Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged Anil Kapoor
Priyanka Chopra in Race 2
Sep 5th
By Nikhil Ramsubramaniam, September 4, 2010 – 15:05 IST
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One of the most awaited sequels is Race 2. After the super response to Race, the combo of director duo Abbas-Mustan and producer Ramesh Taurani (Tips) is all set to return with yet another high octane thriller. The casting of Race 2 has been a much talked about topic among industry folks and on last count it was heard that Anil Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan and John Abraham are part of the project while the leading ladies were yet to be finalized.
However, the latest is that the makers have just signed Priyanka Chopra for one of the main female leads. Confirming this, producer Ramesh Taurani says, “Yes Priyanka Chopra has been finalized for Race 2 while we are still on the look out for 2 more heroines.” On being asked, whom the actress was paired opposite, Taurani said, “That you will have to wait and watch as Race 2 is also full of twists and turns.”
Taurani also denied the rumours doing the rounds about Saif walking out of the project. “All these stories are completely false. Saif is very much a part of Race 2. He along with Anil Kapoor, John Abraham, and now Priyanka Chopra are the actors who are confirmed on board.”
With Priyanka joining the cast, Race 2 only gets hotter and hotter. We can’t wait!
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Sanjay Gupta planning a multi-starrer next
Aug 31st
By Taran Adarsh, August 31, 2010 – 08:31 IST
Here’s a quick clarification about Sanjay Gupta’s next film. A section of the media has reported that the maverick film-maker is planning to remake a Spanish film, which is expected to star the Deol brothers – Sunny and Bobby – in principal roles. The news is partly true, partly false.
Partly true: Gupta is remaking a Spanish film. But the other part of the news – the casting – is completely wrong. The fact is that it’s a four-hero project and Gupta hasn’t signed anyone as yet. “I haven’t signed Sunny or Bobby. We are still scripting,” he sets the record straight. The truth is, Gupta will start the film early next year, after the Meghna Gulzar film, produced by him, is complete.
As far as the casting of Gupta’s film is concerned, there’re whispers that he is planning to cast Anil Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Arjun Rampal in principal roles. Awaiting the official confirmation from Gupta.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Mallika signs Double Dhamaal without discussing money
Aug 25th
By Subhash K. Jha, August 25, 2010 – 11:39 IST
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After reaching a dead-end with her career in Bollywood (her one and only hit was Pyar Ke Side Effects, not counting the cameo with Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor in Welcome) and with her purported global re-re-re-launch in Hissss showing no sign of release (the date has now gone from August to November) Mallika has signed on the dotted line for the Dhamaal sequel Double Dhamaal with exceptional enthusiasm.
Maybe it’s the pleasure of being cast opposite Sanjay Dutt or maybe just the delight of being accepted back in Bollywood. But once known to charge anything from 1 to 1.5 crore rupees (not dollars) in Bollywood, now she has apparently refused to discuss money with producer Ashok Thakeria from Los Angeles (where her tweeted claims to friendship with Hollywood biggies has been roundly questioned).
Says the producer, “Mallika said she will take anything we give her. She’s just happy to be a part of brand like Dhamaal and that too opposite Sanjay Dutt.”
One hopes Ashok doesn’t take that too seriously.
In the meanwhile the other leading lady Kangna Ranaut of Double Dhamaal has also been very generous about the remuneration. Says Thakeria, “Kangna’s work is looked after by Rakesh Nath (Rikku). My director Indra Kumar and I go back a long way with Rikku (Rikku was secretary to Madhuri Dixit who starred in Thakeria-Indra Kumar’s Beta and Dil). So Kangna said money was not an issue here.”
Kangna is teamed up with the talented Riteish Deshmukh in Double Dhamaal.
With two such over-generous leading ladies signed on, Thakeria and Indra Kumar have a lot to celebrate. So they did, when they met up at Riteish’s home on Tuesday evening for a script reading.
Says Thakeria, “Instead of having a proper workshop with the actors, Riteish suggested an informal get-together at his home. All of us barring Mallika (who is in LA) and Sanjay Dutt (who is in South Africa) from the Double Dhamaal team – Kangna, Javed Jaffrey, Ashish Chowdhry, Indra Kumar and I met up at Riteish’s house for a script reading. We were cracking up after every line. It was that funny.”
Let’s hope the audience agrees when the film releases.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
I’ve gone from big to bigger- Anil Kapoor
Aug 25th
Anil Kapoor is riding high on his role in smash hit TV series ’24′, which will be premiering on Indian television soon
Robit Bansal | TNN (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 24, 2010)
Anil Kapoor is going great guns. After the international acclaim following Slumdog Millionaire, he is all set to make his debut on the Indian television scenario with the final season of American series 24. He describes the action drama as “bigger than the biggest” he has done in India.
“This small screen (24) was bigger than the big screen that I have done in India. It was bigger than the biggest that I’ve ever done,” says Anil. And how’s that? “For example, the scale of every episode was bigger than any of the films I’ve done in the past. The entire series is worth $125-150 million. I’ve never done such a big show in my career. It was very special,” adds the 50-year-old.
Based in New York (shot in Los Angeles), the around-$150 million 24 is an action-drama series starring Kiefer Sutherland in the lead as special agent Jack Bauer. The show is presented in the semblance of real time, with each 24-episode season covering 24 hours in the life of Bauer. This is the eighth and final season of the show. Anil plays Omar Hassan, president of a fictional Islamic Republic of Kamistan (IRK), who visits USA on a peace mission to meet the president of the Unites States.
“I am definitely the first mainstream star from India to have this kind of job opportunity on television there,” he said. “There is a threat to my life and the story begins from there. I play one of the most pivotal leads of the show. I am there in most of the series.”
So how long was he in the US for the show? “I was there (LA) for six months. Basically, I was coming and going. I was also shooting a film No Problem in India and South Africa. So in between, I shot two schedules of the film too,” he says. And how was his international experience? “The experience has been very enriching and educative – something which I’ve never had. It was wonderful and creatively very uplifting. It has given me tremendous exposure. Never in my 30-year career have I got this kind of appreciation. It was almost as if I was some kind of ambassador from India and had made a difference to their lives. I was so overwhelmed. I think it went beyond professional respect,” says Anil.
And the actor doesn’t shy away from conceding that “it was all because of Slumdog Millionaire.” Rumours are rife that he is keen to move on from the Slumdog Millionaire success.
Ask him about it, and he says, “You always have to attach and detach and that is the only way you can create more. I don’t get attached to it and start living in past glory. I don’t want to do that. I just want to move on and look at the future rather than looking at the past.” Has Bollywood taken a backseat? “No. I can’t forget my roots. I am what I am because of that. I have moved on and I’ll do that also but I’ll keep on doing this,” he says.
He is now waiting to know the reaction of his Indian fans to his transition. “There is no transition, because for me it was from big to bigger. But I am curious and anxious to know their reactions. I am waiting,” he says. And what about the future projects? Is he working on anything currently? “I’ve got the sequels to Race, No Entry and Mr. India,” he says. He may star in Priyadarshan’s action movie. He is also in talks with Sophia Loren’s son, actor Ben Stiller and Fox Television.
King of Comedies strikes again with ‘No Problem’
Aug 24th
By Taran Adarsh, August 24, 2010 – 08:31 IST
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That Anees Bazmee has an impeccable track record as a writer/director is known to all and sundry. No wonder his films are eagerly awaited. The King of Comedies, who has three solid Hits behind him [NO ENTRY, WELCOME and SINGH IS KINNG], is all set to unleash his new laughathon NO PROBLEM, which, like his previous films, also boasts of an impressive star cast and is aimed at tickling your funny bone.
The expectations from NO PROBLEM are humungous and if one goes by the promos of the film, Anees seems to have pulled it off yet again. This writer had the privilege of watching the promos [rough cut] and also an entire song ['Mast Punjabi'] from this keenly anticipated film and I have to confess, the goings-on are truly funny. The song, filmed on the entire cast, is sure to be a rage with not just Punjabis, but also non-Punjabis.
Looks like Anees and Anil Kapoor [who produces the film] have a sure-shot winner on hand. NO PROBLEM is in post-production stages and is slated for release in December this year.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Anil turns TV producer
Aug 24th
…even as he’s busy reliving his days as a struggling newcomer
Aakanksha Naval-Shetye | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; August 24, 2010)
Anil Kapoor has for long maintained a safe distance from the small screen. Having dodged several TV shows, including turning down lucrative offers to host reality and game shows, he even refrained from doing TV commercials except for one. However, now Anil’s finally taken the plunge and made his TV debut in an international television series alongside action star Kiefer Sutherland. And so pleasant was the experience that the actor is now keen to produce a TV show himself. “I won’t divulge the details, but it’s not a reality show. It will be an entirely new format and concept, something that’s never been seen on Indian television before,” he says.
As for his international TV debut, Anil’s excited about the reviews he’s been getting overseas. “It’s been a great learning experience. I hope to incorporate a lot of that in our own productions here. They have immense respect for us.” Buzz was also that Anil was complimented for his fit looks as he was for his performance. Anil’s looks belie his age, but his body of work gives away his Bollywood age! And after 30 years of being a part of the industry, the actor feels that life has come a full circle. With so many new ventures lined up, Anil says that he’s feeling the same high and excitement that he had felt as a struggler.
“I have much more on my platter than I can handle and it’s a good feeling because it’s keeping me on my toes. I feel like an absolute newcomer!” he declares. “The only difference is that back then I had to think about earning my daily bread and my responsibilities towards family, but today I am doing it for myself and have nothing to lose.” Juggling between his production house, finalising several more international projects and shooting for his films here including Priyadarshan’s Bullet and Abbas Mustan’s Race 2, Anil’s been working around the clock and has no plans of slowing down. So, is direction on the cards too? “No, that’s not on my mind at all. I am happier being in front of the camera,” he smiles.
Anil kicks out Priyan from Freaky Friday remake?
Aug 17th
Did Anil Kapoor backtrack on having Priyarshan direct the Indian remake of Freaky Friday ?
Sonal Chawla (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 17, 2010)
Anil Kapoor knows what is best for his daughter Sonam Kapoor. Despite his latest production Aisha having not set the cash registers ringing, Anil is already headlong into his next production, a remake of Hollywood movie Freaky Friday. And freaky it is!
The concerned father has decided to replace the ace director Priyadarshan, who he had initially planned to get onboard to direct this Hollywood remake. Having bought the remake rights of Walt Disney Productions’ Jamie Lee Curtis-Lindsay Lohan starrer Freaky Friday, Anil was all charged up to go with Priyadarshan.
Explaining what led to Anil’s decision, our source said, “Anil is very close to Priyan sir and had spoken to him regarding this Hollywood remake. He wanted Priyadarshan to direct this flick for his daughter and wanted to have Kirron Kher in the role of the mother. But Anil changed his mind because he suddenly felt that Priyan Sir wouldn’t be the best choice for Freaky Friday. Anil is looking out for another director to direct Freaky Friday.
Now, Kapoor wants Priyadarshan to direct an action film for his production house instead, a genre that he feels the director will be better at.”
When contacted, Priyadarshan said, “Walt Disney has the rights of Freaky Friday and Anil has bought it from them. It was Disney who came up to me with the script after they sold the rights to Anil Kapoor. But there were some issues in the script and I have sent it back to make changes. I have asked them to Indianise the story, and if it turns out well, I shall direct it.”
When asked whether Anil had asked him to now do an action flick instead of Freaky Friday, Priyadarshan said, “I am doing an action film for Venus, with Anil acting in it. As far as making an action flick for Anil Kapoor Productions is concerned, we’re talking about it. But let’s see what comes of it in the near future.”
Despite repeated attempts, Anil did not revert to calls and text messages. Guess Anil freaked out.
JP Dutta to complete his war trilogy
Aug 11th
The director is planning a third film in honour of his brother who died serving the Indian Air Force
Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 11, 2010)
After his last not-so-epic remake, Umrao Jaan, J.P Dutta has decided to go back to making war films. After Border and the four-hour-long LOC, the director is planning to start work on the final film that will complete his war trilogy. Dutta has dedicated all his war films to his brother, who died while serving the Indian Air force.
Dutta’s film will feature Sanjay Dutt, Sunil Shetty, Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan and Naseeruddin Shah. While Sanjay, Sunil and Naseer have worked with Dutta before, Anil and Irrfan are first-timers. The filmmaker is also apparently in talks with Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan and Abhishek Bachchan.
Reminiscing the past, the director says, “I’ve subconsciously dedicated all my war films to my brother Deepak. He was a squadron leader in the Air Force. He died while on duty. My first film as a director, Sarhad (featuring Vinod Khanna) was in memory of my brother but the film was never completed.
If I had done so, my war trilogy would have been done. And I wouldn’t be daring another war film in a day and age when films are about being young and carefree with absolutely no sense of history.”
Despite the cynicism the director seems optimistic as he describes his new war film as the most challenging one he has ever made. He says, “It’s going to be a very expensive project.”
So, at the moment Dutta is busy meeting with officials of various ministries of the Indian government, to get permission to shoot in war-sensitive areas.
Says Dutta, “While I was making Border and LOC, the Indian government was very kind. They probably think that I know what I am doing when I’m dealing with the topic of war. And I’m grateful for that faith.”
Ira makes her big, Bollywood debut!
Aug 5th
BOMBAY TIMES (August 5, 2010)
Ira Dubey is all set to make her Bollywood debut with Anil Kapoor’s Aisha. However, the world of showbiz isn’t new to Ira, who’s the younger daughter of actress Lillete Dubey. Ira has been performing on stage since the age of six and has studied theatre and been a film critic on the filmbased show Chicks on Flicks. She says, “Films haven’t been on my agenda till now. I had acted in The President is Coming, but that was like a dress rehearsal. Aisha is a different, but fantastic new ball game and I am looking forward to pursuing a career in Hindi cinema with total focus now!”
Ira feels today, actors of every kind are getting a chance to make a mark in Bollywood. Armed with “hopefully, even half of my mother’s talent”, the actress senses that even though the mirch masala will never go out, realism and freshness are the order of the day. Ira plays Pinky Bose — Aisha’s best friend — in the movie that releases this Friday. The actress insists she’s tried to make this over-the-top, comical, character a bit different. “Pinky’s got a Punjabi gregariousness and zest for life, plus an outrageously flamboyant dress sense. I decided to give her spectacles, a dry, sarcastic sense of humour and a Bengali-esque sharp intellect, so she’s got a bit of both sides,” she says.
Ira is eager to begin her Bollywood innings. “I’m making sure I don’t get typecast and stuck in a mould! I’m extremely excited and eager to try everything. For now, I want to move away from roles that are just glamourous. I want to work with directors like Vishal Bhardwaj, Sudhir Mishra, Imtiaz Ali, Ayan Mukerji and Dibakar Banerjee, Zoya Akhtar and Karan Johar. And I want people to see that I can play a village belle, a glamourous character, the romantic heroine or a quirky fashionista with equal ease,” she says.
Abhay boycotts Aisha promotions?
Aug 2nd
Ritesh Sidhwani, producer of his forthcoming feature Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, did not allow him to fly down from Spain. But rumours that he’s being sidelined from the campaign irked the actor
Sonal Chawla (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 02, 2010)
Abhay Deol, lead actor of the Sonam Kapoor starrer Aisha, is missing in action from the promotions of the film. The movie, which is releasing this Friday, does not see Abhay anywhere as he is shooting for Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara; he supposedly didn’t get permission from his producers to fly down.
Aisha producer Anil Kapoor did have a word with producer of Zoya’s movie Ritesh Sidhwani but they couldn’t allow Abhay to fly down for the promotions, as he has combined dates with his co-actors for the Spain schedule.
A source reveals, “Aisha stars Abhay and Sonam in the lead and it is surprising to see Abhay missing from all the promotional activities and Sonam everywhere. The solo reason is that his dates were given to Zoya well in advance and the movie release date suddenly popped up and in no way could he adjust his schedule and just fly down. He did finish all the television interviews and chat shows before he left for Spain but the fact that he is not present close to the release date is surprising.”
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Yet, there are issues that this disappearing act brings to the fore. There were reports of Abhay having misgivings during the filming and being unhappy with his role. The source continues, “Abhay was peeved with certain things. Flying down for even one promotional activity will cost his producers three days minimum in Spain.”
Producer Anil Kapoor said, “Yes, I did speak to Ritesh Sidhwani before Abhay left. And I have been in touch with Abhay but he couldn’t fly down as there will be date issues with his other co-actors. I wanted Abhay to fly down to London (considering he is in Spain) but even not possible.”
He adds, “Abhay has done his set of TV interviews and chat shows, but couldn’t be a part of the promotional activities.” Yet one can’t help but wonder why Abhay would give London a skip given that it is a short flight.
Ritesh Sidhwani remained unavailable for comment.
