Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor gave out tepid bytes to music channels in Mumbai, while Arjun Rampal and Manoj Bajpai merely admired the plush confines around. Pity, since the 'Raajneeti' brigade was slated to address a Press con at… Delhi University!
His earlier efforts at promoting 'Raajneeti' at a heritage venue in New Delhi were stonewalled. And director Prakash Jha had the singular misfortune of meeting the same fate… again!
Jha was desirous of convening his promotional event at the Delhi University, but his plans came to zilch, as police officials categorically warned him that they wouldn't hold themselves responsible for any law and order situation that might stem from it.
Says a close source, "Since the film is supposed to be based on India's leading political family, most Delhi venues have been apprehensive of giving space for the promotion of Prakash Jha's film."
Jha, meanwhile, put up a valiant front and told an eager media, "Security concerns are a big issue in Delhi. Remember, Aamir Khan was not given permission to enter Delhi University and there was a huge ruckus when Vidya Balan went there too. But I do plan to hold the promotional event at Delhi University towards May end." God… and political power willing…
Barely has the news on Ranbir Kapoor turning down a Karan Johar flick died down… and there is fresh rejection news brewing on his front.
Close insiders have been squealing about Ranby's thumbing down… calm your senses… Sanjay Leela Bhansali's forthcoming venture!!
Word has it that although SLB is thick in the midst of crafting his Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer 'Guzaarish,' he's already commenced work on his next venture.
And he'd reportedly met with his protégé to finalise matters on the casting score. Ranby Boy, though, seems to be vacillating over the offer… mentor Bhansali will have to wait a while until he nods assent. Tch tch. Your take, RK…
Over the last month, millions of Youngistaanis have played 'Pepsi The Game' using their mental smarts to come closer to winning Rs. 50 lacs. They experienced the fun and excitement of Pepsi's engaging adver-gaming TV concept; and were entertained by the awesome trio of Sanjay Dutt, Ranbir Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez. 22-year-old, Maria Islam from Mumbai was announced the winner of 'Pepsi The Game' and the grand prize of Rs. 50 lacs by Youngistaan's heartthrob, Ranbir Kapoor, right before the finale of the ongoing cricket tournament.
Pepsi The Game brought to life the fun of gaming through TV advertising throughout this cricket season. Set in a fantasy world, all the action took place in a castle owned by the 'Game Master' played by Sanjay Dutt who challenged Youngistaani, Ranbir to get a bottle of Pepsi from his lair.
'The Game' was played over five films with three levels, each ending with a brainteaser. As Ranbir came closer to his Pepsi, over 5 million responses poured in from viewers nationwide to help him. Over 1.2 lac Youngistaanis cleared all three levels with Ranbir and got an opportunity to win Rs. 50 lacs by taking the final tie breaker slogan challenge. Ranbir along with a panel of judges chose the final winner who had the most quirky and WOW answer.
The final question that was posed to those who cleared all three levels was, "Ad mein Ranbir, Game Master se jeetne ke baad kehta hai, 'Pepsi bhi gayi, sexy bhi gayi'. Agar aap Ranbir ki jagah hote toh Game Master ko haraane ke baad kya kehte?"
Maria's winning answer that WOWed Ranbir and the other judges was, "Loser Game Master... You gotta think faster... Aur bhi koi chunauti (challenge) ho to le AAO, par tab tak kehte raho...YOUNGISTAN KA WOW!!!"
Speaking about 'Pepsi The Game', Sandeep Singh Arora, Executive Vice-President (Colas), Marketing, PepsiCo India said, "With 'The Game', Pepsi for the first time combined the fun of gaming with TV advertising. We received a phenomenal response to the campaign, with over 5-million entries from over 2-million Youngistaanis in less than a month. Pepsi The Game has been one of the most successful consumer led initiatives this season owing to terrific reaction the campaign has generated."
"I am extremely excited as I have not only won Rs. 50 lacs but also got to meet Youngistaan's icon, Ranbir Kapoor. I really enjoyed playing each level of The Game and believe that I have shown Youngistaan Ka WOW to my friends and family who all are very happy for me", said Maria.
Ranbir Kapoor, Pepsi's brand ambassador, said, "The Game by Pepsi is a rocking concept and we were confident from the beginning that it would connect instantly with the Youngistaanis. I am delighted with the response and am already looking forward to what's next for me and the rest of the Youngistaan from Pepsi".
Their romantic, chirpy chemistry in 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' had set the cash registers ringing. In 'Raajneeti', however, Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif are on a totally different footing.
Kapoor, perhaps, enacting the most mean character in his cine profile addresses Kat as "Bhabhiji" since she essays… RK's sis in law and Arjun Rampal's widow in the Prakash Jha helmed flick.
And reportedly, Kapoor Boy would consistently tease Kat, referring to her as "Bhabhiji" on the sets of 'Raajneeti'.
Says Kat in a media chat, "Ranbir and I cannot get more unconventional than what we have done in 'Raajneeti'. We've gone into a completely new space. If and when we do another film, it will have to be completely mainstream."
He's being sought after by the best. Ranbir Kapoor has cause to beam brightly. After three flicks canned with Bachchan Jr., Mani Ratnam has chosen to handpick Ranbir Kapoor for his forthcoming project.
'Raavan', in the post production stages, is being readied for a June 18 release and thereafter Ratnam will rope in RK to enact the role of an NRI who lives in London for his future flick.
Rensil D'Silva, who has penned 'Raavan', will also be crafting the script for the NRI flick. Reportedly, the South director had zeroed in on Kapoor as the apt choice for his venture, soon after he glimpsed his talent in 'Saawariya'.
Says a close source, "Ranbir is presently busy with the promotion of 'Raajneeti' and once it's over the meeting with Mani Sir is likely to take place." Kudos, Kapoor.
Their little cat and mouse, sorry, Kat and mouse game, is providing ample grist to the gossip mills. Ranbir Kapoor's romantic equation with Katrina Kaif has earned sheets of newsprint. And his now on, now off alliance with Deepika Padukone has sent tabloids into a tizzy.
Delhi courted a date with controversy recently, when Padukone checked into a swanky hotel for the canning schedule of 'Break Ke Baad,' her Imran Khan starrer.
A few days later, who should check in… but Ranbir Kapoor! Blissfully unaware, Ranby Boy stayed put until he got wind of this queasy development. But he swiftly swerved into damage control mode… and shifted to sibling Riddhima's newly styled apartment.
A close source states, "Since he was out of the country for over two months, Ranbir thought it was a good time to catch up with Riddhima."
Ranbir Kapoor seems to be becoming the preferred choice for many big roles post his hit story at the Bollywood box office.
Now, the latest news is that Ranbir Kapoor has been approached to play the role of the legendary singer Kishore Kumar. Buzz is that Ranbir was recently offered this project and he is yet to give it a final shape. The film in all likelihood will be produced by Ashtivinayak films.
There have been many attempts earlier to make a film on this legendary singer who has given Bollywood some it's most melodious songs. Now, will Ranbir finally decide to play the legend or not is something we all want to know with intense curiosity.
It's simply a Kat and mouse game. Sorry, Kat and Ranbir game. Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif shared an express fondness for each other during the canning of 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani'.
And reportedly, it blossomed into …love, which threatened and ultimately severed the romantic link between Ranbir and Deepika Padukone.
Last year, Kat had scooted off to the US to catch up with Ranbir as he was canning scenes for 'Anjaana Anjaani'. The media soon got wind of this steamy development… and swiftly, a canny Kat hopped on to the next flight to London, to prove to all that she'd dashed off to meet her family in UK.
Post the media drama, Kat flew back discreetly to the US, a few more times to meet her alleged love interest. All was well, until one night when …she bumped into Priyanka Chopra, the leading femme of 'Anjaana Anjaani'! Kat convinced Kapoor to request Chopra in keeping their little secret.
The unit's back from the US … and the sizzling game is out! Kapoor and Kat have signed their third flick together. And close insiders swear that Kapoor has been often spotted at Kat's home.
The conflicting rumours over the Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor liaison continue to provide rich fodder to gossip mills.
Nevertheless, another Kapoor has been seeking her saucy attention. Shammi Kapoor, that is! Padukone's bond with the veteran has been on excellent grounds, never mind her equation with Kapoor Jr.
"I was very thrilled when Shammiji messaged me on twitter asking me out for a coffee date," an elated Padukone told the media. "I didn't know because I was busy performing for the IPL opening ceremony. His name on twitter comes as Shamsher Raj and I didn't even know he was on the website."
"I've always been a big fan of Shammiji's," admits Padukone. "Once I complete my shooting, I will surely go out on my date with him. I'm eagerly looking forward to it, since I remember Shammiji as the 'Pan Parag' uncle and loved his 'Yahoo' song number from 'Junglee'."
The unusual two of 'Karthik Calling Karthik' are generating awesome hype, which works in favour of the flick. Er, media buzz citing a romantic bonding between Farhan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone too has escalated to a high.
Padukone, however, is far from amused and has been slamming all such talk vehemently, asserting that "such stuff should not be written."
Her liaison with love interest Ranbir Kapoor has gone kaput, though DP insists that she's looking forward to the Vicky Singh venture starring the two. "I have no problem working with Ranbir," she asserts in a media chat. "But the role, the script and the director have to be all right." Guess, DP's all sorted out.
Ranbir Kapoor, reportedly called off their blossoming relationship, and a hurt Deepika Padukone took it squarely on her chin and moved on…
Rumours of Shahid Kapoor and DP readying to becoming a cozy twosome set the grapevine abuzz… and Ranbir Kapoor did a swift rethink. Reportedly, Ranbir has been desperately SMSing Deepika from the US, asserting that he wants her to sashay right back into his starry life!
Last X'mas, his relationship with Priyanka Chopra ended on a choppy note, but Shahid Kapoor too decided that it was time to reconnect with the lissome Chopra.
Long distance chats, frequent phone calls and innumerable text messages are the order of the day for Chopra and Kapoor.
A close source reveals, "They are very fond of each other and Priyanka's parents too are quite fond of Shahid. Besides, when Shahid texted her on winning the national award for 'Fashion', Priyanka responded warmly, though it was a while later."
His recent visit to the US flanked by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, raised collective eyebrows. Reason: Ranbir Kapoor. Director Rajkumar Hirani and Chopra, reportedly, were locked in a super hush hush meeting at Los Angeles with the new Kapoor round the block.
Tongues were set wagging when rumours surfaced regarding the probable exit of Sanjay Dutt from the 'Munnabhai' sequel.
An allegation, which Hirani thrashes with much relish.
"Whenever the next 'Munnabhai' film will be made",he asserts in a tabloid chat, "it will be made with Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi."
After the path breaking success of '3 Idiots', Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Rajkumar Hirani have scooted off to the US. Though, they haven't zoomed into America to celebrate some more…
Rather, as per close sources, the talented duo are already on to their next venture. And they had a hush hush meeting with Ranbir Kapoor, no less, who was busy with the canning of 'Anjaana Anjaani'.
What's next? Another 'Idiot'? Or maybe… 'Munnabhai 4'?
In school, he yearned for a cycle and in college he hankered after a bike. Both requests, sadly, were struck down by mom Neetu Kapoor. A Kapoor insider states, "Neetu did not want him to ride a two wheeler on the crowded streets of Mumbai."
Presently, though, he's pedalling to success, since RK did manage to purchase a "high tech bicycle of foreign make", and apparently, he had a blast riding it before he zoomed off to the US for the shoot of 'Anjaana Anjaani'.
Incidentally, Kapoor Jr is also the proud possessor of a Segway bike, his other obsession. "He's very finicky about his bike's maintainence and he's thrilled taking his cycle rides at Bandra (Mumbai)," reveals mamma Neetu Kapoor in a tabloid chat." I guess it's good exercise for him too."
The new hotties are on a gambling spree. And at Las Vegas, no less. Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra have now come out of the closet! Er, rinse your thoughts, they're… no longer closet gamblers, that is.
Apparently, the perky duo ('Anjaana Anjaani') have the devil's own luck at the tables and slot machines. Director Siddharth Anand and choreographer Ahmed Khan have also shown a remarkable proclivity for the risk, making it a quartet of cine gamblers.
Producer Sajid Nadiadwala, though, hasn't forgotten to capitalise on this craze. He's feistily cannned some impromptu scenes which show his sexy leads gambling away to glory. Besides, B town has never been to Las Vegas, before.
Vidya Balan has reasons to celebrate. After PAA, she has enjoyed a double whammy in the form of ISHQIYA finding good acceptance from the audience as well. With the NO ONE KILLED JESSICA already in her kitty and things looking promising with Gulzar's next seemingly quite close, Vidya surely is getting all her calculations right.
"But then who is really looking at formula films today", questions Vidya, "Even younger actors who are just starting off are not shying away from doing something zara hatke. Ranbir Kapoor did WAKE UP SID which was a clear example of a really different film. By no means was it a formula film because the boy and the girl (Konkona Sen) were not lovers in the conventional terms. The situation out there was something that people could identify and this is what helped in moving them. Mission accomplished because as long as you tell an engaging story, you can lay your bet on the film doing well."
However, can she deny the fact that when a film like WAKE UP SID works, it was also because of a huge banner backing it (Karan Johar's Dharma Productions) and a star actor (Ranbir Kapoor) at the helm of affairs. "Today just star power doesn't work. Aapki film ki opening toh lag jayegi par usske baad to toh story hi bolegi naa? That's the only factor which would help you sustain at the box office. At the end of the day only good films work because once word of mouth is bad, people will stop coming regardless of who stars in the film."
Well, Vidya would certainly know. It is this word of mouth factor that helped her last release PAA and now ISHQIYA, which has seen an increase in print count this week, to stay at theaters and continue to rake in moolah for weeks in succession.
The Casanova image is thriving and Ranbir Kapoor continues to rake in reams of inquisitive reportage on his exploits. He's firmly entrenched in the Big Apple canning frames of 'Anjaana Anjaani', and yet… he manages to throw Mumbai gossip mills into overdrive!
Word has it that his link with Katrina Kaif is still on a fab footing and that the duo are still "good friends." Apparently, he's making valiant amends to mend his cracking bond with Deepika Padukone too. And what's better, reported ex flame Nandita Mahtani isn't lagging behind. A unit insider reveals that Mahtani caught up with Ranbir with New York, and the duo seemed a wee too cosy for comfort!
Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor, who are shooting for 'Anjaana Anjaani', are set to meet Rocky-Rambo superstar Sylvester Stallone.
In fact, one of the temptations for them to do Sajid Nadiadwala's 'Anjaana Anjaani' was that the producer was a friend of Stallone who featured in his last film 'Kambakkht Ishq'.
'Ranbir and Priyanka definitely want to meet him. I'm flying down to Las Vegas to join them on January 27. We'll be meeting Stallone on the 4th or 5th of February,' Nadiadwala told IANS.
Earlier, Nadiadwala had taken Saif Ali Khan to meet Stallone in Los Angeles.
Sajid and his son Subhaan were supposed to meet Stallone during the New Year. But the actor injured his neck and the appointment was cancelled. Now a new date is being worked out.
And Priyanka and Ranbir insist on accompanying their producer for the meeting.
'I think Ranbir and Priyanka will kill me if I go without them to see Sly. We'll all be driving down from Las Vegas, where Ranbir and Priyanka are shooting, to Los Angeles to meet Stallone. It's a two-three hour drive,' said Sajid.
Ranbir, a big Stallone fan, owns a series of Rocky teeshirts. He intends to get a couple of them signed by the star.
Prakash Jha Productions and the charitable organization founded by Prakash Jha, Anubhooti have come together to raise funds for building a multi-specialty hospital - Anubhooti Medical Care in the northern part of Bihar, India - a region which significantly lacks competent health care.
To support this initiative, Mr. Prakash Jha proposes to hold worldwide premieres of his latest, highly anticipated film RAAJNEETI in conjunction with benefit dinners in several cities across the world including New York City, LA, and San Francisco, USA; Toronto, Canada; London, United Kingdom; Singapore City, Singapore; Hong Kong, China; Durban, South Africa; Dubai, UAE; Muscat, Sultanate of Oman; Mumbai and Delhi, India.
Founded in 1991, Anubhooti has worked diligently to support cultural development, flood survivors, and health care. In 2008, the NGO raised several crore rupees for Punarwaas - Flood Relief Mission, a project for relief and rehabilitation for people who were ravaged by the 2008 floods of the river Kosi. Now, Anubhooti envisions building a multi-functional hospital to provide quality healthcare to needy people.
The last few years have seen a significant improvement in governance and basic facilities in Bihar, but a lot remains to be done.
Jha is of the view, "If there is something we can do to improve the lives of the needy, let's not hesitate. Let's just go ahead and do it." He believes that everybody can do their bit to help people less privileged than themselves.
The National Award winning and critically acclaimed producer-director Prakash Jha has made films like DAMUL, GANGAAJAL, MRITYUDAND, and APAHARAN in order to bring social realities to public attention. As the Founder - Chairperson of Anubhooti, he has also led a group of social cultural activists to adopt hospitals and improve healthcare, use cultural media for social development and to leverage aid for efficient relief services to victims of natural disasters. This time, his objective is to create a healthcare facility that would provide affordable and quality healthcare to needy people. "Healthcare is a right and we should do whatever that can be done to ensure that all people have access to it," says Jha.
Jha envisions using the premieres of his latest film, RAAJNEETI, to raise funds for this hospital. The film RAAJNEETI is a study of electoral politics in the world's largest democratic nation- India. RAAJNEETI boasts of a star cast that includes renowned actors such as Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Arjun Rampal, Nana Patekar, Manoj Bajpai, and Naseeruddin Shah - all of whom wholeheartedly support Anubhooti's efforts. Jha hopes to leverage the responses to the film in a manner that will go beyond glamour and entertainment. He will release the film across several cities globally in conjunction with benefit dinners for the sole purpose of raising funds for this commendable cause.
The cast of RAAJNEETI has also joined hands with maverick filmmaker Prakash Jha to support Anubhooti:
Katrina Kaif says - "The RAAJNEETI cast and crew has decided to set up Anubhooti Medical Care - a multi functional hospital in North Bihar. We will be organising several premieres of Raajneeti, across the world around 28th May 2010 to raise funds for building the hospital. I will be attending these premiers"
Ajay Devgn says - "Please help us build Anubhooti Medical Care - a multifunctional hospital in North Bihar"
Ranbir Kapoor says- "Let us do our bit to improve medical care services in North Bihar"
She got wooed and… dumped earlier. But this time around, romantic matters are going to traverse through a new twist. A hilarious one, for a change! If Minissha Lamba had to deal with the callous Ranbir Kapoor and heartbreak for 'Bachna Ae Haseeno', she's in for a whale of a time with Shreyas TalpadeTusshar Kapoor in 'Hum Tum Aur Shabana.' and
Sagar Ballary who helmed 'Bheja Fry', will showcase Minissha alongside her two love interests in 'Hum….,' which is being currently canned in Goa. Although the plot of two Romeos chasing one Juliet sounds boringly trite, Ms. Lamba assures journos that the flick is "refreshingly different."
Enacting an "urbane girl", Minissha Lamba speaks about her flick in a media chat stating, "The movie is very fast paced and you will see yourself transported from one comic situation to another in no time. If you loved 'Bheja Fry', trust me Sagar's film will throw you off your seats!"
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