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Jodis to look forward to!
1. Harman Baweja – Priyanka Chopra (Love Story 2050)
Though she hasn't seen many successes lately, Priyanka Chopra is one actress who looks like she has a fantastic year ahead of her. At the same time, Harman Baweja makes his debut in this sci-fi flick that takes us to Mumbai, 2050. Coincidentally, the two are dating in real life and it should be interesting to see how their chemistry shapes up on screen!
2. Saif Ali Khan – Kareena Kapoor (Roadside Romeo)
He may not have taken home is ladylove in the recent dud Tashan, but Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor team up animated style in Jugal Hansaraj's directional debut Roadside Romeo. Co-produced by Walt Disney, Yash Raj Films hopes to take Indian animation to a new level. At least we can look forward to some good chemistry...doggie style!
3. Abhishek Bachchan – Sonam Kapoor (Dilli 6)
This one's one of the most exciting of the lot, considering that it's a much less glamorous film and should exploit the earthy talents of its to main leads. The fact that Rakesyh Omprakash Mehra is directing it makes it a hundred times better. Though Sonam's full potential wasn't tapped in Saawariya, one hopes that she'll be able to do bigger and better things with this flick.
4. Salman Khan – Ayesha Takia (Wanted – Dead or Alive)
An actress is usually inconsequential in a Salman film considering that all eyes are usually on him. But in this case, we might just get a glimpse of another hit pair in the making as Ayesha Takia steps into the heroine's shoes for this remake of the Tamil film Pokkiri. Apparently, as said by Ayesha herself, she doesn't have much to do in the film but act as the perfect heroine. So if you're looking for a knockout performance from Takia, you'll be disappointed.
5. Shreyas Talpade – Amrita Rao (Mahadev Ka Sajjanpur)
Though we wouldn't mind seeing her with Shahid Kapur again, Amrita Rao teams up with Shreyas Talpade for Shyam Benegal's Mahadev Ka Sajjanpur. Benegal has taken a very earthy approach to his story about a letter-writer in a village. These two could very well be the next young couple to hit the spot.
6. Akshay Kumar – Deepika Padukone (Chandni Chowk to China)
Akshay Kumar, Bollywood's reigning box office king, took a small stumble with the recent Tashan but was also lauded for being the saving grace of the film. Later on this year he ventures into Nikhil Advani's next directional venture which also stars the hot-and-happening Deepika Padukone in a double role. Perhaps we'll get to see her act this time? Let's hope so! In this action flick you can hope to see the duo kick butt—all the way from Chandni Chowk to China.
7. Shiney Ahuja – Preity Zinta (Har Pall)
On her quest to do more meaningful cinema, Jahnu Barua's Har Pall is one of the films Preity will be seen in towards the middle of the year. Finally, she finds a pairing away from the revered Khan's. Though much about the story is unknown, Barua has called it a "sweet love story". For any love story you need chemistry, right? Let's hope Preity and Shiney can make it happen.
8. Jiah Khan – Aamir Khan – Asin (Ghajini)
Though lips are sealed and the production team is adhering to the whole "keeping mum" shebang, Aamir Khan's Ghajini still remains one of the most anticipated films of the year. Another Southie remake, it sees Asin reprising the role she played in the original while Jiah Khan steps in for the second female lead. Sure, it seems like Aamir is falling into the old-actor-young-actress trend that Bollywood is so obsessed with these days, but nevertheless, expect sparks!
9. Imraan Khan – Genelia D'Souza (Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na)
It's a shame that after performing decently in a few Hindi films, Genelia D'Souza wasn't offered too many good roles in Bollywood and decided to work down South where she's created quite the name for herself. After emerging victorious down South, she's back this July to conquer Hindi cinema across none other (and this is the exciting part!) than Aamir Khan's nephew, Imran Khan. The initial promos have already made waves as Jaane Tu appears to be a feel-good college love story. Could these two be the next Shahid-Amrita? Only time will tell.
10. Ranbir Kapoor – Bipasha Basu/Minissha Lamba/Deepika Padukone (Bachna Ae Haseeno)
He's got his hands full, that's for sure! While most can't handle one woman, Ranbir dares to take on three in Yash Raj Films' Bachna Ae Haseeno this August. Though it can't be sure which lady he will take home on-screen, we can at least expect a wide range of chemistry beginning with Bipasha Basu who is known for her oomph factor (Verdict: They look hot!). Next comes Minissha Lamba who is slowly but surely making her name for herself in the industry by performing well consistently even in bad films (Verdict: They look cute!). Finally, and the one most are excited about, is Ranbir across real-life girlfriend Deepika Padukone (Verdict: They seem to look nice, but we'll wait for the film).
11. Randeep Hooda – Nandana Sen (Rang Rasiya)
Upon its announcement Ketan Mehta's Rang Rasiya (Colours of Passion in English) wasn't given much importance but now that the stills and promotion has begun, people are starting to take notice of the film especially the lead pair who looks like they've done a commendable job. Even by looking at a still, one can feel the intensity and passion between the two. In the film, Randeep plays legendary painter Raja Ravi Varma and Nandana plays his muse. As the English title indicates, expect colours of passion!
12. Fardeen Khan – Sushmita Sen (Dulha Mil Gaya)
Though it was supposed to release last year, Dulha Mil Gaya has been pushed towards the second half of 2008 due to pending post-production work. Though some aren't too enthusiastic about this pair, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of both Fardeen and Sushmita who haven't been seen on-screen for a while.
13. Harman Baweja – Amrita Rao (Victory)
Both Harman and Amrita make our list once again, though this time they are paired across each other in the cricket film Victory touted to be an out-and-out sports extravaganza. This film is completely diverse from their other respective releases this year, so one can expect a great deal of versatility from both these actors.
14. Himesh Reshammiya – Shweta Kumar (Karzzz)
No, I didn't make a spelling mistake—Himesh Reshammiya's next acting venture really has distorted the classic title by adorning it with three Z's rather than the conventional one letter. Maybe he wanted to be different? Taking this into account, Himesh has made it certain that he will be seen with a fresh actress on-screen who happens to be producer/director Indra Kumar's daughter, Shweta. With his new hot-and-happening hair (If you're into that look...sorry HR fans) Himesh will be back on-screen whether you like him or not and with a seemingly svelte lady by his side.
15. Akshay Kumar – Ayesha Takia (Eight by Ten)
Reportedly set for a Diwali release, Akshay Kumar recently shot for Nagesh Kukunoor's forthcoming film co-starring Ayesha Takia. Recall that it was with Nagesh's Dor that Ayesha was finally recognized as a strong actress. They team up once again, this time with the khiladi himself by his side. Nagesh usually knows how to extract the best of chemistry from his lead actors, so expect no less this time around!
16. Saif Ali Khan – Deepika Padukone (Imtiaz Ali's Next)
It hasn't begun shooting yet, but Imtiaz Ali is prepared to come back with a bang after capturing hearts with his recently released Jab We Met. Much to her dismay, Imtiaz chose not to opt for Kareena Kapoor as his leading lady this time around and went for Deepika Padukone as well. Making the project even more exciting is the fact that the film will be produced by Saif Ali Khan and he will also play a lead role in the film. Even after their pair had tried and failed before, Imtiaz added a new dimension to Shahid-Kareena in Jab We Met. Let's hope he does the same for these two, because we're ready for a change.
17. Ritesh Deshmukh – Jacqueline Fernandez (Aladdin – The Mystery of the Lamp)
It has long been speculated who will reprise Jasmine's role in the Hindi version of Aladdin while Ritesh takes the lead. Director and producer Sujoy Ghosh has confirmed that Sri Lankan beauty queen Jacqueline Fernandez will make her debut in Indian cinema with this role. Earlier Ayesha Takia was supposed to play the same part, but she later opted out due to some unknown complications. Instead, Jackie as she is fondly called stepped in her place and makes this film exciting at least for the fact that a fresh pair will hit the screens.
18. Ranvir Shorey – Mallika Sherawat (Ugly aur Pagli)
Mallika always ends up with the most bizarre pairings. First with Rahul Bose in Pyaar Ke Side Effects and now with Ranvir Shorey in the city-centric Ugly aur Pagli...who's next? We're not complaining! It's getting boring to see the most predictable of actors joining hands in a serenade of love, it's time for something different even if it does look a bit awkward! After all, that's part and package of the storyline. Critics of Mallika can harp on all they want, but the actress has proven she's a force to reckon with in the acting department with strong performances in Murder and Pyaar Ke Side Effects. And I need not ramble on about Ranvir Shorey—the guy is brilliant (See Mithya). Will these two wrongs make a right? I think so.
19. Shahid Kapur – Vidya Balan (Kismat Konnection)
Both are on a career high with Jab We Met and Bhool Bhulaiyaa winning them respective accolades for outstanding performances. Aziz Mirza returns after a long time with a fresh pair sans his regular Shah Rukh Khan for a youthful love story that seems like it will do the trick. The leading pair is set to have got along like a house on fire during the making. Let's hope this equation translates on to the silver screen!
20. Shah Rukh Khan – Anushka Sharma (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
He's over 42. She's 19. Unlikely combination? Does it remind you of Nishabd's tagline? Apparently Aditya Chopra has an old man-young woman love story in mind for his love story set in Punjab. The film is touted to be an absolute extravaganza for the sheer fact that it stars King Khan in Adi's comeback film after Mohabbatein. No one is quite sure how the pair will shape up, but Yash Chopra ensures that Anushka is perfect for the job. With a title like that, this might just be the best jodi of the year!
By now, we hope you've stifled your yawns over Bollywood's conventional couples and taken notice of these new and exciting jodis coming your way this year. Caution, fireworks ahead!
1. Harman Baweja – Priyanka Chopra (Love Story 2050)Though she hasn't seen many successes lately, Priyanka Chopra is one actress who looks like she has a fantastic year ahead of her. At the same time, Harman Baweja makes his debut in this sci-fi flick that takes us to Mumbai, 2050. Coincidentally, the two are dating in real life and it should be interesting to see how their chemistry shapes up on screen!
2. Saif Ali Khan – Kareena Kapoor (Roadside Romeo)
He may not have taken home is ladylove in the recent dud Tashan, but Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor team up animated style in Jugal Hansaraj's directional debut Roadside Romeo. Co-produced by Walt Disney, Yash Raj Films hopes to take Indian animation to a new level. At least we can look forward to some good chemistry...doggie style! 3. Abhishek Bachchan – Sonam Kapoor (Dilli 6)
This one's one of the most exciting of the lot, considering that it's a much less glamorous film and should exploit the earthy talents of its to main leads. The fact that Rakesyh Omprakash Mehra is directing it makes it a hundred times better. Though Sonam's full potential wasn't tapped in Saawariya, one hopes that she'll be able to do bigger and better things with this flick.
4. Salman Khan – Ayesha Takia (Wanted – Dead or Alive)An actress is usually inconsequential in a Salman film considering that all eyes are usually on him. But in this case, we might just get a glimpse of another hit pair in the making as Ayesha Takia steps into the heroine's shoes for this remake of the Tamil film Pokkiri. Apparently, as said by Ayesha herself, she doesn't have much to do in the film but act as the perfect heroine. So if you're looking for a knockout performance from Takia, you'll be disappointed.
5. Shreyas Talpade – Amrita Rao (Mahadev Ka Sajjanpur)
Though we wouldn't mind seeing her with Shahid Kapur again, Amrita Rao teams up with Shreyas Talpade for Shyam Benegal's Mahadev Ka Sajjanpur. Benegal has taken a very earthy approach to his story about a letter-writer in a village. These two could very well be the next young couple to hit the spot.6. Akshay Kumar – Deepika Padukone (Chandni Chowk to China)
Akshay Kumar, Bollywood's reigning box office king, took a small stumble with the recent Tashan but was also lauded for being the saving grace of the film. Later on this year he ventures into Nikhil Advani's next directional venture which also stars the hot-and-happening Deepika Padukone in a double role. Perhaps we'll get to see her act this time? Let's hope so! In this action flick you can hope to see the duo kick butt—all the way from Chandni Chowk to China.
7. Shiney Ahuja – Preity Zinta (Har Pall)On her quest to do more meaningful cinema, Jahnu Barua's Har Pall is one of the films Preity will be seen in towards the middle of the year. Finally, she finds a pairing away from the revered Khan's. Though much about the story is unknown, Barua has called it a "sweet love story". For any love story you need chemistry, right? Let's hope Preity and Shiney can make it happen.
8. Jiah Khan – Aamir Khan – Asin (Ghajini)
Though lips are sealed and the production team is adhering to the whole "keeping mum" shebang, Aamir Khan's Ghajini still remains one of the most anticipated films of the year. Another Southie remake, it sees Asin reprising the role she played in the original while Jiah Khan steps in for the second female lead. Sure, it seems like Aamir is falling into the old-actor-young-actress trend that Bollywood is so obsessed with these days, but nevertheless, expect sparks!
9. Imraan Khan – Genelia D'Souza (Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na)
It's a shame that after performing decently in a few Hindi films, Genelia D'Souza wasn't offered too many good roles in Bollywood and decided to work down South where she's created quite the name for herself. After emerging victorious down South, she's back this July to conquer Hindi cinema across none other (and this is the exciting part!) than Aamir Khan's nephew, Imran Khan. The initial promos have already made waves as Jaane Tu appears to be a feel-good college love story. Could these two be the next Shahid-Amrita? Only time will tell.
10. Ranbir Kapoor – Bipasha Basu/Minissha Lamba/Deepika Padukone (Bachna Ae Haseeno)He's got his hands full, that's for sure! While most can't handle one woman, Ranbir dares to take on three in Yash Raj Films' Bachna Ae Haseeno this August. Though it can't be sure which lady he will take home on-screen, we can at least expect a wide range of chemistry beginning with Bipasha Basu who is known for her oomph factor (Verdict: They look hot!). Next comes Minissha Lamba who is slowly but surely making her name for herself in the industry by performing well consistently even in bad films (Verdict: They look cute!). Finally, and the one most are excited about, is Ranbir across real-life girlfriend Deepika Padukone (Verdict: They seem to look nice, but we'll wait for the film).
11. Randeep Hooda – Nandana Sen (Rang Rasiya)Upon its announcement Ketan Mehta's Rang Rasiya (Colours of Passion in English) wasn't given much importance but now that the stills and promotion has begun, people are starting to take notice of the film especially the lead pair who looks like they've done a commendable job. Even by looking at a still, one can feel the intensity and passion between the two. In the film, Randeep plays legendary painter Raja Ravi Varma and Nandana plays his muse. As the English title indicates, expect colours of passion!
12. Fardeen Khan – Sushmita Sen (Dulha Mil Gaya)
Though it was supposed to release last year, Dulha Mil Gaya has been pushed towards the second half of 2008 due to pending post-production work. Though some aren't too enthusiastic about this pair, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of both Fardeen and Sushmita who haven't been seen on-screen for a while.
13. Harman Baweja – Amrita Rao (Victory)
Both Harman and Amrita make our list once again, though this time they are paired across each other in the cricket film Victory touted to be an out-and-out sports extravaganza. This film is completely diverse from their other respective releases this year, so one can expect a great deal of versatility from both these actors.
14. Himesh Reshammiya – Shweta Kumar (Karzzz)
No, I didn't make a spelling mistake—Himesh Reshammiya's next acting venture really has distorted the classic title by adorning it with three Z's rather than the conventional one letter. Maybe he wanted to be different? Taking this into account, Himesh has made it certain that he will be seen with a fresh actress on-screen who happens to be producer/director Indra Kumar's daughter, Shweta. With his new hot-and-happening hair (If you're into that look...sorry HR fans) Himesh will be back on-screen whether you like him or not and with a seemingly svelte lady by his side.
15. Akshay Kumar – Ayesha Takia (Eight by Ten)
Reportedly set for a Diwali release, Akshay Kumar recently shot for Nagesh Kukunoor's forthcoming film co-starring Ayesha Takia. Recall that it was with Nagesh's Dor that Ayesha was finally recognized as a strong actress. They team up once again, this time with the khiladi himself by his side. Nagesh usually knows how to extract the best of chemistry from his lead actors, so expect no less this time around!
16. Saif Ali Khan – Deepika Padukone (Imtiaz Ali's Next)
It hasn't begun shooting yet, but Imtiaz Ali is prepared to come back with a bang after capturing hearts with his recently released Jab We Met. Much to her dismay, Imtiaz chose not to opt for Kareena Kapoor as his leading lady this time around and went for Deepika Padukone as well. Making the project even more exciting is the fact that the film will be produced by Saif Ali Khan and he will also play a lead role in the film. Even after their pair had tried and failed before, Imtiaz added a new dimension to Shahid-Kareena in Jab We Met. Let's hope he does the same for these two, because we're ready for a change.
17. Ritesh Deshmukh – Jacqueline Fernandez (Aladdin – The Mystery of the Lamp)
It has long been speculated who will reprise Jasmine's role in the Hindi version of Aladdin while Ritesh takes the lead. Director and producer Sujoy Ghosh has confirmed that Sri Lankan beauty queen Jacqueline Fernandez will make her debut in Indian cinema with this role. Earlier Ayesha Takia was supposed to play the same part, but she later opted out due to some unknown complications. Instead, Jackie as she is fondly called stepped in her place and makes this film exciting at least for the fact that a fresh pair will hit the screens.
18. Ranvir Shorey – Mallika Sherawat (Ugly aur Pagli)Mallika always ends up with the most bizarre pairings. First with Rahul Bose in Pyaar Ke Side Effects and now with Ranvir Shorey in the city-centric Ugly aur Pagli...who's next? We're not complaining! It's getting boring to see the most predictable of actors joining hands in a serenade of love, it's time for something different even if it does look a bit awkward! After all, that's part and package of the storyline. Critics of Mallika can harp on all they want, but the actress has proven she's a force to reckon with in the acting department with strong performances in Murder and Pyaar Ke Side Effects. And I need not ramble on about Ranvir Shorey—the guy is brilliant (See Mithya). Will these two wrongs make a right? I think so.
19. Shahid Kapur – Vidya Balan (Kismat Konnection)Both are on a career high with Jab We Met and Bhool Bhulaiyaa winning them respective accolades for outstanding performances. Aziz Mirza returns after a long time with a fresh pair sans his regular Shah Rukh Khan for a youthful love story that seems like it will do the trick. The leading pair is set to have got along like a house on fire during the making. Let's hope this equation translates on to the silver screen!
20. Shah Rukh Khan – Anushka Sharma (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
He's over 42. She's 19. Unlikely combination? Does it remind you of Nishabd's tagline? Apparently Aditya Chopra has an old man-young woman love story in mind for his love story set in Punjab. The film is touted to be an absolute extravaganza for the sheer fact that it stars King Khan in Adi's comeback film after Mohabbatein. No one is quite sure how the pair will shape up, but Yash Chopra ensures that Anushka is perfect for the job. With a title like that, this might just be the best jodi of the year!
By now, we hope you've stifled your yawns over Bollywood's conventional couples and taken notice of these new and exciting jodis coming your way this year. Caution, fireworks ahead!
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