Aamir Khan's end of talaash

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An idiot who created Dhoom in the film industry and emerged as Sikander with every film of his, Aamir Khan has every age group fanaa on his charm and acting abilities. While we drool upon Aamir Khan’s perfect choice of films, it won’t be wrong to say that his early years contributed in planting the seed of good script recognition in him. His Father Tahir Hussain and uncle Naseer Hussain, both celebrated film makers had number of script writers/directors/producers as visitors at their house to narrate their film story. Aamir was only 7-8 years old then, but enjoyed listening to the narrations on his off days from school. It was this pull of his towards film and story world that prompted him to try for theaters in college. As soon as he enrolled in junior college, Aamir auditioned for a Hindi Play. With competition from more 60-70 boys, Aamir lost the chance. Not the one to be the Ghulaam of failure, our very own Raja Hindustani went back to the notice board to check for other play options. He did find another play where he can audition, the only difference was that it was not Hindi but a Gujarati play, a language alien to him. He still went ahead to audition for the same as the part was only for chorus and didn’t require dialogues. But Aamir did get a one line dialogue in the play which he dedicatedly rehearsed every day. Unfortunately, due to a bandh situation in Maharashtra, Aamir’s mother didn’t allow him to step out of the house for a day during rehearsals. Misunderstanding it as negligence, the Director threw Aamir out of the play just two days before the performance. Disappointed with the rejection, Aamir sat aside with teary eyes while watching others rehearse. It was at that moment a friend of Aamir approached him with another friend of his who was a student of FTII (Film and Television Institute of India), making a diploma film and looking out for an actor. Aamir who had just gotten free of his commitment, immediately agreed to be part of the film and left for Pune. Post completion of the short film and viewed by many. Another student/director from FTII – Rajeev Singh got Aamir on board for his film. Followed by acting in acclaimed director Ketan Mehta’s low budget experimental film - Holi. And finally post viewing Aamir’s work and recognizing his seriousness towards acting, Mansoor Khan signed him for his debut film – Qayamat se Qayamat Tak. And with this ended Aamir’s talaash for his break in the film industry.  This led to Aamir’s victory in the Dangal of destiny and dreams. With his unique Andaaz, he made audience & directors take notice of him, and finally our Rangeela made everyone say – Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar !!!

Source: India Today Unforgettables: Aamir Khan & Ranveer Singh Exclusive Chat

When Akshay Kumar's life turned between 6am to 6pm!

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A Jolly good actor, whose all recent films has been housefull, who is no less than a Gabbar on the box office and it won’t be wrong to say that this Singh is definitely a King. Akshay worked with ace fashion photographer – Jayesh Sheth before getting into the film world. During his tenure, he worked with actors like Govinda, Sangeeta Bijlani, Rekha, Jackie Shroff among others. It was one evening when Akshay went to meet Govinda for approvals on the photos clicked. While admiring himself, Govinda looked at Akshay and said ‘Hai Chikna Tu, Hero kyu nahi Banta. Hero Ban Hero’. The words stayed with Akshay while he moved on to modelling assignments. Akshay Kumar our very own Khiladi owes his entry into Bollywood to the khel of time. It was for one of his modelling assignments that Akshay was to travel to Bangalore on an evening 6pm flight. As known to all, he is an early riser, Akshay woke up at dawn to exercise. Considering there were no mobile phones for easy communication, the production person landed at Akshay’s doorstep at 5.15am leaving him shocked. Akshay had goofed up in the flight timings – it was a 6am flight and not 6pm. Will all the Garam Masala in his language, he blasted Akshay and called him unprofessional actor who would never be able to work. Taken aback by his own ignorance, he tried to rush to take the flight but obviously couldn’t manage given the time crunch. His father's belief that everything happens for good kept him going throughout the day. In an attempt to move on, he reached Natraj studio in the evening with no agenda but just for hanging out. It was then when he met the Make – up man of the company owned by famous director Pramod Chakravorty (fondly known as Dada ). He asked Akshay if he wanted to be a hero. Akshay who would have even agreed for a small role in any film expressed his approval immediately. The make up man took his photos to show it to Mr. Chakravorty. Dada met this desi boy and immediately signed him for 3 films with a cheque of Rs.5001. It was exactly 6pm when the cheque was handed over to Akshay. The Hera Pheri of timings landed Akshay his first film – Deedar though Saugandh was Akshay’s first release. With destiny opening its door, Akshay grabbed the opportunity and said Namaste to Bollywood. Today with his talent and business acumen, Akshay is Tees Maar Khan of Indian Cinema which makes people and the film industry say – Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast !

Source: The Anupam Kher Show – Akshay Kumar

Know how destiny said Ayushmann – Bhava!

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The most generous donor of Bollywood, he has been the real Hawaizaada flying from one profession to another, yet managing to satisfy the success sperm efficiently – Ayushmann Khurrana is not only Jack of all trades but master of all too. Punjabi boy from Chandigarh, very active in theatre group but however didn’t look at theatre formally to make a career in. Though Ayushmann formed two theatre groups in Punjab – ‘Aghaaz’ and ‘Manchtantra’. Following the footsteps of his Idol, none other than the King Khan who studied mass communication from Jamia Millia Islamia University, Ayushmann too went ahead to study mass communication for his masters. With the dream of making it big in city of films, Ayushmann came to Mumbai in 2006 with an appealing portfolio. In his quest for acting, he met the programming head of Big FM who offered Ayushmann the role of RJ in his radio station on the merit of his command over Hindi language. Getting trained from MICA Ahmedabad, Ayushmann was one of the earlier RJ’s who made its way on the hoardings of Delhi for his breakfast show. To his own disappointment, he was shifted from Mumbai Radio station to Delhi as he knew the capital better than populous city of Mumbai. Not being able to resist his temptation of Bollywood, Ayushmann shifted his base again to Mumbai. With the help of his ex – boss Tarun Katial, he found work in television serials. One as a side kick in Balaji Telefilms’ Kayamath’ and then an antagonist in ‘Ek Thi Rajkumari’. With not being able to satisfy his own creative sperm, Ayushmann stopped his nautanki in fiction and moved to Non-fiction with being a Roadie to a VJ on MTV for around 4 years. While he was busy enthralling the audience with Ayushmann – Bhav, he did get lot of offers but nothing that can give him his big break. Patience and perseverance being the key, he stopped himself from making any Bewakoofiyan and not pounding onto any silly offers. It was his determination that showed results when Shoojit Sircar called him not for an audition but to directly make an offer for Vicky Donor as the acclaimed director found him perfect for the role post watching his television stint and wanted him to play himself. As they say – rest is history. With the journey filled with weight of juggling between career options and finding your own identity, Ayushmann made its mark in Bollywood and can finally say with relief – Dum Lagaake Haisha !

Source: Walk The Talk with Ayushmann Khurrana

SOTY was not Sidharth Malhotra’s first film

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A student that’s grown to be a finest actor and handsome man who girls drool over to say Baar Baar Dekho. South Delhi boy, sports enthusiastic but not so inclined towards textbooks, Sidharth Malhotra had all the qualities to make it big in Bollywood. However, as perceived as the blue-eyed boy of Karan Johar, it was not an easy journey for this young lad. It was not that Sidharth landed in Mumbai with just dreams, he had an offer in hand which made him shift his base to the city. Anubhav Sinha, the director of the successful film – ‘Tum Bin’ was making another film with newcomers and Sidharth Malhotra being one of the leads was confirmed. That not only elated him but also made him push his parents to allow him to shift to Mumbai and take up acting as a profession. But things didn’t go as it looked like and Sidharth Malhotra tasted failure even before success could show his face to him. Destiny turned villain and Anubhav Sinha shelved the film that he promised the young actor to go ahead and make RA. One with Superstar – Shahrukh Khan. Depressed with the major halt in his career but angrier on the fact that the Director didn’t even inform them about his decision to withdraw the venture. Gathering his courage, Sidharth tried to pull out his contacts in the industry whoever he met during his course of modelling or preparation for Anubhav Sinha Film. Karan Johar being one of the Director he met during his short stint, Sidharth landed at Dharma Productions, not for an audition but to ask for an opportunity to be on the set of a film to learn the nuances of film making.  His first step on a film set was for the song Desi Girl from Dostana as Farah Khan wanted more assistant director’s as she was the Dance Director for the chartbuster. Post which Sidharth Malhotra worked as an assistant director on ‘My Name is Khan’ along with his other student counterpart Varun Dhawan. Though carrying the image of calm, composed, reserved and obedient person, Sidharth Malhotra did bunk shoot days to attend one day modelling photoshoot assignments that could easily earn him money enough to pay almost 3 month’s rent in Mumbai. However, his efforts didn’t go in vain as he became one the actors that Karan Johar launched in his directorial venture. While Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan came from film families, Sidharth Malhotra – a non-industry person made a mark on his own and made everyone notice him to say – Kukkad Kamaal Da !!!

Source: Look Who's Talking with Niranjan Iyengar - Sidharth Malhotra

Race of Actors that clearly defines - Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikander !!!

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A film that is hard to skip whenever its screened-on TV, a film that refreshes your memory attached to all walks of your life, a film that cuts across all generation – Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikander has impeccably scored in all sectors of film business.  Sports, friendship, love, brotherhood, parenthood and college rivalry all weaved perfectly which is not only rare but a big achievement for everyone associated with it.  Jo Jeeta wahi Sikander changed lives of many who were part of the crew onscreen and off screen. However, it was destiny which played a big role in bringing the cast together. The turns of events started happening post Mansoor Khan – the Director of the film along with his cast & crew finished the first 60 days’ schedule of the film in Kodaikanal and returned to Mumbai. It was a tough schedule that the team had gone through in terms of weather conditions, long hours of waiting for the right light for the desired shots and tougher conditions for cycling. Aamir Khan went on to shoot other films in the meanwhile post the first schedule till the next schedule commences. One day when Aamir was in Ooty, he got a call from Mansoor saying that there is a problem with whatever they have shot in Kodaikanal. Surprised by this sudden news Aamir couldn’t understand Director’s plight. Mansoor had a problem with the girl who was playing Devika (Pooja Bedi’s role), however it was no fault of the girl playing Devika, Mansoor graciously accepted that it was him who probably choose the wrong face and now it didn’t fit the whole scheme of drama they meant to showcase. And hence he wished to reshoot the scenes. Which meant to reshoot 50 percent of what they had shot. With heavy heart, they decided to go with Director’s conviction and start preparing to reshoot. 2 Months later, it was again a shocking moment for Mansoor Khan and Aamir Khan when the girl playing Anjali (Ayesha Jhulka’s role), who was originally from Germany had to go back to her country due to unforeseen circumstances. That left them to reshoot another 30 percent of the film. They were now left with only 20 percent of the film that they had shot and can make it to the final reel. That 20 percent had Milind Soman as Shekhar Malhotra (Deepak Tijori’s role ). But apparently, the team had faced real tough time shooting with Milind Soman. Hence, Aamir Khan took a call to reshoot the entire Kodaikanal portion with replacing Milind Soman as well to avoid hindrances in future schedule. Though guilty of spending Producer - Nasir Khan’s money, the team set out to shoot the film again. However, apart from Aamir Khan, the characters that finally came out of screen most of them made it to the celluloid post non-selection or circumstances that led the other actor not making it to the final reel. Nagma was apparently selected for the role of Devika, but her mother didn’t like her character in the film to be termed as a Gold digger and hence she opted out. Deepak Tijori who had earlier screen tested for the role, was rejected and selected back post the exit of Milind Soman. It’s also a surprise that another actor who was rejected for Deepak Tijor’s role was the Khiladi of Bollywood – Akshay Kumar. His rejection too made way for Deepak Tijori to be part of the final cast of the film. It was surely a task for the film maker to get perfect casting but when it did, it burned the screen with their presence and acting abilities. Each character of the film added a bit extra to make this wholesome entertaining film go a notch higher which is now termed as a cult film. With all the reshuffling of actors the team had to go through and for the ones that finally joined the cast, it perfectly suits to say – Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikander!!!

Source: Rewind with Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar at Jio MAMI Movie Mela with Star 2016

Priyanka Chopra abused Director Anurag Basu

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More than the chemistry of lead actors on screen, the chemistry between the actor and director is of prime importance to create the necessary magic on celluloid. The need of strong communication bond between an actor and director translates into phenomenal performance on screen. One such remarkable role that will always find its place in the list of acting abilities is that of Jhilmil from Barfi. Priyanka Chopra surely had a hard task at hand. While Ranbir Kapoor was all set to be the Murphy's favourite child, Priyanka couldn't imagine herself in the role of an autistic girl.  It was a challenge for Director, Anurag Basu to boost the confidence of the leading lady of the film. Considering it was the first project of Priyanka & Anurag and their first interaction, it was of utmost importance for them to gel well. Their informal interaction kick started with script reading and workshop session. Anurag Basu, Priyanka Chopra and the assistant directors got into a room for their first reading of the script. All of a sudden, lovingly known as Dada in the industry, Mr. Basu asked everyone except Priyanka to leave the room. This put the international star in a slight thinking mode. However, without much of a reaction, she witnessed the rest of the crew obliging the director's order. Once the room had only two members Dada and Priyanka, he asked her to come close. With the sense of unbelievability, Priyanka thought she heard something wrong. No action from Priyanka, Dada asked her again to come close to her. Little taken aback with the extra Dostana, she tried not to overthink and sat beside the director. However, Dada next asked her to come close and hold his shirt collars. The awkwardness creeped her more with this sudden and weird demand.    Priyanka politely refused expressing her Aitraaz very clearly. But Dada again insisted her to hold his collar tight. But this time he added that he wanted her to hold his collar and abuse him using Hindi swear words. Amused by this request of the director, Priyanka couldn’t understand the reason for the same. Dada managed to convince this city girl to hurl Hindi foul language on him taking him by the collar. Being a director's actor, Priyanka pulled up her acting socks and started abusing Anurag Basu in loud voices. Shocked by the screaming inside the room, the crew rushed to help the situation. It came as a big surprise for everyone and specially Priyanka that this was Anurag Basu's fashion of breaking ice with the actress he was getting into the process of making the film high on emotional quotient. This clearly helped to develop a non-awkward and warm relation between the actress and the director, the results of which was out there for the world to see in form of Priyanka nailing the character of Jhilmil. This was surely an innovative way of Anurag Basu to form a bond that is as sweet as Barfi.

Source: ETC Bollywood with Komal Nahta - Team of Barfi

Casting coup of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

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Known for being the ‘COOL’-est film ever, dialogues that we still remember, actors that we still talk the chemistry about, teaching us 'Pyaar Dosti Hai', Kuch Kuch Hota Hai cuts across all generations and one of Karan Johar’s best work. Love, friendship and relationships all weaved perfectly that makes Kuch Kuch Hota Hai a cult film. However, the emotions wouldn’t have come out flawlessly without the actors putting their heart and soul into their characters. The film is one hell of a casting coup. While assisting Aditya Chopra on Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge, Karan Johar developed a special bond with Shahrukh Khan and Kajol. Shahrukh once told Karan that he would work for his first movie and when Kajol joined the conversation she also expressed her desire to be part of the fun team of Karan and Shahrukh whenever Karan decides to take the plunge into direction. Considering it as a random conversation, Karan never gave it a serious thought until Shahrukh called him from Jaipur where he was shooting for the film Chaahat to come to Jaipur and narrate the story in mind. Karan took a while to get back with the final construct of the script. He narrated his written piece of work to Shahrukh and Kajol, sobbing himself and tears flowing out of Kajol’s eyes too, Shahrukh who usually doesn’t show much emotion in a narration, told Gauri Khan after the narration that Karan has written the film better than he expected. While Rahul and Anjali were sorted, another important character of Tina which was written for Twinkle Khanna - Karan Johar's childhood crush, turned down the role. Many of the lead actresses refused to be undermined in front of Kajol and Shahrukh’s iconic Jodi, it was SRK and Aditya Chopra who without the knowledge of one another co -incidentally recommended Rani Mukherjee at the same time to Karan post seeing her little but impactful portion from her debut film – Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat. Skeptical about Rani playing the Hot, modern college girl due to her height, Karan secretly wished Rani to turn down the offer but when she agreed to do it, Karan developed faith in her and rest is history. Another masterstroke in the casting department was the role of Salman Khan which was earlier meant for Saif Ali Khan and various other actors who Karan had approached. Saif who wanted to move away from being projected a NRI, refused to be part of the film. Surprisingly Chandrachur Singh was also a contender for the role but even after two meetings, he too refused to join the casting list of Karan’s debut film. Depressed with the rejections, Karan decided to let his hair down at the party in Chunky Pandey’s house the same night. Luck, destiny or Karma played its trick, Salman who was also present at the party walked up to Karan and told him that he has heard about the role that this debutante director has offered to almost half the industry and said that he knows that no one will do it except him. Surprised with such Dabang statement coming from the Prem of the industry, Karan went to narrate the film to him. Post hearing the first half, Salman gave his nod to the film. However, Karan said it’s just the first half and Salman’s entry is in second half. But Salman said that the role or the story of the film doesn’t matter, he liked his father – renowned Mr. Yash Johar and he will do the film for him. It’s not every time that we see actors like these coming together in one film and make history. The film not only has such beautiful faces but also portrayal of perfect emotions that makes our heart skip a beat, while we can just say – Kuch Kuch Hota hai, tum nahi samjoge !

Source: Yaaron ki Baraat – Farah Khan & Karan Johar and 10 years of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai – IBN Live

Know Kareena Kapoor’s journey from Harvard to Bollywood

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From size zero to setting fashion goals in her pregnancy period, this Heroine of Bollywood has always surprised everyone with her bold decisions – be it from making a debut with a film like Refugee, to being the stylish and self-obsessed Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, her marriage with Saif Ali Khan to her decision of working while she is carrying a baby in her womb, Kareena Kapoor Khan has proved time and again that she is literally – apne aap ki favourite. Although clear with her future goal of entering the glamour world, she still went ahead to Government Law College for academics. However, got bored of it too soon and pulled out of it. Again, shocking everyone, this young girl from the Kapoor family managed to get herself enrolled into the prestigious Harvard university. Not just that, a girl who finds computers boring, Kareena took up the course of Micro Computers and Information technology to study at Harvard. It was an achievement for the entire Kapoor family who was proud of their daughter.  Though not making it to be the lead actresss of Kaho na Pyaar Hai due to certain circumstances, Kareena gave another chance to her family to be proud of her when she made her film debut in the film directed by J.P Dutta – Refugee opposite Abhishek Bachchan. Known to be sharing crackling chemistry with her co-stars on screen, in the very first scene of hers with Abhishek she told Mr. Dutta that ‘How can I fall in love with him, he is like my Brother’.   The actress who always carries confidence to the best, Kareena also had her nervous moments. Surprisingly she did not see her first film until 6 hours before the release of the film. Honest enough to say that she liked herself in the film, still didn’t know how to react and left it all on the audience to judge her. No points for guessing that audience accepted her whole heartedly. During the trail show of her another film – Mujhse Dosti Karoge, not sure of how the audience would receive her in a modern girl avatar, she locked herself throughout the trail show in the washroom. It took a lot of convincing from her friends from the industry to pull her out of her hiding space. Now the wife of Nawab himself – Mr. Saif Ali Khan, Kareena was candid enough to admit that she once had the desire to date the man in news always for ‘whatever’ reasons – Mr. Rahul Gandhi just because she was intrigued by his persona. Kareena has always been honest and straight forward with her opinions and choices, making bold decisions to setting examples, this Chameli of Bollywood has made her place in everyone's heart and stuck there fevicol se. 

Source: Rendezvous with Simi Garewal - Kareena Kapoor

Know how Varun Dhawan learnt the ABCD of Bollywood

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While the cast and crew is celebrating 4 years of ‘Student of the Year’, one handsome student is flying high with back to back success with the prowess of his talent. Growing up with the dream of becoming a wrestler, Varun Dhawan is now punching Dishoom with the success of his films, however this student rather had an interesting ABCD of acting to learn. His biggest support being his elder brother Rohit who encouraged him to take up his first acting assignment for a cola brand when Varun was a kid. Looking up to Elvis Presley and Johnny Bravo, obsessed with Dwayne Johnson (The Rock), Varun mimicked The Rock with Cola Bottle as mic in his hand. The famous Ad Film Maker Prahlad Kakkar – the director of the ad in question, saw a sincere, fresh face and transparency in Varun and casted him for the ad. Being a tough task master, Mr. Kakkar also grilled Varun on the set striving to get the best out of him. On realizing that he can take abuses, Prahlad got convinced that Varun can be an actor.  During his college days, struggling to get into theaters, he finally managed a role of a Nepali Watchman through one of his friends. A charmer in real life, Varun Dhawan ironically acted in a play on the life of Hitler. Not only scoring in the field of acting, Varun Dhawan has also tried his hand at direction with a short film – ‘White Mountain’ starring Arjun Kapoor. Not to the knowledge of many, Varun had also auditioned for the acclaimed film – Life of Pi. Quite hopeful on being casted post getting shortlisted, it came as a disappointment when he was rejected for the role. Not one to lose hope, and to be close to his dream world - Bollywood, Varun Dhawan started as an assistant to Karan Johar on My Name is Khan. Grasping as much knowledge as possible, Varun learnt the nuances of Film making and graduated from being an assistant of Karan Johar to an actor in the ace director’s film.  With a promising future, this student has come a long way in much short a time, with film makers queuing to cast him in their film and hoping that Varun would say to them ‘Main Tera Hero’.

Source: Zoom: Gen Next – Varun Dhawan

When Abhishek Bachchan broke down on the sets of Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna

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A Karan Johar film is nothing shorter than an emotional roller coaster ride. Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna - one of Karan Johar's own favourite film but may be little ahead of its time, didn’t do well at box office but did make an impact on everyone working in the film. Abhishek Bachchan who was holding one end of the relationships thread in the film could not control his emotions while performing his favourite scene from the film but on the contrary he hated to enact the same very scene. It was the scene where Abhisekh's character comes to Rani Mukherjee post the death of his father with a photograph, gives it to Rani and says that he (Abhishek's father) would have wanted you to have this. Karan Johar conveyed to Junior Bachchan what is expected from him in the scene and said that don’t play the scene, just say the lines flatly. On the sound of Action, Abhishek pulled out the photo from his pocket very randomly, but to his own surprise, it turned out to be his legendary father Amitabh Bachchan’s photo. It hit him bad and made him question himself that how can he say that Amitabh Bachchan is dead, when he is not and waiting for him at the hotel for dinner. However, the actor in him decided to go by the flow and give the expected performance. Post ‘Cut’, he went and stood by the bay side window and broke down. Understanding the plight of a son who has lost his father, even though just for a scene, Karan Johar went up to Abhishek and hugged him tight. Karan too broke down as he could only think of his father Late Yash Johar in the scene. While the actor – director barred their sorrows, Rani Mukherjee came by the side, though not knowing the reason for their outburst, she could feel the pain and tears started flowing from her eyes too. Ayan Mukherjee and Aarti, who were assistant Karan Johar in the film, also felt the pain of separation and could not hold back their tears. Being true to the set, this real life scene seemed like a carbon copy of any emotional scene out of a Dharma Productions movie. It surely makes us notice an emotional turmoil an actor has to go through to perfect their play. It is a part of their own self that they give to their profession so that they can repeatedly say to the film screen – Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna.

Source: Look who’s talking with Niranjan Iyer  - Abhishek Bachchan

Story of countless effort and immense passion that brought the PINK revolution

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The film that is no more a 2 and half hours of drama on celluloid, it has risen much above that and it won’t be wrong to say that a wave of PINK movement has encapsulated the nation. Rarely does a film makes an impact as such as PINK, it’s clearly a masterstroke and a meaningful cinema in true sense. As much as the audience loved the experience of watching PINK, behind the scene stories that contributed in making the film is equally exciting. Starting with,  PINK was not supposed to be a mainstream Hindi film. Shoojit Sircar and Aniruddha Das Chowdhury were set out to make a Bengali film with the subject, however it was a conversation between Shoojit and his wife one morning while they were sipping tea and reading newspaper, Shoojit's wife mentioned how in this digital age we still need to raise our voices for women empowerment. Instantly Shoojit knew that this film needs a nationwide reach and hence decided to make it in Hindi and started work with the talented script writer – Ritesh Shah.  While we are celebrating the victory of truth as showcased in the film, what if the girls lost the case? Yes, that was considered. The script was written without the ending as it was contemplated. Amitabh Bachchan was of the opinion to showcase the reality and let the boys win. Partially agreeing to the point, the writers set out to mould the story in that direction but post taking feedback from their respective wives as well as the crew, everyone’s heart went out for the girls and hence the change in the end of the film. Talking about the film, it was truly a genius idea to project the actual happening of the incident on which the case was based in the rolling credits of the film. Again, this was supposed to be the start of the film to educate the audience and then take over with unfolding the events following the incident. It was Shoojit Sircar’s idea to push this sequence in the rolling credits to play with the mind of audience and keep the thriller quotient intact. The film makers have nailed the casting of the film. While Amitabh Bachchan was on board with only hearing the concept of the film, the script was developed later, Taapsee Pannu was the primary choice of Mr. Sircar as he was quite impressed with her work in Shoojit’s another produced film - RunningShaadi.com ( Yet to release starring Amit Sadh and Taapsee Pannu ). One more other character that the audience has given their nod to is the artist Mamta Malik who plays Haryanvi Cop - Sarla in the film, she is not a trained actor but from the casting department of the film. PINK is ringing the box office registers even after two weeks of its release and loading the pockets of the producers, it is surprising to know that two film studios turned down the film makers from investing money in the project which is now a revolution. Instead one of the studio even sent a 8 page long mail to Shoojit Sircar with regards to the wrong points in the script. It was this time when adamant and angry Shoojit decided to invest in his own film and today not only him but we all are glad he did that. Countless effort, passion for the subject and accurate knowledge of the craft has amalgamated to put forth a movie that has shook the nation and made the audience say to the content of the film - YES means YES !!!

Source: PINK Press Conference post the release of the film and Bollywood Business – Komal Nahta in conversation with the team of PINK

When Aditya Chopra thought that Anushka Sharma was not that Beautiful !!!

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Though the world considers that she is one of the most beautiful actress in the current generation, Aditya Chopra didn’t agree to it completely. However, he didn’t doubt the talent of this Girl Next door, Bubbly, Free- Spirited, talkative, charming which are just few words to describe the versatile Anushka Sharma. Being from the army background, Anushka was never inclined towards working in cinema. She chose modelling as her career and was doing fairly well in the desired space. It was this time, when Anushka got an offer to audition for Yashraj Films. Averse by the mechanics of film industry, Anushka showed discomfort in going for the opportunity. It was her manager who after a lot of persuasion told her that ‘Don’t think you are too awesome, you might not get selected’. Getting a reality check, Anushka opened her blinkers and decided to give it a try. On the day of the audition, at Yashraj Studio, a script was handed over to Anushka and asked to go to the next room, prepare for her character and come back to give a shot for the camera. Owing to the gutsy girl that she is, Anushka asked for a day to rehearse and come back considering it was an important opportunity. To the notice of everyone, Anushka didn’t know which film she was auditioning for. It was days after her audition, she happened to read a news article in one of the dailies about Aditya Chopra looking out for a new girl to cast opposite ‘The Shahrukh Khan’. Needless, to say, the performance landed her the role of Taani Partner in Rab ne Bana Di Jodi. While breaking the news to her, Aditya Chopra said – ‘You are not the best looking girl, but I have a lot of belief in you, so go ahead and work really really hard’. While Anushka was driving back from the studio, tears of joy rolled down the cheeks of this pretty lady without her own knowledge. She pulled over at the side of the road to call her mother and share the most unbelievable story of her life. Not aware that her mom would share an equally if not more unbelievable fact with her. As a good luck sign, Anushka’s house had Feng Shui turtle in their living room. She had apparently put in two papers in that Turtle’s mouth, one with a wish for Anushka and other for Anushka’s brother. The moment Anushka broke the news to her mother, she informed her that the wish she had written for Anushka was that her Daughter should bag a Yashraj Film. Say it a Mother’s conviction or good luck, we can’t doubt the talent of this young actress who is ruling the chart of actresses like a Sultan. And definitely making it hard for the Film makers to resist working with Anushka Sharma which makes them say ' Ae Dil Hai Mushkil !!!'

Source: Rendezvous with Simi Garewal – Anushka Sharma & Koffee with Karan – Anushka Sharma and Ranveer Singh

Once an AC Mechanic – Irrfan Khan climbs the mountain of success – Literally!!!

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Irrfan Khan –  celluloid’s Paan Singh Tomar has really had a long long run before making it big in the Indian Film Industry. One of the most talented and highly acclaimed performer didn’t have an easy journey. Starting with giving tuitions to kids at a very young age just to make some extra money so that he can a buy a bicycle, Irrfan Khan has tried his hands at different career options before he earned a scholarship to National School of Drama (NSD).  Getting himself trained into the mechanical field with specialization in fixing Air Conditioners, dreamt of moving overseas to increase his bank balance. As part of practical training into the field, trainee Irrfan once visited a household in Bandra. As the client opened the door for Irrfan, he introduced Irrfan to his family members as ‘AC wala aaya hai’ The words hit the passionate Mr. Khan hard enough to discourage him from continuing in the field of mechanics. Fortunately, this worked to give him the necessary push to start working towards nurturing his acting talent. Once enrolled in NSD, during one of his academic acting assignments on DD channel, Irrfan grabbed the role of an inspector who was expected to put out the gun in front of a villainous man. Though coming from a family where his father was fond of hunting, Irrfan’s hand started shaking with the idea of shooting even when it was just for the camera. Degrading the actor in Irrfan Khan, the director said – ‘Yeh kisko leke aate ho’ without realizing that this ‘Kisko’ will someday make everyone proud with not only his national but International achievements too. Innocence combined with ambition landed Irrfan Khan on top of a mountain - Literally. It so happened that while searching for acting projects in Television, somebody pointed at a TV tower on top of a mountain and told Irrfan that this is where roles in television are made and telecasted from. Believing every word, Irrfan along with his cousin set on to climb the Nahargad mountain in search of roles only to realise that it was just a tower and not a TV studio/set on reaching the destination. Destiny gave Irrfan lot of television offers – Banegi Apni Baat being one of the most popular serials that Irrfan worked on before moving to the big screen. With his lunchbox full of powerhouse performances, today Irrfan Khan brings credibility and acting prowess to any project he is part of, justifying his name to the core – Sahabzade Irrfan Ali Khan.

Source: The Actors Roundtable 2013 with Rajeev Masand & The Anupam Kher Show – Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai

Know the journey of Deepika Padukone’s career growing not just by X fold but XXX!

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During the school days of Deepika, Anila Anand -  a close friend of her parents and one of the leading model co-ordinator in Bangalore, her daughter Kavya Anand was the class mate of Deepika, both the mothers used to go to school every afternoon to pick their daughters up. It was this time when Anila Anand used to suggest modelling as a career for Deepika. Having no ties with the industry, Deepika’s mother asked Anila not to put such thoughts into her head. However, being tailor-made for the glamour world, Deepika faced the camera for the first time for her photoshoot back then with ace photographer Waseem Khan. Deepika being shy and stiff, Waseem wasn’t able to get the desired clicks. He then asked Deepika her favourite songs. Dancing to the tunes of famous Madhuri Dixit numbers, Waseem clicked the graceful and ever smiling Deepika Padukone capturing her in his lenses. These photos eventually landed her few print assignments marking her entry into the industry right from a very young age. However, she still continued in the field of sports as Badminton was in her blood. It was 10^th Std Board Exams which she was preparing for during her 3 months’ school before appearing for her final exams, during this time she played a tournament of Badminton like her Father.  However, with the thought that probably she doesn’t want to make a career in the sports arena. But if not this, then what. This was the time when her passion for showbiz drew her to the industry of Fashion and Modelling. Her first TV campaign was for Liril (Link below), this is when Salman Khan happen to see the ad and who was casting for one of his film, was looking out for a fresh face. However, Deepika felt she wasn’t ready to enter the film world didn’t take up the offer. Destined to be in Bollywood, Deepika again got a call from Farah Khan after few years who was casting for ‘Om Shanti Om’ and post auditions, Deepika was finalised for a role opposite Shahrukh Khan.  Not to the knowledge of many, Deepika made a special appearance for a Salman Khan film – Main aurr Mrs Khanna (Link below). From being the choice of Salman to Shahrukh, and now a dream of every actor to work with, Deepika has surely made the industry and audiences drool over her performance making her presence felt at international waters too.  More power to the Mastani of Bollywood who is not growing by just one X by XXX!

Liril Ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZLHYI-smnU

Deepika Padukone in Main aur Mrs. Khanna - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IBW0_pKUyc

Source: Walk the Talk with Deepika Padukone and Look Who’s Talking with Niranjan Iyer – Deepika Padukone

When Ranbir Kapoor offered Imtiaz Ali to make Rockstar with him

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As best described in Ranbir Kapoor’s words – He offered Imtiaz Ali to make Rockstar with him. Call it destiny, perfect casting or the power of Imtiaz Ali’s storytelling, Ranbir Kapoor was drawn towards the film from day one. When Imtiaz  Ali thought of making Rockstar, Ranbir Kapoor had not entered the glamour world as the leading actor. It was planned to be made with another actor. Imtiaz Ali wrote the film even before Jab We Met and had approached AR Rahman for music. Mr. Rahman had already started working on the music of this epic film. But due to unforeseen circumstances, the project came to a standstill. During the time of Love Aaj Kal, Imtiaz Ali met Ranbir Kapoor few times casually, and he happened to offer a film to him which was not Rockstar. However, the offered film didn’t excite the young Kapoor so much. While Imtiaz Ali was leaving from the meeting, Ranbir out of curiosity asked him about Rockstar. It was before Ranbir started shooting for Saawariya that he had heard about the concept of Rockstar from a friend. It excited him from that very moment and he grabbed the opportunity to inquire about it directly from the filmmaker. While Imtiaz said that he is no longer working on Rockstar but he wanted to know about Ranbir’s information on the film and hence kept pushing him to share what he knows about the film. Basically the tables turned and Ranbir was giving a narration to Imtiaz Ali on Rockstar on whatever he knew of the film. Gauging the passion and interest level of the actor, it pushed the director to give another shot to his ambitious project. Three months later, Imtiaz Ali came to the talented actor with a new script of the same Rockstar.  The acclaimed director never referred back to his old draft, he rewrote it from scratch as the concept was inked in his mind. This draft was more organic and relatable. Ranbir immediately hopped onto it and marked the beginning of this cult film. Casting of Nargis Fakri was also not less than any destiny tale. While Imtiaz Ali was looking for a girl, not particularly a newcomer, but a face that can make the handsome Ranbir Kapoor look like he doesn’t deserve to be with this ultimate beauty as the film revolved around a guy who wants to go through a heartbreak so that he can became a musician. One of the crew member of the film, pulled our Nargis’s photo from the internet,  Imtiaz used the print out of the image as reference picture while looking out for girls to be cast opposite Ranbir Kapoor. However, due to some or the other reason, it didn’t materialize with anyone else. On a recce in Prague and knowing that Nargis was in Europe too, they planned a meeting, cut to Nargis being the muse for this ultimate Rockstar. The casting of this film is nothing short of any film drama, looks like the roles in the film called out to their respective artists justifying the words from the film – ‘Sadda Haq’.  The film helped these stars in adding a rocking credit to their slate of films with the magnificent - Rockstar.

Source: Talking films with Imtiaz Ali, Making of Rockstar and ETC Bollywood Business with Ranbir Kapoor

Story behind the final script of PK

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The all-time highest grosser of Bollywood, appreciated for performance of its star cast and acclaimed for its storytelling, PK swept all critics and box office with great margins. Little did we know the actual draft that transformed on celluloid was actually the 4^th or 5^th draft of the film considering the changes it had to go through because of other films released during that very period. Convinced with their own idea of using Alien as a device for the narrative of the film, Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi started building the structure of the script. 

As per the draft been written, Aamir Khan’s character possessed one more supreme power apart from the one already part of the film, was aimed to build a base for the second half of the film. This power was to enter a person’s memory and be able to change a situation/incident that played a major role in shaping the personality of the individual. For eg. If a person has gone through the traumatic times of Indo-Pak partition and developed ill feelings towards certain religion/country, then PK would have the power to get into the memory of the person and change the incident which in turn would transform the outlook of the individual towards life and people around. Unfortunately for the film maker, ‘Inception’ released during this period which talked about the same concept. Disappointed with the thought that the writer duo won’t have a new offering for the audience, they decided to drop the idea of using this power as an important element of the film. But the effort continued with another draft, wherein post Aamir Khan’s encounter with police in the film, he gets offended by the treatment he receives at the police station, Aamir’s character decides to sue god for his suffering. The second half of the film was largely set out to be a court room drama. During this phase of writing, they became aware of a Gujarati play – ‘ Kanji Virudh Kanji’ by Paresh Rawal on similar lines and an Australian film – ‘The Man who sued God’. But due to its niche owing to the language and country respectively, they decided to go ahead with their concept as it was meant for a wider reach. In the meanwhile, Paresh Rawal brought the play on Hindi platform and announced about the film ‘OH MY GOD’ based on the concept of the play. Rajkumar Hirani decided to quickly finish their writing and get into production as he wished to be the first one to bring out the film on the much in demand topic. But Paresh Rawal shot the film in lightning speed and was ready with its theatrical release. With not much option left, the writer duo set out to pen down another draft of the story. The final draft was eventually the one made after numerous modifications but box office clearly appreciated the efforts of the film makers and gave a thunderous applaud to the power packed film

Source: ETC Bollywood Business: Interview of Rajkumar Hirani & Abhijat Joshi by Komal Nahta

Rajesh Khanna passionately carved his way into the film – Anand

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One of India’s biggest superstar of the country – Rajesh Khanna carved his way into the finest film – ‘Anand’. Hrishikesh Mukherjee wanted to make ‘Anand’ with his best friend Raj Kapoor. However, due to the ill health of Raj Kapoor, it got Hrishikesh Mukherjee superstitious that the reel character of the film shouldn’t affect the real life of the Show Man and hence he dropped the idea of casting Mr. Kapoor for this iconic film. He then discussed the film with number of other talents in the industry, from Bengali film superstar – Uttam Kumar to Shashi Kapoor and even Kishore Kumar, but unfortunately or fortunately, these artists couldn’t be part of the film. It was during this time that Rajesh Khanna got introduced to the concept of 'Anand' through Gulzar who was the common link between the actor and the director. Rajesh Khanna instantly fell in love with the film and reached out to Hrishida. A commercial superstar who was at his career’s peak after giving hits like Aradhna and Do Raaste, was passionate to be part of this small budget film left Hrishikesh Mukherjee total amazed. Though Hrishida was excited with the level of interest shown by Rajesh Khanna, but being realistic at the same time, he kept three conditions or rather expressed 3 wishes in front of the acclaimed romantic hero of the nation. First one being that though Rajesh Khanna’s market price at that time was around 8 lacs per film, but Hrishikesh Mukherjee could only afford around 1 Lac as fees to be paid to Rajesh Khanna for this film, second one was that he demanded total punctuality from the superstar and third one that he would require bulk dates from this busiest actor. Complying to his own determination to be in the film, Rajesh Khanna agreed to all by putting forth his diary in front of Hrishida to fill out the dates he wanted to shoot. This is how ‘Anand’ - the highly celebrated film of the country got his leading man in Rajesh Khanna. ‘Anand’ gave two superstars – Rajesh Khanna & Amitabh Bachchan, one of the most remembered role of their careers and is considered as a cult movie

Source: Suhanna Safar with Annu Kapoor – 92.7 Big FM

Akshay Kumar’s khiladi way of getting the money from the producer

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With remuneration of actors playing a significant role in the budget of any film, there were days when actors were paid in thousands.  One such actor who now is milking money in crores per film, Akshay Kumar started his career with 50,000 per film. Moving on to earning in lacs and now adopting the model of profit sharing. During his tenure of acting in diversified roles, he has also met some interesting producers. Among those were also some who didn’t pay his complete fee. Him being the perfectionist in business, didn’t like to keep any balance payments. One such producer, who owed him Rs. 15000, stopped picking his calls or replying back to his messages. In order to collect his money, the khiladi Akshay Kumar landed at the doorstep of the producer. The producer went numb when he opened the door knowing very well the purpose of the actor visiting him. Akshay too without saying a word, stepped in the producer’s house, unplugged the tape recorder from the socket and moved out as silently as he had entered. The producer too being well aware of the due payment, remained a silent spectator to Akshay’s gimmick to get his money back. Akshay sold the tape recorder considered as priced possession years back which got him 7000 bucks. The balance amount is still pending to be recovered. However, with the choice of Akshay Kumar’s film and business acumen, he has earned much more in the last few years be it in terms of respect or cash and now we are eagerly waiting for his next release ‘ Rustom’ which already looks like a winner.

Source: The Actors Roundtable 2015 with Rajeev Masand

Priyanka Chopra had almost walked out of Gunday because of Ranveer Singh

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On the sets of Gunday, when Ranveer become the actual Gunda, the lead actress of the film – Priyanka Chopra decided to walk out of the film merely after doing one scene with Ranveer. It so happened that in order to showcase his skills in the very first scene with Priyanka and being nervous about acting with a National award winning actress, Ranveer over-prepared himself. When Priyanka walked into the set dressed gracefully in a saree saw Ranveer who she had only met earlier in trials preparing himself to be all wild like an animal as they were performing an intense pre climax scene where Ranveer was supposed to manhandle Priyanka. The Director, Ali Abbas Zafar assured Priyanka that he is just being a method actor who wants to be sure of his acting deliveries. With the sound of ‘Action’, Ranveer used all his force to keep pulling Priyanka towards him with real aggression leaving her dusky skin to turn all purple. By the end of the day, realizing his mistake, Ranveer sent an apology message to Priyanka but never got a reply from her. However, still being happy about his own performance, Ranveer was relaxing by the pool side the next day when Ali called him. Ranveer had expected it to be a praise call but it turned out to be a panic call instead as Priyanka in the feat of anger expressed to move out of the film owing to Ranveer’s over involvement in the scene. She also questioned Arjun Kapoor on his tolerance of working with Ranveer. Though Ali had already calmed her down and made her try one more day of shoot, Ranveer was ordered to apologise to Priyanka. But Ranveer being Ranveer, his style of apology was also so filmy, entered the set with a white rose to bring peace in his professional relation with Priyanka and also coupled it up with a Sharbat made by himself. This turned out to be the biggest ice breaker for both of them where Ranveer made a dashing Entriyaan in Priyanka’s close friends and made the box office’s Ghantiyaan ringing to great collections for Gunday.

Source: ETC Bollywood - Ranveer, Arjun Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra with Komal Nahta

Know how Riteish Deshmukh got his first break in Bollywood

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Young man coming from the family background of Politics, pursued Architecture and now an established actor in the film industry, it’s an interesting story how Riteish Deshmukh landed his first acting break in ‘Tujhe Meri Kasam’.  Working on a thesis project on materials used in TV industry as part of his architecture curriculum, got a helping hand from none other than the showman himself – Mr. Subhash Ghai as he was setting up his media school. Post which he was all set to go to New York for further studies, Mr. Ghai offered him to spend some time in London where he was shooting Yaadien starring Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor Khan. Kicked with the idea of being around film stars, Riteish decided to stop at London before he heads to US. After his short interface with the glamour world, he moved on to US, Riteish finished his architecture followed by internship. Some 1 & half years later, he got a call saying that Kabir Lal, who was the DOP (Director of Photography) of Yaadein and was now working on ‘Tujhe Meri Kasam’ wanted to meet him. Sitting at Chief Minister’s residence having no clue what DOP means ran in front of Mirror to see if there is anything worth in him to be casted as a lead actor. Riteish thought of just going for a meeting so at least he can have a good story to tell his grandchildren that once he was considered for a lead actor. Entered in a room at Sun & Sand Hotel in Juhu, 5 men in whites sitting on one bed about to start narration of the film. Though Riteish liked the script, he asked for 15 days just so that he can speak to his father. After gathering courage for 10 days, he finally could ask his dad the much awaited question and at the same time worried about the reputation of one of most celebrated chief minister of Maharashtra - Mr.Vilasrao Deshmukh. However, his dad replied saying that he has far more issues to deal with and Riteish should deal with his own issue. Clearly choosing the latter, he jumped into the well of Bollywood. ‘ Tujhe Meri Kasam’ did not just gave him his first break into the film industry but also made him meet his soulmate and now wife – Genelia D’Souza Deshmukh

Source: The Actors Roundtable 2014 with Rajeev Masand 

PK is Anushka Sharma’s third film with Rajkumar Hirani

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The connection between Anushka Sharma & Rajkumar Hirani goes a long way back and reaches its finale with Anushka being part of PK. With almost three hit and miss cases, Anushka finally got casted opposite Aamir Khan in PK. It was during the trail screening of another amazing film – ‘Rockstar’, that Anushka met Rajkumar Hirani while walking out post the screening. Overwhelmed with the film that hit her for some good reasons, was totally zoned out while talking to Mr. Hirani. She believed they were having small talks like the way film fraternity usually have post the screening of films. While Mr. Hirani who had loved the versatile actress in ‘Band, Bajaa, Baraat’ kept talking about PK to her, Anushka couldn’t stop herself from praising ‘Rockstar’. This made Mr. Hirani think that Anushka doesn’t want to work with him and that’s the reason she is dodging the topic of conversation, post which both left to their respective houses. Next day morning, while recollecting the events of the previous night, Anushka remembered few words from her chat with Rajkumar Hirani. The words were – Next Film, Casting, Call you, End of scripting stage. Joining the dots and not believing that she was just offered a film by ace director – Rajkumar Hirani, she called up Mr. Hirani and tried to confirm if she has understood it right and if otherwise then asked to ignore the call. On Mr. Hirani confirming that yes he was talking to her about casting her in his next film – PK, Anushka heaved a sigh of relief and overjoyed with the offer, agreed to meet whenever he was ready to. Though Anushka did make it to be the lead actress of PK, this was not the first time. She had also auditioned for 3 Idiots which Rajkumar Hirani doesn’t remember at all. ( Link of Audition below). After giving a splendid performance for a shot in PK, Mr.Hirani turned back to one his assistant to express that he is glad that Anushka is part of the film. This is when the assistant told him that she had even auditioned for ‘3 Idiots’ but never got shortlisted for it and even showed the audition tape to Mr. Hirani who was in complete denial about Anushka’s audition. ‘3 Idiots’ and ‘PK’ are not the only two films of Rajkumar Hirani that Anushka was part of in one or the other way. In fact, the connection started with the much acclaimed franchise film – ‘Lage raho Munnabhai’. Anushka was into modelling at that time and had shot for one of the technology brands integrated in the film through the process of in-film branding. In one of the shot when Sanjay Dutt in waiting for Vidya Balan outside her radio station, there are huge posters of the brand placed alongside where Anushka is clearly seen in close ups. Noticed by her friends, she went for the film in theaters not once but twice just to see herself in Rajkumar Hirani film even though in the smallest way not knowing that destiny already had a full fledged role written for her in PK which she completely did justice to.

Audtion of Anushka Sharma for 3 Idiots:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ak-uG39vL0

Source:  Rajkumar Hirani and Anushka Sharma Exclusive Interview with Zoom

Rishi Kapoor's first interpretation of 'Amar Akbar Anthony'

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Amar Akbar Anthony, the iconic film of Manmohan Desai had almost missed Rishi Kapoor playing the role of adorable Akbar in the film, courtesy -  technology in the form of trunk calls. Rishi Kapoor who was shooting for ‘Laila Majnu’ in Bikaner, was playing snooker with the cast & crew after the day’s shoot when he got a lightning call from Mumbai. Lightning call being the sign of an emergency as people hardly called each other unless needed, it left Rishi Kapoor and the unit wondering the reason behind the call. When he picked up the call from the reception of the hotel, Rishi Kapoor’s assistant from Mumbai had Manmohan Desai with him who wished to talked to Mr. Kapoor. Manmohan Desai who made ‘Dharam Veer’ had an impression in Rishi Kapoor’s mind of being a director who can literally make ‘anything’. When he told Rishi Kapoor on the phone about his wish to cast him as ‘Akbar’ in Amar Akbar Anthony, Rishi Kapoor who only got the word ‘Akbar’ due to poor network connections, imagined it to be a period drama and Akbar being the Mughal Emperor - Akbar. Astonished with the fact, Rishi Kapoor expressed his concern of playing the role which his grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor has already played in the cult movie - Mughal - e - Azam. He assumed Anthony in the scenario of Cleopatra, Amar being a person who would play a flute and him being asked to play the emperor thus rejecting the role. With both the sides not being able hear clearly, they decided to talk when Rishi Kapoor gets back to Mumbai. It was when he landed in Mumbai and met the director, he understood that it was Amar Akbar Anthony, which Manmohan Desai desired to make. Rishi Kapoor eventually agreed to be a part of it, which is now a well acclaimed film and of course we can’t imagine Akbar being played by anyone else other than the charming Rishi Kapoor. 

Source: Comedy Nights with Kapil

Story of unreleased 'Munnabhai Chale America'

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If you have relished on Munnabhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munnabhai, I bet you would have gone through the wave of disappointment with the news of 'Munnabhai Chale America' being shelved. Another masterpiece which was about to come out from Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi’s brilliant writing, couldn’t see the light of the day as the writer duo couldn’t crack the second half that would beat their earlier iconic films and also that the film bore slight resemblance to 'My Name is Khan' which already got released before the scripting of the 'Munnabhai Chale America' could finish. However, the story of the 3^rd film in the Munnabhai Franchise was nothing sort of another gem. The teaser ( Link below ) itself gives a glimpse of the offering. This time around, it was Circuit ( Arshad Warsi ) who falls in love with a woman. On the day of the marriage, Circuit’s biological parents who were not in the picture till now, shows up on the wedding day. And to everyone’s amazement, they happen to be Muslim which in - turn makes Circuit a Muslim Boy. Not ready to get their daughter get married into a Muslim family, the bride’s parents decide to call off the wedding. Unable to understand the change in situation just because of the Religion factor, Munna ( Sanjay Dutt) questions the problem. To which the Bride’s family says the most cliché and untrue thought that ‘ Muslims are terrorist’. On asking the source of the information, the girl’s family says that it’s a general understanding and even ‘ George Bush’ says the same. Innocent and ignorant that Munna is promises that George Bush will come and say sorry & take back his words. Girl’s family very well aware of the impossibility of the situation, agrees to the condition. Munna’s shock leaves no boundaries when he comes to know that George Bush is no local Mumbai guy or even an Indian, he is the President of America. However, being Munnabhai who has earlier achieved the impossible from being a Doctor to an RJ, decides to stay true to his words and embark on the journey to America with Circuit which would ultimately culminate into a funny ride of both of them exploring America and their ways to reach George Bush to make him change his perception. Though the film would have been different in terms of treatment from 'My Name is Khan' with the former being a serious take while 'Munnabhai Chale America' was on lighter note, it was that the makers couldn’t give justice to the second half of the film and ultimately decided it to let it remain only on paper. While I am sure, we would love to watch the film even if it releases today, but as of now we can only wait to watch the biopic of our dear Munnabhai i.e Sanjay Dutt scheduled to release next year starring the super talented Ranbir Kapoor.

Source: ETC Bollywood Business: Interview of Rajkumar Hirani & Abhijat Joshi by Komal Nahta

Teaser of the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxQfFHs0rNU

When audience actually saved a scene in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge

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Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge – one of the iconic films of Bollywood and my personal favourite too has many stories hidden in the making of the film which I shall bring in front of you time and again. I am sure most of us wouldn’t mind watching the movie even today after 20 years of its release. Surprisingly the makers of the film took time to realize the value of their own creation. It was after some 7-8 days post the release of the film that Shahrukh Khan who was shooting for the film ‘Chahat’ in Jaipur snuck into one of the oldest and celebrated cinema halls of the city – Rajmandir with Pooja Bhatt, Mahesh Bhatt and Anupam Kher to catch the show of the film with the masses. Though the film had released, Aditya Chopra was in a dilemma regarding the ending of the film assuming it to be too long to hold the audience. The scene in question was the climax where Amrish Puri finds the photograph of Shahrukh & Kajol and confronts Shahrukh. Shahrukh Khan delivers a superlative performance coupled with emotional dialogues along with Kajol where he tells her that ‘ Bauji thik kehte hai’ repetitively. Aditya Chopra had already shared his concern with Shahrukh. And with that thought in his mind, being an audience at Raj Mandir, Shahrukh witnessed whispers and audience chatting while the mentioned scene was going on. Perceiving that Aditya Chopra was right, Shahrukh was itching to go back to the Hotel and call him to tell that perhaps they should consider editing that scene again for the coming week as the audience was getting distracted due to its length. It took time for Shahrukh to take note when Pooja Bhatt and Mahesh Bhatt pointed out that the audience has not shifted focus from the film and talking among themselves, in fact the sounds of chatter is actually them mouthing the dialogue along with Raj ( Shahrukh’s Character in the film ). That was the impact the film had made. Not only did the film hold the audience but also got them involved in their story. Astonished by the reaction of the audience to thefilm, Shahrukh rushed back to the hotel to call Aditya Chopra and shared his experience which eventually made him pull back his idea of re-editing one of the most captivating scenes of the film.

Source: Shahrukh Khan and Kajol's Media Interaction to celebrate 1000 weeks of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge