'People shouldn't remember me for my link-ups'

You've got to admire Deepika Padukone's poise.

The young actress manages to maintain a dignified air despite questions about her break-up with Ranbir Kapoor.

It helps too that she has films to keep her busy. After romancing Saif Ali Khan in Love Aaj Kal last year, the leggy actress is concentrating on her upcoming movie Karthik Calling Karthik opposite Farhan Akhtar. The film releases on February 26.

Syed Firdaus Ashraf caught up with Deepika for more.

Your rocking chemistry with Farhan in the promos has become the talk of the town.

Certain people can hit it off instantly. Either you have it or you don't. I never gave much thought to the whole thing. When Farhan and I were working, we never noticed [the chemistry]. It was after the promos came out and people started commenting on it that we noticed it.

Sometimes, the most unusual pairings work. The script plays a part too when it creates moments for such chemistry to come to the fore.

What is Karthik Calling Karthik about?

It is a romantic thriller about Karthik's journey. His life changes after receiving a call from another person whose name is also Karthik. It is also about Karthik's journey with Shonali [Deepika's character in the film].

I play a Bengali girl, born and brought up in Mumbai. She is independent and confident; a modern girl of today. She speaks her mind and is sensible yet emotional and loveable.

Is that your life story since you come from Bangalore and have now settled in Mumbai?

In a way, it is. But Shonali is the one who takes the first step, which is not the case with me.

Image: A scene from Karthik Calling Karthik

More Khans …. Sighs Padukone

Her debut with Khan ('Om Shanti Om') was a super success.. And she's scored a winner with another Khan (Saif Ali Khan) in the second most successful film of 2009. But Deepika Padukone isn't contended. She's set her sights on two other desirable Khans too. "I'd love to work with Salman Khan …. and Aamir Khan too," sighs Padukone.

Fresh from the heartbreak with Ranbir Kapoor, the actress has thrown herself headlong into her career. Besides, the thumping win and the critical acclaim for her work in 'Love Aaj Kal' has earned DP work of calibre. "I've bagged some super duper assignments," she exults.

High on that list ranks director Ashutosh Gowarikar's 'Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se' with Abhishek Bachchan as co star. Enacting a revolutionary in Gowariker's flick, buzz has it that DP is likely to watch away with all the top acting honours, once again.

Besides, she will also romp around in a bikini with Akshay Kumar in 'Houseful' and pair up with Neil Nitin Mukesh in Pradeep Sarkar's next. And right around the corner is … 'Karthik Calling Karthik' waiting to grace cine screens soon. Guess, it could be Success calling Padukone ….

Readers' Choice: Best Actors, 2009

It's the time of year for award shows, and while we watch a few and complain about some others, we at Rediff decided to give you the power to choose the best of the year.

We asked you to pick the year's best actors, and you've come up with an interesting, unpredictable list. Nicely done, and you've picked five performances that have been quite iconic this year. Here's a look.

5. Ranbir Kapoor in Rocket Singh Salesman Of The Year

The young Kapoor has been impressing us with his star power and screen charisma. But Shimit Amin's film saw him trade all the trendy packaging and stylish tee-shirts to play a simple everyman, an ambitious Sikh with a conscience. It's a passively powerful acting job, impressive simply because he makes it look easy.


Image: Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir’s mom Neetu gives her thumbs-up to Katrina

Mumbai: From Ranbir Kapoor’s flirtatious temperament to Deepika’s overt possessiveness, there have been endless speculations about the real reason that caused the lovebirds to split.

But, topping them all were the hush-hush whispers in Tinseltown that it was mom Neetu Kapoor who was the main catalyst behind her son’s break-up with the dainty lass. And now, with Neetu vouching for Katrina, the rumour of mommy meddling in her son’s life seems much too real.

Related StoriesRanbir to shed his loverboy image with a deaf and mute role

Going back, one would remember that when Neetu Singh was questioned about Deepika, she had often maintained a stoic silence. Even on occasions when she chose to oblige the media, her attitude towards Deepika could not be dubbed as welcoming. In fact, she was once quoted as stating that Deepika was just another one of Ranbir’s many girlfriends.

However, talk to Neetu about Katrina and you can easily spot the change in her attitude as she can’t stop raving about Salman’s girl. Talking to a daily about Katrina, Neetu said, “Katrina is a very nice girl. I am very fond of her.”

Confirming the closeness between Neetu and Katrina, a source told a news daily, “Neetu and Katrina share a very warm relationship. Katrina respects Neetu a lot. On the other hand, Neetu feels that Katrina is a very well-mannered girl.”

Well, hard luck Deepika but Ranbir is just a mommy’s boy!

I fall in love everyday, says loverboy Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor has come a long way. Five films and one much publicised celebrity affair later, the dashing Kapoor scion has carved a niche in filmdom. Embracing his Casanova ways and passion for cinema, the stunning hunk, with each passing film, is proving to be more than just a Kapoor. Overtly modest and exceedingly flirtatious, the actor in a candid chat with Swati Chaturvedi of Spicezee.com spoke about love, life and his films on her show Kahiye Janab.

Swati: You have been voted as the sexiest man alive. How does it feel?

Ranbir:There is nothing sexy about me. I have a long nose; big cheeks, long face, broad forehead and my legs are too thin. So I am anything but sexy. But I believe that handsome is as a handsome does. See, in my field you have to blank out all these things. I am an actor and the sole reason of my being is to act and give good performances. I try not to get carried away with such things.

Swati:You are very modest unlike your cousin Kareena. So, where do you get this humble streak from?

Ranbir:I believe everyone is an individual and they can say what they please. I believe that whatever I am today it’s because of my family. But I want to make a place of my own. I want people to acknowledge me for my work not because I am someone’s son, brother or grandson.

Swati:According to you, who is the most entertaining Kapoor?

Ranbir:My grandma. She has an amazing sense of humour and I feel who ever has a sense of humour in my family gets it from her.

Swati:Your father Rishi Kapoor is a funny man, who is also known to be very strict…

Ranbir:Yes he is. In fact even I am very scared of him. He is a very passionate person, who speaks his mind. He doesn’t hide his feelings. If he likes something, he appreciates it and vice versa. He is my biggest critic. I won’t say I have a friendly relationship with my father. Our relationship has a lot of respect and admiration. He is my inspiration.

Swati:Being a Kapoor, did you have any other career option?

Ranbir:I feel if I wouldn’t have been an actor, then I would have been trying to be one. But I am very fortunate that I have got the opportunity to act with brilliant directors and production houses. But I was never forced into acting, nor did I compel my parents to get me films. I was never good in studies. I was always a 39.5 percent with grace marks student so it’s good that I am a Kapoor.

Swati:Your towel-dropping scene in ‘Saawariya’ generated a huge controversy. So were you wearing anything under the towel?

Ranbir:No. I was absolutely naked. And fortunately or unfortunately the censor board edited it. Mr Bhansali had a concept that when a young man would fall in love he would act in a certain way. And the towel dropping act was a guy’s private moment.

Swati:So did you drop the towel when you fell in love for the first time?

Ranbir:No. There is nothing like that or else I will have to drop the towel everyday. I fall in love everyday.

Swati:And why is that?

Ranbir:I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I have a lot of love to give.


Swati:So, are you single?

Ranbir:See if I am not married it means that I am single. But if you ask me whether I am in a relationship or not then I feel that I am not a reality TV star and my personal life is something I don’t want to talk about. I am an actor and I would like if people would only talk about my films and my work.

Swati:But have you and Deepika broken up?

Ranbir:If I will say ‘yes’ to you, then tomorrow ten other people will ask me ten other odd questions. Thousand of stories will be generated and that will just create more misunderstanding. So I would like to stay clear of all this for now.

Swati:How was it working with Katrina?

Ranbir:Oh, she is really talented and a very passionate person. We had a blast while shooting ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani’. I think she deserves a lot of appreciation as she has come a long way. I mean for someone who did not even know the language, Katrina has achieved a lot.

Swati:Were you disappointed after your debut film ‘Saawariya’ flopped?

Ranbir:Of course I was. I had worked hard for two years on that film. And then it was also my first film so I did feel bad. But then, I tasted failure with my debut film so it made me grounded. I took it positively.

Swati:It has been widely speculated that your father wasn’t in favour of you acting in ‘Wake Up Sid’ that went on to be a huge hit.

Ranbir:No, there is no such thing. My dad doesn’t interfere in my career’s decisions. In fact he loved the film. Yes, the film was not as per his taste. I think that he likes ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahani’ better than ‘Wake up Sid’. But he has loved all my films so far.

Swati:You have been quoted as saying that Dr Manmohan Singh is the most asardar Sardar

Ranbir:Of course he is. He is so revered worldwide. And he has done so much good for our country. I think when citizens complain about the government, they should realise that he has done a lot for the betterment of our nation and we should respect him for that.

Swati:What attracts you in a film?

Ranbir:The script and the character. I am very instinctive when it comes to signing a film. I don’t take time to think over a film. I don’t think after doing a comedy that now I should do an action film. I follow my heart and give it my best.

Swati:People often compare you to Shah Rukh Khan..

Ranbir:No one should be compared to Shah Rukh Khan. He is a very talented actor, who has a great body of work. And I am sure it’s very insulting for him to read such statements. I am a newcomer, there is long way for me to go. I have to prove myself. Let me stay in the industry for ten years and if you think the same then, you can make such statements.

Swati:Who is your favourite director?

Ranbir:It is Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He was my first director and I have learnt a lot from him.

Swati:Which of the many Raj Kapoor movies is your favourite?

Ranbir:I like so many of them, but Shri 420 and Jagte Raho are my all time favourite.

Swati:Which of you dad’s film is you favourite?

Ranbir:Oh I love all his films. I am huge fan of my dad’s work.

Swati:And your mom’s?

Ranbir: I am very shy about my mother. I feel that no one has the right to judge her. I don’t see her movies. I don’t even like to acknowledge that she was ever an actress. She is just my mom to me.

Adapted by Tanu Talwar

Plane and simple

CommentHow in the world does Jaideep Sahni do it? Really, how? At a time when our cinema attempts to either be shampoo-commercial glossy or marijuana-rolling edgy, the ace screenwriter hammers out his work with a stark neatness, a stoic tidy that stands out amidst both the varnished and the handheld.

And when we see such unspectacular triumphs as Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year, it is clear that mere nails and efficiency aren't what hold them together: like his latest leading man, Sahni sells because he believes.

As said, Shimit Amin's [ Images ] film is an unspectacular one. And it's quite hard to express just how bloody refreshing that is. Comfortable in its own skin, the film never tries too hard, and while it takes a little while to really get going, it completely eschews glitz and bling -- never an easy thing to do, moreso considering the hero's the hottest property in town since a certain Mr Khan moved to Bombay and stammered obsessively -- and does its own thing, nice and easy.

Ranbir Kapoor plays Harpreet Singh Bedi, a lanky Sikh who struggled through his college marksheet and is now ready to sell. Armed with more than his fair share of enthusiasm, the good-natured lad finds himself in a trainee job in a ruthlessly competitive officeful of computer-selling sharks. Harpreet watches, wide eyed, as targets are met and chowkidars are bribed, but the morally staunch boy raised by his grandfather can't quite stomach high-stakes skullduggery, and before he knows it, he trips over his own goofy grin.

The rest is right up Jaideep's alley, a tale of justice a la Jeffrey Archer, a tale that involves entrepreneurship, scruples, profit-sharing and friendship, and the writer-director duo let it unfold gradually, with such warm geniality that Jerry Maguire'd jump at the chance of working in our sincere sardar's Rocket Sales. Predictable to a degree, certainly, but some films are such an easy watch that you consciously avoid second-guessing the filmmakers, you don't want to predict what happens three scenes later.

The boy, as we are all getting used to saying, is excellent. Two films ago, Ranbir Kapoor [ Images ] acted in something where more attention was paid to his tee-shirts than to plot, and yet now he slips so comfortably into the skin of this humdrum Harpreet that it's easy to forget his glamour. He's a versatile, instinctive actor working on roles that are much harder than they look: in this film, he's burdened by the most trite lines in the script, about belief and friendship and ethics, but his earnestness sees him carry them through. This isn't a traditional hero role -- his plans are more than a trifle harebrained and there are no showy moments of grand triumph -- but the way Harpreet keeps plugging away at it makes him more of a role-model than most our postermen.

The ensemble is quite delightful, really. D Santosh is the pick of the bunch as Giri, a computer-assembler who surfs porn through the night and lies to clients by day; Naveen Kaushik is super as the uniquely sideburned Nitin Rathore, a sales shark who really knows what he's doing; Mukesh Bhatt does well as Chhotelal Misra, a peon capable of more; and Gauhar Khan [ Images ] brings some nuance to her role as Koena, the ambitious receptionist.

It's also great to see Prem Chopra [ Images ] as Harpreet's patient grandpa. The film's best lines are given to Shazahn Padamsee's Sherena -- right from an abrupt offering of Maggi to a casual 'I love you, use me' flung at Harpreet -- but she's far too vanilla to really work the words, keeping them from hitting the highs they deserve.

Yet this only brings us to another aspect of the film: the romance. Harpreet meets Sherena on work, and then bumps into her at a party, where they drink in the bathroom and he shyly asks her to a movie before he has to get up for some guy who has to throw up in the commode.

Seldom do we see a romantic track handled so casually, but Shimit knows love is completely incidental to Harpreet's story, and even though the director is obsessed with detail -- it isn't a coincidence that this tale of entrepreneurship sees Harpreet nicknamed HP, like a certain computer company formed in a garage, or that he goes to work at a store that is part of the Tata umbrella, a nod to the entrepreneur like no other -- he lets the romance drift in and out of the narrative, treating it with a breezily light hand. Smashing.

Ranbir, Priyanka didn't hike fee for my movie: Sajid Nadiadwala

Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra are riding high at the box office these days but they offered to keep their fees at the most reasonable for 'Anjana Anjani', making Sajid Nadiadwala a happy producer.

"Ranbir and Priyanka were already part of our extended family. When Ranbir's father Chintu-ji (Rishi Kapoor) was working in my dad's production 'Hathyar', I was an assistant. That's when I got to know Chintu-ji and his family," Nadiadwala told us.

"Priyanka has been family from the time she did 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' for my banner. So yes, they've certainly not hiked their price just because they are super-saleable today. In fact, they didn't even discuss money with me."

This is Ranbir and Priyanka's first film together and Nadiadwala says their chemistry was evident in Bangkok. "Both Ranbir and Priyanka have changed their looks for this film. They hardly knew one another before the shooting. So they're getting to know each other as their on-screen romance progresses.

"Ranbir is entertaining on screen. But he carries that sense of fun from the screen to the sets. Priyanka was in her own shell to begin with. But her resolve didn't take long to dissolve," he said.

Nadiadwala's last release 'Kambakht Ishq', which starred Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor, got a lukewarm response but it hasn't dissuaded him from shooting 'Anjana Anjani' in foreign locales. He heads to the US to shoot the film.

Those who thought Nadiadwala was done with Sylvester Stallone, who played a cameo in his 'Kambakht Ishq', here's the surprise element - he has an appointment with the Hollywood action star who may make an appearance in 'Anjana Anjani' as well.

"We don't work that way in our production house. Our bonds are for keeps," said the producer, whose elder son Subhaan is a big fan of Stallone.

Subhaan kept in touch with his idol long after 'Kambakht Ishq' came and went.

"Subhaan is coming with us only to meet Stallone. To call him Stallone's fan would be an understatement. He isn't a fan, he's a fanatic. His day starts with Stallone's signature song 'Eye Of The Tiger' from 'Rocky'. He knows every trivia associated with Stallone,"Nadiadwala said.

Source: IANS

The love of Rocket Singh's life is sales: Ranbir

Ranbir Kapoor and on screen romance almost go hand in hand but his much awaited 'Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year' has no love angle. He says the film's protagonist is completely in love with sales.

"It is not a love story. The character Rocket Singh is in love with sales. It's a very simple movie," Ranbir told us.

This year Ranbir was seen with Konkona Sen Sharma in hit movie 'Wake Up Sid' and later teamed up with Katrina Kaif in romantic comedy 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani', winning the hearts of audiences.

And now comes 'Rocket Singh' in which he plays Harpreet Singh Bedi, who has just graduated with embarrassing marks. But that doesn't stop him from dreaming about an exciting career. Releasing Friday, the film has been made under the Yash Raj Films' banner.

This is the first film in which Ranbir's physical appearance has been changed for a role. He looks a typical Sikh youth complete with a turban and beard. "It was very important to feel the character first, later you automatically start living him," Ranbir said.

He said that director Shimit Amin and screenwriter Jaideep Sahni had held different workshops for the cast and the crew before starting the shoot.

"Shimit wanted to make the character as real as possible so that it doesn't look as if an actor is trying to be a sardar. Shimit and Jaideep held workshops for 30 days, not just with me but the entire cast and crew," the actor said.

But despite being a Punjabi, Ranbir's character speaks fluent Hindi. "He is Mumbai-based fourth generation sardar, so he has no influence of a Punjabi accent in his diction," Ranbir explained.

In real life too, Ranbir is half Sikh as his maternal grandparents were Sikh.

Rocket Singh's music is no great shakes

It's one of the most fun-seeming releases in a while, and Shimit Amin's Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year is looking good. Ranbir Kapoor's in fine form, and writer Jaideep Sahni is a class act. Salim-Suleiman's soundtrack for the new film, however, has only three new tracks, the rest a smattering of random YashRaj hits.

'Main hoon bada busy/No time to even be' goes the inevitably suggestively titled Pocket Mein Rocket, penned clearly by Sahni in one of his more whimsical moods.

The song, referring to the title character's business cards in his pocket, is witty and sharp, while Salim-Suleiman give it a groove that makes it work even if you aren't listening to the clever words. The basic melody is whistle-able, and while the EMI-talk begins to sound repetitive, Benny Dayal sings it lazy enough to keep it likeable -- even though it does outstay its welcome at over four and a half minutes.

Vishal Dadlani sings the next track, Gadbadi Hadbadi. A funky track, this one's got a nice casual feel to it, and while Dadlani's vocals seem more aggressive than the song itself demands, the chorus is likeable, in a forgettable sort of way. It's a track which has riffs thrown in for the heck of it, and the kind of thing that can only work because of a good montage on screen.

Composer Salim Merchant goes one up on brother Suleiman and steps behind the microphone for Pankhon Ko, a nice soft track about taking flight and finding the wind beneath one's wings. The poetry is simple and effective, and Salim's voice is a pleasant surprise. It's the kind of dreamy song that works so well on Ranbir -- remember Iktaara from Wake Up Sid -- and ends up being an appropriately unspectacular pick of this laidback soundtrack.

Then come the free Yashraj tracks: three from Bachna Ae Haseeno -- Khuda Jaane, Lucky Boy and Jogi Mahi; three from Dil Bole Hadippa -- Hadippa, Discowale Khisko and Bhangra Bistar; two from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi -- Haule Haule and Dance Pe Chance; two from Tashan -- Dil Haara and Chhaliya; plus the Chak De India title track and Dil Laga Na from Dhoom 2 Yawwwn.

Fifteen tracks, but nothing to really make this CD worth buying. I think they released the soundtrack just for completeness' sake. One wishes they'd released tracks from the background score instead.

Should Ranbir Kapoor star in Kaminey 2?

Often sequels result in a change of stars even if the main order remains undisturbed. It adds a new zing to the franchise while retaining its original feel.

And so while it's confirmed that Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham will feature in Dostana 2, Priyanka Chopra bids adieu to make way for, reportedly, Kareena Kapoor or Katrina Kaif.

Also, remember Dhoom 2, which had Hrithik Roshan stepping into the anti-hero shoes of Dhoom's John Abraham?

Here's looking at a wish-list of possible sequels and the stars we'd like to see cast in them:

Kaminey 2

Shahid Kapur and Priyanka Chopra's twins grow up to tell their own story. How about Ranbir Kapoor channeling his inglorious side this time around? It would be a welcome break from all the endearing Sids and Prems, no?

'Love is very 'ajab' rather than 'ghazab''

Katrina Kaif is quite the headturner these days. So it's hard to believe the actress when she says that boys never looked at her in her teenage years!

She's obviously not have any problems these days with Salman Khan romancing her off screen, and Ranbir Kapoor doing it on screen. Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, looks like an interesting love story.

Katrina tells Syed Firdaus Ashraf more about it:

Tell us about your love life in your teen years. Was it the same as is shown in Ajab Prem...?

I always had a crush on boys in senior classes but they never looked at me. I never had a boyfriend -- not that I didn't want one -- but they didn't notice me. So I didn't have heartbreaks or get starry-eyed (about someone).

I left studies when I was 17 years old, so my teenage love life was a complete disappointment.

When you're a teen, everything is a huge drama and everything is the end of the world! After doing that for a few years, you get bored of it. You cannot keep crying all your life. When you grown up, you start learning. I started learning at 19.

Nobody knows how to be happy in love, how to find a perfect partner and keep him/her. There is no right or wrong answer. Love is an uncontrollable emotion. Most of the time it is very 'ajab' rather than 'ghazab.' That's why I feel everyone has an Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.


Image: A still from Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani

First Look: 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani'

Prem's (Ranbir Kapoor) fundas in life were very simple - Be happy...Make others happy...Keep the town happy.These supposedly simple fundas usually result in disastrous consequences for Prem, the members of his HappyClub, and the town!

It may have been a case of mistaken identity that led Prem to kidnap Jenny (Katrina Kaif). And it was sheer greed that made Prem try to pull a fast one over her father. As for sweet and simple Jenny, brought up by indifferent and uncaring foster parents, all she longed was to love and be loved in return.

And it was love and only love for Jenny that made Prem turn over a new leaf. From hardly working vagabond, he began working hard to make money. From a besotted Romeo, he becomes a mature and thoughtful Majnu who put Jenny's happiness above everything else. As for Jenny, she was so much in love with the idea of being in love that she was blinded by the reality that was staring in her face.

Source: MovieTalkies

What scares Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor is the fourth generation inheritor of the Kapoor lineage. The younger child of hugely loved actors Rishi and Neetu Kapoor is steadily climbing the ladder to enter Bollywood's big league.

"I understand the frustration of a person who's not from a film family. The amount of struggle he has to go through, he has to work five times harder, but that doesn't take away the fact that I worked hard too. My foray in films may have been easier, I might get big banner films; people are aware of my existence and have certain expectations. They are downsides also; you are criticised more, your fall is harder, and the comparisons are inevitable," he explains his struggle.

In the world's largest democracy, where the Gandhis are looked upon as political royalty, the Kapoors are known for their historical association with Indian celluloid.

Rahul Gandhi is considered the future Prime Minister and Ranbir Kapoor, the next superstar in the making. To draw parallels between the Gandhis and the Kapoors might be rationale for scribes and commentators, yet it is the fascination of Indians with inheritance and values that overrides everything.

Ranbir Kapoor has never seen his lineage as a trap; he's quietly working to enhance his ownership of being a Kapoor. His last two films weren't box office hits, but one couldn't ignore the charisma he exuded on-screen; girls swooned over his towel act and critics were wowed by his acting prowess.

"I think it's the love people have for my family which has been contributing to Indian cinema for 75 years, so I am sure there's some good will which has rubbed off on me. It's a little bit of luck and faith that audiences and filmmakers have shown (in me), which is keeping me alive."

'I want a box office hit'

Asked what they want, box office or awards, many movie stars may be tempted to say, "both," but recently Konkona Sen Sharma bluntly told Karan Johar, "Box office."

The film-maker who has cast her as a writer who gives meaning to a slightly younger male (Ranbir Kapoor) in the admirable Wake Up Sid was interviewing her recently on his show. Awards, Konkona told him, she has in plenty.

It is not that she hasn't been featured in box-office hits such as Life in a Metro and Page 3 but those are small budget films (compared to an Akshay Kumar or a Shah Rukh Khan movie).

Now, it looks like she has another arthouse hit. Wake Up Sid, according to distributors UTV, has grossed a healthy $4.2 million worldwide in three days. In North America, its $350,000 gross smartly outbeats Do Knot Disturb which made $124,000. and the laughing stock of the season What's Your Raashee? continued its doomed run earning $237,000 in 10 days in North America.

Hers is an engaging role in Wake Up Sid, she says, adding that she plays a Bengali woman with insights into life. She has arrived in Mumbai to be a writer. She wants to do something new. Like a holiday, Sid asks her. No, she firmly answers, 'Like Life.'

Deepika gifts Ranbir a laptop for birthday present, wow

Deepika Padukone proved to be the perfect girlfriend when she threw a surprise party for Ranbir. He is also the proud owner of a brand new laptop. We don’t know if money can buy love, but it sure can make a boyfriend happy! Deepika organised the party to bring in his birthday on Sunday when he came back from Bhopal. Deepika invited few, but very close friends to the surprise dinner.

Our source said, “Deepika took Ranbir to a suburban restaurant on Sunday night on the pretext of having dinner. She had already called some of Ranbir’s very close friends, which included Rohit Dhawan and Ayan Mukherjee, the director of Wake Up Sid. Ranbir, who is normally not a party animal, was pleased to see them and a couple of his old school friends. They had dinner and brought in his birthday. Ranbir was extremely thrilled.”

Deepika’s present of a sleek and high-end laptop was thoughtful as she is aware of Ranbir being net-savvy. Ranbir loved the gift and was seen checking the features immediately. The source added, “On his birthday on Monday, Ranbir also saw the first trial of his film, Wake Up Sid with Deepika and his parents.”

Ranbir Kapoor's love has various shades

Known as the 'eternal loverboy' of Bollywood, Rishi Kapoor, throughout his career span enchanted us with his lovey-dovey, romantic, sentimental antics. Now the proud son Ranbir Kapoor carries the legacy of playing the loverboy onscreen. But unlike the soft characters which his father portrayed over the years, newbie Ranbir's love has various shades which can be seen as follows:
SAAWARIYA - It's very rare to see a debutant beginning his career with a film, where he has to play a LOOSER IN LOVE. Despite of it, this handsome saawariya, without getting finicky, went ahead and played the role with utter sincerity and was accepted open-heartedly.

BACHNA AE HASEENO- It takes sheer courage to play a completely contrasting character in the very second film. But Ranbir proved it with elan that if he can be a looser in love, he can be a (Casanova) DISHONEST LOVER too wooing haseenas.

WAKE UP S!D - After portraying 2 loverboys as different as chalk and cheese in earlier films, Ranbir is all set to showcase an absolutely unique, a never-seen before kind of a character, LAZIEST, IRRESPONSIBLE LOVER in his upcoming film WAKE UP S!D (releasing 2nd October 2009).

AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI- Although this Rajkumar Santoshi film is an out-n-out laugh riot packed with lots of humour, but Ranbir plays a DEPRESSED LOVER BOY WHO IS MADLY IN LOVE WITH THE BEAUTIFUL Katrina Kaif. And will cross all limits to make her fall in love. The film is tagged as the craziest, wackiest love story.

ROCKET SINGH: SALESMAN OF THE YEAR - This upcoming young romance from YRF starring Ranbir Kapoor will see him in an altogether different avatar. Donning the get-up of a Sikh, Ranbir plays a bright, intelligent and mature salesman in the film, who falls in love with young and juvenile Shazahn Padamsee. ROCKET SINGH, a light hearted coming of age film set in the new Indian economy, is slotted for a December 2009 release.

RAJNEETI - Filmmaker Prakash Jha's much in news RAJNEETI stars Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif in lead. It's being said that Ranbir plays NRI in the film. And he will portray the character of notable political figure, Rajiv Gandhi, who falls in love with Katrina Kaif. Katrina's character in the film is said to be inspired by Sonia Gandhi. The love story is set against the backdrop of politics.

Ranbir to Join 'Rajniti' Unit

Actor Ranbir Kapoor is all set to shoot for Prakash Jha's 'Rajniti'. In fact, the actor, who is freshly out of the shooting of Shimit Amin's 'Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year', will be join the unit in Bhopal for a two month shoot beginning tomorrow.

Ranbir is required to be clean shaven for his character in Jha's movie and could only shoot for Jha once his schedule for Amin's film was over. This is the final schedule of 'Rajniti', but it will be Ranbir's first shooting stint with Jha for the movie. Hence, the first few days are likely to see a lot of his portions being canned. The rest of the cast, which consists of Ajay Devgan, Katrina Kaif, Arjun Rampal, Vivek Oberoi and Manoj Bajpai, are expected to join in, in the days to come.

Ranbir-Priyanka in 'Anjaana Anjaani'

Ranbir-Priyanka in 'Anjaana Anjaani'
After successfully directing three films namely 'Salaam Namaste', 'Ta Ra Rum Pum' and 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' for Yash Raj Films, director Siddharth Anand is all set to start his next venture this time for producer Sajid Nadiadwala's banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

The film is titled 'Anjaana Anjaani', and will star Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles.

We spoke to Siddharth to confirm the same. "Yes my next film is called 'Anjaana Anjaani'. It's a romantic comedy starring Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. We start shooting in October and the film would be shot in New York, San Francisco and Las Vegas."

Music of the film has been composed by Vishal-Shekhar who has incidentally composed the music for all of Siddharth's past three films.

'I am too old to be part of Wake Up Sid'

The Wake Up Sid team -- producer Karan Johar, director Ayaan Mukherjee and cast Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma -- came together to launch a video blog to promote their film, in collaboration withThe Wake Up Sid team -- producer Karan Johar, director Ayaan Mukherjee and cast Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma -- came together to launch a video blog to promote their film, in collaboration with bollywoodhungama.com.
As the promos show, the film deals with the youth of today.
Konkona seems quite upbeat about her new film, as she claims she's quite similar to her onscreen character. "Like Ayesha in the film, I have also come from Kolkata and settled down in Mumbai. Ayaan was instrumental in me signing the film, as he has written it so well. As soon as he read out the script, I was on."
Konkona's character Ayesha comes to Mumbai to become a writer. She's an earnest, hardworking and the opposite of Sid. bollywoodhungama.com.
As the promos show, the film deals with the youth of today.
Konkona seems quite upbeat about her new film, as she claims she's quite similar to her onscreen character. "Like Ayesha in the film, I have also come from Kolkata and settled down in Mumbai. Ayaan was instrumental in me signing the film, as he has written it so well. As soon as he read out the script, I was on."
Konkona's character Ayesha comes to Mumbai to become a writer. She's an earnest, hardworking and the opposite of Sid.

Ranbir teaming up with Imtiaz, hints Rishi Kapoor

Mumbai, Aug 20 If things move as per plan, Ranbir Kapoor may soon find himself working with ace filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, indicates the young actor's father Rishi Kapoor.
'I'm positive that in 2010, Imtiaz and Ranbir would be beginning a film together. They have been meeting on a regular basis and are just looking at finalising on something concrete before they make a formal announcement,' says Rishi Kapoor, who was seen in Ali's 'Love Aaj Kal'.
Prodded further on what the genre, subject, leading lady and production house will be, Rishi denies being in the know.
'I never get involved in the creative aspects of Ranbir's films. He takes all his decisions himself. All I know is that Ranbir working with Imtiaz would be a great decision since I have now witnessed Imtiaz's sensibilities on a first hand basis after working with him,' said the actor who was earlier seen in 'Delhi 6'.
Rishi got quite some appreciation for his portrayal as a Sikh in 'Love Aaj Kal'.
'While working on the film, I realised that this boy (Imtiaz) is so cultured, sensible and simple. There is a saying that one's character gets reflected in his work. It was there for everyone to see in 'Love Aaj Kal', which was so honest and sincere, just like Imtiaz,' Rishi said.
If the project materialises, Ranbir will be working with yet another accomplished filmmaker. He made his debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Saawariya' and later featured in Siddharth Anand's 'Bachna Ae Haseeno'.
Currently, he is working with Raj Kumar Santoshi in 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani', Prakash Jha in 'Rajneeti', Shimit Amin for the forthcoming 'Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year' and Ayan Mukerji in 'Wake Up Sid'.
When asked about it, Imtiaz said: 'Honestly speaking, nothing has been finalised yet. Yes, Ranbir and I have been meeting each other for quite some time and have been bouncing off story ideas. Still, we are yet to close on a story line.
'I have always placed my story before anything else. Whether it is 'Love Aaj Kal', 'Jab We Met' or 'Socha Na Tha', the story has always been of paramount importance.'
So is he or is he not signing Ranbir?
'I definitely want to work with him. However, I will announce my cast once the story is finalised. Making any comments before that would be immaterial and unwarranted,' he said.