Proud papas!

Sanjay Dutt, Milan Luthria and Ajay Devgn met recently and all they could talk about was being proud papas! While Ajay and Dutt have been dads earlier, Milan and his wife brought  their first baby girl home this year.

Milan talks about his encounter with the other two daddies, "We kept talking about how different life has become for all of us now as fathers. Ajay has been travelling a long time and when he came home after one-and-a-half months his son (Yug) who's not used to seeing him would get cranky around him.

With Sanju, it's another experience. His babies were born seven weeks premature and his wife (Manaayata) and he went nuts moving from home to hospital to feed the babies. The twins wake up at different times in the night and he's not able to sleep! When he called me last Sunday, Sanju was telling me how he hasn't slept the whole night."

'We deserve it'

Milan says after having shared their experiences, all the three fathers feel they deserve a boy's night out. "We were discussing the solution to all this daddy stuff and we decided that we should have a boys' night out sometime this week with just the three of us.

Sanju and Ajay are shooting for Rascals in Bandra, which is very close to Sanju's home so we will meet there and exchange notes on fatherhood and the psychosis of being dads."

Old rishta

Milan, Ajay and Dutt go back 17 years. He rewinds, "I met Sanju on the sets of Mahesh Bhatt's Gumraah when I was assisting him and Ajay, later that year when he was shooting for Najaayaz. There was instant friendship between the three of us.

We kept asking each other why the three of us haven't worked together. We make it a point to keep in touch at least once a week. In fact, when Kajol delivered, Sanju and I were there at the hospital in 30 minutes giving moral support.  When Maanayata delivered, Sanju called me from Dubai and I was one of the first visitors. We have all gone and shopped for each other's babies."

Milan says being fathers has changed the three men. "Yes it has made us more grounded, mellowed and focused on more sensible things like we drink less now. It's fun, going from phase to phase. Right now we are enjoying the daddyhood phase like getting up in the night, holding our babies in our arms. Today the wild men have turned domestic and been tamed," Milan laughs.

Aishwarya Aunty

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has decided to stay at home for two months and help her bhabhi (brother Aditya's wife) Srima with her baby boy, who was born on November 26.

She will avoid most public appearances in the next couple of months, as she wants to spend as much time as possible at home. She will only attend those she had previously committed to.

Says a source, "Post-Guzaarish, she missed the promotions so she could be with her sister-in-law.

Everyone is very excited about the baby, Ash more so. She had warned all her producers, organisers and media manager about the situation." She will play the doting bua to the hilt in real life now.

Says a source close to Rai-Bachchan, "She deliberately finished all her film assignments by October. And she has not signed any film after Guzaarish.

She will finalise her next batch of films with Vishal Bhardwaj, Shyam Benegal and Madhur Bhandarkar after two months."

Confirms Aishwarya, "I've just been travelling and shooting, of late. Now I'm taking time off to be with my sister-in-law and her baby."

About her plans for 2011, she adds, "I don't think too far ahead. Every time I plan, I end up not implementing it. When I did Devdas in 2002, I had promised myself I'd work in a more phased manner.

I am yet to live up to that promise. If you remember, I married in the middle of my career. After that I took time off for my family. I had technically kept three months off. It turned out to be six months of no movies."

Hrithik To Retire

The first film Madhuri Dixit-Nene watched after landing in Mumbai a week ago was her Devdas director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Guzaarish (she hasn't watched his last film Sawaariya).

She has come away impressed with Hrithik Roshan's portrayal of a quadriplegic in the film. She called him to shower praises on him saying it was one of the best performances she had seen in a long time.

A source close to Hrithik discloses, "He was shocked and thrilled when Madhuri called him on Sunday and chatted with him for 20 minutes about how much she had loved his performance.

She told Duggu that Ethan was the most difficult character she's seen on celluloid and his portrayal blew her mind." Hrithik has great regard for the Dhak Dhak girl and her words meant the world for him.

Mads complimented him on everything from his voice, to the look in the eyes and told him that she found Hrithik's dance sheer poetry.

She admits, "Yes I did call up Hrithik to praise him on his brilliant performance in the movie. He played a quadriplegic and it's so difficult to do such a role as there's no body language.

He emoted with his eyes so convincingly. I've heard that he really worked very hard on his role.

I told him that he was unbelievably good and he said he could now retire! Even Aishwarya and all the actors have done a good job. Sanjay has made a beautiful film."

Madhuri reminisces, "I remember when I was shooting for his dad's film Kishan Kanhaiya I heard Hrithik (who was assisting Rakesh Roshan) saying Anil's dialogues loudly in front of the mirror.

I felt he had lot of potential and told him so. Of course he was embarrassed. I had discovered the germ of Hrithik's talent and sincerity even then. He is still the same as hard-working as ever!"

At the time, Mads had told him that he would make his mark in the acting world a compliment Duggu cherishes even today.

Tables turn for Anwar Hussain

For those who are unaware, Anwar is Arshad Warsi’s half-brother and a professional singer, who once lent his voice to stars like Rajesh Khanna among others. But with time glory days ended and Anwar was compelled to sing in beer bars to feed his family.

Anwar Hussain (Satish malavade)
The report in this paper fetched the singer a lot of support. Anwar has now landed himself an offer to sing for television shows.

An elated Anwar says, “I cannot believe the huge response post that interview. I was singing in bars for so many years but no one recognised or remembered me.

But thanks to Mumbai Mirror and their story, people began calling me with big offers. All this seems like a miracle to me. A production house called Creative Eye has offered me work.”

Kalpesh Modi, who is the ideation head of Creative Eye Ltd, says, “We have signed Anwarji for many of our projects. He will be singing for the title tracks of television shows, Rishton Ke Bhanwar Me Uljhi and Niyati.

We have also decided to introduce him as a judge in our new musical reality show. After reading the article, I immediately sent my men to contact him. Now I hope he will not have to sing in bars.”

Salman Chooses Bebo Over Aish

This has to be the biggest end-of-the-year news for Bollywood. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who wanted to cast Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai (Bachchan) again after his super success with them in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in 1999, has revived plans for the project he had in mind.

It is his ambitious film Bajirao Mastani that Bhansali had to shelve in 2003 after the bitter break-up between the actors; the filmmaker had said then that he could not see anybody else fitting their shoes for his epic romance based on the 18th century love story between two historically significant characters.

Now, Bollywood sources say, Bhansali is quietly reviving the project and though he will cast Salman (his favourite hero) as Bajirao, he is getting into a dialogue with Kareena Kapoor to act opposite the macho actor as Mastani. Though Ash continues to be Bhansali's favourite leading lady, the filmmaker knows that the possibility of Salman and Ash making a film again is next to impossible. So, he has decided to replace Ash with Kareena who he feels is the best among the current actresses to fit the bill. Salman and Kareena share good vibes so Bhansali is a relieved man. Insiders say this move will not see the Bhansali-Ash relationship going sour.

Mastani was the wife of Peshwa Bajirao who served the Maratha empire. They were said to be the perfect couple both in looks as well as attitude and valour. She was a skilled horse-rider and rode into battle with her husband. She was also skilled in combat training and wielded weapons with ease. Their deaths is a part of Indian folklore. It is said that when Bajirao died of natural causes, Mastani committed suicide by drinking poison.

Others have reported that she killed herself by jumping into the funeral pyre of her husband. Their love story, thus, became eternal. The film will be a grand spectacle as Bhansali will treat the audiences to opulence and grandeur in sets and costumes.

Mr. 70 Percent

Aamir Khan has asked for a whopper share 70 per cent in his joint production with Farhan Akhtar. The untitled film, to be directed by Reema Kagti, features Aamir with Kareena Kapoor. It rolls early next year.

Says a source, "Though the mystery thriller is a joint production between the two actor-producers, Aamir definitely wants an upper hand.

The star always takes home a share of the profits even when he is not the producer. In this film, as he is both, he wants his percentage to go up considerably."

Adds the source, "What's of interest is that Farhan and his partner Ritesh Sidhwani's banner Excel Entertainment is well-known with hits to their credit. Yet the star has demanded a higher share from them.

During Ghajini, Aamir had staked an 80 per cent claim as the producer-director were not known names in B-Town. With this project, too, he wants to continue with his practice."

Mr Perfectionist took a long time to say yes to another project after 3 Idiots.

Add to this the fact that the Aamir-Farhan duo come together a decade after their hit Dil Chahta Hai. The star feels the stakes go up much higher for the project.

Aamir's spokesperson however maintains, "This is not true. Aamir is co-producing the film with Ritesh and Farhan."

While Ritesh says, "We are producing together so there is no question of either partner getting a higher stake."

A Chat With Rajinikanth

When Robot/Endhiran was released, fans in Matunga even did a palabhishekam (bathing an idol with milk) for your cutout. How does that feel?
(Humbly) Come on. It's their love and affection.

Why have you become the reluctant interviewee?
No, it is the same Rajni. Now since I'm not giving interviews, everybody wants an exclusive. If I give one person, the others feel bad. Better to say 'no' to everybody. Otherwise, the media is too powerful today.

With over Rs 130 crore riding on your name, relieved that Robot/Endhiran did so well?
Oh yes, very relieved. It was very tense, naturally, first time so much money being invested in a regional language film.  It's not a joke. Hats off to Kalanithi Maran's guts, he had complete faith, he believed that yes, these people won't make a mistake, it's a responsibility. By God's grace (it worked).

It's said that you didn't take a rupee during the making of the film?
(Dismissively) I told them, and you give it to me later. Of course, I took it later (laughs). I told them, I don't need money now. If I need money, I'll definitely ask for it. Otherwise why take unnecessarily when so much money is already being spent? I know Maran well, he's a good friend.

You didn't take a rupee during the making but took a part of the profit?
Yes.

Which makes you the highest paid star in India?
(Laughs) Is that correct? I don't know how much the others take. (Laughs again)

You once told me that if you hadn't become an actor you'd have become a smuggler because you
wanted to make money.
(Unabashedly) Yes, that is correct, an underworld don. That phase is over, I've made enough money!

And Endhiran was released, you went to the Himalayas?
I go to the Himalayas after every film. I go alone without anybody.

You have two daughters. Ever miss having a son?
No, no. I'm very happy, by God's grace. We're in the 21st century, gender doesn't make a difference. Look at my two grandsons, Yatra and Linga.

You do something other stars wouldn't. You go out as you are, in a kurta, balding hair as it is without dyeing. And your fans are all right with it?
No. It is important to them how you look on celluloid. They're paying for that. There they feel that my hero should look like a hero. Outside, it doesn't matter. People are intelligent, they know everything. Why unnecessarily give yourself discomfort?


Rajnikant and Aishwarya

They probably appreciate you for being the way you are...
Naturally. I told you. On celluloid if you come like that they will hate it. Reality, okay. On celluloid, no, they want the hero.

And this hero gives the audience what they desire an action man who romances, fights and looks
invincible. Incredibly, he is also very fit.
I do yoga, I exercise. I have to be fit. That is my investment. An artiste can only invest his body. For the mind, good writers and good directors are there.

Do you feel the pressure, as you're growing older? In Robot you did everything, including dance, action and romance.
(Laughs heartily) Sometimes, when I do action scenes, I do feel the age... or when I dance. Age is age. But technicians, directors, they know and they manage. When doing a romantic scene now, I feel awkward. Even if I  say it's just acting, I do feel a little embarrassed.

Are you careful that it has to be dignified now?
You have to be very, very choosy.

After Robot, what?
An animation film called Hara. Partly live action, partly animation like Avatar. But a straight out-and-out Rajnikant film has not been decided yet.

There were rumours that Yash Chopra has approached you for Dhoom 3?
"They're all rumours. No, (I have) not been approached. Anyway, after Hara, I will need a six-month break. If I get a good character, a suitable role, a good producer-director, only then will I do a film. Otherwise, bahut ho gaya. I'm 61 years old, yaar.

Amitabh is still going strong...
He's my inspiration. Actually Dilipji (Dilip Kumar) is the centre for all of us. Amitji, me, Shah Rukh, Aamir... for all of us Dilipji has been the inspiration.

Do you miss the Mumbai air?
I was lucky to interact so closely with a person like Amitji, how many get an opportunity like that? We did three films, all super duper hits. Andhaa Kanoon, Giraftaar and Hum. Sometimes, I feel like going to Mumbai and meeting my friends. I had a good circle of friends: Subhashji, Guddu, Rishi, Jeetendra.

Why did you give up Hindi films?
I have cut down a lot. In the South itself, I do hardly one film in two years. To ride two horses at the same time is difficult. The way of working in Hindi films and South ones is different. I've done enough work. I did nearly 25 to 27 films there; I was there for almost 10 years. I enjoyed it.

You didn't feel that you are God in Chennai and you're doing only multi-star cast films in Mumbai?
Oh, no, no, no. Actually, I was so relaxed. Here I had to carry the whole show on my shoulders. There we shared it, did so many multi-starrers. And with what persons! Dharmendra, Vinod Khanna, Amitji. Multi-starrers, nice fun, big films, multi-crore projects, going to good locales, good friends. It was good fun and I enjoyed it. Mumbai, mayanagiri. Really cosmopolitan.

Neha: Match me if you can!

Sultry siren Neha Dhupia's voice is unmatchable - that's what the director of her South film feels. She was shooting in the South for a film and the director asked her if she could only dub for the movie.

They were also wary that no one will be able to match her voice. By doing so, unlike many Bollywood actresses whose voices are dubbed in the South Indian film fraternity, Neha will score a first to dub for her own movie. She is evidently super excited to mouth dialogues of a different language, something that she has never done before.

Culturally Rich Toonpur!

Kireet Khurana’s Ajay Devgn and Kajol starrer Toonpur Ka Superrhero is touted to be India’s first live action animation film – where live characters merge with the cartoons.

Produced by Krishika Lulla and Kumar Mangat, Toonpur Ka Superrhero is a story of a reel life superstar accidentally landing in the world of cartoons. Toonpur is a land of toons - Toonasurs (bad toons) and Devtoons (good toons). The characters in Toonpur come from various cultural backgrounds of India. There is a Sardar, Bengali, Gujarati, Marwadi, Maharashtrian, Bihari, Tamil, Christian and lot more characters from our culturally rich country.

For the voice dubbing of these various cartoon characters, artists from across the nation were auditioned. Over 2000 voice artists were tried to get the right accent for the characters.

Well must say the makers of Toonpur have left no stone unturned to give his film a perfect touch!

Produced by Krishika Lulla and Kumar Mangat Pathak, Toonpur Ka Superrhero is India’s first live action animation film which is slated to release on 24th December 2010.

Prakash Jha Praises Rajinikanth

A pessimist is a man who thinks all women are bad; an optimist hopes they are.

But award-winning director Prakash Jha, who was in the city recently, is neither of the two — he sounds more like a true romanticist. "A woman isn't that hard to understand," he starts out, "It depends on whether you really want to understand her. If you are not truly interested in getting to know the person, no matter what happens, you won't."

Prakash is confident about his film Turning 30, a woman-centric film. Backing debutante director Alankrita Shrivastava, he says it was her confidence and independence that gave him faith in her. "The movie portrays the fast growing and independent nature of women these days. It deals with young women who don't hesitate to go after anything in life, be it a relationship, job, or anything for that matter. Alankrita's story was unique; one that she relates to and the narrative was superb. Her conviction gave me confidence in her."

With a female director and a woman-centric story, ask him if, like commonly believed, only a woman can understand another woman better and he replies, "That's so not true. If that was the case, there wouldn't be any fights between women at home."

Pose another commonly held belief that two women can't live under the same roof and he replies, "In this case, there were too many women living under the same roof!" The director, the three girls who get maximum screen time in the film, the costume designer and a few others... the best part being that most of them turned 30 during the making of the film. He says this only ensures that the story gets the best treatment possible.

Though he's worked with many big stars, Jha says he still has a long wish list. "I'm yet to work with Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan. I would love to get these guys on board one of my future projects; they are extremely talented and dedicated."

Prakash has great admiration for Rajinikanth. "He's not only God here (in Tamil Nadu) but also in Bollywood as well. His Robot has wonderful entertainment value. I loved the part where the robot falls in love with a real girl; that kind of kept me glued to the film. There's no showman like Rajinikanth."

Kareena Kapoor enters politics!

Katrina and Ranbir surprised one and all with their solid portrayal of youngsters who are forced to join politics owing to circumstances. Kareena Kapoor is all set to follow into Katrina's footsteps as she too has been approached by Farhan Akhtar's production house Excel Entertainment for a political drama .

Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra who gave Kareena 'Chameli' has been roped in to direct the film. Will the critically acclaimed actress-director pair be able to revive the magic of Chameli?

Sudhir Mishra confirmed the news saying, "Yes, we have approached Kareena Kapoor for my forthcoming film to be produced by Farhan called 'Bhrub'. The Devdas remake I was planning didn't work out as the script I wrote became something else. That script went on to become 'Bhrub'. Bhrub happens to be the name of the central character around which the film will revolve. It's about a man who's an heir to a political family. Kareena will play the female protagonist. She has an equally important role to play. As far the male lead is concerned, we have few names in mind but that will happen once Farhan gets free post the shooting of his Don 2. We will sit together and brainstorm."

Sudhir added, "Kareena broke free from commercial films in Chameli and that was when people realized the potential that was hidden inside her as an actor. I intend to do that again as she hasn't been exploited enough as an actor considering her immense talent."

Rumours of Abhay and Farhan being considered for the role opposite Kareena are doing the rounds. Watch this space for more.

A white X'mas for Kareena

Actress Kareena Kapoor has been hoping and dreaming of having a White X'mas for some years now. However, she has never made it happen.

"There's always been work, or then some show..." she goes on. However, this year maybe a different story, what with beau Saif Ali Khan making all her dreams come true.

Though Saifoo claims to be mighty busy with the post production of 'Agent Vinod', a movie of which Kareena is also a part, we hear that the actor is planning a surprise Christmas for Kareena in Europe. Now we weren't so sure if this cat was to come outta Santa's goodie bag this soon...

New Year's we hear will be spent abroad as well, and there'll be no dancing at any New Year bash back home this time round. This is of course what we hear. Now, unless some organisers are willing going to throw in an abundance of moolah that Bebo can't refuse...

sanjay to fight hrithik

After a long gap, Sanjay and Hrithik is coming face to face again. This time it would be Karan johar’s AGNEEPATH. It all happened few years back when Hrithik and Sanjay Dutt battled it out in MISSION KASHMIR.

That time Sanju was good guy while Hrithik played baddie but this time table is reversed as Hrithik is going to play iconic 'Vijay Dinanath Chauhan' while Sanju will play 'Kancha Cheena' played by Danny Denzongpa in the original.

"Sanjay will be seen Agneepath though he has not replaced Rishi Kapoor as has been reported by many,” confirms a source.

Interestingly, Sanjay Dutt is planning to shave his head bald for the role. We've heard the actor is contemplating on his look for the film so far.

We asked Sanjay's manager if this is true to which he said, "Sanju is planning for a new look. As far as him going bald is concerned, things will be finalized once he sits down with Karan in the film's pre-production stage."

Honeymoon in vegas

How cute! Hrithik and Sussanne Roshan are all set to bring in the New Year in Las Vegas, with their two sons. It’ll be the perfect holiday the family had been waiting for.

But guess who would be joining them? Spanish beauty Barbara Moori. Yes, Barbara and Hrithik have been in touch. And surprisingly, Sussanne too has been part of this. Now, Barbara and her son will apparently join the Roshans on their holiday.

“There is no awkwardness between Sussanne and Barbara. In fact, the two ladies are better friends than Hrithik and Barbara ever were,” reveals our khabri.

Hrithik, on the other hand, confirms his holiday plan and says, ““Yes, Sussanne and I are in constant touch with Barbara and will be catching up soon. We are planning a holiday in the US with the kids for the New Year. I did hear Las Vegas being mentioned. And if I am in the US I might meet up with Barbara. Why not?”

Quiz him about the dubbed Spanish film MY BROTHER’S WIFE, and Hrithik says, “Yes, I’ve watched that film. She’s brilliant in it. In fact that’s the film we watched before deciding on Barbara for KITES.” And then it took off. The film Kites, that is.