PicShik Blog

There has always been a tough competition between Amitabh, Aamir and Shahrukh Khan. During the press conference of International Indian Film Academy (IIFA), when Amitabh Bachchan was asked whom he thinks holds the No. 1 position, Aamir or Shahrukh, he said that he does not believe in number game and admires both of them.“Aamir and Shahrukh, both are very good actors and human beings. They are talented and are doing well,” Bachchan said. Recently, Aamir Khan very tactfully declared that his position in Bollywood is No. 1 and Shahrukh comes after him. The number game in Bollywood is not new, competition to stand first is going on from decades.If Shahrukh is the called the Badshah then Amitabh Bachchan is called the Shahenshah of Bollywood. Amitabh has come a long way in Bollywood and he had already established his position in the film industry as a legendry actor. Shahrukh had also formed a strong grip in filmdom. Perfectionist Aamir Khan has not only proved himself as a great actor but has hit a sixer in direction too. His directional debut Taare Zameen Par is considered to be a milestone

John Abraham was lucky enough to taste success with his debut vehicle, JISM. Though he acted in a number of films but real stardom came his way with Yash Raj’s Sanjay Gadhvi directed, DHOOM, which made John a youth icon. The film also marked the first major success for Aby’s baby, Abhishek Bachchan. After DHOOM, John was once again seen in Yash Raj’s critically acclaimed KABUL EXPRESS, directed by Kabir Khan. However, John turned down the same banner’s JHOOM BARABAR JHOOM because he did not want to play second fiddle to his DHOOM co-star, Abhishek Bachchan. The role ultimately went to Bobby Deol and was so well executed that some of the critics went to the extent of calling it the saving grace of the film. It was also instrumental in giving a new lease of life to the junior Jatt’s sliding career. Post DHOOM the scenario was bleak for John with most of his movies like SALAAM-E-ISHQ, BAABUL, WATER and NO SMOKING to name a few, sinking at the ticket window. The only successful movie that John could boast of was Priyadarshan’s GARAM MASALA, way back in 2005 and even the credit for the success went to the Akki-Priyan team. Things became worse with rumours that Aditya Chopra was miffed with John for having turned down JBJ, but as they say, Bombay’s rain and Bollywood’s equations are highly unpredictable, and things are really looking up for the handsome hunk. As we all know that John is back once again with the Yash Raj banner, putting to rest all talks of differences with Aditya Chopra. Yes, John will be seen in Kabir Khan’s next project, along with another rising star in Bollywood, Neil Nitin Mukesh and the audience’s number one actress, Katrina Kaif. Moreover, there is a buzz that Yash Raj films is planning another multistarrer and we hear that John will play one of the lead roles in that project. So that should shut up the gossip mongers once and for all. Here is wishing the heartthrob of countless female fans, John Abraham a highly successful comeback in 2008!

The queue for tickets at the matinee show at Maratha Mandir is surprising, if not intimidating. The dimly-lit interiors of one of Mumbai’s last remaining single-screen theatres sets the mood as the audience troops in, clutching their tickets. The curtains go up and the film begins. Fifteen minutes into the film and people are clapping and whistling and laughing as if they are watching a film that has just hit the turnstiles. But the film being screened today has been playing for the last 13 years. And most of the audience has seen it a number of times. The magic of Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, that released on October 20, 1995 and has been playing, uninterrupted, at Maratha Mandir since, doesn’t seem to fade away. It entered the 650th week of its run this Friday.“The crowds just don’t stop coming in,” says Pravin Rane, manager, Maratha Mandir. “We do have a lull during exams and cricket matches which happens with all movies. But this film never seems to run out of steam.”Most people who throng the theatre are watching it the third or fourth time. But there are also people like Calvin Thapa, a twenty-year-old who came to Mumbai from Darjeeling a week back, looking for some work. This was the first time he was watching Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, popularly known as DDLJ. “I was very young when the film released in my hometown.” Thapa had seen a host of other Shah Rukh Khan films of which Don was his favourite. “But when I saw this film, I was blown away. The film is definitely SRK’s best.”Ashraf Khan, who has a shop near Maratha Mandir, walks in to watch DDLJ, whenever he’s bored at work. “The film is the ultimate time-pass. I must have seen it at least 40 times.” One reason for the film pulling in crowds could be the low ticket prices — Rs20 for balcony, and Rs16 for stall. “So many films have come and gone, but the magic of DDLJ is something else,” says Krishna Solanki, who has enjoyed an even longer run of 40 years as sweeper at Maratha Mandir. ‘Daddy’, as he is fondly called by the other employees, is obviously an old softie at heart, since even after multiple viewings he hasn’t got bored of watching Raj romance Simran. “Who can tire of such a beautiful love story?” he says. “It gladdens the heart every time you see it.”The memories the film evokes are clearly what make it stand apart now, when a new generation of viewers has entered the theatres. Filmmaker Karan Johar started his career assisting director Aditya Chopra in the film and also made a brief appearance in it as Shah Rukh’s bespectacled buddy. “I have more memories of DDLJ than any of my own movies. It was my training ground.”At Yash Raj Films, the mood is upbeat. “It is a great honour that DDLJ is creating new records every passing week,” says Yash Chopra. “I feel elated that Adi’s first film is still creating waves, 13 years after its release.” Perhaps it has something to do with the timeless effervescence of the lead pair, perhaps it’s the sarson ke khet. Whatever the reason, the audience still goes crazy each time Raj strums his mandolin and Simran goes running into his arms. And when finally, finally, the tough heart of Amrish Puri melts and he lets his daughter go to the man she loves, they break into ecstatic applause. As if on cue, someone from the audience shouts out Raj’s exit line, “Senorita, bade bade deshon main, aisi chhoti chhoti baatein, hoti rehti hain.” And everyone leaves, content.

It’s always comeback climate in tinsel town. After heartbreak and a dizzying vortex of non-stardom, Vivek Oberoi is back in top gear, if Karan Johar’s next flick is anything to go by. Post Shootout at Lokhandwala’s success, Vivek Oberoi is back in the big league. He will be playing an important character in Karan Johar’s untitled next, to be directed by Rensil D’Souza. Karan Johar, who is currently in Miami shooting for Dostana, confirmed, “Yes, I have signed Vivek for my next film. I was really impressed with his role in Shootout. It is an unusual love triangle between two guys and a girl. Saif, Vivek and Kareena will play the respective roles.” He added, “The basic idea came from me but it was Rensil who developed it into a proper story. The film will go on the floors in October. It will be complete by the first quarter of next year and will be shot in London.”

The new half hour magazine format show, Filmy Cocktails on FILMY not only covers the Bollywood news, but also gives the hard core Bollywood fans a reason to stick on and get their highs on consuming filmy goss and gyaan straight from the horse’s mouth! If it’s a rumour ‘out there’,it is verified right here on FILMY Cocktails by the concerned star itself!The sexy Bipasha Basu exclusively on Filmy Cocktails.Bipasha Basu came, saw and conquered…From the ramp to films…to the hearts of millions!The people in the glamour industry get their ejectives based on their personality. I want to thank the media and the people who appreciate my work. I am happy to be the part of the industry.
According to a popular poll, you have been voted as the sexiest women of Asia… How does it feel?
Female actors were stereotyped around five years back. I was called an unconventional actress and a sex symbol. Sexy sounded very funny to me. I have achieved a lot of respect in the film industry by my struggle and the kind of films I have done. People have appreciated my talent. Now, female actors have better opportunities and this is the best time for actresses.
‘Corporate’, ‘Omkara’ aur ab ek Bengali film. Is it an effort to shed that glam sexy image?
No, I was not giving up anything when I did ‘Corporate’. People thought I was going the Tabu way but then came ‘Dhoom 2′ based on glamour and fashion and then ‘Omkara’ as a village dancer. I think people liked me in both the films. I feel that as an actor I need to mix and do the things that I like.
Favourite Director?
I would say Aditya Chopra as I opt for commercial cinema which is widely watched. It is better to do films which are widely watched.
Break-up with John Abraham, patch-up. What’s the deal?
It’s too difficult. I have been with him for too long. It’s been six years. I don’t know.

Krazzy 4 is certainly turning out to be a full package of entertainment with the right dose of comedy and sizzling numbers in it!Soon after Rakesh Roshan roped in the King Khan for a sizzling item number in the film, it’s now the turn of ‘Daddy’s Son’, Hrithik Roshan to groove on the same item number.Well, a record in the making as the film will have item numbers from not one, but two big superstars and what more does the audience need?They even have an item number from the sexy seductress, Rakhi Sawant. As Hrithik shakes his legs on the same title track ‘Breakfree’, the promos of his sensational moves to the song will start airing this week.Says Jaideep Sen, the Director of the film, “It was a delight to direct SRK and I must say the song is getting popular day by day. Hrithik’s song is on the same tune but there is a slight change in lyrics.He has danced brilliantly as usual and it shows!!…I am very lucky that two mega stars have danced to my title song for my debut film….Also Rakhi Sawant’s song is for the masses as she has a certain amount of class and is famous through her item songs. It was a great working experience with her as well!”Krazzy 4 stars Arshad Warsi, Rajpal Yadav, Irrfan Khan and Suresh Menon along with Juhi Chawla. Releasing on April 11, 2008, it is directed by debutant Jaideep Sen and produced by Rakesh Roshan under his banner FilmKraft.

Anil Kapoor, who was one of the most bankable stars of the ‘80s, is having a successful second run at the box-office. So much so that he is giving stiff competition to Amitabh Bachchan. There have been several instances in the recent past when producers decided to settle for Kapoor rather than Bachchan. Kapoor says, “I got back to the grind thinking that occasional films will keep me busy. Fortunately, I bagged the right scripts, best directors and everything fell into place. Trust me I have never enjoyed doing films as much as I do today.”The story goes that Aditya Chopra also discouraged Tashan director Vijay Krishna Acharya from signing Bachchan to play a crucial negative character in the film. The role eventually went to Kapoor. Apparently, Bachchan’s portrayal of the modern-day Gabbar in Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag was one of the reasons why he wasn’t offered the role in Tashan. A source from the production house reveals, “Adi (Aditya Chopra) felt that Anil will portray the sexual streak in the character more effectively than Mr Bachchan. Also, unlike Mr Bachchan, Anil isn’t overexposed.”Similarly, Percept Picture Company was insistent on making Johnny Walker with Kapoor. But director Shoojit Sircar took the same script to UTV Motion Pictures as he was rooting for Bachchan in the lead role. It’s a different story that Kapoor begged out of Percept’s Johnny Walker as Bachchan has already shot for Sircar’s film, which is now titled Shoe-bite.Kapoor explains, “I clearly told Shailendra Singh, Joint Managing Director of Percept Holdings, that there is no point in making a film with the same content. It would have only resulted in negativity and that’s why I stepped down.”Trainspotting director Danny Boyle also cast Kapoor as the Kaun Banega Crorepati host in his film, Slumdog Millionaire, which releases in October.Kapoor’s young looks, ability to convincingly play flamboyant characters, and his conscious decision to stay away from brand endorsements have only worked to the actor’s advantage. “Like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor, I have never believed in brand endorsements. Although my children think that I’m a fool, I will never endorse any brand. Naturally, I’m not overexposed and it has definitely given me an edge over the rest,” adds a rather frank Kapoor.A trade analyst, on condition of anonymity, says, “Anil Kapoor has suddenly become a very, very interesting option for filmmakers.

The second coming
He is a good and versatile actor and he has been choosing his roles very cleverly. Welcome, Black and White, Race, Tashan and Main Yuvraj is a great and varied line-up. Also, he is playing a prominent role in all these films. Kapoor’s biggest asset is that he still looks young and fresh and he can confidentially carry off roles alongside Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Khanna. His market value has certainly gone up recently.”After having essayed the role of the Kaun Banega Crorepati host in Slumdog Millionaire, Kapoor will be soon seen on television as a chatty host. Without giving out too many details, Kapoor says, “I have been offered two television shows, and I’m looking forward to hosting them.”

Aamir insisted on changing the climax of the original Ghajini, where a student is stripped and killed, in the film’s remake. Did Aamir do it so that his fans are not rubbed the wrong way?Aamir Khan has got the makers to the change the script of his yet untitled remake of Tamil film, Ghajini. Aamir insisted on changing the remake’s climax as he was unhappy with the lasts 30 minutes of the original version.Our source says, “After getting a new look for Ghajini’s remake, Aamir has begun the new schedule of the remake with various changes in the film’s pre-climax and climax portions.The Tamil version’s entire climax takes place in a medical college where the hero (actor Surya) takes on the villain played by Aamir’s Lagaan co-star Pradeep Singh Rawat, who is also involved in human trafficking. There is actually a double role of the villain and the hero fights both of them in a hand-to-hand combat. But before the fight happens, the villain and his goons come chasing the second heroine (played by Nayanthara) to her college after which they disrobe and kill a medical student. The goons then announce that they shall continue to kill students until the hero comes out of his hiding.“Aamir knows that his biggest fan base is the family audience. Now, after the respect that he has earned post Taare Zameen Par and his rising popularity with children, Aamir wouldn’t like the remake to have any content, which he doesn’t believe in. That’s why he has got the entire climax rewritten. Apart from the changes in the last 30 minutes of the film, the Hindi version remains true to the original,” adds the source.Aamir had earlier written in one of his blogs: “When I was offered Ghajini, I didn’t take it very seriously as I am not usually keen on remakes. But when I saw the film I really loved it. I did not like the last 30 minutes of the film but despite that the film had worked for me. I was not sure that I should do it as I had a problem with the end of the film, also I was not sure that it was my kind of film.”Despite repeated attempts, we did not get any response from the production team of the film or from the film’s director, AR Murugadoss regarding the film’s climax.The film stars Asin, who also played a pivotal role in the original and Nishabd actress Jiah Ali Khan, who plays a medical student in the film.

If all goes well, Deepika Padukone will be seen essaying the role of the Rani Laxmibai in a film co-produced by the Information and Broadcast Ministry and Bollywood producer Firoz Nadiadwala. As a part of the 150th anniversary celebration of the First War of Independence, the ministry has commissioned filmmaker Vinay Shukla to direct a film with a backdrop of the revolt and showcase the unified efforts of leaders like Tatya Tope, Rani Laxmibai and Nansaheb Peshwa. A reliable source informs, “Yes, Deepika Padukone has given her assent to the film. She is extremely thrilled about the historical role. However, she is yet to give her dates for the film.” Interestingly, Rani Laxmibai has evoked a lot of curiosity from filmmakers and producers alike. However, none of the films have hit the floors yet. While Sushmita Sen continues to prepare for her directorial debut based on Rani Laxmibai’s life and times, Ketan Mehta’s paean to the Rani of Jhansi, featuring Aishwarya Rai, has been put on hold for reasons best known to him. However, director Vinay Shukla is far from bothered about the films having similar content. He says, “My story is told from Tope’s point of view, and revolves around his friendship with Rani Laxmibai and Nanasaheb Peshwa.” When quizzed about his leading lady Deepika, he says, “A prominent new star has been finalised for the role but I cannot reveal any names.”Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar will play the role of Tatya Tope. However, the actor is yet to give his dates for the film. “Akshay is certainly being considered for the role of Tatya Tope, but we are yet to finalise his dates. I’m told Firoz Nadiadwala has discussed the story with him and he has shown remarkable interest in the project,” says Shukla. Akshay and Deepika, who are presently filming for Nikhil Advani’s Chandni Chowk to China, are quite keen on teaming up yet again. An industry insider reveals, “They have got along very well, and are now keen on signing this big-budget period film.”

It is a known fact that Himesh Reshammiya has stopped composing music for outside producers for some time after his debut as hero. Reshammiya, who resolved that he would henceforth compose music for himself will break his resolution.Satish Kaushik is responsible for this move. We all know that Kaushik is directing Reshammiya in Karzzz. Kaushik’s daughter is debuting as the heroine in the teenage love story Tere Sang.Reshammiya will be composing a guest song for the film as a gesture of love towards Kaushik for all the hard work he is doing on Karzzz.