Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Aamir re-wrote the entire climax of Ghajini

Aamir Khan has just found himself another fan among filmmakers. The softspoken and gentle Tamil-Telugu director A.R Murugadoss who has made what is unarguably one of the most violent films of our times, is completely enamoured of Aamir's creative faculties.

In fact the simple and honest director who has earlier made four highly successful films in Tamil and Telugu openly acknowledges that Aamir re-constructed the entire climax of Ghajini to make it more contemporary and palatable to a cosmopolitan audience.

"We didn't make too many changes in the rest of the film. Every time I'd suggest a change in Ghajini from the original, Aamir would firmly cut it down saying we should stick to the Tamil script.

But he decided we should rewrite the entire climax. The entire location, incidents and dialogues for the Climax were re-written by Aamir. I think the Hindi version is far better than the Tamil Ghajini because of the changes that Aamir made."

Whatever Murugadoss makes next (and the offer will crystallize after the year-ending week) Murugadoss has only one wish.

"I want Aamir to be my consultant. Ghajini in Hindi would've been impossible without him. What he did to the climax was amazing. Now whatever I make I want Aamir's guidance. I don't know Hindi at all.

But I knew the meaning of the Tamil words and groped my way through the Hindi dialogues in Ghajini. Every time I was stuck on a word or line I'd call up Aamir. I've learnt so much from him, " says the litterateur-turned-filmmaker who has several short -story anthologies in Tamil to his credit.

Though many people in Mumbai feel the title role of the villain in Ghajini should have been played by a better-known actor Murugadoss is happy with Pradeep Rawat. "He is not entirely unknown in Hindi cinema. He played the the Sardarji in Lagaan."

Murugadoss admits he felt a little out of place in Mumbai initially. "But today a filmmaker is not restricted to any one region. Ghajini has gone so smoothly from Tamil to Hindi. Now I want to take a break, visit my native town Kallakurichi near Chennai and come back to sign my second Hindi film."

Next Murugadoss wants to direct a totally non-violent film in Hindi. "My next Hindi film will be an out-and-out love story. There won't be even a slap in the narrative. I've acquired the reputation of being a violent director. But apart from Ghajini all my films are soft and gentle."

Ranbir isn't playing Akshay Aishwarya's son

Ranbir Kapoor is undoubtedly B-Town hot property. The busy actor is preparing simultaneously for three projects currently- 'Rajnithi', 'Wake Up Sid' and 'Ajab Prem Ki Kahani'.

So much so that he had no time to read Vipul Shah's script which he's penning with his favourite Akshay Kumar in mind.

Sources say that Vipul Shah who wanted to make a fantasy film this time zeroed in on the Hollywood hit 'Action Replay'.

Michael J. Fox played the lead in the original version. The film centers on Marty McFly, a teenager who is unexpectedly sent back and forth in time of present-past-future and meets his parents at his high-school days.

He's sent back in time from 1985 to 1955 and also accidentally attracts his mother's romantic interest. Marty must repair the damage to history by causing his parents to fall in love, while finding a way to return to 1985.

Akshay Kumar dons the lead role while Aishwarya Rai is the female lead opposite him.

Vipul Shah wanted Ranbir in the very important role of Akki-Ash's son. But since Ranbir is so busy with his three projects and another one with Mani Rathnam, he had to turn him down.

If all goes well for the film, this indeed will be a big opportunity lost by Ranbir.

Monday, December 29, 2008

I don't know how I will manage this: Deepika

Sajid Nadiadwala has signed Deepika Padukone opposite Akshay Kumar for his next Houseful to be directed by Sajid Khan.

The film will have Riteish Deshmukh, another hero and two more heroines. It's a romantic comedy. Deepika Padukone and Sajid (Khan) met in Bangkok. She loved the story and said yes."

This will be Deepika's first full fledged comedy film. After working with sister Farha Khan Om Shanti Om she will be now jid Khan's Houseful.

Deepika says, "The film is a comedy flick and this is the first time I will be doing something very different. I don't know how I will manage. I will try my best. Sajid has a great sense of humour and I will go by his vision.

Besides, if my director has so much confidence in me, then I just cannot let him down."

Meanwhile producer Sajid Nadiadwala is completing his next venture Kambakkht Ishq being directed by Shabbir Khan.

Sajid has also signed director Siddharth Anand to direct venture starring Saif Ali Khan, Ranbir Kapoor with Deepika more or less final for it as well. It is reportedly a remake of Oscar winner The Departed.

I feel very vulnerable and helpless: Bipasha

"I feel vulnerable and helpless.That's why I haven't spoken until now, " says Bipasha Basu softly.

Bipasha was returning from Film City on 26/11 when she was caught in the blast. "It happened at Vile Parle as I crossed the area. There was mayhem on the road as my staff and I sat huddled in our car wondering what to do next. Should we go forward? Or go back? I told my driver to drive in the middle of the road as fast as possible."

Three weeks down the line, and as the city nurses its wounds Bipasha wonders what she can do to help the situation.

"I've been extremely effected by 26/11. I haven't spoken to anyone about it until now. I don't know how I can ease the pain of Mumbai. Everyone wants to put forward more than just a point of view.

But no one seems to know what to do. I do believe in the mass movement that Mumbai has been seeing over the last three weeks. I think people lighting candles, holding hands, showing their solidarity speaking out…it's all very effective."

Bipasha was sceptical to begin with. "I thought this movement would die down after the first few days. But now I feel it's not losing momentum. And I'm very happy about that. The media is playing a very important part in keeping the movement against terrorism alive.

I must admit I thought it would be over after one Sunday. That's why I kept quiet." But now Bipasha believes in the power of people. "I just hope it continues. If the people's voice continues to be heard whichever government comes into power will be forced to pay heed and provide us with basic security.

Sure, our economy is booming and the industries are doing well. But what do we do without security in Mumbai? If the financial capital of India which generates the maximum taxes is hit, how do we sustain global confidence in our country?"

Bipasha can't believe that ten terrorists could do this to Mumbai. "What happened to Mumbai is a shame for the entire country.I went out socially for the first time this week. Life must go on.

The important thing is to not forget the lessons that we've learnt from 26/11. Bombay Times is doing a great job keeping the movement alive. Now I feel far less defeated far more optimistic about the future than I did the first few days after Mumbai was attacked.

Mumbai won't forget. We have Zero security in the country. Otherwise how could there be continuous blasts all over the city for so many hours? And if the detonated RDX had not been discovered in time, it could have been worse."

Bipasha caught up with a film on the Mumbai blasts. "I saw Neeraj Pandey's A Wednesday after 26/11. I can't believe it's so sensitive and so prophetic.

Like Naseeruddin Shah being pushed into destroying terrorism the Common Man is ready take action. A Wednesday should be a textbook on terrorism. All of us should see it and learn its lessons."

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Shahrukh Khan in Kal Kissney Dekha

Shahrukh Khan will be appearing in the final act of Abhishek Bachchan’s Kal Kissney Dekha. Abhi will be flying to New Zealand in January to shoot a love song for the movie. Director Vivek Sharma says of Shahrukh’s decision to appear in the movie, “Shahrukh Khan is making a special appearance in the movie and will be seen at a very important time in the film’s climax. He is a good friend of mine and for him to agree to be a part of Kal Kissney Dekha is like a blessing.”

Meanwhile, a new trailer for Shahrukh’s Billu Barber has been released. The film also stars Irrfan Khan and Lara Dutta. The story is based loosely on the tale of Krishna and Sudama from the Bhagavad Purana and was filmed recently in the south as Kuselan with superstar Rajnikanth in Shahrukh’s role. Irrfan stars in the lead role of Billu, the impoverished childhood friend of Shahrukh who has since become a filmi superstar. Shahrukh has a limited amount of screentime in the movie but features prominently in item numbers with stars such as Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone.

Abhishek fans are looking forward to the release of Delhi-6, a film which sees an American NRI bringing his grandmother back to India for a quick visit. But where does the title come from? “Little does Abhishek know that the quick trip will turn into the longest journey of his life - a journey within,” says the advertising for the movie, “The backdrop of the story is the ancient walled city of Delhi, a character in herself. She represents the chaos, religion, beliefs and ethos of the Indian people. The pin code of the city is 110006, and with pride of love they call her Delhi-6.”

Jumbo is dull!

The mythological-inspired story, affected cuteness, unnecessary romance: staples of most animation films we’ve seen in the last few years. The kids are not liking it, the adults are bereft of choice; and yet, animation makers just won’t learn.

Here a blue baby elephant curls to his mama (Dimple Kapadia) and asks about his dad Yudhvir Singh. The mother gives him the usual `never trust humans’ tripe. The kiddo, called Jumbo, creeps out to look for his dad. There he sees a girl elephant Sonia (Lara Dutta) who says things like, “mujhe dekh ke to sab gir jaate hain,” when he accidentally slips. So far, there’s been no moving forward of the father-son track we believed the film was about. When he goes back, his mother (a Nirupa Roy animated avatar) is missing.

Some goons who are war with the town injure Sonia and Jumbo jumps to the rescue (heck, even Bollywood has moved on from this tired cliché; why subject kids to it?). It’s intermission time already. Next is a preachy song that goes something like `Badhte Chalo…’. An owl (Rajpal Yadav) falls for a messenger bird and calls it “rasmaali”. That this obnoxious character’s surname is Yadav and it speaks in the UP dialect is hardly funny. While fighting a tiger, Jumbo thrashes it calling it “choohe ki aulad”. A bit crass for a children’s movie, one wondered.

Now grown up, Jumbo is to go to war for the good-hearted Prince Vikram against the goons. Sonia wistfully says goodbye enquiring, “Mahal ki hathniyon ko dekh ke, mujhe bhool to nahin jaoge?” The audience laughed at this bizarre dialogue. The children watched zombie-like, unabsorbed and unfeeling. Time for another song. (The only interesting song befitting a children’s film was the beginning Akshay Kumar number.)

The film is clearly too simplistic and boring. The makers have chalked out one-dimensional central characters, and there are no interesting side characters to lift the spirit. If we look at super-successful animations like Shrek, we realize that side characters like the always-in-trouble Donkey and Puss-in-Boots are as fascinating as Shrek and Princess Fiona.

Next up, Jumbo is reunited with his mother (no explanation about her sudden disappearance) with dialogues like “mere laal”, and “chod do meri maa ko.” The war scenes are stylistically shot, but the soldiers, battle-cry, swords etc, kids have already seen in other mythologicals. We know, already, that Jumbo will emerge victorious against the evil elephant (Gulshan Grover) and be reunited with his love as well (our Hindi films have also evolved from writing the heroine’s role as just the love interest; it’s that much more disappointing seeing such a simpering, background role for the lady elephant here.) The ending credits give a peek into dubbing sessions where we see Akshay Kumar, Lara Dutta, Asrani, Dimple Kapadia and other artistes at work.

Of all, Akshay Kumar adds the most chutzpah to his animated character. The 3D animation is competent, but let down by the formulaic narrative. Our little viewers need a break from the worn-out stories, stuffy dialogue, and dull characters that are routinely put in front of them. When will our animations learn to have some fun?

Saturday, December 27, 2008

I'm fine and going on holiday with Kareena

Saif Ali Khan gave all his family and friends a scare when he was hospitalized on New Years' eve.

But on 26 December he was well on the way to recovery.

Speaking from his hospital bed at Leelavati hospital Saif said, "I'm almost recovered now. I'm going home today (27 Jan). It was nothing, really.

I returned from Philadelphia from the shooting of Rensil d'Silva's film on 23rd night. And since I was missing all the Mumbai ka khana, I gorged indiscriminately on local junk food, sev puri bhelpuri, paani puri….puri ki puri fauj went into my stomach."

The Chote Nawab jokes from his hospital bed. So wasn't he frightened when his stomach started acting up on him?

"Not at all. It was gastroenteritis. Yes, I've been in hospital twice in the recent past. Once it was just an appendicitis. And the other time it was far more serious. After going through what I did the last time I'm hardly going to get scared by a little stomach infection."

Chuckles Saif, "Actually it's much less scary than it looks. I've got a drip coming out of my hand, so that makes it look kind of serious. But it's nothing. I'm fine. Just a little sleepy. In fact Kareena and I are going on our holiday to the mountains as planned."

Cold war's over. Priyanka Akshay together again

For reasons best known to them Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra had stopped working together in spite of a string of successes together beginning with Suniel Darshan's Andaaz and climaxing in Abbas-Mustan's Aitraaz.

Thereafter Priyanka was persuaded for mysterious reasons to move on to other leading men.

Akshay Kumar tried to form a lasting screen pair with Kareena Kapoor. But when that didn't work too well (Talaash, Bewafaa, Tashan) he turned to Katrina Kaif for professional sustenance.

So deep was the cleft between the pair that Suneel Darshan had to scrap an Akshay-Priyanka starrer after a song featuring them.

But now it seems the ice has thawed.

Akshay and Priyanka performed together on stage on Thursday for Christmas at the Convention Centre in Hong Kong for a show called 'From Chandi Chowk To Hong Kong.'

Joining the pair was Bipasha Basu who was earlier scheduled to perform in Mumbai for New Year's eve. And what a rollicking show it was! Audiences have been craving to see the hit jodi together for three years.

Here was their chance finally

"Yes, I performed on stage with Akshay Kumar in Hong Kong. It was great fun, "says Priyanka.

Rakhi has shown whatever she could have

Sambhavna Seth has made no bones about not liking item queen Rakhi Sawant not very long ago.

She had made her displeasure clear about the 'Big Boss 1' inmate and competitor during her stint at the 'Big Boss 2' house. This, in spite of the fact that many especially her arch rival on 'Bigg Boss', Payal Rohatgi feeling that she was actually trying to mimic Rakhi on the show and be outgoing and a motor mouth like her.

Sambhavna who's currently participating in the reality show 'Dancing Queen' however tries to paint another picture altogether.

The show aired on Colors pairs 10 dancing divas with a protégé each. It's being judged by veteran actors Hema Malini and Jeetendra.

Sambhavna has said, 'If Rakhi joins 'Dancing Queen', she is not going to do any wonders. I have seen what she can do and I don't want to see any further wonders from her.'

She's added, 'I don't miss her on the show at all. Rakhi is quite senior in our league. She has done various reality shows and she has also become a judge. For her, its like, 'been there done that'

. There is no sense in her coming to 'Dancing Queen' because she has reached a senior level. And even if she comes, there is no issue, but I am not at all missing her.'

She's also said, 'Rakhi has shown whatever she could have. Now it's her chance to see what I do. I am just starting and all I need is good wishes from her. She is of my elder sister's age.

I agree she has maintained herself well but age-wise and experience-wise she is older and she should be left at that level. I am only missing her blessings on the show and she should give me just that.'

Rakhi is known to not spare anyone. Wonder what she's to say about Sambhavna talking just so much about her.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Hrithik Aishwarya again in Bhansali's next?

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is reportedly totally focused on his next movie with Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The movie is supposed to hit the floor next year.

So busy is he that he's denied that he is working with the Pakistani actor Imran Abbas in 'Heera Mandi'. He's kept the movie on hold. The Pakistani artiste was recommended by Moin Beg, the writer of 'Heera Mandi' and Bhansali had met him. But 'the director with a difference' is yet to make up is mind about the actor and the movie.

Looks like the director is mighty hopeful about the Venus- Adonis pairing of Hrithik- Ash, because they have an excellent track record with 'Dhoom2' and 'Jodhaa Akbar'. And he seems to be grateful as they agreed to do the film in spite of Bhansali's dream project 'Saawariya' being a colossal flop.

It's said that the director wanted to work desperately with Hrithik and Ash for his next film

Hrithik and Bhansali will be teaming up together for the first time while he got great performances out of Ash with 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' followed by 'Devdas'.

If all goes well, the director might very well end up creating poetry in motion this time around.

The girl who floored the two Khans!!!

Hardly has she stepped into bollywood South siren, Asin has already bagged two films with the Khan's. She is making her debut with Aamir Khan's Ghajini and is shooting with Salman Khan for his next London Deams.

Asin who has already starred in the original Tamil version of Ghajini that competition in bollywood does not deter her.

"That's not been my concern at all. I have been entrusted with this character for the second time and that's nice because my director and star have the confidence that I can do it with the same passion that I did earlier. He trusted me. I have been genuine to that and have tried to do it with 100 percent conviction and dedication."

The actress is confident and says that the competition is within herself now. " I try to be better and do a little more better than what I could do. Grow bit by bit. My comparison in the nicest way and without being high and mighty it would be within myself and that's the best way to take my career ahead."

Speaking about Aamir Khan's Ghajini Asin reveals "basically the story remains the same there are slight changes in action scenes and climax have changed as Aamir sir wanted it."

Asin says that working with a perfectionist like Aamir helped her a lot. "I think that's a good quality. It taught me how to handle situations and deal with people. I find it to be a positive quality."

She says she found Aamir to be very focused and passionate and dedicated. "He is extremely sincere to the work that he is doing and in a way that inspires you. He's a very simple down to earth person, which makes it easier to work with him. Despite the fact that he;s such a huge star. I think that's the most endearing quality"

While South actress have faced difficulties with the language, Asin has dubbed for the film herself. "This film has been a synch sound film. There was no dubbing.

My criteria has been the script, character, director and banner and co-artists the language has never been the criteria. I am comfortable with any language be it Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, French and now Hindi" she reveals.

With two films in her kitty Ghajini and London dreams Asin says "I must be counting my blessings because am fortunate enough to be starting with such good names and not just actors but Techies too. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it continues to be positive throughout."

Why am I still getting Mr Bachchan's rejects?

At age 56, one of Asia's finest actors Naseeruddin Shah has a major career problem. He's being largely offered the films that are rejected by Amitabh Bachchan.

This embarrassing state of affairs after having delivered a solid success A Wednesday at the boxoffice is quite intolerable to Naseer whose follow-up to A Wednesday is Jagmohan Mundra's Shoot On Sight,a film which was first offered to….you guessed it!....Mr Bachchan!

One would think the success of A Wednesday would bring a radical change to the film industry's attitude towards the awesome Naseer.

But no such luck.

"There's no change at all. I'm still being offered films turned down by Mr Bachchan. In fact I'm surprised that A Wednesday proved a survivor. I thought it'd get killed!" says Naseer a tad wrily.

But isn't he being slightly cynical in his opinion that all the offers coming his way first go to the Big B?

Naseer is pretty positive about this being the truth. "It doesn't take too much imagination to know whom a role is written for when the character being offered to me is described as 'a towering personality with a baritone.'"

That isn't all. Naseer even gets offers for characters with physical attributes defined by the Big B's personality. "One script actually said 'with a neat white goatee'. Can it get any clearer? I can show you the scripts. And these scripts don't even bother to disguise whom they really want for the part. They feel I should be 'honoured' to be getting these roles!"

It isn't as if Naseer is resentful. But he is well within his rights to wonder why he has not been able to stake a claim to an individual and unique position in the film industry after 30 years of superlative performances.

In fact the Big B recently said he wished to share screen space with Naseer, an eventuality that hasn't occurred after so many years in the industry and careers that started at about the same time.

Laughs Naseer, "While I am getting all these rejects of Mr Bachchan there's one role that I rejected and he eventually accepted. It's Kaizad Gustad's Boom."

Ask Naseer why he rejected that one. "It stank," comes the prompt and straight reply.

But all said and done Naseer is proud of Shoot On Sight. "I play a Muslim cop in Britain whose loyalty is questioned after the acts of terrorism in the country. Again, this is a theme very close to my heart."

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Katrina Salman relationship going cold?

The buzz doing the rounds is that Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif make an extremely thanda jodi.

The hugely hyped 'Yuvvraaj' bombed at the box office and has made many people question their real life chemistry.

The content of the film was weak and the zero chemistry which showed up on screen made things worse.

In fact Katrina too is not sure of the chemistry herself.

She has also reportedly clearly said, "May be."

Well, situations like these point to things being not hunk dory in their real life relationship as well.

Kat is not insecure about Sallu promoting, Zarine and Lisa, his new herines from 'Veer.' They are supposedly her look-alikes and she's not jealous. She rather thinks it's sweet of Salman to do that.

Looks like with a hit machine like Kinng Kumar in place to support her, Katrina really doesn't need Salman and his antics and over protectiveness any more. Should we say it's time for Sallu bhai to look around and find another lady love?

Lean mean Abhishek to shave his head

Abhishek's new look makes him look much younger than his wife. He is sporting this new look for his next film Ravana.

Abhishek is said to be shooting with his wife Ash for Mani Ratnam's film Ravana in Ooty and is said to have lost more than 10 kilos or maybe 15 and is looking what he actually is- younger to his wife.

Ash is 35, while Abhishek is 32 and he is supposed to be shaving his head for the film Ravana which is definitely going to make him look even younger.

It seems Mani Ratnam wanted Abhishek to sport the new lean look for his film Ravana, where he wanted him to have a lean warrior look and a different hairstyle too. That's why Abhi has trimmed his hair real short and has lost 15 kgs.

When asked as to how did he manage to loose so much weight he said that he has been spending most of his time in the gym. It seems when he is not on the sets he is spending his time working out. He has also done yoga.

According to sources Ash is taking care of his diet and is making sure that he is eating less oily stuff and more of fruits and vegetables at every interval.

Like Aamir, I'm also quite a perfectionist: Asin

Aamir Khan's perfectionist attitude often sends jitters down his co-stars' spines. But southern beauty Asin, who is set to make her Bollywood debut with Aamir in "Ghajini", says she had no issues matching up to the superstar as she too always settles for nothing but the best.

"People often call Aamir a perfectionist and a tough taskmaster, but I didn't have any problem matching up to him because I'm also quite a workaholic. We gelled quite well as far as the demand of perfection was concerned. Even I like things to be the best, " Asin told over telephone from Mumbai.

Just like any other girl her age, 23-year-old Asin has been a huge Aamir fan.

"I have always admired Aamir and have enjoyed his movies 'Lagaan' and 'Dil Chahta Hai' and also loved 'Taare Zameen Par'. I have danced a lot on 'Dil Chahta Hai' songs with my friends, " she said.

After working with the superstar, she says he is unlike what the media and industry project him to be.

"Shooting with Aamir was great fun. He isn't as serious as he is projected to be. He is highly dedicated to his work but is very cool and easy to work with. He's a simple person, very genuine and frank about his opinions despite having such a good stature in Bollywood, " said Asin.

The actress, who was brought up in Kerala and debuted in Sathyan Anthikad's Malayalam film "Narendra Makan Jayakanthan Vaka" in 2001, also starred in the Tamil version of "Ghajini" released in 2005. It was in this film that she received her second South Filmfare Award for best actress.

Asin has been kept away from the promotions of the Hindi remake thanks to Aamir's knack for keeping his cast away from the media prior to the release. But she is nonchalant.

"I have not felt overshadowed by Aamir's publicity at all. Actually, I'm not used to all this really because we don't have it in the south film industry. The marketing team for 'Ghajini' has its strategy to promote the film in the right manner. If Aamir is promoting the film in the north, I am doing it in the south, " she said.

Besides, Asin believes publicity is something that would only bring people to the theatres. Liking or not liking the film is in the viewers' hands, she said.

According to her, though audiences down south have already seen and appreciated the original "Ghajini", they would surely revisit theatres for Aamir's charm.

"Aamir has got a huge fan following and he is the highlight of the film. In fact, since a lot of people down south have seen the Tamil version of the film, they will now probably come to theatres just to watch Aamir.

"I have no issues about that as 'Ghajini' is the story of Sanjay Singhania, played by Aamir. So the fact that his presence is being highlighted is completely justified, " said Asin.

As of now, the actress is "excited but anxious" of how her "new audience" will react to her performance when "Ghajini" hits theatres worldwide.

Her next Bollywood release after "Ghajini" would be Vipul Shah's "London Dreams" in which she stars alongside Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan. She is also a part of Walt Disney's multi-lingual project "19 Steps" and would be sharing screen space with south Indian superstar Kamal Haasan and Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Kahani Ghajini Ki comes to haunt Aamir's Ghajini

In an instant-replay version of what happened with Yashraj Films' Thoda Magic Thoda Pyaar the producers of Ghajini woke up on Monday morning to a court summons from the producers one KBC Pictures claiming that they've the rights to remake the Tamil Ghajini and the Aamir film is therefore an infringement of their (KBC's) copyright.

The film titled named Kahani Ghajini Ki has an Amitabh Bachchan lookalike in the lead.

Hassled and frazzled by pre-release procedures producer Madhu Mantena rushed to court on Monday morning where the honorable judge allowed him to go ahead with the release procedure, arguing why the allegedly aggrieved party waited till a few days before the release of Ghajini to express his grievance.

But the producers of Ghajini have been asked to return to court on December 24, a day before the film's worldwide release.

Says Madhu, "This is such a blatant and crude method to stop our film's release. Obviously the honorable judge saw through it and asked us to proceed, though we are supposed to present ourselves again in court on December 24.

But it's a rather sad misuse of the judiciary by people who have nothing better to do than harass others. Where do they get the time to indulge in such transparently-fraudulent efforts? I mean, who had heard of Kahani Ghajini Ki until now? I hadn't."

The producer Iqbal claims KBC Pictures made a film called Kahani Ghajini Ki which has the same story as Ghajini, and it cost them Rs 10 crores.

Says Madhu, "It seems to me this is nothing but an effort to make money by putting out a false case."

Fortunately Ghajini's release is unlikely to get affected.

"We're holding special previews on 24 December before the release, but no premiere.

The only time he had a premiere was for Imran's Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na. He's a better producer than I am."

The film's leading man Aamir Khan doesn't approve of premieres.

"That too, " says Madhu. "Also the mood at the moment is not conducive to celebrations. A premiere is too much hassle at the moment. There's so much happening."

All efforts to locate Iqbal of KBC Films failed.

A special plane just for Salman Khan!!!

Boney Kapoor had to arrange a special chartered plane for Salman to help him get back to Mumbai from Greece for the shoot of Veer. Salman along with Ayesha Takia had been shooting in Greece for three song numbers for Boney's Wanted Dead And Alive.

Our source tells us, "Director of the film, Prabhu Deva had headed back home after shooting one song on the film's lead pair, Salman and Ayesha as his son that time was seriously ill.

He had given the responsibility of shooting two more songs to his elder brother, choreographer Raju Sundaram. They were being shot on three beautiful islands of Greece – Rhodos, Santorini and Paros. After the final song was shot in Paros, the weather suddenly became very inclement and threw the aircraft and sea schedules in a complete disarray.

Salman was in a hurry to head back to Athens from Paros but just could because of the heavy backlog traffic. Sets of Salman's Veer had been put up in Mumbai's Filmcity and Miss Universe UK Liza Lazarus too had arrived to shoot for a song number with him.

Salman was losing his nerve every single passing hour. Boney then came to his help and got a chartered flight booked for him on the morning of December 5th.

Boney's son, Arjun gave Salman company as they went to Athens and from their caught a connecting flight for Mumbai. But Boney and his rest unit left Paros on the evening of 5th."

An industry insider quips, "Despite all this, Salman is in no mood to shoot for his remaining portions in Boney's much delayed Kareena-Shahid starrer, Milenge Milenge.

Salman was to play a cameo part in the film and after his spat with Shahid during the Rockstars tour in 2006, Salman expressed his unwillingness to shoot for that film."

Is Imran Khan planning for a BMW M3?

We caught Imran Khan Test driving a BMW M3 (blue in color) yesterday dated 21st December, 2008 at Lokhandwala, Andheri-(W).

Our eyes caught him when a lot of people gathered around when he was leaving the premises of Axis bank in Lokhandwala. We were confirmed when dozens of young girls went crazy seeing him and were shouting ‘Imran Imran’ on top of their voice.

Imran had a lot of security guys near him. There was even a BMW X5 (black in color) waiting next to the BMW M3.

It should be recalled that Aamir Khan had gifted Imran a BMW 3 series (black in color) after having a tremendous response for his debut flick, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.

As we all know that BMW 3 series is very common in Mumbai, and also looking at Imran’s performance as well as his demand rate, it seems like Imran was not much happy with his 3 series.

The BMW M3 and X5 are the convertible BMW’s and have a sporty looks. They are much cooler and hotter than the normal ones.

Aamir are you listening, your nephew’s ‘Demands’ have increased (as well as his ‘Supplies’).

Monday, December 22, 2008

Whenever I see a topi I think of Himesh: Aamir

Far off in Palanpur where Himesh Reshamiyya is shooting for John Mathew's A New Love Ishtory the musician-actor can't believe what he has heard.

At a press conference on Thursday Aamir Khan went out of his way to praise Himesh calling him a master of marketing. "So much so that wherever and whenever I see a topi I think of Himesh, " said Aamir.

Though a lot of people felt Aamir was being ironical Himesh of course chooses to take the seeming compliments on their face value.

"I am a huge fan of Mr Aamir Khan. He's a legend. And what a coincidence that I'm shooting for a film where I play a tapori who's a big fan of Aamir Khan. The role is inspired by Mr Khan in Rangeela. In fact my director is John Mathew who directed Mt Khan in Sarfarosh. Both of us just can't stop talking about him."

Himesh's exuberance apart, many people feel Aamir was actually making a sarcastic point, praising Himesh for his marketing strategy at a time when it (the strategy) seems to have collapsed.

"Or did Aamir praise Himesh because Himesh is playing a role inspired by Aamir?" asked one of Aamir's co-stars.

Says Himesh, "If Mr Khan has spoken so well about me I won't even think of questioning it. I take his words as a big compliment.. I've been hearing some terrific stories about Mr Khan's dedication from John Matthew. I must say he's very very inspiring."

No Cabaret for Mallika Sherawat

Despite a super hit success like Murder (2004) together, the Bhatts and Mallika Sherawat till date continue to share a love hate relationship and have never come out again with a film together.

She in fact had disassociated herself from the Bhatt camp after the success of Murder because of their stingy attitude. Whatever films (Tumsa Nahi Dekha, Gangster) she turned them down and demanded a fat pay packet.

But things were meant to get better when Mallika had agreed on principle in a Pooja Bhatt production few months back. This film, titled, Cabaret, was to be the directorial debut of Bhatt's in house writer, Shagufta Rafique.

Our source tells us, "The actress turned filmmaker wanted to start the film in early 2009, so just recently Pooja went to Mallika too work out the further details.

But Pooja was in for a rude shock when Mallika quoted her a very high price, in fact more than what they had earlier agreed upon.

Known for her bluntness, Pooja gave back a mouthful to Mallika stating how she didn't deserve even half of what she was quoting after two back to back solo flops.

She left telling her that she will rather make the film with a rank newcomer. Pooja has now begun auditioning new girls for the same role."

Jiah does a J Lo in Ghajini with Aamir's help

Super admaker Ravi Udyawar makes his not-so-quiet Bollywood entry with a sizzling song that he has directed for Ghajini featuring Jiah Khan.

And Jiah loved doing the latka-jhatkas.

Like her Londoner-sister Katrina Kaif, Jiah Khan thinks and acts in English.

So when she had to speak lengthy rhetorical emotional dialogues for Ghajini and that too in sync sound, Jiah found herself in trouble.

"I must admit it was a bit of a problem. Aamir and the director got me an Urdu dialogue coach, Athar Nawaz who guided me. And each time I'd be stuck with a line Aamir helped me out.

Besides my mom who lives in London flew down during the shooting. She speaks Urdu fluently. She ran through the dialogues with me over and over again. I think I've done my lines very well.

To have my lines dubbed would take away from my performance. I think I managed my lines well."

The latka jhatka was also easy. "Like the Urdu-Hindi I've mastered the dancing to a large extent."

Jiah has shot a song in Ghajini with choreographer Gita Kapoor that ad maker Ravi Udyawar has directed. "I realized how hard it is to do a sizzling hot song.

The song in Ghajini called Lattoo is a very Jennifer Lopez kind of number. It's very stylish and chic. In a week's time it goes on air. That should answer the question why I'm not seen in the publicity."

Katrina and Preity's unlikely yaari

In Bollywood there have been many actresses who have been friends for a long time. Just how the likes of Kareena Kapoor-Amrita Arora, Koena Mitra-Tanushree Dutta and Kim Sharma-Preity Jhangiani are.

There have been others who have ended their friendships on a sour note. One famous example was when Aishwarya and Rani fell out after Ash got replaced by the Mukerji babe in 'Chalte Chalte'.

The Priyanka-Kareena and the Kareena-Esha Deol friendship also didn't stand the test of time.

There have been more cat fights than girl bonding between two female celebs in Bollywood. Of late there is a buzz that Katrina Kaif and Preity Zinta have struck up a friendship.

Katrina who's considered wooden and cold by many and doesn't have too many females liking her in B-Town says that she absolutely adores Preity Zinta.

Apparently the duo take time out of their busy schedules to chat, shop and hang out with each other.

Katrina has said, "Preity is such a warm and lovely person."

And she goes on to talk about why people think that two actresses can't be friends and so on.

It's just that no one takes the 'best-friends-forever' status of actresses seriously. Past experience can make anyone not want to do that.

We really doubt that this wooden actress would prove us wrong in the future.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Shah Rukh and Sushmita told me not to worry

Vivek Vaswani is elated yet composed. His Dulha Mil Gaya has finally reached the finishing mark (well almost) with the biggest milestone being achieved i.e. portions featuring Shah Rukh Khan being wrapped up. No wonder, there is a renewed vigor in Vivek's voice as he announces the near-completion of his film.

"We have just finished principal shooting for the film after filming the last of the talkie portions and the climax. Only a song remains to be picturised and once Shah Rukh is back from Los Angeles in February, we would all come together again and take Dulha Mil Gaya to a close", says Vivek Vaswani whose association with Shah Rukh Khan dates back to Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman days.

"Post 26/11, circumstances were so difficult for a film to be shot. Yet, it was because of Shah Rukh, Sushmita (Sen), Fardeen (Khan) and my entire crew who all came together to make it possible.

They told me, 'Vivek, we will make it happen, you don't worry'. Everyone was completely supportive of Dulha Mil Gaya and didn't want any further delay in the film's shoot", Vivek gets emotional here.

The song which remains to be picturised is a 'qawalli' that would be featuring Shah Rukh Khan along with Sushmita and Fardeen as well.

"Meanwhile I will continue to utilize these couple of months that I have in hand. I have already sat on the film's edit for an entire last week and it is looking wonderful at it's 2.5 hours duration", informs Vivek while revealing his future plans, "Month of January would see some intense post production work happening. Everyone associated with Dulha Mil Gaya is supercharged and want to see it in theaters soon."

So when would one see Dulha Mil Gaya hitting the screens? "I am looking at an April/May release though we also have to keep in mind the IPL. If the cricket mania strikes again during this time period, we may bring Dulha Mil Gaya a little later.

Why to fiddle around with your product when you have painstakingly worked on practically each and every frame of your film? I am ready to wait for a couple of weeks extra rather than fool around with my film for an early release date", signs off Vivek.

Leading ladies today are merely puppets: Neha

Neha Dhupia is certainly on a reinvention spree. She had two successful films to her name early this year in the form of 'Mithya' and 'Singh Is Kinng'.

Now soon after the release of 'Dasvidaniya', where she had a relatively smaller role to play though, she recently appeared in 'Maharathi'. With the kind of films she is currently associated with, the ones where there isn't a conventional hero-heroine pairing, does it indicate bye- bye to lead roles?

"Tell me if you see actresses anyways doing something special in commercial films", Neha questions back.

She goes on to state, "So many leading ladies are being merely puppets. Not that I have not done that or won't be doing that, but then I am also taking up other roles to balance it all out. In fact one such film where I get to enjoy the best of the both worlds is 'Raftaar'. It has a very balanced out characterization."

And how about 'Maharathi'? As Naseeruddin Shah's wife, she was as much as a central character as the man who seemingly shoots himself after throwing a challenge to his wife to make his death sound like a murder and go on to benefit from insurance. How kicked was she about this film?

"The film had everything going for it. What a subject! Also, coming together of so much talent in the form of Naseeruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal, Om Puri and Boman Irani was unbelievable.

In fact when the film came to me, I went like 'Are you kidding me, I can really be a part of this project'? Yes, the script was ultimately the deciding factor and I can say that 'Maharathi' was written quite amazingly", she says in a gleeful tone.

Working with such stalwarts would have been unnerving though?

"I won't deny that I was very nervous initially. But then I tried being normal in front of the camera and come up with a natural act. I just went ahead and gave the shot. I stopped thinking that because of people around me, would I actually be able to do it right", she reveals.

2009 looks bright too for Neha Dhupia with quite some variety of films lined up for release.

"Yes, after a busy 2008, I would be seen and heard a lot around in 2009 as well", says Neha, "There are movies like 'Raat Gayi Baat Gayi' and 'I Am 24' which are completed and should release early 2009.

Then I have also just completed 'Pappu Can't Dance Saala'. 'Raftaar' with Emraan Hashmi is a film I am looking forward to. I would also be beginning work on Priyadarshan's 'De Dana Dan' with Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Hrithik and Barbara Mori will sizzle in Kites

Anurag Basu is super excited about his latest under production film 'Kites'. The film starring Hrithik Roshan opposite Mexican Barbara Mori is about love transcending cultural and language barriers.

In the movie, Barabar Mori's character speaks only Spanish and Hrithik speaks only in Hindi but they end up falling in love.

There is some spice too in the story with a love triangle involving Kangana Ranaut's character and a thriller twist towards the end.

But in spite of all talks about steamy scenes the movie is not about sex but is an intensely romantic film.

He director is working with the very talented and handsome Hrithik Roshan for the first time

He said, "Hrithik and I really enjoyed working together. I always respected him as an actor but now I respect him as a human being too. Hrithik and I made the film honestly, just like we wanted to."

He was amazed by Hirthik's professionalism in spite of a knee injury.

He's said, "Before every shot I would be worried about Hrithik's knee. If anything happened to him, then our entire outdoor shooting schedule would've gone for a toss.

But Hrithik asked me not to compromise the shots under any circumstance. I'm awed by the way he managed, without ever letting the shoot halt. He even did the few action scenes we have in the film himself."

He's impressed by Barbara Mori too.

He's stated, "The day I narrated 'Kites' to her I knew I had chosen the right actress. I've this bad habit of narrating very fast.

Barbara is a Mexican actress, so she knows no Hindi and little English. But the way she understood my story, hats off to her. Her expressions changed while I was narrating the story. I've never seen any actor respond this way.

Even though she comes from a different culture, the emotions of love and relationships are the same. Her approach was definitely different."

Kites will be complete in January of next year and Basu says he is nervous because of the huge expectations surrounding the multilingual film and hopes that it delivers.

Well, we would want the movie on which he worked so hard to deliver too.

Aamir, Salman and now Ranbir, Asin is on fire

Her debut film 'Ghajini' is one of the most hyped films of the year. She has been promoted very well (even at the expense of the other heroine Jiah Khan) by none other than Mr. Perfectionist Aamir Khan.

Asin did a fab job in the original 'Ghajini' and was praised greatly for the same. Working in the Hindi version alongside Aamir is a dream come true for her.

She says, "Yes, it's completely a dream come true. The two movies are pretty much similar because the basic story remains the same.

My character remains completely untouched, Kalpana is Kalpana in both the Tamil and Hindi version except that the movie is now in Hindi and the character is set in Mumbai. Changes have been made and there is a tweak in the climax.

The action sequences have been treated in a different way in comparison to the Tamil and it should be better for the wider audience."

Even before her debut flick 'Ghajini' hits the screens she has a big movie like 'London Dreams' with Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan.

Talks are also going for the biggest projects with Disney and Warner Bros. Now GV Films from the South has come up with their Bollywood flm with Asin.

The yet untitled film would be simultaneously made in Tamil and Hindi.

Though the director and the lead actor haven't yet been confirmed, apparently producers Usha Venkataramani and Mahadevan Ganesh of GV Films have said that it would be Ranbir Kapoor, no less playing the lead in the Hindi version. They say it would be a science-fiction film on the lines of Rajnikanth starrer 'Endhiran'.

As of now, there's no stopping this beautiful young woman from the South.

It was Bipasha's worst day ever

Last Sunday was one of Bipasha's worst days ever. On Sunday afternoon Bipasha gave all her dear ones a scare when a flying pebble lodged itself straight inside her ear, almost tearing her eardrums.

Shuddering at the bizarre turns and twists of the day Bipasha says, "We were doing a heavyduty action scene when this gravel went right inside my ear. I had to be taken to Leelavati where it had to be sucked out. "

On the surface this doesn't sound serious. "But it wasn't on the surface. It went right in. And I couldn't move because there was the danger that it would go in deeper and pierce the eardrums.

First I tried to shake it out. Then when that didn't work I decided to let a doctor do the needful."

Sunday being an off day no doctors were available. "The producer and director tried everything. We finally headed towards Leelavati. It was John who got an old ENT specialist-friend of his to check me out. The sweet doctor was at another hospital. But he drove down to Leelavati and at 4.30 pm he finally put me out of my misery."

But it was good 3 hours of trauma for Bipasha. "Who would think such a thing would happen? Normally during an action scene you protect your knees, head, etc. But ear? It went straight in with a thud.

I wasn't moving I was so petrified the gravel would go deeper into my ear. My parents were petrified. The minute the doctor said it could be taken out I was okay. It was the most bizarre thing that ever happened to me."

That wasn't the end of Bipasha's Sunday trauma. "It was virtually double jeopardy for me on Sunday. After getting my ear rectified when my parents, sister and I returned home we got stuck in the lift while going up to my apartment. And my sister is claustrophobic. So I had to pretend to be calm for her sake until we were rescued."

Bipasha has marked Sunday 14 December as the most terrifying day of her life. " It was the most ridiculous and scary day of my life. And that too on a Sunday when I should've been relaxing. Instead I was doing impossible flips and rollovers ….until God decided to put a pebble in my sand…or should I say sound?"

Parvathy heading for Bollywood

Miss World runner-up Parvathy Omankuttan is open to good offers in Bollywood but right now she wants to go on a long vacation to 'calm myself'.

"I am looking for a career in films but have not really planned my future as I first need to go on a long vacation to calm myself. However, I hope good roles come my way," Parvathy told PTI here.

The 21-year-old beauty queen, who narrowly missed the title earlier won by the likes of Rita Faria (1966), Aishwarya Rai (1994), Diana Hayden (1997), Yukta Mookhey (1999) and Priyanka Chopra (2000), at the pageant held in Johanesburg, attributed her inability to win the crown to the 'luck factor'.

"I did my best," she said, adding that missing the title by a whisker was a disappointment.

Parvathy said she plans to visit the Taj Mahal and Trident hotel, site of the November 26 terror attacks, to pay homage to the victims and martyrs. Her father is an employee of the hotel.

Parvathy, who lost the title to Miss Russia, returned home from Johannesburg to a huge welcome in the wee hours yesterday.

'Recession hasn’t Bollywood...'

Consider this: to show the naked power, the blind vengeance of his character with the crazed look in a five-minute brawl with the baddie, Aamir Khan trained four hours a day, six days a week, for 13 months to look the irrepressible killing machine. Mike Tyson, who was notorious for knocking out challengers to his world heavyweight boxing title in under three minutes, had an easier time preparing for his defence fights.

I asked Aamir if it was worth it: the torture to develop muscles he never knew he had; the point of exhaustion the treadmill took him to; the sacrifice of following a strict diet; the knowledge that at the end of it all, when the action scenes were canned, he would have to give up that awesome body... because Raju Hirani, with whom he is now making 3 Idiots, did not want him looking like Rambo? Aamir laughed, “Yes, it was. The film required that my physique look that way — even with clothes on. But the body is not flaunted. In fact, the idea was to have just one sequence where it is shown. Then when the director saw my physique, he insisted on shooting the fight scene bare body.” How about Kiran, who had to live with that body in which was trapped her otherwise soft-and-gentle husband? “She often watched me training,” said Aamir, “and when I used to scream in pain, Kiran would tell my trainer, ‘Satya! What are you doing to him, bas ho gaya!’ But... yes, she was amazed by the transformation, she liked my look.”

He has chucked his diet, God bless, because we talked over lunch at the ITC Grand Central, Parel, where chefs of the Kebabs & Kurries restaurant produced a meal fit for Gods. Aamir, dressed nattily for the winter, ate hungrily. He hasn’t been doing that lately. Or sleeping, either. “I’m working round the clock,” he grumbled, “when the release comes, it gets hectic, I sleep two, three hours, there are meetings, the marketing promotions have to be planned, there’s mixing happening.” He didn’t think this was a bad time to release a film. “The recession hasn’t hit Bollywood,” Aamir argued. “Golmaal Returns did well, but 26/11... that’s taken the joy out of us, it’s been a traumatic experience for everyone... and we have to deal with it.” What about his friend Shah Rukh Khan’s Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi... had he seen it, was the film hit by recession? “I’ve been busy,” Aamir replied, “I’ve had no time to see it or keep track... I’m busy keeping track of my own film.”

And he’s nervous doing that. Aamir had no hesitation in admitting, “I make one film a year. I’m anxious how the audience will react because I give maximum value to what they feel. The buzz is good. I sense people have high expectations of me. It reaffirms the audience’s trust in me. The flip side is it’s difficult to satisfy high expectations when I do one film a year. I had Taare Zameen Par last Christmas.

And 3 Idiots will be ready next Christmas.” But he’s cool with that. “I cannot manage more or work at a faster pace,” he reasoned. “The audience decides whether a film is a success or flop. But for me, the process of filmmaking is as important. It’s like good food. Some people gobble it up. Others eat it as a necessity. I relish good food.”

That I could see. He lingered over lunch, carefully selecting the grilled meats, thick fighter fingers delicately dunking rotis in the curried dishes, and he sat back cross-legged in his chair with delight when the kulfi-falooda was served. I marvelled at his enthusiasm. Now that the pace and insane level (his words, not mine) of his workouts are over, he’s back to looking Dil Chahta Hai. I asked which of all his looks he liked the best? Aamir Khan paused over a paan, “The new film’s buzz look is my favourite... then Mangal Pandey; both are extreme looks, one is traditional with long hair, the other ultra-modern, very funky.” Anything he didn’t care about right now? “Yes,” he replied, “the butterflies in my stomach.”

Friday, December 19, 2008

So who is the winner amongst the Khans?

Salman, Aamir and Shah Rukh all the leading khans and their major releases at the end of this year have kept the viewers guessing who the best is. Yuvvraaj came on the 21st of the Nov, while Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi released on the 12th of Dec and finally the viewers are waiting for Ghajini to release on Christmas Eve.

Director of Yuvvraaj, Subhash Ghai could see all his efforts go in vain on the 21st of Nov when his film was released.

The impressive star cast of his film consisted of Salman, Anil Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. A.R.Rahman gave his melodious music for the film.

Subhash Ghai wanted to break his flop spell and wanted to show his fans that the showman is back. But unfortunately the viewers did not appreciate his efforts and all the shows were running empty.

The viewers felt it was a waste of their time and money, in spite of Salman looking great and his pairing up with Katrina dint do any wonders. He was trying to be himself and hence dint act at all. All the dialogues felt as if were written by a ten year old and the story a complete bhelpuri of all the previous Subhash Ghai films.

Therefore even the Salman –Kat pairing and the locales of Austria and all the lavishly picturised songs and sets just couldn't help the titanic from sinking at the box office. Unfortunately turning out to be the biggest flop of 2008.

Hopes built up again, on the onset of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi's release. SRK's last release Om Shanti Om being a big hit had a rise in the expectation level of the common viewer.

Moreover it was Aditya Chopra directing a film after Mohabbatein, that too after a span of eight years. Yash raj productions who were said to be going through a low phase ran to their all time savior SRK who happened to give the effortless hit Chak De that time.

Rab Ne turned out to be an out and out romantic film with simple and sweet characters with whom the common man could relate to. SRK's dual character one of Suri the other of Raj was remarkable and adorable.The viewer's heart went out for the simpleton Suriinder Sahani. Anushka Sharma the newcomer is like a whiff of fresh air. She looks pretty, dances well and above all acts perfect.

She confidently played her character opposite SRK in her very first flick. Overall Rab Ne was a hit and it grossed Rs. 60 crores in its opening weekend so YRF can finally relax and welcome 2009 with a smile. Thanks to SRK The Savior.

Finally it's the turn of the last Khan to come up with his action flick Ghajini. All eyes are glued to the release of Ghajini. Aamir fans have full faith in him to do the best always. Mr. Perfectionist is doing a complete commercial masala film this time.

His Ghajini hairstyle and would do anything to get kind of physique is already creating waves amongst the youngsters. Reports of the film from insiders who have seen it are that the film is way better than the original film.

Rahman's music is already a hit and as far as marketing is concerned all the multiplexes have their staff sporting the ghajini haircut and his statues all over the place don't allow you to forget that Ghajini is coming with a big bang on the 24thof December.

Only SRK & I have made it on our own: Akshay

As Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi reaches mid-week, it is crystal clear that Shah Rukh Khan and Yash Raj Films have a big money spinner up their sleeves.

With no questions being asked about the big opening that Ghajini is all set to take, industry is smiling again. Hat-trick of big bucks flowing in is pretty much on the anvil as Chandni Chowk To China is on it's way to create a hat-trick of box office winners once it releases on 16th January 2009.

No wonder, there is a lot riding on each of these biggies.

Says Akshay Kumar, "Shah Rukh Khan and me are the only actors in the current times who have attained this level of success all on our own without any Godfather backing us. We came without any connections in Bollywood and still have managed to reach this stage by sheer hard work and determination."

He chooses to shrug away the 'who amongst the two is supreme' talk when the question was raised around his rap number in Chandni Chowk To China. In the song composed by Bohemia which would play during the film's end credit titles, there are a few lines that go as:

"Mera Ek Haath Ka Khel, Sara Bollywood Ek Mera Koi Nahi Mel,
Acting Karne Chale Vaise Hazaaron, Badsaah Ek Baaki Sare Fail"

Is this the superstar talking for himself? "But if you listen carefully, am I bringing in the 'superstar' angle at all?

And there is a lot of other stuff which is being talked about in the song, especially the parts around me coming from the Chandni Chowk lanes and beating the odds to live life on my own terms.

Where does he question around me reigning supremacy come in? In any case, a rap number belonging to such situation and genre is all about attitude and this is what is demonstrated in the entire song. Let's not make much ado about it", protests Akshay.

Well, we won't Akshay, though the message is loud and clear with lines like:

"Jaun Jahan Pe Mera Dil Mujhe Kheeche, Main Nayi Duniya Aaya,
Meri Duniya Chod Ke Peeche, Aur Jab Andaaz Koi Raaaz Na Aaya,
Maine Mere Anadaz Aap Banaya"

Any famous last words? Well there you go and decide for yourself!

"Dushman Kare Waar, Maine Maani Na Haar
Log Bole Mujhe Bollywood Star, Naam Mera Akshay Kumar

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

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