Thursday, February 2, 2012

Angela, Amy set for item outing?


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MUMBAI: Even though they are yet to hit Bollywood’s silver screen, actors Angela Jonsson and Amy Jackson have already created some buzz in tinsel-town. And the latest news is that they both have been short listed for a nautanki-style item number in the Irrfan Khan-starrer, Paan Singh Tomar.
“Angela and Amy are the frontrunners. They will be approached separately by UTV (producers) and depending on the negotiations, one of them will be finalised. Who fits the bill in terms of the song as well as the pricing, remains to be seen,” says an insider from the production house.
For the uninitiated, Angela — also known as Ranbir Kapoor’s ex-flame — has inked an exclusive deal with Salman Khan’s home production, besides another contract with producer Sajid Nadiadwala.
The Kingfisher Calendar model is expected to star opposite Salman in Sher Khan and Kick. British model Amy, on her part, is believed to be in a relationship with her Ekk Deewana Tha co-star Prateik.Apparently, the makers of the Tigmanshu Dhulia directorial are looking for a specific dance number because the film is relatively serious in nature. “Regardless of who does the song (Angela or Amy) Irrfan being part of it is unlikely. But things will be finalised in about a week’s time,” adds the insider.
When contacted, Shikha Kapur, senior vice president, UTV Motion Pictures doesn’t deny the news. She says, “Right now, we are planning what to do. A music video is an option, but it’s too early to reveal anything on the subject.”
Produced by UTV Motion Pictures, Paan Singh Tomar is based on the true story of a runner, who turns into a rebel. To release on March 2, besides Irrfan as Paan Singh Tomar, the film also stars Mahie Gill and Vipin Sharma of Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster (2011) fame.

Kareena Kapoor talks about marriage and films


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MUMBAI: Kareena Kapoor has three films with three Khans coming up over the next five months -Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu with Imran on February 10, Agent Vinod opposite Saif on March 23 and Talaash co-starring Aamir on June 10.
Quiz her on her favourite Khan and she says, “I am a huge Aamir fan and it’s an honour doing back-to-back movies with him. Imran was the biggest reason for doing Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, he’s a cool guy who, even after seven films, still looks so natural and fresh on screen. I share amazing chemistry with both these Khans, but I know that I’ll make the best ‘jodi’ (pair) with Saif in 2012.”
Agent Vinod has taken its time coming but, she points out, it’s a big-budget action movie. “We’ve finally locked on a release date. The reactions to the first poster and promo have been overwhelming,” she smiles, adding, “Saif and I look great together, I know Agent Vinod will be the film for us." Post its release, Saif and she are supposed to announce their marriage date.
A jeweller in Rajkot claims he’s got an order for a Rs. 40 lakh royal necklace for her. Kareena retorts, “From India to Pakistan to Los Angeles, everyone’s planning our wedding. It’s discussed more than the Lok Pal Bill. Imran’s the only co-star who hasn’t asked me when I’m getting married. I respect him for that, and wish others wouldn’t too. When two people are in love, it’s obvious that they’ll take the relationship forward when they think the time is right.”
Right now, she says, both their energies are focused on ensuring the best launch for their movie: “After that we’ll decide what to tell the world. I understand everyone is curious but it’s our choice. They should respect that.”
In her Valentine’s Day release, Kareena and Imran get married in a drunken stupour. “Most films end with a marriage, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu starts with one, even though my character, Riana Braganza, is not interested in getting married. She’s lost her job, is alone in Vegas, but she’s no ‘bechari’ (damsel-in-distress). Rather she’s a sunshine girl like me,” says Kareena. “Only I’m far more conservative when it comes to marriage and I will do it right.”
Soha hasn’t told us
According to a recent press report, Saif’s younger sister, Soha Ali Khan, and her steady date Kunal Khemu are getting engaged this year. The news was apparently confirmed by a ‘source’ close to the couple. Prod Kareena on the subject and she says, “I would really like to meet these ‘sources’. I have no idea about an engagement. Soha hasn’t mentioned anything to Saif or me.”

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Anil Kapoor to shoot for adult literacy


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MUMBAI: Actor-producer Anil Kapoor is extremely elated to receive an award at the Screen Actors’ Guild Awards, held in Los Angeles, USA, on Sunday evening. “I didn’t expect this, but it’s a great honour for me. I’m probably the only Indian here who has got an award. It’s one of the biggest accolades for an actor, and I’m honoured and blessed to receive my trophy,” he gushes on the phone line from LA.
“I didn’t know how I’d be able to attend the do because my schedule was really tight. I had a couple of engagements in Mumbai, and without completing them, I couldn’t have taken the flight out. But it’s all been worth it.”
The actor was to take the flight to LA on Thursday and reach on Friday. But he postponed his trip by two days as he had committed to shoot a film on adult literacy at Film City, Goregaon, on Saturday afternoon.
The film is a public interest project, helmed by director-actor-producer Farhan Akhtar. It also features actors Shabana Azmi, Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra along with Anil.
Scriptwriter-lyricist, and Farhan’s father, Javed Akhtar, has written the lyrics for the video. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have composed the track, which has been rendered by singers Alka Yagnik and Sonu Nigam. The film has just been completed and will be aired shortly on leading channels across all genres.
“It was a noble cause for which Farhan and his team had spoken to me. I felt it was a gracious way to give back to society. We’re trying to spread an important message about adult literacy through the video,” says Anil.
“Today, if we want our next generation to be educated, we have to ensure that adults understand the meaning and importance of literacy. They must value education and strive to get their kids into schools as early as possible. As celebrities or public figures, we have to make our efforts to help the society. It’s a touching video that will connect with viewers from every age group and demographic. Javed saab’s words are magical too.”