Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged romance
Freida starring with Banderas!
Sep 5th
But Slumdog girl doesn’t romance Zorro star in Hollywood period film
Prithwish Ganguly | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; September 5, 2010)
Mumbai girl Freida Pinto is certainly making waves in Hollywood. The Slumdog Millionaire wonder, BT has learnt, has signed a Hollywood period film alongside Spanish hottie Antonio Banderas. Titled Black Thirst, the film is being directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud of Enemy at the Gates and Seven Years in Tibet fame and will narrate the story of how America started targeting the Gulf as early as 1920 for oil. The film has an eclectic international line up of stars comprising Tahar Rahim of A Prophet fame and Mark Strong, and is set to be shot in Tunisia. Freida and Antonio will get time to bond with each other and every cast and crew member. The director has called them in for a camp to acclimatize them with the country and each other before they start shooting. Freida, who plays an Arabian princess, has been paired opposite Tahar but has a lot of scenes with the Zorro star.
The source adds, “Jean-Jacques’s film is based on Hans R. Ruesch’s globally acclaimed work South of the Heart: A Novel of Modern Arabia that was first published in 1957. The story has its share of romance, too, brought in by Freida and Tahar. The story is set in 1929 when an affluent Arab prince falls in love with a princess but his marital bliss is short-lived as tension and duty to protect his country after oil is discovered in the Gulf befalls on him.”
This is Freida’s sixth straight international film having earlier signed movies like Rise of the Apes, Immortals, Miral by Oscar-nominated director Julian Schnabel of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly fame, You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger directed by the iconic Woody Allen and Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning underdog film Slumdog Millionaire in which she played the character of Latika.
Kundan Shah wants to make a film with Aamir in 5 crs
Aug 23rd
Kundan Shah wants Aamir Khan to slash his fee for his next, Tycoon, purportedly another Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron
Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 23, 2010)
Kundan Shah, whose path-breaking comic caper Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron is still considered a benchmark for black comedy in Hindi cinema, is finally ready to dish out another of its kind, titled Tycoon.
Kundan is certain that he wants Aamir Khan in the film but he has a strange condition: the entire film to be made within a budget of Rs 5 crore.
The film itself is a tantalising bait for Aamir, but word is that he wants it to be like any other of his films – and to be paid his normal fee.
Kundan Shah has been seen visiting Aamir on several occasions in recent times, apparently to discuss the script. “Yes, I’ve been in talks with Aamir for a comedy entitled Tycoon. It’s in the same genre as Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron. But it’s also got very pronounced elements of romance. It’s largely an experimental film,”confirmed Kundan.
For some reason, the director can’t see Tycoon being feasible as a big-budget extravaganza. “I want to make it at a budget of Rs 5 crore, and that would include Aamir’s fee. If I have to pay Aamir his market price, my film would become 3 Idiots. That isn’t what I have in mind,” said Kundan.
So will he or won’t he? Though there’s no official confirmation yet, the buzz is that Aamir might be coming around to Kundan’s point of view. For the record, Kundan Shah also made one of Shah Rukh Khan’s film, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na.
Priyanka, Harman’s first cousins dating each other?
Aug 17th
After Harman and Priyanka called it quits, a new romance blossomed between their first cousins
Mauli Singh (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 17, 2010)
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| Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja |
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| Maninder and Pareeniti |
Agreed, Harman Baweja and Priyanka Chopra’s rashees didn’t match. After dating each other for four long years, the couple called it quits. But with time, hope sprung. Both Harman’s and Priyanka’s first cousins fell in love and started dating each other.
Harman Baweja’s first cousin, Maninder Singh, who lives in Agra, debuted with Ganesh Acharya’s Swami. Priyanka Chopra’s first cousin, Pareeniti Chopra, a graduate from London, works with Yash Raj Film’s marketing team and was part of films like Pyaar Impossible.
The possibilities of Pareeniti’s pyaar however started scaling new heights soon after Priyanka parted ways with Harman.
A source close to the couple says, “Maninder and Pareeniti were introduced to each other a year ago by Harman and Priyanka. They’ve been seeing each other for a while now.”
When contacted, Maninder denied being in a relationship with Pareeniti. “We are very good friends and I treat her like a kid,” he said.
Women look for father figures in their boyfriends. Ever heard of that Maninder? Or is this just a childish denial?
Salman’s a chhata badmaash!-Vidya Balan
Jul 27th
Vidya Balan answers 10 questions to BT
Garima Sharma | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 27, 2010)
Vidya Balan has a lot happening in her life right now. She’s the latest muse of M F Husain and has also been voted as the most appropriate bride for Rahul Gandhi. But it’s the romantic SRK and lover boy Salman Khan, Vidya hopes will woo her someday…
Last year’s been a joyride professionally. How was it personally?
I can’t draw a line between my personal and professional lives. My profession gives me great joy in my personal life.
Is it time now for a break?
I’ve been on a break past few weeks, since I came back from Delhi after the shoot of No One Killed Jessica. I’ve been helping decorate my new house, reading, watching films, meeting friends and going on dates.
Dates?
No, I’m kidding. I just wish, I just said aise hi. Honestly, there’s nothing.
Okay, so how many boys do you reject every day?
I wish I had such good fortune. But, where are the boys, really?
A recent survey said that you are the most appropriate bride for Rahul Gandhi, provided he buys you a lifetime’s supply of Sabyasachi sarees…
If that happens, I won’t wave at people. I’ll just raise The Hand. But I’m not thinking of marriage right now. It’s not even on the agenda because I haven’t met anyone who has inspired that in me. First, I need to be with someone for a while and have to romance without the bindings of marriage.
What kind of romance?
Long drives with music that I enjoy in the rains, and maybe buy ourselves cups of chai from a thela.
You don’t discuss your relationships…
A relationship is between two people and should remain like that. The problem is that today, everyone is discussing relationships so openly. Anyway, I think I should become a writer besides being an actor. A romantic novel, perhaps, or actually a romantic film. Maybe I’ll start the film in five years when I have more experience with romance in my life.
And the hero would be?
Salman Khan. He’s a chhata badmaash, he’s the quintessential lover. Perhaps, Shah Rukh. He’s the ultimate romantic. Ufff ! I’m a clichéd romantic!
How?
I’d love for him to look into the mirror when I ask him, ‘Chand dekha?’ and he’d say, ‘Haan, aaine mein dekho….’ I know, it’s corny!
You’ve got an ardent fan in MF Husain…
I know that Husainsaab wants to narrate a script to me, but it depends on when we meet. I’ve spoken to him on the phone, though. He was extremely generous. I was very flattered. He’s probably the best judge of sensuality.
I may consider being an Aiyyash wife-Priyanka Chopra
Jul 14th
Priyanka Chopra says her priorities are different
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 14, 2010)
Priyanka Chopra has a birthday coming up on July 18. “Please don’t remind me of the fact that I’ll turn a year older. I’m a girl and it is my prerogative not to be asked my age,” says the superstar. Even though the actress has completed a decade in Bollywood, she has a hungry glint in her contact lenses.
She is in character for Vishal Bhardwaj’s Saat Khoon Maaf where she romances seven men ranging from the sublime Naseeruddin Shah to the beefy John Abraham. “Saat Khoon Maaf will be another career-defining film. And believe me, I feel I have worked the hardest on this one. Fashion got me the National Award, Kaminey got me notices, and I’m hoping SKM will get me both awards and accolades.’’
She admits that at 28 (oops that just slipped out!) she’s hungry for meatier roles. “I wish the year had 500 days. I could have accommodated four films more. Believe me, there are six offers on hold at this point.’’
But PC says she’s happy. “I’m in my 20s and I’ve done some terrific work. I just love being single. I’m not the kind who goes out looking for love. Being unattached has its perks. What’s the hurry? I’m not in my 30s and I don’t have to worry about who I’m going to get hitched with. Perhaps five years from now, I may consider being an aiyyaash (spoilt) wife indulging in diamonds and debauchery… but right now I like chilling.’’
The coming months are going to be a flurry of activities for PC. She has Anjaana Anjaani this September with Ranbir Kapoor and her first season of Khatron Ke Khiladi. “I can’t see myself sitting idle for even a month. My manager had kept a month off for a vacation but I filled up the days with some more endorsement work and prepping for another film. Vacations have to be forced on me.’’ She admits that there is a sense of insecurity amongst actors. “But in my case, the insecurity is more to do with my desire to keep raising the bar continuously. I look at every actor and actress as my serious competitor and when I’m on board a film, I want to be the best,’’ she says.
And unlike her colleagues, who are planning to get into production, writing autobiographies or extending their equity to clothes lines and cosmetics, PC just wants to concentrate on acting. “If I attempted an autobiography, it would end in two chapters,’’ she laughs.
meen...@timesgroup.com
Shahid calls himself ‘Flop Hero’ & Sonam ‘Hit Heroine’
Jul 13th
By Subhash K. Jha, July 13, 2010 – 11:13 IST
Shahid and Sonam Kapoor are shooting love scenes in a specially-designed carriage in a part of Edinburgh where no film has been shot before.
Feeling flush with the success of I Hate Luv Storys (IHLS) – her first hit, Sonam Kapoor returned to Scotland last week to resume the shooting of Mausam with Shahid Kapoor who had been patiently waiting for his heroine to return so they could resume their-onscreen romancing for his father’s film Mausam.
Coincidentally, a week after IHLS clicked Shahid’s Milenge Milenge opened to a very lukewarm response. Naturally, Sonam and Shahid had a lot to say to one another during the breaks between shots about their respective films.
Except that Shahid was doing all the talking about both the films. Says a source from the unit, “Sonam and Shahid have been shooting this week at the Royal Mile, which is the longest road in Edinburgh and not open to traffic, let alone film shootings. It’s a long stretch with restricted movement for locals, so that there was little intrusion from Shahid and Sonam’s Indian fans.”
Cars filled with loads of NRI fans have been arriving in Edinburgh from in and around Scotland and London to see the two stars shoot.
Says the source, “Naturally without fans hovering to take pictures and start off a conversation, Shahid and Sonam were much relaxed at the mythic Royal Mile. Shahid had a field day taking potshots at his own film and congratulating Sonam for her success.”
Apparently, Shahid insisted on addressing himself as ‘Flop Hero’ and Sonam as ‘Hit Heroine.’
Says the source, “After a point Sonam just told him to stop it. But Shahid was unstoppable.”
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Shahid is a cute girl!
Jul 7th
HARSHADA REGE (BOMBAY TIMES; July 7, 2010)
Bollywood babes better watch out… Looks like Shahid Kapoor isn’t content giving the heroes a run for their money. The actor will be seen in a short skirt and pink top in Boney Kapoor’s Milenge Milenge that will release this Friday. Director Satish Kaushik can’t stop laughing when he remembers the scene in which the actor dared to go for a major makeover. “I didn’t have to convince him at all. He was absolutely cool with dressing up as a girl. Many a times male actors dress up as women, but some of them can’t carry it off. However, Shahid is a good-looking guy and he had no problem carrying off this look.” Well Shahid definitely is in good company. Previously some of Bollywood’s biggest stars, be it Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan or Aamir Khan, have all donned female attire at some point in their career.
And this isn’t just an inconsequential scene in the movie. In fact, Shahid is dressed as a girl when they meet for the first time in the movie. Revealing a bit, about the scene, Satish says, “The first time that a hero and heroine set eyes on each other is an important moment in every movie. This time around, we have treated it differently. In the movie, Shahid and his friends are trying to sneak into a girl’s hostel for one of their friend’s girlfriend’s birthday. Obviously they can’t walk in as guys, so they decide to change their look drastically.” And the makeover results in the guys becoming girls. “So when they — Shahid and Kareena — meet for the first time, they meet as two girls,” he laughs.
The movie that will see the Shahid Kapoor-Kareena Kapoor pair together post Jab We Met, will be liked by the audience feels Satish. “People want to see them together after Jab We Met. Also the movie is a fast-paced movie. The whole thing about finding one’s true love is a very thrilling thought. And frankly, romance never goes out of fashion,” he says.
Imran to woo Bebo
Jul 5th
For the first time in both their careers, the two would play lovers in Karan Johar’s next
Kunal M Shah and Sonal Chawla (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 05, 2010)
Imran Khan’s undying wish to romance Kareena Kapoor will soon come true. On screen of course, lest we’ve got Saif worried already. A new film, still untitled, will be produced by Karan Johar and directed by Shakun Batra, which will have the duo in the lead roles.
Imran and Kareena would be working together in a film for the first time. Does maamujaan want to give his favourite nephew a few tips?
Our source said, “The film is scheduled to start in December this year and will apparently be directed by a newcomer, Shakun Batra who has recently joined Dharma Productions. Shakun, who worked as an assistant in Rock On!! and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, has been a friend of Imran’s for some time now and it was Imran who suggested his name to Karan. Karan spoke to Kareena about it and she agreed immediately.
Kareena has always maintained that she will do anything for Karan and has never asked him any questions. The film will be an out-and-out love story.”
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With willing friends working together, and no space left for arguments, the film couldn’t but be a love story, could it? As for the leading pair, Bebo and Imran are more than looking forward to act with each other. Confirms the source, “Imran had recently said in an interview that he would love to romance Kareena Kapoor and his wish has come true. And Kareena too has always maintained that she is also keen to work with Imran.”
When contacted, Imran Khan said, “Yes it is true that I am doing another film with Karan Johar. The film will be directed by Shakun but beyond that, I can’t confirm anything on the casting front. Shakun has been a friend ever since he joined the industry and was a second assistant director on Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. He has written the script with our mutual friend Aayesha.
Karan Johar and Shakun Batra remained unavailable for comment.
Asin falls short for Ranbir
Jul 3rd
South hottie loses another role, this time opposite Ranbir, because of her height!
Sharin Wader Butani | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 3, 2010)
Poor Asin, the South Indian actress who entered Bollywood with a bang opposite superstar Aamir Khan in Ghajini, is now struggling to keep herself afloat here. Her troubles began with London Dreams opposite Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn, which flopped at the BO. Recently Asin was dropped from Vipul Shah’s KhaKha KhaKha opposite John Abraham because her character was similar to the one she played in Ghajini… though insiders say she lost out because John didn’t want to romance her.
Now Asin has reportedly been dropped from Anurag Basu’s Silence starring Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra, because she’s not tall enough!
The Silence role had initially gone to Katrina Kaif who turned it down because Priyanka’s presence was more powerful in the film. This led to Anurag hunting for a new face. He also held auditions when he couldn’t find this face. It was then that the producers asked him to take Asin. But the director refused because his requirement is a girl who is more than 5.8 feet tall. “He doesn’t think Asin will fit the role,” said a source. “Now egos are bruised. Anurag, who wants to have his way, has gone ahead and is busy directing shows for a Bangla channel because of which Silence has been kept on hold.”
Though everyone’s maintaining ‘silence’, it’s ultimately Asin who’s lost out on the opportunity of working with current heartthrob Ranbir. Fortunately for the actress, Salman, who had taken a liking to her during the making of London Dreams, is doing Anees Bazmee’s Ready with her.
I m cool being a sex symbol-Imran Khan
Jun 28th
Imran Khan is Bollywood’s new ‘it’ boy
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; June 28, 2010)
Punit Malhotra’s I Hate Luv Storys is carrying the right vibe. Trade pundits are of the opinion that Dharma Productions romcom set to hit theatres on July 2, is near perfect. It’s priced correctly, it’s a love story coming from Karan Johar — the man who knows romance better than most filmmakers, and it has Imran Khan — the actor with the ‘it’ factor going for him.
Imran, who stormed the film scene two Julys ago with Aamir Khan’s sweet mushy flick Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, is the quintessential chocolate boy who with his fair skin and light eyes makes the girls go weak in the knees. Take what happened at a bookstore in a mall. The girls who strolled in and caught Imran in their midst screamed the mall down. They were so excited, they almost tore the actor’s shirt off in their attempt to get closer to him.
Imran is flattered with this attention he has been from the trade and the janta. The actor who has a fabulous sense of humour, says, “It is always flattering for an actor to feel wanted, but for a few minutes I wondered if all this squealing and shouting was stage-managed by the PR of the film. We’re in the business of selling ourselves, and being labelled sexy and being spoken of as having that ‘it’ quality is the ultimate goal. When I see people reacting to my body, I feel it was worth all the hard work I put in. I remember all those bland meals that I suffered and those heavy weights I lifted to be able to get this body. There is a sense of personal gratification when I see my image in the mirror. But there is also the need here for me to thank Manish Malhotra, Karan and Punit who are responsible for the way I have been projected in IHLS.’’
The actor who confesses that he is very romantic but doesn’t believe in the superfluous flowers, chocolates and SMS routines when it comes to professing his feelings for his loved one, adds, “I must still be doing something correct. Otherwise the same girl wouldn’t be with me for the last eight years.’’ He has a point — when it comes to romance he has what it takes — both on screen and off it.
