Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged august 6
Salman sells his heart to a segway
Aug 7th
Sonal Chawla and Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 06, 2010)
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| Salman on his segway |
No, we don’t have anything against Neil Nitin Mukesh riding his segway, but Salman Khan riding one makes for a better picture.
On Wednesday, the actor sold his sports bike to a TV actor Mridul Singhvi, who confirmed it too.
Sallu’s latest passion is the segway.
You wonder if Salman’s passion is restricted to two-wheelers.
After a bicycle and a sports bike, the segway is his most prized possession.
A source reveals, “Salman discovered the segway, a few months ago.
The actor loves it so much that he carried the vehicle to his shooting sets in Karjat. Aren’t you glad the vehicle accommodates just one, Sallu?
Manyata gifts Sanju Bentley on his bday
Aug 7th
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 06, 2010)
Marriage to Sanjay Dutt has secured her a permanent place in the first wives club in Bollywood. Sanjay Dutt is known to have showered his wife Manyata with loads of gifts and holidays to exotic destinations. Last heard, he bought his wife some very expensive diamonds. And now, as most first wives do, Manyata is matching steps with her husband.
Dutt celebrated his 51st birthday recently, albeit away from home, as he is currently travelling all over South Africa, location hunting for his first home production Rascals.
But what put Sanjay on cloud nine was Manyata’s gift of a Black Bentley to celebrate his birthday. She booked the car on her husband’s birthday, July 29, which will be delivered around the time of Diwali, in November.
Our source said, “Sanju had gifted diamonds to his wife on her birthday and she has now returned the gesture with a Bentley. Sanju has been a lover of cars and has around four of them, including an SUV.” He has nurtured a desire to own a Bentley, for long. “The mood of the family right now is very upbeat, especially with the news of new arrivals, believed to be twins.
The car, the price of which is said to be running into crores, was booked on Sanjay’s birthday and will be delivered in three months,” added our source.
When contacted Dharam Oberoi, business manager of Sanjay Dutt confirmed the news and said, “Yes bhabhi has booked a Bentley for Sanju sir. It was bhabhi’s idea to gift it on his birthday but the car will be delivered in Diwali.”
Dutt’s profit, Gupta’s loss
Aug 7th
Sanjay Dutt will produce Khote Sikkey for director Soham Shah. Sanjay Gupta, who was initially producing the film, is no longer a part of the project
Mauli Singh (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 06, 2010)
After a major tiff with production partner Sanjay Gupta, Sanjay Dutt has decided to pay him back in his own coin. Dutt will produce the film Khote Sikkey for director Soham Shah, who was initially making the film with Sanjay Gupta. Hence, Sanjay Dutt, who was initially only starring in the film, will now produce it as well.
Soham seems more excited about the project this time. He says, “It’s a big budget action-thriller starring five heroes and a heroine. It’s not another Kaante but something on similar lines. We plan to shoot extensively in Malaysia early next year.”
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| Sanjay Dutt |
Before we probe further, Soham starts singing Dutt’s praises, “It is Sanjay Dutt’s concept. He came with this idea and it was he who wanted me to make this film.” We don’t doubt that Soham.
When asked if Khote Sikkey is the film Soham was initially making with Sanjay Gupta, Soham says, “Yes the film I am making with Sanjay Dutt is the same film that I was supposed to make with Gupta. We had titled it Khote Sikkey.”
And does Sanjay Gupta know about the recent developments? Soham’s reply seems oddly dismissive. He says, “I have nothing to do with Sanjay Gupta now. I was signed for Khote Sikkey under his company, White Feathers when Sanjay Dutt was also a part of it. During that period, when I was interacting with White Feathers on the project, I didn’t speak to Gupta directly. I had no interaction with Sanjay Gupta.”
According to an insider, “when Soham was directing Khote Sikkey and the film was being produced by Gupta, the tentative cast included Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal Nana Patekar and Fardeen Khan.
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| Sanjay Gupta |
Sanjay Gupta was quite excited about the project. But after his fallout with Dutt the project got stuck. Apparently, Sanjay Dutt walked out of the film and told the rest of the cast not to act in it either.”
Sanjay Gupta’s much needed reaction to this is, “In 2006, Soham was going to make a film titled Khote Sikkey with White Feathers but that film got shelved because of my fallout with Sanjay Dutt. Now I’m making a different film.” Meanwhile, Dharam Oberoi (CEO, Sanjay Dutt Productions) says, “Soham is making a film with us but I don’t know if it is Khote Sikkey.” Despite text messages to Sanjay Dutt, he remained unavailable for comment.
I have been exceptionally unlucky in my love life-Kangna Ranaut
Aug 7th
Indu Mirani (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 06, 2010)
Dressed in a wispy Stella McCartney dress, relaxed at home surrounded by family and dog, Kangna Ranaut basks in the success of her latest film. With her legs folded under her, she looks like a little girl but comes to life and is all-woman when our photographer enters the room. That’s typically her, an actress who can change mood and look in seconds as she talks about her life and where she sees it going.
• Could you ever submit yourself and your career totally to one man the way your character did in Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai?
Gosh no, the thought is scary. Thank God we don’t live in those times when we could be told that if we did or didn’t do something we would be shot. I am very happy to be living in the times I do when things are cool and we can date whoever we want to without fear of repercussions. I am in Mumbai because here I have freedom. If I have to be told what to do I would rather live in Manali, with its social pressures.
• So much of freedom and you aren’t even dating?
Trust me I am exercising my freedom but because I am surrounded only by married guys, I don’t get a chance to go on dates. Freedom is not about walking into a club and saying hey, I’m single. I always say that I am late by 10 years in the industry because all our best heroes, directors and producers who I deal with daily are married and have children. Unfortunately, I never meet any businessman, investment banker or engineer, and even if I do all they want is an autograph.
• This seems to make you sad…
Yeah, it is sad at times. I am young and all my friends are dating or getting married but I have been exceptionally unlucky with love. None of my relationships have really worked.
A lot of my friends have been in love for 10 years and are now getting married. But I didn’t meet any guy in school; I grew up and just randomly dated. That’s why I say I have been exceptionally unlucky. Today, I am totally open to somebody match-making for me.
• What have your characters taught you about yourself?
It is weird that whatever I have learnt about myself, my life or other people, it has been through my work. I am not well educated. And though I read a lot even more than that I observe people, see their expressions and emotions and every script and every story tells me so much about life and people. During Gangster itself I realised that I am exceptionally talented. So now I don’t underestimate myself.
The other thing I have learnt about myself is that there are many sides to me. I can be extremely aggressive and I can be extremely tender. And because I have been subjected to the most difficult circumstances at a very young age, I tend to behave like a man most of the time. When I meet a man I act so much like him that I evoke more competition than desire in him. But when I emote romance, a very soft and feminine side to me emerges.
• And from being a part of the film industry…
There is one thing about the film industry that hurts me very much. And that is that the industry on the whole is very partial to its own people. I know that if Gangster had flopped, then, despite my performance, I would have never been given another chance. But I am God’s favoured child so no one can do anything about it. I have a success percentage of 99 per cent which sometimes surprises me too.
Actors who belong to the industry are given chance upon chance till they make it, which is ok, but when there is an exceptional talent, the industry should be kinder to them. It should not be all about babalog and babylog.
There is no doubt that our work is given not only less appreciation but also less respect. Otherwise why would I have been jobless for a year between Life in A Metro and Fashion?
• You were not offered any roles?
I was offered roles but they were all B-grade or C-grade films. Today people are very kind but I remember a time when they would do everything to keep me out of the big league.
• And are you being selective now?
No. I don’t want to only have two films a year. I am in the process of experimentation. I will keep doing comedy, thriller, dancing singing roles, intense characters and romantic love stories so that by the middle of 2012 or so I will know my forte. I am probably the actress working on the maximum films. I have seven releases coming up and am working on five films. If I have signed 15 films, you can figure that I must have been offered at least 25.
• What are your securities and insecurities at this point?
My biggest security is my talent, my passion, my enthusiasm. My inspiration comes from within and I totally ignore people who are negative. When I am low and my father tries to be supportive and says, “You don’t need to do this. Why are you crying and feeling bad? Don’t forget we have a beautiful house, we can go back to it” I am like, “Can you please go from here?” Whenever I am upset my inspiration comes from within. My spirit is all I have.
Like any other person I feel extremely insecure, sometimes. Today I am on my way to doing things that will take me to my goal, the things that will make me happy and feel complete.
But my biggest fear is that what if I get there and then don’t get that feeling? What if I feel this is not what I should have done. Is this the meaning that everyone is looking for in life? That really scares me.
‘Hello Ajay… I’m Mrs SRK’
Aug 6th
Gauri Khan breaks the ice… approaches Ajay Devgn
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; August 6, 2010)
Bollywood, like politics, makes strange bedfellows. That Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol are not just the screen’s best couple but also the greatest of friends, is known. But that the Bollywood Badshah and Kajol’s husband, superstar Ajay Devgn, cannot get along… has remained both families’ secret.
The two actors have been cold with each other for 15 years, after their casting for Karan Arjun (1995) fell through. Both have moved on since then, and claim that time has healed all differences, but SRK and Ajay yet maintain a safe distance professionally and socially. Now, that ice appears to have been broken by Bollywood Badshah’s wife, Gauri Khan. At a party earlier this week thrown by designer Anna Singh, people were surprised to see Gauri in close and animated conversation with Ajay.
A socialite said, “Jaiveer (Anna’s husband) had a birthday bash, which was attended by Gauri and her close friends Bhavna Panday and Neelam Kothari among others. Ajay, who is close to Anna and Jaiveer, was also there. When Gauri spotted Ajay, she went up to him to congratulate the actor for his performance in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai.”
Naturally, Ajay was pleased to receive the compliment from Mrs Shah Rukh Khan. And after Gauri took the initiative, her gang of girls also jumped into the conversation with Ajay. Bollywood’s inner circle believe it won’t be long before the two actors bury the hatchet. SRK could use the excuse of calling on the Devgns when Kajol delivers the couple’s second baby in October.
I love Victorian romances-Sonam Kapoor
Aug 6th
Sonam Kapoor says her film with Abhay Deol is the perfect love story
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; August 6, 2010)
Throughout her schooling days in Singapore, Sonam Kapoor had her share of secret admirers. The actress says she was always getting flowers and cards anonymously and like all teenagers, she loved the attention. She grew up like most young girls on a dose of Jane Austen’s literature. “Emma was a special favourite even then,” recalls the tall, lissome, gorgeous actress who is currently riding a wave of supersuccess. As luck would have it, director Rajshree Ojha walked into Sonam’s life with Aisha based on Emma. And the actress felt it was destiny.
Her father’s banner, Anil Kapoor Film Company, and PVR Pictures Pvt Ltd turned her dream into a reality when they agreed to produce Aisha that is releasing today. “My sister Rhea slipped into the role of a producer most naturally. It’s a fresh, youthful film about relationships and it’s my next release after the superhit I Hate Luv Storys. I’m glad dad didn’t insist we make a formula love story.”
Sonam says everything about Aisha is exciting. It has that silent, strong, handsome hero (in this case Abhay Deol) bringing a change in this wetbehind-the-ears girl. “What is interesting about the film is that it is a Victorian style romance, the kind I just love, but at the same time, it has a very contemporary feel. My fabulous wardrobe is a bonus.”
The actress says Abhay and she got along famously. “He is such a confident, super actor and there was so much I learnt from him. You know the character that Abhay plays in the film is the sort every woman will fall in love with. He is classy, extremely secure and he can sweep you off your feet.” Advocating love stories to one and all, the actress says, “I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. And somehow, I think there must be several hopeless romantics like me out there who get turned on with a good love story. I’m hoping Aisha also finds that kind of a loyal audience.”
The incurable romantic, Sonam, who has put even her Hollywood offers on hold to concentrate on her career in India, says, “The tall, dark, mysterious six-foot lover is someone every girl dreams of. Aisha is no different. Her story has that fairytale like quality that I’m sure will click.”
Its Chick-Flick time, say Anil’s daughters
Aug 2nd
LIFT KARA DE: Ira Dubey, Amrita Puri, Arunoday Singh, Cyrus Sahukar, Sonam Kapoor and Lisa Haydon strike a pose with Anil Kapoor in their arms
… and the actor and filmmaker is an excited father this week
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; August 2, 2010)
It’s not his birthday that he’s being given birthday bumps… but daughter Sonam and the cast of Aisha, which counts down to a worldwide release on August 6, seriously think Anil Kapoor is a jolly good fellow. The astute filmmaker and internationally famous Bollywood actor beams as they pick him up and toss him in the air. “I’m a very proud father. My daughters Sonam and Rhea have turned out to be absolute gems. And presenting Rhea’s film is one of the high because I have a strong gut feeling on it. I also sensed Rhea’s capability as a producer; and of course, I already know Sonam’s prowess as an actress.’’
The savvy-n-smart 20-something Rhea laughs as she remembers her dad telling her, “I hope you aren’t trapping me into making some arty film.’’ That, of course, was a good-natured jibe. She recalls that from the time Sonam and she read Rajshri Ojha’s script, they both wanted to be on board this complete commercial chick-flick that is carrying the buzz. For said okay to making this film, he flew to the US for 24. And I was left holding the baby. It is unbelievable, but I seriously didn’t think I had it in me to take responsibility for a crew of 120 people,’’ says the youngster.
And now that her baby is ready, Rhea feels the entire journey was well worth it. “I enjoyed sinking my teeth into everything from the script to Sonam’s shoes. And though Sonam was annoyed with me for butting into everything, I’m proud to say that I was the allcontrolling producer,’’ adds Rhea. Sonam younger sister. “I’m so proud of her,’’ says the actress, who is high from the success of her last release I Hate Luv Storys. “Aisha is the coming-of-age chick flick that will appeal to women of every age and social strata. Not to forget it’s a Victorian love story that the guys will find equally exciting. It’s super-special to me because it is Rhea’s first baby. Rhea is the perfect foil to me. I’m impulsive and shoot-my-mouth off. She is pragmatic and tough.’’
And the screen character Aisha is said to be a heady combination of these star daughters!
Kajraare shifted ahead
Jul 27th
By Taran Adarsh, July 27, 2010 – 08:26 IST
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KAJRAARE has been pushed ahead! Initially slated for release on 6th August, the film will now release on Eid, on 10th September. That’s the buzz in the industry. The postponement has come as a surprise, since the promotion of the film is in full gear.
Bhushan Kumar, the producer of KAJRAARE, sheds light on the issue, “Yes, we are not releasing the film on 6th August. In fact, we haven’t taken a call on the new date yet.” The buzz is that the film will now hit the screens on Eid. Will it withstand the tough competition posed by DABANGG and WE ARE FAMILY? “It’s uncertain at the moment. We will arrive at a decision [on the new date] within a week or so,” he states.
Why this sudden shift? “Our distributors are of the opinion that we shouldn’t release the film during the holy month of Ramzan. Also, since we are planning to have a really big release in Pakistan, releasing the film during Ramzan would’ve hampered the business prospects. In view of the fact, we decided to shift the film to a latter date,” the head honcho of T-Series reveals.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Himesh’s Kajraare postponed to Eid?
Jul 23rd
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 23, 2010)
Himesh Reshammiya celebrates his birthday today and he has got a unique gift from his producers. His film Kajraare that was scheduled for release on August 6, has apparently now been pushed to Eid.
Ramzan starts from August 10. The film has a strong Muslim theme and the producers feel that the collections could suffer if released in the Ramzan month.
Our source said, “The producers felt that Eid was the right time for the film to release. But on the flip side, the release of the film will clash with that of the eagerly awaited Dabangg.”
When contacted, Himesh said, “I think if Kajraare is pushed from 6th August to a later date then it will be a blessing in disguise because Ramzan starts from 10th August and Kajraare has a very strong theme for the Muslim audience.
Whether the film is being pushed or not is entirely the producer Bhushan Kumar’s call.”
Dad’s a bundle of nerves-Sonam Kapoor
Jul 21st
… says Sonam about father Anil Kapoor who’s getting the jitters as sis Rhea and her film readies for release
Sharin Wader Butani | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 21, 2010)
Sonam Kapoor is in Scotland shooting for Pankaj Kapur’s Mausam with Shahid Kapoor. She’s down with a sore throat but that’s least of her concerns. Sonam’s eager to know people’s reaction to the promos of her film Aisha in Mumbai. “Are girls liking it? Will you go to watch my film,” she asked. Her concern is justified as it’s an in-house production with her sister Rhea making an entry into Bollywood as the co-producer along with Sanjeev K Bijli. “Unlike me, my sister’s pragmatic, someone you can rely on. We didn’t have any creative differences except for some fights where she accused me of stealing clothes from her wardrobe,” she laughed. But the Kapoor siblings are equally excited about their film. “More than us, it’s dad who’s getting the jitters as the film readies for release on August 6. He’s a bundle of nerves,” added Sonam.
It’s a PVR Pictures and Anil Kapoor Film Company presentation and Anil, who was mostly in LA shooting for TV series 24, would drop by on the sets of the film whenever he was in India to give tips to his daughters. “He gave us our freedom too,” said Sonam, who looks her stylish best in the film. “I enjoy clothes and like putting them together. But I don’t take fashion critics too seriously or else I won’t know what to wear,” said the young style icon.
Directed by Rajshree Ojha, Aisha is based on Jane Austen’s novel Emma and Sonam plays the lead with Abhay Deol, Cyrus Sahukar and Ira Dubey as her co-stars. “Aisha sees all the characters through her perspective. It’s a cute, lovable film and all the characters are believable,” said Sonam, who tries to play Cupid and find a match for newbie Amrita Puri in the film. Just like how in real life, everyone’s trying to play Cupid and find her a match. “But I’ll marry someone my parents approve of… at the same time, I’m not someone who’ll go in for an arranged marriage,” said Sonam.
sharin.wader@timesgroup.com
