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'Khoslas' moves from 'ghosla' to 'Flat'
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Thursday, December 07, 2006]  



Khoslas may have found their way into their dream 'ghosla' i.e. a house in 'Khosla Ka Ghosla' a few months back but now they are leaving the place and moving into a 'Flat'!

Yes, you read it right! The entire team of 'Khosla Ka Ghosla' would be seen in a film called 'Flat' which is directed by debutant Hemant Madhukar. Principal starcast of the film comprises of Anupam Kher, Parvin Dabbas and Tara Sharma [each of them featured together in KKG] while Aindrita Ray debuts.

Sandeep Chowta gives the music in this supernatural film which would be shot in Mumbai and Manali.

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Kabul Express looks another ace product from YRF
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Thursday, December 07, 2006]  



Trust Yash Raj Films to give movie buffs something interesting to view months after months.

Dabbling in different genres, for every 'Veer Zaara', they have a 'Neal N Nikki' while for every 'Fanaa' they have a 'Dhoom 2'. Now with 'Kabul Express', the film makers venture into a different territory [pun intended], as their 'Kabul Express' releases on December 15th.

Coming at the time when the 'Dhoom 2' collections would have stabilized and audience would be looking forward to something new, it seems to be an interesting film all the way with wit and humor seemingly the two pillars on which this movie rests.

Promos have done the trick and one can expect YRF to release it strategically across theatres at the right show timings for its target audience to catch the flick.

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Mithoon introduces his proteges in Anwar
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Thursday, December 07, 2006]  



Young composer 'Mithoon' of 'Tere Bin' [Bas Ek Pal] and now 'Maula Mere' [Anwar] fame has just given 2 of his proteges an opportunity to sing for his album.

K#ij and Shilpa Rao are the two youngsters in picture who have been roped in to sing a haunting melody titled 'Tose Naina Lagey' for the film 'Anwar'. What is notable about the song is the fact that the two singers sing in a style that is so very different from contemporary singing.

Also, Mithoon fuses the classical aspects in his music very well to make it integrate seamlessly with the song and come across as a number that has spiritual undertones to yet.

With a knack of trying out different voices for songs that require to be treated unusually, one now eagerly awaits his next soundtrack for Emraan Hashmi-Geeta Basra-Sayali Bhagat starrer 'The Train'.

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Would Vishram Sawant take a 'Risk' with its release date?
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Thursday, December 07, 2006]  



A movie releasing on the last Friday of the month of December has traditionally been considered as a 'risk'.

With last few years being witness to some terrible failures for films coming in that timeframe, film makers have been shying away from releasing their films just when December comes to an end.

But for the moment it seems that director Vishram Sawant and K Sera Sera are ready to take this risk by releasing their film, interestingly titled 'RISK', on December 29th! The way film's publicity is catching up the heat and is being touted as a Vinod Khanna-Randeep Hooda face off, it seems highly probable that the film would be coming on the New Year Eve.

Also, with 'Guru' coming on January 12th and 'Salaam-E-Ishq' and 'Fool N Final' a fortnight later, the only duration when the film can capitalize most is between December 29th and Jan 12th.

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Today we are short of original compositions... : Jawahar Wattal
IndiaGlitz [Thursday, December 07, 2006]  



One of India? top music composers, directors and producers, Jawahar Wattal is best known for being a pioneer in the Indian Non-Filmi music field and for shifting the focus of the industry to Delhi.

Right from the beginning of his career, the magician of Indi-pop has worked as a revolutionary musician. The ?90s ushered in the Indi-pop revolution and that? when he ventured into the genre that has won him maximum acclaim to date.

His uncanny ability to predict what will be popular with the masses tomorrow, his professional attitude combined with his constant quest for excellence, originality and perfection have spelt success for him. Firm in the belief that music as a language has no barriers, he is constantly experimenting and reinventing the idiom by never allowing anything to limit the scope of his work and thus bringing a fresh new energy to each project. In about 16 years he comes up with a record 73 albums in which 15 goes platinum. In his illustrious career he also provided the opportunity to singers like Baba Sehgal, Daler Mehandi, Shubha Mudgal amongst many others who have their own respective place in the industry today.

Although the Indi-pop of 90's decade was dedicated to Jawahar Wattal but today the scene is far different from what we have in 90's. At that time soulful & heart touching music was in demand but now western culture has taken over and the listener's choice has changed as well, today they want hip-hop, rocking, peppy & fast music. But JW's priority is always being the nice, soulful & heart touching music that remains for long time and for today's music he's not ready to give up his style and choice, the same can be seen in his albums released in recent while.

The man who has a record of producing not only quality music but also one star after another now weaves his magic once again as he waves his magic wand once again and this time the result is a fresh sound of a hot new singer, Arjun from Delhi, the latest discovery of JW who found in him a perfect vehicle for his music. After years of hard work and regular riyaaz later, Arjun has now produced his private album titled 'Rang De' with JW as the music director. Recently we got the opportunity to meet with the magician of music with midas touch and the proud Delhiitee Jawahar Wattal.

About his latest discovery Arjun and the album Rang De, JW says Arjun is not only a good singer but is a complete musician himself. He has been gifted with a good voice and extra-ordinary musical talent who is aware of his music and knows what he has to do. According to him the album is a melody based and has a flavor of various forms of music from Ballads to Sufi music to contemporary pop and even Bhangra music albelt in a new avtaar and sound. The songs are different and original unlike the remix culture of today and have soulful melodies with catchy grooves. The album has lyrics penned by names like Shyam Banerjee, Vikki Nagar and Rahul Seth that touch the heart, in this album we have experimented with new sounds and have tried to blend the lounge music of today with a classical touch.

JW is disappointed with today music he says that today the entire definition of music has been changed because of western culture which captures the attraction of youths and due to same it's getting popular day by day. Earlier we always try to give original composition that was soulful and heart touching one but today it's all about remixes and today we are short of original composition. I'm not saying that we don't have talents but what we need from them is the traditional music that's good for ears and can be remembered for long time. Due to western culture our golden era is loosing its identity which is sad.

About the various talent hunts JW says it's great for future as it gives the opportunity to those who don't have any godfather who can support them or those who have talent but didn't get the platform to show case their talent and skills. They have proved that they deserve the place in industry and can give voices to superstars Kunal Ganjawala and Shreya Ghoshal is the perfect examples of it and today everyone know them very well. The other singers who came to scene through these talent hunts are also good and they will prove their worth in near future.

Remembering the past he says whether it's classical music or the music from golden era i.e. from 50-90's decade, that was the greatest ever time. At that time also we have the peppy numbers but they got the unique quality of being the soft one at same time which makes them awesome. I always enjoyed my work whether it was with Baba Sehgal or with Daler Mehndi, Shubha Mudal, Illa Arun, Hema Sardesaid, Hansraj Hans or with Shankar Shawney because they were ambitious to do something new which provided me the new excitement and energy to work. He further adds that working with Shubha Mudgal was one of the best experiences during his career, we were friends for a long time and we thought we would compose something which goes down well with a bigger audience. It had folk and classical strains mixed together and was something for everyone to sit back and enjoy.

On asking that after being in the industry for more than a decade he has only one film to his credit whereas everyone wants to be the part of Bollywood, he said I always like to work with complete freedom as I can't create music within any limitations. My priority is the best soulful and heart touching music that can be enjoyed for long time but right now its not possible I'm happy with Indi-pop but I don't mind doing great projects with my kind of music.

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?ikhil has done an outstanding job,? says Akshay Khanna
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Thursday, December 07, 2006]  



?t? good to be back in Bombay, was missing it. I have been receiving good feedback on the promos of Salaam-E-Ishq on air now. Nikhil has done an outstanding job in the film. I m quite proud of the film,? says Akshay Khanna who looked a hot dude in those Rambo glares as he strutted along with Ayesha Takia at the music launch of ?alaam-e-Ishq?.

Akshaye who is back in Bombay from his two months schedule of the film with Abbas Mastan in Dubai. In spite of his busy schedule, he has been receiving a lot of congratulatory calls, since the promos of ?alaam-E-Ishq? have been creating quite a stir.

Even Akshaye seems quite optimistic of the much awaited film as it's his 1st release in 2007. Soon after ?alaam-E-Ishq?, he has got ?andhi My Father? followed by two films with Abbas Mastan.

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Making of Kabul Express on TV this Sunday
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 08, 2006]  



?abul Express? has already created waves at a number of international festivals including the London, Toronto and PUSAN film festivals. As it gets ready for its India release, four of India? leading channels, Sony Entertainment Television, MTV, NDTV 24x 7 & 11:30 p.m. ? 12:30 a.m on NDTV Profit present the story behind the making of this internationally acclaimed tale of a unique journey into post Taliban Afghanistan. ?he Making of Kabul Express? will be simulcast on the channels this Sunday, 10th December from 7- 8 pm.

Some of the difficulties that the team faced while shooting in tough conditions has already been talked about in the media. But now you can learn first hand from debutant director how he overcame the peculiar challenges of shooting in the still hostile atmosphere immediately after the American bombing of Afghanistan. John Abraham, who essays a role based on the real life experiences of the director himself, talks about his role ? by far one of the most physically and mentally challenging one of his blossoming career.

Arshad Warsi, one of India? most loved actors today, talks about how he prepared for the role, and what it was like working with the multinational and multitalented cast - Salman Shahid the Pakistani actor, Hanif Hum Ghum the Afghani actor and Linda Arsenal the American actress. Also opening up before the camera are the other cast and crew members. This is the only film that has been completely shot in Afghanistan post the Taliban regime.

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?e?e managed a coup,? says Sandeep Chowta
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 08, 2006]  



Just Imagine Grammy award winners and Jazz Legends jazzing up to 'Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo', and then there was no stopping back as the Legends had the mumbaikars enthralled with one of the finest Jazz -Rock performance ever seen in the country.

World renowned bassist Bunny Brunel, Guitarist Frank Gambale, Keyboardist Mitch forman and charismatic Award winner drummer Virgil Donati, performed for the first time together, thanks to the initiative of composer Sandeep Chowta.

Says Sandeep Chowta, "We have managed a coup of sorts to get these legends together for the first time to perform.These artistes are all time Jazz Legends. It was indeed an honour to get them in our country.?

The fusion and the performance was so extempore and inspiring that the audience in Mumbai rose multiple times to give a standing ovation, a never seen before event, to the master class performance.

Each musician stood out strikingly and made a lasting impact on the audience with classic songs like Ivanhoe, La Zoo, Cab, Tempramental etc. And the younger Jazz enthusiasts too lapped up to the fusion of Rock and Jazz!!

Says Bunny Brunel " I have worked with Sandeep chowta and Sanjay Chitale on their album 'American Pilgrimage'. I was so amazed at the freedom with which Indian singers choose their notes. Great musicians like ustad Allah Rakha & Pandit Ravi Shankar have proved the cultural richness of India to the world.?

Bunny Brunel will infact be working with Sandeep Chowta on his independent album "Matters of the Heart". Says Sandeep Chowta, ?e intent to have PULZ, the festival of JAZZ annually, so that the best musicians in the world perform here in India. Besides music for films, I would like to explore music which is like a vast ocean. Working with Bunny Brunel has been a great sense of inspiration, every musician? dream. Bunny is the "God of Bass". PULZ will be a movement for JAZZ.?

International Jazz Legends Descends Upon Mumbai Top Jazz artists of the world including Grammy Awards Winners and Nominees will perform in India for Pulz 2006 on December 2 and 3. Grammy award nominee - Bunny Brunel, Grammy award winner and two times nominee  Frank Gambale and jazz legends; Virgil Donati and Mitch Forman are all set to rock the jazz, performing together for the first time in their career.

A Sandeep Chowta initiative, Pulz 2006 will mark the beginning of an annual high power Jazz extravaganza, where the best of jazz greats from across the world will perform annually. Bunny Brunel & The Jazz All Stars will mark the launch of this annual event.

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[ Last edited by  ldg at 23-12-2006 11:02 PM ]

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[ Last edited by  ldg at 23-12-2006 11:09 PM ]

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Don DVD hits the market yesterday
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 08, 2006]  



Yesterday the international markets were flooded with Don original collectors DVD sets!  DON DVD will see a release in USA, Canada, UK, Dubai, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and other countries.

Trust UTV to come up with something or the other innovative in launching their products. This time, the DON DVD collectors set comes with a lot of surprises! The first disc will have the feature film and the second disc with a lot of special features like deleted scenes, making of the film, bloopers, clap tracks etc. A booklet about the film with glitzy and never seen before images also forms a part of the DVD kit. You get to see promos of excel entertainment? forthcoming film ?oneymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.?. Not only this, Vishal Bhardwaj? Blue Umbrella, releasing under the UTV Classics banner and Metro, a UTV Motion Pictures production, directed by Anurag Basu, also form the line-up of promos in this DVD.

And if that was not enough, there is a 128-page DON comic book inside the DVD pack absolutely free! The entire film has been converted in to a comic book to add that extra thrill and fun. It? going to be as adventurous as watching the film. There? another good news for DON fans. Don-Shahrukh Khan himself has personally signed a letter for his fans. And it goes without saying that one can find this letter inside the DON DVD pack! A lucky few will receive these letters.

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Why ?abootar? is important for Anubhav Sinha?
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 08, 2006]  



Anubhav Sinha, has announced his future production plans. Anubhav Sinha has launched two production houses. "I have launched two production houses ? one is ASP White in partnership with my brother Anupam Sinha and second Seven Entertainment with my friend Anish. ASP-White has a six movie deal with Perfect Picture Company and K Sera Sera," says Sinha.

"It is an arrangement where K Sera Sera and PPC will provide ASP White with financial and infrastructural support, while ASP White will retain the creative rights of creating the right projects with the right teams. The philosophy of both my production house is - first select the right story, then select the right director and at the last select the right cast," he adds.

Seven Entertainment is the part producer of ?ash? and has a whole lot of other films at the planning stage. ASP White is involved in the six-picture deal.

The first film called ?abootar? is already on the floors, and on the verge of completion. Maqbool Khan who has been working with me for the past seven years will be directing the film.It is a very dark and emotional film of four teenage friends who are compelled to turn into sharpshooters.

Anubhav Sinha and Anish Ranjan who are partners in Seven Entertainment have plans to produce 12 films of different genres next year. Another two films are finalized with Vikram Bhatt and national award winning director Jahnu Barua.

Says Anubhav Sinha, "Airport is a multi-starer that will have six heroes; so far we've finalized only three Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol and Suniel Shetty. K Sera Sera will be involved in this project, but ?irport? is not a part of the six-film deal. Airport will be India's first film to be extensively shot in a aircraft, with a lot of action. The budget of ?irport? will be much more than ?ash?. We are now at the casting stage and the film will go on floors in May 2007.?

Anubhav Sinha has also signed a completion bond as done in Hollywood with Infinity Film Completion Services an organization that guarantees that the film will be completed a stipulated budget and timeframe. There is also a clause that states that if the film goes over budget, the completion bonders bring in the rest of the money to complete the film. Underwriters, on the other hand, guarantee the buying of the film. Completion Bonders take the guarantee to complete the film.

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Bachchans kick start 2007
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 08, 2006]  



It would be an eventful beginning for the Bachchans as both father and son kick start the New Year with a film each coming one after another.

While 'Zamaanat' would mark the beginning of the year for the elder Bachchan on January 5th, son Abhishek would be enjoying a much higher profile 'Guru' the very next Friday i.e. January 12th. 'Guru' especially is expected to embark on a successful route since the promos are looking quite interesting and the music has reached the top of the charts while displacing hot selling 'Dhoom 2'.

Also for those who believe in the 'theory of jinxes', there are finally cheers all around since Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai have together delivered a massive hit in the form of 'Dhoom 2' after a disastrous outing in 'Umrao Jaan'. With the two paired as husband and wife in 'Guru', the expectations form 'Guru' are at an all time high!

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Priyadarshan-Akshay set for a hat trick
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 08, 2006]  



'Bhagam Bhaag' releases a fortnight from now but the film is already at the top of the list of moviegoers for the month of December.

An excellent promotional campaign by the makers have ensured that the film is accepted wholeheartedly in the time of celebration. Also, with a bumper response being a given for the film, it should also mark a hat trick of successes for director Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar.

The two came together first in 'Hera Pheri' and though the film was a good success in Mumbai while being decent in rest of the country, it opened avenues for both Priyan and Akshay. While Priyan made one comic hit after another over the years, Akshay was hailed as an actor with a superb comic timing and aided the change of image he was aspiring for.

Later, the two were seen together in 'Garam Masala' last year and the film brushed aside the Diwali competition to emerge as a big hit while displacing both 'Kyun Ki' and 'Shaadi No. 1'.

Now 'Bhagam Bhaag' is the sole release on December 22nd and it should be time to pop the champagne once again for the director-actor duo. And yes, there is a certain Govinda along with a regular Paresh Rawal for company too!

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Vikram Phadnis is the costume designer for Salaam-E-Ishq
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 08, 2006]  



For a film like 'Salaam-E-Ishq' that comes with a massive star cast, it is certainly not an easy task to present each and every character differently. But young costume designer Vikram Phadnis has been entrusted with just the same responsibility as he was required to showcase each of the actors as per the parts that they play.

For starters, the man began his career as a choreographer and later shifted his focus to dressing up the stars. In his short career so far, he has designed dresses for actors as diverse as Amitabh Bachchan to Salman Khan and Bipasha Basu to Ayesha Takia.

Some of his notable work in the past has been for films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Dus, Waqt, Tere Naam, No Entry, Aksar, Aitraaz and Ajnabee.

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Anil Kapoor returns with a bang in New Year
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 08, 2006]  



2006 may have been a relatively silent year for Anil Kapoor with only guest appearances in films like 'Humko Deewana Kar Gaye' and 'Darna Zaroori Hai'. But all this should change in 2007 as the actor would be returning with a bang....and in style.

His first release of the year would be 'Salaam-E-Ishq' where he along with Juhi Chawla form the senior most couple in the film. A certain success in the making, the film would be followed by 'Welcome' where he reunites with his 'No Entry' director Anees Bazmee.

Later in the year, he would have an intense 'Gandhi My Father' followed by 'Black N White' that marks the return of Subhash Ghai as the director.

The year is expected to end on an euphoric note with 'Goal' where he reunites with his 'Chocolate' director Vivek Agnihotri. In the film, he plays an interesting character along with John Abraham, Bipasha Basu and Priyanka Chopra.

Truly a happening year for Anil Kapoor!

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?ove is a beautiful feeling,? says Aryan Vaid
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Saturday, December 09, 2006]  



?ove is a beautiful feeling,? said actor-model Aryan Vaid as he stepped out of Bigg Boss house with a heavy heart on being evicted yesterday. It goes without saying that Graviera Mr India and hero of on-the-fringe flicks like ?haahat Ek Nasha?, ?arket and ?un? has earned the kind of fame in a month that he must have never even imagined of. His pamarian romance with actress-model Anupama Verma on this reality show elicited a lot of a positive buzz.

Some say their romance was staged to hike the TRPs while Aryan begs to differ. And the manner in which he cried before host Arshad Warsi immediately after being evicted couldn? have been staged. For Aryan Vaid is not such a great actor to put up such a sterling show of emotions. Rakhi Sawant on being evicted last week had stated that while Aryan? love is genuine, Anupama is not serious about him. For while Verma was heartbroken she still put up a brave front. The other string of this love triangle Ragini was seen crying inconsolably (she was gunning for Aryan all the while) as Aryan walked out.

Aryan is hoping that Anupama will be evicted next week as he is afraid of Bhojpuri King? exploits with women. Ravi Kishen who had been showing solidarity with Aryan all this while but it was he who had nominated Aryan along with Carol, Amit and Rahul. As Aryan trembled sitting in front of Arshad, he saw on camera Ravi flaunting his body in the mirror. ?avi is showing off his abs,? said Arshad. ?t is not abs?t is flabs,? squealed Aryan.

Whatever may be the end result of this romance but one thing is certain, if Aryan Vaid plays his cards well, this can well be his best chance of making a killing in Bollywood. For the world has seen his potential, he comes across as a decent guy, good looking with a great physique to go by, this dude can go places. But for the time being he is love sick and hoping his ?unna? will say yes to him once she is out. And the uncertainty prevails?illiam Shakespeare was right when he said?.

So true a fool is love?hat in your will

Though you do anything, he thinks no ill

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Eklavya ready to take a bow
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Saturday, December 09, 2006]  



Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi? ode to ?andhigiri? ?age Raho Munnabhai? is celebrating 100 days while another prospective blockbuster from Vinod Chopra stable ?klavya-The Royal Guard? is gearing up for a release. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan, Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, Jimmy Sheirgill, Raima Sen and Sharmila Tagore, ?klavya? is a contemporary dramatic thriller.

It? about Eklavya, loyal guardian of a royal dynasty whose duty is to protect the erstwhile royal family in Devigarh, Rajasthan. What follows is a story of deceit, revenge, drama and action. Set in the present day India, the film has a special resonance for today? world, beleaguered by the hate and violence born from fanatic belief. ?klavya? promises to give its audience a visual treat while showcasing unseen locations.

?klavya? finds Vidhu Vinod Chopra ensconcing himself in the director? chair after a gap of five years (His last release was ?ission Kashmir?). The man has established himself as a colossal production house. Let? see if he can recreate the magic of a ?arinda? on celluloid. Once again.

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In 'Kabul Express', 'Dost Dost Na Raha' - Arshad Warsi
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Saturday, December 09, 2006]  



In a candid interview to a leading news channel, Arshad Warsi confessed that not even a single friend of his accompanied him to Afghanistan during the shoot of 'Kabul Express' even when he personally extended an invitation to them!

Stating this fact in his trademark jovial manner, Arshad mentioned that he was aware about the dangers of staying in Afghanistan for long but since there were adequate security measures in place, he asked his friends if they would be interested in joining him.

He was quite enthusiastic about this since apart from an opportunity like this, no one would ever get a chance to visit Afghanistan for a 'holiday' since being there during a film shoot with the best security in place was an added advantage.

In response, his friends instead warned him about going for the shoot and rather than joining him, they discouraged him to be traveling to the war torn land.

In hindsight, Arshad thinks that if he had to choose between whether they were not good friends or plain sensible, he would opt for latter since he realized the real dangers of being in Kabul only when he was actually there! Nevertheless, solace came from the fact that his wife Maria Gorretti never stopped him from going ahead with the film and instead joined him for the shoot!

Ultimately it turned out to be a classic case of 'dost dost na raha par pyaar pyaar zaroor raha'!