'We were treated like stars in Gujarat because of Mr Bachchan'

Vishal Bhardwaj says shooting his new film in Gujarat was a cakewalk, all thanks to the State's brand ambassador the Big B Amitabh Bachchan. In fact the shooting nearly came to a halt when Imran Khan and Anushka Sharma were unceremoniously asked to leave an important location where most of the film was shot. 

One phone call to the Big B and from him to the powers-that-be solved what could have been a critical loss of time revenue and faith for the crew of Bharadwaj's Matri Ki Bijli Ka Mandola. 

That Gujarat is turning out to be an alternate paradise for filmmakers in Mumbai is proven by the increase in the number of films being shot in the State. Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Nikhil Advani are currently shooting their new films Ram Leela and D Day, respectively, in the Kutch district of Gujarat. 

One hears Ajay Devgn and Vipul Shah are planning to buy land in Gujarat to build studios in the State. 


Could these developments denoting Bollywood's movement towards Gujarat have something to do with the Big B, Amitabh Bachchan being the ambassador for Gujarat tourism?

It has now come to light that the Big B stepped in at a very critical moment to bail Vishal out of a crisis when the filmmaker was shooting on location in Rajkot, Gujarat. 

Suddenly things started falling apart. 

Says a source very close to the project, `Vishal had a certain kind of location in mind. He needed a particular haveli for Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola. He finally found it in Rajkot. Luckily for Vishal the haveli was available for shooting. Everything was finalized. But then some suddenly, a government rule regarding relics and heritages came up, and the deal fell apart. ` 

In a panic Vishal got in touch with the Big B. 


Says our source, `Amitji and Vishal go back a long way. Vishal has been desirous of working with Amitji forever. And Amitji is a fan of Vishal's work. Vishal got in touch with Amitji about the haveli in Rajkot. One phonecall is all it took from Amitji to get the haveli back into Vishal's shooting schedule. Vishal owes Amitji a big favour. If it wasn't for that haveli in Rajkot Vishal's film would have been stuck. ` 

Vishal Bhardwaj confirms, `Yes, Mr Bachchan got us permission to shoot in the haveli. And not just that, the permissiom to shoot in Gujarat was obtained by him. Because of him we were treated like stars in Gujarat. ` 

While this incident has definitely brought the Big B and the enterprising Bharadwaj together we also hear that the two are most certainly getting together for a movie next year.

Daddy wants to make Sonam 'Khoobsurat'

A birdie chirps to say that Anil Kapoor is planning to remake the yesteryear flick 'Khoobsurat' 


The film starred Rekha in a pivotal role. Buzz is that he is keen to cast beti Sonam in Rekha's role. Hmmm... 

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Salman's Pathan get-up for 'Sher Khan' dropped

By Subhash K Jha

Fans prefer to see Salman Khan as ...well, Salman Khan. Apparently get-ups and disguises don't work for this matinee idol. Sure, he sported a moustache in Dabangg. But that's about it. 

All plans to give Salman an elaborate 'look' of a Pathan for Sher Khan have been now been dropped. 

Much to the distributors and his fans' relief, Salman would now look like his normal self. 

Says a source close to the project, `Disguises, get-ups, facial hair and prosthetics work for Bachchan Saab. They don't work for Salman. Every time he has grown his hair, sported a beard or tampered in any way with his normal look the film has fallen flat on its, face: for example Suryvanshi, Nishchaiy, Saawan, Veer...`

The earlier plan was to give Salman a completely new revamped physical appearance for his role as the modern-day Robin Hood in Sher Khan. 


`But we all feel Salman is loved by his fans the way he is, ` says a source from the unit of Sher Khan. 

Confirming the change director Sohail Khan reveals that Salman would look `normal` in the film. 

Interestingly, another Sher Khan in Apoorva Lakhia's Zanjeer is all set to get a very elaborate Pathan's look. 

Says the source from the Salman film, `Audiences come to see Salman. If they find him hiding in a get-up they are disappointed. `

My fight is not against Shah Rukh Khan: Ajay Devgn

Actor-producer Ajay Devgn, who has filed a complaint with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) alleging that the makers of "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" have been blocking the release of his film "Son of Sardaar" in theatres, says his fight is not against Shah Rukh Khan who is playing lead in the movie.

"The fight is not between Shah Rukh and Ajay Devgn and there is no fight between both of us. This is unnecessarily people has created. Both of us are actors. This is Ajay Devgn as a producer, fighting for his right with some other producer and if people are playing with it then it's wrong," said Ajay. 

Directed by Ashwni Dhir, "Son of Sardar" features Ajay, Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, and Juhi Chawla, while "Jab Tak hai Jan" stars Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif along with SRK.

The complaint was filed before Yash Chopra's death and according to association's rule, one cannot back out after filing the complaint. 


"We filed the case on Oct 18th when we hadn't even thought that Yashji will be hospitalised. Main problem was that the timing went wrong. We filed the case long back and as per the law you can't withdraw the case filed with the Competition Commission. My fight is not with them; it is just against right and wrong. Again I am talking about it, but I am not supposed to talk about it." 

Ajay moved the CCI, claiming that YRF was using its dominant position to ask exhibitors to dedicate more screens to "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" instead of his movie "Son of Sardaar" - both are coming out on Diwali, Nov 13. 

It's do and die situation for Ajay.

"If I release the film on the same day, then people will call me villain and if I don't release it, it's a major loss for us," he told. 

"Sadly, post Yashji's death many people pressurised me through media and said Ajay Devgn should delay his film. Till now Rs.80 to Rs.90 crore have been put in the film. Corporates are involved and they are answerable to share-holders. So with all due respect, I thought of releasing it on the same day," he added.

Once the release date is decided, it is not easy for anyone to change it. Ajay says that when he asked others to delay the release of their films, they said it's not feasible. 


"When I said ask Aamir Khan to release his film ('Talaash') after two weeks and ask Akshay Kumar to release his film ('Khilade 786') on Christmas or ask Salman Khan to go for January release (for 'Dabangg 2'). So people said that's not possible. So, why only Ajay will have to sacrifice? I don't feel any pressure when I gave this option - sab chup ho gaye na."

Urging media to support him in his fight for justice, Ajay said he is very confident about SOS.

"It's not just a comedy, it's a balance of everything...once you see the film, you will say Sanjay Dutt is the highlight of the film," the 43- year-old said.

Exhibitors can choose any film: SRK on JTHJ, SOS issue

Shah Rukh Khan's "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" releases on the same day as Ajay Devgn's "Son Of Sardaar" and the superstar says he is amused with the row over the two films, especially when everything had been sorted almost a year ago.


Directed by the late Yash Chopra, "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" (JTHJ) is coming out Nov 13 and "Son of Sardaar" (SOS) is also releasing on the same day. 

Ajay has filed a complaint with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) alleging that the makers of JTHJ have been blocking the release of his film SOS in certain theatres. 

According to SRK, the release date was locked a year ago and the screens were also booked than. 

"I find it amusing. This has been decided since a year... They (makers of 'Son of Sardaar') must have also known, so what is the problem then? If you have delayed, then it's not our fault. I just find it wrong," he added. 

The 47-year-old also clarified that they have not forced any exhibitor to showcase their film. 

"I don't understand all this. I feel that the exhibitors represent the consumers to me. As a business person, I cannot assume that anything has been put on anyone by force. They chose the film," he said. 

"We only wish them best and hope that both films do good business," he added. 

While director Ashwni Dhir's SOS is a comedy, JTHJ is a romantic drama that has two leading ladies - Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif. 


Talking about his character in the film, SRK said: "It is about a man who cannot die. Through him we show that love never ceases." 

He added: "I think people will really like the film, I don't know in figures (box office collection)." 

Post "Jab Tak Hai Jaan", the actor will be busy with Rohit Shetty's "Chennai Express", which also stars Deepika Padukone. 

" 'Chennai Express' is there at the moment. I am also discussing two or three more films at the moment," he said. 

He plans to start shooting for Farah Khan's "Happy New Year" soon.

CCI rejects Devgn's plea against Yash Raj Films

Competition Commission of India has quashed actor Ajay Devgn's allegation of abuse of dominant position by Yash Raj Films. 

Fair trade regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) has rejected actor-producer Ajay Devgn's complaint alleging abuse of dominant position by Yash Raj Films (YRF), saying that there are no violations of competition norms in the case. 


Ajay Devgn Films Pvt Ltd had moved the CCI, alleging that YRF was using its dominant position to ask exhibitors to dedicate more screens to its own upcoming release, 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan', affecting Devgn's film 'Son of Sardaar'. 

'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' stars Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma. 

Both the films are releasing on same day - November 13. 

"The Commission is prima facie of the opinion that there is no contravention of the provisions of the (Competition) Act in the present case," it said in an order dated November 5. 

The CCI said Devgn did not place on record any data related to market share or economic strength to show how the YRF was in a dominant position in the relevant market.

"It was argued by the counsels for the informant that the opposite parties were dominant because Opposite Party was big banner production house and had big name and had given several block buster films. No enterprise can be considered dominant on the basis of big name. Dominance has to be determined as per law on the basis of market share, economic strength and other relevant factors stated under... the Competition Act," the order said.


The Delhi High Court on Friday asked the CCI to "expeditiously" decide on Ajay Devgn Films' complaint that its 'Son of Sardaar' was not getting enough single-screen theatres as Yash Raj Films has used its dominant position for better exhibition of 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan'. 

As per the Commission, the grievance of Ajay Devgn Films arose due to fear that it would not get enough theatres for 'Son of Sardaar' because of the agreement between single screen theatres and Yash Raj Films at the time of releasing 'Ek Tha Tiger' earlier this year. 

Now Devgn approaches apellate tribunal against YRF

Following rejection from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) regarding their complaint against Yash Raj Films (YRF), alleging monopolistic practices, Ajay Devgn Films (ADF) has now approached the Competition Apellate Tribunal. 

"We are shocked by the rejection of our legitimate case by the CCI. We have approached the appellate tribunal against the order," an Ajay Devgn Films spokesperson said in a statement. 


ADF complained to the CCI against YRF alleging malpractice in connection with the clash of the release of the former's "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" (JTHJ), with the latter's "Son Of Sardaar" (SOS) on Diwali, Nov 13. 

It was alleged that YRF was using its dominant position to ask exhibitors to dedicate more screens to JTHJ instead of SOS. 

But the case was rejected Monday by the CCI, which stated there is no contravention of the provisions of the act by the alleged agreement between Yash Raj Films Private Limited and its various associated enterprises. 

JTHJ is late filmmaker Yash Chopra's last directorial featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma, while SOS stars Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha and Sanjay Dutt in key roles.

'I was crying like a child after being cleared of rape'

The filmmaker talks about an eight-year long battle in the court and the conviction to emerge on top

The Supreme Court recently quashed the much-talked about molestation case against filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar. After eight years of fighting the battle, Madhur feels he is now a free bird. Excerpts from an interview...

There must be immense relief?
When I heard about it in the court, I was overwhelmed. I walked out, came to the corner of a corridor and was crying like a child. I have been through hell and back in the last eight years and when finally people started coming and wishing me, I was a relieved man.


The case put a question mark on your character?
I agree but I have been a strong person. The eight years have added a lot of dimension to my career. I was making Page 3 when the news came out. I remember people saying that my career was over. My obituaries were written but I finally came out of it with flying colours. In fact, I got three National Awards after that. My family and my friends remained intact and nothing fazed me.

And on a personal front?
I was only six months into my marriage, so it was not easy. But I never gave up. I have run from pillar-to-post to get my name cleared. One should have the conviction to fight till the very end.


Heroine has made money but you received flak for it?
It's okay. I made the film with conviction and my actors are with me, my producers are happy. Just three days ago, Kareena told me that she has never received the kind of feedback that she did for Heroine. I am doing a film with UTV, Bhushan Kumar and two more are in the pipeline. What more can I ask for? 

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Salman joins the 'big Diwali fight' between SRK and Devgn

Salman Khan may slot his next film releases during Diwali to clash with Shah Rukh Khan's 'Chennai Express'

It looks like the battle lines are clearly drawn. And it always helps to have 'powerful' allies on your side. 

Buzz is that in the ongoing tussle between Ajay Devgn's Son of Sardar and Shah Rukh Khan's Jab Tak Hai Jaan has just got a whole lot interesting. Our sources say that Salman Khan, Devgn's close friend, has decided to join in the game.


Sources close to Sallu say that if Devgn's film does not get its 'fair' share of screen space as compared to Yash Raj Films' JTHJ, the actor has decided to use his leverage in the industry to clash his upcoming film Kick with SRK's next film with Rohit Shetty, Chennai Express.

Our source says, `Once Sallu considers you his friend, he will pull out all stops to help you. Ever since he and Ajay worked together in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam way back in 1999, the two have remained thick friends. Thanks to YRF's clout, SOS could suffer. So Salman has taken things in his own hands now`


Another informer tells us, `With Sallu joining in the big fight, the entire ballgame will now change. He will use all his resources to take on SRK.` Director and producer of Kick, Sajid Nadiadwala remained unavailable for comment. All we can say is, all the best! 

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Comparisons with Aishwarya taking its toll on Deepika

It is not easy being a Sanjay Leela Bhansali heroine. This, Deepika discovered when she had to perform a traditional Garba for Ram Leela. Traditional choreographers from rural Gujarat have been specially flown in to Mumbai to choreograph the number. 

Says a source close to Deepika, `It was the same Garba team that had choreographed Aishwarya Rai's Dholi taro dhol bhaje number in SLB's Hum...Dil De Chuke Sanam. And the director's brief to the team was simple. Make it as scintillating as Aishwarya's number. ` 

Deepika is the only trained classical dancer from her generation of actresses. However the Garba requires a different discipline. 

Says the source, `Deepika never performed the Garba before. She had been training for it for the last fortnight. Nonetheless the constant pressure of being compared with Aishwarya is taking its toll on her nerves.


It's giving her performance anxiety. Given the chance she would have liked to dance for the Garba number in her own way. But the constant reminder that she must do it as well as Aishwarya is proving counter -productive to her performing abilities. ` 

For those who came in late, Aishwarya played a girl from a well-to-do zamindar's family in rural Hum...Dil De Chuke Sanam. Deepika's character in Ram Leela follows the same route. 

Both Aishwarya and Deepika are South Indian girls. But Aishwarya's everyday speech was free of any accent whereas Deepika has a certain Dravidian twang in her voice. 

Says our source, `For her Gujju Juliet's role Deepika had to work from scratch. From her speech to her dancing she has gone through a complete revamp. But now when she's been told to do 'another Dholi taro' Deepika is not enjoying the pressure of having to live up to a reference point. `

Look out for fireworks ahead. 

It's My Home

Deepika is deeply wounded with reports that Siddharth Mallya has bought her a home.

Taking a deep breath the house-proud actress says, `From the time I came to Mumbai I was looking for a particular kind of home which didn't have to be bought according to the kind of of money I made in Mumbai. 


I've been used to a certain kind of lifestyle from long before I came to Mumbai. And I worked hard for it. Thankfully my Dad has handled all my finances pretty wisely. Yeah, I am smart about money. To hear people take away from my achievements by suggesting someone bought my house for me and, worse, that I am going to sell the house is insulting. 

Buying property in Mumbai is not that simple. I'm just getting used to my home, where's the question of moving out? I come from a home in Bangalore where we were taught to value what we have. I never took money from my father once I started working. 

More than me it's very embarrassing for my parents to read my home has been bought by someone and that I am selling the home that has supposedly gifted. I'm very proud of my house. It's been a year since I moved on. I wouldn't dream of moving out. `