Bollywood starlet Geeta Basra may not be successful on screen but she is successful in real life. And with Harbhajan Singh by her side, she is complete and wouldn’t even mind quitting glam world. They proved the news of rekindling their relationship right by chilling out together recently.
It all happened at the felicitation programme organized for the Indian cricket team at a five star hotel. When the team was called up for a joint photograph, the manager of the team realized that Harbhajan Singh was not around. So, they started looking out for him everywhere. Interestingly, the ace spinner was apparently chilling out with his girlfriend Geeta Basra in one of the hotel rooms booked in her name.
Well, Harbhajan might have delayed the photo op but none of his team mates complained! Love happens to everyone at one point or the other!
Shah Rukh Khan injured his knee over a year back. The injury has come back to haunt the actor and he has to undergo a knee surgery in July.
Following the rigorous shoot and action sequences the actor had to undertake in his film RA.One the injury, which was earlier treated by Kolkata Knight Riders physiotherapist Andrew Lepius has aggravated.
In fact Mumbai based Dr Ali Irani has recently paid the actor a visit in Hyderabad where he is currently shooting to check his knee. "He has been going through a lot of discomfort for sometime. And hence the doctor was called in. He has a tear in the meniscus of his left knee," informed a source.
When contacted Dr Ali Irani admitted, "Yes he does have a knee problem and he will need to undergo surgery in July."
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan was rejected as a voiceover for 'Lagaan' by Ashutosh Gowariker because the director felt that Big B's voice was too familiar to transport the audience to the 1893 where the film was set
This was revealed by actor-producer Aamir Khan last night at a party to celebrate 10 years of 'Lagaan' and completion of a decade of his production house Aamir Khan Productions. In the presence of Bachchan, Aamir recalled that after initially getting a positive response from the megastar that he would dub for the movie as a narrator, Ashutosh felt that the Bollywood legend's voice was too familiar to the audience and his aim of taking the audience to the period of 1893 would fail from the first scene itself.
A scene from Lagaan (2001)
"I was shocked and argued with Ashutosh why this had not struck him before asking me to go and meet Amitji. But, Amitji took it so sportingly and told me that he was relieved since all films for which he had done a voiceover had miserably flopped," Aamir said. However, Ashutosh again changed his mind and decided finally it would be Amitabh Bachchan only for the voice over, Aamir said.
"I again went to Amitji and told him that my director has gone mad. He now wants you for the film. Amitji did not utter a word but reminded me that he was superstitious and felt that he brought bad luck. I said we are ready to take the risk because so many factors had gone against the film during the making but we had overcome all the difficulties."
Aamir said he was sure Bachchan had not liked the movie when he saw it for the first time. Bachchan on his part did not answer Aamir's question about what he had felt about the film when he first saw it. "The climax was not ready and the film had not been edited then. But, at the first screening after the film was ready, I felt popular sport of cricket was beautifully mixed with the story of how a bunch of villagers had risen unitedly against their oppressors," he added.
If you hear that actor John Abraham is on a bonding-spree with the ladies post his break-up with actor Bipasha Basu, then here's some more news. A birdie tells us that he has also got a very patient ear in actor Abhishek Bachchan.
Sources say that John and Abhishek have been bonding a lot and this extends beyond the usual narration sessions or the production meetings of their forthcoming film. We also hear that lately Abhishek and John have been discussing a lot about off screen matters too. So is it that they are sharing relationship advice?
"Ask Abhishek and he will start gushing about John. Post the break-up, John has found an ideal friend in Abhishek who sits with him for hours discussing things intently. We think that Abhishek is certainly advising him on relationship issues but we can't tell you for sure because both John and Abhishek are tight-lipped about what they discuss," says a source.
It is also part of the plan though that John and Abhishek will bond now because their sequel will need them to have a crackling chemistry in the 'Dostana' sequel. So, Karan Johar (the producer of the sequel) has advised them to bond, so that their chemistry again shows on the screen.
"We hear that John has told Abhishek how he is hurt with the goings-on right now. Their break-up (between John and Bipasha) happened last year, but we hear that they were keeping up the pretence and trying to work out things between them till they reached a point of no return. However, John seems quite cheerful after talking to Abhishek," the source adds.
Though John has shut himself off from giving interviews, Abhishek is quite candid when he is asked about John. But he is again careful not to tread into any zone but only the movie that will go on the floors soon.
"My pairing with John has always been successful. Both the films we've done together have been big hits. He's great fun to work with and is a very dear friend. We have 'Dostana 2' lined up next and I hope the two of us get the opportunity to make many more films together," says Abhishek.
The actress’s youth and her connections with YRF land her a role in Yash’s untitled project with Katrina Kaif and Shah Rukh Khan
It might appear that she is second fiddle to Katrina Kaif, but Anushka Sharma knows what’s good for her. The rapport that the young actress shares with YRF have made her an obvious choice for directors Yash and Aditya Chopra’s much-talked about untitled project. Sharma will now join Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif, in Yash’s directorial project since Veer Zaara, in 2004.
Our source explained, “The script requires a strong actor for the second lead in the film. Yash and Aditya were scouting around and then thought that Anushka seemed to be an obvious choice, for more than one reason.
The role required an actress, who looks younger than Katrina Kaif. And few actresses fit that requirement. Anushka was just the right choice. Plus, Yash Chopra is really fond of her.”
If all goes as planned, this film will mark Anushka’s fifth time working with YRF. Also, she is the only actress to work with both Yash and Aditya Chopra at the same time, unlike Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Aishwarya Rai and Preity Zinta, who have only worked with one of the two directors.
Despite repeated attempts, YRF remained unavailable for comment.
For a special medley in his forthcoming film 'Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap'
Amitabh Bachchan was seen glowing (literally!) at the shoot of his forthcoming flick Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap at Filmistan Studios, on Thursday. As part of a special medley composed for him, the Big B shot the famous Sara Zamana Haseeno Ka Deewana track in the exact same way he did in 1981. In sunglasses and an electric lightbulb suit!
Burning Bright: Big B on the sets of Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap
Shaad Ali, the director of Bunty Aur Babli in which Bachchan starred too, called the shots for the shoot and Shiamak Davar did the choreography. Says a source, "Amitabh Bachchan and the background dancers (24 girls) wore similar costumes as in the original song. The sets were also identical to the original. Art director, Amrita Singh, had been given the brief to create a replica."
Adds the source, "It was nostalgia time for Bachchan. He was shooting for the same track he shot for 30 years ago. He still clearly remembered every move. The shoot wrapped up late last night." The song is part of a medley of Big B's yesteryear tracks like Khaike Paan Banaras Wala, Rang Barse and Pag Ghungroo, which have been specially redone for the movie.
The original track
It was Amitabh Bachchan's suggestion to use light bulbs on the jacket, for the song Saara Zamana Haseeno Ka Deewana from Yaraana in 1981. He got this idea after watching a bull fight sequence from an English film starring Robert Redford. He told director Rakesh Kumar, who instantly agreed. The switches for the lights on the outfit were in Bachchan's hands. He synchronised the flashing of lights, while dancing to the rhythm of the music.
The 'Ready' girls says she's got the success X-factor
Southern beauty Asin Thottumkal, who stepped into Bollywood three years ago and has already worked with bigwigs like Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, says that she's been lucky to have got such opportunities.
"I do find myself lucky because in the film industry there are a lot of factors that probably result in success. You need talent and discipline but somewhere you need to have that X factor also. What that X factor is, whether that's luck, or God's grace or the wishes of all the people around you, that is open to interpretation.
"But I think that that one factor that helps is definitely with me otherwise I wouldn't have got all these opportunities to work with these bigwigs of the industry," Asin said.
The 25-year-old has worked with Aamir in 'Ghajini' and with Salman in two films - 'London Dreams' and 'Ready'. She is now shooting with Akshay Kumar for 'Housefull 2'.
As Aamir Khan, the filmmaker, turns ten along with Lagaan, he talks about his journey so far and plans for the future
The story was about a piece of land in want of rains. The families that fought nature and the British to reclaim what was their own sometime in the 19th Century. The story ended with the sky pouring down.
Prophetic, for the awards started pouring in for the film and the filmmakers Aaamir Khan and Ashutosh Gowariker soon after.
Lagaan, ten years back, started a new era in Indian cinema. It proved that even films that had 90 minutes of cricket in the second half could work. And work well.
On completing ten years of the film that changed his fate, Aamir Khan opened up about the trials and tribulations he went through as an actor, a filmmaker and an individual while creating the epic. Here are some excerpts from the revelations he made.
“It was an evening to traverse down memory lane”
Last evening, Aamir Khan held a bash. First of it's kind, the bash was to celebrate ten years of Lagaan and Aamir Khan Productions. Aamir himself, however, chose to call it 'not such a big celebration'.
"We have not invited the entire industry. It's a special day for us on an emotional level," he justified. "We have invited people who have worked with Aamir Khan Productions.
The key cast and crew of all our ventures, Lagaan, Taare Zameen Par, Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na, Dhobi Ghat, Peepli Live and Delhi Belly have been invited. I have not even invited my close friends Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Raju Hirani.
It is an evening to go down the memory lane. It's for the people who have contributed to my company and been a part of its growth," he added.
“I have decided to avoid Amole and Anusha”
However, it's not just his close friends who were left out from the guest list. Two key players of Aamir Khan Productions did not receive the invite either. Namely, TZP writer Amole Gupte and Peepli Live director Anusha Rizvi.
"I feel I mustn't keep negativity in my life," said Aamir explaining his decision to keep the two people off the guest list. "If some people are unhappy with me, why should I add to it? I don't want to bring up the ugly past and have decided to avoid," he added.
Anusha Rizvi, writer and director of Peepli Live and her husband Mehmood Farooqui, the co-director had blamed Aamir of stealing the limelight away.
Aamir on the other hand, breaking his silence, said that he was disappointed with Anusha questioning his role as a producer.
Amole Gupte, who wrote Taare Zameen Par had a fallout with the actor way before Anusha. He was unhappy with Aamir for taking over Taare Zameen Par, a film which was supposed to be his directorial debut.
Aamir Khan, however, seems to have moved on. "As far as Amole and Anusha are concerned, they are free to have their own opinion. Sometimes, there can be disagreements in life. If Amole feels that TZP was not a good film, that's his decision.
What can I say? As a director, I had done my best. I appreciate his writing and he had a very good script. Similarly, if Anusha feels that I am not a good producer, it's her opinion. Though, I do not agree with her.
I know how to shoulder my responsibilities as a producer. I tried my best to give a good platform to the creative talent in Peepli Live, be it Anusha, Mehmood, Omkar, Indian Ocean or anybody else," he added.
“Javed Akhtar said Lagaan will be a disaster”
Lagaan. A film that changed perceptions, careers and even lives. A film that was not that easy to make. Reminiscing about the times when Ashutosh Gowariker first came to him with the script, Aamir Khan revealed how he never thought he would produce a film.
"If you read my earlier interviews, I had always maintained that I would never produce a film. I had seen my father suffer with the making of Locket.
The film went on for eight years. As kids, my sisters and I have suffered because of it," said Aamir talking about the reason.
"Ashu had come to me with the script of Lagaan. I loved it immensely. But I was in two minds. I told him that I love it but I can't do it. After three months, I heard the script again. I still did not take it on. Ashu, meanwhile was narrating the script to different people.
Six months after that, I heard it again, and I said 'Yaar yeh toh kamaal ki script hai, mujhe karni chahiye'," Aamir revealed his initial indecision about the film that went on to be a blockbuster.
"Three more months went by and I told Ashu that I will act in the film. I asked him to get a producer. But Ashu couldn't find one. Finally, I asked my parents and my ex-wife Reena to hear the script.
They loved it. My abbajaan told me 'Aamir achchi script bahut kam baar milti hai, aapko karni chahiye'. That's when I told Ashu that I won't just act in his film, but produce it too," the actor added.
After the initial worries were overcome, there were other hurdles on the way. Talking about them, Aamir said, "We wanted Javed Akhtar to write the lyrics for the film. So, I sent Ashu to narrate the script to him.
The moment Ashu left from there, Javedsaab called me and asked me not to do the film. He said it'll be a disaster. I was shocked. I was already scared to make a film on this scale and Javedsaab just added to it. I went to him and talked about it.
He wasn't convinced. But he agreed to write the songs, anyway. Finally, when the film released, Javedsaab was convinced about the film's merit."
“I didn't want to make films without Reena”
After a successful beginning to Aamir Khan Productions with Lagaan, he waited five long years to move on to the next production Taare Zameen Par. Revealing the reason for the delay, Aamir said, "Good films work on their own. That's what I believe.
Reena and I decided that Lagaan was a good experience. We thought, film bana kar mazaa aaya. We decided to make more.
Then Reena and I went through a separation and divorce. I dropped the idea of making more films. Without Reena, mera dil nahi tha. I decided not to take production forward. I didn't want to make films without her.
But then Taare Zameen Par came along. The moment I heard it, I knew I had to produce it. And then it went on and on."
“Awards hold no value for me, anymore”
Lagaan took Aamir Khan and his production house to the Oscars. However, the producer Aamir has now decided not to be a part of any awards henceforth. He will not send his films for any award function, including the national award.
"I want to stay away from these awards. As a production house, we would not actively apply for any award henceforth. I am not even sending Dhobi Ghat for the national awards," said Aamir.
"I am not objecting to the awards or questioning them either. As a producer, I am not going to send my films.
That's about it. I want to spend my time making films. I will spend my time doing things that mean something to me and not indulge in things that hold no value for me. For me, audience response is of paramount importance. Awards aren't. That's it," added the filmmaker.
Sanjay Dutt has gone bald for his movie Agneepath, an extreme decision he had to take because his prosthetic make-up started melting
Sanjay Dutt goes bald for Agneepath
(Pic: BCCL)
A heat wave in Diu, where Sanjay Dutt is shooting for Agneepath, literally forced him to go bald.
The actor took the extreme decision to shave off his head. The temperature in the union territory was a searing 48 degrees celsius and the prosthetic make-up he had on (which took three hours to apply and would take an hour-and-a-half to remove) began melting away.
Dutt's character sports a hairless look in the film and he was expected to have a tonsure. However, he has several films on the floors, and to avoid continuity problems, Hollywood makeup artist Robin Slater's services were enlisted to create the 'bald' look without actually shaving his head. "The first two days of shooting — at a factory in Mumbai went smoothly. Trouble began when they started shooting in Diu. "It started looking scary," says a unit hand, noting, "The make-up started melting and dripping down Sanju's face.
It became so bad that Sanju did a re-think. He had to wake up at 5 am to get ready and report for a 9.30 am shift. It was time consuming as well as cumbersome, so Dutt spoke to his Business Manager Dharam Oberoi and wife Manaayata and decided to go bald. The manager was worried about shooting Dutt's home production Rascals. So Hollywood's famous wigmaker Victoria Wood was flown to Diu to take measurements to make a wig for all his films on the floors.
Dutt says, "I couldn't have handled the make-up mess after a point. It was too tiring. Also, it was a strain on my eyes as prosthetic make-up is heavy.
Three years after Agyaat (2009) released, Priyanka Kothari, also known as, Nisha Kothari is back in mentor Ram Gopal Varma's camp. However, this time his erstwhile assistant Kishore Bhargav is calling the shots in a movie titled Stalker. Needless to say, Priyanka plays the victim who is stalked by newcomer Raj Shroff.
Apparently, ever since the film was conceived, Priyanka's participation was foregone. But Varma maintained: "I've got nothing to do with Stalker. Kishore worked with me a long time ago. Beyond that, I have no connection with the film." The film's writer, Rohit G Banawlikar, confirms that shooting is already underway in real locations around the city.
While studying the subject, Rohit learnt that many women in India have faced the nuisance at some point of time in their lives. "If the statistics are any indication, we felt there was a story there, and it could relate to every woman," says Rohit, who has also scripted RGV's Not A Love Story, a film based on the Neeraj Grover murder case.
Dismissing any notion that their film could give ideas to those who trail women in real life, Rohit insists, "At the end of the day, the film sides with women. We're not telling them how to deal with stalking. What the character in the film goes through and how she handles it is based on natural reactions and is completely incidental."
Initially, Nikhil Dwivedi and Arjan Bajwa were being considered for the stalker's part, but according to the scriptwriter, Raj was chosen because he had a fresh and unknown face.
"We were clear that the stalker should be someone who has not been seen on screen before. So the audience could see him as a stalker and not an actor playing the part," explains Rohit. The film also features Nakul Vaid as Priyanka's friend and Milind Gunaji as a cop.
