Emraan-Imran A Case Of Mistaken Identity

It was nothing short of a farcical faux pas when clothes meant for Emraan Hashmi in Mumbai were carried to Imran Khan in Chandigarh leaving the two stars amused and the production house common to both the projects, a little red-faced.

There is Imran Khan.And there is Emraan Hashmi. And the two shall never meet. Or at least one can safely say they lead very different personal and professional lives.

Until now when they are both part of two different films produced by Vishal Bharadwaj. And now we hear there was a massive confusion over their identical names, thought spelt differently within Vishal Bharadwaj's production team eventuating in outrageous miscommunication regarding the requirements of the two actors.

Says a source from Vishal's team, Though Emran was shooting for Ek Thi Daayan in Film City ,Mumbai and Imran was on location in Chandigarh for Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola , clothes meant for Emraan in Film City were transported to Imran in Chandigarh.
It was left to the two stars to see the lighter side of the confusion created by their similar-sounding names. We hear the Imran and Emraan were highly amused when the production team insisted on sending shooting-material to the wrong Imran/Emraan.

Says the team member, We were even able to joke about it.Some of us suggested that perhaps wearing Emraan's clothes would make Imraan a terrific kisser.Luckily Emraan and Imraan saw the lighter side of the mix-up.

read more...

Ek Thi Daayan: Emraan was convinced about the practice of black magic

'Ek Thi Daayan' Director Kannan Iyer had to convince Emraan Hashmi about the practice of black magic and evil eye in the city

They say proof of the pudding is in the eating. It was a testing time for Emraan Hashmi when he was approached with the script of Vishal Bhardwaj's next that deals with witchcraft. The actor was sceptical about the real-time relevance of black magic and had to be convinced by director Kannan Iyer of greater possibilities.

In fact, Iyer had to accompany Emraan to his own apartment complex to point out evidence that indicated the rampant practice of the dark arts. Iyer says, We often don't pay attention to our immediate surroundings.

But there are so many groups in our country that believe in these cults and they leave a certain mark in certain places. These signs and shapes have significance that is best known to them. I showed Emraan strange symbols and he was convinced.

The director adds, `We all like mysteries and have a fascination for black magic, witches and ghosts.

read more...

Emraan and Huma Qureshi's supervised love-making

Even though Balaji Motion Pictures and Vishal Bhardwaj Pictures Ek Thi Daayan is being directed by newcomer Kannan Iyer with Abhishek Chaubey (of Ishqiya) being the co-producer, Vishal Bhardwaj, who has written the keenly awaited supernatural thriller, has decided to step in and supervise the sensuous romantic number to be shot between Emraan Hashmi and Huma Qureshi.

Says a source close to the unit, "Vishal is not the interfering kind normally but he believes that this is one of the best romantic compositions of his and he wants it to be shot impeccably.

The track has been rendered by Clinton Cerejo and written by Gulzar saab."
Adds the source, "Emraan and Huma are expected to lip-lock in the track." 

Confirms Kannan Iyer, "Vishal understands the nuances of his composition better than anyone else so it will be great to have him choreograph this song." 
Ek Thi Daayan is Emraan Hashmi's next release after his consecutive hits Raaz 3 and Jannat 2. Ek Thi Daayan, a spooky thriller, also stars Huma Qureshi, Konkona Sensharma and Kalki Koechlin. It releases worldwide on April 18.

read more...

Monkey trouble for Daayan

After a leopard, a group of primates stopped by on the sets of Vishal Bhardwaj's upcoming film

Looks like it's quite the open season on the sets of Vishal Bhardwaj's next. A few months ago, a leopard had strayed in on the sets at Film City, Goregaon. Recently a herd of monkeys had decided to make it their new home!

Sources say the monkeys had been creating quite a nuisance for the cast and crew. A unit hand says, A couple of days ago, when Emraan Hashmi and Huma Qureshi were present on the sets, a group of six to seven monkeys suddenly barged in.

The security too was called to shoo away the primates, but they returned soon. The monkeys even disrupted the shooting, bringing work to a complete halt. Later, they were chased away with success.

Tanuj Garg, CEO of the production house says, Just when everyone thought that all is fine, the monkeys came back again. After the last guest on the show, the leopard, managed to spook everyone, now it was the turn of the monkeys. Considering the nature of the film, we thought that we would have some passing witches for company!

read more...

I didn't realise could act until pretty late: Emraan Hashmi

Actor Emraan Hashmi says that it wasn't until someone pushed him that he realised he could act and make acting his profession.

"I realised pretty late in life when someone pushed me and eventually I realised that it is something that I can do as a profession, " the 33- year-old said here at an event.

Emraan says he always had an inclination towards arts, but couldn't pursue it further.

"Since school days, I had a liking for arts and crafts, but I didn't take it further. I should have. But eventually, I came back to a certain form of art - acting, " he said.

Emraan is currently shooting for Ghanchakkar with Vidya Balan and will also be seen in Ek Thi Daayan.

read more...

I hope kids don't watch my films: Emraan Hashmi

Actor Emraan Hashmi, who has done several 'A' certificate films, finds it surprising that he has a huge fan following among kids and hopes they don't watch his films (hoping he is not kidding also)

'It's kind of surprising. I hope they don't watch my films. I am sure it's probably a connect from music, television... that medium has always had a great impact. Because in many small cities my songs are played in radios so there is certain connection from there, ' Emraan told reporters during a felicitation for winners of the second edition of 'Art from the Heart'.

'Art from the Heart' is a unique CSR initiative by Edenred. The painting competition gave an opportunity to the NGO children to showcase their creativity. Emraan, who spent some time with the underprivileged children, says he connects well with the kids. 'It's a noble cause. I always used to connect with the kids.

When you have your own child then this connection is enhanced. I always felt all of us... in our childhood days, we want to be part of this art form. I am very happy that these children come from different cities and get an opportunity to win. I wish there are many more such opportunities for such causes.

read more...

I almost feel like a Vampire: Emraan Hashmi

After working non-stop night shifts for the past three months, the actor cringed at the first sight of daylight 

The recent Twilight installment might have pleased its myriad fans but Emraan Hashmi certainly wasn't one of them. But the actor can relate to some of the characters in the film in a better way now. Turns out the actor had been working non-stop for the past 90 days on nocturnal shifts that put his normal life off balance.

His recent professional high seems to be coming with its fair share of troubles not to mention, harm to the natural body clock! And as if working on three films at the same time wasn't tiring enough, his schedule required him to shoot during nighttime as well.
One of these three projects in the making is Rajkumar Gupta's upcoming comedy for which he's teaming up with Vidya Balan for the second time. The other two are Rensil D'Silva's forthcoming ensemble and Vishal Bhardwaj's next. 

And thanks to this line-up, Emraan felt rather uncomfortable when he got a day off recently after quite a long time. He hadn't seen daylight at all for the past 80-90 days. 

As a result, after finding a free day to spend, facing the sunlight was an awful experience. The brightness was too much for him to handle. He ended up staying indoors throughout the day, says a source close to the star.
Emraan however plays down the incident and says it's part and parcel of his professional life.

I almost feel like a vampire shooting non-stop in the night over two-and-half months now but I'm determined to complete the shoots within their schedule, he sums up. Looks like Bollywood has its own version of Edward Cullen!

read more...

Emraan Hashmi lines up to meet David Guetta

Emraan Hashmi along with other Bollywood stars join the queue to meet the international singer in Goa 

David Guetta has several fans in Bollywood. And according to our sources, several celebs, including Emraan Hashmi, are lining up in Goa to attend the international singer's upcoming concert.

Emraan, who has been busy shooting for Karan Johar's next film has taken time off to attend David's concert. The actor says, I am looking forward to David's show and hoping for a great experience.

Our sources add that Emraan is extremely keen to meet the singer in person. While other Bollywood actors and actresses too have shown interest in meeting and hosting the crooner, David will most probably turn them down, thanks to his very busy schedule. 
A source says, The singer is arriving in India for the second time in six months. David has been receiving invites from many big event organisers for concerts. He loves India and enjoys Bollywood music as well. But it looks like he is too busy to attend any industry party

Actors like Arjun Rampal and Neha Dhupia too are expected to be present for the concert. David says, `My last concert here was stellar. This too will be very special.

read more...

Vidya takes Emraan for a ride in the middle of the night!

Actress Vidya Balan took his co-star Emraan Hashmi for a ride in a Nano on the streets of Mumbai while shooting for their upcoming film "Ghanchakkar".

The two actors explored the streets of Mumbai in a yellow Nano as they set out to search something in the middle of the night.

"The scene required Vidya driving Emraan across Mumbai. This is one of the crucial scenes in the film as Emraan and Vidya - the onscreen couple - search for something that they desperately need, " Manish Hariprasad, Creative Director, Studios, Disney UTV said in a statement.

Directed by Rajkumar Gupta of "No One Killed Jessica" fame, "Ghanchakkar" tells the story of Sanju (Emraan), an ex-conman, who is laid back and has a taste for finer things in life. The problem is his ambitious wife, played by Vidya.

read more...

Hollywood cashing in on Emraan Hashmi

The makers of Emraan Hashmi's debut Hollywood film have decided to include a full-fledged song picturised on the actor 

All his films may not have become blockbusters, but most of Emraan Hashmi's music tracks have gone on to be chartbusters. The makers of the actor's first Hollywood film have apparently decided to tap into this success rate and are likely to include a song in the project. 

While most Hollywood films, except musicals, do not traditionally have music numbers, Oscar-winning Danis Tanovic is apparently keen on having Emraan lip-sync on the big screen.
A source says, Tanovic signed Emraan after watching several of his recent films. It has been an unofficial record of sorts that all his songs have gone on to do very well. The writer-director has been well aware of this and so wants to make it as commercial as possible without losing the essence of the film.

Buzz is that the makers want the song to capitalise on his persona. This is probably the first time a mainstream Hollywood film featuring a Bollywood face will have the lead actor singing a song onscreen. To make sure it appeals to the international audience, the number will be a Hindi-English mix,  sums up the source.

read more...

Dharma productions beefs up security for Emraan Hashmi's Unglee

Dharma Productions has doubled the number of personal security guards for the shooting of Rensil d'Silva's Unglee.

Huge insistent crowds have been gathering on the outdoor locations of Rensil d'Silva's Unglee which he has been shooting in Mumbai locations, namely Kandivali, Versova, Bandra Bandstand for the last ten days.

Says a source from the unit, Emraan Hashmi is a huge crowdpuller. We didn't realize how huge until we started shooting. Everywhere on location in Mumbai it's the same story. There are hundreds of gawkers who come to stare at him shoot with Sanjay Dutt, Kangna and the rest of the cast.

Rensil d'Silva who's been shooting, in his words, like a madman took time off to explain, It's certainly not easy shooting on location in Mumbai. We have 69 locations for Unglee and a 70-day shoot all over Mumbai with just 2 days off for Diwali and 5 days for Christmas.

Rensil admits it isn't easy shooting in Mumbai. There are many practical hurdles. Luckily when you have a producer like Dharma Productions all the permission is obtained well in advance. So there's no confusion on that score. Having said that Emraan and Mr Sanjay Dutt and Kangna are popular stars. They do attract stares and sometimes more. But nothing that we can't control.

Rensil admits the private security from Dharma Productions has been beefed up. I can't tell you how many guys we have here in Safari suits with walkietalkies. But there must be least two dozen of them. It's only fair for film units to provide their own security. We can't expect the administration to look after us on location when there are so many kinds of crime happening in the city.

Rensil agrees it's getting progressively tough to shoot in Mumbai, and that film units need to provide their own security. I guess I am beginning to realize how difficult it. When I shot for my first film Kurbaan abroad we had difficulties getting permission to shoot in London. So we shifted the location to the US. But once we started shooting there were no problems on location. Here it is much tougher.

Quips Rensil, I just wrote my 'holiday film' Student Of The Year for Karan Johar. I guess the holiday is over.

Incidentally Rensil d'Silva's Unglee is not the only film being shot during the night on different locations in Mumbai. Rajkumar Gupta's Ghanchakkar, Anurag Kashyap's Ugly and Ram Gopal Varma's 26/11 are also being shot all over Mumbai.

read more...

I am pretty twisted to do typical romance: Emraan

Emraan Hashmi has never starred in a true blue romantic film and feels he is "pretty twisted" to ever feature in one.

"I don't know about my sensibility, I don't know about the way I look and if I fit in with my looks into a love story, whatever. But I think I am pretty twisted in my head to do a traditional romantic film," the 33-year-old said here Tuesday at the launch of the DVD of "Raaz 3."

"My idea of romance is also extremely quirky and twisted. I don't think the world is ready for it yet," he added.

Meanwhile, talking about "Raaz 3" director Vikram Bhatt, Emraan said: "Vikram has made horror a real mainstream genre which I am very happy about because it's my favourite genre."

Vikram Bhatt's latest production "1920: Evil Returns" has also been well-received by the audience.

Emraan's upcoming films include "Ghanchakkar", "Unglee" and Dharma Production's next project.

read more...

Ghanchakkar to release June 21 next year

The release date for comic-thriller "Ghanchakkar", co-starring Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan, has been locked - it will hit the screens June 21, 2013.

The movie, helmed by Rajkumar Gupta, is the director's third film in a row with UTV Motion Pictures after "Aamir" and "No One Killed Jessica". The film has music by composer Amit Trivedi and lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya.

It narrates the story of an ex-conman, played by Emraan, and Vidya plays his ambitious wife.

read more...

The Serial Kisser goes to Hollywood with Oscar winning director's next

The actor signs his first international film helmed by Oscar winning director Danis Tanovic 

Emraan Hashmi has finally made his big leap on the global map of cinema. Word is that the actor has been signed for Academy Award winning director Danis Tanovic's (No Man's Land) next film. 

No Man's Land is best remembered in our country as the film that toppled Lagaan for the Best Foreign Film Oscar. Danis' next will be under the collaborative banner of several big production houses. 

A source informs, Emraan has never tried to fit into a conventional stereotype and has always been the one to experiment. Danis is excited to work with Emraan and considers him multi-talented.
The Hollywood film is a collaboration of many Indian banners like ASAP Films (France), DAR Motion Pictures, Sikhya Entertainment and AKFPL (Anurag Kashyap Films Pvt Ltd). Emraan was finalised after the director apparently saw his box office records.

Says producer Guneet Monga, Anurag Kashyap Films Pvt Ltd, It will be very interesting to see the combination of an Indian star, who has mass appeal, and an Oscar-winning director in an international film. We are looking forward to a great collaboration.

read more...

Is Emraan Hashmi the next Salman Khan?

The actor talks about being audience-friendly, leading by example and being always available for the Bhatts

Emraan Hashmi is probably one of the very few actors in Bollywood who choose not to turn their backs on a delayed film. Probably at the best phase of his career, the actor talks about why he chose to promote late Shamin Desai's film, his equation with the Bhatt camp and his production plans...

Your standing in the masses is second only to Salman Khan...
Well for me, I always wanted to do films that are commercial and have an entertainment quotient. It is something that has been built over the years and my audience looks forward to it in my films. I always wanted to be honest with them and give them what interests them.

The tag of the serial kisser refuses to die!
I have stopped reacting as far as this association is concerned. These tags don't fail to amuse me but whatever works for people, I am cool with it. The film should work in totality.
You chose to promote a three-year-old film. Why?
I know generally people don't touch delayed projects. I think as a person you have to lead by certain principles and films are not just about money. 

Some actors completely disown a film but I don't believe that one can have a long lasting career only because of wise business decisions. There's got to be some emotions involved. My producers had a rough patch and then Shamin passed away. I would not have been able to live with myself if I had disowned the film.

You are no longer available to the Bhatt camp. True?
Actually, we are looking for a great subject to work on. Also after certain successful associations, it becomes very important to be doubly sure about a script. There are no announcements as of now but when I get a good script, I will always be available to Bhattsaab and his productions.
You are all set to start your production venture now...
I am pretty much committed till the end of next year. So, I am aiming at 2014. I also don't intend to be behind the camera. I can supervise and I need to learn certain technical aspects of filmmaking, which will take more time. 

read more...

Vidya Balan is nervous about her Comedy with Emraan

The female superstar of Bollywood Vidya Balan after playing intense roles in 'The Dirty Picture' and 'Kahaani' says she is nervous to step into the territory of comedy with 'Ghanchakkar'.

Ghanchakkar is a comedy thriller where Vidya Balan teams up with Emraan Hashmi and the film is being directed by Rajkumar Gupta of 'No One Killed Jessica' fame.

"I am nervous about the film because it is my first comedy. I am worried whether I will be able to strike the funny chord with my audience. Shooting is currently on and I am really working hard for it," Vidya Balan said.

Vidya's both films 'The Dirty Picture', which saw her portraying the role of a south indian sex siren and 'Kahaani', about a pregnant woman's search for her missing husband, did well at the box office and crossed 50 Crores in collections.

Vidya Balan has kept herself away from the regular dance and song films also added "Films mirror the reality of the society."

read more...

Box office: Three's a crowd at the box office

'Chakravyuh', 'Ajab Gazabb Love' and 'Rush' ate into each other's share of the pie, resulting in a box office disaster 

Again a crowded week and the end result spelling a disaster at the box office! Three major Bollywood films - Chakravyuh, Ajab Gazabb Love and Rush released in the same week, eating into each other's business and spelling doom for its investors. 

While Chakravyuh collected Rs 10.87 crore (Wednesday - Rs 3.36 cr, Thursday - Rs 1.75 cr, Friday - Rs 1.50 cr, Saturday - Rs 1.75 cr, Sunday - Rs 2.50 cr) in its first five days (the film released on a Wednesday), Azab Gazabb Love made R 4.75 crore (Friday - Rs 1.25 cr, Saturday - Rs 1.50 cr, Sunday - Rs 2 cr) in its initial weekend. Finally the Emraan Hashmi starrer Rush made only Rs 2.16 crore (Friday - Rs 52 lakh, Saturday - Rs 66 lakh, Sunday - R 98 lakh) in its first weekend.

Meanwhile, the collections of Student of the Year in its first week are R 47.52 crore and second weekend are Rs 2.10 crore on Friday, Rs 3.25 crore on Saturday and R 4.75 crore on Sunday making its weekend total to R 10.10 crore. The total collection from its first 10 days is R 57.62 crore making it one of the biggest hits with newcomers. 
The worst film to be affected by the mad rush was Azab Gazabb Love who in spite of decent reviews only managed to collect around Rs 4.75 crore. Our source says, Much was expected out of Chakravyuh as it was a Prakash Jha film but the collections could have been better. Rush is a complete disaster at the box office.

Trade analyst Amod Mehra says, There is nothing to write home about. The period is extremely bad and will remain so till Diwali.

Atul Mohan, trade expert elaborates, It is a classic case of too many cooks spoil the broth. How else would you explain the dismal collections of a Prakash Jha film or a good entertainer like Azab Gazabb Love? An Emraan Hashmi film doesn't bring in the masses? I guess too many English films also divided the audience. Next week is going to be equally bad!

read more...

Rush more satisfying than Rs.100 crore film: Emraan

Emraan Hashmi's film "Rush" released Oct 26 to a lukewarm response, but for the actor, it remains a special film. He says the movie is much more satisfying than his other hit films as he managed to fulfill the wish of its original director Shamin Desai, who died earlier this year.

"A journalist sent me an sms saying only 20 people are sitting in the hall for your film. So I replied, 'I feel more victorious in this film ('Rush') than even a Rs.100 crore film because I fulfilled a dying man's last wish'," the 33-year-old said here in an interview.

Desai, the original director of "Rush", died in January 2011 after announcing his maiden directorial venture in 2010, originally titled "Raftaar 24x7".

Later, his wife Priyanka Desai re-announced the film in October 2011 and titled it "Rush".

Emraan says "Rush", in which he plays a crime journalist, says the movie is a mission accomplished for him.

"Shamin, a friend, a colleague whose film could not be completed for almost three years and a production company that was in the doldrums... (so this was) The only way to kind of salvage this and kind of give to his wife and family and give him the due. He had worked so hard on the film and I wanted to release it and for me it's mission accomplished," he said.

For Emraan, its been a successful run at the box office so far, with movies like "Jannat 2", "Shanghai" and "Raaz 3".

Talking about the dynamics of the business, Emraan says technically his films have proved to be bigger money spinners than other Rs.100 crore films.

"A film making Rs.100 crore doesn't mean anything if it has been made for Rs.80 crores. You just make Rs.20 crore profit. But when you have a film like 'Raaz 3', which is made for Rs.10 crore and it clocks in close to Rs.100 crore, then that is much more than another film that makes Rs.100 crore," Emraan said.

"So, people don't see the business side of it! They only know the figure - Rs.100 crore. But then it doesn't mean anything. It's always in relation to how much money you put in the film. I think the media needs to club that in also. Technically, I think my films have made more money than other Rs.100 crore films," he added.

Emraan's forthcoming films include "Ghanchakkar", "Ek Thi Daayan" and "Unglee"

read more...

Movie Review: Rush lacks punch, but has some riveting moments

Starring: Emraan Hashmi, Aditya Pancholi, Neha Dhupia, Sagarika Ghatge

Directed by Shamin Desai

Rating: ***

Ouch, the tv channels won't be flattered. Rush, like Ram Gopal Varma's Rann three years ago, rushes into the cut-throat world of TRP-driven competition among news channels where news if not discovered is created in the newsroom. So Ram Gopal Varma told us in Rann.

And now director Shamin Desai (who passed away before the film could be released) takes us into the ostensibly murky chat-room politics of new channels where news-baron Roger Khanna (Aditya Pancholi, unintentionally hilarious) gets reporters, civilians, politicians and criminals bumped off to make news. Just like that. 

Far-fetched, yes. But Rush has its adrenaline-rushing moments in the second-half when the narrative picks up momentum and moves steadily towards a climax that is not entirely edge-of-the-seat.

But certainly the popcorn on your lap is likely to ignored for a bit as ambitious crime reporter Sam Grover (Emraan Hashmi) gets sucked into a web of crime created by his over-reaching dangerously-connected channel- (dick)head of a boss. 
Rush is not the first film about a yonng ambitious professional losing moral and ethical equilibrium to attain success. Recently we had Kunal Khemu in Blood Money and Paoli Dam in Hate Story reaping the bitter fruits of their savage harvest. 

More closely, Rush resembles Goldie Behl's Bas Itna Sa Khwab Hai where Abhishek Bachchan got trapped into a glamorous web of grime by media baron Jackie Shroff. 

Sushmita Sen had played the suave chic assistant to Shroff who took Abhishek under her sexy wings. In Rush it's Neha Dhupia, every bit as suave and chic as Ms Sen, playing the media baron's right-hand woman who gets too close to the Hashmi boy for comfort. 

And yes, they even share a furtive kiss in a long-shot (why the coyness!) to ensure Hashmi's hardcore following doesn't commit suicide. 

Rush does have its sluggish chunks in the storytelling. But the narrative gathers strength from the basic plot structure where a television journalist is shown to be on the run. Some of the chase sequences are expertly done. And the whole theme of the newsmaker's descent into compromised journalism makes for some riveting moments. 

While many of the characters are sketchy some like the sharp-shooter (played by Murli Sharma) who befriends our journalist-hero provide the plot with a spicy if not completely pungent propulsion. 
The entire episode after the murder of Emraan's journalist-friend Rikin (played by tv actor Alekh) makes for absorbing viewing. 

Emraan Hashmi as the backbone of plot performs decently. He has more speaking lines and less kissing to do here than in all his recent films. Whether the verbosity actually translates into something substantial or not is debatable. 

Rush has the bone though not enough meat to make for a juicy fare on the excesses of television journalism. It leaves you wondering what director Shamin Desai would have done with his filmmaking career had he lived.

read more...

I don't want to do south remakes: Emraan

Every actor in Bollywood wants to do a South Indian remake films, But Emraan Hashmi continues doing what he does best playing ordinary characters caught up in a twist situations.

In his latest movie Rush, Emraan plays an investigative crime journalist Sam Grover who is caught up in a web of Deceit and Betrayal who later tries to get out it in his own way.

But what's wrong with a South Indian 'Larger than Life' roles? "I'll do such a role only when the right script comes along. I don't understand beating up 15 people at a time. There has to be something real in a film."

Says the actor. Talking about his character in Rush, Emraan insists this one to be an out an out commercial character.

Rush is directed by Shamin Desai who expired while shooting this film, Remaining portions of Rush was completed by Shamin's wife. It is heard that Shamin shot 95% of the film.

read more...