Bollywood Star Aamir Khan Special

Asin to replace Katrina

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:50:00 +0000

The ‘Ghajini’ gal Asin is going to replace one of the leading ladies of Bollywood, Katrina Kaif in the Yashraj project. Asin after playing the ladylove of Aamir Khan is getting ready to play Shahrukh Khan’s darling in the upcoming Yashraj's untitled project. Initially, Katrina was to play the lead but her name was dropped due to the on-going tussle between Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan. King Khan does not want to connect with anything which is directly or indirectly related to Salman Khan and so he has withheld Katrina’s name.
Luck favored Asin and she got to sign Yashraj project as her Priyadarshan project with Akshay Kumar postponed to March 2010. It was Akki who suggested Priyan to cast Asin opposite him. As the project dates back to March next year, the south sensation got free dates to sign Yashraj project. Post 'Ghajini' success, Asin has become the most demanding actress of Bollywood. Not only films but she has also in her kitty some fabulous product to endorse.
Today, she is looking forward to ‘London Dreams’ opposite Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan.

Aamir to kick the butt for son’s sake

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:49:00 +0000

Perfectionist Aamir Khan had once made up his mind to kick the butt post the release of ‘Taare Zameen Par’ but due to work stress, he failed to walk on his own decision. Soon after TZP, he started brainstorming for Ghajini and the work pressure compelled him to continue the bad habit. But Aamir apart from an actor is a loving father, caring for his son Junaid, he has finally decided to kick the butt.
The actor has decided to kick the cigarette soon after he returns from the vacation with his kids. Junaid reads out Aamir’s blog regularly and when he come across any comments of his fans criticizing Aamir for smoking, Junaid feels bad and often requested his father to give up smoking.
Aamir had the feeling in his mind that Junaid is grown up now and his smoking habit may have bad influence on his kids and so for the sake of his children, he will bid good-bye to smoking.

Asin blackmailed?

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:48:00 +0000

This one looks like it has a lot of scope for controversy. It has been more than a week since a Muthu Kumar, one of actress Asin’s helper has been missing. Reports now suggest that Mr. Kumar has been spotted in Andra Pradesh.
So why was he missing?
This is how the story goes. It is reported that Muthu Kumar, who is physically handicapped, had been black mailing the actress on grounds that are not yet very clear. From the reports flowing in it looks like he came in contact with some family secret of the actress and has been taking her for a ride since then.
A police official has confirmed that Kumar was spotted near Puttaparthi in Andra Pradesh. The culprit has also admitted to blackmailing the actress. Asin whose career is at its pinnacle right now is not in India at the moment. Her ‘Ghajini’ opposite Aamir Khan did a wonderful job at the box office there by fetching a good spot for the actress in the Bollywood industry.
The pretty actress is currently shooting for Vipul Shah’s ‘London Dreams’ with Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan in the lead roles.
Asin we suggest that such mundane issues don’t upset you, and that you keep giving us good films back to back!

Aamir Khan exhorts young India to vote

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:47:00 +0000

In the first week of April, Bollywood star Aamir Khan will launch a campaign, where he will exhort young Indian voters to exercise their franchise and to exercise it prudently. He is doing it jointly with the Association for Democratic Reforms, an NGO.
In the first phase of the campaign, SMSes and voice messages from Aamir will be sent out. In the second phase, Aamir's recorded calls will be made to people across the country asking them to vote for the right candidate, someone without a criminal background, someone with some record of genuine public service.
The voice messages will initially be in Hindi, but soon Aamir will dub his voice in 18 languages including English. Incidentally, Aamir mooted the campaign when he was in Bangalore shooting for Three Idiots movie.
The brain behind this campaign, Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore professor and dean who is also founder and director of Election Watch, Trilochan Sastry said, "Aamir is the hero of the campaign and has also shot promotional films on the need to vote."
"Aamir got this idea while he was shooting for Rajkumar Hirani's Three Idiots in IIM-B campus. During his month-long stay, he used to interact with many students." says Sastry.
Sastry continues to say, "In fact, the Bollywood star never missed a chance to play badminton and tennis with the students. The youths sort of looked up to him and he felt he had to do something to bolster their hopes, to translate it into some kind of action."
Aamir then reportedly got in touch with Association for Democratic Reforms and agreed to be part of their Election Watch campaign. His brief was to focus on young voters.
"The concept and other things are done and work is in the final stages. We are sure Aamir will do wonders and has the capacity to impact the youth of this country," said Anil Bairwal, national coordinator, Association for Democratic Reforms.
Aamir has foregone any kind of remuneration for the campaign. Promos to highlight the campaign have already been made with Aamir and his creative team themselves getting involved to make it slick and professional.

Shweta Bharadwaj signs a French movie

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:46:00 +0000

Munch, munch
Morning my mushroom quiches! How is the day treating you? I’m up and about, having finished soaking in my bubble bath. I’m starving, but breakfast will hold. I have to tell you about hurry-scurry Aamir Khan first.
I was sipping my Oolong green tea when a birdy dropped by to update me on her Bandra buddy. Tweety spotted the actor-filmmaker driving out of his building on Wednesday subah subah at 9:30 sharp.
No sooner had his Audi SUV crossed the gates, Khan was munching on his breakfast. Looks like he had no time for chai-naashta at home. Of course, since he’s so courteous, he offered to share the breakfast with his chauffeur and the security guards travelling with him.. but they politely declined. So Aamir munched alone.
Tweety’s wondering what’s eating into Aamir’s time at home considering he’s acting in just one movie. Just imagine what would happen if he had two or more films under production simultaneously. Then he’d most probably have his lunch, dinner and snacks in his car. Shudder!
Producer’s specialMust say I was glad to hear that Saif Ali Khan is taking his role as a producer really seriously these days.
Another parinda from Andheri called to express surprise at sighting the Chhota Nawab at the producers and distributors meeting held at The Club the other day. Yeah, we know that the top three Khans — Aamir, Shah Rukh and Salman — are believed to have issued letters of support to the association, for a fair revenue-sharing system with the multiplex owners.
Now that he’s turned nirmata and his maiden venture, Love Aaj Kal, is scheduled for release in July.. I’m told Saif was quite vocal and aired his opinions with his trademark assertiveness. Chalo, badhiya hai.
Table for fourAlrite.. after 15 odd minutes, I’ve had enough of chai-naashta. But one can’t say the same for Anurag Kashyap and his French girlfriend Kalki Koechlin.
The DevD maker and his muse were seen at Soul Fry in Bandra, in the company of another firang couple.
The foursome seemed to be having a blast and lingered over their khaana-peena.. they didn’t budge from their seats for a good three hours.
In fact, only, after about an hour or so, Kashyap, Koechlin and their friends seemed to focus on the food and wine. Hic hoc hooray or what!
Look, who’s changing!Mottu is finally here.. with some chatpata news on Shweta Bharadwaj. Who is she now? I’m told she’s an aspiring actress who debuted in Misshun Istanbhool or something such. So?
So this Ms Bharadwaj has signed a French movie, says Mots.. adding that she’s not willing to reveal anything more than that she’s donning 60 different looks.
Shweta claims that the filmmakers chose her because she looks alag alag from every angle. If Mots doesn’t leave this minute I’m going to scream. Par kya karen, such is life dearies!

Aamir Khan bonds with Danny Boyle

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:59:00 +0000

Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire may have failed to impress perfectionist actor Aamir Khan but that did not stop him from bonding with the Hollywood director. The two recently met during the success party of the Slumdog Millionaire and spent a long time chatting with each other. The Hollywood director had sent a special invitation to the Ghajini star for the event.
Danny Boyle had recently said that he was impressed with Aamir's acting and direction in Taare Zameen Par. The director is planning to make a hard core thriller out of Mumbai and there are rumours that he plans to cast Aamir in the movie. Well only time will say if the combination of Danny and Aamir can bring home some more Oscar Awards.

Aamir Khan says 'No' to smoking

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:55:00 +0000

Aamir Khan, who started smoking during the making of his directorial debut Taare Zameen Par, has been struggling to kick the habit.The actor promised to kick the butt after the release of TZP, but fell back into the habit during Ghajini.

In the past, Aamir has apologised to fans on his blog for not being able to give up on his habit ('Thanks for the drubbing on my smoking', November 2007).

However, the actor is now on a smoke break for three months. A source on the sets of Raju Hirani's Three Idiots reveals, "Aamir was over heard talking to a friend that he has given up smoking.

He has decided to go on a three-month break for his son Junaid. He doesn't want his habit to be a bad influence on his kids.

Junaid, who follows Aamir's blog religiously, would show him excerpts and comments from fans who have criticised him for smoking."

Aamir also plans to take his kids for a summer vacation. "This is the first time in a long while now, that Aamir is free during their vacation. He's looking forward to spending time with them.

When Junaid catches Aamir smoking, he makes it a point to make his displeasure apparent. So the actor has decided to go on a break for cigarettes till he returns from the vacation with his kids."

'Shah Rukh was never on the pedestal'

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Aamir Khan can be really controversial when he wants to be. In an interview with CNN's Anjali Rao for the special edition of Talk Asia, the man with the Midas touch lashed out at Shah Rukh Khan, his erstwhile friend and also spoke about Oscar-winning film, Slumdog Millionaire, and how it failed to touch him.

We present excerpts of the interview right here.

Watch the interview play out on Talk Asia on March 25 at 6pm on CNN, with a repeat telecast on March 28 at 10am and 8pm.

It's a real pleasure to have you with us today so thanks so much for making yourself available again. Your most recent film Ghajini is now the biggest Bollywood success ever. Did you have any idea that it would be quite as huge as it is?

You can hope that, you can hope that for all of your films. But you can never really tell until you see the film with the audience, how it's going to play with the audience in the theatre. So I think in Ghajini what we set out to make we were in fact able to achieve that. I realised that I'm making a hardcore mainstream film after really long, which is fine. I guess I'm happy to do that.

Asin teams up with ‘Sardar’ Aamir for Tata Sky ad

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:49:00 +0000

We were the first ones to reveal that Asin was the part of Tata Sky’s new ad campaign with Aamir Khan replacing Gul Panag. The Ghajini girl was roped in by the DTH giant after her super successful pairing with Aamir in her debut film. The news may be already out that Aamir Khan is donning the Sardar avatar for his new ad film for Tata Sky but we have now found out that this ad was shot with Asin too being a part of it with Aamir.
Our sources revealed, “Aamir has taken special interest in this ad right from deciding upon his costumes, make up, dialogues to even the background music. Through this ad he plans to make his presence felt in the upcoming IPL tournament. Though he doesn’t own an IPL team like his Bollywood counterparts Shah Rukh Khan, Shilpa Shetty and Preity Zinta, this new Tata Sky ad campaign is going to be widely advertised during the IPL matches on the channel showing the tournament. Asin’s inclusion was also Aamir’s idea.”
Sources further add, “All of Aamir’s ad campaigns of Tata Sky have been successful and he hopes to make a bigger splash with the latest one with Asin.” -

'Resolute' Aamir Khan kicks the butt for son's sake, yet again!

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:26:00 +0000

Mumbai, Mar 24: Mr Perfectionist Aamir Khan, failed to kick his smoking habit each time he attempted it. But he is resolute this time after son Junaid asked him to give up smoking.

Earlier, the actor had almost given up smoking but during his directorial debut ‘Taare Zameen Par’, he took to the poison again. Aamir had promised to kick the butt after the release of TZP, but failed to do so because of ‘Ghajini’ release problems.

However, Aamir is now on a smoke break for three months. According to a source, "Aamir was over heard talking to a friend that he has given up smoking. He has decided to go on a three-month break for his son Junaid. He doesn't want his habit to be a bad influence on his kids.”

Reportedly, Aamir’s son Junaid follows the actor’s blog and would often show him excerpts and comments from fans, who criticize his smoking habits. The actor also wants to go on a break with sons. "This is the first time in a long while now, that Aamir is free during their vacation. He's looking forward to spending time with them”, adds the source.

Aamir’s smoking habits have always irked Junaid, so, the father is willing to give it up for son’s sake. Hope you keep up your promise, Aamir!

Asin: Khan’t say!

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:23:00 +0000

Asin was first cast opposite Aamir Khan in Ghajini and she’ll soon be seen sharing

screen space with Salman Asin More Pics
And now with the raging Khan wars, it’s getting difficult for co-actors to handle situations when they are asked whom they prefer. Asin chooses her words carefully. “Both Salman and Aamir are great and good co-actors. As a child I used to admire Aamir Khan. I used to watch his films and Salman’s too.” Huh?

My parents were against me getting into films: Aamir Khan

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:22:00 +0000

Mumbai (IANS): Despite hailing from a film background, noted Bollywood actor-director Aamir Khan's parents were against his entering the filmdom.
"My parents looked after us very well... we had a fairly sheltered life. I mean my parents were really against me getting into films. I come from a film family. My father and uncle were both filmmakers. And I faced hell at home. It was like there's no way you're getting into films," Aamir Khan told CNN's special edition "Talk Asia" to be aired on Wednesday 6 p.m.
"But I don't usually listen to people. I just do what I feel like. And then when they realized actually it was more because they were concerned for me, you know.
"Every parent is concerned for their children. And they had been through this line and this profession is so uncertain. You know one day you're up there, the next day you're nobody and it's a really harsh profession," he added.
Aamir Khan is a son of renowned film producer Tahir Hussain. His uncle Nasir Hussain is also a film director.

Aamir and Danny Boyle: To be or not to be?

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:04:00 +0000

March 23rd, 2009 - 4:45 pm ICT by sampurn -

Well, Aamir Khan didn’t find the Oscar winning movie “Slumdog Millionaire’ a great film and was not impressed by its success. He also went public about it

But Danny Boyle seems to be interested in the Bollwood actor- director- producer’s body of work. He also told the media that he loved Aamir Khan’s work in “Taare Zameen Par.’

The actor who also saw success with “Ghajini’ was seen bonding with him and chatted for almost three hours at an event.

Danny Boyle was earlier planning a dark thriller on Mumbai and there’s a strong feeling that he might be casting Aamir in his next.

Well, after making inexperienced actors act well in “Slumdog Millionaire’, it will be interesting if the Bollywood perfectionist clicks with the one of a kind Brit director. This one could indeed be pure magic.

Ghajini to re-release

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 16:16:00 +0000

Aamir Khan fans need not wait an entire year for their favourite star's next film. Taking advantage of the deadlock between producers and multiplexes, the makers of Ghajini are all set to re-release the film.

At a time when marketing strategy often translates into ticket sales, this strategy is being seen as coup of sorts. This time around the film will feature new footage. And two, with the proposed ban on new releases from April 4, the producers of Ghajini are hoping their brainwave will prove a breath of fresh air.

And that might not be a bad idea. The film had already grossed Rs 75 crore in India and Rs 200 crore worldwide.

"I am really happy everyone's liking Ghajini, and people have made it such a huge hit," said Aamir Khan, actor.

Wrapped in the new avtaar of the film, there's an upside for the producers as well. Madhu Matenu of India Films told NDTV that re-releasing the film is a good way to work around recession. Why make a new film when you can simply tinker with an old one, right?

Well, not quite. Ghajini had run into trouble with the censors the first time around thanks to some heavy-duty action scenes. Now it will have to pass muster with the censor board once again.
If it does, remember to keep your date with Aamir Khan. Or you could tattoo it on just so you don't forget.

Are Salman Khan and Aamir Khan coming together

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 16:15:00 +0000

Are the two Khans Salman Khan and Aamir Khan coming together? This question is being asked in the Bollywood. The speculation in the Indian filmdom is rife that the two Khans have warmed up recently. And it can’t be just for nothing.

The two have worked in some very successful films and in the time of sequels right now in Indian cinema, the Salman, Aamir jodi can just rock if the two come together.

The two have been seen together quite often, even unnaturally. Last year Aamir amazed everyone by coming to Salman’s popular game show show Dus Ka Dum as a participant.

Recently Salman Khan presented a few portraits of Aamir’s recently released film Ghajin. The portraits were painted by none other than him.

He also heaped praise on Ghajini. While appreciating the film Salman said, “It is an amazing film. Aamir is just outstanding in the film. Sometime you feel - Allah! ye kya kar diya (God, what have you done) because we have worked together and I know him. The film is made very well and has managed to get the biggest opening ever”.

I don’t think SRK was ever King Khan: Aamir

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:03:00 +0000

Mumbai: The Reigning Khan of Bollywood- Aamir Khan recently appeared on the show called 'Talk Asia' for CNN with host Anjali Rao in front of a live audience. The actor who of late has been very media-savvy spoke at length on topics as diverse as his on-going war of words with Shah Rukh Khan to the Terror attacks that devastated Mumbai on 26/11 last year.

Post the stupendous success of his last film ‘Ghajini’, Aamir is being termed as the new 'King Khan' of Bollywood. Commenting on this, the actor said, "I had absolutely no intention of kicking Shah Rukh off his pedestal. Though I have to say, I don't think, he ever was on it. In my opinion, the actor who I really look up to is Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. He is someone who's work I really liked, a fantastic actor & the kind of stardom Mr. Bachchan has seen, none of us can ever hope to see."

He also shared what he felt about ‘Ghajini’ breaking all kinds of records and emerging as the highest grossing Bollywood film of all time. "You can never really tell how a film is going to perform until you see the film with the audience. For me what is important is that when I see the film once it is ready, has it turned out the way we wanted it to? If we have done that, then that makes me feel happy."

The actor also expressed his views on the much talked about Oscar winning film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. "I thought the movie was well intended. It was a very sincere attempt, but it didn't touch me personally, and I suspect its because, I'm not used to watching Indians speak English, all these slum kids talking in English... it's strange."

Finally the actor got emotional while sharing his thoughts on the ghastly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. "It was really devastating. It was like a nightmare, I could not believe it. It was shocking to see the audacity with which these attacks were carried out."

Aamir Khan will do the role of a Sardar in a commercial

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:48:00 +0000

Aamir Khan will do the role of a Sardar in a commercial
After doing romantic roles and six packs roles, Aamir is set to do a role of a “Sardar” in a commercial. Aamir did the Mannu bhabhi role for coke advertisement and he will do an elderly Sikh man in another TV commercial. Aamir has proved, he does all the roles with perfection.
In his last movie “Ghajini”, he did the role of a shirtless man (like Salman Khan which might have annoyed Salman, who was ruling the gym going shirtless genre in Bollywood and even Shahrukh who was praised for six packs in OSO).Now it is turn of Sardar Akshay Kumar to see how Aamir portrays a Sardar. Akshay Kumar played the role of a Sardar in his movie “Singh Is Kinng” and he inspired many other actors to do role of Sardar in Bollywood movies.
Before Akshay, no Hindi actor ever tried to appear in the role of a sardar with a pagdi and come onscreen with unshaved face. Akshay took the risk and reaped the benefits. Even Shahrukh should be praised for appearing in the role of an unappealing man in “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.”
Bollywood stars are working hard on varieties in looks and Aamir will appear in the role of an elderly Sardar in the TV commercial for Tata Sky and he will also be wearing a black spectacle and he will have wrinkles on skin for the role. The look will be very serious and Aamir may be difficult to identify.
Aamir previously was seen in the role of Chinese man in an advertisement then Dinu Kaka .Later he played “a good husband who allows his wife to watch TV and he, instead talks to his mother-in-law on phone.” After doing young man in “Rang De Basanti” and “Dil Chahta Hai” and serious roles in “Ghajini,” Aamir is waiting for some more challenging roles and it is expected that he will be able to surprise his fans through his upcoming movie ‘3 Idiots.’

Aamir Khan is the New King in Filmfare Powerlist 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Khan Number 1 in Bollywood, Aamir replaces Shah Rukh in 2008, Bollywood Aamir and SRK War
While the cold war between Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan over the title of being the king of Bollywood is still on, guess who has actually got the title? Yes, it’s none other than Aamir Khan, who has replaced SRK on the top slot in Filmfare Powerlist 2008.
The "Ghajini" Star, Aamir Khan was nowhere in Filmfare Powerlist 2007 and it was Shah Rukh who was on the topmost slot. But, the situation has changed drastically in 2008. Aamir not only got a place in the powerlist but also made it to the top most position.
Thanks to Aamir’s directorial debut “Taare Zameen Pe” and his production “Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na”, both these movies proved Aamir’s mettle in directorial field. Perhaps this is the reason, that Aamir not only replaced SRK but also is now rated as the best director in Bollywood.
No matter how much Shah Rukh stresses that he is the number one star of Bollywood, it is Aamir who got the number one position in the Filmfare Powerlist 2008.
Here is a detailed Filmfare Powerlist 20081. Aamir Khan
2. Shah Rukh Khan
3. Yash and Aditya Chopra
4. Ronnie Screwvala
5. Karan Johar
6. Akshay Kumar
7. Farhan Akhtar
8. A R Rahman
9. Hrithik Roshan
10. Kareena Kapoor

6 nominations for Ghajini at the 54th Filmfare awards!

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:58:00 +0000

Filmfare Awards Best Actor (Male)

Aamir Khan (Ghajini)
Hrithik Roshan (Jodhaa Akbar)
Akshay Kumar (Singh Is King)
Naseeruddin Shah (A Wednesday)
Shahrukh Khan (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
Abhishek Bachchan (Dostana)

Filmfare Awards Best Actor (Female)

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Jodhaa Akbar)
Priyanka Chopra (Fashion)
Asin (Ghajini)
Anushka Sharma (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
Kajol (U Me Aur Hum)

Filmfare Awards Best Film

Dostana
Jodhaa Akbar
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Ghajini
Rock On!!
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na

Filmfare Awards Best Director

Ashutosh Gowariker (Jodhaa Akbar)
A.R Murugadoss (Ghajini)
Aditya Chopra (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
Abhishek Kapoor (Rock On!!)
Madhur Bhandarkar (Fashion)
Neeraj Pandey (A Wednesday)

Filmfare Awards Best Actor in Supporting Role (Male)

Abhishek Bachchan (Sarkar Raj)
Arjun Rampal (Rock On!!)
Prateik Barber (Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na)
Sonu Sood (Jodhaa Akbar)
Tusshar Kapoor (Golmaal Returns)
Vinay Pathak (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)

Filmfare Awards Best Actor in Supporting Role (Female)

Bipasha Basu (Bachna Ae Haseeno)
Kangana Ranaut (Fashion)
Kirron Kher (Dostana)
Ratna Pathak Shah (Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na)
Shahana Goswami (Rock On!!)

Filmfare Awards Best Music

A.R. Rehman (Ghajini)
A.R. Rehman (Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na)
A.R. Rehman (Jodhaa Akbar)
Pritam Chakraborty (Race)
Shankar - Ehsaan - Loy (Rock On!!)
Vishal - Shekar (Dostana)

Filmfare Awards Best Lyrics

Abbas Tyrewala for Kabhi Kabhi Aditi (Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na)
Gulzar for Tu Meri Dost Hai (Yuvvraaj)
Jaideep Sahni for Haule Haule (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
Javed Akhtar for Jashn-e-bahara (Jodhaa Akbar)
Javed Akhtar for Socha Hai (Rock On)
Prasoon Joshi for Guzarish (Ghajini)

Source : http://awards.filmfare.com/

Mona Singh from ‘Jassi Jasi’ makes her debut in 3 Idiots

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:57:00 +0000

Mona Singh making her debut in Rajkumar Hirani’s much-anticipated Three Idiots, which stars Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Boman Irani and Sharman Joshi.

Is this the Bollywood break she’s been waiting for? “I’ve never really made a big effort to break into Bollywood. This project just fell into my lap,” says an exuberant Mona, recalling how she bagged the role in Three Idiots. “I was in New York shooting for an award show, where I met Rajkumar. He told me he was trying to sketch a role for Three Idiots keeping me in mind. He called me to tell me about the script and the role a year later. It sounded so exciting that I had to grab it with both hands,” she says.

Mona says she plays an interesting character. “I play Kareena’s younger sister and my role takes a very crucial turn in the climax,” she said.

‘I feel 22!’ - Aamir Khan

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:37:00 +0000

Believe it or not, the actor turns 44 today! The superstar decodes his personal milestones and more with DNA
Aamir Khan turns 44 today! What have been your personal milestones?The first milestone would be when I decided to get into films. I was 15 or 16 at that time and Aditya (film-maker Basu Bhattacharya’s son) was my classmate then. He wanted to make a short film called Paranoia. I just helped him out and I realised that this was where I wanted to be. That film never was released; I am sure the television channels would be interested in showing it now.
And then at the age of 21, I got married to Rina. That was 1986. We did it on our own and no one knew about it, not even our respective parents. The decision to marry was spontaneous but the preparations around it were all planned.
In 1993, my son Junaid was born and it totally altered my life. I still remember the feeling of becoming a father for the first time. Everything changed, my priorities, my responsibilities…it was a different feeling altogether. In 1998 my daughter Ira was born and that was a turning point too.
And, of course, another major milestone would be my marriage to Kiran (Rao) three years back. That was an extremely important milestone because before that I was going through a really low phase emotionally. I needed someone really badly at that point of time. I am the kind who needs an emotional anchor all the time….
You seem like a strong man who takes his own decisions and leads his own life….Often, what is obvious is not the truth. The fact is I cannot function without having that someone who I am emotionally dependent on. It’s very tough for me to lead a lonely life.
Which films would you say have been the turning points of your career?QSQT, Ghajini, Taare Zameen Par, Lagaan and Sarfarosh. Tell you a secret… I had vowed not to be a producer ever because I had seen my father go through bad times being a producer. And then I read the script of Lagaan. Ashu (Ashutosh Gowarikar) was a flop director at that time but I had faith in him. I was not sure what to do.
Then I thought of great film-makers like Bimal Roy, V Shantaram, Guru Dutt and thought that these ‘are the directors who weren’t afraid of taking risks’. They did what they believed in, and I should follow that. My head was telling me not to, but my heart was saying just do it. Even with films like Sarfarosh and Rang De Basanti, common sense would say don’t do it, but my heart said I should. And all those films in which I took a decision with my heart have been milestones. So, always follow your heart. Every time I thought I had made a calculated decision it went drastically wrong….
Like? Parampara was one of them.
The 20s, 30s and 40s…which phase of these age groups have you enjoyed the most?I have not seen all of the 40s, but I think 20s was great. I had fun always but in my 20s I learnt a lot and grew as an actor. While 20s was about professional growth, 30s, especially late 30s was about personal growth. I went through a huge personal and emotional crisis after my divorce with Reena. This made me look inwards a lot.
I stopped working and living for a bit. That really helped me because I changed as a person totally. That was the phase which helped me grow immensely as a person. The 40s has been good so far, as I feel I am professionally at my peak. If you compare me to my 20s, I have far less insecurities, but the stakes are higher now. Either way the stress levels are the same.
How old do you feel mentally?(With a smile) 25? No actually early 20s, 22 maybe.
You look 25…I would give one advice to every one. You are what you eat. Follow a healthy diet, drink lots of water and sleep well. I began drinking three litres of water after Fanaa and Rang De Basanti, both films where I didn’t look so great…look at the change now. People ask me what I do, and I say just eat right and drink lots of water…. Simple!Simple? That’s what it seems. Now, only if one was also blessed with that ever ticking super-intelligent brain.

I’m powerful from within: Aamir Khan

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:36:00 +0000

As a birthday treat to himself, I think, Aamir Khan took two evenings off from work this week and drove into town to catch the classical music concerts of Zubin Mehta and the Viennese Philharmonic Orchestra with virtuoso Chinese pianist Lang Lang. I met him after the second show on Thursday night, over salad and coffee at India Jones, that’s all he was having.
It’s not that Aamir has eclectic tastes in food as well as music, he’s in the middle of Raju Hirani’s film 3 Idiots and needs to keep his weight down. So he’s got into the General Motors Weight Loss Diet which is designed to help the faithful lose between seven to ten pounds in seven days and detoxify the system. He was on Day 2, the diet here is strictly vegetables; Day 4 is even worse, it’s bananas and milk, so Aamir will cut a birthday cake today… but he’s not going to be having any. The irrepressible killing machine of Ghajini has gone. In his place is a pulled down, more passive and pensive man to whom birthdays and age and top spots and polls in Bollywood are just numbers.
“Age is a number,” Aamir reminded me, “what matters is how old or young you feel.” Ditto the No 1 position in Bollywood as an actor, producer and director that he has been credited with by Filmfare — which makes him the most powerful man in the film industry. “I’m happy with the fact, of course,” he modestly admitted, “but power comes from inside you, it’s got nothing to do with fame and wealth, and it does not matter how powerful you are… how you use what little power you have in trying to contribute to society is where your strengths lie.” He has no idea, nor does he care either, whether Bollywood perceives him as a powerful player of the industry. “My relationship with my audience cannot be defined by a number, it cannot be changed no matter what anybody says, and that relationship is proved on a Friday when my films release,” said Aamir. But, yes, he is happy to be in a position where he has the freedom and strength to do the kind of work he enjoys doing. “And I wish for that to continue,” said Aamir fervently, “because to me, what is of prime importance is that I enjoy the scripts I am working on… then only something good will come out of the film.”
At this stage of his life and career, he’s working with Raju Hirani (“for the first time as an actor I’m doing a film with the No 1 director of the industry”) in 3 Idiots, he’s doing wife Kiran’s Dhobi Ghat, and there’s his home production Delhi Belly. “I’m not in the numbers game, and I don’t think filmmaking is a race, it’s an art form, an emotional connect with work. My thrill lies in breaking barriers, in doing unusual stuff, I lead with my heart. If I like a story, I do it. That’s how it was with Lagaan, the first film I produced, I went ahead because I liked the script and nobody else was willing to produce it. Yes, I take risks, but I’m not calculating — that’s how I’ve always been. I work with newcomers, I like experimental filmmakers, my power — yes, you can say that, lies in bringing about change. My popularity, the faith that the market and my colleagues have in me, the love, support and respect of audiences… these help me do things that are challenging and which excite me. They encourage me to go into areas as an actor, as a creative person, that I haven’t been before. Yes, the last year has been good for me. And I’m grateful. But I want to take my work to another level not seen before. I have no long-term dreams for myself. When I pick up a story, I want to achieve it to its full potential. I live for the moment and in the moment I am in. What excites me is what I am doing now.” That I could see and believe. At midnight, there must be few men who would enjoy a raw salad and black coffee with no sugar. But Aamir Khan was. And asking for seconds!

No Obama-like leader in Indian politics: Aamir Khan

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:34:00 +0000

DELHI: A leader like Barack Obama is yet to appear on the horizon of Indian politics, actor Aamir Khan has said while praising young Congressleader Rahul Gandhi for his “sincerity” and “uprightness”.
Asked whether he can see any Obama-like politician in India, Aamir said: “Not as of now. I don’t see anyone right now. I mean based on what I have seen in our national politics.
“I think Rahul (Gandhi) seems to be a very upright person, very sincere, but I am yet to hear him speak on issues,” he said.
The actor-director, whose latest film “Ghajini” turned out to be a hit, also said he did not want to be part of award ceremonies where “underhand things” take place.
“I attend ceremonies that I have value for. It is nothing to do with the borders. I don’t want to be part of award ceremonies where lots of underhand things happen,” Aamir, who has been for years giving Indian awards ceremonies a miss, told a news channel in an interview.
Commenting on the change that the Mumbai terror attacks have brought to the psyche of Indians, he said the incident served the purpose of bringing the country.
He said the incident has broken the perception that terrorism has a religious colour, propelling people to seek answers from politicians and reject the “politics of divide.
“I think it has done something which has a positive outcome. It has brought us together I feel. For many years, terrorism was looked upon with religious colour. I think now people have come to understand that the terrorism in fact has no religion,” he said.
“People no longer want their leaders to play this politics of divide. They (Indian citizens) want progressive- thinking leaders, they want their leaders to be accountable,” Aamir said.
Hoping that Danny Boyle’s “Slumdog Millionaire” does well at the Oscars, Aamir said he did not agree with critics who say the film is too negative a depiction of India.
“I don’t think ‘Slumdog’ is making an attempt to show the underbelly of India or that may be its selling point. I think the filmmakers are creative people and they are storytellers and they are telling us a story,” he said.
The actor, whose “Taare Zameen Par” failed to make it to the Oscar nominations, said he was “not surprised” by his directorial debut being left out of the race for Academy awards.
Aamir said he makes films for the audience and not for awards…”Academy awards or any awards”.
He, however, said the film had been loved by audiences all across the globe and Mark Johnson, who is the Chairman of the Foreign Language Committee of Academy Awards called him to say that he loved the film.
Commenting on his journey from “Taare Zameen Par” to “Ghajini”, Aamir, who also introduced his nephew Imran Khan in “Jaane Tu Ya Jane Na” last year, said: “It has been a good year for me and I am really happy with the success I got not only as an actor or as a director with my first film but also as a producer of the film ‘Jaane Tu…’ I am really happy with the success of ‘Ghajini’ that is unprecedented.”

‘I am no activist but i am upset’

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:29:00 +0000

Post 26/11, you posted blog entries criticising the Congress and the BJP – not many actors have attacked both major political formations by name. You have been talking about the need for a new youth-led political leadership, giving sharp television statements. Activism or anger?Activism toh nahin hai, I am not an activist. But as a citizen, at a time like this, I think everyone is upset, everyone is wanting to voice their opinion, so am I. How long can attacks just keep on happening? I have not seen any concrete steps being taken for many years – nor has anyone else, for that matter.

You feel we don’t have leaders?
We don’t have an Obama right now. Do we have an Obama we can look up to and say, this guy can lead us to better lives? I don’t see one right now.
Do you see a Rang De Basanti-type anti-establishment undercurrent?
Today, people are really angry, they are seeking accountability. That’s welcome, even if it’s taken something so drastic to wake us up. Perhaps it was the brazenness of it.
What’s happened after we woke up is adequate?
People have been made to resign. The government is paying more attention to security, a lot of pressure is being put on Pakistan to deal with the elements there. So things have happened, and what’s more important is that a political consciousness has developed in the country, which, for example, a city like Bombay didn’t have in the past.I also think that this would have an impact on the youth, and young people would take the decision to enter mainstream social activism, or mainstream politics.
What about young people demanding cross-border action today?
The people of Pakistan have probably suffered as much as we have because of terrorism. However, the fact is that there are elements there that are nurturing and creating terrorists. If they are on the soil of Pakistan, the government there has to deal with it – or they have to allow other people from other countries to deal with it.
Cine activism hasn’t impacted real politics. The way actors in the south have entered mainstream politics – why don’t you also step in to make a difference?
But, if you see, historically, the parties floated by actors down south have ultimately been no different from any other political party elsewhere in the country. It’s just been about someone who is popular as a star, using his or her popularity to be elected by the people – but ultimately, that hasn’t amounted to much where the manner of governance is concerned.
How’s the TZP Oscars campaign going?
It’s going good. Incidentally, I recently got a call from the chairman of the Foreign Language Committee, Mark Johnson – which is very unusual – saying that he saw the film and liked it very much, that the jury members also liked it. It doesn’t mean that the film will get nominated, but he must have liked it for him to take the effort to call, so I’m happy that whether or not it gets a nomination, it is being appreciated by a wider audience.
When you were 18, 20, did you ever think you’d work so hard on fitness and build a physique that would be sold as a cinematic USP in your 40s?
I have always been fond of sports, but training, hitting the gym is not something I have been fond of, and when I’ve done it, it hasn’t lasted more than a couple of months. But the director wanted a particular kind of look for the character, so I jumped into it. I’d no idea how far I’d go, I started from zero and went at it hammer and tongs. When I started, I hated it. But after a point, I began enjoying it… Ironically, just as I reached peak form and completed shooting, about seven months ago, I had to start undoing what I did, because for Raju Hirani’s film I have to have a very non-muscular look. So for the last seven months, I haven’t been training. That has been more traumatic than building it. I worked so hard to reach there and then I said to myself, oh God, I have to undo it all! But that’s my job as an actor…
Sachin Tendulkar actually came to see the body, to check whether the look in the posters is real?
No, no, he came to see the film. He wanted to see the film. It was a media thing that he wanted to see the body, that he asked if it is real, aisa kuch nahi hua tha.
How long have you known him?
It goes as far back as the shooting of Andaz Apna Apna. It was the mahurat shot, and Sachin was invited to give the clap. Before that, I’d seen him once at Brabourne stadium, when he was doing net practice with the team, but he hadn’t been selected. I was talking to Kapil Dev and Dilip Vengsarkar and I asked them, who’s that kid, he’s playing really well yaar. They said he’s a young guy, Tendulkar, we’re trying him out. I said, just as a layman, yeh toh kamaal ka khel raha hai, he’s middling the ball perfectly, he should be in the team! I didn’t know then that he would actually be selected very soon after. Over time, we’ve met more often and kept in touch.
You like his batting, he likes your movies?
Actually we don’t talk much about our careers when we meet. But once, I got what I count as the biggest compliment from him. We were at a party where the Australian team was there – McGrath, Shane Warne, Brett Lee and so on. He was introducing me to them, and he said to them, you know how I am on the pitch, that’s him, on screen! I was very happy to hear that (and that has an ear to ear grin accompanying it).You’ve spoken of his predicting bowlers’ strategies during the last IPL, when you watched matches with him.Yes, he’s amazing. But even I made a good prediction recently! In the previous Test match, when things were balanced evenly early on the last day, I had this feeling that he would score a century, and we would win. So I texted (Sachin’s wife) Anjali, saying, aaj Sachin ki century hone wali hai, hum jeetne waale hain. Ya, I should have texted him, but I have a superstition about this. Whenever I would text Sachin before a match, saying all the best or something like that, he would get out very quickly. Yeh teen-char baar ho gaya, and I said, yaar, main isko good luck wish karta hoon aur yeh out ho jaata hai. Now I’m not generally superstitious in life, but when it comes to cricket, I get superstitious. So I stopped texting him around matches, and told him why. So this time, when I got that feeling, I was about to text him – and then I stopped, I said yeh phir out ho jayega, and texted Anjali instead. After the match, after seeing it, Sachin texted me back. That’s when I told him, see, I’m not so bad in my predictions either!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AAMIR!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:21:00 +0000

Turning 44 and looking 25, getting better and better at every level is
what he’s managed to do over the years!
Let’s wish all the best to Aamir on
this special day!