RE: February 2008 - News - 7

February 22

JUST last year, Bollywood was witness to three scintillating clashes. The first was between Anil Sharma’s ‘Apne’, starring the three Deols, Himesh Reshammiya’s acting debut venture, ‘Aap Ka Surroor’ and Emraan Hashmi’s, ‘Awarapan’. The second that was the mother of all clashes, was between Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Om Shanti Om’ and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Sawariyaa’. The year rounded off with the much hyped tussle between Akshay Kumar’s ‘Welcome’ and Aamir Khan’s directorial debut venture, ‘Taare Zameen Par’.

Well, the stage is set for the first major clash of the year, with the two biggies, Ajay Devgan’s directorial debut venture ‘U, Me Aur Hum’ and ace filmmaker Rakesh Roshan’s Jaideep Sen directed ‘Krazzy 4’, hitting the screens on April 11. Rakesh Roshan had requested Ajay Devgan to postpone his film, but it appears that Ajay has not yielded. The makers of ‘U, Me Aur Hum’ appeared to have won the first round, as they went ahead with their promotional campaign, with some lovely teasers and the grand launch of their music album, while all that ‘Krazzy 4’ makers offered was its first look.

However, realizing that they were lagging behind in the promotion war, ‘Krazzy 4’ makers have fired the first lethal salvo in the form of the much talked about and highly anticipated item number, featuring none other than King Khan. It will be followed by the Hrithik Roshan portion of the same track, but nearer to the release date.

Bollywood addicts may recall that just one item number in ‘Kaal’ (2005), featuring Shah Rukh and Malaika Arora, had seen the movie open to a tremendous response at the ticket window. The title track was largely responsible for propelling the film through to safety, during the first week itself. Ironically at that time Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgan were together (Ajay being the lead actor), but this time they are on opposite sides of the fence!

Quelle: http://thepost.com.pk/ShowBizNews.aspx?dtlid=146078&catid=9

IndiaGlitz [Friday, February 22, 2008]

Ajay Devgan’s directorial debut U,Me Aur Hum has already been creating the required buzz. The movie will see Ajay Devgan and wife Kajol come together after Raju Chacha. The expectations from this film have been running high right from the nascent stage.

The film which is set to release in April has given other films releasing in the very same month jitters. The dates of Devgan’s venture will see a clash with Rakesh Roshan’s Krazzy 4.

It has been reported that Rakesh Roshan has been in talks with Ajay, requesting him to push forward the film by a week or so. Roshan wants to stick to April 11 and wants his film to be the solo release during that week. However, Devgan too has been insisting an April 11 release. Devgan states that he has a strategy in place that would prove vital for the promotion of the film. Thus, postponing the film would create a complete mess.

Now, it’s quite surprising that Rakesh Roshan fears Devgan’s directorial debut even after backing the film up with a good star cast and item numbers by Hrithik and Shahrukh. Great going Ajay!

Quelle: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/36766.html

February 22, 2008 8:58:12 PM IST
Bollywood Trade News Network

Perfectionist Actor Aamir Khan's directorial victory TAARE ZAMEEN PAR is known to one and all and now its Actor turned director Ajay Devgan's turn to mark his directorial competence through upcoming flick U ME AUR HUM which is slated for April release for which excitement is already in the atmosphere.

Besides direction Ajay also stars in the movie opposite none other then his beloved wife Kajol and the exciting element is that 7 years after the two were last seen together in RAJU CHACHA and 10 years after they made romance bloom in PYAAR TO HONA HI THA, and now they return with U, ME AUR HUM, their home production.

Do you think will Ajay also achieve the same success as director as Aamir? Will the hit jodi (in real as well as reel life) Ajay and Kajol be able to recreate the same magic on screen like their earlier movies.

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/08...amir-020815.asp

February 22, 2008 12:33:28 PM IST
Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

Eros Entertainment is capturing the Bollywood market in a big way. With practically a release every fortnight, it has gone prolific in a big way.

Now if the enterprising production house has its way, it would have two children films arriving this winter. Come November and the audience may get to see ALADIN hob nobbing with TOONPUR KA SUPERHERO. Work is currently in full swing for the films - ALADIN AND THE MYSTERY OF THE LAMP and TOONPUR KA SUPERHERO.

While the former by Sujoy Ghosh is a live action film with CG and VFX playing a major role in giving the film a look it is aiming for, the latter directed by debutant Kireet Khurana would an human angle interspersed into an intrinsically animation narrative of the film.

Currently EROS is looking at a 21st November release for ALADIN AND THE MYSTERY OF THE LAMP. However, the final date is yet to be decided for TOONPUR KA SUPERHERO, though the month of November has been identified as a tentative timeline for the film to arrive.

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/08...nter-020804.asp

Anubhav Sinha baffled by comparisons with Devgan's animation film
By Subhash K. Jha, February 22, 2008 - 17:04 IST

A careless whisper accusing Anubhav Sinha of lifting Ajay Devgan's idea for animation film has the filmmaker completely baffled, and amused. "I believe Ajay is making an animation film named Toonpur Ka Superhero. I'm very happy for him. As far as me stealing his idea goes, I'm doing no such thing because I am not making an animation film at all. Someone somewhere started this rumour about me doing an animation film with Shah Rukh Khan. The word spread like wildfire. The film I'm doing with Shah Rukh is a feature film. So where's the point of comparison with Toonpur Ka Superhero?"

The friction between Devgan and Sinha started during the making of the director's cash-and-burn caper Cash. Things came to a point where the actor was quoted as saying he was glad Cash flopped.

Anubhav Sinha certainly won't share that feeling. "I've put Cash behind me. I'm now busy scripting my film for Shah Rukh Khan's production house. In addition I'm now looking into starting several productions this year."

Quelle: http://www.indiafm.com/news/2008/02/22/10941/index.html

At one of the interview sessions, a channel representative started asking personal questions to Ajay and Kajol when they were addressing the press to promote their upcoming film U, Me Aur Hum.

The event got nasty and irked Kajol so much so that the channel was banned from the shoot that very day.

We at B4U agree that stars should not be cornered too much about their personal life. One has to maintain decorum while speaking to the actors. Why otherwise, a bubbly actress like Kajol lose her cool.

Quelle: http://www.b4utv.com/showtime/gossip/2008/080222kajol.shtml

Article Updated 22 February, 2008 11:44:16 PM IST
By Our Correspondent ©2008 Bollyvista.com

Putting behind the Cash fiasco, Sohail Maklai has started working on his next project. This one was to be made by Sohail Maklai and Anubhav Sinha jointly after Cash, but since the two have parted ways Sohail will be producing the film himself.

Sohail Maklai has signed Apoorva Lakhia to direct the film and has also signed Zayed Khan as one of the leads. Talks are also on to sign Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgan to act in the film as well. It is to be a thriller featuring four actors. A major portion of the movie will be shot overseas.

Quelle: http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/32/8587

23 Feb, 2008 05:19 pm ISTlUrvashi Ashar/INDIATIMES MOVIES

He sat casually on the off-white couch. It went well with his white shirt. Stylish dark glasses hid his intense eyes, and the picture of him with his daughter in the background bared his parental instincts. A green plant added to the décor, as did the feel good posters of U, Me Aur Hum . But something was missing. His wife! And just as I realized, she walked in. Dressed in grey pants and a smart woolen top, she looked graceful, her brown eyes covered by dark glasses just like hubby dearest'. She sat herself down next to him. Now, it was all picture perfect.

It was in the year 1999, on the 24th day of February that actors Ajay Devgan and Kajol decided to go the whole nine yards. And today celebrate nine years of their togetherness. How and when did they realise that they were meant for each other? "When you like a person, you initially don't tend to bank on the relationship entirely, because it could be just attraction," says Ajay, "But when you hold up for a long time, and you realise that this is the person you miss, and that this is the person who makes your day complete, you know it's love. When you don't question too much, become more accepting, get habituated to her, it's reason enough for you to want to go on and make her yours for life."

But most men do experience commitment phobia. Did Ajay go through it as well? "Never!" he states confidently. "It was but natural and gradual for us. Also, when you're about to take the 'big step', you need to get out of yourself, keep the love aside and think of it all practically. You ask yourself 'Am I getting carried away?', 'Is this what I really want?'... and when the answer is yes, you simply go ahead and most often, it'll work for life."

Kajol has a different story to tell. "Before I met 'Jay' (referring to Ajay obviously!), I was convinced that my parents would've to hold a gun to my head and take me to the altar. I never thought I'd have the guts to adjust into another home, lose my independence and identity, change my surname... But everything happened so fast. In October '98 we decided we'll get married, and on February 24 the next year we were husband and wife. It all happened so fast; and today all those things of changing your surname and losing your independence look like such little issues..."

Nine years is a long time. While idealists say they love their better halves more with each passing day, realists believe that marriage can sometimes be just a 'pact' and years later you've got to learn to 'bear' the other person. "That's silly," says Kajol, frowning a little. "When you make someone a part of your life, you do it out of choice. Just like you have your parents, or your sister, you now have a husband. We never get bored of our parents! And there is no 'other person' in a relationship. It's us. There's no you or me either. It's just a plain Hum. Your spouse becomes so much a part of your life that you grow together. You learn to give each other space and evolve in your own right as well. Marriage is no 'pact'. Yes, it's lovely that I am legally married. But a legal stamp on a relationship doesn't make a relationship. What makes a relationship is the two people involved in it."

And what happens when both people vowed in matrimony have bad tempers, just like Ajay and Kajol? Does it make things worse? "On the contrary, it makes things easier," avers Ajay, "You see, we fear each other's tempers, and prefer not to do something that may upset the other person. Honestly, Kajol and I rarely fight, and though we have a temper, we don't have egos. Whoever is in the wrong will come and apologise after a few minutes, or an hour, or even a day."
And what happens when a baby is born? "All hell breaks lose," says Kajol instantly. "It's an Oh-my-Gawd situation. It's sleep deprivation time; hormones are all over the place; the whole house is upside down; it's one huge circus. But the world changes for the better," she adds almost making up. "A baby changes everything," intrudes Ajay, "You suddenly find a new dimension. You now have two people to love - your wife and your child's mother. It's exciting. I'm very attached to Nysa. And I love watching Kajol take care of her. It makes for a very pretty picture."

"You know just like Ajay was born to act and direct, I was born to be a mother," informs Kajol. "I wanted to adopt a child since I was twelve years old. I used to tell dad, you have two daughters, why don't you adopt a son and I'll take care of him. My dad was happy with the idea, but mom wasn't. So, I thought when I'm 18 years old and legally entitled to adopt a baby, I would. But then it never happened. I got busy with films. For me, I knew my baby would be my world. There's no one else who can bring up a child better than me, that's my belief. I was adamant that I'd bring my baby up the way I want to, and no one else would have a say in it. I love being a mom. It's my identity!"

Does the 'star status' upset the normal upbringing of their daughter Nysa? "We are normal parents," says Kajol. "I try hard that the celeb status doesn't affect her. We set the boundaries." Ajay on the other hand is an overtly conscious dad. "Nysa today knows who I am and she is aware of who Kajol is. We try to keep her away from a lot of things, especially the film industry, but there's a limit to the things we can keep her away from," explains Ajay. "Also, Kajol and I aren't very social. But I don't want Nysa to be like me in that regard, I'd like it if she goes out, plays and makes friends." Any of their movies that Nysa has been an audience to? "We've tried to show her Pyar Toh Hona Hi Tha . But it's pretty useless," says Kajol laughing, "I frown on screen and she begins to bawl. She can't ever see her mom cry. So I haven't dared to show her anything else," shares Kajol.

Nine years of marriage...how would the Devgans describe their journey? While Ajay says it has made him 'content', Kajol insists 'This is as good as it gets!" Aur picture abhi baaki hai mere dost!

Quelle: http://movies.indiatimes.com/News__Gossi...how/2807701.cms

25 Feb 2008, 0000 hrs IST,MADHU DAITHOTA ,TNN

While filmmakers have turned actors, now there are actors who’re taking up directing. Aamir Khan who was popular for his experimental roles, raised the bar for himself and turned director with Taare Zameen Par.

Another intense actor, Ajay Devgan, will soon debut with his directorial venture, You Me aur Hum starring Kajol and him. After years of being in front of the camera, what makes actors turn to calling the shots off-screen?

“The desire to direct emerges in most actors at some point in their career. And since it’s just another extension of creativity, most make an easy transition,” says Ravichandran, who’s known as Crazy Star. The actor, who debuted at 21 as a villain in Kannada films, turned director at 24 with his fifth flick, Premaloka, a blockbuster people still talk about. He also penned the story and screenplay for the film. “I enjoyed it because even though I was just four films old, I was confident of how to conduct myself behind the camera. I realised my true passion lies off-screen,” he says. The actor, who’s directed 20 films, and has another one, Manjina Hani, coming next, says, “Between acting and directing, I’d always opt for direction.”
Upendra also couldn’t resist direction for long. “I was an actor long before I debuted as a director. I love acting, but I wanted to be involved in the process of filmmaking, which is why I took up direction,” he says. His directorial films A, Om and Sssh have been some of the biggest hits in the Kannada industry.

“I’ve been fascinated by what transpires behind the camera rather than on-screen antics,” says multilingual actor Arjun Sarja. He adds, “But I was in no hurry to call the shots as I wanted to perfect the various aesthetics of movie-making before I took the plunge. When acting, I’d observe the camera movements, angles and lens used while filming. I debuted after acting in 100 films — that’s how technically perfect I wanted to be!” says Arjun and adds, when an actor turns director, he needs to develop certain traits, “Patience, understanding and faith”.

According to actor, theatre artiste and director of Morning Raaga, Mahesh Dattani, an actor can’t always be a successful director. “The skills to be an actor and director are different. Actors can make mistakes, but a director has to be clear about his vision and confident about his shots. It’s difficult to make the transition, so make the move only when you’re comfortable with the idea,” he says.

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India...how/2809452.cms

Sun Feb 24, 2008 6:04pm IST; By Prithwish Ganguly

Managing the career of Bollywood stars has its own benefits -- you could end up making your own film.

Hari Singh, the business manager of actress Aishwarya Rai, is the latest among celebrity secretaries who have turned film producers, a list that includes the right-hand men of Madhuri Dixit, Ajay Devgan and Salman Khan.

For many, funding films seems a natural progression after years spent mingling with the Bollywood fraternity.

"When you are handling business of the stars, you meet so many people from the industry and get familiarised with them," Singh told Reuters.

"It becomes very easy then. After spending years in the industry, everyone dreams to be a producer and make their own movies."

And it helps if the celebrity can be persuaded to make an appearance in the film.

"When you manage a star for so many years and you want to cast him or her in your own film, it is improbable that the person will turn you down," says Kumar Mangat, the former secretary of actor Ajay Devgan.

"Once you have a star in the film, (it) will automatically take off as you get lots of funds."

Mangat funded five of Devgan's films, while all three of Rakesh Nath's projects starred his former employer Madhuri Dixit. Salman Khan's secretary Vikas Kapoor roped in the actor for his film "Heroes" and media reports said Hari Singh is planning a project with Aishwarya Rai.

Trade analysts feel secretaries-turned-producers also save money while signing celebrities.

"A star will always take less money from his secretary than what he charges from the market," says Taran Adarsh.

"This helps the economics of the film as once there's a big star, there's more hype and money."

Quelle: http://in.reuters.com/article/bollywoodN...-32117020080224

Ram Gopal Verma is contemplating re-making his remake of Sholay… oh what a farce!

After the debacle that was Aag, Ramu is seriously thinking about rectifying his mistakes and re-shooting the film. He has gone back to the drawing board, and has drafted a script, which will be better than Aag. It is not clear if Ramu will use the same actors as before or go with some fresh faces.

Your thoughts on this… has Ramu finally lost it? Remaking a remake that was a disaster…

Quelle: http://www.radiosargam.com/films/archive...r-aag-flop.html

26 Feb 2008, 0000 hrs IST,TNN

Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj let go of his directorial mantle and donned the music composer’s hat for good friend Ajay Devgan’s U, Me Aur Hum. But ask him how difficult is it to compose for a dost, and he says, “You are burdened with a certain kind of responsibility. You have to be more alert and aware. And no compromise is possible. It becomes a headache sometimes, especially when you’re not getting the right tune.”

The chords struck in U, Me Aur Hum seem to have been the right ones. But the music of Omkara still resonates. Is composing music for one’s own venture easier? “But of course,” he says, “In fact while scripting, I work on the music simultaneously, because I know the mood, and no one knows it better than me.”

So, what’s next after Blue Umbrella, his film that didn’t do anything at the box office? “I make films with honesty and passion. Some work, some don’t,” avers Bhardwaj. “But I always try to surpass my previous work. Today, I strive to make a better film than both Omkara and Blue Umbrella. I won’t accept mediocrity.”

Rumours have it that Vishal has already cast Shahid in his next. “The markets make my films way before I do,” he says sarcastically, adding, “I’m working on two scripts. Yes, there’s a desire to work with Shahid and I have met him a few times. However, nothing has been confirmed. I don't even know which of the two scripts I'll work on first. But within this year, one Vishal Bhardwaj film should hit the screens .”

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India...how/2811283.cms