bollywood's Mirchi Gossips...

By Subhash K Jha

Preity Zinta would have been happy if it wasn't for the blasts. Both her delayed films Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna and Jaan-e-Man have been finally wrapped up within a day of each other.

"My kismet is such, I tell you! Both films started in New York. Both got delayed together. Both continued shooting almost together. Both ended with me shooting for a part of a song. My dates did clash. But I sorted them out. Now Alvidaa will come out in August and Jaan-e-Man later."

It's the day after Mumbai rocked to a horrific tune. Preity still can't get over the suddenness of it.

"11/7 will go down as one of the darkest days in Mumbai. I was in court for the second hearing of my case against a tabloid. I had no clue what was happening even when I got out and was caught in the traffic. There was a huge ambulance in front of me.

My phone was jammed. No one called, so I had no idea. It was only when I turned on the TV at home that I realized what had happened. I couldn't sleep the whole night," says the groggy Zinta as she heads for shooting the morning after.

"It's time we did something drastic, like New York after 9/11. The city has lost its rough edges. Earlier you couldn't walk freely in certain parts of NY. The streets are safe now. Crime has dropped. Mumbai shouldn't be an easy target. It's so sad to see the working-class hit so badly.

Visuals of severed limbs will remain with me. We feel so helpless. We seriously need to think of the city's security. Stop the unchecked influx of migrants in the city. Check the slums.

Instead of looking at the root of problems the government shuts down discs and pubs after such a tragedy. How does that help anything? You need to clamp down on the root causes of such happenings. I can't imagine terrorists sitting in clubs after perpetrating their crime. What's the deal here?"

Preity's battle against a tabloid continues. "The second hearing went well. The next hearing is in August…I'm fighting for my right to dignity.

It's the first time I had to look down at my toes in embarrassment (after the Salman tapes were published). Happily female journalists have supported me in this fight. Whenever I leave the industry I should do so with my head held high."

She's just shot a song for KANK. "The film is over. We just finished a song. I danced my head off with Amitji and Abhishek. They're both so tall! I had to really crane my neck and feet to keep with them. This was my first song with the two.

Amitji is outstanding. He wasn't well. His mom was in hospital. His house was flooded. And he was dancing away with me and Abhishek! If this isn't dedication, what is? We're just novices in front of Amitji.

But I wonder what he must have been like when he was younger! I tend to grumble about little things like a broken a.c or a postponed schedule. Amitji never complains. I recently read the book on The Making Of Sholay to get to know Amitji and Jaya Aunty."

She gets sentimental about the KANK wrapup party on 10 July. "I was the first to leave after Amitji. I had to leave early because of my court case the next day. But we had a blast."

About her performance at IIFA…. "They wanted an Arabian Nights performance. I didn't have my own songs. So I had to dance to others' songs. But I got an amazing response."

Preity pauses for a breather. "Now that both my films KANK and Jaan-e-Man are over I can afford to fall sick. I feel some virus coming on….In fact I almost collapsed in court yesterday. When I walked out of court I felt so ill.

And my joy at the completion of my films is clouded by what happened in Mumbai…I'm scared that Mumbai is getting used to such periodical attacks. There should be special time-conserving courts for terrorist cases.

But the wrong people shouldn't be arrested and tried. Our judicial system is fine. I'm just fighting a legal battle myself, so I should know."

Preity is slightly wistful about not being part of the Salaam Namaste team a second time around. "Their film is called Tara Rum Pam Pam. That was meant to be the title of my first film Siddharth Anand has Rani this time. That's okay. I'm doing Shaad's film Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom with Abhishek. Rani was in Shaad's last film."

After the premiere of Alvidaa Preity leaves for London for Jhoom Baraabar. "I'm really looking forward to it. I'm working with my friends here. Abhishek and Bobby are my pals.

Shaad, if you remember had assisted Mani Rathnam during my first film Dil Se. The only new person for me in Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom is Lara Dutta. I hardly know her. But she's sweet. This film will rock."

by Subhash K Jha

"I almost feel like a debutante again. I'm glad that skin thing is over," laughs Neha.

Chup chup ke… Neha Dhupia has changed her image. "Priyan's film Chup Chup Ke gave me a new deglamorized avatar. Everyone thinks of me as a girl with the bronzed body. People were shocked to see me wearing a salwar-kameez throughout the film.

There's no fun being an actress if you don't keep re-inventing yourself. I went through this supposedly sexy phase. Now I'm doing roles where there's more meat than meets the eye…

And let me tell you Chup Chup Ke was fun for many reasons, including Bebo who was absolutely hassle-free. In fact I stand by her behaviour."

While Kareena plays the mute mademoiselle in Chupe Chupe Ke Neha is the chirpy talkative one. "So it's a nice cute balance between us."

She can't get over the fact that Priyadarshan offered her a deglamorized role. "I was that 'hot' babe in Priyan's earlier film Garam Masala. I had a brief role there. That I guess lead to bigger things in Chup Chup Ke."

Priyan had promised her a more prominent part next time. "But in this industry who keeps promises. Priyan did. I respect that."

She's also excited about her new un-sexy image in other films. "Gradully the sexy wave has peaked. I was comfortable enough with Deepak Shivdasani's Julie. It was an author-backed role for me. I relished doing it.

But somewhere by the time I came to Sheesha the steamy thing ran out steam. Audiences got tired of watching such films. But I'm not ashamed of what I did."

Neha admits Sheesha had an excess of the skin and smooch formula. "You know in hindsight it's easy to say what went wrong with a film. There were any things that I could feel going wrong with Sheesha when we were doing it.

Some bits of the film were definitely over-the-top. But there was nothing I could say without sounding arrogant and out-of-turn. Unfortunately for the film and fortunately for me Sheesha didn't work.

Otherwise I'd get more such offers. As for my recent turn in Harry Baweja's Teesri Aankh, let's just put it this way. Me and Harry Baweja go back a long way. He had launched me in Qayamat. When he offered me this new film I couldn't question him about the role. Some things in life, you do blindly."

She's very excited Ek Chaalis Ki Last Local where she's totally deglam. "It's about these two strangers me and Abhay Deol. The fresh pairing is exciting. We meet and spend two hours together. It's a comedy of errors. It's a really funky film."

Finally Ujjawal Chatterjee's Uthaan. The director claims it's inspired by Jessica Lal's life. "Not what I've shot," shoots back Neha.

"My character doesn't have anything to do with Jessica Lal. I play an ambitious model who chooses between love and career. It's a simple story and fortunately I didn't have to do anything cheesy."

After-hours? "I've moved into my new place. I really spend a lot of time working out. I spend at least two hours in the gym. I like to spend time cooking, I'm very domesticated. I'd rather stay at my new home and watch tv or read a book than go out and party."

No one special in Neha's life right now. "There have been relationships off and on. But nothing spectacular and nothing right now. I don't want to fall in love. I want to rise in love. I don't want to go ballistic when I fall in love. The only thing that I want to surrender to is my work."

Fun and Masti days are over for Ash. After wrapping up Mani Ratnam's Guru with Abhishek Bachchan Aishwarya has now rushed to Namibia, where she will be shooting for Dhoom 2.

But she is faced with a new problem here.

The Chopras want to project Ash in a sensuous way, and she might be even wearing a bikini for Dhoom 2. Hence movie's co-producer Aditya has asked her to lose the extra kilos that she has put on for her Guru and that too in 10 days.

So Ash's personal trainer Deepika Mehta has been rushed down from Mumbai to Namibia, where Dhoom 2 is shooting, in order to get the actress into shape.

It is learnt that Ms Rai is going through an arduous workout regimen. She begins her physical exercises in the wee hours of the morning. Moreover, her co-star in the film, Hrithik Roshan is also giving her some tips to slim down.

"Hrithik takes his looks and physique very seriously. The health tips that Ash is taking from Hrithik is already working wonders. Ash has already lost lost 3 kilos," reveals a source.

When contacted Aishwarya's business manager and spokesperson Hari Singh, confirmed the news. "Deepika is with Ash in Namibia. Ash is a very dedicated actress and she is working hard to get under the skin of her role. She will be back by the end of this month," he said

By Subhash K Jha

If there were any doubts about the Yash Chopra-Aamir Khan patch-up post-Fanaah then the Bollywood Weekend at the BAFTA has put them to rest. When Yash Chopra was honoured for being a Bollywood legend, Aamir Khan gave a heartfelt impromptu speech that brought the house down.

Recalls Karan Johar, "Aamir gave a rousing speech on Yashji. In fact Yashji was honoured for being the only Bollywood filmmaker to have made successful Hindi films from the black-and-white era to the present day. They couldn't find a parallel to him in cinema anywhere in the world."

While Aamir Khan held a Master Class on Rang De Basanti, Preity Zinta conducted her class on Farhan Akhtar's Dil Chahta Hai.

Says Karan, "During my master class on K3G the questions I was asked were really something. Someone asked me why Shah Rukh was seen with his shoes on in water in the Suraj hua madhyam song in K3G. It was quite a question.

I was also asked about the difference between the masters of the earlier years and those who are making films today. I spoke about how we of today are scared of silences. For instance there's a shared moment of silence between Shah Rukh and Rani in KANK.

I had to fill the soundtrack with thunder and lightening. I explained why we need to structure the sound and visuals in a particular way to fit a given format.

For example the emotional graph has to be timed with the interval. And after interval we have to have a buffer-block where we give audiences a chance to get back into their seats before the plot proceeds.

I also explained why our films are misunderstood to be musicals. That in fact the songs don't manoeuvre the story. All in all, it was fabulous experience. It showed how far Bollywood has infiltrated into the European psyche."

The star of the weekend was undoubtedly Shah Rukh Khan. Sweeping the British press off its collective feet he was at his witty best in the QA with the British Press. At the dinner hosted by steel tycoon Mittal, British actress Emma Thompson was quite taken up by Shah Rukh. She expressed a sincere wish to work with him.

Says Karan, "The Mittals were grace-personified. Their son is my friend. And they've the highest regard for Bollywood. So we bonded. Shah Rukh's impact has to be seen to be believed. He has had the maximum number of hit films on the British charts.

The British reacted to him with amazing hysteria. Gurinder Chaddha conducted an interview with him where Shah Rukh was in his element. Yup, he was clearly the star of the Bollywood Weekend."

By Subhash K Jha

Simi Garewal is off to Hong Kong to interview Jackie Chan. It would be the Hong Kong star's first talk-show appearance with an Indian host.

"But I've repeatedly gone and got international guests on their home turf," laughs Simi who has conducted interviews abroad with Rupert Murdoch, Imran Khan and most recently steel-tycoon Laksmi Mittal on her popular show Rendezvous With Simi Garewal.

Simi is looking forward to interviewing Jackie. "He's extremely popular in India. Our endeavour on Rendezvous is to always bring on guests who are a popular enigma in this part of the world. What's the point of talking to people who have come on every channel and have said everything about themselves?

For this season of Rendezvous I've lined up Esha & her sister Aahana Deol, Aishwarya Rai, Lara Dutt and of course Jackie Chan. Salman Khan will be my last guest this season."

With a film directed by Revathy on the anvil Simi is poised for a large-screen comeback. Her good friend Anil Kapoor (who has been on Rendezvous with his wife for a rare together tete-a-tete) has asked Simi to do a guest appearance in Anil's home-production Welcome directed by Anees Bazmi.

"I'm thinking seriously about it. He's not just a dear friend and also a very funny man. Anil has me in splits. I can't say no to friends like Anil who aren't just interviewees for me. Anil-Sunita, Suniel-Mana, Hrithik-Suzanne, Shah Rukh-Gauri …these are couples I've known closely for years. They came on Rendezvous because they trusted me."

Any couple that has been hard to get? "Boney Kapoor and Sridevi," says Simi promptly. "Boney has been promising to bring his wife on my show for years. Maybe one of these days he'll actually keep his word."

"Dr" Amitabh Bachchan speaks to Subhash K Jha

Q: The de Montford university at Leicester has conferred a doctorate on you. How does Dr Bachchan sound to you?
A: 'Dr Bachchan' was my father ! A Ph.D in English Literature from Cambridge, on WB Yeats and Occultism, in 1954, perhaps the first Indian to get this distinction from that University. That achievement shall remain embedded in me always. None of my achievements, honors and degrees can and will ever match that.

The Jhansi University conferred a doctorate on me the year before last, De Montford does one this month and at the end of the year the Delhi University wishes an honorary doctorate for me too.

I am of course overwhelmed and deeply humbled by this recognition and I express my extreme gratitude to each of these prestigious institutions, but truly feel unworthy of them. My contribution, if at all there is any, shall always pale in front of my father's.

Q: You come from a family with an acute literary/ scholarly bent of mind. How much of an academic are you at heart? Do you get time to read a lot? Who are your favourite authors?
A: I am an acute failure in this department, as I am in various others. I am a graduate in science and have lived and been brought up in an atmosphere of poetry and literature and academics due to my father.

Whatever I have, which isn't much really, is all that I have imbibed or accumulated because of my proximity to my parents.

There has not been any concerted effort to follow or pursue academics. There is a deep desire to do so. But how and when, I just do not know.

Q: You're just being your over-modest self.
A: I'm serious. The genes reflect in the progeny. My niece, Nilima Bachchan, Ajitabh's eldest, has just done a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from UK. If there is a genuine Dr Bachchan after my father it is her. My other niece, Namrata is a painter and writer.

My daughter Shweta, is a voracious reader and a great mind. From our side of the family she is perhaps the only informal academic.

But I get no time to read. I collect the latest books and browse through them and store them for a rainy day, hoping that they shall give me company when I am confined to a chair or a bed. But I am a bad reader. I am presently content with my fathers books and his wisdom.

Q: Do you think formal education is a necessary qualification for an actor? You've been to college. Mr Dilip Kumar hasn't.
A: I think a formal education is necessary for an individual pursuing any vocation. Formal education just does not bring in academic knowledge.

It brings with it curriculum, discipline, forebearence, competitiveness, understanding, vision and so many other qualities that are so essential for everyday existence in a normal society.

My days in college may not have a direct reflection on my present profession. But I cannot wish away the other aspects of its benefits to me as an individual. An actor's performance will always betray his inner build -up as a human.

Dilip Saab may not have gone to college. But can you really doubt the reflection of the quality of his inner self in his performances. That he developed these qualities independently and not through an educational institution, gives so much more credence to his unassailable genius.

Q: How much did you stress on Abhishek and Shweta's education?
A: We stressed a lot. But in the end our bottom line was, educate yourself yes, but educate yourself to be a good human first.

Even as Indian cinema and actors are making a dent abroad, actor John Abraham would rather stay put in Bollywood and have Indian cinema go global in terms of production value and craft.

"I don't want to sound like a marketing agent for Rang De Basanti but I think it's the finest example of global piece of Indian cinema," says the star of films like Jism, Garam Masala, Taxi 9211 and Zinda.

Meanwhile, Abraham is soaking up the rave reviews for Water, which has been received well in Canada, US, Australia and even in neighbouring Sri Lanka, where it is running to packed houses.

"It's an Indian subject and it's a pity that the release of the film has been delayed in India. But it will be released here shortly," he says.

Another film that's expected to hit the theatres at the end of September or beginning of October is Kabul Express. As a part of his homework, Abraham read Khalid Hosseni's Kite Runner and saw Osama directed by Siddiq Barmak.

A comedy, where he plays a scribe on an assignment to Afghanistan after the fall of the Taliban regime, Abraham says that the film was an eye-opener in ways more than one.

This was the period when Karzai had just come to power. The Talibans were kept locked in Afghani backyards and foreign correspondents would pay up 200 dollars a piece to interview them, he says.

"America has lot of press and PR but it's India that's doing a whole lot of development work," states the 34-year-old talking about the warmth exuded by Afghanis during the shoot.

On the remake mania gripping the film industry, he says, "I think it's a great trend. It's raking in the moolah for the industry."

So does he regret not being a part of Dhoom 2? "I can either be grateful that the prequel was offered to me or crib about the latter. I choose to be thankful."

Since Abraham has done action, comedy and a romantic lead, which one is he the most comfortable with?

"I think action requires the least bit of acting because that's really being yourself on screen. Comedy is a bit of work and I admit I made mistakes in Garam Masala." He says modestly.

On his favourite director, Abraham says that he'd "give his right arm for Mahesh Bhatt. He is a legend."

His good looks make him a favourite of the fairer sex but what explains his popularity with kids? (He is the brand ambassador for a kid's channel because he was at the top spot on the poll conducted by them) "I think it's the streak of rebellion that they like in me. I think it's the biggest compliment to be loved by kids as they are honest about their feelings and are your loyal audience."

His chiselled body, the envy of many he reveals is a result of "good food, adequate sleep and workout."

The model-turned-actor, who was in town to promote a diet cola, he endorses, responded to the health minister's call urging actors to refrain from endorsing cola by saying that he had "signed the contract much before the minister's appeal."

"You have to trust my choice. I endorse a kid's channel where cola ads are not shown. As for the others, the consumer today is sensible and is free to make an informed choice."

Abraham also claims to put a lot of thought into the campaigns he chooses to endorse.

"My stint as a media planner with an ad agency comes into play here. The brands I pick are usually niche and I personally go through the media plan to avoid over-exposure."

By Subhash K Jha

One of Bollywood's most self-effacing stars is finally coming into his own. For long the star in exile, Bobby Deol's career is working out…in more ways than one.

"I've been working out religiously lately. You know that one push that you need to do the right thing? I knew I was neglecting myself.

But I needed to get into shape for my boxer's role in Anil Sharma's Apne That was reason enough to start working out. And now I feel more happy and comfortable than ever before."

There's plenty of reason to feel pleased. Bobby has just completed a very unusual film called Nanhe Jaisalmer directed by Samir Karnik (of Kyun…Ha Gaya Na).

"It took me to a totally new territory. It's unlike anything I've done so far. I play Bobby Deol in the film," the star reveals shyly. "And the most surprisingly part of shooting in Jaisalmer was, there was a sandstorm and rains together."

Years ago dad Dharmendra had played himself in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Guddi. Now it's Bobby's turn.

And if that honour hasn't turned Bobby's head try this. A confectioner in Mumbai named Milinda has named a yummy multi-layered cake after Bobby.

"When I heard about the cake I was flattered, honoured and very very moved. You know we're a large family and we've birthdays all the time. This lady makes all our cakes. I know she's fond of me.

But I never imagined she'd actually make a cake from all those ingredients that I love. I've a major weakness for sweets. And to me this is a truly emotional homage to my sweet tooth. I don't know if anyone else has a cake named after him."

Bobby's cup of 'wow' runs over. After a lull of nearly three months when he been working out and spending time with his two sons, Bobby is now into two major films.

"This month it's Suneel Darshan's film Shaka Laka Boom Boom (co-starring Upen Patel ). Suneel has now moved to a different level. He's moving away from the family-oriented drama. He realizes that today's films have to be targeted at the youth.

Even I'm asked all the time why I don't do more films Soldier and Gupt. I guess audiences do want to see me in young energetic films and roles. Suneel's new film will be a complete departure.

Again, I play a role different from anything I've done so far. I must admit it has shades of grey in it," Bobby says cautiously. "I think our cinema is shedding its skin. Just as people apply facial creams and get face lifts to get younger our films too are undergoing a change. I'm definitely going to be part of that change."

And if you think the excitement ends for this year with Suneel's unorthodox drama, here's more. Bobby teams up with Abhishek Bachchan in Shaad Ali's Jhoom Baraabar.

Says Bobby, "I've never worked with Abhishek before, though I know him very well. Abhishek is great fun. He makes you laugh all the time. We came close to working together in Abbas-Mustan's Humraaz. I think he was terrific in Yuva. I'm looking forward to Jhoom Baraabar."

Some eyebrows have been raised about Bobby doing a film for Yash Chopra whose banner Sunny Deol had fallen out with after Darr. Bobby laughs away the old cold war.

"Kuch to log kahenge. Why do they need to dig into an old book of feuds for masala ? I know my brother had a problem with the banner. But that's long forgotten. We've all moved on. Why hold on to the past specially when it's unpleasant?"

Bobby talks with characteristic fondness about his family. "We all live together. Now that I've stopped being the baby of the family I feel responsible towards the family. I think I've become more mature in the last few years. I admit I chose roles unwisely. But I don't regret doing any of them. One learns from one's mistakes.

Today I'm choosing very cautiously. I was very happy being at home for nearly three months. I needed to connect with my sons at this time when they're growing up. I remember how Sunny Bhaiyya and I missed dad during our growing years because he was busy working for his family.

I can afford to take it easy. But now it's time to get back to work. I'm looking forward to working with Suneel Darshan again, and with Shaad Ali for the first time."

Bobby talks with some pleasure about the 'family film' Apne. "It's not exactly a family film. We Deols aren't producing it. For now we're happy just acting. When it comes to taking a financial risk in film production. it's good to be a son-in-law instead of a father-in-law.

Apne is a family- friend Anil Sharma's film. It's an emotional family film. It's about a father's dreams for his sons. Our dad Sunny and I are together for the first time. Let's hope the audience is as excited about it as we are. We're looking at a Diwali release."

Any regrets about being so laidback about his career? "None at all. Some people make plans for their life. I didn't. I'm happy with what I've got. Yeah, I missed out on some good roles like Mani Rathnam's Yuva. But that's okay. What isn't meant to be in life, won't be.Thankfully I'm becoming more comfortable with people outside the familiar circle. I'm ready to break free."

Glamour queen Aishwarya Rai has been through thick and thin with Bollywood — weight wise that is.

Her directors, not satisfied with having Bollywood's leading lady in their films, have made her lose weight, gain weight and lose it again for successive films.

Most recently Rai was asked to shed a few pounds for her role in the film Dhoom 2, which is being shot in Namibia.

So, Rai's personal trainer Deepika is busy leading Ash through a two-hour workout starting at 0400 hours IST every morning, a national daily said.

"Deepika is with Ash in Namibia," Rai's manager, Hari Singh told the newspaper.

"Ash is a very dedicated actress and she is working to get into the skin of her role," Singh added.

Rai had put on some extra pounds for her role in the film Guru, which she was filming before heading to Namibia for Dhoom 2.

Kannada Hit Amruthdhare Re-Made Into Telugu. Sammir Dattani, better known as Dhyaan in Kannada Cinema Talks To Subhash K Jha About His Indelible South Connection.

Q: Amruthadhare is your third hit in Kannada, how was the Silver Jubilee function last week?
A: Yeah Amruthdhare is my third hit film and my second film to complete 25 weeks Monalisa just missed it (it ran for 150days). The function was very well –organize.

I particularly loved the making of the film that they screened at the event for the first time because it took me back to all the lovely and some extremely challenging moments that we faced during the making of the film.

All in all a great feeling, a fun function and I got a lovely momento to take back home and preserve for life!!

Q: Amruthdhare was your second film with director Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar ?
A: It is always a great feeling when a director that you have worked with repeats you. It shows your work and your work- ethics are appreciated. Nagathihalli Sir was the one to introduce me. I shall be indebted to him for this always.

We share a great comfort level. With our second film as a team also completing 25 weeks there will be added pressure when we work together again due to the mammoth expectations of the audiences and the industry.

Q: So any plans of working together again soon?
A: Yes of course the expectations are not going to stop us but make us work harder. We are already discussing our next film in Kannada together and it will happen very soon. We will be finalizing things by the end of this year.

It feels great to have family-like relations with people you work. Then you enjoy the success even better. It reminds me of Mr. Manmohan Desai and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan's winning combination of the 80's. I wish Nagathihalli sir and myself can create such milestones in Kannada...... it would be very cool!!

Q: Speaking of Mr. Bachchan, his presence Amruthdhare created quite a stir.
A: Yes of course it was a great favour done by Mr. Bachchan. It's his only non-Hindi film so far. This is one reason Amruthdhare has been dear to me from the beginning. It's not every day that you get to share screen space with a legend like Mr. Bachchan.

Whatever little I am today is thanks to my career in Kannada and the love and appreciation of the people of Karnataka. This is where I started from and have been lucky to have tasted super -success. I love the people here and I am definitely here to stay.

Irrespective of how my Hindi career shapes up, my association with Kannada will continue forever!! Bangalore is like second home to me. If it was not for my strong roots and large family in Mumbai I would have probably shifted to Bangalore by now.

Q: Then why is there a feeling among the industry and press that you're not proud of your association with Kannada ?
A: Yes people have made this false accusation against me. I would like to mention here again that I love my association with Karnataka and am proud of my work and success I have achieved there. Tell me if I was shy about my association with Kannada why would I proudly hold screenings of Amruthdhare in Mumbai and invite prominent personalities from the Hindi film fraternity?

(I have done that for three of my Kannada films). Why would I take help from my friends in the Hindi industry and convince the greatest actor of our times Mr. Amitabh Bachchan to make an appreance in my Kannada film.

Q: Ok talking about happier things, Amuthadhare was released in Telugu?
A: Yes, the rights were bought by a prominent banner in Telugu and we re – shot portions of the film for 10 - 12 days in Hyderabad. Ramya and I had lots of fun doing the film again. Old friend and new language…it was quite an experience.

It was positioned like any other mainstream Telugu film. I was keen to see the Telugu audiences' reaction to this passionate and intense love story. Since this remake was done very professionally I was confident the outcome would be positive.

Q: What other news about your Kannada career?
A: Well after the success of Amruthadhare as expected I am flooded with offers but have not started any new film yet. That's because I am busy with my Hindi commitments. Secondly I have had a fairly good track record in Kannada, 4 films in the past 5 years out of which 3 have been blockbuster hits.

So I would like to take it slowly and continue will this level of success. I will sign a film when I am totally convinced and happy about the project at all levels. I would be starting my next Kannada project around mid-year and would be comfortable talking more about it only then.

Q: What about your upcoming Kannada release "Jackpot"?
That's an out -and -out comedy film and quite a unique script. Let's see how the audiences accept it because it's very different. But it's not just my release. In fact I am playing a important part in the ensemble piece. It's a comedy film with lots of characters and mine is one important character among them. It also has Sudeep, Sunil Rao and others contributing to the story.

Q: Enough about Dhyaan let's talk about Sammir.
A: Well I am busy with three film in Hindi. I am part of the much talked about and anticipated film by Madhur Bhandarkar "Corporate". Though I am a small part of this ensemble piece it's an honour to be part of Madhur's film.

My next film is "Marathon" which is a very touching and inspiring film on sports. I have a very very challenging role to portray in this one and am very anxious about the reactions I will get. Then there is a third one titled "Mukhbir" which is directed by Mr. Mani Shanker and produced by Mr. Sudeep Rambhotla of Colorchips Entertainment.

It's an awesome spy thriller with me in an author -backed role. It's a privilege to have managed to get a film like this so early in my career. It has also given me the opportunity to work with senior actors like Om Puri, Sunil Shetty, Sushant Singh, Rahul Dev.

With this film my South connection continues. The director and producer are Hyderabad- based and most of the film too is being shot there.Maybe I was destined to be born in South India but landed up in Mumbai by mistake....