Is YRF unlucky for Saif

YRF has scored its first hit this year in the form of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi starring SRK. But things haven’t been that rosy for the other Khan and Yash Raj Films. Three films starring Saif Ali Khan have flopped. So is YRF unlucky for Saif who has otherwise had a great 2008?

Our source tells us, "Saif got his big break with Dil Chahta Hai and YRF's Hum Tum directed by Kunal Kohli starring Saif and Rani was Saif's first solo hero hit in 2004. But after that, none of his films with YRF have repeated the success of Hum Tum."

He further adds, "After Hum Tum, he did Salaam Namaste with Preity Zinta which was an average success. Then Ta Ra Rum Pum was supposed to repeat the success of Hum Tum because people had loved Saif and Rani in that film. It was the first film of Yash Raj in 2007 and it did not live up to the expectations of people."

"This year the first release of Yash Raj was Tashan in April with Saif and Kareena. The movie got a lot of publicity over Kareena's size zero figure and their romance but Saif got a raw deal in the film as his role had been chopped off. The movie was the first big budget flop of 2008. Then Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic released in June. Everyone expected the movie to do well because it was a children's film and had Saif and Rani. Moreover, Kunal Kohli had given two hits back to back with Hum Tum and Fanaa. But in spite of all the hype, Ameesha's lack of clothes and good reviews, the film flopped.”

“Roadside Romeo released in the Diwali vacations and was expected to draw in the crowds because of its animation and Saif-Kareena pairing but it didn't happen and Jugal Hansraj's directorial debut sank at the BO. Clearly, Saif's jodi with neither Kareena nor Rani is creating wonders at the BO. In fact, even YRF films which have Rani in the lead are flopping though she has got good reviews for her performances in the films. Barring the success of Hum Tum and Bunty aur Babli, Ta Ra Rum Pum, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic have flopped,” adds the source.

But outside of YRF, Saif has had a good year. Last year Omkara released and this year Race. Both have been huge hits for the actor. “Saif's only hit this year was Abbas Mastan's Race which was a multistarrer and more importantly not a YRF release,” says the source.

He further adds, "In fact, Saif is not doing another film with Yash Raj Films in the near future. He is busy with the films he is producing and with Dharma Productions' film! There is nothing with YRF on the cards in the near future!"

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Rani and Aditya Chopra had a huge fight

According to inside sources, Aditya Chopra and Rani Mukherji had a fight amongst themselves. As a result of which, they both had even stopped communicating with each other.

Sources revealed, "Rani was upset by the treatment her once special banner, Yash Raj films had been meting out to her post the flopping of her Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic. She was getting the feelers about her no longer being the blue eyed girl of the prestigious banner.

There was no big project announced keeping her in mind and she only had just one film with them that too being directed by a debutant director. But she had kept quiet over this matter despite it all being extremely frustrating for her.

Just later then, Aditya Chopra confronted her over a matter that came in the press.

It is a well known fact that Adi likes to maintain huge secrecy concerning his projects. He was therefore very miffed with Rani that she spoke some off the record things about her film with Yash Raj to her media friends.

What she spoke to them came out in the press and Adi didn't like it one bit. But as he confronted her over this all her boiled up anger came out and she questioned him over his changed attitude towards her post the flopping of TPTM.

Well this further led to a huge argument between the two and they both parted ways refusing to talk to one another. But just a week later Adi took the first step in reconciling their spoiled relation and asked for a meeting with her. Rani agreed and after this meeting they were back to being friends again!"

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Rani ordered a huge Sai Baba statue for her new bungalow

Rani Mukerji has immense faith in Shirdi ke Sai Baba. The actress often makes trips to the shrine in Shirdi. The Mukerji family are devout followers of Sai Baba.

A source close to the actress reveals that Rani has placed an order for a custom-made marble statue of Sai Baba for her new pad in Juhu. She is making a small prayer room where she wants to keep the Baba's idol.

"On a recent trip to Shirdi, the actress placed the order with a local sculptor and will soon have it delivered to her bungalow."

Apparently, Rani has asked for a special puja to be performed before the idol becomes a part of her house. "Initally, Rani was thinking of getting the murti from Mumbai, but after her trip to Shirdi she decided to get the idol made by one of the local craftsmen."

Rani is said to visit the Shirdi temple before every major release and even has a locket with the image of Sai Baba which she holds close to her heart. She even had a pooja at her new bungalow before she moved in, and the pujari from Shirdi performed it.

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When Rani got irritated...

During the press conference for the promotion of her latest movie in the capital, Rani Mukerji seemed very excited.

Until, someone’s mobile phone rang and she loudly said, “Oh! thank you ma’am for switching it off. You know you are really kind. And now I have forgotten what I was actually talking about before your phone rang in the middle of the conference and distracted me.” After another phone rang, the irked Rani asked everyone to check whether their phones were on silent mode or not.

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That's not me!

In a recent interview, Kunal Kohli mentioned how Malaika Arora was the inspiration behind Amisha Patel's character in Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. In fact, Amisha's character is even called Malaika. She dresses sexily and is a complete air head, whose only aim in life is shopping and partying. However, Malaika hasn't taken too kindly to Kunal's portrayal of her. "That's not me!", she says.

Were you aware that Amisha's character in TPTM is based on you?
I had no idea, none whatsoever. It totally caught me by surprise.

Have you watched the film?
I have watched it. It was only then that I realised Amisha is named after me.

In an interview, Kunal admits that Amisha's character is inspired by you.
There's nothing similar between Amisha and me in the film. Apart from the fact that we both share the same name, I don't dress up or behave like her. I look at it as art and that's always exaggerated on big screen.

Did Kunal inform you about basing a character on you?
No he didn't. It would have been nice had he told me. Not that I hold it against him, as its too trivial. I know him personally. But I feel like what he has shown is a total distorted depiction of who I am. There's no angle that I can think of where I can relate to Amisha's character in the film. I am nothing like that, so in a way, that's a wrong portrayal of me.

In the film, Malaika only wears sexy clothes and is a complete airhead. Does that offend you?
As I said before I look at it as art. I am not taking it seriously. I am nothing like the Malaika in the film. I think am just going to laugh about this whole thing!

You are a dutiful mother, while Malaika in the film dumps her boyfriend when she finds out he has kids that she will have to look after…
Exactly, my point is that I wouldn't react to situations the way she has. I am just not that kind of a person.

Did you talk to Kunal after watching the film?
I did speak to him and told him that he must have been a huge fan of mine to do something like this!

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Rani Mukerji Gives Thodi Love

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Rani to showcase just one outfit in 'Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic'

Bollywood actress Rani Mukherjee, who is often admired for the elaborate saris and dresses she flaunts in her films, will be sporting just one outfit in her forthcoming film "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic".

"I wanted to create an iconic figure. If you look at Superman, Mr. India, Gabbar Singh and Mogambo, they all wear the same outfits in their films," Kunal Kohli, the co-producer, director and writer of the film said on the phone from Mumbai.

"I don't know whether it would succeed or not but that is what I wanted," he added.

Her outfit is a one-layered affair crafted by fashion designer Manish Malhotra. The film, starring Rani, Saif Ali Khan and four children, was premiered on Friday.

The film also gave Rani the opportunity to enact a scene while suspended in midair.

"It was for the first time that I got to hang from a harness while shooting for the film. I was very excited," Rani said.

The film revolves around four children and a man whom they hate - till God sends down an angel to sort their lives out.

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Rani needs thoda magic

When talking about her favourite actresses, Zeenat Aman in one of her recent interviews said, “Rani was my favourite and now I am fond of Kareena and Katrina.” No doubt Rani will remain as one of the finest actresses Bollywood has ever produced but as Zeenat said is Rani slowly taking a back seat and letting the younger actresses come to the forefront? Is the queen of Bollywood losing her crown and numero uno position and needs some magic, rather magical films in her kitty to retain her position?

Having ruled the roost for the past few years by giving hits like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Saathiya, Chalte Chalte, Yuva, Hum Tum, Veer Zaara, Black and Bunty Aur Babli, Rani’s films in the recent past have comparatively failed to rake in the moolah at the box-office inspite of her packing in some stupendous performances.

Rani’s attempt at playing versatile roles post Black however didn’t get fructified. Paheli, Mangal Pandey - The Rising, Baabul, Ta Ra Rum Pum, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag all failed to give Rani the feedback she had expected. The films did mediocre business, thus shaking Rani from her number one spot.

In spite of her affiliation with India’s number one production house - The Yash Raj banner, Rani is striving hard to retain her position. “Rani hasn’t worked with other banners for quite some time and is looking forward to doing so, as she wants to try out different things right now. She also wants to try and work with different co-stars. She has always worked with Abhishek and Shah Rukh and now wants to do something different” said our source who is close to Rani.

With Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic all set to release, we hope it casts a magic spell on Rani’s ongoing stagnant performance at the BO and elevate her back to the spot where she belongs...

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Bachna Ae Haseeno promo with Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic

Continuing the tradition of showcasing the first look of their upcoming films with their latest release, Yash Raj Films would be unveiling the promo of Bachna Ae Haseeno with Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. Releasing tomorrow i.e. 27th June, 2008, the Kunal Kohli directed film would be accompanied with a specially cut theatrical promo of Bachna Ae Haseeno which has director Siddharth Anand at the helm of affairs.

Confirms Siddharth, "I am looking forward to the audience's reaction once the first look of Bachna Ae Haseeno is unveiled. The film is a family entertainer."

Tell him that Vishal and Shekhar, the composer duo of the film, are quite confident about the film's musical score and he says, "By God's grace the songs have turned out excellent. They are beyond our expectations. Vishal-Shekhar did an excellent job in my first two films - Salaam Namaste and Ta Ra Rum Pum - and the bond continues with Bachna Ae Haseeno as well."

Produced by Aditya Chopra, Bachna Ae Haseeno stars Ranbir Kapoor in the lead. This would be his second film after an ill-fated Saawariya which released last Diwali. Though the film was a commercial failure, it overnight made a superstar out of Ranbir Kapoor. Incidentally, Ranbir's co-star in Bachna Ae Haseeno is his real life girlfriend Deepika Padukone whose Om Shanti Om had crushed Saawariya, as both the films had release on the same day.

The film boasts of a casting coup of sorts since it also features Bipasha Basu and Minissha Lamba. With as many as three gorgeous women in tow, Ranbir has enjoyed quite a handful in Bachna Ae Haseeno. Also, it would have only turned out to be the case of more-the-better had Katrina Kaif stayed on as yet another female lead in the film. Though she was signed for the film, she had to eventually exit since the makers found that her part was making the film too long.

Now all set to release on 15th August, the film is most important for a) Ranbir Kapoor - since he would be looking at wiping away Saawariya debacle, b) Deepika Padukone - since she would be looking at following up on the blockbuster success of Om Shanti Om and c) Siddharth Anand - since he would be looking at completing a hat trick of successful films with YRF after Salaam Namaste and Ta Ra Rum Pum.

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Rani whistled for Rakhi!

Rani Mukerjee, best known for her ‘reserved behaviour’ in the industry was surprisingly at her friendliest best recently!

The leading actress of the Hindi film industry was invited to judge the grand finale of reality show ‘Yeh Hai Jalwa’. The actress who initially sported a lovely black outfit then changed into her ‘angel avataar’ for the final presentation and didn’t mind shaking her leg briefly on the song ‘Nihal Ho gayi’ from her forthcoming film ‘Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic’, just for her fans and the show’s contestants!

A senior producer of the show revealed, “We had heard so many things about Rani’s reticence and reserved behaviour that we were a little apprehensive to even speak to her initially! However, the moment she stepped into our studio, she made sure that everybody was at ease with her! Not just onscreen, Rani waited backstage to wish the contestants before their performances and even posed comfortably with her fans for pictures! She showed no signs of being a superstar... no starry tantrums, nothing! We’ve had judges like Hrithik, Saif, Bipasha on the show too but Rani was probably the best celebrity judge of them all!”

Raving about the Queen of Bollywood he further added, “Rani was in fact supposed to go for a shoot after the show and was already running late but since our public voting system took time, she didn’t mind waiting for the final results to be announced! She watched all the performances with great interest and applauded the contestants for putting up a great show. She told them how she had been following the show since its inception! Of all the contestants it was winner Rakhi Sawant who received Rani’s special attention though. Rani cheered and whistled for Rakhi during her performance and enjoyed a friendly conversation with Rakhi in hindi, since Rakhi is not comfortable with English! Which star does that?”
Well, we too were glad to know about Rani’s humility but soon got to know the reason of their friendship! Rani’s friendship with Rakhi goes back to Saawariya days when Rakhi, who's a huge fan of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's work, was invited to the sets of "Saawariya" when Rani was shooting. Rakhi’s speech pattern and body language was aped by Rani for her performance in Saawariya. Since then the two have been great admirers of each other! And people say no two women can be friends in showbiz!

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Rani Mukerji bowled over by cricket

After playing an angel in Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic, actress Rani Mukerji is all set to do another unconventional role — she plays a cricketer in Yash Raj Films’ next venture and is busy practising on the field.

“I don’t know if any actress has played a cricketer before. But, I’m playing one for sure. In fact, I’ve been learning cricket regularly on the field for the past two months. I can most certainly play the game convincingly now, though not as good as professionals yet. It’s a very big challenge for me,” says Rani from her swanky new home in Mumbai.

So, is she equipped to join the Indian Premier League now (IPL) now? “I don’t know about that. But, I’m definitely enjoying it. My practice sessions are on in full swing,” she says.

She will also, for the first time, be paired opposite Shahid Kapur in the film that will be directed by debutant Anurag Singh. Rani says she is hungry for new roles. “At this stage of my career, I feel I need new challenges. When Kunal Kohli offered me an angel’s role, I was kicked. I don’t know of any actress who has played an angel before. Also, for the first time I was playing a character who couldn’t cry. Now, they can stop saying Rani cries so much in all her films. It was pretty cool to play a character who actually doesn’t know how to cry and who had to fly around like Hrithik (Roshan) in Krrish,” she says tongue firmly in her cheek.

Being suspended on a harness, she says, was not easy. “It required a lot of physical strength to assume the correct ‘flying’ posture on the harness. I guess it’d be equally difficult for me to look convincing as a cricketer. But, I’m glad to be doing work with challenges.”

So, is she ok working with a first-time director? “It isn’t as if I haven’t worked with new directors before. I was in Shaad Ali’s first film Saathiya , remember? And, Kunal Kohli started his career with me in Mujhse Dosti Karoge !,” she quips.

After an angel and a cricketer, what would Rani like to play? “Maybe an astronaut like Kalpana Chawla. And, I’d also love to play a doctor. Come to think of it, I’ve never worked with Shahid Kapur before either. I’m doing so now.”

Isn’t there a danger of her being branded a resident Yash Raj heroine since all her recent films have been with that banner alone? “Why? Wasn’t Saawariya with Sanjay Leela Bhansali? And, if Yash Raj is making some of the best films in our country, why should I keep out just because people are talking? “Incidentally, my marriage date, February 10, (as reported by some media) has come and gone. Would mediapersons like to set another date for me so I can start getting my trousseau ready?”

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Amisha breaks silence on beau

For the first time, Amisha says Kaanav Puri is perfect.

Cosmo says no beauty product can make a girl glow, like love can. One look at Amisha Patel, and you have to admit, there’s some truth to it. The promos of her upcoming film Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic are on air and the actress has never looked better.

Tease her about it being pyaar ka side-effects, and she laughs, “Maybe thoda sa.. but I have been training hard to look like this.” There’s no mistaking that Amisha is a girl in love. She completes six months of dating Kaanav on June 27th, and for the first time since they began seeing each other, she’s feeling secure enough to talk about her man. Read on…

Lets talk about Kaanav.
(Laughs) Ok, what do you want to know?

Was it love at first sight?
Totally.

For you or him?
For both of us.

Is he The One?
Yes, he most certainly is.

Describe Kaanav in one word?
Perfect.

Three qualities you like about him.
(Giggles) There are so many… He’s loving, he’s caring, has his head firmly on his shoulders, and above all, is a really great person.

He recently surprised you by showing up on your birthday.
Yes. Actually my friend Paulomi planned a party at her house. I was shooting all day, and was whining about the fact that Kaanav was not going to be with me on that day. Till 9.30, I had no idea what I was going to do but then he showed up and he brought me this amazing dress, which I wore to the party. It turned out to be a perfect night.

I hear he bought you many thoughtful gifts?
Mmm... he got me a lot of stuff that he knows I like. My favourite one being the Dior limited edition bag. He knows I love bags as I have a huge collection in my house. And he bought me one in my favourite colour pink!

And the following day he whizzed you off for a romantic getaway!
(Smiles) Yes, he did. I had no idea when he stole my passport and made all the arrangements. He told me he was taking me to Goa for three days, and I had packed my bags. I didn’t suspect anything even after we reached the international airport. There are many domestic flights that fly out of there. It was when I saw the boarding passes, that I realised we were headed to Colombo. But once we landed there, in stead of going into arrival, we started going into the transit lounge and that’s when he told me that the destination was not over and that we were going to Maldives. I was thrilled.

It was your first time there?
Yes, and that’s the best part. I am glad I discovered the place with him. It’s so romantic. He had booked a villa for us, which had its own private pool. And it had a path leading to the ocean. He made sure it was very private, so I would not be disturbed.

Seems like the surprise worked! Most women hate surprises…
I love surprises. Especially when they come from Kaanav, because he knows my likes and dislikes so well. And he is so meticulous in his planning. He is like my mirror image. I’m not sure I would enjoy everybody’s surprises though!

Is it tough to maintain a long distance relationship?
It is difficult. Especially for a girl like me. I want to be with the man I love all the time. We try and meet as often as we can. I flew to London to spend time with him. After I returned, Kaanav flew to Mumbai. When he’s in Delhi, I try and go there, even if it is for one night, and try to grab moments with him. Especially now that I am leaving for my new film on Friday and will only be back in August!

Finally, why didn’t you admit to seeing Kaanav for so long? Especially since you’ve been very vocal about your men in the past.
I did not admit to Kaanav sooner because he’s very special and I didn’t want to jinx it. It was too precious for me to talk about it to people. It’s almost six months now and now I am feeling secure and now I know our relationship is too strong for anything or anyone to come between us.

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It’s the easiest to fall in love with Shah Rukh on screen, says Rani

Her last two films — Saawariya and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag — didn’t exactly set the box-office afire.

And Rani attributes this failure to the repeated attempts at portraying an image of her that is perhaps diametrically opposite to her chirpy self. On a rain-washed Saturday evening in Kolkata, Rani explains, “It’s easier to target me since two or three of my films haven’t done well. There’s a way of putting questions across. Both celebs and the media need each other. If the media is arrogant, it can’t expect me to take things lying down all the time. But neither am I always accessible to the press, nor do I issue clarifications for every wrong story being fed by some fictitious ‘sources’ in the media.”

That means there is no point asking her about her alleged relationship with Aditya Chopra. And in any case, she has recently gone on record to say that she is yet to find a guy she can date! But she is more than willing to talk about love. “I need to honestly like the person to be able to romance him on screen. It’s the easiest to fall in love with Shah Rukh on screen. Off screen, I’m yet to come across anyone like my character in Thoda Pyaar... Thoda Magic (which incidentally, isn’t a rip-off film), who isn’t allowed to love. Most couples are always fighting over who loves the other more. Problems crop up when people want more love than what they can give,” she says. Well, that’s an interesting observation.

But has she felt that emotion? “Yes. Love is the magic one feels in the heart. Bhalobasha emon ekta
onubhuti jeta shobde prokash kora jai na,” she says in Bangla. While Rani might admit to her inability to express that feeling, she is much more at ease expressing, or rather choosing, between National Awards and commercial success. “I value commercial success more than National Awards. A hit means the film has been appreciated by a large number of people. An award is more of a personal high,” says the actor who is all set to play a cricketer in her next film.

As for doing a post-mortem of her roles, Rani isn’t that keen. “That’s a useless and baseless exercise. No one knows why a film clicks. While reviews can’t change the fate or the lifespan of movies, I’ve always acted on constructive criticism about my flaws regarding bad clothes and make-up. People can understand when reviews are all about destructive criticism. Young journalists in Mumbai often get irresponsible. Just for two or three persons, we actors often tend to lose faith in the rest.” Just for the record, Rani doesn’t have time to write blogs to let her fans get to the truth.

Time up, and as she prepares to head for the airport, we wonder whether she feels that her aunt Debasree Roy should also shift base to Mumbai like many of her contemporaries, including Indrani Halder and Roopa Ganguly? A tad serious, Rani says, “Mashi is her own boss. She has taken the best of decisions in her life and I’m too close for comfort to advise her on that.”

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I still have to find a guy to date: Rani

Rani Mukerji had always wanted to be famous, but her mom motivated her to become an actress.

“Coming from a filmi family, a lot of people do anticipate that this is the profession you are also going to take up. But I had always thought that only tall, beautiful, charismatic girls could be actresses. I did not think I had all these qualities. However, I got my first movie offer from Salim (Khan) uncle when I was in Class X. I actually asked him whether he is sure about offering me a role,” she shares.

Rani’s first ever screen test was a big disaster. “I was made to wear Mamta Kulkarni’s mini skirt because Salim uncle had just done Baazi with Aamir and Mamta. So they gave me that skirt. And I asked them, ‘Accha, this is how it happens?’ I was totally clueless. I had never worn a mini-skirt before. It was quite a cultural shock for me. After that, they put glycerin in my eyes after which I could not open my eyes. My eyes were burning and I asked them whether this was what the actors used to cry on screen. I did not know all these technicalities.”

But then, what finally motivated her to stick to acting? “I love my parents more than anything else in the world. And it is for them that I decided to give my best to cinema. Otherwise, I was really happy being rejected after my first audition.” Rani has been in the Hindi film industry for more than 12 years now and feels that these years have been the best of her life. “My first few movies did not do well and I have no qualms in saying that. But then, one always learns over a period of time. I have reached a stage of life today where I can choose the movies I want to do. Hard work always pays. I have always been a sincere child and that is what has got me so far,” she smiles.

Rani has played the role of a fairy in her soon to be released Thoda Pyaar... Thoda Magic and she’s super excited about the flick. “Let me clear one thing, it is not a rip-off of any movie. I am playing the role of a fairy and trust me, flying is a lot of fun,” she laughs. “The only thing is that you have to get used to the harness, which can be tiring. So if you find cycling 60 feet above the ground and being tied to a harness cool, well, I am really cool. And by the way, after shooting for the flying scenes everyone on the sets was calling me the female Krrish,” she laughs. Rani also says that she has put on some three kilos after shooting for this movie. “Arre, what could I do? Kunal asked me to look golu-polu because this fairy has to be a nanny on earth. So I happily ate what all the four kids ate – ice creams, chips and loads of junk food.”

On to her personal life... Rani rubbishes rumours linking her and Aditya Chopra. “I still have to find a guy who I can date. After dating him for a while, I will then figure out whether I want to marry him or not and after marrying him I would love to have kids with him. And after they grow up, I will decide whether they can be actors or not. Depends on their look and talent you see!” Well Rani, that sure seems like a plan!

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"It is my first film in which I will not be seen crying" - Rani Mukherjee

Even if you happen to look like Rani Mukherjee, producers will follow you offering "big" roles - as the romantic interest of the male lead of the film. So, there's no way that a filmmaker would not think of having Rani as the hero's romantic interest. But Kunal Kohli did. For the very first time onscreen, you will see Rani Mukherjee not being playing the love interest of her co-star Saif Ali Khan in Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. In an exclusive interview for Bollywood Hungama, Mukherjee confesses that it's a testament to her acting skills that she carried off the role with such aplomb, as Devansh Patel finds out more.

What fairy or angel stories influenced you when you were growing up?
That's a good question, a little different from what the others are asking me (laughs). I've seen Mary Poppins and I loved it because we used to sing one of the very famous songs from that film in my singing class which I can't recall now. That's one film. And ofcourse, Sound of Music, though she wasn't an angel in the film but that was one movie I really liked watching as a kid and even now.

You are not only a movie star but a character actress as well. I mean, how hard do you have to work to create the characters you have portrayed in films such as Black, Bunty Aur Babli, Hum Tum and now Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic?
It takes a little bit of your focus to get into the skin of any character. I think I just have to be a bit more observant of the people and watch them in different walks of life and draw inspiration from it. In Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic, this angel is a lot Indianized and unfortunately I could not get inspired for my role because I haven't seen a real life angel but I've just given my own touch to it.

The film has got fantasy, it's got reality, kids, Saif Ali Khan and yourself. So what's new in the film that tags it 'unusual'?
What is unusual is that I am playing an angel and I don't think that the Indian cinema, in the last 50 years, has made a film like TPTM. We have had films like Mr India, Koi Mil Gaya and Krissh. But we really haven't seen any women doing anything with super-natural powers before. So this is one film which is a perfect blend between fantasy and real life, and that is TPTM's USP. What's more is that I am not allowed to love in the film. That makes it a bit unusual too, isn't it?

We don't usually see angels perform stunts. But did you come across any cliff-hanging experience in TPTM?
There aren't any such stunts as you mentioned but it's just me cycling down the rainbow to get to the Earth and sitting on different planets trying to create lunar and solar eclipse, so she basically does these things because she is a brat angel who loves to play pranks like throws stars on other angels and harasses them and floats on the swimming pool when she is made to fall down in the pool, etc. These are some of the many things she does in the film.

From being a brat, lets move on to some emotions. We've seen how well you can portray emotions in films. Then what challenged you as an actress for a role like this one which has no emotions?
I think that was something that really made me do this film in the first place because it was my first film in which I will not be seen crying and for me that's wonderful because I have played so many characters who cry in each and every film. Infact, Kunal Kohli has saved a lot of glycerine in this film (laughs).

You're 12 years old in the Hindi Film Industry and now that you've become so choosy, do you find that you've become too old for certain roles or too young for other roles?
I don't think anybody can be too old or too young for any role. It just depends on what kind of role you want to do and you have to be intelligent enough to choose roles which you feel that the audiences would like to see you in. Bearing in mind my height, I can't play a teenage girl of 16 in any film. That will push it a bit too far. But having said that, in movie making, there is nothing impossible that the actors can or can't do. It depends on how fit you are and how good you look. Personally, I'd like to do roles that I enjoy playing and I feel something worthwhile to do in it rather than decide I'm too old or too young for it.

A film like TPTM will surely end something like - '...and happily ever after'. Do you think it's just a myth or can Bollywood change the happy endings in such films?
Kids are so optimistic by nature and they are so positive that I think, any film with kids in them should have a happy ending because these kids are the future of our country who will bring a change in our society, for good, I hope. Plus, there is so much violence out there in the real world that it's wise to show good side in kids and end the film on a happy note.

Is there any frustration after you've done the film and seen it and it all works fine, but you know you could have done something else to make it work better?
I think that happens with every actor. I don't think that's only with me. All the good actors are always complaining about their work not being good and that they could've done better. But filmmaking is all about that moment where you take the shot and where the shot is canned and you have to be as spontaneous and as good as you can be at that point of time. Then they can spend their entire lifetime thinking that 'Oh, I could have been better'. The fact is, when a shot is canned, you have to be focused and have all your energies in that particular shot because it's gone into celluloid forever.

What was it like joining a cast and crew that had already worked together?
It just makes it simpler and much easier. This is Saif's second film with Kunal but my third film with both of them. So I have a great working relationship with them and a great rapport. When you are working with like minded people, it just becomes easier to work.

Out of all the Kunal Kohli films you've done, what would you consider your most memorable one?
Hum Tum because I got my first Best Actress Award for that film which makes it all the more special.

Any aspects of your character you identify with while playing the angel, besides being a brat?
(Laughs) Yes, I do by bringing in a lot of happiness in peoples life and always smiling.

When you talk about any angel, you create in your mind a special wardrobe for them which any director would. But has the designer made your look very simple or is it something extra special we'll be seeing in the film?
When she is in heaven, she is dressed up like the other angels but when she comes on Earth, she has a different wardrobe and that is one look that she has in the entire film. We could have experimented with many things but as we did not specifically know and have not seen any angel in real life, we had to go by the fairy tale books, paintings and costumes worn by other actors who have portrayed the role of angels before. The costumes aren't that special but the acting is.

How does it feel not being able to love your co-star in TPTM?
I think it's very interesting because I've already played a lot of romantic roles and love romancing on screen. This was one welcome change in my character. And as you know I'm very hungry and excited to play different roles, this was also one of them which I really enjoyed playing.

With so many stars turning bloggers, when do we see you join the elite club?
When I really find the time to do that. Right now, I'm too busy and loaded with work.

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Rani's 'Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic' on small screen

Versatile actress and the Bollywood superstar Rani Mukherji weaved her magic on the finale episode of Vodafone Yeh Hai Jalwa. Three finalists Ronit Roy, Husain and Rakhi Sawant will sweat it out for the title of the best Dance team on the Jalwa platform on 15th June 2008.

The versatile actress will be the celebrity guest on the finale episode. Rani who has watched the earlier episodes was in all praises for the show and the format. She is very happy at audience decision and wishes the best to the teams Kal Ke Kalkar, Bindaas Bosses and Chillar Party.

Speaking of her experience the award winning actress said that "I have seen the earlier episodes and wish the teams all the very best. May the best team win".

Spreading her charm and her magic for all the Jalwa particpants she showered them with various gifts that made their day.

Watch out for all the Magic and Dance on 9x.

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"It's a character which the audiences will least expect me to play." - Amisha Patel

Ameesha Patel has every right to be pleased. The actress who began her cinematic career way back in 2000 with two super hit films, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai and Gadar, has brought herself a lot of commercial success but it's the critical acclaim she's desperately waiting for. So, will Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic cast a magical spell in her acting career? As Bollywood Hungama's Devansh Patel finds out in a quick fire cliched chat with the actress.

With Saif giving Thoda Pyaar, Rani giving Thoda Magic, what Thoda will you be throwing in the film?
I will be throwing a bit of Pyaar and Magic both because you need someone to handle both the things pretty well.

How was your first ever experience of working with Yash Raj Films?
Wow! Can you believe it! My first with Yash Raj Films. I was on cloud nine when I got a call to work for this film. I was also excited to work with Kunal Kohli for the first time, Saif too and Rani, with whom I have worked in Mangal Pandey. But more than anything else, it was my role which impressed me the most because it was a challenging and a qualitative role. It's a character which the audiences will least expect me to play. Can't tell you much though because we all know how Yash Raj works.

Are you paired opposite Saif in the film because an angel like Rani cannot fall in love?
I cannot tell you that. You will have to see the film to find out your answer.

What about the promos? Is it a deliberate attempt not to be showing you in the promos of TPTM for couple of weeks?
Well, the much of me starts today in the promos and by the time you submit your interview, it will already be viewed by millions on the television. But yes, we had kept my clippings nearing the release for the simple reason that the less exposure my character (Mallaika) gets, the better for the film, because I am the surprise package of the film and the team did not want the charm to fade away. But I'm sure the curiosity factor will always remain to see why Ameesha isn't shown in the promos. Don't worry fans...now she is.

The music of the film suffered quite a bit because of the IPL matches. And even after that, it isn't performing as per the expectations. Any idea why?
I don't know what information you have but the first two days of the release of the music of TPTM, it was sold out. I personally love the music of the film and there is a special reason for it too. I loved the song I shot under water in the film called 'Lazy Lamhe'. It's a fabulous song for which I had to learn scuba diving lessons. It's the first song in the history of Indian cinema to be lip synced under water and it was very difficult to sing too. It took fifteen days for that song to be finished. So it was like an achievement for us. I bet people are going to love it when they see it.

We have seen your association with kids right from your first film. How was the experience with them now in TPTM?
You are right, I did interact with kids in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, my debut film. It was a pleasurable experience because they were so disciplined and well behaved and really good actors, which surprised me even though I am supposed to be the surprise package in the film. Ha!

Why aren't we seeing much of Ameesha Patel now-a-days on the big screen?
Because I've chosen to work only on TPTM after Bhool Bhulaiyaa and now as I've finished with this film, I am working on two other projects - Chatur Singh Two star with Sanjay Dutt and Do Lucky with Tusshar Kapoor. I want to do less but concentrated work, so I can really give my everything to the role.

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No love, certainly no magic!

Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukherjee make quite a pair in Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. And they would the world to believe that as co-stars they are very close to each other.

The truth, like they say, is far ‘bitter’ than fiction.

“Saif and Rani can’t get along at all. They never have,” whispers a source. “In fact Rani has told some of her closest friends that Saif and she couldn’t see eye to eye during the making of Hum Tum.

What she doesn’t say aloud is that they couldn’t see eye to eye all through their second and third films Tara Rum Pum and Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic, too.”

Continues the source, “Though they did try to iron out their differences and though they did get along better during their second and third films, there was still a lot of friction between them, both on personal and professional levels.

You see, they aren’t just very different as individuals, they are very different in their approach to a scene. These differences came to the surface in all their dramatic scenes together.”

So why did they decide to come together in spite of their terrible differences during Hum Tum? “It’s Yashraj who convinced them,” says the source.

“They’ve a limited number of A-listers on their roster. And in how many permutations can they put Abhishek, Rani, Preity and Shah Rukh? Saif and Rani provide an interesting study in contrast.”

According to our sources, during Tara Rum Pum in the US, the two argued heatedly in full view of the unit. The stress level during their third film together was greatly reduced. But there was still enough friction between the two.

Adds the source, “During the long outdoor schedule of the film in Bangkok Rani would try very hard to be part of Saif and Kareena’s inner circle.

But Rani was the odd one out because Kareena never liked her in the first place. In fact Rani is now in a serious co-star crisis. She has outgrown Govinda. Things are just not the same between her and Abhishek after the wedding snub. Shah Rukh has moved on to fresher pairings.

As for Saif, it’s unlikely the two will come together again even if their new film creates thoda magic at the box office.”
mumbai news

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Will Rani have a hit after 3 years

Though it is hard to believe, it is pretty much a fact that Rani Mukherjee last saw a bona fide HIT to her name 4 years back.

Even though she had four back to back successful flicks then, BUNTY AUR BABLI (2005), BLACK (2005), VEER ZAARA (2004) and HUM TUM (2004), she hasn't quite tasted box office success ever since then.

While PAHELI barely survived, MANGAL PANDEY - THE RISING and KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA did make money but the high cost and great expectations factor meant that that the HIT tag was still missing. Same was the case with TA RA RUM PUM as well, where as BAABUL and LAAGA CHUNARI MEIN DAAG were unquestionable flops.

Ok, so thankfully no one has challenged Rani's acting capabilities in any of these films but in the world where box office speaks volumes, a successful film always speaks a thousand words.

THODA PYAAR THODA MAGIC may well be that movie which could help her regain the glory of the past. As an angel, Rani again enjoys an author backed role in the film where she enacts the part of a central protagonist. With no other film in the pipeline after THODA PYAAR THODA MAGIC, Rani would indeed be looking for quite some 'pyaar' from the audience and a lot of box office 'magic' once the film hits the screens on 27th June.

She has all the right reasons to believe that though since THODA PYAAR THODA MAGIC brings back the magical team of Kunal Kohli and Saif Ali Khan along with her who gave us delightful HUM TUM 4 years back. With Amisha Patel in a hot new avtar for company and some peppy music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy to boast, Rani has a lot riding for her in this YRF production.

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Lazy Lamhe’s crazy times

A feverish Ameesha, chilly weather and Saif-Rani’s speedboat trips marred the shoot of Kunal Kohli’s film

Kunal Kohli insists he doesn’t believe in the concept of item songs. He refuses to label the song Lazy Lamhe shot on Rani, Saif and Ameesha in a remote villa in Alibaug as an item song.

Instead he calls it a sensous song in the league of the Kaatein nahi katate track shot on Sridevi in Mr India.

However, shooting for this particular song was quite an ordeal for the director.

Talking about the shoot that involves Ameesha getting into a Manish Malhotra swim suit, Kunal says, “We had actually planned for an eight-day shoot but we ended up spending more than that.

Both Saif and Rani would take private speedboats from the Gateway of India to come to the location everyday.

In fact, I didn’t even know there was a private gate opposite the Taj hotel that was used to hire private speedboats.

Since Saif didn’t want to stay at the location, he would land up at Gateway at 7.30 in the morning and take the boat to Alibaug. He did this everyday. It would take him about 20 minutes to reach Alibaug.”

Kunal adds that Ameesha developed fever during the shoot of the song and they had to stop the shoot. “We were shooting in January when it was quite chilly.

The entire pool was freezing, and since Ameesha had to get in the water we had to heat up the entire pool every time she stepped in. That took us over two weeks.”

Apart from the shoot at the resort, Kunal has also shot underwater for portions in the song. “This isn’t just a sensous song, it’s a part of the film and there’s a plot happening in it. We used a special camera for the underwater scenes and also had someone do the visual effects.”

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