Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan have become shoot-stoppers!

February 16th, 2009

Everyone wants to see the hottest lovebirds in B-Town. Last week, when both were shooting for Rensil D' Silva's untitled debut film (produced by Karan Johar) in Delhi, a huge crowd kept gathering until the administration brought things under control.

Says a unit member, "Last Sunday, when Saif and Kareena started shooting for Rensil's film at India Gate at 7 am, it was reasonably peaceful and empty.

But as word got around (and it being a holiday), a huge strong crowd gathered from the Rajpath right down to India Gate making it almost impossible for Saif and Kareena to shoot.

Not many stars can shoot at Rajpath and India Gate, as it's a crowded place.

Aamir Khan shot there during Rang De Basanti but even he didn't garner this huge a crowd! When Saif and Kareena turned up it was almost as if all of Delhi had turned up!

It was madness with the unit trying to control the crowd. Saif and Kareena couldn't step out as the crowd kept yelling and screaming."

The source adds, "This was Saif and Kareena's first shoot at Rajpath and India Gate and even the crew wasn't expecting a mammoth turnout.

The duo came on the sets at 7 am and gave a couple of shots after which the crowd got wind of what was going on and then shooting became impossible.

Line producer Mariket had to finally jump into the field along with the security guards and request the crowd to remain in control.

After much persuasion, they managed to clear the masses and complete the shoot. Fortunately, the crowd wasn't unruly but very well-behaved."

Saif says, "It's a public place and there are bound to be people. The crowds were very well behaved and treated us with respect.

I love shooting in Delhi as it has great hotels and great food. One can work in the day and relax at night. Delhi is a great place to stay for a short while."

While Kareena adds, "Shooting in Delhi was nice but hectic and crowded with so many people consisting of the fans and paparazzi following us around."

Producer Karan Johar says, "A big crowd had collected at India Gate and Rajpath but eventually, we managed to complete the shoot.

We had the required permits and adequate security who handled the situation extremely well. The shooting was bang in the middle of Rajpath but everything was well managed."

Is Rensil's film called Jehaad?

Karan says, "No. It's untitled as of now."

Dish TV renews contract with Shah Rukh Khan

February 10th, 2009

MUMBAI: DTH service provider Dish TV has extended its contract with actor Shah Rukh Khan.

Dish TV roped in Khan as its brand ambassador in 2007 and has now extended the actor's contract.

According to Dish TV COO Salil Kapoor, the company is planning to target a subscriber base of eight million over the next fiscal. Dish TV's current subscriber base stands at five million.

Dish TV's competitors Tata Sky has Aamir Khan as its brand ambassador, whereas Bharti's recently launched DTH service Airtel Digital TV uses actors Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R Madhavan and Vidya Balan in its communications.

Saif and Kareena share sizzling lip-lock in upcoming film

February 7th, 2009

Real-life couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor will share intimate moments in their untitled film directed by Renzil D'Silva for Dharma Product-ions.

A source present at the sets reveals, "Last week, Saif and Bebo shot for their kiss in a Chembur studio. The kiss is part of a song. The actress who has done kissing scenes on screen before (see box) was quite comfortable with the idea of lip-locking with her beau. She even was seen camly discussing the angle and the intensity with the director."

Lingering doubts
An insider reveals, "At one point it was discussed if the scene was necessary and it looked like the couple had their doubts about the screen smooch. Rensil looked unhappy and had a word with Saif. The director convinced him to do the scene. Saif in turn made Bebo understand that it was necessary and she agreed."

They got the kiss right in about five takes.

Saif, Deepika’s ‘Love Aaj Kal’ almost ready

February 4th, 2009

Saif Ali Khan’s new film Love Aaj Kal is now in the final stages of production. Saif Ali Khan is playing the lead role and he is also producing the film on his home banner. The hot and sexy Deepika Padukone is the heroine.

The film directed by Imtiaz Ali has wrapped up shooting for the talkie pat in a marathon single schedule.

Now only one song remains balance for the film and the director is planning to shoot the song in London. The unit will move to London shortly to film the song.

Love Aaj Kal has been set with a Kolkata backdrop and looks how modern life brings about a change in the lives of a young couple after they travel extensively in London and the US.

The producer is planning to release ‘Kal Aaj Kal’ in June.

Saif-Kareena film in payments controversy

January 30, 2009

Karan Johar's latest production seems to have come into some trouble.

Some crew members in Philadelphia, USA, where the film was shot last winter, have complained that they have not received payment even after the shoot ended.

Directed by first-timer Rensil D'Silva (who wrote Aks and Rang De Basanti, the yet-untitled film stars Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. It was shot in Philadelphia in November and December, and 1,000 crew members and extras were hired. Johar's Dharma Productions enlisted an Australian company called Swish Group Limited to help with the shoot.

The Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper reported that according to the workers, the payment of $100,000 had bounced and that Swish was not responding to their inquiries.

Apoorva Mehta, CEO, Dharma Productions, told rediff.com, "They (Swish ) have an accounting problem at the moment. They have confirmed receiving the money from our side. They said they will settle the due in two or three weeks. They have given us a confirmation letter also."

Cary P Stynes, Managing Director, Swish Group Limited, forwarded his reply to Dharma Productions to this reporter via e-mail, where he admitted to the delay in payments.

'We are in the process of resolving all matters in relation to the payment to crew members and vendors appointed by us for services in relation to your film, currently under production,' the e-mail stated. 'We have not been able to do so, as the accounts for the film are yet to be finalised. We have given this matter priority over all other accounting issues and our accounts team are working around the clock to sort out the issues that we have had. We are still reconciling the exact amounts of what is owed to various people who worked on the film.'

Styles further stated that payments will be made within the next 10 to 15 days.

'We once again confirm that we have received full and complete payment from you of all amounts requested by us to date. We thank you for your patience and we have no objection if you share this letter with the crew members, vendors and other stakeholders. Apologies again for any inconvenience or embarrassment caused,' Stynes concluded.

Saif and Deepika Padukone in Love Aaj Kal

January 21st, 2009

Saif Ali Khan and Imtiaz Ali are smiling these days. After tearing their hair out to come up with a title for Saif’s home production co-starring Deepika Padukone, they have finally come up with a title that suits the film. It’s Love Aaj Kal.

Our source close to Saif said, “Imtiaz and Saif couldn’t arrive at a decision as far as naming the film was concerned. So they decided to go ahead with their shooting and brainstorm about the film’s name later.

Eventually they both were so hassled that Saif thought of holding a contest inviting the audience to suggest a suitable name for their film.”

After the film’s shooting, Imtiaz and Saif had to eventually sit down for a brainstorming session. The source added, “The duo came up with different names.

After a lot of deliberation and thought, Imtiaz decided to call the film, Aaj Aur Kal, but was still apprehensive about it. Imtiaz wanted to change the title from Aaj Aur Kal to Aaj Kal.

But Saif disagreed with him saying that he wanted a title that would instantly connect with the audience, like Jab We Met. They then decided on Love Aaj Kal.”

Though Imtiaz remained unavailable for comment, a source close to the director confirmed the news and said, “Yes Imtiaz has decided to call the film Love Aaj Kal.”

Saif’s newest gift to Kareena, a scarlet love bite!

January 18th, 2009

The forever in news couple Saifeena has hit the headlines yet again. The much in love duo has never bothered to confine their affection for each other inside the four walls and this time round it is their very love which is making heads turn.

Kareena recently made people drop their jaws when she made a stunning entry at a recent product launch. Dressed in a white backless gown, Bebo made sure that she left people playing Chinese whisper, as it wasn’t her sexy gown that made them mouth things - it was a scarlet coloured love bite that did the honours. Yeah, Kareena walked into the venue with an élan and created frenzy by revealing this supposed little symbol of love from beau Saif Ali Khan (who else!).

Guess Bebo was too preoccupied in thinking about the event leaving her with very little time at hand to ponder about how a different silhouette (a silhouette gone wrong in this case) could give away all that she would’ve wanted to hide.

Thinking of giving a benefit of doubt to Kareena? Hmmm… okay! Still, what is seen has to be written about, don’t know if she was bitten by a certain something or rather a certain someone!

SRK, Sachin, Akshay's LIC secret

January 17th, 2009

Real estate as investment is a thing of the past. We all know of how Bollywood stars are securing their future by purchasing flats and farmhouses around the town and countryside.

Shah Rukh is said to be creating another 'Mannat' in Dubai too.

But here's a recent development we got to know of. As it seems Shahrukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar are investing heavily in the of Life Insurance Corporation of India!

The government-run insurance company, the largest in the country, came up with a particular scheme that has got all the stars hooked on.

Our source tells us that the scheme ensures a guaranteed rate of returns.

"Moreover, it also carries a risk cover six times the maturity sum assured in the first year. In the subsequent years, it becomes two times the maturity sum because the scheme guarantees a certain percentage of income every year. Now here's the best part – the interest earned on this investment is totally tax-free," says the source.

Clearly our market savvy stars would be fools to let go of such a wonderful scheme to multiply their money. So when their financial advisors came to them with the idea, Shah Rukh, Saif and Akshay promptly jumped at it.

So just how much have these men invested?

If rumours floating in the market are to be believed, Shahrukh Khan has invested Rs 8 crore. Not to be left behind Akshay Kumar too invested the same amount as the Khan and Saif Ali Khan is said to have invested Rs 7 crore. The policy of the stars will mature in 10 years.

But the man who has invested the most is a certain Sachin Tendulkar who has about Rs 18 crore locked in the scheme.

So if SRK has invested Rs 8 crore for 10 years, he is guaranteed of a minimum return of approx Rs 16 crore, plus a loyalty addition of 40 lakh. You can easily do the math for the rest of the stars.

A top development officer of Life Insurance Corporation of India confirmed the news for us on condition of anonymity.

"It is true that Shah Rukh, Saif and Akshay have invested in our recently launched scheme but revealing more details about it would not be fair to my investors and will also be unethical," he told us.

A leading accountant who handles most of the stars' account also told us, "Our stars may be earning big money from their films but then it is natural for them like everybody to put their money in the right ventures to ensure safer returns. They had been making big investments in the share market and the realty market but presently they are facing heavy losses on that front. This big assured returns government scheme is the right scheme to invest big money in for these three stars. They have taken the right decision at the right time as LIC is presently contemplating stopping this scheme due to over-subscription."

Saif Ali’s title blues continue

January 15th, 2009

Saif Ali Khan’s first home production, starring himself opposite Deepika Padukone has completed shooting but it is still yet to be given an apt title. It seems the Chote Nawab, Imtiaz Ali and title confusions go hand in hand nowadays as one can clearly remember Saif’s last release, Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic too faced a similar probled and was given its title just weeks before its release. Whereas Imtiaz’s last directed film, Jab We Met to had a title fixation problem and a online poll was introduced to finalize the title.

Saif’s maiden production venture, a romantic comedy directed by Imtiaz Ali is about love in today’s time. It is learnt that Saif, Imtiaz and Eros International, co-producers with the actor-producer, have zeroed in on a few titles but the first two choices seem to be Aaj Kal and Love Aaj Kal. But they are still unsure which one to go ahead. If you ask us, well Love Aaj Kal sounds more youth-appealing and should look better than a Aaj Kal which sounds a bit dated. Saif is nowadays asking everyone he encounters which of these titles will suit the film better.

Has Kareena Kapoor broken up with Saif

January 15th, 2009

Post the success of ‘Jab We Met’, Kareena Kapoor has been all over the place.

Her relationship with Chotey Nawab Saif Ali Khan and the fact that they were seen joint at the hip at loads of places also made sure that it was so.

Shoots and social gatherings kept her in the news, but the movie for which she developed her size zero frame-’Tashan’ flopped badly.

Only the Diwali release ‘Gomaal Returns’ made money but then the credit for the same doesn’t go to her fully.

After all, it was a multi-starer with a lot of boy bonding.

This sort of depressed the actress who thought that her career is going downhill and that’s why she’s decided to make her high profile relationship low profile now.

In the New Year she’s realized that being in the media glare all the time with Saif is harming her.

So she’s decided to play it safe and is not breaking up completely. Instead she’s keeping her private life away from the media.

Well, it seems Kareena has realized what was needed to be realized. Let’s see if this strategy actually helps her out in the long run or not.

Saif to romance Deepika, Florence in Imtiaz Ali’s next

January 6th, 2009

Saif Ali Khan in his tentatively titled home production, Aaj Aur Kal shall be romancing British actress Florence Brudenell-Bruce alongside Deepika Padukone.

Ali states, “While I really can’t really reveal what role Florence is playing, I would like to say that it’s an important role and her character will revolve around Saif and Deepika. The film is about modern relationships and the British actress will be seen in the first half of the film.”

Florence was recently in the news for dating F1 driver Jensen Button. She is also known to be a major Bollywood fan and has loved Bollywood films like Race, Om Shanti Om, and Guru which she rates amongst her favorite.

Bollywood it seems attracting a lot of foreign actresses and all of them bagging top A list projects such as Kites (Barbara Mori) and Veer (Lisa Lazarus).

Saif Ali Khan recovers & plans for a holiday with Kareena

Saif Ali Khan had been hospitalized in Leelavati hospital on Christmas eve owing to a stomach upset, but now he is well on the way to recovery.

Speaking from his hospital bed at Leelavati hospital on Dec 26, Saif said, “I’m almost recovered now. I’m going home today (27 Jan). It was nothing, really.

I returned from Philadelphia from the shooting of Rensil d’Silva’s film on 23rd night. And since I was missing all the Mumbai ka khana, I gorged indiscriminately on local junk food, sev puri bhelpuri, paani puri….puri ki puri fauj went into my stomach.”

Saif claims it was nothing serious and he is going for a holiday with Kareena as pre-planned. She said, “It was gastroenteritis. Yes, I’ve been in hospital twice in the recent past. Once it was just an appendicitis. And the other time it was far more serious. After going through what I did the last time I’m hardly going to get scared by a little stomach infection.”

He added, “Actually it’s much less scary than it looks. I’ve got a drip coming out of my hand, so that makes it look kind of serious. But it’s nothing. I’m fine. Just a little sleepy. In fact Kareena and I are going on our holiday to the mountains as planned.”

Saif Ali Khan admitted in Lilavati Hospital

December 25th, 2008

Saif Ali Khan was admitted to Bandra’s Lilavati Hospital today, Christmas Day evening following complaints of severe stomach ache. He was brought in the hospital by his actress girlfriend Kareena Kapoor at around 5:30 pm.

Our sources inform, “There was a big Christmas eve bash at Saif’s place last evening. But today since morning Saif began feeling unwell and complaining of a bad tummy ache. He also kept on vomiting all through the day. It was perhaps because of something that he ate last night. Finally his family members decided it would be a better idea to take him to the hospital for a better diagnosis and medication.”

Kareena’s sister, actress Karisma Kapoor who too had accompanied the couple to the hospital was present outside Lilavati. She stated, “Saif is now stable and there was nothing to worry about. He may be discharged any minute. Kareena is there inside with him.”

One can recollect that this is not the first time that Saif has been admitted to a hospital.

In February 2007, the Bollywood actor underwent an angiography after he was admitted into Lilavati following complains of severe chest pain. The actor had undergone an emergency appendectomy surgery after complaining of abdomen pain during a shoot in Kuala Lumpur in early 2006.