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Yash Chopra - 50 years and counting... The eternal romantic teams up with the king of romance once again

As already announced, Yash Chopra's next directorial venture stars the king of romance, Shahrukh Khan. As Yashji put it earlier, "Everyone knows that when I make a movie, Shahrukh will be involved with it. He is like family to YRF and I have always regarded him as one of my own."

However, after days of media conjecturing, we are happy to confirm that the two ladies, who will also be a part of this project, are Katrina Kaif, who will be playing a role opposite Shahrukh for the very first time, and Anushka Sharma, who was launched in "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi", alongside Shahrukh.

Orchestrated by Yash Chopra, this untitled movie will mark the coming together yet again of the award winning duo of the music maestro A. R. Rahman and the poet & lyricist, Gulzar.

When we spoke with him, he shared some of his thoughts with us.

"It's been 7 years since I directed Veer-Zaara and as I begin work on my new film I hear my inner voice asking me a lot of questions. Are you sure you want to direct again, you are nearly 80 years old and the audience is getting younger day by day. Can I really speak from my heart and still expect today's youth to listen to me? Will I be able to live up to the blind faith that Shahrukh Khan has in me and give him yet another memorable romantic film? Will I be able to present the beautiful Katrina Kaif and the very talented Anushka Sharma in a way they have never been seen before? Will I be able to inspire Rahman and Gulzar Bhai enough to create their best work yet?

The honest answer is... I DON'T KNOW! All I know is that I'm making a film that I believe in, a film that is about love and nothing else. A film which has an old soul but a young heart. A film which is classic in its look but contemporary in its language. A film which I'm making on one simple faith... the love that my audiences have given to me over the years. They have tolerated my indulgences for the past 50 years, I'm sure they will indulge me one more time."

The film is scheduled for a Diwali 2012 release, the festive time when Yash Chopra movies over the years have lit up homes worldwide.

Yashji, it's nice to have you back in the Director's Chair!

(YRF)

Uday Chopra to quit acting after Dhoom 3

He may not qualify as one of the biggest superstars in the country, but all said and done, he did manage to cut out a niche for himself. We're talking about none other than Uday Chopra. The younger son of the legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra started his career with the superhit film Mohabbatein and though he didn't manage to strike gold with all his films at the Box Office, he delivered hits like Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai and blockbuster films Dhoom and Dhoom 2. The actor who is now all set to feature in Dhoom 3, however, has announced his retirement from acting.

Uday who is currently in Kansas tweeted earlier today, "Ok confession time...Dhoom 3 is my swan song...my last film...no I'm not giving up acting...quite the opposite, acting is giving up on me!"

Uday will be seen in Dhoom 3 along with Aamir Khan and Abhishek Bachchan.

Though YRF chose not to respond to this, it seems like Dhoom 3 will be Uday Chopra's last film as an actor.

(By Bollywood Hungama News Network)

I'll land up naked on Yash Chopra’s set: SRK

What’s happening to your film with Yash Chopra?

When I work with people I have worked with for years, I don’t even ask what they are doing. I’ve reached a stage in life where I need friends who have done films with me. And Yashji is more than a friend. He is like a mentor and a wonderful human being; besides being India’s greatest filmmaker ever. So, he asks me, “Beta aa jao, picture karni hai (Son, come over, we need to do a film).” And I always reply, “Haanji, aap bas bata do (Sure, just let me know).” He called me a few days ago and said, “Tu toh milta hi nahi hai yaar (you never meet).” So, I said, “Kya karna hai milke (what’s there to meet).” He told me, “Sun toh le kya karna hai film mein (at least listen to what has to be done in the film).” And I replied, “Aap karlo jo karna hai, main aa jaunga (you do what’s to be done, I’ll land up).” So he asked me, “Kapde kya pehnega (what’ll you wear?).” I said, “Nanga aa jaunga main, jo accha lage pehna dena (I’ll land up naked, make me wear whatever you like).”

More details please.

I can assure you that it’ll be a grand Yash Chopra film. But I don’t know the cast yet. I keep reading about Kajol or Katrina… (laughs). I, for one, don’t know if they are doing the film or not. Adi (producer Aditya Chopra) also asked me a few days ago, “When are we starting the film?” I told him, “You tell me when you want me to do it, and I’ll come.” I think they want to launch in November. Yashji, out of love, asked, “Should we launch on your birthday?” I told him, “Mere birthday pe kar do, apne birthday pe kar do (do it on my birthday, your birthday), I will do it.”

(Prashant Singh, Hindustan Times)

Read the full Interview here

No DHOOM for Katrina Kaif

A Mumbai tabloid lately reported that Bollywood's most sought after lady Katrina Kaif has been confirmed as leading lady in DHOOM 3 and will be paired opposite superstar Aamir Khan. Further it was stated that the actress, who bagged the role in the film, is already going through a special training to fit the part.

However, the makers have strictly denied the news doing the rounds and are highly upset with the false reporting.

'The correspondent didn't even bother to check with us before publishing the news. All of us know that Katrina is currently preparing for her role in EK THA TIGER that goes on floor very soon,' says an official spokesperson from Yash Raj Films.

The spokesperson further makes it clear that they are still hunting for the female lead and are mulling over the idea to cast a fresh face than a known name from the industry.

'We would like to once again reiterate that we are still looking for a fresh face to play the female lead in the much awaited movie and that as of now no one has been cast for the role,' adds the spokesperson.

DHOOM:3 is the third installment of DHOOM series and will release by December 2012.

(Glamsham Editorial)

Salman Khan to shoot in Iraq

The YRF project, Ek Tha Tiger, is taking the genre of a romantic thriller to a whole new level. The Salman Khan Katrina Kaif starrer directed by Kabir Khan, would be the first Bollywood film to be shot in Iraq.

For obvious reasons, acquiring the permission has been quite a feat. Reportedly, YRF sent a letter to the Iraqi government a few months ago, requesting for permission to shoot a major action sequence in the country with Salman.

Not only has the government granted filming permissions, but has also made provisions to ensure the security of the cast and crew. And to top it off, the government has made arrangements for the crew to commute by helicopter from one shooting location to another.

Our source told us, "It was expected that the permission would be granted. We guess Iraq wants to convey loud and clear that all is well in their country."

However, as with most decisions that affect the Dabangg man, the move to approach the Iraqi government did not happen before Kabir and YRF sought Salman's permission. The source added, "Salman is extremely excited about shooting in Iraq. When Kabir Khan told him about the schedule in Iraq, he immediately agreed."

The director is scheduled to leave for Iraq today to scout around for the exact locations for shoot. The source explained, "He will be zeroing down on the spots where Salman will shoot. He will return in a week. After that, he will go to Iraq with Salman, in August."

Unfortunately, Salman, who will have to stay in the country for a minimum of eight days for the action sequence, will experience this rare opportunity solo, as his off-screen ex-girlfriend and the film's lead actress, Katrina Kaif, will not be needed for the shoot.

(VICKEY LALWANI , Mumbai Mirror)

Gulzar roped in to write lyrics for Yash Chopra's next

t's going to be a sheer poetry of romance with the new alliance. After the announcement of Yash Chopra's collaboration for his next directorial venture with music maestro AR Rahman, comes the news that Gulzar will join in to complete the musical ensemble.

"Though he has been associated with Yash Raj Films earlier, this is the first time that I will be working alongside Gulzarbhai", said Yash Chopra. "I am looking forward to some brilliant poetry, which I am personally very fond of. It will also be a privilege working with the award winning pair of AR Rahman and Gulzarbhai and making some wonderful and meaningful music."

An equally thrilled Gulzar chirps, "Yashji is someone who understands poetry and has probably redefined the poetry of romance through the music of his movies. There is a sense of excitement and anticipation in working with him."

For the rest of us, we can look forward to some soulful bliss.

(YRF)

(Bollywood Hungama News Network)

Ricky Bahl Strikes Lucknowi Style!

Shooting in the heartland of India, Ricky Bahl makes his move in true Lucknowi style on an unsuspecting girl!

Lead star, Ranveer Singh, plots his strategy as he trails his next victim, Aditi Sharma in a crowded market place in Lucknow. Is this his next victim as he confidently moves forward in his quest?

Will this finally lead to him coming up v/s his match? Watch this space for more.

LADIES V/S RICKY BAHL is a fun-filled “ROM-CON” where a smooth and charming conman, Ricky Bahl, cons girls for a living but finally meets his match.

Produced by Aditya Chopra and Directed by Maneesh Sharma, the film stars the charismatic Ranveer Singh the lovely and endearing Anushka Sharma in the lead roles, along with Dipannita Sharma, Aditi Sharma and Parineeti Chopra.

The film is planned for a 9th Dec 2011 theatrical release worldwide, the same weekend BAND BAAJA BAARAAT released.

Watch this space for more as Ricky Bahl goes about his conning!

(YRF / Box office India)



Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge Shifted To 14th October

Y-Films ' 2nd production 'Mujshe Fraaandship Karoge ', directed by Nupur Asthana and produced by Ashish Patil, has shifted its release date to October 14th.

The film features a rocking desi-rock soundtrack by one of India 's most popular musicians Raghu Dixit who makes his Bollywood debut as composer. The music on the film is one of its bigger selling points and the shift has been done to facilitate more work on the songs which are being mastered in London and to include an additional song and video, besides capitalising on the lean period pre Diwali.

Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge is a romantic comedy set against the backdrop of social networking and also introduces 4 hot new faces, besides a host of fresh talent behind the scenes as well.

(YRF)

Anushka to play second fiddle to Katrina

The actress's youth and her connections with YRF land her a role in Yash's untitled project with Katrina Kaif and Shah Rukh Khan.

It might appear that she is second fiddle to Katrina Kaif, but Anushka Sharma knows what's good for her.

The rapport that the young actress shares with YRF have made her an obvious choice for directors Yash and Aditya Chopra's much-talked about untitled project. Sharma will now join Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif, in Yash's directorial project since Veer Zaara, in 2004.
Our source explained, "The script requires a strong actor for the second lead in the film. Yash and Aditya were scouting around and then thought that Anushka seemed to be an obvious choice, for more than one reason.

The role required an actress, who looks younger than Katrina Kaif. And few actresses fit that requirement. Anushka was just the right choice. Plus, Yash Chopra is really fond of her."

If all goes as planned, this film will mark Anushka's fifth time working with YRF. Also, she is the only actress to work with both Yash and Aditya Chopra at the same time, unlike Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Aishwarya Rai and Preity Zinta, who have only worked with one of the two directors.

Despite repeated attempts, YRF remained unavailable for comment.

(Noyon Jyoti Parasara, Mumbai Mirror)

Debi Dutta to Sizzle in an Item Number in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan

Model-turned actress Debi Dutta, who is more familiar on the small screen is all set to exhibit her dancing skills on the big screen. The Kolkata based actress, who made her debut as a childhood friend of Ranbir Kapoor in the movie ‘Rocket Singh’, will be sizzling in an item number along with actor Imran Khan in the forthcoming romantic comedy entertainer ‘Mere Brother Ki Dulhan’.  

Debi Dutta will appear in two different looks in the item number sung by Mika. While one is that of a bride (dulhan), the other is the pulsating ‘Dabangg’ look.

Speaking about the item song, the actress said “People will have to wait and check out my "Dabangg" look in this song. There could be a Salman connection to it but I am not revealing anything as yet on that.”  

‘Mere Brother Ki Dulhan’ is an upcoming romantic comedy entertainer that marks the writing and directing debut of Ali Abbas Zafar. Set around a love triangle, the film stars Imran Khan, Katrina Kaif and Ali Zafar in the lead roles. It is produced and distributed by Yash Raj Films.

The film is set to release on 9 September 2011.
 
(16 reels)

Diwan catches virus

It seems Virus Diwan has caught a serious virus and Arjun Kapoor may have to wait for his big break in Bollywood till it gets mended, that is, if it's repairable.

Apparently, it is because of the creative difference between the producers and the director of the film Bumpy, that Boney's son's launch pad scheduled for a December 30 release, has been shelved. The producers, Yash Raj Films, however, still believe that Arjun's career will kick start with this YRF project only.

But Arjun can still heave a sigh of relief. Apparently, Habib Faisal, who won a National Award for his remarkable film Do Dooni Chaar and also the writer for Band Baaja Baaraat, will launch Arjun in another film. Our source said, "Arjun was said to be the most talked about newcomer when YRF announced the film.

It was scheduled to release this year. However, now Arjun will have to wait a little longer to make his Bollywood debut. His film Virus Diwan has been shelved and now a new launch pad is being worked out for him. Aditya Chopra had a meeting with Habib Faisal who will direct a film for Adi, which will launch Arjun.

Bumpy will no longer direct Arjun's launch pad. The differences between Adi and Bumpy are yet unclear though."

Refuting the news, YRF spokesperson said, "Virus Diwan is very much on track. We are hunting for the lead girl and pre-production is on. The only thing that may happen is a shift in date to bypass rains for the shoot as its adding a 30% increment on cost that the film's budget cannot absorb.

There are additional projects in the pipeline for Arjun. They will be announced in addition to Virus Diwan, not instead of."

It's yet to be seen if this virus affects Arjun's enthusiasm for his launch, if not the market value.It seems Virus Diwan has caught a serious virus and Arjun Kapoor may have to wait for his big break in Bollywood till it gets mended, that is, if it's repairable.

Apparently, it is because of the creative difference between the producers and the director of the film Bumpy, that Boney's son's launch pad scheduled for a December 30 release, has been shelved. The producers, Yash Raj Films, however, still believe that Arjun's career will kick start with this YRF project only.

(Kunal M Shah, Mumbai Mirror)

SRK to gain weight for Yash Chopra’s film

Shah Rukh Khan is looking super thin these days, thanks to his superhero costume that made him lose a lot of weight. But not anymore... the actor is happy that Ra.One shoot is over and he doesn't have to wear his heavy superhero costume yet again.

The actor is now looking forward to put on weight and look healthy for his forthcoming film that will be directed by Yash Chopra. SRK informs that he has to look handsome for the romantic flick which he will be starting later this year.

"I have to put on weight that I have lost during Ra.One. I have to look handsome for my next film. It's a romantic film and I have to look like a perfect romantic hero for the film," said Bollywood's most romantic hero Shah Rukh Khan, who is looking forward to work with Yash Chopra after 7 years since Veer-Zaara .

Yash Chopra's untitled romantic flick will star Katrina Kaif opposite Shahrukh for the first time. He also informed that there will be two actresses opposite him including Katrina.

(Reshma Kelkar Dhabolkar, TNN)

Angela Jonsson not in Dhoom 3


Angela Jonsson

Angela Jonsson is in news again, and this time it's not because of any Kapoor! The former swimsuit calendar girl and Ranbir's 'close friend', was found auditioning for the upcoming "Dhoom" sequel at the Yash Raj Studios, recently.

When contacted, Yash Raj Films admitted that Angela was there for an audition. However, they denied having signed her for the film. "We constantly audition new talent and Angela was auditioned for a possible role by our casting department but this was not for any specific project," said the YRF spokesperson and added, "YRF is not in discussion with her regarding "Dhoom3". Angela did not reply to our SMS either. 
(

Kajol to star in YRF flick?

Might play the lead in Yash Chopra's directorial come-back, supposedly starring King Khan and Katrina

Is Yash Chopra planning to recreate Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge magic with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in his directorial next?

We recently spotted the actress at the YRF studios and sources inform that it was more than just a casual visit.

Rumours are rife that the film, a romantic saga, will star SRK and Katrina Kaif in the lead role. However, there is another spot in the movie and YRF's favourite actress, Kads is being considered for it.

The source reveals, "Chopra is very keen to have Kads opposite Shah Rukh. He is quite fond of both of them and loves their onscreen pairing. He feels that they can create the same magic."

"While it's sure that Katrina will star in the film, it could be possible that the movie is a love triangle and that they have approached Kajol to either reprise the other romantic lead or do a cameo," the source further adds.

The filmmaker who has directed movies like Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Silsila, etc. is returning to direction after seven years, with a romantic film. His last directorial venture was Veer Zara in 2004.

(Mid -Day)

Katrina's the mediator!

Salman Khan hasn't worked with director Kabir Khan and producer Aditya Chopra before and we hear that the situation is kind of awkward for the duo who will soon start filming Ek Tha Tiger which also stars Katrina Kaif.

Since Salman is not a phone person, Adi seems to have decided that the best way to communicate with his hero is through Kat.

Since Kat shares a good bond with the having worked with them before, she doesn't mind playing the messenger between them and her ex-boyfriend. Buzz is that both Khan and Chopra haven't really opened up to each other. Perhaps it has something to do with the producer being close to his rival SRK. We are sure things will improve once they begin shooting for the film.

(TOI)

Katrina, Imran & crew had big wrap up party for Mere Brother Ki Dulhan

Katrina Kaif has discovered a new friend to party with. She feels extremely comfortable with Imran Khan as a pal and co-star and as ideal husband to his wife Avantika. Last week, Katrina partied till the wee hours on Thursday night with Imran before driving straight from the party to the airport in the next morning to catch a flight to Bangkok.

Says a source close to Katrina, "Katrina is in a space where she's content being on her own, because she has two back-to-back Yash Raj Films to shoot this year. The last thing she wants is any distraction. On Thursday night when Ranbir threw open his bungalow for his friends for a party, Katrina was hurriedly wrapping up the last day's shoot for Mere Brother Ki Dulhan."

Very late into the night when the last shot was done Imran and the director decided on an impromptu wrap-up party.

Says the source, "Katrina begged off since she had an early-morning flight to catch for Bangkok to shoot an ad. But when Imran insisted, Katrina didn't want to be a party-pooper. What was meant to be just a brief wrap-up party went on till the morning. Katrina had no time to go home. She drove straight to the airport to catch her flight to Bangkok."

Yawning unabashedly in Bangkok on Friday morning, Katrina said, "Yes we did a have a wrap-up party. We had a super-time. Mere Brother Ki Dulhan has been one of the most fun films I've shot. Me, Imran, Ali Zafar, the director Ali Abbas Zafar everyone was like one a big family. So when they suggested a wrap-up celebration, I couldn't resist it."

When asked why she skipped Ranbir's party, Katrina shoots back. "When I was having so much with my Mere Brother ... crew why would I want to be anywhere else for a party? I am at a stage in my career where I've to find the fun zone within my work schedule."

Interestingly, Katrina goes into two back-to-back Yash Raj films this year. First Kabir Khan's Ek Tha Tiger with Salman and then Yash Chopra's directorial venture with Shah Rukh Khan.

"You're forgetting, I've just completed another Yash Raj Film Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. So its three Yash Raj films in a row for me. This year is devoted to them," Katrina quips.

(By Subhash K. Jha | Bollywood Hungama

After Sandalwood, Raghu Dixit heads to Bollywood

Raghu Dixit
“I will be composing music for Yash Raj Films’ forthcoming project — Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge? The offer came in as a surprise and the film is a happy and a feel good one. The music will definitely have a touch of folk and I will be singing a song for it too,” says an excited Raghu, who has tweeted about completing the background score for the film.
What’s more? The musician has also been awarded the Best Newcomer at the 2011 Songlines Music Awards, organised by a UK-based magazine Songlines. Currently working on his UK musical, he will be seen collaborating with English folk-band Bellowhead and Kathak dancer Gauri Sharma for the same.
“All the three of us performed together once, and seemed to have connected instantly. We decided on a staging a musical for which the production has already begun. Currently, we are in the process of finalising the story. Initially, we thought we could work on folk tales from the Panchatantra, but now we are browsing materials on Indian mythology. Nevertheless, there will be a strong folk element in our musical,” he reveals.
After a string of performances in the UK, the band will be seen performing at upcoming festivals like Glastonbury, Belladrum, Rhythms of the World, Latitude amongst others. Says Raghu, “The kind of response we get in places like the UK is amazing. Initially, it was difficult to break through, but there is a sense of curiosity for them to see men clad in weird costumes performing with western instruments. After the initial hiccup, they get comfortable.”
With work for his second album already in the pipeline, the composer seems to be having a rather busy year. “There will be about 10 songs in different languages like Tamil, Bengali, and Punjabi amongst others, unlike my previous album. I am looking at a November release,” he signs off.

(DNA)

Dhoom 3 in 3D? Aamir hesitant...

It seems like Aditya Chopra wants to shoot Dhoom 3 in the 3D format. However Aamir Khan, who plays the negative lead in the film, seems to have reservations.

With the advent of the latest 3D technology which has caught the fancy of Hollywood in a big way, almost every third foreign film is being made in 3D. For many film-franchise which came up with their third part, like Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Step Up 3, Transformers Dark of the Moon, etc, the 3D just went in sync with the title. Now one big Bollywood film seems to be taking to the 3D format in its third installment. We are talking about Dhoom 3 .

Buzz is that Aditya Chopra has plans to take his ambitious film Dhoom 3 to another level by shooting it in the 3D format. The action-adventure genre of the film gives a lot of scope for 3D effects in the film. A source informs, "With the success of Haunted 3D , India's first film in the new 3D technology, the Yash Raj banner felt that Indian audiences have opened up to 3D cinema viewing. That made them more confident to experiment with the new format".

However, while Aditya Chopra seems quite upbeat about the idea, Aamir Khan, who plays the negative lead in the film, seems to have his reservations. "The 3D technology needs expertise and perhaps Aamir is not sure whether director Vijay Krishna Acharya (who last directed Tashan and wrote Dhoom 1 & 2 ) would be able to do justice to it", explains the source. Another reason could be the fact that with 3D coming into picture, technology takes precedence over performance. So perhaps Aamir's acting prowess might get camouflaged behind the technique.

Presently Aamir Khan is busy with the promotions of his next production Delhi Belly and once that film releases, he might have discussions with Aditya Chopra regarding shooting Dhoom 3 in 3D. We hope he agrees. D3 in 3D would be a visual delight!

(TOI)

Yash Chopra to collaborate with the music maestro A. R. Rahman

50 years of being an unparalleled industry icon.
40 years as head of the most revered studio in the country.
Director of some of the most heart-warming and celebrated movies of our times..
yrf is very proud to announce our next project directed by Yash Chopra.
Also, for the first time, Yashji and A. R. Rahman have come together for the music of this project. It is indeed a special announcement of two industry stalwarts collaborating on a film.
Speaking on this, Yash Chopra was effusive in his praise for the talented music director. "I am starting work on the music of my as yet untitled film with the very talented Rahman. Apart from the great honour that he has consistently brought to our country, he is also someone that has created some outstanding and memorable music, something which is very important and dear to me and my films. I am looking forward to creating some wonderful music combining Rahman's contemporary world music sensibilities and my old world sensibilities of lilting melodies."
A. R. Rahman, while speaking about working with Yashji for the first time said, "I am very excited to work with Yashji and I am humbled by his faith in me for his film. I have seen that Yashji always portrays music as the inevitable essence of love and divinity in his movies. I hope as a team we can bring tremendous joy to all."
On the various conjectures about the cast for his movie, Yashji also said, "Everyone knows that when I make a movie, Shahrukh will be involved with it. He is like family to YRF and I have always regarded him as one of my own. There will be two leading ladies in my film. Once Adi gives me the final draft of the script, I will finalise the two girls who will be cast along with Shahrukh."

(YRF)