A GENTLEMANLY ACT BACKFIRES!

It’s not always that a good act pays off in a desirable way. Ruslaan learnt this recently while shooting for Satish Kaushik’s Tere Sang in Dalhousie. One day, Ruslaan and his co-star Sheena, (yesteryear
actress Sadhna Singh’s daughter), were relaxing. Suddenly, two
drunk men came in the room and started saying some lewd things about Sheena. Ruslaan was patient at first. But when the men pursued, he got furious and went up to them and he asked the two men to get out of the room. But, the shameless men started hitting Ruslaan. The actor retaliated and punched them back, causing the crew and director Satish Kaushik to rush into the room. To Ruslaan’s shock and, Kaushik was apologizing to the two men! Later he found out that the two drunks were the owners of the bungalow who felt so insulted that they asked the cast and crew to leave immidiately. But Satish apologised and got things sorted out because there were only a few days of shooting left. Well, kudos to Ruslaan for doing the right thing. Unfortunately, not everyone is a gentleman!

“I have no take on homosexuality”- Ruslaan Mumtaz

He is just one film old and still makes hearts skip a beat. His good looks paved the way for him to the league of chocolaty heroes like Aamir, Saif Ali Khan and Imraan Khan. Although his debut film MP3 did not work wonders at the box-office, still he became famous overnight with the beautiful track from the film titled ‘Pehla Pehla Pyaar Hai Ye’. If you are still wondering whom we are talking of, then lets break the suspense. He is none other than Ruslaan Mumtaz and he is all set this time with Teree Sang to make audience sit up and witness the tremendous talent he is blessed with.
Teree Sang also stars newcomer Sheena Shahabadi, Rajat Kapoor, Neena Gupta, Sushmita Mukherjee and last, but not the least, director and actor of the film Satish Kaushik.
Ruslaan in this interview shares his experience in the industry so far and also, excitedly talks about his forthcoming film Teree Sang
You are just one film old and the second is on the verge of release but you rae already so popular among audience. How has life shaped up after films?
Touch-wood (smiles), I think both life and industry has been very kind. I think the charm of music among Indian audiences contributes a lot. MP3; although, was an ordinary love-story but the music gave the film and me recognition among the audience. However, Tere Sang on the contrary is character-driven. I am sure audience will recognize the endeavour put-in by me and newcomer Sheena in this film. Overall, I thank my stars for a good threshold and hope I live up to the expectations of one and all.
Unlike you, the new girl Sheena has started her innings on a very serious note. In an interview, she mentioned about how you would guide her while shooting?
Oh! Guide?! I think guide is too strong a word to use here. Sheena is a very talented actor however, she gives-ups very easily. Actually, Sheena is not to be blamed because she was performing before the legend himself Mr. Satish Kaushik. Unlike me; who got an opportunity to experiment with a young director in my debut venture. I would give my inputs and do as many retakes till the time I was not convinced. However, here, the final take was in directors’ hand and nobody could question that. Still, I tried to push Sheena and myself to give our best in every possible scene.
How does your character figure out in this kidult love story?
Well, I play a very crucial and sensitive role in Teree Sang. I (Kukko) am someone who is responsible for the pregnancy of Maahi, played by Sheena. As everyone starts pointing-out fingers on Sheena for committing such a big mistake, I realize that I am equally responsible and decide to stand by Maahi.
What would be your reaction if something of this sort would have happened to you in real-life? Have you witnessed such a thing in real?
Honestly, I would have definitely taken a stand to support the girl rather than abandon her. See, at the age of 15, one is too immature to understand the norms of the society and is ignorant about consequences of sex. The scenario has changed today, but if you see Sheena’s case; her character in the film is someone who is neglected by her family. Thus, she happens to fall for a boy in a tender age and eventually they have sex by mistake. So, in-order to avoid such situations, a child should be well-taken care of by the parents. I might have not experienced something exactly like this; but as a teenager I too have committed mistakes like drink and drive without a licence. And today, I realize how foolish yet fortunate I was that I didn’t fall into a big mess. However, my parents have been very strict yet supportive.
You represent today’s youth. What’s your take on latest liberation on homosexuality and live-in relationships?
Well, with due respect to homosexuality, I have no take on that. The reason why I haven’t given it a serious thought is, neither me(laughs) nor any of my friends fall in that category. As far as live-in relationships goes, I have numerous living examples. Including my own parents; who belonged to different religions and hence had to spend seven years of their life in a live-in relationship, due to opposition from their respective folks. I personally believe that convenience or vulnerability drives one into a live-in relationship. Like in big cities today a couple starts living together to cut down their residential expenditure.
Share with us some memorable moments during the film?
Hmm... I remember Sheena and I were preparing ourselves mentally for the love-making scene. In-fact, I was quite chilled out about it, since it was a part of our work. However, Sheena was very apprehensive about the whole romantic sequence. And I was wondering whether I was the reason for her behaviour, or her gender brought a difference in my and her thinking. In-fact, she argued for letting me just kiss her chin, which was completely invalid because we could not fool around with audiences on that. She ended up taking almost 3-4 shots to finish the scene.

Our kissing scene is not censored: Sheena Shahabadi and Ruslaan Mumtaz

Film Tere sang by Satish Kaushik -

Sheena Shahabadi in conversation with the new found talent Ruslaan Mumtaz. !

Ruslaan Mumtaz: How does it feel to be the newest leading lady of Bollywood?

Sheena Shahabadi: It feels great. As far as I can remember, I always wanted to become an actress since childhood. It's a dream come true for me.

RM: You've started your film career working with one of the veterans of Bollywood, Satish Kaushik.

SS: I've seen Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai and Tere Naam. The latter can be termed as my favourite Satish Kaushik film. He is an actor's director and it was great working with him.

RM: What about the term, a kidult love story…

SS: I don't think that the word 'kidult' is funny. It's like kids who behave like adults later on and that's why the term 'kidult' is used. Even if we have made a mistake. We know how to be responsible for it.

SS: What are your views on a word like 'kidult'?

RM: Kidult is an American word which says that the young teenagers are like kids but are more responsible than the adults.

RM: Today's actresses have problem playing the role of a mother. But your debut film sees you as a fifteen year old mother. Were you hesitant?

SS: I wasn't hesitant at all. I wasn't scared. I've read in the newspapers about fifteen year old girls getting pregnant and similar kind of stories. I think its high time people face the reality and be aware of what they are and aren't doing?

RM: If you were pregnant today. Would you then abort your child?

SS: I think the biggest crime you can ever commit is to kill your child. Abortion is nothing but killing your child. In fact, you are killing someone who has not even entered this world. I am against abortion.

SS: What are your views on abortion?

RM: I will completely go by the girl's decision here. She is carrying the child in her womb. She is the decision maker because she brings the child into the world. For me, a fifteen year old girl should not have a child but if she wishes to, there should be no reason to stop her too.

SS: Do you prefer men being pregnant?

RM: I seriously wouldn't prefer men being pregnant. I am happy that I am a man. Women go through a lot of things, a lot of pain while pregnant or otherwise. So it's the men who come to the rescue. They give them respect, love and a chance to decide or choose what they want to. RM: What about live-in relationships?

SS: I will not be comfortable with live-in relationships at all because I wouldn't like to commit a mistake at such a young age. I think everything has its own time. I am not saying that you can't have sex, but not at an early age where you can't look after yourself. Personally, I wouldn't go for a live-in relationship even today when I'm twenty one.

SS: What about you?

RM: For me, a live-in relationship will only start if the girl doesn't have a house to stay in or she is not from the same city. But if we both have our individual families in the same city, we should only live together once we are ready to get married or engaged.

RM: According to you, what sort of a message does a film like Teree Sang give?

SS: Teree Sang is against teenage pregnancy and that's the message it gives. It says not to get pregnant at an early age.

SS: Is Teree Sang a difficult film to digest?

RM: Yes, it is a difficult film to digest. We have a fifteen year old girl getting pregnant. The day I walked into Satish Kaushik's office and I saw you, I was stunned. You did look fifteen. So I too had to lose lot of weight to match up with you in terms of looking like a school boy. The film deals in conflict of today's and yesteryear's mental attributes.

RM: Did you seek help to prepare for a role like this?

SS: I did seek help from my mother who gave vital inputs into the preparation for a role like this. I also asked my onscreen mother Neena Gupta for tips on my role as a pregnant teenager. She was very helpful.

RM: Are you prepared for failure and success?

SS: Yes I am. You need to be prepared for both once you choose to come into the profession like this. I am confident that I will move ahead. I don't know about the film. But yes, failure is the first step towards success.

SS: Are you ready for failure?

RM: I choose a film and do not expect to be a box office success. I choose a character right. So even if the film fails, the character doesn't. My previous film MP3 didn't work but I got more roles after my debut film. My next film is a Nikhil Advani production. I am not buying a lottery ticket.I am an actor. You give me a good script and a part and I'll do well. Box Office is producer's domain.

RM: What is the feedback you've got till now on your performance?

SS: The film hasn't released but my family has seen the film and they liked it. My friends have given me a good response on the theatrical promos.

RM: Was it tough to shoot the first kissing scene?

SS: I was a bit nervous initially. The kissing scene is not censored. The scene is done in a very poetic way. It won't look vulgar or cheap. In today's films you can't have a couple in love who do not want to kiss. It's stupid. I was well aware of the scene before the shoot started, though I was a bit hesitant.

SS: Which is your favourite scene from the film?

RM: The scene where you talk on the phone to your father telling him to forgive us rather than punish us. The mistake cannot be corrected and forgiveness is the best result. I just kept on looking at you. The tough scenes were well acted by you but it was the simpler scenes which are tough ones. You had to be told to touch me because you were very nervous.

SS: Coming back to the kissing scene…

RM: Thanks for reminding me because you were the one who told me to speak to Satishji to remove the scene from the film till I told you to have it. I was a little worried at that time but everything went well and the scene too.

नि:स्वार्थ है हमारी दोस्ती: रुसलान मुमताज | आलेख"

कम लोग जानते हैं कि एमपीथ्री फेम रुसलान मुमताज और फिल्म हाल-ए-दिल के नकुल मेहता बेस्ट फ्रेंड हैं। इनकी मित्रता छह वर्ष पहले एक नाटक की वजह से हुई थी। आज स्थिति यह है कि जब कोई निर्माता रुसलान से दो हीरो वाले प्रोजेक्ट के लिए संपर्क करता है, तो वे दूसरे हीरो के लिए नकुल का नाम तुरंत सुझा देते हैं। उन्होंने सतीश कौशिक की फिल्म तेरे संग में अपनी भूमिका के लिए नकुल को साइन करने की बात कह दी थी। यहां रुसलान अपने बेस्ट फ्रेंड नकुल से जुड़ी खास बातें शेयर कर रहे हैं तरंग से..।
इत्तफाकन हुई मुलाकात : मेरी और नकुल की पहली मुलाकात इत्तफाकन हुई। वे एक नाटक कर रहे थे। उन्होंने उसके लिए पूरी तैयारी भी कर ली थी, लेकिन अचानक उन्हें अमेरिका जाना पड़ा। उस नाटक के सर्वेसर्वा ने नकुल की भूमिका के लिए मुझसे संपर्क किया। नाटक का मंचन होने में एक सप्ताह का वक्त था। नकुल ने एक सप्ताह के भीतर मुझे नाटक के लिए पूरी तरह से ट्रेंड कर दिया। उस रिहर्सल के दौरान हमारी दोस्ती हुई। उसके बाद हमें एक विज्ञापन में साथ काम करने का अवसर मिला। फिर वक्त के साथ हमारी दोस्ती और मजबूत होती गई।
सुख-दुख शेयर करते हैं : फिल्मों में आने के पहले नकुल अक्सर मेरे घर आते थे। हम दोनों सलमान-आमिर और शाहरुख-सलमान की जोड़ी को ध्यान में रखकर सीन लिखते और फिर उसे हम परफॉर्म भी करते थे। हमें बहुत मजा आता था। हम दोनों साथ पार्टियों में जाते हैं। एक साथ खुशी बांटते हैं और मुश्किल में भी साथ रहते हैं। नकुल दिल के अच्छे हैं। वे हमेशा दूसरों के हित की सोचते हैं। हम दोनों में यही समानताएं हैं, जिनकी वजह से हम साथ हैं।
मदद के लिए तैयार : मेरी और नकुल की दोस्ती नि:स्वार्थ है। हम एक-दूसरे की मदद के लिए हमेशा तैयार रहते हैं। नकुल को जब पहली फिल्म हाल-ए-दिल मिली थी, तो मैं बहुत खुश हुआ था। हमने उस पल को सेलिब्रेट किया। मेरे पास जब किसी फिल्म का प्रस्ताव आता है और मुझे लगता है कि मैं फिल्म के लिए फिट नहीं हूं, तो मैं निर्माताओं को नकुल का नाम सुझा देता हूं। सतीश कौशिक अपनी फिल्म तेरे संग में मुझे साइन करने को लेकर दुविधा में फंसे, तो मैंने कहा कि आप नकुल को साइन कर लें। नकुल ने हाल-ए-दिल में अध्ययन सुमन की भूमिका के लिए मेरा नाम सुझाया था। साथ काम करने की
ख्वाहिश: फिल्म इंडस्ट्री में सब कुछ मिल सकता है, लेकिन सच्चा और अच्छा दोस्त मिलना मुश्किल है। मैं लकी हूं कि मुझे नकुल जैसा प्यारा दोस्त मिला। हम अपने बीच किसी भी तरह की गलतफहमी को टिकने नहीं देते। यही वजह है कि हमारी दोस्ती कायम है। मैं चाहूंगा कि यह दोस्ती भविष्य में भी बरकरार रहे। हमारी ख्वाहिश किसी फिल्म में साथ काम करने की है। उम्मीद है, जल्द ही हमारी यह ख्वाहिश पूरी हो जाएगी।
-मुंबई प्रतिनिधि
LINK: http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/cinemaaza/cinema/aalekh/201_205_300878.html

Ruslaan Mumtaz has worn his best dancing shoes!

October 29th, 2008

Now that Ruslaan Mumtaz had got a big project under his belt, he is making sure that he leaves no stone unturned to be the best. Ruslaan has signed signed a film called Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai with the director Nikhil Advani of Kal Ho Na Ho fame, no less. And even before the shooting starts Ruslaan has had to work rather hard for the film. Advani has asked Ruslaan to get in good shape, even though Ruslaan has a very good and well-maintained physique. But, well, the character demands him to be in better shape, so the director asked Ruslaan to pull up his socks.
And now one can catch Ruslaan in a gym for two hours every day sweating it out. And that’s not where it ends. Ruslaan was also asked to join a dance class so that he could be on a par with his co-stars. So after the gym, Ruslaan spends as many as six hours in dance class, getting a training from the renowned choreographers Bosco and Ceaser.
Well, like they say mehnat ka phal meetha hota hai, with so much hard work Ruslaan is sure to get diabetic with all the sweet success!

LINK: http://www.realbollywood.com/news/2008/10/ruslaan-mumtaz-best.html

Ruslaan Mumtaz's TEREE SANG on 5th June!

February 16, 2009 12:20:25 PM ISTAbid, Bollywood Trade News Network
Just a few weeks back there was a buzz that despite losing out on the lead role in SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (for being too good looking!), the MP3 boy, Ruslaan Mumtaz, was looking forward to two big releases in the form of Milaap Zaveri's JAANE KAHAN SE AAYI HAI and TEREE SANG. Well, there is good news for Ruslaan as the Satish Kaushik directed, TEREE SANG, has been confirmed for a 5th June release.
As per trade sources, the film that stars new find Sheena Shahabadi, Rajat Kapoor, Neena Gupta and Satish Kaushik has been acquired by Sony Pictures Entertainment and is all set to release on 5th June worldwide. The film has been shot extensively in the beautiful locales of the hill station Dalhousie (Himachal Pradesh) and the Indian capital, Delhi. After the debacle of KARZZZZ, TEREE SANG will be Satish Kaushik's next release and is Ruslaan's second film after the MP3 (MERA PEHLA PEHLA PYAAR) setback. So, it's an important project for both Satish Kaushik and Ruslaan and we wish the director-actor duo all the best!
LINK: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/09/feb/16-ruslaan-mumtazs-teree-sang-on-5th-june-020903.asp
view RUSLAAN MUMTAZ picture gallery
CHECK OUT: Riteish plays Ruslaan Mumtaz's guardian angel!

I have no inspiration

I have no inspiration
(My writer's block does not seem to be ending. Hence, I am re-posting something from my previous blog. Please bear with me)
July 16
What happens when..hmm...
Ok, so by now, probably half of Mumbai knows I'm doing Mass Communication. It's just for a year, and well, it's gonna be really really really tasking. Yet, here I am, having fun, and now I shall tell you something that you probably knew already.
I love hot guys.
Why?
They're hot, endowed with amazingly cute smiles, awesome hair, good height and a good personality.
Did you know there are hot guys in this world that ACTUALLY have brains? That actually know their Einstein from their Eminem?
They exist! Trust me!
How do I know?
Because I met one. AND I took his interview.
And boy..did I meet him!
"Who is this guy?", you might ask. It is none other than Ruslaan Mumtaz.
Don't look him up on the internet..here's what he looks like:
Yush. He's that MP3 guy.
So how did I land up meeting with him?!
Yeah..like I'll tell you!
But I did meet him!
So anyway, the meeting was set up over the phone. His phone voice was was sexy too. I don't use this word for many people, and well, I think he deserves a "sexy voice" tag! Now this is a blow-by-blow account of what happened when I reached his place:
I reach his building..the watchman asks me who I want to see.."Ruslaan M.", I say, my heart beating wildly.
He smirks..thinks I'm another one of his crazed fans (are there any?)..calls his place. "Some Supriya Madam to see Ruslaan". The voice on the other end confirms.
"You may go.." he says, pointing to the stairs.
I don't take the elevator. I might as well loose a gram or two before I see him.
I climb up to the second floor.
There is a vicious, snarling dog sitting right there. His ears prick up. He stares. I run the other way. I hear a door clicking. I run faster.
I go back to the ground floor, take the elevator to his floor, and stumble out.
And there he was... (cue Angels singing)
A Greek God..incarnate!
He smiles. I feel like someone's stuffed banana skins in my mouth.
"H..Hi..I'm Sup...riya" I somehow stutter.
"Ruslaan". Shakes my hand. I tremble.
"Come on in"
Ok, I must pause right here, so I could tell you about his house.
It's enormous.
Enormous is also an understatement.
Palatial is more like it. It's beautiful and well decorated.
Okay, now back to the best day of July 2007.
He makes me sit on this comfy couch, and he sits on the other end. Totally comfy. He offers me a glass of water, but my mouth is drooling already, and I do not need more liquid in my system.
"Okay..I should let you know, you're my first interview..and if I suck, please forgive me" I grin, trying to be funny.
"Hey no worries" he smiles again.
What happened next, I really don't remember. I asked him about 13 questions, and he answered like a total pro. No airs. No attitude. Hard to believe, but true.
It took me only 10 minutes to complete my interview. And now came the part I was dreading.
"Umm..can I take you're photograph now?" I ask, gulping.
"Sure!" he says.
"I have to be in the photograph too, so I have proof I actually took your interview."
"No worries"
He calls his friend to the room, but I couldn't hear what his name was.
He asks me to sit next to him.
I scream inside my head.
He sits close, and a photo is taken.
It's blurred.
I ask for another. This time he has his arm around me.
I scream again. But I'm frozen. I don't pose. I don't move. I am completely paralyzed. But my heart is still alive, and it's dancing to the tune of "Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar Hai Yeh".
It's over. Over. I have to leave.
"Thank you so much!" I smile, utterly grateful.
"Anytime!" he grins, his smile hypnotizing me. (did he really mean that?! I'd totally go back if he meant that!!!)
I run out of his home, skip to my car, my head in the clouds, a huge smile on my face.
And I vow to watch MP3 as soon as I can.
~Supriya
LINK: http://boredandthebeautiful.blogspot.com/2009/02/i-have-no-inspiration.html