This idea snowballed into rumours that they are working together, but Ranbir says he is yet to sign a film with Imtiaz, though he is keen to work with the director of Love Aaj Kal. Ranbir says, “Imtiaz is somebody I am really interested in working with. We have had couple of meetings in which he has also shown interest in working with me. Imtiaz is a director who will make a movie if he has a story and he will cast accordingly. I met him through the making of Love Aaj Kal. He has come home often. I have done an ad film with him. I have interacted with him at many filmy functions. I really like the guy. People may think that he is philosophical but I think his philosophy is really simple in life. He has lots and lots of stories to tell.”

Times

A segment of the media went to town saying that the actor’s price for his dad’s film would be a staggering Rs.12 crore. It was also suggested that Pankaj had written this subject in 2007 — and at that point had contemplated asking Bollywood’s No.1 actress Kareena Kapoor to be the leading lady in this romantic caper. Shahid, who was dubbing for his film Chance Pe Dance — a January release, fails to understand where such talk is originating from. He says, “Dad has always wanted to make a film with me. Mausam is something he is working on currently. He didn’t have an inkling of it in 2007; and even if the germ of the idea had been sown then, he didn’t discuss it in detail with any of us. So the question of him thinking of casting anyone at that point is ludicrous.”

The 28-year-old says the only thing that is certain about Mausam is that it will be financed by a leading film corporation. It is expected to go on the floors in January and a major portion of the film will be shot abroad because the film needs picturesque locales. Reacting to rumours of his remuneration, the actor says, “Whether I will charge Rs 12 crores or less, is something even I don’t know because nothing is on paper.”

Market sources say that the actor got his last highest price (reportedly Rs 8 crore) for Vishal Bharadwaj’s Kaminey. However, Shahid refuses to talk money in print. He is also amused with rumours of his going on a statewise hunt looking for a fresh face to serenade on screen. “The film is still in the final draft stage. Yes, a big film corporation is on board, but the budget, my remuneration as an actor, dad’s remuneration as a technician and other aspects can only be talked about after it is put in black and white. Everything currently being said about Mausam is speculation,” Shahid insists.

Times

It is also hinted that since SFX are such a craze with the teens, the baddie in this very popular sequel will be part-robot-parthuman and technicians from abroad will fly down specially to work with Roshan Senior, who has an envious box office track record. And who will romance Hrithik in this caper? Allegedly Deepika Padukone or Katrina Kaif will play the lead, but of course since everything is premature, and official sources keep dismissing the whole premise as a figment of the media’s imagination.

However, the fact is that the fatherson combo of Roshans usually create a flutter even if they sneeze.

Times

This is a serious olive branch exercise for Kareena since it not only makes this her third prestigious film in a row for Karan, but also brings to an end her long-standing strained relations with Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham. With John, Kareena had locked horns after her comments on his acting abilities made on Karan’s chat show. The rift with Abhishek was far more serious. The actors had decided not to work together after things soured between Abhishek and Kareena’s sister Karisma Kapoor. Says a source, “Ironically, Kareena had been dropped from the first Dostana because she couldn’t work with Abhishek. And now she’s back in Dostana 2. Never say never again, at least in Bollywood, where equations change every Friday.”

Incidentally, Katrina Kaif was a serious contender for Dostana 2. In fact, rumours were that she had almost been finalised. However, director Tarun Mansukhani denies casting Katrina. “How could I finalise anyone until I finished the script except John and Abhishek who are an integral part of the Dostana brand,” he asks. About casting Kareena, the director says noncommitally, “We are almost done with the script. At the moment I’m neither confirming not denying Kareena’s presence.” The story of Dostana now moves from Miami where Abhishek and John shared a flat masquerading as a gay couple to London where they continue to play gays.

Times

To say that Hema Malini is crazy about her daughters Esha and Ahana Deol is an understatement. The doting mother has decided that on the occasion of Esha’s birthday today, she will host the mahurat of her film Tell Me Oh Khuda in which Esha teams up with Arjan Bajwa (Fashion) and Chandan Roy Saniyal (Kaminey). The film being directed by Mayur Puri (an associate on Dhoom) has an ensemble cast headed by Rishi Kapoor and a Turkish actress and it will go on the floors today. Hot shot music director Pritam, too, has agreed to give the score. An excited Hema said, “I guess this is the best birthday gift I could give Esha.” Flashing her million-dollar smile, the yesteryear dream girl said, “I’m not unduly ambitious for my daughters. I just want both Esha and Ahana to be happy and settled in their lives. But as a mother, I feel Esha hasn’t got her due and I definitely want the best for my child. Esha is young and I would like to fulfil her ambitions. I have also asked Ahana to step in and look after the production.”

So Hema’s banner, that fell silent after her directorial debut Dil Aashna Hai, is being revived in a major way. As soon she wraps up Tell Me Oh Khuda being shot by four world-class cinematographers in Turkey, Goa, Mumbai and Rajasthan, Hema and Esha will start work on their next film to be directed by Deepa Sahi.

Hema clarifies that Tell Me Oh Khuda is not a copy of Meryl Streep’s Mamma Mia. “It has four different stories with a common link line… but it is not even remotely connected to Mamma Mia. In fact, as yet I haven’t even got a role in Tell me… For the moment, I’m only involved as a producer. Honestly, how can I even think of doing Mamma Mia. I’m not in the same league as Meryl Streep,” she said very modestly.

The danseuse-actress however adds that the third film that she will make for Esha could be a musical because both of them are artistically inclined. “I may consider the possibility of making a film that involves dancing-singing in the plot line,” said Hema

Times

A source says, “Initially talks were on with Saif Ali Khan but he did not have dates and Abhishek Bachchan replaced him. Although Saif and Kareena’s chemistry would have sizzled onscreen, it will be nice to watch Abhishek and Kareena after Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, which was their last film together in 2003. Both actors made their acting debut together in Refugee and have been in the industry for years but have only starred together in two films till date.”

While Kareena’s manager Zahid denies that she has signed the film, a source close to Abbas Mustan says, “The directors always had Kareena in mind and now they have managed to get Katrina on board too. The film will go on the floors in April and like every Abbas Mustan film, this too will also be shot on a lavish budget at international locations. The directors are clear about who they want to cast in the film.”

The Italian Job (2003) rights are with Studio 18. CEO Sandeep Bhargava of Studio 18 says, “We have the rights of Italian Job. Abbas Mustan are working on the script and will also direct the film. The movie will go on the floors sometime next year.”

When asked about the star cast, Bhargava says, “We can’t approach any actors till the script is ready.” Despite several attempts, Abbas Mustan remained unavailable for comment.

The trade buzz is that Akshay Kumar, who heard this story from Nikhil Advani, was very kicked about it. In fact, he even suggested the title Patiala House to Nikhil, just like he had suggested Singh Is Kingg to Vipul Shah.

Akshay Kumar agrees, “I wanted a title that suggested largeness in terms of numbers. Patiala is synonymous with a large peg and that is understood universally as something which is bigger than regular. Hence, Patiala House, a cluster of several houses that hosts a whole of family and cousins.”

In the movie, the character of the patriarch is played by Gurkreeat Singh Kalon (Rishi Kapoor) who rules and runs his family life just like a prime minister would run a government. He is a strict disciplinarian whose authority and rules are not questioned in Patiala House. Set in London’s Southall, every addition in the family be it a cousin’s cousin all get accommodated in Patiala House. Every new wedding needs the house to expand a little more.

Nikhil Advani, who is directing this film that is being co-produced by Bhushan Kumar of TSeries and Mukesh Talreja, explains, “Our story is universal in spirit as it is a story about all joint families who have a patriarch who makes their decisions and wants to keep everyone under one roof. Kalon family has been living for the last four generations in Southall and he has created his own fiefdom in Patiala House.’’

A source says, “Although Aishwarya is paired opposite Hrithik, he has intimate scenes with Monikangana. As she plays Hrithik’s former love interest, Bhansali wanted their sizzling chemistry to be quite apparent. Monikangana has a small but very important role and it was imperative that she has intimate lovemaking scenes with Hrithik. Being a debutante actress, the model is nervous about her passionate scenes with the actor.”

“They have not shot for the scene as yet but Bhansali has already briefed the two. Initially, there was also a lip lock scene between Aishwarya and Hrithik but the director later dropped the idea as it wasn’t really necessary. The lovemaking scene between Hrithik and Monikangana is far more crucial as Bhansali wants to highlight their love for each other in his film.Apparently, Hrithik’s wife Sussanne is aware about the passionate scenes and has spoken to Monikangana so that she is less nervous while shooting for them,” adds the source.

The intimate scenes will be shot during the film’s next schedule in January in Goa.

Joshi who was last seen playing Aamir’s Delhi-campus buddy in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Rang De Basanti has walked away with the film, leaving poor Aamir less than happy. Aamir has asked Rajkumar Hirani to turn things around at the edit table. Whether the director complies with the demand remains to be seen.

In his defence, sources from the film’s crew say the tilt and imbalance between Aamir and Sharman’s role was not on the cards when the film was conceived.

Says the source, “It just happened. Aamir has no problem being part of an ensemble cast, or even playing a secondary part. If you remember Aamir made an entry in his production Taare Zameen Par at intermission point. Even in RDB, Siddharth had the most powerful role.”

So what seems to be the problem? Continues the source, “Sharman’s role and performance have turned to be quite different from the way Aamir had perceived it. Mind you, he has no problems with Sharman walking away with the film.” And no one is sure how the film tilted in Sharman’s favour.

Now when the much-awaited film is less than two months from release, Rajkumar Hirani wants no friction within his team.

Says the source, “Raju is a peaceloving man. He doesn’t want friction under any circumstance. And certainly not with Aamir whom he respects and holds in the greatest esteem. But we can’t really blame any of the three parties, Aamir, Sharman or the director for the way things have turned out.”

This has probably been the toughest shoot for Mani, with a series of hiccups — from bad health to bad weather — encumbering the pace of the shoot. And even the mighty powers of Raavana couldn’t control the unforeseen events. But all’s well that ends well. He had a rock solid star cast with Abhishek and Aishwarya Bachchan and that was the saving grace. Mani’s crew was heard saying that if they ever shot in the civilised city, they wouldn’t recognise the sets around them anymore.

Believe us dearies, we sheher ke log, won’t let them feel outta place for too long. Hai na?

A source reveals, “Rohit and Ajay Devgan mutually decided to first go ahead with Golmaal 3. The male actors in the film will be more or less the same as the earlier two Golmaal films with Ajay, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, though Arshad Warsi and Sharman Joshi will not be a part of it. Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu and Mugdha Godse are also being considered to star in Golmaal 3.”

“The film will go on the floors in April next year and the actors have been asked to give the required dates. The film will be shot at an international location,” adds the source.

Rohit says, “I’m still in the scripting process. Nothing has been finalised yet. Once my script is ready, we will proceed with the rest of the work.”

When asked about Sanjay also being a part of the film, he says, “How many stars are you going to give me? That’s too big a star cast. I can’t have 12-14 stars in my film. That Sanjay is now part of the film is not true. Once I finish the script, we will make an announcement.”

The official spokesperson from producers Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision says, “Golmaal 3 is still in the planning stage. We aim to start the shooting in March.”

A source from the sets said, “No one knows what exactly happened because of which Nana completely lost his cool. The two were discussing some scenes when an argument ensued as Nana had a different take on the scenes while Prakash Jha had another opinion on how to shoot them. The discussion soon turned into a long and heated argument and eventually led to a big fight.”

According to the source, the fight turned ugly and abusive in front of the entire unit and it reached a stage where Nana grabbed Prakash Jha’s collar. However, better sense prevailed and Nana stormed off the sets and reached his hotel room from where he booked his tickets to Mumbai. In the evening, Prakash Jha called up Nana to placate him but he refused to budge. All attempts by unit members to convince Nana not to go to Mumbai failed and Nana is in no mood to shoot for the film.

Commenting on Nana’s remaining portions in Rajneeti, another source said, “Many vital scenes with Nana still have to be shot and Prakash Jha is worried about what will happen next. Whatever happens, Nana has sworn that he won’t work with Jha again.”

Jha confirmed the news that he and Nana had a serious quarrel on Wednesday after which Nana stormed out of the sets. “But this is not the first time that Nana has done this, or is it? Difference of opinions toh hote hi rehte hain. He still has to shoot for the film. I don’t know if he doesn’t want to work with me anymore. You’ll have to ask him because he hasn’t said so to me.”

Nana Patekar remained unavailable for comment.

Puri Jagannath, the man behind the original Pokiri (which was remade as Wanted starring Salman Khan), is developing a similiar script for Amitabh Bachchan. Titled ‘Budha’ (meaning old man), the film will see an aging Amitabh Bachchan avenging the murders of his nearest and dearest; like how Charles Bronson did in the Death Wish films.

The second film, for which we have not much details about, will feature Amitabh as an old age Hundu widower who takes an instant dislike to the Muslim family newly moved next door to his house. However, over the course of the story, he becomes close to them and eventually sacrifices his life to save them from gangsters.

Both films will take over a year to plan and expectations are for a 2012 release dates.

RadioSargam.com sources state that Kareena has agreed to be a part of this sci-fi venture from Red Chillies providing some major scripts changes are made. The source says, “Kareena has not starred opposite Shah Rukh since the 2001 flop Asoka. Since then she has only done item numbers with him. She was adamant that this film (Ra.One) would not be a failure as Asoka. Her thinking behind this is the viewer perception of her and Shah Rukh. She does not want to be known as ‘King Khan’s flop Queen’. Therefore, she wanted a much meatier part in this film.” It has now been said that Kareena’s character will also be flying in the skies and saving people.

Production will begin end of this year and continue well into 2009. The film is expected to be shot in USA. No release date has been finalised as of yet but Diwali 2010 is being rumoured as ‘the one’.

The renowned cinematographers on board are Grant Appleton, Hayk Kirakosyan, Carlos Catalan and Burak Turan. While Burak Turan will shoot Rishi Kapoor’s scenes in Turkey, Vinod Khanna’s parts will be shot in Rajasthan.

Director Mayur Puri said, “First, we will shoot Esha’s scenes with Rishi in Turkey, followed by Vinod Khanna’s scenes. Then I will shoot the third and fourth portions. The four cinematographers will shoot the different segments to give each part a distinct look and flavour.”

Isn’t this film’s plot similar to Dil Ashna Hai which Hema Malini had directed in 1981? Puri replied, “My film and Hemaji’s Dil Aashna Hai are based on a quest. I narrated two to three ideas to Hemaji and she loved this one. Maybe she’s fascinated by the quest format.”

A source said, “John is an extremely chilled out guy and seldom loses his cool. He was surprised to read reports of him doing Anthony’s next film. Next, he read about what the film was all about. A couple of days later, he read that he will supposedly star in Blue 2, while some reports said that the film’s title is Aerial. The worst part was Anthony’s claim that John will star in both the films.”

John had had enough and decided to confront Anthony. The source said, “John categorically told Anthony that it was not right on his part to announce him being part of his films that too when they had not even discussed anything. John made his displeasure quite evident. Anthony apologised and assured John that he wouldn’t mention the actor’s name in the media again.”

Meanwhile, another source said, “John didn’t intend to be rude with Anthony. He always respects newcomers, but according to him, Anthony chose a wrong way to gain publicity.”

John Abraham confirmed the news and said, “I have immense respect for Anthony and the fact that he wants to work with me. However, I am neither doing any film titled Aerial nor any underwater film. I am also not doing Blue 2.”

For the last three days, Katrina has been actively doing interviews in Mumbai and Kolkata and is even scheduled to fly to New Delhi, where she will do as many as five events in one day to for the promotion of Ajab Prem… Naturally, there is a feeling that she is being more partial to her film opposite Ranbir Kapoor. The actress and Ranbir are even expected to walk the ramp at the Fashion Week in Delhi on October 28 as part of the film’s promotion.

It is felt that since she is the solo heroine in Ajab Prem…, Katrina is gung ho about this film, where as in De Dana Dan she has a much smaller role as the romantic interest of Akshay Kumar. Also, not helping matters much is that in DDD she also shares screen space with 24 other artistes including heroines Sameera Reddy and Neha Dhupia. Sources say that she has been already approached by the distribution team of DDD asking her to allot definite dates for the promotion activity.

Katrina is not amused with allegations that she prefers one movie of hers over the other and says, “There is a gap of 20 days between the release of both the films. And of course I agree that my next nine days will go in actively promoting Ajab Prem…because it’s releasing in the first week of November whereas De Dana Dan will release in the last week of November.”

Kat explains that as far as her work goes, she will never compromise. “I don’t know where this question of my being partial to one film over the other is coming from,” she says.

She says that the only reason why she has not allotted dates for the promotion of De Dana Dan is because she is waiting for Akshay to return from Baramati before she joins the publicity campaign. “Besides De Dana Dan has an ensemble cast. I will promote the film with the rest of them. In the case of Ajab Prem…, Ranbir has been shooting in Bhopal till October 27 and so I have had to go and do my own bit for the film. It may therefore appear like I’m being partial, but that’s incorrect,” she adds.

Katrina says, “I did Blue and De Dana Dan because Akshay asked me to. He is someone who stood by me through the initial phase of my struggle and I have therefore done these films at his request. When someone like Akki asks me for something, I would do it with my eyes closed because it is important to me.’’

The film based on the universal theme of good and evil is filmmaker Priyadarshan`s first animation project and will see Big B playing the lead as well as lending his famous baritone to his character.

AB Corporation has entered into a tie-up with media entertainment major Toonz India to produce the full-length animated film.

The pre-production work of the Rs 20 crore venture has begun in Toonz studio at the Technopark here and the film is expected to release during Diwali in 2010, P Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Animation India Pvt Ltd told reporters..

After the Shahid-Kareena break-up, Mausam got delayed to some extent since Pankaj Kapur had to drop his plan of casting Kareena and started considering other options for the lead actress. Also, Pankaj couldn’t get a producer for a long time before Religare Vistaar Entertainment came into the picture.

A source said, “Things are fine now but they can’t go back to Kareena saying that they want her to do the film. They are feeling quite awkward about asking her to star opposite Shahid and hence they have decided to launch a nationwide hunt to look for a girl who will be suitable for the film.”

When asked about him earlier wanting Kareena in his film, Pankaj said, “Who told you this? I am still writing the script. How can I think of casting actors before I have completed my script? I will further talk when we are ready to roll.”

Producer Sheetal Talwar said, “Well, Shahid and Kareena look fabulous together on screen. But we are now having a nationwide hunt for the lead actress for Mausam.”

Kareena had no idea about this till we contacted her to ask what she has to say about Pankaj Kapur writing a script keeping in mind her and Shahid’s jodi. Clear about not mixing her personal and professional life, Kareena said, “If they have a good script and a good role and ask me to do it, I see no reason why I shouldn’t.”

Now that Kareena has no problem starring opposite Shahid, we wonder if his father will drop his plans of a nationwide hunt for the lead actress and make the next call to Kareena.

Mausam is an out-and-out romantic film to be shot in five countries- UK, Spain, Italy, Austria and India. It is expected to start in January 2010.

According to reports, Amitabh will have an equally important role in the flick to be directed by Anees Bazmee.

“After the success of the sequels, they decided to add some more masala to the film. Director Anees Bazmee has scripted a very strong character which is the fourth character and of has a lot of importance to the story. This third sequel will have more twists and turns and one had to play more with the characters. Mr Bachchan is a wonderful actor and it was very long since one saw him doing a comic role. He will essay the role very beautifully”, says a source.

Director Anees Bazmee confirms that Big B is being considered for the film. He says, “We are still in the scripting stage. The script is being written keeping Amitabh Bachchan in mind. I still have to narrate the script to him. We both are keen on working with each other. Things are yet to be finalised.”

Sanjay plays a ringmaster (with a mean streak) said a source. Trade tattle has it that he agreed to do this miniscule part only because he likes Sujoy and has a fantastic rapport with the producers who are backing Sanjay Dutt Productions’ first film that is likely to go on the floors soon.

However, just like Salman warned his fans not to be disappointed with his cameo in Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, a member of Dutt’s inner circle said, “Baba’s fans shouldn’t go to the theatre thinking that Aladin is a three-hero film. Amitabh Bachchan and Riteish Deshmukh are the lead actors. Baba just has a small part in this magic thriller.”

“I went on the sets of My Name is Khan, and requested him that this being my first film, I would want him to do a voice over. He agreed immediately. For me that was such a honour,” says Aftab. Director Baretto believes that SRK’s voice has made a huge difference to the movie. “People don’t need to see him to recognise his voice. It’s right at the beginning of the movie and will hold the audiences’ attention,” he adds.

The movie that is about a 12-yearold boy who makes a wish to grow-up overnight, will hit the theatres on November 13. Aftab, who besides playing the lead and producing the film, has also co-written the story, says, “I have been living with the character for two years. Of course, doing three things at a time on one project is difficult, but I had a great team to support me.”

Being held between Mumbai and New York, the conference will see Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn & Asin, along with supporting stars Rannvijay Singh and Aditya Roy Kapoor and producer-director Vipul A. Shah interact with media from Network 18’s Mumbai studio where a stunning set, based on the theme of the film, has been erected. In New York, the conference will take place at the NYVC in mid-town Manhattan at 12.30pm EST.
As the conference is being videocast, media from Canada and outside the New York area would also be able to login and engage with the stars.

Promising his fans to return with a bang, Salman will return to Kolkata’s famous Salt Lake Stadium this Friday to celebrate the domestic success of his recent release and more significantly launch his keenly awaited drama, London Dreams, which previews abroad on Thursday, October 29.

Asin is likely to join Salman in the grand finale and the star will be dressed in his attire from London Dreams. Confirmed Vipul, “Yes, Salman is going to Kolkata to honour a stage commitment and will promote London Dreams.”