Rishi and Ranbir would have come together in Rocket Singh but..

Father-son duo Ranbir and Rishi Kapoor will only be seen together in a film that Ranbir will direct late next year. Not only does the young actor want to create roles that would do justice to both his father and him, Ranbir also wants to ensure that the pair is presented in the best way possible.

Ironically, the two almost came together in roles that cast them in mutual conflict. If all had gone well, Rishi and Ranbir Kapoor would have come together for the first time in Shimit Amin's Rocket Singh, though not as father and son. Everyone at Yash Raj Films was keen that Rishi play Ranbir's scheming boss, (eventually played by the lesser-known Manish Choudhary).

Reveals a source, "The Yash Raj team was all for casting Rishi as Ranbir's boss. Only Adi thought audiences would not accept Rishi Kapoor as a negative boss to his own son. We had to relent."

Kapoor Sr confirms, "I was told everyone at Yash Raj wanted me to play the role. They finally decided otherwise." Also, Rishi is all praise for the actor who replaces him in the film. "Manish is the discovery of the year."

(Mid Day)

5 reasons to watch Rocket Singh

Ranbir Kapoor – Star of the year

To start with, it has to be Ranbir Kapoor – plainly on his face value. With two back to back hits in the form of Wake Up Sid and Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahani , Ranbir Kapoor has become the next big thing in Bollywood. Naturally expectations are rife from his third film in a row and fans are expecting a hattrick hit from Ranbir’s Rocket Singh .

Singh is King

Second reason is Ranbir Kapoor again – as a Sardar this time. After actors like Saif Ali Khan ( Love Aaj Kal ), Akshay Kumar ( Singh is Kinng ) and Salman Khan ( Heroes ) having played a strong Sardar character in films recently, its Ranbir Kapoor’s turn to get under the turban and play a Sardar. And this Sardar is certainly colourful – his cool and colourful pagdi are a proof to the fact.

Chak De team

When was the last time you felt that Yash Raj Films have delivered a masterpiece? In between all their mediocre films from Dil Bole Hadippa to Laaga Chunari Mein Daag , Chak De India was the last superlative film they served to the audiences. Rocket Singh comes from the same team of Chak De India with writer Jaideep Sahni and director Shimit Amin teaming up for another entertainer. Expect this to be as much enjoyable.

Surprise Packets: Shazahn and Gauhar

The female leads of the film have almost been kept under the wraps. More surprisingly when one of them is making her film debut. The gorgeous Shazahn Padamsee, daughter of Alyque Padamsee and Sharon Prabhakar, makes her debut with this film. Also Gauhar Khan who has been doing itsy bitsy item numbers in films so far, gets a meaty role in this film. Seems like they are the surprise packets of the film!

‘Breezy’ tunes

Salim-Sulaiman’s music for the film comprises of only three tracks though all of them are blockbuster hits by now. The zanily picturized music video shot on Ranbir Kapoor is a big hit. Also the film reprises a popular song from the 80s. The Hawa Hawa song composed and sung by Pakistani singer Hassan Jahangir will be used in the film. Today’s youth would love to relive their childhood days. 

(Indiatimes) 

ROCKET SINGH: Marketing strategy of the year

Can ROCKET SINGH: SALESMAN OF THE YEAR be considered as the point of disruption for the Hindi cinema for the year 2009? Well, the premise is being postulated owing to the fact that though Yash Raj films is releasing it, and inspite of whose who of the film world in the form of Shimit Amin, Jaideep Sahni and above all Ranbir Kapoor who has given two of the biggest films of the year AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI and WAKE UP SID being associated with ROCKET SINGH, the film has been really keeping low profile in terms of selling it as a marketing proposition is concerned.

ROCKET SINGH: SALESMAN OF THE YEAR plans to return to the old era of movie viewing where movies picked up the momentum as the week advanced into weeks based on word of mouth publicity, and brings the audience back into the cinema halls without any bombardments in the form of marketing devices. It is not at all backing on the first weekend footfalls to rev up the collections. From this perspective it indeed is a step backward into the world of marketing of films where the marketing wizards did not decide the promotion of the films, but it was the audience which set the course of the film.

If one were to look into the oeuvre of the past of the duo of Shimit Amin and Jaideep Sahni, this fact indeed would emerge as a recurring motif. No amount of publicity was done for the last film of the duo CHAK DE INDIA, but it broke box office records and also deconstructed Shah Rukh Khan for the world, pealed away from his gloss and suave image to a rugged individual who lives and dies for the country. Shimit Amin in fact had not resorted to any marketing ploy for his first film AB TAK CHAPPAN as well.

Back of the envelope calculation would also have made sense to let ROCKET SINGH: SALESMAN OF THE YEAR talk about itself as the amount of money spent on pre-publicity these days is so phenomenal that a small budget movie can roll in with that amount. Coupled with it is also the fact that earlier offering from Yash Raj Banner could not score a honeymoon with the audience during the current year, it indeed seems to be a prudent decision.

If ROCKET SINGH: SALESMAN OF THE YEAR breaks the dependence of marketing for a film to carry through, it would indeed bring in the golden era of Hindi cinema once again.

(Glamsham)

Rocket Singh Salesman Of The Year Ranbir Kapoor Interview

Q1.) What was your reaction when you read the script and that you would be playing a sardar in the film?

Ans:- Well Bachna Ae Haseeno had not released at that time and Adi (Aditya Chopra) called me and said, “just react to this title: Rocket Singh – Salesman of The Year”. He didn’t tell me who the writer or director was. It didn’t really hit me that it was a film about a Sardar, when he briefly told me about the idea of the film. It was then that he told me that Jaideep (Sahni) and Shimit (Amin) had been working on the script and Shimit was planning to direct it. I was ecstatic because I am a big fan of Jaideep and Shimit‘s work and just to get a film written by Jaideep and directed by Shimit and produced by YRF was just overwhelming for me”. But it is not being a Sardar that excited me about playing the role. I am playing a man who happens to be a Sardar. It’s the story , the Director, the Production house and the character that got me excited to do the film.





Q 2.) This is your first film with Shimit Amim. How was the experience?

Ans:- He is one of the finest human beings I have met. He is a bit of an introvert. He doesn’t over or under direct you. He has the right sensibilities of how he wants the actor to do a scene. He is extremely talented and gives you your space. I think he is fantastic. I am relatively new in this Industry and have not worked with so many Directors but certainly amongst the Directors I have worked with he is one of the best. It has been a humbling experience for me to be directed by him and to be speaking Jaideep’s lines.

Q3.)Your look in the film is completely different. What were your friends’ and family’s reaction?

Ans:- It was a “theda” (mixed) reaction. It took me 5 weeks to grow the beard. In these 5 weeks we tried different kinds of turbans because we wanted to get the turbans correct - the fabric, the colour pattern, length etc. Even while doing the readings I used to wear the turban so that I can get used to the fact that I am playing a sardar and it doesn’t look like I’ve just worn the turban for the sake of the character on the day of the shoot. But yes, for my family – well, my mother and nani are sardarnis so they were ecstatic and said that their wishes are fulfilled that my grandchild is playing a Sardar, so they were really happy. My friends were really happy that I am working with Shimit as a Director. Everyone is really intrigued and excited and there was a very positive buzz about the film even before I started.

Q4.) For your look in the film you grew a beard and did something with your eyebrow - did the people around recognize you?

Ans:- Because it is a character based film, we wanted to make it as real as possible. We didn’t want to put a fake beard so I took 5 weeks off and grew a natural beard. Thankfully I have a good growth so it didn’t take a long time. Even then, it was not that when I went out people didn’t recognize me. When we started the film, the buzz of the movie was such, that whenever we went - like we shot a lot on roads and actual streets of Mumbai - people saw a kind of familiarity with this character (which is Harpreet Singh Bedi) and people started connecting with me , as the character. It is nice when people see you and say that you are looking like a Sardar and you are not looking like Ranbir Kapoor. That’s when you succeed. Since the beginning, everyone – Shimit (Amin), Adi (Aditya Chopra) and Jaideep (Sahni) – told me time and again that I was not Ranbir Kapoor, or Raj of Saawariya , I was playing a character called Harpreet Singh Bedi. That way we made the film as real as possible.




Q 5.)The kada you are wearing - please tell us about it?

Ans;- The Kada I am wearing in the film, I remember, Yashji (Yash Chopra) personally got it from the Golden temple in Amritsar. I think it was as a blessing he gave it to me and also to give me an authentic look in the film. The team constantly checked if everything was perfect in my look and wardrobe, because we were playing real characters and at the end of the day we didn’t want to do anything inaccurate.


Q6.) Tell us something your character in Rocket Singh – Salesman of the Year.

Ans:- The character I play is called Harpreet Singh Bedi. He has just graduated from college, high time that he starts doing something about his life. He is really interested in Sales because more than marks and grades, it’s the intelligence and exposure, and the fact that you respect people, that matters to him more. I don’t want to say more because I want the audience to come and discover the film on their own.




Q 7.) Do you identify with the character?

Ans;- Absolutely. Because I think the character is about the youth of the country. It’s about the youth consumed by the desire of the brighter future, youth with the honesty and integrity and a clear heart. They want to earn money obviously, but they have to choose a path and do it in the right way. You can choose between the two paths. And the path that Harpreet chooses is really brave. What he does is amazing!

Q8.) Did you have to work on the language?

Ans:- As I said before, Harpreet is a boy from Mumbai. All his friends are modern. He goes for parties, he plays cricket. Because he is a boy from the fourth generation there is not much use of Punjabi. But his grandfather, played by Prem Chopra comes from Punjab. So the way he dresses, the kind of language he uses, the kind of turbans he wears is different from what Harpreet wears. So everything is kept in its individual places and kept as real as possible.


Q9.) There are many characters in the story. How did you feel working with them?

Ans:- It was phenomenal. I felt like a fish just out of water. There is so much talent. They deserve so much more than I have got in just two films. The passion for their work! We all became a part of a family, it was amazing. It was so infectious and it drove us all to give more to the film.

Q10.) Tell us a secret about Harpreet Singh Bedi?

Ans:- I don’t think Harpeet has any secret . He is that kind of a boy whose life is an open book. He is not calculative or manipulative. If he does something, he does it with his heart. I think that is what is amazing about him.



Q11.) How was your experience of shooting with Shimit Amin in general?

Ans:- As I said, the experience was amazing, right from being offered the film, to interacting with Shimit and Jaideep, to shooting all over Mumbai, suburbs, streets. I don’t think there is any one memorable incident. I think the experience is very memorable, which I cherish. Because I learnt a lot from Shimit, alot from Jaideep, Harpreet and all the characters. And that’s more important and memorable than any one other incident.

Q12.) How was it playing Office – Office?

Ans:- I was totally alien to this world. Shimit wanted me to have a look at how an office runs, so we used to hang out in the Yash Raj corporate offices to go and see how the atmosphere is. He showed me some DVDs just to see how offices are run. Even when our set was made , it was an office and it was actually like we are going to office. Even when we were not shooting and got breaks we spent time there. So it was not like we were never out of office and were staying there and hanging out. Having your lunch there and interacting with your colleagues. Because of this we used to be so engrossed in our characters, that most of the time we used to call each other by our character names.

Ans:- Shimit and Jaideep have made the character so new that I couldn’t imagine anyone in it but I remember I had a friend called Jaikaran Juneja whom I have grown up with. He is a Sardar. He is as normal as you and me - you don’t have make it a caricature or make it an item. Harpreet speaks exactly like him. I don’t think I have modeled myself on him, but I have taken some traits from him.

Q14.) Who is better in the role of a Sardar - you or your Dad?

Ans;- I can never compare myself to my father. He is one the finest actors in this Industry. I am new here. I cannot even compare myself to his 30 illustrious years in the Industry. He is one of my favorites. I would rather not even use my name in the same sentence.



Q15.) What can the audience expect from the film?

Ans;- They should just expect happiness, expect a good film . I don’t want to say that it’s different and mind blowing. Thats something everyone has to wait and watch. All I can say is that we have worked hard on this film. We have put all our hearts in making this film. We do hope and pray that the audience sees it and enjoys it.

Ans;- More than getting the job, orders and targets achieved, it’s the honesty and integrity. And not only in sales, in any profession. You just need to have these qualities and you will succeed in whatever you do.

Q17.) Why the title – Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year?

Ans- For that you will have to watch the film. A lot of people I know, have connected with the title. It’s weird in a way; it gets a smile on your face and keeps you wondering what the film is about. I think we should let that be.

Ans:- Well, it’s a Yash Raj film, written by Jaideep Sahni and Shimit Amin. It is directed by Shimit Amin. It’ s more than any genre.

Q19.) What did you feel on reading the script?

Ans:- I remember it was late at night. I started reading the script, and came out after the first half. I was simply bowled over. They said you can come tomorrow and read the remaining script, but I just didn’t want to leave it! I wanted to know where this character is taken and where the film went. I don’t want to just sell the film, but the way Jaideep and Shimit have written the film, they have done it with lot of conviction. He believed in the character. He believed in the field of sales. The marriage of thought that Shimit has with Jaideep is like Salim-Javed, meet Manmohan Desai meets all the great Directors in the country.



Q20.) Tell us your thoughts on Jaideep Sahni as a writer?

Ans;- Jaideep has this different tone where lines are concerned. He has this balance of lines. There is no dialogue bazzi. They are subtle in a way. It’s because of his understanding of so many languages, religions and occupation which has held in this movie.



Q21.)How has your experience been with YRF – from Bachna… till now?

Ans;- You grow with very movie. I was on a different mindset. I feel I have grown as an actor. Both the films have been a memorable experience. I do hope I get to work with this team in some way or the other in the near future.

Q22.) What do you want to say about the crew?

Ans;-Niharika was clear that she wanted the characters to stand out and costumes to support the character. It wasn’t a jump in thought. She had every character bang on. The cinematographer, Vikash, has shot the film with great detailing. Jaideep and Shimit were clear on how they wanted to shoot the film. They have made it very classy.

Q18.) What genre of film is it?

Q16.) What do you think makes a good salesman?

Q13.) Did you model yourself on someone for the character of a Sardar?

(boxofficeindia)

Interview with Ranbir Kapoor and Shamit on Rocket Singh

'I was a 35 per cent with grace marks student'
Ranbir talks about being Rocket Singh

As an actor do you think you need to sell your talent?

Ranbir: Not at all. One thing I will never indulge in is PR. I truly believe that PR is the death of an actor. Look at Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand. They went on and on for 25 years, just on the basis of their work. And fans did not get tired of seeing them because they weren't all over the place. In the end, it's about the films you do. Not about what you do in your personal life, which awards you bag or which NGO you support.

What's with your Sardar look in the film?
Ranbir: Honestly this is not a film on Sardars, so it's not the USP. It's a character you and me can identify with. The look is not an item inthe film . It's about a young boy, fresh out college, who is just starting in the professional world. That time in a person's life when he has to battle with the corporate work force and make his mark.

Actors often complain of the beard and make-up when playing a Sardar…
Ranbir: I had no problems, as my mom is a Sikh. So that background helped me in my character. Shimit was very clear that I had to look like a real Sardar as opposed to being Ranbir Kapoor with a fake beard. So we paid extra attention on getting the look right.

What were the reactions from people close to you?
Ranbir: My Mom loved it. My nani (maternal grandmom, who passed away recently) too, was very thrilled seeing on me as a Sardar. It's great because for the first time I had changed my look for any film. And now I have understood how important it is. The right look takes care of 20 per cent of your performance.

The promos have you talking about grace marks and flunking college. Any personal experiences?

Ranbir: Oh absolutely. It was just the same with me. I too was a 35 per cent with grace marks student in some of my papers.

Obviously your first name can't be Rocket in the film. So what's the relevance of the title and the paper plane theme?

Ranbir: My name is Harpreet Singh Bedi in the movie. The 'paper plane rockets' are a marketing tool to create curiosity and excitement. We believe that marketing a movie is about making the audience curious and leading them to the theatres.

But given that you had two back-to-back hits this year, why is the promotion so low key? Are you happy with the limited publicity?

Ranbir: I am very glad it's happening this way. Any other way of promoting the movie wouldn't have been fair. Ours is not a lavish film with exaggerated action and make believe song sequences. So we aren't going to cheat people by artificially over packaging the movie. Such a story needs to be handled with care. No flashy cuts needed here.

Meanwhile we are joined in by director Shimit Amin, who displays a silent air of confidence around his film.

With no offense to Ranbir's huge box-office draw - after making a landmark film with Shah Rukh Khan it would have been an obvious choice to make another SRK film. Why didn't you take forward the Chak De! India association?

Shimit: We would love to work with Shah Rukh Khan all the time. And I am sure he would have done Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year very well. But it wouldn't have a right. This movie demands Ranbir.

The used car salesman is a prototype Hollywood character. Since you have stayed in America, did any of those 'smooth talking' elements influence you?

Shimit: It was basically Jaideep Sahni's concoction about the salesman culture of India. It's completely unique and has a milieu of it its own. I think this is true for the entire Indian middle class, which throws up so many exciting situations to refer upon.

Encounter cop, Hockey coach and now salesman. Do you pick a profession first and then the script?

Shimit: No, nothing of that sort. It's basically about finding the right script that excites you. And believe me it is very hard to find a story that appeals to you to the extent that you go ahead making a film.

 This one's for both of you. A salesman is usually an unwanted entity who calls or rings the bell at the most inappropriate hours. Did you'll judge the mindset of a pesky salesman and the way you'll would respond to one?

Shimit: This bit is touched upon in the story. But it's not the only thing in the film.

Ranbir: Obviously we all tend to get a bit irritated when you are in the middle of 100 things and you get a sales call. But after doing this film I have begun to respect the skills of a salesman, a lot more. And next time onwards I think all of us should take a minute and hear the person out with a cool head. He is after all doing his job.

Finally Ranbir, how is the association with Yash Raj Films. You seem to be becoming a new favourite here.

Ranbir: This is family. My mom and dad have done so many films with them. And now I am doing some interesting work here. The banner's biggest strength is its working environment. Despite being such a huge name, they don't behave like or perceive themselves as some hotshot corporate entity. Yash Raj Films has the personal touch.

(Buzz 18)

Perfect promo

With a few days left for the release of Ranbir Kapoor's next movie -- a Yash Raj Films project -- one would have expected its promos to be sweeping the airwaves. On the
contrary, only one song trailer and two promos have been released so far.

We found out that an extra-cautious Aditya Chopra was not willing to dilute the impact of the existing
promos by releasing more trailers. He was still waiting for the 'perfect promo'.

A source said, "Aditya has been on a 'cancel the promos' spree. Gossip has it he cancelled one promo about 40 times and asked Shimit (Amin) and the team to rework it. Adi wanted the promo to have a more gripping impact."

A spokesperson from Yash Raj Films said, "When a creative process takes place concepts go back and forth until a perfect product emerges." The spokesperson, however, denied that Aditya was cancelling the promos.

"The news that Aditya Chopra is on a cancelling spree, which is causing the delay in the new promos coming out, is entirely false," the spokesperson clarifies.

(DNA)

Why YRF slashes Rocket Singh's publicity budget

With Ranbir Kapoor on a lucky streak at the B-O, Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year producer, Yash Raj Films has decided to cut down the budget for the film's publicity and let Ranbir's presence see them through.

On a roll

The decision was taken after Ranbir's last two films -- Wake Up Sid and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani were well appreciated.


A source reveals, "YRF had kept aside a sum close to Rs 5 crore for the film's publicity. But when Ajab came out earlier this month and was liked, the think-tanks at the production house decided to tone down the publicity budget to a mere Rs 2 crore and are confident enough that the film will do well purely on its own merits and Ranbir's presence."

A spokesperson for YRF maintains, "The publicity budget for Rocket Singh has not been slashed for any reason whatsoever. Each film has its promotional strategy."

(Mid Day)

YRF to buy rights for Hawa Hawa

The Ranbir Kapoor– Shazahn Padamsee starrer Rocket Singh– Salesman of the Year is being readied for its December release. YRF is doing its best to get everything in place, even the promotional track of the film, which may be Hassan Jehangir’s 1980s song, Hawa Hawa.

They are in contact with Hassan to buy the rights of the song. Hassan doesn’t want to completely give it away and would like to compose a modern version of the song or let them do it and then sing in it himself. The deal will be finalized soon.

According to sources, Hassan had already sold the rights to the producer of Aap Ke Liye Hum, Revathy Sharma. However, he has denied the news saying that Revathy met with an accident and they haven’t spoken since.

-Sampurn Media

Knock Knock...Salesman Ranbir Kapoor arrived!

Everyone who has been waiting with bated breath to have a glimpse of the Salesman of the year Ranbir Kapoor...oops ROCKET SINGH can heave a sigh of relief. As the long wait is finally over and Salesman ROCKET SINGH is at your doorstep!

Well the makers have unveiled the first look poster of their upcoming film ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR, where one can see Ranbir Kapoor in the garb of Salesman. Carrying that cheerful smile on the face and flaunting a positive attitude in the body language, Ranbir approaches in a pucca Salesman style.

Ranbir shows his visiting card, which reads - Yash Chopra presents ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR. Directed by Shimit Amin the film is produced by Aditya Chopra and written by Jaideep Sahni. Starring debutante Shahzahn Padamsee alongside ROCKET SINGH is all set to release on 11th December 2009.

(Glamsham)

Shahzaan is just crazy about kiss with Ranbir

Actress Shazahn Padamsee just can't stop talking about her kiss with Ranbir Kapoor. The actress is just in awe of Ranbir Kapoor. She is very excited as this was her first on scren kiss.

And why should she not be. A girl getting a chance to kiss the sexy heartthorob our very own towel boy who makes girls go weak in their knees is just something you would love to shout out to world.

The kiss was shooted for their upcoming ‘Rocket Singh’ which is directed by Shimit Amin’.

The scene is not an integral part of the film but only a dream sequence. Ranbir kiss Shazahn in his dream.
According to a source, "Shazahn and Ranbir have amazing chemistry in the film. In fact, she even casually admitted on the sets how she has a crush on Ranbir.

After the shoot got over, Shazahn was seen talking on the phone telling friends how she had kissed Ranbir."

Ranbir is a real charmer, Bipasha has herself said that Ranbir is a real sexy youth icon. Deepika has to work up her charms on Ranbir so that nobody else can charm away her sexy charmer.

(Indiainfo)

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)

First Look of 'Rocket Singh – Salesman of the Year'

Rocket Singh – Salesman of the Year went on floors on May 2, 2009. This marks the coming together once again of the “Chak De India” Director/Writer combination of Shimit Amin & Jaideep Sahni in a funny & exhilarating coming of age movie, set in the new Indian economy. The extremely popular and talented Ranbir Kapoor plays the lead role as the salesman of the year. This Yash Raj Films movie is set to release in December 2009.



image courtsy : yrf (taken from msn)