"Akshay had a fierce cold while dubbing. There was no way we could postpone. So we used his nasal voice and Akshay even added a line in the dialogue about his character having a terrible zukaam"
The Friday agitations by the Students Sikh Federation about the 'wrong' depiction of Sikhs at a theatre in Amritsar has left producer Vipul Shah agitated
"My film has grossed 46-48 crore rupees over the first weekend. That's more than Om Shanti Om and Welcome which had the highest opening so far. So obviously the film has been liked. I can't please every single Sikh. Who are these agitators? This is nothing but a shortcut to fame. The boys of the Sikh Youth Federation must've thought that when the Delhi Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee protested, Akshay rushed to Delhi. In Amritsar they must've thought this is their way of getting Akshay into Amritsar. Surely there're easier ways of getting stars' attention. And Akshay couldn't spend one year moving from city to city appeasing the imagined hurt of self-appointed champions of the Sikh community. These are people who don't respect the opinion the highest authorities of their community who've said there's nothing objectionable in Singh Is Kinng. All the important and powerful bodies of the Sikh community cleared the film. What were these boys on Friday protesting about? They said they hadn't even seen the film. They just said it was an insult to Sikhism. But in what way?"
Vipul feels there are professional protestors who jump up in protest against any culture-specific cinema. "They feel somehow their culture will be threatened when on the contrary, culture-specific films like Jodhaa-Akbar and Singh Is Kinng pay a homage to the people and culture of a community."
On Friday 300 Sikhs saw Singh Is Kinng at Cinemax in Mumbai. "They were dancing the Bhangra with dhols after the screening. They told a news channel that this was the first film in 70 years of Indian cinema that had done justice to the Sikh community. What more endorsement for our motives can there be?"
Vipul admits his guilt on the beard issue. "We admit Akshay's beard should've been longer. We added a scene where Akshay says he made a mistake by trimming his beard. And in the video with Snoop Dogg during the end titles he comes with a full beard, albeit a false one. It'd have taken Akshay two years to grow a natural beard. We had told the Shirmoni Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee that the beard would be false, and they had agreed"
Vipul wants a law whereby freedom of expressions cannot be curbed. "The final authority on right and wrong in a film should be the censor board. Once the censors approve, all protests should be crushed with iron hands. Otherwise all of us should just fold up our production houses. I'm not disrespecting Sikh sentiments. So please stop hounding me for nothing."
Vipul Shah couldn't be in a happier place. "The opening of Singh Is Kinng has been incredible. Business everywhere has been thundering. But I can only rest easy after the first two weeks. I'm glad that in spite of being a comedy, Singh Is Kinng isn't vulgar. I gave my director Anees Bazmi the freedom to do what he likes. I only wanted him to tell a morally correct story. I didn't want to flinch while watching it with my sons."
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Akshay's 'Cold' treatment by Vipul Shah
Aamir Khan to be face of 'Incredible India'
Khan, who met Tourism Minister Ambika Soni personally to receive the offer officially in the national capital Friday, said he was more than happy to be part of the campaign.
“I have accepted the invitation. I am very happy to be part of it. It is a wonderful country and 'incredible' is the fitting word for it,” Khan, who was wearing a black T-shirt over rugged and torn jeans, told reporters at Soni's residence here.
However, the ministry is yet to finalise the type of campaign it wants to do for the coming year.
“We will be coming out with an ad campaign and a road show to promote India's tourism. It will highlight the culture and heritage of the country, which are the USPs of our country,” the minister said.
The actor, who said he would be working free of cost for the campaign, appeared to have a fair idea about what he was going to do.
“We should show our hospitality. India is famous for it. Even if there are some incidents, we should take steps to sensitise people,” he said.
“Each social work is different. Through this, I want to remind people how great is our country and want to sensitise our people. I want to tell them what we are - we are warm and hospitable people. We have to protect those who are visiting our country. We must ensure that they have a good time and come back again.”
The 'Incredible India' campaign launched in 2002, showcasing the country's unique heritage and cultural aspects, has been a major hit and made considerable impact on its tourism sector.
Khan made it clear that his participation was a part of his social commitments and he had no plans to enter politics. “I am an entertainer and will continue to do good work. I am part of it because I want to spread social message.”
Earlier, Shah Rukh Khan was a part of the campaign for creating awareness on garbage disposal.
According to Aamir, films are good way to showcase India. “After the movie Lagaan, wherever I go, I used to meet people who were interested in visiting India.”
Asked if the recent terror attacks - in Bangalore and Ahmedabad - would damage the country's aspirations in the tourism sector, Aamir said: “Terrorism is against everyone. We should be united. We are for peace and if there is one bomb blast, we should light a billion candles.”
“If they (terrorists) are spreading poison, we should spread the message of love and peace,” he said.
Bollywood director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and lyricist Prasoon Joshi were also present.
I cannot be friends with Shahrukh: Salman
Asked if he would like to sort things out with Shah Rukh this time, Salman said: “No, why should I? Not interested. We are two different individuals. He may be a great person, but his values and scruples are not the same as mine. I can’t continue being a buddy to someone I don’t get along with. I am not the kind who would pretend to be great friends with someone and then back-bite about the person.”
The incident took place on July 16, at a party Salman had organised for girlfriend Katrina Kaif’s birthday at Olive restaurant in Bandra. Almost the entire industry was there, including Shah Rukh and Aamir Khan.
Towards the end of the party, when most guests had left, an altercation broke out between Salman and Shah Rukh, allegedly over their respective television shows, Dus ka Dum and Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass se tez Hain? SRK apparently stormed out of the party, with wife Gauri and friend Karan Johar in tow. According to sources, Aamir tried to intervene, but the two Khans were in no mood to make up.
Sources added that Salman allegedly compared his show to SRK’s and said despite his (Shah Rukh’s) being a superstar, Paanchvi Pass was not doing well. Apparently enraged by this, SRK passed a snide remark about Salman’s love life.
On Saturday it became clear the fight was indeed over TV shows. Salman was overheard comparing his show to SRK’s earlier show, and saying: “My show is not like Dus Karod (referring to SRK’s Kaun Banega Crorepati?) where there may be some ghapla. People end up winning phenomenal amounts. I would be the last person to support something like this. People in my show get out after having won just about a lakh, but it’s genuine...
Asked further about his misunderstanding with SRK, Salman added: “It’s sad but that’s how life goes. His way of thinking is totally different from mine. Doesn’t look like we can be friends.”
Akshay refuses to compare 'Singh is Kinng' with 'Om Shanti Om'
"It is wrong to compare the success of the two films. The Hindi film industry is one big market. Whatever money earned from the movies made goes into one kitty ... the film industry. Every one benefits out of successful films. Actors' fees also goes up," the actor told reporters last night at the function organised to celebrate the success of the film.
"Singh is Kinng" opening weekend gross ticket sales are a massive Rs 59.5 crore worldwide, he said.
Speaking about the trend of deciding the fate of a film in the opening week itself, Akshay said multiplexes have changed the business of cinema in recent years. "In an area like Juhu in suburban Mumbai, there are 28 shows of the film in one multiplex alone. Due to this, 80 to 90 per cent money is recovered by the producer," he said.
The actor agreed that the second week is the deciding factor of the film's fate in the long run. "It is quite natural that the collections slump at the start of the second week. Everything depends on how steep is the decline in box office collections. If the steep is less, the film is sure to bounce back during the weekend," he added.
When asked what worked in favour of the film, Akshay said that it was for the first time all the principal characters in the film were sikhs, the title of the film was catchy and it spoke about positive attitude to succeed in life.
To a question on whether he saw himself as the new "king" of Bollywood, Akshay replied in negative. "I have been around for only 15-16 years. To become a king, one has to have a long span of good work. I may call myself, if I survive for another 15 years," he added.
Akshay said Abhinav Bindra, who became the first Indian to win an individual gold medal in Olympics was the real 'king'.
To a question on the film industry being divided into different camps and the reported fight between Salman Khan and Shah Rukh, Akshay Kumar said he saw no reason why he should interfere in others' affairs.
"They are adults and since they are said to have fought they would patch up eventually. who am I to interfere. The film industry is undergoing a change in the last five years. Bigger films with huge budgets are made. Profits made by any film helps the industry to grow. Dividing the industry into camps is not fair," he added.
Akshay said he was taking a short break with his family before resuming shooting for his pending projects. "I have not had a holiday for the last four months," he added.
He lauded co-star Katrina Kaif for her success. He said, "four years ago, she came to Mumbai from London to make it big in Hindi films. She did not know a word of Hindi. But she learnt it and is continuously improving her accent and diction. Whatever she has achieved is commendable," he added.
Producer Vipul Shah said, 'Singh is Kinng' has shattered all previous opening weekend box office records. Indian Films has given the movie the widest ever release worldwide. "It released with 1,350 prints across 1,800 screens.
"The film has received excellent response in Delhi,UP, Rajasthan, Punjab, UK, Canada, USA and even Pakistan. Shows start as early as 7 am with the last show in Pakistan being conducted at 1 am, all to packed houses. In Mumbai, some multiplexes are running 28 shows a day to occupancy of 95 per cent," he added.
Aamir Khan moved to tears at Chennai awards fest
The Gollapudi Srinivas Memorial Foundation gave the award, instituted in memory of the late director Gollapudi Srinivas, to Aamir. The award honours achievements by upcoming directors.
And now comes the interesting part!
Speaking at the event, veteran filmmaker K Balachander gave a heart-warming speech about Taare Zameen Par and it's director. The speech, which spanned nearly 30 minutes, moved Aamir to tears and he looked choked for the remainder of the ceremony.
“This movie made me cry, yet made me happy somehow. You made a movie on a buck-toothed baby (Darsheel Safary) and still emerged successful,” said Balachander. He also said that films such as Taare Zameen Par should make Indian cinema 'wake up from its complacency'.
Aamir, clad in his trademark long-sleeves and jeans, was unable to speak when his turn came and the hall went silent as he admitted how touched he was with Balachandar's words. The Lagaan star later kept the copy of Balachander's speech—'for reading out to my grandkids'.
The occasion also saw some of the biggest names in the industry flanking Aamir onstage. Ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh set the mood with a rendering of six of his best songs and veteran actor Anupam Kher was also present to give Taare Zameen Par his words of appreciation.
“Today, when we are marketing cinema, lives and values, to make a film on special children is truly an act of courage,” Kher said.
Also present was director Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who recollected various memories of Aamir and him before both made it big in Bollywood. He said he was wonderstruck at how Aamir remains 'free of muck and remains untouched by success'.
The night was an amazing spectacle for fans who had arrived from far and wide to watch the Bollywood superstar accept an award after years of boycott. And yet the 11th Gollapudi Srinivas National Award turned out to be one of the most emotionally charged moments in movie-award history—and possibly for Aamir Khan himself!
The award celebrates the work and memory of Gollapudi Srinivas, an upcoming director who was killed by a freak wave on a Vishkapatnam beach while shooting his first film.
Aamir dedicated the prize money of Rs 1.5 lakh towards the assistance of young filmmakers.
Truly an evening to remember.
Bipasha’s mushy comments on Ranbir leave Dips fuming
Though, Bipasha has shunned all rumours about a cold war boiling up between her and Deepika Padukone, it looks like it’s going to take much more than mere denials for the two ladies to prove that all is well.
According to sources, the Bong bombshell and sultry Deepika Padukone just don’t see eye-to-eye and prefer sticking to a minimal courtesy conversation routine. Wonder why?
Apparently Bipasha simply seems to be bowled over by the charms of Bollywood’s light-eyed boy Ranbir, as the lady just can’t stop raving about the young actor. And the trouble is that this mushy ‘goody goody’ talk about Ranbir by Bips is not being taken in the best of spirits by Dips.
Story goes that it all stared on the sets of a reality show where Bips and Dips were to accompany Ranbir as part of promotions for their forthcoming film ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’, which also stars Minissha Lamba.
Things got ugly when Bipasha showed up and learned that Deepika and Ranbir were going to make an entry and she would have follow later. Feeling cornered, Bips then demanded to make the grand entry with Ranbir
Ever since this ugly face off the two just don’t seem to gel well. But if sources are to be believed the cold war has been going on ever since the shooting of the film began.
An insider stated that Deepika and Bipasha were never friendly in the first place, while Dips and Minissha bonded right from the start.
What’s interesting is that the grapevine now has it that it’s Bipasha, who walks away with Ranbir in Bachna Ae Haseeno and not Deepika!
Hmm… suddenly all this triangular 'filmy' melodrama is making sense.
No one ever called me sexy: Deepika
"I really didn't expect it. I'm really excited. People always used to call me either cute or pretty, but no one ever called me sexy. I take it as a compliment," Deepika said.
Although the young actress is flattered by the title, she did not feel even a tad embarrassed.
"There is nothing wrong in being called sexy. I think the term itself has been misunderstood. People think that a person is sexy only if she is wearing tiny clothes. But for me, being sexy is about being mysterious and having your own personality and certainly has nothing to do with a person's fashion sense," she held.
After being a top model, and coming up with a successful debut with super hit Om Shanti Om, Deepika has become a Bollywood star, but she says stardom hasn't affected her as her feet are firmly grounded.
"Stardom has not changed me. I believe I am the same person. I am too new in the industry. I like being in front of the camera and I love acting," said the 22-year-old.
"I'm very close to my parents and they handle my money. I even discuss my work with them every evening," added the actress.
While in Om Shanti Om Deepika shared screen space with superstar Shah Rukh Khan, she has been paired opposite real life beau Ranbir Kapoor in Bachna Ae Haseeno. The romantic drama also stars Minissha Lamba and Bipasha Basu and is being directed by Siddharth Anand.
In the film, Deepika plays an NRI girl called Gayatri.
"Gayatri is an independent girl who knows what she wants. She is focussed. She is modern as well as traditional in her thoughts. The role is very similar to the person I am."
The actress, who will be seen with Akshay Kumar in Chandni Chowk To China, says both she and Ranbir are focussing on their career and try to give as much space as possible to each other.
"Right now we are focussing on our career and what we are doing in front of the camera. At the end of the day, we are both actors. One plays a certain character in a film and so we cannot let possessiveness come in between. We have to understand each other."
Having already worked with big banners like Red Chillies Entertainment and Yash Raj Films, will Deepika stick to only big banners in future?
"I want to focus on commercial cinema as of now. But, if I find any offbeat film or a small production house with a good role, I would love to go for it," she said.
She has been roped in to play an important role in Jab We Met director Imtiaz Ali's next venture.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Who is Anees Bazmee? Who is Anees Bazmee
Now all eyes have been on Singh is Kinng, the blockbuster of this year. Even as Akshay is being proclaimed the new king (Hail Akshay the new king of Bollywood) and the film has been sold at a record price for all territories Singh is Kinng, Akshay Kumar, Katrina have all been in the news for many months. The music sales have also been brisk but with typical Pritam fare, that's only to be expected. In short everything about the film has been under scrutiny except the director.
A lot of people unconnected with the industry may not even be aware of the director's identity. And for the select few who have heard of Anees Bazmee, they don't have any information beyond that. So who is Anees Bazmee?
Abhishek spares some time for a tete-a-tete
The Bachchans have been out of the country since a couple of weeks. But actor Abhishek Bachchan did manage to squeeze time out of his 'Unforgettable Tour' and fly to India
It's been over a year since this gorgeous couple tied the knot and if Bachchan junior is to be believed, the two still can't seem to have enough of each other, so much so that even the 'Unforgettable Tour' is just an excuse to spend quality time together.
However, when Abhishek is not romancing his wife, he is busy giving the finishing touches to his upcoming fantasy film 'Drona', where the lissome Priyanka Chopra plays his bodyguard. Abhishek is all praises for 'Piggy Chops' packing in the punches in 'Drona'.
Well we've seen Amitabh play his father in many films but in Abhishek's next release, 'Dilli 6', the senior Bachchan plays the role of grandfather to Abhishek.
This particular cameo of the senior Bachchan, won't surely be easily forgotten by the viewers.
Nair San scheduled for September
The movie is a based on the life history of Ayyappan Pillai Madhavan Nair, who was known as Nair San in Japan. Mohanlal will play the title role. When asked how he feels, Mohanlal said that he was overwhelmed to perform the title role.
Jackie Chan has consented to do a cameo in the film. He has agreed to choreograph the fight sequences as well. Leading Japanese actress Shunsuken Matosuoka is expected to star opposite Mohanlal in this film depicting the era between 1920 and 1970.
The film is directed by Albert, an alumnus of the Tamil Nadu Film and Television Institute in Chennai. His debut film Kanne Madanguka had received three Kerala State awards and three debut directorial awards. The camera is to be handled by Vaidy S. and A.R. Rahman will score the music.
This Bombaat is bheja-fry
But then this Ganeshana aata (mal) directed by D Rajendra Babu so reeks of insufferable ennuidom that you scream and scram for nearest abode of Lord Ganapathi, redeemer and queller of all troubles, to save you from this brain bashing ballyhoo. No. No way is this a 24 karat concoction one would swallow like sweet syrup. One would rather take Portia’s poisonous potion proffered with love rather than suffer the stupidity of pathetic play that Ganesha-Babu combine cobble out fatuously thinking that they are regaling.
So, a self-indulgent, wooden and rotund Ganesha aka Anand tries to woo his worshipers with sugary-syrupy sagacious saga of a beau, born to a rake of a rowdy-sheeter, seeking to become supercop, a vow he has taken before his widowed mother. Hastening his hopes are a malevolent Mafia don and his dumbos including his dunderhead of a son Adi who are hell-bent on making life miserable to a damsel in distress Shalini nee Ramya the dear daughter of inspector Ananthakrishnan (Avinash). While not fending off the vexacious villains Anand romances Shalini with songs dime a dozen as he chases the chimera of convincing her that he a samaritan and not a rogue like his dead as a dodo dad.
Suffice to say that this Bombaat is better left alone for a quickest burial at the boxoffice and one’s money better spent at bhel-puris, badushahs, chais, cappuccinos, and Cafe au Laits than let Bombaat make bheja-fry of you brains and mincemeat of your mindspace.
It's films that matter at the box office, not stars: Aamir
"A big star associated with a film can manage to draw audiences for some days. From the second week onwards, it is the film which matters," Aamir told reporters at the DVD launch of Shonali Bose's movie "Amu" last evening.
Calling for an end to dividing cinema into art and commercial forms, Aamir said his directorial venture "Taare Zameen Par" earned Rs 131 crore from the box office.
"It was not a trade mark masala entertainer. Will you call 'Taare Zameen Par' an art film? It did commercial business of Rs 131 crore," he said.
When asked whether the film did well because he was part of it, Aamir said if the film was bad despite his presence, it would not have succeeded. "There are several films with big stars that have crashed at the box office," he said.
Speaking about "Amu", Aamir said the subject of the film about the backdrop of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi impressed him.
"It is a very dramatic film which values human life. Justice for wrongdoings is necessary otherwise how can we move forward as a society?" he asked.
Aamir said there have been incidents in the society where mankind has shown its worst face. "It is important that we accept it, ensure justice and move forward," he maintained.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
"Katrina and I don't talk to each other" - Bipasha Basu
Recall that Bipasha Basu also had rumoured problems with Kareena Kapoor, but she claims that time had healed any bad blood between the two. She says, "Kareena and I had a problem so many years back that today I don't even remember today what it was. I don't know Kareena as a person but today I can say openly I don't have any problems with her. People then created an awkwardness and with constant repetition the problem got aggravated but I hold no grudges. She's a wonderful actress."
She claims that if she met Kareena at a social event, she could greet her cordially. But the same cannot be said for Katrina. "No, I can't do that with Katrina. There is an awkwardness between Katrina and me. We don't talk to each other," she admits.
On the other hand, Bipasha has got along very well with newcomer Deepika Padukone and says she is a great girl with a very raw on-screen persona. The two didn't interact during Bachna Ae Haseeno as they shared no scenes, but have warmed up to each other during the promotion and music video shooting.
Glitter, glitter, bling, bling!
Neha Dhupia at the jewellery show (TOI Photo)
It was all glitter and a lot of bling on Thursday night at the Gitanjali Lifestyle event, which inaugurated the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2008 in Mumbai.
After all, it’s not everyday that you get to see Bollywood beauties Bipasha Basu, Perizaad Zorabian, Neha Dhupia and Sameera Reddy scorch the ramp, together. Add to that a fresh Shazahn Padamsee doing the catwalk too – sizzling in royal gowns, haute dresses and bejewelled sarees, and shining in jewellery.
The evening, hosted by Mehul Choksi of Gitanjali, opened with Shantanu-Nikhil’s vibrant creations. The next round celebrated Neeta Lulla’s Jodhaa Akbar collection, with Mugdha Godse and Sahil Shroff dressed as the warrior prince and his princess. Models then walked the ramp in Archana Kochchar’s designs, and last, but definitely not the least, was the grand finale by Vikram Phadnis.
The designers were different, their creations unique, but the one common factor during the show was the jewellery. The brands showcased (and adorned by our Bollywood bombshells who are the faces of the various brands) included Asmi, Diva, Sangini, Nakshatra, Glitterati, D’damas, Gold Expression and Gili.
The cherry on the cake was the special announcement that Bipasha is the new Gili brand ambassador. Yes, it was all there at this glitter-packed evening — the glitz, the glamour, the grandeur.
Shilpa Shetty to host ‘Bigg Boss’
Shilpa Shetty, who emerged the winner in “Celebrity Big Brother” in Britain against all odds, will now host the “Bigg Boss Season 2” show on Colors TV channel.
About hosting the Indian version of the internationally-acclaimed television show from August 17, the Bollywood star says: “I have been through what these 14 contestants will go through, and therefore understand their needs and feelings. I remember what it was to live with strangers in a house cut off from the outside world. But one thing is for sure: it will definitely change the lives of the participants. It will give them memories to last a lifetime and emerge as stronger individuals.”
The contestants will leave their families behind and prepare to live – cut off from the world -- in the Bigg Boss house built on the outskirts of Mumbai.
Thirty-two cameras will capture each and every move of the contestants. Bigg Boss will give the contestants some tasks on a daily or weekly basis through which they will earn their weekly budget.
Beware Mallika, Rakhi Sawant is angry!
Yes, it’s one spicy cat-fight that is spurring up between the two sultry chicks ever since Mallika declined to Rakhi’s plea to appear on her forthcoming show ‘The Rakhi Showz’.
Rakhi who has already got A-list actors like Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan on board had approached Mallika to come on her show. But shockingly even A-list guest list could not attract Mallika, who simply turned down the offer citing no reason whatsoever for her refusal.
Mallika’s snooty act is apparently not taken in the best of spirits by Rakhi, who is seeing red and saying nasty things about her.
Speaking to a news daily, Rakhi said, “Aamir and Shah Rukh have given me so much love and respect, who is Mallika to refuse? I am not a good dancer like her and she's a big star where as I am the poorest person in the industry today. Does she think she's such a diva? In God's eyes, we are all one and the same.”
“ Itna ghamand kabhi bhi nahi karna chahiye. I say she's better than me but what I can give she can't. I won't become smaller if she doesn't come on my show, she becomes small for refusing. Anyway, I have no problems that Mallika refused me. When she needs me I will stand by her," the controversy queen added.
Ashutosh Gowariker to make History Again
However, after this film the ace director will immediately go back to the genre he is best at and make a movie on the historic Chittagong uprising that happened during India’s struggle for independence from the colonial British rule.
“I have purchased the rights to a book called Do And Die written by Manini Chatterjee. This is about the Chittagong uprising set in the 1930’s. This is going to be my next film immediately after What’s Your Raashee?” Ashutosh told After Hrs.
The Chitagong uprising is an important chapter in India’s fight for freedom. The incident occurred when Surya Sen, a prominent Bengali freedom fighter and the chief architect of anti-British freedom movement in Chittagong (now in Bangladesh), raided the Chittagong armoury on April 18, 1930 to capture arms and ammunition and destroy government communication system to establish a local governance.
Two years later Pritilata Waddedar, an anti-British pro-India revolutionary in East Bengal, led an attack on a European club in Chittagong in 1932. At the same time, Bina Das, a member of a semi-revolutionary outfit for women in Kolkata, attempted to assassinate Stanley Jackson, the Governor of Bengal inside the convocation hall of the Calcutta University. This period from the 1930’s to ‘34 was one of the tense periods for British Raj and Ashutosh’s film is set to relive all this.
However, Ashutosh is not to keen to disclose details about the film. He said he hasn’t even thought about the cast and it is “What’s Your Raashee?” that is his top priority now.
Since “What’s Your Raashee?” deals with the tradition of arranged marriage and the influence of astrology in them, we asked Ashutosh if he believed in it.
“For my convenience, yes. If something good is written then I tend to believe it and if it’s not good then I absolutely reject it,” he says. “So, I take astrology with a pinch of salt.”
Ashutosh is also known for his grandeur in set design, mastery over aesthetics and also his lengthy movies. So, will the Harman-Priyanka movie be as lengthy and have the same grandeur as his earlier films?
“It is a comedy. So it cannot be the same as my other movies. The story has to be narrated in about two hours or two hours fifteen minutes. That’s a big ask - taking away one hour from me,” he laughs.
“It will be a challenge telling a story in a shorter time. In a way again the choice of the script will keep me away from the grand sets. But I won’t miss it as this film does not require all those,” adds Ashutosh.
'Rambo' promoting Kareena in Hollywood?
Hindi film audience may have given Kareena Kapoor a thumbs down for her size zero figure, with TASHAN failing at the ticket window, but it appears that Hollywood has loved it! The latest news doing the rounds is that Kareena Kapoor has signed a Hollywood film opposite Billy Zane (THE PHANTOM, TITANIC and CLEOPATRA etc.) to be directed by Daniel Silverman the film recorder of THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA and PERFECT STRANGERS.
As we all know Kareena's first brush with Hollywood started with her shooting for a few days along with living legend Sylvester 'Rambo' Stallone for Sajid Nadiadwala's KAMBAKKHT ISHQ, in which she stars opposite 'Khiladi' Akshay Kumar. Grapevine has it that Sylvester was so impressed with Kareena that he has been promoting her in Hollywood. In fact there is a strong but unconfirmed buzz that Kareena has landed the above prestigious Hollywood project on Stallone's recommendation.
Tongues are wagging but that is how it goes! It is always difficult for a section of the media (who believe in sensationalism) to give the credit where it is due. And we are positive that Kareena has proved her merit time and time again, and recently with a bagful of awards for best actress in JAB WE MET, which is a testimony to the fact. Need we say more!
Manoj Kumar wins case against Om Shanti Om
"We have won the case as the court has ordered a permanent injunction on the scenes which mock the actor. Now we are planning for a criminal case," said advocate Ashok Saraogi.
Saraogi said they are also planning to file a criminal case against the director Farah Khan and producers Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan for purposely defaming a person in public.
He said, "We will be filing the case against the makers of the movie under sections 499 and 500 which says defaming a person advertently either through words, print, movies or any other medium is a criminal offence."
City Civil Court Judge D R Mahajan of Dindoshi Goregaon, in his judgment, has ordered the producers and Sony Entertainment Television to edit the scenes before showing the film on the channel.
Fans hooked to Singh is Kinng
What do most people normally do early in the morning? It is generally have their morning tea or read newspaper but this wasn't the case this Friday.
This Friday there was a 7am screening of Singh is Kinng. It's the first time that a film's show has been screened so early in the morning.
There were 85 people who had come to catch Akshay Kumar's Singh is Kinng, first day first show. It was the first of 28 screenings at a Mumbai multiplex. Other multiplexes are screening it as many as 40 times a day.
That means, on an average, there's a screening every 45 mins.
This is first time ever that a Hindi film's carpet bombing theatres in such a big way to maximise first weekend earnings. Often the decider between a hit and flop.
Last year with four successive hits Akshay Kumar laughed his way to the bank. With this release Bollywood's current king seems set to continue his reign
"There are groups of 500-600 people who have completely booked the theatre for the weekend the response is amazing," said Rakesh Sharma, Manager, Cinemax Sion.
And people seem to be just loving Akki Happy Singh. "It was great. Akshay is very funny, Katrina is beautiful."
Well, as far as the box office fate of the film goes, one will have to wait and watch this space.
