I convinced Ekta Kapoor to act

That Ekta Kapoor, the camera-shy czarina of the home medium, is all set to do her first acting role is not new. But very few know that it was her brother who convinced her to take it up.

Earlier, Tusshar had coaxed father Jeetendra out of retirement to play his son's dad in "Kucch To Hai". Sis Ekta was a harder nut to crack.

Tusshar told: "But Ekta couldn't say no to me. Besides, the role is tailormade for her. You see, she plays Ekta Kapoor in the film. And who else but Ekta Kapoor can play Ekta?"

"It's for our home production 'C Kompany'. We're doing this rib-tickling satire on the underworld featuring Anupam Kher, Rajpal Yadav and I. Mithun Chakraborty plays an underworld don," added the doting brother affectionately.

"It's just a cameo. And it won't take up much of Ekta's time."

Ekta laughs delightedly about her acting debut.

"I'm giving them some time this week to shoot my scenes. It's a small role and how could I say no to my brother? I don't turn him down for anything. My scenes are with Mithun Chakbraborty. So you can imagine how nervous I am," said Ekta.

Donning different caps seems to be the order of the Friday.

While Ekta is gearing up for her acting debut, director Farhan Akhtar is currently facing the camera for the hardcore rock musical "Rock On". And last but not the least, Himesh Reshammiya is busy singing, acting and composing.

Sonam wants SRK, does he?

Rumors are abuzz that Sonam Kapoor, the daughter of Anil Kapoor has been signed opposite SRK in Aditya Chopra's next, 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi'.

When asked Sonam, the actress denies saying, "I've met Adi Chopra like any aspiring actress wanting to be in a Yashraj film". Well, this does not deny that the actress has not bagged a role in Adi's next, isn't it?

Maybe Sonam has been asked to keep silent until things get more clear.. Or wonder if the King Khan wants to be cast opposite a much younger girl rather than Sonam?

Well, you never know!!

'Yes, Deepika is our product'

After a year cluttered with achievements, Anupam Kher is all set to add more feathers in his cap.

Branches of his acting school will open in London and Durban.

"We've completed all the formalities. The school in London will start some time in June while the one in Durban takes off in August 2008. In 2007 I started new branches of my school in Chandigarh and Ahmedabad.

What started as a very small initimate and sincere effort to share my acting skills with newcomers has now spread to three continents.

For our acting school, the proudest achievement in 2007 was Deepika Padukone. Yes, she's our product," says the proud guru who hopes to expand his acting school to America in 2009.

Anupam is the only actor in the world with acting schools in Asia Europe and South Africa.

From Ang Lee's Lust, Caution to Lead India…2007 has been an extraordinary year of triumphs for the actor.

"Yes, when I look back on the year I do feel a great sense of satisfaction. I did quite a large number of films, good and not-so-good in Chalta Hai.

In addition I went to Israel to do the commentary in a 6- dimensional film on India and its culture, and then I gave my voice to an international animation film where I played an Indian horse.But I guess my biggest achievement is my acting school.

I'm very proud of our students. The one in Mumbai is so successful that we've to take two batches of students instead one one, for 2008."

Deepika dislikes Ranbir’s closeness to Sonam

Hot and sensational Deepika Padukone is over possessive about her beau Ranbir Kapoor and dislikes his closeness with his first co-star Sonam Kapoor.

Ranbir and Sonam stepped into the world of glamour together with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya. As both of them hailed from filmy background, they knew each other from childhood. They are good friends but according to industry insiders for the last three months, they are no longer on talking terms. It is learnt that Ranbir after getting entangled with Deepika threw Sonam from his life. He does not want to create doubts in his lady love’s mind by coming close to any other girls.

Sonam tried to keep in touch with Ranbir but he did not answer her phone calls nor replied to her SMSs. Gossip mills also churned that the prime reason for his misbehavior is Deepika. After the release of Saawariya, everyone smelled a brewing relationship between them and so did Deepika. She is over protective about him and to secure their relationship, she made it clear to Ranbir to stay away from Sonam.

Salman-Katrina still together and in love

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif better known as Bollywood’s bold and beautiful couple are still very much together and in love.

The latest buzz of the couple heading for splitsville is nothing more than just another tiny rumour of the tinsel town. The news of Salman allegedly slapping Katrina in public at a Mumbai restaurant, followed a series of unconfirmed reports of the actor seeing another woman and Katrina going apartment hunting.

Though Salman decided not to comment on the subject, Katrina snubbed aside the slapping incident as just a silly rumour. But then again, the actor’s absence for the premiere of Katrina starrer ‘Race’ sparked further speculations.

But wait... do not arrive at conclusions so fast. We are told that Salman had a very strong reason for not being present at the premier. The actor was not in India, as he was busy shooting for his upcoming flick ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’. Though he was not present at the premier his entire family went to show their support and admiration for their potential bahu rani…

And Katrina has all the good things to say about Sallu’s family:

“Salman`s mother is a lovely lady and has a lot of integrity. So are his sisters. It`s a wonderful family that cares for me a lot. I bond with them very well.”

However, a topic that has come up time and again into the spotlight and is thought to be the main reason causing a rift between the couple is that Katrina and Salman don’t have the same on-screen chemistry, as she and her ‘Namastey London’ co-star, Akshay share.

Katrina who feels otherwise says, “People like my on-screen chemistry with Akshay, but I feel Salman and I look superb and stunning on screen.”

The real life couple will be seen romancing on the screen in their yet to be released flick, ‘Yuvraaj’. Subash Ghai, who is not only the director of ‘Yuvraaj’, but also a close family friend of the Khans says, "Salman and Katrina are very much together. In fact Katrina dons the role of a perfect host at all Salman’s parties."

Khuda Kay Liye to improve Indo-Pak ties

The Pakistani film Khuda Kay Liye, which delves into the rift between radical and liberal Muslims, hits the screens this week.

It is the first Pakistani film to have a commercial release in India in more than four decades. The movie, starring Naseeruddin Shah in a key role, has been made by Shoaib Mansoor.

Mumbai-based Percept Picture Company has got the rights of the film and is releasing it with 300 prints on April 4.

"We are the first to get the rights of a Pakistani film and it's a big high for us. We are releasing it with 300 prints, including the digital ones," Nadish Bhatia, General Manager of the marketing division of the Percept Picture Company.

"Everybody is saying Khamosh Pani was the first Pakistani film to hit the Indian theatres. It was a French co-production. But Khuda Kay Liye is a Pakistani film and the first one to hit Indian screens in 43 years," Bhatia added.

The movie, which faced opposition from the extremists and Pakistani clerics, was a huge hit in Pakistan.

"The film has made a record in the country. Those who hadn't been to a hall in 35 years made an effort to watch the film," said Mansoor, who was in town to promote his movie.

"We released it with only 10 prints. Pakistan is a small market, but we still made Rs 70 million in Pakistani currency. It is surprising that a film, which discusses religion and doesn't have any humour, songs, dance or romance has done so well commercially. It means that it has touched the hearts of people," he added.

Mansoor, who has also produced the movie, made it at a budget of 60 million Pakistani rupees.

"The film has made an impact in Pakistan and abroad and I am confident that it will make an impact here too."

Khuda Kay Liye was the first Pakistani film to be included in the official line-up of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and it struck an instant chord with audiences when showcased there last year.

The film stars Pakistani superstar Shaan, who impresses as the harried protagonist Mansoor and Rasheed Naz as the Maulana who brainwashes boys. The film also features Pakistan's top model Iman Ali, who plays Maryam, a woman trapped between modernism and conservatism.

Naseeruddin Shah essays a powerful cameo of an Islamic scholar who embodies the voice of reason.

With the lifting of the ban for exchange of films between the two countries, the Pakistan government has allowed it on a condition that films will be strictly "exchanged". For each Hindi title released in Pakistan, an Urdu film will have to be exhibited in India.

Indian movies were banned in Pakistan in 1968 and the Pakistan film industry had to bear huge losses. There were more than 1,000 theatres throughout Pakistan those days, but now it is reduced to just 200.

Compared to India, which churns out about 1,000 films every year, Pakistan's film industry produces just about 40 movies, a fifth of what it churned out during its heyday in the 1970s.

"Pakistan will get a big Indian market and when Indian films will come there, the business of cinema will flourish. Secondly, release of Indian films will translate in competition for Pakistani filmmakers. In a competition, the underdog benefits. This will help good filmmakers come out and bad filmmakers will automatically vanish," Mansoor said.

Devgan on U Me aur Hum

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan making his directorial debut with U Me aur Hum, scheduled to release later this month, says his maiden project brings out the positivity of relationship between a husband and wife.

Ajay who is paired opposite his actress wife of nine years Kajol in the film said it was a simple love story about a man who marries a girl he loves and overcomes all hurdles to maintain the relationship.

"The film doesn't give a sermon on relationships. The audiences will identify with the characters. What is different in the subject is that the film looks at the institution of marriage in a positive way," the actor said.

"A lot of people question the institution of marriage, or blame it when problems arise. I feel that in a marriage, or any relationship for that matter, problems are inevitable."

'Giving up' should be our last option. However, an increasing number of people just prefer to give up at the first sign of trouble, Devgan said.

The actor who began his career with action packed roles, said he felt that relationships, especially marriages need to be nurtured with love, sensitivity and understanding.

"People keep asking me what inspired me to chose this subject and direct a film. To be honest, this is a story straight from my heart. A story, which I strongly believed in," he told reporters.

Devgan turns 39

Once tipped as the 'action hero' of Indian cinema, versatile Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan, who turned 39 Wednesday, has proved his mettle in every genre. This year, he also turns director with U, Me Aur Hum.

Ajay got an early birthday gift on Tuesday when his entire family landed up on the sets of Zee TV's reality show Rock N' Roll, which he is hosting with wife Kajol and mother-in-law Tanuja. The family arrived to cut a cake with him.

His parents Veeru and Veena Devgan, sisters Neelam and Kavita and his nephew Aman were part of the entourage.

"I was pleasantly surprised, considering my parents never go on television. It was one of the most beautiful gifts I've ever received," said Ajay.

After a successful acting career spanning 16 years, the actor wanted to make a film through which he told people a story he really believes in.

"People often ask me if this is the right time to venture into direction. Frankly speaking, I don't know whether it is the right time or not, but I have always wanted to tell people a story I strongly believe in."

"I had this story idea in my mind for a long time and then I sat and wrote it down. Later when I gradually developed the screenplay, I felt that unless I directed the film myself, it would not be presented the way I want it to be," said Ajay.

Even before he started off as an action hero in the 1991 hit film Phool Aur Kaante for which he won the Filmfare award for best debutant actor, Ajay had worked with internationally acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur as an assistant director.

"I had worked with Shekhar and when I was eight or nine years old. I also used to take part in editing and other technical areas of filmmaking with my father," he said.

The actor has been among the first few of his generation to turn producer. In 1999 and 2000 he produced Hindustan Ki Kasam and Raju Chacha. Though the films bombed at the box-office, Ajay is confident that his directorial debut releasing this month will do well.

Early in his career Ajay showed his penchant for action in films like Jigar (1992), ,Divya Shakti(1992), Vijaypath(1994), Hulchul(1995) and others that one could only expect from the son of well-known action director Veeru Devgan.

In 1999, Ajay married his co-star and friend Kajol and they have a four-year-old daughter named Nyasa. The couple will be seen together after a long time in U, Me Aur Hum.

After his action period, Ajay surprised the audience with his comic performances in Ishq(1997), Golmaal - Fun Unlimited (2006) and his ability to emote in Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha (1998) and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999).

His powerful acting in Zakhm(1998), The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002), Company(2002), GangaaJal (2003), Yuva (2004), Raincoat(2004), Omkara(2006) and others won him critical acclaim.

On the actor's versatility, director Rajkumar Santoshi, who has made some of his best films with Ajay, said: "One of his strengths is that he can get under the skin of any well-written role and make it his own. He has sharp, expressive eyes. And he appears to be very natural in all the challenging characters he has played so far."

Ajay has won two National Awards - the first one for Mahesh Bhatt-directed Zakhm and the other for Santoshi's The Legend of Bhagat Singh.

This year, he doled out a power-packed performance in Santoshi's Halla Bol and Rohit Shetty-directed comedy flick Sunday.

His upcoming films include U, Me Aur Hum and animation film Toonpur Ka Superstar which he is producing himself.

'U Me Aur Hum' looks at the institution of marriage in a pos

Bollywood star Ajay Devgan making his directorial debut with U Me Aur Hum , scheduled to release later this month, says his maiden project brings out the positivity of relationship between a husband and wife.

Ajay who is paired opposite his actress wife Kajol in the film said it was a simple love story about a man who marries a girl he loves and overcomes all hurdles to maintain the relationship.




"The film doesn't give a sermon on relationships. The audiences will identify with the characters. What is different in the subject is that the film looks at the institution of marriage in a positive way," the actor said.

"A lot of people question the institution of marriage, or blame it when problems arise. I feel that in a marriage, or any relationship for that matter, problems are inevitable. 'Giving up' should be our last option. However, an increasing number of people just prefer to give up at the first sign of trouble, Ajay said.

The actor who began his career with action packed roles, said he felt that relationships, especially marriages need to be nurtured with love, sensitivity and understanding.

"People keep asking me what inspired me to chose this subject and direct a film. To be honest, this is a story straight from my heart. A story which I strongly believed in," he told reporters in Mumbai on Monday night.

Ajay also affirms to the concepts like love at first sight, happy marriages and soulmates.

"I know that they exist and hence they are important elements of my film," the actor added.

The actor said he was aware that he cannot change the way people think or live their lives through his film.

"A film is meant to entertain you and give your money's worth. Besides entertaining the audience, if the film makes them introspect on the state of their relationships or encourages them to improve it, my success will be much greater," he said.

When asked about his experiences off-screen, Ajay said he was well versed with the nuances of filmmaking as he had assisted Shekhar Kapur before joining films and even helped father Veeru Devgan, veteran action director in editing.

"I believe that if your vision as a director is clear and are backed by an efficient crew, there will be no hurdles," he said.

Speaking about his wife, Ajay said he was fortunate enough to direct a film with a powerful and efficient actress like Kajol.

"She is always thorough with the nitty-gritties of her character before she begins shooting. In this film, she is not only the lead actress but also the producer. Since the screenplay work happened at home, Kajol was present for all the sittings and even gave her inputs. She made my work as a direction much easier," Ajay said proudly.

He said major portion of the film has been shot on a cruise while the remaining at Filmistan studio in Mumbai.

Tashan Moview Preview

Character Sketches:

Bachchan Pande (Akshay Kumar)

NAME: Bachchan Pande

AGE: 30 as per police records, 25 as per Chachi, 26 as per Omprakash, I think 28

MARITAL STATUS: Don’t understand question

QUALIFICATIONS: Can steal electricity anywhere, Can break all bones of body with guarantee

WORK EXPERIENCE: Fully experienced

ACHIEVEMENTS: Recovered everything from a cow to a bungalow

AIM: Become killer

Jimmy (Saif Ali Khan)

NAME: Jimmy Cliff (Jeetender Kumar Makhwana P.S. Keep it confidential)

AGE: Depends on the age of the girl across the table

MARITAL STATUS: Not interested but always available

QUALIFICATIONS: Qualified enough to fix any girl in record time and ya of course, graduate

WORK EXPERIENCE: In the past two years working in a call center and coaching English

ACHIEVEMENTS: Highest number of girlfriends from class 5 to graduation

HOBBIES: Can’t you guess

AIM: To stay alive

Pooja (Kareena Kapoor)

NAME: Pooja Singh

AGE: What is it got to do with you

MARITAL STATUS: Hot and single

QUALIFICATIONS: 34-22-34

WORK EXPERIENCE: More than you think

ACHIEVEMENTS: Still to achieve my main goal

AIM: To fool everyone

Bhaiyyaji (Anil Kapoor)

NAME: Lakhan Singh urf Bhaiyyaji

AGE: Remember not but young at heart

MARITAL STATUS: Bachelor since baby, will marriage soon

QUALIFICATIONS: MMS from King Kong University, JKL in Botany from Bing Bong University, BBMS from Kaun Sa Desh, Currently getting made English Honours marksheet, also Three more degrees getting made in progress

WORK EXPERIENCE: Bhaiyyaji self made man, Pulled rickshaw and now pulling Money from all over India

ACHIEVEMENTS: Gunning and Robbing

HOBBIES: Wearing foreign costume, English speaking 24 hours

AIM: To speak English like George Bush.

Synopsis:

What happens when you throw two guys who hate each other together…

A cool call center executive Jimmy Cliff (Saif Ali Khan), a desi wannabe gangster Bachchan Pande (Akshay Kumar) add for good measure a beautiful girl Pooja (Kareena Kapoor) who can’t be trusted… on a journey across spectacular India… a journey which will alter the course of their lives in more ways than one… a journey where even enemies need to trust each other if they want to be alive…

Trouble is, in this world no one can be trusted ever!

And to top it all there is the evil eye of Bhaiyyaji (Anil Kapoor)… a maverick gangster who enjoys killing people as much as he enjoys speaking English…

What you get is… TASHAN