“Vidya took more than 25 takes"

Vidya Balan had a tough time matching steps with Shahid Kapur while shooting a dance number for the promotional video of Kismet Konnection.

It took more than 25 takes before one single dance step could be finalised . The sensuous number, choreographed by Ahmed Khan, required Vidya to pirouette in high heels, and she was clearly ill at ease. A source who was present on the sets said, “Vidya took more than 25 takes to get her moves right. She had never done such a dance number before. To top it all, she had to wear high heels.” Choreographer Ahmed jumped to Vidya’s defense and said, “Even though she had a difficult time keeping up with a super-swift Shahid, she did not request me to change the steps. Besides, this is the first time that she was shooting a racy, Western number.” Well, let’s wait and watch to see how nimble Vidya’s feet are...

MORE HERE >>>

Vidya’s kismet with “bad traffic”

Tuesday night’s music release of Kismet Konnection turned out to be a mini-disaster with half the media walking out of the event. The event, organised by Filmfare and Tips was to start at 8.30 pm.

Shahid Kapoor and Vidya Balan, however, only strolled in at 11 pm. A few TV channels walked out in protest. Vids apologised on stage blaming the “bad traffic” (Was she driving from Khandala?)

The punctual Shahid snapped, “I won’t give any excuses, I was told to be there at 10!” Later, both waltzed off to Bling for their own private party with the rest of cast and crew.

A photographer was heard cribbing, “At the Filmfare cover launch event on Monday, Katrina Kaif came two and half-hours late! Earlier, Katrina was so professional but now she’s also developed an attitude.”

Oh, did we mention we liked what Miss Balan wore to the event. Now let’s hope that her taste has changed for good and it’s not just a flash in the pan.

MORE HERE >>>

Audio release of Kismat Konnection

MORE HERE >>>

Vidya’s lucky charm

Since the time Vidya Balan has entered in the industry she has been linked with either with her director or co actors of her films. Call it her good or bad luck she has always been in the news for this.

It can be recalled that before the release of her first film she was linked with her Parineeta director Pradeep Sarkar and soon after the release, she was paired with costar Saif Ali Khan. After the release of Lage Raho Munna Bhai her pairing with Sanjay Dutt was highly appreciated by the audience but at the same time, she was declared to be in a relationship with Dutt. Her close friendship with John Abraham compelled Bipasha to feel insecure while Salaam–e-ishq was being shot. Worst of all she was blamed for Sahid and Kareena’s break up.

We met Vidya on the sets of Kismat Konnection where she spoke her heart out. Speaking about being linked with all her co stars she says, “Fortunately or unfortunately I have been linked with most of my costars before this. But no one gets into discussion because we all know what the truth is so I don’t think we need to discuss the things that are written about us.”

Vidya informs that, she has stopped reacting news related to her link ups. She says, “You know I used to react to it, I used to get annoyed and cry but now its other way round as I find it quite entertaining. I am so fed up and after a certain point of time what will you do?”

But may it work for Kismat Konnection . She quickly replies, “I don’t think that any kind of rumor can work for the film.” Do you feel being single in the industry is difficult? “No I don’t think being single is difficult rather it has nothing to do with industry. Yes I will definitely like to be with someone at some point of time but I am in no hurry. I am very happy the way I am.” She said it with poise.

MORE HERE >>>

Vidya’s dirty dance

Now we all know that Vidya Balan is infamous for her sense of styling but there is one more thing that she is certainly lacking. She is undoubtedly a talented actress but when it comes to dancing Vidya doesn’t impress her audiences. Vidya who is currently shooting in Mumbai’s Film City for a promotional video of her forthcoming film Kismat Konnection, is having a tough time to match her steps with co actor Shahid Kapoor Dressed in a jazzy black and white Shabina Khan outfit , Vidya rehearsed her steps backstage before doing it in front of the camera. Even after the rehearsals Vidya couldn’t get her steps right. Ace choreographer Ahmed Khan who choreographed this song was very supportive through out the shoot.

It was surprising to see Vidya who performed in Zee Cine Awards fumbling with her steps. Even her director Aziz Mirza was amazingly supportive and patient with Vidya. He was constantly cheering up Vidya who became quite conscious and nervous.

When asked about Vidya’s dancing skills Shahid said, “I think she is doing a very good job. I am very fortunate that I got my initial training with Shaimk Davar. But Vidya is someone, who is not trained but very hardworking.”

Being a good friend of Vidya Ahmad supports her. He informs that Vidya didn’t even hear that song prior to her shoot. She just came on the set without rehearsals. He further explains that Vidya is good in classical dancing, but western is quite new to her. Later he blamed his friend Shahid for it. “Shahid is the best dancer in the film industry. He is so good that nobody wants to dance with him. We can’t compare Shahid with anybody, not even Vidya.” He quips.

Vidya corroborates to Ahmed’s statement. She says, “Shahid is a fantastic dancer and that’s a fact and I think how ever good I get, probably I won’t be able to match my steps with him but I’ll try.” So was matching her steps with Shahid, a challenge for her? “I think challenge is very heavy word probably. But I think it’s nice to try something that is out of your comfort zone. This is something out of my comfort zone but I wouldn’t have done it with anyone else because when you experimenting something new and you can only do it with people who take care of you.”

You are right Vidya you need to come out of your comfort zone and our good wishes are with you.

MORE HERE >>>

Copyright violation of Shahid’s snaps

Shahid Kapur’s photos on a fan’s website (www.shahidonline.net) have landed the site in a legal imbroglio.

OK! India magazine has dashed off a copyright violation notice to the webmaster for using the star’s photographs that were exclusively shot for the February issue.

As soon as the notice reached the website, the Jab We Met actor’s images were removed and now it has gone blank. The website has also sent an apology letter to the mag for doing so.

Says Sonali Velinker Kamat, editor, Ok! India, “His pictures were scanned from the magazine and put up on the website. In some of the pictures, the text accompanying it was clearly visible.”

She adds, “It is a huge process to get a star to do an exclusive photo shoot. It takes hours to shoot and months of planning. As the country’s leading photographers shoot them, they are considered the better pictures of the stars. There are several requests from the actors to use the snaps for their publicity but we don’t part with it as OK! India has the exclusive copyrights.”

Shahid’s snaps were shot by Daboo Ratnani at the Dilip Chhabria Design Studio.

Earlier Mallika Sherawat had desired to use her photographs that appeared in the glossy on her website.

“But we had to say no. Only with permission, could she put up the cover of the mag on her website. There was also a request from Akshay Kumar’s front for his pictures that appeared in the mag. But these are pictures you will not see anywhere else and belong to OK!,” points out Sonali.

Blatant copyright violation of the pictures of the stars is a big issue in the country. “No one seems to bother here unlike the West, where violation of copyright can get you into a legal mess.”

The mag’s issue which had the wedding pictures of basketball star Tony Parker and actress Eva Longoria could not be used in hoardings as that was the deal struck by the stars for exclusive pictures to OK! even after being paid millions for it.

Adds Sonali, “It is rare here for anyone to even apologise, at least this will be an eye-opener for the rest to refrain from doing so.”

MORE HERE >>>

Mrs Balan brings out the belan

Prankster Shahid mistakes Vidya’s mom for her, she yells for security!

Shahid Kapoor might come across as a serious, level-headed guy for most people but on the sets he can be quite a prankster – as he scared the living daylights out of Vidya Balan’s mom while shooting for Aziz Mirza’s Kismat Konnection, produced by Ramesh Taurani.

Says Aziz Mirza’s daughter and creative director of KK, Rahila, “During the outdoor in Canada, Shahid decided to play a prank on Vidya, with whom he’d become good friends, during the shooting. Shahid discovered Vidya’s weaknesses she is terrified of spooky stories.”

One night, at 2.30 am, Shahid wore a horrifying mask and knocked on Vidya’s door.

Rahila continues, “The unit members collected to view Vidya’s reaction but it was Vidya’s mother who opened the door! Vidya and her mom were put up in a suite with a common door and Shahid didn’t know that the actress was in the other room.”

What happened next was a scene out of a comedy film. Continues Rahila, “It was hilarious! Vidya’s mom didn’t know it was Shahid behind the mask. She thought he was an intruder, so she held on to him tight and screamed for security. Of course everyone started explaining to Mrs. Balan that it was all Shahid’s plan, and he’d taken everyone into confidence.”

The next day Shahid and Vishal Malhotra, who plays Shahid’s friend in the film and was part of the prank, were worried about facing mommy Balan. Says Rahila, “Shahid and Vishal were like schoolboys getting up every time Vidyya’s mom came near them. Of course she is quite a sport and laughed it off.”

MORE HERE >>>

Shahid, no! Harman, yes!

Was Shahid Kapur the first choice for Ashutosh Gowariker's new project WHAT'S YOUR RAASHEE?, before he finally zeroed in on Harman Baweja? According to a news-report, Gowariker persistently called Shahid, but the actor wasn't keen on doing this film. "That's completely untrue," Gowariker informs me, "Shahid was never approached in the first place."

Was Harman the first choice then? "Call it a coincidence, the launch of LOVE STORY 2050 promos coincided with the casting of my movie. I was on the lookout for a fresh face for the film and when I watched the song-promo of LOVE STORY 2050, I requested Harry Baweja to screen a few scenes for me. In fact, Harman was the first actor I approached for the role in question. He's ideal for this role," the talented film-maker sets the record straight.

Meanwhile, here's good news for all those who loved JODHAA AKBAR. Ashu has decided to premiere the edited portions [which were chopped off on the editing table due to its excessive length] on television, before the film is premiered on TV. These portions, I must add, are simply outstanding!

MORE HERE >>>

Shahid won't do mother's NAWAB NAUTANKI!

If actor Shahid Kapoor's mother Neelima is hurt or upset over the fact that Shahid has chosen his father's film over her's, she does not show it. Just for a recap, after the super success of JAB WE MET, both his parents, father Pankaj Kapoor and mother Neelima Azim had come forth with plans of directing him in their respective films.

However, it is now clear that Shahid has more or less refused his mother's NAWAB NAUTANKI, without saying an official 'no'. As per Neelima herself, although Shahid loved the script of the film, he was unwilling to act in the movie and so was being evasive. And it is now obvious that he won't be part of the film. She also added that Shahid has not given any reason for the refusal.

For those who are interested, we have the brief outline of Neelima's NAWAB NAUTANKI. The film is about an eccentric Nawab family and what goes on in their household. The movie will have a small-town setting and will focus on four main characters, essentially two males and two females. On the other hand Pankaj Kapoor's film is likely to have Shahid in a really dramatic role.

Whether Shahid works in Neelima's film or not, this real-life story sure has all the ingredients of a family drama potboiler!

MORE HERE >>>

Shahid messages his ex, saying how much he loved her… in Tashan

Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor might have broken up last year but they have always maintained a cordial relationship in private and public.

Says a source close to Kareena, “Last week Ken Ghosh, UTV’s Ram Mirchandani and Shahid had gone to watch Tashan at Cinemax Andheri for the late-night show. Though Shahid didn’t think much of the film (he’s also doing a Yash Raj film with Rani Mukerji) he loved Bebo’s performance in the film. Shahid also thought Kareena has never looked hotter and fitter than she does in Tashan.” Kareena has drawn accolades for her lithe toned look in Tashan.

What happened next was a surprise. Says the source, “On an impulse, Shahid sent Bebo a message telling her how much he loved her in Tashan. Ken was present when Shahid texted her. Kareena, who is currently shooting in Melbourne, Australia, for Main Aur Mrs Khanna, was quite overwhelmed with his gesture and thanked him for it.”

The source further reveals, “This is not the first time that Kareena and Shahid have been in touch. They message each other frequently and are on friendly terms with each other. Kareena wished Shahid on his birthday on February 25 and she remains concerned about Shahid’s career. On that day, both the ex-lovers chatted for quite a long time.”

Ken Ghosh, who is directing Shahid’s Star, produced by UTV, admits to having watched Tashan with Shahid at Cinemax last week but when quizzed about Shahid complimenting Kareena on her performance in the film says, “No comments.”

MORE HERE >>>

Vidya avoids Bebo

Vidya Balan stayed put in her car for a considerable amount of time to avoid coming face-to-face with Kareena Kapoor. The incident happened in London recently when both the actresses were to rehearse at the same venue for the Zee Cine Awards.

After Kareena broke-off with Shahid Kapur, B-Town buzz had Vidya being linked with Bebo’s ex and, at one time, she was even blamed for their parting of ways.

Says an onlooker, “It is clear that there is no love lost between Vidya and Kareena. As soon as Vidya reached the venue for the dance rehearsals, she enquired which stars were practising at the same time.

When Kareena and Saif’s names popped up, Vidya did a turnaround and went off outside. Despite the chill outside, Vidya preferred to brave the weather, rather than Bebo’s icy stares.”

So was the Parineeta actresses’ gesture just a way to avoid any confrontation?

Adds the onlooker, “It was clear that Vidya did not want to be in Kareena’s path. Being at the same spot would have been uncomfortable for her.”

Numerology plays an important part in Vidya Balan’s life. When she was put up in a suite at Hotel Crown Plaza at St James Court in London, the actress was extremely happy with the arrangements but the only hitch was that her suite number 1169 did not add up to a favourable number so it would prove unlucky to her. As a result, the actress asked for a change in room with a number that was numerologically correct and lucky for her.

MORE HERE >>>

Shahid and Priyanka are Kamine

Whatever be the case with Shahid Kapoor’s personal life post Jab We Met, on professional front the actor is surely raring to go. He is enjoying a good phase commercially and has signed multiple projects.

Aziz Mirza’s Kismat Connection is ready for release. He has been signed by Yash Raj for a film opposite Rani Mukherjee. His will be seen in his father Pankaj Kapoor’s directorial debut and also in his director friend Ken Ghosh’s next. Shahid indeed has his hands full with offers.

Now comes the news that Shahid Kapoor has been signed by Vishal Bhardwaj for his next film. Add to it Shahid will be seen in a double role in this film. Interestingly the film has been unusually titled as Kamine. Says an industry insider, “Shahid will have two interesting roles in the film. It is also believed that Priyanka Chopra has been signed as the leading leady for this film”. This is for the first time that Shahid and Priyanka Chopra will be paired opposite each other.

Vishal Bharadwaj has teamed up with Pankaj Kapoor to come up with commendable works like Maqbool and Blue Umbrella. This time the filmmaker plans to work with son Shahid Kapoor. Vishal is still working on the film’s pre-production and will soon be finalizing the remaining star cast. Produced by UTV Motion Pictures this will be a big budget project that will commence late in this year or next year.

Reshma Kelkar

MORE HERE >>>

How cute is a long-haired Shahid Kapoor

While actors are at their experimental best these days, Shahid Kapoor will not be left behind. After his stellar performance in Jab We Met, the actor is super-charged and willing to go any distance to get into the skin of the character.

Shahid, we hear, will be opting for a new long-haired look for his upcoming project, a musical, to be directed by Ken Ghosh. It can be remembered that it was Ghosh's debut film Ishq Vishq that also marked Shahid's Bollywood beginnings. Ken and Shahid, then got together again for Fida, a film that also starred Fardeen Khan and Kareena Kapoor.

When we got in touch with Ken to find out more about the UTV venture, he confirmed, "Yes, we're working on the project and Shahid is indeed going to look a bit different. He's working on his physical appearance and will do as the character and script demands."

While Ken refuses to divulge any further details, we learn that this is a musical more on the lines of the larger than life Broadway musical. About Shahihd's long hair, well, the actor had first sported long hair for a TV commercial of a soap detergent way back in 2001. So much for hair raising stories?

MORE HERE >>>

Shahid and Vidya were spotted at a restaurant

Are Shahid Kapoor, Bollywood’s new Prince Charming, and the pretty Vidya Balan an item? It would seem so going by earlier rumours and the more recent sighting of the couple enjoying a quiet little dinner at a suburban restaurant.

The two were accompanied by a friend who looked lost in her world, while Vidya and Shahid chatted and laughed in gay abandon. She was dressed in a knee-length black dress held in place by a big belt while he, well, had on his usual charming smile! The meal over, the couple got into a fight over who’s treat was it! “Let me pay. If you don’t allow me, next time I’ll never come out with you again,” said Vidya snatching the bill.

It is good to see Shahid happy and smiling since his break-up with long-time girlfriend Kareena Kapoor. Vidya and he grew fond of each other then, though she denied an involvement, and the two maintained that they were just good friends. Later Shahid was linked to tennis star Sania Mirza. Apparently, he visits her whenever she’s in town or whenever he goes to Hyderabad.

Professionally, several top Bollywood actresses are wanting to work with him, starting with Katrina Kaif in the face of reported strong opposition from Salman Khan. Jiah Khan, too, was supposedly doing everything possible to adjust her dates for Ghajini to act opposite Shahid in Star. Fortune, it seems, is returning his smile for smile.

Sharin Wader

MORE HERE >>>

Shahid Kapoor, Ayesha Takia and Nana Patekar in Paathshala

The renowned Choreographer cum Director Ahmed Khan, has now turned Producer with his film Paathshala. The film will be co-produced by his wife Shaira Khan and will be directed by Milind Uke.

"Paathshala revolves around kids and is set in the school campus. It has actors like Shahid Kapur, Nana Patekar, Ayesha Takia in essential characters. The film has child artists like Swini Khare (Cheeni Kum), Ali Haji (Partner) and Dwij Yadav (Nanhe Jaisalmer) in pivotal roles." informs Ahmed Khan.

There was a buzz that Shahid Kapoor is only doing a cameo in the film, however, Ahmed clears the rumor. "Shahid is not doing a cameo, it is a character role. He plays a teacher who teaches English and Music. Nana Patekar is playing the role of the Principal, and Ayesha Takia is a teacher who looks into the extra curricular activities. Besides them, there is Sushant Singh and Saurabh Shukla in the film as well," says Ahmed Khan.

One of the interesting facts about the film is that it will mark the come back of well-known child artist, Sunny Singh, who was seen in the famous tv serial, Dekh Bhai Dekh, as Shekhar Suman's son. "Yes, amongst all the kids, Sunny Singh (who had earlier played the child artist in English Babu Desi Mem) who would be doing one of the prominent roles in the film, along with Shraddha. The story also has the plot of a school kid played by Mehnaaz, who falls in love with her teacher (Shahid)", adds Ahmed.

The shooting of the film is wrapped up. "We are now in the post production stages and the dubbing is to be done." Talking about the music, Ahmed says, "Hanif, who had earlier composed the music for the song 'Shakirave Shakira' in my directorial film, Fool N Final, has composed the music for Paathshala. Since all the songs are very script-driven, there is no special choreography done for it, I have done that only partially. The four songs in the film only help to take the story further."

"Paathshala is an entertaining film with a big social message," signs off Ahmed.

MORE HERE >>>

Sushhhhh and Shahid

It’s almost impossible to keep a film under wraps, but the makers of a Shahid Kapur film have managed to shoot and complete one, without even announcing it.

The film went on the floors soon after Jab We Met and has been directed by Shahid’s close friend Rohit. The cast of the untitled film includes Sushmita Sen and Paresh Rawal.

Produced by Shemaroo Entertainment, the film has been treated like a top-secret assignment by the production house. Says a source, “They wanted to start and finish this project without making any noise. They have a big promotional plan.

Reveals an insider, “The reason why they managed to keep the project hush-hush is because the entire crew of the film from the music composer to the cinematographer to even the dance director is from the US. If there was an Indian crew, the secret would’ve been out long ago.

They plan to release the film in the next three to four months and the promotional campaign for it will start as soon as the makers zero down on a title for the movie.”

However Raman Maroo from Shemaroo Entertain-ment says, “I am planning a film with Shahid to be directed by Rohit. All the other cast and details have been finalised but the film hasn’t gone on the floors as yet.

We start shooting by of May-end in a single start-to-finish schedule. Sushmita Sen will play the lead and we plan to shoot it in Mumbai along with foreign locales. Yes, the film has an all-international crew.”

But the source insists, “The makers will surely denybecause they don’t want the news out.”

Amul Sharma

MORE HERE >>>

Shahid & Saif won’t join the Bachchans for world tour

Don’t know if this is true, false or something in-between?

But the grapevine was recently buzzing about the possibility of Saif Ali Khan and Shahid Kapoor coming together for the much-hyped tour by the Bachchan family.

The tour ‘Unforgettables’ will take them across Europe and US in July and August this year. Apparently, both the actors were recently approached by the organisers to accompany the Bachchans, but much to their dismay, both Saif and Shahid haven’t given their nod.

“Both Saif and Shahid have had just one meeting with the organisers and next they see their names being flashed across saying they will accompany the Bachchans and this has really upset them,” says a common friend. Another rumour bites the dust.

TNN

MORE HERE >>>

Shahid and Kareena together again!

Will they or won't they? That was the question on everyone's lips. But finally after much anticipation and deliberation the once 'golden couple' of Bollywood, Shahid and Kareena are reuniting again to revive their romance, if not in real life, but at least on the screen.

Yes guys! We are talking about their probably last film together, Boney Kapoor's Milenge Milenge which has been in the making for more than two years now. The film ran into rough weather, after the couple broke up and they refused to dub for it. But now better sense seems to have prevailed on them and both Shahid and Kareena have decided come together and record their voices for the film.

A source close to Shahid says that since last couple of days he has been resting at home due to the injury on his neck and that's when Satish got in touch with him and requested him to complete the dubbing. "Shahid was more than happy to oblige, he had no intention to trouble Satish and Boney, but the film got delayed due to unavoidable circumstances," says his friend. While Satish is a happy man today, "Finally my ordeal is over. I'm happy for my producer Boneyji, he had invested heavily on the project.
Shahid has been dubbing for the film in a recording studio close to his house, while Kareena will start her dubbing soon," informs Satish. And without getting into any further controversies, Satish "All's well that's ends well, hopefully the delay will not hamper the fate of the film at the box office."

We hope so!

Indiatimes Movies

MORE HERE >>>

Bebo’s present and ex will be part of the Bachchans tour

Kareena Kapoor’s present beau Saif Ali Khan and former flame Shahid Kapoor will be together in The Unforgettables tour of the Bachchans (Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya).

The series of concerts by Wizcraft will unfold in July-August across US and Europe.

After Akshay Kumar, who earlier opted out, rejoined the tour (‘Akki nakki’; Hitlist, April 25), the Bachchans roped in the two stars to join in.

Says a source close to the Bachchans, “Saif and Shahid showed no hesitation in joining the Bachchans on tour.

The price being offered was fine and the dates for the venues where they’ll perform were worked out to their convenience. The Kareena Kapoor angle was not part of the discussions.”

The tour has been undergoing one change after another. Earlier, it was scheduled for 2007.

“Abhishek and Aishwarya were busy with their marriage and their careers. We had to take it to 2008,” explains the Big B.

While every show will be different, the Bachchans will be a constant at every concert performing to their own numbers as well the specially-composed songs by Vishal-Shekhar.

But the one item that is inescapable is Kajra Re.“Do you think we can get away from that one?” laughs Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Riteish Deshmukh and Bipasha Basu are also part of the tour announced during the IIFA awards in Yorkshire last year.

Subash K. Jha, Mid-Day

MORE HERE >>>

Shahid going solo

Shahid Kapoor is one hero who has carried solo hero films on his shoulders. What's more the films have turned out to be box-office bonanzas for his producers as well. The success of Vivah and Jab We Met has made it evident that Shahid Kapoor is the "Hero" literally!

And incidentally all forthcoming films have Shahid in the solo lead Vishal Bharadwaj, who's Omkara was a multi-starrer, is all set to embark on a film with Shahid as the only hero of the film. Ken Ghosh's tentatively titled Star will also have Shahid in the solo lead. And on the top of it, Aziz Mirza's Kismet Konnection is yet another solo lead with Shahid to hit theatres soon.

It may be noted that after working with powerhouse performer Shah Rukh Khan, Mirza opted to work with Shahid. Well, the director definitely spotted a spark of talent in the budding actor. Shahid also happens to be the only budding actor to be paid the highest sum for a film. Insiders have it that UTV wanted to crack a deal with Kapoor for a very long time. "They had approached him earlier but Shahid could not make any kind of commitment. Today UTV is ready to pay three times more so that Shahid can give them preference on priority basis. And the amount is anything between 15-20 crores," says a senior executive from UTV.

While Shahid is tight lipped about his latest deal and says he doesn't want to comment on it. "I'm working out some deal with UTV, but can't disclose the figures due to obvious reasons," he says. Well, from stardom to superstardom Shahid is definitely inching his way on the top. Way to go...

Gautam Buragohain, Indiatimes Movies

MORE HERE >>>