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Oprah Winfrey's new show to take her to India
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 9 Apr 2010 | 9:36 am Shahid Kapoor grows beard
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 9 Apr 2010 | 9:31 am Jaya Bachchan turns 62
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 9 Apr 2010 | 9:24 am Aishwarya urges mom-in-law to join Twitter
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 9 Apr 2010 | 9:21 am Abhishek's ordeal in fish marketActor Abhishek Bachchan, who is shooting for Rohan Sippy's "Dum Maaro Dum" in Goa, had a hard time shooting a scene in the fish market.Source: Entertainment News | 9 Apr 2010 | 8:23 am In spite of losing streak, Preity stands by her IPL teamEven though Preity Zinta's Indian Premier League(IPL) team Kings XI Punjab are performing poorly in the tournament, the actress is still standing by them and taking the defeats in her stride.Source: Entertainment News | 9 Apr 2010 | 8:21 am Lindsay Lohan's father trying for baby
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 9 Apr 2010 | 7:39 am I think in two years I will get married: KatrinaKatrina Kaif, who is busy promoting her forthcoming film "Raajneeti", says she may get married in the next two years.Source: Entertainment News | 9 Apr 2010 | 7:19 am Katy Perry, Russell Brand to wed in India: RihannaPop star Rihanna says singer Katy Perry and her fiance Russell Brand will get married in India at the end of the year.Source: Entertainment News | 9 Apr 2010 | 7:16 am It's not an arranged marriage: Manisha KoiralaOne of Bollywood's most beautiful and footloose divas Manisha Koirala is all set to tie the knot with her Nepali beau Samrat on June 19, but clarifies that it's not an arranged marriage.Source: Entertainment News | 9 Apr 2010 | 7:13 am Vidya Balan to play Silk Smitha?
Vidya Balan has time again managed to bag roles which any other actress would give her right hand for. Whether it was the sensual performance in Parineeta, or playing the bold and sexy woman in Ishqiya or playing mommy dearest to Amitabh Bachchan himself in Paa.
So when casting for a film based on a strong yet sensual woman is being done, it's hardly a surprise that Vidya Balan seems like an obvious choice. Sure enough then Ekta Kapoor's next film, that chronicles the life of the infamous actress Silk Smitha, is into pre- production, the lead is being discussed and the buzz is that it's Miss Balan herself who will play the dare all Silk Smitha in the film.
Unlike what seems to be the obvious, the film does not revolve around the sleazy image that this late actress got stuck with, instead it's about how the industries complexity, stress and the eventual loneliness that led to her death. Silk Smitha was a south siren, a cult figure that defied conventions and made it on her own, circumstances and alcohol drove her to what is believed to be a death by suicide.
Milan Luthria, who is currently making Once Upon A Time In Mumbai for Ekta's banner will be directing this film.
Vidya Balan however hasn't confirmed the news.
But one thing is for sure, if Vidya is the one who would be playing this part, the film is a winner already.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 9 Apr 2010 | 5:52 am I am not beautiful to be a Bond girl: Freida Pinto
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 9 Apr 2010 | 5:34 am Whip It aint a chick flick, says Drew Barrymore
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 9 Apr 2010 | 5:23 am Kim Kardashian hacked by Nicole Richie
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 9 Apr 2010 | 5:00 am Oprah to host show that will take her to IndiaTalk show queen Oprah Winfrey is all set to repeat her phenomenal success with a new show that will also take her to India and China.Source: Entertainment News | 9 Apr 2010 | 4:45 am Riteish demands Ruslaan to take centre stage - Literally!
Time and again one hears of how actors tend to short-change their colleagues, especially when they happen to be junior in experience. Talks about roles being cut and egos taking over the proceedings are not uncommon.
It was a different situation though in Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai where things were just the other way round. During the choreography of 'Nacha Mein', a dance number in the film where entire cast of the film participates, Riteish was the natural choice to lead from the front. Reason being that he is the main lead of the film and seniority as well as relevance of his role dictates that the focus stays on him.
However, Riteish surprised everyone, including choreographer Bosco and director Milap Zaveri, when he suggested that it should instead be Ruslaan Mumtaz, the second lead in the film, who should hold the centre stage for this fusion club number that has a 'bhangra' base to it. Riteish's logic was simple; he wanted to go by the characterisation for the film rather than the real life standing in the film industry. Since Ruslaan plays a superstar in the film while Ritiesh is an Assistant Director, he felt that it would just be right if the song picturisation focused more on Ruslaan. Though this impromptu decision surprised quite a few, it definitely brought on a smile on the face of Ruslaan who was humbled by the entire experience.
Confirms Milap, "Yes, this indeed happened during the shoot of 'Nacha Main'. We were all set for the shoot and were through with rehearsals and all. Just when we were about get into an actual take, Riteish came up with this idea of putting Ruslaan in the front. Everyone was pleasantly surprised."
Amazed by this gesture of Riteish, Milap adds, "Riteish and I have been friends and share a great comfort level where we do bounce ideas to each other. However, on that day it was the respect factor which came in as I further realised that he is not just a fantastic human being but also a team player who thinks more about the film than his own self. This is my first film as a director and though I have just heard stories of actors playing truant on the sets, an incident like this made me feel happy that I am at the right place with right set of people."
On a lighter note, he adds, "It's a different matter though that my choreographer Bosco had to re-conceptualise the entire sequence all over again. Since Ruslaan was in the front, Riteish had to go behind him; something which changed the entire sequence of steps."
Riteish just smiles it all away when asked about this gesture of his, "It's not a big deal actually. Yes, I did suggest this but its okay. One has to look at things practically rather than going by egos. In 'Nacha Main', it would have looked awkward had Ruslaan been off focus. Someone who is playing a superstar should lead from the front."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 9 Apr 2010 | 4:45 am "I'm getting married on June 19 but its not arranged marriage" - Manisha Koirala
After her marriage Manisha Koirala will now spend more time in her home-town Kathmandu than in Mumbai.
One of Bollywood's most beautiful and footloose divas, Manisha Koirala is all set to get married finally. Just back in Mumbai after an extensive shoot in Kerala for Malayalam film Manisha can barely contain her excitement.
She says, "Yes, I'm getting married to Samrat. He's from Nepal, like me. But please, it is not an arranged marriage. Yes, our families know one another for some years now. So there was a comfort level between me and Samrat for a very long time. Gradually the bonding grew from friendship to love. And when Samrat asked me to marry him I agreed."
Manisha returned to Mumbai from Kerala on Wednesday morning to the news of her marriage all over the place.
She laughs, "I was totally cut off in Kerala shooting for Shayam Prasad's Malayalam film. I had no idea my marriage plans were being discussed in my absence. Now I see dates and venue in the papers. Like I said the wedding is on June 19. It will take place in Kathmandu and will be attended by Samrat's and my close family and friends."
Manisha will now spend more time in Kathmandu. "That's where Samrat is based. He is into many kind of business ventures including a project in alternate energy. So yes, one thing will change. Mumbai used to be my first home. Now Kathmandu will be my first home. But I'll continue to be a Mumbai girl at heart and will have a home here."
So is her dream of a home in Paris over? "No way!" says the fiery Nepali beauty. "My dream home in Paris has just been postponed for a while. Now instead of me alone it will be my husband and I sharing a Parisian home."
In fact the couple plans to honeymoon in France.
Speaking on cutting down her work Manisha says, "I've been cutting down my assignments for a few years now. So it's not as if I've been working frantically. I will continue to do selected films after marriage."
As forthright as ever, Manisha volunteers the information that she broke up with her last boyfriend, the American Chris Dolan long ago. "We split quite some time ago. But we continue to be friends. That's the way I like it in my life. Even when a relationships ends the friendship continues. I don't like any negativity around me. I'd like all my friends to wish Samrat and me a happy married life."
Samrat apparently is shy of the limelight. "He had his picture removed from a social networking website as soon as our marriage was announced. Samrat will have to get used to public attention after we get married."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 9 Apr 2010 | 4:12 am "I should be a designated tourist ambassador for Venus" - Jackie
Jacqueline Fernandez a.k.a. Jackie has learnt the tricks of the trade and done so really fast. Not to be disturbed by thousands of rumours and link up stories making the rounds, Jackie is smiling it all away and having fun in Bollywood. For someone who stepped into the world of movies 2.5 years back and began her career with Aladin, Jackie has come a long way with Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai up for release, an item number in Housefull being much talked about and a major soft drink commercial (featuring her along with Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt) currently on air. As she dominates air space week after week, Jackie talks to Joginder Tuteja about her special film, the difference between working in JKSAH and Aladin and many other things.
If aliens really look like you, rest assured there would be many out there who would love to visit Venus. (Laughs) Yeah, I know, whether you could go there or I could ask my friends from Venus to fly down to Earth. Jokes apart, I am so happy with all the response that I have fetched for Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai ever since the promos hit air. There have been hundreds of messages on Twitter with queries like whether girls really look like me in Venus. You know the kind of silly harmless questions that teenagers ask. I think I should really approach authorities at Venus and ask them to make me their designated tourist ambassador. Seems, there is quite some curiosity about the planet today.
I thought that perhaps I would be have to wear those long alien like ears as attachment
True. However, when the film came to you, weren't you worried about how the makers would present you on screen since you are playing an alien being?
I was really expecting some terrifying things (says in mock horror). I thought that perhaps I would be have to wear those long alien like ears as attachment. You never know about this young team of Milap (Zaveri), Nikhil (Advani) and Riteish, they are capable of doing anythin (smiles).
On a serious note though, the fact is that you always carried a dream of working in a quintessential Bollywood film. Aladin may have been a lost opportunity for you but I am sure JKSAH must have fulfilled that desire of yours?
Yes, JKSAH is indeed a quintessential Bollywood film; it has the kind of elements that you expect from a Bollywood romcom. Aladin was a very different film; it had a different scale and note to it and honestly, it never actually felt like a core Bollywood outing. In fact, this is my way of complimenting Sujoy (Ghosh). However, in JKSAH there are songs and dances, emotional scenes and a lot more fun which fits into the Bollywood bracket.
In the film you are wearing some short clothes. Were you comfortable with the thought, especially so because in Aladin you were covered from top to bottom?
See, Aladin was more of a family entertainer and it was great doing it. It's because of that film that I have all my kiddie fans today. However, JKSAH is more for young adults and hence you have to cater to them. Was I worried about my clothes? Not at all because when you have Nikhil as a producer, you know that styling would be taken care of as he has great sense of styling. One cannot look vulgar for sure. Also, there is a way to wear a particular dress because vulgarity comes in when you portray stuff wrongly. Also, a lot has to do with your character and personality. Now these were some things that were pretty much taken care of in the film.
Well, there is a scene in the film where you are wearing lingerie over your clothes...
And isn't that hilarious? I mean this is a real example of how something looks cute rather than being risqué! This particular shot as well as many others that are devised around my shopping sequence were written impromptu on sets. We would come to the sets, read scenes and then add our own bit. There was a lot of improvisation involved and if you look at the original script and the final product, you would see so many changes.
If you look at the original script and the final product, you would see so many changes
Talking about hilarious things, I guess there is lot more humour that the trio of Riteish, Vishal (Malhotra) and you indulged in, both on and off the screen.
Oh, how hilarious Vishal is (says animatedly). There are so many scenes featuring the three of us and I couldn't help myself laughing. The minute they would say their lines, I would just crack up. In the film, both Riteish and Vishal compliment each other so very well. Riteish is obviously believable as a simple and sweet lover boy. On the other hand Vishal gets the comic quotient bang on in his own whacky way. In that sense, kudos to Ritiesh because the most difficult thing to do in a comedy is to remain serious.
Well, Milap and you appear to be having a serious mutual admiration society building up... (Laughs) I keep telling Milap that he has given me a dream role. The script written by him is so amazing and in fact when he had handed it over to me, I did ask him if he felt I was capable enough to do it. But he put so much of faith in me. See, not everybody gets such a good role in her very second film but I got it. Of course it is mutual that I worked even harder to ensure that I live up to the expectations. I owe so much to Milap; in fact I kind of kind of adore him.
Well, talking about adoration, there have also been talks about that 'special something' brewing between you and Riteish. While it has become a trend of sorts to have talks about an affair between the lead pair days before the release of a film, doesn't it become a little too annoying after a period of time?
The only thing that matters is my family and the people I work with and I get really concerned when such news pieces start making rounds. I get worried about what they would be thinking about their daughter. Also, I don't want industry people to get any wrong ideas because I have to interact with them for many more years to come. I am here for work and people should understand that I am serious about work rather than involving myself in any frivolities.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 9 Apr 2010 | 4:06 am Tele-music Sonu’s novel experience!We are all aware of the wonders of technology. Modern inventions have made communicating over a distance not only possible, but easier and convenient. Concepts like tele-interviews, video-conferences, e-learning etc. have truly made our lives easier. But Sonu Nigam takes itSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 9 Apr 2010 | 3:59 am Rihanna admits to dating LA Dodger Matt KempWashington (ANI): Barbadian singer Rihanna has for the first time admitted that she is dating LA Dodger outfielder Matt Kemp. Rihanna, 22, revealed that she was dating Kemp, 25, to Ryan Seacrest on KIIS-FM, in Los Angeles on April 8 justSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 9 Apr 2010 | 3:57 am Baby Spice once nicked a sign from Buckingham Palace!London (ANI): Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton has disclosed her naughty secret— she once stole from Buckingham Palace. In an appearance on ITV2's ‘Celebrity Juice’, The ‘Dancing On Ice’ judge, 34, revealed that she nicked a sign for the ladies' loosSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 9 Apr 2010 | 3:55 am Riteish recommended Ruslaan to MilapTime and again one hears of how actors tend to short-change their colleagues, especially when they happen to be junior in experience. Talks about roles being cut and egos taking over the proceedings are not uncommon.It was a different situation thoughSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 9 Apr 2010 | 3:51 am Katy Perry and Russel Brand to marry in India: Rihanna - Indian Express
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 9 Apr 2010 | 3:47 am My name is Payal Shukla and I'm not a BihariWith a surname that reads as Shukla, 23-year-old Gujarati girl Payal is often left to clear people’s perception. “My name is Payal Shukla and I’m not a Bihari or Upite. Often, I have to explain this to my friends and otherSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 9 Apr 2010 | 3:47 am Shahid Kapoor takes Paathshaala to his old schoolWho knew promoting a film would be so much fun? For Shahid Kapoor, promotions for his forthcoming film Paathshaala are turning out to be a complete joy ride as the actor is all set to revive his childhood memories by visitingSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 9 Apr 2010 | 3:44 am Prince, the last word in absurdity - Rediff
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 9 Apr 2010 | 3:40 am Mahesh Manjrekar turns rapperMahesh Manjrekar introduced yet another facet of his talented personality by turning singer songwriter for his latest directorial venture City of Gold. After testing his skills at, production, directing, acting, scriptwriting, and theatre Mahesh will now be seen rapping. The songSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 9 Apr 2010 | 3:37 am Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai: Movie Review - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 9 Apr 2010 | 3:21 am Sultry Vidya to play sexy Silk Smitha - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 9 Apr 2010 | 3:21 am Aishwarya sparkles on 3rd anniversary issue of Hello - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 9 Apr 2010 | 3:18 am The Japanese Wife is beautiful but bland - Rediff
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 9 Apr 2010 | 3:10 am Jacqueline is better than Katrina - Ruslaan Mumtaz"I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing but everyone has unanimously said that I look like no other actor in the film industry. There is no one as good looking as me they say", quotesSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 9 Apr 2010 | 3:10 am Aishwarya sparkles on 3rd anniversary issue of HelloIf there was a test that questioned the three degrees of comparison of the word 'Gorgeous', then, the answer will indeed be 'Gorgeous', 'Ultra Gorgeous, Aishwarya Rai'. It is the same Aishwarya Rai who is on the cover of the thirdSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 9 Apr 2010 | 3:05 am Swastik wooing Rahul Roy for Colors showRahul Roy’s career is defined by two moments. First when he became a star with his debut film Aashique. Second, after remaining in wilderness for a while Rahul Roy made headlines for winning the inaugural season of Bigg Boss. Well, anotherSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 9 Apr 2010 | 3:00 am I think in two years I'll get married: Katrina - The Hindu
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 9 Apr 2010 | 2:56 am I'm too young to play a Bond Girl: Freida Pinto - Indian Express
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 9 Apr 2010 | 2:22 am No appearing on TV, Kerala forum's diktat to actors, singersThe Kerala Film Chamber on Thursday asked all film artistes, singers and technicians not to appear on television for doing shows from May 1.Source: Entertainment News | 9 Apr 2010 | 12:54 am Rambha's groom came late for the wedding! - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 9 Apr 2010 | 12:23 am Darling Telugu movie review, Darling songs downloadPrabhas- Kajal starer 'Darling', a Telegu film directed by A.Karunakaran (Tholiprema fame) is expected to release on April 23. The music of 'Darling' was released recently in Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 8 Apr 2010 | 11:45 pm I have a good equation with Ranbir Kapoor: Deepika Padukone - Daily News & Analysis
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 8 Apr 2010 | 11:38 pm Heidi Klum enjoys 'spicy' sex life
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 8 Apr 2010 | 3:54 pm Preity Zinta 'washes off sins' in Ganga
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 8 Apr 2010 | 3:52 pm Preity Zinta 'washes off sins' in GangaBollywood actress Preity Zinta had the most "adventurous day" today, as she went to Haridwar to take a dip as part of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, and "washed off" all her sins in the Ganga.Source: Entertainment News | 8 Apr 2010 | 3:34 pm Sex pistols manager McLaren dies of cancerThe sixty four year old Malcolm McLaren who was the promoter of the British punk band has died in New York. One of his companions,Young Kim said that McLaren died of mesothelioma at a hospital in Switzerland after a long struggle with cancerSource: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 8 Apr 2010 | 3:23 pm Producer of 'Survival' under suspicion after wife's deathBruce Beresford Redman, producer of famous reality shows like Survivor, is under suspicion because of the death of his wife, Monica under mysterious conditions. The dead body was found in a hotel in Cancun, Mexico.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 8 Apr 2010 | 2:59 pm Sen’s The Japanese Wife is wonderfully shot, reasonably well enacted, and is sure enough, long (or slow) as hell. Such elements individually draw attention toward themselves because, quite frankly, the script sucks. Mayank Shekhar elaborates. |
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All of you, who wondered where John Abraham had disappeared, will be in for some real good news. The hot Dostana hunk, who has a body to die for, is getting an even shapelier body for himself. If you're drooling already, then, we feel that it's time for some clarity. This Greek God of Bollywood is all set to do a film to be produced by Vipul Shah.
The film is an adaptation of a Tamil film called Kaakha Kaakha in Hindi. While the original (Tamil) film had the south superstar Surya alongside Jyothika, it will be Asin who will be doing the honours in the Hindi remake. This film will be directed by Mumbai Meri Jaan director Nishikant Kamat.
John, who plays a tough officer of a special squad, is getting in shape for the role. So, don't be surprised, but just be ready to swoon every time he comes on the screen. This film is likely to hit the floors by May or June this year.
If there was a test that questioned the three degrees of comparison of the word 'Gorgeous', then, the answer will indeed be 'Gorgeous', 'Ultra Gorgeous, Aishwarya Rai'. It is the same Aishwarya Rai who is on the cover of the third anniversary issue of Hello!
This is one issue wherein Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been presented as never-before and maybe never-after! She, on her own admission, says that "I have always preferred to hang out with the guys. (I am not a part of the Bollywood girlie gangs. Don't get me wrong, but I can't see myself saying stuff like "Hey, babes... love your bag!" Some words these! She also sheds some light about her much-celebrated marriage with Abhishek Bachchan, about whom she says "Abhishek and I fight over such trivial things... nothing major. I can't carry a sulk for too long. After any argument, it is generally me who breaks the ice. Besides, technology has made things so much easier- what are emotions for?"
All this and mush, mush more... we mean... much, much more, only in the latest edition of Hello!
It's a dream of every father to see his son prosper, and in case of actor R. Madhavan, satisfaction has come fast and in a small package. Folks we are talking about Madhavan's son Vedaant. The young lad is soon to make his small screen debut along with his proud father for a social cause.
With this advertisement hitting the screens, it will be the first time the father-son duo will be seen together on screen for a social cause. However, the details of this advert are being closely kept under wraps for the moment since the advertisement is still in its shooting stages.
But on the other hand, with the makers being tight lipped about the ad, we to hear that, just 5 years old Vedaant is already showing a lot of potential and has great screen presence just like his father. Reveals a source, "This being Vedaant's first stint in television, Maddy is very proud of him. The boy has great potential and is a lot like Madhavan." Well if this is anything to go by then we sure hope it will be a classic case of like father like son.
On April 2, Javed Akhtar was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University Of Pondicherry.
And proud wife Shabana who has been conferred the doctorate thrice over by Leeds University in the UK in 2005, Jadavpur University in West Bengal 2003 and Jamia Milia University on Delhi in 2008 can't stop preening.
Jokes Shabana, "Now there are two resident doctors in the house, in addition to the doctor who comes daily to look at my fractured leg."
To her dismay Shabana couldn't be with Javed for this proud moment in Pondicherry because of her leg. Another dear old friend of hers Farouq Abdullah was also given a doctorate along with Javed Akhtar.
Farouq and Shabana go back a long way. Remember Shabana's infamous pillion ride on Farouq's mo'bike down the main street of Srinagar?
Shabana would rather forget it. "That was so long ago. Poor Farouq! He hasn't been able to live it down, although it happened in 1984! It was such a spontaneous action and lasted all of two minutes. Anyway I'd have liked to be there to cheer my husband and Farouq."
Javed who last month got inducted into the Rajya Sabha is more guarded in his enthusiasm. "In the South they take the honorary doctorates very seriously. Kamal Haasan who is a Class 8 drop-out is referred to as Dr. Kamal Haasan in Tamil Nadu. I went, got my doctorate and came back. I feel the same. Now I'm preparing for my maiden speech in the Rajya Sabha."
Whether Javed known to possess a gift of the gab gives an impromptu speech at the Rajya Sabha or goes fully prepared would depend on what issues have to be addressed.
At the moment Javed seems to have cut down his film work to focus on various non-cinema activities. He will now direct a film in 2011.
"I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing but everyone has unanimously said that I look like no other actor in the film industry. There is no one as good looking as me they say", quotes Ruslaan Mumtaz. Sitting casually as if he were ten to fifteen films down, this young actor possesses confidence which is sky high. Is that good? Is that bad? Only the box office can judge him better. Awaiting his third release is Ruslaan. The guy from Earth, he is humble, sweet and rooted...rooted to his films and to what he does best - acting. UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent caught up with the upcoming actor to know more about Jaane Kahan Se Aaye Hain , Riteish Deshmukh, Nikhil Advani and why Jacqueline Fernandez is a better gamble than Katrina Kaif in Bollywood.
Your third release. First didn't work, second got a critical acclaim. Will the third one get you the much needed commercial success?
I hope I get that much needed commercial box office success. As an actor, I'll keep on working but as a hero, these are the few chances you get early on in your career. If I don't deliver this time around, it'll get tougher and tougher each time. One day a point comes that everyone will say, "Ruslaan, you cannot become a star, so please act." I don't want to reach that stage. I hope because of Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, producer Nikhil Advani and director Milap Zaveri, people come to see Jaane Kahan Se Aaye Hain.
Is the film a kriss kross, a miss match of sorts when it comes to romance? That's what we hear.
Friendship is love. We've had this theme in lot's of movies before. JKSAH is also around the same area. The concept of JKSAH is - A boy from Earth and a girl from Venus. There isn't a miss match or a kriss kross. You need to see the film to see what happens.
Is JKSAH a risk as far as the genre is concerned?
Any film is a risk, isn't it? If you make a film with Akshay Kumar, you have to make it at a certain budget, a budget higher than a Riteish Deshmukh film. JKSAH is a risk and even an Akshay Kumar film is a risk.
Do you see yourself doing an ensemble cast film or a few solo projects too?
My first two films were solo projects. After seeing both my earlier films, I got bored of myself. If I as a viewer cannot watch my films again and again, that means I need to work with other actors who are interesting. I watch Riteish's films. Whichever films he has been a part of in the last five years, I've never missed any. To do a film with him makes sense as an audience also. The way my role was written tempted me even further to work in JKSAH. After reading, I found out that any young actor like me would really benefit from this film. So I grabbed this brilliant opportunity to work with Riteish and Jacqueline.
His characters struggle to do the right thing sometimes, but as an actor, Abhishek Bachchan has rarely put a foot wrong. Critics love him, magazine writers fawn over him, and he's developed a fan base like no other, largely because his performances are most often off-kilter, angled and light, full of soul, tenderness, toughness, sincerity and grace, expressed through the liquid cadences of his voice and his diction, his beautiful man-boy face, and the unerring and particular use of limbs to amplify and enhance. One could go on.
At 1.30 in the night, Abhi (as we love to call him) arrives in his booked room at the Rennaisance Powai Hotel where I am waiting for him along with his personal PR, Shalmana, who's giving me company since 10pm. A firm handshake and he wastes no time getting down to business. Abhi has just returned after finishing his first shot for the film Game he is filming along with actress Kangna Ranaut in the hotel. It's a night shift from 9pm to 9am. At just more than 6ft, there's a lot of him. He's wearing jeans with a dark grey hooded jumper over his white t-shirt. His black hair is a touch unruly, his big eyes split wide open ready to catch the questions and his long face all lit up in a room with dim lights. Before we begin our Q and A, the actor quickly orders some food. He is hungry but first thing's first - the interview. And seconds before we start off, he apologises for his late coming. But that's what makes him Abhishek Bachchan. His generosity and honesty which pours out from his heart, his respect and professionalism which he wears on his sleeves, and his vulnerable charisma which makes you think - Hang on! It's never too late.
In this exclusive two part Q and A, with UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent, it's the first time Abhishek Bachchan goes all out to talk about his inspiration, meteoric rise, maturity, responsibility, failures, fans, family discussions, finances, his love for twitter, music and food, his hatred for shopping and the word which he thinks defines and will define his career for years to come - 'Good Luck'.
How do you describe your maturity when it comes to decisions about what films to green light, as a producer of your film Paa, as a husband and as a proud son of Mr and Mrs Bachchan?
I don't put it down to maturity. To be in the film business it is very important to be immature. You need to be in touch with the child within. That's where you get the innocence and excitement from. We tend to get very jaded and cynical as we grow older, seeing the world around us and the troubles that come with it. It's very important to retain a certain amount of wonder and innocence. The most successful people in the film fraternity are basically children at heart. We still get excited when we read a script that grabs our fancy. I've never been the kind of actor who has managed to break down why I should do a film. I still have this naïve notion that if you are convinced and you put in a convincing performance, your audiences will buy it. If I plot and plan too much, somewhere I'm not going to get that conviction because I'm not going with my heart but going with my mind. The decision to do Paa and to produce it was like a child taking the decision. That's why it worked on a conceptual level.
What sort of film discussions do you and your family have on the dinner table?
When our family sits together and eats food, we never have film discussions. It's a rule that my mother set when we were kids. My father would never talk about films. While we were kids, my grand father (Abhishek's grand father was one of India's most celebrated poets - Harivanshrai Bachchan who died in 2003) would talk about things like literature, world politics, events, his experiences, etc. I remember sitting and listening to all the discussions my family members and guests would come up with while I was a kid. It was very educational. It wasn't just only films, films, films and films. I read my first film magazine when I was eighteen years old. It was called Filmfare. I thought that it was just an awards show. I attended my first Filmfare award function when I was eighteen years old.
The release of Milenge Milenge now depends on Kareena Kapoor. Producer Boney Kapoor met her for the publicity of the film before she left for Goa to shoot for Ra.One. Shahid Kapoor has done his bit. Now it's up to Kareena Kapoor to see when their pending film Milenge Milenge is released.
Shahid shot the music video for the film with choreographer Ahmed Khan on March 26. The track written by Sameer Anjaan and composed by Himesh Reshammiya goes... 'Sab kuch khatam hokar bhi tere mere darmiyaan kuch to baqi hai...'
And now Boney waits not-so-patiently for Kareena to do the needful. Says Boney, "Yes, now the release would depend entirely on when Kareena allots the dates to shoot the music video. I've slotted the release for the last week of June or the first week of July. I'm hopeful that Bebo's portions of the music video and other publicity footage would be shot and ready. So yes the release is now in Bebo's hands."
Kareena who is in Goa doesn't quite share Shahid's enthusiasm for the publicity and marketing of Milenge Milenge.
Boney doesn't deny he met Kareena over the matter. "But she made it clear she was willing to co-operate in every way. Let's put this way. I don't want to put Bebo under any discomfort. She's a girl I've watched grow in front of my eyes and I'm very protective of her."
Boney insists it's a marketing strategy to feature Shahid and Kareena separately in the promotional video. However, the fact of the matter is, Kareena for whatever reasons of her own decided not to do any collaborative marketing of Milenge Milenge with Shahid. And her space as a woman and a professional must be respected.
When told that that perhaps the other-half of the Milenge Milenge pair was not willing to do collaborative publicity Shahid reacted with annoyance. "Arrey yaar I'm all for the film. I'm willing to do whatever Boneyji asks me to. I don't know about the rest."