Anushka Sharma not tied to Yashraj Films

Newbie Anushka Sharma is not contractually bound to do films only with Yashraj Films .

She got a dream launch in Bollywood with YRF’s Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi opposite Shahrukh Khan . But the lure of this dream launch did not tempt Anushka to sign any contract with YRF that would restrict her from working with other banners.

Asin , another Bollywood debutante of 2008, for instance, was contractually bound by the makers of Ghajini not to do any other Hindi film before the movie’s release. But Anushka did not falls for any such contract. Even though she has a three-film deal with YRF, she says she is free to do films with other production houses as well.

The saucy belle is nowadays busy reading a number of scripts. Offers have been pouring in since the release of ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’, but Anushka is taking her time to pick the right film that can take her career forward.

According to the buzz, work is already underway for Anushka’s next project with Yashraj Films. It would be directed by actor Parmeet Sethi and would star Shahid Kapur in the lead.

Hot N Spicy

Exclusive Sonam Kapoor Childhood And Family Photos

She is sweet, gorgeous and very shy. Sonam Kapoor, daughter of Anil Kapoor took her first step into bollywood by working with Bollywood’s most acclaimed director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. She first assisted the director in Black and bagged herself a role in his most anticipated movie of the year Saawariya. Take a look at Sonam Kapoor’s childhood pictures.

Asin’s father clarifies missing assistant issue

Earlier today, we had reported Sudalai Vadivu, a resident of Red Hills in Chennai lodging a report with the City Police Commissioner stating that her 23 year old son Muthukumar was missing. Muthukumar, a native of Tirunelveli, had been employed as a domestic help to Asin. The focus had thus shifted to Asin’s camp where the boy was supposed to have been when his mother last heard of him.

In wake of this issue, Asin’s father Joseph Thottumkal Asin Joseph Thottumkal spoke to Behindwoods over the phone from Mumbai to offer clear explanations of what has happened.

Joseph Thottumkal said that “The boy was first employed as a domestic help while Asin was in Chennai. When Asin shifted to Mumbai, he was also brought along as an assistant. But, he met with an accident and all his treatment expenses, which amounted to approximately Rs. 2.7 lakhs were taken care of. After recovering from the injuries, he told us that he wanted to go home as he was not comfortable in Mumbai. After settling all his dues, we relieved him and he left for Chennai, that was on January 21st. I have registered the information of his departure with the Mumbai police on February 8th. We have not heard anything more of him since then. However, recently, his mother had come to Mumbai saying that her son had not returned home. When we told her about what had happened, she returned to Chennai and subsequently filed a report with the police regarding her son’s missing status. Chennai police had called me today and I provided them with all the details about what had happened. They seem satisfied with the information that I have provided”.

After the above explanation offered by Joseph Thottumkal, let’s hope that the issue is resolved soon.

Aamir ends war with Shahrukh

If the recent statement of Mr. Perfectionist is to be believed that we can draw the conclusion that the war of words between the two Khans of Bollywood has finally come to an end and they have joined hands. Aamir Khan who turned 44 this birthday sounds quite lenient towards his enemy. On a friendship note, Aamir wished Shahrukh a successful life ahead.

"I want to tell Shahrukh that I love him and respect him a lot and I wish that he leads a successful life and that all his films are hits," said Aamir. But Aamir again sounds diplomatic in his statement; on one hand, he wished SRK success while on the other, he said that he has stopped following success. "I want to follow excellence and not success anymore. If you follow excellence then success will come after you."

Aamir who indirectly claim to be number one has now changed his version, he said” I’m not interested in competing with anyone. I don’t play the number game nor do I want the crown for myself. I just like to do good work."

On listening to Aamir’s latest verdict, we wonder whether it’s an end of the war or beginning of a new battle.

Here lies a big confusion.

Sonam Kapoor's personal touch

For Rakeysh Mehra’s Delhi-6, Sonam Kapoor will be seen wearing a dress that her maternal grandmother had worn during her marriage, a long time ago.

Rakeysh was in for a surprise when a normally shy and reticent Sonam refused to wear an outfit that he and the producers had arranged for her.

Our source said,”Sonam did not like the fit and the finish of the particular outfit, which was given to her. So, she told Rakeyesh that she wanted to wear something else instead.”

Rakeysh had no time to organise a new outfit for Sonam. Thankfully, Sonam solved the problem herself. She told Rakeysh that her naani (maternal grandmother in Delhi) had worn a similar outfit at the time of her wedding and if she could wear that outfit. Naturally, Rakeysh was skeptical as he wondered if the outfit was still intact and usable. He agreed to let Sonam wear the outfit after she assured him that it was in good condition.

Sonam’s grandmother was only too happy to lend her the outfit. Our source added, “Fortunately, the dress fit Sonam so perfectly that it didn’t require any alterations and it didn’t look too outdated either.”

Although Rakeysh heaved a sigh of relief, certain shots had to be canned again. It did upset the schedule a bit but they finally got what they wanted.

Ghajini up Aamir for sale

Pleased with the success of Ghajini, the makers of the film have found a unique way to share it with the fans — they can now take Aamir Khan in his muscled Ghajini look home.

Well, not the real Aamir, but his figurine that is. An insider informs, “It was producer Madhu Mantena’s idea to make the Aamir Khan-Ghajini look into a collector’s item.” It’s common knowledge that Aamir had worked out for over a year to acquire his hulk-like physique.

A source close to Aamir confirmed, “Great pains have been taken to capture Aamir’s exact muscular texture and structure in Ghajini.” Well, Aamir’s kiddie fans will certainly throng for this one. After, all what better way to pocket your favourite star, right Aamir?

Herman Baweja Cricket Carrier

The stuff dreams are made of, right? But Hurman S Baweja got to live this dream! Playing a cricketer in Victory was everything that Hurman could have hoped for and more. Says the actor, “It was unreal for me, facing these world class cricketers who you’ve only seen on TV...”

And although Hurman didn’t get the chance to work with Sachin Tendulkar whom he idolises, he had a ball working with the others! “Bhajji — I really looked forward to working with; Brett is a nice guy, very chilled out, he didn’t whine about retakes. He told me it’s easier playing a Test match than shooting the whole day,” laughed Hurman. Shooting with these cricketers was fun but when it came to actual cricket, it was a different ball game altogether. Did anyone get him out for a duck?

“Brett could not and none of the Pakistani bowlers as well. But, yes, Chaminda Vas and Brad Hogg did get me out on duck.”

The story of a small town boy making it big in the Indian cricket team makes one think of Yuvraj Singh or Mahendra Singh Dhoni, any inspiration there? “One will draw similarities because it’s a very realistic film, but Vijay Singh Shekhawat is a completely fictional character,” said Hurman. Director Ajitpal Mangat and Hurman had great connection when it came to getting the actor into the skin of the character.

Training required him to leave his acting shoes behind and don a cricketer’s garb and Hurman wanted to do that with the right body language. He trained under Pravin Amre, who was Team India coach in the 90s and who even worked with Tendulkar. “After 15 days of shadow batting, one arm drills, two arm drills, back lifts, that I was allowed to touch the bat finally. After that, I would face the bowlers for almost two hours continuously, playing 40 to 50 overs every day. Then we started recording my performance and comparing every posture and move with Sachin’s. I wanted to get as close to Sachin as possible in body language,” recalled Hurman about the four month training period. And the biggest compliment he received from Amre? “He told me he wished I had joined a few years earlier as a cricketer!”

That might have been Hurman’s special day in his short-lived cricket career, but it’s certainly his big day tomorrow as an actor with Victory releasing. “It’s my first premiere at home because I was in London when my first film had released, so I'm superbly excited,” he said, adding that it will be a mini re-union of sorts because not only are there celebrities expected from the film world for the premiere, but there will also be Bhajji, R P Singh, Ramesh Pawar, Wasim Jaffer, Ajit Agarkar and Chaminda Vas attending the show! Now that’s quite a victory for Hurman we say!

Emraan Hashmi Kissed By A Man

Well the star has kissed many leading ladies of his flick, but the latest bollywood news is that Emraan Hashmi was kissed by a man. Emraan who was in Hyderabad to promote his Raaz TMC, reveals, “Hyderabad is an important destination for Bollywood. Weirdly though, I’ve had strange experiences here. The first time, I was kissed by a man, the next time by a girl and on my third trip, I was swooned by the cheerleaders of the local team!” The lover boy has also mellowed down on his kisses and says, “I’m consciously moving away from that image. I have brought down the passion in my kisses. It’s worked for me but…. Sometimes, it’s put for superstitious reasons!”

Do you know who's remixing with Rahman!

The Indian Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee who’s got the world standing up and saying Jai Ho to his music in Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire, is remixing the award-winning song for a single music video track by the Pussycat Dolls. The original was done by Indian rap-bhangra artiste Sukhwinder Singh. But Rahman, after hooking up with American music producer Jimmy Iovine — has worked with bands like U2, Dire Straits, Bruce Springsteen and Eminem, has done a remix version for the Pussycat Dolls.

The Pussycat Dolls, made up of lead singer Nicole Scherzinger, Melody Thornton, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, Kimberly Wyatt and Carmit Bachcr, achieved worldwide success in 2005 with their album PCD and produced hits like Buttons and Stickwitu, the latter which earned the group a Grammy Award nomination. Last year, they released their second studio album Doll Domination, which included the hits When I Grow Up and I Hate This Part. Throughout their rise to fame, the group has been criticised for its overtly sexual image and explicit dance routines, but Rahman has apparently no issues working with them.

According to a source, the website desihits got in touch with Rahman and Iovine for the remix version. The track is being produced by American singer and record maker Palow Da Don who has done albums with Will Smith, Fergie, Rich Boy, Usher, Nelly, G-Unit and Mario. The website’s CEO Anjula Acharia Bath, admitted that she had spent time with Rahman on the track which would “be a great dance anthem with an amazing beat and a collaboration of sounds of the East meeting the West”. She added, “I was humbled to watch Rahman and Iovine in the studio.” Rahman, after the
double whammy delivered by the Golden Globes and Oscar nomination, has characteristically gone underground and could not be contacted for comment.

Shekhar Suman apologises to Akshay for 'Chandni Chowk...' comments

TV celebrity Shekhar Suman, who panned Akshay Kumar and his latest release "Chandni Chowk To China" as the"worst film made in the history of Indian cinema", has apologised to the star.

"It was never my intention to offend Akshay. And if I've done so then I've no hesitation in saying sorry. Akshay is too much of a good soul for me to hurt him. He should've realised my comments had nothing personal about them," Shekhar told IANS.

After watching "Chandni Chowk To China", Shekhar apparently said: "It will go down as the worst film ever made in Indian history. What an utter waste of Rs.400 that I spent on my ticket. I want a refund of all Akshay films that I've seen. The film is not just disappointing and amateurish but offends one's sensibility as well. I declare January 16 to be declared National Mourning in India, as it's the day cinema died."

"I'm upset with Akshay for doing such a film. He's lost it after seeing success. Akshay was better when he wasn't in the race... now his brains have turned topsy-turvy. I think Shah Rukh must be having the last laugh... Akshay said somewhere that SRK's not in the race but he (Akki) is already at the finishing line," Shekhar had said.

The actor says he is taken aback by the backlash to his tongue-lash.

"I never knew my opinion would matter so much. I reacted as an outraged viewer. I've always admired Akshay Kumar's resilient climb from the bottom rung to the top of ladder. In fact, I tell my son Adhyayan that Akshay Kumar is a role model to follow. Self-made superstar."

Sadly a section of Akshay's supporters, including the "Chandni Chowk To China" director Nikhil Advani, saw Shekhar's comments as below-the-belt attempts to get publicity for Adhyayan's release "Raaz 2". The film released Friday.

But Shekhar laughed off this accusation.

"My son is talented enough to do without such cheap props. We don't need to use big names to get noticed. Adhyayan's performance in "Raaz 2" will speak for itself. I'd say exactly what I did about 'Chandni Chowk...' even if my son's film wasn't releasing."

Aamir Khan to do another cricket-based film

It seems one movie per year resolution is going to be null for Aamir Khan who will start working for a cricket-based film as soon as he finishes 3 Idiots .

The movie, titled ‘Ferrari Ki Sawaari’, has cricket as the central subject. Aamir, who is riding high on success with Ghajini making records at the box office, was the natural choice for producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra . And guess what? The actor is learnt to have given his nod to the project.
The film is conceived by Rajesh Mapuskar, who was once associated with Rajkumar Hirani . Now, according to sources, Rajesh’s idea has been well received by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. In fact Vidhu will co-write the script for the film.
Aamir, who is currently working for Vidhu and Hirani in ‘3 Idiots’, has already impressed the duo with his fine acting and perfectionist streak. ‘Ferrari Ki Sawaari’ is about a young boy who gets attracted to a cricketer’s Ferrari car and dreams of playing cricket in reality.
For the Perfectionist Khan, a project has to be extraordinary to spark his interest. And it seems ‘Ferrari Ki Sawaari’ promises that.

Item girl kissed Harman

Item girl Sambhavana Seth placed a long and intense kiss on Harman's cheek to his surprise when he was invited to grace the dance reality show Dancing Queen. It was Sambhavana's pre-planned program to kiss Harman when he will come up on the stage, she got to fulfill her long desire of kissing him.

Sambhavana was more than happy while narrating the entire incident, she said, "Ye toh kaafi solid khabar aayi hai aapke paas," she said adding, "He's so sweet...full of positive vibes. Maine socha ek kiss le lun. That's the best way to get my share of the positive vibes."

She goes on, "When I called him onto the stage, his first reaction was, 'Please mujhe dance karne ko mat kehna.' I told him that I want to kiss him and that he can't stop me…and then I did."

She is a big fan of Harman and is longing to be his mate, "Nahi, abhi mein Harman ke peeche bhagoongi. Mujhe Harman chahiye," she says candidly.

Arbaaz Khan, a bad boy again

Don't get confused with the title and draw any wrong conclusion. Everything is going fine in Arbaaz and Malaika's life and they are going great. Instead we are speaking about Arbaaz's prowess of enacting a imperfect husband. More Arbaaz is loyal to his wife and carrying an image of a perfect husband, the more he is imperfect on screen. He is a possessive, unfaithful and a ruthless husband in reel but in real he is just the opposite. Arbaaz debut with Abbas-Mustan's racy thriller, Daraar where he played Juhi Chawla’s possessive husband, though negative, his role was well appreciated and people accepted him in negative character.

But later he changed his part and turned good in Bhagam Bhag, Fashion and Dus Kahaniyaan. Arbaaz played both good and bad husband but he got more reorganization as a flawed hubby. But again he is back with his earlier awful image. In Madhureeta Anand directed and Randeep Hooda-Raima Sen starrer, Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye, Arbaaz will once again be seen in a grey role. He cheats on his wife and has an affair with another woman.

The promo is on air and Arbaaz has excelled in the part of an imperfect husband. 'Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye' will hit the marquee on 6th February.

Aamir Khan is going to shock you again

Aamir is known for his hard work and dedication towards his work. He didn't leave a stone unturned to transform himself from a chocolate boy into a macho man with eight pack abs and pumped up muscles. Now once again he is experimenting with his body for Raj Kumar Hirani's 3 Idiots.

It is learnt that Aamir had to shed 7 to 8 kgs to look like a student. We were shocked to see the lean Aamir. No doubt he was looking much younger than his age.

When asked what was more difficult, to put on or lose muscles. "Both were difficult. I had to stretch myself to extreme limits when I was building my body. It was a testing period for me."

He informs that the decision to let go of the body that he made in the past one year was difficult one.

"But I am an actor and my body is my instrument. I have to change my appearance for my roles. Now I had to lose weight for 3 idiots. I am trying to become like my director Murugadoss. Actually my role in 3 idiots is modeled on my director Murugadoss." He quips.

Akshay Kumar gave away his award in anger!

The real reason why Akshay Kumar gave his award away to Aamir Khan

Last Wednesday, Akshay Kumar gave away his Star Screen award to Aamir Khan. It is now revealed that the gesture was not out of generosity or nobility, but out of anger.

Initially, the actor was to perform at the award function but the organisers couldn't pay him his asking price (Rs 2.5 crore), so he backed out. These days, award functions are all about star attendance.

A-list actors only show up if they are winning awards, or performing at the function. Since performing was out, and the organisers wanted Akki at the event, they hinted that he'd win the Best Actor award.

Unkept promises

According to an insider, "The actor promised to be present at the event, and flew back from the world premieres of CC2C on Tuesday morning.

On the day of the award, he sent across a written speech and asked for it to be played on the teleprompter. He was all set to collect his Best Actor award that evening.

To his horror, his name was anno-unced for the Most Popular Actor, and not the Best Actor category as promised."

Quick thinking

Akki felt slighted but there was no way he couldn't have gone up on stage to collect his trophy without creating a flurry at the event.

So he went on stage, made his speech, announced that Aamir deserved the award for Ghajini, and walked off from the stage without collecting the trophy.

He announced Aamir's name because he wasn't present at the function. It was quick (and smart) thinking on his part.

After his seemingly generous act on stage, the actor walked off from the event, without waiting for the other winners to be announced.

Preposterous

Adds a source, "The award for the Best actor went to Hrithik Roshan for Jodhaa Akbar. At the time when the organisers told Akshay he'd win the coveted award, they were given to believe that Hrithik wouldn't be able to attend the function.

But at the last minute the actor showed up, and they had to give him the award, as it would've been preposterous to give the award to Singh Is Kinng when the Jodhaa Akbar actor was nominated in the same category."

Top 10 Bollywood Movies of 2008

Overall it was very weak year in Bollywood in terms of quality. There just weren’t very many good films to release…and even the good ones were full of flaws!

#1 A Wednesday

Rating:

It is these types of films that give hope that Bollywood can indeed compete with Hollywood. This terrorism-based film has top of the line acting from Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher and Jimmy Shergill. If you were to choose one movie to watch from last year, then this is the one.

#2 Jaane Tu Yah Jaane Na

Rating:

Although the story is typical Bollywood, the way it is presented is what makes the film a winner. Imran Khan could not have asked for a better launch from his uncle Aamir. Its only been two films from Aamir Khan Productions so far, but its time to consider this banner one of the best. The final fifteen minutes of this film are what make it a classic.

#3 U Me aur Hum

Rating:

This film could have and should have done better at the box office. I blame the poor promos for its failure. Why show Kajol and Ajay Devgan on a cruise dancing to Jee Le in the trailers? There was so much more in the actual story. This film is one of the most original and emotional films to come out in Bollywood in a long time.

#4 Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

Rating:

At number four we have Shah Rukh Khan’s only movie this year. The story was simple and sweet but there was one huge flaw which we just cannot let go: how does a wife not recognize her husband if he shaves his mustache?? This is one of the weakest films to come out from SRK/Yash Raj collaborations but you can count on Shah Rukh to carry the film. He is the only reason this film did as well as it did and is on this list. Anushka Sharma made a great impression in her debut.

#5 Ghajini

Rating:

This film had a chance to something special - had it been revolved around the 15 minute short term memory aspect. But the makers take the convenient way out by making half the movie into flashbacks/songs and the other half into a typical Bollywood revenge saga. Even before watching the film, most viewers knew the story from beginning to end - how about adding a twist to make it different than the Tamil version? Yeah the film was the biggest hit of the year…but only because of Aamir Khan’s performance.

#6 Jodha Akbar

Rating:

One of the finest movies of the year. It comes at no. 6 just for its length and lackluster screenplay. If Ashutosh had removed the songs and chopped some of the unnecessary scenes , this movie could have challenged Hollywood. If you haven’t watched it, just watch it for Hrithik and Aishwarya’s brilliant performances.

#7 Jannat

Rating:

Emraan Hashmi delivers another perfect performance after Awaarapan last year. He is arguably the most underrated actor in the industry. The movie is another good (not great) one from the Bhatt camp but the ending disappointed big time. The reach for something else but police thinks you are reaching for a gun ending has been done many times before! Will Emraan Hashmi ever stay alive in a Bhatt film?

#8 Race

Rating:

What was the story of this film? Did it even have a story? All I remember is a bunch of twists and turns. Story or not, this thriller does manage to keep you entertained throughout - as long as you don’t use your brain too much!

#9 Singh is Kinng

Rating:

After a string of good films from Akshay Kumar, Singh is Kingg was a bit of a disappointment. Not only was it predictable, but the movie was not as funny as expected and it tried too hard to give moral lessons throughout.

#10 Dasvidaniya

Rating:

This ‘10 things to do before I die’ movie did not do any wonders at the box office, but it definitely left a mark in everyone’s memory who watched it.

It was hard picking the top 10 movies, because we tried to balance commercial success with quality.

Anyways, we think that we have done a fair job.