BOLLYWOOD

The Bollywood actor will be visiting the state to participate in event’s opening ceremony

Many Bollywood celebrities such as John Abraham, Katrina Kaif and Milind Soman have advocated fitness by participating in the Mumbai marathon that takes place every year. While some actors have run the long miles alongside the common people, others have cheered from the sidelines. Shilpa Shetty Kundra is all set to do the latter at the upcoming Goa marathon, which is to be held on December 11. A source close to her reveals the actor will reach the beach state on December 10 in order to flag off the event.

“The organisers of the Goa marathon were keen to have Shilpa on board owing to the fact that Shilpa is a fitness enthusiast and has supported the cause of a healthy living on several occasions. The actor will also be giving a small speech on nutrition and the kind of food people should consume to maintain a healthy body. Shilpa was supposed to fly to London, UK, for Christmas following family tradition. She postponed her trip by a day to be part of this event in Goa,” informs the source.

When contacted, Shilpa confirmed the news and said, “Encouraging a healthy and fit lifestyle has been something I am extremely passionate about. Supporting such initiatives is my way of telling people to value their health and get fit.”

Arjun Rampal’s last cinematic outing was with Vidya Balan — Kahaani 2. The actor will next be seen in a film that has an ensemble cast, including Amitabh Bachchan (below left). Arjun has worked with Bachchan earlier in films such as Aankhen (2002) and The Last Lear (2007).

So did he ever feel intimated while shooting with the actor? “He is the most generous actor I’ve worked with. He is not intimidating at all. Initially, when you don’t know him, you feel intimidated, not out of fear but out of respect. He makes you feel comfortable and puts you at ease. It is always a pleasure to work with him,” says Arjun.

THE ACTOR’S FAVOURITE

Ask him which actor he has enjoyed working with the most, so far, and he says, “Farhan Akhtar, Amitabh Bachchan and Vidya Balan.” Arjun feels it is a different experience altogether when one works with like-minded people.

“Every actor brings something new to the table. It is interesting to bring out each other’s dynamics. But I have really had a wonderful experience with whoever I have worked with. However, the dynamics keep changing and that’s what makes our jobs so exciting. Arjun will soon complete two decades in the industry. So, what is the key for any actor to survive in showbiz for long? “Patience is the biggest factor. And we must have a goal. Belief in yourself and your choices is important. Once you make that choice, then see it through with complete determination, and not let your focus shift. You have to be patient and not sign every film, which is offered [to you], as you think your time might run out.”