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Blue’s going to be big

Akshay Kumar says when Blue director

Anthony D’Souza approached him for the underwater thriller, the first thing he asked was, “Are you sure you can make the movie?” Touted to be India’s first underwater film, which is said to match international standards of filmmaking, Blue promises to bring with it some never-seen-before visuals and stunts.

“The first thing I did was to look straight into his eyes and ask him - ‘Do you actually think you are capable enough of making a film of this scale, genre and setting? You may say that you want to shoot the film in space or on the moon, but saying something and doing it are two different things. So how will you actually shoot the film?” confided Akshay. As things turned out, D’Souza had done his homework well in advance and took the sceptical actor through some of his work which included certain advertisements he had directed, as well as some groundwork on Blue

“Honestly, it all led me to at least start listening. I got really interested in how he intended to execute Blue,” said Akshay.

“After all, there were going to be extreme stunts in it and that too under water. Then Tony (D’Souza) also showed me the work of the DOP (director of photography)

Pete Zuccarini, who shot Pirates of the Caribbean.” Akshay spoke to Zuccarini, which finally convinced him that D’Souza had the talent to pull off the movie. Once on board, Akshay wasn’t too worried about the fact that a film like Blue had never been

Aish-Abhi steal the show

Bollywood’s first couple made quite an impact on the Oprah Winfrey show recently, talking about their family traditions and generally glorifying their Indian lifestyle and culture. Aishwarya Rai, looking stunning and svelte in a sari and the tall, dark and handsome Abhishek Bachchan graced the sets of Oprah’s show, exuding confidence, flair and a sense of humour.

Aishwarya told Oprah that there was a family tradition of eating one meal at home with all the members of the family, if they are present within Mumbai. She elaborated that it enhanced their closeness and kept them in touch with each other’s lives. It was time spent with family in the true sense of the word.

However, when Oprah turned the spotlight on Indian way of marriages, and especially that of Aishwarya and Abhishek in Mumbai, they seemed somewhat embarrassed. Footage of fans being lathicharged outside Bachchans’ bungalow for trying to get a glimpse of the star-studded attempted before on the Indian screen.

“I am sure that it would be legendary in its own way. Let’s see how the box office treats it, but while doing the film we went all out for Blue,” confided the actor.

“With the backdrop of a treasure hunt to it, it involves real sharks. I had to go through some training, take diving lessons and earn a certificate for myself,” he added proudly. But that’s not all. Akshay had to get back to reading after years - but this time underwater. “Can you beat that? I had to read books under the water. Tony made me do so much for this film, and it has a

Aishwarya And Abhishek

minimum of special effects. In fact, not a single shot has been taken against a green screen,” said Akshay.

“My cameraman, Peter Zuccarini, who is famous for underwater swimming, also helped me a lot. I thought it would be easy because I know how to swim, but this man taught me how to ‘belong’ underwater. That’s the kind of encouragement I was looking for,” admitted Akshay with enthusiasm. Also starring in Blue are Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta and Zayed Khan along with Katrina Kaif and Kylie Minogue. Let’s hope Blue’s run at the box office doesn’t run into the red.

atmosphere light with one-liners and witty remarks. So kudos to the couple, for showcasing the true traditional side of India, albeit with a bit of Bollywood glam!

Sambo Kat

Her fans have often referred to her as ‘Kat’, but now actress Katrina Kaif has a new nickname - Sambo - courtesy her Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani co-star Ranbir Kapoor.

Odd couple are adorable

He’s 43 and she’s 29, but the difference in their ages doesn’t seem to matter. That’s why Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor make an “adorable” couple on screen in the soon to be released movie, Main Aurr Mrs. Khanna.

wedding drew instant regrets from the couple. Talk also veered towards Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan still living with his parents. But they fielded this one well, stressing the importance of Indian traditions and revealed that when their grandparents were alive, they too lived together with the rest of the family in the same home.

Aishwarya has been on the Oprah Winfrey show once before, but it was a first for Abhishek, who did well, keeping the

“Ranbir coined the name on the sets of the movie when both were required to shoot for an action sequence,” said a source. For the scene, Katrina and Ranbir were required to climb a ladder placed at a height of 200 feet. Ranbir had to save Katrina from goons and then escape on a jet ski. While everyone was doubtful about Katrina doing the stunt, she shocked everyone with her confidence.

“Everyone on sets was quite sceptical about Katrina. But she amazed everyone as she comfortably climbed the ladder leaving Ranbir lagging behind. Ever since that day Katrina has always been addressed as Rambo’s sister, Sambo by Ranbir,” said the source. Well, cats are good climbers too…

“The age difference between Salman and Kareena was never a consideration. They make an absolutely adorable couple and complement each other on screen,” said debutant director Prem Soni. “They look good together in the film as there are no loud or awkward moments between them. The film has romantic instances here and there, but it has a very subtle treatment. There are cute scenes in the film and both of them have carried these really well,” he added.

Newcomer Soni considers Salman his “godfather” and says the superstar was on board the project as soon as he heard the script, and even asked his brother to produce the film. “I had written the script and then fixed an appointment with Salman. His reaction after the narration was overwhelming. All he said was, ‘I’m doing it!’ That’s how the project began,” the director said.

“Salman is indeed my godfather in the industry, as he is the one who has given me a break,” he added.

For Soni, it was a cakewalk to get

Kareena to play the heroine. “I went for the script narration to Kareena in Goa where she was shooting Golmaal Returns. She loved the role and when I told her that Salman was doing the film, she said ‘Why would I say no to Salman?’ She instantly agreed,” he said. “Kareena is such a delight to work with. She is among the finest actors these days. She is so effervescent and completely dedicated as an actor,” he enthused. The film’s plot is a story about three people, but is not based on an extramarital affair, Soni hastened to clarify. “The movie is very ordinary, very simple. It will touch a billion hearts with its real touch and that is what will make the story effective to the audience. We have given it a very contemporary look, but it isn’t flashy at all,” he added. Salman and Kareena – a jodi made in heaven, would you say, Saif Ali Khan?

Lara and her threesome

Lara Dutta, the sizzling hot Bollywood babe who won the crown of Miss Universe before entering tinsel town, plays the character of a supermodel in upcoming flick Do Knot Disturb opposite Ritesh Deshmukh, Govinda and Sohail Khan. Yes, Lara is involved with all three at the same time. Lucky guys!

Lara Dutta also acted in Bhagam Bhag with Akshay Kumar and Govinda, which was a super success at the box office. Looks like the former Miss Universe has found her genre. Her combination of beauty and comedy is formidable indeed!

Prateik pitches into tinsel town

Sanjay Leela Bhansali has signed on late actress Smita Patil’s son Prateik Babbar for his next production My Friend Pinto that will go on the floors later this year. And the youngster is naturally delighted.

“It’s a privilege to be working with Mr.Bhansali. When I met him I was amazed to find out how normal he is in spite of being an artist of such a high calibre,” said Prateik in an interview.

My Friend Pinto will be directed by Raghav Dar, who assisted Mani Ratnam during Guru and then served as associate director on Abbas Tyrewala’s Jaane Tu...

Ya Jaane Na. That’s when Dar and Prateik got to know each other.

My Friend Pinto will be Prateik’s first author-backed title role. He had a captivating cameo in Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na and his second film Dhobi Ghat apparently has Aamir Khan playing the lead.

While she is the mistress of Govinda, who is married to Sushmita Sen, her actual ex-boyfriend is Sohail Khan. Ritesh Deshmukh is involved in pretending to be Lara’s boyfriend, to deflect attention from Sushmita. This complication of relationships amongst the characters leads to a comedy of errors, with misunderstandings galore. David Dhawan, with his reputation of directing super-hit comedies with Govinda, has also directed this flick.

The buzz around the industry is that Lara Dutta has given a superb performance in the film, under the able direction of David Dhawan. In fact, her comic timing in the film has come out superbly and she is Govinda’s equal in enacting her character.

David Dhawan was so impressed with Lara Dutta’s comic timing that he compared her to Juhi Chawla, the only actress who has done full-on comic characters in her flicks.

Lara Dutta’s stunningly hot looks will also help her attract the attention of audience when the movie releases.

Ritesh Deshmukh is equally impressed with Lara, praising her comic talent, which he feels surpasses Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra, from the current breed.

Prateik’s aunt Manya Patil is thrilled by the progress he is making. “When Abbas Tyrewala told me about the role in Jaane Tu ...Ya Jaane Na, I wasn’t so sure. It sounded like a small role. But Abbas told me to trust him and the role turned out to be tailormade for Prateik. I’m glad Prateik’s career is working out,” she said proudly.

“Today, there is room for all kinds of cinema. And like his mom, we want Prateik to be adventurous in his choices. I’m there to guide him, though I’m not really part of the film industry,” added his Aunt. Speaking on Prateik’s life as a child since he lost his mother when he was born, Manya said, “Actually Prateik has so many self-appointed mothers including my mother, my elder sister Anita and me, of course.” Good luck Prateik, if you get your talent from Smita, you’ll definitely be a star.

Birthday bonanza for Ranbir

Ranbir Kapoor, the latest heartthrob of Bollywood who plays the role of Siddharth in Karan Johar’s upcoming flick, Wake up Sid opposite Konkana Sen Sharma, watched the first trial of the flick on his birthday.

Ranbir was accompanied by his parents Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, as well as gorgeous girlfriend Deepika Padukone for the viewing. Sources say that Rishi and Neetu were thrilled to see their beta’s performance in this Ayaan Mukherjee directed flick, and prayed for its success at the box office.

The film is cited to be a lavishly produced offering, mounted on a grand scale. For Ranbir, the viewing was the icing on his cake. Just before the viewing, he found himself at his surprise birthday bash hosted by Deepika, and went on to have a blast. And that wasn’t all…Deepika’s surprise birthday gift was a high-end laptop, a thoughtful one for Ranbir, who loves all kinds of gizmos and gadgetry. Lucky Ranbir, looks like love and success are in the air…

Manna Dey’s day

Ninety-year-old playback legend Manna Dey - who belted out evergreen songs like “Ae mere pyaare watan” and “Zindagi kaisi hai paheli” - is being honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest honour in Indian cinema, confirmed his family recently. “We got a call from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, informing us about the award. We are very happy for him,” said Anuradha Dey, a member of his family.

Manna Dey lent his voice to the movies of Bollywood from the 1950s to the 1970s. He has recorded more than 3,500 songs over the course of his career. Some of his most memorable hits are “Sur na saje kya gaun main”, “Ye raat bhigi bhigi, ye masta fijzayen”, “Jhanak jhanak tori baaje payaliya”, “Tu pyar ka saagar hai”, “Chunari sambhal gori udi chali jaye re”, among others. Congrats, Manna Dey, well deserved recognition indeed!