Amisha Patel , Aftab upset with PNC

Amisha Patel and Aftab Shivdasani registered a complaint against Pritish Nandy Communications Pvt. Ltd at the Cine and TV

Artistes Association (CINTAA) for not paying their dues for the film Ankahee released in May 2006. Both the actors had agreed to be a part of the film because of being close to the film’s director, Vikram Bhatt.A source says, "The actors were paid a nominal amount out of their promised price for Ankahee. But after the film released and flopped, the producers showed no signs of paying both Aftab and Amisha their remaining dues."The source adds, "Since they got no response from PNC for all this while, they registered a complaint with CINTAA and CINTAA officials have now forwarded this complaint to their apex association, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). But despite constant notices being sent by FWICE to PNC, they have not responded. Now, FWICE has threatened PNC with an industry ban if they don’t settle both the actors’ dues."

When contacted, producer Rangita Nandy of PNC refused to comment on the issue and even Amisha and Aftab did not say anything.

Big B puts Raj at ease for role in RGV’s flick

Debutante Prashant Raj was petrified while shooting for Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag recently. The model-turned-actor narrates his unforgettable incident. "While shooting for Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, there was scene which required me to stand on a 35 feet rock mouthing lengthy dialogue. When I saw the rock, I was thrilled and thought it would be fun standing on top. But when I went up and stood on the rock mouthing my dialogue, I realised that the wind was rough and it was rather scary. Just a little slip or push and I would have been down in the valley. I just forgot about the thrill and somehow managed to give my shot,"

he explains.The shot was akin to the famous scene from Sholay where Prashant had to go to Babban’s (Big B) den to rescue Heroo (Ajay Devgan) and Ghungroo (Nisha Kothari).Prashant plays Amitabh Bachchan’s character, Jai. "I am a serious character in the film. I have a very rough look and wear

jeans and a stud in the ear. I have two metal balls, which I use as a weapon, unlike Sholay where Bachchan uses a coin. I also wear a neck piece," he shares. He adds, "When I met Big B for the first time on the film’s sets, he gave me a big warm hug and made me feel very comfortable. This helped me overcome my inhibitions of playing his famous character in front of him in this film. I had great fun shooting for it."When asked if he is prepared for the comparison that is bound to follow once the film releases Prashant says, "I can’t escape from it. But I just feel that if the audiences go with an open mind, they will definitely enjoy the flavour RGV has added to my role and the entire film."

IFL, Sohail to make two films together

After getting the rights for Imtiaz Ali’s much talked about project Jab We Met starring Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapur, the Indian Film Company (IFC) has signed a deal with Sohail Khan to produce two films including a film with director David Dhawan and the cast of Partner. Both the films will have Salman Khan in the lead.

The second film is tentatively titled Mr and Mrs Khanna and it will cast Salman and Lara Dutta in the lead. It is scheduled to go on the floors in November 2007, and the pre-production work is on.Sohail says, "Both our films are exciting projects of our company. We have been overwhelmed by the commercial success of Partner, and are focused on delivering entertaining content. We are very happy to be associated with IFC for both these films."Sohail Khan Productions was launched in 1998 with one of the biggest hit films of that year, Pyar Kiya to Darna Kya, starring Salman Khan and Kajol. Their subsequent film Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya was also a success in 2005.

Sandeep Bhargava of IFC says that company is keen to associate with top-of-the-line motion picture projects. "Partner is called the biggest hit of 2007 so far, and the next film, with the same winning combination, is already making waves in trade circles. Salman has a great track record of successful films and we are very happy to undertake two exciting projects with
him. We are looking to associate with Sohail Khan Productions for more promising projects in the near future."

Gulzar & Ghai to crown Yuvraj

In what is a first, the inimitable Gulzar teams up with Subhash Ghai for his new directorial venture Main Yuvraj. The lyricist says the filmmaker has the skill to extract the best out of his lyricists and music composers. “I’ve always admired Subhash’s music sense. He is capable of bringing the best out of his lyricists and music composers,” Gulzar said. “Look at what he achieved with A.R. Rahman in Taal. Since Rahman is composing the music for Main Yuvraj, we should be able to come up with interesting results,” added Gulzar whose Bidee and Kajra Re topped the charts. Earlier, Rahman and Gulzar worked together in Mani Ratnam’s Dil Se and Guru.

“We were also collaborating on Lajjo, which is off at the moment. Doing a score for Subhash is very different from doing it for Mani. It’s a different direction and discipline,” Gulzar explained. From Mehke Huey Se Khwab in the 1970s, to the Mint Ki Goli lyrical allusions in his most recent soundtrack Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, the poet-extraordinaire has been re-inventing himself constantly. Gulzar has also composed music for Amol Palekar’s childrens’ film Dumkatta. “I’ve worked with Amol before in Paheli. Composing for a childrens’ film is an entirely different experience,” he said. Between Ghai and Palekar, Gulzar has his hands completely full. He will finally be directing another film soon.

Indian film company gets global rights of Ali’s flick

The Indian Film Company has acquired the global rights for Imtiaz Ali’s forthcoming untitled venture. The film, a musical romantic comedy set in North India, starring Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor, is slated for release in October this year. Acclaimed music director Pritam, has composed the score for the film. The title of the film is being chosen through a consumer contest and will be revealed by the end of this week. The Indian Film Company has now theatrical, home video, music a d satellite rights of the film and has assigned distribution of the said rights to Studio 18. The film is being produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd. Sandeep Bhargava, the adviser to the board of the Indian Film Company says, “Imtiaz’s film shows a lot of promise and with our distribution expertise combined with Shree Ashtavinayak’s tremendous marketing strength, we would be able to make our investment very lucrative.”

Upen has his kitty full of films

Upen Patel has been signed to play the parallel lead with Govinda in choreographer-turned-director Ganesh Acharya’s forthcoming venture Money Hai To Honey Hai. The film is a light-hearted comedy which also stars Irrfan Khan in a pivotal role. The leading lady is yet to be finalised. Apart from this film, the 36 China Town actor, has signed a three-film deal with Ashtavinayak Films for Rs 1.5 crores. The first film to be directed by Neeraj Vohra will be launched in November.

The actor has also signed a three-film deal with Kumar Mangat Productions. Out of these, the actor is doing their first film One Two Three opposite Tanishaa. The film being directed by debutant Ashwin Dheer, has an ensemble cast of Paresh Rawal, Suneil Shetty, Tusshar Kapoor, Esha Deol and Sameera Reddy. The actor has also signed Abbas-Mustan’s forthcoming venture to be launched in January and director Suneel Darshan’s next film. When contacted, the Namastey London star, who is currently shooting in Goa refused to divulge the details of his films. “All I can say at the moment is that I am doing Kumar’s One Two Three. Tusshar, Esha, Tanishaa, Sameera and I are having a lot of fun,” the actor says.

“I am glad that I did films like Shakalaka Boom Boom and Namastey London. I have got the best debutant award at most of the award functions this year. What more can I ask for? I have no godfather in the industry and am still struggling to make a place for myself,” says Upen.

Madhuri’s fans await her return

She came, she conquered and left, but Madhuri Dixit Nene’s return on the silver screen is being eagerly awaited by the audience. Aaja Nachle, Yash Raj Films’ venture that is bringing her back, has come up with a spectacular promo. It begins with a shot showing Madhuri performing on a dark stage with the signature tune of Aaja Nachle playing in the background. Only her back can be seen until she turns around and flashes her mesmerising smile and the words “Madhuri is back” are flashed on screen.

The audience’s reaction to this shows how Madhuri still makes the heart of her fans go dhak dhak. To check the viewers’ response to the teaser, Madhuri’s secretary for the last 24 years, Rikku Rakeshnath actually took a round of many cinema halls, both multiplexes and single theatres on the day of the release of the promo and was left totally surprised. When asked about his secret trip, Rikku says, “I was keen to see the reactions. It has been quite some time since she left, but I realised that she is still very popular. People were clapping and whistling when she appeared in the promos. This proves that they want her back in the industry. I waited till the interval during the screening of Chak De India to find out more reactions,” he says.

We asked Rikku if Madhuri knows about the audience’s response. He shares, “I didn’t tell her about the audience’s reaction. I want her to come and see it for herself. I just told her that the promos were looking good. She was very thrilled, and is keen on the release of Aaja Nachle which is schedule for November 30.” He adds, “I do miss her here, but I am glad that she is happily settled.” Rikku worked with Madhuri since the time she entered the industry. For the initial two to three years, he worked with her for free because he liked her and had the confidence that she would make it big some day.