Madly-in-love Married Couples

Here's celebrating wedded couples who have been together forever but still look like madly-in-love sweethearts. From Gauri and Shah Rukh to Arjun and Mehr and Arbaaz and Malaika, we take a look at them all.

Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan: They have been married since 1991, even before SRK became the superstar he is. Gauri is his anchor, someone who keeps him grounded and she has stuck with him through thick and thin. Their children Aryan and Suhana are being raised to follow Hinduism and Islam. Gauri maintains a low profile; she produces his movies and hosts his parties but doesn't accompany SRK to every second event. She is one of the warmest, most stylish and most hospitable wives in B-town. Together they make a couple that completes each other.

Hrithik and Susanne Roshan: Ah, young love. Hrithik and Susanne are childhood sweethearts. Apparently, he decided to marry her at the age of twelve and finally married her after he became a superstar and became an interior designer. Like SRK and Gauri, this is another interfaith marriage. They have two young sons, Hrehaan and Hridhaan. With his Greek God looks and her delicate beauty and grace, they are one of the most beautiful couples in Bollywood.

Arjun and Mehr Rampal: They were both supermodels at the top of their game so being attracted to each other was only expected. Mehr and Arjun are usually seen hand-in-hand at concerts, premieres and parties. The perfectly paired couple have two daughters, Maahika and Myra. Mehr is Arjun's biggest fan; her prayers and love have helped Arjun go from Bollywood struggler to Bollywood biggie. Their compatibility is amazing.

Twinkle and Akshay Kumar: We all know what a playboy Akshay Kumar was before he got married. Twinkle Khanna tamed him and got him to commit to her. They have one young son, Aarav. Akshay may be a superstar today but when Twinkle married him, he wasn't. She keeps him grounded through success and failure. The interior designer with an elite clientele is one of the most stylish and gorgeous star wives in B-town.

Abhishek and Aishwarya Bachchan: Bollywood newest couple (they married in April, 2006) is totally in love. Ash and Abhi are hand-in-hand wherever they go and the newlyweds have eyes only for each other. Luckily for them, they are even doing films together, so they get a chance to mix business with pleasure. We can't wait to hear when the stork will visit this perfect-for-each-other twosome.

Arbaaz and Malaika Khan: This is one of the strongest marriages in B-Town in spite of the wife being more popular than the husband. They have a school-going son, Arhaan and are extremely supportive and secure about each other's career choices. Arbaaz and Malaika have been married for ten years but looking at them, you wouldn't be able to tell because they are still so smitten by each other.

Revealed: The plot of 8x10

After Chandni Chowk To China, Akshay Kumar will be seen next in Nagesh Kukunoor’s 8x10. The film, which was previously called Tasveer, stars Akki opposite Ayesha Takia, who plays his wife.

We spoke to our source from the Precept picture company and got the lowdown on the plot.

The source says, “8x10 is a story of a young man named Jai, played by Akshay Kumar, who has a supernatural power. Jai’s supernatural gift is the ability to go into the past of the deceased by touching objects that used to belong to them. His family and friends find this unbelievable and sometimes, even Jai doubts his abilities but later on he comes to know that it is real.”

More about the characters, the source adds, “Jai’s father Jatin, played by Girish Karnad, feels that his son is wasting his time and not taking enough interest in managing their business empire. This leads to the complete breakdown of their relationship. Jai’s mother is played by Sharmila Tagore. Jai is always supported by his wife Sheela (Ayesha Takia).”

The turning point in the story happens when Jatin is killed in a boating accident. The source says, “Jai goes through this personal tragedy and uses his unique power to solve the mystery of his father’s death. He sees photographs and comes to know that his father’s death was not accidently, he was murdered. That is when he starts investigating.”
8x10 is directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. Other cast members include Javed Jaffery, Girish Karnad, Anant Mahadevan, Benjiman Gilani, Rushad Rana and Utara Pawkar. The film is slated to release by mid 2009.

Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone in Anees Bazmee's next

After Chandni Chowk to China, the not-so-hit jodi of Deepika Padukone and Akshay Kumar will be seen in Singh is Kinng director Anees Bazmee's next for UTV.

"I'm thinking of casting Akshay Kumar but things are yet to be finalized as yet but UTV and I am interested in casting him. Everything is at a preliminary stage right now. Besides Akki, who is my favourite actor, I am in talks with Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor, so let's see how things will work out. I am currently busy with 'It's My Life' and I want it to be as successful as Singh is Kinng," says Bazmee.

But does he think Harman Baweja will be successful after Love Story 2050 and Victory have bombed?
Anees replies, "It's not necessary as every film is different and I'm not interested in Victory and Love Story 2050's result as this time he will deliver a hit through my film as I'm confident enough about the script and it has been shot in Norway, Bangkok and New Delhi. I want everything in my film to be done perfectly. Now the film is near completion and then I will start working for Anil Kapoor's production "No Problem" sometime in March which stars Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Sushmita Sen and Paresh Rawal. This film will have everything from action, comedy, thriller to romance."

It will be interesting to see Akshay Kumar, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone to sharing screen space but Akshay should not forget the debacle of Chandni Chowk to China.

Akshay Kumar on the cover of 'Complete Wellbeing' magazine

Akshay Kumar is certainly the man of the moment. First it was courtesy his much hyped film CC2C (which eventually bombed at the B.O.) and then it was due to the fact that he received the prestigious Padma Shri honour. Now the 'Khiladi' of Bollywood is seen on the cover page of the 'Complete Wellbeing' magazine this month.

The 'Complete Wellbeing' magazine has yet again managed to showcase a major celebrity in a different light. The February issue of 'Complete Wellbeing', is a 'Life Energy' special issue and hence it comes as no surprise that the issue features none other than Akshay Kumar- one of the most energetic, fit and successful actors of the Hindi film industry

In an exclusive interview, Akki speaks about how instead of slowing down with age, he has only picked up speed and gotten better. He also reveals the mature and grounded side of him, which is in stark contrast with his bubbly and energetic side. "Life is super-hectic-you barely have time to take a deep breath, and the stress never seems to go away. To cope with this, you need to be physically fit and be able to find your inner balance," says Akshay.

Speaking on the choice of Akshay Kumar for their 'Life Energy' special issue, Manoj Khatri, Editor and Publisher of 'Complete Wellbeing' says, "Usually people associate energy with a healthy body. But, like in Akshay's case, a healthy mind too plays a very important role in making a person energetic. You cannot be energetic and give your best even though you are physically fit if you are feeling low,"

Besides featuring Akshay Kumar in a no-holds barred interview, the February issue also has over 12 articles based on energy that all cover areas of an individual's life. It also has fitness tips from Hollywood trainer Mike Ryan, power dressing tips, 10 Top Energy Foods and much more.

Akshay Kumar to return to TV

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar is set to return to the small screen as the host of the second season of “Fear Factor - Khatron Ke Khiladi”, which promises to feature bigger stars and meaner stunts.

“The show is going to be a notch higher in terms of bigger celebrity participants than the last season, the difficulty level of challenges and even Akshay Kumar. The inclusion of the common man as a co-contender will definitely create a lot of excitement,” said Ashvini Yardi, programming head, Colors.

For season two, the auditions will be held in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow and Ahmedabad starting on February 9.

“Fear Factor - Khatron Ke Khiladi" debuted in July 2008 and was won by model Nethra Raghuraman, who walked away with Rs.5 million prize money.

Do Stars really live up to their names

They say the name of a child determines the way they live the rest of their lives. So when Prithviraj Kapoor names his son Raj, years later Raj Kapoor did in fact rule Bollywood. Kishore means a ‘young boy’ and if we look at Kishore Kumar this can’t be truer for anyone else!

We take a look at our current lot of top Bollywood actors and see whether they have kept true to their name:

Shah Rukh Khan - The Face of a King
SRK is the closest that anyone can come to living their name. His mother may have named him thinking that he had the face of a King and today millions of fan all over the world agree. No wonder then the superstar is living the life of a true king – big palatial homes, hit movies, huge bank balance and a reign in Bollywood that is truly King size!

Hrithik Roshan – From the Heart
Known to take decisions instinctively and working from the heart and not the head are some of the ways that one can describe this light eyed superstar. Hrithik shot to super stardom with just his first film Kaho Na Pyaar Hai. And after that there has been no looking back for him. Working in films that are produced by papa Rakesh, Hrithik is definitely working from the heart and not by the bank balance!

Akshay Kumar - Eternal, immortal, indestructible
Khiladi Kumar’s name signifies what we have seen Akshay do in his nineteen years in the industry. Fight the odds, kick some serious butt in his films and perform death defying stunts have been synonymous with Kumar’s films. And despite coming from a family with no connection in Bollywood, Akki has gone on to become one of the most successful and richest stars at the Bollywood box office!

Aamir Khan – Prince, Ruler or Commander
Aamir falls a little short of Shah Rukh. While SRK’s name means the face of a king, Aamir’s name means a prince or a commander. And don’t we know all about it! The actor has managed to maintain his command in Bollywood. In a highly competitive industry, Khan stuck to his guns and only worked in one film a year and he has yet created his niche in the industry. For many he is the rules of Bollywood.

Salman Khan – Protector, Conqueror
Salman’s means to protect or conquer. And in the case of the man we all love to hate, this definitely holds true. The actor is extremely protective of all the people in his life. Whether it was his mother, sister, lover or ex-girlfriends, the actor has always been fiercely protective. And at the same time he has loved conquering the women that most men knew were definitely out of their reach!
Another connotation of Salman is also peace and don’t we all know about Salman’s passion for world peace. No wonder he started the Being Human Foundation!

Farhan Akhtar – Merry, Happy
Bollywood’s latest poster boy Farhan’s name means to be happy. And have we ever seen Farhan not smiling? The actor-director has an amazing sense of humour, is the life of the party and is one of the most loved people in the industry.

The war between SRK and Akki

Apparently Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan shared some serious cold vibes at Preity Zinta’s birthday bash.

The undercurrent of rivalry between the two stars was apparent when Shah Rukh arrived at the party. According to our source, Akshay wanted to leave before Shah Rukh could arrive. “The minute Shah Rukh stepped in, Akshay chose to leave. The few minutes that the two were together, they avoided each other. They greeted one another very reluctantly but after that no words were exchanged between the two. Since there were only a few guests present at the party at the time, the awkwardness was very obvious.”

We messaged both Shah Rukh and Akshay asking them if they had consciously avoided each other at the party, but the two did not revert.

Akshay launches Ritu Beri's collection for children

Dressed as junior versions of a princess, a diva and as little sardars doing the “Singh is Kinng” signature routine, 70 children scorched the ramp in New Delhi on Sunday (Feb 1) evening for Ritu Beri's kids collection launched by Bollywood star Akshay Kumar.

Named 'Baby Beri', the collection is Beri's line of occasion wear for kids segregated in three sub-divisions - Beri Princess, Rock Star Babes and Bollywood Divas.

“Designing kids' clothing is a playful and joyful experience. The endeavour is to showcase designs that are stylish, trendy and comfortable all at the same time. The idea is to bring out the youthfulness and cheerfulness of kids,” said Beri said.

Akshay, who joined the children on the ramp, said: “I remember when I was a kid, I had only three pairs of clothes. But, looking at them dressed in such colourful clothes today was so beautiful. I feel Ritu should launch a men's collection too to have some variety for men.”

Sponsored by Fortis La Femme, the event was dedicated to The Blessed Hearts Foundation, a charity for children.

While the collections from the event were Beri's contribution to the foundation, the actor also donated an undisclosed amount for the cause.

Akshay Kumar lost his comic touch

The failure of Nikhil Advani's "Chandni Chowk To China" has put a question mark on Akshay Kumar's comic journey. While some filmmakers say he tends to interfere in the director's job, his staunch supporters in Bollywood feel he should not be written off because of one flop.

There were reports that the comic element in his next big release "Kambakht Ishq" were revamped after the disastrous results of "Chandni Chowk..." at the box office. But "Kambakht Ishq" producer Sajid Nadiadwala shoots down the reports.

"Why would I do that? The film is what it is. I don't work with my actors based on how their last film did. 'Kambakht Ishq' will have a lot to offer," Nadiadwala told IANS.

In "Kambakht Ishq", Akshay is paired with Kareena Kapoor. Some parts of the film were shot in Hollywood and stars like Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Brandon Routh feature in the movie.

"It's an out-and-out romantic comedy with stunts of an international order. And why are we jumping the gun just because one of his films hasn't lived up to expectations? There could be so many reasons for it. Why should Akshay be blamed for it? Why so much negativity about him? Is he the first superstar to disappoint audiences?"

On the downside, Akshay's pairing with Kareena has hardly ever worked at the box office. Suneel Darshan's "Talaash", Dharmesh Darshan's "Bewafaa" and Yash Raj Films' "Tashan" are a few examples.

Some filmmakers would like him to end his protracted attempts at comedy.

"Akshay has become progressively active in the process of writing scripts and shooting films. He freely makes suggestions some of which, I've to admit, are good. But quite often he wants to take over the project. When I went to him with another project, he offered to co-produce it and get someone to re-write portions. It's obvious a lot of scenes in 'Chandni Chowk...' were re-written. The result shows," a director said on condition of anonymity.

"It's the Govinda factor at work again," said another director who preferred to remain anonymous. "He did so much buffoonery on screen that Govinda made people forget there was more to him than meets the eye."

However, Akshay's staunch producer-director friends are more than happy to stand by him.

Said Vipul Shah, who will launch his next with Akshay and Aishwarya Rai in March: "I don't think the failure of 'Chandni Chowk To China' means that audiences have rejected him in the comic avatar. The backlash is totally uncalled for. And it looks motivated by reasons other than the box office. Many people have been waiting to pounce on Akshay. This is their opportunity."

But Shah, whose last two films with Akshay - "Singh Is Kinng" and "Namastey London" - were romantic comedies, has decided to keep away from the genre in the next venture.

It is believed that apart from Priyadarshan's "De Dana Dan", which is an out-and-out comedy, the comic element is being cut down or dowplayed in Akshay's forthcoming projects.

Akshay 'adopts' six wrestlers

Bollywood action star Akshay Kumar has 'adopted' six wrestlers, who are economically backward, in a bid to popularise the sport, an official said on Wednesday.

"Akshay's decision came days before the 10th All India Wrestling Championship opens in Mumbai on Feb 1. Participants and lovers of this sport from all over India are expected to gather here," said Sanjay Nirupam, Congress spokesman in Maharashtra and organiser of the event.

"Last year, when Akshay attended the programme, he had publicly expressed a desire to adopt a few wrestlers to encourage more to take up the ancient Indian sport. We are happy that he has honoured the commitment," Nirupam told IANS.

Nirupam introduced six of the year's best wrestlers to Akshay on Tuesday evening and the star readily accepted the proposal. The wrestlers are - Bipin Varma, Ajay Yadav, Kallu Yadav, Gopal Yadav (all from Mumbai), Amol Patil (Jalgaon) and Ranjeet Nalawade (Kolhapur).

Nirupam said that the 'adoption' means that Akshay will sponsor their diet for the next five years.

"Wrestlers usually hail from economically backward sections and are unable to afford the specialised diet to excel in the challenging sport. Akshay's sponsorship will go a long way in helping these six wrestlers confidently tackle domestic and international challenges, including the next Olympics - our prime target," Nirupam explained.

While Akshay is a self-confessed fitness freak and martial arts lover, his father Hari Om Bhatia was an accomplished wrester from Punjab.

Akshay had committed last year that he would bear the costs - "whatever be the amount" - of the professional needs of the selected wrestlers and ensure that their career did not run aground due to financial constraints.

The Wrestling Championship is organised by Maharashtra Wrestling Association (MWA) and will see the participation of a few women wrestlers too. The event will be held at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai.

Ego clashes between Sanju and Akki

Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision's under production movie “Blue” is in trouble once again.

Billed as the most expensive film ever to be made in Bollywood, the deep sea drama has periodically been facing glitches.

First there was an underwater mishap in Bahamas. Then it was stalled again due to the busy schedule of Sanjay Dutt and his political plans. And now, a new problem has cropped up.

Reportedly, there have been huge ego clashes on the sets between Akshay Kumar and Sanjay Dutt.

Both of them are senior actors and each wants to be given more prominence than other. If one is given more attention, the other gets upset and vice-versa.

The shoot has been stalled as none of the actors are said to be giving their dates for this project.

The movie stars Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Zayed Khan and Lara Dutta.

Akshay looks south

After his bad experience of travelling to Chandni Chowk and China, Akshay Kumar is now planning to go south.

Akki has apparently asked producer Ratan Jain to get the rights of hit Telugu movie “Maska”.

The film starred Ram, Hansika Motwani and Sheela in the lead. It is an action comedy and Akshay has shown deep interest in making its Hindi version.

After Aamir went southwards, remaking “Ghajini”, everyone wants to follow in his footsteps. Let’s see if it works for Akshay too.

Padma Shri awards for Akshay, Ash and Helen

Yesteryears' dancing queen Helen, Bollywood diva Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, action star Akshay Kumar and music maestro Hridyanath Mangeshkar are among those named for this year's Padma Shri awards.

The inimitable Helen, 69, carved a niche for herself with her dancing skills in songs like "Mera naam chin chin choo", "O haseena zulfon wali", "Aaa jaane jaan", "Piya tu ab to aa ja", "Yeh mera dil pyaar ka deewana" and "Mehbooba mehbooba". According to critics, she sizzled but was never vulgar.

Aishwarya, 35, entered filmdom after winning the prestigious Miss World crown in 1994, and delivered hits like "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam", "Devdas", "Taal" and "Guru". She also earned critical acclaim for her performances in films like "Chokher Bali", "Raincoat" and "Jodhaa Akbar".

Aishwarya is a regular at the Cannes Film Festival since 2002, and was a member of the Jury at Cannes in 2003. She has been associated with several Hollywood projects, including “Pink Panther 2”.

Akshay Kumar, 41, who churned out the biggest hit of 2008 “Singh Is Kinng”, has established himself as an action hero. He has hits like “Khiladi”, “Mohra”, “Main Khiladi Tu Anari” to his credit. The versatile actor proved his mettle in romantic dramas like “Dhadkan”, “Dil To Paagal Hai” (guest appearance), “Aitraaz” as well as comedies that include box office winners like “Hera Pheri”, “Mujhse Shaadi Karogi”, “Garam Masala” and “Namastey London”.

Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, 71, the younger brother of singing legend Lata Magheshkar, is known for composing soulful tunes in Marathi films - “Sansar”, “Jait Re Jait”, “Umbartha” and “Nivdung”.

He has also composed music for Hindi movies, “Lekin”, “Maya Memsaab”, “Mashaal” - to name a few.

Others from the entertainment world named for the Padma Shri include ghazal singer Penaz Masani and playback singer Udit Narayan.

Veteran broadcaster Ameen Sayani, who has mesmerised old and young alike for decades with his golden voice, has also been conferred with the Padma Shri in recognition of his contribution in the field of broadcasting.
One of the most popular announcers of All India Radio (AIR), Sayani, 77, became a household name with his signature "behno aur bhaiyo" catchphrase in musical programmes like "Geetmala".

Sayani has immensely contributed in the development of commercial broadcasting in India.

According to the Limca Book Of Records 2005, he has presented over 54,000 radio programmes and around 19,000 commercial spots and jingles, making waves in the radio world of India, Sri Lanka, the US, Canada, Britain, UAE and New Zealand.

His legendary countdown began on Radio Ceylon and continued over AIR's Vividh Bharati for almost 46 years.

He has also produced and presented film personality interviews, plays and skits, musical features, quiz shows, career guidance and AIDS awareness programmes, feature film promotional trailers, etc.

Sayani was also a part of various movies like "Bhoot Bangla", "Teen Devian", "Boxer", "Qatl". He appeared in these movies in the role of an announcer.

Shekhar Suman says Sorry to Akshay Kumar

When Shekhar Suman made critical remarks about Akshay Kumar vis-a-vis Chandni Chowk To China little did he know it would blow up into such a huge point of debate. In a reconciliatory gesture, Shekhar sent an SMS on Thursday morning apologizing to Akshay.

"It was never my intention to offend Akshay. And if I've done that, then I've no hesitation in saying sorry. Akshay is too much of a good soul for me to hurt him. He should've realized my comments had nothing personal about them."

Shekhar is taken aback by the backlash to his tongue-lash. "I never knew my opinion would matter so much. I reacted as an outraged viewer. I've always admired Akshay Kumar's resilient climb from the bottom rung to the top of ladder. In fact I tell my son Adhyayan that Akshay Kumar is a role model to follow. Self-made superstar." Sadly a section of Akshay's supports including the Chandni Chowk director Nikhil Advani saw Shekhar's comments as below-the-belt attempts to get publicity for Adhyayan's release this week.

Shekhar laughs off this accusation. "My son is talented enough to do without such cheap props. We don't need to use big names to get noticed. Adhyayan's performance in Raaz 2 will speak for itself. I'd say exactly what I did about Chandni Chowk even if my son's film wasn't releasing."

Nepal bans Chandni Chowk To China

As protests continued to erupt on the streets of Kathmandu on Thursday (January 22) over Bollywood's first Kungfu comedy "Chandni Chowk to China", the new Maoist-led government officially banned the film.

The formal ban by the ministry of information and communications came as cinemas in Nepal had on their own stopped screening the controversial film on Wednesday.

All Kathmandu valley cinemas, from multiplexes like Jai Nepal, Kumari, Gopi Krishna and Barahi, to smaller ones like Guna and Ashta Narayan, hurriedly dropped the Akshay Kumar-Deepika Padukone starrer and began showing the earlier Bollywood release "Ghajini" or waited for another Bollywood film "Raaz" to be released on Friday.

The decision, that would cost the distributors of the films millions of rupees, was taken after angry protests began over the erroneous claim in the film that the Buddha, Nepal's best-known religious icon, was born in India.

"The Buddha was born in Nepal, learn to respect Nepal's identity and sovereignty," students screamed during a protest rally before an engineering college in the valley on Thursday (January 22). In the Lainchaur area near the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, protesters marched in silence, waving placards.

"The trouble was created by the narration in the film," said Nepali film director K.P. Pathak, who heads the Nepal Film Directors' Association that is urging audiences to boycott all foreign films that project wrong messages.

"About five minutes into the film, the narration introduces the hero as someone born in India, the Buddha's birthplace," Pathak told IANS.

The Buddha was born prince Siddharth in Lumbini in south Nepal in 623 BC. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit south Nepal every year to pay their homage to the apostle of peace.

Before being released in Nepal on Friday, "Chandni Chowk to China" was viewed by Nepal's censor board who objected to the dialogue. Subsequently, the distributors deleted it.

But though the offending dialogue was removed, the word got around and students stormed the Jai Nepal cinema on Wednesday, tearing down the posters of the film.

Remembering the violence that flared up in 2000 after wrongly attributed comments to Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, the distributors of "Chandni Chowk to China" on Wednesday decided to can it.

"It's not just Kathmandu valley," officials at the Gopi Krishna cinema told IANS. "No hall in Nepal will show that film. There is a virtual ban on it."

Despite the cinemas heeding public sentiment, the protests continued on Thursday with students saying that the CDs and VCDs of the film that have reached Nepal still have the offending dialogue.

The controversy has also created bad blood between Indians and Nepalis on YouTube with messages becoming abusive.

However, the most clinching argument comes from someone signing in as Prynka.

"The bottom line is," Prynka says, "the movie is very disappointing and it has definitely angered a lot of Nepalis for disregarding a very important part of our history....

"No one would expect a movie under the Warner Brothers' banner to have such ignorant mistakes."

"Chandni Chowk to China", the first Hindi film to be shot in China, is directed by Nikhil Advani and produced by Sippy Films as well as Warner Brothers.

The Lumbini Development Trust, that manages the Buddha's birthplace, said Indian tourist agencies also misguide travellers into believing that the Buddha was born in India.

"Before the Nepal government changed its visa policies, tourists would be brought to Nepal without being told they were entering a different country," Nepal's official media on Thursday quoted the public relations officer at the trust, Gyanin Rai, as saying.

It also reported the Maoist Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hisila Yami as saying that the spread of such false information should be stopped.

Chandni Chowk to China creates virtual rift among Asians

Bollywood's much-awaited first Kungfu comedy Chandni Chowk to China has created a rift on YouTube with Indian, Chinese and Nepali members trading insults.

The film, co-produced by Warner Brothers Pictures and directed by Nikhil Advani triggered protests with its statement that the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born in India.

While many YouTube members have pointed out the mistake, saying he was born in Nepal, the correction is being opposed by some, creating an abusive environment.

A member signing in as provoked11, says, "Nepal Nepal Nepal!!!... Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal. But he got enlightenment in Gaya which is in India. So let's not be confused. He was born in Nepal but he became Gautam Buddha in India."

"Buddha was born in an Indian forest," claims Luckyankraj while Hemantmehndi is more aggressive. "Nepal was born from India," the member says. "Therefore, Buddha is from India. Nepalese people get outta this India movie trailer. Go watch your own movies if they're that great."

The outburst is countered by Chanchaltam, who says: "Your language belies you. You can't be a good cultured Indian. If you go to ancient historical times then people can also argue that India was born from Nepal. Just a case of the son becoming bigger than the father."

Besides the Buddha's birthplace, there is also a growing fight over where Kungfu, the martial art form made famous by Bruce Lee with the 1973 film "Enter the Dragon", originated.

Says bobbzhere81: "India is the birth place of all martial arts. A saint named Bodidama carried this art from Madras (now Chennai) to China."

At this, protests come from lajabo0009, who says: "This is not true. India is the birth place of Buddhism but China is definitely the birth place of Kungfu (martial arts). Without China, Kungfu would have never developed to its current form.

However, the most clinching argument comes from Prynka, who enunciates what the bottom line is.

"The bottom line is: the movie is very disappointing and it has definitely angered a lot of Nepalis for disregarding a very important part of our history....

"No one would expect a movie under the Warner Brothers' banner to have such ignorant mistakes."

Chandni Chowk to China sparks protest in Nepal

"Chandni Chowk to China", India's first made-in-China film, has angered Nepal for its erroneous references about the Buddha. Enraged students on Wednesday (January 21) tore off the posters of the romantic comedy at Kathmandu's best-known Jai Nepal cinema and the furore caused authorities to shelve the screening of the film.

The protests began over a comment in the film that the Buddha was born in India.

Born Prince Siddharth, the founder of Buddhism, the Buddha was born in Lumbini, in present day southern Nepal, which draws thousands of visitors every year.

Before its release on Friday, the film was vetted by Nepal's censor board which asked for the offending scene to be removed.

The Jai Nepal cinema was screening the movie with the cut ordered by the board but the word got around, triggering public anger.

The protesters are also asking the Maoist government of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' to take up the issue with the Indian government.

Protests are not restricted to students. K.P. Pathak, a member of the Nepal Film Development Board as well as chief of the Nepal Directors' Association, has urged Nepalis to boycott the film, the Dainikee.com website reported.

"This film projects wrong information," the website quoted Pathak as saying. "We are asking the audience to boycott all such films."

Directed by Nikhil Advani, "Chandni Chowk to China" is co-producer Warner Brothers' second Hindi film and casts Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone in lead roles.

I’m not Superman: Akshay

You would have thought with the appalling reviews and public criticism his 2009 non-starter Chandni Chowk To China (CC2C) received in India, Akshay Kumar would have retreated to a corner to sulk and lick his wounds .

Far from it! Bollywood’s action hero who laughs, cries, sings, dances and kickboxes in the film that producer Warner Bros’ American audiences and the Hollywood press (also, Indian kids) actually enjoyed, is standing on his feet having taken the punches squarely on the chin... BT put him on the mat and got him to deliver straight replies to some more punches...

With this flop, it’s being said your golden spell is over...
But my so-called flop has generated Rs 45 crore in the first weekend... it’s the fourth highest, three-day box office collection in the history of Bollywood. Besides, I never said this was the greatest film ever made. I told everyone, ‘It’s a senseless film, leave your brains at home.’ I accept it for what it is, I love it for what it is, and I will stand by it and say that’s the film we wanted to make and we made. I pray you like it, and I’m sorry if you don’t. But I didn’t break my back doing it to have my own fraternity later stab me from behind...

But you’re hugely successful, you had the opportunity to choose ... did you make the right choice?
I accept failure, no problem; failing isn’t the scary part, reading newpapers is what brings me out in a cold sweat! Mistakes I can live with, but regret is one thing I can do without. I did my best, I’m not Superman, if I never fall how will I pick myself up to climb again!

Shekhar Suman says you ought to apologise for CC2C...
Bollywood is a family, if you have a problem come to my house and discuss it with me over tea, don’t poison the minds of our public. Have you ever heard me hurt anyone? But Shekar Suman’s not the only one. His son’s film releases tomorrow and I wish him the very best. I hope no one ever talks about Shekhar’s son the same way he spoke about me.

Where does CC2C leave you?
Thank God I’m not considered number one or anything of the sort. I’m happy being the underdog that has to struggle. It’s what I’m used to doing and it’s where I’m happiest. I can get on with being the dude who just wants to make films. Wish me luck ...

What is the road ahead like?
Bumpy, full of pot-holes, but I’ll reach my destination ... I work hard, I do good things with my money, and all I want to do at the end of the day is go home and play with my innocent son. No film, no money and no amount of success is more precious than that. I’m lucky, every month my son’s dying to see another one of my films!

People say you’ve lost your trademark modesty with success...
No one can ever take away my modesty. I haven’t changed since the day I started, in fact I’m even more mellow now than I used to be. People are dying to pull me down. I understand why. But I won’t become too big for my boots. Have I ever thrown my weight around or abused my position in the industry? Why do you think after all the flops I am still here!

You gave away your Best Actor award in the Popular category to Aamir Khan. People claim that magnanimity was not the reason behind your grand gesture...
Of course they will, you only hear crap about me around release time; they did it to me before Singh Is Kinng and are doing it again now. I gave my award to Aamir because I felt he deserved it. Just because he doesn’t turn up for awards doesn’t mean I can pretend it doesn’t belong to him. I was honoured to be given the award and, to be honest, it took a lot for me to give it away. Aamir knows why I did what I did, he understands me, why can’t people? Everybody’s not corrupt.

Despite dud, Akshay has four-midable 2009

2009 may have begun on a debacle of a note for Khiladi Kumar with CC2C going under but he has many chances to regain his lost glory. Unlike his competitors, who have only one or two films each scheduled for release this year (My Name is Khan for SRK, 3 Idiots for Aamir, London Dreams and Veer for Salman, and Kites for Hrithik), Akki has four.

Here are the films he will be hoping will keep him in the A-hero slot that he fought so hard to get last year.
Interestingly, he has films in all sorts of genres.

Film: Kambakkht Ishq
Genre: Action
Akshay's character: Stuntman
Release: May
X-Factor: Sylvester Stallone, Kareena in a golden bikini

The chick factor in Kambakkht Ishq comes from Kareena Kapoor and Bond Girl Denise Richards, and it is likely to be one of Akshay's two big films this year. A quintessential big budget Bollywood potboiler it has more going for it than just big stars from Hollywood. The jodi of Kareena and Akshay clicked in Aitraaz and though Tashan flopped, Kareena's performance and look were the rage. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala has delivered blockbusters like Heyy Babyy and Mujhse Shaadi Karoge and so understands what hit films are about (even if Jaan-e-Mann flopped). Writer Anvita Dutt Guptan (Dostana and Bachna Ae Haseeno) also has the touch. Shot in US, Italy and France, the film also has Playboy Playmate Carmen Electra with Sean Kingston and Beyonce Knowles on the soundtrack. This will help with desi audiences abroad. The movie's editors tell us that Kareena has filled out her bikini a little more voluptuously than she did in Tashan.

Film: Blue
Genre: Thriller
Akshay's character: Scuba Diving Thief
Release: Christmas
X-Factor: Underwater shots, sharks

Tagged Bollywood's most expensive flick ever (its budget has crossed 100 crore) Blue is not an Akshay solo movie; it also stars Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta, Zayed Khan and Katrina Kaif. If such things matter anymore, given that most films are shot abroad, it also stars the islands of the Bahamas as well as what are promised to be very slick stunts. This is the second movie that Akshay will circle as one of his two big hits of '09. AR Rahman has scored the music, which features the singing of Aussie pop sensation Kylie Minogue. Lara and Katrina have been given the pretext of taking off their clothes, while the men are apparently looking bronzed and fit. If the movie has a half-decent story, it should fly.

Film: De Dhana Dhan
Genre: Comedy
Akshay's character: ?
Release: Second half
X-Factor: Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty and Akshay team up again after Hera Pheri 1 and 2

The last time Akshay worked with director Priyadarshan, they delivered Bhool Bhulaiyya. Before that, Hera Pheri and Garam Masala. This time they're making a comedy that sees another reunion: Akshay with Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal, who also starred in Hera Pheri.
While the movie does not have the makings of a top rate blockbuster, given its comic tilt, its success will keep Akshay in that zone where people will assume that just the star and a decent script are needed for a film to rock.

Film: Eight By Ten
Genre: Sci-Fi
Akshay's character: Fortune Teller
Release: April
X-Factor: Arty film

This is Akshay's riskiest movie this year, and is being directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. Risky on three counts. First: Nagesh's last film, Aashayein starring John Abraham, is yet to release because apparently its producers find it too arty. Second: Nagesh has never worked with an A-star before and might not know how to handle one, given that his films are plot-focussed. Third: Fantasy and Sci-Fi have never worked in India with a couple of exceptions (think of the disaster of Love Story 2050). Akshay has Ayesha Takia for company and her role in Dor for Nagesh, while it was splendid, was not heroine material for Bollywood.
While the movie has a small budget (apparently Akshay also isn't charging as much as normal), if it releases early in the year it might cause more mouths to chatter and speculate if Akki really deserves to be in the top bracket after all.

The great fall of 'China'

It could've been a hat-trick, but it isn't. RAB NE BANA DI JODI worked. So did GHAJINI. Had CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA not bit the dust, the industry would've continued its winning streak. We enjoyed the starters [RAB NE BANA DI JODI], we enjoyed the meal [GHAJINI], but the dessert [CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA] left a bitter taste.

By now, everyone knows that CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA has under-performed in its opening weekend, so let's not waste time crying over spilt milk. Let's highlight the repercussions a biggie like CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA has on the industry when it falls flat on its face.

As I pen my thoughts, I can't help but recall the various conversations I've had with several prominent distributors and exhibitors over CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA. Everyone's unanimous that Akshay Kumar is repeating himself. That he needs to reinvent himself. Enacting similar roles in film after film is only going to take him the Salman Khan and Govinda way. He needs to pull up his socks.

Is his popularity dwindling? Not really, but he needs to take stock of the situation and accept roles that defy the stereotype.

Perhaps, Nikhil Advani, the creator of CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA, may not have come to terms with the fact that CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA has nosedived. Most film-makers are in complete denial when their movie fails, at least in the initial days. They feel the world has an agenda against them, the world is out to pull them down. But the Daily Collection Reports [with the distributors] should serve as an eye-opener for all film-makers and also actors who shut their eyes to reality.

The kadwa sach is, CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA has failed and failed big time. Monday onwards, the business has crashed completely.

The failure of CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA should serve as an eye-opener for all producers who sign a star first and hunt for a story later. In this case, Nikhil Advani made a poster first, showed it to Akshay [who loved it apparently] and then wrote the script. Bizarre, isn't it?

The question is, will Warner Bros. lose money on CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA? Looking at its theatrical performance in India as also in the key international markets [U.S.A., U.K.], it's certain that CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA will make a hole in the pockets of its investors.

A terrible waste of a terrific opportunity!