Karan Johar carries Kajol's excess baggage

It is possibly the first time Karan Johar is facing trouble shooting for a film and giving his a hard time is apparently his good friend Kajol, also the leading lady of his movie “My Name is Khan”.

Karan first had a tough time convincing Kajol to do the film. She finally gave him the nod, but is now proving very difficult to please.

Reportedly, Kajol first asked Karan to give her more on-screen presence and Karan had to modify the script as per her requirement. She then refused to go to LA without her daughter Nysa, who initially couldn’t travel with her to Los Angeles because of a problem with her visa. Karan had a tough time convincing her to leave for LA without her daughter as his shooting schedule would have been disrupted if Kajol didn’t show up on time.

Now again Karan is said to be facing a problem. Kajol is apparently taking nine people along with her to LA. She, her daughter Nysa, her sister Tanisha, her mom Tanuja, her hair dresser and her fashion designer with assistants. And what’s more, she has even asked Karan to give Tanuja a small role in the film!

Work secondary for mummy Kajol!

Kajol is not just a talented actress but also an ideal mom.

When it comes to giving time to her daughter Nyasa, mummy Kajol’s work takes a back seat. She is currently shooting with her dear friend Shah Rukh in US for My Name is Khan. We heard Kajol has already informed her director friend Karan Johar that she won’t be able to stay away from her darling daughter for a very long time. So KJo made sure that things were in order so that he could get Kajol to spend some quality time with Nyasa. So, Kajol would finish her shots quickly and then return to dote on daughter dearest!

Dabboo Ratnani's Designer Calendar 2009

Sometimes a picture can say more than multitudinous words. For a great photograph sparks off diverse connotations and impacts the subconscious in a manner that can't be defined. That's the beauty of Dabboo Ratnani's Photography. It's an Art Form that's unique and goes much beyond the Obvious. Recently Dabboo launched his 10th Annual Calendar for which he shot 48 top Bollywood stars. Bollywood Buzz caught up with him and he shared a few of the pictures from this Designer Calendar exclusively with us for all you guys. Let's bring you Dabboo's impressions about each one of these pictures.

Mallika Sherawat
She wanted to do something which was not the usual. You've always seen sexy pictures of Mallika but we wanted to keep that oomph factor there in the picture and still do something. So both of us brainstormed and we thought let's try something with guns and try something more action image yet still keeping that sexy image like Charlie's Angels.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
I shot lots of pictures in that outfit, the beautiful red gown that Anahita Shroff had done. We did a lot of full lengths, some tight close ups & finally went in for an extremely tight close up for the final choice of picture. The kind of toning that I have given the picture has kind of whitewashed everything else except the eyes and the mouth so the whole attention goes on to the expression to her eyes.

Shahrukh Khan
We had actually frozen on using a white formal shirt but then when I was going through his wardrobe I came across a red shirt. His boy said yeh zyada nahi pehente hain, so I said its ok I'll ask him and he said ok sure whatever you want me to wear. I haven't used any lights in the picture. Although it's an indoor picture, the source of the light was the chrome plated light which was in his library at home.

Kajol
With Kajol it so just happened on the way to the shoot I saw a man who was sitting on the carrier of a taxi. This was one day before the shoot and he was tying something on the carrier and sitting on top which made an interesting composition for me.

Priyanka Chopra
Every picture is different... some have props some don't. This is one of the pictures which doesn't have any prop except for all black on black where she is wearing a black dress. We've used lot of black in that picture. It's more like a fashion shot. The picture is looking simple but that's the beauty of that picture.

Lara Dutta
We shot in a stud farm where we had a horse in the background. It was a great fun picture, more energy, more the mood of the picture that we tried to capture. Although it's very sexy but it does not look anywhere close to vulgar. That's the beauty of that picture.

KJO Unplugged!

He is known for playing his cards, or shall we say, brewing his coffee well ...always-be it as a producer, director, host or cameo actor. And of course he has his own set of humour that adds a flavour to every thing he does. Karan Johar gets candid with our correspondent.

Is it true that you have become a 'dietician' to Kajol and Kareena?
Oh my God! I expected you to start with DOSTANA and you shot the other way...(laughs). It's all right. See, I have not become a 'dietician' to Kajol and Kareena in a true sense, but I have given them some suggestions to abide by if they are interested in working in my next films. I have asked Kajol to lose some flab for MY NAME IS KHAN. And I told Kareena not to lose weight for an unnamed Dharma Productions film to be directed by a friend Rensil D'Silva.

I understand Kajol's weight loss, but Kareena's size zero is quite 'in' now...
That's a myth and may be a momentary craze. But the truth is Indian audience always prefers a healthy (not fat) heroine...this size zero concept is not for Hindi film heroines, at least that's what I feel.

You will be directing again after quite some time. Tell us more about MY NAME IS KHAN?
MY NAME IS KHAN is a film based on the psyche of a Muslim man whose name comes up in the suspect list of terrorists post 9/11. Yes, as usual, this film has Shah Rukh as the hero and Kajol as the heroine. And I will be directing a film after quite some time. The trio will be back to sizzle the screen after KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM. So you may as well call it my comeback as a director.

We heard it took you long to persuade Kajol to sign the film. True?
Kajol is always like that...she knows she can never say 'No' to me...still she tries in vain. But the point is, I am very happy that she has finally agreed to do the film because only she can play her character in the film.

Why is Shah Rukh an indispensable part of almost every Dharma Productions film? Is it because he sells?
Shah Rukh is definitely one of the biggest stars in Bollywood and his screen presence does make a difference. But the reason why he is in almost all our films is something different. My father (Yash Johar) was very fond of Shah Rukh, in fact he considered him to be family, which of course, SRK is. And when I decided to make films, he said: 'Beta, if possible, try to involve Shah Rukh in all Dharma Productions projects.' Besides, Shah Rukh has been a friend, philosopher and guide...it's an old association and old habits die hard.

Kajol on the cover of M

"Blue eyes say, Love me or I die; hazel eyes say, Love me or I kill thee."

If the above statement is even one percent true, then be ready for the kill as Kajol is all ready and already on the prowl with her killer eyes, all this and more only in the latest issue of the magazine 'M'. With the magical hands of the ace shutterbug Jatin Kampani at the helm of things, it's totally needless to say that Kajol looks like a million bucks and like never before!

Kajol speaks all about her pre and post marital life, in the article that's aptly titled 'Forever Fantasy'. She also lets the cats loose as she speaks about the things that she is passionate about, her cooking, nightmares etc... With her being all set to make the comeback innings with My Name Is Khan, Bollywood is all set to sway again to her tunes! Till then, 'M' is the way to go!

Kajol in '3 Idiots'

After U, ME AUR HUM, actress Kajol will be seen in a Karan Johar film... quite expected, eh? But for some more interesting news, the actor is doing a cameo for another Khan, Aamir! At least that's what the gupshup is these days.

Kads, who makes that extra effort for KJo, SRK or then hubby Devgan, readily accepted to do a special appearance in Raj Kumar Hirani's 3 IDIOTS.

Apparently Kajol has done this role just for Aamir, whom she was paired opposite in FANAA. But what is it exactly that she's doing in 3 IDIOTS isn't too clear yet. It's a small but fantastic role, we're told. Kads?

A sneak peek at Daboo Ratnani's 2009 calendar

Any New Year, alongwith it, not just brings new hopes and new aspirations, it also brings with it, hordes of calendars, courtesy, the twinkling residents of Bollywood and their shutterbugs. Not all the calendars are worth a mention, but then, there are some really exceptional ones that are worth its wait and weight in gold.

One such calendar of 2009 is that of the 'Edward Shutter Hands' Dabboo Ratnani. It features the brightest Bollywood stars like Akshay Kumar, Kangna Ranaut, Sushmita Sen, Abhishek Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kajol, Riteish Deshmukh and Deepika Padukone.

One look at Kajol who's atop a Mumbai taxi in a flaming red dress seems like giving an open challenge to fire. Some Mind blowing stuff this!

Same goes for the oooh-so-haute looking Deepika Padukone, who seems to be all set to slain someone with her (designer) sword.

Riteish, who has been carrying the missing tag in Bollywood, looks awesomely striking with his Beatles-inspired sixties' black and white look. Must admit, after this snap-shot, even the non-Riteish fans will turn into his devotees!

We are at a staggering loss of words when it comes to describe the snap that has got the deadly Sanjay Dutt, who is on his dream possession, the gleaming red Ferrari with some killer minced look while at the wheels. If this isn't deadly enough, then nothing else in the world is!

Let us also add that this is just a teaser to whet your appetite for more, as Bollywood Buzz will soon be unveiling Daboo Ratnani's 2009 calendar exclusively for you. Don't miss that!

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.

SRK Romances Kajol, Bipasha, Lara, Preity and Rani

Why is Kareena gorging and Kajol starving

The two top actresses of Bollywood Kajol and Kareena are indeed doing as mentioned in our headlines! Kajol is on a strict diet and Kareena Kapoor has been asked to put on weight. Well, nothing to be surprised about. They are merely following instructions from none other than their producer, Karan Johar!

As is known both Kajol and Kareena are working under the Dharma Productions banner but in two different films. Kajol is doing Karan Johar's MY NAME IS KHAN and Kareena in the Rensil D'Silva directed Karan Johar produced film.

Kajol is scheduled to commence the shooting of Karan Johar's next directorial venture, MY NAME IS KHAN and for that Karan wants Kajol to shed a few kilos to look a part of her character. So he has asked Kajol to go on a strict diet of almonds (!). Surprised? Well, the healthy nut is known to help shed weight in a jiffy. As for Kareena, she has been asked to put on weight for the Rensil D'Silva directed Saif and Vivek starrer. Karan has told her forthrightly that he does not believe in the size zero figure for a Hindi film heroine and has requested Kareena to eat properly and put on a bit of weight.

And people thought becoming an actor was an easy job!

Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan, Kajol, John Abraham and Kareena Kapoor at the Times Food and Nightlife Awards 2008-09

Ajay Devgan to direct Kajol again!

GOLMAAL RETURNS is Ajay Devgan's biggest grosser till date yet the calm, composed and cool super actor is his usual self. Though he is very happy with the overwhelming response to the film, he is very much focused on his next directorial venture after U ME AUR HUM.

Devgan clarifies that the film should have gone on the floors but it is taking longer than expected. Reason? Well, Ajay wants his film to be technically perfect and on par with international standards, and these things take time. Ajay confirms that his wife, Kajol will once again star in the film and that there wont be too many characters in the film (ala RNBDJ; SRK too says that there are not many characters in the film!).

Devgan is hopeful that he wont make the same mistake that he made with (his debut directorial film) U ME AUR HUM, that of trying to play it safe in the first half and says that he wont hold back on his instincts.

Here's wishing the best to Ajay for his next!

Kajol appointed as Goodwill Ambassador of UK based Loomba Trust

Kajol may not be seen much in films these days but the bubbly actress surely has her hands full with endorsements and some charitable work.

Kajol was recently appointed as the goodwill ambassador of the U.K. based Loomba Trust, a charity dedicated to the education of widow's children in and around India.

The function held at Whitehall London (on the occasion of UN International day to celebrate non-violence- Oct 2) saw some bigwigs such as Cherie Blair (wife of former British P.M. Tony Blair), Mayor of London Boris Johnson and India's high commissioner to the U.K. Shiv Shankar Mukherjee in attendance.

Cherie Blair who also happens to be the President of the Loomba Trust presented Kajol with a plaque. The actress said that she would do her best to be worthy of this appointment.

The Loomba Trust, founded by Raj Loomba, has already helped educated 3500 children of widows in India and plans to extend its activities to Sri Lanka, Nepal and South Africa in the coming years.

"The 12 Minute Long Song"

Kajol, Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta and Priyanka Chopra will pay a tribute to yesteryear actresses like Nargis, Sharmila Tagore and Waheeda Rehman in the Shah Rukh Khan starrer, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

We were the first to tell you that Shah Rukh Khan will be paying a tribute to five yesteryear superstars in a 12-minute-long special song in Aditya Chopra's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. And to make the song bigger, Aditya Chopra has decided to include four top actresses to join Shah Rukh in the song.

After Kajol who was the first actress to be finalised to be part of the ambitious song, Aditya Chopra has also signed Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta and Priyanka Chopra for the song. The actresses will pay a tribute to yesteryear actresses like Nargis, Sharmila Tagore, Waheeda Rehman and others.

A source said, "Aditya had already recorded the song some months ago with Sonu Nigam. In the song, Shah Rukh Khan pays a tribute to actors like Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna and Rishi Kapoor. And the song will pay not only pay a tribute to the yesteryear actors and actresses but also famous singers. Sonu, who has sung the song, has paid a tribute to legendary singers like Mukesh, Rafi and Jolly Mukherjee."

"Now Yash Raj Films has also signed Kajol, Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta and Priyanka Chopra to star with Shah Rukh in the song. These leading ladies will be paying a tribute to some of the most talented actresses like Nargis, Waheeda Rehman and Sharmila Tagore. The song is one the biggest highlights of the film. The song is composed by Salim-Suleiman," added the source.

When contacted, Monica Bhatacharya, the official spokesperson of Yash Raj Films said, "Yes, some of the people you mentioned are doing something in the film. But we would not like to disclose who they are or what exactly are they doing in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi."

Kajol in RAB NE BANA DI JODI

It's a known fact that Kajol has been SRK's lucky mascot ever since the duo shared the screen space in BAAZIGAR (way back in 90's). Whenever this hit jodi of Bollywood came together the film worked wonders at Box–office. Audiences adore seeing their blazing chemistry on–screen even if it is for few seconds. And that is the reason SRK prefers to have Kajol's presence (even in cameos/special appearances) in his movies.

Last she was seen in SRK's home production OM SHANTI OM (but in a special appearance) which again turned a massive hit.

Now that SRK's one more esteemed project RAB NE BANA DI JODI, which is being directed Aditya Chopra and stars newcomer Anuskha Sharma opposite King Khan, is impending. SRK has once again roped in his dear friend and lucky charm Kajol for RAB NE BANA DI JODI. No the bubbly actress is not paired with SRK but only doing a song in the film. If the reports are to be believed than it was none other than ace filmmaker Aditya Chopra's idea to have Kajol's presence in the film.

Reportedly, the song will be shot in Mumbai. And Kajol will appear in one of the verses of a song filmed on Shah Rukh and newcomer Anushka Sharma. The setting of the song will be a Punjabi folk event, and Kajol will appear for few seconds before the song ends.

So all those diehard SRK–Kajol fans can enjoy the glimpse of the jodi once again!

Ana Singh's Store Launch - Video

Kajol inaugurates designer Anna Singh's signature design store

Ana Singh is one lucky lady.

What else should be said after the glitzy and star studded opening of her first boutique in Bandra.

Actress Kajol came with her sister Tanisha. She did the honour of launching the store.

Till midnight, celebrities were seen coming to and going from the new born store.

Ana is also did the interior designing of the store along with Ayesha Shroff and invaluable inputs from Zarine Khan, Suzzane Roshan. The candles were designed by Dimple Kapadia.

The store caters to the needs of the people who are interested in signature print dresses, swarovski encrusted clutches, belts, jewellery, indo-western tops and funky menswear.

The media personalities present for the launch were surprised to see Aishwarya Rai coming to check out the new shopping place.

She made a quick exit as she had to catch a flight.

Other tinsel town members who came are Karan Hohar, Gauri Khan Arpita Khan, Chunky Pandey, Sophie Choudhari, Zarine Khan, Suzzane Khan, Queenie Dhodie, Kim Sharma, Preeti Jhangiani, Azhruddin and Sangeeta Bijlani, Chayaa Mommaya, Achla Sachdev, Vikram Chatwal, Sony Sood, Poonam Dhillon, Rajeshwari Sachdev, Ashish Chowdhary, Boman Irani with wife, Neelam, Ketan Mehta, Sooraj Bharjatiya with family, Divya Khosla Kumar, Kehkashan among others.

Anna Singh’s Store Launch

Kabhi Naa Kabhi Haan

Kareena Kapoor can put her hopes of being cast in My Name Is Khan to complete rest. For finally Karan Johar’s first choice Kajol has agreed to do the film. Kajol gave the nod to the project on Thursday.

A source close to Kajol’s husband, Ajay Devgan, tells us, “Kajol indeed took a long time to take a call on her participation in Karan Johar’s My Name Is Khan, but the problem was that she had not heard the script in detail. This week, she took a long look at the script and finally said ‘yes’.”

“Karan and Kajol go back a long way. Their dosti is not only friendship but respect for each other as well. Kajol could not have refused the film outright,” the insider further says.

So how will Kajol adjust to the US schedule? Will her daughter Nysa accompany her? Wasn’t that one of the reasons why Kajol took long to give her nod of consent? “Well, that all will be sorted out. Kajol has worked out how to look after Nysa during that period. Whether Nysa will go with Kajol or not is still not known,” our source adds.

We sent a text message to KJo (as Karan is fondly called in the industry), but he did not reply.

My Name Is Khan, directed by Karan Johar, stars Karan’s best buddy, Shah Rukh (who co-produces My Name Is Khan) in the male lead.

The only time Shah Rukh and Kareena have been romantically paired earlier was in Asoka the Great (2001), which too was produced in part by Shah Rukh Khan.
mumbai news

'I go with the script'

After U Me Aur Hum, the lovely Kajol wants to be seen with her husband Ajay Devgan all over again.

“I’m afraid I’ll be seen maybe once a year, if not less, but I’m starting a new film with my husband very shortly. It’s actually an animation film with human characters called Toonpur Ka Superhero, something like Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

We’re actually playing ourselves, yes, we’ll be Ajay and Kajol. But the cartoon characters get the main roles. It will be healthy competition for me,” Kajol joked.

She’s more full-time mother and part-time-actress now, but Kajol loves being a mother. “I was born to be a mother. It’s my niche in life. And I don’t mind if it sounds a little syrupy in this day and age.

Whoever I’ve worked with, Aditya Chopra in Fanaa or my husband in U Me Aur Hum, knew that my baby comes at numbers 1 to 10, everything else comes later,” said a much mellowed Kajol. According to her, the secret of her staying power is that she does little work. “I like to do less work. No, seriously, I’m lazy. So is my husband. But if I get any more choosy, I won’t be working at all. It’s not that I’m extra selective, but I look at a project in its entirety. I won’t just grab an offer because it comes from a big banner. I believe in the power of the story more than the storyteller.”

All of Kajol’s films have featured her in pivotal parts but, the actress said, she wouldn’t mind doing a small, meaty part as well. “Give me six juicy scenes and I’ll do the role. But those don’t really exist in our cinema. Frankly, even the full-length roles that are offered to me aren’t so great,” Kajol added. What about Fanaa? “Earlier I didn’t do my friend Karan Johar’s Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna because I had no time. But then, when Fanaa came to me, it sounded really good. But as it usually happens, it turned out better on paper. Like I say, the script is always better than the film. The book is better than the film.” Not true in the cases of Man Woman & Child and The Godfather. Kajol said defensively, “I haven’t read those books.”

She now wants to work only with people she’s comfortable with. “Not necessarily friendly, but yes, who I’m comfortable with. I do so little work, I’d rather do it with people whom I can relate to. I’m not talking about bum-chum friendship, just a basic comfort level is essential.” And suppose she has to choose between doing a film with her husband and her friend Karan Johar? “They both understand me very well as a human being and an actor. So I’d go with the better script.”