Katrina Kaif: I have learnt dedication from Akshay

February 15th, 2009

She may have been more than just 'good friends' with Salman Khan but Katrina Kaif doesn't deny that she shares good friendship with Akshay Kumar too. In a chat show with Farhan Akhtar, she admitted that Akshay is a good friend of hers as well.

''People think that I and Akshay are good friends. Yes, it is easy working together when it comes to Akshay but then our friendship is not the kind that I could have with my childhood or college friends'', said Katrina when asked about her friends. In fact she went on to add that best friend is in fact her Manager.

She admitted though that Akshay has a great role to play in her successful Bollywood stint, especially when it comes to dedication.

''I have learnt dedication towards work from my co-star Akshay Kumar'', says Katrina, ''If you have good talent but take it for granted, then it fails for you. However, if you have less talent but work hard towards it then you get what you want. Someone like Akshay has a good combination of both talent which he hones further by working hard on it.''

Over the years gone by, her success ratio has been phenomenal with only BOOM and YUVVRAAJ failing at the box office. So, does she choose a script or a director? When asked this question, Katrina replied, ''There should be one strong point at least when a film if offered to me. No, it isn't like I am a lucky mascot or anything but I believe in praying and hoping. I believe and pray that if you genuinely ask something it is granted.''

She goes on to add, ''I don't have enough knowledge of films but I think that a film has to have some quality control at the least. If a director is new then at the least he should have a good and strong script. On the other hand, if a director is experienced that even a new actor with a good script can work.''

Akshay Kumar's 8X10 confirmed for April release

February 15th, 2009

KAMBAKTH ISHQ is not going to be Akshay Kumar's next release. Though it was widely anticipated that after the debacle of CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA, Akshay would announce a loud comeback on the big screen with a hardcore commercial romantic action comedy like KAMBAKTH ISHQ, it isn't quite the case. Instead Akshay would be seen in 8X10 - TASVEER, a thriller which would show the entertainer in a different light altogether.

Confirms a source close to Akshay Kumar, ''8X10 TASVEER will be the next release of Akshay and not KAMBAKTH ISHQ. The film is ready now and there are good reports about it since it highlights the acting skills of Akshay. After being known as an entertainer for all these years, he would be certainly hailed as a true actor after 8X10 -TASVEER.''

Is the film arriving on 3rd April?

''That's right, 3rd April is the confirmed date for release'', adds the source, ''It has been a while since it has been in the making (a little more than a year) and now everyone associated with the film is very happy with the final results. The movie has turned out quite well and the first look promo has been widely appreciated as well. Audience would be in for some surprise with 8X10 TASVEER since Akshay hasn't done anything like this before. Once in a while he likes to surprise his audience. Well, this is going to be one such film.''

Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor whose last release was a forgettable BOMBAY TO BANGKOK, 8X10 TASVEER stars veterans like Sharmila Tagore, Girish Karnad and Anant Mahadevan in principal roles. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, 8X10 TASVEER is a thriller with a sci-fi and supernatural element to it.

New Thums Up ad will have two Akshay Kumars

February 12th, 2009

New Delhi: Action star Akshay Kumar will have the pulses racing in his latest Thums Up ad, in which he plays two characters - each leaping into the air to grab a bottle of the soft drink.

“The new campaign comes with loads of action, adventure, drama and humour. This time, my fans are sure to have double the fun,” said Akshay, the brand ambassador of Thums Up, in a statement released here Thursday.

Shot by Australian director Jon Gwyther in Sydney, the advertisement will see the two avatars of the actor competing with each other to be the first one to grab the bottle of the soft drink without letting their feet touch the ground.

While, the first avatar will be shown to be an intense character, the other will be a fun loving person.

On big screen, the actor portrayed a double role for the first time in the 1997 movie “Aflatoon”.

Akshay Kumar to work for free!

February 12th, 2009

Akshay Kumar will be working free of a fee for the first time.

And it’s thanks to Priyadarshan’s father who has provoked Priyan into getting gritty.

Priyadarshan broke down and wept when his academician-father K.V. Nair , a severe critic of his son’s work now ailing in hospital, saw his son’s work in Kanjeevaram.

“My father never liked any of my films. Never. Not one. When he saw Kanjeevaram he told me for the first time he was proud of me. It was the most liberating moment of my life. I felt I had achieved all I had set out to as a filmmaker.”

And now Priyan intends to make one film every year that will come straight from the heart.

Akshay Kumar won’t charge the prolific Priyadarshan a single rupee for the film on AIDS that they will be collaborating over in August.

This is the first time that Akshay has agreed to work gratis. Could it have something to do with recession and the way the superstar’s latest film has fared at the boxoffice?

“None of the above!” quips the prolific Priyan. “Recession has certainly hit Bollywood. My sequel to Malaamal Weekly has been shelved because it’s no longer commercially viable. But a film with Akshay Kumar or Shah Rukh Khan is certainly not endangered by recession. Akshay has no cause for worry. His fee, like mine, has to vary according to the nature of the project.”

Priyan whose directorial charges are selfadmittedly Rs 11 crores, has opted for a voluntary cut in future projects . “The price factor will depend on the project. A film directed by me starring Darsheel Safary like Bam Bam Bhole can’t be sold at the sane price as a film with me and Akshay. At the same time when when Akshay and I are doing a stark film on AIDS we both leave our negotiating abilities behind. But when we work on a big project De Dana Dan none of is buying the recession theory. I think a lot of producers are using recession as an excuse for underpayment.”

The AIDS film which Priyan will direct in August is that one mandatory from-the-heart film that director has decided to make every year. “I’ve to do those films that I believe in alongside the ones that the audience wants from me. The AIDS film will be a songless 1 hour 50 minute presentation . It’s for a cause and therefore worthy of a cut Even Paresh Rawal is not charging any money for this film.”

Akshay Kumar Plays Superhero in 8 X 10

February 11th, 2009

Akshay Kumar is back on the action front. After jumping from tall buildings, cars and elevators, Akshay jumped off a cliff from a height of around 160 feet for Percept Picture Company's 8 X 10. Director of 8 X 10, Nagesh Kukunoor said, “This is the first time that I am doing an action film and when you have someone like Akshay, things are easier. There are a couple of breathtaking action sequences in the film. This particular sequence was earlier supposed to be shot in Canada during our first schedule. The scene required Akshay to sprint from a long distance and jump into the water. Though we did some rehearsals with a duplicate, the fall was done by him in one take and it was amazing. Though we all freaked out, Akshay was absolutely cool about it.” When we asked Akshay about the stunt, he just smiled and said, “I love doing action scenes and that's about it.” The shooting is currently on in Moil Farm in Carbo.

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar is all geared up to do what he knows the best, action sequences, in his upcoming movie 8 X 10.

In the Nagesh Kukunoor-directed film, Akshay plays role of a psychological superhero who has some extra ordinary powers.

Kukunoor, who earlier directed flicks like Iqbal, Dor, Bombay to Bangkok and other, will try his hand at an action-thriller for the first time with this film.

Besides Khiladi actor Akshay, the film stars Vinod Khanna, Sharmila Tagore and Ayesha Takia who plays the lead actress.

Akshay Kumar Back in Action With 'Khatron Ke Khiladi'

February 10th, 2009

The action man of Bollywood Akshay Kumar is all ready to set the small screen on fire with his come back as the host for ‘Fear Factor- Khatro Ke Khiladi 2’ on Colours TV. The show promises treacherous stunts and this time if you have the guts and dare to face them then what are you waiting for just try your luck because this time the participants will not be the celebrities but the common man.

For season 2 the entries are open for all Indian nationals who are between 18 to 35 years of age and holding a passport which is valid for at least 1 year from the date of application and the auditions will be held in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow and Ahmedabad.

So, don’t miss to catch all the excitement and fear this season with the Singh in KKK2

Akshay’s movie creates record, en route to be biggest Bollywood FLOP ever

February 8th, 2009

Whatever Akshay Kumar does, he does it with style. If he comes up with two huge money spinners in the form of ‘Singh Is Kinng’ and ‘Welcome’, his flops too never fail to make news. Last year it was ‘Tashan’, which in spite of being a failure went on to garner over 30 crores just from India box office. This year it is ‘Chandni Chowk To China’ which dropped miserably after the opening weekend but already has 30 crores in it’s kitty (from India). And yes, it is going to surpass the total of ‘Tashan’!

So what makes the two films special? Well, in spite of not managing to recover the money for their investors, the two films have created records when it comes to being the highest money spinners when it comes to films that have flopped. And we are not just talking about the current times; we are talking about the history of Indian cinema where these two films would find a place by being the only ones that crossed 30 crores milestone at the box office and still were labeled as flops.

Says a film maker who has worked with Akshay but wishes to be unnamed, “That’s the kind of pull that Akshay Kumar generates today. Even his flops make more money than so many other hits. No, let’s not take away from these successful films. After all they may have been made at a nominal cost and sold at a reasonable price considering the kind of star cast involved and budget they have been mounted at. Of course an Akshay Kumar film is costlier due to which both the profits as well as the risk quotient, whichever way the tide turns, is also higher.”

Last year when ‘Tashan’ had flopped, Akshay Kumar could deserve to laugh about it since first and foremost it had Yash Raj Films as the biggest name involved and secondly, it was a multi starrer with the likes of Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Anil Kapoor. Hence, each of the actors escaped all the flak. However, thing is different for Akshay in case of ‘Chandni Chowk To China’ since the film was completely sold on his name and star power.

“And that’s the reason why the opening was still decent”, says an industry insider, “Now if the movie by itself doesn’t carry much merits then there isn’t much that a star can do. This is why the opening of films like ‘Chandni Chowk To China’ and ‘Tashan’ have to be looked at closely. They tell a lot about the star power, not to forget the box office figures that have created records though not the kind that Akshay would appreciate in longer run.”

Narrating a hypothesis, he adds with tongue firmly in cheek, “If his next film does say 40 crores, he would be happier if that figure is good enough to recover the investment rather than have a 50 crore runner for a movie where 100 crores have been invested. It’s hardly a record that he would love to hold!”

Sanjay's 'blue' mood affects shooting

February 8th, 2009

Sanjay Dutt is feeling shooting 'blues' these days. The actor is allegedly unhappy over the fact that Akshay Kumar has overshadowed him in the film Blue.

Sanjay Dutt is feeling so low because of this that he has started reporting at 2 pm on the shoots while the shift starts at 9. This has resulted in stretching of the schedule from 80 days to 150 days.

According to a source, initially everything was going well and Sanju and Akki were getting along well before Sanjay started to feel that Akshay is being given more importance because of his commerical viability.

"The entire unit including Akshay Kumar and Lara Dutta were kept waiting every day on the sets while Sanjay Dutt reported late. As this is director Anthony D'souza's first film, he has no say in front of a senior actor like Sanjay," added the source.

But according to reports, Sanjay and Akshay have now agreed to wrap up the final portions of the film by February.

All's well that ends well.

New things about IPL 2009

February 6th, 2009

Shilpa Shetty will launch a talent hunt for cheerleaders for her Rajasthan IPL team.
Katrina Kaif resumes the role of mascot for the Bangalore team.

Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty have invested Rs 75 crore for a 12 per cent stake in the Rajasthan team.
Akshay Kumar will not be the mascot for Delhi’s team this year.

Riya Sen is the brand ambassador for the IPL website.
Rajasthan’s team will launch a clothing line and a documentary film on the team.

Knights and Angels is a talent show on NDTV Imagine where Sourav Ganguly hunts for cheerleaders. Chennai Super Kings Cheerleaders is also a talent hunt show, to start soon on Vijay TV.
Chennai Super Kings Juniors is a talent hunt for young cricketers, also coming on Vijay TV.

Perscussionist Sivamani will perform with the finalists of Chennai’s cheerleader hunt.

Preity Zinta’s Mohali team is also launching a talent hunt and a cricket academy in Mohali.

Pakistani players are out of the IPL Season 2.

England cricketers are in this year, including star players Kevin
Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff.
* Aussie David Warner joins the Delhi team, while Michael Clarke pulls out of the IPL.
* 112 overseas players are auctioned this season.
* Rs 600 crore (nearly half the ad budget for cricket in 2009) is the advertising money so far.
* Rs 9.6 crore is the spending cap on the teams for 2009.
* Bangalore trades Robin Uthappa for Mumbai’s Zaheer Khan. Mumbai’s Ashish Nehra is traded for Delhi’s Shikhar Dhawan.
SRK’s team has Eden Gardens, but is checking out Cuttack stadium as well.

Asin says no to Akki

February 6th, 2009

Mumbai: 'Ghajini' fame Asin has rejected to work with Bollywood's Khiladi Akshay Kumar in his next flick ‘De Dana Dan', the reason being clash of dates. However, Asin's loss is Katrina Kaif's gain as she has grabbed the role.

After 'Ghajini', Salman Khan-Ajay Devgan starrer 'London Dreams' and Priyadarshan's comedy with Akshay Kumar 'De dana Dan' were the two biggies in her kitty. But Asin refused the latter offer as "There was date clash".

Addressing a press meet, Asin said, 'I could not do the role because of dates problem'.

However, according to the sources, the film is a three-heroine project, due to this reason Asin is not comfortable working in the movie.

Priyadarshan's upcoming 'De Dana Dan' will be the fourth film where Akki and Katrina would be seen together.

Asin has signalled it loud and clear that this girl will not accept
anything but author-backed central roles.

Akshay Kumar to return as Colors' Khatron Ke Khiladi host

February 5th, 2009

MUMBAI: After the first season of Fear Factor - Khatron Ke Khiladi last year on Colors, Akshay Kumar is all set to return to television as the show's host in its second season this year.

Apart from celebrity guests, Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 will also be looking for a participant from the television audience. Auditions for the same will be held in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow and Ahmedabad. To register, viewers can log on to www.colorstv.in/micro/kkk2. The last day to submit entries is 15 February, 2009. The names of the celebrity participants on the show will be revealed at a later date.

Colors programming head Ashvini Yardi said, "Fear Factor - Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 is going to be a notch higher in terms of bigger celebrity participants than the last season, the difficulty level of challenges and even Akshay Kumar! The inclusion of the common man as a co-contender will definitely create a lot of excitement. This time around, the show plans to pack in a bigger punch to make sure everyone joins in on the excitement. Also, Akshay will be playing a much bigger role than just of a mentor and a host - something definitely to watch out for!"

Endemol India managing director Deepak Dhar said, "Expect complete fireworks this season because we've raised the bar across the board. Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 is a double dose of everything from action to stunts and from the contestants to Khiladi Kumar himself. Apart from all the action on screen, a few lucky viewers will get to experience the exhilaration of the show first-hand. Fasten your seat belts, the action is about to begin."

The war between SRK and Akki

February 4th, 2009

Apparently Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan shared some serious cold vibes at Preity Zinta’s birthday bash.

The undercurrent of rivalry between the two stars was apparent when Shah Rukh arrived at the party. According to our source, Akshay wanted to leave before Shah Rukh could arrive. “The minute Shah Rukh stepped in, Akshay chose to leave. The few minutes that the two were together, they avoided each other. They greeted one another very reluctantly but after that no words were exchanged between the two. Since there were only a few guests present at the party at the time, the awkwardness was very obvious.”

We messaged both Shah Rukh and Akshay asking them if they had consciously avoided each other at the party, but the two did not revert.

Akshay Kumar launches Ritu Beri’s kids collection

February 1st, 2009

New Delhi : Dressed as junior versions of a princess, a diva and as little sardars doing the “Singh is Kinng” signature routine, 70 children scorched the ramp Sunday evening for Ritu Beri’s kids collection launched by Bollywood star Akshay Kumar. Named ‘Baby Beri’, the collection is Beri’s line of occasion wear for kids segregated in three sub-divisions - Beri Princess, Rock Star Babes and Bollywood Divas.

“Designing kids’ clothing is a playful and joyful experience. The endeavour is to showcase designs that are stylish, trendy and comfortable all at the same time. The idea is to bring out the youthfulness and cheerfulness of kids,” Beri said here.

Akshay, who joined the children on the ramp, said: “I remember when I was a kid, I had only three pairs of clothes. But, looking at them dressed in such colourful clothes today was so beautiful. I feel Ritu should launch a men’s collection too to have some variety for men.”

Sponsored by Fortis La Femme, the event was dedicated to The Blessed Hearts Foundation, a charity for children.

While the collections from the event were Beri’s contribution to the foundation, the actor also donated an undisclosed amount for the cause.

Akshay Kumar in Imtiaz Ali’s next movie

January 31st, 2009

Vipul Shah and Akshay Kumar share a great chemistry. Apprently after the success of Namastey London duo has decided to do more films together. Their last comic flick Singh Is King is being directed by Anees Bazmee. Vipul’s one film is already under production and he is planning his next again with Akshay.

It is believed that after Singh is King Vipul will be producing two films, while London Dreams will be directed by himself and for the other film he has signed Imtiaz Ali.

Though script and other important things are yet to be finalized but the director and actor has already been finalize. Jab We Met fame Imtiaz Ali has been signed to direct his next movie that will star Akshay as main lead.

Imtiaz is working on Saif Ali Khan Deepika Padukone starer film. When asked about it Imtiaz confirms “Yes we are in talks now. It will be a love story once again. I am yet to finish my script. The film will be produce by Vipul Shah. I won’t be able to talk anything more than this.”

Aishwarya said 'Yes' to Vishal Bharadwaj

January 30th, 2009

After extracting a fabulous performance out of Tabu in Maqbool, Kareena Kapoor in Omkara and hopefully, Priyanka Chopra in Kaminay, Vishal Bharadwaj is all set to team up with the one actress he has always wanted to work with - Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The project will go into production at the end of the year.

Aishwarya said, “Vishal and I have wanted to work together ever since he was the music composer on a project that got shelved. We had promised one another that I would star in his film whenever he turned director.”

Vishal had offered Aishwarya, a film called Timbuctoo, right after his directorial debut in the children’s film Makdee (2002), but that got shelved. So the wait just got longer.

The actress recollected, “I was very impressed by Vishal’s work. But he insisted that we would work together only when he found absolutely the right project. That has finally happened. Vishal has bounced the script off me. And we both feel this is the right project for us to come together.”

Interestingly, 2009 is a flurry of activity for Aishwarya, what with her giving the nod to new films with Vishal Bharadwaj, Rituparno Ghosh, Abhinay Deo and Vipul Shah.

For Vipul Shah’s film, Aishwarya and Akshay Kumar come together again. Talking about the film, Aishwarya said, “It’s something that Vipul, Akshay and I haven’t done before. The last time Akshay and I came together in Khakee, we played almost antagonists. This time we will hopefully play a more compatible couple.”

Akshay Kumar Launches Chandni Chowk To China Mobile Game

January 30th, 2009

Chandni Chowk to China may have been called the worst film ever, but that hasn't dampened the spirits of Akshay Kumar. Even after its debacle, Akshay Kumar is seen promoting the film. Latest in the promotional list is launch of a mobile game based on the action flick.

The mobile game, called To Become the Savior of the Village, follows the story of Chandni Chowk To China and the player needs to rescue residents of a village facing an attack from outsiders.

With this launch, Akshay Kumar has once again proved how thorough a professional he is. When it comes too promoting his flicks, Akki definitely leaves no stone unturned. And his strength of character and professionalism comes out strongly when he has to promote a film, even after its poor box office performance.

Big B Appreciates Akshay’s Performance in CC2C

January 30th, 2009

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s surprise visit to the premiere of film Chandni Chowk to China (CC2C)in London literally floored the action hero Akshay Kumar who was overwhelmed by the presence of the ‘Shahanshah’ of Bollywood.

Welcoming the “Big B”, Akshay Kumar said “I would like to invite Amitabh Bachchan whom I adore.”

Admiring the rapid progress made by Akshay as a leading Bollywood star, Bachchan said, “I am extremely proud of this young man. I have seen his growth from early days when he used to remain in the background to now when he is in the forefront of Indian cinema. It is a remarkable journey and we are proud of you.”

Prominent among those present at the near packed theater were industrialists, Lord Swraj Paul, Kartar Lalvani, the founder chairman of the Vitabiotics, Britain’s largest vitamin producing company and President of the Hinduja Group, G P Hinduja.

Akki's Hearty Expenses

January 29th, 2009

Akshay Kumar is in a charitable mood. When Akshay learnt that two of his closest friends, actor Manoj Joshi and producer Rakesh Upadhyay were organising a show of Manoj's play Chanakya for the family of late constable Tukaram Ombale, the actor promptly sent a cheque of Rs 5 lakh for Ombale's family.

That's not all. Akshay has also taken the responsibility of educating Ombale's younger daughters Vaishali and Bharti. Ombale lost his life while trying to nab terrorist Ajmal Qasab on the night of 26/11.

Although Akshay did not attend the play as he was busy, he made it a point to send his sister Alka to attend the show. Alka met Tukaram's daughter Vaishali and gave her the cheque.

We tried to get in touch with one of Ombale's elder daughters, Vandana whose husband Rajendra said, "Yes, Akshayji has given us a cheque of Rs 5 lakh. He has also offered financial assistance for Vaishali's as well as Bharti's education. Vaishali is doing her B.Ed while Bharti is a final year B.Com student."

And have they spoken to Akshay after receiving the cheque? "Unfortunately, we have not been able to speak to Akshayji as he has been very busy," said Rajendra.

Manoj Joshi said, "Although Tukaram only had a lathi to fight the terrorist, he did not care for his life even though he knew that Qasab had deadly weapons. Tukaram's bravery should not go unnoticed. Akshay has done what few people would do. I have newfound respect for him."

Post(er)-script

January 28th, 2009

THE story goes that when Akshay Kumar asked director Nikhil Advani for the script of Chandni Chowk To China (CC2C) he showed him the movie poster. (For those who can't remember the poster, it shows Akshay in a Chinese get up with two swords which resemble kebab sticks!) When Akshay asked Advani what was the idea of the story, Advani again showed him the poster while admitting he neither has a script nor an idea.

He just had the poster.

To this, Akshay is supposed to have said, "Congratulations, this is a new way of working. I really like the poster, it's great, and I'm going to work in your film." And that sealed the fate of CC2C.

In his pre-release publicity blitzkrieg, Akshay told this story with unbridled excitement. Many termed him as cocky or overconfident but in my opinion, he was being honest. Come on, a top star rarely admits that the script is the last priority when he green lights a project. It must have taken huge courage on Akshay's part to admit that he gambled Rs 40 crore on a poster of a film. And for that reason itself Akshay deserves an honesty badge.

Akshay 'adopts' 6 wrestlers

January 28th, 2009

Mumbai : Bollywood action star Akshay Kumar has 'adopted' six wrestlers, who are economically backward, in a bid to popularise the sport, an official said.

"Akshay's decision came days before the 10th All India Wrestling Championship opens here on February 1. Participants and lovers of this sport from all over India are expected to gather here," said Sanjay Nirupam, Congress spokesman in Maharashtra and organiser of the event.

"Last year, when Akshay attended the programme, he had publicly expressed a desire to adopt a few wrestlers to encourage more to take up the ancient Indian sport. We are happy that he has honoured the commitment," Nirupam told.

Nirupam introduced six of the year's best wrestlers to Akshay and the star readily accepted the proposal. The wrestlers are - Bipin Varma, Ajay Yadav, Kallu Yadav, Gopal Yadav (all from Mumbai), Amol Patil (Jalgaon) and Ranjeet Nalawade (Kolhapur). Nirupam said that the 'adoption' means that Akshay will sponsor their diet for the next five years.

"Wrestlers usually hail from economically backward sections and are unable to afford the specialised diet to excel in the challenging sport. Akshay's sponsorship will go a long way in helping these six wrestlers confidently tackle domestic and international challenges, including the next Olympics - our prime target," Nirupam explained.