Jan 312018
 

Varun Dhawan shared a video in which he is seen seeking Mahatma Gandhi’s blessings for Sui Dhaaga

Varun Dhawan
Varun Dhawan

Varun Dhawan, whose wax statue was unveiled at Madame Tussauds, Hong Kong, yesterday, shared a video in which he is seen seeking Mahatma Gandhi’s blessings for his upcoming film, Sui Dhaaga. He captioned it, “#madeinindia #suidhaaga. Got the most important blessings before I start this important film @anushkasharma (sic).”

Meanwhile, a picture of Anushka Sharma from the set of the film surfaced on Instagram. The actor is seen in a blue printed sari with her hair tied in a loose bun. The film is scheduled to release on Gandhi Jayanti (October 2).

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Jan 312018
 

Shama Sikander is yet again breaking the Internet with her steamy picture

Shama Sikander
Shama Sikander meditating. Picture Courtesy: Instagram/shamasikander.

Television actress Shama Sikander is known to break the Internet with her steamy pictures. She has once again posted an uber chic photo of hers meditating amidst nature’s beauty and looked breathtakingly gorgeous in the maroon two-piece. The ‘Maaya’ actress is promoting world peace and wrote, “World peace can be achieved, when in each person the power of love replaces the love of power. #AbDilKiSunn (sic).”

A few days ago, Shama shunned the social media trolls with a powerful post and had written, “A woman has B***S…that’s what makes her different than men and I’m grateful that I’m a woman and a blessed one indeed. Yes “I HAVE B***S” and nice ones indeed.. they are “juicy” and also are “melons” or whatever else you prefer calling them. I think it’s time for all those TROLLS who like to give my body parts names like these to get over it and move on in life. They’re mine and I love them… #BodyShaming #NotTolerated #RespectWomen #LoveForBikini (sic).”

The gorgeous beauty had uploaded her sexy pictures from the beach in a white bikini and flaunted her curves. Shama got immensely trolled for those pictures and was called by several sleazy names. The actress was reportedly holidaying in Melbourne with her alleged boyfriend and posted the pictures from the foreign shore.

Shama Sikander is a television actress, who rose to fame from the daily soap, ‘Yeh Meri Life Hai’ and is known for making bold appearances.

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Jan 312018
 

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will present the 2018 union budget, where the Government is expected to try to woo rural voters and small businesses as the country heads to a season of elections

Kajol
Kajol

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will present the 2018 union budget, where the Government is expected to try to woo rural voters and small businesses as the country heads to a season of elections. The entertainment industry too has some expectations from the budget, as they want the high taxes gone from the industry and want it to be ‘tax free’. Expressing her thoughts on the budget as an actor, actress Kajol said, ‘I ideally want the entertainment industry to be completely tax-free. But since that is not going to happen, I will leave this upto the government to do as they see best.’

Bollywood actress Richa Chadha also supports the ‘tax free’ comment and says that she is worried about the country’s economy going down. ‘As an actor, I want to say that as of now the entertainment tax is too high. People like me pay 33 percent tax and 15 percent GST, so I want something in return too. Amenities like Education, Electricity, Water and Health should be free. We can’t really be free till the time, we don’t give these basic amenities to everyone in that nation.’

She also said that such high taxes in the industry is killing cinema and it needs to be modified. Meanwhile, ace choreographer Terrence Lewis says that making entertainment industry ‘tax-free’ is not the right choice. ‘Entertainment industry is not a social service. We are doing for our own personal agenda. So, yes, taxes can be reduced but not fully diminished.’ This will be the last full-fledged budget of the Narendra Modi-led government and the first post the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

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Jan 312018
 

Listen up, people!

Here’s a quick lesson on social media flirting so make sure to take notes. This really helpful and completely effective guide might help you get a follow from the person you just thirst followed. Today’s lesson has been brought to you by singer and actor Demi Lovato, who recently tried her tactics on Superman aka Henry Cavill, and actually got a reply. Sliding into someone’s DMs is way too 2017, and it’s a new year so there are new rules, newer than the ones Dua Lipa gave us last year.

So, let’s begin.

First step – Well, obviously you have to follow the object of your affection, and that’s what Demi did. That’s pretty innocent.  

Demi Lovato Teaches Us How To Flirt On Instagram Instagram

Next, immediately post the hottest picture you have of yourself. Obviously, if the person you just followed opens your profile, you need to have a killer picture on top to get them interested in scrolling more. And, Demi did not waste any time. Her new picture popped up 22 seconds after she followed Henry, because you can’t mess around now, you need to act quick.

Demi Lovato Teaches Us How To Flirt On Instagram Instagram

Good choice Demi, if that picture doesn’t make people stalk your Instagram, then I don’t know what will.

Big news coming soon…….

A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on Jan 29, 2018 at 7:15pm PST

After that, all you have to do is like a couple of their pictures so your name pops up a few times on their notifications.

Demi Lovato Teaches Us How To Flirt On Instagram Instagram

This one is simple enough, but you have to still play it smart. Demi chose to like two pictures of Henry where he was with his jiu-jitsu coach.

Another morning spent training with Mr Roger Gracie, a good friend and a great professor. Gotta watch out for those sneak attacks though! @rogergracie @rogergracieacademy #BJJ

A post shared by Henry Cavill (@henrycavill) on Dec 15, 2017 at 4:00am PST

Had a double day today! Jiu-Jitsu with the remarkable Stan Beck and Leg Day shortly afterwards with the masterful Dave Rienzi! Thank you Stan and thank you Dave. I also just wanted to out do Brad Slater. Did you do legs today Brad? @RogerGracie @RenzoGracieBJJ @RenzoGracieWeston @BSlater9 #BJJ @DaveRienzi #LegDay

A post shared by Henry Cavill (@henrycavill) on Dec 30, 2017 at 3:25pm PST

Why was this the smart choice, you ask? The second picture on Demi’s profile is this –

#bjj #brazilianjiujitsu #bluebelt

A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on Jan 27, 2018 at 8:21pm PST

Very sneakily establishing a connection, a brilliant move. See, she’s highlighting that they already have stuff in common.

All of these steps happened within 30 seconds because time is key in these situations.

Demi Lovato Teaches Us How To Flirt On Instagram Instagram

You’ve done your work, now just sit back and wait for that follow, it will definitely come. And, if you followed through all the rule correctly, everything will work out perfectly and this is what you will get.

Demi Lovato Teaches Us How To Flirt On Instagram Instagram

He even commented and even gave her a ‘thumbs up’ emoji, but I believe in Demi, she will turn it into a ‘heart eye’ emoji soon.

If they actually start dating, they will have the most millennial meeting story – “I thirst followed him and it actually worked out!”

All of us right now –

Demi Lovato Teaches Us How To Flirt On Instagram

Okay, celebrities following each other on social media is not that big of a deal, but this particular interaction caused so much uproar on the internet, and honestly, it doesn’t look coincidental. This is the type of Instagram education we all need, and we all need to step it up now.

This was totally planned.

OMG DEMI KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT SHE IS DOING I LOVEEE THIS BITCH SO MUCH pic.twitter.com/k7EPIifjtu

— • (@imnocrybaby) January 30, 2018

Don’t let that thirst follow just be a thirst follow.

the way i’m switching up my insta game thank u for ur lessons @ddlovato https://t.co/4fWyVxDW2k

— G🧜ðŸ?¾?♀ï¸? (@oneofthosefaces) January 30, 2018

A full proof one.

strategy pic.twitter.com/QdwaNxPusS

— tyler oakley (@tyleroakley) January 30, 2018

Demi Lovato – A true inspiration of our time

Demi Lovato Teaches Us How To Flirt On Instagram

Jan 312018
 

After braving violent protests of the Karni Sena, pleas to ban the movie across various states, and removing an ‘I’ to satisfy the anger of most fringe groups; Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus finally saw the light of day on January 25th as ‘Padmaavat’. 

Check Out These Behind-The-Scenes Pictures Of 'Padmaavat'© viacom 18 motion pictures

While the release of the movie was far from being a smooth sail, post-release days don’t seem to be that great either, given the fresh controversies brewing each day. Recently, actress Swara Bhaskar also wrote an open letter to Bhansali, pointing out the depiction of ‘Jauhar’ in the movie; which got certain mixed reactions from the fraternity as well as the cast of the movie. Overall too, the fans and critics seem to be divided in their opinion about the movie. 

Check Out These Behind-The-Scenes Pictures Of 'Padmaavat'© viacom 18 motion pictures

However, despite the endless controversies that Bhansali and his ‘Padmaavat’ find themselves in, one can’t take away from the fact that this movie was indeed a visual treat and a spectacular account of courage, bravery, and valor of the Rajput community. Bhansali’s movies majorly focus on grandeur, opulent sets and rich detailing and this movie too shone brightly in its full beauty. 

And in the 2 hours 40 minutes, if you couldn’t figure out the time, effort and hard work that the entire cast and crew invested in the film, then you HAVE to check these pictures out. ‘Padmaavat’s’ production designer recently shared a series of images from the film sets. Reportedly, the sets were designed and created by Amit Ray and Subrata Chakraborty. 

From designing royal palaces to the makeshift tents used for war scenes, these pictures speak volumes about Bhansali’s extraordinary vision. 

While, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor brilliantly portrayed Goddess queen Padmavati and Maharawal Ratan Singh; it was Ranveer Singh who took home the cake with his portrayal of mad king Alauddin Khilji. And this picture is proof of the amount of hard work that has gone into the making of Ratan Singh and Khilji. 

Check Out These Behind-The-Scenes Pictures Of 'Padmaavat'© BCCL

The film opened to a great response at the box office and has earned nearly Rs. 110 crore in the country and approximately Rs. 212 crore globally.

Jan 312018
 

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s action drama ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’, which released on December 22, 2017, has already crossed 330 crores at the Box Office

Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan
Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan in a still from the film.

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif‘s action drama ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’, which released on December 22, 2017, has already crossed 330 crores at the box office. The film is considered to be 2017’s Bollywood’ biggest blockbuster The Ali Abbas Zafar directorial was not only liked by the critics but also by the masses. Salman and Katrina were both seen doing high-octane action sequences. 

The film not only emerged as one of the top grossers of 2017 but also proved to be Salman’s third venture to cross Rs 300 crore milestone. The actor’s last three big hits in the Rs 300 crore club happen to be ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’, ‘Sultan’ and ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ respectively.

Salman Khan’s devoted fans have showered their love on the film and box office figures are solid proof of the same. The film is Salman and Ali’s second project together.

The movie which is a sequel to 2012’s released ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ has set the Box Office on fire and continues to do so in its sixth week as well.

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Jan 312018
 

Unless you are a die-hard Marvel fan, knowing everything about the MCU can be a tedious task. Well, not many knew about ‘Black Panther’ until he made his cinematic appearance in ‘Captain America: Civil War’. He is one of the most important heroes in the Marvel stable and with just a couple of weeks away from the release of his own stand-alone superhero film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the excitement to know more about the enigmatic character is creating quite a buzz. ‘Get On Up’ star Chadwick Boseman will be seen playing ‘Black Panther’ while Michael B Jordan will be seen donning the antagonist Eric Killmonger’s awesome suit. We also have Academy award winner Lupita Nyong’O playing the role of Nakia.

Helmed by Ryan Coolger, the story begins after the death of T’Challa’s father.  He returns home to an isolated and technologically advanced nation to take his place as the rightful King of Wakanda. But a powerful enemy reappears and T’Challa’s valour and loyalty is tested. The fate of his kingdom and the world is at risk. It’s time for him to take charge and kick some serious ass. 

Fun Facts About 'Black Panther' That Every Marvel Fan Should Know© Marvel

But before the Monarch of Wakanda makes his official cinematic debut, a source close to the film revealed some exclusive facts to MensXP, giving us a bit of insight into one of the most anticipated Marvel films of the year. 

1. The Casting Of The Dora Milaje

An essential part of Black Panther lore that has been incorporated into the film are the Dora Milaje. They are the cadre of strong fierce women who serve the King and royal family as their royal force.  “Not many know but the security force feature a huge range of woman from different continents. The Dora Milaje were cast from a pool of actresses, stunt women and Broadway dancers so that each individual Dora could have specialized skills that they brought to the table,” shares the source.  

2. Getting A Hang Of African Style Martial Arts

Another interesting fact is how the cast and stunt team practiced with African drums played by musician Jabari Exum so that their movements would have a musical quality found in many African-based martial arts.

Fun Facts About 'Black Panther' That Every Marvel Fan Should Know© Marvel

3. The Cast Performed Their Own Stunts 

The stunt and action scenes of ‘Black Panther’ will have hooked fans to the screen. But what’s really amazing is the fact that most of the stunts were performed by the cast themselves. “The cast did the majority of the fight scenes on their own. Chadwick Boseman, has a comprehensive martial arts background, which made him perfect pick for the role. He knew and all the other actors knew what they were in for when they were asked to attend a “boot camp” to prepare them for the physically for their characters.”

4. Michael B Jordan’s Makeup   

You wouldn’t believe it but Michael B. Jordan spent more than 2 hours every day in the makeup chair. It took makeup designer Joel Harlow and three other makeup assistants who would apply 90 individually sculpted silicone moulds to his upper body. “It was one hell of a job, placing those moulds and then painting and blending the colors as per his skin tone and texture.”

5. A Mythical Land With A Real Language

The on-screen spoken language of the kingdom of Wakanda is Xhosa. “It’s one of the ways the makers are trying to ensure that they bring in some authenticity. A precedent had been set in Marvel Studios’ ‘Captain America: Civil War’, when actor John Kani, who portrayed King T’Chaka, used his native accent. Chadwick Boseman has picked up the accent from him as well. Though the whole film is in English, but you will see the use of Xhosa in some places,” shared the source. 

Fun Facts About 'Black Panther' That Every Marvel Fan Should Know© marvel

6. Warrior Falls 

The whole construction of the Warrior Falls set took almost four months. “The set was somewhat 120′ x 75′ in size and 36′ tall and the entire set is 100 feet tall. The team really worked hard to match the look of the rocks in Oribi Gorge in South Africa. One will see what exactly I am taking about once they watch the film.”

The Black Panther cast is leaving no stone unturned in promoting their film. The film also stars Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, with Angela Bassett, with Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis in vital roles. It will hit theatres on the 16th of February 2018. 

Jan 312018
 

Black is sexy! Most of the Bollywood babes still believe in this old saying and is the safest colour to opt for. Following it is ‘Befikre’ actress Vaani Kapoor

Vaani Kapoor
Vaani Kapoor sizzles in this backless mermaid gown. Picture Courtesy: Instagram/_vaanikapoor_.

Black is sexy! Most of the Bollywood babes still believe in this old saying and is the safest colour to opt for. Following it is ‘Befikre’ actress Vaani Kapoor. She undoubtedly has an amazing physique, which is quite evitable in all her photos. Although, we don’t see gym pictures of Vaani circulating on social media every day but the actress has surely worked hard to get the hourglass figure she is living in.

On Wednesday, Vaani uploaded a picture of her flaunting her sexy back, which has only raised the mercury level. Garbed in a mermaid backless black gown and let her wild tresses loose, she looked nothing less than a dreamy goddess! With a dash of wine-coloured lipstick, black drama in her eyes, she looked resplendent! The outfit was by Nikhil Thampi.

Social media is in complete awe of this style statement, anyway. She has been bombarded with messages like “gorgeous”, “superb”, “beautiful”, “fabulous” and all such adjectives have been used to define the beauty of this actress.

Well, recently, Ms. Kapoor was spotted exiting a skin clinic. What caught our attention was that the diva was hiding her lips from the paparazzi. It was during Vaani’s Yash Raj Film ‘Befikre’ (2016) that she was said to have gone under the knife and social media took potshots at her for her lip surgery. There was something different about the way she looked. Twitterati kept sharing her ‘then-and-now’ pictures, claiming she has done a lip job and chin surgery, and that she may have resorted to a special skin treatment that showed up in the initial stages of the film’s shoot.

Speaking about the matter, when mid-day had contacted Vaani, without beating around the bush, she said, “Does it look like I’ve done something? I don’t know what to say.”

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Jan 312018
 

Rajkummar Rao has wrapped up the first schedule of his upcoming horror-comedy Stree and says it was fun

Rajkummar Rao
Rajkummar Rao

Rajkummar Rao has wrapped up the first schedule of his upcoming horror-comedy Stree, and says it was fun. Rajkummar was shooting in Chanderi, Bhopal. “Finished the first schedule of ‘Stree’ in this beautiful town. Chanderi. Had so much fun, with the most amazing team Shraddha Kapoor, Amar Kaushik, Raj & DK, Maddock Films, Dinoo. Can’t wait for you guys to watch it soon,” Rajkummar tweeted.

Finished the first schedule of #Stree in this beautiful town. #Chanderi. Had so much fun, with the most amazing team @ShraddhaKapoor@amarkaushik@rajndk#Dinoo@MaddockFilms@rajnidimoru. Can’t wait for u guys to watch it soon. pic.twitter.com/n7fZvXlgZH

— Rajkummar Rao (@RajkummarRao)
January 30, 2018

Helmed by Amar Kaushik, ‘Stree’ is being backed by Maddock Films, jointly produced by Dinesh Vijan and Raj and DK. The film is based on an urban legend set in a small village named Chanderi in Bhopal. Music-composer duo Sachin-Jigar have scored its album. Meanwhile, veteran actor Anil Kapoor, who has worked with Rajkummar in Fanne Khan, is all praise for him.

As Rajkummar went for jogging on Tuesday for the first time in three months after his ankle injury, Anil tweeted: “You went for a run without me? Rajkummar Rao, always pushing through every hurdle and coming out a rock star! So happy to see you recover and doing what you love!”

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Jan 312018
 

Sanjay Leela Bhansali celebrates the success of his most controversial film yet, inspired to make more films ‘abhi ke abhi’

Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Sanjay Leela Bhansali

What are you feeling at this moment?
I feel like making more films. People have given Padmaavat so much love that I feel, aur film banaya jaaye abhi ke abhi [more films should be made immediately]. But, I’ve told my staff to take a month-long break before we resume. There are mixed feelings because we have endured so much. We weren’t sure whether the film would release. Then, when we got a clearance, there was a ban in select states. Even today, I pray that the film releases in those states. At the same time, I feel accomplished. The film had a difficult subject but it turned out the way I wanted it to. It has been executed to the best of my ability, almost near perfection. I don’t think many would have been able to pull it off. It [enduring opposition] was humiliating and angering. There was injustice. But, I had a rare piece of work that I was trying to protect. It’s been an experience of a lifetime.

Has the film turned out precisely how you wanted it to?
This is what I wanted to make. Obviously, any filmmaker would change a few things to make the final cut better, but, for me, this is the film that I had set out to make. There were no changes that I [was compelled to] incorporate, barring the alteration of the name to Padmaavat. And I agreed to do so because the film is based on Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s book by the same name. Rumours of us being forced to make X number of cuts weren’t true. Prasoon Joshi [CBFC chief] gave us a fair certificate when you consider the pressure that was on him. And now, when one sees the film, s/he questions what the hullabaloo was all about? I released a video promising people that there was nothing wrong in the film. I am proud that I made the film that I wanted under such circumstances. I loved my work so much that I had to fight without getting tired. The media provided support, as did people from the fraternity.

Do you think the industry could have been a more vocal in their resistance against the fringe groups. On instances, celebrities simply responded to your circumstances stating that it was your film, not theirs.
This is my film, it is my battle. A few of them, like Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Samir Soni, Sudhir Mishra and Ashoke Pandit, supported me earnestly and told me to stay strong. But, there was no obvious solution to my fight. So, everyone was helpless. They wondered where it is that Sanjay Leela Bhansali should go [for help]. No one understood the reason behind this uproar. So, I wasn’t sure if things would have been different if I had received more support. But I am happy with the manner in which the industry backed me.

After this incident, do you feel artistes are being stripped of the freedom of expression?
We enjoy freedom of expression, but it comes with responsibility. I am a responsible filmmaker. When I say there is nothing amiss in the film, people should believe me. Why am I answerable to some fringe group that says we are the torch bearers of history? There is a government, and a Censor Board. I am answerable to them. Also, when the states decide against releasing the film [after the Supreme Court’s approval], only because people are angry, that is a failure of democracy. The states should act against them [fringe groups] and show them their place. They should be told that they don’t have a right [to cause a stir]. If they want to protest, they must do so in a civil manner. Yes, there is a sense of intolerance that is rising by the day. I hope artistes fight fearlessly. Such uproars cause distractions, drain our energy and lead to demoralisation. A musician can’t be told to not sing a particular raag because it doesn’t suit temperaments. A painter can’t be stopped from painting something, lest someone protests by throwing acid on his face, or beheads him, or even cuts his nose. These were the threats that we received. This doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world. It’s very scary. I have overcome it, but the anger hasn’t subsided. We have the right to say whatever we want to say. If it doesn’t suit you, don’t listen to me, or watch my film. People are protesting against elements that haven’t even been showcased in the film. The greatest support came in the form of the audiences’ decision to go to cinema halls and watch it. It was a message to those who protested, a sign that viewers aren’t scared. If people’s voices get louder, in the future, we won’t succumb to them.

The depiction of Jauhar has received flak from a few, with Swara Bhaskar even recently penning an open letter criticising it…
Jauhar, in this context, is an act of war. Our men have died on the battlefield, but the war doesn’t end there. They believe that the Rajputs have been vanquished. But, the women wage the [final] war. They decide that not a single woman or child would be subjugated to rape, or violation. That’s what happened then. So, are people questioning Padmavati’s decision?

I would assume they are questioning the decision to tell this story in this day-and-age, and the repercussions it may have…
This film is based on a story in which the character performs jauhar. The character doing so was convinced that it was an act of war. I feel it’s an empowering thought. She didn’t allow the enemy to win. It was a victory of dignity and honour. This is what transpired, and I can’t question her. In those days, when there was no solution, harakiri [method of suicide] was prevalent. I can’t question it. It is like asking why the Taj Mahal was made when the money spent in doing so could have been used for charity. Some will stand for it, some against it. And that is okay, because any work of art should be debated. But don’t oppose my authority to make what I want to, or to narrate it in a particular way. No one is compelled to agree with everything that I have said. As long as we agree disagree, and the work is thought provoking, it’s wonderful.

Have you fictonalised the poem Padmavat? According to the literature, it was Kumbhalne ruler Raja Devpal who kills Raja Rawal Ratan Singh [Shahid Kapoor]. But in the film, Ratan Singh becomes a victim of Malik Kafur [Jim Sarbh]…
That is why it’s an adaptation. When catering to a different medium, a story must be open to interpretation. One has to dramatically tweak narratives when keeping the audience in mind. You will sketch an image of Goddess Lakshmi a manner that is at odds with how I will. This poem was also interpreted differently over the years. A film called Padmini (1964) showed the queen in a different manner. In fact, it includes a scene which features rani Padmini walking towards Khilji’s tent and having a conversation with him. So, it is based on the poem. It’s not the poem itself. In my case, the basic story was adhered to. Padmavat is the only document available about the incident. History books are have chronicled it in a brief manner.

People argue that Alauddin Khilji wasn’t the barbaric ruler that he has been shown to be…
People say Ranveer’s [Singh] Alauddin has been shown as a dark character. For me, he is the most colourful of them all. He had a sharp mind and an obstinate heart. He was a great emperor, and the empire thrived under him. I haven’t enjoyed [showcasing] a character as much as I did this one. Art must be effortless and spontaneous. I would go on set and improvise. The scene where he throws ittar on a girl and then embraces her happened in the moment. I was enjoying myself. Ranveer is eccentric, and we brought his vivacious energy to Khilji.

Were you apprehensive about showcasing a mainstream hero as one that is bisexual?
It was documented. I asked Ranveer if he was comfortable with it and he agreed to do the role. We did not showcase it in a jarring manner. It was done with subtlety. Jim and he handled their act with delicateness and dignity. A lot was left for the viewer to gauge.

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