Its sequel and remake time at Bollywood. Shahrukh Khan is all set to cast his spell on his fans with Faran Akhtar’s Don, the remake of Amitabh Bachchan starrer Don. Aishwarya Rai, Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan appear in the Diwali release of Dhoom2, a sequel to Dhoom.
Bollywood has found a new formala. Just go after remakes and releases of superhit movies. This way, those who liked the older movie will surely turn up to see what happens in the newer version. Krissh was a Megahit recently and Phir Hera Pheri was a hit.
Ram Gopal is trying to remake Sholay with Big B Amitabh Bachchan as Gabbar. He knows remakes and sequels work these days and so he has named the Mohit Ahlawat and Nisha Kothari movie Shiva and labelled it as a newer version of Shiva.
Munnabhai Lago Raho releases in a few weeks in an attempt to create the same magic as MBBS.
Till now the remakes and sequels have been good... from Devdas to Krissh to Phir Hera Pheri. But with the Bollywood music industry getting flooded with remixes of old songs, one fears that this trend with movies will continue and soon will be over exploited by low quality remakes.
Atleast, this is much better than remaking (copying frame by frame) Hollywood movies !!
Source: Santabanta
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Kunal Kohli’s next with SRK?
After working with Hrithik Roshan [MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE], Saif Ali Khan [HUM TUM] and FANAA [Aamir Khan], is Kunal Kohli working with Shah Rukh Khan next? That’s the buzz in the film industry. Kunal, who is turning producer with his next film [it’ll be presented by Yash Raj], sounded surprised when asked about SRK. “No… I haven’t signed SRK,” he pauses for a while, “Is that what people are saying?”
Reportedly, SRK and Kunal met recently and discussed the possibilities of working with each other. True? “Yes, we met at Ritesh’s [Sidhwani; producer of DON] party. But it’s wrong to assume that we are working together. I have just begun writing my new film. I don’t know whether the script I’m working on may excite me a few months later. The cast would follow only when I am convinced about the script,” he adds.
He continues in the same breath, “As of now, whom I cast, what I make and when I start filming are a mystery for me too,” he laughs.
Source: IndiaFM
Reportedly, SRK and Kunal met recently and discussed the possibilities of working with each other. True? “Yes, we met at Ritesh’s [Sidhwani; producer of DON] party. But it’s wrong to assume that we are working together. I have just begun writing my new film. I don’t know whether the script I’m working on may excite me a few months later. The cast would follow only when I am convinced about the script,” he adds.
He continues in the same breath, “As of now, whom I cast, what I make and when I start filming are a mystery for me too,” he laughs.
Source: IndiaFM
Friday, August 25, 2006
Shah Rukh is a hockey coach in 'Chak De'
Shah Rukh Khan finds himself playing a coach for a girls' hockey team in Shimit Amin's 'Chak De', filmed under the prestigious Yash Raj banner. The heroine of the film is Vidya Malvade (of 'Inteha' and 'Mashooka' fame). You may remember the two were paired earlier in a Santro ad.
Vidya has gone through an intensive two-month training at hockey camp, in order to be prepared for her role of a Sikh girl with strict parents. She wants to participate in an annual hockey tournament but her parents don't approve of it. It's somewhat similar to Parminder Nagra's role in 'Bend it like Beckham'.
Source: Bollyvista
Vidya has gone through an intensive two-month training at hockey camp, in order to be prepared for her role of a Sikh girl with strict parents. She wants to participate in an annual hockey tournament but her parents don't approve of it. It's somewhat similar to Parminder Nagra's role in 'Bend it like Beckham'.
Source: Bollyvista
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Mahesh Bhatt Supports SRK
Stars in the tinsel town can breathe easy as the Health Minister Ramadoss gave a clean chit to the Colas refuting claims by the Centre For Scientific Studies about high levels of pesticides. It may be a setback to the supporters of struggling politician Uma Bharti whose supporters lambasted actor Shahrukh Khan and tried to stop the screening of his latest blockbuster ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’.
Film maker and activist Mahesh Bhatt has strongly objected to the resistance shown towards the star. According to him, the repeated attempts by political parties to subdue actors like Aamir Khan and Shahrukh Khan was because they belonged to a minority group. Shahrukh hasn’t reacted so far to the campaign launched against him as to why only he was singled out as there were other stars who endorsed the Colas. It would be interesting to note if he does say something, maybe it will give the voyeuristic TV audience something to feast on.
IndiaGlitz
Film maker and activist Mahesh Bhatt has strongly objected to the resistance shown towards the star. According to him, the repeated attempts by political parties to subdue actors like Aamir Khan and Shahrukh Khan was because they belonged to a minority group. Shahrukh hasn’t reacted so far to the campaign launched against him as to why only he was singled out as there were other stars who endorsed the Colas. It would be interesting to note if he does say something, maybe it will give the voyeuristic TV audience something to feast on.
IndiaGlitz
KANK is the biggest first week spinner ever
For all the appreciation, criticism, good/bad word of mouth and some mixed bad of press support that Karan Johar's 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna' was getting since its August 11 release, the facts and figures have indeed painted a brilliantly lit bright picture for the film.
As per a reliable box office source, the film has gone on to net close to Rs. 28 crore in a matter of one week across cinemas in India. This clearly beats the 26.5 crore record created by 'Krrish' just 7 weeks back. Not just in India but even in overseas the film has already broken a number of records set over last few years by margin of crores.
The trade is now obviously enthusiastic with the figures being out and has all eyes set in two big releases coming up soon - 'Don- The Chase Begins Again' and 'Dhoom 2'.
Would the records tumble again? Come October/November and we should have all the answers out in open!
IndiaGlitz
As per a reliable box office source, the film has gone on to net close to Rs. 28 crore in a matter of one week across cinemas in India. This clearly beats the 26.5 crore record created by 'Krrish' just 7 weeks back. Not just in India but even in overseas the film has already broken a number of records set over last few years by margin of crores.
The trade is now obviously enthusiastic with the figures being out and has all eyes set in two big releases coming up soon - 'Don- The Chase Begins Again' and 'Dhoom 2'.
Would the records tumble again? Come October/November and we should have all the answers out in open!
IndiaGlitz
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Hollywood helps SRK to defy gravity
Stunt director Joe Jennings tells us about SRK's 'daredevilry', which includes jumping from a height of 15,000 feet.
After Hrithik Roshan's gravity-defying stunts in Krrish, it is now the turn of Shah Rukh Khan to take a turn in the air. Among other action sequences, King Khan will be jumping from a height of 15,000 feet. It is the first time that SRK is doing his own stunts.
"It might take very less print space but 15,000 ft is not a small height. It can be a nightmare for a person who is scared of heights," says director Farhan Akhtar.
And to make sure that everything goes by the script, Hollywood stunt expert Joe Jennings is calling the shots. Joe has already directed stunts for movies like Charlie's Angels, XXX, Wild California, Last Holiday and Air Force One.
"I know a lot about Shah Rukh now, but before this shoot, I wouldn't have known him from my dentist. Of course, I noticed the buzz around him on the sets, and I felt star struck despite having no clue about who he was. But SRK was very professional and gracious throughout the shoot," says Joe.
And was the shooting difficult given SRK's back problem? "There were apprehensions in Farhan's mind before making SRK do the stunt because of this, but the actor was more confident than the rest of us," Joe reveals.
What difference has he seen between a Bollywood and a Hollywood film? "The budget of a Hollywood movie is much bigger but the production and coordination here are handled just as professionally. I was really impressed by the people whom I met on this project," he says.
With an experience of over 12 years in filming aerial stunts, Joe is quite impressed with Farhan Akhtar. "Farhan is a pro. He was quite relaxed throughout the shoot and didn't want to control our work. Creatively, he told us clearly what he hoped to see, and then sent us off to do our work. I had the same sort of experience with director Mic Gee on Charlie's Angels. He was clear about what he wanted, and then just sent us off to do the job," he says.
Source: The Times
After Hrithik Roshan's gravity-defying stunts in Krrish, it is now the turn of Shah Rukh Khan to take a turn in the air. Among other action sequences, King Khan will be jumping from a height of 15,000 feet. It is the first time that SRK is doing his own stunts.
"It might take very less print space but 15,000 ft is not a small height. It can be a nightmare for a person who is scared of heights," says director Farhan Akhtar.
And to make sure that everything goes by the script, Hollywood stunt expert Joe Jennings is calling the shots. Joe has already directed stunts for movies like Charlie's Angels, XXX, Wild California, Last Holiday and Air Force One.
"I know a lot about Shah Rukh now, but before this shoot, I wouldn't have known him from my dentist. Of course, I noticed the buzz around him on the sets, and I felt star struck despite having no clue about who he was. But SRK was very professional and gracious throughout the shoot," says Joe.
And was the shooting difficult given SRK's back problem? "There were apprehensions in Farhan's mind before making SRK do the stunt because of this, but the actor was more confident than the rest of us," Joe reveals.
What difference has he seen between a Bollywood and a Hollywood film? "The budget of a Hollywood movie is much bigger but the production and coordination here are handled just as professionally. I was really impressed by the people whom I met on this project," he says.
With an experience of over 12 years in filming aerial stunts, Joe is quite impressed with Farhan Akhtar. "Farhan is a pro. He was quite relaxed throughout the shoot and didn't want to control our work. Creatively, he told us clearly what he hoped to see, and then sent us off to do our work. I had the same sort of experience with director Mic Gee on Charlie's Angels. He was clear about what he wanted, and then just sent us off to do the job," he says.
Source: The Times
Shah Rukh Khan was uncomfortable as straying husband in new movie
Bollywood leading man Shah Rukh Khan says he felt uncomfortable taking on the role of a husband who leaves his wife and child for another woman in his latest film.
Khan usually plays the reliable son or the devoted father and said it was difficult to play a man who turned away from his family in ``Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna,'' or ``Never Say Goodbye,'' which hit theaters last week.
He told Cine Blitz magazine that infidelity wasn't what ``a good man'' would do.
``I was embarrassed doing some scenes of this film, I felt shy doing them ... I am not a prude but I felt odd,'' said Khan, who has been married for 14 years and has two children.
The movie about troubled marriages, directed by well-known filmmaker Karan Johar, also stars Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek, Rani Mukherjee and Preity Zinta.
Khan had some words of wisdom for those tempted by extramarital relationships: ``I think you have to work very hard after marriage to make it work. You can't go on believing that love will continue to take care of it.''
``Unreal expectations'' ruined relationships, he told the magazine.
Souce: The Hindu
Khan usually plays the reliable son or the devoted father and said it was difficult to play a man who turned away from his family in ``Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna,'' or ``Never Say Goodbye,'' which hit theaters last week.
He told Cine Blitz magazine that infidelity wasn't what ``a good man'' would do.
``I was embarrassed doing some scenes of this film, I felt shy doing them ... I am not a prude but I felt odd,'' said Khan, who has been married for 14 years and has two children.
The movie about troubled marriages, directed by well-known filmmaker Karan Johar, also stars Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek, Rani Mukherjee and Preity Zinta.
Khan had some words of wisdom for those tempted by extramarital relationships: ``I think you have to work very hard after marriage to make it work. You can't go on believing that love will continue to take care of it.''
``Unreal expectations'' ruined relationships, he told the magazine.
Souce: The Hindu
Shah Rukh Khan was embarrassed doing role in KANK
Bollywood leading man Shah Rukh Khan says he felt uncomfortable taking on the role of a husband who leaves his wife and child for another woman in his latest film.
Khan usually plays the reliable son or the devoted father and said it was difficult to play a man who turned away from his family in ``Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna,'' which hit theaters last week.
He told Cine Blitz magazine that infidelity wasn't what ``a good man'' would do.
``I was embarrassed doing some scenes of this film, I felt shy doing them ... I am not a prude but I felt odd,'' said Khan, who has been married for 14 years and has two children.
The movie about troubled marriages, directed by well-known filmmaker Karan Johar, also stars Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek, Rani Mukherjee and Preity Zinta.
Khan had some words of wisdom for those tempted by extramarital relationships: ``I think you have to work very hard after marriage to make it work. You can't go on believing that love will continue to take care of it.''
``Unreal expectations'' ruined relationships, he told the magazine.
Source: The Hindu
Khan usually plays the reliable son or the devoted father and said it was difficult to play a man who turned away from his family in ``Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna,'' which hit theaters last week.
He told Cine Blitz magazine that infidelity wasn't what ``a good man'' would do.
``I was embarrassed doing some scenes of this film, I felt shy doing them ... I am not a prude but I felt odd,'' said Khan, who has been married for 14 years and has two children.
The movie about troubled marriages, directed by well-known filmmaker Karan Johar, also stars Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek, Rani Mukherjee and Preity Zinta.
Khan had some words of wisdom for those tempted by extramarital relationships: ``I think you have to work very hard after marriage to make it work. You can't go on believing that love will continue to take care of it.''
``Unreal expectations'' ruined relationships, he told the magazine.
Source: The Hindu
Friday, August 18, 2006
Is Shahrukh a split personality?
Playing doubles roles in movie like Duplicate and the new Don must be confusing the King Khan. Well, Shahrukh Khan definitely must be feeling a bit nauseated from all this because of some of the accusations from members of the film industry claiming that he is indeed a split personality.
According to SRK, at the very beginning of his career Mahesh Bhatt had called him a split personality. That is probably because he acts differently to different people. In fact, Bhatt is not the only one to notice this problem. Noted lyricist Javed Akthar too has found a hint of this in Shahrukh. Javed goes a step further however, by calling his Shahrukh Khan 1 and Shahrukh Khan 2. What is even funnier is that whenever Javed phones up Shahrukh’s place he asks his wife whether SRK 1 or SRK 2 is at home.
Karan Johar too seems to have caught on where Javed left off. He asks Gauri which SRK liked a particular film and Gauri gets into the act by saying SRK 2.
SRK agrees to these claims of having two different sides of himself but also says that he acts all the time except the time when he is with his children.
Source: IndiaFM
According to SRK, at the very beginning of his career Mahesh Bhatt had called him a split personality. That is probably because he acts differently to different people. In fact, Bhatt is not the only one to notice this problem. Noted lyricist Javed Akthar too has found a hint of this in Shahrukh. Javed goes a step further however, by calling his Shahrukh Khan 1 and Shahrukh Khan 2. What is even funnier is that whenever Javed phones up Shahrukh’s place he asks his wife whether SRK 1 or SRK 2 is at home.
Karan Johar too seems to have caught on where Javed left off. He asks Gauri which SRK liked a particular film and Gauri gets into the act by saying SRK 2.
SRK agrees to these claims of having two different sides of himself but also says that he acts all the time except the time when he is with his children.
Source: IndiaFM
KANK breaks box office record in US
'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' (Never Say Goodbye), aka KANK, a new Bollywood film shot in New York city, has set a box office record for a Hindi film in North America with a $1.4 million collection in the opening weekend.
The previous record for a Bollywood opening was $1 million for 2001's 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', which like KANK was directed by Karan Johar, according to Indian American film journalist, Gitesh Pandya, who runs BoxOfficeGuru.com
With a $21,122 average collection from 64 locations KANK scored the best per-theatre average of any film in the Top 40, he said in his weekly box office report calling it as part of a trend of Indian films being set and shot in the South Asian diaspora.
The three-hour-plus extravaganza relating the tale of two soul mates, married to other people, who tackle the notion of true love, was given the widest release ever for a Bollywood film in North America opening on 95 screens in 64 theatre locations.
The previous record was 88 screens for 2004's 'Veer-Zaara', which also starred Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherji, Preity Zinta, and Amitabh Bachchan, Pandya told South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA) Forum.
KANK was especially impressive at New Jersey's Regal Commerce Center in North Brunswick where the film grossed an astounding $61,470 over the weekend from two screens.
Typically, grossing $10,000 on a weekend is a major achievement. This 18-screen multiplex plays mostly Hollywood films, but also does phenomenal business from Bollywood films thanks to its location in the heart of one of America's largest South Asian communities.
Hopefully, KANK's strong numbers will encourage other American multiplexes in major markets to start programming Bollywood pictures, Pandya said.
It has been a big comeback year for the industry. Screen counts for 2006's other big Bollywood films were 61 for January's 'Rang De Basanti,' 72 for May's 'Fanaa,' and 59 for June's 'Krrish'. For the most part, the marketing push has been about the same for all of these big hits this year.
But freelancer Aseem Chhabra thinks it still makes no sense for him to pitch a KANK story to the mainstream press in the US as most editors will have no idea what this film is about.
KANK has opened only in the Indian market in the US. It's not just a question of box office. Bollywood films have not crossed over into mainstream or even art house theatres in the US, he told SAJA forum.
The Sony Classics experiment with 'Lagaan' that was released in a few art house theatres, including Film Forum in Manhattan, was just that - an experiment, with no significant results.
So far the only Indian/South Asian films that have succeeded in the US mainstream - more like art house- market are 'Bend it Like Beckham' that grossed over $32 million and 'Monsoon Wedding' ($13.9 million) and maybe 'Water', Chhabra said. He doubted if KANK will come anywhere near these films.
Asked why some Bollywood films get acronyms that catch fire, Chhabra said he thinks these are the creation of the new hip film-going generation in India.
'Did you know that Karan Johar is now referred to as KJo, like that woman who we call JLo here, and of course, everyone knows that Shah Rukh Khan is referred to as SRK. Amitabh is AB and Abhishek is AB Jr,' he said.
Everything is recycled in Bollywood- films, stories, titles, Chhabra said. Bollywood is currently remaking the classic films 'Umrao Jaan' and 'Sahib, Bibi Aur Ghulam'. There have been two 'Barsaats' since Raj Kapoor's original; one 'Barsaat Ki Raat', after the original Madhubala film.
Bollywood is also notorious for recycling successful Hollywood, and now even Asian films, said Chhabra suggesting the recent 'Zinda' was an exact copy of the award winning film 'Old Boy' from Korea.
Chhabra believes some non-desi Americans will watch Bollywood films like KANK. But the number of non-desi Americans watching Bollywood films is still very small -- especially if you look at Americans who go for other foreign language films -- European and most recently Asian films.
Source: Indo-Asian News Service
The previous record for a Bollywood opening was $1 million for 2001's 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', which like KANK was directed by Karan Johar, according to Indian American film journalist, Gitesh Pandya, who runs BoxOfficeGuru.com
With a $21,122 average collection from 64 locations KANK scored the best per-theatre average of any film in the Top 40, he said in his weekly box office report calling it as part of a trend of Indian films being set and shot in the South Asian diaspora.
The three-hour-plus extravaganza relating the tale of two soul mates, married to other people, who tackle the notion of true love, was given the widest release ever for a Bollywood film in North America opening on 95 screens in 64 theatre locations.
The previous record was 88 screens for 2004's 'Veer-Zaara', which also starred Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherji, Preity Zinta, and Amitabh Bachchan, Pandya told South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA) Forum.
KANK was especially impressive at New Jersey's Regal Commerce Center in North Brunswick where the film grossed an astounding $61,470 over the weekend from two screens.
Typically, grossing $10,000 on a weekend is a major achievement. This 18-screen multiplex plays mostly Hollywood films, but also does phenomenal business from Bollywood films thanks to its location in the heart of one of America's largest South Asian communities.
Hopefully, KANK's strong numbers will encourage other American multiplexes in major markets to start programming Bollywood pictures, Pandya said.
It has been a big comeback year for the industry. Screen counts for 2006's other big Bollywood films were 61 for January's 'Rang De Basanti,' 72 for May's 'Fanaa,' and 59 for June's 'Krrish'. For the most part, the marketing push has been about the same for all of these big hits this year.
But freelancer Aseem Chhabra thinks it still makes no sense for him to pitch a KANK story to the mainstream press in the US as most editors will have no idea what this film is about.
KANK has opened only in the Indian market in the US. It's not just a question of box office. Bollywood films have not crossed over into mainstream or even art house theatres in the US, he told SAJA forum.
The Sony Classics experiment with 'Lagaan' that was released in a few art house theatres, including Film Forum in Manhattan, was just that - an experiment, with no significant results.
So far the only Indian/South Asian films that have succeeded in the US mainstream - more like art house- market are 'Bend it Like Beckham' that grossed over $32 million and 'Monsoon Wedding' ($13.9 million) and maybe 'Water', Chhabra said. He doubted if KANK will come anywhere near these films.
Asked why some Bollywood films get acronyms that catch fire, Chhabra said he thinks these are the creation of the new hip film-going generation in India.
'Did you know that Karan Johar is now referred to as KJo, like that woman who we call JLo here, and of course, everyone knows that Shah Rukh Khan is referred to as SRK. Amitabh is AB and Abhishek is AB Jr,' he said.
Everything is recycled in Bollywood- films, stories, titles, Chhabra said. Bollywood is currently remaking the classic films 'Umrao Jaan' and 'Sahib, Bibi Aur Ghulam'. There have been two 'Barsaats' since Raj Kapoor's original; one 'Barsaat Ki Raat', after the original Madhubala film.
Bollywood is also notorious for recycling successful Hollywood, and now even Asian films, said Chhabra suggesting the recent 'Zinda' was an exact copy of the award winning film 'Old Boy' from Korea.
Chhabra believes some non-desi Americans will watch Bollywood films like KANK. But the number of non-desi Americans watching Bollywood films is still very small -- especially if you look at Americans who go for other foreign language films -- European and most recently Asian films.
Source: Indo-Asian News Service
Thursday, August 17, 2006
SRK danced to the tunes of a Marathi number!
By Manissha Despaande, Glamsham
Music directors Vishal-Shekhar are on cloud nine and this time it is not the musical success of the film that they are excited about but an ad film featuring ‘King Khan’, which has become the hot topic of discussion in the ad fraternity and also the film industry. The duo who have done the music for several jingles and ad films in the past, were in for a big surprise when choreographer friend, Farah Khan, recently requested them to compose a Marathi folk tune for an ad featuring Shahrukh Khan.
Recalls Vishal, “We have worked with Farah Khan on several ad films in the past but this time we were stunned because we had never recorded a Marathi song before. The ad was for a popular range of biscuits to be launched in Maharashtra and was to be essentially targeted at the Marathi-speaking crowd but having lived in Mumbai. We thought we knew the essence of Marathi culture. That’s why we chose the popular ‘lavani’ or tamasha music for the ad and gave it a very catchy tune.”
Needless to add, the ad agency which had given the lyrics to the duo were absolutely delighted with the results, so was Farah Khan and above all Shah Rukh, whose company, Red Chillies, has produced the ad.
The dance steps that Farah later chose for Shah Rukh were completely in sync with the beats of the music and the ad, which has just been released on all the Marathi channels, has become one to watch out for. Says Vishal, “The ad reflects a new beginning for the Maharashtrian community and the music and its looks go well with this concept.” So are they open to composing the music of a Marathi film in the future? “Why not, if the project interests us and is something above the ordinary? After all creativity, has no barriers,” smiles Vishal.
Music directors Vishal-Shekhar are on cloud nine and this time it is not the musical success of the film that they are excited about but an ad film featuring ‘King Khan’, which has become the hot topic of discussion in the ad fraternity and also the film industry. The duo who have done the music for several jingles and ad films in the past, were in for a big surprise when choreographer friend, Farah Khan, recently requested them to compose a Marathi folk tune for an ad featuring Shahrukh Khan.
Recalls Vishal, “We have worked with Farah Khan on several ad films in the past but this time we were stunned because we had never recorded a Marathi song before. The ad was for a popular range of biscuits to be launched in Maharashtra and was to be essentially targeted at the Marathi-speaking crowd but having lived in Mumbai. We thought we knew the essence of Marathi culture. That’s why we chose the popular ‘lavani’ or tamasha music for the ad and gave it a very catchy tune.”
Needless to add, the ad agency which had given the lyrics to the duo were absolutely delighted with the results, so was Farah Khan and above all Shah Rukh, whose company, Red Chillies, has produced the ad.
The dance steps that Farah later chose for Shah Rukh were completely in sync with the beats of the music and the ad, which has just been released on all the Marathi channels, has become one to watch out for. Says Vishal, “The ad reflects a new beginning for the Maharashtrian community and the music and its looks go well with this concept.” So are they open to composing the music of a Marathi film in the future? “Why not, if the project interests us and is something above the ordinary? After all creativity, has no barriers,” smiles Vishal.
SRK's son loves Preity more than Rani
Bollyvista
Wait till you hear this! Shah Rukh had organized a special screening for his kids, but didn't show Aryan the second half of the film because he knew Aryan would feel bad about the climax.
Aryan is very fond of Preity and he would not understand why his father ditches Preity aunty for Rani. Rani, are you feeling left out? Well, to gain something you have to lose something!
Wait till you hear this! Shah Rukh had organized a special screening for his kids, but didn't show Aryan the second half of the film because he knew Aryan would feel bad about the climax.
Aryan is very fond of Preity and he would not understand why his father ditches Preity aunty for Rani. Rani, are you feeling left out? Well, to gain something you have to lose something!
SRK wows the Maharashtrians!
By IndiaFM
Now this is something which has never been seen before. If you tune in to the Marathi TV channels, you just might see Shah Rukh Khan dancing to traditional Marathi lavani and tamasha music! It's for an ad for Sunfeast Marie biscuits which will be launched in Maharashtra. Other Bollywood biggies associated with this ad include Vishal-Shekhar who have composed the music and Farah Khan who has done the choreography. It has been produced by Shah Rukh Khan's company Red Chillies.
It was Farah who approached the musical duo to compose a Marathi folk tune, since the ad was targeted at the Marathi speaking crowd. They were quite excited since they have never done something like this before. They decided to use 'lavani' or 'tamasha' music to bring the quintessential Marathi flavor. Says Shekhar, "Even in the past, we have done a lot of work for Red Chillies. The funda of the ad was to forget the old Marie and start off with the new Sunfeast Marie. It was something very interesting because we have never done such work, before. It's a very cool lavani meets hip hop score, targeted at the Marathi speaking population."
The King Khan will be seen doing traditional dance steps in tune with the music. That's SRK for you, always up for trying something new! Well, they don't call him the King Khan for nothing, do they?
Now this is something which has never been seen before. If you tune in to the Marathi TV channels, you just might see Shah Rukh Khan dancing to traditional Marathi lavani and tamasha music! It's for an ad for Sunfeast Marie biscuits which will be launched in Maharashtra. Other Bollywood biggies associated with this ad include Vishal-Shekhar who have composed the music and Farah Khan who has done the choreography. It has been produced by Shah Rukh Khan's company Red Chillies.
It was Farah who approached the musical duo to compose a Marathi folk tune, since the ad was targeted at the Marathi speaking crowd. They were quite excited since they have never done something like this before. They decided to use 'lavani' or 'tamasha' music to bring the quintessential Marathi flavor. Says Shekhar, "Even in the past, we have done a lot of work for Red Chillies. The funda of the ad was to forget the old Marie and start off with the new Sunfeast Marie. It was something very interesting because we have never done such work, before. It's a very cool lavani meets hip hop score, targeted at the Marathi speaking population."
The King Khan will be seen doing traditional dance steps in tune with the music. That's SRK for you, always up for trying something new! Well, they don't call him the King Khan for nothing, do they?
SRK’s security guard kills fellow guard
By IndiaFM
A real life drama unfolded at Shah Rukh Khan’s residence, Mannat, late Monday night. One of the security guards, Hitendra Singh, fired at his colleague, Chandra Pratap Singh, who was part of the TOP security agency. Hitendra Singh fired with an imported firearm which took the life of his fellow guard. Hitendra Singh was arrested by the police. The weapon was also confiscated. The two guards were at the entrance of Mannat when the incident occurred. It is still unclear whether the firing was accidental or not.
A real life drama unfolded at Shah Rukh Khan’s residence, Mannat, late Monday night. One of the security guards, Hitendra Singh, fired at his colleague, Chandra Pratap Singh, who was part of the TOP security agency. Hitendra Singh fired with an imported firearm which took the life of his fellow guard. Hitendra Singh was arrested by the police. The weapon was also confiscated. The two guards were at the entrance of Mannat when the incident occurred. It is still unclear whether the firing was accidental or not.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
SRK's fondness for beginning and end of his film
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz
As 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' has released and is busy minting money all over, all eyes are now set on Shahrukh Khan's next 'Don - The Chase Begins Again' where he goes for a complete makeover from being a cynical Dev Saran to the suave'n'stylish 'Don'!
When asked about his upcoming film he said, "Don of 2006 is 'similar', though not 'same' as Don from the past. The subject remains the same but Farhan has given the film a completely different treatment." On being questioned on what was so different about the new 'Don', he said with a twinkle in his eye, "The best part of the film is its beginning and its end. It is going to completely take you by surprise, believe me! The rest of the film has great moments too but it is the beginning and the end that makes it's special."
Well, we are certainly waiting for the D-day, October 20, to catch the film King Khan!
As 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' has released and is busy minting money all over, all eyes are now set on Shahrukh Khan's next 'Don - The Chase Begins Again' where he goes for a complete makeover from being a cynical Dev Saran to the suave'n'stylish 'Don'!
When asked about his upcoming film he said, "Don of 2006 is 'similar', though not 'same' as Don from the past. The subject remains the same but Farhan has given the film a completely different treatment." On being questioned on what was so different about the new 'Don', he said with a twinkle in his eye, "The best part of the film is its beginning and its end. It is going to completely take you by surprise, believe me! The rest of the film has great moments too but it is the beginning and the end that makes it's special."
Well, we are certainly waiting for the D-day, October 20, to catch the film King Khan!
SRK – Karan rift: Karan talks
By Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM
Not all’s well between Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar. At least that’s what the gossip mongers in Mumbai would want us to believe. The [loose] talk doing the rounds of the industry is that SRK and Karan have had a major tiff. Reason: Trouble erupted soon after SRK watched KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA and was upset with Karan for sidelining him in the film. With Abhishek getting interesting sequences and Rani walking away with a meatier role, SRK, the gossip mills swore, was extremely upset with Karan for giving him a raw deal in the film.
Karan laughs at the rumors when I broached the topic last evening. “Shah Rukh is very happy with his role and also with the film in totality. He’s not upset positively,” the film-maker clarifies, “In fact, he’s happy that he’s got a chance to play a role that’s not stereotype. And also a role that he hadn’t essayed earlier. Not just SRK, each member of the cast is more than proud of K.A.N.K.”
But how did these rumors originate in the first place? “A section of the trade is indulging in loose talk. Instead of encouraging a film from the fraternity, they are trying to pull it down by sending rubbish text-messages. I seriously feel I’ve become a veteran listening to all the muck being spread about my films. The industry wrote off KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI and KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM in their initial weeks. It doesn’t bother me anymore,” Karan hits back.
KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA too has had its share of back-biting. “The business of the film should silence the detractors. See, KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA is not the usual Karan Johar film. It’s raked up a lot of debates and discussions. I knew it all along that it would take time for the film to settle down. It’s an unusual film that comes as a jolt when you watch it the first time. It’s a reflection of reality, it’s not about unreal worlds. And a film like this grows with time,” he smiles.
Not all’s well between Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar. At least that’s what the gossip mongers in Mumbai would want us to believe. The [loose] talk doing the rounds of the industry is that SRK and Karan have had a major tiff. Reason: Trouble erupted soon after SRK watched KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA and was upset with Karan for sidelining him in the film. With Abhishek getting interesting sequences and Rani walking away with a meatier role, SRK, the gossip mills swore, was extremely upset with Karan for giving him a raw deal in the film.
Karan laughs at the rumors when I broached the topic last evening. “Shah Rukh is very happy with his role and also with the film in totality. He’s not upset positively,” the film-maker clarifies, “In fact, he’s happy that he’s got a chance to play a role that’s not stereotype. And also a role that he hadn’t essayed earlier. Not just SRK, each member of the cast is more than proud of K.A.N.K.”
But how did these rumors originate in the first place? “A section of the trade is indulging in loose talk. Instead of encouraging a film from the fraternity, they are trying to pull it down by sending rubbish text-messages. I seriously feel I’ve become a veteran listening to all the muck being spread about my films. The industry wrote off KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI and KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM in their initial weeks. It doesn’t bother me anymore,” Karan hits back.
KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA too has had its share of back-biting. “The business of the film should silence the detractors. See, KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA is not the usual Karan Johar film. It’s raked up a lot of debates and discussions. I knew it all along that it would take time for the film to settle down. It’s an unusual film that comes as a jolt when you watch it the first time. It’s a reflection of reality, it’s not about unreal worlds. And a film like this grows with time,” he smiles.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Abhishek takes away Shah Rukh's film
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna has had a mixed reaction from the trade
While the new age people from film industry has been talking about the richness of the making and the thought behind the film, the old timers are shocked to see the unfamiliar ending given in the film stating that this was the big reason why the film has failed to touch hearts in the Indian belt. The film has some outstanding collections from the Overseas territory as Karan tells us. But in India, the film has taken a bit of a beating. "It is a great thought, but because of the subject smaller centres in India haven't liked the film so much. The film will make loads of money from bigger cities and overseas," says Vashu Bhagnani who feels that Abhishek Bachchan has emerged a star from the film.
Does that mean that the film did not benefit the man for whom it was made for – Shah Rukh Khan?
Monday, August 14, 2006
Would there be fire due to SRK's smoke?
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitzRemember the hoopla that was caused a few months back when the government proposed a ban on depiction of onscreen smoking? While Bollywood was more or less unanimous in their objection against the ban, there was always uncertainty around the actual timeline when the ban would come into action.
Now one fears if the makers of Shahrukh Khan's next release 'Don - The Chase Begins Again' would be required to answer some questions due to depiction of 'smoke' in their latest promo of the film. The 1 minute song promo of 'Main Hoon Don' ends with a cloud of smoke around SRK's mouth as he looks at the screen. While the camera cleverly avoids showing any cigarette stick hanging in the frame, the cloud of smoke remains on screen for a good 5-7 seconds hence adding to the style appeal of SRK.
One wonders if this smoke would give rise to some more fire in the coming days. Wait and watch as the film's release is still a good 2 months away!
SRK not a King Khan anymore
SantabantaThe Hindi film industry has entered the second half of the year feeling triumphant as it has managed to get the audiences back into the halls without much extra effort.
But the audiences are still unpredictable. Critically acclaimed multi-starrer "Omkara" is holding well only in Mumbai and Delhi while Sanjay Dutt-starrer "Anthony Kaun Hai" is hovering between average and flop categories.
Going by early reports, this year's most-awaited mega-starrer "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" by the industry's blue-eyed boy Karan Johar has not had as spectacular an opening as was hoped.
The box-office collections of the film are likely to pick up after the five-day extended weekend but the film's characterisation and plot have not enthused critics much.
The film stars Shah Rukh Khan who claims to be the "icon of the industry". In the teaser of his new movie "Don", Shah Rukh says: "I am the king".
But box-office returns of his solo films are a clear indicator that even he cannot guarantee box-office success the way Amitabh Bachchan could in the good old days.
Though the audience has changed, a large movie-going population is still very much into hero-worshiping enabling some south Indian actors to command more money than Bollywood's "A-list" stars.
Scepticism tends to creep in when one hears Shah Rukh say: "This is King Khan. I'm the Ronaldinho (ace Brazilian footballer) of acting. I'll be there for another five to six years, then maybe you can think of some other actor."
Elsewhere, he can be heard saying: "No newcomer is around to oust me. It's terrific. I'm respected, recognised. Many magazines call me the icon of the country. The fact is I'm blessed, it has been a charmed life."
He has ruled the roost coming a long way from days of television series "Fauji" in 1988 to scale spectacular heights after "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge".
But in today's scenario Shah Rukh needs to be accompanied by an ensemble cast including Amitabh, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta and Abhishek Bachchan as in "Kabhi Alvida..."
It has been a while since his solo-hero films made cash registers ring. In fact, a film starring a herd of stars cannot ensure a box-office success either.
Ram Gopal Varma's horror flick "Darna Zaroori Hai" could not stay on the marquees in spite of the presence of almost every star of the industry - Amitabh, Anil Kapoor, Riteish Deshmukh, Mallika Sherawat and Bipasha Basu.
Most of the multi-starrers in the past have witnessed great success. But when it comes to guarantee, there is none. Stars will only help, if the film is supported by a strong script and decent execution along with impressive performances.
Trade watcher Deepa Gehlot says: "Now that the audience is in a mellow, welcoming mood, this is the time to welcome new talent with fresh ideas into the industry."
Unfortunately, a lot of big-money corporate houses, who are getting into film production, are only looking at huge projects with stars.
So, it is left to a few like Pritish Nandy Communications, iDream Productions, Crossover Films and Metalight Productions, plus some enterprising individuals, to fund smaller films, apart from the old trouper National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).
"It is unfortunate, again, that a lot of small budget offbeat films turn out to be unwatchable. There is still a crisis of content, which, in this current self-congratulatory phase, the industry is not addressing," adds Gehlot.
One hears of a little blip of change here and there. Subhash Ghai has set up a script workshop and is looking at new ideas; iDream already has a script bank; UTV is getting scripts developed; NFDC is planning something on the lines of a script bank too.
Everyone complains of the shortage of good writers but no one seems to do anything about it.
"Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" with its enviable stellar star-cast is first of this year's multi-starrer big-budget productions to hit the marquees.
Johar has spent Rs.500 million on the film and brought together Shah Rukh, Amitabh, Rani, Preity, Abhishek and Arjun Rampal.
Coming up soon will be "Eklavya" (Amitabh, Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan), "Umrao Jaan" (Aishwarya, Abhishek, Shabana Azmi, Suniel Shetty), "Salaam-e-Ishq" (Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Govinda, Anil Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, John Abraham, Vidya), "Jaan-e-Man" (Akshay Kumar, Salman, Preity, Anupam Kher), "Dhoom 2" (Abhishek, Bipasha, Aishwarya, Hrithik) and "Lage Raho Munnabhai" (Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Vidya, Boman Irani)
Stars and script apart, getting an apt release date has become another important criterion of box-office success.
A favourable release date for Johar's "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" is expected to play a key role in deciding the fate of the movie. The film will benefit from the two national holidays in the week ahead.
Similarly, the release of "Omkara" was planned keeping in mind that it must not clash with "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" while "Golmaal" producers made sure "Krrish" was not released the same week.
In fact, gone are the days when certain months were considered taboo for releasing films. News reports say that in September, UTV will release "Khosla Ka Ghosla", Ashtavinyak will unveil "Dil Diya Hai" and Vidhu Vinod Chopra will return with his "Lage Raho Munnabhai".
But good months are packed as always. So Oct 20 will see the release of J.P. Dutta's "Umrao Jaan", Farhan Akhtar's "Don" and Sajid Nadiadwala's "Jaan-E-Mann", reports say.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
It's 'Main Hoon Don' again
Joginder Tuteja IndiaglitzGet set for a rocking action again as fireworks happen all around this Diwali!
After a rocking beginning to the promotion of 'Don' with a 20 second teaser, Farhan Akhtar has now unleashed a one minute song promo of the title 'Main Hoon Don'. And no, it is not a remix version of popular 'Arrey Deewani Mujhe Pehchano' but a brand new track by Shankar Ehsan Loy with the only similarity being the song's conclusion with the words 'Main Hoon Don'.
A swanky looking song picturised on an elaborate set with a dark yet flashy look throughout', 'Main Hoon Don' is an extravagantly shot number with Shahrukh Khan coming across as a style guru! His gyrates along with Isha Kopikar while partying around with a few men (who appear to be baddies) as Priyanka Chopra watches the proceedings.
A song with a retro feel to it, it mixes the spirit of the original Don with a dash of new age lounge effect to come across as a highly intriguing track!
KANK off to a flier
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitzYes, it has done it! At least as far as the initial reports indicate!
The way KANK was all over the town for last one month, it was becoming clearer with every passing day that the film would be unstoppable. The movie has indeed taken a great start at the box office and there are all indications that it would turn out to be the biggest first week grosser ever while surpassing the record of 'Krrish'. A 6 day long weekend at many places in the country has only helped the cause since the advance bookings are phenomenal.
The film may have opened to mixed reviews from critics but that doesn't seem to be deterrent at all for the audience who are sure to check out the film at least once due to coming together of some of the best in the business.
As the opening week records set by numerous films this year seem to be en route to being broken, the question on everyone’s lips is "Whether KANK would surpass the 60 crore plus [and still growing] collections of 'Krrish'? Three more weeks and we should have the picture clear!
Does Shah Rukh ham in 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'?
By N. K. Deoshi, ApunkaChoiceSince it was a Shah Rukh Khan film coming after a gap of more than a year, I was hoping to see an improvised, subtler actor in the superstar.
The superstar in SRK has always dominated the actor in him. The sugar-coated, mushy and over-dramatic roles he has played in many films have, sort of, narrowed the superstar’s acting range and given him a fixed screen image into which he seems to slip with utmost ease. No doubt, people love this image – that is why we have seen films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai , Kal Ho Na Ho and Veer Zaara becoming hits.
As an actor, SRK admittedly showed flashes of brilliance in Swades and Paheli . He slipped out of his typical screen persona in both the films, but the box-office verdict of these two films has perhaps prevented such further departures for the superstar.
So we see him replay himself in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna . We see the same lofty brow, the same trembling of lips, the same heavy breathing, lump in the throat, the same twitching of facial muscles and the same overblown theatrics. Dev in KANK might have been called Raj or Rahul, the name doesn’t matter. The character enacted behind the name is fundamentally the same.
The eccentric hilarity of Dev in KANK apart, the emotional turbulences and dilemmas of the character have been brought out in no refreshing way by SRK.
SRK, the reigning superstar of Bollywood, throws no surprise in KANK. He does what he has been doing – play the over-acted tragedy king yet again.
'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' – the biggest blockbuster of the year?
ApunkaChoiceThe tremendous buzz around Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna , coupled with historic advance booking reports from all over the country, and even overseas, suggest that the Karan Johar magnum opus may well turn out to be the biggest blockbuster of the year.
Even before the film's worldwide release on Friday, there was a huge buzz around the film, which was evident from the historic advance booking for the film all over India as well as overseas.
Factors like the huge starcast of the film, its unique storyline, catchy promos and its songs like 'Mitwa', 'Where's the party tonight' and 'Rock and Roll Soniye' created a huge buzz around the film, resulting in unprecedented rush in advance bookings for the film.
Featuring an ensemble cast of Amitabh Bachchan , Shah Rukh Khan , Abhishek Bachchan , Preity Zinta and Rani Mukherjee , 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' has also evoked a lot of curiosity due to its novel storyline.
Adding to the buzz for the film are its songs like 'Where's the Party tonight' picturised on Abhishek and Preity in the film, as also the ''Rock and Roll Sonie'' song picturised on Amitabh, Abhishek and Preity, which are already a huge rage among all sections, specially the youth and the children.
No wonder, theatres across the country reported tremendous rush in advance bookings for the film.
Both multiplexes and single screen theatre witnessed phenomenal advance booking.
Trade sources said the advance bookings of the film were full as soon as it opened on Monday.
Infact, almost all the cinema halls in Delhi and Mumbai, both the single screen as well as multiplexes have tickets for an entire week booked in advance considering that this week has two holidays on August 15 and 16 on account of Independence day and Janamashtmi.
Though the advance booking for multiplexes starts from Wednesday or Thursday, booking for 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' at many multiplexes in Delhi opened on Sunday.
The phenomenal rush in advance bookings, coupled with the fact that the film is being released with nearly 1000 prints, makes it a distinct possibility that the film may turn out to be a bigger blockbuster that the recently-released Krrish , which has already netted a gross of over Rs 150 crore in just five weeks of its run.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
'KANK is not about Sexuality'
Santa BantaBollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan says that his character in the forthcoming film ''Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna''(KANK) is an absolute turnaround from the utopian lover roles he has portrayed so far.
Talking to reporters, Shah Rukh said unlike the 'Raj' and 'Rahul' characters he has played in blockbusters like ''DDLJ'' and ''Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'' respectively, his character ''Dev'' in KANK is cynical and scarce.
But due to Director Karan Johar's conviction, the character will be likeable, Shah Rukh said.
''I would not have done this film, if somebody else had been the director,'' he added.
Speaking about KANK, Shah Rukh said the movie has a bold theme.
''It is bold not in the sense of sensuality, sexuality or the language used. It deals with the subject of vulnerable relationships with dignity. The focus is on what happens when relationships go haywire,'' he added.
Speaking abouthis new venture -a VFX studio started by his production house 'Red Chillis', Shah Rukh said the effort is to bring quality into visual effects used in films. '' We have got a couple of visualisers and operators who are experts in this field and getting good business.
The company will take up work for outside producers as well. The special effects of my film Don directed and produced by Farhan Akhtar is done here. The company will also do the special effects of my home production ''Om Shanti Om'', he informed.
When asked about his co-star Abhishek Bachchan in KANK, Shah Rukh said, ''Abhishek is a well-behaved boy. Unfortunately, we do not have many scenes in the film. He is hard working and very funny.
We had good time shooting for the film in New York''.
To a question on who has been his best co-star so far, Shah Rukh replied, ''myself in the film Duplicate''.
KANK fails to live up to hopes!
Karan Johar's much-awaited "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" (KANK), revolving around modern day relationships, opened Friday to a rather lukewarm response.The multi-starrer, which has all the ingredients of a Johar film, has failed to live up to the lofty pre-release hype. KANK stars Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta and Abhishek Bachchan.
"It has got a lukewarm response at single screens and it is getting mixed reviews," said an informed source on condition of anonymity.
However, Saurabh Varma, vice president of PVR Cinemas, feels it is too early to give a verdict.
"Unlike other films, 'Kabhi Alvida...' has the advantage of a five-day extended weekend. It has got a phenomenal opening and the seats are booked till Wednesday. I think the ultimate verdict will come only after Wednesday," said Varma told.
However, trade pundits feel Johar splurged money on the film and that the film's box office collection might not be able to match its cost.
"Investment in the film is very high. It cost over Rs.500 million and therefore, a lot is at stake for Karan Johar," added the source.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna Movie Review
By IndiaFM
The wait has finally ended!
KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA has generated tremendous heat within and outside the film industry. It's not the star cast alone that has resulted in unparalleled, unmatched and unprecedented craze for the film. It's also the person seated on the director's chair that makes KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA special. Very special.
With KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI and KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM, his directorial accomplishments, Karan Johar has set such high standards that an all-important question crosses your mind as you walk into the screening: Will Karan surpass his own achievements with KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA?
KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA is also an acid test for Karan for yet another reason. It's the first time that Karan has changed tracks. Agreed, the supremely talented director has tackled romance and relationships in the past, but KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA goes a step further. It takes a bold look at relationships and makes an equally bold statement on the institution of marriage.
Just don't expect KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA to be a typical candyfloss entertainer. Or an archetypal fare that Bollywood is known for. In those 3.06 hours/22 reels, Karan packs in some solid stuff. And the conclusion to the story is bound to hit the orthodox elements hard. A film like KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA is sure to have its share of advocates and adversaries no doubt, but it's a film that has the courage to say what it believes in.
There are bound to be comparisons with films of similar genre. But let's put certain myths to rest at the very outset. The story revolves around two couples, but it's not CLOSER [Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, Clive Owen], it's not SILSILA either. The speculation should end there. Karan's take on relationships is fresh, bold and innovative. It takes you by surprise. It shocks you as well. And it's also trend-setting.
Frankly, a film like KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA is akin to a big gamble. The subject matter has to be treated cautiously and delicately, or else it can boomerang badly. It might even hurt the sensibilities if entrusted in wrong hands. But Karan's skilled directorial abilities take the film to a different level altogether. The film charters a novel path as it progresses and gets bolder gradually.
In a nutshell, KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA bears the unmistakable stamp of a genius -- Karan Johar. The master storyteller only polishes his skills further, proving yet again that he's a forward-thinker and also, a progressive storyteller.
KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA narrates the story of two families -- Sarans and Talwars -- both not connected to one another. But circumstances bring them together. Dev Saran [Shah Rukh Khan] has an uneasy and troubled relationship with his wife Rhea [Preity Zinta] and son Arjun [child artist Ahsaas]. He resents his wife's growing success and in the process, ends up turning all his anger towards his loved ones.
Maya Talwar's [Rani Mukherji] relationship with her husband Rishi [Abhishek Bachchan] is layered with a lot of self-doubt and question. She is unable to whip up enough passion for Rishi and is disappointed that her love for him does not match her own expectations of what it ought to be. This dilemma pulls her further apart from him, thereby causing a strain on their marital life.
One fine day, Dev and Maya's path cross each other…
KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA starts like a nice romantic drama, with Abhishek getting married to his childhood sweetheart and SRK talking to his wife about the $ 5 million deal after he has won a game of soccer. But minutes later, the film does a 180-degree turn and establishes the friction between the two couples.
The tension between the couples surfaces gradually, but reaches the crescendo 20 minutes before intermission. The spat between SRK and Preity on one hand [Preity: “I wear the pants in this house”], followed by the heated argument between Abhishek and Rani [Abhishek: “You can't even bear a child”] is amongst the most remarkable portions in the film. These sequences hit you like a ton of bricks!
It's not that the first half is laced with tense-filled moments. In fact, the first hour-and-a-half has light portions in abundance. Amitabh Bachchan's philandering lifestyle provides ample moments of laughter and of course, eye-candy, what with some gorgeous firang babes jumping out of the closet.
In the post-interval portions, infidelities occur, betrayals are discovered and the couples' worlds go upside down. The sequence at the dinner [Sr. Bachchan hosts a sit-down dinner on Kiron Kher's birthday], when SRK expresses his feelings, or when SRK opens up to Preity and Rani to Abhishek about the affairs are master strokes from the writing and execution point of view. Note another scene: SRK waiting with a bouquet of roses for Rani and by a sheer coincidence, Preity walks in at that time at the signal crossing. This sequence [it depends on treatment alone] deserves distinction marks.
The end is powerful, but disturbing. Disturbing for those who believe in the age-old traditions. The film moves about in a serpentine fashion. Just when you thought that the couples have decided to go separate ways, there's another twist in the tale and yet another, in the end.
Karan Johar takes colossal strides as a storyteller. Films like K.K.H.H. and K.K.K.G. were the tip of the iceberg. Karan's take on relationships and marriages is refreshingly different because there's tremendous identification with the characters. You see it happening all around you these days. Technically too, this is Karan's finest work to date; he balances style and substance beautifully.
KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA is not a date film and the writers [Karan Johar, Shibani Bathija] spell it out at the very outset. The screenplay balances the two extremes -- light moments and dollops of emotions -- with amazing ease. The relationship between the couples or even those between the parent and child [the Bachchans] is delicately handled. If there are moments that move you to tears, there are ample moments that bring a smile to your face as well. Another noteworthy aspect is its forthright dialogues [Niranjan Iyengar]. The lines sound straight of life and there also exist a host of interesting observations. Yes, the film is talky, but in a smart way. You never feel that the characters are talking to hear their own words or to fill up screen time.
Anil Mehta's cinematography is awesome. The film has been filmed in New York and the lensman captures the various seasons and colors with gusto. The outcome is easily comparable to the best in Hollywood. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music is melodious. 'Mitwa', 'Rock N Roll Soniye' and 'Where's The Party Tonite' appeal also due to the vibrant choreography [Farah Khan]. The styling and the production values are topnotch. Editing could be tighter. A bit of trimming, in the first half mainly, would only sparkle the film further.
In KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA, the actors get a chance to shine and no one shines brighter than Shah Rukh Khan. Let's just state one thing here: This is SRK's finest work after D.D.L.J. His sequences with Preity specifically, when the couple has their spats, or in the climax, when he just stares at Rani from inside the train, proves that he's undoubtedly the best in the business. The ferocity with which he delivers his lines and the restless energy he imparts to his character electrifies every scene that he's in.
Rani is remarkable yet again. In fact, if you consider BLACK to be her most memorable performance so far, then watch her in KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA. This surpasses her work in BLACK or VEER-ZAARA and PAHELI. Her makeup as well as her overall appearance is tremendous. She's never looked as good before!
It would be unfair to describe either Abhishek Bachchan or Preity Zinta's performances as 'lesser'. Abhishek is brilliant, especially when he gets serious towards the end. His penultimate sequence, when he gives a golden advice to Rani, is outstanding. Preity not only looks gorgeous, but the dedication to her role shows at vital points. Her penultimate scene with Rani, when she confronts her at the marriage reception, is fabulous.
Amitabh Bachchan is in superb form. The naughty streak that he displays soon disappears in the second half, when he realizes that something is amiss. In fact, his expressions at the dinner first and also in the hospital only reiterates the fact that he's an icon. Kirron Kher excels in a brief but significant role. Arjun Rampal looks perfect for the part. Kajol and John Abraham [both appear in songs] add to the glamour quotient. Child artist Ahsaas looks cute and acts well.
On the whole, KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA is an outstanding film from the writing, performance and execution point of view. It has style, substance, it takes challenges and doesn't follow formulas -- and that is its biggest strength. At the box-office, the film will embark on a hurricane-like start, establishing new records in days to come. The first weekend will be superb, while the weekdays [15th and 16th August are also holidays] will result in a record-shattering first week billing. With no opposition in sight for the next few weeks, KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA will have a dream run at the box-office. Its business in Overseas will also be remarkable. Has the potential to prove the biggest money spinner in this territory.
KANK Opens to Historic Advance Booking
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitzKaranJohar’s Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna is expectedly creating a buzz as the countdown is heading towards the Big Release this Friday. With over 900 prints being flooded in the market and publicity blitzkrieg hitting the subconscious of masses, it goes without saying KANK had to have a huge opening. “The advance booking in all our multiplex theatres as well as single screen theatres has been wonderful,” says Girish S Wankhede, Manager, Public Relations, Cinemax, Mumbai.
The advance booking for multiplexes starts from Wednesday, but an exception was made in the case of ‘KANK’ as the advance started from Sunday itself. At a prominent single screen theatre Gaeity Cinema, all shows are houseful till the next Tuesday (15th August) repeating the magical opening of ‘Mangal Pandey’ last year around the same time. So, will KANK beat the stupendous show of ‘Krrish’? “The response is overwhelming. I think it is possible that KANK may beat Krrish as the star cast is powerful.”
Trade is jubilant with the ecstatic response received by KANK. It’s been the year that Hindi Cinema will remember for a long time as so many films have hit the Bull’s Eye at the Box Office breaking one record after another. Let’s wait and watch and see what Magic KANK manages as it unleashes this Friday.
KANK - a modern day atypical romance
Moving away from candyfloss romances and happily ever after tales, Karan Johar returns to the marquee this Friday after almost five years with his hugely anticipated multistarrer "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" that takes off from where most films begin.What after the couple walks into the sunset? That is what Johar attempts to explore here with his take on modern day relationships.
Johar is definitely treading an unknown path with the film, which has all his favourite stars -- Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee and Preity Zinta. The risks are high, but trade pundits say Johar understands the psyche of his viewers and his rather unusual film won't disappoint them.
This is his third directorial venture after "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham", both of which were big hits. He has tried to do something different in this one, which is extensively shot in New York.
The film focuses mainly on Shah Rukh and Rani, who are married to different people and are convinced that they are happy - until they meet each other.
The story goes something like this:
Dev (Shah Rukh) is a professional footballer, but becomes handicapped in an unfortunate incident. But his wife Rhea's (Preity Zinta) career is on an upswing. They have a son, Arjun. Dev's physical disability and failed career start to affect his married life.
He doesn't get any help from his mother Kamaljeet Saran (Kiron Kher), who loves her son but usually supports Rhea when it comes to giving advice or voicing her opinion.
Then there is Maya (Rani), a teacher married to her closest friend Rishi (Abhishek Bachchan), who works as a PR consultant. They pretend to be a happily married couple.
Rishi's father Sam (Amitabh Bachchan) is a fun-loving man and his life revolves around his son and daughter-in-law.
It is in this hustle-bustle of daily domestic life that Dev and Maya bump into each other. After a few meetings, they become conscious of a strong connect. They continue to meet and eventually fall in love, inevitably causing complications in their married lives.
Their relationship makes them look at their respective marriages with a new perspective. How they deal with this new development forms the crux of "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna".
The film has an atypical love story, good music and bankable stars - is Johar going to strike gold again?
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna Movie Preview
Today, times have changed and people are constantly on the run, juggling careers, living out of suitcase, trying to strike a balance between their so called 'personal life' and 'professional lives', leaving people with a sense of void and resentment. KANK (KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA) is one such film that attempts to throw light on the current societal scenario, the contemporary lifestyle rampant in today's fast paced lives."Human relationships have always perplexed me. These seemingly simple bonds between people can cause so much upheaval that lives change drastically with a minute change in these equations", quotes Karan Johar.
KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA delves deep into relationships and complexities of life. A layman can easily identify with the films intense and poignant story line, which is arguably the main USP of the film, besides the colossal star cast and the Dharma Productions Banner.
It is one of the most eagerly awaited films of 2006. There's Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Abhishek Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Kiron Kher and Arjun Rampal along with 2 surprise elements namely Kajol and Ritesh Deshmukh. The rocking Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio has composed the music while Javed Akhtar has penned the lyrics. The best part about the film is, it gives us an insight into the complexities of human bonds and inspires us to resolve our own personal conflicts in some way.
A brief introduction of all the characters.
Shahrukh Khan (Dev Saran) plays a sensitive and cynical character who has a rather uneasy relationship with the world owing to an unfortunate mishap that turns his dreams upside down. He is unable to come to terms with the unfairness of life and resents his wife, Rhea's growing success and in the process ends up hating himself for feeling that way. Maya enters his life with a story of her own and together they take on a journey to heal each other...
Preity Zinta (Rhea Saran) is a confident modern girl with a strong sense of right and wrong. Her independence means the most to her. There are moments when she realizes that she is not playing the traditional role of a wife or a mother owing to her busy career but she refuses to feel guilty about it and strongly believes in her right to pursue her career as much as a man...
Abhishek Bachchan (Rishi Talwar) is an upcoming public relations professional. A sophisticated and stylish guy who has inherited his father's (Amitabh as Sam Talwar) fun-loving nature and his sense of humour. He is patient and loving to Maya but is unable to comprehend her complexity especially when it rears its ugly head in the most intimate moments of their personal relationship...
Rani Mukherjee (Maya Talwar) plays a compulsive cleanliness freak who compensates for her inability to have children by teaching in a nursery. Her relationship with her husband Rishi is layered with a lot of self-doubt and questions. However, while she is ready to discuss and analyze everything small or big, she fights this area of her life with remarkable silence that strains her marital life. To add to this complication, she encounters Dev in whom she finds all the ingredients to fire the passion she lacks in her marriage...
Kiron Kher (Kamaljeet Saran) a self-reliant woman with a combination of strong traditional values and a progressive mind-set. An example of a parent who has moulded herself to the changing world without losing her roots. While she is a silent spectator to her son, Dev and daughter-in-law Rhea's changing equations, she does not hesitate to voice her opinion as an elder when required. She is fearless in her decisions and takes a rather progressive stand for her daughter-in-law when the situation worsens...
Amitabh Bachchan (Samarjit Singh Talwar) a.k.a Sam is a flamboyant and fun loving man who believes in living his life to the fullest. His life revolves around the happiness of his son, Rishi and daughter-in-law, Maya. And despite indulging in all sensual pleasures, Sam does not lose focus on the ground realities of life and beneath his colorful exterior there lies a wise and sensitive parent who doles out brutal but practical solutions to his family.
Karan Johar has a sense of grandiose, which is palpable in all his films like KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI, KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM, KAL HO NA HO and now KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA. He does everything with style and there are no two ways about it.
KANK hits the marquee this August and needless to say, it will surely witness a stupendous reception like all other films produced under the Dharma productions Banner. It has already created waves and seems like a huge hit much before its release.
So let's see what's in store for the audience this August!
SRK, Karan’s guests watch ‘K.A.N.K.’
By IndiaFMMore on Karan Johar and K.A.N.K.! The film-maker has decided against holding the premiere show of his new film and even the pre-release screenings have been very, very few this time. The guest-list has been limited to the friends/well-wishers of the Johars.
The first screening was held for the cast, crew and the Yash Raj family, the second for Karan’s friends, the third for Bachchans’ guests and the fourth, held on Tuesday night [August 8] at Yash Raj, was for Karan and SRK’s guests, including the Videocon people, the Moranis and several hi-profile dignitaries from all walks of life.
The heavy downpour [it’s raining heavily in Mumbai since Saturday] didn’t deter the guests from arriving on time and the auditorium was packed to capacity. In fact, the audience gave a standing ovation once the screening of this 22-reeler ended.
P.S.: Some interesting trivia on K.A.N.K.
- The promo of not just DHOOM 2 [amazing, astounding], but also KABUL EXPRESS is included with the prints of the film.
- Speculation is rife that Kareena Kapoor makes a guest appearance in the film. That’s not true. Only two actors appear in cameos -- Kajol and John Abraham.
KANK release to be postponed?
By IndiaFMEvery big banner film comes with its share of controversies. So how could Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna be left behind? Film producer Biswaroop Roy Choudhary has filed a case in the Delhi High Court, saying that he had registered the title Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, first. The case will be heard on August 21, while KANK is scheduled to release on August 11. If Roy's claims are found to be true, KANK will be taken out from theatres from August 21, till the final hearing.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
´KANK´ Preview/Pre-Release Report - Extraordinary !
The promos of all the songs of Karan Johar's upcoming blockbuster 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' are out on the sattelite channels and the picturisation is just amazing , as per the feedback .Now here is something from the trial shows . To put it mildly , extraordinary is the spontaneous reaction !
Three trial shows of the film were held last week and those who have seen it are raving about it . According to them , the first half is full of fun and the second half has lots of drama and emotions too!
Shah Rukh 'plots' to kill Amitabh
Tired of stale rumours, Shahrukh Khan the king of Bollywood, suggests some fresh ones to help gossipmongers. How about my plot to kill Amitabh Bachchan, he says.After staying away from the media glare for months due to his chock-a-block schedule, Bollywood's most adorable star has resurfaced to clarify his alleged enmity with the veteran superstar.
"We hate each other. Right now we are planning to hire assassins to kill each other.
"I have even decided to take on Yash Chopra by destroying the negatives of all his films. That is how bad it is. My assassins are all over Mumbai and even outside Mr. Bachchan's house attempting to take over," Shah Rukh told CNN-IBN network in an interview.
"I think newspapers and channels should just freshen up. They should try to bring up some fresh scandal stories, like me having an affair with Abhishek Bachchan. That would be more interesting," he said with a straight face.
Shah Rukh also spoke at length about the July 11 terrorist attack in Mumbai that killed at least 200 people.
"I had just come back from London when I heard about the blasts. It is immensely sad. It is an understatement to say that it was a bad thing to happen. I feel really sad.
"People who were absolutely innocent and had not done any harm to any one had to die in a heinous act by some cowardly terrorists. It's not going to serve any purpose. These people are psychopaths, I think."
The actor had some original take on the piracy problem plaguing the film industry, "There are certain things that are beyond your control, like the rains in Mumbai. Either you can keep on being concerned about them or you can do try doing something about them. I can do neither."
The issue of plagiarism too does not upset the star who admitted taking inspiration from Hollywood flicks.
"I too get inspired by a lot of Hollywood films and the action sequences that I see in foreign films. I think I have done a few films which might have been direct lift or take-offs from the climax of some foreign films.
"Like in 'Badshah' there were some sequences inspired from a Jackie Chan film. And it was my suggestion. So, I won't deny that I haven't stolen ideas. There are only limited subjects. So, there are going to be overlap of story ideas."
Asked him about his forthcoming autobiography, he said: "I didn't get the time to write it. Anupama Chopra, a wonderful and much more accomplished writer than I can ever be has written a book which is likely to come up in 2007.
"But I have a deal with my publishers, that I will write a book on myself some time. I have already written major portions of it. As soon I get the time, I will finish it. I have just few bits and pieces to finish now."
Shah Rukh is geared up for his next release, "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna", about marriage and infidelity, in which he plays a somewhat negative role after a long time.
"I am completely uneducated in the matters of infidelity. All the education I got about it was from (director) Karan (Johar)."
Shah Rukh is excited about playing the title role in the remake of the 1970s hit "Don". "The remake has no comparison with the original hit. It will not be that great, but it is indeed a dream come true for me to play that legendary role."
His philosophy in life? "I enjoy it without being overwhelmed. I had said this about 'Devdas' as well. If you are going to run with Carl Lewis, you feel relaxed because you know you are not going to win. So, just enjoy the fact that you are getting the chance to run with Carl Lewis."
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Shah Rukh is biggest USP of 'Kabhi Alvida...': Karan Johar
(IANS)Life is a blur of activities for director Karan Johar. Besides readying "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" (KANK) for an Aug 11 release, he has to blow kisses at an avalanche of social activities.
As we talk, there's a truckload of tourists waving and squealing when they spot Johar at a traffic signal. To Johar goes the credit for flagging off the cult of star-directors in Bollywood, but right now he is on tenterhooks.
"I don't know whether I should take credit for that, though I'd love to. I do love people. I love interacting with everyone from friends to fans. Somewhere, that innate warmth reaches out to people," Johar told IANS.
There's the downside of flamboyant fame -- colleagues taking potshots, for instance. Recently, Ram Gopal Varma created a farcical flutter by announcing he was looking forward to KANK because he loves horror films.
Johar takes a deep breath.
"I'll speak on this for the last time and then move on. In my opinion Ram Gopal Varma is one of the finest filmmakers of our country. His 'Satya', 'Company' and 'Sarkar' make a trilogy of terrific gangster films. When he has so much work on hand I wonder why he keeps obsessing with what I do! I know he doesn't respect my work. But could he please keep quiet about what I do?"
In spite of a gruelling post-production schedule, Johar took time off to be in Cannes with pal Preity Zinta for the international marketing of KANK.
"I hoped to facilitate the film's international distribution. I also wanted to experience the little side-pleasures of Cannes, like strolling down the avenues and watching new films. I'm a major film buff.
"Bollywood, Hollywood... just give me my daily flick. Adding to my pleasure in Cannes was Preity. We both talk non-stop. Together we constitute Talkathon 2006.
"Between the two of us we leave no room for a third person to talk. Unless it happens to be Abhishek Bachchan who beats us both hollow. Even Preity has to shut up when Abhishek starts talking. Yup, he takes the cake when it comes to gabbling."
In KANK Johar has directed Abhishek for the first time.
"I wouldn't like to say much about the film right now. For once I'll let the audience and critics see the film, and then I'll say whatever I have to. I don't know what people expect from me this time.
"But it's a very simple film. The entire cast is first-rate. But Shah Rukh Khan will obviously be the film's mainstay the world over. His popularity in European countries like Germany and Poland is big.
"Recently 'Veer-Zaara' was premiered in Paris. I was unfortunately not there with Yash uncle (Yash Chopra), Preity and Rani. But Shah Rukh was there. And the way he was greeted proves that Shah Rukh is not only god in India but in Europe as well.
"My Paris distributor said it felt like Elvis Presley had been reborn when he saw the ovation Shah Rukh got. So yes, I'd say he's the biggest USP of KANK."
Johar hopes KANK will further consolidate Bollywood's global impact.
"We saw what a film can do abroad when 'Lagaan', 'Devdas' and 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (K3G) were released. If KANK goes several steps further than K3G it would be because of the process that my father (producer Yash Johar) started of taking our company's films to places outside the traditional Indian market."
Johar disagrees with Naseeruddin Shah who feels Indians are hallucinating about Bollywood's worldwide impact.
"I don't know when and why Naseer saab said that. The globalisation of Hindi cinema is certainly no illusion for me. I think we are rocking the world over. And to me 2006 is the biggest year for Bollywood since 2001 when we had 'Lagaan', 'Gadar' and K3G all coming together.
"This year we have 'Fanaa', 'Krissh', 'Dhoom 2', 'Don', 'Munnabhai 2' all huge, huge films. And I am looking forward to all of them. I hope to see my own KANK make a place among these biggies."
He thinks the year has already started favourably with "Rang De Basanti".
"What a film! I congratulated everyone including Rakeysh Mehra and producer Ronnie Screwvala after seeing it. And look at Aamir Khan. He stepped back from the forefront - merged with the rest of the cast to move so many steps forward as an actor."
Johar feels our cinema is ready to rock globally.
"The rate at which things are going we'll be the king of the world in 2007. We're shaping into one of the most self-reliant entertainment industries in the world.
"The eyeball exposure for our cinema is growing constantly. I hope the Indian film industry meets with unparalleled success in the coming year."
KANK releases on Aug 11. "To say I have butterflies in my stomach would be an understatement. I feel I am going through labour pains."
Big B-SRK, No cold vibes
By Subhash K JhaAfter the first full screening of Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna July 30, the anxious and nervous Karan Johar had an unexpected surprise.
He received a bouquet and a letter from AB. The letter, as beautifully lucidly and crisply worded as only Mr Bachchan knows how to be, occupies a pride of place on Karan's office.
Says Mr Bachchan, "Yes, After seeing the film I did send a bouquet and a letter to Karan….And not just to Karan but also to Shah Rukh and Abhishek . Why not?! Their work is exemplary. I think KANK is Karan Johar's finest work. A difficult and very mature subject--certainly so for Indian audiences- handled and put together with the dexterity of a master. Proving once and for all, that behind Karan's trendy designer clothes and stubble, there lurks a balanced sensitive and an extremely intelligent maker. One that has not compromised with any aspect of commercial Indian escapist cinema and yet succeeded in leaving something to think about as you drive home from the theatre."
Says the overwhelmed director, "I was very moved by Amit Uncle's gesture. I've always treasured his praise. When Amit Uncle says something complimentary you know you're being complimented by one of the highest authorities on Indian cinema. Shah Rukh who in a way launched me, and Aditya Chopra who has taught me filmmaking, all have a high opinion of KANK. I was an assistant to Adi and his opinion matters a lot. I remain his assistant at heart. For me he's like the ISI stamp."
Karan is certainly enthused by the response he got from his cast and crew that evening. "The feedback was very encouraging. Of course since it was a cast-and-crew screening everyone wanted to love the film. It was a minor hurdle, and I think I crossed it."
Then Karan gets his anxiety pangs again. "Not that the private screening means anything in the larger interest. And yes, like all directors I'd say I can change a few things in KANK, but I can't. Anyway it's done now. The verdict will be out on August 11. I was fascinated by this subject. My writer Shibani Bathija's narrative work is exceptional. Earlier she wrote a wonderful story in Fanaah. I think Fanaah was beautifully directed by Kunal Kohli. I hope KANK carries forward the roster of hits this year."
Abhishek could get more accolades than SRK in 'KANK'
UNIAll eyes may be on Shahrukh Khan on the eve of release of Karan Johar's 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna' but a major share of the accolades for the film could well go the way of Bollywood's new teenage heartthrob Abhishek Bachchan, if initial reaction to the television promos and trailors of the film are anything to go by.
Shahrukh Khan may be playing the central character in 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna' but if trade sources are to be believed Abhishek may prove to be the ultimate dark horse who gets all claps from the kids, youths and front benchers as well as the sympathy of the family audiences.
Those who have seen the rushes of the film say that Shahrukh's "overwhelming presence" in the film notwithstanding, several sequences in 'Kabhi Alvida na Kehna' which present Abhishek as the "architypical angry young man" may endear him to the cinegoers in the same way as Amitabh's angry young man persona in films like "Deewar'", "Zanzeer" and "Trishul" did in the 70s.
In the film, Shahrukh play the character of a person who, caught in a loveless marriage, falls in love with the character of Rani Mukherjee, who, while married to Abhishek Bachchan, too finds herself stifled in her marriage.
Sources in the film trade say that though the film, essentially, revolves around Shahrukh as is the case with most films by Karan Johar, the sympathies of the audiences, specially the kids and family audiences who form a major proportion of the cinegoers could well go to the character played by Abhishek Bachchan in the film.
This, coupled with the immense popularity of the two songs "Rock N Roll Soniye" and "Where's the Party tonight" in which Abhishek appears, could result in Junior Bachchan adding to his already big fan following among the kids and the youth after "Kajra Re" and "Right Here Right Now" songs in "Bunty Aur Babli" and "Bluffmaster".
Infact the song "where's the party tonight" picturised on Abhishek Bachchan and Preity Zinta in the film, as also the "Rock and Roll Sonie" song picturised on Amitabh, Abhishek and Preity, are a huge rage among all sections, specially the youth and the children.
While both Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan come across as exquisite in the "Rock N Roll Soniye" song, which has been appearing in television promos of the film on various satellite channels for quite some time now, Abhishek is simply fabulous in the song "where's the party tonight" which already has the youth dancing to its groovy beats reminding the viewers of "Say Na Say Na" and "Right Here Right Now' from "Bluffmaster".
"Rock N Roll Soniye" could well prove to be as popular as the "Kajra Re" song in "Bunty Aur Babli" which had the whole nation dancing to its beat. Trade sources say Bollywood actress Kajol and hunk John Abraham will also be seen in this video. While Kajol's will be a fleeting appearance in the song, John is said to feature in a scene as a Disc Jockey.
Further, "What's the party tonight", which was picturised by Karan Johar recently, could create the same buzz as the "Right Here Right Now" song.
Analysts say that going by the way even the brief glimpses of the songs, in television promos of the film, have the kids and the youth going crazy, Abhishek could well run away with all the "seetis" of the front benchers as well as young boys and girls, who today constitute a major proportion of the cinegoers in the country.
KANK Special on MTV
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz5 more days to go and a multistarrer extravaganza is expected to rule the theatres across globe as KANK releases worldwide.
To celebrate the occasion, MTV and Dharma Productions have tied up to aggressively promote the film for an entire week around the film's release date.
The exclusive special would feature interviews with the cast and crew [KJo, Big B, SRK, Small B, Rani, Preity], some behind the scenes happenings, exclusive clippings from the flick, songs and many more unknown facts about the film that audience has been dying to know about this multi-crore blockbuster.
Stay tuned!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
SRK to Rock-n-Roll in Mauritius
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitzShahrukh Khan loves to rock-n-roll. It’s been quite a while since he shook the stage on fire. With back to back shooting for ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’ and ‘Don’, SRK has been away from limelight.
A stray interview here and there and tons of gossip written about his rift with Bachchans, Yash Chopra is all we’ve been getting to hear about him. King Khan is ready to shake the world once again. Soon after the release of ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’ on August 11, he will be flying off to Mauritius to perform at a show there on August 19th.
Sharing the stage with him will be actors Priyanka Chopra, Celina Jaitley, Zayed Khan and Malaika Arora Khan. Pop band Bombay Vikings will also be performing at the show. Mauritius has many Bollywood fans considering the huge Indian population it wouldn’t be surprising for SRK and company once they receive an overwhelming response from the aam junta.
Box office’s boy wonder and Bollywood’s lord of the ring
Priya Tanna (DNA India)A little more conversation with Shah Rukh Khan — the box office’s boy wonder and Bollywood’s lord of the ring.
Staying on top of the game for over a decade, battling stereotypes of being the ‘sweaters in Switzerland’ hero, standing up to tall competition (literally) and trying to shake off any memories associated with a handle-bar moustache is a tough job, but Shah Rukh Khan doesn’t mind.
A diligent student-turned-master of the entertainment hero discipline, his plan has stayed the same — to save the day, the girl and the world, one movie at a time. Blessed with a beautiful boy-man appeal, a voice whose cadence has liquidity and a body language that is used unerringly to angle his performances, he has filled his roles with soul, grace and tenderness. Yes, it’s imaginable if not explicable, why the world can’t get enough of SRK.
Starship Enterprise
Contrary to his image of belonging to the ‘big league’, size does not matter for Shah Rukh. “The big production houses people speak of have created their name purely on merit and the quality of work they deliver. And with success, these filmmakers and banners will definitely have an edge over their contemporaries, thereby making more commercially viable movies,” he says.
Mr Dependable
Even though his very initials carry enough weight to take his movies from the multiplex next door to overseas markets and straight to the bank, the actor views his ‘bankability’ differently. “I don’t know if I am bankable or not,” he shrugs. “I just get up, listen to stories and scripts, choose the ones I really like and then go act them to the best of my ability. I hope with all sincerity that they entertain and are liked by the viewers. That’s it. I want to entertain, not story tell or do a film just so that it can win an award.”
Radical moves
Speaking on the ‘new wave’ of unconventional and small films, Shah Rukh dismisses them as anything but new. “Over the last few years, the media has become more bizarre, colourful and flippant. A few movie makers have become darker, intense and are trying to pursue ‘real’ films. So one is attracting the other. But this is not a new genre of cinema. Ever since I’ve been watching films, you’ve always had brooding, thinking directors making cinema that was earlier called ‘parallel’ and ‘arty’. Now it’s being called something else.”
“Why, even Mr Yash Chopra has made unconventional films like ‘Ittefaq’ which was totally ‘different’ for its times. You’ve had great directors like Satyajit Ray, Guru Duttji and Shyam Benegal who have always made films for niche audiences. Now with the advent of multiplexes, more people are watching these sort of movies and they have gained popularity. But in essence, they have always co-existed.”
So would he do such ‘small films’ then? “Oh I always do small films. They just get bigger by the time they reach the screen,” he smiles.
Year ahead
“I’m working with Karan (‘KANK’) and Farhan (‘Don’) because I love how they work and think. ‘KANK’ is a good move for Karan and is a sign of stories to come — slightly darker, honest subjects that are presented interestingly. The industry has changed, as far as stories and treatment etc go. The language of cinema is changing. Unwittingly being a part of it, I am changing too. And that’s how cinema should be: malleable. I did ‘Baazigar’ and ‘Darr’ when no one else would have. I was told not to do ‘Veer Zara’ because it was projecting me as an older man. But I did it. I’m not scared.”
The neo wonder-kids
With the likes of Shiney Ahuja and Vidya Balan being propelled into stardom almost overnight, SRK thinks that it takes just one film to change a career for almost everyone. “Even for Abhishek, who came with the Bachchan baggage, it took just one right film to shake it off and settle in place. It took one film for everybody to realise that Rani is one of the greatest actresses right now and it took one film to establish that Kajol is back — or that she had never gone away. But you have to keep maintaining that track record or you are forgotten. I am impressed by all the newcomers I see — Vidya Balan, Shiney Ahuja etc. I remember when I was relatively new, Mani Ratnam had offered me this great advice that I should work towards creating a niche for myself.”
Ya? And what’s that? “The whole world!”
Shah Rukh Khan says strong scripts, not awards, attract him
Shah Rukh Khan, one of India's top movie stars, says he is lured by films with interesting plots -- not the promise of awards.Khan said he has played bad roles and older characters during his prolific career, despite being warned it could dent his image as a poster boy for the teenage set.
``But I did it. I'm not scared,'' he was quoted as saying by Bombay's DNA newspaper on Monday.
``I just get up, listen to stories and scripts and choose the ones I really like and then go act them to the best of my ability. That's it,'' said Khan. ``I want to entertain, not ... do a film so that it can win an award.''
Khan, 39, has held on to his position as the country's most bankable star for several years and is often rated as Bollywood's top actor in polls by India's movie media.
He has starred as a macho action hero and romantic lead in more than 60 Indian movies since his 1992 debut. Khan's new releases over the next couple of months are to include ``Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna,'' or ``Never Say Goodbye,'' and ``Don.''
Shah Rukh Khan Filmography
Shah Rukh Khan Awards
1992 AwardsFilmfare's Sensational Male Debut for Deewana
1993 Awards
Filmfare's Critic Best Performance for Kabhie Haan Kabhie Naa
Filmfare's Best Actor for Baazigar
1994 Awards
Filmfare's Best Actor in a Villianous Role for Anjaam
1995 Awards
Filmfare's Best Actor for Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
Asian Paints Star Screen Best Actor for Ram Jaane
Rupa Cinegoers Awards for Best Actor Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
1996 Awards
1997 Awards
Filmfare's Best Actor for Dil To Pagal Hai
Lux/Fair Glow Zee Cine Best Actor for Dil To Pagal Hai
Sansui Viewers' Choice Movie Best Actor for Dil To Pagal Hai
President of India's Best Indian Citizen Award
1998 Awards
Filmfare's Best Actor for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Lux/Fair Glow Zee Cine Best Actor for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Sansui Viewers' Choice Movie Best Actor for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Z Gold Bollywood Best Actor for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Aashirwad Awards for Best Actor Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Rupa Cinegoers Awards for Best Actor Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Z Gold Bollywood Awards for Best Actor in a Sensational Role Dil Se
1999 Awards
Electrolux Kelvinator Samsung IIFA Most Popular Actor
2000 Awards
Filmfare's Critic Best Actor for Mohabbatein
Sansui Viewers' Choice Movie Best Actor for Mohabbatein
AFJA Best Actor for Mohabbatein
Planet Bollywood People's Choice Awards on the Internet Best Actor for Mohabbatein
Rupa Cinegoers Awards for Best Actor Mohabbatein Year
Rajiv Gandhi Award for Excellence in the Field of Entertainment Year
2001 Awards
Asian Paint Star Screen for Best Jodi No.1 Shah Rukh and Kajol
Sansui Viewers' Choice Movie Jury Best Actor for Asoka
Rupa AIFA Critic Best Actor for Asoka
Rupa AIFA Best Actor for Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Bollywood on the Web Best Actor for Kabhi Khushi Khabhie Gham
Jade Magazine (October) Sexiest Man In Asia
2002 Awards
Filmfare's Best Actor for Devdas
Filmfare's Swiss Consulate Tophy Special Award Year 2002
Asian Paints Star Screen Best Actor for Devdas
Asian Paints Star Screen for Best Jodi No.1 Shah Rukh and Aishwarya Rai
Lux/Fair Glow Zee Cine Best Actor for Devdas
Sansui Viewers' Choice Movie Best Actor for Devdas
Z Gold Bollywood Best Actor for Devdas
Electrolux Kelvinator Samsung IIFA Best Actor in a Leading Role for Devdas
Rajiv Gandi for Excellence in the Field of Entertainment
Disney Kids Channel Awards for Best Actor Devdas
Planet Bollywood People's Choice Awards on the Internet for Best Actor Devdas
Asian Paints/Hero Honda Star Screen Videocon Awards for Best Jodi No.1 Kajol & Shah Rukh Khan Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Rupa Cinegoers Awards for Best Actor Devdas
2003 Awards
Asian Guild Awards Bollywood Star of the Decade
MTV Immies Indian Music Excellence Awards for Best Male Performer in a Song "Tauba Tumhare Ye Ishare" Chalte Chalte
Sansui Viewers Choice Movie Awards for Jury Best Actor Kal Ho Naa Ho
Lux/Fairglow/Pan Parag Zee Cine Awards for Superstar of the Year
Filmfare's Power Award
2004 Awards
MSN Most Searched Personality Award
Pepsi Sabsey Favourite Star Kaun Award Favourite Hero Year
'F-Awards' for Excellence in Indian Fashion Celebrity Model of the Year
Chhoton Ka Funda Award
Sabse Tez Personality of the Year Award
IndiaFm.com People's Choice Movie Awards for Best Actor Veer-Zaara
Sports World Film Awards for Best Actor Veer-Zaara
HHL Global Indian Film Awards (GIFA)for Best Film Main Hoon Naa
HHL Global Indian Film Awards (GIFA)for Best Actor Swades Asian Paints/Hero Honda Star Screen Videocon Awards for Best Actor Veer-Zaara
Asian Paints/Hero Honda Star Screen Videocon Awards for Best Jodi No.1 Priety Zinta & Shah Rukh Khan Veer-Zaara
Rupa Cinegoers Awards for Best Film Main Hoon Naa
Rupa Cinegoers Awards for Best Actor Main Hoon Naa
Rupa Cinegoers Awards for Critic Best Actor Veer-Zaara
Rupa Cinegoers Awards for Jury Best Actor Swades
2005 Awards
Padma Shri Award
Filmfare's Power Award
Filmfare Best Actor Swades
Other Awards
Raman Subramanyam Award for Character, All Round Performance in Studies,Sports & Extra Curricular Activities - 1983
Sujit Memorial Award - 1983
Sword of Honour for the Best All Round Performance, Loyalty, Obedience, Integrity & Sportsmanship - 1985
St Columbus School Award Best Student
Shah Rukh Khan Qoutes
(December 2001, about Hrithik Roshan): I wish I looked as good as he does. And I wish I danced as well as he does!Awards that ignore me are losers.
I'm try-sexual. I try anything that's sexual.
I have no competition. Every year the names I'm pitted against keep changing. You can't cream the competition, you have to kill it.
If I talk to a girl, it's assumed that I'm having a scene with her. If I don't, then it's assumed that I'm gay.
I'd like to believe there's a little of Hitler and Napoleon in me. Even if I try, I can't be as selfless as Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa.
Recently an actor asked me to teach him how to speak fast. Wasn't I once criticised for speaking too fast? Now they're doing it my way.
Maybe the country doesn't pray for me like they do for Sachin Tendulkar, but I know I'm on a good wicket as well.
I work like a retailer. I sell my services, take my money and keep it in the bank.
I don't kiss on screen. Period.
I'm no megalomaniac. Even I found it boring to have an entire website devoted to trivia about me. No one's interested in a one man show, unless you happen to be an Amitabh Bachchan.
Cinema in India is like brushing your teeth in the morning. You can't escape it.
Whenever I fail as a father or husband... a toy and a diamond always works.
Shah Rukh Khan Trivia
`He did his High school from St Columbus High School in New DelhiWinner of The Ravi Subramani award.
Winner of The Sujit Memorial award.
He was an ace in electronics and biology but wasn't good at all in mathematics. Overall a brilliant student.
He captained all teams in football, hockey, and played cricket at zone and national level.
He graduated from Hansraj College, Delhi University and followed it up with a Masters Degree in Mass Communications (Film making) from Jamiya Miliya Islamiya, in Delhi, but quit it in a year.
The reason he took up on Mass Communications (Film making) is because he loved the TV commercials.
For a short spell, Shah Rukh Khan ran a restaurant in Darya Ganj, New Delhi.
He also joined theatre with Barry John. He started out as an actor on the smallscreen, in Dil Dariya (directed by Lekh Tandon) where he almost went unrecognised because he played a sardarji. His first serial in Bombay was two episodes of Wagle Ki Duniya. Then came Fauji, Ummeed and Circus.
Although his birth name is spelled Shahrukh, he prefers and signs his name Shah Rukh.
2 children with Gauri, Aryan and Suhana
He agreed to star in Aditya Chopra's films without looking at the script first.
Formed a popular screen couple with Kajol
Runs a production company "Dreamz Unlimited" with actress, friend, co-star Juhi Chawla and director, friend Aziz Mirza.
Married to Gauri Khan
Named one of Time Magazine's 20 Asian Heroes under 40 (2004)
His son, Aryan Khan, portrayed SRK as an infant in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001).
Son, Aryan Khan, voice of Tez Lajawaab (Dash), character for Hindi dubbed version of Disney's animated film, The Incredibles (Hum Hain Lajawaab).
Shah Rukh and his wife, Gauri Khan, own the production company "Red Chilies Entertainments", which Shah Rukh started for friend and colleague, director/choreographer Farah Khan, for her debut directorial film - Main Hoon Na (2004).
Born on exactly the same day as Samuel Le Bihan.
Purchased a villa on a man made island on the coast of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
About Shah Rukh Khan
Favorite American Movie: It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, WorldFavorite Movie: His favourite film in which he has acted is ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’, where he portrayed a "Chaplinesque character".
Favourite Food: Tandoori Chicken
Favorite Perfume: Azzaro
Favorite way to have his coffee: Decaf Cappuccino or Decaf Latte from Starbucks with 2/3 satches (packets) of sugar depending on the time of the day.
Song he sang when wooing Gauri: Gori Tera Gaon Bada (Film: Chitchor)
If not an Actor : A school teacher.
Most Happiest Moment: When he got married and when he got his first filmfare award.
Most Saddest Moment: When his mother and father passed away - "I can’t get that out of my system".
Shah Rukh Khan Biography
Shahrukh Khan the most saleable actor in the business today. Crazy fans or canny distributor. His name is the guarantee. He hedges his bets by working only with best banners and top heroines. But the flip side is that he's also willing to take risk for friends. Aditya Chopra And Karan Johar were untested entities when he signed on for Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Farah Khan directing his upcoming home production film Main Hoon Na is a first timer too.Shahrukh Khan was born on 2nd november 1965. He was brought up in Delhi. He had done his schooling from 'St. Columba's school' and from 'Jamia Millia Islamia' he had done Mass Communication.
Shahrukh started his career on a TV serial called "Fauji" which has given him instant recognition. He also acted in another TV soap called "Circus". His debut film was Deewana which open the doors of film industry for him. He was playing a second hero in it but his work was appreciated. After that there was no looking back. Shah Rukh Khan has won several awards for his outstanding performance in Darr (1994), Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Baadshah (1999) ...etc. He also formed a popular screen couple with Kajol.
He's now a successful producer too with Chalte Chalte. His production company "Dreamz Unlimited" is shared with other two people... one is actress, friend, co-star Juhi Chawla and another is director and friend Aziz Mirza.
He is being called 'King Khan' and 'Badshah of Bollywood'. his films are like ISI mark. He has reached to the position of choice where his films flops or hits their release is an awaited affair. Things which makes him apart from other actors are his average looks, fast speech, soulful eyes, dimples on checks, thick lips and most imp is his saying 'I'm the best'. He feels acting is making unbelievable believable. He feels he become a better actor after acting in his two films which are also close to his heart... Dil Se and Kal Ho Naa Ho.
While studying he fell in love with Gauri Chibba who was then studying in Loreto Delhi. He later married her before coming into films. The most talented and hard working actor known to have an inflated ego, for which he works hard to keep it floating. He is having two children a son "Aryaan" and a daughter. He loves his children very much.These day he had started reading books on science as he dont want to be sound like a stupid dad, when they'll ask him which is bigger, Uranus or Saturn. He teaches them one new thing everyday. it could be names of Fidel Castro, Michael Schumacher, Osama Bin Laden or a place a name. He is planning to read maths in another two/three years.
He feels for the younger generation that should follow his zest for life and love of doing the best they can. They should believes that there is a purpose in life that you supposed to fulfill follows it wholeheartedly. And never give up when you stumble and not taken seriously.
Shah Rukh Khan Profile
Full Name: Shah Rukh KhanPetname : King Khan, SRK
Date of Birth: 2nd of November, 1965
Origin: Born into a Muslim family of Pathan origin in New Delhi, India
Place of Birth: Talwar Nursing Home (Rajinder Nagar) in New Delhi, India
Mother: Late Fatima Begum
Father: Late Mir Taj Mohammed
Siblings: One sister named Shehnaz
Eyes: Brown
Height: 5'9''
Marital Status: Married, October 25, 1991
Wife: Gauri Chibber / Khan
Kids: Two children - Aryan and Suhana
Hobbies : Playing computer games
Debut Film : Dil Aashna Hai (1991)
Address : 7th Floor, Amrit Apts., 15th Carter Road, Bandra, Mumbai 400 050
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