Singh is Kinng team goes to Egypt

Vipul Shah's Akshay - Katrina starrer Singh Is Kinng, directed by Anees Bazmee, is truly going places. After nearly completing the major shoot in Australia, Mumbai and Punjab, the cast and crew will be heading to Egypt next month.

Egypt, a land of personified beauty and serenity, is where Bazmee would shoot the romantic song picturizing Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif. Vipul Shah and Anees Bazmee want the romantic song to be shot in places that the audience probably hasn't seen on celluloid before. The production team is already in Egypt looking for beautiful unexplored locales.

The kind of efforts that are being put in Singh Is Kinng is raising its expectometer and it's surely worth the wait.

Who'll direct 'Krrish 2'?

So what's the truth on KRRISH 2? Is Rakesh Roshan directing the sequel to the blockbuster hit or has Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra been entrusted the directorial reins of the film? Everyone's busy speculating since neither Roshan Sr. nor Mehra have issued an official statement so far. KRRISH being a Filmkraft [Roshan's banner] property/brand, a clarification from Roshan Sr. would be utmost important at this juncture.

"Let me clarify that both Mehra and I are working on our respective scripts. He [Mehra] had expressed eagerness to direct the film and we had mutually decided that whoever comes up with a better script would direct KRRISH 2. So, let's see," Roshan Sr. tells me.

Meanwhile, Hrithik is all set to begin filming KITES [produced by Roshans and directed by Anurag Basu]. Not much is known about the film. "It's a love story. The girl is Spanish, the boy is Indian and neither can understand the other's language," he reveals the gist. Ask him if Hrithik is concentrating on home productions currently, the proud father shoots back, "He has always believed in working in one film at a time. Post KITES, if there's an offer that excites him, I am sure he won't refuse it."

Roshans get a legal notice for the music Krazzy 4

These days in Bollywood, it has become a trend of sorts of 'suing' of the filmmakers just before the movie releases. This time, it's the Roshans who are literally 'facing the music'. The reason being, Ram Sampath, a 32 year old music composer, has dragged director Rakesh Roshan, his musician brother Rajesh Roshan, their film company Filmkraft Productions Pvt Ltd, Super Cassettes Industries, Sony Ericsson and the ad agency Saatchi & Saatchi to the court, alleging that they have directly lifted 'his' music for their album Krazzy 4.

Ram, who has composed music for over 3200 commercials, the music soundtracks of films like Khakee and Let's Talk, a remix for pop singer Justin Timberlake, had just received the prestigious advertising award 'Abby'. He claims that the four tracks (the title track, 'Break Free', and their remix versions) have been lifted directly from his 'The Thump Is Here' jingle that he had created for Sony Ericsson mobile in 2007.

Ram has now sent a legal notice to the Roshans stating that there were no credits given to him for the music, and that its Rajesh Roshan's name that figures in the credits list. While he has now sought a damage of Rs. 2 crores from the Roshans, the judge said that he will hear both the music (the Sony Mobile commercial and Krazzzy 4) before taking up the hearing again on Wednesday.

Sherlyn Chopra to star in a Yash Raj film

Singer cum actress Sherlyn Chopra who has earlier been seen in small time flicks like Raqeeb, Naughty Boy and Red Swastik has taken the big leap. The ‘Outrageous’ babe has been signed for a prominent role by hold your breath Yash Raj Films for their forthcoming project starring Shahid Kapur and Rani Mukherjee. Incidentally this is the same film which also marks item queen Rakhi Sawant’s entry into the Yash Raj camp.

The film would be directed by debutant director Anurag Singh. Apparently Yash Chopra has been impressed with Sherlyn’s abilities ever since he saw her film Red Swastik. In fact the veteran filmmaker even launched her recent album Outrageous.

Sherlyn is naturally excited about making it to the big league but isn’t really in a mood to disclose much about her role in the film. Knowing Yash Raj Films’ penchant for secrecy when it comes to their films we aren’t blaming the poor girl either. All we can say is Way to go babe!!!

Hrithik Roshan not be waxed yet at Madame Tussuads

Rumor has a hundred tongues, a hundred mouths and a voice of iron...and when it gets started, it's almost impossible to stop it. So, when we spoke to the PR of Madame Tussauds, he was in for a surprise.

Since this morning, rumors are spreading thick and fast on the website from India that Hrithik is going to Roshan Bollywood's name at Madame Tussaud's in 2009 by getting immortalized in wax. To add further, the website also quoted that Hrithik won the poll by beating the legendary Dilip Kumar who was also nominated to be waxed. As per our talks with Ben Lovett from Madame Tussaud's this morning, he claimed, "I don't know where these stories are coming from. We have not even sat together to discuss the 2009 wax figures. We've had no meetings, no discussions, and no plans what-so-ever on what famous personalities we are looking to wax from Hollywood, Sports, Pop Singers, Bollywood and Politics. Come summer, we will be having a tentative idea but still no concrete decision on which Bollywood star will be waxed."

Well, one thing is clear - love them, hate them, wax them...but you can't ignore them.

Sarkar Raj' at IIFA?

It's a tradition to premiere a new film at the coveted IIFA Awards. This year, as we all know by now, the IIFA event is scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Thailand in the first week of June. Reportedly, Ramgopal Varma's new film SARKAR RAJ, which brings Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan together, might be the chosen one this year.

According to sources, the IIFA team is in talks with the makers to premiere the film in Bangkok. Watch this space for further developments!

Akshay insecure? What a joke!

The number game does matter and those who feel it doesn’t, are either living on another planet or it’s a case of sour grapes. Every Friday, the ratings change and so do the equations. Take Akshay Kumar, for instance. Not too long ago, he was in the B-list, with film-makers offering him done-to-death roles, which stifle the growth of any actor. But Akshay smelt coffee and decided to experiment.

The journey from being an ‘action hero’ to a ‘complete actor’ has taken time, with the actor working doubly hard and burning the night candles to attain the super-successful results. As things stand today, Akshay occupies the prime place in the Premium List and his companions are SRK, Aamir, Salman, Hrithik and now, Saif.

Of late, there’ve been news-reports that suggest that Akshay has grown insecure of Saif’s increasing popularity, post RACE. On a personal level, I feel there’s not an iota of truth in this spiteful write-up, for Akshay’s movies enjoy tremendous pull at multiplexes/single screens or metros/mini-metros/towns. If we get real and talk of facts-n-figures, the volume of business of Akshay’s films has put him on the pedestal, right next to SRK.

In Overseas, the biggest territory today, Akshay has attained a strong foothold. In U.K., SRK occupies the top position, with Akshay being the No. 2 star there, if the business of NAMASTEY LONDON, HEYY BABYY, BHOOL BHULAIYAA and WELCOME is an indicator.

Let’s talks facts! Four years ago, in 2004, the Akshay starrer AAN fetched a miserable £ 19,460 in its opening weekend in U.K. The same producer’s WELCOME [2007], also starring Akshay in the lead, fetched £ 369,321 in its opening weekend, which, to enlighten the gullible souls, is the second biggest opener of 2007, after OM SHANTI OM.

In the U.S., Akshay is next to SRK and Hrithik [both DHOOM 2 and JODHAA AKBAR were massive hits] and if Akshay starts featuring in romantic movies, the business should reach the same figure for sure. Hence, all insinuations of Akshay being insecure could be the handiwork of an over-enthu mind who has zilch knowledge of movie business.

The popularity of any actor is gauged by the price his films fetch and a solo Akshay starrer, SINGH IS KINNG, has fetched Rs. 71.4 crores, which clearly puts him right next to SRK and Aamir.

Also – this is very important – had Akshay been insecure, he wouldn’t have told Vipul Shah to plan a project with Saif and him [Akshay] together. “Yes, he told me he enjoyed working with Saif in TASHAN and would love to work with him again. ‘Why don’t you plan a project that teams us together?’ Akshay told me,” Vipul Shah enlightens me. If Akshay was indeed feeling the heat, he wouldn’t have uttered these words, right?

Am sure, Akshay must be laughing at the ignorance of some wannabe journos!

Govinda Turns Down Dharmesh Darshan's Film

Govinda has walked out of forthcoming Vijay Galani produced and Dharmesh Darshan directed film. Sources close to the film production unit reveal that Govinda didn't want to work with Tabu and wanted her to be replaced by Celina Jaitley, whom he is rumored to be promoting these days. With the makers not willing to oblige Govinda with his demand he walked out of the film.

Govinda, who is on a comeback trail after the success of Partner, has been extensively promoting Celina, just the way he used to promote Rani Mukerji earlier. Now that makes us wonder what's cooking here.

Sonu Sood Jumps From 75th Floor

Recently while shooting for Singh is Kinng in Australia, Sonu Sood decided to do a daring stunt all by himself. Despite several warnings from the director, Sonu jumped from a dizzying height of 75 floors and gave a perfect shot.

When asked about it Sonu smiled shyly and said, "It just felt right and the satisfaction and thrill of doing it without a stuntman was a pleasurable experience. I wouldn't flinch if I was asked to do it again." Well Sonu, we guess this is how tough guys succeed!

Karan Plays The Alphabet Game

Karan Johar

For all of his past films, Karan Johar, aka K-Jo has begun their titles much the same way as his close friend Ekta Kapoor has, with the letter "K". Now though it seems K-Jo has decided that with the next film, which he has dedicated to his father in tribute to him, the title will begin with a "D". That's correct, as the title of the film is called Dostana.

Now if you're wondering about the projected success of the film since we're switching gears, consider what numerologist Niraj Manchanda (www.nirajmancchanda.org) has to say about the title:

"The title of the film comes to number 25, which is an outstanding number. Karan is born on 25th May. In the series of 7 among 16, 25, 34 and so on, 25 is the strongest. So the movie will have strong vibrations from day one and will go on to do outstanding business at the box office.

"Surprisingly, Karan's not-so-good dost Ram Gopal Verma is also a number 7 and the title of his evergreen hit, Rangeela also comes to 25. So, Karan can expect to do some rangeeli business with his Dostana."

Moneybags Bharat Shah is Back

Bharat Shah One of the biggest financers of Bollywood who ruled the filmdom in '90s Bharat Bhai Shah is all set to come back after lying low from last few years. The man behind some of the biggest films like Devdas, Border, Ghatak, Lajja, Dil Se, China Gate etc., has formed a new outfit to finance films just the way he used to years back. He has formed the company in partnership with Ratan Jain and Ganesh Jain of Venus. With more and more corporate companies venturing into Bollywood, this company will sure be looked up by many for the experience the people involved have gathered over the years.

Was Kareena joking?

Kareena Kapoor

From Aishwarya Rai and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Karisma Kapoor and David Dhawan, Kajol and Karan Johar - all Bollywood actresses get possessive about their hit director. Now, it's Kareena Kapoor who is showing similar symptoms with Jab We Met director Imtiaz Ali.

A lot of eyebrows were raised when Imtiaz Ali cast Deepika Padukone for his next film instead of Kareena. Our source says, “At the awards night, Kareena (albeit jokingly) made a comment saying, 'I am upset because I have not been cast in Imtiaz's next film.' Kareena's statement, that too at the podium, left Imtiaz quite shaken. Though the comment was made in jest, it seems that Bebo got her point across.”

The source adds, “Kareena obviously assumed that after having a hit like Jab We Met, Imtiaz would surely cast her in his next project. However, when she came to know that it was OSO girl Deepika Padukone and not her, she was quite miffed. So on stage at the Filmfare awards function, Kareena cleverly put the message across. It was her way of telling Imtiaz that she may not have been very happy about not being part of his next film.”

When asked about his reaction to Kareena statement, Imtiaz Ali laughed it off. He says, “When Kareena said that, she was directly looking at me. It's a joke between us, that's all! But if you are trying to make a story out of this, sorry to disappoint you, there isn't any!” He adds, “Kareena and I practically lived together during the making of Jab We Met. We know each other too well to take anything of this kind seriously. We keep rubbing each other wrong way all the time.”

Imtiaz Ali

Imtiaz says he took Kareena's comment as a compliment. He says, “No director does a favour to Kareena by casting her in the lead. It's the other way round.” When asked why he had cast Deepika and not Kareena for his next film, Imtiaz says, “That's because Deepika was best suited for the role. My next film is being produced by Saif Ali Khan and Dino Morea.

If Kareena wanted, she could have been a part of the project, but she did not. However, Kareena and I are planning to do a film after I finish the one starring Saif and Deepika.”

Well, why don't you cast Deepika and Kareena, and then watch the fun, Imtiaz!

Anti climax

A still from Bhootnath

Javed Akhtar advised Vivek Sharma to change the climax of his film Bhootnath since he can foresee a sequel to the film. Now the film will have a happy ending, instead of the sad one that Vivek had earlier planned. Director Vivek Sharma told us why he agreed to Javed Akhtar's suggestion.

He said, "I had earlier planned a very emotional and sad ending for the film. Javedsaab had penned a song for the climax but he kept insisting that I should change the climax. He feels I can make a sequel to the film so he made me change the climax - from a sad ending where Bhootnath leaves, to a very happy one where Bhootnath reappears.

Javed Akhtar

Javedsaab managed to convince me and gave me my climax song only after I agreed to change the climax. I have re-shot the climax and everyone in the cast and crew loves the new version."

When contacted Javed Akhtar confirmed the story and said, "I think Vivek is being very generous and giving me credit for the change in climax. I personally think that he has a great script and when you working on such a good script, you give one or two suggestions. That's all."

When asked if he feels that Vivek will make a sequel, Javed Akhtar said, "It is inevitable. I am totally convinced that there should be a Bhootnath 2. The film will be extremely popular since the character of Bhootnath is very interesting and well-developed."

Cold wave?

Rani Mukherji and Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji make a great pair on screen. It doesn't show in their chemistry on screen, but the story goes that although the two are always cordial with each other, the undercurrent running in their relationship is not-so-warm.

Recently, for instance, while they were shooting for Kunal Kohli's film in Bangkok, Kareena Kapoor went over to join Saif for a day. Saif sent a message to Rani, suggesting that the three of them go out together. But Rani declined.

Says a well-placed source from the industry, “Saif and Rani actually share cold vibes.

Their relationship went sour after both of them had a public spat during the shoot of Tara Rum Pum in New York. An argument led to a shouting match. Reportedly, Saif had even asked director Siddharth Anand to check him into a different hotel after that. Things never got fine between them after that.”

Yet Saif and Rani have done a couple of ads and two more films together. How do they manage to work together? “Both Rani and Saif are professionals, so they choose to work together. It's obviously the result of the success of Hum Tum and their chemistry which was a big hit.”

When we asked Kunal Kohli, director of Hum Tum and their latest yet-untitled film, about the cold war between Saif and Rani, he said, “Well, they would have to be great politicians to do three films together despite not getting along, wouldn't they? No, I haven't seen any problem between them. And even if I had, why would I tell you? They're my colleagues and I'm doing a film with them, after all.”

Belly good move

Ranbir Kapoor

Even a perfectionist like Aamir Khan couldn't resist the charm of the new rage Ranbir Kapoor.

Aamir might have his share of disagreements with Sanjay Leela Bhansali over his film Black but he definitely seems impressed with Bhansali's discovery Ranbir Kapoor ,who Bhansali launched in Saawariya.

Aamir is all set to sign Ranbir for his next venture Delhi Belly which will be directed by Swedish director Robert Nylund and will be made in English.

Our source reveals, “Aamir was very keen to sign Ranbir for Delhi Belly and spoke to him. The director Robert has already met him and Ranbir has loved the script. He has given his go-ahead for the film and will be signing the film soon.”

Aamir Khan

The source further says, “Aamir Khan will not be starring in the film which is an action comedy, set in the backdrop of Delhi.

Although initially Aamir was very keen to play the role of a character called Nitin in the film, later he excused himself from the film as he plans to go on a vacation with son Junaid and daughter Aira after completing the shooting of Ghajani.”

The film is set to go on the floors in a couple of months and a substantial part of the cast and crew will be imported from Hollywood for it.

A neat profit

At the commencement of 2008, a few people had opined that there would be a scarcity of new releases in the months to come. A clear picture vis-à-vis the flow of releases can never be ascertained at the very commencement of the year, since a producer has to keep a lot of factors in mind before he locks the release date. Also, he has to consult his distributors/financiers before he decides on a date.

As things stand today, the flow of films in 2008 is heavy and an equal number of films should be added to this exhaustive list as the year progresses. I foresee, 2/3/4 significant films clashing week after week, starting April this year. Although no one wants a clash, it's difficult to avert clashes in the coming weeks looking at the mass production happening in Mumbai.

I've often been asked, will things change for better in 2008? Also, which genre would rule the box-office this year? As an optimist, I look forward to every film that's slated for release. I've always maintained that box-office is most unpredictable and that's the beauty of this business. There's no rule that only biggies would attract big crowds.

As for the genre, any story well told will find its audience. Let's not forget, the viewer wants to listen to a gripping story unfold on screen. Rest everything is secondary!

---

So what's the verdict on JODHAA AKBAR? Like always, the opinions are divided. UTV calls it a success, since the money invested and the money recovered proves that it's a profitable venture. I endorse their viewpoint completely.

But the pessimists continue to indulge in malicious propaganda [do they have an agenda?] that it's not working at so-and-so small centre. But aren't we forgetting that even CHAK DE INDIA and TAARE ZAMEEN PAR weren't as strong at some smaller centres? If one were to go by this obnoxious theory, we should've called these two films flops as well.

Since UTV are the producers and distributors of JODHAA AKBAR, what matters is what money they eventually recover. If the cost is Rs. 50 cr. and the recovery is in the range of Rs. 70 cr., what would you call it? A flop? If that's a flop, will someone please explain the definition of a Hit to me? As for UTV, they're laughing all the way to the bank… and also at the zilch business sense of a few negative souls.

Jashn Mana Le proclaims Hrithik

Bottle Logic: Hrithik Roshan in the new ad campaign

Hrithik Roshan features in a stubble in his new campaign for a cola. It is celebration time for ‘Akbar’ as he makes merry with a group of friends by proclaiming Jashn Mana Le to the accompaniment of Sufi sounds a hangover after playing the Mughal king!

Cola peddlers

As the mercury rises, B-Town brand ambassadors begin peddling their colas for megabucks. Hrithik now joins Aamir Khan as the brand ambassador for Coca-Cola India. It is learnt that Aamir will feature in a subsequent campaign.

While Hrithik will be the face of the soft drink, the Taare Zameen Par director takes on a more corporate image to profile the company and the brand.

Hrithik’s campaign has been conceptualised by McCann Erickson and will air sometime this weekend. The ad is directed by Sabal Singh Shekhawat of Big Picture Company with the background musical score given by Ram Sampath.

Starry tryst

The commercial has a roadside eatery where a bunch of youngsters land up late at night to grab a quick bite. What follows is a tryst with the star (Hrithik) and a magical ride that leaves them in awe!

The ad based on the Jashn Mana Le theme showcases how Hrithik and his friends create a moment of celebration with the bottle.

Mahesh weds

for whom the wedding bells toll: Mahesh Manjrekar

Earlier this month, his one-time buddy Sanjay Dutt got hitched and now it is believed that Mahesh Manjrekar has followed suit and done the same. The Vaastav director married his girlfriend of many years, Medha, after his divorce to Deepa came through recently.

Rough patch

According to a source, Manjrekar went in for a registered marriage to the Maharashtrian girl, who has acted in one film in the past.

Mahesh sought a divorce a few months back and has a son Satya and daughter Ashwami from the marriage. The director, last seen in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, was also linked to actress Sweta Tiwari, and offered her emotional support when she was going through a troubled marriage last year.

An insider reveals, “He was quite unhappy in his marriage. So he could empathise with Shweta. Mahesh is very open about his life. If he isn’t in a good place, he makes it apparent. He was going through a rough patch and the marriage not working out was adding to the strain. so he decided to file for divorce.”

It is learnt that Medha too is a divorcee. “She is quite good looking and lent him moral support during his troubled times.”

Mahesh isn’t ready to talk about the wedding just yet and wants to keep it under wraps. “He is very protective about the kids. He doesn’t want them to know about his marriage,” adds the source
When spoken to, Mahesh retorts, “No, I have not got married.”

Bebo goes the Saif way

bichde toh kya? Kareena Kapoor

If Saif Ali Khan can do it, why shouldn’t Kareena Kapoor? According to reports, Saif called his ex-girlfriend Rozza Catalano several times on her birthday last month. On Monday, Bebo called ex-beau Shahid to wish him on his birthday.

Still in touch

Says a source close to Kareena, “Though Shahid and Kareena have parted, they have kept in touch with each other. Kareena remembered his birthday on February 25 this year and called to wish him.

When she spoke to him, he was in Goa with close friends, Ahmed Khan and Lovely Singh. Bebo wished him and then they continued to talk for sometime. The conversation flowed very easily, just like in the past, when they used to have long chats.”

Though they aren’t lovers anymore, Kareena still cares a lot for Shahid and remains concerned about his career and is often in touch with mutual friends to find out how his career’s progressing.
Kareena is currently shooting for Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal Returns.

Sush gets a big working space

All In A Day’s Work: Sushmita Sen. (Right) The Place: Palatial Building. PIC/Rane Ashish

Sushmita Sen, who is gearing up to start her film Jhansi Ki Rani, has bought herself a huge office space to set up her production house Tantra Entertainment. The company’s first venture will also be directed by the actress.

A khabru from Bandra reveals, “Sushmita has been scouting for office space for a long time.

She finally zeroed down on Palatial building on the 21st road in Bandra. Twinkle Khanna runs her store The White Window from the same premises. Sushmita’s apartment is on the second floor. ”

Private space

It is a very buzzing area for celebs fashion store Cypress is in the adjoining building.

Confirming the development, builder Nikhil Gorwani says, “We sold the apartment to Sushmita over a month back and she has already moved in. The total area of the flat she has bought is somewhere around 2,250 sq ft and she was very happy and content with her purchase.

The apartment is almost like a bungalow in terms of space. It’s a three bedroom house and has proper wooden flooring and ceiling-to-floor windows. Also there is one owner per floor, so all our residents have ample privacy and space.”

Not financing Sush

The approximate cost of the space is about 25,000 per sq ft, taking the value of Sush’s office to about 5.6 crore.

There was also a buzz that the Gorwani brothers are financing Sen’s film; but Nikhil denies that rumour, “It’s totally untrue. We are mere builders and don’t have anything to do with movie production.”

Ad-tagirl Sonam!

Move it Daddy: Sonam Kapoor

After repeatedly refusing endorsements for over two decades of his career, Anil Kapoor has finally taken the bait. It is reliably learnt that the actor-producer has been offered an attractive endorsement deal that he is seriously considering.

What has made him do a rethink about doing commercials and modelling is his daughter Sonam. After her debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya, the newbie was offered endorsement deals and some of them wanted her along with daddy dearest.

Kabhi nahin

Anil, was probably the only B-Town star, who had repeatedly maintained over the years that he never considered himself a commodity. He would vehemently state in all his interviews that he did not believe in the ad film culture.

According to him, an actor was better off on the screen; that is how he wanted the audience to remember him for the various characters he essayed.

Selling colas and vests were not for him. Even attractive remunerations did not lure the actor and he stuck to his stand.

Admits Anil, “It’s true I have always refused advertisements until now. But now I am open to them. Sonam and I have been offered a lot of ads together and I am considering them for the first time.”

With almost all leading B-Town stars on the endorsement bandwagon, it was only a matter of time before Anil, too, became a part of the ad world.

“We haven’t closed in on any ad as of now, but it’s definitely a possibility soon,” adds Anil who will soon be seen in Subhash Ghai’s Black & White and Abbas Mustaan’s Race.

Ash signs Robot!

It’s now official. Aishwarya Rai has been signed up to be Rajinikanth's heroine in Shankar's big budget mega film Robot, being produced by Ayngaran International in association with Eros Entertainment.

Aishwarya Rai has not only signed the deal but also received a whopping amount as advance (much more than any leading south Indian actress will get as their salary!) for a film. In fact Aishwarya will receive a salary which would be the highest ever paid to an Indian actress to do a film.

Both the sides are extremely happy over the deal, as Shankar has been assured of priority dates when he starts the shoot some time in May/ June. Added to that, her "dates" will be available over a period of 18 months on mutually agreed days.

Aishwarya Rai will also be doing Mani Ratnam's "realistic love story" to start sometime in Sep/Oct with her husband Abhishek Bachchan, with most of the indoor shoot likely to happen in Chennai. And since Mani sir has excellent equations with the superstar and Shankar, there will not be any issues regarding Ash's "dates".

It is a win-win situation for Rajinikanth, Shankar, and Ayngaran as Robo their dream project is approaching the take-off stage without any major hiccups.

Kareena’s schedule is air-tight!

There is a price to be paid for success and Kareena Kapoor post-Jab We Met is definitely doing that. The actress, who is very elated at winning the Film Fare Award for best actress for Jab We Met, confesses that she badly needs to take a break.

However, we hear that Bebo's appointment diary is full for the next one year. Bebo, who is looking her stunning best right now with her sans-make-up look, is being flooded with offers. She has been working like a marathon with Jab We Met riding high on the charts.

When asked whether she expected the award, Kareena says, “Well, I won't say that but yes, I would have been disappointed if I hadn't won it. Jab We Met has changed my life in more ways than one. I am as proud of the film as I am of Omkara, Chameli or even Dev for that matter.”

Kareena Kapoor

Kareena adds, “I have a very tight schedule right now. At the moment, I am shooting for Astavinayak's Golmaal Returns. I wanted to take a vacation for a long time but thanks to my routine, it is impossible.”

Kareena will be leave for Australia to shoot for Sohail Khan's Main Aur Mrs Khanna which begins from March 15. After Australia, she will take off for Los Angeles for fifty days to shoot for Sajid Nadiadwala's Kambakht Ishq co-starring Akshay Kumar. This will be followed by Karan Johar's untitled film with Saif in October which will be directed by Rang De Basanti writer Renzil D'souza. The film which is Kareena's first project with KJo after their much publicised tiff and reconciliation, will be shot in London. At the end of the year, she will be shooting for Astavinayak Cine Vision's film with John Abraham. The location is yet to be finalised between New Zealand and Spain. That's holiday enough, Bebo, what more do you want?

Talking about her schedule, Kareena says, “My secretary just informed me that I can't take a vacation for the next one year as I am shooting all over the world. In fact, from March 15, when I start shooting with Salman for Main Aur Mrs Khanna in Melbourne, I will be out of town for one whole year except for brief appearances for professional commitments.”

So, what is her chosen vacation locale? Says Kareena, “I would ideally like to go to Switzerland on a vacation. I have been planning it for a long time but thanks to my work commitments I have been unable to do it.”

The mind field

Akshay Kumar

After a long hiatus, action hero Akshay Kumar is back with his macho act. Following the success of Bhool Bhulaiyya, Akshay Kumar, Bhushan Kumar of T Series and Percept Picture Company are all set to team up for a new project titled 8x10. Akshay, for the first time plays a superhero in this film.

When contacted, Shailendra Singh, Jt Managing Director, Percept Holdings says, "Yes, it is true that Akshay Kumar is playing a superhero in 8x10. In the film, he can read the minds of people and has special powers and the ability to solve extraordinary problems hence he is a psychological superhero. I can't divulge anything more as that would be like revealing the plot of the film."

The film also stars Sharmila Tagore and Ayesha Takia, who is paired opposite Akshay and it is being directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. Singh further says, "The film has many breathtaking action sequences and Akshay has many dimensions to his character."

Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar, who is currently shooting in Bangkok, remained unavailable for comment.

Sonlight at last

Raza Ali Khan and Neelima

There have been many stories on why Shahid Kapur has been hesitating to give the go-ahead for his mother Neelima Azim's debut directorial venture. Here's the real reason: Shahid was never the same with his mother ever since she married Raza Ali Khan four years ago.

However, the situation is now changing. The mother and son are mending bridges. A few weeks ago, Shahid went over to his mother's house and had a long discussion with her and Raza.

A source close to Shahid and Neelima tells us, “Shahid was not comfortable when Neelima informed him that she was marrying Raza. He had strong reservations about the marriage and he told his mother about it. He told her that she should take some time before taking the plunge. However, Neelima had her own reasons to not delay the marriage.”

Shahid Kapur

“After Neelima's marriage, Neelima and Shahid began moving apart emotionally. Shahid used to visit her, but the visits became fewer and far in between. However, it seems to be a case of 'all's well that ends well' now. Some time back, Shahid and Raza met to try and break the ice and are on better terms now. It is not easy for Raza too, so both Shahid and Raza have to make a lot of effort in the days to come,” our source adds.

When contacted, Neelima said, “Well, Shahid had his point of view and I had mine. It's okay. Things are falling in place now. After all, I am his mother.”

Buzz is that Neelima plans to cast Govinda, Shahid and Amrita Rao in the main roles in her film. Shahid will soon go through the script and give his reply by end of this month.

Shahid’s parents, Neelima Azim and Pankaj Kapur separated when Shahid was only three, and Neelima brought him up single-handedly. Pankaj went on to marry Supriya Pathak.

Two good!

Aamir Khan has taken his perfectionism to a new level. The actor had acquired six-pack abs in October during a month-long schedule in South Africa where he had shot for a special dance number for Ghajini. Since then, however, he had lost his six-pack and put on some weight.

Now, he had to complete the dance number (about 30 per cent of it was left) at Film City recently. However, when choreographer Ahmed Khan met him, he realised that Aamir's body was not matching the earlier shoot. Ahmed Khan pointed out that Aamir had lost his six-pack abs and had also become a little plump. So how could they shoot?

That's when Aamir requested Ahmed to give him 21 days to get back to shape for the song. And sure enough, the actor achieved his target in 21 days. He returned with six-pack abs in three weeks!

Ahmed Khan says, “We had shot this song in South Africa four months ago, in October, and it turned out to be excellent. Later I wanted to add some variations in the song for it to look better. So I requested Aamir for some extra time. But Aamir got busy with the post-production and promotion of Taare Zameen Par. Finally, when I met him last month to discuss the song, I saw that his six-pack was gone, he was also looking plump.

Ahmed Khan

When I pointed this out to him, he requested me to give him 21 days to get back the same look. When I met him 20 days later, he was looking as perfect as he was in South Africa.

We shot the song over four days.”

Needless to say, Ahmed Khan is impressed with the actor's commitment. He says, “Aamir not only has commitment, but will power too. Imagine getting six-pack abs twice over, for a film!”

Jodhaa Akbar' hits gold

JODHAA AKBAR is on a record-breaking spree in Overseas. The 10-day total of U.S.A., U.K., Australia, Gulf and other Overseas territories is approx. Rs. 21.5 crores, which is phenomenal. The film is set to emerge one of the biggest success stories in Overseas.

Weekend: February 22 – 24, 2008.

U.K. BOX-OFFICE

• JODHAA AKBAR [last weekend: No. 10, this weekend: No. 15]: In its second weekend, the film has collected £ 171,245 on 46 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 3,723. Total: £ 679,192 [approx. Rs. 5.34 crores].

The breakdown:- Friday: £ 41,010; Saturday: £ 76,204; Sunday: £ 54,031.


• THOONDIL [Tamil film] has debuted at No. 60 position. In its opening weekend, the film has collected £ 1,711 [approx. Rs. 1.34 lacs] on 2 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 856.

The breakdown:- Friday: £ 433; Saturday: £ 459; Sunday: £ 819.


• YAARIYAN [Punjabi film; last weekend: No. 46, this weekend: No. 61]: In its fifth weekend, the film has collected £ 1,532 on 1 screen. Total: £ 85,809 [approx. Rs. 67.45 lacs].

The breakdown:- Friday: £ 148; Saturday: £ 991; Sunday: £ 393.


• SUNDAY [last weekend: No. 43, this weekend: No. 75]: In its fifth weekend, the film has collected £ 530 on 2 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 265. Total: £ 200,091 [approx. Rs. 1.57 crores].

The breakdown:- Friday: £ 105; Saturday: £ 257; Sunday: £ 168.


• RAMGOPAL VARMA KI AAG [last weekend: No. --, this weekend: No. 84]: In its twenty sixth weekend, the film has collected £ 200 on 1 screen. Total: £ 93,807 [approx. Rs. 73.74 lacs].
  The breakdown:- Friday: £ --; Saturday: £ 184; Sunday: £ 16.

THIS WEEKEND IN U.K.
[Based on screen averages]

RANK	FILM	AVERAGE
1	JODHAA AKBAR	£ 3,723
2	YAARIYAN [Punjabi film]	£ 1,532
3	THOONDIL [Tamil film]	£ 856
4	SUNDAY	£ 265
5	RAMGOPAL VARMA KI AAG	£ 200

U.S.A. BOX-OFFICE

• JODHAA AKBAR [last weekend: No. 19, this weekend: No. 22]: In its second weekend, the film has collected $ 702,120 on 100 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 7,021. Total: $ 2,505,703 [approx. Rs. 10 crores].

U.A.E. BOX-OFFICE

• JODHAA AKBAR has collected approx. $ 800,000 [approx. Rs. 3.19 crores] in its first 10 days.

Salim-Sulaiman to compose for Aditya Chopra's New Film

They composed the music for one of the biggest hits of 2007, Chak De India. The film's title track went on to become the National Sports Anthem. This was followed by the melodious tracks of Madhuri's comeback vehicle, Aaja Nachle. But now, Salim-Sulaiman get ready for their biggest challenge as they have been chosen by Aditya Chopra to compose the music for his next directorial venture, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. We spoke with Salim Merchant to know more about the film's music.

Is it true that Aditya Chopra has signed you up to compose the music for his directorial film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi?
Yes, that is very true. We (Salim-Sulaiman) are composing the music for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. We are very excited about the project, and hope to do our best.

From the title, it seems that the film is romantic. What is the brief given to you for the film?
You know how a Yash Raj Film works; they love to keep it in wraps until its time to finally let it out. Although I know the story, I can barely tell you anything. Once ready, they will announce the film on a very grand scale.

Aditya Chopra is returning back to direction after a span of nearly eight yrs. His past films had record-breaking music. Don't you think, there's major responsibility on your shoulders?
Well, we work for the film, there's nothing big or small. It's the film, which matters and appeals, not the director. We would have been excited and anxious about the music otherwise also. But I must agree, Aditya is a very good director and it would be a great experience working with him. We will try to do our best with the music for the film.

Jatin-Lalit have been Aditya's favorite in the past. What is your opinion on their compositions?
Their compositions have been great. They have been in this field for a very long time and successfully given some amazing hits. And times are changing; we cannot call ourselves successful considering we have just begun.

Will you also be doing the background score?
We had begun our career with background scores and we would never give up that at any point of time. Yes of course, we are doing the background score. And when you talk of that, it is a big responsibility, we have just begun getting in compositions and have a long way to go. We have been very fortunate that our songs have been appreciated.

What kind of response did you get for Chak De India and Aaja Nachle?
Well, that I should ask you; I do not want to praise ourselves. It does not make any sense like that. Nevertheless, yaah, it feels great when the song was taken as the national sports anthem but I must add that it was the film that made it like that. The film was a hit and that is why the song was loved so much.

Since the award season has begun, do you expect trophies coming your way this year?
We do not expect anything, because that's not the intention with which we make music. Our prime motive is to make music for the film and then the audience. But I must agree that all these awards work as a morale booster and do a great job of encouraging us. But the ultimate pleasure is when it works for the film.

So what was the biggest compliment you received for your songs?
Well, the Chak De song becoming the sports anthem itself is a big compliment but what really touched our hearts is when music lovers like A.R. Rahman and Shankar Mahadevan praised our work. They complimented our song, 'Yeh Honsla' from Dor and 'Maula Mere' from Chak De India and said that it was a very different song. And when Zakir Husain, who is like my guru, praises our music, it's a different feeling altogether. There's no bigger compliment than that.

'Baazigar 2' - No, 'Badshaah 2' - Yes

Sometime back, there were reports that director duo Abbas-Mustan were planning to put direction on hold temporarily, since they plan to concentrate on film production after having announced a slew of movies. The director duo has signed Rumi Jaffrey [presently directing GOD TUSSI GREAT HO], Rohit Jugraj [JAMES, SUPER STAR] and Nishikant Kamat [director of the Marathi film DOMBIVALI FAST] to direct a film each.

“Sure, we're starting a string of films with Rumi, Rohit and Nishikant, but we aren't putting direction on hold. That's a rumor. As directors, we are committed to Subhash-ji [Ghai], Tips and Venus and we will direct movies, besides producing films simultaneously,” the director duo reveals. Also, brother Hussain, who edits their movies, will also turn independent director soon; his directorial debut will be produced by Abbas-Mustan of course.

Meanwhile, Abbas-Mustan were planning to start sequels to BAAZIGAR and BADSHAAH. What happened to those projects? “BAAZIGAR is still fresh in the minds and frankly, we haven't found a script that lives up to the mammoth expectations. But an idea for BADSHAAH 2 has germinated and the moment the script is ready, we would approach Shah Rukh for it,” they state humbly.

Giants come together

Vipul Shah is gradually spreading his wings. An accomplished director himself, Shah surprised everyone when he entrusted the directorial reins of his new film, SINGH IS KINNG, to Anees Bazmee. This was much before WELCOME happened to Anees and Akshay Kumar together.

Now Shah has gone ahead and signed David Dhawan to direct his forthcoming venture. “Both Anees and David are in the same league, in the top bracket. After making a film with Anees, you ought to remain in the same bracket,” the soft-spoken producer informs me.

Will it star Shah's fav hero Akshay Kumar in the lead? “It's too early to comment on it. Actually, it all depends on the script. The moment we lock on the script, we'll look into that aspect,” he clarifies. Indeed, Shah is going from strength to strength!

Star-stuck in the air

Salman Khan	Katrina Kaif	Govinda

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel's guest fell prey to the air traffic congestion that has been troubling ordinary citizens of this country. Quite a few of the minister's guests couldn't make it to the wedding reception of his daughter Avni's marriage as their chartered flights were diverted to other cities due to congestion over Udaipur Airport. Informs a guest who was present at the wedding, "There were too many chartered aircrafts landing at Udaipur airport and since there was not enough parking space, some planes with enough fuel kept circling over the airport. But others had to be diverted to Ahmedabad before they were cleared for landing at Udaipur." Air traffic congestion is common problem one faces at airports like Mumbai and Delhi. "Let's hope the aviation minister realises with this incident how annoying it can be for regular people who get unnecessarily stranded up in the air and cannot do a thing about it," said an insider. Even high rollers live and learn, one could say. Sanjay Dutt and his newly wedded wife Manyata reached Udaipur on Saturday. So did Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan. Incidentally, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Govinda and Lara Dutta performed at the sangeet ceremony of the Avni Patel. Other guests who were flown in from Mumbai were Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan, Sameera Reddy, Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia,

Ramesh Sippy and Subhash Ghai." Most Bollywood personalities present were guests of the family, except for Sonu Nigam, who got paid to perform at the reception. And Himesh Reshammiya who flew in especially for the reception was also a guest. It certainly seems like a life less ordinary knowing so many stars. Until you get stuck in the air that is.

Fashion Fiasco

Madhur Bhandarkar

Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion is in the news again. UTV Motion Pictures who is the co-producer of Fashion along with Bhandarkar Entertainment has gone ahead and signed a distribution pact with Disney stating that UTV is the sole producer of the film. Naturally, Madhur is very upset with UTV.UTV even released the first look of Fashion in trade magazines without consulting Madhur. There were no actors mentioned in the advertisement and Madhur is also shown as the mere presenter of the film and not a co-producer

He had a huge showdown with the top officials in UTV following which, UTV apologised to him.

Priyanka Chopra

Our sources say, "Madhur is livid with UTV for releasing the first look of the film. He is one filmmaker in the industry who understands the importance of marketing and publicity. Hence, when UTV did not show him in the first poster of the film despite him being the co-producer, Madhur was furious."

Adds the source, "Madhur was also upset as there was no need to release the first poster of the film since it is only releasing by year-end. The design of the advertisement was also not upto the mark."

Madhur Bhandarkar remained unavailable for comment.

When contacted, Ram Mirchandani of UTV says, "Nothing of this kind has happened. We are on good terms with Madhur."

Private I

Aditya and Uday Chopra have masked the name plates of their apartments at Raheja Classique at Andheri

Aditya Chopra

We all know that Aditya Chopra likes his privacy. Now we've discovered to what lengths he can go to ensure it. We were told that the name plates of Aditya and Uday's flats at Raheja Classique at Andheri, have been masked.

Our source reveals, "It's a little known fact that the Aditya and Uday Chopra own flats at Raheja Classique in Andheri. The Chopras, who bought the two flats sometime back, are making sure that no trace of their ownership is visible in the lobby. They have even covered their name plates in the building."

(Top) Raheja Classique (right) the covered and sealed name plate

When we went over to the location to confirm the story, we could not find Aditya's or Uday's names on the name plates in the lobby of the building. Later, we discovered that the Chopras had kept their name plates covered and sealed to avoid attention.

A watchman at Raheja Classique confirmed that two flats on the 16th floor of the building belonged to the Chopras. Says the watchman, "Flat 1601 is in Aditya's name while 1602 is Uday's. In fact, the two flats have been combined and made into an eight bedroom home. The flats have been renovated recently."

When asked about Aditya and Uday's name plates being sealed, he says, "They have covered up the names because they want to avoid any kind of attention. And as far as I know, the flat is currently occupied by the CEO of Yashraj Films."