After the Jaganmohini debacle, Namitha is badly in need of a hit to salvage her position as the ‘oomph queen’ of south cinema. Newer sirens like Mumaith Khan and Rachna Maurya are breathing down her neck.
But Namitha has not given up, as her first Malayalam film Black Stallion, directed by commercial filmmakers Pramod and Pappan, gets ready for release.
Her role in the film, for which she is reported to have been paid her highest salary, is also said to be her most glamorous till date. The producers of the film, after seeing the first copy, have chosen to get it dubbed in Tamil as Nil Gavani Ennai Kadhali and in Telugu as Iddaru Monagallu. The trade is going ga-ga over the stills from the movie in which Namitha is said to have exposed the maximum so far in her career. Her pictures in the film have become one of the hottest downloads on the Internet. Namitha is sure to set the temperature soaring in Black Stallion as she is shown stepping into a swimming pool.
Though she doesn’t don a bikini, she wears a see-through white top, and has also done some hot bedroom scenes with Tamil actor Bala, who has now become popular in Malayalam. The movie has Kalabhavan Mani, Bala and Namitha in the lead. The wafer thin storyline of the film has Namitha playing a bar dancer named Laura, who is on the run from the villain — a cop played by Kalabhavan Mani. Bala, who plays a photographer, turns out to be her saviour. All that Namitha is willing to say about Black Stallion is, “My role in this film demands glamour, but there is also scope for performance.”
Despite her two films, Saawariya and Delhi 6, not making way for her at the box office, Sonam Kapoor is still counted among Bollywood’s more sensational leading ladies.
She did manage to pick up accolades for her two performances and is being closely watched by the big daddies of cinema because she has talent in abundance... not to mention that ‘it’ quality to make her soar. In one of those off-the-cuff interviews, Sonam talks to BT about her leading men, and her varying chemistry with each of them...
Ranbir Kapoor
My chemistry with Ranbir is special. Ranbir will also always be the most special co-star in my life because he is my first hero. After Saawariya I was offered a couple of films with him but if we haven’t worked together, it is because I’ve decided that when we do team up it must be for something sensational. I don’t want to do a multiple heroine project with him. Both of us must have equal parts.
Imran Khan
Shooting for I Hate Luv Stories is a riot. Imran and I are like two puppies always getting at each other. Our pairing is similar to the Dimple Kapadia-Rishi Kapoor one in Bobby. We’re both young, we’re constantly pulling each others’ legs on the set. It’s a young, fun pairing that is vibrant.
Abhay Deol
He’s a fabulous performer. Aisha wouldn’t be the same without Abhay in it. He keeps feeding me humus with carrots/cucumber. And I find our chemistry similar to the Julia Roberts-Richard Gere one in Pretty Woman. Abhay is more mature and grounded than I am. Also he is very intelligent. I love spending time with him on sets.
Abhishek Bachchan
Well, what can I say? I think I played the perfect Bittu to him in Delhi 6. We haven’t been offered any other film together as yet. Those reports that I was offered Ashutosh Gowarikar’s Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se before Deepika Padukone signed it, are untrue. Of course, I’d love to work with Abhishek again.
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan says Shah Rukh Khan left him in a jovial mood after the latter called him to confirm his presence at the premiere of upcoming film "Paa".
"Shah Rukh has remained with me in the late afternoon. He is a very funny man and shakes me into joviality when I inform him about the premiere and his absolute presence there. He tells me, 'He is already there, black suited and with anticipation of seeing 'Paa'," Amitabh posted on his blog. "Aamir too communicates today and confirms his presence," he added.
The cast and crew of "Paa" - including Amitabh, Abhishek and director R. Balakrishnan have major plans for the film's premiere Dec 3 in Mumbai. Amitabh plays a 12-year-old progeria patient in "Paa" and he had to stick on several pieces of specially crafted clay to get the right look for the movie. The disease causes premature ageing among children.
International make-up artist Stephan Dupuis designed Big B's look and the megastar had to sit for five-six hours for the make-up. The 67-year-old says he is now anxious about how the audience and critics will react to the film. "Slowly but surely the jig saw puzzle will begin to unfold. The test of all our hours and hours of effort at the film shall now be up for scrutiny. And within two hours and 14 minutes the verdict shall be passed. Once passed, shall remain passed. Such is the destiny of those that participate in this wondrous game of filmmaking," he said. The film is releasing Dec 4.
The famous choreographer-turned-director Prabhu Deva after his ‘Wanted’ with Salman Khan is one of the sought-after makers in Bollywood. The buzz is that his upcoming project will be a remake of Mahesh Babu’s Okkadu, a blockbuster hit.
Many producers are keen on signing Prabhu Deva. It is said that B-town’s big producers Sajid Nadiadwala and Boney Kapoor were keen to rope him in. But, finally AB Corp, the Bachchans’ company managed to get him with their offer.
Sources said that Prabhu Deva narrated Okkadu script to Abhishek almost twenty days back and the actor loved to do it. As of now, Prabhu Deva is working on the script to suit the Hindi industry and is expected to go on floors around June 2010.
He is looking for a heroine to this film while this is going to floors after his jayam ravi’s Tamil movie.
Whether one loves her or not, after her strong performance in TUM MILE, no one can ignore Soha Ali Khan. The actor chats up with our correspondent on why she relented to do kissing scene with Emraan Hashmi and the kind of films she is looking for
Unlike your contemporaries, you mostly choose character-based roles (like in RANG DE BASANTI), rather than hero-heroine type. Is it a conscious decision?
Yes, very much. I am more keen on doing substantial lead roles with some meat in them; not necessarily the hero-heroine types. I am too choosy when it comes to picking my kind of script. KHOYA KHOYA CHAND was my first lead contemporary role and now it's TUM MILE. In fact, TUM MILE is the most beautiful film in my entire career...I had to triple my efforts to play 'Sanjana' in the film. It's the most challenging role I have got to do so far.
You are new to the Bhatt camp. How was the experience like?
This is the first time I worked for the Bhatts-Vishesh Films. I have always been a fan of Mahesh Bhatt because of his sensible yet exciting films; especially his romantic films-they are so electrifying and realistic. And I don't know how, the music of all his films is always superb. So what more can an actor ask for! I hope this is a start of a long association with them.
What was your first reaction when you heard that Emraan has been cast opposite you?
(Laughs) I know what you mean... I was slightly apprehensive because I know what it means to sign a film opposite Emraan. I was aware that when you do a film with him there are things that go hand-in-hand, or rather lip-to-lip. But I relented. The story was so good that I said to myself -'If I have to kiss him for this film I will do that'.
Were you comfortable kissing him?
Honestly, the kiss didn't register at all...it was so natural. I myself was pleasantly surprised that it happened so smoothly. It was more my type of kiss than the ones Emraan is famous for (giggles).
The film is about live-in couples and their problems. What will you go for in personal life-live-in or marriage?
I would like to live in with the person I want to marry before taking a final call on the decision; because it is one thing to fall in love and another thing to stay in love.
How much your mother (Sharmila Tagore) and brother (Saif Ali Khan) interfere when it comes to choosing films?
They don't interfere at all. But they are very sharp critics and always give tips, especially my mother. No matter how much I give to the character, she always has something or the other to say. Thankfully after watching TUM MILE she had only good things to say about my acting.
You are also doing a film with your mother...
Yes, it's called LIFE GOES ON...and I am learning a lot from her.
What about a film with your brother?
I don't mind doing a film with him. But I don't want to play Saif's sister in the film.
Are you a partyholic?
I am not a partyholic or a nightclub person. But I am often dragged there by friends.
What do you do when not shooting?
I love listening to music...any form of rock with a lot of acoustics.
We don't find you in elaborate designer wear very often...
That's because, I generally prefer wearing casual, urban leisure wear.
She is known as the bubbly beauty of the southern circuit and has managed the same tag even in Bollywood where glamour rules the roost. Her young and sprightly looks gives her that edge to pass off as a school and college girl as well. She is our very own Haasini, real name Genelia.
Genny as she is fondly known has been known for her slender looks but her recent pictures have been sending a different message. The pretty girl seems to have put on some weight and flesh is appearing on the right places. Many are asking if she has been taking beer to get that extra bulge (as she spends enough time at pubs).
Usually, Genelia is known to be a girl next door type and lately after moving to Bollywood, her sense of dressing has been quite revealing and glamorous as well. Looking at her fleshy look, the innocence in her is slowly being replaced by a teasingly seductive look. What’s happening Genny???
Krishna Nagar is the hub for any film related activity and there are many creative minds always at work there. This time, some of them have teamed up and are looking at coming up with a story, based on the hot gossip of the affair between Nagarjuna and the hefty beauty Tabu.
Currently, the script work is said to be on in one of the offices in Krishna nagar and two writers are working full time to give a shape to it. Though time and again, Nag and Tabu have maintained that they are friends, the writers are keen on giving a romantic touch to their story indicating the two stars.
This has raised concerns among a few in the film circuit as to how this might reflect on the screen. On the other hand, efforts are said to be on to stop this script from being entertained. Well, nothing can be announced till an official confirmation is received on this one.
The story is all about how the actress-wife of a hero accepts his relation with another actress and what maturity levels or understanding it requires!!
Sonali Bendre is one of the few Bollywood actors who don't panic over a few extra kilos. While in Kolkata to inaugurate a restaurant-cum-lounge in Kolkata, the 'hot bod' tells our correspondent why she is not bothered about a 'Size Zero' figure
You seem to have joined Bollywood's 'glam mom' club...
Why?
You still look the same 'Humma Humma' girl from BOMBAY...
(Laughs) No yaar! I have put on weight and that too almost eight kilos! I am not fit as I should be. It's just because of my thin structure (thanks to my genes) that you still think I am all that 'slim trim'...actually I am not.
So, you feel bad when you see other actors sporting a better figure?
Why should I feel so? I have a decent figure; I am happy with my figure...it's just that I am too busy with my kid and family that I can't take out time for regular workouts. But once I start working on my figure, I will be back to my old self. As it is, 'Size Zero' is not for me. I feel a woman should have a feminine figure.
You always carry a very stylish look. Who styles you up?
I don't want people to crowd around me and give advice on what I should and shouldn't wear. Style comes naturally to me. Comfort is always a priority, but that doesn't mean, just for the sake of comfort I will wear some silly stuff and make myself look tacky. I don't go by the fashion trends of the day, but mix-and-match clothes to find what looks good on me. The funda of looking stylish is to ask yourself-'Am I looking good in this outfit?' If the answer is 'yes', then only go for it. If you yourself don't approve of your looks, why expect others to appreciate it!
What do you generally like wearing?
On a day-to-day basis, no one can carry designer clothes. I am cool in denims and cotton shirts. Again if the occasion is gorgeous, I prefer wearing something like I am wearing now (a printed grey-golden one-shoulder Ranna Gill outfit)
What's that one accessory that you can't do without no matter what you are wearing?
It's my signature nose-pin. I love it.
What is the funkiest hairdo you have done so far?
I generally don't experiment with my hair. Once I chopped it short (everyone said I am looking 'cute'), and now I have got red streaks in my hair. Now you tell if you find any of these two styles funky! (Smiles)
What are the things that you always carry in your purse?
Hand sanitizer, mobile phone, lip balm, mascara, kajal and my Omega watch (I don't carry it in my purse, though).
How has marriage changed you?
It hasn't changed me...it's just that I have got some new responsibilities. Marriage is not synonymous to change, but a new dimension to life.
And what about motherhood?
Now that I have become a mother, I can realize what are the issues my mother faced while bringing me up. I am still hot-tempered, but have grown more patient...have learnt to let go certain things in life.
Don't you think marriage and motherhood have deprived the 'actor' Sonali Bendre?
My son is too young and I need to be with him now. So I am not taking up films or too many of other projects at the moment. But that's a conscious decision. I had a fulfilling career as an actor, now I want to enjoy being with my family. It's not that I have quit my career, but am going slow on it. My priorities have changed.
It could be a reaction post the 26/11 terror attacks or just the fact that terrorism is a global phenomena, but filmmakers have never before been so keen to highlight this evil on the big screen.
And the emphasis on this is laid by the fact that two production houses known for their romantic films, have taken a huge leap and have made movies on this topic. We are talking about Yash Chopra’s production house that’s known for movies like Chandni, Lamhe and Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge; and Karan Johar who has made feel-good movies like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham to the more recent Dostana and Wake Up Sid. Yash Chopra’s banner has already brought out its offering on terrorism in the form of New York that was directed by Kabir Khan and starred John Abraham, Katrina Kaif and Neil Nitin Mukesh. Karan on the other hand produced the recently released and highly-acclaimed Kurbaan that stars Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi. While the movie is what Karan calls a “love story” it was a subject that Karan couldn’t stop thinking about. He asked Rensil D’Silva to write and develop it for him. He later asked Rensil to direct the project. “The story addresses this evil that has become a global phenomena,” he says.
But it was director Kunal Kohli, who surprised everyone with Fanaa in 2005. Easily one of the most successful films that had terrorism as the backdrop, Fanaa handled the issue very well. “Movies that are relevant to that particular time always click with the audience. Like Naya Daur or Namak Haraam that the audience remembers for those particular eras,” points Kunal, who has also directed Hum Tum, Mujhse Dosti Karoge! and Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. Speaking about Fanaa he says that the movie worked because it was a Hindi ‘picture’. “It had the right elements put together. It’s is very important to make your film entertaining. If you feel socially responsible and want to give a message you have to make it entertaining and not sound preachy,” he says. He feels that people liked the movie because the common man was the protagonist. “People found Rehan (Aamir Khan’s character) like any other man. He was a guide and a very mard character. He wasn’t just a boy, but a man,” says Kunal.
A trade pundit says, “As long as the director doesn’t get confused between making a love story or a film on terrorism it’s fine. In the end the audience has to feel for the characters.” Managing the commercial aspect and sending out a social message can be difficult. “Yes, it is very difficult. But that’s what the audience expects from you,” says Kunal.
He’s the toast of Bollywood. His mere name in a film keeps the cash registrars ringing for days together.
He has the lethal combo of hot sizzling looks, hard work and a superb comic timing. And if you thought Akshay is someone who only had the best comic timing in films, then think again.
Call him Akki or Rajeev Bhatia as his wife Twinkle Khanna calls him, he’s style personified. Dressed in a black shirt and black sun-glasses, he made an impressive entry to promote his latest flick De Dana Dan in Ahmedabad with his co-stars Suniel Shetty and Sameera Reddy.
Katrina Kaif is again his co-star in this film and they are the much talked about lucky ‘on-screen couple’. “Who is lucky? I am not a jyotish. I don’t check people’s rashi before working with them. I can’t say who will be lucky for me?”, he laughs.
Quiz him about his favourite co-star and he thinks and says with a smile, “Shanti Priya (his first co-star).” And you think he must be joking. But with a serious look on his face, he says, “No, I am really serious.” Ask him about doing another comedy and he says, “Comedy works well with people. In Gujarat, all my comedy films do extremely well. I don’t want to stop something that works well. I am glad I can entertain and make people laugh.”
Who’s that special person he turns to for feedback? He says “My sister,” and then adds, “My son Aarav.” And what keeps him so grounded? “Everybody likes ground nuts. Actually, I keep my feet down and walk,” he says with a big laugh.
Talking about his latest film, he says “It is a real fast paced comedy. One can’t even sms in the middle as he might miss the link. Suniel and me share a good chemistry on and off screen.”
Akshay is someone who has been in the industry for quite some years and he feels today things are very different from yesteryears. “The industry has changed completely and so has the audience. People are today ready to experiment and appreciate new scripts. The technology, budget of the films and my remuneration has also changed with time,” he says it with a twinkle in his eyes. He adds, “Horror films satisfy me as an actor.” Akshay who has acted and produced films feels, “I don’t think I can ever direct a film.” Today Akshay’s platter is full with a number of films like Action Replay, House Full, Helloo India and Tees Maar Khan. Ask him about his visit to Ahmedabad and he says, “I am happy to come here. The hospitality and the food here is great. People are warm,” he says on a parting note.
