And now Abhishek linked with Tabu
23rd Nov 2005 09.03 IST


He is the most eligible bachelor in Bollywood and he has had his share of ‘link-ups’ with actresses. But now rumours are linking Abhishek Bachchan with Tabu .

Just last month we apprised you of the rumours that Abhishek and Priyanka Chopra are getting too cozy on the sets of their forthcoming film Bluffmaster .




An insider had revealed that Abhishek and Priyanka shared warm vibes on the sets and what they shared was something more than friendship.

But now, reports of Chhota B’s romance at present with Tabu are talk of the town.

According to industry circles, Tabu is frequently seen along with Abhishek at filmi as well as non-filmi parties in Mumbai.

Not just that, both Abhishek and Tabu are often seen in five star hotels wandering together arm in arm at late hours.

Incidentally, the reports of growing relationship between Abhishek and Rani Mukherjee occurred when Amitabh Bachchan was doing movies like Black and Bunty Aur Babli with Rani.

Interestingly, this time too, Big B has signed a movie with Tabu.

We wonder if this is just a coincidence. If it is, then it’s a very interesting one.

__________________
I don't have an attitude problem. You have a perception problem.

If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.

Never argue with a fool. People might not know the difference.

When you're right, no one remembers. When you're wrong, no one forgets.

21 kisses: Neil 'N' Nikki
By: Upala KBR
November 23, 2005
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Neil ‘N’ Nikki, produced by Aditya Chopra and directed by Arjun Sablok (and starring Uday Chopra and Tanisha Mukerji) is raising a storm of controversy over the number of kisses it has — 21. The film releases on December 16.

What’s in a number?

Says Sablok, who refuses to comment on the exact number, “It doesn’t make a difference whether there are two kisses or 21, as long there are enough to satisfy the lovers. There is a lot of naughtiness in the film. Neil wants to have lots of action before he gets married — he just wants to get laid.

So in 21 days, he wants to meet 21 women, and is helped in his efforts by Nikki. He’s taking a moral vacation before his wedding, so you can expect tremendous fun and naughtiness! There is a bit of Neil ‘N’ Nikki in all of us — being naughty comes easily to all of us.”



Magical chemistry

Talking about the chemistry shared by his lead pair, Uday and Tanisha, the director says, “The chemistry that they share is magical. When we were casting for Neil ‘N’ Nikki, we put Uday and Tanisha in a room and gave them the ferry scene from the film, which has no dialogues. They played off each other so well, it was amazing.

There is a fine line between crudity and passion, but they were so comfortable with each other, it looked like child’s play. It’s not just their chemistry on screen, but their physical chemistry too, which is striking. People just want to see them in bed together, ripping off each other’s clothes.”

Says Uday, “The kisses in the film are the natural progression of a love story. It was very cool shooting the kissing scenes, as I’ve known Tish (Tanisha) a long time. We had informed her about the kisses, so she was comfortable, too. But the film is not just about kissing.”

No bad breath!

Tanisha concurs. “I haven’t counted the kisses, but I don’t know what the big hoo-ha about the kissing scenes is! Neil ‘N’ Nikki is a naughty fun film, and the kissing scenes are an important part of the script. I knew Uday, and the fact that he didn’t have bad breath helped — so I was quite cool and comfortable doing it.”

__________________
I don't have an attitude problem. You have a perception problem.

If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.

Never argue with a fool. People might not know the difference.

When you're right, no one remembers. When you're wrong, no one forgets.

Akshay to star with Salman's girl
By: Sandipan Dalal
November 23, 2005
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LOOKING FORWARD: Katrina Kaif

Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif are coming together in Firoz Nadiadwala’s next film, Welcome, to be directed by Anees Bazmee.

The highpoint of the film includes a collaborative effort between Nadiadwala (Hera Pheri) and Bazmee (No Entry).

Bazmee is in the process of penning the script, which he says is a romantic comedy.

The film is scheduled to go on the floors this December and will be extensively shot in Dubai and the US.

Hilarious plot

It revolves around the lives of two individuals, “in an elevated state of love”, trying to overcome a volley of. Says Bazmee, “I’m attempting a romantic comedy yet again, after the stupendous success of No Entry. Extra-marital affair formed the basic premise of the former, but this film showcases the problems encountered by ordinary couples in a hilarious way. I conceived the idea around July, and narrated it to Firozji and Akshay. Akshay freaked out and readily agreed to give his dates.”

Adds Katrina Kaif, “So far, the story has the girl’s family supporting the relationship, and wanting to see them married. The only barrier is, her family intimidates the guy. Anees is yet to finalise the characters’ names.”

When quizzed about the title, the director refused to give it out. “It’s too early to give out the core of the film. We have to keep it under wraps, more so because I’m still improvising on the script.”


NOW THE FUN BEGINS: Akshay Kumar

Hot jodi

After Raj Kanwar’s Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye, set to release in April next year, it’s a second coming for Katrina and Akshay. Says Katrina, “Akshay has been an easy person to work with. He makes things comfortable for a newcomer like me. No matter how many retakes I might need, he has always been cooperative. Bagging the film is like a wish fulfillment, as I have heard that Anees is very clear with his ideas and fun to work with.”

When asked about the chemistry between the lead pair, Nadiadwala says, “On the screen, they are not only made for each other, but blessed with each other. This pair is definitely going to work in Bollywood.”

Kat loves comedy

The actress says comedy, as a genre, is alluring. “When I was approached, I agreed to it as I’m fond of comedy. It’s altogether a fun experience — you crack up, and at the same time, have to enact it, to make the viewers have fun,” she says.

__________________
I don't have an attitude problem. You have a perception problem.

If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.

Never argue with a fool. People might not know the difference.

When you're right, no one remembers. When you're wrong, no one forgets.

In a cramped room in Manhattan, Abhishek Bachchan greets a reporter for an Indian newspaper. "I'm Abhishek," he says, offering a firm handshake. He seems shy, and terribly reserved as the interview starts. But a few moments later, he starts talking enthusiastically about his films and friends and life in the movie industry.
He has taken a few hours off from the hectic shooting for Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna to promote his new film, Bluffmaster, directed by Rohan Sippy -- his friend from his school days. This is the second time the two are working together following the also-ran Kuch Naa Kaho two years ago.



Bluffmaster is important to Abhishek for more than one reason. It is a film where he won't have an Amitabh or John Abraham (as in Dhoom) acting alongside.
"After a string of hits like Dhoom, Bunty Aur Babli and Sarkar, the expectations from Abhishek are riding very high," says Sippy.

As Abhishek speaks you notice how eager he is to praise the other artists in Bluffmaster including Ritesh Deshmukh, Boman Irani, Nana Patekar and Priyanka Chopra. When he is with a cast of wonderful actors, Abhishek says giving a good performance becomes a natural process.


Though you have been acting only for about six years, you have seen this industry from your childhood. What do you find most exciting about it now?
I think it's a fantastic time to be in the movie industry in India. It is growing by leaps and bounds. The audiences are willing to accept all kinds of films. On the one hand, they like a film like Black with no songs, which is two hours long and with much of its dialogue in English. On the other hand, they accept a film like Bunty Aur Babli, a very kitschy film, like the kind of films good directors used to make in the 1970s.

Both the films had your father, and you played the lead in one of them.



Yes (chuckles). But they would have become hits if they had some other good actors, too.
The growth of multiplexes may have to do with offbeat films slowly drawing the audiences, don't you think?

Certainly. But surely the audiences are supporting well-made films in a big way. This wasn't the scene about 20 years ago.

What are other recent films whose success has surprised you?
Salaam Namaste is one. It has a story that many might have considered irrelevant in our society -- two people living together and having a child out of wedlock. It is wonderful and very encouraging for the film industry that audiences are willing to patronise these films. With that encouragement, an actor gets the opportunity to perform different roles.

You are playing a PR man in Kabhi Alvida, an Indian who has grown up in New York. Do you have an accent in the film, and did you model the role after anyone in the public relations business?



Not at all. I had excellent guidance from Karan Johar. This is a drama of family dynamics and it has a powerful story. It was more important to me to be truthful to this character than worry about such things about accent. I also have discovered over the years that many well placed Indians here or in Britain are more Indian in their hearts than many of us.
Have you had that opportunity to do three or four movies in a row with some directors?

I have not been around that long to do that many movies. But I have been repeated by many directors. I'm just about to start my third film with J P Dutta. Ramu (Ram Gopal Varma) has cast me in two films. And this (Bluffmaster) is my second film with Rohan.

What is it like working with Rohan Sippy?
He can make very contemporary films without in-your-face kind of melodrama. And he maintains his cool even if the world is falling apart around all of us. He likes working with writers who create strong characters and intriguing situations. I liked my character. It has quite a bit of intrigue in it. I enjoyed his (the character's) composure.

I liked the fact that Roy Kapoor (his character in Bluffmaster)has the gift of the gab. He could talk himself out of any situation. It was fun trait to have and play.

How would you describe Bluffmaster?

I would call the film a comedy. It's a light-hearted film; keeps you on the edge of your seat; full of surprises. It's more relaxed; it offers a new sensibility to Indian cinema.

You have been in New York for several weeks working on Karan Johar's film. How much of New York have you seen on this visit?
Quite a bit. In between the shooting schedule.

Have you taken the subway?

Oh yeah. When I was in college I did that over here.

Can you do it now?

I think I can.




I love walking on the streets of New York. I think it's one of the greatest cities on earth. I like to get away from my security (men) and walk to Central Park or go to a roadside café. It's something I don't get to do in India. We have been very busy so far and yet I have made some time to walk around. But there is much more to do. I really want to see some shows on Broadway; catch a few movies, if possible. My entire family is here. My dad is here; we're shooting the same film. We managed to get my mother across. So it's good; I get to spend some time with them, too.

Going back to the movies. You seem to be more relaxed in many of your recent films.
Yes, I feel very comfortable, relaxed. That is very important because the camera picks up everything. That comfort comes in after doing an X number of movies. I don't think I'm as intimidated by the camera as I was when I first started off. I used to be intimidated very much and I made plenty of wrong choices by way of signing some films.

What do you find most interesting about acting?



The wonderful thing about this profession is that you learn something new every day. The minute you learn something new, you want to implement it. Once that shot is okayed and it is printed; it goes down in history; there's nothing you can do to change it.
What has been his experience working with his illustrious father?

There is no reaction when you're working with dad. (laughs) You're just stunned, I think. I just freeze in front of him. I don't think I can get rid of it. It will happen to me every time.

What else happens?

(Chuckles more) Eventually I recover. But before that I fumble my lines or forget them.


How secure do you feel in your career now?
I still wake up in the morning and think whether I am going to do my job? Even now, I ask myself if I am in the right profession. But the feeling was far more intense a few years ago.

And that was because…?

When you are going through a phase, when none of your films are working, you do start questioning yourself after a while. Even today, when there are times (when things are not going well) I ask, 'Have I made the right decision? Am I in the right profession?'



Why do you get that doubt?
It is very simple. I may love doing what I do, but the big question is: Am I good at it?

What is the best advice you have got from your father?

After three or four of my films were released, I went to him and asked, 'Do you think I made a mistake?' He did not hesitate even for a moment. He said, 'No I don't think you made a mistake. Just hang in there and keep working.'

__________________
I don't have an attitude problem. You have a perception problem.

If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.

Never argue with a fool. People might not know the difference.

When you're right, no one remembers. When you're wrong, no one forgets.

Hrishikesh Da living legend of Indian cinema: Rajesh Khanna
28th Nov 2005 09.07 IST
By Agencies

Inaugurating the retrospective on Hrishikesh Mukherjee at the International Film Festival of India on Sunday, superstar of yesteryears Rajesh Khanna said the Bengali filmmaker was ‘one of the greatest living legends of Indian cinema’.

“His cinema is neither abstruse or abstract like art films nor is it escapist and unrealistic like hardcore commercial cinema,” Khanna said.




“Like the Buddha, Mukherjee successfully followed the middle path between the two extremes,” he added.

Mukherjee, who is bedridden in Kolkata and could not attend the function, sent a taped message which was played for the audience.

“I love human beings. People should remain happy in life. That’s the most important thing. And that is my message for everyone,” the 83-year-old filmmaker said.

“I personally think that ‘Satyakam’ (which starred Dharmendra and Sanjeev Kumar) is my best film. I dreamt of a world without corruption or nepotism and that is what I tried to show in it,” he added.

The retrospective kicked off on Sunday with the screening of Mukherjee’s film Anand (1970) which starred Khanna as a terminally ill young man who faces certain death with a rare exuberance.

Seven of the veteran filmmaker’s films including ‘Anupama’, ‘Guddi’ and ‘Namak Haram’, which starred Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan , are being screened as part of the IFFI retrospective.

Khanna later visited the film bazaar and art exhibition being held as part of the film festival.

__________________
I don't have an attitude problem. You have a perception problem.

If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.

Never argue with a fool. People might not know the difference.

When you're right, no one remembers. When you're wrong, no one forgets.

Aamir-Kiran wedding celebrations conclude at Bangalore reception
02nd Jan 2006 22.00 IST
By Agencies

Newly weds Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao had their wedding reception amid tight security in Bangalore.

The reception, hosted by Aamir's in-laws, who hail from Bangalore, was attended by select invitees, numbering less than 100. There were no celebrities.




Khan, dressed in a dark black suit and sky blue shirt and his wife, attired in a white saree with golden border, moved around the tennis court of the Bangalore Club during the two-hour-long celebrations.

Keeping a hawk-eyed vigil, police personnel in plain clothes and Khan's personal guards provided security and kept scribes and lensmen at bay.

Aamir and Kiran, accompanied by their close relatives, arrived at the club in the heart of the city in a car with darkened windscreens to avoid the public glare. The invitees were allowed inside the club from the entrance at the rear.

A sumptuous buffet was laid out for guests.

After a simple ceremony to solemnize their marriage on December 28, the couple went to Panchagani, a hill station 250 kilometer south of Mumbai, and held celebrations for three days.

__________________
I don't have an attitude problem. You have a perception problem.

If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.

Never argue with a fool. People might not know the difference.

When you're right, no one remembers. When you're wrong, no one forgets.