'Band Baja Baraat' is my best film till date: Anushka

Model-turned-actress Anushka Sharma just can't stop grinning about her role as a wedding planner in her upcoming film 'Band Baja Baraat' and has termed it her best film till date.

Anushka made her debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' and then went on to star in 'Badmaash Company' as a feisty urban girl opposite Shahid Kapoor.

The 22-year-old beauty stars opposite debutante Ranvir Singh in the Yash Raj Films' 'Band Baja Baraat' helmed by Maneesh Sharma, who worked as an assistant director on 'Rab Ne..'.

"I play a wedding planner in the film. It's a story about two Delhi University students who pass out from college and how they come together and start the business of wedding planning, in areas like Janakpuri. It's my best and favourite film till date," said Anuskha, who was in the capital recently for a fashion event.

(Indian Express)

Colors acquires TV rights for 'Lafangey Parindey'

Hindi entertainment channel Colors has acquired the television rights of Yash Raj Films' latest release "Lafangey Parindey".

This is the first such deal between the channel and the production house.

The deal will give a push to the increasing association of Bollywood and the TV industry, says Gaurav Gandhi, Group CCO - Viacom 18 Group and head of international business.

"Colors has always been a trend-setter in bridging the gap between the two screens. With this association with YRF, we have taken a step further in bringing together properties which share a common theme of identifying and encouraging the real Indian talent," Gandhi said in a press release.

As part of the deal, the channel will also promote the film on their show "India's Got Talent - Khoj 2".

In the film, Neil Nitin Mukesh plays a boxer who fights blindfolded and Deepika Padukone essays a visually challenged girl who has mastered the art of dancing on skates. "India's Got Talent" is integral to the script of "Lafangey Parindey" as both the lead actors are seen participating in the show in the movie.

It made sense for the production house to opt for such marketing through the TV show.

"'Lafangey Parindey' will soon be showcased on Colors. We are extremely happy to have entered this unique association, involving a marketing in-film integration and the film's consequent acquisition of its television rights, with one of the leading channels in the country," said Akshaye Widhani, vice president, Yash Raj Films.

(Economic Times)

Ali Zafar signs Yash Raj film

Bowled over by the actor’s performance in Tere Bin Laden, Aditya Chopra signed him for YRF’s next.

Yesterday, this newspaper reported that the lead actor of Tere Bin Laden, Ali Zafar, is considering moving to Mumbai. Well, now we know why.

The Pakistani actor has a new fan in Aditya Chopra and was recently signed on by Yash Raj Films for their next film, which will be directed by Ali Abbas Zafar (yes, the name coincidentally is quite similar!).

Apparently, Ritesh Deshmukh was initially approached for the same role but he declined the offer. Apart from Ali in one of the lead roles, the untitled YRF film stars Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif as well. Clearly, Ritesh’s loss is Ali’s gain.

Our source said, “Aditya Chopra loved Tere Bin Laden. YRF is known to spot talented newcomers. They are also giving director Ali Abbas Zafar his first break in this film. And as far as the actor Ali Zafar is concerned, the production house may sign him for at least three films.”

So, Ali’s future looks bright. When contacted, the official spokesperson of Yash Raj Films confirmed the news and said, “Ali Zafar has been confirmed for a leading part in the movie along with Imran and Katrina.”

(Kunal M Shah, MUMBAI MIRROR)

Aamir Khan in Aditya’s mind

Well there are denials of Katrina working with the Bollywood badshah SRK for YRF project but a close hand reveals that for the 50th golden anniversary of Bollywood premiere production house Yash Raj Films, the production house does has an impressive line up to celebrate its golden jubilee next year.

A close hand reveals that the banner is gung ho for a face lift as its recent performances are not at all encouraging. According to sources are to be believed the banner will be coming with five films next year.

The first of these five films to go on floors next month is the Katrina, Imran Khan starrer to be helmed by a new comer.

The next will be by the maestro Yash Chopra himself; his talented son Aditya is planning something keeping Aamir in mind and YRF also has project with Bollywood hottie Hrithik and the current prince charming Ranbir Kapoor.

Yes, there is no official word on this projects but a comeback backed by fifty years of successful glorious standings makes you trust that YRF will go all out to win the hearts and its supremacy once again.

(IndiaGlitz)

When Deepika sounded like Big B

Okay, this might sound shocking, but believe it or not, when Neil Nitin Mukesh narrates this story, it sounds like a rip-roaring comedy.

Recently, during an exclusive interview with zoOm, he told us how Deepika Padukone’s gola binge ended up with her sounding like Amitabh Bachchan. And the Lafangey Parindey jodi got into a banter about this. Neil said, “I warned her not to have too many. She probably had more than seven at one go. And when she landed on the sets everyone thought Mr Bachchan was there.” Ms Dee quickly defended, “It was very hot, and we were shooting outdoors. I had never had a gola before this... you don’t get golas in Bangalore. I loved the kaala khatta flavour.” Yeah, we know that the thing with golas is that you can’t stop at one. Now anyone would give an arm and leg to sound like Big B, even for a day, hai na? We think you should be screaming with joy at that, Ms Dee.

(TOI / Zoom)

Catch Neil live on the go

Neil Nitin Mukesh is going all out to promote Lafangey Parindey.

The Bollywood star posted on twitter that he will now be available on the go via video while on his promotional tour for his upcoming film Lafangey Parindey.

"Friends now on Catch me LIVE on the go !"

With this Neil becomes one of the first stars in the Indian film
industry to take to video-blogging.

Whether or not this becomes as big a craze as Twitter remains to be seen, but Neil certainly deserves praise for taking a leap of faith.

Here's a look a Neil's first video post.



(NDTV)

Behind the Scene Lessons on Lafangey Parindey

Neil Nitin Mukeshi and Deepika Padukone are getting ready to show you a new side with their roles in Lafangey Parindey, which opens on August 20th. The film, directed by Pradeep Sarkar of Parineeta fame is set in the back streets of Mumbai and is a different kind of romance but you will have to wait to see the film to know what we mean. We have not one but two behind the scenes looks at the making of the film! In these sneak peeks not only will you see the director showing you how it is done, but you will also see Deepika conquering her fear of holding a chicken (yes, you read that right!) Check them out!

(bollyspice)

Games for Lafangey Parindey

Yash Raj films has developed two online games for their forthcoming movie Lafangey Parindey. Based on the characters played by Neil Nitin Mukesh and Deepika Padukone, they’re available on www.yashrajfilms.com. Players can take on
the avatar of One-shot Nandu (Mukesh’s character) or Pinky Palkar (Padukone).

“One-shot Nandu’s game is based on boxing. You score depending on speed and how many opponents you knock out,” explains Priyanka Khatri, spokesperson for Yash Raj films. Similarly, Pinky Palkar’s animated version spins, jumps and speed skates to score points.

Mukesh is excited about One-shot Nandu’s game. “He jabs and throws punches in under a minute. It’s great fun,” he says.

(HT)

I rediscovered Mumbai with Lafangey Parindey: Sarkar

He has been living in Mumbai for several years, but director Pradeep Sarkar says that he came to know the real beauty of Mumbai when he started working on Lafangey Parindey, a film set in the gritty streets of Mumbai.

Since the story is set in a wadi ( a middle-class housing society) he and his production team went across Mumbai, hunting for the right wadi, before settling for one in Chembur.

In the process Sarkar realised that he was so distanced from their life, dreams and aspiration and discovered that the relationships there are so different. “The residents of wadis know a lot about their neighbours and feel for their success and failures. They also have this winning streak in them. It is this streak that my lead actors Neil Nitin Mukesh and Deepika Padukone, will reflect,” says Sarkar.

Neil plays a boxer, One Shot Nandu, who fights blindfolded and Deepika, Pinky Palkar, who is blind but has an ambition to win a dance competition. Shooting with the actors playing such characters was not easy. A lot can be attributed to action director Sham Kaushal for getting Neil to fight blindfolded.

“He and his assistants would guide him when he was blindfolded. At first he would falter but soon he got the sense of the whole setup. On the other hand, Deepika did not prepare herself for the part by observing or interacting with blind people. It was the approach of focusing her mind on something and looking ahead with a blank expression, something we do so often in real life. The moment she understood that she started giving perfect expressions,” says the director.

As for the actors performing dangerous stunts in the film, the director reveals. “Riding bikes on open roads in the night is just a way of life for boys living in wadis, and Neil was doing just that. There are no stunts that he has performed. Deepika too is shown doing gritty stuff like people living in these localities do,” informs Sarkar.

Some parts were shot on a set constructed at Chandivili Studios, and others around Mumbai.

(Geety Sahgal/ Indian Express)

YRF's two-way integration with Colors for latest flick

Lafangey Parindey, the latest offering from the Yash Raj banner has done an integration deal with general entertainment channel Colors. Under the deal Deepika Padukone, the lead actress in the film will be shown participating in Colors' popular reality show India's Got Talent .

In Lafangey Parindey Padukone plays a character called Pinky Palkar, a blind girl who is a fabulous dancer on skates.

As part of this two-way integration, Neil Nitin Mukesh, the lead actor of the film will make an appearance with Padukone in an episode of India’s Got Talent on Colors. This is a case of cross-media promotion as the film's starcast will promote the show on celluloid while the show will in return promote the film on TV. “Our association with Colors for Lafangey Parindey is a unique integration based on the central theme of encouraging talent which is common to both the film and the show. Both the lead characters in the film come together with their individual aspirations to conquer the world.

And what better platform than India’s Got Talent which reflects the spirit of the movie and where anyone can rise to fame if he or she has a special gift and the will to achieve”, said, Rafiq Gangjee, vice president - marketing & communications, Yash Raj Films.

Gaurav Gandhi, chief commercial officer & head - International Business, Viacom18 said, “We are confident that our viewers will enjoy this celebration of talent on COLORS as well as on the big screen when the film releases in August.”

This is not the first instance of two-way integration in movies as in the film Delhi 6 , the lead actress Sonam Kapoor was seen participating in Indian Idol, a popular reality show on Sony Entertainment Television. The actress had then come to promote the film in one of the episodes of the show in its last season.

(Business-Standard)

I like dominating girls: Neil Nitin Mukesh

Neil Nitin Mukesh broke up with his girlfriend a few months back. And though he is enjoying being single, he hasn’t given up on love. And he has a tip for the ladies out there - “I like dominating girls!”

Talking more about it, Neil says he likes girl who are similar to the character of Pinky Palkar from his film Lafangey Parindey.

In the film, the character - who is blind yet fierce girl - has been played by Deepika Padukone. Interestingly, he admits Deepika has all the traits he likes in his ideal girl.

However, he’s quick to point out that he and Deepika are merely good friends.

(Sanskriti Media And Entertainment / Sify)

Director Pradeep Sarkar’s son sings for ‘Lafangey Parindey’

Director Pradeep Sarkar, who is introducing his son Ronit Sarkar as a playback singer in his forthcoming film “Lafangey Parindey”, reveals that he was unaware of his singing talent until he heard him live in a music concert.

Ronit has lent his voice to the title track of the film.

“I didn’t know such a good singer was growing in my house. I had seen him playing guitar, sometimes humming some tune, but I never lent ear to that very seriously. He has a small band. Once he was performing somewhere and I decided to go and see what he does. To my surprise, he was singing so well that people were clapping and whistling on his performance. He was singing very well,” says the proud father.

“I made him sing in a couple of my ads, he was fantastic. Anandh (music director) was looking for a fresh voice, one who could sing in high pitch and modulate well between the notes. He chose him for the song,” Sarkar told IANS in an interview.

The director, who has given films like “Parineeta” (2005) and “Laaga Chunari Mein Daag: Journey of a Woman” (2007), has teamed up with Deepika Padukone, Neil Nitin Mukesh and other actors to present the story of a group of youngsters living in the backstreets of Mumbai.

“We heard a verse ‘Kabhi saaf, kabhi gande, lafangey parindey’ and from that we fell in love with the phrase ‘lafangey parindey’. Lafangey means wild and parindey as we all know means birds. Together it means the flight of a bird. The film is about hope,” said Sarkar.

It was reported that in the film Deepika and Neil utter some swear words in keeping with the backdrop of the film, but the director puts off such speculations.

“There is no offensive language used in the film. Those used are the colloquial words which are invariably used by people of that society. Basically, I didn’t get away from the language that is there. There is a phrase called magic reality, I have tried to evolve that,” Sarkar added.

Talking about the leading lady of the film, Sarkar said: “Deepika never takes anything as an obstacle. However difficult things get, she always gives her best with a smiling face. That’s the first interesting quality that you notice about her, she is always smiling. She is always ready to do whatever is asked for the role.”

However, Sarkar doesn’t quite share the same views about her male counterpart. “Neil is a sober guy, but every moment he is into some mischievous stuff. During the shooting of the film, he used to do his own make up, practise a lot for his fighting sequences and other times used to play pranks on crew members. So the lafanganess (wildness) is in-built in him.”

“Lafangey Parindey” hits the theatres Aug 20.

By IANS : Dibyojyoti Baksi

(thaindian)

Aamir, the baddie in Dhoom 3?

Aamir Khan has had just one dilemma in the last eight months. The actor has been obsessed with one thought — after 3 Idiots ,what next?

On July 9, BT broke the news that Aamir and filmmaker Yash Chopra had decided to work together. While the market buzzed with news of Aamir playing the villain in Dhoom 3, sources close to the actor denied it categorically. However, it is now known that Aamir met with Aditya Chopra, who gave him an one-line narration of the role of the villain the film. And, an insider reveals, “Aamir has loved what he heard. In all probability, he will listen to the script on August 13 when he returns from Melbourne and Delhi.”

Aamir doesn’t wish to confirm or deny these developments as yet because he will start reading the script next week after his Peepli Live releases. However, it is said that the actor is keen to play the baddie because what he heard from Adi has truly excited him. A trade source says, “After 3 Idiots Aamir needs something very challenging and dynamic. And he knows that playing the villain in a established franchise like the Dhoom series will create a huge buzz.”

Dhoom 3 in all likelihood may not be directed by Sanjay Gadhvi. Chances are that the film may have a director of Aamir’s choice. As of now, the Chopras are very excited because their villains have been the most talked about characters in the Dhoom series. The first one had John Abraham, the second had Hrithk Roshan, and if they get Aamir for the third, it will be the crowning glory.

Aamir has earlier played a baddie in Raakh and Fanaa. But reports say that the villain of Dhoom 3 will be a very stylised character. And he is likely to make as much impact as Gabbar Singh of Sholay or Dr Mogambo from Mr India.

(Times of India)

Imran Khan-Katrina in Yash Raj film

Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif have finally signed for a film that will go on floors next month. After Sanjay Gadhvi’s 7 Days In Paris ran into financial trouble and Emraan Hashmi replaced Imran Khan in Dibakar’s next, Yash Raj Films has signed Imran Khan and Katrina for their next. Though still untitled, the film will be directed by debutante Ali Abbas Zafar. Ali has written the script and the film will be the next one to go on floors under the YRF banner as early as next month.

Yes, YRF has got a fresh new face in Imran but the actor too has benefited from this deal. As reported earlier, Sanjay Gadhvi’s film ran into financial trouble and Emraan Hashmi replaced Imran Khan in Dibakar’s political thriller. Apparently, Imran and Dibakar intend to do a film eventually but that’s for later. In the meantime, the two debacles have seemingly brought luck to both Imran and Katrina.

Our source said, “This is the first time Imran will work in a YRF Film. The film was not scheduled to start earlier but since Katrina had bulk dates to give, considering Dostana 2 was postponed, Imran also agreed and the film is ready to take off immediately. Imran is known to be choosy but he loved the script and has signed the film. It’s a romantic film. Ali has assisted YRF in four films earlier: Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, New York, Tashan and the recently released Badmash Company .”

Imran Khan confirmed, “I am happy to be a part of the film and to be working with YRF. I love the way Adi functions. I also liked the way Ali has visualised his script.”

(Indiatimes)