Dino and Kangna Get Cosy

Dino Morea is one of the most well-known Casanovas in Bollywood and that isn’t a hidden fact. In the past the actor has been linked with Bipasha Basu, Lara Dutta and Nandini Mahtani. After breaking up with his former girlfriends, Dino, it seems has found himself getting comfortable in the arms of Kangna Ranaut. The duo were spotted displaying much affection towards one another at Sanjay and Manyata Dutt’s second marriage anniversary. At the bash, many witnessed the two indulging in some public display of affection towards one another which involved some lip and tongue action too.

A guest at the party went on to confirm, “Dino, who made an appearance sans his steadiest girlfriend Nandita Mahtani, had lots to talk about with Kangna Ranaut. Before long, they were chatting away so intimately that it was difficult to believe that this was their first proper meeting at a private party.” He continued with more intricate details, “During the course of the evening, Kangna was seen mostly around Dino and they were overheard discussing movies, especially their common interest in Hollywood films. Dino flattered her with many compliments about her best roles. Interestingly, when they both decided to leave at the same time, they hugged each other rather warmly and the peck on the cheek was as hot as it gets. In the lobby, as they waited for their cars, a happy Dino couldn't resist hopping on a kiddie car lying there, which made Kangna burst into delighted laughter.”

Needless to say, the avid tweeter, went on to tweet and clarify the situation by saying, “am in the news again for reasons am not too happy abt.. for all tweeps who asked abt k and i, far from the truth.”

Is there a new couple on the brink of arrival in B-Town? From the looks of it, we may hear more about a Kangna-Dino alliance in the near future.

(Bollyspice.com)

I don't believe in 'over exposure': says Udita

Bollywood actress Udita Goswami, who will return to the big screen with the supernatural thriller Rokkk, says that she chooses to do less work because she does not believe in "over exposure".

The former model, whose bold roles in films like Zeher and Aksar earned her the tag of a sex symbol, said that she is satisfied with the way her film career has shaped up.

"Even though I am just five films old, I am content doing less work and don't care what people say about me. I am satisfied and don't believe in over exposure," Udita who made her debut with Pooja Bhatt's Paap said.

Rokkk releases on March 5 and is directed by Rajesh Ranshinge and produced by Krishan Chaudhary for Ikkon films, starring Tanushree Dutta and Shaad Randhawa.

Udita essays the character of Aahana, a MBA student from Delhi who comes to Goa in search of her missing sister.

The actress is super excited about her role in this genre.

"Even though horror and super-natural genre is not very popular, I think Rokkk is by far the best super-natural thriller made in India. Success of a film depends on how the story is handled and brought on screen by the director irrespective of its genre," she said.

Fresh after the shooting of Jagmohan Mundra's Chase opposite Anuj Saxena, Udita will shortly start dubbing for the film.

"Chase is an action thriller and I will be seen in an unglamorous avatar," she said.

The actress will be playing a spy in Sunny Deol's The Man.

"I have shot only for a day for The Man, but working under Sunny's directorial baton was a good experience. The prolonged schedule will start from April which I am looking forward to," she said.

Udita said that both actors from film backgrounds, as well as "outsiders" like her, have to struggle to succeed in the competitive industry.

"Unlike us, actors from film families have tremendous pressure of fulfilling expectations but I agree the path is much easier," Udita said.
(India Today)

Aamir Khan's Peepli Live sold to Germans

After rave audience and critics reviews at the Sundance Film Festival, Peepli Live, directed by Anusha Rizvi, co-produced by UTV Motion Pictures and Aamir Khan Productions has just been picked up by specialty film German distribution company Rapid Eye Movies.

Theatrical release for Peepli Live in Germany is planned for third quarter of 2010. Rapid Eye has also acquired the Home Video and Television for the territory.

Stephan Holl, founder of Rapid Eye Pictures commented on his acquisition, "We are thrilled to bring to the German audience a true Indian art house film that entertains whilst telling a serious story."

Amrita Pandey, VP, International Distribution and Syndication, UTV Motion Pictures, said, "Rapid Eye is an ideal distribution partner for us to plan a theatrical Germany release for the film."

Peepli Live is Anusha Rizvi's first feature. It is a fresh and intelligently spun satire of the real-life epidemic of farmer suicides that have plagued India for the past decade. With a deft hand, Rizvi infuses humour and buoyancy in depicting this tragic predicament, illuminating the true colors of many corridors of Indian society. Peepli Live is the first Indian film ever to be selected at the Sundance Film Festival (World Cinema Dramatic competition) and is also screening in out of competition at the Berlin Film Festival.

Critics who have watched the film say:

"A peppy screwball comedy with elements of social satire... Debuting writer-director Anusha Rizvi manages to wrest a lively feature out of a gravely serious issue, capturing the desperation of India's village farmers, as well as the nation's shift from agriculture to industrialization, without losing sight of the entertainment principle." – Rob Nelson, Variery.

"A comic gem set in India's beleaguered rural communities... Both funny and sobering, this film, produced by Bollywood icon Aamir Khan (the Oscar-nominated Lagaan), aims beyond Indian audiences." – Kirk Honeycutt, The Hollywood Reporter.

"Peepli Live is a film about land ownership and suicide that makes you laugh. In her debut feature, Anusha Rizvi entertains with a bawdy take on the rural class struggle as she examines a serious injustice in India today. Her comedy is as wildly funny as it is outrageous." – David D'Arcy, Screen International.

(Buzz18)

On a Date with Jacqueline Fernandez

12 gorgeous dates in 2009. What's installed in 2010? January was dry. Come February, the hunt was still on. Then I wish for my Valentine. With a day to go, my Valentine Date arrives in the form of Jacqueline Fernandez. It's magic, heh? The genie answered my wishes. I felt like an Aladin. What I forgot to wish though was the magic carpet. I mean, I could've spent the Valentine Day with my cute and charming date in Paris. After all, she loves the city and the French. Then I wished to turn into a Frenchman myself. Back to reality, I arrive at 1 pm at Indigo Cafe in Andheri with a wrapped surprise for my Valentine. Reserved a table and time. I was informed that she could be there any moment. She arrives in less than a minute. What made this day and date so different was that I had never before met or heard about Jacqueline from anyone in the Indian Film Industry. So to call it a 'blind valentine date' could've been just apt. But I like the unexpected. One of the newest entrants in Bollywood, Jacqueline is one of the most talked about girl in town. But what if you turn that upside down. Here's what you get - She is the girl who just talks and loves to talk. And this is what's in-store - you sit and see her talk about food to cities to bikinis to French men to her perfect date (that's me??). Dressed in a chequered knee length sleeveless dress, Fernandez looked adorable and huggable. She looked like a perfect soft toy holding your heart that you'd want to treasure for the rest of your life. For a change, she was a perfect date with a mind working ten times faster than mine. I mean, could you have ever thought of Jacqueline triggering yet another brilliant idea into my head - 'Extra Marital Dates' is what she advised me to start off with. Mrs Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Esha Koppikhar Narang, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Ayesha Takia Azmi, and many more...get ready! The question was - Will this end my string of single dates? Who knows? I got my Valentine gift - Thank You Jaqueline. I love you!
(Bollywood Hungama)

Shah Rukh Khan: Love will keep us alive...

(Excerpts from the interview)

What drives him even today?
I think this frenzy of work is not a necessity; it is a way of life. It is like breathing. You never see someone specially sitting down and breathing, you just breathe. Stop it and you will die. I really believe acting is spiritual. I’m happiest when I’m working. Everything that is good in me comes to the fore when I’m acting.

So why did you get onto Twitter?
Karan and I were chatting one night when he asked me why I wasn’t on Twitter. He insisted I sign up and I did. Karan tweeted about this and we instantly had some 900 followers. Frankly, I was a little overwhelmed. The problem with a courteous person like me is that when people say ‘hi, how are you, so glad to have you here’ the least I’d like to do is to thank them. The next day Karan said I had 2000 followers. I didn’t know what to say. The idea was not to talk about the film, though to be honest, they did ask. But film promotion will be film promotion. It will be done. But I’m not on Twitter to put up thought-provoking statements and have people comment on them. It’s a platform to say hello. Yes once or twice I may comment on an issue like I did on hockey but basically it’s to interact with people. I feel odd talking about my movie on Twitter. I could keep at it the whole day because there are 1200 people coming in per minute. But I don’t want that. I want to take it to a level where I can create a more entertaining platform on the Internet.

How do you cope with the frenzy?
Everyone is frenzied. I’m not doing anything special. Earlier, I used to do an interview with you, you used to write it. There was a gestation period and then the magazine would be on the stands. Now I say ‘Hi’ on a channel and it’s beamed right away and people call you to say they saw you on the channel today. And I’m like I haven’t even finished my interview yet. Like it happened on my birthday, I finished an interview with one channel. Before I could do an interview with another channel, I started getting calls saying ‘We saw your interview’. Like I’m talking to you now. It will be tweeted ‘Hey I met Shah Rukh’. The information is out. The pictures are already out. So one piece has gone out even before its release. Already people know that Shah Rukh and Kajol are doing an interview for Filmfare, the shoot was great fun. Some where down the line you will have to add incentives to give information to people. Most information all around is the same, so the incentive here will be Shah Rukh and Kajol come together on Filmfare after nine years. You have to create an event. And what’s going to happen with this is that the enigmatic quality of stars will slowly fade. And I’m very happy about that.

Kajol says that even though you have a larger-than-life aura about you, when someone meets you, you are completely humble.
See, things came to me so plentifully that it’s made me shy almost to the extent of being embarrassed about acknowledging it. Like when you meet a really, really good looking person, sometimes that person shies of his good looks. He’s embarrassed about the excess he has. I tell two things to people depending on my mood and my rapport with that person. To someone like Kajol I will say that I am great enough to be humble. But if I say the same thing to someone else they’ll ask me how can you say you are the best? So I tell them I am not great enough to be humble. Thankfully, I have a good sense of humour so I cover up the things that have happened to me with a wicked sense of humour or humility that neutralises the star aura. They say your aura precedes you. And your aura should be able to make people feel intimate with you. It should not intimidate. Your aura should be such that when you meet a person, you should come back feeling elated and should want to meet him again. I remember cricketer Imran Khan got angry with me once and that left a hole in my heart. I was a kid and my mom took me to a match. I stood there for his autograph but he had an off day so he was generally screaming at everyone in sight. So it happened that while asking for his autograph I stood in the line of fire and he yelled at me. I held that against him for the longest time. Then as a grown up and as a celebrity myself, I met him, I chatted with him and I told him about the incident. He said that the team was losing, the pressures of captaincy were all reasons for the incident. Imran Khan was my God but I was shattered that day. I would never have done that myself. I’ve never been angry with a fan. You see I make fans wait, sometimes for hours and sometimes for years. But I believe if you are not worth the wait, you are not worth the stardom. I can never make a fan wait and then let him leave disappointed.

So what does stardom mean to you?
Stardom for me is not the screaming crowds, but the time when I walk out and the fans make way for me. Many years ago, when ABCL was gaining attention, I went to meet Amitji at the ABCL office in Juhu. I was a big star too. I’d had Baazigar, Darr and Dilwale… I walked into the office and people were lined up outside in thousands waiting for Amitabh Bachchan to meet Shah Rukh Khan. I went in, finished the meeting and out of courtesy Amitji came to drop me to the door and I got to know, he was leaving as well. So out of courtesy, I asked him to go first. The thousands lined outside were shouting and howling. Amitji, got into his car and as soon as the car moved a few inches, the crowd quietly parted and made way for him. Then my car came out and people were falling all over on the car, thumping on the windows and pulling at the handles. It is then I realised what true stardom is. Great stardom is when you are able to calm screaming people as you walk in.

Okay, what do you expect from My Name Is Khan?
It is a good story to tell. I have issues with the way it is told. But I have come not to trust my instincts on these things. In the past, my perceptions about what will work and what will not have been thwarted so many times that I have started questioning my own judgment on these things. There are portions in MNIK I think are not right. Like I felt there should have been more fun, but Karan wanted it to be more dramatic. Yes there were these minor differences but I also think it is one of the finest roles ever given to me. And from the bottom of my heart I thank Kajol for doing this movie with me. The strange thing is every film that Kajol has done with me, Dilwale..., Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, I have felt that the film was written for Kajol and not me. Karan has also told me that I wrote the film for Kajol and you managed to do well. But this film I can genuinely say was written only for me. And I believe this film wouldn’t work if Kajol were not so brilliant in it. I can take my performance and hang it anywhere, even on top of the Eiffel Tower but people will still first notice Kajol’s performance. Sometimes in the film, the mirror character to the protagonist needs to be strong to make the protagonist look stronger. In MNIK, what Kajol has done is brilliant. Even Karan Johar is brilliant. It doesn’t look like a Karan Johar film. I’d keep telling him, kuch alag banate hain but now he’s made it so different that even I am scared. I am glad Karan took things so seriously and put the money where his mouth is and made a big film which is different. Making a film like MNIK in Rs 6 crore is an okay feat, but to make it in Rs 80 – 90 crore is a bold decision and it takes a lot of guts. When I see the film I feel Kajol and Karan have joined hands to promote me. It’s like a whole set of people have gotten together to make Shah Rukh act in a role he’s never done before. Everyone is thrilled at what I have done. It really is a showcase for what I could possibly do as an actor. I think once and for all, people will stop saying that yeh banda acting nahin karta hai. And if they still say it, then I’ll accept that mujhe acting aati bhi nahin hai.

Did you feel the chemistry while working with Kajol after nine years?
People talk about the chemistry between us. I’ll tell you what the chemistry is. Whenever I’m giving a shot, Kajol looks at me and she’s only watching whether I’m doing it nicely according to her. And I’m only watching if she’s doing it nicely. Invariably, whenever Kajol and I have asked for a retake, it’s because Kajol has turned around and said no I think Shah Rukh can do much better, or I’ve said Kajol can do much better. She’s one of the few actors I’ve worked with who’s observing my acting more than hers. And I’m observing her more than myself. There’s a strange concern for each other. After she saw MNIK she was relieved that I’d done well. Just as I was relieved that she’d done well. We’re responsible for each other’s performance in a film. That’s the chemistry between us. One day she was very cold and wasn’t doing the scene well. So we said let’s pack up. I’ve never met an actor who’s come and said sorry for mucking up the shoot. I found that very sweet. Kajol doesn’t have to say ‘Sorry ya’. I’ve worked with actors who should be just sorry that they’re acting. But Kajol comes and says sorry. I’ve never said sorry to a director. I know she’s bothered that I hope this is a big film for Shah Rukh. And I’m like if she isn’t planning to do another film for two years then I hope this is the nicest film she’s done. I always wish nice for my film. But I don’t know how many times I’ve wished nice for someone else in the film. It’s this niceness that comes across as chemistry.

(For the full explosive interview by Anuradha Choudhary, get your hands on the Filmfare issue dated February 17, 2010)

(Filmfare)

My fitness DVD is for busy, lazy people: Bipasha Basu

Mumbai: Bipasha Basu is a self-confessed fitness freak. She says her workout DVD is essentially for the "busy, lazy" people who can`t afford gym fees. Calling it her "baby", the svelte actress says boyfriend John Abraham supported her all through to make her dream a reality.

"There were so many unhealthy people around me. Every time I`d try to push them into the gym, they`d say they`ve no time. My music video is for busy, lazy, shy and non-privileged people who can`t afford the gym fees.

"I wanted it to be concise exercises that could be done in just 25 minutes and I didn`t want them to look intimidating, like `Oh my God only Bipasha Basu can do them`," Bipasha told IANS in an interview.

"The idea was to make it fun and easy...I wanted to be comprehensive and that included precautionary measures to make sure no injury happened," she said.

"This project was my baby ...It provides a 25-minute fitness regime with all the shot posturing being made very clear on camera so that the audience would be led into the exercises shot by shot. I`ve never done anything like this. I did it all by myself with the help of a team.

"I wanted maximum eyeballs for this. A lot of hard work has gone into it...Eight months of toil. Even at the gym I kept working on the video," the glamorous star said.

John didn`t mind helping Bipasha with the video even if it was in the middle of the night.

"I`d be up at 3 a.m. scripting my video and I`d poke him awake to get his feedback. He would give his inputs no matter how tired or sleepy. He has been a great help. He`s always there for me. He has been a wonderful support."

But she did miss him during the row with the hotel management in New Delhi after her DVD launch.

"I missed him when I was under attack in Delhi. He has been a pillar of strength throughout the making and marketing of my fitness video. John is always there for everything I do...I like to do everything on my own.

"Emotionally I need tremendous support from all my loved ones including my parents and John. But when it comes to my work I`m fiercely independent. I`ll only take advice from someone who shares my passion, like John does."

The song "Love yourself" in the video is sung by Monali while Bipasha did some parts of the song.

"The concept `Love Yourself` has clicked. People have always asked me why I look so content. That`s because I like myself. Everyone has an added passion besides their main vocation. John has bikes. Likewise I`m passionate about health and the mechanics of the human body. Whether it`s yoga, swimming or running. Anything that helps me remain physically fit is good for me," she said.

Bipasha is sporting a chiselled figure and she`s proud of it.

"I`ve worked out for the last six years. I`ve done all kinds of exercises. But in the last eight months, while trying to put forward a regime for my fitness video, I ended up following the same regime. With each passing year I think my physical fitness is getting better."

And now John thinks she has the best body in show business.

"He could be biased because he`s my boyfriend," Bipasha said with a laugh.

"We`ve been told we`re the sweetest and fittest couple in our gym. That means a lot to us. It`s not just the body that makes an individual attractive. You`ve to have a face and a personality to match. We`re in a visual medium. And I`ve to admit most of my colleagues look good, both men and women."

Bipasha hopes to inspire a lot of people. "Fitness and health are becoming really big in India. Everybody wants to be fit. I`m glad I came out with my health video at this time."

"Love yourself" is just the beginning.

"I already have the idea for the next fitness video. I`ll do something completely different in my next. The first one was tiring because I was groping in the dark. The second and third will be far smoother. Sometimes working on the first fitness video was like banging my head against the wall...I had to remind people on my team this was a fitness not a music video. I was like Goddess Durga protecting my project. This is one baby that had nothing to do with John."
(Spicezee)

Badmaash Company – First Look

Here we have the first look of Yash Raj Films’s next release - ‘Badmaash Company’. The film is written and directed by Parmeet Sethi and produced by Aditya Chopra.

The film stars the young and charming Shahid Kapoor and the talented and pretty Anushka Sharma, who are certainly a pair to watch out for with their great on-screen chemistry. They are ably supported by Meiyang Chang and Vir Das. The music has been composed by Pritam.

“Badmaash Company” is an extraordinary story set in the 90’s in middle class Mumbai, of four young friends who get together to start a company. Their business is an instant hit because they find a way to beat the system.

By doing all the wrong things… the right way!

Coming soon to a theatre near you on 7th May 2010!

(Indiaglitz)

Revenge of the Saas, TV is back on the glitzy track

New Delhi: The flashy sarees are back and so are the over dressed vamps. After a period of austerity where 'social realism' ruled the roost, the grand family sagas are making an opulent comeback on the small screen.

Be it the four sisters of Behenein or the troubled residents of Swarna Mahal in Yahan Mein Ghar Ghar Kheli, the programmes hark back to the ornate trappings of the earlier soaps like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kasauti Zindagi Ki.

They are a far cry from soaps like Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo and Bairi Piyaa which focussed on the lower middle classes and their day to day struggles.

So what is the reason which has prompted the television industry to change it's direction from "issue-based" productions to the formulaic family dramas?

"The audience was tired of the so called socially relevant soaps. There was a flood of them because in TV if a certain thing works, duplicates mushroom everywhere. But new audience surveys have revealed that the viewers want the opulent dramas back," said JD Majethia, producer of Behenein, on Star Plus.

The channel had monopolised the top spot in the race for TRP's for years with superhit soaps like Kyunki.. and Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki and is now in the forefront of the return of the genre.

Their latest offering Behenein, which was launched with a series of glitzy sangeet ceremonies across cities, has much in common with their best remembered soap Kyunki..., the longest running serial in Indian Television history.

"Our new soap Behenein has a compelling story line and though it is again set in a Gujarati family like our cult hit Kyunki, it is not a copy or a rehash. Family dramas have always been our strength though we did experiment with socially relevant themes like in Mitwa: Phool Kamal Ke etc," said Anupam Vasudev, EVP, Star India.

NDTV Imagine, which scored brownie points with the superhit reality show Rakhi Ka Swayamwar' too has jumped on the bandwagon with soaps like Palkon Ki Chaon Mein.

"All serials are based on homes. But there are two types, one is the home that the larger urban audience can identify with and the rich settings are attention grabbing props that make for interesting viewing. And there are the serials that look at the opposite spectrum of the society, the rural, the underprivileged," said Shailaja Kejriwal, EVP, NDTV Imagine.

So is the play between the cruel Saas and the suffering Bahu again in vogue on television?

Audiences seem to agree, given the high TRP's the shows are garnering.

"The shows incorporate a fantasy element, which is highly entertaining. We all know that people don't really wear such ornate costumes in real life, but the plots, the clothes, the sudden twists are all entertaining to watch," says Kirti Sukhkar, a self confessed "soap junkie".

But, Sukesh Motwani, Creative Head, Zee TV begs to differ saying that the modern family dramas are a lot more believable and a lot less "cheesy" than their earlier counterparts.

"The treatment of the current bunch of soaps is totally different from the previous ones. Earlier the settings were often so grand that it overpowered the plot, but there is increased emphasis on believability now," said Motwani.

But did the Saas-Bahus ever go away, no says Kejriwal who believes that Indian soaps are primarily focussed on the relationship.

"Even Balika Vadhu, which is considered a trail blazer in the social issue based soap department, is at it's core a saas bahu soap," said Kejriwal.

(DNA)

No plan to rename 'Tees Maar Khan': Producer

Mumbai, Feb 13 (IANS) There were reports that the title of "Tees Maar Khan" may go through a change as lead actor Akshay Kumar was not happy with it. But producer Shirish Kunder says the whole controversy was "fabricated".

"Perhaps pages were required to be filled in and a news around our film made for a spicy story. I guess someone just fabricated an entire article about Akshay being unhappy with the title," said Kunder about the film which will be directed by his wife, Farah Khan.

The filmmaker, who has earlier directed Akshay in "Jaan-E-Mann", said: "Do you know that most of the compliments that we have received so far on the film have been around the title? There is no point changing it since it truly reflects the spirit of the film. If it had to change, it would have happened by now."

Many felt that the word Khan in the title would indicate some kind of connection with one of the top 'Khan' actors, something that didn't quite amuse Akshay.

"How idle minded can people get? Arrey, when you spell a word in Hindi, it has to be 'Khan' and not 'Kha'. Now we can't have our title as 'Tees Maar Kha' which would then lead people to say '....maar kha', get beaten up.

"Come on, it's a plain and simple humorous title that conveys the real spirit of the film. Our intention is not to create any controversy whatsoever."

Kunder's debut production has been surrounded by controversies since it was announced late last year.

If Farah Khan opting for Akshay instead of Shah Rukh Khan wasn't a good enough reason to set tongues wagging, there was a toss up for the leading lady between Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra and Sonam Kapoor.
(Nowrunning.com)

I will clear misunderstandings with Thackerays, says Shah Rukh

Berlin: Shah Rukh Khan, in freezing Berlin for the red carpet premiere of ‘My Name Is Khan’, may be physically far from the turmoil back home, but is mentally in Mumbai. The superstar says he has ‘no ego’ and will clear any "misunderstanding" with Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray.

"I know Balasaheb and Uddhav-ji (Thackeray) well, and if there`s a misunderstanding I`ll clear it. I`ve no ego, no false self-respect. It (`MNIK`) has released in London, New York, Dubai, Berlin, and I`ll be happiest if the Mumbai audience could see it.

"`My Name is Khan` does not take a stand, it only points out things. When I join politics I`ll take a stand. Inshallah, there will be no issue about my statements, we can have a discussion and work it out. All I want to do now is walk the red carpet, have some champagne and hope that all will be fine," Shah Rukh told reporters in an interview here.

The Shiv Sena had opposed the film`s release after Shah Rukh refused to apologise for saying that Pakistani cricketers should have been included in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches.

Sena activists had vandalised several theatres in Mumbai that were to screen 'My Name Is Khan', but fans of `King Khan` thronged cinema halls Friday, giving the thumbs down to the Sena hooligans.

On the attacks on theatres showing his film, Shah Rukh said: "I have no stand, no ideological issue. I`m a mere actor. I`m genuinely sorry if my comments have hurt someone. I`m in the business of making people happy."

The star was effusive in his praise of his director-producer Karan Johar.

"Karan Johar is exposed to a lot more international films than previous filmmakers. He decided not to rest in a comfort zone and work only for money, but take the chance to make our mark in the world. The Berlinale provided us a perfect platform. It takes guts to get out of your comfort zone and `My Name Is Khan` is the first step.

"For Kajol and me, we were the right people at the right time and right place. Indian entertainment believes that love will conquer all, but here we`ve dressed it up in a way the Western audience likes. I`m lucky to be born in the time of Karan Johar and his direction."
(Spicezee)

V-Day celebrations a marketing gimmick: Shabana

Popular Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi tonight found fault with those trying to disrupt the celebration of Valentines Day, even as she said that the Day is actually a western concept that is being used as a " marketing gimmick".

"Valentines celebrations is actually a western concept which is actually being used as a marketing gimmick. But even so, nobody has a right to say that it cannot be celebrated. And any kind of tactics that are extra constitutional is something the civil society has to stand up against," she told reporters.

She was speaking on the sidelines of a function where the book Kaifi and I - A memoir by Shaukat Kaifi was released by Andhra Pradesh Governor E S L Narasimhan.

Kaifi and I is the English translation of the Urdu memoirs penned by Shabana's mother Shaukat on her (Shabana) father Kaifi Azmi.

Talking about her association with Hyderabad, where she was born, Shabana said she loved the Deccani culture and its food.

"I was born at Mallepally in Hyderabad. After that I lived all my life in Mumbai. But I always constantly come back to Hyderabad. For me what is striking about Hyderabad is food, the language, the Deccani dialect. The fact that it is a culturally rich heritage place. This was the city where my parents met.

"I have very strong roots in Hyderabad. The first three films I did with Shyam Benegal were all made in Hyderabad. Ankur, Nishant and Mandi were made here," she said.
(NDTV Movies)

Abhishek Bachchan turns businessman

Abhishek Bachchan has taken over a new responsibility. The actor will have an additional responsibility of looking after the business of his family's film production house.

According to sources, after the success of his last film PAA, Abhishek Bachchan will now oversee the future strategy of the family owned film production house ABCL.

CHECK OUT: Abhishek wants more films with Aishwarya

For starters, all films that feature Abhishek will be co-produced or distributed by ABCL. This is seen as one of the long term plans of the company to turn into a major filmmaking hub.

Well, after the success of PAA, it seems the Bachchans are getting increasingly involved in the film production yet again. And by all standards it's surely a welcome move.
(Glamsham)

RGV's next 'Warning' to be a 3D horror film

After offering a starkly realistic media drama in 'Rann', Bollywood director Ram Gopal Varma is venturing into an uncharted territory of 3D films, with his horror flick 'Warning'.

"There are lots of things that need to be explored in India. The international market is doing great in 3D films and there seems to be a great demand for these kind of movies across the globe," Varma said.

Sensing huge opportunities in this genre, the filmmaker is currently working on perhaps the country's first 3D-horror movie 'Warning' and says that the plot line and other things including the star cast are still in its initial stages and undecided.

"It is too early to say about the film," he said.

Varma has earlier tried his hands at horror with psychological and supernatural thrillers like 'Bhoot' (2003), 'Phoonk' (2008) and the episodic 'Darna' (Darna Mana Hai and Darna Zaroori Hai) series.

He is now ready with its second instalment of Phoonk, directed by Milind Gadagkar. 'Phoonk -2' is likely to be released in April this year.

The writer-director-producer is also contemplating of making another movie on the underworld gang warfare.

"It's been long time I haven't made a movie on underworld. I won't say I am very much fascinated towards it but I love to unearth facts and true stories," Varma said.

The underworld movie line-up of RGV include -- 'Satya' (1998) and Company (2002) followed by 'D' (2005), which was produced by him.

(Indian Express)

Karan Johar: There is good amount of ignorance around religion

With a rather uncharacteristic absence from the movie making scene courtesy his back problem, Shah Rukh promises to carry on from where he left his last blockbuster RAB NE BANA DI JODI behind and gets into a different zone altogether in MY NAME IS KHAN. Karan Johar too lends a big helping hand by transporting Raj/Rahul from the world of 'Maahi Ve' and 'Pretty Woman' to Rizvan who sets himself on one eventful journey with the sound of 'Sajda' playing not so far away. No wonder, he makes a solid impression as he exclaims in a subtle yet stern, confident and hurt tone - MY NAME IS KHAN.... and I am not a terrorist'.

"Indeed no, MY NAME IS KHAN has nothing to do with terrorism. It is all about a wrong perception which, I don't know for what reason, has been built around the film", says Karan Johar for whom this film has been a huge challenge by itself.

"The film is about Rizwan who is a Muslim with an Asperger syndrome. He moves from Mumbai to San Francisco and lives with his brother and sister-in-law. There, he falls in love with Mandira (Kajol), gets married to her and begins a new life. However, post the 9/11 tragedy he starts facing number of difficulties due to his religion. Disturbed, hurt and in angst, he takes a long journey across the United States to meet the President. Now tell me, where the terrorism aspect comes to the forefront in this entire episode," questions Karan.

It wasn't too long ago when Karan had mentioned that while his last production KURBAAN was more localized in appeal, MY NAME IS KHAN looks at a global perception of Muslims.

"Yes, there is a perception of certain aspect of religion that we do see around us", nods Karan in agreement, "As someone who is secular and traveled the entire world, I know for sure that there is good amount of ignorance around religion and its true meaning. Let's think rationally; after all it's the humanity factor which any time is over and above religion. It pains me when I realize that all around us we have forgotten the core of our humanity. Have we ever sat down and given a thought that what's the core of our existence? And this is what I want to bring out in the film."

(Yahoo)

'My Name is Khan' tickets sold out at Berlin before dawn

Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'My Name is Khan', which is being targeted in Mumbai by the right-wing Shiv Sena, were sold out in five seconds at the Berlin International Film Festival. Fans had not slept all night to keep their places in the queue despite the sub-zero temperature in Berlin.

Those who arrived at 6 a.m. were in tears. The online tickets for the superstar's own people who phoned the Berlinale authorities five minutes after ticketing opened were told they were way too late. The film's tickets were auctioned on e-Bay for 1,000 euros (about Rs.60,000) each.

Jenny Watkinson, assigned the 'Shah Rukh Khan department' in the International Relations office of Dieter Kosslick, Berlin film festival director, told IANS: 'I've never seen anything like it. This year it's expected to be even bigger than in 2008 (during 'Om Shanti Om'). The online tickets for 'My Name is Khan' were sold out in five seconds.'

The film premieres in Berlin Friday with a red carpet at the prestigious Berlinale Palast theatre on Potsdamer Platz.

Everyone was wondering if Shah Rukh Khan and team would be in Berlin, given that the anti-Muslim Shiv Sena vandalised Mumbai theatres where advance bookings of the film opened because Shah Rukh said that Pakistani players should also participate in the Indian Premier League.

The film's screening has police protection in Berlin. Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and diretor Karan Johar are here for the premiere of the film.

India has much reason to celebrate at the Berlin International Film Festival here as the country has a historic nine feature films in the Berlinale. This is the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Film Festival, that opens Thursday and runs from Feb 11-21.
(FilmiCafe)

It's a constant struggle to be someone else: Vidya

If there's anyone who can be honest to the point it hurts, and that too in Bollywood, it's Vidya Balan. Few in tinsel town, where big money is spent to carefully cultivate an image both on and off screen, this Aiyar bared her soul to a packed house during the second edition of the India Today Woman Summit in Mumbai. She recounted her journey of having lost her way in the big bad world of films and only to rediscover herself. And need we add, her rediscovery has sent the cash registers ringing with Paa and Ishquiya.

Till now the Balan girl has earned herself many detractors with her honesty but this time on the firing line was none other than her self. At the dinner keynote address titled "New Beginnings, New Frontiers," Balan in her trademark style spoke candidly about her stellar beginning in films only to lose the plot later. Recounting her journey from being losing herself to finding herself again she said: "Little achievements in my life are the product of choices I have made. New beginnings and new frontiers for me was about losing perspective, then gaining it and then becoming self assured. Every moment gives us a new beginning to conquer new frontiers."

Social pressure often puts women (and their clothes) under a microscope, but it's the choices that we make that define who we are. This comes from a woman who started her career with a dream debut in Parineeta, but became only a shade of the real her when she started attempting to ape some of the glamorous bimbettes in Bollywood. She did her best to fight the behenji image, but clearly that's what is raking in the moolah. "People used to tell me don't go to book readings as it will seem pseudo-intellectual. And I said to myself, but I love reading." It's taken her a lot to break the mould and come out tops.

But then she's never had it easy as she never had a sugar daddy in the industry. Recounting the start of her journey, she recalls: "The first opportunity I got allowed me to be my self in television as it was all simple. That's when I realised what is to be a woman. I enjoyed playing the mother of a 5-year-old kid in an ad film." The first challenge in her journey on to the big screen came when she turned down Anurag Basu's offer of a lead role in a serial. "When I refused saying I really wanted in the movies he said 'Roz, Roz Shah Rukh paida nahi hota'." Well Basu may now eat humble pie because roz roz Vidya Balan bhi nahin paida hoti.

It was the first motivation that came in the form of a rebuke or a challenge. "I wanted to disprove him. Now I am glad that he did as it motivated me to pursue what I really wanted. When my detractors kept saying things about me I was only strengthened to disprove them and the only thing I had was my faith."

From hindsight, she's glad about all the projects in the South that did not materialize even though she was termed as jinxed. "I am happy now that those films never took off as they portrayed women as 'floozies' and made them look like apologies. I was inspired by yesteryear actors and wanted to be like them," she adds.

With Parineeta, her life changed overnight as her thirst as an actor got quenched, but then complacency set in and along with it confusion. "I lost perspective and everything from clothes to what I stood for reflected my state of mind. I was almost giving up. Balki said that actors take a lifetime to figure out their needs," she says.

And that's everything started going wrong because she was trying very hard to be something she was not. That's when she decided to take step back and words of wisdom came from her sister, who told her: "It's a constant struggle to be someone else, it's easiest to be yourself." Having tried to toe the line, Balan has come a full circle. "All the bad press I got as people were rejecting my attempt at being who I was not. Then I got new opportunities, which helped me conquer new frontiers," she says with pride.
(India Today)

Gujarat starts screening MNIK, sell-out in Kolkata

Gujarat multiplexes have started screening My Name is Khan after cancelling the first shows due to protests from Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal activists, members of the Multiplex Owners Association (MOA) said today.

"Screening of MNIK has begun in most of the multiplexes in the city," Owner of Wide Angle Multiplex, and member of MOA Manubhai Patel told PTI. "Though there were protests against the film in the morning, the screenings began with the second show after the first shows were cancelled," he said.

Bookings opened at City Pulse, City Gold, Fun Cinemas and BIG Cinemas in the city. In Vadodara and Surat, MNIK was screened amidst tight security arrangements. None of the shows were cancelled and no incident of violence was reported. In Surat, major multiplexes like Rajhans, Valentine and Rupam theatres screened MNIK as per the schedule.

Many VHP and Bajrang Dal activists protesting against the screening of MNIK have been detained at various places, police said. Some VHP members tried to disrupt the film's screening at Fun Republic cinema, but were stopped by the police and detained. In Rajkot, VHP members staged protest against Khan and the film forcing the multiplex owners to cancel the first show.

On Friday, VHP activists had torn down the posters of MNIK and caused ruckus in a bid to halt the release of the film in Ahmedabad and Jamnagar in Gujarat.

Meanwhile, some multiplex owners in Mumbai have decided to screen the film, post noon. However, several single screens have decided against the release till the issue is resolved between the Sena and the actor.

Over 1,800 Sena activists, including functionaries, have been arrested in the last three days to thwart protests by the Sena, which is demanding an apology from Shah Rukh for his remarks favouring Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League 3.

MNIK got a smooth release in Delhi, amid beefed-up security.

Isolated cases of protest against the film's screening were, however, reported last night when five persons claimed to be Shiv Sainiks tore posters of the film and damaged window panes of Satyam cinema hall in west Delhi. They have been detained by the police.

"Policemen are deployed near the theatres in adequate numbers to avoid any violence. We are keeping close watch," a senior police official said.

The film, which is banking on the chemistry of Shah Rukh and Kajol, recieved a good response in Delhi theatres. "Morning shows have 85 percent occupancy but the post noon shows are all sold out. Our theatres are booked till Sunday," Jayendra Banerjee, Vice President Satyam Cineplexes told PTI.

"Some 75 screens in Delhi are screening the movie. The film has also benefited from the Shivratri holiday today. On an average, multiplexes are running 11 to 12 shows a day," a distributor said.

Meanwhile, a sell-out crowd greeted MNIK in West Bengal, which released in 131 cinema halls across the state without any trouble.

Police sources said that there was no untoward incident in any cinema hall or multiplex when the film released.

"The only crowd we can see is that of cine-goers. There has been no protest of any sort," an officer of Kolkata Police said. "Security arrangements have, however, been beefed up at the halls and multiplexes in view of the controversy."

A multiplex in Nagpur screened the morning show of MNIK amid tight security arrangements. However, uncertainty prevailed over the film's screening in most single screen theatres, as they refunded the tickets of the noon show.

Cine exhibitors and distributors met up this morning to discuss the situation. Heavy police was deployed in all the theatres where the film was slated to be screened.

(Rediff)

Shah Rukh's MNIK sold out at Berlin fest in five seconds!

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's presence at the Berlin International Film Festival acknowledges that he has fans not only in Mumbai, but all over the world. The online tickets for his My Name is Khan, which is being targeted by the Hindu right wing Shiv Sena in Mumbai, were sold out in five seconds here.

People who phoned the Berlinale authorities five minutes after ticketing opened were told they were way too late.

Speak up for Shah Rukh Khan!

The film's tickets were auctioned on e-Bay for 1,000 euros (about Rs 60,000) each.

Fans had not slept all night to keep their places in the queue despite the minus temperature in Berlin. Those who arrived at 6 a.m. were in tears.

Jenny Watkinson, assigned the 'Shah Rukh Khan department' in the International Relations office of Dieter Kosslick, Berlin film festival director, says, "I've never seen anything like it. This year it's expected to be even bigger than in 2008 [during Om Shanti Om]. The online tickets for My Name is Khan were sold out in five seconds."

The film premieres in Berlin on Friday with a red carpet at the prestigious Berlinale Palast theatre on Potsdamer Platz.

Everyone was wondering if Shah Rukh Khan and team would be in Berlin, given that the Shiv Sena vandalised Mumbai theatres where advance bookings of the film opened because Shah Rukh said that Pakistani players should also participate in the Indian Premier League.

The film's screening has police protection in both Mumbai and Berlin.

Special: All about My Name is Khan

In Mumbai to protect Shah Rukh's fans from the vandals, in Berlin to protect the star from a tsunami of hysterical fans who are expected from all over Europe.

Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Karan Johar are here for the premiere of My Name is Khan.

India has much reason to celebrate at the Berlin International Film Festival here as the country has a historic nine feature films in the Berlinale.

This is the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Film Festival, that opens Thursday and runs from February 11-21.

(Sify)

Hrithik, Priyanka say they are with SRK

A host of Bollywood stars including Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Abhishek Bachchan and director Madhur Bhandarkar have come out in support of co-actor SRK.

Priyanka Chopra, who has worked with SRK in a few films, has spoken out in a column that she writes for a leading daily newspaper.

Hrithik tweeted: "Your name is superest of superstars. Love you. Send me a hug with your shirt on."

Abhishek Bachchan also wrote on his tweet: "Wishing @kjohar25 and @iamsrk and the entire team of MNIK all the best for the release. It's going to be memorable! FULL ON!!!"

Director Madhur Bhandarkar wrote: "My love for you always...I pray people get to see it (My Name Is Khan). What more do we film people want."

Priyanka Chopra in her Column for Ht City wrote: "The film fraternity, Friday's are always fraught with tension... it's the day of release... this Friday, that tension has spread across the industry. My Name is Khan is ready to be presented to the audiences across the world however the one question that will be on everyone's lips is whether it will be allowed to or will the release be hampered by unnecessary violence and strife?

"I hope you all have plans to go out there and catch the film over the weekend in support of a great effort by Shah Rukh, Karan, Kajol and the cast and crew. We have to stand up to for what is right. Furthermore, given the names behind the film, I'm very sure it will be an entertaining and insightful experience."

Theatre owners in Mumbai are yet to take a decision on the film's release.
(NDTV Movies)

YRF's next 'Badmaash Company' featuring Shahid and Anushka

Yash Raj Films titled its next film directed by Parmeet Sethi as Badmaash Company.

The film stars Shahid Kapoor and Anushka Sharma, who are certainly a pair to watch out for. They are supported by Meiyang Chang and Vir Das.

Badmaash Company is an extraordinary story set in the 90's, where in middle class of Mumbai, four young friends get together to start a company. Their business is an instant hit because they find a way to beat the system. By doing all the wrong things... the right way!

The music of the film has been composed by Pritam and the film is slated to release on May 7, 2010.

(Indian Express)

3 IDIOTS completes 50 days

3IDIOTS has completed 50 days at the box office and after enjoying a long run ever since it's Christmas release, the film is now making way for SRK's MNIK which is all set to create havoc at the box office. This Rajkumar Hirani directed film has so far netted 198 crores just from India and it should be a matter of few more days before it crosses the 200 crores milestone.

2010 had begun with a red, courtesy none of the newer releases managing to do anything whatsoever at the box office. However, the only good news was the ongoing success of 3 IDIOTS which continued to rake in moolah all through its run. The film is now the biggest money spinner of all times and an all time blockbuster at that.

CHECK OUT: ISHQIYA, RANN, VEER, 3 IDIOTS - movie pirates raided

Aamir Khan has now scored two consecutive centuries in two years with 3 IDIOTS following GHAJINI that had netted close to 115 crores. The film has not just broken records but created such records which seem unassailable for many more months to come.

Though in the current year there is no '100 crores' money-spinner that one can expect from Aamir Khan, courtesy his only release being DHOBHI GHAT that is targeted at a niche audience, it would be interesting to see what does Aamir Khan sign next. Perhaps a 300 crores blockbuster may just be right the corner in 2011.
(Glamsham)

Aishwarya down with high fever, advised bed rest

New Delhi: Doting parents-in-law Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan are looking after Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai who is down with high fever and has been advised bed rest by doctors.

"Aishwarya has come back from the shoot in pain and distress. Doctors called, investigation done and medication registered to settle issues down, but it persists," Amitabh Bachchan, posted on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.

Explaining the condition of his daughter-in-law, the Big B wrote: "There is high fever and an infection in the throat, cannot talk, cannot swallow. Sad and so concerned to see her in such a condition. Abhishek has been summoned from his shoot as Jaya and I attend to her."

Aiswarya was shooting for Vipul Shah`s `Action Replay` in Manori in northern Mumbai and returned home with high fever.

Abhishek attended to his wife, but had to rush for his shooting schedule.

"The morning was spent with a rather unwell wife. But, work calls so off (to) the shoot for `Crooked`," Abhishek wrote on his Twitter.
(Spicezee)

Sharman Joshi was nervous about meeting Tabu

Sharman Joshi, with the blockbuster '3 Idiots' under his belt, was still nervous about working with National Award winner Tabu on the sets of 'Toh Baat Pakki'. But her friendly demeanour put him at ease immediately.

'It was wonderful working with Tabu in 'Toh Baat Pakki'. She is a stunning actor, but I was very worried about how to break the ice with her initially. But she was very sweet and friendly, so all of us gelled very well on the sets,' Sharman told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

The talented actor says though he was nervous about meeting Tabu, he doesn't clearly remember how their first meeting on the sets turned out. 'We had a natural and easy connect. We hit it off immediately, seemed to have common interests to talk about and everything fell into place,' he added.

'Toh Baat Pakki', releasing Feb 19, features Yuvika Chaudhary and Vatsal Seth apart from Tabu and Sharman.

It is about a middle class woman obsessed about getting her younger sister married to a well-settled boy. How the choice of groom oscillates from Sharman to Vatsal and vice versa is what forms the rest of the story.

Sharman says the whole gang had a blast on the sets - just the way he likes it to be.

'All of us became a gang and had great fun on and off the sets. It was really nice especially because I also had a lot of fun while shooting for '3 Idiots'. Film after film, shooting has been fun. It's always good not to have any unpleasant experiences with anyone on the sets,' he said.

After 'Toh Baat Pakki', the 30-year-old actor will be seen in intense drama 'Allah Ke Banday' alongside veterans Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher. Till then, he is busy looking at the many scripts that have come his way after '3 Idiots'.

'Life hasn't changed too much on the personal front after '3 Idiots', but change has come along professionally just the way it does after every successful project. There is more respect given to the work one has done and from three scripts in a day, one is reading six to seven - all a very natural change,' he said.

Though Sharman has mostly been seen in comedies such as 'Style', 'Xcuse Me', 'Dhol' and 'Golmaal', he says he gets all types of scripts and is open to 'anything and everything'.

'I am open to anything and everything. I am pretty instinctive when it comes to deciding my projects. I mostly make up my mind by the time I finish reading the first scene in a script,' he said.

The actor likes to maintain a balance in the kind of films he does to avoid a set pattern in his career graph.

'I would love to be a part of every genre - romance, comedy, drama, thriller - I like to mix it up. Otherwise it would get very boring for me. It is okay if I get back-to-back films of the same genre. But I like every project to be equally exciting and challenging.'

(Sify)

Ram Gopal Varma, Vivek patch up, plan more projects

Ram Gopal Varma, with whom Vivek Oberoi is working in 'Rakta Charitra', is one of the many people the actor fell out with. But now the two have become the closest of friends and are planning at least two more films together.

The two even converse in Telugu, Varma's mother tongue, which Vivek learnt for 'Rakta Charitra'.

'Ramuji was pissed off. And rightly so. He had picked me up from nowhere and made me a star. He was embittered by the way I turned. I lost a lot of my friends. And that included Ramuji,' Vivek said emotionally.

Now the two are back on an even pitch and are planning at least two more films together.

Incidentally, Vivek is the only protege whom Varma has chosen to patch up with. The ones he has had permanent fall-outs with include Manoj Bajpai, Aftab Shivdasani, Randeep Hooda and Mohit Ahlawat.

Reacting to rumours of a patch-up with Bajpai, Varma retorts: 'Mere itne bhi bure din nahin aaye hain. (I have not fallen upon such bad days).'

Vivek even took the trailer of his new film 'Prince It's Showtime' to Hyderabad where he was shooting with Varma.

'Ramuji booked a theatre at the film city in Hyderabad to watch it. Not just that. I left the theatre after a while since late nights don't suit me. I had a shoot in the morning. But my director chose to stay on watching the trailer over and over again. Ramuji has always been a mentor. I'm sorry if I let him down in the past,' Vivek said.

Shatrughan Sinha, who forms the third element in the new Ramu-Vivek alliance, too watched the trailer with Varma.

Vivek just can't stop raving about Shatrughan, his co-star in 'Rakta Charitra'. 'He's so generous and warm. He makes me feel so special every day on the sets. He's an inspiration. I call him Super Sarkar. He's so larger than life. He's the only politician who is never politically correct.'

Vivek is gearing up for the release of 'Prince It's Showtime' which is rumoured to be a remake of the 1960s' Shammi Kapoor starrer 'Prince'.

'Ha, ha. I wish. People feel it might be a takeoff on Shammi Kapoorji in Prince, or they feel it is a costume drama. Let them see what it is. I don't want to give away the plot. Hats off to Kumar Tauraniji for having faith in me. I knew it would be risky. He pulled out all the stops to make Prince look lavish,' Vivek chortles.
(Filmicafe)

Rani and Vidya scare away 'Jessica'

Now that's weird. There is not a single established actress in Bollywood who wants to play the role of Jessica in Aamir director Raj Kumar Gupta's next, No One Killed Jessica. But they have a valid reason.

The pivotal roles in the movie are divided between Rani Mukerji and Vidya Balan and the character Jessica gets killed in the beginning of the movie. So, whoever opts for that role will have very little to show – talent, I mean.

I have list of names of actresses in my mind who are sitting idle at home and should take up this role. But why would I reveal any? I'm not the casting director.

And so, Raj Kumar Gupta has decided to cast a fresh face for the role of Jessica. Good, now the old generation of actresses will have some competition!
(Buzz18)

No method to Kajol`s madness, she`s brilliant: Karan Johar

Mumbai: She is spontaneous, brilliant, the perfect choice...Kajol is undoubtedly one of Karan Johar`s favourite actresses and the director says he might not even have made `My Name Is Khan` if she had said no to the film.

"I had only Kajol in mind for Mandira`s role. And I don`t think I would have made this film had she said no to me. She was the perfect choice for the character. I don`t think anyone could have done justice to it as she has," Karan Johar told reporters.

"Kajol is spontaneous. There is no method to her madness. She is sheer brilliance. Her expressions connect you immediately. She is all real, all woman, all human on screen and I don`t think any living actress has the quality that Kajol has," he added.

Releasing Friday, the film is the heart-warming tale of Rizwan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), who suffers from Asperger`s Syndrome (a form of autism), and his journey to win the love of his life Mandira, a single mother.

Asked if he thinks Kajol could portray the character better because she is a mother in real life too, he said: "Yes, she could connect to the character well because she is a mother first, then a wife and then an actress. I think she is, by her own admission, a solid mother and that`s how she defines herself," said Karan.

The filmmaker insists the disorder in Shah Rukh`s character acts as a texture and an added layer but it`s not the focus of the film.

"We needed a character not to be neurotypical because when he is asked to embark on a journey to meet the US president, it`s a very illogical demand to make. But it`s told to him in the heat of the moment and he takes it to heart," Karan explained.

"If he was neurotypical, like you and I, logic would have played a big part. But he followed the instruction," he added.

Karan believes it is difficult to make pure love stories nowadays because there is bound to be a certain cynicism attached to it.

"I think a pure love story is difficult to make as we used to do decades ago. There is too much cynicism and too much of a grey area surrounding love. That`s why a very pure love story will have certain cynicism attached to it. That`s my belief. Having said that, I believe that there are some great love stories waiting to be made," said Karan.

It has been reported that Fox STAR is undeterred by the unprecedented success of Rajkumar Hirani`s "3 Idiots" and hope to hit the bull`s eye with "My Name Is Khan".

Does it pose any challenge to Karan as a filmmaker?

"I don`t make a film and predict a business of it. I make a film I believe in. Yes, it`s a challenging film because it is a new kind of film - challenging for Shah Rukh because it`s a new level of performance for him, challenging for the entire team.

"At the end of the day we have done it with certain conviction, passion and heart and we are very, very confident that the film will connect on a human and emotional level. I don`t know how good business will be...I can`t predict that...all I can say is that the film is made with a lot of heart, integrity and honesty," Karan said.
(Spicezee)

Mumbai theatres puts up Shivaji posters to avoid Sena rampage

Theatre owners who have borne the brunt of Shiv Sena men's ire over the screening of My Name Is Khan could take a leaf out of this quick-thinking Mahim hall. Staff at Paradise theatre in Mahim put up posters of Mee Shivajiraje Bhosle Boltoy yesterday, hoping that the sight of the Maratha icon would deter protestors from attacking the theatre, which is set to screen the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer.

A theatre staff told MiD DAY that they had decided to put up this poster to ensure that the theatre would not be targeted by Shiv Sainiks. Mee Shivajiraje Bhosle Boltoy has Chhatrapati Shivaji as an imaginary character.

Incidentally, the theatre was not attacked.

The Marathi film is not currently running in the theatre. When we called up the booking counter later in the day, asking why the poster was put up, the person on the other end said, "We may screen My Name is Khan or Me Shivajiraje, but that will be decided only tomorrow."

He added that the poster was not put up to save the theatre from attack.

Paradise owner Nilofer was not available for comment despite several attempts.

'Hire pvt security'

While the state and police have assured security to theatre and multiplex owners, they have also advised them to engage private security.

"We will provide security to them, but they too need do something on their own. Therefore, we requested them to engage private security inside the theatre," said Minister of State for Home Ramesh Bagwe.

Cinemax senior vice president Dewang Sampat confirmed that they had engaged private security.

Mumbai Police Commissioner D Sivanandan assured, "We will provide security to anybody who approaches us for help."

Meanwhile, all leaves of city policemen have been cancelled and four companies of SRPF have been put on standby for the release of the film tomorrow.

Owners worried

R K Vidhani, president of the theatre owners' association, sounded worried.

"I am unsure whether theatre owners will actually screen the movie. Despite the police commissioner's assurance, so many theatres have been attacked and the theatre owners are facing heavy losses," he said.
(Mid Day)

Aamir Khan still in mourning

Aamir Khan is not Mr Perfectionist only in movies, but also when it comes to matters close to family. The actor recently lost his father, filmmaker Tahir Hussain, due to a massive heart attack.

Aamir's mother Zeenat, who stays in Pune, gets lots of visitors everyday offering condolence. The actor realised it is high time all this comes to an end.

Not only that, Aamir is taking his mom to his Panchgani house, so that she is not disturbed by anyone and can stay in peace.

Reportedly, the actor has told his secretary to cancel all his professional commitments, as he will be spending time with his mother till the end of the month. And along with wife Kiran Rao, his brother Faisal Khan will also stay with the actor in Panchgani.

(Buzz18)

Gauri's Shopping Expedition

We couldn't believe our eyes. Were we hallucinating or what? But there was Gauri Khan right in front of us. And guess what she was doing? She was shopping on the streets of Bandra with her daughter Suhana and the governess. She seemed to have no airs about herself. Like an ordinary housewife, she was looking at the goods sprawled all over. Believe us, it was quite a lovely sight.
(Filmfare)

Shruti Haasan exposes her love

Actress Shruti Haasan is back in news. This time not for her films but for her personal life. Buzz is that Shruti Haasan has no qualms exposing her love affair with Siddarth, whose film STRIKER recently released.

Shruti and Siddarth have been good friends for long. It's a well known fact that the two are really fond of each other. Now, Shruti has taken this friendship to the next level and has introduced Siddarth to her parents. Looks like Shruti's fondness for Siddarth has reached a new high after the release of his latest film.

It's further learnt that Siddarth on his part is also madly into Shruti and shares a great rapport with her family. Well, do we hear the wedding bells ringing soon?
(Glamsham)

Kites to hit screens on May 21

Mumbai: The much-awaited Hrithik Roshan-Barbara Mori starrer Kites will finally release on May 21 with both Hindi and English versions simultaneously splashing the screens in over 60 countries.

The 'first-look' trailer of the Hindi version will be unveiled in 1700 screens worldwide on February 12 while the English trailer of the mega-budget flick will be released shortly after on 1000 screens.

Directed by Anurag Basu, the film will be released worldwide by Reliance BIG Pictures. The English version of Kites is presented and re-worked by noted Hollywood director Brett Ratner of the Rush Hour Series', 'X-Men: The Last Stand' fame.

Sanjeev Lamba, CEO, Reliance BIG Pictures, said, "We have always believed that Indian films and talent can enjoy the same success and recognition internationally as in India. Kites is a first-of-its-kind Indian film and it has already generated huge interest."

"Kites is a compelling romantic saga that goes beyond barriers, boundaries and cultures. It is a story of passion that defies every rule of a relationship that takes two lovers on a thrilling journey filled with precious moments and unexpected betrayal," producer Rakesh Roshan said.

Kites stars Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan and Mexican actor Barbara Mori besides Kangana Ranaut, Kabir Bedi and Nick Brown.

The music is composed by Rajesh Roshan, cinematography by Ayananka Bose and stunt coordination by Hollywood's Spiro Razatos.

The English version is re-edited by Mark Helfrich (Rush Hour Series, X-Men: The Last Stand) with additional background score by Graeme Revell (Sin City, Grindhouse, Pineapple Express).

(DNA)

Amrita on the cover of ‘L’Officiel’

Bollywood attractive Amrita Rao will soon be on the cover page of fashion magazine ‘L’Officiel’.

The fashion magazine cover has been graced by Priyanka Chopra, Akshay-Twinkle and now it’s the turn of the lovely Amrita to don the magazine with her beauty.

The girl who had a wonderful time shooting for the magazine is excited to be on the cover where she will be seen in a never before avatar and mind you the lass is bound to capture many bhola bhala ladkon ka dil.

(IndiaGlitz)

Will 'My Name is Khan' be a Box Office hit?

While some political parties continue threatening to disrupt the release of 'My Name Is Khan', Shahrukh's innumerable fans are eagerly waiting for the film to hit the silver screen. The Yash Raj film, co-produced by Gauri Khan, is directed by Karan Johar. The film is about the relationship between a single mother and a man suffering from autism and how their life changes after the 9/11 terrorist attack in America.

The Badshah of Bollywood, as he is rightly called, made his acting debut through the television series 'Fauji' and has never looked back since then. Today, the name Shahrukh Khan is almost synonymous with success, thus making him the most sort after actor in bollywood.

'My Name is Khan' is slated for release on 12 February 2010. Ganesha uses Vedic Astrology System to find out if the film will be a Box Office hit.

12th February 2010
Release Time Horoscope

Astrological Observations

• Lord of the Ascendant Mars is debilitated and retrograde
• Sun, Moon and Mercury are placed in the 10th house
• Two natural benefics, Jupiter and Venus, are placed in the 11th House
• Rahu - a natural malefic is placed in the 9th House of luck

Astrological Predictions

• Ganesha observes that the Ascendant Lord is weak due to debilitation. But because of Retrograde motion it has become a little powerful and is giving exalted aspect to 10th House of Karma. Moreover, there is Stellium of Sun, Mercury, and Moon in the 10th House. Mars gives exalted aspects to the 10th House. These factors indicate a good start. Ganesha feels that 'My Name is Khan' will receive a warm welcome at the box office. Opening business i.e. first day and first week's business would be more than satisfactory.
• Jupiter and Venus in the 11th House of gains with Neptune, also promise success. Venus is placed in the 11th House of gains and being the Lord of the 2nd House of finance and 7th House of publicity and public image also promises financial gain and lots of publicity.
• This film will be appreciated by many in the first week itself and that's how the business will increase. At the same time, publicity strategy would also work in this film's favour because Venus is in the 11th House.
• Rahu in the 9th House indicates a scope for controversy too.
• Venus is the significator of arts and is aspecting the 5th House of performance, plus fifth house of performance's Lord Sun is in the 10th House with Moon, the significator of mind and imagination, and Mercury is the significator of communication. Hence, dialogue delivery and visual treatment would also be very good.
• However, Rahu's presence in the 9th House may not allow this film to reach become a super duper hit.
• However, Ganesha feels that 'My name is Khan' will surely be remembered as a successful film at box office.

Good luck and may Lord Ganesha bless the cast and crew of 'My name is Khan'.

With Ganesha's Grace,
The GaneshaSpeaks Team

Listen to Big B's voice, thoughts on Bachchan Bol

New Delhi: Avid blogger Amitabh Bachchan has gone a step closer to his fans through vogging or vocal blogging by which they can hear his thoughts anytime and anywhere at the push of a button on their mobile phones.

The service called Bachchan Bol is being introduced by Inside India, which is a repository for licensable content and entertainment from Indian superstars.

"Bachchan empowers me with a personal platform on which I can connect and speak directly with my fans across the globe anywhere and anytime. This is my way...From my films to my family, from my country to my city, you will be able to hear about it all, in my own voice, directly on your mobile phone," Bachchan said in a statement.

As part of the service, Amitabh will be sharing his personal and professional experiences from time-to-time. This service will be available to mobile users at a monthly subscription or pay-per-minute pricing model.

A spokesperson for Inside India said: "We are honoured and excited to launch this project with such a fantastic icon of Indian cinema. We know the power of Indian entertainment and we are firmly embedded in the innovation of technology and the digital world."

"Combining these two elements we are paving a new way for social networking, starting it in the world's most exciting country and taking it across the globe."

Fans can connect with the megastar by dialling 505678910** from their mobile and landline phones. They will also be able to get updates of Bachchan Bol by joining the Bachchan Bol Facebook, Orkut, Twitter, Rediff or SMSGupShup groups or communities.

(IBNLive)