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.

Ayesha Kabool hai

February 13th, 2009

Ayesha Takia and her restaurateur beau Farhan Azmi have finally decided to get married on March 1.

They will have a private nikaah ceremony at a mosque in Mumbai followed by a grand reception at the CCI club on March 2. The who’s who of the film industry will be present at the reception.

Confirming the wedding and reception dates, Ayesha’s mother, Faridah said, “I cannot conceal my excitement. I am very happy.”

The Takias have already finalised the other wedding details including Ayesha’s trousseau. The proud mother said, “We have shopped for everything from Mumbai.”

After the nikaah, the couple plan to go for their honeymoon to a foreign locale.The place however is yet to be finalised.

A friend of Ayesha (name withheld on request) said, “Ayesha and Farhan are still discussing options. They have yet not zeroed in on any place yet.”

When we spoke to Faridah, Ayesha and Farhaan were on their way back to Mumbai from Goa. “Ayesha and Farhan are building a hotel in Goa. They had gone there to supervise a few things,”said Faridah.

Ayesha Takiya to quit film industry

February 12th, 2009

Ayesha Takiya’s decision to get married and quit the film industry has inconvenienced only those filmmakers who had not started their projects with her.

She has served a notice to all the filmmakers who haven’t started work with her saying she’d like to opt out.
One such director who’s left in a panic situation is Jagmohan Mundhra whose Indianized version of The 40-Year Old Virgin is now heroine-less. This is the second film in a row after Rumi Jaffrey’s Life Partner when Govinda is stranded without a proper leading lady even after shooting extensively.

Says Mundhra, "That’s because we can’t sign any and everyone opposite Govinda. He’s a a huge star and a brilliant actor. And his co-star needs to match his comic timing. Ayesha Takia fitted the bill in every detail."

The role required an innocent chulbuli, totally Indian girl oblivious of the facts of life.

Says Mundhra, "It’s almost the role of a child-bride…. innocent and tomboyish, like Jaya Bhaduri in Uphaar or Moushumi Chatterjee in Balika Badhu . I could only think of Ayesha Takiya… Even Amrita Rao who would seem like a natural choice for innocent characters is now turning into a glamorous entity on magazine covers. So I guess we’re really short of innocence in Bollywood these days. I don’t know what to do because Govinda has given us dates in November. I’ve less than a month before I shoot the Indian portion of the romantic comedy. We shot the British portion of Govinda’s romantic comedy in September with a French actress Lucia. "

With no sign of the childbride for Govinda among the established actresses, Mundhra has now decided to cast a newcomer.

"Javed Akhtar has recommended Aditi Sharma. She was featured in Subhash Ghai’s Black & White. I’ll watch the film and take a final call. But, in principle, Aditi is on."

Recession and IPL hits Shahid’s Paathshaala

February 10th, 2009

Despite choreographer, director and now turned producer, Ahmed Khan’s Paathshala being ready, it seems the film has been postponed ahead for one more time. Originally the film was planned for a January 9th, 2009 release but then was postponed ahead to May 2009 for a summer vacations release. But now the industry buzz is strong the film has been further postponed to a mid-June release.

The chief reasons for the postponement are said to be the ongoing recession which will make it difficult to promote the film in a big way and the 20Twenty IPL second season starting from April and going on till mid-June. The makers don’t want to take any risk by releasing their film in this period despite it being a summer vacation for kids.

The film stars Shahid Kapur, Ayesha Takia and Nana Patekar in the main lead along with well known child stars Ali Haji (Fanaa, Ta Ra Rum Pum), Swini Khera (Cheeni Kum), Dwij Yadav (Nanhe Jaisalmer, Heroes) and Avika Gor (Balika Vadhu). Shahid’s role in the film is that of a teacher in the film and the story revolves around a group of troubled young students. His entry in the film is supposed to be similar to that of Aamir Khan’s in Taare Zameen Par that is just at the interval point.

The budget of the film is said to be around 15 crores

Ayesha and beau Farhan to tie the knot this month

February 6th, 2009

Mumbai : After being delayed twice, the much in love couple Ayesha Takia and her restaurateur beau Farhan Azmi have finally zeroed in on a date to tie the knot.

The couple that came under the arc lights after they reportedly decided to get married, initially had to get hitched on Christmas eve last year. But saddened by the terror attacks that paralyzed Mumbai, the two postponed the special day.

Speaking to reporters after the terror attack, Farhan had said, "When Ayesha heard news about the attacks, she broke down. Dad (Samajwadi Party leader, Abu Azmi) was in a hospital recuperating after an operation. He too started crying when he heard about the attacks. None of us is in the mood for any celebrations this year. Our mood is too grim and sombre. As of now, there can be no wedding celebrations. The wedding might now happen in mid-2009. That too will be a small and private affair."

However with the D-Day just around the corner, the couple is busy making the best of arrangements for their dream wedding. Speaking to a news daily, Ayesha’s friend said, "The wedding will take place in Mumbai. Ayesha is frantically running around shopping for her trousseau. The decision to get married by February end was taken only two days ago. Both Farhan and Ayesha are very happy as they are finally getting married".

Well, here’s wishing the couple a happy married life!

Pokkiri remake to outdo Ghajini

January 28th, 2009

Director Prabhu Deva is now trying to complete the post production work of his Salman Khan-Ayesha Takia starrer Wanted, a remake of his Tamil film Pokkiri.

The Hindi version has Vinod Khanna playing Salman's father. Prabhu Deva, who has reportedly decided to take a break from Tamil films, has also announced that he is not interested in playing hero again.

This means that he will not be doing Thankar Bachchan's new film. Prabhu and Salman are planning to promote their film aggressively by appearing on all television channels this summer. Prabhu Deva vows to make this film even bigger than Ghajini, the remake of the Tamil super hit movie by the name same.

Salman Khan’s whole new agenda

January 22nd, 2009

Ghajini’s marketing strategy has started a whole new trend in Bollywood and inspired many.

Yes, it was praised by the Bollywood fraternity and this includes Salman Khan, who wants to do it like Aamir to promote his upcoming film ‘Wanted Dead And Alive’.

For the uninitiated ‘Wanted Dead And Alive’ is a Hindi remake of the hit Tamil film ‘Pokkiri’ that starred Vijay and Asin. The Hindi version stars Salman and Ayesha Takia as the lead pair and is directed by Prabhu Deva

The publicity gimmick of ‘Ghajini’ when the multiplex staffers sported the ‘Ghajini’ hair-cut, Aamir’s interaction with the media, him chopping hair and shaving people’s heads has impressed Salman no end.

He told Boney Kapoor to promote ‘Wanted Dead And Alive’ in a similar unique way and he’s doing the needful.

‘Pokkiri’ was a huge Tamil box office hit and they want the Hindi version to do very well too.

Apparently Aamir was inspired by Salman to get the beefed-up look for Ghajini. And hence he’s following Aamir happily now.

And that’s not the only new thing happening in Sallu bhai’s life. He’s all set to endorse beach fashion in his forthcoming film ‘Wanted Dead & Alive’ too.

Ashley Rebello, who has styled Salman in the film has said, “Salman will be seen wearing neck pieces made from beads, sea shells and everything that is hippie and Goan in the film. The film has been mostly shot in Bangkok… He will wear folded knee length pants and white shirts in the movie. He will also wear a lot of checked shirts and leather jackets which give him that hippie look.”

This casual ‘beach-boy’ look can be an instant hit and could do as well as John’s hot yellow trunk in ‘Dostana’. Let’s wait and watch.

January 21st, 2009

Akshay Kumar's Chandni Chowk to China has been severely panned by the critics but the movie has gone on to collect Rs 330 million (Rs 33 crores) in India and RS 120 million (Rs 12 crores) from the overseas in its opening weekend. Most have started writing the actor's epitaph as they feel that he now no longer can claim the numero uno position.

However, post the debacle Akshay is back to the studios shooting for Nagesh Kukunoor's Tasveer. Shooting at Mehboob Studios in suburban Mumbai, the producer of the film and Percept Picture Company joint managing director Shailendra Singh feels that there is much ado over nothing. Singh said, "Akshay's position is still strong. My film will not be affected. Tasveer is a psychological thriller and is of a different genre. I am very confident of my product."

Keeping in mind that Akshay has two big releases, Kambakkth Ishq in May and De Dhana Dhan during Eid, Percept will be releasing Tasveer on 3 April.

This patchwork of Tasveer will wrap up the shooting for the film. According to sources, this was very much in the planning, thus quelling rumours that Akshay wanted some portions re-shot. The movie has been directed by Nagesh Kukunoor.