'I just starved to get in shape'

'I just starved to get in shape'
Thursday, August 30, 2007 15:56 IST
By Subhash K Jha, Santa Banta News Network
/> Vidya Balan learnt dancing for Piyadarshan's Bhool Bhulaya, John is learning to play the guitar in Rock Star ...And to play the stressed-out working class commuter in Nishikant Kamath's Domibivili Fast, Madhavan starved himself for days.

"I had to feel what it means to skip meals, go hungry for a large part of the day to feel like my character. In Guru where I had a role Abhishek Bachchan put on oodles of weight to play the businessman. I think authenticity is catching on in our cinema."

Hindi cinema seems enamoured of sports films. Beginning with Shimit Amin's Chak De this month is going for big sporty films all starring big stars alongside real sport people.

While Chak De features a bevy of actual female hockey players as part of 'coach' Shah Rukh Khan's team, Vivek Agnihotri's Goal which opens later this year features footballers from Bangladesh playing alongside John Abraham and Arshad Warsi.

"It was tough." Says John. "Fortunately I've played football at the national level. So I could cope."

Adds Arshad, "The era of specialized acting is upon Bollywood. Gone is the time when actors could fake it.Now you really have to know what you're doing. Otherwise audiences would boo and shoo you."

Shabana Azmi spent months learning Carnatic singing before doing Mahesh Dattani's Morning Raga.

Her devotion paid rich dividends. An accomplished composer-singer like Shankar Mahadevan thinks Shabana's level of authenticity in Morning Raga is extraordinary.

Even a relative newcomer like Sammir Dattani pulled out all stops to play the 17 year old government informer in Mani Shankar's Mukhbiir.

"First of all I'm 25 but had to play a 17-year old. Then I played a guy who changes his identity completely including a new religion. I had to adopt a new lingo and body language. Then there were more fun things to do like learning to shoot a gun."

Keeping the changing trends and levels of authenticity in mind, Anubhav Sinha intends to train three completely untried actors to play the roles that he wants them to. "I can't reveal what they are going to play. But by the time we start shooting in Italy on July 15 the boys will be completely ready to play what they have to."
Death Threats to Shah Rukh Khan: Lawyer Arrested in Chhattisgarh for Extortion Attempt!

In a shocking turn of events, a man identified as Mohammad Faizan Khan has been arrested for issuing death threats to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The accused, a lawyer by

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Bigg Boss 18: Vivian Dsena and Chahat Panday's Coffee Banter Steals the Show; Frenemies Turn Friendly Over French Coffee!

In the latest promo of Bigg Boss 18, contestants Vivian Dsena and Chahat Panday, known for their heated arguments and on-screen rivalry, showcased a lighter side of their relationship

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Varun Dhawan Praises Pooja Hegde's Stunning Look; Sparks Excitement for Upcoming Film!

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan recently showered praise on actress Pooja Hegde, who made heads turn with her stylish and edgy outfit in her latest Instagram photoshoot. Pooja shared a

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Half Love Half Arranged S2 Trailer Unveiled!

Get ready for an exciting and drama-filled journey as Amazon MX Player, Amazon's free video streaming service, and Dice Media's much-loved rom-com series Half Love Half

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Model Sifat Sehgal opens up about her battle with Anorexia!

In a candid and courageous revelation, model and reality TV star Sifat Sehgal has opened up about her harrowing journey with anorexia and her recovery, offering an unfiltered

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT