Aragog In Bollywood

Aamir Khan in Shankar's sci-fi film, Robot

2007-12-16T01:09:00.002-08:00

Apparently, Aamir Khan is all set to play the lead in South director Shankar's sci-fi film, Robot.

If sources are to be believed, Shankar met Aamir a few days ago.

Aamir is interested, and Shankar is busy with the film's pre-production. However, it is still not known if Aamir will produce the film as well, or Shankar will rope in some other producer.

There was a lot of talk about Shah Rukh Khan doing the film under his banner, Red Chillies Entertainment. However, due to creative differences between SRK and Shankar, the two decided to part ways amicably.

Aamir will play a scientist who creates a robot with whom his physically challenged child can play with. However, things turn bad when the robot begins to kill people. Aamir then has to terminate his state-of-the-art invention.

Stay tuned in!

Aamir Khan turns down Madame Tussauds

2007-12-16T01:09:00.001-08:00

Bollywood star Aamir Khan was approached earlier in the year by Madame Tussauds in London to be the fourth Bollywood figure to be waxed on the famed celebrity museum of London.

However the star declined the offer, saying "It's not important to me. I have been approached but I am not interested. People will see my films if they want to.

Also, I can't deal with so many things, I have bandwidth only for that much. So things that don't interest me, I just let them pass. Each one has their own priorities on what interests them."

Amitabh Bachchan was the first man from the Indian film industry to have a wax statue in Tussauds, followed by the former Ms.World and star actress Aishwarya Bachchan, and then superstar Shah Rukh Khan and now next in line is Salman Khan.

Aamir Khan's style statement

2007-12-16T01:08:00.002-08:00

With every movie, Bollywood's much-loved hero sports a new look and makes a new style statement.

While Taare Zameen Par sees Aamir Khan as an art teacher (sleeveless sweaters and a mohawk), his summer 2008 venture Ghajini remake, has him working out to get a six-pack.

Lets have a look on some of Aamir's most popular getups:

Tapori cool: The jazzy costume with a cap in Rangeela (1995) was followed by tight T-shirts and a heavy, scary looking ring on every finger in Ghulam (1998). Whether it was the famous train run or the Aati Kya Khandala track, Aamir made tapori-giri look super cool.

Rebel with a role: In Lagaan, Aamir had the dusky complexion of a peasant.

For Mangal Pandey The Rising, he had long hair and a thick moustache.

In Rang De Basanti, he sported wild, curly locks, carelessly falling on his forehead.

"All three characters were revolutionaries leading from the front. But while Lagaan and Mangal Pandey were set in the pre-independence era, RDB's DJ had to exude as much power for a similar cause, but in the 21st century. He got all three looks bang on," says stylist Gouri Kapur.

Double act: "Fanaa was not a fashionable film. So we had to make sure Aamir maintained a cool, normal, hip look, while a dark, stone-hearted terrorist lurked in the shadows," says Mamta Anand, who styled the actor in Kunal Kohli's flick.

And since the film was set in Delhi in winter, Mamta gave Aamir vibrant mufflers, wristbands and bracelets and a red chilly locket.

"I'd given Aamir different layers, in keeping with his dual character. We were also aware that he would wear only one costume throughout the second half. So, his dark image is spotted only once, when he's dressed in black with this hair gelled back," says Mamta.

Head to toe: Aamir's goatee in Dil Chahta Hai became a rage among college boys!

"Almost every guy in his late teens or early 20s has sported a small goatee post DCH," says Gouri. Most actors stick as close as possible to their original styles, but not Aamir, says Mamta.

"The perfectionist that he is, he doesn't care what others think. And if he is confident that his director and stylists know what they are doing, he gets really comfortable and is all the more willing to experiment," she says.

Gouri adds, "For Aamir, his character is not just about his dialogues and expressions. He has to look the character from head to toe and he lives it throughout the film's making. He is versatility personified."

Brand Aamir: "He is an ever-changing entity, constantly re-inventing himself. He has grown from being a boy next door to a mature actor," says brand expert Harish Bijoor.

"He is the 'elder statesman of younger actors'. Aamir is very passionate about his work. And this is evident even in the products he chooses to endorse. Even his ads stand out from the rest. Brand Aamir is one of the most talked about success stories," says Harish.

Next, fab abs: It's official. Aamir is going bald for AR Murugadass's Hindi remake of Ghajini!

He has even lost 11 kgs to achieve a lean, mean physique for the role. Aamir has been given a tailor-made diet program by his nutrition consultant.

Watch out for his six-pack abs!

Aamir Khan refuses 20 crores for one film!

2007-12-16T01:08:00.001-08:00

Lately actor Aamir Khan has been all over the place.

After the debacle of loosing his brother's custody and then being accused by writer-director Amol Gupte for stealing his script of Taare Zameen Par, Aamir seems to be in a fresh controversy.

According to sources, the actor has now gone ahead and refused a chunky deal of Rs 20 crores from a leading corporate house!

This will be the first time that Aamir has been offered a deal as big as this. What's more the corporate was also willing to go ahead and pay him the entire amount on signing the deal itself.

But Aamir choose not to co-operate as the corporate did not have any script to put on offer.

The corporate even reasoned out with the actor by saying that the subject can be chosen later once the actor has signed the deal.

But Aamir wouldn't budge and said that he would get back to the company or vice versa if he came across a script which appealed to him.

Well looks like only time will tell if Aamir's virtuous decision was right or wrong.

But one thing is for sure..the actor surely puts his mind before money, by not getting lured even for an offer as big as this one!

Aamir Khan to produce Seven Hours - a psychological thriller

2007-12-16T01:06:00.002-08:00

Aamir Khan is said to be captivated by a script that he apparently intends to produce into a film.

If reports are to be believed, the reclusive Khan is thinking of producing a psychological thriller called Seven Hours. As the title suggests, the film's story will span seven hours in the life of the characters.

It is learnt that Aamir wants director A R Murugadoss to direct the film. Aamir is currently working in Murugadoss's Hindi adaptation of Tamil hit Ghajini.

Also, Aamir is keen to have A R Rahman as the film's music director and Aamir himself is expected to play the lead role in the film.

Stay tuned in!

Exclusive First Look: Aamir Khan's Taare Zameen Par

2007-12-16T01:06:00.001-08:00

Aamir Khan is back in action with his new movie Taare Zameen Par.

The movie is about a disabled child and the person who cares for him. Its believed to have been remade from a hollywood movie, Memento.

However, Aamir strongly negates and says 'It is a genuine case of 'inspired form'. I hope the Hindi version will also prove to be a huge hit."

Produced & directed by Aamir Khan, Taare Zameen Par has music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and is slated for a December 21 release.

Aamir Khan accused of dishonoring the National Flag

2007-12-16T01:05:00.000-08:00

The Indore Youth Congress wants to file a case against Aamir Khan for dishonoring the Indian National Flag .

On August 16, Aamir Khan, the brand ambassador of Toyota Innova, attended an event in Indore.

The next day, while at the airport, 20 Congress party workers accosted him with black flags for allegedly dishonoring the national flag.

Apparently, the National Flag hoisted at the gates of Rajpal Motors showroom in Indore, where the event was held, was permitted to fly post sundown, infringing the Indian Penal Code.

Aamir opts out of Sarfarosh sequel

2007-12-16T01:04:00.001-08:00

Joining the sequel bandwagon, is none other than John Mathew Mathan, who is toying with the idea of making the sequel to his hit film Sarfarosh.

Sources close to the maker reveal that Aamir Khan was approached to be part of the film, but he refused, as he is too busy with his own home productions.

It is also learned that the maker is trying for another big Khan for the role.

Watch this space for the big announcement.

Aamir Khan is Chhote Saab!

2007-12-16T01:04:00.000-08:00

Very few people know that Kiran Rao has a special pet name for Aamir Khan.

She fondly calls her husband Chhote. Initially, Kiran used to use the affectionate way to address Aamir only when the two of them were alone.

However the pet name was leaked when Salman Khan invited Aamir and Kiran, along with Rani Mukerji, over for dinner one day and Kiran loosened up enough during the course of the evening to use it.

Says a source, " Kiran said, 'Chhote have this' and 'Chhote have that' a couple of times." This amused Sallu no end.

"Salman Khan could not help being amused by Kiran calling Aamir Chhote! Brat that he is, he kept using the name too, in between peals of laughter," adds the source.

Aamir Khan to play a cricket match to promote Lagaan DVD

2007-12-16T01:03:00.001-08:00

After the launch of the Oscar-nominated Lagaan on DVD last month, Bollywood superstar and producer Aamir Khan now plans a cricket match at a mall in Mumbai on July 14 to promote the DVD.

The match is scheduled to be played at Infinity Mall, Andheri West, between the Lagaan XI and 11 lucky consumers of the DVD or VCD purchased from any Landmark store in India.

Says Aamir, ''Lagaan DVD has been a landmark in Indian Home Entertainment and in itself the celebration of the Spirit of Lagaan. We wanted to share the celebration with the fans of the movie and hence have planned this cricket match''.

The event, organised by Excel Home Videos, in association with Landmark stores, will witness a galaxy of Bollywood stars associated with the film. The limited over match will be played at the Mall, barricaded by nets, with area for the general public to enjoy the game.

Aamir-Salman to team up again!

2007-12-16T01:03:00.000-08:00

Despite all the pot-shots that Salman Khan has taken at the reclusive Aamir Khan over the years, the two continue to be friends.

Last weekend, Aamir attended an impromptu dinner party thrown by Salman at his Galaxy Apartments. Aamir spent most of his time with Sallu and his dad Salim Khan at the party. At one point Salim Khan suggested that Sallu should team up with Aamir for a film. At this, Aamir Khan requested the veteran scriptwriter to write the script for their film together.

Speculations are rife that the actors might really team up after a successful stint with Rajkumar Santoshi's Andaz Apna Apna (1994).

Industry insiders say that the Khans are gradually getting together to form their own camp. However, Aamir is yet to join the block. Nevertheless, Salim Khan has revealed recently that he intends to get back to work.

Adds a close friend, " Salimsaab is very well read. He has tremendous vision about films. He is definitely writing something. The three Khans - Aamir, Shah Rukh and Salman are any filmmaker's delight. Shah Rukh and Salman have already decided to work with each other and Aamir might join in soon. Now they just need to sit down and plan the details."

Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan together in Aankhen sequel!

2007-12-16T01:02:00.000-08:00

For the first time Bollywood mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan and superstar Aamir Khan may star together in a film!

Both Amitabh and Aamir may come together in a sequel to the 2002 film Aankhen that starred Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Sushmita Sen, Arjun Rampal and Paresh Rawal in the main roles.

Reports are that producer of Aankhen, Gaurang Doshi, is planning to retain only Bachchan from the original cast and not the others.

Instead, the film will feature along with Bachchan and Aamir, Ajay Devgan, who is reported to play a negative role, Akshaye Khanna and Upen Patel.

The sequel will be different in the fact that none of the actors will be blind. Stay tuned in!

Jiah Khan to star opposite Aamir Khan!

2007-12-16T01:01:00.000-08:00

Signing an Aamir Khan film is definitely a boon for any actress.

And when news spread that the producer of Aamir 's next film was on the lookout for two actresses to be cast opposite the Khan, every actress worth her mascara tried her luck.

Initially, Ayesha Takia was supposed to do one of the lead roles, but she later backed out of the film for reasons unknown. Then there was news that Kangana Ranaut had signed the film, however, when the actress went to town proclaiming her good fortune, Aamir reportedly was quite miffed with her and decided to drop the idea of casting her.

Priyanka Chopra was then said to be next in line for the same role, and the actress, reports claimed, was very keen to sign the film. Unfortunately, that was not to be. South actress Asin was signed on, much to everyone's surprise.

And now the latest is that Jiah Khan has also been roped in!

A source confirmed, "Yes, Jiah Khan has been signed on as one of the leading ladies along with Asin. In the storyline, one actress plays a part in the past and the other actress plays a part in the future. While Asin has been roped in to play the first part, Jiah has been cast in the latter role."

For Jiah, this is yet another feather in her cap. After debuting in the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Nishabd, the actress seems to be bagging films only with the best. Though Jiah herself was unavailable for comment, we must say, she is one lucky girl!

A look at Lagaan - the sketch

2007-12-16T01:00:00.003-08:00

Here's something that really would bring back some old memories. Memories six years old to be precise.

When Aamir Khan launched the DVD of his super-hit Oscar-nominated film Lagaan after almost six years post its release, he made sure we got a special picture to go with it as well.

Made by artist Dhimant Vyas, here are the characters from left to right:

Yashpal Sharma as Lakha
Rajesh Vivek as Guran
Raghuveer Yadav as Bhura
Srivallabh Vyas as Ishwar Kaka
Daya Shanker Pandey as Goli
Aamir Khan as Bhuvan
Raj Zutshi as Ismail
Amin Hajee as Bagha
Pradeep Rawat as Deva
Akhilendra Mishra as Arjan
Aditya Lakhia as Kachra

Though Aamir has increased biceps, Yashpal Sharma has lost oodles of weight and Aditya Lakhia's height has augmented, this one is definitely something that will bring a smile across your face!

Aamir Khan to go bald!

2007-12-16T01:00:00.002-08:00

Leading men in Hollywood never think twice before going bald for a role, but in Bollywood, bald pates are usually restricted to the bad guys.

Remember Kulbhushan Kharbanda as Shakaal in Shaan? The late Amrish Puri too donned a distinct bald crust in several films where he played the baddie. And, of course, the famous Shetty, who designed stunts in the '70s and also played henchman to the villains.

But not anymore! Bollywood's leading men have decided not to feel any shame in going plain!

Now Aamir Khan too will flaunt a 'khula aasman' for the Hindi remake of the Tamil hit, Ghajini. A source close to Aamir says, "Aamir will go bald in a month. The script of Ghajini remake demands that he sport a bald head."

However, Aamir will not have a bald look throughout the film. Only the second half of the film demands that he have no hair. "He still hasn't decided who will do the 'honours' and shave off his hair, but Aamir is most comfortable with Avaan Contractor. She styled his trend-setting look in Dil Chahta Hai ," the source adds.

The source reveals that Aamir does not have any apprehensions about the new look. "He was given the option of wearing a wig, but turned it down. Aamir likes doing his roles in a realistic way and didn't want this film to be an exception. He took three years to get his look right for Mangal Pandey!"

Aamir, Hrithik together in a movie?

2007-12-16T01:00:00.001-08:00

Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan together in a film sounds like a dream come true!

Well, if reports are to believed then this dream will soon turn true. And the architect of that dream is none other Aditya Chopra. He gave us Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and then Mohabbatein. And he is now set to direct his next venture with the two superstars.

Nobody at Yashraj Films wanted to be quoted on this but reports confirm that talks are on, even though nothing has been confirmed officially as yet.

Hrithik, for instance, is currently shooting for Ashutosh Gowarikar's Jodhaa Akbar and will be busy till September, after which he begins work on the Krrish sequel. Aamir Khan has just started shooting for the remake of the Tamil hit Ghajini and this too should be over by September. So both actors will be free after September.

If anyone can bring these two actors together, then it can only possibly be Aditya as he is one of the most successful producers in tinsel town. Stay tuned!

Aamir Khan turns director with Taare Zameen Par

2007-12-16T00:58:00.000-08:00

Everyone talks about Aamir Khan. They tell you he is a control freak. They tell you he has shelved the much-awaited Mani Ratnam film Lajjo. They tell you he fired debutant director Amol Gupte from his home production. They announce his marriage with Kiran Rao is over. Sometimes, once every couple of years, he chooses to do the talking. And then, everyone listens.

In an exclusive interview with Harneet Singh from Screen, Aamir broke his silence and made a big announcement: yes, he has turned director with Taare Zameen Par!

You have been quiet for a long time now.
When I'm doing a film, I find myself too absorbed in it; so I'm unable to spare time for interviews. I'm not good at multitasking. Creating time for the interview is not an issue, but creating mindspace for it is. Also, I don't see the point in saying the same stuff every three weeks to different people. I'd rather be working and talk when I feel I need to.

But how do you explain the fact that people remember the one exclusive interview you decide to give?
I don't know. I'm not making an attempt to make statements that people remember. I try and give honest answers. So maybe that's why.

Last year, you gave us a double whammy with Rang De Basanti and Fanaa. One would have expected grand things of you but you turn around and sign a very small and personal film like Taare Zameen Par.
My choice of films is governed by my heart and instinct. I'm not governed by what the market demands. I loved the script of Taare Zameen Par and that's why I agreed to be a part of it. It's very simple. When I'm reading a script, I react to it as a member of the audience. If it excites me, I want to do it, irrespective of the budget.

Could it also be that since you have acquired the reputation of being different, you have to do something different each time?
I'm not trying to be different. There is no such pressure on me. I pick scripts based on what I like and the ones that I pick will be different because I follow my taste. Rang De Basanti and Lagaan were rejected by everyone, but I did them because I liked them.

So you think it's the industry's misconception to suggest you're different?
I don't know about that. All I know is that in the last six years, all my films have been diametrically different from what other people are making. Perhaps my choice is different. I do think that what you choose reflects on the kind of person you are.

In that case, you must be quite a secure actor. Rang De Basanti had six other equally important characters. Almost all other big stars had turned it down.
I don't think I'm an insecure actor. To me, filmmaking is about the film, not the individual. If I like a film, I like it because it has all the elements. If it is tampered with, its beauty will be destroyed. As an actor, I believe my job is to get the script right.

How do you explain the tags of "control freak" and "interfering actor"?
The fact is that I haven't spoken to the film media for the last 15 years. The result is that they hit out at me whenever they get a chance. Today, any and every untrue story is being reported. What's more disturbing is that even the national media has become like the film media. You must have seen that recently a film magazine carried a story on my marriage being on the rocks. Soon, the national channels also picked it up. I call that yellow journalism.

You are referring to the Stardust story. Let me first ask: is the story true? Is there trouble between your wife Kiran and you?
Not at all. That news is all wrong. It's utter crap. I don't usually comment on my personal life, but unfortunately these meaningless rumours are forcing me to comment. All this talk about my marriage being over is a figment of someone's imagination.

Why don't you sue the magazine?
If the legal system in our country were strong enough, I would have filed a case. I checked with my lawyers and they tell me that I should take it up if I want to spend the next 20 years of my life fighting a case. All this distracts me from my work, which I love doing.

What is your reaction to these stories?
Sometimes I laugh and sometimes I get irritated. There are moments when I also feel sad, especially when I think that some people have to earn money by lying about others. The only thing that keeps me going is that I know in my heart that my audience knows me. I know that they won't believe the crap that is written about me.

How do your family and kids react?
My family is used to it. So they don't believe it. As for my kids, if anything has to be told to them, I'll tell them. They will never find out what's happening in their father's life from the media.

It's almost as if you operate in an alternative industry: you work with your own group of people, you don't attend award functions, don't sip coffee on talk shows and hardly give interviews. Is it by design?
(Laughs) I think that's a wrong way of putting it. I'm very much a part and product of this industry. It's just that whatever I do in my life, small or big, I like to do it on my terms. I like doing things that I believe in. I can see that I'm an oddball and I don't fit the requirements of what is recognised as a star today.

What is your definition of being a star?
In my opinion, a star is defined by the number of seats he can fill in the theatres in the first week on his own merit, irrespective of the director and co-stars. I've been fulfilling that requirement so far.

Will we ever see you acting in a mindless comedy and a mushy romance?
I don't want to use the words 'mindless' and 'mushy' loosely. I would like to do a purely romantic film, which may not be in the realm of logic, which is what Fanaa was. It was not a logical film but it was from the heart. But I have to confess that I'm comfortable doing different kinds of cinema. I want people to be entertained in different ways and I want to be able to entertain them in different ways.

Of late, you've worked with a lot of new or less successful directors. Do you want to give new people a break?
My purpose is not to give other people an opportunity. My purpose is to do films I like so that I can entertain people. I do films with directors in whom I have faith. It doesn't matter how their last film fared, as in the case of Rakeysh Mehra and Ashutosh Gowariker. My choice of what film I'm doing depends on three factors: trust and faith in the director, the script he wants to make and the producer. I don't compromise on any of these.

There are rumours that you (and not Amol Gupte) have directed Taare Zameen Par.
Yes, that's true. But that's not how it started out. A couple of years ago, Amol came to me with a script that I fell in love with. He wanted me to act in it and produce it. I was happy to do both. Amol wanted to direct the film and I agreed since I felt he was capable. But one week into the shooting of Taare Zameen Par, I wasn't happy with what I saw of the rushes. I lost faith in Amol and his capability of translating on screen what he had so beautifully written on paper. At which point, I expressed my feelings to him and did what was fair and returned the script back to him so that he could direct it for another producer, with another actor. But Amol came back to me and said he wants me to continue as the producer and he decided to step back as the director. After going through various names and options, Amol suggested that I take over as director. Our main concern was the child who has a pivotal role in the film. Both of us felt that we had found a magical child in Darsheel Safary. Any new director coming in would mean a delay of six to eight months and we were afraid Darsheel might grow up. It was Amol's suggestion that I take over as director. So I took on the responsibility and did the best I could.

How was the experience?
Emotionally, it was very difficult for me as I'm sure it was for Amol because we have been friends for more than 25 years. Amol is an extremely talented person and I'm certain that he will direct a film soon and direct it well. Amol's contribution to the film is immense. He was with me every day on the shoot, guiding me and, at times, even correcting me. I'm grateful that he stayed on and helped me make the film.

But did you enjoy direction?
I must confess that it was one rough journey because I had to jump in without any preparation. I'd always wanted to direct a film but this was not an ideal situation. I'd have liked to spend time on the script and visualise it. Working with kids can be tough but we had a great bunch of kids, especially Darsheel, Sachet and Tanay Chheda. It was extremely challenging and a great learning experience. Despite all that, it was fun. (Taare Zameen Par will release on December 21.)

Is it true that you've rejected your wife Kiran's script thrice?
Not true. Kiran will direct soon. I must confess that I was bowled over by the script she has written. I'm definitely going to produce it. Unfortunately, there is no role for me in it and I'm extremely sad about that. But I've requested her to tweak one of the characters to fit me in. I hope she does.

What is the philosophy of Aamir Khan Productions?
To do films we believe in and enjoy making them.

What will it take for an Indian film to win an Oscar?
The film just needs to be able to impress the committee that is judging the foreign language films. When people ask me what made Lagaan reach the top five, I say it was because the people who saw Lagaan loved it. And when I'm asked if I was disappointed that Lagaan didn't win the Oscar, I say reaching the top five is an achievement itself.

Is winning an Oscar important?
It's of minor importance. I'd be happy to win one. But I give more importance to the audience's reaction to my work and what I feel about it.

What is the status of Lajjo?
Trade reports suggest that the film has been shelved. The last that I know of it is that Mani (Ratnam) is working on the songs and the script. If there is any change, I'll check and get back to you.

This one is a personal request. Can't you drag Mansoor Khan (Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar) back to direction?
(Laughs) I've tried my level best. In fact, I requested him to be the creative producer of a film I'm producing, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, wherein I'm launching my nephew Imraan. He was kind enough to agree. That was my way of getting him back ki thoda sa chaska lagega. Mansoor tells me that he's working on something; so let's wait and watch.

Shah Rukh, Salman and you have dominated films for over 17 years now. What makes The Khans so special?
I've no idea. You need to check with the audience.

Who, in your opinion, can take over after The Khans?
I don't think we're planning to move out soon. But Hrithik (Roshan) is a good actor and a popular star. Even Abhishek (Bachchan) is doing well.

What was the last film you saw that you wished you had acted in?
(Thinks hard) I can't think of any.

Karan Johar has said you don't respect him as a filmmaker.
I've seen all three films by Karan. I loved Kuch Kuch Hota Hai but I was extremely disappointed with Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. I think Karan is capable but his last two films have disappointed me as an audience.

What has been your most satisfying performance as an actor?
(Thinks hard) It's a very tough question. It's very difficult to be objective. I'm happier with my last four-five films like Rang De Basanti, Fanaa, Mangal Pandey, Dil Chahta Hai, Lagaan and Sarfarosh. As I grow as an actor, I find I don't like my previous work. I feel there were too many mistakes. It's a process, I guess.

Has there been a performance that makes you cringe?
Oh, there have been quite a few. I'd rather not name the films!

Aamir Khan's Lajjo shelved!

2007-12-16T00:57:00.001-08:00

After gathering dust for the longest time, Mani Ratnam's ambitious film, Lajjo, has been scrapped.

The problem started with Kareena opting out and Aamir getting busy with his other films including his directorial debut, Taare Zameen Par. However, producer Bobby Bedi has been citing other reasons for the oh-so-long delay. A source close to Ratnam says, "The film is definitely not happening. Even the actors have got busy with other projects."

Mani Ratnam is extremely unhappy about the fate of the film. Sources indicate that Aamir Khan wasn't too happy with the final script. This led Khan to work on his home production, Taare Zameen Par followed by Kajri, the Hindi remake of Tamil super hit Ghajini. "There were major differences on the script and other aspects. As a result the film never got started," adds a reliable source.

Producer Bobby Bedi had earlier revealed that Mani Ratnam was busy with Guru so the film never hit the floors in December. But Bedi maintains, "The film has not been shelved and we are going to shoot the film at some point." However, the sources confirm that the film has been done away with.

Aamir Khan doesn't like awards!

2007-12-16T00:57:00.000-08:00

Many call him pretty much a reluctant star. He tries to stay away from the red carpets and you won’t find him splashed all over the papers or in the news every now and then. But when Aamir Khan is ready to open up to the camera, you don't want to miss it. Do you?

But then he is one actor who believes in keeping his personal and professional lives pretty much away from the media. In a rare interview to CNN-IBN, Aamir did open up and talked about awards, recognition and much more. Excerpts:-

CNN-IBN: Recently, Shah Rukh Khan said in a public function that Aamir Khan doesn't attend award functions. He goes only for the Oscars.

Aamir Khan: Well, Shah Rukh is a close friend of mine and he keeps taking potshots at me. The fact is that I have no objection to film awards per se. I just feel that if I don't have value for a particular film awards, then I don't want to go for that one.

And as of now, except for the National Awards, I don't see any awards ceremonies that I give value to. Because, in my personal experience with these awards ceremonies and my personal understanding of them is that I don't trust them. I don't have any faith in them. So, I just prefer to stay away.

CNN-IBN: After that, Salman did the same thing. He went on to the stage at an awards function, he had to pick up a trophy for you. he picked it up and said Aamir doesn't go for awards functions.

Aamir Khan: Salman should keep it (laughs). Salman and Shah Rukh are both good friends and we get along very well. So, I don't mind when they take digs at me.

Catch the entire interview with Aamir Khan on CNN-IBN at 2130 hours on Saturday and 1530 hours Sunday, IST.

Big B-Aamir-Rani in film on Tsunami

2007-12-16T00:56:00.001-08:00

Tsunami, a bilingual film in Hindi and English to be directed by award-winning filmmaker Ujjal Chatterjee, will pay homage to thousands swept away by the killer waves in 2004.

The film will set a love story around the devastating Tsunami and a portion will focus on unsung heroes like a priest in Tamil Nadu who gave shelter to hundreds of victims.

Actors Aamir Khan and Rani Mukherjee are expected to play the main roles, and superstar Amitabh Bachchan could possibly play the role of a senior geologist or a priest.

"People have woken up to issues like global warming and important events like the Tsunami, which will forever remain embedded in our minds and that is why it makes an interesting subject to film," Chatterjee said.

On December 26, 2004, giant waves triggered by an earthquake in the Indian Ocean killed over 2,30,000 people. The Tsunami-ravaged Nagapattinam is one of the main settings for the film. Other locations are in Bali in Indonesia and Phuket in Thailand.

The film revolves around three main characters: a geologist who travels to Bali to study tectonic movements when the Tsunami strikes, and his former girlfriend and her husband, who get separated during their honeymoon in the resort.

"After months of search, the geologist finds his former love, traumatised in a camp after her husband leaves Bali losing all hope of finding his wife," Chatterjee said.

Chatterjee's earlier film, Escape from Taliban, about the true story of an Indian woman's flight from Afghanistan, won critical acclaim.

'Taare Zameen Par is my only release in 2007'

2007-12-16T00:54:00.000-08:00

“Taare Zameen Par is my only release for 2007,” disclosed Aamir Khan at the launch of the new collection of Titan Aviator watches inspired by World War II Aircraft at an event held in Mumbai today. “It’s a film about children and hence it is very close to my heart. The shooting has finished and the post production is on. It should release in the latter half of this year,” the perfectionist Khan elaborated.

Nattily dressed in a jeans, T-shirt and half-opened-brown jacket, Aamir looked in great shape. What are your views on year 2006? “It was a good year. Rang De Basanti and Fanaa did very well. I am close to Rang De as it’s a film that affected people strongly. Very few films inspire a generation, move people or start a change. I’m proud to be a part of RDB.” And what about Fanaa? “Fanaa was a blockbuster. It was an entertaining film,” Khan said.

Ask anyone about their choice of an inspiring film based on sports and Lagaan is the universal answer. So, what are Bhuvan’s views on the eve of World Cup? “India will win the World Cup,” he gushed with an excited chuckle in his body language. Your message to the team: Go out there and show the world what we are made of. Give it your best shot.”

Aamir Khan is known to be very selective about the brands he endorses. When the other stars take on any and every offer, he prefers to promote the products he truly believes in. Currently he is associated with Coca Cola, Toyota Innova and Titan. Known for telling a story with all his advertising films, Aamir chose the Titan advertisement as his favourite where he shares the screen space with veteran actress Zohra Sehgal who played his grand mother.

Aamir to replace SRK in Dhoom 3?

2007-12-16T00:53:00.001-08:00

A lot of speculation is doing the rounds regarding Aamir Khan’s home production ‘Taare Zameen Par’. The 45 day schedule has apparently gone beyond 120 prompting many in the media circles to talk in hushed whispers. Never mind. Knowing the perfectionist Khan, the end result will be worth all the toil. Hopefully. But the whisper that is gaining credence is that Aamir Khan is all set to replace Shahrukh Khan in the forthcoming ‘Dhoom 3’.

Another bit of rumour doing the rounds is that Akshay Kumar shall be playing the negative role. Now, considering that John Abraham and Hrithik Roshan made the ‘bad’ look oh-so-cool in the first two versions, it seems like a distant probability that Aamir shall opt for anything less than the best for himself in brand Dhoom that is exceeding all expectations of box office grandiose.

Aamir Khan to become chess brand ambassador

2007-12-16T00:53:00.000-08:00

Bollywood star Aamir Khan could soon become a brand ambassador of chess in India to help the low profile game to gain popularity in the country of its origin.

Khan, who follows and plays chess well, would particularly be associated with the Chess Players Association of India (CPAI) and its activities, a CPAI member said.

"We are in talks with Aamir for some time and he has shown his keenness to become the brand ambassador of chess and help raise its profile in India," the member said to sources.

"If a formal agreement has not been concluded with Aamir yet, it is because we players are extremely busy playing tournaments as well as managing the CPAI affairs," the source said on condition of anonymity.

CPAI hopes the clean and popular image of the 41-year-old Khan, who has also taken social causes like supporting the protestors of Narmada Dam, will not only boost the profile of the game but will help bring in some money.

"Once Aamir gets involved with CPAI, we plan to involve him in promotion of the game and raise money through events so that needy players can be helped," the source said.

Aamir, the reformist, Rises again?

2007-12-16T00:52:00.001-08:00

Aamir Khan is known to do different things. Differently. After supporting a film like ‘Rang De Basanti’ (It may never have been made if Aamir wouldn’t have agreed to be a part of it), his support for the rehabilitation of the displaced people owing to the building of Sardar Sarovar Dam earned him loads of accolades. Now, it seems Khan is all set to take up another issue. But this time around he is making a film on that.

According to sources, Aamir is going to be producing a film revolving around farmers who are forced to commit suicide when they are unable to meet with the calamity of crop failure. The film has been written and will be directed by former journalist Anusha Rizvi. Apparently Aamir was gravely moved by the script which talks about the alarming suicide rate among farmers.

The story is centred around a broadcast journalist who has been closely following the abominable condition of defaulter farmers and their families. As for the casting, then Aamir wants to bring in real faces for the film and auditions are being held at NDTV’s office in Mumbai. The film will be hitting the floors by Februray-March, 2007. Now, it remains to be seen where does that leaves his other films like ‘Ghajini’ remake and ‘Lajjo’. But if Aamir actually goes ahead and makes such a film as this then it will be a wonderful gesture on the part of the superstar. For, he is using his position to do something for the betterment of the society

SRK, Aamir in 'Dhoom 3'?

2007-12-16T00:52:00.000-08:00

Yash Raj Films seem to have made up its mind. They will be making 'Dhoom 3'. Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra will continue to play the cops, as in 'Dhoom 2'.

Buzz is, Shah Rukh Khan has been roped in to play the smart thief (played by John Abraham in 'Dhoom' and Hrithik Roshan in 'Dhoom 2') There's also talk doing the rounds that Aamir Khan will be included in the film.

What about the girls? Rimi Sen and Esha Deol who were in 'Dhoom', were not chosen for 'Dhoom 2', but instead were replaced by Aishwarya Rai and Bipasha Basu. Will Rimi and Esha return? Or will Ash and Bips continue? Or will we have some other gals? Let's wait and watch.

One thing is for certain. Sanjay Gadhvi who directed the first two parts will not be directing the third one. Gadhvi has since parted ways with Yash Raj Films.

Why was Aamir’s RDB horse scene deleted?

2007-12-16T00:49:00.000-08:00

The outrage attained glaring proportions when a fabulous scene with Aamir Khan riding on top of a horse was deleted from the title track of 'Rang De Basanti'. Why? It amounted to cruelty against the animals. Bizarre. But true. That's exactly the tortuous effect the film industry has been subjected to since 2001 when the High Court passed a verdict in favour of a PIL filed by PETA claiming gross cruelty against animals in Hindi films.

A lack of clarity was rampant in the film industry known for being disorganized with lack of a proper union being its biggest shortcoming. That's exactly what a few leading film producers wished to sort out at a press meet with Major General Dr R M Kharab, Chairman Animal Welfare Board of India at a hotel in Mumbai recently. The meeting was chaired by Mr Pahlaj Nihalani, President, AMPTPP (Association of Motion Pictures and TV Programme Producers). Mr TP Agarwal of IMPPA (Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association), Mr Ramesh Taurani, Vice President, AMPTTP and Mr Sangram Shirke, President, Western Indian Film Producers Association were the other members present on the dias.

Dr Kharab informed that all the trained animal owners need to register with AWBI starting from December 1st onwards for the usage of trained animals in any film. Any animal which is part of the ambience and is not doing any stunts in the film did not come under that purview, he explained. Dr Kharab also stressed that he wishes to make things more transparent for the producers. But when asked on what grounds was the scene in 'Rang De Basanti' deleted, Dr Kharab simply stated that it was a matter that arose before he became the president of AWBI so he can't say anything on that.