"Question Ashtavinayak about the delay of Mr. Fraud" - Abbas Mustan By Joginder Tuteja, April 1, 2008 - 10:06 IST
Even though they are living with Mr. Fraud for close to two years, they continue to be passionate about the film. Not just that, there is certainly an emotional quotient attached with the film since for director duo of Abbas Mustan, this would have been their second action comedy in recent times after Shah Rukh Khan starrer Baadshah. Besides, this is also the first time that they are working with Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgan.
However, their hands seem to be tied up for the moment since Mr. Fraud hasn't quite been making progress even though a major part of the principal shoot (close to 70%) has already been completed. So what exactly is going wrong?
Says Abbas calmly without showing any signs of irritation, "Ab yeh to aap producers se hi poochiye (Now ask this question to Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd., who are producing the film)! We are ready to get started any time they want; we have our dates available as after Race, we don't have anything else on floors."
Even though the film was started way back in 2006 and was supposed to arrive in September that year, some or the other problem plagued this Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan, Bipasha Basu, Tanushree Datta and Anuj Sawhney starrer. While Sanju's personal problems were the reason behind the delay in the film, there were hassles around combination dates of all the stars as well which resulted in the film's shoot getting postponed.
"For us, Mr. Fraud is a very interesting project", continues Abbas, "We love what we have shot so far and the script is the kind which yet again is quite different for Hindi film audience. Also, the unique combination of Sanju, Ajay, Bipasha and Tanushree makes it special."
He goes on to add, "Sanjay Dutt has already shot for his solo lead film Kidnap which is again produced by Ashtavinayak. Now it's upon Ashtavinayak people to let us know when they want us to resume the film's shoot."
Meanwhile, the director duo, fresh after the super-success of Race, are continuing to build upon their production plans. After signing Rumi Jaffrey, Rohit Jugraj and Nishikanth Kamat for directing films for their production house, they are also working on the script of their next film for which they will be donning the director's hat.
Zitat von DiwaliAbbas-Mustan sprechen mal wieder über ihr Lieblingsprojekt Mr. Fraud, an dem sie immer noch sehr hängen; es sei ihre erste Action-Komödie seit Baadshah. Sie geben die Schuld an der langen Verzögerung allerdings nicht nur Sanju und seinen privaten Problemen, sondern auch den Schwierigkeiten beim Finden gemeinsamer Drehdaten von so vielbeschäftigten Stars wie Sanju, Ajay und Bipasha. Das sei auch der Grund, warum es jetzt nicht vorwärtsginge. Es läge ganz an der Produktionsfirma Ashtavinayak, die Drehtermine mit den Stars zu vereinbaren; sie, Abbas-Mustan, stünden Gewehr bei Fuß, zumal da sie nach Race gerade nichts am Laufen haben.
He may be seriousness personified on reel. But Ajay Devgan's on-set tomfoolery is rather famous.
Apparently while shooting for Prakash Jha's Apharan, on location in Satara, Maharashtra, he concocted bhaang with sweets and distributed it within the unit.
Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan making his directorial debut with 'U Me aur Hum,' scheduled to release later this month, says his maiden project brings out the positivity of relationship between a husband and wife.
Ajay who is paired opposite his actress wife of nine years Kajol in the film said it was a simple love story about a man who marries a girl he loves and overcomes all hurdles to maintain the relationship.
"The film doesn't give a sermon on relationships. The audiences will identify with the scharacters. What is different in the subject is that the film looks at the institution of marriage in a positive way," the actor said.
"A lot of people question the institution of marriage, or blame it when problems arise. I feel that in a marriage, or any relationship for that matter, problems are inevitable.
'Giving up' should be our last option. However, an increasing number of people just prefer to give up at the first sign of trouble, Devgan said.
The actor who began his career with action packed roles, said he felt that relationships, especially marriages need to be nurtured with love, sensitivity and understanding.
"People keep asking me what inspired me to chose this subject and direct a film. To be honest, this is a story straight from my heart. A story which I strongly believed in," he told reporters here last night.
Ajay also affirms to the concepts like love at first sight, happy marriages and soulmates.
"I know that they exist and hence they are important elements of my film," the actor added.
The actor said he was aware that he cannot change the way people think or live their lives through his film.
"A film is meant to entertain you and give your money's worth. Besides entertaining the audience, if the film makes them introspect on the state of their relationships or encourages them to improve it, my success will be much greater," he said.
When asked about his experiences off-screen, Ajay said he was well versed with the nuances of filmmaking as he had assisted Shekhar Kapur before joining films and even helped father Veeru Devgan, veteran action director in editing.
"I believe that if your vision as a director is clear and are backed by an efficient crew, there will be no hurdles," he said.
Speaking about his wife, Ajay said he was fortunate enough to direct a film with a powerful and efficient actress like Kajol.
"She is always thorough with the nitty-gritties of her character before she begins shooting. In this film, she is not only the lead actress but also the producer. Since the screenplay work happened at home, Kajol was present for all the sittings and even gave her inputs. She made my work as a directon much easier," Ajay said proudly.
He said major portion of the film has been shot on a cruise while the remaining at Filmistan studio in Mumbai.
- U, Me Aur Hum hat Ajay von Herzen gemacht, um das Positive von Beziehungen darzustellen, nicht um Belehrungen zu machen. Wenn es mal nicht klappt, dann soll man an Beziehungen arbeiten, nicht aufgeben. Die wichtigsten Elemente des Films sind Liebe auf den ersten Blick, glückliche Ehen und Seelenverwandte.
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, April 1, 2008 - 18:39 IST
Birthdays are special and a surprise makes them even special. Ajay Devgan was surprised on his birthday by the presence of his parents and sisters on the sets of Rock N' Roll Family. A wonderful gift indeed, Debut Director of U, Me Aur Hum, Ajay Devgan got the best birthday gift yesterday (March 31) when his entire family landed up on the sets to cut a cake with him in advance.
"I was pleasantly surprised, considering my parents never go on television. It was one of the most beautiful gifts I've ever received!" says Ajay. In addition to this, the creative Head of the show had planned some other surprises for Ajay.
Footage of his best friend Vijay Nagra and his family who are based in South Africa was shown. Ajay had not met his friend for almost for four years. Overnight, the footage was taken and the tapes were flown on the sets. Ajay who primarily does not like surprises was almost in tears. After which they wheeled in the cake and on his nephew's (Aman) request, he cut the cake. All in all Ajay was pleasantly surprised and in a way received a great birthday gift.
- Ajay war zu Tränen gerührt... seine Eltern (die nie im Fernsehen zu sehen waren) und seine Schwestern waren am Set. Von einem langjährigen Freund, von dem er schon einige Zeit nichts Neues mehr gehört hatte, wurde eine Filmaufnahme gezeigt, die der Freund extra in der vorigen Nacht aufgenommen hatte und vom Team eingeflogen wurde. Dann wurde ein Kuchen hereingefahren, den Ajay auf Wunsch seines Neffen angeschnitten hat.
Debut director of 'U, Me Aur Hum', Ajay Devgan, got the best birthday gift yesterday when his entire family landed up on the set of Rock N' Roll Family to cut a cake with him yesterday!
April 1, 2008 (Sawf News) - Debut Director of U, Me Aur Hum, Ajay Devgan got the best birthday gift yesterday when his entire family landed up on the set of Rock N' Roll Family set to cut a cake with him yesterday!
His parents Veeru and Veena Devgan, sisters Neelam and Kavita and his nephew Aman (Neelam's son) — landed up on the set to celebrate his birthday a day in advance!!
Says Ajay, "I was pleasantly surprised, considering my parents never go on television. It was one of the most beautiful gifts I've ever received!!"
Shailaja Bajpai Posted online: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 at 0101 hrs
On talent shows, judges perform
Auszug:
... Rock and Roll sees Tanuja, Ajay Devgan and Kajol as judges (why?) with three-generation families prancing in what they call a dance number but we call making fools of themselves. Winsome fools, but fools nevertheless. As they hug, kiss and behave as though they’re meeting at airport Arrivals after a long separation, it’s the judges turn to perform:
Tanuja (wiping tears): Today, you danced very well.
Kajol (wiping her hands on her beautiful hair): Today, you danced very well.
Ajay (wiping the seat of his pants on the chair): Today, you danced very, very well (he gets an extra ‘bahut’ ‘coz he’s the man in the family). The contestants hug each other (again) and Chintu, Mintoo or whatever look bahut, bahut happy. We then hear of how Chintu danced before he could walk, his dadi sang before she could speak and dada...Next.
- ein Artikel, über den sich Fans in Ajays Forum aufgeregt haben... Es geht darum, daß der Schreiber des Artikels den Eindruck hat, in den derzeitigen Talentshows gehe es mehr um die Jurymitglieder als um die Leute, die da auftreten. Bei Rock'N Roll Family fragt er sich, warum Ajay, Kajol und Tanuja in der Jury sitzen und die Leute weniger ihr Tanztalent zeigen sondern sich zum Narren machen würden, und zitiert ziemlich ironisch eine Szene, wo Tanuja, Kajol und Ajay lediglich sagen "sehr gut getanzt" und sich Tränen abwischen, Ajay als Familienoberhaupt durfte "sehr sehr gut getanzt" sagen....
April 1, 2008 8:37:24 PM IST Bollywood Trade News Network
Actor-producer-director Ajay Devgan is one busy man these days what with his debut film just round the corner for release (on 11th April). All his fans and near and dear one's are confident that he can pull it off well and the promos of his film has a similar story and confidence to say the least. But even in the busiest of the times he's found some time to be a part of a TV reality show. And yesterday was a very special day for him, the Devgan family and of course the Rock N' Roll Family.
Debut Director of U, ME AUR HUM, Ajay Devgan got the best birthday gift yesterday when his entire family landed up on the sets of Rock N' Roll Family sets to cut a cake with him! His parents Veeru and Veena Devgan, sisters Neelam and Kavita and his nephew Aman (Neelam's son) landed up on the sets of Rock N' Roll Family to celebrate his birthday (2nd April) a day in advance! 'I was pleasantly surprised, considering my parents never go on television. It was one of the most beautiful gifts I've ever received!!' said a rather shy Ajay.
Well, its time even we wish him a fabulous birthday and a great time ahead in life. All you AD fans also have this opportunity to wish him.
- Ajay wird im Artikel gelobt für seine schönen Promos, und die Geburtstagsüberaschung auf dem Set von Rock'N Roll Family wird wieder erwähnt, wo seine Eltern Veeru und Veena Devgan, die Schwestern Neelam und Kavita und sein Neffe Aman (Neelams Sohn) als Überraschungsgäste anwesend waren.
Its the end of the first quarter of 2008 so lets pull out a report card and see what’s the year been like.
From the looks of it doesn't look like this year has been any good. But in filmi fiscal as always the figures do the talking.
Jodhaa Akbar has been the biggest hit of 2008 so far with Race catching up.
Recently Race released in Pakistan and recieved a bumper opening across the border. The collection period of Jodhaa Akbar is over but Race still has a few more weeks to cash in.
So which were the films that bombed at the box office?
Flops from January to March had a mix of different genres from comedy flick like Sunday, to Ajay Devgan’s typical issue based film like Halla Bol were flops, not just that even showman Subhash Ghai had to bite the dust.
Flops of 2008
* Halla Bol.
* Mithya.
* Superstar.
* Bombay to Bangkok.
* Sunday.
* Black & White.
So going by the first quarterly report and looking at all the money invested and all the returns, its clear that the Hindi film industry has lost lot of money.
But this is just the first quarter and many big films are expected in the next quarter as well including Tashan, Bhoothnath, Sarkar Raj.
Author: A Hitlist Correspondent; Date: 01 Apr 2008
Astro numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi predicts what’s in store for Ajay Devgan and his directorial debut film U Me Aur Hum, which releases about a week after his birthday on April 2.
Says Bhavikk, “Though the year 2008 is amongst his best numbers, Ajay still needs to remain cautious.
He is likely to go through increasing amount of stress levels all through the year.
Wearing a yellow sapphire set in gold will help him avoid unnecessary mental worries,” advises Bhavikk.
“The release date for U Me Aur Hum on April 11 is apt but the title of the film adds up to Number 39.
This number is neither totally auspicious nor inauspicious for him.
The film should achieve moderate success,” predicts Bhavikk.
- 2008 sei unter Ajays guten Zahlen, doch solle er wachsam sein, müsse mit steigendem Streß rechnen und solle ein Set aus gelben Satiren tragen. Der Filmtitel addiere sich auf die Zahl 39, die weder besonders gut oder besonders schlecht für ihn sei.
Filmmaker Vipul Shah has changed the story of London Dreams , which he took over from director Rajkumar Santoshi .
The film was initially supposed to be a story of two struggling Indian musicians in London. Santoshi had even shot a few scenes with Salman Khan at Amritsar’s Golden Temple two years back. But Vipul Amrutlal Shah , who has now taken over the film, is apparently not happy about the film’s initial story.
Shah apparently has his own vision of the film and has asked writer Sridhar Raghavan to rewrite the story. Now, the revamped story revolves around the two protagonists (Ajay Devgan and Salman Khan) and a common girl in their life.
The female lead of the film is yet to be finalized. Shah reportedly wants a new face to play the role, probably an Indian girl who has been raised abroad.
Shah also doesn’t want to use any of the footage of the film that was shot under Santoshi. The director says even if he has to shoot the scenes with Salman at Golden Temple, he would do it all over again in the way he deems fit.
‘London Dreams’ will be produced and directed by Shah. The film will have music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy . The work on the songs is likely to begin in the first week of April.
- der Film solle sich auf die beiden Hauptdarsteller Salaman Khan und Ajay Devgan sowie die weibliche Hauptrolle ( wer sie spielt, steht noch nicht fest) konzentrieren, offensichtlich geht es nun in der neueren Version weniger um das Leben als Musiker, sondern wie die beiden Musiker und das Mädchen im Alltag zusammen agieren... einen ähnlichen Artikel hatten wir schon mal, gepostet im Filmthread Ausserdem wird gemutmaßt, die Arbeit an den Songs würde wahrscheinlich in der ersten Aprilwoche beginnen (is likely to start...)
Once tipped as the 'action hero' of Indian cinema, versatile Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan, who turned 39 Wednesday, has proved his mettle in every genre. This year, he also turns director with "U, Me Aur Hum".Ajay got an early birthday gift Tuesday when his entire family landed up on the sets of Zee TV's reality show "Rock N' Roll", which he is hosting with wife Kajol and mother-in-law Tanuja. The family arrived to cut a cake with him.
His parents Veeru and Veena Devgan, sisters Neelam and Kavita and his nephew Aman were part of the entourage.
"I was pleasantly surprised, considering my parents never go on television. It was one of the most beautiful gifts I've ever received," said Ajay.
After a successful acting career spanning 16 years, the actor wanted to make a film through which he told people a story he really believes in.
"People often ask me if this is the right time to venture into direction. Frankly speaking, I don't know whether it is the right time or not, but I have always wanted to tell people a story I strongly believe in.
"I had this story idea in my mind for a long time and then I sat and wrote it down. Later when I gradually developed the screenplay, I felt that unless I directed the film myself, it would not be presented the way I want it to be," Ajay told IANS.
Even before he started off as an action hero in the 1991 hit film "Phool Aur Kaante" for which he won the Filmfare award for best debutant actor, Ajay had worked with internationally acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur as an assistant director.
"I had worked with Shekhar and when I was eight or nine years old, I also used to take part in editing and other technical areas of filmmaking with my father," he said.
The actor has been among the first few of his generation to turn producer. In 1999 and 2000 he produced "Hindustan Ki Kasam" and "Raju Chacha". Though the films bombed at the box-office, Ajay is now confident that his directorial debut releasing this month will do well.
Early in his career Ajay showed his penchant for action in films like "Jigar" (1992), "Divya Shakti" (1992), "Vijaypath"(1994), "Hulchul" (1995) and others that one could only expect from the son of well-known action director Veeru Devgan.
In 1999, Ajay married his co-star and friend Kajol and they have a four-year-old daughter named Nyasa. The couple will be seen together after a long time in "U, Me Aur Hum".
After his action period, Ajay surprised the audience with his comic performances in "Ishq" (1997), "Golmaal - Fun Unlimited" (2006) and his ability to emote in "Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha" (1998) and "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" (1999).
His powerful acting in "Zakhm" (1998), "The Legend of Bhagat Singh" (2002), "Company" (2002), "GangaaJal" (2003), "Yuva" (2004), "Raincoat" (2004), "Omkara" (2006) and others won him critical acclaim.
On the actor's versatility, director Rajkumar Santoshi, who has made some of his best films with Ajay, said: "One of his strengths is that he can get under the skin of any well-written role and make it his own. He has sharp, expressive eyes. And he appears to be very natural in all the challenging characters he has played so far."
Ajay has won two National Awards - the first one for Mahesh Bhatt-directed "Zakhm" and the other for Santoshi's "The Legend of Bhagat Singh".
This year, he doled out a power-packed performance in Santoshi's "Halla Bol" and Rohit Shetty-directed comedy flick "Sunday".
His upcoming films include "U, Me Aur Hum" and animation film "Toonpur Ka Superstar" which he is producing himself.
- Ajays Geburstag wird gewürdigt, die Überraschung auf dem Set der Show erwähnt, und seine Filmografie gelistet, von Phool Aur Kaante, seinem ersten Film, bis hin zu Sunday und U, Me Aur Hum... Nicht zu vergessen, der Kommentar von Rajkumar Santoshi, der wieder eingebaut wird, "... Ajay kann so leicht in die Haut eines jeden Charakters schlüpfen, er wirkt so natürlich, egal welche Rolle er spielt..." bis zu der Erwähnung der beachtlichen Leistung, zwei National Awards gewonnen zu haben, - den ersten für Mahesh Bhatts "Zakhm" und den anderen für Santoshis "The Legend of Bhagat Singh".
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, April 2, 2008 - 09:44 IST
It's said that 'A Rose by ay other name remains a Rose'. Likewise, today's B-Day boy Ajay Devgan, by any other name (Superstar/ Screen Scorcher/ Mind-blowing performer etc…) still remains 'The' Ajay Devgan, who kept his first step in Bollywood with the smash-hit Phool Aur Kaante. What followed after that were series of films which only confirmed the fact that Bollywood had got its new superstar in Ajay Devgan, a man who could carry any film solely on his shoulders!
In the years to come, Ajay, who was earlier 'slotted' as an action hero proved his versatility as an actor by doing intense roles which got him connected instantly to the millions of cinegoers all over the globe. He thus, proved that a man who can do 'splits' between two mobikes in motion can also emote volumes with his eyes without the lips doing the talking.
On the eve of his B-Day, Bollywood Hungama would want your fingers to do the talking by posting your messages below.
- Gib einer Rose einen anderen Namen, doch sie bleibt eine Rose.... dieses Sprichwort wird auf Ajay bezogen, der seine Vielseitigkeit als Schauspieler mit eindringlichen Rollen bewiesen hat, die ihn mit Millionen Kinobesuchern weltweit verbinden. Ajay bleibt er selber trotz der Namen, die man ihm gegeben hat, wie Superstar, Leinwandsensation, atemberaubender Darsteller etc. Er hat bewiesen, daß ein Mann, der auf zwei Motorrädern stehend fahren kann, Gefühle nur mit den Augen vermitteln kann, ohne ein Wort.
He's all over the place! Now, we really don't mean scouting for publicity and all that. Birthday boy Devgan who turned a year older a few days ago was busy getting right his release plans for his directorial debut U, Me Aur Hum instead of celebrating. After all the D-Day is just round the corner, na? Though Ajay is not quite telling us of the butterflies flitting in his stomach, we're sure the B-day Boy made a special B-day wish on his big day. Never mind the gifts he received, what he probably prefers from God is a belated gift – some box office success types! Hey Bhagwan, are You listening?
- einfach eine Erwähnung von Ajay anläßlich seines Geburtstages - und man mutmaßt, Ajay sei zu beschäftigt mit den letzten Vorbereitungen für den Kinostart von UMAH, um zu feiern, und daß er wohl ein Gebet deswegen gesprochen haben könnte... deswegen die Überschrift "Gott, hörst Du?"
Although Diwali is a few months away, reputed production houses have already started pitching their films in the festive week. As on this date, YUVRAAJ [Mukta Arts], GOLMAAL RETURNS [Ashtavinayak], ROADSIDE ROMEO [Yash Raj, Disney] and CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA [Warner, Ramesh Sippy, Nikhil Advani] have been confirmed, while there's talk that Karan Johar is keen on bringing DOSTANA in the festive week as well.
However, there are whispers that GOLMAAL RETURNS might be shifted ahead. But the news is unfounded as GOLMAAL RETURNS is being readied for the festive week. “There's no room for postponement,” Rohit Shetty confirms. That should put the speculation to rest!
- In der Diwali Woche stehen nach derzeitigen Informationen von indiafm zum Release an: YUVRAAJ [Mukta Arts], GOLMAAL RETURNS [Ashtavinayak], ROADSIDE ROMEO [Yash Raj, Disney] und CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA [Warner, Ramesh Sippy, Nikhil Advani] gelten als bestätigt für diesen Termin, während man auch davon hört, daß eventuell Karan Johar auch danach strebt, DOSTANA in dieser Woche veröffentlichen zu lassen. Es gab wohl Gerüchte, wonach Sunil Shetty GOLMAAL RETURNS eine Woche nach hinten verschieben lassen wolle, was dieser aber ganz klar verneint hat.