When Abhi met Tom Cruise
Abhi of course was only too thrilled to meet the icon he's always looked up to, and termed the experience "surreal". "Meeting Tom was wonderful, we spoke to each other for some time when he was here. I have grown up watching his films. He is a thorough gentleman and a fantastic actor," Abhi enthused.
In fact, Abhi simply couldn't stop praising Tom, adding, "I wanted to thank him for coming to our country. His presence also indicates that India is becoming an important destination for English films as well."
Unfortunately, Abhi couldn't spend too much time with his idol, but still observed that, "Good actors always carry an aura of respect around them. I sense that when I'm with my father on the sets."
Hmm...
SRK's 3D headache
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When his Ra.One was going in for conversion to the 3D format, Shah Rukh Khan had a nerve-racking time. Not only did it inflate the film's budget, it also threatened the scheduled release date of the sci-fi thriller. So when SRK found out that Don 2 would also be going in for 3D conversion, as a co-producer, he was quite worried.
"Just like Ra.One, the decision to convert Don 2 to 3D was taken at the last minute," a source reveals. "When Farhan (Akhtar) had shot the film, there was no emphasis on framing the scenes in such a way that they would be 3D friendly. So SRK had reason to worry." Moreover, as trade experts point out, the 3D work on Ra.One was patchy, reflecting the fact that it was a rushed job.
Fortunately, however, the King Khan's fears proved unfounded. Farhan had a well-thought out plan in place for Don 2's conversion, and he ensured it was executed well. "When you are converting a film to 3D, it is crucial that you give it adequate time," Farhan said. "Also, as a director, you have to be there with the team right through the conversion process instead of outsourcing it. You have to see the results constantly and be involved."
Farhan and SRK certainly seem to be happy about how Don 2's conversion is shaping up. "Well, I am genuinely happy," Farhan admitted. "The 2D and 3D versions will be out on December 23."
Ajay shrugs off the 'bankable star' tag
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Hai, we're so tired of our actors who won't engage in any good, old-fashioned rivalry. Time was, when they couldn't stop jumping at each other's throats, trying to prove that they were the biggest stars in town. But now, everyone is so…well, sane. Anyway, leading the "sensible" camp is actor Ajay Devgn. The star has always been known for his no-nonsense attitude, but even the upward spiralling career graph he's been on hasn't seemed to change his attitude.
Seemingly oblivious to the title of "most bankable star" that eminent trade sources have conferred on him, Ajay is busy shooting for Bol Bachchan. He says he won't harp on his hit films, or the big banner offers he's getting. "I'd rather concentrate on the future," Ajay tells us. "I'm still very laidback and not very ambitious. Awards don't interest me. I'd rather have the money."
But even money will tempt Ajay only this much, and no further, which is why, despite being inundated with offers, he won't say yes to everything that comes his way. "I''ve managed to sustain myself in this industry because of my patience. Money cannot be the sole criterion to take up an assignment," he says.
Even the debacle of Rascals doesn't seem to have affected the actor too badly. What did touch his heart however, was the way close friend and Rascals co-star Sanjay Dutt seems to have taken on the responsibility for the film's failure. Apparently, that's the kind of bond Ajay shares with both Sanju and Salman Khan. "They have always been there for me," Ajay says. "My friendship with them is not need based."
Jodha Akbar
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