Shahrukh Khan’s next Yash Raj movie starts from April

The King of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan’s next with his loyal Yash Raj Films is likely to go on floors this April. Directed by the King of romance Yash Chopra and still there are strong rumours of Katrina Kaif pairing opposite King Khan. There’s no official confirmation on the date of the movie going on floors but a close hand reveals that its likely to be in April.


Shahrukh was last seen under Yash Raj banner in ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ with Anushka Sharma.

Reliable sources swear that the Bollywood Badshah Shahrukh Khan is in a special contract with the Indian premiere production house Yash Raj Films where he is suppose to do one film in a gap of two years at least.

We all are eagerly waiting to see what the magic of SRK is and Yashji has in store for us after ‘Veer Zara’.

(Indiaglitz)

'YRF TV driven by content, not TRPs'

A year ago it promised to paint the television red with its unique bouquet of shows, but Yash Raj Films (YRF) TV's offerings faded in no time. Now it is back with a vengeance on Sony Entertainment Television with a belief that different content strikes the right chords with the viewers,if not with the ratings' race.

The production company is taking a second shot with a thriller show Khotey Sikkey - about a bunch of five rich, spoilt, urban youngsters with special yet twisted talents, who fight modern-day social crimes like drunken driving, drug abuse and street fights, among others, with the help of an honest cop.

" Khotey Sikkey is a continuation of our past season in the sense that it is different. It is differentiated content because it's not a family drama or anything. It is edgy and contemporary and we hope that it cuts across a lot of audiences because it is a thriller. Thriller as we have seen with C.I.D., it has a wide appeal," Ravina Raj Kohli, creative head of YRF TV, told IANS.

With Khotey Sikkey, YRF TV is digressing into bi-weeklies, and is also planning to experiment in the daily space with an upcoming show Kismat, following which it will launch the second season of Mahi Way.

"One always knew that its not going to be an easy task for us. Where dailies are the norm on Indian television, we were doing weeklies. Then we were attempting a different type of television with the subjects we were getting into, the kind of audiences we were hoping to tap...But we choose to hang in there with our style," said Kohli.

YRF TV, the television arm of entertainment conglomerate Yash Raj Films, made a roaring start with five shows - Mahi Way, Rishta.Com, Powder, Seven and non-fiction show Lift Kara De, Jan 1, 2009.

For an audience which was fed heavily with saas-bahu soaps, slapstick comedies, mythological sagas and rural tales, these shows seemed different - not just in their stories, but their execution, scheduling and cinematography too.

Mahi Way was about a fat but spirited young girl Mahi and her aspirations, Rishta.Com was a sweet, romantic story, while Powder was on a completely different tangent as it narrated a story with the backdrop of narcotic trade.

Seven, inspired by mythology, was about seven individuals with extraordinary powers who fight a battle of good and evil, to fulfil an ancient prophecy, and Lift Kara De was a search for the biggest fan of 19 Bollywood stars.

The shows didn't garner record-breaking Television Rating Points (TRPs) but were appreciated by people from many quarters. In fact, according to data from Television Audience Measurement (TAM), around 25 percent of its viewership came from 15-25-year-old; so the production company is sticking to its original plan of being different.

"We didn't have the numbers but we got a huge response through other platforms like internet, e-mails and social networking sites. People used to discuss the shows on various forums. So, the plans are still the same - we still want to continue making the kind of shows we made in our first season. Perhaps it was a little too different, but a lot of it was actually very approachable and connectable," explained Kohli.


(IANS)

Ranveer Singh of Band Baaja Barat on Filmfare

Ranveer Singh of Band Baaja Barat on Filmfare

Updated on:  23 Jan 2011

Ranveer Singh the lanky actor who made his debut in Bollywood with Band Baaja Barat movie is the pinup boy of latest Filmfare magazine. The young actor is believed to be the future superstar of Bollywood. Ranveer has impressed many with his confident portrayal in BBB.
   
He hasn’t got any filmy background as Ranveer Singh’s father is a businessman and doesn’t have any movie connections. Ranveer struggled hard to get his opportunity and after trying for three years, he bagged Band Baaja Baraat.
   
Ranveer Singh recently won the best debut male award where he took the award in the presence of his idol Shahrukh Khan. The young star is so overwhelmed and broke into tears at that time. Whole Bollywood is waiting for Ranveer’s second film as they wanted to crosscheck that he isn’t just a one film wonder. 

(supergoodmovies.com)

Sony TV confirms launch of two new YRF shows

As revealed on BizAsia.co.uk a few days ago, Sony Entertainment Television Asia will be launching two new Yash Raj Films shows in the coming days.

'Khotey Sikkey' will be the first show this year from the production giant. The bi-weekly crime drama will be centered around five affluent youngsters and an honest cop who walks on the path of eradicating urban crime in the society. It will air at 23:00 on Friday and Saturday nights from 28th January.

Another show from the Yash Raj camp is 'Kismat', starting on Monday 14th February at 22:30. This will be a daily airing Monday through to Thursday. 'Kismat' is loosely inspired by renowned author Jeffrey Archer’s novel 'Kane & Abel'. Kismat will feature Rahul Bagga and Viraf Patel from their earlier show 'Powder'. 'Kismat' starts from the year of 1947 and runs till 2007.

These are the latest batch of shows from the Yash Raj Films house after the channel stuck an exclusive multi-year deal last year. The last batch of shows ended on Sony TV last summer.

(BizAsia.co.uk)

Kabir Khan is chasing Salman

Director Kabir wants Salman Khan for his next film with Yash Raj.
PSST! If Sallu says yes, this will be his first film with YRF

Kabir Khan is pursuing Salman Khan for his next Yash Raj Films project. The New York director has expressed keen interest in working with Sallu for his next, a romantic drama.

Apart from Kabir, Aditya Chopra, too, has been sending feelers to the actor to accept the film. This would be SK's first Yash Raj film if he agrees to be a part of it.

Dabangg factor

A source remarks on the development, "Dabangg's success is one of the main reasons for the banner pursuing Salman.

Initially, the director was thinking of casting John Abraham as the main lead, but after Sallu's flick became a smash hit, he decided the Dabangg actor would be a better draw."

The source adds that this isn't the first time SK has been approached for a Yash Raj film. He has been made several offers in the past, but none of them worked out.

"The star has never worked with Aditya Chopra, a slose friend of arch rival Shah Rukh Khan. Before signing the film, Sallu wants to be sure the team is all on the same page, creatively. Kabir has told the star that he can't see anyone else playing the part."

The YRF spokesperson didn't deny the development, adding, "YRF is in conversation with various artistes for our forthcoming slate of films.

We will make our announcements shortly after finalising everything. Till then, all this is mere conjecture."

Brats and crime

A year after introducing Powder, a crime-based fiction show as a weekly, Sony Entertainment and Yash Raj films, as per their tie-up, will be introducing their second bunch of shows starting this month. The first of the shows is called Khote Sikkey and revolves around the story of a
bunch of rich brats who commit crimes for adrenaline rush but are eventually corrected by a cop.

A bunch of newcomers have been cast to play a gang of privileged youngsters whom the cops find it tough to deal with. Damodar Deshmukh is the only cop who successfully handles the young criminals and, at one point in the story, even gets them to help him solve another case.

The time slot and the day are yet to be frozen, but the show is expected to arrive towards the last leg of the month. It’s the second show that YRF has produced, which belongs to the thriller and crime genre. Their last show Powder dealt with the friendship between a cop and a narcotics official gone wrong.

Isn’t the channel apprehensive? “No,” says Sony Entertainment’s programming head, Ajay Bhalwankar, “Thrillers and crime based shows have been the channel’s forte. I agree Powder didn’t fetch the numbers but as far as quality is concerned, it was far superior to a lot of content that’s still around. Everyone who followed Powder had loved it. So, there’s no room for any apprehension around Khote Sikkey either.”

It’s learnt that the show will be a once a week again, like Powder, and hence, might end up repeating history. “We’ll give it the best possible slot. If the content is powerful, the slot doesn’t slaughter the show’s prospects. And I’ve seen the content that has come to the table, it’s excellent,” asserts Bhalwankar. “I think it will be lapped up. And I’m sure, if all goes well, it will deliver good numbers too.”

(HT)

Ranveer's three year long struggle for BBB

Newcomer Ranveer Singh has a casual demeanour to him; just like the character of Bittoo Sharma that he plays in his debut flick as a leading hero, BAND BAAJA BARAAT. While he is someone who has a smile on his face during the entire conversation and doesn't even attempt to sound serious or unnecessarily intellectual, it also seems that Ranveer is intentionally donning this persona so that he can forget all about the long period of struggle that he had to go through before finally bagging a film with none less than Yash Raj Films.

"Things weren't offered to me on a platter. I wasn't in a position where big production houses were waiting to launch me and I had to pick and choose. Instead, I had to go through my round of struggle for a good three and a half years before I finally got a concrete offer in the form of BAND BAAJA BARAAT. I may have just given up had the film not come to me at that time," says Ranveer who hails from Mumbai and has studied in the USA.

There was a light at the end of the tunnel though with Ranveer finally getting a call for audition from Yash Raj Films.

"The entire process from returning to Mumbai till the time that I finally got a call from Yash Raj Films was spread over three and a half years. Really, it isn't a small time duration," Ranveer continues to smile here, "Of course once I got a chance, I was sure that I would make the most out of it. I gave my best to the audition and there I was working in BAND BAAJA BAARAAT."

Well, with a happy ending eventually coming his way, it would be an altogether new beginning for the newcomer once his debut flick with Anushka Sharma as the leading lady releases all over on 10th December.

(glamsham)

DELHI HEIGHTS

Director Maneesh Sharma recounts some interesting trivia when shooting Band Baaja Baaraat.

Director Maneesh Sharma, who is from Delhi, was keen to base and shoot his first film Band Baaja Baaraat in Delhi, to give it a typical texture of the city. He shot at 30 different locales tapping some new locations like Janak Puri, the DDA market and Pritampura amongst others.

“I was not prepared for the huge crowds that turned up to watch the shootings. At least 4000-5000 people were always present wherever we shot, while 6000 turned up at Janak Puri for all the seven days we shot there! Thankfully, they were all cooperative and we even used them for crowd scenes. At the DDA market in Mayapuri, where the shops had to shut down during the shoot, I remember one shopkeeper who insisted on keeping his wine shop open. But when Ranveer requested him telling that it was his first film he relented,” revealed Sharma about his experience of shooting in the city.

(Indian Express)

Aditya Chopra is not directing DHOOM 3

There were recent media reports suggesting that the third part of the much-awaited DHOOM series, DHOOM 3 will be directed will be directed by none other than Aditya Chopra. However, these stories are not true.

According to an official statement from Yash Raj Films, the repots are totally baseless and Aditya Chopra is not DHOOM 3.

Let's wait and watch who finally directs the highly-awaited DHOOM 3.

(Glamsham)

Katrina Kaif takes on a challenging role

Katrina Kaif has prepared to play one of the toughest characters of her career. When she signed for Yashraj Films’ project with Imran Khan, she knew it was not going to be that easy.

Kat plays an impulsive character in the film which is directed by the debutant director Ali Abbas Zafar. She is crazy, short-tempered, and stubborn. In short a beauty with nakhre. This role came as quite challenge for this B-town hottie, who is otherwise very simple, and down-to-earth in real life.

As the actress tells a daily, “The girl in Ali's film is... something else. I have to go completely outside myself to play her. Whom am I observing to play the role? I am not telling.”

Kat has started the shooting of the film and is working for the first time opposite Pakistani actor Ali Zafar. The movie is named Mere Brother Ki Dulhan.

(Apunkachoice.com)

YRF to launch Boney Kapoor’s son Arjun

Earlier, reports claimed that Boney Kapoor was planning to launch Arjun Kapoor (his son with his first wife, Mona), in Mr India 2. But now, instead of making his debut with his father, Arjun will make it with Yash Raj Films. Read on to know what transpired.


In 2008, Boney Kapoor and Yash Chopra had a disagreement. Boney did not allow his wife Sridevi to make a comeback in Yash Chopra’s film that was to cast her with Amitabh Bachchan in the lead roles.

Boney told Yash Chopra that he was keen to re-launch his wife in his own production and requested him to cast someone else in his. At this point, Bachchan’s good friend Amar Singh tried to convince Boney but in vain, (Mumbai Mirror, July 28, 2008).

But that was two years ago. Says a source from the industry, “Arjun’s launch in a YRF film instead of a Boney Kapoor one, is a safer and better bet any day. Besides, any Bollywood parent would want the best platform for his child.”

So are bygones really bygones between Boney and Yash Chopra? The source adds, “Boney and Yash are both very experienced filmmakers. They don’t have any animosity for one another.”

Now that all’s well, Boney too is apparently quite happy that a top production house is launching his son. An official announcement is expected early next year.

When contacted, YRF official spokesperson said, “Yes, Arjun Kapoor has been signed up for a film with Yash Raj Films. We will make an announcement of our forthcoming films in January, 2011.”

In the past, when Feroz Khan launched his son Fardeen in Prem Agan, Harry Baweja launched Harman in Love Story 2050, the films turned out to be big box-office duds.

Now let’s see what’s in store for Arjun. After all, in Bollywood, it’s luck by chance!k


(Vickey Lalwani / Mumbai Mirror)

Yash Raj Films releases music of Band Baaja Baaraat

Yash Raj Films has released the music of its latest film Band Baaja Baaraat.

The movie stars Anuksha Sharma and newcomer Ranveer Singh and is slated to release on 10 December, 2010.

Shruti (Anushka Sharma) is a 20-something no-nonsense girl from a middle class Delhi household. Focused and determined with preplanned ambitions, her goals in life are well laid out by the time she reaches her final year of college.

Bittoo (Ranveer Singh), on the other hand, has no real aim in life. As a final year college student of Delhi University, he whiles away his life having fun with his buddies, barely scraping through his exams.

The album consists of seven tracks and two remixes. The Ainvayi Ainvayi, Tarkeebein, Aadha Ishq, Dum Dum, Mitra, Baari Barsi, Band Baaja Baaraat (Theme).

The audio CDs are priced at Rs 149 and MP3 for Rs 49.

(Business of Cinema)

For Pics Visit

http://www.apunkachoice.com/content/slide_show/sid100003751-pics_anushka_sharma_ranveer_singhs_romantic_chemistry_at_band_baaja_baaraat_music_launch/1.html#news

Wedding woes for Anushka Sharma

Actress Anushka Sharma is just two films old and at a time when most actors are vying to reach the top spot, the leggy lass seems unfazed by the competition. Anushka says that she is in no hurry to sign films and is happy with the kind of work coming her way.

“I am not bound by any contract and I am quite satisfied with the kind of films that are being offered to me. To start with a banner like Yash Raj Films is like being born with a silver spoon,” she says.

Her upcoming film sees her play a wedding planner but in real life the actor has not even given shaadi a thought. “At this point in my career, tying the knot is not on my list of priorities at all. In fact, I haven’t even given it a thought as yet.” Though marriage seems like a distant possibility, she does believe in the institution. “At the end of the day I am like every other girl who wants to get married but only when the time is right.”

Ask her what are the qualities she would look for in a guy, and she
is quick to retort, “I can’t say things like good eyes, tall, dark and handsome. I just hope that my Mr Right will like me and respect me for the person I am.” More than anything Anushka hopes that her man will support her and understand the pressures of her profession.

Anushka enjoyed playing a wedding planner her new film and the best part she says was getting together and having fun. “ The energy of a marriage house with people buzzing around constantly was electrifying.”

Add to that her co-star Ranveer Singh. Ranveer and she bonded really well and their friendship and camaraderie extended beyond the sets as well. “Ranveer is a great co-star. We became great friends and maybe that is the reason why people who spotted us together mistook us to be dating. It’s quite funny actually to read about my various link-ups each day in the papers,” she ends reacting to rumours about her and actor Shahid Kapoor in the past.

(By Sneha Mahadevan | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA )

Anushka: Ranveer is the perfect fit for BAND BAAJA BAARAAT

Anushka Sharma has worked with Shah Rukh Khan (RAB NE BANA DI JODI), Shahid Kapoor (BADMAASH COMPANY) and Akshay Kumar (in soon to be released PATIALA HOUSE) in quick succession. While all three men are established actors, it is for the first time that she is working with an absolute newcomer in the form of Ranveer Singh in BAND BAAJA BAARAAT.

Though any leading lady can be expected to be a little apprehensive about the prospects of working with a newcomer male lead, Anushka wasn't overtly bothered because she trusted her producer and mentor Aditya Chopra to have made the right choice.

"Adi (Aditya Chopra) and director Maneesh (Sharma) spent quite some time in getting the right face for the film. BAND BAAJA BAARAAT required a boy who could make the character of Bittoo Sharma believable. He had to not just look real but also be a very strong actor. When Ranveer was chosen for the role and I was informed about it, I knew that he would be the perfect fit. After all I trust Adi way too much on such matters", says Anushka.
However, Anushka made sure that she didn't get worked out by thinking about such matters during the making of the film and now its promotion.

"Really, I don't have in-depth knowledge about such things", confesses Anushka, "I am not well versed about the business aspects of film making. All I know is how to act and choose the best amongst the scripts that come to me. I know for sure that people want to see good films which come with a fresh subject."

BAND BAAJA BAARAAT releases all over on 10th December.

(Glamsham)

YRF: No standoff between Yash and Aditya Chopra

A trade publication had recently published a story about the standoff between Yash and Aditya Chopra and a possible separation between the two. Yash Raj Films in a press statement has rubbished this story.

According to the statement the story is utter nonsense and the father-son duo has no plans to separate. "This is utter nonsense and unfortunate that anybody should have reported this without any basis or verification and would need to stoop to this for unknown gains," the statement said.

(Glamsham)

YRF defends Ranveer Singh

Yash Raj Films' (YRF) upcoming project 'Band Baaja Baaraat' has not been funded by debutant Ranveer Singh's businessman father, says the spokesperson of the production house.

"'Band Baaja Baaraat' has not been funded by debutant Ranveer Singh's father. He was chosen at an audition where he excelled and was therefore selected," Rafiq Gangjee, vice president (marketing & communications), YRF, said in a press statement.

A report in a daily indicated that Ranveer's father invested in the Rs.10-crore film, and that no talent-hunting procedure was organised to find out the male lead.

YRF has denied it all.

"For a Studio like Yash Raj Films, which is spearheaded by a much respected doyen of the film industry, Yash Chopra, we do not need to stoop to this and nor do we select our cast based on them funding us," added Gangjee.

Releasing Dec 10, 'Band Baaja Baaraat' also features Anushka Sharma. It is about two young people - Shruti and Bittoo - who are just out of Delhi University and get together to start a business venture as wedding planners.

The film is directed by Maneesh Sharma, who assisted Aditya Chopra as an associate director on 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi'.

(IANS)

(TOI)

No Rajnikanth in 'Dhoom 3': YRF

Yash Raj Films (YRF) has described as untrue reports that southern superstar Rajnikanth might feature in a key role in action-adventure film Dhoom 3.

"An article in a trade publication suggests that Mr. Rajnikanth may be approached for a pivotal role in Dhoom 3. While Yash Raj Films has the utmost respect for the actor, the truth is that no such plans have been made," Rafiq Gangjee, vice president (Marketing and Communications), YRF, said in a press statement.

"The script is still under finalisation and all casting will be done post that," he added.

While Dhoom featured John Abraham as the villain, Dhoom 2 saw sizzling action from Hrithik Roshan.

All impending announcements regarding YRF's projects - including news about Dhoom 3 as well as Yash Chopra's new directorial, will be made in January 2011, according to Gangjee.

(IANS )

(IBN)

Yash Chopra plans to direct next year

Veteran Bollywood filmmaker Yash Chopra is planning to wield the megaphone again in 2011 after a gap of six years.

His last directorial venture was Indo-Pak love story Veer-Zaara in 2004, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta.

The 78-year-old director is synonymous with romance in the Indian film industry with his films like Waqt, Kabhi Kabhie, Silsila, Chandni, Lamhe and Dil To Pagal Hai.

"I will be directing a film next year and like my other films, it will be shot in Switzerland," Chopra said without divulging details.

Chopra was in the city to receive 'Swiss Ambassador's Award 2010' for his contribution in promoting Switzerland through his cinema. He was accompanied by his wife and Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone.

While Deepika has worked in his home production-Yash Raj films, Chopra said he would love to cast her in his next movie.

He is called the 'King of Romance' in Bollywood but Chopra finds Imtiaz Ali most romantic director in the present lot of filmmakers.

"Every director makes a romantic film in his own style. I have my own style. In young breed of directors, I like Imtiaz Ali. Jab we met was a wonderfully romantic movie."

When asked about his fixation with Switzerland, the filmmaker said, "I honeymooned in Switzerland and then I roamed the whole country by car and that's when I fell in love with its beauty.

"There is no bureaucracy, no permission involved. I can shoot my films right after alighting from the plane! There is zero crime. So it is wonderful going there every time."

(India Today)

Actors Anushka & Ranveer get into a scuffle with flight co-passenger

Actors Anushka Sharma and Ranveer Singh, who will soon be seen in Yash Raj Films' Band Baaja Baraat, got into a scuffle with their co-passenger during a Mumbai-Delhi flight.

The two actors were travelling by the Kingfisher flight IT-331 from Mumbai to Delhi, to promote their film.

Sharma and Singh had an altercation with a man who was clicking pictures of the two on the flight. When they requested him not to do so, the man got into an argument with them. According to sources, the man was a former cadre IAS officer. When matters got worse, the police had to be called to settle it.

However, speaking to Businessofcinema.com, Yash Raj Films spokesperson Rafique Gangjee said, “The matter has now been sorted out amicably and no complaints have been lodged.”

(Business of cinema)

I am not trying to sell any image: Anushka Sharma

She made heads turn with her chirpy girl-next door image in 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' and later set the screen on fire with her glam avatar in 'Badmaash Company' but Anushka Sharma is totally unperturbed by her transformation from a demure to oomph image.

"I do a film when I like a character or a script. As an actor I would not confine myself to limited roles and become a monopolist. I am not trying to sell any image", said Anushka.

"I want to do roles which I and other girls can relate to," said Anuoshka, who was in Delhi with her co-star Ranveer and film director Maneesh Sharma to promote the upcoming Yash Raj film 'Band Baaja Baarat'.

The model-turned actress tunneled into Bollywood through Yash Raj films and since then destiny has been favouring her.

With all her three films being produced and directed under the banner, ask the pretty damsel where she stands minus Yash Raj and she quips in, "Well I am a very honest actor. I do roles because they excite me. I don't make a biased judgement based on a banner. Before signing 'Baand Baaja Baarat', I ventured to act in the film 'Patiala House'outside Yash Raj banner."

(Indian Express)