst driver EVER in the history of the world so no I don’t drive unless I absolutely have to – so the right answer is I get driven around in my red Range Rover Velar.

Ex: Does the concept of Cryptocurrency excite you? What do you think about Bitcoin?
Shruti: I think it’s an Inevitable future- seventy years ago if you said everyone would have a plastic card that’d hold the connection to their money or that you could transfer funds through an app they’d have think of you as insane! The biggest worries are the security breaches and the possibility of having all your “digital money“ stolen. The truth is that you run that risk even now with the instability of systems that we currently use. It all boils down to do you keep your money under your mattress or somewhere else I suppose! It’s all very fascinating. This is a prime example of how currency and financial resources can be decentralized. Yes, the debate is about the change, and as I said it is inevitable.

Ex: Electric car vs Conventional cars? Which one would you choose?
Shruti: Definitely electric for the good of the environment !! There’s no question about it – I don’t have one now but look forward to getting my first electric car.

Ex: Whose social media accounts do you stalk regularly and what do you usually look for over there?
Shruti: I follow a lot of interesting accounts! I don’t really stalk any of them, they pop up on my timelines and that’s that I suppose! I love looking at what my friends are up to and I love watching how people are using social media to put out their unique personalities.

Ex: Any recent gadget tricks that you discovered for your smartphone or laptop?
Shruti: I keep discovering stuff thanks to social media! Changing the exposure time for low light photography – I also realized that if you screenshot a text-based page and use the full page option to save the photo you can see all the text hahaha that made me super excited

Ex: Do you play Call of Duty on your PS5? If yes, then at what time do you usually log in?
Shruti: I never played call of duty, to be honest! I’m more into Arcade and story-based games

Ex: Recent books that you read and absolutely loved it
Shruti: I’ve been reading a book called “democracy hacked “ by Martin Moore and it’s super interesting as it’s about the relationship between politics and technology and what huge impact technology and social media and the internet have had on changing the face and results of elections and changing the tides both positively and negatively if the political landscape

Ex: Pandemic has been very introspective for most, what have you discovered in yourself or about life in general.
Shruti: I’m stronger than I thought and I’m more sensitive than I realized – as always life is all about beautiful paradoxes. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra represents the best of the Korean tech-giant. But is it the best one overall? In this detailed review, we finally tell you our verdict of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and the burning question on everyone’s mind, is it worth its high price tag?

Ex: Lastly, what are you hoping for the year 2021 to bring?
Shruti: More clarity about who we are and what we are capable of overcoming – more unity and more love.

Kriti Kharbanda | The Silver Lining In 2021

Ex: Hi Kriti, you’ve had an amazing & exciting journey right from a young age. Tell us about a moment when you thought acting was the real deal for you?
Kriti: When I did my first film, it was the excitement of entering the world of cinema and working as an actor that made me realize my love for acting and empowered me. I think it happened when I was shooting this Kannada film called Googly and I suddenly felt the magic and I felt like I was bringing a character to life. It was a character that I loved, Dr Swati, and that was the moment I realized this is what I was meant to do. I was not very serious about what I was doing, just like any other 20-year-old would be. But it was that moment when I was playing Dr Swati that I realized that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life!

Ex: How was it working with the God of Thunder aka Chris Hemsworth?
Kriti: It was fun and we had a great lovely video chat. For me, it was an opportunity to have a conversation with whom I admire and look up to as an actor and someone who had made a name for himself and has worked hard to get where he is. He is also supremely handsome so no complaints there!

Ex: Kriti and Tech: Tell us about your relationship with technology.
Kriti: I am totally into technology. As I love gaming, I am 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: What do you think about the ever-changing gaming scenario in India?
Kriti: 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. 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.

Ex: What is your preferred gaming platform? – Console (PlayStation, Wii), PC, or Mobile?
Kriti: 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 excited about. Sometimes on a day off, you 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: Social media can be addictive and you have an enormous following of 6.6 Million on Instagram. Have you ever felt the need to do a digital detox? If not, then what’s your secret?
Kriti: No, not really because I make sure that I do things as and when they are required, I don’t overdose on anything, I am very careful about it and I see to it that it does not reach that level that I have to detox.

Ex: What do you think a world without social media would look like? Kriti: I think without social media the world would revert to what it used to be 20 years ago. That was a happy time, so no complaints there. The kids stepped out to play as opposed to chatting with their friends on Snapchat, Instagram and whatnot. I want to be that kid today and I enjoyed being that version of myself. Kids used to gather and eat their lunch together but now in schools, they have even phones allowed so the interaction is lost. I feel the world without social media was a better and happier place.

Ex: How does technology help you ease your daily life?
Kriti: 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.

Ex: If you had one wish to make that comes true in 2021, what’d it be?
Kriti: I wish there was a way for me to pray and say can we human beings be a little civilized and respect boundaries and respect that everyone can have a different opinion and not jump on them at any given point. I wish we were not as opinionated and even if we are we learn to keep it to ourselves because everyone is entitled to have an opinion and we should stop judging people. “Live and let live.”

Ex: Do you agree that the future is all about technology?
Kriti: Yes, we are rapidly moving into a progressive and advanced technology world. Sometimes, it feels that the world is at your feet, with everything you need is at your disposal, all thanks to technology.

Quickies

1- What is the first app you check on your phone when you wake up?
– WhatsApp.
3- What TV series or Movie is your guilty pleasure!
– Friends, Modern Family and How I Met Your Mother.
4- What is your favourite destination to travel to?
● Bangalore.
5- Which actor or actress inspired you the most?
● Julia Roberts and Deepika Padukone.
6- What is the task you badly want an app for?
● House Cleaning and cooking. 7- Do you take screenshots if you find something worth gossiping about?
– I do take screenshots but I don’t gossip (Not my scene)!

Tara Sutaria | December 2020 Issue | A New Star On The Horizon

We’re wrapping up this year with our Blazing Star ‘Tara Sutaria’! So much has changed since the last time she had taken over our September ‘19 Issue. We were shooting in an amazing outdoor location on the outskirts of Maharashtra and she had just stepped into the showbiz with the mega-hit Student of the Year 2 & was preparing for the release of Marjavaan. Since then, we’ve seen her career graph reach new heights and how she has evolved as an artist too.

In conversation with Arshi Naqvi, Tara shared her journey from wanting to become a singer to stepping into acting, stories from the lockdown period and how she went back to her artistic hobbies.

Ex: You made your debut in the industry starring opposite Tiger Shroff, you are now reuniting with him for ‘Heropanti 2’, tell us something about your relationship with him on sets & are there any new projects coming up?

Tara: Shooting for Student of The Year 2 was a really special experience for me because it was my debut and of course, I got to share that experience with Tiger and he was so giving as an actor and such a wonderful person to work with, so dedicated. So that was something that was really nice to see and something that I, you know sort of drew from him as a quality and he’s a dear friend of mine and I’m really really really excited to work with him again and in Heropanti 2, I think it’s special because that was the first film that was his de0 but so it’s special for many reasons and I can’t wait to reunite with him.

I have just begun filming the last chunk of the RX-100 remake that I’m doing with Sajid Nadiadwala, Milin Lutria & Ahan Shetty, I’m really excited because we’re almost done with the film, I can’t wait to see the final cut and I have Heropanti 2 coming up and of course the prep for Ek Villain 2 as well.

Ex: We all went #AtmaNirbhar during the lockdown period which also resulted in some disastrous moves but we also learnt so many new things. Staying home, what new things have you learned?

Tara: I learned how to bake and cook and I was cooking almost every day at the beginning of the lockdown now of course work has picked up and I’m filming again but I had lots of time to spend at home with my twin sister, so we were training in dance together because she’s a ballet teacher so she was teaching me and I was getting back to my dancing and of course my music and I was getting back to my charcoal sketching so it was really nice to get back to all these things and learn so many new things as well.

Ex: You’ve always wanted to be a singer, but what made you consider acting & how satisfied are you with this decision?

Tara: I think I always wanted to be a singer but when I was in my teens I was the ambassador of Disney in India and I was doing a lot of musical theatre productions and just theatre in general and I think that obviously involved a lot of acting as well so I think you know that that’s sort of struck me that I could do that as well and of course when I graduated from college I met Karan and Student of The Year 2 happened for me and that really changed my perspective toward what I wanted to do and for me now acting and singing are on power with each other and I’m really excited to get to sing in the Ek Tha Villain sequel that I’m doing so I get to do both the things that I really love to.

Ex: What’s one part of our society that you wish you could change?

Tara: One part about the society that I wish I could change would be the amount of judgment that everyone has on everyone else in our society. I think you know everyone has their own journey their own struggles and so much in life that they’re dealing with that I think we should all cut each other some slack focus on what’s really important in life and you know especially with the lockdown and so many stresses and so much newness and all of our lives I think we should really like I said to give everyone a break, give ourselves a break cut everyone and ourselves some slack and just reduce this constant judgment I think we have that is I don’t know whether it’s media-induced or what it is but I think in our society we can really do without that.

Ex: How do you stay mentally and inspirationally aligned?

Tara: I think I stay mentally and inspirational aligned because I have an amazing support system and I always and that’s what sort of always reminds me to stay who I am, keeps my morals, values and beliefs in place and I think that’s all any individual really needs to stay aligned as a human being I think you just need to remember where you come from, stay grounded and just enjoy every minute of what you’re doing.

Ex: What do you wish people were talking more about in today’s time?

Tara: It’s really important to encourage people in today’s time to talk about what their feeling because I think especially to do with this whole Covid-19 situation we’ve all been cooped up in our homes we’re all very confused, we’re a bit lost and I think we should be encouraged to talk about it rather than hide it and keep it in because I find so many people are scared to talk about how they feel and I think that we could all do with talking to each other and giving each other that support so I just you know would like to urge people to stop talking about how they feel rather than keeping it in a because we’re all going through the same thing in the whole world and that in itself is soothing so if we just talk about it rather than hiding it and keeping it in that will probably be much better.

Ex: What’s the first thing you notice in a person?

Tara: I think the first thing I notice in a person would probably be if they can have a laugh about themselves. I think a sense of you one life is really important and it’s something that I get very excited about but I see it and someone else.

Quickies :

A gadget/app you can’t live without?

My phone.

The most favourite gadget you’ve gifted yourself?

My record player.

A slang that you’re using the most lately?

Who should everyone be following on Instagram right now?

Everyone should follow Chrisy Teigan, she is such an amazing human being and so funny, just incredible and supports girl power so I think she rocks.

If you could raid one woman’s closet who would it be?

I think I would like to raid Elizabeth Taylor’s closet for her jewels and Jennifer Lopez.

Dream road trip destination?

The south of France and Italy.

What does your travel playlist include?

My travel playlist might sound a little boring, it’s mostly music from the 50s, 60s & 70s.

What’s your favorite show to binge-watch?

There are two shows, 1 is Friends which I think everyone loves and the other one is Who’s line is it anyway.

A male actor you wish to work with?

It would be the amazing Rajkumar Rao.

What was your first red carpet look?

I think most of my red carpet looks are my favorite, I really love to dress up and show up.

What are you too much of?

I think I’m too much of just being sensitive.

If you had to describe yourself in a hashtag?

#Scorpio

The Magical Aura of Nora

While enamoring the world with her mystical moves and magical grace, Nora takes us straight to 2099 to give us a glimpse of how she will be rocking it in the future. Apart from dazzling the world with her dance moves, Nora is also set to take over the music world with her entry into International singing soon.

In conversation with Arshi Naqvi, Nora reveals the source of her magic, but also showed that she is only a human, by revealing her humorous side.

Arshi: You’ve recently reached another milestone by crossing 16 million followers on Instagram, tell us how do you keep your followers stay connected with you & what kind of responsibilities come along with it?

Nora: I have my format which I have been using since day one. I keep them genuinely entertained and I don’t use provocative tactics to do that. I post quality pictures, comedy videos for a good laugh, and amazing dance videos to get people up their feet and join whatever dance challenges are out there. I continuously create real content for my followers both on Instagram and YouTube. I use both Instagram and YouTube as a platform to showcase my crazy fun personality and my artistic traits. I keep things visually appealing and classy. I maintain good and inspiring vibes.

The lockdown period for me was lonely and annoying. I’m a very active person so I can’t stay locked up in Isolation for so long. However, what kept me positive was the planning of my future projects with my international team on FaceTime.

Arshi: Speaking of social media, your version of the WAP challenge is taking all over the internet. Everyone loves this humorous side of yours. We’d like to know the inspiration behind it? Is this somewhat relatable to the bond between you & your mom?

Nora: The inspiration for my comedy is always my life experiences. I know all brown families can relate we all have these experiences in our lives and I think it’s great I can showcase it to my followers to be more relatable to my audience.

Arshi: You’ve had one big hit after the other when it comes to music videos. Are there any plans to take over the Bollywood movies more or maybe web series?

Nora: Of course, the plan is to take over everywhere both the movie industry and the music industry. After acting in Batla house and Street Dancer I have signed a few more acting projects and working on my international singing career simultaneously.

Arshi: Now that we’re getting used to the new normal, tell us how was the lockdown period for you, what kept you positive & what was that one thing that you missed during that period?

Nora: The lockdown period for me was lonely and annoying. I’m a very active person so I can’t stay locked up in isolation for so long. However, what kept me positive was the planning of my future projects with my international team on facetime. And of course, I did use the time to learn new things like cooking new dishes. I missed my family and friends. I also missed traveling which I have been doing non-stop for the last 2 years.

Arshi: Staying home, what new things have you learned?

Nora: I learned how to cook a few Indian and Moroccan dishes.

Arshi: Do you have any fitness apps/gadgets that help you keep track of your fitness regime?

Nora: No, I don’t have any fitness apps or gadgets. But I use YouTube to search for new dance videos that I can learn from at home.

Arshi: What makes you laugh no matter what?

Nora: I have a bunch of hilarious friends and whenever we catch up on a call or even when we meet its a laugh riot.

Quickies

A gadget / App which is keeping you connected?
Instagram keeps me connected and so does facetime
If you had to give 3 fitness tips to a novice, what would they be?
Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated
Chose an activity or sport you enjoy to stay active
Love your self and don’t look up to social media fitness standards
The most expensive gadget you’ve gifted yourself?
My phone would be the most expensive gadget I’ve gifted myself. I might buy myself a mac book very soon.
What would be your superpower?
My superpower would be to control the future
Television show you’ve binged on recently?
Fauda is a Netflix show I binged on recently
What do you first notice about someone when you meet them?
I notice their energy immediately
If you had to describe yourself in a hashtag:
#savage

Sonu Sood The made in India Superman

This is our first proper cover-shoot since the pandemic and we were more than sure it has to be with this man, the one and only Sonu Sood who is a classic example of Good Karma, and proof that great things
happen to great people. Here’s an excerpt of our conversation:

I feel we have to take those risks. You can’t just be in your safe zone and sit at home and crib about what’s happening on the field
but you need to come out of your comfort
zones…

Ramesh: We have to start from your migrant-sending initiative of sending them back to their home? What triggered this thought…

Sonu: I felt these are the people who actually built our homes, these are the people who actually built our roads and today when they wanted to go back to their own homes and there was no one to actually help them so I just thought to put these efforts to get up, to get them back to their families. I just went on the field and it just happened and I could see the wishes of these migrants and their families. They finally got back and really went to their families so I think that’s something which is not planned, that’s something I’m not
trained to do but I was blessed to make this happen.

Ramesh: Did u ever get that thought in your mind, “It’s done
now”?

Sonu: It’s not done yet, as we’re shooting now I’m still getting calls. I think the field has changed first it was just a movement that started from Maharashtra to the other states then it started from Jammu Kashmir to Kanyakumari now there’s an international evacuation happening, we just did evacuation of almost 4000 students from Kyrgyzstan. Now it’s Uzbekistan,
Moscow, Philippines and other countries also, so I kind of feel like the responsibilities that are on my shoulders keep on increasing everyday and I’m glad that I’m able to keep up to those expectations.

Ramesh: What’s your brush with technology ?

Sonu: Of course without technology it’s not possible to do anything. You get 60 to 70 thousand calls every single day from all these people who are stuck in different parts of the world. So, you need these systems. Like I remember I started this toll free number to make it easier for all these people who need help and I think that’s how we could execute everything. When you have 7-8 lakh people with whom you are committed to bring them back to their homes so I think you have to program yourself, you need to have a team who
can put things together.

Ramesh: Any challenges you face while working from home and any tricks?

Sonu: I was actually on the field mostly for 15-16 hours everyday on the bus stop daily, so the work from home used to start at midnight from 12 to 4. That’s when you get connected through social media to all these migrants who are stuck so I would say the last 100 to 120 days have been very fruitful and very busy but I’m glad that we were able to execute many successful missions.

Ramesh: What came to your mind while you were doing this? Did you ever think to stop and step back and not take the risk?

Sonu: I feel we have to take those risks. You can’t just be in your safe zone and sit at home and crib about what’s happening on the field but you need to come out of your comfort zones and be on the field to help these people go back to their
home and I’m glad that I was able to take this mission successfully.

I think it’s a new beginning, I would say it’s a new life, everything is not just about followers. It’s about the people who love you, the way people expect things from you, the way people rely on you to give you responsibilities.

Ramesh: Do you invest in startups ? We know you have a bank of properties but what about business and startups that you are invested in

Sonu: You know I’m in talks with many startups and I feel wisely startups are having a bright future and of course you know out of 10 startups that come up everyday only one or two actually get to be in their successful zone. So, I would say to all those people who are investing in all those startups or trying to do new things, it has to have a right backup and someone who is able to upgrade every single day. I feel we have young minds who are working towards a new world. I just want to wish them all the best and just keep shining always.

Ramesh: What motivates you to workout from home during lockdown, any
fitness apps that you use?

Sonu: I think fitness has always been a part of my life it;s not something that I do for a film. I always believe that there are only 22 hours in a day for me to work on my fitness. And no, I don’t use any apps, I do it on my own.

Ramesh: Are you an avid reader? What kind of books do you read?

Sonu: I used to read books but now lately we are all into gadgets. I think the
concentration has gone so low that we just want to switch from one to the other.

Ramesh: Are you a social media addict?

Sonu: I’m not a social media addict but I only use social media to connect with people. Whether you talk about Twitter or Instagram, I just want to stay connected with people, that’s my way of choosing social media.

Ramesh: Your Instagram now has 5.2 million followers but before your act of good karma where did you stand?

Sonu: I think it’s a new beginning, I would say it’s a new life, everything is not just
about followers. It’s about the people who love you, the way people expect
things from you, the way people rely on you to give you responsibilities. I get
calls from parents, I get calls from all age groups that you’ve saved the lives of
our kids, you’ve got them from Moscow, you’ve got them from Uzbekistan and all these countries where these people were stranded in really bad shape so I think I’m going to stay with their families forever. All these followers and likes are all temporary but the real followers and real likes are something that you want in real life. I feel those are the real ones.

Ramesh: How to not get bored of your workout routine?

Sonu: When you think it’s a part of your life. When you get up in the morning you brush up your teeth and go to work, I think fitness is also something like that which comes to you automatically. I always believe that there are only 22 hours in a day and the rest two hours are only for fitness.

Ramesh: Do you have a role model when it comes to health & fitness?

Sonu: I started working out seeing Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. I
think they were our superheroes, they inspired me to stay fit and now I would say I inspire myself everyday.

Ramesh: What is that one mistake that people often do when it comes to
fitness?

Sonu: They try to bypass things, they try to reach their goals faster and those are temporary goals. They do it for one project or maybe a movie, even the actors. I think it has a major toll on your body. It’s very important to make fitness a part of your project, not do fitness for a project.

Ramesh: One unique gadget that you purchased recently?

Sonu: I bought wireless airpods from Apple.

Ramesh: You are a real life hero and set examples to many who blame the
system and the world , the most genuine compliments that you received?

Sonu: I think the people naming their kids after me is very very special, keeping their shops after my name is very special. I think all this love will stay with them forever and that’s something which you can’t put in words.

Ramesh: Will politics be your playrole someday?

Sonu: Not really, I’ve been out from politics from the past 10-12 years but I think as an actor there are still miles to go I need to do a lot of things but till I achieve my goals as an actor I don’t really have any views on politics and what I can do as an actor still a lot of politicians couldn’t do it so I’m very happy in my space.

I always believe that there are only 22 hours
in a day and the rest two hours are only for
fitness.

Quickes

1. If you had to invent any tech what would you otp for?
I would like to invent something that can boost you, that can charge you. If you don’t feel like working out or you don’t feel like doing something, that gadget or app will charge you to give your 100%. I think that’s something I would love to invent.

2. One thing you can miss your workout for?
I only missed my workout when I was helping the migrants and that was 7 to 8 days when I didn’t do any workout and that was the first time I ever did in my life. I didn’t have any time when I was on the roads and have been missing my workouts but seeing those people smile getting back to the family was kind of a booster for me.
Describe yourself in a hashtag
#Alive

3.Your workout playlist includes?
I love all kinds of music, it keeps on changing.
Message for our readers
I just wanted to say only a few words :
Like, Share & Subscribe:-)

Sonu Sood | Behind The Scenes I August 2020

Hello August!

What a better way to celebrate India’s 74th Independence along with Sonu Sood – Made in India Superhero, who will always be remembered for his big contribution to the great India’s Migrant Movement.

Catch him share his ideas behind this movement & more with our Editor-in-Chief, Ramesh Somani.

Kriti Kharbanda Flaunts Her Gaming Quotient Like A Pro!

Interviewed | August 2018

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!

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KRITI KHARBANDA – UP AND CLOSE

Weirdest apps you have on your phone:
There’s none, fortunately!
The phone you use:
It keeps on changing.
The top 3 travel gadgets you’d have to carry on your next adventure?
It would be a GoPro, a waterproof phone and headphones.
One app feature you’re thankful that it exists:
The feature of deleting messages in WhatsApp that you post is a blessing!
Most expensive tech buy:
It has to be DSLR camera which was extremely expensive.

Also Read:
Kriti Sanon Making A Niche Of Her Own
Aditya Roy Kapur Reigning His Way Forward

Arjun Kapoor Continues To Maintain A Cinematic Legacy

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Interviewed | May 2014

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.”

Also Read: A Walk With Anil Kapoor Unfolded into Bigger Epiphanies of Life

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

The Lockdown Diaries with Rakul Preet Singh | June 2020

We have transitioned into the new normal where conversations still happen but over virtual mediums. In another episode of Lockdown Diaries, Ramesh Somani, Editor-in-Chief of Exhibit Magazine sat down to have a heart-to-heart with our June cover star, @Rakul told us her how she’s been spending time at home, how technology is actually the need of the hour and how foldable technology could be the next big thing!

Editor-in-chief (and Interviewer): Ramesh Somani Content Curation: Smriti Raizada Video Editing: Harman Singh Featured Gadget: Motorola Razr (@Motorola India) _________________________________________________

Undaunted Taapsee Pannu Answers Our Fiery and Strange Questions

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Interviewed | September 2017

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.

Also Read:

Kriti Sanon on Making A Niche Of Her Own

Conversation With Vicky on Tech, Cars and Life