Be my guest

Ajay Devgn and Konkana Sen Sharma are harassed hosts offering royal treatment to their guest in Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? Sunday MiD DAY catches up with Ajay to shoot a few direct questions about playing host in real life

Ajay Devgn and Konkana Sen Sharma are harassed hosts offering royal treatment to their guest in Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? Sunday MiD DAY catches up with Ajay to shoot a few direct questions about playing host in real life

The politician and film star I'd love to host
I have many politician and actor friends who I get along well with. So I can't pick one.u00a0

The most hospitable country I've visited
Most of them have been kind. I haven't faced any problems.

What it was like to be hosted by wife Kajol's family for the first time
It was a little awkward meeting them for the first time. I think that happens to most people. But they were very sweet. Within 10 minutes, they made me feel comfortable.

Ajay and Konkona Sensharma play a couple harrowed by a guest who refuses to leave their home in Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?

Kajol and I have had to use the line 'Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?' when
We have guests over for dinner and it's pretty late but they show no signs of leaving. We have an early shoot the next day. But I'm quite blunt. I tell them I have to be up early the next morning.

I'd be most comfortable being a guest at
A hotel. When I travel, I always stay in a hotel. I have very close friends who stay in different parts of the world. They insist I stay with them when I'm visiting. But I like being comfortable, and want them to be too. We spend the entire day together and even hang out at night, but I'm back at the hotel for a good night's sleep.

After acting in this film, I continue to believe in the Indian tourism's tagline, Atithi Devo Bhavah
I think it's a very sweet thought. The film is not negating the idea either. It's just that as a guest, you should know how to behave and figure when it's time to leave.

How would Paresh Rawal and Konkona Sensharma be as hosts?
I wouldn't know because I've never been over to their place. During outdoor shoots, I have spent a lot of time with Paresh. He's nice. Yes, maybe Konkona should invite us over for dinner.

The least hospitable environment
I've shot in
We've had a lot of crowd control issues in several places where we've shot. The local crowd is usually decent, it's the tourists who create problems. Sometimes, they show up drunk. This is rampant when you are shooting in North India.

AAjay says wife Kajol's mom Tanujau00a0put him at ease in 10 minutes flat, when they met

A recent memorable party I hosted
We just hosted a party to celebrate the success of All the Best. It went off very well. Everybody who we cared for was there. We had a great time.

DIY guide for first-time hosts

Stick to what you know: If you want to create a great first impression, don't try anything that you haven't had a go at before. Stick to preparing a meal that has turned out well. Choose music that you are familiar with.
Don't mix groups: Since you are hosting a party for the first time, not many of the guests you invite may know each other well. This could lead to a general air of discomfort. It's better that you stick to hosting one set of friends who gel well.

Have a fixed budget: It's easy to get carried away because you want your party to rock. Don't waste the month's saving on one do, though. Sit down to draft a budget, and don't steer away from it.

Shop for more: If you know the number of people arriving for your party, order drinks and food for a few more. Leave a margin and buy a few extra bottles or cook a few more plates of snacks.

Don't forget to have fun: Try and relax, it's your party after all. Lead by example and show your guests how to let their hair down.

Famous films about guests you should catch

Ushpizin (Guests): This Israeli film is about a childless, impoverished couple who are visited by convicts. Their stay creates conflict between husband and wife. u00a0 Be My Guest: In this 1965 British film, a couple inherits a seaside house with many empty rooms and plans to turn it into a guesthouse. Their musician son invites a few of his friends and an American girl who hopes to become a dancer. Meet the Parents: In this hilarious comedy, Ben Stiller visits his fiance's skeptical parents. Ben tries to be a good guest but ends up in trouble.