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.

The '3 Idiots' Album

Two friends (Madhavan and Sharman Joshi) embark on a quest for a lost buddy. On this journey, they encounter a long forgotten bet, a wedding they must crash, and a funeral that goes impossibly out of control. As they make their way through the perilous landscape, another journey begins: their inner journey through memory lane and the story of their friend- the irrepressible free-thinker Rancho (Aamir Khan), who in his unique way, touched and changed their lives. It's a story of their hostel days that swings between rancho's romance with the spirited Pia (Kareena Kapoor), and his clash with and oppressive mentor, Viru Sahastrabudhhe (Boman Irani). And then one day, suddenly, Rancho vanishes...

Who was he? Where did he come from? Why did he leave?

The friend who influenced and inspired them to think creatively and independently, even as the conformist world called them three idiots. Where is the original idiot now?

Finally, in misty mountains of unparalleled beauty, the find the key to the secret.

Three Idiots is comedy of ideas that is a provocative as it is funny, as wildly entertaining as it is insightful. A laugh-riot that talks about the most important of human pursuits: self-actualization.

Source: Bollywood Hungama

New films on TV...good or bad?

New movies are increasingly being beamed to homes not long after their release, thanks to Direct To Home (DTH) television or channels buying the screening rights early. While many members of the film fraternity support the trend, saying that films nowadays don't have a long shelf life, there are some who don't.

The latest to hit the small screen is Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor-starrer 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' -- it will be shown on Colors channel as their yearender whammy.

"The satellite premiere of 'Ajab...' is happening in December end, which is two months after its theatrical release. The theatrical business nowadays is for four weeks, however successful the film," Ramesh Taurani, producer of "Ajab...", told us.

Other films that have hit small screens soon after their release are 'Blue', 'Slumdog Millionnaire', 'Kaminey' and 'What's Your Raashee?'. This new trend has evoked mixed response from filmmakers.

Said Sajid Khan: "It's definitely healthier than downloading the film on the first day of release free of cost on the Internet."

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, known for introducing new trends in the filmmaking, said: "Change is inevitable. Bend like a bamboo and you'll survive. Resist like an unyielding oak and you'll perish."

Pritish Nandy too doesn't think airing an almost new film on TV is such a bad idea.

"If distributors are okay with it, no harm done. The market defines its own compulsions and if different segments are in sync with each other, I guess it is fine," Nandy said.

"The theatrical window is in any case shrinking by the Friday as more and more films are crowding theatres. Theatres should be happy to see movies move out to give room to new ones. That's the nature of the business today," he added.

David Dhawan echoed Nandy's view and said: "Tell me, which film lasts in theatres beyond two months?"

Producer-director Harry Baweja, reeling under the losses suffered by son Hurman's debut 'Love Story 2050', too welcomes this new concept.

'Kurbaan gave a shock to the system'

Authur J Pais in New York

The pre-release excitement over Kurbaan was not sustained despite some good reviews. But writer Rensil D'Silva [inset], who makes his directorial debut with this film, says it will not be written off.

Best known for his screenplay for Rang De Basanti, D'Silva, 41, discusses films and people that have influenced him the most.

When did you fall in love with the movies?

It started with Star Wars over three decades ago. I had begged my family to take me to that movie. I was amazed to see the spectacle unfold, though my mother (a classical piano teacher) complained during the interval that she did not understand a word of it. But for me, everything in the film was magical.

Is there someone else in the family who loves movies as much as you do?

My mother's father (Walter Netto), who is 95. He used to take me to the movies, and, more importantly, discuss them with me. I saw some of the best Indian and Hollywood films because of him. He also kept a thick notebook, and from 1940 he had been entering the names of the films he had seen, with a few lines about them.

Is the notebook still around?

Very much. I began adding some of the films I had seen and wrote a few lines about them. Just to keep the tradition going. The 400-page book is almost full.


Image: A scene from Kurbaan

Bollywood's best dressed stars of 2009

Style is the heartbeat of showbiz. Year after year, Bollywood stars make their share of fashionable statements on celluloid. And this year saw no shortage of eye-catching action.

While the reigning divas and hunks continue to sparkle, young 'uns, too, showed some flair for dressing up.

Presenting 2009's Top 10 Best Dressed stars on the silver screen, in no particular order.

Kareena Kapoor

While none of her movies rose to the stature of Jab We Met this year, Kareena Kapoor surely didn't disappoint fans who favour her as Bollywood's leading fashionista.

As always, her range was stunning, diverse and effortless. Be it Kurbaan's fusion picks, Main Aur Mrs Khanna's pastel-hued femininity, Kambakkht Ishq's designer brand flamboyance or 3 Idiot's charming simplicity.

This girl sure knows how to pick an outfit and own it.


Image: Kareena Kapoor

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.

'I was shocked when Tanaaz, Aditi pulled my pajamas'

Raju Srivastav's comic antics could not save him from eviction from the Bigg Boss house.

This is the first time he had been nominated but the audience clearly preferred the other nominees Vindoo Dara Singh and Pravesh Rana over him.

Raju tells Rajul Hegde that it feels great getting out of Bigg Boss.

It seemed like you were not prepared to go out.

That's not true. I was mentally prepared to go out because I knew it was my turn. People have had enough of comedy, they want drama and fighting. And I was not doing that.

You were one of the most popular housemates in Bigg Boss. Why do you think the audience voted you out?

I was there for 63 days and I'm thankful to the public to keep me there so long. There have been many ups and downs in life; you can't be happy all the time. People want more aggression and arrogance on the show. Maybe that's why they saved Vindoo and Pravesh. I have no complaints because I am satisfied with the duration of my stay.

I was feeling low of late because of the verbal spats between Vindoo, Pravesh and Kamal Khan. That definitely troubled me.

You dressed like a woman for a week. Didn't that make you uncomfortable?

Nobody wished to take the hand grenade which Rohit Verma was to offer one of us. So I decided to take it up. I always wished to do things the rest wouldn't do. This task was a challenge. I decided to entertain the viewers dressed up like a woman. I tried to project rural as well as urban women. I borrowed lipstick and kajal from Poonamji (Dhillion). I had fun.

Who do you think played dirty games?

I would not like to take any names. Everyone is insecure. All of them are making mistakes and playing for money.

I want Vindoo to win because he entertains people. He has a good heart.

Would you like to go back to the house?

Yes, if I have the dates.

Tanaaz [ Images ] Irani and Aditi Govitrikar [ Images ] pulled off your pyjamas near the swimming pool, which created quite a controversy.

I was shocked. They should not have done it but I knew it was an accident, so I forgive them. I am told that the media aired the clipping and it certainly was controversial.

Sri Adhikari Brothers sent a legal notice to you when you were inside the house. Can you talk about that?

They are launching a channel later in the month and I am doing shows for them. No dates were decided when I entered the house. I had informed them that Bigg Boss would wind up towards the end of the month.

Spotted: Mallika Sherawat in Los Angeles

Reader Abhinav Shrivastava bumped into Mallika Sherawat [ Images ] in Los Angeles. He sends us a picture.

Paa, on the cover of a magazine

Seems like Amitabh Bachchan's gangly dance in his just released movie Paa is fast catching on.

The actor and his son Abhishek, who also stars in the movie, made the cover of Hi Blitz magazine, which they unveiled on Monday in Mumbai.

Directed by R Balki, the film relates the story of a 13-year-old boy played by Amitabh, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder progeria that causes a person to age faster than normal.

Image: Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan
Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar

Spotted: Nana Patekar in Goa

Reader Sushil Gupta's friend Dinesh met Nana Patekar [ Images ] in Goa [ Images ], where the actor was holidaying.

Now you can read Lage Raho Munna Bhai

Three years after it released to much applause and became a huge blockbuster, Lage Raho Munna Bhai's screenplay is now available on stands.

Director Rajkumar Hirani, producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra and cast members Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi and Vidya Balan launched the screenplay on Monday, giving audiences a better feel of the film.

We present an excerpt from the book.


At the Dhobi Ghat, Munna sits on a wooden plank that's placed over the water. His legs dangle in the water. It is raining heavily and Munna is soaked. He is quiet and looks defeated. Circuit stands in front of him with an umbrella. He speaks remorsefully.

Circuit: Sorry, Bhai. Bhai, apne se mistake ho gaya, Bhai. Apne ko phone karna chaahiye tha tumko. Bhai, apun bola tumko disturb kaiko karega? Chhota sa kaam hai, apun hai na kaam sambhalne ke liye.

Munna does not respond, shattered.

Circuit: Bhai, mood kyun kharaab karta hai, Bhai?

Munna looks up, angry and intense.

Circuit: Jaane doh na abhi. (Assures) Bhai, main samajhaayega, bhabhi ko samajhaayega. Koi tension nahin, Bhai. Aap fikr mat...

Suddenly, Munna gets up and slaps Circuit hard on the face. The umbrella falls. Munna grabs Circuit by his collar and yells.

Munna: Kya samajhaayega usse? Kya samajhaayega usse? Ki apun ek bhai hai? Yeh samajhaayega?

Munna shoves Circuit. He falls down.

Munna: Ek kaam bhi theek se nahin kar sakta, saala!

Munna turns and walks away, wading through water, towards his house. The fallen umbrella is whisked away by the strong breeze. Circuit gets up slowly, nursing his cheek. He just stands there shell-shocked and sobs.

Excerpted from Lage Raho Munna Bhai - The Original Screenplay, Om Books International, with the publisher's permission.

'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

I would prefer a son like Abhishek: Vidya

Mumbai, Nov 15 (IANS) Vidya Balan, who plays Amitabh Bachchan's mother in 'Paa', was so impressed by Abhishek's caring behaviour towards his father during the shooting that she confesses she would like to have a son like Abhishek in real life.

'I would prefer a son like Abhishek. I have seen him with his father on the sets... he was so nice to his father that I was touched,' Vidya told reporters here Saturday.


Director R. Balakrishnan's 'Paa' is an emotional story of a father-son relationship and Amitabh will be seen as Abhishek's 13-year-old son Auro who is suffering from a rare disease progeria, that accelerates ageing. The film releases Dec 4.


'The film is all about Auro and all through the film there is a certain sensibility about Auro, but no sympathy is shown towards the 13-year-old progeric child in the film,' said Vidya.


When the director approached her for the role, she wasn't sure about playing the mother of a progeric child. 'Initially, I wondered how to do the role as I didn't have that motherly instinct. But while working on the film I realised what motherhood is,' said Vidya.


She says playing Amitabh's mother wasn't difficult at all. 'I was a bit concerned initially but it was smooth sail once we started working together.'


Asked if it wasn't a risk to play a mother so early in her career, she said: 'I didn't see any risk, rather it was a lifetime opportunity to get to work in such a wonderful film.'

'Ajab Prem is a slap on people's faces'

Syed Firdaus Ashraf in Mumbai
When you enter director Rajkumar Santoshi's office in Versova, north-west Mumbai, you don't see any posters of his latest hit, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.

Posters of his early films -- Ghayal, Damini, Barsaat and Andaz Apna Apna -- are showcased next to a portrait of Che Guevara, the Argentine doctor who became an icon of revolutionaries everywhere.

Santoshi was written off after consecutive failures -- Family: Ties of Blood (2006) and Halla Bol (2008) -- but has bounced back with his Ranbir Kapoor-Katrina Kaif starrer.

The director spoke to Syed Firdaus Ashraf about the highs of lows of his career.

Did you expect such a good response for Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani?

I knew people would like it, especially youngsters. When we edit and watch the trial, we come to know. But no one can predict the response. The film had a lot of innocence.

How has the attitude of the movie industry changed after this success?

The corporate people are calling me now!

Artistes have always respected my work. As far as the trade is concerned, it changes every Friday. I don't go to parties or meet stars other than the ones I am working with.

I am an introvert. I don't like to hang around with people without purpose because I don't drink. That's another problem. How many Cokes can I have in a party?

What kept you away from romantic comedies despite the success of Andaz Apna Apna?

I go by my own emotions and pick subjects that inspire me. When I made my first film Ghayal with Sunny Deol, it was a phenomenal success. But I did not make another action film after that. I made a heroine-oriented film, Damini. Then I made Andaz Apna Apna. If you see my career graph, it's always been like this.

I did Lajja, a woman-oriented film, and Khakee, a police thriller. I never repeat myself; I don't like doing that. I always want to explore new territories; that gives me a high.

Comedy, of course, comes naturally to me. But I don't want to cash on it. There was a lot of pressure on me to do a sequel to Andaz Apna Apna, but I didn't.


Image: A scene from Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani. Inset: Rajkumar Santoshi.

I don't know how to cook: Karisma Kapoor

Mumbai, Nov 15 (IANS) Karisma Kapoor, a self-confessed foodie who is expecting her second child, confesses that she doesn't know how to cook.

'I don't know how to cook. I just know how to eat everything, as I love food. I can only make tea, coffee and omelettes,' Karisma told IANS.


The actress has a four-year-old daughter with businessman husband Sanjay Kapur and says she loves good food but she is one of those actresses who has always flaunted a svelte figure.


Asked if she was into dieting, the 35-year-old said: 'I am not into exhaustive drastic dieting or anything.'


The actress, who took a sabbatical from the big screen after her wedding in 2003, hopes to have a second innings in the film world in future.


'I am hoping to get back to work and reach out to audiences,' she said.

Tum Mile is engaging

CommentIn Tum Mile, there's a thin metaphor to be found. Relationships are like the environment, messing with both leads to natural disasters. Only it's so vaguely highlighted, you won't give the nature bit much thought.

Even though the backdrop is a real one, the nightmarish rains of July 26, 2005 which led to massive loss of life and property in Mumbai [ Images ]. But then that all it is, a dramatic backdrop on the side, not the nucleus of director Kunal Deshmukh's second film, which alternates between a poignant flashback and action-packed present.

This fluctuating mood is also the greatest disservice to the movie, which gives the impression of being a Twister-kind of disaster flick, tries hard to ape Titanic [ Images ] (to the extent of lifting a scene) but follows the narrative in the tradition of Gulzar's [ Images ] Ijaazat.

And so, what, in fact, absorbs your attention is the breezy, effortless chemistry between two very unlikely personalities -- Emraan Hashmi [ Images ] and Soha Ali Khan [ Images ]. He lends her softness, while she brings him sophistication.

The duo play Akshay, a middle-class Indian student studying art in Cape Town and Sanjana [ Images ], a wealthy girl writing articles on eco-awareness for a youth magazine, sharing a unique sensitivity if not the same social strata.

Their romance reveals itself through numerous nostalgic moments experienced by present-day Akshay, now a toy-comic book developer and Sanjana, a features writer in a Mumbai-based magazine, when they bump into each other, on an exceptionally wet day of Mumbai, several years after their split.

What's amazing is how their story and affection unfolds. The viewer feels the stifling iciness between the two in the first scene. Initially, she's a bit condescending while he's mostly awkward, which is easily believable for not all couples part as friends.

Then as the story rewinds, we are familiarised to how they met, dated, began living-in, got intimate only to experience the not so pleasant side of a man-woman relationship.

Despite the rich-poor stereotype, Deshmukh handles the frustrations and conflicts between two strong-willed, independent individuals with astounding realism. No 'khandaan ki naak neechi kar di' screeching daddies to be found. No theatrical outbursts concerning the male ego and his penniless pockets. The issues -- her tendency to mildly control him or him refusing to communicate his thoughts to her or prioritising one's career over one's personal life are comfortably relatable.

The finely nuanced moments between the two aided by Pritam's [ Images ] fabulous soundtrack and Deshmukh's deft direction are the winning elements of Tum Mile. It's only when the story shifts to a round of forced-adventure in the monsoon-cursed streets of Mumbai, a sense of exaggeration begins to build up not to forget a ridiculously abrupt climax.

While occurrences like human chains, blocked car doors, crying school kids, water-logged roads, drowned vehicles, crashing trees and power outage draw inspiration from true-life, they are employed like mere gimmicks to bring in some VFX-enthused thrills. The special effects, while not world-class, do an adequate job of recreating an imagery of deluge.

Ultimately, though, Tum Mile's true strength lies in the combined appeal and compelling performances of Emraan and Soha. Awe-inspiring it is not but engaging? By all means.

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?

Shahid Kapoor plays Santa to Ahmad Khans' sons

Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) Choreographer-turned-director Ahmad Khan says he can't thank his friend Shahid Kapoor enough for fulfilling a long-cherished dream of his children.

'I had been promising my two sons Azaan and Subhan a trip to Disneyland for months. Earlier, when we shot in the US for Yash Raj Films' 'Bachna Ae Haseeno', I kept hoping there would be time. But I couldn't manage to get away. But this time Shahid made sure it happened,' Khan, who is back from the US after shooting for a song with his best friend Shahid, told IANS.

Shahid not only ensured that Ahmad wrapped up his work as quickly as possible, he made all the arrangements for his friend, his wife Saira and two sons to take off for Disneyland.

'And why not?' said Khan defensively. 'Shahid and I are childhood friends. Before my mother held my sons, Shahid took them in his arms. So it's perfectly natural for him to look out for me and my family.


'Out of the one month I spent in the US only 12 days were devoted to shooting the song. It wasn't even a dance song. It was a concept number showing the hero and his friends splurging and bingeing all over the US.

'We shot at casinos and at various pleasure and tourist spots in Philadelphia, Orlando, New York, New Jersey and Chicago,' said Khan who choreographed Shahid in the recently hit song 'Dhan te nan' from 'Kaminey'.

Shahid is also featuring in Khan's directorial debut 'Pathshala'. The first time director says that the actor's role is similar to Aamir Khan's in 'Taare Zameen Par'.

'In a two-hour long film, Shahid is there for an hour... he's there for 55 minutes. His role is like Aamir Khan's in 'Taare Zameen Par'. He comes in mid-way and yes, he's the teacher. Both Shahid and I have decided to focus on the kids in the marketing rather than on Shahid

Saif Kareena Romance Fuels Buzz for 'Kurbaan'

All eyes are now on Rensil D'Silva's 'Kurbaan', which is all set to release soon. The buzz surrounding the movie has mostly to do with its lead pair, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, who have been romantically cast opposite each other for the first time. They have done films like 'Tashan' and 'LOC' before this, but have never been cast opposite each other.

'Kurbaan' will be the first film where the real life lovers will also play reel life lovers. But unlike most Hindi films, the romance in this movie is not the frivolous kind but instead is intense and emotional, something which made the actors draw out from within themselves, emotions and feelings, which perhaps lay buried deep within. The film also stars Vivek Oberoi and its promos also manage to convey the intense mood of the movie. 'Kurbaan' has been written by Rensil and is set in the United States, against a backdrop of terrorism. It seems that story is about the protagonists who turn to terrorism after a series of unfortunate incidents that happen to them. But Rensil is very sure that he is not glorifying terrorism and that is what made Saif accept the role. He was bowled over by the script and which is why both he and Kareena agreed to do the movie. The couple will next be seen together in Saif's home production, 'Agent Vinod'. In fact, that is the only film which Saif will be working on for a while. Kareena, on the other hand, will be busy with the shooting of 'Stepmother' as well. She will also be awaiting the release of Raju Hirani's '3 Idiots' which has her starring opposite Aamir Khan for the first time.