Salman's innocence made him Siddique's Bodyguard

"Salman's innocence propelled me to cast him in Bodyguard," says director Siddique, the man who wields the megaphone for Atul Agnihotri in Bodyguard. Says the soft-spoken director who had earlier made Bodyguard in both Malayalam and Tamil as the mega-hit Kavalan, "When I looked at Salman, what struck me first was his innocence. And then, it was his personality. I was looking at an actor who had the innocence and humour that was essential to play the bodyguard. And Salman had all that and more."

Salman's way of expressing his wit is something that holds Siddique's attention. Says the director, "Each actor has his own way of expression. And the way Salman essayed the character of an inspector inDabangg was simply perfect. There was the strength, the energy, but more than all that, there was the sense of humour and the innocence in the character. That is exactly what I was looking for in Bodyguard. And he suits it to the hilt."

Salman Khan signed up as the brand ambassador of Rotomac Pens

Bollywood never had it so good. Gone are the days when the hunky-dory and good looking 'models' were a saleable hot property in the glitzy world of advertising and commercials. The current trend has seen these professional models being replaced by either cricketers or film stars.

According to Bollywood Hungama's reliable sources, superstar Salman Khan has been signed up as the brand ambassador of Rotomac Pens (which previously had Raveena Tandon as its brand ambassador).

The official announcement of the same is awaited.

Manoj Bajpai now becomes Football Coach

After disappearing from films for a while, Manoj Bajpai is set to strike back on the big screen again. Manoj is currently shooting for his next film titled 90 Minutes. Interestingly, Manoj plays the role of a football coach in the film. Major portion of the film has been shot in Kasauli. In fact, since he plays a football coach, Manoj had do lot of shouting and yelling at his team in the film which left him drained at the end of the day.

90 Minutes is being directed by a female director, Padmini Kapilla. The last schedule of the film is to be shot at a stadium in Malaysia.

Incidentally, Yash Raj Films has recently announced their next film Chak De! India in which Shah Rukh Khan plays a coach to a girl�s hockey team. The film is being directed by Shimit Amin.

Ramanand Sagar�s grand-son makes debut with 1971

Dr. Ramanand Sagar�s film production wing is all set to fly again with the debut of Sagar�s grand-son Amrit Sagar as director. 1971 -- that�s the title of the film -- heralds the return of the Sagar banner to the big screen after nearly two decades.

1971 was shot entirely in Kullu-Manali in a 71-day schedule at the peak of winter [the entire shooting was wrapped up on June 10]. The snow-laden location provides a chilling ambience for the unfolding of an adventure drama centering around six Indian war prisoners across the border, who break free to set out on a death-defying journey home.

1971 also brings to the fore Akash Sagar, Amrit�s younger brother as a music director.

Manoj Bajpai takes centre stage in the all-male principal cast, which includes Ravi Kissen, Kumud Mishra, Manav Kaul, Deepak Dobriyal, Chitranjan Giri, Piyush Mishra, Vivek Mishra and Gyan Prakash. Farida Dadi puts in a cameo.

1971 is produced by Amrit�s father Moti Sagar, who has written, edited and directed RAMAYAN and SHRI KRISHNA along with his illustrious father Dr. Ramanand Sagar.

Manoj Bajpai & Deepak Dobriyal celebrate W-Day

In honour of the fairer sex, the city celebrated Women�s Day in great style on March 9, 2007. Popular radio station Big 92.7 FM, in association with Adlabs Films Pvt. Ltd. hosted a rally �Big Walk for Women� in Mumbai yesterday.

The event was flagged off by their Special Guest Shri. Rengutwar, Senior Inspector � Oshiwara Police Station, but the limelight was on two talented celebrities who were there to support the cause, namely Manoj Bajpai and Deepak Dobriyal. Also, present was upcoming singer Harshdeep. The Big Walk was also joined in by BIG 92.7 FM listeners, both men & women, who came from all corners of Mumbai city to be part of this dream walk. Hosting the event was the radio station�s popular RJ Anirudh of the Anirudh LLB fame. The Big Walk began with all the enthusiastic participants from Lokhandwala Jogger�s Park, went via Lokhandwala market and concluded at the Infiniti Mall in Andheri Link Road.

Deepak Dobriyal, who played Rajjo in the critically acclaimed Omkara, will now be seen along with Bhiku Mahtre a k a Manoj Bajpai will now be seen in Amrit Sagar�s post-war film 1971.

"Sanjay Dutt has a much bigger role in Kidnap" - Imran Khan

Imran Khan has changed his image in his second film. Says the nervous second-timer, "After Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, Kidnap was the first script that I actually liked. I decided on doing it instinctively. And I've a completely different role from what I did in Jaane Tu...I admit Sanjay Dutt has a bigger part in my next release Kidnap. And rightly so. He's a much bigger star than me and obviously the focus would be on him. I am thrilled with my part in Kidnap. Incidentally, Sanjay Dutt is also my co-star in Luck. Apparently, there's some kind of a mysterious link between the two of us."

Imran was quite intimidated before working with Dutt. "But he turned out to be such a warm and soft-hearted guy. On the first day, I was fumbling and forgetting my lines. He told to relax, that it was okay."

Imran's teenybopper fans who think he's the cutest thing since bubblegum are in for a shock when they see him playing a grey role in his second film.

"It is a slightly negative role. I am very different from Jaane Tu... in Kidnap. But morality in this film and in real life is a question of perception. Once my fans get to know my character's motivations they won't be shocked. This is what I really liked aboutKidnap. It says, 'Hang on for a second. Are you sure you know what's right and what is wrong?' For me morality is totally a matter of which side you are on. I think I play a very interesting guy to watch in Kidnap. People will like me. I think the audience is in the mood to see new and interesting things. In any case I can't go by people's expectations, I'll choose the roles that I like."

Imran ends on a positive note. "I had a blast here in SA. I'm working with some great actors here. Mithun Dada is so down to earth and humble. Ravi Kissan Sir and I got along so well. I didn't know who he was until I saw him in 1971. I guess I'm lucky to have a second release so soon after my debut. These things aren't in an actor's end."

Imran intends to go on a vacation after shooting Luck and attending to the release of Kidnap. "I've been working non-stop from Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na...then Kidnap. And now Luck. Though we're shooting Luck in a very beautiful place the days are very long. We're shooting very intense action scenes with no breaks."

Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif in Dibakar Banerjee's next

Imran Khan proved himself a man of the masses when recently he shot a cola ad with Kalki Koechlin shot by Dibakar (Love & Dhokha) Banerjee.

The ad, a slice-of-life love story about two strangers' chance encounter on a crowded streets of Mumbai shot over 2 days last month, had hordes of fan descending on location. Imran dealt with the situation like a pro, mingling, signing autographs, posing for photographs.

The BEST bus hired for the shoot became his home for two days.

Says Banerjee who's making his next feature film with Imran, "Seeing the discipline and drive Imran invested into the ad, I'm more than convinced I'm ready to work with mainstream actors."

Banerjee who has so far done three feature films with actors like Abhay Deol, Paresh Rawal and Anupam Kher, is looking to cast Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif.

Apparently, Imran was lost to the rest of the world for those two days when the ad was shot. Says Dibakar, "We shot the ad on a relatively lonely stretch of road in Malad. But the news that Imran was shooting spread and fans would swoop down every hour. Considering the tight schedule Imran would either quickly hide in his vanity van until the fans left or meet them in a very friendly manner."

The BEST bus had character actors as Imran's co-passengers and Imran was soon friendly with all of them.

Says the director, "All I can say is, Imran won more than a busload of fans in those two days. At the moment, I'm busy putting finishing touches to my release Love Sex Aur Dhokha. But right after that I'll get to work on the Imran project."

Dibakar Banerjee to make political thriller titled Shanghai starring Abhay Deol

Though Dibakar Banerjee's next film is called Shanghai it won't be shot in China. And though this political thriller has a wonderful role for the female protagonist it won't star Katrina, as expected.

But Banerjee is sold on his old favourite Abhay Deol. What's more, the uncompromising director has even modified the main character in the script of his next film Shanghaiaccordingly.

Dibakar now hopes that Abhay's next two films, which are out-and-out commercial ventures, would work. "This would automatically help my project to acquire an enhanced commercial clout. Although let me add we're making it on a tight budget of Rs. 12 crores with no frills. Shanghai is not an extravaganza. And it certainly won't be shot in China!"

The film will be produced by PVR.

Thanks to the success of Prakash Jha's Raajneeti, gritty political thrillers seem to have a life beyond the film festivals. Laughs Dibakar, "I told my writer, thanks to the success of Raajneeti we now know there's a market for more than just teenybopper romances and farcical comedies. Shanghai, let me tell you, is not set in China. The title describes a mindset. Beyond that I wouldn't like to reveal the plot."

This is the same project that Dibakar wanted to make with Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif. "But Imran said no to Shanghai," informed Dibakar. "That's when me and writer Urmi Juvekar decided to change the character. With Imran out the script suddenly, it became more gritty. The protagonist's character was naïve and innocent when Imran was to play him. Now he's not that innocent."

Dibakar hopes that Shanghai would take Abhay's career to the next level of stardom. Says the director, "When an actor evolves the project too changes. When I did Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye with Abhay that was a different actor. Today after Dev D (for Abhay) and Love Sex Aur Dhokha (for Dibakar) we're both in a different zone creatively."

Dibakar recently returned from the Munich Film Festival which concluded on July 4. His Love Sex Aur Dhokha had four screenings in Munich.

Dibakar was overwhelmed by the response, "The Indian films in Munich were not your typical Bollywood films. Nor were they obscure offbeat kinds. They were successfully unconventional films like mine and Abhishek Choubey's Ishqiya. One of my screenings was held on the day Germany was playing for the World Cup against Argentina. And we were still full!"

Dibakar feels the praise for LSD from abroad is a sign of the changing attitude of the West to our cinema. "What I liked was the fact that we were judged as world cinema, not 'Bollywood'. 70 percent of the audience at each screening was German. I feel Indian cinema will take a while to not be seen as anything more than a diversion by international audiences. But we're getting there."

Back home, Dibakar continues to spend all his waking hours with his adopted daughter.

Says the proud father. "Ira now has two front teeth. Watching her become an integral part of my wife's and my life is the greatest joy of I've experienced. I plan to return to direction next year."

Anurag Kashyap and Kalki to tie knot on April 30

After playing the 'yes-yes, no-no' game for quite sometime now, reports have it that Anurag Kashyap and Kalki Koechlin will be finally tying the knot on April 30. The location has been chosen as Ooty, which happens to be Kalki's hometown.

The wedding will be a closed ceremony and the couple has just invited 40 of their close friends. Reports also claim that since it's a south Indian type of wedding, the lovely couple will be tying the knot at around 11am, followed by a grand reception.

The designer chosen for D-day is Laila Bijlani Motwane (who has designed for Twinkle Khanna and Tanya Deol in the past), who said that Kalki will be wearing a green and gold Kanjivaram saree with the traditional south Indian jewellery and her lehenga will be tri coloured: mango, orange and fuchsia. Anurag has chosen his own clothes which will be a cream colored kurta-pyjama. Meanwhile, news has come in that; the couple has even purchased a new pad at Versova, where they will be moving in post marriage. 

Kalki Koechlin to star in Dibakar Banerjee's Shanghai

Kalki Koechlin was recently in the news for her wedding to Anurag Kashyap. However, the actress with a French connection is now in the news for professional reasons. Kalki has been signed for Dibakar Banerjee's Abhay Deol- Emraan Hashmi starrer Shanghai.

Kalki will be paired opposite Emraan in the film. Besides Abhay, Emraan and Kalki, Bengali superstar Prosenjit and veteran actor Farooque Sheikh too form important members of the cast of Shanghai.

'Agneepath' between 'Ra.One' & 'Don 2'

Karan Johar is filming AGNEEPATH at lightning speed. Without making any noise whatsoever, in fact. Though director Karan Malhotra began filming only recently, the film, with Hrithik Roshan reprising Amitabh Bachchan's role, is already 50% complete. "Another major schedule of the film in Daman and we will be through with the principal shooting of the film," Karan informs me.

Meanwhile, there are whispers that Karan has sold the distribution rights of AGNEEPATH and STUDENT OF THE YEAR to a Hollywood studio for an astronomical sum. "Not true! In the first place, I don't wish to get into the co-production deal with anyone for AGNEEPATH. This one's special; it was produced by my father and I would like Dharma to retain its rights exclusively," Karan states. What about S.O.T.Y.? "Again, the news is unfounded. I haven't inked the deal with any studio yet," he adds.

Karan plans to release AGNEEPATH this year. In fact, like Salman and SRK, who will have two releases this year, Hrithik too will have two releases this year, starting with ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA on 8 July, followed by AGNEEPATH in the final weeks of 2011. "We haven't zeroed on any date yet, but we should release it between RA.ONE [Diwali] and DON 2[Christmas]," Karan says.

Aadesh Shrivastava's brother dies in car accident

Life couldn't have got more cruel than this for musician Aadesh Shrivastava. On one hand, he just fought his way out of cancer and on the other hand, he got a sudden shock when he got the news of his brother's death.

His brother, Chitresh Srivastava, was working as the noted singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's manager since the last few years. Chitresh, met with a car accident and died on the spot, in Chicago where they were travelling for a concert. Reports have it that, his car was trailing Rahat's vehicle when the incident occurred. Unfortunately, Chitresh died on the spot while three others including Rahat's cousin were very badly injured. They are arranging to fly down Chitresh's body to India for the cremation.

Readers may note that, Chitresh, prior to joining Rahat, had assisted his brother Aadesh, and has also worked as an assistant music director in films like Aankhen, Zameen, Veergati, Major Saab etc.

Arjun Rampal and Jacqueline to do some steamy scenes in Jai Ramji

Arjun Rampal and Jacqueline Fernandez who shared a fleeting moment of song-and-dance camaraderie in Housefull are all set to get really cosy as husband and wife in Tigmanshu Dhulia's Jai Ramji.

Dhulia, who never shies away from hot breathy love-making sequences, recently shot some torrid scenes with Randeep Hooda and Mahie Gill in Sahib Bibi Aur Gangster. For Jai Ramjitoo he has some extra-special plans for the bedroom.

The idea of casting Jacqueline came to Tigmanshu after he saw the lately-emboldened actress comfortably cuddling up to Emraan Hashmi in the stills of Murder 2.

It's time for the actress to carry her sizzle further in the inspiring company of Arjun Rampal who lately did an semi-x-rated love-making sequence with TV actress Shruti Seth in Raajneeti .

After Preity Zinta, it's Jacqueline Fernandez who has been added to the cast of Tigmanshu Dhulia's rustic tale Jai Ramji. And he plans to add a number of more glamorous babes from Mumbai in even the smaller female parts. He has already spoken to number glam-dolls for even the cameos and walk-on parts. They've all agreed to be part of Dhulia's glamour bazaar.

Tigmanshu's logic is simple. Going rustic and real doesn't mean relinquishing glamour. "This is a logic we've inherited from the art-house films where realism was equated with a lack of glamour. My film is set in a small town. But it will feature sexy glamorous Bollywood actresses. We need to break the stereotypical image of the non-metropolitan cinema as being dry and unexciting. I think women in small town can be very sexy."

Director Tigmanshu Dhulia is rather irked with the lack of glamorous sexy women in commercial Hindi films about semi-rural characters.

Jacqueline Fernandez will play Arjun Rampal's wife in Tigmanshu Dhulia's Jai Ramji. And with good reason. Dhulia wants to add an element of urbane glamour to the rustic saga.

Says the director, "Her role is very similar to Pooja Batra's in Priyadarshan's Viraasat. Remember the girl from abroad who comes to Anil Kapoor's village? Jacqueline faces the same cultural heat. Suddenly this metropolitan girl from Mumbai has to go and live in Lucknow with her husband. She resents the heat dust and boredom. Jacqueline was perfect for the part since she has the correct body language of the city-bred girl placed in a semi-rural environment."

Tigmanshu intends to hold workshops to make Arjun and Jacqueline comfortable before they get cosy for the camera.

"Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai is true Tarantino style film" - Prachi Desai

Prachi Desai is so down-to-earth it is almost impossible to believe she is only in her early twenties. She actually looks even younger, which may be something to do with her porcelain skin, but she seems to have a maturity far beyond her years, because her debut film Rock On proved it. And then you think - What a life this girl has got! Right when she was on the top of her game in the television medium, she quit to join films. That was once upon a time. Now, the results are pretty evident. In contrast to the slickness of the setting of her latest offering, Prachi is looking decidedly unflashy inOnce Upon A Time In Mumbaai. But that works and how. Apart from a thin lick of eyeliner and mascara, her face is devoid of make-up, which only serves to emphasise her beauty: striking black, wide-set eyes, perfect teeth, and a regular smile which makes your heart melt. Drape her with the most expensive Giorgio Armani gown and yet she will look de-glam. Because Desai is that delicate flower. You can't dress it up. It'll just look de-glam yet beautiful and then lingers her mystic aroma whenever she appears. This season, get ready to experience just that. UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent gets into the mood retro and talks to the perfumed actress Prachi Desai about her first retro film, her fragrant beauty, her serial kissing co-star Emraan Hashmi, the ever experienced Ajay Devgn and her two golden word in which she describes Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai - 'True Tarantino' style.

Critic's appreciation

I'm so happy that after Rock On, the critics have seen a better side of me in acting. Then came Life Partner and now my most challenging role I've ever done in Once Upon...I am eagerly awaiting the critics appreciation and my audiences too for my role and my film. I'm very confident that it'll do well.

De-glam / Make Up

I hope you're genuinely informing me the fact that people like me without make up. It's farcical to know that my audiences like me in the de-glam role (laughs). I personally do not like putting on a lot of make-up. I hate it. But my profession demands it (laughs). It's just that in films like Once Upon...you are lucky to be blessed with a de-glam image and less make up. I've got very dark eyes for the period look in the film.

Challenging

Rock On stays as my best ever role because it was my first ever. Rock On is special.Once Upon... is on that special phase in my life. I hope to make my stand more concrete after the release of this film and hope I'm taken seriously as an actress in our industry.

Deliberate

Absolutely yes. It's a deliberate approach on my part not to sign too many films. Rock On happened with no plans and I'm too fortunate. Luckily, it worked too. So I had to give that break to my viewers in general. Viewers of television have seen enough of me every day in the daily soaps. If they saw me every month in films, they'll be disconnected with me (laughs). It somehow became tough for the people to perceive me differently. I need to give them a break more than I take one (laughs). Considering the fact that I do not come from a film family but television makes it even more deliberate. But all this doesn't make me the desperate one too (laughs).

Women in gangster flicks

Women are as important as guns are for these gangsters. In the film's context, they (women) are the only other factors who are so dear to them. This film would not have taken off without the presence of these women. The love story is an integral part of this film.

Dimple Kapadia 

Oh God! Till date I've never met her. I would love to meet Dimpleji one day. Luckily, I've not even got a phone call from her which I did expect after doing an impression of Bobby. I was the worried one during the shoot and till today. I don't know if I've actually done justice by wearing the costume of Bobby.

Emraan Hashmi

You know what? I always had this feeling after doing the film that the conflict that arises in the story is so much real that Emraan hasn't played a character like this before in any of his films. It's not only his looks but also his attitude. He speaks like the people in the 70's and 80's did. There are too many grey shades to him in this film and he does it so convincingly. Convincingly because his part in the film is of a guy who is hundred percent convinced about what he does. This will be one film for which he will get lots of accolades and acknowledgements and his kissing image will soon diminish (laughs).

Ajay Devgn

I've grown up watching Ajay's film. He is a phenomenal actor and we saw that in RGV's Company. He is back to business here. It's grim and tough. Ajay and Milan go back a long way since their first film together Kachche Dhaage. But as everyone knows, Ajay is the biggest prankster ever. It's strange but he comes across as a shy guy. Company didn't have the retro touch to it. I think it could've worked better if it had. This one is going to make him stand out more I feel.

Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai

If I had to sum up the film in two words, it'd be 'Pukka Tarantino' stuff (laughs). That's what many have said after watching the film. I hope it stands true.

"I am playing the role of a boy called Shoaib, who stays in Dongri" - Emraan Hashmi

He is an actor par excellence who has impressed one and all with his performances in films like Murder, Zeher, Gangster and Jannat. He is all ready now for his next biggieOnce Upon A Time In Mumbaai. He is Emraan Hashmi. Emraan was live on Bollywood Hungama's video chat where he interacted with his fans and had a blast. For all of you who missed this fun-filled chat session, here are the excerpts.

kaniz: hi emran
Emraan Hashmi: hi kaniz

aaliya: hi emran
Emraan Hashmi: hi aaliya how r u doing

Priya!: yeaaaah i am happy i ditched my homework for this
Emraan Hashmi: well thats a wrong thing to do Priya but you probably can give it a break for a while but do well in your exams

nadiim: hi emraan...i wanna ask you how was it working with ajay devgn and kangna again..??
Emraan Hashmi: nadiim...ajay is a new experience its like working with a person who had 20 years of experience...Kangna is a great friend and hopefully inshallah this will be our third hit together.

Basith Hashmi: this is me @basithhashmi
Emraan Hashmi: hi i remember you basith

Towhid: Hi emraan whts ur fav food ?
Emraan Hashmi: Towhid...i love Sushi and any kind of Indian food.

.

Towhid: Hi emraan whts ur fav colour ?
Emraan Hashmi: Towhid...Black or White

taha khan: hi emraan bro H R U I AM FROM PAKISTAN
Emraan Hashmi: hi taha how r u doin

Niraj: please tell us why you backed out of from ur complaint that u werent allowed to buy house in pali hill?
Emraan Hashmi: Niraj..I backed out becos the issue was widely politicised and became a huge mess rather than actually addressing a social cause. So it was best to pull out. But I still advise anyone to raise their voice whenever they face any kind of discrimination

Towhid: wht song is ur fav frm ur latest film ????
Emraan Hashmi: Towhid...I guess it will have to be the same fav song of the entire nation...Pee Loon

aaliya: i m fine Emran i love ur movies specially JANNAT
Emraan Hashmi: thanks yaar thats one of my fav films too aaliya

hiniiii: emraan gotta tell you, you look better without a beard =)
Emraan Hashmi: ok hinii...then ill shave it

Towhid: who is ur fav actress ???
Emraan Hashmi: Towhid....Sridevi

RAM JANNE: emraan urs fav actor name
Emraan Hashmi: Jack Nicholson

Basith Hashmi: emmi,do u have any plan to work with yaashraj
Emraan Hashmi: basith...if the script interests me and if i get a great and memorable character to play then why not? its never the prodn house its a good project and a good story


taha khan: EMRAAN BRO DO YOU HAVE ANY MOVIE WITH ZAYED KHAN FARDEEN KHAN AKSHAY KUMAR AND VIVEK OBEROI
Emraan Hashmi: no taha

Niraj: emraan ji, which films of hindi cinema are your all-time favourite?
Emraan Hashmi: Niraj....Jaagte Raho, Sholay, Satya, Vaastav

Towhid: Y have u nt been tweeting in ages ??????
Emraan Hashmi: Towhid....cos I got bored of tweeting...hopefully my enthusiasm will build up again and Ill return soon. More than that I want to update the blog on my website more often

Sunita: will you come to australia again? (melbourne)
Emraan Hashmi: Sunita...of course I love the city…loved aus when i was there...the people were extremely warm and we had a rocking time shooting there.

akshay2: u rocks every flick
Emraan Hashmi: and hopefully will keep rocking akshay

Ranbir_Loves_Kat: What character do you potray in once upon a time in mumbai?
Emraan Hashmi: I am playing the role of a boy who stays in Dongri whose name is Shoaib who looks up to an underworld don named Sultan. Ultimately Shoaib aspires to become Sultan.

Niraj: emraan ji,what is your opinion about the recent trend where filmmakers avoid lip-sync songs & dance?
Emraan Hashmi: Niraj...well it depends if the song is reqd to take the story fwd and the lyrics depict the moments in screen then why not? but yes i prefer lip syncing to most of my songs

kaniz: u look so romantic
Emraan Hashmi: kaniz...ok thank you

Basith Hashmi: emraan cud u come to kerala ?
Emraan Hashmi: basith i was there 10 months ago and yes i would come there for my for shooting and for a holiday

akshay: hey emraan when will u come to chandigarh
Emraan Hashmi: akshay chandigarh will happen in the next couple of days coz i am travelling 12 cities to promote my film

Raaaaaj: This is cool for once we have a young person on here!(no offence) SIR how old r u?
Emraan Hashmi: Raaaj... i am 31...do i qualify as a young person or as an old guy?

ntn_vrma: hi emraan ilove ur awarapan
Emraan Hashmi: ntn..yes one of my fav films too

taha khan: EMRAAAN BRO I WANT TO ENTER BOLLYWOOD ANY TIP?
Emraan Hashmi: taha....get an uncle who is a filmmaker.

Priya!: Whos your fav singer Emraan?
Emraan Hashmi: Priya...very hard to choose ...i think all the singers who have sung for me are just sensational

shahid: i saw u in london whn u shooting for chocolate u look cool dancing in the middle of the road
Emraan Hashmi: shahid...ya i was very nervous too.

Zameer: Hi Emraan I think your great actor. I really liked your role in Awarapan
Emraan Hashmi: Zameer...thank you

Ranbir_Loves_Kat: Which is your own favorite movie?
Emraan Hashmi: Awarapan, Jannat, Footpath and Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai

Basith Hashmi: emraan ur favorite jeans brand ?
Emraan Hashmi: basith...Diesel

RAM JANNE: emran aapki wife ka kya naam hai?
Emraan Hashmi: Parveen

Ranbir_Loves_Kat: which actor do u look up to ???
Emraan Hashmi: Dilip Kumar

Basith Hashmi: WHAT KIND OF DRESSES Do U LIKE TO WEAR ?
Emraan Hashmi: Basith...T shirt and Jeans...pretty boring stuff at that

Ranbir_Loves_Kat: how was working wid prachi?
Emraan Hashmi: Prachi is a fine actress and a good friend...was a great experience

Niraj: i just now read your interview in Screen where you said you dont understand Rom-Com Genre. y is it so
Emraan Hashmi: Niraj...becos its too mushy, bubbly and candy floss like for me. My wife drags me to see them.

Towhid: whts ur fav song frm 1ce apon a time in mumbai ????
Emraan Hashmi: pee loon

jackjill: hye emran nice to see on new on once upon a time u look so handsome i lik ur movie very much
Emraan Hashmi: jackjill thank you

Basith Hashmi: howz Parven bhabhi and Ayaan?
Emraan Hashmi: basith...they both are doing great

Ranbir_Loves_Kat: what is ur fav role so far?
Emraan Hashmi: jannat, awarapan and once upon a time in Mumbaai

bhavin: hi imran which life do you love the most after becoming an actor or before becoming an actor
Emraan Hashmi: bhavin...both have their own charms

Zameer: I think Awarapan should have catapulted you into the top league of actors.
Emraan Hashmi: Zameer...well i dont really go by any league of actors or never really run the rat race...Let the rats do that

aaliya: Emran U r looking great in trailer of Once upon a time in mumbai. i will surely watch ur movie
Emraan Hashmi: pls do go watch it aaliya...its a phenomenal film

taha khan: HEY EMRAN BRO I WANT TO BECOME DIRECOR AND ACTOR IN BOLLYWOOD I WANT TO WORK WITH YOU
Emraan Hashmi: taha...show me a script

Basith Hashmi: emraan is jannat 2 in the making ?
Emraan Hashmi: basith...i was approached for it...maybe in the near future...dont knw as yet

akshay2: emraan u look good in crook
Emraan Hashmi: thank you akshay

udaan: is shaher ko chalane ke liye sirf mein or sultan hi kafi hai
Emraan Hashmi: udaan...baaki pandu sab vanvas jayenge

Ashu!!: r u real emraan?
Emraan Hashmi: no ashu

sophia: i love all ur movies and songs especially KAHO NA KAHO good job
Emraan Hashmi: thank you sophia

Ranbir_Loves_Kat: who is the Actress or Actor u would love to work with ?
Emraan Hashmi: i think there is a lot of talent in bollywood and i just want to work with everyone and do good films

kaniz: emran where r u living now?
Emraan Hashmi: bandra

Towhid: we dnt c u tweeting in a long time plz come back 2 twitter lots of ur fans wait 4 1 tweet frm u?
Emraan Hashmi: Towhid...I will but mostly i want to update my blog on my website which i will do soon

sophia: who is ur close friend from bollywood??
Emraan Hashmi: sophia...ive got family here and i think all my co actors have been in touch and we are all good friends

shahid: is thre any movies Emraan in which u not kissing?
Emraan Hashmi: shahid...how can that be possible???

aaliya: emran who is ur role model?
Emraan Hashmi: aaliya....dont really have a role model but yes I have been inspired by numerous people over the years.

ajimoo: y dont u visit australia emrann ji?
Emraan Hashmi: ajimoo..i was there 2 months ago and i might come there for New Years

Basith Hashmi: What is the secret of your fair skin ?
Emraan Hashmi: Basith...Fair and Lovely

sophia: What would u say to all ur fans in Morocco??
Emraan Hashmi: sophia...a big hi to all in morocco...i wanna visit your city soon

kaniz: u know emran u look gud in romantic hero
Emraan Hashmi: thank you kaniz

Basith Hashmi: is Raftaar24x7 finalised ?
Emraan Hashmi: basith...we have 4 days of shooting pending for Raftaar 24 x 7...it will release when the makers want it to release.

.

SONIA: i loveeee you emraan i must say you are one of the most good looking actors
Emraan Hashmi: i dont consider myself good looking but thank you sonia

CReedwan: ur website is great!!
Emraan Hashmi: thank you, we are planning on updating it soon

Raaaaj: Emraan do you smoke or drink?
Emraan Hashmi: occasionally Raaj....i stopped smoking though...i drink very rarely at social occasions

Sunita: did you enjoy ice skating?
Emraan Hashmi: sunita...i tried it a month back in Melbourne thankfully didnt fall

zarmina from pakis: which is your favourite brand for clothing
Emraan Hashmi: zarmina...i guess DIESEL

SONIA: I know i could of google this but r u married?
Emraan Hashmi: yes i am sonia

akshay: emraan whats about raaz 3?
Emraan Hashmi: akshay...we r planning that probably next year

abbas: after this which is your next coming movie????
Emraan Hashmi: abbas...after OUATIM I have Crook: Its Good To Be Bad

yatharth: is your character based on dawood ibrahim?
Emraan Hashmi: what do you think yatharth

emran_behroo: i m very glad to chat with u emran bhai
Emraan Hashmi: thank you

akshay: when will u release the promo of crook?
Emraan Hashmi: akshay...we r planning to release the promo of crook in theatres with Once Upn a time.

annonomous: y r u going shirtless alot thease days ???lol
Emraan Hashmi: becos i got myself a new pack of 6

ntn_vrma: why dont u try film with imtiaz ali?
Emraan Hashmi: probably in the near future if he approaches me with a good film

jasmin: emran bhai is that true u and himesh are not friend. i heard beween u and himesh cold war going on?
Emraan Hashmi: jasmin...we were never friends it was a purely professional relationship and no there is no cold war. I respect him as a performer and artist.

zarmina from pakis: which country u like for shooting movies?
Emraan Hashmi: zarmina...I loved shooting in Australia, Korea

EMRAAN ROCKS: HI EMRAAN,I AM SO HAPPY YOU COME HERE TODAY, I AM A BIG FAN
Emraan Hashmi: glad to be here

Virginia: BIG HUG for the sweetest, hottest and sexiest Guy of the Whole World. Love u Emraan.
Emraan Hashmi: big hug for you too Virginia

Ranbir_Loves_Kat: How many films are you currently working on?
Emraan Hashmi: 5

Nelia18: Hi Emraan!!!!!!You will be filmed with Bipasha Basu in your next movie right?
Emraan Hashmi: how do you know that Nelia? are you spy?

Ankit K.: Hi how u like serial kisser tag on u?
Emraan Hashmi: ankit...i love it

Towhid: whts ur fav holiday destanition ???
Emraan Hashmi: Maldives

yatharth: how long did it take to make once upon a time in mumbaai?
Emraan Hashmi: yathrth...a little over a year

Virginia: Emraan can u wish me happy birthday on July 24th. means alot alot alot for me and is best gift 4ever
Emraan Hashmi: ok a big happy bday in advance to virginia

ntn_vrma: i want to see u working with abhay deol in a comedy.
Emraan Hashmi: probably in the near future

Ranshita: whom do u consider as a competitor?
Emraan Hashmi: Ranshita...myself

adman: will mahesh sir return to direct films fr u ? he s a great filmmaker
Emraan Hashmi: adman...i keep trying to persuade him but he has given it up for good and never wants to return to direction

Sunita: need to congratulate you for you toned body. you look amazing with your new physique
Emraan Hashmi: Sunita...thank you

Ranshita: cld u once c 2 d camera nd blow a kiss 2 me
Emraan Hashmi: Ranshita..there you go

usprince: are you on facebook?
Emraan Hashmi: i was on facebook for exactly 2 days

Ashu!!: r u hyper person?
Emraan Hashmi: ashu...no i wouldnt consider myself as that

digi-ar: sir,are u playing a negative role ouatim?
Emraan Hashmi: digi..i dont see characters as positive or negative,

ajay devgn: who according 2 u have the best role ajju bhai or u? no diplomatic answers
Emraan Hashmi: i think everyones character is well fitted in to the script they are both equally good

akshay: i will go ouatim for 1st day 1st show
Emraan Hashmi: pls do akshay

jnnmknkm: how is the experience working with madhur?
Emraan Hashmi: great...he is a funny guy...it was high time that he made a comedy

HUNGAMA: EMRANN IF ANY PAKISTANI DIRECTOR PERPOSE TO YOU FOR MAKE MOVIE IN PAKISTAN SO DO YOU ACCEPT IT?
Emraan Hashmi: ya if its a good film

Towhid: Loved u in raaz 2 will u like 2 do more horror films ????
Emraan Hashmi: towhid...ya thats my fav genre

kaniz: emran if ur son want to work in film industry....will u agree?
Emraan Hashmi: kaniz...it'll be completely his choice...Ill guide him to a point but the eventual decision will be by him

CReedwan: tell us abt Dil toh bacha hai ji?
Emraan Hashmi: dil to bachcha hai ji is a nice comedy with some very memorable characters

EMRAAN ROCKS: emraan i am a big fan, do you want to work with salman?
Emraan Hashmi: why not?

Towhid: Whts ur style secret ??????
Emraan Hashmi: towhid...don't really follow anyone and do your own thing

moviemaverick: hi emraan, is the moustache in ONCE UPON real ?
Emraan Hashmi: its real

sophia: how many languages u talk??
Emraan Hashmi: sophia...i knw 2

adman: what is ur dream banner and camp?
Emraan Hashmi: its never the banner or the camp… its the film and the script

Priya!: Who is your fav soccer player?
Emraan Hashmi: dont watch soccer priya

Emraan Hashmi: it was great chatting with all of you...hopefully will be back soon...till then catch my new film Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai on the 30th of July.

Emraan Hashmi in Rajkumar Santoshi's Power?

Has Emraan Hashmi joined the 'powerful' cast of Rajkumar Santoshi's Power which is fast turning out to be the most star studded affairs of 2011? Well, that's the gossip going around in the industry circles ever since Power first came in news close to a fortnight ago.

Says an industry insider, "Yes, there have been talks of Emraan making an appearance in the film. Though the actor doesn't do too many multi starrers, he did give the film a close hearing when he was approached for it. Rajkumar Santoshi is a huge name and his ensemble starrers can prove to be a huge draw. Also, Emraan too has opened up more after the smash success of Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai which was a two hero project. He too feels that it isn't bad after all to bring in that occasional multi starrer in his profile."

Well, if Power stars Emraan, it would indeed turn out to be a casting coup of sorts with people across all generations being a part of this Firoz Nadiadwala biggie. While Amitabh Bachchan heads the star-cast, veteran actors like Sanjay Dutt and Anil Kapoor bring in over 30 years of working experience each. Ajay Devgn is at the peak of his career after being around for 20 years and Emraan Hashmi being established in his own right completes the picture. Kangna Ranaut, Ameesha Patel and newbie Lekha Washington bring on the glamour quotient hence making Power a powerful experience.

However, the man in the question - Emraan - diffuses the speculation and denies that he is doing the film. "No, I am not a part of it", is all that he is willing to comment when quizzed around the rumour making the rounds.

Though he isn't willing to open up on the topic, rightly so because all his concentration is currently on his latest releaseCrook, he doesn't deny the fact that he was approached for the role.

"Yes, I was in talks with Firoz bhai. We did have discussions that were taken to some level. However, it eventually didn't work out. So yes, for the record, I am not doing Power. There is always a next time though", says Emraan.

One would have thought though after Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, he won't mind being a part of big multi starrers.

"Of course I won't but then it isn't that suddenly you would start seeing me in many multi starrers", he says, "Even when I didOnce Upon A Time..., it was after much deliberation. The results are there to be seen. It is the subject that ultimately matters and what you bring to the table. The script has to work. I haven't switched on a green light to do multi starrers or films outside Vishesh Films. There is no such conscious decision. It isn't about a multi starrer as a solo lead. I have to do a good job in a good film. Period."

Well, that should set the record once for and all.

Emraan Hashmi signed up as brand ambassador of VI John Deo?

He came, he saw, he kissed and then with ease... he conquered... the title of being the 'Serial Kisser'.

Well, no prizes for guessing that we are indeed talking about the perennial lover boy Emraan Hashmi, who, according to Bollywood Hungama's reliable sources, has been roped in as the brand ambassador of VI John Deo.

An official announcement of the same is awaited.

Farah Khan to make her acting debut in Bhansali's sister's film Shirin Farhad

Over the years, she has made the biggest stars literally dance on her tunes (or rather steps). From choreography, she shifted to direction and directed films like Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om and Tees Maar Khan. But now, Farah Khan is all set to face the camera herself. Though she has done cameos in the past, for the first time, Farah will be starring in a film as the main lead.

Bollywood Hungama has learnt that Farah Khan will be starring as the lead actress in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's sister Bela's film Shirin Farhad. The film will mark Bela's debut as a director and will be produced by Bhansali himself. As for the cast, it is said that Boman Irani will be paired opposite Farah in the film.

The funny part is that Farah Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali have always shared a love-hate relationship and their verbal war has served as juicy gossip for the media in the past. However, now with these two big talents with completely different sensibilities coming together, it'll be interesting to see what kind of film they make.

Shahrukh Khan and Amrita Arora on stage, together

The Zee Cine Awards promise to be one star studded affair. As was reported earlier, Shahrukh Khan will be performing on stage. And giving him company on stage will be Amrita Arora. And this being the first time that Amrita will perform with the King Khan, she just can�t control her excitement.

The performance will be a tribute to Yash Raj Films. Rani, Priyanka, Preity, Dia and Amrita will all be a part of the medley. Each of them will perform two songs with SRK. Khan himself will be performing on all the songs. Apart from this tribute, Amrita will also perform with Riteish and Tusshar on a medley of love songs. Her outfits for the grand event have been designed by Anna Singh.

Performing with SRK sure must be a heady feeling. But the only thing that will dampen her spirits a wee bit is the fact that her boyfriend Usman Afzal, will be in Nagpur, commenting on the England-India cricket match. The awards function will be hosted by Mallika Sherawat and Karan Johar. Other celebrity presenters include Arjun Rampal and Gulshan Grover.

Exclusive info on RGV's SRK project

That Ramgopal Varma has signed Shah Rukh Khan for his forthcoming venture, is well-known by now. But not many are aware of its genre. Quite expectedly, both RGV and SRK are tightlipped about the project in question, not wanting to reveal much at this stage. But it�s learnt that it�ll be a time travel film, a la TIME MACHINE. �Not the entire story, but a part of it will be on those lines,� RGV informs me.

The film-maker is gung ho about the project. �We were toying with the idea of working with one another for quite some time. And this script acted as the catalyst,� RGV reveals. The project, not titled yet, is expected to take off in August this year.

Meanwhile, RGV is thrilled with the success of RANG DE BASANTI. �The success of the film, not just in India but also in Overseas, indicates that moviegoers have done away with the formula-ridden films. The film will also encourage film-makers to try their hand at varied subjects,� he enthuses.

Get set ready to play with Shahrukh!

Rumors that the Shimit Amin � Shahrukh Khan film produced by Yash Raj Films has been shelved can take rest now. The film is very much on and Shimit is currently busy with its pre-production work.

But this time Amin will not be directing an action flick. The film is based on the sport of hockey. Inspired by Gurinder Chaddha�s Bend it like Bekham this film will have Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role. He will portray the role of coach of a girls hockey team. The film is scripted by Jaideep Sahni (who has earlier written films like Bunty Aur Babli, Company and Jungle) and is scheduled to start from mid-2006.

The casting director Abhimanyu is looking out for fresh faces for the hockey team. He explained that auditions have been done and they have zeroed in on a few names. All the selected girls will have to undergo a thorough, two-month training workshop on hockey.

So girls don�t miss the opportunity to play, rather get trained by a cool coach called Shah Rukh!

Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Celina Jaitley to perform in Mauritius concert!

SRK is finally coming for his first concert in Mauritius on 19 August 2006. Priyanka Chopra, Celina Jaitley, Zayed Khan and Malaika Arora will also be part of the show. The show is expected to be a mega event. Bombay Vikings will perform some numbers. Ganesh Hegde is the choreographer of the show.

Organised by Entertainment Quotient and Pro Global Concept, the 3 hour show will be held at the Anjalay Stadium, Belle Vue. Around 25,000 fans are expected.
v SRK was recently in Mauritius for the Zee Cine Awards in March 2006. He has nice souvenirs as Baazigar, Zamana Deewana, Duplicate and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai were all shot in the beautiful island.

SRK, Priyanka Chopra and Zayed Khan can't ask for a better promotion as they all have one release each, lined up. While SRK has Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Priyanka Chopra and Zayed Khan have Aap Ki Khatir and Rocky-The Rebel, respectively.

Vidya Malvade opposite Shahrukh Khan in Chak D

Remember Vidya Malvade, the petite actress, who starred in films like Inteha and Mashooka? Finally, she has got her big break. She is starring opposite none other than Shah Rukh Khan himself in the Shimit Amin directed Chak De. The film is being made under the prestigious Yash Raj banner.

Apparently, Vidya's role is that of a Sikh girl with strict parents. She wants to participate in an annual hockey tournament but her parents don't approve of it. It's somewhat similar to Parminder Nagra's role in Bend it like Beckham. SRK plays the coach to the girls hockey team.

Vidya did not want to talk about the role as she is bound by contract. But it seems that she went through an intensive two month hockey training camp. Incidentally, Vidya has worked with SRK earlier in a Santro ad.

The woman behind SRK's style statement in Chak De India

Mandira Shukla is a costume designer whose sartorial expertise was widely acclaimed in Godmother, her debut venture. She is currently designing costumes for Yash Raj Films� Chak De India and Madhuri Dixit�s come back vehicle.

How did the dressing up of coach Shah Rukh Khan�s Chak De India team go? 
I am just back from Melbourne, Australia and the shoot has been really hectic. Having worked on the look of Fanaa earlier, I was a YRF regular. Adi Chopra recommended my name to Shimit Amin for Chak De India. We met up and discussed the look of the film and I was aboard.

Designing track suits and tee-shirts must have been rather easy. Did Chak De India entail any research? 
I was quite nervous about designing the look of the women�s hockey team in Chak De India, I had no experience in sports wear at all. So I started off by attending several women�s hockey matches and researching on the internet. I also conferred with Jaideep Sahni, the writer, who told me to look at the team uniform of Jharkhandi girls� hockey team. It was a challenging job for me. But I am proud to say that I have designed each collar, tee-shirt and every skirt worn by actors in the film.

Have you also designed Shah Rukh�s look as the coach of the women�s hockey team? 
I have prepared a docket for the entire film. Although Shah Rukh Khan has his own designer Shiraz, we have worked in tandem. Shah Rukh�s jacket has been designed by me as it is the uniform of the Indian contingent.

It is dream job for any designer to be working with YRF who are so emphatic about the look of their films. How did you wedge your way into YRF? 
I really consider myself blessed for being hired by YRF. Indeed they are dream employers for any costumier. It so happened that I applied for the designer�s post to Kunal Kohli when I heard that he was making Fanaa. After an extensive interview, he gave me the script and asked me to work on each character. Except for Kajol and Aamir Khan, I have designed clothes for the rest of the cast. But not everything went smoothly as anticipated. I had worked out an entire western look for Rishi Kapoor but at the last minute he changed his mind and wanted pherans from Kashmir. Overnight, I organized four pathani suits and a couple of pherans for him!

If it were star temperaments at YRF, what were the testing factors on your debut venture Godmother, which had won you plenty of acclaim? 
Godmother remains ever so special to me not only because it was my debut venture but also because it was dad�s (Vinay Shukla) film. Dad provided me with photographs from Porbunder of that community. I got my references from there. I also went to Porbunder twice for further research. The look I have Shabanaji was real and I remember she insisted on living in her costume for three days to get into the skin of the character. The look was appreciated and it also won me the Zee-Cine Award for Best Costumes.

Being a trained textile designer, how authentic are your film costumes to the perios and place you are working on? 
As authentic as they can be but at times cinematic liberties are taken. Like when we designed costumes for Mira Nair�s Kamasutra we were supposed to be designing costumes for the 11 BC, times when there were no sewing machines. But Meera wanted 80-kali ghaghras which can only be machine-made! However, we stuck to the natural vegetable colour palette of browns and greens.

Which of YRF�s next productions are you working on? 
I am excited about doing the look of Anil Mehta�s film which will be Madhuri Dixit�s comeback vehicle. This time I went asking for work as I was very keen on working with a great cinematographer like Anilji. I have read the script and he has given me a very clear brief about what he expects from me. It has and extensive cast and there are many characters for me to dress up.

Being a costume designer, how style conscious are you? 
I wear what I like as I am not really fashionable. I still wear long kurtas because I like them. I wear clothes that are comfortable and weather-friendly � chudidars and jeans with kurtas is my personal style statement. 

Shah Rukh, Rani and Kajol gone to the dogs

In the loose sense that is. Karan Johar�s debut hit film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai will now be seen in a different light. It will be remade but this time the outcome will be quite different. The film will be animated this time and will be directed by Karan�s assistant Tarun Mansukhani.

According to sources, the film�s name will be re-titled Kuchi Kuchi Hota Hai and the lead cast will be animated dogs. Yes, you heard it right. The animated movie will be different this time and dogs will be replacing the super-stars. The dogs will be singing and dancing in the film as well

The film will be approximately of 2 hours unlike the 3 hours of the original.

Latest blockbuster starring Ajay Devgan and Kajol

Ajay Devgan and Kajol! A pairing that did not always work wonders on the big screen. But is spreading the magic on the small screen. The real life couple faced the camera together for the Whirlpool ad. Subsequently they also signed to endorse the Tata Indicom True Paid service brand. And now they have been roped in for the Kotak Mahindra Bank for its new product launch. The ad will be promoted as �Kotak Mahindra presents their latest blockbuster starring Ajay Devgan and Kajol�.

Undeniably when it comes to brand endorsement by a star couple, nobody can beat Ajay Devgan and Kajol. They symbolize a happily married successful couple.

Ajay plays a double role in Ashoka

Ajay Devgan after giving a spellbinding performance in Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Halla Bol is all geared up with the director to play a double role in a film titled Ashoka.

Ajay agreed to do the film as soon as Raj Kumar Santoshi approached him. Ajay will be playing both the role of father (King Ashoka) and son (Kunala) in the film. Santoshi was convinced that Ajay is an apt choice for the roles and definitely would do justice to them.

Ashoka revolves around the reformation of brutal King Ashoka to a divine body. Raj Kumar Santoshi will be highlighting the relationship between Ashoka and his son and thus, will be giving new dimension to the story altogether.

SRK, Kajol head to San Francisco for My Name Is Khan shoot

Last week, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol joined Karan Johar in San Francisco for nearly two months of non-stop shooting for My Name Is Khan. It is the longest-ever shooting stint away from home for Kajol and especially tough on her husband who is unlikely to visit her in the US during the long shooting.

Says a source, "Ajay is not the kind of guy who can hang around his partner's sets. If it was another unit, perhaps Ajay would've considered visiting his wife, but not Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan. Though outwardly, Ajay is normal with them, there's actually no love lost between him and the Khan-Johar team. He would never be seen anywhere near their shooting even if it means being away from his wife and daughter for months."

Staying away from his daughter for almost two months is especially hard on Ajay. Considering the long absence from Mumbai, earlier this week Kajol flew down with her daughter to join her husband in Goa where he's shooting. She flies to San Francisco with Shah Rukh on Thursday, for one of the toughest shooting schedules ever.

Says a source, "With the swine flu fear in the west, Karan Johar is more tensed about this schedule in the US than ever before. In fact, fearing a fan invasion, Karan didn't want it to be known that he was shooting in San Francisco. Also, the sensitive theme (post-terrorism Islamic threat) automatically makes the project suspicion in the minds of the American authorities. Karan wants to avoid all the hassles he went through in his last American schedule when some members of his cast were denied visas, then he was denied permission to shoot in religiously sensitive places in America and finally Karan was pulled up for default of payments. Karan wants to keep it completely low profile."

 

However, with Kajol and Shah Rukh around, can any shooting be low profile?

"I don't have infrastructure or knowledge to do TV as seriously as Adi" - KJo

You won't find a better friend than Karan Johar in the film industry. Buzz has it that he shared the story idea of Kurbaan with his pals at Yashraj films (which he calls his second home). Before he knew it Yashraj's New York was out before Karan's Kurbaan.

And now Karan has gone and postponed his own plans of heading into producing television content only so that his friend Aditya Chopra can get a head start. Not only that, Karan has even agreed to host a posh chat show with super-celebrities called 'Lift Kara De' where he will interact with super-icons, when ideally Karan would've preferred to use his own name and clout for television within his own production house.

The 20 super-icons that Karan would be interviewing on the show to be telecast on Sony Entertainment are Lata Mangeshkar, Amitabh Bachchan, A R Rahman, Dharmendra, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, John Abraham, Shahid Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Rani Mukherjee, Deepika Padukone, Kajol, Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Kareena Kapoor and Preity Zinta. Says Karan, "Working for Yashraj is like working for my own production house. When Adi offered me the show, it immediately struck a chord within me. I have a done a talk show on Star World. But that was more fun candid and gossipy. But Adi felt I needed to project a more serious side to my personality. Of course I'm fun and witty and acidic. But Adi said why don't you tap into the other unseen part of you? I loved it because it is human and personal. I think it has great connect value. It's about searching for every icon's biggest fan."

What appealed to Karan was the search for iconic superstars. "How we define an icon is very interesting. What about Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra because of whom kids want to win beauty pageants or enter the fashion world, or what about kids wanting to imitate Kareena Kapoor's clothes...they are all iconic. These people create dreams for million." Aditya Chopra has done all the ground work and drawn up the list of celebrities. "I'm just hosting the show. I'm just happy to be part of Yashraj's foray into television," says Karan.

As for Karan's own television foray he says, "We at Dharma are definitely looking at going into television. Maybe in a year. I believe television is a very impressionable medium of entertainment. And I've the biggest fan of the home medium in my home. My mother keeps telling me that she'd love to watch my shows on television. She has inspired me to start a television unit at Dharma. We'll now take a call after the release of My Name Is Khan. "

Now of course Yashraj has beaten Dharma to it. So Karan will give his own television software dreams a decent gap.

"We'll be doing television on a much smaller scale than Yashraj. I don't have the infrastructure or the knowledge to do television as seriously as Adi," says Karan.

Obviously Karan believes in kurbaani when it comes to dostana. He laughs off the resemblances between Kurbaan and New York. "I don't see the similarities between the two films in terms of content, visual and tonal treatment. New York did much better and I personally liked the film. Every film has its own destiny. Even if Kurbaan had come first, it would've performed just as it did. Kurbaan was more niche in treatment. I'm very proud of Kurbaan. It's possibly the most credible film I've ever made."

Karan is proud to launch new directorial talent from his production, house. "For many years we launched no new talent. I wanted to take cinema ahead. Now I think I've done better than launching new talent. I've launched captains of the ship."

At the moment Karan is completely immersed in the process of editing his own directorial venture My Name Is Khan. "Shah Rukh and I feel we've made a film we can be proud of. It's the most uncorrupted uncompromised and honest film we've made. Of course I'm anxious to see how audiences embrace the humanism of My Name Is Khan."

Any fears that the film may suffer for because Karan's films have been identified as closet musicals whereas My Name Is Khan has no lip-sync songs? "Even Rang De Basanti had no lip-sync songs," retorts Karan. "I do feel audiences are naturing even if a serious film like Kurbaan fails. It's the budget that failed. Not Kurbaan. It was a cinematic success, although a box-office failure. Because it was so monstrously expensive we couldn't recover our investments. Unusual films should be cautiously budgeted."

Karan is very happy with the year that was. "We're proud of the directorial talent we launched this year. 25-year old Ayan Mukerjee made his debut. I'm grateful to give him the opportunity. And Rensil D'Silva, I'm very proud of both. And yes they're doing their second film with Dharma. Ayan is on a backpack holiday in Argentina. But Rensil has already given me his next script. Starting with Dostana and then going on to Wake Up Sid and Kurbaan, I'm thrilled at where I'm taking Dharma. I'd be much happier taking cinema ahead than making money. Cinema from the heart is far more important than money in the bank."

The New Age Karan: A look at KJo's journey as director and producer

It's now true that Karan Johar really has the formula to get the crowds into the theatres by the very brand that he has created. From his first film to the last one, he has been consistent and how. Not the one to feel embarrassed or apologetic, he openly declares that his markets lie on the other side of the seven seas. Indian audiences love his films but the passion that the Indians living abroad have for his films is certainly insurmountable. They love the drama, they love the larger than life sets, they relate to the cultures and traditions (that some of the upper middle class Indians have forgone), they are overwhelmed by the festivity and are startled by the fashionable and sometimes OTT wardrobes (he turned wardrobe designer with Dil To Pagal Hai)of the cast. The family system, the song sequences, the tear jerking scenes, the patent dialogues, it all touches a nerve and works like a baby. How he does it, is a big mystery but here is an alchemist who turns nothing into gold, whether you love him or hate him, he is here for good and his movies will roll the moolah in.

The beginning of the Transition
His upcoming film as a producer, I Hate LUV Storys, is more than just talked about on the social networking site. The man is all out to promote it and it shows that he is making a serious effort to divert from his usual style. He did that right after Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. It was a conscious choice that he made with the demise of his dad. He went out to say that his belief in forever after and all things love stories, is a thing of past. Yash Johar wasn't just a dad to Karan Johar, he was also a guiding light for his first two films Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, which went on to be mega hits of their respective year of release.

The last film to come out of Dharma Productions before Yash Johar's demise was one on death and loss of a loved one titled Kal Ho Naa Ho. A huge success. After such an enormous personal loss, Karan wanted to make meaningful films, that had a message and showed reality. Out came from Dharma productions Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, which was far from being a popcorn romantic film. Instead it spoke of extra marital affairs. The film, though controversial in its own way, was another feather in the cap for KJo. Dharma Productions then came out with the likes of Dostana. Far from being larger than life family drama, it was glitzy, glamorous and even had a take on homosexuality, though in a comic way. Wake Up Sid, was another young, hep film about youth and growing up.

The next film that Karan wrote and produced was Kurbaan, based on terrorism which something extremely Non-Karan, if I can take liberty with English language. Kurbaan is a story that had little to do with love, romance, family and the jazz, and a lot more with racism, terrorism and the serious and global issue of xenophobia. There was certain scepticism from KJo fans as they wondered how the God of screen romance had suddenly changed sides, was it an effect of recession? Kurbaan had mixed reviews; where there was comparison with then released New York starring John Abraham, Katrina Kaif and Neil Nitin Mukesh, there were others who thought that Karan had lost his touch.

Then came the Winner
Undeterred KJo came with My Name Is Khan. It came with a lot of hype. It was the first big film of 2010, SRK and Karan came together after 4 years, while the winning jodi of SRK and Kajol came onscreen after 9 years. Shah Rukh's detainment at the American airport had a lot of people talking about racism which was of course the main plot of theMNIK, and last but not the least it was after all a "Karan Johar film". Fear and anxiety was an unwanted company for both KJo and SRK as they wondered how the film would fare. KJo was obviously out of his comfort zone with a film dealing with the state of Asians and Muslims in the west and also there was tremendous pressure due to high expectations from the audiences. The film did enormous business and got Karan raving reviews and where everyone thought he would carry on with his newly acquired love for the serious issues plaguing the world, he once again took a U turn and announced he is going back to doing what he does best, making love stories.

Back to square one or is it? 
Good news Bad news who knows, but the truth being Karan Johar was recently in New York looking for inspiration on the streets of the Big Apple. And one of his tweets from there read, "Have been walking streets and avenues...hoping the aimless strolls results in a burst of creativity!! Need to find a film this trip!!" It should be no surprise as his movies target the film fanatics of the west, inspiration must come from there as well. From London to New York, with the change in style of filmmaking, KJo has changed his destination for inspiration as well. Along with his pals, Gauri Khan and Sussanne Roshan, KJo even attended the premiere of Kites. Karan tweeted "The girl gang from mumbai have arrived in nycity!! Gauri and Sussanne walking 5th avenue is the sex and the city sequel before the release."

However, back in the city, Karan is back to business, busy promoting his next rom-com I Hate LUV Storys, with which he'll launch another new filmmaker, Punit Malhotra. He also has many more young filmmakers making their debut in coming months under Dharma's banner. Maybe it's his ability to move ahead with time and make movies that suit sensibilities of people of all ages makes Karan one of the most successful filmmakers in India

Karan Johar gave away Imran and Sonam's publicity dates to other films

Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor were absent from Mumbai just before the publicity of I Hate LUV Storys (IHLS) began. The two cancelled their publicity work for the film and headed abroad for the shooting of separate films in Scotland and Mauritius, all thanks to the overweening generosity of the I Hate LUV Storys producer Karan Johar.

Dates have always been a burning issue among producers, often leading to unsolvable scheduling snares. During the shooting of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Aishwarya Rai had to shuffle her dates with Subhash Ghai's Taal. Neither filmmaker was happy.

Now, Imran Khan finds himself in a scheduling jam thanks to a clash between the schedules for his under-production film Break Ke Baad in Mauritius and the marketing and release of I Hate LUV Storys in Mumbai.

Meticulous planner that he is, Karan Johar had set aside a large chunk of Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor's dates in June and July for the promotion of IHLS. Ever-accommodating for his colleagues, Karan gave away Sonam's publicity dates for the shooting of Pankaj Kapoor's Mausam in Edinburgh.

Then Kunal Kohli requested Karan to let go of Imran's dates for Kohli's first independent production Break Ke Baad. Imran who was committed to do promotional work of IHLS marched off to Mauritius to shoot for Kunal's assistant Danish Aslam's, leaving Karan high and dry.

Confirming these developments from Mauritius the Break Ke Baad, producer Kunal Kohli says, "Yes Karan sweetly let me have Imran's dates so that I could complete my schedule in Mauritius. It's rare for two producers like me and Karan, to be friends and do whatever we can to help one another."

Karan in fact requested Kunal to send Imran back from the second week of June. But Kunal requested a week more. Says Kunal, "Karan's stars do extensive publicity. So he has made quite a sacrifice for me. My film which would be Imran's next release can only benefit from all the publicity for Karan's film."

Now that Imran and Sonam are back in Mumbai, they are expected to do 19 hours of publicity every day to make up for lost time!

Says IHLS director Punit Malhotra, "Yes... Imran and Sonam have joined us from the 20th and they have promised to really rev up the publicity now."

Ali Zafar looks through Katrina Kaif

It seems Pakistan's pop icon Ali Zafar, who is now in Mumbai to pursue a career in movies, has a lot of catching up to do on the who's who of the film industry. Last week at a party, he failed to recognize Katrina Kaif although she is his co-star in the Yash Raj film that Ali has signed.

Last week Katrina spotted Ali whom she had seen and liked in Tere Bin Laden at a party. Knowing they were scheduled to work together Katrina enthusiastically approached Ali...only to be greeted with a polite but bank smile.

Says an eyewitness, "Ali clearly didn't recognize Katrina. Though he was polite, he had a quizzical who-are-you look on his face. It was an embarrassing moment for Katrina. But she handled it with aplomb. She introduced herself as her co-star in the Yash Raj film that they were doing, welcomed him to Mumbai and walked off."

When asked about this embarrassing incident Katrina shrugged it off with a laugh, "It's true. Ali looked at me quite strangely at the party last week. What's the big deal? He's new to Bollywood. It will take him time to know everyone. I've been here for four years. I still don't know everyone."

The story doesn't end there. It seems Katrina had load of fun at Ali's expense the day after the party incident.

Letting out a prankster's chuckle, Katrina says, "I met Ali at the Yash Raj office a day after the party. I went up to him and said I hope he recognizes me."

Ali of course didn't know where to look.

Hopefully, now he won't have a problem recognizing Katrina since they're shooting together non-stop.

Ali Zafar's cameo in Luv Ka The End

Ali Zafar seems to have become Yash Raj's blue eyed boy. The Pakistani pop singer, who debuted with Tere Bin Laden and will also be seen in YRF's Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, even makes a cameo appearance in Y Films' Luv Ka The End.

Ali would be seen playing a rock star by the name of Freddie Kapoor in this teen flick which stars Shraddha Kapoor and Taaha Shah. He will be seen performing on the track 'Fun Fun Funaa' which incidentally he has only sung. Apparently, it was director Bumpy's idea to have Ali make a special appearance since he has a huge fan following among the youth.