Shah Rukh is such an excellent marketing guy, says Juhi Chawla

One of the darlings of Indian cinema, Juhi Chawla, couldn't be happier to talk about her new film Bhoothnath, and as she sits in her London hotel suite draped in her red and golden anarkali dress, it's clear that Bhoothnath is a film that means a lot to her. Call her the chirpy Chawla as many of the journos call her, she seemed totally relaxed and frank while talking about her costar-friend SRK, the IPL, her kids, then begins to lavish praise on her new director and describes her 'Ek Rishta' with Amitabh Bachchan in this exclusive interview.

Former Miss India, then ad campaigns, then your beautiful smile, then your first big hit QSQT followed by plenty more, your best buddy SRK, then your 'saat phere' with Jai Mehta, your kids, then some more ad campaigns followed by your Saade Saat Phere with Irrfan Khan and the least you expect is a 'bhooth'. How do you sum up your journey so far?
Talking about the journey, you've been following me since 6.30 am from Heathrow airport. So you must have guessed that my journey was hectic. Anyway, the way you started it, I thought where will you land up? But yes, you are right. It has been one hell of a journey. So much has happened so fast and look, I am a mother of two and still doing films. It's good to be back in London after a long long time for the promotion of Bhoothnath. My journey still continues after this film though. But here I am ready to face your questions.

Juhi Chawla has never been a part of a B.R. Films. Then how did you find your first outing with them?
The outing has been great. Bhoothnath has been a wonderful experience for more reasons than just one. I am working with Mr. Bachchan after a long gap, the same with Shah Rukh. Actually, my last film with both of them happened to be Paheli and that too was a ghost film. But working with Ravi Chopra was one of my most memorable moments simply because of the experience and talent he has brought along with his production house. To be a part of B.R. Films in your cinematic journey is a must for everyone.

You play Banku's mother in the film but have you ever encountered a Banku in any of your kids?
(Laughs) Don't even remind me of it. My kids can be naughty, frustrating, mad and even go outside the house. I then have to spank them but all in good faith. From the most joyous and blissful moments to the most frustrating moments, I've had them all with my kids. It's an experience I cannot forget all my life.

Do you think that in Press conferences held overseas and events which promote the individual film, kids are somehow forgotten and it's only the big stars who steal the show?
Let me tell you that our little Banku has been a part of many shows and promotional tours back in India. It was him (Aman Siddiqui) who launched the soundtrack of Bhoothnath on the musical reality show Amul Star Voice of India. It is quite sad that he is not present here with us in London but that's not what we intended. I guess he must be a bit busy with Bhoothnath back home (laughs).

You've worked with a bhooth, your very good friend SRK, in Paheli. Bhooth here is Amitabh Bachchan. How was your Ek Rishta with him?
You've framed this question very nicely. Yes, as I've said before that this is the second time I'm working with both SRK and Amitji. In Paheli, I did not share screen space with Shah Rukh because his portions were more with Rani Mukherjee in the film. In Bhoothnath, it's almost a similar story. It's the kid, Banku, who shares screen space with the bhooth. I am a mother who doesn't believe in ghosts until the ghost reveals itself. Working with Amitji is a dream come true for any actor and sharing a scene with him is even more special. Coincidently, I am working with him again in Aladdin where he plays a genie. Now that's spooky (laughs).

You thanked everybody and mentioned every co-actors name in Bhoothnath but forgot one - Shah Rukh Khan. Do you think he is not a part of this film only because he is doing a special appearance?
Oh Yes. I did forget to name him but that does not mean he is not a part of the film. Even though he has only 20 minutes in Bhoothnath, he has played his part well. In fact, I told Vivek Sharma, the director, that how lucky he was to have Amitji and Shah Rukh both in his debut film.

You mentioned in the Press conference that you have worked once with B.R Chopra before. Can you clarify that a bit?
(Laughs) Yeah. This is going back to my Miss India title. After winning the title, I got an offer from B.R Chopra saab to work in their tele series Mahabharat. In fact, they screen tested me for the part of Draupadi. I was selected too but at the same time, I got another offer to work in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak which happened to be my debut film. So I had to choose between the two. What happened next, everyone knows.

Why don't we see you along with SRK in all the IPL matches? You both are owners of the Kolkata Knight Riders and you should be attending.
I am so busy with my two kids that I just cannot leave them. But it's Jai, my husband, and SRK who have the control over what's going on in the IPL. I hope that Kolkata Knight Riders win the tournament. Do you know, I am not even following the matches? Such is my halat. Shah Rukh is such an excellent marketing guy that right from the special music video for our team to the clothes they wear, he wants everything in the right place. No compromises there for him. But I have attended couple of matches with him. Let me get back to India and I'll have a think about it again.

This is the first time you have sung a song in the film. How was the experience?
Now that's been the highlight of today's event. Pehle nachvaenge aur ab gavaenge (laughs). I have trained myself as a classical vocalist and when I was given a chance to sing, I did. The song is called 'Jaane Do' which is a slow number. You will soon find out after seeing the film whether I've got my career in singing or acting (laughs).

Any message for all the special kids out there?
The message is that, Go and watch Bhoothnath. It's a story of a haunted house where this family goes to stay and where they meet this ghost. Don't worry guys; I am not trying to scare you. It's a fun film with lots of emotions and laughter and an underlined message that is be good to the ones who are bad too. You never know when a foe might turn into a friend. But do go and watch it for Vivek Sharma who has put his heart and soul in this film. A must watch for his creative direction.

Devnash Patel

Shah Rukh Khan's cameo disasters

One shining bright face, which has been the eternal darling in the world of advertisements, movies, reality shows, and lately cricket as well, is undoubtedly that of the Bollywood Baadshah, Shah Rukh Khan, who has already taken entertainment to the next level altogether!

It has been time and again proven that he is indeed a Midas Touch man who pumps gold out of everything and anything he lays his hands on! But if you feel that he is Mr. Everything who can do no wrong, then, think again, as even the Moon has got a black spot, and SRK is a human after all!

It's true that SRK, the one-man army, whose mere name presence, guarantees a film to be a superhit even before its release. After all, they do not call him the King Khan or the Baadshah of Bollywood for nothing!

But what is strange is that the films in which SRK has the main lead, have been mega hits, whereas the films in which he has done cameos, had the Box Office turning its back on. Simply put, his cameo appearance-movies have always bit the dust.

Here's presenting the 'Bestimonials', we mean, the 'Best of Testimonials' which stand proof to the above statement.

SRK did his first cameo appearance in Dushman Duniya Ka, which was directed by the late Mehmood. The film was about the protagonist Lucky and his drug addiction habit, which was penned in the hilarious and tragic way but the film refused to jingle at the ticket windows and went hugely unnoticed, despite the fact that it had the 'Mega Star of the Box Office'. SRK's other cameo appearances in films like Gudgudee (1997) and Gaja Gamini (2000) were also a major letdown.

Next in line was the Samar Khan directed Kuch Meetha Ho Jaaye starring Arshad Warsi, Mahima Choudhary, and Shah Rukh Khan in a Special Appearance. The film revolved around an airport. But again, Shah Rukh Khan's presence couldn't prevent the salvo's misfiring.

Shakti - The Power, a Sridevi and Boney Kapoor's production, that was directed by Krishna Vamsi, showed a one-woman-army, Karisma Kapoor's, fight to get her son back. The makers might have sensed that the film had too much of violence. Hence, SRK was brought in the picture to add some humor. He played a local Bihari boy who helps Karisma reach her destination and protects her from the goons. But of course, the biggest highlight of the film was SRK's performance on the track 'Ishq Kamina'. The song also had a special appearance by the ever gorgeous Aishwarya Rai as an item girl. Unfortunately, the film was a disaster at the Box Office.

The other one in the Cameo-flops list include Kaal, in which SRK did a first 'Item Number' with the original oomph-mati Malaika Arora Khan, before doing 'Dard-e-Disco' and 'Break Free'. Even though the song was a huge hit with sleek picturization, the film failed to click with the audiences.

These back-2-back cameo debacles don't end just here. SRK was seen in Hunky Arjun Rampal's home production I See You, in which he was seen playing the guitar whereas Hrithik Roshan doing his favorite dance stint, which has also refused to smile at the box office.

And last but not the least, who can forget the major fiasco of the recent times, which was called as Krazzy 4, a film that was hyped to the core, piggy banking on SRK's item number! The film also had the super clash of the titans SRK V/s the Hrithik Roshan, both of whom danced to the same track. If that was not enough, it also had the 'Item Queen' Rakhi Sawant. Sad but true, none of the three pillars could manage to help the film stand firm at the Box-Office!

So, is it that SRK's luck doesn't favor his cameo appearances? The answer to this question remains a mystery. Though SRK's cameo roles haven't been able rub the magic on the films, he has always been a striver and not concerned with what will be the outcome of it. So, keep going Khan and best of luck for Bhoothnath.

Anil Kanojia

B.O. Update: Dull start for new releases

The two new releases, BHOOTHNATH and JIMMY, opened to a lukewarm start at most places. While BHOOTHNATH was better with a 25%-30% opening, the film has an advantage because the audience response is encouraging. The traders are hopeful that the film would gather steam with word of mouth by family audiences.

On the other hand, JIMMY opened to a meagre 10%-15% start everywhere. Also, the reports are outright negative.

Taran Adarsh

Juhi Chawla promotes 'Bhoothnath' at McDonald's

SRK-Juhi's Knight Riders' are Banku's favourite!

With TASHAN disappointing big time at the box-office, the focus shifts to this Friday's new and interesting release, Ravi Chopra's BHOOTHNATH. Though not many in the trade were giving the Amitabh (Bhoothnath), Juhi (Anjali) and Aman Siddiqui (Banku) starrer much of a chance, the recent promos have definitely boosted the prospects of the film. In fact, the intelligent, well spaced out and timely teasers must have taught a lesson or two to the other Chopras, on how to publicize a film in today's times!

Coming back to BHOOTHNATH, the child star of the film, the charming and cherubic Aman Siddiqui is a big time fan of Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla. He is also a cricket buff and during the spare times on the sets of BHOOTHNATH, he used to play cricket with Amitabh Bachchan and King Khan. When we asked him about which team he is supporting in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament, pat came the reply - 'Kolkata Knight Riders'!

Well it was but obvious, after all the team belongs to his favourite on screen pair of Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla. Here's hoping for Aman's sake that his best wishes work for the KKR team!

Abid

Shah Rukh Khan is back!

Ever since the release of OM SHANTI OM, Shah Rukh Khan is being seen all over. However, most of his appearances have been off the big screen. Either he is seen in commercials or cricket matches or music videos or small screen game shows.

Yes, there have been a couple of big screen appearances as well but they too have been restricted to barely 5 mins. While he only recited a poem for friend Samar Khan's SHAURYA (which came during the end titles), he had an item number in KRAZZY 4. Beyond this, his die hard fans have patiently waited to see him doing something worthwhile on the big screen.

The wait should now be over this weekend with the release of BHOOTHNATH. Though Amitabh Bachchan plays the central protagonist and Aman Siddiqui plays the kid around whom the film revolves, the film also stars Shah Rukh Khan.

As the kid's father and Juhi Chawla's husband, he features prominently in the film and though he is being billed as 'special appearance', he is present for a good 25 minutes in the film as per the makers of BHOOTHNATH.

Of course this is just a starter as the main course would begin with Priyadarshan's BILLO BARBER which arrives in next few months. And yes, the grand finale is very much in the pipeline, what with the release of Aditya Chopra's RAB NE BANA DI JODI which is all set to arrive on 12th December.

Joginder Tuteja

What is Big B nervous about?

What can one say about Amitabh Bachchan that hasn't been said before? What adjectives can one employ? What can one ask him considering much of his life has been lived under the spotlight? Like all true legends, however, there's always something about the Big B that manages to surprise. Find out in his heart-to-heart conversation with Tarana Raja Kapoor, host of 'Let's Talk' that will air on Friday, 09 May 2008 at 7.30 pm Only on Zoom Channel.

So, what can viewers expect from the veteran megastar? Experiences from over four decades in the film industry along with interesting facts about his upcoming projects. Find out what it was like for Amitabh to play a ghost in the forthcoming BHOOTHNATH. Catch his version of funny incidents that took place on the sets. Get his take on playing grandfather to son Abhishek in DILLI 6. Also, revelations about his first English film THE LAST LEAR and forthcoming biggie SHANTARAM.

As a son of the late poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Amitabh speaks passionately about poetry as a necessity in life. He also takes a walk down memory lane, reminiscing fondly about his first film, SAAT HINDUSTANI. He confesses to Tarana that, despite facing the camera for 40 years, he still feels nervous before a shot.

The conversation gets more exciting when Tarana asks about his marriage with Jaya Bachchan and his on-screen chemistry with Abhishek. Speaking about one thing he would still like to do, Amitabh says he wishes to learn how to play a musical instrument. Not knowing how to play one is, he admits, his biggest regret.

So don't miss your chance to find out more about the fabulous Amitabh Bachchan on Zoom.

Amitabh talk about the kid in him, his films, Bollywood

Amitabh Bachchan could have retired long ago. He could have hung up his hat on his many awards, basked in the glow of movie history, and holed up in his Mumbai bungalow above all the hustle and bustle of Bollywood. But luckily for everyone, he hasn't gone anywhere and, at 66, is at the top of his game. In the last three years alone, he's worked with one of the movies' best known directors demonstrating a penchant for artistic evolution and experimentation. But as Bachchan tells me, and as few of the legend's colleagues and friends tell us, as much as his role choices and co-stars have changed, some things about the man remain the same. He loves to learn, is more anxious to promote his films than the distributors and producers, has to have tea and cookies while giving interviews, and can't get enough of life's little pleasures. So while he adjusts his yellow tie and his trademark dark glasses, I have a last careful look at my questions which will be fired to Mr. Bachchan...because you never know when they might get back fired.

B for B.R. Films, B for Baghban, B for Baabul, B for Bhoothnath, B for Bachchan and B for Blog. The only thing I can say here is - to B or not to B?
(Laughs) It's nice the way you've used the B in the question. But it's also a coincidence that happens to everyone in their life at some point or the other. Yes, I still haven't worked with B.R Chopra as a director but look at destiny, I'm working with B.R. Films for that matter. And now the entire media is talking about the blog which I've started but then it wouldn't be possible without the help of media. I hope my views and opinions expressed in my blog are appreciated by one and all, and if not, they are free to express their.

With so much going around - IIFA, Bhoothnath, and Sarkar Raj next, you seem to be the busiest actor on board. What's your stress level like?
I don't understand why the media asks this question. I mean whatever I'm doing is my job. Today if I'm given some responsibility, I'll make sure I fulfill it. Yes, my age does not permit me to do everything I want to but I try and manage and adjust as per my convenience. And my stress level is normal at the moment.

Adlabs distributed and marketed your earlier film Baabul which grossed 960,000 pounds and was one of the top 15 films ever on the U.K box office out of 500 released. Now with Eros International distributing Bhoothnath, do you think this film will touch a million pounds?
Well, we all know how capable Eros International are. And with the stats which you've just mentioned of B.R Films, I can't see why Bhoothnath can't do good business.

You're playing a bhooth in Bhoothnath and a genie in your forthcoming film Alladin. Do such roles allow you to tap the child within you?
We all have a child within ourselves and it does come out sometime and somewhere. So if films like Bhoothnath and Alladin give me variety, it also gives me freedom to be jovial and interact with kids and of course, as you just mentioned, to tap a child within me.

You'd normally associate a bhooth with Ramsay Brothers or Ram Gopal Varma. But Amol Palekar in Paheli and Vivek Sharma in Bhoothnath have given a completely new dimension to their bhooth's. Any comments?
You're right. They have. But let's not forget that the Indian Film Industry needed a makeover and it came at the right time. Yes, there is a risk of films not doing well while you experiment with new ideas but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel too. The way Vivek has made this film, for once you will not be able to tell that Bhoothnath is made by a debutant.

Why do you think the story of Bhoothnath in today's time period be relevant for people today?
Bhoothnath is just not another ghost story. It's a story of a little kid and a ghost who becomes friendly, their relationship and how as it develops, they are able to sort out a problem which is quite universal like togetherness, family relationships, respect for elders and so forth.

Do you encourage your co-stars to take on your style and do you accept theirs when you're acting?
I have no style and I hope I don't, and I will never want to interfere in someone else's style.

You mentioned on the BBC Breakfast while promoting Bhoothnath that you refrain from using the word Bollywood. But do you mind when people use that word in front of you?
Yes, because it's detrimental. It's degrading. We are the Indian Film Industry and why give it a defamatory terminology.

What did you learn about the mindset of young directors like debutant Vivek Sharma from your years of research and study in films?
I've hardly done any research, but yes, I've had the opportunity to work with many prominent directors and new ones too. I find the younger generation more excitable, aggressive in their passion to succeed, technically more savvy, more professional as far as managing their project is concerned and very very keen to propel their graph upwards, not that the others aren't either. But this generation is terribly independent, aggressive and wanting desperately to prove themselves at a very early age.

Merchandising a film has become an important marketing tool now-a-days, from clothes to accessories to games. Do marketing of this sort change the fate of any films?
I don't know but I'd imagine it does, otherwise it wouldn't be there. Once a film becomes popular, perhaps there is a need and a desire to have a lasting identity with it so that the merchandising goods get manufactured and they remain with you. For Bhoothnath too we have come out with some games for the kids, which I'm sure they will love playing. In the past, we have seen that such strategies have been successful in the West. So why not try them here when it works. I'd say Yes.

One learns about Mr. Bachchan on the set of being dedicated, the visionary, the go-getter and the one who shares a laugh with his co-stars. Is it an obsession, a passion that's necessary to get where you want to go or is that you've had enough?
No, I hope that I've never had enough because then it'll be a terrible moment for me. So yes, we look out for fresh things, new ideas, and fresh opportunities and the atmosphere on the sets needs to be very conducive in wanting to achieve that. So we work to excel in whatever we are doing and look for excellence in every department and try to work hard enough to achieve our goals and dreams.

How would you characterize your contribution and your achievement in the field of films and what do you understand about achievement now that you did not when you were young?
I don't think that there's been any great achievement as far as I'm concerned. I've just been fortunate and lucky to be in an industry which has looked upon me rather kindly. The fans have propelled me into doing what I've desired to do and I'm happy for that and I hope they continue looking at me in this manner. Industry changes happen because of changes in the society, changes in time and period and in the way the country has changed. All this is reflected in any kind of creativity. So if you find things different in our cinema, it is reflective of the above changes. I will always honor that and that is my achievement. These are some of the things I've noticed.

The road to shoot a film is not a straight line. It's a winding road. You must have faced set backs, frustrations and self-doubts while filming Bhoothnath and many other films. How do you deal with them?
I think that is true for any vocation in life, whether you are a journalist or an actor or a businessman. There would be ups and down and that's what teaches you about life and how to overcome hardships, obstacles and hurdles. I hope they remain because each hurdle is a great lesson in life. We need to struggle everyday to be able to succeed and to be able to look forward. If it were all smooth sailing, my life would be too monotonous.

The Indian Film Industry is more about the star kids. But when you see young and very young talents such as Aman Siddiqui, don't you feel they are the future to look out for and should be groomed well rather than see them in a one off appearance?
I think Aman is very young and surely this is something that he will have to decide upon or let us say, his parents. But to say that the film industry is full of star kids is not entirely correct. Yes, there are children that are working who belong to stars but that is a very natural phenomenon. I wasn't a star kid when I started off and neither was Shahrukh or Salman and Hrithik or Hrithik's father, Mr. Rakesh Roshan. There are examples and I don't think that should be looked upon in a derogatory manner or in a negative way. When the same thing happens in business nobody says anything, when it happens in medical profession nobody says anything, then why films?

You also quoted on the BBC Breakfast show that the films you do is sort of an escapism for those who cannot afford luxury or want to escape from the daily worries. Why do you say so?
The question asked revolved around our Indian films, which are very big and colorful and so on, and I said yes, I think our films are escapist in nature and we need to show that to the common man who perhaps does not get an opportunity to see this. So if by paying some money to watch a film if that person can get three hours to escape from his personal worries, poverty and hardships in life, that's what our cinema is all about.

From IIFA Yorkshire in 2007 to IIFA Bangkok in 2008. Are there any cities and countries left now to host the awards?
(Laughs) Well, we always try to do things, which are different and add more to the IIFA weekend irrespective of which country or city hosts it. I hope we continue doing that and try and make it better in the future years as well. Of course, IIFA weekend in Bangkok this year will also be special and remembered dearly as for the first time the entire Bachchan family comes together for Sarkar Raj, which is premiered there.

Well then, would you like to give a special parting message to the readers of Bollywood Hungama?
Thank you for your love and affection. I hope you continue seeing our films. We are a family full of actors now and we need your blessings which I know has always been with us.

Devansh Patel

Amitabh goes on and on and on…

Actor Amitabh Bachchan is Amitabh Bachchan for a reason. When we met the actor last, he wasn't in perfect shape. After all he suffered an injury on the sets of Alladin. And when we enquired after his health, he honestly admitted, "I'm on heavy medication, and not exactly at my healthiest best!"

But the actor, unflinching, spent close to six hours generously giving interviews to the media and promoting his film Bhoothnath. And when we asked him about his source of energy and spirit, he insisted that much was being made about his energy and all that! Now, that is our humble, modest, ever-tolerant and never-tiring Big B! But could it all be the wonders of some magic lamp somewhere?

To this Bachchan replied, "It's just a desire to work and if I can comply with the demands of my directors and producers and if they are happy with that then I am happy with that. I do feel that I need to have myself physically fit to be able to live up to their demands and so there is always a conscious effort to keep one healthy and presentable because cinema is all about how your face look and how you speak. So if your face is fine and if the voice is fine and if your activities are fine, you have a job otherwise you lose it!"

King Khan: Energy, Enthusiasm and Professionalism

Actor Shah Rukh Khan is extremely busy with his cricket matches, and as seen earlier his presence in the box does make a difference to his team. They land up winning a little more and losing a lttle less. But while he is backing his army in full force on the cricket field, SRK isn't shirking from his duties as an actor and producer.

We find him reporting to the sets of Priyadarshan's Billu Barber right on time. "Shah Rukh reports to the sets at sharp 9:30 a.m. And is never late for schedules," says Priyan.

The actor will also be seen in Vivek Sharma's Bhoothnath. Shah Rukh, we The very busy man, only recently, reported to a studio to dub for Bhoothnath at midnight. Director Vivek Sharma tells us, "I really needed Shah Rukh to dub for the film, and when I requested him to come for dubbing on a particular day, he was there at midnight and dubbed till early morning, only so that my mixing doesn't stop. He's my dost Khan!"

Kudos to Khan's 'dubble' energy, enthusiasm and professionalism.

Ready for Big B's first film this year?

Trade pundits give their opinion on the response to Bhoothnath

As compared to the last few years, the first quarter of this year in Bollywood has shown a pretty dismal picture. Not only have there been limited releases but also very limited hits.

Until March 2008, only Jodhaa Akbar and Race could make a mark. Everyone was anxiously waiting with bated breath for the release of Tashan to break the jinx, but the super flop of the Yash Raj biggie has made matters worse.

Also, in the vacation period, barring BR Chopra's Bhoothnath there is not a single film with a big star cast that can draw the viewers to the theatres. All are now anxiously awaiting the release of Bhoothnath, which is scheduled for a May 9 release.

A few reasons why the audiences are waiting for Bhoothnath are: the summer vacations; a film from the makers of Baghban and Baabul and the fact that Amitabh and Shah Rukh are coming together again after Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, the controversy apart.

Film journalist and critic, Abhijit Mhamunkar feels, "With all its promos specifically targeting kids, Bhoothnath has indeed managed to generate a good interest amongst the bachcha company, which is for long thirsty for a good entertaining film aimed at them. Amitabh Bachchan in a comic role after a long time coupled with some really good special effects in the film may also bring in a lot of footfalls."

"SRK's special appearance is an added bonus. With Tashan proving a dud and nothing else exciting to compete with Bhoothnath, the Bachchan-starrer might prove to be a winner this summer," he adds.

Trade pundit Vinod Mirani is of the opinion, "If the film is interesting and not very lengthy then it should do well. The plus point is, Amitji is very popular with the children. You can't judge the film with the promos because the promos are made by one person and the film is made by another."

Manoj Desai of the G-7 Complex in Mumbai says, "Tashan has given us a bad example. What can we say about Bhoothnath? Let's wait and hope this film brings us good luck."

Trade analyst Atul Mohan says, "It's a vacation period and the banner is also big. If Taare Zameen Par could run, I think Bhoothnath will do so too. Plus, Big B and SRK both are there. Let's hope the film will do a good business."

J Popat, GM of the late NN Sippy's Janata Films Distributors, says, "The minus point of Bhoothnath is it's a solo star film. SRK is just doing a cameo. The promos are also not up to the mark as expected from the house of BR Films."

After seeing the most awful response to Tashan, which is from a banner like Yash Raj and a big star cast like Akshay, Saif, Anil and Kareena, I don't think Bhoothnath will get a good opening. The promos of Tashan were better than Bhoothnath and you can see the response," he added in a practical tone.

As for a comparison, the promotions of U Me Aur Hum and Krazzy 4 were far better but than Bhoothnath, but the movies still didn't fare well at the box-office.

There are two more factors, which might kill the collections of Bhoothnath – first is the IPL series and second, SRK's show Paanchvi Pass. But the plus point are the summer holidays.

Jhonny Vaz

Amitabh - SRK not in the same frame!

Just recently we had told you in detail about the placement of Shah Rukh Khan's special appearance in the Amitabh Bachchan starrer, BHOOTHNATH. Just to recap, Shah Rukh, along with good friend Juhi Chawla, play parents to the child 'Banku' (Aman Siddiqui), who befriends the ghost (Amitabh Bachchan) and King Khan will make his entry in the film just before the climax sequence. Well, here is more.

As per the producer Ravi Chopra, BHOOTHNATH is not just another ghost story, but it is a family film. Talking about the film that unites the 'Shahenshah', megastar Amitabh Bachchan and the 'Baadshah', Bollywood's global superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, once again after huge hits like MOHABBATEIN, KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM and KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA, Chopra was very forthright and honest in admitting that Big B and SRK will not be seen sharing the same frame in BHOOTHNATH. He elaborates that this is so as it is the demand of the script.

As is known, BHOOTHNATH is all set to release along with a preponed JIMMY on the 9th of May.

Abid

No tension between Big B - SRK

BHOOTHNATH brings together the two supremos -- Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan -- after a gap. In between, rumours were flying left, right and centre about the tension between the two actors and that the once good friends weren't interested in working with each other anymore.

Before we forward Ravi Chopra's clarification on the issue, let's bring to you another interesting facet pertaining to the film, which, I presume, a lot many people would be unaware of. Initially, director Vivek Sharma was toying with the idea of making a small film, but when he narrated the subject to Chopra, the producer insisted that they approach Bachchan Sr. for the role in question. However, Bachchan Sr. wasn't keen on doing the film. Reason being, he wasn't too sure of Vivek's abilities. But when he eventually agreed to act in the film, his only condition was Ravi Chopra should be present on the sets on all days. Later, when Bachchan grew fond of Vivek and realized that the director had the spark, there were no issues absolutely.

Ask Ravi Chopra if he sensed any kind of tension between the two actors [Bachchan, SRK] and the veteran film-maker denies it completely, “Not at all! In fact, they would play games and enjoy each other's company during breaks. I'd love to work with them again and again.” That should silence the gossip mills!

Taran Adarsh

Shah Rukh just before BHOOTHNATH's salvation!

Ravi Chopra's Vivek Sharma directed BHOOTHNATH is about an emotional bond between a young boy Banku (Aman Siddiqui) and a ghost referred to as Bhoothnath (Amitabh Bachchan). Contrary to beliefs, BHOOTHNATH is more than just a story about a friendly 'bhoot'. It is about friendship and bonding of an unusual kind.

The slick promos of the film and popular music director Vishal-Shekhar's apt music is already striking a chord with the target audience, the kids, and will definitely boost the prospects of the film. The release date of 9th May has been carefully chosen by the makers, as the film will get the benefit of the long summer holidays.

As is known, the film also features (after a long time) the hit pair of Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla, who play a couple and parents to the mischievous 'Banku', who befriends the ghost.

Though Shah Rukh Khan only has a guest appearance in BHOOTHNATH, but keeping his superstar stature in mind, he will come at a very important juncture in the film. And that is just before BHOOTHNATH's salvation climax, in order to extract maximum mileage from King Khan's brief but very special appearance.

So during the summer vacations, the children can look forward to a very interesting film, one which will cater to their taste and liking in BHOOTHNATH.

Abid

Bhoothnath ties up with Mumbai Traffic Police

B.R. films have tied up with Mumbai Traffic Police to promote their much awaited film Bhoothnath directed by debutant director Vivek Sharma. The film has Amitabh Bachchan, playing the role of ghost.

Confirming the news, Vivek Sharma says, "Yes, one will see the hoardings placed at various places in Mumbai saying something like, 'Don't waste water, Bhoothnath is watching you."

"We approached Mr. Bachchan to do a few video spots for educating the motorists on safe driving techniques, something like he had done for Polio. Mr. Bachchan willingly suggested and agreed to club the Public Service Messages with the publicity of Bhoothnath," informs Harish Baijal, DCP, Traffic. He goes on to add, "A few drivers are constable centric. If they do not see a constable at any junction, especially during the late-night hours, they are tempted to jump the signal or cut lanes. Here, one of the hoardings will say 'Do not cut lanes, Bhoothnath is watching you '.We sincerely feel that our message for respecting traffic rules will be taken in all sincerity."

Talking about the film, Vivek says excitedly, "Amitabh Bachchan was in tears and praised me after watching the film the other day and also gifted me Nokia N-90 and wished me luck for my future projects. He goes on to add, "Someone like Amitabh Bachchan praising your work is a big thing, at least for me, and I immensely value this sweet gesture of his and would like to make more films with him."

Bhoothnath is slated to release on May 9, 2008.