Winners of Max Stardust Awards 2009

SUPERSTAR OF TOMORROW - MALE
Farhan Akhtar (Rock On)

SUPERSTAR OF TOMORROW - FEMALE
Asin (Ghajini)

HOTTEST NEW FILMMAKER
A.R. Murugadoss (Ghajini)

HOTTEST NEW FILM
Ghajini

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE - MALE
Prateik Babbar (Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE - FEMALE
Manjari Phadnis (Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na)

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY A MUSIC DIRECTOR
Dhruv Ghanekar (Drona)

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY A LYRICIST
Kausar Munir (Falak Tak Chal / Tashan)

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION - MALE
Benny Dayal (Pappu Can't Dance Saala / Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na)

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION - FEMALE
Anmol Malik (Talli / Ugly Aur Pagli)

EXCITING NEW FACE
Shriya Saran (Mission Istanbul)

THE NEW MENACE
Nikitin Dheer (Jodhaa Akbar)

EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD FOR MOST PROMISING DIRECTOR
Abhishek Kapoor (Rock On)

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO INDIAN CINEMA
Dev Anand

PRIDE OF THE INDUSTRY
Feroz Khan

SPECIAL AWARD
Anil Kapoor (for being the first mainstream Indian actor to take India to Hollywood and winning Global Recognition)

STARDUST SEARCHLIGHT AWARDS WINNERS:

BEST ACTOR
Amitabh Bachchan (The Last Lear)

BEST ACTRESS
Amrita Rao (Welcome To Sajjanpur)

BEST FILM
A Wednesday

BEST DIRECTOR
Neeraj Pandey (A Wednesday)

READER'S CHOICE AWARDS:

STAR OF THE YEAR - MALE
Hrithik Roshan (Jodhaa Akbar)

STAR OF THE YEAR - FEMALE
Priyanka Chopra (Fashion)

DREAM DIRECTOR
Ashutosh Gowariker (Jodhaa Akbar)

BEST FILM
Singh Is Kinng

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Tusshar Kapoor (Golmaal Returns)

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Kangna Ranaut (Fashion)

BEST ACTOR IN A NEGATIVE ROLE
Anil Kapoor (Tashan)

STYLE ICON OF THE YEAR - MALE
Saif Ali Khan

STYLE ICON OF THE YEAR - FEMALE
Kareena Kapoor

MORE HERE >>>

Nominations for Pan Bahar Max Stardust Awards 2009

SUPERSTAR OF TOMORROW - MALE
Nikhil Dwivedi (My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves)
Adhyayan Suman (Haal-E-Dil)
Harman Baweja (Love Story 2050)
Farhan Akhtar (Rock On!!)
Sikander Kher (Woodstock Villa)
Imran Khan (Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na)

SUPERSTAR OF TOMORROW - FEMALE
Sonal Chauhan (Jannat)
Genelia Dsouza (Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na)
Prachi Desai (Rock On!!)
Anushka Sharma (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
Chitrangda Singh (Sorry Bhai!)
Asin (Ghajini)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE - FEMALE
Shahana Goswami (Rock On!!)
Vidya Malvade (Kidnap)
Mugdha Godse (Fashion)
Sheetal Menon (Bhram)
Manjari Phadnis (Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE - MALE
Sonu Sood (Jodhaa Akbar)
Sumeet Raghavan (U Me Aur Hum)
Samir Kochhar (Jannat)
Prateik Babbar (Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na)
Purab Kohli (Rock On!!)
Vatsal Sheth (Heroes)
Arjan Bajwa (Fashion)

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY A MUSIC DIRECTOR
Kailash Kher, Naresh & Paresh (Dasvidaniya / Pranali)
Raghav Sachar (One Two Three)
Justin - Uday (Hijack)
Dhruv Ghanekar (Drona)
Vidyasagar (Mere Baap Pehle Aap)

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY A LYRICIST
Kausar Munir (Falak Tak / Tashan)
Kashif (Khwaja Mere Khwaja / Jodhaa Akbar)
Ashok Mishra (Sita Ram Sita Ram / Welcome To Sajjanpur)
Kailash Kher (Muskura / Dasvidaniya)

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION - FEMALE
Shilpa Rao (Khuda Jaane / Bachna Ae Haseeno)
Bela Shende (Mann Mohanaa / Jodhaa Akbar)
Monali (Zara Zara Touch Me / Race)
Anusha Mani (Lazy Lamhe / Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic)
Dominique Cerejo (Ye Tumhari Meri Baatein / Rock On!!)
Anmol Malik (Talli / Ugly Aur Pagli)

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION - MALE
Benny Dayal (Pappu Can't Dance / Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na)
Wajid (Bang Bang Bang / Hello)
Vijay Prakash (Manmohini Morey / Yuvvraaj)
Farhan Akhtar (Tum Ho Toh / Rock On!!)
Dhruv Ghanekar (Drona / Drona)
Rashid Ali (Kabhi Kabhi Aditi Zindagi / Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na)

HOTTEST NEW FILMMAKER
Rohit Shetty (Golmaal Returns)
Sachin Khot (Ugly Aur Pagli)
Samir Karnik (Heroes)
A.R. Murugadoss (Ghajini)
Tarun Mansukhani (Dostana)
Kunal Deshmukh (Jannat)
Abhishek Kapoor (Rock On!!)
Siddharth Anand (Bachna Ae Haseeno)
Abbas Tyrewala (Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na)

EXCITING NEW FACE - FEMALE
Adah Sharma (1920)
Shreya Saran (Mission Istaanbul)
Neha Uberoi (Woodstock Villa)
Amruta Khanvilkar (Phoonk)
Aushima Sawhney (Yuvvraaj)

EXCITING NEW FACE - MALE
Rajneesh Duggal (1920)

HOTTEST NEW FILM
Hello
Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
U Me Aur Hum
Phoonk
Ghajini

THE NEW MENACE
Imran Khan (Kidnap)
Nikitin Dheer (Jodhaa Akbar)
Anurag Sinha (Black & White)
Rajesh Shringapure (Sarkar Raj)

STARDUST SEARCHLIGHT AWARDS

BEST ACTOR
Rajeev Khandelwal (Aamir)
Anupam Kher (A Wednesday !)
Rahul Bose (Shaurya)
Vinay Pathak (Dasvidaniya)
Amitabh Bachchan (The Last Lear)
Abhay Deol (Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!)

BEST ACTRESS
Preity Zinta (The Last Lear)
Sarika (Hari Puttar - A Comedy Of Terrors)
Minissha Lamba (Shaurya)
Soha Ali Khan (Mumbai Meri Jaan)
Neetu Chandra (Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!)
Amrita Rao (Welcome To Sajjanpur)

BEST FILM
Aamir
Shaurya The Last Lear
Mithya
Dasvidaniya
Mumbai Meri Jaan
A Wednesday !
Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!

BEST DIRECTOR
Rajat Kapoor (Mithya)
Rituparno Ghosh (The Last Lear)
Rajkumar Gupta (Aamir)
Neeraj Pandey (A Wednesday !)
Nishikant Kamat (Mumbai Meri Jaan)
Shashant Shah (Dasvidaniya)
Dibakar Banerjee (Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!)

READERS' CHOICE AWARDS

BEST ACTOR IN SUPPORTING ROLE
Arjun Rampal (Rock On!!)
Shreyas Talpade (Golmaal Returns)
Anil Kapoor (Race / Yuvvraaj)
Tusshar Kapoor (Golmaal Returns)
Bobby Deol (Dostana)

BEST ACTRESS IN SUPPORTING ROLE
Kangna Ranaut (Fashion)
Gul Panag (Hello)
Sushmita Mukherjee (Dostana)
Bipasha Basu (Bachna Ae Haseeno)
Neha Dhupia (Singh Is Kinng)
Amisha Patel (Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic)
Divya Dutta (U Me Aur Hum)
Kirron Kher (Dostana)

BEST ACTOR / ACTRESS IN NEGATIVE ROLE
Anil Kapoor (Tashan)
Akshaye Khanna (Race)
Kay Kay Menon (Drona)
Urmila Matondkar (Karzzzz)
Katrina Kaif (Race)

STAR OF THE YEAR - MALE
Hrithik Roshan (Jodhaa Akbar)
Saif Ali Khan (Race)
Abhishek Bachchan (Sarkar Raj / Dostana)
Akshay Kumar (Singh Is Kinng)
John Abraham (Dostana)
Salman Khan (Heroes / Yuvvraaj)
Ranbir Kapoor (Bachna Ae Haseeno)
Aamir Khan (Ghajini)
Shahrukh Khan (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
Amitabh Bachchan (Sarkar Raj)

STAR OF THE YEAR - FEMALE
Katrina Kaif (Singh Is Kinng)
Aishwarya Rai (Jodhaa Akbar / Sarkar Raj)
Priyanka Chopra (Fashion / Dostana)
Kareena Kapoor (Golmaal Retunes)

BEST FILM
Singh Is Kinng
Jodhaa Akbar
Jannat
Dostana
Race
Fashion
Yuvvraaj
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

BEST DIRECTOR
Ashutosh Gowarikar (Jodhaa Akbar)
Subhash Ghai (Yuvvraaj)
Anees Bazmee (Singh Is Kinng)
Madhur Bhandarkar (Fashion)
Aditya Chopra (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
Ram Gopal Varma (Sarkar Raj)
Abbas-Mustan (Race)

MORE HERE >>>

UTV clarifies Akshay's fee: Rs. 71 cr

UTV has issued a press statement, which is being reproduced verbatim:

"We would like to comment and place on record and clarify a totally false and speculative article that appeared in today's Times of India edition on the front page. Entitled 'Akshay paid Rs. 71 cr for a film?'

A) We do not comment on market speculation or motivated press comments to sensationalize things with untrue facts -- but still wish to clarify in the interest of our shareholders.

B) We did issue a full denial and directed them not to run the article.

C) We confirm that the speculation of the amount stated in the article is totally untrue and is not even close to even 50 per cent of the amount stated in the article.

D) We consider the article damaging to our company and our shareholders and damaging to the industry to project such unwarranted hype and consider this irresponsible journalism on a front page of a leading newspaper which people believe is credible when they read but is far from truth or facts.

We therefore consider it correct to issue this clarification."

MORE HERE >>>

There is No THE END for this jodi

Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif are at it once again. The hit jodi, that was last seen in Singh Is Kinng last month, reunites for yet another comedy flick.

Only this time, it's directed by Priyadarshan.

A source in the industry reveals, "After the success of Singh Is Kinng, there was a strong buzz that it would be their last film together. The producer of the film, Vipul Shah announced, however, that the on-screen hit couple would be seen in his untitled film, which he intends to start after London Dreams. But it seems that Ratan Jain of Venus Records and Tapes have got Katrina to sign on the dotted line for his next multi-starrer titled De Dana Dan opposite Akki. The comedy film is directed by Priyadarshan and also stars Sunil Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Neha Dhupia and Sameera Reddy."

The source further adds, "This is going to be the Akki and Kat's fifth feature film together. In the past, all the movies they have been paired in have gone on to be blockbusters; except for their very first film together, Raj Kanwar's Humko Deewana Kar Gaye. However, De Dana Dan is going to mount the sets by November this year and will be shot in a single two-month long schedule in Singapore. Earlier, the southern actress Asin was meant to be opposite Akki. Due to date problems, however, she won't be doing the film."

Producer Ratan Jain remained unavailable for comment while Katrina Kaif refused to comment.

Akshay and Katrina's past movies together
Singh Is Kinng (2008)
Welcome (2007)
Namastey London (2007)
Humko Deewana Kar Gaye (2006)

MORE HERE >>>

Akshay takes time off for wife and son

Akshay Kumar has just returned rejuvenated with his wife from Monte Carlo. And now it's his son's turn. The first week of his 2-week holiday was devoted to his wife Twinkle while son Aarav had stayed back. Now the second lap of the holiday is exclusively devoted to Akshay and his son Aarav. "It's full-on male-bonding time now. If all three of us had been on a holiday together, I'd have been divided between my son and wife. And both would've felt cheated. By dividing my holiday time into two I can give myself completely to both."

While Akshay is on holiday with his son, he can't use the phone. "At least not when Aarav is around," grins Akshay. Recently, when Akshay was on 'Dus Ka Dum' with Salman Khan, the TRPs shot up to unprecedented heights.

A lot has been written about Akshay leopard-spot t-shirt on 'Dus Ka Dum'. Akshay is unperturbed. "I'm not here to go by definitions and standards of fashion set by others. I've always worn what I'm comfortable in. Why should I change that just because more people are watching me now? And I saw nothing wrong with the leopard-spotted t-shirt. When Brad Pitt wears a similar t-shirt everyone goes ooh and aah. I don't want people's approval about my clothes but my performances. Let me wear what I like," Akshay protests.

The success of Singh Is Kinng has put an extra responsibility on Akshay's shoulder. "I never thought it would be so big. Now that it is such a success, I feel I've got more than I deserve."

His anchoring of the reality show Fear Factor on the new channel Colors has also been a huge success. If rumours are to be believed, Akshay is already negotiating for a second season of Fear Factor and that too at a much steeper fee than Fear Factor 1.

MORE HERE >>>

Singh Is Kinng bombs in Bihar

This has never happened before. A film that does extraordinary business all over the country and overseas has bombed in one specific area. Anees Bazmee's Singh Is Kinng is a flop in Bihar, an area where Akshay Kumar's films from Jaanwar to Hey Babyy have acquired a blockbuster status without batting an eyelid.

The reason for this incongruous occurrence? According to on one of Bihar's primary exhibitors, Suman Sinha, "The Punjabi dialogues songs and dances went against the film. The Bihar distributor paid a whopping amount of money to buy Singh Is Kinng and is now going to lose a hefty amount."

Producer Vipul Shah is aware of his blockbuster's tainted spot in Bihar. "I've heard that the 'Punjabiyat' and Sikh theme have gone against the film's success in Bihar. But I don't understand why. We were aware that some areas would reject the film's USP, namely the Sikh ambience. Surprisingly, the film has done extremely well even in Bengal where we thought the audience would've trouble connecting with the theme. There's really no explanation for what has happened to Singh Is Kinng in Bihar."

Interestingly, there have been instances of films that have bombed in the rest of the country doing well in Bihar like Hamesh Malhotra's Dulhe Raja and Riteish Deshmukh's debut film Tujkho Meri Kasam. But never has a world-wide hit been rejected in Bihar. Vipul Shah's and Anees Bazmee's films have always done well Bihar. And Jab We Met which also had large dollops of 'Punjabiyat' was a hit in the State.

Says Suman Sinha, "But Jab We Met didn't thrust the Bhangra culture up audiences' throats. Like it or not, the rest of the country is not as fond of Punjabi culture as Bollywood."

MORE HERE >>>

RDB, Snoop Dogg and Akshay Kumar in 'Singh is Kinng' Video

MORE HERE >>>

Akshay Kumar at a special screening of 'Singh Is Kinng' with children from Dilkhush school

MORE HERE >>>

Salman brings together Akshay and Katrina on Dus Ka Dum

People simply just can't stop raving about this pair. Individually they are an obvious scene-stealer and together they are more than dynamite! We are indeed talking about the superhit duo of Akshay 'Khiladi' Kumar and the Katrina 'Ravishing' Kaif! After having delivered a series of hit films, this pair will now be seen in Anees Bazmee's Singh Is Kinng. And if the initial reports are anything to go by, then, their magic is all set to work overtime in this film as well.

The good news is that now you can experience the magic of this duo at the convenience of your small screen. Katrina and Akshay will be seen in the superhit game show 'Dus Ka Dum' and be hosted by Salman Khan. In fact, Sallu himself called Akshay and asked him to come on the show with Katrina Kaif, as a part of the promotion for the film Singh Is Kinng. The episode was shot yesterday at a suburban studio. And those who have seen the shoot just cannot stop wagging their tongues about the amazing onscreen chemistry that Akki shares with Kats.

Way to go Sallu!!!

MORE HERE >>>

B.O. update: Unprecedented, unparalleled, unheard of start for 'SIK'

The much-awaited SINGH IS KINNG has arrived like a thunderstorm. The craze for the film was evident last night, when paid previews across the nation were performed and the response was electrifying. Friday morning too opened to an overwhelming response. The morning and noon show collections everywhere, in Punjab, Rajasthan, C.P. Berar, Delhi-U.P., Nizam, Bengal, everywhere has been terrific. The distributors of all these circuits personally spoke to this writer and each of them was ecstatic, jumping with joy.

SINGH IS KINNG has had the widest release ever for a Hindi film. It has opened at 1700 screens worldwide [as per Studio 18], 1400 in India and 300 in Overseas. The opening weekend, as things stand now, should be in the range of Rs. 23cr. to Rs. 25 cr. nett in India and the first week should close at Rs. 42 cr. to Rs. 45 cr. nett in India. All signs of a Blockbuster!

Meanwhile, the film had a stupendous start in U.K. last night, when paid previews were held. The film collected close to £ 60,000 on Thursday night. Fabulous!

MORE HERE >>>

Singh Is Kinng - Movie Review

Just a word of caution before you watch this film: SINGH IS KINNG is not for the intellectuals or those pretending to be one. It's not for the hard-nosed critics either.

Now read on…

Vipul Shah. Anees Bazmee. Akshay Kumar. Katrina Kaif. Four names for whom success has become a habit. That makes SINGH IS KINNG the most awaited movie of the season. Must add, the wait was worth it!

You know the rules when you watch a hardcore entertainer: Just don't look for logic. If you do, too bad for you, for you would never enjoy a film of this genre and more specifically, SINGH IS KINNG.

Anees Bazmee's films are very high on entertainment. The plotline may be paper-thin, perhaps ludicrous and farcical, but when did Bazmee ever promise a SCHINDLER'S LIST or a SAVING PRIVATE RYAN? SINGH IS KINNG works because it delivers what it promises: Full on entertainment!

Bazmee has the knack of making immensely watchable fares that cater to the aam junta. SINGH IS KINNG isn't a laughathon in entirety. Comedy, romance, action and drama, everything is well synchronised in those 2.10 hours here.

But, wait, SINGH IS KINNG isn't a foolproof product. It has its share of flaws, the turn of events aren't captivating at times, but SINGH IS KINNG moves so fast and packs in so much, there's no time to think or analyze.

The final word? SINGH IS KINNG is a delicious and scrumptious pav-bhaji served in the finest cutlery. Your taste buds are sure to relish it... and ask for more!

Lakhan Singh aka Lucky [Sonu Sood] is the King of the Australian underworld, accompanied by his associates [played by Javed Jaffrey, Neha Dhupia, Manoj Pahwa, Yashpal Sharma, Kamal Chopra and Sudhanshu Pande]. Far away, in a small village in Punjab, where Lucky was born, there exists someone more notorious than him - Happy Singh [Akshay Kumar].

The village is fed up of Happy's magnanimity, which has resulted in a number of hilariously disastrous situations. Out of desperation, they decide to send him on a long trip [that will keep him out of the village for a while!] to bring Lucky back to Punjab, as his despicable deeds were maligning their image in Australia.

The happy-go-lucky bumpkin, taking his mission a bit too seriously, embarks on his journey, accompanied by his friend, Rangeela [Om Puri], who hates Happy for dragging him into it.

The high point of his journey is his chance meeting with Sonia [Katrina Kaif], with whom he falls in love, but upon reaching his destination, things take a precarious turn as he runs into a series of comic misadventures, leaving him penniless. He is fortunate to find warmth and affection in an elderly lady [Kirron Kher].

In a strange turn of events, an attempt on Lucky's life is foiled by a well-intentioned Happy, who fights off the attackers by risking his own life. Following the altercation, Lucky lands up in hospital paralyzed and Happy, unexpectedly, finds the tables turned on him when he is expected to assume the role of the new King.

Few minutes into the film and you know that SINGH IS KINNG is a lavish spectacle that's high on entertainment. Sonu Sood chasing a gora assassin at the very start or minutes later, Akshay chasing a hen - SINGH IS KINNG starts with gusto.

And Bazmee doesn't let you wear your thinking caps all through the first hour. From India to Egypt to Australia, from the comforts of his home in Punjab, to the humble abode of a woman selling flowers in Sydney [Kirron Kher], SINGH IS KINNG involves you in the journey.

And then Akshay becomes the King. Oh, how he becomes the King is equally hilarious. The sequence at the hospital [Sonu Sood is diagnosed with a weird disorder] is simply hilarious. There's a twist in the tale at the intermission point and the second hour, therefore, shifts gears - it changes from kabhi funny, kabhi drama to a prem kahani.

It's smooth sailing till there's another twist towards the pre-climax [wouldn't like to reveal it, since it would act as a spoiler]. But, frankly, the film could've done without this track. The narrative, thankfully, is back on tracks soon after.

Anees Bazmee has a flair for writing great entertainers that work big time with the masala-loving junta. If you've loved NO ENTRY and WELCOME, you'd love SINGH IS KINNG too. This time, Bazmee shares the writing credits with Suresh Nair and the duo come up with some real wacky episodes. In terms of production design, this is Bazmee's most lavish fare so far. It's a grandiose product.

Pritam's music is already popular and it compliments the goings-on completely. 'Bhootni Ke', 'Jee Karda' and the title track stand out, while 'Teri Ore' is easy on the nerves. Ben Nott and Sanjay Gupta's cinematography is top notch.

Akshay Kumar takes rapid strides with SINGH IS KINNG. Sure, you've seen him in comic fares time and again and perhaps, there might be a doubt, Will he carry it off yet again? Oh yes, he does! There's no saturation point as far as this actor is concerned. He holds your attention in every sequence, irrespective of how strong the scene is, and that's the biggest compliment for any actor. SINGH IS KINNG without Akki is like an ocean without marine life. Akshay rules!

The camera loves Katrina Kaif and it shows in SINGH IS KINNG too. She looks bewitching and enacts her part with tremendous confidence. Kirron Kher is superb and so is Om Puri. Terrific performances! They compliment Akki so well. Ranvir Shorey is first-rate. Sonu Sood is another actor who's finally getting his due in Hindi films. Javed Jaffrey's character works big time till he does a somersault in the pre-climax. Neha Dhupia is engaging. The nok-jhonk between Sudhanshu Pandey and Yashpal Sharma is perfect. Manoj Pahwa is good.

On the whole, SINGH IS KINNG lives up to the hype and hoopla. Want a joyride without taxing your brains? Board the SINGH IS KINNG wagon. At the box-office, the film will fetch a hurricane-like start. The paid previews, the opening weekend, the first week business, everything will be record-shattering. Notwithstanding the new oppositions in the weeks to come, SINGH IS KINNG will rule the hearts of the aam junta [whose verdict matters the most] as also the box-office, proving a record holder in the final tally. Blockbuster Hit!

MORE HERE >>>

Akshay Kumar promotes Singh is Kinng in Vancouver

With Singh is Kinng releasing this Friday (08/08/08), Akshay Kumar is leaving no stone unturned to see that the film creates maximum pre-release buzz.

The Khiladi of Bollywood was seen at a special promotional event in Vancouver, Canada, over the weekend to promote Singh is Kinng. The film's worldwide distributor, Studio 18, flew Akshay from Los Angeles to Vancouver in a private jet. Upon landing in Vancouver, he immediately boarded a specially hired chopper that took him to the famous PNE (Pacific National Exhibition) Ground for a concert. As his limo rolled into the venue, the cheering fans went ballistic.

Known for its enormous Sikh community, Vancouver had its natives flocking in thousands to see Akki baba on stage. Akshay enthralled the audience present for half an hour with a live interaction and also danced to the title track of Singh Is Kinng, not once but twice, by public demand.

Following the event at PNE, the limo took him to The Fairmont Airport Hotel for an exclusive press conference by Studio 18 US. At the press conference, Akshay spoke about why the film is special to him, "Singh Is Kinng is my first production. It means the world to me because my father's named is attached. It is simple, honest and positive; which are the values propounded by my father", said the action hero.

Commenting on how the film and its title came about, he remarked, "When I read the phrase Singh Is King on a truck-back in Jaipur, I told my partner (Vipul Shah) that we had to make a film with this title. That was the starting point. We had no cast, no story, no director, but everything fell in place thereafter!"

Upon completion of the conference, the 'Khiladi'-turned-'Kinng' promptly rushed to the adjacent Vancouver airport to board his private jet back to Los Angeles.

MORE HERE >>>

Katrina hopes high with SINGH IS KINNG

After being crowned the sexiest woman by FHM, Katrina Kaif is in talks for her upcoming film SINGH IS KINNG which is produced by Vipul Shah. Katrina is extremely excited about her next release. She quotes ''I am hoping high with this film, not only because it's an important film for me but also its director Vipul Shah's first film as a producer and I know how much that would mean to him''.

She has given back to back 5 whammies, out of which two of them were paired opposite Mr.Khiladi, Akshay Kumar. And now next is SINGH IS KINNG. They have already been hit pair onscreen.

She is considered amongst the select few who commands a price and gets it. And her sense of dedication and election of scripts is bang on target, what with the trade circles abuzz on how she too is proving lucky for Akshay Kumar at the box office stakes.

Infact with the positive reports in the trade circle of SINGH IS KINNG and YUVRAJ, her next back to back releases, the trade is abuzz on how Katrina is all set to have 7 hits in a row, a record of sorts in Bollywood. She has already delivered back to back hits like NAMASTEY LONDON, PARTNER, APNE, WELCOME and RACE.

MORE HERE >>>

Akshay's 12 hr Jet-Ski class for an action sequence in Singh Is Kinng

While shooting a scene in Singh Is Kinng on the Gold Coast, Akshay Kumar had to Jet Ski in deep water but realized that he would not be allowed to do so without an official license.

Producer Vipul Shah reveals, "It takes three days to get a jet-ski license but Akshay explained the time constraints. He did a three-day course in 12 hours. He got up at 6 am and got his license by 7 pm. He had to give a written and practical test. The action scene we have shot is one of the most expensive ones that Bollywood has ever seen and has been directed by Danny Baldwin." Akshay laughs, "Going through a theory and practical exam was like going back to school!"

Danny Baldwin is an incredibly popular stunts coordinator in Australia with over a hundred films and television series to his credit. He is even said to have worked with Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai and Michael Douglas in The Ghost And The Darkness.

Commenting on how he was approached, Shah says, "When we went for a reccee to Australia, we saw a lot of show-reels and met a lot of technicians. But we saw a clear synergy with Danny as his style of action was exactly what we needed. The beauty about the action in Singh is Kinng is that not only is it great to look at but makes the audience laugh as well."

Reacting to rumors that the glamour action in Singh Is Kinng resembles that of Dhoom 2, Vipul adds, "It is similar only in quality. These are very high-end action sequences. Akshay had to be very careful in certain sequences, for instance, the scene in which he had to jump from one moving lift to another without supporting cables. But Akshay is Akshay! He did it with much panache and agility. Enjoy watching it in the film!"

MORE HERE >>>

Hrithik takes 10-15 days to dub, I take only seven, says Katrina

Four of her films in the last two years have been hits. When she came into the film industry, her accent was frowned upon. Her turbulent relationship with Salman Khan has occupied a lot of news space. So has her link-up with co-star Akshay Kumar. She doesn't have friends in the industry because she is perceived to be snooty. Katrina Kaif takes on all these charges, and answers them without batting an eyelid, metaphorically speaking.

You are now one of the much talked about actresses.
(Laughs) A lot has happened for me so quickly in the last one year, I think people are at a loss of words to describe me. But I have really enjoyed my time. None of my films got stuck for a long time.

Has that made you snooty?
I am extremely shy and reserved and it's may be mistaken for being difficult and hostile. Tell me, why would people put up with someone difficult? Those who know me won't say that. Also, for everything you achieve, there will be some people who will pull you down. Maybe they feel I have more than I deserve. But I have worked really hard in the last two years to get where I am today.

Having someone like Salman Khan back you must have helped.
I don't think that's a correct thing to say. Salman is a great friend; Sohail and Sohail Khan productions have been a very important part of my life. They helped me a lot. We have done some wonderful films together like Maine Pyar Kyon Kiya and Partner. And they are people I've turned to and taken advice if I have been in any confusion. But beyond that, I feel people need to respect the work one has done. Otherwise it gets discouraging.

Does that mean you take your own decisions?
I have taken my decisions since I was 16. You have to listen to people's advice but at the end of the day, you are responsible for your own decisions.

And you struggled to break the London-girl tag.
Yes. My progression was slow. I came in with a lot of criticism and wariness around me. Slowly people started accepting me.

And you have an accent.
I never said I don't. English is my first language. But I have started dubbing my own films. I have heard Hrithik Roshan takes 10 to 15 days to dub a film. I take seven days. But that's okay. It means hard work because I have to correct a lot of things. But I am happy to put in that hard work.

So how hard was it to learn the correct Hindi diction?
My diction teacher never wanted me to learn diction. He wanted me to read the Hindi script first. Some people told me I didn't need to. But he insisted on it. Now I feel that's the best thing he could have done.

How so?
Many a time on the sets, you are given your dialogue 10 minutes before the shot. Ninety per cent of the time it's written in Hindi. You need someone to read it for you. I was lucky that my teacher pushed me to read Hindi. Now that I don't need an assistant, I feel more confident.

Tell me about Singh is Kinng?
Singh is Kinng came about when Vipul Shah was completing Namastey London. Vipul told me he is getting into film production with Singh is Kinng. I asked who is the director was and he said Anees (Bazmee) and I said I would do it. I had worked with Anees in Welcome. I didn't even want to get into the script. And Vipul had given me a wonderful film like Namastey London. So I was game.

Without seeing the script?
Ya, I mean Vipul gave me the protagonist role in Namastey London and he didn't question me at that point of time. I didn't think for Singh is Kinng I needed to get into such kinds of detail.

Do you think friendship helps in the industry?
See, nobody is going to put Rs 50 or 60-crore risk because I like you or you like me. It can't happen. I think I can speak for most of my directors and I don't think they have that kind of money to gamble with. You have to take what suits the project.

What about talks about your link-up with Akshay Kumar?
It doesn't bother me the slightest. This industry has given me so much. It's given me a home. It has given me the ability to secure my future, secure my family. What more can you ask for? So gossip is a small thing. Yeah, it hurts some times. I feel why do I bother working at all if people just take away all that I have worked for and hand it over flippantly to someone else? That's not fair.

So you get upset?
Ya, I do. There have been countless people with connections but things haven't worked for them. So you have to give that person recognition for having worked hard and succeeding. I am sure my producers and directors will speak for me on that.

But that picture of you and Akshay at the cricket match...
(Interrupting) Arre, tell me something, you are at a cricket match… kamse kam there will be at least 10,000 people there.

More than that.
Ya, maybe 50,000. I think I am a fairly intelligent person and Akshay Kumar, who is around 43, is definitely an intelligent person. Are we really going to behave like that? Was it a joke? It was ridiculous. There were at least a 100 people standing around in that box and I stood up and the photographers were way down there. They were like specks. They have zoom lens and actually a thought did cross my mind because I know about photography… that with zoom lens you get very distorted angles. Come on, nobody is going to stand like that in an inappropriate manner. This is a good example of people being misrepresented.

The photo was there for everyone to see.
But that was a distorted angle. And if I stand in front of you and lean over to point at something what's the meaning of that? I have worked with Akshay for 350 days between four films. He is a senior person and I have the utmost respect for him. I didn't know how to stand in front of the camera when I did my first film with him.

Every film shoot I have done with him, his wife and child have been there. If you have seen Twinkle, she is a stunningly beautiful person. She makes us look like we don't take care of ourselves properly because she is so well groomed and dressed. And come on ya, people need to give it a rest.

But he is very attractive.
I don't buy that. That's not a reason for anything. I enjoy Twinkle's company more because I am the person who doesn't have the ability to really be outgoing and talk with anybody. And Twinkle is a forthcoming person and she will entertain you and say things like it is. She'll say, 'I like what you are wearing' or 'What were you doing in that shawl'. She is straightforward and honest and I think that's a wonderful quality. I think having a person like that has made a world of a difference for Akshay.

Okay. You, too, look great in Western wear.
Thanks, but I am really excited about Singh is Kinng for a song in which I have worn a sari. Manish Malhotra did the saris for me. I told him to do whatever he wanted to do, just speak to Aneesji about the colour. I love it and I am so excited about the song.

So you are not taking credit for your styling?
Err… well, yes. I would want to take some. To be honest, Rocky S has done all my dresses except Race. Rocky is confident enough to allow me to have a say. I am an actress. I am not a mannequin to just wear any clothes and take pictures. Rocky and I shop for a day or two to get the basic look. Then I let him decide on the bigger picture. Ya, I do take a huge interest in my clothes because, I guess, coming from a fashion city like London, you tend to get that knack.

Any plans of going back home soon?
Oh ya, a family reunion. Only, it's in December. I am going to London for 10 days in the week of Christmas. I am meeting my entire family there - for the first time in five years. All seven sisters and one brother are going to be together. I am really looking forward to it. I hope nothing comes up at that time.

That sounds exciting.
It's amazing. I tend not to be friends with many girls because I have six sisters. (Laughs) And with each of them I have a different equation. I don't trust a woman outside my family because we are so close-knit. My only regret is that we all can't live together.

You sister Isabel is still in town?
Ya, she is going with me to New York in August for my Yash Raj film schedule.

Apparently she has plans to join films?
No... no...she is studying now. But one never knows. (Laughs)

MORE HERE >>>

Akshay fights with WWE wrestlers in Singh Is Kinng

On the small screen, Akshay 'Khiladi' Kumar may be seen encouraging 13 beautiful ladies to do some daredevil stunts in his new reality show Fear Factor- Khatron Ke Khiladi. However, when it comes to the big screen, Akki himself would be seen doing some really brave stunts and action scenes in his forthcoming release Singh Is Kinng.

Bollywood's favorite action hero would be seen fighting with eight WWE wrestlers from Australia in an action sequence in Vipul Shah's Singh Is Kinng.


Says director Anees Bazmee," We had called some eight wrestlers who all are from WWE. They were all very excited to be a part of Singh Is Kinng. Apart from shooting with Akshay, they all spoke to him at length about his films. I was surprised that few of them had even seen his films. They all shared a very good rapport with Akshay and there was this very famous wrestler called Chris who even taught him some tricks in arm-wrestling."

Akshay sure has a special interest in WWE. A few years back, he had fought against famous the WWE wrestler 'The Undertaker' for a fight sequence in Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi. Now in Singh Is Kinng, he is seen fighting eight WWE wrestlers from Australia. One can't wait to see when Akshay will take on our very own- The Great Khali - (on screen of course). That would be one fight we can't wait to watch.

MORE HERE >>>

Katrina - From short skirts to sarees

While Bipasha Basu is busy being her seductive best in recently launched promos of BACHNA AE HASEENO, Katrina Kaif continues to play her sweet-n-innocent part well. For her upcoming release SINGH IS KINNG, she has jumped out of a short skirt into a nine-yard saree with effortless ease.

The best part about this transition is that while she gets her Barbie doll act quite well when seen in a skirt, her persona while being seen in a saree is quite a revelation in itself. Neither does she look indecent in her short dresses as she jumps around with Akshay Kumar in the number 'Jee Karda', nor does she look out of place as she romances with him in a serene 'Teri Ore'.

Enjoying the best of both worlds, Katrina Kaif has experimented with her looks and attire in SINGH IS KINNG. Thankfully the experiment has paid off as she is enjoying compliments galore from all quarters for her different looks in the film.

MORE HERE >>>

Akshay's gesture: Flies to Toronto from LA for a day just for the Bachchans

Akshay Kumar's life has become a crazy blur of activities. He has been shooting non-stop in LA for Sajid Nadiadwala's Kambakth Ishq. He shot with Sylvester Stallone last week and then flew for a day on Friday to Toronto to be part of the Bachchans' first 'Unforgettable' concert.

The concert on Friday night went off spectacularly. On Sunday he was back in LA shooting for Kambakth Ishq. Says a source, "Since it's a stuntman's role Akshay has been given to do some of the most complicated stunts of his career. And there's no question of using body doubles. Akshay has decided to do all the stunts himself. How can he play a body double and get a body double to do the action scenes? Akshay wouldn't allow it although the producer Sajid Nadiadwala thought some stunts were way too dangerous. Out there at Universal Studios, all Hollywood actors are insured against dangerous stunts."

As though going black and blue with the breathtaking stunts wasn't enough, Akshay was also moonlighting in LA doing dance rehearsals for the Bachchan's 'Unforgettable' tour. Speaking from LA, Akshay said, "I joined the Bachchans for the first of their 'Unforgettable' concerts on Friday night (July 18) in Toronto. With the shooting and the rehearsals, I didn't know whether I was coming or going."

This is the only concert in the Bachchans' 'Unforgettable' tour that Akshay participated in. "There's no time for me to cram in any more activity," says Akshay who's currently stationed in LA with his wife and son, "far away from the maddening gossip and idle talk in Mumbai. I'm not bothered with what they're saying about me at home. And I'm happy that way."

More happiness spilled out when Akshay shot with Sylvester Stallone. Says a source very close to Akhay,"He had no time at all for the concert. But he's doing this for the love of the Bachchans. Akshay really respects the Bachchans. And Abhishek is one of his favourite co-stars. When Abhishek was still struggling, Akshay has predicted he'd be a star. Akshay really believed in Abhishek. When he was offered the concerts with the Bachchans, he accepted one performance as a token gesture and that too in Toronto which is like a second home to Akshay."

Adds Akshay, "Amitji is the most respected actor in our country. I'd do anything he asks me to. I wanted to do the concert in Toronto and I'm glad it went well."

MORE HERE >>>

Snoop Dogg's Desi look

MORE HERE >>>

Akshay 'KINNG' Kumar creates hysteria!

Canada got its share of royalty with the 'Kinng' of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar. The super-star, who flew in from Los Angeles that morning, was in Toronto to unveil a massive billboard of his upcoming biggie, SINGH IS KINNG. Remarkably, this is the first time that an Indian film has been advertised at a prime mainstream Hollywood theatre location, creating history of sorts.

2008 marks 10 years of Bollywood in Canada and what better way to celebrate than have 'Kinng' Kumar doing the honours! The promotional event saw a turnout of more than 3,000 cheering fans chanting SINGH IS KINNG. British-Asian group, RDB did a live act before Kumar made his grand entry. Humility personified, he refused to sit on the throne that was kept for him, and got an overjoyed press photographer to perch on it instead.

He recited the Punjabi verse, which he has rendered in the title song of SINGH IS KINNG and implored onlookers not only to watch the film upon its release but also attend his stage show with the Bachchan family later that evening. He declared his love for Canada, which he said was his second home, and added, "When I retire, I will move my family to Canada and settle down here."

Commenting on the king-size hoarding of SINGH IS KINNG on the fascia of the cinema, Hemant Bhardwaj, Sr. VP, Intl Operations, Studio18, said, "I feel proud that the International team has created such a historic event for the most awaited film of the year. I hope its larger-than-life marketing will have the audience thronging to cinemas."

Akshay exclaimed, "I've always received an incredible amount of love from the people of Toronto; my films have met with a great response here. I'm glad that Bollywood is finally getting its due and even more elated that SINGH IS KINNG has heralded this change!"

Producer Vipul A. Shah added, "Akshay has already acquired legendary status and I can't think of a better way to start this new chapter in the history of Bollywood in the international market! He's an actor who has progressed faster than anyone else, and has emerged a superstar, a true 'Kinng'! We're delighted that our film has been the one to set a precedent for others in the industry."

SINGH IS KINNG releases internationally on August 7.

MORE HERE >>>