Bollywood Kung-Fu!!

[GeneChing]

Action is sexy, says Esha Gupta
Published: Friday, Jan 25, 2013, 8:35 IST
By Aakanksha Naval-Shetye | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA


Esha Gupta who tasted success with her very first film, Jannat 2 last year, quickly followed it up with two more big screen flicks — the superhit Raaz 3 and critically acclaimed Chakravyuh. And having dabbled in three different genres — right from horror to hard-hitting realistic film — all in one year itself, the actress says she is now looking forward to working in action films.

“Women look really sexy doing action onscreen and it is my favourite genre. I have grown up watching these films. So, action is definitely something I want to explore,” says Esha, who is said to have had several offers on those lines. However, more than the gun-trotting action, it is the raw hand-to-hand combats that she would love to try. “I really like the Akshay Kumar and Jackie Chan sort of action where the emphasis is more on raw combat than hi-tech wired stunts. Not that I would mind doing that either,” shares the hottie. Though Esha is tight-lipped about her films at hand, ‘let the production houses make the right announcements at the right time,’ she says, there’s a strong buzz that action plays a huge part in one of her upcoming films. As for her women-action role models, she reveals that all James Bond heroines and Hollywood star Charlize Theron have beenhuge inspirations. “Martial arts should be part of every girl’s education. And I am sure seeing Bollywood actresses do that onscreen will be inspiring and encouraging,” she adds.

Esha does know sexy. Case and point:

Sexy Esha Gupta Strips Infront Of 300 People - Bollywood Hot

Gene, how can I exploit:

You're asking me? I wish I knew, bruddah. I wish I knew. I would love doing a cameo in a Bollywood dance number almost as much as I would love doing a cameo as a swordfighting martial arts villain.

[GeneChing]

I couldn't agree more.

Make martial arts compulsory in schools: Rani Mukerji
Last Updated: Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 16:44

Make martial arts compulsory in schools: Rani Mukerji Mumbai: Actor Rani Mukerji is in favour of making martial arts and other self-defense methods compulsory for school children to help them fight for themselves and also stay fit.

"Like we learn Hindi, Chemistry and other subjects, I think we should get karate, taekwondo or any other kind of martial arts and make it compulsory for school children right at the age of three or four," the 34-year-old star said here Tuesday at the Mumbai Police - Women Interface, a programme organised to increase self-awareness about safety among women.

Rani further spoke about the importance of fighting back a criminal.

"This self-defense that we learn from childhood will help us be fit and it would also impart a self-defence skill in times of crisis. Whatever we get to see on crime shows, tell us that criminals are cowards and if they do something to us, that means we are allowing them to do it. If we stand up and hit them, something can happen. Biggest weapon is to kick them between the legs," Rani said.

Actresses like Shabana Azmi, Karisma Kapoor, lyricist Javed Akhtar and adman Alyque Padamsee were also present at the event.

[GeneChing]

Arshad Warsi learnt Kung-fu for his next film
Nupur Chaudhuri, TNN | Mar 25, 2013, 12.00 AM IST

Arshad Warsi came in for much praise after the release of Jolly LLB.

The actor is really pushing the envelope. In fact, for his next, Arshad will be seen in a different avatar.

After proving his mettle at comedy, the actor will be doing some hard-core action in Calling Mr Joe B Carvalho. He has undergone rigorous training for the action sequences and even learnt Kung-fu.

Producer Bholaram Malviya confirmed, "Arshad will be seen in a whole new avatar doing some deadly action sequences. It's an out and out action comedy. He has worked very hard on the fight sequences and even learnt nuances of Kung-fu for the scenes."

Arshad thoroughly enjoyed doing action. "I trained for it prior to the shoot. It was great fun doing hardcore action for the first time," he said.

Arshad and Soha Ali Khan even did a daredevil stunt minus body doubles and they pulled it off in one take.

I don't really know Arshad. I only keep track of the Bollywood starlets...

[GeneChing]

Meanwhile more on Arshad. Ooooh. Two whole weeks. So hardcore...

Arshad Warsi goes the Kung fu way
Monday, Apr 1, 2013, 3:00 IST | Place: DNA | Agency: DNA
Aakanksha Naval-Shetye

Arshad Warsi, who is best-known for comic roles, is now ready to show off his action avatar too.

Arshad Warsi, who is best-known for comic roles, is now ready to show off his action avatar too. The actor is set for some hardcore action in his next film, Mr Joe B Carvalho. Producer Bholaram Malviya shares, “Arshad will be seen in a whole new avatar doing some deadly action sequences for the first time.” Arshad learnt Kung Fu and trained rigorously to perfect his moves. He even underwent a two-week training session of the martial art form.” Arshad says, “I have done action in this film for which I trained prior to the shoot. It was great fun doing hardcore action for the first time.”

New thread: Indian girls counter rape with martial arts training

[GeneChing]

Shetty's got it going on. Should be you, yutyeesam

Martial Arts Training of Mishti heroine of Subhash Ghai’s Kaanchi
Mon, 04/22/2013 - 07:13
By Sanjay Sharma Raj


Bengali Actress Mishti (Subhash Ghai's Kaanchi) Learning Martial arts [imonomy - free enrichment tools for your site.]

Mumbai, April 22, 2013 (Washington Bangla Radio): Subhash Ghai, the biggest showman of the Bollywood, and Chitah Yajness Shetty, undisputed king of Martial Arts. Both are known for their skill and expertise in their respective fields.

Subhash Ghai, fully aware of Chitah Yajness's capability to train new artists in Martial Arts, had asked Yajness to train Mishti, heroine of his upcoming film Kaanchi.

Subhash Ghai’s trust in Yajness Shetty has paid off , Subhash Ghai is Happy with YajnessShetty. Mishti is also full of praises for Yajness, “Chitah Sir (as Yajness is known in the film industry) is the best. He has done wonder with me. I am more fit and confident I face camera. His training has helped me a lot.”

Chitah Yajness Shetty humbly says, “I have trained Mishti as required by the Subhashji. I felt good when Subhashji asked me to train Mishti. Having interacted with Subhashji, I realized why he is the biggest Showman. He works hard for film and his way of working out every detail is inspiring.”


Kaanchi is an upcoming Bollywood musical thriller directed by Subhash Ghai, releasing in August 2013. Ismail Darbar & Salim Suleman have contributed to the tunes of the film. The film also stars Rishi Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty.

[GeneChing]

Yet another bollywood starlet training. I should go back and count how many there are now.

Madhuri Dixit-Nene taking Kung fu classes for 'Gulaab Gang'
Published by: Pooja Sinha
Published on: Wed, 17 Jul 2013 at 07:09 IST


Madhuri Dixit-Nene taking Kung fu classes for 'Gulaab Gang'

Mumbai: Bollywood's Dhak dhak girl Madhuri Dixit-Nene is currently under the training of Shaolin Kung fu master Shifu Kanishka aka Kanishka Sharma.

The dancing diva Madhuri Dixit-Nene is playing the lead role in her comeback film Gulaab Gang. The lead character is inspired by the real-life NGO worker Sampat Lal Devi who works for the women welfare. Sampat Pal was also seen in the much popular television show 'Bigg Boss 6'.

The film is based on Gulabi Gang which is a group of Indian women vigilantes and activists dressed in pink saris, fighting against the social injustice with women in Uttar Pradesh.

The evergreen B'town diva is not only getting trained for physical fitness but also for portraying the strong role with perfection.

The Shaolin Kung-fu trainer Shifu Kanishka aka Kanishka Sharma has trained so many famous Bollywood celebs like Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Anil Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Arjun Rampal, Siddharth, Zayed Khan, Mithun Chakraborty, John Abraham and Boman Irani and many more.

The forthcoming film Gulaab Gang is a social drama directed by Soumik Sen and produced by Anubhav Sinha. Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla will be seen playing the pivotal roles in the film.

[GeneChing]

More on Madhuri...

First Look: Madhuri Dixit's aggressive avatar in Gulab Gang
Divya Goyal : New Delhi, Wed Jul 31 2013, 18:37 hrs


Madhuri DixitMadhuri looks fearless with wrathful expression.

The first look of Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit in her upcoming film Gulab Gang shows her in the avatar of an aggressive woman.

In the film which is inspired by the women vigilante group Gulab Gang fighting against social injustice, Madhuri Dixit plays the gang leader.



Madhuri looks fearless in a pink sari (worn by the women of Gulab Gang) with a bamboo stick for her defense as she looks back with her wrathful expression.



The actress, who is elated to play a strong in the film said: "You will see a completely different side of me. I am playing an aggressive woman here. She is tough. This film gave me a chance to do some stunts too," she had earlier said.

This is not the first time she has played the strong female lead (Mrityudand), however, it is the first time the 46-year-old star has done her own action sequences.



For this role, she trained extensively under the guidance of action choreographer, Shifu Kanishka Sharma, a renowned Shaolin master.

The film directed by Soumik Sen also stars Mahie Gill, Shilpa Shukla.

The film will see Madhuri's return to a full-fledged role after a gap of almost six years. She was last seen in an item song with Ranbir Kapoor in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.

On being a part of the film Madhuri said: "I am happy that I am a part of a film which doesn't portray women as avenger or victim anymore. It's quite a strong film and when Soumik Sen (director) narrated me the script, I could not say no to him as I really liked the script. Female are protagonists in the film."

Madhuri Dixit is sharing screen space with her former contemporary Juhi Chawla for the first time.

Gulab Gang would release next year on Womens Day, March 8.

Apart from Gulab Gang, Madhuri is also working in Dedh Ishqiya opposite Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi. (With PTI inputs)

[GeneChing]

I volunteer working with drug abusers. "Molly' has a different meaning in that community.

Mollywood packs a punch with martial arts
Asha Prakash, TNN | Aug 27, 2013, 12.00 AM IST


The superstar of Mollywood, Mohanlal, was in the news recently when he was awarded an honorary black belt in Taekwondo by the Kerala Taekwondo Association and the Korean Cultural Association, making him the first South Indian to receive the title.

The actor, who was a Gusti champion at the Veerakerala Gymkhana in 1978, takes everything he does seriously, and has been taking every opportunity possible in the past year to train in the art form. He had earlier said that inspiration from masters in martial arts like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan helped him to do stunt scenes in films without a dupe. "Besides improving fitness and flexibility, Taekwondo, like all other martial arts, helps in strengthening the mind. It also helps build a sense of compassion," he said, adding that children should be encouraged to learn martial arts along with studies. It is to be recalled that Mohanlal had underwent training in Kalaripayattu for the film Thacholi Varghese Chekavar.
A few other Mollywood stars like Rima Kallingal, Rajeev Pillai, Babu Antony and Vinay Forrt too share his passion for martial arts.

Tuned to Chhau

A trained classical dancer, Rima Kallingal can pack a punch if needed. Rima has told us on an earlier occasion that she is trained in Kalaripayattu as well as Chhau, a tribal martial dance popular in Orissa and West Bengal. In her upcoming film, Escape from Uganda, the actress does all the stunts herself, for which her martial arts training greatly helped, she says. "I was totally excited to do the daredevil stunts and gave my 100% for it," says Rima. Well, something which actresses in Malayalam don't usually say!

Kicked about Kalaripayattu

During his theatre days, Vinay Forrt learnt a bit of everything, although he isn't trained in any martial art form. "I've learnt Kalaripayattu, Taekwondo and Karate during my theatre days. Kalaripayattu training helps a lot in theatre, and it came in handy in my film Prabhuvinte Makkal," says the actor and adds that he incorporates martial arts in his daily exercise routine. "The meditation in Tai Chi is something I do on a daily basis. I recommend martial arts to everyone, not just actors," he says.

Karate kid

Babu Antony is probably the only actor who is a professional martial artist with years of training behind him. The actor reveals that he has been training for the past 20 years now and has acquired a 'fifth Dan' black belt in Karate. "I started off with Kalaripayattu and then turned to Karate, and later to mixed martial arts." A training in martial arts gives you flexibility and an ability to mould yourself into a character, something which forms the base of an actor or dancer, he says. "Martial arts endow you with the grace of a dancer and the speed of a panther, they say. And you can see the difference between a stunt scene involving an actor trained in martial arts and others. In Malayalam films, you only see the impact of the hero's punch, not the momentum or action." He also rues the fact that black belts are now being given away to those who aren't really trained. "It takes at least five years of intensive training to reach even the 'first Dan' black belt, but everyone seems to be getting a black belt these days."
Hooked on Parkour
Rajeev Pillai is one actor who regrets not having learnt martial art forms from childhood. "I was not allowed to learn any of these. But recently I learnt something called Parkour, which helps tremendously if you are doing stunts in films. Parkour is a holistic training discipline, in which practitioners move quickly and efficiently past obstacles using no props. You see Parkour in films like Casino Royale, where they jump from one building to another without ropes. I have tried it out," he says. The actor, who is into intensive fitness training, is planning to learn kick boxing soon.

[GeneChing]

This should be you, yutyeesam.

For the honor and glory of our KFM forum, THIS SHOULD BE YOU!

Shaolin master trains the stars
Sep 12, 2013 - Reenu bahl |


There are times when Kanishka Sharma forgets his own name, for people refer to him as Shifu. “Not many people know that Shifu means master in Chinese. I am called by this name so many times that at times I forget my original name,” says the martial art expert, who happens to be the first Indian to get formal training in martial art at the Shaolin Temple.
It all started when Kanishka was six years old and his father got him a tape The 36th Chamber of Shaolin. “I showed interest in martial art at the age of three. I watched that movie every day, again and again till I made it my goal to train at the Shaolin Temple,” says Kanishka, who watched that movie more than 300 times.
His childhood obsession took him to China but for that he had to let go of his career. “I did an MBA from Netherlands and took up a corporate job in one of the leading companies in India. But my heart was not there and I always felt a misfit. Finally, I let it all go to pursue my dream of becoming a martial artist and applied at Shaolin. Once accepted, I spent nine years training there,” says Kanishka. With his training, he has brought the deadly combat system of Pekiti Titsia Kali besides other forms including Jeetkunedo, Muay Thai and Taichi to India and trains Special Forces, military personnel and film stars.
Till now, Kanishka has trained Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan for their films and is now working with Madhuri Dixit for Gulaab Gang and Anil Kapoor for special season of 24. “It is fun but not something that I want to do. I get better satisfaction in training police forces, special units and running women empowerment programmes. Films are secondary,” confesses Kanishka, who will conduct a workshop at Zambhala festival in Goa on December.

[GeneChing]

It should be yutyeesam receiving this award. Curry Power!

Rajiv Gandhi excellence award to Bollywood martial arts trainer Chitah Yajnesh
Fri, 09/20/2013 - 07:24


Mumbai, September 20 (Washington Bangla Radio): Bollywood martial arts trainer Chitah Yajnesh Shetty has received 'Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award' for his commitment and work towards promoting the Martial Arts among youth; training and conducting special workshops for Street Children and Senior citizens; and launching a nation-wide initiative with Times Foundation 'Nirbhaya' A Self Defense and Empowerment program for Women. The awards were distributed by Harish Rawat - Minister for Water Resources, Govt of India; Jagdish Yadav- Chairman for OBC, Govt of India; and Team of Human Welfare Council on 11th September 2013 at the constitution Club of India, Rafi marg, New Delhi.

Chitah Yajnesh Shetty's martial arts modules are being imparted in more than 31 states. This includes Self confidence, Self Defense, Healthy lifestyle and Career opportunities, which is the need of an hour for the society due to the increasing concerns of the society.
Launched early this year, 'Nirbhay' A Self Defense and Empowerment program for Women started from Chhattisgarh, Chitah Yajnesh Shetty has activated it as other states like Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujrat, Maharshtra and Uttranchal as of now.

[GeneChing]

Anyone here see Masti 1 or Masti 2? Anyone?

Vivek Oberoi wants Van Damme in 'Masti 3' Press Trust of India | Posted on Sep 13, 2013 at 03:45pm IST

New Delhi: The third film from the 'Masti' franchise is yet to be confirmed but Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi has already gone a step ahead and asked Hollywood action star Jean-Claude Van Damme to be a part of 'Masti 3'. The 37-year-old actor's 'Grand Masti', a sequel to the 2004 adult comedy hit theatres today. Vivek said he is a great fan of the 'Universal Soldier' star, who is on his maiden visit to India, and would love to see him do a different kind of action film in Bollywood. Vivek Oberoi wants Van Damme in \'Masti 3\' Van Damme said there should be a cinema school in India which can train the directors in making global impact. "I was just talking to Jean-Claude. I am a huge, huge fan of him. I told him that it is time to see him make a triple impact in 'Masti 3'. It will be fun to see him do a helicopter kick in the film... It is also action but a different kind of action," Vivek joked. Van Damme was in the capital to attend the CII Big Picture Summit, alongwith his producer friend Ashok Amritraj, who launched his autobiography 'Advantage: Hollywood' here. "I have had a wonderful two and half days. I have had the pleasure to be part of Indian culture first in Dubai and then Macau (for IIFA). But, I am glad to finally make it to here. I thank you for making me what I am today," Van Damme said. Van Damme and Amritraj were the key speakers at the event's first discussion on 'Reaching the Global Audience', with Vivek and Gulshan Grover being the last minute additions. Grover, known for playing the bad guy in Bollywood films 'Mohra' and 'Sir', said he was the 'pioneer of the Bollywood to Hollywood transition'. "I take pride in the fact that I, a successful Bollywood actor, started going to LA to try and take my talent to the next level much before everyone else. I would like to believe that I am the pioneer of the whole Bollywood to Hollywood transition... it has been followed by my colleagues Irrfan Khan, Anil Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher among others," Grover said. Concluding the session, Van Damme said there should be a cinema school in India which trained directors in making global impact with their films.

[GeneChing]

Might have to check this one out. Been craving some Bollywood. And this is Netflixable.

Martial arts action star Sameer Ali in Krrish 3
TNN Oct 27, 2013, 02.12PM IST


(Sameer Ali Khan With Hrithik…)

The Kung Fu revolution began around the early 70s, and the genre has certainly developed and evolved greatly over the course of the last four decades.

The likes of veteran superstars with incredible talent of martial arts such as Jet Li, Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Donnie Yen,
Sammo Hung, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Cynthia Rothrock, Wesley Snipes, Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren and so many more have won public heart with their flabbergasting physical abilities.

And now here comes the "newbie" Sameer Ali Khan who is rising in the ranks of martial arts talent to watch out the hero's. He will re-define the martial arts cinema with his action in Krrish 3 and will wows everyone with his brutal physical performance with Hrithik Roshan. He will be soon entrusting with the prestigious honor of carrying the torch from the veterans. He is known for his martial arts skills and the star of action in Afghan. Spending 15 years of his life doing Martial Arts, he has received his 3rd dan from the Korean Federation of Martial Arts. He has also demonstrated some of his fighting skills in Krrish 3. Sameer plays the role of the villain called Antman.

Sameer Ali Khan said, "I am very thankful to the Almighty God for giving me this big opportunity. I am grateful to Mr. Rakesh Roshan for casting me and allowing me to share screens with superstar Mr. Hrithik Roshan, who is now a good friend of mine and who is always there to encourage me."

Sameer's action and his skill are nothing but short of incredible. He is fast, agile, powerful, and his timing is impeccable. One of the pleasures of watching a martial arts movie is gawking in an awe-inspired manner at the intricate choreography and acrobatics that are transpiring before your very eyes. When you watch him in action, it is very hard to believe he performs his moves without any wires or stunt doubles. Sameer truly looks like he is obliterating the laws of physics and defying gravity.

Sameer Ali in Krrish 3 The Kung Fu Revolution began around the early 70s, and the genre has certainly developed and evolved greatly over the course of the last four decades. The likes of veteran superstars with incredible talent of martial arts such as Jet Li, Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Cynthia Rothrock, Wesley Snipes, Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren and so many more have won public heart with their flabbergasting physical abilities. And now here comes the "newbie" Sameer Ali Khan who is rising in the ranks of martial arts talent to watch out the hero's. He will re-define the martial arts cinema with his action in Krrish 3 and will wows everyone with his brutal physical performance with Hrithik Roshan. He will be soon entrusting with the prestigious honor of carrying the torch from the veterans. He is known for his martial arts skills and the star of action in Afghan. Spending 15 years of his life doing Martial Arts, he has received his 3rd dan from the Korean Federation of Martial Arts. He has also demonstrated some of his fighting skills in Krrish 3. Sameer plays the role of the villain called Antman.

Sameer Ali Khan said, "I am very thankful to the Almighty God for giving me this big opportunity. I am grateful to Mr. Rakesh Roshan for casting me and allowing me to share screens with superstar Mr. Hrithik Roshan, who is now a good friend of mine and who is always there to encourage me."

Sameer's action and his skill are nothing but short of incredible. He is fast, agile, powerful, and his timing is impeccable. One of the pleasures of watching a martial arts movie is gawking in an awe-inspired manner at the intricate choreography and acrobatics that are transpiring before your very eyes. When you watch him in action, it is very hard to believe he performs his moves without any wires or stunt doubles. Sameer truly looks like he is obliterating the laws of physics and defying gravity.

[GeneChing]

Follow the first link for a pic.

A Bruce Lee in Tamil cinema!
TNN | Dec 18, 2013, 12.00 AM IST

It is not uncommon when directors claim that their heroes have fought like action movie legend Bruce Lee in their films. Now, a filmmaker A Sonai, who has assisted many popular directors, has come up with a film titled Pudhiya Bruce Lee. The director has found a leading man who is a look-alike of the martial arts phenomenon! The actor, named Bruce, is a Chennaiite and a double black belt holder in karate.

Says the director, "Bruce Lee is known for portraying brave characters who are also disciplined in life. I've tried to capture that in this film. The story revolves around a young man who comes to the city from a village. His uncle faces some troubles over a real estate property and how this guy solves the problem with his fighting skills forms the plot. I'm confident that the film will be an action treat for fans."

New face Suresh Narang plays the antagonist in the film. Interestingly, the team brought a Bollywood actor for the film's climatic stunt sequence, which is said to have been spectacularly captured by stunt director Thrill Sekar.

Puthiya Bruce Lee' to introduce Lee's doppelganger
IANS
December 18, 2013
First Published: 17:43 IST(18/12/2013)
Last Updated: 18:53 IST(18/12/2013)

He played his first leading role in The Big Boss (1971), which was a huge box office success all over Asia and catapulted him to stardom. He then went on to star in Fist of Fury (1972), which was an even bigger success at the box office and also wrote, directed and starred in Way of the Dragon the same year.
Upcoming Tamil actioner Puthiya Bruce Lee is not a tribute to legendary martial arts fighter Bruce Lee, but the film will introduce his doppelganger being played by debutant, also named Bruce.

"I have incorporated the two most important facets from Bruce Lee's life, which are
discipline and courage in my story. We wanted someone who looked like the legend himself and we were lucky to find Bruce," the film's director A. Sonai told IANS.

"It's a very commercial story of a young guy from a village who moves to the city and helps his uncle in some real estate property problems with his fighting skills. The action in the film is inspired by several of Bruce Lee's films," he added.

Sonai said the stunts in the film will be its biggest highlight.

"Bruce is a trained martial artist. He is a double black belt hold, and, therefore, the action will be very realistic. I'm sure the audience will love it," he added.

Suresh Narang has been roped in to play the antagonist.

[GeneChing]

I'd have to do a lot of merging, but he's done a lot for martial arts in India.

Akshay Kumar bats for martial arts in school curriculum


Kolkata: Urging to make learning of martial arts compulsory at schools, popular Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar today regretted that this form of self defence came last in priority in the country.

"In a country where cricket is the most popular sport, martial arts unfortunately comes last in priority. The most essential thing in India is discipline. We require it. If every school makes martial arts compulsory, it would be the best thing India can do," the Khiladi star said.


"I`m always up for sports. Not politics or anything but sports. I run India`s biggest tournaments for martial arts," Akshay, who came to the city along with new sensation Sonakshi Sinha in connection with East Bengal club`s pre-centenary show tomorrow at Salt Lake, said.

He said he would love to promote sports in the city.

"It`s just the beginning. If I get an offer, I`m never behind supporting sports. I`ve so many martial tournaments back in Mumbai. Many black belt players from all over come there to compete. I`ll be more than happy to do anything for sports," he said.

Akshya and Sonakshi were earlier given life memberships at the club tent.

A self-confessed Manchester United fan, Akshya Kumar further said he would root for hosts Brazil in the next year`s World Cup.

"I follow all the teams, but I follow Man U the most. I am supporter of Man U."

Hailing the city`s sports culture, Akshay said Kolkata is his favourite city.

"It`s the city of sports. I`ve been to many cities around the world and India but I`ve never seen a city like Kolkata where people love sports so much. That`s one reason why I love Kolkata the most..."

Personally also, the city had been special to Akshay Kumar, the actor revealed.

"I've learnt a lot from here, having spent three important years of my life here. If it was not for Kolkata, I would have been struggling somewhere else," he said recollecting about his first break in the early 1990s.

During his childhood days, Akshay Kumar said he was a goalkeeper.

"I follow football... I used to be a goalkeeper in my school days. But I call myself a sportsperson," he said.

"I played football actually in Kolkata with our Dada, Mithun Chakraborty in 1994."

Overwhelmed by East Bengal's gesture, Akshay said: "It's a very very big honour for me to get a life membership from East Bengal."

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly too joined in East Bengal's pre-centenary celebrations, titled Starnite, that will begin at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan at 5.30pm tomorrow.

Asked to comment on Aamir Khan-starrer Dhoom 3, the Bollywood actor in a lighter vein said: "It will not be more popular than East Bengal club."

[GeneChing]

How Madhuri Dixit learnt to kick butt
Ankur Pathak,Mumbai Mirror | Jan 22, 2014, 12.00 AM IST

"The brief given to me by director Soumik Sen was to design the stunts in a manner that they look both aesthetic as well as realistic," says Kanishka Sharma, who has choreographed the action for the upcoming Madhuri Dixit-Juhi Chawla starrer Gulaab Gang.

Making the fights look realistic meant absolutely no reference points, either from Hollywoood or Hindi cinema. "It couldn't be as gritty as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, neither could it be as suave as the Matrix," he says, adding that he trained Madhuri in rare martial art forms like Shaolin Kungfu, Pekiti Tirsia Kali and Shaolin Chin-na.

"I was taken aback by Madhuri's agility and her pitch-perfect timing, something that is paramount as far as shooting such action sequences go," says Sharma who has trained actors like Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham for films like Don and Goal.

He equates the enduring action he designs with the beauty of dance, insisting that had it not been for Madhuri's dance background, the shots wouldn't have been filmed as smoothly as they were.

How different it is to train a woman in action as opposed to men? "Women understand rhythm and intricate details, while men are always worried about flaunting their physical prowess," Kanishka says.

"I remember a scene where Madhuri had to twist a man's arm and kick him hard. I rehearsed with her for a few hours before the shot, but was a little apprehensive. Later, I was shocked at how comfortably she pulled it off. She makes all my otherwise tiring action look effortless on screen."

The training before the film went on the floors lasted for over a month, sometimes stretching up to 30 hours at one go.

"I extensively trained Madhuri in Shaolin Kung Fu, besides stick training, Shaolin joint locking, Kali knife, short stick and of course, close combat." And what about safety on the set? "I was present throughout the shoot to make sure that nothing went wrong and nothing did," Kanishka says with a sense of unmistakable pride.

This actually looks entertaining to me.