Rajinikanth in Murugadoss’s movie?

Superstar Rajinikanth is busy with the shooting of mega budget “Enthiram”. He is also featuring in “Sultan – the warrior” which is an animated movie. Now the buzz in Kollywood is that Murugadoss is planning to cast Rajinikanth in his movie.

According to sources, Murugadoss has prepared a script especially for Rajini and even the superstar is impressed with it. Currently Murugadoss is busy with his Bollywood venture with Shah Rukh Khan. This is his second Hindi venture after the highly successful “Ghajini”.

If all goes well then it will definitely be a great movie for Rajni fans.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Sabu, the trendsetter

Noted art director Sabu Cyril is on a roll. The set he has put for Shankar-directed Endhiran starring superstar Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai 

Sabu Cyril

Bachchan has become a major tourist attraction. 

The set for the climax scene, erected behind an entertainment complex on the ECR near Chennai, is reported to have cost around Rs 5 crore. It is definitely the most expensive set put up for a Tamil film. The sequence shot on this expensive set will have Rajinikanth, who plays a scientist, fighting with 100 and more robots which are his look-alikes! 
Sabu Cyril has revolutionised the concept of an art director in Indian cinema. Today, he is one of the busiest production designers (as Hollywood would call him) in Indian cinema. 

Currently, Sabu is the art director for three Bollywood filmsand Endhiran is his first film in Tamil in five years, after Shankar’s Anniyan. 
Says Sabu, “I’m doing more work in Bollywood because the budgets are bigger there which gives you room to experiment. But as far as Endhiran is concerned, it is close to my heart as it is my 100th film as an art director. I’ve been fascinated by the project ever since director Shankar narrated the script. I had originally signed up for the project 10 years ago, when Shankar was planning to do it with Kamal Haasan. 

We had even done a photo shoot then. Later, SRK was supposed to do it, but that too did not work out. Now, Rajinikanth is doing it and he is the right choice.” 
Sabu has always been innovative and uses new materials for constructing film sets. He had remarked in an earlier interview that the perception of an art director had changed from being seen more like a carpenter who does the sets to wizards who give life to the film. Today, with the art director being consulted on everything from the colour scheme to the lead actor’s wardrobe, he had also requested that the term art directors be replaced with their Hollywood equivalent, production designers. 

In Endhiran, Sabu is using aluminum composite panel (ACP) for creating the sets. “Endhiran is the first film in India to use ACP to create eco-friendly sets, which unlike wood, can be recycled and cost only a third of the price of wood,” says Sabu and adds, “And structure wise, we have used scaffolding as support system.” 

Today, directors like Mani Ratnam, Shankar, Priyadarsan, Farah Khan and actors like Shah Rukh Khan want only Sabu for their films, but he just does not have the dates. When Karan Johar, who has worked only with his regular art director Sharmista Roy, wanted to create a flood scene for his My Name is Khan, he called up Sabu Cyril. And last week, Sabu signed up one more sci-fi film, this time with Shah Rukh Khan (RA-1), which will be directed by Anubhav Sinha. The shooting for the film will commence next year. 
“I love doing sci-fi as we have to do it on a limited budget, but at the same time, come up with sets that compete with Hollywood. I’ll prove with Endhiran, the biggest challenge in my life, that we are on par with the best in the world,” he signs off.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

Kamal and Murugadoss together!

This sounds like one combination that can’t fail. Arguably India’s finest actor is ready to join hands with the most promising of young directors, AR Murugadoss.

This doesn’t seem to be the dream of the film buffs alone. Director Murugadoss, who is yet to begin his next project after ‘Ghajini’, also shares this dream to work with the Universal Hero.

He announced this at an event held recently which was attended by Kamal Haasan himself. The director went on to publicly state that he was a big fan of Kamal, who’s experimentation with roles has fascinated him a lot. He also went on to state that he would like to do a project with Kamal as the hero.

AR Murugadoss has earlier directed ‘Dheena’, ‘Ramana’ and the Suriya-starrer ‘Ghajini’ that went on to be made in Bollywood with Aamir Khan reprising Suriya’s role. Murugadoss has been holding talks with Shah Rukh for his next film, even while he will be teaming up with Suriya for another film soon.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

"I knew the story of Endhiran 10 years ago”

Art director Sabu Cyril, in a recent interview to a magazine, said that director Shankar narrated the story of Endhiran to him 10 years ago. He recalled the photo shoot that took place with Kamal Haasan but the project did not materialize any further. Similarly, Shah Rukh Khan also opted out of Endhiran and finally Rajinikanth lapped it up. Sabu said that Rajini is the most apt hero to play the role.
The proud art director said that he was signed up for the venture 10 years ago. Sabu said that he had used Aluminum Composite Panels to create sets for Endhiran. These are not only cost effective but can be reused and environmentally safe. The art director added that Aluminum Composite Panels have been used in the Indian cinema before.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

After Aamir, it’s SRK with Murugadoss

It’s no more U-turn for Murugadoss. Sweeping success overnight with his ‘Ghajini’, the auteur happens to be the ducky lad for Superstars of Bollywood. Earlier, Murugadoss had stated about making couple of Tamil flicks and then getting back into the Hindi Film Industry.

Perhaps, the scenario is different now as King Khan doesn’t wanna let his best opportunity of teaming up with this stupendous filmmaker slip off. Sources from Red Chillies Entertainment have revealed that SRK and Murugadoss would be catching for their script discussions.

And if buzzes are believed to be true, one of the scripts that would be presented to SRK was actually penned for Surya. Well, Shah Rukh Khan and Murugadoss are so keen on gearing up for the genre of ‘Romance’. So, who’s gonna produce this film?

Would it Shah Rukh himself or Yash Raj Productions known for churning out best poignant love stories in the past?

Let’s wait and watch.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Ghajini rakes in big money

After Shah Rukh Khan's successful run with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, it is Aamir Khan who is bringing in all the earnings for Bollywood this year with Ghajini raking in Rs 40 crore in the first four days of its inauguration.

This means, Rab Ne and Ghajini together are likely to contribute over 20 percent to the overall box office collections of top 50 Hindi films released in 2008. Trade pundits estimate that 2008 will now generate Rs 900 crore to Rs 1,000 crore, or about 15 percent more than last year's collections.

Before the release of both Rab Ne and Ghajini, box office collections of top 50 Bollywood films was estimated at Rs 700 crore, about Rs 150 crore short of the collections of 2007 films, say trade experts.

Now the Aamir-starrer remake of Tamil film by the same name, Ghajini, is pegged to generate about Rs 100 crore within three weeks of its release on December 25, while Shah Rukh's Rab Ne has already crossed collections of Rs 100 crore, including those from the overseas market.

A scene from Ghajini"I do not expect any significant dip in the weekday's collections of Ghajini. The box office report is overwhelming," Aamir Khan said on a television channel on Sunday.

According to a Mumbai-based trade analyst, Rab Ne has already generated profits of Rs 35 crore for Yash Raj Films, while Ghajini will do the same for its producers Geetha Arts and its Indian distributors.

Earlier this month, leading box office analysts, including Komal Nahta and Taran Adarsh, had told Business Standard how these two films were most likely to bring back audiences to the theatres after the Mumbai terror attacks [Images] at the end of November.

"The weekend shows were mostly booked well in advance in our Mumbai and Delhi-NCR multiplexes. We expect a similar response the second weekend," a senior marketing executive of a leading multiplex chain said.

In January, the focus will shift from Aamir and Shah Rukh to Akshay Kumar , who will be starring in Chandni Chowk to China another awaited film.

Courtesy: rediff.com

Aamir’s BIG Thank You for Ghajini team

With Aamir Khan one is always sure that he truely gives credit where it deserves. In a very emotional display of gratitude, Aamir has updated his blog thanking each and every crew member who made Ghajini what it is.

Aamir states, “At this time, irrespective of the fate of the film, I want to acknowledge and introduce to you the various people who have worked behind the scenes on this film. The presenter Arvind Garu, who has been a great support to the entire team and has had complete faith in Murgadoss and his abilities. Also a man of great wisdom and maturity. Both Tagore Madhu and Madhu Mantena who have worked tirelessly to bring the film onto screen in the best possible way. Each with their individual strengths have been the best producers that this film could have ever asked for or got. Ravi K Chandran who has taken the film to another level with his visual excellence. Rasul who has impressed me the most with his amazing sound design. He has been among the most committed technicians I have ever worked with. The kind of detail and layering I have seen him get into is truly heartwarming, and the pains he has taken to satisfy the director are inspiring for any film person. Anthony who has truly astounded me with his editing abilities and has been a learning experience to work with. Peter Hines who has shocked me with his mad energy and acute understanding of the character and situation when he is composing for action. Stunt Shiva, who stepped in when Peter was unable to be with us because of the change in schedule because of my injury, worked with an enthusiasm unseen in clash work. Sunil, who quietly and tirelessly went about his work in Production Design to give the film the unique look that it requires. Arjun and Avan who has never failed to satisfy me in my endeavor to look the character. Rahul Nanda, who has managed to capture the pain and romance of the film in one single image. Anup Dev, who has patiently and with a lot of care given the final touches to the film. Piyush Misra, who handled the tough job of adapting the dialogues into Hindi. Nabeel Abbas, whose advice into the promotions and marketing of the film as a consultant were extremely helpful. Shilpa and Prabhat, who are extremely insightful and acute with their expertise in promotion have taken the film to the heights that it deserves. Priti and Aman, whose marketing abilities have given the film the scale and depth that it deserves. And lastly and most importantly Murugadoss. To make a film is very difficult, to make a film which connects with the audience is even more difficult, and to REMAKE a film which has connected big time with an audience with the same enthusiasm is most rare. Working with fresh enthusiasm, crystal clear thinking and an almost childlike excitement Murugadoss has breathed like into the film. He is an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with. How much I have learnt from him.

At the risk of sounding very presumptuous and patronizing I humbly thank all of you for the great time you gave me.”

One can remember Shah Rukh Khan distributing big gifts to his entire Red Chillies Team that worked on his home production, Om Shanti Om and made it the biggest success of 2007. It remains to be see whether Aamir will do the same as Ghajini looks all set to leave OSO far behind in terms of both popularity and business!

Courtesy: realbollywood.com

‘Ghajini’ crash lands into trouble as ‘Rab Ne…’ seizes multiplexes!

All this while it emerged as if the true patriot Aamir Khan was stalling his much-anticipated flick Ghajini’s release, sapped by the Mumbai terror attack. But, looks like that’s not the case. Apparently, the Shah Rukh Khan starrer flick ‘Rab Ne Banadi Jodi’ has grabbed the maximum number of screens in the multiplexes, giving some tough competition to ‘Ghajini’ even in the second week of its release.

A source reveals, " ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ is releasing on December 12 in a record number of screens across India. The trial show that Aditya Chopra specially held for his all India distributors on December 7 yielded an extremely positive response and the film looks all set to become a super hit. But all this has led to a clash between the distributors of RNBDJ and those of Aamir Khan starrer ‘Ghajini’ which is to release on December 25, Thursday. ‘Rab Ne…’ distributors are in no mood to have a 13 day week to give way for ‘Ghajini’ even in single screens. The producer has grabbed maximum number of screens in multiplexes and is demanding almost equal shows in the second week as well for most of their biggies and has already spoken to the multiplexes and single screen owners, hereby fixing a two-week run having maximum shows."

Now, Aamir, has some tough fight to deal with. His much awaited Christmas release was undoubtedly going to be the audiences Christmas choice. But it seems that now people would have to opt for SRK’s ‘Rab Ne..’ instead.

Even is Aamir is stanch at releasing the movie on the same date, the movie will have to do so with late night paid review show in only a few selected multiplexes or rather hold back to only three-four shows on Christmas and gather more the following day.

Now, we leave the rest to Aamir. And, with his ‘perfectionist’ inputs the organisers are sure to come out with a productive date.

Courtesy: zeenews.com

Murgadoss woos King Khan!

For Murgadoss, his Hindi version of Ghajini has almost been an obsessive love affair for the last two years. Finally, his poem of love is getting ready for release on Christmas.

Rumour has it that while shooting the film, he became enamoured by the Bollywood way of filmmaking and in due course, become a fan of Aamir Khan and cinematographer Ravi K Chandran. Meanwhile, he was supposed to start his next film with Surya, which has now been postponed indefinitely due to various reasons. It is learnt that Murgadoss wants to migrate to Bollywood and concentrate only on Hindi films.

If Ghajini clicks at the box-office, the director will make it big in Hindi commercial cinema. As per our sources, Murgadoss had an explosive script for his project with Surya. Now that the project is not happening in Tamil, he wants to do it with SRK.

The buzz is that people from Red Chillies, Shah Rukh’s home production, have met the director and asked him for a script narration in the first week of January (probably after getting Ghajini’s box-office results!). Asin has promised priority tatkal dates for his next film if SRK is the hero.

As per our sources, Ravi K Chandran, a SRK loyalist (doing back to back films with him like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Karan Johar’s My Name is Khan) has recommended Murgadoss for the project.

Courtesy: indiatimes.com

Shahrukh up in arms against Robot

Shahrukh Khan had initially planned to produce and act in Shankar’s Robot. But this plan did not take off and the offer finally landed on superstar Rajinikanth. With the film being made in Tamil, the director decided to opt for a name change to get the tax sops announced by the Tamil Nadu government for films with Tamil names. It is now believed that Robot will be rechristened Yenthram.

Meanwhile, Shahrukh’s production house Red Chilies has created a stir in the film industry by registering about nine names that have the word Robot in it. Director Shankar had plans to simultaneously make it in Hindi because Ashwarya Rai-Bachchan plays the female lead. With Shah Rukh’s title registering act Robot in Hindi could suffer a major blow. Wonder what the star is up to!

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Aamir Khan set to do a ‘dare bare’ act for Ghajini

Salman Khan has mastered it, Shah Rukh Khan too left us all in awe and now the third czar of Bollywood, Mr Perfectionist Aamir Khan is gearing up to reveal his secret as he gets set to bare and expose those much talked about six packed abs in his upcoming flick Ghajini.

After months of sweating out and running down the treadmill, Aamir is said to be doing a SRK for his Ghajini, a remake of the Tamil super hit.


And it’s not just the dare bare act that the actor is looking forward to. According to Spicezee sources the actor is said to be playing his favourite role again - of a ghost director - and is giving his expert opinions on various aspects of the film. It’s even learned that the actor will be seen performing some jaw drooping stunts.

Hmm… looks like Aamir is not just changing his looks but is going for an entire personality overhaul.

Courtesy: zeenews.com

'Yuvraaj' on 21st November

The Christmas week only got more exciting with GHAJINI and ALLADIN getting confirmed for 25th December release. Both, Studio 18 [GHAJINI] and Eros [ALLADIN] have confirmed the dates to this writer. Now, YUVRAAJ is also confirmed.

Initially slated for release on 24th October, Subhash Ghai's big-budget multi-starrer is now confirmed for 21st November. "We've locked this date for YUVRAAJ," Sunil Lulla of Eros confirmed to this writer. Meanwhile, Nagesh Kukunoor's AASHAYEIN is also arriving on this date [21st Nov.].

Himesh Reshammiya's second release KARZZZZ, which was to arrive on 26th December, is now back to October: 17th October, to be precise. KARZZZZ will compete with FASHION and EMI on this date.

Meanwhile, Salman and Shah Rukh will clash on 10th October. Before you jump to conclusions, its Salman's HELLO and the Vinay Pathak starrer called SRK.

CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA is still uncertain about the release date. "We will take a decision in a week or two," producer Mukesh Talreja tells me.

Courtesy: indiafm.com

It's Ghajini versus Alladin

The release date of Ghajini has been shifted yet again. Initially slated for October 2, the Aamir Khan starrer was shifted to November 28, a fortnight ago. But the release has been shifted yet again and this time, the date seems to be finalised, December 25, on Christmas Day.

Last year, Aamir's directorial debut Taare Zameen Par was released within the Christmas week (December 21) and now, Ghajini is set to follow suit.

Meanwhile, a screening of Ghajini was held a few days ago and those who watched the film couldn't control their excitement while discussing the movie with this writer.

Meanwhile, Sujoy Ghosh's Alladin has also been confirmed for the Christmas week. Accompanying it will be Aditya Chopra's SRK-starrer Rab Ne Bana Di JOdi arriving on December 12. The final month of 2008 will be one month to look forward to.


Courtesy: sify.com

Oscar Ravi plans film with SRK and Jackie Chan

Oscar Ravichandran, who had produced great blockbusters like ‘Tagore, Aparichitudu and Dasavataram’ planned another sensational film. The film has Bollywood Badshah Sharukh Khan and Hollywood Star Jackie Chan in the lead roles and it would be directed by none other than KS Ravikumar, who had brought out a great film like ‘Dasavataram’. The film had almost completed the story sittings and is likely to go to sets on August 8. The producer is planning to release the film across the globe by dubbing in almost all languages in the world. AR Rahman is being convinced to score music for the movie.
Courtesy: nonstopcinema.com/

Baadshah scared of Superstar!

Rajinikanth starrer Kuselan is all set for release world over on August 15th. Looking at the unexpectedly crazy response Rajini's last film Shivaji got at the box office all over India even from non-Tamil speaking audience, the makers of Kuselan had decided upon releasing it in its Hindi dubbed version simultaneously. But now it seems like the Baadshah is afraid of the Emperor!

Both Kuselan and Shahrukh Khan produced and starring Billoo Barber directed by Priyadarshan are remakes of Malayalam hit film Katha Parayumbol which had Mammootty in the lead. The story lines of both are exactly the same to that of the original. Both the Hindi and Tamil remakes feature a song where in the lead stars (Ranjii and Shahrukh) appear in 20 various looks. If Kuselan releases in Hindi first, there will be no novelty left for Billoo Barber at all amongst the audiences.



A source tells us, "While Shahrukh was confident that he would be able to wrap up his film before Rajinikanth's Tamil version, he was in for a not so pleasant surprise when he came to know that the Rajini film is not only over but is due for a release in August and that too with its Hindi dubbed version. Shahrukh had already planned a grand Diwali release for his film. But now with the Rajini film coming up much before Diwali he was in for a shock. He then used all his good relations with Rajini (they had met last in Delhi for a news channel's award show) and called him up requesting him to postpone the release of his Hindi version. Rajini obliged and now the film shall only release in Tamil and Telugu all over the world. The Hindi dubbed version will definitely release too but post Diwali."

Rajini's Shivaji (2007) is being dubbed in Hindi and is all set for a September end release. The makers of Shivaji have even shot a song with Rajini where he will imitate Bollywood legendary yesteryears heroes.

Courtesy: oneindia.in

Aamir Khan's 'Ghajini' on track for year end release

After having made a complete recovery from his hamstring injury, Aamir Khan has been busy filming for A.R. Murugadoss directed 'Ghajini', which is now on track for a year end release.

"The movie will release this year end as planned, and will not release along side Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi as reported in the media. The exact date will be announced soon," Sirish Allu of Geetha Arts told Sawf News.

Aditya Chopra directed Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, featuring Shah Rukh Khan and newcomer Anushka Sharma is slotted for release on December 12.

Asin. Photo Credit: Sawf News

"[Amir's] last day of shooting for the film is on the 27th of July. After that just two solo songs featuring Asin and Jiah Khan are to be shot," Sirish adds.

What that means for a lot of Aamir fans is that he will not be supporting his buzz cut for much longer now!

The eagerly awaited film is a remake of the similarly named Tamil film, also directed by Murugadoss. Aamir plays a distraught boyfriend suffering from short-term amnesia who is called upon to avenge his girlfriend's murder.

Jiah Khan. Photo Credit: IANS

Aamir is romantically paired in the film with south actress Asin and Jiah Khan plays his college going sister.

The film is reported to have already been sold for a whopping Rs 93 crore - Rs 53 crore for the domestic screening and Rs 40 crore for satellite, overseas and home video rights. In comparison Om Shanti Om had fetched a record Rs 73 crore.

Courtesy: sawf.org

YUVRAAJ postponed; BILLOO BARBER on 30th October

The second half of 2008 has started off with a bang and the trade as well as the industry is ecstatic with the big success of Aamir Khan's JAANE TU...YA JAANE NA, though one does feel sad for Harry Baweja's LOVE STORY 2050.

Moving on, just last week we had told you about the release plans of one of the most awaited projects of the second half, Aamir Khan's GHAJINI (November 28th). And here are the exclusive schedules of three other highly awaited and anticipated projects of the year's concluding half.

As per our trade and distribution sources, Subhash Ghai has postponed his Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Zayed Khan and Katrina Kaif starrer, YUVRAAJ from its earlier announced date of October 24th. The new release date will be announced later. Meanwhile Shah Rukh Khan's next release (in a substantial role), Priyadarshan's BILLOO BARBER, which features Irrfan Khan in the title role, has now been finalized for an October 30th (just after Diwali) worldwide release. And the third movie that sees a change in its plans is Nikhil Advani's Akshay Kumar-Deepika Padukone starrer, CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA TOWN, which has been preponed from its scheduled release date of October 29th and will instead hit the screens on October 24.

Before we leave, the usual disclaimer, release dates can change even at the eleventh hour!

Courtesy: glamsham.com

Aamir Khan's Ghajini release postponed to 28 November

The release of Aamir Khan-starrer Ghajini, which was earlier scheduled for 2 October during Eid, has now been postponed to 28 November.

The shooting of the film got delayed by three weeks due to Khan's hamstring injury post which he was unable to shoot.

As of now, no other big movie is scheduled to release on the same day. Two weeks after 28 November, Yash Raj Films' Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi directed by Aditya Chopra will release theatrically on 12 December.

Ghajini is being distributed in India by The Indian Film Company- Studio 18 and in the overseas by Adlabs.

Courtesy:businessofcinema.com

Aamir Khan gets candid

Aamir Khan in an exclusive chat with NDTV speaks about his blog, Shah Rukh Khan, Big B and his reasons for boycotting the awards.

NDTV: Aamir you are always juggling many things. The bald look of yours is for your new film Ghajini. You are also releasing you nephew's film and you are also getting into all kind of trouble on your blog. What is with all of you and your blog, I mean it seems to be madness for controversy.


Aamir Khan: Well, I think you guys will be able to answer that better. For me it's just a space, which I use to interact with my fans and share with them thoughts that I have.

NDTV: But what happened with this whole Shah Rukh thing?

Aamir: Well I think it was a post that I mailed which was in good humour or what I believe is good humour and certainly what Shah Rukh believes is good humour.

NDTV: But wasn't that anecdote true that you were at a hill station with a dog called Shah Rukh.

Aamir: No that's my house actually.

NDTV: Oh sorry!I beg you pardon your house in Panchgani.

Aamir: Yeah it is true, because Shah Rukh was actually shooting in that house. And apparently the day he was shooting the caretakers had a pup and because they are such big fans of Shah Rukh that they called the dog Shah Rukh. So it's entirely true.

NDTV: But when you were feeding Shah Rukh and you were petting him and all of that.

Aamir: The dog, not the actor.

NDTV: The dog yes. You obviously were doing this good humourly but did you think that this could have been misinterpreted or where he would have got upset.

Aamir: No certainly not, I mean Shah Rukh and I share a great relationship. In fact I am glad the kind of relationship we have we can have the comfort and freedom of you know joking about each other and he does that often on public platforms. I enjoy the jokes he does on me and I have absolutely have no problems with that.

NDTV: What's your favourite Shah Rukh joke on Aamir do you remember any?

Aamir: Well there are so many, I don't remember ya.

NDTV: Well what happened after this? Did you call him or did you have a communication over this whole dog thing?

Aamir: Well we did speak about this few weeks later actually when I called him to invite him for the premiere of Jaane Tu and both of us laughed about it and it wasn't any issue for both of us.

NDTV: But if you share a good relationship, it is not a very public relationship. Your public persona we have always talked about this, are so diametrically different. It's just, what is it? Is it a kind of a mutual respect? Or more than that is there some kind of a friendship there?

Aamir: We do not meet that often because he is busy in his career but whenever we do meet there is a lot of fondness, there is respect and regard that we have for each other.

NDTV: What do you make of Shah Rukh's school of acting? Shah Rukh, the 20-20 of acting and you are like the test match.

Aamir: No I don't think so, I think....

NDTV: You are a cricket fan hence I am.

Aamir: I think the lengths of our films barring Lagaan are pretty much the same so I don't think the length is different.

NDTV: No, I am talking in terms of approach.

Aamir: Even in terms of approach, I think the approach is dependent on the kind of material I am addressing. So, the kind of material that is there is in front of me that's the way I approach it. For me everything is dictated by the script that we are trying to achieve. I think Shah Rukh is a very good actor, extremely charming. He has given us some great films, I have loved him in Kuch kuch Hota Hai. I have loved him in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge.

NDTV: Chak De did you see that?

Aamir: I haven't but I have heard only good things about it.

NDTV: But you have never thought of working together?

Aamir: Well we have thought of it, Raj Kumar Santoshi had offered us a film but eventually that didn't work out. I am sure if something comes up which excites both of us we would love to do it.

NDTV: Will that ever be possible, You and Shah Rukh in a film together?

Aamir: Ya, why not?

NDTV: What would that film be like? I mean it would be fascinating watching both of you all together.

Aamir: Well certainly it would be a script that both of us are excited about because that's the way I work and I am assuming that's the way he works.

NDTV: Are there any egos coming in the middle or anything?

Aamir: I don't think so? Well Shah Rukh and I have worked together, a tour of live shows in the US and the UK together. We had a very comfortable working relationship. We would help each other in our entries. So, I think by the end of the day we both are team players and if we are working for a film and that's what's important.

NDTV: So, who's no 1, you or Shah Rukh?

Aamir: You tell me that.

NDTV: Well recently you said it was you.

Aamir: No, it was just a joke. I think he is an extremely popular actor and a very big star and so am I. So, both of us have are own places.

NDTV: What happened with you and Mr Bachchan, do you think that again went a little out of hand with your comments on Black.

Aamir: Well, I have the highest regards for Mr Bachchan, what I said about the film was what I genuinely felt.

NDTV: You said you felt as though were watching Taming of the Shrew that's quite strong Aamir.

Aamir: Well I didn't like the film I have to say and if I upset him in any way them I am extremely apologetic about that because that is not my intention. I would in fact express the same thing to him.

NDTV: You had a problem with the film because of the way the children were potrayed or it was generally over the top. Because that's the expression you used if you found it over the top.

Aamir: I think you should read my blog about this. You will exactly know what I felt about. I don't think I would like to repeat myself on this because I really said what I had to. And if you really want to know you should really read my blog.

NDTV: But you have made your peace with Mr Bachchan because you said you have immense regards for him. But tell me you have also said that when you were responding to his perceived sense of, that he was always along with Dilip Kumar people whom you have always looked up to and you have always been influenced by.

Aamir: That's true, I think as an audience I am really a big fan of Amit ji and Dilip Kumar and both of them are one of the best actors Indian cinema has produced.

NDTV: But you like so many others entering the industry, there is always this Banyan tree, it's almost like the influence of these two virtually tended to define the films were made for the whole period in the 80's and 90's.Saif was actually telling me this in an interview, he said that one of the reasons why these films are so disastrous is because everyone was either trying to be like Amitabh Bachchan or talk like Amitabh Bachachan. Was that something that you ever faced?

Aamir: Well not personally, Amitabhji and Dilip Kumar had a huge influence on generations of actors and perhaps do in fact.

NDTV: But not you personally?

Aamir: Not me personally, I have tried to.

NDTV: To evolve Amir Khan's school of acting.

Aamir: Not really, to put it that way. I have tried to be as honest as possible with each script that I have been offered and each character that I have been offered and my attempt is to play the character as honestly as possible. And I have tried to stay away from one particular style of acting even for myself. So, I am sure that there would be a certain degree of influence on me perhaps me even not realising it.

NDTV: Ya, probably like a subliminal thing.

Aamir: Sure, I think I can well imagine that.

NDTV: When you say you try to do different films and try to do the best that you can one with you would always go a step forward because you are either always directly directing or ghost directing these films. The reputation doesn't leave you Aamir.

Aamir: Well, I think that's primarily because of you guys.

NDTV: I don't think so.. even with Taare Zameen Par.

Aamir: I didn't ghost direct the film, I directed the film.

NDTV: You directed it but that was in the initial plan and the initial plan wasn't.

Aamir: Certainly it wasn't, in fact that should indicate to everyone that if I was happy about ghost directing then I would have done that in Taare Zameen Par. But I don't think that's a kind of person I am and I think I have been very fortunate to have worked with extremely talented directors.

NDTV: Directors do tend to get intimidated by you ,and many of them say that they refine you and you micro managing stuff, that continues to define your school of acting and just film producing.

Aamir: No, I think, for me the director is the most important person and it's his vision that we all have to follow.

NDTV: Are you being diplomatic here?

Aamir: No, I am not.

NDTV: That's not the reputation you have, I mean again Ram Gopal Verma, we were interviewing him recently whether he would like to work with you, he would love to. But he just fears that you would have your fixed ways of doing things and he wouldn't know of how it would work with him.

Aamir: Well that's entirely his prerogative, what can I say about that but I have had a very good relationship with most of my directors. May be you should come and see how I work on sets some day.

NDTV: Right, that's probably the best way to decide about oneself. Do you feel that you have learnt to let go a little or are you saying that reputation that you had was never there in the first place?

Aamir: I am saying that it was never there in the first place, it's entirely untrue.

NDTV: Aamir I want to ask you about something else, about the media. At some point of time you called the media I can't remember the exact phrase but it was almost like what Tony Blair used that media is like a serial beast. You still feel strongly about it still as you felt earlier?

Aamir: I think so, I don't think I have changed my opinion in that sense but I have also come to understand that like in the film world similarly in other walks of life including the media you have different kind of people, you have different kind of reporting you have different kind of reporters. Ya.

NDTV: You still feel that media has become it has become a tabloid.

Aamir: It still is a tabloid. I thin it is extremely sensational. I think what becomes headline is sometimes a personal story about somebody. I don't think that this opinion is limited to me that is what most people who watch TV think.. . I haven't seen any dramatic change in the last two years.

NDTV: You got caught in a tabloid that there was a rumoured split between you and Kiran. Was it upsetting?

Aamir: No not at all, it was not upseting because there was no truth in it.

NDTV: So when was for you personally the worst time?

Aamir: For me the worst time was when media was reporting in such an irresponsible way about my brother. That was the worst time for me.

NDTV: Aamir what about film awards?

Aamir: What about them?

NDTV: Exactly, you continue to treat film awards with utter this days. Even though you keep winning them.

Aamir: I don't know whether you know that I have just been given an award by the Dinanath Mangeshkar trust, which I was very happy to receive.

NDTV: I know that.

Aamir: So, it's not that I am against awards.

NDTV: But you are against certain kinds of awards. Your are against the Filmfare and the Stardust schools of awards and that is you continue to feel that despite that everything is changing in the film Industry. They are attempting to proffessionlise and modernize, you feel that this awards still tend to be.

Aamir: Yes.

NDTV: I don't know for what to a better word lacking credibility.

Aamir: Well, I personally don't have any value for them at this point of time and if things changes I'll be happy two change my opinion.

NDTV: What is your fundamental problem with film awards, what do you think is fundamentally wrong with them.

Aamir: I think that in my opinion most of it doesn't reflect quality work that's my problem with it.

NDTV: What do you think then gets recognized instead or it's just about presence.

Aamir: I think sometimes I feel perhaps may be as a community, as Indians, perhaps we are the kind of people we tend to connect more with the person than with his work. I find that we don't have the ability to detach ourselves from the person.

NDTV: The star overwhelms the films sometimes.

Aamir: The personality it could be a star, producer or director overwhelms. It could be any one the director the producer. So typically if I was to see you as a person when I am talking about your film what I am feeling towards your film as well.

NDTV: That with medium like films it is very very personality based.

Aamir: Ya, but what I am trying to say is different I think that when your appreciating someone's good work then what the emphasis should be is on the work and not on the person. So, the way I would like to see things happening is that work is good and you don't say who has done it. This is the work we are appreciating.

NDTV: That is not what is happening.

Aamir: I don't think so in my opinion.

NDTV: The funny thing is that you don't go to these awards but you keep winning them.

Aamir: Weel it really hads not value for me.

NDTV: That's quite a tough stand that you have taken.

Aamir: It is not tough for me, if I was to value them then I would be happy to go there. I don't need anybody. In fact I have been given an award by ther Golapuri organisation, which is Chennai based and they give only one award, which is for best first time director for films made across the country. I am happy to have been selected as the person and I will be there to accept it. If I have value for it then I am happy for my work to be recgnised. And for me the most imp people are the audience for whom I am making the film. That is the first thing.

NDTV: Shatrughan Sinha said that IIFA awards were Baap, bahu, beti affairs. Do you agree with it?

Aamir: I will comment on this because I think that I have high regard for Amit ji and I know he is closely involved with that organization.

NDTV: Just in conclusion, one of the things about acting is obviously that it has a kind of finite scope as far as age is concerned and you sort of change roles and in India there is always a perception that actors somehow tend to extend that concept. Are you careful of that. Are you conscious of that you know will you be chasing a heroine half your age at 50.

Aamir I would love to do that.

Courtesy: ndtvmovies.com

Friend or foe, Aamir Khan invites all to 'Jaane Tu' premiere

The premiere of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is going to be a star-studded affair with the who’s who of Bollywood in attendance.

Aamir Khan is leaving not a single stone unturned to give a grand launch to his nephew Imran Khan via his home production ‘Jaane Tu’, co-starring Genelia D'Souza .

Not only has the star invited his friends and fierce competitors from the film industry, he has also extended an olive branch, along with the invitation, to the people he hasn’t gotten along with for years – and one of them is Ram Gopal Varma .


Aamir and Ramu had fallout during the making of their hit film Rangeela and never reconciled thereafter. Years passed but the chill in their relation never thawed. Until recently, when Aamir – presently in a happy phase of his life – decided to let bygones by bygone and invited Ramu to the premiere of ‘Jaane Tu’. Ramu has reciprocated Aamir’s gesture in the same spirit and accepted the invitation. The filmmaker says ‘come rain or high water’ (as is the case in Mumbai these days) he will attend the function.

A source from the industry says Aamir has also invited the Bhatts ( Mahesh Bhatt , in particular) with whom he had huge creative differences during the making of ‘Ghulam’.

And on Monday, Aamir dropped by on the sets of Yuvraaj at Filmistan Studios to invite filmmaker Subhash Ghai and Salman Khan .

Among the people on Aamir’s guest list for the premiere are: Amitabh Bachchan (including family), Shahrukh Khan , Salman Khan, Akshaye Khanna , Rajkumar Hirani , Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Kunal Kohli .

On the other hand, the Bawejas are holding the premiere of their big movie Love Story 2050 in London. The film, introducing Harman Baweja , will release on July 4 but will have special sneak peek screenings at multiplexes beginning Thursday night.

Courtesy: apunkachoice.com