Abbas Tyrewala: Hottest director of 2008?

“Is it really a big hit in the UK?” director Abbas Tyrewala asked me when I bumped into him and his wife at Delhi airport earlier this week and congratulated him on the success of his film ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’. Abbas was blissfully unaware that his debut movie, a teen romcom starring the new kid on the block Imran Khan, is indeed one of the biggest blockbusters of 2008.
A key factor in the film’s success is A R Rahman’s hit score which is the current rage in India. The single ‘Pappu can’t dance’ has become a dance floor anthem and another single ‘Kabhi Aditi’ is the most popular mobile phone ringtone at the moment.
Was the popular ‘Pappu’ number a take on Madonna’s ‘Pappa Don’t Preach’? Abbas laughs: “You know you are the first person to make this connection. But Pappu is someone who has got it all without trying.” What’s next for the talented director who has a fondness for wearing red trainers? “My next film is an adult comedy. It is too early to say anything else.”

Courtesy: timesonline.co.uk

College-goers go crazy over Aamir’s ‘Ghajini’ hairstyle

Imran Khan may be ruling the hearts of college-goers after his debut in a refreshing puppy love story – ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’, but it is ‘Mamu’ Aamir whose ‘Ghajini’ hairstyle has taken the campuses by storm.

Aamir’s ‘Ghajini’ haircut has become so popular in colleges that the authorities in Bangalore have banned the hairstyle. Students sporting Aamir’s ‘Ghajini’ look are not being allowed to enter classrooms.


Sounding amused over the incident, Aamir Khan said that he is surprised at the ban and didn’t know that a hairstyle poses as a distraction in studies.

But ban or no ban, campus kids are in no mood to do away with the trendy Aamir’s hairstyle. Clearly ‘Mamu’ Aamir is having an edge over ‘Bhanja’ Imran!

Courtesy: zeenews.com

It's a 'Jaane Tu…' wave right now: Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan is going through the best phase in his career. "No one can predict which way the pendulum will swing, before a film releases. But 'Jaane Tu…' has fared well beyond my expectations. It's a 'Jaane Tu…' wave right now, like it was when 'Bobby' had released. The euphoria was also witnessed during 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, 'Maine Pyar Kiya' and 'Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai'. I only wish Chachajaan [late Nasir Husain] was alive to share the happiness. He was very close to Imran," Aamir tells me as we meet again for a heart-to-heart conversation.

With Imran's debut vehicle proving a major hit, is Aamir guiding his nephew how to go about in his career? "I would never do that. It's important to take your own decisions. You must learn to walk without crutches. Right from the start of my career, I took my own decisions… I made mistakes, but those were my mistakes. I think, I've learnt more from my failures than hits and I would advice Imran the same," Aamir states.

But a number of people feel that if one wants to sign Imran, it has to be via Aamir. True? "Yeah, that's what everyone feels. In fact, a number of people do call up, enquiring about Imran, but I tell them, 'Yeh lo number, Imran ko khud phone karo'," he laughs.

While on 'Jaane Tu…', Aamir has incorporated a song that was deleted from the final version. "It's my favorite number, but Mansoor, Abbas and I took a call jointly. We felt the song was only making the film lengthier. But since the results are out, the song has been added in its third week. Initially, we thought of retaining it for just one week. But looking at the feedback, we may stretch it to three weeks. However, let me add, the song will not be a part of the final cut in the DVD. It will be featured in the unseen portions," Aamir divulges.

With 'Ghajini' complete and slated for release in November, Aamir will begin shooting for Rajkumar Hirani's film from August onwards. "It's called '3 Idiots'. I am looking forward to working with Madhavan and Sharman Joshi [the 'Rang De Basanti' team]. Kareena is now doing the film," the soft-spoken actor states.

The topic moves on to his next project. Has he thought of his next directorial venture? "Not yet! I haven't started looking for stories either. Earlier, I was busy with Ghajini', then the release of 'Jaane Tu…' took most of my time," Aamir confesses. But the buzz is, Aamir intends casting Bachchan Sr. in his film. "I was at a loss of words when Mr. Bachchan said that he would love to work in a film directed by me. He's my favorite actor. It would be a privilege to direct him, but like I said, I haven't zeroed on a subject yet," Aamir says.

What about 'Delhi Belly'? Reportedly, the film will be made in English, not Hindi. "That's true! We are targeting at the global audience. I don't want it to be a bilingual [Hindi, English]. We tried that earlier ['Mangal Pandey'], but it didn't work," he says. With Ranbir Kapoor not part of the project anymore, will Imran step in? "Ranbir couldn't do the film due to date hassles. As for Imran, let's see. We haven't taken a call yet," Aamir states.

Courtesy: indiafm.com

Aamir unplugged: The star on Imran and upcoming projects

Aamir Khan is going through the best phase, professionally. "No one can predict which way the pendulum will swing, before a film releases. But Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na has fared beyond my expectations. I only wish Chachajaan [the late Nasir Husain] was alive to share the happiness. He was very close to Imran," says Aamir in a heart-to-heart conversation.

With Imran's debut vehicle proving a major hit, is Aamir guiding his nephew how to go about in his career?

I would never do that. It's important to take your own decisions. You must learn to walk without crutches. Right from the start of my career, I took my own decisions. I made mistakes, but those were my mistakes. I think, I've learnt more from my failures than hits and I would advice Imran the same.

But a number of people feel that if one wants to sign Imran, it has to be via Aamir. True?

Yeah, that's what everyone feels. In fact, a number of people do call up, enquiring about Imran, but I tell them, Yeh lo number, Imran ko khud phone karo," he laughs.

You have incorporated a song that was deleted from the final version of Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na. Why?

It's my favourite number, but Mansoor, Abbas and I took a call jointly. We felt the song was only making the film lengthier. But since the results are out, the song has been added in its third week. Initially, we thought of retaining it for just one week. But looking at the feedback, we may stretch it to three weeks. However, let me add, the song will not be a part of the final cut in the DVD. It will be featured in the unseen portions.

What’s up next as Ghajini is almost complete and slated for release in November?

I will begin shooting for Rajkumar Hirani's film from August onwards. It's called 3 Idiots. I am looking forward to working with Madhavan and Sharman Joshi [the Rang De Basanti team]. Kareena is also doing the film.

The topic moves on to his next project. Has he thought of his next directorial venture?

Not yet! I haven't started looking for stories either. Earlier, I was busy with Ghajini, then the release of Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na took most of my time.

But the buzz is, Aamir intends casting Bachchan Sr in his next film.

I was at a loss of words when Mr Bachchan said that he would love to work in a film directed by me. He's my favourite actor. It would be a privilege to direct him, but like I said, I haven't zeroed in on a subject yet.

What about Delhi Belly? Reportedly, the film will be made in English and not Hindi.

That's true! We are targeting the global audience. I don't want it to be a bilingual. We tried that earlier with Mangal Pandey but it didn't work.

With Ranbir Kapoor not part of the project anymore, will Imran step in?

Ranbir couldn't do the film due to date hassles. As for Imran, let's see. We haven't taken a call yet.


Courtesy: sify.com

Found in Transition

Abbas Tyrewala is in Delhi, basking in the success of Jaane Tu.. Ya Jaane Naa

It was the thought of a hero on a horse that got Abbas Tyrewala to make his directorial debut Jaane Tu.. Ya Jaane Na. “I wanted my lead actor on a horse, it’s been ages since there’s been one in a Bollywood film. This I knew was going to be the penultimate scene. So I began to trace the story backwards from that point,” says Tyrewala. The movie that has used every single filmi cliché has become the year’s peppy hit and the soundtrack by A R Rahman is ruling the airwaves. Accuse him of serving you old wine in a new bottle and Tyrewala laughs merrily. “That was the idea in the first place. To use every cliché there is and give it fresh treatment. What’s better, it seems to have worked,” smiles Tyrewala who candidly acknowledges that the success of the film is more than he ever imagined.


At Osians Cine Fan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema, Tyrewala has provided many an entertaining afternoon as he has held discussions on scriptwriting and cinema. As one of Bollywood’s young and innovative scriptwriters, Tyrewala is now positively certain that he doesn’t want to write another film for anybody else. “It took me so long to make my first film and the transition has been important. The biggest transition was in terms of people. Scriptwriting is a lonely process, there’s nobody to deal with but yourself and the characters and situations that you create,” says Tyrewala who believes that making the film helped him trust people again. “It’s team work and as a director your vision of the film has to guide the entire cast and crew. It’s an attractive and powerful position to be in, it’s tough, but the money’s good,” chuckles Tyrewala.

But scriptwriting still remains his first love and Tyrewala is now happy to see the advent of more and more writer-directors in the industry. As a writer, he says, the biggest heartbreak is when the best scripts or stories don’t get made. “The industry is not organised enough for a script to make a comeback, after a producer backs out from the project. Writer-directors will have more control over their projects now,” he says.

As for sprinkling more magic from the 70s and 80s in his future films, Tyrewala admits that he’d love to remake films from the era. “I’d love to remake Waqt and Andaaz. Give it a twist, a whole new interpretation. There’s nothing wrong with that because some of our best movies came from the 70s,” says Tyrewala who’s currently working on scripting his next film, what he calls a naughty adult comedy. “I will be raising the age bracket of my audience to 28 and 30-year-olds. I want to tell people that when the heart breaks, it breaks seriously,” says Tyrewala. Well, we’ll take his word for it.

Courtesy:expressindia.com

Bollywood sees no age!

What’s common between Aamir Khan and Imran Khan besides their chacha-bhateeja bonding?


Both of them have big films this year and are even romancing heroines from the same age group. While Imran’s Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na with Genelia has been declared a hit, uncle Aamir Khan is preparing for his next big release, Ghajini, with Asin. Which just goes on to show that while Bollywood may have come of age, but the stars haven’t aged.

Earlier, as stars grew older, they made way for the younger generation and resigned themselves to doing character roles or those more suited to their age. That’s no longer the case in Bollywood — we have papas and betas, chachas and bhateejas and even baaps and betis, all in the fray at the same time.
Aamir Khan and Imran Khan

Imran has already wowed the crowd with his debut film, but audiences will get to see more action from his side with Kidnap (with Sanjay Dutt) and Luck, set to go on the floors this year.
It’s been reported that Aamir Khan’s Ghajini, starring Asin and Jiah Khan, which was set to release on October 2, has been delayed because uncle Aamir wanted to give Imran an open field for his second release Kidnap, also slated for the same day.

Anil Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor

After her debut in Sawaariya, Sonam Kapoor is all set to light up the screen with Dilli 6, directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, starring Abhishek Bachchan, Om Puri, Atul Kulkarni and Divya Dutta.
After Race and Tashan, dad Anil Kapoor is ready to impress with four big films — Main Yuvraaj, Yahan Ke Hum Sikandar, Slumdog Millionaire and Chandralekha — all set for release later this year.

Kamal Haasan and Shruti Haasan

Shruti Haasan, until now known for her star lineage and rock performances, will make her debut with Imran Khan in Luck, directed by Soham Shah. The movie is supposed to feature Sanjay Dutt, Danny Denzongpa, Mithun Chakraborthy and Rati Agnihotri.
Kamal Haasan’s much-delayed and much-hyped movie, Dasavathaaram, didn’t quite work wonders at the BO. His fans have a long wait ahead before seeing him back in action.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

Aamir Khan avoids Imran Khan!

With his first solo release JAANE TU... YA JAANE NA hitting the Bull's eye straight away, success has gone to Imran Khan's head and as a result his uncle Aamir Khan is avoiding him.....!!! Well, if that's what you are thinking, you are totally wrong. Aamir Khan and nephew Imran Khan are as close to each other as they were before the success of their film.

Coming back to what brought you here. Well, Imran Khan's next film, KIDNAP (with Sanjay Dutt), is scheduled to release on 2nd October, the same date on which Aamir Khan's GHAJINI was slated to have hit the screens. However, the latest development is that Indian Films Company, which holds the rights of both GHAJINI and KIDNAP have now decided to postpone GHAJINI to 28th November. While the official reason is that the distributor did not want to release two projects on the same day, grapevine has it that the postponement has been done at Aamir's behest, in order to give an open field to Imran Khan's second release after JTYJN, KIDNAP.

Despite the postponement of GHAJINI, the Eid-Gandhi Jayanti (October 2nd) line up looks quite interesting with Abhishek Bachchan's DRONA and Salman Khan's WANTED taking on Sanjay Dutt & Imran Khan's KIDNAP!


Courtesy: glamsham.com

Aamir 'maamu' is a happy man

Aamir Khan is a happy man these days, and why should'nt he celebrate, after all his nephew Imran Khan's debut film Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na has been appreciated by both critics and audiences.

The film's young stars led by the big maamu Aamir, were at PVR Cinemas in Delhi for a special screening of the movie.


Confident amd happy with the initial reaction to his film actor Imran Khan said comparisons with ''uncle'' Aamir Khan are inevitable.

"Some say I am a good actor, and some including Genelia think I am bad actor," laughed Imran.

Aamir, who has left no stone unturned in promoting Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na is now looking forward to his next release Ghajini and also on mending fences with Amitabh Bachchan.

Courtesy: ndtvmovies.com

"I would not like to be described as Imran's shadow" - Aamir Khan

There was a time when Aamir Khan was termed as a recluse of the Indian Film Industry. Today, television audiences are used to seeing Aamir resplendently suited booted, gliding over a red carpet at glittering Bollywood soirees. Audiences, critics, and the jury of many prestigious award functions alike are awed by Aamir Khan's conviction, dedication, and emotional power as an actor, producer, and a director. And with his third production, Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na, releasing tomorrow world wide, the mutli-talented Khan yet again sets out to prove that he is the master of all in this very short but an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama's Devansh Patel just hours before the star studded premiere of his film in Mumbai.

Looks like your Taare's are shining bright ever since you touched Lagaan. I wish you could pass on some of that touch to me. What do your astrologers say?
(Laughs) I don't know. We've tried to make a good film. I think that I'm quite happy with the way it's turned out and waiting to see how the audience reacts to it.

This is your first production with you not a part of the cast. Did Ghajini take a lot of your time or Taare Zameen Par?
TZP. I was directing Taare Zameen Par when Jaane Tu was being shot. So when I took over as the director of Taare, I realized that I'd not be able to fully shoulder my responsibilities as a producer on Jaane Tu… nor did I think of acting in it because it was entirely up to the casting director and the director whom they think is the right choice. So I requested Mansoor to take care of the production and he was there looking after the cast and the crew during the shoot stages. Of course, I was there if there were any problems. But as soon as Taare finished, I was there to look after the post production and the marketing plan for Jaane Tu.

You seem to be like Imran's shadow. Everywhere Imran goes, you follow. Then what was the reason for your absence in London?
(Laughs). I would not like to be described as Imran's shadow. Being the producer of the film, I have been a part of promoting Jaane Tu… and that's what I am doing. So if I accompany Imran, Abbas, or Genelia, I can't be tagged as their shadow. Infact, I'm the shadow of Jaane Tu. But yes, If I was free, I'd have definitely come to London but unfortunately, I was shooting for Ghajini at that time.

I would not like to be described as Imran's shadow. I'm the shadow of Jaane Tu.

Not convinced with Amol Gupte's direction, you took over as a director for Taare. That was past. But we also know that you gave 5 scenes to Abbas to shoot for Jaane Tu… before you could say Yes to him. Have you now started screen testing directors?
Infact, after my experience on Taare, I told Abbas to shoot five scenes to see how he fares as a director. Jaane Tu at that time had not begun their filming. So I requested Abbas because he had never directed a film before. I am pretty sure that I would like to see any new director taking up my project to shoot four or five scenes, whether it's Abbas or anybody else. But if there was an established director, I would not have done that.

What if you did not like all the five scenes or liked two or three of them? Was the back up ready? Or were you prepared to jump into the directors seat?
If any of the five scenes were not directed well by Abbas, I would not have gone ahead with the project even though I loved the script. And that is true. But Abbas proved me wrong.

I remember you and Raj Zutshi used to stick the posters of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak on the auto-rickshaws outside Mithibai College in Mumbai by stopping them. That was marketing in 1988. How much do you think marketing has evolved or will do in the near future?
I think it has changed dramatically from then to now. In 1988, there was only one channel, Doordarshan, and the main line newspapers and magazines did not do much reporting on entertainment nor was there any news on the front pages about films. The media had not completely evolved then. But entertainment in particular has now become a huge part of reporting and news. So while the times have changed, the level of challenges remain the same. In the late 1980's we didn't have enough means to promote the film so we tried to do it the best we could. Today you have a lot of means but you could do it completely wrong. So even if you have the tools in today's time but you don't use them well, it can go against you. You can market the film really badly or people can sense from your marketing that they don't want to see your film.

If any of the five scenes were not directed well by Abbas, I would not have gone ahead with the project even though I loved the script. But Abbas proved me wrong.

All your films from Lagaan days to Rang De Basanti to Taare Zameen Par and now Jaane Tu have seen fresh young faces. Is that something you'd like to see with all your films or you being a part of it?
No, it's not a conscious effort. I think it really depends on what kind of script you're doing and it's requirement. You're forgetting that Rani was there in Mangal Pandey. She was an established star. So was Amisha Patel. And I did Fanaa with Kajol. So it's not as if I'm not working with established actors. It really depends from project to project.

While the film was being made and after it's completion, did it take you back to your QSQT days?
(Laughs). Not really. I think Jaane Tu is quite a different film in it's own way even though it's a romantic film and it stars new actors, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak was a film which was much more dramatic in its flavor and its content. Yes, seeing Mansoor behind the camera after a sabbatical did make us interact the QSQT days.

There are many successful music directors like Pritam and Vishal Shekhar too who are on the top of their game, then why go with A.R. Rahman just because he has been a part of your earlier films?
You don't think A.R. Rahman is on top of his game. (Laughs out loud). I am very happy with the kind of music he has given to Jaane Tu and I'm so glad that he is a part of the film. But I have worked with other people as well. Taare Zameen Par had Shankar Ehsaan Loy and you know the music was so different and soothing to your ears. It was a new experience for them too. But as I said earlier, it depends on project to project and there might be times when I would like to work with A.R. Rahman and he is busy with other projects. I've not worked with Pritam but his work is nice and has given extremely successful music off late. So if any opportunity arises, I'd definitely like to work with Pritam.

Seeing Mansoor behind the camera after a sabbatical did make us interact the QSQT days.

On the posters and media pack, we have seen Imran wearing the same yellow striped tie you wore in your film Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar. What else has he nicked from your wardrobe?
(Laughs) Well, he keeps grabbing my jackets, t-shirts and other stuff. But yes, you pointed out right. That was the same tie I wore in my film, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar.

Any message you'd like to convey to your audience who are not your fans now. They are fans of Aditi.
(Laughs) As I said, we've made a film that we believed in and have really put in our best. I hope the audience too enjoys seeing it as much as we enjoyed making it.

Courtesy: indiafm.com

JTYJN opens to fabulous response

The unthinkable has happened.

Till about a year back, there was no news around the progress of JAANE TU YA JAANE NAA which had begun close to two years back. The film was stuck and while Aamir Khan got busy with his TAARE ZAMEEN PAR, the Imran Khan starrer was put on a backburner.

Somewhere down the line news started pouring in that JTYJN was being revived but except for the fact that the film had two heavy weights backing it up - Aamir Khan and A.R. Rahman - there didn't seem to be much curiosity about the film.


This is when these very trump cards came into motion. First came the music of the film which became an overnight craze with 'Aditi' and 'Pappu' becoming chartbusters. Later, Aamir took complete charge of the film and the results were there to be seen.

So strong was the buzz created by Aamir's planned publicity overdrive that it was JTYJN all over. The fabulous promos coupled with intense media campaign did it for this sweet love story which caught on so much hype by the time of its Friday release that it was irresistible for the urban audience not to give it a watch.

Result? The film took a fabulous response on Friday and as this piece is being written, the word is already out all over that the film is a sure shot success in the making. While the opening shows saw 70-80% range occupancy, the evening saw cent percent footfalls at the farthest of multiplexes which means that JTYJN has been accepted all over. Saturday and Sunday are only better while chances are great that the film would have a stable running into the weekdays as well.

With coming Friday not really throwing a challenge due to MEHBOOBA, GOOD LUCK and MUKHBIIR catering to an altogether different segment of audience, the makers of JTYJN have hit gold. Imran Khan begins his Bollywood journey with a guaranteed HIT under his belt while Genelia D'Souza too makes a real good comeback after a forgettable MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP!

It's time for Bollywood to uncork the champagne!

Courtesy: glamsham.com

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na

IT'S the frivolity of the tale that does it in. Yes, Jaane Tu...could actually have been paisa vasool fare with it's coming-of-age tale of two college friends who discover they can be lovers too. In fact, the film has its moments: great restraint, some funny sit-com, a pleasant and youthful lead pair (Imran-Genelia), peppy music (AR Rahman) and riveting cameos by the character actors. But the kahani mein twist is so silly, it makes you want to cry over all the spilt milk.

Jai Rathore (Imran) is a polite, peace-loving, almost cowardly Rajput who doesn't take offence even when he is humiliated by best friend Genelia's brother (an interesting debut by Prateik Babbar). His mom (Ratna Pathak Shah) loves him this way and has specially brought him up to be placid and pliant, to protect him from his violent family history. But deceased dad Naseeruddin Shah, who talks from a photo frame, knows his son will reclaim family legacy and become a true Rajput someday. He does, and manages to win his girl friend too who dreams of a beau who will beat up all the guys who trouble her.

The film works well in the first half, where the archetypal college group prepares itself for life after college. Everyone thinks Jai and Aditi (Genelia) will end up happily-ever-after, except Jai and Aditi. They spend half of the film proving everybody wrong by finding a suitable match for each other. That's the fun part. And then, spend the other half, trying to come to terms with their more-than-friends feelings for each other. That's the unfunny part, especially since it is too prolonged.

Although it has a similar story-line, this one isn't in league with the Shahid Kapoor-Amrita Rao film, Ishq Vishq or Karan Johar's iconic Kuch Kuch Hota Hai . A word about Imran Khan: he begins on unsure footing and gradually slips into the role of Mr Nice Guy with consummate ease. Watch out for a great act by Ratna Pathak Shah as the new age mom and Naseeruddin Shah, as the dancing dead thakur who's left waiting for a certain Mr Godot, in the end!

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

Don’t call ‘Jaane Tu…’ my launch vehicle, says debutant Imran Khan

Imran Khan, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s nephew, is set to enter Bollywood with his uncle’s home production “Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na”, but he doesn’t want to call it his launch vehicle. “Please, don’t look at it as my launch vehicle… Abbas (Tyrewala) didn’t want to make a hero-heroine-oriented film. He took a lot of care to ensure that my co-stars are not relegated to side roles, you know,” Imran, who was here ahead of the release of his film, told IANS.

Apart from Imran, the film also stars Genelia D’Souza, Manjari Fadnis, Ratna Pathak, Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Paresh Rawal, Naseeruddin Shah and Anuradha Patel. The romance saga, releasing Friday, also marks the directorial debut of Bollywood scriptwriter Abbas Tyrewala.

Imran says he never thought he will become an actor.

“I never thought of becoming an actor. I had gone to New York Film Academy in Los Angeles and trained as a director. I had always wanted to become a director. Only because Abbas wanted me to act in the film that I decided to act,” he said.

Talking about the film, made with a campus backdrop, Imran said that it was a film made by young people for young people.

“We made this film keeping in mind that young people should connect with it. The older crowd will get nostalgic… their first crushes, their first break-ups….”

As for his experience in his maiden acting venture, he said: “It is always inspiring to work with people who put in a lot of effort.”

He added that his uncle Aamir’s role in the film was purely limited to being the producer and nothing more. “He was too busy directing ‘Taare Zameen Par’ when this film was made.”

Regarding the music of ‘Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na’, Imran said that A.R. Rahman has given a very young treatment to the score.

“Music is exceptional and I feel it is some of Rahman’s best work,” he said.

Asked about his expectations from the film, he said: “I don’t have expectations, just hopes. We have made a film from our heart, a purely light-hearted film, which we hope people will come and watch. I hope the film touches the viewers’ hearts. Please don’t watch the film from an intellectual’s perception.”

Courtesy: thaindian.com

Jaane Tu’s release stressing out Aamir ‘perfectionist’ Khan

The ‘Mr Perfectionist’ Aamir Khan is completely stressed out these days, all thanks to the hectic promotional activities for his second home production ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’. Aamir for sure, being the doting uncle he is, is putting in all possible efforts to make his nephew Imran’s debut a success.

The tension is palpable, Aamir wrote in his blog: “Release time and the going gets really rough. I’m shooting to complete the last few days of work on Ghajini, and alongside working on the release of ‘Jaane Tu….” So many things to be done and such little time left. Oh God!

The poor soul has also fallen ill because of his jam packed schedules and hasn’t been finding time to do anything else. The actor mentioned his state in his blog: “Have also fallen ill. Extremely untimely but there it is. There is so much I have to share but I guess I’ll do that once I can breathe a little easy.”

But, Aamir, being what he is, work is still on top of his mind. The actor is hoping for a positive response to ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’ and says “I’m awaiting keenly your response to ‘Jaane Tu…’ it’s the first film from my production house which I am not acting in, and I hope we’ve done ok”.

Here’s hoping that the audience is going to second Aamir’s faith in ‘Jaane Tu…’ by accepting it just the way they accepted ‘TZP’, in the meanwhile we have a suggestion for the actor- Hey Aamir… take it easy dude, the wait is almost over!

Courtesy: zeenews.com

Aamir Khan Busy With The Last Days Of ´Ghajini´ & The Release Of ´JTYJN´

Actor perfectionist Aamir Khan is presently busy with the last few days of 'Ghajini' shooting and also with the release of his nephew Imran Khan's 'Jaane Tu Ya... Jaane Na'.

Says Aamir on his official blog : -

Hey guys my sincere apologies for not posting more frequently. Release time and the going gets really rough. Am shooting to complete the last few days of work on 'Ghajini', and alongside working on the release of 'Jaane Tu'. So many things to be done and such little time left. 4 days to go! OH God!

Have also fallen ill. Extremely untimely but there it is. There is so much I have to share but I guess I’ll do that once I can breath a little easy. Ok ok I know how you guys will now give me the obvious tip on how I can breath easier. I get it.

So this is just a short note to say hi.

Am awaiting keenly your response to JT, it’s the first film from my production house which I am not acting in, and I hope we’ve done ok.

Meanwhile the TZP DVD release is very close. Will keep you posted on that one.

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Unification of the Superstars

For the past two years or so everyone has had something to say about the feuds of Bollywood. Shahrukh vs. Amitabh Bachchan was everyone’s favorite. The media was perennially busy looking into the various facets of the so called cold war between two of the most powerful figures of Bollywood. The latest high point in this cold war series was the blog that the Big B had posted comparing the TRP ratings of Kaun Banega Crorepati under him and SRK. Talking of blogging reminds us of the infamous Aamir Khan blog of a pup named Shahrukh. Aamir Khan vs. Shahrukh Khan has been second only to the Big B-SRK rivalry in scale and popularity.


Meanwhile, the stars who have been made the main players in this rivalry drama have been repeatedly denying the existence of any such rift. They are, in their own words, ‘very good friends’. Well, come this weekend and they will have a chance to prove that their claims are right by appearing together at an event. One wonders what event could bring all of them together when even the IIFA failed to do so. The event is the premiere of Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Naa, the debut vehicle of Aamir Khan’s nephew Imran Khan.

Reports are that Aamir Khan has left no stone unturned to ensure that the premiere is a star studded affair. The list of invitees include apart from many leading figures of Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan. We don’t know as yet whether this dream get-together will happen but it is heartening to see an effort being made and that too by Aamir who is generally considered a bit skeptical about big functions which he had reiterated with the very simple audio release of his movies. Amitabh, SRK and Aamir have had goes at each other in the recent past; at least the media has interpreted various things that way. Let’s see whether the hatchet can be buried.
The biggest surprise is that there are reports of an official invite for the premiere also being sent to Superstar Rajinikanth. If he turns up too then it will be nothing short of a dream come true.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

‘Jaane Tu… is definitely autobiographical’

As he gears up for the release of his debut film as a director Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na, Abbas Tyrewalla sits down for a free wheeling chat with us. Not known to mince his words, we ask Abbas about Jaane Tu, working with a producer like Aamir and whether Pappu Can’t Dance is really a dig at Salman Khan!

What was the inspiration behind the film?


I wrote this film quite a while back… this happened right after Main Hoon Na and Maqbool. There was a time when I just couldn’t find any interesting director to work with. And that’s when I decided to write Jaane Tu… and then sometime in 2005 I realized that I wasn’t as happy and interested in writing as I was earlier. That’s when I felt I needed a new ambition, a new direction and so I decided to take up direction. And at that time the only script that I had on hand which was most viewer and producer friendly was Jaane Tu…and so I decided to direct this film.

How difficult is it to change roles from script writer to director?

In life I have never thought and said I won’t be able to do something. When I take on something I have no doubt that I will be able to handle it. But sure my friends who are directors like Vishal Bhardwaj and RGV told me that you think direction is about creativity. But direction is about people – their emotions, their feelings and to manage all that while motivating them to work better for you. So while writing is 100% creativity direction is 100% people management. So for years as a script writer I used to work independently all alone. I wasn’t dependent on anyone but now I was in a job where if 100-150 people didn’t do their job then I wouldn’t have been able to do my job. So the big challenge for me was to learn to rely on people again… to learn to motivate and inspire them to do their job better so that my work turned out better. And I think that was a major shift for me.

Speaking about Jaane Tu… it’s your first film, you have a newcomer in it and you have an Aamir Khan backing it. So if there any pressure on you?

The pressure would have been there had Aamir Khan been a producer who had come to me saying that I want to launch my nephew and you write a film for him. And if I was making the film to make him happy then there would have been pressure. But that was not the case… the film’s original producer was Jhamu Sugandh and when we cast Imran it was because he fit the role and not because Aamir was my producer. In fact by the time Aamir got involved and became the film’s producer by that time I was accustomed to my role of director. Also Aamir never threw his weight around or said that my nephew is here so pay more attention to him. All he said was make the film based on what you have written or what you see the characters in your mind like.

You’ve scripted films in different genres… from Maqbool to Main Hoon Na. Where do you get your inspiration from?

I am someone who pays a lot of attention on life… I enjoy analyzing and studying people and circumstances. And the other thing is that I am also very fond of stories… so I love making khyaali pulao. I also love reading stories and watching films and all that helps. I don’t travel too much or really research my stories as such. I try and give life to different characters based totally on my thinking.

Not only as his director but as someone who has interacted with the best in the industry how would you describe Imran to us?

Imran has this quality in him that woh abhi tak filmi nahee hua hai…He is very normal… like any guy his age would be. He is naughty yet hard working. So I feel if he doesn’t lose this innocence about him once he becomes a part of this industry then I believe I will be giving a very big gift in the form of Imran. I think he is a great actor and great person.

What do you as the director expect from this film? What would you say is its USP?

I won’t say that don’t go with any expectations because if you don’t have any expectations then you won’t go to see the film. So I want them to go with this expectation that they are going for a good film… for a fun time. I have one suggestion that when you go to see the film go with your friends because I have seen that the more the number of people who see this film together the more they enjoy. So I won’t say don’t keep expectations from my film – please have them because I have spent 3 years trying to fulfill your expectations. And I think when you give the audiences a little more than what they expect it only helps!

A R Rahman’s music for the film has received good response. How was it collaborating with him? Did you leave it up to him entirely?

No not at all… you can’t work like that. No matter how superior or famous your music director is… I mean A R Rahman is world famous but all that is to one side and your story is on the other side. Only you know what you want to convey through it… so therefore it wasn’t like I left everything to Rahman to do everything just because he is world famous. I knew… I hoped that he would do a good job but it was all done with my inputs because the story, the characters, its people and their thoughts are all written by me. So who knows this better than me? Therefore my inputs were definitely there because I wrote the script… I even wrote the lyrics so my inputs were there every step of the way. And ultimately it wasn’t that I had to make Rahman happy …. Ultimately Rahman gave me that much izzat because it was my film. His behaviour towards me was always that he had to make me happy.

Recently there was gossip about your song Pappu Can’t Dance being a dig at Salman Khan….

When we wrote this song Aamir Khan wasn’t even anywhere close. I wrote this song with Rahman in Chennai and so for them to say that Aamir said write a song that makes fun of Salman Khan is totally out of our imagination. Aamir is a professional… so am I. and if we are making a film with so much money and enthusiasm and passion I don’t think we are doing it so that we can make fun of Aamir’s friends. There is no way that we can make fun of Salman bhai in this song which says Pappu Can’t Dance when all of us know that Salman is one of the best dancers of our industry. So how can we say something like this and how can people believe it? This is just a fun song and the kids are just singing this song on their graduation party… that’s all there is to it.

The film is based on kids in college… so does it find inspiration from your college days?

When you will see this film you will know exactly what my college days were like! This is absolutely inspired from my life and my friends at that time. Each and every character does in some way find its inspiration from some memory of a friend or a relationship. And that’s in this film. For the first time there are some shades of an autobiography in this film… till date all my films have been fictional… the character of Jay in this film is a lot like me – sure I don’t sing for a girl! But things like not being a fan of violence or being quite naughty or being friend with his mother… these are all things that I find stem from me. And similarly every friend of his in this film also finds inspiration from my friends in my life…and I think that’s why whoever has seen this film till now have always found that connect with people in their lives. They always say that some or the other character reminds them of someone in their life…and I think that’s the special part of Jaane Tu…

Courtesy: starboxoffice.com

Imraan’s movie catches eyes before release

The millions' heartthrob Imran Khan of 'Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na' -was in Delhi. This new kid in Bollywood is making raves even before the release of his movie. Aamir's cousin - Imraan Khan - is all set to step into the tinsel world with his film 'Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na'. The music of the movie is already topping the charts. Even a perfectionist like Aamir, Inraan's brother, is optimistic about the fate of the movie at the box office.


The story of 'Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na' is about Meet Jai Singh Rathore - 'Rats' (Imran Khan), the most non-violent Rajput either side of the Aravallis. He meets the passionate Aditi Mahant - 'Meo' (Genelia D'Souza). Aditi thinks that Jai is the biggest coward she has ever encountered. There is nothing Rajput-like in him. Jai and Aditi are perfect for each other: everyone knows this but do Rats and Meow know? You will know only when the movie will hit theaters. While 'Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na' arrives under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions and PVR Cinema and Produced by Mansoor Khan and Aamir Khan with director Abbas Tyrewala at the helm. The film, which has music by A.R. Rahman and lyrics by Abbas Tyrewala, also stars Naseruddin Shah, Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Arshad Warsi, Ratna Pathak and Paresh Rawal in a special appearance.

Courtesy: smashits.com

Interview: Producer and Chachu Aamir Khan on 'Jaane Tu'

Aamir Khan with nephew Imran Khan. Photo Credit: Sawf News

June 22, 2008 (Sawf News) - Aamir Khan wants to be identified with quality cinema, whatever is his association with it: actor, director or producer, so he exercises due diligence. However, once he is satisfied he minds his own business and lets his team members bank on their own creativity.

Known to be reclusive earlier, Aamir readily interacts with the media and his fans now. He is currently busy promoting his production Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, which is to be released in theaters on July 4. The film marks the Bollywood debut of Aamir's nephew Imran Khan.

Aamir answers questions about the film, his own future plans and friend Shahrukh Khan, the actor, not the dog, with endearing forthrightness.

So you are launching your nephew Imran Khan…

Actually, it didn't start that ways… Jaane Tu was being produced by Jhamu Sugandh, along with two other films. Unfortunately there was a financial crisis and Jaane Tu… was without a producer. When Imran Khan and Abbas Tyerwala narrated the script to me I just fell in love with it. As a producer or an actor, rather wherever, I put my name, I want the audience to identify that the film will be a quality cinema. After, I decided to produce the film, I went through all the auditions to check if they were perfect for their roles… only then did, I approve. But now that the film is ready it brings back emotional memories of Chachajaan, launching me in QSQT. Our families are very close and we all have grown up together, Mansoor, Nuzhat, Nikhat, and me. All my formative years were spending at their house itself….

What do you think of Abbas Tyrewala, as a director?

Abbas Tyerwala is very talented and that is reflected in his earlier works. He has written scripts for Munnabhai, Maqbool… I really like his sense of humor. When he approached me, I had asked him to shoot 5 scenes based on which, I decided to produce the film. He did a commendable job and I was confident of him.

Imran Khan in a still from Jaanu Tu…. Photo Credit: Sawf News

Having mentioned about QSQT, heard you had gone around to places, taxis and stuck posters, stickers of your movie?

Yes, I have done that; you see earlier newcomers faced a lot of difficulties. Unlike today we never had platforms where we could promote our films. In fact, I remember Juhi and I hardly gave any Interviews and the few that we gave never got any coverage…but, now the awareness has become a lot more and there are lot many platforms…. (He laughs)

So you mean it has become easier for Imran Khan ?

Yes, it has, as compared to my time things have really changed a lot. These young actors like Imran, Genelia don't require doing all that…

You are accused of interfering with your films…

Actually, to the contrary, I was not there for a single day of the shoot of Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na. I was shooting for Taare Zameen Par at the same time as the Jaane Tu… was being shot. In fact there was a very funny incident that I recall. I was traveling or rather passing by Bandra Bandstand and I saw a shooting happening there at Bandstand. Curiosity got better of me and I stopped to see who was shooting in middle of night at Bandstand. When, I got down, I was surprised to see Mansoor Khan, Abbas Tyerwala and Imran Khan shooting for Jaane Tu…; that was the only day, that, I was on sets of Jaane Tu…, and that too accidentally.

What do you think of the Music of the film?

I love the music… AR Rahman is one of the big talents in the music world. After a long time, he has come up with a youthful, light album. He has basically followed the style of the film very well.

Aamir Khan, we have seen different facets of yours in your movies.

I have actually lived a full life as an actor. I have always tried learning and growing with each role that, I play. And I have felt the change in my personality with every movie. In fact more than me, I'm sure you all must have noticed that.

Genelia in a still from Jaanu Tu…. Photo Credit: Sawf News

Your blog keeps you in news…. Especially about SRK blog?

You know, what Shah Rukh Khan and I keep joking with each other...we have such a comfort level with each other, that we can understand a joke as a joke…That's the strength of our friendship and the understanding we share. He has made fun of me several times in past and I have understood that as a joke. However most of our fans didn't appreciate the humor, so I apologized to them for hurting their feelings… In fact, we spoke couple of days back… I had called him to invite him for the premiere.

For the premiere of the movie, you have called both Amitji and Shah Rukh?

Yes… it was an emotional moment for the family and I know that, Chachajaan would have wanted to call the fraternity. I have called all my friends and colleagues from the industry.

Is the song "Pappu can't dance" hinting at Salman Khan?

No…How can that be? Firstly, Salman is a very good dancer…

So what are the plans for Aamir Khan Productions…

Jaane Tu…releases on July 4… As an actor, I have Ghajini releasing this year then in production, I have two films. Delhi Belly and one more untitled film by Anusha…after, I complete Ghajini, I would be starting Raju Hiran's next film.

Courtesy: sawfnews.com

Movie Preview : Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na

An Aamir Khan production JAANE TU...YA JAANE NA is a beautiful young love story. Aamir Khan's good looking nephew Imran Khan debuts with this movie. After MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP this is another big film for Genelia D'souza since she plays the solo female lead in this young romantic musical film. The exciting promos with the, music maestro, A R Rahman's good music which adds on to the quality quotient of the film have already in the buzz among audience. Directed by Abbas Tyrewala and produced by Mansoor Khan JAANE TU... is the story of youth, The age where we first get to know the secrets of the heart. The loves, friendships and jealousies that seem so earth-shattering, so life-altering at the time and years later, so laughably gentle and innocent. Of course, the film goes off on its own journey including some song-and-dance, a talking portrait, a corrupt cop and a couple of horse-mounted Rajput cowboys. It even has the quintessential airport climax.

But ultimately, the movie is made to remind each one of us what it felt like when we first started falling in love.

The film is slated to release on 4th July.

Synopsis :

view JAANE TU YA JAANE NA movie stills

view JAANE TU YA JAANE NA movie stills

Our story begins at the airport,With a story.

When Rotlu, Jiggy, Bombs and Shaleen offer to tell Mala the tale of Jai and Aditi - a match made in the pastry shop of heaven - Mala is convinced that she is in for yet another cliched love story with joys and sorrows, happiness and heartbreak, laughter and songs, fights... and a climax at the airport.

And indeed, JAANE TU... YA JAANE Na is all of that. And more!

Meet Jai Singh Rathore ('Rats'), the most non-violent Rajput either side of the Aravallis. And meet, if you dare, the violent and passionate Aditi Mahant ('Meow').Whatever you do, do not pick a fight with her. She scratches. And abuses. If you do get into a scrap, take cover till Jai arrives, as he alone can calm our snarling wildcat.

Never was there a less likely couple. Jai thinks Aditi's parents should have rinsed her mouth with soap when she was a child. Aditi thinks that Jai is the biggest coward she has ever encountered. Heaven, it seems, has mixed up its apples and oranges.

More nuts in this fruitcake scenario: Rotlu weeps secretly for Aditi. Bombs' heart explodes for Jai. Jiggy applies golden mascara to his hair. Shaleen... well, she's probably the only one who doesn't seem a few notes short of a concerto.

So, to come back to our story: Jai and Aditi are perfect for each other (in some odd, distorted way, impossible to understand). Friends know this. Parents know this.
Everybody knows this. But do Rats and Meow know?

Can two people ever, truly, know the secrets of their hearts? And how do you know it's the real thing?

When do you know it's love?

Add to this quandary a quarrelling portrait, strange dreams of a desert warrior, a dope-head brother and his pet mouse, two Rajput 'cowboys', three ancestral conditions, a fateful night in jail, a climactic ride to the airport...... and there, you have it! JAANE TU... YA JAANE NA. The coolest, warmest, hippest, funniest musical-romantic-comedy of the decade.

Well, at least of the last few years.

This finest, the coolest, warmest... etc is set to release on 4th July 2008.

Courtesy: glamsham.com

Raring to go Genelia

With three Bollywood films on hand, Genelia has been away from the Tollywood arc lights of late.

All her fans though will have a reason to rejoice as her film Ready gets ready to hit the screens this week. Ram is playing the lead in the film being directed by Sreenu Vaitla.

Coming right on the heels of two consecutive hits like Bommarillu and Dhee, the expectations are surely riding high on the film.

All that remains to be seen is whether her great run of luck continues to make it three in a row. Genelia will next be seen opposite Aamir Khan’s nephew Imran in Abbas Tyrewala’s romantic comedy, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. The music of the film, composed by AR Rahman is already topping the charts in Bollywood.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com