Makers claim to have delayed Soundtrack release for Soha Ali Khan
The Pataudi family has never felt more closely-knit together. Having come to terms with their loss, they are now in Delhi looking after Sharmila Tagore, who is down with a viral fever, and making arrangements for a memorial service on Saturday for the late Nawab Pataudi. Many of Saif, Kareena, and Soha’s friends from Bollywood are expected to fly into Delhi on Saturday for the memorial.
Curiously, the Bollywood brigade is being uncharacteristically discreet about sharing the Pataudis’ grief. Said a prominent star, “I am going on Saturday and a lot of others are, I believe. But it’s a private moment of condolence and grief.”
It’s been a tough fortnight for Soha Ali Khan. She was in the middle of promoting her new film Soundtrack when he father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi had to be hospitalized. Bravely, the daughter continued with her nationwide promotion.
And then the worst happened. Soha Ali Khan’s father passed away leaving her too broken to even think of the film.
The film’s producers from Saregama and director Neerav Ghosh had two options. Either to go ahead with the promotion of the film without Soha or postpone the release.
They opted for the latter option and chose not to talk about their postponement as some sort of a sacrifice. The official reason given for the postponement was too many releases on September 30.
Says the director Neerav Ghosh, “Ha, it was certainly not the crowd of releases that bothered us. Because we’ve gone from one clutter to another the following week. No. It was Soha. All of us, me, Rajeev Khandelwal, Mrinalini Sharma and Soha have become one closely-knit family. And if one of us is in distress, the rest of us can’t go on normally. We definitely postponed because of Soha’s bereavement.”
The decisive moment came in Delhi when the Soundtrack director was live on air with Soha on the day the Nawab Pataudi passed away. “It was ghoulish. We were in a segment promoting our film. During the break we could hear them loudly talking about Soha’s father. To her credit, Soha was very composed. But we decided, that was it. We decided to put aside the film until she was ready to face the world and her work again.”
Neerav has been in touch with Soha. She will join the promotion of the film from next week after the memorial service. For those who wish to be present, the memorial service for Nawab Pataudi is on October 1 at the Chinmaya Mission, Lodhi Road, Delhi, from 4-5 pm.
Is Kareena really a profit partner in Heroine?
While one waits to see what really unfolds on screen once Heroine arrives on the big screen, at least off screen the film is pretty much turning out to be a saga in it’s own. So much so that Madhur Bhandarkar could well think of including that as a chapter within his film itself. Even though Kareena Kapoor camp is insisting that the numero uno actress has reached a ‘middle path’ by working out a deal that amounts to Rs. 8 crores as her overall remuneration, sources deny any such progress.
“It is surprising to read a different theory making rounds every week. First it was said that she had demanded for Rs.10 crores to play the title role of Heroine. Then a few days later it came down to Rs.8 crores. Now it is being said that it would be a mix of fees as well as profit sharing, all of which will finally amount to Rs.8 crores, hence making it a win-win situation for her as well as the makers (Bhandarkar and UTV Motion Pictures). The fact though is that none of this is true and the price as well as deal is all coming out of nowhere”, informs a reliable source.
No one is blaming Kareena for such rumours making the rounds though and insiders claim that some within the industry are having a field day giving rise to such speculations and assumptions.
“At a career stage where Kareena is currently, she doesn’t need to encourage any such stories. If you look at all so-called breaking news pieces carefully, she hasn’t said a single word about her fee so far. All she is saying is that she is getting what she deserves. The makers too respect this and hence everyone is on the same page. However, there are people around them who are throwing numbers, something which has started to seem a little repetitive off late”, the source adds.
Meanwhile insiders claim that while there is no profit sharing deal with either Kareena or Arjun Rampal (as has been claimed), the final remuneration is less than half of what is being claimed.
“But again as they say, never ask a man’s salary; or for that matter even a woman’s”, a trade insider quips, “What is of paramount importance is that Kareena has been confirmed for the film and we can now expect a terrific film in the offing. With the kind of insider’s view that she can bring to the role as well as the only actress at the top who comes with terrific acting capabilities coupled with glamour quotient, Madhur indeed has a winner in hands. It would be better if everyone starts contributing to making a good film now.”
Well that can pretty much be expected, what with the film kicking off with one schedule in November/December and then wrapping up by July next year.
Kareena becomes first ever top Bollywood actress to be the face of Lakme
Here’s something more for the stunning Kareena Kapoor to preen over. Kareena has been chosen as the new face of the international cosmetic range of Lakme. The first Bollywood actress to be given this honour.
So far her appointment has only been a matter of speculation. But now we have it from a source very close to Kareena that she is indeed the first Bollywood actress to be thus appointed.
Says the source, “The Indian faces of Lakme have so far been all models. Even Katrina Kaif was a Lakme girl only when she was model. This is the first time that a Bollywood actress has been given this honour in the history of the cosmetic’s existence.”
According to the source close to Kareena, the formal announcement of Kareena’s appointment would be made this weekend.
Kareena to launch ‘Bebo’ range of handbags
Just recently, Kareena Kapoor was appointed as the brand ambassador for Laive handbags. One thing that the company noticed is that since the leggy damsel was signed on, the sales picked up. In response to this sudden rise in sales, the company has decided to come up with a special edition of the bag.
The said special edition will be titled Bebo, after the actress’s nickname. Currently, the actress is in talks regarding the bag line. As there are multiple aspects that need to be considered like the selling and marketing as well as Kareena’s involvement including her remuneration. As for the clutches, they will be a high- end collection in gold, silver, beige and black and will bear her signature.
Way to go ‘Bebo’!
Kareena Kapoor has record number of festival period releases
Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar may have set their eyes on Christmas with Taare Zameen Par/Welcome 2007, Ghajini/Jumbo 2008, 3 Idiots 2009 and Tees Maar Khan 2010. Salman Khan may have captured his Eid slot with Wanted 2009, Dabangg 2010 and Bodyguard 2011. But Kareena isn’t content with just one festival. She wants them all and is pretty much having her way as well.
Says a veteran trade observer, “After all Diwali and Christmas have turned out to be most beneficial for filmmakers due to long holiday period as well as general mood of celebrations and festivities. People don’t mind spending money and if a film is indeed made well, the makers and the actors benefit the most. It is crystal clear that while all the men are fighting it out amongst themselves when it comes to festive releases, Kareena is enjoying the best of all seasons. Well, literally.”
There are facts to substantiate this claim. This year her Golmaal 3 released on Diwali. Last year her 3 Idiots had arrived on Christmas while Main Aurr Mrs Khanna had released on Diwali. In 2008, her Golmaal Returns had made a splash on Diwali while Jab We Met in 2007 too had released just a few days before Diwali. Even earlier, her films like Don – The Chase Begins Again Diwali 2006, Dosti – Friends Forever Christmas 2005 and Aitraaz Diwali 2004 had benefited by arriving in the festive season.
“Somehow this fact never got highlighted as all the rivalry seemed to be hero-centric. However, Kareena has been quietly enjoying her stint when it comes to the release of her biggies. Now the going only seems to be perfect for her in near future as well with her newer films eyeing the best available slots”, continues the observer.
As things stand today, Kareena can well enjoy quite a few celebrations coming her way in the festival season ahead. Come 2011 and she would be occupying both Eid Bodyguard as well as the Diwali Ra. One slots. Though Christmas season currently has only one confirmed release – the sequel to Shah Rukh Khan’s Don, it would be interesting to see if Kareena brings one of her movies along then.
“Well, one can never be too sure about such things”, smiles Kareena who is obviously elated with this ‘feat’, “Yes, Golmaal 3 was always planned for a Diwali release and it’s blockbuster success has made us all feel good about the effort that we all had to put to ensure that the deadline was met.”
Now with declaration coming in that Salman Khan would most definitely bring in Bodyguard on Eid 2011, Kareena knows that it is going to be quite some hard work ahead.
“I would soon be beginning shoot for the Karan Johar film with Imran (Khan)”, she talks about (tentatively titled) Short Term Shaadi here, “Meanwhile, Ra. One and Agent Vinod too have to be wrapped up. With Bodyguard coming in as well, it is going to be some really busy months ahead. But yes, it does feel great to be arriving on festive dates year after year.”
Since Ra. One has already been confirmed for Diwali 2011, one wonders when would her film with Saif Ali Khan, Agent Vinod, eventually release. The tentative plans as of now are for May 2011 but it won’t be surprising if the makers pick the long Independence Day weekend for the release. 15th August falls on a Monday and a 12th August release would give them a 4 day long weekend here, hence adding on to continued celebrations for Kareena. In between all of this, she would also be kick starting her new film with Aamir Khan. As for Short Term Shaadi, how about Christmas 2011?
Some food for thought Kareena? After all it could well be a record waiting to make an entry into the Guinness!
Rani Mukherjee and Kareena Kapoor to star opposite Aamir in Reema Kagti’s film
Ever since it was announced, Excel Entertainment and Aamir Khan Productions’ film starring Aamir Khan and directed by Reema Kagti has been in the news. There were speculations all the while as to who the lucky two heroines would be who would be paired opposite Aamir in this suspense flick. Now the suspense (pun intended) is over and it’s none other than Rani Mukherjee and Kareena Kapoor who have been signed on for this ambitious project.
This is the first time that Aamir, Rani and Kareena will be starring in the same film and it’s indeed a casting coup for sure. It may be recalled that Rani starred opposite Aamir early in her career in the smash-hit Ghulam and was even part of the historical Mangal Pandey -The Rising. Bebo meanwhile was Aamir’s co-star in last year’s blockbuster 3 Idiots.
Now with the trio coming together for this project, things are only going to get hotter in the days to come.
Kareena Kapoor to star opposite Aamir in Reema Kagti’s next?
A hunt is on for a leading lady for Aamir Khan’s next to be directed by in Reema Kagti. If the buzz is to be believed, Kareena Kapoor has been finalized.
A source close to the project says, “Kareena is extremely keen to work with Aamir again. While shooting with Aamir for Rajkumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots, she got along very well with him. And the part in Reema Kagti’s film suits Kareena.”
At the moment, Reema Kagti is not willing to reveal details about the cast. “The film has strong parts for two leading ladies. And we’re in talks with quite a few girls.” However, a source reveals that Kareena has been confirmed.
Kareena Kapoor to star opposite Aamir in Reema Kagti’s next?
A hunt is on for a leading lady for Aamir Khan’s next to be directed by in Reema Kagti. If the buzz is to be believed, Kareena Kapoor has been finalized.
A source close to the project says, “Kareena is extremely keen to work with Aamir again. While shooting with Aamir for Rajkumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots, she got along very well with him. And the part in Reema Kagti’s film suits Kareena.”
At the moment, Reema Kagti is not willing to reveal details about the cast. “The film has strong parts for two leading ladies. And we’re in talks with quite a few girls.” However, a source reveals that Kareena has been confirmed.
Kareena chosen as brand ambassador for Mahindra Scooters
One of many reasons that have resulted in the super success of 3 Idiots has been its unique marketing strategies. Talking about marketing, there’s yet another story that is attached to the film, which is in the form of the brand of scooter which Kareena rides in the film. The actress has now been signed up the brand ambassador for the same.
We are indeed talking about Mahindra’s new two wheeler- ‘PowerScooter’, of which Kareena has been chosen as the brand ambassador. Talking about this, Bebo said that, “My experience with Mahindra scooter dates back to two years ago, when I rode a Mahindra ‘PowerScooter’ in 3 Idiots. I am delighted to be working with them.” Kareena will now feature in a multimedia campaign for the brand. The first campaign will be for the Mahindra Rodeo, about which, she said “Rodeo is a youthful, fun and fresh brand. It has the right mix of style and power.”
The campaign will be officially launched soon.
Saif and Kareena chosen as brand ambassadors for Metro Shoes?
Individually, they are dynamites and together they are magical! Well, we are indeed talking about one of Bollywood’s hottest couples – Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. Well, there’s no questioning their career charts, as it has gone only in one direction – up!
Besides, Saif and Kareena are also big names in the ad world. After having featured in the famous Airtel ad together, the news is abuzz with the rumor that Saif and Kareena have now been roped in to be the brand ambassadors for Metro Shoes, the market leaders in shoes and footwear. Sources close to Bollywood Hungama also added that the duo has shot for an ad. However, the official announcement of the same is awaited.
Well, with the jodi of Saif and Kareena now at the helm of ‘Metro Shoes’, their tagline of ‘Happy Feet, Happy People’, will indeed get a new meaning and dimension altogether! Correct us if we are wrong, ‘Saifeena’.
