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Akshaye Khanna in Farhan Akhtar's Voice From The SkyFarhan Akhtar has finally found the leading man for his next, Voice From The Sky. It's Akshaye Khanna with whom Farhan had teamed up with optimum creative satisfaction in his first directorial venture Dil Chahta Hai. Saif who has also teamed with Farhan in Dil Chahta Hai and in fact acknowledges the film as a turning point, opted out of Voice From The Sky a couple of months ago. Revealing the change in cast Farhan says, "Yes, it is Akshaye Khanna. Naam lock kiya jaye. I'm confident. Both Saif and Akshaye are my buddies. I needed an actor of really good caliber, at the same time sensitive sophisticated, a guy who seems extremely hard from the outside but is soft from the inside. Both Saif and Akshaye fitted the bill. Saif didn't work out." Continues Farhan, "There're many reasons why Akshaye works amazingly for the film. Akshaye is damn excited. He loves his role. And I love him in the role. It'd be great fun working with Akshaye again. Fortunately, all the actors I've worked with so far have been a pleasure." The main role of a young boy is yet to be cast. "The story belongs to the boy. But three other characters played by Akshaye Khanna and two women (whom I'm yet to cast) play very important roles in the boy's life. Akshaye's story is integral to the plot. It's an extremely important role. And he's kicked by the script and by the part. Akshaye knows it's a very important part. Otherwise he wouldn't do it." As for the boy⦠"We've a short-list of 12-15 boys now. And no, Darsheel Safary was not considered at all. I 'm looking for a totally untried face." Farhan starts filming Voice From The Sky in November. "Then there's Don 2. Which will have all the actors from the first Don including Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, of course. The story and screenplay are done. Voice From The Sky was scripted right after Dil Chahta Hai. Don 2 I started writing a few months after Don released. So this year I only have releases as an actor. Next year I'll have two releases as a director."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 1 Jul 2008 | 2:41 pm Himesh delivers music of Karzzzz on mother's birthdayTrust Himesh Reshammiya to go back to his roots even when it comes to his professional journey. Ever so fond of his parents who shaped his career over the years, Himesh is particularly nostalgic when it comes to acknowledging the respect he has for his mother. He has always believed in doing something auspicious on 29th June, the day when his mother's birthday falls. This is why last year he released his debut film as an actor, Aap Kaa Surroor - The Moviee on 29th June. The trend has now continued in 2008 as well since he has given the delivery of the music track of Karzzzz to Bhushan Kumar on the same day. Informs Himesh's friend, "Himesh bhai wanted the music of Karzzzz to be blessed by his mom on her birthday. The film, music and the songs are extra special since Himesh's voice and music will be heard after a gap of one year. He is very excited about the way the project has turned out to be." When contacted Himesh re-emphasized on the fact that 29th June is a special day for him. He said, "With the blessings of my mother, we saw Aap Kaa Surroor - The Moviee turning out to be such a huge success. The project helped my launch as an actor. Now I am really very happy to give the final delivery of the Master CD of the soundtrack of Karzzzz to Bhushan Kumar on my mother's birthday. With her blessings, I know that God is with me." One hears that getting the right sound for Karzzzz was a painstaking experience. There were quite a few songs that were created before arriving at the final list. Is that true? Confirms Himesh, "Yes, the music of Karzzzz indeed took a long time but I have no regrets. It has given me a lot of job satisfaction. However, the challenge is huge and the expectations are quite high. I am now waiting for the songs to hit the stands so that audience reactions can be gauged." While the film is all set for 17th October release, the music of Karzzzz would be hitting the stands 2 months in advance i.e. in the month of August. Directed by Satish Kaushik, the film sees Shweta Kumar as the film's leading lady with Urmila Matondkar playing the vamp's part. The film also stars Dino Morea, Danny Denzongpa and Gulshan Grover.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 1 Jul 2008 | 2:21 pm Shekhar is very special to me: Preity ZintaControversies aside, actress-cum-business woman Preity Zinta says she has the deepest...Source: India News | 1 Jul 2008 | 1:39 pm Has Kunal Kohli branched out of Yash Raj?Now that the results of THODA PYAAR THODA MAGIC are out [the film has performed well at multiplexes over the weekend, after a slow start], are producers Aditya Chopra and Kunal Kohli regretting the decision of not selling the film to a corporate house that had offered an astronomical amount [62 cr?] for its global rights? "It's true that we were offered a big amount, but I wouldn't like to reveal the exact figure. We refused the offer because Yash Raj wanted to distribute the film themselves. They've a strong distribution network, plus they have the music and Home Video departments as well. It was Adiâs call completely," Kunal informs me, "Adi has always taken the business decisions, while the creative call was mine in all the four films. It has always been that way." Meanwhile, rumours are rife that Kunal isn't too happy with the way Yash Raj has promoted the film and has decided to join hands with a corporate entity for his new film. Translated into simple words, it means Kunal and Aditya have had a fallout. True? "There's no truth to it. Even if you meet them [corporates] casually, people tend to blow it out of proportion. It's assumed that you've inked the deal, which is far from true," he laughs. Point noted!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 1 Jul 2008 | 1:39 pm "No postponement of Singh Is Kinng" - Vipul ShahThere're murmurs that SINGH IS KINNG might be shifted ahead [by a week or two] since lead man Akshay Kumar hasnât dubbed for the film. Akki has been living out of the suitcase for a while now [he's currently in Bahamas, shooting for BLUE] and hasn't had the time to fly to India to dub for the film. Perhaps, that may have triggered off this rumour. However, SINGH IS KINNG producer Vipul Shah says that there's no question of postponing the film. But Akshay hasn't dubbed for the film, right? "Akshay is dubbing on 5th, 6th and 7th July in the U.S. In fact, Anees-ji [Bazmee] is leaving for U.S. on 3rd July to personally supervise the dubbing. We should be ready with the first print of the film by 20th July. We have ample time," he sounds relaxed. Vipul continues in the same breath, "Even if we get late for some reason, the first print would be ready by 24th/25th, almost a week before 1st August â the date when the worldwide delivery of prints of SINGH IS KINNG are executed. Our film is definitely arriving on 8th August; thereâre no changes absolutely."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 1 Jul 2008 | 1:27 pm Emraan draws Kangana closer to GodShooting for Razz 2 has made Kangana Ranaut a god fearing person. Actually one can say that more than Razz 2, kisser boy Emraan Hashmi is responsible in bringing this sudden change in Kangana's nature.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 10:58 am Love Story 2050 premiere in LondonFilmmaker Harry Baweja is leaving no stones unturned to promote his son Harman Baweja's launch pad Love Story 2050. Producer and director Harry Baweja is already shelling out huge money on a daily basis to promote the film. He is carefully planning his strategies.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 10:56 am Harman receives sms from KareenaKnown to be Hrithik Roshan's lookalike, Harman Baweja is all over the news as his debut film Love Story 2050 nears its releasing date. Not only is he in the news for the promotional activities of the film but also for his affair with her co-star Priyanka Chopra and his ...Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 10:37 am Guy Ritchie flies to the Big Apple to meet Madge - Newstrack India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 10:28 am Michael Lohan took DNA testNew York (ANI): American actress Lindsay Lohan's father Michael Lohan has admitted to having taken a DNA test to confirm whether or not he has fathered a lovechild. Lohan told Star magazine last week that he may have fathered a child with Kristi Kaufmann. Now, he's given a DNA test, and ...Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 10:18 am Bhairavi hits screens in JulyThe film Bhairavi with Abhinayasri in the title role and Photo fame Anand as hero has completed shooting and is now in post production. The film will hit the screens in the third week of July. Subba Reddy is producing the film under the Rahul Movie Creations banner. Ramana Mogali ...Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 10:10 am Good Luck PreviewVicky (Aryeman) is an aspiring singer, Saba {Sayali Bhagat) is a PR head in an ad agency. Success evades him at every step and success awaits her at every step. because she had the good luck charm sealed in her kiss. and one day at a party Saba kisses Vicky ...Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 10:08 am Pammie calls Jessica Simpson a bitchLondon (ANI): Former Baywatch babe Pamela Anderson has branded singer Jessica Simpson b**** and w**** for wearing t-shirt that promoted meat. Anderson, who"s a PETA supporter, was miffed with the pop star for wearing T-shirt proclaiming: "Real girls eat meat." "I think she is a b**** and w****," The Sun quoted ...Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 10:02 am Ileana to shake legs with NitinActress Ileana's next film, to be directed by VN Aditya will have Nitin as the male lead, according to unconfirmed reports. Ileana has earlier acted in Aata, directed by the same director. YVS Chowdary's Devadas was Ileana's debut. Its success boosted Ileana's position in the industry and she has acted ...Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 10:02 am Aamir and Imraan play 10 Ka Dum with SalmanAfter the fun-filled celebrity episode with Yuvi and Bhajji, come the next celebrity guests the elusive Aamir Khan, who makes an exception to be on Salman Khan's show with nephew Imraan Khan - the new Khan kid on the block. Aamir the well-read, well-spoken and "intelligent" Khan will be seen ...Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 9:28 am Adrenaline Junkie Akshay Kumar Swims with Sharks - Daijiworld.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 9:18 am Saif-Kareena announcing engagement!Bollywood's hottest couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor may announce their engagement any time. Saif had earlier remarked that he would marry Kareena very soon. Adding more fuel to the fire, Kareena flew to London recently and met Saif's parents Nawab Ali Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 9:06 am 'Kuselan' technicians get Rs.4.5 mn windfall, thanks to RajnikanthThe 100-odd technicians of forthcoming Rajnikanth-starrer Tamil film 'Kuselan' got a windfall of Rs.4.5 million as its hero, producer and director pooled part of their fees and donated the amount to them during the movie's audio release here.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 1 Jul 2008 | 9:02 am Aadesh ties up with Motorola to promote songComposer Aadesh Shrivastava has tied up with Motorola to promote his first international track 'Bollywood Meets Hollywood' that he recorded with American rapper Wyclef Jean and Abhishek Bachchan.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 1 Jul 2008 | 9:00 am Listening to Rajnikanth's Kuselan - Rediff
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 8:01 am Comparing SAFF with IFFI is unfair : Barua - Hindu
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 6:55 am Big B uncomfortable with Aishwarya's ex-beau - entertainment.oneindia.in
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 6:29 am 'Don't watch Jaane Tu for Imran Khan' - NDTV.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 5:49 am Ahhishek's new Idea: Education-for-all - NDTV.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 5:49 am Amrita-Usman headed for splitsville? - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 3:36 am Lyricist Sameer inks five-film deal with Nikhil AdvaniLyricist Sameer, best known for songs like 'Kuch kuch hota hai' and 'Ghoonghat ki aad mein', has been signed up for five films by Bollywood director Nikhil Advani.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 1 Jul 2008 | 3:00 am I'll always be there for Shekhar Kapur: Preity ZintaControversies aside, actress-cum-business woman Preity Zinta says she has the deepest respect for internationally acclaimed director Shekhar Kapur and that she will be always there for him.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 1 Jul 2008 | 3:00 am Jaane Tu`s release stressing out Aamir `perfectionist` Khan !The `Mr Perfectionist` Aamir Khan is completely stressed out these days, all thanks to the hectic promotional activities for his second home production `Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na`. Aamir for sure, being the doting uncle he is, is putting in all possible efforts to make his nephew Imran`s debut a success.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 12:29 am Arctic Monkeys snub Amy Winehouse at Glasto !She might have given a rocking performance at the Glastonbury festival, but Amy Winehouse was not essential viewing for everyone at the do – particularly the Arctic Monkeys.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 12:29 am Amrita `bowls` Usman Afzal out of her life !Actress Amrita Arora has hit a rough patch in her personal life. The actress who until recently seemed to have settled in with her boyfriend of four years-Usman Afzal, a London based cricketer has finally called it quits ending the innings on a sad note.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 12:29 am Sushmita`s Land Cruiser case: HC slams govt for shoddy probe!The Bombay High Court on Monday castigated the police for lapses in the investigation into acquisition of imported Toyota Land Cruiser by Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 12:29 am Pssst…unknown truths about Aamir Khan`s nephew Imran!Everyone has been talking about Aamir Khan`s cute looking nephew Imran Khan and his much anticipated silver screen debut `Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na`. But there are a few things that not everyone knows… Nah, we are not talking about his girlfriend of 6 years, Avantika Malik, this has more to do about his surname `Khan`.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 12:29 am Legal battle set to erupt over Hendrix`s sex video !Rock legend Jimi Hendrix`s camp is all set to fight out a legal battle to stop the release of the singer`s shocking sex video.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 12:29 am Glastonbury wrapping up with blasts from the past!Britain`s Glastonbury music festival was wrapping up Sunday with a double bill of golden oldies following controversy over its first ever hip-hop headliner, Jay-Z, and troubled star Amy Winehouse.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 1 Jul 2008 | 12:29 am Vidya Balan Launch Filmfare New Issue [Gallery]Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 1 Jul 2008 | 12:00 am ‘Love Story 2050’ Game Launch [Gallery]Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 1 Jul 2008 | 12:00 am It wasnt easy to get Snoop Dogg - Vipul ShahEven as the title track (by the UK-based RDB & veteran rapper, Snoop Dogg) of Singh Is Kinng goes into shoot in Los Angeles later this week, producer Vipul Shah reveals how this keenly anticipated track came about.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 1 Jul 2008 | 12:00 am Bruni a modern-day Marie Antoinette? - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 30 Jun 2008 | 10:54 pm Abhi means business - Daily News & Analysis
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 30 Jun 2008 | 6:41 pm Aamir-Imran on Cine Blitz coverWith just a few days to go for the release of Jaane Tuâ¦Ya Jaane Na, Aamir Khan and his nephew Imran Khan are all over the place. The duo is now seen in this month's issue of Cine Blitz magazine. Both mamu Aamir and his bhanja Imran are seen dressed in their formal best wearing dapper suits. Imran shares an interesting anecdote of how this is only the second time that he has worn a suit in his life (the first time being during the premiere of mamu Aamir's debut film QSQT). The duo seems to be enjoying each other's company and by the looks of it, this is one mama-bhanja jodi who are going to be spoken about for years to come.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 30 Jun 2008 | 4:54 pm Guess Who?You people have rested enough over the weekend. Its time to get your act together and start working on cracking this week's 'Guess Who' quiz. This week's celeb is a pretty actress who started off in a period drama. However, it was a teeny-bopper campus flick which brought her into reckoning. There is more to her than just a pretty face and it's no wonder that one of the most famous painters went completely fida over her after watching one of her simple yet sweet performances. So without wasting much time, post your answers in the comments section below. To know the answer to last week's picture quiz, click hereSource: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 30 Jun 2008 | 3:17 pm Love Story 2050's grand world premiere on July 2 in LondonClick above for more stills One of the hottest newcomers of Bollywood, Harman Baweja, is gearing up for his big day or should we say big night- Wednesday, July 2. Yes that is the day when Harman will be present along with the cast and crew of his debut film Love Story 2050 at the grand premiere of his film scheduled to take place in London. Bollywood Hungama spoke to an excited Harman who shared all the details of the grand premiere, "I am really looking forward to the world premiere of my film Love Story 2050 in London. The premiere is on Wednesday July 2, 2008 at the Cineworld theatre in Feltham. This is the same place where the premiere of Krrish was held few years ago" But why London for the premiere? "It was something which we had planned six months in advance. I believe my entire team has already done a lot of promotions in India. There are many Indians living in London who are as much into Bollywood as we are and we thought it would be absolutely unfair for us not to come there and share our film with them and hence we decided to have the world premiere in London. So far I have received an extremely warm response from people in London, be it through e-mails or phone calls and I am really looking forward to the premiere" So who all are going to be present for the special night? "Well myself, Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani, Dad (Harry Baweja) and Mom (Pammi Baweja) would be there along with Mr. Khetarpal from Adlabs (who are also the producers of the film). Besides, I have a lot of family members in London. I am a Punjabi so there are lots of distant relatives of mine who stay in and around London. They are all really excited about the premiere happening there and even I am looking forward to catching up with some of my cousins after a long time."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 30 Jun 2008 | 3:12 pm Reliance BIG Entertainment, Vashu Bhagnani join hands for 5 filmsClick above for more stills BIG Pictures, a division of Reliance BIG Entertainment, and Vashu Bhagnani owned Puja Films have joined hands to co-produce five Hindi feature films over the next 24 months. This announcement was made by officials of Reliance BIG Entertainment with Vashu Bhagnani, Chairman - Puja Films at the sets of Do Knot Disturb, one of the two film projects already commenced. These films will be financed, marketed and distributed worldwide by Reliance BIG Entertainment. Two projects out of this five film co-production deal between BIG Pictures and Puja Films have commenced principal photography. Both projects are being aimed for release during the first half of calendar year 2009. The first project to start principal photography last week in Mumbai is titled Do Knot Disturb and is being directed by David Dhawan. The film stars Govinda, Riteish Deshmukh, Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta. Do Knot Disturb has music by Nadeem Sharavan, which is being arranged by Viju Shah. The film is currently being shot on a huge set in a farmhouse in Delhi and the unit will return to Mumbai for shooting in the first week of July. Do Knot Disturb is slated to be one of the most eagerly awaited films next year, as it is David Dhawan's first film after hugely successful Partner in 2007 (which incidentally also starred Govinda and Lara Dutta along with Salman Khan and Katina Kaif). The second project Kal Kissney Dekha, also started principal photography last week in Johannesburg, South Africa. The film marks the debut of Vashu Bhagnani's son Jackky Bhagnani, who has earlier assisted Vashu in production of several films produced by Puja Films. Kal Kissne Dekha is directed by Vivek Sharma (last film, Bhootnath) and stars Vaishali Desai, Rishi Kapoor and Archana Puran Singh in pivotal roles. The film has music by immensely popular Sajid Wajid, who have given some of the biggest musical hits over the past few years. Kal Kissne Dekha will be shot in South Africa for over 45 days across Johannesburg, Durban and Capetown. While Kal Kissne Dekha is a young, romantic love story with elements of thrill and action inter-woven in the story, Do Knot Disturb is an out and out comedy typical of David Dhawan films. Commenting on the development, Vashu Bhagnani, Chairman - Puja Films, said, "We are extremely happy to partner with Reliance BIG Entertainment. This partnership will bring about a synergy of the creative and production expertise of Puja Films with the vast business knowledge and experience of Reliance." Rajesh Sawhney, President - Reliance BIG Entertainment added, "We are delighted at the commencement of two films under this deal, which we believe will be two of the most eagerly awaited films in 2009. We have already started work on the strategic marketing and distribution plan for these films and will endeavor to make these films available to the widest audience possible when these films release next year."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 30 Jun 2008 | 2:23 pm "Just five days ago, I gave the final 'Yes' to the post productions" - Abbas TyrewalaThere is enough said and done about Jaane Tu in the Indian media but a last minute decision to release the film in the overseas took many by surprise, especially me, because I had carried a column in my papers (Harrow Observer) in May about quality films not being released in the overseas. Jaane Tu⦠Ya Jaane Na was one of them along with Johnny Gaddar, Manorama Six Feet Under and many more. Now the overseas audience will get a fresh flavour from the same old repetitive love stories being churned out, or will they? as Bollywood Hungama's Devansh Patel met Abbas Tyrewala last weekend to find out whether it was a wise decision to release a film like Jaane Tu in the U.K, the films quintessential airport climax, Aamir Khan's midas touch, his big premiere plans, a touching dedication to the late Jhamu Sughand and lots more in this very special but a rare interview all the way from London. You've said in your earlier interviews that marketing isn't your cup of tea. But being the jack of all, don't you think it's important for you to know a bit of what your audiences want? Yes, you are right. It's important for me to know what my audience wants but frankly just five days ago, I have given the final 'Yes' to the post productions as a director. The film is finally locked and it hasn't really left me too much time to get involved with the marketing aspect. We have a whole team to look after that aspect right from day one and as a result we are here in London giving interviews to the media. Just five days ago, I have given the final 'Yes' to the post productions as a director When we talk of audiences, its not like films. They are many times unpredictable. Having said that, why release a film like Jaane Tu in the overseas which has no big names attached to it except the producer Aamir Khan? Well, I guess, having the name of Aamir Khan attached with it compensates to some degree for not having any major stars in the film. I guess the reason to do it is because we've made a pretty unusual film. It takes every cliché of a Hollywood film without all being spoofy or farcical. It's a very emotionally engaging story telling. It's got the drama, it's got the laugh and yet it speaks the language that typically Bollywood films don't tend to talk. You watch the film and will say - Hey, that's what my group in college was like. And once you're true to something, the language becomes a lot more universal and I think that is true of Jaane Tu. It's a journey from the hormones to the heart. I think the audiences world wide will have great fun. You've written in your director's note that it took you three years to complete a film and a completed film no longer needs a director. Do you then think that coming to the overseas for media interviews is not worth it? I don't think that at all. Whatever part I can play in taking this film to as many people and viewers and encourage them to sample it is worth it many times over. What I meant was that I can no longer feel that sense of association with the film. When I'm watching it, it's almost like I'm watching somebody else's film. So what I was referring to was a very very personal sentiment of the way I felt for the film which took three years in the making. Everytime I see it, I don't remember the time that I planned a particular shot. It's just a blur. But there is never a point where you'd stop caring about your film. I can no longer feel that sense of association with the film Over the years we've seen you write for many hit films like Maqbool, Munnabhai and Main Hoon Na to name a few. But what new discovery did you make as a writer for your debut film Jaane Tu? When the audience sees this film, very few will realise this that the best approach to any technical field, be it cinematography, be it special effects, be it production design, is where it does not draw attention to itself. It is so good and yet it is so effortlessly integrated into the story telling that you never notice it. The moment you can step back from a film and say that it's a great shot, you've broken the illusion of it being a world and people. What I've managed to do in this is really write what I think is a far more complex narrative than any film I've come to before. Only a few people that are technically adapt at evaluating script writing will realise what it takes to write a film that has so many narrative pieces and yet at the end you'll feel that you only saw a simple film and as a writer I found that very exciting. And what did you mean when you write that the film has a quintessential airport climax? There are bound to be surprises in an Aamir Khan produced film. This has been such a cliché of not just Bollywood and Hollywood cinema but cinema in itself. I guess there is a certain drama to the urgency of the airport that the person you love will be taken away from you unless you reach there in time. That's been used and abused and over abused in films for many years. But then I thought that what if one had to revisit it. We have a character called Mala, who really to me, represents the audience. She starts out as a complete cynic who doesn't believe in romance and nothing. She talks about the fact that she hates airports and she thinks its ridiculous that all these airport climax happen by people just walking in and stopping the plane as and when they like. They would probably be shot down as a terrorist for doing that. So I really wanted to explore that fact. As I said earlier, I've done everything what a Bollywood film has but just turned it around a little bit. I've done everything what a Bollywood film has but just turned it around a little bit It took you three years to direct Jaane Tu and just three days ago you've given the final 'Yes' to the film. But during the whole process, did you take up any other project other than Jaane Tu? To start with, it wasn't a journey of three years. Yes, direction took three years but I started writing two years before that. So actually it's a five year journey. I did a bit of horsing around where I had a long period when nothing was happening. Mr. Jhamu Sughand opted out of production due to whatever reasons best known to him. Then Aamir Khan stepped in. In between the production hassles, I did some work. I wrote a pretty major film which got released recently but because I was unwilling to do certain things that the director wanted to do that I didn't agree with, I chose to take my name out of the film and because that film does not carry my name in the credits, I don't think it's fair to refer to which film it was. As soon as Jaane Tu kicked in again, there was never a single day I took up any other work. I've just lived Jaane Tu for half a decade. Yes, direction took three years but I started writing two years before that. So actually it's a five year journey In the overseas market, many distributors believe that the name of the film is of a vital importance for its success. The title is as important as the script. Do you agree? I think it's crucial. One of the most important things that you do for your film is get a title that makes people react, that has an interesting suggestion of an interesting story without being so clever that it alienates and disorients the viewer. Whether or not I've got that with this title, I don't know. But I'd love to know what the overseas distributors think of my title Jaane Tuâ¦Ya Jaane Na. I'll be curious to know. Did the title Jaane Tu came up in a spur of a moment to you? I knew that Jaane Tu is going to be the title the moment I started writing the film and the basic idea started to fall into place. I knew it had to be Jaane Tu. But there were lots of reasons behind the title. The film is about when you know that you're in love with someone. Also, I love the song - 'Tera Mujhse Hain Pehle Ka Naata Koi...' and that is also integrated in my plot line. Given all this, it was pretty much the only title I ever considered. In 1999, Raj Kaushal made one such college caper Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi which was a light hearted romantic drama which gave us debutants such as Rinkie Khanna, Dino Morea and Sanjay Suri who are all well established now. I'm not comparing Jaane Tu with Pyaar Mein... but the earlier film did not work. Are you ready to face failure if and when it comes? People make romances everyday and a lot of them do not work. That doesn't mean the ones who make romances are worried that their film will not work. The film does not work for various reasons and I've never believed that it's genre driven. It could be anything ranging from perception, promos, marketing or it just simply not being a good film. I am anxious and nervous about the film period. Whether or not a prior film did or did not do well is not adding or subtracting from that anxiety at all. You could show me ten films exactly like Jaane Tu which did really well and I'd still be anxious. You show me five films that have tried the same thing and have failed, I will not be any more anxious than I already am. First time with A.R.Rahman. First time with Aamir Khan. Two of the deadliest combinations you'll ever find to make a blockbuster film. Is that luck or hardwork? I think it's a good script yaar! I think both of them got attached to the film because of the script. I didn't have to work hard to get Aamir and Rahman. But I got one shot and that one shot I got was a chance to tell them my script. That really made the process so smooth. People just kept getting attached because they loved the script. I think it's a good script yaar! I think both of them got attached to the film because of the script. I didn't have to work hard to get Aamir and Rahman But having said that, was there any back up? What if Aamir Khan said 'No' to Jaane Tu? After a year of having interacted with Jhamu and done the preparations and then the film was not happening and we were waiting, I was fast getting to the point where I was going to say - You know what, forget it. I always wanted to do some crime noir. Jaane Tu is not working out and it was getting out of my system. But there were two people who just did not lose faith and hope and who really wanted to see this film made. One of them was Imran. For someone who wasn't keen on taking up acting in Bollywood, he had found the script that got him excited towards the idea of acting. The other was my wife Pakhi, who was my girlfriend at that time. She said that this film is going to happen and no way it shall be shelved. I just had to hang in there. I've got a notoriously short attention span. I can't hang in there for very long and the fact that I saw this film through for all this time was to a great extent because of these two people. Was it a deliberate move to cast Imran, knowing that he is Aamir Khan's nephew? I mean, you could have gone with any new comer like Ranbir or Neil Nitin Mukesh? I did not want new comers but freshers who've never done acting before. Imran fitted the bill. I tested pretty much every new guy and when I met Imran, I made up my mind that he was the one to star in Jaane Tu. Not for a second will I pretend that I was unaware that he was Aamir's nephew. That would make a great difference in how much interest it would generate. But at the same time, people who know me will know that I'd never cast him for that. A certain number of actors were made available to me even while Jhamu was a producer. But they weren't right for the part. I'd also like to state that Imran made it a lot easy to take the film to the people but you can't make the people like the film more because Aamir is Imran's uncle. You can get away with the promo but for two and a half hours, you can't tell a lie. Imran was God send. But where did you meet Imran? Who recommended him to you? Well, Pakhi was my casting director. We were getting very frustrated about whether we would ever find somebody appropriate for Jaane Tu. A while back, Imran had done some acting courses with Kishore Kapoor where briefly he had considered acting before he gave it up and went to study direction in L.A. One of the teachers that he encountered happened to be Pakhi's mother. She is an ex- NSD teacher and trainer. She teaches diction, acting, etc. She remembered having met Imran at some point and then went out to find him where this guy is and is he still interested in acting. And luckily for us, he had just come back from L.A. all prepared to direct a film. He got this call and was very hesitant on acting in a film. When I met Imran, he didn't think of me as a Safari clad, white shoes, gold chain, rolex in the hand type of a director. We spoke the same language and that's what clicked. It's true that Aditi is the talk of the town at the moment more than Imran, Abbas and Aamir. Does one great song make a difference in the success of a film? I suppose so. Like I said, everything that goes into creating excitement about the film is only valid till Friday. Whether it's an Aamir Khan Production film, whether it is a hit music or any kind of publicity we do, all of it lasts just for a day. Success comes much later. We know that Aamir's got a midas touch. Lagaan went to Oscars, Rang De went to the Bafta's. Taare Zameen Par won more accolades than any other film. Where will Jaane Tu land up? You know what's going to happen? If it works, people are going to say that it was Aamir's midas touch. But if it doesn't work, the same people will say that you should have got him to touch the film a bit more. He should have acted in the film and so on. We hope the film does well because Aamir has shown a very sound judgment on the kind of scripts that he chooses to come to and we hope the midas touch continues. Quality films like Johnny Gaddar, Gangster and many more were not released in the U.K. Do you think Jaane Tu will make the U.K audience aware that there is much more than just the same Swiss Alps and Big Ben? Will they accept the change in quality? You can never ever say what the audiences should or shouldn't do. They are paying to watch the film. They don't owe anyone anything. If you want them to accept the change then we need to do something. We need tell better stories, we need to find a better way of taking our film to them, and we need to find ways why it is worth their while to sample films a bit more. Any filmmaker who thinks that the audience owes them anything is completely deluding himself or herself. If you fail them, they will reject you. You make it worth their while and they will love you. Any filmmaker who thinks that the audience owes them anything is completely deluding himself or herself What's the big, lavish premiere plan of Jaane Tu happening in Mumbai? I think a lot of energy is going to go in helping my wife what she wants to wear because she is driving me insane. When I'm done with that, then the family members kick in. Everyone seems to be a lot more excited about the premiere than me. I'm in a state of - I hope it just goes well. So much work has gone into it. But the primary activity once I get back to Mumbai is going to be about helping people what to wear for the premiere. Why should one go and watch Jaane Tu? If you've ever been to college, if you've ever had a group of friends that you remember with nostalgia, if you've ever had feelings for each other, liked each other, things went wrong, things happened on the rebound, you've had your heart broken, you've discovered joy and sorrow and you felt that life will never be the same again after this tragedy and then come back a few years later and say that it was lovely, those were the best days of my life and relive those days....you're never going to come across a film like Jaane Tu. We know that Jhamu Sughand is not a part of this film and is now not a part of our Indian Film Industry because of his sad demise. Anything you'd like to convey through Bollywood Hungama for this man who has produced memorable films for Indian cinema over the years? The day after he passed away, the Mid Day in Mumbai carried an obituary about Jhamu written by me. I said everything I needed to say. He let go of Jaane Tu even though he really loved it because he knew that he was not being able to make it and he wrote off a lot of money he had spent on it just to make a feasible film for another producer to come to. He had a tough time and needed every rupee he could find to complete his films that were already on the floor. I don't know if I have encountered that much generosity in a man and even though the film will not carry a dedication to him, I know that in my heart Jaane Tu⦠Ya Jaane Na will always be dedicated to Jhamu Sughand.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 30 Jun 2008 | 2:10 pm Saumitra ready for a bang againSoumitra Ranade director Jajantaram Mamantaram is coming back with two more animated ...Source: India News | 30 Jun 2008 | 1:32 pm Farhan Akhtar to debut as an actor with, Rock OnIndias leading production house Excel Entertainment has signed Bollywoods principal...Source: India News | 30 Jun 2008 | 11:30 am Abbas-Mustan to remake Italian JobAfter pairing with Farhan Akhtar in Rock On, Prachi Desai is now working in Rumi Jaffery's Life Partner opposite her godmother Ekta's kid-brother Tusshar. The film's first schedule was done recently and is produced by Abbas-Mustan. On the direction front, Abbas-Mustan are hell-bent on turning The Italian Job into an Indian Job. After years of adapting Hollywood thrillers, Abbas-Mustan just won't do a straightforward faithful adaptation. Speaking on the job, Abbas says, "Studio 18 thought of us for an Indian Italian Job after seeing how we shot the chase sequences in Race. Two years ago to execute the intricate action scenes in The Italian Job would've been tough. Today we can comfortably pull it off. Our producers are willing to go all out. No expenses will be spared to make sure our The Italian Job is as good as the original." Though this is the first adaptation that they're doing after legally purchasing the original rights, Abbas-Mustan are adamant on re-vamping the story. "Whenever we've adapted a film we've completely Indianized the story. Though Studio 18 has bought the rights and though we can use every frame from the original same-to-same, we don't want to do that. We're going to Indianize The Italian Job. We'll add roles for two heroines. We might even have an American actress in the film. And the villain will be played by one of the top heroes. We want to make it better than the original." Now Abbas-Mustan are besieged by Bollywoodian badshahs who want a part. "It seems every major hero in Mumbai has always wanted to do The Italian Job. It's got everything from a heist to comedy", laughs Abbas. Abbas and Mustan are also producing their first film Life Partner directed by Rumi Jaffrey with Govinda, Fardeen Khan, Tusshar Kapoor, Genelia Dsouza and Prachi Desai. Says Abbas, "It's a film to appeal to people from the age of 18 to 60. It's completely different from the kind of comedies Rumi directs."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 30 Jun 2008 | 10:14 am "My next film is called Deewana Must Die" - Guddu DhanoaHis Sunny Deol starrer Big Brother may have released more than a year back but Ziddi director Guddu Dhanoa has continued to work on newer projects. Come September and he would begin first of his many projects that he is planning to get on floors in next few months. Interestingly, after making majority of films with established actors like Sunny Deol (Ziddi, Salakhen, 23rd March 1931 Shaheed, Jaal-The Trap, Big Brother) and Akshay Kumar (Elaan, Tu Chor Main Sipahi, Aflatoon), he doesn't have any qualms working with rank newcomer Adhyayan Suman who just made his debut with Haal -e-Dil. As per Adhyayan, the film would be a sequel to Shah Rukh Khan starrer Deewana which was produced by Dhanoa. "But the film isn't really a sequel to Deewana", says Guddu Dhanoa who has been known for his action films, "Yes, I did produce Deewana but the only similarity here is that my new film is called Deewana Must Die." Deewana Must Die? Now that pretty much rings a bell! Is it a remake of Hollywood flick John Tucker Must Die? Laughs Guddu, "Not at all. This has a different story altogether and features one leading heroine. In fact we are still going through narrations and are yet to close on the girl and the main villain. For the girl's role, I am looking at someone who can enact the part of a 16 year old. Any contenders?" Produced by Zee, the film would begin either in the month of September'08 or January'09. What keeps Guddu busy in the meanwhile? "Another project that should go on floors is Handsome Four. And guess what, in spite of four handsome men around; there is just no requirement of a leading lady. Now don't get any ideas though because my boys out there are pretty straight", smiles Guddu. With no leading lady, how would be incorporate the glam quotient in the film? "The film would have a couple of item songs to take care of that. Meanwhile the plot revolves around these four men and a 5 year old kid. Handsome Four is going to be an out and out entertainer with lot of action and emotional value attached. This film too would be a Zee production." Months back he had expressed his desire to make a film called Gulabi with Sunny Deol in the lead. Whatever happened to that? "The film is certainly in the pipeline and I am going to direct it for sure. However, I am not sure if the film would star Sunny now. With incoming of corporate houses, star prices have shot up in a big way. What was economically viable two years back is not really the same today. I am yet to close on the cast for the film. Gulabi is a brilliant subject and a film on that deserves to be made", concludes Guddu Dhanoa.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 30 Jun 2008 | 10:13 am After Delhi gay parade, Deepa Mehta recalls 'Fire''I wish, I could be there,' was Canada-based Indian filmmaker Deepa Mehta's reaction when she learnt about the Indian capital's first gay parade.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 30 Jun 2008 | 10:01 am
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