My Queen and I

In memory of my Principal, Mrs. Edna Revis

April 2, 1931 – November 11, 2011

I remember how I felt the first day I went to school. I was scared, nervous and excited. Though I don’t recall what I actually did the first day, I do remember what I got for lunch, Tomato sandwiches in a brown paper bag.

The school kids were whispering about the new Principal, Mrs. Edna Revis and I remember feeling extra special because she and I had joined Girls High School (G.H.S) at the same time.

In the beginning I saw her only during assembly where she’d confidently stride in and in her soft but clear voice would say ‘Good Morning Everybody’ and the entire school would chorus back ‘Good Morning Mrs. Revis’.

My favorite part was the end of each assembly, when she’d bless the school saying ‘May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God and the Fellowship of The Holy Spirit be with us now and forever more. Amen’.

The first time we actually interacted was when I was in grade II. During the dress rehearsal of the concert, I was back stage, and I kept sticking my head out through the stage curtains, oblivious to the fact that I could be seen by everybody in the audience.

Suddenly she appeared out of nowhere and said ‘Everybody can see you. From now on no peeking or else I will tie you up.’ She sounded stern but the twinkle in her eyes said otherwise.

A couple of days later, on the evening of the concert, she came to our dressing room where I was sitting down, fully dressed in my costume, wearing a crown. The minute I saw her, I looked away, avoiding eye contact. But she walked straight up to me, smiled broadly and exclaimed ‘How lovely you look! What a beautiful crown! Wow!’.

Hearing that, all of my silly anger melted and I fell head-over-heels in love with her. It was very sweet of her, to bother to go out of her way and make up with a disgruntled 7-year old.

She actually cared about kids, otherwise, which Principal would make an effort to make up with a silly seven year old. But she did and made me feel so special that my heart swelled up with pride and joy.

I was in G.H.S for eleven years and had a great time. Mrs. Revis was very strict about the curriculum but made sure there were plenty of co-curricular activities throughout the year. We had Elocution, Debates, Concerts, Fetes, Sports Day etc, all of which were very well planned and executed under her leadership. And boy, did we have a blast.

All the costumes for the concerts and sports were procured or stitched by the school or the teachers. The parents were never burdened. All they had to do was turn up.

She was very particular about the teachers she hired and we were taught by some of the best teachers in the entire city.

Mrs. Revis was classy, soft spoken, elegant but with a fist of iron. She ran the school perfectly. Even when she ticked off anybody she did it with class and restraint. We never ever saw her lose her temper or scream.

She’d hold warm farewell ceremonies for the teachers who’d retire and would give the entire day off to the students to present a mini concert of sorts with skits, dances and presents to honor those teachers.

Our School had a hostel, where Mrs. Revis made sure she’d hire the very best warden, nurse and cooks. The dormitories were always neat and the sick bay was like a peaceful sanctuary.

I don’t know if all the students know, but Mrs. Revis was a great foodie and knew her Pulao from her Biryani. So it was no surprise that the food served to the hostel residents was both nutritious and delicious.

I have eaten in many hostels in Mumbai and the Best Hostel Food Award in my mind went to two hostels. One was the G.H.S Hostel run by Mrs. Revis and the other one was in Mumbai, the Wilson College Hostel called The Mackichan Hall.

In all of the 11 years I spent in G.H.S, under her watch, not one student got seriously hurt. Her surprise rounds kept every student and even the teachers on their toes. Under her guidance G.H.S became one of the best schools in the State.

A very strong person, Mrs. Revis never hesitated to make a single decision no matter how hard it was. Calm, kind, polite and with nerves of steel she could handle any kind of trouble without even batting an eyelid.

Our curriculum was one of the best and under our Principal we learned a lot and got to explore our talents, strengths and weaknesses.

One of my strongest memories of her was when I was late for my I.S.C.E exams by half an hour. When I reached the school, Mrs. Revis was standing outside the school gates, alone, waiting for me, worried that I would miss my exam. I was so touched, I almost cried.

I live in Mumbai now and every time I impress somebody, they usually ask where I did my schooling from and are shocked to hear that I went to a school called G.H.S in Allahabad and not some fancy prep school abroad. That’s when I thank God for my beloved Principal, Mrs. Edna Revis under whose guidance I was put through fire, moulded, polished and pushed to reach my potential.

I remember the time when our school had its 125^th Anniversary and Mrs. Revis pulled out all the stops. It was celebrated with a bang for about a week with shows, dances, musical nights, an enormous cake cutting ceremony and the entire school sitting down to lunch together. It was the happiest week of my life.

This year when the school had its 150^th Anniversary, just like other alumni, I was also asked to write my thoughts about G.H.S.

I couldn’t pen down a word because for me, G.H.S was synonymous with Mrs. Revis. She was the real spirit of the school. And since she was no longer the Principal, for me there was no G.H.S.

To those reading this, please don’t be a moron like me. Pick up that phone, call up the people you love, the ones who made a great difference in your life and tell them how much you care, instead of talking about it, like me, when it is too late.

Today I would do anything to put my arms around Mrs. Edna Revis, hug her till she is out of breath and tell her what I never had the guts to say earlier.

I’d say ‘Mrs. Revis, thank you for helping me become the person I am. I have never respected anyone as much as I have looked up to you and respected you. You are like royalty to me, the Queen of my heart. I love you very much and will love you till my very last breath.’

Her sudden departure has left me with a hole in my soul. I will never be the same again and neither will G.H.S.

Dark Diwali For Kandivli (Mumbai) Family

On September 21, 2011, Sumit Dilip Wankhede, 22 and Avinash Jadhav 22, were returning at 5 am after working at a construction company in Mira Road.

Because it was raining the bike skidded and hit a stationery truck parked in front of Alica Nagar, opposite Whispering Palms Xxclusives.

Their family and friends took them to Sanchaiti Hospital, Akurli Road, who started treatment but at 7.00 am said it was important to shift both to a bigger hospital and referred them to Criticare Hospital, which is in Juhu.

At Criticare, Avinash (the pillion rider) was operated on right away, but Sumit who had a Cerebral Hematoma (blood clot in the brain), was operated upon at 7.00 in the evening. He regained consciousness in three days and passed out again on September 26.

By the time he turned 22 on the 10th of October, he was conscious and lucid, but unable to talk because of a broken jaw. The surgery of the jaw had been put off because of a lung infection.

On the 12th of October, Criticare Hospital said that he was out of danger and it would be better to move him to a place closer to home, with good facilities, like the newly opened DNA Hospital at Lokhandwala Township.

Now Sumit & his elder brother, Pratik (24) made a living for their family, by washing cars. So when the hospital bill (along with medicines) at Criticare came to a whopping Rs. 9 Lakhs, the family's entire life savings was woefully inadequate and they had to borrow a huge amount of money to pay the bills.

At DNA, Sumit starting improving and began to communicate through eye movements and gestures. He was very fond of Cricket and on the 23rd of October, when Sumit's friends took him around the hospital in a wheel chair, he conveyed his desire to watch the India Vs England match and watched it for around 10-15 minutes.

That night he stayed up till 3.30 am with his brother and another patient in the ICU who was due to be discharged the next morning. At around 3.30am Sumit drifted to sleep and his elder brother, Pratik, went to the next room to lie down. At 5.30 am, the hospital staff woke up Pratik saying that Sumit was not doing very well and needed to be put on a ventilator.

Sumit passed away around mid-day on Dhanteras (Oct 24, 2011).

His elder brother Pratik, 24, collapsed when he heard the news and his mother fainted. The youngest son of the family Atul, 15 yrs, started hyperventilating and had to be given medical aid.

An autopsy was done on Sumit at 4 p.m. and his body was consigned to flames at 10 p.m. on Dhanteras.

The shocked and broke family were unable to pay the DNA Hospital bill, which was more than Rs. 1 Lakh. The hospital was kind enough to release Sumit’s body without asking the family to settle the bill immediately.


The Wankhede family, while still reeling from their young son’s death is in debt to the tune of around Rs. 8 Lakh.

Neighbourhood Times will be donating 5% of advertising revenue generated from our Children’s Day special issue dated November 10, 2011 to The Wankhede Family.

We, at Neighbourhood Times, urge each reader to look deep within our hearts for compassion and contribute generously in raising funds the late Sumit Wankhede’s Family.

We cannot bring their son back, but as a community we can help them to get rid of their huge debt. Names & Pictures of donors who contribute Rs. 5,000/- and above will be published in Neighbourhood Times.

Electronic Money transfers can be done directly to:

Mr. Pratik Dilip Wankhede,
A/C No: 65083742045
IFSC : STBP0001014
Bank : State Bank of Patiala
Branch : Lokhandwala Kandivli East, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India 400101.

Sumit’s elder brother Pratik can be contacted on +91-9664903378 / +91-8108921267

The 100 day diet

by Amrita Simon

Christmas is approaching, and you are having to hold your breath to wriggle into your jeans!!!

To those who really want to lose weight.....

Welcome to the Simon Fitness Boot Camp!!!

Here's a sure shot, fool proof, way to lose the flab and look wow this Christmas and for the New Year's Celebrations,unless you are Diabetic, have Thyroid problems or are on Anti-depressants.

.

To the Diabetics,I'd say, run this diet by your GP. For the rest, if you are more than 5 kilos overweight, get your Thyroid levels checked before starting this diet.For those on Anti-depressants.....your weight loss will be a little slower, so follow this diet strictly after consulting with your Shrink.

Make a food journal and weigh your self and write it down before starting.Do not weigh yourself for the next 15 days.

Shun the Sugar

Sugar is very high in empty calories and even a little consumption leads you to crave sweets. The very first step should be to stop sugar completely. Even half a teaspoon is bad.

If you are craving for something sweet, eat a couple of dried dates,apricots or a tablespoon of raisins. But not right after a meal.

Drink a glass of water 15 minutes before you eat.Do not drink water with your meal.Wait for at least an hour.

Stop the Milk

Milk is big no-no.It is high in cholesterol and has no fiber. Since it is difficult to digest, using milk in your diet will burden your digestive system and slow down weight loss.

Switch to soy milk if you really like to drink milk. I did and it was delicious and satisfying.

Learn to take your tea or coffee without milk.

Can the Colas

Steer clear of fizzy drinks,sodas and colas,even the 'natural' fruit drinks and juices. Aside from being very high in sugar, they are very acidic( including the diet colas) and will ruin your PH balance.

As a rule don't drink anything that comes in a bottle, pack or can. If you want to drink something sweet, try freshly squeezed juice and smoothies.

Ditch those Drinks

Alcohol is very high in calories, increases appetite and ruins digestion.

So, go easy on those cocktails.

Ideally you should have none,but if you really have to,then it is important, that you restrict your self to a maximum of two drinks a week.

Munch more Fruit

Bursting with all the goodness nature has to offer, fruits are the most perfect food designed for our bodies. Full of anti-oxidants and vitamins, fruits are perfect for getting healthy and fit.

Just make sure to eat fruit that is in season and do not eat it if it has been altered in any way by cooking or canning.

The best way to eat fruit is on an empty stomach. So start your day with fruit.

Eat NOTHING but fruit for breakfast.

Go Green

Meat and eggs are very difficult to digest and place a great strain on our digestive system.

Since they are very acidic, high in fat and low in fiber, they are important to avoid if you want to lose weight fast.

Stop consumption of Meat and Eggs and turn Vegetarian.

Replace Non Vegetarian food with,Soy chunks,Tofu,Lentils,Legumes and Vegetables.

Do not over cook and kill the nutrients in your Veggies.Use a non-stick wok,add a teaspoon of oil,when it heats,add the Veggies and stir fry for a minute or two.

Snack on salads

The one important food capable of flushing toxins from your body, cleansing your system leading to weight loss is Raw sprouts (blanch them first) and Salads.

Make them an important part of your meal and your snacks. Add Peanuts or raw Sesame seeds to your Sprouts to give it that nutty taste.

Cut the Carbs

Stop eating simple Carbohydrates like Maida, Bread,Pasta, Rice, Potatoes and even Wheat Rotis.

Switch to Millet (Jawar,Bajara) Rotis.

Eat no more than 2 Rotis a meal.

Jog, Skip and Run

These three cardiovascular exercises are perfect for losing weight fast.

No matter how well you eat, you will not achieve optimum weight loss until you add at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity to your regimen.

Begin by brisk walking and graduate to jogging when you have better stamina..

So there you have it.....the 100 day Slimming Guide.

Go on give it a shot..You have nothing to lose but your weight..

(For those who achieve success,cheques are fine ;0) but cash is better)

SHE DON-Hindi Movie 'Shabri' Review
by Amrita Simon

'Shabri' is the story of a slum-dweller girl,working hard at an Atta-chakki for her family that is almost as poor as church mice.

An alcoholic father,a mother working herself almost to the bone making pickles and a young brother who loiters around mixing with the wrong kind of people, adds to the burden of the already heavy laden,weary and frustrated Shabri..

The ashen tinted film symbolizes the lack of any hope or color in Shabri's life. Her concern for her brother 'Bandhya'(Vijay) is expressed only through tight slaps and scraps over a pair of rubber slippers.

'Murad' (played by newcomer Raj Arjun) is a Mathka player with a heart.

From the very beginning, he is shown as a savior of sorts.His expressive eyes say it all.... his compassion and kindness.

Acutely aware of and almost hating what he does for a living, Murad is seen constantly discouraging Shabri's brother to have anything to do with anything illegal.

The only dramatic entry in the film is that of the Villain (Pradeep Rawat). He seems even more sinister than what he was in Ghajini, literally making the back of the hair on your head stand up.

Bandhya gets picked up by the police for a crime he is innocent of. Murad frantically tries to get him out but fails.

Shabri turns up at the Police station to set her brother free. While she waits outside the Cop-in-charge is shown slurping his meal in a disgusting way. The way he tears into the meat he is eating and sucks at the bones depicts what some corrupt and cruel cops are capable of doing.

As he leers and touches Shabri, her terrified young brother, his beating wounds visible, his voice quivering with terror, musters enough courage to tell the cop to lay off his sister or else.....

Later Bandhya is shown in a dark cell with a lone bulb swinging mid-air,with cops all around him and one of them undressing.

What you see later is not for the faint-hearted.

The Director, Lalit Marathe shows Bandya's torture and brutalization, in a way that has never, ever been seen on any Hindi Movie screen before.

Murad breaks the news to Shabri in silent scene that nevertheless conveys his own pain.

When Shabri sees her brother's young broken body, his torn chappals (the very pair she'd fight with him about) laying alongside, a representation of sorts, of the perverted, animal like cruelty he had to go through, something inside her snaps and she takes the law into her own hands.

Murad stands by her like a rock. The rest of the movie is about how because of their actions Murad and Shabri are on the run and literally have to 'hit the mattresses' with both the police and the Villain 'Rajdhar Bhau' hot in their pursuit.

In a juicy, author backed role, Isha Koppikar,(Shabri) gives the best performance of her career with her slum-dweller look (dark pancake,crumpled saree, et al) and gait down to a pat.

Almost always serious in every frame, one gets to see Shabri give a slight glimmer of a smile when she catches Murad looking at her as she dries her freshly washed hair.

Newcomer Raj Arjun (Murad) is the surprise package of the film .

Considering,this was his first film, he has given a beautifully restrained performance, expressing himself softly with words or sometimes with his eyes only. Any other actor in his place would have hammed or may have been tempted to but Raj gives a stellar performance in a role that should have been longer.

Zakir Hussain is good as the stony faced cop with a wry sense of humor.

As the main Villain, Pradeep Rawaat has out done himself. He is just too good. Unlike other Directors who show the Villain as just a very bad guy, Lalit Marathe has carved out many facets in his Villain that shows his cruelty, his pain and finally his stunned grief.

In fact the Villain is the best etched character of the film.

As a first time Director, Lalit Marathe has done a good job, paid attention to detail, made a good film on a novel concept and is worth watching out for.

Even though, in my opinion, the film could have done without the ashen hues and expanded the romantic angle between Murad and Shabri a little more, it is unquestionably a must watch for all those gangster film aficionados out there.

The Story of a Woman Gangster
By Amrita Simon

Ram Gopal Verma's much awaited film,' Shabri' is slated to hit the theaters on the 26th of August.

Written and Directed by Lalit Marathe,'Shabri is a film supposed to be nothing like what Ramu's productions have churned out before.

Starring Raj Arjun as the male lead who plays 'Murad', the Mathka don and Isha Koppikar in the female lead as 'Shabri', The film holds promise because no other film has ever been made about a Female Don amongst the gritty underbelly of Mumbai.

We managed to get Ram Gopal Verma to say a few words about his film...

What was your creative contribution to the film?

“All the creative calls with regards to the Writing and Directing were taken by Lalit Marathe.

I merely partnered with Reliance to produce it."

You must have seen the film.What is your opinion?

"Laalit Marathe has made a heart touchingly, realistic film"

What did you think about the actors' performances?

“Isha has done a fantastic performance and as for the Lead actor,Raj Arjun and Villian, Pradeep Rawaat (the guy who played Ghajni),they are both too good”

We asked Raj Arjun, who plays the main lead, a few questions...

Tell us about yourself.

“I am originally from Bhopal. I have done theater, for 10 years,which is the first stepping stone for acting,I have worked with many known theater groups and my theater guru is Habeeb Tanveer Shab. In fact,I still do plays with Feroz Khan and Makrand Despande”.

Is this your first film as the leading man?

"Yes,and I can hardly control my excitement !!"

Have you done any other film before?

A long back, Mr Praval Raman called me for a very small role in Ramu's movie 'Company'.It was not even a role, it was just a shot. I was in Bhopal but I came and did it wholeheartedly because I had full belief in Ramu and had always wanted to work with him.

That small shot was the beginning of my association with Ram Gopal Verma.

Amazingly, after around 2-3 years, he remembered me despite that small shot and asked Praval to “call that shooter.” He didn't even know my name till then....

I met Ramu and I still remember the first thing he said … “This character, 'Murad' is a Matka Don. He has the intensity of 'Bhiku Matre' (Manoj Bajpai in 'SATYA') and the anger of 'Chandu' (Vivek Oberoi in 'COMPANY').

Now go home and think about it and once you are ready with the character,let me know.

It took me 17 days to think deeply about the character,'Murad',because it was a little tough for me to work on such a thin line.

But after that when I met Ramu, dressed as 'Murad' in his office, he observed me minutely...my outfit, hair, my chappals. I thought he would say something but he simply left the room and disappeared,leaving me completely confused and nervous, wondering what was going on in his mind.

Suddenly,a young energetic man came out and introduced himself as Lalit Marathe,the Writer and Director of 'SHABRI'...I remember him getting excited and saying that he had gotten his 'Murad' !!

Did you do any research for this role?

I remember I started living like Murad. I took my costumes home and started roaming in slums of Mumbai, dressed like'Murad' with his Taaviz. I started going to Charni road and all the places where these Matka dons are said to frequent.

I remember being super excited and showering Lalit with questions about my character, Lalit was also totally into it and he started enjoying the whole process and we developed a great bond of faith before we went on floor.

One day I came to know, the actor playing 'Bandya' (Shabri's brother in the film) was being replaced,then came the news of the replacement of the Villan,'Rajdhar Bhau' and 'Shabri' too.

Finally Isha came on board as 'Shabri' so I got a little worried and asked Lalit if it was my chance now to get the boot.

Lalit's answer still rings in my head.He said "You are my 'Murad'.He can be played by you and you, alone.I can't even think of making this film without you." I still get goose flesh when I remember that.

What happened next?

"Well, with him having so much faith in me,was a huge thing.I completely surrendered myself to Lalit and became his actor.

I started thinking about the mental picture Lalit had, of 'Murad'. How he saw and imagined him because 'Murad' was his creation and who knows a son better then his father..I wanted to be 'THAT SON', I wanted to be just the way Lalit had envisaged 'Murad.'

Soon after, I had an accident. I asked Lalit “ How will I perform with a broken leg?” He said, “ Come what may, you are my 'Murad'.

I will change the script and will show Murad as a limping man."Such was his blind faith in me!!(But my leg became ok,so I didn't need to limp at all)

Now what more can any actor,much less a new comer, expect from a known, established, Writer& Director like Lalit Marathe? I gave the film my all because of his faith.

I think and hope that I did justice to Lalit's creation--'Murad'.

How is Lalit Marathe as a Director?

Lalit was like a dream director, giving us complete freedom to perform and guiding us at the same time. He lived the characters and put life,a kind of Junoon in all the performers.

As for me,I became 'Murad'....I'd remained 'Murad' even after he yelled cut.Even while eating or relaxing,I'd remain 'Murad' throughout the day and even when we were not shooting.

During the scene shoots, Lalit would come to me and in whispers he used to ask 'How will you do it ? Just give me one sur and then start'

Because he also felt 'Murad' so deeply, he knew when 'Murad's' personality had taken over mine, so he ensured that no one should disturb him by loud voices. All I can say is....wow.. what a journey it was.

One day after a scene, Lalit came to me and said Arjun you don't know what great work you are doing and I wold like to you work with me in my next project.

I eagerly said, yes,yes,yes without asking about the script and role because I know whatever he'd make would be great!!!.

He is a fantastic director to work with.I would love to work with him again and again.

Tell us about Isha Koppikar. She is a star and you are a newcomer. What was it like? Working with her?

" Isha is a good co-star,a hard worker and very professional.

To perform, she has to be in the skin of the character and she was. So I never saw Isha as a Heroine. I saw her as 'Shabri' from day one.

She had no starry airs about her We'd discuss scenes together.I was very comfortable with her.

She always looked out for me. In one scene I was badly beaten by 'Rajdhar Bhau's' gang and they hanged me with chain and all. Sometimes fight masters get very high and they forget that the actor who is playing hero is not a real fighter he is an actor who is doing a hero's role..

So they they chained my hand and started pulling it ...and my whole body's weight was on my wrists.

When Isha saw this she knew,I might hurt my wrist badly and told the fight master 'Don't do this. Just because he is new you can't do this' A harness was arranged immediately..and the shot was canned perfectly.

Another time I was told to jump from my back side and I was doing it with great enthusiasism,but Isha stopped me. 'Mr. Arjun do want to do any more films after this?' she said. 'Yes. Why?' I asked

'Be careful,the way you are doing this shot, is dangerous and you could get seriously hurt.' she warned . So I cut down on the enthusiasm,took amplecare and precaution and we did the shot without me getting hurt.

I really am grateful to Isha Koppikar for all her kindness and support.

I'd also like to mention Mr Praval Raman.He is important to me because he cast me in the movie 'Company' and because of that, I got to meet Ramu.

I am very thankful to him and Ramu to give me this break.Who bothers to give breaks to newcomers like this? Who turns them into stars overnight? Only Ram Gopal Verma.

Ramuji gave me 'Shabri', my life's first film with such a mind boggling role. Any actor would have loved to do a fantastic role like this and he chose me.

I admire the man,he is never afraid of taking risks,and has a tremendous fight and courage within.

No matter what happens, I will always stand by Ramu.

I owe him BIG TIME!! I will always be in touch with him. Always."

We spoke to the Writer and Director of 'Shabri'- Lalit Marathe

Tell us about your film,'SHABRI'...

"Shabri is the story of how a simple woman from a Mumbai slum ends up threatening the biggest corcorridors of power in the Matka gambling underworld of the city. It’s a story of survival, dignity, determination, and human triumph in the face of impossible odds."

You have written the script...Where did you get this idea from? A woman from the slums of Mumbai, becoming a gangster? Is it based on a true story?

"There was this anecdote that Ramu himself had narrated about the wife of a gangster...so the process started from there and I left it far behind and reached somewhere else,plus there were references of real life woman gangsters...

So I read whatever was available. I was aware that there women gangsters like these,but this film is not based on a true story.You may find there are parallels with some people. I tried to take the attitude from real life.It started me off thinking that this don can be a female."

But this look of a scruffy,unkempt looking, female gangster,in a ragged sari....where did you get that inspiration from?

"This girl is the breadwinner of her family.She handles the problems of life confronting her herself,she protects her family so her dark skin is symbolic of the harsh life she leads."

Sounds impressive.So how long did it take you to write the script?

"It took me close to 6 months,I kept making changes in the script while we were shooting because the actors lent their own chemistry and body language so I made sure that, that got reflected in the dialogues,in the story."

So you involved the actors in the script changes?

"I did I did.I think the casting of the actors was a very crucial thing."

Isha Koppikar is associated with glam roles,what made you pick her for this role?

"I saw Isha in 'D' and I saw the hunger she possesses,I thought she would be prefect for this role,I wanted,somebody with a lot of hunger..I wanted somebody fresh who has never done such a role before? Somebody who wants to prove herself."

This role required somebody with lots of talent. Isha till now,save for 'Kya Kool Hain Hum,' has not won too many accolades for her performances.You had faith in her talent because....

"Intuition is something that one goes with and I realized, after watching her brief role with Chunkey Pandey in 'D' that she had the potential to do justice tothis role."

When you saw Raj...did you REALLY see your 'Murad'?

"YES! COMPLETELY!! Completely and totally.I knew what I didn't want in 'Murad' and and in Raj I saw every thing, I didn't want in 'Murad' and he had everything 'Murad' would have."

Did Raj meet you in 'Murad's costume?

"His body language and the way he carried himself appealed me the most.I don't pay much attention to clothes etc....what is important to me is the overall personality."

In this film a lot of people were replaced. But,when Raj broke his leg,you didn't replace him. You changed the script instead,and made his character 'Murad' limp.Why?

"I knew what a tremendous potential he had and what he was capable of doing...so even if I had gotten the best actor in the world I wouldn't have replaced Raj because I knew I had already found my 'Murad'. No one could have replaced him.

I have put my entire soul, strength and spirit in this film. Such films are only made when, one has the passion to kill or die even, to make the film. I have killed myself for this film and I have died for this film too. Such was my involvement for 'Shabri'!!

Finally we spoke to Isha Koppikar..

Why is your complexion so dark in the film?

"The story is of a slum-dweller who has roughed it out,and that is the kind of look I wanted to give my the character in the film. Both Lalit and I got this idea together.

When I was narrated the film,I thought of this person as this dark,rustic,rugged woman,you know, who has really roughed it out.

When I shared my thoughts with Lalit, he also had the same sentiments and we went ahead with the test shoot. During the test shoot we decided on Shabri's skin tone,how we should dress her and how she should be."

Did you build a set or shoot in real slums?

"We shot in real slums."

Did you do any kind of research for this role?

"No. I didn't do any research".

Then how did you manage to look so convincing as a slum dweller....and the sari....how did you get your sari to look like that?

"From the first day I felt the project was blessed. We had a stylist,we had a designer.His name is Reza Sharif,he gave it that effect!!

He put it in coffee water and tea water and boiled it and tattered it and then, it was given to me."

We heard that your metamorphosis from a glamorous actor to the grubby , disheveled 'Shabri' was so good that the crew mistook you as a rag-picker and almost threw you off the sets.

"Yeah,that actually happened.I was in my 'Shabri' get up, right in the skin of the character,walking around, rehearsing my lines when I was shooed away. Lalit had to intervene and explain that I was the Heroine of the film and not a rag-picker."

How easy was it for you to get into SHABRI'S character?Are you a 'Method' actor or 'Spontaneous'?

"That I will have to ask Lalit.... (asks Lalit) 'Lalit am I Method actor or Spontaneous?' “Spontaneous”-said Lalit "Spontaneous ! " chirped Isha

Are you a Director's actor?

"Director's delight!! I'm the Director's delight!! ("Joy, Joy!! " added Lalit ) "See?? I am a director's delight!!" she laughed.

So you are as good as your director is...

"You see since I'm Spontaneous, sometimes the compliments that I’ve gotten from directors is that 'Isha, a lot of times you rise above the script' ( at this,Latit gives a double thumbs up ) and that, I inspire the characters and the script as well."

These are the things that have come to me by my Directors. An actor is like a clay and the Director is the potter who molds the clay"

You have worked with Raj Arjun for the first time

"Yeah! Fantastic actor!"

He is playing the lead for the first time.How was it working with him?

"I had a great time,he is a very committed and a very sincere actor."

Raj told me he was being lifted by chains without a harness and you intervened.

"They were lifting him without any harness any security, tomorrow, if something happens to him who's responsible?"

Working and acting in slums did it make you more sympathetic, feel more empathy towards slum dwellers?

"More than empathy, I respect them. They are so happy in that little place that they live in and..... Hah!! for some people, no space is big enough,if they have a flat they want a bungalow, if they have a bungalow they want a building."

That's true. I think this going to be your best work yet....do you agree??

"Yes. it's going to be my masterpiece- My Picasso"

How is Lalit Marathe as a director?

"Fantastic...he is very clear about what he wants."

So if he doesn't get what he want, is he patient? Or.......

"He's a lot like Shabri.He's got this latent aggression which is seen in the way he presents his actors, his characters. He'll be patient for a while but then there will be some gesture or something that will make us feel that OK, we've had it now and we'd better take care of the situation!!

Its not that he's loud but something in his words give you get a feeling that now he's upset and you've pushed your luck too far !!"

You have married into the Narangs', a typical Page 3 family.How do they feel about your acting?

"They really don't have a problem.My husband is very supportive,he knows that I love acting and definitely he has no qualms."

So you will not stop acting...this will not be your last film?

"No,no! This is not my last film. I'm about to sign two more movies.I just took a year's break to spend time with my husband,my in-laws. I live in a joint family and you need to take some time off and settle in.You need to bond."

Well,thanks for talking to us. All the best for the film! May it send the cash registers ringing!!

"Thank you so much!"said Isha.