Asin: Too early to talk about SRK project!

One of the most promising actress to have made a mark with her very first film, Asin, is the new flavour of the season as the hype for her second film, LONDON DREAMS (which she prefers to call her first real Hindi film), gets bigger and better with each passing day. And the media too is having a field day as Asin is going all out to promote her film and is handling it very well, a trait which she seems to have learnt from her GHAJINI co-star, Aamir Khan.
Despite this there are speculations in the press and media about Asin's next few projects and since she has already worked with the two Khans, Aamir and Salman, so naturally rumours are rife of a possible third one with Bollywood's global super star, Shahrukh Khan. Well, the intelligent actress answered the question while talking to a fellow print media journalist.

As per Asin, right now all her focus is on her 19th film (including regional), LONDON DREAMS, and as far working with Shahrukh Khan is concerned, she feels it is too early to talk about it and she prefers neither to deny nor confirm it.

Right Asin, we will also prefer to hear it from you directly, rather than from dubious sources!

Salman and Ajay opt for 25 percent pay cut

When Vipul Shah took over London Dreams from Raj Kumar Santoshi at the request of Salman Khan, the film was hot property because these two actors were coming together after a gap of 10 years. It can be recalled that they were last seen in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.


Reportedly, Vipul had an offer of Rs 120 crore from a film corporation for the worldwide rights even before he had finished shooting. However, the deal fell through because a few days after Vipul had negotiated this deal, the global economy turned shaky.

It is said that Vipul was to get a director's fee that was to the tune of Rs 10 crore plus. Both his leading men Ajay Devgan and Salman Khan were also to get big money.

Two Khans down, two more left – Asin

Asin Thottumkal will return to the movies in Vipul Shah’s London Dreams exactly 10 months after her blockbuster Ghajini hit theatres in December 2008. She is elated with her new avatar as a ‘rock-chic’ romancing both Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn on screen. Asin is also ecstatic about her commercial with India’s hot-shot cricket captain M S Dhoni. “Let’s not call it the Dhoni influence, but I’ll describe my career so far in cricket lingo,” she says. “I started my innings with Aamir Khan and I continued my good spell with Salman. That is two Khans down, two to go (Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan).”

About her interaction with Dhoni, she says, “Mahi was friendly and fun while working.”

What she’s amused by these days is waking up to new rumours each morning. Says Asin, “I share a fabulous working relationship with Salman and Ajay. There is nothing more. But I don’t know how to react to fresh reports each day that say I’m dating Salman. Honestly, Salman and my equation has been the same from day one. We are friends and will hopefully continue to remain so.”

While she sincerely hopes that the news of her extra-special relationship with Salman dies a natural death, she also has her fingers crossed about bagging films with the uber cool Ranbir Kapoor and the light-eyed Imran Khan, who she describes as “heroes closer to my age.”

London Dreams is all about the boys

First up, a few observations about Shankar Ehsaan Loy's London Dreams.

There is not a single track by a female vocalist (apart from the backing vocals in the remixes), making it a significant album in Bollywood history. Secondly, after Shreya Ghoshal's [ Images ] superb turn in Blue, here's another rediscovery of Roop Kumar Rathod who literally sings his heart out. And finally lyricist Prasoon Joshi [ Images ] is back with his 'happiness in your pocket' kind of imagery.

Let's begin with one of the most high-octane tracks in the album.

When a hard-core rocker and a seasoned ghazal singer come together, you can expect some smoke on the water and fire in the skies. And that is what happens in Barson Yaaron. Vishal Dadlani [ Images ] and Roop Kumar Rathod go full throttle in their unique ways in this rock-to-raga song that will drench you with its energy.

Listen to Rathod soar in the chorus and you'll know he has not sounded as good in a while. Blending dhol- driven Indian sounds with heavy duty guitar licks and drums, this fusion track ends with an inspiring Hanuman [ Images ] Chalisa (Rathod again) at the end. The exuberance is absolutely infectious.

Up next is a fun song with old-school Hindi lyrics Man ko ati bhavey (Shankar Mahadevan [ Images ]). It is kitsch, energetic and has a certain street-smart feel to it, making it the kind of number the average Indian male would spontaneously shake a leg to. The mischievous Hai Re Hai Re chorus adding that extra spark to this track.

Tapkey Masti sees Bhangra going metal, almost, with a string and horn section in between making it a rather unusual number. Sung by Bhangra singer Feroz Khan [ Images ], and very Praoon-ish lyrics that go 'Zeb mein tu bharle mastiyaan', Tapkey Masti makes for a very danceable track. And reappears as a remix version later.

Another zesty track pops up next. Khanabadosh (Mohan) is a sexy, hip composition with a catchy pace and very 80s' guitar parts. This kind of draws the listener and engages him in an interesting conversation.

First Look: 'London Dreams'

'London Dreams' stars Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan and Asin.

Vipul Shah's 'London Dreams' is the story of a rock band with Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan essaying roles of rock stars. Asin plays Salman Khan's love interest.

Says Asin on shooting near Eiffel Tower: "We were shooting a song in Paris near the De Luvre Museum. A wacky song, which goes "Man ko adhik bhave saiyyas, dil taa thaiyaa, haaye re", has Salman wooing me and at the end of the song he proposes to me. It was freezing in the nights with chilly winds. But the song is so funny, it was great shooting for it."

'London Dreams' will be the first ever film to feature a blue-colored Eiffel Tower. France had marked the start of its six-month presidency of the European Union by lighting up the Eiffel Tower in blue with yellow stars in spirit with the EU flag.

The movie will release on August 14, 2009.