Pictures from Kajol's private collection

In the eat of the moment: A rare snapshot of the reticent Aditya Chopra with Kajol at Juhu beach. The picture is from Kads' personal collection. It features in the latest issue of Stardust's Icon.

 

Pyaar Impossible - Movie Review

SHREK [and its instalments] has been one of the most loved movies of our times. An ogre falls in love with a princess and after overcoming their share of obstacles, the couple live happily ever after. Most Hindi movies take a similar route, don't they? We love happy endings. We want the underdog to accomplish his dreams. We feel euphoric if he walks into the sunset, holding the hand of his beloved.

A love story works if you fall in love with the on-screen characters and also if it knocks on the doors of your heart. PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE does that. PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE may not be the ultimate romantic film, but you can't deny the fact that there's something about this film that stays with you, that you carry home... sorry, carry in your heart.

PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE also works because its protagonists, Uday and Priyanka, deliver sparkling performances. No wonder, you get drawn in their world in a jiffy.

Final word? Watch PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE if you are or even if you're not a romantic. It has its heart in the right place!

In a university in California, Alisha [Priyanka Chopra] is the name of that dream everyone wished came true. The most beautiful girl on campus, she makes hearts flutter like leaves in the wind. Everybody loves Alisha.

It is no surprise then that Abhay [Uday Chopra] loves her too. Abhay is a nerdy, awkward, bespectacled geek of the college who is so far removed from her world. She doesn't even know that people like him actually exist.

One day Abhay musters up enough courage to go and express his true feelings to her and realizes that it is never gonna happen. He comes to terms with the fact that Alisha is a Princess and he is just a Geek. That is when their ways eventually part. Later, their paths cross again, as Abhay is busy trying to launch his career. Fate again brings him face to face with the woman of his dreams, Alisha.

Will Abhay have the strength to believe in himself and attempt to achieve what he never thought possible?

You may draw parallels with Chris Columbus' I LOVE YOU, BETH COOPER [2009], but the fact is that Uday Chopra's story in PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE [yes, he has penned the story, screenplay and dialogue] could be anybody's story. This is not about a nerd who wants his program back from a suave hacker. It's about a simpleton, his feelings, the complications in his life and the final triumph. Haven't we seen so many jodis in real life, who may not pair off well, but look compatible? Let's not forget, opposites attract!

You may also draw parallels with Aditya Chopra's RAB NE BANA DI JODI, but writer Uday Chopra and director Jugal Hansraj steer clear of anything that could be similar to Adi's film. The [sole] similarity starts and ends with a simpleton falling in love with an attractive girl.

Uday's screenplay remains faithful to the main plot, not deviating one bit. At the same time, it could've been tighter in the post-interval portions. There were ample occasions when Uday could've opened his heart, his motive of arriving in Singapore, that he's not a nanny, that he had been cheated by Dino. But he doesn't!

Thankfully, the writing is back on track towards its climax. Right from the kiddie song, to Priyanka realising that she loves Uday, to the press conference when Uday stands vindicated and Dino exposed, the penultimate moments are the mainstay of the enterprise.

Jugal Hansraj has the trappings of a competent director. He has handled several sensitive moments with dexterity. Salim-Sulaiman's musical score is pleasant, but it can do with that extra push [promotion] from the music division. Santosh Thundiyil's cinematography is top notch. Dialogue [also penned by Uday] are straight out of life.

PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE works largely due to the efficient performances by its principal actors - Uday Chopra and Priyanka Chopra. Both deliver sparkling performances. Priyanka has evolved into a fantastic actor and this film proves it yet again. Five minutes into the film and you realise that you are not watching Priyanka, but Alisha Merchant. That's what this fine actor does to you.

Uday gets it right as Abhay. Sure, the actor has been a part of several films in the past, but this one awakens you to this sincere performer, who, unfortunately, has never got his due. He plays the role of a Geek with astute understanding and it's thanks to his super portrayal that you feel for this character. This should be the turning point in his career.

Dino Morea springs a surprise and carries off his part very well. Anupam Kher is perfect in a brief role. Advika Yadav, the kid playing Priyanka's daughter, is adorable. And a terrific actor too!

On the whole, PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE is a feel-good film. If you are a romantic, this one's for you. Even if you're not, still watch it. Its one of those films that will bring a smile on your face - something that most Hindi films don't do these days!

B.O. update: 'Rocket Singh' opens to shockingly low response

Everyone was expecting ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR to start with a bang, given the fact that Ranbir Kapoor's last two films, WAKE UP SID and AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI, had fetched a flying start. Also, the fact that Aditya Chopra, Shimit Amin and Jaideep Sahni had teamed up with Ranbir, only raised the expectations from the film. But the poor start of ROCKET SINGH sent shock waves within the industry. The film had a 20% to 40% start at certain plexes and at places, 10% to 15% start.

The reports are extremely mixed and it remains to be seen if the film picks up on Saturday and Sunday, like Yash Raj's previous two biggies, CHAK DE INDIA and RAB NE BANA DI JODI.

Is Aditya Chopra behind Rani’s TV debut?

Filmmaker shares good relationship with channel

Rani Mukerji was the last name announced by Sony TV to be the judge in the ongoing dance reality show, “Dance Premier League” (DPL).

Was it Aditya Chopra’s reference that got her the show?

Sony TV and Yash Raj Films (YRF) share a very good business relationship.

It seems that just two days before Sony made the announcement about Rani being part of the show, the channel signed an agreement with YRF for producing exclusive fiction and non-fiction content for the channel. So now, Aditya Chopra and his talented team at YRF will be working as producers to create exclusive content for Sony TV.

Incidentally the timing of both the agreements was quite interesting. YRF’s deal with Sony and Rani being part of DPL happened almost simultaneously.

We wonder whether Rani came as a packaged deal for Sony as part of the agreement with YRF?

Meanwhile, while shooting for the second episode of DPL, Rani communicated with one of the participants using sign language that she had learnt five years ago for her movie “Black”, in which she played a deaf and mute character.

One of the contestants on the show, Vishal, who was considered one of the best, was unfortunately deaf. After his performance, when it was the judges’ turn to comment, all of them spoke but Vishal could not understand a word.

That’s when Rani conversed with him in sign language and even congratulated him for being different. While everyone danced on the sound, Vishal had danced guided by his instincts and that’s what impressed Rani.

Dil Bole Hadippa - Movie Review

Cricket, like Bollywood, is an addiction for a wide majority of Indians. DIL BOLE HADIPPA tries to capture the spirit of the game and the aspirations of a sportsperson, who's keen to play for her pind. On paper, the concept, which bears an uncanny resemblance to SHE'S THE MAN, sounds interesting, but the problem is its writing, which is tame and mediocre.

Let's elaborate. The plusses, first...
It's mandatory for cricket-based films like LAGAAN and VICTORY, which conclude with a cricket match, to have a thrilling finish. DIL BOLE HADIPPA too has a awe-inspiring end.
Also, the story of an ordinary girl who aspires to play cricket for the national team is motivating, with Rani Mukherji handling her part with complete understanding.

But there's a flipside too. The romantic moments between Rani and Shahid Kapoor lack fizz. Even the assorted characters in the film, like Sherlyn Chopra, Vrajesh Hirjee and Rakhi Sawant, contribute nothing to the film. They're mere props.

Final word? You expect DIL BOLE HADIPPA to score a century, like several films churned out by Yash Raj. But it settles down in the half-century range. Strictly average!

Veera [Rani Mukherji] is a fire-cracker of a girl who lives in a small village, but chases big dreams. She works in a local theatre group, but dreams of playing cricket in the big league. Yes, believe it or not, she wants to play with Tendulkar and Dhoni for India.

While Veera dreams on in India, Rohan [Shahid Kapoor] is an accomplished captain of a county cricket team in England. Rohan returns to India to captain his father's cricket team, which has been losing consecutively for the last 8 years.

In a village where girls don't play cricket, Veera has to put on a turban and beard and become a man to fulfil her dreams. Her brilliance on the field earns her a place in Rohan's team and Veera Kaur becomes Veer Pratap Singh. But what happens when the secret is out?

DIL BOLE HADIPPA has a patchy script. It's interesting initially, but takes the beaten path later. Rani's obsession for cricket is well established at the outset. So is the friendship between Anupam Kher and Dalip Tahil [who heads the Pakistani team]. Also, the initial scenes between Anupam and Shahid are well integrated in the story.

The film shows promise when Rani transforms from Veera to Veer. All this happens in the initial 20-25 minutes, but the story comes to a screeching halt thereafter.

Problem begins... Shahid loses his heart to Rani and the film suddenly turns into a love story. Sherlyn surfaces in between to spice up the proceedings, but nothing happens. The conflict during the finale - when Shahid learns the truth - doesn't make the desired impact either. Even the re-emergence of the mother [Poonam Dhillon] in the story looks like a complete compromise from the writing point of view.

However, the match between the Indian and Pakistani teams in the climax is well executed and though the viewer is well aware what the ending would be, it keeps you hooked nonetheless. Unfortunately, the final speech by Rani [after the match is won] is outright predictable. The film would've benefitted with an innovative end.

Anurag Singh shows sparks of brilliance at times, but how one wishes the debutante director and his writers would've come up with a solid script. Pritam's music doesn't help either. Barring the title track, the balance songs are plain average. Cinematography is nice.

DIL BOLE HADIPPA belongs to Rani and as always, she delivers a sparkling performance as Veera as well as Veer, carrying both the roles effortlessly. Shahid plays second fiddle to Rani, which is very surprising. Nevertheless, he enacts his part well. Anupam Kher and Dalip Tahil lend decent support. Poonam Dhillon has nothing to do. Rakhi Sawant and Sherlyn Chopra are wasted. Vrajesh Hirjee is passable. Shri Vallabh Vyas does well.

On the whole, DIL BOLE HADIPPA is an ordinary fare. At the box-office, the film has some chances in North mainly thanks to the Punjabi flavour. The holidays ahead may help its prospects at plexes essentially, but the single screens will be dull.

Aditya Chopra’s holds private film screening for Rani’s family

Raja Mukerji is raving about his sister in ‘Dil Bole Hadippa’

Aditya Chopra recently hosted a special screening of “Dil Bole Hadippa” for the Mukerjis.

“ Dil Bole Hadippa” is a very special movie for Aditya – it stars lady love Rani and has been directed by one of his closest friends, Anurag Singh. And hence he held a special screening for his very special lady and her family at the Yash Raj Studios.

This clearly shows Adi’s feelings for Rani Mukerji. Even thought the couple denies being in relationship this special gesture says it all.

Present at the screening were Rani, her mom and dad, her brother Raja and his wife Jyoti.

Aditya, who is known to stay away from the limelight, does not believe in seeking any media attention by holding such screenings. But he did this for his Rani and her family.

After the screening Raja was heard telling everyone, how rocking his sister is in the movie and went on praising her looks and her performance.

Looking at the promos, we cannot help but agree with him.

Adi in a starry threesome

After the success of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and carefully supervising the upcoming Dil Bole Hadippa, YRF head honcho Aditya Chopra is set to wear the director’s hat again for Dhoom 3.

Sources say that Abhishek Bachchan will reprise his role as non-nonsense, perpetually angry cop Jay Dixit and Uday Chopra will play the entertaining Ali who falls for every second girl.

Adi will only direct the film if he can rope in both Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan. SRK is currently busy with My Name is Khan but he can never refuse Aditya Chopra. Hrithik Roshan is shooting Guzaarish and will then get busy promoting Kites but he is keen on doing the film which is one of the biggest hits of his career. It gave him a very sexy, Greek God image and he took the action film to a whole new level. John wasn’t in the sequel but if Hrithik is, then he will become the first villain to be repeated in the movie. It isn’t known whether his character will have shades of grey because Hrithik turned over a new leaf at the end of Dhoom 2.

The lead female stars haven’t been decided yet though Kareena Kapoor was considered initially. She will be busy with Agent Vinod and KJo’s remake of Stepmom. It is not known whether Aishwarya will reprise her role as Hrithik’s ally.

If Dhoom 3 works out, it will be the first time in almost a decade that Hrithik and Shah Rukh will share screen space (after K3G in which they played brothers) and the first time that Aditya Chopra will direct an out and out masala action flick. We can hardly wait for the slick flick.

Kambakkht Stars!

Rani Mukerji was once the most sought-after actress in B-town. Then a string of flops followed. This slump was written in her stars.

Rani was undergoing an unfavourable period for two years which will end on September 9. Initially, Dil Bole Hadippa, keeping in mind its Desi flavour was to be released in August or early September. Then Aditya Chopra got wind of Rani’s period of misfortune due to which the date was shifted to September 18.

Dil Bole Hadippa can easily be called Rani’s most important film. It is her first release in over a year and her last was Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna in 2006.

A string of flops like Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Ta Ra Rum Pum, Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic followed. She was also criticized for her weight gain.

So important is Dil Bole Hadippa, that Rani has gone on a weight-loss spree, losing 10 kilos and has also adopted a glamourous avatar for a few songs in the film. Along with that, she has also dressed and acted like a cricket-playing Sardar in the film.

She and Aditya took a personal interest in the making of the film and they re-shot portions they were not happy with.

Hopes are pinned high on Shahid’s fan-following, fans of Rani who were waiting for her comeback and the music and promos of the film to push people to see the film.

We just hope Rani’s stars don’t play spoil sport and shine in her favour as officially, she doesn’t have any other movie after this as she only works with YRF and Dharma.

Adi smiles at Katrina

Aditya Chopra is very stingy with his smiles says a source. “Adi only smiles when he absolutely has to,” the source emphasises.

Guess who is the privileged one on his list these days. It is the heroine of his film New York — Katrina Kaif. Kat spent hours on end promoting the film, conducting media interactions and eating lunches at Adi’s studio.

So much so that at the end of the week Aditya who was thoroughly impressed with her professionalism and commitment to the cause of the film actually rewarded her. Yes, Adi smiled at Kat. Is that why Kat now looks like she got the cream?

Rani plays matchmaker

After we last reported on how Salman Khan had buried the hatched with Aditya Chopra, news is that Rani Mukherjee was instrumental in bringing the two together.

A source said, "Rani was instrumental in getting Salman Khan to patch up with Adi and in turn with Yash Raj. When she was on Salman's 10 Ka Dum in the last season, she had a long chat with Sallu and told him that Adi was keen on working with him. She convinced Salman to bury the hatchet." He's the only Khan to not have worked with the production house till date while SRK and Saif have done several films for the Chopras.

The reason Yash Raj banned Sallu from their films was when Aditya Chopra approached Salman for Chak De! India. It is believed that the actor quoted a ridiculously high price and kept him waiting for 21 days. On the 22nd day, without waiting for his reply, or intimidating him, Adi signed Shah Rukh Khan for the same role. This created tension between the actor and the production house, and he swore never to work with them again. Also, in Chak De, Salman wanted India to compete with Pakistan in the final match, which was not agreeable to the Yashraj house.

But thanks to Rani, who is rumoured to be dating the much married Aditya Chopra convinced both of them to let bygones be bygones. So if things work out, Sallu miyan is considering a lead part in a YRF film to be directed by Tashan director Vijay Krishna Acharya. Only makes us wonder that even after all that denying, Aditya still listens to everything his so-called lady love says, how Yash Raj’ish!

Title war over ‘Hadippa’ continues

Yash Raj Films and Sanjay Leela Bhansali continue to fight over the title of YRF’s upcoming movie “Dil Bole Hadippa”.

We had earlier reported that despite repeated attempts by YRF to convince Bhansali to part with the title “Hadippa”, the filmmaker did not as the title has been reserved for his sister Bela’s debut film as a director.

After Bhansali turned down Aditya Chopra’s request for the title, YRF apparently gave him written promise that they will not use the word ‘Hadippa’ in the title of their Rani Mukerji-Shahid Kapur starrer.

However, now that YRF has released the theatrical trailer of the film, Bhasali has realised that two words have been added to his title and YRF’s film is now called “Dil Bole Hadippa”.

According to a spokesperson from SLB Productions, Bhansali apparently is very upset as he feels what YRF has done is unethical and is even contemplating taking legal action.

Rani, the lead star of the movie and a friend of both Sanjay and Aditya, is reportedly now trying her best to organise a meeting between the two parties to peacefully settle the issue.

IIFA Awards hosts name Bollywood dream cabinet

Bipasha Basu should be India's environment minister because she was "the real reason for global warming all over the world."

This was the choice of International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards hosts Boman Irani and Riteish Deshmukh who unveiled their dream cabinet before a packed auditorium at The Venetian Hotel in Macau as the annual event marked its 10th anniversary.

The comic duo announced their choice that they said should have been appointed by Bollywood after the recent elections, much to the delight of the 15,000 strong crowd in Macau on Saturday (June 13) night.

Director Ashutosh Gowariker should be agriculture minister for what he had done for the rural community with his hit film "Lagaan"; Raakesh Roshan, the coal minister because his successful film "Koyla" had shown that he knows everything there is to know about the black product; and Katrina Kaif should be the youth affairs minister because every youth wanted to talk to her, the pair added.

Aamir Khan should be home minister because all he did for eleven months in every year was sit at home and then just release a single film in the last month.

Akshay Kumar, shown on screen with his face on a Rs1,000 note, should be the finance minister because with the money he makes he could finance almost the entire population.

"Slumdog Millionaire" star Freida Pinto would do well in the post of minister for overseas and foreign affairs because she knew exactly how to start an affair abroad, Irani jested.

Always on the defensive, Salman Khan would make the ideal defence minister and Malika Sherawat could occupy the new position of minister for the upliftment of the downtrodden.

Others in the Irani/Deshmukh cabinet would be Sunny Deol as law and transport minister; Yash and Aditya Chopra of 'Punjab Power' fame for their film "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" as joint power ministers; and Viveik Oberoi as telecommunications minister because he knew how to make calls quickly when necessary.

New York - First Look

RAB NE BANA DI JODI Deleted Scenes - Video

Saif goes Dhoom over SRK

Saif may have missed all the action in Yash Raj Films' popcorn action series Dhoom and Dhoom 2 and instead preferred to be mushy in their Hum Tum. But the latest we hear is that SRK has turned down the Dhoom sequel, and that spells good news for Saif.

King Khan, who is known to ‘never say no’ to the Chopras, has apparently conveyed the news of unavailable dates till late 2010. Shahrukh is said to have stated health reasons to skip this flick. After his shoulder surgery and the regular strain on his back, Sharukh has decided to not do movies with excessive action scenes. That effectively rules out Dhoom 3 for him.

So now it is a change of plan for the film’s director Aditya Chopra, who has decided to direct the film himself, and has roped in another Khan- Saif Ali Khan for the role.

Rumour mills were working hard when Aamir was touted for the role, replacing Abhishek Bachchan, but Aamir has turned down the project. Though Aamir’s reasons are however unclear, we hear that Aamir is said to be unhappy with the good guy role. Well, we don’t blame him, as in the Dhoom series the baddies are the ones to steal the show. John Abraham’s bike scenes in Dhoom is most remembered as he plays Kabir, the gang’s leader. In the sequel, Hrithik Roshan will never be forgotten for playing mastermind thief known only as Mr. A because he leaves an 'A' symbol after each robbery, and more so because he got to lip lock with Aishwarya Rai (just before she got married to Jr. B). While Jr. B, Abhishek Bachchan who has played the cop (the good guy) in both films has hardly got his due.

The second set of rumour went out that Saif will play the role initially written for Shah Rukh Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan will be the cop, replacing Aamir Khan. Not only that, but Zayed Khan will replace Uday Chopra, who will be seen in the film albeit a special appearance. On the other hand, Rani Mukherjee was being decided for the female lead! We wonder why? Rani's neither hot not tall nor sexy… Absolute prerequisite for Dhoom.

Nobody seems to know the other casting changes the Chopras are contemplating on this project. For what we can tell you even before the script is ready, they are engrossed in the stylization and casting of the film.

Now we wonder who’s being roped in for the female leads opposite these high profile male star casts. Don’t be surprised if the Chopras ring Kareena’s door bell. After all it’s these gimmicks that make the film. As for us, we will surely like to see some young and healthy doing the Dhoom on screen!

Aditya Chopra to direct Madhuri in next film

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