Freida Pinto Biography

Freida Pinto (born 18 October 1984) is an Indian actress and model best known for her portrayal of Latika in the 2008 Academy Award winning film Slumdog Millionaire, for which she won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. In 2010, she starred in the films You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger and as the title character in Miral.

Early life

Freida Pinto was born on 18 October 1984 to a Mangalorean Catholic family in Mumbai.[1][2][3] Her mother, Sylvia, is a principal of St John's Universal High School (Goregaon), and her father, Frederick, is a senior branch manager at the Bank of Baroda. Her older sister Sharon is an associate producer for the NDTV news channel.[4] Pinto dreamed of becoming an actress since she was five years old.[5] When Freida was ten, Indian model Sushmita Sen won Miss Universe 1994, which turned out to be a defining point in Freida's life.[1] She studied at Carmel of St. Joseph School in Malad, Mumbai and completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a major in English Literature, and minors in Psychology and Economics, from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai.[5][6][7] She also acted in plays and amateur theater while attending St. Xavier's.[1] She later joined Elite Model Management and modeled for two and a half years.[5]

Acting career

Pinto with Dev Patel at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival

Before starring in Slumdog Millionaire, Pinto anchored the international travel show, Full Circle, on Zee International Asia Pacific in English between 2006-08. Pinto was also featured in several television and print advertisements for products such as Wrigley's Chewing Gum, Škoda, Vodafone India, Airtel, and DeBeers. Pinto modeled for four years and appeared in runway shows and magazine covers.[4] She learned acting from The Barry John's Acting Studio in Andheri and was trained by theatre director Barry John.[8][9] After six months of auditions, she received a call to audition for Slumdog Millionaire. Pinto auditioned for Danny Boyle and was short-listed and finally selected to star in Slumdog Millionaire.[6]

Pinto made her feature film debut in 2008 in Slumdog Millionaire playing the role of Latika, the girl with whom Jamal (Dev Patel) is in love. At the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival, the movie won the Cadillac People's Choice Award.[10] At the 2009 Golden Globe Awards, the movie won four awards. Pinto herself was nominated for "Best Actress in a Supporting Role" at the 2009 BAFTA Awards,[11] She won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture alongside other cast members from Slumdog Millionaire.[12]

Pinto co-starred in Woody Allen's comedy-drama film You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, with Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Anupam Kher and Naomi Watts, which premiered at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.[13] Pinto is due to appear in the 2011 science fiction film Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the prequel to the Planet of the Apes (1968), opposite James Franco. She will portray the role of Caroline, a primatologist, who studies primates in the film.[14] She will also appear in the 2011 fantasy-action-drama film, Immortals, in which she will play the role of the oracle priestess Phaedra.[15]

Other work

Pinto has joined hands with Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf to support their philanthropic organisation "Agassi Foundation". She is the only Indian actress to have participated in their annual fund raiser titled, "The 15th Grand Slam for Children", that aims at raising funds for education of underprivileged children.[16]

Popular reception

Pinto is featured in People magazine's "Most Beautiful People List",[17] and "List of World's Best Dressed Women".[18] She was also featured in the "Top 99 Most Desirable Women" poll conducted by Askmen.com in 2010.[19] According to The Daily Telegraph, she is currently the highest paid Indian actress (she does not count as a Bollywood star as never appeared in a Bollywood film).[20] She has also been listed in the top ten list of the fashion magazine Vogue's 2009 annual list of the most stylish women.[21] On 13 May 2009, Pinto became a new spokesmodel for L'Oréal.[22] Near the end of 2010, Pinto was ranked #6 in TC Candler's list of "Most Beautiful Faces".[23]

Personal life

Freida Pinto at the 2010 International Film Festival of India

Pinto was engaged to her former publicist and boyfriend of two years, Rohan Antao. In January 2009, Pinto called off her engagement to Rohan and started dating her Slumdog Millionaire co-star Dev Patel. Antao gave an interview to a British tabloid about their relationship and Indian newspapers claimed the two had in fact been secretly married.[7][24]

Pinto is trained in different forms of Indian classical dance as well as Salsa.[25] She currently resides in the Orlem locality of the Malad suburb of Mumbai.[7]

Tusshar Kapoor Biography

Tusshar Kapoor

(तुषार कपूर; born 20 November 1976 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) is an Indian actor. He is the son of Bollywood actor Jeetendra and Shobha Kapoor and brother of Ekta Kapoor. He studied at the University of Michigan and graduated with a MBA from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business.

Tushar made his debut with Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai alongside Kareena Kapoor in 2001. The next two years followed with a list of box office flops, although he was noted for acting alongside his father in the teen slasher film Kucch To Hai (2003). He was recognized for his role as a shy boy who gains the ability to become invisible in Gayab (2004).[2] Kapoor appeared in comic roles in Golmaal (2006) and Golmaal Returns (2008) and Golmaal 3 (2010)

Sushmita Sen Biography

Sushmita Sen (Bengali: সুস্মিতা সেন; born 19 November 1975) is an Indian actress who appears in mainly Bollywood films. A former model, Sen was crowned Miss Universe in 1994.[2] She was the first Indian woman to win the contest.

Personal life

Sen was born on 19 November 1975 to a Bengali Kayastha Hindu family. Her father, Shubeer Sen, is a former Indian Air Force Wing Commander and her mother, Subhra Sen, is a fashion artist and jewelry designer. She has a brother, Rajeev Sen. She was born in St. Theresa's hospital, Hyderabad, and grew up in New Delhi. She did her schooling at the Air Force Golden Jubilee Institute.

In 2000, she adopted a daughter, named Renée.[1][3] On 13 Jan, 2010 she adopted a three-month-old girl and named her Alisah.[1]

Miss Universe

In 1994, at the age of eighteen, Sushmita won the title of Femina Miss India beating Aishwarya Rai, who was the runner up. Sen represented India at the 1994 Miss Universe Pageant, held in Manila, Philippines and won there.[2]

At Miss Universe, Sushmita ranked third overall in the preliminaries, right behind preliminary winner Miss Colombia Carolina Gómez, and Miss Greece Rea Totounzi, who ranked second but won the preliminary swimsuit and evening gown competitions. Sushmita went on to place second, fifth and third in the swimsuit, interview, and evening gown semi-final competitions respectively, placing third place behind Miss Colombia and Miss Venezuela Minorka Mercado. All three women went on to be the final three contestants. In the end, the judges placed their votes on Sushmita, making her the first woman from India to become Miss Universe. She owns the rights to send delegates from India to the Miss Universe pageant from 2010 onwards through her project I Am She – Miss Universe India.

Film career

Sushmita at the judging of Pantaloons Femina Miss India contest 2009.

After her reign as Miss Universe, Sushmita became an actress. Her first film, Dastak was in 1996, in which she played the victim of a stalker. She then starred in the 1997 Tamil blockbuster, Ratchagan. Two years later her appearance as Rupali in David Dhawan's movie Biwi No.1 won her the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award in 1999. Biwi No.1 was the second highest grossing movie of 1999.[4] The same year, she was also nominated for her role in Sirf Tum in the same category, making her an obvious choice for winner. She received critical acclaim and box office success for film Aankhen.

So far, her biggest hit has been the 2004 movie Main Hoon Na, in which she starred as Shahrukh Khan's love interest. The film grossed a total of Rs 330,000,000 and was the second best selling movie of that year.[5] Later, Sushmita played a lawyer in Main Aisa Hi Hoon opposite Ajay Devgan. In 2005, she also starred in a remake of Cactus Flower, called Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya: Sen played the lead opposite Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. Her most recent movies include Karma, Confessions and Holi (2006) opposite Naomi Campbell, Do Knot Disturb, Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag (2007) and Dulha Mil Gaya (2010) opposite Fardeen Khan.

It has been reported that Sushmita will portray the slain Pakistan Peoples Party leader Benazir Bhutto in a film co-produced by Zaid Aziz and Henna Rai of the Karachi production company Vox Vision, and Leicester-based Sum Films. Tentatively titled Benazir Bhutto: The Movie, the film will be shot in locations in Pakistan, the US, Britain and Dubai, where Bhutto spent years as a student and later as a political leader in exile. When Sushmita was asked about this big opportunity, she excitedly said, “Yes, I am keen to play the role.”[6]

Recently she starred in Do Knot Disturb with long-time screen partner Govinda. The film failed to do well. Sushmita plays the role of a successful supermodel called Shimmer in Dulha Mil Gaya.[7]

Awards

Filmfare Awards

2000: Best Supporting Actress for Biwi No.1 (1999)

IIFA Awards

2000 IIFA Best Supporting Actress Award winner for Biwi No.1

Star Screen Awards

2001 Best Supporting Actress winner for Biwi No.1

Zee Cine Awards

2000: Best Supporting Actress for Biwi No.1 (1999)

2003: Best Supporting Actress for Filhaal (2002)

National honours

2006: Rajiv Gandhi Award for her achievement in Bollywood[8]

Akshay Kumar Biography

Akshay Kumar (Hindi: अक्षय कुमार; born as Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia[1] on 9 September 1967[1]) is an Indian film actor, producer and martial artist who has appeared in over a hundred Hindi films. When he began his acting career in the 1990s, he primarily starred in action films and was particularly known for his appearances in feature films commonly called the "Khiladi series", which included Khiladi (1992), Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995), Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996), and Khiladi 420 (2000), as well as other action films such as Mohra (1994).[2]

He later gained more fame for his drama, romance and comedy roles.[3] He started becoming known for his performances in romance films like Yeh Dillagi (1994) and Dhadkan (2000) as well as drama films such as Ek Rishtaa (2001). His comic performances in comedy films such as Hera Pheri (2000), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Garam Masala (2005) and Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005) met with acclaim. His success further rose in 2007, when he starred in four consecutive commercial hits. He has thus established himself as one of the leading actors in Hindi cinema.

Apart from acting, Kumar worked as a stunt actor; he often performed many dangerous stunts in his films,[4] which earned him a reputation as the "Indian Jackie Chan".[2] 2008 marked his television debut as the host of the show Fear Factor – Khatron Ke Khiladi. In 2009, Kumar founded the Hari Om Entertainment production company.[5] In 2008, the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Law on Kumar in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema. The following year he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India.[3]

Early life

Akshay Kumar was born in Amritsar, Punjab to a Punjabi family.[1] His father was a government employee. From a very young age, he was recognised as a performer, particularly as a dancer. Kumar was raised in Delhi's Chandni Chowk neighbourhood before moving to Mumbai.[6] In Mumbai, he lived in Koliwada, which was another Punjabi dominated area.[6] He studied at Don Bosco School and then Guru Nanak Khalsa College (King's Circle), where he participated in sports with Janpal Singh.[6]

After having obtained a black belt in Taekwondo while in India,[7] he studied martial arts in Bangkok, Thailand,[6] where he learned Muay Thai[7] and worked as a chef[6] and waiter.[7] He then came back to Mumbai, where he started teaching martial arts. One of his students happened to be a photographer and recommended him to do modelling. The student gave him a modelling assignment for a small company. For his two hours posing in front of the camera, Kumar got Rs. 5,000, compared to his previous monthly salary of Rs. 4,000. That was one of the main reasons why he chose to be a model. After a couple of months of modelling, Kumar was offered a lead role by producer Pramod Chakravarthy for the movie Deedar.[6]

Career

1990s

Kumar made his Bollywood acting debut with the 1991 film Saugandh, which was followed by the 1992 thriller film Khiladi. In 1994, his action films Main Khiladi Tu Anari and Mohra were among the highest grossing films of the year.[8] Later that year, Yash Chopra signed him for the romantic film Yeh Dillagi which was also a success.[8] He received appreciation for his performance in this film, where he played a romantic role which was different compared to his action roles. He would consequently receive his first nominations for Best Actor award at the Filmfare and Star Screen ceremonies. During the same year, Kumar also had success with films like Suhaag and the low budget action film Elaan. All these achievements, promoted Kumar as one of the most successful actors of that year.[9]

In 1995, along with his share of unsuccessful movies, he starred in the third film in his Khiladi series Sabse Bada Khiladi, which was a hit.[10] He proved to have success with the Khiladi series, as in the next year he starred in the fourth successful film with Khiladi in the title, Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi opposite Rekha and Raveena Tandon. The film became one of the highest grossing films of the year.[11]

In 1997, Kumar was seen in a supporting role in Yash Chopra's hit film Dil To Pagal Hai, for which he received a Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award nomination. In the same year, he attempted a comedy role with the fifth film in the Khiladi series, Mr and Mrs Khiladi. Unlike his previous films with Khiladi in the title, the film failed commercially.[12] In the same way as this film, his next Khiladi releases in the following years went on to fail at the box office. In 1999, Kumar received critical acclaim for his roles in the films Sangharsh and Jaanwar. Whilst the former did not make a profit at the box office, the latter turned out to be a success.[13]

2000s

Kumar on the sets of Heyy Babyy

In 2000, he starred in the comedy Hera Pheri (2000) which was a commercial success.[14] He also starred in the romantic film Dhadkan later that same year which performed moderately at the box office.[14] That same year, he performed some of his most dangerous stunts in Khiladi 420, where he climbed a running plane, stood on top of the plane flying a thousand feet in the air, and jumped from the plane onto a hot air balloon.[4] In a later scene, he is also seen being chased by a car, dodging bullets, jumping off buildings, and climbing walls.[15] In 2001, Kumar played a negative role in the film Ajnabee. The film won him much acclaim as well as his first Filmfare Award for Best Villain.[1] Kumar played a role as role as a blind man in Aankhen.

Following Hera Pheri, Kumar starred in a number of comedy films, including Awara Paagal Deewana (2002) and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004).[16] and Garam Masala (2005). The films succeeded at the box office[17][18] and his performance in the latter earned him his second Filmfare Award, for Best Comedian.[1] Apart from his action, comedy and romantic roles, Kumar displayed a flair for dramatic roles in films such as Ek Rishtaa (2001), Aankhen (2002), Bewafaa (2005) and Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005).[1]

In 2006 he starred in a sequel to Hera Pheri titled Phir Hera Pheri. As was the former, the sequel became a huge success at the box office.[19] Later that year he starred alongside Salman Khan in the romantic musical Jaan-E-Mann. The film was a well anticipated release, and despite receiving positive reviews from critics, did not do as well as expected at the box office.[19] Though the film under-performed, his role as a shy, lovable nerd was praised.[20] He ended the year with the comedy Bhagam Bhag, which was a success.[19] In that same year, he led the Heat 2006 world tour along with fellow stars Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta, Sushmita Sen and Celina Jaitley.[21]

2007 proved to be Kumar's most successful year during his career in the industry, and as described by box office analysts, "probably the best ever recorded by an actor, with four outright hits and no flops."[22] His first release, Namastey London, was critically and commercially successful, and his performance earned him a Best Actor nomination at the Filmfare. Critic Taran Adarsh wrote of his performance in the film, "he's sure to win the hearts of millions of moviegoers with a terrific portrayal in this film."[23] His next two releases, Heyy Babyy and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, were box office successes as well.[24][25] Kumar's last release of the year, Welcome, did extremely well at the box office, receiving a blockbuster status and simultaneously becoming his fifth successive hit.[26] All of Kumar's films which released that year did well in the overseas market as well.[27]

Kumar's first film of 2008, Tashan, marked his comeback to the Yash Raj Films banner after 11 years. Although much anticipated by the public,[28] the film was a critical and commercial failure. His second film, Singh Is Kinng was a huge success at the box office and broke the first-week worldwide record of Om Shanti Om, the previous highest figure.[29] His next film was the animated film Jumbo. The year also saw Kumar making his small screen debut as the host of the successful show Fear Factor – Khatron Ke Khiladi. He later returned to host the show's second season in 2009.

In 2009, Kumar featured opposite Deepika Padukone in the Warner Bros.-Rohan Sippy production Chandni Chowk to China. Directed by Nikhil Advani, the film was a critical and commercial failure at the box office.[30] Kumar's next release was 8 x 10 Tasveer. Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, the film was a critical and commercial failure. His next release was Kambakkht Ishq. Kumar's film Blue was released on 16 October 2009. Blue collected about Rs. 42 crores at the box-office.[31] His release in 2009 was Priyadarshan's De Dana Dan.

He then appeared in the 2010 comedy, Housefull, directed by Sajid Khan which garnered the second-highest opening weekend collection of all time.[32] Kumar's next release was Khatta Meetha, directed by Priyadarshan which was an average grosser. He also appeared in Vipul Shah's Action Replayy, which was a box office failure.[33] He is co-producing a film with Russell Peters called Breakaway which is reminiscent of his own Patiala House.[34]

Personal life

Kumar earlier dated several of his colleagues, such as Shilpa Shetty and Raveena Tandon. After being engaged twice to actress Twinkle Khanna, the daughter of actors Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia, he married her on 14 January 2001. Their son named Aarav was born in September 2002.[1]

A First Information Report was registered by the Vakola Police on April 2009 against Akshay Kumar and his wife Twinkle Khanna under Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code for an act during the Lakme Fashion Week in which Khanna unbuttoned the jeans of Kumar.[