Salman flirting with his Marigold co-star?

Salman flirting with his Marigold co-star?

Salman and Ali Larter in Marigold

Salman Khan is quite a flirt and his Marigold co-star Ali Larter (who starred in Final destination) will vouch for that. It all started with Salman educating the Los Angeles-based Ali about the food, culture and music of India. Last year when they
were traveling across Mumbai, Goa and Rajasthan, Salman had taken her around and recommended pubs and restaurants for her to hang around.

The duo sharing a dabba became a common sight on the sets. Naturally, they were very fond of each other. Says a unit member, “Salman and Ali had shot an extensive schedule of Marigold last year. They shared a great rapport with each other.”

Salman, Ali and director of the film Willard Caroll had become close friends during their stint. Recently, Ali Larter received a congratulatory call from the superstar after she made it to a list of Hottest Women in the world as declared by the international men’s magazine Maxim. Ali, who ranks sixth, has scored over the likes of Angelina Jolie (rank 12), Eva Longoria (rank 9) and Beyonce Knowles (rank 13).

Says a source close to Salman, “When Williard told bhai about Ali making it to this list of hot women he promptly asked for her number and immediately called her. She was obviously quite taken aback. She is supposedly visiting India in the coming months to promote the film.”

The plot revolves around a Hollywood actress who comes to India to shoot and gets stranded. Salman plays a Bolly choreographer who teaches her to dance.

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Munna Bhai stressed out! MUMBAI: The long court …

Munna Bhai stressed out!

MUMBAI: The long court procedure and family disputes regarding the latest woman in Sanjay Dutt’s life have taken their toll on the actor’s health, say his close friends and well-wishers.

“We’re really worried about Sanju’s stress level. Anything can happen,” a close friend revealed.

The actor is suffering from a serious back problem and is in a state of acute pain.

“Two of the bones in his vertebrae have collapsed suddenly. Sanju had to have them attended to immediately. Now he needs to go for physiotherapy every afternoon to Nanavati hospital, which is a good 45 minutes away from his home.

That’s some more pressure on Sanju’s already awry schedules and also on his troubled health,” explained the friend.
Amidst all this, the actor is shooting for Indra Kumar’s Dhamaal .

“That isn’t the end of his troubles. To add to his timetable pressures, Sanju is shooting nights for Dhamaal . He isn’t getting enough sleep. And we’re all very worried about his health. He gets up tired and goes through his chaotic routine and pretends to be funny during nights. It isn’t healthy,” added the friend.

Sanjay has been convicted by a special TADA court looking into the Mumbai serial blasts case for possessing illegal weapons.

The court on Friday sentenced his friend Samir Hingora to nine years’ rigorous imprisonment for supplying arms to him, and that could spell further trouble for him.

According to close friends, the court’s verdict is no longer the only major headache in his existence. Rumours and comparisons are making things worse.

“But yes, Sanju feels stories about him buying a new Ferrari when the car has been in his garage for two years, aren’t helping his cause. The news item had really stressed him out. We had to ask him to calm down.

“The worst blow was when a section of the media wrote about another bomb accused getting a sentence of rigorous imprisonment. Sanju felt these reports were unfairly comparing his case to the convicted man’s case. He thought the media’s implied contention that he too should get just as harsh a sentence was too harsh on him. We agree. Sanju has suffered enough. And he needs to settle down in life.”

Matters at home aren’t making his life any easier. His family is sharply aligned against his ladylove Manyata.
“Sanju can’t bear to see his sisters upset. But he won’t give up Manyata,” said the friend.

Ranbir Kapoor signs a Yash Raj film

Ranbir Kapoor signs a Yash Raj film
By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, June 3 (IANS) It’s official. Siddharth Anand, whose new film “Ta Ra Rum Pum” has done decently at the box-office, is on to a much bigger project.

He has been given the task of directing Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh’s son in his post-debut film.

Confirming this, Siddharth says: “Yes I’m definitely directing Ranbir in his and my next film. We’re currently locking on the rest of the cast. In fact Ranbir is the only actor we’ve decided on.”

Ranbir’s debut film is the eagerly awaited Sanjay Leela Bhansali opus “Saawariya” which opens this Diwali.

But doesn’t Siddharth feel burdened with the responsibility of directing this much-anticipated debutant in his crucial post-debut film?

“No! That’s the challenge that I look forward to. I agree it’s a big responsibility to direct the follow-up film to such a big debut. But I’d like to treat every film, mine or my actor’s, as a debut and give it my best shot.”

The director and the newcomer are family friends.

“I’ve known Ranbir since childhood. We’ve virtually grown up together. We had decided we’d work together. Ranbir is the best-suited actor for the role that I’ve in mind. He’s as excited about the script and the film as we at Yash Raj are.

“It’s very motivating for a filmmaker to have an actor so enthusiastic about a project. I’m loving every moment of this new challenge.”

Yash Raj Films has done some of Ranbir’s father, Rishi Kapoor’s, finest films like “Kabhi Kabhie”, “Hum Tum” and “Fanaa”. Now it’s the son’s turn.

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Sanjay Dutt in ‘Parzania’ director’s next film

Sanjay Dutt in ‘Parzania’ director’s next film

Director Rahul Dholakia, whose film ‘Parzania’ was based on the true story of a boy lost in the Gujarat riots, will cast Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt in his next movie – a thriller located in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Sanjay will play the lead role. It is through him that we will see the valley and what is happening there,” Dholakia, who plans to steer clear of the troubled region’s politics or militancy and focus on its people instead, said.

“It is film that would project how people are living in Kashmir and how people are living with multiple identities. It is a thriller for sure and I don’t intend to use the popular song and dance sequences in the movie, which will have a serious theme.”

The insurgency in Kashmir has killed more than 40,000 people since it began in 1989, affected tourism and has led to the region becoming one of the most heavily militarised in the world.

Dholakia however did not reveal the title of the film or its release date.

Dutt, 47, has starred in another film based in the region, Mission Kashmir , in which he played a police officer.

Dutt, who has been found guilty of buying and possessing arms in connection with the 1993 Mumbai bombings that killed more than 250 people, is yet to be sentenced.

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In finding Maya, I have found myself- Vivek Oberoi

In finding Maya, I have found myself- Vivek Oberoi

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Bollywood Trade News Network

Vivek Oberoi’s portrayal as the dreaded gangster ‘Maya Dolas’ has been critically appreciated by the critics as well as the audience. SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA took the best opening of the year and is already being declared as a hit in the trade circles.

With the success of SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA, looks like Vivek’s hard work and talent to understand the psychological traits and get into the skin of the character has paid off handsomely. Especially since he was playing the antagonist against the main protagonist Sanjay Dutt in the film.

Whenever Vivek has played a realistic character, the talented actor pulled it off effortlessly, be it his debut ground breaking performance in COMPANY or SATHIYA, YUVA, OMKARA.

Though Vivek missed the deserved applause, since he had to leave for the US, post the premiere, to perform at the Bollywood Award in New York, his thematic performance ‘Shootout in New York’ was a big hit too…

Vivek was back in town just before the release of a very special appearance in FOOL N FINAL. According to sources, Vivek considers Feroze Nadiadwala to be very close and readily obliged him when he was approached to do the special appearance in the film.

Though Vivek has been offered many films, he is taking his time to sign the right film, since he wants to be very selective in doing roles he believes in. .As he had rightly said, “In finding Maya, I have found myself.”

Well the success of SHOOTOUT IN LOKHANDWALA only proves to trust his instincts and true calling!

Farah Khan Speaks on Om Shanti Om

To catch a star: Filmy Farah Khan
Rajeev Masand
CNN-IBN

Although she has made only one film, she’s a star director since she already features on most actors’ wishlist. Her new film that is currently in production stars Shah Rukh Khan in the leading role and for one song, she’s got 31 of Bollywood’s leading stars make a friendly appearance. Only Farah Khan could have pulled that off. CNN-IBN Entertainment Editor Rajeev Masand chats with her on the special show To Catch a Star.

Rajeev Masand: You’ve got 31 of Bollywood’s top stars in one song of your new film Om Shanti Om. It must have been a nightmare to pull off?

Farah Khan: Actually, it was easier than I thought. We could have had more stars but then the song would have to be half an hour long. Out of the 35 stars we approached, 30 instantly said yes. So I think it was all the love and affection.

Rajeev Masand: There were people who said ‘no’?

Farah Khan: Some of them, yes. But for various reasons, like they were not in town or they were outdoor shooting or they just didn’t want to come. But no grudges held. Thirty of them were so sweet they didn’t make a fuss and 90 per cent of that was because they love Shah Rukh and I guess 10 per cent was because they really love me.

Rajeev Masand: You are being humble.

Farah Khan: No, I’m telling you. The heroines wanted to be with Shah Rukh. But there were people like Dharmji, Mithun, Jeetuji or even Rekha who were so gracious and we had a stress-free shoot.

Rajeev Masand: So you have some of the legendary actors and you have the contemporary ones like Saif …

Farah Khan: There’s Saif Ali Khan, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Tushar Kapoor, Kajol, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukherji, Urmila Matondkar, Shilpa Shetty, Juhi Chawla, Shabana Azmi and Karisma Kapoor, who’s doing a first shot after four years.

Rajeev Masand: So it’s going to be quite the mix?

Farah Khan: Yes.

Rajeev Masand: Judging from your earlier film Main Hoon Na, I think people are expecting a completely mad film.

Farah Khan: Well, it has a more coherent story line but it is ten times madder than Main Hoon Na. It’s a trip, it’s my trip, Shah Rukh’s trip and because we had such a good time I think the audience will too. It’s a period film, set in the 1970s which was a rocking period for me. Also, you can imagine 1970s in Bollywood. So you can imagine the fun we have had with the hairstyles, the make up and the clothes.

Rajeev Masand: It is over the top?

Farah Khan: No, it is real. We did a lot of referencing. So if you see Shah Rukh wearing something, Rajesh Khanna or Rishi Kapoor would have probably worn it. So it was great fun for me being a 70s fan.

Rajeev Masand: So Om Shanti Om is an inside look at Bollywood in the 70s?

Farah Khan: Yes, but I didn’t want to put too many ‘in’ jokes because I didn’t want to alienate the audience. They should have fun even if they don’t know who Manoj Kumar was or who was the reigning star in the 70s. So the fun, drama, love story stays intact. But it is completely mad.

Rajeev Masand: I think the beauty of Main Hoon Na, was that it was able to laugh at itself.

Farah Khan: I sincerely believe a director makes what he or she is. And because Shah Rukh and I are a bit mental and we both have a sense of humour where we can laugh at ourselves and take a trip on the work we do, the movie is entertaining. It is not a sleazy look at Bollywood. It is not going the Madhur Bhandarkar way. It is not cynical or sleazy. It is a happy movie because I am a happy person. Also, I think the film industry is a wonderful place and there are all sorts of eccentric people. It is out of sheer love that I have them maybe robbing Manoj Kumar’s passes for the premiere and then covering their faces and pretending to be Manoj Kumar.

Rajeev Masand: So you think some of the people might be peeved off?

Farah Khan: Not really, because it’s good sense of humour and in good taste. We are not trying to demean or hurt anyone. Like if 20 years from now someone makes a movie on Shah Rukh. We have also done a take-off on Shah Rukh in 2007. I have him nominated for three roles in which he’s done exactly the same thing. He’s stammering to the girls and saying exactly the same lines. Only, the girls keep changing. Every scene is a complete trip so I hope the audience laughs and cries as much.

Rajeev Masand: With you’ll and not at you’ll.

Farah Khan: I think they will have fun.

Rajeev Masand: I will ask you something I’m sure you have been asked several times, could you work with anyone else but Shah Rukh?

Farah Khan: I don’t think I want to work with anyone else at the moment. Why should I? The whole world is dying to work with him. He’s my best friend. He’s accessible to me and he likes working with me. So why have a hamburger when you have steak at home?

Rajeev Masand: The interesting thing is this year, your brother, Saajid Khan is turning director with his film Hey Baby coming out a few months before yours. So competition at home?

Farah Khan: No, I don’t think there can ever be competition between Saajid and me or Shirish (Kunder) and me because we always wish the other person’s movie better than our own. Saajid’s going to make a fabulous film. I have seen a couple of songs and scenes and he’s done a great job. I think his knowledge of making films is much more. His love for cinema is much more than mine. Plus he has a great line up of stars. He’s got Akshay, Vidya, Hrithik, Fardeen and a very cute baby in the film so I don’t think he has anything to worry about.

Rajeev Masand: Were there any tips passed on?

Farah Khan: Nobody takes my advice, Rajeev, don’t you know? They just want my praise.

Rajeev Masand: You also choreographed a song for him? A big one there too, right?

Farah Khan: Yes, only one song because after that my film started. Yes, the song has some big stars.

Rajeev Masand: How do you think Saajid’s film will be different from yours? I know you two have a similar mad sense of humour.

Farah Khan: I hope he has put some mad stuff in it because he is quite mad. He has tried to make a more sensible film. He is trying to curb his madness and make a straightforward film with drama, emotions, which I think will work very well whereas I have become madder.

Rajeev Masand: In the house, now there is your husband Shirish, Saajid and you. Three directors: so the dinner table conversation must be strange, right?

Farah Khan: Actually, having three directors together means not having dinner together for a really long time. But it is nice because we are movie-oriented. Even my cousin Farhan is a director, even Zoya is going to direct. So it is a family of directors, very filmy and non-filmy at the same time. But Shirish and I do discuss a lot of cinema, he helped me a lot on the screenplay for Om Shanti Om. He is my bouncing board. He is also editing my film. So as soon as mine gets over he will start pre-production for his next project. So it’s nice to be in the same business because you understand the pressures. If I’m coming home at two in the morning after a late shift,
there aren’t any questions asked.

Rajeev Masand: You sort of stumbled upon choreography and it’s a famous story that you just became a choreographer by accident when Saroj Khan didn’t turn up on the sets of Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander. Now that you have become a director, was that too accidental or was it planned?

Farah Khan: When I came to this industry, direction was what I had wanted to do. I was assisting Mansoor Khan as an assistant director, I wasn’t assisting Saroj Khan as a choreographer. Being a director was always a focus. But as you said I stumbled into choreography and then started enjoying it. The money was good and I was getting to work with really good people. Somehow that helped me carve my own niche in the industry.

Rajeev Masand: Did you go back and thank Saroj Khan for not showing up on the sets?

Farah Khan: She will slap me on my face if I go and thank her. Why do you think she will get happy?

Rajeev Masand: So inside you feel it was good that she didn’t turn up on the sets?

Farah Khan: All good things happen by chance, I believe. Most people become stars because somebody refused a film. There are legendary stories. Aamir refused Darr, Salman refused Baazigar and it eventually fell into Shah Rukh’s lap. Dharmendra, Dev Anand refused Zanjeer and that’s how Amitabh Bachchan got the role. Most great things are just destined for you. I kind of thank her for being unprofessional for that one day. Had she known this is what will happen I’m sure she would have landed up no matter what.

Rajeev Masand: Now that you are directing films, I’m sure that you don’t ideally want to go out and choreograph a couple of songs.

Farah Khan: I have actually stopped choreographing songs.

Rajeev Masand: But I’m sure there are few people that you cant say no to.

Farah Khan: I’m going to say no to them also because I’m fed up now really. I did choreograph for Saajid’s first film and of course Jaan-e-mann. But that was because I really enjoyed doing some really different stuff in both of them. Now even Karan (Johar) has given up on me and I have no wish to take up choreography. Unless of course it’s an international project that gives me something new to do.

Rajeev Masand: You have done quite a few international projects which includes a famous Chinese film, Bombay Dreams and many more.

Farah Khan: I did Vanity Fair and also choreographed Shakira for the MTV awards. If I see something which is new and allows me to do something extra, then I might take it up.

Rajeev Masand: So who would you pass the baton on to? Whose work have you liked as a choreographer?

Farah Khan: Sarojji does really well but if I say I’m passing the baton on to her, it would sound ridiculous. I don’t see anyone doing anything radically fantastic, that would make me wake up one day and say ‘Wow, who’s done this?’ Everyone is in a way imitating what’s been happening. I see a lot of songs after which I realize, ‘Oh I did this many years ago’. I’m not trying to be pompous. But when I came on the scene, I did shock a few people with my work. I did something radically that was amazing. I don’t see anybody like that today. When I see songs now, I can easily say that one can replace the other.

Rajeev Masand: What do you see as the milestones in your career so far? Would you say that’s Chaiyan Chaiyan may be?

Farah Khan: Definitely it is. Chaiyan Chaiyan will always stay a milestone because its really my calling card even internationally. A song like that has not been done ever, anywhere in the world. I’m hoping with Om Shanti Om we go a bit further because here we have done a couple of songs that have never been done before. We made our heroine dance with Sunil Dutt, Rajesh Khanna and Jitender from that era. We have used special effects with a theme done never before. We have taken them out of their movies and put them on to our set and have Deepika (Padukone) drape herself around them. Something like that, is challenging to do rather than doing a plain dance number.

Rajeev Masand: Now that you have done it for so many years, perhaps you can safely comment, who do you think is the best dancer in Bollywood?

Farah Khan: Definitely it’s Hrithik (Roshan).

Rajeev Masand: You did his first film…

Farah Khan: Definitely Hrithik (Roshan) is the best. His dancing skills are of international standards. I did Koi Mil Gaya with which won me my first national award. Then I choreographed the circus song in Krrish with him. Technically, no doubt, he is the best dancer in Bollwyood.

Rajeev Masand: Tell me now about the worst dancers.

Farah Khan: You see I’ve already got into trouble talking about favourites and all.

Rajeev Masand: Earlier you used to name Anil Kapoor. Has your answer changed or do you still feel he is the worst?

Farah Khan: I think I will just keep offending Anil Kapoor.

Rajeev Masand: You used to be this merciless choreographer. Lot’s of people have cried in the sets while working with you, isn’t it?

Farah Khan: I haven’t made anybody cry on the sets. It’s a big myth that still continues to make rounds.

Rajeev Masand: Accept it, you have given actors a hard time…

Farah Khan: Well, I’ve only been honest with them.

Rajeev Masand: Tell me some of the actors who have been on the receiving end.

Farah Khan: Shah Rukh is mostly at my receiving end. Poor thing, he still gets embarrassed. But I think I’m a much better director than I’m a choreographer. I used to be a hyper choreographer but as a director, I look after my actors and treat them well. That’s because if they start crying, their make up will be gone and so will the two hours of my schedule.

Rajeev Masand: Well, there you sound like a clever director. All the best and we hope you come up with lots more exciting stuff and exciting songs very soon. We hope Om Shanti Om too turns out really well.

Farah Khan: I’m sure you will like the film.

Aishwarya Rai not having second thoughts about ‘Sarkar 2′

Aishwarya Rai not having second thoughts about ‘Sarkar 2’
02nd June 2007 23.21 IST
By Agencies

Rebutting speculation that the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai is having ‘second thoughts’ about doing Sarkar 2 , Ram Gopal Varma says the actress is very much part of the film, which goes on the floors sometime in June.

All the three lead actors – Amitabh Bachchan , Abhishek Bachchan and Ash – have already given dates for the film.

“Amitji, Abhishek and Aishwarya have confirmed their dates. There’s no question of Aishwarya having second thoughts. She has heard her role and then consented. She plays a very strong character, far more than the women in the first part of Sarkar ,” Varma said.

“You could say Aishwarya is as much a part of the central drama as the Bachchans. I went to her because I needed a leading lady of her stature. I wouldn’t waste my time and hers offering her a role that anyone else could do,” he added.

Written by Abbas Tyrewala, ‘Sarkar 2’ carries the story of the desi Corleone family forward.

“But you must understand Sarkar 2 won’t be akin to Godfather 2 in the sense that it won’t have the son taking over the family business from the father. Amitji will continue to be a powerful force in the drama.

“I had openly acknowledged my debt to Francis Coppola’s The Godfather. ‘Sarkar’ wouldn’t have been possible without The Godfather. But ‘Sarkar 2’ will owe no debt to Godfather 2.”

Elaborating on the plot, Varma says ‘Sarkar 2’ will go into the politics of rural Maharashtra and into the power corridors of Delhi.

“For your information ‘Sarkar 2’ was conceived with Amitji and Abhishek even when Sarkar was being made. Finally, the audience doesn’t care where a film comes from.”

“If Lage Raho Munnabhai has done well it’s not because it’s a sequel, but because it’s a terrific entertainer. I don’t want audiences to come to see ‘Sarkar 2’ only because they liked the earlier film.”