REVEALED: Aladin's Sri Lankan beauty

Jacqueline Fernandez and Ritesh Deshmukh revealed the first look of their film Aladin on Wednesday night at a Mumbai hotel. Jacqueline looked hot in a green shirt and a grey skirt, in what she described as her "first press conference". Ritesh also looked cute in a white tee and a jacket, oozing the Aladin boyish charm. The pair also revealed the Godrej contest for the film, and met terminally ill kids from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Check them out.

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Riteish Deshmukh back to school

Riteish Deshmukh has reasons to feel ‘nostalgic’ these days. The 30 year-old actor will be seen sporting a school bag in Eros International’s Aladin directed by Sujoy Ghosh. He plays a nerdy teenager.

Aladin is a contemporary look at the classic fairy tale where Riteish plays the title character. However, in Sujoy’s version, Aladin shares nothing other than his name with the protagonist of the famous fairy-tale. Here Aladin is a shy, young man who is constantly bullied by a certain gang of boys in his college. Since Riteish plays a college student in the film, he was required to carry a bag. The actor suggested using a sling, since that is very popular with the youth today. However, Director Sujoy insisted on Riteish carrying a typical school bag as it would be a perfect fit with his reclusive character in the film.

Riteish immediately disagreed, but later decided to try it out on Sujoy’s persuasion. He was given a worn-out brown leather bag by Art director Sabu Cyril to try on. After giving a few takes with the bag, he discovered, to his own surprise that the bag indeed added that ‘authentic’ touch to his character in the film and gladly agreed to carry it.

Riteish said, “Sujoy is a brilliant director and knows exactly what he wants. He was very sure about his portrayal of Aladin and though I was initially hesitant, I realised that the bag completely matched Aladin’s personality.” And how was the school-going experience? “Carrying that typical ‘two-shoulder’ school bag initially felt weird, but it was fun too. It was like reliving my school days after all these years,” reminisced Riteish.

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Jacqueline has two back-to-back films with Ritesh

Sri Lankan import Jacqueline Fernandes makes her B-Town debut with Sujoy Ghosh's Aladin. She has also completed Milap Zaveri's Jaane Kahaan Se Aayi Hai.

Both films have Riteish Deshmukh as her co-star. "Riteish was one of the few people I know since my early days in Mumbai. He is a gem of a person; one of the nicest guys I know. Two movies down with him and I know I can do anything for him. And he can do anything for me."

The actress has been waiting for Aladin to release for long. "Every time I hear that the release date is changed, it is like, "Oh no, please don't do this." But now the film is releasing in October- end, she feels everything takes its own time and place."

The newbie had no clue about Bollywood and was not a keen watcher of Hindi films even though for her dad, it is a familiar territory. "When I told him who were my co-stars were for Aladin, he was more excited than me!"

Jackie is not allowing her lack of knowledge of Hindi be a deterrent. "I have been taking Hindi classes and have improved a lot. When I auditioned for Aladin, I was terrible. Later, at Sujoy's behest I enrolled at Barry John's acting studio.

I also had acting coach Vinod Tharani on the sets helping me with the dialogues and scenes."

As Milap was a constant visitor on the sets of Aladin, she bagged Jaane Kahaan Se Aayi Hai and having Ritesh as her co-star helped. "Now I am only waiting for my films to release."

Jackie who?
Jacqueline Fernandes is a Miss Sri Lanka who did her schooling in Bahrain where her father Elroy and mom Kim, who is a Malaysian, are based. She studied media communications in Sydney and returned to Colombo where her aunt Fredericka Jamsc, a political journalist, introduced her to the TV world. Jacqueline anchored a telly show for a while till she reached Mumbai on a modelling contract which ultimately led her to a role in Aladin.

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A look at 'Aladin'

Here's a look at Sujoy Ghosh's Aladin which stars Riteish Deshmukh as Aladin and Sanjay Dutt as the ringmaster.

It also marks the debut of Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandes. With music by Vishal-Shekhar, Aladin is produced by Eros International in association with Sujoy Ghosh's Boundscript Productions. The film is slated for a Diwali release.

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Sneak Peek: Aladin

Aladin is due for release and Sujoy Ghosh gets talking.

The promo of Aladin which was on Youtube a while ago has been yanked off. We got a sneak peek of it early this morning. It showcases dazzling special effects that we haven't seen in Indian films as yet.

Amitabh Bachchan plays the genie, Riteish plays the titular role, Jacqueline Fernandez plays Jasmine and Sanjay Dutt plays the ringmaster. It has a contemporary setting as Aladin and Jasmine are college-going characters. Jasmine is the pretty girl while Aladin is a loser.

The music for the Sujoy Ghosh film has been scored by Vishal-Shekhar, who have previously worked with him on the smashing soundtrack of Jhankaar Beats.

About Sujoy's choice of Riteish Deshmukh to play the lead, he said, "I had just delivered a turkey-Home Delivery and was toying with the idea of doing Aladin, and hesistantly approached Riteish."

"I had to curb Riteish's excitement because the moment he knew that Aladin was going to be a reality, he started jumping up and down at the very thought of it."

"Since Riteish had a miniscule role in Home Delivery and it flopped, Riteish told me I owed him a hit," adds Sujoy.

With the release of this film Sujoy hopes to recover from the disaster that was his last film Home Delivery.

Aladin releases on October 16.

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Leading lady of Aladin, Jacqueline Fernandes, unveiled

It's time for the red carpet to be laid out. Aladin is aiming for a Diwali release and as the film hits the screens, Bollywood would also see the arrival of its 'most exotic' import ever - Jacqueline Fernandes.

All set to regale the audience with a lethal mix of cute persona and some sensuality, Jacqueline is finally being unveiled by the makers of Aladin. "Well, the journey has just begun. Last one year was quite happening but now it is going to be even more exciting times with Aladin being round the corner", she says.

Over the last few months, Jacqueline was closely guarded for all the right reasons. 2008 had seen quite some noise being made around the number of newcomer girls (Asin, Anushka) while Aladin was still quite some distance away.

Says Sujoy Ghosh, the film's director and co-producer, "There was no point for anyone associated with the film to gaga over Jacqueline because of two major reasons. First and foremost she had just stepped into the industry and she wanted to focus on doing a good job in her debut film. Secondly, it was felt that her being 'exposed' to millions out there so soon would have resulted in an over exposure."

The protective director goes on to add, "Since Jacqueline is one of the four major protagonists of the film, other than Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Riteish Deshmukh, she has always been someone special. Now is the time for her to reach out to the world and I am sure Bollywood followers out there would be stunned with what they see of her."

Jacqueline gets nostalgic while remembering the times she spent on the film's sets, "Playing Jasmine was all fun and frolic with just the right ingredients of quintessential Bollywood 'naach gaana' routine and countless romantic and dramatic moments. It couldn't have been a better start."

Considering the fact that 2009 is perking up now after a dry beginning, it only makes Jacqueline's arrival in the industry even more precious.

An import from Sri Lanka who already has a beauty pageant crown in her kitty (she was Miss Sri Lanka 2006), Jacqueline has been academically inclined as well, as apparent from her degree in Media and Communications from Sydney, Australia. Ambitious to the core, she had once stated - "Being independent and accomplished was imperative to me and I always demanded the best of myself. Perfectionism is my strongest asset."

That's something which is pretty much on display, as clear from her choice for her debut film Aladin which is a co-production of Eros and Sujoy's 'Boundscript' and stars none other than Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt along with Riteish Deshmukh.

Says Jacqueline while spreading out that million dollar smile of hers, "The way Riteish's character is fleshed out in the movie, it was all rather cute. However, nothing can beat the excitement of working with Mr. Bachchan and Mr. Dutt. In a way, they were just the antithesis of Riteish. I couldn't have been luckier."

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And now, it begins...

After the producers and multiplex owners came to a common ground over the weekend, filmmakers have been racking their brains to find a clear way to release their flicks without coming in each other's way.

In a meeting held late on Saturday night, all the biggie producers have decided the flow of films. Here's a look at some of the releases...

June 12 Kal Kissne Dekha
June 19 Paying Guests
June 26 New York
July 3 Kambakkth Ishq
July 10 Shortkut
July 17 Jashn, Fast Forward
July 31 Luck, Love Aaj Kal
August 7 Wanted, Phhir
August 14 Aladin, Kaminey and Life Partner

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Will it go, won't it go

Conflicting claims about 'Kambakkht Ishq' going to Cannes

As we reported on May 11, producer Sajid Nadiadwala has said that because of the ongoing producers and distributors vs multiplexes conflict, he’s won’t be taking his Akshay-Kareena starrer “Kambakkht Ishq” to the Cannes Film Festival (May 13-24, 2009) (Kambakkht Ishq team not going to Cannes).

Meanwhile, we have received a press release from Eros International, the London listed producer and distributor of Bollywood films, claiming that it will be announcing three exciting, international film projects at Cannes Film Festival, 2009 – “Kambakkht Ishq”, “Love Aaj Kal” and “Aladin”

Commenting on Eros International’s showcases at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Sunil Lulla, Executive Director and President – India, says: “With the multi-faceted global fan base of Indian cinema standing at 3.6 billion, we want to be at the forefront of meeting the ever-increasing demands of audiences by pioneering innovative film content... It has been our objective to increase the level of expectancy for the films of our genre year after year, 2009 being of no exception as with great pride we introduce three extraordinary film projects at Cannes.”

Confused? We surely are.

One party which is not confused at all is the “Kites” team. Producer Rakesh Roshan, director Anurag Basu and film’s cast members Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori will be in Cannes.

Producer Rakesh Roshan will be screening his latest film only for potential buyers from the West. He will also screen a special teaser of the film as well.

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Amitabh Bachchan turns stylist

“Aladin” (above) is one of the films that fans of Amitabh Bachchan should look out for this year.

Produced by Eros International and Boundscript, and directed by Sujoy Ghosh, “Aladin” is a contemporary look at the classic fairy tale. Packed with fun, music, masti, action and adventure “Aladin” boasts of a visual scale never seen before on Indian screen and arrives in theatres on July 24, 2009.

Apparently Big B was very excited about the groovy track to be picturised on him and Riteish Deshmukh and while planning the shoot for the peppy number, he expressed his desire to contribute to the song in his very own way - by choosing his own outfit for it!

Of course, the director willingly agreed and Bachchan went on to chose a deep red velvet jacket which added that extra touch of grandeur to his already larger-than-life persona in the film.

“Aladin” stars Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Riteish Deshmukh and introduces Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandez.

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Watching Aladin will be like eating ice-cream with your eyes

Filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh says his next venture "Aladin", which has superstar Amitabh Bachchan playing the genie and is complete with the latest special effects, will be no less than a "Harry Potter" or "The Lord Of The Rings" flick.

"Our funda was simple, we had to make a movie which is indeed world class. Indian audiences aren't alien to 'Harry Potter' or 'The Lord of the Rings' series. We couldn't have given them anything less. We knew it would cost a lot of money but somehow we had an inkling that we would be able to raise it," Ghosh told IANS in an interview.

He described his film as a visual delight, the kind which he equated to eating an ice-cream with your eyes.

Ghosh, who has earlier made the much-liked "Jhankaar Beats" (2003), said actor Riteish Deshmukh and he hit upon the idea of making "Aladin" over countless mugs of coffee five years ago.

Riteish's "Masti" (2004) had just released and the actor had won accolades for his comic timing, and Ghosh only had "Jhankaar Beats" behind him. His "Home Delivery" was yet to be made, but the filmmaker was brimming with ideas, one of them being "Aladin".

"I had just come out from watching the premiere of 'Masti' and I knew I wanted to work with Riteish Deshmukh. His comic timing was immaculate. I got his number and met him that night at the Marriott. And we decided we'll make 'Aladin'," Ghosh recalled.

The big-budget, special effects-laden film also stars Sanjay Dutt as a cool villain and marks the entry of Sri Lankan beauty Jackie Fernandez paired opposite Riteish, who will play Aladdin.

"Actually, in retrospect, it all seems to be so unreal. Here we were two youngsters who met for the first time and even though we knew that between us we didn't bring much to the table, we believed we could do it. Instantly, we decided to make a film, which has never been seen before on the Indian screen. There were a few nervous pangs though as it wasn't easy to translate great ideas into an actual film.

"I think we paused for a bit and laughed our guts out thinking what an insane path to embark upon, but we wanted to and we did. Both of us had other dreams to pursue at that point. Ritiesh had some three films that he was committed to while I was pursuing my biggest ever dream. But still we took on a journey that has lasted for so many years," the director said.

The filmmaking process began after a while with a year being spent on scripting, a year-and-a-half of pre-production, 149 days of shoot and a year of post-production.

"Finally ... The tree of imagination has come alive," Ghosh exclaimed.

"Ritiesh and I left the coffee shop at Marriott thinking about what we had just agreed upon. At least I did, for all I know Ritiesh could have been thinking about the huge bill he just footed.

"But, yes, he never gave up on 'Aladin'; neither did I. We may have paused in between but we never stopped till 'Aladin' happened. I promise you, you have never seen anything like this before," the director concluded.

With music by Vishal and Shekhar, 'Aladin' is produced by Eros International in association with Ghosh's production company Boundscript.

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Finally! Aldaddin set to release

Sujoy Ghosh’s film Aladdin finally looks as if it is going to see the light of day with only its postproduction work remaining to be completed. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Ritesh Deshmukh and marks the debut of Jacqueline Fernandes who plays the role of Jasmin.

“Actually, shooting has been over for a while and there was only a few dance and song shots remaining which are now complete. So now, only the postproduction work is going on. Dubbing is almost done and the film is almost over. Amitabh ji, Sanjay and Ritesh have all finished their parts,” says an Eros International spokesperson. Eros International is producing the film.

“The release date will probably be July 24 this year,” adds the spokesperson. And even before its release, Eros International has announced the second part of I. Though, the stars of the sequel have not been finalised as yet.

Aladdin, which promises a combination of action, adventure, music and romance, with Amitabh Bachchan playing Genie and Ritesh as Aladdin, is said to also be filled with special effects.

Talking about his experience working with the legendary Bachchan, director Sujoy Ghosh says, “It was great to work with Amitabh Bachchan because the man has something in him. We enjoyed the whole shoot of Aladdin; it was like being at home. Amitji is so senior and behaved like a real gentleman.”

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Big B finally shoots for Aladdin

Sujoy Ghosh’s Aladdin was supposed to release last month, but was postponed because Amitabh Bachchan, who plays Genie, could not find the time to shoot a few of his scenes. Now, after a three-month delay, the production house has announced that shooting will begin today.

“Yes, Mr. Bachchan has finally given us time. We were worried about the Bachchan dates. Because of his health and his other commitments, the film was pushed back.”

Amitabh was admitted to hospital on his birthday (11th October) and after a month’s rest, he started shooting first for Teen Patti.

Director Sujoy Ghosh said, “I was not at all worried about the completion of the film. Amitji is a very professional actor and I knew he’d keep his promise. Last October, things didn’t work out because of his health problem. It’s really great to see a senior actor get back to shape so quickly.

“We wanted to release the film during the Christmas season. But now we are planning on releasing it during the summer vacation (April-May, 09).”

Big B has also confirmed the shoot. In his blog, he writes, “The shooting of Aladdin beckons tomorrow (2nd Jan, 09). A song and the last days of the film. Shiamak Davar and his crew. Disciplined and worthy.”

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Miss Sri Lanka to make debut in Bollywood with Aladdin

Ayesha Takia’s loss is former Miss Sri Lanka Jacqueline Fernandez’s gain. After things did not work out between Ayesha and director Sujoy Ghosh for the director’s new film Aladdin, the two parted ways. Sujoy was looking out for a leading lady for quite some time and finally he zeroed in on Miss Sri Lanka 2006 Jacqueline Fernandez.

This will be Jacqueline Fernandez’s first stint in acting and Aladdin seems to be a really good debut for the lass.

Back in Sri Lanka, she was working as an anchorwoman in a business program called Lanka Business Report and also wrote a weekly column for a top newspaper.

If you recall, a leading film magazine covered reports of Jacqueline Fernandez dating actor Viveik Oberoi. However, that seemed to have died down.

Aladdin stars Amitabh Bachchan playing the genie while Riteish Deshmukh essays the title role. Sanjay Dutt is also a part of this film. Vishal-Shekhar are doing the music.

IndiaTimes Movies

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