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Magazine
In Passing
SUCHITRA BEHAL
First stop: India
There’s nothing like a pit stop in India to boost sagging egos. And so author Jeffrey Archer who’s dealing with dwindling sales and interest in the western world, once again opted to come on a five leg India tour, beginning Mumbai, for the launch of his new book, Paths of Glory. Of course the publishers and author were quick to point out that India was first on the map because the book’s about British mountaineer George Mallory being possibly the first man to scale Mt Everest. It made good sense to launch first here. Archer, who was in his usual boisterous element, again commented on the chaotic traffic and offered his services to ease Mumbai’s congestion pains. “I think I can become transport minister and solve all this,” said he. He also recounted how, six years ago, he became fascinated with Mallory’s life and “started researching on him. I read books, met his friends and family. I also made sure that his son and grandson read the first drafts of the book. They found it to be accurate and that pleases me,” said Archer. He concedes that Indians are his best audience. Of course it is only but natural that, with that kind of adulation, his next release too will first be here before setting off on its voyage.
Dilemmas all around
He is single and ready to mingle. At 61 director Shekhar Kapur states that he is not averse to a relationship. Recently divorced, Kapur said that he “did not want to be lonely but I have not found anyone as yet.” Kapur added that he was not actively recruiting people for his personal life but was “open to meeting more people”. However his dilemmas are not all personal; on the professional front too, he has not been as active as people think he should. His much vaunted “Pani” has again run into a block but that does not bother him. “I am not a career filmmaker,” said Kapur. “I look at filmmaking as a passion and I will make my films only when I feel passionate about it. People are uneasy because they cannot compartmentalise me,” said he, adding, “I refused to buckle under people’s expectations.”
Waiting for that hit
Despite his chocolate boy looks and filmi lineage, life has not been a bed of roses for actor Shahid Kapoor. But here is one star who refuses to throw tantrums or blame the system, focussing instead on his strengths and weaknesses. Kapoor, now scaling new heights with his career, finds himself part of the rumour mill linking him with his latest co-star, actor Priyanka Chopra. Asked about it, a grinning Kapoor said, “What can I say? I am not left with much choice am I? Every movie that I make my name is linked with the co-star. Priyanka and I are good friends. However if people want to make more out of it they are jumping the gun. If our relationship goes further I may talk about it. I will not lie or hide a relationship but neither will I shout and announce it from the rooftop.” Similarly, added Kapoor, he was not ready to either confirm or deny all those stories about his charging an astronomical amount. “The only thing that matters is a hit. I don’t want to be short changed but I also do not make unreasonable demands,” said he.
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