FLASHBACK 2007 - Hype over Madhuri Dixit sank 'Aaja Nachle'

MUMBAI (Reuters) - "Aaja Nachle" turned out to be a resounding failure and its director holds the media responsible - for harping on Madhuri Dixit's comeback but ignoring the film's theme.

Even the film's reviews dealt only with the superstar's acting prowess and dancing skills, said Anil Mehta.

"Madhuri was surely the face of the film and with she making a comeback all eyes was bound to be on her," the filmmaker said.

"But I'm disappointed that media completely neglected the point 'Aaja Nachle' had tried to convey."

Mehta feels the film's twin themes of women as breadwinners and the importance of art were overshadowed by the media’s obsession with Dixit's comeback.

But not without reason.

In her prime, Dixit was the undisputed queen of Bollywood and when she decided to return after a six-year break that saw her getting married and having two children, anticipation was bound to be high.

Her much-hyped role saw the 42-year-old actress play a divorced New York-based choreographer who returns to India to save a theatre from demolition.

"The film wanted to show how art is important for reviving our soul that is trapped in consumerist existence where people are only existing and not living their lives," said Mehta.

But the Dixit magic wasn't enough to pull the film through and "Aaja Nachle" sank at the box-office.

"I thought I had made a good enjoyable film but sadly there were not many takers for it."

Prithwish Ganguly, Reuters India

SRK pips Big B as India's favourite entertainer

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Shah Rukh Khan 29%

The man of the millennium has finally finished second best in a poll, but only just. Shah Rukh Khan won the voting for entertainer of the year with 29%, just one percentage point ahead of the Big B's 28%. Akshay Kumar, who has had a string of hits in 2007, was a distant third with 14%.

Shah Rukh led in Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata and Amitabh in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Pune. Rajinikanth not surprisingly was the clear favourite in Chennai with 40% of the votes.

What clinched the race for the top slot in favour of Shah Rukh was the fact that he had impressive leads in big cities Delhi and Bangalore, while Amitabh led very narrowly in Mumbai and the other cities where he topped were relatively small.

Vidya Balan, who like Akshay has had more than one hit this year, was the top female entertainer and fifth in the overall list behind Rajinikanth. Her 6% was just a touch more than Katrina Kaif's 5%.

TNN

The best and worst of 2007

Rajiv Vijayakar does a recap of Bollywoods hits and flops and dazzling debuts by actors and directors in the year gone by.

Five biggest hits

Om Shanti Om- Director Farah Khan

Farah Khan set a world record of being the only woman director to have two global hits to her credit. OSO took the Indian filmgoers by storm, drove the NRIs crazy and proved that pure SRK entertainment with a dash of nostalgia was the best prescription for healthy revenues. It has netted over Rs 90 crore and still running.

Chak De! India- Director Shimit Amin

Shimit Amin made a film that transcended every kind of audience and made both India and the box-office counters proud. It was the biggest money-spinner at Rs 65-plus crore net profits till OSO took over, but may have bettered it if the overseas business had not been shockingly poor.

Partner- Director David Dhawan

Dhawan cast both his favourites Salman Khan and Govinda together and made his biggest hit since Aankhen 14 years earlier. At Rs 60-plus crore net it was Salman's saving grace and first hit after the 2005 No Entry.

Jab We Met- Director Imtiaz Ali

Whatever (low) expectations had been there had plunged after the Jab We Broke Up news of Shahid Kapoor-Kareena Kapoor. But the film, still running, has even surpassed OSO’s collections this week. Business-wise, it is at Rs 40-plus crore - and counting.

Heyy Babyy- Director Sajid Khan

It’s all in the family— Farah’s brother Sajid debuted as director with this not-so-impressive comedy, that closed its first run at a net Rs 55 crores, that JWM is expected to cross if it runs for a month more.

Important note: Welcome has taken a bigger opening than OSO and may make it to the Top Five. Bheja Fry in terms of the ratio (Rs 4 crore gross for a Rs 70 lakh film!) and Taare Zameen Par (which may end up with the same ratio as Jab We Met) might come in too!

Five biggest disasters

Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag- Director: Ram Gopal Varma

He remade, he bragged, he sank — this er..Sholay recycle is not the debacle of the year, but of the millennium.

Salaam-e-ishq- Director: Nikhil Advani

Seven stories, fourteen Indian stars and a firangi heroine - all for nothing in a blunder(buss) of a script, though Priyanka Chopra, Govinda and Ayesha Takia stood out.

Ekalavya-The Royal Guard- Director: Vinod Chopra

Before it was nominated for the Oscars, Vinod Chopra did not know what hit him. The taut thriller was not only a flop but critically ripped apart.

Cash- Director Anubhav Sinha
It was projected as Sinha’s superb Dus on steroids. Maybe that’s why it exited at top speed!

No Smoking- Director Anurag Kashyap

At a 18-crore budget, all profits were extinguished as the message spread: ‘No Smoking is injurious to health!’

Five most memorable films

Taare Zameen Par- Director: Aamir Khan

Simply it is the movie of the year. Indian cinema can hold its head high yet again.

Chak De! India- Director Shimit Amin

As an aspirational, inspirational movie, it involved you even more than Lagaan, Iqbal and Dor.

Johnny Gaddaar- Director Sriram Raghavan

Original, concise, with twists galore and the master-stroke at the end, Johnny Gaddaar combined the best of both contemporary and retro Indian cinema with James Hadley Chase.

Bheja Fry- Director Sagar Ballary

An adaptation of a French film, this was the most side-splitting comedy of the year - minus a multi-star cast or conventional masala.

Dus Kahaniyaan- Directors: Sanjay Gupta and others

The experiment that went right - six directors spun out ten stories from which six were better than good - check Strangers In The Night, Matrimony, Zahir and Lovedale in particular.

Five most forgettable films

Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag

No explanations needed.

Fool’n’final- Director: Ahmed Khan

Was this a film? Even Sunny Deol and Shahid Kapoor failed to salvage the complete full-and-final mess!

Cash- Director Anubhav Sinha

What a disastrous Anubhav (experience) - no story, weird action and weirder animation. Saving grace: A few songs.

Marigold- Director Willard Carroll

This one proved that while we can make decent or better Hollywood spin-offs, the filmmakers there (like the arty ones here) cannot cope with mainstream cinema. Cheers!

Kaafila- Director Ammtoje Mann

No film must have gripped completely in the first 20 minutes and lost it completely later. We too lost - count of the people butchered.

Five best performances:

Harsheel Safary (Taare Zameen Par)

Shah Rukh Khan (Chak De! India)

Neil Nitin Mukesh (Johnny Gaddaar)

Tabu (Cheeni Kum)

Vinay Pathak (Bheja Fry)

Five worst performances

Amitabh Bachchan (RGV Ki Aag)

He growled, he hammed, and he repulsed. What was the Big B thinking of when he accepted this one?

Shiney Ahuja (Khoya Khoya Chand)

Cast opposite Soha Ali Khan was a wooden block loaded with a narcotic! Was this the Shiney of Gangster and Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi?

Konkona Sensharma (Aaja Nachle)

Can Konkona stop being the monotonous Konkona please and get into the innards of her role?

Bobby Deol (Shakalaka Boom Boom)

Weird. We can't say more.

Juhi Chawla and Vidya Balan (Salaam-e-Ishq)

Bad though the film was, it could have done without their cloyingly irritant performances.

Five best things that happened in/to Hindi cinema

Aamir Khan debuted as director with Taare Zameen Par.

Om Shanti Om did better business than a Hollywood blockbuster in UK.

Sonu Niigaam was invited to sing Mahatma Gandhi’s Vaishnav jana to in Gujarati and English at the 28th Harvard Presidential Installation.

Shah Rukh Khan’s waxwork was installed in Madame Tussaud's, while Salman Khan was signed up.

Sonu Niigaam also recorded for a tribute project (by the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra!) for the latter’s 18-track album of songs by the legendary Mohammed Rafi.

Five hypes of the year

Dharm by Bhavna Talwar: Sure, a thought-provoking film, but no classic. And it could have been made mass-friendly.

Gandhi- My Father: Where was the emotional connect?

Saawariya: Why did Sanjay Leela Bhansali of all people choose form over content?

Aaja Nachle: Too much expectations from too little content, starting with the poor music. What could Madhuri do?
Himesh Reshammiya: He was hyped for his acting debut but in a twist this time the hype was justified - and worked!

Five Box Office toppers

Shah Rukh Khan (Om Shanti Om, Chak De! India - the two biggest hits of the year - and no flop)
Akshay Kumar (Namastey London, Heyy Babyy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Welcome and no flop)
Salman Khan (Partner and 3 flops)

Despite this record, Salman Khan has reportedly signed two films at Rs 24 crore and Rs 35 crore respectively.
Kareena Kapoor (Jab We Met)

This one hit and terrific performance has put her right at the top.

Katrina Kaif (Namastey London, Partner, Apne, Welcome and no flop) It's been a meteoric rise both as star and actress for someone who was largely known only as Salman Khan’s girl.

Five BO.bottom of the heap

Ajay Devgan: Ruled the flop roost with Cash and Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag

Rani Mukherji: Despite an average Ta Ra Rum Pum, Rani Mukerji, till last year the Numero Uno, has lost her position even in the Top Five!

Preity Zinta: Jhoom Barabar Jhoom was yet another downer for a star who was in the Top Three.

Esha Deol: Lost gained ground completely with Darling, Just Married and Cash.

Vidya Balan: Both her hits (Heyy Babyy and Bhool Bhulaiyaa) are credited to other factors, including Akshay Kumar. The rest was a flop show in every way.

Best-selling music albums

Aap Kaa Surroor- The Moviee at no.1 has sold almost twice as much as Om Shanti Om at number two! Jab We Met (phenomenal in the North), Partner and Saawariya (the only non-T-Series album here) completed the top five selling soundtracks.

Anthony Gonsalves - Shahrukh Khan's story ?

By now film followers are aware that MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES has Shahrukh Khan's 'Red Chillies Entertainment' as the Line Producers of the film.

However, by looking at the promos, one senses a special reason for Shahrukh to be a part of this project. That's because if one looks closely, the character of the film's lead protagonist Anthony Gonsalves (played by Nikhil Dwivedi) appears to be modeled on Shahrukh Khan from his early days.

Not just this, even the look, mannerisms and profile of Dwivedi have an uncanny resemblance to that of Shahrukh Khan. In the film, Nikhil plays the role of a young man who has dreams of becoming a superstar but is ridiculed by everyone due to his average looks, medium height and built. His dancing skills are questioned too and there are doubts if he was good enough to even play a hero's friend, let alone a hero.

Now if one gets into a comparison mode, even Shahrukh had similar traits in early stages of his career and it was only after a considerable stint in theater, TV serials and small roles in a couple of offbeat films that he got noticed.

Presented by Sahara One Motion Pictures, the film stars Amrita Rao as the leading lady along with Mithun Chakraborty, Mukesh Tiwari, Anupam Kher, Pawan Malhotra and Saurabh Shukla. Directed by E Niwas, the film would be releasing on 11th January.

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

Preity off to Phuket to bring in New Year

She's taking a well-earned vacation. After playing, the derelict NRI wife in Deepa Mehra's Heaven On Earth Preity is off to Phuket with her friends to bring in new year. Last year at this time, Preity injured herself during a vacation.

"2007 has been a tough year for me. Not only did I suffer a serious injury it has also been a year of tough challenges for me as an actor. In 2007 I went into another kind of cinema altogether. From doing Yash Raj Films to playing a woman who finds herself at the receiving end of life in Heaven On Earth has been quite a creative and cultural shock for me," groans Preity.

Preity is however quick to point out the film is not only about a battered wife. "It's about all the people who leave India and hope to find paradise abroad, only to be stuck on wretched 16-hour jobs with no happiness or sunshine. I never knew how such marginalized women existed until I played one. Deepa Mehta and Heaven On Earth have proved eye-openers for me. But the film was tough on me emotionally. In the month that I was in Toronto, I went out just twice and that too only to maintain my sanity. I really need a break now."

Preity returns from her vacation in the second week of January with a clear date diary. "I haven't said yes to any of the scripts I've heard. I'll take a call when I return from my holiday. However, since 2007, has been my year of unconventional films. I hope 2008 will probably be a year of hardcore ‘masala’ movies."

Subash K Jha, IndiaFM

Madhuri Dixit has had enough!

After her passionate and endearing comeback effort, Aaja Nachle, fell flat at the box office, looking more as an indulgence than a serious comeback effort in tune with box office realities, Madhuri is reported to have called it quits.

"She's upset that her grand comeback did little to revive her stardom and she doesn't want her film to score a duck at the BO," her friend tells TOI.

If true, Madhuri's decision is as regrettable as her decision to go with Aaja Nachle, because her beauty and charm remain largely intact. They just need to be packaged into a product that can sell at the Box Office.

Sawf News

Directors pick the Best Films of 2007...

Karan Johar: "Undoubtedly Chak De India and Om Shanti Om. Chak De was entertaining at the same time deep and moving with a serious subtext. As for OSO it was Farah and fun all the way. Both the films reitereated Shah Rukh's star power.

Raj Kumar Santoshi: "I didn't see too many films in 2007. From the ones I saw I liked Imtiaz Ali's Jab We Met. I liked the script and performances of all the artistes and the direction. The treatment was fresh and the presentation was very entertaining. I believe Chak De India is also very good.I plan to see it soon."

Madhur Bhandarkar: "My favourite films of the year 2007 are Taare Zameen Par and Chak De India. I wept like a baby in Aamir's film. Both are very simple sincere and moving films. The kind that I'd like to make."

Anurag Basu: "My favourite? I liked Taare Zameen Par, Chak De India, Jab We Met and Guru equally, for different reasons. So please don't ask me to choose one."

Sriram Raghavan: "My favourite films of 2007 are Chak De India and Taare Zameen Par. Both are superb unconventional subjects with leading stars. We need more stars doing more such films for sure.

Vipul Shah: "Aamir Khan's Taare Zameen Par is the best of 2007 without doubt, followed by Shimit Amin's Chak De India, Anurag Basu's Life In A Metro and Anurag Kashyap's Black Friday.

Satish Kaushik: "Chak De India for its directorial skills, on-the-dot energetic performance by Shah Rukh and the fresh talented cast and most important of all, the spirit of victory.

Bhavna Talwar: My favourite film of 2007 was Navdeep Singh's Manorama 6 Feet Under…finally film -noire from India! Chak De India…beautiful script and a fabulous take on the Islamic identity in India, and not just a sports film…Imtiaz Ali's Jab We Met—honest refreshing straight from the heart.

Farhan Akhtar: "After much deliberation my favourite film of 2007 will have to be Anurag Kashyap's Black Friday. Great adaptation of the book. Relevant poignant issue. Tight and taught screenplay.

An amazing insight into the day of the Mumbai bomb blasts and what eventuated thereafter, and a powerful message. The performances were well-etched and the camerawork was absorbing.

Mira Nair: "My choice would be Julian Schnabel's Diving Bell & The Butterfly. It was deeply original, visually stunning and a remarkable story on the triumph of the spirit.Among desi flicks I'd go with Chak De India…it was huge fun and a great feelgood tale, brilliantly cast.

David Dhawan: Taare Zameen Par is undoubtedly the best film of 2007. Great performances, superb emotions, backed by a powerful script.Aamir Khan is outstanding as both director and actor.

Rakeysh Mehra: "Taare Zameen Par is my favourite film of 2007 for endless reasons, mainly because of the director Aamir and his passion.

Prakash Jha: "Chak De India would qualify as one of the year's best for its theme and treatment. It had the quality to move and entertain.

Sujoy Ghosh: Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om. It's just the kind of movie I'd want to make.

Imtiaz Ali: "Leaving aside my own Jab We Met it'd have to be Anurag Basu's Metro. Interesting characters.

Mahesh Bhatt: "Wrong number, dear. I don't watch movies. Why watch the reflection of life when you can lock eyes with life itself?

Subash K Jha, Santabanta

Rani in guinness ?

Guess what’s the scoop of the week? Rani Mukerji is aiming for a world record.

Wana know how? Now hold your breath... the buzz in B-Town is that after Mangal Pandey- The Rising, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Saawariya she is on her way to play a prostitute for the fourth time in less than a year and this role will take her name straight to the Guinness book of records for being an actress who has played a reel prostitute for the maximum number of times. Quite an unusual attempt, one must say.

TNN

Wish Salman Khan on his birthday!

At 42, Salman Khan continues to remain one of the most bankable stars in Bollywood. As part of the Khan triumvirate, Salman has ruled the box office for decades now and clearly shows no signs of stepping down any time soon. The actor who started his career in a (believe it or not) Farooq Sheikh-starrer Biwi Ho To Aisi has come a very, very long way since then. Indeed his life has been filled with as many tribulations. Controversies have mired him time and again and the media has often had a field day thanks to him. Nonetheless Salman remains one of the few stars who have openly come out against the press. He makes no bones about his hatred for the Fourth Estate and at the same time accepts it as part of his lifestyle.

Of course the star's controversies range from the juvenile (read pouring a soft drink over ex girlfriend Somy Ali's head) to the serious (allegedly running over a sleeping man) and the bizarre (calling up Vivek Oberoi through the night asking him to lay off Ash). However despite all of this Salman is referred to as bhai (big brother) by most in the industry. Tales of Salman's large heart are stuff of Bollywood yore. After all, it was he who brought Govinda back into the limelight with Partner wasn't he?

Not all women in his life however would have the same thing to say about him. Each time a woman tried to get out of his shadow, the Khan would not take it lightly. Whether it was Somy Ali, Sangeeta Bijlani, Aishwarya Rai or more recently Katrina Kaif, we have all heard of bitterest experiences in these relationships.

Professionally however, things have never been so good for Salman as they are today. He is diversifying – turning to painting, even scriptwriting. Today with almost half a dozen films in his kitty, it probably won't be too long before we see Salman donning a new cap. And this time it won't be to hide his baldpate.

Wish Salman on his birthday, post your wishes in the comment box below and tell us why you like (or dislike) the star

The ten things you must know about Salman Khan

Salman Khan was supposed to play Chandrachud Singh's role in Kya Kehna. It is said that Chandrachud was even dropped but later taken back when the Khan opted out of the film.

He has been voted as the 7th best looking man in India by the People magazine

Khan used to be a swimmer in school and it is said that the hunk was so good that had he continued, he probably would have represented India

Industry insiders say that in his initial days he never used his father's name to get a job as an actor

He weight trained Hrithik Roshan during the shooting of the latter's debut – Kaho Na Pyaar Hai

Among the others who he has convinced to hit the gym are actors Anil Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan

His favourite city is London

Looks up to Sylvester Stallone as the best actor.

According to IMDB, he charged Rs 30,000,000 for Mujhse Shaadi Karogi

Salman is the fourth Bollywood actor to find a place in Madame Tussauds after Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and (ahem) Aishwarya Rai.

Wish Salman on his birthday, post your wishes in the comment box below and tell us why you like (or dislike) the star

Arrogant Kareena trashes Priyanka!

Kareena's love-hate relationship with Priyanka Chopra seems to be far from over. In a recent interview with a leading tabloid she decalred herself the only actress in town besides Rani Mukerji.

When quizzed about her biggest competition Kareena responded, "The only actress of my generation that I really like is Rani. I don't see any other actresses."

And when the journo stopped her to name Priyanka and Bipasha who are doing reasonably well Kareena in all her 'humility' replied, "I said 'actresses".

"They are actresses…" the journo retorted to which Bebo said, "I only consider Rani to be an actress. "

Apparantly, Priyanka is miffed at the unnecessary dig at her but she has a much more balanced head on her shoulders and perhaps that's why she chose her words very carefully to respond to Kareena.

"Bebo is a more senior and hopefully more mature actress than me. I guess she’s qualified to comment on my calibre," says Priyanka and adds, "When I reach her level of experience maybe I too can comment on the calibre of my contemporaries and juniors. I’d just like to let my work speak for me. And that includes Aitraaz where Kareena was also a part.

So what’s the problem between Priyanka and Kareena anyway?

"I don’t know. From my end there’s none. I recently met her at a Diwali cards party. And she was fine with me. Only she can answer why she thinks so poorly of me.

As far as I’m concerned I think she was splendid in Jab We Met. I like to give credit where it’s due. And you know what? On some level it’s flattering when colleagues give you importance."

Priyanka gets introspective: "I love my work. I love my friends who are loyal to me. Nothing and no one else matters. I’ve already had enough to stress at home with my father’s illness. I’d like only positive energy to be spread through my work."

Though their rivalry goes a long time back but they briefly made up earlier this year when they appeared together on KBC 3 with Shah Rukh Khan, their Don.

However, their relations are now once again gone sour and the cold war is on...

Santabanta

Now Preity sneaks into Punjab

In 2007 Punjab seemed to be the new hot spot for Bollywood shootings. The Deols shot a major portion of their family saga Apne in the prosperous state.

So did Kareena and Shahid Kapoor for Jab We Met. And lately Preity Zinta was with Salman Khan in Punjab to shoot for Samir Karnik's Heroes.

Now on Thursday Preity was back in Punjab for a second shoot in 2007, under elaborate security bandobast.

After a grueling month-long schedule of their first Punjabi film Heaven On Earth director Deepa Mehta and actor Preity Zinta quietly landed in India on Wednesday night for a 2-day shooting of the film in Chandigarh… under tight security provisions since the crowds of fans in Punjab are known to get hyper-excited at the sight of their favourite stars.

A fortnight ago when Ranbir Kapoor landed in Amritsar to shoot for Siddharth Anand's untitled film, crowds of thousands descended on location near the Golden Temple,broke all the elaborate security bandobast and got as close to Ranbir as they could.

Speaking from the outskirts of Chandigarh where she was shooting on Friday and Saturday Deepa said, "I don't know whether we're coming or going.

Since we only have Preity's dates until 24 th, we went straight from location in Toronto to the airport to rush to India…..We're aware of the security risks.

The adminstration has been very co-operative. We're well protected. And Preity has her own bodyguards. So far it's been smooth sailing."

Heaven On Earth, the true-life story of a battered wife in Toronto, has been Preity's toughest role to date.

Says Deepa, "By far Preity is the best actor I've ever worked with. And I say this after working with the likes of Jessica Tandy, Shabana Azmi and Aamir Khan."

Subash K Jha, Santabanta

SRK to be villain in Krrish 2

Krrish 2 seems to be getting bigger every day. We hear that Rakyesh Om Prakash Mehra and not Rakesh Roshan will be directing the sequel to Hrithik's last blockbuster.

But the surprises don't end here. Shah Rukh Khan will also be seen playing the negative lead.

The villain in the film will have superpowers, just like Krrish has and the film will be about the clash of these two superpowers. Rakyesh Mehra has already met Shah Rukh who for the same.

Shah Rukh has loved the idea and has asked for a detailed narration from Mehra and if all goes well, the film will mount the sets soon."

This will be a casting coup of sorts as, although SRK and Hrithik have worked together in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gum earlier, this will be the first time they will be clashing together.

Santabanta

Aamir Khan to produce Delhi Belly

Much against everyone's expectations Aamir is far from sitting and relaxing after leaving no stone unturned with Taare Zameen Par. One will now find him channeling all his energies towards launching his nephew, Imraan in Jaane Tu, which is to be directed by Abbas Tyrewala.

Besides this, he is also working on Delhi Belly, an action comedy that's based in Delhi. This time, Aamir will only produce and not direct it. The film will be made in English and is aimed at international audiences. Moreover, if sources are to be believed, then, a Swedish guy will direct this film, with a crew based in US and Europe. Aamir met the director during the making of Taare Zameen Par.

IndiaFM

Bobby signed for Karan Johar's next production

It's been a slow and steady climb for the langorous Deol. After losing out on plum assignments like Mani Rathnam's Yuva and Apoorva Lakhia's Mission Istanbul, Bobby Deol suddenly bounced back last year with a stellar performance in Yashraj Films' Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. Though the film was a dud, Bobby was widely appreciated.

And now, from Yashraj, Bobby moves to another biggie. He is now been signed by Karan Johar for his untitled production to be directed by debutant Tarun Mansukhani. The film already has Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham in it. So, where does Bobby fit in?

"You wait and watch," promises Karan. "Bobby is going to surprise everyone in Tarun's film. We needed a certain presence and an actor with specific personality for one of the leads. Bobby fitted the bill. He's going to be the band mutthi of Tarun's film."

Priyanka Chopra who plays the female lead in this breezy romantic film is looking forward to working with Bobby. "He and I go back a long way. I've worked with both Bobby and Sunny. If Sunny was my hero in my first film The Hero, Bobby and I did Kismat and Barsaat together. He has a fabulous role in Karan's film,” enthuses Priyanka.

Subash K Jha, IndiaFM

Hrithik to star in Anurag Basu's next

There's bad and good news for Hrithik Roshan's fans in 2008. Hrithik's next starrer would not be directed by his father. In fact, papa Roshan has decided to take a long sabbatical from direction.

But hold on. Rakesh Roshan is producing a film to start in July 2008 that will feature Hrithik in a never-before avatar. "It's an action thriller with a strong love story at its heart. Anurag Basu, whom both I and Hrithik think very highly of, is directing the film for us," reveals Rakesh Roshan a week before year-end, thereby putting an end to all wild speculation about the seriousness of Hrithik's knee injury.

It's been a time of turmoil for Hrithik Roshan. A troublesome knew injury finally decided to act up seriously. "The doctors told him he needed to rest the knee completely, and I mean completely, otherwise it would give way. The injury got aggravated from all the stunts in his recent films including Krissh. It got to a point where his knee gave way completely. The doctors said he had to take complete rest for two months or face the consequences," says concerned papa Rakesh Roshan. Hrithik who has just returned from two weeks in Singapore now leaves for the Gold Coast for further recuperation.

He returns to perform an intricate item number for his father's first non-Hrithik production Krazzy 4. "Well, people always wondered how I could make a film without Hrithik. So here he is, all set to do his career's first item song. My brother Rajesh Roshan has already recorded the song and I'm putting up an elaborate set for the song to be shot in March 2008. However, let me warn Hrithik's fans, if I feel his knee is not up to it, I won't shoot the song."

Subash K Jha, IndiaFM

'Jodhaa Akbar' to release on 15th Feb.

UTV Motion Pictures and Ashutosh Gowariker’s much awaited epic romance JODHAA AKBAR, starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, is slated for a worldwide release on 15th February, 2008. The soundtrack, composed by music maestro A.R. Rahman and lyrics written by Javed Akhtar, will release on 9th January through UTV’s new record label UTV Music.

The change of release date is due to the fact that Ashutosh Gowariker has been advised bed rest for 21 days with a severe back problem. The director was scheduled to be in Chennai for this entire week to finish the background score of the film, but could not move out because of strict instructions from his doctors not to travel.

Referring to his back problem, Ashutosh stated, “I am sad that this had to happen in the thick of post production; it is unfortunate, but it has to be dealt with.”

Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM

Multiple heroines in Sajid's next

What’s the cast of Sajid Khan’s new film? Well, everyone knows it will star Akshay Kumar in the lead, but the balance cast is being kept under wraps. While Sajid’s directorial debut was a multi-hero film, his next venture is expected to be multi-heroine film. It’s said that Sajid and his producer Sajid Nadiadwala are in talks with Kareena Kapoor, Vidya Balan and Deepika Padukone to essay the three pivotal roles.

“I wouldn’t be able to confirm the leading ladies right now, but we’re talking to a couple of names,” Sajid Khan informs me. What’s the film all about? “It’s a family fare with laughter aplenty. It’s a laugh-riot and I want it to be Akshay’s biggest hit ever,” Sajid smiles.

Sajid plans to start filming in mid-2008. “I am still writing the script and it will take me another three/four months to complete it. The dates of the actors will be chalked out accordingly,” he adds.

Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM

Nominations for Max Stardust Awards 2008

SUPERSTAR OF TOMMOROW - MALE
Himesh Reshammiya (Aap Ka Suroor)
Neil Nitin Mukesh (Johnny Gaddaar)
Kunal Khemu (Traffic Signal)
Ruslan Mumtaz (Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar)
Ranbir Kapoor (Saawariya)
Muzzamil Ibrahim (Dhokha)

SUPERSTAR OF TOMMOROW - FEMALE
Sagarika Ghatge (Chak De India)
Hansikaa Motwani (Aap Ka Suroor)
Jiah Khan (Nishabd)
Deepika Padukone (Om Shanti Om)
Sonam Kapoor (Saawariya)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE – MALE
Shreyas Talpade (Om Shanti Om)
Imaaduddin Shah (Dil Dosti Etc)
Kal Penn (The Namesake)
Vikram Chatwal (Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE – FEMALE
Chitrashi Rawat (Chak De India)
Anjana Sukhani (Salaam–E-Ishq)
Kangana Ranaut (Life… In a Metro)
Shreya Saran (Awaarapan)
Swini Khera (Cheeni Kum)
Ashwini Kalsekar (Johnny Gaddaar)
Sunita Rajwar (Ek Chalis Ki Last Local)

THE NEW MENACE
Shilpa Shukla (Chak De India)
Zakir Hussain (Johnny Gaddaar)
Shabbir Ahluwalia (Shootout At Lokhandwala)
Ashok Samarth (Ek Chalis Ki Last Local)
Sudhir Mishra (Traffic Signal)

HOTTEST FILM - PRODUCERS
Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd (Ritesh Sidhwani / Farhan Akhtar)
Ek Chalis Ki Last Local (Quartet Films)
Gandhi My Father (Anil Kapoor)
Bheja Fry (Sunil Doshi)
Loins of Punjab (Horn Ok Please Entertainment)
Manorama Six Feet Under (Shemaroo)

HOTTEST YOUNG FILM MAKER
Shimit Amin (Chak De India)
Sriram Raghavan (Johnny Gaddaar)
Navdeep Singh (Manorama Six Feet Under)
Sagar Bellary (Bheja Fry)
Sajid Khan (Heyy Babyy)
Feroze Abbas Khan (Gandhi My Father)
Imtiaz Ali (Jab We Met)
R. Balki (Cheeni Kum)

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY LYRICIST
Amar Maqsood – Shootout At Lokhandwala (‘Unke Nashe Mein’)
Sandeep Srivastava – Life… In A Metro (‘Baatein Kucch Ankahi Si’)
Sandeep Nath – Saawariya (‘Yoon Shabnami Pehle Nahi Thi Chandni’)
Shabbir Ahmed – Partner (‘Soni Ke Nakhre’)
Sanjay Chhel– Partner (‘Do You Want A Partner’)
Mika – Shootout At Lokhandwala (‘Aye Ganpat’)

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION – FEMALE
Hard Kaur – Johnny Gaddaar (Move Your Body)
Maryem Toller – Guru (Mayya Mayya)
Anoushka Manchanda – Cash (Aye Chori)
Akriti Kakkar – Johnny Gaddaar (Johnny Gaddaar)
Suzanne – Aawarapan (Mahiya)
Aanchal – Dus Kahaniyaan (Dus)

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION – MALE
Krishna & Salim Merchant – Chak De India (Maula Mere)
Neeraj Sridhar – Jhoom Barabar Jhoom / Bhool Bhulaiyaa (Ticket To Hollywood / Bhool Bhulaiyaa)
Soham – Life… In A Metro (Inn Dino)
Suhail Kaul – Life… In A Metro (Baatein Kucch Ankahi Si)
Mika – Shootout At Lokhandwala
Jab We Met (Aye Ganpat / Mauja Hi Mauja)
Shail Hada – Saawariya (‘Saawariya’)

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY A MUSIC DIRECTOR
Monty Sharma (Saawariya)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali — Thode Se Badmaash (Saawariya)
Mika — Aye Ganpat (Shootout At Lokhandwala)
Mithoon (Anwar / The Train)
Gaurav Dasgupta — Dus (Dus Kahaniyaan)

The last rites of actor Amitabh Bachchan's mother was performed in Mumbai

The mortal remains of Teji Bachchan, mother of Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, were consigned to flames at the cremation ground in Juhu on Friday.

The funeral pyre was lit by Amitabh Bachchan. Earlier, the funeral procession started at 10 AM from Bachchan's Juhu bungalow Pratiksha and reached the Ruia Park cremation ground after nearly an hour.

Teji Bachchan died on Friday at the age of 93 after prolonged illness at Lilavati hospital. All members of the family, including Ajitabh Bachchan, Namrata, Shweta Bachchan, her husband Nikhil Nanda, gathered for the cremation.

According to sources, priests came from Varanasi to perform the funeral. Bachchan's bungalow Prateeksha was surrounded by thousands of fans, well-wishers, people from the literary world, Bollywood personalities and politicians alike.

Several dignitaries including former Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat attended the cremation. Other personalities from Bollywood included Ajay Devgan, Karan Johar, Kajol, Yash Chopra, wife Pamela Chopra, filmmaker Prakash Mehra and Ketan Desai.

Industrialist Anil Ambani and Amitabh's close friend Amar Singh also attended the funeral.

CNN-IBN

Amitabh's Mother Teji Bachchan passes away

Teji Bachchan, mother of superstar Amitabh Bachchan, passed away yesterday afternoon at Mumbai’s Lilavati hospital. She was 93 years old and had been ill for a long time.

Teji, an amateur actor and singer herself, was the wife of Hindi literary great Harivanshrai Bachchan. She had been hospitalised for almost a year now and was shifted to the ICU last month when her condition deteriorated.

Amitabh and Ajitabh Bachchan along with Jaya Bachchan, Abhishek, Aishwarya, Shweta Nanda and Namrata were present in the hospital ever since Teji Bachchan became critical early Friday morning.

Other prominent personalities who came to express their heartfelt condolences included Anil Ambani, Amar Singh, Subroto Roy and actors like Sonali Bendre and Danny Denzongpa.

IndiaFM
The funeral is to take place at the Juhu cemetery today (Saturday) morning.

Karisma Kapoor: I never really went away

'Wow! Is that what mummies look like?' were the words on everyone's lips when the gorgeous-as-ever Karisma Kapoor made an appearance on the Christmas special episode of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs. Ravishing in a black outfit, the yummy mummy stole hearts of the judges, contestants and
the excitedly cheering audience.

Quizzed about making a comeback, the diva said, 'I never really went away. Don't women pursuing other professions take a maternity leave? I just did the same!' So are we likely to see her in a movie soon? 'Ahhh... I don't know. I listen to a lot of scripts and do get offers. I guess I'm waiting for the right role to come along', said Lolo. But the one proposal that she didn't turn down was little Vibhor's. The young contestant went down on a knee and professed undying love for Karisma. Charmed by the gesture of affection, she promptly replied, 'I love you too'.

Karisma was delighted to see the kids dressed up as li'l Santas and receiving cute surprise gifts on the show. 'They're all so bright. Very gifted, yet hardworking. It takes great courage to come up on national television and showcase your talent.' An insider close to the show revealed Karisma was all nervous about being in front of the camera after the hiatus and had done her homework on the kids to enjoy the shoot thoroughly. She delighted the
audience by shaking a leg to her hits, 'Poocho zara Poocho' and 'Tan Tana Tan Tan Tan Tara'.

Bollywood Trade News Network

WELCOME breaks records in the UAE!

The first result is out!

The keenly awaited leave-your-brains-at-home comedy, WELCOME, appears to have stolen the march over competition, taking a rocket opening in the UAE.

On 29 prints, the big Indian Films-Studio 18 Eid release is said to have opened to an unprecedented AED 450,000 (approx) - implying that in just one day flat, it has done close to half the lifetime gross of a successful Akshay Kumar comedy in the UAE!

If the initial reports are anything to go by, the audience has most certainly "welcomed" the festive season with WELCOME!

Bollywood Trade News Network

Akshay-Paresh to create magic for the 17th time!

The festive season's most awaited release, WELCOME, marks the coming together yet again of two powerhouse performers who have been lucky mascots for each other at the box-office.

As Dr. Ghungroo and his nephew Rajeev, Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar push their creative limits in this madcap mother of all mafia comedies for the 17th time together over 13 years!

WELCOME will see the two stars in another match of wits after they featured together in a number of box-office scorchers like Mohra, Insaaf, Aarzoo, Barood, Angaarey, Aan - Men At Work, Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi, Awara Pagal Deewana, Aankhen, Bhool Bhulaiyya, Bhagam Bhag, Hera Pheri, Phir Hera Pheri, Aitraaz and Garam Masala.

As noted recently, the movie marks quite a few records already, with Anil-Nana coming together after 19 years, Anil-Feroz Khan after 21 years and Akshay-Katrina inching towards consolidating their position as the most commercially successful leading pair of recent times.

The Akshay-Paresh magic mama-bhanja combination in WELCOME is sure to bring the house down!

Bollywood Trade News Network

No new projects for Shimit post CHAKDE! INDIA

Director Shimit Amin spent his growing years in the US, finishing his school and college education. But instead of settling down there, the iconoclastic director shifted to Mumbai and made his first foray into Bollywood with the hard-hitting, AB TAK CHHAPPAN (2004). He followed it up with the cult movie, CHAKDE! INDIA. Defying popular belief, lack of Bollywood formula in his films did work for him, twice over!

His first movie, AB TAK CHHAPPAN, portraying the life of an encounter specialist, did not get its due recognition (box-office wise). After his first outing, it took Shimit, a Yash Raj-Shah Rukh Khan combination to take India by storm, in the award-winning (V Shantaram), CHAKDE! INDIA. The movie is tipped to sweep most of the popular awards and make a strong claim for the Nationals too.

However, unlike many others in his profession, who would have gone on a signing spree (after a blockbuster success), the non-conformist director is taking it easy. When asked about his future projects, the man of few words disclosed unabashedly that there was nothing to talk about, adding that if anything concrete comes up, he would go public with it.

Certainly Bollywood will go places by embracing superbly talented yet unassuming directors like Shimit Amin.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

Nana and Anil impress Katrina

One of this Friday's upcoming release, WELCOME, has not only the hot pair of Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif to boast of, but also master veterans like Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor.

The leading lady Katrina has only good things to say about these two topnotch actors. She says that she found Nana Patekar extremely affectionate, as he treated her just like his daughter.

However, it was the still young at heart Anil Kapoor who really impressed Katrina. And she spoke a lot about her co-star of HUMKO DEEWANA KAR GAYE (2006) and WELCOME. The successful model-turned-actress discloses that even at the present stage of his career, Anil is extremely hardworking and a thorough professional. She adds that during the shooting of WELCOME, Anil was always prepared beforehand and ready with his dialogues. In fact, he never gave up till the perfect shot was canned. Not only that, Katrina also got a lot of acting tips from the ever helpful Anil.

Here's hoping the best for WELCOME and seeing more of the sophisticated Katrina and the ageless Anil Kapoor together.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

Sushmita in a legal hassle over 'virginity'

Sushmita Sen finds herself in a soup as the Madurai branch of the Madras High Court issued a notice to her, earlier this week, over some comments made by her on ‘pre-marital sex’

The actress, in a T.V. interview, had commented that “No Indian has chastity or virginity anymore” which didn’t go down well with the legal authorities and the moral police, who felt that such comments could affect the moral fabric of India.

A notice has been issued to the Tamil daily as well, which published the transcripts of the television interview.

In the past, actresses like Khushboo, Reema Sen and Shilpa Shetty have also faced similar petitions in the past for their ‘controversial’ comments.

IndiaFM

TZP runs into trouble in Gujarat

Aamir Khan seems to have become controversy’s favorite child these days. One day prior to the release of his maiden directorial venture Taare Zameen Par , comes this piece of news that the film has run into some kind of trouble in the state of Gujarat.

Apparently, around 50 members of the Sardar Patel group gathered at a cinema hall in Vadodara compelling the management to remove the posters of Taare Zameen Par. The group also went to some other theatres in the city like Chandan and Inox and submitted a memorandum to the management asking them not to screen the movie.

The group members said that they were still hurt by Aamir’s comments on the whole Narmada Bachao Andolan issue and that they wouldn’t allow the movie to be screened in the state of Gujarat unless the actor apologizes.

It may be recalled that Aamir’s previous two movies Fanaa and Rang De Basanti too ran into trouble during the release for the same reason.

Hope these issues settle down and Aamir’s directorial debut makes it to theatres in Gujarat.

IndiaFM

Dilli 6 shoot starts in Jaipur today

Rakeysh Mehra's long-awaited Dilli 6 finally begins shooting today, December 20, in freezing Jaipur. Freezing cold notwithstanding, Rajasthan is currently the hot spot for two big film units from Mumbai.

While Rakeysh Mehra is busy recreating vignettes from New Delhi in Jaipur for his new film Dilli 6 with his lead pair Sonam Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan, debutant director Ajit Pal is busy shooting dramatic sequences in Jaisalmer for his cricket film Victory.

But Harman Baweja and the 'cricket' team aren’t shooting cricket scenes in Jaisalmer. The game part of the narration has been canned in Mumbai. “We’re shooting heavy-duty dramatic scenes in the freezing cold, and that too at nights when the temperature in below-Zero," informs Anupam Kher, who plays Harman's father.

Earlier he was shooting in equally harsh weather in Kashmir for Santosh Sivan. Anupam is all praise for Harman. "He reminds me of Hrithik Roshan, not just in looks but also in attitude and approach to his work. Like Hrithik, Harman has assisted his father on several productions. When he faces the camera he knows exactly what he's doing." Harman would be the first of the major debutants in 2008, and that too from a film family followed by Mimoh whose dancing skills are being compared with his father Mithun Chakbraborty and Subhash Ghai's new discovery Anurag Sinha who’s being described as a mixture of Amitabh Bachchan and Naseeruddin Shah by people from the unit of his debut film Black and White.

Subash K Jha, IndiaFM

Madhuri is bridging eras: Anil Mehta

Mumbai, Dec 19 - It wasn't easy to direct Madhuri Dixit in her comeback film, but director Anil Mehta thanks the actress for making it a smooth ride for him.

'She's such an easygoing person. She never let me get stressed about making Madhuri Dixit's comeback film. She was willing to give all of herself,' Mehta told IANS in an interview.

'She's still in equally splendid form. And she's bridging eras. She not only represents the kind of films that were made in the 1980s, but also cinema of today where she has a prominent place. It was such an asset to have her on the sets,' he added.

Mehta placed 'Aaja Nachle' in a small town because big cities don't fascinate him.

'I told Aditya Chopra of an idea about a small town setting. Those big urban fables don't interest me. The film may look lavish because of the dances. But I have kept the treatment very simple.'

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: The small-town ambience in 'Aaja Nachle' is splendid.

A: We created it on a set in Mumbai and if people thought it was a location that's a big compliment. I went on a 20-day recce, checked out towns like Bhopal and Indore. Lots of real construction material was used on the sets. We wove in the chaos and confusion of a small town into our fictional town.

Q: Did Madhuri come into the picture before or after you wrote the script?

A: It's a bit of a chicken-and-egg thing. The idea was floating in my head. Then Madhuri was cast and the story just flowed from there.

Q: Did Madhuri make it any easier for you?

A: She's such an easygoing person. She never let me get stressed about making Madhuri Dixit's comeback film. She was willing to give all of herself.

(c) Indo-Asian News Service

Deepika is no star

Actress Deepika Padukone is no star, or so she says. After all the girl is getting more endorsements offers than film offers. Or is it that she chooses to keep mum about the offers coming her way?

Anyway, when we caught up with her recently, she was thankfully willing to admit, “As of now I have signed two movies. I’ll be shooting with Ranbir in January for Yash Raj’s next. It will be directed by Sidharth Anand.

It’s not titled yet. After that I will be working on Nikhil Advani’s Made In China opposite Akshay Kumar.” About her newfound star status, she diplomatically states, “I don’t think I am a star. I am just one film old and have a long way to go.”

Hmm...Deepika seems to have learnt the ropes of B-town already!

TNN

Kareena Kapoor, a fashion Icon!!

Whilst Kareena Kapoor's career accelerates into top drive, with her being touted as one of the highest paid actress in Bollywood, Kareena is also indisputably the most glamorous fashion icon in the country today.

Her roles in various movies have set fashion trends and she is the discerning style diva of Bollywood. The actress is synonymous with style and beauty for her fans. Even recently in her latest critically acclaimed film JAB WE MET, the long T-shirts with Patialas that she wears in the movie seems to have become a rage with the youngsters. Kareena Kapoor is the trendsetter of generation next.

Even in her earlier films like YUVA, KABHI KHUSHI KABHI GHAM, her distinctive style and attitude started new fashion trends, establishing her iconic status with the youth.

Kareena's sense of style, charisma and attitude reflects the aspirations of millions of young Indians. She has experimented with a variety of roles and hence one has seen her in different stunning looks. She perfectly magnifies the versatility.

When asked about her style statement and what she thought about the latest trend in JAB WE MET that has caught the imagination of the youth, she said, "It was bound to become a rage simply because it is so comfortable. For me comfort is the most important thing in dressing. And the T with Patialas worked well for me."

Bollywood Trade News Network

Industry hails Taare Zameen Par

"Taare Zameen Par is one of the best films that you would have ever seen", declares a prominent film personality who was invited for one of the two special screenings of Taare Zameen Par which were held in Mumbai on Monday night.

Truly emotionally charged long after the film's screening was through, he goes on to add, "If there is a film from India which truly stands a chance at the Oscars, it has to be Taare Zameen Par. What a fabulous performance by the kid Darsheel Safary."

Others who were invited for the screening were Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Shankar Mahadevan, Vishal Shekhar, Illa Arun, Prasoon Joshi and many more. Aamir Khan was the perfect host.

Says another invitee who doesn't wish to be named and wants the movie to do most of the talking, "Aamir has used his two decades of experience into creating a film which is nothing short of a masterpiece. The film is not one of those on-your-face emotional melodramas that arrive with a loud announcement. Instead, proceedings are kept subtle that add on to the beauty of the film."

There have been murmurs around the film's box office prospects getting hampered due to parallel release of Welcome. Akshay Kumar is on a roll and director Anees Bazmee is super charged with Welcome arriving two years after his last blockbuster No Entry.

"I am sure that Taare Zameen Par would stand on it's own in spite of Welcome. Yes, Welcome is going to be a 'masala' entertainer and even I am not going to miss it at the theaters. But then is it against the law to watch two films over the same weekend? Even if Welcome is as commercial as it gets, Taare Zameen Par also qualifies itself into 'don't miss it' category."

Music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy is still waiting to set the charts afire. What could be the prospects after the film's release? "I would want to ask you this question once you see the film", says a prominent composer, "The music was always meant to be the kind that makes an impact once heard in the film. Songs playing along with the narrative create a stunning impact and you realise this fact most once you watch the film."

A senior member from the film fraternity goes on to add, "Aamir Khan has come up with a brilliant effort that would shut up all his detractors who find it fashionable to label him as a perfectionist. Ok, so he may indeed be a perfectionist but if this is what a perfectionist gives to the industry and the audience, let's have more of such breed. He has made a flawless directorial debut."

Concludes the source, "The film doesn't make any pretensions. It is as pure as it gets. Taare Zameen Par should be made a compulsory viewing for not just students of cinema but also those who wish to see quality cinema with the right emotional quotient and commercial ingredients."

Joginder Tuteja, IndiaFM

Anil Kapoor will promote Welcome only with Nana

If you haven't been seeing much of Anil Kapoor in the promotional blitzkrieg of Anees Bazmee's Christ-massy comedy Welcome it's with good reason. The meticulous actor has decided to speak about his role in the film only in collaboration with Nana Patekar.

Says a source close to Anil, “Since Nana and Anil play brothers in the film and share equal space he only thinks it to be reasonable that they speak on behalf of their film together."

The inimitable Nana has been stationed in Pune for two weeks because of his foot injury. Anil plans to drive down to Pune to do a joint press conference with Nana. The two come together in Welcome 18 years after they starred in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Parinda.

When asked about the year that was, Anil Kapoor says, "I'm very happy with the way my production Gandhi My Father was received all over the world. This isn’t one of those small films that come and go. I believe it has a fabulous shelf life. And the film’s impact will continue to be felt everywhere. "

Anil Kapoor promises several surprises as a producer in 2008.

Subash K Jha, IndiaFM

Abhishek kills neighborhood criminals

With the New Year just around the corner, the market will be flooded with calendars of various sizes and shapes. This time, it's not just sizes and shapes, but also cool concepts as well. Subi Samuel and Marching Ants have started the calendar-mania with all the Bollywood stars striking a 'comical' pose! Their vision of 'Visual Wizardry' will be showcased in their calendar which will feature 24 of India's celebrated movie stars which will be unveiled by none other than Karan Johar and Priyanka Chopra today.

Each actor in the calendar is featured as a comic character. Abhishek Bachchan's character is called as Sam who is a writer by profession. And mind you, being Sam was not an easy task. Since his wife, was pregnant, he just doesn't want to move anywhere without her. This is what she had insisted for! And when she wanted to be amidst 'goon town', the big city's most notorious neighbourhood, Abhishek wants her to be safe from all the possible dangers. But as luck would have it, his wife and unborn child get shot by accident in a drive by shooting.

Abhi tries every possible effort to look for justice, all including the legal system, from the local politician et al. He is not able to digest the fact that the killers are roaming freely without a care. Hence, he drowns in the ocean of sorrow and solitude for days together. And then, he simply picks up a pen to write a story about his life. And lo! He goes out and hunts not only his wife's killers but also all those who were part of the same breed. And every night, his pen would be dipped in the blood of the culprits, would write pages for him.

The city had destroyed him, its laughter resonating….but the city's nightmare was only just beginning.

PS: This calendar happens to be a limited edition and will be distributed strictly through private circulation.

IndiaFM

Aamir talks about Raju Hirani's film

There’s tremendous speculation vis-à-vis Aamir Khan’s new film. With Aamir’s directorial debut TAARE ZAMEEN PAR releasing this week, the actor can go back to studios and take instructions from other directors. “I need to complete work on the remake of GHAJINI first. We’re halfway through with this film. The makers have been kind enough to wait for me,” Aamir tells me.

There’s talk that the actor has agreed to work in Rajkumar Hirani’s new film, to be produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. “Yes, we’re in negotiations,” Aamir confirms the development. But what about the news that Vidhu requested Aamir to suggest [any] changes in the script, before they start shooting, not once the shooting begins. “What can I say about such absurd allegations? Vidhu never said anything to that effect. Raju is someone I really admire as a film-maker and Vidhu is a great person,” Aamir sets the record straight.

Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM

Abhishek Bachchan in Taare Zameen Par

Taare Zameen Par is a story of a kid suffering from dyslexia. To create awareness about this disorder an example of Abhishek Bachchan is used in the film, who also suffered from this disorder. Aamir Khan took prior permission from the Bachchans to make this reference and use Abhishek’s name and picture as an example of success in spite of suffering from dyslexia at a young age.

Abhishek is among the crème de la crème of Bollywood today. The disorder did not stop him from creating a place for himself in the film industry and become a successful star. That’s the message Aamir gives to the kids in the film. Like Abhishek, many known personalities fall in this category, which include the likes of Leonardo Da Vinci, Thomas Alva Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Winston Churchill, Keanu Reeves, Albert Einstein and Tom Cruise.

Taare Zameen Par is all set to release on December 21 and marks the directorial debut of Aamir Khan

IndiaF

Karan Johar's Media Mantra's

One of the nicest — and mutually profitable — friendships here is that of Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar. K Jo may be right up there in the marquee as a film-maker but he is still sporting enough to take care of Shah Rukh’s clothes, without ever feeling that he’s too big to be doing this now.

“I do clothes only for Shah Rukh, nobody else,” Karan is clear about that. “I connect with what Shah Rukh wants. I’ve done his clothes in Main Hoon Na (remember the simple but distinct sweater and scarf look?) and in Om Shanti Om. I always say Yash Uncle and Farah are two makers for whom, whenever they work with Shah Rukh, I will always do the clothes. I do Shah Rukh’s clothes in any case. I’m always shopping for him. I love doing it as a hobby.

“I loved doing the clothes of Om Shanti Om. Farah was so well-researched, she knew just what she wanted. Every time I fought with her — like I’d say, Farah, you want to give him this gold jacket for God’s sake — her answer would be, just shut up and give it, I know what my tones are. And when I saw it on screen the gold jacket looked great. Shah Rukh looked fantastic in the film. In the first half there wasn’t one wrong note. I had great fun doing it. I hope I get another job!”

One might say that today it is a privilege for anybody to do Shah Rukh’s clothes. But Karan is not ‘anybody’; he is a huge celebrity himself. One might think Karan benefits from his association with such a big star but if you really look at their friendship, I for one would say that Shah Rukh has equally gained from having Karan for a friend.

Today, especially after the blockbuster win of Om Shanti Om, a dreary charge against SRK is that he is media-savvy, like it is a gaali. Anybody who can’t get a good press (currently, Rishi Kapoor and most of the Saawariya satellites) sneer over the two words, ‘media savvy’ like it is a flaw in your personality. But the truth is, Shah Rukh was not always media-savvy. When he made his first film, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, and flopped on his face, he had got the kind of furious backlash that Sanjay Leela Bhansali got this year. Shah Rukh had no friends in the media, he had an issue with most of them (yours truly included) over laughingly trivial items, and right up to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, it was close friend Karan Johar who spoke warmly to the media on his friend’s behalf.

If Shah Rukh Khan has changed for the better you have to credit buddy Karan for the subtle influence he has had over the actor. Hear Karan’s refreshing views on the media and you’ll get an idea of where Shah Rukh has picked up some important lessons.

Says Karan, “Handling the media is really an art, that too requires a certain course.

“You cannot deny the power of the media, you cannot deny that they are a huge platform you need to be on when you have to promote your film or speak about yourself, you cannot deny that they make you the brand you are and you reap the benefits of that. I work in tandem with the media, I like to be there for them just as they have always been there for me. Yes, there are some bad apples but there are those bad apples in any industry, any profession, why just the media?

“When critics praise you, you’re happy. When they criticise you, you say they’re biased. Why can’t we accept that perhaps they just didn’t like your film? I can, even if it does hurt. If tomorrow you write against my film, I’m not going to be loving you for that second, but the next day I’ll wake up and say, ok, I must respect her opinion, I have so many of my own.

“Yes, the electronic media is in your face, the paparazzi is emerging, it’s annoying when you go to an event and you have a hundred cameras on you. But would you not want those hundred people around you? Would you like it if they ignored you and ran after someone else? No, I wouldn’t. I’m sorry to report, I’d be shattered, upset and want to break my head against the nearest wall! I like the shutterbugs when I walk the red carpet and I like the fact that they’re screaming my name for sound bytes. If they didn’t, I’d wonder what went wrong!

“We need the media,” concludes Karan. And you know just how much Shah Rukh has got from Karan when the film-maker says, “Let’s not pretend that we’re going to go out there and bash them because we sound cool at a party. We don’t.

“Media bashing is really passé!”

Thanks, pal.

Celebrity Circus

"Juhi and Shah Rukh are like my own children" - Aziz Mirza

Though considerable time has elapsed since Aziz Mirza made his last film Chalte Chalte, nothing seems to have changed in his life. He first-and-foremost remains a thinking individual with working-class leanings, a filmmaker later.

"But my new film, for which we've found no suitable title as yet, is set in a foreign city. I made a conscious decision to move out of Mumbai this time. Since I last made a film, the process of globalization has been accelerated. I want to see how it affects my protagonist. But yes I'll continue to be taken up with the problems of the have-nots."

There's much speculation in the movie mart about how Aziz and his protégé Shah Rukh have drifted apart. Aziz is genuinely surprised. "Not at all. Juhi and Shah Rukh are like my own children. How can I move away from them? The only reason why Shah Rukh is not in my new film is because this role required a young boy, just out of college. In fact, the minute Juhi heard the role she said she could see a younger Shah Rukh in it. That how Shahid Kapoor came in."

Aziz Saab lapses into a flashback about Shah Rukh. "It's wrong to say I helped his career. Everyone has his destiny. Shah Rukh became an overnight star with Deewana. I remember they had shot half the film with another actor. Shah Rukh came into the project at that tale stage. If that isn’t destiny, what is? I've done four films with Shah Rukh. One doesn't have to continue working constantly with the ones whom one loves. Some relationships go beyond the professional. Shah Rukh is certainly one of them."

Ever since his wife Nirmala's death, Aziz Mirza has been in a state of seclusion. "Not really. It always takes me time to make my next film. Writing a film isn't an easy process. After Chalte Chalte I had to do a film that I was comfortable with," says the soft-spoken director.

Subash K Jha, TNN

The idols who have influenced Sonam's life

Chirpy Sonam names the idols who have influenced her life and acting style apart from her papa, who’s her “mentor, philosopher and guide” and manages her contracts and deals:

Waheeda Rehman:
Gorgeous dancer, stunning looker and a whammy performer, she really had the goods. Her snake dance in Guide is Sonam’s all-time favourite and she “envies” her for being Guru Dutt’s heroine.

Rekha:
Her enduring “aura” and magnificent screen presence fascinates Sonam.

Sridevi:
She’s impressed with Sri’s “sheer range” which is amply displayed in Sadma and Chaalbaaz.

Salman Khan:
When her childhood star turned her hero, she knew that Lady Luck was beaming upon her. Sonam is awed by his “complete dedication” to cinema.

Shaan:
Believe it or not, during her college days Sonam “simply worshipped” singer Shaan and doted on his Lovology album.

Screen India

Anil's a perfectionist!

The other day we caught up with Anil Kapoor on the sets of Subhash Ghai’s Yuvraj.

And throughout the shooting, Anil kept a straight face and was very serious. "He is immersed in his character. And no one can distract him till we complete the shoot today. I have known him for so many years now, but he hasn’t changed a bit. He still gets nervous and takes his work seriously. I have yet to see someone so involved in his work," smiles Ghai. Well, well, that’s what makes this Kapoor a perfectionist.

Bollywood says NO to male nudity!

Daniel Craig, who had women all around the world gasping when he stepped out of the sea in Casino Royale wearing swimming trunks, is willing to set new standards for Ian Fleming’s secret agent James Bond.

In his next Bond film, Craig has promised to go totally nude. When asked why he intends to strip, Craig "who has one of the most finely chiselled bodies in Hollywood" said, "I’ve got nothing to hide. And, after all, we ask the girls to reveal almost all in films, so why not the men?" Why not, indeed! And better still is his willingness to bare it all.

Meanwhile, shifting the focus to Bollywood, our desi male stars with their new six pack abs are happy and confident about shedding their shirts and dropping towels to titillate female fans’ imaginations. Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, John Abraham and Ranbir Kapoor don’t have bodies much different from Craig’s. But the question BT asked their female costars in Bollywood was would there be as much interest in seeing Messrs Khans, Roshan, Abraham and Kapoor in the nude as there is in gawking at a Daniel Craig? This is what they replied, laughing in embarrassment!

Priyanaka Chopra

I think I would cringe on seeing anyone in the Hindi film industry naked on screen. When you watch a movie with your family it gets difficult not to react. I think sensuality is more appealing than a full monty. It’s just too much in your face. And that is ugly.

Dia Mirza

Ha-ha-ha... I wouldn’t want to see anyone nude on screen in a Hindi film. I think the mystery of not seeing all is much more exciting than seeing it all. Mystery evokes a deep sense of fascination and intrigue.

Celina Jaitley

Hone-stly, I wouldn’t like to see any of our heroes in the nude, because nudity turns me off. But I certainly want to see a couple of them in uniform. The male clothed body is much more appealing.

Kangana Ranaut

While I can give you a list of female bodies that I would appreciate nude, the male body is not a pleasant sight. First of all they are so hairy, and then they wax their bodies! I think it’s a terrible sight to see even a nude male statue or a man in his briefs. Let it be in the imagination, making it real isn’t a pleasant thought.

Sonam Kapoor

The Indian sensibility doesn’t accept this. I agree Ranvir in that towel-dropping scene looked like a Greek God in Sawariyaan, but let’s keep it there, I mean showing the back only. Further than that, well, I can’t see it. As I know most of the stars personally, it will be too embarrassing for me to see them it all their splendour on screen.

Riya Sen

In Holly-wood, it’s a brave fashion statement, and we don’t mind seeing male nudity in films made out there. But I don’t know how much our sensibilities will allow us to see our heroes like that. No, I won’t be able to.

Afsana Ahmed, TNN

There’s no fear of failure: Madhuri Dixit

Critics panned her comeback vehicle 'Aaja Nachle' as did audiences, but Madhuri Dixit is unconcerned and says she was never worried about a film's box office performance.

'There's no fear of failure in me. I'm just happy that something different has been attempted in my comeback film. There's no hero in the film, but I won't call myself the film's hero. I'm the female protagonist,' Madhuri told IANS.

With theatre as its backdrop, the film revolves around Madhuri who returns from New York to her hometown to revive the local Ajanta theatre. The actress has some memorable dance sequences in the film despite being out of practice.

'With two small kids it's very difficult to continue dance. And I was pregnant half the time that I've been married. Out of the five years I was away I was pregnant and then looking after my kids. So after 'Devdas' I hadn't danced at all,' she said.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: You shouldered the entire film in your comeback vehicle... almost the hero. But heroine-centric films don't work.

A: There's no fear of failure in me. I'm just happy that something different has been attempted in my comeback film. There's no hero in the film. But I won't call myself the film's hero. I'm the female protagonist.

Q: The role in 'Aaja Nachle' was written for you.

A: The thought made my legs shake, and not because I was dancing (laughs).

Q: The Madhuri mania lives.

A: That was because I've worked with terrific directors and choreographers in good subjects. I remember when I met Aditya Chopra for the first time my first question to him was - do people still want to see me? He looked at me very strangely and said, 'Don't worry about that.' But I was really concerned.

Q: Your old films are played all the time on television.

A: That's a blessing. That's why people haven't forgotten me.

Q: And you get a vehicle in your new film where you dance non-stop.

A: It isn't just about dance but the entire theatre culture and dance is an integral part of it.

Q: Did you keep your dancing going in the US?

A: No, where was the time? With two small kids it's very difficult. And I was pregnant half the time that I've been married. Out of the five years I was away I was pregnant and then looking after my kids. So after 'Devdas' I hadn't danced at all.

Q: And yet you slip so easily into the dances of 'Aaja Nachle'!

A: Can't help it. I don't know what it is. It just comes naturally to me. Earlier, I had many of my best dances choreographed by Saroj Khanji. And she was the boss. I just listened to her when she cracked the whip.

In 'Aaja Nachle' I was working with Vaibhavi Merchant who's an ardent fan of mine. And she was quivering on the first day. I had to call Vaibhavi aside and warn her we could do no work if she was going to be so nervous of me. So, earlier Sarojji used to calm me down, this time I was calming my choreographer down. I was very impressed by her. We got along very well.

Q: The whole cast is your fan.

A: The feeling is mutual. All my co-stars - Vinay Pathak, Kunal Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma and Irrfan Khan - are just wonderful actors. I had watched a bit of their work beforehand. The awe just fell off and we were soon laughing and having a ball. As Kunal said, 'Hey she thinks just like I do.'

Q: In your heydays you were not very social? I remember you being very aloof on the sets of 'Devdas'.

A: I was never antisocial. With time you change. I'm more relaxed maybe. As for 'Devdas', there were just the three of us. In fact, I only had Shah Rukh for company. But in 'Aaja Nachle' there were so many actors shooting with me all the time. Such bright, inquisitive and talkative youngsters!

Q: The film is about the erosion of our tradition and culture. As an NRI does that issue bother you?

A: Every time I come to Mumbai I find the city more westernised. There's no harm in that. But why not imbibe the best of foreign influences without losing our culture and tradition? Let's not forget who we are. In the US we see families more Indian than in India. But there's hope yet. 'Aaja Nachle' addresses the question of tradition and modernity, but we aren't preaching over here.

Q: Have you seen the recent films?

A: None at all. I've been too busy promoting my film.

By Subhash K. Jha (Staff Writer, © IANS)

After Mads,it's Sridevi!

Though Madhuri Dixit’s Aaja Nachle didn’t set the BO on fire, it re-enthused producer Boney Kapoor into designing his stunning wife Sridevi’s return to Bollywood.

The actress who gave up the limelight in 1997 after marriage and two babies, is now at a place in life where she is comfortable with the idea of returning to films.

Said a close friend, “Sri began working at the age of six. When she got married she had no interest left in pursuing a career. But now that her daughters are growing up, she’s open to doing a film a year.”

Boney confirmed the idea, saying, “Sri’s comeback is certainly on the cards. I’d be foolish not to utilise the talents of one of our best and most beautiful actresses when she’s right here at home.”

But now post–Madhuri’s return, Sridevi’s comeback is imminent. Madhuri at one time was considered Sridevi’s closest rival. “I won’t say Sri and Madhuri were rivals. Madhuri was in many ways our resident actress. She did some of her best films with my brother Anil. We are looking at a couple of scripts very seriously. The film for Sridevi should be happening next year,” revealed Boney.

Subash K Jha, TNN

Yes, I am single: Katrina Kaif

Katrina is laughing over the rumour of her split with Salman Khan. In an interview with a leading tabloid Kat also denied reports of Sallu interfering in her professional life reiterating, as she has done before, that she has a life of her own.

"I create my own equations." emphasized the 23-year-old.

So does Katrina hang around with Salman and his family and friends out of gratitude or is there romance involved? Katrina's response was interesting.

"What one has to do in circumstances when one has no choice is another thing. If I have something to fulfill in my personal life, the media cannot stop me."

Equally interesting was Katrina's response when asked if she is single.

"If a woman is not married or engaged, she is single," she sighed.

Now the duo will make a special appearance alag-alag in Atul Agnihotri’s Hello.

Santabanta

Shilpa's last performance of Miss Bollywood

The resplendent Royal Albert Hall was ablaze in Bollywood glory on Wednesday 12th December 2007 night, as Shilpa Shetty brought the house down in the London performance of her dance and musical extravaganza, ‘Miss Bollywood’, wowing the full house audience that comprised Bollywood and dance aficionados, celebrities, MP's and key dignitaries.

Shilpa Shetty graced the Red Carpet in a stunning black outfit by Giorgio Armani, before lighting up the stage in a fitting festive climax to the UK tour of ‘Miss Bollywood’, which has played to full houses across Europe, England and Scotland. Guests that enjoyed the finale performance of ‘Miss Bollywood’ included Shilpa's former Celebrity Big Brother housemate, Danielle Lloyd, England footballer, Jermain Defoe, musicians Jay Sean and Shayan Italia, comedian Kulvinder Ghir and Keith Vaz MP, who congregated in the Royal Albert Hall's West Arena for a VIP champagne reception, before the commencement of the performance.

Devansh Patel, IndiaFM

Konkona Sen Sharma bags Mira Nair's Shantaram

Konkona Sen-Sharma is really going places. After taking the elusive Tabu's place in Zoya Akhtar's directorial debut Luck By Chance, Konkona is treading into Tabu's territory once again. Konkona will play a small but vital part in Mira Nair's Shantaram.It would be recalled that Konkona was Mira Nair's initial choice for the much-lauded Namesake. The actress begged off for date's sake. Tabu stepped in.

Contrary to the flights of fancy in certain media circles about Mira Nair’s ambitious adaptation of Gregory David Roberts' bestseller Shantaram being aborted due to Johnny Depp’s fancy fee, the project is very much on.

Reacting with her usual chortle of incredulity talk back home, Mira says, "Alas, We have been stalled temporarily due to the crippling nature of the writers' strike in Hollywood. Johnny Depp assures me that this is just a pause, and that we'll rev up to go again once the strike is resolved. I’ve spent a year of creative endeavour in realising Shantaram, so I look forward to the time when it will all come together."

The cast which initially boasted of Bachchan with Depp now has, among others, the rapidly-rising Konkona Sen in a very special role. Divulges Mira, "In addition to Johnny Depp and Amitabh Bachchan, I'd confirmed Irrfan Khan in a major role and Konkona Sen for a one big dramatic scene. I've also been in talks with Prabhudeva, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade and Ranvir Sheorey. I'd also love to work with Pankaj Kapoor. We have such an extraordinary bunch of great actors in India!"

Mira should know. She worked with a slew of them in her career-defining musical Monsoon Wedding. And now as Shantaram gets shifted to end of 2008, Mira prepares to do a Broadway-styled stage adaptation of Monsoon Wedding.

Subash K Jha, IndiaFM

Bipasha is the brand ambassador for Kinetic-SYM

Bipasha ‘Beauteous’ Basu has the face, attitude, charm and sensuality to endorse any product and brand and take it to a new plane. Bips is now the brand ambassador of Kinetic Motor’s upcoming Kinetic-SYM scooter, which is slated for a launch next month.

Bipasha portrays both ambition and confidence and hence she fits the bill. She will feature in the advertising campaign for the Kinetic-SYM scooter on television, print, and internet. Outdoor campaigns and a special audio-visual that demonstrates the new scooter will also feature Bipasha.

Bipasha’s last release was Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal. Her upcoming movies include Race and Mr. Fraud.

IndiaFM

Akshay Kumar's dare devilry

Megastar Akshay Kumar has always been associated with dare devil stunts, whether jumping from sky-scrapper or hanging from a helicopter to rescue damsel in distress, he has done it all.

But in a role reversal for his forthcoming blockbuster WELCOME, Akshay is rescued by Katrina Kaif!

In a very whacky scene in the film Akshay jumps into the fire to save Katrina Kaif, but he is so afraid of the fire that he faints. Katrina then literally had to lift Akshay and get him out of the fire.

Says producer Firoz Nadiadwala, "Anees Bazmi, the director had conceived the particular hilarious scene. In fact whilst shooting for the scene, we were apprehensive of Akshay jumping inside the fire since it was risky.

But Akshay being Akshay just jumped inside the fire. He even got his right hand burnt but he didn't tell us. We got to know about it once the shooting was over."

WELCOME is Akshay Kumar's last comedy of the year after a string of consecutive hits starting with NAMASTE LONDON, HEYY BABYY and BHOOL BHULAIYA.

WELCOME is slated to release on Dec 21st 2007. Bollywood's HIT MACHINE is on a roll!

Bollywood Trade News Network

Karan to announce the SRK-Kajol project soon

Producer director Karan Johar's debut film, KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI (1998), saved his father's banner, Dharma Productions, which was virtually on the brink of bankruptcy. Not only that, the film went on to become one of the biggest hits of the 90's. It also consolidated the super-star power of the SRK-Kajol pair and established Karan as a top-notch director of the Hindi film industry.

Karan's career graph rose further with his next two films, KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM (2001) and KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA (2006). He ranks amongst the topmost Bollywood directors/producers like Yash Chopra, Aditya Chopra, Sooraj Barjatya.

Karan has off late been seen more on television, though news about his next project, obviously featuring close friends Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, has been doing the rounds, for a while. There have also been speculations that the project may not happen, as Kajol is not very keen on doing the film.

However, putting an end to all the canards, Karan says that he will soon be making a formal announcement regarding his next directorial venture, featuring his favourite pair. But before that he wants to have everything on paper.

Well, we are waiting eagerly for the official word about, KHAN or MY NAME IS KHAN or whatever is the actual/final title!

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

Hollywood calling: Priyanka

Indian films are being appreciated globally and the actors are receiving offers from abroad including Hollywood, Priyanka Chopra said.

"The Indian film industry has broken barriers and has gone international.The commercial collections and audience base abroad have grown", the actress told reporters here on Thursday.

The actress said she had received "some offers" from Hollywood but said she would accept it only "if something excited" her.

"I would rather prefer to be the king here than be the Jack of all trades. There is a lot for me to achieve here," Priyanka, who has six films planned for next year, said.

"I am ready to act in any film in any language from any region, if the movie is something that excites me," she said.

On her new films, she said she had six films lined up, including 'God Tusi Great Ho,' 'Love Story 2050 Chanku,' 'Drona,' 'Fashion' and unnamed production with Karan Johar.

Priyanka is also very eager to move into her new house but The Chopra’s guru has advised them to shift residence in February only.

Though the work will be completed in January but the family will shift in February because of their firm belief in their guru who lives in Ranikhet, Uttaranchal.”

Incidentally, Chopra family are staunch devotees of Lord Shiva and make it a point to visit the Haidakhan Ashram in Ranikhet, every year.

Santabanta

Aamir to host Pogo Amazing Kids Awards

Aamir Khan’s special bond with children is something that’s known to one and all. With Aamir’s directorial debut, ‘Taare Zameen Par’, revolving around children, the actor has been going all out interacting with his young fans be it at a radio station on Children’s day, or judging a kids’ musical reality show on television.

The latest news doing the rounds is that Aamir will be hosting the Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2007. Incidentally, Darsheel Zafary, the lead child protagonist in Taare Zameen Par would be co-hosting the award function which would be telecast on Dec 29 2007.

This is the first time that the normally reclusive actor would be hosting an awards show and apparently the only reason he has agreed to do it is because kids have been a real source of inspiration and strength for him.

Considering the popularity the kids channel Pogo enjoys among tiny tots, one thing is certain that Aamir would add many loyal fans for his film, which opens on Dec 21.

Indiatarget

Deepika Padukone is the Face of Tissot

Actress Deepika Padukone's professional career is on a high after the success of Om Shanti Om. While she has some interesting projects in hand like Yash Raj Film's movie opposite Ranbir Kapoor and Nikhil Advani's untitled film opposite Akshay Kumar she also seems to be red hot on the endorsement bandwagon.

After being chosen as the brand ambassador for prestigious brands like Kingfisher Airlines and Levis Strauss Signature line, Swiss watchmaker Tissot has now roped in Deepika as its Indian Brand ambassador and also to be the 'Face of Tissot' worldwide.

Apparently, Deepika has been chosen as the brand ambassador, as she justifies Tissot's core values of performance, precision and setting new records, having herself achieved success at such a young age.

With the company planning to target the youth that is earning well and is brand conscious, their choice of Deepika as the brand ambassador is indeed apt.

IndiaFM

Kareena is brand ambassador for Anne French

Kareena is following the likes of Amitabh and SRK when it comes to ads. Post Jab We Met, she is seen everywhere. Being in the news for the right reasons it began with her new look for Globus and then the music video for Head & Shoulders and even endorsements ITC soaps.

Now, she has stepped a notch higher and is the Brand Ambassador for the hair remover cream, Anne French. Kareena, the Bollywood diva, has been the talk of the town due to her breaks ups and links ups. Shrugging all rumors, she is moving in the forefront with endorsements and films.

On the film front, Kareena’s next release will be Yash Raj Film’s Tashan along with Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Anil Kapoor.

IndiaFM

Shahid-Kareena together this Valentine's Day

Come what may, Shahid aur Kareena Milenge Milenge. That's the title of the long-delayed Shahid-Kareena romance directed by Satish Kaushik which the producer Boney Kapoor has decided to release on Valentine's Day.

Somewhat ironical considering Shahid and Kareena have gone their separate ways. "So be it. Perhaps it was destined that the most romantic film featuring Shahid and Kareena would come after their relationship," says Boney. Thanks to the surprise success of Jab We Met the long-dormant Shahid Kapoor-Kareena Kapoor starrer is being brought alive.

Contrary to rumours that the film's main lead Shahid and Kareena aren't interested in dubbing it, producer Boney Kapoor is all set to release his film on Valentine's day. Though the lead pair is yet to dub, Boney has already got Milenge Milenge censored. "We've got the scratch -print censored," explains Boney. "And all we need now is for Shahid and Kareena to dub. They haven't given me any indication that they've any problem with dubbing for the film." Says Boney, belying the reports that the lead pair is disinclined to be part of the project any longer.

The only person from the team who won't be part of the newly-revived Milenge Milenge is Himesh Reshammiya. Says Boney, "Himesh has done the songs. We've got the late maestro Salil Chowdhary's son Sanjay to do the background score. The promos are also ready. It's a very young and fresh film. We're now looking at a Valentine's release on Feb 15."

Director Satish Kaushik too is gung-ho about the release. "Milenge Milenge is not the least dated. And why should Shahid and Kareena have any problems dubbing it? In fact, Shahid lives in my building. I've asked him about the dubbing and he's fine by it. Kareena I've known since the time she came into the industry. I gave her first big hit Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai. Unlike that film Milenge Milenge isn't a South remake. I've entered a new phase of making films based on original scripts. My next release Tere Sang about teen pregnancy is also an original."

Satish was planning to release his other teenybopper romance Tere Sang for Valentine's Day. "But now that Milenge Milenge is being planned for the Valentine week I'll obviously hold back Tere Sang. Apne paon par kulhari nahin marunga…who bhi tez dhaar."

Subhash K. Jha, IndiaFM