Pack Up time for 30+ lot of hotties

How many of us remember the memorable songs from “Kuchh Kuchh Hota hai”? Rani Mukherjee prancing around in short skirts and trendy bags..with moves ala Zeenat Aman. She had arrived. Guys wanted her, girls wanted to be like her. Just around the corner was a cute, effervescent girl…with a dimpled smile..no prizes for guessing that one. It was Preity Zinta. Whether it was her charm in Kal Ho Na Ho or her portrayal of a neurotic girl in Armaan, she charmed the hearts of millions of Indians…that alas was many moons ago. Cut to circa 2008 – 09. Enter Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif. These girls have taken the country and the film industry by storm. While Priyanka is everyone’s favourite “Desi Girl” Sonam has become the new “Masakalli” of the Indian junta. Katrina has not only managed to become the “it” girl with the filmwallas but also rules in the brand endorsement market. Every brand wants her pretty face to say how good their products are. Om Shanti Om capitulated Deepika into the superstar status overnight. It’s a dream for any new girl to be launched by with SRK and this girl lived to tell the tale. Good films fell into her kitty more easily than for anyone else. From a Yashraj banner to an Imtiaz Ali film, it’s been a dream-like ride for a girl who till very recently was walking the ramps in fashion week as one of the many models. Which brings us to think…what happened to the likes of Rani, Preity n company? Perhaps this question is best answered by taking a look at the market dynamics of the Film industry. Any industry is a reflection of the times we live in and the film industry is no different. Today’s mantra is “what’s next”. With more than 50 % of our population being under 30, we are catering to an essentially restless, fast paced creature whose tastes are young and changing at a rapid pace. This explains the reason why turnaround time for our leading ladies is becoming shorter with each passing decade. I wont even go to explaining the reasons why of Madhubala, Nargis and the likes ruled the industry for as long as they did because that’s like a whole generation away. Let’s look at starting from the 80s, actresses like Hema Malini and Dimple Kapadia ruled the roost for many many years. In spite of being married with kids they managed to be at top for over a decade, getting plum roles and more plum pay packets. They were followed by Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla, who for the longest time were the queen bees. They faded away much later than today’s leading ladies. In today’s times, you’re lucky if people want you 5 years hence. One of the most important reasons from the film industry’s perspective is that a film will almost never get sold on the basis of an actress. Sad but true. A film till today is essentially a “hero” driven vehicle, though there have been exceptions to this rule like a “Black” but that’s what they remain, an exception. Junta still wants to see a Shah Rukh Khan or an Aamir Khan film. I have my doubts if they will ever see a film which will have a Deepika starring with a “nobody”. I highly doubt it. With the scheme of things in the industry, an actress is the most easily replaceable. Actors are the one’s who will always be finalised first and then the actresses and if a scenario happens where one is not available, the other one can fit her shoes just as easily. It’s ironic because on one hand we have a young population who is fairly well versed with Hollywood where actresses are almost equals to their male counterparts. They have roles written for them like a Lara Croft which goes on to become huge blockbusters but the story back home is yet to change. We are yet to see a desi version of Lara Croft or even something like The Reader. The main reason being that films with powerful female leads with “not-so-big” male actors just haven’t found acceptance with the Indian audiences and therefore it’s extremely difficult to sell such a film. We still want to see our heroes, fighting, emoting and dancing with the pretty ones but I don’t if they will accept things the other way round. With multiple options being the mantra of the day, its no surprise that there are so many actresses in the marquee and they keep changing before you blink an eyelid. Well, all I can say is “make hay while the sun shine” ladies because you never know when the sun goes down on you.

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Saif Ali Khan: I have a lot of love in my life

Saif Ali Khan is easily one of the most charming and intelligent actors of our times. He is also very polite as he patiently answers all the questions you put forth.

We spoke to the good-looking and well-spoken producer and actor of the highly anticipated Love Aaj Kal, talks about his first baby, chemistry with co-star Deepika Padukone and the meaning of love, working with Imtiaz Ali, playing a sardar, among many other things.

How difficult was the job of producing a film?
It is difficult because you are never a 100% satisfied. You always want to make a few changes. If you want a glass of water, someone has to get it. That way, every detail has to be organized. I have had a fantastic team. My partner Dinesh Vijan has been amazing. I didn’t shoulder the responsibility of everything. Imtiaz Ali told me at the beginning of the film that he wanted me to be only an actor and not look into the nitty-gritties of production. I have been involved creatively, in terms of promos and posters as I am most interested in that. Dinesh has handled the other aspects.

This is your first baby as a producer. How do you feel?
I think when a film releases, you are always nervous. As a producer, you feel different because it is your product. Everything you have designed is a result of your decision, so that is frightening and exciting at the same time. I am feeling very positive though.

A lot of your colleagues are well-established producers. Have you sought or do you plan to seek advice from them?
I think I have been fortunate enough to work with big banners and my successful films have been with big banners. I think more than the banner and the director, success also has to do with the star cast. We always learn from people around us. I have friends in the industry: not just colleagues who are producers but also producers who are my friends. Farhan Akhtar and Karan Johar would be more than happy to help me. I haven’t called anyone to ask for help as yet. We tried our best with the team we had. We have managed to make a film somehow and it has been a learning process.

Why did it take you so long to turn producer?
My interest isn't in production. After working for eighteen years, one feels it would be nice to own a little bit of what you are working for, to be a little more involved creatively and work a little more for yourself. It is okay to have opinions as actors. Everyone has feelings and opinions for their films but when your own money is involved, those inputs mean something else. That level of involvement in the business that has given me so much is something I wanted to try. Also, right now the market is very different. I was not ready earlier, today I feel ready. Now, we have so many studios and very few independent producers. I want to be an independent producer.

You have worked with many producers. Have you learnt any do's or don'ts from them?
I thought that the food should be good and people should get paid on time. (Laughs)

Your son Ibrahim had a cameo in Tashan. Now that you are a producer, will he be part of your films?
He is still depressed that Tashan flopped at the box office. (Laughs)

Why did you decide to work with Imtiaz Ali?
One always gets a vibe when you hear a script and meet somebody. A great actor once said that the clever thing an actor does is not acting but the listening and choosing of the right script in the drawing room. I loved the script when Imtiaz Ali narrated it to me and that is how we began working together.

The story of the films looks like it is based in two different eras: the present era and the 60's. So does it show how love has changed over time?
It is very difficult to compare love stories because the experience of love is the same. A lot of cinematic and real life love stories have certain obstacles that can change. In today’s times, it is career, distance, etc but in our parents time it was something else. So the process of falling in love can change with the times but the feeling is the same. That is what the film is about. The 60's portion is a part of the story. It isn’t really a comparison. It isn’t a double role as such.
The story is primarily about a guy called Jai who doesn’t believe in love. He thinks Romeo and Juliet, Heer-Ranjha are romantic stories that have ruined our lives because they tell people how love should be. He feels people should be more practical in today’s times. If you are working in India and your girl is in India, they should break up and just be friends and not have a relationship. He wants to follow his head, not heart and see what happens in life. He comes across a person who tells him a love story that has an impact on him. The story seems confusing but isn’t when you see the film.

Are you practical or a romantic? What does love mean to you?
I think I am a mixture of all these things. I am not lovey-dovey to the point of only doing that. I am practical also. I take a lot of decisions from my heart.
I think everyone has the same definition of love. I have a lot of love in my life and it feels nice.

How has your perception of love changed as you have grown older?
First of all, I am not that old. The feeling is the same. I could write a small book on that. You live, learn and grow as every decade passes. I think the expression changes in some ways. The essence of love is to feel good and happy.

What do you think of your pairing with Deepika?
I think Deepika and I look very nice and refreshing together. She is a new face and we haven’t worked together before. She has a very Indian, grounded and mature quality. Her personality grounds my personality on screen, like Rani Mukerji did in Hum Tum, Ta Ra Rum Pum and Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. I have a more western appeal and Deepika is earthy and Indian. That mixture translates into an interesting chemistry on screen.

Was it difficult to play a sardar?
It wasn’t difficult but it also carried a certain amount of responsibility. We met members of Sikh organizations and they were all very happy. Dolly aunty has done my Sardar clothes. The sardars were proud of the honourable representation that the character has been given. I worked on my accent too. My character speaks Punjabi. It is all genuine: the hair, the turban and the clothes.

How did you’ll decide on the title?
Imtiaz Ali came up with it. It is a love story about the difference between people in love today and people in love in earlier times. It means love, these days and also means love, today and yesterday.

Why aren’t you promoting the film at IIFA?
IIFA is a great platform as long as it suits everybody. The main performance slot is the opening slot and the last performance slot and they have already been booked. The Bachchans are doing the finale. We didn’t want to dissolve our film in the middle slots. We are tied up with T20 and have to be at Lords in London in a couple of days to promote the film.

Are there any intimate scenes in the movie? What does Kareena think about the film?
Intimate scenes need to be handled with a little care, whether it is seeing one or doing one because they make Indian family audiences uncomfortable.
Kareena has seen the film and she liked it.

Why did you choose to call your production house Illuminati Films?
I have been fascinated with secret societies since I was a boy. I knew of the Illuminati before Angels and Demons, the book came out which made it famous. I was going to call it Lucifer Productions, which means ‘giver of life’ but we chose Illuminati. It means enlightened.

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"Don 2 is being written by three Don fans and not my father" - Farhan Akhtar

Known to be utterly gregarious and accessible, Farhan has suddenly withdrawn into a shell. Before well-wishers could presume the worst, the truth has come out in the open.

His current acting assignment, Kartik Versus Kartik with Deepika Padukone which is almost done provoked these withdrawal symptoms.

Since the part requires him to be a lonely brooder, Farhan has lately switched off his phone and become almost inaccessible to the world outside. "It was the nature of the character I was playing. He's a guy lost in his world. So I was making an effort to isolate myself," he says.

Friends found Farhan's behaviour strange since usually he is so reachable and gregarious. "Lately I've just been switching off from the world for the sake of my character. If you want to call it method acting, so be it," says Farhan.

Farhan won't be cast in Abhishek Kapoor's second film, though it's being produced by Farhan's company. "Gattu has very specific ideas on whom he wants to cast. If he thinks I don't fit any part that's fine. I'm just happy producing his film."

Now Farhan prepares to shoot for Don 2. His father Javed Akhtar will not be a part of the sequel to Don. The first part of the film had been written by Javed saab. Don 2 has a different team of writers which includes Farhan.

"The first film was my father's vision. He had written the original Don featuring Mr. Bachchan. But Don 2 is being written by fans only. These are yours truly and two new enthusiastic boys Ameet and Amreesh who came to me with their ideas on how the story can be carried forward. I've thrown my ideas at them. Don 2 is basically being written by three Don fans who are having a ball carrying the story forward.

About the exclusion of his father Farhan explains, "He cannot be a fan of Don because he conceived it."

Farhan's heart is set on his pet project Voice From The Sky which got stalled by casting setbacks. "It's strange. No matter who it is and no matter how big or small the director, everyone of us is facing casting problems. Finding the right actors has become a major problem. Voice From The Sky did get delayed because I couldn't find the right actor. But I know I'll come back to it. And one day when you see it, you'll realize why I had to make this film."

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In Pics: Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone Unveil the First look of Love Aaj Kal

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Katrina’s got a partner!

Sometime back, Katrina Kaif was said to have been searching for a partner to appear on Salman Khan’s TV game show “10 Ka Dum”.

Katrina and Salman are said to be left with few friends in the industry, which made it difficult for Kat to find a partner. But now the search is over.

Her “New York” co-star Neil Nitin Mukesh finally agreed to be on show with Katrina. Together they will promote “New York’ on the show.

John Abraham, who also features in the film, was absent from the show’s shooting which took place earlier this week.

According to sources, John too was invited on the show but he chose to remain absent – one reason could be that he was nursing his fractured foot and hence could not come for the shoot; second could be that after his alleged link-up with Sallu’s girlfriend, he did not want to face Salman and his personal sarcastic questions, and that too in front of Katrina.

Meanwhile, those present during the shoot say Katrina was in a light-hearted mood and seemed relaxed on the show. Even Neil seemed to have enjoyed his first appearance on a television reality show.

We are eagerly looking forward to this episode of “10 Ka Dum”.

Last season, when Katrina appeared on this show, Salman was openly affectionate and indulgent. But a lot seems to have happened in their lives since then so it will be interesting to see if their relationship has been affected by these developments or not.

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Hrithik Roshan is working on a new look for Welcome To The Jungle

Hrithik Roshan will be seen in a brand new avatar for Sanjay Khan's production Welcome To The Jungle.

The film is an adventure tale set in the jungle and will have Hrithik and Zayed in the lead roles. As per sources, Hrithik plays the role of a wildlife explorer and will be seen wearing khaki shorts throughout the film. Sanober Kabir's brother Farukh will direct the project.

The film will be shot extensively in the jungles and will also have the requisite special effects. The source reveals "Hrithik won't be seen wearing designer clothes in the film and his image will cater to his younger audience especially kids."

It is believed that before the shooting commences, Hrithik will cut his hair, which he had grown long for Kites and will also work out on his lower body.

"Since he's wearing shorts, Hrithik will be exposing his legs for most of the movie. Hence, he plans to give more stress on bulking up his legs and doing exercises that will make them bigger."

The actor's character will also be quite comical and Sanjay Khan is taking a personal interest in the script. "They plan to start shooting by this year-end."

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Katz to auction her stuff for charity

If you have always admired Katrina Kaif’s costumes and accessories, here’s your chance to own them.

The actress, who is supporting her mother Susanna’s orphanage, Mercy Home in Chennai, will be auctioning some of her film costumes and accessories as well as her personal belongings to set up a prenatal care centre.

A source said, “Katrina is planning to put some of her costumes and accessories up for grabs for the highest bidder. The proceeds of this auction will be used at the orphanage. This cause is very close to Katrina’s heart. The auction is scheduled to happen very soon.”

Katrina confirmed the news and said, “Yes, I will be helping my mother to raise a fund of Rs 50 lakh, which is the amount required.”

Considering that Katrina can easily donate the s a i d amount, why did s h e c h o o s e to auction her bel o n g i n g s ? “Because it will create awareness and motivate people to come forward, which will further help the cause,” said Katrina.

Katrina’s mother, who is associated with the social organisation Hope Reach, is also fighting against female foeticide.

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Kiss-viss pyaar vyaar

The latest promo of Love Aaj Kal has just hit the net. It looks refreshing, but what we couldn't stop but notice is how both Saif and Kareena have pecked their co-stars on the lips in their respective films.

While Akshay plants one on Bebo in Kambakkht Ishq, Saif too isn't far behind. He's seen giving Deepika a peck on her lips in Love Aaj Kal. Is this a case of if-you-can-do-it-so-can-I syndrome?

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