gossip artis HOLLYWOOD~BOLLYWOOD~MALAYWOOD

Masyallah..............................

Jauh panggang dr api.........

Deaf..kau la org pertama yg kata muka aku serupa dgn dia...Joke of the dayla...kuikuikui

Anyway,thanx je la eh...Hehehehehehe



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 4-9-2005 11:12 PM ]

deaf4ever

Originally posted by Gadis_Venus at 27-8-2005 08:21 PM
Masyallah..............................

Jauh panggang dr api.........

Deaf..kau la org pertama yg kata muka aku serupa dgn dia...Joke of the dayla...kuikuikui

Anyway,thanx je la eh...Heheh ...

lollol:lol

ko agak bleh tido malam tak nanti??

Pujian kau ni ikhlas ke tk ni?

deaf4ever

Originally posted by Gadis_Venus at 27-8-2005 08:47 PM
Pujian kau ni ikhlas ke tk ni?

betul ah.....
ikhlass :pray::pray::pray:

tak 100% tapi ada la sama2 sikit

SONALI FINDS SOLACE---AND MONEY---IN TELUGU FILMS

As a Bollywood actress, Sonali Bendre has for the most part been a washout and has not made an impact despite her hourglass figure and good looks. Bot down south, she is one of the most popular heroines in Telugu cinema, with super hits like 'Indra' and 'Murari'. As far as her Telugu films are concerned, Sonali says: "They have not only revived my career but also opened new vistas for me". She also has three Hindi films lying complete and awaiting an early release: 'Chori Chori', 'Love You Hamesha' and 'Pyaar Kiya Nahin Jaata'. Apart from these three, she will be seen in a guest role in Karan Johar's 'Kal Ho Na Ho' and will play the lead in a film to be directed by Amol Palekar. For the time being, she tells Smashits, her priorities are Telugu cinema and her husband Goldie. Yes, strictly in that order.

Why the concentration on Telugu films?

See, the first Telugu film I did was a huge hit. The second one was even bigger. That's a whole new market opening up for me. My new Telugu film with Nagarjuna will be completed in December 2002.

What about Hindi films?

Mahesh Manjrekar's film with newcomer Diwakar Pundhir and me is stuck. There's Milan Luthria's 'Chori Chori' in which I have a guest appearance. But the Hindi film that I'm excited about is one by Amol Palekar. We've been trying to work out this project for a long time. I hope it finally happens now. He rang me up to say things are finally moving.

What kind of a film is it?

I really don't know if I can talk about it right now. But it's a subject that's really interesting. A very 'Amol Palekar' kind of film. It's a role that excites me immensely. I'll be going into a completely new area of acting.

What happened to Kailash Surendranath's 'Love you Hamesha', the film seems nowhere near release despite the fact that the promos started about a year back?

The film is complete though we have gone through quite a few problems. If it had released when it was supposed to, it would've made for quite an impact. Anyway, I am looking forward to its release because doing it has been a lovely experience.

It's been six years since you launched your career. Do you view acting differently today?

Yes, I no longer try to act. I try to turn into the character that I am portraying. Earlier, I did not have a definition of acting, but now I look at my work objectively and am ready for it. In fact, now, when I get up in the morning, I look forward to shooting while earlier I used to dread it.

You haven't really done any non-mainstream film.

Yes, it's difficult for filmmakers to go beyond my glamorous image. I suppose I'm to blame for this. I never really tried to break the image.

Why do you think you never joined the top league?

Because, bluntly put, I've had more flops than any other actress. It's a miracle I'm still around in spite of not being in a film like 'Dhadkan'. No film has ever been made to project me properly. Had it been done I'd have done full justice to it. But it's okay. I'm happy with what I have. I'll continue to do select roles as in the past. I don't want to do routine roles unless I'm offered a huge amount. That's why I do that one Telugu film a year. It gives me the financial freedom to do whatever I want to in Hindi.

Originally posted by deaf4ever at 27-8-2005 08:58 PM



betul ah.....
ikhlass :pray::pray::pray:

tak 100% tapi ada la sama2 sikit

heheheheehe..terkekek aku d buatnya..kuikuikui



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 4-9-2005 11:13 PM ]

AMITABH PLAYS SALMAN'S FATHER

How was your concert in Durban?

It was amazing! The concert attracted more than 60,000 people. Shah Rukh, Hrithik, Karisma, Kareena, Rani, Shilpa Shetty and Sushmita performed one hit number after the other to Ganesh Hegde's choreography.

Didn't people gather to greet you?

Not at all. That's a wrong idea. Shah Rukh and Hrithik were also major attractions, and so were all the ladies.

What did you perform there?

Shah Rukh and I performed 'Shaaba Shaaba' and two other items. For 'Bole Chudiyan', Shah Rukh and I were joined by Hrithik and Rani.

How do you assess 'Kaante'?

I was a little pessimistic before the film's release as I felt the audience might find 'Kaante' lacking in content. But I'm very happy that something so slickly executed has done well.

Don't you look different in 'Kaante'?

Well, everyone had a different look, not just me. One can look at 'Kaante' as the third film in a trilogy. I played negative roles in 'Aks' and 'Aankhen' too. Of course, in 'Kaante', I'm a little less evil than I was in 'Aankhen'!

What are the other movies in pipeline?

Ravi Chopra's 'Baagbaan' is almost complete. I have already started working for Vikram Bhatt's 'Aitbaar'. Next month, I will start shooting for Govind Nihalani's 'Dev', which co-stars Om Puri, Kareena and, probably, Fardeen Khan.

Is Salman playing your son in 'Baagbaan'?

That's right. I have never had the privilege of working with Salman before although we have done stage shows together and met socially.

Have you any comment on Salman's recent episodes?

Salman is clean and straightforward but, sometimes, people fail to understand him. The fact is that unfortunate incidents can occur in anyone's life.

Amitabh Bachan


Salman Khan


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-1-2006 05:04 PM ]

SUNEIL TO DO ROLES WITH A DIFFERENCE

Suneil Shetty is an action actor and a businessman too. He has turned versatile with his movies like 'Hera Pheri' and 'Kaante'. Through 'Hera Pheri' he has shown that he is capable of doing a comedy too. And his role in 'Kaante' proves that he is a versatile personality. Besides, Suneil is restaurateur, event organizer and entertainer. His gift of a water sports company to Mumbai is another proof of his many-sided character.

How do you assess ' Kaante' as movie?

'Kaante' is a big film - and it has turned out to be a big hit. The film has comes as a respite to distributors as 'Kaante' is one of the few films to have done well in recent times.

Did you enjoy working with a lot of stars? If so what is your comment?

It was awesome working with Amitabh Bachchan. Then, I am friends with Mahesh Manjrekar and consider Sanjay Dutt to be like a brother: I have always admired Lucky Ali's music and I feel that he has composed memorable tracks for' Kaante'.

Do you agree that 2002 was a disaster for Bollywood?

My choice of subjects and banners last year has proved right. With most films bombing at the box-office last year, the few films I did turned out to be hits-and that's not bad. In 2002, I began with a hit through 'Raaz', in which I made a guest appearance. Then, my other releases - '16 December' and 'Awaara Paagal Deewana' - were hits too. 'Karz', which I did with Sunny Deol, did average business. Finally, 'Kaante' is my biggest success of 2002.

How do you compare Bollywood movies with those of Hollywood?

There is no scope for comparision between the two. A Hollywood movie costs around $2 billions. In Bollywood no producer can afford this high budget. However, some of the Bollywood films can compete with Hollywood's as far as the quality of films is concerned.

Why do actors, directors and producers are jittery on the release -eve?

Yes, they are jittery because their fate depends on the success or otherwise of the film.

What do you suggest to producers while making a film?

They should make films and market films professionally.

Which are your forthcoming movies?

'Baaz', co-starring Karisma Kapoor, will hit the silver screen soon. Besides, I am associated with Farah Khan's directorial debut 'Main Hoon Na', Ahmed Khan's film, with Sunny Deol, Sohail Khan and John Abraham, and Yusuf Khan's film with Sunny and Priyanshu Chatterjee.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 12-9-2005 01:01 PM ]

MALLIKA FLATTERS SALMAN

No sooner Mallika Sherawat shot to fame in 'Khwahish' and later in 'Murder' of the Bhatt camp, she starting behaving like a top heroine. However, her last flick 'Kis Kiski Kismat' fell flat at box office even with yesteryears' superstar Dharmendra, and she began offering to do sexier and bolder scenes to the producers and the directors. When she did not get the offers in Bollywood, she moved to Hollywood to work with stunts master actor Jackie Chan, and again thought no end of herself. She is now banking on the Jackie Chan movie, which may take longer to release.

Mallika was found speaking very high of our Sallu Miyan Salman Khan. The reason was simple; she was looking forward to attending Salman's bash. She rang up Salman and got herself invited to it. As soon as she reached there she started kissing Salman on his cheeks. Besides, she told her host that she has been mad after him since her childhood, and dreamt of acting with him one day. Industry circles are waiting for the day when Mallika gets an opportunity to pair with Salman Khan. Is Katrina Kaif listening?

Mallika Sherawat


Salman Khan


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 28-10-2005 10:26 PM ]

WILL NIKHIL ROPE SRK IN HIS NEXT?

Nikhil Advani, the director of 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' starring the Preity Zinta and Shah Rukh Khan pair, has lost his producer-cum- friend Karan Johar soon after this movie. In fact, both Karan Johar and Nikhil Advani have developed sharp differences between them. Now, Nikhil has completed a script and has decided to make this movie under the banner of Boney Kapoor in spite of several producers offering him to finance his next. However, Nikhil is looking for a hero like Shah Rukh Khan though the latter is not ready to agree to act in it, as SRK and Karan Johar are very thick with each other not only as friends but also as partners in the film production.

On the other hand, Nikhil Advani has made up his mind to sign on Shah Rukh only for the lead role. Nikhil is confident that once Shah Rukh reads his film's script, he would certainly accept his offer. So, Nikhil is trying his best to persuade SRK to read the script before saying no to his proposal. Will Nikhil succeed in his plan to rope in Shah Rukh in his next in spite of his quarrel with Shah Rukh's buddy Karan Johar can be anybody's guess!

Nikhil Advani


Shah Rukh Khan


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 28-10-2005 10:27 PM ]

WILL 'DHOOM' LEAD ESHA TOWARDS MARRIAGE?

The tinsel town has its own way of valuing an artiste. Esha Deol has now emerged as the producers and the directors' choice though they had discounted her not in the distant past when some of her films fell flat box office. Her fate changed soon after her excellent performance in 'Dhoom' that has proved a hit. Now, Esha is reported to be acting in about ten films, and those belong to big banners too. However, Esha says that she would act only in those movies that provide suitable opportunity for showing her acting skill. She is fully aware that her demand in films has enormously grown after 'Dhoom'. She will be acting in at least half a dozen movies this year. What has happened with Esha is not new in the film industry. Even Ravena Tandon faced the same fate. She began her career with 'Patthar Ke Phool' followed by half a dozen movies, but all those proved flops at ticket window. However, her 'Mohra' suddenly shot her to fame, and the filmmakers started knocking at her doors with their offers.

Interestingly, Esha's success in 'Dhoom' has been lucky for her personal life too. Her parents have begun looking for a suitable life partner for her. Since she has emerged as an emerging star, she can get a better bridegroom now. However, this has unnerved Esha who has expressed her anger to her mother Hema Malini. Esha has asked her mummy, " Why did you give me beauty tips if you were keen on marrying me so soon. You should have better advised me about kitchen tips."



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 12-9-2005 01:05 PM ]

VIVEK: TSUNAMI HAS CHANGED MY LIFE

Vivek Oberoi has emerged a shining star in Bollywood in a short time as compared to his contemporaries. Besides, he has proved that he a hero in the real life too. He is the first film star to reach the tsunami victims in the south India. He has also adopted a village there. On his return to Mumbai after assessing the sufferings of the victims, Vivek appealed to the people in general and to the film industry in particular, to come forward with economic aid for the rehabilitation of the sufferers. He has said, "I wish people to listen to my appeal and come forward to help the victims." He wants to devote his full time towards the cause of the victims. Incidentally, his much-awaited movie 'Kisna' is going to release very soon. However, Vivek is not bothered about it. He says, "Films are released every Friday. They prove hits or flops. But the need for helping the tsunami victims is more important at present. So, I am concentrating on the relief work. The movie has influenced my life a great deal."

When asked if his colleague Aishwarya Rai would join him in his relief work, Vivek quipped, "She is always ready to help. She is sensitive too. However, it is better that I go alone to help the victims, as many people there do not recognize me personally except those who are college students." Vivek says that the recent tsunami catastrophe has touched his heart and changed his life too. " I cannot say how much but it has surely changed my life."

SALMAN, KATRINA AT MALLAYA'S YATCH PARTY

UB Group Chairman Dr. Vijay Mallaya does everything in style. This time it was the launch of his calendar- Kingfisher 2005. The launch of the calendar was on his yacht, Indian Princess with a foreign crew. Though the yacht was embarked...yet the party at a yacht feeling was very much there. Vijay Mallaya has always had friends in the film industry and therefore Salman Khan launched the calendar. "I know Vijay, and when it was his calendar I was more than willing to come. And also partying at his yacht was another bait. As far as the calendar goes, every year I look forward to it," says Salman.

Accompanying Salman was, of course, girlfriend Katrina Kaif. Another very close friend of Salman, Shilpa Shetty also came to enjoy. "I have my buddies here, so I'll be definitely enjoying the party. And on an afternoon like this I think the spirits are very high for the calendar", says Shilpa.

Other actors present were Fardeen Khan with sister Laila Khan-Rajpal. "We are both enjoying ourselves. It's a good way of catching up with other people and also spend some time with my sister. So, it's a dual enjoyment. Speaking about the calendar "I just love it. It has all the hot women in biknis. What more can I ask for," says Fardeen.

Sohail Khan and Chunkey Pandey were lounging on the deck of the Indian Princess, whereas, Aftaab Shivdasani was busy chatting. "I love this, it's a perfect way of spending an idle afternoon. Good company, launch of a calendar and lots of food and drinks," says Aftaab. The others present were Amrita Arora, Suchitra Pillai, designer Rocky S.

Talking about the calendar now, it was shot in South Africa in 10 days. The theme this time is get one with the wild. It has five models including Pia Trivedi and Yana Gupta who were there in Kingfisher 2004 as well.

We asked Dr. Mallaya, if he has made calendar his business? "Kingfisher calendar is a pure brand exercise. As a brand Kingfisher is about a good lifestyle and therefore a calendar just projects that. This is of course to enhance our business but not a business in its own right," explains Mallaya. Photographer Atul Kasbekar, has shot all the calendars till now, 2005 being the third one.

"Its my pet project of the year. Every year we think of a different theme, this time we shot in African jungles with all the lovely ladies in swimsuits. Kingfisher calendar is a platform for the fashion industry in India," says Kasbekar.

The two-time model for the calendar Pia Trivedi thinks that it is the most elite assignment to do. "Once you are a Kingfisher model, then people take you in a different light. They see you differently. I have been very lucky to do it twice. A lot of work happened after the 2004 calendar, I am hoping the same would happen now." Like all this does, this one was as lavish and extravagant. With all sorts of liquor flowing and food coming from a top restaurant in Mumbai, the people enjoyed themselves thoroughly and throughout the day.

Salman Khan


Katrina Kaif


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 31-8-2006 05:32 PM ]

Hrithik learning marshal arts

Hrithik Roshan is busy these days in learning marshal arts for 'Koi Mil Gaya -II' being produced and directed by his papa. He has grown long hair to look just different from his earlier getup. He is leaving soon for China to learn marshal arts and stunts. According to sources close to the family, after playing the role of a mentally challenged character in 'Koi Mil Gaya', Hrithik shut himself into a room to think about the character and the mannerism for the next version of his movie. He is doing this presumably to be able to do more justice to his character of a mentally challenged youth after he is trained in marshal arts and stunts in China.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 12-9-2005 01:15 PM ]

Dino misses flight, but gets award

Dino Morea also known for his close relations with Bipasha Basu felt unlucky when he missed a flight at the Kolkata airport, but got delighted when he got an award there. The incident is a recent one. Dino had been to Kolkata for a shoot. After completing it he decided to leave for Mumbai. At the Kolkata airport he found out that the flight has been delayed by four hours. So, he preferred to wait at the airport to traveling back to his hotel situated far from the airport. Meanwhile, he got a call from the organizers in the city that an award is waiting for him. Soon they reached the airport and took Dino to the function. As the luck would have it, he got an award. Later, it was revealed that the award was meant for an emerging film star, and the person entitled for it expressed his inability to attend the ceremony and receive it personally. No sooner the organizers came to know that Dino's flight has been delayed, they decided to confer it on him. They brought Dino to the function and gave him the award. Dino need not bother about the award instituted for an emerging actor though!

Bhumika too in sexy role

Bhumika Chawla acted in three movies - 'Tere Naam', 'Run' and 'Dil Ne Jise Aapna Kaha' but didn't fare as well as expected though she got favorable reviews from critics. So, Bhumika has decided to follow in the footsteps of her other colleagues by signing Khalid Mohammad's 'Silsile'. In this movie, Bhumika is playing the role of a sexy girl.

SHILPA HAPPY WITH HER PROGRESS

Shilpa Shetty has been in the news for the wrong reasons in recent times. First she was linked with a cricketer and then she got into a war with the Association of Motion Pictures and Television Program Producers, with both sides blaming each other for unsettled dues. A truce was called only after Shilpa agreed to return the signing amount of Rs.75,000 that she had received from a Bengali film producer. To add to her woes, none of her films has been faring well at the box office. Shilpa had pinned her hopes on 'Badhai Ho Badhai', 'Chor Machaye Shor' and 'Hathyar', but all these films sank without a trace. 'Karz-The Burden Of Truth' and 'Rishtey', her two latest films, are also not doing well. It seems Shilpa will have to wait a little longer to get the elusive "serious" actress tag. Smashits caught up with her recently for a tete-a-tete.

You are all over the place now, aren't you?

I am? There was a time when I didn't have much work. Then 'Dhadkan' happened. It did well, and my career moved forward. My last releases may not have done as well as expected but they were not flops either. I am happy though that my work was appreciated in all these films. I have 'Junoon' and a couple of other films too. I'm satisfied with the way my career is going.

Did you expect your career to swing so positively?

Frankly no. But then I never thought I'd last this long in the industry. I was just 17 when I did 'Baazigar', and for a kid who hadn't quite completed her studies, to be earning so much and to be recognized was a great high. Then I did 'Main Khiladi Tu Anari' and next came 'Dhadkan'.

Is the film with Salman Khan complete?

Not yet. It was titled 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' earlier but now it's called 'Dil Churake Chal Diye'. This young director, Adhiyaman, is making it.

Post-'Dhadkan', has there been an attitude change towards you?

Yes, and it's a very positive change. I've always been stamped a 'glamour girl'. Now, suddenly, I have a whole lot of women talking to me, writing to me. 'Dhadkan' has fulfilled my ambition of showcasing my histrionics instead of just looking glamorous. It's got me some very good offers. I'm doing some great films now.

But the perception that the heroine is less important than the hero persists. Isn't it?

Yes, that's true. And filmmakers have a 'take it or leave it' attitude about it. But I don't care. I'm really not here for the moolah. I love the adulation, the recognition, and I think for a 25-year-old I've done pretty well.

What do awards mean to you, do you crave to get one?

For me, public appreciation is more important than any award. Even a kind word in a review makes me feel good but I don't crave for awards, which in the present Indian scenario, I consider useless. Even after doing 'Dhadkan', which had such a heroine-oriented script, I didn't win any award. But I don't complain. I did feel bad when Mamta Kulkarni edged me out in the race for the best debut award in 1993, but in hindsight I've no regrets.

What does stardom mean to you today?

A lot less privacy, more pressure, more responsibility towards the audiences and more social awareness, and celebrity status, of course.

What do you see as your contribution in this changeover?

I don't want to stagnate but I wasn't given an option earlier. Today, I feel charged, as if I can keep going and moving forward. That's how much one good role motivates you.

What happens to your glamorous image?

I got saddled with the image. But honestly, I take it as a compliment. I only wish people didn't see glamour and talent as mutually exclusive. Their attitude is 'she looks glamorous, but can she act?' This is something you have to tackle. But you have to get roles to prove it.

Rumor has it that you are doing as much as you can before you tie the knot?

How bizarre! I can't see myself getting married at least for the next four to five years. In fact, I've just signed two new films. The first one is called 'Laal Batti' and will be directed by Aruna Raje, one of my favorite women directors. Apart from that I have also been signed for a big budget international project. This film will be in Hindi and will be directed by the London-based Mahmud Sipra.

So you are pretty pleased with the way your career is shaping up?

Very much if you spoke about me sometime ago. I was almost a has-been. I was literally out of the news for quite sometime. I think God is doing what's best for me. I can't ask for anything better.

Now that your sister Shamita is also in the running as an actress, does it mean competition in the family?

No way. You don't see your own sister as competitor. We've always been friends and I'll be very happy if she does better than me. In fact, I'm sure she will. She's a highly intelligent girl.

SUNEIL SHETTY HAS PLANS FOR HIMSELF AND MUMBAI

A restaurateur, couturier, event organiser and partner in an entertainment company. But Suneil Shetty says he would want to be known as the man who gave water sports an impetus in Mumbai. He wants to put the city on the world map through his water sports company, H20. He wants to tell people how beautiful and safe the bay is. "If we genuinely take care of Mumbai, it will become the world's most beautiful island. I want to be known as someone who tried to make this happen." He told Smashits recently

What is the real Suneil Shetty like?

I am a father first, an actor second and a businessman third.

What is it like having 'Karz-The Burden Of Truth' and 'Kaante' release within a matter of couple of weeks?

I'm happy, because both are good films, big films that are the need of the day. If they score at the box office it will be a fantastic end to a year that began well with 'Aawara Pagal Deewana'. My only fear is that the audience might get distributed. A gap of one week is not ideal for an actor.

Do you still get the jitters before a release?

Of course, I do. The fate of so many of my producers depends on the fate of a film. If it does well it can get them better deals.

This has been a year of few hits and plenty of flops. As a business, what would be your strategy today if you were producing a film?

I'd opt for a multi-star film, a huge cast of saleable names as well as a sensible director. A film that is larger than life. And spend a lot of time on pre and post-production. We should learn a lesson or two from iDreams, who have been making films professionally and marketing them so well. Building awareness slowly but surely. To survive the onslaught of English films, television and the Internet, we have to work to a deadline, release our films in the first year of their production.

Would you sell the film to a TV channel a few months after its release?

What's the harm if I do? Zee's 'Thursday Premiere' has opened new avenues of business for producers. Before blaming the producers, we should first do something about the cable theatres and the pirated DVDs that are flourishing and eating into their profits. Besides, you wouldn't want to watch a 'Devdas' on the small screen, would you? If you make a film like 'Devdas' or 'Kaante' people will be drawn to the theatres, definitely.

A lot of the industry's hopes are tied up with 'Kaante'. Does it really compare with a Hollywood production?

How can you compare our films with Hollywood's? Do we have their $2 billion budgets? They spend more on marketing their film than we do on the entire production. Nor can we compete with their professionalism. But despite these constraints, some producers come up with quality films that are a match for Hollywood productions.

What was the experience like working with Hollywood technicians on an Indian film 'Kaante'?

They were so organized that at times it seemed unreal. My driver knew what time I had to be at the studio, who were the stars working with me that day, what scenes we were shooting. We had a complete storyboard in front of us that made it possible to visualize the whole film before it was even shot. The hustle-bustle that you see in the studios here was missing in LA. There was pin-drop silence on the sets, with technicians murmuring into their walkie-talkies. We actors weren't expected to go in front of the camera till the final take, when, all rehearsed, we'd step into the place of our exact body doubles. I remember while I was dubbing for 'Kaante' I met this guy who was going on the floor with his film soon. I asked him how far he had reached and he surprised me by saying that 99 per cent of his film was complete. "Without a single shot being taken?" I asked incredulously. "Shooting's just a formality. Once you're through with the script your job is done. The remaining one per cent is spent on post production." Working in Hollywood sure has been an illuminating experience. But despite their technical expertise and professionalism, I'd still say that where talent and knowledge of general filmmaking goes, we Indians are far ahead of the Americans.

Can 'Kaante' be the crossover film we've been waiting for so eagerly?

It can. In fact, as far as the marketing goes, Raju Patel, one of the producers of the film, has already opened a lot of new territories and avenues abroad. And where the film is concerned, you'll see a lot of scenes and SFX that you've never seen in a Hindi film before.

What are your plans for the future?

I am making a few films in association with Raveena Tandon's production company Reel Life Entertainment but gradually Popcorn Entertainment will start making films on its own. I shall be acting for four to five years more.

RANI CLAIMS 'SAATHIYA' IS DIFFERENT FROM TAMIL ORIGINAL

Rani, daughter of Ram and Krishna Mukerjee, came into the industry known as Kajol's second cousin. Her debut film, 'Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat', showed her as a promising actress. Then followed Mukesh Bhatt's 'Ghulam' as also the Filmfare Award for the Best Newcomer. For reasons well known to the Bhatts, they dubbed this dusky girl's husky voice. The 'Aati Kya Khandala' song from the film propelled her from Khandala to the Alps, and her next film, 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', was a blockbuster. Since then there has been no looking back for Rani though she has had her share of films that have bombed. She has been noted for her performances in films like 'Mehndi', 'Hey Ram', 'Nayak', and 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'.

Recently, it may be recalled, Rani replaced Aishwarya Rai in Shah Rukh Khan's home production tentatively titled 'Miss World'. She has three films up for release-'Saathiya', 'Chori Chori' and 'Chalo Ishq Ladayein'. The first of these to release will be 'Saathiya', a remake of the Tamil hit 'Alai Payuthey', on December 20. Smashits caught up with this busy actress recently.

Tell us about 'Saathiya'. What is the film about?

It is a love story of two common people in a huge city. Love can happen to a simple boy and girl leading a busy life. That is the crux of the story. I play a medical student called Suhani who doesn't believe in love and thinks that it is a waste of time. But then, even she falls in love. The film is about what love means before and after marriage. There are a lot of youngsters who fall in love and get married at an early age without realizing what the implications of marriage are.

It sounds as if the film is from the Hrishikesh Mukherjee school of filmmaking.

If it does and looks like films made by Hrishida, it is certainly a compliment to Shaad. He has worked hard on the film to give it that simplicity. Agreed, that Mani Rathnam has done the story and the screenplay, but Shaad's work is commendable.

Wouldn't comparisons with 'Alai Payuthey' be inevitable?

It may be so. But this is a different film with different artistes. The flavor of 'Saathiya' is different from that of 'Alai Payuthey'. It is not a frame-to-frame copy of 'Alai Payuthey'. What Shaad has done is that he has just picked up the main thought and plot, but as far as narration goes, he has interpreted it in his own way. When you see the film you will realize that it has its own feel.

In the film, you are often shown traveling in trains and buses. How often have you done that in real life?

I used to study at SNDT College, Juhu and had a pocket allowance of Rs.50 a month. Whatever I had to do was within that amount. I could go by autorickshaw sometimes, but then, I had to travel by bus most of the times. None of my friends had cars. So when I was shooting the train and bus sequences for 'Saathiya', it brought back memories of college days.

You are starting Odissi performances soon?

I have been into Odissi for over a decade now. It started around the time I was in standard X. I started dancing with Meenakshi Seshadri. My guru, Pandit Ravindra Attibuthi, has also taught Meenakshi and Hema Malini. I did a show at Mathura in September. Now, after I am through shooting for Shah Rukh Khan's 'Chalte Chalte', I will take up dancing again. Hopefully, I will have a show in Mumbai.

PREITY ZINTA ON CLOUD NINE

Preity Zinta is now on cloud nine, especially after her performance in 'Veer Zaara', which has hit at the box office. Though she is very choosy about films, yet she has a number of offers on hand. Yash Raj production has already signed her opposite Saif Ali Khan for its forthcoming untitled movie. The upcoming director Sidharth will direct it. Soon after her return from Colombo where she had a narrow escape during the Shah Rukh Khan's troope program, Sidharth narrated the script of his next movie to her. She took no time and agreed to do it. Besides, she is very confident that the Yash Raj movie would take her to the top of Bollywood. Moreover, Preity is also doing Karan Johar's movie opposite super star Shah Rukh Khan. Apart from this, she has already completed shooting of an ad film.

Preity has not forgotten the Colombo mishap when she says she was just five feet away from the tragic place. Priyanka Chopra and Celina Jaitley had just entered her makeup room when the explosion took place. She saw a man blown away in the wind. Then she realized the extent of the tragic explosion, killing and injuring many around the stage. She had a sigh of relief that all members of her trope were safe and sound. However, she still remembers the shock she had when the mishap took place.