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)

Karan Johar on ‘We Are Family’

Last Updated :

 

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.

Udita Jhunjhunwala

Express News Service

'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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

"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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

'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)

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)

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)

Deepika also in Dostana 2?

Wake wakey my walnut cookies! Rise forth and shine, for here I am, to drive away your Monday morning blues with some hot-and-spicy nuggets from glamour gaon. I know you must be getting withdrawal symptoms, at not finding my column yesterday. My apologies for the unannounced change in plans.

Khair, cheer up and read on my sweetums, for your dose of daily goss.

For starters, a trade types khabru just buzzed to inform me that Karan Johar’s Dostana 2 will be hotter than the first. Yeah, I do know that Katrina Kaif will sizzle on the screen with Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham… But that’s not all.
Suna hai, there’s place for another heroine in the storyline and director Tarun Mansukhani has conveyed to KJo his khwaish of casting Deepika Padukone in it. Apparently, the nirmata has even discussed the part with Deepi darling, and talks about dates and money are on.
And before you think it’s a cameo a la Priyanka Chopra, I must tell you that it’s not. My informer claims that it’s a substantial part with considerably good screen time.
Now, it remains to be seen what kinda interaction Kat and Deepi share on the sets in case the latter signs up for the Dostana sequel.
More so since Deepi declined Anurag Basu’s Silence with Ranbir Kapoor when the director was considering Kat for the other leading character in the movie.
Dekhte hain aage aage kya hota hai. What say Kat and Deepi?

(Hindustan Times)

Dissecting the delay (Dostana 2)

Here is the complete story behind Dostana 2 being postponed
While people know that Dostana 2 has got postponed to next year because of creative differences between producer Karan Johar and director Tarun Mansukhani, B-Town sources say that's not all.

Says a source, "A few weeks ago Karan and Tarun had a rift. Apparently, Tarun taking potshots on Dharma Productions' last releases, Kurbaan, My Name Is Khan and I Hate Luv Storys hasn't gone down well with KJo.

The Dostana director feels the producer should be doing better quality stuff. When Kurbaan didn't do well Tarun felt vindicated but it was Karan's turn to smile when MNIK and IHLS both did well at the BO." Trouble began with Mansukhani voicing his opinion to people outside of Dharma. When this got back to the Dharma boss, he confronted Tarun, which led to an argument.

Possible fates
Things have apparently become so serious that unless the two sort out their differences (and it looks very difficult), Dostana 2 will either be shelved or will get a new director. The official reason being given for the delay of the John Abraham--Abhishek Bachchan starrer is that Karan (and a focus group) didn't like the second half of D2.

An insider rubbishes the rumours of tension between the two friends, "Tarun wasn't happy with the script and wanted to work on it further. Karan realised that everyone's dates had been wasted and apologised to all his stars, especially Katrina Kaif, who had blocked her dates and was banking on this film to be her big release next year."

Karan says, "We are very, very, very happy with the script of Dostana 2. Tarun is a perfectionist and he took the call to delay it. And as a producer I have to support him. The film will begin by early 2011 and will release in the latter half of 2011. John, Katrina and Abhishek will act in it. We want to give our best and all our time and attention to Dostana 2, as it will be Dharma's biggest production till date.

A sequel has more expectations and we want to live up to the expectations. We are all excited about the film and the rest are all ridiculous rumours. Tarun is my adopted baby and I am very proud that he's so hardworking and wanted the perfect script."

Tarun Mansukhani remained unavailable for comment.

(Mid - Day)