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.

Darshan’s role needed emotional makeover

Darshan Zariwala may not have been a popular name in Bollywood, but the actor has became a household name after he essayed the poignant role of Bapu in Anil Kapoor’s Gandhi My Father. In terms of research, the actor says he did not go through Attenborough’s Gandhi because he was not playing the father of the nation as much as the father of Harilal. He shares, "This one delves into the father-son relationship — Gandhiji’s strained relationship with his son, Harilal. His troubled relationship with his son is not a very well-known fact. I read books and went through the archival footage on Gandhiji because I had to learn to smile and walk like him. His smile reflected in his eyes. I had complete faith in my director Feroz Abbas Khan."

Darshan explains, "It was not easy to represent a man, who is revered by everyone. I lost 18 kg with proper diet and exercise and underwent immense physical and mental training. I had to also exercise to get rid of the mental baggage that I, as an actor, had accumulated over a period of time. I went for a 12-day vipassana course to Igatpuri. Yoga and meditation helped me a lot to get that calm on my face."

A name to reckon with in Gujarati theatre, Darshan has earlier done some small roles in films like Style, Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd and Guru. He also starred in Himesh Reshammiya’s Aap Kaa Surroor. "I’ve been associated with theatre for over three decades. I was in the last year of school when I started off with Gujarati plays. My mother Leela (a contemporary of Deena Pathak and Pratap Oza), was a famous actress and was one among those who formed the Gujarati theatre group, Rangbhoomi," he shares. He further explains, "Some of my cherished Gujarati plays include Hathedi Par Baat Baaki, Mulraj Mansion and Andhalo Pato. I’ve also done a Hindi play titled Uncle Samjha Karo. I ventured into English theatre in 2000. Vikram Kapadia’s Going Solo 2 won me acclaim. People still recall that brilliant piece, especially my character, Yusuf Lakdawala."

Zayed to go on Mission Istanbul

Bobby Deol, currently riding the wave of success with his lauded performance in Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and Apne, is out of Apoorva Lakhia’s Mission Istanbul. Zayed Khan has stepped into his place. "I’m happy Zayed had stepped in. I guess he brings a different mood to the role," Lakhia said. This is Lakhia’s first film with Zayed.

"I’ve seen a couple of his films. He’s young and cocky. We can play on that. He plays a young inexperienced guy in a mature world," he added. Explaining the reason behind this change in the cast, Lakhia said, "We were supposed to go on the floors on August 1 but because of Ramzan and Id the date got pushed up the result that Bobby can no longer do the project. It is sad because he was the first one I signed. The film requires 60 days in Turkey at a stretch. And I’ve to finish it by the end of November before winter sets in and the days get short and cold."

Cameraman goes missing from sets

Cameraman Mahendra Shetty, who was doing Ashtavinayak’s latest untitled venture being directed by Rohit Jugraj, has disappeared. The entire team of Ashtavinayak had gone to Indonesia for the shooting of the film. Actors Kishori Shahane, Darshan Zariwala and Kunal Khemu were present at the hotel along with the director, but when they were leaving for the shoot, they realised that the cameraman was not to be seen. As they made enquiries, they realised that no one knew about his whereabouts. They went in search of him and thought that he might return by evening, but unfortunately, the cameraman didn’t come back.

A spokesperson of Ashtavinayak Films reveals, "His camera and clothes were lying in the room. The cast and crew set out in search of him but found no details. They have registered a complaint now and are hoping they find him soon."

The director and the actors refused to comment on the whole issue. The spokesperson added, "It is a shock for all of us. We are quite worried about what happened to him, and are hoping that he returns. Meanwhile, the entire unit has left the schedule and has returned to Mumbai." The film stars Kunal Khemu opposite Tulip Joshi in the lead alongwith Oshima Sawhney who makes her debut in Pooja Bhatt’s Dhoka.

Dhaan grows on issue of farmers’ condition

Shekhar Suman has now ventured into production with his film Dhaan to be directed by Makarand Deshpande. Shekhar is passionate about his subject since it comes with a social message. Dhaan is based on the plight of the farmers in the country. "It is very ironic, our country is known as a ‘Krishi Pradhan Desh’ but farmers are dying and nobody is doing anything about it. The suicide rates are alarming, and we are treating it as just another piece of news. A certain degree of empathy is needed to connect with people and our film deals with this," says Shekhar.

He shares, "Our protagonist is confronted with a farmer who has decided to commit suicide. He feels and understands the pathos that the man experienced. He ultimately renounces the world and his family and goes out to connect with people in search of truth just as Gautam Buddha did."

When asked about the starcast, Shekhar reveals that he is playing the main protagonist, who is a detective. "Kay Kay Menon will also feature in the film. Besides me, there are two important characters, that of my wife and my secretary. My wife feels I am having an affair with the secretary. The secretary has a boyfriend who is into spiritualism, and he connects me to the spiritual world. We are looking at good names for these roles, though we don’t mind taking newcomers."

Director Makarand says that the subject hit him so much that he first turned it into a play and then decided to make a film on it. "I will do the play after the film is released. It’s an intriguing subject. The film will be a rural-urban mixture. We plan to launch it by September 15. The subject is very intense." Makarand’s film Dream Man with Kay Kay is almost complete and he plans to release it by the end of October.

Ali’s sincerity strikes Salman

Ali Larter was a constant source of laughter for Salman Khan during the shooting of Marigold. Ali had the habit of living in the persona of character, before and after the shoot. On the shooting day for a particular scene, she was very gloomy and refused to talk to anyone on sets. Salman says, “I didn’t know what happened to her — a day back she was normal, and now she was all flustered and refused to speak to me. After the day’s work I realised she was back to normal. I asked her what happened, and she said that since she had an intense shot to give, she was serious for the whole day.” He adds, “I kept laughing for the rest of the day. Each time I used to look at her, I would start laughing. But Ali was really hardworking and sincere.”

Anupam’s life to reflect in movie

Anupam Kher will soon be making a film based on the events in his own life, and act in it too. The actor-producer’s new protégé, Neeraj Pandey, who’s scripting Anupam’s second directorial venture Dosti Badi Cheez Hai, will direct the film on the actor’s eventful journey from Shimla to Bollywood with Anupam in the lead. This would be a rare Indian film where the protagonist would star in his own story.

"It won’t be so difficult for Neeraj to direct a film on my life," Anupam said. He will be seen as a dead man in Rahul Rawail’s comedy Buddha Mar Gaya. "Neeraj has a ready reference point in me. Not too many directors get to make autobiographical films starring the subject of the autobiography. Neeraj also has my long-running play Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai to refer back to," Anupam says.

There’s just one hitch. The title Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai has been registered by playwright Feroz Abbas Khan as his legal property. Shrugs Anupam, "That’s sad, because a film based on my play without the title Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai is unimaginable to me or to the thousands who have watched the play. However, we’ll give our film another title."

Interestingly Anupam won’t be the first actor to make a one-character film on his life. In 1964, Sunil Dutt made the ultra-experimental Yaadein based on his own marriage to Nargis. Would Anupam’s autobiographical film have other characters, or would it be a one-character vehicle like the play? "It will be as true to my life as the play, even if we change the title," he says.

Pooja Bhatt the Daddy’s girl tolerates no dhoka

Pooja Bhatt is back with her third film as a director, Dhoka. The actress talks passionately about her venture and also admits that she had to take help from her father Mahesh Bhatt. When asked why she felt the need for her director-father’s help, Pooja says, "I had to request him to step in since I couldn’t deal with Muzzamil Ibrahim after a certain point of time. Muzzamil comes from a traditional background having studied in an all-male environment. He had a some problems with taking orders from women. But I did put him in his place."

She adds, "My priority was the film. I could have easily replaced him, but instead, decided to discipline him. There is an unsaid rule that you should listen to seniors, especially to those who give you a break. He is new and he can’t have such an attitude. His behaviour not only offended me, but annoyed the entire unit. They said that they cannot deal with somebody who is so arrogant. But we finished the film with dignity."

She explains, "He is just starting his career and I don’t want to cause harm to him. But I asked my father to step in because he had to be reminded of his contract. I had spent 20 days of shooting and 40 days of rehearsals, so he would not dare walk out or I could sue him. I decide on my artistes, their costumes and even makeup well in advance, so that they look their best. We need to discipline people who are new or else they will not have a lasting career."

Pooja says, "My dad was present on the sets every day. Yes, I couldn’t say ‘action’ and ‘cut’ for a senior artiste like Anupam (Kher) and I requested my father to do the honours for me."

Post Dhoka, the director-actress has already planned her next venture titled Mushkil. "I will be introducing a new boy and two girls. It will be a very exciting role for the man, somewhat like John Abrahim’s role in Jism. It is about a small time boy who comes to a big city to get rich and famous. How he gets sucked in and lives the way the city forces him to, is shown in the film. But, I have not yet decided if I will be directing the film," says Pooja.

Ramu knows Fardeen best

Fardeen Khan is excited about his forthcoming venture Darling with Ram Gopal Verma. "Yes, I did my second film Jungle and now Darling is my 21st venture," he says, about his experiences with Ramu. "What’s exciting is Ramu knows me well as an actor and brings out something in me that others don’t manage to. We have a great rapport and he doesn’t cast me in any stereotypical roles. He just sees them differently and he envisions me differently too," adds Fardeen.

So what genre does Darling belong to? "Darling has a supernatural element in it. The film is a paradox between two women. The word Darling can be quite threatening at times. I can’t categorise this film in any genre — it will make you laugh and cry and it’s exciting. There is a lot of intense acting and high tension drama," he reveals.

Is the film based on Fatal Attraction, we ask. "Well the attraction is ‘fatal’ in the film," is all he’s willing to say.

"I like to work at my own pace. It’s not about being the number one or number two. I work on projects I like and the people I like to work with. I work on what makes me happy. I don’t lose sleep over it. I have been happy with the films I have done. I have tried all genres — romance, comedy and a bit of action. The characters have to appeal to me," says Fardeen.

When asked about his home production Qurbani, Fardeen says, "It’s certainly a remake of the original. We are still working on a perfect script. Puneet Sera is writing the screenplay. We have to update the action scenes since the film was made 27 years ago. Four songs have been recorded by Anand Raj Anand."

The actor now has three films on the anvil — Sajid Khan’s Hey Babyy where he plays a flamboyant millionaire playboy, Muddasir Aziz’s Dulha Mil Gaya with newcomer Ishita, and Jai and Veeru by Puneet Issar with Dia Mirza and Kunal Khemu, where he plays an undercover cop.