Raaz - The Mystery Continues - Music Review

Rating: *** Any follower of Bollywood, especially when it comes to good music, would certainly know by heart the entire catalogue that Vishesh Films has created in last two decades. And now when Bhatt brothers are ready to strike again with Raaz - The Mystery Continues (which is not a sequel to Raaz and mainly extends the horror-n-mystery genre forward), their music is in news once again. Would it impress yet again, just like majority of films coming from the house of Bhatts do? Would it have soulful tunes which would make Raaz - TMC yet another addition to the enviable music catalogue of the Bhatts? Would Emraan Hashmi's lucky charm rub over Raaz - TMC too when it comes to popularity of music? Would Raaz - TMC match up to Raaz that had some haunting melodies by Nadeem-Shravan and still registers sales at the music stands? MUSIC Raaz - TMC takes an excellent start with 'Mahi Ve' which can be comfortably placed as the flagship number of the album. Though in essence 'Mahi Ve' is a love song, it has an element of pain and a wait for togetherness attached to it that brings with it some trademark Bhatt element. Also, this melodious track by Sharib-Toshi has a good fusion of Indian and Western instruments that come together to make it a piece which gets on you after the first listening itself. A chartbuster number that also appears in a 'Rock With Me' version, it is waiting to make waves in weeks to come. If you liked 'Bheege Hoth Tere' (Murder), chances are high that you would fall for 'Soniyo' as well. Picturised on Adhyayan Suman and Kangna, this Raju Singh composed has a serene feel to it and celebrates the coming together of two hearts who have perhaps found true love for the first time. With a hint of Western touch to it, 'Soniyo' is a soft romantic number which has it's moments, especially in the 'antara' portions, where time tends to stand still! However, not just time but your feet also start moving the moment the rhythm of Raju Singh composed 'O Jaana' begins. A true follow up to 'Kaho Na Kaho' (Murder), 'O Jaana' is a dance floor number and more than anything else, one looks forward to seeing Kangna in a chilled out form for perhaps the first time ever in a Hindi film. A track with just the right kind of punch required to attract youngsters, especially in the 'Dance With Me Mix' version by DJ Suketu, 'O Jaana' is all set to be a number that would rock the charts other than 'Mahi Ve'. Pranay M. Rijia, a new composer, gets an entry into the world of Bhatts with the responsibility of creating the title song 'Kaisa Ye Raaz Hai'. The track has a haunting-n-silent beginning to it and while the pace is quite slow here, it is just right for a number belonging to this genre. A situational song, it is expected to be placed at numerous junctures in the narrative. 'Bandaa Re' marks an end to this album which has a devotional feel to it. A number which gives the message of God being right in front of you rather than at pilgrimage spots, it brings with it a fusion of Indian classical and 'Sufi' flavor. LYRICS As has been the case in majority of his songs, Sayeed Quadri's lyrics succeed in telling the most complex tale in the simplest of manners. One hear of 'Mahi Ve' and you understand why association between Bhatts and Quadri is for the keeps. However, beats hold center stage in 'O Jaana' due to which one doesn't delve deep into Quadri's lyrics. The tide reverses though for this third track in the album, 'Kaisa Yeh Raaz Hai', where quite a few questions are raised and then left unanswered in a quest to be explored further in the film's narrative. Kumaar, an emerging talent, proves his versatility once again by writing a mushy 'Soniyo' that is a far cry from the fun mood of his very own 'Maa Da Laadla' (Dostana). Surprisingly though, the lyricist of 'Bandaa Re' doesn't find his/her mention on the album's credit details! VOCALS Will Toshi be the next voice for Emraan Hashmi? By the look of things, it may well be the case after hearing him singing excellently for the young actor in 'Mahi Ve'. If Himesh Reshammiya's voice has contributed in a major way to Emraan's popularity, Toshi too has it in him to have an extended association with Emraan. Sonu Niigaam and Shreya Ghoshal are expectedly good in 'Soniyo' though both of them are best when it comes to the 'antara' part which musically too is far more impressive than the 'mukhda'. Krishna sings the 'From The Heart' version which is almost unplugged and has a far more haunting appeal than the version heard first. Listen to this solo track when you wish to just think about the one you love most with no interference whatsoever from the outside world. Later, he is also heard in 'Bandaa Re' where he makes the maximum impression during the 'Sufi' part of the song. KK proves why he is the man of all seasons the moment his voice is heard in 'O Jaana' and 'Kaisa Yeh Raaz Hai'. While he is all spirited in the former, he goes pensive in the latter, hence bringing variation in the diverse moods that the two songs are set in. OVERALL There were four questions raised at the beginning of this reviews for which the respective answers are: a) The music of Raaz - TMC indeed impresses, b) The soundtrack here is yet another good addition to the enviable music catalogue of the Bhatts and c) Emraan would certainly have some more chartbusters to add to his name. As for the last question i.e. whether Raaz - TMC matches up to Nadeem-Shravan's Raaz, then well, let's put it this way that albums like Aashique, Raaz or a Saajan are made only once and there shouldn't even be a conscious effort to replicate or surpass them. In this regard, the music of Raaz - TMC has its own place under the sun and what matters in the end is whether it works for the film or not. Well, the answer for this one is a firm Yes!

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2009 to be Abhishek Bachchan's year!

Year 2008 may not go down as a memorable one for Bachchan junior, what with his DRONA being declared a box office disaster and his destined to succeed SARKAR RAJ proving to be an average show. The only silver lining was Karan Johar's Tarun Mansukhani directed DOSTANA, which has done very well at the turnstile. With DOSTANA inching towards an above average status from India (already a super–hit in the Overseas) good luck seems to be back in Abhishek Bachchan's life. And it appears from the superb promos of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's DILLI 6 that lady luck is here to stay with Ab's Baby for a while.

Yes, the promos of DILLI 6 (or DELHI 6?) are out on all leading satellite channels and portals and going by the response that it has generated, it appears that Abhishek has another winner on hand. Music maestro A.R. Rahman's lilting background musical score on the harmonica and ghatam enthralls the senses and once again expectations surmount that Rahman will create magic, just like he did with RANG DE BASANTI. Sonam's pretty, innocent looks, Abhishek Bachchan's brooding, intense visuals and the historic old Delhi, all conjure up a beautiful picture and build up the audience's curiosity.

Looks like Rakeysh is continuing from where he left off in RDB. And in the process we feel that 2009 may well be Abhishek's year, especially now that Mani Ratnam's RAVANA is progressing at a brisk pace towards completion and Rohan Sippy's next with Abhishek is on the anvil from January!

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Aamir Khan gifts Surya a lap-top

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan who is acting in Hindi version of Ghajini recently met south superstar Suriya. The two had a healthy and friendly conversation. Suriya has lend his voice for the Tamil version of Aamir's flick Taare Zameen Par and Aamir wanted to gift Suriya a high-end Laptop. But Suriya politely refused the present from Aamir saying that he took pride in lending his voice for a great movie like Taare Zameen Par. Aamir did not give up, he said it wasn't a gift it was part of him that he wanted to leave it with Suriya. Both these stars shine bright in their respective industries and have a lot of respect for each others work. Wouldn't it be a treat for the viewers if these two stars team up together for a project? Well, we hope it does come true. Meanwhile wishing Aamir all the very best for his upcoming flick Ghajini.

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Chandni Chowk To China coincidently similar to Kung Fu Panda

Akshay Kumar starrer Chandni Chowk To China(CCTC) is said to be inspired by Hollywood's animated blockbuster Kung Fu Panda(KFP). According to sources, "In both the films the main character feels like a loser who must fulfill his destiny by rising to an occasion and fighting the demons who want to destroy the empire. CCTC is actually KFP meets Bollywood." A few similarities seen in both the films are that in KFP the main character is a panda and is voiced by Jack Black who is a cook. In Chandni Chowk to China the main character is Akshay who is a cook himself, and his name is Sidhu. In KFP, Po leaves his hometown to fulfill his dreams while in CCTC Sidhu leaves Delhi to go to China to fulfill his dreams. After leaving home they both tend to overcome their weakness and learn martial arts on reaching their destinations. Both the movies are based in China with Kung Fu and royalty. It's also said that the potato slicing scene which is shown in the promos of CCTC is also similar to a scene in KFP where Po is shown slicing vegetables. The only uncommon factor in both these films is that CCTC is a live action film and has a heroine who is paired opposite Akki while KFP was an animated flick without any love angle to it. When asked the producer Rohan Sippy about the similarities between both the films he said that he had not seen KFP but as per the stories he has heard there seem to be a few similarities. But he also said that CCTC was written three years back and the story is based on modern day China so it's just a matter of co-incidence that so many similarities have cropped up. The director of the film Nikhil Advani was not around for any comments.

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Ghajini is 3 hours Long…. will it be pruned for Multiplex purposes?

The big Christmas Release Ghajini has a longer story to tell than is considered healthy for the mutilplexes. The film's playing time of 3 hours makes it the second-longest film of 2008 after Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa-Akbar. And didn't that click? "Precisely, " avers producers Madhu Mantena who also co-produced the superhit Tamil version of Ghajini with Alu Arvind. "It's not the length. It's the performance. You could have a really boring two-hour film. On the other hand you could've a really gripping film that's three hours long." Ghajini would have been lengthier by at least 5 minutes. "We were thinking of adding theatrical trailers to the feature.That would've added 5 minutes extra to the playing- time and good 30 minutes lost during the day at the multiplexes, " explains Madhu and refutes the charge that the film is a ultra-violent. "It's not a tale of violence. It's a tale of retribution. And at the moment after 26/11 everyone wants answers. Films about retribution are always liked." As for the charge that Ghajini is a remake of Christopher Nolan's Memento Madhu says, "There are other Hollywood films on same theme of short-term memory loss like Finding Nemo and 50 First Dates. So why single out Memento?" Ah, foolproof method of avoiding copright litigation.

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Shilpa to make her relationship legal next year

Shilpa Shetty put her foot down a little too hard this time. While getting out of her car she accidently steeped into an under-construction area and injured her foot very badly. "I didn't know how terrible the gash was until the blood started pouring out. I had to get fifteen stitches, " shudders Shilpa still in considerable pain. A whole song-and-dance sequence for the film The Man had to be apparently cancelled, though Shilpa isn't making a song-and-dance about her injury. But a much worse setback now awaits her schedule. Early this week she is supposed to leave for London for a photo-shoot for an international magazine. "But there's no way I can manage it with that deep wound and the limp, "she wails. Shilpa is hoping that some effective makeup would hide the wound. As for the limp, "Let's just say it makes me look sexier, " says Shilpa who claims she has found the ideal man in Raj Kundra. The two are all set to make their relationship legal early next year.

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Was Ghajini sold for a whopping Rs. 90 crore?

So what's the price of the next biggie to hit the screens this year? I'm talking of GHAJINI. There's tremendous speculation about the price of the film, with 75, 80 and 90 crores being quoted by various sections of the media. The truth is something else. Quiz GHAJINI producer Madhu Mantena about it and he adds promptly, "The India theatrical business has been sold for Rs. 40 cr. (to Studio 18), while the Overseas rights (sold to Big Pictures) has fetched Rs. 10 cr." Of course, the Satellite rights (sold for Rs. 20 cr. to Studio 18), Home Video (not sold yet) and Audio rights (sold to T-Series) have also fetched handsome amounts. Another interesting aspect about GHAJINI is that the film isn't a scene to scene copy of the original GHAJINI (Tamil). "We've changed the last 30 minutes of the film. It's completely different from the original, " Madhu says. That increases the expectations from this Aamir Khan starrer all the more.

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Shah Rukh did not charge a penny for Rab Ne?

It is learnt that the King Khan didn't charge a single penny from his Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi makers Yash Raj films. But that doesn't mean he has done the film for free. So what has exactly been the equation then? Read on… Insiders tell us, "Shah Rukh Khan, post the success of Chak De! India has made a rule of sorts for close friends such as the Chopra family, Karan Johar and Farah Khan that he will not charge them any money but instead opt for the stake in the profits that they offer. He had applied this rule for good old friend Aditya Chopra's just released Rab Ne and his soon to start film with Karan Johar, My Name Is Khan." "With Rab Ne all set to do bumper business at the box-office especially in North India and the overseas market, Shah Rukh may well end up taking home much more than his normal fees per film! That's a real smart move indeed of having your cake and eating it too." feels a senior Bollywood trade analyst.

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Will Jiah's sexy item no. match Asin's magic?

Jiah Khan fell flat on the face with her debut 'Nishabd', despite the skin show, the hype and the film's unique theme. Since then she's made more news for her war of words with Kangana Ranaut. Apparently Kangana was angry about the fact that Jiah got the role which was first offered to her. The two lasses had a cat fight over their common fashion designer, and both tried to be better dressed than the other. The success of 'Fashion' has done wonders for Kangana and she also has movies like 'Raaz' and Kites' coming up. On the other hand, Jiah seems to be overshadowed by Asin, the bright debutate of 'Ghajini'. Asin, a sensation down South has been projected as the main female lead of the film, and Jiah has been missing from the film's promos. But the lass is pretending to be not worried at all. Now this sounds really strange. She says she might have a small role in the movie but she hopes that a sexy J Lo type item number will bail her out. She is still hoping to make it big and be a part of the A-List. Well, we wonder if she really has it in her to be that way

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I can't be compared with Aishwarya: Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif has just been voted the most googled girl from Bollywood. Down with a bad flu attack Katrina says, "I'm very surprised. I really didn't expect this. Google is the only thing I know on the internet. I'm not too internet savvy. Who doesn't want to be recognized and loved? I think it's really sweet because it means I'm a little more popular with the younger generation. People between 19 and 30 go to the internet more, I think. And that's the audience I want to connect with." This in spite of the fact that Katrina doesn't think she's sexy. "Maybe the way I define sexy is different from the general definitions. Maybe the people who have voted for me think differently from me..thank God for that! The beautiful thing about this world is that there're so many different opinions." The names of the other ladies in the Top 10 google searched candidates surprised Katrina. "The important thing is to enjoy this moment. I smile about these things. Such momentary honour makes me want achieve a lot better. They help me take the next step." Katrina has taken over from Aishwarya Rai as the most googled Bollywood girl. Both actresses have a more wholesome image than the term 'sexy' generally suggests. Katrina smiles. "I can't be compared with her…She's iconic. I like that word…wholesome. I like being wholesome. Maybe today being attractive has more to do with the relatability factor." Deepika Padukone and Genelia d'Souza are also in the list. "So maybe too much in-you-face appeal is no longer that much in favour. Maybe finding the balance is important. Otherwise one appeals to only a section of people. Me? I didn't project myself in any one way. I've projected myself the way my projects have allowed me to. I've been fortunate to be accepted in spite of not being conventionally sexy." Katrina says she's ready to play characters that are not straightforward. "I play more intricate characters in Yashraj Films's New York directed by Kabir Khan, Raj Kumar Santoshi's Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Prakash Jha's Rajneeti. They are nerve-wrackingly challenging. But I need to go to another level. After watching me in these films no one, not even me, will say I'm just being glamorous."

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I'm not comfortable dancing at New Year's events

Will I dance this New Year's eve? Bollywood actresses answer... Priyanka Chopra: "It's a matter of personal choice. I'm not comfortable dancing at the New Year's event. But then I don't want to be judgmental about those who do. I've always tried to be different in my choices. This year I've said no. But if some other year I'm presented with an interesting option and a concept then why not? I did perform at the Nelly Furtado New Year's even concert two years ago. Celina Jaitley: "Yes I'll go on stage on New Year's Eve in London at the City Pavilion. The tickets, apparently are priced at a whopping 125 pounds per head. Is it proper to head to London for New Year's eve revelry when Mumbai is morning and most actresses have canceled their stage gig? It's not the actresses who have canceled their performances. It's the luxury hotels in Mumbai which have done away with New Years eve shows. As for me I won't be performing in London. I'll just be making an appearance. Although it'll be known as the Celina Jaitly night where Javed Ali (who has sung for A R Rahman in Jodha-Akbar and Yuvraaj) and Rishi Rich will perform. I'll just just go on stage." "I wouldn't perform at the New Year's eve bash unless I'm sure about the hotel and the security. Having taken care of that, as long as it's a respectable event properly publicized and with a fat paycheck, I'd be tempted. Malaika Arora: "I'll be performing for New Years eve in Singapore. Performing at a tacky event is a definite no-no. I can tell tacky from classy. The show organizers who look after their artistes well are Cineyug, Wizcraft, G.S. Entertainment (Bunty Walia) and Sohail Khan. I know for a fact that these guys would never be involved with anything tacky. This year I'm performing for Wizcraft. I know they'll look after every detail including the artiste's security. If I'm uncomfortable with the milieu then the answer is no. I've performed at the Marriott and it was a wonderful experience and a lucrative deal. Koena Mitra: "I'd be lying if I said that security at a New Year's eve performance is not a concern for me, after what happened to me last year (Koena was stalked and manhandled). Now as a rule I double check the security. Having said that, like any artiste I love performing in front of a live audience. What better way to bring in the New Year? Dia Mirza: "I've been getting offers to perform on New Years eve for years. But I've never been tempted. Honestly the remuneration offered for such performances can weaken your resolve. But I've stuck to my ground. So the answer to the offer of dancing at these year-end affairs remains a firm no. Performing on the 31st of December is a personal choice. I'd prefer to bring in the new year with family and friends. Sophie Chowdhary: "I hope to perform in Delhi this New Years eve. Although the general mood is gloomy I truly feel that we should not allow fear to overpower us. Recession and then 26/11...we need to regain our strength and power. Of course we must not forget the lessons of 26/11. At the same time we mustn't be afraid to live our normal lives. We need to begin 2009 on a happy and positive note." Shilpa Shetty: "I'm not against dancing in a hotel for New Years. After all, what's the difference between dancing in an awards night or at a New Years' event? Please! I've danced on 31 December in the past. But this time, no thank you. I've got five different offers to dance this New Years. And at unheard-of prices. The fee was tempting. But sorry I wasn't tempted. This year I'm going on a family holiday to Spain for the New Year. I'd any day sacrifice any kind of money for the family. … Today being in a serious relationship and contemplating marriage I'm in a different mind space. I'd perhaps not be that enthusiastic about dancing at dos. But again, this is not a moral issue. Please! I repeat, there's no difference between dancing at a mundan or a new year's eve function.

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Kangana insulted at Yash Raj studios gates

We in the media all know how Yash Raj bosses are a stickler for privacy and how well guarded their huge studio premises is. Well just that we didn't know that even some Bollywood stars are no exception as Yash Raj's strict rules are being enforced on them too. Our source narrates, "On Friday morning just before the trial show of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi began at the Yash Raj Studios' preview theatre, a white Skoda drove up to the gates of the studios and began honking at the gates so that the watchman would open the gates for them. But instead, the watchman refused to open the gates and walked up to the driver. Though the watchman had clearly seen it was Kangana Ranaut sitting next to the driver's seat, he knocked on the window and asked the driver whom he wanted to meet at YRF and whom should he say has come while confirming. But then even that wasn't enough. He then left Kangana and her driver waiting at the gate for some more time till he went back to confirm the actress' appointment over the intercom." What left Kangana visibly upset was the watchman asking on the intercom to someone at the other end that whether the actress should be let in or not and also whether her car had permission to be parked in the YRF studios basement parking! Finally after a good 15-20 minutes wait at the gates, actress Kangana Ranaut was finally allowed into the YRF studio" the source concludes. We are now the wondering whether Kangana shall soon be the next starlet to join the Yash Raj bandwagon following her Fashion, co-star, Priyanka Chopra.

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Bipasha has a ear-full of problems

Sunday was one of Bipasha's worst days ever. In the afternoon, she gave those close to her a scare when a flying pebble lodged itself straight inside her ear, almost tearing her eardrums.

Shuddering at the bizarre turns of the day Bipasha says, "We were doing a heavy-duty action scene when this pebble went right inside my ear. I had to be taken to Leelavati where it had to be sucked out. "

On the surface, this doesn't sound serious. "But it wasn't on the surface. It went right in. And I couldn't move because there was the danger that it would go in deeper and pierce the eardrums, I tried to shake it out. Then, when that didn't work, I decided to let a doctor do the needful."

Sunday being an off day no doctors were available. "The producer and director tried everything. We finally headed towards Leelavati. It was John who got an old ENT specialist friend of his to check me out. The sweet doctor was at another hospital. He drove down to Leelavati and at 4.30 pm, he finally put me out of my misery."

But it was a good three hours of trauma for Bipasha. "Who would think such a thing would happen? Normally during an action scene, you protect your knees, head, etc. But your ear? My parents were petrified. The minute the doctor said it could be taken out, I was okay. It was the most bizarre thing that ever happened to me."

That wasn't the end of Bips's Sunday trauma. "It was double jeopardy for me. When my parents, sister and I returned home we got stuck in the lift while going up to my apartment. My sister is claustrophobic. So I had to pretend to be calm for her sake until we were rescued."

Bipasha has marked Sunday 14 December as the most terrifying day of her life. " It was the most ridiculous and scary day of my life. And that too on a Sunday when I should've been relaxing."

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Akshay Kumar voted sexiest man by People

This week, in a special two-cover issue, People India names Akshay Kumar its first-ever "Sexiest Man Alive" for the year 2008.

Akshay credits his "Punjabi eyes" for his effortless sex appeal adding, "Just for the record, I'm not what you call good-looking. Our industry just happens to have excellent directors of photography. That's all," he tells PEOPLE on receiving the honour. Akshay was photographed specially for the issue in Vicenza, Italy. In the accompanying interview, AK talks gets candid...

"I think everyone just likes to change the way I look it seems to be an amusing pastime for them…I'm not afraid to try anything. It takes guts to be an icon. If we played it safe all the time, fashion wouldn't exist."

"My cleavage is my best asset. Women used to love my hairy chest too. Also, my Punjabi eyes convince women that I'm in love with them. I think that's why I'm always linked with my co-stars. We look so in love on celluloid that people think we must be having an affair."

"My son would probably kung fu my a*** if I flirted with anyone but his mother."

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Aamir is Aamir, SRK is SRK: Aamir Khan

Ghajini is the most anticipated release of the year. And like everyone else, Aamir Khan is super-excited about it. He talks about the hairstyle he made famous, clears a few controversies and hopes Ghajini will be his Christmas present to movie buffs.

Are you counting the days to the release of Ghajini?
Yeah. Now that it has been completed I’m just waiting for its release. I’m thrilled that people all over India are excited about the film. It has a Tamil version too and all over audiences are eagerly awaiting its release. The cast and crew have worked very hard for this movie. My director Ossim, without knowing Hindi, had to adjust.

Your film got U/A rating. How do you feel about it?
It’s great that the censor board, having seen it, has given it this rating. Now I’m keeping my fingers crossed. The censor board has liked it, we now have to wait for the audiences’ reaction.

Tell us about the scenes that have been deleted because of the censor board.
There were only about two to three shots that were deleted. Unless you watch the movie it is worthless to say which scenes these were. Also, I really can’t disclose this type of information.

Do you really think that you can promote Ghajini through a hairstyle?
See, the idea was from the film’s publicity department. They thought it was good and it is the first time a film has been promoted this way so I am happy with the concept. The film has a lot of offer. I assure you that everyone who watches it will get something out of the experience. So I can’t say that it will become a hit or not only through the way it is being promoted.

Issues about the phone number tattooed on you in the film’s poster were in the news. It all came back to you. Tell us about it.
It was our mistake and I am sorry for what happened. I was upset about it but we did not do it intentionally.

Have you watched Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi?
No, but if I get time I will definitely watch the film.

You are apparently promoting your film in theatres that are showing Shahrukh Khan’s movie. Is it tough always competing with Khan?
My film has only two weeks to it’s release. Shahrukh is Shahrukh and Aamir is Aamir. No one should compare us to each other. We both have different styles when it comes to our work and we are both well settled in our careers. So I don’t know why the media is constantly comparing us. The promotion of my film has nothing to do with this so called Khan war.

Do you think you have worked harder than Surya (who starred in the original Ghajini) for this film?
I saw the film in its Tamil version and I liked Surya’s character. That’s why I asked Murgadoss to make a Hindi version. I was inspired by him. So I can’t say that I have worked harder than him.

This film is quite different from your recent movies. The storyline is not situational or message based.
Ya, but the film is good! When I saw the Tamil version I liked the movie so much that I called the director. It’s true, it isn’t situational or message based but again it’s a different kind of role- something I have never done before. You get to see the action hero in me this time; the one who fights gundas and all! And also, a lover boy! That’s a role I’m playing after a while. I need variation in my characters and want to do different roles with each film.

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Shah Rukh Khan launches the latest Filmfare issue

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Bangalore pitches for SRK's new heroine

She used to be softspoken, bright and studious, but model Anushka Sharma also has what it takes to reach the top in showbiz, say people in Bangalore as she makes her dream debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi".

While her mentor and fashion guru Prasad Bidappa says Bangalore girl Anushka was always a good learner and he had an inkling that she would do well in the glamour and entertainment industry, her friends say she has always "stood out in the crowd".

"Anushka showed her zeal in learning things fast. She started walking the ramp perfectly just after a few days of guidance. She was agile and had a perfect body language. She was a good learner and worked hard to reach the top. It did not surprise me when she got such a good opportunity in Bollywood," Bidappa, who also groomed Deepika Padukone, told IANS.

Well-known designer Wendell Rodricks spotted Anushka at an event in Bangalore and saw her potential. He brought her to Mumbai and made her the showstopper in his Les Vamps show at the Lakme India Fashion Week.

After making a mark as a model, Anushka did big assignments for products like Fiat Palio and Silk and Shine products.

A trained bharatanatyam dancer, Anushka is playing a dancer who gets married to a nerd in "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi".

Former model and Kannada actress Andrita Ray says Anushka's entry into filmdom brings hope for others who are trying to make it big in filmdom.

"Certainly this was the most encouraging news for many models in the city who are trying for a foot hold in the film industry," said Andrita, who forayed into the Kannada film industry with director Mahesh Babu's "Meravanige".

Andrita remembers Anushka as a softspoken girl.

"More than me, some of my best known friends who describe her as one girl who could be noticed even in a big crowd.

“Though I did not have too many interactions with her, I was very happy to see her getting such a big break. And what makes it more exciting is the fact that she was chosen after more than a hundred girls were interviewed," said Andrita.

Some of Anushka's friends who studied in Mount Carmel College with her say they were not at all surprised that she chose a film career.

"Working in films was her first ambition," said a friend.

One of her teachers on request of anonymity said she was surprised when she saw Anushka's photograph in a newspaper with Shah Rukh. "She was very studious and I thought she would complete her post graduation in economics," said the teacher.

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Why is RNBDJ a special film for all?

Makers of RAB NE BANA DI JODI are super confident that their film about 'ordinary people' would be able to strike a chord with millions. And that's because the film has 'ordinary people' as it's target audience, tells the story from the point of view of 'ordinary people' and most importantly, conveys a message that 'being ordinary' is cool. Says an official from Yash Raj Films, "RAB NE... is a very important film because it is about people like you and me. You don't see fancy stuff because the film gets into the locality and house of a protagonist (in this case Surinder Sawhney, the character played by Shah Rukh Khan), who is a commoner." Talking further about the essence of this Aditya Chopra directed film, she says, "As middle class people, so many of us have a routine life. We wake up in the morning, get dressed, go to office, come back, sometimes for a change we buy things back home, watch TV, eat dinner and go to sleep. And then we repeat this day after day, week after week. RAB NE... talks about one such man who lives a routine life. It is a simple film at heart." Just like the kind of films which featured Amol Palekar 25-30 years back? "What you read in the newspapers or elsewhere is false. We are not talking about GOLMAAL kind of a situation here. The plot of RAB NE... is completely different. There was no point issuing any denials because the film has now released and everyone can see the difference", she shrugs. But in terms of character graph, one can't deny that the film belongs to the old world school where actors like Amol Palekar and Farooque Sheikh made a lasting impression with their middle class defining acts. "That could be one similarity but Shah Rukh Khan is different here. He will make you fall in love all over again. You will certainly come out smiling and feeling very good about your very own existence as the curtains would come down. RAB NE... is a feel good heartwarming film and just the kind which should perk up the gloomy situation which is prevalent today, both due to the terror attack and the recession in the industry", she concludes.

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Adnan's Indian citizenship depends on Yash ji

If you've heard Sukhvinder Singh singing Haule haule for Shah Rukh Khan you would immediately spot its similarity to Adnan Sami's Kabhi nahin number from a private album. But Adnan won't talk about the apparent similarities. And for a very special reason. It now appears that Yash Chopra is a primary architect in building the London-born Pakistani singer's home in Mumbai. Speaking reluctantly on the sensitive issue Adnan says diplomatically, "I love Yashji very much. He's very special to me, and not just as a filmmaker. But also because he is one of the persons who has endorsed my application for my citizenship in India. I won't say anything beyond that." The application for Adnan's Indian citizenship is under consideration. "I'm as Indian as anyone. I've been here for ten years. Mumbai is my home. The procedure to acquire an official citizenship is still on. And I don't want to jump the line. Or jeopardize it in any way." Adnan is all set to finally turn an actor. "I know there was a lot of talk on me doing Bela Sehgal's film. The point is she came up with an idea to do a film like Eddie Murphy's The Nutty Professor where a fat man looks for love. When she approached me I was physically equipped for it. But now I'm a 140 kilos down. It's a brilliant script. But no more right for me unless you get me special effects from Hollywood to make me look fat." Adnan is sure about one thing. "I want to play something that the public hasn't seen me do yet. I won't play a musician or a singer. I can do that in my music videos. It's so clichéd for me to play a musician when I turn actor. We've musicians turned actors like Frank Sinatra,

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Aamir's new girl Asin has big dreams!

'Ghajini' debutante Asin is currently the hot flavour of the season. Her big Bollywood flick 'Ghajini' hits the screens on December 25Th and she also has another biggie Raj Kumar Santoshi's 'London Dreams' with Salman Khan to look forward to. It was interesting how she ended up bagging Aamir's highly ambitious project. She was the leading lady in the original version of 'Ghajini' in Tamil opposite Surya. When director Murugadoss approached our perfectionist with a special screening in Oct 2005, the actor was floored by Asin's performance. He then roped her in for the remake and didn't really go for Ayesha Takia who he was also considering. She says she was mighty impressed with Aamir who seemed serious about discussing every shot with his co-star. She informs that there's not much difference between the original version and its remake. Only the settings are new and the language is different. And she didn't really need Hindi lessons from Aamir as she's perfectly fluent with Hindi having studied in Naval Public School. The promising newbie has already worked with all big Khans-Aamir, Salman and Saif in an ad Her only desire now is to work with King Khan and she is hoping for a good offer Must say, this babe has big ambitions and the drive to fulfill them.

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Guess who won Bipasha Vs Vidya Balan War?

Genelia D'Souza, the bubbly heroine of the youth flick 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na' has been signed up by the comedy director David Dhawan for his film 'Hook Ya Crook'. Interestingly the role that Genelia is doing was supposed to be done by Vidya Balan. But reportedly Bipasha Basu freaked out when she heard that her boyfriend John Abraham was working with Vidya. Well, looks like the rumours during the shoot of 'Salaam-E-Ishq' are still fresh in her mind! 'Hook Ya Crook' is a comedy romance produced by UTV that will begin shooting from January 7th in Hyderabad. Uday Chopra is the other star of the movie. A source says, "There is no reason why Genelia will not do 'Hook Ya Crook'. She did a fabulous job in 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na' and David is very happy to have her on board." Well, we can say that Vidya's loss turned out to be Genelia's gain. Well, the Balan babe needs to get her act together fast. Otherwise the youngsters of B-Town are going to take all the limelight away right from under her nose! Well, this is one lady who's game for anything artistic. We only wish all these experiments would have helped her flagging career!

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John Abraham is sexiest Asian in the world

John Abraham has been adjudged the sexiest Asian man in the world in 2008. In the annual round conducted by Eastern Eye, a leading British Asian weekly, Abraham emerged the top in a shortlist of 10. The weekly sent judges a shortlist of 10 names. The judges then ranked the names according to their individual preferences and the newspaper then compiled the results to produce a final list. "John Abraham made up for a quiet year with a sensational look in Dostana, with one of the greatest physiques ever seen on the big screen. His body helped to make the film a hit with Asian women," Hamant Verma, editor of Eastern Eye, said. The judges included Brianna Ragel, editor of Asian Woman Magazine, Che Kurrien, editor of GQ India and the former editor of FHM India, Farhad Dadyburjor. 2007's top guy actor Shah Rukh Khan stood at third place after Hrithik Roshan in second place. Abraham was at third place last year. Newcomers to the 2008 list include TV presenter Rav Wilding (20) and actors Harman Baweja (22) and Stephen Uppal (21). Britons on this year's list include Upen Patel (five), Jay Sean (nine) and boxer Amir Khan (ten). The top ten sexiest male includes, John Abraham, Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ali Zafar, Upen Patel, Ranbir Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Imran Khan (actor), Jay Sean and boxer Amir Khan.

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I am an employee of the myth of SRK: Shah Rukh Khan

We don't start with ABC here but with SRK. So tell me what makes an extraordinary SRK ordinary? I think the reason people become extraordinary is because their roots are ordinary. I don't think it works the other way round that you happen to be an extraordinary, and then, with humility and modesty talk about your ordinariness. First of all, I don't believe I'm extraordinary. My very good friend and writer of Chak De India, Jaideep Sahni told me yesterday that the irony of your life is that when you tell people the truth, they believe either you're being too humble or honest, which is true. I don't find anything extraordinary in what I do. It's a job like everyone else does. I wake up every morning, apply my make up and try and get my best shot possible. You are here to interview me and you'll hope that this one is better than the last one. That's what I'm doing since last 20 years and our film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is akin to that. Is that being diplomatic or simplistic? I always say this; I am an employee of the myth of SRK. For the first time you will see the worker behind this myth and Rab Ne's Surinder Sahni, the character, is that worker who is a little boring, hard worker, may be not good looking but he is actually the engine what drives the myth. It's being simplistic. What ideas, values or experiences did you and Aditya Chopra bring along with you from 2000 to 2008, from Mohabbatein to Rab Ne...? What we've realised from DDLJ days is that a lot of faith has been put in our creative ability to entertain. For years, what we've tried to do is cater to what we think people want to see. They've always said that we'd like to see a cool guy singing 'Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jaana Sanam' in Switzerland and we gave that to them. It's not important that we keep giving them what they want to see, but the question is, can we give them what we want to show them and ask them whether they liked what they saw. That is the difference from Rab Ne... to DDLJ. When we made DDLJ we were very anxious. We tried to show the Lamborghini or the Harley Davidson, but now we want to show them the engine that drives these things. We are now challenging the status of faith given to us by the audiences saying, 'You guys told us that you like us, now we will show you what we like and not what you like to see'. And what is Adi going to show them this time around? Rab Ne is a big entertaining film and the funniest film Aditya Chopra can make for the simple reason that he is not a funny guy. Even during DDLJ, I had to bring in a lot of humor. We've tried this time to bring this same humor in an ordinary way. People, when they travel abroad eat chicken in KFC or a burger in McDonalds or some grilled food in some restaurant. But when they come home after a month or two and sit down and are being served hot paratha and curd, you feel it's the best you've ever had. Rab Ne... is the best you've ever had. What about today's kids, let's say...Aryan, will he identify with his extraordinary status? When I am trying to show my son Aryan heroes of today's day and age and even heroes of our mythological era, he is not interested. For kids, a hero is a guy who is normal and ordinarily extraordinary.. They don't need their hero to be in flashy clothes. But as long as he performs he is a hero for them. Like the footballer Ronaldo is a hero for kids because his actions are performance based.. 'Hero toh woh hota hai jo Shah Rukh Khan hota hai', that's not true. Hero is one who does his job well. For Aryan, I might be his hero too because he knows I do my job well. I've seen that an ordinary man is very secured about his status. . The purpose of life and your existence is becoming more important. I tell my kids that I did Om Shanti Om because I believe that if it's not happy, it's not the end. . What's your status then? It's strange but the people of Malaysia knew what my status was when I went there to receive my knighthood. They were holding these huge banners which said, "The person who likes to see people smile - Datuk Shah Rukh". . That's what I am. It's another thing that I get paid crores for doing that now. But I got Rs. 5, 000 for my first film to do the same thing and will continue doing that in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.. It's strange to be working with a stranger. You expect the unexpected from them. How did the debutante Anushka Sharma come across? All these girls are really wonderful. They are in a world which is very well informed, more informed than my world when I was 20. They have access to information and because they have access to information, I believe that they have access to expressions that I didn't have at that age.. I've grown up with some expressions of life. I didn't know what a terrorist was; I didn't know what an internet was. I had to first access it and then learn it. So when you're working with new comers as talented as Anushka what happens is they express themselves in a language that I'm just getting to know.. Over the last couple of years, I've learnt not to correct them (new comers) because I need to correct myself. When I said a line in DDLJ which went - 'Zindagi mein do raaste milte hai, ek sahi, ek galat'. . Everybody told me how beautifully I had said those lines. I don't think Anushka will say the same lines like I did. But when she says it the way she says it now, it'll be as beautiful.. I truly believe that new comers are great actors because they do things completely out of the box. I just thanked Anushka and her parents last night by saying, "Thank you for allowing me to do something different.. Luck plays a significant part in everyone's life. It has played in your life and mine too. I want to know how luck has affected Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi? Adi says that this film is made by 'Rab' and not luck. I just called him and told him that should we just postpone the release of our film keeping in mind the situation in Mumbai right now and he said, "This film is made by 'Rab' and we will let it release on time as planned. All what is happening was made to happen. Rab knows what He is doing". I never planned to work with Aditya Chopra and he never planned to make a film. It all just happened. The reason I did Rab Ne... is because Raju Hirani's film got cancelled. So Adi came to me and said that he had written a film in 12 days and wanted me to be a part of it. I agreed and we finished the film in 47 days. Rab Ne is 20% better than what we planned to make. It's all in Rab's hands!

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I love Abhishek to death: John Abraham

John Abraham talks about his physique & remedy for homesickness after 3 months of shooting in Philadelphia for New York. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the film is called New York and you're why were you shooting it in Philadelphia? Because the topography is similar. A lot of films located in New York are actually shot in Philadelphia. I was shooting for three long months and if it wasn't for my parents, brother and sister-in-law and Bipasha visiting, I'd have gone crazy. When they all came to see me, I stopped feeling homesick. I was away for so long, sometimes when I woke up, I forgot where I was. Before Philadelphia I was in Miami shooting for Dostana for three months. Homesick? I love Phili. The hotel had become a home. Now I go to Boston for Abbas Tyrewala's film where star with Abbas' wife Pakhi. She's perfect for the part. When I'm away, what I miss most is the ghar ka khana. My parents had come over. But I wouldn't let my mom cook here. No way. I pampered her. Looked after her like a little baby. That's what one is supposed to do with one's parents especially when they get old, no? They need clean healthy air. I think I'll take them to Boston too. Dad is an architect so he loves to check out the buildings and architecture. But before Boston, I come back to Mumbai to do a film called Hook Ya Crook with David Dhawan written by Rensil D'Silva. It's not a typical David Dhawan comedy. We're both excited like two children. You're a good son. I'd really want to believe I'm a good son. How was the shooting in Philadelphia? Gruelling but very satisfying. I shot the most emotionally and physically exhausting scenes of my life. Frankly, I haven't done an action film since Dhoom. It's a genre I really enjoy. This film New York that I'm doing has very effective action. I not only had a lot of running around to do. But I enjoyed myself. At this point of my career I just want to push myself beyond the limits. By wearing the briefest and briefs and giving an interview on why you wore it? Oh that was an endorsement for Dostana. And besides I'm never ashamed of talking about my body. Though at times I do feel like a meat shop. So why go on and on about your body? I am proud of my physique. But I feel I'm also good with emotions. In fact I perform the best when I'm unhappy. I function best when in angst. New York is your second film with Kabir Khan? I loved doing Kabul Express with Kabir. I loved shooting in Afghanistan right in the midst of Taliban. Now I'd love to shoot in Iraq. I'm a sucker for pain and agony. I'd love to shoot in Iran. My grandfather was from Iran. My mother's cousins are in Iran. You collaborate well with your directors these days? Yes, I'm equally at home with someone as commercial as David Dhawan and as niche as Nagesh Kukunoor. I believe as much in my directors as they believe in me. You may be right when you say I was the outsider when I did Dostana with Karan Johar. But it took me no time to settle in. Karan is a fair person. As for Abhishek, he's no co-star or colleague. He's a friend. I dote on him. I love him to death. We never compete. We complement each other in Dostana. We share a great chemistry. Abhishek and I are a couple in the film. Yes, so we've been told. Let me ask you a 'straight' question. Do you think Indian audiences are ready for gay jokes? I'll give you a 'straight' answer. People laughed at the Kantaben track in Kal Ho Naa Ho. It was very essential for us in Dostana to not take advantage of a certain sensibility and project that as a caricutural as a joke. We've succeeded in doing that in Dostana. Happy to be a gay icon? I've been told that. And I accept it very graciously. But women have reacted as strongly to me in Dostana as men. Some have reacted to the sensuality others to the fitness. But everyone has a query about my body. Sometime I feel I belong to a meat shop. I really am not comfortable talking constantly about my anatomy. Very often I don't know how to react. Initially it was fun to be regarded as a body-beautiful. I wonder how audiences will react to my physicality in my next release Aashayein where I've lost 30 pounds. No stripping in that? None whatsoever. Not that I believe that if you show your body you can't act properly. I really like fielding questions on food, diet and other clichés on health. I always advise people to be clean in body, mind and environment. Neil Nitin Mukesh who's shooting with you in Philadelphia has great respect for you? He's like my younger brother. I love him for the fact that he dotes on his parents. He's a wonderful kid with a great future. He's a simple and clean. We spend a lot of time together. Out there you've no choice. You have a point. Deepa Mehta's Luna with Rachel Weisz is off. So I got to know from your article. Deepa and I haven't spoken about it. As for Kamagatamaru I'd still be willing to play the other lead because it's as important as Akshay Kumar's role. It's always a pleasure working with Akshay. I'm very happy for him. He's a very positive person. We get along beautifully. Why the delay in the release of Aashayein? I think some negotiations are going on. Percept has now decided to release it around December. Aashayein is a beautiful film and Nagesh is great storyteller. What else have you signed? Only Abbas Tyrewala's film. Beyond that I haven't really opened my accounts book, I'm happy doing films I'm completely convinced about. I'd love to work with Anurag Kashyap again. I can talk to him for hours. Like me, he's happy doing his own thing. I'm an off-roader while other actors are on the highway. Do you miss home when you're away? I miss the people though not the city. I'm happy wherever I am as long as my work goes well. But I like to be in Mumbai, though not in the rains. I believe Mumbai should have rains. But we don't know how to cope with it. We don't have a civic sense. We Mumbaikars have it in us to be an international city. When I travel abroad I wonder why we can't be like the other big cities of the world.

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I don't want to be 'Size 0' anymore: Kareena

In her next release Kambhakt Ishq Kareena plays a surgeon who moonlights as a super-model. A surgeon who's a super-model? Sounds like a deadly combination. "Yeah my character flies to Italy to become a super-model to support herself financially. I didn't want to play the character looking like an international model because she's basically in another profession. So she can't really have the figure of Victoria Beckham, can she? I had to look more filled up. Again, for my next release Mr & Mrs Khanna with Salman I play a wife. So I wanted to look more filled up. Not that wives can't be curvaceous. The one I played in Golmaal Returns certainly was." For her forthcoming films Size 0 is out. No more international anorexic looks for her. Kareena Kapoor is down to a healthy normal desi girl's model-like figure. Reason? "My forthcoming releases required me to get back to a fuller shape. Now Kareena has decided to hold steady with her new weight. "I weigh 54 kgs now, which for a girl my height is quite fine. People used to wonder what 'Size 0' is and I'd joke, 'Just look at me'. I don't want that anymore. I want to look like a nice normal healthy girl."

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Nandana Sen is a topless wonder!

Nandana Sen is a bold chick. Her fans are in for a pleasant surprise as she has indulged in full frontal nudity (well, almost) in the movie. Her fans are in for a pleasant surprise actually, thanks to her bold ways. The lady will reportedly be seen fully naked from her waist above in her much talked about Ketan Mehta flick 'Rang Rasiya'. Well, initially people thought that the Censor Board would cut the scene but now the buzz is that Nandana Sen's assets will be witnessed by all and sundry. Nandana has reportedly said, "I'm not surprised by the decision at all. That scene forms the very core of the film. 'Rang Rasiya' is itself about censorship of art. The political message as well as the emotional drama in our film revolves entirely around that particular scene, making it absolutely essential to the narrative." She's added, "Everyone who has seen the film has commented to us about how the scene complements the film, so why would the censor board think any differently?"

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