Bebo not invited to Agent Vinod’s promotions?

NEW DELHI: The glamour quotient was missing from an otherwise action-packed launch of upcoming film, Agent Vinod’s first look that took place on Wednesday.

Actor-producer Saif Ali Khan released the first look of the film with co-producer Dinesh Vijan and director Sriram Raghavan. 

But the film’s leading lady Kareena Kapoor was conspicuous by her absence from the event.

Kareena reportedly skipped the event and instead attended the Apsara Awards function that took place on the same day.

“Kareena had a prior commitment as she was supposed to perform at the awards ceremony. So, she was occupied the entire day rehearsing for it and gave her full attention to the ceremony,” says a source close to Kareena.

The makers of Agent Vinod, however, stayed tight-lipped about her absence but an insider from the film unit says,“Saif consciously decided he wants the film to be promoted in its true sense and does not wish to trivialise the promotion by his relationship with Kareena.

As Saif and Kareena’s presence at one stage is bound to shift focus from the movie to their personal equation and impending marriage. So, he has planned to do promotional activities separately.”

In an earlier interview, Saif had said, “I don’t want my relationship to become headlines when I want media to talk about my film, Agent Vinod.”

As the Agent should unveil the look first, therefore Saif launched the first look of the movie alone. I will unveil my character in Delhi only on the 12th of February, post Ek Main Aur Ek Tu’s release

Kareena Kapoor, actor I don’t want my relationship to become headlines when I am promoting my film and therefore want the media to talk about my film.

Actor Saif Ali Khan had said in an earlier interview.

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Barfi! turns to B-schools for help

MUMBAI: In July this year, Friday the 13th, to be precise, Ranbir Kapoor will return to the theatre. This time the Rockstar, who wowed us with Sadda Haq… will be seen playing a deaf-mute with co-star Priyanka Chopra, who plays Jhilmil, an autistic girl. The film will also mark the debut of South star Ileana D’Cruz in a parallel role.

The pre-conceived notion is that Barfi!, earlier titled Silence, is heavy on melodrama. But Ranbir is quick to dispel the misconception. Barfi!, is a fun, family film, a romantic thriller,” asserts the actor. “It’s about two dysfunctional people who bond together in the nicest of relationships, one that is sweet, touching and heart-warming.”

While Ranbir admits that he had to resort to a lot of sign language in the film given that his character, fondly called Barfi!, doesn’t have a voice, he clarifies that it won’t be difficult to interpret his lingo. “It’s more like a game of dumb charades that we play at picnics and parties. Anurag (director Anurag Basu) was very clear that he didn’t want the sign language to get too technical. It’s more about acting out and expressing through my face and hand gestures, that’s it.”

Shikha Kapur, senior vice president, marketing, UTV, endorses the fact that Barfi! is a “happy” film, primarily targeting the youth. With this in mind UTV, which produced the film is trying to enlist the support of the youth. “Last week, at Cine Pact, a city college fest, we interacted with an eclectic group of youngsters from India’s top 20 business schools who came up with some interesting ideas on how we could promote an out-of-the-box film like this,” says Shikha.

The student crowd was informed that even though Ranbir is a deaf-mute he’s not a Lachaar Bechara (object of pity) but a Chalu Chaplin. With this in mind, they were asked to come up with a marketing pitch for Barfi!,. “We’ve picked the 10 best and plan to involve them while brainstorming on promotional activities.”

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Why Karan Johar is in awe of Rishi Kapoor

MUMBAI: Filmmaker Karan Johar is all praises for veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, who has portrayed two completely opposite characters in two of his productions - Agneepath and Student Of The Year. "When you watch Agneepath and then when you watch Student Of The Year, you will see the versatility of Rishi Kapoor. You will be surprised to see that he can do two extremely different parts in the same year," the 39-year-old producer-director said here at a recent event.

While Agneepath hit theatres Thursday, Johar's directorial Student of The Year is expected to release in the middle of this year.

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