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)

Freida Pinto oozes out Valentine oomph on Elle cover

She came, she saw, she made others see her and then... she conquered and how! Well, the 'she' in question is none other than Freida Pinto, the girl who made every Indian proud courtesy her million-dollar performance in the Oscar winning film Slumdog Millionaire.

Well, despite the fact that the whole world is waiting with bated breath for her confession regarding her 'status' (single or otherwise), that has not stopped this PYT from inspiring others to love, love and love. And what better time it could be than the season of Love... when Love is in the air. Yes, you guessed it right. She is indeed the Valentine's Brand Ambassador... on the cover of the latest edition of Elle. Full marks to the photog for capturing this beauty like never before! In this issue, Freida talks everything from dime to a dozen, which includes brands, films, her life etc. Talking about brands, this gorgeous lady says, "Chanel has always been an effortless brand- their simple, clean cuts will have you look super fashionable. Karl (Lagerfeld) has been great. If I ever need something, he will make it happen." And about her personal life she opines in her own words that, "I realized that I'd gone straight from the craziness of Slumdog into my films, so, this is my time to relax."

All this and mush, mush more...in the latest edition of Elle. Buy it as every day is not a Valentines Day does not fall! What say Freida!
(BH)

Who's Kajol's lifeline?

Mumbai: It’s become Kajol’s favourite joke these days and it’s got to do with her daughter Nysa.

“The concept of a villain has changed for me ever since my daughter was born,” she bursts out giggling.“Trust me, there are days when I devote every waking day on her. She has changed my life completely and I think she is the best gift that I ever had.”

Visibly perturbed by the increasing number of suicides due to parental pressure, Kajol says that parents need to understand a simple thing. “They need to tell themselves that they are just the maalis of a beautiful garden. Now, what does a gardener do with a garden of flowers? He nurtures them, waters them and he allows them to bloom. Our children are also like that. They need to be nurtured and taken care of till the point they are ready to face the world,” she says.

What particularly pains Kajol is the fact that most parents see their children as an extension of their own ego.

“If I couldn’t become a doctor ,then I will make sure that my son or daughter becomes a doctor. That is what piles on pressure on the children. They know that my parents have pinned all their hopes on me. What if I can’t meet them? That is the beginning of all stress. Then if you have the parents screaming and shouting on the kids for making the smallest of mistakes, that’s the end of it,” she adds.
Kajol says that her daughter has taught her to be grounded. “I may be a heroine on the sets but back home, she leads my script.

Running around her helps me stay grounded because I know that I am not different from any other mother reaching out to her daughter. Trust me, I need her more than she needs me,” she ends.
(DNA)

`Slumdog Millionaire` worst film I have seen, says Karnad

Panaji: Padma Bhushan awardee and Jnanpith award winner Girish Karnad Monday called `Slumdog Millionaire` the worst film he has ever seen. Karnad, a towering, multi-faceted creative personality in the field of theatre, literature, acting and academics, was speaking at a lecture on `Colonialism and Culture` at the DD Kosambi lecture series, organised by the government of Goa in Panaji.

"I have never seen anything worse than `Slumdog Millionaire`," Karnad said during a question-answer session which followed his lecture.

He also said the movie had completely failed in India. India`s hunger for Oscars showed "our own inferiority complex", he added.

"I don`t know why we are obsessed with the Oscars or the Grammy (Grammy awards)," Karnad said, adding that the Indian film industry was perfectly healthy in every sense of the word.

Released in 2008, Danny Boyle`s "Slumdog Millionaire" swept the 81st Academy Awards by winning eight Oscars. Out of the eight awards, three were won by Indian artistes - Resul Pookutty, AR Rahman and Gulzar.
(Spicezee)

Sherlyn to be arm-candy guest of King Khan

This sizzling babe has bagged such a delicious chance that any B-town beauty would die for…

Hottie Sherlyn Chopra will be trotting around the globe, on a cricket tour along, with our equally hot hero Shah Rukh Khan.

Recently the two had met at a press meet where SRK had announced his official tie-up with an innerwear brand to manufacture and market clothing merchandise for his team.

It is said that King Khan had invited Ms. Chopra as his honourable guest during all his IPL team’s matches of the Twenty20 cricket tournament. Sherlyn will start on her cricket yatra along with SRK from mid-March to end April, starting from Kolkata.

Story behind this is that Sherlyn had in fact had made a shy guzaarish (read request) to the star whether she can be a part if the team by being its official cheer leader. Now known for his bada dil towards women, Shahrukh generously offered her to be his mehemaan (guest) during the matches instead.

Ooo, but now we wonder whether her hot presence will make any difference to the team; or will Ms. Chopra become a mere distraction for the players?

(IndiaGlitz)

Salman Khan vs Vada Pav

There seems to be some trouble brewing between Salman Khan and producer Vijay Ghalani. The buzz is that Salman didn't like a particular scene in the movie and wanted it reshot. But the producer put his foot down and refused to reshoot. As a result, it seems Salman has decided to pull away from the publicity of the film. He was supposed to endorse a vada pav brand which has tied up with Veer. He was supposed to promote the local dish at an event which was to be covered by the media. The day arrived, so did the scribes and photographers and TV crews but not Salman Khan. He sent a clear message - heed my advice or else. Last heard, the producer was reeling under his hero's ire.
(Filmfare)

Shruti Hasaan: Me pan Mumbaikar

The south Indian sexy bala has turned her routes to Aamchi Mumbai. Yup! Daughter of the super talented Kamal Hassan has decided to shift base to Mumbai after shuttling back and forth between Chennai and Mumbai.

The south Indian nari and the wannabe Bollywood kumari who is currently based in Chennai is house hunting in the city of dreams as she plans to settle here permanently to further her career in Bollywood as a full fledged singer and actor. Shruti, who has already created waves as an actor and music composer in the South, is ready to make it big in Bollywood and is working quite hard for the same.

The only thing is the lass get some ‘luck’ this time.

We wish her all the best of ‘luck’ for her career and home

(India Glitz)

Amitabh to act in Malayalam film

Amitabh Bachchan is all set to enter Malayalam film industry. He will be pairing up with Mohanlal in a film based on the Kandahar plane hijack.

The film also titled ‘Kandahar’ to be directed by Major Ravi will be a sequel to the latter’s films ‘Keerthichakara’ and ‘Kurukshetra’, both featuring Mohanlal.

Mohanlal and Ravi met the Bollywood icon on Sunday evening at Kochi where he the Bollywood superstar was there to inaugurate the Resul Pookkutty Foundation’s health welfare scheme and also to present the newsmaker award of a TV channel to Resul.

“We explained the story to him. He liked it and also his character and he has agreed to do the film. It is not a big role but certainly a powerful one,’’ said Mohanlal.

Major Ravi said Big B will play the role of a plane passenger. “It’s not a violent film, but more of a sentimental one,’’ he said.
The film is inspired by the hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight in 1999 while its was on its way to New Delhi from Kathmandu on Christmas eve. The plane was forced to land at three airports — Amritsar, Lahore, and Dubai — before ending up in Kandahar with 186 hostages on board.

Major Ravi, a former NSG commando, was part of the team that tracked down the killers of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in Bangalore. ‘Kandahar’ will be shot in Kerala, Delhi, Kathmandu and Mumbai.

Incidentally, Big B and Mohanlal had acted together in ‘Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag’ , a remake of ‘Sholay’, which however was a flop.
(Deccan Herald)

I should follow Bipasha now: John Abraham

Kolkata: Bollywood hunk John Abraham is bowled over by his girlfriend and actress Bipasha Basu's new chiselled figure and he now wants to follow her fitness mantra.

"I have tried Bipasha's workout DVD personally and found it to be equally good for men as well, although it is meant for women. I just think that I should follow her routine now," John told reporters here today.

"She is in the most amazing shape. When I looked at her recently, my jaws dropped as I said this can't be for real. This is the best; she is in the prime shape of her life," the actor said.

Bipasha, who is known to be a fitness freak, has created a unique workout programme lasting 25 minutes in 'Love Yourself' launched last week.

Asked when would he launch his own fitness DVD, the 37-year-old actor quipped by saying he would take another 15-20 years to do it.

"I won't do it now. After 15-20 years, when I am fitter, I will launch my DVD," he said adding that Bipasha plans to launch another DVD for men and women. On why he has had no release after last year's blockbuster 'New York', John said he is now concentrating on doing selective and qualitative work.

"For success it is important to do less work. I want to do qualitative work now. Earlier the scripts of the films I did were not good. I have now learned through the process and doing selective and qualitative work."

Recalling his modelling days, the actor said graduating to Hindi films was a natural progression for him. "As a model, I was John Abraham. But as an actor, I am not John. I assume the character of the role I am playing. For these six months, I am not working. So I am John now," he said.

Describing the script of a film as the "real hero" of any film, John said while signing a film he tries to look at the broader picture rather than looking at any single aspect.

"I look at the entire set-up before signing a film - the director, producer, actors, and the script. But I think that a script is the real hero in any film," John said.

The actor said he was amazed by watching Rituparno Ghosh's Sob Choritro Kalponik, which also starred Bipasha Basu.

"I was stunned as I saw the film. It was such a beautiful one. I sat through every moment in the film. Bengali films have such beauty.

In Tamil films also, the treatment of romance is done in a good manner," he said. He was in the city to promote Kolkata Fashion and Lifestyle Week, which begins later this month.

Asked about his favourite designer, he said Narendra Kumar and Rocky S have been his long-time favourites. "I have been wearing clothes only from two designers since a long time - Narendra Kumar and Rocky S," he said.
(DNA India)

Shah Rukh and I are connected to each other: Karan Johar

It is common knowledge that 'My Name Is Khan' is going through a storm. However, in the midst of it all, Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar are standing by each other.

The director strongly believes that they are connected to each other more as brothers than being business partners.

"'My Name Is Khan' is a film which is a strong emotional connect for both Shah Rukh and I. He and I co-producing the film has nothing to do with money,' said Karan, whose Dharma Productions has made the film in collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment.

"We are too connected to each other and when it comes to a family, you don't question their close association. Do you question someone who is working with his brother in one assignment after another? Shah Rukh and I may be having different surnames but that doesn't take away from the strong sense of brotherhood that we both carry," he added.

What makes him supremely confident about his life-long relationship with Shah Rukh? Especially when Farah Khan had to move from Shah Rukh to Akshay Kumar for 'Tees Maar Khan'.

"See, its not just the matter of directing a film which would have him as an actor. Tomorrow, I may not be directing a film with him but the fact is that both of us will always be a part of each other's production house. In some way or another, in whatever capacity, we would be working with each other," said Karan.

Releasing Friday, the film also stars Kajol and is set in the post 9/11 US.

Clarifying yet another misconception about the film, Karan says 'My Name Is Khan' is not an issue-based film.

"Please let me set the record straight that 'My Name Is Khan' is not an issue based film. Instead it's a human drama about a couple. The film will make you smile and result in tears in your eyes. It's a film which connects with you and is totally emotionally based."

He also clarifies on the religious connotation saying: "By no means am I aspiring to take forward the baton of an issue. Instead I am just using it as a part of the narrative. The film doesn't have any religious or spiritual undertone to it but basically sends across the message of humanity, so let's watch the film for its worth."

(MSN India)

"Am I really 34? I feel I'm 23; that was my age when I entered movies" - Abhishek

Abhishek who turns 34 on today doesn't feel his age at all. "Am I really 34? I feel I'm 23. That's the age that I came into movies. I feel the same anxiety and excitement facing the camera this birthday for Abhinay Deo's film as I did for J.P Dutta saab on my 23rd birthday."

The year begins with the shooting of Abhinay Deo's film and ends with Prabhu Deva's film, a first for Abhishek since it would be his first full-fledged action flick.

"I've done action films like Zameen, Dhoom and Run. But nothing like what Prabhu has planned for me," says Abhishek excitedly. "Yeah it's a wonderful year. And I better make sure I don't let my family myself and my audience down."

This has got to be Abhishek Bachchan's busiest year ever. He's just wrapped up Mani Ratnam's Raavan and is in the process of wrapping up Ashutosh Gowariker's Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se. He's now shooting for Abhinay Deo's film tentatively titled Crooked. Abhishek then jumps to Tarun Mansukhani's Dostana 2, followed by films with Rohan Sippy's, Abbas-Mustan, Anees Bazmee, Neeraj Pathak and Prabhu Deva...all to be released, shot or completed before the year is through.

Phew! So has Abhishek turned into a certifiable workaholic? Even on his birthday on Friday Abhishek was shooting. And his birthday was brought in on the sets of Crooked. "What to do? If I can't be with my immediately family for my birthday I can at least be with my extended family on the sets. I'm shooting round-the-clock. It's not a time when I can afford to be lackadaisical. Not when I've done television for the first time and discovered a terrific connectivity with the audience. The response to my TV show 'Bingo' has been overwhelming"

His television debut has boosted Abhishek's confidence. "I want to dedicate my 34th year to consolidating my career as an actor and building my rapport with the audience. I know I've the most exciting range of directors and assignments this year."

The last year Abhishek had a thinner work-load. He was shooting Raavan through most of the year. "And for a Mani Ratnam film giving up the experience of doing a variety of other roles is definitely worth the while. 2010 is relatively crowded with no space. And I'm enjoying every bit of it," says Abhishek emotionally.

Today Abhishek feels he is more equipped to face the camera than before. I remember shooting with J.P. Saab for my debut Refugee when I was 23. I was so raw and inexperienced. Today I'm in a position to contribute actively to the process of making the films that I am in. And I do. If I am not comfortable enough with a director to participate in the process of creating a film I'm working in then I won't work with him."

After doing a serious bone-cruncher with Salman Khan, Prabhu Deva is all set to direct Abhishek Bachchan in an out-and-out action film. The film will have the kind of stunts that Abhishek or for that matter any other Bollywood actor, has never done.

The preparations are on. But Abhishek isn't talking about them. "Every year I try to make sure I'm working on my birthday. I don't know why. But to me shooting on my birthday is very comforting. Of course I love spending the day with my family. And as soon I pack up on Friday evening, I'm rushing home to be with my parents and wife. But it wouldn't be a happy birthday for me if I'm not working. Every year since I started my career in 1998, I've made sure that I'm shooting. Only last year I missed shooting on my birthday because I was in New York promoting Delhi 6. I hope to continue working on all my birthdays."
(BH)

In `Mausam`, Shahid will surprise all: Pankaj Kapoor

Mumbai: Seasoned actor Pankaj Kapoor is all set to make his directorial debut with "Mausam" with son Shahid in the lead. The father is confident that Shahid`s varied acting skills will surprise everyone.

"I know people would be curious to know what we`re making together. That would be a big USP for me. Shahid has great potential. People have always seen him as a chocolate-box hero. But in `Kaminey` we could see another side of him," Pankaj told reporters.

"Shahid`s USP are his dancing skills and fluent diction. For `Mausam`, I required an actor with range. I`ve a gut feeling my son is going to surprise not just the audience but also me," he added.

Pankaj says that Shahid wanted to work him.

"The idea was to do something meaty and challenging. We should be starting in another two-three months. We`re into pre-production. I`ve written a lot of scripts which I couldn`t direct and could only star in. When Shahid became an actor, he expressed a desire to be directed by me, I thought it`d be wonderful to work with my own son.

"But I signed him only after I saw the potential in him. We`ve been working on the script for three years. Meanwhile, a really wonderful thing has happened. Shahid became a big star. I`m very proud of him as his father. And Shahid`s stardom is a happy happening for `Mausam`."

The original plan was to only direct the film and let Shahid take the lead. But now giving in to pressure, Pankaj has decided to make an appearance in his directorial debut.

"It would be an Alfred Hitchcockian kind of fleeting appearance. But I`d largely like to concentrate on making the film and stay behind the camera," he said.

The actor, who recently wowed the audiences with his performances in films like "Maqbool", "Dharm" and "The Blue Umbrella", refuses to divulge details about his directorial debut.

"It`s a love story and we don`t want any of the details being picked up by other filmmakers. I plan to bring my own sensibilities together with Shahid`s," said Pankaj, who doesn`t like being labelled an offbeat actor.

"It`s rather sad that I`ve been dubbed an offbeat actor. But whenever given an opportunity I`ve done mainstream cinema. I`ve nothing against commercial cinema as long as the rendering of the story is sensible.

"I`ve learnt so much watching the commercial greats. I hope to use all that I`ve learnt from them into my own `Mausam`. If the producers are spending crores on my film I better get it back for them."

Incidentally, the title `Mausam` may change.

"We`ll try and find an alternative name. I know the association with the film by Gulzar saab called `Mausam` is too strong. The format of that film was inspired by Ingmar Bergman`s `Wild Strawberries`. That `Mausam` is far superior to what I`m trying to achieve in my first film as director."
(Spicezee)

Farah calls SRK to tell him what she thought of MNIK

Farah Khan saw estranged friend Shah Rukh Khan's My Name Is Khan at a special screening on Sunday morning.

The Om Shanti Om director loved the film, and has been praising Karan's work to everyone since. She told KJo how much she enjoyed the film and also called SRK who was not present at the screening.

Farah admits, "Yes, I saw MNIK and I loved it! When I go to watch a film, I don't scrutinise it like a director, but see it as aam junta. Karan has made a beautiful film. He has moved away from his traditional style of films and made a very touching film. I thought Shah Rukh was brilliant in the film and I called him up immediately after the film and told him that. We discussed the film for about half an hour."

Criers' ball
At the screening, Farah was sitting with Karan on the right, and John Abraham on the left. She laughs, "Yes, John and I were like two mad Parsis sobbing our hearts out. In fact, John cried more than I did, and he used up all my tissues! MNIK has many tender moments. I was crying because it was a very sentimental time for me. I missed Karan's dad Yashji."

Early sleepers
When asked why she didn't see the film sooner at Karan's special trial, the previous night, she adds, "I sleep very early. So does John. That's why we were the only two people to attend the technicians' screening in the morning."
(Mid Day)

Movie Review: My Name is Khan

Rating: ****1/2

MY NAME IS KHAN makes two strong statements...

The first: B.C. [before Christ] and A.D. [after death] are designations used to label years in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. There's a third designation now - 9/11. Post September 11, the world stands divided. Terrorist outfits continue to strike in the name of religion and the common man, not even remotely associated with these groups, is bearing the brunt. The world is not a safe place anymore.

The second statement: There're two sets of people in this world - the good and the bad. No matter how strong the evil forces are, good always triumphs.

MY NAME IS KHAN mirrors the era we live in. Not a day goes by when you haven't heard/read/watched news of terror attacks and innocents being killed. We live in turbulent times. Also, the movie states - and states very strongly, without mincing words - Not all Muslims are terrorists.

Karan Johar's cinema got more real from KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA onwards. In MY NAME IS KHAN, the storyteller attempts to make a social statement and succeeds completely. At the same time, it takes no sides. If the protagonist says 'My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist', it also exposes those who misadvise the youth with inflammatory and rabble-rousing speeches.

Karan's take on the issue deserves the highest praise, since a subject like this is difficult to attempt. Final word? MY NAME IS KHAN is Karan, SRK and Kajol's best outing to date. Do I need to add anything more?

Rizvan Khan [Shah Rukh Khan moves to San Francisco and lives with his brother [Jimmy Shergill] and sister-in-law [Sonya Jehan]. Rizvan, who has Asperger's syndrome, falls in love with Mandira [Kajol]. Despite protests from his brother, they get married and start a small business together. They are happy until September 11, when attitudes towards Muslims undergo a sea-change.

When tragedy strikes, Mandira is devastated and they split. Rizvan is confused and upset that the love of his life has left him. To win her back, he embarks on a touching and inspiring journey across America.

Let me alert you. The story unfolds feverishly from the very start itself. So if you miss a scene or two, chances are you would've missed some vital links in the story. The fact is, there's too much happening in the first half. Although the narrative tends to get leisurely-paced at times, the wheels continue to move from one episode to another.

A number of sequences are endearing. For instance, the romance between SRK and Kajol is subtle, yet charming. But it's SRK's relationship with Kajol and their kid that's one of the best parts of the movie. Your heart bleeds when an accident occurs and their lives are torn apart. Kajol's outburst - first, when her son meets with a catastrophe and second, when she confronts SRK - are truly shattering.

MY NAME IS KHAN's strength lies in the fact that you root for Khan all through. At the same time, you are weighed down when he's in a vulnerable situation, especially when he's labelled a terrorist and thrown behind bars. You don't realize it, but the fact is that you, as a spectator, have already got entwined in Rizvan and Mandira's lives.

There's a slight hitch in the second hour, when SRK returns to Georgia to save a hurricane-ravaged hamlet. Also, the media exercise tends to add to the length of the film. Nonetheless, it's a minor hiccup that doesn't rob the film of its punch.

There's just one word to illustrate Karan's direction - exemplary. One of the finest storytellers of our generation, he deserves brownie points for deviating from 'Karan Johar brand of cinema' and attempting a film that knocks on your heart and stimulates your mind. With MY NAME IS KHAN, Karan takes rapid strides as a storyteller.

Shibani Bathija's screenplay is truly arresting. Shibani and Niranjan Iyengar's dialogues are noteworthy and at times, applaud-worthy. Ravi K. Chandran's cinematography is awe-inspiring. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's Music gels well with the nature of the film.

When a film stars two of the finest talents of the country, you expect nothing but the best. SRK, well, how does one describe his performance? To state that this is his best work so far would be cutting short the praise he truly deserves. In fact, no amount of praise can do sufficient justice to his portrayal of Rizvan Khan, who has Asperger's syndrome. His latest work is several notches above anything he has done before. The only compliment that I can think of is, SRK has a new screen-name now. Raj is passe, Rizvan it is.

Kajol is pure dynamite and casting her for this character was the most appropriate decision. No other actress could've matched SRK in histrionics the way Kajol has. In fact, SRK and Kajol compliment each other wonderfully well and this film only proves it yet again. It's a powerhouse performance from this supremely talented actress.

The film boasts of a number of capable actors, but the ones who leave a rock-solid impact are - in this order - Zarina Wahab, Sonya Jehan, Jimmy Shergill, Arjun Mathur, Parvin Dabas and Arif Zakaria. Sugandha Garg is confident. Navneet Nishan supports well. Vinay Pathak leaves a mark in a brief role. Tanay Chheda [young SRK] and Yuvaan Makaar [SRK and Kajol's son Sameer] are excellent. The American actors, especially the kid who plays Sameer's friend, deserves mention.

On the whole, MY NAME IS KHAN is a fascinating love story, has an angle of religion and a world-shaking incident as a backdrop. It not only entertains, but also mesmerises, enthrals and captivates the viewer in those 2.40 hours. At the same time, a film like MY NAME IS KHAN is sure to have a far-reaching influence due to its noble theme. I strongly advocate, don't miss this one!

(Screen)

Deepika-Shahid madly in love; set to commit on V-Day

Mumbai: Just when you thought that Shahid Kapoor has been linked to every single dame in B-town, the stunner is said to be dating the sultry Deepika Padukone. Jilted in love, the twosome are said to be the new ‘IT’ couple of Bollywood, trying to get over their heartbreak as they look for comfort in each other. Believe it or not, but sources state that the gorgeous duo is taking forward their affair slow yet steady.

From going pub-hopping to visiting each other’s pad, the two are said to be nearly inseparable. And sources state that when the two are not partying together, they can be found at each other’s home. “Shahid’s car was parked outside Deepika’s Bandra residence a few days ago,” says a source.

Talking about their relationship, a source told a daily, “Shahid and Deepika - both are quite headstrong and have moved on from their failed relationships. They are only concentrating on their career at the moment. They want to have a strong foothold in the industry and think alike, which is the main reason why they have clicked together.”

And it’s not like our filmmakers are ignoring this new affair. Buzz has it that the two are so much in love that they are now approached to star together in a film. Talking about the film, the source stated, “One of Shahid’s close friend is trying to work on the project. Deepika and Shahid are vaguely aware of the project and are definitely keen on working together since both of them are in-demand.”

And in love, is what it seems!
(Spicezee)