Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged 2008
Life is beautiful-John Abraham
Aug 28th
…says John Abraham whose new film today promises to tug at audiences’ heart-strings
Mark Manuel | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; August 27, 2010)
I have good news for you and bad. The good is that John Abraham is returning to the screen today after New York in June 2009 with Nagesh Kukunoor’s Aashayein. The bad is that he is not the eye candy of Dostana in this film. To get into character for this sensitive role, during the two-and half months’ making of Aashayein John brought his weight down to 76 kilos. Which is a mere shadow of the Bollywood hunk’s otherwise 92 kilos of brawn and sex appeal. Nikhat Kazmi, the TOI’s renowned film critic, asked the actor at the preview of Aashayein in Delhi, “Is that you at the end of the film? You look a bag of bones!” Which is revealing a lot, actually, because little is known about this film that was made in 2008, much before John and his famous butt hit big time and made it to the Sexiest Man in Asia list.
He laughed and said, “It is a film with a sweet, credible message. Whoever sees it with their heart in right place, will really like it. I’m happy it’s actually being released now by Reliance BIG Pictures because audiences are being receptive to films like Udaan and Tere Bin Laden. They will find a connect in Aashayein.” He himself did right away when Nagesh approached him with the script. The film was then to be called 90 Days. “As I read it, I broke down and cried,” revealed John honestly. “I stopped reading, gathered myself, and started again. I thought, this must be my state of mind, because I was at an emotional low then. But I couldn’t stop crying. When I finished reading, I had tears in my eyes, but I was also smiling. That’s what this film does to you. It fills you with hope, it leaves you elated, it makes you realise life is beautiful…”
He knew he wanted to do the film. But Nagesh had a rider. “Your physicality… you cannot be John Abraham in this film, you have to break down emotionally and physically,” he warned the actor. John, who was already down emotionally, thought, what better time! “As actors we are selfish,” he admitted. The weight loss was more difficult. However, Nagesh gave him a lead time by shooting the film in a linear manner — first scene first, last scene last. “So I could lose the 15-20 kilos in two-and-half months without harming myself,” said John. He’s now glad he made the sacrifice because, after two successive hits in Dostana and New York, he believes it’s important for him to have an Aashayein in his filmography. “It will give me respect and credibility in the industry,” he admitted.
Which is fine, but what about the sex symbol status? “I like it,” he replied promptly. “I can’t say I don’t like that space. Though I’m a complete softie. People see through my muscularity. They are not scared to come and talk to me. Or to feel my abs and arms and see if they are real! I don’t mind that. But I also like being appreciated for my performances. As in New York. Hopefully Aashayein will do that for me, too. It’s like a wake-up call, this film. It’s about achieving your dreams in this lifetime, about doing the things for yourself today that you keep putting off for tomorrow… believing life to be endless, until you realise it’s too late.” John Abraham fans, I know, are already saying, “Chalo, let’s see him in this avatar as well.” But the hunk will be back on October 15, in Jhoota Hi Sahi. It’s a rom-com and, God bless, in this film he’s 92 kilos of eye candy again. All 6 feet 1 inch of him!
Adnan’s marriage woes still not over
Jul 21st
A Family Court order directs Adnan Sami’s third wife Roya Fariyabi to leave the house he’s living in since it belongs to his second wife Sabah Galadari
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 21, 2010)
Adnan Sami’s marriage woes have surfaced again. In a few days from now, his third wife Roya Fariyabi will have to leave the Oberoi Skyheights flat in Lokhandwala for good. She is currently living there with Adnan.
Recently, Roya and Adnan returned from Islamabad after meeting his parents, only to receive an order fom the Family Court stating that only Adnan can live in their flat.
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| Adnan Sami and Roya Fariyabi (Pic: Yogen Shah) |
Since the flat Adnan is currently living in belongs to his second wife Sabah Galadari, divorcing her will actually have fewer benefits for him. He might just be homeless, unless of course he finds an alternative accomodation by that time.
Strangely, Adnan has not paid heed to the Family Court order. A source says, “If Roya does not leave the flat, Adnan’s second wife Sabah Galadari will file legal proceedings against him. Thereafter, the law will ensure that he vacates the flat.”
The Family Court’s order has come in the wake of an application filed by Sabah under the provision of the Protection Of Women From Domestic Violence Act, “Sabah has started another war now. She is not going to take anything lying down,” says the source.
Sabah discovered Roya’s presence in the flat when she went to check on her pet dogs. Adnan had left them unattended (reported by Mumbai Mirror, June 14, 2010). “Sabah saw that the dogs were not getting adequate food. Also, they had been kept chained for long periods of time.
The animals were in a terrible state. Sabah decided that she would free the dogs and get them to her place, but after consulting her well-wishers, she decided against it. Her friends told her that she might get into serious trouble as Adnan might levy false allegations of theft against her,” adds the source.
Is it just the dogs or does Sabah have a problem with Roya living with Adnan in that house? “Sabah doesn’t have any problem if Roya lives with Adnan,” says the source, “Frankly, she is least interested in Adnan’s life now. All that she wants is that Adnan should obey the law.
When the Court had told Adnan that nobody except him was allowed in the flat, what right did he have to disobey the directive? This is breach of order. Sabah is the owner of three flats in Oberoi Skyheights.”
Explaining the deal, Sabah’s friend says, “Adnan was very keen to get plush flats in Oberoi Skyheights. Sabah gave him a loan of Rs 5.3 crore. But Adnan was unable to repay the loan. So, he gifted all these flats to Sabah. This happened in 2008 much before Adnan and Sabah’s marriage hit the rocks.”
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| Sabah Galadari |
Sabah’s lawyer Mrunalini Deshmukh neither confirms nor denies the story. She says, “As the matter is subjudice, I can’t talk about it.”
Adnan’s lawyer V Krishnan however confirms and says, “Yes, Adnan has received the Family Court order saying that only he can reside in that flat. He will fight it out. We have filed an appeal against that order.”
When told that Sabah may file legal proceedings if he refuses to vacate the flat, Krishnan adds, “The matter is now pending at High Court. I can’t talk any further about this.”
I’m not running away this time-Chitrangda Singh
Jul 12th
BACK AGAIN: Chitrangda Singh
Chitrangda Singh tells BT that this time around, she’s here to stay
Aakanksha Naval-Shetye | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 12, 2010)
Her only claim to fame still happens to be her debut film Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi that had released in 2005. A hiatus of three years and then only one average film to boast of post-a-comeback would have given any actress cold feet, but Chitrangda Singh’s still optimistic about her Bollywood innings. “Why should I be worried? I have nothing to lose!” she says. But before her statement scares away filmmakers, she’s quick to clarify, “It took me long to discover what my passion was, but now I am here to give my career my 200 per cent. It’s not everyday that an actress with my track record gets such interesting offers,” she says referring to the three films she has in her kitty including Yeh Saali Zindagi with mentor Sudhir Mishra, Mani Ratnam’s Paaki with Vivek Oberoi, one with Pratik Babbar, and few others that are being finalised.
As for having no release since her comeback film Sorry Bhai bombed in 2008, she says, “Yes, the wait’s been a long one for the right roles. I made a rash decision to quit, when I shouldn’t have. Guess it will take a while for the industry to realise and trust that I’m not running away this time. I am just glad that I still have the luxury to choose and don’t have to do everything coming my way out of desperation to earn my bread and butter.”
She may be in the race, but she’s a long way to the top and certainly not in the league of a Kareena Kapoor. Point this out and she has no qualms in admitting it either. “I definitely can’t do a Kareena Kapoor, but I really look up to the kind of roles that Vidya Balan’s done recently. I really wish I could do a film like Ishqiya.” Realistic roles are her criteria too — though this may be more due to options than choice — but she doesn’t hesitate to express her desire to do a full on entertainer and even a dance number. “I think my image of Hazaaron keeps filmmakers away from approaching me to do any masala roles. But I love dancing, and I really wish I could do a dance number.”
Balancing her personal life with professional commitments, she’s been shuttling in and out of the city. “I have a house here, but for me Delhi’s still home,” she says referring to her family there with hubby, golfer Jyoti Randhawa and son Zoravar. Exasperated with reports of her marital troubles with Jyoti over her decision to act — that had kept her in news inspite of her absence in Bollywood — she puts up her hands. “I do not know why he’s being made the scapegoat here, when all decisions have always been mine completely. It’s unfair to paint Jyoti as a villain. He’s just happy that I’ve found my calling at last.”
Kites to have as many as 31 shows per day per multiplex
May 19th
Get ready for the mother of all releases in Bollywood. Kites, which is a hit even before its release, will have as many as 31 shows per day, with the earliest show starting at 6.30 am
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 19, 2010)
There is bound to be a lot of excitement when a star as big as Hrithik Roshan comes up with a release, that too after two years. His last release was Jodhaa Akbar in 2008. This Friday, the Hrithik Roshan starrer Kites will go down as the biggest release in the history of multiplexes in India.
Multiplexes across the country will screen as many as 31 shows of Kites per day, which surpasses the record of 27 shows screened for the Aamir Khan starrer 3 Idiots. All this despite the fact that the film’s distributor Reliance is taking a much higher advance payment from the exhibitors than they did for 3 Idiots.
Buzz in the trade is that Reliance has taken this step because they have still not entirely received the outstanding amount of 3 Idiots from some exhibitors.
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A distributor says, “Hrithik and Aamir only do a few movies. So there is generally a lot of curiosity about their films. This time is no exception. Everyone is upbeat about Kites. Picture bahut garam ho gayi hai. The advance booking is good. It should do well.”
The short length (124 mins) has only spurred the exhibitors into thinking big in terms of the likely profits. Devang Sampat, Senior VP, Cinemax India Ltd, says, “Yes, we are having as many as 31 shows of Kites at Versova.”
Ashish Saxena, COO, Big Cinemas, says, “Apart from the crisp length of the film, Hrithik’s stardom came into play when we took the decision of stepping up the number of shows. As of now, the plan is to have at least 27 shows in R City, Mulund.”
Fun Cinemas, however, said that their screenings of Kites would be on par with 3 Idiots. “We will give it maximum exposure. Wherever we have six screens, we will have 30 shows,” says Vishal Kapoor, COO, Fun Cinemas.
A source from Cinemax says, “The earliest show will be around 6.30 am and the last one will be around midnight.” Saxena of BIG Cinemas says, “We have hired a few part timers who will assist the existing theatre staff.”
As for the exorbitant amount Reliance has asked from the multiplex chains, Sampat says, “That’s not a problem when it comes to a Reliance film. We usually expect great results from them. Mani Ratnam’s Raavan, too looks very promising.” “The advance paid is an indication of the business expected. The kind of release we have planned for Kites says it all,” seconds Saxena.
Penelope’s sis opp Nakuul in Spanish rom-com
Apr 29th
And the Hollywood hottie’s younger sis is to romance Bollywood actor in Spanish rom-com
SHARIN WADER BUTANI Times News Network (BOMBAY TIMES; April 29, 2010)
Nakuul Mehta’s debut film Haal E Dil in 2008 didn’t create a flutter at the box office, but the newcomer has landed himself a role that many Bollywood’s biggies would perhaps kill for. Come August, and Nakuul will be romancing Penelope Cruz’s younger sister Monica in a Spanish romcom.
“I wasn’t supposed to be part of the film. Director Onil Ganguly Avemore had already done screen tests of young Bollywood actors and was on his way back home. That’s when he saw my film on the flight and called his casting director for my contact. I couldn’t believe my luck,” said Nakuul who plays a Bollywood actor in the film.
“Monica plays a flamenco dancer who comes to Mumbai and falls in love with me. But she’s oblivious of the fact that I’m a star. Then the rest is about me following her back to Spain,” revealed Nakuul, who is already learning Spanish to be able to interact with his onscreen love because she knows no English. In real life too, Monica, is an accomplished Flamenco dancer. She has worked in films like Last Hour, The Final Inquiry, The Blackening, Asterix At The Olympic Games (with Gerard Depardieu) and will be seen in Joshua Newton’s Iron Cross opposite Roy Scheider this year, besides doing Spanish televison shows like Un Paso Adelante.
Monica, 33, is a stunning replica of her elder sister and Hollywood biggie Penelope Cruz. Happily for Nakuul, Penelope is taking special interest herself in the project. “She’s also lending her hair and make-up artists, I’m hoping to meet her,” gushed an excited Nakuul who has completed an art-film, Avant Garde Pythagoras Sharma, which will be showcased at European and American film festivals.
Ekta, Star patch up
Apr 11th
Ekta Kapoor has finally mended fences with the channel that once aired her most successful soaps; talks are on for another innings
By Vickey Lalwani and Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 10, 2010)
When Balaji Telefilms and Star had parted ways in 2008, it was seen by many as the end of an era in the television industry.
The strain was said to have started after the TRP of Balaji shows started dipping and was aggravated by the delay in launching regional channels under a joint venture (JV) between them.
But now the estranged partners have kissed and made up. Ekta Kapoor is working on a couple of big ticket shows for the channel which once aired her most popular soaps – Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kasautii Zindagi Kay and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii.
A source close to the channel said, “Both Balaji and the channel realised that they were a potent combination on Indian television and parting ways was a bad business decision. Ekta Kapoor visited the channel office yesterday afternoon. We are working on two new projects. Ekta is planning a couple of fictional serials for us.”
But hadn’t the channel divested its stake in Balaji? Vasudha Jha of the channel said, “We never divested our 26 per cent stake in Balaji. There was a point when the divestment was planned, but we never went through with it.”
Ekta confirmed and said, “Yes, we are in talks to work together again. It will be great if that happens.”
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| Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi |
Meet the voice behind Imran Khan’s Coke commercial
Mar 21st
The soprano-ish voice behind Coke’s ‘bus’ TVC tells Malay Desai why there would always be listeners for edgy music, which is good news for her band Sridhar/Thayil
By Malay Desai (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 21, 2010)
‘I want to be a mean and lean blow-up doll to grace us and stay for an unfashionably long time… so say all you want ‘coz baby it’s showbiz!’
… sang a voice at Blue Frog last night, leaving the club’s audience amused with the theatrics of the spoken word. The voice has also created a buzz on primetime TV across the nation, in a cola commercial featuring actors Imran Khan and Kalki Koechlin.
The TVC has become a talking point, thanks to singer Suman Sridhar rendering Mohammad Rafi’s Tum jo mil gaye ho. It’s also a debut endorsement for the 27-year-old, who has created a popular niche in the indie music industry through her band Sridhar/Thayil. The ad is just an offshoot of her works, which include much more, she tells us over lunch at a Bandra café.
The female half of Sridhar/Thayil looks like a shy monk who’s just given into funky indulgences. Now sporting super-short hair (after carrying off a tonsured look for long) and wearing punk accessories, Sridhar is often eccentric, much like her music. “The TVC happened purely by chance. Mikey (Mike McCleary, composer, best known for his works with Lucky Ali) called me one evening to his Bandra pad; we Youtube-d the old version (featuring Navin Nishchol) and I recorded a scratch,” she tells us.
Weeks later, she received feedback from people who’d recognised her voice. “It’s a pleasant high. I didn’t expect them to use it as it was… and besides, I don’t have a TV, so I didn’t know when the commercial was released!” she chuckles.
Sridhar is a Chembur girl, a fa
miliar hub of south Indians, where mornings are all about Carnatic music and political discussions, stemming from The Hindu. “My family is no different,” she smiles, “dad plays harmonium and tabla while mom sings Hindustani Carnatic.
However, much as they wanted me to practise music, I learnt it just being around some hardcore alaap!” The Sridhars moved to the US when Suman was 14, and she credits her teenage spent around the east coast for her exposure to jazz.
An education in Hindustani and Carnatic music influences her music, which comprises pop, occasional punk and consistent edgy poetry. “We call it twisted pop! Someone recently wrote they are ‘melodies which stay in your head longer than your last drink!’” she laughs.
In India, after travels which a lot of 20-somethings dub as ‘finding themselves’, Sridhar discovered her composing talents, courtesy a MacBook. After a gig on a Bangalore stage once, she ran into Jeet Thayil, a poet-musician and they struck a chord.
Their independent band, Sridhar/Thayil (S/T) first performed in Sri Lanka in 2008 and since then, their entertaining gigs have taken them places. S/T have now performed in London apart from Mumbai and Delhi, and “we want to include more operas, theatre and poetry under our umbrella,” she says.
When asked about the challenges in building an indie band, Sridhar quips, “Protecting our bald heads was definitely a challenge” with a straight face. Later, however, she admits that sustaining an indie band doesn’t come easy.
Artists have ways of making secondary income, which sometimes are ‘offbeat’. “An artist I know dubs for Spanish porn films!” she giggles. Sridhar however, dabbles in programming and producing jingles. She has been working with Amit Trivedi on unreleased film projects, and has contributed to the background score of Wake up Sid. “But to say that I do the commercial bit to pay my bills is incorrect.
Besides, I’d be really depressed if I were to go all out into Bollywood!” she explains. Sridhar is also working on a one-woman experimental play, where she will act. Most importantly, S/T’s debut album is in the pipeline. They have their hands full for now, evidenced by the fact that our pop princess recently moved to a pad in Bandra.
All said, but is this ‘edgy, twisted’ genre viable in the long run to rake in the moolah? “We know our music isn’t commercial but there is a growing global market for newer genres of music.
Come to one of our gigs and the multi-coloured audience will be proof of it. And then, after all, we’re not doing this as a hobby. Of course we have intentions of making a living out of this,” she defends. Well, twisted pop has a long way to go, we guess. And if occasional MNC commercials keep borrowing bits of it, the artists will be more than happy.
I have the courage to do unusual stuff-Aamir Khan
Mar 11th
Aamir Khan’s three-hour visit to Mumbai Mirror yesterday was full of light as well as serious moments with topics ranging from films, to Padma Bhushan and everything else in between
By Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 11, 2010)
• You will turn 45 in a couple of days. How do you see the coming year?
I am not taking on any new assignments as an actor this year. I have three earlier commitments as a producer- Peepli Live, Dhobi Ghat and Delhi Belly. I also want to spend time with my mom, children and family. I am only going to be busy professionally as a producer and releasing these three films. I want them to be successful.
• 3 Idiots smashed all box-office records and is being compared to Sholay.
I am thrilled. In 2008, Ghajini broke all records and touched about Rs 300 crore and became the biggest grosser of Indian cinema. I never expected 3 Idiots to go beyond Ghajini in terms of collections. It’s unimaginable.
• Won’t it be an uphill task for you to break your own records?
My approach is never to compete with anyone or anything or even outdo my earlier films. My sole purpose is about the essence of the film, which must come across clearly to the audience and get the success it deserves. I want to do work that excites me and my thought process is not to break records.
• Aren’t you insecure that after the success of 3 Idiots you have three films as a producer but none as an actor?
Each one of us is insecure about something or the other. I don’t want to take any step just because I am insecure. In that sense I have the courage to do unusual stuff. At this point of time there is Peepli Live, Dhobi Ghat where I am also acting and Delhi Belly. My focus right now is Peepli Live as it is releasing first. I think you should just follow your heart.
• Do you feel proud that you were the first actor to set the trend of doing one film at a time and now most actors are following it?
People used to laugh at me and used to say ‘yeh industry se gayaab ho jayega’. But, I am glad that more and more actors are following it as that’s how films should be made. I feel that the main cast and crew should do so too as that’s how you make better films.
• Now that My Name Is Khan’s collections is much less than that of 3 Idiots, do you think that the debate over which Khan rules is finally laid to rest?
(Laughs). There was never any war of supremacy so there is no question of starting or stopping any debate. I am not competing with him (Shah Rukh Khan). I never raised those questions so the answers do not interest me. For me the people who rule the industry are Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Lata Mangeshkar as I idolise them as an audience. I love Shammi (Kapoor) uncle too as it’s a different style and I also love Nargisji (Dutt) and Waheedaji (Rehman).
• These days SRK and you are not passing any comments against each other.
(Laughs). I have never commented about him and I don’t want to start now. I used to respond only to comments he passed about me.
• What is your relationship with him now?
He came to the premier of 3 Idiots and we have spoken on the phone after that once or twice. We don’t interact much and there is no marked difference in our relationship. It’s still the way it has always been – cordial.
• 3 Idiots is also the biggest hit in the overseas market. However there were constant comparisons between 3 Idiots and MNIK. Does it disturb you ?
It doesn’t disturb me as you can’t change facts and the trade knows it all. I can fool the people who do not know the business but I can’t fool you as a journalist as you know the facts. The most important thing for me is to be a part of a film which not only entertains but also make a difference. The fact that 3 Idiots gave students or parents a different point of view and had a positive impact is enough for me. I don’t get any satisfaction by numbers.
• People say you have a success formula as all your films work.
I have always followed my heart and made some crazy decisions. Many times people have told me that you are doing a film with so and so director and that it’s the worst decision. However, it has worked for me. I have been following my heart from the early days of my career. I don’t listen to people or else I would not have done many of my films. Yes I have made mistakes but by and large I am very happy. One can never say that a particular film will be successful.
• Have you started following the trade figures after you turned producer?
No. I understand trade ever since I became an actor. The one thing I won’t do is experiment with anybody’s money. I won’t make a Taare Zameen Par in Rs 40 crore and think that it will makers 100 crore (Incidentally, it did business of over Rs 100 crore). My motto is that everyone connected to my film should make money. I am aware of the fact that I am in a creative field but there is a business aspect to it and I would never be impractical.
• You recently became the youngest Indian to get the Padma Bhushan.
I am honored. I am grateful to my family and fans who love me unconditionally.
• Last year has not been easy personally with Kiran’s miscarriage and the demise of your father.
Yes, the last few years have been traumatic. But that’s life and one has to be able to absorb the difficulty and pain. Losing someone you are close to… I think that (pauses) I think that these are things that every human being has to face at different times. What you have to remember is that you must be strong for other people around you. Life is so fragile.
• Your brother Faisal is back with you.
Faisal has been working with me and I think he is someone who has the ability to overcome all difficulties. He is actively involved with me in my script selections.
• What is your son Junaid doing nowadays?
He is studying commerce. Reena and I are proud of him. This is the age to study and we aren’t going to pressurise him.
• There are reports that Mansoor Khan will make a comeback.
I really wish so as he is so talented. I have been telling him the same thing.
• You will be meeting James Cameron this weekend.
We will be discussing future of cinema and the art of story telling. I’ll meet him for dinner.
Khers changing home to change Sikander’s luck?
Feb 13th
Anupam and Kirron Kher are hunting for a new home in Juhu – allegedly because their current pad isn’t proving as lucky for their son Sikander as it has for them
By Meena Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 13, 2010)
For years now, Anupam Kher, wife Kirron and their son Sikander, have been living in Gigi Apartments in Juhu. A very fancy building, the property was developed by ace-screen villain of the 1980s Ranjit, who earlier owned a palatial bungalow on the same plot.
The apartment was done up very tastefully by Kirron Kher. In fact, Kirron has always been a very house-proud person and taken personal interest in everything that went into the interiors, right from the silver artefacts to the silk cushions.
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| Anupam, Sikander and Kirron Kher |
So it came as a little bit of a shock when a neighbourhood source recently mentioned the Khers no longer lived in the building and have moved out to another address in Juhu – allegedly because they wanted a home that would prove luckier for their son Sikander.
Sikander made his acting debut in Sanjay Gupta’s Woodstock Villa (2008), but his career hasn’t exactly taken off.
Incidentally, Gigi Apartments has proved quite ‘lucky’ for both Anupam and Kirron. Living there, Anupam has not only landed some of the best roles in Bollywood, he also got an international break with Hollywood biggie Woody Allen. Even Kirron’s acting career has been scaling heights, what with her being highly appreciated in big films like Singh is Kingg, Dostana and Kurbaan.
Kirron did not deny that the home had been lucky. “Gigi Apartments is very lucky. It got me my National Award for Bariwali (2000), I did Khamosh Paani (2003) which won me the best actress award at the Locarno Film Festival. Almost everything that Anupam and I did while staying at Gigi Apartments turned to gold.”
At the same time, she also said that they were indeed looking to move out for Sikander’s sake, but it had nothing to do with the luck factor. “I want a huge bedroom and a living area for Sikander. In the old home, there was no scope to extend Sikander’s bedroom. That is why we are selling our old flat and planning on buying something a lot more spacious.”
He ‘Khan’ Do It
Feb 8th
THE MAGICAL TRIO: Kajol and SRK in a still from the film
Bollywood trade experts say Karan Johar’s film will create history
MEENA IYER Times News Network (BOMBAY TIMES; February 8, 2010)
The countdown has begun. There are just four days left for the release of Bollywood’s most-hyped flick, filmmaker Karan Johar’s My Name Is Khan, and the uproar is deafening.
The factions trying to put a spoke in the wheel of MNIK will be clearly outnumbered by a community called SRK junkies who are parched for a full-fledged Shah Rukh Khan flick. MNIK, coming as it is after SRK’s Om Shanti Om (2007) — if you don’t count Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) and Billu (2009) — is being touted by trade experts as a blockbuster even before it opens.
Says Komal Nahata, “From what I know about this film, its script is bound to resonate with a global audience. Without giving away anything from the story, I can tell you that it is the first time that mainstream cinema has addressed the Hindu-Muslim issue in such a sensitive way. And yet, the film has entertainment at its core. It is a fabulous script… and I just get the feeling that the recent controversies that have surrounded it will help rather than hamper its box-office appeal.”
Vikas Mohan says, “How big a hit MNIK will be, can only be talked about after one has seen the film. But, with my eyes closed, I can say it will get a historic opening especially with a multiplex audience. The Karan-SRK-Kajol combination is lethal and it has so far worked.” Vikas also feels that the recent political controversy has raised the film’s prospects at the ticket windows.
Taran Adarsh says, “In my opinion MNIK will be to 2010 what 3 Idiots was to 2009. It will infuse oxygen into Bollywood’s veins. The craze for the film worldwide is far beyond what we can imagine. Shah Rukh and Kajol are a screen pair that is adored by millions. When they combine with Karan, it becomes an invaluable combination.” According to Taran, what is also going to work for the film is the fact that Red Chillies and Dharma Productions have tied up with Fox Star (India) who will release the film in two phases. The first phase will come on February 12, 2010 in the countries where mainstream Bollywood cinema has a definite market and then there will be a deferred release leading up to almost June 2010, where newer markets for Bollywood are being tapped. “It is a brilliant release strategy,” says Taran. Theatre owners across the globe are absolutely in sync with the trade pundits and Bollywood insiders say that the excitement leading up to the movie is a ‘never-beforephenomena’.
