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Sonu Nigam's generous spirit!
By MIO Team
Aug 01, 2006, 00:56

'It is more blessed to give then to receive.' May be singer Sonu Nigam goes by the adage. He with his little act of kindness brought happiness to the life of a cab driver. When Sonu Nigam was in Australia for the Commonwealth Games he came across a cab driver Ben who used to ferry him around the place. Sonu took a liking for the guy and was immensely pleased by his competence. They got along well and as a general practice used to chat a lot while touring the place. During one conversation Ben said Sonu that he was saving up to go to Germany in order to watch the World Cup. While Sonu was returning back, he paid the cab-fare and also gave Ben a tip. That tip was enough for Ben to buy his ticket to Germany. Later joyfully Ben called him to say that he was having the best time of his life in Germany. Sonu was delighted beyond measure.

Reshammiya concert has New Jersey crowd enthralled
By IANS
Aug 01, 2006, 00:56

New Jersey, July 31 (IANS) Indian composer-singer Himesh Reshammiya held a crowd of a few thousand spellbound, belting out some of his popular numbers including the qawwali 'Aapka suroor', during a show in New Jersey.

Reshammiya, with trademark baseball cap in place, filled the Sovereign Bank Arena with his sonorous voice on a sultry, hot summer Saturday evening in the southern New Jersey town on the first leg of his US concert.

The three-hour concert show, called 'Aapka Suroor Live', featured other well known Bollywood singers Alisha Chinai, Abhijeet Sawant, Himani Kapoor, Vinit Singh and actress Udita Goswami.

But the crowds came largely to hear Reshammiya, whose unique style of filling soulful lyrics of love and yearning with contemporary sounds ranging from techno, hip-hop to 1970s style disco is popular with the Indian diaspora here, particularly the younger crowd.

He showed his versatility by focusing on the more classical style of qawwalis from many films and his hit album 'Aapka Suroor'.

Attired in worn jeans and wide-buckled belt, Reshammiya sang for about an hour-and-a-half in three different segments, with Alisha, Abhijeet, Himani and others in the interludes.

He opened with the hit 'Ashiq banaya apne' and shaped the first segment into a kind of unplugged version of 'Aapka suroor', letting his voice soar with the romantic lyrics, standing alone on the stage draped in a black leather cape-like coat.

Alisha, dressed in shimmering black and white gown, lit up the hall with 'Kajra re' from 'Bunty Aur Babli' and the hit song from the movie 'No Entry'.

Reshammiya came back twice, bringing the crowd on their feet with the more trendy and faster-paced hits like 'Ashiqi mein teri' from the movie '36 China Town' and 'Zara jhoom jhoom'.

The crowd endearingly called him 'Topi' for the baseball cap he refuses to take off. Reshammiya threw some signed baseball caps to squeals of joy from the crowd.

The arena was packed but it was not a sold-out show. The mega-shows featuring big Bollywood actors tend to be more extravagant and staged on bigger budgets, drawing a wider crowd.

Reshammiya's 'Aapka Suroor Live' show had a more sparse feel to it, with only six dancers and few stage props. There is a large population of NRIs who are willing to pay a premium for live music from big Bollywood composers like Reshammiya and A.R. Rahman, who is also on a concert tour in the US. Tickets for this show ranged from US$35 to $175 and higher.

'The show was not all it was hyped to be. But I came to hear Himesh, and he has this deep voice that is just amazing to hear live. He was wonderful,' said Hoor Bhavnani, who came to the show from northern New Jersey.

The concert tour is scheduled to travel to 18 cities in the US and Canada.

Pakistani pop album now in Indian shelves!
By MIO Team
Aug 01, 2006, 00:56

Pakistani singer Abrar-Ul-Huq released his maiden Indian album 'Preeto' on July 4th. Punjabi pop singer Mika and Kunal Sareen of VP Tegson Entertainment formally released the album which has ten songs and six videos. Abrar's former album 'Billy Day Ghar' was immensely popular in South-East Asia and another album 'Majajni' showed the freaky side of his. His third album 'Bay Ja Cycle Tay' sold 8 million copies and the proceedings went directly to the hospital he has built in the memory of his mother. Followed another successful album 'Assan Jaana Mall O Mall' which sold 12 million copies. His fifth album 'Main Audhay Naal' was also mega-hit album and has so far sold 4 million copies.

Why has he chosen India as the market of his new album 'Preeto'? "India is the best market for the music. Since I speak a language which is very similar to Hindi so it was not difficult for me to launch an album in India."

You can hear to Abrar ul Haq's Preeto exclusively on our.

Have a look at Abhijeet's fiance!
By MIO Team
Aug 01, 2006, 00:58

For all you female fans of Abhijeet Sawant, this is a heart crashing news! It's now out in the open - Abhijeet is seeing Shilpa. She along with his grandmother came to see him at the Sahar airport and this is when the media got the chance to get a view of her. Abhijeet was leaving for US for Himesh Reshammiya's Aap Ka Suroor concerts. Both of them are engaged to be married, but Indian Idol Abhijeet Sawant was smart enough to keep his engagement away from the media and has so far not brought her out to the glares of media. Shilpa is a young girl and his fiance who stays just two blocks away from his building.

Says an inside source, "Abhijeet and Shilpa are engaged. They meet each other almost every day. They don't go to each other's house, but often meet up in the colony and then go out in Abhijeet's car. Shilpa does not mix with people in the colony. She prefers to stay indoors. The only time we see her is when she's with Abhijeet. He will marry Shilpa. He was involved with her before he was crowned Indian Idol. He is a simple guy and has not left his roots. He has still not left Shahu Nagar."

Udit in between Ranjana and Deepa
By MIO Team
Aug 03, 2006, 08:48

Though the case between Udit Narayan and his wives Ranjana and Deepa is settled, it is not yet clear who is his first wife. Sometime back Ranjana Jha evolved from nowhere and forced herself to Udit Narayan's hotel room alleging that she was his legally wedded wife. Udit on the other hand seeked sympathy from the media saying that she was lying and Deepa was his only wife. Ranjana was not a woman who could be dominated easily and she lodged a complaint with Bihar State Women's Commission. The commission told them to come together and live as husband and wife. Further Udit accepted Ranjana as his wife and promised to provide for her maintenance. Udit's lawyer Majeed Memon claims that Udit got married to Ranjana in 1984, which makes her his second wife, but Ranjana in her application to the Bihar State Women's Commission, has said that she's the first wife and that they got married in 1982. The focus is now on the legal standing a second wife has.

Sonu's shocking announcement on his birthday!
By MIO Team
Aug 03, 2006, 08:48

Recently Sonu Niigam celebrated his 33rd birthday. Amidst the rejoicing celebration he made an unexpected and shocking announcement that gave a complete twist to the event. It stunned his guests present there beyond their wits. Sonu announced his plans to retire from singing! His fans went to frenzy hearing the odd piece of news and they only calmed down when Sonu added further that he isn't going to bid adieu to his career instantly. This is what Sonu announced on the eve of his birthday.

"This is something I have been thinking about for quite some time now and this year I decided to make a formal announcement on the eve of my birthday, that I now want to retire from singing. I know that there will be a lot of speculation about this decision of mine but my reasons are very clear: When I entered this industry, the only motive I had, was to earn name as a playback singer. By God's grace, not only did I get immense fame as a playback singer but I also cut music albums, judged contests, anchored shows and also worked in a movie. After having done all this, I now feel it is prudent to make a graceful exit. Also, due to my hectic schedules in the last decade or so, I have not been able to pursue any of my other hobbies, which I now intend to do, since I feel I am settled enough in life to do so. I have a long-standing dream to own a farmhouse and practice agriculture or horticulture over there. That is what I now want to do. I certainly cannot just announce my farewell on a whim, leaving all my commitments unfulfilled. But I'll begin cutting down on my work, such that if I am now singing a hundred songs, now it will be only thirty and then slowly diminish to nil."

We're sure that his fans will not be happy at all by his decision.

Shabana gets chic new haircut for American film
By IANS
Aug 03, 2006, 08:48

Mumbai, Aug 3 (IANS) For those wondering about Shabana Azmi's chic new short-haired look, here is the answer. She has cut her hair to a very stylish size for her part in a crossover film 'The Contest'.

'I've a delightful part in the film. I play this flighty socialite,' Shabana told us.

'The director is a very talented newcomer Manish Acharya. It is a comedy. Manish is an NYU graduate. I think he is as talented as Farhan Akhtar. He can talk for hours about global cinema and knows every Amitabh Bachchan starrer and every Javed Akhtar dialogue by heart.'

Shabana has seldom been so excited about a director.

'Manish is an insanely talented filmmaker. Would you believe he was a hotshot executive in an American company and was offered obscene amounts of money to join an Indian company?

'But he told his wife, 'If I continue doing this I'll never have the courage to make a film.' She is a very good painter. She agreed to support him while he went away to NYU and performed very well there.'

'The Contest' fell into Shabana's lap suddenly.

'Manish approached me out of the blue through Ayesha Dharker. I really enjoyed this film.'

'Vivah' shooting: Sooraj Barjatya gets emotional
By IANS
Aug 03, 2006, 08:48

Mumbai, Aug 3 (IANS) The last day of director Sooraj Barjatya's 'Vivah' shoot at Lonavla was the most touching moment for the cast and crew of the film.

Starring Shahid Kapur and Amrita Arora, 'Vivah' is a musical love story that traces the relationship of a couple from engagement to marriage. The film promises to recreate the magic of 'Maine Pyar Kiya', reports Bollywood Trade.

An emotional Barjatya thanked his complete team for making the film possible. In his speech Barjatya said a few interesting things about Amrita.

He said: 'The character Poonam (played by Amrita) shared the most subtle emotions of my being. And thank you, Amrita, for caring, nurturing and giving the emotions such a tender shape. You have been our source of energy.'

He lauded Shahid's knowledge of cinema too.

'If I had a script ready right now, I would make another movie with you Shahid. Your mind, body language and the way you carry yourself will take you places.'

The stars were visibly touched too.

While Shahid thanked everyone for putting up with his pranks and tantrums, Amrita sang 'Aapki nazron ne samjha pyar ke kaabil mujhe', one of Barjatya's favourite songs.

Golmaal sequel on the process
By MIO Team
Aug 03, 2006, 08:48

After the sequels of 'Phir Hera Pheri' and 'Krrish', Bollywood is ready to cash on some more sequels and the audience is ready for more successful dose of entertainment. Every other producer today wants to go for this success formula. There is a buzz now that the sequel of 'Golmaal – Fun Unlimited' is in the process. Production banner Ashtavinayak and director Rohit Shetty are in talk about the sequel.

Confirming the news Rohit Shetty says, "The thought did cross our mind, but I am starting three films next, for Shemaroo, Ramesh Sippy starring Nana Patekar and Ekta Kapoor. The scripting of these films will be over by August-end. I am committed to these films at the moment, before starting any other project, including the sequel to Golmaal. Even if we decide to go for a sequel, it wouldn't start immediately." So people gear up for another hearty laugh riot soon.

No show for The Killer in Dubai
By MIO Team
Aug 03, 2006, 08:48

Emraan Hashmi, Nisha Kothari and Irrfan Khan starrer 'The Killer' has been banned in Dubai. The reason is that this Mukesh Bhatt film shows the Dubai police in a bad light and has also satirized the cops. The other reason for the ban being the character named Jabbar, which has been extracted from the underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Hasnain S Hyderabadwala and Raksha Mistry direct the film. The film has been unable to live up to the expectations in terms of business and with the ban in Dubai, it brings more trouble for the overseas distributors.

Isha still going around with Zaheer Khan?
By MIO Team
Aug 03, 2006, 08:48

Though there was rumours sometime back that actress Isha Sharvani has broken up with her cricketer beau Zaheer Khan, it is far from being true. According to the grapevine Isha will be leaving for UK next week on August 8 for two weeks to be with Zaheer who is currently playing county cricket for Worcester-shire. Inside sources also confirm that both of them are very much together and haven't split. They decided to call quits before the media after the spotlight was more on their much-publicized affair and were focusing on their love life, which disturbed both of them. They decided to focus more on their career at that point.

When enquired about her relationship with Zaheer, Isha says, "People will say what they want. I don't think it's necessary to talk about my personal life. I don't want to say anything"

The other side of Juhi Chawla
By MIO Team
Aug 03, 2006, 08:48

Juhi Chawla with her pretty face and bubbly nature, made men go crazy after her. Now we see the somber side of her and her bubbly and cute roles have given way to some solemn and grave ones in the film, or may be rather she likes to highlight herself as a more serious actress now. Other than films she has been sharing her attention to another thing of late. What is that lets find out! "I have been learning Hindustani classical music from Padmini Kolhapure's father, Pandrinath Kolhapureji. I feel I'm more calm and focused now. I find myself more in the present than I ever did before. As of now, my three-year-old is the only one who listens to my singing. But yes, one day, I wish to sing professionally, maybe cut an album." So Juhi is aspiring to sing now, but what about films? "These days, very rarely do I come across a script that takes me by surprise and I feel that I must do this film. I can't escape the image that I have, and, therefore, the films that I do are of a certain kind. But as an artiste I'd love to do challenging roles. So, if a role suits me, I will do it, commercial or art. Now can I add that I'm a fine actor too," she says. She is doing a Punjabi period film and another with John Abraham.

Has she changed much on the personal front? "I guess I am a mixed bag, like everyone else. I am sure my husband has different things to say about me, he thinks I am the world's biggest grouch!"

Madhur enters a new sphere now
By MIO Team
Aug 03, 2006, 08:48

Madhur Bhandarkar has awed us with his technical skills as a director. Going more into films, he has decided to handle another department of filmmaking being an entrepreneur. He has joined hands with Percept Picture Company and this joint production banner is named Madhur Bhandarkar Motion Pictures Ltd. The banner will create and produce feature and advertising films, television serials, stage plays, etc. PPC will identify scripts and manage expertise while Madhur will take care of the production of the feature films under his directorial capabilities. The aim of the production house is to deliver path-breaking cinema. Rs 150 crores have been invested to produce some good entertainment.

Who'll create Dhoom, Bips or Ash!
By MIO Team
Aug 03, 2006, 08:48

'Dhoom 2' is one film that features both the stunning actress of Bollywood, Bipasha Basu and Aishwarya Rai. Both of them can outdo each other in terms of looks and oomph factor. Surely the screen will be fierier when both the actress comes together. Though there is no doubt that Bipasha Basu is gorgeous, how is she feeling working with the magnanimous Aishwarya, we mean is there any competition of sorts? "I think, if both Aishwarya and I turn out looking really stunning, only then will the film be successful. If just one of us excels, then it's not going to work. I know Ash looks stunning, she's looking beautiful and she's toned her body. So even I'm trying to look my best, trying to workout. Both of us have different body types, we look different and both of us are different kinds of actors, so I don't think there is any competition at all. It's more of a partnership-if she looks her best, it will work for the film and consequently for me too. So I want her to look her best." The bong beauty is surely in the best of her wits!

Shiney Ahuja mouthing Urdu
By MIO Team
Aug 03, 2006, 08:48

Shiney Ahuja is really evolving as a great actor. He has charmed us with his antics in 'Gangster' mouthing different language and he charms us again changing his gear to Urdu for Sudhir Mishra's next film 'Bahut Nikle Mere Armaan'. He is working towards getting the perfect diction and is learning Urdu to get a feel of the language. He is very excited about the film and getting the chance to work with Sudhir again after 'Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi'. The film is set in the 1950s and is about a whole generation of new writers that come to Bombay during that time. He plays a writer in the film. Says Shiney, "Writers in those days used a lot of Urdu. I've started reading poems of Saher and I like the experience."

Other than this film, there are many other exciting offers in the pipeline. He is doing 'Zara Zara' directed by Arjun Bali and is heading to Milan to shoot the film. He plays a guy in an Italian advertising agency and the role is tailor made for him. He again teams up with the Bhatt's for 'Woh Lamhe' opposite Kangana. He gets into the skin of the director for the film as it is about the relationship between Mahesh Bhatt and Parveen Babi.

KANK song without Shah Rukh Khan
By MIO Team
Aug 03, 2006, 08:48

It comes as a surprise to see that Karan Johar left out his favourite Shah Rukh Khan and shot the song 'Where's the party tonight' with the Bachchans. Was it his idea to please Big B? Apparently Shah Rukh Khan has a bigger presence than Abhishek Bachchan in KANK and Amitabh Bachchan had some qualms about the participation of Abhishek in the film as Shah Rukh has a larger role than him. Abhishek is a growing star now and he wanted him to share more screen time rather than just hanging as a second lead. Karan obliged recording the party song without Shah Rukh.

This story gives another hint at the waging war between Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan though they have been denying it since long. Sources reveal that Karan had to opt out of his plans for the grand premiere of KANK on August 10 and later excuse himself saying that he didn't feel like celebrating so soon after the Mumbai blasts. But the real reason is that Amitabh and SRK declined to attend the premiere together both giving valid reason for their absence. Both of them are promoting the film individually. Karan knows about the differences, but he cannot help much as he is near to SRK but also respect Bachchans.

'Anthony Kaun Hai' will make audiences smile: Kaushal
By IANS
Aug 03, 2006, 08:48

New Delhi, Aug 3 (IANS) Bollywood director Raj Kaushal promises audiences will smile through his latest 'Anthony Kaun Hai', starring the comic duo of Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi, that releases Friday.

''Anthony Kaun Hai' is a light comic thriller,' said Kaushal here Wednesday at a press conference that was also attended by Arshad Warsi, Minissha Lamba and DJ Anusha, who also star in the film.

'It is not a laugh ride, but the audience will enjoy it. The USP of the film is its script,' said Kaushal.

The film has been extensively shot in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand.

According to Kaushal, composer Himesh Reshammiya has spun out good music for the film.

'It is very important to relate to the film with the music. Songs are an important link in my film. It is an eclectic mix of romantic songs and foot-tapping numbers, with also a lyrical ballad. There is also a special music video,' he added.

What's hot this week on MIO… Aap Ki Khatir!
By MIO Team
Aug 03, 2006, 09:06

Himesh Reshammiya has been driving all crazy. His songs features among the top of the charts and he has all the right reasons to dominate the position. And with the music of 'Aap Ki Khatir' he becomes the star again. With Himesh and Sameer at the helm, the magical combination comes up with songs with loads of energy and vivaciousness. The songs with their vibrant zeal will make you swing and sway in an amazing ride of fun. Well this time Himesh is not alone for his claim of fame, as Akshaye Khanna accompanies him for a song as well. So make sure you don't miss out on the soundtracks and this film with Akshaye Khanna, Prtiyanka Chopra, Amisha Patel and Suniel Shetty.

Taste the slice of 'Aap Ki Khatir' and enjoy the spice!

Interview : I'm not a cat. I don't indulge in cat-fights: Shamita Shetty

Actress Shamita Shetty rubbishes rumours about her so-called spat with starlet Kim Sharma and describes it as 'worse than fiction'.

Shamita was both shocked and amused when she woke up Tuesday to stories about her fight with Kim at a Mumbai pub.

'This was worse than fiction,' she giggled, apparently unaffected by what she called bizarre fabrication.

'I'd have let such an unnatural rumour die a natural death. But I don't want this fictitious fight with Kim to be referred to as being among the most famous cat-fights of Bollywood,' Shamita told us.

'Please! I'd rather be remembered by my work. And that's why I've been keeping out of the news, to focus on what I'm here for,' she said.

'I'm not a cat. I don't indulge in cat-fights. My sister Shilpa and I've been brought up with certain values. We don't believe in creating scenes in public. At first when I read it, I laughed. It was all so weird. And so frivolous.'

Shamita admits to being at the pub where the fight with Kim ostensibly happened.

'I was in the private section of the pub with my friends. But there was no conversation with Yuvraj Singh. I knew he and Kim were there. But I didn't run into them at any point in the evening. And there was certainly no finger shown by Kim at me.

'Do you think I'm someone to take such behaviour? I don't know whom she showed her finger to. But it sure as hell wasn't me.'

Shamita denies any links with her 'Mohabbatein' co-star.

'I don't know Kim that well. Ages ago I did a film 'Mohabbatein' with her. She was my co-actor, period. I don't know her, I've never socialised with her.

'It isn't my nature to speak up against anyone the way she has. I may be irrelevant to her scheme of things. But did she have to speak in that nasty way about me?'

However, she worries the entire incident may spoil her image.

'The whole incident shows me up in a poor light. My friends have been calling up. Luckily, my family is with me. And we've all laughed it off.

'In our industry some actresses love talking about making up, breaking up and having cat-fights. It's so peculiar. No one can show me the finger and get away with it. We don't need to be rocket scientists to see why this story was planted and by whom. I'm preparing to shoot for 'Cash'. I don't need cat-fights to get noticed.'

Interview : Aditya Chopra is my kind of director, says Katrina

Beautiful actress Katrina Kaif, apparently dating Salman Khan these days, keeps inquisitive people at arms length and says she can't allow outsiders to pass judgment on her personal life.

'I'm suspicious of people trying to create unnecessary controversies. I can't allow other people to stand in judgment of my life. If I did, I'd be a miserable person. Just because I am in the glamour industry people tend to make assumptions about how I live,' Katrina told us in an interview.

Katrina entered Bollywood with 'Boom' but it was Salman starrer 'Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya' which gave a new lease of life to her career in Hindi films.

'I think 'Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya' would be considered my first real step into Bollywood. I did it with my eyes open,' said Katrina.

A director she would love to work with is Aditya Chopra, who has made the evergreen hit 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'.

'I'd love to work in young and fresh films like the ones Adi Chopra makes. He's a very urbane filmmaker. My kind of director.'

Excerpts from the interview:

To be declared beautiful all the time - is that a burden?

Beauty is a matter of perception. Honestly and truly, it is an individual opinion. I may be beautiful to some, not to others. I feel beautiful when I am beautiful for somebody.

Do you find yourself a misfit?

I don't think so. Bollywood is very welcoming to those who are willing to work hard. It did take me a while to acclimatise myself. Everyone knows what happened with my first film 'Boom'. I think I've actually started to work only now.

Why did you do 'Boom' as your first film?

It was sheer ignorance about cinema and how to pick projects. Once I stayed on, I learnt how to go about it. Very frankly, I wasn't that interested in acting. I was happy doing modelling.

After 'Boom' I did two South Indian films. They served their purpose. They prepared me to take on a career in Hindi movies again.

Anyway, 'Boom' had Mr. (Amitabh) Bachchan and we all took comfort in his presence. If his judgement could go wrong, I was just a novice. I think 'Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya' would be considered my first real step into Bollywood. I did it with my eyes open.

Were you happy with your first film 'Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya'?

Very happy. David Dhawan is simple and sweet. I was asked all sorts of questions about my motives for doing it, about why I was doing a film with two leading ladies. Even when it came out, amidst all the controversies (publication of an alleged taped conversation between Salman and Aishwarya last year in which Salman reportedly revealed his underworld links), it became a hit. If it had been a film made with any less positive feelings, it might not have survived the flak.

Do you get embarrassed by such sticky situations?

My friends laugh at me for being an incorrigible dreamer. I never bother with what is going on in other people's lives. From the outside, people can judge a situation as they like. What they see needn't be the truth.

I am suspicious of people trying to create unnecessary controversies. I can't allow other people to stand in judgment of my life. If I did, I'd be a miserable person. Just because I am in the glamour industry people tend to make assumptions about how I live. But I am a simple person. I like nice and simple people.

How do you cope with all the cheesiness around you?

That's the thing. I've never encountered it! I just think if you're clear about your own intentions no one will infringe on your space.

Earlier, during my modelling days there was never any question of cheesiness. But in the film industry too I've met people like David and Ramu-ji (Ram Gopal Varma) who don't come with unnecessary complications.

How does your career look to you?

There're obviously people who are doing better than me. But I am happy with the progress I've made. I've Raj Kanwar's film with Akshay Kumar and Anil Sharma's film. These are tried-and-tested filmmakers.

When filmmakers come to me I am not scared to ask questions. I always find some way to relate what I'm offered, if I want to do it. Then I've Ramu-ji's 'Sholay' and of course, David Dhawan's next with Salman and Govinda, which I start in December.

Will you be comfortable playing a widow in 'Sholay'?

Let's not forget the character was married and widowed young. Ramu-ji is very clear about what he wants from his actors.

Are you happy with the progress you're making?

For a beginner I'm doing okay. I've worked with fairly big co-stars. It takes a newcomer some time before he works with Shah Rukh and Aamir. I guess it'll come later for me. I always focus on the current assignment, then the one after. Nothing after that. I don't plan too far ahead. I think the next few films are important for me.

Whom would you like to work with?

I think Raj Kumar Santoshi is an amazing actor's director. I like Rituparno Ghosh's style of filmmaking. I spend a lot of time watching realistic regional films. I like Vipul Shah's cinema. I liked his 'Waqt'.

Eventually, I'd love to work in young and fresh films like the ones Adi Chopra makes. He's a very urbane filmmaker. My kind of director.

Favourite actors?

I like Hrithik's style and Aamir is really intelligent. His performances are superbly believable.

How do you fob off the interest in your private life?

You know the nice thing is they've come to know me by now. They know I don't like people prying into my life. They know it makes me uncomfortable. They respect it.

Others may be comfortable talking about their lives. It works for them. Not me. Some mediapersons find me difficult because they can't get across to me. I admire my colleagues who can talk about anything under the sun at any time. I've to prepare myself.

Interview : Watch Salman in this family entertainer!

Over the years Salman Khan has evolved to a different stature in Bollywood. And where he stands today, his films most of the times are smeared with success. In spite of the controversies and the low phase of his career he has managed to pull himself fine. His wide following among the movie watchers has helped him to hold the position amidst tough competition. Now Bollywood star Salman Khan returns to the marquee after a long gap with K.S. Adhiyaman's 'Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar' releasing this Friday. The last time he was on screen was in the dud 'Saawan - The Season of Love'.

Excerpts from the Interview:

'Shaadi Karke Phas Gaye Yaar' was announced long time back. What took it so long to release?

Yes the film was announced long back in 2001. But we shot the film only between 2004 and 2005. The reason is that the producer didn't have money at the time of launch and neither later for its promotion. This caused the unnecessary delay. Distributors were also not ready to undertake the risk with their investments. I got into problems, which further forced the film to delay.

What's the premise of the film?

The film deals with the cultural differences between a husband and wife. I play the character Ayaan a young man from an upper middle class family who falls in love with a beautiful model Ahana (Shilpa Shetty) who belongs to an ultra rich family.

She is a model and totally Western in her approach towards life. On the other hand, I am completely Indian. Shilpa is under the influence of her mother. Eventually, they get married. They are looking forward to a blissful and happily married life, but troubles soon crop up when Ahana discovers the vast cultural difference between her upbringing and Ayaan's. Small differences eventually lead to major confrontation between the two. The premise of the film is simple - it is a family drama interspersed with romance, humour and emotions.

How far the differences between you and Shilpa go?

Differences are common with every couple. But here in this relationship it arises from the cultural differences between the two. The boy is simple and doesn't like the western ways of his wife. But she is adamant not to change herself. She wears skirts that are above her knees and also blouses that are revealing. They quarrel with each other and this leads to misunderstandings, but finally the girl realizes her folly, and comes to sense.

Is the film a comedy?

No it is not a comedy. But there are many situations in the movie that are comic. This is a family entertainer.

Is the film releasing this Friday?

Yes now the distributors have seen the film, and are ready to buy and promote it.

The film has been the cans for more than four years. Do you think that it'll make good business?

As a family entertainer the prospect of the film should be good. The plot is something, which is still fresh. Personally I believe that the film's future is very bleak. I don't have any high hopes from the film. The makers have unnecessarily delayed the release of the film that has been ready for more than a year, which would have a negative impact on its box office performance.

Interview : Shilpa's take on relationships and more

Sultry, sexy and vivacious Shilpa Shetty returns back to the screens with her forthcoming movie 'Shaadi Karke Phas Gaye Yaar'. She has worked with Salman Khan many times before and shares a great working relationship with him. This time again she is romantically paired opposite him. Here's a free wheeling chat with her, not only about her forthcoming release, but also varied facets of her personalities.

Excerpts from the Interview:

Your next release is 'Shaadi Karke Phas Gaye Yaar'. Tell us what is the essence of a relationship for you?

I think it's very important to have a serious relationship in your life. I'm looking forward to one such stable and serious relationship that later culminates in marriage. But for such kind of relationship you need to fall in love with the right person. I stand by the institution of marriage and would like to have a fruitful married life. I think my karma will bestow me a successful marriage.

'Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar' with Salman Khan is at last hitting the theatres. Why did it take so long?

I don't know much about the delay but I think there were problems with the producer. Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar is a nice and entertaining film, with good songs. I hope it works well at the box office.

Any funny incident you recall while working in the film?

I remember the time when I wore a fur cap for a song I shot opposite Salman Khan. Salman stared at me and commented loudly that he thought I resembled Danny Denzongpa in my headgear. This left everyone on the sets in splits.

How much open are you about your relationships to the media?

I don't appreciate much talking about my love life to the media. But surely when I feel that it's the right time to make an announcement I'll come forward with it boldly. Right now romance is not happening in my life and I don't know where I'm headed. I am single and so there is nothing much that I can tell to the media.

You've turned 30, but still your focus remains on your career rather than marriage.

I've been in the industry for long now. I've been here and done all and hold a position for myself irrespective of the box-office result of my films. But I still believe that I've to do lots of good work and remain in the position with my standard of work. I'm working less now as there is very less good offers to choose from.

What are the other films that you're doing at the moment?

I've just signed Anurag Basu's Metro opposite Shiney Ahuja and Kay Kay Menon. Both of them are brilliant actors and I'm looking forward to work with them. They hold a special place with the audience and the film should come out well. Also I've just completed shooting for Anil Sharma's 'Apne'. I got the chance to work with Dharmendra and I've been a huge fan of his. After working with him I'm just overwhelmed. I've grown up watching his films and here I was working with him. According to me he is one of the best-looking actor of Bollywood. He charmed me and also working with him was a learning experience. His dedication to his work at this age is amazing. I really adore him.

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