Karan Johar joins hands with UTV

Surprising many within the industry, director Karan Johar has decided to go ahead with the distribution of his next two movies with UTV Motion Pictures. This deal will give Ronnie Screwvala and his company exclusive worldwide distribution rights for Karan's next two productions.

WHY this has surprised many is because till date Karan has either distributed films himself or gone with Yash Raj Films for the distribution of his films. But this deal with UTV gives the latter theatrical, home video, overseas and satellite distribution rights.

And while the two films - Wake Up Sid and Rensil D’silva’s untitled film – have been handed to UTV for release, interestingly Karan’s own directorial venture My Name is Khan still remains with Johar and Dharma Productions.

Speaking about the deal, Karan says that the deal is a natural choice for him. His (Ronnie Screwvala) passion and sensibility towards understanding a cinema is exceptional and I’m looking forward to working with UTV Motion Pictures,” says Karan, “I’ve known and been in touch with Ronnie for a long time now and I am glad that finally we are getting a chance to work together.”

Wake Up Sid is directed by Ayaan Mukerji and stars Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma. Rensil D’silva’s film stars Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi.

UTV on the other hand is in desperate need of a hit film. While their small budget independent films under their Spotboy Entertainment banner have done reasonably well, barring Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion – which they co-produced – UTV has found it tough to make money at the box office. And therefore it makes business sense for Ronnie to sign up with someone like Karan Johar who is known to rake in the big bucks internationally as well.

“Karan has a brilliant slate of films to his credit. He brings a tremendous entertainment quotient to his films coupled with immense understanding of the pulse of the audience. His films are the most awaited amongst audiences across the country. We are thrilled to start what we hope is the beginning of a long relationship with Dharma Productions,” said UTV CEO Ronnie Screwvala on the deal.

Industry insiders are also saying that things are not very good between Yash Raj Films and Shah Rukh Khan. And it is this crack in the infamous SRK-YRF friendship along with rising budgets of Karan’s films that has resulted in Karan walking in the other direction.
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What's happening in tinseltown

Sonam Kapoor graces yet another cover, Karan Johar’s new partnership with UTV and Adnan Sami bonds with his family.

White Beauty

Sonam Kapoor looks like a goddess on the latest cover of ELLE. Her gown swirls like a flower as her hair blows in the wind. Beautiful!

Family Time

Adnan Sami’s son Azaan came down from Lahore to meet his ailing grandfather in Mumbai. Adnan is seen here with his son and parents.

New Partnership

Dharma Productions’ films will now be distributed by UTV. Karan Johar, flaunting his trademark smirk is seen here with Ronnie Screwvala.

No Glamour Here

The music launch of Sikandar by Sudhir Mishra was a quiet affair as the star cast was not present.

Musical Collaboration

World renowned pianist Lang Lang who is also the brand ambassador for Audi is in India to collaborate with music maestro Zubin Mehta at a charity concert.

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Amrita’s Mexican honeymoon plans cancelled

Newlyweds Amrita and Shakeel Ladhak were to head to Mexico for their honeymoon on March 14.

But an all out war between the powerful Mexican drug cartels and the government has put paid to those plans.

Says Amrita’s friend, “Amu and Shakeel had planned a 15-day honeymoon.

They were to leave on March 14, go to New York and head to Mexico from there.

However, due to escalating drug violence in the last week, their plans stand cancelled.

Amrita has been to most European cities, so she wanted to either go to Mexico or Hawaii, places she's never been to before.”

The plans have now been adjusted so that the two will head for Hawaii from New York.

The original plans had included staying at a traditional Mexican ranch, horse riding, trekking and enjoying spicy Mexican cuisine.

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Sanjay Dutt ready to leave Mumbai!

Sanjay Dutt is taking politics very seriously.

He is temporarily planning to move from Mumbai to Lucknow.

He clearly knows that politics is a full time occupation and a house in Lucknow would make it easier for him to campaign for the elections.

He has, in fact, narrowed down on two properties in the centre of the city with full modern facilities. He’s now waiting for Manyata to agree.

Apparently, she wants to move into some purani haveli instead of a big house.

We know by now that lady Dutt’s decision will be final!

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No questions about Rani please, says Pamela Chopra

Pamela Chopra was recently invited to Hyderabad for a seminar. The organisers wanted her to interact with the panel. She agreed to do so but on one condition.

She told the panel clearly that they could not ask her a single question about Rani Mukherji, or even mention her name!

Is this the Chopra family’s way of saying Rani is out of their lives? We have to wait and see..

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Farhan grills Abhishek

Abhishek Bachchan will be on the hot seat on Oye! It’s Friday! The chat with Farhan Akhtar will feature stories about growing up, the stars they know, their families and, of course, some sizzling gossip.

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Salman Khan turns down a Sooraj Barjatya film

Salman Khan and Sooraj Barjatya together have created the now famous character of Prem in films like Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun.

Sooraj’s last hit film Vivaah starred Shahid Kapur.
But this time round he approached Salman with the script for his next film – a sweet family drama in typical Rajshri style.

Salman sat through the story session, but felt that the lead of the film had to be someone younger and that he was not meant for the role.

However, Sooraj told him that he wanted Salman to do one of the support roles.

A source says, “Salman was not impressed with the role offered to him and said no straight off.

He also told Sooraj that come what may in his career, he would never do silly character roles. He feels that if he did so, he would be betraying his fans as they still want him to do the main leads.”

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Bebo moves into cricket!

She has been wanting to enter the IPL for long time, especially since Preity Zinta’s so much involved.

Now after Shilpa Shetty plunged into cricket taking over last year’s winning team, Kareena does not want to be left behind.

She wanted to buy a team last year itself, but beau Saif did not want to invest, preferring to put his money into production projects.

But now Kareena’s moving forward.

She has been arranging meetings with businessmen to buy a team of her choice. And this time she is not depending on Saif.

She is planning to invest her own money to buy the team and become an active member.

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