Salman Khan in Preity's Ishkq In Paris

By Hindustan Times

Salman Khan and Preity Zinta have worked together in films like Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega and Jaan-e-man, and now the duo could be seen in Zinta's home production Ishkq In Paris. "And Yesss.. Salman might be part of Ishkq In Paris & I'M super excited !!! Wait n watch people 4 all fun cuz for now my lips are sealed!" Preity announced on Twitter.

"Thanx guys 4 da good wishes 4 Ishkq In Paris! Yes, I've co written it wid Prem Raj but its directed ONLY by Prem Raj. #purefacts that's all!" She added.

"So excited to start out ISHkQ IN PARIS soon! Been a very long time since I HAVE BEEN in front of a camera. Too very long time! 2 come again into the groove! (sic)," Preity had shared on Twitter.

Preity was last seen in Deepa Mehta's Heaven on Earth, a 2008 Canadian film. The film was dubbed in Hindi as Videsh.

The dimpled actress has several hit films to her credit including Koi Mil Gaya, Kal Ho Na Ho, Veer Zaara, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna among others. But she later changed her gear for some time and have become an owner of IPL team Kings XI Punjab.

This year Preity launched her own production company, PZNZ Media and the primary film produced under the banner is that this romantic comedy directed by Prem Soni.

"Really waiting for going to my favorite city Paris! I'm sure in some birth I lived there. That's why town keeps calling me back...!," Preity had said.

Trailer review: Akshay as Rowdy Rathore

By Hindustan Times

What happens when a Khiladi tries to seem like a Dabangg? Well, he becomes Rowdy Rathore. After a spate of comedy fairs, Akshay Kumar is back in his action avatar in Prabhudeva's Rowdy Rathore.

Before Salman Khan arrived in action scene, Akshay Kumar was one of the crucial reigning dhishoom dhishoom stars. The actor won hearts with Khiladi series, Mohra, Sangharsh, Jaanwar, Khakee and Ajnabee. He however got excited about rib-ticklers later and delivered hits like Garam Masala, Hera Pheri, Welcome, Singh is Kinng and Housefull. This year he's back to the action genre with films like Rowdy Rathore and Khiladi 786.

People were waiting with bated breath to peer how Akshay 'Khiladi' Kumar will re-invent himself as Rowdy Rathore. A moustached Akshay walks right into a contruction site 'Dabangg' style and thrashes his enemy, in slow motion, after which mouths the dialogue - "Jo main bolta hu, wo main karta hu. Jo main nahi bolta wo main definitely karta hun."

Reminds us of Salman Khan whose dialogue in Wanted - "Ek baar jo maine commitment kar di, uske baad to main khud ki bhi nahi sunta" - became quite popular.

"Apun ka fatka 440 ka jhatka," Akshay says while hitting another attacker. And we wonder why Prabhu Deva has given Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan's dialogues from Wanted and mannerisms from Dabangg. Akshay then proceeds to laugh like Kaancha Cheena.

Then walks in Sonakshi Sinha, another Dabangg factor that works against the freshness of this trailer. Though she does experiment together with her wardrobe, her nazaakat and adaaen are straight from the Salman Khan starrer. Akshay Kumar however, in his sequences with Sonakshi looks convincing and original.

What we liked: Akshay-Sonakshi's fresh pairing

What we didn't like: Loss of freshness within the trailer

Our verdict: Not exactly bowled over

At the launch of the film's trailer Akshay Kumar said, "I'M very thinking about the film because I'M coming round again in action films after seven years. I'M on this film industry as a result of my action films. It appears like I'M a brand new comer who's trying action for the primary time."

Produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and directed by Prabhu Deva, the film features Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha within the lead. The film is scheduled to release on June 1, 2012.

The film's trailer went viral on Twitter. Here is what tweeple needed to say:

@mubaulsai: Didn't like Akshay Kumar's dialogue delivery ,dialogues in Rowdy Rathore.

@mubaulsai: Akshay kumar tortured me together with his trailer ROWDY RATHORE..I guess he can't create magic which RAVITEJA created in "vikramarkudu"

@monishparikh: Rowdy Rathore ki Guzarish he ki woh Black ki khamoshi ko Devdas ke soda mein dilute kar k Dabang macha de.

@BollywoodGandu: This looks NOTHING like Dabangg.

@crhemanth: The primary dialogue in Rowdy Rathore's trailer is rip off this famous Rajinikanth's dialogue -Naan solrathaiyum seiven, sollathathiyum seiven

@ManisshS: First impression- "eww" Salman would was a more sensible choice. Movie does give a mass appeal.

Celebs speak

@kjohar25: No my friend shabina khans production debut....ROWDY RATHORE!!!! its an entire on entertainer!!!!

@LuvSinha: Arey, Ye kya..ROWDY RATHORE ka official and unleaked Trailer...440 ka jhatka toh ab lagega..!

@sonakshisinha: Its ouuuuttt! Watch the official trailer of Rowdy Rathore here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCAcU3p9GNo - aur batao, 440 ka jhatka laga ki nahi ;)

Housefull 2 embroiled in plagiarism row!

By Hindustan Times

Bollywood trade is abuzz about Housefull 2’s release this Friday. But even before Sajid Khan’s multi-starrer opens, it’s making news for a distinct reason – plagiarism. Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya has filed a case against film’s makers alleging a music piece from a song of his 2005 album, Tere Bina have been lifted for a Housefull 2 song titled, Do You Know.

“I don't have any issues of the number but they've blatantly lifted the principle punch line of the music piece from my song, Baje Jo Bansi. Whoever listens to the song could make out the plagiarism since my album is T-Series’ highest-selling album. It took me a year to compose that individual punch line,” says Abhijeet.

Music directed Sajid of Sajid-Wajid fame – who've composed the film’s music – is angry with the allegation. “We are in a shocked state. Ye to hamare upar daag lagana hua (it’s similar to tainting us). We belong to the similar fraternity and if he had any issues, shall we have resolved it peacefully. What’s the necessity to visit the court? If we needed to copy, wouldn’t now we have copied a global tune?” he says.

Housefull 2 producer Sajid Nadiadwala says he's “very surprised with Abhijeet’s move” considering he has worked for my company in films like Judwaa (1997). “If he had any issues with the song, he will need to have informed me. I MIGHT have made him sit with Sajid-Wajid to solve the problem amicably,” he says.

Abhijeet, on his part, insists that he used it (the punch line) 20 times in his song while Sajid-Wajid have put it 30 times. “I am blessed with name, fame and wealth, so my intentions aren't directed towards fame or money,” he says. The case comes up for hearing within the court today.

Parineeta director’s next a love story

By Hindustan Times

Pradeep Sarkar, best known for his directorial debut Parineeta (2005), is now able to return to his favourite genre. He says, “Yes, I CAN make a love story next.”

After a successful ad-filmmaking career, Pradeep worked with Vinod Chopra to evolve Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel Parineeta right into a film. Later, he went directly to work as a visible director for Vinod’s Eklavya (2007), where as he claims, he had ‘ego issues’ together with his mentor. Sarkar says, “There were some problems between us.

When I got a proposal from Yash Raj Films, I signed an exclusive three-films-in-five year’s contract with them. I FEEL Vinod was upset about that.” The contract meant that though he can make regional cinema and ad films, he couldn’t direct another Hindi film with every other banner until the commitment was over. The director though went directly to make Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007) and Lafangey Parindey (2010), either one of which failed.

Pradeep adds, “Though five years are over, I'M yet to do the third film with Yash Raj. As of now, Aditya Chopra is busy with Yashji’s (Chopra) film with Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif. Once he gives a heads up, my film will go on floors.”

But now, Pradeep is relieved that the continuing VCF (Vinod Chopra Films) retrospective gave Vinod and him a far awaited chance to damage the ice. He says, “I could finally let go of the guilt of getting left my mentor. I'M HOPING to work with him again someday.”

Will he cast Vidya Balan in his third film for YRF? Sarkar says, “I got upset when Vidya refused Laga Chunari… but we resolved our issues way back. If she likes the script and other things work out, I'D like to cast her in my next. But, I’m glad to have met both my favourite people at the sidelines of the retrospective.”

Imran, Deepika bag worst actor Golden Kela awards

By Hindustan Times

Bollywood stars Imran Khan and Deepika Padukone bagged a Golden Kela award each on the fourth edition of the yearly event which celebrates the worst in Hindi Cinema.

While Imran won the worst actor for his performance in "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan", Deepika was named the worst actress
for her role in "Aarakshan".

Shah Rukh Khan's "Ra.One" was named the worst film while its helmer Anubhav Sinha won the worst director Golden Kela award this evening.

The worst supporting actor award was given to Prateik Babbar for his roles in "Dum Maaro Dum" and "Aarakshan".

Kanti Shah, producer and director of a bevy of B-grade Hindi films, was given the Platinum Kela award for his excellence in cinema.

"I'm feeling good at being invited on the event. It's special because its been organised by true fans of my sort of movie-making. I'VE BEEN to other award shows as well, but this definitely is special," said Shah on receiving the award.

Besides honouring the worst in cinema, the awards also appreciated Arunodoy Singh's performance in Sudhir Mishra-directed "Yeh Saali Zindagi" by handing him the Anti-Kela. The trophy was presented to him by last year's winner, Abhishek Sharma (director, "Tere Bin Laden").

"I think Sudhir must be the only accepting this. I'm quite honored and amused with this award. You should see this movie getting some recognition," said Arunoday.

Other recipients of the Anti-Kela award were "Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster", "Shaitan" and "Shor within the City".

The song 'Teri Meri' from "Bodyguard", which proved to be quite well liked by listeners, was named probably the most Irritating Song, while Amitabh Bhattacharyya won essentially the most Atrocious Lyrics award for 'Pyar Do Pyar Lo' (Thank You), 'Jigar ka Tukda' (Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl) and 'Mutton Song' (Luv ka the End).

Chirag Paswan was named the Worst Debutante for "Miley Na Miley Hum".

Veteran actor Pankaj Kapoor was given the 'Bawra Ho Gaya Ke' award for his directorial debut "Mausam", which was a large disappointment on the box office.

The 'Aaja Nach Le' award for Worst Attempt at Comeback was given to Esha Deol for "Tell me O Kkhuda".

The Lajja award for worst treatment of a major issue went to Prakash Jha's "Aarakshan", which was in response to the reservation system in educational institutes.

Music composer Pritam was given the 'Bas kijiye bohut ho gaya award', while the Shakti kapoor award for misogyny went to 'Pyar ka Punchnama'. The FALTU award for many aptly named film went to "F.A.L.T.U".

The Golden Kela awards this year hosted India's first ever Live in 3D awards show, where the winners went home with shiny and up to date re-modeled, 3D Kela trophies. About 7 lakh votes were cast to select the winners this year.

Arjun collaborating with Percept for music fest

By Hindustan Times

Arjun Rampal, who got international pop icon Lady Gaga to accomplish in India last year, is collaborating with Percept Ltd to create a music festival in major cities, sources say. The ambitious venture is known as Lost. "Arjun and Shailendra Singh of Percept have brainstormed over months, figuring out the main points of the music festival property. It will likely be modelled at the Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, UK. Artists and musicians of the stature of Elton John, U2, Madonna and Prince and Britney Spears and Rihanna are expected to come back to India for the Lost festival," said a source.

Why Lost?

"Because Arjun and Shailendra felt that music lovers in India desire a platform where they're lost to realize a way of musical liberation," said the source.

Lost is anticipated to kickstart within the second 1/2 the year. The music festival is being planned on a sprawling 30-acre stretch of land.

"Arjun and Percept wish to create the biggest most keenly-attended music festival in India. They begin with the primary concert in Mumbai after which proceed to have three festivals every year in several cities of the world…

"The idea is to bring the most efficient musical talents from the sector to India. Arjun has already started making a bank of potential performers. The success of the Gaga concert last year has truly encouraged Arjun. He feels it is time India acquired an international image for cultural and musical events," said the source.

The deal is anticipated to be officially announced next week.

Arjun and Singh remained unavailable for comment.

Abu Salem at the big screen

By Hindustan Times

Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai (2011) and the impending Shootout At Wadala chronicle the upward thrust of underworld kingpin Dawood Ibrahim. Now, a movie on certainly one of his former associates, Abu Salem, is ready to roll, with actor Nikhil Dwivedi playing the role of the feared gangster.

An industry insider reveals that the film have been named Captain, as it’s probably the most aliases utilized by Salem. The project was conceived, written and can be directed by debutant Navneet Behl, and traces the outlaw’s journey from obscurity to notoriety in a brief time frame. Confirming the news, Nikhil says, “Unlike other infamous gangsters, who took decades to be where they're today, he became some of the dreaded gangsters in Mumbai in only seven years. That’s what I DISCOVERED so fascinating.”

Salem, presently in Arthur Road jail, is serving time for his role within the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, and the murder of music composer and owner of the T-Series music label, Gulshan Kumar, in 1997.

“There was a time when the entire film industry was completely crippled with fear of this man. The film is set what made him so powerful,” says Nikhil, who has two films — Hate Story and Tamanchey — releasing this year. Ask whether he’s apprehensive about playing a notorious don, and the actor says, “Why should I be nervous? This isn't a movie on Dawood Ibrahim.”

John Abraham, Kunaal Roy Kapoor in Kala Ghoda

By Hindustan Times

After Force, there's some more action up the sleeves of Bollywood heartthrob John Abraham. The actor has again signed as much as play a cop in director Aditya Bhattacharya's new film Kala Ghoda so one can also feature Kunaal Roy Kapoor of Delhi Belly fame.

Kala Ghoda, set within the Mumbai underbelly, might be shot in real time on actual locations and promises some real action.

"It's the tale of 2 cops, one hard-nosed no-nonsense and volatile played by John and the opposite a goofy ineffectual bumbling cop, played by Kunaal Roy Kapoor, who come together under trying circumstances for one night of relentless action in Mumbai," said Aditya, who's Bimal Roy's grandson and director Basu Bhattacharya's son.

The film goes at the floors on the end of the year and involves situations that come straight out of the record books of real-life police stations. The director admits he was initially reluctant to get into the project.

"Kala Ghoda is a authentic cops film. And my catchline for the film could be No Gun No Fun. I USED TO BE slightly hesitant. It was John's exuberance and effort level that convinced me," said Bhattacharya.

"His homework for the role is incredible. I come from a sensibility different from the archetypal 'Bollywood' cinema. I felt John and that i coming together to do a movie could be as odd as John and Kunaal Roy Kapoor's characters in Kala Ghoda coming together.

"But John's dedication to the film has convinced me that 'Bollywood' now not exists. This is a way of thinking where the walls have dissolved and a misfit like me has a spot here," he added.

John, who will produce the film, conceives it as a low-budget gritty independent film, meant for a selected target audience.

Ajay turns 43, celebrates on set!

By Hindustan Times

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn, who turned 43 on Monday, is busy shooting S.O.S. - Son of Sardar in Patiala. But that did not stop his fans from making his birthday special for him.

"Thank u for the stunning birthday wishes!:) and because of the fans that surprised me with an enormous cake on #SOS sets, the entire unit enjoyed it," tweeted the actor.

Ajay has his hands full with projects like Bol Bachchan, Tezz and S.O.S. - Son of Sardar. They all are slated for release this year.

I’ll play Munnabhai even if I'M 80: Sanjay Dutt

By Hindustan Times

Sanjay Dutt, who plays the title role in director Raju Hirani’s popular Munnabhai franchise, hopes to play the cute don even if he turns 80. He says, “Vinod (producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra) once told me, “Tu assi saal ka ho jayega then also (even if you switch 80...), I CAN make Munnabhai with you.”

Adding that he was told subsequent films won't include a romantic angle for the loveable don, Sanjay reveals, “I told Vinod, ‘let it be’. I miss Munnabhai and would like to play a ‘tapori’ (vagabond) with a conscience all my life.”

The film franchise, Sanjay says, was chargeable for a shift in his public image, which had taken a beating after he was arrested for illegal possession of arms in 1993. He says, “From khalnayak (villain), I became Munnabhai. A TASK like that comes once in a life-time. It was not only an inspiration for others; it was a lesson for me as well.”

Quiz him on whether he’s imbibed the qualities of his onscreen avatar — a goon who turns medical student to provoke his father — and Sanjay says, “I understood what it means for a patient to be hugged by a health care provider. AN INSIGNIFICANT hug expresses such a lot warmth and happiness to the opposite person. Now, I make it some degree to hug people I LOVE. It (Munnabhai) changed my life.”

Recent rumours claimed that new faces were being considered to play Munnabhai and his sidekick Circuit (Arshad Warsi). But writer-director Raju clears all doubts, saying, “I can’t imagine anyone else playing Munna and Circuit.”

Producer Vinod had earlier hinted at Raju being replaced by his assistant, Ferrari Ki Sawaari director Rajesh Mapuskar. Ask who will helm the third installment of the franchise, and Raju says, “It’s too early to mention who will helm the project. The one constant can be Munna and Circuit. The film should release much before 2014.”

At the moment, the trio is operating on Peekay, which reportedly stars Aamir Khan.

“We will first start with that film. There may be still some work left at the next Munnabhai script,” Raju adds.

Ask whether the Munnabhai Chale America script, which was imagined to be the third part within the series, is scrapped, and Raju says, “There might be another story first. We may use some ideas from Chale America… or make that one later.”

Housefull 2 can be a blockbuster, says Sajid Khan

By Hindustan Times

Sajid Khan is very confident that his upcoming movie Housefull 2 might be a smash hit. Sajid made the statement through the promotional event in Mumbai where the forged of the action comedy flick walked the ramp.

“Housefull 2 is set families. The tale is written by my ally Sajid Nadiadwala., who's an effective writer and he has spent some huge cash producing this film and i've directed this film. A majority of these guys was like family working on this film and it's the story of 4 families, these four families are thirsty for every other’s blood and most of these people congregate in a single house,” Sajid Khan said.

“I saw the movie last night and that i promise you, I'M REALLY NOT saying this because I directed this film, I'M saying it out of sheer love for cinema as an audience, this film is a blockbuster and i'm so proud that I'VE directed it,” he said.

The Bollywood director insisted that the flick is a whole family drama and those would absolutely like to watch it in theatres.

“The USP of the film is repeat value. After a protracted time, only few films are such that you watch within the theatres twice or thrice, which you'll not enjoy at the DVD and never even at the pirated,” he said.

“It’s a large screen film and it’s about immense repeat value and it’s a movie you'll watch genuinely with every family member and it’s got everything for everyone within the family,” he added.

Abhishek injured, says Bol Bachchan not affected

By Hindustan Times

Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan has injured himself once more! The actor has now suffered a back muscle tear, but says this would possibly not affect the shooting schedule of Bol Bachchan.

"Thank you curious about the get better soon wishes. Yes, have a muscle tear in my returned. Got injured training within the gym," Abhishek tweeted.

"Will be back on my feet soon. And NO, the schedule of BOL BACHCHAN has NOT been affected in any respect as wrongly reported. We shoot next end April," he clarified.

Abhishek had earlier recieved six stitches above his right eye after an accident at the sets of director Rohit Shetty's Bol Bachchan. Following that, he injured his finger while returning to his hotel room after shooting for the comedy.

Aishwarya was the primary choice for Parineeta

By Hindustan Times

Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra was eager about casting Aishwarya Rai for the role of Lalita in Parineeta as he was undecided of the acting abilities of the then newcomer Vidya Balan. Vidya made her debut in Bollywood with 2005 hit Parineeta, a musical produced by Chopra.

"When we considered Parineeta, I immediately considered a face like Aishwarya Rai. The nature of the lady is like two men fall in love with her...so the heroine should be bigger. But Pradeep Sarkar (director) told me about her (Vidya) I USED TO BE like let me see what she will be able to do," Chopra told reporters here, last night.

"But then we tested and tried her (Vidya) and he or she cleared it," he said. Parineeta was adapted from 1914 Bengali novella of the similar name by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. The film starred Vidya, Saif Ali Khan and Sanjay Dutt in pivotal roles. Talking about other roles -- Shekar that was essayed by Saif Ali Khan and Girish, played by Sanjay Dutt, Chopra said, "I had called up Sanjay saying there's a role for you in my film and he agreed. We would have liked the nature of Girish (Sanjay) to be bigger than Shekar (Saif Ali Khan)."

Also, Rekha, a yesteryear actress had a cameo performance in an evening club as a singer on this film.

"For this cameo we went to who`s-who of Bollywood but then we realised it needs to be someone who's a classic diva and who better than her (Rekha). I had gone to satisfy her (Rekha) after Chopra had spoken to her in regards to the appearance. It was fantastic meeting her...she does her own styling, hair, make-up, photography.Even for the song she had valuable inputs to offer. It was amazing and we had a gorgeous time working with her," director Pradeep Sarkar said.

Parineeti Chopra now eyes IIFA award

By Hindustan Times

Actress Priyanka Chopra`s younger sister Parineeti Chopra, who bagged 10 best debutante actress awards for her role in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, is asking forward to winning an IIFA award too.

The 13th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards celebration has started with the film fraternity voting for the winners.

"Like you all know, that is my first IIFA. Till now once a year I used to listen to my sister (actress Priyanka Chopra) saying that i'm going here and i'm going there. This year I GET an opportunity to move somewhere, I'M very, very excited," the 23-year-old said here on the IIFA Voting Weekend.

"No one is telling me where are we going, but I DO KNOW I'M GOING somewhere. Till now I'VE got the entire awards and i'm now looking forward to IIFA. I'M HOPING I AM GETTING that in addition after which I`ll throw an enormous party," she added.

The actress is so happy to have won such a lot of awards that she counts them every day.

"Daily I count they all in order for they're still there. Till now I'VE 10 and i'm hoping that I also get IIFA," said Parineeti.

Parineeti played Delhi girl Dimple in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl and feels happy when people identify her by her character name.

"Today less people know me as Parineeti and more call me Dimple, which I FEEL is a superb thing. Whilst you remember the name of the nature and don`t remember the true name of the actor, this can be a great point. You don`t say Shah Rukh - Kajol, you are saying Raj-Simran. So I'M very happy," said the actress.

Parineeti`s next is Yash Raj`s Ishaqzaade, during which she is paired with Boney Kapoor`s son Arjun.

Saif pays the associated fee for using old songs in Agent Vinod

By Hindustan Times

Saif Ali Khan's Agent Vinod has hit the theatres, however the controversies continue to haunt the film. The producers of the film needed to pay compensation for the old songs they utilized in the movie without permission, reports Mid Day.

Aasmaan Pe Hai Khuda from Ramesh Saigal's Phir Subah Hogi (1958), Meri Jaan Maine Kaha from Ramesh Behl's The Train and Rakamma from Mani Ratnam's Thalapathi (1991) are the songs that were utilized in the film without credit.

"Not acknowledging the creators and owners of the songs is disrespectful towards them. It is all about going how you can do things. Besides, its concerning the business of creating movies, not recovering royalties from the music utilized in the background," an industry source told the tabloid.

However, a spokesperson from the corporate that presented Agent Vinod informed the tabloid, "We sought the permission for Rasputin earlier on. So why wouldn't we take permissions for the opposite songs?"

Agent Vinod controversies
- Iranian band Barobax has alleged that Pritam lifted the Agent Vinod track, Pyaar Ki Pungi from the band’s song, Soosan Khanoom.

- The film was banned in Pakistan as a result of ISI references.

- Saif Ali Khan's brawl with businessman Iqbal Meer Sharma was touted as a publicity stunt for Agent Vinod.

- Post the brawl, Saif Ali Khan was shown black flags in Bhopal while promoting Agent Vinod.