Bebo is Saif’s second choice

After Deepika, for an unhappy Khan’s maiden production, Kareena will be part of Production No 2

Saif Ali Khan isn’t happy at all about Kareena’s absence from his maiden home production. “In fact, I’m miserable about it!” he says from London. Kareena missed out on being in her boyfriend’s first home production because director Imtiaz Ali wanted Deepika Padukone.

As Saif left for London to shoot for his first production, he made an unspoken vow to himself; that Kareena would be part of his second production Sriram Raghavan’s espionage flick Agent Vinod.

This flick will certainly star Kareena Kapoor in the lead. Says Saif, “I don’t see any reason on earth why Bebo can’t be part of Agent Vinod. The role is hers, unless this time, she decides she doesn’t want to do it, just to get even for missing out on the first film,” jokes Saif.

The film will start soon since Ali’s John-Aishwarya starrer, which was slated for this year, has been delayed.

There’s undoubtedly a deep growing resentment in Saif about Kareena not being part of his first (yet untitled) home production. “In all my career, I’ve believed it’s the director’s prerogative whom he wants to cast opposite me. Imtiaz wanted to work with Deepika. As an actor and producer, I had to go with that.

Saif now confesses it would’ve been very different were he to decide on his first home production now.

“When we finalised this project, I was only half-way through Tashan. A lot has changed between Kareena and me since then. Things would’ve been obviously different today. I’d have insisted on Kareena.”

It’s obvious that Saif isn’t hapy about Bebo’s absence from his banner-produced film. In fact, at this point of time, Saif would rather have Kareena than Imtiaz Ali in his first production. “Maybe I’d have decided not to make the film with Imtiaz rather than not have Kareena in it,” he says candidly.

Aishwarya's presence gets Abhishek excited!

The much awaited 25-27 crore Ram Gopal Varma directed SARKAR RAJ, the follow up to his highly successful SARKAR, hits the screens this Friday. Starring for the first time the three Bachchans, in full fledged roles, the film begins where SARKAR ended.

As per Aby's Baby, Abhishek Bachchan, the film has a new story and fresher problems for the Nagre family. He adds that the presence of his wife, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, in the garb of a business woman, really excites him! He discloses that in the movie Aishwarya puts forth a proposal for Subhash and Shankar Nagre (played by Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan), and later works along with the Nagre family.

Well, we are as excited as Abhishek, if not more, to check out SARKAR RAJ!

Shahid, no! Harman, yes!

Was Shahid Kapur the first choice for Ashutosh Gowariker's new project WHAT'S YOUR RAASHEE?, before he finally zeroed in on Harman Baweja? According to a news-report, Gowariker persistently called Shahid, but the actor wasn't keen on doing this film. "That's completely untrue," Gowariker informs me, "Shahid was never approached in the first place."

Was Harman the first choice then? "Call it a coincidence, the launch of LOVE STORY 2050 promos coincided with the casting of my movie. I was on the lookout for a fresh face for the film and when I watched the song-promo of LOVE STORY 2050, I requested Harry Baweja to screen a few scenes for me. In fact, Harman was the first actor I approached for the role in question. He's ideal for this role," the talented film-maker sets the record straight.

Meanwhile, here's good news for all those who loved JODHAA AKBAR. Ashu has decided to premiere the edited portions [which were chopped off on the editing table due to its excessive length] on television, before the film is premiered on TV. These portions, I must add, are simply outstanding!

SRK and Kareena to lend their voices for City of Dreams

Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Karan Johar, Urmila Matonkar, Arjun Rampal and Rakhi Sawant will be a part of the Morani Brothers' and Ashish Gidwani Productions' first Bollywood musical, City of Dreams. It will premiere on June 13 at Mumbai's St. Andrews Auditorium.

Based on the story of a small-town girl who comes to Mumbai with stars in her eyes to become an actress, the musical drama stars Nasreen Morani in the central role. The two-hour extravaganza boasts of larger-than-life sets and props and is jointly directed by Gautam Joglekar and Mohammed Morani.

All the stars will be seen as narrators in an audio-visual playing intermittently. Five more shows are lined up in Mumbai. "Such shows are very popular abroad and we wanted to introduce them in India too," said Mohammed Morani.

Salman at the launch party of 10 Ka Dum

Hrithik to fly high with Kites soon

Actor Hrithik Roshan must be enjoying his daddy's days out, what with him having become father second time only recently. Duggu plans to spend as much time with family, as come July the actor is going to be in and out of the country.

Hrithik will embark to shoot for daddy Roshan's next production to be directed by Anurag Basu – Kites . The film also stars Mexican actor Barabara Mori. Hrithik tells us, "We begin shooting in July, and will be shooting in USA, Las Vegas and Mexico.

"We're going to be out of the country for more than two months. The film will be ready by year end," says Hrithik.

Kites is a romantic thriller. "It's about an Indian boy who falls in love with a Mexican," explains director Anurag Basu. So let's wait for Kites to soar!

Saif has no time for Karan Johar

After Race has Saif Ali Khan become one of the busiest actors of Bollywood? Nothing like that. On the contrary, Saif is concentrating on his home production and planning new films. Now when all big banners are chasing this Khan to sign him up for their next venture he choses to be selective. He hasn’t signed any film, other than those produced by his own production house.

Surprisingly, though Saif hasn’t signed more films, he doesn’t have time for director and friend Karan Johar who signed him last year for a film to be produced by his Dharma Productions banner. Saif is currently concentrating on his production house and soon he will begin Imtiaz Ali’s next. After that he has Sriram Raghavan’s suspense thriller Agent Vinod followed by Homi Adjania’s next. Saif’s forthcoming list is pretty interesting and that’s why Saif who had signed Karan Johar’s next last year, now will not see daylight till 2010.

According to an industry insider Saif’s dates are blocked till 2010 for his own films and so Karan’s film has to wait. Karan who signed Saif last year was planning to commence shooting this year. Karan’s film will star Kareena Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi.

It is believed that Karan’s film requires a specific look which requires more time. Saif who is concentrating more on films to be produced by his home production, doesn’t want his films to be suffer because of the unique look he has to project in Karan’s film. Thus he has decided to complete his films before he starts for Karan’s film.

It is learnt that Karan too has decided to wait rather than replace Saif with some big actor. This is not the first time that Karan has delayed his film for friendship. Prior to this he delayed SRK starrer Khan for Aditya Chopra’s Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

"Do not pay any attention to rumors and speculations." Yash Raj Films

Yash Raj Films has sent a clarification to this writer, which has been reproduced verbatim:-
"This is in reference to a piece published in a Mumbai tabloid stating that DHOOM 3 would be directed by Uday Chopra. We at Yash Raj Films would like to place it on record that this information is completely baseless and false.

"Uday Chopra intends to fully devote his energies to his career as an actor, in particular some exciting projects which will be releasing next year. He is also looking forward to essaying the character of Ali again in DHOOM 3 as and when YRF embarks on it. As for who will actually be at the helm of DHOOM 3, that is an announcement that must wait for a more opportune time.

"We urge viewers and fans to not pay any attention to rumors and speculations." The clarification should put an end to all concocted stories pertaining to the film!

Father and Son to clash

The second half of 2008 is surely hotting up. A number of biggies are slated to hit the screens from June/July onwards and most of them indeed look promising. While the release schedule is packed with biggies, one more keenly anticipated film is also expected to arrive this year - Karan Johar's DOSTANA - which has been shot in Miami completely.

"I am looking at either November 14 or 21 for DOSTANA. I've yet to take a call on the release date," Karan informs me. Our guess is, Karan would prefer November 14, since the Big B starrer ALLADIN is confirmed for November 21 and obviously, it wouldn't be right to pit the father [Big B - ALLADIN] and son [Abhishek - DOSTANA] on the same date. Right?

Aamir dumbstruck by Sachin Tendulkar's acumen in IPL finals

The IPL mania came to an end, in what was one of the most thrilling finals seen in a long time. Although Mumbaikars missed their team 'Mumbai Indians' in the final, they surely must have considered themselves lucky to get to see a cracker of a contest between two well deserving teams- 'Rajasthan Royals' & 'Chennai Super Kings'.

The VIP stand of the swanky D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai saw some bigwigs from the world of politics, business, sports and Bollywood make their presence felt. A rare sight was that of Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar enjoying the game with none other than Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan.

While Aamir has been a lover of the game for a long time, this is the first instance when he took out time for attending the IPL matches. Although the actor was there with his nephew Imran and son Junaid, he seemed to be having a hearty talk with Sachin. The duo seemed quite animated while discussing the finer nuances of the game. And just as the match went down to the wire, the tension seemed to be building among spectators. With one run needed to win for Team Rajasthan of the final delivery, Aamir was once again seen in a discussion with Sachin. And in case you are wondering what the duo were talking during the course of the match, well the actor himself reveals it all.

Aamir in his latest blog on www.aamirkhan.com relives the memorable experience of watching the thrilling final with the Master Blaster himself. The actor says, "The match last night was certainly exciting but what made it a unique experience for me, was that I had Sachin next to me. You will find this hard to believe, but Sachin was able to predict every ball before it was bowled. 'He is going to bowl a Bouncer next.' 'This one is going to be a slower one.' 'Next one will be a Yorker.' It was uncanny. He got it right each time!!! No wonder it's so difficult to bowl to him. He has an amazing instinct."

After bring dumbstruck by the Master Blaster's acumen the actor apparently told Sachin, that the next time they watch a film together it would be his turn to tell what's going to happen next.

Shifting gears, Aamir in his blog, also talks about what's keeping him busy off-late. "My friend Paul Blackthorn was visiting Bombay and I spent the week with him reliving Lagaan. In fact we had a bit of a reunion for him and it was really great to meet everyone."

And finally for all you Taare Zameen Par fans, there is good news, as the DVD of TZP should be out any time now. "My apologies for the delay in the DVD release of TZP. The final work is almost over. I assure you I have tried my very best to make the wait worth it. Very soon I will tell you'll the exact release date, which is any day now." signs off Aamir.

Red carpet for Bachchans from home to Siddhivinayak temple

The Bachchan parivar is known to walk the red carpet at many starry premieres and award functions. However, apart from Bollywood functions yet another place where Amitabh, Jaya, Abhishek and Aishwarya are seen walking together is at various temples across the length and breadth of the country.

It's a known fact that the Bachchans are strong believers of Lord Ganesha and are seen making frequent trips to the famous Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai. In fact, just last week Amitabh and Jaya along with beta Abhishek and bahu Aishwarya were seen walking to Siddhivinayak temple in the wee hours of morning. This time, Sikander Kher also joined the Bachchan family.

Whether they were praying for the success of their big release Sarkar Raj or for the success of the IIFA Awards is not known. But considering their frequent trips to the Siddhivinayak temple, you never know, there may soon be a special walkway from the Bachchan bungalow to the holy shrine. This will be a Jalsa for Bollywood's Family No.1 as they will not have to do any Pratiksha to enter the temple.

Is Ash pregnant

It’s not easy to be a celebrity. And so one can imagine how tough it is to be in a family which has only stars. Yes we are talking about the Bachchan family, which is one of the most respectable families of Bollywood.

And the one question that is on everyone’s mind is when will Aishwarya Rai Bachchan be pregnant? Never has a celebrity been exposed to such intense media scrutiny as much as Ash. The media went into a frenzy when she tied the knot to Abhishek and it looks like that this will now be extended to her pregnancy.

Last night the Bachchan trio came for the promotion of Ram Gopal Varma’s forthcoming film Sarkar Raj . This film brings the three Bachchans together once again after Bunty Aur Babli . More than that it’s the first film after Abhishek-Ash’s marriage, so it is obvious why the film is generating so much attention and hype.

But more than the plot of Sarkar Raj , everybody was interested to know when would Ash and Abhishek be in the family way. When Amitabh Bachchan was asked when will he become a grandfather, a rather restrained reply came as, “I am already a grandfather. I have two grandchildren.”

Reacting to his answer another journalist clarified the question and asked, when he will be grandfather of Ash and Abhishek’s child. Now Abhi and Ash were totally amazed and wanted to see the person who asked this question.

While not reacting much on it Big B said, “ Achcha!! Ab mein dada kab banunga yeh baat mujhse poochne ke bajay (pointed at Abhi-Ash) inse pooche to behtar hota! mein aasha karta hu aap film se jude sawaal pooche!”

The scribe was not put off by the rebuff, He then looked asked Ash whether she is pregnant or not? As she was about to say no...Big B interrupted and said its better the media sticks to questions related to Sarkar Raaj.

Celebrities in India pay a heavy price for their stardom by losing their privacy. And nobody knows it better that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

AbhiAsh invest in lavish Dubai villa

Going with the trend of having more than one celebrity crib, AbhiAsh have looked no further than Dubai.

The couple recently attended a grand reception at the posh Burj Al Arab hotel.

We are told that the reception was held for owners of the villas at the Jumeirah Golf Estates’s Sanctuary Falls.

We’ve been told that the couple bought the villa more as an investment option.

Apparent-ly, the villas have anywhere between six to seven bedrooms and measure 7,000 to 11,000 sq ft.

Though details of the exact villa they purchased haven’t filtered through, we’re told that they put their money on an upper scale apartment.

A source reveals, “They aren’t shifting residence, neither will they be staying there. Dubai is a growing hub for real estate and property.

This purchase is an investment option as the prices of these villas will only increase with each year.

Also very few people around the world have managed to lay their hands on the Sanctuary Falls villas.”

Apparently, the prices of these villas range from Dh15 million to Dh35 million.

AbhiAsh’s villa will have a landscaped garden, a swimming pool with the latest amenities, designer kitchem, water fountains, and a state-of-the-art home theatre. They will own one of 96 villas that fall under the Sanctuary Falls.

The builders let the buyers customise the preference of their villas from three different themes — traditional, modern and contemporary. We are told that AbhiAsh have opted for the contemporary theme.

What will Sallu say?

...when Akki-Kat perform at IIFA finale this month

Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif will team up for the IIFA finale in Bangkok. This will be the first time the actors will be paired opposite each other at an award function.

Sources reveal that they will be seen together for a promotional song of their forthcoming release Singh is Kinng.

Interestingly, this is the first time that Salman Khan will not be attending IIFA.

A source reveals the finale will also involve lot of background dancers, colourful ensembles and some pyrotechnics. “The IIFA highlight this year is, undoubtedly, the Akki-Kat act.

Everyone wants to make it happen. The two have been the biggest acts of the past year. The two performing on stage together for a live audience is a very big deal.”

Katrina confirmed that she is working out an act with Akshay, “The performance is being worked out. We are trying to figure out what we can do at the grand finale.

As of now I will be performing to my Race songs. If Akki and I do perform together it will be for our Singh is Kinng act.”

Akshay has been in South Africa for the last few weeks shooting episodes for his reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi. As soon as he gets back, the actor will start rehearsing for his IIFA act with Katrina.

Imran’s inked!

Debutant Khan joins a long list of inked B-Towners

A tattoo-crazy B-Town adds yet another name to its directory.

The newest kid on the block is 25-year-old Imran Khan, Aamir Khan’s nephew and a debutant who will feature in his uncle’s production, Jaane Tu.

The film will be directed by Abbas Tyrewalla.

Though the debutante remained unavailable for comment, a source at Aamir Khan Productions reveals, “The young actor got inked with a friend who designed the tattoo and both buddies got it done at the same spot and at the same time.

The tattoo is of a sun with the letter X right in the middle of it.

The letter X denotes the generation next.

He has it on his back just below his neck.”

The source continues, “He did the tattoo for emotional reasons and is very proud of it.

It represents his state and frame of mind at that particular time.

He may go in for another one but has no plans of going in for one in the near future.

He is happy with the tattoo he has right now.”

B-Town’s tattoo crazy celebs!
Akshay Kumar
Sanjay Dutt
Esha Deol
Arjun Rampal
Saif Ali Khan
Koena Mitra
Rakhi Sawant
Rohit Roy
Raveena Tandon
Aftab Shivdasani
Apporva Lakhia

"I shot through pain" - John Abraham

Pain suffering and bereavement bring out the best in an actor. Madhubala and Meena Kumari shot their best work Mughal-e-Azam and Pakeezah, respectively, when they were dying.

Shammi Kapoor's wife Geeta Bali died when he was shooting Teesri Manzil (the song 'Tumne Mujhe Dekha' was shot just 'daze' after Shammi's beloved's death). And Suneel Darshan's Jaanwar which many believe to be Akshay Kumar's best films was shot while his father was terminally ill.

John Abraham shot Aashayein while both his parents were ill, and in hospitals at different times. And John, as any one including Bipasha will tell you, lives for his parents. Recalling the harrowing period John says, "Illnesses in the family do scare you a lot. I really believe I'm a family person. My parents are the most important people to me. Their health is very important to me."

But John learnt to alchemize the pain. Sorrow was used for creative satisfaction. "Looking with or without regret is honestly not my space. I'd much rather would look ahead. I believe there's a third axis beyond contentment and regret, and that's my axis. I can't have a two-dimensional attitude to my work. I'll always look and find the third dimension"

Brand John Abraham continues to do well in spite of the man choosing to lie really low in recent months. "I believe after a point one's name and the brand acquires a life of its own regardless of failure or success. That's what's happened to me. People have started believing in the kind of person I am and the clothes I wear. I believe I contribute a lot to my brand, as much as it contributes to me. My clothes lineup is going great. The John Abraham clothes line has grown by word of mouth. We've created an artificial scarcity for my clothes. It's a very niche brand with only seven stores across the country. It's like the 'True Religion' brand which you'd have a hard time finding even at Harrods. I do not want to go to the masses with my clothes lineup. It's a choice I've made."

In spite of the failure of Anurag Kashyap's No Smoking, John says he'll continue to seek unusual roles. "Conforming isn't my cup of tea. How boring is life if you conform. And how dull life would be if all I did was chase success. Sure, I want it. But I also want to take the untrodden path. It's the deviations that make my life exciting. Some of what I did last year might not have worked. But the fact that there was debate about them was enough for me. At least the kind of films I do make people curious."

However, the No Smoking experience has cautioned John about inept marketing. "I realize 'my' kind of cinema needs to be a little more commercial. You've to position your product properly. Products fail because they're sold to the wrong audience. No Smoking was sold to the wrong audience. My confidence level in my kind of cinema remains totally unshaken. I can't allow every opinion and every review devastate me. I need to have confidence in what I do. The fact that I've gotten where I am is proof that I'm on the right track. I believe I need to do more about my kind of cinema. And Aashayein is my kind of cinema."

He has just completed a long schedule of Karan Johar-Tarun Mansukhani's Dostana in Miami; "Priyanka Chopra is my co-star in Karan's film. She's a good girl, always a pleasure to work with. As for Abhishek, I really enjoy working with him and his father. And the director is Tarun Mansukhani a new boy with plenty to say."

"I don't think there is any comparison between Hrithik and Harman." - Priyanka Chopra

Nah, not because Raj Thackeray demands that of every North Indian immigrant. Priyanka Chopra is simply gearing up for her part in Vishal Bhardwaj's Kaminay. Screen caught up with a trim and tanned Priyanka as soon as she got back from the outdoor shoot of Dostana in Miami. On the sets of Fashion she lists her six releases this year and other developments

Togged in a lime green and ivory mini-dress, Priyanka Chopra sports a healthy, tanned, beach look. She walks in with a coffee mug and gives Kangana a brief smile, "Cut it, take OK," declares Madhur Bhandarkar jubilantly. After the shot, she gives us a "Let's go" signal . Acting sure comes easy to this 24-year-old! We snuggle into the corner of the room and flick on the dictaphone as the erstwhile Ms World gets chatting.

The year ahead sure looks busy for you.
Thank God for that! I am back after being in a sabbatical for a year and half. Love Story 2050 will be my first release after Salaam-e-Ishq. I have been working on Drona, Love Story 2050, Fashion, God Tussi Great Ho, Chamku and Dostana all this while and it 's been a long wait for my releases.

Apart from Harman, what was the exciting part of Love Story 2050 (LS)?
(Laughs) Well, the most exciting part about Love Story is the film itself. It is the first of its kind in India people haven't seen SFX of this kind in Indian cinema.

Not even in Krrish?
Not even in Krrish. Sure it was India's first superhero film with fantastic SFX. But LS is India's first sci-fi film. I am proud to be a part of both these films. The SFX in LS will set a high bar in India.

This is your first double role too, How have you made both the parts different?
Both the roles are different in terms of the character sketches as well as looks. The first part is of Sana, a present-day girl - she's very soft spoken, poetry loving, diary writing girl living in Australia. She's sweet and feminine, just 21. So I have kept a very soft look with light brown hair and eyes, peaches and cream complexion and a softer voice unlike mine that is of a much deeper quality.
Zayesha, on the other hand, is a pop star in the year 2050. She's boisterous, arrogant, loves herself - yet she's a girl inside, she feels lonely, as she doesn't have much of a family. Her parents died in a car crash and she only has her Nani who incidentally doesn't live with her. She lives with her little teddy bear named Boo, he's her governess cum best buddy - cuts fruits for her, takes out her clothes. Her pop album is called ME. Everything about her is herself. She's tomorrow's woman that yesterday spoke of. She's an enigma, a mystery. I wanted to make her drastically different so I gave her red hair darker skin tone, grey eyes and her clothes are of darker hues - black, blues and browns. Yet she's feminine enough for the hero to fall in love with.

Your co-star Harman is said to be a Hrithik Roshan look-alike.
Hrithik Roshan was compared to Shah Rukh Khan and Shah Rukh to Dilip Kumar and Shahid Kapoor to Shah Rukh. Every actor is compared to someone who's already been there. I was also compared to others. But everyone creates hisher own space in the Hindi filmdom. I don't think there is any comparison between Hrithik and Harman in terms of screen presence and also in terms of their approach to work. Having worked with both of them, the only thing that's common between them is that they are both very good to work with.

What sets Harman apart ?
Harman has very emotional and expressive eyes, which is very important for an actor. This film does not look like his first. He's very professional - like he is always on time. He knows filmmaking very well as he has studied it. He definitely has an edge over a lot of newcomers. This being a home production, he's been a part of everything -from SFX, direction to production and that also gives him an edge .

Harman is a newcomer, so the onus of LS rests on your dainty shoulders, doesn't it?
I don't think so, because the film is bigger than either of us. Generally love stories are small, cute, frothy films that depend on the actors. Although performances do matter even in this case, the story, the script and the effects are much larger. LS is much larger than either of us. So the top billing goes to the film and not to Harman or me. Which is why I am not taking any pressure. People will go watch the film and then there will be the curiosity about the new boy. I will come somewhere in between. (Laughs)

Of your half dozen releases in this calendar year, what will come next?
After LS, it will be Chamku. I have done several films with Bobby Deol including Dostana. I am very close to him and his family. Sunny Deol, after all, was my first film hero. It's great to be back with the Deols always.

Close on the heels is God Tussi Great Ho, How's the God in the film? Do you get to share the screen with him?
You will see a lot of God in the film and he's very funny too. It's a hilarious movie and the music is very good. I don't share screen space with Mr Bachchan playing God. I am with Salman Khan and Sohail Khan.

Are you through with Goldie Behl's Drona? It seems like a period drama.
Oh no! Drona is not a period film. It is based in today's time and age. It's a timeless epic story with big and beautiful visuals. It's the first of its kind film. Kids are going to love it with the action and magic in it. The shooting is over and effects are being worked upon .

How's Fashion going? How much has it been canned so far?
We are through with 70 per cent of Fashion. My character has a great graph spanning over two years of her life. She wants to be a model, becomes one - this is the story of her rise and fall. Each part of the film is very vital because I have lots of different looks through the film. Fashion makes me nervous because I was in the fashion industry only for three months from Miss India to Miss World. Noyonika Chatterjee taught me how to walk the ramp then and I insisted that she be a part of the film as well. All the characters in the film have turned out beautifully. Madhur (Bhandarkar) has really held it together. It's not a dark film. It's very emotional .

Isn't the story almost like a biopic?
I drew a lot of references from my life. Just like the character in the film, I came from a small city with stars in my eyes. But the difference is that I could handle it while she couldn't. Lot of stories in the film are based on real life incidents too.

How does it feel to be the busybee?
Phew! I have to finish five films this year. I go home at twelve, take off the make-up, sleep, wake up at six and then get back to work. I have too much to do and have to finish it fast because I have to prepare for Vishal Bhardwaj's film.

Are you practising some ethnic strain of Hindi for the film? And why is the film called Kaminay?
Ha, ha, because the film is about Kaminay people. I have a lot of homework to do in the film. I am learning Marathi for it. It's a beautiful language with so much spunk to it. Kaminay, by the way, is an action comedy - it has nothing to do with Romeo And Juliet.

How was your Dostana schedule in Miami? Are you wearing a bikini in the film?
Miami was my best outdoors yet because I have a lot of cousins there. I enjoyed working with my director, Tarun and Karan of course is such an involved and indulgent producer. It was like a big party. To answer your question now - no, I don't wear a bikini in Dostana, I wear appropriate beach-wear though.

Last but not the least, What's Your Rashee? What you are doing in it?
It's a very interesting part for me and nothing that an Indian actor has ever done before. Only Ashutosh Gowariker can handle a subject like this. It is a romantic comedy with many hilarious layers to it. It is going to be a demanding film for me.

Sania Mirza met Sarkar Raj

The Bachchans are all excited about their forthcoming film Sarkar Raj which opens across cinema halls this coming Friday (June 6).

Just last week, Amitabh along with beta Abhishek and bahu Aishwarya attended an event in the suburbs where the background score of Sarkar Raj was launched by T-Series. With the IPL mania finally coming to an end, all are now eagerly awaiting one of the first big releases this summer. And it’s not just our aam junta who is looking forward to this film but it seems that even tennis sensation Sania Mirza is eagerly awaiting the release of Sarkar Raj.

In fact just the other day, Sania was shooting next door to Amitabh Bachchan at Mehboob Studios in Mumbai. When she knew that ‘Sarkar’ himself was in the vicinity she expressed her desire to meet him and wish him luck for his film. It may be recalled that Sania had even come on Bachchan’s popular game show KBC a few years back. Big B immediately came out of the shoot, when he heard that Sania has been waiting to meet him. After the exchange of pleasantries, Sania introduced her mother and sister to the superstar, and they wished him all the luck for Sarkar Raj. What’s more, Sania even appreciated the promos and said that even though she would be traveling abroad next week, she would definitely take time out and watch Sarkar Raj

Looks like Big B has yet another solid fan added to his humongous list of admirers.

'Drona' & 'God Tussi Great HO' dates announced

Eros International, the leading company in the Indian media and entertainment sector has announced the release dates of its key forthcoming releases God Tussi Great Ho and Drona.

Eros is highly focused on its blockbuster releases this year, which includes God Tussi Great Ho on the Independence Day weekend 15th August 2008. Starring Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Amitabh Bachchan and Sohail Khan, God Tussi Great Ho is packed with great music and comedy and is expected to be a huge success this year. The long Independence Day weekend will serve as a perfect weekend bonanza for audiences.

The other exciting release from the Eros stable, the Eros International-Rose Movies co-production Drona, a never before seen visual treat for audiences will hit screens on another long holiday weekend, Thursday 2nd October on the occasion of Idd and Gandhi Jayanti. A real world meets fantasy action film; the visual effects filled Drona directed by Goldie Behl stars Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Jaya Bachchan and KK Menon and is sure to thrill audiences – youngsters and adults alike.

Sunil Lulla, President, Eros International, India commented, “Both God Tussi Great Ho & Drona show huge potential and we were looking at perfect product spacing for these two much awaited releases. Audiences can now make the best of the long holiday weekends to enjoy both these spectacular and visually stunning films”.

Some other releases from the Eros line-up in the coming quarter include Mehbooba, a romantic saga by Afzal Khan and starring Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan and Manisha Koirala on 11th July 2008 followed by Ganesh Acharya’s Money Hai Toh Honey Hai with Govinda, Aftab Shivdasani, Manoj Bajpai, Upen Patel, Celina Jaitley, Hansika Motwani and Archana Puransingh in the lead roles on 25th July. August 29th will see the release of action packed thriller Hijack directed by Kunal Shivdasani and starring Shiney Ahuja and Esha Deol.

Eros International had recently announced an unprecedented line-up of over 35 releases – Hindi and Tamil films this year, the largest by an Indian film studio.