I'm supposed to be violently in love with Shruti

By Subhash K Jha Ravi Kissan who has come in for lavish praise for his portrayal of the serial killer in Soham Shah’s Luck, says his next two releases Soham Shah’s Luck and Mani Ratnam’s Raavan have taken out the Bhojpuri-actor tag from his career. Not that he is giving up Bhojpuri films. “But I’m finally getting the kind of roles in Hindi cinema that I’ve waited for, ” Ravi said before heading to Kerala for the last schedule of Ratnam’s film. “It’s the climax of Raavan and I love climaxes. We’re all looking forward to it.Abhishek who plays my younger brother has really become like my brother. I play this guy who can kill for my bhai.’ For his role in Luck and Raavan Ravi lost 15 kgs. “Bhojpuri films require their men and women to look healthier than normal. I had to lose all those kilos for my return to Hindi films. But the effort has paid off.” When Ravi Kissan got to know that Kamal Haasan had watched his daughter’s debut film Luck he was petrified. In the film Ravi’s character is shown to be pushing his unwanted attentions on Shruti Haasan constantly. Says Ravi, “I’m quite an animal in Luck. And I mean that literally.I’ve taken cues for my character’s behaviour from jungle animals including hyenas, tigers, panthers…I behave like a creature from the wilderness. On top of that I’m supposed to be violently in love with Shruti. I’m a complete psycho.” Ravi was scared of how Shruti’s father would react. “Lekin jaan mein jaan ayee when he praised me for my performance. Coming from one of the legends of our industry it was a relief.I feel I’ve graduated from regional to national cinema.” Not that Ravi Kissan is giving up Bhojpuri films, God forbid! “I’ll be doing five Bhojpuri films per year. Out of these two will be my home production.”

Salman's dad comes to the rescues for John's film

By Subhash K Jha In an industry where creative minds are forced to work in tight-fisted isolation here’s a story of shared generosity that melts the heart. Just weeks before Abbas Tyrewala is to start shooting his second feature film 1:800 Love he was stuck in a crucial pre-climax sequence. It was then that Abbas though of the screen-writing phenomenon Salim Khan. Says Abbas, “The situation could’ve been potentially destructive for me. I needed a second opinion on my script. It’s easy to sit within your own creative circle and feel smug and sure.” That’s when Abbas remembered Salim Khan. “Salim Khan had sent me message after seeing Jaane Tu….Ya Jaane Na that he wanted to meet me. I had dropped in out of a sense of courtesy for a man who along with Javed Akhtar Saab had changed the way we look at screenplays in Hindi cinema. I spent almost the entire day with him discussing cinema and life.I came away enriched. He had said my Jaane Tu… was one of those very few films where after watching no change seems possible. And now when I needed a second opinion on my second film I naturally thought of Salim Saab.” The celebrated scriptwriter immediately invited Abbas over. But because of his pre-production work Abbas was unable to go personally. “He wanted to me to narrate my script to him. I’d have loved to. That didn’t happen. So I offered to send him the script of 1: 800 Love. He got back in no time at all. And suggested some changes here and there.” But the most radical change that Salim Khan suggested took Abbas completely by surprise. “He wanted me to make changes in the tone and dialogues of the pre-climax sequence. At the very moment when Salim Saab told me to make the change I was doing exactly that! At that very minute I was sitting down to change that scene. It’s amazing that he could ferret out that very weak spot in my screenplay that troubled me and suggest how to alter it.” Salim Khan has also suggested several changes in the dialogues that Abbas and his wife Pakhi (who also plays the female lead in the film) have gladly incorporated. “Now when I start my workshops with John and Pakhi I feel so much more confident about my characters and what they’ve to say and do.” Now Abbas has no problems billing Salim Khan in the credits of 1:800 Love. “In fact my wife Pakhi and I welcome Salim Saab’s name in the credits. What an honour!” It could be recalled that Ratna Pathak Shah was the ghost-consultant on the script of Abbas’ Jaane Tu….Ya Jaane Na. “I guess I’m just Lucky to have so many creative minds helping me out, ” sighs Abbas.

Priyanka Chopra drags down Shahid in Dirt!

When Shahid Kapoor rode pillion with Priyanka to shoot a song sequence in his Guddu avatar, little did he know that he will hit the ground and how! Priyanka had to ride the scooter and Shahid was to sit behind her. The shot was simple enough; they just had to ride till about 15 meters. However, it got complicated when Priyanka could not manage the balance of the two-wheeler. They did a couple of takes but the scooter seemed to not be in her grip, and as a result both she and Shahid went down with a thud on the mucky road. Neither of them was hurt, as the speed of the scooter was slow. The unit hands came rushing to help them both, but this got difficult as both Shahid and Priyanka had, by then, burst into a fit of spontaneous laughter, much to the units chagrin. Everyone joined in once they were sure that both the stars were safe and unhurt. However, the wet mud and dirt on the road didn’t go so easily and shooting had to be stopped for nearly an hour, while both the stars wiped themselves clean. Amazingly enough, the next take of the shot was Ok. Shahid still teases Priyanka about his fall, as this is the only time in his life that he had ever fallen off a scooter.

Saif plays younger Rishi Kapoor in Love Aaj Kal

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This has got to be seen. Imtiaz Ali's third directorial venture Love Aaj Kal is already been talked about for various reasons including Kareena Kapoor's 'ghost appearance'.

But Kareena's ghost haunts not just Deepika Padukone's presence in the film. Saif's character in a bizarre so-far undisclosed way is also wedded to Kareena.

It now comes to light that in one segment of the film, Saif plays Rishi Kapoor who happens to be Kareena's uncle in real life. And when we say Saif 'plays' Rishi Kapoor, we mean Rishi Kapoor's character grows younger in the plot to become Saif.

This isn't the first time that two actors have played the same character. Smriti Mishra and Kirron Kher played two phases in the life of Shyam Benegal's Sardari Begum. But they were not connected the way Saif and Rishi are by Kareena.

Without giving away the plot a source discloses, "The same character is played by Saif in a flashback and then Rishi Kapoor in present times. Unfortunately, Chintuji has little screen time with his son's girlfriend Deepika. But he gets to bond for a major screen time with his niece Kareena's boyfriend and yes, they play the same character in two different time zones."

Without revealing much, let's just say Rishi's character plays the passionate lover-guy who believes love conquers all. "At the end we see him with his real-life love interest and soul-mate Neetu Singh who makes a one-shot appearance," says a source.

The Kapoors and the Khans couldn't have hoped for a better merger before Saif and Kareena's marriage.

Movie Review Luck

By Taran Adarsh Rating: *** Fasten your seat belts and get ready for hardcore stunts and thrills, Hollywood ishtyle. Come to think of it, Bollywood hasn't churned out stylised action movies as regularly as it churns out comedies and rom-coms. There's a vacuum for sure. But Luck fills that lacuna. Be rest assured, you haven't watched such thrills since DHOOM 2. Luck is more of a hi-concept film. Three decades ago, Krishna Shah's SHALIMAR narrated the adventures of a billionaire who assembles/invites criminals/gangsters from across the globe to perform the heist of a precious diamond that he possesses. The concept isn't similar here, but in this case too, a gambler assembles people from across the globe for a concept called human betting. Luck may not be high on story, but the concept and at least four stylised thrilling sequences make a big difference. Simply put, it makes Luck Lucky. Luck may have loads of thrills, but director Soham Shah ensures that the grand canvas and stylised thrills appeal to every strata of movie-going audience. Only thing, had screenplay writers Soham Shah and Rensil D'Silva worked doubly hard to come up with a watertight script, it would've only worked wonders. After weighing the pros and cons, it can be said that Luck rides on star power, its concept and adrenaline-pumping thrills primarily. If you're into thrillers or have been missing one, Luck holds the key. Luck tells the tale of mafia kingpin Musa [Sanjay Dutt], who has one obsession: To revolutionize the betting industry. For him, life is a gamble and what better way to skew the odds than play with those with Luck on their side. Different characters from different parts of the world, each with Lady Luck in their favour, are brought in to play the game of death. With millions at stake, how far will each of them go in courting danger and deceit? The very start of the film transports you to a different world. The viewer is drawn into a world where bets are placed on humans and death-defying stunts are the order of the day. The train sequence at the very start says it all. It's a sequence that not only introduces you to the plot, but also makes a hammer-strong impact. You haven't watched something like this on the Hindi screen before. The game of death is far more dangerous than those witnessed in the reality shows. The revolver sequence [the first challenge], the helicopter jump, the underwater sequence with sharks and the train sequence in the climax give you goose bumps and remain etched in your memory. There's a scene involving a lighter too, which is sure to draw whistles and claps. But the film slips due its ineffectual writing. It gyrates from engrossing to bas-theek-hain towards the second hour. The romantic track, to be specific, is flaccid. Also, the climax should've concluded the moment Imran wins the jackpot money of Rs. 20 crores. Wasn't that his motive when he entered the game with his eyes wide open? So why this sudden urge to confront Sanjay Dutt after the game is over? Had the prize money doubled to Rs. 40 crores, it would've made sense. Or, for that matter, if he had a personal score to settle with Sanju, the game of death would've looked plausible. There's no motive in the first place. Moreover, the sequence in the hospital, towards the end, may be true, medically speaking, but the question is, was it necessary in a film of this genre? Frankly, it robs the film of its seriousness and even compels you to break in a full- throated roar, a reaction that is completely unwarranted. Even Shruti Haasan's double role doesn't cut ice. Soham Shah has made a stylish film and the fact remains that he has an eye for visuals. But Soham should've stuck to the spirit of the film, instead of getting into diversions [romance and the penultimate scene]. Salim-Sulaiman's music is vibrant and 'Aasma' is easily the pick of the lot. The background score [Amar Mohile] is electrifying. Santosh Thundiyil's cinematography matches international standards. Ditto for the sound design by Dwarak Warrier. Allan Amin's stunts and thrills are a major USP. Sanju is perfect for this part and enacts it with natural ease. Actually, here's one role that only he could've portrayed so effectively. Imran is getting better with every film. Watch his helplessness at the start or his confidence when he takes to the stunts. Even towards the latter reels, he's very much in sync with his character. Shruti Haasan is a star, no two opinions on that. The confidence with which she carries off this role just cannot be overlooked. Ravi Kishan is another scene-stealer. You are under the impression that he may get lost in the crowd, but he stands tall. The masses will love him. Mithun Chakraborty is controlled and delivers a truly fine performance. Danny Denzongpa is, as always, so perfect. Very few actors have that ability to stand out in a crowd. He's one of them. Chitrashi is excellent. The sequence in the hospital is superb. Rati Agnihotri gets no scope. On the whole, Luck rides on star power, adrenaline-pumping thrills and a concept that's novel for the Indian screens. Despite some loose ends, these three factors primarily would ensure a Lucky journey at the box-office.

Shahid refuses Gowariker for Priyanka Chopra

After What’s Your Rashee, Ashutosh Gowariker has already started penning down a new script for his next film. Mobile Review He approached King Khan but Shah Rukh Khan turned down the offer. After all the ‘Swades’ debacle is still lingering in the puns of Awards functions! So SRK cited some date problems. Indeed once bitten, twice shy! Now next on Gowariker’s wish list was Shahid but to his shock, the actor too refused to work in his film. Not many people know that earlier Shahid had verbally committed to do his flick. Well what is the reason for Shahid backing out suddenly? Business Glossary Is it because of Gowariker’s statement on Piggy Chops at the IIFA? Ashutosh humiliated Piggy Chops at the IIFA ceremony by making a comment on stage that not her but Aishwarya deserved the best actress trophy. Did Ashutosh’s comment on Piggy Chops didn’t go down well with Shahid? Hmm... Seems like, camping with the Bachchans’ is alienating Ashutosh from the industry, first he creates ruckus at Film Awards, then humiliates Piggy Chops and now no actor is ready to work with him. After all, nobody likes a nagger!

Race 2: Bipasha kicked out for Kareena Kapoor

By Subhash K Jha Though for a while it seemed Abbas-Mustan would not be doing the sequel to Race, it seems the producers Tips and the Tauranis have been convinced by the film’s leading man Saif Ali Khan to rope in Abbas-Mustan again. Explains Saif, “They understand the pulse of plot. Race was a fast-paced action-adventure caper. Not too many filmmakers in Bollywood would’ve done such a wonderful job of it.” Apparently the producers and the usually-affable directorial duo had certain issues to be resolved. And if Saif had not intervened the film would’ve gone from Abbas-Mustan’s hands. But Saif is keen to revive the Race magic with Abbas-Mustan, not only because the first part of the film was a blockbuster, but also because lady-love Kareena Kapoor co-stars with him. Says Saif, “Yes Kareena will be part of Race. We’re yet to flesh out the details. But Race 2 has to be bigger and larger than Race. Otherwise no point in making it.” Apparently Race 2 will be more gadget and gizmo-friendly, as upwardly-scaled as Dhoom 2 was as compared with Dhoom. Bipasha’s character has been written out of the script to make way for Kareena.

Darsheel's Farting gets him the main role in film

Suresh Menon and Juhi Parmar will now be seen parenting ‘the biggest farter’ the world has ever seen. Darsheel of TZP fame after portraying the trauma of a dyslexic child will now deal with flatulence aka fart troubles in the desi film aptly called ‘Padduram’. Bollywood Celebrities Wallpaper Film addresses the issue that we have known and relate to, but coyly overlook. Story revolves around a child having gas problem, which often puts him in an embarrassing situation. “Child is the protagonist of the film and as parents we are part of his life. We try to help him cope with this ‘paddu’ problem. I am playing a very protective father just like in real life, ” briefs Menon. He adds further, “I am already quiet plump but they have made me fatter for this film.” Mummy Juhi shares, “It’s a feel-good film; you will experience extreme emotions while watching the film. At times you will be rolling around laughing and then, the very next moment you feel your eyes well up with tears.” Bollywood FM She divulges further, “Film conveys a message across to the audience that such problems have to be dealt with immense sensitivity especially when it’s concerning a child.” We all know, we all understand... But every time when somebody breaks the silence with a loud ‘Poo…’ all sophistication goes for a toss!

Saif, Ranbir, Imran, Neil in 'The Italian Job' remake

By Subhash K Jha With American studios maintaining a hawk-eyed gaze over copyright infringement in Bollywood desi filmmakers are growing copyright savvy and looking for new ways of evading the floodlights. Health Care Tips Now Abbas-Mustan claim that their Italian Job won’t just be a remake of the the 2003 con caper directed by F Gary Gray but a “mix n match” version of both the 2003 film and the earlier 1669 film directed by Peter Collinson from which the 2003 film was remade. Explains Abbas, “Our producer Studio 18 have bought the rights of both the 1969 Michael Caine film and the 2003 film. We’re doing a mix n match job of Italian Job. We’re taking whatever elements we like from the two Hollywood films and putting them together in our own way.” In the past Abbas-Mustan have outright lifted Hollywood films like Consenting Adults (Kati Patang) like Disclosure (Aetraaz) and put them together without radical changes. Music Glossary “But this time we aren’t doing that, ” says Abbas currently scripting the Italy-dosa. “We want to turn the Italian Job into a total desi film.” Dental Glossary The vast cast is yet to be decided. But it’s reliably learnt that the director plans to cast Saif Al Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Imran Khan, Shahid Kapoor and Neil Nitin Mukesh, among others.

Unveiled - Leading lady of Aladin, Jacqueline

By Joginder Tuteja It's time for the red carpet to be laid out. Aladin is aiming for a Diwali release and as the film hits the screens, Bollywood would also see the arrival of its 'most exotic' import ever - Jacqueline Fernandes. All set to regale the audience with a lethal mix of cute persona and some sensuality, Jacqueline is finally being unveiled by the makers of Aladin. "Well, the journey has just begun. Last one year was quite happening but now it is going to be even more exciting times with Aladin being round the corner", she says. Over the last few months, Jacqueline was closely guarded for all the right reasons. 2008 had seen quite some noise being made around the number of newcomer girls (Asin, Anushka) while Aladin was still quite some distance away. Real Estate Glossarry Says Sujoy Ghosh, the film's director and co-producer, "There was no point for anyone associated with the film to gaga over Jacqueline because of two major reasons. First and foremost she had just stepped into the industry and she wanted to focus on doing a good job in her debut film. Secondly, it was felt that her being 'exposed' to millions out there so soon would have resulted in an over exposure." The protective director goes on to add, "Since Jacqueline is one of the four major protagonists of the film, other than Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Riteish Deshmukh, she has always been someone special. Now is the time for her to reach out to the world and I am sure Bollywood followers out there would be stunned with what they see of her." Jacqueline gets nostalgic while remembering the times she spent on the film's sets, "Playing Jasmine was all fun and frolic with just the right ingredients of quintessential Bollywood 'naach gaana' routine and countless romantic and dramatic moments. It couldn't have been a better start." Computer Glossary Considering the fact that 2009 is perking up now after a dry beginning, it only makes Jacqueline's arrival in the industry even more precious. An import from Sri Lanka who already has a beauty pageant crown in her kitty (she was Miss Sri Lanka 2006), Jacqueline has been academically inclined as well, as apparent from her degree in Media and Communications from Sydney, Australia. Ambitious to the core, she had once stated - "Being independent and accomplished was imperative to me and I always demanded the best of myself. Perfectionism is my strongest asset." That's something which is pretty much on display, as clear from her choice for her debut film Aladin which is a co- production of Eros and Sujoy's 'Boundscript' and stars none other than Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt along with Riteish Deshmukh. Says Jacqueline while spreading out that million dollar smile of hers, "The way Riteish's character is fleshed out in the movie, it was all rather cute. However, nothing can beat the excitement of working with Mr. Bachchan and Mr. Dutt. In a way, they were just the antithesis of Riteish. I couldn't have been luckier."

Kareena Kapoor to interact with her fans on Facebook

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Kareena has never been net savvy. But thanks to the clamor for her glamour on social-networking sites, she has decided to get on the net. But just for a bit.

Boiiywood News

This week Kareena plans to give her fans on a hugely popular social-networking website (Facebook) a big surprise.

Kareena plans to get on the networking site for about 30 minutes "to say hello" to her fans. She may even break her resolve not to become a member of the networking site. And who knows, she may even get over her reservations about starting her own website.

Bollywood Movire Review

Says Kareena, "I've been repeatedly told that I've the maximum number of fans and well-wishers on Facebook. I could never find the time to connect with them. More importantly, I was too shy. I can't bring myself to answer over-specific questions on my activities, where I am, what I do, eat, etc."

It was Saif Ali Khan and director Imtiaz Ali who informed Kareena of the massive fan following she has on Facebook and how imperative it was for her to reach out to those trying to reach out through social networking.

"I now realize it's a whole large global community out there on the computer. I can't blog about my life. But I need to understand and connect with the internet community. In fact," reveals Kareena, "It was Saif who introduced me to the computer. He does practically all his work on the internet. He coaxed me into understanding the basics. And then I got hooked, though not to social networking because I'm too private a person to share my day-to-day movements and activities even with my closest friends."

Bollywood Hottest News

It was Imtiaz Ali who pointed out the importance of reaching out on the social networking site. "Imtiaz said the number of people on Facebook who put up my pictures and messages about me had to be seen to be believed. I'll now be going on Facebook in a few days to interact with my friends there."

Not that Kareena wants to be regular on social networking. "That's not me. But I respect and love the thousands of people who want to reach out to me through the internet."

'Short Kut' okay in U.K., dull in U.S.

- By Taran Adarsh, July 15, 2009 - 08:17 IST
The new release, SHORT KUT, has done marginally well in U.K., but given the number of screens, it should've fared much, much better. However, the business is below the mark in U.S... KAMBAKKHT ISHQ is maintaining very well in the three major markets. The 10-day total from U.K., U.S. and Australia is approx. Rs. 11.65 crores.

Weekend: July 10 - 12, 2009.

U.K. BOX-OFFICE

• KAMBAKKHT ISHQ [last weekend: No. 8, this weekend: No. 10]: In its second weekend, the film has collected £ 97,388 on 52 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 1,873. Total: £ 5,43,833 [approx. Rs. 4.37 crores].



• SHORT KUT has debuted at No. 11 position. In its opening weekend, the film has collected £ 80,488 [approx. Rs. 64.64 lacs] on 34 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 2,367.



• NEW YORK [last weekend: No. 15, this weekend: No. 20]: In its third weekend, the film has collected £ 19,349 on 13 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 1,488. Total: £ 3,51,683 [approx. Rs. 2.82 crores].

Kambakkht Ishq glitters with Prime Focus' VFX

Riding high on its box office success, Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor starrer Kambakkht Ishq (KI), one of the biggest openers in the history of Indian cinema, has much more to it than Bollywood masala and a star studded cast including Hollywood stars like Denise Richards, Sylvester Stallone, Holly Valance and others.

KI is an example of the ever-growing trend of Bollywood films embracing visual effects (vfx) with some incredible (invisible) visual effects by post-production house Prime Focus.

Ask director Sabbir Khan about the film's success and he says, "I feel euphoric. Nearly 150 films release every year and yet only a handful can earn the tag of being a 'super hit'. So, yes, it makes me feel very special that I could do that, and that too with my first film."

Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Merzin Tavaria, Creative Director of Prime Focus and VFX Supervisor of KI shares, "Actually, if we look at KI, there is not much vfx in the movie but more of design elements and the effects which are required in the narrative of the film. These vfx shots helped us to manage the production and also to save the time of international starts while shooting,"

Real Estate Glossary

In this exclusive case study by Bollywood Hungama, we bring you some of the exciting shots executed by Prime Focus, courtesy Merzin Tavaria, Sabbir Khan and the producer, Sajid Nadiadwala.

Click on the thumbnails below to check out the shot breakdown:

Roadie Palak wants to Expose

Gurmeet Kaur aka Palak, one of the contestants of Sony Entertainment Television’s new reality show Iss jungle Se Mujhe Bachao wants to add skin-show to her infamous resume. The former Roadies participant was disappointed that she would not be able to wear short dresses or revealing clothes for Iss Jungle as they would be shooting in the Rain Forest. She also did not quite appreciate the tanned rugged look the participants are sporting in the promos. So it was no wonder that at a recent promotional photo-shoot Palak really freaked-out at the first chance she got to drop the drab clothes. Eager to show-off Palak got into the skimpiest dress she could lay her hands on, or should we say fitted into! The one opportunity Palak gets, she chose the shortest dress to wear. So much for being in a reality show! Will Palak the Punjabi fashion victim survive the ultimate challenge in the jungles of Malaysia??… We will soon know on “Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao’, Monday – Thursday @ 10 p.m. and Fridays @ 9 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television

Aamir-Katrina to sizzles as Guru Dutt and Waheeda

The most gorgeous lady, Katrina Kaif and the hottest stud, Aamir Khan come together to recreate the magic of Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman on silver screen. The duo will be seen in a Guru Dutt biopic by Rakesh Om Prakesh Mehra. The yet untitled film explores the life and love of Guru Dutt. The shooting for the same is expected to begin from October. Aamir Khan donned the classic look of Guru Dutt and draws a lot of similarities by his dressing and hair style, while Katrina is looking an elegant reminiscence of Waheeda Rehman. Recently, a magazine unveiled the first peek-a-boo of the film where Aamir-Katrina strike a pose similar to that of Guru Dutt – Waheeda, from the movie Kaagaz Ke Phool. Though Guru Dutt’s Kaagaz Ke Phool failed at the box office but it did left an indelible mark on the mind of audience. Let’s see whether this film is able to recreate the magic of the golden era and one of its most prolific legends.

"Short Kut will satiate the taste buds of movie buffs" - Anil Kapoor

Short Kut - The Con Is On releases today after a minor hassle around the title copyright issues. All is well that ends well though as this Anil Kapoor production has now hit the screens. Joginder Tuteja catches up with the man at the hot seat, Anil Kapoor, and asks him about his new role as a producer and what made him for go for casting Arshad Warsi as a wannabe turned superstar in the film.

How is the new role of a film producer treating you?
The way my acting career has been over the years, I have always been in the capacity of an actor and very rarely looked at the production affairs. On the other hand, as a producer I have more participation in how a project is shaped and look after the entire scale on which the film has been set. When I come on the sets of a film where I am just an actor, I am a thorough professional while staying within my boundaries. I don't interfere in any other aspect of film making. However as a producer, I have the luxury to choose my director, actor, distributor etc. I make all the decisions that allows me to play multiple roles.

You started off with Gandhi My Father and have now moved on to Short Kut - The Con Is On. Was it a conscious decision to begin offbeat and then move into mainstream?
It all basically depends upon the material that I am getting. If I like a script which is really dramatic, I go for it. I look at it as whether the subject would make for a good film or a bad film. I don't look at it as a commercial v/s non-commercial affair. This was the case with Gandhi My Father as well where I fell in love with the story and the script. Feroz Khan (the director) has been a friend and I have always admired his work as a theatre director. This is what made me go for Gandhi My Father and frankly I didn't worry much around whether it would succeed at the box office or not.

What made you announce Short Kut - The Con Is On as your immediate next film?
Juts like in case of Gandhi My Father, in case of Short Kut - The Con Is On too it was the script that did all the talking. I loved the original Malayalam film and decided there and then that I had to make it. It is a story which is very mainstream and comes with huge entertainment potential. It will satiate the taste buds of movie buffs all over the world because such films cater to majority of segments of audiences. Moreover, I truly believed in the film's concept and was sure that a refined treatment would make it a hit amongst the masses.

Akshaye (Khanna) and Arshad (Warsi) return after years. Time for some more 'hulchul'?
Frankly speaking I hadn't seen Hulchul and had only caught the duo in trailers. They looked great together and I was comfortable having them on board since their roles are so opposite of each other in the film. Actually, both of them compliment each other; something you would realize once you see the film.

Time and again you have been heard appreciating your film's cast.
That's because it has indeed gone really well. In fact the best thing about Short Kut - The Con Is On is it's casting. I am very proud of the people I have roped in because Akshaye, Arshad and Amrita have been just bang on. All of them are so correct and I can't imagine anyone else playing these parts.

Apparently you were quite vocal about Arshad's performance after watching Lagey Raho Munnabhai.
That's right; I congratulated him soon after I saw the film.

What was it that went in favor of him being roped in as 'Raju' a.k.a. King Kumar in the film?
I just felt that I needed someone who had an image of basically someone who wasn't a quintessential hero-hero. I wanted to have someone who wants to be a hero, someone who has the potential of becoming a hero one day. Of course Arshad's trademark comic timing went in his favour too.

You just said that you didn't want someone who was a hero in true sense. Why?
That's plays Raju is someone who wants to be a hero! It's the character that we had to sell because there have been only few character actors in the past who have become heroes. There have been exceptions but quite far and few. This is why if we had cast someone who was a conventional hero material; it would have gone against the essence of our film. I wanted someone who could not look like a conventional hero; someone who is a little odd and still desperate.

Arshad is also heard as saying that he is the 'villain of the piece' in the film?
Arrey nahi, he is a lovable rogue in the film. Terming him as 'villain' will be too harsh a word (laughs)!