BOLLYWOOD BUZZ

Showing posts with label Love Aaj Kal. Show all posts

Monday, January 4, 2010

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Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Four recent hits heal Bollywood’s wounds

Profits finally catching up with the losses

Energetic openings to Bollywood's four recent releases - "New York", "Kambakkht Ishq", "Love Aaj Kal" and "Kaminey" - have succeeded in getting the business perk up. Wounded by a long strike earlier this year, the film industry is perhaps on a self-healing path now, say trade pundits.

The two-month-long stand-off between the producers-distributors and multiplex owners over revenue sharing, which was resolved on June 5, led to a whopping Rs.300 crore (Rs.3 billion) loss to the Hindi film industry.

The dry spell was broken by Kabir Khan's "New York" that released on June 26 followed by the other three films - "Kambakkht Ishq" that came on July 3, "Love Aaj Kal" on July 31 and "Kaminey" on Aug 14 - raking in a net profit close to almost half the losses so far this year.

"These four films will do a net business of Rs.150 crore (Rs.1.5 billion) put together," revealed an industry insider.

Said trade analyst Taran Adarsh: "The industry is definitely on a recovery path... it is getting better now, but we do need a big number of hits to follow as even an A-list movie like 'Luck' bombed.

"Every movie has a luck of its own. For example, a small-budget film like 'A Wednesday' had a moderate release last year but proved to be a dark horse. At the end of the day it's the content that will win."

Film critic Omar Qureshi had something similar to say.

"The industry is healing. Everyone was deprived of movies. There was a desperation to watch films and the audiences couldn't handle it. So they took multiplexes by storm once good movies hit the screens and the result is worth watching," said Qureshi.

"But that doesn't mean mediocre movies will win the race too... it'll only take big-budget and big-banner movies with a good story to make up for the losses and bring in footfalls," he added.

The stand-off between producers-distributors and multiplex owners started in February over revenue-sharing. While the producers demanded a flat 50 percent share of all film revenues irrespective of the stars, budget and box-office collection, the exhibitors stressed on sharing profits based on the movie's earnings.

As a result the producers declared a strike from April 4 onwards, which saw no big Bollywood releases in multiplexes across the country.

Now all eyes are set on an array of big releases after the lull.

The line-up includes Shahid Kapur-Rani Mukerji starrer "Dil Bole Hadippa", three movies of Salman Khan - "Wanted", "Main Aur Mrs Khanna" and "London Dreams" - two Ranbir Kapoor-starrers "Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani" and "Rocket Singh - Salesman of The Year", and Aamir Khan's "3 Idiots".

Apart from these, there are also Hrithik Roshan's much-talked-about action thriller "Kites", Priyanka Chopra's "What's Your Raashee?", two movies starring Amitabh Bachchan - "Aladdin" and "Pa" - Akshay Kumar's "De Dana Dan", Govinda's "Hook Ya Crook" and Neil Nitin Mukesh's "Jail".

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Wednesday, August 5, 2009

'Love Aaj Kal' is third big hit of the year

Its occupancy has been between 90-100 percent

Love is immortal. Ask Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone whose recently released "Love Aaj Kal" has sent the cash registers ringing, raking in Rs.8 crore (Rs.80 million) on its opening day. And experts say the movie has tremendous box office potential.

"The response to the film has been amazing and we have had jam-packed houses over the weekend. While we had an occupancy of 98 percent on the first day (Friday), the weekend has been house full with 100 percent occupancy. It's an entertaining movie and worth watching once," Amit Awasthi, manager programming and operations of Spice Cinemas, Noida told IANS.

"We are running 25 shows for the movie in a day and have already collected Rs.16,56,000 over the first weekend. In fact, we've already sold 2500 tickets even today. The movie is going strong and is expected to get more business with Rakshabandhan (August 5) coming and is going to stay on until 'Kaminey' releases on August 14," he added.

A source from PVR Cinemas echoed the same sentiment and said: "The reaction to the movie is very good and people have really liked the movie. We are expecting more footfall coming in the way it has been over the weekend."

Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the movie has been co-produced by Saif and his friend Dinesh Vijan along with Sunil A. Lulla under their banners Illuminati Films and Eros International respectively.

Spanning across two different eras - the film is about the essence of love that never changes despite time and space differences.

Made at a budget of around Rs.48 crore (Rs.480 million), it released across 1800 screens worldwide. It is the third A-lister hit of 2009 after "New York" and "Kambakkht Ishq" though the latter was panned by critics in terms of content.

Also starring Rishi Kapoor, Shweta Gulati and Rahul Khanna, the film is the launch vehicle of Brazilian model Giselle Monteiro.

"'Love Aaj Kal' is a super hit movie. The occupancy has been somewhere between 90-100 percent bringing in good collections, which is very impressive. It's a simple and romantic movie and a must watch for a family," said Yogesh Raizada, corporate head (cinemas), Wave cinemas.

"We are running 11-15 shows across different properties and the movie is going to stay anywhere close to two-three weeks. Moreover with the Rakhi holiday coming in, families are surely going to bring in footfalls considering the storyline appeal of the film," he added.

In terms of A-listers, "Love Aaj Kal" has no contender until Shahid Kapur-Priyanka Chopra starrer "Kaminey" hits the screen.

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Sunday, August 2, 2009

Saif has no Dostana with Abhi, Ash!

Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan could have been a part of Karan Johar's hit film "Dostana" but refused as industry heavyweights Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan were expected to be a part of the movie when it was offered to him.

Contrary to popular belief that Saif declined the offer because its theme was homosexuality, the 38-year-old actor says he "didn't really chicken out" of the role.

"I didn't really chicken out -- I mean I just thought, I think there was Abhishek and Aishwarya in the movie at the time I was being offered it and I was just wondering if I needed to do that and how I would fit in really and I told Karan that," Saif told CNN-IBN's entertainment editor Rajeev Masand on his talk show "To Catch A Star".

The film, which finally starred Abhishek, John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra in key roles, required dollops of gay attitude from the men. But that didn't make Saif averse to the role.

"The gay thing didn't scare me off. In fact I don't think they (Abhishek and John) actually kiss. I would have," he said.

According to Masand, even Shah Rukh Khan says he would have actually kissed if he was in the film. To which, Saif said: "Yeah and I would have kissed him".

"...because I think that would have given everyone something to talk about," added Saif, who says he "enjoyed" the film and that "it was nice".

Saif's latest movie "Love Aaj Kal", which also stars Deepika Padukone, hit the screens Friday and is picking up momentum at the box office. The movie, based on love in different eras, is his first venture as a producer.

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Junta Talking: Love Aaj Kal

It is not very often that a Hindi movie gets mostly four-star reviews but with Imtiaz Ali and Saif Ali Khan at the helm of affairs, people expected Love Aaj Kal to be a good movie. And that it is. So what the does the aam junta or could I say mango people have to say about it?

Nikhil Lunkad: I enjoyed the movie. It was nice and something different. A good Hindi movie after ages

Anshul Sinha: I liked the movie. The way Imtiaz Ali has narrated the film is totally new and refreshing. Even what happens between the couple (Jai and Meera) is mostly correct and relatable. It was a nice change after the onslaught of dumb Hindi movies

Alka Shah: The movie was fun and the acting was good. The dialogues were funny and unsual. I will use them in my day-to-day life. Love Aaj Kal is a very contemporary love story. Imtiaz Ali has scored a hat-trick of good movies with Love Aaj Kal.

Anjali Shah: It’s a nice movie though it’s nothing like Jab We Met. I really liked the ‘aam junta mango people’ and the ‘mera hi faayda ho jaye’ dialogues. It was very funny and sweet.

Aditya Singh Rajput: The most disappointing film of 2009. So many loop holes; it is not detailed properly. The parallel Punjabi story is not convincing. Saif looks uncomfortable dancing and cannot be Geet from Jab We Met. The movie moves too fast to grab. Attention: Art Director, please put grilles in between the windows of the Punjabi train. It looks really funny. I am still depressed.

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B.O. update: 'Love Aaj Kal' has superb start in India, Pakistan, UAE

The much-hyped LOVE AAJ KAL opened to a stupendous start across all multiplexes. The film is being screened in 20, 23, 25, even 28 shows everyday at prominent multiplexes, which is a record of starts. The first day business was huge across multiplexes, although the single screens weren't as strong [expectedly]. But there's no reason to press the panic button, since 70% to 80% business is generated from multiplexes alone these days.

The reports of LOVE AAJ KAL are good, the audience feedback is positive and the opening weekend is expected to be humungous. In fact, the first weekend numbers of the film should easily find a place amongst the biggest openers ever. Another advantage is the Raksha Bandhan holiday on Wednesday [5th August], which will add that extra revenue to the booty.

LOVE AAJ KAL has cost Rs. 42 crores to its producers [Saif Ali Khan and Dinesh Vijan] and with P & A costs included, the final cost works out to approx. Rs. 48 crores [for Eros]. A major chunk of business is expected to be recovered from the domestic market, while Overseas is expected to be huge as well. In fact, the Thursday night shows in Pakistan were bigger than that of KAMBAKKHT ISHQ. Even UAE was higher than KAMBAKKHT ISHQ, where LOVE AAJ KAL collected approx. 6,50,000 Dirhams on its first day.

One awaits with bated breath for its response in U.K. and U.S.A. 'Bollywood Hungama' will keep you updated with the developments, with official figures.

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Multiplexes update: 'Love Aaj Kal' attracts more footfalls than 'Ghajini'

LOVE AAJ KAL is on a record-smashing spree. The Cinemax chain of multiplexes recorded a record turnout for this Saif-Deepika starrer on Friday. Cinemax, one of the leading multiplex chains of India [74 screens in 24 multiplexes], saw approx. 49,700 footfalls in their properties on Friday.

LOVE AAJ KAL has clearly overtaken the other big openers at this chain:- NEW YORK [34,500 footfalls on Friday], KAMBAKKHT ISHQ [39,800 footfalls] and GHAJINI [39,500 footfalls]. "The response is amazing. Even the 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. shows in Gujarat are running to packed houses," Devang Sampat of Cinemax informs me.

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U.K. update: 'Love Aaj Kal' has a record-breaking start

As predicted by this writer in the review of the film ["internationally, it has the potential to emerge one of the biggest grossers in recent times"], LOVE AAJ KAL has fetched a mind-boggling start in U.K. In fact, it's one of the biggest starts ever. Let's have a comparative study to judge how big the film has opened...

Film / Friday [approx. numbers]
DOSTANA - £ 72,000
JODHAA AKBAR - £ 77,000
KAMBAKKHT ISHQ - £ 83,000
GHAJINI - £ 95,000
RAB NE BANA DI JODI - £ 1,01,000
RACE - £ 1,02,000
SINGH IS KINNG - £ 1,08,000
LOVE AAJ KAL - £ 1,25,000

Note:- This chart doesn't include Thursday numbers, since several films hadn't opened on a Thursday, including LOVE AAJ KAL.

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Saturday, August 1, 2009

Saif lends personal Nawabi touch to LAK

Imtiaz Ali, Deepika Padukone, producers Saif Ali Khan and Dinesh Vijan personally greeted members of the press at the screening of Love Aaj Kal, held at PVR Cinemas at Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel yesterday.

Saif walked in at around 12.30, surrounded by security. Dressed in casuals, he looked cool and handsome. All eyes were on him. Imtiaz Ali was already present, talking to the media. A few cameramen were present. Some time after Saif’s arrival, Deepika also arrived. She looked very pretty and absolutely fine in her short dress which she paired with gladiator flats. All three of them interacted with media persons, especially the senior ones.

Saif said, “It has been 18 years since I have been in the industry. Some of you have known since my first day here. I was a silly 20 year old and even you’ll were young journalists then. Now, you all have become feared heads of your departments now. We want to thank you for coming here. We present to you Love Aaj Kal. We hope you like it. I won’t be lurking around after the show like many people do, asking you what you thought of the film. I would rather read it all while I am chilling and relaxing in Delhi.”

Very Nawabi of you Saif, we say. Your first production is set to be a super-hit and we are sure you are very happy with all the good things people have to say about Love Aaj Kal.

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In Pics: Special Screening of Love Aaj Kal at PVR Mumbai

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In Pics: Saif Ali Khan's Press Meet for Sikh Community

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Friday, July 31, 2009

Prediction: How lucky is Love Aaj Kal

If there is a film which can easily take over the crown of being the most anticipated release of July (or even this year), then it has to be Love Aaj Kal.

Celebrity astro numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi unveils the fate of this much awaited film.

“The title Love Aaj Kal adds up to Number 30 which simply put is neither auspicious nor inauspicious. It’s just about average. I had advised the film’s director Imtiaz Ali to spell the film title as LUV AAJ KAL for better prospects but it was too late by then as the publicity of the film was just about to start by that time,” informs Bhavikk.

“The film producer’s Saif Ali Khan ( August 16, 1970 ) is Number 7 person in numerology and the year 2009 adds up to Number 2. Numbers 2 and 7 always go hand in hand. This year in general is good for people born on dates 1, 2, 4 or 7. Saif is a Leo ruled by Number 1 (Sun) and will soon be entering his 40th year, so time is in his favor and his first production will surely be a hit,” predicts the expert.

He continues “As for the leading lady Deepika Padukone (5th January 1986), she is in her 24th year which is one of her best numbers and so the lady will also bring luck to the film. The Kareena V/s Deepika war is just being blown out of proportion as even with Kareena’s presence in the film, it would have achieved the same success. Nothing more, nothing less! ”

“However, during the period of 21st July and 22nd August, Sun is placed in its own sign Leo which is ruled by Number 1. It does not gel well with Number 3, which the film title adds up to. So, in that respect the film will primarily do well in metros and big cities mainly while the business in smaller centers might get affected. All said and done, LOVE AAJ KAL will definitely bring some relief to the hit starved industry, positively!” concludes Bhavikk.

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Love Aaj Kal - Movie Review

Come to think of it, if the film carries the 'burden' of humungous expectations, it's imperative that it goes beyond those expectations. The reaction after watching the film has to be similar to a child who has laid his hands on his fav toy. The joyous smile would say it all. The question is, does LOVE AAJ KAL live up to the hype and hoopla surrounding it? Or does it go beyond that?

LOVE AAJ KAL is not an easy film to write and execute. Sure, it's a love story, but it's not one of those mundane love stories that talks of love and heartache. Here, the two stories, set in different eras, run parallel, but have a similar end.

To be brutally honest, it takes time to grasp the plot, since the past and present run concurrently. If you aren't attentive, chances are you'd lose the plot. Also, if you aren't aware by now that Saif enacts dual roles in the film -- playing his part as also the part of young Rishi Kapoor -- the goings-on would confuse you no end, when the transition occurs.

LOVE AAJ KAL is a director's show entirely. The relationships here are complex because the couple in love lives in complete denial. It is to Imtiaz Ali's credit that he has penned an offbeat story, developed a complex but comprehensive screenplay and extracted sensitive performances from the principal cast. At the same time, the writing isn't the type that would appeal to all sections of movie-going audience. Besides, the execution of the subject and also the pacing in the first hour are deterrents.

Final word? LOVE AAJ KAL makes you fall in love with love all over again. Makes you value your loved ones all the more. This film is special!

Love Aaj
London, San Francisco, Delhi - 2009.
Jai [Saif Ali Khan] and Meera [Deepika Padukone] is a modern-day couple in London. They are very happy together, but do not believe in tying each other down. So when life pulls them in different directions, they decide to call off their relationship, since long-distance relationships, in their opinion, don't work.

Love Kal
Delhi, Calcutta - 1965.
Veer Singh [Rishi Kapoor] is struck by a thunderbolt when he sees Harleen for the first time. He travels a thousand kilometers by train to stand under her balcony, only to have a glimpse of her face. And yet not speak a word with her.

Love Aaj Kal
Veer does not understand how Jai can treat matters of the heart without passion. Jai does not understand how Veer Singh could have been so naive and silly about Harleen in his youth. But as both stories unfold, we realize that the process of relationship might be different in different eras, but the experience of being in love remains the same.

LOVE AAJ KAL travels multiple continents and different eras. The subject matter is novel, never attempted before, but the material, the characters [Saif and Deepika especially] as also its execution is targeted at the youth in big cities mainly. As they say in filmi lingo, this one's a hardcore multiplex movie.

Another area where Imtiaz Ali experiments is by depicting Saif as the young Rishi Kapoor. It's a novel concept, no two opinions on that, but the question is, will it cut ice universally? Will people tend to get confused when the sequences turn sepia?

The film captivates in bits and spurts in the initial portions. Partly because the writing is so different. But the writing breaks new grounds in the second hour. It's in this hour that the film grips you completely, when the fragmented pieces are put together and a mesmeric picture emerges.

The second hour is the soul of the film. Right from the time Deepika decides to marry, till the last reunion, the film touches an emotional high. The sequence of events that lead to the culmination is incredible. Saif's interaction with Deepika at the marriage, or the gradual change in Saif's behaviour in the U.S. in the course of a song, or the realisation that marriage was a big mistake... moments like these take LOVE AAJ KAL to dizzy heights.

Imtiaz Ali is a genius. The film bears the stamp of an accomplished storyteller. This is a forward-thinking film that handles the new-age relationships with complete understanding. The songs compliment the goings-on beautifully. This is amongst Pritam's accomplished works. 'Twist' [already a rage], 'Aahun Aahun' [foot-taping], 'Chor Bazaari' [melodious] and 'Dooriyaan' [melancholic], each song is a gem. N. Natarajan Subramaniam's cinematography is fantastic. Editing [Aarti Bajaj] is wonderful.

Both Saif and Deepika come up with their career-best performances in LOVE AAJ KAL. Saif carries the most difficult parts with remarkable ease. Sure, we've seen him as the cool, urban guy in several films, but this one's the most demanding role and only a seasoned actor could've delivered it with such precision.

Deepika looks ethereal. Most importantly, in LOVE AAJ KAL, she acts very, very well. Matching up to Saif is no mean achievement and she does it in several scenes. This should be the turning point in her career. Rishi Kapoor is top notch. The actress enacting the role of Harleen is pretty. Rahul Khanna does well in a small, but significant role. Watching Neetu Kapoor in the end sequence is truly astonishing. She's so graceful.

On the whole, LOVE AAJ KAL is for the young and romantic at heart. Sure, it's not perfect, but the terrific performances, melodious music and stirring emotional moments [last 35 odd minutes] more than compensate for the hiccups. At the box-office, the film should start with a bang for four factors -- its novel cast, super music, great promotion and yes, Imtiaz Ali, a name that commands respect amongst moviegoers. Released extensively [approx. 1800 screens worldwide], LOVE AAJ KAL will have one of the biggest first weeks in India and also in the international markets. In India, the business will be superb across multiplexes, while single screens might not behave as energetically. But the business at multiplexes will ensure a fantastic recovery of the investment. Internationally, it has the potential to emerge one of the biggest grossers in recent times.

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Thursday, July 30, 2009

‘I’ve not left any stone unturned’

Saif Ali Khan talks ‘Love Aaj Kal’ and tells what the film means to him

Saif Ali Khan is busy ‘aaj kal’ promoting his debut venture as a producer, ‘Love Aaj Kal’, in which he also plays the lead role alongside the ravishing Deepika Padukone. The film, directed by Imtiaz Ali, is a love story, a genre Imtiaz excels in.

‘Love Aaj Kal’ holds a lot of importance for Saif for more reasons than one. Apart from it being his first production, the film also comes after his two big flops in a row – ‘Tashan’ and ‘Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic’ – hence the need to get this one right.

Here’s what Saif has to say about the film and his choices:

On turning a producer

Production actually is not my cup of tea. But after attaining so many years of experience in this field, I’d like to have a creative niche of my own. You feel proud to have it finally. Since a lot of money is involved in filmmaking your inputs mean something else. I want to learn more about the business. The market earlier was different. Most heroes have moved on and turned directors or producers now. Also, there are not many independent producers left to work with.

On the making of ‘Love Aaj Kal’

Right now I’m nervous since I’m a fresher in production. I’m only learning the ifs and buts. Being the producer I need to look into every aspect of filmmaking, though I’ve not left any stone unturned from my end. We have had a great team, and I have learnt a lot in the process. My partner Dinesh Vijan has been a great help. I was more involved in the creative aspect of the film. All in all, the entire journey has not only been a learning experience but has been equally exciting too.

On picking a leaf or two from friends

I have been lucky to work with many great producers and big, established banners - Yash Raj Films and Dharma Productions majorly. I’ve learnt a lot of lessons in filmmaking from them. Karan Johar and Farhan Akhtar would have always been there to advise me, but I haven’t really called anyone.

On the film

The story primarily is about Jai who doesn’t believe in love and is practical. He believes that long distance relationship is a pain, so why not just be friends and not follow your heart. He comes across a person who tells him what love is all about. Imtiaz has made a simple love story which is not confusing at all as most people believe.

On playing a Sardar

I had meetings with top leaders of the Akali Dal for the look and they have appreciated me. I met them before I ventured into production as I did not want to miff them on anything. I have tried to shoulder all my responsibilities towards the religion. Dolly aunty has done my clothes and I have tried to give it an honest approach. I had to work on the accent. If I could pull off Langda Tyagi in ‘Omkara’, I think I have managed this one too.

On Imtiaz Ali as the director of his maiden venture

Very simple. He had a fantastic script and when you hear a good script and also when the director has the know-how of putting it down on screen just the same, that’s all what you need. The clever thing an actor does is not acting but the ‘listening’ he does in the drawing room as to what the director actually wants. This film is a result of being all ears to Imtiaz.

On Kareena being his first choice for the film

(Laughs) None of the directors listen to me. Imitaz too felt that Deepika suited the role better and hence left me dejected. Are you happy with the answer now?

On working with Deepika for the first time

Ours is an exuberant pair, isn’t it? We look nice and refreshing. Apart from being a new face, Deepika has all the attributes of an Indian beauty. Also, she is very professional and down-to-earth. Rani Mukerji and Deepika’s persona grounds me in real and on reel as well.

On the surprise package of the film – Harleen

The other heroine is going to be a surprise. Her name is Harleen. She’s not here at the moment because we wanted to keep the main focus on Deepika and myself right now.

On the title of the film

The title suits the story of the film which is about the love stories of people today and in yesteryears.

On Kareena's verdict on the film

She has seen the film and has liked it.

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Very unexpected romance for Deepika!

Filmicafe had a candid conversation with beautiful Bollywood starlet Deepika Padukone. Read on...

Q: You’ve only got three Bollywood films under your belt at this moment, but already you’ve been called a star. What do you think of the status you’ve achieved?
Well I definitely think I have a long way to go, but the one year that I’ve been in this industry has been extremely memorable. And I’m completely enjoying myself. It’s not something that I thought would happen.

Q: Your father was a professional badminton player and you yourself played on a national level. How do you look back at those times?
I think badminton taught me a lot. When I was 12 and 13, I started travelling to play professionally. I’ve lived in the worst of conditions. Sadly, in India, sports are not invested in. So I’ve lived in dormitories, travelled by second class trains and shared bathrooms. I’ve learned to become responsible and independent because of all that I went through.

Q: How do you go from that… to modeling?
When I was in tenth standard, that’s when I decided. I said listen, badminton is not what I want to do and I want to take up modeling professionally. And my parents said okay. I then got a portfolio done. I sent it to Bombay to a couple of agencies. Then, I did a commercial for a brand called Liril and that got me instant recognition. And that led to the music video and the music video led to the film.

Q: You met your current boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor because you were working together on a movie. Tell us how romance blossomed.
Very unexpected and very unplanned. We were friends earlier. And we were two different people. And we never thought that we’d end up being together. It’s only last year when we were shooting for a film together that we really got to know each other and managed to spend some time together.

Q: How did you keep it a secret?
We were like how two co-stars would normally meet or bond. I remember we’d only meet on the sets. And beyond that, everyone as a group would go out with the director, with our choreographer, with the cinematographer. It’s like a family. So everyone went out together. And I think it’s only later, towards the end of the schedule, he realised he was in love with me.

Q: He did say that he’d take a good film role over a relationship.
Yeah.

Q: Isn’t that a little bit offensive?
Not at all! Because I think we’re both at that age now where work and our lives are really beginning for us. It’s great that this relationship happened so early in our lives. And that everything’s fallen into place. But I think beyond that, this is really the time to focus on our careers, there’s time for everything else later.

Q: For all the good things though you do have your critics and there are those who say that you’ve been over hyped and you don’t deserve the status. Do you care?
Someone’s given me that status, I haven’t. I always say I think I have a long way to go.

Q: Most actors and actresses do have a relatively limited shelf-life. Do you worry that for you one day that the party might be over?
Not at all, like I said, I didn’t plan to be a part of this industry. It is something that I wanted to do in a way, but it’s not like that my life would end if I didn’t become a part of the film industry. I’m a family person. So when I think it’s the right time for me to leave and to get married, I’ll do that. And I know that today there’s me, tomorrow there will be someone else. I’m going to work hard and make sure I can be here for as long as I can and that people don’t get bored of me.

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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

I want 'Love Aaj Kal' to break all records

Saif’s film is very close to Kareena’s heart

Her recent release "Kambakkht Ishq" has seen the best opening of 2009 so far. But Kareena Kapoor wants boyfriend Saif Ali Khan's "Love Aaj Kal" to even surpass her film's record and enjoy phenomenal success at the box office.

"I really want 'Love Aaj Kal' to break all box-office records. Yes, 'Kambakkht Ishq' is my film but then so is 'Love Aaj Kal'. For both Saif and me 'Love Aaj Kal' is a not just a prestigious project but also something which is very close to our hearts", Kareena told IANS.

Releasing on July 31, "Love Aaj Kal" is Saif's first production venture. Tell her that expectations are huge from the movie as well as Saif and she nods in agreement.

"Yes, I'm aware about the huge expectations and I also know that 'Love Aaj Kal' has turned out to be a lovely film. The good part is that the film has generated all around positive vibes and everyone expects good things from the film," she said.

With Saif playing two characters - Jai Vardhan Singh and Veer Singh (the younger version of Rishi Kapoor) - "Love Aaj Kal" touches upon the universal essence of love.

According to director Imtiaz Ali, "the process of relationship might be different in different eras, but the experience of being in love remains the same".

Another factor that makes "Love Aaj Kal" a special film for Kareena is the fact that it has Imtiaz at the driving seat.

"I have worked with Imtiaz in 'Jab We Met' and ever since then we all expect so much from him. He has great sensibilities of a storyteller and can't set a foot wrong. I really hope and pray that 'Love Aaj Kal' manages to strike a chord with audiences in the same way as 'Jab We Met'," she said.

Remembering her stint in "Jab We Met", Kareena agrees that it was an extraordinary experience.

"To play a character like 'Geet' (her screen name in 'Jab We Met') doesn't happen all the time; it just happens. When you begin working on a film, you of course know about the story and your character. However, no one knows how audiences would eventually react to it. 'Geet' did strike a chord with the audiences and became a household name," she said.

One expects something similar from "Love Aaj Kal" as well that also stars Deepika Padukone. Apart from them, Rishi Kapoor and Rahul Khanna will also be seen in pivotal roles with Neetu Singh in a guest appearance.

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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

‘Love Aaj Kal’ riding on a lot of buzz

Film expected to re-boost Saif and Deepika's career after their flops

Its songs have already become a hit and the promos are good, but "Love Aaj Kal" (pictured above) is an acid test for actors Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone as their last couple of films have turned out to be duds at the box office. There are indeed lots of expectations from this romantic comedy that releases on Friday (July 31).

Despite giving 2008's first hit in "Race", Saif's "Tashan", "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic" and animated venture "Roadside Romeo" (voice-over) fell flat at the box office. So did Deepika's much-hyped "Chandni Chowk To China" opposite Akshay Kumar.

"Love Aaj Kal" is not only Saif's first outing this year, it is also his debut as producer.

"'Love Aaj Kal' is garnering a lot of buzz. In fact it is after long that a proper love story is coming on screen. The concept is novel and will draw a good initial. It is also expected to re-boost Saif and Deepika's career after their flops," Delhi-based distributor Joginder Mahajan told IANS.

"The promotion of the film has been very good and the songs are already a hit. Moreover Saif is in a double role in the movie, which will be something to watch out for," he added.

Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the movie has been co-produced by Saif, Dinesh Vijan and Sunil A. Lulla.

Also starring Rishi Kapoor, Shweta Gulati and Rahul Khanna, the movie is said to be a remake of Taiwanese film "Three Times", which the producers have denied. Neetu Singh also makes her comeback with the film in a cameo.

"'Love Aaj Kal' is one of the most relevant films to come out in a long time...it looks at relationships in a very new light and a very new language," Vijan posted on the movie's official website.

"The film's storyline is such that any common man can relate to it. It's so real and as you watch the film, you would feel that so many instances shown in it have happened to you too in real life," said Deepika.

"The film has a universal appeal. Whether it's the younger or the older generation, all will be able to identify with the proceedings," she added.

Showing love in two different eras - 1965 and 2009 - through Veer Singh and Jai Vardhan Singh respectively, the film is about the essence of love that never changes.

While Jai treats matters of the heart without passion and parts with from his lady love Meera (Deepika) in the name of being practical, Veer is naive about his love for Harleen (Shweta) and travels long distances to catch a glimpse of her, but fails to open his heart in front of her.

As both stories unfold, the broad message it gives is that relationships might be different in different eras, but the experience of being in love remains the same.

The film has got an unprecedented buzz due to its share of controversies too.

First it was in the news for its unabashed kissing scenes and the lead actors mouthing expletives and then the Punjabi Cultural And Heritage Board objected to Saif's bearded look and reasoned that Sikhs do not sport a trimmed beard as sported by him in the film.

All controversies at rest, the director is neither excited nor nervous before the release.

"I'm completely stone-hearted at the moment. I'm still doing 16 hours of work for the film's promotion and don't have time to feel the excitement or the nervousness," Ali said.

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Monday, July 27, 2009

'Love Aaj Kal' is beyond expectations for me

Deepika says film fascinates her for three reasons

Since the release of "Om Shanti Om", Deepika Padukone has been seen in two more films - "Bachna Ae Haseeno" and "Chandni Chowk To China". But the leggie beauty insists that if at all there is a special movie after her debut vehicle, it has to be "Love Aaj Kal".

"I'm aware of the huge expectations that audiences have from 'Love Aaj Kal'. Personally speaking though, the film is beyond expectations for me. I would rather call it a very special film," Deepika told IANS on telephone.

"We all have worked so hard on it, whether director Imtiaz Ali, Saif (Ali Khan) or myself, and we have become really attached to it," said Deepika who is currently in London shooting for Sajid Khan's "Housefull" where she is paired opposite Akshay Kumar.

"Love Aaj Kal" is releasing on July 31 and she is excited about the film since it is as real as it gets.

"This is why I said that after 'Om Shanti Om' if there is a film that has been really special, it is 'Love Aaj Kal'. I can state three reasons why 'Love Aaj Kal' really fascinates me.

"First, the film's storyline is such that any common man can relate to it. It's so real and, as you watch the film, you would feel that so many instances shown in it have happened to you too in real life.

"Second, the film has a universal appeal. Whether it's the younger or the older generation, all will be able to identify with the proceedings. Imtiaz has a knack for keeping things basic and very simple, something that the world saw in 'Jab We Met' and 'Socha Na Tha'. His trademark touch is prevalent in 'Love Aaj Kal' too."

The third reason for Deepika to be really ecstatic after shooting for "Love Aaj Kal" is the dialogues that promise to be as natural as they get.

"Dialogues are such that they are more of conversational variety rather than sounding scripted. Imtiaz wanted all of us to perform rather than plain and simple mug up our dialogues and rattle them down. Yes, there was a dialogue sheet given, but it was mainly for reference," she said.

It was this freedom factor that really impressed Deepika. "There was nothing cast on stone and we actors were given a free hand to mouth dialogues that came naturally to them and suited the film's situation most. I guess this was one aspect that really made me open up a lot more during the film's shoot."

With Rishi Kapoor and Rahul Khanna in pivotal roles and Neetu Singh making a guest appearance, "Love Aaj Kal" is Saif's first home production with Pritam Chakaraborty's music already topping the charts.