When Neil Nitin Mukesh was detained at New York airport

The actor’s fair complexion made it difficult for the immigration officials to believe that he was an Indian. This happened when Neil Nitin Mukesh flew to the US to shoot the Yashraj film New York .

The film, directed by Kabir Khan and co-starring Katrina Kaif , John Abraham and Irrfan Khan , is about the discrimination people of certain community and religion face in the US after the 9/11 attacks.

Ironically, Neil, who plays a Muslim in the film, saw life imitating art when he was detained at the airport because he looked too fair to be an Indian and that made the officials suspicious.

“I can pass off as a Britisher, American, Kashmiri easily because my skin tone and complexion can blend anywhere. But this incident changed my attitude of how I will approach my role in New York which also dwells upon discrimination,” Neil told a news agency.

To convince the immigration officials of his identity, Neil even told them he was an actor from India and they could confirm it by googling his name.

“I told him to google search my name. When he realised his folly, he was still not willing to let me go and started asking questions about my profession like what kind of films I do and why am I in New York,” the actor is quoted as saying.

In a way, Neil’s detention gave him an insight about his role in the film. The young actor said that while leaving the immigration office, he thanked the official because he had found the crux of what ‘New York’ is all about.

The film releases this Friday.

(apunkachoice)

Preview : 'New York is about prejudices after 9/11 attacks'

Yashraj Films’ upcoming release New York highlights the prejudices against certain nations and communities after the 9/11 attacks in the US, says the film’s director Kabir Khan .

It’s often described as the day that changed the world. Four hijacked planes went down and three of them crashed into the symbols of all that America stands for. But it’s a day that also stemmed prejudices against people of certain religion. This is what director Kabir Khan tackles in ‘New York’, which is set for release on June 26.

"'New York' is based on part of the political canvas of 9/11, but it speaks of prejudices after the great human tragedy. It is a definite and very relevant subject about post-9/11 prejudices that have increased after the attacks," Khan is quoted as saying by IANS in an interview.

Starring John Abraham , Katrina Kaif and Neil Nitin Mukesh , the film, set in New York, tells the story of three friends and how their lives change forever after the September 11 attacks.

“We have in fact divided time in a pre- and post-9/11 world in the film to highlight its obvious repercussions in times to come. The repercussions of the attacks are still very strongly felt globally and will continue to do so,” Khan is quoted to have said.

Adding that shooting the film in Philadelphia wasn’t as difficult as expected, Khan said the last day of the film’s shooting coincided with the final day of George W Bush at the White House.

“They (New York Film Commission) were fully supportive, as it is not an anti-something film. It is a very balanced story and not a jingoistic film. Even the American crew enjoyed it. In fact, the last day of our shoot was the last day of George W. Bush's presidency in the US...the very next day Barack Obama took charge,” said Khan who earlier directed Kabul Express , a film dealing with terrorism in Afghanistan.

(apunkachoice)

Yash Raj Films’ First Release of 2009

Yash Raj Films is happy to announce the first of its much anticipated releases of this year – “NEW YORK”. The film will be in theatres worldwide on 26th June 2009.

Directed by Kabir Khan and Produced by Aditya Chopra, the film stars John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Irrfan Khan.

“NEW YORK” is a contemporary story of friendship set against the larger than life backdrop of a city often described as the centre of the world. For most of us, larger events in the world are just headlines in the newspapers but these events can change our lives... forever. “New York” is one such story of 3 young friends whose beautiful lives are turned upside down by larger events beyond their control.

The trailer of the movie can now be viewed on the Yash Raj Films website, www.yashrajfilms.com

(YRF official Release)

Yash Raj Films launches Pyaar Impossible website

Priyanka Chopra was in Mumbai this week to launch the website of Yash Raj Films Pyaar Impossible, which recently completed its first schedule.

By logging onto the site, fans will be able to track the entire journey of the shooting online.

Constant updates, fresh videos, and the latest pictures, will give Bollywood lovers a sneak peek at what really goes on behind the scenes.


The story of a beauty and a geek, actor turned director Jugal Hansraj is at the helm of the rom-com, which features Priyanka Chopra and Uday Chopra in lead roles.

Anupam Kher and Dino Morea have also bagged parts in the film, which will be shot in India, Singapore and Bangkok.


Set to hit screens at the end of the year, movie-goers are excited to see if YRF can continue to generate their brand of cinematic magic with this tale of impossible love.


Official Website www.pyaarimpossible.in

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)

Preity Zinta’s double role in Yash Raj Next

Preity Zinta is said to have been signed by Yash Chopra for a double role in their forthcoming venture with Aamir Khan. The film will be directed by Chopra Senior himself. Sources reveal that Aamir’s role spans a lifetime as he ages throughout the film, akin to a Veer Zaara-type character.

Preity, who made her way into the hearts of millions with her dimpled smile in a popular confectionery commercial, has now proved her acting prowess to critics and audiences alike with a hard-hitting performance in Videsh.

Now no one can say that she is just a pretty doll with a sweet face and a modicum of acting talent. The actress has finally shown that no one can take her lightly. Preity has established herself as one of the best actresses today.

A look back at her career beginning in 1998 with Kya Kehna, all the way to her latest Main Aur Mrs Khanna, the actress has been playing her cards safely in her journey to the top. With no godfather in the industry, she has diligently carved a niche for herself.

Asin to romance Shahrukh Khan!

This Southern belle is definitely having a ball. After working with Aamir Khan in Ghajini Salman Khan in yet-to-be-released London Dreams , Asin is set to work with Shahrukh Khan .

Grapevine is abuzz that Asin is being considered for a role opposite SRK in a Yashraj film. However, the original choice for the role was Katrina Kaif , but Shahrukh, who wants to keep safe distance from Salman and co., wasn’t too interested in working with Katrina.

So Katrina is reportedly out and Asin is in.

Saying yes to the project wasn’t easy for Asin. She had already allotted the dates to a Priyadarshan flick with none other than Akshay Kumar . And since Yashraj Films demanded dates around the same time, Asin was in a fix. She had to choose between doing a film with Akki or Yashraj.

But luck favoured Asin. Akshay asked Priyadarshan to postpone his film because of unavailability of dates. So as Priyan’s film was shifted to 2010, Asin had free dates for the Yashraj film.

So now, as things stand, Asin is most likely doing the YR Film with SRK. But interestingly, there’s a buzz that she might be replaced by Katrina in Priyan’s film with Akki.

Well, the two ladies are all square now.

‘Rab Ne…’ hits bull’s eye, breaks Yash Raj’s jinx

(IANS) Yash Raj Films’ “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi” that hit the screens Dec 12 has proven to be a breather for the production house breaking its jinx of delivering duds this year. The banner’s earlier releases this year, “Roadside Romeo”, “Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic” and “Tashan” were cold-shouldered by the audience despite major pre-release promotion though Ranbir Kapoor starrer “Bachna Ae Haseeno” managed to do average business at the box office.

However, “Rab Ne…” has given Yash Raj Films a new lease of life.

It was believed in the trade circles that the production house was releasing the film at a wrong time - when global economic slump was on and soon after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Directed by dormant filmmaker Aditya Chopra, the film is Shah Rukh Khan’s first release of the year and the first Shah Rukh-Aditya Chopra collaboration in over eight years after post “Mohabbatein” (2000).

The film has broken all earlier opening weekend collection records for Yash Raj Films grossing approximately Rs.600 million worldwide on its opening weekend.

“It’s after a long time that a good movie has came out of the Yash Raj camp and that too with Aditya Chopra and Shah Rukh coming together after eight years,” Joginder Mahajan, a Delhi-based distributor, told IANS.

“Though the collections for the movie have not been cent percent, they have been beyond expectations so far. It is the first big release after ‘Dostana’ and has no competition till the next two weeks until ‘Ghajini’ releases Dec 25. So it has full chances of reaping the benefit,” he added.

Set in Amritsar, “Rab Ne…” is the story of a mismatched couple played by Shah Rukh and debutante Anushka Sharma and how the pair explores love in the backdrop of a dance competition.

According to a statement released by Yash Raj Films Monday, the light-hearted romantic comedy has crossed boundaries and even set records in the Middle East.

The film has also received a grand opening across all overseas markets, including Britain, the US, Australia, Europe, Africa, and other territories in Asia.

Will RNBDJ be able to beat DDLJ!

Aditya Chopra is coming back to direction after a long gap of 8 years with his Shah Rukh Khan starrer, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. His last directorial venture, again a SRK starrer was Mohabattein (2000). Now his RNBDJ is all set to release next week but the same time, the first Shahrukh Khan/Aditya Chopra venture Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is still going strong at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir.

What is surprising is Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge has collected 19,210 in its 683rd week on 7 shows and last week when theaters were shut on Thursday it collected 25,953 on 6 shows, this was its 684th week of a continuous run in Mumbai. It will be interesting to see if Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi will be still running after fifteen weeks because this is when Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge will most probably be celebrating its seventh century (700 weeks).

There were also rumors floating around since the terror attacks last week that Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi may be postponed to a better release time but they are not true. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi has been confirmed to release on 12th December all over India. It is also going to get a simultaneous release in Pakistan on the 12th and all eyes are on what sort of business a Shahrukh Khan starrer will do there as his following is massive in that country.

SRK loves Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

SRK, his family and friends are in complete awe of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi after it’s private screening.

A source reveals, “The private screening was attended by Shah Rukh Khan, wife Gauri, kids Suhana and Aryan, Karan Johar, Aditya Chopra, Yash Chopra and debutante Anushka Sharma. All of them really liked the film. Yash Raj Films has had plenty of flops this year so they wanted to check if Rab Ne… had turned out well or not.”

The source goes on, ” ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ has super-hit written all over it. The movie is quite funny and has some spectacular dance sequences.”

Even the main actor, SRK thinks the same, adding, “Adi is making a film after years… It’s the story of a normal person. I am sometimes Raj or Rahul or Om before people but here is a character of a very simple person. This is very different to that. I want every girl, every girlfriend, and every wife to look at their loved one and say that this is how I love him. And it’s very different from what I have done till today as Raj or Rahul. You know talking about this film makes me smile always.”

We wish SRK all the luck for his most awaited movie.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi song not lifted: Music dir

From six-pack abs in that Shah Rukh Khan parades in his Om Shanti Om song 'darde-disco' to a mustache and ill fitting clothes getup in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, SRK takes up a curious journey in acting.


The song in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is sure to make people wonder as to what is going on in this film. The music of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is already on the stands.


"This is about an ordinary person's conversation with himself. SRK plays a character who works in the electricity department. He doesn't have the words or gestures to be able to express himself in a manner which is flashy or which would attract attention. Here, he finds himself very badly desiring another person. Now, he is not used to romancing the girls and is not the kind of person who spends a lot of time with the opposite sex. He's not a poet," said Jaideep Sahni, the lyricist of the song in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.


"It was supposed to be a very easy and breezy kind of a song. That was basically the brief. The director had already given us the line and it read "haule haule". That was part of the script. It means that the character is telling himself, don't worry as she will fall in love with you," said Salim, the music director of the film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.


On one hand one has this breezy number but on the other hand is the one where King Khan seems to have two left feet. That was the brief from the filmmaker not only for SRK but also for the music directors.


"Adi's brief was very, very clear. I want a clutter breaking song and a nursery rhyme, is what the director said. The song should have a nursery rhyme quality. A simple one almost like a master teaching a student. It should have that quality. Something like the rhyme "Put your left leg in, put your left leg out" and that got us thinking in a completely different zone. That's what you hear right now. 'Dance pe chance' is that whole thought going down into those four and a half minutes. So like that concept of 'Put your left leg in put your left leg' out in a very simple Punjabi way and the Punjabi elements in which SRK suddenly says 'To hell with you and I'm on a Punjabi trip' as she is teaching him how to dance," said Suleiman the music director.


The music director duo don't seem to care too much about the rumour of their song being inspired from Adnan Sami's hit track 'Kabhi nahi'.


"It normally happens when a song becomes really popular. People cannot believe that it's such a good song, it must have been copied from somewhere. Even if there is a one per cent similarity, people say its copied. Obviously, they cannot believe that a great song can be done by itself. I feel its a very simple song without an ounce of pretension," said the music director duo of Salim-Suleiman.


It all depends on whether Adnan Sami buys into that or not.

(IBN Live)

Rare gem from Lata Mangeshkar is Yash Chopra’s Diwali gift

(IANS) It will be a rare Diwali gift for Lata Mangeshkar fans. An unreleased song of the nightingale - ‘Chanda ki Chandni’ - that she had sung for the 1997 hit ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’, is being repackaged by Yashraj Films for release during the festive season.

For Lata, the news of the song’s release has come as cheerful news, what with arthritis of the knees continuously troubling her.

She happily recalls the song. ‘It was supposed to be part of Yashji’s ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’. But the song didn’t fit into the story. So they took it out. I never thought they’d use it later,’ Lata, who turned 80 recently, told IANS.

It was Yash Chopra’s idea to release the song.

‘When Yash-ji came to know about the unreleased song in their archives, he immediately wanted it released as a Diwali gift for Lata-ji’s fans. So you could say this song ‘Chanda ki Chandni’ is Yash-ji’s gift to Lata-ji for Diwali,’ a source said.

‘Yash Chopra calls Lata as his ‘Saraswati Mata’ and shares an extremely emotional bond with her. The two share the same star sign and their birthday is separated by only a day. They get along like a house on fire. Yash-ji keeps Lata-ji entertained with his jokes. Lata-ji reciprocates with her songs.

‘Yashji in fact insists that as long as she is around no one else will sing in his films. That of course has changed now, what with the new guard led by Aditya Chopra opting for other voices,’ the source said.

Lata hardly sings film songs nowadays, her last film song was A.R. Rahman’s lullaby ‘Luppa Chuppi’ for ‘Rang De Basanti’ (2006).

For Lata, it’s a quiet Diwali at home with the family. No special plans were set after the celebrations earlier this week when her brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar turned 72 Sunday.

‘Every year there’s a kind gentleman in Pune who organises a musical event for my brother’s birthday. This year was no different. We’ve all been involved with that until Sunday. So Diwali would be slightly low-key. Of course the children would have their fun with the usual Diwali celebrations,’ says Lata.

After Diwali she intends to get her knees operated for arthritis. The operation would be undertaken at the Mangeshkars’ hospital in Pune.

Although her knees give her more trouble these days than she had ever bargained for, the nightingale’s throat continues to be in tremendous shape.

Lata has recorded Sai Baba bhajans with sister Usha Mangeshkar.

Urmila declines Yashraj offer

It’s strange to know that Urmila Matondakar who is going through a pretty lean patch in her professional life, has declined a good opportunity to save her fading career. Apparently the actress was approached by Yash Raj Films for one of their forthcoming films. But being choosy about her roles, Urmila declined the offer.

According to the unit hand from the film Hidaba that stars Shahid Kapoor and Rani Mukherjee in lead roles, Urmila was offered a role which was second fiddle to the main actress Rani Mukherjee. Apparently after going through the narration Urmila realized the length and importance of the character was not enough. She asked to make it more meaty and increase the length of it as well as she did not want to be relegated to the side lines of a character artist. Nor was the fact that she would be playing second lead to Rani who is much junior to her. Keeping those in mind, the Rangeela actress preferred to step aside.

Now it is believed that the same role has been bagged by Tabu. Urmila was last seen in Himesh Reshammiya’s recently released film Karzzzz .

(TOI)

Yash Chopra honored by The Hollywood Reporter

Yash Chopra, 76, was felicitated on October 14, 2008 at Taj Land's End, Mumbai, for his contribution to Indian Cinema and the impact created by Yash Raj Films in business in the US, by Hollywood Reporter a reputed trade journal owned by the Nielsen Group.

He was presented The Nielsen Impact Award, an international recognition for individuals who have significantly influenced the global media landscape.

Katherine Oliver, the Commissioner of the New York City Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting was present at the event along with leading luminaries from the Indian film fraternity.

In 2004, Hollywood Reporter had carried a survey on the "Biggest Film Distribution Houses" in the world in which Yash Raj Films was listed as the 27th in the world, making it, the Number 1 Film Distribution House in India.

News Copyright © Sawf News.

ROADSIDE ROMEO carrying good reports

If sources are to believed, this Diwali Yash Raj Films is all set to throw a pleasant surprise in the form of ROADSIDE ROMEO. Though in its trademark manner, the production house is going slow with the promotion of the film, the fact remains that it is quite confident about the product and is assured that the film would reap benefits.

Says a source close to YRF who has seen the film, "ROADSIDE ROMEO is going to be an irresistible outing for children. It has ample entertainment for them and though the film may not take a humongous opening, mark my words it would grow enormously over the weekend."

What is it that makes ROADSIDE ROMEO special?

"World class animation and the script which is truly Bollywoodish", the source is willing to divulge, "Add to that voiceover by Saif and Kareena and the characters become instantly identifiable. Jugal Hansraj may have struggled to enjoy his standing as an actor but with support from YRF and Walt Disney, he has excelled as a director. Watch out!"

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

Yash Raj's 'New York' being shot in Philadelphia

Residents of Philadelphia were in for a surprise last weekend when they saw helicopters with FBI written across them zooming above the PNC Bank Building.

What's more there were even quite a few SWAT officers who made a dramatic entry, suspending themselves from the aircraft carrying rifles. Just as localites began to worry if there was a panic situation on hand, did they see a film crew with cameras et al shooting this whole scenario.

This was not any hostage attack or terrorist threat but the shooting of Yash Raj Films' upcoming project New York (working title) which was in progress in the busy and central area of Philadelphia.

The film's stars, namely John Abraham, Katrina Kaif and Neil Nitin Mukesh, were present as the crew along with director Kabir Khan filmed some action scenes in and around the PNC Bank Building.

While New York has been quite a prominent feature of many a Bollywood films, this was a relatively new experience for the residents of Philadelphia who after initially getting a trifle scared seemed to enjoy the most of this Bollywood film shoot.


Source : Indiafm

'Roadside Romeo' gets shorter?

If the latest buzz is to be believed, the duration of the next Yashraj Films presentation Roadside Romeo has been shortened because the production house wants to meet the deadline of its release.

Since the animation movie has been made in collaboration with Disney Studios, the YRF are under pressure to churn out a decent product and also meet the October 24 deadline for its release.

Directed by Jugal Hansraj, ‘Roadside Romeo’ has been through its share of hurdles from the start. The buzz is that the film’s creative team was changed mid-way and now the YRF has cut short its length so that the film could hit the theatres on the scheduled date.

In fact, grapevine has it that Disney Studios are irked by this step and might impose a fine on Yashraj Films for deducting the length of the film.

However, Yashraj Films deny any such news.

‘Roadside Romeo’ has Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor lending their voices to the animated characters of a romantic dog and a glamorous bitch. Javed Jaffrey plays the villainous character who wants to foil their love story.

The movie has music by Vishal Shekhar and it’s going to be the grand attraction for Diwali.

(ApunKaChoice)

YRF's John-Katrina starrer titled NEW YORK?

If sources are to be believed, Yash Raj Films' next is titled NEW YORK. Directed by Kabir Khan of KABUL EXPRESS fame, the dramatic thriller stars John Abraham, Katrina Kaif and Neal Nitin Mukesh in the lead and would soon be seeing wrap up of its principal shooting.

Since there is always huge secrecy around projects by Yash Raj Films, there is always a fair amount of speculation around the subject line and title (if it hasn't been finalized) of their film. This was earlier the case in films like VEER ZAARA, CHAK DE INDIA as well as most recently BACHNA AE HASEENO.

When contacted, YRF's spokesperson Monica Bhattacharya neither confirmed nor denied the title being NEW YORK. She simply stated, ''No name has been fixed yet for the film.'' However, even though everyone from the cast and crew is tight lipped about the film being titled NEW YORK, trade is abuzz that this indeed is the final title of the film.

(Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network)

Sonam snubs Ranbir, walks out of Shimit Amin`s film

Sonam Kapoor does not believe in second chances. The actress, whose first flick ‘Saawariya’ with the light-eyed hottie of Bollywood Ranbir fizzled out with a trace at the BO, is in no mood to give their onscreen chemistry another go. Even if it means turning down the hot combo of erstwhile banner Yash Raj and acclaimed director Shimit Amin, Sonam sticks to her ‘no Ranbir’ stance.

Sonam whose debut flick with Deepika’s baby Ranbir sparked countless theories of reported heartache that she suffered at the hands of the dishy actor is taking all steps possible to keep Ranbir at bay.

According to sources, this is the second time that Sonam has turned down a flick that pairs her opposite the actor. The sassy babe had previously walked out of a Vicky Singh's Mera Jahaan co-starring Ranbir. Though, the sultry babe has not stated any reasons for her refusal as yet, it is learnt that Sonam does not want to be involved with any project that has Ranbir.

A news daily even quoted an insider as saying, "Ranbir's name figured in Shimit's film from the beginning. Sonam was pencilled in on later. Both had given their consent but Sonam had second thoughts and excused herself."

Like the say once bitten twice shy, Sonam Kapoor has surely learnt her lessons.



(Spicezee Bureau - Zee News)

YRF gets ready to unleash its ROMEO

YRF was facing horrific times at the box office before Siddharth Anand resurrected the production house with a successful BACHNA AE HASEENO. And now it is up to a bunch of dogs to further get some smiles on with ROADSIDE ROMEO finally getting ready for release.

Readers may remember that earlier on, YRF had announced the film's arrival to be in summer 2008. However, the film got delayed as the production house was striving to get the best of animation in place for ROADSIDE ROMEO that features voices of Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Javed Jafferi.

Now the film is back in news as the film's audio has hit the stands. Salim–Sulaiman has composed music for this film which is now confirmed for 24th October arrival. Directed by Jugal Hansraj, the film would face competition from HEROES (which releases on the same day) and later GOLMAAL RETURNS, FASHION and EMI that arrive a week later.

(Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network)