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I see him at the Zee Zest Digital Cover shoot for June 2023 and he strikes a perfect 10. The piercing gaze on camera and the humility off it, the unmistakable honesty and mischievous child-like laughter; he slips in and out of moods and moments with practised ease. The man in front of the camera is a content creator, singer, songwriter, Indian classical musician, and actor Bhuvan Bam. He is the first Indian YouTube content creator to reach 10 million subscribers in 2018 for his channel BB Ki Vines, featuring comedic skits, sketches and parodies based on the everyday life of a middle-class Indian boy. Today, the channel has over 26 million subscribers, and over the years has broken countless conventional creative boundaries.  Bhuvan's soared to fame when one of his early satirical videos caught public attention in 2015 and went viral in Pakistan. It was based on a reporter’s merciless coverage of the 2014 Kashmir floods. The popularity of one single video was Bhuvan's cue to take content creation seriously and set up BB Ki Vines. The sketches are based on everyday situations that many have encountered or heard of within the six degrees of separation portrayed in an exaggerated and funny manner. Bhuvan morphs into desi characters such as Titu Mama, Sameer Fuddi, Mr Hola, and Babloo Ji that have become a mainstay of the BB Ki Vines universe. Bhuvan’s approach to situational comedy resonates with the common man because of its obviousness. He also has an eye for humour and he finds it in the most unexpected of places, people, and situations. Most importantly, since the inception of BB Ki Vines in 2015 to 2023, Bhuvan single-handedly manages all aspects of the production of his YouTube channel– scripting, acting, shooting, editing, etc. The shakey, hand-held selfie angles and perspective of the videos have added to the charm of the videos and furthered loyalties toward him. <figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_KC_ZeexBhuvan%20May%202023%20246_1685425104900.jpg"><figcaption>Bhuvan unleashes his inner child in a blue and white crochet sweater and pants set by Péro. The outfit is paired with a Police watch with a multi-function dial in blue glass and a rivetted white strap.</figcaption></figure>Enjoying views in millions, his YouTube channel has won Bhuvan Bam several awards and recognitions such as WebTVAsia Awards 2016 and Hindustan Times Game Changer Awards. Over the years, he has earned opportunities to showcase his acting chops on OTT. In 2021, he became the first Indian creator to release a web show. Titled Dhindora, the show was an extension of the BB Ki Vines universe and was named 2021’s second-most watches series, according to IMDB. Dhindora was YouTube India's most-watched show that year with over 400 million views (and counting). Other projects of Bhuvan include Taaza Khabar, Rafta Rafta, and Plus Minus. He’s also made a name as a songwriter, singer, and composer through melodious tracks created for his own YouTube channel, movies, and web series like Safar, Ajnabee, Sang Hoon Tere, and Ban Gayi Zindagi. Soon, we may even watch him lead an action thriller, more details awaited.  In real life and off the camera, he is an antithesis of his characters, shy, reserved and composed. “I miss being a child, it was a carefree era,” Bhuvan tells me as he brings out his playful inner child posing in front of the camera at Zee Zest’s June 2023 digital cover shoot. But the moment the camera stops flashing, you witness a different Bhuvan. One who's “simple and boring”. In our conversation after the photo shoot, Bhuvan gets real about the constant conflict between self-belief and self-confidence, and the resultant chaos. Talk about being relatable! Edited excerpts:  <h2>1. What is Bhuvan Bam manifesting right now?</h2>Mera track record kharab hai, manifestation ke case mein (I have a bad track record in the case of manifestations). Manifestation is a buzzword right now, but it doesn’t work for me. Whatever I wish to manifest, I don’t get it. In fact, the opposite happens. Therefore, now I don’t try to manifest but I work towards it in the hope of fulfillment.<h2>2. BB Ki Vines completes eight years. How do you feel? </h2>I didn’t even realise that. I still feel so fresh and equally excited. I have been very lucky to have people around me who have constantly supported me through thick and thin. Most of the credit goes to my subscribers. I have been so unfair to them by creating just one or two videos a year. I feel so guilty about not creating more content. But they still show so much love towards me and my work, and that is what adds fuel to the fire within me. That is what makes me want to strive hard and do more work.I feel that no matter what your profession, if you have that drive, excitement and a little nervousness in creating/doing something, then you are heading in the right direction. The day that excitement to create content is out, I will stop doing this. <figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_KC_ZeexBhuvan%20May%202023%20133_1685425166563.jpg"><figcaption>Here's the YouTube sensation and actor flaunting a Police watch with a multi-function dial and eyelet at 3 o'clock. He is wearing a yellow and white striped jacket with signature floral detailing by Péro; and jewellery by Sangeeta Boochra and Aquamarine Jewellery</figcaption></figure><h2>3. How have you evolved as an artiste from your content creator days to now?</h2>Over the years, I have learned to be more patient, simple and satisfied. Earlier, when I was new to YouTube, there was surely greed for followers. In that desperation for eyeballs, I’d do and say things that I knew would get views for my video and create a certain impact on my audience. But today, I think before I speak. I am much calmer and more composed.One thing I feel fortunate about is that my friend circle hasn’t changed with time. I still have the same five friends I had back when I started out, and they act like mirror and shadows. Also, I share a good bond with people who I have come across via work.<h2>4. Story or characters, what is the most important thing for you?</h2>For me, the story is primary and important, and the main reason I take up a project. One thing I understand clearly is that when a person goes to watch a show or a film, he or she is going to watch it for the story. The character is secondary. If the story is not impactful, no matter what you do, the character won’t be able to make an impact.  <figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_KC_ZeexBhuvan%20May%202023%20539_website_1685425192205.jpg"><figcaption>In this striking photo, Bhuvan is wearing an Anamika Khanna tribal India-inspired blazer and pants and it is paired with a pair of orange shoes by Jeetinder Sandhu. On his wrist is a Police watch with a multi-function dial and a padded leather strap.</figcaption></figure><h2>5. You are used to switching characters but how easy or difficult is it to switch between genres?</h2>It is difficult. Take the example of Taaza Khabar, where I played a grey character. Once that shoot was over, a week later, I started shooting for Rafta Rafta, which is a romantic comedy. For the first two days, I couldn’t understand what was happening, I had withdrawal symptoms.I think switching between genres is tough for me right now because I am new to it, but I will learn with time. I have switched characters in minutes, I did that for Dhindhora too, but that’s easier for me since I have been doing so for a while. <h2>6. Why is it important for you to tell stories that are closer to reality and relatable?</h2>I feel that rooted stories have a universal appeal. I can relate to a story/scene better if I or someone I know has experienced it. Also, we (Indians) are so fortunate, we have stories in abundance. Every bylane, and every street corner [in India] is alive with stories.  Relatable content has longevity, and its mass appeal is unmatchable. Today, even the superhero universe features relatable stories. For me, Minnal Murali is a winner because although it is a superhero film, the setting is so rooted. It gives us aspiration and hope; it tells us that people like you and I can do great things. I think what is also important is to give hope to your audience through your story.<h2>7. Where do you stand in the long-format vs short-format debate?</h2>I am more inclined towards longer formats courtesy of the exposure I got to world cinema during the lockdown. Earlier my watchlist was limited to Hollywood movies, but during the lockdown, I watched a lot of foreign language films (I still do). I learned that the world has just seven stories, and we’re basing everything on those seven only. But the storytelling is different, they base it on their culture and traditions. That’s when I realised the importance of long-format content. I realised that if I wanted the audience to stay hooked to me, my characters and my work, then I needed to give them long-format content in addition to the snackable content that I create. That’s how Dhindora happened. When Dhindora was well-received, I knew that this is what I want to do without limiting myself to a particular genre. My long-term goal is to create series that are memorable and stay with the audience even after they are finished. <figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_KC_ZeexBhuvan%20May%202023%20325_1685425438566.jpg"></figure><h2>8. While you focus on creating long-format content, will BB Ki Vines take a backseat?</h2>No, it won’t. I cannot let that go because that content and those followers are the ones who have made me who I am today, I can’t let that go in vain. I may not stay active on the channel but I will try to stay and give what they are expecting. It is my responsibility.Also, long-format content takes time to create – from ideation to execution and release.<h2>9. What are your aspirations as an actor?</h2>I don’t know if I will ever get to work with Manoj [Bajpayee] sir, but at least once I want to sit somewhere around him and just observe him and hear him talk.I recently got to do that with Nawaz bhaiya [Nawazzudin Siddiqui]. These artists have such a great body of work and yet they are so underrated. Their best quality is that stardom has not gone to their heads, they focus on doing good work regardless. With every project, they showcase a new skill that the audience has not seen before and that is amazing.<h2>10. How important is it to be surrounded by the right set of people? </h2>The fact of life is that at the end of the day you are alone. But what I have learned is that to progress in life, you need the right set of people around you, who will guide you and push you to do better, do right. Finding such people is difficult and I have been fortunate to have found a peer group like that.<h2>11. You said in an interview that success concerns you. Can you tell us why?</h2>Yes, I said that because in my head I know I still have a long way to go. We just spoke about completing eight years, but in my heart, I know there is so much more to do. I aspire to create more and more stories from the grassroots level but at the same time make them reach international stages. But before that, I must search for stories, and that will take time.  <figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_KC_ZeexBhuvan%20May%202023%20513_1685425269615.jpg"></figure><h2>12. How do you keep yourself centred in the fast-paced world of social media?</h2>I remember Shah Rukh (Khan) sir once said that you must work as though you have blinders on. You focus on your work and should not look left or right. That is my mantra in life – to not peep into others’ plates but to enjoy what is on mine. There is no jealousy, just greed to do the best I can for myself.<h2>13. What are you proud of right now?</h2>My outlook towards life. I have clarity about what I don’t want to do in life, and I am proud of that. No one can force me into doing a certain thing, and this is how I have been since childhood.Then there’s self-confidence, which keeps fluctuating, and there is self-belief, which I am confident about and I take pride in. I believe in myself thoroughly but to showcase this self-belief in front of people, you need self-confidence, that is where I flounder sometimes. <hr>Credits:Editor: Sumita Bagchi  Creative Consultant: Mitrajit BhattacharyaPhotographer: Keegan CrastoWatch Partner: Police WatchesBTS Video: Gaurav TalekarVideo Edit: Media EdgeStylist: Pyu MishraHair stylist: Team Aalim HakimMakeup: Rajendra SinghLocation: Merakii StudiozArtist PR: Hardly Anonymous

The man behind the hysterics shares what makes him tick. 

Zee Zest speaks to YouTube content creator, actor and musician Bhuvan Bam on his aspirations as an actor, road to success, and more. Read on zeezest.com. 


 Zee Zest Digital Cover June 2023 | Bhuvan Bam | Interview

Bhuvan Bam Is Unstoppable new

Bhuvan Bam

Being someone who gravitates towards quiet, wild places, I never set my sight on the hilly town of Shimla which is chock-a-block with tourists and archetypal honeymooners all year round. However, a bleisure trip with my parents to Himachal Pradesh led me to spend two nights at Sunnymead Estate, a 200-year-old family cottage converted into a boutique, residence-style lodge.<h2>Living a European fairytale</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_SOULFUL%20SUNNYMEAD_1680670320260.jpg"></figure>Elegantly sitting downhill from the arterial Cart Road, on the edge of an oak and rhododendron Reserve Forest, Sunnymead is one of the older surviving residences of Shimla. Since the road to the front door of our temporary home isn't motorable, we unload the taxi at the main gate and take the stone path that leads us straight to our family suite on the first floor where we are welcomed by Madhavi Bhatia, the affable owner and chief guardian of the charming wood and stone mansion with bay windows. Sporting a Kashmiri pheran, Madhavi displays warmth and aura that instantly makes you feel at home. She lives here with her furry family members — two cats and three dogs, chief house help Deepak, assistants-cum-gardeners Motilal, Ritu and Madhu who rustle up some delicious food.<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_MADHAVI%20WITH%20RESIDENT%20DOG%20BUNNI_1680670156317.jpg"></figure>Straight out of a European fairytale, the building maintains the traditional Dhajji architecture and lime wash. The white cottage, rich in history and personality, comes alive with floral delights like ornamental plums, lilies, camellias, primulas, mallows, geraniums, muscaris among others. Spread across an area of around four acres, the property's on-site garden grows everything from berries and basil to lemons, tomatoes and dill, most of which is used in decor as well as in the kitchen to put together a fantastic gastronomic experience.AlsoRead0<h2>Rooms that take you back in time</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_FAMILY%20SUITE%20TARA%20ROOM_1680670001536.jpg"></figure>We settle in our suite which comprises Tara — the double, balcony room facing the Tara Devi mountain, and the Forest Room — a twin-bedded room overlooking the misty forest. Both rooms have a lot going on for someone who appreciates little details in the decor. Wooden ceilings, carved, wooden four-poster beds and settees, rich carpets, floral curtains and pastel upholstery, table lamps which are converted kerosene burners, 19th-century original watercolour paintings, cloisonne pieces, and dainty ceramic crockery, framed monochrome photographs of the family members; the suite takes you back in time.<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_FOREST%20ROOM%20AT%20SUNNYMEAD_1680670039452.jpg"></figure>Other than the family suite, there are two other guest rooms — The Oak Tree and The Bay Window which is a single room, ideal for a solo traveller. Each room at Sunnymead has a fireplace and a mini library with an eclectic collection of books.  AlsoRead1<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_SUNNYMEAD%20PIC%202_1680670334920.jpg"></figure>Both placid and intellectually invigorating, Sunnymead Estate is a place where writers and poets, muse and artists find inspiration. No wonder Madhavi quit her successful career in Delhi and settled in the hilly town of Shimla only to conserve the family heritage home where her aunt was born and raised. "Built sometime in the 1800s, this estate was often used as a summer house by our family. When my aunt passed away, I found it difficult to sell the estate and do away with all the memories we created here over the years. Hence, I moved here from Delhi and had the property restored in about two years to run it as a B&B and share it with like-minded people," shares Madhavi.<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_SUNSET%20FROM%20SHIMLA%20BREWING%20COMPANY_1680670379833.jpg"></figure><h2>Royal feasts</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_MEALS%20AT%20SUNNYMEAD_1680670188341.jpg"></figure>It's time for a luncheon in the ambient dining room with a beautifully-restored Kashmiri embroidered wall piece as its highlight. Located on the ground floor of the house, it opens onto a small verandah and the front garden. Our hearty gourmet lunch consisted of tomato soup, house-special feta cheese, focaccia, grilled potatoes with lettuce and olive, garlic and honey dressing, chicken and paneer steak with house sauce and oh-so-delectable coffee cake — everything made from scratch.<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_VERANDAH%20WITH%20FLOWERS_1680670357817.jpg"></figure>They serve both Indian and American breakfasts. Think piping hot parathas, homemade poha, granola, stewed fruits, yoghurt, delish egg preparations, freshly-baked buns and more. Meals at Sunnymead are fit for royalty! Madhavi personally supervises every meal which gives us a chance to know a lot more about the story behind her ancestral home as well as the town of Shimla which is very close to her heart.  We pick up the old-school, hand-drawn map placed in our suite and set out to explore some places around the property. Here are the must-dos:<h2>1. Take a guided tour of the Viceregal Lodge</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_VICEREGAL%20LODGE_1680670318877.jpg"></figure>One of the most historically significant and architecturally impressive buildings, Viceregal Lodge, also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, was formerly the summer residence of the British Viceroy of India Lord Dufferin and the scene of two crucial conferences (1945 and 1946) that sealed the partition of India. Occupying an entire hill, it is designed by British architect Henry Irwin and built in the Jacobethan style using local pine and cedar wood. AlsoRead2For a look inside the Scottish castle-like lodge, you must join a guided group tour that takes you around different rooms with a brief explanation about each. Some of the striking features are the reception hall with a splendid fireplace and a grand spiralling staircase, a vintage piano with keys made of the valuable elephant tusk and precious articles and photographs going back to British rule in India. The rest of this grey sandstone building houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study where the massive library occupies the old ballroom and more. If you're not taking the house tour, a stroll around the manicured gardens is a good idea.<h2>2. Grab a cup of coffee at the iconic Indian Coffee House</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_INDIAN%20COFFEE%20HOUSE_1680670117675.jpg"></figure>Established in 1957, the iconic Indian Coffee House humbly sits on Shimla's Mall Road and offers piping hot idlis, sandwiches, burgers, filter coffee, tea and more. Retaining a colonial charm, this place is always packed with locals; men sporting vibrant Himachali topis are often seen engrossed in a conversation over their favourite brew. Plan a light breakfast or a quick mid-day coffee break at this historic cafe.<h2>3. Consider a walking tour with a historian</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_TOUR%20WITH%20HISTORIAN_1680670261277.jpg"></figure>If you're someone who is looking at delving deeper into the history and fabric of Shimla, consider a walking tour with Sumit Raj, historian and founder of Shimla Walks. The tour takes you back 200 years, with lovely stories of the city's creation and development. It begins at the Ridge and covers some of the notable places including the Neo-Gothic Gaiety Theatre. Several Indian and foreign actors have performed here, including Rudyard Kipling who participated in the first play to be staged here called Time Will Tell. Your next stop is the Town Hall, a huge building that houses the offices of the Municipal Corporation. You then proceed to Scandal Point which is not only a popular meeting point but also a place that has several stories hidden in its bosom. Among other stops on the tour are architectural gems like the Railway Board Building and the Cecil Hotel.<h2>4. Spend some quiet moments inside Christ Church </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_CHRISTCHURCH_1680669979409.jpg"></figure>One can easily say that Christ Church is among the most treasured landmarks in Shimla. A beautiful butter-yellow building, it is the oldest Anglican Church in North India and the most photographed building in the city. Its frescoes were designed by famous writer Rudyard Kipling’s father Lockwood Kipling. The cornerstone of this Church was laid in 1844 but it was opened to the general public only in 1857. When here, don't miss observing the gorgeous Victorian stained-glass work. Take in the serenity by lighting a candle and spending some moments in silence.  <h2>5. Take in the sunset at the scenic Shimla Brewing Company</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_SHIMLA%20BREWING%20COMPANY_1680670195904.jpg"></figure>Imagine enjoying the sunset while sipping your beer, seated on a hammock, suspended 2,270 ft in the air! With ample unique seating options, quirky interiors and a long bar, Shimla Brewing Company is located in the Willow Banks estate which dates back to 1871. It offers delicious pizzas, continental fare and a range of craft beers with a burst of freshness. Choose from their Belgian wit, blonde, dark ale and apple cider. Made using crisp apples that are freshly picked from the orchards of Himachal, apple cider is a favourite among tourists. Drop in post-noon and stay until the sun goes down to be treated to mesmerising panoramic views of the Lego-like Shimla town.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h2>Shop for all things local and authentic at the Mall Road</h2>The maze-like alleyways of Shimla's Mall Road are flooded with shops selling everything under the sun but few sell authentic, locally-made products. If you're looking for edible souvenirs, head to Minchy's. It processes Shimla's abundant wealth of fruits into delicious, high-quality gourmet products like juices, chutneys, marmalades, pickles, preserves, honey, vinegar and more. When it comes to stylish winterwear for women, Lakshita, near Healing Heights, Middle Bazaar, is a one-stop shop for elegant jackets, co-ord sets, stylish tracksuits, evening wear and more. Dewanchamd Atmaram in Lower Bazaar is also a great place for high-quality woollens.  </td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_TOY%20TRAIN%20STATION%20KANDAGHAT_1680670443739.jpg"></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h2>Step back in time by travelling along the Kalka-Shimla toy train route</h2>While Shimla is easily accessible by road, experience the joy in the slow journey by travelling along the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla toy train route which starts in the Panchkula district of Haryana and winds its way upwards along the narrow track to arrive in Shimla or the Queen of Hills. One of India’s most incredible feats of engineering — covering 102 tunnels, 864 bridges and 919 stunning curves — this train journey is a UNESCO World Heritage experience. The longest tunnel on the route, stretching 1,143.61 metres is an architectural marvel that passes over a deep valley surrounded by steep hills on both sides. All 18 train stations, painted in white and blue, retain an old-world charm and transport you back in time. With stunning panoramic views of hilly hamlets, the journey is magical, to say the least. Tip: If you don't wish to book the complete trip (which takes a little over five hours), you can board the train from Kandaghat to enjoy the best views minus the boredom that could come with a long rail journey. There are several trains – both budget and luxury – that operate on the Kalka-Shimla route.  Book the toy train journey: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.irctchelp.in/kalka-shimla-toy-train-services/ ">Click here</a>Book a stay at Sunnymead Estate: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sunnymeadestate.com/rooms.html">Click here </a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is all about antiquity and understated elegance. Here’s how to soak it all in.

A stay at Sunnymead Estate promises romantic nostalgia. Here’s a guide to things you can do when you’re in Shimla. Read more on zeezest.com


Sunnymead Estate in Shimla | Things To Do In Shimla | Travel Guide

Living The Slow Life In Nostalgia-Evoking Shimla

Himachal

Shimla

Travel

It’s around 10:45 am, and Tahira enters wearing a quirky bomber jacket, her hair untamed, and not a hint of makeup. Her playful attitude carries over to her wardrobe and it’s evident. Acing the art of skinimalism, she's confident in her au-naturel look.Reviewing the outfits selected for the shoot, Tahira is apprehensive. “I have never worn these clothes before,” she remarks. A minute later, radiating an infectiously positive smile, she’s up for the challenge. An hour into the shoot, she’s feeling confident. “I never had this kind of spunk and attitude with hair and makeup. I was really scared to tread this path. I am taking an analogy from this, and this is what happens in real life. It’s just a new version of me which I have not experienced before,” she says, wearing a big smile on her face.So, it was indeed a beautiful disclosure to see her come out of her shell at the Zee Zest March 2023 Digital Cover shoot. She revealed elements of herself that the public eye hasn’t seen yet — unapologetically sensual with a powerful presence.<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Tahira_zeezest_19feb23_0191_1677827726834.jpg"><figcaption>Tahira Kashyap Khurrana is dressed in a Gauri and Nainika peach ruffle gown paired with statement earrings from Joolry. </figcaption></figure>She continues, “Whenever you want to broaden your horizons, you are so conscious about it. You have so many insecurities and you are doubtful. That’s what a challenge is and whoever crosses that challenge becomes a new version of themselves.” She admits that she’s a tad bit experimental but not to the extent of doing something dramatically new. “But after this photoshoot, why not?” she says.Given her impressive command of filmmaking, Tahira is a force to reckon with. She believes in creating memories everywhere (as her Instagram bio reads) and considers herself to be a compulsive storyteller. And what makes her the perfect fit for our Women’s Day special digital cover, is her deep understanding of human relationships, nuanced writing and empowering women-centric stories peppered with humour. “Humour is my coping mechanism in every situation. Even in the most tragic and saddest situations of my life, I just laugh. It’s dark humour and that’s just the way I am as a person. I think I have a funny bone or two,” explains the filmmaker, who prefers to choose humour for the earnest depiction of women in her films.“Some things are best said, and more impactful when they are not said directly but in a subliminal way. With humour as the context, that comes across more strongly,” she explains. However, she feels it’s still not enough and she’s got so much more to tell.<h2>It’s a great time for Indian cinema</h2>The critically-acclaimed author-filmmaker marked her debut in 2017 with the short film Toffee followed by Pinni, part of Netflix’s anthology series Zindagi in Short in 2020, and Quaranteen Crush, part of the anthology series Feels Like Ishq released in 2021. Inspired by directors such as Martin Scorsese, Shakun Batra, Zoya Akhtar and Hansal Mehta, Tahira, one of the most promising female directors in the Indian film industry, believes it's a great time for Indian cinema, but when it comes to theatres it has been testing.<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Tahira_zeezest_19feb23_0727_1677827747404.jpg"><figcaption>Tahira exudes the ultimate boss lady vibes in a Falguni and Shane Peacock gold trench coat accessorised with statement jewellery from Golden Window, Bling Sutra and Forest Of Chintaz.</figcaption></figure>Driven by the vision she has for filmmaking, she says, “Movies have not been doing that great and earning that kind of revenue that they used to in the theatres. On the positive side, we have the advent of OTT where we are getting to see diverse content, languages and culture for which India is actually known, and it's truly coming forward and we are cherishing it more now. We are getting to see so many varied actors and people bouncing back as well. I always try to see the positive in every situation and moving forward, the world of cinema globalisation has a whole new meaning altogether with the conversions of culture not just within India but globally.”Stressing the huge democratisation in Bollywood with the advent of OTT and regional movies becoming mainstream, she continues, “You are seeing different stories from different people and cultures and that’s what the beautiful part about cinema and storytelling is. It evokes an emotion in you and when there are visuals to it, you somehow relate more to it. I think for world cinema, it’s a great time when we are getting a sneak peek into each other’s lives. Today someone sitting in India from a middle-class family is also privy to European cinema, I think that is great thanks to OTT.”<h2>A league of her own</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Tahira_zeezest_19feb23_0496-Recovered_1677827766281.jpg"><figcaption>Tahira is wearing an all-black Falguni and Shane Peacock co-ord set. </figcaption></figure>Tahira is bold, unfiltered, unapologetic and has created an identity of her own. But does she still feel the pressures of being married to one of the most popular stars Ayushmann Khurrana, we ask. She replies with a laugh, “Koi pressure nahi hai. I have no pressures of dressing up a certain way, looking a certain way, keeping my hair length a certain way. I have married an artist, and I perceive him as that and I am just happy that he gets all the love and attention from the world around, that just makes my heart swell with pride and happiness. I really do not take any pressure and I am not saying just for the sake of saying it. It’s not to do with anybody. You have your own set of complexes and I think that’s something that comes from within because of your situation, your internal environment rather than your external environment. If your internal environment is weak and shaky, you go down.”She confesses she did have insecurities in her 20s, but it had nothing to do with the pressures of being married to an actor and it was more about her acceptance of herself. She recalls, “And I really worked towards it. I think most of us deal with these issues and they are seldom to be blamed on any outside trigger or stimuli. It’s basically you being at peace with yourself. I don’t want to fit into any stereotypes.”But then, as a celeb couple how do Tahira and Ayushmann keep it real? Tahira, offering a glimpse behind the curtain, says, “Maybe just not being aware of this term ‘celeb couple’ is what keeps it real for us. It’s a very real household and I don’t even know if there’s any effort put behind it.”<h2>An honest take on star wives</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Tahira_zeezest_19feb23_0737_1678087110532.jpg"></figure>When it comes to Tahira, she’s anything but an extension of her celebrity husband Ayushmann Khurrana, and perhaps one of the most opinionated women in the fraternity. So, we were curious about her take on why there are no ‘star husbands’? To which she says, grinning, “I don’t understand ‘star wives’. I absolutely don’t know what it actually means and how to get into this, what’s the qualification behind it. How much hard work do you need to put in to get this title? I am very sure those people who are termed as such don’t like it because everybody wants to be an individual in their own right and they are. These are terms coined by people and the media.” She pauses, and continues, “I really wish everybody becomes sensitive to each other and realises there is a human being behind that, and we need to cherish and move past this.”And while she’s an author, filmmaker, women’s rights champion and her husband is a Bollywood star, we were keen on how they keep their individual personalities and growth intact. It’s a no-brainer that art is something they both consume and are attracted to, but the ways of expressing it are different. “We have been very instrumental in each other’s growth; at the same time, we don’t impose our thoughts and opinions on each other. Art drives us both but then there’s a different way to express for each of us. He’s a performer, he’s also a poet, he likes to write. I am more of a storyteller. I love to write stories and direct.”<h2>The art of practising self-love</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Tahira_zeezest_19feb23_0366_1677827787825.jpg"></figure>Her journey to self-acceptance can be chronicled through her battle with cancer, but the filmmaker refrains from talking about it. “I don’t want to think about my past because it’s already done. For the future, there’s no point overthinking.” She further explains that insecurities are basically how you feel about yourself and to justify that we blame it on people, outside situations, the environment, our bosses, our spouses, partners, neighbours, friends. “But the thing is coming from within, the problem is within. So, we really need to be aware and fix the thing, which is within us, the outside will correspond to that.” Of course, she’s aware of how society's perception towards women can wear them down. She suggests, “We should not be bogged down by any stereotype or a benchmark of beauty or success. We are individuals in our own right, and no one is a replica of each other, and we truly need to cherish ourselves.”We dive further into the subject of self-love and she says, “Some might call it a borderline narcissist or overrated. But if we give ourselves a little bit of self-love, it really helps us go through the day. Human beings are very complex, we really don’t need a critic to tell us what we can do and what not. We are so critical about our own selves that it just stops your creativity and yourself from expressing in the best possible way you could have.” But was she always like this? No. She confesses how she didn’t indulge in self-love for the longest time and used to look down upon herself. “For me, that was being a narcissist, but there’s a huge difference between self-love and narcissism. Self-love is truly constructive, while narcissism is very destructive.”<h2>A busy and challenging year ahead</h2>She’s a woman wearing many hats and doesn’t let her passions sleep. She’s the author of four books, with The 7 Sins Of Being A Mother and The 12 Commandments Of Being A Woman earning plaudits for her unfiltered approach to many facets of her life. At 40, she is the kind of filmmaker who is supremely talented with compelling projects ahead of her. Not only is her first feature Sharmaji Ki Beti, a female-centric comedy-drama, slated for release this year, but she’s also paired up again with Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga for an upcoming dramedy feature.2023 for her is all about facing new challenges and overcoming them with a smile. “That could be any way in the kind of storytelling I do, the kind of genres I have written so far. I would like to push my limits and tread into the kind of stories I have always wanted to do but was doubtful. So, 2023 is all about doing stuff that I always wanted to do, somewhere in the remotest corner of my heart but perhaps never expressed. I promised myself that I won’t be scared of judgements,” she signs off. <hr>CreditsEditor: Sumita Bagchi  Photographer: Kunal GuptaCreative Consultant: Mitrajit BhattacharyaBTS video: Gaurav TalekarVideo Edit: Media EdgeStylist: ​Neelangana VasudevaAssistant stylist: ​Foram KubadiaHair stylist: Poonam SolankiMakeup: Hinal DattaniMakeup Assistant: Ali HussainLocation: Silk Route, JuhuArtist PR: Keerat Publicity

With a voice as powerful as her personality, the author-filmmaker is the ultimate go-getter. She’s bold, unfiltered, and a woman of substance. 

With a voice as powerful as her personality, the author-filmmaker is not just another star wife. She’s bold, unfiltered, and has an identity of her own. Read more on zeezest.com

Zee Zest Digital Cover March 2023 Tahira Kashyap Khurrana Interview

Tahira Kashyap Khurrana: The Power Of Being Unapologetically You

Tahira Kashyap Khurrana

Digital Cover

Bollywood Interview

Women Power

He walks in punctually on the allotted call time, on a Sunday, for the Zee Zest cover shoot in a pair of anti-fit denim and a white t-shirt with a graphic print. Ali Fazal’s childlike excitement pops out as he shares the story about his grandmother being the inspiration for the t-shirt designed. He describes her as one of the coolest people he knew.  Ali has inherited his grandmother‘s cool factor supplemented by a healthy dose of unconventionality that can be seen in his career graph. As the digital cover star for June 2022, Ali, armed with a boyish grin and piercing eyes, seamlessly transitions into the three looks of the day—just like he transformed into Zafar for Fukrey, Abdul in Victoria & Abdul, Guddu Pandit in Mirzapur, and Andrew Katchadourian in Death On The Nile.<h2>The Hollywood affair</h2>From his cameo in Furious 7 (2015) to be the male lead in Victoria & Abdul (2017) and now Death On The Nile—Ali Fazal is slowly and steadily becoming a fixture in the international film circuit. Although, if you call him India’s successful export to Hollywood, he will shrug the compliment off and talk about the late actors, Irrfan Khan and Shashi Kapoor and their milestones. “Irrfan sir already left a great mark in Hollywood. And Shashi Kapoor saab was actually one of the first Indian actors in Hollywood, which people don’t acknowledge anymore.” Ali takes pride in his achievements with the right dose of humility when he expresses that he considers himself fortunate to have been able to work with big international production houses, but he is not in a rush and is taking one thing at a time.<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_ZEEZEST_ALI_FAZAL1067_1654605801017.jpg"><figcaption>Ali Fazal strikes a pose in Hublot Big Bang Unico Summer Purple wristwatch. On Ali: Shirt from Jack & Jones, trousers by Rajesh Pratap Singh and blazer by Osman Abdul Razak.</figcaption></figure>Ali has an envious list of international co-stars, including  Dame Judi Dench—he calls the legendary and critically acclaimed actress, who has multiple Golden Globes and BAFTAs under her belt, a gift from Victoria & Abdul 's director Stephen Frears. Ali Fazal has also openly acknowledged his crush on Annette Bening, another stupendous actor and four-time Oscar winner, on many occasions. Ali also shared screen time with Gal Gadot, best known for her role as Wonder Woman, during his most recent outing in Hollywood. “She's very nice to work with. She is a family person at the same time. When somebody loves her family a lot, you know you see that compassion,” he adds. And while he appreciates Gal Gadot’s compassion as a human being, it is Gerard Butler’s cool factor—from the under-production Kandahar—that has him enthralled. “He’s a seeker and I think that's that makes him a very spiritual person,” says Ali, adding that they shared good notes. Of the film, Ali says it’s one of the best teams that he’s worked with. Kandahar was shot in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, where the whole cast and crew were located for the entirety of the project. “I am chasing Gerard Butler’s character throughout the film. These two-and-a-half months I was training hard—I've never done that,” he says. Written by Michael Lafortune, an Afghan war veteran himself, the film draws a lot from real-life experiences, according to Ali. “It was this really detailed and enriching journey for me, from learning how to ride a dirt bike to using guns in a particular way, which is very different from let's say a Guddu picking up something random,” Ali says with a sense of awe.<h2>A world of difference</h2>When our conversation leads to the obvious question of the differences between working in an international film versus Indian cinema, Ali says: “At the end of the day, it depends on production value.” His international projects have often been with big studios, including Universal Studio, Disney, and most recently Thunder Road Films—the studio that made the John Wick series.<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_ZEEZEST_ALI_FAZAL1267_1654605745204.jpg"><figcaption>Ali channels a 70s hero with his sunglasses from Gucci, a jacket from NM Design Studio on a Jack & Jones t-shirt. Adding more glamour to his look is the wristwatch, Hublot Classic Fusion Orlinski in rose gold.</figcaption></figure>In 2017, when Victoria & Abdul was released it didn’t get the traction a lot of international films do today. “Maybe our marketing wasn’t the best, it could’ve been better. I was also very new. I had no direction,” he says adding it was the first time he saw how Hollywood marketed their films. The way they treat their product is very different from the all-guns-blazing approach to marketing and outreach in India. “I had never seen anything like it in my life, it was like a presidential campaign. It's very selective and very strategic,” Ali adds.Back home, he accepts, while economies of scale vary—it can often be no less than a Hollywood-scale production. “I recently worked with Vishal Bhardwaj for Khufiya. We've just wrapped it up and it's been nothing short of a Hollywood experience,” he elaborates.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest-video.com/hg1kkUBAQ3OKs55ZTO/https://assets.zeezest.com/videos/PROD_Ali_1_1654593394536.jpg">videoplayer</a><h2>The Guddu Pandit phenomenon</h2>“Mirzapur technically is a big show I did—it’s like shooting three films back-to-back. I really want to do more, but I think sometimes my time gets divided,” Ali says. Mirzapur’s success came as a surprise not only to him but to the whole team. “In season one, we had created something really crisp and really nice; something that was honest to the land. So, we were unaffected by how it all went,” Ali says. He credits writer Puneet Krishna for understanding the nuances and creating a show that is honest to the land.<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_ZEEZEST_ALI_FAZAL1390_1654605720112.jpg"><figcaption>Ali is wearing ND Design Studio's coordinated shorts set. On his wrist is  Hublot Big Bang Meca-10.</figcaption></figure>His head shorn of his dark locks in a crew cut and hitting the gym to bulk up for the character, Ali says more than anything else it is a test of his patience. “I'm very impatient. I'm just waiting for it to get over because it takes a lot,” he says. The fact that the shoot for season three is scheduled in the peak of summer doesn’t really help the versatile actor.With season three of Mirzapur scheduled to premiere later in the year, expectations are high. “We have to do better than the last one. That is not to say we have less of a job, but I mean the pressure is high. But for me, it's always a story. It needs to make more sense,” he adds explaining the reason for the success of the OTT hit.<h2>Sucker for a good story</h2>If you observe Ali’s character graph, it’s experimental and non-stereotypical. Explaining how he chooses his roles, Ali says: “I think being a closet writer myself, I'm a sucker for good writing, good punches, and good usage of language.” He values that the words not just carry meaning, but also express emotions “to find an unpredictable truth about yourself.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_ZEEZEST_ALI_FAZAL1351_1654605695906.jpg"><figcaption>Ali is wearing a jacket from NM Design on a Jack & Jones t-shirt with Gas Jeans trousers. He is also wearing Gucci sunglasses and Christian Louboutin shoes. On his wrist is Hublot Classic Fusion Orlinski watch in rose gold.</figcaption></figure>“I don't think I have a particular formula for choosing a script. Death On The Nile, for instance, was a classic novel by writer Agatha Christie and who wouldn't want to be part of it,” Ali continues. His childhood was surrounded by these whodunnits since his mother was a voracious reader—that is also why he was never inclined to pick up these mystery novels himself. For Mirzapur’s Guddu Pandit, Ali says, “I could totally see it go all the way to the end but at the same time there were aspects that I couldn't make sense of.” At the end of the day, “I love that I love surprising myself, so I think that's it,” Ali adds.<h2>The child within</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_ZEEZEST_ALI_FAZAL1553_1654605663219.jpg"><figcaption>Ali enjoys a bowl of noodles in a coordinated shorts set by NM Design Studio. He is wearing Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 on his wrist.</figcaption></figure>Ali’s answers throughout my interaction were thoughtful and would lead you to believe that he is a serious man. But he is equally light-hearted. “I'm anything but the brooding Guddu Pandit or some gau admi from Fukrey, who's this artsy type. It was fun for me at the time because I like to see how I would look in this really obnoxious avatar and fool people in certain ways.” Ali explains his need to be able to enjoy the moment and the impact of his characters. And much like the next person, daily chores and vagaries of life weigh Ali down. “At the end of the month, no matter where I am in the world, I get an electricity bill. It’s one of those things that I wish someone else could take care of. But you know you have to do it,” he says, adding, that film shoots is where he finds peace and is most comfortable in the skin he puts on.<h2>A relationship of mutual respect</h2>Ali describes Richa as his “closest friend,” someone whom he intends to share his life with. At the time of the interview, it had been two-and-a-half months since he had been away from home. He was waiting for the shoot to get over to spend quality time with Richa. “I haven't seen her properly, so I'm really excited actually. After this shoot to have some time where we can just sit and chat.”Richa is also his business partner—the two have a production house named Pushing Buttons. He acknowledges that “compartmentalising can get tricky, which is why we're looking for someone to whom we can just delegate work.” You can sense the awe Ali is in with his partner, in business and life, when he says, “It's fun being with her, in whatever capacity. And I respect her as an actor and as a person I get a lot of insights from her.”His affection and admiration for Richa is evident in the way he speaks of her. He is excited about his personal life as well as professional life with her, as he explains that he can’t wait for a democratic structure to enter the movie business and the small step their company, Pushing Buttons, is taking is in the right direction. <hr>Credits:Editorial lead: Sumita Bagchi  Photographer: Atul KasbekarCreative consultant: Mitrajit BhattacharyaAssistant photographer and BTS video: Rahul SawantEditing: Media EdgeStylist: Rochelle D’Sa and Anisha GandhiAssistant stylist: Komal SoniHair and Makeup: Arbaj AliLocation: St Regis MumbaiArtist PR: Hardly Anonymous

From Joy Lobo in '3 Idiots' to Guddu Pandit in 'Mirzapur' and Andrew Katchadourian in 'Death on the Nile', Ali Fazal’s career graph has hit a new high and we can’t wait to see what else is in store.

Actor Ali Fazal, as the Digital Cover Star for June 2022, talks about his film journey, successful international films, preparing for Mirzapur 3, his future and his relationship with Richa Chadha.

Cover Story | June 2022 | Ali Fazal Interview | Zee Zest

Stop Him If You Can: Ali Fazal

Ali Fazal

Hollywood

Celebrity Interview

Bollywood 

OTT 

In the quest to find the most suitable Digital Cover star for the Homegrown edition of September we found a name that has truly made India proud. Sonu Sood, a philanthropist, and actor, who won the hearts of millions of Indians with his boundless passion for changing lives in the last few years. He is more of a front-page personality than a page-3 one making headlines with his awe-inspiring, life-transforming journey; a reel hero, who emerged as a real-life superhero for millions of Indians in distress during the Covid-19 pandemic, and its equally painful aftermath. Sonu may have spent most of his acting career playing negative characters, but his almost single-handed effort to help migrant thousands of labourers reach their homes during the pandemic’s first wave followed by supplying oxygen and other essential medical equipment to thousands of needy patients during the second wave earned him a messiah-like status among the masses. Now that the worst of the pandemic is (hopefully) behind us, his NGO — Sood Charity Foundation — is setting up efforts to help the underprivileged with education and jobs.   <figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD__DSC7301_1664003082655.jpg"><figcaption>Sonu Sood is wearing a sherwani with a pocket square and brooch by Raghavendra Rathore. His ring and footwear are from Tribe by Amrapali and Vaibhav Mitali, respectively. Sonu is also wearing Big Bang Integrated Ceramic in sky-blue by Hublot.</figcaption></figure>For someone who is busy balancing his reel and real-life passions with equal zeal, Sonu makes a lasting first impression at the Zee Zest digital cover shoot at ITC Grand Maratha, Mumbai where his warm greetings and hugs to the entire crew establish how he connects with people instantly and with ease. My first question: How tall are you? He stood up, put his hands around my shoulder, and said 6'3.5". And with that begins a one-of-a-kind shoot where we see Sonu don three bespoke, handcrafted outfits from some of the most popular homegrown designers-- Nivedita Saboo, Karan Torani and Raghavendra Rathore. Throughout the shoot day, we saw the superhero who has starred in several movies like Yuva (2004), Jodhaa Akbar (2008), Dabangg (2010), Shootout at Wadala (2013), R… Rajkumar (2013), Happy New Year (2014), Devi (2016), Kung Fu Yoga (2017), and Simmba (2018),  address incessant calls that sought his help, during the breaks. And that leaves us imagining the power of this one-of-a-kind celebrity who is worshipped as a messiah and a deity, for helping the needy single-handedly. Though a private suite was reserved for the shoot, the occasional selfie requests from guests in the corridor or lift never went unanswered. After all, Sonu Sood belongs to the people of India.  When we finally sat down for our chat, we spoke about charity, movies and life in general. Edited Excerpts: <h2>1. How do you look back at your incredible acting career in the South Indian film industry? </h2>I always believed in films down South. I have done close to 60 movies in Telugu, Tamil and Kannada. Entertainment has no language. People spend a lot of money and time watching movies in theatres. Filmmakers still believe in fulfilling that core responsibility of entertaining the theatre-going audience. I remember when I started doing films down south, a lot of my friends used to say, “Tu Hindi speaking ho ke bhi, Bollywood chhod ke South ke movies kyun karta hain?”. I always chose films that excited me as an actor or in the content. That’s why many a time I decided to opt for South films over Bollywood films. Some of them did really well and that cemented my position in South cinema.  <h2>2. What are your thoughts on S.S Rajamouli? </h2>S. S. Rajamouli is technically brilliant, a great narrator, and believes in massy entertainers like Baahubali and RRR.  <figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_ZEEZEST_14922_SONU_SOOD5119_1664003028251.jpg"><figcaption>Sonu looks dashing in a textured blazer with red pocket square by Nivedita Saboo. On his wrist is the Big Bang Unico Red Magic by Hublot.</figcaption></figure><h2>3. Why do you think Bollywood movies are not doing well in the theatres recently? </h2>Cinema is always larger than life. When an individual goes to a theatre to watch a film, they want to be that actor on screen. Somewhere, if we fail to create that larger-than-life image, we fail to connect with that theatre-going audience. The South Indian film industry has always catered to it, I’m sure Bollywood will also do the same.  <h2>4. Tell us about your maiden home production… </h2>The project we are starting our production house, Shakti Sagar Productions, with is called Fateh. We have already done 16 months of prep and writing. I didn’t want to roll a movie till our homework was right. Some of the best researchers and content creators have worked on the project. Now that we are set to roll, I am very excited. I am glad that the hours we spent researching the subject are helping us sail through smoothly. It’s a film based on cybercrime, a threat that the country is facing, and how a common man is sucked into the mess unknowingly. The film’s message is powerful, it can guide the audience to be careful and not get cheated. <figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_ZEEZEST_14922_SONU_SOOD5297_1664003059791.jpg"><figcaption>Sonu sood rocks a Karan Torani ensemble paired with shoes from Escaro Royale and ring from Tribe by Amrapali. He is also sporting the Big Bang Integrated King Gold by Hublot.</figcaption></figure><h2>5. How did the cult character of Cheddi Singh in ‘Dabangg’ come about? </h2>Most of Cheddi Singh’s dialogues and other famous lines from Dabangg were written by me. All the filmmakers and actors who have worked with me know that I am very good at writing dialogues, screenplays and scenes. Even in Fateh, I have done the same. Cheddi Singh was inspired by my college days when I used to live with students from Bihar as my roommates. We created the character based on them. Even ‘Bhaiyyaji Smile’ was a real character we had in our college in Nagpur. They were always very fond of having their photographs clicked and had photographers accompany them. And they would always say ‘Bhaiyyaji smile‘. We put it in the script three days before the shoot started!  One day, while shooting in Wai near Pune, Salman took me out for dinner and suddenly said, “Sonu, tu bahut lamba hain yaar, teri taange toh gaadi mein fit ho jayegi na?” I replied, “Salman, kya hain na, kanoon ke haath aur Sonu Sood ki laath dono bahut lambi hain bhai.” He said, “Arre yeh bahut kamaal ka dialogue hain, use karte hain picture main.” The next day we were shooting when the famous dialogue was incorporated into the film. We just replaced Sonu Sood with Cheddi Singh. This is how Cheddi Singh became a cult character on screen. <h2>6. How did you decide to launch the Sood Charity Foundation?  </h2>I lost my mother in 2007 and since then I have been doing my bit to help people. But I wanted to do it on a scale that could touch a lot of lives. I realised that time had come when, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the whole country got in touch with me; someone needed medical attention, someone education or a job. I wanted to do everything. So, from that day, we thought of creating a family that would cater to every need of the needy. At Sood Foundation, if people connect with us, we try and change their lives. We get connected with new people every day and most importantly, they are usually not from wealthy families. They are also the ones who were helped during Covid-19, so there is a different emotion attached to them. <figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_ZEEZEST_14922_SONU_SOOD4928a_1664002994867.jpg"></figure><h2>7. What is your biggest realisation from all the relief work you have undertaken during the past couple of years? </h2>Umeed aur koshish. ‘Hope’ and ‘effort’ are two of the most important words I have experienced in life. When someone has hope that someone can save a life and you put an effort towards that, there is nothing more special than that.  Every day I meet people who have come from all over the country — from Bihar, Jharkhand, UP, Odisha — I see hope in their eyes. Often, I hear them say they didn’t have money to buy train tickets to come to Mumbai, but when they told the ticket collector they were coming to meet me, he would let them travel for free. That hope keeps me on my toes always and I try to put in genuine efforts and God somehow guides you when you are changing the lives of so many people. There are miles to go, but the journey is on. <h2>8. How does it feel to have an aircraft with your image on it? </h2>It takes me down memory lane when I came to Mumbai on an unreserved ticket from Delhi. I didn’t know a single person in the city. Recently, when I travelled in that aircraft with my name and face painted on it, I missed my parents the most. They were not around to see that; I wish I could take them on the flight. But I know wherever they are, they would be happy.   <figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD__DSC7368_1664003137110.jpg"></figure><h2>9. Tell us about your new initiative to help IAS aspirants… </h2>I have a lot of friends who are in administrative services. Many of them are from environmentally challenged backgrounds like Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha. They want to work for the country but they don’t have the resources. So, I thought why not give them a platform where they get what they deserve? IAS preparations are very costly and not easily accessible to most people. Anyone from any part of the country can connect with us and we will make sure that we help them prepare for the exams. Last year, we helped 40,000 aspirants. Over the last one and a half days, we have received close to 12,000 entries. Even if 50 can clear from this, just imagine what they can do for the country.<h2>10. How does one get a fit body like Sonu Sood? </h2>To get a body like Sonu Sood is not very difficult. You have to love yourself. When I explored fitness during my engineering college days, I was pretty excited to go to a large gym, having not experienced anything like that in a small town like Moga, where I came from. I suddenly felt this is the world I belonged to. I never thought I would be an actor; fitness kept me going. When I look back, I think fitness played a major role in my career and helped me survive the difficult times. I think fitness is not just about the body, it’s about the mind also.  Every day of mine starts with working out. Since the day I started working out till date, I have never missed a single day at the gym unless I am unwell or I don’t have access to a gym. I consider 22 hours as my day, and the other two hours are for exercising.  <h2>11. What are your thoughts on the Zee Zest cover shoot and the looks curated for you?  </h2>I thank Raghavendra Rathore for this beautiful black sherwani. It’s always essential to have a break sometimes from the casual look of denim and tees and today was the perfect occasion to wear formal. Credits: Editor: Sumita BagchiPhotographer: Atul KasbekarCreative Consultant: Mitrajit BhattacharyaAssistant Photographer and BTS: Rahul SawantBTS Edit: Media EdgeStylist: Pyu MishraHair stylist: Rajendra ChawanMake up artist: Junaid Shaikh for Hakim AalimLocation: ITC Maratha MumbaiArtist Reputation Management: Raindrop Media

Zee Zest catches up with Sonu Sood to talk about all things cinema, charity, and Cheddi Singh.

Zee Zest catches up with Bollywood actor Sonu Sood and finds out why he likes South cinema and what led him to do charity work.

Zee Zest Digital Cover | September 2022 | Sonu Sood acting philanthropy 

The Dreamer, The Achiever, The Saviour: Sonu Sood123

sonu sood

Interview

celebrities 

Dare you ask Indian women, who is the finest of them all? And Milind Soman manages to be the undisputed choice! To make the celebratory month truly special, the OG heartthrob also makes a rare appearance as the Zee Zest Digital Cover Star for December 2022.   Not just for his good looks, but you can’t put Milind Soman in a box—and not because he appeared out of one when he swept all of us off our feet in Alisha Chinai’s Made in India video in 1995. As a model, runner and actor, just when you think he is settling down, he stuns you with something completely unexpected. A man who finds long-distance running easy and resting on a couch difficult, Milind believes he can take up any challenge by keeping himself in an optimal state of fitness at all times. Whether successfully completing the gruelling ‘Ironman’ at 50 and the even more difficult ‘Ultraman’ at 52 or cycling 1,000 km from Baroda to Delhi at 56 in 2021, Milind has always pushed his body and mind to achieve the next target that looks almost impossible to others. <figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_NSP_1615_1670237322955.jpg"><figcaption>Milind Soman looks dapper in a Shahab Durazi tuxedo.</figcaption></figure>Milind has a busy December ahead of him. There are marathons to run in Singapore and other Indian cities, and a cycling expedition from Mumbai to Bengaluru, which he plans to complete in six days by December 25. As he continues to push the boundaries of physical endurance, his wife Ankita Konwar gives him company in most of his adventures. In Milind’s words, Konwar anchors him by making him aware of who he is every day. We sneaked the unconventional couple off to The Residence Dhigurah, a resort located in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Maldives, for what turned out to be the year-end Digital Cover Shoot for ZeeZest.com.  Unlike other shoots, this shoot was packed with fitness and yoga challenges thrown at the crew before we got shooting. Not one to compromise on his daily running regime, Milind transitions from shorts to suits and sarongs in a jiffy leaving us rethinking the need for investing in hair and makeup products and realising the natural effect of a post-workout glow. Considering Milind was making a comeback to an editorial shoot after a hiatus, the mood board was sketched keeping the OG supermodel's sartorial hunger in mind. In a freewheeling chat that carried over from the Maldives to Mumbai, we got a peek into his mind, that otherwise races past our tepid imagination. <h2>Running wins</h2>When asked to choose between running, modelling and acting, he quickly picked running as his current favourite. He runs every day, whenever he finds time. “It gives me a lot of joy and helps me to connect with myself better. Maybe because it’s such a natural activity. Human beings are evolved to run. When you do things that you are meant to do, there is a connection with dharma,” says Milind. <figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_NSP_1923_1670237336148.jpg"><figcaption>A leap of joy; Milind is wearing a monochrome suit by Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna.</figcaption></figure>He finds acting and modelling fun too. He loves that they allow him to explore various opportunities and considers them as part of his creative expression. “Even though I stopped modelling in 1995 and started doing television, I never lost touch with being able to do something new or something that was exciting for myself,” he shares. “In the media, they usually label me as swimmer-turned-model-turned-actor-turned-fitness expert but for me, there is no turning. Everything exists simultaneously. Whenever I do something, I enjoy that immensely,” he clarifies.<h2>On not attending fashion shows  </h2>“I actually have no reason to attend a fashion week. Even earlier, when I was modelling, if I wasn’t a part of the fashion show, there was no reason for me to attend the event,” says Milind. “I remember attending one in Delhi where we presented the brand, Deivee, that I had started and I walked the ramp too. A lot of my friends walked too, so that was fun,” he recollects. Also, in 2009, he remembers walking alongside Naomi Campbell for a charity event in Mumbai, which he enjoyed thoroughly. He later moderated a session with her in 2017 in New Delhi. According to him, the Indian fashion industry works as a business model, and lacks the creative art and expression. He explains, “If you look at fashion in the West, starting with Coco Chanel, 70-80 years ago, fashion was an artistic expression. We haven't seen this side of fashion in India. If you look at fashion weeks, it is a business model. I think we didn't go into understanding the true meaning, the depths of creativity and imagination of fashion here.” We quiz him further about if he were to walk the runway again, who would it be for? And he replies, “I don't really look around that much but if you’re talking about a well-made suit, I will definitely name Shahab Durazi, I think he's great with cuts and designs.”  <figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_watch%20NSP_2115_1670237356732.jpg"><figcaption>Taking smart casuals to the next level; Milind Soman is wearing  Omega Seamaster Professional Diver 300M on his wrist. A pair of Paradiso model sunglasses by John Jacobs keeps the glare away from his eyes. His jacket is by Rimzim Dadu, sarong by Varnika Sangoi and jewellery by Sangeeta Boochra and Aquamarine Jewellery. </figcaption></figure>Not one to follow fashion trends or brands, ask him about three designers who have left a mark on him over the years and he names fashion icons Karl Lagerfeld, Dolce & Gabbana and Vivienne Westwood. And supermodels that have impressed him? “Apart from Naomi Campbell, I also like yesteryear’s modelling superstars like Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista. Though they didn’t influence my work directly, I always admired their craft,” Milind shares.<h2>On the wellness industry’s evolution</h2>As we talk about how fitness and wellness have become trendy now, Milind shares a personal experience. “Six years ago, I remember approaching a brand that makes breakfast cereals to sponsor a sporting event. To my surprise, they said they were not a fitness brand. Imagine from that to now, more than even fitness, they have now adopted wellness as a plank and we are working together.” He also thinks mental health has taken centre stage because corporates are talking a lot about it. Commenting on celebrities talking about mental health, Milind says, “Sometimes you may have what it takes to become a celebrity, but many times you may not have what it takes to deal with it.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_watch%20NSP_1796_1670237406729.jpg"><figcaption>On Milind's wrist is the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Master Chronometer Chronograph. His shirt is from Bloni by Akshat Bansal, sarong is by Varnika Sangoi and jewellery by Sangeeta Boochra and Aquamarine Jewellery. </figcaption></figure><h2>Coming full circle</h2>When he was a national swimming champion in his teens, no one knew him. Now he is famous as a fitness enthusiast and an influential voice in the space. The fame he earned as a model and actor may have contributed to his fitness popularity. Reflecting on his success with fitness, he comments, “Probably, it works for me, as no one else from this space I occupy, is doing what I am doing. For example, which really famous person has competed in the Ironman race or run more than 1,000 km from Delhi to Mumbai? My guess, none."<h2>Meeting the Prime Minister of India</h2>Milind participated in the Unity Run from Jhansi to New Delhi in August 2022. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) contacted him on Day 4 of his run, requesting if he could connect with people on the way to spread a message. He readily agreed. When he reached Delhi, the PMO had organised an event at the Red Fort. Later, he was delighted to receive a call to check if he would meet the Prime Minister the next day. “I was very impressed that our PM Narendra Modi took out time to meet someone like me without a specific agenda. That is being really organised, at least that’s how I see it,” says Milind. Recollecting the event, Milind candidly shares, “It’s kind of embarrassing as I later realised that I spoke mostly while he listened. I even asked him if he wanted me to stop and he said he was happy to listen to me. I remember speaking to him about how we can promote indigenous sports in India instead of focusing only on Olympic sports. We obviously connected on yoga and Ayurveda, topics which are close to both of us.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_539A4015-7152-4939-959A-473C24BB762F_1670296536855.jpeg"></figure><h2>On travel adventures</h2>He confesses he never used to travel earlier, except for work. He says he is not a tourist and doesn’t enjoy sightseeing. “After marriage, we started travelling as Ankita likes to travel. We still don’t do sightseeing, but now we look for places where we can do things. She has learnt diving, so we dive a lot now,” shares Milind. “Recently, we were in Egypt to dive. We went to Europe to climb Mont Blanc and to Africa to run in a sanctuary and climb Kilimanjaro,” Milind says, summing up his travel habits. As an adventurer, he likes to challenge himself, and that’s why he doesn’t like visiting places where he has nothing to do. “The reason to challenge myself is also not to fall sick. I believe the human body and mind deteriorate if you don’t challenge them,” he explains. “If you still want me to pick places on my bucket list, they would be more places from Africa and the Arctic and diving sites around the world.” Explaining his choices, he says, “I prefer places that have some amount of romanticism and ultimate romanticism for me comes with ruggedness. There is no romanticism in lying on the couch watching TV. That’s why the greatest love stories come from struggle."<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_watch%20NSP_1796_1670237633998.jpg"></figure><h2>Role model from the world of:</h2>Sports: Muhammad AliModelling: Naomi Campbell, Cindy CrawfordActing: Balraj Sahni, Amitabh Bachchan, Naseeruddin ShahSwimming: Mark Spitz, Michael Phelps</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h2>Looking back at ‘Made In India’</h2>Reminiscing about the music video that almost gave Milind a brand identity for the rest of his life, he says, “Those were the very early days of music videos in India. MTV had just come to India and Alisha Chinai and I were already collaborating on some videos. This particular one was the second after an English music video we did together.”  Milind had also shot for Ken Ghosh directorial and forgot about it. He adds, “Those were not the days of social media, not even 24x7 in-your-face traditional media.” It was only after two months, when he accompanied a friend travelling from overseas to a club in Pune, that he realised how big a hit the song was. The loudest cheer possible greeted them the moment they entered the club. That music video made Milind’s face recognisable across the country and the title became his tagline for the rest of his life.<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_watchNSP_1977White_1670308121665.jpg"><figcaption>Milind is wearing Omega's latest addition to the Seamaster Professional line, the Planet Ocean 6000M – Ultradeep with a Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna monochrome suit.</figcaption></figure><h2>When Milind met Ankita </h2>The couple met at Pasha, a nightclub at The Park, Chennai in February 2014. “I don’t normally go to nightclubs. It was one of those odd days when I succumbed to the hotel manager’s sudden request to drop by for a few minutes as it was a ladies’ night at the club. Even Ankita doesn’t go to nightclubs often. That day, we both were at Pasha at the same time. That was pure coincidence,” shares Milind. Recollecting the night, he says, “I was waiting for my young colleagues to finish drinking. Meanwhile, some girls came and requested me to dance. Suddenly, the dance floor was full. More people had come in by then. It was then that I saw Ankita across the room with her friends. I kept watching her. She is the one who came up to me and asked for a dance. I had no idea what to chat about, I found myself asking some random questions like what her parents did, whether she had any siblings and things like that. I don’t socialise, don’t meet people at parties and start conversations, this was rather difficult for me. I asked her for her number, she said she didn’t have a phone as she had just moved from Malaysia, with Air Asia starting operations in India then. I left my number with a friend of hers, and finally, she sent a message the day after that she had a nice time. I invited her for dinner. That’s our story in short.”<h2>The ‘age-gap’ marriage</h2>Milind feels Ankita challenges him in all the right ways. More than motivating and inspiring him, she makes him more aware of himself. And he likes that. “If I were with a person from my generation, it would probably be simpler. Here I look at something that’s almost alien to me, maintaining that equality in the relationship with someone so much younger teaches me about myself, every day. As we grow older, we develop an attitude, as we change over time. But we often don’t realise that. But I do, every day, when I speak to her. So, living with Ankita is a kind of exploration, though she may have a different view of it. It’s an opportunity to see the world of today, I just see it through her eyes,” says Milind, fondly summing up their marriage.<h2>His beautiful bond with his mother</h2>“We fight a lot. But I have learnt a lot from her, mainly, not to be judgmental,” says Milind about his relationship with his mother who is super active at 83 and does push-ups regularly.<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_NSP_1667_1670237510316.jpg"></figure><h2>Favourite cuisine</h2>“I love Bengali food. Basically, I like freshwater fish. Though I have lived in Mumbai almost all my life, I don’t know why I have this fascination for Bengali cuisine. I like Japanese cuisine as well, not just the sushi and the sashimi, I love the soups and the noodles too. Basically, anything that’s made well, respecting traditions, I enjoy that. In fact, I don’t like fusion as much as traditional food, which is basic, staple and sumptuous. Milind names boneless Bhapa Ilish (Hilsa) as his favourite dish. But what he eats most often is Dal Khichdi. “It’s a complete meal. I have grown up with it. It’s easy to make comfort food, easy to digest and highly nutritious.”<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h2>Ankita’s take on Milind</h2><h3>As a husband</h3>“As a husband, he is the best partner. I don’t know what you look for in a husband as I never wanted to get married. After I met him, my perception towards marriage changed. It's been almost five years since we got married, and every day we learn new things about each other. It has been such a beautiful journey. He is such a big part of me. Our upbringing was so different, he grew up in a city while I almost grew up in the jungles but we are so alike, it is unbelievable. We have always been close to the earth and that’s one thing we can always connect on.“<h3>As a role model in fitness</h3>“I don’t know about others but I can talk about myself. I had adopted a very unhealthy lifestyle in the middle, so when I woke up, Milind would have finished running 25 km, which I saw on Facebook or Instagram. I would wonder how does he do 25 km every day so easily. I remember when I turned 25, I realised I was unhealthy I had become. So, I went to the gym, but it was shut for some reason. I didn’t come back and I went for a run instead. I have been running ever since. It has liberated and healed me, in a way, with each run I came closer to myself. All the credit goes to Milind. I remember when we were in Athens, one of our friends called us to run the marathon. Those days I was running the half marathon regularly but I wasn’t trained at all for the 42 km. Milind trained me for six days and we ran the marathon on the seventh day. He has been such an inspiration in every aspect, be it emotional, physical or spiritual. I want to be like him when I am 50.”<h3>About the age gap in marriage</h3>“I don’t feel that at all. It's only when someone asks me the question, I realise we are 26 years apart. To me, it has always been the companionship we share that is so authentic. I remember even when I told my parents about the wedding, my mother reacted that he was almost her age, while my father was not comfortable with the idea of me getting married to an actor; he had some preconceived notions about the entertainment industry. I was very clear that I wouldn’t go against their wish to get married to Milind, but I also made it clear to them that I would be with him and they should be comfortable with the idea.”</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><hr>CreditsEditor: Sumita BagchiPhotographer: Atul KasbekarCreative Consultant: Mitrajit BhattacharyaWatch Partner: OmegaEyewear Partner: John JacobsAssistant Photographer and BTS: Rahul SawantBTS Edit: Media EdgeStylists: Pyu MishraLocation: The Residence Maldives At Dhigurah

Even before Ranveer Singh bared it all, there was Milind Soman. The OG trendsetter tells us how to run the extra mile and make heads turn!

Milind Soman continues to win hearts, whether as a model or fitness influencer. Here’s an exclusive interview with Zee Zest's December 2022 Digital Cover Star.

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