SILVER SCREEN - STRAIGHT FROM BOLLYWOOD

THE WAIT IS OVER !

2008-06-26T03:16:00.000-07:00

THE WAIT IS OVER.. I AM COMING BACK..!!

India Today: TOP 50 Powerful people in India

2008-03-03T01:27:00.000-08:00

From Film personalities:

Shah Rukh khan @ 6

Amitabh Bachchan @ 16

Aditya Chopra @ 21

Ronnie Screwala (UTV) @ 24

Rajnikanth @ 28

Aamir Khan @ 38

Javed Akhtar & Shabana Azmi @ 43

AR Rahman @ 47

SRK sports a Marathi ‘pagadi’

2008-02-29T08:21:00.000-08:00

Hrithik can’t thank Shah Rukh enough

2008-02-29T08:19:00.000-08:00

Shah Rukh Khan went out of his way to accommodate the Roshans by shooting an item song for their production Krazzy 4, and Hrithik can’t thank the busy Khan enough. “I’m doing the song for my own home production. But Shah Rukh has gone out of his way to accommodate the project because he respects dad. His gesture has touched all of us. It’s very kind of him. He didn’t need to dance.”

Hrithik can’t stop raving about the item song. “It’s the best dance track I’ve ever performed. My uncle Rajesh Roshan has outdone himself. And Vishal Dadlani who has sung the number has also been extremely gracious. He didn’t accept the cheque that my dad gave him after the song. He did it for my dad and uncle. As a family, we Roshans are overwhelmed by the respect that has been shown by everyone associated with the item song.”

Tell him it’s because of the respect his dad’s banner commands, and Hrithik corrects. “No, I think it’s more to do with the kind of person my father is. If he wasn’t the person he is, Shah Rukh, Vishal and everyone else wouldn’t have gone out of their way to accommodate us, no matter how successful we may be. I think my dad has earned the respect he gets. He doesn’t command it.” Hrithik further informs, “Shah Rukh’s version of the song will be part of the main movie, while mine will be used in the end titles, also on MTV, Channel V and other promotional campaigns for television.”

With Jodhaa Akbar behind him, Hrithik is now looking forward to starting his next film with Anurag Basu. “That’s one film I’m really looking forward to. I’m a big fan of Anurag’s cinema. I think he’s a very sensitive director. He’s really going to be doing something different with me. I can’t say much about the subject. But it will be a different experience for me, though something right up his alley.” The industry was abuzz about Sonam Kapoor being Hrithik’s leading lady in Anurag’s film. “Both Dad and I think Sonam is wonderful. But she was never considered for Anurag’s film. The role requires someone from abroad. So yeah, I’ll have an international costar in Anurag’s film.”

Hrithik and Aishwarya Rai looked pretty international in Dhoom 2 and Jodhaa Akbar. “I can’t dispute that. It’s so true. Ash and I share a fabulous rapport. It’s always fun to work with a costar who isn’t selfish. We both gave so much of ourselves to Jodhaa Akbar. Aishwarya has been one of my most helpful costars. I really cherish working with her. She an incredible actor and an even better costar. And since all three of us — Abhishek, Aishwarya and I — are friends, we’ have great fun even when not shooting.”

Hrithik craves for the perfect chemistry with his costars. “I don’t think it’s possible for me to give my best if my costar isn’t doing the same. I try to surround myself with like-minded people. And I think I’ve found the right people operating at my frequency to work it, be it Ashutosh Gowarikar, Sanjay Gadhvi, Aditya Chopra or my dad. I’m fortunate, I guess.

Mithun in Subhash Ghai's Yuvraaj

2008-02-29T08:17:00.000-08:00

One of 2008's most anticipated films is Subhash Ghai's Yuvraaj starring Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Zayed Khan and Katrina Kaif in lead roles. The film which is a musical has added 2 more members to its already impressive star-cast.

The buzz is that Mithun Chakraborty apparently has been signed on to play a special appearance in the film. When Bollywood Hungama spoke to Mr. Subhash Ghai, he confirmed this, "Yes Mithun is doing a special appearance in Yuvraaj. However it is a very important role in the context of the film. We have shot with him already for around 5 - 6 days."

Besides this Aushima Sawhney who was last seen opposite Kunal Khemu in Superstar has also been signed. Ghai adds, "Aushima is playing one of the female leads in Yuvraaj"

With some people referring to the film as Main Yuvraaj while others calling it Yuvraaj we decided to get the facts straight from the man himself. "I keep telling everyone it is Yuvraaj. The title is positively Yuvraaj and not Main Yuvraaj"

Lastly we can't wait to check out this star-studded extravaganza and hence ask the showman, how much of the shooting is actually left? "50 % of the shooting is left, and we are releasing the film on October 24, 2008, the same day when Mukta Arts celebrates it 30th anniversary," signs off Ghai.

In the meanwhile, all you Ghai fans can surely check out his next release Black and White starring Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, and debutant Anurag Sinha that opens across cinemas next week (March 7).
(Courtesy-Indiafm)

Sanjay-Manyata revoke their marriage in Goa

2008-02-29T08:14:00.000-08:00

WEDDING WOES: Sanjay and Manyata now want to register their marriage under special Marriage Act of 1954.

New Delhi: Actor Sanjay Dutt on Wednesday withdraw his marriage declaration, filed with Manyata, before the South Goa Sub Registrar.

The couple filed an application before the Salcete Sub-Registrar saying they do not wish to solemnise their marriage under the Portuguese Civil Code, 1867.

They said the documents they had annexed at the time of marriage should be treated as withdrawn and cancelled from all legal effects.

Sanjay and Manyata now want to register their marriage under special Marriage Act of 1954. The registered marriage of February 7 was dogged by controversies following doubts over how Manyata could obtain a residence certificate in Goa.

South Goa district administration on Monday had issued showcause notice to Manyata seeking clarification as to why her residence certificate, submitted in connection with her court marriage, should not be cancelled.

Manyata had submitted a certificate claiming her residence at Aquem, in south Goa’s Margao town. The certificate was used during the declaration of her marriage with Sanjay in the sub registrar’s office on February 7 pending final signature which has to be executed within 90 days.

The authorities have already informed the Sub Registrar about the suspension of the residence certificate based on which the marriage formalities have been kept on hold.

Officials said that Manyata has to provide any valid proof that she has been staying at the shown Goa address. “It’s upto her what proof she brings,” they said.

Sanjay and Manyata were married as per Hindu rites in Mumbai on February 11.

A fortnight ago, a Mumbai family court had admitted a case by a man named Mehraj Shaikh who claims Manyata is his wife.

In his petition, Mehraj Shaikh had challenged Manyata’s marriage with Sanjay, claiming that he (Shaikh) had married her in 2003 and had not been formally divorced from her.

The petitioner also claimed that he has a two-and-a-half-year-old son from that marriage and the child is currently staying with Manyata’s mother in Hyderabad. He alleged that the newly weds violated Muslim marriage norms.

Shaikh had then said that though he and Manyata have been living separately, neither of them have sought talak or divorce.

(Courtesy-CNNIBN)

“I’ve always looked up to Shah Rukh” - Preity Zinta

2008-02-29T08:10:00.000-08:00

The IPL also has Shah Rukh Khan coming in. How does it feel to have him as a competitor in cricket?
I’ve always looked up to Shah Rukh. When I did my first film Dil Se with him, he was already a huge star. To me it’s a matter of great honor to stand on the same platform as him. We’re all working very hard on the IPL. Ours is the youngest team among all the IPL owners. Let’s be positive about it. Initially, it’s very important for the IPL team to work in totality.

Which members of the IPL have you interacted with?
You mean besides Shah Rukh? Vijay Mallya. He’s a very good friend, and a really cool person to know. As for the cricketers, they’re all in Australia now.

How cricket savvy have you become?
Right now, I am more IPL savvy. We are working on the format and the modalities constantly. But yes, I am trying to get as cricket savvy as possible. On Tuesday, I was watching the match at Australia. I was so pleased to see Yuvraj perform so well. He’s rocking. And yeah, I’m reading the sports sections more now. Rome wasn’t built in a day. And my interest in cricket will take time. We just did a trip to Mohali. The stadium there is fantastic. Mr. Bindra of the Punjab Cricket Board has been very accommodating.

Are you happy with your new work schedule?
I’m loving every minute of it. I have always had a lot of energy. Therefore, I am now using it in the right way.

Are you growing beyond cinema?
I certainly am. But my first love will always be acting. Cricket will have to take second place. When I’m in a shot nothing else matters. When I’m watching Yuvraj bat I’m fully there. But I’m in control during my shot, not Yuvraj’s shot. All I can do is motivate the cricketers. I do have various sides to me. And now I’m getting a chance to explore things that are helping me grow as a human being. I am just so thankful to get these opportunities. I always wanted to make a positive impact.

Are you proud to be so active in a game that’s dominated by men?
Men talk about equal opportunities for women. But when it comes to the crunch hardly anyone comes forward to let women rub shoulders with them. I just want to say, the three guys who exemplify true feminism are my IPL colleagues Ness Wadia, Karan Paul and Mohit Burman. These three men have supported me wholeheartedly and without being patronizing. They’re truly the modern men of the world.

Having the love of your life by your side surely helps?
I joke with Ness and say you’re the wing beneath my wings . When I suddenly burst into a loud exuberant rendering of ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ Ness looks at me as if I’ve gone crazy.

Does Ness enjoy being called the wind beneath your wings?

He is that! To give me this kind of support and provide me with equal opportunities as his male colleagues. It’s fantastic. Very few people will do that.

What do you expect the outcome of the IPL auction to be?
It’s an open auction. All of us have to be on our toes. It isn’t going to be easy. To be honest I’ve absolutely no idea what will happen. I’ve giant-sized butterflies in my stomach. I’m looking forward to forming our teams and going ahead full-steam. There’s a lot of work ahead. I’m an eager student of cricket. Fortunately, I’ve so many knowledgeable people around me. I’m just happy listening.

That must be tough for someone as talkative as you?
The toughest thing for me has been to sit in one place for an hour. When I’m on a film set I’m all over the place. But at a board meeting I better be still. This is a whole new world for me. And I’ve plunged into it headlong.

Did you ever feel you might just end up as the glamour prop in the IPL?
I always wanted to avoid that. But in any sphere of activity people treat you the way you want. I’ve been on-board in the IPL full-on attending all the conferences. At every meeting I’m the first one in, the last one out. Everyone has got the message that I’m interested and passionate about the IPL. That I’m not in it just as a token representative. I’m fully inducted into it. Let’s see where it goes.

Any downside to the auction?
I felt bad that we couldn’t get Harbhajan Singh on board, he being from Chandigarh to have him on board would’ve been nice. But Mumbai went hard for him, and so did we. But…at least the good thing is, he got paid really well. A team is never made of one person. We had our budgets, and we had to stick to it. We wanted a team that was heavy with Indians. A lot of mathematics went into the game. Overall, I think we got a well-balanced team. And in the team format no individual wins or loses. That’s the best part of it.

Did your budget afford you the players you wanted?
I think the teams that didn’t have to bid for icon players had more flexible budgets. Chennai, Hyderabad and Jaipur didn’t have icon players.

Do you think it’s important for your team to have an icon player?
We love our icon player Yuvraj. He’s one of the best 20-20 players in the world. He makes a helluva difference to our team’s morale. The good thing is, we’re the youngest team in the IPL.

(Courtesy-Indiafm)

Salman Khan’s daring act

2008-02-29T03:49:00.000-08:00

Boney Kapoor’s Pokiri remake Wanted Dead or Alive is in buzz for several reasons. Its leading actor Salman Khan is working hard for to get into the character of a police officer. He has not just worked hard to get a six pack in twenty days for a song, but has also performed a deadly action stunt scene without a body double.

Interestingly Salman who plays a police officer will be seen in a complete Tapori look, who has some really interesting dialogues. He will be sporting his favourite look, half torn jeans and unbuttoned shirts.

According to a source it’s a scene where Salman who plays a police officer in the film has jumped from outside the terrace with a gun in hand. The scene was shot on a building terrace near Mumbai's Mahalaxmi Race Course where Salman poses as a goon to destroy a mafia gang.

Apparently Salman was told to use a body double by the stunt coordinator but when he did not listen to him, Prabhu Deva, director of the film tried to convince him. Salman who loves to get into the skin of the character decided to do it his own without a body double. “Prabhu Deva tried to convince Salman but on the other hand Khan convinced the director that he can perform on his own. Salman performed and the scene was okayed in the first take.”
(Courtesy-Indiatimes)

Never again!

2008-02-29T03:46:00.000-08:00

While it’s a good idea to recycle and reuse paper, the same can’t be said about your wardrobe if you’re a celeb or a socialite. When actress Kajol was spotted in her sheer black saree and her fishnet poncho more than once, the fashion columns jeered.

Otherwise short public memory somehow remembers the colour, cut and design of the clothes that celebs wear to different gatherings. But, is it a cardinal sin to repeat clothes if you’re a socialite? I can’t buy clothes for every party I attend,” says theatre personality and socialite Dolly Thakore, who wears her trademark red bindi and silver jewellery to all parties she attends. “I’ve around 300 sarees, so I don’t repeat them often,” she says.

Wardrobe sizes are decided by the number of parties celebs attend. Supermodel Nina Manuel, who also party hops for a living, says she’s not repeated any of her clothes in the last two and a half years of being a party show anchor. “I attend three-to-four parties a week and there are so many clothes to pick from. Outside my show, I’ve repeated outfits and I’m not bothered about what people think. I don’t repeat outfits within weeks. And if I’m wearing something spectacular, I don’t repeat it for months as people will remember it. I mix and match clothes and accessorise them so that they look different each time,” she reveals.

And then there are some who have a limited, multipurpose and functional wardrobe in spite of having the means to own a lot more. SRK, for instance, once said he always trusts his black tux for parties as no one can tell if it’s a repeat. Grey’s Anatomy star Kate Walsh was seen wearing a black gown to a friend’s reception that she wore for the 2006 Emmy awards. Black is a safe colour to repeat, and it’s all about intelligent dressing, says designer Manoviraj Khosla. Manoviraj, who owns 50 pairs of jeans, 30 jackets and tons of party shirts to avoid repetition, says, “It’s a fashion faux pas if someone repeats clothes within a couple of years. We Indians hoard clothes. One should wear styles that are hot for that season. But it’s fine to repeat classics.”
(Courtesy-Indiatimes)

BLOCKBUSTER - OFFICIALLY DECLARED

2008-02-28T23:53:00.000-08:00

THE ACE KHAN

2008-02-28T23:52:00.001-08:00

SRK’s Khantastic PR skills!

2008-02-28T23:50:00.000-08:00

To,
Honorable Mr.P.Chidambaram,
Minister of Finance

Respected Sir,

Today as you are getting ready to put up the biggest show of the year... The nation’s annual budget, which is going to shape up the economy of our country in the coming year, we would like you to introduce you to a man, who we all lovingly call ‘King Khan’ and learn from him what it takes to become popular and win over your worst critics and detectors.

Agreed Badshah Khan has an acquired a six –pack, but there’s more to him than his physical glory. What makes SRK... the brand King Khan or Badshah Khan as he’s popularly called in Bollywood. Is he a media made, PR savvy or a marketing whiz kid? We try to analyze and unfold the brand called King Khan..

He once had a production company called ‘Dreamz Unlimited’! The company shut shop soon after its maiden venture Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani went bust at the box office, but he continued to dream big and paved his way to create the million dollar brand called ... King Khan! “It’s been 18 years in the industry and people say I’m the King of Bollywood and trust me I enjoy it. I’m not pompous, but I don’t know how it feels not to be successful, so I don’t know how it’s not to be the King of Bollywood. I feel it’s my birthday now,” says SRK.

Love him or hate him, but you simply can’t ignore him, that’s his power, charisma and skills. “He knows what he wants it and he gets it, courtesy his innovative marketing strategies and his cut sharp PR skills, which never fails him,” says a leading city based journalist.

What’s astonishing is that he doesn’t have any trappings of a conventional hero... in Bollywood’s lingo the ideal gora and chikna hero. “But the fact is that all his films sell like hot cake and media loves to write about him. He knows how to play the game and has played it to the gallery,” says filmmaker Sangeth Sivan.

A fact endorsed by SRK’s friend and colleague Salman Khan. “The way Shah Rukh saab promotes his films, he doesn’t give much scope to others, filmmakers won’t find a better marketing guy than him,” he feels. SRK’s PR skills and the way he pushes his products are widely known and recognized throughout B- Town. Says, ace Ad filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar. “SRK as a brand is much bigger than the actor and thanks to his media savvy and PR skills.”

A fact echoed equally by Akshaye Khanna “Hats off to Shah Rukh the producer. I’m amazed by the way he went blazing all guns for his home production ‘Om Shanti Om’, I don’t think any other guy in his position could have pulled this off.”

Bollywood is aware of SRK’s marketing and his expertise in PR skills, but it came into the limelight during the release of Janeman and Don .

It was the clash of the titans. Three of Bollywood’s biggest superstars, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar were tied up in a cat and mouse game of superiority on the big screen. On one side were Salman and Akshay, on the other Shah Rukh Khan. Bollywood’s two biggest films, but at the end it was SRK who walked away with the cake. “When you have Shah Rukh Khan as your competitors, you can’t do much about it. You either run away or face it; I decided to face it bravely,” reminisces Sajid Nadiadwala the producer of the film. A fact echoed by the hero of the film Salman “We were helpless, can’t beat him when it comes to promoting a film,” he says.

While Amrita Rao who acted with SRK in Main Hoon Na says “He thinks ten times ahead of us, his mind works like computer, marketing strategies, promotion, you name it and he has it everything in his head. And importantly media loves him, because he is a natural charmer.” The feeling is mutual for Showman Subhash Ghai, “Amazing PR skills, I don’t see any other Bollywood actor coming anywhere closer to him. He is a class apart. One day he should write a book on marketing, it will be a best seller,” he opines.

While SRK admits that media played an important role in his career, “I’m a media guy and the media have all the right to write about me, it good, bad or ugly,” he once told this writer.

And probably that’s why to acknowledge the importance of media, he promised that if his latest home production ‘OSM’ hits the bull’s eye, he will share the profits with the media and true to his words, a week after the film was declared a run away hit, he placed full page Ads in all the leading publications. “It was his idea of paying back to the media who supported and helped him in promoting his films. He wanted to share the revenues with them,” says an executive of his production company, Red Chillies Entertainment.

The move might come as a step forward towards sharpening his PR and marketing strategy, but the fact remains that unlike others, he didn’t hire a full time PR firm to help with the promotion of ‘OSM’. Just a lone lady, veteran journalist turned PR, Nilufer Qureshi was at the helm, while on the other hand Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Sawariya had the strong backing of the entire Sony Picture’s PR machinery which worked overtime and round the clock, but they were no match to Khan’s overwhelming power and charisma.

He single-handedly pulled out all stops to promote his home productions and emerged winner leaving his competitors away behind in the rat race. “The PR hired for ‘OSM’ handled only Farah and Deepika while Shah Rukh handled himself. He’s a one man army and he doesn’t require any PR manager to handle him,” laughs a veteran trade pundit. While Madhur Bhandarkar says “I thought no one can beat me, when it comes to dealing with the media, but SRK beats me hands down, we have so much to learn from him.”

Even the PR managers shares the same views about King Khan, “When you have a client like SRK, half of your job is done, he’s a marketing wizard and a PR’s delight,” says Alok Mathur, journalist turned PR. Mathur further unfolds the mystery why media loves him with an interesting anecdote “It was around 7 years back, I was a journalist and SRK by then had become King Khan, the superstar. I was in Film city, one night, waiting for an auto rickshaw; it was slightly drizzling, suddenly out of nowhere this shining black Mercedes stopped in front of me. The guy sitting in the backseat rolled down his tinted glass...it was Shah Rukh Khan, he rescued me that night by giving me a lift and ever since he became my hero. Call it his PR skills or a simple gesture from King Khan, but it certainly went a long way and I don’t think I could bring myself to do any negative stories about him after that,” he laughs.

While another senior crime reporter Nirmal Mishra remembers how one of his stories landed SRK in a soup. “I broke a story on SRK’s office property. There was some irregularity about in the deal and when the story came out SRK was fuming as expected, I wanted to meet him and explain my stand, but he wasn’t available. Next couple of days back he sent word through a common friend saying he wanted to meet me. I went to meet him in Filmcity where he was shooting for Main Hoon Na . He called me inside his van and told everyone to leave; I feared the worst, but he causally asked me what’s the source of my story, I told him I can’t reveal my source and told him I was just doing my job. He smiled and said its ok, but you should have checked with me, maybe I had something to say in my defense, next time please check before you write anything, shook my hand and the meeting was over in 5 mintues. I heaved a sigh of relief. Months later, I saw him at a party and was trying to avoid him, Shah Rukh quietly sneaked behind, tapped my shoulder and hugged me. Needless to say, I have turned into an avid SRK fan ever since,” says Nirmal.

Bollywood’s leading villain Gulshan Grover remembers an incident while shooting with Shah Rukh Khan for Yes Boss , “We were shooting for Yes Boss , and once we were sitting inside his make- up van and there were a couple of journalists with us. There was not enough space for everyone on the van, Shah Rukh opened his washroom and sat down on the toilet seat, it was hilarious, but I’m sure the journalists become his fans for lifetime. Shah Rukh can turned his worst enemy into his friend.”

While another veteran journalist reminds how SRK stood up for one of her colleague years back on the set of Rakesh Roshan’s Karan Arjun . “We had gone to cover the shooting and as usual Salman had a tiff with a lady journalist and started throwing tantrums. He told the driver to stop the bus and offload the lady. No one dared to question him, except for SRK, he took up for the lady. He told everyone, if the lady goes, so am I.,” reminisces the veteran journalist.

So MR. FM, how about hiring SRK as your adviser or maybe swapping roles with King Khan, Mr.P.Chidambaram? I am sure that your budget will be applauded and the Opposition will hail you as a Saint for rescuing the Indian Republic. Pl give it a thought. It is worth it.

Yours truly,
Shah Rukh Khan
(Courtesy-Indiatimes)

BEBO PICS

2008-02-27T23:47:00.000-08:00

KAREENA RULES

2008-02-27T22:56:00.000-08:00

Shoaib and Salman go topless on Mumbai streets

2008-02-27T22:48:00.000-08:00

Two of South Asia’s most noted bad-boys, Salman Khan and Shoaib Akhtar went topless through the streets of Mumbai.

Cricketer Shoaib Akhtar was attending a meal at Bollywood star Salman Khan’s residence in Bandstand, when the two started having an argument on who was the fitter… out of the two. What happened next was a dare which saw both running around the Mumbai streets early on Sunday morning. On-lookers were astonished to see these two leading celebrities topless.

The two had earlier slipped out quietly to the head of the promenade where first Shoaib took off his shirt and flung it on the ground to use as a starting block. Salman followed suit. And the race was on. The race went past Shah Rukh’s house Mannat and finished back at Salman’s Galaxy apartments. The whole scene lasted for 15 minutes.

“Neither of them raised any sweat because they both are very strong and muscular, and have very strong legs,” said a source. “There were very few people at Bandstand at that hour, so Salman and Shoaib were not conscious at all and in any case both men are quite bindaas and would have run bare-chested had they thought of the idea even at six in the evening.”

And now to the burning question that you may be asking… Who won? Well, Shoaib Akhtar came in first by a mere few seconds.

Kareena completes Khan trilogy with Aamir starrer

2008-02-27T22:36:00.000-08:00

Queen B of Bollywood, Kareena Kapoor is truly on a roll. She has been consolidating her status as no. 1 with a deluge of big banner films with the best directors and A- list actors in Bollywood. This is besides being known as the 'Endorsement Queen of bollywood' like brand SRK and brand Big B.

Kareena Kapoor has now signed film opposite the 'Ace' Khan – Aamir khan, directed by the acclaimed director of the 'Munnabhai' series Raju Hirani. In fact audiences were keen to see the Aamir- Kareena Jodi sizzle on screen

Thus Kareena Kapoor becomes the only actress in the new generation of actress to share the screen with the 3 biggest 'Khans' in the industry.

And with her slew of her forthcoming films like 'Tashan' with Yashraj, 'Agent Vinod' with Saif, 'Golmaal Returns' with Ajay Devgan, 'Kambakth Ishq' with Akshay Kumar, a film with John Abraham and a film with Karan Johar production, Kareena is the undisputed claimant for the mantle of number 1 Actress in Bollywood.

Besides her film which will consolidate that position, Brand Kareena, like SRK & Big B, is also known as the 'Endorsement Queen' in endorsement bandwagon. Kareena high profile endorsement brands consists of Globus, Anne French, Emami, ICI Paints, Vivel of ITC soaps, Head & Shoulders, Boro plus cream, Citizen watch, Perfume, a Jeans line etc..

Kareena eclipses the next generation of actress when it comes to the diversity in her choices, right from big budget fare with A- list directors to imaginative projects, she has literally done it all. She is the perfect mix of performance and glamour.

Also besides the highest paid actress in Bollywood and wielding enormous clout & power in the male dominated industry, Kareena Kapoor has dominated the award season in Bollywood this year.

She has already bagged the best actress award in the Star Screen, Stardust and Filmfare award, and seems all set to win the remaining awards too. Well truly, she has earned the well deserved top slot.

Bachchans stay away because of SRK?

2008-02-26T03:21:00.000-08:00

Amitabh Bachchan and his parivaar were conspicuous by their absence at the Filmfare Awards function. According to sources, the reason behind is none other than the presence of Shah Rukh Khan as one of the anchors for the show.

According to sources, last year too Shah Rukh Khan had said something Amar Singh, to which he took offence. The following day Amar Singh's party members created a ruckus outside SRK's house and he had to rush from his shooting early to pacify his terrified children. Later, the actor had said that he wondered why people who cannot take a joke come to the function. He said the function was for the film fraternity and people who attend understand the inside jokes. This year it seems that once Amar Singh found out that SRK was hosting the function, he decided to skip it and so did the Bachchans. The official version was that they were still n mourning. But just last week, the Big B's family attended the premiere of Jodhaa Akbar, and a few days later, Abhishek and Aishwarya were seen dancing at a function. So it is obvious that the mourning was an excuse to skip the function with King Khan behind the mike.

Salman Khan as Indian Gladiator in Veer

2008-02-22T14:56:00.001-08:00

It has been reported that the Salman Khan starrer Veer is about an Indian warrior fighting the British Raj.

Set around 1800, the film will be similar to multiple Oscar winner Gladiator, and feature Salman in state of the art fight scenes. Apart from having Indian actors, the film will also feature numerous Western faces, including the daughter of top Hollywood actor Jean Claude Van Damme - Bianca Van Damme.

Salman is currently busy trying to get into shape as he does not want to be undermined by Bianca, who has a body builder for a mother also.

JODHAA AKBAR - BOX OFFICE REPORT

2008-02-22T14:40:00.000-08:00

Jodhaa Akbar is big in Overseas

As expected the success of Jodhaa Akbar has come as great relief to the overseas market. Jodhaa Akbar has grossed around 13 crore in three days with UK contributing 3 crore, North America a huge 6.40 crore and UAE adding 1.85 crore.

The film is certain to emerge a Superhit in the circuit or maybe even better. The opening is the second biggest ever in North America behind the 6.90 crore of Om Shanti Om.

Jodhaa Akbar Collects 24.75 Crore In Week One

Jodhaa Akbar has collected 24.75 crore nett (40 crore Gross) from around 700 cinemas. The film showed a drop in collections mid week but has started week two well at multiplexes. The film is best in Mumbai and South. The film has surprisingly done well in Bihar, a territory with mainly small centres.

Although there are two states Rajasthan and Madhya Pardesh which have banned it till now, it still looks like Jodhaa Akbar will emerge a winner due to its big city business. The territorial breakdown of business is as follows.

Jodhaa Akbar-Week One

Mumbai-11,60,02,450

Delhi/UP-4,83,50,870

East Punjab-1,59,12,056

West Bengal-97,71,947

Bihar-58,02,504

CP Berar-72,28,952

CI-64,25,396

Rajasthan-Not Released

Nizam-1,57,18,615

Mysore-1,41,86,563

Tamil Nadu-42,62,672

Orissa-15,57,686

Assam-13,00,501

Kerala-10,48,850

TOTAL-24,75,90,662

Filmfare Power List - Right Or Wrong

2008-02-22T14:36:00.000-08:00

Filmfare published its power list but despite the survey being conducted by the renowned market research company AC Nielson, many observers in the trade have doubts about the credibility of the list. A renowned trade magazine also gave a list which it believed to be correct based on its assessment of the film industry. These lists are very hard to make as they are based on many things not just box office power and involve names from different fields like acting, distributing, production etc. Below are the two power lists and the trade list looks more authentic even though the Filmfare list is by AC Nielson.

Filmfare Power List

1.Chopra's

2.Shahrukh Khan

3.Akshay Kumar

4.Hrithik Roshan

5.Salman Khan

6.A R Rehman

7.Amitabh Bachchan

8.Aishwarya Rai

9.Rani Mukherjee

10.Karan Johar

Trade Power List

1.Aditya Chopra

2.Shahrukh Khan

3.Akshay Kumar

4.Hrithik Roshan

5.Aamir Khan

6.Salman Khan

7.Ronnie Screwala

8.Amitabh Bachchan

9.Sajid Nadiadwala

10.Kareena Kapoor

"THE BIGGEST CROWD PULLER "

2008-02-22T14:33:00.000-08:00

Huge Curiosity For TASAHAN

2008-02-20T17:14:00.000-08:00

The publicity campaign has not even started for Tashan but curiosity levels for the film are huge and we not talking about the trade but actual film going public. There are posters of Tashan at most multiplexes and certain single screens and it seems the public cannot wait for the film as enquiries are in thousands about the film from the public. This could be due to the fact the YRF have cleverly held back the music and promotion of the film that the public is desperate to find what the film is about. If one poster can create this sort of craze then its going to be something else by the time of release.

The publicity campaign is expected to start in the first week of March and there is no doubt that will film create a stampede at the box office with opening day records being smashed all over India. Tashan stars current box office favourites Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor alongside Saif Ali Khan and Anil Kapoor in a stellar role.

Shah Rukh causes huge stampede in London

2008-02-20T17:09:00.000-08:00

The presence of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan at a London event caused a stampede and an eventual close-down.

London had never before witnessed something of this caliber, as thousands of King Khan fans flocked to the Olympia arena to catch a glimpse of him. When Shah Rukh Khan eventually arrived, at 4pm in the afternoon on Saturday, the arena was at full capacity, forcing security officials to turn away many ticket-holding fans.

The local police called in more officers to form a ring around the venue just to keep the angry fans away. But this didn’t stop the angry fans from fighting and jostling to get into the hall.

Were you there at the event? Were you allowed in to see Shah Rukh Khan? Did you manage to meet him personally at the autograph stage? Or were you one of the unlucky ones that were not able to get in because of the overcrowding?

MAX Stardust Awards 2008

2008-02-19T11:06:00.000-08:00

The dazzling demigods of the Hindi film industry descended at the MMRDA grounds, Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai and graced the Max Stardust Awards ceremony with their esteemed presence. The program was not restricted to just the handing over and receiving of awards but provided entertainment galore, including song and dance performances by leading stars like Kareena Kapoor, Lara Dutta, Saif Ali Khan, Govinda and Neha Dhupia.

The Max Stardust Awards stands out in the clutter of countless film awards as it showcases and recognises the relatively fresh talent with the promise to emerge as the superstars of tomorrow. The awards ceremony, this year, transformed the banal terra firma of the Bandra Kurla Complex into a spectacle of glitz and razzmatazz. Talented film director Kunal Kohli and the gorgeous diva Neha Dhupia were the perfect hosts for this special evening and kept the audience glued to their seats.

The glorious award ceremony, witnessed dazzling Lara Dutta perform on chartbusters such as ‘Move your body’ from Johnny Gaddar, ‘Deewangi’ from OSO among others while beautiful Kareena Kapoor enthralled the audience with ‘Nagada’ and ‘Its rocking’ form Jab we met and Kya Love Story Hai. The rockstar Saif Ali Khan performed on medley of hits from OSO, Salaam-e-Ishq, Hey Baby and Race – his upcoming movie. Govinda entertained the audience with his numbers from the movie Partner and Bhagam Bhaag. Neha Dhupia apart from her co-hosting the award ceremony moved danced on popular songs like ‘Namak Ishq Ka’, ‘Saiya re’, ‘Mayya Mayya’, ‘Kiya Kiya’ and ‘Naughty Naughty’.

Among the people who attended the event were the who’s who of the tinsel town. Aadesh Shrivastav, Bappi Lahri, Alka Yagnik, Shreya Saran, Shabbir Ahluwalia, Bipasha Basu, Dharmendra, Rishi Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Suresh Oberoi, Irfan Khan, Gul Panag, Celina Jaitley, Dino Moreo, Madhur Bhandarkar, Raveena Tandon, and a host of others. The event had extravagant sets coupled with lasers, special effects, lighting and acoustics to create a magnificent audio and visual impact.

The MAX Stardust Awards are a salute to the young and dynamic Gen Next oozing with creative energy and passion in equal measure. MAX will telecast the MAX Stardust Awards on 16 February, 2008 at 8.00 pm.

THE WINNERS OF MAX STARDUST AWARDS

SUPERSTAR OF TOMMOROW —MALE
Ranbir Kapoor (Saawariya)

SUPERSTAR OF TOMMOROW— FEMALE
Sonam Kapoor (Saawariya)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE – MALE
Shreyas Talpade (Om Shanti Om)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE – FEMALE
Kangana Ranaut (Life… In a Metro)

THE NEW MENACE
Shilpa Shukla (Chak De India)

HOTTEST FILM — PRODUCERS

Gandhi My Father (Anil Kapoor)

HOTTEST YOUNG FILM MAKER
Shimit Amin (Chak De India)

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY LYRICIST
Sandeep Nath – Saawariya (‘Yoon Shabnami Pehle Nahi Thi Chandni’)

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION – FEMALE
Anoushka Manchanda – Cash (Aye Chori)

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION – MALE
Krishna & Salim Merchant – Chak De India (Maula Mere)

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY A MUSIC DIRECTOR
Monty Sharma (Saawariya)

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS
BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Tisca Chopra (‘Taare Zameen Par’)

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Irrfaan Khan (‘Life… In A Metro’ / The Namesake)

BEST ACTOR IN A NEGATIVE ROLE
Arjun Rampal (‘Om Shanti Om’)

STAR OF THE YEAR - MALE
Akshay Kumar (‘Namastey London’ / ‘Heyy Babyy’)

ACTOR PAR EXCELLANCE
Viveik Oberoi (Shootout at Lokhandwala)

BEST ACTOR – MALE
Shahid Kapoor- Jab We Met

BEST ACTOR – FEMALE
Kareena Kapoor – Jab We Met

THE DREAM DIRECTOR AWARD
Farah Khan (‘Om Shanti Om’)

BEST FILM AWARD
‘Jab We Met’

LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Dharmendra

Now its Shah Rukh versus Salman

2008-02-19T11:05:00.001-08:00

After last year’s big Box Office battle between Om Shanti Om and Saawariya, now comes war between two of the industry’s biggest stars - Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.

The on-off friends are about to spend their entire fortunes on respective films… both with mega budgets. Salman Khan is expected to take out Rs 65 crore from his bank account for his film London Dreams. While, Shah Rukh will spend Rs 100 crore for his untitled action flick. Salman’s film will be directed by Vipul Shah, while Anubhav Sinha is to take the helm for Shah Rukh’s.

London Dreams is expected to be a musical thriller set in England, but Shah Rukh’s film is more CGI and VFX filled. Salman will star in London Dreams but Shah Rukh might only make a guest appearance in his.

Who do you think will win this battle?

Hrithik getting ready for baby number 3

2008-02-19T11:03:00.000-08:00

Hrithik Roshan and wife Suzanne are expecting their second child in May, but our sources reveal that a third baby could also be on the way… and as soon as next year.

Both Hrithik and Suzanne want all of their kids to grow up together, in the same age range, and as they always wanted 3 children, a third could come sooner than expected.

Hrithik is currently reveling after getting great reviews for his role as the Emperor in Jodhaa Akbar.

LARA DUTTA ON FNL COVER

2008-02-19T11:01:00.000-08:00

FIRST LOOK - DILLI 6

2008-02-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

(Courtesy-Indiafm)

Why Ash has to convince Amitabh and Abhishek!

2008-02-19T09:25:00.000-08:00

While Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is enjoying conjugal bliss in her real life, her reel life demands that she overcome the opposition from her handsome hubby, Abhishek and megastar father-in-law, Amitabh Bachchan.

Before any further confusion, we must disclose that we are talking about the upcoming, Ramgopal Varma directed, SARKAR RAAJ, featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. A little birdie tells us that Aishwarya essays the role of a CEO (Chief Executive Officer), of a private power generation multinational. She will be seen attired in western dresses like fine cut suits, pointed heels et al. Her role has shades of grey and she has to resort to unfair means to convince Subhash Nagre (Amitabh) and Shankar Nagre (Abhishek) to approve a dam project. The project will mean millions to her company but will render countless people homeless.

Well, we are more than excited about the upcoming SARKAR sequel, as we now expect another stunning performance from Queen Jodhaa Bai, after her latest award-winning act in JODHAA AKBAR.
(Courtesy-Bollywood Trade News Network)

GHAJINI rights for 71 crore, not 90!

2008-02-19T09:22:00.000-08:00

A leading national daily and also a few portals have gone to town proclaiming that Aamir Khan's action bonanza, GHAJINI remake, has fetched Rs. 90 crores! That is far from the truth and we bring you the exact breakdown, as always.

The Indian Film Company, which also distributed WELCOME, has acquired the all-India rights of GHAJINI remake for Rs. 53 crore (including cost of print and publicity). The audio and home video rights have been sold to T-Series for Rs. 8.5 crore.

Similarly, the deal for Overseas had been struck with Adlabs for a reported price of Rs. 10 crore. That means, the all-world rights (excluding satellite rights) of GHAJINI remake have fetched Rs. 71.51 crore (and not Rs. 90 crore) for its producer, Alu Arvind.

The deal for satellite right has not been struck as yet, although at least five to six parties are in queue to acquire the same. If the satellite market remains as buoyant as it is presently, Rs. 15 crore to Rs. 20 crore is very much on the cards!
(Bollywood Trade News Network)

Midweek: 'Jodhaa Akbar' excellent at big centres!

2008-02-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

By Taran Adarsh

Film	Cast	Plusses	Minusses	Verdict
Jodhaa Akbar	Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan	An interesting cinematic experience	Excessive length	Excellent weekend at big centres, especially Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, select centres of U.P., Bengal, Indore, South. Not too strong at single screens of some centres
Mithya	Ranvir Shorey, Neha Dhupia, Naseeruddin Shah, Vinay Pathak, Saurabh Shukla, Harsh Chhaya, Brijendra Kala	A well-made film on all counts	Caters to a niche audience
Sunday	Ajay Devgan, Ayesha Takia, Arshad Warsi, Irrfan Khan, Mukesh Tiwari, Esha Deol [sp. app.], Tusshar [sp. app.]	Well-made and well-packaged entertainer	Second half and also climax could've been stronger
Taare Zameen Par	Aamir Khan, Darsheel Safary, Tisca Chopra, Tanay Cheda, Sachet Engineer, Vipin Sharma	Darsheel Safary's bravura performance, Aamir's brilliant execution and several heart-rending moments	Post-interval portions could be shortened	[Blockbuster in some circuits]
Superstar	Kunal Khemu, Tulip Joshi, Aushima Sawhney, Darshan Jariwala, Sharat Saxena, Reema, Vrajesh Hirjee	Kunal Khemu's performance and director Rohit Jugraj's execution of several scenes	Patchy script

(Ratings are based on the box office collections and the cost of the film)

(Courtesy-Indiafm)

Sameera Reddy

2008-02-18T14:50:00.000-08:00

KARZZZ STILLS

2008-02-18T14:29:00.000-08:00

(Courtesy-Indiafm)

Katrina and Salman’s London Dreams

2008-02-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

If sources are to be believed Vipul Shah’s favorite actor Akshay Kumar will not be part of his next. Vipul is keen to cash on the most talked about Bollywood couple Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif for his London Dreams.

Now the filmmaker has decided to produce and direct Raj Kumar Santoshi’s shelved film London Dreams. He has decided to cast his favourite actress Katrina as his lead heroine. And Katrina who has already worked with Vipul Shah in Humko Deewana Kar Gaye and Namastey London also shares a good rapport with the director. Interestingly Akshay who works with Vipul in his each and every film, will not be part of this film.

According to our source, Bobby Deol has also been signed in London Dreams . He will be seen as Salman’s friend who was supposed to have been played by Ajay Devgan in Raj Kumar Santoshi’s film. Vipul Shah who doesn’t want to reveal the star cast of his film, however did not deny Salman Katrina’s pairing. “Right now only the draft is ready. By next week I'll be done with my casting. It will be directed by me and I have a few actors in mind but as of now, I have not approached anyone. I'll be in a position to reveal my cast only a week from now.”

There has been an issue about the script, prior to all these developments. According to Raj Kumar Santoshi who had the rights with him, Vipul needs to take permission from him before the film actually goes on to the floors. We quizzed Vipul regarding this and he replied “There has been a lot of speculation about the film London Dreams. The original draft of the film was written by Rajkumar Santoshi, but I have my own personal take on the subject and so I have re-written the script.”
(Courtesy-Indiatimes)

Krazzy 4 : - FIRST LOOK

2008-02-16T14:57:00.000-08:00

Katrina out of Yash Raj’s next

2008-02-16T14:08:00.001-08:00

Yash Raj’s upcoming film to be directed by Siddharth Anand had an ensemble cast of four gorgeous girls Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif and Minnisha Lamba romancing Ranbir Kapoor. But from what we hear now, Katrina Kaif has been dropped out of the project.

Siddharth Anand confirms the news, “Yes Katrina is not part of the film. Her character has been removed due to the length of the film. The film was getting too long. So I decided to remove her character from the film.”

This comes in as a surprise to us especially when Yash Raj had recently signed a two film deal with Katrina and also issued a press release regarding the same.

It is also believed that Katrina, who shared cold vibes with Bipasha Basu on the sets of Abbas Mastan’s Race, wasn’t really keen to share screen space with Bipasha again. “I will not like to comment on that because Katrina didn’t even shoot for my film”, says Siddharth Anand. “It was completely my decision to remove Katrina’s character and Katrina being a professional understands that it was a complete professional decision”.
(Courtesy-Indiatimes)

Deepika’s beau trouble?

2008-02-16T14:05:00.000-08:00

Its confirmed, at least for this week, Deepika Padukone’s boyfriend is Ranbir Kapoor. Rumours linking her and her various men change faster than box office collections on a Monday morning.

Last week, we heard that Deepika is back to her old boyfriend Nihar Pandya! However, we say Deepika and Ranbir are very much together and are enjoying each other’s company. The romance that flourished in hot, sunny Australia on the sets of Siddharth Anand’s next for Yash Raj is only getting more intimate here, in Amchi Mumbai!

Ranbir and Deepika have also recently shot for a Pepsi commercial with Shah Rukh Khan. People present on the set inform us that Ranbir and Deepika were very much comfortable together. In fact they enjoyed the shoot and loved spending quality time with each other. That’s not all, the couple were also spotted chatting and exchanging sweet nothings at a suburban coffee shop in Mumbai! And it was a really long coffee break as it spilled over to four hours.

It can be recalled that Deepika has chosen to keep mum about her affairs whenever asked. Whether it’s Nihar, Ranbir or Yuvraj Singh, this OSO girl has been linked up many times but more than explaining her side she has preferred to be silent!

But now we realize that her dimpled smile is speaking much more than her ...
(Courtesy-Indiatimes)

SRK, Sachin may feature on postage stamps

2008-02-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

In times to come we may find Shah Rukh Khan on postage stamps

NEW DELHI: Celebrities and national icons can now find immortality through postage stamps during their living years, if the government decides to end the decades long custom of honouring people only posthumously.

"We are considering a proposal to issue stamps on young achievers in various fields, who have made the nation proud. These personalities include Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, Sania Mirza, Harbhajan Singh and Remo Fernandes among others," Shakeel Ahmad, Minister of State for Communication and IT, said.

These people have achieved a lot in their life and this needs to be conveyed to the youth to encourage them, as well as promote philately.

"Stamp collection is not merely a hobby. It teaches about our culture, civilisation and important happenings within our country and outside," the minister said, adding that this would also give the much required revenue to the postal department.

He, however, said that there was no custom hitherto to issue stamps on living persons. "It is very rare and exceptional... we are debating on this in the ministry and we expect to take a decision on this soon," he said.

Asked if any amendment was required in the Postal Act to issue stamps on living personalities, he replied in the negative.

"No amendment is required in the Postal Act. We just need to take a decision. I have written a note to (Communication and IT) Minister A Raja suggesting this," he said.
(Courtesy-Indiatimes)

VIDYA BALAN

2008-02-16T07:34:00.000-08:00

Jodha Akbar’ opens in record 115 US theatres

2008-02-16T07:21:00.000-08:00

Bollywood movie “Jodhaa Akbar” is releasing in a record 115 theatres in the US Friday, but some Indian American groups have called for its boycott. They have also asked the Indian government to ban the film.

The period romance directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, of Oscar nominated “Lagaan” fame, has come under fire from some groups in India. A group in Rajasthan, the Rajput Karni Sena, has claimed that Jodhaabai was not Akbar’s wife but that of his son Jehangir.

The protesting groups in the US, along with NRI groups in other countries, have picked up from there and said in a press release that the film’s “concocted story is an odious, false, unjust and irreverent portrayal of a Hindu Rajput princess and a Muslim Mughal ruler”.

They have also alleged the historical distortions in “Jodhaa Akbar”, starring Hrithik Roshan as Akbar and Aishwarya Rai as Jodhaa, to be “extremely insensitive and it hurts the sentiments of millions of people who love the culture, history and traditions of India”.

The protesting groups in the US include Global Institute for Truth & Awareness, Independent NRI Forum, Indian American Intellectuals Forum, Rajput Association of North America and Save Temples, USA.

Gowariker, who is said to have read Akbarnama and consulted historian Irfan Habib before making “Jodhaa Akbar”, has defended his creation.

Significantly, K. Asif’s epic “Mughal-e-Azam”, which is etched in Indians’ memory, presented Akbar and Jodhaabai as husband and wife, though it was centred on Jehangir and Anarkali’s ill-fated love story.

The New York Times ran a report Sunday by Indian journalist Anupama Chopra on the $10-million “Jodhaa Akbar”, and said the magnum opus would help Aishwarya and Hrithik’s reported moves towards Hollywood.

SHAH RUKH KHAN - INTERVIEWS

2008-02-16T07:17:00.000-08:00

Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, who started his career as an actor with TV serial “Fauji”, says that whatever he has achieved in life is all because of television.

“I started my career with television. I am what I am today because of TV. I owe my life to the small screen and stage,” ‘King’ Khan told IANS.

“It is a welcome change to see the way television has evolved over two decades. There is an amazing change in TV programmes both quality-wise and technically. In fact, films and media (print and electronic), everything has changed,” he said.

“Earlier, when we used to go for press conferences there used to be hardly five cameras. Today the count is more than the fingers on your hands,” reminisced the star.

He was in the capital Tuesday to promote a new quiz show, “Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain”, to be telecast on STAR Plus, which he will host.

The show, based on international TV show “Are you Smarter than a Fifth grader?”, will have adult participants contesting to win a whopping Rs.50 million.

Asked if he himself is smarter than a fifth grader, SRK quipped: “I am not as smart as a fifth class student, otherwise I wouldn’t have been an actor.”

So how was Shah Rukh as a student? “I was very naughty and was nearly suspended once from school but my parents never pushed me very hard. They always said that I must do enough (in studies) so that they are not ashamed. And I did fair in life!”

“I remember my teachers said that I have a devil’s smile. Every time I played a prank, I used to smile with dimples on my cheeks and they would let me go. But I was punished many, many times.”

Commenting on whether he would like his son Aryan and daughter Suhana to take part in any reality show, he said: “I don’t want that for my children, being Shah Rukh Khan’s son and daughter should not become an achievement.”

“I prey to god and hope when they grow up they achieve something on their own.

SRK:What's this Valentine day

It’s Valentine’s Day and love is in the air. Most of Bollywood couples are busy wooing their spouse but SRK has a different take on the special day.

“I have never really understood this day. According to me, love has so many facets.

The beauty of love is that it has no boundaries," he says and adds,"For me, love means my children. I am in love with the undiplomatic and innocent stage of life that they are in.”

And isn’t it a little kid, Darsheel Safary, who is competing with Mr Khan for the Filmfare best actor award too?

“Every year the competition keeps getting younger. Very soon, I will be nominated with an unborn baby,” he smiles.

Deepika Padukone and Karan Johar at the launch of Chiva

2008-02-16T06:57:00.001-08:00

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

2008-02-16T05:44:00.000-08:00

I want to cater to kids: Shah Rukh Khan

Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, who is all set to make a children's film in the VFX medium, using computer-generated special effects, says he is overwhelmed by the response he gets from children and wants to cater to them.

'I love kids and I am overwhelmed by the response I get from children. Adults like me by chance,' Shah Rukh Khan told IANS.

'I have maintained my love for kids since long and want to cater to them because they have the shortest attention span. I want to make a place in the hearts of the little ones and then I will automatically reach the families. As children handle the remote control these days, everyone has to watch what they like.

'Theatre director Barry John, my acting teacher at Delhi Theatre, used to say: 'if you can capture the interest of kids, you will be always successful' and I stick to that,' he added.

Shah Rukh was recently in Berlin to promote 'Om Shanti Om' and was interviewed by Hollywood trade magazine Variety. The magazine reported that the proposed children's film would be made at a budget of $25 million (Rs.1 billion), the highest budget in India.

But commenting here about the money to be spent on making the film, Shah Rukh said: 'Media is speculating about the budget. We are still working on the script.'

The actor, also the owner of the Kolkata team franchisee Red Chillies Entertainment, said through all these initiatives - investment in sports and VFX film - he wants to do something for the country which has given him so much.

'My dream is to invest money and bring better technology in our country that has given me money, love, respect... everything one can ask for! Not only cricket, we want to invest in all kind of games.

'I think if children are allowed to play all the time along with little bit of studies, 'creative' aggression would develop in them. It would prevent them from indulging in vices like smoking, drinking or drugs.'

And when is the superstar planning to kick the butt!

'I have been trying to kick the butt since long. But it is very difficult to give up bad habits. And I can't be dishonest in saying I will quit smoking and then don't do it.'

'However, I would appeal to children that they must not pick up this habit from me, as fans have a tendency to imitate their favourite stars. This is a bad habit and is injurious to health. They must never do it,' he stressed.

King Khan is now set to host a television quiz show 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain' and says the medium doesn't matter because he is an entertainer.

'I started my career with television and with time the small screen is becoming better. However, being a jester, my idea is to entertain by films, by stage shows... by all possible formats.'

I am looking forward to being in love: Vidya Balan

Actress Vidya Balan says the fun quotient is getting better for her with every movie. 'First 'Parineeta', then 'Salaam-e-Ishq', followed by 'Hey Babyy' and now 'Bhool Bhulaiya' with Priyadarshan. All of them were loads of fun,' says the actress.

The actress can't stop giggling when she remembers the shooting of 'Hey Babyy' in Australia and can't stop giggling about it.

'Akshay, and director Sajid Khan and producer Sajid Nadiadwala, are a delight. All the three share great vibes with me. Sajid Khan and I have been buddies for years. It was one group of mad-hatters. Fun was the main issue in Australia. Work was in automation,' the actress said.

One of the things that Vidya is looking forward to this year is being in love.

Remind her that it's only healthy for a young attractive single girl like her to be linked to co-stars and Vidya sighs: 'Yes, I'm young and single and most certainly looking forward to being in love. Unfortunately, both John Abraham and Akshay Kumar are attached. And that creates more of an embarrassment for them than me. Come to think of it, where are the eligible single guys in our industry? I'll have to look elsewhere.'

Vidya shot for 'Hey Babyy' in Australia for four months. 'Akshay was a major prankster. I was on tenterhooks all the time. One did not know what Akshay was up to. My one ambition in life is to get even with him for all the pranks that he has played on me. Shooting has seldom been so much fun. I didn't even realise how these two schedules for the two completely contrasting films, 'Hey Babyy' and 'Bhool Bhulaiya', passed off,' she said.

As for her involvement with co-stars, Vidya is aware that tongues will wag all over again. 'I'm prepared for stories to filter back. I've gone through this before. During 'Salaam-e-Ishq', they linked me to John Abraham for the same reason because people saw us having so much fun together. Now there'll gossip because Akshay and I had a great time,' she said.

For 'Bhool Bhulaiya', Vidya had to do some serious heart-in-the-mouth classical dancing. 'As a child, I learnt Bharatanatyam. Then I learnt Kathak for a couple of months a few years ago. That's it. But I had to do one elaborate classical dance and I was so scared. I believe it has turned out well, thanks to choreographer Pony Verma. Pony has done a lot of songs with Priyan, who told my Dad that he is happy with the way I've danced. I truly enjoyed it. Thank god,' she said.

“Shah Rukh Khan is the biggest movie star in the world”: CNN International

2008-02-16T05:36:00.000-08:00

By CNN International, Feb 12, 2008

LONDON, England (CNN) — Some movie actors are lauded for their performances on the silver screen, earning themselves respect and stardom. But few, if any, Western stars are worshipped in quite the way that Shah Rukh Khan is. In a film career spanning 16 years he has risen to become the most recognizable face of Indian cinema and the most watched movie star in the world.

Shah Rukh Khan is the biggest movie star in the world. Since his debut in the 1992 feature film ‘Deewana’, he has dominated Indian cinema.

Shah Rukh Khan’s life story is one which Bollywood scriptwriters would have been proud to have penned themselves.

His journey into Indian cinema took in tragedy, romance, determination and luck. It was also highly unconventional for an outsider like Khan to break into the inherently dynastic world of Bollywood.

Khan was born in Delhi in 1965. As a boy growing up, Khan never really dreamed of being an actor, his head and heart were consumed by sport — notably cricket and hockey — but injuries put an end to any dreams of becoming a professional sportsman.

But he had also dabbled in drama as a teenager and enrolled at Delhi’s Theatre Action Group which had been run by the renowned theatre director Barry John since 1968.

The experience served Khan well, and with TV production starting to boom in India, Khan was soon called upon to appear on the small screen — his first appearance was in the series “Fauji” in 1988.

Sadly both his parents died before seeing their son achieve success in Bollywood. His father Meer Taj Mohammed — a lawyer and freedom activist who had campaigned for Indian independence — died in 1981. His mother Latif Fatima, a magistrate, died 10 years later.

But it was the death of his mother that proved to be the catalyst for Khan switching from the small to big screen. Beset by sadness and depression at the loss of his mother, Khan decided to give the movies a shot and made a permanent move to Mumbai — the center of filmmaking in India.

It wasn’t long before he caught the eye of casting directors and soon a film role was offered to him. But Khan wasn’t sure whether he should accept.

“I wasn’t very keen,” he told CNN. “But there were some friends in TV who convinced me to do it. I was more intellectually inclined. I wanted to do a more serious kind of cinema.”

Nevertheless, in 1992 Khan made his film debut in “Deewana,” winning him the Filmfare Best Male Debut award.

His continuing reluctance to take his new status and film roles too seriously meant Khan took on parts that some of the more established Bollywood stars would have rejected out of hand.

Khan believed he had nothing to lose, and he happily took on a variety of roles. In 1993 he played a murdering adulterer in “Baazigar.” Khan’s character (Ajay Sharma) pushes a young Shilpa Shetty off a roof and thus launched her career. The performance earned him his first Filmfare Best Actor award. Unafraid of being typecast, Khan reprised the ‘bad guy” role in “Darr” (1993) and “Anjaam” (1994).

Playing the character of Raj Malhotra in the 1995 feature “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (DDLJ) propelled him to new heights, confirming his versatility and popularity as a Bollywood actor. The film was a huge critical and commercial success, becoming the longest running film ever in Indian cinema — it continues to run to this day in cinemas in Mumbai.

Khan had become, and remains, the hottest property in Bollywood. Despite his inability to sing — all his songs are dubbed — and, at best, an average talent for dancing, he oozes charisma. “His screen presence is still incredible,” says his biographer Anu Chopra. “You can’t take your eyes off him. He is just completely magnetic.”

Box office records continue to be broken, awards continue to stack up — so far he has won 13 Filmfare awards — and throughout all of it his personal life has remained settled and happy. Married to Gauri since 1991, the couple had their first son Aryan in 1997. A daughter, Suhana followed in 2000.

The same year Khan, along with his friend and actress Juhi Chawla, set up the production company Dreamz Unlimited. In 2004, he founded Red Chillies Entertainment, which produced the highly successful ‘Main Hoon Na’ — the directorial debut of the multi-talented choreographer Farah Khan.

Outside of filmmaking Khan can be seen presenting “Kaun Banega Crorepati” — India’s version of the successful ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” format. And recently, he was part of a consortium which successfully bid for one of the eight new franchises of cricket’s Indian Premier League.

But his lifelong love for cricket still takes second place to his job as a continuing Bollywood phenomenon. Having already racked up over 60 films, Khan isn’t about to shy away from the spotlight that he so openly adores.

“All my life I’ve worked towards being recognized,” he says. “I love it. I am proud that I am a movie star and have no privacy. What is the point if I am a star and no one knows me?”

Masand’s Verdict: Jodhaa Akbar

2008-02-16T05:34:00.000-08:00

Rajeev Masand

CNN-IBN

LOVE ACTUALLY: A drama of epic proportions, Jodhaa Akbar is at its core an intimate love story.

Cast: Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai

Direction: Ashutosh Gowariker

I’ve never felt this way about any other film, but sitting there in my seat watching Jodhaa Akbar, I felt privileged as a moviegoer. Privileged that such a film had been made, and privileged that it had been made in our times so we can form our own opinions of the film rather than adopt the opinions of previous generations, which we invariably must when looking at older classics.

A drama of epic proportions, Jodhaa Akbar is at its core an intimate love story that’s set against the spectacular sweep of the Mughal era. It’s about the romance that gradually blossoms between Emperor Akbar and his wife Jodhaa, the Rajput princess with whom he enters into a marriage of alliance. It’s also the coming of age story of the greatest Mughal ruler, who goes from a reluctant warrior to a brave and honorable leader and wins over his people with his empathy and his secular outlook.

Magnificently directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, Jodhaa Akbar draws you into its drama just moments into the film, transporting you to the battlefield, to the emperor’s court, to Jodhaa’s private chamber, and most importantly, into the mind and heart of Mohammed Jalaluddin Akbar himself, where he grapples with betrayals and insecurities.

It’s the kind of film that doesn’t quite let go of your attention well after the end credits have rolled some three hours and 20 minutes later.

Much will be said about the film’s daunting length, and truth is, it could have been shorter. I can think of at least two subplots that could have been judiciously trimmed. But having said that, I honestly believe the length of Jodhaa Akbar doesn’t hurt. You are swept into the roller-coaster ride of Akbar’s political and personal growing-up journey, and it’s not often that the screenplay loses its pace.

The film’s best moments are the ones between the protagonist couple. Take that scene in which he catches her sight transfixed on his bare torso, or that sword fight between the couple that’s bubbling with sexual energy. Even that delicate scene in which he reveals to his wife an awkward truth about his education. Or then that moving scene in which he vindicates her honour by demanding to be served his lunch in the same plates she ate out of just moments ago in a tense situation.

Truth is, Jodhaa Akbar works like a dream when it focuses its energies on the relationship between the couple – their little spats, their mischievous moments, his heeding her advice, and the like.

As a big, period epic, Jodhaa Akbar has enough drama to keep you engaged – palace intrigue, violent confrontations and impressive battle sequences.

The scenes that stand out for their sheer visceral impact can be ticked off a checklist – first that breathtaking scene in which the emperor tames a wild elephant, also the one in which he gives in to his rage and orders a cruel death to a traitor, and finally that one-on-one combat scene in the climax, inspired no doubt from Troy. These are moments all that stay with you long after you’ve left your seat.

There is ample evidence of the fact that Gowariker once again assembles the perfect team to realise his vision. Kiran Deohans’ cinematography is one of Jodhaa Akbar’s key strengths, and nowhere is that more apparent than the battle scenes which Deohans’ camera captures gloriously, making you feel like you’re right out there where the action is.

His visual treatment for the film’s songs is another masterstroke, in particular the eye-watering manner with which he films the Khwaja mere khwaja number, and also the lavish indulgence of the Azeem-o-shaan-shahenshah song.

Then there’s Neeta Lulla’s costumes and Nitin Desai’s sets, both suitably ostentatious, but never once drawing attention away from the drama like they have previously in films like Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas. Of course, Jodhaa Akbar benefits enormously from AR Rahman’s genius score, a collection of the finest, most haunting tunes you can remember recently, my favourites being the unforgettable Jashne Baharaa number and the one-of-a-kind Khwaja mere Khwaja track.

The soul of Jodhaa Akbar however, lies in the superlative acting. Supporting player Nikitin Dheer makes a lasting impression as Akbar’s rebellious brother-in-law, but the film of course belongs to the two leads.

As Jodhaa, the sometimes-feisty-sometimes-graceful leading lady, Aishwarya Rai is wonderfully restrained and uses her eyes expertly to communicate so much, making this one of her finest outings on screen.

Hrithik Roshan, as Akbar, oozes confidence and delivers a career-best performance as the unflinching emperor. Not only does he transform physically to become the part, he gets under the emotional skin of the character and makes it his own. I cannot think of any other actor who could play this better.

Fact or fiction, Jodhaa Akbar is an engaging, involving movie-going experience, and puts Gowariker right up there on the very short list of India ’s finest filmmakers. No prizes for guessing, I’m going with four out of five and two thumbs up for Ashutosh Gowariker’s Jodhaa Akbar, it’s a modern masterpiece that will be celebrated for years to come.

Rating: 4 / 5 (Very Good)

(Courtesy-CNN-IBN)

Kareena in IDIOTS with Aamir Khan

2008-02-15T07:54:00.001-08:00

Shahrukh Khan may not be doing Raj Kumar Hirani’s Idiot however the director ain’t crying! Hirani has managed to get perfectionist Aamir Khan on board along with Kareena Kapoor, John Abraham, Saif Ali Khan and Kajol! Reads like a dream cast doesn’t it?

Idiots is loosely based on Chetan Bhagat's book Five Point Someone and set in an IIT. It revolves around a group of students who are considered idiots on the campus. But they go on to achieve something big... surprising everyone.

Imtiaz Ali Next With Saif & Kareena

2008-02-15T07:53:00.000-08:00

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali whose Jab We Met was the surprise hit of 2007 talked about his next directorial venture which would star Kareena and her present boyfriend Saif Ali Khan. Here is a short interview of the young director:

CNN-IBN: Did you expect Jab We Met to be such a big success?

Imtiaz Ali: No, I did not expect it to be a success, failure or anything. I wasn't even thinking about the fate of the movie. I was just trying to make a good film. There was very little time and all the effort and thought was in making it.

CNN-IBN: You must have met someone as bumbling and as full of life as her? (Geet, Kareena Kapoor’s character)

Imtiaz Ali: Lots of them. The problem is that I have met a lot of girls who are like Geet and no one girl who is exactly like Geet. Most of them have been Punjabi girls and most of them I have met in Delhi.
CNN-IBN: After the stupendous success of Jab We Met, what next?

Imtiaz Ali: Another movie and another after that. But yes, I have written a story. I am working on that and will hopefully start shooting middle of the year. There's Saif and Deepika in it.

CNN-IBN: Same genre - love story?

Imtiaz Ali: It's not in the same genre but yes, it's a relationship oriented story.
(Courtesy-CNN-IBN)

Shilpa Shetty in James Bond Movie Quantum of Solace

2008-02-15T07:51:00.000-08:00

Shilpa Shetty continues her love affair with everything foreign, which kind of makes sense since on home ground her career didn’t exactly take off! According to folks over at Cinematical, the actress is now part of the next James Bond movie!Shilpa’s name appeared on the IMDB page under the Quantum of Solace cast section and her character’s name is Devi (how imaginative!).

Karan Johar on His New Film With Kajol and SRK

2008-02-15T07:49:00.000-08:00

Karan Johar after the fiasco of KANK is done with themes of adultery. His next project is tentatively titled “Khan” and will star his dream team of Kajol and Shahrukh Khan. Some excerpts from an interview:

So you finally got your dream team together?

Yes, Kajol is doing my film and I’m very happy… last time, she hadn’t turned down my film, per se. I needed her to shoot out of the country for ninety days and she didn’t want to leave Nysa for such a long time. This time around I told her, ‘I need you. You just have to do my film.’ That was it.

The SRK-Kajol jodi comes with expectations.
I’d like people not to think of the kind of love story they have in their head. This is very screenplay-driven. I have just cast the actors that are required for the film. I haven’t looked at SRK and Kajol as a pair. It’s been written by Shibaji Bhatija and she has done a great job. But I am pertified, mortified and absolutely hysterical about directing this film. I even asked Shibani after reading the first draft, ‘Do you think I am the right person to direct this?’ The tone of the film is such. All I can say is that in my entire career this is possibly the biggest risk I am taking.

A bigger risk than KANK?
KANK, for me, turned out to be a risk. I didn’t venture out knowing it would turn out to be risky. I really don’t know which way this film will go. I hope it goes the way I want it to, because it’s an important film, irrespective of who’s in it or who makes it. But I don’t think there is a better cast than Shah Rukh and Kajol for this film.

Who do you think is most equipped to make it?
Mani Ratnam.

It’s called My Name Is Khan? Or just Khan?
Actually, the title is the only thing that is not final about it. I am still trying to get a title which is my preference, and I hope I get it. But there will definitely be Khan in the title.

Tell me about the film?
It’s an emotional drama (laughs). The other day someone called me and said, ‘Hey, I heard you are making a film called My Name is King Khan and it’s based on SRK’s life.’ I said ‘No, it’s an emotional love story. It’s about a man and his wife but there are a lot of issues and very interesting plot points.’

Finalised the remaining cast for the film?
No. Right now, only Shah Rukh and Kajol are on board; and let me tell you, that was done just two days ago. I was telling Kajol, it didn’t happen the last time around but this time I have to do this movie with both of you. I had to direct this film with them.

Have you seen promos of her film, U, Me Aur Hum?
I have seen one promo and it’s always great to see Kajol. She told me that working with Ajay was like working with the finest director she’s ever worked with. So I am really excited to see the film.

The best she’s worked with? And you didn’t take that as a personal insult!
No! Kajol is a very clever girl and she said that he has directed her amazingly and he has made her look fabulous. I have watched one song from the film and it’s beautiful. I’d gone across to their new house, which is beautiful and Ajay played it for me.

Oh, bonding with Mr D??
It’s all good, yaar. I don’t know how all these stories start. Things between Ajay and me have always been civil, and now they are warm. When I meet him, we chat. I may not have a one-to-one like I have with Kajol but it’s always wonderful to talk to him.

Has Kajol forgiven you for not inviting her for Farah’s baby shower that you hosted?
(Laughs) I’d invited her. I’d told her that it was happening and she had to come but I forgot to tell her the date. But that’s okay. Farah’s cool, so is Kajol. (Laughs some more) I am quite a cadet when it comes to these things, I need lists.

Do you feel the burden of expectations from your next film?
Always. I am complexed, insecure, shaky… everything. Success means nothing. Every day is a new beginning. I still feel like I am yet to make a film I am completely proud of. That I would turn back the clock and say, ‘I don’t need to change a thing.’ Whichever film of mine I watch, I cringe in parts, I get angry with myself... I ask myself, ‘why did I do this?’ I feel I haven’t made a film that is flawless. No filmmaker will tell you he or she has made the perfect film. For me, each film has regrets. I want a hundred per cent satisfation.

How do you view other director’s films?
I always look at other directors films and say, ‘Oh God! They are all so much better than me.’ When I saw Chak De! India, I was blown away by the tone of this movie, I could never achieve it. When I saw Taare Zameen Par, I was like, ‘I don’t have the guts to make this film.’ I am always in awe.

How many films do you have in you?
I think, a hundred. Everyday there is a film made inside me. Every time I see a relationship, or witness an emotional moment, I want to capture it. I am all about borrowing from real people, their lives and make movies about them. So I meet somebody, or hear a story, it makes me want to make a film about it. I wish I could. But unfortunately, I can’t.

I would really like to see you do a ‘real’ film. Based on a true story, I mean.
Actually, the film that I am directing now, is half true. It’s based on a true story.

You are joking!
Not at all. I can’t really talk about this but it’s based on a real-life couple and something that happened to them. They are based out of this country. We have fictionalised the second half but the first half is based on a completely true story. The second half begins with what happens to the protagonist, then Shibani fictionalised what could have happened and it works for me totally.

They know you are making a film about their life?
Yes, they do, and I have officially bought the rights to their life.

You can do that??
Ok, bought rights to their story. I think they were also in need... in terms of... Actually don’t want to go there. I just felt that I needed to compensate them.

Are you and SRK jointly getting into production and launching three movies?
Shah Rukh has Red Chillies, and I have Dharma, but we are kind of together anyway. We are producing our own films but any deal that I strike, it’s always in consultation with Shah Rukh and he will be a part of it. So he and I are one in any case, even though we are not one on paper. Anything I do, I run it by him first. Any decision he takes, we discuss. So it’s like Red Chillies and Dharma are the same.

Will you co-produce?
We might, of course. That could be the future. I think we are two forces that could very well combine together. In essence, we already are one. I have a joke with Aryan (SRK’s son) I always tell him, ‘you better be nice to me, someday you will inherit everything that I have.’ I always ask him, ‘you want my Bandra house, or ‘you want my town house?’

As long as you are feeling generous, I’ll take your office.
Ha, ha… sure. But seriously, SRK’s kids are really the closest I am going to get to kids for a while. So they get everything.

Directing, modelling, designing, TV show, hosting live shows. Anything new on the agenda?
I get really strange offers. Especially acting ones. For some reason, people think I can act. Of course, I don’t take them up.

Offers from who? Please tell.
No, no. You don’t even want to know. Let me tell you they have not been from any great names. (laughs)

Not Mani Ratnam?
(Cracks up) No, from him, I mean I would totally consider it if he offered me a role. I think I have pretty much done everything I ever wanted to do. I have done it all… my primary passion is making movies. Everything else is extra-curricular. My big dream is Dharma Productions. That’s more my father’s dream than mine. He wanted it to be huge and be known all over the world.

You have already done that…
I want to make it much bigger. I have been making one film in two years. Now I want to do three films a year, and who knows where I will go after that… if that experiment or endeavour is successful. I will take it from there.

And you obviously cannot direct three films a year.
That’s why we have a host of new talent. A host of new directors: Tarun, Siddharth Malhotra and Renzil. They are all first-timers and they’re making films for me. Then I have an animation film being made. We are officially launching four films, one after the other.

Tell me about the film.
My animation film is called Kootchie Kootchie Hota Hai takes off from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. It’s KKHH with dogs, cats, orangutans, pigs, donkeys and all sorts of animals. It’s an animal world but like a human world. The amenities are what you and I are used to. They have schools, colleges, hospitals, and we have…

Prada?
(sniggers) Ummm, you never know… I am the Devil and I cannot do without Prada. But we are collaborating with Prana, who are experts in animation and they are are co-producing the film.

You lost your temper with Mannish Goel on Say Shaava Shaava.
I just felt that he wasn’t sporting enough. You cannot be in the entertainment business and be this sensitive. You have to learn to handle it better. You cannot get emotional and cry over a comment on the show. I can say this because I have all kinds of things written about me in newspapers and magazines. And I just laugh it off. If I didn’t, I would be a basket case. There is a guy called Shubbu or something who writes a blog about me. He is obsessed about me. Everyday he gets up and vents against me. I find his blog very entertaining. I read it everyday.

Ever commented on it?
I tried to, but you have to become a member to do that and I find that such a bother.

Will you meet this blogger?
I would love to meet him. He is the only person I know, who is more obsessed with me than I am with myself.

"Shahrukh More Popular Than Pope": Says German Media

2008-02-15T07:48:00.001-08:00

As German fans drooled over Shah Rukh Khan, the national media shed its perceptions of "bullock cart India" and trained its attention on the Bollywood superstar when he landed here, with one journalist even saying "he is as popular as the Pope".

Shah Rukh was here for the screening of Om Shanti Om at the Berlin Film Festival. Some German television channels suddenly turned their cameras from the Hollywood glitterati to Khan as excited fans let out loud shrieks to greet him at the Berlinale Friday night.

Some channels narrated details of Khan's personal life, his wife Gauri and their two children.
The German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, which was highly critical about India and Indians until the mid-1990s, when the world began to notice the South Asian country's economic and technological prowess, said that many people from all over Europe had descended on Berlin to see their favourite star.

"He is as popular as the Pope, but he (Khan) has more sex appeal," wrote Ekkehard Knoerer in the Berlin tabloid Die Tageszeitung, while trying to capture the mood at the Berlinale.

Many Germany-based Indians and their German friends agree that two factors have gradually changed perceptions about "bullock cart India", as it was contemptuously referred to in the past by the German media which often resorted to clich s of beggars with maimed bodies on the streets, the sacred cows, the corrupt politicians and the catastrophes.

"The IT revolution and Bollywood have together contributed to a vastly improved image of India's prowess," said Rudolf Schweizer, a German businessman who frequently visits Bangalore and Hyderabad to oversee work contracted to Indian companies.

"India, along with China, is seen as an economic powerhouse and one of the two fastest growing economies of the world," he added.

Shah Rukh Friday also announced that he had plans to direct a film in Berlin, but admitted that he had no concrete dates for the shooting.

A spokesman of Eros Entertainment, a film distribution company which has handled many Bollywood blockbusters in Germany, said that 50 prints of Om Shanti Om or OSO, as it is popularly known, would be distributed all over Germany.

"We hope this film will also open the entire European market for us," he added.

Aside from the film's star-studded cast, particularly Shah Rukh, the theme of reincarnation as depicted in OSO fascinates Germans, many of whom are drawn to Hindu philosophy and the teachings of Indian gurus.

"It's a different and very interesting perspective for many Germans. We may not entirely understand the nuances of Indian culture, but rebirth and reincarnation appeal to many of us," Ursula Roth, who works as a teacher near Berlin, told IANS.

Perhaps it is the "illogical and supernatural aspect of the subject which appeals to an otherwise logical-minded people", Roth tried to explain the phenomenal German interest in OSO.

Bollywood has also created a greater interest in Indian cuisine and it is not uncommon to find many Germans frequently shopping for spices in Indian grocery stores that are sprouting in many German cities.

In capital Berlin alone, the number of Indian restaurants has risen sharply from 150 in 2001 to 250 now, according to the Berlin Economic Development Agency.

"This increase augurs well for our business," says an employee of Choudry Food Traders, which supplies all kinds of products to Indian restaurants and also sells them in its own store.

Hrithik Roshan - The Great Gambler

2008-02-15T07:17:00.000-08:00

DESCRIPTION: 5 block busters in a row, a body to die for, an infamous and unforgettable kiss, an epic romance on the way and a portrayal of royalty with Jodhaa Akbar on the threshold of release - Hrithik Roshan couldn't have asked for more. Take a look as Bollywood Hungama puts together some snapshots of the ups and downs of this Bollywood's hunk and of course what is Hrithik Roshan looking for in the future. A Must Watch. A Bollywood Hungama Exclusive!

Link-http://www.indiafm.com/broadband/video/Special-Features/2ffRgP46/2/Hrithik-Roshan-The-Great-Gambler.html
(Courtesy-Indiafm)

First Day First Show Of Jodhaa Akbar

2008-02-15T07:16:00.000-08:00

Link-http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/broadband/video/First-Day-First-Show/YbfkGT55/3/First-Day-First-Show-Of-Jodhaa-Akbar.html

"Jodhaa Akbar has been tough" - Hrithik Roshan

2008-02-15T07:14:00.000-08:00

By Subhash K. Jha, February 15, 2008 - 16:07 IST

Hrithik Roshan is in the mood to do more work this year, to loosen up, and to have more fun while working. With his first costume drama and a second child around the corner, life never looked rosier for Hrithik. He speaks to Subhash K Jha

After Jodhaa Akbar, you shot an ad. Was it a deliberate effort to lighten the load?
Fortunately, for me I enjoyed both equally. In fact, I've enjoyed everything I've done so far. Jodhaa Akbar has been tough. Luckily, people are looking forward to it. Some for the grandeur and ambience and others, so that they get an opportunity to throw some tomatoes on the screen. I'm happy that everyone is motivated to come for the film.

You were quoted as saying you'd never do a historical again.
Not true. I might've said that in a specific context. But I'd definitely not do another one for a long time. It's such a momentous opportunity. Doing it again would make it less sublime. When you think of period you think of a grandeur that's hard to replicate. I don't think I'd want to get into that space for a long time.

Has Jodhaa Akbar been especially taxing?
None of my films has been easy. Krissh and Dhoom 2 have been as physically and emotionally taxing as Jodhaa Akbar. I've enjoyed it so much. And I wouldn't do a historical for the same reasons that I wouldn't do a Dhoom for a long time. Dhoom and Jodhaa Akbar covered two genres exhaustively. Now it's time to move on.

But playing Akbar would be radically different from playing Buddha? Apparently Shyam Benegal offered you Buddha?
I'm sure Buddha would be a great subject and wonderful characters to explore. But again, playing Siddharth is about amours and horses. And I've been there, done that. The ambience, the country and the language would require a similar discipline for me. I wouldn't mind doing a period-fantasy like Pirates of the Caribbean. It's always fun to bounce off into the other extreme. Dhoom helped me to get excited and challenged about Jodhaa Akbar. It was a challenge for both Ash and me. Now I want to do something entirely contemporary.

That brings me to the question of how open the audience is to watching Aishwarya and you do a costume drama after the fiercely contemporary Dhoom 2.
It's always a challenge for any actor to make the audiences forget not just the outside world, but everything that they've seen before on screen, to suck you completely into the magic of the moment and to make the audience exhilarated. You are asking me if Jodhaa Akbar does that or not. Only the audience can answer that. For me the film is already a success. The Box-Office is only going to be a bonus, hopefully.

This is your first collaboration with Ashutosh Gowariker…
Yes. My primary motivation for doing Jodhaa Akbar was to mingle with a mind that'd be as alert and innovative as Ashutosh's. I knew he'd help me explore a different facet of my acting. He helped me go to places in my psyche I had never gone to before. It's been great fun. Ashutosh is a damn good combination of intelligent preparation and spontaneity. He comes fully prepared. But has the guts to throw it out of the window, if he so wishes. He has the power to turn the scenes around in your head. Sometimes he'd whisper a thought in my ear. And my entire being would be reverberating with that emotion, and with the desire to express it in front of the camera. Then you look back on the shot and you whistle in admiration and pride. Different films offer me different tunings with the director. Jodhaa Akbar has benefited me immensely as an actor.

You're doing a lot of ads. Do they provide the same creative substance as feature films?
I give the same level of commitment to whatever I do. Otherwise, I can't do it. It's not a matter in which I've a choice. Giving my best is the only option I have. I'd say working in ads and feature films are different, and, also yet the same. Ads give you a chance to explore areas that perhaps feature films do not. The dimensions are smaller. It's quickly in and out. One is able to experiment without having to shoulder the responsibility. An ad doesn't really affect your career. So it's more fun. As an actor it's my responsibility to put myself in spaces I'm not comfortable with all the time.

Is it a challenge to say the whole story on just 90 seconds?
That's the director's challenge. Sometimes it's restrictive for the actor. I don't think an actor should be asked to accommodate his discipline to the duration of the film. So, ads do cramp you. They don't allow the thorough process to flow that freely. It becomes a little artificial at times. And that's something I try to avoid at any cost.

Would you like to be a slip-in-slip-out actor?
I'd want that. I think acting is about developing your skills to such an extent that you can command it at your will. That confidence when you have the experience and the body of work. Hopefully, some day, I'll be slipping in slipping out and forgetting my roles once I'm done.

I don't look forward to that day….
I do. Believe me, I do. That's why I enjoy doing ads. Like I said the responsibility lessens. I shoulder less responsibility and have more fun in ads.

Having to dance in all your ad…is that an irritant?
It might become annoying for viewers. I mean you may enjoy eating mangoes. But you can't keep eating them all the time. I think it's better to get cautious about the dancing before it gets excessively in-your-face. Now some of the ad-makers agree with me on this.

You like to work only with like-minded people?
Yeah. There's no point being okay with mediocrity. And you can only be heading towards mediocrity if the effort isn't collaborative enough.

Do you feel you've so far achieved what you set out to?
One of life's greatest lessons is that you never reach the summit. I've seen my dad achieve more success than anyone else. Mine pales in comparison. I still see him tensed, fearful, anxious, unsure and ready to fight every time he starts a new film. I don't want to reach that summit where I say, 'Ah, I've arrived' Right now, that place doesn't even exist in my head.
(Courtesy-Indiafm)

"In terms of scale, I had never seen sets and the backdrop before like in Jodhaa Akbar" - Aishwarya Rai

2008-02-15T07:11:00.000-08:00

Shockingly, the temperature in Mumbai had recently fallen to an all-time low of 8 degree Celsius. But the atmosphere inside Mehboob studios was hot. Why? Because Aishwarya Rai was present in the studio doing interviews for the promotion of Jodhaa Akbar.

My appointment was scheduled at 5 pm, however, I got to meet her at 10 pm. But five hours was worth a wait to meet the former Miss World turned actress-now-turned Mrs. Bachchan.

You've been a part of three big costume dramas - Devdas, Umrao Jaan and now Jodhaa Akbar. Can't it get any bigger than this?
(Laughs) You know, the person I really pose this question to, is Nitin Chandrakant Desai. Though he didn't work on Umrao Jaan, but when he worked on Devdas, the sets were so huge and incredible, that I never thought it could get any bigger than that. In terms of scale, here we were working on a movie of this grandeur and magnitude, Jodhaa Akbar, and never before, had I seen sets and the backdrop like in this film. It transported us into another era.

You said in your earlier interviews, that the way in which films are made in the West, are completely diverse to the way they are made here. But that's films. What about your audiences? Are they any different?
To be specific, I had said that in terms of the start date and the end date. That's the way the overseas films are scheduled and I'm not complaining. In the West, the way of working is very methodic. Over here, it's an emotional experience and a family gathering. Everyone is very accommodative. As far as the audiences are concerned, the one very over-whelming aspect about the Indian and overseas fans is that their love for Hindi cinema is incomparable. It can't be defined and it's there to be experienced.

Is it physically challenging to be doing stunts like fencing, riding on elephants, etc. when you are a part of such a big epic?
There was a lot to do, but it was Akbar (Hrithik) who had to go through the challenges. The princess, (that's me), had to do very little sword fighting and an even lesser horse riding, but, overall, I had a good time in whatever I did.

Does that mean you are adventurous?
Yes, I love to do action. My first taste of it was in the making of The Last Legion. I remember when I read the script of Jodhaa Akbar; there were mentions of some fight sequences. But in the final scripting, the scenes were cut on the editing table. But I have no complaints though I would've loved to do a bit more action.

You 'provoked' the U.K audiences with your career's best performance in Provoked. You melt your audiences' heart every time they visit Madame Tussauds. What are you going to do next?
(Laughs) My fans have been so supportive that they've allowed me to realize my dream when I started out in cinema. The industry has been very generous and by the grace of God, I've been spoilt for choice in terms of the kind of the offers coming my way. I don't know whether I've been wise or not in my choices, but I just did a film because I wanted to do or I felt like or both. Provoked was a very vital story to be told and I'm glad that my fans and critics have appreciated the film and my performance. The same goes with Madame Tussauds. It's my audiences love and support that has got me in there.

You wished Jodhaa had Abhishek or Akbar?
(Laughs) I've got Abhishek, so Jodhaa can definitely have Akbar.

A.R.Rahman in Guru and now in Jodhaa Akbar. Two different eras, one music maestro. Are you disappointed somehow when you hear that Jodhaa Akbar's music isn't living up to it's expectations, or do you think that it will pick up after the film's release?
The case with Rahman's music is that it grows on you and it stays with you for a very long time. That's him. The special factor about a movie like Jodhaa Akbar and a filmmaker like Ashutosh Gowariker is that he is not compromising in terms of trying to make music that would just be a trend or something that would necessarily be dubbed as popular. He had absolute clarity in the fact that he was here making music for an epic romance and not a historical film. As you rightly pointed out, when you watch the movie, you will relate to his choices as to why he chose those tunes and lyrics for the music of this film.

Ashutosh Gowariker's Lagaan went to the Oscars. Where would you wish Jodhaa Akbar to lead?
To the hearts of my audiences.

Period costume dramas haven't really worked at the Box Office, as far as the figures are concerned. Are you at all afraid of failure?
Movies like Jodhaa Akbar don't get made every day and I'm thankful that a director like Ashutosh, who is also the producer of the film, had the conviction to follow his dream and make the movie rather than succumb to these doubts, fears and apprehensions. The beauty of cinema is that it's there forever to be embraced at whichever point in time, by the audiences. Nobody has a place in this industry who is afraid. Everyone just enjoys cinema and respects it too.

This is your first UTV film ever since you've become an actress. How does that feel and were you aware of it?
Wow! That's something I didn't know. Oh my God! Ronnie Screwvala and me have interacted so many times that I've never made a note of this fact. I'm glad that it has finally happened. There were so many ideas we have discussed and kudos to Ronnie for supporting the movies, he has been a part of, for all these years. He has backed and has been a part of the current big movement that we are seeing and experiencing in Hindi cinema and to be a part of his production is simply an honour.

What was your experience like working with Hrithik?
Working with Hrithik was wonderful but I wouldn't use the word 'was' because during the music launch he was saying, "We shouldn't be meeting up after couple of years and saying - 'That is the way it was.' So yes… I'd like both of us to share screen space again. He is also very focused, committed and very healthy in terms of his food habits. I'm also glad that we both have worked back to back in two different types of films - Dhoom 2 and now Jodhaa Akbar.

What was so different in the costumes you've put on in Umrao Jaan and now in Jodhaa Akbar? Or do you think that you've started off from where you left?
I'm glad you've at least asked this and cared to observe the costumes. Yes, both the films you've mentioned are set in another period. The backdrops are very different. From being a courtesan to a Rajput Princess, the journey was very diverse in terms of the look, the make-up, the hair and the costumes. In Jodhaa Akbar, I've really darkened my hair and have got light brown hair. I've also put on dark lenses. My costumes in Jodhaa Akbar are heavy, bright and colourful as compared to Umrao Jaan.

Any message for your fans?
Believe you me, Love conquers all.
(Courtesy-Indiafm)

Unusual Couple

2008-02-15T07:09:00.001-08:00

'Khwaja Mere Khwaja is very spiritual to me' - A R Rahman

2008-02-15T06:59:00.000-08:00

One of the most haunting numbers A R Rahman has composed in recent years, the fabulous Khwaja Mere Khwaja, was not originally meant for the film, Jodhaa Akbar. In fact, it was not meant for any film at all.

"I've been going to the Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty shrine for almost 15 years," Rahman says as he gets discussing the five songs he has composed for Ashutosh Gowariker's historical and the passion he poured in the background score of the film. "I wanted to do a song on Khwajasahib for a movie for a long time. But it was not possible."

'I composed it just for me to listen to'

And then one fine day, in 2005, he decided to compose the song. "I composed it just for me to listen to," Rahman continues. "When Ashutosh told me the story of Jodhaa Akbar and about the influences of Sufis and Khwaja sahib, I told him of the song I had composed. He asked me to play it to him and he remarked immediately, 'I love it, I want to use it in my film.'

"So I told him only if you can give him (Khwaja Chishty) the respect he deserves, he can use it in the film," Rahman adds.

"He did not change anything of what I composed for the film," he continues. "We had to use interludes and extra sounds for the new version but the song has been put to great use in the film. The song was originally titled Kashif, for the person who wrote it. He was a very spiritual person as well. Therefore, the song is very spiritual to me."

In the film, much of the song is pictured on Haidar Ali, who wrote the film's story and collaborated with Gowariker on the script.

"Ashutosh told me he would use the song in a sequence showing Akbar triumphant," Rahman continued. "He is married to a Rajput princess and he had made an important political alliance. But he also sees a spiritual light as he watches the singers and dancers. It is accompanied with a Rumistic, Sufi kind of dance."

The first song in the film is the semi classical Man Mohana. A short version of the song is used at a crucial part. The longer version is played later when Akbar (Hrithik Roshan) holds court that includes Muslim theologians, who are not happy with his marriage to a Rajput princess (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) who is allowed to have a temple in the palace.

"It's a lovely song," Rahman says. "But if you listen to it several times, you will also notice it is quite a complex composition. The song was created keeping Aishwarya in mind. Ashutosh believed that she could sing the song because he heard her sing part of it. But then she had scheduling problems, and the track was recorded in Bela Shende's voice. He liked it; it had a sense of purity. So he left it that way."

Bela, whose voice was heard in the Shah Rukh Khan film, Paheli, worked with Rahman for the first time in Jodhaa Akbar.

Rahman also remembered how he wanted Abhishek Bachchan to sing the song, Ek Lo Ek Muft, in Guru. It was finally sung by Bappi Lahiri because Abhishek was busy shooting for a film in London.

(Courtesy-Rediff News)

PREMIERE - JODHAA AKBAR

2008-02-15T04:31:00.000-08:00

Stars Gather For Jodhaa Akbar Premiere.
The epic of Ashutosh Gowarikar ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ premiered at the IMAX theatre in Mumbai. The grand event saw the cream of Bollywood attending the function.

JODHAA AKBAR - MOVIE REVIEW

2008-02-15T04:23:00.000-08:00

Jodhaa Akbar "The Eternal Love Story", Ashutosh Gorwarikar fifth movie after setting a record of giving 2 back to back hits "Swades" and "Lagaan", the expectations tied to his upcoming venture were definitely high. The question always remained could Ashutosh Gorwarikar pull a Hatrick with his Latest but most delayed venture "Jodhaa Akbar". The answer is Yes, Ashutosh pulls a Hatrick with a masterpiece like "Jodhaa Akbar"

Jodhaa Akbar is not only special and important for Ashutosh Gorwarikar but its also special to the entire cast and crew.
1) Its Aishwarya Rai Bachchan first film after her marriage
2) Hrithik Roshan steps on to silver screen after giving a hit with "Krissh" and "Dhoom2"
3) Hot pair of "Dhoom 2" Hrithik Roshan and Aishwariya Rai (Bachchan) come together once again after creating alot of Dhoom with "Dhoom 2".
4) Not only the hit pair of "Dhoom 2" stars in Jodhaa Akbar but the duo Ashutosh and A.R.Rahman come together once again with some extraordinary music for another period film.
5) Mr Amitabh Bachchan lending a hand in the promotion of Jodhaa Akbar.

Need any more reasons....

To start of with "Jodhaa Akbar" has been in news for all the wrong "reasons"
a) There was a controversy on the issue whether or not Jodhaa Bai was an actual being and it was politically incorrect to conjure up the "Love" story between Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar and Jodhaa Bai.
b) The Whole "Tu Tu Main Main" between the Bachchan family and Roshan family over the so called controverisal kiss in "Dhoom 2"
c) Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan daggers drawn at each other while shooting
d) The release date of the movie pushed forward from October 12, 2007 - Feburary 15, 2008.
e) Aishwarya Rai's nakhra's to Ashutosh's ghussa
f) Issues with the length of the movie being cut from 4 hrs to 3.20 - Most people raised issues whether Ashutosh was conveying a love story or a lullaby...

However after all the Hush Hush, secretive shooting and spending almost Rs 40 Crores on a period film, one could say that Ashutosh Gorwarikar has made a Hatrick with his latest period film " Jodhaa Akbar." Most capturing aspect of Jodhaa Akbar is touches the soul of millions out there who could relate back to historical love story with its up's and down.

Now For the story:

Jodhaa Akbar is the untold love story between Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar and Jodhaa Bai. Set in the sixteenth century Jodhaa Akbar, entails a love story about a marriage of alliance that gave birth to true love between a great Mughal Emperor, Akbar [Hrithik Roshan] and a Rajput princess, Jodhaa[Aishwarya Rai Bachchan]. Politically, success knew no bounds for Emperor Akbar, after having secured the Hindu Kush, he furthered his realm by conquest until his empire extended from Afghanistan to the Bay of Bengal, and from the Himalayas to the Godhavari River.

Through a shrewd blend of tolerance, generosity and force, Akbar won the allegiance of the Rajputs, the most belligerent Hindus. But little did Akbar know that when he married Jodhaa, a fiery Rajput princess, in order to further strengthen his relations with the Rajputs, he would in turn be embarking upon a new journey - the journey of true love. The daughter of King Bharmal of Amer [Kulbhushan Kharbanda], Jodhaa resented being reduced to a mere political pawn in this marriage of alliance, and Akbar's biggest challenge now did not merely lie in winning battles, but in winning the love of Jodhaa - a love hidden deep below resentment and extreme prejudice. Jodhaa Akbar is their untold love story.

They say "The more the viewer is inquisitive about you film the better it is". That certainly holds true for "Jodhaa Akbar", most of the newer generation including the old one were quite familiar with the tale of Akbar being bestowed with his son Salim, the Eternal Love story of Anarkli and Salim, Jodhaa bai being the pillar of support for Akbar and her son Salim. But how was it that an arranged marriage between an Empreor Akbar and feisty princess Jodhaa end up with a successful marriage when youngsters today reject the idea of "arranged marriages". Everyone saw Emperor Akbar as a fighter, a stern father but nobody ever saw his side of a husband and a friend, similarly we saw Jodhaa Bai as mother torn between her husband and son but how was her relationship alone with Akbar 10 years before Salim was born.

As a moviegoers one is remain glued to their seats right from the first frame to the last frame, the anxiousness, the anxiety creeps up and you hope and pray that the Movie's worth the watch. With a terrific star cast and crew, Director Ashutosh Gorwarikar tugs at the hurt of the moviegoers. To attempt a movie like "Jodhaa Akbar", it takes alot to of courage, knowledge and perseverance to come up with an imaginary yet close to heart love story.

Some of the magical moments trapped in the director and cinematographers camera
a) Hrithik taming an out of control elephant. No actor would even attempt going near an wild animal and to capture the right the emotions during the scene while not thinking about jeopardizing your life... leaves one stunned.
b)The two pre-conditions set by Jodhaa, before her marriage to Akbar. Who would think women at the time of 16th century would have the guts to put conditions on her own marriage instead of being submissive we see a new side to the 16th century women.
c) Jodhaa's fiery and feisty nature of cooking her own meal and being independent. Yet again touching the aspect of dependency on your "servants "and turning to be an independent woman clears the misconception about the women around 16th century.
d) Intermission where thread of trust weakens between Akbar and Jodhaa. Well enacted scene by Hrithik and Aishwarya, makes you want to stay glued to seat anticipating what will happen next.
e) The sword fight between Jodhaa Bai and Akbar
f) Finally the Climax of the "Jodhaa Akbar" leaves you spell bounded and speechless.

Ashutosh Gowariker has given the film a grand look, captured intricate details minutely and handled the theme beautifully. He captures your attention right from the first frame to last frame. One is entranced and awestruck with beautiful visuals. Full points to Haidar Ali and Ashutosh for writing a close to heart "Love Story" between Emperor Akbar and Jodhaa Bai. Gowariker leads the way as a director first, and as much as the man behind the story and screenplay.

"Jodhaa Akbar" is embellished with great cinematography ([Kiran Deohans] she uses uses color and camera to bring out the mood in each scene, with some of the most authentic sets recreated by [Nitin Desai], to the brilliant dialogues by [K.P. Saxena], summing up fantastic editing [Ballu Saluja] and soulful music by [A.R. Rahman]. Special mention to [Neeta Lulla] for creating 16th century era costumes and jewelry with attention being paid to the finest detail for every piece.

A R Rahman´s background score combines with Kiran Deohans for a strong audio-visual impact. The songs impress by themselves, and instrumental notes from the songs work brilliantly in the background track - that keeps you listening and appreciating it from the titles to the credits at the end. The songs blend into the movie with Javed Akhtar´s mesmerizing lyrics. To compose music for such a film needs lot of dedication, imagination, research and understanding of directors vision and Rahman pulls it off with great élan. One can't imagine anyone else coming up with such a score which not only compliments the movie so well, also raises the bar for Ashutosh to make the visuals even more enticing in which Ashutosh and Kiran excel.

Coming to performances Jodhaa Akbar doesnt work only because of the mastermind behind the camera but also by some of the outstanding performances by the lead and supporting actors. After watching "Jodhaa Akbar" its difficult to imagine anyone elese playing the role of Emperor Akbar. Hrithik enacts his role to "T", the confidence and grace that Emperor would need, he embodies the role like a pro. Truly a mind-boggling performance. Aishwarya Rai gives her best performance to date. She uses her emotive eyes to the best of her ability. She essays the role of Jodhaa Bai with alot of grace and elegance and ends it a flawless performance. However the film doesnt rest on Hrithik and Aishwarya's shoulders but the supporting cast also add the trump card for the movie, rite from Kulbushan Kharbanda, Sonu Sood , Nikitin Dheer , Ila Arun, Punam S. Sinha add to finese of the movie.

On the whole, Jodhaa Akbar is one of the finest work directed by Ashutosh, A brilliant film indeed. A must watch for Everyone!! and truly a treat Ashutosh's, Hrithik's and Aishwarya's fans.

Reader's say :-
1. I watched it.. its a must watch.. dont miss it..
2. Hrithik's career best performance.. Emperor Roshan!
3. Excellent love story though I found Hrithik lacked depth as Akbar. Aishwarya was very good

Saif-Kareena: no romance on V Day

2008-02-14T17:57:00.001-08:00

Bollywood will be celebrating love on this Valentine’s Day. Most of the couples in Bollywood are planning to knot this year. All are set for Valentine’s Day except the most talk about couple, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.

This will be Saif and Kareena’s first Valentine Day. We quizzed Kareena about their Valentines Day plan and she surprised us by saying that the duo will not be celebrating it.

Isn’t it surprising that a couple, who is very much in love, will not be celebrating it? Kareena quickly replies, “I don’t think we will be able to meet on that day as I will be shooting for Golamaal Returns while Saif will be in Europe, so there will be no celebration.”

When asked her to define love and commitment she said, “The word love and commitment itself defines their meaning. I can’t express it in words.” Well Kareena’s cant but her beau certainly did. Saif, who is madly in love with her has already expressed his love for Kareena. He has tattooed her name on his forearm. Isn’t it enough to show the intensity of his love Bebo!
(Courtesy-Indiatimes Movies)

Aishwarya Rai says no to Robot?

2008-02-14T17:54:00.000-08:00

Now here's the story of the day, if the grapevine is to be believed

Now here's the story of the day, if the grapevine is to be believed, Aishwarya after officially agreeing to be a part of director Shankar's most ambitious film Robot opposite superstar Rajnikanth, has turned down the offer. The latest development comes as a surprise, since it was officially announced sometime back that Ash is going to be the leading lady opposite Rajinikanth,
but now our sources insists that it's almost certain that Ms Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will no longer be a part of the project. For all those who came in late, it was rumoured that Ash was offered a whopping 6 crore for the movie.

We wonder what made her turn down the lucrative offer. Now the big question... is Ms Aishwarya Rai Bachchan pregnant?

The plot thickens..
(Courtesy-Indiatimes Movies)

“Romance is the oomph factor in my life”

2008-02-14T17:50:00.000-08:00

It’s not for nothing that Preity Zinta is often termed as the ‘Preity Miss Sunshine’! With her friendly demeanour and magnetic charm (especially when she flashes her trademark dimple) this eternal optimist manages to make you believe that the world indeed is full of love and happiness! A diehard romantic at heart, this Valentines’ day, Preity reveals what makes her so in a candid tete-a-tete with Renuka Vyavahare over a cup of tea at her plush office in Bandra!

Romance to you is...
Life! Romance brings happiness in your life. It brings a smile on your face! At times it even drives you crazy with anger and makes you want to kill yourself (laughs) but romance essentially is the oomph factor in my life.

So you must be in love with Valentines’ day as well.
As long as anything propagates love, talks about love, why not? You don’t need an occasion to celebrate love but with so much hatred around, why not propagate love when it is so beautiful? As long as I get gifts why not celebrate V-day? (smiles)

So what gifts are you expecting this year?
God has already gifted me with a Cricket team of 20 players! I am so excited! I can say I have 20 new valentines in my life this year (if you use this as your headline I’ll kill you!) My every film has been my baby and I feel the same for this project but can’t say I have 20 new children now as it will sound odd! (laughs)

What about getting married in real life and having children?
I am like any other normal girl! I will get married and have children but there is a time for everything. When the right time comes things will fall in place.

How would you like to spend today this year?
For me V-day is the day to feel special, get flowers and feel good about myself. I’ve been leading a hectic life of late as I am running around attending IPL meetings and shooting for films. I’d want to spend valuable time with my loved ones without being interrupted by work or friends.

What qualities in a man attract you?
Integrity, honesty, sincerity and a strong personality is what attracts me to a man. I like people who have a strong sense of who they are. I cannot stand by a man who lies to me as I will feel insecure in his company as I won’t be able to trust him then.

So that’s your ‘Mr Right’...
Mr Right is the saddest misconception of a woman’s life. For single women who are waiting out there for the perfect guy, all I have to say is, he doesn’t exist! Nobody is perfect so a man cannot be perfect! Your expectations from a man should be realistic. You cannot sit there and wait for the right guy, just see if you are compatible with a man. When you yourself are not perfect isn’t it unfair to expect it from someone else?

And people perceive you to be a feminist!
I am a woman and do voice my concern over injustice done to women but that does not make me a bra burning psychotic chick!

With everyone getting net savvy these days, can net dating help women find their soul mates?
I am not narrow-minded but this new generation beats you, I don’t get that! I have never indulged in net dating but I could be this 6’4 tall muscle man chatting with you on the internet pretending to be someone else! It can only be a good time pass!

Would you ask a guy out?
No, I would never ask a guy out.

Will you sacrifice your career for someone you love?
A guy who truly loves you will love you the way you are. He won’t ask you to throw away your career and reduce you to being a doormat!

You are very friendly with your male –co-stars. Does that bring in any kind of insecurity in your personal relationship since Ness does not have a filmy background?
Absolutely not. I love my co-stars and I know where to draw the line. The biggsest Casanovas are my friends! People treat you the way you want to be treated. I’d rather be the girl you cannot have than the girl you can have.

Saif is your good friend too and he is seeing Kareena. Has it changed your equation with him?
No it doesn’t bother me. Kareena and I never had any particular issues. Just a rough edge here and there and frankly I prefer to be in my space and she in hers!
(Courtesy-Indiatimes Movies)

Jodhaa Akbar is a fairy tale

2008-02-14T17:42:00.000-08:00

Like all well-told fairy tales, Jodhaa Akbar takes you on an epic journey into the heart of a man and a woman. The historical setting just adds to the colours, the sights and the sounds. And for the fun the designers have had with the costumes.

To watch Jodhaa Akbar for historical accuracy is pointless. To watch it for any brilliant display of camera work or special effects is futile. Because chances are you may be hugely disappointed. Especially if you have seen other Hollywood historicals or epics on the screen. Rather, watch it for a simple tale of love.

(Also read Review1: Why you should sit through Gowariker’s dream project)

Akbar, is unlike his bloodthirsty and tyrannical predecessors, and believes in winning the hearts of people rather than conquer them by force. And what inspires him to transform himself, and in effect alter the destiny of the Mughal empire, is his own intent and one woman’s love.

To say this is Hrithik Roshan’s finest performance till date will be no exaggeration. If you have seen him in Yaadein, or for that matter Koi Mil Gaya or even Krrish, you will see how much he has matured. Scene after scene, frame after frame, Hrithik dominates.

If he is the steely emperor of Hindustan, leading his fearsome army one moment, he is the vulnerable lover, longing for the intimacy of his wife in the other.

Watch out also for the scene that seemed to be a gift to all Hrithik fans, in which he is taming a rogue elephant. And much later when he takes on his backstabbing brother-in-law, the climax of the film (well, there is no ‘battle’ to end the film on a high).

Juxtapose that with the sequence when he duels with his wife, all-playful, all-mischief, all-flirtatious. And you will have seen a range of emotions that very few actors will have displayed in a single film.
Almost.

Because our vote for the best scene would go for the Khwaja song. In this, Akbar is getting married to Jodhaa and a group of Sufi singers perform, as if in trance. As Rahman’s voice rises to a crescendo in the background (Khwaja Mere Khwaja on screen can give you goosebumps), there is a moment of epiphany for the emperor. He gets up, moves slowly towards the dancing dervishes, their white skirts twirling in the moonlight. The crowd watches in awe as the emperor joins them. His face a picture of beatitude, bliss, and his body, a picture of humility and submission to a force beyond this world.

The restraint and grace displayed by the actor is truly commendable. Especially since, it would have so easy to go overboard. In a film that is nearly four hours long, you can go home with some such gems. Aishwarya Rai, as the Rajput princess, looks every bit a fairy tale princess. She looks pretty and emotes well, though there are very few scenes with her actually. She does a rather good job of the action sequences, with the swordplay and at times the word play. She is never the wimpy weepy princess who is ‘offered’ as a peacemaker to a Mughal emperor. But rises in his esteem as a woman whose pride and honour are of utmost importance to her. She humbles her man, teaches him how to love and in the process falls head over heels in love with him. Now, if THAT is not romantic, what is?

Jodhaa Akbar belongs to Hrithik. Take for example the scene in which he is practicing swordplay, his taut muscles rippling, eyes afire. Watching from behind a sheer curtain is Jodhaa, who had till then resisted his advances. The sheer magnetism of the man is enough to add colour to the Rajput princess blanched cheeks. You understand why she lets out a gasp.

Ash-Hrithik as a pair: Certainly one of the most good-looking screen pair we have had in recent times. And you know something? They seem to bring out the best in each other. Even when the two maintain a distance from each other, letting gauzy curtains fall in between, the chemistry is so palpable, you can cut through it.

Towards the end, when the marriage is actually consummated, comes a scene straight out of a fairy tale again with the sun casting its rays on a gilt-edged mirror and Jodhaa standing before it, all aglow. Jodhaa Akbar say those magic words to each other for the very first time and what follows is a love song. Shot aesthetically, the song captures the sensuousness of the moment beautifully, and leaves you wishing you could see more this couple on screen.

Supporting Cast: A word here for these supporting actors. If you have seen Sonu Sood in Aashiq Banaya Apne, you’d forgive him for the earlier travesty in the name of acting. That chap holds his own as the troubled, tragic cousin of Jodhaa, as does Nikitin Dheer, as the brother in law of Akbar. A word here also for Ila Arun, as the ‘dai’ of the emperor, whose possessiveness and scheming mind make her the kind of ’saas’ Ekta Kapor would have died for. A huge let down is Poonam Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha’s wife, whose guest appearance as Akbar’s mother makes you wonder what made Ashutosh cast her in the role.

Verdict: A must watch, if you are a sucker for fairy tales and a Hrithik fan. And of course, if you can sit through (approximately) three hours 40 minutes.

Rating: 3/5

By http://www.buzz18.com

Everything is not just fair in ‘love and war’. It’s fabulous! - Jodhaa Akbar Review

2008-02-14T17:39:00.000-08:00

Let the cynics not disillusion you citing reasons of credibility, long runtime, Troy treatment references or the ancient jinx associated with historicals. Jodhaa Akbar is a brilliant work of cinematic excellence. Period! No there’s more to the review. Just keep an adjective count hereon.

Ashutosh Gowariker goes two more centuries back from his Lagaan era to deliver another magnificent masterpiece by weaving a gripping narrative around the Mughal Emperor Akbar and Rajput Princess Jodhaa. The beautifully recreated 15th Century period doesn’t give any scope at pointing fingers and perfectionist too might feel it pointless to debate on historical facts, especially when the final output is conveniently convincing and equally entertaining.

The film expectedly starts with the mandatory prologue in Amitabh Bachchan’s voiceover on India being intruded since the advent of 11th Century and the Mughals arriving in five hundred years later. Clearly the Mughal invaders are shown in a positive light since they settled in India. And thereon emerges the third generation Mughal Prince Jallaluddin Mohammad (Hrithik Roshan) who grows up as a ruthless warrior and brave ruler but simultaneously possessing a heart of gold and a clean conscience. Right from the outset his character is established in heroic conduct which doesn’t seek any transformation of sorts. So the story gets ample scope to focus on his love with Jodhaa.

The Mughals strategize war with neighbouring Rajput kingdoms whereby Rajput King Bharmal (Kulbhushan Kharbanda) plans a peace treaty with Mughal by a marriage proposition of Jallaludin with his daughter Jodhaa (Aishwarya Rai). The alliance initiates love between the two but war with the remainder Rajputs. Both at the audience’s advantage! That’s the simplest you could summarize the three-hour plus script.

Ashutosh has a skillful sense of vision and connects with the viewer with equivalent ease. The well-etched screenplay (co-written by Gowariker and Hyder Ali) maintains a perfect poise between historical relevance and contemporary entertainment. The film at no point becomes a lesson from history textbooks and at the same time doesn’t take prose liberty either. Special mention should be given to the meticulous effort put in by K P Saxena in penning dialogues in chaste Hindi and unblemished Urdu dialect that re-erect the bygone era and in unison is also easily assimilative to the current generation.

Right from the opening war sequence the film sets the ball rolling for an engrossing series of events to follow. Despite its long runtime, the film doesn’t drag at any instance and uses the blitzkrieg technique of nonstop bombardments of episodes in its narration. Hrithik’s taming of the elephant, swordfight with Aishwarya, dagger-combat in the climax and the magnanimously mounted battlefield sequences are some of the spectacularly executed scenes of this glorious effort. The minute detailing in Kiran Deohans’ cinematography, Nitin Desai’s production design, Neeta Lulla’s costumes, Ravi Dewan’s action and A R Rehman’s background score is superlative, to say the least.

On the flipside, the first 20 minutes of the second half tends to get a little slack with Akbar’s attempts at gelling with his junta. The love duet in the latter reels acts as a dampner. Sonu Sood’s death sequence turns out to be conveniently clichéd and the final fight is fashionably filmi.

With the entire movie revolving around Akbar, Hrithik has all in his favour and does complete justice to what he gets. One cannot think of a better Akbar as Hrithik effortlessly gets into his character, which the audience can easily identify with. Aishwarya appears as the ethereal beauty and does well. Sonu Sood has a conventional character but plays persuasively. Nikiten Dheer promises good potential. Ila Arun is impressive as the vicious foster-mother. But why does Poonam Sinha bear an accent? Other members of the cast are pretty convincing.

Aishwarya and Hrithik bring to life the splendid chemistry between Jodhaa and Akbar as it is delicately simmered amidst a political backdrop. While the romance doesn’t get mushy, the action doesn’t get too heavy. The film very smoothly switches genres from a war drama to a love story with no palpable jolts.

While the romance between Jodhaa and Akbar doesn’t get mushy, the action doesn’t get too heavy. The film very smoothly switches genres from a war drama to a love story with no palpable jolts.

Everything is not just fair in ‘love and war’. It’s fabulous!

Rating: 4/5

By http://movies.indiatimes.com

Jodhaa Akbar multiplex release STILL uncertain

2008-02-14T17:38:00.000-08:00

Jodhaa Akbar’s release in major multiplexes across India is still uncertain. Barring PVR group and smaller chains such as DT, SRS and Prasad no other big player has entered into a deal with the epic movie’s makers thanks to their revenue sharing conditions.

It all once again seems to head the Taare Zameen Par – Welcome way when both these movies got released on the next day in multiplexes instead of Friday.

Trade sources inform, “It has become a trend of sorts nowadays that big film producers are using arm twisting tactics to squeeze in as much revenue they can from multiplexes in the first two weeks. Jodhaa Akbar is 2008’s first big release by all means. They are asking for a revenue share of 50-45 for the first week whereas multiplexes are keen on a 48-40 settlement. Jodhaa Akbar is being released by United Motion Pictures (UMP) and is their first release for this year. It has ambitious plans to release Jodhaa Akbar with as many as 1500 prints across 26 countries.”

UMP’s executive vice president marketing, communication and distribution Siddharth Roy Kapur speaking in this regard stated, “We do not wish to compromise on lower terms for a project as gigantic as this. It is double standards by multiplexes as I am sure they shall soon be seen agreeing to Yash Raj when their biggie, Tashan is about to release. What we are demanding is a fair price for a project of this proportion.”

While Roy refused to divulge the actual ratio, he added, “I am confident the multiplexes will agree to our terms as there is no big release for at least a month ahead.”

Cinemax Groups’ Girish Wankhede told us, “We haven’t yet agreed to their demands as we feel they are quite high. I am not sure as of now whether we shall give in to them or not.”

Trade sources however are confident of multiplexes eventually giving it up with the makers considering the fact that Jodhaa Akbar producers, UTV has at least 14 movies lined up for release till October this year. JA is a big movie with a budget reportedly around Rs. 70 crore. An opening for such a film is extremely important and with today’s fastest and surest way of assuring big bucks at the box office is within first three days of its release from multiplexes, no concerned party might want to let go of this opportunity.

By www.news.indya.com

Papa Roshan stunned by Jodhaa…

2008-02-14T17:33:00.000-08:00

Rakesh Roshan felt it’s his sons finest performance to date:

Now what is this I just overheard yesterday darlings? On Friday the 8th of February, Papa Roshan along with his bunch of jigari dost the card playing Panju clique of filmdom, went for a screening of Jodhaa Akbar and they came away in a state of shock. Papa Roshan was completely overwhelmed by the film. Rakesh Roshan felt even as a father he had never managed to evoke such a powerful performance for Hrithik Roshan in any of his ventures. Even as the entire coterie was busy predicting that Jodhaa Akbar would be the top grosser of the year and Hrithik would walk away with all the awards, Papa Roshan was really really depressed about all his forthcoming ventures with Hrithik. And not for nothing… Hrithik’s performance in this film will be a tough act to follow for any director leave alone somebody like Rakesh Roshan whose films work mainly because of Hrithik’s charisma rather than a great script or storyline.

MOVIE REVIEW : JODHAA AKBAR

2008-02-14T17:08:00.000-08:00

By Taran Adarsh, February 13, 2008 -

Let's get one thing straight: You haven't watched anything so opulent, so magnificent like this in a long, long time on the Hindi screen. It's not just body beautiful, but there's soul as well.

It requires courage, prowess, patience, aptitude, knowledge, passion and of course, loads of currency to attempt a movie like JODHAA AKBAR. But more than anything else, it requires your firm belief in the subject, the belief to attempt a historical when historicals are considered an absolute no-no in the industry, the belief to spend almost Rs. 40 crores in a film that could go either ways.

Only when you're convinced yourself can you convince millions of moviegoers. And convinced you are after watching JODHAA AKBAR, a film of epic proportions.

Now let's clear a few misconceptions pertaining to the film…

It's blasphemous to compare MUGHAL-E-AZAM and JODHAA AKBAR. While MUGHAL-E-AZAM was primarily about the legendary romance between Salim and Anarkali, a subject that has been attempted quite a few times on the Hindi screen before, JODHAA AKBAR is about the relationship that the young Akbar shared with Jodhaa.

A lot has been said and written about its length [3.20 hours]. Does the viewer of today have the patience to watch a really lengthy film in today's times? But once into JODHAA AKBAR, the sequence of events, the drama, the romance, the war… every aspect keeps you mesmerized. Oh yes, the length does pinch you at one crucial point [second hour, which is relatively shorter], when a song breaks out. Otherwise, the 3 + hours are very well spent.

When you watch historicals like MUGHAL-E-AZAM and RAZIA SULTAN, the usage of chaste Urdu is difficult to comprehend at times. Not here! The language is simplified - Akbar speaks in Urdu, Jodhaa in Hindi - and it's easy to decipher.

As a cinematic experience, it would be wrong to compare JODHAA AKBAR to any of Ashutosh Gowariker's previous endeavors. Why, it would be erroneous to compare the film with any film ever made before in this genre. This one stands out and stands out the tallest.

To sum up, JODHAA AKBAR leaves you spellbound, enthralled, entranced and awestruck. Ashutosh Gowariker makes the legendary characters come alive on screen. Take a bow, Ashu!

Set in the sixteenth century, JODHAA AKBAR is a love story about a marriage of alliance that gave birth to true love between a great Mughal emperor, Akbar, and a Rajput princess, Jodhaa. Little did Akbar [Hrithik Roshan] know that when he married Jodhaa [Aishwarya Rai Bachchan], he would be embarking upon a new journey -- the journey of true love.

The daughter of King Bharmal of Amer [Kulbhushan Kharbanda], Jodhaa resented being reduced to a mere political pawn in this marriage of alliance, and Akbar's biggest challenge now did not merely lie in winning battles, but in winning the love of this defiant princess.

One of the prime reasons why JODHAA AKBAR works is because the present-day viewer is unaware of the romance between Akbar and Jodhaa. Sure, we all know of Akbar as a great emperor, but the love story makes for a refreshing subject. And the execution of a number of sequences makes JODHAA AKBAR extremely special.

Some instances:
* The war sequence at the very outset. You realize the scale and magnitude of the film at the very beginning.
* Hrithik taming an out-of-control elephant. It's hair-raising.
* The two pre-conditions set by Jodhaa, before her marriage to Akbar. Very interesting.
* The confrontation between Ila Arun and Ash at the kitchen, when Ash decides to make the meal herself.
* The immediate sequence, when Ash is asked to taste the food herself by Ila before she's about to serve the food to the Emperor and his associates. Once done, Hrithik demanding that he be served the meal from the same platter that Jodhaa had used.
* The intermission point, which sows the seeds of a misunderstanding between Hrithik and Ash.
* Post-interval, Hrithik returning to Amer to get Ash back to Agra and the welcome ceremony by his mother-in-law [Suhasini Mulay].
* The sword fight the very next morning, between Hrithik and Ash.
* The 'Azeem-o-Shaan Shahenshah' track, when the entire kingdom hails Hrithik.
* The fight in the climax [reminds you of the fight between Brad Pitt and Eric Bana in TROY].
Amazing moments indeed…

Ashutosh Gowariker knows that historicals have to be simplified while narrating on celluloid so that the moviegoer is able to grasp and comprehend the plotline and the sequence of events. Thankfully, JODHAA AKBAR is not in the least difficult to decipher. Gowariker's handling of the subject deserves the highest praise, for it's not everyday that you come across a film like JODHAA AKBAR.

A.R. Rahman's music is not the type that you take to instantly, but yes, it gels beautifully with the mood of the film. 'Azeem-o-Shaan Shahenshah' and 'Jashn-e-Bahara' are the best tracks in terms of tune. In terms of choreography, 'Azeem-o-Shaan Shahenshah' is awe-inspiring, while the execution of 'Khwaja Mere Khwaja' is outstanding. Rahman's background score is simply extra-ordinary.

There's no room for dullness in Haider Ali and Gowariker's screenplay. The writing is tight, the drama keeps you hooked and the romantic track is wonderful. The film also talks of secularism, an issue so vital in today's times. K.P. Saxena's dialogues are amazing. At places, soaked in acid. The writer comes up with several gems, yet again. Kiran Deohans' cinematography matches international standards. The movement of camera at various places, especially in the battlefield, is breath-taking. Also, the D.O.P. captures the grandeur to the fullest. The production design [Nitin Chandrakant Desai] is, again, awesome. Recreating the bygone era requires not just money, but also the vision and Desai proves his supremacy yet again.

Be it the war sequences or the sword fights or general action, Ravi Dewan's contribution to the film is incredible. Especially noteworthy is the fight between Hrithik and Nikitin Dheer in the climax. It's simply outstanding! Editing [Ballu Saluja] is perfect, although the romantic song between Hrithik and Ash can be shortened in the second hour. The costumes [Neeta Lulla] as also the jewelry also deserve special mention.

JODHAA AKBAR also works because of the right casting. It's difficult to imagine anyone else in the role of Emperor Akbar. Hrithik seems born to play this role and he enacts it with such precision, such flourish, such confidence that it leaves you asking for more. A mind-boggling performance without doubt!

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is superb. Oh yes, she looks ethereal -- a compliment she has heard a trillion times before. What's new in that? But watch her emote in this film. You realize the amazing talent that has hitherto not been tapped by any movie maker. A flawless performance indeed!

JODHAA AKBAR has a host of characters, but the ones whom you carry home, besides Hrithik and Ash, are Sonu Sood [excellent], Nikitin Dheer [fantastic], Ila Arun [electrifying; her finest work so far], Punam S. Sinha [graceful], Kulbhushan Kharbanda [perfect], Raza Murad [effective] and Rajesh Vivek [good]. Amitabh Bachchan's rich barritone voice adds lustre to the magnum opus.

On the whole, JODHAA AKBAR is, without a shred of doubt, a brilliant film in all respects. This historical has all it takes to prove the first blockbuster of 2008. Very strongly recommended!

(Courtesy-Indiafm)

Jodhaa Akbar is a spectacular watch- Arthur J Pais in New York

Shah Rukh to host 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?'

2008-02-14T17:06:00.000-08:00

English is the official language of India. True or False?
Do all adult kangaroos have pouches? Yes or No?
Which of the following - ligaments, tendons, or marrow, attach muscles to bones?.

After reading the above questions, most of you will feign dyslexia, some of you will promptly want to take help from 10-years olds in the neighborhood and still, many will refuse to say, "I'm not smarter than the Fifth grader."

If you have trouble remembering the formula for the area of a triangle or figures of speech that you learnt in primary school, its definitely time to go back to school with none other than Bollywood Ka Badshah - Shah Rukh Khan.

Shah Rukh Khan is back on TV to host television's biggest entertainer ever, 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?' It is a show, which has adult contestants testing their wits with a group of sprightly 10-year-olds.

Excited about hosting 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?', Shah Rukh Khan says, "I was very keen to do this show because of the educational aspect attached to it, which has been an integral part our culture. Once the decision was made, Star Plus was the only television platform I could think, that could take me to every single television home in this country."

Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain? is a television game show based on the international Mark Burnett format 'Are you smarter than a 5th grader?' where grade school level questions are put to adults from all walks of life, who are well heeled and confident and who attempt to relive school with success. The format originated in the United States, has launched successfully in 50 countries, and will now hit Indian television, courtesy Bulldog Media & Entertainment.

The essence of the show is the test that adults will be put to answer primary school questions, the pressure of going back to school and keeping their reputations intact. Even the likes of 2008 presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and Rudy Guiliani have turned down the offer to be the on show as contestants. Such is the pressure!
First time on Indian television, viewers will witness contestants win this whopping sum - Five Crores to answer up to Fifth Standard questions, just imagine…

Speaking on the launch of 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass se Tez Hain?', Uday Shankar, CEO, Star India Pvt Ltd., said, "We are fortunate that the country has always given us the mandate of taking television to the next level. We have done it time and again by launching a show like 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', by introducing a whole new time band in the afternoon and by bringing people back to television on the weekends. With a show like 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?', its time to redefine Indian television yet again."

The show promises quality entertainment and high production value to its viewers; and a production of such magnitude warrants only the best in the industry to make it happen. Star Plus once again collaborates with one of the country's leading production houses- Synergy Adlabs. Their expertise in producing successful, top quality format shows including the super-hit Kaun Banega Crorepati ( series 1,2,&3), Heartbeat, Kamzor Kadi Kaun will ensure that Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain? becomes yet another hit on Indian television.

(Courtesy-Indiafm)

MAXIM GIRL

2008-02-14T17:05:00.001-08:00

BEBO On FHM Cover

2008-02-14T17:02:00.000-08:00

The New Princess Of Bollywood

2008-02-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

Return Of Khiladi On Filmfare Cover

2008-02-14T16:56:00.000-08:00

Exclusive! Mr and Mrs Dutt's wedding pics

2008-02-14T16:49:00.000-08:00

Probe ordered into Sanjay Dutt's wedding

2008-02-14T16:45:00.000-08:00

Authorities in Goa ordered an inquiry into the marriage registration process of Sanjay Dutt and Manyata after it came to light that she had managed to get a residence certificate without living in the state.

The couple had submitted their declaration of marriage to the subregistars office in Salcette on February 7 while the final signature is awaited. Sources said the South Goa district collectorate has taken to task a local government officer who had issued the residence certificate to Manyata.

The inquiry by the district collector has been ordered into how the certificate was issued to Manyata when she was not a Goa resident, an official said.

For any marriage to be registered in Goa, one of the couple has to be a Goan resident, which needs to be certified by the local authorities.

Sources said the state authorities are also inquiring into how the declaration was accepted when Manyata has not attached the decree of her divorce along with the affidavit filed. The marriage declaration was registered in the Salcette sub registrars office and it awaits final signature which is required to declare Dutt's marriage as legal.

(Rediff News)

"Yes, I am directing a film for SRK" - Anubhav Sinha

2008-02-14T16:43:00.000-08:00

It's confirmed. Shah Rukh Khan has entrusted Anubhav Sinha (of Dus and Tum Bin fame) with the responsibility of directing a Red Chillies production. Though earlier there were speculations around the authenticity of the news piece, the man at the helm of affairs comes out in open.

"While Shah Rukh Khan acting in the film is a given, no decision has been taken on rest of the star cast since the script is still being finalized"

Budget of this yet untitled film has been pegged at $25 million (Rs. 100 crores) which automatically makes it India's most expensive film ever. What does Anubhav feel about this transition to the super league? "With big power comes bigger responsibilities", chuckles Anubhav while obviously quoting superhero Spiderman.

He continues, "The film is obviously huge and there would be extensive pre-production required for it. Shah Rukh is getting some of the best technicians from the world to work on the project. When he makes a statement that the film has to match the standards set by Spiderman, I have to be continuously on my toes."

Since the film is CGI and VFX laden, is it mainly an animation/special effects film, as reported in some sections of media. "What rubbish", says an amused Anubhav, "You don't spend 100 crores on a core animation film. This is very much going to be a live action film with real people. But yes, it would have high dose of VFX."

It was two years back that Anubhav Sinha had got into a first round discussion with Shah Rukh Khan around the project. Khan went on to do Om Shanti Om in the interim and recently gave a nod to his dream project. Was he overtly bothered about the Cash imbroglio?

"He hasn't spoken to me about it", replies Anubhav, "I don't know whether he has seen Cash or not. In any case, he has been in the entertainment business for long and fully understands what goes behind the scenes for the success or failure of a project."

While work is still on for the production and financing of the film, Shah Rukh Khan is already said to be in talks with Eros Entertainment and visual effects guru Charles Darby who has worked on films like The Matrix and Minority Report. Most of the year 2008 would go into getting the base ready for the film to come on floors.

As per Khan, the film is going to be over the top and a madcap with a feel that would be as beautiful as Spider-Man when it comes to special effects. Though Anubhav Sinha refuses to divulge much about the plot of the film, there are indications that the film with a feel of videogame would be centered on a bunch of children who wish for bad things but get a reality check when they come true.

"Let the suspense stay on about what the film is all about. In any case, I don't wish to reveal much about the film since it is some time away. Let me get my act in place till then.", signs off Anubhav.

(Courtesy-Indiafm)

Pavan Malhotra to work with Saeed Mirza after 19 years

2008-02-14T16:40:00.000-08:00

By Subhash K. Jha

They made a momentous place in history when they did Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro in 1989 about the Muslim identity in Mumbai. Now, Pavan Malhotra, back in the reckoning with a bang with his much-acclaimed performances in Black Friday, Jab We Met, My Name is Anthony Gonsalves and Vishal Bhardwaj's short-film on AIDS, Blood Brothers, is all set to play a part in Saeed Mirza's new directorial project, Savdhaan Meri Jaan, earlier called Mahanagar.

Says the super-gifted Pavan, "It's a film called Savdhaan Meri Jaan. It's a good role. I'd have happily done anything in Saeed Mirza's cinema unless he was going out-and-out commercial in which case, I'd have asked for the script. But this is very much a Saeed Mirza kind of film. It's how he makes his films. I play a Police Officer. I'm very happy he's directing a film after so long, Saeed was spending most of his time in Goa writing a book. In a way we're both out of exile."

(Courtesy-Indiafm)

Manmohan Desai's niece to star opposite Jackie Bhagnani

2008-02-14T16:39:00.000-08:00

Vashu Bhagnani is all set to launch his son Jackie Bhagnani in his next venture titled Kal Kisne Dekha. Sharing screen space with Jackie will be Manmohan Desai's niece, Vaishali Desai. The film is expected to go on the floors by the end of March and will be directed by Vivek Sharma.

On asking why he zeroed down on Vaishali, Vashu says, “I was on a lookout for a fresh face. Looking into the past with films like Maine Pyaar Kiya, Pardes etc, I personally feel that romantic flicks do really well with a newcomer in the female lead. So, I was on a look out for a fresh face. After auditioning around 100 new faces, I came across this simple cute looking girl; Vaishali initially did not disclose her relation with Manmohan Desai.

He goes on to add, “Vaishali had won the title of Miss. India International in the Ponds Femina beauty contest and was first seen with SRK in a Sun Feast commercial, hence she fits the bill perfectly. Also, we are in talks with Nana Patekar and Javed Jaffrey, so, it will take us another 10 to 12 days to finalize the cast of the film.”

Kal Kisne Dekha is a romantic-thriller and has Sajid-Wajid composing the music. To which Vashu informs, “We commenced with the recording of the songs on Feb 6 and have finished one track.” Interestingly, Rakesh Roshan recommended the film's title 'Kal Kisne Dekha' as a token of love to Vashu Bhagnani on Vashu's anniversary.

Vashu Bhagnani is expected to start off with 4 films this year, out of which one is Kal Kisne Dekha and the second one is a Govinda starrer to be directed by David Dhawan.

(Courtesy-Indiafm)

Sushmita, Lara and Priyanka as Charlie's Angels

2008-02-14T16:38:00.000-08:00

By Subhash K Jha

The buzz in the movie industry for the rapidly-revived career of Rohit Jugraj whose Kunal Khemu starrer Superstar opened this week to favourable reviews is that his next project is a desi action-drama version of the super chick flick Hollywood blockbuster Charlie's Angels.

According to the talk doing the rounds in the film trade, the medico-metamorphosed-into-moviemaker, Rohit Jugraj, who started his career by assisting Sanjay Leela Bhansali and then directed the fiasco actioner James for Ram Gopal Varma, has been approached by Abbas-Mustan to produce his take on Charlie's Angels.

The film is expected to star Sushmita Sen, Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra as the three sexy 'angels' played originally by Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu. Rohit, currently cruising in the safe zone of a well-received film, is cautious. "Yes, I'm directing a film for Abbas-Mustan. And it's the Charlie's Angels styled girls' action flick. I'm going to say neither yes nor no to the three names you've mentioned in the lead. All I'll say at this stage is that my producers Abbas-Mustan are very influential and they've worked with the who's who of the industry. For them getting my wish list of actors won't be a problem."

However, Rohit Jugraj warns that his Charlie's Angels would be very different from the original. "Only the idea of three super-sexy girls in action combats isn't enough for me. I'll be going much deeper into their psyche, as I've done in Superstar. On the surface, Kunal Khemu plays just another double role. But I've tried to examine the duality of human personality through the two roles."

Rohit is amused by the comparisons of Superstar with Om Shanti Om. "Sure my film too has its protagonist playing a junior artiste and a hedonistic star. But Shah Rukh in OSO was in an entirely different orbit. One critic has said I have too many close-ups of my hero, Kunal Khemu, in the film. I challenge any other actor of Kunal's generation to hold his expressions on camera for so long in close-ups."

Rohit has gone through tremendous hardships to make an original film. "During my Bangkok stint of Superstar, my cameraman Mahendra Shetty just upped and left. I had no choice but to do the cinematography in Bangkok myself. Making Superstar wasn't easy. After James, I had to start from scratch. But the struggle has taught me a lot."

(Courtesy-Indiafm)

Emraan Hashmi to star in Warner Bros next production

2008-02-14T16:36:00.001-08:00

By Subhash K. Jha

Emraan Hashmi moves out of the Bhatt fold temporarily for a film that brings Hollywood's Warner Bros to Indian shores for the second time. Their first project in Hindi is Nikhil Advani's Chandni Chowk To China.

The second venture sees Warner tying up with Tandav films, of Khosla Ka Ghosla, for a study of intimate human relationships set in Delhi. And Emraan Hashmi gets a total makeover of look image and personality for the part. Finally, after playing the serial kisser in a series of Bhatt films, Emraan is ready to play a fully mature married man with kids.

And the producers, not convinced that Emraan could carry off the mellow mature look, are giving him a complete makeover. Emraan admits sheepishly that he is going into a totally different zone this time. He also admits that his attempts to go beyond the Bhatt family fold haven't been so successful. "I did The Train which wasn't by the Bhatts and where I played a married man. So, it isn't as if I haven't played a married man with a family before. I agree such attempts haven't been so successful for me. Films where I've a streak of mystery and mischief are more liked. I haven't been appreciated in my mature roles like Awaarapan. With my new film I hope to rectify that. When writer Jaideep Sahni narrated it to me I immediately wanted to do it. It takes me into areas and emotions I haven't covered before."

The untitled film being produced by Savita Raj of Tandav Filmswho produced last year's sleeper hit Khosla Ka Ghosla, also finds the writer Jaideep Sahni moving out of his comfort zone. Jaideep who wrote the two inspirational films Chak De India and Aaja Nachle for Yashraj Films is looking forward to the challenge of writing a film that takes him into a different zone. "This is a commitment from the time I did Khosla Ka Ghosla for Tandav Films. They took two stories from me. This is the second one," says Sahni.

Emraan Hashmi will be spending this summer in Delhi shooting this very unusual film directed by Joy Augustine who made his directorial debut with AB Corp Ltd's Tere Mere Sapne and has just completed a film based on the Mumbai train blasts for Sunil Shetty's Popcorn Entertainment.

(Courtesy-Indiafm)

Anubhav Sinha plans 20 crore film on Rajiv Gandhi's assassination

2008-02-14T16:31:00.000-08:00

By Subhash K. Jha, February 12, 2008

Political films may not be the order of Friday in Bollywood…not when slick flicks about neta-giri like Govind Nihalani's Dev and Mani Ratnam's Dil Se have come and drowned.

Lately, we had Jagmohan Mundhra trying unsuccessfully to put together a bio-pic on Sonia Gandhi. And yet political thrillers are a favoured genre. Mani Shankar who made one of Bollywood's early films 16 December from that genre is ready with Mukhbiir, a slick-fest about a young government spy's attempts to foil a politician's assassination. Now it's (political) party-time for Anubhav Sinha who made Dus, one of the slickest espionage thrillers on this side of The Day Of The Jackal. Anubhav whose last film Cash crashed is ready to roll with a very hush-hush project that will blow the lid on the controversies and conspiracies behind the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi.

Anubhav and research team have been gathering material for months on the entire complex manoeuvres that resulted in the shocking death of Rajiv. They've apparently chanced upon some startling and hitherto-unrevealed facts on the gruesome tragedy. "It's true," Anubhav confesses. "I'm doing a feature film on this subject. It would be an entire celluloid investigation of Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, tackling questions that were never asked, let alone answered. I hope to shoot and complete the film by the end of next year."

Anubhav is hopeful that the Gandhi family would be brought into the loop for the project. The crucial question of who'll play Rajiv is irrelevant to the director at the moment because the film begins where the protagonist's life ends. However, Anubhav hopes to rope in a huge star like Sanjay Dutt or Abhishek Bachchan to play Rajiv Gandhi.

COMING SOON

2008-02-14T16:25:00.000-08:00

'Singh Is Kinng' has been preponed by one week

By Taran Adarsh, February 12, 2008 - 08:29 IST

Numerology plays an important role in the industry. And the biggest [and most successful] names believe in it. Take the case of SINGH IS KINNG, one of the keenly-anticipated films of 2008. Producer Vipul Shah's Akshay - Katrina starrer, directed by Anees Bazmee, was initially slated for release on 15th August, but has now been preponed by one week. Yes, you read it right -- the film will hit the marquee on 8th August now.

Reason for the preponement? “Akshay and I feel the number 8 suits us well. It has been lucky for both of us in the past, which is why we decided that 8th August would be a far more appropriate date for our film,” Vipul Shah tells me.

Meanwhile, August seems to be a crowded month. While SINGH IS KINNG is confirmed for 8th August, the much-awaited Abhishek Bachchan starrer DRONA, directed by Goldie Behl, is expected to arrive on 15th August. Also, there're whispers that Yash Raj's Ranbir Kapoor starrer, directed by Siddharth Raj Anand, is scheduled for release in August. “We are through with more than 65% of the shoot. August is what we're looking at,” Siddharth Raj Anand confirms.

(Courtesy-IndiaFm)

Emperor Ashok's fate depends on King Akbar

2008-02-14T16:24:00.000-08:00

By Subhash K. Jha, February 14, 2008 - 15:08 IST

A curious wait-and-watch game is being played out in Bollywood. The future of a number of costume dramas scheduled to start filming in 2008, now hangs by the slender gossamer threads of Hrithik Roshan's lavish costumes in Ashutosh Gowarikar's Jodhaa-Akbar.

It's very simple, really. If UTV's handsomely produced 40-Crore budgeted Jodhaa-Akbar fails to work magic at the Box Office all the other mega-epics recreating eras gone-by would be aborted. And that includes Raj Kumar Santoshi's two Devgan-driven mega epics on the lives of the Mauryan emperor Ashok and Ram the maha-purushottam from Ayodhya in Ramayan, both to be directed by Raj Santoshi. While Ashok was to be produced by PVR and start shooting in February, it seems unlikely that the project will commence on schedule. Says a source, "PVR isn't too keen on the Devgan-Santoshi pair doing a Rs 40 Crore costume drama with Devgan as Ram and Kajol as Sita…Not after Halla Bol. And not unless Jodhaa-Akbar and the Devgan-Kajol starrer U Me Aur Hum do well." Santoshi's combination with Devgan however remains intact. Contrary to rumors that Devgan has decided not to work with Santoshi any more the two are in fact at this very minute planning another project in lieu of Ashok, to start immediately.

"Stories about my professional parting with Ajay are totally unfounded. We're going ahead with all our projects including Ashok. If not with the current producers, then with another. Ajay and I are in constant discussion and we'll be doing many films together in future. If that's a problem for some people, what can I do?" says Santoshi. Though Raj Santoshi doesn't spell it out, he is in fact planning another film with Devgan in case the huge finances for Ashok don't materialize on time.

A lot hinges on the success of Jodhaa-Akbar. If the opulent epic takes off as it is expected to, the two costume dramas planned by Santoshi will materialize in no time at all. For now the future of costume dramas seems uncertain. And that includes the proposed epic based on Ashok banker's six-volume series on the Ramayan. Some time ago, the television channels had gone ballistic with announcements on the Banker books, stating that Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai were slated to play Ram and Sita. Amitabh Bachchan and Sir Ben Kingsley's names were also mentioned in the cast. However all four actors have individually denied their participation in the above project.

(Courtesy-Indiafm)

"I loved working with Julia Roberts" - Om Puri

2008-02-14T16:21:00.001-08:00

By Subhash K. Jha, February 14, 2008 - 14:24 IST

Om Puri's latest international project Charlie Wilson's War directed by Mike Nichols of Silkwood and Closer fame has just been released abroad. In this war epic, Om plays the former Pakistani President Zia-Ul-Haq. "It turned out to be a very small role. But Mike Nichols is a 'huge' director. At first, I refused the role because of its brevity. But he insisted, and I couldn't say no. Besides when would I get a chance to work with Hollywood legends like Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, and the enormously gifted Philip Seymour Hoffman?"

Incidentally, Irrfan Khan is also a great admirer of Seymour. Says Om, "Hoffman is a real talent…Charlie Wilson's War is doing well. And though I had just two scenes I put in full preparation for the role of Zia-ul-Haq." Om watched video footage on Zia-ul-Haq and even spoke to Shatrughan Sinha who knew the Pakistan president personally. Om has been traveling outside India for three months. "I recently returned from Australia where I was shooting for Anees Bazmi's Singh Is Kinng. Then I shot in Goa, Cochin and Chennai for Priyadarshan's Mere Baap Pehle Aap. I play a guy in his 40's desperate to marry. I play the role in a black wig," Om says poker-faced. "It was fun. Then I was in Jaipur for Rakeysh Mehra's Dilli 6. Rakeysh's film is very hard to shoot. We're shooting all night in the freezing cold."

Om has just signed a film with Piyadarshan's assistant. "It's a light-hearted story of two former 'pehelwaans' played by me and Sharat Saxena. I shoot this film until March. But after that I've kept April completely free. I need to spend time with my family. "In the meanwhile, the comprehensive 'Om Puri biography' by Aparajita Krishna is also being prepared. “ It's taking time because the author is trying to talk to everyone closely associated with me, from Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani to Dominique Lapierre and Mike Nichols. It's hard to contact some of my foreign associates. I am personally contacting some of these people. The portions pertaining to my childhood have me particularly interested.”

In the meanwhile, Om's 10-year old son shows every inclination to grow into a chip of the old block. "He's very sincere and acquiring a lot of skills. He's learning classical Indian music. He's the head-boy in his class. Let's see where life takes him."

(Courtesy-Indiafm)

"The Ghajini director lied to me" - Mohit Ahlawat

2008-02-14T16:18:00.000-08:00

By Subhash K. Jha, February 13, 2008 - 16:50 IST

Mohit Ahlawat has opted out of the Aamir Khan starrer Ghajini Remake and contrary to rumors, Aamir isn't responsible. Breaking out of his self-imposed reclusiveness, Mohit clears the air. "Aamir was very sweet to me, very helpful. It's the director A.R. Murugadoss who didn't know his mind. What he narrated to me and what I finally saw in the Telugu film was very different. I knew my character of the police officer dies at interval point. But the way he dies in the Telugu film and the way it was told to me were very different. When I questioned the director about it he just looked at me confused. He had no reply." The role had been offered to Mohit through Bhushan Kumar of T-Series (who have the music rights for the Hindi remake).

"When I was told that the role lasts only till interval I wasn't too keen on it. But I was told it was going to be a guest appearance. When I saw the original film, I was zapped. The character did not seem right. I decided to opt out. In any case, the film has been delayed excessively. It was supposed to start in September 2007." For now Mohit is happy to have completed Shagird with Tigmanshu Dhulia. "It has been a great learning experience working with Nana Patekar. He's not at all the way he appears to be. I identify with him completely because he's straightforward and simple-hearted. I realize one needs to be diplomatic in this industry. But I can't be a fake. I'd rather leave the industry and join my father's business."

For now that seems unlikely. After Shagird, Mohit has signed another film with a director named Amal Neerad. "Amal had done the cinematography of James. I guess we both need to prove ourselves beyond where we started," Mohit says refusing to name Ram Gopal Varma in his interview. "I've moved on. I wish others would too."

(Courtesy-Indiafm)

Siddharth Roy Kapoor is very confident of Jodhaa Akbar

2008-02-14T16:16:00.000-08:00

“We are very confident of Jodhaa Akbar and looking forward to people's reactions from Friday onwards,” says Siddharth Roy Kapoor, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Distribution and Syndication, UTV. “I am very upbeat about the film and think that people should go and see it,” he adds, dousing the fire of controversies and the rumours that have afflicted the film off late.

The epic love story of Rajput Princess Jodhaa Bai and one of India's greatest rulers ever Akbar deserves a grand premiere. And that's exactly what is slated to happen at IMAX Adlabs in Mumbai where exotic Rajasthani ambience is being created by genius Art Director Nitin Desai. Confirming the news, Kapoor said, “Nitin Desai is working on it and like everything else, he is planning everything to perfection.” Could you elaborate as to what all one can see at the premiere? “It is best that people see it for themselves.”

There have been reports that the deal with the multiplexes is yet to be struck. Will the film release there at all? “We are talking to all the multiplex partners and will reach a fair and reasonable solution for both the parties by the time the film releases,” Kapoor says. Considering there have been protests in Rajasthan, will Jodhaa Akbar be releasing there? “We are releasing in Rajasthan.” Is there any specific area in Rajasthan where the film may not release? “We are releasing at all places.”

On the hindsight, what are your thoughts on the controversies that have dogged Jodhaa Akbar? “I would want people to watch the film and then reach a conclusion,” Siddharth says. In an era of shorter attention spans, don't you think, at 3 hours 20 minutes, Jodhaa Akbar is a bit too long? “Frankly, if a film holds then it holds for the entire duration. If it doesn't then it doesn't even for a two hour film.”

Alright point taken, what about the Tamil and Telugu versions of the film, are they releasing too? “Yes Jodhaa Akbar is being released in Tamil and Telugu as well.” How many prints? “Close to 100 prints collectively.” With the film releasing a day later Valentine's Day, would you call it that it befits the amorous air all around? “At the heart of the film, it's a love story. It's quiet an apt movie for Valentine's Day,” Siddharth Roy Kapoor signs off.

Jodhaa Akbar is the labour of love. In an era of rapid fire moviemaking, one man dared to put up an unbelievable canvas and paint a picture out of the colours of blood and sweat. This Friday, the fate of the movie will be sealed and if first impressions are to be believed, it's an eye opening riveting tale. Whatever may be the end result, but one thing is for sure, the Herculean efforts of the entire team of Jodhaa Akbar ought to be applauded. Let the curtains lift…let the show begin…

(Courtesy-Indiafm)

"Kareena and I will get married after 3 years" - Saif Ali Khan

2008-02-14T16:13:00.001-08:00

By Subhash K. Jha, February 12, 2008 - 18:09 IST

You and Kareena have apparently undergone a secret ‘nikaah’ on Wednesday afternoon.
All I will say is, it's absolutely false. There's been far too much speculation and fabrication about our relationship. It's annoying me. I am sure it's annoying the public as well. Far too much attention is being given to our relationship. This marriage rumor is the giddy limit. Both our families are very upset by these rumors.

So when do you plan to get married?
We'll certainly be getting married. But not for the next 3-4 years. Right now, we both have our individual careers to look out for. Please, allow us to concentrate on our careers. I am especially worried about how such rumors will affect Kareena's career. At this juncture of her career, the last thing she needs is to have people eagerly marrying her off. The fact of the matter is, I'm seriously involved, and yes, the relationship would come to a logical conclusion, namely marriage. But when it does we'll announce it properly.

Your astrologer has been quoted as saying that your nikaah with Kareena did take place on Wednesday.
Pandit Suvashitraj is someone I did consult in the past. He was introduced to me by Ambika Hinduja when I was shooting for Being Cyrus. Out of a flippant curiosity, I asked him questions about my future. I am greatly disturbed by the amount of information he seems to have accumulated about my personal life. Even I am not aware of the nikaah. I spoke to him on Friday morning after the story appeared. He said his words had been twisted. And he flatly denies having made any statement on my marriage plans. I don't think I'll be speaking to him again.

So what were you doing at 12.30 pm on Wednesday when you are supposed to have been getting married?
I was shooting for Kunal Kohli….I have the perfect alibi, ha ha.

Your mom says you didn't inform the family when you got married the first time?
That's true. In a million years, I wouldn't do that to my family again.

Do you think some people are spreading the marriage rumor to actually harm Kareena's career?
I never thought of it that way. I don't think rumors of marriage would damage her career. But getting married definitely would. As long the truth is known, there's no harm done. And the truth is, these marriage rumors are utter rubbish. We aren't married. We aren't living together. Unfortunately, I don't get to see Kareena half as much as I'd like to.

Has your new home being done to accommodate two people?
I think twenty people can live comfortably in my new home. If you mean Kareena, and me I hope we do live together in that house. But that would be in the future. Whenever both of our families and we are ready. But let me make it clear, she’s the woman I want to marry and will marry.

Kareena must be upset by these rumors.
She has every right to be.

Do these rumors make Valentine's Day unpleasant for you two?
Why should they? No, and before you ask I am not telling you our plans. They're very private.

What stars plan to do this Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T16:11:00.000-08:00

By Subhash K. Jha, February 14, 2008 - 17:09 IST

Aishwarya Rai:
"I'll be attending the premiere of Jodhaa Akbar in Delhi on Valentine's Day. But Abhishek will be with me. So no complaints."

Bipasha Basu:
Doing: "We're going for a short trip to Cape Town. For the last three years on Valentine's Day, John and I have been in different countries. Looking forward to this flash holiday.
Desire: "None. I'm happy and contented."

Priyanka Chopra:
"I don't believe you need a reason or a particular day to say you love someone. When you're in love every day is special."

Zayed Khan:
Doing: "See, it was Valentine's Day five years ago that I proposed to Malaika. So, it's a doubly special day for me. I think I'm going to try my hand at being a chef , and have a go at some fine wine that I've been saving up for us for a special day. We'll be at home since we don't want to leave our son Zidaan alone.
Desire: "For many more such Valentine's Days"

Pooja Bedi:
Doing: "I've absolutely no plans. It's a day for lovers, not about being with loved ones, friends and relatives. Unless you want to comfort yourself about the absence of that someone special in your life.
Desire: Waiting for my Prince Charming to come.

Koena Mitra:
Doing: "Since I don't have anyone special in my life I'd do the usual things, like watching a movie with my girlfriends, shopping till I drop and some harmless male-bashing with my girlie pals. And hmmm, I may do some serious flirting. Is that allowed?
Desire: "My Valentine desire would be to finally meet Mr. Right. But if that's not possible this Valentine then fine. Just get me a man who is hot looking and a great conversationalist. Then even a Mr. Wrong will do.

Celina Jaitley:
Doing: "Though I'm working on Valentine's Day I have a special show for the day on MTV for the singles. I'll watch it and have a good laugh
Desire: My Valentine wish is to find true love.

Riya Sen:
"Nothing exciting. I'll be working. I am in Delhi on the 14 th.

Imtiaz Ali:
Doing: "There's a special screening of my Jab We Met for young Delhi romantics. So it's a day of good business for me. And this is as romantic as I can get.
Desire: "I want to keep making films that girls will adore on Valentine's Day

Esha Deol:
Doing: "It's an unromantic Valentine for me. I'm shooting an ad with my mum and sis.
Desire: "I want to give lots of love to all those who've given me love. Lots of love to all my ex-es too! Ha ha. May God keep me single for as long as possible because I love my freedom.

Aryan Vaid:
Doing: "My Valentine's Day plans are open. I'm single so nothing happening. I want to celebrate love. It's such an amazing time and with the Mumbai weather being so romantic, this Valentine's Day will be special even without a play-mate.
Desire: Hopefully next year I'll have someone special to celebrate it with.

Farhan Akhtar:
Doing: "Since I'm shooting for Rock On it'll be a very routine Valetine's Day for me. But the night gets exciting when I get to see an intensely romantic film Jodhaa-Akbar
Desire: "Want to see Mumbaites back to the spirit of the city…

Muzamil Ebrahim:
Doing: "It's my mother's birthday on Valentine's Day so there'll definitely be lots of celebration.
Desire: "Want good health and happiness for all those who love me. And I want to get together with the one I want to be with.

Dino Morea:
Doing: "Since I've no love life I'll be doing some good for society. Will be meeting cancer patients who are couples and helping one another through life. Then I'm off to Delhi for an event.

Sammir Dattani:
Doing : "Shooting a very romantic song in Bangalore with my co–star Jennifer Kotwal but thinking of someone very special in Mumbai.
Desire: Wish I was back on Mumbai to be with that someone very special.

Amrita Arora:
Doing: "Will be shooting on Valentine's
Desire: "Wish to have my loved one with me forever

Divya Dutta:
"I'm celebrating Valentine's Day with my favorite people on the sets of Dilli 6 in Jaipur… and that includes my childhood crush Rishi Kapoor.

Manoj Bajpai:
"I don't believe in Valentine's Day. You don't need one special day to show your partner how much you love her.

Kushal Punjabi:
Doing: "Besides shooting I'll be doing what all other lovers do on Valentine's Day. Exchanging cards and listening to romantic songs. What did you think?
Desire: "From all the girls in my life that one special person will emerge on this day. I promise I'll give up doing naughty like exchanging cards things after that.

Neil Mathur:
Doing: "Will be going out with a secret Valentine to a secret place."
Desire: "One wish would be that I get the power to give back love to all those who love me."

Tusshar Kapoor:
Doing: "Nothing special. Just meeting up with friends after shooting"
Desire: "If I had my way I'd make every day Valentine's Day."

Malaika Arora:
Doing: "I want to spend the day with all my loved ones."
Desire: "I don't anyone to be alone on Valentine's Day."

Tanushree Dutta:
Doing "I'm shooting on Valentine's Day. So, no Valentine plan."
Desire: "I wish I'd be in Paris for the next Valentine's Day."

Amrita Rao:
Doing: "I'm shooting all day and attending a birthday party in the evening."
Desire: "I wish all those people in love be so forever. And those who don’t, may they please find love this Valentine's Day."

(Courtesy-Indiafm)

RELEASE DATES

2008-02-14T16:10:00.000-08:00

Feb 15, 2008

Jodhaa Akbar


Mar 7, 2008		Black & White


Mar 21, 2008		One Two Three

Race


Mar 28, 2008		Wednesday


March 2008		Khuda Ke Liye


Apr 4, 2008		Shaurya


Apr 11, 2008		De Taali

Humsey Hai Jahaan

Krazzy 4

U, Me Aur Hum


Apr 18, 2008		Ru Ba Ru


Apr 25, 2008		Tashan


April 2008		Aamir

Alibaug

Chal Chala Chal

Do Aur Do Paanch

Ek - The Power Of One

The Great Indian Butterfly

Woodstock Villa


May 1, 2008		Heroes


May 2, 2008		Hijack

Jannat


May 9, 2008		Aashayein

Bhoothnath


May 16, 2008		Allah Ke Bande


May 23, 2008		Mere Baap Pehle Aap

Money Hain To Honey Hain


May 2008		Anamika


Jun 6, 2008		C Kkompany

Haal-E-Dil


Jun 13, 2008		Love Story 2050


Jun 27, 2008		God Tussi Great Ho


June 2008		Kismat Konnection


July 2008		Bombay Meri Jaan

Mahadev Ka Sajjanpur


Aug 8, 2008		Singh Is Kinng


Aug 15, 2008		Drona


September 2008		Dev D


Oct 24, 2008		Yuvraaj


October 2008		Fashion

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