Sonakshi is the chosen one for item number in Joker
Makers of Joker won’t have to look anymore for Katrina Kaif or other A-league actresses for performing an item number in Joker. They have found one pretty much in-house, what with Sonakshi Sinha herself stepping in for a slot that was available for grabs. This well-thought of decision was taken last week by Shirish Kunder and Farah Khan who felt that there was no harm in getting their own leading lady gyrate to the tune of this ‘desi’ number that is expected to spice up the narrative of this Akshay Kumar starrer.
“This item number was recorded many months back but the hunt was on for the item girl. Though there was no one in particular who was sent any feelers since there are still a few more days to go before the song goes on floors, Shirish started looking at Sonakshi as a big option that was available right in front of them”, says a source from the film.
For the uninitiated, a few months back there were also talks of Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan being approached for the song. Since Katrina owes her biggest chartbuster ever, ‘Sheila Ki Jawaani’ (Tees Maar Khan) to Farah and Salman too has worked with Shirish in Jaan-E-Mann (and also done an item number ‘Wallah Wallah’ in Tees Maar Khan), everyone felt that this would be a cakewalk. However, once Katrina denied doing any such song, the hunt intensified to look for another big name.
“Yeah, everyone felt that Sonakshi herself could be groomed for this item number”, the source continues, “She has anyways done quite well in another song from the film, ‘Dance Kar Le English Mein’, where she has gyrated to a ‘desi’ tune and impressed everyone with her moves. Shirish and Farah felt that it would be good to continue the momentum by making their leading lady do the quintessential item number as well.”
On contacted, Shirish did confirm that Sonakshi was doing the item number. However he denied that this was an after thought and instead stated that options were always open for the coveted slot. “No one else had been approached and in any case this song was always supposed to be shot in our later schedules. Sonakshi is the best fit for the song and we would be beginning the shoot soon”, says Shirish.
There are some who are surprised though. After all, it wasn’t too long ago when he had supposedly asked Sonakshi to reduce weight for her further scenes in the film. One wonders what led to a change in mind.
“What change of mind”, Shirish gets a tad irritated here, “We took Sonakshi in the film for what she is. She looks absolutely fine and there is no change needed in her. Whatever you heard are just rumours.”
When told that this decision seemed impromptu and just a measure to soothe Ms. Sinha who is pretty peeved with the suggestions, Shirish responded stating, “That’s rubbish. People should stop imagining.”
Piping hot news from tinsel town
While the online promo of ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA was launched at an event on Sunday, the theatrical trailer of this film will be included with the prints of READY. In fact, the theatrical trailer of MURDER 2 will also be integrated with the prints of this Salman starrer. That’s not all, the theatrical trailer of the much-awaited SINGHAM, starring Ajay Devgn and directed by Rohit Shetty, will be incorporated in READY as well. Are you ready for READY and the trailer of three keenly anticipated movies?
Ramgopal Varma sure works at lightning speed. The maverick film-maker has already completed the filming of his new film NOT A LOVE STORY based on a real-life episode and is aiming to release it by July-end/August. The interesting aspect is that RGV has shot the film in the same building where the shocking incident had occurred. Meanwhile, RGV has made a collage of some interesting scenes from the film, besides a volatile promo. All we can say is RGV has explosive material on hand. Incidentally, RGV has shot the film without a DoP cinematographer this time.
A screening of STANLEY KA DABBA will be organized for leading politicians in Delhi shortly.
Ekta Kapoor will be hosting Threesome Party to promote Ragini MMS
Ekta Kapoor has undergone a complete transformation of personality. From her hair and clothes which have gone from casual and functional to ultra-chic and eye-catching, to her movies which unlike her domesticated soap operas on TV are now sharp, smart and sexy. 
Yup, the movies she makes also reflect her changed personality.
And now Ekta’s parties are also getting wilder by the month. When one heard that she was hosting a theme party where all the invitees have to come as a threesome instead of a conventional pair, the immediate reaction to the orgiastic concept was disbelief. Yup, the Balaji tycoon sure has come of age!
According to whispers around Balaji Films, Ekta plans to host a Three-Is-Cool party on May 7 where she will invite all her friends from the film and television industry to come as a threesome.
But the real excitement would come from Ekta’s actors and actresses from the film industry. Some of the Balaji leading men are so spoilt for choices that they are already calling up Ekta’s office asking if they could bring 4 and 5 girls instead of 2. The invitees also want to know how adventurous the party is going get after getting so innovative about the invites.
When contacted Ekta is at her naughtiest best. “No no no. They can’t come with four or five chicks. It’s got to be threesomes. The party is a Threesome Party. My film Ragini MMS has a catch line saying, ‘They didn’t know it but it was a threesome’. So I decided what the heck! Twosomes at parties are so boring. It’s time to move on to more exciting permutations. Hence the threesome theme.”
Significantly, the Threesome Party won’t be held at Ekta’s place where she hosts most of her parties.
Says Ekta with a wicked chuckle, “Noooo, not my place. This party cannot be accommodated there. We’re doing it in a sexy lounge with dimmed lights, loud music and loads and loads of fun.”
So how naughty is the party going to get?
Ekta sighs, “It gets as naughty as the guests want it to be. I am hosting an innocent party for threesome instead of the customary couples. Once the heat is on and the fun begins, who knows which way the mood would swing?”
Ekta herself is yet to select her two companions for the threesome party. “There are so many possibilities. I’m still trying to figure it out.”
Dum Maaro Dum lands up in controversy once again
For years, whenever one heard of ‘Dum Maaro Dum’, one would recollect the hippy looking Zeenat Aman singing the famous track from the super hit film Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Circa 2011… today when one hears Dum Maaro Dum, there are so many first that comes to the person’s mind. On one hand, there’s Deepika and her booty-licious body that gyrates to the groovy track, followed by controversies galore!
Just couple of days after controversies surrounding Dum Maaro Dum settled down, the producers seem to have step into another tricky situation. This time, it’s in the form of Frankfinn Institute, one of the high-flying institutes that groom youngsters for aerial jobs. Reportedly, Samir Valia, Frankfinn’s Vice President said that when Fox Star Studio had approached them for having an in film branding, they were game for the same, and they shared their logos, and trademarks and other required material. But when they realized that the overall portrayal of the airhostess shown in the film does not mirror the quality and standards that they impart to their students, they refused the offer for in film branding.
What then shocked Valia was the fact that the filmmakers apparently made a logo which was strikingly similar to theirs! Valia, when he filed the case, said that, his institute does not intend to stall the resale of the film or anything of that sort. But they do want to remove the tarnishing and damaging portions from the film.
Further details regarding the case are awaited.
"We are looking it as a major live event for the common man with all key cast members" – Farah Khan
This ‘Sheila’ is making sure that her ‘jawani’ continues to relentlessly entice one and all. With a definite aim of toppling ‘Munni Badnaam’ and turn out to be hottest song of the year, the team of Tees Maar Khan is making sure that music continues to be the high point of the film’s promotional plans.
Resultantly, elaborate plans have been put together for a live show – all free of cost – designed for the ‘aam junta’ with Akshay and Katrina gyrating to the beats of ‘Sheila Ki Jawani’, Tees Maar Khan, ‘Wallah Wallah’ and more this Saturday evening. The event would be taking place at a prominent hotel near Juhu beach, Mumbai, and though it is not exactly a beach side concert, it is still in good enough proximity for the visitors to have a dekko.
Confirms Farah Khan, who can now be expected to plan an event a day as her third film enters its final leg of promotion this month, “We are looking it as a major event for the common man who doesn’t have to pay to watch his superstars from Tees Maar Khan. We are having a song and dance event near Juhu beach where all key cast members from the film would be present. A band would be playing songs from the film while Akshay and Katrina would be jiving to the beats as well.”
Though the team would have loved to host this event right on the beach, logistical challenges around the permissions and security meant that a hotel had to be booked to provide the services.
“Still, it should be worthy enough for the viewers as thousands of people throng the beach every evening in any case”, says Farah.
No wonder, a crowd of over 10,000 visitors are expected to stop by and check out what their stars have for an offering. Rest assured, if Katrina indeed goes on to get her characteristic jig from ‘Sheila Ki Jawani’ out there for all to see – that too live – it could well be an event worth remembering for thousands out there.
Akshay Kumar to rope in Russell Peters & Rob Lowe for Break Away?
After producing films like Singh Is Kinng, De Dana Dan, Khatta Meetha, as well as upcoming films like Action Replayy, Patiala House and Tees Maar Khan that have entertained the Indian audiences, Bollywood’s ‘Khiladi’ – Akshay Kumar is all set to go international with his film Break Away. The English-Punjabi film showcases the struggles faced by South Asian immigrants.
The film in essence is a cross-cultural comedy, with a story that revolves around a Sikh immigrant family – how they cope with cultural conflicts and adapt to playing ice hockey and their new life. Unlike other cross-cultural films, Break Away is said to be quite unique.
The film, which is being directed by Robert Lieberman, will have Toronto-born Vinay Virmani in the lead role, while Akshay has even roped in the petite lass from the film 10000 BC Camilla Belle. However, what’s interesting to know is that Akki being a big fan of the Indo-Canadian comic sensation Russell Peters, is contemplating on roping him for the film along with Rob Lowe from the hit series ‘Brothers and Sisters’.
Break Away, which will mostly be shot in Toronto, is scheduled to begin in the coming few weeks and is said to be about one-hour-and-fifty-minutes long with its release being tentatively slated for next year.
Akshay Kumar to rope in Russell Peters & Rob Lowe for Break Away?
After producing films like Singh Is Kinng, De Dana Dan, Khatta Meetha, as well as upcoming films like Action Replayy, Patiala House and Tees Maar Khan that have entertained the Indian audiences, Bollywood’s ‘Khiladi’ – Akshay Kumar is all set to go international with his film Break Away. The English-Punjabi film showcases the struggles faced by South Asian immigrants.
The film in essence is a cross-cultural comedy, with a story that revolves around a Sikh immigrant family – how they cope with cultural conflicts and adapt to playing ice hockey and their new life. Unlike other cross-cultural films, Break Away is said to be quite unique.
The film, which is being directed by Robert Lieberman, will have Toronto-born Vinay Virmani in the lead role, while Akshay has even roped in the petite lass from the film 10000 BC Camilla Belle. However, what’s interesting to know is that Akki being a big fan of the Indo-Canadian comic sensation Russell Peters, is contemplating on roping him for the film along with Rob Lowe from the hit series ‘Brothers and Sisters’.
Break Away, which will mostly be shot in Toronto, is scheduled to begin in the coming few weeks and is said to be about one-hour-and-fifty-minutes long with its release being tentatively slated for next year.
‘Zandu Balm’ manufacturer sues Dabangg producers
One man’s food is another man’s poison. This saying couldn’t be further from truth in case of the hit song ‘Munni Badnaam’. Life cannot get more ironic than this, as on one hand, the makers of Dabangg are rejoicing the stupendous success of the track, while on the other, they are ‘facing the music’, courtesy Emami, the makers of ‘Zandu Balm’.
Emami has slapped a legal notice to Arbaaz Khan Productions Private Limited for using their brand’s name ‘Zandu Balm’ in the song ‘Munni Badnaam’ from the film Dabangg. The company claims that the brand name ‘Zandu Balm’ was used in the song without their consent.
Emami has asked now asked the producers to either withdraw the song or delete the brand name from it. Response from Dabangg’s producers on this case is awaited.
‘Zandu Balm’ manufacturer sues Dabangg producers
One man’s food is another man’s poison. This saying couldn’t be further from truth in case of the hit song ‘Munni Badnaam’. Life cannot get more ironic than this, as on one hand, the makers of Dabangg are rejoicing the stupendous success of the track, while on the other, they are ‘facing the music’, courtesy Emami, the makers of ‘Zandu Balm’.
Emami has slapped a legal notice to Arbaaz Khan Productions Private Limited for using their brand’s name ‘Zandu Balm’ in the song ‘Munni Badnaam’ from the film Dabangg. The company claims that the brand name ‘Zandu Balm’ was used in the song without their consent.
Emami has asked now asked the producers to either withdraw the song or delete the brand name from it. Response from Dabangg’s producers on this case is awaited.
Siddharth Malhotra’s mom hospitalized
It’s not been an easy time for the We Are Family director Siddharth Malhotra. As though some of the reviews for his directorial debut were not cutting enough, Siddharth had to cope with the sudden illness of his mother. On Tuesday morning the lady was rushed to Lilavati hospital.
Discernibly distressed Siddharth said, “My mom had been under some pain for a few days now. We suspected it to be a stone on the kidney. We had to take her to hospital. Here it was discovered that she was suffering from acute pneumonia.”
Siddharth’s producer Karan Johar was one of the first well-wishers to arrive at the hospital. Gradually friends, relatives and well-wishers from the film industry began trickling in Lilavati. And it truly felt like family for the We Are Family director.
The past week has been confusing for Siddharth. “I am told the young don’t connect with family films. So should we all just make young romantic films?”
