| Om Shanti Om | - Page 10

City boy all set to try luck in Bollywood

Tribune News Service
Ludhiana February 18

A 20-year-old Shrikant Juneja has all the reasons to be happy and cheerful as a leading choreographer and Director Farah Khan has promised him a good role in her next venture Om Shanti Om. He is excited about his big break in the silver screen along with Shah Rukh Khan.

Talking to TNS here today, Shrikant said that he would be leaving for Mumbai within a day or two to be a part of the movie. In the first week of February, Shrikant was invited by Farah Khan to attend the "formal inauguration" of the film in Mumbai.

"It was a wonderful experience like a life-long dream come true. Every one was so encouraging that I never felt for a second that I was a stranger among them", said an enthusiastic Shrikant.

This Ludhiana lad was selected through Pepsi Khol, Milega Role contest after defeating several lakhs of artists from through out the country.

The auditions were taken by Farah Khan and her team in Ludhiana and Delhi about six months back. Besides, he has also won Clinic All Clear Kalakar Award.

Shrikant said that shooting of the movie has been postponed for a month as Shahrukh Khan had already given the dates to "Kaun Banega Crorepati".

"But Farah took me to see all the locations of the film in Mumbai. Shreya Tapade and model Deepika Padhukone are also doing lead roles in the film", he said.

A final year graduate student, Shrikant said that he will also complete his graduation. Once established, Shrikant wants to take his mother to Mumbai as there will be no-one to take care of her and his younger brother in his absence.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070219/ldh1.htm

SRK and Shreyas: Male Bonding?

The event also had a bunch of B-town men and women including Esha Deol, Dia Mirza, Minissha Lamba and Shreyas Talpade grabbing the mike and doing some talking. Of late, SRK and Shreyas have been indulging in some serious male bonding. The duo hit it off really well on the sets of Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om.

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&se ctid=30&contentid=20070222024700875c73045bd

Sneak Preview: Om Shanti Om(OSO)

Producer: Red Chillies Entertainment
Director: Farah Khan
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Shreyas Talpade, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal, and Malaika Arora Khan
Music: Vishal-Shekhar
Lyrics:
By: Samir Dave

Credit must be given to Farah Khan for going with the nostalgia evoking title, "Om Shanti Om" for her second directorial venture. The first thing that comes to mind upon hearing that title is an image of Rishi Kapoor dancing on a giant spinning record trying not to trip on his wide bell bottom pants in Shubhash Ghai's "Karz". That classic tale of reincarnation and a killer in the form of Simi Garewal has been burned into the collective memory of any Indian who grew up during that time.

Going for the built in intrinsic nostalgic value of the title, Farah Khan has chosen a reincarnation theme for her second film. The story centers on an artist who grows up in the seventies (perhaps watching Karz), meets the love of his life and shortly thereafter suffers an untimely demise. He is immediately reincarnated and the story flash-forwards to the present day.
Haunted by the memories of his past life and love, he attempts to not only solve the mystery of his death, but also reunite with the love of his past life.

The movie is apparently "inspired" by the Hollywood movie, "Chances Are" wherein a man is reincarnated and immediately attempts to find the wife from his previous life. The problem is that she is now much older than him and does not believe that he is the reincarnation of the man she once loved.
The music for the film was to have been composed by A.R. Rahman, but he wanted 33 percent of the music rights/profits, so T-Series balked and ended their discussions with him. Instead, the music baton was handed to maestros Vishal-Shekhar (Dus, Honeymoon Private LTD, Bluffmaster). The addition of these two-music directors will be a bonus as it adds to the anticipation of this follow-up project to Main Hoon Na (Farah Khan's directorial debut). One does wonder, why Farah did not go with Anu Malik this time, as his soundtrack to Main Hoon Na was a blockbuster. Still, we are guaranteed a fresh sounding soundtrack with Vishal-Shekhar and hopefully no reincarnated music. The master poet Gulzar will write lyrics.

Special mention must be made that Farah's husband Shirish Kunder (director of Jaan E Mann) will be handling the editing on this movie as he did on Main Hoon Na. Also, apparently Skakira, who is a big fan of SRK and is acquainted with Farah as a choreographer, is in talks to make an appearance.

The movie features Shah Rukh Khan as the lead and introduces supermodel Deepika Padukone as the main love interest. The supporting cast includes Arjun Rampal (Don) and Shreyas Talpade (Iqbal, Dor). Both SRK and Deepika Padukone are getting rave reviews for their performances in the dailies. The actor to watch out for though, is the talented Shreyas Talpade.

One can expect that the movie will be in the same tone as Main Hoon Na, and will be a light hearted romp with excellent music. Only time will tell whether this reincarnated movie will please the movie going audience. With the talent involved, expectations are running high that this movie won't be a reincarnated bomb, but rather a reincarnated hit ala Main Hoon Na.

http://www.planetbollywood.com/displayReview.php?id=02190704 2631

Subhash Ghai and Rishi Kapoor in Om Shanti Om

By IndiaFM News Bureau, February 23, 2007 - 03:23 IST

Farah Khan is busy shooting Om Shanti Om, her second directorial venture after Main Hoon Na starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone in principal roles. Recently Shreyas Talpade and Malaika Arora were added to the cast. And the cast of film is just growing bigger by the day.

Since the time the film was announced, there was a buzz that it is a remake of Subhash Ghai's Karz which starred Rishi Kapoor in lead role. The rumours originated from the fact that the title of the film 'Om Shanti Om' was a chartbuster song picturized on Rishi Kapoor in Subhash Ghai's Karz.

Also both the films are based on the theme of reincarnation. However Farah completely denies the rumours saying, "I am tired of shouting over the rooftops that my film Om Shanti Om is not a remake of Karz. Unless and until I am exhausted mentally and intellectually I will not remake a film. I have stories to tell and I want to do just that."

And now she has got both Rishi Kapoor and Subhash Ghai to feature in her film in cameos. The two have also agreed to do the film. A well placed source also confirms that Rishi Kapoor and Subhash Ghai will be playing themselves in the film. "Om Shanti Om is basically set around the Hindi film industry. So you will see many film personalities making a special appearance in the film playing themselves."

Farah adds, "The first half of Om Shanti Om is set in the 1970's so we have decided to recreate that era through a song". If word is to be believed then the song will possibly be sung by Sadhana Sargam and Abhijeet. And since the film is based on the theme of reincarnation, the second half will show the current Bollywood scenario.

The source also gives a gist of SRK's character in the film saying, "Om Shanti Om starts showing Shah Rukh Khan as a junior artist of the late 70's. His name is Om. Years later he is reborn and is named Om again". This is the second time when Shah Rukh will be featuring in a reincarnation theme film after the blockbuster hit Karan Arjun. And just to set the record straight, 'Om Shanti Om' has no resemblance to that movie either.

Farah confirms that since Om Shanti Om revolves around Bollywood, the film will have cameos by many known names in the industry. And since it shows the Bollywood scene in the 70s as well as today, you might just come across celebrities from both eras making an appearance in the film. In fact, Farah also adds that her husband and filmmaker Shirish Kunder will also be seen in the title credits of the film.

http://indiafm.com/news/2007/02/23/8970/index.html

Print edition of Mumbai Mirror

CAMEO-FLAGED!

Farah Khan has found a creative way to quash speculation about Om Shanti Om being a remake of Karz.She has roped in Rishi Kapoor and Subhash Ghai to play cameos in the film!

RAM KAMAL MUKHERJEE

Director Farah Khan is all geared up to direct Rishi Kapoor and Subhash Ghai for her second directorial debut Om Shanti Om. Since the time Farah has announced her film, there has been speculation that the director is re-making Subhash Ghai's blockbuster Karz. The film has some uncanny resemblance with the plot of Ghai's Karz, but both, Farah Khan and producer-actor Shah Rukh Khan, denied that the film is a re-make of Karz.

Now, Farah has gone a step ahead and signed Rishi Kapoor and Subhash Ghai to play cameos in her film. When contacted, Farah confirmed the news. "I am very excited about the fact that both, Rishi Kapoor and Subhash Ghai, have agreed to be part of my film. Now, if both of them are in my film, then it can't be the re-make of Karz, can it?" she said. The film also stars Shreyas Talpade and Deepika Padukone.

Farah is shooting at Film City and the film will be shot entirely in Mumbai. "My film will have lots of cameos and even my husband Shirish Kunder will appear in the title credits of the film. The story of the film revolves around Bollywood, so one will get to see a lot of actors in it," said Farah.

She, however, director doesn't want to reveal the list of other actors who will play cameos in her film. "It's too early to talk about the film. We have just started shooting it and if I keep talking about it, by the time it releases, people will think it's a stale project," she said.

Farah Khan on the dark horse of 2007

By IndiaFM News Bureau, February 26, 2007 - 08:41 IST

It is a known fact that Farah Khan has cut down on her choreographing assignments after turning director with Main Hoon Na. Currently she is busy in the pre-production of her next film Om Shanti Om. It goes without saying that she will be choreographing the songs in her brother Sajid Khan's film Hey Baby being produced by close friend Sajid Nadiadwala.

But what people don't know is that apart from that film she will also be choreographing for one more film – E. Niwas' My Name is Anthony Gonsalves. My Name is Anthony Gonsalves stars Amrita Rao and introduces a new face – Nikhil Dwivedi.

So how come this film came on her list? Farah explains, "I have known E.Niwas since the time he was assisting Ram Gopal Varma for Mast and when he approached me to choreograph a couple of songs for 'My Name is Anthony Gonsalves', I expressed my reluctance because my own film 'Om Shanti Om' has started. But then he showed me the stills and the test shoot of the new boy Nikhil Dwivedi whom he is introducing in the film. And I was so impressed that I agreed to choreograph a couple of songs just for the boy".

And who's this newcomer Nikhil Dwivedi? Ask her about this debutante actor and she is in all praises for the young man. "He is a promising actor and has shockingly good screen presence. In real life he is like a boy-next-door but you should check him out in print or on the screen. He has a dynamic personality. Amongst all the newcomers who are coming this year there are some very promising ones like Ranbir Kapoor, Sikander Kher and Deepika Padukone (who debuts in Farah's film Om Shanti Om). Nikhil is the dark horse amongst them to watch out for. He'll make his own dent. Also what I like about him is the fact that he is not a star son and is completely from outside the industry with no modeling background either. I think such kind of a discovery is happening after years because unless you are a star son it's almost impossible to get a break. I will be waiting for his film"
With all the potential that Farah is talking about this new lad, seems like Nikhil just might be seen in a future Farah Khan film? Farah doesn't completely deny the possibility. "I will definitely cast him in my future films", says she.

Well Nikhil Dwivedi couldn't have asked for more. He hasn't even finished shooting his first film and he already has well-wishers booking him for future considerations.

http://indiafm.com/news/2007/02/26/8983/index.html

Video: Srk and Deepika to Sizzle together?

Go to the link, and click to either of latest videos, once you open a video there will be a option om shanti om.

http://sify.com/movies/

Sweet equity

Ram Kamal Mukherjee


Shah Rukh

Shreyas Talpade is excited to share screen time with Shah Rukh Khan in Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om. Incidentally, he has bonded well with SRK.
Shah Rukh, who is famous for his hospitality, made sure that every actor was well-cared for while working on the film. "On the first day of the shoot, Shah Rukh asked me what I would like to eat for lunch. I told him that I am very fond of gulab jamuns. From the next day onwards, Shah Rukh made it a point to ensure that gulab jamuns were available during lunch," says Shreyas.

However, Shah Rukh was reasonably shocked to see Shreyas eating gulab jamun in, what he considered, a 'peculiar' way. Shreyas explains, "I dip hot gulab jamuns in fresh dahi and then mix it well before having it. During the lunch break we all would sit together and have lunch.


Shreyas Talpade

"When Shah Rukh and Farah noticed that I dip gulab jamun in dahi, they were taken aback. Shah Rukh pulled a face and declared, 'Gulab jamun ki toh waat laga dali' (The gulab jamuns are ruined). Although I asked them to try having dahi and gulab jamun together, Shah Rukh and Farah refused to experiment."

Shah Rukh and Farah also threw a surprise birthday party for Shreyas. While I was giving my shot, Farah and Shah Rukh had decorated my room with balloons and flowers. They gave me a massive greeting card which was signed by all the unit members," recalls Shreyas.

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&se ctid=30&contentid=20070224025426687f1e6d24f

Shah Rukh Khan's sweet little gestures!

26th Feb 2007 22.07 IST
By Aparajita Ghosh

Shah Rukh Khan is known to be very considerate towards his co-stars in films.

It is not an uncommon knowledge that SRK often gives gifts, writes thank-you notes or throws parties to express his hospitality towards his co-stars and even crewmembers.

And when he takes on the role of a producer, it goes without saying that those working with SRK will surely get a taste of his hospitality.

Shreyas Talpade and Malaika Arora are among those who have recently been touched by SRK's compassion. The two are working in Farah Khan's next film Om Shanti Om , produced by SRK's Red Chillies Entertainment.

It is learnt that on the very first day of shooting, SRK asked Shreyas what he liked to each for lunch. Shreyas told him that he was very fond of Gulab Jamuns. Then what, from the next day onward, Shreyas's lunch invariably contained Gulab Jamuns.

However, Shreyas has a very absurd way of eating Gulab Jamuns. He dips them in dahi (curd) before eating them. When SRK saw Shreyas eating Gulab Jamuns this way, he said: "Gulab Jamun ki to waat laga di".

And then on Shreya's birthday, SRK and Farah Khan gave him a surprise gift. They gifted him a huge card that was signed by everyone in the shooting unit.

'Om Shanti Om' also has Malaika Arora playing a small role as a superwoman who dresses in a red gown and hops over the rooftops.

After Malaika completed the shooting of her scenes in the film she received a gift hamper from SRK and Farah. The hamper contained flowers, greeting cards, a Tag Heuer watch and a cell phone.

Malaika says the hamper contained exactly the things she needed.

"It is these sweet little gestures and personal touches by Red Chillies Entertainment that makes it so much fun to work with them," says Malaika.

'Om Shanti Om' is a love story set in Bollywood. The film's first half will be set in 1970s. Art designer Sabu Cyril has created the film's sets.

The film also stars Deepika Padukone (opposite SRK), Kiron Kher and Arjun Rampal . Farah is roping in several Bollywood celebrities to make cameo appearances in the movie. They include Rishi Kapoor , Subhash Ghai and Farah's husband Shirish Kunder.

http://apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20070226-3.html

It doesn't pay to be SRK's friend!

By: Upala KBR
Photographer: A hitList Correspondent
February 26, 2007


Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan's childhood buddies — Vishal Kushlani and N Raman — will be seen in his next home production, Om Shanti Om (OSO), directed by Farah Khan.

Both wannabe actors (ok, not really) are based in Delhi: while Vishal owns Bootil Oil Tools India Pvt Ltd, Raman is senior commander and operations manager of a leading airlines company in India.

Talking about his second brush with the silver screen, Vishal says, "We acted in Main Hoon Naa too, but it was just a one-scene thing.

This time, Farah called and said she had proper roles and would require four days from us. Of course, we immediately said yes. We shot with everybody, from Shah Rukh to Arjun Rampal and Shreyas Talpade to Satish Shah.

It's a picnic shooting with Shah Rukh and Farah. Raman plays an actor from the '70s, while I play an assistant director in his film. OSO is going to be a complete laugh riot."

Gang reunion


Chaddi Buddies: Vishal Kushlani

Talking about their association with King Khan the friends say it has been "a long and beautiful one." Adds Raman, "We've known each other for more than 30 years.

We were known as the C-gang in St Columbus School (Delhi); we weren't naughty, but very cool. There were five of us and we did everything together — Shah Rukh, Vishal, Vikas Mathur (currently in London), Ashok Vasan (now lives in Bangalore) and me."

The five friends make it a point to meet at least once every year. "Usually, Shah Rukh comes to Delhi for Christmas or New Year's and we all go for dinner or have a small party.

This year, Gauri and Shah Rukh had a New Year's party at Mannat and Gauri called us over," says Raman.

Both friends categorically deny any changes in Shah Rukh in the three decades that they've known him. Says Raman, "If there's any thing that has changed, it's that Shah Rukh has at least 500 fans waiting outside his home today. We are still not used to that and the fact that he is an extremely busy man! Otherwise, he's just the same."

No money issues


Chaddi Buddies: N Raman

What has kept the friends connected over the years is the 'all for one, and one for all' motto. Says Vishal, "Rifts happen when money, success and power come in the way, but we have always been supportive of each other's growth. We are there for each other at every step of the way."

Watching Shah Rukh on KBC is a must. Says Vishal, "Comparisons between him and Mr (Amitabh) Bachchan are ridiculous. Shah Rukh is doing a great job."

Adds Raman, "He brings a distinct energy and vivacious-ness to the show."

The camaraderie and affection that the friends share is obvious. Says Raman laughing, "Please write that Shah Rukh hasn't given us a single penny for acting in his films. We're upset about that!"

Paying a price!

Director Farah Khan has a rejoinder to that. She says, "They should pay me after acting in my films. When I signed Vishal and Raman on, I told them that they would have to pay a price for acting in Om Shanti Om. They still haven't paid me!"

On a more serious note, she adds, "Both Vishal and Raman are good actors and are my lucky mascots. The last time around, they had walk-on scenes in Main Hoon Naa.

This time, when I called them for a role they refused to do cameos! They insisted that I give them proper roles. Imagine that! But it was great fun shooting with them. They were very excited.

Yesterday we shot with Rishi Kapoor, Subhash Ghai and Karan (Johar) in Film City."

Adds Karan, "Farah asked me to do this role, so I arrived in a black suit. I play myself in OSO. I'm hosting the Filmfare Awards, while Rishi Kapoor and Subhash Ghai are presenting Shah Rukh with an award. Farah's film promises to be another super entertainer."

So it looks like the acting bug has seriously bitten the prolific director. "I'm not quitting cameo roles any time soon. In fact, one day I will do a full-fledged role in a film," he jokes.
Amen to that!

http://www.mid-day.com/hitlist/2007/february/152537.htm