The 'K' factor!

We are all superstitious in one-way or the other! Most of you will deny but at the end of day it's true that we carry some frozen inhibitions within ourselves! Consciously or sub-consciously these beliefs (or mis-beliefs?) begin dominating our existence and in today's numerology and tarot age, it has become even more factual. Ok, it's getting boring, let's come to the point!

So, if we commoners are so customized with superstitions, how can Bollywood be an exception! Film personalities are all up for it and though it sounds strange it holds true, if you try to be observant. Let's take for example, the film title itself. Rakesh Roshan could be termed as the 'pioneer' of initiating the 'K' factor in Bollywood. Take a look at this talented filmmaker's superlative filmography and you will get the impression. All his films have had the names that started with the letter K. Right from his first film as a director KHUDGARZ (1987) to his preceding KOI... MIL GAYA (2003), all have the titles beginning with the letter 'K'. Barring the exceptions of KOYLA and KAROBAAR, all of Rakesh's films have been smash hits at the box-office. KAHO NAA...PYAAR HAI, which was his son Hrithik's debut, was a phenomenal blockbuster and is still best remembered for it's scintillating music and great performance by Hrithik Roshan.

The next to get 'infected' by the K-virus was today's most happening producer/director Karan Johar, whose name also incidentally starts with the alphabet 'K'. His first feature film as a director KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI fetched him tonnes of accolades and catapulted him in to the big league of filmmakers. After that Karan adopted the alphabet and christened all his movies post KKHH with names that started with K. And the icing on the cake was all the films were received warmly at the box-office be it KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM or KAAL. His forthcoming film is KABHI ALVIDA NA KEHNA that stars the omnipresent father-son pair of Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan.

And the third exponent of the K-equation is none other than the television tycoon turned film producer Ekta Kapoor. While Ekta's TV shows all start with K and they have all been popular, she is still unable to sky-high with her film projects. Her films like KRISHNA COTTAGE and KUCH TO HAI bombed at the box-office, she has found some respite with the triumph of KYA...KOOL HAIN HUM. The Tusshar Kapoor starrer was a big hit and might just spawn a sequel in the near future, if the buzz is to be believed.

Now the latest hearsay is that Ekta Kapoor has zeroed in on another film titled KYA LOVE STORY HAIN. The obsession for 'K' continues with this film and she must be hoping to keep the joyride on with this film. Satish Kaushik directs the film, which stars Tusshar Kapoor and Ayesha Takia. Satish had directed Tusshar in MUJHE KUCH KEHNA HAI (Tusshar's debut film), which was a hit. Satish Kaushik is not revealing too much about the film preferring to remain tight-lipped. Hope this time Satish-Tusshar combination is able to keep the winning streak going

Why so much fetish for the alphabet 'K'? Does it mean that all the other 25 alphabets are jinxed? Well, I find the alphabet S to be luckier as most of the super hit films start with that letter. One can mention numerous examples, SHOLAY, SHAAN, SHAKTI, SHAHENSHAH, SAAGAR, SAUDAGAR, SAAJAN, SHOLA AUR SHABNAM, SHIVA, SATYA, the most recent SALAAM NAMASTE and many more. Well other letters have also stemmed some memorable movies, but the fascination for 'K' has got a special place in the industry it seems. At the end of it all one can only say that 'what's in a name?' The content of the film matters and nothing in this world can save the film from sinking if you don't have the substance. Think about it and think different!