Bollywood's reigning music sensation, Himesh Reshammiya, has been crooning 'I love you, sayyoni' at every stage show. But few know that the 'sayyoni' of his life is telly actress, Sounia Kapur (numerologically correct, wot?). This may come as a huge surprise to many, as fewer still know about the Himesh-Sounia affair. 
Naam hai tera, tera
Himesh has always kept his marital life under wraps, refusing to talk about his wife and son. The composer-turned-singer-turned-actor has been talking only about his parents lately, especially his music composer father, Bipin Reshammiya.
"I don't deny that I am married," says Reshammiya. "Everyone knows about it. But I don't want to talk about my personal life."
When asked about his relationship with Sounia, he says, "This is just a rumour. Sounia has been a friend for the last eight years. Our families have known each other for a long time, so there is nothing beyond friendship. There is no romantic angle at all. This is not true."
Sounia's reply is also on the same lines. "I am not romantically involved with Himesh. I have known him and his family for years. He is a very good human being and a great friend," says the actress, who is single. "I have acted in several soaps, have you ever heard my name being linked with anyone?"
Aashiq banaya apne 
The actress was a part of Himesh's US tour as anchor earlier this year as well as his recent shows in the UK. Says an onlooker, "They became really close during the US tour, but it was only during the UK shows that the romance was in full bloom. They were always together except during the tour, except during his Wembley concert. The primary reason was the planeload of Indian media who were present."
Currently seen in the SAB show Ishq Ki Ghanti, Sounia has featured in television serials like Sati (SaharaOne), Remix (Star One) and Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai (Sony) as well as on stage in the Hindi play, Yeh Tedha Ghar Yeh Medha Ghar.
Adds the onlooker, "There are very few people who know about Himesh's fondness for Sounia. But Sounia has admitted to people close to her that the singer has promised to marry her next year, after his film Aap Ka Surroor — The Real Love Story releases in June 2007. He has told her that he is ready to separate from his wife, but he does not want to do it at this stage of his career, especially when things are going so well."
Junoon, junoon
When we spoke to Himesh and Sounia yesterday, both were boarding a flight back to Mumbai from London. Though both are in denial mode, our sources confirm that there is definitely more to this 'friendly' bonding.
In fact, Himesh accidentally called us back and we could hear him tell Sounia that we were doing a story about them. All we can say is, there is no smoke without fire. Incidentally, in his earlier days as a TV producer, Himesh has had his fair share of link-ups. But it seems that with Sounia, he has struck the right chord.
The Bhatts turn crorepatis
Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt's next venture, Awarapan, starring Emraan Hashmi and newcomer Shreya Sharan, is an 18-crore film. This is the first time the Bhatts are making such an expensive film. Previously, none of their films have exceeded Rs 5.5, with Anurag Basu's Gangster being their costliest project.
Main malamaal nahin: Emraan Hashmi
Extravaganza
Commenting on the new and expanded budget, Mahesh Bhatt says, "There is always a first time. Awarapan will be shot in Reunion Island, Hong Kong, Macau and Kashmir. Many foreign technicians known for quality work have been roped in. The film will have lots of action and special effects. There is one scene that we will shoot against an active volcano. The script needs a big canvas and have we have never compromised on the script."
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| Time to upgrade: Mahesh Bhatt |
Bhatt denies that the reason for Vishesh Films' new, extravagant budget-outlook has been initiated by Killer's dismal performance and Woh Lamhe's average fate. "Killer was a flop, but Woh Lamhe did well in certain territories like Mumbai, Delhi, Punjab, West Bengal and Bangalore.
We are only taking the business plans of our production house to the next logical phase. We want to break free from traditional markets and explore South East Asia. We are upgrading the profile of our products now," explains the filmmaker.
And where will the money come from? Mahesh says, "We have been around for many years. We have our own funds, but yes, we are scaling up our operations. We are going to have strategic alliances in the form of international players. We will soon announce five films, all of different price tags. Every film cannot be a blockbuster."
No starry treatment
Though Awarapan is being shot on a large scale, Emraan and Shreya are not going to be paid more than what they deserve. "Emraan's fee is an internal matter," Mahesh says candidly, adding, "I am very kicked about Awarapan. It is the story of a man who has been an emotional and spiritual vagabond for too long and wants to change."
Mukesh Bhatt and Mohit Suri, who is directing Awarapan, are currently in Reunion Island scouting for locales. "All those people who said that we make only T&A films and plagiarise them from DVDs will have to take us seriously from now on," Mahesh concludes.
'I don't believe in dating'
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| Calculated risk: Randeep Hooda |
How Risk happened
Vishram (Sawant) and I had decided on this script years ago. But then D and other films happened in between. We always felt that something went amiss in D, so last December we decided to get together and undo the shortcomings. There aren't too many stories to be told these days, so we opted for this script, which is a blend of realism and a larger-than-life experience that a section of the audience desires.
Unfortunately, most of my roles never reflect my real persona. This character is pretty different from the rest. Since I do only one film at a time, I live my character and it gets taxing sometimes. I think I would have made a disciplinarian cop in real life too. I think I have that sense of discipline and attitude in me, which is so akin to a cop's life. My mom even wanted me to become a DSP someday. But then I would scream, 'Spare me!'
I have seen quite a few of these dramas intently. But I made conscious attempts not to draw inspiration or copy a celluloid cop for my role.
I went and interacted with real-life cops from the city and picked up certain characteristics, but not really any specific mannerisms. And yes, Daya Nayak has been of great help in my understanding of the police force.
The musician in me
In my free time, I play and listen to a lot of music. I play the flute and the saxophone and have even trained to play them. However, my favourite instrument is the trumpet. Unfortunately, I've been unable to bring out a pleasant sound from it! I also indulge in horse-riding at least once a week.
I don't know what the future holds. But I have no aversions as far as Ram Gopal Varma's films are concerned. It's all hunky dory. But it may take us 10 days or 10 years to team up for a film.
I'm not in love
I don't believe in the concept of dating. I have always fallen in love. Presently, I'm not in love. As for the people in my life, there're a few friends that I hang around with. I'm learning to be in love with myself as of now.
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