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I believe in ghosts: Riteish

Riteish Deshmukh is one actor who has created a name for himself, without riding on the big office of his father, Maharastra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.

However, he confesses, "I would have thought the same way as people perceived me (as CM's son) when I entered into films. However, I have always been taught by my parents and I also strongly believe that to excel in any sphere of life, one must be dedicated towards what one is doing with passion."

And this is reflected in his work. In merely three years, Riteish has shown that he is an actor who delivers goods - be it a comedy or a horror or anything else.

About getting an opportunity to work with Amitabh Bachchan in Ram Gopal Varma's Darna Zaroori Hai, Riteish says, "While I was doing Naach with Ramu sir, he narrated me the story of the episode that I am doing in DZH. He also told me that Bachchan would be my co-actor and asked if I could spare two days from my schedule. I immediately grabbed the opportunity as there was no second thought about not doing the film and miss a chance to work with the legendary actor."

And as the movie is all set to release on Friday, it is time to recollect what he gained from Ramu and Bachchan? "Both of them are great people and everybody looks towards them. It was indeed a great experience to work with them and I have learnt so many things. The set had an eerie feeling and since it was a sync sound, the silence really was killing me. To be honest, one day before the shooting with Bachchan I couldn't sleep the whole night. Now that is the magic Bachchan creates among any actor," recollects the actor.

So is he scared of ghosts in real life? He is honest to confess, "I am petrified of darkness, loneliness, water and heights. However, to overcome my fear, I do swim or sky dive - so that I can bring in the confidence in me to take out the fear in me. I do believe in ghost as much as I believe in God. After all, they are two extremes just like happiness and sadness. However, I have never encountered any ghosts in my life."

Was there any untoward incident during the shoot of the film that he remembers? He recollects, "None actually! But at times you feel your hair rises out of the blue with the AC on. Now, how would you explain such a phenomena? It scares you for the moment but then to make yourself fearless, you just nix the feeling and get busy with mundane things and forget about the experience. I guess everyone of us must have experienced such a thing in our lives at one time or the other."

Three years in the industry and we have seen a phenomenal growth in his career with movies like Masti, Bluffmaster, Malamaal Weekly and Kya Kool Hain Hum? How he explains it. "I give all the credit for my success to my directors and co-actors. Not that I haven't put in my efforts but then if your directors and co-actors are good and helpful, the film becomes a hit and everyone likes your performance. Like, I owe it to Abhishek Bachchan to give me all the important punch lines in Bluffmaster. This is seldom seen that another actor giving you all the punch lines so that the film looks good from all the angles but Abhishek did it. But above all, it is the audience who have to love you for your histrionics or else as an actor your are a failure with whatever hard work you put in."

Riteish is a down-to-earth man. What is the secret of his cool temperament? He says with a smile on his face, "My parents and up bringing! I am like that because my parents have taught me how important it is to win people's heart with time. And one must love what one is doing - be it acting, writing or else working in any field. Never let the success take you to a height from where it is easy to fall down! That is when one is in real danger."

How does he prepare himself before shooting? "The actor in me tries to understand the writer's point of view. I try to get into writer's mind as how he has written a scene. Improvisation on the sets and how my co-actors respond is very important for me. Timing, rhythm and how well I can ape my writer - all goes into my performance and thinking," says the actor.

This architect-turned-actor has loads of movies in hand and is busy shooting. Riteish says, "I am currently busy with four movies. One is Anubhav Sinha's Cash with Ajay Devgan, Zayed Khan, Esha Deol and Shamita Shetty. It is an adventurous film. Then there is Idhar Udhar with Fardeen Khan, Sushmita Sen and Isha Sharvani. It is a fun filled movie. I am looking forward for Indra Kumar's Dhamaal, a fun-filled movie. I have Sanjay Dutt and Sharman Joshi for company and mind you, there is no scope for any girl in the film.  Lastly, I have Sajid Khan's Hey Baby with Akshay Kumar, Fardeen Khan and a six month old baby."

Hrithik's absence disappoints Karachiites

Hrithik Roshan's absence at the Pakistani premiere of Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story disappointed the thronging crowds at Karachi's Capri theatre.

Hrithik was supposed to come, but couldn't make it due to the death of his grandfather, the Daily Times reported from Karachi.

The star's visit was announced earlier by Satish Anand, owner of Eveready Pictures that released the film in Pakistan. Hrithik was to join his Khan-in-laws - the film's maker Akbar Khan and the elder Khans, Feroze Khan and father-in-law Sanjay Khan.

Feroze and actor son Fardeen attended the premiere along with their family.

Aishwarya Rai says she's a simple girl at heart

Well-known Bollywood beauty Aishwarya Rai says she's not a diva, just a regular girl, a newspaper reported on Friday.

Rai is one of India's biggest stars, a former Miss World and features in international ad campaigns for leading cola and cosmetic companies.

She told Mumbai-based DNA newspaper she was a little like Tilo, a character she plays in the just released ``Mistress of Spices,'' about a shop owner trained in the art of healing with spices.

``I believe there is a small part of every character inside each actor who portrays it. I'm really a simple girl at heart, like Tilo,'' she said.

Largely shot in Oakland, California, the movie stars Rai and American actor Dylan McDermott, best known as crusading lawyer Bobby Donnell on ABC's ``The Practice.'' The movie is about a woman who could lose her magical powers if she falls in love.

Rai, who has been romantically linked to several Bollywood actors by the Indian media, said people need to be lucky to find love.

``If you are blessed in this lifetime, you'll find 'true love,''' she said. ``There are many different levels of love _ one can experience all or just one kind.''

She says she misses home while traveling to film her movies _ ``I do miss home, my family, friends and dog, but I'm a happy person regardless of my geographic location.''

Her movies that will release later this year include a classic story ``Umrao Jaan'' about a woman kidnapped and sold into a brothel.

Poor, poor Salman

I don抰 care much for Salman Khan as a star. I also don抰 know him personally. So, I knew very little about the man -- until, that is, I read Dia Mirza抯 article, Punish a celeb for being a celeb (April 20).

Mirza informs us -- rather forcefully - that Salman is a 慻ood man

Salman is a superhero, says David Dhawan

If you thought that the recent imprisonment may have lowered Salman Khan抯 status, ratings and popularity, you are wrong. In fact, one of Salman抯 strong supporters, David Dhawan, feels that the entire episode has only increased Salman抯 popularity by leaps and bounds.

揟here抯 a strong positive wave for Salman. I feel, his fan-base has only increased manifold after this incident. Thousands of people, who don抰 even know him, came out strongly in Salman抯 support. Take it from me, he is only going to go higher in popularity stakes and his films will only open huge henceforth. He抯 a super-hero,

Priyanka Chopra抯 ex-secretary to file PIL against release of Krrish

Priyanka Chopra and her ex-secretary, Prakash Jaju抯 fall out has been in the news for quite a while. The battle between the popular upcoming actress and her secretary continues to tarnish the actress憇 public image. Prakash Jaju had earlier filed a case against the actress in court citing non-payment of dues for around Rs. 1 crore. However, later, due to an appeal and assurance given by politician Amar Singh, Prakash withdrew his court case. But after almost a year, Prakash抯 dues have still not been cleared by Priyanka, hence he has decided to file a stay order against the actress抯 upcoming mega blockbuster Krrish.

Prakash Jaju reveals, 揑f I don抰 get my dues I will not allow any of her films to be released.

Romancing Esha Deol was tough: Fardeen Khan

TWF correspondent Vickey Lalwani caught up with Fardeen Khan whose 'Pyare Mohan' released on last Friday.

Q: Your latest 'Pyare Mohan' is not doing too well?
A: Yeah, but it was quite a challenging role. It's not easy to play blind. 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 some obstacles in the way.

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

Q: How was it working with Esha Deol as your lover?
A: That's a good question. It wasn't easy to play 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 in real life.

Q: How did you and Esha become such good friends?
A: It has been a long association. She and her mother (Hema Malini) have got 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 pack-up, she, Zayed and I used to hang out together.

Q: You also hurt yourself during the shooting of the climax?
A: Yes, it happened in Bangkok. Boman Irani (who plays an eccentric Don) knocks out Pyare (myself). When he regains consciousness, he starts calling out for his buddy Mohan (Vivek Oberoi). Since it is his legs that are hurt, Pyare can't even get up.

He feels a wire mesh near him, and holding it, tries to get up. At one point in the wire, the metal was sticking out. It went right inside my hand and started bleeding profusely.

Q: Then?
A: I stopped shooting for few hours, and had lots of difficulty in getting sleep that night. We were shooting at an old rice mill. We called the doctor and the nurse to the site. I had to undergo some stitches on the hand. Part and parcel of my job, I guess (smiles).

Q: Were Esha Deol and Amrita Rao present at the site?
A: No, but they were very concerned. After they learnt that I had a cut in his hand, they kept calling me on my mobile. That way, we had another accident during the making of 'Pyare Mohan'.

On November 9th, Vivek Oberoi, Boman Irani and I were enacting a fight scene that had Vivek and myself dragging Boman and punching him in the face. When he was being dragged and turned around, Boman's shoe heel caught on the floor, and he ended up with a badly twisted and swollen knee.

Q: You are doing a film with the makers of 'Being Cyrus'?
A: 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-actors.

Q: You have put on a lot of weight in the recent past?
A: 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 kilos are just a matter of time.

Q: Is Priyanka Chopra doing Zeenat Aman's role in the Qurbani remake?
A: 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.

Esha Deol


Fardeen Khan

In 慪atra

Sanjay Dutt visits Mahajan

Film actor Sanjay Dutt today called on the BJP General Secretary Pramod Mahajan, who is undergoing treatment at Hinduja Hospital after he was shot at by his brother Praveen on Saturday last.

After meeting Mahajan's family, Dutt told reporters "I have not come here as a party man. Pramodji has been an elder brother to me and always supported me during my hard time".

Praying for the speedy recovery of Mahajan, the actor said "nothing will happen to Mahajanji as he has done good to people. What happened to him was really bad", Dutt told reporters.

Sanjay Dutt

'John Abraham clothing' launched in Mumbai  

The hunky John Abraham hasn't let his spirits dampen post his bike accident. On Monday, he launched 'John Abraham clothing,' his signature collection of jeans in Mumbai. At the launch, the actor joked, "I have lent myself to you!'

The clothes from this signature line will be designed by the actor himself. They are expected to be available in stores by Fall, 2006. Internationally, many celebrities have clothing brands named after them. However, John is the first Indian actor to have a clothing brand after his name. That's another score for John!

John抯 dhoti trouble!  

From glam outfits and fast bikes to a dhoti, the new heartthrob of the nation John Abraham is going for a serious image change. And so in Deepa Mehta's controversial film Water, which is winning loads of accolades in film festivals abroad, the hunky actor will be seen wearing a dhoti throughout the film. It's said that when John was told that his role required him to wear a dhoti, he was bit hesitant initially but latter decided to master the art of tying the dhoti himself and carried it off quite well too. From a fast bike rider to a dhoti, well John seems to have mastered the art of being a versatile actor!  



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 8-9-2006 02:38 PM ]

Soha: Missing Saif's kids!  

Saif and Amrita's spilt seems to have one more casualty. It happens to be Saif's sister Soha who during her initial days used to stay with Saif and Amrita. Soha was quite attached to her little niece Sara and nephew Ibrahim. And ever since the couple's split she has moved to a new place, but still remains emotionally attached to her niece and nephew. But ever since her career got going, she hardly gets time to spend with the kids and whenever she's free on holidays or Sundays, the kids have no time for their aunt as they are busy with their own kiddie parties and other stuff. Seems like the kids are already on the 憁ost-wanted

Priyanka in pain

Priyanka Chopra is in a lot of pain these days, thanks to the rigorous martial art training that she is undergoing for a role in Farhan Akhtar抯 Don. 憫I have started taking martial arts lessons for Roma抯 role. For someone who never works out, never goes to the gym, the past few days have been killing,拻 says Priyanka, who抣l be doing her own stunts in the film.

A remake of the 1970s hit, Don has Priyanka and Shah Rukh Khan in lead roles. In the original Don, Zeenat Aman played Roma.

憫I am a big, big fan of Zeenat. Her Roma in Don was really kick-ass. But mine will be different, radically different,拻 Priyanka told IANS.

One of the vital ways in which Priyanka抯 Roma in Don departs from Zeenat抯 interpretation of the character is the onscreen physical violence. 憫Yes, I am doing a lot of stunts and I am doing them on my own. In fact, I have started rigorous coaching in martial arts with a guy called Kanisk ... And boy, it is tough!拻

The toughening up has taken its toll on her. 憫When the training started, I had aches and pains all over. Believe it or not, I never go to the gym. I never work out. So this training is really strenuous. I hope I survive.拻

And Priyanka is not the only gorgeous star who doesn抰 work out. Urmila Matondkar, who抯 a voracious foodie, claims she never works out. And Aishwarya Rai says she knew nothing about physical training until she got into super-slim shape for Dhoom 2.

Pooja Batra to miss Taj Mahal premiere in Pakistan

Bollywood actress Pooja Batra, who plays the role of Noor Jahan in Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story, won't be able to attend the premiere of the film in Pakistan.

But it hasn't dampened her spirits. "I am so happy that my film was chosen for this honour. Taj Mahal is a true crossover film between India and Pakistan because it depicts history that both Indians and Pakistanis believe to be their own," Pooja told IANS.

Director Akbar Khan along with the cast and other delegates is in Pakistan for the release of the film Friday. The film is being premiered in Lahore on Wednesday and Karachi on Thursday.

"I am very proud of the film and am glad it is being honoured in this fashion. Akbar was kind enough to invite me for the whole tour but unfortunately I will not be able to make it."

For Kim, Yuvi's just a 'friend'

Kim Sharma would still like to call cricketer Yuvraj Singh her 'friend'.

They are seen regularly at filmi and cricket dos, are spotted having cosy dinners and regular rumours about the duo getting married keep on doing the rounds.

But Kim Sharma would still like to call cricketer Yuvraj Singh her 'friend'. "Yuvraj is my friend, as are so many other people.

I cannot talk about all of them,"the lady says. There is a reason why Kim is so angry. "Recently, I was misquoted as saying that I will get married to Yuvraj and I have big plans for the wedding. But that's all untrue, I am not getting married in the near future,"she says.

So, what about the rumours that she has been gifted a solitaire by Yuvraj? Pat comes the reply, "What solitaire... now that's news to me. If I had a solitaire, then I definitely would have shown if off."

In fact, the lady is right now only concentrating on her career. "Right now, I am not at all worried about getting married.

I am just concentrating on my forthcoming movies. I am not a soothsayer, so I can't say whether I'll be marrying Yuvraj or someone else,"she says.

It seems that Kim wants to keep her thoughts to herself right now, but watch this space, there's bound to be more.

Kim Sharma


Yuvraj Singh

Preeti sizzles in music video

It seems actress Preeti Jhangiani can be more successful in videos rather than films. Though her film career is not so happening, Preeti is still getting offers for video albums. Altaf Raja抯 next video album Harrjaiie is her second video to be released.

Interestingly Preeti kicked off her career with Rajshri's video album 慪eh Hai Prem

Is Aryan Vaid dating Nagma?

Model and actor Aryan Vaid is rumoured to be dating actor Nagma. The two actors met in Ludhiana six months ago on the sets of a Punjabi film 'Ik Jind Ik Jaan', which stars both in leading roles.

Aryan, seen in films with smaller makers, has finally got some good projects on hand. He plays a boxer in 'Apne', also starring Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby Deol. Then there's the Indo-British production - 'King Cross'.

So, that must not be leaving the busy actor much time for play? Aryan laughs, "There is always time to play". Regarding dating co-star Nagma, he says, "Nagma is a good friend, but I am definitely not dating her." What about the two often being spotted having dinner together at a suburban hotel? "She is a beautiful girl and when people see two people together, they talk," he quips. Nagma was unavailable for comment.

Looks like it's a bit too soon for the 'good friends' to say anything more about their relationship!

Aryan Vaid


Nagma

BJP youth wing not to allow screening of Aamir Khan's Fanaa

Gujarat BJP youth wing on Thursday said it would not allow any film of Aamir Khan to be screened in the state till he tenders apology for supporting Medha Patkar and Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA).

BJP youth wing president Shankar Chaudhary said, "We have not allowed screening of Rang De Basanti in Gujarat theatres after he (Aamir) visited agitation site of NBA in New Delhi. Now, we will not allow his forthcoming film Fanaa to be screened anywhere in the state."

Aamir Khan starrer Fanaa is going to be released on May 26.

Chaudhary said, "We will request the Gujarat Multiplex Association and Cinema Association not to screen any film of Aamir Khan in their theatres."

An official of a Multiplex located in the city said they have not yet decided on screening Khan's movie.

BJP had agitated against the actor when he expressed solidarity with the NBA.

Aamir's class act

Aamir Khan has proved his versatility not only on the 70 mm silver screen but on television as well. We look at some of his talk-of-the-town ad acts.

Aamir Khan is known to be a perfectionist. And not without reason - there is no other Bollywood actor who has done justice to such a wide plethora of roles with an equal ease.

Aamir's known to get into the skin of the characters he plays. So, whether it is as the GenX rebel from his latest flick Rang De Basanti or as the lovable tapori in Rangeela or as the man who took on the might of the British empire in both 1857 A Rising or Lagaan... he has always managed to get the viewers hooked.

In the glam world of Bollywood where 'formula products' rule, Aamir has always taken risks and managed to pull them off.

But, it is not just the silver screen which this Khan rules. He has tried his hand at TV too and, as usual, with great success. Not only from films, his dialogues from advertisements too have become the talk of the town.

For instance, who hasn't heard of lines like "Yaaran da tashan", "Thanda manga na thanda" or "Jo gaal pey contact hoga toh carbon kitna chappega?"

And Aamir is not the kinds to repeat his acts. Take his various Coca Cola commercials, for instance. The star showcases a new avtaar in every ad for the brand.

From playing the desi Jat to the culture-conscious Bengali babu, an entertaining Nepali to a typical Bihari, he's done it all.

And, of course, how can one forget his Mumbai tapori and Hyderabadi shopkeeper acts. His expertise has instilled a distinct natural vibe in each of these characters.

But that's not all... the star goes international in his approach this time round. His latest ad film, conceptualised by Prasoon Joshi from McCann Erickson featuring Aamir as a Japanese tourist, comes on air this week.

Directed by Pradip Sarkar of Parineeta fame, the new ad has Aamir as a Japanese tourist, asking for "thanda food".

The puzzled restaurant manager later on discovers that he's actually asking for thanda i.e. Coke and food. But the twist is in the denouement, which will leave the audience pleasantly surprised.

Now, that's what we call international appeal. For more about this, we'll just have to wait and watch!

Jackie Shroff in Athishayan

Director Vinayan is always in the news, because every time he comes up with something new and different. This time the hit maker is busy with the making of a science thriller, titled Athishayan, shooting for which is in progress in and around Kochi.

Produced by Gokulam Gopalan under the banner of Sree Gokulam Movies, Athishayan tells the story of a young orphan boy, who is one among the orphans brought up by Maya, a television reporter. And when Maya unveils some controversial scams involving some powerful politicians, she is kidnapped. And then the six-year-old boy sets out to rescue Maya. And in the process, he reaches the laboratory of a noted scientist and happens to drink a potion prepared by him which makes him invisible. And then he sets out to save Maya. He succeeds in his mission, but something untoward happens after that. The effect of the potion cannot be reversed. What all happens eventually forms the plot of Athishayan, in which debutante Master Devdas, who is the son of popular actor Ramu, plays the lead role.

A main attraction of the film is that it has noted Hindi filmstar Jackie Shroff playing a central character, appearing in a Malayalam film for the first time. He plays the role of an eminent scientist named RC Shekhar, who has based himself in the US. He comes to Kerala in connection with the research and develop ment of a drug that could make human beings invisible. A widower, Shekhar抯 wife was from Kerala and that is what brings him here. He has a daughter too. He succeeds in discovering the drug, but just then he has to fly back to the US. The medicine, however, is taken in by the hero of the film, a young orphan boy, who eventually becomes invisible. This forms the plot of the film and the character played by Jackie Shroff is no doubt pivotal to the theme.

It is heard that so impressed was Jackie Shroff with the character that he agreed to act in a Malayalam film. Anyhow, this is going to be a really big thing for Malayalam film viewers, for Jackie Shroff has alwas been having admirers all across the state of Kerala.

Others in the cast are Kavya Madhavan who plays the young television reporter Maya alongwith Mukesh, Harisri Ashokan, Rajan P Dev, Thilakan, Jagadeesh, Mala Aravindan, Devan, Augustine, Bheeman Reghu, Ramu, Usha and Karthika. Jayasurya also appears in a cameo role.  
  
While the story and screenplay for Athishayan is by Vinayan himself, the dialogue are penned by Sunil K Anand. Lyrics by Vayalar Sharath Chandra Verma and Prabha Verma are set to tune by Alphonse. Rajarathinam, who has been an associate of noted cinematographer Ravi K Chandran and who has recently made his debut as an independent cinematographer in Malayalam with Chinthamani Kolacase, does the cinematography for Athishayan, which also features art-direction by Shaji Pattanam and editing by G Murali. The film, which is currently being shot in Kochi, will later shift on to Thiruvananthapuram. Athishayan will be brought to the theatres by Swargachithra Release.