Aarti Agarwal

Catch them young. The phrase is commonplace in showbiz today. the lure of glamour and fame attracts many. Aarti agarwal is another new entrant, who made her debut in Joy Augustine’s Paagalpan opposite Rikku’s son Karan Nath. The film didn’t do well but then Aarti sure was noticed for her cute innocence in the film.

A teenager from New Jersey, she left the shores of US to try her luck in tinsel town in 1999. An avid dancer, Aarti has specialised in Jazz, Bharat Natyam and Kathak. When she came to India, she learned acting from Asha Chandra. Rikku saw her and recommended her to Joy Augustine. When Joy was hunting for a leading lady for the film, he called Aarti for an audition. Aarti says, "I am very fond of dancing, and from my childhood, I was always interested in acting. I am happy that I got a good break."

Aarti played a bubbly character in the film. She says, "I played a teenage Christian girl who is very tomboyish. I fall in love with this Hindu guy (Karan), and there’s a drastic change in my nature. It’s a lovely romantic movie." Aarti is confident about her entry in films. She’s nearly completed her second (regional) movie Nuuvu Naaku Nachav. "You must be surprised that I am doing a Telugu movie, opposite the southern heart-throb Venkatesh. Well! I am doing a couple of other movies also down south, of which, one is opposite Nagarjuna." She’s excited for all her new projects.

Aarti’s performance has been appreciated but she’s a bit apprehensive about the critics in the audience. She says, " We actors have to put in a great deal of hard work. The audience should realise this aspect and then pass their judgement." She speaks very high of her director, "Joy is a wonderful person and a very down-to-earth man. A nice human being to work with, in my first film. I am really lucky to have such an excellent director."

While making Paagalpan, Aarti recalls one particular incident, which will not be easy for her to forget. "I was down with fever, but still gave my shot. I had to do a lot of running and I ended up with a sprained ankle. I really appreciated the concern that Joy and Karan showed, but deep down only I knew how I had done that scene." She continues, "Paagalpan has been a wonderful experience. It was wonderful to work with Karan Nath. We both get along pretty well and it was a comfortable set up."

How will she tackle the tough competition? She concludes, "I will work hard and if I am destined, I will surely make my mark."

Vikas Kalantri: High expectations!

Vikas Kalantri

He’s the son of famous industrialist and treasurer of the Maharastra Pradesh Congress Committee, Vijay G Kalantri. Now, Vikas Kalantri is making his debut in KC Bokadia’s 50th film, Pyaar Zindagi Hai. The handsome, well-built six footer is a product of the Namit Kishore Kapoor Academy. All set to stake his claim to stardom, Vikas is confident about his entry into films right from the word go. The film also stars another newcomer, Aashima Bhalla and yesteryear superstar Rajesh Khanna...

Right from his childhood, Vikas was interested in joining the film industry. During his schooling at Gwalior’s Scindia School, he was adjudged the "Best Looking Guy". The title sure boosted his morale. He says, "I’ve had to work hard. I am ambitious and so I worked towards my goal. I learned dancing, action and acting. I was lucky to get this break in KC Bokadia’s new film." He didn’t stop there, he went on to complete his graduation from Mumbai’s MMK College before completely getting into films.

Vikas found a mentor in noted lyricist Javed Akhtar. He recalls, "It was Javed Akhtar who told my father I wasn’t cut out for business and that my forte lies in films, when he saw the rushes of the film." Dedicated to the core, Vikas is serious about his debut and confident about his movie Pyaar Zindagi Hai, which hits the silver screen in August. Even though his first film is yet to be released, Vikas has already bagged some prestigious projects, such as Ketan Desai’s forthcoming romance, Nitin Manmohan’s Nai Padosan and a film by the Oswal Group.

So how was it, working with superstar Rajesh Khanna? Says Vikas, "It was a wonderful experience. He was so nice that he taught me many things about acting and camera angles. He’s a gem of a person and working with him has been an enriching experience. Even my senior, Mohnish Behl went out of his way to help me during the making of the film."

Does he recall any special incident from the film’s shooting? He nods. "We were shooting in Almora for a song sequence in the night, and a sizeable crowd had gathered in abundance. A few drunkards were creating problems for us. But it was nice to see the unflappable director Vijay Sardana taking the situation in his stride. Thanks to him, the shoots were completed with ease."

What kind of future does he foresee for himself after the film’s release? "I hope the people like the film," he replies. "I am very selective about my roles and I am in no hurry to grab every offer that comes my way. I don’t wish to do more than four or five films a year."

When we asked him which actor he idolises, he was quick to reply: "Amitabh Bachchan!" And among actresses,he has a soft corner for Preity Zinta. "I hope I get to act opposite her some day."
Dreams, dreams!

— Johnny D