RE: March 2008 - News - 8

By Taran Adarsh, March 26, 2008 - 08:34 IST

Auszug:

...
Anil Kapoor too wasn't the first choice for the part of the investigating officer. This role was first offered to Ajay Devgan, who loved the script, but felt that he wouldn't like to do a strong, intense film then. Akshay Kumar was approached next. The actor shares a terrific rapport with Abbas-Mustan, but he declined the role because he didn't want to play a secondary role.

Quelle: http://www.indiafm.com/news/2008/03/26/11103/index.html

The color festival of Holi was celebrated with much joy and fervor among the folks of Bollywood, but one couple stood apart in all this. The romantic pair of Kajol and Ajay Devgan was lost in their own world of colors and happiness and onlookers were simply overwhelmed looking at the romantic way both of them were playing. It is the chemistry between both considering the bubbly and mischievous nature of Kajol and the soft and reserved nature of Ajay that really sets sparks flying.

Quelle: http://www.bharatstudent.com/cafebharat/...?id=21053&cat=1

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

übersetzt von soulsurfer:

Das farbenfrohe Holifest wurde mit viel Begeisterung und Freude auch in Bollywood gefeiert, wobei jedoch ein Paar herausstach. Kajol und Ajay Devgan verloren sich in ihrer eigenen Welt von Farbe und Glück. Als Zuschauer fühlte man sich einfach überwältigt von ihrem romantischen Spiel. Die Chemie zwischen der lebhaften Kajol und dem sanften und zurückhaltenden Ajay lässt die Funken förmlich sprühen.

Author: Subhash K Jha; Date: 25 Mar 2008

In Prakash Jha’s next, Rajniti, he plans to blend contemporary Indian politics with chapters from the Mahabharat. The director has accumulated a formidable cast of actors. “Ajay Devgan will play a modern-day Karna and Nana Patekar has been cast as Krishna.”

Also in the cast are Vivek Oberoi and Manoj Bajpai in pivotal roles. “These are actors I’ve not worked with before. I’m looking forward to directing them. Ajay and Nana are old friends. We share a fantastic comfort level.”

Jha has yet to cast an actor for the character of Arjun. The character, as conceived by the director, modernises the mythological elements from the Mahabharat to include elements from Rajiv Gandhi’s life. For Arjun, he has already zeroed in on an upcoming actor. “I have an ideal actor in mind for the role,” says Jha.

Recently, Patekar and Jha took part in a passionate debate on the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s oust-Biharis-from-Maharashtra campaign on NDTV.

After the debate, Raj Thackeray rang Jha for presenting a balanced view.

Intelligent?

Says Jha, “Raj is a friend and an intelligent, educated man. I truly believe artistes need to rise above politics. I make cinema on politics. But I’d never be part of it.”

Three decades ago, Shyam Benegal incorporated elements from the Mahabharat into entrepreneurship in Kalyug. Now, Jha will blend mythology into Indian politics.

Quelle: http://www.mid-day.com/web/guest/enterta...XT_5_groupId=14

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

übersetzt von soulsurfer:

Es geht anscheinend um das Mahabharata, wenn ich das richtig sehe! *soulsurfer
In seinem nächsten Film will Prakash Jha indische Politik mit Kapiteln aus dem indischen Epos kreuzen. "Ajay Devgan spielt einen zeitgenössischen Karna und Nana Patekar wurde für die Rolle des Krishna gewonnen." Weitere Rollen gehen an Vivek Oberoi und Manoj Bajpai. "Mit diesen Schauspielern habe ich vorher noch nicht gearbeitet ... Ajay und Nana dagegen sind alte Freunde. Wir fühlen uns sehr wohl zusammen."
Der Schauspieler für die Figur des Arjun wurde noch nicht benannt. Bei ihm werden die Mythen des Mahabharata mit Szenen aus dem Leben von Rajiv Gandhi gekreuzt. Der Regisseur hat allerdings bereits einen Newcomer im Auge für die Rolle.
Dann sagt Jha noch an die Adresse seines Freundes Raj Thackeray, dass er zwar Filme über Politik mache, sich aber aus Parteipolitik heraushalten wolle.

March 27

Auszug:

...
Well, how is the entire matter being handled now? “We have sent our investigating team to get more facts on this story. Though the families have pleaded that their real intention was to take part in the show and not to cheat them, Ajay Devgan, one of the judges on the show, got really wild with the turn of events”, confirms Satish.

It is heard that when the fact opened up, Ajay got very livid and demanded that these families be sent home, as they cannot be allowed to break rules. Satish adds on, “We are indeed in a state of shock about all that happened. Even though investigations are going on, I guess the matter has finally been left to the viewers to decide whether the families should be allowed on the show or not”.
...

Quelle: http://www.india-forums.com/tellybuzz/article.asp?id=2170

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

übersetzt von soulsurfer:

In dem Artikel geht es darum, dass die teilnehmenden Familien an der Show Familienbeziehungen falsch angegeben oder verschleiert haben, um so mit bestimmten Leuten teilnehmen zu können. Ajay ist über diese Betrugsversuche sehr verärgert. Er forderte vom Veranstalter, den Regelbruch nicht hinzunehmen und die betreffenden Familien heimzuschicken. Der Regisseur Satish Dutt dagegen möchte die Entscheidung den Zuschauern überlassen.

By Faridoon Shahryar, March 27, 2008 - 11:35 IST

“I recently met a girl from America whom I think was exceptionally talented.” Is she the one who'll star along with Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan in your next directorial venture London Dreams? “Maybe…” disclosed hot shot film maker Vipul Shah to Bollywood Hungama putting to rest all the rumours surrounding Kareena Kapoor or Katrina Kaif being the chosen ones. “It could be any girl. I'm not looking at region. I'm looking at talent,” he added. London Dreams, a film which was earlier supposed to be directed by Raj Kumar Santoshi had made national news when Salman's bare-chested stills while taking a dip in holy waters of Golden Temple were splashed on front pages of all newspapers. Vipul puts speculation to rest on both, London Dreams and his Rs 50 crore production, Singh Is Kinng. And yes, Salman-Ajay may be his latest heroes but he shall revert back to his dependable superstar Akshay Kumar in January 2009 with another directorial venture.

London Dreams

1) I am the producer-director of London Dreams. PJ Singh (the earlier producer) will be the Presenter of the film, a role played by Adlabs in my earlier films.
2) Me and Salman had been discussing a project for a very long time. There came a moment when he asked me if I want to consider this. I said I would but I would first like to meet Mr Raj Kumar Santoshi. I met him and he was very happy that probably I will take over. He gave me his consent.
3) I spoke to Sridhar Raghavan, the writer of the film and told him that since I want to rewrite the film the way I feel it should be made and would he like to be a part of it. He said yes.
4) The scenes that were shot with Salman Khan at Golden Temple are not part of my draft. I haven't seen the earlier footage and even if I have to shoot at Golden Temple, I'll shoot afresh.
5) Shankar-Ehsan-Loy will compose the music for the film. We start working on it in the first week of April. The lyricist is yet to be decided. It's too early to talk about what kind of music it will be.
6) The storyline in the earlier film that Mr Santoshi was making was about two musicians. My draft is completely new and it is concentrating more on the relationship of Salman, Ajay and the girl.
7) London Dreams will be releasing sometime next year.

Quelle: http://indiafm.com/features/2008/03/27/3709/index.html

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

übersetzt von soulsurfer:

Hier erzählt Vipul Shah über seine neuen Projekte LONDON DREAMS und SINGGH IS KING. Für den ersten Film könnte er sich eine Schauspielerin mit amerikanischem oder auch einem anderen Background vorstellen - für ihn zählt Talent und nicht Herkunft. Der Erscheinungstermin von LONDON DREAMS vermutet er Mitte des nächsten Jahres ...

28 Mar 2008, 0009 hrs IST

While many actors are taken in by polo, actress Divya Dutta seems to be hooked on to pole dancing. We’ve told you about the actress having shed all those extra kilos.

So, it came to us as no surprise when we spotted her in a short red skirt and red boots doing some pole dancing for Ajay Devgan’s directorial venture U, Me Aur Hum . In fact, when Ajay mentioned to Divya that she would be required to pole dance, the girl didn’t quite believe the actor-turned-filmmaker who is always upto some mischief, but the next day when she came to the sets she was taken aback when she realised that Ajay actually meant what he had said.

The girl has danced to the song Dil Dhadka Hai, and enjoyed herself thoroughly, so much so that by the end of it the entire cast and crew were cheering her on! So, looks like this lady in red won the ‘pole’!

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India...how/2903473.cms

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

übersetzt von soulsurfer:

Divya Dutta hat sich mit Hilfe von "pole dancing" [ihr wisst schon, dieses Schlängeln um eine glänzende Chromstange ... ] von einigen Pfunden getrennt. Ihre Kenntnisse konnte sie gleich in UMAH umsetzen, wo Ajay von ihr für den Song DIL DHADKA HAI einen heißen Tanz an der Stange erwartete ...

By Taran Adarsh, March 27, 2008 - 09:43 IST

Auszug:

Although we're several months away from Diwali, several dream merchants have already set their eyes on the festive week. In fact, a number of films have already been confirmed for release in the festive week this year. Sometime back, we had told you that Subhash Ghai's YUVRAAJ, Ashtavinayak - Rohit Shetty's GOLMAAL RETURNS and Yash Raj's ROADSIDE ROMEO [an animation film produced in association with Walt Disney] have already locked the date [October 24]. There's talk that Karan Johar is also bringing DOSTANA [Abhishek, Priyanka, John] on this date.
...

Quelle: http://www.indiafm.com/news/2008/03/27/11112/index.html

Article Updated 27 March, 2008 09:24:01 PM IST
By Abid ©2008 Bollyvista.com

How protective is Ajay Devgan towards his wife? It was visible at the recent launch of a reality dance show.

Someone in the audience asked Kajol how a dance show would bond three generations of families (Tanuja, Ajay and Kajol) together. Noticing her hesitation, Devgan gently took the microphone from her hand and said that he would answer that one. He then quickly went on to explain how long rehearsal hours would bring the families closer. Needless to add, there was an adoring look in Kajol's beautiful eyes after that.

Here is wishing the couple all the very best for their home production, Devgan's directorial debut venture, U Me Aur Hum, which releases on April 11.

Quelle: http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/32/8704

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

übersetzt von soulsurfer:

Wie sehr Ajay seine Frau beschützt, zeigte sich kürzlich beim Start einer Tanz-Show. Jemand aus dem Publikum fragte Kajol, wie eine Tanz-Show drei Generationen einer Familie (Tanuja, Ajay, Kajol) zusammenbringen könnte. Als er sah, dass Kajol zögerte, nahm ihr Ajay das Mikrofon aus der Hand. Er erklärte rasch, dass die langen Probenzeiten die Familie zusammenschweißen wurden. Der bewundernde Blick aus Kajols schönen Augen muss nicht extra beschrieben werden!
Alles Gute für den Start von UMAH am 11. April!

March 27, by Shantala Bellare

Dynamic duo Ajay Devgan and Nana Patekar will soon rock votes in Prakash Jha’s latest, Rajneeti. As the name suggests, the film is about the world of politics, but it also has references to the Mahabharata. Ajay will play a new-age Karan, while Nana will play Krishna.

The film also stars Manoj Bajpai and Vivek Oberoi. Although Jha has never worked with either of them before, he is reportedly very impressed with their work. Now, most of the film’s characters have been cast, but who will play the coveted role of Arjuna? That remains to be seen. Apparently, the director is considering signing on an upcoming actor.

Quelle: http://www.zoomtv.in/view/news/ajay-and-...ying-politics-0 mit Video

Author: Upala KBR; Date: 29 Mar 2008

As he feels it will prove lucky for him before the release of his film

As his directorial debut U, Me Aur Hum (UMAH) nears release (April 11) Ajay Devgan is growing more and more superstitious.

Dost ki zubaani

Says a source close to Ajay, “Ajay was never this superstitious but with UMAH nearing release, he’s willing to do what’s best for the film. A few days ago, a friend of his told him that whenever he sported a moustache for a film, the film had garnered commercial and critical success.

The examples the friend gave were Ram Gopal Varma’s Company, Harry Baweja’s Qayamat, Prakash Jha’s Gangaajal and recently Vishal Bhardwaj’s Omkara.”

Though Ajay is not superstitious by nature, he was willing to try out the friend’s suggestion that he grow a moustache before the release of UMAH to better the film’s prospects.

The friend adds, “Ajay is very keen that people from all sections of society watch his directorial debut as he’s poured his heart out in the film.”

When we quizzed him about it, Ajay preferred to shrug it off. “I’m growing a moustache because I felt like it.” Is it for the look of a film? “No.”

Devgan will be seen sporting his new fuzz in today’s episode of Zee TV’s Rock 'N' Roll Family.

Quelle: http://www.mid-day.com/web/guest/enterta...XT_5_groupId=14

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

übersetzt von soulsurfer:

Freunde sind fest davon überzeugt, dass Ajays Film UMAH ein Erfolg wird, weil er sich einen Bart wachsen ließ - wie jeder Film, in dem er in den letzten Jahren mit Bart aufgetreten ist: Company, Qayamat, Gangajal und Omkara. Obwohl Ajay eigentlich nicht abergläubisch ist, möchte er jetzt vielleicht versuchen, ob der Bart doch hilft? Als Mid-day ihn nach dem aktuellen Bart befragte, zuckte er aber nur mit den Schultern und meinte, der Bart hätte nichts mit irgendeinem Film zu tun.

29 Mar 2008, 0000 hrs IST,ROSHNI MUKHERJEE ,TNN

With U Me aur Hum ready for release, are you chewing your nails?
Frankly speaking, we are so tied up with the last minute deals that there hasn’t been any time to feel apprehensive. Maybe, it will grip us three to four days prior to the release.

Considering that the project is a family venture, do you wish that your daughter, Nysa, too was part of it?
Not really, she is till a baby. And I want to keep her away from the film industry for sometime.

The director’s note of U Me aur Hum quotes Ajay, ‘Love at first sight. Happy marriages. Soulmates. These are concepts I believe in. I know they exist’. What about you?
I do believe in soulmates and happy/successful marriages. No marriage can be happy 24X7 for 365 days. Both partners have to make the relationship work, is what I believe in.

Ajay further writes, ‘...the primary reason for me to want to make this film, is its positivity’...
We have endeavoured in our own little way through this commercial venture. I sincerely believe that no problem is bigger than man and problems are blown out of proportion by man himself.

Since you agree to the project being a commercial venture, are you worried in terms of returns?
Like I said, there hasn’t been any time for apprehension or anticipation to set in. The truth is you can never predict a film’s fate.

Does that mean we get to see more of Kajol onscreen?
I am part of the movie, Toonpur Ka Superhero.

And also in Karan Johar’s I am Khan?
Let me clarify once again that for me a project materialises only after I have signed on the dotted line. As far as this project in concerned, talks are still on.

You have always accepted projects keeping in mind your responsibility towards Nysa...
She will always be my priority and what projects I take on will depend on how well I balance and manage my time with her.

In an interview, Ajay Devgan had quoted that you had wanted another baby and so did he, but post Nysa’s birth, he feels that it is difficult for him to share his attention elsewhere...
Every parent craves for a child and once their wishes come true, they feel that it’s not possible for them to love anyone more that the first born. But the fact is, after you have the second issue, the feeling is, how can I not love the kid? I am planning to have at least two more kids (laughs).

And does hubby dear still surprise you with his culinary skills?
Though a rarity now, it’s become more of an expected fact. I love his surprises no matter how small they are.

Have you worked on your kitchen qualifications?
I am terrible in that department. I am simply not interested in the pots and pans affair and neither can I bring myself to be interested in the same. I have such great cooks in the family that I would rather manage the other affairs and leave the kitchen to those who know it best.

You, Ajay and Tanujaji have donned the judges’ hat for the reality show, Rock N Roll Family...
We were invited for quite a few reality shows but we agreed to be part of this project because all three of us believed in the concept. We believe that the bond with your grandparents should not fade away. They are as much a part of the family as anyone else.

Your mother is part of Goutam Halder’s project. Do you ever wish to be part of a Bengali film?
I did think of it and I would definitely want to, provided the right project comes my way. The offers on this front are still elusive.

What about your fluency in the language?
That’s a point. I wouldn’t like being part of projects when I am not comfortable with the language.

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Kajol...how/2907311.cms

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

übersetzt von soulsurfer:

Ich beschränke mich mal auf die Passagen, die Ajay betreffen:
*In den Anmerkungen des Regisseurs zu UMAH steht: "Liebe auf den ersten Blick, glückliche Ehen, Seelenverwandtschaft - das sind Dinge, an die ich glaube. Ich weiß einfach, dass es sie gibt." Was halten Sie davon?
Ich glaube an Seelenverwandschaft und glückliche, erfolgreiche Ehen. Aber keine Ehe ist 24 Stunden am Tag glücklich. Beide Partner müssen ständig an der Beziehung arbeiten.
* In einem Interview hat Ajay Devgan gesagt, dass er ein zweites Kind haben möchte, aber jetzt, nach Nysas Geburt, sich kaum vorstellen kann, seine Aufmerksamkeit zu teilen ...
Das passiert allen Eltern, die sich ein Kind wünschen und es dann endlich bekommen. Sie können sich nicht vorstellen, ein zweites genauso zu lieben. Aber wenn es dann da ist, kommt die Liebe von ganz allein. Ich möchte mindestens noch zwei weitere Kinder. (lacht)
* Überrascht dein Mann dich immer noch in kulinarischer Hinsicht?
Selten - und meistens nicht unerwartet. Aber ich freue mich über jede noch so kleine Aufmerksamkeit.
* Sie, Ajay und Tanuja agieren als Juroren in der Family Show "Rock´n´Roll Familiy ...
Wir wurden zu ziemlich vielen Shows eingeladen, wollten aber an diesem Projekt teilnehmen, weil wir alle drei an das Konzept glauben. Wir glauben, dass die Bindung an die Großeltern stabil bleiben sollte - sie sind genauso Teil der Familie wie alle anderen.

29 Mar, 2008 06:00 am ISTlAjay Devgan/INDIATIMES MOVIES

After having lost crores of rupees with his first two production ventures, Ajay tries to correct his past mistake with his next!

"I'm excited about U. Me Aur Hum . Though it's not my first production, it's the first time I've directed a feature film. The first film I produced was Raju Chacha . I was bitten, and have learnt my lessons well...at least I think I have!

" Raju Chacha was an over-budget film. We made news by making the most expensive film at that time. And I realized it wasn't worth it. We ran into a huge loss. And I decided to concentrate only on acting. I'm more confident now. And have enthusiastically embarked upon U, Me Aur Hum , as actor, director and producer.

"I've learnt that a budget of a film can only be decided based on the requirement of the script, I personally think we should always make a script which is within a budget and not make a budget within a script.

"One should not work on a script that requires an unaffordable budget, something that I did a few years ago. Filmmaking is a big ball game today, The money pumped into a project has to take into consideration the salability of the product.

"I've taken that into account while producing U, Me Aur Hum . And hopefully the economics of it should come out right this time."

Quelle: http://movies.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2907742.cms

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

übersetzt von soulsurfer:

Ajay lernt aus seinen Verlusten
Nachdem er Millionen von Rupien mit seinen ersten beiden Produktionsabenteuern verloren hat, versucht Ajay, das mit seinem nächsten Film nicht zu wiederholen!
"Ich bin nervös wegen UMAH. Obwohl es nicht meine erste Eigenproduktion ist, war es meine erste Regiearbeit. Der erste Film, den ich produziert habe, war RAJU CHACHA. Damit habe ich mir eine blutige Nase geholt und meine Lektion gelernt ... zumindest denke ich, dass ich das habe!
RAJU CHACHA hat sein Budget überzogen. Wir haben mit seinen Kosten als damals teuerster Film Schlagzeilen gemacht. Und ich habe gelernt, dass es das nicht wert war. Wir haben riesige Verluste eingefahren. Und ich habe daraufhin beschlossen, mich an die Schauspielerei zu halten. Jetzt habe ich aber wieder mehr Selbstvertrauen und habe alles auf UMAH gesetzt, als Schauspieler, Regisseur und Produzent.
Ich musste lernen, dass das Budget eines Films von den Anforderungen des Drehbuchs abhängt - also braucht man immer ein Drehbuch, dass zum Budget passt.
Man sollte kein Drehbuch anfassen, das schon ein überzogenes Budget in sich trägt, wie ich es vor ein paar Jahren gemacht habe. Das Filmemachen ist heute ein riesiges Geschäft. Das Geld, das in ein Projekt fließt, hängt von den Erfolgsaussichten des Films ab.
Das habe ich bei der Produktion von UMAH alles berücksichtigt. Und hoffentlich wird am Ende die Kasse stimmen."

29th Mar 2008 23.00 IST
By Agencies

She may one of the most talented actresses in Bollywood, but Kajol , who graces the screen after a gap of two years in her home production U Me Aur Hum , says her priority is her family.

"I am not going to do four films a year. I will work, but at my own speed," Kajol is quoted as saying in an agency report.

After marriage with Ajay Devgan in 1999, the actress cut down her film roles and was occasionally seen in hits like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Fanaa .

For ‘U Me Aur Hum’, she teams up with hubby. The film, which releases April 11, marks Ajay's directorial debut and he has written the script too.

Asked how different this film is from her other movies, the ebullient actress says: "Well, I hope it is not so different that it becomes a bad film (laughs). I won't say it is different, but it is a very special film for me."

"While working in the film I never felt constrained. In fact, it was the other way round. I felt very comfortable and at home."

Her debut film, ‘Bekhudi’, in 1992 did fairly well, but it was ‘Baazigar’ with Shah Rukh Khan a year later that was her first blockbuster. She later went on to deliver some of the biggest Bollywood hits like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge , Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ opposite SRK.

Juggling multiple roles of a wife, mother, actress and judge of a TV show, Kajol is neck deep in work. "Time management is a huge issue. I'm doing it with difficulty. Even a 15-minute delay makes a lot of difference. But I think it is not impossible to manage all this, you can do it."

Commenting on the changes in the film industry in the last one decade, Kajol says this evolution is vital.

"It is very important that things should change. We should change. You will die if you don't change. In the last few years viewers have changed, their demands have changed, the business of cinema has changed, and with so many changes the parameters of Indian cinema has changed."

On rumours that she has signed Karan Johar 's next venture, Kajol said: "I have not signed the film, but I am discussing it with him. When I sign, I will certainly let everybody know about it."

She is having a ball as judge on Zee TV's new reality show "Rock n Roll" along with her husband and mother, actress Tanuja. "I'm really enjoying the reality show. There is so much positive energy," she said.

She has a high opinion of her fans. "I think we underestimate our fans. They are so levelheaded and know where to draw the line. Only a very small percentage of fans go overboard."

Quelle: http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20080329-2.html

29 Mar 2008, 0000 hrs IST,Somashukla Sinha Walunjkar,TNN

On camera her face becomes a palette of emotions, her hazel eyes glow luminously and a million watt smile lights up her face.

Kajol’s persona is the stuff box-office histories are made of. Now she returns to where she rightly belongs and once ruled — on the silver screen.

In fact 2008 promises to be an action-packed year for the reclusive superstar who has an impressive list of films (including hubby Ajay Devgan’s directorial debut venture U Me Aur Hum ), a TV show ( Rock ‘n’ Roll Soniye ), endorsements (solo and with Ajay), a 3D animated film, Toonpur Ka Super Hero, Karan Johar’s tentatively titled Khan (with Shah Rukh Khan) and readying for Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Ramayan.

The hands-on mom insists that her only criteria to do a film is that it has to be “something that really justifies the time I am going to spend away from Nyasa. I have always been selective about work and now I am really more so.”

Working on screen with Ajay wasn’t something Kajol “missed too much” considering the Bollywood ‘it’ couple have been doing their share of brand endorsements for a fairly long time. “We have been doing commercials, making public appearances together, so it didn’t feel like a reunion sometimes,” confesses Kajol.

Being directed by Ajay, has been a “picture-perfect experience. Ajay had put everything on paper before we started work. Shooting on a cruise liner (Ajay and I never went on a cruise before) with 300 people as crew and sometimes working at the crack of dawn wasn’t easy. But everything went off like clockwork. I think Ajay is easily one of the best directors I have worked with,” she says. In case you thought that was a loving wife gushing about her husband, Kajol hastily points out that “as an artiste, I’d rate Ajay highly as a director. He’s someone who knows and loves his craft. The subject of the film wasn’t an easy one for a first-time filmmaker.”

In stereotypical Mumbai tinseltown, Kajol’s return to films after matrimony and motherhood hasn’t been tough even in the glam leading role, insists the screen diva. “Perceptions have changed a lot in the last few years. Married actresses don’t necessarily have to play character roles in films. Filmmakers are experimenting and this is truly the best time for actresses like us,” she avers.

Her television debut as a judge on a show was a “well-thought out” decision. “I’d say working on television is much, much tougher than films. But television has a great connect with a live audience which is a refreshing change for us actors,” she grins.

No amount of love for grease-paint can shift focus from her priorities — her daughter and family (not necessarily in that order). Quiz her about any wishlist of the brave new directors she’d want to work with and Kajol admits that she hasn’t been able to catch too many recent Bollywood films. “I spend my time watching cartoons on television with Nyasa. The last film I saw was Fantastic Four 2. I haven’t been able to see works of new filmmakers really.”

Looking after hubby’s film production company, completing brand endorsements, shooting for films and TV and bringing up baby leave her with very little time for herself (most of which is spent either “reading” or being “associated with social causes”). So, no plans of a tell-all autobiography or a movie directed by her in the near future. “I won’t ever direct a film. And I certainly won’t write an autobiography. Only self-obsessed people want to write or talk about themselves!”

That’s trademark Kajol, straight from the heart.

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/I_won...how/2909220.cms

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

übersetzt von soulsurfer:

Zuerst geht es um Kajols laufende Projekt und darum, dass sie nur Filme macht, die sie nicht zu lange von ihrer Tochter trennen.

Mit Ajay in UMAH zusammenzuarbeiten, war nichts Neues für sie. Schließlich haben die beiden ja die ganze Zeit zusammen Werbespots gedreht. Kajol fand Ajays Regiearbeit eine "Bilderbucherfahrung", er hatte alles sehr gut organisiert: "Ich denke, Ajay ist einfach einer der besten Regisseure, mit denen ich bisher gearbeitet habe." Dann setzt sie schnell hinzu: "Als Schauspieler schätze ich Ajay genau so wie als Regisseur. Er ist jemand, der seine Fähigkeiten gut kennt und auch würdigt."

Dann spricht sie über ihre Erfahrungen als Mutter und warum sie wenig Zeit für sich selbst hat (Kind, Werbung, soziale Verpflichtungen). Zum Schluss sagt Kajol: "Ich werde sicher nie Regie in einem Film führen. Und ich werde ganz bestimmt keine Autobiografie schreiben - nur Egoisten reden oder schreiben über sich selbst!"

29 Mar 2008, 0000 hrs IST,PIALI DASGUPTA ,TNN

She hasn’t had the time to watch a film of late, not even attend her salsa classes. That’s how busy Kajol has been with the post production of the forthcoming U, Me Aur Hum (UMAH), which marks the directorial debut of hubby Ajay Devgan.

Contrary to assumptions, the film’s not inspired by The Notebook, confirms Kajol. But unlike other actresses, Kajol, with her trademark candour, doesn’t claim that the film is ‘completely different’. “It’s basically old wine in a new bottle, just like every other film. But it’s the way you make a film that makes it different, and this one is refreshing,” she states.

She plays a waitress in the film. “I can’t say there’s a particular characteristic about her. Perhaps the only thing distinctive about her is her strange vulnerability,” reveals Kajol.

Daughter Nysa isn’t making an appearance in the film. And Kajol says that was never an option. “She’s just five. She does recognise me on screen but doesn’t like to see me crying. She was there for the music release of UMAH, but we want to keep her away from films as of now,” she says.

For the couple’s next animated venture Toonpur Ka Superhero, however, Kajol wouldn’t mind her little one sitting through the screening. “She’ll enjoy it, even though Ajay and I don’t play animated characters. We play a married couple. But I don’t know much about the film yet as we haven’t started shooting for it. I’ve to go on the sets and check out everything to get a better idea,” she explains.

Kajol doesn’t confirm whether the SRK-Kajol jodi will return after six years in Karan Johar’s My Name Is Khan. “Karan has approached me, but nothing’s been finalised yet. I haven’t signed on the dotted line yet,” she asserts.

As for Raj Kumar Hirani’s Idiot, based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel Five Point Someone, Kajol says she isn’t a part of the project any more. Is it because Hirani was irked by Kajol reportedly asking SRK about whether Hirani is a credible director or not? “That’s not true. Everyone associated with it and the people who matter know that,” she clarifies.

With just two projects in hand, Kajol wants to take a six-month break after Toonpur. “I’m not looking at being very prolific this year,” she states. But endorsements are something she’s been routinely doing. Is it just the moolah? “Money isn’t an issue, since I can get it from anywhere. What’s important is whether I belive in the product I’m endorsing. We shouldn’t be completely alien to each other,” she confirms.

Kajol recently received brickbats for repeating her outfits. Is she fine with people being over-critical of her fashion sense or should they just let her be? “Do I have to say that? I think you’ve said that for me,” she laughs, adding, “I don’t react to such remarks. People who said that have obviously never repeated a T-shirt in their lives,” she says.

So post motherhood, what’s kept her so gorgeous? “My fashion sense,” she chuckles caustically. “But honestly, I love my workouts. It’s a part of my life now. It’s a lifestyle change I made after I got married,” she admits.

And would she ever consider calling the shots like her hubby? “It doesn’t appeal to me. I like being in front of the camera rather than going behind it. But I’d like to act with my sister Tanisha in a home production,” she says.

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Im_no...how/2907033.cms