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Amrita: Like a rock for the Khans

I replaced Shah Rukh Khan!

The legendary anecdotes about who was supposed to be part of Rang De Basanti in what capacity, grows by the day.

It now comes to light that the role of the MIG fighter-pilot Ajay Rathod was originally ear-marked for Shah Rukh Khan while the role of the rich and confused tycoon's son Karan Singahnia that the Tamil-Telugu star Siddharth played, was meant to be played by Madhavan.

Maddy who's preparing for the release of his first English -language film entitled Nothing But Life, chuckles at the memory of the role shifts in Basanti.

"I couldn't do Siddharth's role because my new Tamil film Thambi took seven months of my time. I opted for the less footage-requiring role of Flight Lieutenant Ajay Rathod. And I'm glad. I don't think I suited the part I was to play originally.

I think Sid suited the innocent bewildered industrialist's part. I'm so happy to be part of a film that has grown into a cult work in just weeks. Last week Rakeysh Mehra came to Chennai to screen the film for IIT students. The response was something I've never seen before. I'd go as far as to say Rang De Basanti is the most important film of my career."

Another very important step forward for Madhavan: "I've almost completed my first English-language film. Nothing But Life directed by Rajiv Anchal was shot in Mexico. It's the story of two people battling for their lives in the emergency unit of a hospital.

We plan to take it to international festivals before releasing it in India. Again, like Rang De Basanti, it's a film that takes risks with audiences' tastes, pre-empts trends and bends the rules.

I'm at a juncture in my career where I no longer want to do run-of-the-mill roles. Even my new Tamil film, Thambi, which opens on Feb 24 is a film about crusader's fight for justice.

But we've avoided violence as much as possible. In one sequence where we needed to show blood on screen we changed the colour scheme to a sepia tone. Somehow blood in colour looks really frightening. I don't want to be part of anything that glamorizes violence."

So impressed were the South censors by director Seeman's violent treatise on non-violence that they've passed the film with a U certificate. Thambi opens with a record 120 prints all across Tamil Nadu.

"I've never had such a wide release before. Can you believe it? Thambi is an action film. And it's suited for children. I think we need to make films that reflect reality without losing hold on basic aesthetic and moral values. Rang De Basanti does just that."

Rampal feels the Heat

Arjun Rampal was looking forward to the Heat tour, which also features stars like Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Sushmita Sen, Preity Zinta, and Celina Jaitly.

But because of a technical problem, Arjun抯 visa didn抰 arrive and he was left twiddling his thumbs in the Mumbai summer. We chatted with the actor on his trip that wasn抰

Shah Rukh抯 慪eh Mera Dil

Preity belts out a few

Currently on tour in the US, the actor defends Aamir Khan and reveals that Saif Ali Khan is in rocking good health.

Preity Zinta is going places, literally! She's on a whirlwind world tour called 'Heat' with Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan and Sushmita Sen. And while the actor is having great fun, she is extremely upset with the public reaction to her good friend Aamir Khan's stance on the Narmada issue.

"Aamir Khan is not a nobody to pull a publicity stunt. He is the kind of person who wouldn't even remotely think of something like this to gain any kind of mileage. Even if a celeb wants to do some good, it is perceived as something else. I think that's the Indian state of mind. We try and pull someone backwards. If people are objecting to Aamir's good intentions, they're being extremely regressive," she told After Hours from America.

As far as her other Khan friend Saif goes, Preity said, "Saif was still recuperating from his operation when we did the show in Dubai. It was really funny. He was wearing a t-shirt which had 'Appendix' written across it and he was sitting in a corner all sad and unwell. Akshay wore a t-shirt with 'Saif' written across it, and Akshay and I danced to the songs of 'Salaam Namaste'."

The 'Heat' show, however, did have a few teething problems in America. Rumours of it being cancelled due to Saif's ill-health resulted in people turning up for refunds. "In spite of it all, the show so far has been great. And the best part of it all is that Saif is back on his feet and he's rocking! He even danced for this show," she added.

Preity revealed that the show is helping her rejuvenate. Apart from being a break from the routine, it is helping her directly interact with the fans. "I am so glad to be right there in front of my fans and see their response."

The actor is not missing Mumbai yet. "I only miss Mumbai if I am away for more than a month. Since I have been away for just a week, I am enjoying myself."

No married men for Esha

Indian actress Esha Deol says her new movie Ankahee showed her the perils of falling in love with a married man.

Her advice for any woman in that position was to get out and find someone else. She said it was a disturbing experience for her to play a beauty queen who falls in love with a doctor who already has a wife and child. The movie is set for release next month.

"Being the other woman is a very unhappy situation to be in and I wouldn't want to be in that situation ever," Deol said adding she'd like to tell women, "Don't go for second best." She said she was emotionally drained after tense scenes on the sets where she would need to scream and become hysterical.

Deol said her character doesn't care what the world thinks of her and doesn't bother about the doctor's family.

Deol has acted in more than 15 Indian movies, her most recent blockbusters were Dhoom and Yuva.

Aamir & Kajol: canoodling and crooning!

There are only five to six most awaited films in a year, and the Aamir Khan-Kajol starrer Fanna certainly qualifies as one of these. We are told that Aamir and Kajol, who have acted together before, have gone a step further in this one

Manish is a dear friend: Kajol

Kajol will soon seen be seen talking about close friend, designer Manish Malhotra, on Zee Muzic.

The show, called The Manish Malhotra Magic, will air on April 21, at 9 pm.

In the past, Karan Johar did a one-hour special, talking about the 10 women who impacted his life, for the International Women抯 Day. Over to Kajol

Bipasha opposite Sanjay Dutt!

Bong-seductress Bipasha Basu signed up for Abbas-Mustan's thriller opposite Sanjay Dutt. The yet-to-be-titled film will also have Ajay Devgan in a pivotal role.

Himesh Reshammiya will compose music for the movie. And Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Limited will produce it.

Bipasha Basu


Sanjay Dutt

Bobby Deol to work with Shaad Ali

Bobby Deol seems to be working with all the makers who had a problem with his brother, Sunny. First Bobby did 'Barsaat' and 'Dosti' for Suneel Darshan, who had a falling-out with Sunny after 'Ajay'. Now Bobby is working for producer Yash Chopra with whom Sunny was miffed post 'Darr'.

Bobby has also been signed alongside Abhishek Bachchan and Preity Zinta for Shaad 'Saathiya' Ali's next untitled film.  

Bobby Deol

Govinda-Akshay team up for comedy


We've seen them exercise their farcical muscles individually. Govinda is a laugh-riot in David Dhawan's comedies. Akshay Kumar proved his m閠tle at mirth in Priyadarshan's comedies including the latest 'Garam Masala'. But we haven't had a chance to watch them together.

For the first time Priyadarshan brings Akshay and Govinda together, along with Lara Dutta and Paresh Rawal, in start-to-finish comedy in June.

Reveals the director, "It's a comedy called Bhaagam-Bhaag. As the title suggests it's a totally crazy comedy of errors like Stanley Kramer's 'It's A Mad Mad Mad World'. It involves characters in a theatrical group from India who have to perform in London. The actors in the group include Akshay Kumar who's the villain in the play, Govinda who is the play's hero while Paresh Rawal owns the repertory. At the airport the play's heroine, who's fed up of Akshay and Govinda, refuses to turn up. Once in London they've to look for a heroine. It's a crazy film."

Priyadarshan has just returned from London after finalizing locations. "The entire film has to be shot in the city. This would be my first film to be shot entirely abroad since 'America America' in Malayalam."

Sanjay Dutt will make a guest appearance in the film which starts in June. Priyadarshan is enormously enthusiastic. "But first I'll shoot a song for the film before going into full shooting in June. I never worked with Govinda before, nor seen any of his films. But the role in Bhaagam-bhag is tailormade for Govinda. He's a guy who cannot communicate in any language but his mother tongue in London . Both Akshay and Govinda are good in their comic timing. And I'm going to cash in on that."

"This is going to be last comedy for a while. I'll be shifting to a couple of serious subjects after this."

It looks like payback time for Govinda, who has landed himself with plum assignments with David Dhawan, Nikhil Advani, Aparna Sen and now Priyadarshan.

Govinda


Akshay Kumar

Manoj Bajpai's next movies

Manoj Bajpai hasn't quit Bolywood though he is busy these days in hosting a game show titled 'Na Kum Na Zyaada'. Besides, he has been doing two Hollywood movies - 'Return to Rajapur' and 'The Whisperers'. Since the game show will soon be over with its one hundred episodes, Manoj will be occupied in Ramanand Sagar banner's '1971' as a POW. Sagar's grandson Amrit is directing this movie based on the story of a batch of six Indian soldiers caught by Pakistan as POWs during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 giving birth to Bangladesh.

Hrithik to attend 慣aj Mahal

Aishwarya joined Abhishek in 厖.!

Abhishek Bachchan had already started shooting for Mani Ratnam's 'Guru', now Aishwarya Rai joined him in Bagalkot, North Karnataka.

Abhishek and Aishwarya play lead pair in the film.

As per reports, director Mani Ratnam has shot some romantic scenes on Abhishek and Aishwarya in the backdrop of the historical monuments located in Bagalkot.

After the pack up also, as per source, Abhishek and Aishwarya were quite together enjoying the beautiful surrounding.

Thousands of people thronged the area to have a glimpse of the happening duo. However they were not able to do since the police had cordoned off the area.

The film also has Vidya Balan, Mallika Sherawat and Madhavan in leads, however they were not present there in the spot. As per source Vidya Balan and Madhavan will soon join the unit in Bagalkot. Vidya and Madhavan will play parallel lead besides Abhishek and Aishwarya.

Aishwarya Rai & Abhishek Bachchan

sanjay dutt....ada macho sikit........

Siddharth Anand directed Kajol!

Siddharth Anand directed Kajol, however not for a feature film. The director of 'Salaam Namaste' shot a commercial recently with Kajol for a jewellery brand Asmi.

Kajol, after endorsing brands like Tata Indicom, Whirlpool and Digestive Marie, it is her second solo ad to rock the small screen soon. Her first solo ad was for Digestive Marie, whereas her ads for Tata Indicom and Whirlpool were with her husband Ajay Devgan.

To filmmakers, Kajol is still in demand, and now the entrepreneurs are making beeline to sign up Kajol for endorsing their product. Isn't it a pride for Ajay?

Originally posted by matz_rockz at 20-4-2006 12:10 PM
sanjay dutt....ada macho sikit........

Fardeen Khan: I am doing a film with Sushmita Sen

Your next release is 'Pyare Mohan'?
Yes, and it's quite a challenging role. It's not easy to play a blind person. Most of the time, I have worn dark glasses. And it was not easy to shoot wearing those glasses at night. During the action sequences outdoors, especially when I was running in some scenes, it was not easy to avoid obstacles in the way.

Vivek Oberoi was given the role first. Would you have preferred to play the deaf person instead?
I wouldn't have minded playing a deaf person. I think that both the roles are equally challenging.

How was it working with Esha Deol as your lover?
That's a good question. It wasn't easy to be romantic with Esha because we are very good friends. So, there were scenes, even dramatic ones, where we cracked up. It was difficult to believe that we were behaving in a manner, which was so unlike us in real life.

How did you and Esha become such good friends?
It has been a long association. She and her mother (Hema Malini) have received many clothes made from my mother (Sundari Khan). So the families have known each other for years. Then she starred in my cousin Zayed's first film 'Chura Liya Hai Tumne'. After they'd pack up, she, Zayed and I used to hang out together.

You are doing a film with the makers of 'Being Cyrus'?
Yes. It is titled 'Idhar Udhar'. I have known Ambika Hinduja (Being Cyrus producer) since a long time; we are friends. Unlike 'Being Cyrus', this one is a Hindi commercial masala film. Sushmita Sen and Riteish Deshmukh will be my co-stars.

You have put on a lot of weight in the recent past?
Yeah. It's due to the extended honeymoon I had, I guess. But I am getting back in shape. I am working out a lot now. I am confident that these extra kiols are just a matter of time.

Is Priyanka Chopra doing Zeenat Aman's role in the 'Qurbani' remake?
So far, only three actors have been decided, dad (Amjad Khan's role), Saif Ali Khan (Vinod Khanna's role) and myself (dad's role). Nothing is final as yet on who will play Zeenat Aman's role. However, we shall make an official announcement regarding that very soon.

Fardeen Khan


Sushmita Sen

Goal! Saif, Priyanka to play soccer

UTV抯 new production (untitled) starring Saif Ali Khan and Priyanka Chopra seeks to capture the triumphant human spirit against a backdrop of soccer. Directed by Vivek Agnihotri, the film will be shot entirely in Europe during the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Says Ram Mirchandani, vice president, UTV, 揟he film is definitely happening. It boasts a big cast, which we are in the process of finalising. We are confident that it抯 going to be a trend setting film. It will be the cult film of 2007.

Ghai miffed with Shahid, Kareena

High voltage drama was witnessed at the music release of Mukta Art's latest venture '36 China Town', leading to Subhash Ghai losing his temper at the lovebirds Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor.

Ghai had organized a lavish function for the music launch of his film. Immediately after the launch, Shahid and Kareena did a disappearing act from the venue, leaving media persons waiting for them.

Subhash Ghai called up Shahid, screaming and they came back with sheepish smiles.  

Shahid Kapoor


Kareena Kapoor


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 29-4-2006 02:05 AM ]