Demi Moore, Claudia Schiffer, Britney Spears and saucy Hollwood mommies might love showing off their swollen preggie bellies to assorted periodicals. B town beauties, however, beg to differ drastically.
Case in point: Kajol. Ajay Devgn's spouse, a few months into her second pregnancy, is doing her best to hide all tell tale signs of a baby bump in front of the camera.
Recently, the busiest mother to be, who endorses a famed anti ageing cream was canning for the ad commercial at Mehboob Studios in suburban Mumbai.
Looking stunning in a black ensemble, munching biscuits and sipping fruit juices to beat the soaring Celsius, Kajol was keen that only close up shots of hers be taken, as long shots would clearly indicate the baby bump.
Says a close source, "Kajol was accompanied by her mother Tanuja. She politely told the team to only take close up shots."
Kajol is pregnant for the second time. We know this news is not the breaking news, but the fact that Kajol recently chose to be part of some intense gyrations despite being pregnant is big news.
Normally, pregnant women take utmost care before deciding to take part in activities that require intense body movements. But, such is Kajol's passion for her films that she forgot to consider this point and danced like there was no tomorrow.
So while many would-be mummies are constantly bothered about indulging in physical activities like playing a game, here's one mom who knows how to shake a leg in times of pregnancy too.
Sibling time for Nysa? Yeah, squeal industry insiders. Reportedly, Kajol is in the family way, and Ajay Devgn is thrilled to smithereens. Nosy parker scribes who often enquire about a new addition to the Devgn family have met with a consistent response from the actor, that he would be more than willing, if Providence wills it.
Kajol has wrapped up her histrionic bit for Siddharth Malhotra's Hindi version of 'Stepmom'. Besides, she's also completed a major chunk of the canning of 'Toonpur Ka Superhero'.
Devgn, back in Mumbai after a three month gap owing to his outdoor filming schedules, is only inclined to film scenes in and around Mumbai.
Nysa will turn seven on April 20 and the Devgns are known to give top priority to their cutie daughter, above all matters.
An air conditioning snag in the aircraft escalated to a heated discussion. And Ajay Devgn, who was gearing up in glee to jubilate on his 11th wedding anniversary with Kajol, Nysa and family, was maudlin at Madurai.
The heated argument between passengers and the airline almost ruined it for Devgn. Post canning sequences for Priyadarshan's 'Garam Hawa' at Madurai, the actor was excited over returning to his Juhu home.
A close source states, "Ajay was getting very worried at the delay and finally he got home at 8 pm. It was just a quiet dinner, but it was definitely better than being stuck alone at Chennai.
Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'My Name Is Khan' has become the first Bollywood film to be released in cinemas across the country with Hindi audio description (AD) for visually challenged people.
AD is as important to blind and partially sighted people as subtitles are to those with hearing problems. It is an additional narration that fits between passages of dialogue to describe action sequences, body language, costume and scenery, allowing the viewer to understand exactly what is happening on screen.
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) worked with 20th Century Fox to achieve this after research amongst blind or partially sighted people found that over 55 percent of respondents were more likely to watch Bollywood films if AD was provided.
'Around 700 films are produced by Bollywood every year and our research tells us that blind and partially sighted fans want AD on these films. We hope other studios will follow 20th Century Fox's lead,' said Fazilet Hadi, director of RNIB.
The studio has come out with both English and Hindi AD tracks for 'My Name Is Khan'.
'We are proud to offer for the first time ever a Hindi AD track on 'My Name is Khan'. English speaking AD has been available on all our films for some time now, so we felt it was natural to progress and offer Hindi AD on our first collaboration with Bollywood,' Martin Bromfield, executive director Twentieth Century, said in a statement.
'With help from RNIB and Deluxe Digital Studios, we worked hard to create an English audio descriptive track which was then translated before being recorded by a Hindi speaking audio describer, in time for the second week of release,' he added.
Directed by Karan Johar 'My Name Is Khan' features Shah Rukh as Rizwan Khan who embarks on a journey across America to win back the love of his life, Mandira, played by Kajol.
Many Bollywood stars had remained tight-lipped during the recent row between Shah Rukh Khan and the Shiv Sena. But the superstar said Saturday it was for the good as their reactions would have only aggravated matters.
The actor's remarks about the inclusion of Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had sparked negative reactions from the Shiv Sena in Mumbai. The party even threatened to ban his latest film 'My Name Is Khan' in India's entertainment capital, but Shah Rukh emerged unscathed.
Asked about how he felt when most industry members stayed away from commenting about the issue even though some did so on microblogging site Twitter, Shah Rukh told reporters: 'It wouldn't have subsided the issue. Rather it would have fuelled it.'
Shah Rukh visited Cinemax theatre in Versova and Fun Republic in Andheri here for promoting his film. He has put two graffiti walls there and asked the people to write about the changes that they would like to see in the world.
'My Name Is Khan' released worldwide Feb 12 and has been garnering a positive response ever since. Directed by Karan Johar, it also features Kajol.
He's been tweeting routinely, interacting with his ardent admirers. And Ajay Devgn was unpleasantly shocked when a top drawer film magazine denied his presence on the micro blogging site!
Spotting the error, Devgn's office promptly conveyed it to the mag's editor, who swiftly swung into damage control mode and sent out a new tweet, deleting the old one!
Presently, Devgn is thrilled about packing in a few gud punches for an action flick. A recent tweet from the tech savvy Ajay states, "Got back 2 my comfort zone. Shooting an action sequence aftr a long time is such a confidence boost and there is so much to explore wid stunts."
Shah Rukh Khan, in freezing Berlin for the red carpet premiere of 'My Name Is Khan', may be physically far from the turmoil back home, but is mentally in Mumbai. The superstar says he has 'no ego' and will clear any 'misunderstanding' with Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray.
'I know Balasaheb and Uddhav-ji (Thackeray) well, and if there's a misunderstanding I'll clear it. I've no ego, no false self-respect. It ('MNIK') has released in London, New York, Dubai, Berlin, and I'll be happiest if the Mumbai audience could see it.
''My Name is Khan' does not take a stand, it only points out things. When I join politics I'll take a stand. Inshallah, there will be no issue about my statements, we can have a discussion and work it out. All I want to do now is walk the red carpet, have some champagne and hope that all will be fine,' Shah Rukh told IANS in an interview here.
The Shiv Sena had opposed the film's release after Shah Rukh refused to apologise for saying that Pakistani cricketers should have been included in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches.
Sena activists had vandalised several theatres in Mumbai that were to screen 'My Name Is Khan', but fans of 'King Khan' thronged cinema halls Friday, giving the thumbs down to the Sena hooligans.
On the attacks on theatres showing his film, Shah Rukh said: 'I have no stand, no ideological issue. I'm a mere actor. I'm genuinely sorry if my comments have hurt someone. I'm in the business of making people happy.'
The star was effusive in his praise of his director-producer Karan Johar.
'Karan Johar is exposed to a lot more international films than previous filmmakers. He decided not to rest in a comfort zone and work only for money, but take the chance to make our mark in the world. The Berlinale provided us a perfect platform. It takes guts to get out of your comfort zone and 'My Name Is Khan' is the first step.
'For Kajol and me, we were the right people at the right time and right place. Indian entertainment believes that love will conquer all, but here we've dressed it up in a way the Western audience likes. I'm lucky to be born in the time of Karan Johar and his direction.'
No plans for Valentine's Day? Well then chill out at home and create a perfect atmosphere by listening to some of the best romantic songs of the deacade like 'Mere Khayalon ki Mallika' and 'Suraj hua madham'.
IANS selected the following songs from the last decade (2000-2010) for this day of love.
'Mere Khayalon ki Mallika' - You can make a good start with the beautifully composed song that boasts of equally good lyrics and as soon as you play it the romance hits the air. You can sing along with playback singer Abhijeet. It was picturised on Aishwarya Rai and Chandrachur Singh in 2000 release 'Josh' and was a chartbuster.
'Tum dil ki dhadkan mein' - Another soothing romantic number. Crooned by Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik, this melodious rendition from 2000 film 'Dhadkan' sets the right mood and even today it strikes a chord with the listener. Instruments like piano and violin are used in prominence.
'Suraj hua madham' - This Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starrer song from hit film 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (2000) pulls at one's heartstrings. Melody, rhythm and emphatic vocals are its trademarks. Sung by Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik, it is one of the best romantic tracks of all times.
'Suno na' - In 2003 another brilliant composition in 'Suno na' from the film 'Jhankaar Beats' rocked the charts. Crooned by Shaan in his soft and soothing voice, the slow-paced number makes one groove in harmony.
'Hum tum' - The title track of 'Hum Tum' (2004) is very well written and amazingly sung by Alka Yagnik and Babul Supriyo. The enticing song is slow, soothing and pleasing to the ears. It's a pleasantly syrupy ballad that sure does appeal and is perfect for a romantic outing.
'Bheege honth tere' - The song from the 2004 movie 'Murder' fetched singer Kunal Ganjawala instant stardom. It has a more R&B feel to it, but the soft rendition does well to keep the listener in tune with the song.
'Laagi tumse man ki lagan' - This refreshing number sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan straightaway touches the heart. Released in 2004, the rustic and enticing vocals give the song an edge and its Sufi influence keeps you swaying in an enthralled trance.
'Tere liye' - Yash Chopra's cross-border love story 'Veer Zaara' was full of romantic numbers but the one that stood out was 'Tere liye'. Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar lent her voice to the love song along with Roop Kumar Rathod. The song beautifully describes the feelings of two lovers who meet after more than two decades. A perfect number for a lovers reunion.
'Jiya dhadak dhadak' - Another gem in Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's voice is 'Jiya dhadak dhadak' from the 2005 film 'Kalyug'. The subtle, romantic track is a smooth sailing and wins hearts with exceptionally humble and delightful melody.
'O saathi re' - The song is distinct and out of the ordinary. The track exudes a feeling of intimacy and deep love and is impressively sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Vishal Bhardwaj. From 2006 film 'Omkara', it is a must hear owing to its emotionally rich composition.
'Tere bina' - One of the best songs of 2007, 'Tere bina' from the film 'Guru' is a lovers' delight. One of the finest offerings of the album, it is addictive to the core and pure musical bliss. It is crooned by A.R. Rahman with ample support from Chinmayee.
'Ajab si' - Shah Rukh Khan's 'Om Shanti Om' (2007) is known for the romantic offering 'Ajab si' by KK. A soulful rendition, 'Ajab si' is an irresistible piece of melody that lingers. The unconventional tune makes the song even more delightful.
'Tum se hi' - The soundtrack of the 2007 film 'Jab We Met' had a number of hits but love ballad 'Tum se hi' is the perfect song for a day of love. Mohit Chauhan's soul-stirring voice combined with subtle orchestration made it a song to remember forever.
'Bol na halke halke' - Another melodious and honey-tucked composition, 'Bol na halke halke' is fit for a day like Valentine's Day. Mahalaxmi Iyer casts a spell with her rendition and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan adds an edge. With a catchy rhythm, the track from the film 'Jhoom Barabar Jhoom' (2007) has surpassed many songs of the same genre.
'Kahin toh' - The same year 'Kahin toh' from the film 'Jane Tu...Ya Jaane Na' was released. With minimum orchestration, the love song soaked in melancholy is a winner in all spheres. Sung by Rashid Ali with Vasundara Das, 'Kahin toh' carries an Indi-pop feel to it.
'Khuda jaane' - 'Khuda Jaane' from 2008 hit film 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' grows on you. Shilpa Rao teamed up with KK behind the mike for the song that seems even better when KK takes the high pitch. It's a mesmerizing number.
'Pehli baar mohabbat' - 'Pehli baar mohabbat' starts off slowly and reaches its crescendo one minute into its duration. A Mohit Chauhan number, this song brings out the true meaning of soulful owing to its slow pace and free flowing nature. A beautiful romantic number.
On the beaches of Puri, the sands did some talking as artist Sudarsan Pattnaik Wednesday created a sculpture to condemn Shiv Sena attempts to disrupt the screening of Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming movie 'My Name Is Khan' (MNIK).
He and his students sculpted out of sand a 30-foot long film reel, images of Bollywood city Mumbai and a cricket bat on the beaches of Puri, some 56 km from here. The sculpture took seven hours to make and bore the message, 'Don't blame players and artists'.
'I condemn the protest against Shah Rukh and against his film 'My Name Is Khan',' Pattnaik, who has won many national and international awards for his art, told reporters.
'Please do not target artists and players. We will gain nothing from it,' he said. He hoped the artwork would appeal to people to refrain from such acts.
The much-awaited Shah Rukh film, slated for a global release Feb 12, is facing threats from the Bajrang Dal and the Shiv Sena. Sena activists Tuesday attacked some theatres in Mumbai where the film is to be screened to protest Shah Rukh's remarks against the exclusion of Pakistani players from the Indian Premier League.
Multiplex chain INOX Cinemas restarted advance bookings for 'My Name is Khan' here Wednesday evening after shutting it down for much of the day due to the threat of violent protests by Shiv Sena activists.
'Advance booking is now on at our halls,' an official from INOX Cinemas told IANS.
Cinema halls in India's film capital had stopped advance bookings for the Shah Rukh Khan starrer following violent protests by Shiv Sena activists Tuesday. On Wednesday, the violence was restricted to tearing of hoardings, at least till the afternoon.
Multiplex chains like PVR and Cinemax halted their advance bookings for the film in the morning, as did single screen theatres like Mehul in Mulund and Shreyas in Ghatkopar, their officials said. Fun Cinemas also halted advance bookings.
Activists of the right wing Shiv Sena continued to demonstrate against the movie since Shah Rukh supported the inclusion of Pakistani cricketers in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The activists have been vandalising cinema halls and tearing up hoardings, despite the Mumbai Police assuring security cover at the 63 cinema halls and multiplexes that are still scheduled to show the movie here from Friday.
Set in post 9/11 US, the film also features actress Kajol.
With more than 1,000 Shiv Sena workers being arrested for vandalism and the Maharashtra government rallying around the Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'My Name Is Khan', several theatre owners banked on the earnest assurances of security and reopened advance booking Wednesday evening.
The much-discussed film, targeted by the Shiv Sena after Shah Rukh spoke out for Pakistani cricketers being included in the Indian Premier League (IPL) would release across Mumbai this Friday under what will probably be an unprecedented security cover.
The Shiv Sena's grandstanding continued with leaders like Manohar Joshi saying that Shah Rukh 'would have to apologise' for his comments and that the party's struggle was in the 'national interest'. But the state government pulled out all the stops to ensure that it did not get away with its threats and that people felt safe enough to go watch the film.
More than 1,000 Shiv Sena workers were arrested from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning under various charges like trespassing and rioting, and Chief Minister Ashok Chavan reiterated: 'Providing security to all people is the duty of the government and we shall do it; nobody will be allowed to break the law.'
His home minister Ramesh Bagwe said strict action would be taken against those preventing 'patrons from taking the law in their hands'.
Mumbai Police guidelines were exhaustive - first three rows being kept vacant for security personnel who would also cover the foyer and other areas, an I-card check of all patrons, CCTV cameras inside and outside all theatres to record all activity and more.
Some theatre owners, who had hurriedly stopped advance bookings, did a rethink by the evening. Ticket counters at BIG Cinemas opened as did those at Fun Republic Cinemas.
Said Vishal Kapur, CEO of Fun Republic: 'Senior officers have assured full support and in lieu of tht we have opened the advance bookings as of now. We have have been constantly monitoring the situation because we hve to assure the safety of people.'
However, single screen theatres like Mehul in Mulund and Shreyas in Ghatkopar, which had been vandalised on Tuesday, continued to be undecided.
The film, directed by Karan Johar and also starring Kajol, is pitched as a blockbuster and the Shiv Sena's campaign could still affect its chances.
As Kapur put it, the bookings have been weak but 'I am sure on the day of the release it will be a different scenario'.
Said 22-year-old Priyanka Ukue: 'Despite the controversy we would love to go and watch the movie but when things settle down.'
Maya, a young professional, was more emphatic: 'The Sena has given themselves negative publicity. Even if 'My Name is Khan' is not a good film, it will get a good opening. Just for the sake of curiosity, people will go watch and give it good business.'
Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's estranged daughter-in-law Smita seemed to echo her when she said: 'In a democracy, such things can be sorted out across the table. Nobody has the right to take the law in their own hands.'
Ironically, Shiv Sena leaders had unofficially backed down from the protests against the film Saturday, prompting Shah Rukh to tell reporters he was glad the party understood his point of view. But the U-turn came only too quickly.
The return of one of the most iconic pairs of recent times, Shahrukh Khan and Kajol, is one of the strongest aspects (amongst others!) for the unprecedented hype that surrounds next Friday's MY IS NAME KHAN. And knowing King Khan we can expect something new on the subject. The man doesn't disappoint!
SRK starts off by thanking Kajol for doing MY NAME KHAN, and then takes a dig at himself by saying that in case of both DILWALE DULHANIA LE JAYENGE and KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI, he felt that they were written for Kajol and she was brilliant in both of them! He adds that even Karan jokingly tells him that yeah he had written both the subjects for Kajol but somehow SRK managed to do well! Shah Rukh, who is essaying the title role in MY NAME IS KHAN, admits that this time the film was written for him but complements Kajol by saying - The film wouldn't have worked if Kajol were not so brilliant in it.
Well, for the audience, who are awaiting the release of MY NAME IS KHAN for a couple of years now, there are a whole lot of reasons for which they will throng the theaters next Friday, and what SRK has said about Kajol will be an additional one!
After SRK, it's his svelte star who earned a note of negativity… and twitter is presently giving the heebie jeebies to Kajol. Reportedly, a tweet from an account labelled '@kajolnysa' has proved to be the fountainhead of worry.
The tweet said, "@ all mumbaikars, Dont worry people, even chengez khan cant stop MNIK release, relax and let all your positive energy flow here."
Refuting the allegation, a distressed Kajol voiced her sentiments to the scribe tribe stating, "Those comments on twitter are NOT me. It is a fake ID. I have not commented on Twitter on any issues. I am not on Twitter."
Hubby Ajay Devgn, tweeting cannily from October 29, 2009, confirms her stance. His tweet declares,"Those comments on Twitter are not of Kajol. Its a fake id. Kajol has not commented on any issues and she is not on Twitter."
A loud thud… and there were cheers and claps! That's what Kajol encountered on the last day of canning 'My Name Is Khan.' Apparently, the circulating superstition around Kajol is that whenever she has tripped / stumbled/ fallen down/ whatever… to the ground during a shoot, the Karan Johar flick has always hit the bulls eye at the cine stakes!!
Tension mounted when the spirited actor didn't miss a single step in the 89 crore K Jo production. But the final spell of shooting put back the smile on the visages of K Jo and his unit members…when Mrs. Devgan collapsed like a ton of bricks.
"No one was concerned about me," she smirks in mock anger, in a tabloid quote."They were all busy celebrating my fall."
Despite facing strict competition from top actresses like Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor, Kajol has remained the undisputed queen of bollywood and that too after being in semi/self imposed exile ever since her marriage. And her box-office clout and fan following, especially in the Overseas is unparalleled. Her upcoming project, MY NAME IS KHAN, with her lucky charm Shahrukh Khan, has all the ingredients to keep her position at the top of the ladder intact and even swell her fan base.
Not many will know that Kajol was offered roles in both the MUNNA BHAI films as well as the all time blockbuster, 3 IDIOTS, but she did not accept them as she found the roles too miniscule and felt that she did not have much scope in them. So, what made her accept MY NAME IS KHAN? As per the actress, it was because of the character of Mandira, which she essays in the film that she signed MNIK. She found Mandira to be imperfect, slightly mad, little crazy and zany. Kajol adds that she liked Mandira's conviction and the fact that her character thinks somewhat differently from what others will in her place or situation.
Well, watching Kajol is always a treat as she lights up the screen with her mere presence and watching her with her favourite co-star Shahrukh Khan will be 'sone-pe suhaga'.
The leading sportswear brand Reebok is unveiling their MY NAME IS KHAN Collection, showcased in the most awaited movie of the year starring Shahrukh Khan, Kajol and other stars.
Targeted at the youth, Reebok's MNIK collection is a fusion of sports and lifestyle and is targeted at a growing, globally sports and fashion conscious Indian market that is ready to experiment with style and concepts.
According to Mr. Sajid Shamim, Executive Director, Marketing and Product, Reebok India Company, "We are extremely delighted to launch the new MY NAME IS KHAN range. Since the collection is a sporty and fashionable range targeting the youth; we envisage that it will create huge appeal and pave the way for more of sports inspired lifestyle collections. For the Reebok MNIK collection promotion we are looking at television, outdoor, retail activation among other activities."
Apoorva Mehta, CEO - Dharma Productions says, "Dharma Productions and Red Chillies are very enthusiastic about its association with Reebok for MY NAME IS KHAN. A film of this stature is not a regular occurrence and therefore it is imminent that we amplify its message to people across India and the world. MY NAME IS KHAN - Reebok collection is a step in that direction. Through the message tees and other merchandise, we endeavour to reach out to all those people who would like to retain KHAN, his values and what he stands for, in their lives."
The key highlight of the collection is the footwear - Winning Stride that Shahrukh Khan's character in the movie - Rizwan Khan wears throughout.
Taking inspiration from the core thought of the movie, Reebok has also launched a crisp message tee collection. "I am More than just a name", "Stronger than my fears" and "Greater than my limits" are the lines being promoted through the collection.
Even as the world was jubilating over A R Rahman's double Grammy whammy at Los Angeles, history was being created at the New York Stock Exchange: NASDAQ (National Association Of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations).
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol rang the gong at NASDAQ, the world's biggest stock exchange, illumining a momentous moment for Indian cinema. By doing so, the pair became the first Bollywood stars to be invested with this honour, an honour usually reserved for CEOs of major corporations.
"Earlier, I stayed away from stock exchanges because I felt that they were scary places," admits SRK in a newspaper quote. "But now I like it here. When Kajol and I entered NASDAQ we were told that the market is green, meaning it's flourishing. I can't tell you how happy the news has made me." Incidentally, SRK also holds the distinction of being the premier Hindi cine icon to give away a trophy at the Golden Globes.
The sterling highlight, however, has also been marked with a deep twinge of sadness. The recent controversy sparking off a spat between the Shiv Sena and global Indian SRK has distressed the actor. Nevertheless, Khan doesn't mince words as he states to the scribe tribe, "The controversy is with me and my statement. It has nothing to do with Karan (Johar), Kajol or the film. I stand up for my comments... there is no excuse for having said what I said and I am proud that I have a take like that. There should be no place for mob law in India." SRK's stance has been strongly endorsed by Aamir Khan too, who has also been a target of the Sena ire.
She's 34 going on 15! Puerile teenagers, high on romance and sold on mushy dreams…. will find themselves in great company. Of Kajol, no less! The volatile star, renowned for her frankspeak has no qualms that she still chomps mentally on 'Mills And Boon' fare as "meditation!"
"I read to have fun," confesses Kajol in a newspaper chat "In a 'Mills And Boon' romance, I know exactly what the next chapter is, but yet I continue to read it. It's so addictive."
With 'My Name Is Khan' readying for hitting screens, Kajol unravels a few truths about the K Jo flick centred around an autistic person enacted by Shah Rukh Khan. "The film is based on a true story," reveals Kajol. "A couple like that live in the US. Karan and Shah Rukh met up with them. The woman has children and the man is suffering from Asperger's Syndrome. When they narrated the story to me, I found it very inspiring."
Apart from 'My Name .., Kajol will also feature in Johar's 'Stepmom'.Both flicks demanded lengthy schedules in the US and Australia. And Kajol has been juggling motherhood and her career with smooth dexterity. "I'm great at multi tasking, but it stresses me out," states Kajol. "That's because I want to be good at everything that I do."
Posts
