Farhan Akhtar is busy finalizing the starcast of his Don remake. And the latest addition to the cast of the film is Isha Koppikar. However Isha gives a whole new spin to the Don remake. While all other actors in the cast of Don play some character from the original (SRK – Amitabh Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra– Zeenat Aman, Arjun Rampal – Pran, Kareena Kapoor – Helen), Isha’s character is not derived from the original film. Her character is an addition to the cast of this remake. Seems like the Don remake is not blatantly derived from the original but has some additions and alterations in its script. Javed Akhtar who scripted the original is re-working on the screenplay of the remake as well.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
SRK’s helping hand
'HUMKO TUMSE PYAAR HAI’ was an ambitious project when launched in 2002. Starring three ‘A’ list stars then — Bobby Deol, Amisha Patel and Arjun Rampal — the film, directed by Bunty Soorma and produced by Karim Morani, Bunty Soorma and Aly Morani, embarked on its first schedule in January 2002.
But catastrophe struck in March 2002, when Bunty Soorma passed away in his sleep in a Jaisalmer hotel, while the second schedule was in progress. Suddenly, everything seemed uncertain. Months later, Vikram Bhatt stepped in Bunty’s shoes to complete the remaining portions of the film. But the project, which was initially supposed to hit the screens towards the end of 2002, will now release exactly after three years — in Diwali this year
What prompted SRK to step in? “He kept track of the film all the while, he used to enquire about its progress. He even viewed portions of the film and has been supportive all through, though he has no stake in the film,” Aly reveals. There’s talk that SRK has spoken to some distributors, so that Bunty’s unfinished dream finally comes true. “He has been guiding us without any ulterior motive. What more could we ask for?” Aly states humbly.
Monday, August 8, 2005
Pal, pal, dil ke paas
Farah Khan
Buddy bunch Shah Rukh Khan, Gauri Khan, Karan Johar and my childhood friends who live in the same building Rajesh Sathe and his sister Rachna.
Buddy bond I meet SRK regularly because I work with him. But otherwise, we meet four to five times a month. We play board games like Trivial Pursuit or just sit and chat. SRK has been wanting me to work out with him which I’ve never done till now. We all enjoy films. When we are on outdoor locations, we sit in one room and watch DVDs. We talk mostly about work.
Nowadays we also talk about spiritualism, marriage and children but earlier, we mostly talked about what’s happening in the industry, childhood experiences, family experiences. SRK is a good talker but he’s also a good listener. He remembers small things. We have these jokes — like Karan always uses phrases like “we of the fraternity” meaning the film industry and I say it’s hardly a fraternity since everyone is trying to kill everyone else. With Gauri, it’s mostly girl talk. I don’t get to do that with the boys when I am shooting.
Buddy buys Shahrukh has given me a car. I buy him smaller gifts like a game or a DVD. Karan Johar too has given me very expensive things. I can’t reciprocate in the same way. I feel they have everything that money can buy and they have such good taste, so I don’t buy them stuff. I show my friendship in other ways like doing their songs without question.
Buddy backing If I ever have any problem, I know I can just call or land up at Shah Rukh’s house and my problem will be solved in 5 minutes. I just have to confide in Shah Rukh. He gives me a different perspective on things and I instantly feel good.
We don’t speak much on the phone. I’ve been on innumerable holidays with SRK, Gauri and the kids. I stay in their houses in London and Delhi. In fact they have a room for me there. I am also very close to Gauri’s family in Delhi.
Buddy bunch Shah Rukh Khan, Gauri Khan, Karan Johar and my childhood friends who live in the same building Rajesh Sathe and his sister Rachna.
Buddy bond I meet SRK regularly because I work with him. But otherwise, we meet four to five times a month. We play board games like Trivial Pursuit or just sit and chat. SRK has been wanting me to work out with him which I’ve never done till now. We all enjoy films. When we are on outdoor locations, we sit in one room and watch DVDs. We talk mostly about work.
Nowadays we also talk about spiritualism, marriage and children but earlier, we mostly talked about what’s happening in the industry, childhood experiences, family experiences. SRK is a good talker but he’s also a good listener. He remembers small things. We have these jokes — like Karan always uses phrases like “we of the fraternity” meaning the film industry and I say it’s hardly a fraternity since everyone is trying to kill everyone else. With Gauri, it’s mostly girl talk. I don’t get to do that with the boys when I am shooting.
Buddy buys Shahrukh has given me a car. I buy him smaller gifts like a game or a DVD. Karan Johar too has given me very expensive things. I can’t reciprocate in the same way. I feel they have everything that money can buy and they have such good taste, so I don’t buy them stuff. I show my friendship in other ways like doing their songs without question.
Buddy backing If I ever have any problem, I know I can just call or land up at Shah Rukh’s house and my problem will be solved in 5 minutes. I just have to confide in Shah Rukh. He gives me a different perspective on things and I instantly feel good.
We don’t speak much on the phone. I’ve been on innumerable holidays with SRK, Gauri and the kids. I stay in their houses in London and Delhi. In fact they have a room for me there. I am also very close to Gauri’s family in Delhi.
SRK is the Baadshah & i am ikka
AAMIR KHAN tackles his food like his roles. Meticulously, and with an eye on the details. The triangular sandwich is neatly halved and consumed in two precise bites. A small piece of the medu vada is dipped in coconut chutney and eaten without a spoon. Of course, he chews 32 times.
Once his snack is over, he switches places. He wants to know everything: What my name means, how long I’ve been with The Indian Express, whether I live alone in Mumbai, how many people there are in my family, why my family shifted from Mirzapur to Chandigarh in 1984.
When I tell him we relocated after the anti-Sikh riots, he makes a face, ‘‘Gosh, that’s sad. But these things make you the person you’ll become.’’ He asks me how old I was when it happened. Soon, I’m sharing the intimate memories of a five-year-old with him. I tell him how my dad went missing for 10 days and came back clean-shaven and with cropped hair. “Hello uncle” were my first words to my father. Khan grimaces, ‘‘This should be in a movie.’’ Finally, it’s my turn to ask the questions.
What image comes to mind when I say Lagaan?
(Closes his eyes) I think of a team. Lagaan is a representation of the underdog achieving the impossible.
Is Lagaan a heavy burden to carry?
I’m happy my film was received so well and made an impact that went beyond a regular movie. Did you know it’s used as a case study in management schools and companies?
Is there constant pressure to do something different?
It’s a double-edged sword. I like the fact that my audience has high expectations of my work. I’m happy to shoulder that responsibility. But it does get scary at times.
Especially after a gap of four years.
I didn’t want it or plan it that way. But I was going through a big crisis in my personal life and was unable to work for quite a while.
How is your personal life now?
I think I’m at peace. My kids (Junaid and Ira) are fine.
What’s the status with Kiran Rao?
Well, she’s a part of my life. I’m very happy with her. And I hope it stays that way.
They’re predicting that Mangal Pandey: The Rising will get a record-breaking initial.
Yeah, it’s the first time in my career that I’ve requested my producer and distributors to release extra prints so that all my fans get to see the film at the earliest.
You must have really prepared for the role of Mangal Pandey.
My director Ketan Mehta has been living the material for 20 years. I joined him three years ago. I’ve tried to read up on all kinds of material to understand what life was like during that time. It’s a big responsibility to play the role of Mangal Pandey because he’s a figure in the minds of Indians. I want my audience to take back something they are proud of.
Tell me something I don’t know about him.
Did you know that for the British, Mangal Pandey became a symbol of Indian rebellion. They used to call anyone who rebelled, Pandey.
Quick, what is the best and worst thing about being Aamir Khan?
I value the love and respect of my audience. The most difficult thing to deal with is the unceasing pressure from all directions. People constantly want something from me. Someone wants me to do a film, sign an autograph, be a chief guest, attend a charity dinner or write a column.
The general impression is that you’re an island in Bollywood.
I function the way I do and value my privacy. I’m very protective about the time that I keep aside for my personal life.
But do you have friends in the industry?
Of course I do. What are you implying?
How many of them are on your speed dial?
I don’t use speed dial. I remember keying it in but I end up dialling the number. (Checks his phone). Okay, maybe you have a point. I don’t have anyone from the industry, it’s mostly family members and close friends.
Maybe that’s why you’re on a making-up spree these days. You’ve made up with Salman Khan and Yash Chopra.
Not at all. Making up would apply if I was not on good terms with them. Salman has been a colleague for 15 years and we have mutual respect and regard for each other. That’s never changed for me. As for Yashji, I’ve always had immense respect for him. If we had any disagreements, that’s between him and me. It’s something we’ve dealt with in the past. It’s not an issue now.
Who’s the No 1 Khan—you or Shah Rukh Khan?
I was in Pakistan when someone said that SRK is the badshah of Bollywood. So, I said yeah, he is the badshah but I’m the ikka.
Are you?
Why not? Hey, I’m saying this as a joke. I mean it, but it’s a joke.
How do you explain the national interest in your signing price?
I have no idea. Money is not a top priority for me, other things are more precious. I charge what I feel is appropriate for the film. I have no idea if it’s the lowest or the highest.
Do you really interfere with all your directors?
I’ve learnt to ignore this question.
When will you turn director?
I’m not ready. But hopefully, one day soon.
Which was the last film you wanted to be a part of as an actor?
I would’ve loved any role in Maqbool.
You look toned, has the fitness bug bitten you too?
I’m basically a lazy person. If the role requires a particular look then I’ll workout to achieve that. Since Mangal Pandey was a soldier, I wanted a raw and earthy physique. I hope I’m able to maintain it.
The general impression is that you’re an island in Bollywood.
I function the way I do and value my privacy. I’m very protective about the time that I keep aside for my personal life.
But do you have friends in the industry?
Of course I do. What are you implying?
How many of them are on your speed dial?
I don’t use speed dial. I remember keying it in but I end up dialling the number. (Checks his phone). Okay, maybe you have a point. I don’t have anyone from the industry, it’s mostly family members and close friends.
Maybe that’s why you’re on a making-up spree these days. You’ve made up with Salman Khan and Yash Chopra.
Not at all. Making up would apply if I was not on good terms with them. Salman has been a colleague for 15 years and we have mutual respect and regard for each other. That’s never changed for me. As for Yashji, I’ve always had immense respect for him. If we had any disagreements, that’s between him and me. It’s something we’ve dealt with in the past. It’s not an issue now.
Who’s the No 1 Khan—you or Shah Rukh Khan?
I was in Pakistan when someone said that SRK is the badshah of Bollywood. So, I said yeah, he is the badshah but I’m the ikka.
Are you?
Why not? Hey, I’m saying this as a joke. I mean it, but it’s a joke.
How do you explain the national interest in your signing price?
I have no idea. Money is not a top priority for me, other things are more precious. I charge what I feel is appropriate for the film. I have no idea if it’s the lowest or the highest.
Do you really interfere with all your directors?
I’ve learnt to ignore this question.
When will you turn director?
I’m not ready. But hopefully, one day soon.
Which was the last film you wanted to be a part of as an actor?
I would’ve loved any role in Maqbool.
You look toned, has the fitness bug bitten you too?
I’m basically a lazy person. If the role requires a particular look then I’ll workout to achieve that. Since Mangal Pandey was a soldier, I wanted a raw and earthy physique. I hope I’m able to maintain it.
Once his snack is over, he switches places. He wants to know everything: What my name means, how long I’ve been with The Indian Express, whether I live alone in Mumbai, how many people there are in my family, why my family shifted from Mirzapur to Chandigarh in 1984.
When I tell him we relocated after the anti-Sikh riots, he makes a face, ‘‘Gosh, that’s sad. But these things make you the person you’ll become.’’ He asks me how old I was when it happened. Soon, I’m sharing the intimate memories of a five-year-old with him. I tell him how my dad went missing for 10 days and came back clean-shaven and with cropped hair. “Hello uncle” were my first words to my father. Khan grimaces, ‘‘This should be in a movie.’’ Finally, it’s my turn to ask the questions.
What image comes to mind when I say Lagaan?
(Closes his eyes) I think of a team. Lagaan is a representation of the underdog achieving the impossible.
Is Lagaan a heavy burden to carry?
I’m happy my film was received so well and made an impact that went beyond a regular movie. Did you know it’s used as a case study in management schools and companies?
Is there constant pressure to do something different?
It’s a double-edged sword. I like the fact that my audience has high expectations of my work. I’m happy to shoulder that responsibility. But it does get scary at times.
Especially after a gap of four years.
I didn’t want it or plan it that way. But I was going through a big crisis in my personal life and was unable to work for quite a while.
How is your personal life now?
I think I’m at peace. My kids (Junaid and Ira) are fine.
What’s the status with Kiran Rao?
Well, she’s a part of my life. I’m very happy with her. And I hope it stays that way.
They’re predicting that Mangal Pandey: The Rising will get a record-breaking initial.
Yeah, it’s the first time in my career that I’ve requested my producer and distributors to release extra prints so that all my fans get to see the film at the earliest.
You must have really prepared for the role of Mangal Pandey.
My director Ketan Mehta has been living the material for 20 years. I joined him three years ago. I’ve tried to read up on all kinds of material to understand what life was like during that time. It’s a big responsibility to play the role of Mangal Pandey because he’s a figure in the minds of Indians. I want my audience to take back something they are proud of.
Tell me something I don’t know about him.
Did you know that for the British, Mangal Pandey became a symbol of Indian rebellion. They used to call anyone who rebelled, Pandey.
Quick, what is the best and worst thing about being Aamir Khan?
I value the love and respect of my audience. The most difficult thing to deal with is the unceasing pressure from all directions. People constantly want something from me. Someone wants me to do a film, sign an autograph, be a chief guest, attend a charity dinner or write a column.
The general impression is that you’re an island in Bollywood.
I function the way I do and value my privacy. I’m very protective about the time that I keep aside for my personal life.
But do you have friends in the industry?
Of course I do. What are you implying?
How many of them are on your speed dial?
I don’t use speed dial. I remember keying it in but I end up dialling the number. (Checks his phone). Okay, maybe you have a point. I don’t have anyone from the industry, it’s mostly family members and close friends.
Maybe that’s why you’re on a making-up spree these days. You’ve made up with Salman Khan and Yash Chopra.
Not at all. Making up would apply if I was not on good terms with them. Salman has been a colleague for 15 years and we have mutual respect and regard for each other. That’s never changed for me. As for Yashji, I’ve always had immense respect for him. If we had any disagreements, that’s between him and me. It’s something we’ve dealt with in the past. It’s not an issue now.
Who’s the No 1 Khan—you or Shah Rukh Khan?
I was in Pakistan when someone said that SRK is the badshah of Bollywood. So, I said yeah, he is the badshah but I’m the ikka.
Are you?
Why not? Hey, I’m saying this as a joke. I mean it, but it’s a joke.
How do you explain the national interest in your signing price?
I have no idea. Money is not a top priority for me, other things are more precious. I charge what I feel is appropriate for the film. I have no idea if it’s the lowest or the highest.
Do you really interfere with all your directors?
I’ve learnt to ignore this question.
When will you turn director?
I’m not ready. But hopefully, one day soon.
Which was the last film you wanted to be a part of as an actor?
I would’ve loved any role in Maqbool.
You look toned, has the fitness bug bitten you too?
I’m basically a lazy person. If the role requires a particular look then I’ll workout to achieve that. Since Mangal Pandey was a soldier, I wanted a raw and earthy physique. I hope I’m able to maintain it.
The general impression is that you’re an island in Bollywood.
I function the way I do and value my privacy. I’m very protective about the time that I keep aside for my personal life.
But do you have friends in the industry?
Of course I do. What are you implying?
How many of them are on your speed dial?
I don’t use speed dial. I remember keying it in but I end up dialling the number. (Checks his phone). Okay, maybe you have a point. I don’t have anyone from the industry, it’s mostly family members and close friends.
Maybe that’s why you’re on a making-up spree these days. You’ve made up with Salman Khan and Yash Chopra.
Not at all. Making up would apply if I was not on good terms with them. Salman has been a colleague for 15 years and we have mutual respect and regard for each other. That’s never changed for me. As for Yashji, I’ve always had immense respect for him. If we had any disagreements, that’s between him and me. It’s something we’ve dealt with in the past. It’s not an issue now.
Who’s the No 1 Khan—you or Shah Rukh Khan?
I was in Pakistan when someone said that SRK is the badshah of Bollywood. So, I said yeah, he is the badshah but I’m the ikka.
Are you?
Why not? Hey, I’m saying this as a joke. I mean it, but it’s a joke.
How do you explain the national interest in your signing price?
I have no idea. Money is not a top priority for me, other things are more precious. I charge what I feel is appropriate for the film. I have no idea if it’s the lowest or the highest.
Do you really interfere with all your directors?
I’ve learnt to ignore this question.
When will you turn director?
I’m not ready. But hopefully, one day soon.
Which was the last film you wanted to be a part of as an actor?
I would’ve loved any role in Maqbool.
You look toned, has the fitness bug bitten you too?
I’m basically a lazy person. If the role requires a particular look then I’ll workout to achieve that. Since Mangal Pandey was a soldier, I wanted a raw and earthy physique. I hope I’m able to maintain it.
Wednesday, August 3, 2005
Event : ShahRukh Khan in Leicester - Stockholm and Oslo
For more Info visit the event site
http://starsevening.com/
http://starsevening.com/
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