Akshay shoots 16 hours a day to give Tasveer team a Diwali break


Akshay Kumar has had a mixed year so far. While Tashan failed to live up to all its hype, Akshay delivered a blockbuster with Vipul Shah's Singh Is Kinng.

Now, the 'Khiladi' Kumar is busy shooting for Percept Picture Company's Tasveer in Cape Town. The film, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor is India's first psychological thriller.



The story goes that Akshay shot for almost 16 hours a day as he wanted the entire unit to take a two-day break for Diwali. In fact, Akki who has been traveling and shooting in various parts of the world throughout the year has hardly got any time to spend with his family. Hence for Diwali, he wanted to be at home at least for two days. He could have easily taken a break for himself and chilled out but he didn't want even the other unit members to be working during Diwali. Hence he went that extra mile to wrap up as much work as possible so that everyone could enjoy a two day break.

Needless to say, producer Shailendra Singh is all praises for the superstar. "Akshay is very close to everyone on the sets and he doesn't want anyone to work on Diwali. He has planned a lavish party for the entire unit on Diwali day here in Cape Town, though he is going to India for two days to celebrate Diwali."

Must say this is one King who indeed has a heart of gold
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HEROES: When laughter landed Mithun in hospital!


We all know that Mithun Chakraborty played the role of a laughing don in DON MUTHUSWAMY but it will be amusing to know that he had a bad laughing experience during the shooting of Samir Karnik's HEROES!

As per Mithun Chakraborty himself, during the Uttarakhand shooting schedule of HEROES, Sohail Khan and Vatsal Seth went berserk while relating some hilarious jokes to him. Infact, Mithun's laughter became uncontrolled, so much so that his heart beat got affected and he had to be taken to a hospital! After that Mithun told Sohail and Vatsal (jokingly) that from next time onwards they must make him cry rather than laugh!

Well, we are quite sure that after seeing the good to decent opening of HEROES (that released last Friday), that too during the normally dull pre–'Diwali' phase, Mithun da must be smiling, if not laughing!
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Thank God for such dedicated actors in our cinem: Nishikant Kamat


The self-effacing director started his career with a Marathi film Dombivli Fast in 2005 which was about a common man losing his patience in the melee of routine jolts and humiliations.

It quickly became one of Marathi cinema's moder classaics, spawning a Tamil version and soon a Hindi adaptation too. Kamat's new film Mumbai Meri Jaan tracing trauma after the train blasts on July 11, 2006 is undoubtedly one of the finest socio-political messages delivered through the cinematic medium in recent times. Kamat chats with Subhash K Jha

There's a spate of films including your Mumbai Meri Jaan on different aspects of terrorism. Do you see that as a heatlhy sign?
I see that as a sign of the times. We're going through very troubled times. Cinema is meant to be reflect contemporary reality. All these films on terrorism coming together is just a bizarre not a bazaar coincidence.

My idea behind making Mumbai Meri Jaan is to show how people survive a personal tragedy. I was more interested in the characters than the tragedy of the train blasts.

The footage showing the blasts is palpable?
I recreated the blasts rather than using news footage. It took me 15 days to shoot the blasts scenes. By coincidence all my three films so far have trains as a backdrop.

I don't think I'll make another film with trains at the backdrop for another ten years. That the blasts happened in trains was a grim fact I had to incorporate in my film. I did a lot of technical research about the locations and timings of the blast. Beyond that everything in Mumbai Meri Jaan is fictional.

Yes, the characters are made up. But I'm sure a lot of people went through the same emotions after the blasts. I haven't experienced any of the things shown in my film. But I'm sure they've happened to people. I lived with my characters for two years. They drained me emotionally. I don't know when I'm going to direct again.

Of the characters in film which one do you identify with the most?
The one played by Madhavan. Like him I'm proud to be an Indian. But when a tragedy like a bomb blasts happens it shakes your faith in the nation.

I came very close to the 1993 Mumbai blasts. I passed close by to where one of the blasts occurred. That traumatized me and I've poured my heart out into Madhavan's character. He expresses the fears that I felt 15 years ago when the blasts happened. I feel any act of extremism over a city causes the anthill effect.

A stone hits the anthill, the ants are traumatized. But they immediately get to rebuilding their anthill.

Neeraj Pandey who has directed another film on terrorism A Wednesday says when we talk of the resilience of the Mumbayites after every attack we're only looking for another word for acceptance out of compulsion.
That's partly true. We're truly tolerant. After each attack the people feel helpless. But Mumbaiyites do have the inner strength to bounce back. I really don't have the answers. I've only put across the problem in Mumbai Meri Jaan.

A lot of the credit for the authenticity of my film goes to Yogesh Doshi for his colloquial dialogues. I was not sure whether the episodic format of filmmaking was going to work in this film.

Episodic films haven't worked in Hindi cinema so far?
I was aware of that. It was a new style of narration fo me.A lot of people wanted to know why I was doing five stories in one film. But these five characters had to have their say.

The script chose the actors. Every actor from Paresh Rawal to Soha Ali Khan said yes when they read the script. Writing the script took nine months, casting just took one month. I knew KayKay Menon and Irrfan from the time I worked with them on television ten years ago.

For them too it was the script. And thank God for such dedicated actors in our cinema. Otherwise a film like Mumbai Meri Jaan can never be made. I'm deeply honoured to have worked with such a great bunch of actors. Paresh Rawal is an institution.KayKay has a great eye for detail.

Irrfan 's understanding of a character is incomparable.Soha Ali Khan pushed herself beyond the edge. And Madhavan didn't have to act at all.

Why do you think it didn't get a large audience?
I've no clue. I don't think about the boxoffice when I make a film. I just make what I have to without considering the consequences. It's been a strange but enriching journey for me, from Marathi to Tamil (which I didn't know a word of ) to Hindi. I hope the journey continues to make me a wiser and better director.

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I don't think my voice suits Salman Khan: A.R. Rahman

This year has been a treat for A.R.Rahman fans. After a royal, vintage score in Jodhaa Akbar you gave us the peppy and zany Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na. What do you have in store for your fans with Yuvvraaj?
The music of Yuvvraaj is something which we (Mr, Ghai, Gulzaar saab and myself) have all worked very hard on. Since the film itself is a musical, the music plays a very important role.

I wouldn't like to say much about what's in store as far as the music goes. I don't even want to say the clichéd stuff that this is completely different from what I have done. All I would like to ask the people is to listen it for themselves and I hope they like it (smiles).

Subhash Ghai's films are known for the music and this one is a musical. You've worked with Mr. Ghai earlier in Taal and then in Kisna. How similar or different has been the experience working with the showman?
It has always been a pleasure to associate with Subhashji on his projects. Working on the music of Yuvvraaj has been a creative challenge for me, as Subhashji has always been associated with melodious music and has a vast understanding about the subject.

As for comparisons with Taal, all I would say is that this is completely different. It's a different story, set in a different place and is also multi-cultural. Taal was more Punjabi-friendly, remix, rhythmic kind of music etc. whereas Yuvvraaj is more about melody and love etc...

Yuvvraaj being a musical and a grand film, audio is just 50%. The visuals and the music complement each other.

Did you give him many sleepless nights considering you like to work at night?
I had a request from Mrs. Ghai asking me not to work very late in the night. So whenever it was 12 at night, I used to tell him, "I am tired. So let's call it a day" (laughs)

The music of Yuvvraaj has a very European kind of a feel with symphony, large scale orchestrations etc.
Yeah, we've used a Motif from Beethoven's 5th Symphony because the story is set in Austria/ Prague etc. Hence, we wanted that experience and feel to come alive through the music.

After 'Jashn-e-Bahaara', Javed Ali became a household name; after 'Kabhi Kabhi Aditi', Rashid Ali had truly arrived. Do you think it's going to be Benny Dayal this time who has crooned the soulful 'Tu Hi Toh Meri Dost Hai' in Yuvvraaj?
I hope so (smiles). I really wish Benny has a great future. He is a very hardworking boy. In fact, he has even sung a song for me in Ghajini which I am sure people will like. My best wishes are always with him.

You are known to give new singers a chance be it Naresh Iyer or Rashid Ali or Benny Dayal. How do you find this new and untapped talent every time?
It just happens. We just check them out and if they are good enough we give them a break (smiles).

They usually say that you reserve the best track for yourself in every album, be it 'Khwaja Mere Khwaja' in Jodhaa Akbar or 'Tu Bole' in Jaane Tu....is it true in the case of Yuvvraaj?
(smiles) In Yuvvraaj, I have not sung much. I have just sung bits and pieces here and there. Though Mr. Ghai wanted me to sing, I don't think my voice matches Salman Khan's. He has a much deeper voice. If I feel convinced that it's working for the betterment of the film's music I retain it, else I remove it.

How long did it take to compose the music for Yuvvraaj and what was the brief given?
The initial brief was Mr Ghai always wanted to have a full fledged orchestra kind of a musical score and with Yuvvraaj he has fulfilled his desire. I hope people like it and appreciate it.

Lyrics have been written by Gulzar Saab...How has been the experience working with him?
I love working with Gulzaar saab. His whole temperament and vast experience is something which I really admire. All the films that I have worked with him have been really enjoyable.

I know one should never ask a music composer to pick his favorite track but nevertheless which track is closest to your heart?
I like 'Tu Muskura'...it's a really soulful number.

A lot has been said about Katrina playing the cello. Whose idea was it and is it the first time that the cello has been used in a Hindi film?
It was Mr. Ghai's idea. I don't think the cello has been used in any other Hindi film on screen. The sight of a beautiful girl playing an instrument like the cello seems like an overwhelming visual. It's really nice.

Have you used the cello in many songs?
It's almost interwoven in every song.

Is it true that the sound of the cello is closest to the human voice?
Yes...provided it's played properly (laughs)

In today's time and age there doesn't seem to be any rivalry among music composers. You have someone like Shankar Mahadevan who every now and then sings for Vishal-Shekhar and even Vishal has sung a lot for Shankar- Ehsaan-Loy. Have you been approached by other music composers to song and will you do that?
I have been approached. They have been very kind to ask me to lend my voice but I am signed by a company and hence cannot go beyond my contract.

Which soundtracks have you liked in the recent past?
I've heard a couple of songs of Rock On. I loved the trailer and the whole concept seems really interesting. I want to watch Rock On.

Earlier this year, on your birthday you launched your dream project K M Music Conservatory in Chennai. How is work coming along on that front?
It has been really good. The first batch of students has already been enrolled and the response has been more than encouraging.

Is it true that you are part of a T.V. show called The Big Band? Could you take us through that?
The Big Band is a search for the best band. I liked the concept when Phat Phish came and narrated the idea to me. We are looking at exploring talent not just across India but also from neighboring countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia etc

. It will also facilitate in some sort of a cultural exchange between our musicians and their musicians. I am really excited about being part of the show.

Finally, what's next in line after Yuvvraaj?
After Yuvvraaj, there is the Aamir Khan starrer Ghajini. I am also doing the music for Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.'s multi-starrer Blue. There is also Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire, the music of which is already done. So there's a lot to look forward too.

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I was the original replacement for Aishwarya Rai: Deepika Padukone



Deepika Padukone wants nothing more than to do a sports -based film. And if it is about badminton then nothing like it.

"Look at what Chak De India did to hockey. I'd love to do a really good film on the game of badminton which is the family game."

In fact efforts are on to put a project like this together.

Deepika recently played bandminton with her dad Prakash Padukone recently. "We were playing together after a really long time.

I like to contribute as much as possible to sports. Yes, I'd support badminton more than any other sport. But I'd like to support Indian sports in every way possible.This was the first time that we played in front of the media."

While doing the intricate stunts and martial arts in Chandni Chowk To China Deepika Padukone got herself a chronically sprained ankle. "The stunts in Chandni Chowk To China were tough. Fortunately I got no broken bones. But I got a twisted ankle which will remain with me. My left ankle will remain sprained for all my life.

I sprained it once while rehearsing and then I sprained the same ankle at exactly the same place twice again. Luckily it's not a fracture. But I can't sit cross-legged or sit on my hunches…I can't do anything that requires me to put my weight on my left leg."

Being from an athletic family Deepika always wanted to do an action film. "Yes, I always wanted to do an action character. I'm glad I got an opportunity. Akshay Kumar was a fantastic co-star. The way he comes on the sets and goes through the scenes of the day and the way he improvises, is tremendous."

Deepika Padukone is doing the maximum endorsements. Last heard turned down the Nakshatra diamond deal after Aishwarya Rai's contract ended. They finally had to go to Katrina Kaif.

What is the truth behind this?

Says Deepika, "I don't know who else they went to. But they did come to me. And things didn't work out. I'm as selective about my endorsements as I am about my movies.

I'd definitely endorse brands that I believe in. I'd like to represent brands that suit my age. I'm endorsing the Signature brand for Levis, Kingfisher airlines, Tissot. I'm good at time management. That comes from being a sport person.

I started travellimg at a very young age. That taught me to be punctual. Sometimes one has to wait for things to happen on film sets. That's okay. There're so many things to be taken care of. So no, I don't get irritated by delays on film sets."

So what irritates Deeepika? "People who lack common sense and who lie. Otherwise I'm quite tolerant."

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Why Bebo said yes to film like Golmaal Returns



No doubt Kareena Kapoor is the hottest screen queen. She not only manoeuvres the marquee but today commands the kind of enviable position and market price that reminds one of Hema Malini and later Aishwarya Rai.

When Kareena signed on to do the sequel for Golmaal she just wanted to have fun doing a genre she hadn't tried before. Little did she know that she would become one of the sequel's USPs in no time at all.

Says Kareena, "Gol Maal Returns was a planned move in my career. I've done films with an ensemble cast before like Kabhi Khushi Kbahie Gham and Omkara. But none that was so much fun.

I just want my role to be strong and effective.I've a really funny role. I play Tusshar's sister and my name is Ekta and I only watch Balajee serials the whole day.

I play this suspicious housewife who keeps tabs on her husband's movements all day long just because she sees women in soaps behaving that way. It's a loud colourful role. I've never done it before. audiences are going to come out of Gol Maal Returns feeling very happy. I don't want to restrict myself to serious cinema. I'd also like to do fun roles."

As the project progressed, Kareena found herself in a position where she could rope in best-friend Amrita Arora into projects. Amrita wangled pivotal roles in two big Kareena projects Golmaal Returns (opposite Arshad) and Sajid Nadiadwala's Kabakht Ishq (opposite Aftab Shivdasani).

Talented as she is, it would be hard to believe that Amrita's presence in these two projects is a mere coincidence.

As the shooting progressed Kareena's stardom got hotter. And her role of the suspicious and jealous housewife addicted to Balajee's Saas -Bahu serials was given the maximum glam quotient.

After the promotional theme track with the entire cast, Kareena shot a whole item number Saala tu to kaam se gaya by herself.

Recently another item song Meeow was also shot. Initially this number was planned only for the promotional campaign. But now one hears Kareena's Meeow song will be used in the ebd titles.

Confirming these developments music director Pritam says, "What you've heard is right. I've also heard that the producers plan not to use the Saala song. Both the item songs with Kareena were planned from the outset. The Meeow number was meant to go with the end titles.."

One reason for this could be the word Saala which many feel may be correct for 'Pappu' in Jaane Tu ….Ya Jaane Na but not Kareena.

Says Pritam. "We had the Saala song in Golmaal Returns from before Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na. But yes I've heard it's going from the narration."

Adds Pritam, "At the moment composing songs for Kareena to perform on screen is a big high for any composer.The turning point in my career were the songs for Kareena in Jab We Met. I composed one item number for Kareena recently in Billoo Barbar and now two in Gol Maal Returns."

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Sushmita is still comfy with her ex!

Sushmita Sen is known to share a warm relationship with her exes.

At the BT bash sometime back, her retro gear with plain white hair band, pencilled eyebrows, enormous fake eyelashes reminiscent of the swingin' sixties and seventies got noticed.

She was also seen bonding big time with Randeep Hooda.

Onlookers saw the ex lovers go up to each other, do the pecking and hugging for a long time. There seemed to be no discomfort between the two.

There was a long chat session and Sush was seen leaning regularly to whisper sweet nothings into his ear.

This woman sure has a one of a kind bindaas style!

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Mujhe Ghar Jaana Hai: Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif is presently in the US shooting for her Yash Raj film, New York directed by Kabir Khan (Kabul Express) starring John Abraham and Neil Nitin Mukesh.

It has been over a month now since she is out in the US and before that she was busy shooting for over a month in Ooty for Rajkumar Santoshi’s Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani along side Ranbir Kapoor. So in total its been two months that she is away from her home.

“I am feeling homesick now” admits Katrina. “I have been busy working and have had no time to meet my family for a long time now. I really miss home.”

So homesick was the actress that Katrina says that she invited her pretty sister Isabelle to spend some quality time with her. “Isabelle was on a vacation. Since I insisted she flew down here to spend sometime with me.

My professional commitments have keep me busy. But I am thankful to God that my family flies down to meet me whenever they can.”

The biggest celebration that Katrina looks forward to is the family reunion during Christmas.

“I am trying my best to see if we can all be together. I want to be with them at least during Christmas. That will be my best Christmas present” says Katrina. “I hope no professional work comes up then. I have kept my fingers crossed from now.”

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