Trade circles say that Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar was reportedly signed for as high a fee as Rs 71 crore for a film, has had a change of mind.
Reliable market sources say that the entire completion cost of Akshay’s next two films –‘Khatta Meetha’ directed by Priyadarshan and ‘Tees Maar Khan’ directed by Farah Khan will reportedly not exceed Rs 35 crore.
According to one trade source the cost of making ‘Khatta Meetha’ and ‘Tees Maar Khan’ won’t include the actor’s fee.
The same source adds that when Akshay realised that his films ‘Chandni Chowk to China’, ‘Kambakkht Ishq’ and ‘Tasveer’ lost money because of his individual fee as an actor, he decided to make a market correction.
Having studied the current Bollywood trade scene, the actor has decided not to charge a single penny for his films.
However, Akki’s banner ‘Hari Om Productions’ is a co-producer of the films ‘Khatta Meetha’ and ‘Tees Maar Khan’.
The actor explains the logic behind this drastic move of not charging his market fee. He said that for both the films his fees will be Rs.0. If both films are hits, then the production house will stand to benefit by getting a part of the profits. If the film is average, the profit margin will automatically be reduced. And if the film flops, no one will lose money because the budget has been controlled. By not charging his personal remuneration as an actor, he has made sure that these films will at least romp home with no losses.
Trade sources say that the Akshay is being closely watched by all actors who have home productions.
Showing posts with label Akshay Kumar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Akshay Kumar. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Bollywood on self-healing path with four hits
Energetic openings to Bollywood's four recent releases, 'New York', 'Kambakkht Ishq', 'Love Aaj Kal' and 'Kaminey', have succeeded in getting the business perk up. Wounded by a long strike earlier this year, the film industry is perhaps on a self-healing path now, say trade pundits.
The two-month-long stand-off between the producers-distributors and multiplex owners over revenue sharing, which was resolved June 5, led to a whopping Rs.300 crore (Rs.3 billion) loss to the Hindi film industry.
The dry spell was broken by Kabir Khan's 'New York' that released June 26 followed by the other three films -- 'Kambakkht Ishq' that came July 3, 'Love Aaj Kal' July 31 and 'Kaminey' Aug 14 -- raking in a net profit close to almost half the losses so far this year.
'These four films will do a net business of Rs.150 crore (Rs.1.5 billion) put together,' revealed an industry insider.
Said trade analyst Taran Adarsh: 'The industry is definitely on a recovery path... it is getting better now, but we do need a big number of hits to follow as even an A-list movie like 'Luck' bombed.
'Every movie has a luck of its own. For example, a small-budget film like 'A Wednesday' had a moderate release last year but proved to be a dark horse. At the end of the day it's the content that will win.'
Film critic Omar Qureshi had something similar to say.
'The industry is healing. Everyone was deprived of movies. There was a desperation to watch films and the audiences couldn't handle it. So they took multiplexes by storm once good movies hit the screens and the result is worth watching,' said Qureshi.
'But that doesn't mean mediocre movies will win the race too... it'll only take big-budget and big-banner movies with a good story to make up for the losses and bring in footfalls,' he added.
The stand-off between producers-distributors and multiplex owners started in February over revenue-sharing. While the producers demanded a flat 50 percent share of all film revenues irrespective of the stars, budget and box-office collection, the exhibitors stressed on sharing profits based on the movie's earnings.
As a result the producers declared a strike from April 4 onwards, which saw no big Bollywood releases in multiplexes across the country.
Now all eyes are set on an array of big releases after the lull.
The line-up includes Shahid Kapoor-Rani Mukerji starrer 'Dil Bole Hadippa', three movies of Salman Khan -- 'Wanted', 'Main Aur Mrs Khanna' and 'London Dreams' -- two Ranbir Kapoor-starrers 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' and 'Rocket Singh - Salesman of The Year', and Aamir Khan's '3 Idiots'.
Apart from these, there are also Hrithik Roshan's much-talked-about action thriller 'Kites', Priyanka Chopra's 'What's Your Raashee?', two movies starring Amitabh Bachchan -- 'Aladdin' and 'Pa' -- Akshay Kumar's 'De Dana Dan', Govinda's 'Hook Ya Crook' and Neil Nitin Mukesh's 'Jail'.
The two-month-long stand-off between the producers-distributors and multiplex owners over revenue sharing, which was resolved June 5, led to a whopping Rs.300 crore (Rs.3 billion) loss to the Hindi film industry.
The dry spell was broken by Kabir Khan's 'New York' that released June 26 followed by the other three films -- 'Kambakkht Ishq' that came July 3, 'Love Aaj Kal' July 31 and 'Kaminey' Aug 14 -- raking in a net profit close to almost half the losses so far this year.
'These four films will do a net business of Rs.150 crore (Rs.1.5 billion) put together,' revealed an industry insider.
Said trade analyst Taran Adarsh: 'The industry is definitely on a recovery path... it is getting better now, but we do need a big number of hits to follow as even an A-list movie like 'Luck' bombed.
'Every movie has a luck of its own. For example, a small-budget film like 'A Wednesday' had a moderate release last year but proved to be a dark horse. At the end of the day it's the content that will win.'
Film critic Omar Qureshi had something similar to say.
'The industry is healing. Everyone was deprived of movies. There was a desperation to watch films and the audiences couldn't handle it. So they took multiplexes by storm once good movies hit the screens and the result is worth watching,' said Qureshi.
'But that doesn't mean mediocre movies will win the race too... it'll only take big-budget and big-banner movies with a good story to make up for the losses and bring in footfalls,' he added.
The stand-off between producers-distributors and multiplex owners started in February over revenue-sharing. While the producers demanded a flat 50 percent share of all film revenues irrespective of the stars, budget and box-office collection, the exhibitors stressed on sharing profits based on the movie's earnings.
As a result the producers declared a strike from April 4 onwards, which saw no big Bollywood releases in multiplexes across the country.
Now all eyes are set on an array of big releases after the lull.
The line-up includes Shahid Kapoor-Rani Mukerji starrer 'Dil Bole Hadippa', three movies of Salman Khan -- 'Wanted', 'Main Aur Mrs Khanna' and 'London Dreams' -- two Ranbir Kapoor-starrers 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' and 'Rocket Singh - Salesman of The Year', and Aamir Khan's '3 Idiots'.
Apart from these, there are also Hrithik Roshan's much-talked-about action thriller 'Kites', Priyanka Chopra's 'What's Your Raashee?', two movies starring Amitabh Bachchan -- 'Aladdin' and 'Pa' -- Akshay Kumar's 'De Dana Dan', Govinda's 'Hook Ya Crook' and Neil Nitin Mukesh's 'Jail'.
Hollywood action director bowled over by Akshay's stunts
Hollywood action director James Bomalick of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift fame is completely bowled over by Bollywood actor and stuntman Akshay Kumar's passion and enthusiasm for action.
The Die Hard 4 actionman, who worked with Akshay in soon to be released Blue, was so impressed by the star that he could not stop but approve of his hunger and fetish for action scenes.
"James felt that Akshay was the answer to Hollywood action heroes. What impressed him further was Akshay's meticulous dedication to performing action scenes in the film.. The way he took interest in knowing details about the action scenes.. how he always was more interested in making it safe for unit members rather than himself," a unit member said.
"James was stunned by Akshay's confidence in doing some of the most dangerous stunts that main heroes would not do otherwise," the member said.
The action director also felt that Akshay was one of those rare actors who performed his own stunts. The efforts that Akshay put in his stunts really impressed James, he added.
Bomalick's filmography includes movies like Mr and Mrs Smith (2005), The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift(2006), Die Hard 4 (2007) and Mummy 3: The Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008) among others.
The Die Hard 4 actionman, who worked with Akshay in soon to be released Blue, was so impressed by the star that he could not stop but approve of his hunger and fetish for action scenes.
"James felt that Akshay was the answer to Hollywood action heroes. What impressed him further was Akshay's meticulous dedication to performing action scenes in the film.. The way he took interest in knowing details about the action scenes.. how he always was more interested in making it safe for unit members rather than himself," a unit member said.
"James was stunned by Akshay's confidence in doing some of the most dangerous stunts that main heroes would not do otherwise," the member said.
The action director also felt that Akshay was one of those rare actors who performed his own stunts. The efforts that Akshay put in his stunts really impressed James, he added.
Bomalick's filmography includes movies like Mr and Mrs Smith (2005), The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift(2006), Die Hard 4 (2007) and Mummy 3: The Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008) among others.
After SRK, Deepika desires Salman Khan
Deepika Padukone might have kick-started her Bollywood career with Shah Rukh Khan and since then is known to be part of his inner circle, but she claims she is more than open to branch out and work with King Khan's arch enemy Salman Khan.
"I'm so new in the industry and I have been very lucky to have got the opportunity to work with the biggest names in the industry. I have worked with SRK, Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan and now I would like to work with Salman," says Deepika, who is currently basking in the success of Love Aaj Kal.
She adds, "I feel Salman is a very honest person. He is genuine about what he feels and what I have read and known about him, he seems to be very caring."
Deepika admires AamirKhan too. "He has been extremely selective and it has worked so amazingly for him. I don't know whether he does it purposely or things turn out to be like that but he is a perfectionist."
Deepika might be game to talk about Sallu but she is not cool when it comes to talking about his girlfriend Katrina Kaif with whom she's been apparently sharing bad vibes. It's been reported that Deepika didn't approve of beau Ranbir Kapoor and Kat's growing bond on the sets of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and that she is responsible for the duo being no longer on talking terms.
"I wouldn't want to comment on Katrina," was her short and snappy reply when quizzed. But was her relationship shaky when rumours about Kat were on the rise? "Ranbir and I trust each other and we are going well. I realise that when there is no movie releasing people focus on other things and that people will even talk about personal things. All this used to affect me a lot before, it doesn't anymore."
Post their box-office bomb Chandni Chowk to China, ironically Deepika is now teaming up with Akshay Kumar for a comedy called Housefull. "I love the passion and drive that Akshay has. With him around, you get to learn a lot on the sets. I know our first film together didn't work out but there's nothing called an unlucky jodi," she says.
"I'm so new in the industry and I have been very lucky to have got the opportunity to work with the biggest names in the industry. I have worked with SRK, Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan and now I would like to work with Salman," says Deepika, who is currently basking in the success of Love Aaj Kal.
She adds, "I feel Salman is a very honest person. He is genuine about what he feels and what I have read and known about him, he seems to be very caring."
Deepika admires AamirKhan too. "He has been extremely selective and it has worked so amazingly for him. I don't know whether he does it purposely or things turn out to be like that but he is a perfectionist."
Deepika might be game to talk about Sallu but she is not cool when it comes to talking about his girlfriend Katrina Kaif with whom she's been apparently sharing bad vibes. It's been reported that Deepika didn't approve of beau Ranbir Kapoor and Kat's growing bond on the sets of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and that she is responsible for the duo being no longer on talking terms.
"I wouldn't want to comment on Katrina," was her short and snappy reply when quizzed. But was her relationship shaky when rumours about Kat were on the rise? "Ranbir and I trust each other and we are going well. I realise that when there is no movie releasing people focus on other things and that people will even talk about personal things. All this used to affect me a lot before, it doesn't anymore."
Post their box-office bomb Chandni Chowk to China, ironically Deepika is now teaming up with Akshay Kumar for a comedy called Housefull. "I love the passion and drive that Akshay has. With him around, you get to learn a lot on the sets. I know our first film together didn't work out but there's nothing called an unlucky jodi," she says.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Bollywood Stars Compete With Hollywood For The Big Earnings
Forbes annually publishes its top celebrities list based on earnings and visibility. Top Hollywood earners make more than $100 million dollars annually. But how does its Bollywood brethren fair?
Depends on how you calculate earnings. India's most talented earns a tenth of that - according to the list of top income tax payers. India's top four actors paid $10mn in advance tax in 2009. Industry favorite Akshay Kumar paid $4mn in taxes and Bollywood King Shah Rukh Khan paid $3mn. Third on the list is superstar Hrthik Roshan, who paid $2mn followed by Aamir Khan who paid $1.3mn.
If advance tax receipts are accurate, it means that Akshay earned approximately $12mn last year, Shah Rukh Khan earned $9mn, Hrthik Roshan, $6mn and Aamir Khan, $4mn.
However, advance taxes often understate how much Bollywood stars actually pay as they are only an indication of the total income of a person. Bollywood stars have three major sources of income: (1) movies (2) endorsements (3) TV shows. And endorsements, for many, yield much more income than the movies.
Bollywood stars promote anywhere from 10 to 15 products a year and top stars make +$1mn per endorsement. Cola companies line up at the feet of Bollywood Stars with Coca-Cola and Pepsi paying top dollars for an endorsement. Not far behind, are the telecom companies who also shell out big bucks. These endorsements earn Bollywood stars more than movies.
Akshay Kumar endorses approximately 10 products at any given time. Conservatively, from his endorsements alone, Akshay makes $10mn. Add his salary from his movies, which averages $4mn per movie, and he makes an additional $12mn a year (given that he makes +3 movies a year). Finally, like many top bollywood stars, Akshay is on television. He is earning approximately $500k per episode as an anchor on the Indian version of Fear Factor. All in all, he is going to clear $20mn from the reality show for its forty episode run. That mean's Akshay's total earnings are $40mn dollars a year.
But that's not all Akshay earns in India, where Purchasing Power Parity (PPT) means that his earnings go along away. Take the standard PPT ratio of 5:1 and Akshay Kumar earns more than $200mn per year-adjusted dollars - more than any Hollywood Star.
Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan (also known as the King of Bollywood) are the two other movie stars who are doing the Bollywood trifecta: (1) movies (2) TV and (3) endorsements. A similar analysis of Shahrukh's pay would find him earning more than $50mn (in his top years). That's how the King of Bollywood can afford to pay a reported $30mn for a new house in London.
Bollywood stars aren't showing up in the Forbes list, but they should be.
Depends on how you calculate earnings. India's most talented earns a tenth of that - according to the list of top income tax payers. India's top four actors paid $10mn in advance tax in 2009. Industry favorite Akshay Kumar paid $4mn in taxes and Bollywood King Shah Rukh Khan paid $3mn. Third on the list is superstar Hrthik Roshan, who paid $2mn followed by Aamir Khan who paid $1.3mn.
If advance tax receipts are accurate, it means that Akshay earned approximately $12mn last year, Shah Rukh Khan earned $9mn, Hrthik Roshan, $6mn and Aamir Khan, $4mn.
However, advance taxes often understate how much Bollywood stars actually pay as they are only an indication of the total income of a person. Bollywood stars have three major sources of income: (1) movies (2) endorsements (3) TV shows. And endorsements, for many, yield much more income than the movies.
Bollywood stars promote anywhere from 10 to 15 products a year and top stars make +$1mn per endorsement. Cola companies line up at the feet of Bollywood Stars with Coca-Cola and Pepsi paying top dollars for an endorsement. Not far behind, are the telecom companies who also shell out big bucks. These endorsements earn Bollywood stars more than movies.
Akshay Kumar endorses approximately 10 products at any given time. Conservatively, from his endorsements alone, Akshay makes $10mn. Add his salary from his movies, which averages $4mn per movie, and he makes an additional $12mn a year (given that he makes +3 movies a year). Finally, like many top bollywood stars, Akshay is on television. He is earning approximately $500k per episode as an anchor on the Indian version of Fear Factor. All in all, he is going to clear $20mn from the reality show for its forty episode run. That mean's Akshay's total earnings are $40mn dollars a year.
But that's not all Akshay earns in India, where Purchasing Power Parity (PPT) means that his earnings go along away. Take the standard PPT ratio of 5:1 and Akshay Kumar earns more than $200mn per year-adjusted dollars - more than any Hollywood Star.
Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan (also known as the King of Bollywood) are the two other movie stars who are doing the Bollywood trifecta: (1) movies (2) TV and (3) endorsements. A similar analysis of Shahrukh's pay would find him earning more than $50mn (in his top years). That's how the King of Bollywood can afford to pay a reported $30mn for a new house in London.
Bollywood stars aren't showing up in the Forbes list, but they should be.
Kollywood gods’ pay packs get bigger despite slump
At a time when most employees in corporate India are happy to forego salary increases just as long as they can keep their jobs, the pay
packets of top movie stars in Tamil filmdom are something of an anachronism. In 2005, Vijay was paid Rs 3 crore for starring in the hugely successful ‘Sivakasi.’ Another blockbuster followed the next year in the form of ‘Pokkiri.’
But since then, he has hit a rough patch with consecutive box-office flops in ‘Azhagiya Tamizh Magan’ (2007), ‘Kuruvi’ (2008) and ‘Villu’ (2009). If you think the actor is due for a pay cut, you are mistaken.
The ‘Ilaya Thalapathy,’ or ‘young commander’ to followers, is said to be taking home a cool Rs 6-7 crore plus distribution rights for Chennai city for his forthcoming ‘Vettaikaran,’ produced by M Balasubramaniam and B Gurunath Meyyappan. Ajith is taking a leaf out of superstar Rajnikanth’s book.
The actor, busy shooting for ‘Asal’ in Malaysia, is said be charging Rs 5-6 crore plus a 30% share in profits from the sale of rights (including, distribution, satellite and international rights) for his next movie. In an industry where top actors are few and far between and most not compromising on the pay front, producers have to select from a handful of them at the top or settle for niche actors. They can’t do much to change the situation, but at least they can grumble about it.
The main target of their ire is the production houses run by corporates, those such as Pyramid Saimira, Ayngaran International, UTV Movies and Moser Baer. They are accused of knowing little about the local market or ruling rates and spoiling the production culture in the Tamil movie industry.
“Corporates pay much higher than current market rates to secure bulk dates from artistes and technicians, artificially pushing prices northwards,” a leading producer (whose movie is set to release in the next couple of months) told ET on condition of anonymity.
He cited movies where the leading men were paid more than a fourth of the total budget only for them to flop at the box office. Some producers are of the view that actors’ current rates are exorbitant compared to the market available for Tamil films. The Tamil film industry churns out around 110-120 movies a year with a combined budget of about Rs 500 crore.
Sales are estimated at Rs 850 crore-Rs 1,000 crore, including international markets. “Salaries are very high these days. There are hardly any repeat audiences either. This, coupled with overall increase in production costs and long production schedules adds to the producer’s burden,” says K Muralidharan of Lakshmi Movie Makers, who is also secretary of the Tamil Film Producers Council.
Although the international markets, Malaysia, Singapore, US and parts of Europe, are slowing opening up to Tamil flicks, it does not justify the amounts top artistes charge these days, said another producer. Moser Baer COO C Dhananjayan, while agreeing that artiste salaries were at times “not justified for regional films,” felt they were a function of demand and supply.
Ajith, whose profit-sharing model has been welcomed by those who believe it reduces the burden on producers, thinks that how much an actor is paid “boils down to compatibility” between the negotiating parties. Vijay was not available for comment.
The Hindi movie industry, which also saw salaries for top actors skyrocketing in the past couple of years mainly due to corporates investing huge sums of money, seems to be seeing a correction.
Akshay Kumar is said to have charged Rs 30 crore for Kambakht Ishq but other A-list actors have started taking pay cuts, those aware of the situation say.
Artiste fees, that were just 10-15% of movie budgets in 2006-07, went as high as 60% in 2008. While current salary levels for Hindi film stars are rationalising at 30-35% of the budget with further scope for correction, it remains to be seen if Tamil moviedom will go the same way.
packets of top movie stars in Tamil filmdom are something of an anachronism. In 2005, Vijay was paid Rs 3 crore for starring in the hugely successful ‘Sivakasi.’ Another blockbuster followed the next year in the form of ‘Pokkiri.’
But since then, he has hit a rough patch with consecutive box-office flops in ‘Azhagiya Tamizh Magan’ (2007), ‘Kuruvi’ (2008) and ‘Villu’ (2009). If you think the actor is due for a pay cut, you are mistaken.
The ‘Ilaya Thalapathy,’ or ‘young commander’ to followers, is said to be taking home a cool Rs 6-7 crore plus distribution rights for Chennai city for his forthcoming ‘Vettaikaran,’ produced by M Balasubramaniam and B Gurunath Meyyappan. Ajith is taking a leaf out of superstar Rajnikanth’s book.
The actor, busy shooting for ‘Asal’ in Malaysia, is said be charging Rs 5-6 crore plus a 30% share in profits from the sale of rights (including, distribution, satellite and international rights) for his next movie. In an industry where top actors are few and far between and most not compromising on the pay front, producers have to select from a handful of them at the top or settle for niche actors. They can’t do much to change the situation, but at least they can grumble about it.
The main target of their ire is the production houses run by corporates, those such as Pyramid Saimira, Ayngaran International, UTV Movies and Moser Baer. They are accused of knowing little about the local market or ruling rates and spoiling the production culture in the Tamil movie industry.
“Corporates pay much higher than current market rates to secure bulk dates from artistes and technicians, artificially pushing prices northwards,” a leading producer (whose movie is set to release in the next couple of months) told ET on condition of anonymity.
He cited movies where the leading men were paid more than a fourth of the total budget only for them to flop at the box office. Some producers are of the view that actors’ current rates are exorbitant compared to the market available for Tamil films. The Tamil film industry churns out around 110-120 movies a year with a combined budget of about Rs 500 crore.
Sales are estimated at Rs 850 crore-Rs 1,000 crore, including international markets. “Salaries are very high these days. There are hardly any repeat audiences either. This, coupled with overall increase in production costs and long production schedules adds to the producer’s burden,” says K Muralidharan of Lakshmi Movie Makers, who is also secretary of the Tamil Film Producers Council.
Although the international markets, Malaysia, Singapore, US and parts of Europe, are slowing opening up to Tamil flicks, it does not justify the amounts top artistes charge these days, said another producer. Moser Baer COO C Dhananjayan, while agreeing that artiste salaries were at times “not justified for regional films,” felt they were a function of demand and supply.
Ajith, whose profit-sharing model has been welcomed by those who believe it reduces the burden on producers, thinks that how much an actor is paid “boils down to compatibility” between the negotiating parties. Vijay was not available for comment.
The Hindi movie industry, which also saw salaries for top actors skyrocketing in the past couple of years mainly due to corporates investing huge sums of money, seems to be seeing a correction.
Akshay Kumar is said to have charged Rs 30 crore for Kambakht Ishq but other A-list actors have started taking pay cuts, those aware of the situation say.
Artiste fees, that were just 10-15% of movie budgets in 2006-07, went as high as 60% in 2008. While current salary levels for Hindi film stars are rationalising at 30-35% of the budget with further scope for correction, it remains to be seen if Tamil moviedom will go the same way.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Aishwarya, Shah Rukh ‘Actors of the Decade’
Superstars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan were declared ‘Actors of the Decade’ at the IIFA awards here on Saturday night.
Aishwarya won two honorary awards for her work in Indian and international cinema, while Shah Rukh was honoured for his work in Bollywood.
The 35-year-old actress, who also performed on stage at the function, received both trophies while Shah Rukh missed the ceremony because he is shooting for his upcoming film ‘My Name is Khan.’
The 43-year-old actor, who began his career on the small screen, beat Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Abhishek Bachchan to the title.
Aishwarya won the ‘Golden Decade’ award for her memorable performances in the past 10 years, beating off competition from Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.
While Aishwarya shot to global recognition with international projects like ‘Pink Panther’ and ‘Provoked,’ Khan too has a global following as the ‘Badshah of Bollywood.’
The former Miss World won the ‘Outstanding Achievement by Indian in International Cinema’ award which was bagged last year by musician A.R. Rahman who won the ‘Golden Decade of Music’ award for his contribution to Indian films.
Aishwarya won two honorary awards for her work in Indian and international cinema, while Shah Rukh was honoured for his work in Bollywood.
The 35-year-old actress, who also performed on stage at the function, received both trophies while Shah Rukh missed the ceremony because he is shooting for his upcoming film ‘My Name is Khan.’
The 43-year-old actor, who began his career on the small screen, beat Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Abhishek Bachchan to the title.
Aishwarya won the ‘Golden Decade’ award for her memorable performances in the past 10 years, beating off competition from Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.
While Aishwarya shot to global recognition with international projects like ‘Pink Panther’ and ‘Provoked,’ Khan too has a global following as the ‘Badshah of Bollywood.’
The former Miss World won the ‘Outstanding Achievement by Indian in International Cinema’ award which was bagged last year by musician A.R. Rahman who won the ‘Golden Decade of Music’ award for his contribution to Indian films.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Bollywood looks to 'King Khan' for year-end boost
Bollywood's first major release since the Mumbai attacks opens in theatres here Friday, with the film industry hoping star actor Shah Rukh Khan and director Aditya Chopra can guarantee a huge hit.
"Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" (Match Made In Heaven) sees "SRK" or "King Khan", as he is known, play Surinder, a soberly-dressed middle-aged man who falls in love with a fun-loving younger woman called Taani (Anushka Sharma).
Opposites attract and the odd couple marry, but their union is strained until Taani persuades Surinder to take part in a reality dance competition and he is transformed.
Khan and Chopra first worked together on the latter's debut film "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (Bravehearts Get The Bride). The 1995 film propelled Khan to Bollywood superstardom.
The film was one of the most successful Indian movies in history and is still being shown in Mumbai cinemas.
Theatre owners owners and film companies are hoping that the Khan-Chopra magic formula can work again.
Bollywood was tightening its belt even before the November 26-29 attacks that killed 163 innocent people and injured nearly 300, with audience figures falling during the past year.
Two big films released for the annual Hindu festival of Diwali did only modest business, while Bollywood was hit by a damaging union strike in early October.
"We are hoping that this film will turn the tables. Shah Rukh is Shah Rukh," said Nester D'Souza, head of business development at the Metro Theatre cinema in south Mumbai.
"We all are hoping that this will rejuvenate interest in moviegoers and they will come back to theatres. For the last two weeks, in spite of the Eid (al-Adha) festival not many people came to theatres.
"There is fear in the minds of the people but for 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' there is a very strong buzz in the market because this film looks promising and has also been promoted well."
Khan, who last weekend was awarded Malaysia's equivalent of a knighthood and has been a vocal critic of the Mumbai attacks, describing the militants as "un-Islamic", has said time has flown since he and Chopra last worked together.
Their previous joint venture was "Mohabbatein" (Love Stories), in 2000.
"This film is a comedy and has a love angle to it. Also, I play a very common man in the film unlike the romantic heroes that I have played earlier in my films," Khan said.
"I hope people love this film as they have loved my other films."
Leading trade analyst Komal Nahta told the Bombay Times this week that "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" had all the ingredients of a blockbuster.
"It is a classic underdog story of a guy turning from zero to hero and a familiar territory that Shah Rukh Khan excels in romance," he said.
"A sureshot formula that is bound to find an instant connection with the masses."
Later this month hopes are pinned on Aamir Khan's "Ghajini", about a man with memory loss who tattoos himself and takes Polaroid pictures to remember events and people, and the animation "Jumbo", with the voice of Akshay Kumar.
Both are released on Christmas Day, December 25.
"Audiences are finally in for a treat. These stars are definitely the crowd-pullers and the year may end on a good note for the industry," analyst Taran Adarsh told the Bombay Times this week.
"Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" (Match Made In Heaven) sees "SRK" or "King Khan", as he is known, play Surinder, a soberly-dressed middle-aged man who falls in love with a fun-loving younger woman called Taani (Anushka Sharma).
Opposites attract and the odd couple marry, but their union is strained until Taani persuades Surinder to take part in a reality dance competition and he is transformed.
Khan and Chopra first worked together on the latter's debut film "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (Bravehearts Get The Bride). The 1995 film propelled Khan to Bollywood superstardom.
The film was one of the most successful Indian movies in history and is still being shown in Mumbai cinemas.
Theatre owners owners and film companies are hoping that the Khan-Chopra magic formula can work again.
Bollywood was tightening its belt even before the November 26-29 attacks that killed 163 innocent people and injured nearly 300, with audience figures falling during the past year.
Two big films released for the annual Hindu festival of Diwali did only modest business, while Bollywood was hit by a damaging union strike in early October.
"We are hoping that this film will turn the tables. Shah Rukh is Shah Rukh," said Nester D'Souza, head of business development at the Metro Theatre cinema in south Mumbai.
"We all are hoping that this will rejuvenate interest in moviegoers and they will come back to theatres. For the last two weeks, in spite of the Eid (al-Adha) festival not many people came to theatres.
"There is fear in the minds of the people but for 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' there is a very strong buzz in the market because this film looks promising and has also been promoted well."
Khan, who last weekend was awarded Malaysia's equivalent of a knighthood and has been a vocal critic of the Mumbai attacks, describing the militants as "un-Islamic", has said time has flown since he and Chopra last worked together.
Their previous joint venture was "Mohabbatein" (Love Stories), in 2000.
"This film is a comedy and has a love angle to it. Also, I play a very common man in the film unlike the romantic heroes that I have played earlier in my films," Khan said.
"I hope people love this film as they have loved my other films."
Leading trade analyst Komal Nahta told the Bombay Times this week that "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" had all the ingredients of a blockbuster.
"It is a classic underdog story of a guy turning from zero to hero and a familiar territory that Shah Rukh Khan excels in romance," he said.
"A sureshot formula that is bound to find an instant connection with the masses."
Later this month hopes are pinned on Aamir Khan's "Ghajini", about a man with memory loss who tattoos himself and takes Polaroid pictures to remember events and people, and the animation "Jumbo", with the voice of Akshay Kumar.
Both are released on Christmas Day, December 25.
"Audiences are finally in for a treat. These stars are definitely the crowd-pullers and the year may end on a good note for the industry," analyst Taran Adarsh told the Bombay Times this week.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Yuvraj edges out Akshay!
The cricketer replaces the superstar in the Punjabi version of Jumbo.
Though a Punjabi himself, Akshay Kumar will surprisingly not be associated with the Punjabi version of his forthcoming big-budget animation film Jumbo. In a signing coup of sorts, cricketer Yuvraj Singh has been roped in by the film-makers to be the voice that Akshay had provided in the Hindi movie.
It is believed that Yuvraj’s recent performances against England, his unforgettable on-field feats — including his six sixes in one over in the inaugural T20 world tourney — and his enormous popularity among cricket aficionados were the deciding factors behind signing Yuvraj and dropping Akshay. Yuvraj also enjoys an enviable fan following in North India and among people of different age groups across the country.
Incidentally, the dropped Akshay has been enjoying a great run at the box-office.
“Yuvraj has been signed to do the voice-over in the Punjabi version of Jumbo and will lend his voice for the same character whose voice Akshay Kumar had been in the Hindi version. Akshay is not a part of the Punjabi version. Yuvraj is the star of that,” says Shailendra Singh, head honcho, Percept Picture Company.
He adds: “It is a very strategic move. Though given Akshay’s box-office run and the fact that he can speak excellent Punjabi since he is a Punjabi, it was tough to take the decision to drop him. But this is purely a business move; don’t read anything between the lines.”
Shailendra adds, “Yuvraj is very popular in North India and having him is a boon for the film. He is excited about doing something that Akshay has done earlier. With this move we intend to give Indian cricket lovers - who love Yuvraj’s style and his powerful performances — a chance to watch him on a different pitch altogether. We are trying to draw a large section of cricket fans to the theatres.”
This move could have interesting connotations as Yuvraj had earlier been a part of Percept’s talent pool but things had reportedly gone sour between the two and Yuvraj signed up with another company. Will he return to Percept’s fold? “I diplomatically say that this deal (doing the film) is only a professional agreement between Yuvi and us. We have been very good friends for along time and we are happy he has agreed to do the film. Other deals may follow,” Shailendra ends.
Kylie Minogue to sing for Rahman
Just her fees and recording of the video will add around Rs 10 crore to the already sky high budget of Blue
Madonna didn’t respond because she was going through a bitter divorce, Rihanna asked for a sum that was not affordable, so finally it is Kylie Minogue who’ll be making history as the first international A-list pop star to lend her voice for a mainstream Bollywood music director.
According to sources, the Australia-born crooner who has sold more than 60 million records, has agreed to sing for AR Rahman. Kylie will be coming to India by January 2009 with her entourage to record the song with Rahman. She has reportedly charged the producers of the film about Rs five crore as her fees ($1 million).
“The song will be recorded for the film Blue, which has Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt and Lara Dutta. The producers also want Kylie to make a music video of the song. In all probability, the song might be shot in Hollywood,” says the source.
The total cost of hosting the star in Mumbai and recording the song and music video could well cost the producers an extra Rs five crore. The company negotiating with Kylie confirmed that they are very close to inking the deal.
“We are negotiating with an international artist. Within two to three weeks, we’ll make a formal announcement,” said Rajnigandha Shekhawat of Nine Winds, which is handling the film’s communications. Sources also revealed that there were a fresh round of negotiations last week. The singer, sources say, is not afraid of visiting Mumbai though she is well aware of the recent terrorist attack.
The production cost of Blue is already hovering around Rs 130 crore - without the expense they are incurring for Kylie’s song. With the last leg of shooting left, at Rs 140 crore-odd, Blue might race past Rajnikanth’s Endhiran to become the costliest film to be produced in India.
Upcoming film is not an biographical: Akshay
Actor Akshay Kumar Tuesday said that his upcoming film "Chandni Chowk to China" was not a biographical account.
"The only similarity was that like myself in real life, the protagonist also works as a cook," Akshay who is originally from Delhi and worked as a cook in Bangkok before making it big in Bollywood, told reporters at the music launch of the film.
The actor whose recent releases have raked up over Rs 500 crore worldwide virtually threatening to upstage Bollywood 'badshah' Shah Rukh Khan, said that he owed his
success to hard work and blessings of parents.
"People like me and Shah Rukh had no forefathers in the film industry. But, we made it due to hard work and blessings of parents. If we can do it,anybody can," he said.
Akshay described "Chandni Chowk to China" as an international film which showcases Kung fu in Bollywood for the first time.
"I always want to be my character in a film and hence practicising Kung fu was very hard.
"I shared screen space with Sir Gordan Liu who introduced Kung Fu to big screen
several years ago," he said.
Akshay said "Chandni Chowk to China" starring himself with Deepika Padukone in the lead and produced by Rohan Sippy and Warner Brothers, has been a memorable experience.
"It is for the first time that a Bollywood film has been shot at the 'Great Wall of China'. Not even a Hollywood film has been shot there so far. Kung Fu requires lot of
discipline and the film will showcase the need for discipline in one's life. We need discipline in our country as well," the actor said.
"The only similarity was that like myself in real life, the protagonist also works as a cook," Akshay who is originally from Delhi and worked as a cook in Bangkok before making it big in Bollywood, told reporters at the music launch of the film.
The actor whose recent releases have raked up over Rs 500 crore worldwide virtually threatening to upstage Bollywood 'badshah' Shah Rukh Khan, said that he owed his
success to hard work and blessings of parents.
"People like me and Shah Rukh had no forefathers in the film industry. But, we made it due to hard work and blessings of parents. If we can do it,anybody can," he said.
Akshay described "Chandni Chowk to China" as an international film which showcases Kung fu in Bollywood for the first time.
"I always want to be my character in a film and hence practicising Kung fu was very hard.
"I shared screen space with Sir Gordan Liu who introduced Kung Fu to big screen
several years ago," he said.
Akshay said "Chandni Chowk to China" starring himself with Deepika Padukone in the lead and produced by Rohan Sippy and Warner Brothers, has been a memorable experience.
"It is for the first time that a Bollywood film has been shot at the 'Great Wall of China'. Not even a Hollywood film has been shot there so far. Kung Fu requires lot of
discipline and the film will showcase the need for discipline in one's life. We need discipline in our country as well," the actor said.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Bollywood bravehearts refuse to bow down to terrorism, resume shooting
While the Mumbai terror attacks left the entire Bollywood in shock and sent the biggies into a hiding of sorts, braveheart Akshay Kumar refused to let the ordeal take over and resumed shooting for Priyadarshan’s ‘De Dana Dan’ at Mehboob Studios in Bandra.
It was Khiladi Kumar who motivated rest of the crew (comprising of 250 people) to be present for the shoot as the terror strike had already caused a lot of financial losses to the producer of the flick in question. The actor led the unit to complete a song shoot with a heavy heart. Akki, who is known to be a highly sensitive human being, shot for the sequence with great poignancy. According to reports, the entire crew observed a one minute silence for all those who died in this futile war of terror as well as for the heroes who lost their valuable lives serving the country. Other actors who took the initiative of attending the shoot instead of sitting at home besides Akshay included Katrina Kaif, Sunil Shetty and Sameera Reddy. While Sunil Shetty drove from Malabar Hills area (which coincidently was in close proximity to the epicentre of the attacks), Sameera Reddy drove from the suburb of Andheri and Katrina made way from Bandra. In an interview given to a news daily actor Suniel Shetty exclaimed, “Mumbai’s spirit has come through in spite of all the terror attacks. We refuse to be scared and that’s why it was important fro me to go about my daily work.”
It was Khiladi Kumar who motivated rest of the crew (comprising of 250 people) to be present for the shoot as the terror strike had already caused a lot of financial losses to the producer of the flick in question. The actor led the unit to complete a song shoot with a heavy heart. Akki, who is known to be a highly sensitive human being, shot for the sequence with great poignancy. According to reports, the entire crew observed a one minute silence for all those who died in this futile war of terror as well as for the heroes who lost their valuable lives serving the country. Other actors who took the initiative of attending the shoot instead of sitting at home besides Akshay included Katrina Kaif, Sunil Shetty and Sameera Reddy. While Sunil Shetty drove from Malabar Hills area (which coincidently was in close proximity to the epicentre of the attacks), Sameera Reddy drove from the suburb of Andheri and Katrina made way from Bandra. In an interview given to a news daily actor Suniel Shetty exclaimed, “Mumbai’s spirit has come through in spite of all the terror attacks. We refuse to be scared and that’s why it was important fro me to go about my daily work.”
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Akshay Kumar has grown as an actor: Salamn Khan
Bollywood star Salamn Khan seems to be quite impressed with his colleague Akshay Kumar's growth as an actor over the years.
On being asked who has impressed him by his acting skills in the recent past, Salman said: "Akshay has impressed me by his acting skills in the recent past. I think he (Akshay) is the only actor who has really grown as an actor."
Salman was speaking on Monday at the promotional event of his forthcoming release "Yuvvraaj", which also stars Anil Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Zayed Khan.
About the film, he said: "It is about brothers played by Anil, Zayed and me. The film is about the manipulations of the brothers to get the ancestral property. I play the second brother Deven, who tries to get a part of his ancestral property to fulfill the conditions laid down by his to-be father-in-law to marry his daughter (Katrina Kaif)."
Salman has teamed up with director-producer Subhash Ghai for the first time for the film. He said that Ghai had approached him earlier too.
"Subhashji had approached me before, but I did not accept the offer because I thought I could not do justice to the roles. But, I accepted this film because it is the story of three brothers and I could relate to the emotions."
On being asked who has impressed him by his acting skills in the recent past, Salman said: "Akshay has impressed me by his acting skills in the recent past. I think he (Akshay) is the only actor who has really grown as an actor."
Salman was speaking on Monday at the promotional event of his forthcoming release "Yuvvraaj", which also stars Anil Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Zayed Khan.
About the film, he said: "It is about brothers played by Anil, Zayed and me. The film is about the manipulations of the brothers to get the ancestral property. I play the second brother Deven, who tries to get a part of his ancestral property to fulfill the conditions laid down by his to-be father-in-law to marry his daughter (Katrina Kaif)."
Salman has teamed up with director-producer Subhash Ghai for the first time for the film. He said that Ghai had approached him earlier too.
"Subhashji had approached me before, but I did not accept the offer because I thought I could not do justice to the roles. But, I accepted this film because it is the story of three brothers and I could relate to the emotions."
Katrina Kaif homesick in New York
Katrina Kaif is currently shooting in New York with John Abraham and Neil Nitin Mukesh for Kabir Khan's next venture, but she isn't too happy being away from home and family.
"My professional commitments keep me busy, but I'm feeling homesick. I miss my family a lot. I miss my home," said Katrina, who has been shooting for "New York" for over two months.
The actress is, however, keeping content with plans for a Christmas reunion with her family.
"I am trying my best to see if we can all be together. I hope no professional work comes up then. I am keeping my fingers crossed," she said.
Katrina was seen in this year's biggest hit "Singh Is Kinng".
"My professional commitments keep me busy, but I'm feeling homesick. I miss my family a lot. I miss my home," said Katrina, who has been shooting for "New York" for over two months.
The actress is, however, keeping content with plans for a Christmas reunion with her family.
"I am trying my best to see if we can all be together. I hope no professional work comes up then. I am keeping my fingers crossed," she said.
Katrina was seen in this year's biggest hit "Singh Is Kinng".
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