Deepika understands Saif

Deepika Padukone is a girl in love and she can understand her Love Aaj Kal co-star Saif Ali Khan’s predicament.She knows that when Saif constantly talks of wanting Kareena Kapoor by his side (in real or reel) he is only doing so because “he is a man in love.’’For a 20-something, Deepika has her head firmly screwed onto her shoulders. And she can handle most situations life dishes out to nubile actresses her age with a maturity that is far beyond her years. “Listen,’’ she says, “when Saif talks of wanting Kareena as a co-star all the time, I know where it is coming from. I spoke to him about it; and I know what he actually means is — like all couples in love — Kareena and he wish to spend maximum time with each other. It would be a similar thing for Ranbir Kapoor and me. However, the two of us don’t push for each other professionally. If a filmmaker wishes to cast us together, we’d be happy to consider it. But otherwise, we keep our personal and professional lives completely apart.’’Deepika, however, confesses that she is extremely nervous about her next film. “I was just as nervous before Om Shanti Om. There are butterflies in my stomach again,’’ says the gorgeous girl, who is making waves internationally as well.Recent media reports had Fast & Furious director Rob Cohen praising Deepika’s beauty and talent. A gaga Cohen had said, “Deepika is even more beautiful than Angelina Jolie.’’ Omigawd! What do we have here? A besotted director?She laughs and says, “It is sweet of him to say this. I was introduced to Cohen at the screening of Chandni Chowk to China in Los Angeles five months ago. And I’m totally unprepared for the praise he has lavished on me.’’
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Aamir's wife Kiran Rao is pregnant

Aamir Khan is going to be third time lucky. We hear that the perfectionist star's wife is three months pregnant. Kiran was recently admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai for fever, where it was discovered. Sources at the hospital, where she is consulting a doctor for her pregnancy, reveal that Rao was admitted on May 31 for fever. "She was admitted to the fourth floor of the old hospital building. She was in the hospital for a week, " said a source, on the condition of anonymity. "During the hospitalisation, Aamir would visit her everyday. He used to come in late at night, after 9pm. It was obvious that he did not want any attention. During the week-long hospitalisation, the cause for fever could not be diagnosed, but it was treated. At the time of discharge, the pregnancy was normal and there was no reason to worry," he added. Aamir was earlier married to Reena Dutta and has two children with her Junaid 16 and Ira 11. He married Kiran on December 28, 2005, after he divorced Dutta in December 2002, after 15 years of marriage.

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Freida Pinto admits relationship with Dev Patel

Slumdog Millionaire actress Freida Pinto has come out and spoken for the first time about her friendship with co-star Dev Patel saying it has become stronger. The pair have been seen cuddling up in Israel and were also spotted shopping for a ring in London since the Oscar-winning film was released. Freida, 24, has now called 19-year-old Dev “a lovely boy”. "The friendship blossomed after the film, it got even stronger. This is all new to us," she added.

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Deepika and I are very different types: Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan is just five minutes away before he addresses the Indian media on his maiden venture into production for his film Love Aaj Kal in which he stars opposite the beautiful leggy Deepika Padukone. But inside the PVR theatre, the room temperature is high and our mind is on overdrive. He has it all. A successful career and a blissful relationship with Kareena Kapoor. Media keeps waiting for more than an hour but they don't complaint because the man in question is a 'nawab'. In fact, there is a 99% possibility that he can be declared as the sexiest man alive in Bollywood. So there he was; he walks up to the stage with an English walk, wearing the summer cliché white shirt and blue denims. His brown boots, brown sun-glasses and belt make him the ultimate spaghetti western and a true style icon of Hindi cinema. For the genial Indian actor, there is more than usual at stake because Love Aaj Kal is too personal for him. Not only is Saif inspired by his idol Clint Eastwood, he also recalls what the American actor once said, "The worst step I can ever take is to get into production. So I've named my company 'Malpaso' which means a bad step". Khan quotes, "I think that was very brave and bold." Devansh Patel meets the desi cowboy in videsi style to talk all about Love Aaj Kal, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, Imtiaz Ali, his take on life, career and how to play it safe in love. Over to Saif in Love! As a debutant producer "You are never hundred percent satisfied as a producer. Every detail has to be organized. Even if you want a glass of water, it has to be organized. We've learnt a lot of things into our maiden venture and my dear friend and partner Mr. Dinesh Vijan has been a great support. Our entire team of Illuminati is fantastic. But it was Imtiaz Ali who told me that he wanted me to only be an actor as he didn't like me to handle the production problems. Yes, creatively, in terms of promos, posters, etc I've been actively involved with. Being a producer is sometimes frightening but it's also exciting. I'm in a positive frame of mind with Love Aaj Kal." Advice from Karan Johar, Farhan Akhtar I've been fortunate enough to work in a few very good productions. My only success in cinema came from working with big banners like Yash Raj, Excel Entertainment, Dharma Productions, etc. I'm fortunate enough to have friends in the industry who're producers too. Karan Johar and Farhan Akhtar would be happy to advice me on the finer tips about production if ever I asked them for one. I haven't called anyone to ask for help. I'm not saying that I know everything about production but I believe that everything is a learning process and somehow we've managed to make our first film." Getting into Production "My interest really is not so much in production. But after working for eighteen years you feel that it'll be nice to own a little bit of what you're working for and work a little bit more for yourself and be creatively involved. When your own money is involved, the inputs from friends, colleagues mean something else. So I wanted to learn that level of involvement and business that has given me so much. Today, I do feel more ready as a producer, an independent one because there aren't any independent producers left. All have turned into one big production house." The mystery woman "There isn't any mystery surrounding the second actress in Love Aaj Kal. Her name is Harleen. She isn't here as a part of the promotion for the film because we felt that the main focus of the movie is Deepika and myself in terms of characters. Harleen isn't someone whom we've kept deliberately away from you. She is very good in the film." Imtiaz Ali "When you hear a script and hear a vibe from somebody, it works for me. A famous actor once said, 'The clever thing an actor does is not acting, it's the listening he does'. I'm a good listener. So when Imtiaz narrated me the script, I decided that we should go ahead with the film." Love 1965 to 2009 "I think the experience of love is the same. A lot of cinematic and real life love stories have certain obstacles. In today's time it could be career, distance, etc. The process of falling in love may be different in two different eras but the feeling is the same. That is pretty much what Love Aaj Kal is about. There is a 1965 love kal and 2009 love aaj. So there is a story within the story and it's not really a comparison between two different eras. I'm not playing a double role and Imtiaz Ali isn't going to make a film which is confusing." Saif Ali Khan - the lover "I guess everybody has the same definition for love. I mean, I am lovey-dovey kinds but also a bit practical and if you're saying that there is too much love happening in my life, I think it's a little bit unfair. That's got a lot to do with the media (laughs). Yes, I've got a lot of love in my life which is a good thing." Deepika Padukone "Deepika's personality grounds my personality on screen; in a way what Rani Mukherjee does because we are different types. I'm a little more western in my things and she is a little more earthy. That mixture makes an interesting chemistry on screen." Playing a Sardar "To play a Sardar, I had some responsibilities to it also. We met various members of some Sikh organizations like the Akalis. They were all very happy when they heard about the film and my role. Dolly Tiwari who has done my clothes in the film has been so perfect to dress me up as one. A lot of Sardarji's will be very proud for the honourable representation that this character has given in the film. I had to work on the accent a little bit." On Salman and Akshay playing a Sardar "I haven't seen Salman Khan's film Heroes but I have seen Akshay's Singh is Kinng. I thought that it was a very glamorous and a cool kind of a film and I think he looked very good. The outfits were larger than life but the Sardar I'm playing is very down to earth and there is no comparison. You should see a film as a new and a different world and only then you'll enjoy it. We can compare between us but the idea is just to be genuine within that and not really think about others."

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New York - Music Review

Music Directors: Pritam Chakraborty and Pankaj Awasthi Lyricists: Sandeep Srivastava and Junaid Wasi Singers: KK, Sunidhi Chauhan, Mohit Chauhan, Pankaj Awasthi and Caralisa Monteiro Rating: *** 1/2 After being starved for Bollywood music for quite a few months owing to the stand-off between producers and multiplexes, music buffs finally have something really worth listening to. The music of Yash Raj Films' "New York" is youthful and interesting. The soundtrack encompasses four originals, two remixes and two instrumentals. The first song "Aye Saaye Mere", sung and composed by Pankaj Awasthi, has a rustic feel to it but has an urban touch at places too. The song is well sung and the music makes it intriguing. "Aye saaye..." is surely a good listen. "Hai junoon" crooned by KK instantly reminds of "Rubaru" from the film "Rang De Basanti". The song, however, is bound to catch the attention of listeners. It is a young, hip and foot-tapping number and it will be a hit among youngsters. The track also has a remixed version, which is average and adds nothing to the song. Next is "Mere Sang" with Sunidhi Chauhan behind the mike. Sunidhi has the potential to mesmerise the listener and she succeeds in doing so in the song. Although the lyrics could have been better, "Mere Sang" sounds nice in parts where the tempo rises. It too has a remixed version, which is far from interesting. The original is much better. The "New York theme" is dark, edgy and definitely the highlight of the album. The music grows on the listener and is very intense. After a long time, a soundtrack entails an instrumental. The movie boasts of not one but two instrumentals. The second one, "Sam theme", is slow, poignant, soothing to the ears and has less musical arrangements. An equally engrossing piece of work. Up next is "Tune jo kaha". Mohit Chauhan has sung the track in his usual free-flowing, soft voice and trademark style. The song has a heard-before feel but still makes the listener sit up and take notice. The lyrics are good too. On the whole, "New York" is a welcome break from the dry spell in the Bollywood music scene. Pritam has done a good job and has created some nice hummable tracks that are sure to strike a chord with the listeners, especially youngsters.

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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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