Archive
Bold & Candid with Koena Mitra
Published in Mega Modelz magazine – Oct-Dec 2009 Issue – © Manali
When was your first kiss?
My first kiss was during my school days with my boyfriend, at home. Since it was first time for both of us, it was a truly terrible experience.
Most embarrassing thing you’ve done after getting drunk?
I don’t drink… but 1 glass of wine is good enough for me to go off to sleep.
The worst pick-up used on you so far?
I usually ignore such people. Just loathe pick up lines, so I don’t even remember.
Life without sex OR Life without acting?
I am greedy and I want all the good things in life.
A feature that rates you high on oomphometer?
Too many. Hmm… let me start from my eyes. Just joking. I love my abs, but it depends on who’s looking at me and how…
As a teenager, you never wanted your parents to know…
I had three boy friends in school.
Dark & Handsome / Fair & Charming / Suave & sophisticated / a Grungy Rockstar?
I am not going to settle for less than a dark, handsome, charming, suave, sophisticated and a total rockstar… Am I asking for too much from a billionaire?
First thing you notice in a guy?
The first thing I notice in a man is his personality, clothes and smile. A guy with a big belly might go unnoticed. Basically, he should be fit.
What do you think men want?
Honestly, that’s a mystery. It’s an irony that even men don’t know what they actually want.
Have you ever experienced the casting couch?
It does exist, but it’s your choice if you want to walk that way. I chose to live with dignity.
Milan Fashion Week or a Yash Chopra Movie?
As a model I have done it all – be it Milan or Paris or NYC Fashion Week. So right now, working with Yash Raj would be a dream come true.
Nude scene in Hollywood’s biggest venture – Yes or No…
Never! My father will sit and watch my film. I’m still his little bong baby girl, I wouldn’t hurt his pride.
Perfect date for you would be…
A man who’s well spoken, not boring and who likes to listen as well. He should be charming, witty and a complete gentleman.
Most exist bollywood star?
Undoubtedly, Salman khan. He is charismatic, charming, stylish, a trendsetter and an inspiration to many. Salman is probably the best looking hero in the Bollywood’s history.
The director would love to work with?
Anurag Basu. I love his films. They are sensitive, sensual, simple and real. Also, Sanjay Leela Bansali, who is a man with great vision. His movies are larger than life and as beautiful as paintings.
The outfit you look most sexy in?
Denims and t-shirts. Also, basic and classic wears that never go out of style.
Secret behind your sexy, curvy and fit figure?
My funda is to eat and burn it out. I eat right and workout almost everyday. I love well toned bodies that’s why I do weight training too. Nothing comes easy without hard work. Starving and fat burners do not work.
From Bukow to Bollywood
Published in Mega Modelz magazine – Oct-Dec 2009 Issue – © Manali
Meet Claudia Ciesla. All of 22 and she is already taking the world by charm with her curvaceously gorgeous appeal and her latest desire to make it big in Bollywood. While we execute an exclusive ‘Bollywood Retro’ photoshoot in Delhi, this 5’9” German green eyed mesmerizer is all set to wow the audiences of Indian television through the all time favourite reality show Big Boss 3
MM: Tell us about your most interesting assignment so far?
Claudia: I had shot for Mercedes Customer Magazine in Germany that represented the new E-class. I love cars and it was great to know that they’d selected me for this kind of assignment.
MM: You have already done a film, boast several fashion shoots to your accolade, became a brand ambassador for an university, been involved with a leading NGO and have already been linked with Bollywood superstars like Abhishek Bachchan and Salman Khan… Your Indian experience must’ve been overwhelming! Comment.
Claudia: My experience has always been great. Coming from Bukaw, a small town in Germany, a lot of times I was overwhelmed by the friendliness and hospitality I got from the Indian people… they made me feel at home and that’s the best feeling you can possibly have.
MM: What are your plans for India?
Claudia: I am very serious about working and finding my way out in India as I feel my future lies in this country. I am looking forward to learn Hindi and find a nice apartment in Mumbai too.
MM: Given a choice, what type of Bollywood film would you like to be part of?
Claudia: I am very sportive. I can easily manage any kind of sports and this includes martial arts too. I am not afraid of doing my own stunts. So one day, I would like to show some of these abilities in an action movie. But I can assimilate to any kind of roles – the most important is a good script, an excellent director and a great cast and crew who would make me feel like family, as I did with my former productions.
MM: Who is your favourite bollywood star?
Claudia: My favourite actor is Amitabh Bachchan for sure. He is a true Godfather of all actors in Bollywood and I love his film ‘Black’ so much. In actresses, I really love the work of Priyanka Chopra and I think she is very beautiful.
MM: Any role done by an Indian actress that you would love to do if given a chance?
Claudia: I loved the film ‘Om Shanti Om’ and the actress’s lead role would surely be interesting one to take up.
MM: Any intensions in settling down in India?
Claudia: Sure, that’s my plan.
MM: What do you think of the Indian fashion industry? Any designer that you particularly like?
Claudia: I love Indian fashion. On the whole, I like the designs by Ritu Kumar and Manish Malhotra.
MM: What’s your opinion about the Indian models?
Claudia: I think Indian models are very beautiful, with wonderful thick black hair and big eyes. There are certainly more female models in India than in Europe!
MM: How would you describe yourself?
Claudia: I see myself as a modern, original, up-to-date, practical and a straightforward person.
MM: How romantic a person are you?
Claudia: I am very realistic, not at all a dreamer. I have faced many situations in the past that taught me the hard way and I realised life is not an easy game at all. Romantic moments or rather intense moments can be strong when I am around my best friends or family members, where I feel elatedly cozy. Also, I enjoy listening to nice music and relaxing by some nice beach with white sands, palm trees and a great full red sunset ambience…
MM: Who would be your dream date from Bollywood?
Claudia: Hmm… Okay, no names! The dream date could be a nice guy who makes me feel at home… and the one who gets me laughing and smiling often! *Winks*
Style Check with Anusha Dandekar
Published in Mega Modelz magazine – Oct-Dec 2009 Issue – © Manali
MM gets the melodiously high Anusha revealing her routine preferences as she also picks up her favourites in fashion and trends
Personal style
I am a very moody dresser.
Most comfortable in
Pajamas.
Beauty regime
Cheryl Products face wash, spray and glow cream… and I’m good to go.
Hair care
Whatever shampoo seems good for that month.
Vanity bag essentials
Elizabeth Arden 8hr cream, hand sanitizer, hand cream and a lint roll.
5 must haves amid travelling
Passport, sunglasses, wallet, phone and my ipod.
A perfect unwinding plan
Going for a steam, eating junk food, watching movies or taking a relaxing shower.
Wardrobe quintessential
A great pair of designer jeans, nice short summer dress, favourite heels, cool sneakers and a chic pair of chapels.
Fitness ritual
I don’t have a fitness routine but I try to ride a cycle, swim or rollerblade whenever I can, though that happens only once in 6 months. So I usually take the staircase and walk when I can.
Ultimate style icon
Cameron Diaz and Paris Hilton. Cameron is boyishly sexy, casual and her style is effortless. Paris is feminine chic and a lot of fun.
Any day brand
Miss Sixty fits my style best. It’s unpredictable, fun, young and fits really well.
Amrita Rao’s Travel Diary
Published in Mega Modelz magazine – Oct-Dec 2009 Issue – © Manali
The gorgeous B-town favourite, Amrita Rao takes on the world by her charm… as she pens down her favourite
holiday, adventure, food, shopping and partying destinations and gives some quick beauty-tips that’ll set you all good to go!
My Favourite Travelling Destinations Across The World
I totally love travelling to Europe, especially the beautiful Venice. From its architecture to people, everything about this place is simply magical. In US, I enjoy sunbathing and unwinding by the Miami coast. That place has some great pristine sand and incredible clear waters. Also, Johannesburg and Sydney are amazing places one needs to explore at least once. Last but not the least, I absolutely adore Jammu & Kashmir, that place is undoubtedly the real heaven on earth.
Favourite Buys While Travelling
I love to party at Nikki Beach Club, in Maimi, US. For shopping, the St. Mark’s Square in Venice is an amazing place, whereas, the Quay Restaurant in Sidney, Australia serves some of the best cuisines of the world. For adventures, the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve in Africa is a must visit. On the other side, I am a regular visitor of the Vaishno Devi temple – this place brings me peace and solace.
Favourite Must Go Places Across The Globe
My latest shopping picks are Louis Vuitton bag from Macau, Chopard watch, a pair of Swarovski earrings from Europe and Aldo shoes from U.S.
Personal Travelling Tips
Since my profession requires me to travel extensively, I like to use that time to my best. I personally make sure to read a lot on flights and finish all my pending media responses. Also, I make sure I eat right, sleep well, drink lots of water and wear minimal makeup amid travelling. The key is to keep it basic whilst packing. Happy travelling!
Bollywood’s Beloved – Dabboo Ratnani
Published in Mega Modelz magazine – June-July 2009 Issue – © Manali
In the shadow of his own legacy, he has given celebrity photography a whole new meaning. Every picture he clicks becomes an extravaganza in itself. His forte of delivering on a consistent note, years after years is a longing dream for many others. Never bowing down to any commercial diktats, he has won laurels of gold. His success story truly warms the cockles of many hearts. Manali H. Shah traces down the trails and tribulations of the Bollywood’s beloved legendary photographer. Dabboo Ratnani comes undone!
Photos courtesy: Dabboo Ratnani page
After thrashing that little bit of oblivious anxiety, I finally fix my index finger on the doorbell and ring it. Within less than 15 seconds, the door springs open… and I see the maverick man himself. Fairly built, dressed in a traditional chaste white kurta-pajama, he already emanates an air of easy amiability.
Smilingly, he leads me towards the drawing room couch. The room looks white, clean and serene, very unlike a celebrity photographer’s residence. On the other side, I notice two desktop machines interfused on a huge glass table. For photography technicalities, I assume. By then, a young girl, apparently in her mid 20’s, walks in and offers me a glass of water… and I hear him asking me if I would like tea, coffee, juice or anything. I deny, politely. So finally here we are, I smile.
Many people consider his job to be one of the best on earth. Tell him and he thrills, “It’s great to be a celebrity
photographer, it feels really superb and I thoroughly enjoy my job.” In hindsight, he thinks most people have a misconception that being around bollywood stars and clicking their pictures all the time is an obstinately glamorous life. But it’s not as simple and glittery as it looks. He explains, “Like any other profession, there is a lot of pressure involved in this job too. You are dealing with high celebrities here and you simply cannot afford to go wrong. These stars come very time-pressed and each day of theirs is very precious. So within that short period of time they to do the manage shoot, you need to deliver great results.”
Does that mean these stars are quite finicky? “Most stars are not fussy. But they obviously want to look good. They trust you and that’s why they shoot with you. You also got to be capable enough to take care of screwball scenarios that may unpredictably occur in any shoot. So basically, that one picture people see on the magazine cover comes out after clicking hundred’s of them. It’s definitely challenging,” he affirms.
This means that he turns into a different person once behind the camera? He shakes his head. “No. I am as I am, very easy and relaxed. I have been in this industry for 15 years, so my rapport with most of the stars is quite honky-dory and they know my personality. I am a patient person who doesn’t express. But when it comes to work, I am a rather fast photographer who shoots in lightening speed instead of pretending to do that extra work… and that’s what they like about me. They know if they are shooting with Dabboo, its going to get over within 2-3 hours and not go till elongated 10 hours, and of course they know that they are looking good too.”
Unlike most peers of his ilk, Dabboo is not very rigid about having a firm plan for each shoot. “It actually depends on the nature of the shoot. Like for a magazine’s regular fun shoot, you have the liberty to try different things and that’s where you can afford to go impromptu. Otherwise for print campaigns and publicity, it’s a different ball game altogether.” Talking about peers, I prod him to name those photographers whom he considers to be a competition and he minuses, “Everybody has their own style in photography. Even if anybody is number one in the pile of 1 to 10, it doesn’t matter. All that counts for me is the amount and quality of work I do. I am shooting at least 25 days a month and I cannot physically shoot more than that. Though I don’t complain if someone is doing more work than me.”
Warming the topic, he further stances, “If the competitor is doing more work or as much work, even if I had a choice, I cannot do his share of work. It’s immature to consider competition as a threat, because for me, I am very self-satisfied with what I am doing. I don’t believe in undercutting or badmouthing anybody to get work. There is enough work for everybody in the industry. Particularly this over-hyped recession gaga, it just doesn’t bother me at all. Incase if there is no work, I get that time to spend with my family.” Waxing eloquent, he indeed admires work of his colleagues and ace photographers like Prabhudas Gupta, Farook Chotia and Bharat. Amongst the international sheen, he really enjoys the work of the Spanish pro photographer Sante D’orazio, Hollywood’s favourite Herb Ritts and the like.
Born and brought up in Mumbai, Dabboo worked with his dad at their Bombay Dying shop until he turned 17 and
decided to build his career in photography. “During my school days, I actually used to be selling bed sheets, shirts and stuff like that. It was a very basic and boring mundane where I never got the job satisfaction,” he says with candour and also reveals that he has always been a gismo guy since his childhood. “Once there was this new music system my dad bought and I opened the screws in-and-out to understand the system’s functionality,” he guffaws heartily and continues, “And one fine day I found a good-looking camera in my dad’s cupboard. I slid that and started experimenting instantly. Progressively, I started shooting sunset, people and things around me and I completely loved it. And since then I was very much clear that this is what I wanted to do in life.”
Interestingly, he bought his first camera from his brother who was an aspiring photographer then. “It was a semi professional camera,” he muses. Dabboo started clicking pictures for his friends, did some college AV’s, all working in his favour, and that’s when he finally decided to assist some photographer. “I was doing my commerce and after completing 12th grade, I decided go for correspondence over regular college and use that time to assist photographer Sumeet Chopra, an ex Brooks Institute student himself.”
So did he ever attend a photography school? “I did not go abroad to study photography because it was very expensive,” he says in a humble tone. Conversely, Sumeet Chopra suggested him to spend those three years with him. “Doing that, you are learning on the job and actually interacting with clients and models. Also, you make a lot of contacts and meet the crème people from the industry. I feel it’s very important to learn the business along with learning the art and technicality of photography. Besides, I had thought to myself that if three years of assisting doesn’t guide me to my photography, I would go back to my dad’s Bombay dying business.” And as fate had it, there was absolutely no looking back for this magnum opus prodigy.
Nonetheless, he did have his share of knocking quite a few doors before landing a foothold. His first commercial shoot was for a film called Aatish that was shot in Mauritius, way back in 1993. “It was director Sanjay Gupta’s first film as well. Being a very close friend of mine, I told him to take me along and offered him to shoot the campaign free. I just asked to get paid for the travel, stay and material cost. It was a 40 days shoot and my first time abroad. We really did some good work and also partied harder… Certainly, it was a very memorable one. Infact, one shot of Sanjay Dutt fishing, is amongst my all time favourites…” he mutters in a nostalgic tone.
The movie starred Raveena Tondon, Karishma Kapoor, Aditya Pancholi, Atul Agnihotri and of course Sanjay Dutt. No wonder, the film forked a trail towards his ambition and this indisputably became a turning point in his life. “Seeing my pictures on huge billboards and hoardings, numerous magazines and newspapers for the first time was such a great high. People noticed and liked my work and this automatically snowballed into getting myself a stronger grounding in this field. That’s when I decided to branch out from assisting and start on my own…” The rest, like they say, is history.
With the number of nascent photographers basking out from every nook and corner of the country today, is he ever concerned about failure? He promptly retaliates, “No. It really doesn’t bother me. For me, consistency is very important and year after year you got to deliver good work. It’s an art; it has to be within you, something that has to be in your bloodstream. For me photography is… well… let’s just say I breathe photography. Even if I walk into a party or a restaurant, I keep looking at the location and I think if I could do a photoshoot here. It’s just that I am a complete ad infinitum when it comes to photography.” Now that’s a numbero uno!
So what is his all time favourite ideal photoshoot like? “My passion lies in my annual calendar that I have been
publishing since a decade now. Its one thing that I enjoy shooting a lot, because there I am shooting only for myself. No client, no agency… it’s only me.” The passion for calendar comes naturally to him because he ropes in those actors with whom he has worked all through the years, hence it gets very awe-inspiring for both the parties.
Especially the 2009 edition of the calendar with 48 actors that became quite a hit has still left most of us flabbergasted. Wonder how did he make it happen? “Because it was 10th anniversary of my calendar, it had to be special. Also the fact that a calendar has a desk value and it lies in front of your face for the whole year, unlike a magazine. Thus, I started conceptualizing in April itself and went on floor in August. The plan did take a little longer because this time it was 48 actors and not the trademark 24. I went about doing meetings with the celebrities for theme briefing, sharing ideas, getting inputs. Happily, most of the actors were as excited and passionate about the picture and calendar as I was.” This annual calendar releases on 23rd December of every year. “It happens to be both, me and my wife Manisha’s birthday,” he gushes.
How does Dabboo decide a theme for his calendars? He parries on this one and remarks, “Any theme that does not restrict creativity and variety works for me. For instance, Water was my theme in the 2007 edition. Here, water can be seen as an element in your glass, in the sea, in the fish tank, as a tear, a drop and likewise, so this doesn’t confine me. Although, personally I am not very adamant about themes, because then themes become the hero when photography is what I am trying to project.” Well said. So, what does he plan for 2010 calendar? “Nothing is planned as yet. Probably a theme this time but definitely not nature or anything, but some theme bound calendar for a change to 2009.”
Reports of him being keen on doing a retro calendar with legendary artists made rounds sometime ago. True? He clarifies, “I was actually thinking it to do as an exhibition rather than a calendar, because I don’t know how much I would be able to create as to people watching them for 1 month every page. Besides, the earlier actors and actresses I guess wouldn’t relate to an avant-garde calendar. I don’t know, it is just one of the thoughts. May be I will do it in a couple of years down the line…” Considered.
One thing that truly differentiates Dabboo’s pet project from other calendar is that no photographer has ever featured power-list of 24 or 48 actors ever. “Yes, I am not paying any celebrity to feature in my calendar. My calendar doesn’t advertise or sell anything, there is no money involved and I am not trying to generate any revenue. It’s a completely noncommercial activity that is based on rapport I share with them. It’s pure passion and love for art!”
But aren’t all the fans based far and wide complaining of the unavailability of the limited edition calendar? “I guess so. From the amount of emails I receive from people in Jan-Feb especially, asking where they could purchase the calendar from, is truly gratifying. But how many people can I cater to? I keep it limited edition for a simple reason that I pay for the whole calendar and don’t make money out of it. Hence, I cannot have unlimited pieces. My calendars are usually for my family and friends and people from the media, advertising agencies, film fraternity and other clients that I work with. It’s on its own is quite large and my database consists of around 4000 people.” But the infamous photographer confirms that the day he decides to commercialise the calendar, he will give actors a royalty too. He sallies, “If I can sell millions of pieces than I can certainly afford to pay the actors! I don’t want to make money out of it, but would definitely want people who are featured in it to gain something.”
Further, I ask him about his take on the divergence between shooting celebrities and models? “Honestly, it’s not very
different. Be it an actor or a model, I have to make both of them look good. The foremost difference in shooting a model and an actor is that the look completely alters, like the clothes you make them wear and their styling, make up and hair. However, there are times when actors want to look like models and vice versa. It’s all essentially intermingled.”
What about the newcomers? They surely would get goose-bumps shooting with him for the first time. “I usually ease them out. I have a couple of meetings with them before the scheduled shoot. I talk to them, tell them how I see and visualize them and give them tips too. Usually when I meet a person, I kind of figure out how I should be shooting him/her.” With his clout many first-timers would doubt his approachability, but he certainly is very down to earth and an easy person to talk to. “The name Dabboo Ratnani does sound as if he is standoffish, but it’s not like that. I like to meet people and especially when my name is attached to the pictures, I totally want to do justice to them. I make it a point that every picture that goes out from my studio is a great picture. So whether it’s a newcomer or an established actor, it doesn’t matter as I always take a keen interest,” he says, truly like a pin-up photographer.
Dabboo Ratnani with wife Manisha D. Ratnani and the gorgeous actress Esha Deol
Dabboo’s recent work campaign includes the new season of 10 Ka Dum with Salman Khan, Provogue, Dabur with Preity Zinta, a Belmonte campaign with Shahrukh Khan, D’damas jewellery with Amitabh Bachchan, Idea with Abhishek Bachchan including the latest campaign for IPL too. Not only print, Dabboo has also clicked for hit flicks like Welcome, Hello, Dostana and the yet-to-release films like My name is Khan and Wake up Sid. Dabboo works are internationally acclaimed too as he regularly shoots for Australian and German based magazines and other overseas clients in Dubai. “I like travelling for work, but I will never leave this city and relocate anywhere else for sure,” he smiles.
So any wise words for the enthusiastic photographers out there who aspire to what he has achieved? “Don’t get into it only for the glamour quotient. Main thing is to have passion for photography. You have to have the fire, the excitement and the complete job satisfaction should be there, irrespective of shooting a portfolio or doing a big banner campaign. The enthusiasm level should prevail. And the day you don’t feel this way, might as well call it quits.” He further digs, “Make use of Photoshop, but as a photo correction contrivance and not as a manipulating tool. That’s not the essence of true photography.”
Turning the focus away from photography to personal and interesting grounds, Dabboo enjoys music when he is not working, “I love music and I have collection of about 4000 CD’s.” Any particular genre he is favourable to? “It actually depends on the mood. I like to listen to everything, from Hindi and Arabic to House, Lounge and Rock. It keeps changing with time.” This endearing photographer has been married for nearly 5 years now and has a 2 months baby girl. “Her name is Deeva and she is very adorable,” he beams.
My curiously meter goes up and as a parting shot I ask him about his wife. “Manisha works with me. Everything from production to finance is taken care of by her. I just do the photography bit.” The photographer who had a love-cum-arrange marriage likes to spend quality time with his family whenever time permits, take his dog out for a walk, go out for splendid dinners and drives. Truly, Dabboo is a radical in his own subtle way!
Manali Shah 