I want to work with Aamir Khan again: Darsheel Safary

New Delhi, May 2 (IANS) Child actor Darsheel Safary, who teamed up with Aamir Khan in 'Taare Zameen Par', says he wants to work with his mentor again.

'I'm really looking forward to work with Aamir Khan again. I have been appreciated for my work so much and that is all because of Aamir sir,' Darsheel, who will be seen in 'Bumm Bumm Bole', told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Directed by Priyadarshan, 'Bumm Bumm Bole' is a remake of Iranian film 'Children of Heaven'.

'Me and my family have been in constant touch with him (Aamir). Moreover, before starting my shooting for 'Bumm Bumm Bole' I took blessings from him, after all he is my guru,' said Darsheel.

Talking about 'Bumm Bumm Bole', he said: 'The film was very fast and very quick. Priyadarshan sir used to explain everything very fast and the sets were all ready.'

Releasing May 14, 'Bumm Bumm Bole' is a poignant story of two siblings, their dilemmas and how they fight their way to overcome these.

The 14-year-old will also be seen in Walt Disney's 'Zokkomon' as a superhero. Debutant Satyajit Bhatkal has directed the film.

Aamir's father Tahir Hussain passes away

Aamir Khan's father -- filmmaker-writer Tahir Hussain -- passed away this morning following a cardiac arrest at Aamir's Bandra residence, in the suburban area of Mumbai.

'He had a massive heart attack. Aamir and Kiran, who are in Los Angeles, are flying back. The funeral is likely to be held tomorrow evening,' sources said.

Tahir is best known as the producer of blockbusters like Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Zakhmee (1975), Anamika (1973) and Caravan (1973). He had also directed Aamir and Juhi Chawla in his only directorial outing, Tum Mere Ho in 1990.

Not many know that he had acted in a couple of films like Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai, and Pyar Ka Mausam.

Tahir Hussain started his film career in 1957 as an assistant director to his brother Nasir in films like Tumsa Nahin Dekha and Dil Deke Dekho.

He is survived by his wife Zeenat, sons Aamir and Faisal and daughters Farhat and Nikhat.

Aamir, who is in the US with wife Kiran Rao to attend the Sundance Film Festival where his film Peepli Live was premiered, is expected to arrive by tomorrow.

Aamir & John in Anurag Kashyap's Next

After Anurag Kashyap's breakout film Dev.D wowed both critics and audiences last year speculation has run rampant for his next big project, Bombay Velvet. At one point rumors were flying fast and furious that Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan would finally come together onscreen to be a part of the period drama. Well, King Khan might be busy with other projects but the final lineup of Bombay Velvet is a combination of star power and talent. Aamir Khan and John Abraham had been confirmed already and joining them as the third lead is Nawazuddin.

Named in the Times of India as one of the best performers of the year for his performance in New York, Nawazuddin will be playing serial killer Raman Raghav, who bludgeoned many people to death in the summer of 1968. After he was arrested, Raghav was found to be schizophrenic. Nawazuddin will certainly have a challenge in what could be his breakout role. Besides New York, Nawazuddin can also be seen in Dev.D as one of the men singing 'Emotional Attachyar' and will be in the Aamir Khan produced Peepli Live.

John Abraham has previously worked with Anurag Kashyap on the cult film No Smoking. This will Aamir Khan's first time working with the director.

3 Idiots becomes highest-grossing Indian film in North America

CommentFuelled by the kind of repeat business hardly seen for an Indian film, Rajkumar Hirani's [ Images ] 3 Idiots became the highest grossing Indian language film in North America, beating Deepa Mehta's Water by about 10 percent.

Defying the usual 50-60 percent second weekend attrition for Indian films, the juggernaut of a movie came down by a miniscule nine percent. It grossed $1.4 million over the weekend, taking its 12 day total to $4.7 million in North America on January 3.

Its distributor Reliance [ Get Quote ] Big Pictures says the film had many houseful shows over the weekend. It was at the number 12 spot on the box office chart, at the same position it held last week. The chart was led by Avatar which grossed a mighty $68 million.

The theatre count for 3 Idiots went up by 13 to 132. The film became an event, hurting badly the over eager counterfeit DVD manufacturers.

With schools and colleges opening this week, the weekday collections are bound to come down for all movies across America Even if 3 Idiots comes down by 50 percent in the subsequent weeks, it could end its run with a formidable with $6 million. But trade pundits say they will not be surprised if it reaches $7 million.

Add to it another $6 million expected from the United Kingdom, the Middle East and in Asian territories such as Hong Kong, you have the highest grossing Indian film of all times in the international markets.

Coming in the wake of the so-so run for the big budget Kurbaan [ Images ] (about $850,000 in North America) and the total washout performances of London Dreams [ Images ] and Paa, the booming business of 3 Idiots have given a boost to the morale of exhibitors who show Hindi language films. Even though the film was mostly released in the theatres owned by Reliance, its success itself has ended the theory that the overseas market is drying up fast because of recession.

Several exhibitors believe that if a large number of Hindi language movies haven't done well in the overseas markets in the past two years it is primarily because they are not able to connect with the audiences. "There is no recession for Hollywood movies," said one theatre owner. "Why should there be one for Indian films?"

Exhibitors will not openly say it because they don't want to upset Indian film makers but anonymously they complain that while technologically the Hindi movies have improved a lot, they are still obsessed with running its stars around the trees and making amorous declarations.

"We do not know if Kurbaan has to be taken as a love story or a drama about terrorism," said one exhibitor. "3 Idiots is refreshingly different from the standard Bollywood (fare). It never insulted the audience's intelligence, even if Aamir Khan [ Images ] plays a college student."

Arthur J Pais in New York

Aamir is a very powerful man: Chetan Bhagat

Aamir Khan is a "very powerful person" but the truth has to prevail, says author Chetan Bhagat, asking people to compare for themselves his book 'Five Point Someone' and the film '3 Idiots'.

"I'm just telling people to see the film and read my book. I know Aamir is a very powerful person. But finally the truth has to prevail, no? I'm no great artist. But there has to be fair play," Bhagat told us.

Declaring that the film is based on his bestseller, Bhagat has objected to not being given prominence in the credits. Producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra, director Rajkumar Hirani as well as Aamir Khan have accused him of lying and trying to gain media attention.

"I'm being accused of trying to get mileage. Ten lakh copies of the book have been sold. The book has been read by one crore readers. Wouldn't they know the truth?"

"The makers of '3 Idiots' are busy with their victory tours all over the country. Sorry I spoilt their celebrations. The truth had to be told," he said.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: You must be very upset by the latest proceedings?

A: You're a writer. You should know how it feels to have credit taken away from you. And it's not something only I'm saying. The book is there. The film is there. They've tried to take away from my contribution. My name is at the very end of the credit titles after the junior artists and still photographers. From the time they started making the film, they've been stressing that their product is different. It's like a systematic effort (to underplay my contribution). If you read the book and see the film, you'll see the similarities.

Q: So would you say '3 Idiots' is an adaptation of your novel?

A: '3 Idiots' is a total adaptation of my book. Some things are direct lifts, others indirect adaptations.

Q: Aamir thinks you are trying to take away credit from the film's writer Abhijat Joshi?

A: I heard his comments. But then he says he hasn't read the book. There's no denying Abhijat has done the screenplay. What Abhijat has done with my book can only be known if you've read it. If Aamir is so concerned about Abhijat not getting the publicity, he should let Abhijat talk. I very much respect Aamir. He's the reason I thought the project would have a lot of integrity. I know for a fact he was told not to read my book because they told him it'd affect his understanding of his story. I was told it was a different script.

3 Idiots smashes records overseas

CommentA group of desi college students lined up at a theatre in New York on December 25 to watch their second film of the day, Avatar. But they just could not stop talking about the film they had just seen, Aamir Khan's 3 Idiots.

One of the women in the group commented, '3 Idiots is going to be our Avatar.'

And she may be right.

3 Idiots has shattered many records, and has grossed $ 21 million in four days across the globe. The film made about $2.1 million in North America and about $800,000 in the UK in five days. It could have reached the $1 million mark in UK if the theatres weren't closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas.

The film stood at the number 12th spot on the American box office charts and number four in UK. The charts were led by Avatar's $ 75 million.

North American and UK grosses often help a breakeven film in India become an overall hit, and help films like Shah Rukh Khan's Paheli recoup the investment (Paheli was a flop in India but grossed a healthy $4 million abroad).

There is no entertainment tax in America and Canada as there is in India, and so producers can get about 60 percent of the box office gross, unlike in India where they get about 45 percent -- unless the government gives the film a tax break.

Director Rajkumar Hirani's 3 Idiots -- starring Aamir Khan, R Madhavan ,Sharman Joshi and Kareena Kapoor [ -- was expected to become a big hit. But who would have thought that it would have the biggest opening for a Hindi film in India (beating Ghajini's record by about 20 percent)? And that it would have an awesome opening in North America?

3 Idiots made $1.6 million during the Christmas weekend and beat the jaw-dropping weekend openings of two films, Love Aaj Kal ($1.24 million, in August) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham ($1.1 million, 2001). Of course, tickets were about 20 percent less in 2001 than the average $8 ticket today.

'I want everyone to watch my film'

Aamir Khan employs a different marketing strategy for each of his films, and they never fail to work.

To promote this Friday's release 3 Idiots, Aamir 'disappeared' for a couple of days and traveled all over India in various disguises.

Three days before the film's release, Aamir made his appearance again, and spoke at length about his memorable experiences and India tour. Patcy N took notes:

Whose idea was this 'disappearing act'?

Mine. But it was implemented by many people. They had a code name for me called Phantom and the operation was called Operation Spiderman. We started preparing for it four months in advance.

How was your journey?

It was very exciting. I had an amazing experience in every state -- from Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. I met many people and learnt about their problems, aspirations and day-to-day issues.

This game had different layers. Firstly, it was a marketing strategy for 3 Idiots, as it is connected to the story. In the film, my character Rancho disappears and his friends have to search for him. So we thought we should market the film in such a way that I go missing and my audience goes searching for me. Wherever I went, I made friends and gifted them gold rings. I have invited them to the premiere of 3 Idiots.

Secondly, it was only a marketing strategy. I wanted to connect with common people. Usually, when I visit the different parts of India, people know me and treat me like an actor. But here, nobody recognised me. People treated me like a common man and that was a new experience for me.

The third layer of this trip was that I wanted to throw light on certain issues in the country. I went to Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, a place where weavers live. Two years ago, I heard it was a dying profession and that they were running into losses. I wanted to highlight their problems and request people to wear hand-woven clothes as much as possible.

Likewise, I wanted to highlight the problem of education. So I went to Gujarat where the education system is good. There is free education in small schools up to Standard Seven.

How much of this will help the film?

I don't know that. But I liked the idea and its various layers.


Image: Aamir Khan
Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar

'I miss my Ghajini body'

Aamir Khan looks good with Kareena Kapoor; the new promos of 3 Idiots' song Zoobie Doobie prove that. And when the actors promoted the number at a press meet, they looked very comfortable with each other.

Aamir tells Patcy N what to expect from the song, and the Rajkumar Hirani film. Read on.

You have crossed 40. But you're still playing a college student.

When this film was offered to me, I had told Raju (Rajkumar Hirani) and Vinod (Vidhu Vinod Chopra, producer) that they were taking a dangerous decision; that I won't be able to play a college student. But Raju told me that the character Rancho was like me. We argued a lot on this. But I had liked the story. Plus, Raju and I wanted to work with each other.

Two days before the shoot started in Bangalore, I even called Raju and Vinod and told them that they could change their decision. But they didn't want to.

Raju told me that when I did Sarfarosh, nobody thought I could pull off the role of an ACP (Assistant Commissioner of Police), or that I could play a tapori in Rangeela. Nobody thought I could play a villager in Lagaan or have a physique like that in Ghajini. So he said that I had taken up these challenges in the past, and should take up another challenge. Plus, I had already worked on my body to look younger and leaner.

It's a challenge for an actor to do different kinds of characters like playing an 80 year old man or a woman. So I have taken up the challenge now and will wait for the audience reaction.


Image: Kareena Kapoor and Aamir Khan in Zoobie Doobie song from 3 Idiots

Here is what to expect from Aamir's 3 Idiots

The 3 Idiots theatrical trailer kicks off with the rat race in full swing -- R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and Aamir Khan all pop up talking about how life's a constant race, right from birth. Sharman says he was born at 5.15, and Madhavan chimes in that at 5.16 his dad proclaimed that his son would be an engineer. Cut to an engineering college admit card and Khan saying nobody ever asked what the boys themselves wanted to be.


Image: The 3 Idiots poster

Bollywood actors walk ramp for charity in Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 14 (ANI): Bollywood actors lent their support to a social cause as they walked the ramp to raise funds for a charity.

The 'Being Human' show at the HDIL India Couture Week in Mumbai, saw Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif, Saif Ali Khan, Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, Govinda, and many others make an appearance at the ramp, to raise funds for the charity 'Being Human' run by actor Salman Khan.

Eight designers, including Gavin Miguel, Shane and Falguni Peacock, Rocky S, Rohit Gandhi and Kunal Rawal designed the collection for this special show.

The show also had children who were present at the ramp during the entire show.

"Being paid is also good. And doing this kind of stuff is even better," said Salman.

The actors said they felt good to be associated with a noble cause.

Priyanka wants to work with Aamir, Saif

After working with Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh and Salman, actress Priyanka Chopra now aspires to share the screen with other Khans-- Aamir and Saif.

"I have worked with many actors in industry but I never had the chance to star opposite Saif, Aamir and Ajay Devgan so I would love to share screen space with theses actors in my future films," Priyanka, who is here to participate in Global Film Festival 2009, told reporters.

The actress who is known for portraying challenging roles in films like 'Fashion', Kaminey and What's Your Rashee? also stated that she has no plans to promote any particular candidate in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.

"I am a great admirer of some of the leaders in the country but I don't want to get involved with politics at this point of my career," the actress said.

When asked whether the actress was planning to marry in near future Priyanka denied saying, "I have no marriage plans as of now, as I am concentrating on my acting career."

Priyanka, who has made brief appearances on reality TV shows in the past, said that she likes to watch such programmes in free time but when asked whether she would like to participate in any of them, she answered in negative.

When asked if she would like to buy a cricket team for the IPL like Shah Rukh Khan and Preeti Zinta, she said that she does not have the money to do so.

Aamir Khan to play AIDS victim in film with Amitabh Bachchan

Filmmaker Priyadarshan, whose film social drama `Kanchivaram` won a National Award, has roped in none other than Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan for his next “realistic” project, a film on AIDS.

The director revealed that Aamir has said yes to the film which deals with the disease and the social stigma attached to it.

“My next film is a meaningful and realistic take on AIDS. I have narrated the story to Aamir and he really liked it, though I have not presented him a bound script yet,” Priyadarshan told reporters at the sidelines of Delhi International Art Festival.

This will be the first time that the filmmaker will be working with Aamir but when asked about the one actor he wishes to work with, Priyadarshan did not wait before replying, “Big B”.

“I have worked with Mr Bachchan on advertisements but I want to shoot a feature film with him. It would be a great experience,” said the filmmaker.

AIDS is still a taboo topic in Bollywood though South Indian filmmaker Revathy and Onir had explored the subject in their films `Phir Milenge` and `My Brother Nikhil`. While `Phir Milenge` had a star studded cast including Salman Khan, Shilpa Shetty and Abhishek Bachchan, `My Brother Nikhil` starred Sanjay Suri, Juhi Chawla and Purab Kohli.

Priyadarshan who has directed superhit comedies like `Hera Pheri` and `Malamaal Weekly` said that the National Award, his first ever, has inspired him to take risks with off-beat cinema.

“I finally got an award after 25 years in the industry and it is a great recognition. All those who thought that I could do nothing more than comedies and remakes have been proved wrong and you will see many more realistic films from my side,” said Priyadarshan.

The filmmaker is currently shooting for a yet-untitled film starring Ajay Devgan and Akshaye Khanna in Tamil Nadu, while Aamir Khan is working on his film `Three Idiots` where he stars alongside Kareena Kapoor and R Madhavan.`

Zee

Aamir Khan and Kareena sizzle in rain for ‘3 Idiots’!

Spicezee Bureau Xboard

Mumbai: Come December and you’ll get to see Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor paired opposite each other for the first time in Raju Hirani’s ‘3 Idiots.’

With the movie in its final stages of completion, Aamir and Kareena were recently spotted cavorting in the rains for as long as three days in Film City. Both the stars have been drenching in simulated rain for a love song for the past three days.

Talking to a news paper, a close source from the film set said, "This is the final song which is being shot on the lead pair. Aamir and Bebo both have to be under water and as they are practically sitting in wet clothes for the whole day, they are taking adequate measures not to fall sick. This is the last shooting stint for the film, after which the film will be termed complete and move towards post production."

Based on Chetan Bhagat’s famous novel ‘Five Point Someone’ and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, ‘3 Idiots’ will hit the theaters during this Christmas. Apart from Aamir and Kareena, ‘3 Idiots’ also stars Sharman Joshi and R Madhavan.

Aamir wants to know 'pal' Salman's Wanted collections

It is learnt that Aamir Khan is keeping a close tab on his buddy Salman Khan’s film Wanted’s box office collections.

The film has opened to bumper collections all over India in the single screens and the multiplexes collections, if not as big, has been rising steadily as well. Aamir’s Ghajini was the last Bollywood film to break big in the single screens and amass huge collections.

The trade has been claiming Wanted has over taken Ghajini at many centers and this has intrigued the perfectionist Aamir more. Though most of the critics have lashed the film out, Wanted has been conquering the box office even in its second week.

Incidentally, Aamir was invited personally by Salman to have a dekko of his Wanted, days before its release.

However, with Aamir being busy with his 3 Idiots it was not possible for him. But he seems to have finally watched the film on last weekend and loved Salman’s act in it.

Aamir to play 'Hanuman'

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan might play the much revered monkey god, Hanuman, along side actor Keanu Reeves who is set to play Ram in the Hollywood version of the Hindu epic Ramayana.

Aamir Khan has a reason to smile

Aamir Khan could not allocate dates for the Fox Studios’ Quick Gun Muruguan, but that did not deter the producers from calling him to have a peek at the movie and give his opinion.

Apparently, Aamir was happy over the way the film has shaped up and was seen wearing a smile while watching it.

Our sources also say that Aamir had requested the producers to arrange a meeting with the film’s lead star Tollywood actor Rajendra Prasad.

It is worth a mention here that Rambha stages a comeback with Quick Gun Muruguan.

Imran Khan - DELHI BELLY not my cup of tea!

While on one hand Bollywood heartthrob Imran Khan is highly excited working in his uncle Aamir Khan's home production DELHI BELLY, on other side it seems he is not really enjoying the kind of character he's playing in the film.
Well we hear Imran plays a yellow journo in DELHI BELLY, whose job is to write about the scandals and report any hearsay about the celebrities and socialites. Apparently in real life, Imran hates rumours and gossip and prefers to stay away from it. Infact he's among the one who doesn't like his personal life to be disclosed and become a public talk. And that's the reason Imran is finding a bit tough and apprehensive enacting the role of a gossip reporter, which is absolutely contrasting to his off-screen persona. He is also worried whether he'll be able to give enough justice to his character.
We very well understand Imran's current state of mind, but we are more than confident about the fact that when mamu Aamir Khan is at the helm of affairs Imran can put all the worries to rest. As we all have seen the results when the duo worked together for JAANE TU YA JAANE NA

Bollywood Khans react to SRK's ordeal

After Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan was detained at Newark airport for a security check, many others like Zayed Khan and Irrfan Khan have come out with the ordeals they faced in the US because of their last names. Click on, to know what they have to say...

Want a six-pack? Just exercise regularly

Many youngsters dream of a sculpted body, especially after watching Bollywood’s romance icon Shah Rukh Khan flaunt six-pack-abs in 'Om Shanti Om' and versatile actor Aamir Khan in 'Ghajini'. But experts have a word of advice -- exercise regularly and avoid steroids to maintain the look.

"To get six-pack abs is easy but to maintain a chiselled body is the most difficult task. As always, achieving anything is easy but maintaining that is difficult," Bollywood actor-producer Suniel Shetty told us.

"I see a mad rush of people who want to get six-pack abs, but the bottom line is that one should aim to be fit. If you are fit, then you live a healthy life, your confidence level doubles and you feel younger," said the 47-year-old actor.

Suniel, who made his debut with 'Balwaan' in 1992, has a well-toned body and makes it a point to hit the gym every day.

"There are days when I don't feel like working out. But I still go to gym and once I am there, I just can't sit and start gymming. This happens with everyone, but one should not skip the gym," he added.

Among the stars, it was Salman Khan who first got a chiselled body and often flaunted it on screen. Then Shah Rukh got six-pack-abs for 'Om Shanti Om' and Aamir too jumped on to the bandwagon and revealed his well-toned body in 'Ghajini'.

Recently John Abraham further popularised the trend by stripping down to his boxers to flaunt his sculpted body in 'Dostana' without any guilt.

Supermodel-turned-actor Milind Soman, who sports a lean look, says it's not necessary to work out in gyms to have a fit body.

"I'm not a gym person, but I eat well and go for long jogs and that works for me," said Soman, who is also a marathon runner and owns gym-cum-fitness centre Breathe.

"Always do something that you enjoy. To achieve fitness one need not hit the gym. One can always opt for any sport, yoga, jog, swimming and much more. The idea is to do something that not only burns calories but relieves stress as well," said Soman.

Fitness instructor Aamit, who owns Fx Zone gym in Noida, said: "Every day I get queries from young boys about how to achieve six-pack abs and my only answer is that it takes dedication to get them first and after that loads of maintenance in terms of diet and regular exercise to retain it.

"If you stop exercising, within a few days you will lose what you have achieved after working so hard."

Suniel, who is known as a fitness freak among his friends, says that other than regular exercise, people should also concentrate on their diet.

"For me it's breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper. I don't avoid any food and I eat as much as I like without stuffing myself. Everyone should follow this rule.

"You don't have to shun junk food completely as one can always cheat on his diet on a weekend. Body too needs change and small good habits help one in the long run."

He also advises people to stay away from steroids because he feels they could have a bad effect.

"One should always stay away from steroids because they don't do any good to your body. To achieve a sculpted body, one has to live a disciplined lifestyle that includes eating right meals, proper sleep and cutting down on carbohydrates and sweets," he said.

I'm playing lead role in 'Dhobi Ghaat': Aamir Khan

Bollywood star Aamir Khan, who is on a high after sharing the stage with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, has confirmed that he plays a full-fledged part in his wife Kiran Rao's directorial debut "Dhobi Ghaat".

"The cat is finally out of the bag. I'm playing one of the leads in Kiran's film 'Dhobi Ghaat'," Aamir posted on his blog.

The confirmation came after certain sections of the media began speculating over the length of his role in the film. Earlier it was reported that Aamir is just doing a cameo.

Aamir says the details about his role were kept secret because his wife didn't want to attract unnecessary attention to her film.

"The reason we kept this under wraps is that she didn't want to attract much attention to her film. She wanted to make this film on real locations with a tiny crew, very guerrilla style. So we had to do it very quietly. And for once we managed to keep a secret from the media, at least until we finished the shoot," he wrote.

The 44-year-old actor has also disclosed that the shooting of his much-awaited "3 Idiots" has come to an end. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film is based on Chetan Bhagat's bestseller "Five Point Someone".

"The principal photography on '3 Idiots' is complete. We have one song left which Raju wants to shoot in September. Yesterday, he began work on the post (production). Good god, I'm getting butterflies in my stomach already," wrote Aamir.

Aamir also wrote about his meeting with Clinton, with whom he participated in an education initiative at St. Xaviers' College here last week.

"It was a real pleasure to meet with her (Hillary Clinton). I found Clinton to be an extremely warm and charming person. And she has such sharp and clear thoughts, and expresses herself so well. It was quite a privilege to meet with her," he wrote.