V-Day Sp: Sizzling Couples in Love

It is that amorous time of the year again where expressing your love is a compulsion. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we bring you Bollywood's hottest couples who haven't tied the knot as yet.

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan: They are Bollywood royalty. She is a Kapoor and his father is the Nawab of Pataudi. She is a flawless beauty and he is drop-dead-hot and handsome. Together they make a madly-in-love couple with crackling chemistry. It was on the sets of the disastrous Tashan that their romance blossomed. Kareena looked so gorgeous in the movie that Saif couldn't help but be drawn to her. They have eyes only for each other and aren't afraid of showing how much they adore one another. You want to fall in love just looking at them. Saif wants to tie the knot now but Bebo's saying 'not now'.

Bipasha Basu and John Abraham: Dating for over five years now, this sizzling twosome has stood the test of time. Romance blossomed on the sets of Aetbaar and the two set the screen on fire with their unrestrained passion in Jism. The good looking fitness freaks complement each other really well. She is a smokin' hot Bong tigress and he is a Bawa boy with the body of a Greek God. They are a mature couple who have left their PDA days behind and are too secure about each other to be affected by malicious rumours.

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone: Ah, young love. She is a leggy supermodel-turned-actress with enchanting doe eyes. He is Bollywood’s Prince Charming who could sweep any girl off her feet. It was a double whammy for them at the Filmfare Awards in 2008. Not only did they win best debut awards, they also secured each other's affection. The two bonded in picturesque Australia while shooting for Bachna Ae Haseeno. The photogenic twosome is so much in love that they cannot keep their hands off each other, even in public.

Shahid Kapur and Priyanka Chopra: These two, who will feature together in Kaminay, are rumoured to be going out. And they have adorable nicknames for each other: Peefee and Shaks. They share a hot kiss in the film so it’s no wonder a hot romance started off-screen too. Priyanka was having a hard time with Harman and Shahid wasn't really dating anyone after his breakup with Kareena. They stay in the same building and spent a lot of time bonding on and off the sets. The two are fiercely private people so the relationship is still under wraps. But their chemistry in Kaminay will surely tell us all that we need to know.

Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia: She is vivaciously beautiful and he is dashingly debonair. Preity has gone from bubbly to sophisticate ever since she started attending upscale society dos with her good looking boyfriend. They mix business with pleasure as they own a cricket team together and Ness accompanies Preity on her shoots. They aren't into PDA but their sweet gestures such as feeding each other during matches show that they have eyes only for each other.

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif: He is over 40, she is over 20 and they are madly in love with each other, though they may not show it. She is a beautiful in-demand newbie in Bollywood while he is the handsome established superstar. Being Salman Khan's girlfriend is not easy, but the composed and dignified lady Kat is, she has managed to play that role with aplomb. Apparently, his family loves Kat too and Salman hasn't been so smitten by anyone before. He wants to settle down but she is in no hurry to with her burgeoning career. Will they or won't they? We will have to wait and watch.

John Abraham on GQ cover

Kissing a man with stubble is a lot like going to a picnic. You don't mind going through a little bush to get there!

Well, one really does not have to be a psychologist or a psychoanalyst to read the minds of the million women whose mind must be playing with the aforementioned saying! The reason? Well, it's none other then the Johnny boy of Bollywood: John Abraham and his killer look that he is sporting on the cover of the recent issue of men's magazine GQ.

Even before you read the article, the photographs are absolutely enough for anyone to start worshipping this hot hunk with zero negative attitude! The entire interview is less of an 'interview' and more of an inner-view of this man, whose Greek God looks have already taken the world by storm! One can get to know what ails John, his take on the 'most frustrating thing about dealing with the media', his motivation, his style and motors and the most sensitively sensational question 'Is John a one woman man?' Check out GQ to know more.

John Abraham's pole stint

John Abraham has hurt his leg badly yet again.

It was while shooting for David Dhawan’s film Hook Ya Crook that the accident happened. A unit hand informed us that John had to slip down a 20-foot pole for a scene. He didn’t get it right and slid quite badly. Unfortunately for John, he landed directly on his leg. Despite being ordered take some rest, John quickly treated himself to some first-aid medication, and went pole sliding all over again. This time he got it right, and then rushed to the X-ray clinic. Talk about wanting to get it right, hook ya crook.

Court okays release of John Abraham starrer Aashayein

The Delhi High Court has rejected a plea by Anil Ambani's Reliance Big Entertainment (RBE) challenging the release of John Abraham starrer Hindi movie "Aashayein" because co-producers of the movie had allegedly changed the storyline of the movie.

RBE, which purchased the rights of the film, approached the court alleging the film's co-producers - Percept Ltd. and Super Cassette Industries - misrepresented facts and indulged in fraud, besides changing storyline from the previously agreed upon script while signing the distribution agreement.

Justice Manmohan Singh said that RBE should be compensated by the co-producers and asked them to deposit 30 percent of Rs.4 crore (Rs.40 million) paid by it for buying the film's rights and asked Percept Ltd and Super Cassette Industries to deposit the money within a week.

RBE had paid Percept and super cassettes around Rs.4 crore, out of the total deal value of Rs.18 crore (Rs.180 million) in June 2008 and entered into an agreement for theatrical, non-theatrical, world satellite, television and overseas home video rights.

In its petition, RBE submitted that as per their distribution agreement with the two co-producers, RBE was to pay Rs.18 crore for the rights of Nagesh Kukunoor-directed "Aashayein", which was supposed to be a commercial film, and was assured that the co-producers would not deviate from the storyline.

But when the complete film was shown to RBE in July 2008, it did not resemble the original storyline. It was not even a commercial film and character of John Abraham was changed from a compulsive gambler discovering fortunes of life to a cancer patient, it said.

However, Percept and Super Cassettes denied receiving any such communication from RBE after they were shown the movie.

The court said the film was complete and ready for release and it would be harmful for actors, investors and exhibitors if it stopped "Aashayein" at this stage.

In Pics: Stars support the Mumbai Marathon 2009

Bollywood A-listers turned up at the Mumbai Marathon to support the causes like a safer Mumbai, the fight against AIDS and uplifting the underprivileged. The marathon began in the wee hours of Sunday morning with Anil Ambani being the first marathon runner to arrive on the scene at 5 am.

Take a look.

Desi Boy: John Abraham showed off his hot bod in Dostana but he prefers to cover himself up with the Indian flag at the Marathon


Helping Hands: Arjun Rampal and wife Mehr run the Marathon with the physically disabled.


Sunshine Yellow: Vidya Balan looks good in this sporty avatar. We love the stylish glares. We hope she continues running to lose some weight!


Leggy Lads: Rahul Bose and Milind Soman show off their legs. Milind looks really tired


From Real Life to Reel Life: Anil Ambani sweats it out. Bikram Saluja's character's weight loss in 42 Kms is based on Anil Ambani


Not Without My Mother: Soha Ali Khan with mother Sharmila. We wonder where Saif is. Sharmila shows off her high fitness levels as she walks in the Marathon


Jai Ho: Tusshar Kapoor and Gulshan Grover wave flags to cheer the runners


Not Without My Husband: Politician and Sanjay Dutt's sister Priya Dutt-Roncon with hubby Owen Roncon


I'm Here Too: Media shy actor Om Puri turns up with his wife Nandita to support the Marathon.

Case against John's film

If he is not showing his butt then that ain't hot, at least that what it seems.

The release of John Abraham's movie “Aashayein”, a serious film in contrast to his body show “Dostana”, is facing further delay after a legal fight has erupted between its producers and distributor.

Reliance's Big Pictures, that was all set to distribute “Aashayein”, has filed a case against the film's producers Percept Picture Company and T-Series because they felt the film has not measured up to their expectations.

The case has been filed in the Delhi High Court.

Percept Picture Company and T-Series are now in a fix because they can't release the film until the case is resolved.

The movie, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, was ready sometime back and has been getting delayed for some reason or the other.

“Aashayein” is the story of a compulsive gambler who one day learns that he has only 90 days to live. Wanting to make the most of his last days, he leaves everything behind and moves into a soothing hospice. The inmates he meets change his outlook on life. As his relationships grow with each one of them, he tries to rise above his own needs and live life to the fullest, learning from the courage of those around him.

John and Neil doing a 'Dostana' in 'New York'

Just recently, we were entertained with the 'gay' film (pun intended) Dostana. The film which starred John Abraham, Abhishek Bachchan and yes, the lovely Priyanka Chopra was a rage. But it was not just Priyanka's sexy bikini act but also John and Abhishek's pairing as a gay couple in the film that attracted the masses.

And just when we thought that Dostana was the thing of the past, look at what we came across! Seems like Johnny boy has moved on and found a new soul mate. He is none other than Neil Nitin Mukesh. These funny images were sent to us by one of our surfers and boy, we just couldn't stop laughing looking at them. We are sure Abhishek won't be too amused with this 'Dostana 2'. As for Bipasha… well, we only can imagine her exclaim 'Not again!'

The duo, John and Neil, will be seen along with Katrina Kaif in YRF's New York. The film is about the change that occurs in the life of these three friends after a certain horrifying incident.

However, looking at the chemistry between these two male stars, we surely can't wait to see their histrionics onscreen.

The New Year eve plans of Bollywood stars

With 2009 just around the corner, Bollywood stars are headed to different destinations to usher in the New Year.

Since the mood in Mumbai is pretty glum after the November 26 terror attacks, most of the New Year performances in the city have been canceled. Moreover, even the stars who would normally stay put in Mumbai on Dec 31 are headed to exotic locales.

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor are on their way for a chilled out vacation in the Swiss Alps. Hope there are no bhel puri restaurants there to give Saif the stomach cramps.

Akshay Kumar is already on a holiday with wife Twinkle Khanna , son Aarav and Dimple Kapadia and his mom Aruna. For them, the celebrations began on Dec 29 with Twinkle’s birthday and will continue till the January 1.

Shilpa Shetty is on a vacation with her beau Raj Kundra in Spain. Alongside the duo are their respective families.

Salman Khan along with his brothers is in Goa for the New Years. The celebrations, low-key this year, began in the Khan household from Salman’s birthday on Dec 27 and will continue well into the first few days of January.

Katrina Kaif has been in London for the Christmas reunion with her family and is expected to join Salman on 31st evening.

Malaika Arora would be performing on stage at a hotel in Singapore, while Celina Jaitley will perform at the New Year bash at City Pavilion in London.

Arjun Rampal , Farhan Akhtar , Ritesh Sidhwani and the rest of Rock On gang is headed to Dubai. They initially planned an outing in Goa but changed the plan after the government canceled outdoor parties.

Shahrukh Khan is in Los Angeles to shoot Karan Johar’s film My Name Is Khan . He, Gauri and the kids are likely to fly to Uganda for a brief holiday.

Kajol and Ajay Devgan have left for their farmhouse in Karjat. They are expected back on Jan 2 after which Kajol would fly to the US to shoot with SRK.

John Abraham and Bipasha Basu will most likely head to Goa. Looks like they don’t mind if there aren’t any outdoor parties.

Jism 2 will launch new faces with great bodies

Five years after Bipasha Basu and John Abraham scorched the screen in "Jism", Shagufta Rafique, screenwriter for the much-hyped sequel to the film, says part two will be about infidelity and will launch three new faces with great bodies.

"Since 'Jism' was all about the human body and keeping up with the tradition of Vishesh Films' launching new talent, we'll take a completely new and absolutely raw cast for 'Jism 2'. We'll launch three new faces and three great bodies in three newcomers in the film," Rafique told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Released in 2003, "Jism" was an unexpected box office success and the launch vehicle of Bollywood heartthrob John. The film gave a boost to John and Bipasha's careers and both got tagged as sex symbols.

While the first was written by Mahesh Bhatt, "Jism 2" is being written by Rafique, who holds to her credit films like "Woh Lamhe", "Awarapan" and box office dud "Dhokha".

Asked about the plot of "Jism 2", she said: "Like the previous 'Jism', part two will concentrate on the issue of infidelity and it will be a murder mystery. I have already started working on the film and Pooja (Bhatt) will be directing it."

Loosely based on Lawrence Kasdan's "Body Heat" (1981), "Jism" was directed by Amit Saxena and also starred Gulshan Grover, Vinay Pathak and Ranvir Shorey.

Rafique added that Pooja Bhatt and Sujit Kumar, who produced "Jism", would soon be starting a "Jism" franchise.

"The franchise will be a series of erotic and passionate films, but with different stories. We in fact have 10 scripts ready on the same with us.

"'Jism' was a big success as a brand. Pooja opened a Pandora's box with the film in the industry. Soon everyone started making films on the body. But the film's got to do with passion, love and lust and to live up with its brand, we'll come out with a 'Jism' franchise altogether," Rafique said.

Apart from "Jism 2", she has also penned the scripts for upcoming films like "Raaz - The Mystery Continues", "Sincity" and "Jashnn".

She is also set to wield the megaphone for "Cabaret", which she has scripted.

Happy Birthday Sexy John!

The hottest hunk of B–town, the female charmer, the perfect epitome of a youth icon, John Abraham celebrates his 36th birthday on 17th December.

Model turned actor John forayed into Bollywood with the controversial film JISM which was well liked by the audience and he got widely noticed for his brilliant performance, drop dead looks & great body. His first blockbuster DHOOM, where he played a villain, made him an overnight star and since then there was no looking back for this hottie.

Year–on–year he came with phenomenals like KAAL, WATER, GARAM MASALA, ZINDA, TAXI NUMBER 9211, BAABUL, KAABUL EXPRESS, SALAAM–E–ISHQ, DHAN DHANA DHAN GOAL, his recent blockbuster film DOSTANA and today he is counted as one of the top stars of Bollywood.

Now everyone is eyeing over his upcoming release NEW YORK starring Katrina Kaif and Neil Nitin Mukesh alongside.

Besides being Bollywood's most adored star he is also a great human being who is deeply involved in social work and actively stands for it.

So come join us in wishing the hot bod and evolving actor a very happy birthday and all the good wishes for a flourishing future ahead.

John Abraham and Katrina Kaif in 'New York' Trailer

For the first time two of Bollywood's sexiest actors, John Abraham and Katrina Kaif are coming together for Yash Raj's next offering, 'New York.' The film also stars relative newbie, Neil Nitin Mukesh. Now a film with actors as scorching as John Abraham and Katrina Kaif would be something along the lines of the skin show that was 'Dostana,' but alas that's not the case!

Actually the film is about three friends, John, Katrina and Neil, who live a carefree fun loving college life that revolves around the three of them. Everything is fine until the world is changed forever with the horrific events of September 11, 2001. The friend's lives are flipped upside down as the film investigates the touchy subject of what happened, or may have happened to Muslims living in America in the days and weeks after 9/11. In fact the trailer shows the intensity of the film with John locked up and curled into a ball naked in jail.

Now word is that due to the history between John Abraham and Katrina Kaif's boyfriend Salman Khan (the two are known to be on cold terms and do not get along) as well as the history between Katrina Kaif and John Abraham's girlfriend Bipasha Basu (it was reported the two shared cold vibes on the sets of 'Race') that John Abraham and Katrina Kaif would not get along either. Thank goodness that wasn't the case! The two got along like a house on fire! Hmmm... we're pretty sure that didn't please their respective partners very much! Oh the Bollywood drama!

Any how, watch the trailer for 'New York' below and tell us your thoughts on a Bollywood making a film about such a sensitive topic.

ohn gets buzzed for Yash Raj's NEW YORK

We had recently told you about John Abraham's shooting stint in the USA for Yash Raj's Kabir Khan directed NEW YORK. We had also informed you that the trailers of the film co–starring Katrina Kaif and Neil Mukesh are included in Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming December 12 release, RAB NE BANA DI JODI. And, here is the latest (as always!).

As per our reliable trade sources, John Abraham has now gone in for a changeover as opposed to his hot–bod DOSTANA look. He has now gone in for a short buzzed hairstyle, which gives him a totally different look. This is in keeping with the demand of the script. No, his female fans need not be disappointed as the new look too is extremely appealing and gives John a youngish appearance. However, this is not to be his look throughout the film. John clarifies that this is just one of his looks in the film.

Well, after his critically acclaimed performance in Kabir Khan's KABUL EXPRESS, we are sure that John will put in another good effort in NEW YORK, and it will be commercially successful too!

'New York' promo to unveil with RNBDJ

After the worldwide critical success of Kabul Express and fresh from his National Award as the Best Debutant Director, Kabir Khan is expanding his canvas for Yash Raj Films with his next film, titled, New York. The film has an exciting star cast of John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Irrfan Khan and the music is composed by Pritam.

What's more? New York will be the first release of 2009 from the Yash Raj Films and is bound to attract even more attention.

New York is a contemporary story of friendship set against the larger than life backdrop of a city, often described as the centre of the world. For most of us, larger events in the world are just headlines in the newspapers but these events can change our lives forever. New York is one such story of 3 young friends whose beautiful lives are turned upside down by larger events beyond their control.

In fact, the buzz for New York is going to start on December 12, when the trailer of New York will be unveiled with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

John turns sensitive

"I am proud of AASHAYEIN and wish that the world sees it soon", beams John Abraham as he moves on from his recent success DOSTANA and looks forward to his next release that is helmed by Nagesh Kukunoor.

While in DOSTANA, John did well in role of a happy–go–lucky man who 'pretended' to be a gay, AASHAYEIN sees him portraying a sensitive character.

"I play the role of a compulsive gambler who wins quite a fortune from a bet but soon realizes that he won't be able to enjoy the riches since he has only 90 days to live", reveals John about the part that he plays as a central protagonist in AASHAYEIN.

What happens during the last days of his life forms the crux of the film as he is checks himself in a hospital where he meets a variety of inmates who change his outlook on life. How he rises above his own needs and lives life to the fullest while learning from the courage of those around him is his journey that goes by the name of AASHAYEIN.

John admits that AASHAYEIN touched his heart in a big way. "When Nagesh narrated the script to me, I knew there and then that I had to be a part of it. I would have wept so many times while going through the script of AASHAYEIN. It is a very sensitive film and I believe everyone should watch it at least once to learn a new meaning of living life.''

Also seeing Shryeas Talpade in a guest appearance, AASHAYEIN stars Sonal Sehgal and Anaitha Nair as the leading ladies. Salim–Sulaiman gave music in this film which is a co–production of Percept Picture Company and T–Series. The film is aiming for a release this January.

"New York is a dramatic thriller" - John Abraham

A lot is happening in the life of John Abraham. His 'body beautiful' was on ample display in Dostana and was highlighted as a USP of the film. His good performance came as further icing on the cake (and a surprise to many of his detractors). The film opened to very good collections and he was back in the reckoning again after most of 2008 being rather low key. Soon, he announced his decision of working in an action film but meanwhile he can't stop singing praises about his next big release New York [which he insists is yet a working title].

The principal shooting for New York is complete and the film is currently into post production. Meanwhile, John too would be soon moving to his next two projects but in the interim, he can't stop gushing about his experience of working with Kabir Khan again after Kabul Express.

"The way Kabir has directed the film is to be seen to be believed. I guess he is the new man on the horizon. Mark my words, he is the one to watch out for", says John who returns to yet another Yash Raj production after Kabul Express and Dhoom.

"It was one of the longest outdoor schedules I have been a part of and probably the most exhilarating too. We shot for the film day in and night out at Philadelphia and New York. Eventually, we ended up being ahead of schedule. I am confident that I have yet another beautiful film in hand", adds John.

Talking about his experience on working with the film, John says, "All credit to Adi (Aditya Chopra) and Kabir for making such a film. Whether it was story built up or characterization, they have worked so hard on getting it all just right for the film. Also Katrina Kaif and Neil Nitin Mukesh have been fantastic co-stars. The film is a dramatic thriller and a completely new kind of experience for me. As an actor, I feel enriched."

Meanwhile, his Aashayein was earlier all set for release in the first half of 2008 but got delayed due to multiple reasons. In fact the publicity built up of the film had seen a rise way back in April' 08 before it came to a grinding halt after a few weeks. Now the buzz is that Aashayein is expected to release in January 2009.

"Nagesh Kukunoor has made a brilliant film and I am proud of my performance there. My parents have seen the film and they were mighty impressed with the end product. I am looking forward to the release of the film; it is a story waiting to be told", signs off John.

Some more body show by John

John Abraham's body show in “Dostana” has become such a rage that now the producers of his under production film “Freeze” are cashing on it by getting John to repeat the act.

John will be shaking his booty in a club song to be picturised on him, Bipasha Basu and Neil Nitin Mukesh.

Not many may know but John and Neil are good pals, so one can expect a riot on the sets. The two stars became friends when they had gone for a script reading of Kabir Khan's “New York”.

John plans a home expansion

John Abraham, who lives on the eighth floor of Sea Glimpse Apartments, is now extending his home. The apartment below his place is now being readied for the actor.

The seventh floor space is being designed in Bandra, jointly by his father, brother and cousin sister.

Talking about it, John says, "I come from a family of architects my father (Abraham), brother Alan (who got married this year) and cousin sister Anahita are all architects. My brother is there 24/7, and together with my cousin, is designing my flat. Though I always had the seventh floor apartment, the penthouse terrace apartment on the eighth has always been my home. I am uncomfortable in large spaces."

John adds that though he had bought the seventh floor apartment, he never shifted into it as his penthouse apartment suited his basic needs. It was so functional that it didn't have a proper bed but a futon, which functioned as one. John smiles and says, "Now this apartment has a bed. My apartment on the seventh floor looks like a home while the terrace one never did though it fitted my description of a home. But now, I want a proper home. My family and I got together, took a collective call and decided to get it designed."

John is very enthusiastic about Alan's designs. He says, "My brother has some brilliant plans. I am very much a wood and glass person and the interior design is amazing. It's a reflection of my tastes. Its very today's architecture and some of Alan's ideas are real head-turners. The ideas he's shared with me are unbelievable! For me, every step of architecture and interior designing is a learning process. When dad and Alan talk, I just listen. They are functional and when I sometimes go wild with my ideas, they bring me down."

John says the concept and design of his home is along basic minimalistic lines. "I will be having stuff like wooden flooring and lots of open air spaces. My tastes are very simple, basic, earthy and not overtly done up yet exude a positive energy. I take a final call on everything. I am very close to nature and love plants, so my new home will have lots of greens too. Everything will look real and not posh. I feel uncomfortable with too much sophistication."

The shifting will take time, says John. "It will take about six months and we have just started breaking stuff.

The society people have been very gracious, tolerant, cooperative and a big help to us."

Karan Johar confirms DOSTANA collections

"DOSTANA has collected 28 crores at the end of first week from India alone", comes an official statement from Karan Johar even as different figures continue to float around ever since the first week came to a close.

Though there have been speculations around 25–26 crores being the final billing for DOSTANA in India, Karan's statement should set all speculations to rest considering it comes from the head honcho himself.

"Dharma Productions as well as Yash Raj Films, which has distributed the film, are extremely happy with the way DOSTANA has worked at the box office", adds Karan Johar who now is the man behind Bollywood's first hardcore commercial film with two men playing gay characters, even though by faking it.

With YUVVRAAJ not opening to a good response and no other biggie in the sight till the arrival of RAB NE BANA DI JODI, is he fathoming chances of DOSTANA turning out to be a big money spinner?

"I have been informed that the film has done well in the second weekend as well though I am waiting for the official numbers to come in. I am not surprised though since audience is watching it the second time around as well", says Karan hours before boarding flight for New York.

With YUVVRAAJ all set to be a loser at the box office and relatively smaller movies arriving in weeks to come (there are as many as 10 of them though in the fortnight leading to RAB NE BANA DI JODI), DOSTANA is destined to earn mega bucks at the box office. Though 40 crores is now very much within the reach, it would be interesting to see if Abhishek and John manage to get a 50 crores film to their name.

Celebration time for Abhishek, John & Priyanka

Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra’s friendship has proved fruitful at the box office, not just in India but overseas as well.

In UK the opening weekend collections are 330 thousand pounds. The Friday and Saturday figures in USA at $442 thousand have beaten Race ($397 thousand). In UAE the movie has registered $597 till Saturday. That happens to be the biggest opening for any Indian movie in UAE this year. In fact it has even exceeded the first week collections of Singh Is Kinng. The press abroad too has only good things to say about the movie.

B.O. update: 'Yuvvraaj' 40% - 60% start, 'Dostana' 1st wk nett 28 cr.

Subhash Ghai's ambitious fare YUVVRAAJ started well in the morning shows. The shows in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and NCR were almost packed, but the noon shows showed a decline as the film performed in the 40% - 60% range. The film picked up during the evening shows, but it remains to be seen where it tilts on Saturday and Sunday. YUVVRAAJ is crucial for both, Ghai and Salman Khan, who've been facing rough weather professionally.

Meanwhile, last week's DOSTANA was rock-steady on Friday, the first day of its second weekend. The trade is hopeful that the business will be strong on Saturday and Sunday as well. The first week nett [India] is approx. Rs. 28 crores [as per Dharma Productions]. Fantastic!