FLASHBACK 2007 - Hype over Madhuri Dixit sank 'Aaja Nachle'

MUMBAI (Reuters) - "Aaja Nachle" turned out to be a resounding failure and its director holds the media responsible - for harping on Madhuri Dixit's comeback but ignoring the film's theme.

Even the film's reviews dealt only with the superstar's acting prowess and dancing skills, said Anil Mehta.

"Madhuri was surely the face of the film and with she making a comeback all eyes was bound to be on her," the filmmaker said.

"But I'm disappointed that media completely neglected the point 'Aaja Nachle' had tried to convey."

Mehta feels the film's twin themes of women as breadwinners and the importance of art were overshadowed by the media’s obsession with Dixit's comeback.

But not without reason.

In her prime, Dixit was the undisputed queen of Bollywood and when she decided to return after a six-year break that saw her getting married and having two children, anticipation was bound to be high.

Her much-hyped role saw the 42-year-old actress play a divorced New York-based choreographer who returns to India to save a theatre from demolition.

"The film wanted to show how art is important for reviving our soul that is trapped in consumerist existence where people are only existing and not living their lives," said Mehta.

But the Dixit magic wasn't enough to pull the film through and "Aaja Nachle" sank at the box-office.

"I thought I had made a good enjoyable film but sadly there were not many takers for it."

Prithwish Ganguly, Reuters India

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SRK pips Big B as India's favourite entertainer

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Shah Rukh Khan 29%

The man of the millennium has finally finished second best in a poll, but only just. Shah Rukh Khan won the voting for entertainer of the year with 29%, just one percentage point ahead of the Big B's 28%. Akshay Kumar, who has had a string of hits in 2007, was a distant third with 14%.

Shah Rukh led in Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata and Amitabh in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Pune. Rajinikanth not surprisingly was the clear favourite in Chennai with 40% of the votes.

What clinched the race for the top slot in favour of Shah Rukh was the fact that he had impressive leads in big cities Delhi and Bangalore, while Amitabh led very narrowly in Mumbai and the other cities where he topped were relatively small.

Vidya Balan, who like Akshay has had more than one hit this year, was the top female entertainer and fifth in the overall list behind Rajinikanth. Her 6% was just a touch more than Katrina Kaif's 5%.

TNN

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The best and worst of 2007

Rajiv Vijayakar does a recap of Bollywoods hits and flops and dazzling debuts by actors and directors in the year gone by.

Five biggest hits

Om Shanti Om- Director Farah Khan

Farah Khan set a world record of being the only woman director to have two global hits to her credit. OSO took the Indian filmgoers by storm, drove the NRIs crazy and proved that pure SRK entertainment with a dash of nostalgia was the best prescription for healthy revenues. It has netted over Rs 90 crore and still running.

Chak De! India- Director Shimit Amin

Shimit Amin made a film that transcended every kind of audience and made both India and the box-office counters proud. It was the biggest money-spinner at Rs 65-plus crore net profits till OSO took over, but may have bettered it if the overseas business had not been shockingly poor.

Partner- Director David Dhawan

Dhawan cast both his favourites Salman Khan and Govinda together and made his biggest hit since Aankhen 14 years earlier. At Rs 60-plus crore net it was Salman's saving grace and first hit after the 2005 No Entry.

Jab We Met- Director Imtiaz Ali

Whatever (low) expectations had been there had plunged after the Jab We Broke Up news of Shahid Kapoor-Kareena Kapoor. But the film, still running, has even surpassed OSO’s collections this week. Business-wise, it is at Rs 40-plus crore - and counting.

Heyy Babyy- Director Sajid Khan

It’s all in the family— Farah’s brother Sajid debuted as director with this not-so-impressive comedy, that closed its first run at a net Rs 55 crores, that JWM is expected to cross if it runs for a month more.

Important note: Welcome has taken a bigger opening than OSO and may make it to the Top Five. Bheja Fry in terms of the ratio (Rs 4 crore gross for a Rs 70 lakh film!) and Taare Zameen Par (which may end up with the same ratio as Jab We Met) might come in too!

Five biggest disasters

Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag- Director: Ram Gopal Varma

He remade, he bragged, he sank — this er..Sholay recycle is not the debacle of the year, but of the millennium.

Salaam-e-ishq- Director: Nikhil Advani

Seven stories, fourteen Indian stars and a firangi heroine - all for nothing in a blunder(buss) of a script, though Priyanka Chopra, Govinda and Ayesha Takia stood out.

Ekalavya-The Royal Guard- Director: Vinod Chopra

Before it was nominated for the Oscars, Vinod Chopra did not know what hit him. The taut thriller was not only a flop but critically ripped apart.

Cash- Director Anubhav Sinha
It was projected as Sinha’s superb Dus on steroids. Maybe that’s why it exited at top speed!

No Smoking- Director Anurag Kashyap

At a 18-crore budget, all profits were extinguished as the message spread: ‘No Smoking is injurious to health!’

Five most memorable films

Taare Zameen Par- Director: Aamir Khan

Simply it is the movie of the year. Indian cinema can hold its head high yet again.

Chak De! India- Director Shimit Amin

As an aspirational, inspirational movie, it involved you even more than Lagaan, Iqbal and Dor.

Johnny Gaddaar- Director Sriram Raghavan

Original, concise, with twists galore and the master-stroke at the end, Johnny Gaddaar combined the best of both contemporary and retro Indian cinema with James Hadley Chase.

Bheja Fry- Director Sagar Ballary

An adaptation of a French film, this was the most side-splitting comedy of the year - minus a multi-star cast or conventional masala.

Dus Kahaniyaan- Directors: Sanjay Gupta and others

The experiment that went right - six directors spun out ten stories from which six were better than good - check Strangers In The Night, Matrimony, Zahir and Lovedale in particular.

Five most forgettable films

Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag

No explanations needed.

Fool’n’final- Director: Ahmed Khan

Was this a film? Even Sunny Deol and Shahid Kapoor failed to salvage the complete full-and-final mess!

Cash- Director Anubhav Sinha

What a disastrous Anubhav (experience) - no story, weird action and weirder animation. Saving grace: A few songs.

Marigold- Director Willard Carroll

This one proved that while we can make decent or better Hollywood spin-offs, the filmmakers there (like the arty ones here) cannot cope with mainstream cinema. Cheers!

Kaafila- Director Ammtoje Mann

No film must have gripped completely in the first 20 minutes and lost it completely later. We too lost - count of the people butchered.

Five best performances:

Harsheel Safary (Taare Zameen Par)

Shah Rukh Khan (Chak De! India)

Neil Nitin Mukesh (Johnny Gaddaar)

Tabu (Cheeni Kum)

Vinay Pathak (Bheja Fry)

Five worst performances

Amitabh Bachchan (RGV Ki Aag)

He growled, he hammed, and he repulsed. What was the Big B thinking of when he accepted this one?

Shiney Ahuja (Khoya Khoya Chand)

Cast opposite Soha Ali Khan was a wooden block loaded with a narcotic! Was this the Shiney of Gangster and Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi?

Konkona Sensharma (Aaja Nachle)

Can Konkona stop being the monotonous Konkona please and get into the innards of her role?

Bobby Deol (Shakalaka Boom Boom)

Weird. We can't say more.

Juhi Chawla and Vidya Balan (Salaam-e-Ishq)

Bad though the film was, it could have done without their cloyingly irritant performances.

Five best things that happened in/to Hindi cinema

Aamir Khan debuted as director with Taare Zameen Par.

Om Shanti Om did better business than a Hollywood blockbuster in UK.

Sonu Niigaam was invited to sing Mahatma Gandhi’s Vaishnav jana to in Gujarati and English at the 28th Harvard Presidential Installation.

Shah Rukh Khan’s waxwork was installed in Madame Tussaud's, while Salman Khan was signed up.

Sonu Niigaam also recorded for a tribute project (by the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra!) for the latter’s 18-track album of songs by the legendary Mohammed Rafi.

Five hypes of the year

Dharm by Bhavna Talwar: Sure, a thought-provoking film, but no classic. And it could have been made mass-friendly.

Gandhi- My Father: Where was the emotional connect?

Saawariya: Why did Sanjay Leela Bhansali of all people choose form over content?

Aaja Nachle: Too much expectations from too little content, starting with the poor music. What could Madhuri do?
Himesh Reshammiya: He was hyped for his acting debut but in a twist this time the hype was justified - and worked!

Five Box Office toppers

Shah Rukh Khan (Om Shanti Om, Chak De! India - the two biggest hits of the year - and no flop)
Akshay Kumar (Namastey London, Heyy Babyy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Welcome and no flop)
Salman Khan (Partner and 3 flops)

Despite this record, Salman Khan has reportedly signed two films at Rs 24 crore and Rs 35 crore respectively.
Kareena Kapoor (Jab We Met)

This one hit and terrific performance has put her right at the top.

Katrina Kaif (Namastey London, Partner, Apne, Welcome and no flop) It's been a meteoric rise both as star and actress for someone who was largely known only as Salman Khan’s girl.

Five BO.bottom of the heap

Ajay Devgan: Ruled the flop roost with Cash and Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag

Rani Mukherji: Despite an average Ta Ra Rum Pum, Rani Mukerji, till last year the Numero Uno, has lost her position even in the Top Five!

Preity Zinta: Jhoom Barabar Jhoom was yet another downer for a star who was in the Top Three.

Esha Deol: Lost gained ground completely with Darling, Just Married and Cash.

Vidya Balan: Both her hits (Heyy Babyy and Bhool Bhulaiyaa) are credited to other factors, including Akshay Kumar. The rest was a flop show in every way.

Best-selling music albums

Aap Kaa Surroor- The Moviee at no.1 has sold almost twice as much as Om Shanti Om at number two! Jab We Met (phenomenal in the North), Partner and Saawariya (the only non-T-Series album here) completed the top five selling soundtracks.

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Anthony Gonsalves - Shahrukh Khan's story ?

By now film followers are aware that MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES has Shahrukh Khan's 'Red Chillies Entertainment' as the Line Producers of the film.

However, by looking at the promos, one senses a special reason for Shahrukh to be a part of this project. That's because if one looks closely, the character of the film's lead protagonist Anthony Gonsalves (played by Nikhil Dwivedi) appears to be modeled on Shahrukh Khan from his early days.

Not just this, even the look, mannerisms and profile of Dwivedi have an uncanny resemblance to that of Shahrukh Khan. In the film, Nikhil plays the role of a young man who has dreams of becoming a superstar but is ridiculed by everyone due to his average looks, medium height and built. His dancing skills are questioned too and there are doubts if he was good enough to even play a hero's friend, let alone a hero.

Now if one gets into a comparison mode, even Shahrukh had similar traits in early stages of his career and it was only after a considerable stint in theater, TV serials and small roles in a couple of offbeat films that he got noticed.

Presented by Sahara One Motion Pictures, the film stars Amrita Rao as the leading lady along with Mithun Chakraborty, Mukesh Tiwari, Anupam Kher, Pawan Malhotra and Saurabh Shukla. Directed by E Niwas, the film would be releasing on 11th January.

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Preity off to Phuket to bring in New Year

She's taking a well-earned vacation. After playing, the derelict NRI wife in Deepa Mehra's Heaven On Earth Preity is off to Phuket with her friends to bring in new year. Last year at this time, Preity injured herself during a vacation.

"2007 has been a tough year for me. Not only did I suffer a serious injury it has also been a year of tough challenges for me as an actor. In 2007 I went into another kind of cinema altogether. From doing Yash Raj Films to playing a woman who finds herself at the receiving end of life in Heaven On Earth has been quite a creative and cultural shock for me," groans Preity.

Preity is however quick to point out the film is not only about a battered wife. "It's about all the people who leave India and hope to find paradise abroad, only to be stuck on wretched 16-hour jobs with no happiness or sunshine. I never knew how such marginalized women existed until I played one. Deepa Mehta and Heaven On Earth have proved eye-openers for me. But the film was tough on me emotionally. In the month that I was in Toronto, I went out just twice and that too only to maintain my sanity. I really need a break now."

Preity returns from her vacation in the second week of January with a clear date diary. "I haven't said yes to any of the scripts I've heard. I'll take a call when I return from my holiday. However, since 2007, has been my year of unconventional films. I hope 2008 will probably be a year of hardcore ‘masala’ movies."

Subash K Jha, IndiaFM

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Madhuri Dixit has had enough!

After her passionate and endearing comeback effort, Aaja Nachle, fell flat at the box office, looking more as an indulgence than a serious comeback effort in tune with box office realities, Madhuri is reported to have called it quits.

"She's upset that her grand comeback did little to revive her stardom and she doesn't want her film to score a duck at the BO," her friend tells TOI.

If true, Madhuri's decision is as regrettable as her decision to go with Aaja Nachle, because her beauty and charm remain largely intact. They just need to be packaged into a product that can sell at the Box Office.

Sawf News

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Directors pick the Best Films of 2007...

Karan Johar: "Undoubtedly Chak De India and Om Shanti Om. Chak De was entertaining at the same time deep and moving with a serious subtext. As for OSO it was Farah and fun all the way. Both the films reitereated Shah Rukh's star power.

Raj Kumar Santoshi: "I didn't see too many films in 2007. From the ones I saw I liked Imtiaz Ali's Jab We Met. I liked the script and performances of all the artistes and the direction. The treatment was fresh and the presentation was very entertaining. I believe Chak De India is also very good.I plan to see it soon."

Madhur Bhandarkar: "My favourite films of the year 2007 are Taare Zameen Par and Chak De India. I wept like a baby in Aamir's film. Both are very simple sincere and moving films. The kind that I'd like to make."

Anurag Basu: "My favourite? I liked Taare Zameen Par, Chak De India, Jab We Met and Guru equally, for different reasons. So please don't ask me to choose one."

Sriram Raghavan: "My favourite films of 2007 are Chak De India and Taare Zameen Par. Both are superb unconventional subjects with leading stars. We need more stars doing more such films for sure.

Vipul Shah: "Aamir Khan's Taare Zameen Par is the best of 2007 without doubt, followed by Shimit Amin's Chak De India, Anurag Basu's Life In A Metro and Anurag Kashyap's Black Friday.

Satish Kaushik: "Chak De India for its directorial skills, on-the-dot energetic performance by Shah Rukh and the fresh talented cast and most important of all, the spirit of victory.

Bhavna Talwar: My favourite film of 2007 was Navdeep Singh's Manorama 6 Feet Under…finally film -noire from India! Chak De India…beautiful script and a fabulous take on the Islamic identity in India, and not just a sports film…Imtiaz Ali's Jab We Met—honest refreshing straight from the heart.

Farhan Akhtar: "After much deliberation my favourite film of 2007 will have to be Anurag Kashyap's Black Friday. Great adaptation of the book. Relevant poignant issue. Tight and taught screenplay.

An amazing insight into the day of the Mumbai bomb blasts and what eventuated thereafter, and a powerful message. The performances were well-etched and the camerawork was absorbing.

Mira Nair: "My choice would be Julian Schnabel's Diving Bell & The Butterfly. It was deeply original, visually stunning and a remarkable story on the triumph of the spirit.Among desi flicks I'd go with Chak De India…it was huge fun and a great feelgood tale, brilliantly cast.

David Dhawan: Taare Zameen Par is undoubtedly the best film of 2007. Great performances, superb emotions, backed by a powerful script.Aamir Khan is outstanding as both director and actor.

Rakeysh Mehra: "Taare Zameen Par is my favourite film of 2007 for endless reasons, mainly because of the director Aamir and his passion.

Prakash Jha: "Chak De India would qualify as one of the year's best for its theme and treatment. It had the quality to move and entertain.

Sujoy Ghosh: Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om. It's just the kind of movie I'd want to make.

Imtiaz Ali: "Leaving aside my own Jab We Met it'd have to be Anurag Basu's Metro. Interesting characters.

Mahesh Bhatt: "Wrong number, dear. I don't watch movies. Why watch the reflection of life when you can lock eyes with life itself?

Subash K Jha, Santabanta

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Rani in guinness ?

Guess what’s the scoop of the week? Rani Mukerji is aiming for a world record.

Wana know how? Now hold your breath... the buzz in B-Town is that after Mangal Pandey- The Rising, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Saawariya she is on her way to play a prostitute for the fourth time in less than a year and this role will take her name straight to the Guinness book of records for being an actress who has played a reel prostitute for the maximum number of times. Quite an unusual attempt, one must say.

TNN

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Wish Salman Khan on his birthday!

At 42, Salman Khan continues to remain one of the most bankable stars in Bollywood. As part of the Khan triumvirate, Salman has ruled the box office for decades now and clearly shows no signs of stepping down any time soon. The actor who started his career in a (believe it or not) Farooq Sheikh-starrer Biwi Ho To Aisi has come a very, very long way since then. Indeed his life has been filled with as many tribulations. Controversies have mired him time and again and the media has often had a field day thanks to him. Nonetheless Salman remains one of the few stars who have openly come out against the press. He makes no bones about his hatred for the Fourth Estate and at the same time accepts it as part of his lifestyle.

Of course the star's controversies range from the juvenile (read pouring a soft drink over ex girlfriend Somy Ali's head) to the serious (allegedly running over a sleeping man) and the bizarre (calling up Vivek Oberoi through the night asking him to lay off Ash). However despite all of this Salman is referred to as bhai (big brother) by most in the industry. Tales of Salman's large heart are stuff of Bollywood yore. After all, it was he who brought Govinda back into the limelight with Partner wasn't he?

Not all women in his life however would have the same thing to say about him. Each time a woman tried to get out of his shadow, the Khan would not take it lightly. Whether it was Somy Ali, Sangeeta Bijlani, Aishwarya Rai or more recently Katrina Kaif, we have all heard of bitterest experiences in these relationships.

Professionally however, things have never been so good for Salman as they are today. He is diversifying – turning to painting, even scriptwriting. Today with almost half a dozen films in his kitty, it probably won't be too long before we see Salman donning a new cap. And this time it won't be to hide his baldpate.

Wish Salman on his birthday, post your wishes in the comment box below and tell us why you like (or dislike) the star

The ten things you must know about Salman Khan

Salman Khan was supposed to play Chandrachud Singh's role in Kya Kehna. It is said that Chandrachud was even dropped but later taken back when the Khan opted out of the film.

He has been voted as the 7th best looking man in India by the People magazine

Khan used to be a swimmer in school and it is said that the hunk was so good that had he continued, he probably would have represented India

Industry insiders say that in his initial days he never used his father's name to get a job as an actor

He weight trained Hrithik Roshan during the shooting of the latter's debut – Kaho Na Pyaar Hai

Among the others who he has convinced to hit the gym are actors Anil Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan

His favourite city is London

Looks up to Sylvester Stallone as the best actor.

According to IMDB, he charged Rs 30,000,000 for Mujhse Shaadi Karogi

Salman is the fourth Bollywood actor to find a place in Madame Tussauds after Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and (ahem) Aishwarya Rai.

Wish Salman on his birthday, post your wishes in the comment box below and tell us why you like (or dislike) the star

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Arrogant Kareena trashes Priyanka!

Kareena's love-hate relationship with Priyanka Chopra seems to be far from over. In a recent interview with a leading tabloid she decalred herself the only actress in town besides Rani Mukerji.

When quizzed about her biggest competition Kareena responded, "The only actress of my generation that I really like is Rani. I don't see any other actresses."

And when the journo stopped her to name Priyanka and Bipasha who are doing reasonably well Kareena in all her 'humility' replied, "I said 'actresses".

"They are actresses…" the journo retorted to which Bebo said, "I only consider Rani to be an actress. "

Apparantly, Priyanka is miffed at the unnecessary dig at her but she has a much more balanced head on her shoulders and perhaps that's why she chose her words very carefully to respond to Kareena.

"Bebo is a more senior and hopefully more mature actress than me. I guess she’s qualified to comment on my calibre," says Priyanka and adds, "When I reach her level of experience maybe I too can comment on the calibre of my contemporaries and juniors. I’d just like to let my work speak for me. And that includes Aitraaz where Kareena was also a part.

So what’s the problem between Priyanka and Kareena anyway?

"I don’t know. From my end there’s none. I recently met her at a Diwali cards party. And she was fine with me. Only she can answer why she thinks so poorly of me.

As far as I’m concerned I think she was splendid in Jab We Met. I like to give credit where it’s due. And you know what? On some level it’s flattering when colleagues give you importance."

Priyanka gets introspective: "I love my work. I love my friends who are loyal to me. Nothing and no one else matters. I’ve already had enough to stress at home with my father’s illness. I’d like only positive energy to be spread through my work."

Though their rivalry goes a long time back but they briefly made up earlier this year when they appeared together on KBC 3 with Shah Rukh Khan, their Don.

However, their relations are now once again gone sour and the cold war is on...

Santabanta

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Now Preity sneaks into Punjab

In 2007 Punjab seemed to be the new hot spot for Bollywood shootings. The Deols shot a major portion of their family saga Apne in the prosperous state.

So did Kareena and Shahid Kapoor for Jab We Met. And lately Preity Zinta was with Salman Khan in Punjab to shoot for Samir Karnik's Heroes.

Now on Thursday Preity was back in Punjab for a second shoot in 2007, under elaborate security bandobast.

After a grueling month-long schedule of their first Punjabi film Heaven On Earth director Deepa Mehta and actor Preity Zinta quietly landed in India on Wednesday night for a 2-day shooting of the film in Chandigarh… under tight security provisions since the crowds of fans in Punjab are known to get hyper-excited at the sight of their favourite stars.

A fortnight ago when Ranbir Kapoor landed in Amritsar to shoot for Siddharth Anand's untitled film, crowds of thousands descended on location near the Golden Temple,broke all the elaborate security bandobast and got as close to Ranbir as they could.

Speaking from the outskirts of Chandigarh where she was shooting on Friday and Saturday Deepa said, "I don't know whether we're coming or going.

Since we only have Preity's dates until 24 th, we went straight from location in Toronto to the airport to rush to India…..We're aware of the security risks.

The adminstration has been very co-operative. We're well protected. And Preity has her own bodyguards. So far it's been smooth sailing."

Heaven On Earth, the true-life story of a battered wife in Toronto, has been Preity's toughest role to date.

Says Deepa, "By far Preity is the best actor I've ever worked with. And I say this after working with the likes of Jessica Tandy, Shabana Azmi and Aamir Khan."

Subash K Jha, Santabanta

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SRK to be villain in Krrish 2

Krrish 2 seems to be getting bigger every day. We hear that Rakyesh Om Prakash Mehra and not Rakesh Roshan will be directing the sequel to Hrithik's last blockbuster.

But the surprises don't end here. Shah Rukh Khan will also be seen playing the negative lead.

The villain in the film will have superpowers, just like Krrish has and the film will be about the clash of these two superpowers. Rakyesh Mehra has already met Shah Rukh who for the same.

Shah Rukh has loved the idea and has asked for a detailed narration from Mehra and if all goes well, the film will mount the sets soon."

This will be a casting coup of sorts as, although SRK and Hrithik have worked together in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gum earlier, this will be the first time they will be clashing together.

Santabanta

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Aamir Khan to produce Delhi Belly

Much against everyone's expectations Aamir is far from sitting and relaxing after leaving no stone unturned with Taare Zameen Par. One will now find him channeling all his energies towards launching his nephew, Imraan in Jaane Tu, which is to be directed by Abbas Tyrewala.

Besides this, he is also working on Delhi Belly, an action comedy that's based in Delhi. This time, Aamir will only produce and not direct it. The film will be made in English and is aimed at international audiences. Moreover, if sources are to be believed, then, a Swedish guy will direct this film, with a crew based in US and Europe. Aamir met the director during the making of Taare Zameen Par.

IndiaFM

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Bobby signed for Karan Johar's next production

It's been a slow and steady climb for the langorous Deol. After losing out on plum assignments like Mani Rathnam's Yuva and Apoorva Lakhia's Mission Istanbul, Bobby Deol suddenly bounced back last year with a stellar performance in Yashraj Films' Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. Though the film was a dud, Bobby was widely appreciated.

And now, from Yashraj, Bobby moves to another biggie. He is now been signed by Karan Johar for his untitled production to be directed by debutant Tarun Mansukhani. The film already has Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham in it. So, where does Bobby fit in?

"You wait and watch," promises Karan. "Bobby is going to surprise everyone in Tarun's film. We needed a certain presence and an actor with specific personality for one of the leads. Bobby fitted the bill. He's going to be the band mutthi of Tarun's film."

Priyanka Chopra who plays the female lead in this breezy romantic film is looking forward to working with Bobby. "He and I go back a long way. I've worked with both Bobby and Sunny. If Sunny was my hero in my first film The Hero, Bobby and I did Kismat and Barsaat together. He has a fabulous role in Karan's film,” enthuses Priyanka.

Subash K Jha, IndiaFM

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Hrithik to star in Anurag Basu's next

There's bad and good news for Hrithik Roshan's fans in 2008. Hrithik's next starrer would not be directed by his father. In fact, papa Roshan has decided to take a long sabbatical from direction.

But hold on. Rakesh Roshan is producing a film to start in July 2008 that will feature Hrithik in a never-before avatar. "It's an action thriller with a strong love story at its heart. Anurag Basu, whom both I and Hrithik think very highly of, is directing the film for us," reveals Rakesh Roshan a week before year-end, thereby putting an end to all wild speculation about the seriousness of Hrithik's knee injury.

It's been a time of turmoil for Hrithik Roshan. A troublesome knew injury finally decided to act up seriously. "The doctors told him he needed to rest the knee completely, and I mean completely, otherwise it would give way. The injury got aggravated from all the stunts in his recent films including Krissh. It got to a point where his knee gave way completely. The doctors said he had to take complete rest for two months or face the consequences," says concerned papa Rakesh Roshan. Hrithik who has just returned from two weeks in Singapore now leaves for the Gold Coast for further recuperation.

He returns to perform an intricate item number for his father's first non-Hrithik production Krazzy 4. "Well, people always wondered how I could make a film without Hrithik. So here he is, all set to do his career's first item song. My brother Rajesh Roshan has already recorded the song and I'm putting up an elaborate set for the song to be shot in March 2008. However, let me warn Hrithik's fans, if I feel his knee is not up to it, I won't shoot the song."

Subash K Jha, IndiaFM

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'Jodhaa Akbar' to release on 15th Feb.

UTV Motion Pictures and Ashutosh Gowariker’s much awaited epic romance JODHAA AKBAR, starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, is slated for a worldwide release on 15th February, 2008. The soundtrack, composed by music maestro A.R. Rahman and lyrics written by Javed Akhtar, will release on 9th January through UTV’s new record label UTV Music.

The change of release date is due to the fact that Ashutosh Gowariker has been advised bed rest for 21 days with a severe back problem. The director was scheduled to be in Chennai for this entire week to finish the background score of the film, but could not move out because of strict instructions from his doctors not to travel.

Referring to his back problem, Ashutosh stated, “I am sad that this had to happen in the thick of post production; it is unfortunate, but it has to be dealt with.”

Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM

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Multiple heroines in Sajid's next

What’s the cast of Sajid Khan’s new film? Well, everyone knows it will star Akshay Kumar in the lead, but the balance cast is being kept under wraps. While Sajid’s directorial debut was a multi-hero film, his next venture is expected to be multi-heroine film. It’s said that Sajid and his producer Sajid Nadiadwala are in talks with Kareena Kapoor, Vidya Balan and Deepika Padukone to essay the three pivotal roles.

“I wouldn’t be able to confirm the leading ladies right now, but we’re talking to a couple of names,” Sajid Khan informs me. What’s the film all about? “It’s a family fare with laughter aplenty. It’s a laugh-riot and I want it to be Akshay’s biggest hit ever,” Sajid smiles.

Sajid plans to start filming in mid-2008. “I am still writing the script and it will take me another three/four months to complete it. The dates of the actors will be chalked out accordingly,” he adds.

Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM

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Nominations for Max Stardust Awards 2008

SUPERSTAR OF TOMMOROW - MALE
Himesh Reshammiya (Aap Ka Suroor)
Neil Nitin Mukesh (Johnny Gaddaar)
Kunal Khemu (Traffic Signal)
Ruslan Mumtaz (Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar)
Ranbir Kapoor (Saawariya)
Muzzamil Ibrahim (Dhokha)

SUPERSTAR OF TOMMOROW - FEMALE
Sagarika Ghatge (Chak De India)
Hansikaa Motwani (Aap Ka Suroor)
Jiah Khan (Nishabd)
Deepika Padukone (Om Shanti Om)
Sonam Kapoor (Saawariya)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE – MALE
Shreyas Talpade (Om Shanti Om)
Imaaduddin Shah (Dil Dosti Etc)
Kal Penn (The Namesake)
Vikram Chatwal (Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE – FEMALE
Chitrashi Rawat (Chak De India)
Anjana Sukhani (Salaam–E-Ishq)
Kangana Ranaut (Life… In a Metro)
Shreya Saran (Awaarapan)
Swini Khera (Cheeni Kum)
Ashwini Kalsekar (Johnny Gaddaar)
Sunita Rajwar (Ek Chalis Ki Last Local)

THE NEW MENACE
Shilpa Shukla (Chak De India)
Zakir Hussain (Johnny Gaddaar)
Shabbir Ahluwalia (Shootout At Lokhandwala)
Ashok Samarth (Ek Chalis Ki Last Local)
Sudhir Mishra (Traffic Signal)

HOTTEST FILM - PRODUCERS
Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd (Ritesh Sidhwani / Farhan Akhtar)
Ek Chalis Ki Last Local (Quartet Films)
Gandhi My Father (Anil Kapoor)
Bheja Fry (Sunil Doshi)
Loins of Punjab (Horn Ok Please Entertainment)
Manorama Six Feet Under (Shemaroo)

HOTTEST YOUNG FILM MAKER
Shimit Amin (Chak De India)
Sriram Raghavan (Johnny Gaddaar)
Navdeep Singh (Manorama Six Feet Under)
Sagar Bellary (Bheja Fry)
Sajid Khan (Heyy Babyy)
Feroze Abbas Khan (Gandhi My Father)
Imtiaz Ali (Jab We Met)
R. Balki (Cheeni Kum)

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY LYRICIST
Amar Maqsood – Shootout At Lokhandwala (‘Unke Nashe Mein’)
Sandeep Srivastava – Life… In A Metro (‘Baatein Kucch Ankahi Si’)
Sandeep Nath – Saawariya (‘Yoon Shabnami Pehle Nahi Thi Chandni’)
Shabbir Ahmed – Partner (‘Soni Ke Nakhre’)
Sanjay Chhel– Partner (‘Do You Want A Partner’)
Mika – Shootout At Lokhandwala (‘Aye Ganpat’)

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION – FEMALE
Hard Kaur – Johnny Gaddaar (Move Your Body)
Maryem Toller – Guru (Mayya Mayya)
Anoushka Manchanda – Cash (Aye Chori)
Akriti Kakkar – Johnny Gaddaar (Johnny Gaddaar)
Suzanne – Aawarapan (Mahiya)
Aanchal – Dus Kahaniyaan (Dus)

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION – MALE
Krishna & Salim Merchant – Chak De India (Maula Mere)
Neeraj Sridhar – Jhoom Barabar Jhoom / Bhool Bhulaiyaa (Ticket To Hollywood / Bhool Bhulaiyaa)
Soham – Life… In A Metro (Inn Dino)
Suhail Kaul – Life… In A Metro (Baatein Kucch Ankahi Si)
Mika – Shootout At Lokhandwala
Jab We Met (Aye Ganpat / Mauja Hi Mauja)
Shail Hada – Saawariya (‘Saawariya’)

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY A MUSIC DIRECTOR
Monty Sharma (Saawariya)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali — Thode Se Badmaash (Saawariya)
Mika — Aye Ganpat (Shootout At Lokhandwala)
Mithoon (Anwar / The Train)
Gaurav Dasgupta — Dus (Dus Kahaniyaan)

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The last rites of actor Amitabh Bachchan's mother was performed in Mumbai

The mortal remains of Teji Bachchan, mother of Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, were consigned to flames at the cremation ground in Juhu on Friday.

The funeral pyre was lit by Amitabh Bachchan. Earlier, the funeral procession started at 10 AM from Bachchan's Juhu bungalow Pratiksha and reached the Ruia Park cremation ground after nearly an hour.

Teji Bachchan died on Friday at the age of 93 after prolonged illness at Lilavati hospital. All members of the family, including Ajitabh Bachchan, Namrata, Shweta Bachchan, her husband Nikhil Nanda, gathered for the cremation.

According to sources, priests came from Varanasi to perform the funeral. Bachchan's bungalow Prateeksha was surrounded by thousands of fans, well-wishers, people from the literary world, Bollywood personalities and politicians alike.

Several dignitaries including former Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat attended the cremation. Other personalities from Bollywood included Ajay Devgan, Karan Johar, Kajol, Yash Chopra, wife Pamela Chopra, filmmaker Prakash Mehra and Ketan Desai.

Industrialist Anil Ambani and Amitabh's close friend Amar Singh also attended the funeral.

CNN-IBN

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Amitabh's Mother Teji Bachchan passes away

Teji Bachchan, mother of superstar Amitabh Bachchan, passed away yesterday afternoon at Mumbai’s Lilavati hospital. She was 93 years old and had been ill for a long time.

Teji, an amateur actor and singer herself, was the wife of Hindi literary great Harivanshrai Bachchan. She had been hospitalised for almost a year now and was shifted to the ICU last month when her condition deteriorated.

Amitabh and Ajitabh Bachchan along with Jaya Bachchan, Abhishek, Aishwarya, Shweta Nanda and Namrata were present in the hospital ever since Teji Bachchan became critical early Friday morning.

Other prominent personalities who came to express their heartfelt condolences included Anil Ambani, Amar Singh, Subroto Roy and actors like Sonali Bendre and Danny Denzongpa.

IndiaFM
The funeral is to take place at the Juhu cemetery today (Saturday) morning.

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Karisma Kapoor: I never really went away

'Wow! Is that what mummies look like?' were the words on everyone's lips when the gorgeous-as-ever Karisma Kapoor made an appearance on the Christmas special episode of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs. Ravishing in a black outfit, the yummy mummy stole hearts of the judges, contestants and
the excitedly cheering audience.

Quizzed about making a comeback, the diva said, 'I never really went away. Don't women pursuing other professions take a maternity leave? I just did the same!' So are we likely to see her in a movie soon? 'Ahhh... I don't know. I listen to a lot of scripts and do get offers. I guess I'm waiting for the right role to come along', said Lolo. But the one proposal that she didn't turn down was little Vibhor's. The young contestant went down on a knee and professed undying love for Karisma. Charmed by the gesture of affection, she promptly replied, 'I love you too'.

Karisma was delighted to see the kids dressed up as li'l Santas and receiving cute surprise gifts on the show. 'They're all so bright. Very gifted, yet hardworking. It takes great courage to come up on national television and showcase your talent.' An insider close to the show revealed Karisma was all nervous about being in front of the camera after the hiatus and had done her homework on the kids to enjoy the shoot thoroughly. She delighted the
audience by shaking a leg to her hits, 'Poocho zara Poocho' and 'Tan Tana Tan Tan Tan Tara'.

Bollywood Trade News Network

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WELCOME breaks records in the UAE!

The first result is out!

The keenly awaited leave-your-brains-at-home comedy, WELCOME, appears to have stolen the march over competition, taking a rocket opening in the UAE.

On 29 prints, the big Indian Films-Studio 18 Eid release is said to have opened to an unprecedented AED 450,000 (approx) - implying that in just one day flat, it has done close to half the lifetime gross of a successful Akshay Kumar comedy in the UAE!

If the initial reports are anything to go by, the audience has most certainly "welcomed" the festive season with WELCOME!

Bollywood Trade News Network

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Akshay-Paresh to create magic for the 17th time!

The festive season's most awaited release, WELCOME, marks the coming together yet again of two powerhouse performers who have been lucky mascots for each other at the box-office.

As Dr. Ghungroo and his nephew Rajeev, Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar push their creative limits in this madcap mother of all mafia comedies for the 17th time together over 13 years!

WELCOME will see the two stars in another match of wits after they featured together in a number of box-office scorchers like Mohra, Insaaf, Aarzoo, Barood, Angaarey, Aan - Men At Work, Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi, Awara Pagal Deewana, Aankhen, Bhool Bhulaiyya, Bhagam Bhag, Hera Pheri, Phir Hera Pheri, Aitraaz and Garam Masala.

As noted recently, the movie marks quite a few records already, with Anil-Nana coming together after 19 years, Anil-Feroz Khan after 21 years and Akshay-Katrina inching towards consolidating their position as the most commercially successful leading pair of recent times.

The Akshay-Paresh magic mama-bhanja combination in WELCOME is sure to bring the house down!

Bollywood Trade News Network

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No new projects for Shimit post CHAKDE! INDIA

Director Shimit Amin spent his growing years in the US, finishing his school and college education. But instead of settling down there, the iconoclastic director shifted to Mumbai and made his first foray into Bollywood with the hard-hitting, AB TAK CHHAPPAN (2004). He followed it up with the cult movie, CHAKDE! INDIA. Defying popular belief, lack of Bollywood formula in his films did work for him, twice over!

His first movie, AB TAK CHHAPPAN, portraying the life of an encounter specialist, did not get its due recognition (box-office wise). After his first outing, it took Shimit, a Yash Raj-Shah Rukh Khan combination to take India by storm, in the award-winning (V Shantaram), CHAKDE! INDIA. The movie is tipped to sweep most of the popular awards and make a strong claim for the Nationals too.

However, unlike many others in his profession, who would have gone on a signing spree (after a blockbuster success), the non-conformist director is taking it easy. When asked about his future projects, the man of few words disclosed unabashedly that there was nothing to talk about, adding that if anything concrete comes up, he would go public with it.

Certainly Bollywood will go places by embracing superbly talented yet unassuming directors like Shimit Amin.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Nana and Anil impress Katrina

One of this Friday's upcoming release, WELCOME, has not only the hot pair of Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif to boast of, but also master veterans like Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor.

The leading lady Katrina has only good things to say about these two topnotch actors. She says that she found Nana Patekar extremely affectionate, as he treated her just like his daughter.

However, it was the still young at heart Anil Kapoor who really impressed Katrina. And she spoke a lot about her co-star of HUMKO DEEWANA KAR GAYE (2006) and WELCOME. The successful model-turned-actress discloses that even at the present stage of his career, Anil is extremely hardworking and a thorough professional. She adds that during the shooting of WELCOME, Anil was always prepared beforehand and ready with his dialogues. In fact, he never gave up till the perfect shot was canned. Not only that, Katrina also got a lot of acting tips from the ever helpful Anil.

Here's hoping the best for WELCOME and seeing more of the sophisticated Katrina and the ageless Anil Kapoor together.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Sushmita in a legal hassle over 'virginity'

Sushmita Sen finds herself in a soup as the Madurai branch of the Madras High Court issued a notice to her, earlier this week, over some comments made by her on ‘pre-marital sex’

The actress, in a T.V. interview, had commented that “No Indian has chastity or virginity anymore” which didn’t go down well with the legal authorities and the moral police, who felt that such comments could affect the moral fabric of India.

A notice has been issued to the Tamil daily as well, which published the transcripts of the television interview.

In the past, actresses like Khushboo, Reema Sen and Shilpa Shetty have also faced similar petitions in the past for their ‘controversial’ comments.

IndiaFM

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TZP runs into trouble in Gujarat

Aamir Khan seems to have become controversy’s favorite child these days. One day prior to the release of his maiden directorial venture Taare Zameen Par , comes this piece of news that the film has run into some kind of trouble in the state of Gujarat.

Apparently, around 50 members of the Sardar Patel group gathered at a cinema hall in Vadodara compelling the management to remove the posters of Taare Zameen Par. The group also went to some other theatres in the city like Chandan and Inox and submitted a memorandum to the management asking them not to screen the movie.

The group members said that they were still hurt by Aamir’s comments on the whole Narmada Bachao Andolan issue and that they wouldn’t allow the movie to be screened in the state of Gujarat unless the actor apologizes.

It may be recalled that Aamir’s previous two movies Fanaa and Rang De Basanti too ran into trouble during the release for the same reason.

Hope these issues settle down and Aamir’s directorial debut makes it to theatres in Gujarat.

IndiaFM

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Dilli 6 shoot starts in Jaipur today

Rakeysh Mehra's long-awaited Dilli 6 finally begins shooting today, December 20, in freezing Jaipur. Freezing cold notwithstanding, Rajasthan is currently the hot spot for two big film units from Mumbai.

While Rakeysh Mehra is busy recreating vignettes from New Delhi in Jaipur for his new film Dilli 6 with his lead pair Sonam Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan, debutant director Ajit Pal is busy shooting dramatic sequences in Jaisalmer for his cricket film Victory.

But Harman Baweja and the 'cricket' team aren’t shooting cricket scenes in Jaisalmer. The game part of the narration has been canned in Mumbai. “We’re shooting heavy-duty dramatic scenes in the freezing cold, and that too at nights when the temperature in below-Zero," informs Anupam Kher, who plays Harman's father.

Earlier he was shooting in equally harsh weather in Kashmir for Santosh Sivan. Anupam is all praise for Harman. "He reminds me of Hrithik Roshan, not just in looks but also in attitude and approach to his work. Like Hrithik, Harman has assisted his father on several productions. When he faces the camera he knows exactly what he's doing." Harman would be the first of the major debutants in 2008, and that too from a film family followed by Mimoh whose dancing skills are being compared with his father Mithun Chakbraborty and Subhash Ghai's new discovery Anurag Sinha who’s being described as a mixture of Amitabh Bachchan and Naseeruddin Shah by people from the unit of his debut film Black and White.

Subash K Jha, IndiaFM

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Madhuri is bridging eras: Anil Mehta

Mumbai, Dec 19 - It wasn't easy to direct Madhuri Dixit in her comeback film, but director Anil Mehta thanks the actress for making it a smooth ride for him.

'She's such an easygoing person. She never let me get stressed about making Madhuri Dixit's comeback film. She was willing to give all of herself,' Mehta told IANS in an interview.

'She's still in equally splendid form. And she's bridging eras. She not only represents the kind of films that were made in the 1980s, but also cinema of today where she has a prominent place. It was such an asset to have her on the sets,' he added.

Mehta placed 'Aaja Nachle' in a small town because big cities don't fascinate him.

'I told Aditya Chopra of an idea about a small town setting. Those big urban fables don't interest me. The film may look lavish because of the dances. But I have kept the treatment very simple.'

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: The small-town ambience in 'Aaja Nachle' is splendid.

A: We created it on a set in Mumbai and if people thought it was a location that's a big compliment. I went on a 20-day recce, checked out towns like Bhopal and Indore. Lots of real construction material was used on the sets. We wove in the chaos and confusion of a small town into our fictional town.

Q: Did Madhuri come into the picture before or after you wrote the script?

A: It's a bit of a chicken-and-egg thing. The idea was floating in my head. Then Madhuri was cast and the story just flowed from there.

Q: Did Madhuri make it any easier for you?

A: She's such an easygoing person. She never let me get stressed about making Madhuri Dixit's comeback film. She was willing to give all of herself.

(c) Indo-Asian News Service

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Deepika is no star

Actress Deepika Padukone is no star, or so she says. After all the girl is getting more endorsements offers than film offers. Or is it that she chooses to keep mum about the offers coming her way?

Anyway, when we caught up with her recently, she was thankfully willing to admit, “As of now I have signed two movies. I’ll be shooting with Ranbir in January for Yash Raj’s next. It will be directed by Sidharth Anand.

It’s not titled yet. After that I will be working on Nikhil Advani’s Made In China opposite Akshay Kumar.” About her newfound star status, she diplomatically states, “I don’t think I am a star. I am just one film old and have a long way to go.”

Hmm...Deepika seems to have learnt the ropes of B-town already!

TNN

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Kareena Kapoor, a fashion Icon!!

Whilst Kareena Kapoor's career accelerates into top drive, with her being touted as one of the highest paid actress in Bollywood, Kareena is also indisputably the most glamorous fashion icon in the country today.

Her roles in various movies have set fashion trends and she is the discerning style diva of Bollywood. The actress is synonymous with style and beauty for her fans. Even recently in her latest critically acclaimed film JAB WE MET, the long T-shirts with Patialas that she wears in the movie seems to have become a rage with the youngsters. Kareena Kapoor is the trendsetter of generation next.

Even in her earlier films like YUVA, KABHI KHUSHI KABHI GHAM, her distinctive style and attitude started new fashion trends, establishing her iconic status with the youth.

Kareena's sense of style, charisma and attitude reflects the aspirations of millions of young Indians. She has experimented with a variety of roles and hence one has seen her in different stunning looks. She perfectly magnifies the versatility.

When asked about her style statement and what she thought about the latest trend in JAB WE MET that has caught the imagination of the youth, she said, "It was bound to become a rage simply because it is so comfortable. For me comfort is the most important thing in dressing. And the T with Patialas worked well for me."

Bollywood Trade News Network

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Industry hails Taare Zameen Par

"Taare Zameen Par is one of the best films that you would have ever seen", declares a prominent film personality who was invited for one of the two special screenings of Taare Zameen Par which were held in Mumbai on Monday night.

Truly emotionally charged long after the film's screening was through, he goes on to add, "If there is a film from India which truly stands a chance at the Oscars, it has to be Taare Zameen Par. What a fabulous performance by the kid Darsheel Safary."

Others who were invited for the screening were Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Shankar Mahadevan, Vishal Shekhar, Illa Arun, Prasoon Joshi and many more. Aamir Khan was the perfect host.

Says another invitee who doesn't wish to be named and wants the movie to do most of the talking, "Aamir has used his two decades of experience into creating a film which is nothing short of a masterpiece. The film is not one of those on-your-face emotional melodramas that arrive with a loud announcement. Instead, proceedings are kept subtle that add on to the beauty of the film."

There have been murmurs around the film's box office prospects getting hampered due to parallel release of Welcome. Akshay Kumar is on a roll and director Anees Bazmee is super charged with Welcome arriving two years after his last blockbuster No Entry.

"I am sure that Taare Zameen Par would stand on it's own in spite of Welcome. Yes, Welcome is going to be a 'masala' entertainer and even I am not going to miss it at the theaters. But then is it against the law to watch two films over the same weekend? Even if Welcome is as commercial as it gets, Taare Zameen Par also qualifies itself into 'don't miss it' category."

Music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy is still waiting to set the charts afire. What could be the prospects after the film's release? "I would want to ask you this question once you see the film", says a prominent composer, "The music was always meant to be the kind that makes an impact once heard in the film. Songs playing along with the narrative create a stunning impact and you realise this fact most once you watch the film."

A senior member from the film fraternity goes on to add, "Aamir Khan has come up with a brilliant effort that would shut up all his detractors who find it fashionable to label him as a perfectionist. Ok, so he may indeed be a perfectionist but if this is what a perfectionist gives to the industry and the audience, let's have more of such breed. He has made a flawless directorial debut."

Concludes the source, "The film doesn't make any pretensions. It is as pure as it gets. Taare Zameen Par should be made a compulsory viewing for not just students of cinema but also those who wish to see quality cinema with the right emotional quotient and commercial ingredients."

Joginder Tuteja, IndiaFM

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Anil Kapoor will promote Welcome only with Nana

If you haven't been seeing much of Anil Kapoor in the promotional blitzkrieg of Anees Bazmee's Christ-massy comedy Welcome it's with good reason. The meticulous actor has decided to speak about his role in the film only in collaboration with Nana Patekar.

Says a source close to Anil, “Since Nana and Anil play brothers in the film and share equal space he only thinks it to be reasonable that they speak on behalf of their film together."

The inimitable Nana has been stationed in Pune for two weeks because of his foot injury. Anil plans to drive down to Pune to do a joint press conference with Nana. The two come together in Welcome 18 years after they starred in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Parinda.

When asked about the year that was, Anil Kapoor says, "I'm very happy with the way my production Gandhi My Father was received all over the world. This isn’t one of those small films that come and go. I believe it has a fabulous shelf life. And the film’s impact will continue to be felt everywhere. "

Anil Kapoor promises several surprises as a producer in 2008.

Subash K Jha, IndiaFM

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Abhishek kills neighborhood criminals

With the New Year just around the corner, the market will be flooded with calendars of various sizes and shapes. This time, it's not just sizes and shapes, but also cool concepts as well. Subi Samuel and Marching Ants have started the calendar-mania with all the Bollywood stars striking a 'comical' pose! Their vision of 'Visual Wizardry' will be showcased in their calendar which will feature 24 of India's celebrated movie stars which will be unveiled by none other than Karan Johar and Priyanka Chopra today.

Each actor in the calendar is featured as a comic character. Abhishek Bachchan's character is called as Sam who is a writer by profession. And mind you, being Sam was not an easy task. Since his wife, was pregnant, he just doesn't want to move anywhere without her. This is what she had insisted for! And when she wanted to be amidst 'goon town', the big city's most notorious neighbourhood, Abhishek wants her to be safe from all the possible dangers. But as luck would have it, his wife and unborn child get shot by accident in a drive by shooting.

Abhi tries every possible effort to look for justice, all including the legal system, from the local politician et al. He is not able to digest the fact that the killers are roaming freely without a care. Hence, he drowns in the ocean of sorrow and solitude for days together. And then, he simply picks up a pen to write a story about his life. And lo! He goes out and hunts not only his wife's killers but also all those who were part of the same breed. And every night, his pen would be dipped in the blood of the culprits, would write pages for him.

The city had destroyed him, its laughter resonating….but the city's nightmare was only just beginning.

PS: This calendar happens to be a limited edition and will be distributed strictly through private circulation.

IndiaFM

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Aamir talks about Raju Hirani's film

There’s tremendous speculation vis-à-vis Aamir Khan’s new film. With Aamir’s directorial debut TAARE ZAMEEN PAR releasing this week, the actor can go back to studios and take instructions from other directors. “I need to complete work on the remake of GHAJINI first. We’re halfway through with this film. The makers have been kind enough to wait for me,” Aamir tells me.

There’s talk that the actor has agreed to work in Rajkumar Hirani’s new film, to be produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. “Yes, we’re in negotiations,” Aamir confirms the development. But what about the news that Vidhu requested Aamir to suggest [any] changes in the script, before they start shooting, not once the shooting begins. “What can I say about such absurd allegations? Vidhu never said anything to that effect. Raju is someone I really admire as a film-maker and Vidhu is a great person,” Aamir sets the record straight.

Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM

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Abhishek Bachchan in Taare Zameen Par

Taare Zameen Par is a story of a kid suffering from dyslexia. To create awareness about this disorder an example of Abhishek Bachchan is used in the film, who also suffered from this disorder. Aamir Khan took prior permission from the Bachchans to make this reference and use Abhishek’s name and picture as an example of success in spite of suffering from dyslexia at a young age.

Abhishek is among the crème de la crème of Bollywood today. The disorder did not stop him from creating a place for himself in the film industry and become a successful star. That’s the message Aamir gives to the kids in the film. Like Abhishek, many known personalities fall in this category, which include the likes of Leonardo Da Vinci, Thomas Alva Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Winston Churchill, Keanu Reeves, Albert Einstein and Tom Cruise.

Taare Zameen Par is all set to release on December 21 and marks the directorial debut of Aamir Khan

IndiaF

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Karan Johar's Media Mantra's

One of the nicest — and mutually profitable — friendships here is that of Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar. K Jo may be right up there in the marquee as a film-maker but he is still sporting enough to take care of Shah Rukh’s clothes, without ever feeling that he’s too big to be doing this now.

“I do clothes only for Shah Rukh, nobody else,” Karan is clear about that. “I connect with what Shah Rukh wants. I’ve done his clothes in Main Hoon Na (remember the simple but distinct sweater and scarf look?) and in Om Shanti Om. I always say Yash Uncle and Farah are two makers for whom, whenever they work with Shah Rukh, I will always do the clothes. I do Shah Rukh’s clothes in any case. I’m always shopping for him. I love doing it as a hobby.

“I loved doing the clothes of Om Shanti Om. Farah was so well-researched, she knew just what she wanted. Every time I fought with her — like I’d say, Farah, you want to give him this gold jacket for God’s sake — her answer would be, just shut up and give it, I know what my tones are. And when I saw it on screen the gold jacket looked great. Shah Rukh looked fantastic in the film. In the first half there wasn’t one wrong note. I had great fun doing it. I hope I get another job!”

One might say that today it is a privilege for anybody to do Shah Rukh’s clothes. But Karan is not ‘anybody’; he is a huge celebrity himself. One might think Karan benefits from his association with such a big star but if you really look at their friendship, I for one would say that Shah Rukh has equally gained from having Karan for a friend.

Today, especially after the blockbuster win of Om Shanti Om, a dreary charge against SRK is that he is media-savvy, like it is a gaali. Anybody who can’t get a good press (currently, Rishi Kapoor and most of the Saawariya satellites) sneer over the two words, ‘media savvy’ like it is a flaw in your personality. But the truth is, Shah Rukh was not always media-savvy. When he made his first film, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, and flopped on his face, he had got the kind of furious backlash that Sanjay Leela Bhansali got this year. Shah Rukh had no friends in the media, he had an issue with most of them (yours truly included) over laughingly trivial items, and right up to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, it was close friend Karan Johar who spoke warmly to the media on his friend’s behalf.

If Shah Rukh Khan has changed for the better you have to credit buddy Karan for the subtle influence he has had over the actor. Hear Karan’s refreshing views on the media and you’ll get an idea of where Shah Rukh has picked up some important lessons.

Says Karan, “Handling the media is really an art, that too requires a certain course.

“You cannot deny the power of the media, you cannot deny that they are a huge platform you need to be on when you have to promote your film or speak about yourself, you cannot deny that they make you the brand you are and you reap the benefits of that. I work in tandem with the media, I like to be there for them just as they have always been there for me. Yes, there are some bad apples but there are those bad apples in any industry, any profession, why just the media?

“When critics praise you, you’re happy. When they criticise you, you say they’re biased. Why can’t we accept that perhaps they just didn’t like your film? I can, even if it does hurt. If tomorrow you write against my film, I’m not going to be loving you for that second, but the next day I’ll wake up and say, ok, I must respect her opinion, I have so many of my own.

“Yes, the electronic media is in your face, the paparazzi is emerging, it’s annoying when you go to an event and you have a hundred cameras on you. But would you not want those hundred people around you? Would you like it if they ignored you and ran after someone else? No, I wouldn’t. I’m sorry to report, I’d be shattered, upset and want to break my head against the nearest wall! I like the shutterbugs when I walk the red carpet and I like the fact that they’re screaming my name for sound bytes. If they didn’t, I’d wonder what went wrong!

“We need the media,” concludes Karan. And you know just how much Shah Rukh has got from Karan when the film-maker says, “Let’s not pretend that we’re going to go out there and bash them because we sound cool at a party. We don’t.

“Media bashing is really passé!”

Thanks, pal.

Celebrity Circus

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"Juhi and Shah Rukh are like my own children" - Aziz Mirza

Though considerable time has elapsed since Aziz Mirza made his last film Chalte Chalte, nothing seems to have changed in his life. He first-and-foremost remains a thinking individual with working-class leanings, a filmmaker later.

"But my new film, for which we've found no suitable title as yet, is set in a foreign city. I made a conscious decision to move out of Mumbai this time. Since I last made a film, the process of globalization has been accelerated. I want to see how it affects my protagonist. But yes I'll continue to be taken up with the problems of the have-nots."

There's much speculation in the movie mart about how Aziz and his protégé Shah Rukh have drifted apart. Aziz is genuinely surprised. "Not at all. Juhi and Shah Rukh are like my own children. How can I move away from them? The only reason why Shah Rukh is not in my new film is because this role required a young boy, just out of college. In fact, the minute Juhi heard the role she said she could see a younger Shah Rukh in it. That how Shahid Kapoor came in."

Aziz Saab lapses into a flashback about Shah Rukh. "It's wrong to say I helped his career. Everyone has his destiny. Shah Rukh became an overnight star with Deewana. I remember they had shot half the film with another actor. Shah Rukh came into the project at that tale stage. If that isn’t destiny, what is? I've done four films with Shah Rukh. One doesn't have to continue working constantly with the ones whom one loves. Some relationships go beyond the professional. Shah Rukh is certainly one of them."

Ever since his wife Nirmala's death, Aziz Mirza has been in a state of seclusion. "Not really. It always takes me time to make my next film. Writing a film isn't an easy process. After Chalte Chalte I had to do a film that I was comfortable with," says the soft-spoken director.

Subash K Jha, TNN

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The idols who have influenced Sonam's life

Chirpy Sonam names the idols who have influenced her life and acting style apart from her papa, who’s her “mentor, philosopher and guide” and manages her contracts and deals:

Waheeda Rehman:
Gorgeous dancer, stunning looker and a whammy performer, she really had the goods. Her snake dance in Guide is Sonam’s all-time favourite and she “envies” her for being Guru Dutt’s heroine.

Rekha:
Her enduring “aura” and magnificent screen presence fascinates Sonam.

Sridevi:
She’s impressed with Sri’s “sheer range” which is amply displayed in Sadma and Chaalbaaz.

Salman Khan:
When her childhood star turned her hero, she knew that Lady Luck was beaming upon her. Sonam is awed by his “complete dedication” to cinema.

Shaan:
Believe it or not, during her college days Sonam “simply worshipped” singer Shaan and doted on his Lovology album.

Screen India

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Anil's a perfectionist!

The other day we caught up with Anil Kapoor on the sets of Subhash Ghai’s Yuvraj.

And throughout the shooting, Anil kept a straight face and was very serious. "He is immersed in his character. And no one can distract him till we complete the shoot today. I have known him for so many years now, but he hasn’t changed a bit. He still gets nervous and takes his work seriously. I have yet to see someone so involved in his work," smiles Ghai. Well, well, that’s what makes this Kapoor a perfectionist.

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Bollywood says NO to male nudity!

Daniel Craig, who had women all around the world gasping when he stepped out of the sea in Casino Royale wearing swimming trunks, is willing to set new standards for Ian Fleming’s secret agent James Bond.

In his next Bond film, Craig has promised to go totally nude. When asked why he intends to strip, Craig "who has one of the most finely chiselled bodies in Hollywood" said, "I’ve got nothing to hide. And, after all, we ask the girls to reveal almost all in films, so why not the men?" Why not, indeed! And better still is his willingness to bare it all.

Meanwhile, shifting the focus to Bollywood, our desi male stars with their new six pack abs are happy and confident about shedding their shirts and dropping towels to titillate female fans’ imaginations. Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, John Abraham and Ranbir Kapoor don’t have bodies much different from Craig’s. But the question BT asked their female costars in Bollywood was would there be as much interest in seeing Messrs Khans, Roshan, Abraham and Kapoor in the nude as there is in gawking at a Daniel Craig? This is what they replied, laughing in embarrassment!

Priyanaka Chopra

I think I would cringe on seeing anyone in the Hindi film industry naked on screen. When you watch a movie with your family it gets difficult not to react. I think sensuality is more appealing than a full monty. It’s just too much in your face. And that is ugly.

Dia Mirza

Ha-ha-ha... I wouldn’t want to see anyone nude on screen in a Hindi film. I think the mystery of not seeing all is much more exciting than seeing it all. Mystery evokes a deep sense of fascination and intrigue.

Celina Jaitley

Hone-stly, I wouldn’t like to see any of our heroes in the nude, because nudity turns me off. But I certainly want to see a couple of them in uniform. The male clothed body is much more appealing.

Kangana Ranaut

While I can give you a list of female bodies that I would appreciate nude, the male body is not a pleasant sight. First of all they are so hairy, and then they wax their bodies! I think it’s a terrible sight to see even a nude male statue or a man in his briefs. Let it be in the imagination, making it real isn’t a pleasant thought.

Sonam Kapoor

The Indian sensibility doesn’t accept this. I agree Ranvir in that towel-dropping scene looked like a Greek God in Sawariyaan, but let’s keep it there, I mean showing the back only. Further than that, well, I can’t see it. As I know most of the stars personally, it will be too embarrassing for me to see them it all their splendour on screen.

Riya Sen

In Holly-wood, it’s a brave fashion statement, and we don’t mind seeing male nudity in films made out there. But I don’t know how much our sensibilities will allow us to see our heroes like that. No, I won’t be able to.

Afsana Ahmed, TNN

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There’s no fear of failure: Madhuri Dixit

Critics panned her comeback vehicle 'Aaja Nachle' as did audiences, but Madhuri Dixit is unconcerned and says she was never worried about a film's box office performance.

'There's no fear of failure in me. I'm just happy that something different has been attempted in my comeback film. There's no hero in the film, but I won't call myself the film's hero. I'm the female protagonist,' Madhuri told IANS.

With theatre as its backdrop, the film revolves around Madhuri who returns from New York to her hometown to revive the local Ajanta theatre. The actress has some memorable dance sequences in the film despite being out of practice.

'With two small kids it's very difficult to continue dance. And I was pregnant half the time that I've been married. Out of the five years I was away I was pregnant and then looking after my kids. So after 'Devdas' I hadn't danced at all,' she said.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: You shouldered the entire film in your comeback vehicle... almost the hero. But heroine-centric films don't work.

A: There's no fear of failure in me. I'm just happy that something different has been attempted in my comeback film. There's no hero in the film. But I won't call myself the film's hero. I'm the female protagonist.

Q: The role in 'Aaja Nachle' was written for you.

A: The thought made my legs shake, and not because I was dancing (laughs).

Q: The Madhuri mania lives.

A: That was because I've worked with terrific directors and choreographers in good subjects. I remember when I met Aditya Chopra for the first time my first question to him was - do people still want to see me? He looked at me very strangely and said, 'Don't worry about that.' But I was really concerned.

Q: Your old films are played all the time on television.

A: That's a blessing. That's why people haven't forgotten me.

Q: And you get a vehicle in your new film where you dance non-stop.

A: It isn't just about dance but the entire theatre culture and dance is an integral part of it.

Q: Did you keep your dancing going in the US?

A: No, where was the time? With two small kids it's very difficult. And I was pregnant half the time that I've been married. Out of the five years I was away I was pregnant and then looking after my kids. So after 'Devdas' I hadn't danced at all.

Q: And yet you slip so easily into the dances of 'Aaja Nachle'!

A: Can't help it. I don't know what it is. It just comes naturally to me. Earlier, I had many of my best dances choreographed by Saroj Khanji. And she was the boss. I just listened to her when she cracked the whip.

In 'Aaja Nachle' I was working with Vaibhavi Merchant who's an ardent fan of mine. And she was quivering on the first day. I had to call Vaibhavi aside and warn her we could do no work if she was going to be so nervous of me. So, earlier Sarojji used to calm me down, this time I was calming my choreographer down. I was very impressed by her. We got along very well.

Q: The whole cast is your fan.

A: The feeling is mutual. All my co-stars - Vinay Pathak, Kunal Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma and Irrfan Khan - are just wonderful actors. I had watched a bit of their work beforehand. The awe just fell off and we were soon laughing and having a ball. As Kunal said, 'Hey she thinks just like I do.'

Q: In your heydays you were not very social? I remember you being very aloof on the sets of 'Devdas'.

A: I was never antisocial. With time you change. I'm more relaxed maybe. As for 'Devdas', there were just the three of us. In fact, I only had Shah Rukh for company. But in 'Aaja Nachle' there were so many actors shooting with me all the time. Such bright, inquisitive and talkative youngsters!

Q: The film is about the erosion of our tradition and culture. As an NRI does that issue bother you?

A: Every time I come to Mumbai I find the city more westernised. There's no harm in that. But why not imbibe the best of foreign influences without losing our culture and tradition? Let's not forget who we are. In the US we see families more Indian than in India. But there's hope yet. 'Aaja Nachle' addresses the question of tradition and modernity, but we aren't preaching over here.

Q: Have you seen the recent films?

A: None at all. I've been too busy promoting my film.

By Subhash K. Jha (Staff Writer, © IANS)

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After Mads,it's Sridevi!

Though Madhuri Dixit’s Aaja Nachle didn’t set the BO on fire, it re-enthused producer Boney Kapoor into designing his stunning wife Sridevi’s return to Bollywood.

The actress who gave up the limelight in 1997 after marriage and two babies, is now at a place in life where she is comfortable with the idea of returning to films.

Said a close friend, “Sri began working at the age of six. When she got married she had no interest left in pursuing a career. But now that her daughters are growing up, she’s open to doing a film a year.”

Boney confirmed the idea, saying, “Sri’s comeback is certainly on the cards. I’d be foolish not to utilise the talents of one of our best and most beautiful actresses when she’s right here at home.”

But now post–Madhuri’s return, Sridevi’s comeback is imminent. Madhuri at one time was considered Sridevi’s closest rival. “I won’t say Sri and Madhuri were rivals. Madhuri was in many ways our resident actress. She did some of her best films with my brother Anil. We are looking at a couple of scripts very seriously. The film for Sridevi should be happening next year,” revealed Boney.

Subash K Jha, TNN

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Yes, I am single: Katrina Kaif

Katrina is laughing over the rumour of her split with Salman Khan. In an interview with a leading tabloid Kat also denied reports of Sallu interfering in her professional life reiterating, as she has done before, that she has a life of her own.

"I create my own equations." emphasized the 23-year-old.

So does Katrina hang around with Salman and his family and friends out of gratitude or is there romance involved? Katrina's response was interesting.

"What one has to do in circumstances when one has no choice is another thing. If I have something to fulfill in my personal life, the media cannot stop me."

Equally interesting was Katrina's response when asked if she is single.

"If a woman is not married or engaged, she is single," she sighed.

Now the duo will make a special appearance alag-alag in Atul Agnihotri’s Hello.

Santabanta

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Shilpa's last performance of Miss Bollywood

The resplendent Royal Albert Hall was ablaze in Bollywood glory on Wednesday 12th December 2007 night, as Shilpa Shetty brought the house down in the London performance of her dance and musical extravaganza, ‘Miss Bollywood’, wowing the full house audience that comprised Bollywood and dance aficionados, celebrities, MP's and key dignitaries.

Shilpa Shetty graced the Red Carpet in a stunning black outfit by Giorgio Armani, before lighting up the stage in a fitting festive climax to the UK tour of ‘Miss Bollywood’, which has played to full houses across Europe, England and Scotland. Guests that enjoyed the finale performance of ‘Miss Bollywood’ included Shilpa's former Celebrity Big Brother housemate, Danielle Lloyd, England footballer, Jermain Defoe, musicians Jay Sean and Shayan Italia, comedian Kulvinder Ghir and Keith Vaz MP, who congregated in the Royal Albert Hall's West Arena for a VIP champagne reception, before the commencement of the performance.

Devansh Patel, IndiaFM

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Konkona Sen Sharma bags Mira Nair's Shantaram

Konkona Sen-Sharma is really going places. After taking the elusive Tabu's place in Zoya Akhtar's directorial debut Luck By Chance, Konkona is treading into Tabu's territory once again. Konkona will play a small but vital part in Mira Nair's Shantaram.It would be recalled that Konkona was Mira Nair's initial choice for the much-lauded Namesake. The actress begged off for date's sake. Tabu stepped in.

Contrary to the flights of fancy in certain media circles about Mira Nair’s ambitious adaptation of Gregory David Roberts' bestseller Shantaram being aborted due to Johnny Depp’s fancy fee, the project is very much on.

Reacting with her usual chortle of incredulity talk back home, Mira says, "Alas, We have been stalled temporarily due to the crippling nature of the writers' strike in Hollywood. Johnny Depp assures me that this is just a pause, and that we'll rev up to go again once the strike is resolved. I’ve spent a year of creative endeavour in realising Shantaram, so I look forward to the time when it will all come together."

The cast which initially boasted of Bachchan with Depp now has, among others, the rapidly-rising Konkona Sen in a very special role. Divulges Mira, "In addition to Johnny Depp and Amitabh Bachchan, I'd confirmed Irrfan Khan in a major role and Konkona Sen for a one big dramatic scene. I've also been in talks with Prabhudeva, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade and Ranvir Sheorey. I'd also love to work with Pankaj Kapoor. We have such an extraordinary bunch of great actors in India!"

Mira should know. She worked with a slew of them in her career-defining musical Monsoon Wedding. And now as Shantaram gets shifted to end of 2008, Mira prepares to do a Broadway-styled stage adaptation of Monsoon Wedding.

Subash K Jha, IndiaFM

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Bipasha is the brand ambassador for Kinetic-SYM

Bipasha ‘Beauteous’ Basu has the face, attitude, charm and sensuality to endorse any product and brand and take it to a new plane. Bips is now the brand ambassador of Kinetic Motor’s upcoming Kinetic-SYM scooter, which is slated for a launch next month.

Bipasha portrays both ambition and confidence and hence she fits the bill. She will feature in the advertising campaign for the Kinetic-SYM scooter on television, print, and internet. Outdoor campaigns and a special audio-visual that demonstrates the new scooter will also feature Bipasha.

Bipasha’s last release was Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal. Her upcoming movies include Race and Mr. Fraud.

IndiaFM

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Akshay Kumar's dare devilry

Megastar Akshay Kumar has always been associated with dare devil stunts, whether jumping from sky-scrapper or hanging from a helicopter to rescue damsel in distress, he has done it all.

But in a role reversal for his forthcoming blockbuster WELCOME, Akshay is rescued by Katrina Kaif!

In a very whacky scene in the film Akshay jumps into the fire to save Katrina Kaif, but he is so afraid of the fire that he faints. Katrina then literally had to lift Akshay and get him out of the fire.

Says producer Firoz Nadiadwala, "Anees Bazmi, the director had conceived the particular hilarious scene. In fact whilst shooting for the scene, we were apprehensive of Akshay jumping inside the fire since it was risky.

But Akshay being Akshay just jumped inside the fire. He even got his right hand burnt but he didn't tell us. We got to know about it once the shooting was over."

WELCOME is Akshay Kumar's last comedy of the year after a string of consecutive hits starting with NAMASTE LONDON, HEYY BABYY and BHOOL BHULAIYA.

WELCOME is slated to release on Dec 21st 2007. Bollywood's HIT MACHINE is on a roll!

Bollywood Trade News Network

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Karan to announce the SRK-Kajol project soon

Producer director Karan Johar's debut film, KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI (1998), saved his father's banner, Dharma Productions, which was virtually on the brink of bankruptcy. Not only that, the film went on to become one of the biggest hits of the 90's. It also consolidated the super-star power of the SRK-Kajol pair and established Karan as a top-notch director of the Hindi film industry.

Karan's career graph rose further with his next two films, KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM (2001) and KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA (2006). He ranks amongst the topmost Bollywood directors/producers like Yash Chopra, Aditya Chopra, Sooraj Barjatya.

Karan has off late been seen more on television, though news about his next project, obviously featuring close friends Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, has been doing the rounds, for a while. There have also been speculations that the project may not happen, as Kajol is not very keen on doing the film.

However, putting an end to all the canards, Karan says that he will soon be making a formal announcement regarding his next directorial venture, featuring his favourite pair. But before that he wants to have everything on paper.

Well, we are waiting eagerly for the official word about, KHAN or MY NAME IS KHAN or whatever is the actual/final title!

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Hollywood calling: Priyanka

Indian films are being appreciated globally and the actors are receiving offers from abroad including Hollywood, Priyanka Chopra said.

"The Indian film industry has broken barriers and has gone international.The commercial collections and audience base abroad have grown", the actress told reporters here on Thursday.

The actress said she had received "some offers" from Hollywood but said she would accept it only "if something excited" her.

"I would rather prefer to be the king here than be the Jack of all trades. There is a lot for me to achieve here," Priyanka, who has six films planned for next year, said.

"I am ready to act in any film in any language from any region, if the movie is something that excites me," she said.

On her new films, she said she had six films lined up, including 'God Tusi Great Ho,' 'Love Story 2050 Chanku,' 'Drona,' 'Fashion' and unnamed production with Karan Johar.

Priyanka is also very eager to move into her new house but The Chopra’s guru has advised them to shift residence in February only.

Though the work will be completed in January but the family will shift in February because of their firm belief in their guru who lives in Ranikhet, Uttaranchal.”

Incidentally, Chopra family are staunch devotees of Lord Shiva and make it a point to visit the Haidakhan Ashram in Ranikhet, every year.

Santabanta

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Aamir to host Pogo Amazing Kids Awards

Aamir Khan’s special bond with children is something that’s known to one and all. With Aamir’s directorial debut, ‘Taare Zameen Par’, revolving around children, the actor has been going all out interacting with his young fans be it at a radio station on Children’s day, or judging a kids’ musical reality show on television.

The latest news doing the rounds is that Aamir will be hosting the Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2007. Incidentally, Darsheel Zafary, the lead child protagonist in Taare Zameen Par would be co-hosting the award function which would be telecast on Dec 29 2007.

This is the first time that the normally reclusive actor would be hosting an awards show and apparently the only reason he has agreed to do it is because kids have been a real source of inspiration and strength for him.

Considering the popularity the kids channel Pogo enjoys among tiny tots, one thing is certain that Aamir would add many loyal fans for his film, which opens on Dec 21.

Indiatarget

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Deepika Padukone is the Face of Tissot

Actress Deepika Padukone's professional career is on a high after the success of Om Shanti Om. While she has some interesting projects in hand like Yash Raj Film's movie opposite Ranbir Kapoor and Nikhil Advani's untitled film opposite Akshay Kumar she also seems to be red hot on the endorsement bandwagon.

After being chosen as the brand ambassador for prestigious brands like Kingfisher Airlines and Levis Strauss Signature line, Swiss watchmaker Tissot has now roped in Deepika as its Indian Brand ambassador and also to be the 'Face of Tissot' worldwide.

Apparently, Deepika has been chosen as the brand ambassador, as she justifies Tissot's core values of performance, precision and setting new records, having herself achieved success at such a young age.

With the company planning to target the youth that is earning well and is brand conscious, their choice of Deepika as the brand ambassador is indeed apt.

IndiaFM

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Kareena is brand ambassador for Anne French

Kareena is following the likes of Amitabh and SRK when it comes to ads. Post Jab We Met, she is seen everywhere. Being in the news for the right reasons it began with her new look for Globus and then the music video for Head & Shoulders and even endorsements ITC soaps.

Now, she has stepped a notch higher and is the Brand Ambassador for the hair remover cream, Anne French. Kareena, the Bollywood diva, has been the talk of the town due to her breaks ups and links ups. Shrugging all rumors, she is moving in the forefront with endorsements and films.

On the film front, Kareena’s next release will be Yash Raj Film’s Tashan along with Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Anil Kapoor.

IndiaFM

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Shahid-Kareena together this Valentine's Day

Come what may, Shahid aur Kareena Milenge Milenge. That's the title of the long-delayed Shahid-Kareena romance directed by Satish Kaushik which the producer Boney Kapoor has decided to release on Valentine's Day.

Somewhat ironical considering Shahid and Kareena have gone their separate ways. "So be it. Perhaps it was destined that the most romantic film featuring Shahid and Kareena would come after their relationship," says Boney. Thanks to the surprise success of Jab We Met the long-dormant Shahid Kapoor-Kareena Kapoor starrer is being brought alive.

Contrary to rumours that the film's main lead Shahid and Kareena aren't interested in dubbing it, producer Boney Kapoor is all set to release his film on Valentine's day. Though the lead pair is yet to dub, Boney has already got Milenge Milenge censored. "We've got the scratch -print censored," explains Boney. "And all we need now is for Shahid and Kareena to dub. They haven't given me any indication that they've any problem with dubbing for the film." Says Boney, belying the reports that the lead pair is disinclined to be part of the project any longer.

The only person from the team who won't be part of the newly-revived Milenge Milenge is Himesh Reshammiya. Says Boney, "Himesh has done the songs. We've got the late maestro Salil Chowdhary's son Sanjay to do the background score. The promos are also ready. It's a very young and fresh film. We're now looking at a Valentine's release on Feb 15."

Director Satish Kaushik too is gung-ho about the release. "Milenge Milenge is not the least dated. And why should Shahid and Kareena have any problems dubbing it? In fact, Shahid lives in my building. I've asked him about the dubbing and he's fine by it. Kareena I've known since the time she came into the industry. I gave her first big hit Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai. Unlike that film Milenge Milenge isn't a South remake. I've entered a new phase of making films based on original scripts. My next release Tere Sang about teen pregnancy is also an original."

Satish was planning to release his other teenybopper romance Tere Sang for Valentine's Day. "But now that Milenge Milenge is being planned for the Valentine week I'll obviously hold back Tere Sang. Apne paon par kulhari nahin marunga…who bhi tez dhaar."

Subhash K. Jha, IndiaFM

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Akshay-Katrina on Jhalak Dikhla Ja mega-finals

Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif have scooped the cream among the glut of reality TV shows. This hit pair will be the super attraction on the mega final of Sony TV's popular dance show, Jhalak Dikhla Ja, to promote their highly anticipated comedy, Welcome, releasing on Friday, December 21.

The mega final of JDJ is being telecast on Saturday, December 15. Katrina will make her entry first and be joined by Akshay who will appear after her and felicitate the winner at the end.

Considering Welcome is the Christmas release for families, a Santa Claus is likely to accompany Akshay. The latter will dance to the title track of Welcome, though much of what he will be doing on the show is being held back as a big surprise.

IndiaFM

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Box office 2007: Comedies steal the show

Khallas ! It's closing time and the booking window at Bollywood is still grinning, despite the series of flops in the last two weeks.

If Yash Chopra's much-awaited Madhuri magic failed to work its jaadu with Aaja Nachle clicking a mere Rs 11 crore in its first week, then Sudhir Mishra's film noir, Khoya Khoya Chand managed a mere 15% opening this Friday, along with an equally dismal show for Sanjay Gupta's star-heavy Dus Kahaniyan , which opened to just 30% occupancy. Last week, John Abraham's histrinoics in the football field too offered no cause for celebration. Dhan Dhan Dhana Goal has garnered a two-weeks gross of only Rs 15 crore.

So why's Bollywood grinning? Year 2006 has gone down in Bollywood history as the turnaround year, when the top 25 films grossed a total of Rs 620 crore, which was a 26% increase over the grosses of 2005. This was the year that witnessed a renewed Dhoom ( Dhoom 2 ) in film-making and set the tone for a braver, bouncier 2007.

Officially, 2007 too has just ten certified hits, which almost measures up to last year's list that boasts of biggies like Rang De Basanti, Fanaa, Omkara ... But it's the money that makes the real difference. Year 2007 boasts of one the biggest hits of the decade.

Om Shanti Om has already outgrossed the 21st century's biggest hit, Gadar (with a net adjusted gross of Rs 94 crore) with a staggering BO bounty of Rs 76 crore and is still going strong. Blame it on Shah Rukh Khan's charisma or Deepika Padukone's dusky sensuality, but the film has managed to make its millions despite being nothing more than a comedy circus that has no after-hours impact, whatsoever.

Seeing the staggering response, the industry has anointed Farah Khan as 'The Entertainer', replacing Karan Johar and his brand of Mumbai-meets-Manhattan masala .

But that's just the tip of the cherry shake. Yesterday's Badshah of Blah, David Dhawan too made a comeback in a blockbuster way with his desi Hitch, Partner , grossing Rs 62 crore. Again, the film hardly matched the rib tickling humour of Dhawan's earlier teasers like Coolie No. 1 and Hero No. 1 , but the Salman and Govinda chemistry clicked in a big way. The year definitely belonged to comedies and comedies alone, with Partner leading the laugh riot which includes Dhamaal, Heyy Babyy, Dhol and Bhool Bhulaiyya . Add OSO to this, and you’ll find the top 10 list already has six comedies in it.

At the number two position, there is more serious stuff: Chak De India with Rs 65 crore in its coffers. Surely, this can easily be crowned the film of the year with its gentle, subtle and straight-from-the-heart message of desh-prem which must necessarily sift out regional chauvinism and minority bashing from its ambit. More importantly, Chak De India can easily go down in SRK’s filmography as his best performance, till date.

The rest of the winners include Mani Ratnam's Guru, Imtiaz Ali's Jab We Met and Vipul Shah's Namastey London . All these films have grossed more than Rs 30 crore. And if the top 10 haven't created a storm at the box office, there are a number of semi-hits which have kept the industry afloat. Films like Apne, Aap Ka suroor, Shootout at Lokhandwala , Bheja Fry, Khosla ka Ghosla, Metro, Black Friday, Parzania , The Namesake and Honeymoon Travels have shown that the industry is eager to tread the untrodden path and definitely wants to break new ground.

Surely, it will take more than a Salaam-e-Ishq, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom , or a Ram Gopal Ki Aag to script its doom story. Perhaps nobody reflects the current mood better than the house of Yash Chopra Inc, which shows a dismal record of four flops ( Tara Rum Pum, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Laga Chunari Mein Daag, Aaj Nachle ) on one side of the coin and Chak De India glittering on the other side of it. Hits or flops, the show just keeps going on and on.

Nikhat Kazmi,TNN

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Levi signs Bollywood beauty Deepika Padukone

Levi Strauss (India) Pvt. Ltd. today announced that Deepika Padukone, the Bollywood beauty of the OM SHANTI OM fame will continue to be its national brand ambassador for their brand Levi Strauss Signature. The brand also announced their new "Dart-to-Win" contest that would provide an exciting once in a life time opportunity for fans of Deepika to meet and greet with her.

Youthfull, confident, and with a mind of her own Deepika has come a long way since her initial foray into modeling. Her entry into Bollywood with OM SHANTI OM has won her rave reviews and has been recognized as the most promising newcomer to take the numero uno position in the Indian film industry in the near future.

"Our association with Deepika is a perfect brand fit and we are delighted to partner with her. She signifies style, good looks, youth, fun and universal appeal - attributes that resonate with our brand values and positioning." said ATP Ramani, Business Head, Levi Strauss Signature.

Targeted at the young and trendy college-goer, brand Levi Strauss Signature depicts 'collective individuality' - a strong 'youth' phenomenon and highlights the "we are what we are" sentiment of the Indian youth.

Speaking at the occasion Deepika said, "It is my pleasure to be associated with a brand that provides such an extensive range of clothing for the urban youth. I look forward to working with Levi Strauss Signature and am happy to endorse the brand."

The Levi Strauss Signature "Dart to win" contest encourages customers and fans of Deepika to register their opinion on Deepika in the exclusive Levi Strauss Signature stores pan India. The most creative comment will be handpicked by Deepika herself. The winner will get their once in a life time opportunity to meet and greet with her and will avail an all expense paid trip & stay for one day. Open for all, the Dart to win contest starts on 11th December 2007 and will be open till 10th January 2008.

In addition to the contest is also a gaming activity scheduled at the Levis Strauss Signature exclusive brand outlets. Every purchase of Rs. 2500/- & above, will enable customers to partake of a dart game with three chances to aim at the dart board. The dart board depicts various freebies like one branded T-shirt, one pair of jeans, one watch & one travel bag. Customers could target any of the above by means of his/her darting skills and win any one of the valuable freebies irrespective of the number of right hits he/she accrues. This Dart-to-win consumer promotion is open from the 11th Dec'07 onwards and will remain till stocks last.

Bollywood Trade News Network

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Ranbir's Amritsar nightmare

The last few days have been a startling see-saw for Ranbir Kapoor. While his shooting at the Golden Temple in Amritsar for Siddarth Anand's untitled film has gone off swimmingly, what transpired on Saturday night left the young actor shaken stirred and queasy.

Ranbir had to be flown back from Amritsar to Mumbai via Delhi for an entertiament event organized by Sony Electronics. Since it was impossible for Ranbir to catch a normal flight for the event, Sony organized a chartered flight to Delhi from where Ranbir was supposed to catch a King Fisher flight to Mumbai just in time for the event late Saturday night.

But the Gods of the winter fogs had other plans. Says a Sony spokesperson Vikramjit Roy, "It was an event on Saturday night where the Saawariya stars Sonam and Ranbir were supposed to meet the contestants. We chartered a flight from Amritsar to Delhi for Ranbir as the sector doesn't have good connectivity. Ranbir reached Delhi but couldn't make it to Mumbai as there was a major snag at Delhi airport on Saturday. All normal commercial flights were delayed. Ranbir had to fly back to Amritsar early Sunday morning."

While Ranbir remains tightlipped about the airborne fiasco, members of Siddharth Anand's crew in Amritsar say the actor flew back from Delhi to Amritsar at 4 am and started shooting from 8 a.m. "All this is an occupational hazard. And I better get used to it," said the bone-weary sleepless Ranbir on Sunday.

Subash K Jha, IndiaFM

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More on Saif's home-production

There’s tremendous speculation about Saif Ali Khan’s home-production. There’s talk that the actor is planning to start two films in the first phase, to be directed by Sriram Raghavan [EK HASINA THI, JOHNNY GADDAAR] and Imtiaz Ali [JAB WE MET], respectively. However, Saif did clarify to us that he hasn’t confirmed the projects yet.

Reportedly, the Imtiaz Ali-directed film will star Saif and Deepika Padukone in the main lead. Imtiaz had narrated the story to Deepika before he left for the U.S. for a holiday. “That’s true, I did meet her for the film in question,” Imtiaz confirms, “But the project hasn’t concretized yet. We’re still working on it.” That’s the official take from Imtiaz.

Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM

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Salman's call to Amrita

Amrita Rao received a surprise call from, hold your breath, Salman Khan on Friday night. Amrita, who’s shooting in Jaisalmer for Anil Kapoor’s film, flew to Mumbai to partake in the music launch celebrations of MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES. Looking radiant, the pretty actress received compliments aplenty during the music launch.

Salman, who was shooting in Hyderabad for Boney Kapoor’s film, was watching the music launch on television and promptly called Amrita, showering generous compliments on her. “I was pleasantly surprised when he called. In fact, Boney-ji, who was also with him, also spoke,” Amrita reveals excitedly.

Amrita’s glam look in MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES is surely creating ripples!

Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM

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Why Deepika Padukone can't have enough of idli dosa

After her dazzling “double” debut in OSO, pretty Ms Padukone surely is headed for a wild fame game. But the Capricornian has her head firmly on her shoulders. Just check out her favourite things, hardly any designer tags in there:

Food:
“I am most fond of our South Indian snacks, I can’t have enough of idli dosa,” lets on the famous Banglorean.

Apparel:
She may be seen in the de regueur denims and tees, but that’s not her preferred dress code if you please,”I love Indian wear like chudidaars and sarees,” she says.

Game:
“Badminton of course!” she dimples. She inherited her liking for Badminton from her dad Prakash and she grew up amidst raquets and shuttlecocks. She played inter-school matches with zest.

Style Quotient:
In spite of being a supermodel she won’t recommend any designer names, “It’s best not to follow trends. My SQ is to wear whatever I am comfy in. Currently I like to put on a pair of jeans with a kurti.”

Cosmetics:
The lass with eloquent eyes won’t ever leave home without her Maybelline mascara,” I endorse it and use it too,” she giggles.

Screen India

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Sanjay Dutt resumes shooting on Wednesday

Contrary to the reports everywhere, Sanjay Dutt was never meant to resume shooting on Tuesday 11 December.

"It was always December 12," says producer Suniel Shetty whose film EMI (Easy Monthly Installments) Dutt returns to. "And we go on shooting for the entire month. It's so wonderful to have Baba back. He's been through so much. All of us who care for him only want the ordeal to end for him," says Suniel who returned from Turkey earlier this week from supervising the production of Mission Istanbul.

"What Apoorva has shot is amazing. That’s all I want to say about this film right now," says Suniel. Mission Istanbul is the most expensive film Suniel's production house, Popcorn Entertainment, has ever shot.

Subash K Jha, IndiaFM

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How the Dhoom Tana SFX was created

‘Dhoom Tana’ in Om Shanti Om presented Deepika Padukone with the actors of the yesteryears. We got Red Chillies’ VFX team to explain the process.

Stage 1
The team had to locate the original footage of the films they had short listed. The three song sequences appeared in Amrapali (1966, Sunil Dutt and Vyjayantimala), Saccha Jhutha (1970, Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz) and Jay-Vijay (1977, Jeetendra and Jayashree T). Not always in the best condition, the original footage had to be scanned, carefully restored and cleaned up to the best possible quality on the computers.

Stage 2
Keeping in mind, the set of the films, the camera angles and the lighting, Deepika Padukone was shot in present dressed in similar costumes as the yesteryear actresses to further enhance that ‘70’s look. She pretended to dance with the actors by romancing an imaginary hero.

Stage 3
The original actresses, i.e. Vyjanthimala, Mumtaz and Jayashree T. were removed from the sequences. All this of course, was done with the help of the Red Chillies’ VFX (visual effects) team. Sequences where the camera was moving and the actors were in contact were specially chosen, so as to provide opportunity for Deepika to dance along with them as opposed to posing. Things to note were the eye contact between the actors, physical touch, lighting continuity, perspective matching, skin tones matching, color matching, etc.

Stage 4
Deepika’s footage was pasted in place of the actual actresses’ footage. The technical term for this is ‘compositing’. Thus, it seems that she has been locked in the same frame as legends, Sunil Dutt, Rajesh Khanna and Jeetendra. The song truly was a treat to watch. And now some of our wonder and amazement has been satisfied. Keitan Yadav, COO of Red Chillies VFX asserted that the idea was to give a feel of the era and is glad that they seemed to have succeeded.

He adds that “there are about 200 additional shots in the film where VFX is used like the snow-flakes in the globe, SRK and Deepika turning real and dancing in the globe, the Mother India fire sequence, Shantipriya’s death sequence and the climax sequence.”

Image Courtesy: 'The Making of Om Shanti Om' published by Om Books International

Screen India

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Malaika Arora does an item number in Welcome

Malaika Arora, the sexy diva of Bollywood, is all set to sizzle yet again in an item number. This time, she’ll be seen shaking a leg with Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor in Anees Bazmee’s Welcome.

Malaika was last seen in Om Shanti Om in the famous song ‘Deewangi’ featuring 31 stars. She also did a cameo in the ‘Mohabbat Man’ scene in the film.

Welcome is a comedy which stars Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Mallika Sherawat and Paresh Rawal. The film is produced by Firoz Nadiawala and is slated to release on December 21.

IndiaFM

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AAJA NACHLE holds in the Overseas

Contrary to the initial predictions, Yash Raj's Madhuri Dixit starrer, AAJA NACHLE has managed to hold rather well, especially in the Overseas. While the Anil Mehta directed film has grossed a so-so $425,488 in the US, it has a rather satisfactory $660,238 to show from the UK. Even in Australia, the movie has managed to gross a decent Aus. $ 93,793.

What is interesting to note is that AAJA NACHLE has had an allowable fall of 46 - 56 percent from the first to the second weekend, and this range is considered quite normal in trade parlance.

Well, we have to admit that the 'dhak dhak' girl still has a lot of fire power left in her and that is reason enough for the fans of the dancing queen, Madhuri Dixit, to go 'balle balle'!

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Ash exposed!

We are talking of the virtual world, where the ‘private space’ of even the coyest of coy celebs is just a click away from being invaded. A case in point is Ash. Take a deep breath while logging onto www.fakecelebs.org and nothing of the Bachchan bahu, who’s accused of fighting shy on questions regarding kissing, is left to the imagination.

The widely viewed, perfectly retouched pictures of the prettiest woman in the world has not just found space alongside the Hollywood A-league stars, but also tops the view list. Do we blame morphing — a simple Photoshop tool that touches up the near perfect bods, or the too-wild-to-be-tamed imaginations of the starstruck, living in a world ruled by body basics? CT talks to celebs for reactions — which, are not morphed.

There’s no denying the fact that the Photoshop tool has a hand in enhancing beauty. For the members of the ad world, this tool is invaluable for without it, the beauties would not exactly be glamorous from head to toe. Says Alyque Padamsee, president, London Institute of Corporate Training, “It’s a tool that has been there since the beginning of advertising. Earlier, there would be airbrushing. Now, it’s computer graphics that do the needful. In fact, it’s a boon to all the fantasy-loving people who are ready to give reality a miss.”

But mention fakes on the Net and his cheeks turn a becoming shade of pink. “Now that’s embarrassing, unethical and punishable by the law. My last word to those who do such stuff would be, for heaven’s sake, stop these fakes!”

And what about the beauties, who are dogged by the need to look perfect and understand how the friendly photoshop tool can work
wonders? Actor Rituparna Sengupta simply finds nudes on the Net a scary proposition. “It’s obnoxious. The worst part of being in the public eye is that you are viewed as a commodity and not one with flesh and blood,” says the actor.

So, what’s the definition of vulgarity? How do we categorise the sensual picturisations of the oohs and aahs in the rain? “Dimple Kapadia’s Chhuyona chhuyona (Sagar) and Madhuri’s Dhak dhak (Beta) could have been provocative. But, they aren’t vulgar. I have done similar sensuous stuff, but one has to understand that it’s for creativity’s sake. Tell me who all have the time to morph celeb pictures on the Net? It’s better to ignore — ignorance is bliss,” she opines.

Members of the modelling world too think that it is best to ignore the morphing culture which titillates the fancy of voyeurs. Says model Nicolette Bird, “I think the more you react, the murkier it gets. So, it’s best to ignore.”

However, not everyone’s ready to take things lying down. Deepti Gujral is more brazen in her approach. “These are the outcome of corrupt minds working overtime. I would be happy if we could generate public opinion against such abhorring acts. One who is maligned should lodge a complaint with the cyber branch of police,” says the petite model.

While the beauties are crying foul, cyber law experts opine that such acts are punishable by law, even if it’s mentioned in the homepage in bold: “The pictures displayed on this website are fakes, digitally retouched and altered photos of nude celebs involved in sexual activities”. Says advocate Uday Jha, “Leave aside the Information and Technology Act that deals with cyber crimes, even in ordinary parlance, such sites can be booked for practicing fraud. These are cases of personal impersonification and the best thing would be if the person in question can lodge a complaint for defaming him/her.”

Will the Mistress of Spices still stick to her Kuch Naa Kaho stand? Or will she create some Dhoom about it? We’ll have to wait and watch.

Zinia Sen, TNN

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Preity cries for home

It isn’t easy playing one either. This, Preity Zinta discovered over the past month while shooting in Toronto for Deepa Mehta’s tale of domestic subjugation Heaven On Earth. The role got to Preity so badly, her mother had to fly down to cheer up the vivacious actress. Said Preity, "It was mom’s birthday on November 30, so she came over with my brother and niece for two days. That really helped me to re-connect with my real life, to appreciate how lucky I am to have a career without losing out on my family."

It’s been tough for her in Toronto. She misses home and Bollywood. "Especially Shah Rukh, Salman and Karan. The other night I was watching Veer-Zara and I fell completely homesick. Heaven On Earth is in Punjabi and English. That itself is a huge change from everything I’ve done so far. But the role is something else. I never knew a character would effect me so deeply. I’ve become completely withdrawn and introspective. Playing such a role just makes me think about the plight of a majority of women who don’t have access to the infrastructure that have helped women achieve a kind of liberation in our society."

The film is the real story of a battered NRI wife who bore years of domestic violence. After making a documentary on her harrowing tale, Deepa Mehta decided to turn the story into a film. Theatre actor Vrajendra plays Preity’s violent husband.
"I am in an alien environment, shooting a bleak life with a crew and way of working that’s totally new to me. Here I am no star, just a member of the cast. Saturdays and Sundays are off. But I can’t snap out of the character. I just sit in my hotel pouring over my lines," sighed Preity.

TNN

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Anil Kapoor - Nana Patekar after 19 years in WELCOME!

While WELCOME will be Akshay Kumar's fourth massive comedy in 2007, the film is important to Anil Kapoor for a number of reasons as well.

While it is common knowledge that Anil Kapoor and Feroz Khan have reunited on screen after 21 years in WELCOME (their last outing being JAANBAAZ), it is also true that this is also Anil's first film with Nana Patekar after 19 years!

The two powerhouse actors were last seen playing adversaries in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's critically acclaimed, PARINDA, which released in 1989. There was talk of a problem between the two on the sets of PARINDA after which they reportedly refused to feature together in a number of projects that were offered to them.

Producer Firoz Nadiadwala and director Aneez Bazmee brought the two together as brothers in WELCOME after a gap of two decades. Remarks a source, "It was hard to bring Anil & Nana back together for WELCOME but it's all happened for the good. Their brilliant screen chemistry in the film has to be seen to be believed."

WELCOME releases worldwide on December 20, 2007. It is an Indian Films Release through Studio 18.

Bollywood Trade News Network

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DRONA climax portions at Sambhar Lake

Goldie Behl's Abhishek Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra starrer, the SFX extravaganza, DRONA has had quite a journey. The shooting commenced in Rajasthan, moved through Bombay's Film City to Namibia in Africa and has finally returned to the Rajasthan capital.

As per media reports from the Pink City, Abhishek Bachchan (essaying the title role of DRONA), reached Jaipur last Sunday itself, and was lodged at a resort. Later in the week, Abhishek shot for some horseback climax sequences, wielding a sword. His conflict was with the villain, Kay Kay Menon, atop a black horse, as opposed to Abhishek's white one! The shooting venue was the famous Sambhar Lake, situated towards Ajmer, some 90 kilometres west of Jaipur.

As may be recalled, Abhishek Bachchan is shown as having super natural powers and Priyanka Chopra plays his bodyguard in the film.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Dino Morea’s phone ka funda

Actor Dino Morea, like most boys, has a deep fascination for electronic gadgets and the latest addition to his collection is his new phone.


Apparently he spends every free minute exploring his new ‘toy’ and doesn’t want to be disturbed while figuring what unique features it has to offer.

Looks like Santa has come early to Dino’s house, which means that our gorgeous hunk has been a very good boy this year.

TNN

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Kat's in luck!

Katrina Kaif has penchant for things exquisite and elegant.

Among her many passions is her weakness for designer wear. And so, recently when she was window-shopping in a mall her eyes fell on a designer outfit and she wanted to buy it.

A close friend of the actor revealed, “Katrina was shopping at a mall in Worli when she stepped into a store that displayed only exclusive designer wear. While she was looking around, her eyes fell on a Gucci dress. She fell in love with it instantly and wanted to buy it then and there.”

However, our khabroo told us that Katrina felt that the outfit was too expensive and so she didn’t buy it. “The dress had a price tag of Rs. 2.5 lakh. Katrina felt that it would not be right to spend that kind of money over a dress. But later she changed her mind and called the store to have it delivered at her place. Unfortunately, the dress was sold by then,” our source added.

But there was a surprise in store for Katrina. Our source said, “Katrina was completely taken aback when the same dress was delivered to her at her doorstep — it was a gift by Gucci for her. After Katrina left the store, the store manager sent across an e-mail to Gucci in Italy writing about her accomplishments as an actor and a model, and how she fancied the dress. Next we knew is that the store manager couriered the dress to her, and, Gucci did not charge her a single penny for it!”

When contacted, Katrina laughed and said, “Being gifted with a Gucci dress that too from Italy, was like a dream come true for me. In fact, when Anees (Bazmee) saw it he insisted that I wear it for the title track of Welcome. And I promptly agreed.”

Parag Maniar, TNN

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Kareena Kapoor: The trendsetter!

After the success of Jab We Met, everyone wants to be Kareena, or so it seems. Apparently, the long T-shirts with patialas that she wears in the movie seems to have become a rage with the youngsters.

When we caught up with Bebo and asked about her style statement and what she thought about the latest trend, she said, "It was bound to become a rage simply because it is so comfortable. For me comfort is the most important thing in dressing. And the T with patialas worked well for me." Now, if it works for you, it works for us, too!

TNN

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It's the price we pay: Arjun Rampal

Drop dead looks to flaunt but no starry attitude to throw.

Down-to-earth and a family man Arjun Rampal is happy playing daddy cool to his lovely daughters, Mahikaa and Myra. But talk of his second passion films, and his latest act in Om Shanti Om (OSO) as a villain has put him in the spotlight.

Post the big reviews OSO has got, we get the actor talking on the apprehensions he had prior to taking on a negative role, his filmi career so far and much more...

Starting straight with the question about his apprehensions signing OSO , he says, “Yes, I was a bit skeptical about playing Mukesh Mehra for I wondered whether I’d be able to justify my character. For at times when there are fallouts in make-up, outfits or appearances, the character can look funny. But thanks to Farah whose selection of the entire crew was excellent.”

But besides that wasn’t he apprehensive about the story theme based on re-incarnation as well? “See, if we are unaware of some fact that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Re-incarnation, fantasies, black magic are themes which work well provided the script is strong enough. And personally I do believe in astro science and the idea of life after death,” says the actor.

Also, with SRK in picture along with a battalion of other superstars in the item song, did you feel your share of limelight got thinner? “Performance of an actor is not judged by the length of his role but by how well he has performed. And even though I played the negative role for the first time I was appreciated all over.”

Being SRK’s close buddy, ask him about the recent allegations levelled on him by the BCCI and Arjun dismisses all of them.

“I know SRK and his family for a number of years. Shah Rukh and I have a strong liking for sports. And so does his son Aryan. I remember when Twenty20 World Cup had just begun there was complete chaos at his house to watch the match live. I am sure people who know Shah Rukh would have laughed off BCCI’s comment. It’s like we pay the price of being celebrities,” he sighs.

What’s more, the actor goes ahead giving a piece of advice for BCCI: “BCCI should rather be thankful to Bollywood for popularising and glamorising the game. In fact, they should invite more celebs just the way Hollywood stars are invited for sports like Baseball and others.”

Well, every other actor seems to be involved in some or the other controversy these days. How has he stayed clear of them? “Touchwood I haven’t been target of any such sensational journalism. I feel sorry for actors who are roped in controversies for all sorts of wrong reasons. I can actually swear that all allegations made against them are wrong.”

Back to his career, ask him having made so many jumps from modelling to acting to production, what has he enjoyed the most?

“I’m more comfortable acting and producing simultaneously. And would continue to do so,” informs the actor who produced I See You with wife and ex-super model Meher. But then with so much to do, why do we see so less of him?

“I’m very selective about the kind of work I do. Above all, I’ve set my priorities in life. I love spending quality time with my daughters.” But ask him about wife Meher and he says, “That’s personal and solely for me to know that what about Mehr makes her so special.”

So what next film-wise? “Presently, I am working in EMI with Sanjay Dutt and next is Rock On where I’ll be playing a rock band member.”

Manjari Sabharwal, TNN

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Hrithik Roshan: I am giving my health a prior importance

News of Superstar Hrithik Roshan nursing his bad knee has been circulating for quite a while now, but not many know that the actor had been neglecting treatment so far, in spite of his doctor & physiotherapist's instructions!

Finally though Hrithik has given-in to their advice and the actor is off to Singapore for 6 weeks of rigorous recuperation.

Owing to some action packed performances in KRRISH & DHOOM:2, Hrithik had torn the ligament in his right knee and all though it caused him tremendous pain, Hrithik refused to yield and continued working, the professional that he is. In spite of his doctor's advice for �No strenuous movements or exercise�, he went ahead and completed the painstaking training, traveling and shooting, required for his forthcoming film Ashutosh Gowarikar's JODHAA AKBAR!

That was not all; the JODHAA AKBAR shoot got extended due to which all his ads got delayed. Hence once more the treatment of his knee took a backseat as Hrithik completed his commitments towards the brand relationships since even they have their own immense pressures. As a result, the knee did not get enough rest to recuperate and hence now the situation is such that it has become essential for him to put all the work on back burner and go abroad for complete treatment. In fact his new movie shoot has also been delayed because of the treatment now.

Hrithik Roshan Picture Gallery

Hrithik Roshan Picture Gallery
Says Hrithik, 'While working towards fulfilling my commitments to all my work - ads & film, I did not much care about my knee pain & have neglected my doctors advise to not put any stress on it and take complete rest if I wanted it to heal.'

However, going by the present condition, he thinks it's best to take a 6-week break and recuperate fully rather than stretch it further to the point of non-repair. 'I am giving my health a prior importance now, so that none of my further commitments suffer in the near future', adds the star known for his perfectionism.

So off he goes to Singapore, for 6 weeks... well, we hope Hrithik returns soon, fitter than ever!

Bollywood Trade News Network

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JAB WE MET out on DVDs internationally

JAB WE MET, a recent smash hit of 2007, is now officially out on DVD in the US, UK, UAE and other international markets. The India DVD is scheduled to release later this month.

The original JAB WE MET DVD is a single disc collector's item in an enclosed box, and contains English, Portuguese, Arabic & Spanish subtitles.

It is an Indian Films Release through Studio 18.

Bollywood Trade News Network

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Akshay rocks in WELCOME video

After the super success of 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' in BHOOL BHULAIYAA, Akshay Kumar rocks again in the title track music video of WELCOME. Looks like its another blockbuster music video starring Akshay, a precursor to his consecutive hits from NAMASTEY LONDON, HEYY BABY & BHOOL BHULAIYAA this year.

The mobster special video has been done with a very stylized look with mind blowing special effects. WELCOME will be Akshay's last comedy of the year. Being touted as the biggest release of Eid and Christmas, ELCOME marks the return of the Akshay-Katrina pairing for a third time, besides assembling the biggest ensemble cast comprising Paresh Rawal, Anil Kapoor, Feroz Khan, Nana Patekar & Mallika Sherawat under one roof.

Ask Akshay about his reign at the box-office this year and WELCOME and he smiles, "I'm happy that the three comedies I did this year had the box-office laughing. WELCOME is the king of them all! It's a laugh-riot from the word go and I hope everyone enjoys it during the festive season as it is my last major comedy of 2007!"

Bollywood Trade News Network

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Madhuri has 'still got it': New York Times

Reviewing Madhuri Dixit's comeback film Aaja Nachle, The New York Times has acknowledged her considerable sex appeal and dancing skills even after five years away from Bollywood, the time she has spent leading a "Clark Ken-type life", raising a family in the American city of Denver in Colorado.

"Ms. Dixit reminds us that whatever 'it' is, she's still got it. Now stories will have to be found that can show it off," the Times said in its review Saturday.

The Times' reviewer writes that Anil Mehta, the director of "Aaja Nachle", produced by Yashraj Films, doesn't quite know what to do with Dixit, who plays Dia, a choreographer living in New York, who returns to her hometown in India and tries to save a theatre that developers want to replace with a mall by putting on a show.

The reviewer says that for Aaja... to be a true comeback vehicle for the 40-year-old Dixit, Hindi cinema will have to figure out what kind of heroine a middle-aged woman can be.

The reviewer disapproves the film's story denying Dia, who is divorced with a daughter, a love life, adding: "All her passion goes into the show she's staging and into playing cheerleader to a budding romance between its leads (played by Konkona Sen and Kunal Kapoor)."

New York Times

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VIEW: Leave it to the market

Recent reports suggest that Bollywood heroines are a put-upon lot. They work as hard as their male co-stars, but are only paid a fraction of what they earn. The highest paid female stars, like Kareena Kapoor, can get about Rs 2 crore a film. But Akshay Kumar, one of the best-paid male actors, gets a whopping Rs 17 crore per film. On an average, Bollywood’s heroes get remuneration almost 10 times more than the heroines.

All this leads to the question if female actors should be paid as much as their male counterparts. How much a person is paid depends, however, not only on the work put in but also its market value. The film industry is no exception. The fact is that a Shah Rukh Khan or Hrithik Roshan are much more saleable than an Aishwarya Rai or Priyanka Chopra.

Recent reports suggest that Bollywood heroines are a put-upon lot. They work as hard as their male co-stars, but are only paid a fraction of what they earn. The highest paid female stars, like Kareena Kapoor, can get about Rs 2 crore a film. But Akshay Kumar, one of the best-paid male actors, gets a whopping Rs 17 crore per film. On an average, Bollywood’s heroes get remuneration almost 10 times more than the heroines.

All this leads to the question if female actors should be paid as much as their male counterparts. How much a person is paid depends, however, not only on the work put in but also its market value. The film industry is no exception. The fact is that a Shah Rukh Khan or Hrithik Roshan are much more saleable than an Aishwarya Rai or Priyanka Chopra.

The audience goes to cinemas to see these actors, as can be proven by box office receipts over the past year. The biggest hits of the year are all hero-centric stories, from Chak De! India to Om Shanti Om and Partner. On the other hand, Umrao Jaan and Laga Chunari Mein Daag have done worse than expected, highlighting the lack of audience interest in women-centric stories.

When films start to sell on the names of female stars, they will receive remuneration equivalent to men. This situation is common across the world. While the scale of disparity might be less in Hollywood, it is still a big divide. A Julia Roberts or an Angelina Jolie are paid $15-20 million while Tom Cruise gets approximately $30 million a film.

It is only when the audience begins to accept women-centric films that pay for male and female stars will even out. That is happening where Hollywood is concerned. Bollywood will, in its own time, undergo a similar transformation.

Any attempt to meddle with a business model that clearly works is to court disaster.

Times of India

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Amrita Rao is 'not' doing an item number

While Bollywood actresses are going ravishing to raunchy, Amrita Rao has been an exception. She has always maintained this ‘girl-next-door’ image ever since her first film. Her homely image only got amplified with Sooraj Barjatya’s Vivah which went on to become a big hit and gave Amrita a simple-sober stamp.

So it came as quite a surprise to us when a leading daily reported that Amrita Rao is all set to change her image and turn sexy with her next film My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves where she performs a hot and happening item number. But much to her surprise, Amrita denied the news saying, “There is a misunderstanding over here. There is an item number in the film but I do not feature in it. It’s done by Hrishita Bhatt”.

So then what is she dancing to? “I just have a dance number. The song is the only romantic song in the entire film. It has been shot in Goa and is choreographed by Bosco and Ceaser. They have given the song a new look and have given us scope to experiment. It’s a groovy number where you can throw loads of attitude to the camera. The romantic song is a dream sequence and is one of my best romantic songs ever”

So is that entire buzz on Amrita Rao attempting to change the girl-next-door image from Vivah false? Amrita retorts, “I haven’t tried to defy any image, especially the one in Vivah . My image in Vivah has helped me find a place amongst the masses which I don’t want to destroy’.

The petite actress goes on to add, “I believe I have always had distinct looks in my films. May it be Vivah or Main Hoon Na or even Masti. I have always managed to surprise the audience”.

But does her role in MNIAG have glamourous shades to it? “Not at all! In fact it’s a complete non glamorous role. I play an assistant director in the film and they don’t have the time to dress up”.

Indiatimes Movies

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'Ash' kar lo

Seem like our newly married Abhiash can’t get enough of each other.

Over the weekend both the husband and wife were shooting in Hyderabad for the Bachchans’ favourite director Ram Gopal Varma’s sequel to Sarkar and Abhishek was overheard saying, "It’s good to be shooting with Ash, it’s like we are on an extended honeymoon." Wonder what wifey has to say to this?

TNN

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"Marriage is a beautiful chapter in life" - Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

It seems newly wed Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is enjoying herself completely, as the Bollywood actor strongly recommends the institution of marriage to everyone.

"I am a happy girl, can't you make out?" beamed Aishwarya.

"Marriage is a beautiful chapter in life. It is so blissful and wonderful... in fact difficult to articulate. I strongly recommend it to everyone. Each one of us must experience it," she told Wednesday.

"Everybody was teasing me when I came here to celebrate 'karva chauth' (a Hindu ritual). But I said I have to experience it," she added.

The actress, who won the Miss World pageant in 1994 and started her stint in the Hindi film industry with "Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya," was in the capital to unveil the bridal collection of watch brand Longines.

She got married to Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan on Feb 20, 2007.

Commenting on the response of people after her marriage she said: "Wherever we have travelled, people have showered us with their blessing. I am bowled over by their response and very strongly feel that we are a part of an extended family. "

However, Aishwarya said she hasn't spent much time with her family.

"Our honeymoon was our first holiday and after that we were straight back to work. I wish I could have taken more time off. I would love to spend every minute of the day with Abhishek. "

Being a workingwoman the actress agrees that marriage brings a lot of responsibilities and one has to juggle up too many things.

"I am enjoying every aspect of being married. But frankly telling being a workingwoman it is more hectic now. There is a constant race against time. I could never imagine that my hours and days would be so full. "

"Although I have found the key to it - time management. It is imperative for every working individual to discover the ability of time management. You have to take time out for your maternal family, in-laws and for your own (husband-wife) relationship at the same time. "

After her lead roles in hits like "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam," "Devdas," "Dhoom 2" and "Guru", she is now all set to woo audiences in "Sarkar Raj," "Pink Panther 2" and "Jodhaa Akbar".

Santabanta

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"I'm old, married and have kids." - Juhi Chawla

Juhi is keeping away from the limelight. "I don't want to do roles that don't enthuse me. I'd rather be at home because there, I've such lovely things happening to my life.

I don't want to get into the studios wishing I was at home. I only want to do scripts that touch me. That's why I accepted Onir's Bas Ek Pal and Nikhil Advani's Salaam-e-Ishq. I liked both, though for different reasons. "

She's happy to be around at a time when Hindi cinema is changing colours. "I don't want to do the things that I was doing earlier on. I CAN'T do the things I was doing. Times have changed. I'm older and hopefully wiser. I'd look silly prancing in Panvel. "

"Aamir Khan se Rehaan Engineer tak…. quite a journey," Juhi chuckles about one of her first co-stars and her co-star in Onir's Bas Ek Pal.

Things couldn't get any better for Juhi. Or perhaps they could…You never know what goodies life has in store for her. "Well," Juhi sighs.

"Career-wise I'm doing the kind of work I believe in. In My Brother Nikhil I was the narrator. The story was from my point of view, but I guess someone else could've told the story, huh?"

She's glad to work with Sanjay Suri again. "But he plays my friend, thank God! After being my brother in Nikhil our pair would've caused some awkwardness. I'm actually paired with Rehaan Engineer in Bas Ek Pal. He was a revelation.

When I met him the first time I wondered how compatible we'd look on screen. The moment the camera is on, Rehaan is completely in control. He's very intense. He's an English-speaking Indian. But his Hindi is clear. "

Juhi said she had to be corrected many times while playing the character in Bas Ek Pal. "I enjoyed the experience because I got to work with actors I hadn't worked with before. Likewise in Salaam-e-Ishq. Though we all had different tracks, there're all sorts of actors in the script.

My track was entirely with my colleague Anil Kapoor. It was like old times. The same old Anilji…. the same huddled intense discussions, wanting to do more and more…. It felt good and familiar.

I remembered all the incidents that happened in the past when we worked together. There's always a funny story to tell about earlier experiences. I did a lot of movies in the past.

Some were good, some wonderful, others ridiculous. I can't believe I actually did some of the films that I did! I can't make the same mistakes at this point in my career. "

She looks back fondly at the times that have rolled by. "I had a great time, if not shooting a film then just being with the cast crew, laughing hard with co-stars, grumbling, giggling…. I still enjoy myself on the sets. But there're many new talents, and it's great to be in their company. The industry has changed, and for the better. "

Juhi doesn't crave to do more work. "I like it the way it is right now. Not too much, not too little…This way I've time for everything I want to do. If a good role comes up I'm happy to do it. But I won't choose quantity over quality. That wasn't case earlier on. Now I'm picky. "

She has just said no to a comedy with Ananth Mahadevan. "He has an excellent script. One of the best I've ever heard. But somehow I don't feel it's right for me. I love doing comedy. But this role would've suited me a few years ago.

See, I'm not under any false illusions about my age. I'm married and I've kids. The audience knows that as well as I do. So I'd like to roles that suit my real-life role. I like playing wife, because I'm comfortable doing it.

I don't want to be that bubbly collegian running around pubs. I don't want audiences to turn around and say, 'Why isn't she playing her age?' I was happy doing the cameo with Shah Rukh in Paheli. For once I found a lot of thehrao in my performance. "

She gets offers mainly to play mom or wife. "That's what suits me. Bas Ek Pal and Salaam-e-Ishq belonged to two totally different genres. Salaam-e-Ishq was a big glossy Bollywood film. …I must tell you Nikhil Advani handled me very well. He was open to suggestions but still the master on the sets. Very organized.. "

Choreographer Ganesh Acharya directed a film called Swami with Juhi and Mithun Chakraborty. "Itwas not exactly hardcore Bollywood but not entirely offbeat either. It was a simple and sweet story. My new film is new director Vivek Sharma's Bhootnath where I get to play mom."

Today wife-and-mom Juhi is hardly in touch with the film industry. "Though we are not working together Shah Rukh and I continue to share a wonderful rapport. Then there's Aziz Mirza who's like a father-figure. He keeps planning something or the other.

I'd like to work with him again after Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman and Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani. He's a joyful filmmaker, my kind of director. But that's it. I live in town and the film industry is another world. "

Hiccups apart, Juhi is happy. "It's not as if I wake up every single morning and say, 'My God, what a wonderful life!' But no complaints."

Subash K Jha, Santabanta

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Akki at Number One!

Akshay Kumar set to dominate the Box Office for fourth time in a row, with WELCOME.

Welcome to the new main man of Bollywood. Having scored a Box Office hat trick for his earlier three releases of 2007, the inimitable Akshay Kumar is set to triumph the silver screen for the fourth time in a row this year, with the release of WELCOME - a rollercoaster movie journey that pays homage to the classic formula of Bollywood movie 'masala' magic - opening worldwide on 21st December.

WELCOME is 2007's mega Christmas release, which boasts lavish locales, chartbusting music and major star power, headed up by the unparalleled Akshay Kumar, all making for the biggest knockabout comic caper of 2007.

Forget the Khans! 2007 has been the year of the Kumar, as celluloid superstar, Akshay Kumar has topped international box offices with the consecutive successes of NAMASTEY LONDON, HEYY BABYY and BHOOL BHULAIYAA. In a spectacular finale to what has been a victorious year for Bollywood's WELCOME combines all of the classic ingredients of the Bollywood super hit formula, to ensure that it makes for a fitting climax for the end of 2007, and the forthcoming festive season.

100 per cent, pure, unadulterated 'masala' entertainer, WELCOME presents the ever-versatile Akshay Kumar in a completely different light, compared to his recent spate of mirthful film roles. Produced by industry stalwart, Firoz Nadiadwala (PHIR HERA PHERI) and directed by Anees Bazmee (NO ENTRY), Akshay Kumar is supported by an impressive list of fellow industry A-listers, in a role that will see him warm the hearts of cineastes and critics once more.

Akshay Kumar plays handsome and principled bachelor, Rajiv, who falls for the effervescent Sanjana (played by Akshay's lucky lead lady from NAMASTEY LONDON, Katrina Kaif) on a cruise trip, unaware that he is soon to become embroiled with his sweetheart's troupe of sibling serio-comic mobsters.

Commenting about the imminent release of WELCOME, Akshay comments, I am extremely excited about the release of WELCOME. I really wanted to get involved in a film project that goes back to the true essence of the Bollywood 'masala' movie and WELCOME is exactly that. There is something in it for everyone; it is high on entertainment and feel good factor and is cinema for the soul. Filming WELCOME was such a pleasurable experience, and that will certainly come across to audiences who see this movie. WELCOME is a befitting climax to 2007 and is the perfect film for the festive season.

WELCOME releases in the UK and internationlly on 20th December 2007.

Bollywood Trade News Network

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Sanju resumes work from 11 Dec

The question on everyone’s lips is, when will Sanjay Dutt resume work? His first priority would be to complete his pending assignments, which were held up because of the legal cases against him. And that’s what Sanju plans to do, clear the backlog first. Sanju will resume work by reporting for the shooting of Suniel Shetty’s recently launched film EMI, followed by KIDNAP, directed by DHOOM and DHOOM 2 director Sanjay Gadhvi.

Reportedly, the actor is also getting back into shape, besides starting his own production house.

Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM

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Aamir Khan takes a back seat

Trust Aamir to do anything in life, coz’ the perfectionist in him always takes over everything that he does, and needless to say that the resultant is always simply perfect!

The incident which occurred in Panchgani only seconds that. What happened was that when the unit of Taare Zameen Par was running out of time to shoot with the kids, Aamir got a second unit Director to shoot a full song sequence, a la Hollywood style, where they have two-three directors. And the ‘chosen one’ was none other than Ram Madhvani, the renowned ad filmmaker, who, then shot a song sequence called ‘Bheja Kum’ which has a lot special effects done by Tata LXC. For starters, Ram shot into fame with his debut film Lets Talk.

In order to match overall direction of the film, the perfectionist Aamir insisted that they see the film before conceptualizing the song. Talking about this opportunity, Ram Madhvani said that after had got a call from Aamir to direct a song for his film, he did not insist on knowing any other details about the song, as the opportunity to work with Aamir was in itself a big thing for him. Ram also added that Aamir is very much unlike the person that he is made out to be, that of being an interfering and intervening person. On the contrary, Aamir was so caring that he used to drop in the sets and would ask him if everything is okay!

And this opportunity to work with Aamir did many miracles for Ram. Firstly, it was an opportunity to work with a top-rung perfectionist like Aamir, followed by him getting nostalgic about Panchgani, a place where he had stayed for almost 17 years. And lastly, a rough cut of TZP had its effect so much on him that after watching the film, he went home and told his daughter (who is in her tenth standard) that she is a genius even if she is not that great in studies. Lastly, Ram has now stopped pressurizing her to score exceptionally well.

What more can we say except that one just cannot improve perfection! What say Aamir!

IndiaFM

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Madhuri's immediate Bollywood plans doubtful

Though there have been many articles (in the print media), that have talked about the dancing queen, Madhuri Dixit's so called forthcoming projects (after her latest, AAJA NACHLE), but we can only term them as speculative assumptions. The truth is that, irrespective of the outcome of AAJA NACHLE, the 'dhak-dhak' girl's plans to return to Bollywood are nebulous.

In fact, the last 'superstarni' of Bollywood insists that she is not even sure if she will be back to work in another project, as there are no films in the pipeline. She sets the record straight by saying that she has not come across a script worth her consideration.

While this news may make the fans of the charming actress sad, but this is the truth that they have to contend with, at least for a while.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Tabu for Oscars ?

The Oscar fever for Mira Nair’s The Namesake has intensified.

With the event just three months away, Mira and her team are going all out to ensure the much-lauded film’s optimum visibility in LA. And the one nomination that the team is working the hardest for, is Tabu’s.

Regrettably, the stunning actress has entered the Best Supporting Actress category. Explained Mira,
"That’s because Tabu is part of a large ensemble film. But people are knocked out by the maturity of her performance, and they are stunned by her youth and beauty when they meet her. If there’s any justice in the award-getting world, she definitely stands a chance. Irrfan Khan’s nomination as the Best Supporting Actor in the Spirit Awards was a great boost. I also look forward to my writer Sooni Taraporewala being remembered at the Oscars."

Describing her campaign to get high-visibility for The Namesake among the Oscar jury, Mira said from New York, "Our distributor has been doing a modest campaign screening it for all the guilds, academy, etc. And the fact that our DVD released to smashing reviews, has maximised the film’s presence on the airwaves."

But Mira knows it’s an uphill task. "I also know what a battle it is to convince the gora public to vote for a non-gora film and our actors when they’re being inundated with millions of dollars in Oscar campaigns for the known stars there. After all, don’t forget that the Oscars were invented to celebrate Hollywood cinema, and that’s the way it will always be. Sure, some of us get through the radar but it’s essentially a crapshoot."

For the first time a film with a totally Indian theme is being considered in the mainstream categories for the Oscars. "Apun to bilkul desi hai, regardless of whether committees choose my film or not. I believe our distributor is pushing The Namesake in categories beyond Best Foreign Film, which is as it should be," added Mira.

TNN

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Riteish's special appearance

If sources are to be believed actor Riteish Deshmukh will be seen in Kabeer Kaushik’s forthcoming film Chamku.

It stars Bobby Deol, Priyanka Chopra and Arshad Warsi. Riteish Deshmukh, who is one of Bobby Deol’s best friends, will be seen doing a cameo in the film.

Apparently, Riteish has already completed two days of shoot for Chamku and will be required to shoot for another five to six days next month. “Bobby and Riteish are best pals. They enjoy each other’s company and hang around together at parties. That’s the reason Riteish immediately agreed to do a small role in the film. He has a guest appearance but it’s not a blink-and-miss role,” we are told. So, what’s going to be the length of this one? Any guest-imate?

TNN

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Bipasha Basu turns business woman?

Actor Bipasha Basu has found a new craze — sports. One isn’t too sure if its Goal or sports-crazed boyfriend John Abraham that did this to her.

Anyway, ask her about her plans to launch some signature line just like John has done and she says, “There are no plans as of now. But in the future I might just do something.” And just what would that something be? “It would have to be a sportswear line of clothing," she says. Let’s see how long this ‘goal’ realization will take.

Gautam Buragohain & Urvashi Ashar, TNN

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Aaja Nachle: Madhuri rules

MADHURI DIXIT rocks! That, pretty much, is the succinct review of the film, but a review cannot be that short, and if you want to know more, read on.

The dance is amazing, choreography, scintillating and fabulous. If you think I am being generous with superlatives that is because they are well deserved. I was skeptical about Vaibhavi Merchant after Saroj Khan-Madhuri combo, but wow! She has made Madhuri do steps that we had never seen from her. As anticipated, Madhuri more than does justice to the rather difficult choreography.

The Laila Majnu production at the end deserves a very special mention, because, this sequence, for perhaps the first time, brings alive the magic of theatre on a film screen. The use of lighting, sequences and costumes made one forget for a while that this is not 3D theatre. For that production alone, the film is worth watching.

Madhuri has never looked better in silhouette, never done more Ada, except perhaps in that song from ‘Anjaam’ - athra baras ki kunwaari kali thi.. (See, I am a die hard Madhuri fan) and when she presents that opening shot in New York, the message is clear - I RULE!

I read someplace that the role was not conceived with Madhuri in mind. That is surprising, because only Madhuri could have brought life to this character. Only Madhuri can make Ajanta theatre look like a convincing cause.

So, where does the movie fail? It fails in more places than one.

For starters, the storyline has more holes than a cube of cheese, so I will not even go in that direction, but a couple glaring ones refuse to stay unstated. First, what happens to Ajanta theatre after Madhuri Dixit’s return to the United States? There is, as a corporate character would say, no succession plan in place. By that flaw alone, the entire concept of restarting theatre goes to the dogs.

The second, I am not sure what the message regarding love is. In the first part, Madhuri runs away and finds that it was a wrong decision. Worse still, her act leads to the demise of Ajanta theatre. In the second half, we again find a couple falling in love during the production. Needless to mention, we do not know if love alliances are accepted now in Shamli, or will this love story lead to a second demise of the theatre?

The costumes are good, well thought out and not too in your face. Madhuri could have experimented with her look, but she stuck to the pants, tight top routine throughout. Sad for her fans!

The cinematography could have done a little better. With those moves, a little use of light, creative angles and long shot-close shot balance might have produced a different result, but I was not on the sets, so take this with a pinch of salt. Perhaps, the cinematographer did bring out the best of what was on the set.

The music is less than memorable, except perhaps the title track, and the Khoobiyaan song. I loved that song! The lyrics are completely forgotten at the end of the film.

Nidhi Kaila, Meri News

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Smita Thackeray's cause gets Bollywood on their toes

Smita Thackeray's Mukti Foundation's Ten on 9X Anti-Aids concert at MMRDA Grounds on Dec 1, World Aids Day, was a huge success with the stars turning up in droves. There was Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Lara Dutta, Udita Goswami, Sajid Khan, Kailash Kher, Sunidhi Chauhan and a whole horde of performers besides little kids from different social organizations. Dharmendra, Ranbir Kapoor, Priya Dutt, Madhur Bhandarkar, Abbas Mustan, Annu Malik, Dalip Tahil, Rajpal Yadav, Aditi Gowitrikar, Peter and Indrani Mukherjea among others graced the occasion and spoke for the cause and Smita Thackeray's movement.

While Saif was content dancing and watching the programme with his son, Dharmendra complimented Smita on her movement and proudly donned a Aids Day badge from Smita. Shah Rukh took to stage and danced to OSO number. But even when the song went smart boys and girls and SRK pleaded boys to the left and girls to the right, the kids just wouldn't let him go

Salman, despite a sore throat, gave a thought-provoking speech and said, "Using condoms was cool", while Sajid was his usual humorous self. Actor Rajveer of Smita Thackeray's KAISE KAHEIN was happy being at the event and lending his best. His act had to be cancelled as he hurt his foot during rehearsals. Sunidhi, Udita and Lara gyrated to the music sending the audiences swooning, while Smita Thackeray was very happy at the "stars supporting and standing for the worthy cause." She also honoured ten organizations that provided yeomen service to society on this occasion of ten years of completion of Mukti Foundation.

Bollywood Trade News Network

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Entire team of WELCOME in promotional video

Taking a cue from Firoz Nadiadwala's last super hit PHIR HERA PHERI, WELCOME too sees a promotional video featuring the entire starcast of the film on one single frame!

Readers may remember that around a fortnight before the release of Neeraj Vora directed PHIR HERA PHERI, Nadiadwala had come up with a master stroke in the form of promotional video of Himesh Reshammiya's composed and crooned 'Ae Meri Zohrajabeen'. The song had featured everyone from Akshay Kumar, Suneil Shetty, Bipasha Basu and Rimi Sen to Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Suresh Menon and Sharat Saxena amongst others.

The same formula has been reused for promoting Anees Bazmee's WELCOME which arrives on 21st December. The song in picture is Sajid-Wajid composed title song 'Welcome' which all this while was used as a background piece for the first promo of the film.

Featuring the entire cast of the film which includes Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar and Mallika Sherawat, the song was premiered in the weekend gone by and is expected to bombard the music channels well into the release of the film.

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Kajol, Tanishaa celebrate World Disabled Day with kids!!!

World Disabled Day celebrations got a special touch when superstar Kajol and sister Tanishaa inaugurated & interacted a special exhibition of various hand-made products made by the kids of 'Punarvas Schools for The Disabled' at Goregaon Sports Complex.

Kajol and sister Tanishaa inaugurated the special exhibition and spoke at length of the talent and bravery of the children. They also spread great cheer and warmth all around, applauding the efforts of the children and were also seen admiring the products on display.

Also present at the exhibition were Actress Raima Sen, Crickter Vinod Kambli and Bhojpuri Actress Sambhavana Seth.

The Goregaon Sports Club & the International Association of Lions Club District 323 A3 along with institutions working for the disabled under the aegis of the District Social Welfare Department (Mumbai Suburb) jointly organized a Rally, Mumbai Suburban Sports Meet & Exhibition commemorating World Disabled Day.

World Disabled Day is celebrated on December 3rd observed so as to raise the social awareness about the right about the disabled and provide opportunities to integrate them into the society. Differently Abled children from 25 local institutions of Mumbai Suburb, all of whom are working for the disabled participated along with students of regular schools & colleges, in bringing about awareness about the disabilities which followed by Mumbai Suburban Athletic Meet for the Differently Abled & exhibition of the products made by these special children.

KajolPUNARVAS EDUCATION SOCIETY'S SHRI DEVRAJJI GUNDECHA PUNARVAS SPECIAL SCHOOL & VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED joined other NGO's in trying to reach out to a small portion of the over 18 million Mentally Challenged that needed to be habilitated. The school started its great humanitarian work in 1981 & despite several hardship, they began their crusade from a small portion of a garage & today after having faced both public support as well as apathy & obstacles are proud claimants of a five storied building on a piece of land measuring 1,550 sq.mtr. on S.V. Road, imparting educational diagnostic & Vocational Services.

The School's mission is:

- To promote welfare, care, education & rehabilitation of the Mentally Challenged through individualized personalized programmes.

- To promote practical and economically variable vocational training & promote gainful employment.

- To assist Parents & Guardians to empowering & strengthening them to provide for the welfare and care of the Mentally Challenged+

Bollywood Trade News Network

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Sanjay Dutt’s six pack!

And guess what will be his first priority? No, it’s not his uncompleted movies; they can wait for some more time. The first priority for him now will be to get back into shape again. "He wants to hit the gym and get back into his old shape, before he starts shooting. All his life he has always been a fitness freak and only towards the end, he let himself go as he was going through lots of tension," says a friend of the star. So get ready for deadly Dutt’s six pack abs!

TNN

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Anil and Nana’s fight for Mallika

Can you imagine Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar fighting for on screen attention for a sexy maiden?

Welcome sees a rather unusual pairing of Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar vying for the attention of the sexy Mallika Sherawat.

In fact from the time that Mallika Sherawat’s character walks in to their life they both are constantly at loggerheads and doing various stunts to get her attention.

It was hilarious, since both Anil and Nana believe in getting into the skin of the character,” says a unit member. We just wonder who Mallika likes to bestow her attention on.

TNN

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Ameesha, Rani: No catfight

Actor Ameesha Patel may have got the sour part of the cream when working with the likes of Lara Dutta and Bipasha Basu, who were frank about not being overtly fond of their co-actor.

But Ameesha, these days, seems to be doing just fine with her fellow actors, girls included. And what she is looking forward to is working with Rani Mukerji again in Kunal Kohli’s next film.

They both worked together in Mangal Pandey years ago, and Ameesha’s sure that the two will get along fine. Here’s to their ‘rising’ dos ti.

TNN

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Secret of Madhuri health

Guess what's the secret of Madhuri Dixit's fitness? No, it's not some secret American diet that she's following, but the rigorous fitness regime that's she's following. "I'm not into dieting and other stuff. I just workout for about an hour or for about 40 minutes everyday, 5 days a week, no matter where I'm."

Madhuri says "Even if I don't get time I make it point to run in the treadmill for at least 20 minutes. I take two days off to chill out with my husband and children and then back to my workouts."

And guess how she chill-out in US over the weekend? "We usually go the mountains and hang around, it's so peaceful," she says. Will she be doing more films? "I will be doing, but it all depends on the scripts, right now I'm in the middle of signing some more films. I'm over whelmed by the response of my fans," she states.

Gautam Buragohain, Indiatimes Movies

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Madhuri meets Deewana No 1!

Guess who’s Madhuri Dixit’s No 1 fan? No, it’s not M F Husain.

The answer is Ranbir Kapoor, the dashing young actor of Saawariya and the newest kid on Bollywood’s block.

As a boy, Ranbir idolised Madhuri from afar when he frequently joined his father on the sets of David Dhawan’s Yaraana . “My dad was her leading man in that film,” recalls Ranbir shyly. “But I fell in love with her when I was six and I watched her do the Ek Do Teen number in Tezaab . I’ve grown up watching her films. And every time I see her on screen, my heart starts beating dangerously fast!”

When he heard she was in Mumbai for her comeback film, Ranbir’s first impulse was to rush and meet Madhuri. But he resisted the urge. “Meeting an idol is a very tricky thing. You never know which way the meeting will go. My guru Sanjay Leela Bhansali once told me he had desisted from meeting his idol, Lata Mangeshkar, because of this fear.”

But this week, there was no escaping Madhuri for Ranbir. “I was at the same studio on Thursday afternoon where Madhuriji was giving interviews. I could see and hear her from where I was shooting. This was God’s way of telling me, this was it. No more running away.”

So Ranbir nervously went up to his idol. “I was totally tongue-tied but she said the sweetest things to me. I just kept staring at her like an idiot,” says Ranbir.

As a memento of that meeting (and proof to show his friends!), Ranbir asked his Madhuriji to sign a CD of her film for him. “She obliged,” he says happily. “And that CD is now my proudest possession along with a letter from Mr Amitabh Bachchan appreciating my performance in Saawariya ,” says Ranbir sounding like father Rishi did when he was 12 and fell in love with Simi Garewal in Mera Naam Joker !

Subash K Jha, TNN

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Kareena in a music video

It has become a trend these days for companies to present their starry ambassadors in a unique manner.

It was Aishwarya Rai who first shot a music video to promote a brand she was endorsing, and now Kareena Kapoor will be next to do just that. She will be featured in a music video sponsored by a product she endorses.

The music of this video has been composed by Pritam and the video itself will be directed by Sangeet Sivan. After her popular number ‘It’s Rocking’ and those from Jab We Met, let’s see if this one will make it big, too!

TNN

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Sanjay: From prison to parlour

He will start shooting for Suneil Shetty's film, EMI (Easy Monthly Installment). Directed by debutante Sourav, the film stars Sanjay Dutt as Sattar bhai.

Sanju, however, needs to spruce up a bit. A source says, “He needs to dye his beard and hair to look exactly like his character in the film. He is also very concerned about his other pending films like Kidnap and Race. If all goes well, Sanju will start shooting by next week itself.”

The actor is very happy to get back home. Our source says, “After reaching home Sanju had lunch with everyone.

Then he settled down to SMS his friends telling them that he wants to start shooting right away.”
Sanju will visit his stylist, Aalim Hakim either today or tomorrow to trim his beard and hair.

The source adds, “Sanju is also very excited about Bunty Walia's film, Lamha which is directed by Rahul Dholakia. He has also spoken to them, asking them to start the film soon as the project is very close to his heart. However, the first film that Sanju will start shooting for is EMI.

TNN

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Mallika's tribute to Madhuri

Tis the season of tributes in Bollywood (Om Shanti Om and Saawariya anyone?) and with Dhak Dhak girl Madhuri Dixit being the flavour of the month, reliving one of her most sensuous numbers seemed too tempting a chance to miss.

And paying the dancing diva a tribute is none other than sexy Mallika Sherawat. So, while Madhuri Dixit set the hearts (and imagination) racing years ago, with her Choli Ke Peechey Kya Hai number in Khalnayak , Mallika is ready to set the temperatures soaring once again by doing an act which is a tribute to the much remembered song of the nineties. In her upcoming film Welcome — being directed by Anees Bazmee — the feisty actress will be doing an elaborate song sequence that recreates the atmosphere and the music of the hit Madhuri track.

What’s more, even though the song has been performed by Mallika, the entire star cast of Welcome which includes Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Paresh Rawal and Katrina Kaif will be featuring in the sequence.

“The song has been conceptualised as a tribute to Choli Ke Peechey Kya Hai , which is one of its kind in the musical history of Indian cinema. Our song is not the same, but has the spirit of the original. In today’s times I cannot think of anyone better than Mallika Sherawat for the song. And she has really performed well. This will work with the audiences,” reveals Bazmee, who’s last directorial venture No Entry was a smash hit.

“The song had created a lot of flutter back then, but now the times have changed. Mallika has carried it off in style. Though it would be a challenge for anyone given the dancing capability and grace of Madhuri, but Mallika was very confident about it,” he adds.

Now, whether Mallika’s choli will create the same stir, only time can tell!

Aaknksha Naval Shetye, TNN

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No reason for Aaja Nachle to be banned: Sharmila Tagore

NEW DELHI: As the Madhuri Dixit starrer Aaja Nachle ran into trouble over some questionable lyrics, Censor Board chief Sharmila Tagore on Saturday said she was ready to apologise if the sentiments of any community were hurt but stressed there was no reason for the film to be banned.

"The music of the film has been in the market for a long time now, but nobody had registered any complaints. The line has been taken out of context. My committee which had reviewed the film had seen it as a profession-based remark and not a caste-based slight or insult," Tagore said.

She said the lyrics to which objections have been raised were meant in a light-hearted manner. It was felt they could not offend anyone.

"Nevertheless, if somebody has been offended and if any particular community has been hurt then we are prepared to apologise," she said.

Tagore admitted that the line in question, which has been criticised as being insulting to Dalits, was "slightly overlooked" and some "miscalculation" was made.

She expressed hope that the controversy would not blow up into a stir.

Tagore welcomed the decision by the filmmakers to voluntarily withdraw the line.

"The state government can ban a film if it creates a law and order problem. But I don't see any reason for any government to ban the film because the questionable line has been removed and I saw the movie myself in a theatre in Mumbai and there was no problem and there were no spontaneous protests anywhere in the country," she said.

Times Of India

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Madhuri's comeback film runs into trouble in Mayawati's state

Even as positive reports trickled in for Madhuri Dixit's Aaja Nachle, the film was slapped with a total ban in Uttar Pradesh and in the National Capital Region of Noida. Chief Minsiter Mayawati said, the ban was in keeping with the sentiments of the various dalit groups that found certain languages and lyrics in the film objectionable. There were also reports that Mayawati has requested the Prime Minister to impose a ban on the film all over the country.

The Punjab chief minister has also imposed a ban on the film not wanting to fan communal tensions.

Reacting to the news, Yash Chopra, Chairman, Yash Raj Films rendered an unconditional apology, "It was not our intention to hurt the feelings of any individual or community of our great nation. If we have inadvertently hurt the sentiments of anybody I apologise for the same and have taken immediate remedial action by deleting the line from the prints of Aaja Nachle from all over the country. This line has been deleted in all the theatres today."

So far, members of the Indian Justice Party staged protests outside some theatres in Delhi. There were protests in Lucknow as well. Director Anil Mehta appeared on certain TV channels, apologising for any grief caused to any section of society, inadvertently. Though he expressed surprise at why the Censor Board did not find the dialogues or lyrics objectionable. However he offered to remove the objectionable words from the film, while lyricist Piyush Mishra too offered to remove controversial words from the lyrics. He also requested Mayawati to watch the film first before pressing on for a nation-wide ban on the film.

Buzz18

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Shah Rukh gives away title

Shah Rukh Khan has become quite generous these days. After showering his friends with lavish gifts, he has now gifted the title as well as the remake rights of Rahul Rawail's Arjun to his friend Nikhil Dwivedi. And since it is a 'gift', it comes with no strings attached.

Nikhil is making his debut in My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves, and will play Arjun in the remake as well. Anurag Kashyap will write the story and Shivam Nair will direct it.

We asked Nikhil Dwivedi if this generosity had anything to do with the fact that he at one time handled the marketing for Videocon, for which SRK is the brand ambassador. Nikhil vehemently denied it. "These people in the industry just want to spread rumours. I share a good rapport with Shahrukhji because his Red Chillies production house was involved with the making of My Name is Anthony Gonsalves. When I came to know that he has the remake rights of Arjun, I approached him and he gave me the rights. It simply reflects he faith in our team and our capacity. "

Shivam Nair who earlier directed Ahista Ahista says, "It is a remake, but not frame to frame. I have made some changes. As in the original, the new Arjun too is about today's youth. Sunny's Arjun was on youth employment and their survival. In my film the youth are shown as employed but we dwell on the problems they face in their life. You can call it another Rang De Basanti or Halla Bol. Now, we are in the search of a producer".

The earlier Arjun was produced by Sunil Soorma and Karim Morani and directed by Rahul Rawail. This Sunny-Dimple starrer was released in 1985 and did very well at the box office windows.

Johnny Vaz | Buzz18

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Shah Rukh inspires Bipasha to do intelligent roles

The dusky Bengali beauty, Bipasha Basu has never been afraid of experimenting with her roles and looks. Her sex symbol image, which started with JISM, AJNABEE and became stronger with her bold role in DHOOM:2, has set many a hearts on fire and has won her countless fans. Yet, in a stark contrast to her image, she was seen (and admired) in a deglamourised 'avataar', that of a physiotherapist, in the recently released DHAN DHANA DHAN GOAL.

However, Bipasha now wants to break away from her image of a glam-doll and has refused many offers. She wishes to do intelligent, meaningful roles that have a positive impact on the audience. Though breaking away from her present image will be a tough task, the never-say-die actress takes inspiration from none other than Shah Rukh Khan. Bips says that Shah Rukh has this amazing ability to change himself according to the audiences and very successfully too.

Well Bips, we hope that you become the audience's favourite, just like King Khan, and that they love you in intelligent roles too, though of course, we will miss our 'oomph' girl!

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

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WELCOME is the King of comedies! - Akshay Kumar

Having gone through a super successful year with three top-ranking comedies, NAMASTEY LONDON, HEYY BABYY and BHOOL BHULAIYAA, Akshay Kumar is gearing up for the release of WELCOME, his next big laugh-out-loud comedy, releasing on December 20 worldwide.

WELCOME, being touted as the biggest release of Eid and Christmas, marks the return of the Akshay-Katrina pairing for a third time, besides assembling the biggest ensemble cast comprising Paresh Rawal, Anil Kapoor, Feroz Khan, Nana Patekar & Mallika Sherawat under one roof.

Akshay, shooting for SINGH IS KING in Australia at present, laughs, "Earlier, everyone said I was synonymous with action. I bagged the Khiladi tag. Now with my last few films being successful comedies, I've become synonymous with comedy!"

Ask him about his hit run at the box-office this year, he smiles, "I'm happy that the three comedies I did this year had the box-office laughing. WELCOME is the king of them all! It's a laugh-riot from the word go and I hope everyone enjoys it during the festive season as it is my last major comedy of 2007!"

So is Akshay bidding adieu to comedy? "Not at all! Comedy comes as naturally to me as action! Next year I have a variety of films on the anvil. I am getting back to action with CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA and TASHAN. But for me now I want everyone to concentrate on WELCOME and welcome the New Year with a bang!" he signs off.

WELCOME is an Indian Films release through Studio 18.

Bollywood Trade News Network

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TASHAN in April -First impression, ij good impression!

The 47 second promo of Yash Raj's first major release of 2008, TASHAN has been expectedly included in the prints of their latest release, the Madhuri Dixit starrer, AAJA NACHLE. As was obvious, it indeed looks like an Indian Wild Western.

While on the trailor, it shows the three male protagonists, the ageless Anil Kapoor, a lean mean Akshay 'Khiladi' Kumar and a surprisingly rough 'n' tough, 'Chotey Nawab' of Bollywood, Saif Ali Khan. They have for company, a new slim and trim Kareena Kapoor, in almost similar attire, as her male counterparts. The rocking background music that follows as each of the characters appear on screen is simply scintillating. The teaser ends with Anil, who plays an illiterate auto-rickshawallah from Kanpur proclaiming in his trademark 'jhakas' manner, 'First impression, ij (is with a J!) last impression.'

Well, after seeing this stunning promo, it surely gives a very good first impression about the much-awaited April 2008 release!

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

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