Talaash enters Rs.100 crore club

Aamir Khan-starrer suspense thriller "Taalash" has made it to the Rs. 100 crore club. The film has raked in Rs.131.78 crore worldwide.

The film, directed by Reema Kagti, and co-produced by Farhan Akhtar-Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Entertaiment and Aamir Khan Productions, earned Rs.85.38 crore at the domestic box office within 13 days of its release, Nov 30.

The film has grossed Rs.46.40 crore overseas. "Talaash" also features Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor.

It was made on a budget of Rs.40 crore, and released across 2,500 screens. Its satellite rights were sold for Rs. 40 crore.

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Hush-hush News: January nuptials for Rani Mukerji, Aditya Chopra?

Yet another Bollywood actress could be getting ready to wear the shaadi ka joda! Sources say that come next year, Rani Mukerji could be all set to walk down the aisle with her long-time rumoured beau Aditya Chopra

Apparently the actress has been turning down film scripts because she has a 'personal commitment' to attend to in January. According to our source, this is not the only script that Rani turned down while citing a personal engagement. 

The source adds, Rani recently conveyed to a director that she would not be available for the film as she has to attend some important event in January. 
Naturally, tongues are tattling with hush-hush news of her impending wedding.

Another source says, Some friends close to Rani have confirmed that marriage is on the cards early next year. Rani's manager has apparently spoken to a filmmaker that she is getting married early next year. But it could be just an excuse to politely reject the film. 

Rani's spokesperson says, Rani chooses her films with great amount of care. Her decision to do a film completely depends on the project and the role she has been offered. There is absolutely no truth to her marriage news. 

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Rani Mukherji cherishes her Khan connect

Actress Rani Mukerji says she is honoured to have shared screen space with the three Khans of the industry - Aamir, Shah Rukh and Salman - and hopes it continues in future too.

"It's a great honour to work with them in any film and I have always said that I always learn from them because I started my career with them and hopefully this association with all the three Khans will be there for a long time, " the 34-year-old said here Monday at the success party of her latest film Talaash.

Rani adds that more than just films, it is her personal bond with them that matters.

"Hopefully, I will be acting with them when I am 80. And more than a film's association it is the friendship which I have built with them over the years and I hope this friendship stays forever, " she said.

Rani was also seen in "Aiyaa" this year, which did not fare well at the box office.

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Rani Ne Commitment Kar Di, Toh Kar Di

In spite of suffering an injury on her knee, Rani won't stop rehearsing for her upcoming dance act at an awards gala 

Well, they say no pain, no gain. Apparently, Rani Mukerji is having to withstand excruciating pain in her leg in order to complete her rehearsals for an upcoming film, after she sustained an injury. 

The actress is supposed to travel to Indonesia for this awards function. However, to make sure that no one else in the team suffers a delay due to her injury, Rani is continuing with her rehearsal routine. 
A source says, Rani's Indonesia act is to take place in a few days. She was practising for her act when she injured herself in her right knee. Since then she has been suffering from immense pain, so much so that she was even wailing for a while.

The actress is apparently taking pains in ensuring that she does not put pressure on her right leg. The source says, Rani has given her word to be there in Indonesia. She won't cancel now. She is in no mood to stop her practice sessions and will take care of her knee once her performance is over.

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Rani: I do films that would not bore me

Rani Mukherjee, who plays a distressed wife and a mother dealing with her son's death in her latest release 'Talaash', says she likes to challenge herself as an actor and be choosy as she does not want to be part of films that bore her as well as the audience 

'I have to be choosy. If I don't challenge myself as an actor to play a particular part I myself will get bored. Three-four years back, I chose to sit back and do films that would not bore me. If I get bored then how can I expect from the audience to not get bored,' asked Rani. 'So if I am challenged, I am excited, if I am raring, then I know that this is something that the audience will also like,' she said. 

In her 17-year-long career, Rani has played a variety of roles from being a college student in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' to a doctor in 'Saathiya', a lawyer in 'Veer Zaara', a spirited wife in 'Yuva', blind girl in 'Black' and a fire- brand journalist in 'No One Killed Jessica'. 
She insists she chooses to play different roles as playing same characters becomes monotonous. 'Things could get saturated or monotonous if I would do the same characters again and again. I would do roles that would not make sense to me and or do films where I am just standing there and not doing anything,' Rani said.

'That is why to save myself from that feeling I take time out to choose roles that excite me,' she said. Before zeroing on a film, Rani feels the script and her role has to be satisfactory. 

'Whenever I say I cannot do roles and films one after the other is because sometimes the film that comes my way is great but the role is not exciting. (Sometimes) my role is great but other things attached to the film are not. It has to be a mixture of all things great script, great role,' the 34-year-old actress said.

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Movie Review: Talaash a nail-biting thriller

Star Cast : Aamir Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Kareena Kapoor, Nawazuddin Sidhiqui 

Direction: Reema Kagti

Dialogues: Farhaan Akhtar

Story: Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti 

Duration: 2 Hrs 19 Min

Rating * * * *

Undoubtedly, Aamir is one such acting titan of of Bollywood who is known for challenging the rules of conventional cinema. This time Mr Perfectionist has returned to BO with his much talked about suspense thriller, Talaash starring Rani Mukherjee, Kareena Kapoor, Nawazudin Sidhiqui and Jineet Rath.

This much awaited suspense cine tale of Aamir opened with an average occupancy of 70% at the multiplexes ( why not after all it's Mr Perfectionist prevailing legacy that precedes his movie releases). 

Another key traits which precedes Aamir's style of cinematography is uniqueness of his cine concepts and his novel promotional strategies. Be it 3 Idiots or Taare Zameen Par, every time Aamir has succeeded in setting up a remarkable benchmarks, but contrary to his signature style of promotion this time he created a very conspicuous suspense around the promotions of his suspense drama, Talaash by maintaining an extremely low key affair. 
Before proceeding further with the dissection of movie, let me brush aside all the rumors which stated that, Talaash is suspense thriller similar to Kahaani or is an inspired suspense slice which has borrowed its premise from a novella called "Act Of Providence". Talaash has got a thoroughly original premise drafted by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti.

Synopsis:
Talaash is a suspense thriller with its roots embedded in the the gray lanes of Mumbai, where a cine star dies in a car crash, subsequently leading to the stepping of an investigative officer who himself is trying to maintain an equilibrium between his personal and professional world and how he comes across a a spectrum of situations, where a hooker helps him in getting the murder mystery resolved.

Story:
Talaash takes-off with the accident of cine star Armaan Kapoor (Vivan Bhatena), whose car nose dives into sea on the Sea face road of Mumbai, subsequently leading to the stepping in of Inspector Surjan Shekhawat ( Aamir Khan) for investigating the case.

As the tale proceeds, Shekhawat finds a murky case of blackmailing which may have a connection with the accident. The case turns into a life altering chase for Inspector Shekhawat, when he is forced to reel under the repercussions of a disturbed married life with his wife Roshni (Rani Mukherji) and come face to face with his suppressed grief (of loosing his son). 
While being on his investigative quest, Inspector Shekhawat has a rendezvous with a hooker Rosy (Kareena Kapoor), who further adds shades of mystery to this ongoing puzzle. 

With the moving ahead of investigation, things start getting complicated as investigations show many anomalies stringed to the death of the Armaan Kapoor. While investigating the case Inspector Shekhawat has a tryst with Temur (NawazuddinSiddiqui) a small time pimp who further adds to the complexity of investigation.

So did Inspector Shekhawat succeeds in revealing the mystery behind accident and manages to free himself from the demons of his past and what happens to Rosy, to find watch Talaash.

Script:
When the buzz pertaining to Talaash made it news arena, at the same time arena also got flooded with the gossip about its being a rip off of a novella called "Act Of Providence", the latest rumor that crowded the gossip aisles stated that Talaash has got a plot somewhat similar to that of Vidya Balan starrer suspense thriller Kahaani. But believe me none of the three tales share similar ground.
As far as story of Talaash is concerned then it unquestionably is one such absorbing tale which keeps you captivated through out the run time of the movie. From the very first frame it's the curiosity that takes you to a thrilling ride for next two hours. And the best feature that makes Talaash a marvelous tale is its outstanding showcasing of conspicuous secret without leaving any space for predictability.

Be it professional world of a cop or his crevice ridden personal life, everything in the movie is knitted in such an adroit manner, that it nowhere compels you to get divorced from the onscreen proceedings. The onscreen offerings of Talaash is so much attention-grabbing that it makes viewer a participant of sorts.

Whereas on rhetoric front Talassh once has got an edge, with transfixing dialogues of Farhaan Akhtar, which never get inflated to showcase the protagonists in larger than life shades. Screenplay: 
I guess nobody will have any apprehensions about the fact that when it's Mr Perfectionist Aamir on the celluloid, then everything is bound to be perfect. From the very first sequence where a luxury sedan is furiously tossed and swallowed within no time by the magnificent waters, the stupendous screenplay of the movie takes off.

In the subsequent frames things keep on getting even better. One thing which can be quoted with a firm backing is that through out the run time of the movie, Kagti has thoroughly succeeded in keeping every minutest details under the tab. From suspense inducing sequence to, nervousness and emotional unease of the protagonists, every minutest detail has got a thorough detailing attached to it.

In nutshell the marvelously fine production design and pictuarisation of Talaash is so absorbing that you don't afford to take off your gaze from the celluloid even for a moment.
Though it will be wrong to say that Talaash has got tons of on-the-edge of the seat moments, but inspite of that the dexterity with which every situation and sequence of the movie has been shot keeps on enveloping you with its thrill coefficient.

In all Reema Kagti keeps a consistent direction throughout the film, and succeeds in giving viewers a feel of assimilation with the onscreen tale. Super fine cinematography of KU Mohanan is another glittering gem in the casket of Talaash, which lends a magnificent look throughout the run time of the movie with the colours, focus and the weirdest locales of southern Mumbai.
Music and Background Score:
Despite the absence of those foot thumping numbers, music of Ram Sampath is a soothing aural delight which thoroughly compliments the theme of the movie. Tracks like Jee Ley Zara and Jiya Laage Naa very well animates the emotion of the protagonists and gets inculcated in your conscious with in no time. 

Performances:
By his impeccable acting dexterity as a troubled cop-father Surjan Shekhawat, Aamir Khan has once again proved that why he is called as Mr Perfectionist of tinsel town.

As a troubled father who is captivated within the confines of thoughts and keeps on regretting about the things that he could have done to save his son , Aamir showcases the sorrow of guilty conscious father with utmost dexterity.
Besides Aamir, Rani too have succeeded in leaving a thorough impact as a sorrow ridden mother and has very well carried the role of Aamir's wife. As usual Kareena has looked classy and has very comfortably slipped under the skin of mysterious hooker Rosy. 

However, in supporting cast, Nawazuddin Siddiqui manages to grab the attention of the fans in the shoes of Temur and manages to charm you with his giddy yet impressive facets. In nut shell entire supporting cast of Talaash has very well complemented the performances of leading protagonists to toss out a captivating mystery saga.

BO Potential: 
As far as BO Potential of Talaash is concerned then it's the legacy of Aamir which will surely pull the masses to the theatres. Where as on the commercial front the movie is expected to gross good amount on the BO but may fall short of the previous BO benchmarks set by Aamir.
Verdict:
To sum up Talaash is a captivating suspense thriller, which despite showcasing a conspicuous secrets keeps your attention glued to the screen and subsequently present you with a beyond expectation climax.

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I Behave myself with Aamir Khan: Rani

Rani Mukherji is also one such actress who has made a one film at a time Policy in Bollywood. Her last film 'Aiyyaa' was a major failure at the Box Office and she is back with Talaash where she plays wife of Aamir Khan.

Talaash, which releases on November 30, Rani Mukherji does not have another film in the pipeline. But the actor seems least bothered as she has reached a stage where, she says, she will do films only on her terms and conditions.

She also insists she is working only because her fans wants to see her It is for my fans that I keep coming back. I want to do films they will watch and like. But I assure you I will continue to work till I am 80.` said Rani while promoting her film Talaash.

Talaash is a suspense drama where she plays wife of Aamir Khan who dons the role of an Investigating Police officer I can't say much about the film or the character because then I will be giving leads into its plot.

What I can say is that when the role was offered to me, I loved the challenge it posed, and decided to take it up instantly." added the actress.

Going back to her 'Ghulam' and 'Mangal Pandey' days, Rani Mukherji is again paired up with the perfectionist Aamir Khan and says There is a lot of comfort between us. But then, there will always be a student-teacher relationship. No matter how much I gossip with him or fuss around him as a friend, on the set, I always behave myself because I am working with Aamir Khan.

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I've soft corner for Salman, Shah Rukh and Aamir: Rani

Candid Rani Mukerji has confessed she has a soft corner for all three Khans of Bollywood-Salman, Shah Rukh and Aamir- with whom she worked at an impressionable age.

"I have a soft corner for Salman, Shah Rukh and Aamir because at an impressionable age, I worked with them. I was 17-18. At that age, you look up to some people and that always remains irrespective of whatever happens," the actress told in a group interview. 

"Your comfort level with them is such that you can't compare it with any other co-star. The kind of love and support they showed towards me when I was a newcomer will stay with me for life," said the 34-year-old who acted with Shah Rukh Khan in "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and "Paheli".

With Salman, she featured in "Chori Chori" and "Baabul". 

She worked with Aamir in "Ghulam" and "Mangal Pandey" and will now be seen with him in "Talaash" releasing Nov 30. 

"I always treated myself as a youngster or as a learner in front of two people-Aamir and Shah Rukh-as I started my career with them. So I do look up to them in a different way. I may not be shy in front of them any more, but I learn a lot from them. When they suggest anything to me, it's important for me to take their suggestion," she said. 

"Talaash" is her second release this year after Anurag Kashyap's "Aiyyaa", which failed to impress her fans. 

"I would not want to be a part of any project that I feel would not work. An actor like me always wants to work to get appreciation of the audiences. And appreciation can only come if people will come to watch the film. 
"In 'Aiyyaa', probably people didn't come. It is a very sad situation for me. We actors always crave for adulation," she said. 

Moving on is the best way to tackle failure and success in life, she said. 

"I don't really get stuck in a time warp where if my film is a success, I have to keep partying till the next one releases or if my film is a flop, I keep wallowing in sorrow until the next comes my way. 

"My hard work in each film is always there. Till date, nobody has pointed out a flaw in my acting. At least they say Rani's film didn't work, but she was fabulous. I work towards maintaining that," she said.

A film's box office performance cannot be predicted, she said. 

"We are not saints, gods, spiritual human beings that we can sit and decide whether a film will do well or not. It is not in our hands," she said and added that nothing was frustrating. 

"You are a worker. How can your work give you frustration? From childhood, we're taught that there will be good days; there will be bad days; you will win some and lose some. But because of that you don't become negative, frustrated and depressed," she said. 

Variety is important for Rani and she makes sure each assignment adds something to her body of work. 

"It could get saturated or monotonous if I would do the same characters again and again. That is why to save myself from that feeling, I take time out to choose roles that excite me," she said. 
For variety, Rani has collaborated with new directors Rajkumar Gupta and Sachin Kundalkar in "No One Killed Jessica" and "Aiyyaa". 

She says working with seasoned directors and with new ones have their own advantages and disadvantages. 

"With experienced directors, you gain experience and with new ones, you get energy and spirit," she said.

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I am a bit egoistic: Rani Mukerji

"Talaash" actress Rani Mukerji rules out requesting her director to swap roles

Daane daane pe likha hai khaanewale ka naam. And Rani Mukerji lives by the rule book. The actress states that she has no qualms playing a de-glam low-key role opposite a glamourous co-star like Kareena Kapoor. The actress rules out wanting to take up Bebo's role, preferring to play the role the director has envisioned for her.

The actress states, "I'm a bit egoistic about my work. When a director comes to me with a part, I want to play only that particular role. The question of me wanting to play another character would arise only if the director tells me to choose between two roles. But when Reema (Kagti, director) came to me, she had this particular role for me etched in her mind."
Rani and Kareena have done a film together after more than a decade but didn't share a single frame. But that doesn't deter Rani from speaking fondly about her co-star. Kareena and I have mutual love and understanding for each other. We had a lot of fun while shooting Mujhse Dosti Karoge and even after that, whenever we have met at social dos or parties there has always been a lot of love and warmth.

In fact, when I was told that Kareena would be a part of the film, I was looking forward to working with her. Unfortunately, there was no such possibility for us in the script to meet. 

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What Rani wants, Rani gets!

Rani Mukerji chose some of the sarees that were part of her wardrobe for her upcoming film Talaash opposite Aamir Khan 

For her upcoming film opposite Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji herself chose some of the sarees that were part of her film costumes

What Rani wants, Rani gets! For her upcoming film opposite Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji herself chose some of the sarees that were part of her film costumes. After spotting a few beautiful handloom sarees at a store, she sent her stylists to procure them as part of her look for the film.

According to our sources, Rani's sarees hold a great significance in the storyline as it portrays her character's social and financial standing. The informer says, Her look in the film is that of a middle-class wife, who wears plain sarees on an everyday basis.
The stylists for the film, Manoshi Nath and Rushi Sharma add, Her sarees mirror the mood and her social strata. We had to keep that in mind while procuring the garments.

She had spotted a few sarees at a store and we got them incorporated in her wardrobe for the film. Designer Julie Kagti, who works with indigenous handloom artisans, also created a few samples for us. A few others have been bought from Delhi and Jaipur.

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Some hated Aiyyaa, others liked it

South Indian actor Prithviraj talks about settling for the second spot behind Rani Mukerji in 'Aiyyaa' and being the next Mammootty or Mohanlal

Having acted in more than 80 films, the 30-year-old Prithviraj seems like an extremely humble man. 

In fact for this interview, we found the actor tucked away at the quietest corner of a coffee shop in a suburban hotel, sipping on a hot cup all by himself. An excerpt from our conversation...
You were missing from the Aiyya promotions?
The film was to release in November and I had asked the makers of my next film to give me some free days. But the release was pushed ahead but I was already committed for the other film. However, my producers were sweet enough and even gave me a few days off.

Did you find yourself in the shadows?
Not at all! When you have Rani Mukerji and a debutant in a film, then Rani is automatically the USP, not me. In fact, if I was the producer of the film then I too would have adopted the same strategy.

The film hasn't been the kind which has made people go ga ga. While some have hated it, the others have liked it. But there was a lot of buzz around me that makes me happy.
Pokiri Raja, starring you, is being remade in Hindi with Akshay Kumar
The film was designed to be a hit. However, it was not well written. They made Mammootty sir and me do stuff that the mass audience likes, mainly dance and fights.

Malayalam cinema has two big guns Mammootty and Mohanlal. Was it easy joining the bandwagon?
They are big guns because they are bloody good! Even after 30 years, they still have heroines and songs written for them. Each new actor is now compared to the two veterans. It's flattering if people think I can be the next Mammootty and Mohanlal. 

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Rani was horrified to see Aiyyaa's directors' cut

What we saw in Rani Mukherjee's comeback film Aiyyaa is not what we were supposed to get. One learns from very reliable sources close to the project that director Sachin Kundalkar, revelling in his image of the National-award winner, had his way over and above the wishes the producers, and insisted on editing the film the way he wanted to. 

A very distressed pivotal player in the fiasco that is Aiyyaa says Kundalkar showed a very different version of the film to his producers Viacom and Rani Mukherjee from what he finally edited and released in theatres on Friday. 

Says our source, It is customary and mandatory for directors to show the final cut to the producers Viacom 18. That's how the new corporotized system of filmmaking works in Bollywood. For better or for worse the director is no longer the final authority on how how a film should be edited. 

The version of Aiyyaa that was shown Viacom 18 in the presence of the film's co-producer Anurag Kashyap and Rani Mukherjee (who incidentally took extremely active in the making, production, post-production of the film) was very different...I'd say radically different.. from what finally went into the theatres on Friday.

When one pressed the source to pinpoint the differences between the version screened for the producers and the version that was released the source said, For one, the version shown to the producers and leading lady was much shorter, close to two hours. You can't have a comedy stretching into 2 1/2 hours. 

Viacom and Rani and everyone close to the project now believe that the length of the film finally did it in. The situations dragged on endlessly in the version Kunkadlar insisted on releasing without the producers' knowledge or consent.

Apparently, repetitive scenes of Rani stalking Prithviraj were added after the producers and Rani saw the version that screened for them. 

The worse blow to the boxoffice prospects of Aiyyaa was the additional song that Kundalkar apparently inserted in the film at the last minute. 

Says our source, The climax song What to do which has been roundly condemned by critics and audiences as beein interpolative, intrusive, vulgar and offensive was never meant to be in the film.

It was supposed to be a promotional song featuring the film's supporting lead-pair Amey Wagh and Anita Date. How and when it became part of the film, no one knows. It comes on to break the film's completely. 
Apparently Rani was horrified when she saw the directors' cut on release. 

Says our source, She was specially shocked by the inclusion of the What to do song. But she kept quiet, as the song didn't feature her. 

Rani and the producers have been wondering why the additional promotional song went into the film when there were three hot chartbusting item song composed by Amit Trivedi climbing up the charts. In fact the girl Anita Date who plays Rani's friend had only four scenes in the cut that was shown to the producers. When the film released she was all over.

While Rani and Viacom 18's head honcho Vikram Malhotra understandably refrained from comment, it's clear that there is a substantial degree of bitterness and resentment among the film's core crew about the director's insistence on doing his own things, specially since the end-result has been deeply disappointing. 

Says a source, Aiyyaa is not so much a blow to the producers as it is to Rani Mukherjee who poured her whole and soul into the project. Their only consolation is that Aiyyaa performed better than Ram Gopal Varma's Bhoot Returns.

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No woman molested by Raja Mukherjee?

From last 24 hours the news of Rani Mukerji's brother Raja Mukherjee is blasting on News Channel's, Tabloid's and Internet Portal's. The case is of Casting Couch which you have heard many times in Bollywood. 

Yet another influential big-wig trying to molest some upcoming Model. But this time it's different. Here Raja Mukherjee is accused of molesting an upcoming female Filmmaker who was also an ex T.V.Channel's executive. Her name is kept under-wraps. Some websites did claimed her 'Fake' name as Priya Sharma. 

Raja Mukherjee was arrested by Versova Police (Mumbai) early on Monday morning for allegedly molesting a former and an aspiring film director on Sunday, after promising to introduce her to his noted actor-sister Rani Mukherjee. Raja Mukherjee was produced before the Andheri metropolitan magistrate court later in the day and was released on bail. 

It is said that the victim planned to direct a film with Rani Mukerji on her mind as main lead. She approached Raja who, in turn, invited her to a Four Bungalows cafe at Andheri to listen to the script. 

However, he allegedly took her to an isolated spot in his car. While she was briefing him about the story, Mukherjee reportedly groped and kissed her. Now why on earth this lady approached Raja Mukherjee and not Rani Mukherji's secretary or her professional manager is the big question here.

If the (Hidden) victim is a Film director and was Ex T.V.Channel executive, She must definitely know the Professional way to approach an actor.
However the (Hidden) lady managed to escape and reached her home. The (Hidden) lady never slapped Raja Mukherjee  Nor she thought of getting some help from the Public. After discussing this incident with her mother at her home, she approached Amboli police and filed a complaint. 

Mukherjee was booked under IPC's sections 354 (criminal assault on a woman to outrage her modesty) and 363 (kidnapping), both are bailable offense. When contacted, DCP Pratap Dighavkar said, "We are making inquiries and collecting technical evidence." We tried to get hold of any contacts or whereabouts of this (Hidden) aspiring Film director, But all our struggle failed.

Rani Mukerji's Aiyyaa was written off by most of the Critic's. According to the Trade, The collections of the film is also not very encouraging. Someway or the other, The actress was banking very heavily on this film. The producer's left no stone UN-turned to promote Aiyyaa. 

According to the IPC Sections written in the F.I.R, The offense is of Kidnapping and Criminal assault. In such cases, The victim cannot be hidden or kept under-wraps for more then 24 Hours. If still the (Hidden) victim doesn't come into the picture, We think you are intelligent enough to get the full story by yourself.

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Rani Mukerji's brother arrested for molesting a female scriptwriter

Versova Police arrest Bollywood actress's brother, Raja Mukherjee, for allegedly molesting a film script writer

Bollywood star's brother, Raja Mukherjee has been detained by the Versova Police on late Sunday night for allegedly molesting a scriptwriter

The victim had approached Raja Mukerji to show her script when the latter tried to molest her in the car. Raja was sent for a medical test and then taken into police custody. He is currently lodged in Andheri lock-up.

A case under section 354 of the Indian Penal Code has been registered against Raja.

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Main Toh Abhi Kunwaari Hoon: Rani Mukerji

During an interview Rani Mukerji declares uncle Yash Chopra is like a rosagulla!

During a television interview when Rani Mukerji was asked about Yash Chopra, she declared that he is like a rasgulla! 

Yash Uncle is the sweetest person she knows. Wonder what a certain Adi has to say about this sweet description. 

God will decide my life partner

Rani, who has rubbished rumours that she is wed to filmmaker Aditya Chopra, says she has left her marriage destiny to god 

'My name has been linked with several people, but 'uparwala' (god) will decide who will become my life partner, ' Rani said in reply to queries in Rajat Sharma's show 'Aap Ki Adalat', aired on India TV. 
Mukherjee, whose latest film 'Aiyyaa' released Friday, reacted strongly to media reports about her secret marriage to Aditya, elder son of acclaimed filmmaker Yash Chopra. 'The media can't even decide which year the wedding took place. Was it 2007, or 2009, or 2012? Let them (media) make up their mind first. 

'I am fortunate that the people of this country consider me as their daughter and they are worried about my marriage. But birth, death and marriage are in the hands of 'upar wala  and what is ordained, shall happen, ' said the actress, who sported a rudraksha string on her left wrist. 'As far as my marriage with Aditya is concerned, I can only say, 'Main toh abhi kunwaari hoon' (I am still unmarried), ' she added.

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Dreamum Wakeupum wasn't meant to offend anyone

Lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya comes clean on his style of writing and what sets him apart 

He wanted to be a playback singer but ended up as a lyricist in Bollywood. However, Amitabh Bhattacharya is more than happy with the way things are. Though the Lucknow-born wordsmith started his career with the film Aamir, Dev D got him noticed. 

As of today, it's a set routine for his lyrics to attract controversies followed by acclaim. However, the National Award-winning songwriter's creations make you laugh as well as think. But that's not the entire story. Amitabh speaks about his passion for words and music...

First of all, what makes you click while writing?
Primarily, it has to be the script. The story and the situations give you an idea and a route through which to pave emotions. Most of my work is based on the given melodies. I create the mood via words.

Did you receive any reactions for the song from Tamilians?
I haven't come across anyone who didn't find the song humourous. It wasn't meant to offend anyone. Besides, adding 'mum' to words is basically a Malayali trait, not necessarily Tamil. The underlying idea was to Sanskritise the lyrics.

How do you react to those who say that it is obscene?
All I can say is that my job is pretty clear-cut. I'm a lyricist who writes for movies. I work as per the requirements. If you listen to any song from Aiyyaa or a DK Bose, bear in mind that the director and the music composer wanted the same out of me. Once you do that, also remember that my work in Udaan or I Am is quite different.
For a lyricist who wanted to be a singer in the first place, things must be pretty awkward, right?
(Pauses) Not really. When I started my career as a songwriter, I was a bit confused. But slowly I realised that I enjoyed writing songs a lot more. 

Perhaps there are things that are meant for you. As of now, I'm working with some of the finest people from the film industry. What more can I ask for?

Does your singing background give you an edge as a lyricist?
I don't think it gives me an edge but yes, it gives me a better perspective of what exactly is required in a song. The whole musical experience of my past gives me more clarity.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
All my contemporary lyricists - be it Irshad Kamil or Neelesh Misra. There are many more but one name that stands out is Gulzar. He surprises me every single time. For someone who's nearing 80, he sounds younger than most of us. 

Through his lyrics, he makes us aware of the side that existed but we somehow overlooked. I'm craving to be face-to-face with him but for some inexplicable reason, I haven't been able to gather courage to meet him and tell him I'm his greatest fan!

Compared to sensitive songs, are funky ones easier to come up with?
Both are challenging in their own way. Serious songs need intensity whereas funny ones demand wit. Sensitive songs absorb the nuances better so the margin of error is low because you can't afford to mess up whereas in an over-the-top dhinchak track, you can unwind yourself playing with words. For me, both are a rage and I take equal amount of pride in them.

Do your parents critique your work?
Yes, they are my most loyal fans but they can be harsh too. Like the other day, after listening to Aiyyaa songs, my dad said, 'Kya kya likhta rehta hai'. I know he liked them but he has to share his views. For them, my winning the National Award was the proudest moment.
What sort of equation do you share with music composer Amit Trivedi?
Working with Amit is both intriguing as well as amazing. Though I'm collaborating with several other music directors, with Amit it is ghar ki baat. His melodies bring out the unheard best out of me.

Who do you want to work with?
AR Rahman sir. I totally believe in destiny because life takes its own course. If I'm meant to work with him, it shall certainly happen in the near future.

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I am not thinking about Marriage: Rani Mukherji

Talented and Versatile Rani Mukherji is back.

Rani Mukherji was last seen in 'No One Killed Jessica', Again a very experimental character. Rani simply refuses to call Aiyyaa a 'comeback film'. `I don't know why people call this a 'comeback film', I never went anywhere in the first place, for me to come back.

I have always worked at my own pace and I never took up too many projects just to be visible. I wanted to work on a substantial character and that's what I got in Aiyyaa, ` speaks up the Bong Beauty.

In Aiyyaa, She plays the role of Meenakshi a Maharashtrian girl, who falls in love with a Tamilian boy, played by Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran.

`The character that I essay lives her fantasy life only in her dreams and she does everything she can to realize those dreams. But she's caught between her wants and what her parents want for her, ` added Rani.

Now the song Aga Bai from the movie featuring Rani and Prithviraj has gone viral and fans are raving about Rani's look in the song. And according to Rani, Shooting that song was not easy.

Rani had to break in for a period of four months for the song's rehearsal `I love belly-dancing and I have always wanted to learn it. So, when I got a chance to do so, I grabbed the opportunity. I started going for classes at the end of January, ` points Rani.

Rani is ready for any challenge in every step, from choosing a script to acting and even film promotion. On her marriage part, She says that marriage is the last thing on her mind at the moment.

`It will happen when it has to. I am not thinking about marriage anytime soon, `. There were lot of speculations about Rani Mukherji and Aditya Chopra's love affair. But all we have to do is wait for the right time to arrive to hear any confirmations from the actress side.

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Naughty roles come quite naturally to me: Rani Mukerji

After 'Bunty Aur Babli', Rani Mukerji is seeking to seal her naughty image with 'Aiyyaa', saying 'whacky' roles come naturally to her 

Rani says she is similar to her onscreen character of Meenakshi Deshpande, who is divided between her love for a South Indian and a Marathi boy of her parents' choice. 

"'Aiyya' comes in the category of films that I enjoy doing the most, that is romantic comedy. I am a romantic at heart and like the whacky aspect of life and human nature, " Rani told. 

"I get to show my histrionics in this film because Meenakshi is a dreamer. It was a joyride and I think that my fans want to see me in naughty roles. They come quite naturally to me. Actually, I want to take them on a 'Wakda' (whacky) ride." 

Rani, a trained Odissi dancer, is happy that she managed to show her dancing skills with three item songs in the film. "My dancing had taken a back seat because of my performances. But I am glad that my dancing skills are coming to forefront with this film, " she says.
Rani learnt traditional Marathi dance Lavani and belly dancing for the film, besides doing a South Indian number. 

"Learning belly dancing was something spectacular in my life because I always wanted to learn it. My teacher who came to teach me from Delhi has given me the official belly dancing tag. "Since all the three songs happen in a dream sequence, everybody --composer Amit Trivedi, lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya and choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant -- got an opportunity to go beyond their limits." 

Directed by debutante Sachin Kundalkar and produced by Anurag Kashyap and Viacom 18, the film hits theatres this week with 'Chittagong' and Ramgopal Varma's 'Bhoot Returns'.

Rani is hoping that the film does well at the box office as it will give her a chance to explore her favourite genre of romantic comedy further. 

"'Aiyyaa' is important because if it works on a big scale, I get an opportunity to do more roles like this, tell different stories and portray different aspects of modern Indian woman. I call this film a feather in my cap, " she says.

Asked about being directed by Anurag Kashyap, Rani said, "Me and Anurag have been trying to on a script for a long time but fortunately or unfortunately 'Aiyyaa' came first, which he is producing. I have known him for long and we share a different equation. It would be great to be directed by him." After 'Aiyyaa' Rani will be seen in another intense role in Aamir Khan starrer 'Talaash'. 
"It is third time that me and Aamir have come together for a film. I am very happy that my two films are releasing in a year within a gap of a month. These are two diametrically opposite characters." Rani, who started her Hindi cinema journey with 1997 film 'Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat', says she is happy to have the freedom to choose her roles. 

"Every film is important for an actor. At every stage of your life there comes a time when you choose films and I have been doing it for a decade, not because any other reason but for my own. The success of an actor is when you get to choose what you want to do.

I am happy to pick up challenging roles for myself." The actress says she has started reading new scripts but nothing has been finalised so far. 

"I am reading scripts but nothing has caught my attention so far. Selecting a film is a process, when something interesting comes up, I will jump into it."

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I am daughter of the country, everyone is concerned about my marriage: Rani

Actress Rani Mukerji is happy with the fact that everyone is talking about her marriage and says that people's concern makes her feel like being the daughter of the country

I feel very lucky that the entire country thinks about my marriage. In that sense I am the daughter of the country because they are so concerned about my marriage,  Rani told. I am extremely happy that they are thinking about my marriage and not of anything else but such an auspicious thing. So for me, it is a very sweet thing,  added the 34-year-old, who is said to be dating filmmaker Aditya Chopra.

Interestingly, her forthcoming film 'Aiyyaa' revolves around marriage. Directed by National Award winning director Sachin Kundalkar, it sees Rani as a Pune-based Marathi girl Meenakshi Deshpande whose parents want to her to get married.

But she falls in love with a Tamil painter as she is attracted by his body odour. Rani admits the film is a risk as audiences are not used to this kind of cinema.

 'Aiyyaa' is one such risk that I have taken because not only the script is whacked-out, but also the filmmaking style that Sachin has adapted is very different to what our Hindi audience is used to watching,  she said. But she is confident that from young girls to grandmothers all will relate to the movie.

I am not talking about just a section of people in the city. When you see pan India, every girl wants to be independent and make her choice in terms of a life partner. Unfortunately, some girls don't have the liberty to make that choice because they are burdened with the thought that this is what they have to follow,  she said.

Not only young girls, but mothers and grandmothers, who have been through this situation in their lives, will relate to my character,  she added. After actors like Katrina Kaif, Vidya Balan and Chitrangada Singh, Rani has done a sensuous Lavani number in the film.

I don't think those were (a Lavani dance) in true sense but what I have done in the film is an authentic Lavani,  she said. 'Aiyyaa' will introduce southern star Prithviraj Sukumaran when it releases Oct 12.

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Box office offers horror, drama, and comedy; take your pick

A Marathi woman hunting for her dream man, a young girl's fixation for an imaginary friend and a period drama where 64 teenagers fight against the British Raj in Chittagong -- movie buffs have a platter full of films to watch out for this Friday. 

Two of Anurag Kashyap's production ventures "Aiyyaa" and "Chittagong" are set to clash at the box-office. While "Aiyya" is a romantic comedy, "Chittagong" is a period drama. 

Directed by Sachin Kundalkar, "Aiyyaa" revolves around a Marathi girl named Meenakshi Deshpande (Rani), whose parents are looking for a groom for her. She falls in love with a Tamil artist Surya (Prithviraj). She desires him as he smells good. 

A quirky love story with the backdrop of a Marathi-Tamil cultural clash, Rani is shown to be a huge Bollywood fan. In the movie, she has imitated screen divas Madhuri Dixit, Sridevi and Juhi Chawla. "Aiyyaa" marks the return of Rani after a year-long gap. 

The actress has left no stone unturned to give her best shot in the film. She is seen grooving to three different styles -- lavani, belly dancing and southern-style dance. Rani says "Aiyyaa" is the film which every girl will relate to. 

The film also marks the Bollywood debut of southern superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran. The actor had to work hard to get that chiselled look in the film.
Next up for release is NASA scientist-turned-filmmaker Bedabrata Pain's "Chittagong". The film is based on little known incident in the 1930s British occupied India, where a handful of untrained teenage boys and girls, led by a school teacher, gave the British their first military defeat. The film is told from the point of view of a 14-year-old boy Jhunku Roy, who was part of the movement. 

Produced by Kashyap, the film features Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Raj Kumar Yadav and the role of 14-year-old boy is played by Delzad Hiwale. The director had to go through a lot of budget constraints. It was shot in just 42 days as, according to the director, they didn't have any money for the 43rd day.

The film is finally seeing the light of the day after a delay of four years.

"I started working on the film from 2006 and at that time there were many producers interested in the film. But in 2008 because of the recession, everyone backed out... We had budget constraints. We shot the film in just 42 days because we did not even have the money for the 43rd day, " Pain said. 

For those who like to be scared, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma brings "Bhoot Returns" for them. 

It talks about Tarun, an architect, who moves in with his family to a luxurious bungalow that he has acquired on a rather cheap rent. His wife Namrata's curiosity over the seemingly low rent is quashed by their kids 10-year-old Taman and 6-year-old Nimmi, who readily approve of the new house. 

While Taman spends his time on videogames and TV, the curious Nimmi spends her time exploring the various spaces in the house. 

During one such exploration, Nimmi finds a cute looking doll. Soon after the discovery of the doll, Nimmi starts including 'Shabbu' in all her activities. The family mistakes Nimmi's new doll to be Shabbu. But they are left gob-smacked when Nimmi introduces the doll as 'Dolly' and points at an empty space and introduces her invisible friend as Shabbu. 

The film is the sequel to 2003's highly successful film "Bhoot". It marks the return of actress Manisha Koirala on the big screen after long gap alongside southern actor J.D. Chakravarthy.

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