In a season when Koffee With Karan has made news for controversial comments, Shahrukh Khan has gone ahead and made a most humble admission on the show.
The superstar appeared on the show alone and was his charming and candid best. When host and dost Karan Johar asked SRK about the people who are no longer on talking terms with him, SRK gave a surprising reply.
“Shah Rukh said that if they weren't talking to him, it could probably be his fault,” a source is quoted to have told a tabloid.
Obviously, Karan was alluding to Salman Khan - who hasn’t talked with SRK since his quarrel with him on Katrina Kaif’s birthday in 2008.
Farah Khan, on the other hand, fell out with her once-favourite friend after SRK reportedly objected to her leaving him out of her film Tees Maar Khan and signing Akshay Kumar instead.
Anyway, Shahrukh’s admission that his spat with Salman and Farah were probably due to his own fault shows how introspective and humble he can be.
(apunkachoice)
Welcome to News Blog of Karan Johar where you will catch every buzz and rumor about India's No.1 Director and his producion house - Dharma Productions.
Image : Dharma Productions
Sunday, December 19, 2010
I will not apologize--Karan Johar
KJo's chat show, 'Koffee With Karan' earlier series never gained such popularity as it's grabbing in its third season.
Koffee With Karan' hogged into limelight when Deepika and Sonam dig potshots at him on the show, and daddy Kapoor accused Karan for instigating the duo in defaming his son.
Surprisingly Karan, who was quiet after the allegations against him by the senior Kapoor, finally broke his silence in a conversation with Hindustan Times.
Denying all the accusations, Karan Johar revealed, “To say that I provoke guests to take potshots at each other is not true. I've always been the same and treated guests with respect.
“I've been brought up with such values that I'd be the first one to say sorry - but if only I've made a mistake.
“I have utmost respect for my seniors, but had I felt I'd done something wrong, I would have picked up the phone and apologised. But I've done no wrong, so I'll just let time heal the situation.”
What had actually happened?
It all started when Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor took potshots at the Kapoor lad on the show.
Interestingly, during the rapid fire round, when Karan questioned Deepika about a gift for Ranbir, the leggy lass replied, “A pack of condoms.” While Sonam too didn't stay behind and made fun of junior Kapoor by asking Deepika, how did she managed her relationship with Ranbir.
All these witty statements palpably didn't go well with daddy Kapoor and he expressed his discontentment towards KJo, Deepika and Sonam.
Bollywood losing its sense of humor
Clarifying all the misconceptions, KJo commented that Bollywood is losing its sense of humor.
The reason is candid confessions and witty comments by young stars. These are evidently tough for others to handle.
“The new generation is much more relaxed and confident in saying fun things about each other. They don't come with any baggage of trying to be all diplomatic.
“In International talk shows, celebs say all kinds of things about each other. We need to take it in the stride,” added Karan.
Citing an example, Karan stated what actually happened in a recent interview with Anil, Sanjay and Kangana on 'Koffee With Karan'.
He said, “I fail to understand why we take offence so easily. Watch the promos of the episode where Anil Kapoor is asked to name the most shocking hit of the year. He said My name is Khan, and even I laughed.
“When I can laugh at myself, why can't people do the same, or learn to deal with what someone has said on the show. Where is our sense of humour?"
It's time for B-town to act little mature. What say?
(http://www.totalfilmy.com/feature/20101213/i_will_not_apologizekaran_johar-31715.html)
Koffee With Karan' hogged into limelight when Deepika and Sonam dig potshots at him on the show, and daddy Kapoor accused Karan for instigating the duo in defaming his son.
Surprisingly Karan, who was quiet after the allegations against him by the senior Kapoor, finally broke his silence in a conversation with Hindustan Times.
Denying all the accusations, Karan Johar revealed, “To say that I provoke guests to take potshots at each other is not true. I've always been the same and treated guests with respect.
“I've been brought up with such values that I'd be the first one to say sorry - but if only I've made a mistake.
“I have utmost respect for my seniors, but had I felt I'd done something wrong, I would have picked up the phone and apologised. But I've done no wrong, so I'll just let time heal the situation.”
What had actually happened?
It all started when Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor took potshots at the Kapoor lad on the show.
Interestingly, during the rapid fire round, when Karan questioned Deepika about a gift for Ranbir, the leggy lass replied, “A pack of condoms.” While Sonam too didn't stay behind and made fun of junior Kapoor by asking Deepika, how did she managed her relationship with Ranbir.
All these witty statements palpably didn't go well with daddy Kapoor and he expressed his discontentment towards KJo, Deepika and Sonam.
Bollywood losing its sense of humor
Clarifying all the misconceptions, KJo commented that Bollywood is losing its sense of humor.
The reason is candid confessions and witty comments by young stars. These are evidently tough for others to handle.
“The new generation is much more relaxed and confident in saying fun things about each other. They don't come with any baggage of trying to be all diplomatic.
“In International talk shows, celebs say all kinds of things about each other. We need to take it in the stride,” added Karan.
Citing an example, Karan stated what actually happened in a recent interview with Anil, Sanjay and Kangana on 'Koffee With Karan'.
He said, “I fail to understand why we take offence so easily. Watch the promos of the episode where Anil Kapoor is asked to name the most shocking hit of the year. He said My name is Khan, and even I laughed.
“When I can laugh at myself, why can't people do the same, or learn to deal with what someone has said on the show. Where is our sense of humour?"
It's time for B-town to act little mature. What say?
(http://www.totalfilmy.com/feature/20101213/i_will_not_apologizekaran_johar-31715.html)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Farah, Imtiaz, Raju Hirani & KJo have a blast on Koffee With Karan
What happens when Bollywood's top four directors sit down to chat over some coffee? They talk movies, obviously! But when the cup of coffee is served in Karan Johar's den, secrets come tumbling out. This is exactly what happened when Karan Johar had 3 of today's most successful directors namely Imtiaz Ali, Farah Khan and Raju Hirani as special guests on his popular talk show 'Koffee With Karan'. The episode which airs this coming Sunday (Oct 28) promises a lot of fun and we bring you a sneak peek at what you can expect from the show.
Karan and Farah have been known to be close friends for many years and it was but natural that Karan had no reservations at all in pulling Farah's leg at every possible instance. It may be recalled that the choreographer turned director and mother of three is known to have had a tiff with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Karan couldn't resist asking her about it. Karan even asked her about her supposed fall-out with Shah Rukh Khan (with whom she has had two huge hits in the form of Main Hoon Naa and Om Shanti Om) to which Farah replied, "I pray for Shah Rukh's success every day".
Imtiaz Ali may be a man of few words but that didn't stop Karan from asking him some tricky questions in his own inimitable style. When asked who he would like to work with again- Shahid or Saif-, Imtiaz's answer was Saif. Also when prodded who he thinks is his biggest competitor among the contemporary directors, Imtiaz took the name of Anurag Basu.
Finally it was Rajkumar Hirani's turn to face a volley of questions from Karan and the director answered it all with his million dollar smile intact throughout. Karan decided to put him in a tight spot and asked him who he considered to be the biggest Khan. Raju in his own unique and witty way replied, "Farah Khan". Hirani also spoke about the Chetan Bhagat controversy which erupted post the release of 3 Idiots.
It's seldom that four of the country's top directors come together. But when they do, as they did on 'Koffee With Karan', it makes for compelling viewing.
( By Bollywood Hungama News Network )
Monday, November 22, 2010
Karan Johar – “If I don't like something, I won't tweet about it”
Karan has enjoyed an eventful 2010 so far. After all his directorial venture 'My Name Is Khan' has enjoyed global success, 'I Hate Luv Storys' has turned out to be a quick hit while 'We Are Family' has managed to sail smooth as well. Now with 'Koffee With Karan' keeping his personal brand value intact and finding good visibility for itself amongst the audience, the filmmaker cum host maintains that it isn't too difficult after all to acknowledge your peers for what they are worth.
"I am not saying that you have to always like something and say/write positive about it. Personally, as someone who belongs to the fraternity, if I don't like something, I won't tweet about it or give sound bytes to media. I will talk about it in person with close friends but that's about it," says Karan.
He tries to hide his displeasure about the way some of his colleagues in the industry respond to peer success.
"Industry is full of people who don't want to acknowledge your success," rues Karan, "That's unfair because if I find something which is brilliant, I will acknowledge that. If you don't do that, you would always be restricted to your cocoon."
Point taken Karan. Are others listening?
(indiaglitz)
"I am not saying that you have to always like something and say/write positive about it. Personally, as someone who belongs to the fraternity, if I don't like something, I won't tweet about it or give sound bytes to media. I will talk about it in person with close friends but that's about it," says Karan.
He tries to hide his displeasure about the way some of his colleagues in the industry respond to peer success.
"Industry is full of people who don't want to acknowledge your success," rues Karan, "That's unfair because if I find something which is brilliant, I will acknowledge that. If you don't do that, you would always be restricted to your cocoon."
Point taken Karan. Are others listening?
(indiaglitz)
Ranbir Kapoor reacts to Deepika’s condom comment
Deepika Padukone raised many a brow with her unabashedly frank comment about gifting Ranbir Kapoor, her ex boyfriend, a pack of condoms. Ranbir now says he happily endorses her view.
The comment was made on Karan Johar’s show Koffee With Karan and that is why it made such news. Though Deepika later clarified that the comment was tongue in cheek, Ranbir says he didn’t mind it one bit.
At the Teacher’s Achievement Awards held in Mumbai, Ranbir was asked to react to Deepika’s comment.
“I think she said a good thing. Our country should be aware of safe sex and condom is a means to that. And thank you for that,” Ranbir said.
(Apunkachoice)
He did not stop at that and went ahead to wish Deepika good luck for her upcoming film.
“Best of luck for Break Ke Baad. It seems really nice...you and Imran are a great couple. Looking forward to see the film,” Ranbir added.
(Apun Ka Choice )
The comment was made on Karan Johar’s show Koffee With Karan and that is why it made such news. Though Deepika later clarified that the comment was tongue in cheek, Ranbir says he didn’t mind it one bit.
At the Teacher’s Achievement Awards held in Mumbai, Ranbir was asked to react to Deepika’s comment.
“I think she said a good thing. Our country should be aware of safe sex and condom is a means to that. And thank you for that,” Ranbir said.
(Apunkachoice)
He did not stop at that and went ahead to wish Deepika good luck for her upcoming film.
“Best of luck for Break Ke Baad. It seems really nice...you and Imran are a great couple. Looking forward to see the film,” Ranbir added.
(Apun Ka Choice )
Condom comment about Ranbir was tongue-in-cheek: Deepika Padukone
The media has admittedly gone overboard in hyperbolizing an apparently innocuous comment made by Deepika Padukone on Karan Johar’s show Koffee With Karan.In the rapid-fire round on the show hosted by Karan Johar, some of Deepika’s replies were surprising to both the host and the co-guest Sonam Kapoor. When asked what Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika’s ex, should do, Deepika quipped: “Endorse a condom brand.”
The comment was perceived in different ways by the media, with some linking it to Ranbir’s ‘philandering’ ways, while others to Deepika’s grouse against her ex.
Actually, it may be neither. Deepika says in an interview that the comment was made tongue-in-cheek and need to be taken in light vein.
“It's all in good humour. It's not targeted at anybody...there is no negativity towards anyone. People need to have a sense of humour. If I go and sit quietly and be politically correct, it would have been so boring,” said Deepika who is quite surprised at all the brouhaha over her comment.
(apunkachoice)
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Sneak peek inside KJo's coffee hamper
We give you a sneak peek at the goodies inside Karan Johar's coveted Koffee hamper. It's oglin' time!
The most coveted item on Koffee With Karan is the coffee hamper. The chat show's anchor Karan Johar has his celeb guests battling it out to emerge winner of the basketful of goodies.
Pics/ Santosh Nagwekar
The rapid-fire round has the host hurtle a volley of questions (sometimes not too comfortable for the guests!).
The guest who answers honestly (or hilariously!) wins the hamper. Fence-sitters and diplomatic replies don't fetch any points for the goodies. As KJo states it is a hamper worth fighting for!
In this season's hamper
~~ A BlackBerry Torch
~~ A Samsung Tab
~~ A box of chocolates from the Grand Hyatt
~~ A box of Lindt Swiss thins
~~ A box of mini cupcakes
~~ Vicenzi's Mini Snack puff pastry rolls filled with hazelnut cream
~~ A maroon Koffee With Karan mug
~~ Gourmet ground coffee
~~ A small bottle of Nescafe Classic
~~ Bailey's Irish Cream
~~ A scented candle
~~ A small bottle of Leonidas chocolate spread
~~ A bottle of Burberry Sport for women
(Mid - Day)
The most coveted item on Koffee With Karan is the coffee hamper. The chat show's anchor Karan Johar has his celeb guests battling it out to emerge winner of the basketful of goodies.
Pics/ Santosh Nagwekar
The rapid-fire round has the host hurtle a volley of questions (sometimes not too comfortable for the guests!).
The guest who answers honestly (or hilariously!) wins the hamper. Fence-sitters and diplomatic replies don't fetch any points for the goodies. As KJo states it is a hamper worth fighting for!
In this season's hamper
~~ A BlackBerry Torch
~~ A Samsung Tab
~~ A box of chocolates from the Grand Hyatt
~~ A box of Lindt Swiss thins
~~ A box of mini cupcakes
~~ Vicenzi's Mini Snack puff pastry rolls filled with hazelnut cream
~~ A maroon Koffee With Karan mug
~~ Gourmet ground coffee
~~ A small bottle of Nescafe Classic
~~ Bailey's Irish Cream
~~ A scented candle
~~ A small bottle of Leonidas chocolate spread
~~ A bottle of Burberry Sport for women
(Mid - Day)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
A Minute With: Karan Johar and some Koffee
When he's not directing and producing films or designing costumes, Karan Johar is chatting with his friends -- and getting paid for it.
In November, the 38-year-old filmmaker reprises his role as television chat show host on the third season of "Koffee With Karan".
Johar spoke to Reuters about his return to television, politically correct Bollywood stars and taking a break from Twitter.
Q: When "Koffee with Karan" ended four years ago, did you think there would be a third season?
A: "I always knew there would be a season three. I just didn't know when. I took a huge break in between to do other things and directed 'My Name is Khan'. The sabbatical was unfortunate but a required sabbatical."
Q: You are doing so many things -- production, direction and fashion designing. Where does "Koffee with Karan" figure in this scheme of things?
A: "I think 'Koffee with Karan' is an extension of my personality. It's one of the reasons why I have such equity in market. A lot of people associate my name with the show rather than my films. I have great fun doing it. They (stars) are all my friends and it's like lounging around in your living room and chatting."
Q: Are there any taboo subjects on the show?
A: "Well, yes. I will never go into personal territory that I know would make the guest uncomfortable. Like if a couple is getting divorced you don't ask them about it. It's just good manners. And I am not here to ruffle feathers or hurt any one."
Q: Are you planning to move beyond Bollywood this season?
A: "Well, I am going to try. But those will just be four or five episodes. The show is going to be predominantly Bollywood because that is what it is about. And that is what people want to see."
Q: How have guests changed since the first season of the show?
A: "They have become more guarded. I think Bollywood stars on the whole have become more politically correct than before. Basically because there is so much attention being paid to what they say and do, especially because of social networking sites like Twitter. And even an innocent remark can be misconstrued. But that makes the job harder for people like us."
Q: Speaking of Twitter, why haven't you been tweeting recently?
A: "I just got fed up of it all. It was such a pain having to update constantly about what you are doing and your whereabouts. I worded it very carefully so that I wouldn't have so many questions about why I was going off Twitter. And now I can't possibly start again because people will say I am just doing it to promote the show."
Q: Will there be a fourth season of 'Koffee with Karan'?
A: "Honestly, the celebrity quotient in our industry is so less, I end up having the same people on my show. And the ones who don't come on the show might think they are celebrities but they are not, at least in my mind. I am hoping there will be a fourth season too but I also need to direct a film, which is very important also. Let's see."
In November, the 38-year-old filmmaker reprises his role as television chat show host on the third season of "Koffee With Karan".
Johar spoke to Reuters about his return to television, politically correct Bollywood stars and taking a break from Twitter.
Q: When "Koffee with Karan" ended four years ago, did you think there would be a third season?
A: "I always knew there would be a season three. I just didn't know when. I took a huge break in between to do other things and directed 'My Name is Khan'. The sabbatical was unfortunate but a required sabbatical."
Q: You are doing so many things -- production, direction and fashion designing. Where does "Koffee with Karan" figure in this scheme of things?
A: "I think 'Koffee with Karan' is an extension of my personality. It's one of the reasons why I have such equity in market. A lot of people associate my name with the show rather than my films. I have great fun doing it. They (stars) are all my friends and it's like lounging around in your living room and chatting."
Q: Are there any taboo subjects on the show?
A: "Well, yes. I will never go into personal territory that I know would make the guest uncomfortable. Like if a couple is getting divorced you don't ask them about it. It's just good manners. And I am not here to ruffle feathers or hurt any one."
Q: Are you planning to move beyond Bollywood this season?
A: "Well, I am going to try. But those will just be four or five episodes. The show is going to be predominantly Bollywood because that is what it is about. And that is what people want to see."
Q: How have guests changed since the first season of the show?
A: "They have become more guarded. I think Bollywood stars on the whole have become more politically correct than before. Basically because there is so much attention being paid to what they say and do, especially because of social networking sites like Twitter. And even an innocent remark can be misconstrued. But that makes the job harder for people like us."
Q: Speaking of Twitter, why haven't you been tweeting recently?
A: "I just got fed up of it all. It was such a pain having to update constantly about what you are doing and your whereabouts. I worded it very carefully so that I wouldn't have so many questions about why I was going off Twitter. And now I can't possibly start again because people will say I am just doing it to promote the show."
Q: Will there be a fourth season of 'Koffee with Karan'?
A: "Honestly, the celebrity quotient in our industry is so less, I end up having the same people on my show. And the ones who don't come on the show might think they are celebrities but they are not, at least in my mind. I am hoping there will be a fourth season too but I also need to direct a film, which is very important also. Let's see."
Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.
(ibtimes)
Friday, October 29, 2010
Check Out: Farah Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Raju Hirani shoot for Koffee with Karan
One of the most popular talk shows in the history of Indian television is all set for a grand comeback. Yes…we are indeed talking about 'Koffee with Karan' hosted by none other than the inimitable Karan Johar. Season 3 of 'Koffee with Karan' is all set to return in a few weeks from now and from the looks of it, this one promises to be bigger, better and spicier.
Some of the guests who will be seen on the show include current heartthrobs Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan & Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor. Besides actors, Karan even got 3 of the most popular directors namely Rajkumar Hirani, Imtiaz Ali and Farah Khan to shoot for a Director's special episode last night. The quartet seemed to have had a blast and Farah who posted this pic on Twitter immediately tweeted, "Shot 4 koffee with karan, imtiaz ali n raju hirani last nite. such fun."
Well with such interesting personalities all set to reveal some hitherto unknown facts about their life, we can't wait to smell this Koffee.
(By Bollywood Hungama News Network)
Karan Johar wants to have 'Koffee' with Aamir
Director Karan Johar, who is coming up with the third season of Koffee with Karan, said he would be honoured to bring and interview superstar Aamir Khan in his popular talk show. "I had a chat with Aamir. I am trying to have him in this season. I think Aamir has proven his mettle as a filmmaker, actor and as a personality I think we should all be really proud of. Aamir conceptually has said that we would do it but we are yet to figure out a date and a schedule. It would be my honour to interview Aamir Khan," Karan told reporters here on Friday.
For the first time, actor couple Abhishek and Aishwarya would be appearing in any talk show together after their marriage.
"It was a great to have Abhi and Ash, there are my friends only. After their marriage, it's their first appearance together in a talk show. There were many things that I wanted to know, which I think audience would love to know because they are really one of the royal couple of Bollywood," said Karan.
Stories were making rounds that estranged couple actor Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra would appear together in the show, but Karan rubbished the speculations showering praise on their acting skills.
"There is a media conjecture but I haven't spoken to them (Shahid and Priyanka). They are great couple on screen. I would say Kaminey was a fantastic film and Shahid and Priyanka are big reason for that. I would love to have Shahid and Priyanka together," said Karan.
Karan maintains that he wouldn't take advantage of his personal rapport with the stars to unravel their secrets beyond a certain level.
"I never offend any of my guests. I try to make them feel comfortable as I invite them to my show. Yes, some sequences are revealed, some fun conversation happened but I don't think anything is offensive," said Karan.
"There are new enemies, new lovers and new controversies, so we will talk on that," he added.
Koffee with Karan would be aired on STAR World from Nov 7.
(Hindustan Times )
For the first time, actor couple Abhishek and Aishwarya would be appearing in any talk show together after their marriage.
"It was a great to have Abhi and Ash, there are my friends only. After their marriage, it's their first appearance together in a talk show. There were many things that I wanted to know, which I think audience would love to know because they are really one of the royal couple of Bollywood," said Karan.
Stories were making rounds that estranged couple actor Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra would appear together in the show, but Karan rubbished the speculations showering praise on their acting skills.
"There is a media conjecture but I haven't spoken to them (Shahid and Priyanka). They are great couple on screen. I would say Kaminey was a fantastic film and Shahid and Priyanka are big reason for that. I would love to have Shahid and Priyanka together," said Karan.
Karan maintains that he wouldn't take advantage of his personal rapport with the stars to unravel their secrets beyond a certain level.
"I never offend any of my guests. I try to make them feel comfortable as I invite them to my show. Yes, some sequences are revealed, some fun conversation happened but I don't think anything is offensive," said Karan.
"There are new enemies, new lovers and new controversies, so we will talk on that," he added.
Koffee with Karan would be aired on STAR World from Nov 7.
(Hindustan Times )
Will Kareena, Ranbir have Koffee With Karan?
The latest celebrity pair to be approached to appear together for season 3 of Koffee With Karan, according to sources, are famous cousins Kareena and Ranbir Kapoor
If Karan Johar manages this one, it will be nothing short of a coup. In many of her interviews, Kareena has been lamenting that she cannot be paired opposite the young hotshot actor because he is her cousin. Let’s hope she agrees to come on the show with him.
Meanwhile, buzz is that the coffee wall, a pre-dominant feature of the show in its first two seasons, will be completely done away with. It was on the wall that the celebs signed and deposited their coffee mugs. This time the makers are set to introduce something new and contemporary in its place.
(India Express)
If Karan Johar manages this one, it will be nothing short of a coup. In many of her interviews, Kareena has been lamenting that she cannot be paired opposite the young hotshot actor because he is her cousin. Let’s hope she agrees to come on the show with him.
Meanwhile, buzz is that the coffee wall, a pre-dominant feature of the show in its first two seasons, will be completely done away with. It was on the wall that the celebs signed and deposited their coffee mugs. This time the makers are set to introduce something new and contemporary in its place.
(India Express)
Karan Johar on why Hrithik and not Abhishek for Agneepath remake
It's official. Karan Johar finally admits it is Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra in the Agneepath remake.
Speaking officially for the first time about the casting of the Agneepath remake, Karan Johar coolly and cleverly passes on the buck to his newbie director Karan Malhotra for Abhishek Bachchan's non-presence in the remake...a casting digression that jolted everyone who thought Abhishek was a natural and inevitable inheritor of the Agneepath role.
Says Karan Johar, "When my father (the late Yash Johar) produced Agneepath, he left everything to his director Mukul Anand and kept completely away from the project. I'm carrying on the family tradition. The casting for the Agneepath remake was decided by the director Siddharth. He decided on Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra. Why Hrithik and not Abhishek? I think Siddharth has his own ideas on how to present the character. I think the protagonist in the new Agneepath would be very different from how he was in the original."
The script for the new Agneepath is also entirely re-vamped. Priyanka Chopra won't play a nurse, like Madhvi had done in the original. And the Mithun Chakraborty's character from the original has been done away with completely.
If there was any tension about the Bachchan's scion, Abhishek not even been approached for the remake of Agneepath, it was wiped away last week at the haute couture week where it was crystal-clear in public that the Bachchans still treated Karan as part of their family.
Last Wednesday, at Manish Malhotra's fashion show Abhishek, more baffled than hurt by not even asked to do the Agneepath remake, walked up and warmly hugged Karan. The following evening on Thursday, Karan coaxed the original Agneepath protagonist Big B to walk the ramp with star of the remake Hrithik Roshan,thereby putting an end to all speculation within the film industry about a strain between the Bachchan parivar and Karan over the Agneepath issue.
Says Karan emotionally, "The Bachchans and my family go back a long way. Our association is not on a film-to-film basis. It doesn't matter how many films we work in or don't work in. For the record, I will be doing at least ten more films with Abhishek in my lifetime. He's already done two films with our banner Dharma Productions. He's doing Dostana 2 next year."
(By Subhash K. Jha )
(Bollywood Hungama)
Speaking officially for the first time about the casting of the Agneepath remake, Karan Johar coolly and cleverly passes on the buck to his newbie director Karan Malhotra for Abhishek Bachchan's non-presence in the remake...a casting digression that jolted everyone who thought Abhishek was a natural and inevitable inheritor of the Agneepath role.
Says Karan Johar, "When my father (the late Yash Johar) produced Agneepath, he left everything to his director Mukul Anand and kept completely away from the project. I'm carrying on the family tradition. The casting for the Agneepath remake was decided by the director Siddharth. He decided on Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra. Why Hrithik and not Abhishek? I think Siddharth has his own ideas on how to present the character. I think the protagonist in the new Agneepath would be very different from how he was in the original."
The script for the new Agneepath is also entirely re-vamped. Priyanka Chopra won't play a nurse, like Madhvi had done in the original. And the Mithun Chakraborty's character from the original has been done away with completely.
If there was any tension about the Bachchan's scion, Abhishek not even been approached for the remake of Agneepath, it was wiped away last week at the haute couture week where it was crystal-clear in public that the Bachchans still treated Karan as part of their family.
Last Wednesday, at Manish Malhotra's fashion show Abhishek, more baffled than hurt by not even asked to do the Agneepath remake, walked up and warmly hugged Karan. The following evening on Thursday, Karan coaxed the original Agneepath protagonist Big B to walk the ramp with star of the remake Hrithik Roshan,thereby putting an end to all speculation within the film industry about a strain between the Bachchan parivar and Karan over the Agneepath issue.
Says Karan emotionally, "The Bachchans and my family go back a long way. Our association is not on a film-to-film basis. It doesn't matter how many films we work in or don't work in. For the record, I will be doing at least ten more films with Abhishek in my lifetime. He's already done two films with our banner Dharma Productions. He's doing Dostana 2 next year."
(By Subhash K. Jha )
(Bollywood Hungama)
Friday, October 8, 2010
Kareena rubbishes reports of charging Rs 5 cr for ‘Short Term Shaadi’
Bollywood is rife with rumours that Kareena Kapoor has charged a whopping Rs 5 crore for Karan Johar’s ‘Short Term Shaadi’. Starring Imran Khan, when the actress was quizzed about her newly hiked fee, the size-zero lass was at her diplomatic best as she snubbed the query with an apt reply.
Talking to a news daily, the actress said, “Karan is family, we don’t discuss money or even scripts. He tells me when to start shooting and pays me what I deserve. I certainly hope he gives me this much.”
When asked whether she will be getting herself a ‘chaddi-tee’ wardrobe, Kareena rubbished the rumour stating that she will not compromise on clothes to up the glam quotient of ‘Short Term Shaadi’ as she said, “Besides, shorts have been done to death in the movies. And my fans didn’t like the ‘Tashan’ look. So I’ll be wearing lots of clothes with a ‘Jab We Met’ kind of a vibe.”
But isn’t she going back to size zero on KJo’s instructions? “No!” pat comes the reply. “This size zero nonsense has been going on for too long. I’m grateful to Shah Rukh (Khan) for taking the mantle away for me. Ever since he got into those body suits for ‘Ra.One’, people have been discussing his weight loss rather than mine,” she said.
For now, Kareena is all praise for SRK’s lean look for ‘Ra.One’ as she said, “I saw the rushes recently and he looks so hot. We have an Italian director of photography (DOP) and he has captured my best features too. Both ‘Ra.One’ and Saif’s (Ali Khan) ‘Agent Vinod’ are big summer releases and I’m looking forward to them.”
Talking about ‘Short Term Shaadi’, Kareena said, “It’s a riot. If it’s made the way it is written, you will be rolling in the aisles too. Both Imran and I have performance driven roles.”
Apparently, post ‘3 Idiots’, Kareena will soon be seen with Aamir in an advertisement as she added, “I’d die to do a film with Aamir, preferably a love story. But there’s nothing on the cards at the moment. And given Aamir’s pace, by the time he’s ready for a Kapoor, it will probably be Samaira (sister Karisma Kapur’s daughter) and not me opposite him.”
Kareena’s upcoming releases include ‘Golmaal 3’, where she plays chawanni chaap Daboo.
(Spicezee Bureau )
Talking to a news daily, the actress said, “Karan is family, we don’t discuss money or even scripts. He tells me when to start shooting and pays me what I deserve. I certainly hope he gives me this much.”
When asked whether she will be getting herself a ‘chaddi-tee’ wardrobe, Kareena rubbished the rumour stating that she will not compromise on clothes to up the glam quotient of ‘Short Term Shaadi’ as she said, “Besides, shorts have been done to death in the movies. And my fans didn’t like the ‘Tashan’ look. So I’ll be wearing lots of clothes with a ‘Jab We Met’ kind of a vibe.”
But isn’t she going back to size zero on KJo’s instructions? “No!” pat comes the reply. “This size zero nonsense has been going on for too long. I’m grateful to Shah Rukh (Khan) for taking the mantle away for me. Ever since he got into those body suits for ‘Ra.One’, people have been discussing his weight loss rather than mine,” she said.
For now, Kareena is all praise for SRK’s lean look for ‘Ra.One’ as she said, “I saw the rushes recently and he looks so hot. We have an Italian director of photography (DOP) and he has captured my best features too. Both ‘Ra.One’ and Saif’s (Ali Khan) ‘Agent Vinod’ are big summer releases and I’m looking forward to them.”
Talking about ‘Short Term Shaadi’, Kareena said, “It’s a riot. If it’s made the way it is written, you will be rolling in the aisles too. Both Imran and I have performance driven roles.”
Apparently, post ‘3 Idiots’, Kareena will soon be seen with Aamir in an advertisement as she added, “I’d die to do a film with Aamir, preferably a love story. But there’s nothing on the cards at the moment. And given Aamir’s pace, by the time he’s ready for a Kapoor, it will probably be Samaira (sister Karisma Kapur’s daughter) and not me opposite him.”
Kareena’s upcoming releases include ‘Golmaal 3’, where she plays chawanni chaap Daboo.
(Spicezee Bureau )
Here is Koffee with Karan's guest list
The new season of Koffee ¦ will have KJo grabbing eyeballs with the guest list. Here are some of the biggies who are expected to feature on the show
Karan Johar begins shooting for a new season of Koffee With Karan this month-end. The chat show might just have stars that have been evading KJo (and missing the cool coffee hamper!).
The filmmaker has openly expressed his desire to have a cuppa with Aamir Khan and Salman Khan among others.
Guests who tend to be mono-syllabic, however, do not qualify to be on the sofa as he wants them to be at ease because only then will the candid talk flow.
This season the host is likely to fulfill his wish list. Here's why...
Aamir Khan
Mr Perfectionist is loosening up and is now game for a piping hot cuppa and the rapid fire round! B-Town has been taking notice of the recent bonding between Karan and Aamir. Eyebrows have been raised about this friendship because of KJo's proximity to Shah Rukh Khan and considering Aamir loves to take potshots at King Khan every chance he gets. In the past, when AK was approached, he had refused saying that guests say things that are frank and forthright. But now that he is at ease with the host, he does not mind. Last December, KJo did an interview with the actor for a men's mag. Karan was invited to Aamir's bash in honour of music director Gustavo Santaolalla. He also attended the Peepli [Live] music launch and Aamir and he chatted like long-lost friends!
Salman Khan
Mr Entertainer will not mince words and says things as he sees them, in his own inimitable style. Even though KJo is treading in territory that is clearly hostile to best buddy SRK, he is being a professional as viewers want to see and hear Sallu. In the past, Karan has stated that he is not averse to working with the Khan if an opportunity arises. And this time, it knocks over coffee. Considering that Sallu has already appeared on Lift Kara De that was also hosted by Karan, there should be no reservations this season. And the audience will wonder what he will have to say about SRK in the presence of Karan.
Akshay Kumar
KJo's closeness to his arch-rival Shah Rukh Khan kept Mr Khiladi away from the show. Add to this KJo's comments made during a debate at FICCI-Frames 2010. "What are these movies Akshay does? I don't understand them." Akki felt it was a bid to humiliate him. Though Karan explained and apologised to Khiladi Kumar for the statement, the actor was in no mood to forget. He initially turned down the Lift Kara De invite saying he was too busy. But over time, things changed and he shot for the show. With Karan being close to the Khans (except for one) he might as well bond with a Tees Maar Khan too. Perhaps Akshay will be seen on the show with biwi Twinkle!
(Mid Day)
Karan Johar begins shooting for a new season of Koffee With Karan this month-end. The chat show might just have stars that have been evading KJo (and missing the cool coffee hamper!).
The filmmaker has openly expressed his desire to have a cuppa with Aamir Khan and Salman Khan among others.
Guests who tend to be mono-syllabic, however, do not qualify to be on the sofa as he wants them to be at ease because only then will the candid talk flow.
This season the host is likely to fulfill his wish list. Here's why...
Aamir Khan
Mr Perfectionist is loosening up and is now game for a piping hot cuppa and the rapid fire round! B-Town has been taking notice of the recent bonding between Karan and Aamir. Eyebrows have been raised about this friendship because of KJo's proximity to Shah Rukh Khan and considering Aamir loves to take potshots at King Khan every chance he gets. In the past, when AK was approached, he had refused saying that guests say things that are frank and forthright. But now that he is at ease with the host, he does not mind. Last December, KJo did an interview with the actor for a men's mag. Karan was invited to Aamir's bash in honour of music director Gustavo Santaolalla. He also attended the Peepli [Live] music launch and Aamir and he chatted like long-lost friends!
Salman Khan
Mr Entertainer will not mince words and says things as he sees them, in his own inimitable style. Even though KJo is treading in territory that is clearly hostile to best buddy SRK, he is being a professional as viewers want to see and hear Sallu. In the past, Karan has stated that he is not averse to working with the Khan if an opportunity arises. And this time, it knocks over coffee. Considering that Sallu has already appeared on Lift Kara De that was also hosted by Karan, there should be no reservations this season. And the audience will wonder what he will have to say about SRK in the presence of Karan.
Akshay Kumar
KJo's closeness to his arch-rival Shah Rukh Khan kept Mr Khiladi away from the show. Add to this KJo's comments made during a debate at FICCI-Frames 2010. "What are these movies Akshay does? I don't understand them." Akki felt it was a bid to humiliate him. Though Karan explained and apologised to Khiladi Kumar for the statement, the actor was in no mood to forget. He initially turned down the Lift Kara De invite saying he was too busy. But over time, things changed and he shot for the show. With Karan being close to the Khans (except for one) he might as well bond with a Tees Maar Khan too. Perhaps Akshay will be seen on the show with biwi Twinkle!
(Mid Day)
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Bebo, dad in K Jo's next
Kareena Kapoor and her father Randhir Kapoor are teaming up for the first time to play reel-life father and daughter in Karan Johar's next film, Short Term Shaadi.
Randhir and his daughters Kareena and Karisma have become really thick recently. His wife, Babita, too is spending quality time with the former actor after his recent health scare brought the couple, who have faced marital trouble in the past, closer together.
A source close to the project reveals, "Kareena is really excited. After spending years in the industry, this is the first film that is making her play daughter to her own father. She and her dad gel really well and they are both happy to do a project together. They will rehearse together, too. Randhir, on the other hand, is delighted that he will be spending more quality time with his busy daughter who is neck-deep in work. Babita, too, is looking forward to see her husband work with Kareena. She has been heard saying that she can't wait to see them in the same frame."
The entire Kapoor family, including Karisma, is likely to be present on the sets when Kareena and Randhir do their first scene together. It's going to be one big happy family reunion and an emotional one also for them. The film, reported to be inspired by the Cameron Diaz- Ashton Kutcher starrer What Happens in Vegas, it is not a remake of the Hollywood hit. However, Short Term Shaadi will be shot in Vegas where two people (Imran and Kareena) get married after getting drunk. Though they decide to get divorced as they hate each other, they end up falling in love.
(TOI)
Randhir and his daughters Kareena and Karisma have become really thick recently. His wife, Babita, too is spending quality time with the former actor after his recent health scare brought the couple, who have faced marital trouble in the past, closer together.
A source close to the project reveals, "Kareena is really excited. After spending years in the industry, this is the first film that is making her play daughter to her own father. She and her dad gel really well and they are both happy to do a project together. They will rehearse together, too. Randhir, on the other hand, is delighted that he will be spending more quality time with his busy daughter who is neck-deep in work. Babita, too, is looking forward to see her husband work with Kareena. She has been heard saying that she can't wait to see them in the same frame."
The entire Kapoor family, including Karisma, is likely to be present on the sets when Kareena and Randhir do their first scene together. It's going to be one big happy family reunion and an emotional one also for them. The film, reported to be inspired by the Cameron Diaz- Ashton Kutcher starrer What Happens in Vegas, it is not a remake of the Hollywood hit. However, Short Term Shaadi will be shot in Vegas where two people (Imran and Kareena) get married after getting drunk. Though they decide to get divorced as they hate each other, they end up falling in love.
(TOI)
Friday, October 1, 2010
Kareena packs a paanch
Achha listen, my trade khabru claims to have some really hot news on Kareena Kapoor. Now don’t be alarmed, for this is purely professional… I’m informed that the lissome lass is apparently Dharma Productions’ most expensive heroine, signed on for Rs 5 crore for Shakun Batra’s directorial debut with Imran Khan.
Now, this is ekdum opposite of those Kal Ho Na Ho days when Karan Johar declined to pay the Kapoor kudi her market price she asked for, to work with first time director Nikhil Advani. However, for this new film, K Jo and Bebo didn’t bicker about moneys and mutually agreed to the mentioned remuneration.
My trade type source tells me that no Dharma Productions heroine has been paid such a high fee before and neither has any other actor despite doing multi-lingual versions of a couple of this year’s mega-budget movies. Hmm, way to go Bebo.
(Hindustan Times)
Now, this is ekdum opposite of those Kal Ho Na Ho days when Karan Johar declined to pay the Kapoor kudi her market price she asked for, to work with first time director Nikhil Advani. However, for this new film, K Jo and Bebo didn’t bicker about moneys and mutually agreed to the mentioned remuneration.
My trade type source tells me that no Dharma Productions heroine has been paid such a high fee before and neither has any other actor despite doing multi-lingual versions of a couple of this year’s mega-budget movies. Hmm, way to go Bebo.
(Hindustan Times)
Monday, September 20, 2010
Aamir-Karan: Lunch then Koffee?
Aamir Khan and Karan Johar, who are in London currently, had lunch together a couple of days ago.
The filmmaker and the Bollywood superstar have been continuing with a series of meetings in recent times. Speculation has it that Aamir will be a guest on Karan's television show going on the floors next month. Well if that happens, it should come as no surprise.
(TOI)
The filmmaker and the Bollywood superstar have been continuing with a series of meetings in recent times. Speculation has it that Aamir will be a guest on Karan's television show going on the floors next month. Well if that happens, it should come as no surprise.
(TOI)
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Brand Dharma: Karan Johar's new karma
Not much has changed in Dharma Productions office in the six years since Yash Johar died. Yes, the traffic in the lane leading to the office has definitely increased manifold.
And the cabin and chair occupied by Yash Johar has a new occupant, Apoorva Mehta, Karan Johar’s school friend and Dharma Productions CEO.
What has noticeably changed is the wall lit with posters of the films produced under the Dharma banner. From the once-in-two-years films that Karan Johar directed, Dharma’s slate reads two to three films in a year, with foreign studios, Indian corporate film houses, “official” Hollywood remakes, so you have a wall which is pretty much filled up.
“Dharma Productions is what Yash Raj Films was four to five years ago. It is a commendable achievement,” says Anil Thadani of distribution house AA Films.
“What works is that Dharma’s success ratio which is very high and Karan’s keen sense of commerce. He can calculate how much each film can make and knows that a KANK will not be a K3G at the box office. That is Karan’s forte. He has a good balance of creativity and commerce,” says Thadani.
The YRF comparison is something Karan junior frowns at and dismisses, but when the audience at the Berlin Film Festival welcomes the Dharma Productions logo and its music with a resounding applause, he does feel a huge sense of achievement.
A silent dream he had harboured alone, of seeing Brand Dharma resonate across domestic and overseas markets, has been achieved to a large extent. He knows he has done his father proud.
Among Johar’s last wishes was that Karan nurture Dharma into a family that lived by the ethics and values which would put people ahead of commerce.
“Do not ever tarnish the goodwill of Dharma,” was his advice and it is a mantra his son swears he has lived by. All his seven debutante directors, friends like SRK or Mehta, as well as distributors like Thadani and Siddharth Roy Kapur of UTV vouch for the fact that Karan is a people’s person.
It is his trust in human beings that takes priority, everything else follows. “I never go wrong with people; it happened just once. Delegation and trust are the two things which are critical to building any organisation and I have followed both, after which everything comes easy,” adds Karan, who does not think trust is difficult to place.
Clearing a script and setting budgets follow, after which he delegates the work. There is no looking in or back once a decision has been made. All seven Dharma directors vouch for this in different ways.
From Tarun Mansukhani, who has worked the longest with Karan and made Dostana, Karan’s first production, to Siddharth P Malhotra (actor Premnath’s grandson), who made We Are Family, the first ‘official’ remake of a Hollywood film, Stepmom, and the other five from Ayan Mukherjee (Wake Up Sid) to Punit Malhotra (I Hate Luv Stories) insist that they just did their thing.
“I only come in postproduction, where I make suggestions. There is definitely a creative debate and I would say if I have to put my foot down, I would tell them to trust my experience,” says Karan.
And though Karan sidesteps all talk on money, from Mehta to SRK and Thadani to Kapur, all swear by his sharp business mind. As a child, he devoured every trade magazine to see “the report card of every film” and can still rattle off likely UK and US weekend figure collections from a Friday report.
“Karan has his feet firmly planted on the ground and is very aware of market dynamics. It is very rare for a top filmmaker to have such a keen sense of the intricacies of the business. It’s a really lethal combination of creative and commercial instincts at play,” says Kapur.
From self-funding, Dharma, with the help of Mehta, moved into institutional finance and brought IDBI on board. “It was a clean way of making films,” says Mehta, and also the best way to increase the slate.
Slowly, a corporate culture evolved with planning, marketing, legal contracts, says Mehta. From working only with Yash Raj, Dharma began working with UTV, a relationship which has matured from three films to co-production as well, foreign studios (Fox Star Studios and now Sony Pictures), all of this while remaining independent.
“From mentoring directors, Karan is moving into a whole new phase of seeking and nurturing talent across screenplay, writing and acting,” says friend SRK, and this is where the next growth and challenge for Dharma lies.
For now, he reads at least five scripts a week. While the industry cries itself hoarse over the dearth of talent, Karan is confident of finding it.
“I promise you, a lot of new talent will come; that is the next phase of our cinema. How long will we play six to eight permutations and combinations of our stars? I hope to play a big part in finding this talent. YRF has been a visionary in this. I think we have no choice, because after all, in films, content is king. Hollywood has killed the star system, 3D, CG, etc rule there,” he says. Sounds like we have a hot new script being written right here.
(The Economic Times)
Siddharth Malhotra: 'I'll make films only with Dharma Productions!'
Even as the accolades continue to stream in for 'We Are Family,' director Siddharth Malhotra, has already moved on to his next project. Malhotra's future effort will be a comedy based along the lines of 'Chupke Chupke'.
"It'll be a complete family entertainer and I'll be making my films only with Dharma Productions," states the director in a media quote. "And I'd love to work with Kajol again. I've been watching Kajol right from the time she entered cinema. I've also watched her bad films like 'Taaqat' and 'Hulchul'. I think Kajol is a very clean soul."
'WAF' has earned high brownie points for its perfect casting and Malhotra explains as to why he handpicked Arjun Rampal to match histrionics with Kajol and Kareena Kapoor.
"I wanted a man over whom the two women could fight," says Malhotra. "He had to be good looking. I wanted to show the film through a man's point of view."
(By MovieTalkies.com)
"It'll be a complete family entertainer and I'll be making my films only with Dharma Productions," states the director in a media quote. "And I'd love to work with Kajol again. I've been watching Kajol right from the time she entered cinema. I've also watched her bad films like 'Taaqat' and 'Hulchul'. I think Kajol is a very clean soul."
'WAF' has earned high brownie points for its perfect casting and Malhotra explains as to why he handpicked Arjun Rampal to match histrionics with Kajol and Kareena Kapoor.
"I wanted a man over whom the two women could fight," says Malhotra. "He had to be good looking. I wanted to show the film through a man's point of view."
(By MovieTalkies.com)
Thursday, September 2, 2010
'Kareena has surpassed Julia Roberts' - Siddharth Malhotra
Siddharth Malhotra's directorial debut We Are Family -- starring Kajol, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal -- will release this week. But not many know about him and his family.
Siddharth belongs to a filmi family -- his grandparents Premnath and Bina Rai were popular actors. His father Prem Krishen was an actor and producer, who owns a production company called Cinevista. So films was a natural step for Siddharth.
He assisted Vidhu Vinod Chopra on the film Kareeb, when he was only 15 years old. He did a filmmaking course from New York University, and then went on to assist Karan Johar on Kal Ho Naa Ho.
Siddharth is also a trained classical singer, and released an album called Dhun. Modestly, he thought he was not good at it, so he gave it up.
Siddharth has been producing television serials for the last 10 years. Yet, he has never directed even an episode. "There you have to learn to cheat. You have to churn out an episode per day. I know the frustration that TV directors go through. They have to be on their toes always. Plus, I can't think saas-bahu. I make young shows like Dil Mil Gaye. I don't enjoy production; I only do it because I have a company to run. I don't understand the economics of serial-making. I would rather spend my time writing scripts and discussing cinema," Siddharth explains.
Besides, the young director has always loved watching films, his favourites being Saaz-e-Maut, Khamosh and Parinda. "I am a huge fan of Vinod Chopra," Siddharth says. "He is a genius. There is not a single director, who can take a shot technically better than him."
When Siddharth asked Chopra if he could work with him, Chopra readily agreed without even knowing his family history. "I was 15 then and everyone bullied me. I did all the things that an assistant would not do in the film industry. I was naive," he smiles.
Besides Chopra, Siddharth claims that Sooraj Barjatya and Karan Johar also taught him well.
"After Kareeb I went to the US to learn filmmaking. I called Vinod Chopra after I returned, but he said he was making a film only after two years. So I joined Karan," Siddharth explains.
And it was Karan, and his blockbuster debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, that made up Siddharth's mind about being a director.
"I just love Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," he says. "I watch it even today. Likewise, I know all the dialogues of Maine Pyar Kiya and even the background music score by heart. My grandfather and Yash (Johar) uncle were good friends. My mother and (Karan Johar's mother) Hiroo aunty are good friends. I have known Karan since a long time. So when I told him that I wanted to assist him, he agreed. I was the fourth assistant on Kal Ho Naa Ho. I never had to struggle."
After Kal Ho Naa Ho, Siddharth returned to television, with a break to produce Salman Khan's Garv. Saas-bahu soaps were very popular at the time, and Siddharth was constantly asked to make one.
"I was so unhappy that I would literally cry. One day, I told my parents that I can't do this any more, even if that meant I would be unemployed," he said.
Thankfully for Siddharth, Sooraj Barjatya came to his rescue. Siddharth had expressed a desire to work with the director a year and a half ago, but Barjatya was scripting Vivaah then. So when Siddharth was down, Barjatya called him and said he was starting the Vivaah shoot. Siddharth immediately came on board.
'With Soorajji, you don't only learn the technical aspects. You also learn how to behave on the sets. He listens to your advice; he will also listen to the advice of spot boys," he says.
"Soorajji and Raju (Rajkumar Hirani) are very close friend to me," he adds. "My first television show was with Abbas Tyrewala, Raju and Victor (Vijay Krishna Acharya, who directed Tashan). These are very down-to-earth people. When I started my film, besides Karan and Soorajji, I also asked Raju for his advice."
After Vivaah, Siddharth decided to write a family comedy. Barjatya read the first draft, and loved it. Siddharth gave the script to Karan as well. After reading it, Karan decided to sign him on as director.
The script did not take off because four drafts later, they still weren't satisfied.
Karan decided to buy the requisite rights for the film, and the whole process took nine months. The delay made Siddharth frustrated but also taught him patience.
After that, Kajol and Kareena Kapoor were approached. The film was made in 63 shifts, working on a 9 to 6 schedule.
Siddharth picked Stepmom because he had cried when he first saw it, years ago. He wanted to make a film about family values.
"For me, Stepmom is a story of a mother who is going to give away her kids to another woman. That story would appeal to all of us. The man in the film goes through so many complexities. That wasn't highlighted but we have done that here.
"Plus, Julia Roberts' characterisation had a hate graph but Kareena's character is more dignified. She has done a superb job. I am not being biased because she is my second cousin or because it is my film but because I have seen her work," he says, adding, "Kareena has surpassed Julia Roberts because we have shown the film to about 150 people and that's what they have said. Her performance is more dignified than Julia Roberts'. Her character never falls; there are many layers to it. She did workshops with me before we shot for the film. Kajol does not need any workshop so she did not do it. Kareena had this thing that she is sharing the screen with Kajol. Plus, her role was very complex."
Siddharth claims that Karan never came on the sets of We Are Family. "Karan is there to help you as creative producer. But he did not come on the sets for an entire day. He would just visit during the lunch breaks. After approving the script, he directly saw the final edit," Siddharth said.
"I could not think of anyone other than Kajol and Kareena. In fact, I took a mannat for Kajol that if I get her, I would visit the Hanuman mandir all my life. Now, I think I should have said a year only," he laughs. "But anyway, I have a friend for life now. I will approach her for every film that I write.
"Karan and I both knew that the other role belonged to Kareena. No one could do it better than her," he adds. But getting her was very difficult despite the fact that the two are related.
"Kareena is my cousin but in this industry, there are no relatives. Kareena is at the top of her career. She will not invest her time for a role which is not good for her. Karan would not let me offer her a role which was not worth it because she is his Rakhi sister. But when she heard the script, she okayed it.
"For the actor, we did not want to overcast or under-cast. We wanted a man who would be good enough for the two women to fight over. He should be an actor who can speak with his eyes and his silences. People who have seen the film say that Arjun Rampal is a surprise package."
"In fact, we started talking in Kareena's lingo. When something is very good, she would say, 'Fab.' If too many people came on the sets, she would call them 'liabilities'."
Like in the first film of his career Kareeb, Siddharth seemed to be bullied here as well. "There was a scene where Kajol had to paint her children's face, and they paint her face. I told Kajol to try it on me and she put all the paint on me! I cleaned up and got ready for the next scene which required them to put maida (flour) on one another. Arjun threw all the maida on me. In another scene, the children had to throw spaghetti on Kareena. Kareena kept asking them to throw very little spaghetti on her, so the kids threw really very little at first. But finally, she let go and they threw all the spaghetti on her. Her hair got completely spoiled," Siddharth says.
Kajol always managed to keep Siddharth on his toes. "Kajol is a very sharp actor," he says. She thinks a hundred times before she asks a question or makes a comment. So when you answer her, you have to convince her with a logical answer. If you are bluffing or you're not prepared, she will catch you."
So what next after We Are Family? "I have signed a three-film contract with Dharma Productions," Siddharth signs off.
(Rediff)
Shahid present, Bebo absent!
A Kareena Kapoor film and Shahid Kapoor in the audience? Now that's some food for thought!
But then, if it's Karan Johar calling you to attend a special screening of his film, then it's difficult to say no, haina Shahid? The actor made heads turn at Cinemax on Wednesday evening as he came along to watch ex-girlfriend Kareena's film We Are Family, hosted by KJo and Siddharth Malhotra. And although there were loads of others, it turned out to be quite a directors' special! Why?
Well, there was Amol Gupte, Sooraj Barjatya, Rajkumar Hirani, Punit Malhotra, Rensil D'Silva, Jugal Hansraj and Ayan Mukerji, who came to attend the screening. Also enjoying themselves at the do were Arti Shetty, Shankar Mahadevan, Loy Mendonsa, Vikas Sethi, Sonu Nigam, Kriti Soni and Shibani Bhatija.
(TOI)
But then, if it's Karan Johar calling you to attend a special screening of his film, then it's difficult to say no, haina Shahid? The actor made heads turn at Cinemax on Wednesday evening as he came along to watch ex-girlfriend Kareena's film We Are Family, hosted by KJo and Siddharth Malhotra. And although there were loads of others, it turned out to be quite a directors' special! Why?
Well, there was Amol Gupte, Sooraj Barjatya, Rajkumar Hirani, Punit Malhotra, Rensil D'Silva, Jugal Hansraj and Ayan Mukerji, who came to attend the screening. Also enjoying themselves at the do were Arti Shetty, Shankar Mahadevan, Loy Mendonsa, Vikas Sethi, Sonu Nigam, Kriti Soni and Shibani Bhatija.
(TOI)
KJo blames lack of writers for remakes
Even as Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions steadily emerges as a platform for new directors in Bollywood, Johar has taken his first step to empower screenwriters in the industry. The producer-director will now use his Twitter stream to discuss scripts with budding writers, and will also sign
He says, “We are poor in the writing department because we don't empower our writers. Most first-time directors are trying to write on their own, and they’re doing it as a final resort. But they’re not comfortable with it and yet, they’re not complaining.” Johar’s decision came close on the heels of Shah Rukh Khan’s message on his Twitter stream saying the problem with Indian movies isn’t their predictable plots, but their hackneyed screenplays. Johar, too, seems convinced by Khan’s observation.
What might change things, Johar believes, is if the industry gives writers the space, place and power to be motivated to create content, and churn out stories that appeal to the masses. Dharma Productions’ upcoming release We Are Family, directed by debutante Siddharth Malhotra, releases this week. The Kajol-Kareen Kapoor-Arjun Rampal starrer is an adaptation of the Julia Roberts film Stepmom, and has been co-written by Malhotra.
Lack of ideas
Citing why Johar had to go for a Hollywood remake, he says, “We need skilled craftsmen to generate ideas and write stories, and also to make adaptations work. Until then, directors will be forced to write their own movies.” He further adds, “I think I’ve now broken out of the mould I created for myself, and am looking to make all kinds of movies and with all kinds of writers. However, what is necessary is that the screenplay should appeal to my instinct”
Currently Johar is re-working Agneepath, bringing out Dostana 2 and finalising the title of the Imran-Kareena movie, Short Term Shaadi. But only so long as he believes that the director who has written a screenplay is also capable of directing it.
( Aalap Deboor and Sharin Bhatti, Hindustan Times )
He says, “We are poor in the writing department because we don't empower our writers. Most first-time directors are trying to write on their own, and they’re doing it as a final resort. But they’re not comfortable with it and yet, they’re not complaining.” Johar’s decision came close on the heels of Shah Rukh Khan’s message on his Twitter stream saying the problem with Indian movies isn’t their predictable plots, but their hackneyed screenplays. Johar, too, seems convinced by Khan’s observation.
What might change things, Johar believes, is if the industry gives writers the space, place and power to be motivated to create content, and churn out stories that appeal to the masses. Dharma Productions’ upcoming release We Are Family, directed by debutante Siddharth Malhotra, releases this week. The Kajol-Kareen Kapoor-Arjun Rampal starrer is an adaptation of the Julia Roberts film Stepmom, and has been co-written by Malhotra.Lack of ideas
Citing why Johar had to go for a Hollywood remake, he says, “We need skilled craftsmen to generate ideas and write stories, and also to make adaptations work. Until then, directors will be forced to write their own movies.” He further adds, “I think I’ve now broken out of the mould I created for myself, and am looking to make all kinds of movies and with all kinds of writers. However, what is necessary is that the screenplay should appeal to my instinct”
Currently Johar is re-working Agneepath, bringing out Dostana 2 and finalising the title of the Imran-Kareena movie, Short Term Shaadi. But only so long as he believes that the director who has written a screenplay is also capable of directing it.
( Aalap Deboor and Sharin Bhatti, Hindustan Times )
Saturday, August 28, 2010
SRK's 'good luck charm' touch for We Are Family
Shah Rukh Khan would love to be part of every Karan Johar production in some way or the other. And he did exactly that when he turned up at a press meet with Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal to promote We Are Family as a "good luck charm".
In I Hate Luv Storys", Shah Rukh did a small voice-over. Unfortunately he couldn't be accommodated anywhere in We Are Family although the superstar was quite insistent on featuring somehow.
"Ek photo hi daal do kisi shot mein," (At least put a photo in one shot), he kept urging Karan.
Not one to give up even when his wish had gone way past its fulfillment phase, SRK barged in sportingly at a media meet with Kareena and Arjun and insisted on conducting an interview with the pair... "Just as a good luck charm", as he put it.
On Wednesday afternoon, SRK decided to drop in at the venue of the interview and said, "Even I am part of the family. So I'm joining them to promote the film."
Director Siddharth Malhotra can't get over the magic of the moment.
"It is such gestures that make Shah Rukh who he is. It is his ability to make people feel special that makes him the superstar and the king."
Siddharth had entered the media meet when he saw an exceptional bustle at the venue. He jokingly asked what the clamour was about.
"'SRK aa gaya kya?' (Has SRK come?), I asked sarcastically. Imagine my surprise when someone turned around and said that's precisely what has happened and that SRK was doing an interview with Kareena and Arjun for my film," Siddharth said.
(Sify)
In I Hate Luv Storys", Shah Rukh did a small voice-over. Unfortunately he couldn't be accommodated anywhere in We Are Family although the superstar was quite insistent on featuring somehow.
"Ek photo hi daal do kisi shot mein," (At least put a photo in one shot), he kept urging Karan.
Not one to give up even when his wish had gone way past its fulfillment phase, SRK barged in sportingly at a media meet with Kareena and Arjun and insisted on conducting an interview with the pair... "Just as a good luck charm", as he put it.
On Wednesday afternoon, SRK decided to drop in at the venue of the interview and said, "Even I am part of the family. So I'm joining them to promote the film."
Director Siddharth Malhotra can't get over the magic of the moment.
"It is such gestures that make Shah Rukh who he is. It is his ability to make people feel special that makes him the superstar and the king."
Siddharth had entered the media meet when he saw an exceptional bustle at the venue. He jokingly asked what the clamour was about.
"'SRK aa gaya kya?' (Has SRK come?), I asked sarcastically. Imagine my surprise when someone turned around and said that's precisely what has happened and that SRK was doing an interview with Kareena and Arjun for my film," Siddharth said.
(Sify)
Karan Johar on ‘We Are Family’
Karan Johar (Pic: ENS) Producer-director Karan Johar gets talking about his latest film, ‘We Are Family’, his ‘children’ on the sets and his new role as designer.When you meet Karan Johar, you are assured of a candid and entertaining interview, not to mention many ‘off the record’ asides. The director-producer and now fashion designer is never short on words or wit, as was seen across the world when he regaled audiences and his guests on ‘Koffee with Karan’.The celebrity talk show is headed for a revival, but there’s a lot more on Johar’s plate right now.After making a dazzling début as a fashion designer at Couture Week, Johar will show his more serious side as he continues with his collaboration with fashion designer Varun Bahl to present a prêt line at Van Heusen India Men’s Fashion Week in Delhi on August 28. And then, following on from the success of ‘I Hate Luv Storys’, his production house Dharma will release ‘We Are Family’, starring Kajol, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal in September.Over to the man who loves his koffee:
So finally an official adaptation!
Yes! With ‘We Are Family’ we have many firsts, including working with first-time director Siddharth Malhotra and we have gone legal on a remake by officially adopting the Hollywood film Stepmom and getting the rights for the Elvis song ‘Jailhouse Rock’. I would be open to other legal remakes but only when opportunity knocks. I am not going to go looking for it. There is an art to adaption. Lifting scenes does not make a Hindi film. You have to chop and change scenes.
Would you recommend others in the Indian film industry go the legal route too?
It did take a year of going through legalities but if you like a film and you think you can adapt to an Indian context, then it is better to do so legally rather than try to create your own content, which can sometimes go amok. It can be expensive but it depends on your arrangement.It was Siddharth’s idea to adapt the film. I had liked the original. It’s an urban, progressive story about relationships, but it’s not a trendsetting story. Also, we have brought in a new element in the second half, so our film is not a scene-to-scene remake.
What can you tell us about the performances?
The director has dealt with the kids in a very good way. I am very happy with the tonality and the crisp length (under two hours). This is the shortest Dharma film ever! The first half of ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ is the entire length of ‘We Are Family’. Both the women are great actors; they are instinctive, spontaneous and very on the ball. They get it immediately. Having worked with them in ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, I know how exciting it is to work with them. However, at that time, Kareena had not yet come into her own as an actor. Now, eight to nine years later, I would say she is a different actor altogether.
You seem to be encouraging first time directors.
Yes, there have been a lot of them. About seven of them are in various films right now. It’s like I’ve got my own Whistling Woods. But I love it. I don’t have children at home, so I might as well have them at work. There is good energy which keeps me younger and on my toes. My endeavour has been to widen our production base and make many more films. But what we make depends on who comes into my life, their vision and my instinct.
What else is coming up from Dharma?
We are just starting a film with Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor to be directed by Shakun Batra. It’s a charming film with a new kind of energy.Rumour has it that it is called ‘Short Term Shaadi’, but it is not. That was just one of the title options, but Shakun hates it. People think that because we are shooting in Las Vegas with a boy and girl and it could have been called ‘Short Term Shaadi’, that it’s a remake of ‘What Happens in Vegas’. There is nothing in common between our film and that film. And after going the legal route, why would we do that?Early next year Tarun Mansukhani will shoot ‘Dostana 2’, then we are adapting our own film ‘Agneepath’, to be directed by Karan Malhotra, and then Ayaan Mukherjee will direct his next.
What about a Karan Johar film?
I should complain that I do not get enough time to work on my film. Actually, I have just about recovered from ‘My Name is Khan’. It takes time for one film to get out of your system and another to settle in. I am finding it tough to write and to find the right tone. I have changed in the last decade and so have my cinema, tonality and syntax.With every film I go through an evolution, whether the world knows it or not. I need to challenge myself. After ‘My Name is Khan’, I feel I want to make a happy, fun film; go back to a lip synch song. I want people to sing and dance with abandon.
To change tracks, what can we expect from your new collection being shown at Men’s Week?
My collaboration with Varun Bahl works because we have a similar style aesthetic and temperament. His designs are wonderfully edgy without being mad. He is great.When we first teamed up for Couture Week his apprehension was ‘he’s Bollywood; he’s going to throw sequins in my face,’ which is not what I did. I am half Sindhi, so bling is little bit king, but bling is also queen, so we have to watch it when it comes to men’s wear. In this collection we have focused on prêt. It’s younger, fashion friendly with shorts, casual wear, some jackets, bursts of colour and some interesting prints on shirts and Tshirts. This collection is about me being more of a designer than just someone who loves clothes and hopefully establish how serious we are about taking our brand forward.
How would you describe your sartorial sense?
I wear a lot of black. When in doubt, wear black. When you are two kilos fatter, go black. When you want to cover up those curves, wear black. But it’s also laziness - you don’t have to think with black. I try to make my evening dressing more formal. I love jackets and I like to dress a little more than required. I like to over-dress. But you will never see me in anything flashy. I am semi-conservative with an element of fashion – either in my shoes or belt or something. There will be some madness in the wardrobe somewhere.There are many things I would love to wear, but I am 38 now and I know I cannot pull it off. All my OTT-ness comes out with winter wear which I love. I love big jackets, sweaters, scarves, shoes. There is a lot you can play with in a winter wardrobe. A summer wardrobe would work if I had a six-pack. Since I don’t, I just opt for winter wear because everything gets covered up.
And finally, what will we see in the next season of ‘Koffee With Karan’?
We should be on air in October or November on Star World after a gap of 3-4 years. The feedback we have constantly got is that the show is most appreciated as a Bollywood celebrity talk show.People like to hear and see members of the film fraternity talking freely on that sofa. We hope to combine interesting guests in interesting ways and continue with our casual irreverence. Hopefully, the guest will have new enemies, new lovers and new controversies to talk about.
'My Name is Khan' Rs. 110 cr. India, Rs. 99 cr. Overseas
MY NAME IS KHAN, which was released in India on 12th February, 2010, is still making waves across the globe. Having raked in Rs. 110 crores in India, the film continues its march across global territories and has already grossed Rs. 99 crores in the International markets [still counting], according to an official statement issued by Fox Star Studios.
Post successful release in U.S., U.K., Middle East and Australia, MNIK continues to break records across Europe. MNIK has already become the most successful film in Europe with a box-office collection of US$ 5.6 million with 325 prints. The release width of 425 prints across just Europe is bigger than the release plan of any Bollywood film on a worldwide basis.
The film has the unique distinction of being the first Bollywood film to be dubbed and released theatrically in 4 European languages: Spanish, German, Russian and Italian. Currently, the film is playing across cinema halls in Germany and will release in Russia in September and Italy in November with more than 100 prints.
A number of factors have contributed to the astounding success of MNIK in the International markets, including:-
* A separate edit for the mainstream markets by well-known editor Allan Bell, which is a first for an Indian film.
* Country specific promotion plans with marketing investment across key countries.
* Presence on mainstream promotion platforms including Jonathan Ross Show, BBC Asia network and BILD, Germany's largest newspaper and innovative promotions like first time ever Bollywood presence at the opening of the NASDAQ bell.
* Red Carpet premiere at the Berlin Film Festival.
With MNIK, Fox Star Studios has opened up newer markets and delivered box-office numbers by creating new opportunities for Bollywood in markets hitherto unexplored. Some key milestones being:
* No. 1 Bollywood film across Middle East, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, South Africa and other African markets.
* Opened new markets across the world - a first for Bollywood: Puerto Rico, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Taiwan, Italy, Spain, Russia.
(Bollywood Hungama)
Post successful release in U.S., U.K., Middle East and Australia, MNIK continues to break records across Europe. MNIK has already become the most successful film in Europe with a box-office collection of US$ 5.6 million with 325 prints. The release width of 425 prints across just Europe is bigger than the release plan of any Bollywood film on a worldwide basis.
The film has the unique distinction of being the first Bollywood film to be dubbed and released theatrically in 4 European languages: Spanish, German, Russian and Italian. Currently, the film is playing across cinema halls in Germany and will release in Russia in September and Italy in November with more than 100 prints.
A number of factors have contributed to the astounding success of MNIK in the International markets, including:-
* A separate edit for the mainstream markets by well-known editor Allan Bell, which is a first for an Indian film.
* Country specific promotion plans with marketing investment across key countries.
* Presence on mainstream promotion platforms including Jonathan Ross Show, BBC Asia network and BILD, Germany's largest newspaper and innovative promotions like first time ever Bollywood presence at the opening of the NASDAQ bell.
* Red Carpet premiere at the Berlin Film Festival.
With MNIK, Fox Star Studios has opened up newer markets and delivered box-office numbers by creating new opportunities for Bollywood in markets hitherto unexplored. Some key milestones being:
* No. 1 Bollywood film across Middle East, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, South Africa and other African markets.
* Opened new markets across the world - a first for Bollywood: Puerto Rico, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Taiwan, Italy, Spain, Russia.
(Bollywood Hungama)
Karan Johar: WE ARE FAMILY doesn't have a single dry moment
WE ARE FAMILY is about a family which is required to have a man (Arjun Rampal), his three kids, his ex-wife (Kajol) and his girlfriend (Kareena Kapoor) brought together under the same roof due to the demand of the situation. How these family members cope up with the new developments in their lives is what forms the crux of WE ARE FAMILY. With a plot like this, one expects an out and out serious outing. However, producer Karan Johar insists that the film does have its light moments that keep the drama fluid.
"The film by no means is melodramatic. Yes, it does have its dose of sensitivity and drama but then there are several light moments as well that compliment the fluctuating mood in the narrative. While emotions move you, light moments end up bringing a smile on your face", says Karan, "It is a very touching film and there is an inherent sensitivity that Siddharth has brought in which unfailing keeps you involved. WE ARE FAMILY is a crisp two hour long film an
He sounds pretty confident about the film for the reason that not many films belonging to this genre are being churned out in Bollywood today.
"I guess the last film which came close to being a family outing was PAA. Before that, the only quintessential family film was BAGHBAN which was quite a while ago", ponders Karan, "This is the kind of film that works instantly with ladies. And when ladies watch such films, they do bring in their spouses and children along. It is a win-win situation for us."
(Glamsham)
"The film by no means is melodramatic. Yes, it does have its dose of sensitivity and drama but then there are several light moments as well that compliment the fluctuating mood in the narrative. While emotions move you, light moments end up bringing a smile on your face", says Karan, "It is a very touching film and there is an inherent sensitivity that Siddharth has brought in which unfailing keeps you involved. WE ARE FAMILY is a crisp two hour long film an
He sounds pretty confident about the film for the reason that not many films belonging to this genre are being churned out in Bollywood today.
"I guess the last film which came close to being a family outing was PAA. Before that, the only quintessential family film was BAGHBAN which was quite a while ago", ponders Karan, "This is the kind of film that works instantly with ladies. And when ladies watch such films, they do bring in their spouses and children along. It is a win-win situation for us."
(Glamsham)
Siddharth will work only with Kajol
Siddharth Malhotra apes mentor Karan Johar; plans to work only with Kajol, no matter how long he has to wait
Like guru, like chela. It could not hold truer than in the case of Karan Johar and Siddharth Malhotra. If KJo won't direct films with anyone but Shah Rukh Khan, Sid has decided he will work only with Kajol. He has already written his next with her in mind. While the pregnant actress will take a long break from movies post-delivery, the debutant director is ready to wait.
Talking about his fondness for Kajol, Siddharth says, "I wrote We Are Family keeping her in mind. Even when I read out the script to Kareena, she told me I had to make it with Kajol. It took a lot of prayers and belief to actually get her on board."
He even kept a mannat. "I was desperate to have her in my film. I have watched every single film of hers, even the not-so-good ones. So when my prayers were answered I was ecstatic because I really couldn't think of anyone else to play the part."
Sid has already written his next script for Kajol. "I know she's pregnant and will take a long break after delivery. But I am ready to wait as long as she wants me to."
The reason for his Kajol-worship? "Because there's no one else like her. She's the perfect wife -- her love for Ajay is immense and unconditional. She's an amazing mother, and a great friend to have. She's always made decisions based on instinct and has never regretted a single thing."
(Mid Day)
Like guru, like chela. It could not hold truer than in the case of Karan Johar and Siddharth Malhotra. If KJo won't direct films with anyone but Shah Rukh Khan, Sid has decided he will work only with Kajol. He has already written his next with her in mind. While the pregnant actress will take a long break from movies post-delivery, the debutant director is ready to wait.
Talking about his fondness for Kajol, Siddharth says, "I wrote We Are Family keeping her in mind. Even when I read out the script to Kareena, she told me I had to make it with Kajol. It took a lot of prayers and belief to actually get her on board."
He even kept a mannat. "I was desperate to have her in my film. I have watched every single film of hers, even the not-so-good ones. So when my prayers were answered I was ecstatic because I really couldn't think of anyone else to play the part."
Sid has already written his next script for Kajol. "I know she's pregnant and will take a long break after delivery. But I am ready to wait as long as she wants me to."
The reason for his Kajol-worship? "Because there's no one else like her. She's the perfect wife -- her love for Ajay is immense and unconditional. She's an amazing mother, and a great friend to have. She's always made decisions based on instinct and has never regretted a single thing."
(Mid Day)
Genelia replaces Priyanka in Karan Johar's next
"Hrithik Roshan, meanwhile, has agreed to do Karan Johar's remake of Big B-starrer Agneepath. Karan is finalising heroines and his first preference was Priyanka Chopra but during discussion with the production team, it seemed like a better idea to have a fresh pairing with Hrithik. So Genelia's name popped up. If she indeed lands both films, Genelia's career will be on a soaring high."
(India Today)
(India Today)
Ajay for AGNEEPATH?
What started off as a fun exercise may well lead to a full fledged debate and a further round of speculations if hyperactive imagination of movie buffs was ever considered worthy enough to be acknowledged by film maker Karan Johar. While the man continues to tease Bollywood followers with no word yet on the casting of the remake of Amitabh Bachchan starrer AGNEEPATH, a new name has emerged if a poll conducted in a tabloid is to be believed. As per that, it is Ajay Devgn who could well be the favourite of junta when it comes to the role of Vijay Deenanath Chauhan being reprised.
No wonder, the news about him being the preferred choice of junta has reached the ears of Ajay Devgn too who was totally oblivious to the casting decisions being made. In fact his first reaction was that of total surprise since he was not even aware about any such poll being in progress.
"Honestly, I was totally surprised with the very fact that a tabloid was conducting any online polls for AGNEEPATH. I got to know about it only from a few friends and that too after the results were announced," says Ajay Devgn who is neck deep into his own set of six films that have kept him occupied for the entire year.
He had a further surprise in store when told that he was miles ahead of Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan, the foremost contenders for the role, when it came to audience choice for a man who could reprise the role that has gained a cult status amongst Bachchan fans and followers during last couple of decades.
"Well, I just laughed it all way after a while," says Ajay in his characteristic casual tone, "Polls hote rehte hain, audience apni baat kehti hai; its fine." Let's see what does Karan Johar have to say on this now!
(Glamsham)
No wonder, the news about him being the preferred choice of junta has reached the ears of Ajay Devgn too who was totally oblivious to the casting decisions being made. In fact his first reaction was that of total surprise since he was not even aware about any such poll being in progress.
"Honestly, I was totally surprised with the very fact that a tabloid was conducting any online polls for AGNEEPATH. I got to know about it only from a few friends and that too after the results were announced," says Ajay Devgn who is neck deep into his own set of six films that have kept him occupied for the entire year.
He had a further surprise in store when told that he was miles ahead of Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan, the foremost contenders for the role, when it came to audience choice for a man who could reprise the role that has gained a cult status amongst Bachchan fans and followers during last couple of decades.
"Well, I just laughed it all way after a while," says Ajay in his characteristic casual tone, "Polls hote rehte hain, audience apni baat kehti hai; its fine." Let's see what does Karan Johar have to say on this now!
(Glamsham)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
WE ARE FAMILY cuts Aussie racist sequence!!
Kareena Kapoor, Kajol starrer upcoming flick ‘We Are Family’, which is being produced by ace filmmaker Karan Johar and directed by Siddharth Malhotra, is now free of that racist sequence where Kajol’s son is being abused by Aussie boys in racial terms.The sequence was of eight minutes and had vital importance for the film as it also established the friction between Kajol and Kareena Kapoor. The scene involved Kareena’s objection to Kajol’s handling of the whole racial abuse event with the kids.
But Kajol firmly tells Kareena Kapoor to keep out of all that as the kids belonged to her. Later, the film also had a sequence where they get even with the Aussie boys by beating them. But this sequence too had to be removed as after the removal of earlier sequences these did not have any relevance in the film.
However, Siddharth Malhotra assures that despite of the deletion, the film was a coherent whole and the audiences would not have any difficulty in connecting to its storyline. Sources say that Karan Johar did not want to involve himself in any controversy this time after being thrashed for ‘My Name Is Khan’.
He also did not want anyone to accuse him of cashing in on the tragedy of Indian students in Australia, and so he deleted the sequence from the film altogether.
‘We are Family’ is remake of a Hollywood hit flick starring Julia Roberts. Of course, Karan Johar did make adjustments and modifications keeping in mind the sensibilities of Indian audiences.
The movie has for the first time rivals Kareena Kapoor, Kajol starring together. Arjun Rampal also enacts an important role in the film.
The film will also see Kajol and Kareena Kapoor playing the roles of mothers of school- going grown- up kids. Arjun Rampal plays the father.
The movie is very hot in the circuit and set for a worldwide release on September 3.
(Stardust)
I'm not going minus size zero: Kareena
Kareena Kapoor has touched the 40th-movie mark in Bollywood and is finally in her dream shape. And no it's not size zero. The actress who's tried to do "something different" in her career's 40th film We Are Family speaks to Parmita Uniyal on the movie, minus size zero news and more.
'I'm not playing Julia'
The actress who's stepping into the shoes of Hollywood superstar Julia Roberts says that her character is written very differently from Roberts, and there are no similarities between the two characters. "We Are Family might be the remake of Stepmom, but there are no similarities with Julia Roberts. Comparisons are obvious though."
Moving towards half-century of movies
Kareena Kapoor reveals that We Are Family would be her 40th film, and she's put in a lot of effort to make the role stand out. "This is my 40th film and I wanted to make it special. I have portrayed this role in my own style and what Siddharth had visualised for me."
'Minus size zero? I'm putting on weight'
Kareena laughs off rumours that she's going minus size zero for Karan Johar's Short Term Shaadi opposite Imran Khan. "Yeah, I read that news while I was in the flight. Forget about minus size zero, I've put on weight now. And I am happy with this. I've also believed in being fit and healthy. This is how I want to look. It's false news.
Why's Karan spreading false rumours?
Kareena Kapoor is amused with reports that Karan Johar has been giving quotes to media that Kareena was getting into size zero mould for his upcoming movie. She says laughing, "Well Karan never told me that I have to go size zero for his movie. I'll have to call him and find out. Frankly, I don't think I would want to go size zero again."
'Can't think like a mom right now'
Kareena Kapoor might have won the heart of her on-screen stepchildren in the movie, but she's in no mood to imagine herself as a mother right now. "I'm going to think about that at a later stage, not now. But I'm a good aunt to my sister's children."
'Kids are adults in We Are Family'
Kareena Kapoor is all praise for her on-screen stepchildren and thinks that as far as their acting was concerned, they were more like adults. "They acted like professionals. It didn't seem they were acting for the first time. They were so well-behaved and matured that it was a pleasure to work with them."
(Parmita Uniyal, Hindustan Times)
'I'm not playing Julia'
The actress who's stepping into the shoes of Hollywood superstar Julia Roberts says that her character is written very differently from Roberts, and there are no similarities between the two characters. "We Are Family might be the remake of Stepmom, but there are no similarities with Julia Roberts. Comparisons are obvious though."
Moving towards half-century of movies
Kareena Kapoor reveals that We Are Family would be her 40th film, and she's put in a lot of effort to make the role stand out. "This is my 40th film and I wanted to make it special. I have portrayed this role in my own style and what Siddharth had visualised for me."
'Minus size zero? I'm putting on weight'Kareena laughs off rumours that she's going minus size zero for Karan Johar's Short Term Shaadi opposite Imran Khan. "Yeah, I read that news while I was in the flight. Forget about minus size zero, I've put on weight now. And I am happy with this. I've also believed in being fit and healthy. This is how I want to look. It's false news.
Why's Karan spreading false rumours?
Kareena Kapoor is amused with reports that Karan Johar has been giving quotes to media that Kareena was getting into size zero mould for his upcoming movie. She says laughing, "Well Karan never told me that I have to go size zero for his movie. I'll have to call him and find out. Frankly, I don't think I would want to go size zero again."
'Can't think like a mom right now'
Kareena Kapoor might have won the heart of her on-screen stepchildren in the movie, but she's in no mood to imagine herself as a mother right now. "I'm going to think about that at a later stage, not now. But I'm a good aunt to my sister's children."
'Kids are adults in We Are Family'
Kareena Kapoor is all praise for her on-screen stepchildren and thinks that as far as their acting was concerned, they were more like adults. "They acted like professionals. It didn't seem they were acting for the first time. They were so well-behaved and matured that it was a pleasure to work with them."
(Parmita Uniyal, Hindustan Times)
"Any publicity is good" - Karan on Kajol-Kareena rift
Try cornering Karan Johar and chances are that you would get a totally different spin to the story, something that would make you go by the flow offered by him. It wasn't many days back when there was a strong buzz around how Ajay Devgn was not too pleased about the prominence that Kajol was getting in the promotional drive of We Are Family. It was said that he felt Kareena Kapoor was placed equal to Kajol, something which was sacrilege since she was a decade junior to the powerhouse performer who had proven her mettle once again with My Name Is Khan earlier this year. However, try probing the producer about it and he comes back with a cheeky response.
"Come on, any kind of publicity is good publicity so I don't mind if there have been speculations around this", winks Karan for whom We Are Family is his third release of the year after My Name Is Khan and I Hate LUV Storys, "I am told that this news resulted in some debate. Good, I don't mind that."
Nevertheless, on his actors' behalf, he is quick to laugh away the entire so-called controversy.
"Do you think that whether it is Kajol or Kareena, they require any reconfirmation or reaffirmation from anyone around", questions Karan who is known to share a special bond with Kajol and has returned with Kareena in a big way since Kurbaan, "Kajol is the senior most in We Are Family, is one of the biggest strengths in the film and is clearly the best in the business. As for Kareena, she is a confident actress and can never be insecure. She knows her space."
On a serious note, Karan adds, "In any case, there are no quotes from either of them where they have expressed their displeasure around the way they have been pitched. Moreover, I don't believe that anyone around them has made any statement in this regard either."
Kareena Kapoor He goes on to extend the adage of We Are Family even further as he sings praises about the two leading ladies who have come together again close to a decade after Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.
"Whether it is Kajol or Kareena, they are because of their own individuality", he says, "They never get into this talk of 'Oh, I want more screen space' or 'I need this punch-line'. They are very assured of their talent. In fact I used to get a call from sets that they had become best buddies as they got along so famously."
In a humorous tone, he concludes, "Never did I hear from Siddharth Malhotra (the director) or another crew member that there was a discomfort on sets due to any cold vibes between the two women. Sometimes I wish there was! They brought the house on fire but if at all there was that one spark due to the cold vibes, it would have been good naa! After all I would have got some PR peg to play around with."
Well Karan, never say never!
(By Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Hungama)
"Come on, any kind of publicity is good publicity so I don't mind if there have been speculations around this", winks Karan for whom We Are Family is his third release of the year after My Name Is Khan and I Hate LUV Storys, "I am told that this news resulted in some debate. Good, I don't mind that."
Nevertheless, on his actors' behalf, he is quick to laugh away the entire so-called controversy.
"Do you think that whether it is Kajol or Kareena, they require any reconfirmation or reaffirmation from anyone around", questions Karan who is known to share a special bond with Kajol and has returned with Kareena in a big way since Kurbaan, "Kajol is the senior most in We Are Family, is one of the biggest strengths in the film and is clearly the best in the business. As for Kareena, she is a confident actress and can never be insecure. She knows her space."
On a serious note, Karan adds, "In any case, there are no quotes from either of them where they have expressed their displeasure around the way they have been pitched. Moreover, I don't believe that anyone around them has made any statement in this regard either."
Kareena Kapoor He goes on to extend the adage of We Are Family even further as he sings praises about the two leading ladies who have come together again close to a decade after Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.
"Whether it is Kajol or Kareena, they are because of their own individuality", he says, "They never get into this talk of 'Oh, I want more screen space' or 'I need this punch-line'. They are very assured of their talent. In fact I used to get a call from sets that they had become best buddies as they got along so famously."
In a humorous tone, he concludes, "Never did I hear from Siddharth Malhotra (the director) or another crew member that there was a discomfort on sets due to any cold vibes between the two women. Sometimes I wish there was! They brought the house on fire but if at all there was that one spark due to the cold vibes, it would have been good naa! After all I would have got some PR peg to play around with."
Well Karan, never say never!
(By Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Hungama)
Karan Johar shakes his belly
Filmmaker Karan Johar shakes his belly during the talent hunt show, ‘India’s Got Talent’. He was present on the show with his ‘We Are Family’ team, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal. On the show, one particular team performed belly dancing. Out of enthusiasm, the participants pulled the ‘We Are Family’ team and asked Karan to do the same with them. Keeping their wish, Karan shook his belly with actor Arjun Rampal. Bebo also joined them on the stage. At first Karan was little hesitant to do the act but when judge Kiron Kher asked him to be sporty, he went on and enjoyed the audience.
Karan says, "I just did a few steps. It's easier for me to do a belly dance as I have a belly but I fool everyone with my black attire so people believe that I don't. My motto is: when in doubt, wear black! I didn't do any major number, just moved my hips for a few seconds but it was fun! I am willing to do anything in the name of promotion for my films."
Meanwhile, Kareena as well as Karan was highly impressed with the performance of Pradeep Kaiskar who performed brilliant fusion piece, a rap number in Marathi, English and Hindi.
(By: Bollywood Mantra Staff)
Karan says, "I just did a few steps. It's easier for me to do a belly dance as I have a belly but I fool everyone with my black attire so people believe that I don't. My motto is: when in doubt, wear black! I didn't do any major number, just moved my hips for a few seconds but it was fun! I am willing to do anything in the name of promotion for my films."
Meanwhile, Kareena as well as Karan was highly impressed with the performance of Pradeep Kaiskar who performed brilliant fusion piece, a rap number in Marathi, English and Hindi.
(By: Bollywood Mantra Staff)
Kajol: Karan Johar is more than a brother
Their friendship is a part of folklore in Bollywood. However, actor Kajol dismisses the idea of making Karan Johar a ‘rakhi brother’, though she does not have a real one.
“Karan is my friend and have always felt that connection with him. Definition of a friend for me is somebody that you chose and not that you are born with,” she said.
Karan is more than a brother. It’s a unique and fantastic friendship, which I am grateful to have in my life,” Kajol told PTI.
She said she believed bonds are made from the heart.
“Friendships, relationships come from the heart and rakhi is a great way to reaffirm that with your brothers. But, if you do not tie a rakhi, it does not makes you a less friend or less of a relationship,” she said.
Speaking about her plans to celebrate ‘Raksha Bandhan’, Kajol said her daughter had lot of cousins. “They are all coming home tomorrow (Tuesday) and we are having a party,” she said.
(PTI / The Hindu)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Siddharth Malhotra's We Are Family completed in 63 shifts
Debutant director Siddharth Malhotra’s forthcoming film, We Are Family, produced by Dharma Productions was completed in just 63 shifts.
We Are Family stars Kajol, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal along with three child artists and is a remake of the Hollywood flick Stepmom.
The interesting fact is that this was one unit that did not work on Sundays and only had 9 am to 6 pm shifts.
Even though most of the film was shot in Sydney where the child artists are not allowed to work more than four hours a day, the Sydney schedule which was actually a twenty-eight day schedule was completed in just 20 days.
Speaking exclusively to Businessofcinema.com, Malhotra said, “Being a television producer myself, I know how much money is wasted if things are not planned properly. I have been lucky to have a very efficient production team and we always had a plan B ready just in case anything went wrong. My actors have also been a blessing because they’ve always come to sets on time. I somehow feel that my late grandmother, my grandfather and my father-in-law are watching me from above.”
(Businessofcinema)
We Are Family stars Kajol, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal along with three child artists and is a remake of the Hollywood flick Stepmom.
The interesting fact is that this was one unit that did not work on Sundays and only had 9 am to 6 pm shifts.
Even though most of the film was shot in Sydney where the child artists are not allowed to work more than four hours a day, the Sydney schedule which was actually a twenty-eight day schedule was completed in just 20 days.
Speaking exclusively to Businessofcinema.com, Malhotra said, “Being a television producer myself, I know how much money is wasted if things are not planned properly. I have been lucky to have a very efficient production team and we always had a plan B ready just in case anything went wrong. My actors have also been a blessing because they’ve always come to sets on time. I somehow feel that my late grandmother, my grandfather and my father-in-law are watching me from above.”
(Businessofcinema)
KJo: WAF wouldn't have been made without rights
WE ARE FAMILY is an official adaptation of Hollywood flick STEPMOM. In the times when number of film makers lift a film and name it as a reference point or mere inspiration, producer Karan Johar was adamant that he won't allow the film to move beyond the written material till adequate rights for an adaptation were brought.
"At Dharma Productions, we have a company reputation to maintain," says the proud film maker, "By no means would we have adapted a film without taking an official route. We wanted to secure ourselves on that front and get all legalities drafted to the T before taking any further next step."
The first step was for debutant Siddharth Malhotra to get the screen adaptation on print before moving ahead with any filming. Once he approached Karan, he gave a go ahead but only with the condition that all formalities had to be taken care of before the film was commissioned.
I liked the way STEPMOM was re-written to further suit Indian sensibilities. However, I first wanted the rights before any further proceedings," says Karan, "We went through this entire process with Sony Pictures where they also came in as co-producers. They went through the entire screenplay written by us, approved it, did all the paperwork and once that happened, the actual shoot began."
With such effort that has gone into the making of this Kajol, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal, one does hope that it is worth it after all!
(GlamSham)
"At Dharma Productions, we have a company reputation to maintain," says the proud film maker, "By no means would we have adapted a film without taking an official route. We wanted to secure ourselves on that front and get all legalities drafted to the T before taking any further next step."
The first step was for debutant Siddharth Malhotra to get the screen adaptation on print before moving ahead with any filming. Once he approached Karan, he gave a go ahead but only with the condition that all formalities had to be taken care of before the film was commissioned.
I liked the way STEPMOM was re-written to further suit Indian sensibilities. However, I first wanted the rights before any further proceedings," says Karan, "We went through this entire process with Sony Pictures where they also came in as co-producers. They went through the entire screenplay written by us, approved it, did all the paperwork and once that happened, the actual shoot began."
With such effort that has gone into the making of this Kajol, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal, one does hope that it is worth it after all!
(GlamSham)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Dostana 2 is shelved
Saying no to people seems to be the thing do in Bollywood. Karan Johar too has decided to say a firm nahi to Dostana 2. Yes, there were talks about a sequel initially, the cast too had been finalised with Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Katrina Kaif in lead roles. Karan had also spoken to Deepika for the movie. But all this happened when Karan was still friends with Dostana director Tarun Mansukhani. According to gossip, Karan has had a huge fall out with the director. Story goes that Tarun had a huge showdown with Karan when he realised his film was being shelved since the poor chap had even finalised his script by then.
I think Tarun should keep his temper in check and work around Karan cos, Karan is telling everyone the film is just delayed at the moment. If Tarun really wants the movie to go on floors next year he better start being nice to Karan.
(Deccan Chronicle)
I think Tarun should keep his temper in check and work around Karan cos, Karan is telling everyone the film is just delayed at the moment. If Tarun really wants the movie to go on floors next year he better start being nice to Karan.
(Deccan Chronicle)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Hrithik - Priyanka teamed for 'Agneepath' remake?
While on Karan Johar, the other news doing the rounds is that has he finalized the cast of AGNEEPATH remake. Again, a section of the media seems to have finalized the cast of the film - Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra - but the fact is, no actors have been confirmed yet. Nor has anyone signed on the dotted line yet.
Also, the news that Karan Johar has started work on his next film, after MY NAME IS KHAN, is unfounded, since Karan is still clueless about what he wants to make next.
(Taran Adarsh / Bollywoodhungama)
Also, the news that Karan Johar has started work on his next film, after MY NAME IS KHAN, is unfounded, since Karan is still clueless about what he wants to make next.
(Taran Adarsh / Bollywoodhungama)
Sunday, August 8, 2010
'How much more weight will Bebo lose?'
Karan Johar goes on a denying spree: has Kareena Kapoor been asked to slim down for his next? No! Is the film based on What Happens in Vegas? No!
Kareena Kapoor is thankfully going to stay as she is. She won't lose more weight for her upcoming project with Imran Khan in Karan Johar's next, to be directed by debutante Shakun Batra. Says Johar, "I read about the LOOK that we've planned for Bebo when in fact we're still undecided. We're certainly not asking her to lose weight. Poor thing how much more weight will she lose?"
The one thing that has been decided is that the film will be shot in Las Vegas. "BUT!" protests Johar. "We are NOT remaking What Happens in Vegas. There's no similarity between our film and the Ashton Kutcher-Cameron Diaz romcom. By that logic every film shot in Bhuj would be Lagaan, no?" If we wanted to do a desi version of What Happens In Vegas, I would have bought the rights for it like I did for Stepmom."
The producer-director is in London till August 10 to write his next script.
(Mid - Day)
Kareena Kapoor is thankfully going to stay as she is. She won't lose more weight for her upcoming project with Imran Khan in Karan Johar's next, to be directed by debutante Shakun Batra. Says Johar, "I read about the LOOK that we've planned for Bebo when in fact we're still undecided. We're certainly not asking her to lose weight. Poor thing how much more weight will she lose?"
The one thing that has been decided is that the film will be shot in Las Vegas. "BUT!" protests Johar. "We are NOT remaking What Happens in Vegas. There's no similarity between our film and the Ashton Kutcher-Cameron Diaz romcom. By that logic every film shot in Bhuj would be Lagaan, no?" If we wanted to do a desi version of What Happens In Vegas, I would have bought the rights for it like I did for Stepmom."
The producer-director is in London till August 10 to write his next script.
(Mid - Day)
Siddharth Malhotra raves about his stars
Siddharth Malhotra, who is making his directorial debut with the Karan Johar-produced 'We Are Family', is excited about the film. He says that it's rare to work with the two biggest actresses from their generation, namely Kajol and Kareena Kapoor.
Siddharth can't stop raving about Kareena's performance in the film. He says, "She has surpassed Julia Robert's performance from the original film. However, since she is my cousin, it was difficult to convince her to work in the film."
He also praises Kajol's performance. "It's great to know that despite her acting in fewer movies today, Kajol still has a huge fanbase. It was a pleasure working with both of them. They are so dedicated and humble and so professional about their work, it's a lesson for all of us," adds Siddharth
On how he and Kareena are related, Siddharth says that Krishna Raj Kapoor, who is Kareena's grandmother and actor Premnath, who is his father, are siblings. "We've practically grown up together," adds Siddharth.
We are Family is all set to release on 3rd September of this year.
(Starboxoffice)
Siddharth can't stop raving about Kareena's performance in the film. He says, "She has surpassed Julia Robert's performance from the original film. However, since she is my cousin, it was difficult to convince her to work in the film."
He also praises Kajol's performance. "It's great to know that despite her acting in fewer movies today, Kajol still has a huge fanbase. It was a pleasure working with both of them. They are so dedicated and humble and so professional about their work, it's a lesson for all of us," adds Siddharth
On how he and Kareena are related, Siddharth says that Krishna Raj Kapoor, who is Kareena's grandmother and actor Premnath, who is his father, are siblings. "We've practically grown up together," adds Siddharth.
We are Family is all set to release on 3rd September of this year.
(Starboxoffice)
Karan Johar to launch shoe collection
This month, the second edition of the Van Heusen India Mens Week opens in New Delhi. B-town’s style stalwart Karan Johar, will be presenting his first-ever shoe collection in collaboration with designer Varun Bahl. One thing to look out for — brightly coloured loafers that Bahl insists are the
season’s hottest. “Our brand is launching a collection of coloured loafers for the first time. Apart from socks and underwear, we will have a complete wardrobe for any man.”
Bahl reveals that the latest collection will be a ready-to-wear Spring/Summer collection with only a few Bollywood influences. “Karan is Bollywood, so whatever he wears is bound to have that touch. Maybe we’ll have a few crystals here and there as a finishing touch,” he grins.
Interestingly, Johar’s friend Manish Malhotra will also be showcasing menswear. Common pal Shah Rukh Khan has walked the ramp for both in the past.
In fact, Malhotra’s collection was inspired by SRK’s Kolkata Knight Riders, while Johar presented the ramp debut of Shah Rukh’s wife Gauri, who hit the catwalk with her husband.
But will the actor be missing from his friends’ shows this time? “I honestly have no idea whether he will be able to make it,” reveals Varun Bahl, adding, “He and Karan are both out of the country at the moment. I will only know at the last minute if I’m asked to make a garment in Shah Rukh’s size,” he says.
(Rochelle Pinto, Hindustan Times)
season’s hottest. “Our brand is launching a collection of coloured loafers for the first time. Apart from socks and underwear, we will have a complete wardrobe for any man.”
Bahl reveals that the latest collection will be a ready-to-wear Spring/Summer collection with only a few Bollywood influences. “Karan is Bollywood, so whatever he wears is bound to have that touch. Maybe we’ll have a few crystals here and there as a finishing touch,” he grins.
Interestingly, Johar’s friend Manish Malhotra will also be showcasing menswear. Common pal Shah Rukh Khan has walked the ramp for both in the past.
In fact, Malhotra’s collection was inspired by SRK’s Kolkata Knight Riders, while Johar presented the ramp debut of Shah Rukh’s wife Gauri, who hit the catwalk with her husband.
But will the actor be missing from his friends’ shows this time? “I honestly have no idea whether he will be able to make it,” reveals Varun Bahl, adding, “He and Karan are both out of the country at the moment. I will only know at the last minute if I’m asked to make a garment in Shah Rukh’s size,” he says.
(Rochelle Pinto, Hindustan Times)
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