It is by now clear that the Eid battle between WANTED and DIL BOLE HADIPPA is slowly but surely moving in favour of the Boney Kapoor produced WANTED. While DIL BOLE HADIPPA is having an edge in the multiplexes of North India (Delhi-NCR and East Punjab), at an all India level, it is WANTED that is being lapped up, more so at mass oriented centres.
However, it is not over by any means for DIL BOLE HADIPPA, as it's quite a low budget of 14-15 crore will ensure that the Rani-Shahid starrer is sure to be a profitable venture for Yash Raj Films, who are also the worldwide distributors. In the Overseas, the film is not exactly setting the box-office on fire, but is fairing much better than the Salman-Ayesha starrer, WANTED.
In a nutshell, while DIL BOLE HADIPPA will be a safe bet for its makers, by the second weekend, the 34-35 crore WANTED will need to do much more than a couple of weeks run to become a plus fare!
(Glamsham)
Catch every rumor spreading around Yash Raj Films (YRF) - India’s biggest entertainment house.
Can Rani regain her tinsel throne?
Rani Mukherjee does not mince her words. The Bollywood star has a bone to pick with the media and she's ready to face the challenge without falling back on the used and abused celebrity crutch no A-lister can do without: a dedicated publicist.
The actress, who wowed critics and audiences at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this week during the premiere of Dil Bole Hadippa (playing in UAE cinemas), found her film promotional events hijacked by questions about a secret marriage to filmmaker and heir to the Yash Raj Films production empire, Aditya Chopra.
Mukherjee, of course, rubbishes the claims and blames her aversion to public relations firms resulting in this dramatic turn of events.
"I am not the kind of person who enjoys being fussed over by strangers or handing over the reins of my life to one individual who represents me to the world," the 31-year-old tells Emirates Business over a crackling phone line.
However, even the bad connection cannot soften her words or disguise the passion, when she adds: "I'm a self-made woman who has always made my own decisions from the time I entered the film industry 13 years ago. So, now that I'm famous, why should I suddenly stop making these decisions and allow someone else to communicate my words? This person could even have his or her own agenda and twist my words."
Yet, the flip side to Mukherjee's media blackout are the rumours that brandish her as a homewrecker second time around – the first was five years ago over an alleged affair with actor Govinda. The actress, of course, insists she is innocent and states this is the price she must pay for sticking to her conviction.
"The only reason I'm answering queries now is because I feel the need to clarify things to my fans and filmmakers who are now hesitant about approaching me with scripts, lest these rumours have a grain of truth in them," comes her response.
This is a hard line to swallow considering she is the same actress who bagged India's National Award, the country's highest honour, for her stunning portrayal of a deaf and blind woman in 2005's Black.
Ask her, and she admits this is a burden for her to carry. But even before a hint of vulnerability seeps through, the fiery Mukherjee returns to form, saying: "Even so, I still refuse to become a PR-generated star and join the same movement that has allowed this new batch of wannabes into Bollywood who don't even possess the qualifications to justify their presence there."
No matter how miffed Mukherjee may be feeling towards the media, even she cannot deny the power it wields in a film's overall marketing plan.
"Of course. When Ghulam released in 1998, all we had was a handful of print media and three TV channels promoting the film to the masses. These days, its hundreds of print and electronic media personnel vying for our attention, be it from entertainment, music, news or even sports.
"Once the interviews are over, the actors are then herded off to reality shows on TV to generate even more publicity," she says.
"A lot of this movement has to do with the boom of new media and the lack of time, causing the audience to watch limited TV and only sticking to one or two stations that they enjoy. If we want to catch them, we need to be everywhere."
Is this why Mukherjee is so eager to tour the international festival circuit, tapping into a global audience that has suddenly tuned into Bollywood post films such as Slumdog Millionaire?
"If we are talking about Dil Bole Hadippa in Toronto, then I think its appeal to the Indian diaspora in Canada is way larger than the international audience," she states. "Bollywood has gone global and that is now visible with a larger Indian presence at international film festivals, along with a wider distribution network of our films in cinemas abroad. Having said that, my new film is a typical Bollywood potboiler and would not really appeal to those who don't appreciate Indian kitsch."
Dil Bole Hadippa sees Mukherjee play a village belle who's also a cricket fanatic. When she realises women are unable to enrol in the sport on a state level, she disguises herself as a Sikh boy and joins the team, under the captainship of Shahid Kapur. Producer Yash Raj Films is shrewdly marketing this cricketcentric film four days prior to the ICC Championship Trophy that kicks off in South Africa.
"We are not just tapping into the cricket frenzy because it's the news of the hour," comes the pat reply. "Cricket is an integral part of the film."
The actress admits she was clueless about the sport before the film and had to train for six months before she was able to effectively hold the bat and score runs.
"This is such a bright and funny film, that cricket fan or not, you will still enjoy it for its entertainment value," she says, adding: "I know I did; after my spate of weepy dramas over the past few years, this is a welcome relief."
Brand Power
With a career spanning 13 years with India's top production houses, Rani Mukherjee should be ranked as highly as Bollywood greats Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor in terms of brand power.
However, while Bachchan demands up to Rs50 million (Dh3.8m) for a single endorsement deal and Kapoor has all the A-list brands in her kitty (including Pepsi, Airtel communications and Head and Shoulders shampoo), the Mukherjee name refuses to create a flutter among India's corporates. This appears surprising considering the actress has appeared in India's Filmfare magazine's Top 10 Power List from 2005, for three years consecutively.
By 2007, Mukherjee was the highest female brand ambassador in Bollywood, paying Rs13m in taxes from endorsements alone. At the time she had Nestlé's Munch chocolates, Fanta cola, Titan Raga watches, Good Knight mosquito repellent, Chevrolet Aveo and Dabur Amla hair oil to lend her name to. Today, she's down to three.
Mukherjee calls her lack of endorsements a personal choice, saying: "I currently endorse three brands and this is because I have no time to take on more work.
"I get offers every other day, but as a celebrity it is important my public profile is not tarnished. Because of this, I choose brands that have credibility in the market."
Currently, it seems only Dabur, Titan and Good Knight have retained that credibility.
Critics are linking this power outage to her advancing age, which allegedly resulted in the actress losing out her Fanta deal to the much younger Genelia D'Souza earlier this year.
However, industry analysts predict Mukherjee has the power to turnaround her affairs depending on the box office outcome of her current Dil Bole Hadippa. Only time will tell.
(business24-7)
The actress, who wowed critics and audiences at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this week during the premiere of Dil Bole Hadippa (playing in UAE cinemas), found her film promotional events hijacked by questions about a secret marriage to filmmaker and heir to the Yash Raj Films production empire, Aditya Chopra.
Mukherjee, of course, rubbishes the claims and blames her aversion to public relations firms resulting in this dramatic turn of events.
"I am not the kind of person who enjoys being fussed over by strangers or handing over the reins of my life to one individual who represents me to the world," the 31-year-old tells Emirates Business over a crackling phone line.
However, even the bad connection cannot soften her words or disguise the passion, when she adds: "I'm a self-made woman who has always made my own decisions from the time I entered the film industry 13 years ago. So, now that I'm famous, why should I suddenly stop making these decisions and allow someone else to communicate my words? This person could even have his or her own agenda and twist my words."
Yet, the flip side to Mukherjee's media blackout are the rumours that brandish her as a homewrecker second time around – the first was five years ago over an alleged affair with actor Govinda. The actress, of course, insists she is innocent and states this is the price she must pay for sticking to her conviction.
"The only reason I'm answering queries now is because I feel the need to clarify things to my fans and filmmakers who are now hesitant about approaching me with scripts, lest these rumours have a grain of truth in them," comes her response.
This is a hard line to swallow considering she is the same actress who bagged India's National Award, the country's highest honour, for her stunning portrayal of a deaf and blind woman in 2005's Black.
Ask her, and she admits this is a burden for her to carry. But even before a hint of vulnerability seeps through, the fiery Mukherjee returns to form, saying: "Even so, I still refuse to become a PR-generated star and join the same movement that has allowed this new batch of wannabes into Bollywood who don't even possess the qualifications to justify their presence there."
No matter how miffed Mukherjee may be feeling towards the media, even she cannot deny the power it wields in a film's overall marketing plan.
"Of course. When Ghulam released in 1998, all we had was a handful of print media and three TV channels promoting the film to the masses. These days, its hundreds of print and electronic media personnel vying for our attention, be it from entertainment, music, news or even sports.
"Once the interviews are over, the actors are then herded off to reality shows on TV to generate even more publicity," she says.
"A lot of this movement has to do with the boom of new media and the lack of time, causing the audience to watch limited TV and only sticking to one or two stations that they enjoy. If we want to catch them, we need to be everywhere."
Is this why Mukherjee is so eager to tour the international festival circuit, tapping into a global audience that has suddenly tuned into Bollywood post films such as Slumdog Millionaire?
"If we are talking about Dil Bole Hadippa in Toronto, then I think its appeal to the Indian diaspora in Canada is way larger than the international audience," she states. "Bollywood has gone global and that is now visible with a larger Indian presence at international film festivals, along with a wider distribution network of our films in cinemas abroad. Having said that, my new film is a typical Bollywood potboiler and would not really appeal to those who don't appreciate Indian kitsch."
Dil Bole Hadippa sees Mukherjee play a village belle who's also a cricket fanatic. When she realises women are unable to enrol in the sport on a state level, she disguises herself as a Sikh boy and joins the team, under the captainship of Shahid Kapur. Producer Yash Raj Films is shrewdly marketing this cricketcentric film four days prior to the ICC Championship Trophy that kicks off in South Africa.
"We are not just tapping into the cricket frenzy because it's the news of the hour," comes the pat reply. "Cricket is an integral part of the film."
The actress admits she was clueless about the sport before the film and had to train for six months before she was able to effectively hold the bat and score runs.
"This is such a bright and funny film, that cricket fan or not, you will still enjoy it for its entertainment value," she says, adding: "I know I did; after my spate of weepy dramas over the past few years, this is a welcome relief."
Brand Power
With a career spanning 13 years with India's top production houses, Rani Mukherjee should be ranked as highly as Bollywood greats Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor in terms of brand power.
However, while Bachchan demands up to Rs50 million (Dh3.8m) for a single endorsement deal and Kapoor has all the A-list brands in her kitty (including Pepsi, Airtel communications and Head and Shoulders shampoo), the Mukherjee name refuses to create a flutter among India's corporates. This appears surprising considering the actress has appeared in India's Filmfare magazine's Top 10 Power List from 2005, for three years consecutively.
By 2007, Mukherjee was the highest female brand ambassador in Bollywood, paying Rs13m in taxes from endorsements alone. At the time she had Nestlé's Munch chocolates, Fanta cola, Titan Raga watches, Good Knight mosquito repellent, Chevrolet Aveo and Dabur Amla hair oil to lend her name to. Today, she's down to three.
Mukherjee calls her lack of endorsements a personal choice, saying: "I currently endorse three brands and this is because I have no time to take on more work.
"I get offers every other day, but as a celebrity it is important my public profile is not tarnished. Because of this, I choose brands that have credibility in the market."
Currently, it seems only Dabur, Titan and Good Knight have retained that credibility.
Critics are linking this power outage to her advancing age, which allegedly resulted in the actress losing out her Fanta deal to the much younger Genelia D'Souza earlier this year.
However, industry analysts predict Mukherjee has the power to turnaround her affairs depending on the box office outcome of her current Dil Bole Hadippa. Only time will tell.
(business24-7)
Sherlyn, Rakhi are for adults!
Dil Bole Haddipa gets U/A certificate for Rakhi Sawant and Sherlyn Chopra’s skimpy outfits....
Yash Raj Films, known for its clean romantic entertainers and their candy floss films, was extremely upbeat about Dil Bole Haddipa’s release. However, the film has got a U/A certificate and not the U certificate which they would have liked, as that would have enabled them to reach out to family audiences. The U/A has been given because they have two sexy sirens, Sherlyn Chopra and Rakhi Sawant, doing what they do best — flaunting some serious skin.
Vinayak Azad, Regional Officer Censor Board said, “The film has been given a U/A certificate due to Sherlyn's onscreen clothes and Rakhi Sawant's dance number.”
When asked if there are any intimate scenes, he said, “There are no high-voltage intimate scenes and no kissing scenes as such. But it features one intimate scene with Sherlyn and the other problem is Rakhi’s clothes in the dance number.”
Incidentally, both Rakhi and Sherlyn have painted the town red speaking about their roles in the YRF banner film, which stars Shahid Kapoor and Rani Mukerji in lead roles.
Sherlyn says, "Well, Manish Malhotra is to be blamed for that... He's dressed me in bikini tops and shorts which ooze effortless sensuality. And that's exactly what's expected of the super model that I play in the film.”
(TOI)
Yash Raj Films, known for its clean romantic entertainers and their candy floss films, was extremely upbeat about Dil Bole Haddipa’s release. However, the film has got a U/A certificate and not the U certificate which they would have liked, as that would have enabled them to reach out to family audiences. The U/A has been given because they have two sexy sirens, Sherlyn Chopra and Rakhi Sawant, doing what they do best — flaunting some serious skin.
Vinayak Azad, Regional Officer Censor Board said, “The film has been given a U/A certificate due to Sherlyn's onscreen clothes and Rakhi Sawant's dance number.”
When asked if there are any intimate scenes, he said, “There are no high-voltage intimate scenes and no kissing scenes as such. But it features one intimate scene with Sherlyn and the other problem is Rakhi’s clothes in the dance number.”
Incidentally, both Rakhi and Sherlyn have painted the town red speaking about their roles in the YRF banner film, which stars Shahid Kapoor and Rani Mukerji in lead roles.
Sherlyn says, "Well, Manish Malhotra is to be blamed for that... He's dressed me in bikini tops and shorts which ooze effortless sensuality. And that's exactly what's expected of the super model that I play in the film.”
(TOI)
Rani denies being secretly married to Aditya Chopra
Bollywood actress Rani Mukherji says that rumours about her getting married have started affecting her career."These rumours have been going on for three years and they have started now affecting my career. Lot of filmmakers who approach me for roles start by asking whether I am getting married. They have apprehensions whether I can commit myself to their project," Rani said.
The numero uno actress termed as "most laughable" the rumour which said that she had left her posh Juhu bungalow because it had brought her ill luck and had moved back to her old flat at Andheri.
"I have made the new house for my family from my hard work, sweat and blood. My house is my temple and how can I run away from it. I am being made to look like an insecure person which I am not," she said.
The actress said the baseless stories about her are getting stretched too much.
"I cant get married to one man for the last three years or to different men," she said about her alleged link ups including the rumour about her marriage to filmmaker Aditya Chopra.
"I am the only daughter of my parents. When I get married, it will be announced publicly and will take place with pomp," Rani said referring to the story that she has secretly married to Chopra.
The actress said instead of wasting time of clarifying bizarre rumours, she would rather concentrate on her films, work hard and make her fans happy.
Rani admitted that she was the odd person out where PR forms a major part of her profession.
"It is shortcoming that I have as I don't like to talk about my daily life. The media has taken advantage of my silence and communicated to my fans very wrongly," she said.
Rani said three years ago when the rumours about her marriage started, her father had to come on television to clarify.
"No father should be put through such misery. Despite clarifications, the rumours have continued. You have to believe what I am saying. But, if you still continue spreading stories about me, I cant stop you," Rani said.
She said she has never felt the need to have a PR or a secretary to interact with the media on a daily basis. "I believe my work will speak for me," she said.
Rani said 'Dil Bole Haddipa' came to her at the right time when she got a feedback that she was crying too much on screen doing serious roles. She said her last release 'Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic' unfortunately did not do well.
Rani said applying glue on her face to stick the beard was the most tedious task. "Men in unit when I became a guy forgot that I am Rani when I was in the getup of Veer, the cricket loving Sikh boy," she recalled.
Rani said she had not taken a break from movies. "I started working on 'Haddipa' immediately after my last release.
"I can do two three films at a time if there are great roles. I don't want to prove anything to my detractors that I work only in Yash Raj films. If Yash Raj offers me challenging roles, I will take up those projects," she said.
The actress said she has not worn a bikini in 'Dil Bole Haddipa'. "Bikini is a very strong word. I have just worn a bikini top with salwar. When you lose weight and tone your body, people are wanting to dress you up in a different way and there is no harm in trying it, "she said.
She said the ultra glam look was for the music video of the film. "In the film, I could not take liberties because the glam look would not go well with the character I play. But in the music videos, I could be portrayed differently," she said.
When asked about criticism that she had lost her numero uno status, Rani said number games do not affect actors. "The number games are for those who believe in it. The roles that I get make me the actor I am. Getting challenging roles is the best part of being in any stage of your career. I am trying to reinvent myself as an actor and as a looker," she said.
When asked about her future projects, Rani said she cannot work in any random film. "I am waiting for a great offer. I want to work with Vishal Bharadwaj, Imitiaz Ali, Anurag Basu. But, they have to come up with something which I would like to do," she added.
(Indian Express)
Rani Mukherjee's close connection with Harbhajan
Everybody knows that Rani Mukherjee plays a Sardar in her upcoming release Dil Bole Hadippa but very few will know her special connection with a real Sardar in Indian Cricketer Harbhajan Singh. No, they are not having affair. It's just that Rani copied Harbhajan in the film .
Well, Rani Mukherjee sent the photo of Harbhajan to her make-up man who is from London . She sent his photo, as he didn't know how exactly a Sardar looks. Consequently, Rani's look in Dil Bole Hadippa was greatly influenced by the photo she sent.
And Rani revealed that she had told Harbhajan about the story of his photo. The ace Indian cricketer is fine about it all for the simple reason that it's Rani who has copied him.
Rani acts with Shahid Kapoor in her upcoming release Dil Bole Hadippa, produced by Aditya Chopra [^] under the banner of Yash Raj Films and directed by Anurag Singh. It is all set for release this Friday, 18th September.
(oneindia)
Well, Rani Mukherjee sent the photo of Harbhajan to her make-up man who is from London . She sent his photo, as he didn't know how exactly a Sardar looks. Consequently, Rani's look in Dil Bole Hadippa was greatly influenced by the photo she sent.
And Rani revealed that she had told Harbhajan about the story of his photo. The ace Indian cricketer is fine about it all for the simple reason that it's Rani who has copied him.
Rani acts with Shahid Kapoor in her upcoming release Dil Bole Hadippa, produced by Aditya Chopra [^] under the banner of Yash Raj Films and directed by Anurag Singh. It is all set for release this Friday, 18th September.
(oneindia)
Dil Bole Hadippa turns a new logo
Yashraj Films have come up with a new logo for their biggest release of this year. Film Dil Bole Hadippa has got a new identity with a brand new logo.
The ace production company was recently in news, all for the wrong reason. They had to face strong disapproval by the Sikh community. The community had expressed their displeasure over the use of a patka sign in the place of a dot on letter ‘I’ in ‘Hadippa’.
In the film Rani aspires to play cricket with Dhoni and Tendulkar in the team. So as to become a part of men’s cricket team she dons turban and beard and poses as Sardar. A film that celebrates the never-say-die spirit of India cannot afford to hurt any of its pillars, and thus Yashraj decided to change the logo and neutralize any controversy.
Flashing a new logo YRF says a neutral Dil Bole Hadippa
-Deepa Mishra/ Sampurn Media
The ace production company was recently in news, all for the wrong reason. They had to face strong disapproval by the Sikh community. The community had expressed their displeasure over the use of a patka sign in the place of a dot on letter ‘I’ in ‘Hadippa’.
In the film Rani aspires to play cricket with Dhoni and Tendulkar in the team. So as to become a part of men’s cricket team she dons turban and beard and poses as Sardar. A film that celebrates the never-say-die spirit of India cannot afford to hurt any of its pillars, and thus Yashraj decided to change the logo and neutralize any controversy.
Flashing a new logo YRF says a neutral Dil Bole Hadippa
-Deepa Mishra/ Sampurn Media
Yash Raj Films releases Black in Korea across 180 screens
In its endeavor to open new markets for Indian cinema, Yash Raj Films has released Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Black starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji in Korea.
The movie, which was released in 2005, was distributed overseas by Yash Raj Films.
Black, the story of Michelle McNally who saw what other lesser mortals could not, was released in Korea last Friday across 180 screens. This has been one of the biggest releases for a non-Korean or Hollywood film. According to YRF, Black had the highest opening among new releases ahead of Hollywood releases. The movie debuted at third spot while Take-Off and Haeundae took the first two spots given they are Korean blockbusters with massive budget and marketing.
The movie, which was released in 2005, was distributed overseas by Yash Raj Films.
Black, the story of Michelle McNally who saw what other lesser mortals could not, was released in Korea last Friday across 180 screens. This has been one of the biggest releases for a non-Korean or Hollywood film. According to YRF, Black had the highest opening among new releases ahead of Hollywood releases. The movie debuted at third spot while Take-Off and Haeundae took the first two spots given they are Korean blockbusters with massive budget and marketing.
Rani is leaving YRF ?
Rani is leaving Aditya Chopra
Rani Mukherjee and Yash Raj Films was a hit combination once upon a time. But with the recent failures like Tara Rum Pum, Laga Chunri Mein Daag, Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic, Rani is no longer treated as the lead actress of Yash Raj camp. She was attached to Yash Raj banner for the challenging role that was offered to her, for delivering successive hits and more or less for Yash Raj head hancho Aditya Chopra with whom Rani is rumored to be romantically linked up. Now Rani has decided to bid goodbye to the camp.
A close source informs, “Rani is ready to do films for other banners too. In fact, she is said to be reading scripts by other banners.” The only reason behind her move is poor script. Rani believes that Yash Raj banners scripts are not challenging and interesting like before but at the same time she assures that she will return back if she finds any role challenging.
Moreover, Rani is trying her level best to revive her lost status with ‘Dil Bole Hadippa’ which is a Yash Raj film opposite Shahid Kapur. She has toned her body and lost weight to suit the role.
(Bollywoodmantra)
Rani Mukherjee and Yash Raj Films was a hit combination once upon a time. But with the recent failures like Tara Rum Pum, Laga Chunri Mein Daag, Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic, Rani is no longer treated as the lead actress of Yash Raj camp. She was attached to Yash Raj banner for the challenging role that was offered to her, for delivering successive hits and more or less for Yash Raj head hancho Aditya Chopra with whom Rani is rumored to be romantically linked up. Now Rani has decided to bid goodbye to the camp.
A close source informs, “Rani is ready to do films for other banners too. In fact, she is said to be reading scripts by other banners.” The only reason behind her move is poor script. Rani believes that Yash Raj banners scripts are not challenging and interesting like before but at the same time she assures that she will return back if she finds any role challenging.
Moreover, Rani is trying her level best to revive her lost status with ‘Dil Bole Hadippa’ which is a Yash Raj film opposite Shahid Kapur. She has toned her body and lost weight to suit the role.
(Bollywoodmantra)
Shazahn Padamsee debuts in Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year
Shazahn Padamsee will be rocketing to success opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Rocket Singh – Salesman of the Year, brought to you by the team behind Chak De India. Shazahn is making her debut in the film, playing Ranbir’s love interest, and is the daughter of theatre impresario Alyque Padamsee and singer Sharon Prabhakar.It's not been as easy as some people might think, however, as competition for places in the industry is overwhelming. "I have met people who think that I have had it easy," she says, "It frustrates me when people think like that because frankly I have worked my way to reach where I am. I have gone through my share of struggle. I have gone for a lot of auditions and have just been treated like everybody else. I got rejected a lot of times and at times, things didn't work out for whatever reasons."
Shazahn has been busy learning Hindi and honing her skills for her debut in the movie. "I have two teachers each for my Hindi classes and my dance classes," she explains, "I have acted and produced in a play, Unspoken Dialogues. I have also done a couple of commercials, the latest one being a jewellery brand."
Shazahn loves children and likes to spend time with them at the exclusive Breach Candy Club. "They put a permanent smile on her face," says a friend, "Shazahn feels that little children are the most honest and innocent. One day, one of the kids even recognized Shazahn saying that he had seen her in Ponds and 7 up ads. Shazahn just brushed off his praises. The kid then challenged her to a race in swimming which she had to let him win."
(BollySpice)
(Image :shazahn.com)
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