Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged Aamir Khan
Rehan Khan bares it all on Fun cover
Jul 29th
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, July 29, 2010 – 17:28 IST
His performance in movies has surely made people stand up and take notice of is talent, for he is Rehan Khan. Rehan, who is gearing up with his next release, the Aamir Khan starrer Dhobi Ghat, bares out his heart and soul in the latest issue of the magazine Fun.
The newly (re)launched magazine, which has started to create waves is fast becoming popular for its easy readability, and not so explicit content. The mag which features Rehan on the cover also features Celina in the girl’s edition called Fantasy.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Here’s why Ranbir is meeting Rahman often
Jul 29th
To get under the skin of his character in Rockstar, Ranbir Kapoor is frequenting AR Rahman’s studio
Mauli Singh (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 29, 2010)
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| Rana Chakraborty |
While Aamir Khan is known to take interest in the music of a film, rather every film he’s acting in, Ranbir Kapoor is doing it for personal reasons. The actor plays a rockstar in Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar and is working hard to get under the skin of his character.
So, the actor decided to give it his best shot. Since music plays a very important role in the film and AR Rahman is composing it in this one, Ranbir wants to understand it thoroughly. That is why he has started making frequent trips to AR Rahman’s studio.
An insider says, “Ranbir is taking keen interest in the music of the film. The actor knows that music is the soul of this film and that he needs to understand its pulse to really get into his character.”
Apart from taking guitar lessons, Ranbir is also brushing up on his rock music knowledge. Talking to Saif Ali Khan might help?
But just being in the presence of AR Rahman, must prove to be a music lesson in itself for Ranbir.
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| AR Rahman |
Sure enough, the actor apparently just sits quietly at Rahman’s panoramic studio, while watching him work his magical fingers on his digitised equipment.”
Apparently, the character Ranbir plays is a Jim Morrison fan. But for a Rahman-besotted Ranbir, that might just prove to be another challenge.
It’s a tough life for most Bollywood beauties
Jul 29th
WHERE’S THE MONEY, HONEY? (Clockwise) Jacqueline Fernandez, Ameesha Patel, Celina Jaitly, Dia Mirza and Lara Dutta
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 28, 2010)
Blame it on recession, blame it on male superstars who’ve decided to become choosy. Blame it on the reduced number of films Bollywood now makes. Whatever the reason, the fact is that three-quarters of the film industry’s beauties live life in the shadows. Filmmaker Priyadarshan, who gets a knock on his door from many of these actresses, says he feels helpless but there is “only those many actresses who I can accommodate in my movies… and though I’d ideally like to create roles for the number of actresses I meet, it isn’t possible”. A leading producer confirms that when he spread the word that he is auditioning for his new film starting this September, he got calls from a dozen actresses. “Such is the paucity of good projects that when you announce one film, at least 10 good actresses turn up for the same role,” says he.
Sanjay Bhattacharya, a film financier, says that since medium budget movies have become fewer, roles for the middle-order guys and girls have completely dried up. “We’re either making top-order projects done by the A-list actors like the five Khans (Aamir, Shah Rukh, Salman, Saif and Imran), Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, Ajay Devgn and Ranbir Kapoor, or we are making arthouse cinema like Udaan, Tere Bin Laden and Love Sex Aur Dhokha. The typical medium-budget film has become so rare.”
Whether it’s the himbos or the bimbos, with the exception of the top seven guys or girls in Bollywood, most of the others are sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring. Priyanka Kothari admits that after her beneficial stint with Ram Gopal Varma films — James, Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, Sarkar and Agyaat — she is still to find the right break. She admits that post Agyaat she has only shot for regional cinema and a couple of commercials because she is still waiting for a good Bollywood film to materialise. And though many of the other actresses aren’t as candid as her, the fact is that life in the movies has become arduous for many.
It is no exaggeration that the girls who show up in pretty clothes at premieres, survive mainly on dance shows in smaller cities, ribbon cutting, commercial endorsements refused by the more-in-demand actresses, ramp-walking, catalogue shoots and appearances at events. What’s more is that unlike in other professions, where the wait invariably takes its toll on their patience, here in Bollywood, waiting for movies also takes its toll on their pockets. Just check out the list of expenses even the “in-waiting” actresses have to definitely spend on.
COMPULSORY EXPENSES:
Driver
Valet
EMIs for House & Car
Trendy wardrobe
Latest accessories
Beauty Parlour visits
Spa treatments
Gym
Dance class
Net-working lunches
Gifting key people
PR expenses to stay in news
MONEY MATTERS: Neetu Chandra, Priyanka Kothari and Neha Dhupia
I don’t know if it’s Aamir or Shah Rukh-Rajkumar Hirani
Jul 27th
Bollywood’s number one director Rajkumar Hirani won’t reveal who his next leading man is
Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; July 27, 2010)
Rajkumar Hirani is generous to a fault. At his office in Bandra, he is busy distributing books to the people around him. Having just returned from New York after a heavy-duty scripting session, the filmmaker is in a gregarious mood. Filmfare has chosen him the top-ranking director. And the trade is waiting with bated breath to know what Raju will make next, especially since his 3 Idiots is the biggest hit in Bollywood history.
Raju dismisses speculation about making a movie called Hey Bhagwan on 300 Gods. “We have 33 crore Gods,’’ he says, “Why would I choose 300 of those? Unless of course, people think that in three hours I can only accommodate 300. Anyway the important issue here is that I will be making a movie on religion. But media reports saying it deals with 300 Gods is wrong. My writer Abhijat Joshi is here. And we have just got a fix on the idea. The script itself is still to be written. I’m also writing Munnabhai.’’
Asked whether he was flattered to be voted the number one director, Raju says, “My parents will be happy for sure. I will mail them a copy of the latest Filmfare. However, I don’t want to fall into this trap of numbers. I believe that today I’m on top because of 3 Idiots. Tomorrow there may be no film or there could be a film that has not done very well. This can happen. So why fall into this trap? I believe that each film is my first film and I give it all I have. Just because I have three good films behind me, it doesn’t make me allpowerful. I have to still strive to give my best to whatever I undertake. A filmmaker is only as good as his last film.’’
He also dismisses constant media speculation on whether he will make his next with Aamir Khan or Shah Rukh Khan. Says he, “I have worked with the best — Aamir. However, I can’t say who the leading man in my next film is unless I have a ready script. I don’t write films keeping an actor in mind. It goes the other way around.’’
Raju believes that Bollywood is going through the best phase. “While ten years ago we only made love stories with the song-dance fix, now we have makers like Vishal Bhardwaj, Anurag Kashyap and Imtiaz Ali doing different work. Each has his own style and strength. And Hindi cinema is certainly poised for a great take-off.’’ And finally is the world really his oyster? “Yes it is… but I can’t eat it all as the phrase says. I must still be content with eating only a small morsel. In other words, I will continue to make one film in two years. If I get greedy, I will fall flat on my face.’’
Peepli Live actor wants to meet Katrina
Jul 26th
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 26, 2010)
Omkardas Manikpuri, an actor from the prestigious theatre house founded by late Habib Tanvir Sahib, Naya Theatre, was taken completely by surprise when all stars walked to him in praise of the promos of Peepli Live.
Karan Johar, Rani Mukherjee and Sharman Joshi all personally got themselves introduced to Natha (as Manikpuri is fondly known) and told him that they really liked what they saw in promos. Manikpuri now wants to meet Katrina Kaif since he is fascinated by her glamour.
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| Katrina Kaif | Omkardas Manikpuri |
He managed to gather the guts to request Aamir for the same. Aamir was first shocked and then started laughing as he found Natha’s request so adorable.
He promised that once he would be back from the tour of Peepli Live promotions in the UK he would surely arrange a meeting.
When contacted, Omkardas Manikpuri confirmed, “Yes, I have told Aamir sir. It is a very personal request, so I don’t want to talk about it.”
Imran’s got Katrina and Priyanka panting
Jul 26th
Both hotties are now eyeing the light-eyed boy
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 26, 2010)
In the flaky world of films everyone is as good as his last Friday. And the light-eyed Imran Khan, who had a hit in I Hate Luv Storys, is suddenly the object of Bollywood’s desire. Super-hotties Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra, who were chasing Ranbir Kapoor fast and furiously, completely over-looked Imran who was standing in the bylanes post those disasters Kidnap and Luck. In fact, when Sanjay Gadhvi’s 7 Days in Paris with Imran and Kat fell by the wayside after these two actors reportedly had “issues”, Kat didn’t even blink her mascaraed lashes. And PC, too, seemed in no hurry to come to the rescue of the pariah called Imran.
But all that stands changed post IHLS. And, why aren’t we surprised that the hoity-toity actresses now have a different stance on Aamir Khan’s light-eyed nephew. Reliable sources say that after Karan Johar announced his Short Term Shaadi (working title) with Kareena Kapoor and Imran, he reportedly got a message from Kat asking him why she was not selected for the Imran film. It is said that Karan assured her that his banner would be making many more films with Imran and, of course, Kat would be definitely considered for a role with the boy.
Sources close to Priyanka say that she has to choose between two films currently. One is said to be with Imran and the second could be Kunal Kohli’s film with Saif Ali Khan. PC is now in a dilemma on which of the two she should green-light. Her feelings for Imran are ditto that of Kat’s. Post IHLS the boy has the halo.
So, the clever PC is expected to do a photo-session with Imran to check out how good they look together. It clearly means that without saying anything, PC is making her preference evident. Or she may say yes to the Saif film, as well as the Imran one. Till yesterday, Kareena was envious of the fact that Kat and PC had a Ranbir in their kitty. Today the shoe is on the other foot. Both these girls want what Bebo has. Honestly, in this dog-eat-dog industry, the bone of contention is constantly changing. Now Imran has them all panting!
Neil smooches Deepika
Jul 25th
Subhash K Jha | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 25, 2010)
This is funny. Neil Nitin Mukesh had to kiss Deepika Padukone on screen for their forthcoming film Lafangey Parindey and the actor reportedly got cold feet. Not because he’s a virgin screenkisser and, well, Deepika has the experience of kissing Saif Ali Khan before camera for Love Aaj Kal… but, apparently, because Neil’s had a no-kiss policy in all his films so far. His first director Sriram Raghavan had thrown a fit when Neil refused to kiss Rimi Sen. In his second film, Tera Kya Hoga Johnny, director Sudhir Mishra insisted Neil kiss Shahana Goswami. But the actor refused. Even in Jail where there was a love-making scene with Mughda Godse, Neil refused to kiss the sultry actress. But Lafange Parindey director Pradeep Sarkar pulled the plug on Neil’s chastity vow. A source from the set said it was a long, torrid smooch comparable in intensity and duration to the Aamir Khan-Karisma Kapoor kiss in Raja Hindustani. And Neil was nervous! To be kissing the lovely Deepika! Makes us wonder…
SRK wants to catch Akki’s Khatta Meetha
Jul 23rd
King Khan requests a special preview of Akshay Kumar’s latest Khatta Meetha. Clearly, the two archrivals are softening up to each other now
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 23, 2010)
Seems like the monsoons have brought the onset of a new season of friendship. The surprising bit is that these friendly alliances are developing between the unlikeliest of types. After Mumbai Mirror reported about the blossoming camaraderie between Karan Johar and Aamir Khan, here’s another cracker of a story.
There was a time when Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar apparently couldn’t see eye to eye, professionally that is. There were several stories doing the rounds in the industry of their professional rivalry. Being two of the biggest stars in Bollywood today, both Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay did all in their capacity to occupy the number-one-star position.
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Turns out, the rivalry between the actors has suddenly simmered down. SRK met Akshay a month ago on a flight to London. The actors might have interacted with each other on that flight. The result is that King Khan is now very keen on watching Akshay’s latest release Khatta Meetha.
Our source said, “Shah Rukh Khan is in London working on his film RA.One. He will be taking a couple of days off to come to Mumbai next week. During the break he wants to catch up with Akshay’s film Khatta Meetha.
Shah Rukh’s office has requested the producers Ashtavinayak for a print, which he will be watching at the recently-built preview theatre at his residence.
The producers have also agreed, but are asking for a particular date in the coming week for this purpose. This is yet to be finalised. The reason is that SRK is not sure about his plans. He has no clue as to when he would come back to Mumbai. But one thing’s for sure. The day he returns will definitely be booked for watching the film.”
Another source said, “This is a newfound friendship; Akshay and SRK are known to be rivals. A while ago SRK landed up on the sets of Patiala House in Film City, where Akshay was shooting. They chatted for quite long. Now SRK is keen to watch Akshay’s film. That means the two archrivals are getting friendly.”
There are after all no permanent friends and no permanent enemies.
Everybody wants a national award
Jul 20th
All the reigning stars want it by hook or by crook
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 20, 2010)
The National Award has become the bone of contention in Bollywood with everyone, from truly competent actors to cardboard cut-outs, fantasising about it. Like Aamir Khan, who cold shoulders popular film awards, but made it a point to accept the National Award for Taare Zameen Par. Priyanka Chopra, who won the National Award for her role in Fashion, mentions this acting honour in every personal and professional conversation without fail. Katrina Kaif and Vidya Balan are hopeful that their names will feature in the nominations for Raajneeti and Ishqiya this year. Prakash Jha has already predicted that his lead pair, Ranbir Kapoor and Kat, will pick up National Awards for their performances. And Kareena Kapoor has only one clear objective in doing Madhur’s Heroine. A source close to the actress says, “She wants to win the National Award come hell or high water.’’ While Madhur, who has picked up the National Award for Chandni Bar, Page 3 and Traffic Signal, and calls it the Oscars of India, says, “These awards mean the world to me. I definitely feel my stock has gone up having bagged them.’’
But, of course, there is also a more interesting flip side to this new-found Bollywood obsession. A trade analyst says, “The National Award is just an ego massage for the actor/filmmaker that gets it. They have no bearings on the box office. Shah Rukh Khan hasn’t won a single one so far. He was a close contender for Swades but they overlooked him for some strange reason. Yet there is no denying that he is Bollywood’s biggest box office draw.’’
It is alleged that the National Awards are also shrouded in controversy. While the grapevine insists that some amount of wheeling-dealing in the corridors of power has helped one veteran filmmaker bag an award in some category or the other, there is also the instance of how these acting honours were deferred one year because of some mud-slinging between disgruntled jury members. Saif Ali Khan’s award for a film like Hum Tum came in for a lot of flak just the way Raveena Tandon’s award for Daman did. And when Arjun Rampal picked up his National Award for Best Supporting Actor for Rock On recently, a serious actor joked, “I have hidden my National Awards in the basement now.’’ And another actor’s cellphone status said, “Awards are like haemorrhoids, sooner or later even the undeserving get it.’’ But criticism and caustic comments apart, Bollywood continues to be obsessed with India’s highest acting honours.
Rani comes out for Aamir
Jul 17th
The much talked about music launch of Aamir Khan’s next production saw the star make a rare public appearance
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 15, 2010)
The recent music launch of Peepli Live was buzzing with the crème-de-la-crème of Bollywood but all heads turned when Rani walked through the door. With her freshly crimped hair and a beige dress to compliment her figure, the kohl-eyed Bong-shell had all eyes turn to her in no time.
While the launch saw most of the 3 Idiots team members, including Raju Hirani, Sharman Joshi, Ashutosh Gowariker and Prasoon Joshi, Rani was occasionally seen hobnobbing with Karan Johar and Kiran Rao. But most importantly, for the entire 20 minutes that Rani was present at the launch, she spent most of the night chatting with close friend Aamir, who would lend his chivalrous arm to her every now and then and listen patiently to what she was saying.
Who says Rani Mukerji is a recluse? Her shocking appearance at the music launch proves otherwise. Though she turned up just before the event got over, it was a pleasant surprise for those who believe that she shies away from making such public appearances. For one, the actress likes to socialise. Plus, she’s fond of music.
A source present there said, “Rani came just a few minutes before the event got over. Aamir gave her a low-down on what all happened and was overheard asking her why she was late. Rani replied that she was stuck in the traffic and was apologetic about being late. Rani was seen chilling with Karan Johar also who is extremely close to her and both of them left together from the party.”
Calling Rani an extrovert, a source close to the actress said, “Rani has never cut off ties with anybody as reported by the media. She doesn’t attend all events but she is known to make an exception for Aamir because they happen to be very thick.”
As for her friendship with Aamir, Rani has always made it a point to be present at each and every event that he organises.
Ever since she worked with him in Ghulam, she has been one of Aamir’s closest friends and he too has remained in touch with her over the years. The source added, “Be it Aamir’s Diwali party or his birthday bash, Rani makes sure to be with him if she is in town. She is also among the few trusted friends of Aamir who makes it a point to show his films and his first trials to her for critique. The close friendship between the two has rarely been public though.”
Not after this music launch.
