Dil chahta hai, again

If all goes well, Aamir Khan and Preity Zinta will star together in Yash Chopra’s next.

While Preity has taken the signing amount from the Yash Raj camp, Aamir is in advanced talks with YRF.

Our source from YRF said, “The script penned down by Yash Chopra is ready. And like all Chopra films, this one promises to be a romance as well. And as seen in earlier films directed by Yash Chopra, it is the heroine who plays a crucial role in it. The story demanded a heroine exuding absolute purity and innocence and Yash Chopra has roped in Preity for it. The story encapsulates the journey of two strangers who meet and share deep love in old age too.”

Our source added, “Preity has already marked out dates for this yet-untitled film. Yash Chopra plans to start shooting in July and finish shooting in one schedule. The film is expected to hit the theatres in December.”
Yash Chopra has Aamir Khan in mind for the male lead. Our source said, “There are talks on with Aamir currently. Yash Chopra was impressed with the magic that Aamir and Preity had created in Dil Chahta Hai. Therefore he is keen to have the two in this film.”

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - Movie Review

Well, to start off with, Aditya Chopra spells yet another poignant dimension of pure love as in his previous ventures with SRK; DDLJ and Mohabattein. Yeah! These tales were retentive impressing everyone from 8-80yrs old men and women. Of course, we fell in love getting imbibed with those spellbinding personations in these flicks. So, guess what about Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi – a film that brings back sensational pair SRK-Aditya together after 8yrs? Does the film exceed everyone's expectations on 'Love' n 'Entertainment' factors? Or merely conks out dashing down our hopes?

Hats off to Aditya Chopra! An awesome motif of delineating a touching story of romance...

Have you ever stopped to think if the most ordinary, uninteresting, unobtrusive man you might see on the road or around you might have a love story to tell?

Maybe not! How can an ordinary man have a breathtaking, goose flesh igniting, awe inspiring love story of all things to tell?

But guess what - love does not differentiate between the ordinary and exceptional, the uninteresting and interesting, the unattractive and attractive. Because love knows no distinction. It can happen to anyone and once it does it engulfs us into it completely and gives us those heaven-sent experiences that only love can yield.

Perhaps, everything in fine and good with the one-liner…. But Aditya Chopra fails in crafting a gripping narration all throughout the show. A flimsy screenplay lacking finesse with bits and pieces of discontinuities and these attributes easily scatters audiences' attention. The best illustration goes with SRK's ducky actresses shaking legs with him for 'Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte' on theatre screen. It's completely odd for that situation and possibly, the sequences could've been switched over to latter half as a 'special round in Dance show'. Was it an attempt to deliver a replica of 'Om Shanthi Om' song of film stars dancing together?

The film is about Surinder Sahni (Shahrukh Khan) - a simple, clean hearted, honest man working for Punjab Power, leading a humdrum life, when he meets his total opposite and finds love in the flamboyant, fun-loving, vivacious -Taani (Anushka Sharma) for whom the whole world is her canvas and she paints her own life with the colours of rainbow all until unforeseen circumstances changes it all and brings them together. Sooner, its biggest dance show in Amritsar and Surinder coiffes himself as Raj what he calls 'Macho Chap'… He does it all to impress his girl Taani and what's next?

It's a journey filled with laughter, tears, joy, pain, music, dance and a lot of love. A journey that makes us believe that there is an extraordinary love story in every ordinary jodi.

The first half dawdles with sluggish narration until earlier minutes to pre-interval where SRK's soliloquy with statue takes on emotional quotients. Well, the latter half comprises of few enjoyable moments like Anushka racing on her bike with 'Dhoom Machale' on BCM and next ultimate shot of Vinay Pathak-SRK at garage.

It's a crème de la crème performance by Shah Rukh Khan as he emotes resplendently on all situations. Be it his make-over sequences adjusting his tight jeans in dance class or the performance in penultimate minutes, King Khan is awe-inspiring. A flawless performance by debutant Anushka Sharma and of course she eclipses Shah Rukh on many parts. What to say about Vinay Pathak? He's over-the-top and more emblazons to the screen. He strides sparkling smiles on our lips with his wiggeries and soaks our eyes as he gets emotional. Don't miss the great dance of SRK-Vinay for the original tune of 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi'. Its emotional outbursts from every characterization that turns entire spotlights on RNBDJ…

Aditya's innovative thought is laudable on certain parts like Shah Rukh laying rose next to food and again placing it vase, pictorial of Anushka's face for the song 'Tuj Mei Rab Diktha Hai' and entire Amritsar being lit up, 'I Love You' deserves grand round of applause. Fine! Young lads and missies would hail with praise worthy comments for Adhi's ideation. Both SRK and Anushka swallowing Pani Purees followed by abrupt sequence where he has to finish of delicious Biriyani are evokes laughter.

Nevertheless, the biggest flaw is that how come a woman fails to recognize her husband with a slight-make over…. The characters of Surindar and Raj differ merely with thin moustache, hair style and costumes. Both the characters have same voice sans any modulations….

What barricaded Aditya's cognizance while dropping these lines on his paper? Indeed, it's a billion dollar question.

Ravi K Chandran's cinematography enhances visual quality and his placement of creative angles deserves special attention. The duo Salim-Sulaiman seems to have not percolated a lot for background scoring. It's again the pieces of existing numbers in album tuned and they sway on all songs.

Possibly, 'Haule Haule' and 'Dance Pe' peaked with high-promos prior to release. For sure, both the versions of 'Tuj Mei Rab Dikta Hai' capture your senses with beauteous visualizing. 'Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte' fails to make it big despites grand set decorations, costumes and top-charting actresses with SRK. Ritesh Soni's editing especially on 'Dancing Jodi' at the climax is mind blowing... Choreography by Vaibhavi and Shiamak are sumptuously ne plus ultra…

On the whole, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is enjoyable on many parts with fun, frolic, lots of music and dance, pains and emotions.

SRK and YRF's hit musical Jodi

YRF has limited the promotion of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi to Shah Rukh Khan and the music which is doing pretty well. And it makes complete sense too going by their hit history. SRK and Yash Raj make a super hit musical Jodi.

Salim of Salim-Suleiman, the composers of most YRF films including Rab Ne… thinks the simplicity of the songs have made it a big hit. "SRK's image in the film is very simple and he hums these songs to himself. Haule Haule is so easy to hum, it has a melodious tune and people have liked SRK's simple, common man character in the song and the film. We never expected such simple music to do so well. We followed the brief that was given to us and fortunately it has worked,” he says.

Both Haule Haule and their previous huge hit Chak De have been rendered brilliantly by Sukhwinder Singh. So is he their lucky mascot? Salim says, "Sukhwinder is one of my favourite singers and he just fits into any song. Haule Haule was much easier to compose than Chak De which was a real task. I am happy that both the songs have done well."

We track down the winning combination of SRK and YRF chartbusters over the years:

Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jaana Sanam: Movies come and go but 1996 release DDLJ is still running in theatres. We still like all the songs, whether it is Ruk Ja Oh Dil Deewane or Mere Khwabon mein jo aaye or Najaane mere but the signature tune has achieved cult status and is one of most loved romantic songs of all times. It is a love anthem par excellence which made Raj every girl's dream guy.

Dil Toh Pagal Hai: Every person in love identified with this song because it expressed the very feelings they were going through. In fact all the songs, be it Le gayi or Chak Dhum or Are ye kya hua captured the soul of being in love and made everyone want to fall in or celebrate love. No wonder the album was a huge success.

Jaadoo Teri Nazar: Every guy wanted to sing this song for his Kkiran. It made the letter 'K' popular and SRK even made an obsessive lover look good in Darr, so much so that he stole the show from hero Sunny Deol and we cried when he died. Tu mere saamne also struck some chords but was not as magical.

Tere Liye: A perfect classical love song sung in Lata ji's sweet voice for Veer and Zaara's enduring love. You wouldn't expect such a slow song to be such a huge hit, but it is a simple love song and everyone love simple, enduring love stories. The other song, Do pal ki doori became the anthem for lovers in long distance relationships.

Humko Humise Churalo: SRK was the Messiah of love in Mohabbatein, encouraging people to fight for their love because it is all worth it in the end. People who had lost their sweethearts identified with his undying love for his lady and he filled their hearts with hope and faith. The other songs like Pairo mein Bandhan and Ankhen Khuli were melodious enough but didn't touch the soul like Humko Humise did.

Chak De India: This is probably the only non-romantic song on the list. But SRK's charisma, the inspiring lyrics, Sukhwinder's powerful voice and the slick video featuring SRK as the wise and determined hockey coach made the song a national sports anthem.

Haule Haule: Bespectacled SRK looks adorable as he jumps onto carts and scooters and gives us hope that haule haule pyaar ho jayega pyaar and we needn't get stressed! There is a lot of melody in the song and the lyrics are uplifting, telling us not to worry and be patient because love will triumph in the end. So simple, so sweet and easy to hum. Another soul stirrer from Rab ne Bana di Jodi is the soothing Tujh mein rab Dikhta hai. People are also grooving to Phir Milenge and Dance pe Chance which are soaring the music charts.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi rated social, cleared for universal viewing!

Here is the big news regarding this week's prestigious release. As per trade and distribution sources, Yash Raj Films Pvt. Ltd.'s Aditya Chopra directed, RAB NE BANA DI JODI, has been rated as a 'social' and given a 'U' (universal) censor certificate (C.C. No. CIL/1/207/2008).

As per the additional information, RAB NE BANA DI JODI has a total length of 4490.20 metres in 16 reels, with an approximate running time of 165 minutes. The film will include in its prints the trailers of Yash Raj's next release, NEW YORK, starring John, Katrina and Neil and has a length of 76.20 metres.

The much awaited Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma and Vinay Pathak starrer is all set to release globally this Friday!

SRK movie secret is out!

Aditya Chopra's well guarded secret - the story of his forthcoming film starring Shah Rukh Khan and newcomer Anushka Sharma - is finally out.

Shah Rukh Khan's different look, that of an ordinary boring government employee has evoked quite some curiosity from people and now that the story is out, all curiosity will fizz out.

A source at the Yash Raj Films revealed on the condition of anonymity that RNBDJ is a romantic tale of an older man Shah Rukh Khan his young teenage bride.

The source says: "There is a big age difference between them and they are not what you'd call a perfect couple. They are merely stretching their marriage with no real romance in between them. They are two very different people. There's a reality dance show called Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - which is the main backdrop of the movie. The show is on the lines of popular television show, Nach Baliye."

The source continues, "Anushka wants to take part in the dance competition but she can't because her husband is an old and not hip and happening. She fears that if she dances with him, she will lose the show and become the laughing stock among all her friends, who are taking part in the same. Shah Rukh over hears his wife's problem and decides to go in for a makeover. He then watches some movies and changes his image completely and comes back to the show and woos Anushka off her feet. All the way through the dance competition, she keeps on falling in love with this new and improved Shah Rukh, without once realising that the man she is dancing with is her real husband."

However, Yash Raj Films have not commented on this news.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi's theatrical promo to hit theatres on November 14

The much awaited theatrical promo of Aditya Chopra's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi will be unveiled in theatres worldwide this Friday (November 14). This promo of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is being released with Dostana which is also being distributed by Yash Raj Films. So if you have seen ' Haule Haule', the first musical promo of the film, and want to know what the film is all about, then get ready to check out the film's theatrical promo.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi stars Shah Rukh Khan and debutante Anushka Sharma, and is written and directed by Aditya Chopra. The music of the film is by Salim-Sulaiman and the lyrics are by Jaideep Sahni.

Exclusive: Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - Haule Haule Promo - You Must Watch

YRF felicitates KJo to celebrate 10 years of association with Dharma Productions

Thursday (October 23) saw the doors of the Courthouse Hotel graced by Bollywood's most successful film director Karan Johar, as he joined members of the public and media to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his Box Office smash Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and the release of his hotly anticipated film Dostana, hosted by Yash Raj Films.

The intimate and exclusive gathering allowed the invited audience to pose challenging questions to get to the heart of Karan's thoughts and ambitions. The fascinating and often revealing interview session hosted by actor and radio presenter, Ameet Chana, took guests through Karan's 10 year journey from the new boy of Bollywood to the hottest property on the other side of the camera.

It was the first time that members of the public had been given access to Karan and his frank, open and amusing answers to their questions. Visitors were given a unique insight into the man that has given global audiences such memorable films as Kal Ho Naa Ho, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and of course Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna amongst others.

Event host Ameet Chana said, "It's been an honour and a pleasure to host this celebration and to be one of the first to quiz Karan about the new film, Dostana. He is such a prestigious figure in the Bollywood film industry and it's great to finally get him in the hot seat!"

Talking about Dostana, Karan said, "Dostana was great to produce as it is a light hearted look at friendship, love and relationships of all types. Filming in a great location such as Miami inevitably leads to fun and frolics for crew and cast alike. As you know, I like my films to break barriers and create lots of discussion and debate and I hope Dostana will continue the trend."

Avtar Panesar, Vice President of International Operations for Yash Raj films said, "Our relationship with Dharma Productions has been growing and developing, just as Karan's portfolio has. We are delighted to be part of the team that brings his films to global audiences. It seems fitting that we not only celebrate the huge impact that KKHH had on audiences across the world, but also mark the next decade of Karan's journey with the launch of Dostana, which I know will successfully follow in the footsteps of all Karan Johar films. This is our way of thanking Karan Johar for his 10 years of 'Dostana' so far and hopefully we'll be back here in 10 years time to do it all over again."

Chak De India invited for the Tokyo International Film Festival

The Chak De India team continues on its victorious march! After having swept India, UK and the US, Shah Rukh Khan and his team have now set their eyes on winning over Japan. The film has been invited to be a part of the 21st Tokyo International Film Festival, to be held in Tokyo from the October 18 - 26, 2008. The Tokyo International Film Festival is one of Asia's most prominent and vibrant Film Festivals. It is renowned for showcasing alternative cinema from all corners of the globe. Chak De India will be showcased in the Winds of Asia-Middle East section. This section features the best films from East Asia, South East Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East.

This year's edition of the Tokyo International Film Festival is as comprehensive as ever, featuring 790 films from 72 countries in competitive section plus special sections devoted to world cinema Japanese cinema and many more. It will be even more memorable for Indian film lovers if Chak De India manages to woo Japan in a manner that not many previous Indian movies have succeeded (other than Rajnikanth movies of course). Shimit Amin, the Director of Chak De India will be traveling to Tokyo for the screening and said, "We are truly honored. It is a wonderful pat on the back for everyone associated with this film."

And given that the film has such universal appeal; it's highly probable that Chak De India will manage to leave a permanent mark on the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Screenings Dates:

19 Oct '08, 15:30 - 18:28 (open 15:10)
Roppongi [TOHO CINEMAS ROPPONGI HILLS SCREEN5]

22 Oct '08, 11:20 - 14:18 (open 11:00)
Shibuya [Bunkamura Le Cinema 2]

Exclusive First Look 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi'

Get ready to experience another magic experience after 8 years from Aditya Chopra, Aditya who enthralled the masses with his captivating direction in the film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is back with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi after 8 years.

This film is a beautiful romantic movie with Shahrukh Khan in the lead. Anushka Sharma is debuting in this film and is pairing with Shahrukh. This film is all set to mesmerize the audiences.This film has been produced by Yash Chopra & Aditya Chopra. Aditya Chopra has penned the story apart from directing this film. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi will hit the screens on 12 December 2008.

Roadside Romeo - First Look

Katrina Destroyed gossip makers

Destroying all the talk of she being thrown out of Shah Rukh Khan's Temptations Reloaded World Tour after the relationship of Salman and Shah Rukh went sour at her birthday party and Salman Khan not allowing her to be part of any film having his rivals, Katrina Kaif has shown that she is a hardcore professional.

Katrina has gone ahead and agreed for a Yashraj flick having SRK in the lead role.

The untitled movie to be directed by Yash Chopra also has John Abraham in a prominent role.

She will also be sharing the stage with Shah Rukh for a performance at Bhutan during the coronation day of the new king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk.

Both the top stars of Bollywood have been invited to Bhutan as the king in waiting is a big fan of Hindi films and he wanted SRK and Katrina to be present during the ceremony.

"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!

Saif disappointed and hurt over the way Tashan shaped up

Saif shot off a missive to Aditya Chopra expressing disappointment about the way his role in Tashan shaped out and about how it was edited

Letters appear to be the latest fad in B-Town. After Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s letter to Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan has now dashed off a missive to Aditya Chopra and Yash Raj Films expressing his disappointment and hurt over the way Tashan shaped up.

Says a source, “Saif believes in speaking his mind if he feels strongly against something and then, moving on.

When Tashan released, he was unhappy with the way the film had turned out.

He felt that not only had his role turned out to be quite different from the narration given but that it had also been chopped quite a bit at the editing table. Kareena and he were shocked at Tashan’s dismal turnout.”

Although the film was released in April, the timing of the letter makes you wonder whether this is Saif’s way of ensuring that he doesn’t get the short end of the stick again with his next YRF film which is ready for release.

The source adds, “Saif dashed off a letter to Adi telling him all he thought about Tashan and his role in it. Saif wrote about how he felt let down by the film. It was an emotional letter — revealing Saif’s hurt and disappointment.

Also, he felt that Yash Raj’s next, Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic, directed by Kunal Kohli, looked promising.

This time, he requested Kunal to show him the film before its release. Kunal did that. Saif loved the film.”

Saif doesn’t deny writing a letter to Adi but adds, “Aditya and I communicated. That’s it.

I did feel my role didn’t come across as well as it did on paper. Aditya and I spoke about it and we agreed that it was best for the overall narrative of the film.

I think we have all moved on to other things and we should let this matter rest. Right now, I am really looking forward to Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic.”

Ashish Singh, VP — Yash Raj says, “There’s no truth in this. Saif leads in our next, TPTM and came down specially for the launch in spite of being in Australia and being unwell. He is also an integral part of Roadside Romeo and YRF cherishes our relationship with him.”

''Yash Raj Films is home for me''

Who would think that 13 years had passed since the first time this jodi came together? At that time, the director was merely the scion of a great filmmaking family and the star was best known for taking on negative roles that no one else would. Then the magic they conjured up in their first film together, redefined Hindi cinema and set them on their respective paths to the heights of glory.

Now 13 years after DILWALE DULHANIYA LE JAYENGE first took the country by storm, and eight years after MOHABBATEIN, the jodi of Aditya Chopra, superstar director, and Shah Rukh Khan, superstar actor were together again, this time for the latest from Aditya Chopra as director, RAB NE BANA DI JODI with newcomer Anushka Sharma who joined in on the first day of shoot. And it was evident that Shah Rukh Khan was approaching this new role with his old comrade, with as much gusto and passion as ever.

'Starting the first day of shooting is what still gives me goose bumps like nothing else', said King Khan. 'And to make films with Yash Raj, that too when Adi is directing, is an experience that is more than 100% exciting. Yash Raj Films is, and will always be, home for me and who doesn't love coming home? Yash ji and Adi have always given me roles that have gotten me love and appreciation from fans all over the world. And this time Adi has again written a character for me to play that I think will become as beloved as Raj of DDLJ was. I am going to be trying as usual to hit it out of the park with RAB NE BANA DI JODI.'

And with these words, Shah Rukh Khan signed off from the first day of shooting, conveying to the world that something special was in the air, the most awaited film of the year was rolling as planned, and the Aditya Chopra - Shah Rukh Khan jodi were again creating that little bit of magic! Newcomer Anushka Sharma who was eagerly looking forward to this day ...the first day of shoot, for her the dream has just begun!

Yash Chopra was also present on the sets of RAB NE BANA DI JODI on the first day of shoot to bless his son and the unit at the onset of this new production.

Shah Rukh is all set to prove himself

For those who think that Shah Rukh Khan cannot play anything beyond stereotypical characters, think again.

Shah Rukh’s close buddy Karan Johar has challenged Shah Rukh’s acting abilities by asking him to play an autistic in his next, My Name is Khan .

No doubt SRK will take inspiration from Dustin Hoffman, who played an autistic in Rain Man (1988). Rain Man is a 1988 film by Barry Levinson, which tells the story of an abrasive, selfish yuppie, Charlie Babbitt, who discovers that his father has left all of his multimillion-dollar estate to his brother, Raymond, a savant, whom he never knew existed.

Shah Rukh did not take long to say ‘yes’ to Karan. Our well-placed source in Bollywood says, “SRK can’t wait for the film to begin. He is very excited about playing this different character.” Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder, which starts off in childhood. It is characterised by impaired communication, excessive rigidity, and emotional detachment.

“However, he will have to wait, since My Name Is Khan has been delayed. Karan had allowed Aditya Chopra to start Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi first, so SRK will first free himself from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (opposite the 19-year old Bangalorean newcomer Anushka Sharma) and then get on to this challenging role,” our source adds.

A source close to Shah Rukh says, “He’s adventurous and dares to take risks, he dares to be different, and he dares to break all rules. It is a misconception that he is repetitive and does not like to play different characters. His performances in Swades and Chak De! India are the best examples to prove this point. My Name Is Khan will be a trump card in SRK’s repertoire. Playing an autistic person will be challenging. Shah Rukh will have to do a lot of homework.”

'Anushka has the spark’

If Farah Khan had SRK romancing 21-something Deepika Padukone, Aditya Chopra has gone a step ahead and got him a 19-year-old leading lady.

Aditya, who last directed Mohabbatein and is rumouredly making an Indian take on My Fair Lady , has signed model Anushka Sharma for the lead role opposite Shah Rukh. And in typical Adi style, barred her from speaking about the film!

However, people who have worked with the model earlier say there is a star quality about the girl. Bangalore’s style guru Prasad Bidapa says Anushka’s star quality was evident even when she was brought to him by her parents when she was just 13.

“She was very tall and beautiful even then,” recalls Prasad. “Her parents were keen she should do some modelling without losing out on her studies, so she started off very easy and gently. Even then, one look at her and you knew she would hit the big time soon. Her and SRK’s age gap won’t matter, we are used to that in our films.”

As Yash Chopra says about her, “We were looking for someone who could truly embody the spirit of small town Punjab and Anushka fit in perfectly. And while she has no previous acting experience, we have seen that unique spark in her that makes us confident that she will be a standout even opposite SRK.”

Designer Wendell Rodricks is one of those who say he spotted a special something in the young model. “I recognised that quality she had – innocent yet beautiful – and took her to Mumbai to the fashion week to model for me. Anushka has an expressive face that can look tragic at times and youthful and shy at other times.”

Present imperfect

After the debacle of Tashan at the box-office, Aditya Chopra is very cautious about future projects that are being planned. Our source in the industry informs us, "Aditya Chopra does not want to commission any more projects for some time now. The failure of their projects has rattled the Yash Raj camp which has probably forced Adi to do some rethinking on the choice of scripts for their future projects. Yash Chopra, who had taken a back seat and had left all the commissioning to Adi, has begun taking interest in the new scripts that are coming to Yash Raj."

Reportedly, the directors who are already working with Yash Raj and have three-film contract may continue with their projects. While Shimit Amin, Kabir Khan, Siddharth Anand and Shaad Ali are already working on their next project, no new projects will be announced till Aditya Chopra completes his directorial venture which goes on the floor later this week.

It may be noted that Yash Raj has not renewed its contract with directors like Kunal Kohli who is now a co-producer, Sanjay Gadhvi moved out of the camp after Dhoom 2, and Bachna Aye Haseeno will be Siddharth Anand's last film with Yash Raj films.

When Aditya Chopra took over the reigns of the company as the creative head he had modelled the banner around Ram Gopal Varma's Factory and wanted the banner to have at least one release a month, but 2007 has not been really good for Yash Raj films which made them sit back and do some rethinking on the kind of films they want to make in the future. And, a film like Tashan is definitely not going to be part of their plan for the future. The only announcement that one might hear in the near future is the return of Yash Chopra as a director.

Bangalore model opposite Shahrukh in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

Bangalore model, 19-year-old Anushka Sharma has been identified to play the female lead opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Aditya Chopra’s third film as director RAB NE BANA DI JODI.

Said Yash Chopra, "We were looking first and foremost for someone who could truly embody the spirit of small-town Punjab and we know we have found her in Anushka. And while she has no previous acting experience, we have seen that unique spark in her that makes us confident that she will be a standout even opposite Shah Rukh."

RAB NE BANA DI JODI will go on floors on 16th May and will hit theatres worldwide on 12th December.

Taran Adarsh