However, the best part of the premiere will be Abhishek entering the premiere by carrying Amitabh piggyback, replicating a sequence from the film. Incidentally, this is something Abhishek insists on doing, despite Amitabh being worried about the effect it will have on his son’s back.

Director Balki confirms the news and says, “Paa is a film that celebrates the spirit of childhood and Amitji does play a 12-year-old in the film. So we thought that the premiere venue should have a child-friendly ambience. We had initially planned to have Amitji dressed and made-up as Auro, his character in the film, standing at the main door of the premiere to receive guests. However, this plan was too impractical. The makeup artiste Christien Tinsley would have to be especially flown down for a day all the way from LA. Besides, Amitji as Auro for an entire evening would have been somewhat distracting for the guests.”

Now Amitabh will receive the guests at the premiere with six child actors from the film – Taruni, Pratik, Nimit, Dhruven, Varun and Gaurav, all of who play Auro’s best friends in Paa.

The father and son are personally inviting all their friends for the premiere. “Plus, there are all my friends from the ad world. It’s going to be quite a night,” promises Balki.

Times

Times

Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Om Puri, Vivek Oberoi, Dia Mirza, Kirron Kher
Director: Rensil D Silva
Producer: Karan Johar, Hiroo Johar
Banner: Dharma Productions, UTV Motion Pictures
Music: Sulaiman Merchant, Salim Merchant
Background Music: Sulaiman Merchant, Salim Merchant
Sound: Nakul Kamte
Lyrics: Prasoon Josh

Ehsaan (Saif Ali Khan) comes to New York with Avantika (Kareena Kapoor) to set-up a home and live happily-after. They move into an idyllic neighbourhood and things are rosy and calm; for a time.

In-between removing each other’s clothes and performing lewd sex acts (that’s with each other) they somehow notice that their next door neighbours are part of a secret terrorist cell who are planning to blow up law-abiding American citizens in the not too distant future; the fact that they are Afghans and look like Osama-bin-Laden wannabes shows otherwise?

Anyway, Avantika then stumbles upon her husband also plotting to do the same. Apparently, his family were done bad by the American government and he is out for revenge. Blah! Blah! Same old story!

Avantika, the poor girl, now has a major situation on her hands. She has to stop having sordid sex with this Mullah Omar duplicate and try to save the citizens of New York. Hmm. Hard decision, don’t you think?

The rest of the story is about how she goes about trying to restrain herself from having intercourse with him. Hmm, well maybe not! I might have exaggerated a little. You will too once you come out of the cinema watching 160 minutes of total nonsense.

Who cares about America wanting to take control of the world’s oil fields? And I don’t give a toss about why a man becomes a terrorist in the first place and his reasons behind blowing the poor New York residents. All we want is 2 hours of entertainment. If we wanted a history and morality lesson then we have numerous TV channels for that, don’t we?   

When Karan Johar began writing the story for Kurbaan he most definitely would have thought the terrorism subject as the film’s pivotal promotion tactic. But, as things usually happen differently than planned in life, it is the sex scene between the two lead stars that became the film’s ‘only’ selling point. These days a film is promoted with such force on Television that a viewer is already in a frame of mind prior to the opening credits.

Terrorism, what terrorism? This film is a soft-porno made to pleasure Karan Johar’s dysfunctional mind. If he wanted to see Kareena topless, why not just pay her to come to a private hotel room and take her clothes of? Why subject a fanatic Bollywood-loving community to 2 hours and 40 minutes of utter trash?

Now getting all that of my mind we come to the performances. Saif and Kareena are good together. They are good at headlining parties, they are good at visiting sick children to promote their upcoming films and they are indeed good in front of the camera. There is a unique chemistry between the pair that is distinctive to them only. You will not get to see anything more special between anyone else. In fact, both feed of each other. Both need to make more films as a couple. We need more Saifeena!

Vivek Oberoi is so-so. Any Tom, Dick or Upen Patel-like actor could have done his part and made it look less lame then he has. One has to also take note of Om Puri and Kirron Kher. These two sensational actors are under-used in Indian films. We want more of Omiron!

Karan’s story is lame and he brings nothing new. Rensil D’Silva is also average. Music on the other hand does fit in well with the film. Hands up to Salim-Suleiman.

And for the wrap… I personally did not find anything new in this film. I have seen tons of films since 9/11 about how a man becomes a terrorist. I was expecting something new in Kurbaan but, apart from the sex scene, there was nothing else. At the Box Office the film will do initially very good, after all every one is eager to see Kareena topless (or is that backless – can’t see the difference myself in her case).

RS Rating: 6/10

Reviewed by Tony

She also said that the reason why she agreed to do it was because it was integral to the script and that she was happy that director Rensil D’Silva had done it so aesthetically. She added that knowing Saif in real life made things just a wee bit easy. “But at the end of day, Saif and I are professional actors and would do whatever a script demands from us,” she said.

Having said all this, one would have thought that the reigning Bollywood diva would be blasé about the whole affair. However, news has it that after watching the cast and crew trial of Kurbaan at Yash Raj Studios on November 12, Kareena, who was very nervous about the bare-back scene, actually put in a request to her friend and film-maker Karan Johar asking him to delete the lovemaking scene in just the one show which would be attended by her mother Babita and her friends.

A nervous Bebo wasn’t sure how her mother would react to seeing her do something so bold on-screen. She admitted that she was indeed nervous of her mother’s reaction. “I asked Karan if he could hide that one reel only from mom’s trial,” said the young actress.

However, Karan is said to have pacified his lead actor and told her she has no reason to be afraid.

Karan is also said to have told her in jest, “Shut up Bebo, and go take a walk. I’m doing no such thing.”

Kareena is of course in Sydney at this point shooting for Karan’s Step Mom with Kajol. But those close to her say that right till the time she boarded her flight, the thing that topped her mind was how her immediate family would react to this one scene in Kurbaan.

Guess the physical distance between Mumbai and Sydney will help ease Bebo’s nervousness.

Times

Produced by UTV Motion Pictures, the film has Genelia D’- Souza as the female lead. Pointing out the many similarities between the real and reel in Shahid’s life, a source says, “The film is about how the protagonist, played by Shahid, enters a reality show before being rejected a number of times. In real life too, Shahid went through numerous auditions before he got his break in Ishq Vishk. Also when he was an aspiring actor, Shahid would travel in his second-hand car which is similar to what his character does in the film. His character, during his struggle and before being selected in the reality show, actually lives in his car as he isn’t financially well off, though that is not quite the way Shahid lived.

”The source continues, “Another instance is that of Shahid’s school days when he played the role of a tree in one of his school plays. His mother loved him in the part and this too is a part of the film.”

The closest and the most identifiable part of the film is Shahid’s incredible dancing skills which he is constantly honing and this is also an integral part of the film. The source says, “Basically, the film speaks about Shahid’s journey as an actor and the success he has achieved in real life.”

Shahid confirmed the news and said, “Yes, there are many scenes in Chance pe Dance which are similar to my life but it’s not a deliberate attempt to do so. The scenes just turned out like that.”

Times

The film is called Tees Maar Khan and this is Farah’s third directorial venture — after Om Shanti Om and Main Hoon Na — and the first for her home production with husband Shirish Kunder. Incidentally, Shirish has also written Tees Maar Khan and will be producing it along with Akshay’s production house. Shirish told us yesterday about his film that will go on floors by March next year, “I wrote this film with Akshay in mind. My first film Jaaneman was with him and we share a good rapport. Initially, I was supposed to direct Tees Maar Khan but since it’s our first home production, Farah and I decided that I’ll produce it and she’ll direct it.”

Farah, whose next film was supposed to be Happy New Year with SRK, added, “I don’t even have a script for Happy New Year yet, so when this film came along, I decided to go ahead with it. It’s my kind of film and has everything in it — action, comedy and full masala. It’s like a readymade script for me.” She’s aware that Bollywood’s going to cast aspersions on why she picked Akshay over old-friend Shah Rukh. “But there’s no stress between SRK and me. In fact, he’s very happy for me and our production house and has offered every kind of help that I might need while doing the film,” said the choreographer-cum-director. “Tees Maar Khan means a smart ass,” added Farah, who might go on a nationwide hunt for an actress for the film with Shirish.

Times

A source says, “If you check the promos on all the music channels you’ll see only Paisa Paisa and Baamulaiza playing. The hottest song in the film Gale Lag Ja isn’t even part of the promotion.”

Ironical because normally the first thing a film producer does is to showcase the hottest ditty on his chart. Director Priyadarshan had confirmed that the song Gale Lag Ja shot under a heavy-duty waterfall at Mumbai’s Filmistan Studio, was his idea.

As is the requirement of such songs — Akshay was dressed in sheer shirts, and Kat was wearing cholis that were held together by a mere string with matching chiffon sarees that clinged seductively to her.

Naturally the aim of the song is to raise the audiences’ temperature. But after having such contraband material in hand, the hero seems to have had a change of heart.

Insiders say that Akshay would much rather publicise De Dana Dan as the return of the quasi Hera Pheri team, because Hera Pheri is a much-in-demand franchise. And for the first time, he has asked his producer to not even release stills of the rain song because he doesn’t want this number to distract the audience.

Katrina, who enjoyed shooting the wet song, says, “It is the quintessential wet song that every Bollywood heroine does at some point. I’m excited about it because for the first time in so many years, I was able to match Akshay’s energy levels.”

When asked why this song wasn’t playing on any channel, Katz said, “You should ask my producer Ratanji and Akshay. I don’t interfere in such matters.” Sources say that Jain will not cross the line that his hero Akshay has drawn. If Akki doesn’t want the song publicised, then Jain is happy to fall in with his line of thinking.

Jain said, “There is no mystery as to why the wet song is not playing. De Dana Dan is a comedy, it has 26 artistes, and I personally think that the songs playing on TV do more justice to the ensemble cast, than the wet song can.”

After great deliberation, Akshay added, “The hot song is good, but it is definitely not in sync with the theme of the film.” So did Akshay shoot the song only to please Priyadarshan?

Times

Amita says, “The story idea is mine. We had a guest at home for three months who over-stayed his hospitality. And it lead to so many funny and frustrating situations. When I narrated this to my director (Ashwini Dhir) and to my father (Kumar Mangat) they felt it made the perfect premise for a rip-roaring comedy. And that’s how Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? was born.”

Amita even managed to get not one but three National Award winning artistes — Ajay Devgan, Konkona Sen Sharma and Paresh Rawal to greenlight her project almost immediately.

Says Ajay, the leading man, “I liked the script because it is very real… and has some slice-of-life comic situations. It is also very cleverly written and the humour in the dialogue makes it very likeable. I’m sure people from all walks of life will identify with this because every home must have had a guest who has been the bane of their lives.”

The music for this film is by the hot-shot composer Pritam and the film will release globally on February 26, 2010. “The script of Atithi… itself is a non-stop laugh riot and when you add the comical talents of Ajay, Paresh and Konkona, we have a winner at the box office,” says Denzil Dias, Deputy Managing Director (Theatrical) , Warner Bros. Pictures India.

Times

Suddenly it’s an unstoppable juggernaut. Dostana, Wake Up Sid, now Kurbaan with My Name Is Khan and Stepmom to follow, even as his team of directors is plotting the next scripts. “These young directors today, Tarun, Ayaan, Rensil, Siddharth and others directing for Dharma, they’re geniuses,” says the stylish producer. “They’re steps ahead of the way we thought earlier. They’ve taken cinema to another level. Look at the themes — comedy (Dostana), adolescence (Wake Up Sid), terror-sensitivity (Kurbaan), poignancy (MNIK) … it’s incredible. I only wish dad was with us today. To see us take his legacy of honesty and credibility forward. Yes, hits help us financially, but we’re not greedy. We also want to give back quality cinema with conviction and good viewing. Otherwise, right now I have only Kurbaan on my mind. I’m very excited about it because it has been a subject close to my heart for a while now and I’d been tossing it around in my head. Then I asked Rensil (D’Silva) to write it and develop it for me. And I was so taken by his passion for the subject, that I asked him to direct it himself. And the result is crackling.”

Elaborating on the November 20th release, Karan says, “The story addresses the perpetually looming threat of terrorism, the film lends emotion into that graph. It has a point of view. That’s the path. Of presenting this threat in a logically, emotionally, sensitively cinematic manner. I’m quite delighted with the final product.” But there had been a thought in Karan’s mind, some time ago, to cast SRK in the lead role in this subject. “Maybe it was a thought a long time ago. Simply because SRK is emotionally a part of everything I do. Even before I wake up to box office figures, Shah Rukh calls asking, ‘How’re the collections dude? … How’s it going?’ He’s part of Dharma. However, that said, after the way the film has shaped out, Saif and Kareena are ideal casting,” smiles KJo. And how dissimilar is My Name Is Khan from this subject? Isn’t that Karan-directed venture also a ‘terrorism’ subject? “Not at all. My Name Is Khan is totally different in as much it doesn’t deal with terrorism at all. That’s all media conjecture. Wait for that one as well.” What we couldn’t wait for was his response to Kareena’s recent joke that KJo was like a ‘witch’, that everything he said was almost prophetic. Karan couldn’t stop laughing: “We have this strange Karmic Connection and I feel the need to be as protective about her as ever. I love Kareena to death. We fight too. We didn’t speak for a year. I hurt her and she hurt me. But one only fights with those one loves. Now that we’re past the initial hurdles, we’re the best of friends. And you have to see her in the film to believe what she’s capable of. As for the ‘witch’ part, I wish I could prophesise the success of Kurbaan for starters … that’s all I pray!”

Times

Why has Kites been delayed?
Well there are two versions — the Hindi version that is two hours and six minutes, and the international version (English). The Indian version was ready on Sept 30, 2009. However, the English version is being supervised by the Hollywood director Brett Ratner. Ratner is a friend of mine, and he is formatting the English version according to the Western sensibilities.

Is this the first time that a mainstream Hollywood director will be ‘editing’ a Bollywood film?
Yes. Ratner has films like Rush Hour 1, 2 and 3 to his credit. He has directed A Family Man, and has done episodes of the TV series Prison Break. To get someone who is so sought after in Hollywood to step and personally supervise Kites is something very prestigious.

Have you set a release date yet?
We’ve not set a release date. It should come in the summer of 2010. I’m flying to Los Angeles on November 29 for a meeting with Ratner. The mixing and the background score for the English version is also being done there. I will announce a date only after I know what progress has been made. Kites is my most ambitious release. I’m looking at releasing almost 2,500 prints globally.

The buzz is that Hrithik is keen on a Hollywood career?
Hrithik is very happy with the work he is doing here. He is currently shooting with makers like Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Guzaarish), and he is also committed to make movies with Karan Johar, me and perhaps Vishal Bhardwaj. After watching Kites, Ratner felt that Hrithik has the potential to make it big in the West. So there is a definite possibility of his doing films there. But all that’s for a later date. Right now, Hrithik and I are both obsessed with Kites.

Times

According to reports, Ranbir refused RGV’s offer to play Amitabh Bachchan`s grandson in the third instalment of the director’s political thriller ‘Sarkar’, pitted to be the last of the ‘Sarkar’ trilogy.

“Ramu is very upset with Ranbir. Ranbir was best suited to play Kay Kay Menon`s son in ‘Sarkar 3’, which would have seen Amitabh coaching his grandson to take over the powerful Subhash Nagre empire. Ramu was really impressed by Ranbir and approached him with the offer, but Ranbir wasn`t too excited about the film. In fact, he flatly refused to do it,” says a source.

“This refusal has not gone down well with Ramu. He has been sulking. Ramu could not believe Ranbir wouldn`t be keen to be part of ‘Sarkar 3’ and act with Amitabh Bachchan. Ranbir, however, seems to have his reasons — he wants to experiment with roles and since he is already doing Prakash Jha`s ‘Rajneeti’, another political thriller, he didn`t want to do the same genre. Even his proposed role in ‘Sarkar 3’ was similar to the one he`s doing in ‘Rajneeti’ — playing heir to a great political legacy. Therefore he refused the RGV movie,” adds the source.

It is believed that Ranbir’s ‘no’ has apparently derailed the whole project and Ramu has apparently scrapped ‘Sarkar 3’as for now.

Zee

According to Nandy himself, Amitabh Bachchan will be seen in the film as the partner of Lara Dutta who is 35 years younger than him in real life. “The age barrier does not have any affect in the film whatsoever. The scenes will come across as of a regular husband and wife with no emphasis laid on the age gap,” said Nandy.

This would be the third time in recent years that Amitabh Bachchan has managed to pull of a much younger female lead. Prior to this he wooed a 19 year old Jiah Khan in Nishabd and a middle-aged Tabu in Cheeni Kum.

Tony

Kareena admitted that Aamir and she are planning their second film. She said, “Aamir is a cinematic genius. We must do at least one more film together, very soon. Aamir takes a long time to make up his mind about projects. I keep telling him that by the time he decides to make this romantic film with me, my niece Samaira will be ready for stardom.’’ Kareena is now trying to convince Aamir to direct their second film.

She added, “But I must tell you that Aamir is very chivalrous.” During a rain sequence for 3 Idiots, her eye make-up kept running into her eyes because of the water, and Aamir would stop the shoot to wipe it out every time. Kareena also said that she keeps talking about Aamir and as a result her beau Saif Ali Khan has warned her to ‘keep quiet about the subject’. Talk about being possessive.

In the meanwhile, talking about Kareena, Aamir said, “One can look at her all day and not feel tired.” Aamir confessed that he too wanted to make a romantic film with Kareena soon. He said, “Bebo has been asking me to direct her in a romantic film… and I am definitely contemplating it.” However, he refused to divulge any details. He added, “For the moment I am too preoccupied with 3 Idiots. I am a one film at a time kind of guy.”

Our sources added that the subject of Aamir’s film with Kareena is inspired by a Hollywood film which has been on his mind for years.

Times

A well-placed source has confirmed, “Yes, the film is being reshot. It was shown to a focus group recently. As usual, there was an equal number of women watching the film. These women were distinctly uncomfortable with the abusive language in the film. As a result, the film is currently being re-shot, keeping in mind how the focus group has reacted to the film.”

“The producers, Shemaroo, have even asked Vishal to sit at the editing table and re-work the latter half of the film. They have also asked him to re-shoot portions if required. The first theatrical trailer is already out, but they don’t intend to release any more trailers for the next few months. Due to the re-work required, the producers are deciding on a date around mid-2010,” the source adds.

However, the film’s publicist insisted that the film is complete and its release date remains unchanged from Jan 22, 2010.

Focus groups are a new phenomenon in Bollywood, but have been the norm in Hollywood for many years. For instance, Fatal Attraction (1987), with its heavily sexualized plot, had two endings. Audiences baulked when Michael Douglas playing the repentant adulterous husband eventually gets arrested for what is actually Glenn Close committing suicide. Audiences rejected this ending since it betrayed the American dream of the ideal home. As a result, Fatal Attraction was reshot a year after it had been shot and edited with a new ending. It moved on to becoming a smash hit.

Ishqiya is about two bandits on the run, who fall for a sensual widow, played by Vidya Balan, and the deadly repercussions of this obsession.

Both Shemaroo and Vishal Bhardwaj were unavailable for comment.

Times

A source says, “Post her breakup with Ranbir, Deepika is taking on more and more assignments to keep herself busy. She now wants to focus on her career and make all the right moves. She has signed films with Ashutosh Gowariker and Yash Raj Films. Danish’s film, which is jointly produced by Kunal Kohli and Big Pictures, is another big film in her kitty. Deepika is very excited about it. She chose to sign the film despite Imran being Ranbir’s close friend as she has moved on. She doesn’t want to mix her personal life with her professional life.”

Confirming the news, Kunal Kohli says, “It’s true. We have finalised Imran and Deepika for the film. We are hoping to start the film early next year. It’s a love story and we are yet to find a title for the film. Danish will be making his debut as a director with this film.”

Times

A source reveals, “After working with A-list actresses such as Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Vidya Balan, Katrina Kaif is the next actress on Shahid’s wishlist. He thinks Katrina is extremely talented and would love to work with her in a film. His father’s movie is a love story and Shasha (Shahid) finds Katrina apt for the role.”

Pankaj Kapoor, however, is not terribly keen on Shahid’s recommendation. The source continues, “He has spoken to his dad Pankaj recommending Katrina for the film. But, Pankaj is keen to cast a young fresh face for the film. A nationwide hunt is on for the film.”

The debutant director takes a cautious line. Pankaj Kapoor says, “I am still in the scripting process. My daughter is looking into the casting. Only once I am done with the script, will I be able to take the final call for the female lead.” The movie goes on the floors in January 2010.

Shahid remained unavailable for comment.

Times

The unusual demand happened on the sets of Yash Raj Films’ next being directed by Parmeet Sethi. Shahid was shooting for a song where he had to take off his shirt while running out of the sea dressed in a vest and shorts. As soon as he took off his shirt, the girls started saying out loud: “Ganji (vest) bhi nikalo, jaldi ganji bhi nikalo’.

Shahid, known for his reticence, was horrified. An eyewitness says, “Shahid didn’t know where to look. He looked at Parmeet expecting him to tell the girls to stop passing comments.”

While the unfazed girls went very close to where Shahid was standing, neither Parmeet nor Ahmed Khan (choreographer) helped Shahid and they refused to tell the girls to step aside. “The security guards present on the sets too did not take any harsh steps because they were girls,” added the source.

What followed thereafter was even more embarrassing for Shahid. The girls started following Shahid and kept saying loudly, ‘Ganji nikal na. Bas kya?’ “Shahid, of course, did not oblige and was feeling extremely shy.”

Even after the shoot wrapped up, they followed him to his vanity van and waited outside for a long time. “They left only after the security guards politely asked them to leave. Only after that did Shahid agree to emerge from his vanity van and drove off to his hotel,” said the source.

Ahmed Khan confirmed the incident and said, “Ranbir and Shahid are two very popular stars today and both have a huge female fan following. I think every girl wants to see their bare chest.”

Times

Follow the links below for more pictures.

What’s interesting is that the film will have no big names whatsoever and will serve as a stepping-stone for four new faces including Zoa Morani the daughter of Karim Morani, a family King Khan is very close to for years.

Confirming the news a source said, “Shah Rukh will supervise the shooting, marketing and advertising plans and will also be creatively involved with the movie by going through the script and suggesting things that he feels would be beneficial for the project. Since the movie will star Zoa, he will make sure that she gets a big launch as the Moranis and he go back a long way. The Moranis are his friends and they manage his stage shows.”

Even though the busy actor has had very little involvement with the project, he is set to take a keener interest in the project at an advanced stage. “Shah Rukh has ‘My Name Is Khan’ and then ‘Ra.1’ up his sleeves. ‘Ra.1’ is also being produced by him; he is really tied up. So he is taking it easy as far as this movie is concerned. He just wants to oversee things than act in it. However, his presence even as a cameo would have made a world of difference but Shah Rukh is confident of the product and Roshan Abbas`s film-making skills”, adds the source.

Zee

According to sources, Neeraj finalised Abhishek for the role because he is from Uttar Pradesh. Although no one knows if Mohan Singh was the main conman’s real name, he apparently hailed from UP and was in his mid-30s. Abhishek was an obvious choice as he too has a UP lineage and belongs to the same age group. Abhishek loved Neeraj’s A Wednesday and was happy to be part of Special Chabbis.

Since the role is based on a real life character, Abhishek needs to prepare for his role in terms of speech and body language. Neeraj confirmed the news and said, “I can’t deny that Abhishek is on board but I want to get some other key members of the cast in place before I make a formal announcement. The film requires 26 actors and I want to make sure all of them are just right for their part. I will start the project in mid-2010. Before that I am producing a film titled 3 Large 1 Small under my banner Friday Filmworks. It’s the story of a somewhat young man who looks back on his life. I’m currently hunting for a director and a main lead.”

Meanwhile, there’s bad news for those waiting for Neeraj to start the prequel to A Wednesday. After the Tamil remake of A Wednesday (Unnaipol Oruvan), Neeraj has decided to shelve the earlier planned prequel. “I’ve to admit the remake (Unnaipol Oruvan) makes my plans to make a prequel to A Wednesday redundant now. I think we need to move on from A Wednesday. That’s what Special Chabbis gives me a chance to do,” said Neeraj.

Times

After Kambakkht Ishq and Main Aur Mrs Khanna this year, both of which didn’t do anything for her, Kareena’s performances in Kurbaan and 3 Idiots are generating a deafening buzz already… and Bollywood’s most powerful actress is literally running between real life beau Saif Ali Khan (Kurbaan) and good friend Aamir (3 Idiots) between November 9-15 … because that’s how her dates have been allotted for promotions.

Says Bebo, “Both Saif and Aamir are very dear to me. I think I’ve created magic with both co-stars and it is impossible for me to choose one over the other.” She recently shot a supererotic, romantic number with Aamir in artificial rain. Insiders say that though the focal point in 3 Idiots is not the Aamir-Kareena romance, it is still a very endearing part of it. While Saif maintains that there is a tremendous curiosity about his pairing with Kareena because they are a real life couple too, Aamir says, “Kareena is one of the most beautiful actresses that we have today. She is also a very good friend and we have both worked very hard on this rain song. I hope people like it.”

He’s done wet songs before with Sonali Bendre in Sarfarosh and in Fanaa with Kajol, in which his chemistry with both actresses was highly appreciated… but with Kareena, well, Aamir feels the chemistry is combustible. Any wonder Bebo is smiling like a Cheshire cat that has got the cream.

Times

Initially, the film was based on Priyan’s 1988 drama Vellanakalude Nadu. “Initially, Khatta Meetha was based on the road mafia and corruption in the construction business but at that point of time, it was entirely fictional.” It was Akshay who suggested that the film be contemporised by bringing in Pandey’s notorious death. Priyan says, “We brought in the whole story of the death of the honest road engineer in Bihar who was apparently killed by the corrupt road mafia when he threatened to expose their wrongdoings. We introduced Makrand’s character based on Yogendra Pandey and Akshay as the friend and colleague who uncovers the bloody trail.”

Priyan and Akshay have hit on a new formula to counter the charge of making mindless comedies. Khatta Meetha being shot in dusty Satara at the moment blends satire with a social message. Priyan adds, “I think I’ll be doing this kind of a mixture of social comment and satire more often. In Khatta Meetha we took up a very serious and disturbing crime situation in Bihar but treated it lightly. No one wants to watch grim films anymore. We just have to find a way of letting the audience know what’s actually going on in the world while transporting them into a make-believe world at the same time.”

Akshay Kumar went out of his way to complete this film. “We did it in 90 days at a stretch. Akshay believes we’ve been able to do something important here. The message comes through the comedy,” said Priyan.

Times

Now news has it that Ajay will be romancing Konkona SenSharma in a comedy being produced by his close aide Kumar Mangat called Aithitee Tum Kab Jaaoge? Sources say that just the actor has developed a fetish for Bengali women, he is also revelling in comedy films these days. Ajay constantly talks of wanting to do action flicks, but somehow his producers are continuously offering him comic capers.

Golmaal 3 will also go on the floors in 2010.

Times

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