Kareena Kapoor’s Ideal Co-Star: SRK

 

Who would be her ideal co-star? None other than Shah Rukh Khan, “My ultimate wish is to do a full-on love story with him,” she said. Adding, “Very frankly I did the ‘Yeh mera dil’ song in Don because of Shah Rukh. When Farhan Akhtar offered me the song I wondered if making a guest appearance was right for me. However, the temptation of doing a song with Shah Rukh got the better of me.”

Her performance in that song was a definite hit for Kareena and it also was a hit at home, “It got me tremendous notice. My niece Samaira has become my biggest fan. She dances to the song. And the minute she sees me she starts singing ‘Yeh mera dil pyar ka deewana’.”

In Omkara, Kareena’s performance as Dolly was critically acclaimed and applauded by all. She said, “It’s one film I’m truly proud of. I’m looking forward to working with Vishal Bharadwaj again. He’s one of those rare directors who know how to tap into my potential. I need directors like Vishal and Imtiaz Ali of Jab We Met to come forward and give me a chance. That’s why I’ve taken a long break to get my act together. I don’t want to look back on my career with any regrets.”

Courtesy: Bollyspice

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Manoj Mumar & SRK Make Up

 

All is forgiven and forgotten says 70-year-old Manoj Kmar between him and Shah Rukh Khan.

Here is the story reminiscent of a Yash Chopra potboiler starring Shah Rukh Khan.

Manoj Kumar had expected Shah Rukh Khan to make amends for the scenes in Om Shanti Om that the veteran actor feels humiliated him with a personal visit over the weekend, something Shah Rukh had promised to do.

When Shah Rukh did not turn up Manoj Kumar was miffed allover again and went back to the press threatening to sue Shah Rukh.

But Bollywood films are known for their happy ending, where a dramatic turn of events leads to a whole lifetime of murder and rape being forgotten and forgiven in minutes.

Manoj Kumar bares the end plot that led to the happy ending for him, recounting first the dramatic turn of events:

“Yash Chopra played the mediator. I got a call from Yash on Tuesday night at dinner time asking for my address. He said he was in the neighborhood and wanted to drop by. He didn’t say who was with him. So when my wife opened the door, we were pleasantly surprised to see Gauri and Shah Rukh Khan, and Farah Khan, with Yash.”

And here comes the ‘forgive and forget’, as Kumar continues:

“It felt like a family reunion. We didn’t discuss anything that was bygone. Everybody makes mistakes, but when you realize them, more than half your mistake is pardoned. I don’t hold any grudges against anyone.”

“But in the hour they spent with us, Shah Rukh and Gauri clicked pictures with us. It was nice meeting him. He touched my feet. He may be my son’s age but I have a brotherly feeling towards him.”

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Dhoni & SRK Together!

 

While we all know that Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a great team leader, none really imagined that there was more to him that just cricket (and changing hairstyles of course).

The Ranchi boy was quite comfortable in front of the camera as he is front of wickets or behind it. We are talking about Dhoni’s cameo with none other than Bollywood badshah Shah Rukh Khan.

Dhoni will be seen with SRK in a soon-to-be-released television ad for Videocon. According to the unit, the Team India captain has all the qualities required to become a “good, spontaneous actor”.

Even Shah Rukh Khan is full of praises for the ace cricketer, “It was really nice working with Dhoni. He is so humble and always smiling. He has a great sense of humour and was really sporting about the whole shoot. He was also very professional and really good at acting too. I had a great day with him and wish him all the best for cricket and acting.”

The acting legend and the cricketing genius have interchanged roles in the ad where SRK will play a cricketer, while Dhoni will do the ‘superstar’ act; and it seems no one could have done an SRK better than Dhoni.

Says Piyush Pandey of O&M, the agency that has created the ad, “We all know SRK is a fabulous actor, but Dhoni left us spellbound with his acting skills. The guy was a charm to watch. There are a lot of filmy clichés incorporated in the ad like taking off on Rajesh Khanna etc. But Dhoni does it so effortlessly! He can easily be a great actor.”

In fact it was King Khan who suggested that they do a campaign together during the T20 match.

Adds ad director Sumanto Chattopadhyay, “Dhoni has a great sense of humour and that really comes across in the ad. In fact despite his tight schedules, he was more than ready to give all his time if the shots weren’t alright.”

The ad was shot just a day before Shah Rukh’s birthday on November 2 and Dhoni was a part of the birthday celebrations on the sets which included Farah Khan and a few other friends of his.

Shah Rukh also autographed Dhoni’s jacket which he wore in the ad as a part of imitating Shah Rukh’s character in ‘Om Shanti Om’.

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SRK’s Nightmare!

 

Shah Rukh Khan is a troubled man. He’s haunted by a recurring nightmare. It begins at a cricket stadium where Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh seem to be frantically waving out at him. Then they start blowing kisses! The Pakistani cricketers frown as the game is held up and BCCI officials rush to evict the Bollywood Baadshah. “It’s not me they are blowing kisses at,” protests SRK and points to Deepika Padukone beside him. “It’s her!” Even as Dhoni and Yuvraj start doing somersaults across the ground, Khan is bundled into a waiting car and driven to the airport.

But Shah Rukh soon finds himself in a midair crisis as the flight to Mumbai wobbles violently and passengers reach for their oxygen masks. The reason is not bad weather but the pilot who’s left the cockpit and hangs around the star for tips on building a six-pack! As the aircraft continues to drop altitude dramatically, the passengers open the emergency exit and request him to jump out!

Khan lands safely on the lawn of his villa in Bandra. But his troubles are far from over. For, even before he could ask Gauri what’s for lunch, she sends him to buy a kilo each of beans and ladyfingers. Thus, Shah Rukh steps out of Mannat with a shopping bag. As he walks the street looking for beans and ladyfingers, there are many fingers pointing at him and people frowning at him for stooping down to walking the streets to promote his film!

A vegetable vendor shrugs his shoulders when Shah Rukh asks him the price of beans. “Why do you need beans?” asks the vendor. “You’re full of beans! I see you on TV, newspaper, advertisements – promoting your film!” Shah Rukh tries to ignore him and asks the price of ladyfingers. “It’s gone up,” says the vendor. “But it’s cheaper than what I paid to see your film at a multiplex! And why do you want to eat ladyfingers? Does that make one the sexiest man in Asia?”

Finally, Shah Rukh Khan is so fed up that he covers his face with his hand and walks back home. But that’s when his cell phone rings. It’s Manoj Kumar! “You’re imitating me again,” screams Mr Bharat. “Wasn’t it enough you made fun of me in your movie? Now you’re doing it in real life!”
That’s when Shah Rukh wakes up and heaves a sigh of relief.

Courtesy: ShubhaShettySaha-dnaindia.com

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Manoj Kumar to take Legal Action

 

Despite the fact that SRK along with Farah Khan had publicly apologised to Manoj Kumar for having spoofed him in ‘Om Shanti Om’, the veteran actor is still seething with anger.

Kumar was upset with the production team for having shown him in a bad light and not even having been informed about it. However, SRK quickly threw a press conference to apologise and also promised to visit the actor, but according to Manoj Kumar he has not kept his promise.

“Shah Rukh announced that he will be visiting my place. But over the weekend, no one has come home, except some police
personnel, who had stationed themselves outside my house in case he comes.”

Manoj Kumar says he is not demanding a personal apology, “I am not here to beg for anything. If he has committed a crime, he should realise that he has to personally apologise to me. In my 50 years of work, I have never held a press conference or hired a PR person. I have been extremely tolerant, but if someone hits me below the belt, it is unpardonable.” “They have shown in the movie that I have been lathi charged at my premiere. Could Bombay police hit a known star in such a public place? It is like saying that anybody can be Shah Rukh Khan’s imposter and the real SRK can be lathi charged for trying to enter the premiere of his own movie. How can I accept such humiliation?” he says.

“I am not a man of litigation. But if there is no response from that side, I might take some action according to my solicitor’s advice,” Kumar adds.

Shah Rukh Khan was unavailable for comment.

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World Aids Day with SRK

 

Smita Thackeray says, “Shah Rukh Khan will be inaugurating the show and Saif, Salman, Lara Dutta and Dia Mirza will be performing with other celebrities from the music industry. The show will have a special opening act choreographed by Shiamak Davar. I am sure everyone will love it.”
Speaking about getting various celebrities for the cause, she says, “It feels great and I am thankful to God that I am in a position where they have complete faith in me and my organisation, Mukti Foundation. They all want to do whatever little they can for a good cause. It is a big responsibility.”

Shah Rukh had performed in Smita’s first show when his song `Chaiya chaiya’ was a huge hit. This time he had a very busy schedule as he had also committed for one of his endorsements deals.

“But he was sweet enough to be a part of the show despite a packed schedule. He has always been there for me since my first show,” adds Smita.

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SRK becomes Director

 

Aamir has already turned a director, and now Shah Rukh will be directing the sequel to Chak De India.

It is rumoured SRK’s directorial debut will not be produced by the Yashraj banner, but by SRK’s company Red Chillies Entertainment. Apart from playing producer and director, SRK will also act in the film.

A source from the industry who’s reputed to be close to SRK, mentioned, “The idea of making a sequel came to SRK after seeing the success of Chak De India at the box office. SRK will be meeting Yash Chopra to obtain the necessary consent.

The sequel begins with SRK marrying one of the girls from the team. The film will also revolve around women’s hockey. The shooting is to begin from the middle of the next year”.

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OSO Book Review

 

I did so myself! The moment one flips through the pages and greedily tastes a sound byte here, a picture there and a quick read somewhere in the middle of the book, you know that it would be hard not to enjoy reading the book. The expectations level are at an all time high in these few minutes itself; something which is akin to watching a full length theatrical promo of a big Bollywood blockbuster film and anticipating it’s arrival on the big screen soon!

Thankfully, all the high expectations are met in totality, hence making it truly a collector’s delight which can be find a place in your book shelf at least for one lifetime. No pun intended!

This one is no regular/usual behind the scenes kinda book! What you want to read are the quotes you haven’t heard before in the ‘hazaar’ interviews by the cast and crew in the past. What you want to see are the pictures that have already not been seen in the film’s promotional brochure. What you want to lend your ear are some gossips/tid bits/grapevine that have already not made it to the 5-scoops-a-day-tabloids. What you want to know are the actual hassles which took place rather than ‘working in the film was like a picnic’ or ‘we were all as one big family’!

And guess what, you get all of this and more! So let’s talk about that ‘more’ first. It is this ‘more’ which gives a definite edge to the book hence making it stand out as the one that would enthrall not just the followers of Bollywood cinema but also those who want to lay hand on that something extra. It is that extra about dedicated chapters on ‘Junior Artists’ and ‘Reincarnation’, ably titled ‘Reflected Glory’ and ‘Borne Again’ which makes you visualize the book differently.

To Mushtaq’s credit, even though such write ups may have risked being drag/boring/depressing, he makes them quite entertaining. He gets into details like different brackets of junior artists being called for when it comes to a hotel or an airport or a marriage scene or a village setting. He divulges how different junior artists also get classified with different rate card for different scenes. That’s not all, if you walk in and walk out of a frame, your pay packet is different from what you would if you are required to be drenched in rain. Interesting!

‘Borne Again’ is spooky yet exciting. Mushtaq does a little bit of research and Googling to find narrate some high profile cases of reincarnation in India that had made headlines some years back. And for some more information about real life imitating reel, find out what Shah Rukh Khan himself was in his last birth. The research says he was legendary dancer and actor Sadhana Bose! Read the book to know more.

50% into the book and you know that Mushtaq is a smart writer. He deftly handles various portions of the book and provides each of them a different flavor. So while some of the chapters have a core literature look and feel to it, others are told in light hearted tone. This is not all as there is imaginative writing coming into picture as well with one of the stories being told from an Assistant Director’s point of view, the other has Mushtaq himself in a conversational mode with the film’s crew while one of them is written in a screenplay mode. Easy for the writer since he is also one of the screenplay writers for the film Om Shanti Om.

However, the best is reserved for what perhaps has anyways been hailed as the best part about the film. The 31 star song, ‘Deewangi Deewangi’. This is the place where Mushtaq lets his creative instincts get the better out of him as sets the stage with him and his Income Tax consultant looking at all the stars in awe as they take their places and shoot for the song.

Quite funny and one of the lengthiest write-ups, it has some great humor interwoven into the text since Mushtaq demonstrates how a civilian (that’s how he calls a star struck fan who seldom gets a chance to see his idol in flesh and blood) reacts to all the glamour around. In one way, the write up seems to be his own alter ego coming into fray with an IT guy just being an excuse to be placed as a character into the story!

If the writer deserves accolades for his detailed work in the book, Ashish Pathak and Jochen Manz, the designer and photographer respectively, deserve full marks for their work too. They come together to make ‘The Making of Om Shanti Om’ a glossy fare which changes texture with every chapter boasting of a different layout, different font, picture placement and color combination. With no dull moment whatsoever as you flip page after page, it is hard not to hurriedly finish the content on one page (a lot of it on every page) and move on to the next to see what’s in store.

Any blemishes in the book? Yes. What could have been one flawless fare is hampered due to the fact that there are some astonishing spelling/grammatical mistakes in the text, especially during the initial chapters. Some basic punctuation errors turn out to be quite alarming, as well as surprising, because one expects nothing but an impeccable product when it comes to a book for one of the most prestigious films of the year. Also, the writer has some reputation to maintain, especially having multiple books on Bollywood to his credit and hence it is disappointing when some glaring gaps like not just sentences but even paragraphs repeating at more than just a couple of instances!

Anyways, ignoring all of this, one is bound to cherish this book which continues to celebrate the book even after it’s release. It is a must read at least once and though hardcore film buff may not mind having a second read too, at least the pictures would make most refer the book multiple times. The moment you lay your hand on ‘The Making of Om Shanti Om’, it’s hard not to exclaim ‘wow’! Yes, you do expect ton loads of content and some exclusive behind the scene information to be unveiled in this Mushtaq Sheikh book but all of that is expected once you start turning over the pages.

Before that it’s the book’s cover (yes, this time around the saying of ‘never judge a book by it’s cover’ is proved untrue), styling and overall packaging that makes you plan for three spare hours and find an isolated corner pronto to enjoy an uninterrupted, undisturbed and concentrated reading of this book which turns out to be as entertaining and as blockbuster material as the Farah Khan film has been in itself!

Farah Khan has made an interesting statement – “I think the only crime in movie making is to bore your audience”. Well, Mushtaq Sheikh follows the same theory for his book too and the results are there for all to see.

Rating: ****1/2

Courtesy of IndiaFM

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Shekar & SRK

 

India’s truly International director, Shekhar Kapoor is presently in India and this time right after his latest, ‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age’. Just to recall, Shekhar Kapoor made some memorable movies in Bollywood too. The list includes – ‘Masoom’, ‘Mr. India’, ‘Bandit Queen’ and his unfinished project, ‘Time Machine’, which he intends to revive.

The super talented director is presently in Goa, attending the IFFI (International Film Festival of India) 2007.

Interestingly, the latest movie that he has watched is Farah Khan’s ‘Om Shanti Om’ and Shekhar thoroughly enjoyed the film. He told the media, “I laughed throughout the movie because the makers’ laughed at the industry and also at themselves!”

Shekhar Kapoor also disclosed that he would definately like to work with Shah Rukh Khan and that they have been interacting regularly. The ‘Elizabeth’ director added that if and when they home in on a suitable subject, they intend to work together.

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SRK’s IFFI Inaguration Speech

 

The 38th International Film Festival of India (IFFI-07) got off to a flying start today at Goa. Noted film actor Shahrukh Khan inaugurated the Festival in the august presence of Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri P. R. Dasmunsi and Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Digambar Kamat. The inaugural lamp was lit with the assistance of Priyamani, the rising star of south.

In his remarks, Shahrukh Khan said, this premier event is a pride of the nation. Recognizing the contribution of the ordinary man in raising the popularity of cinema, he said ‘lets dedicate 38th IFFI to ordinary people.’ Mr. Khan said, cinema provides people independence from loneliness and a perceived bond with the celluloid characters. This enlivens the dreams and a course to look up to. He said, through the medium of cinema we try to reach out to others crossing cultural barriers.

Shri Dasmunsi in his remarks announced the Government decision to confer life time achievement award on the veteran actor Dilip Kumar. Melody queen, Lata Mangeshkar will be conferred with the life time achievement award for film songs. Shri Dasmunsi said that in the present era of technological innovations, a new vision is needed to ensure its fruition for the benefit of commoners. Affordable cinema for the huge mass of film lovers in the country should be ensured by harnessing new technology. Indian film legends like Raj Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan have been the true cultural ambassadors of India commanding worldwide following. He described Shahrukh Khan as a true icon of Indian youth and sports.

The Minister said that the committee set up to suggest measures to tackle piracy in the film sector has since submitted its report and the Government is likely to finalize its view on Optical Disc laws for this purpose by December end. Shri Dasmunsi said that improved infrastructure in Goa is necessary to ensure its position as a desired destination. Continuing as a venue for IFFI, Goa should be able to grow up as an ultimate brand, he added.

Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Kamat said that with the fourth consecutive IFFI, Goa has proved that it can successfully host events of this magnitude. Each year we have made improvements but for such events do take time to settle down, he said. Shri Kamat felt that brand IFFI would make Goa a sought after destination for foreign as well as Indian film makers.

Secretary (I&B), Smt. Asha Swarup, Chief Secretary, Goa, Shri J. P. Singh, Panjim Mayor, Mr. Tony Rodrigues, Festival Director, Smt. Neelam Kapur and prominent film personalities were among those present.

Romanian film ‘4 months, 3 weeks & 2 days’ was screened as the opening film. The Director of the opening film Mr. Cristian Mungiu and the main actress, Anamaria Marinca were felicitated at the inaugural ceremony. Foreign delegates from Netherlands, China, Poland and Mexico were also present.

Around 200 films will be screened during the 11-day Festival. The Cinema of the World Section will feature a choice of year’s best international cinema. This section will have 76 films from 42 countries. A specialized competition for feature films by Asian, African and Latin American Directors is being organized. Under this section, fourteen films from 13 countries have been selected for the competition.

Hungary will be in focus under the section ‘Country Focus’. Seven films “Black Brush’ (Director: Roland Vranik), ‘Dealer’ (Director: Benedek Fliegauf), ‘Eastern Sugar’ (Director: Ferenc Torok), ‘Hukkle’ (Director: Gyorgy Palfi), ‘Temptations’ (Director: Zoltan Kamondi), ‘The Porcelain Doll’ (Director: Peter Gardos) and ‘Vagabond’ (Director: Gyorgy Szomjas).

In ‘Film India Worldwide’ category, three films ‘AIDS Jaago’ (Mira Nair), ‘Amal’ (Richie Mehta) and ‘The Pool’ (Chris Smith). Retrospective of Ingmar Bergman would feature seven of his highly acclaimed films, namely, ‘Autumn Sonata’, ‘Fanny and Alexander’, ‘The Seventh Seal’, ‘The Virgin Spring’, ‘Through a Glass Darkly’, ‘Shame’, and ‘Wild Strawberries’.

Indian Panorama at IFFI – 2007 would present a bouquet of 36 films, 21 features and 15 non-feature films. The package is a mixed bag with stalwarts like Budhadeb Dasgupta and Adoor Gopalakrishnan presenting two films each. The section would have Ami Iyasin Aar Amaar Madhubala (The Voueurs- Feature) and Naushad Ali- the Melody continues (Non Feature) by Budhadeb Dasgupta and Naalu Penunungal (Four Women- Feature) and The Dance of the Enchantress (Non Feature) by Adoor Gopalakrishnan.

The debut directors like Sameer Hanchante, Samir Chanda, and Bhavna Talwar would present their films Gafla (Scam), Ek Nadir Galpo (Tale of a river), and Dharm respectively at the festival. A special section celebrating 60 years of India’s independence, India @ 60, would showcase seven patriotic films including three feature and four documentaries.

IFFI also features a Film Bazaar for films from India as well as large number of foreign countries, seminars, discussions and press conferences, IFFI Goa film treasures (a section dedicated to international film heritage) and special Festival publications on the films being screened. Theatre facilities for IFFI – 2007 have been significantly upgraded. Nine theatres with a total seating capacity of 3026 would be part of the Festival complex as compared to five theatres with a total seating capacity of 2200 last year.

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