Imran defends a casanova Ranbir

As his next profoundly A-rated film gets ready to hit the marquee soon, Imran Khan also readies to shed his good-boy image...

The always-politically-correct Imran Khan gets as candid as he can at his mammu, Aamir Khan's office.


Imran Khan at Aamir Khan's office in Bandra
As we set the floor to unearth all controversies related to this very un-controversial actor, Imran tells us about an array of things from getting bolder onscreen to the divisive DK Bose number in his next Delhi Belly. and of course, Avantika and Ranbir Kapoor...

The good-boy tag has been attached with you always?
Because, that is how I live.

It's said that good is boring and bad is exciting...
s true ¦ but for a certain age. I remember the bad guys who were bunking and smoking, they were the guys who always had girl friends and girls never had time for me. Suddenly, when you cross a certain age you realize girls like good guys.

What about in movies? You never got tempted to shun your good boy image  as you will with DB?
Onscreen images change from film to film. Audiences today are very excited by the prospect of actors doing something different.

Have you finally decided to taken on bolder films like Delhi Belly?
I was never inhibited. This is the first film I shot after Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. The truth is that a lot of people just don't write or make such films. DB is not a sex comedy but an adult comedy.

Aamir Khan has never attempted such a bold movie. Did you convince him?
Aamir has been a very fearless actor and producer. He has always taken up films that no one would dare touch. The fact is that nobody approached him with such a script before. This script has done the rounds of every producer in Bollywood without exception. Aamir was the last guy to read the script and the only guy who had the courage to take it up.

A lot of people have condemned the DK Bose song...
t is the mark of a cool, young music! Whenever there is something actually cool and young people like it, society immediately dumps it. Some beautiful songs written by great lyricists very openly talk sex. Somehow, people don't have any problem with it because they are disguised in other languages. To me it's hypocrisy.

Would you watch DB with your parents and your future kids?
I have watched it with my parents and fortunately they are cool. My kids will have to be above 18 for me to watch it with them. It's an A-rated film.

There were stories about a fallout between Aamir and the director, Abhiney Deo?
People like to say this stuff about AK, but the fact is, any director who has worked with him has never had anything bad to say about him. People like to write such stories because it makes for a good copy.

So far, your best films are with your mammu...
can't disregard I Hate Love Stories!

What was Avantika's reaction to your first onscreen kiss?
She is very good with separating onscreen from off-screen images. In every film, you are romancing heroines and you have these intimate scenes. She has never given me any grief for that.

Do people see you as an entry ticket to Aamir Khan Camp?
He doesn't have a camp. I am still trying to understand how to get entry into his camp, if there is one. Working with him is purely on merit based. You are not guaranteed anything. I have done five auditions for this role in DB.

Rumour mills are abuzz with stories of fall out between Ranbir and you?
He messaged me last week saying 'DK Bose is awesome. I can't wait to see DB'. When such stories come out, we directly call up each other. With so many people around you to fill your ears it can lead to a lot of misunderstandings.



You both are vying for the same spot. That obviously makes you rivals.
It's people who love to do this. Aamir, Salman and Shah Rukh have been pitted against one another for twenty years. The funny thing is that success or failure of other actors is not going to do anything to my film. If Ranbir's film does well, it doesn't damage my film and vice versa. So we are actually we are not in a race.

What is your USP?
In India, people like an actor for who he is. They see you as the person you are. And then decide if they like you or don't. For whatever reason, people like me because they like who I am.

All leading actresses Deepika, Sonam, Katrina and Kareena have been raving about you? What makes you so popular with women?
Like I said, when you reach a certain age, you like good guys. 

You defended Ranbir recently saying 'what's wrong if he likes wine and women'. So you also had your share of legal fun?
Of course I have had girlfriends. I like to go out and party. What I was trying to say is that people crucified
Ranbir for doing something that is actually not wrong. He is a young star. If he enjoys partying and dating girls, what is the problem?

What is the sweetest thing you have done for Avantika?
I have not had a chance to do anything sweet for her. I have been shooting non-stop. I am planning to take her on a holiday on her birthday in July. We didn't even go for a honeymoon!

She doesn't complain?
She is very good about it. But maybe if I don't take her this year then she will start cribbing.

Your tips to make marriage work...
re is no one thing. It is basically mutual respect and understanding. It is not about planning big surprises with flowers. It's about being considerate about small stuff. You should be emotionally there for each other.

What's up with Short Term Shaadi?
It is a terrible title. We are trying to change it. It was never supposed to be the title. I am pushing for a Hindi title. I feel hindi titles get more attraction. You will be surprised to know how many people are calling Delhi Belly dilli billi.

You said Katrina is very reserved?
It takes sometime to get to know her. She is initially very quite and keeps to herself. A lot of people don't get to see that side of hers. She has impressed me with her work ethics in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. A lot of people call her just a pretty face and not an actor. I think this film will shut them up. 

Aamir Khan stars in 'Delhi Belly' promo!

Just the name and face of Aamir Khan is enough to attract footfalls to theatres. So very rightly and cannily, the enterprising producer of Delhi Belly has appeared in the new promo of the film.

The promo features Aamir along with the three main actors of Delhi Belly -- Imran Khan, Vir Das and Kunaal Roy Kapur.

We hear that in the promo, Aamir talks a bit about his role as a producer and then goes on to introduce the three characters. What follows is a humourous banter between the quartet.

A source tells us that Aamir was apprehensive about giving the impression that the film also features him. So while the promo gives introduction to the film and the characters, it also makes clear that Aamir is only the producer.

This is the first time Aamir has shared screen space with his nephew Imran Khan, whom he launched with the cute romantic comedy Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.

Aamir has previously said that Delhi Belly is going to undo all his goodwill in the industry. The movie has explicit sexual and abusive content and its song ‘DK Bose’, though a youth anthem, has already put off a few people in the industry.

Delhi Belly releases on July 1.

Mallika charges 1.25 Crore for item song

Bollywood’s very own sexy siren Mallika Sherawat charged whopping amount of 1.25 crore for ‘Shalu Ke Thumke’ from ‘Bin Bulaye Baraati’.

In another promotional event the actress confessed that she did Shalu for money and hasn’t even seen the rough cut of the song but has heard that the item number is picking up well.

As per a close source from B’town, “Mallika charged phenomenon amount of 1.25 crore for a 4 minutes item song.”

Talking about her item numbers the actress says, “I haven’t seen ‘Shalu Ke Thumke’ song yet since I am concentrating on ‘Jalebi Bai’. I have done Shalu for monetary reasons.”

“I did ‘Mahiya Mahiya’ from Guru for veteran film-maker Mani Ratnam and A R Rehman while ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’ of Himesh Reshamiya for money again.”

So, Miss Mallika your choices seem to be interesting and we are sure you are balancing well between your passion and money.

Minissha isn't happy with Vinay Pathak

When Minissha Lamba signed on for the sequel to Bheja Fry, she was mighty excited to have an opportunity to be a part of the winning team.

But there are strong rumours that suggest that the actress is not very pleased to see Vinay Pathak hogging the limelight during the peak of promotions.

A source informs, “Minissha is a huge fan of the franchise and willingly stepped in for the sequel. She was already working with director Sagar Bellary in Hum Tum Aur Shabana, which further reaffirmed her faith in him.” But things didn’t seem to work according to plan for the actress, although she is quick to defend herself when probed about the issue.

“When it comes to comedy in Hindi cinema, there is very minimal scope for heroines. The genre is such that the best comic scenes are always penned from the man’s point of view. Though I don’t entirely understand the logic behind it, I don’t challenge it either. It’s good to accept things,” she says. Maybe more so, when one doesn’t have much of a choice.

Speaking further about her character in the film, Minissha says, “Definitely, at the end of the day Bheja Fry will always be about Bharat Bhushan (played by Vinay Pathak). So instead of cribbing about the length of individual roles, it’s better to contribute what’s expected of you and then sit back and enjoy what Vinay does on screen. That’s what I am going to do.” Now, did we hear a silent scream behind all that loud appreciation?

Asin's cheap publicity stunts irks Hriday Shetty

Asin was a leading actress in Tamil Film Industry three years ago. The she switched over to Bollywood. She paired with Aamir Khan in the Hindi film Ghajini which was the remake of the Tamil Ghajini.

She did the female lead role in this film also. Since this film was a hit, she got offers. She paired with Salman Khan in the film London Dreams and the recently released Ready. Now she is having only one Hindi film titled House Full 2 in her hand.

In between this there was news that she is going to pair with Shahrukh Khan and also she has been signed for two more films. There was also another news that actor Neil Nitin Mukesh has forced the director Hriday Shetty to sign Asin for the female lead role. Now Asin is being accused for spreading such rumors. Bollywood circle says that her PROs are spreading false rumors in order to get offers.

Hriday Shetty said that Asin should stop these kinds of activities for publicity sake. He said, "I have not signed Neil Nitin Mukesh for any of my film. When the situation was like this where is the question of Nil forcing me to sign Asin. I have so far not met Asin so far. I did not approach Neil Nitin for my film. I was very busy for the last one year with Naseeruddin Shah’s film. There is no necessity for me to sign a South Indian actress when there are so many talented actresses in Bollywood."

Bipasha's new romantic hero

Bipasha Basu, currently busy shooting for 'Players' and her Hollywood debut 'Singularity', has apparently signed on for a rom-com next. And the real surprise is her hero in the movie! We hear that R Madhavan, riding high on the success of 'Tanu Weds Manu', is going to be Bips' leading man.

Bipasha and Maddy have never worked together before, and, in fact, a rom-com is not the actress's usual territory either. Known more for her sultry parts, with the odd de-glam turn in 'Lamhaa', Bipasha might just surprise us in this new role.

It seems Madhavan, who really liked the script, is also quite excited to be working with Bipasha.

The movie is going to be directed by Ashwini Chaudhary and begins shooting in July.

Karisma to do a 3-D film

It's official. Karisma Kapur is returning to films after a hiatus. She has signed Vikram Bhatt's next — Dangerous Ishq, an erotic thriller in 3-D. Her last release was Mere Jeevan Saathi in 2006.

Says a source, "Lolo never really announced her retirement even after her marriage to industrialist Sanjay Kapur in 2003. Despite being busy with her domestic life and subsequent motherhood (daughter Samaira was born in 2005, son Kiaan Raj in 2010), Karisma has always had film offers. She has remained in circulation by signing many endorsements but has now finally given the nod to Vikram's film. His last film Haunted 3-D did well at the box office. That was the clincher for her."

Says Vikram, "When I first gave Karisma a narration, she loved the story and the script. It's a woman-centric film and she plays the main character. Dangerous Ishq is a thriller based on past-life regression. We start shooting in September in Rajasthan."

Karisma is looking forward to the film. "It's a role I haven't done before. The script is very interesting and working in the 3-D format will be a new experience for me," she says.

Asin's attitude killing her?

Three years ago, Asin Thottumkal left her top ranking position in Kollywood to shift to the Hindi film industry. In the time since, she has managed Ghajini and Ready, two of the biggest hits in Bollywood.

Yet what does have to show for herself today? Says a trade source, "She has just one film, Housefull 2, in which she will share screen space with Jacqueline Fernandez and Zarine Khan."

Apparently, her PR machinery did try spreading rumours of her doing Vishal Bharadwaj's Two States with Shah Rukh Khan, but the fact is that as of today, even SRK is not keen on Two States. So, that project is definitely in limbo.

What's ailing this 25-something actress? She's a competent actress, pretty, has a good strike rate at the box office but seems to be going nowhere.

Trade sources in Chennai are livid with her because she shortchanged them when she felt Bollywood was opening its doors to her. So, except for a dud Dasavatharam with Kamal Haasan and a hit Kaavalan earlier this year with Vijay (that too an old commitment), she has no Kollywood offers. The newer kids on the block like Ileana D'Cruz, Deepika Padukone and Sonakshi Sinha are more sought after.

In Mumbai, she turned down films with several top-ranking filmmakers like Ashutosh Gowariker, because after the debacle of London Dreams, in which Vipul Shah gave her a short shrift, Asin was pretty shattered. She actually sat at home for a year in the prime of her youth doing precious nothing.

Now, Ready is creating records and though Asin (courtesy her friendship with Salman) is the leading lady, she still has no future projects with him. He is committed to doing Kick and Dabangg 2 with Sonakshi Sinha, Ek Tha Tiger with Katrina Kaif and nothing with Asin.

A leading Mumbai producer says that he is keen to cast Asin but the actress has three things going against her. One, she is demanding to be paid as much as Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, two, there is reportedly too much interference from her close ones and three, though she is dependable, she brings no novelty to a project.

Aamir Khan reels back in emotion

Buys rights to 11 of 12 films produced by his late father Tahir Hussain

Flashback: Between 1969 and 1994, a producer who was always inevitably struggling launched 12 films, many of which didn't exactly set the boxoffice on fire.

Fast forward to June 2011: The beleaguered producer's son decides to buy the perpetual rights to 11 of those films for a few crore, more in a fit of nostalgia and less with commerce in mind. Such a transaction wouldn't raise too many eyebrows in the big stakes environs of Bollywood. Except that in this case the son buying the perpetual rights is a certain Aamir Khan. The producer is the late Tahir Hussain who died last year at age 71. Ironically, the one film whose rights are in dispute and therefore not with Khan is one in which he stars, called 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke'. "My father was not a top-notch producer like say Yash Chopra or Gulshan Rai. As kids, we have seen really close the lows of his films failing really close," says a dewy-eyed Khan.

Memories of those times still make the emotions well up inside Khan. In the absence of corporate and institutional finance, almost all producers borrowed money from the market at ridiculously high interest rates. Business wasn't Hussain's forte; that apart, long delays in the completion of films and a string of turkeys at the box-office resulted in a Domino Effect on the Khan family. Khan recalls his and his brother's name being up on the school notice board for as many as six months for non-payment of fees. His mother, he adds, would make their uniforms three sizes too large so that they would last longer. "The toughest times were during `Locket' (starring Jeetendra and Rekha, 1986), which took eight years to complete, or even earlier --- 'Khoon Ki Pukar' (1978) which took three years. Actors troubled him with dates and there would be at least 30 calls a day from creditors calling for their money," recalls Khan. Calling up farflung theatres across the country for collections is a vivid, if painful, memory as the figures were invariably imminently forgettable. Hussain for his part did give breaks to a lot of young talent like Reena Roy, Rakesh Roshan, Raj Babbar and Bappi Lahiri, among others. The rough road his father traversed would explain why Khan avoided wearing the producer's cap for years. "It's a thankless job because after employing an entire unit you get all the brickbats for things going wrong; and when the film becomes a hit, the creative talent gets all the credit, never the producer," says Khan. The reality, he adds, is that if it hadn't been for the producer, the creative talent would not have got an opportunity.

To source the films, Khan says he sought the help of "the only man who could have helped me get back my all my father's films which we had lost." The man is Jayantilal Gada, a veteran with a quarter century in the Hindi film industry and founder chairman of Pen India, which holds one of the largest Hindi film libraries. For Gada, the emotional call from Khan was enough to set to work. He traced the negatives of the films to the Hinduja group. Hussain had mortgaged the negatives of all his films to them, says Gada.

A year ago when the library came into the market, Shemaroo Entertainment bought 11 of the 12 films. So the films rights were all with Shemaroo. "Hiren Gada of Shemaroo (no relation of Jayantilal) did not hesitate when I explained the emotional reason of why Khan wanted to own his father's film library, to gift it to his mom; yet it was a nice gesture on Hiren's part (to sell to Aamir)," adds Jayantilal Gada. The transactionwas worth a couple of crore. Yet, there was a small hitch. Shemaroo had already sold the television rights to UTV Movies for five years. Hiren Gada says he was upfront with Khan about it. For Khan, that was the least of the issues. In fact, he is looking at restoring the films before he thinks of anything further. Can Khan monetize these films? Gada of Pen says when old films have only two resources—satellite rights (TV) which is 90% of the value and another 10% maybe from the home video business. So, if Khan decides he can possibly recover what he bought but that's not his focus right now.

For his production house however, which completes a decade this June 15, it adds value and numbers. "Yes, they 11 films get added to the Aamir Khan Productions library now," says Khan finally smiling.

Salman, SRK on Madhuri's wish list

We have seen the reach and impact of a Rajinikant film. Inspite of it all, Bollywood's dhak dhak girl Madhuri Dixit gave an opportunity of working with the South legend a pass! Reason. She didn't want to play his sister's role.

However, our diva is game for working with her Bollywood co-stars like Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.

Infact Mads has become a huge fan of Sallu especially after his recent movies like `Wanted' and `Dabangg'.

She even has a special request for filmmakers. "It'll be wonderful to work with Salman and Shah Rukh again...three of us together in one film. I hope some good script comes our way. It'll be so much fun", says Madhuri recalling the chemistry she created with the duo in `Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam'.

Madhuri starred opposite SRK and Sallu in the romantic drama `Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam' in the late nineties. She's also individually worked with SRK in Anjaam, `Dil toh Pagal Hai', Koyla, Gaja Gamini and Devdas while she epitomized romance in `Sajaan', Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, opposite Salman.

"I am aware of the growing popularity of Salman these days. I have seen his recent films. My kids just love it. Salman deserves every bit of his super success today. I really want to work with him if there's a script" she admits candidly.

The actress shares a lovely friendship with both these actors. Marvelling at how well the actors have maintained themselves and are matching steps with younger girls she says. "It's awesome to see all my heroes' getting younger by day and romancing the young girls. It's incredible", signs off Madhuri with a smile.