Emraan Hashmi prays at Haji Ali

 

Emraan Hashmi prays at Haji Ali

A day before the release of his film Ek Thi Daayan, Bollywood star Emraan Hashmi visited the Haji Ali dargah in Worli, Mumbai, to offer prayers.

The actor arrived at the dargah on Thursday afternoon along with a retinue of security personnel. He also carried on his head the basket with chadar and other offerings. Once inside the dargah, he offered the chadar and prayed.

Emraan Hashmi has in the last few years departed from his former serial-kisser, skirt-chaser image and been doing roles with much more substance. Ek Thi Daayan has Emraan playing a magician who is confounded by strange happenings around him.

The 34-year-old actor recently said that if the film does well, its sequel may also be planned.

"Once the film does well, then we will make the sequel…If it is a great story and it is taken forward in a nice way, then I would like to be a part of it," he said.

ApunKaChoice brings you the pictures from Emraan Hashmi’s visit to Haji Ali dargah.

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Doing intimate scenes with Emraan is easier: Sonal Chauhan

From a pageant winner to film actress, Sonal Chauhan has been there, done that, and overcome many odds along the way. "I belong to a conservative family. My father was a police inspector and he was quite strict. When I thought of making a career in the glamour industry, it was quite difficult to convince him initially, but when I won the title of Miss World Tourism things started shaping up in my favour in my family. My father and family started supporting me. as they felt that I would do well in this industry," shares Sonal, who made her debut in Bollywood as Zoya in 'Jannat'.

 

However, in the span of five years in the industry, Sonal only has three big movies to her credit. "After doing Jannat, I did Buddha Hoga Tera Baap with Amitabh ji and my last release was 3G with Neil Nitin Mukesh. Actually, after Jannat, I went back to Delhi to pursue my studies, but now I am back and in days to come, audiences will get to see more of me on screen," she promises.

In her last release Sonal also showcased her singing talent. "It was by chance that I sang for a song in 3G. Mithoon, the music director of the film, was not getting a female playback singer whose voice could gel perfectly with my character in the movie. I used to sing during the shooting breaks and Mithoon noticed it. One fine day, he came to me and told that he wants to record Kaise Bataaon track in my voice. I was really apprehensive, but later I decided to go along with the offer. The day I went to the studio for the recording, I was really nervous but Mithoon supported me a lot and the song turned out really well. Now I have decided to take professional training in singing, and Mithoon's dad has also provided me with a teacher to hone my singing skills," shares the actress.

But while 3G didn't fare well at the box office, Sonal made news for other reasons while working in the film - her alleged link up with co-star Neil. "I agree that Neil is a good friend, and if we are working together, it does not mean we are dating each other. I would like to make it very clear that I am single at the moment. I have noticed that whenever two young actors work together, people start linking them up," says Sonal, who was in a brief visit to Kanpur recently.

Be it in Jannat or 3G, Sonal hasn't shied away from doing bold scenes in her movies. But when it comes to her comfort level with her co-stars, she prefers Emraan Hashmi over Neil Nitin Mukesh. "I don't know why, doing intimate scenes with Emraan is easier than with any other actor. I was really comfortable while shooting those scenes with him. He has mastered the art of making his co-star perfectly comfortable while filming intimate scenes," says Sonal.

Here some Hot Photo Collection Of Sonal Chauhan

 

 

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Lovey-dovey couple John Abraham and Priya Runchal at ‘Shootout At Wadala’ screening

Spotted together!

The moment calls for their togetherness! The release of Shootout At Wadala is a special occasion for John Abraham and standing by him shoulder-to-shoulder, hand-in-hand is his pretty girlfriend Priya Runchal.

John Abraham has played gangster Manya Surve in the film, which is based on the first-ever registered encounter done by Mumbai Police. The movie is releasing this Friday, and his ladylove has already arrived in Mumbai to cheer him up. So, it wasn’t surprising to see Priya with John when he hosted a special screening for Shootout At Wadala on Wednesday at PVR theatres.

As usual John Abraham looked dashing in a pale blue shirt and tattered denims, and Priya Runchal was dressed in a sleeveless white satin top that had ruched neckline, leaving her slender neck bare. She paired the top with black tights and pumps. It’s said that throughout the evening, John didn’t leave Priya’s side, and the couple looked every bit comfortable posing for the photogs while coming out from the venue.

The special screening of SAW also saw the attendance of other celebs like Arjun Rampal, wife Mehr Jessia, Sussanne Roshan, Shraddha Kapoor and many others.

John Abraham’s parents Abraham John and Firoza Irani were also there along with the couple for the screening of the film. With parental approval, it seems John and Priya are willing to take the relationship to the next leve

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Social media has killed the star: Karan Johar

Karan Johar on the fading era of the Khans, Kapoor and Kumars and how the young generation 'cheats' on its new icons

Your chat show is slated to take off soon. What has changed in the film fraternity between the last season and now?
(Smiles) A lot. The people are pretty much the same, but everyone has a new lover, new enemy and a new controversy. And yes, there is a whole new generation which has come in. These people are candid, brave, have no baggage or a sense of caution that comes with success. They are irreverent and don't mind giving you an opinion. Their reflexes are unusual and they are great fun to watch.

You have worked with the stars and now you have surrounded yourself with young talent. Do you think the socalled star system is changing?
The stardom of Shah Rukh, Akshay, Ajay, Aamir, Salman, Hrithik and Saif is unattainable. But this kind of manic hero worship is going to diminish. There are too many younger stars. And by virtue of the numbers, stardom will be divided among the younger lot. You will not have that kind of euphoria or reach that ecstatic level...

Is diluted stardom just a function of numbers?
The younger generation of fans does not have the kind of reverence the older lot had for their idols. The young lot love and adore and move on quickly. They cheat on their idols quite a lot. Their loyalty does not have longevity. Much like in the West where there is a new teen icon every year. So you have a Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Will Smith at the end of their humongous stardom, now doing something else. Our country still loves the Khans and the Kumars and the Kapoors, but things are changing fast.

Do you think technology has played a part in killing the star?
Absolutely. With social media and smart phones, stars are literally in your bedroom, drawing room and bathroom on a daily basis and you cannot escape an overdose. The euphoria around a star has watered down. And to keep the young lot entertained and interested, I have to introduce new talent every year, which we are doing at Dharma.

When you swap an established and experienced cast with a completely new team, do you not miss out on the depth that the former would add to your film?
Intensity and depth mean different things to different generations. Some of the young ones are prolific and extremely evolved. But they grow up much faster. We were a lot more innocent in our 20s than them. I can have a complete conversation about life and philosophy with a 25-year-old, because they have seen the world. But yes, the whole poetry of life is a lot different for me than it is for them. Some of us grew up knowing and understanding what pain, love and heartbreak is. I fester, the younger generation just moves on. Their love and emotions run dry, their tears are very seasonal, my tears run every day. Even then, I would say they are a lot stronger.

As a filmmaker working with and for both generations, how do you find a balance?
One finds it eventually. I could never write a scene today like I did in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, where a mother meets a son in a mall after 10 years. Today, if I were to tackle the same situation, I would treat it differently - the slow motion, the music, the chorus and the drama would not be there, it would be very subtle, real. I would not do away with the situation, because I believe in that sense of drama.

With Bombay Talkies, you chose to focus on a complex husband-wife relationship, which has always been your strength. You could have moved in a completely different direction, why didn't you?
I actually liked the story which is about the grey area that the couple has to walk in life. Most relationships go through that grey patch. But I have always been intrigued with the fact that it is only in a marital relationship that you come out with deceit, betrayals and lies. You are far more honest with your parents, siblings or even friends. My attempt with Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna was to talk that zone, this is one step higher than that.

But KANK faced fierce criticism.
True. We were far more progressive in the 40s and 50s. We are celebrating hundred years of cinema but emotionally we have regressed.

How do you arrive at that?
There was a film called Sharda (1957) starring Raj Kapoor and Meena Kumari in which they are in love but eventually she marries his father and he has to touch his lover's feet. That gets accepted but Lamhe goes on to become an unsuccessful film. That is the unfortunately the travesty and the dichotomy of this country. Arth, made in the 80s, is niche but successful. Now you have the moral police breathing down your neck. But that should not stop any one of us. Cinema can change our moral fabric. But yes, I saw a completely new level of double standards in the vicious reaction to KANK. I admit, it was flawed, but the way the film's moral fibre was questioned, surprised me.

Was it because you were associated the cinema of wholesome family values?
(Nods in agreement) From loving your parents to leaving your wife, it was obviously a leap of faith. But if I don't take those leaps with cinema I will stagnate into oblivion.

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Huma Qureshi teaches Emraan Hashmi to kiss!

Emraan Hashmi's stature has certainly gone beyond his initial tag of being just a serial kisser. The actor, who has shown his acting and superstar chops in films like 'Shanghai' and 'Jannat2', is one of the most coveted talents in Bollywood now. However, when Emraan is in a film, kissing becomes an integral part of the script.

But for a change, the actor has let his co-star take charge. A source told us that in his latest film, Ek Thi Daayan, there is a scene where Huma Qureshi and Emmi are required to get intimate. Naturally, nothing could convey it better than a lip-to-lip kiss. So, the set was emptied out and only the bare minimum technicians stood back to capture the scene.

Surprisingly, the one who took charge was not Emmi, but his co-star Huma. She actually made him comfortable and when the scene was shot, she is said to have remarked, 'Finally, I have met my match'. Emraan sportingly said, "Yeah, we have a kiss, but I let Huma take over."
But there is a dampener: One hears that the kiss was to be part of the new promos, but the Central Board of Film Certification has raised objection. Wait and watch for what round two in this producer-censor constant tug of war has to offer.

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I am tired of kissing on screen: Emraan Hashmi

Actor Emraan Hashmi, who has carved a niche for himself in his ten-year Bollywood career, says he is happy to get his due after having created a new genre of mainstream films in the industry.

"As an actor I was not accepted for the longest time. But it did not deter me as the audience had accepted me. I never compared myself with any other actors. I never had any game plan and took whatever came my way," Emraan told .
"I think, slowly I started getting my due. I am very happy that filmmakers like Vishal Bharadwaj and Karan Johar have started approaching me."
The 34-year-old has completed close to a decade in the industry and his greatest accomplishment is that he has always tried to do different kind of films.
"During the first five years of my career I was criticised for doing similar kind of roles. I always tried to get out of my comfort zone. During these years I created a new genre of mainstream films, which this industry hadn't seen earlier. Our mainstream films are mostly family dramas or comedies but my films have always been different from the rest," he said.
Emraan is now looking for better scripts and interesting roles to portray on screen.
"I am looking for bigger and more successful films, better scripts to work on and some interesting characters. The effort always remains that my new film outdoes my last in terms of performance and gets better box office success," he said.
"Box office is the sole reason why I do films. Sometimes I know a film might not pull the audience to the theatres and have a great collection at the box office. But I need to do these films for creative satisfaction and give something different to the audience," he added.

But at the same time, Emraan never compares his film's success to the box office results of other films and actors.
Also, one thing that has not changed over the years is his 'serial kisser' image.

"I am tired of kissing on screen. I have to do it because it is synonymous with me. Also, the producers and directors want to add that element. I don't give it too much importance," he said.

Emraan has interesting projects lined up for release like Rajkumar Gupta's 'Ghanchakkar' opposite Vidya Balan and Karan Johar's home production film 'Unglee' and a Hollywood film for Bosnian director Danis Tanovic (his film, 'No Man's Land' won the Oscar in 2002).

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Aamir Khan celebrates his 25 years in Bollywood

Never thought I'd come this far: Aamir Khan

Celebrating his silver jubilee in Hindi films, superstar Aamir Khan recalled how he’s learnt from his mistakes through 25 years of hard work.

Aamir Khan, who completed 25 years in filmdom Monday, attributes this success to the mistakes he made over the years. One of the most respected and versatile actors of his generation, he admits when he started, he never thought he would come this far.

"I have had unsuccessful films, but I learned a lot from those films. I give my failures as much importance as my success," Aamir said at a press conference Monday to celebrate his silver jubilee in the industry.

His debut film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak came out on April 29 in 1988 and turned out to be a game changer at the box office, which was reeling under hackneyed plots and flops.

A fresh film with fresh faces brought in a breath of fresh air. If the beautifully stitched romantic saga launched Aamir Khan in filmdom, it also introduced Mansoor Khan as a director and gave Juhi Chawla her due.

If the story was fresh, so was the music of the movie that is still remembered for lilting numbers like "Gazab ka hai din", "Akele hain to kya gum hai" and "Papa kehte hain", which were picturised in a completely different style.

Two-and-half decades ago, Aamir was not sure about how his career would shape up.

"When I was new, I didn't know where my career will go. Initially, my films were not even successful, but then I learned a lot from my mistakes," said the 48-year-old whose "Love Love Love", "Deewana Mujhsa Nahin" etc. had bombed at the box office.

"When my three-four films were not successful, I decided I won't sign a film for money, a big banner or a specific person. I decided I will listen to my heart. That is why I started doing less films. I have followed this till date," said the actor who made his mark with his work in "Raja Hindustani", "Sarfarosh" and "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke".

When he cut down on his assignments, Aamir Khan admits he became butt of a joke.

"The way I used to work was different from the industry's norms. People used to laugh at me and thought that I won't be able to stick for long," said Aamir who not only proved naysayers wrong, but also earned the tag of a "thinking actor".

Year 2001 marked a turning point in Aamir's career as he turned producer with Oscar nominated period drama "Lagaan - Once Upon A Time In India", and later directed issue based film Taare Zameen Par.

Post "Lagaan", he has been part of some of the biggest hits of the decade like Dil Chahta Hai, Rang De Basanti, Ghajini and 3 Idiots.

"I do what I feel is right. I am not scared to walk on the new path and take risk," he said.

After reaching the top of the pyramid, he says: "I never thought this would happen. I can't believe how I have reached here. I am happy that I have entertained people and made them happy."

On the occasion, Aamir thanked directors, filmmakers and other people who have contributed to his career.

"I want to thank writers and directors and other people who have worked with me. They have all contributed to my journey...I also want to thank my audience, they gave me so much of love and respect," he said.

"I want to thank my family. Our field is tough and the family has to go through a lot," said Aamir, who is married to Kiran Rao, a filmmaker.

When it comes to unfulfilled dreams, Aamir has one too.

"I always wanted to work with Dilip Kumar. He is one of the world's top actors and I have missed working with him," Aamir said.

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What reminded Salman Khan of 'Karan Arjun' with Shahrukh Khan?

While shooting an ad recently, Salman Khan was reminded of a film he did with Shahrukh Khan years ago.

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan admits that while shooting for an inner wear ad (DixcyScott), he was reminded of his film Karan Arjun.

Directed by Rakesh Roshan, 1995 release "Karan Arjun" featured Salman and Shahrukh Khan together, who were among the top actors of that time. Also starring Raakhee as their mother, the film featured Kajol and Mamta Kulkarni as the female leads.

"Karan Arjun" was a blockbuster.

One of the scenes of blockbuster "Karan Arjun" where Durga, played by Raakhee, says her sons (Karan and Arjun) will come back, was shot in the Mehboob Studio, the same place where Salman has shot for the inner wear ad.

"It (shooting for 'DixcyScott' ad) reminded me of 'Karan Arjun'. I was shooting for 'Karan Arjun' in Mehboob Studio and there was also the same ambience during my introduction scene in the film. It was the same (ambience for ad film) and I was reminded of the scene, 'Mere bete aayenge, Karan-Arjun aayenge, dharti ka seena phaadkar aayenge' and then I enters the boxing ring," said Salman Khan.

Salman is looking 'fit as a fiddle' in the ad, although he has put on some weight recently, but said: "I am just getting back into shape."

He added: "Arbaaz has the worst body among all of us (Salman, Sohail and Arbaaz) and Sohail is the fittest now."

Salman is currently busy shooting for Sohail's directorial venture Mental.

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Hrithik-Ranbir-Farhan in action

Hrithik set to do a cameo in the Kapoor Jr starrer direced by Farhan Akhtar


Hrithik Roshan and Ranbir Kapoor are all set to share screen space for the first time in Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's upcoming venture. Hrithik we hear, has been roped in to play a cameo, while the rest of the cast is yet to be finalised. There is also buzz about real life siblings Ranbir and Kareena Kapoor slated to play reel life siblings in Farhan's sister Zoya Akhtar's next

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Imran Khan, Sonakshi Sinha shooting for 'Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai Again'

Imran Khan

Imran Khan took Sonakshi Sinha out for a bike ride at Byculla in South Mumbai early on Wednesday morning. No, the duo weren’t out on a date, but were shooting for director Milan Luthria’s film Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Again at and around at Masina Hospital. Imran was spotted shooting in two looks: one, riding the bike solo in a red shirt; another, riding with Sonakshi sitting pillion. He wore a black jacket in the second look. The film has Imran playing a guy named Aslam, while Sonakshi plays Yasmin. Akshay Kumar plays a gangster on the lines of Dawood Ibrahim and Sonali Bendre also plays a pivotal role. Akshay has a mustachioed look in the film. OUATIMA is set in the Mumbai underworld and shows the rise of an underworld don and his minions. Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Again is slated for an Eid release. Produced by Ekta Kapoor, it will most likely hit theatres on August 8 along with Shahrukh Khan’s Chennai Express. A spectacular clash it’s surely gonna be.

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Shahid Kapoor escapes serious burns by hot chemical solution

Shahid Kapoor suffered minor burns while filming an                       
action sequence

 for his film Rambo Rajkuma Actor Shahid Kapoor,
who has been shooting hardcore action sequences              
for Prabhudheva’s Rambo Rajkumar, managed to escape
 a serious injury.

It happened Friday when the 32-year-old was shooting at      
Kamalistan Studio
 for a scene where he has to enter a burning house. He finished his shot and
was stepping out of the burning house, when some hot chemical solution
dripped on to his back and arms.

"The fire is created artificially through a chemical solution... The solution fell on his back and forearms. The solution was hot and it immediately burnt holes in Shahid's t-shirt. He half sprinted while removing his t-shirt,” said a source.

The actor has got some burn marks. He later visited a dermatologist to ensure the wounds heal quickly.
 

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Hero Aamir Khan featured on TIME Magazine cover page

Bollywood star Aamir Khan has been featured on one of the seven special covers of the Time magazine listing the world’s 100 most influential people.
The list includes Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, Delhi lawyer Vrinda Grover and California’s Indian-American attorney general Kamala Harris besides teenaged Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai and US President Barack Obama.
Like Aamir Khan, Malala Yousafzai, “the Pakistani schoolgirl whose advocacy for girls’ rights is just beginning” is also featured on one of the special covers.
Aamir Khan, 48, the Bollywood star who wins praise from composer A.R. Rahman, “has been chosen for using his influence to raise social awareness in India.”
“In a world of false diplomacy and evasiveness, Aamir is a straightforward man,” writes Rahman noting, “He uses his gifts as a charmer to give his audience the most bitter medicine. Hypnotized, we take it without complaint.”
“Aamir has started a movement that will help change the world in which Indians live. Jai ho!” adds the Academy Award-winning composer.
Described as “a trusted counsellor to the ruling Congress Party’s Gandhi family, Chidambaram’s experience is unsurpassed”, writes Time.
Playing “an important role as India opened its economy” in the 1990s, “his reform record has been spotty,” Time says and suggests: “To land India’s top job, he needs to revive his country’s economic fortunes. He may also need to adopt a more Indian style.”
Delhi lawyer Vrinda Grover’s “work as a human-rights lawyer and advocate for women’s rights has meant that she presses down pretty hard”, writes Time.
“Her determination to force an often recalcitrant political and legal system to change was evident in these past few heated months, as a particularly tragic rape in Delhi brought women’s rights center stage,” it notes.
Kamala Harris, 48, is described as a jurist to watch by Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to serve as US Speaker of the House.
“In 2010, after seven years as San Francisco district attorney, she became the first African American, first South Asian and first woman to be elected California attorney general,” Pelosi writes, predicting: “As a new generation of women picks up the mantle of progress, she will always be among the first to stand up and step forward.”

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John Abraham has replaced Akshay Kumar ‘Welcome Back’

John Abraham has replaced Akshay Kumar in “Welcome Back”, a sequel to “Welcome”, and says that the Bollywood Khiladi is “happiest” for him.
In the 2007 hit comedy “Welcome”, Akshay played the main lead.
“Akshay is like my elder brother. Whatever I do, I always have a lot of discussions, especially with him. Akshay is happiest for me when I told him that I am doing ‘Welcome Back’. He said it’s a very good film and you should do it,” the 40-year-old said here Tuesday on the sets of TV show “Bade Acche Lagte Hain” where he was promoting his film “Shootout at Wadala.”
“It’s an outstanding script, kids will love it and I am looking forward to doing it,” he added.
John has reportedly charged Rs.15 crore for “Welcome Back”, but did not confirm the news.
“As far as money is concerned, I don’t talk about money at all as I think it’s not as important. I charge because I think I deserve it. But I give it to charity because I think that’s more important,” John said.
John’s next film is much-talked about real life-based crime thriller “Shootout At Wadala”, in which he is playing gangster Manya Surve who was gunned down in the Mumbai police’s first official encounter. A host of actors like Anil Kapoor, Tusshar Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee and Mahesh Manjrekar feature in it.
But John misses Kangna Ranaut during the promotions of “Shootout at Wadala”. The actress plays his love interest in the film.
“Kangna will join us for the promotions, but right now she is shooting for some film. I miss Kangna a lot and people may not know that Manya Surve’s romantic track is one of the most beautiful romantic tracks, a tragic love story,” John said.
“Kangna has done an outstanding job. We all are missing her and we hope to see her soon,” added John.
Directed by Sanjay Gupta, “Shootout at Wadala” hits theatres May 3. – IANS

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