Work keeps Sushant Singh Rajput busy on Raksha Bandhan

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput has four elder sisters. But he says he won't be able to spend time with them for the festival Tuesday as he is busy promoting his forthcoming film "Shuddh Desi Romance".

"There are a lot of emotions that come attached with Raksha Bandhan. Like all, even I have my own share of memories. But it's unfortunate that this time I will not be able to spend time with my sisters," Sushant told.

"I'm busy promoting my film 'Shuddh Desi Romance'. I know their blessing are always with me," he added.

One of Sushant's sisters stays in the US, two in Delhi and one in Chandigarh.

He said: "I will call them and take their blessings."

The 27-year-old, who made his big screen debut with "Kai Po Che!", features with Parineeti Chopra and Vaani Kapoor in "Shuddh Desi Romance", directed by Maneesh. The Yash Raj Films' project is slated to release Sep 6.

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Sushant and Ankita's bedroom secret

Sushant Singh Rajput borrowed tips from his real-life live-in romance for his next film

Sushant Singh Rajput's role in his upcoming film Shuddh Desi Romance bears a striking similarity to his real life. Just like how he is portrayed in the rom-com, Sushant too is a small-town lad and has been in a live-in relationship with his girlfriend.

According to sources, director Maneesh Sharma had an easy time explaining his role to the actor while for Sushant too, stepping into his character's shoes was a cakewalk. Our source says, Sushant hails from Patna while his live-in sweetheart Ankita Lokhande hails from Indore. He has been quite open about his relationship just like in the film. They have stood by each other through thick and thin.

Sushant and Parineeti in their next film

In the film, he and his on screen girlfriend Parineeti Chopra are shown to be in a similar situation. In real life as well, he knows the pros and cons about living together. He didn't have to prepare much before shooting commenced. The official spokesperson of the film remained unavailable for comment.

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Anushka and Sushant in an ugly war of words

While merrily lashing out at "competition" (read Deepika Padukone), Anushka Sharma also took a snipe at Sushant Singh Rajput, stating: "Sushant has only eight days of work (in Raj Kumar Hirani's "PeeKay"). He is just a small chapter in my life." 

Taking deep umbrage to what is being seen as an attempt to undervalue newcomer Rajput, a source said: "Isn't Anushka pissed off about her colleagues trying to downplay and downsize her stardom? Then why is she doing the same to another colleague? 

Why is Anushka commenting on the length and breadth of a co-star's role? How does she know the size of Sushant's role? No one except probably Aamir has read the full script."

Setting the record straight, the source said: "Yes, it's a relatively small role. At a time when he (Rajput) is playing the lead in a Yashraj Film, he has agreed to do the role in 'PeeKay' for one reason only. Rajkumar Hirani.

It was Sushant's dream to work with Hirani. When he was offered the role, Sushant was over the moon. Hirani warned him it's a small but important role. Sushant said, 'Doesn't matter sir, even if you ask me to walk from one side of the frame to the other I'd do it'." 

Apparently Sushant has not charged a single penny for the part.
The source added: "Hirani gave Sushant Rs.20 as the signing amount and asked him what he'd like as his fee. Sushant refused any payment, got the Rs.20 laminated, framed it and hung it on the wall of his living room. That's the kind of regard Sushant has for Raj Kumar Hirani."

Sushant role in "PeeKay" would be billed as a friendly appearance. "He will be seen at the beginning of the film. His character then disappears and reappears at the end," said the source. 

"Anushka wants her colleagues to stop commenting on her roles. She should follow what she preaches," the source added. 

Sushant Singh Rajput remained unavailable for comment.

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Parineeti leaves Akki for Sushant Singh Rajput

While Ranveer Singh has happily signed films outside the parent Yashraj banner his costar from Ladies Versus Ricky Bahl Parineeti Chopra seems tied down by a binding contract that doesn't allow her the same freedom. 

One hears Parineeti was very keen to sign on for the Hindi remake of the Tamil blockbuster Thuppakki which she was offered by producer Vipul Shah on behalf of director A. Murugadoss.Apparently Akshay Kumar was also interested in getting her on board for the project as he had seen and liked the new girl on the Bollywood block in Ishaqzaade. However, Yashraj apparently wouldn't release Parineeti to do the outside project. 

Heavy trading of negotiations between the two parties finally culminated in a deadend for Parineeti, with Aditya Chopra apparently vetoeing the very idea of the girl working in an outside film at a time when she was shooting for Yashraj's new film with director Maneesh Sharma opposite Sushant Singh Rajput.
Says a source, Parineeti was ready to shuttle between the two projects without letting either suffer. But she was told in no uncertain terms that she would have to stay committed full-time to Maneesh Sharma's film, just like the film's leading man Sushant Singh Rajput who has not been permitted to do any other project while shooting for the Yashraj film.

Apparently Akshay Kumar also intervened in the hope of some flexibility in Parineeti's schedule. But to no avail. 

It was only after it became crystal-clear that Parineeti wouldn't be able to the Thuppakki remake that Sonakshi Sinha was sounded out, and signed. 
Confirming this director A Murugadoss said, We tried really hard for Parineeti. But she was committed by contract to a project with Yashraj Films.

Curiously Vipul Shah's schedules for the Thuppakki remake don't clash with the Maneesh Sharma film at all. So one wonders why Parineeti had to let go of such a plum project that was bound to take her career further.

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Kai Po Che trailer to release with Dabanng 2

The trailer of Abhishek Kapoor's "Kai Po Che!" will be released with Salman Khan's "Dabangg 2", which hits the screens Dec 21.

Shikha Kapur, executive director, marketing, Studios, Disney UTV, confirmed and said: "Yes, it is true that 'Kai Po Che' trailer is being attached with 'Dabangg 2'.

The film has been passed with a U/A certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification.

"Kai Po Che" is based on Chetan Bhagat's novel "The 3 Mistakes of My Life". Set in Gujarat, the film is about three friends and features Sushant Singh Rajput, Amit Sadh and Rajkumar Yadav in key roles.

The title has been derived from a common Gujarati phrase used during Makar Sankranti. It has been entirely shot in the heartland of Gujarat.

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Kai Po Che! trailer gets U/A certificate

The trailer of Abhishek Kapoor's "Kai Po Che!", which is based on Chetan Bhagat's novel "The 3 Mistakes of My Life", has been passed with a U/A certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification.

It went through with zero cuts, said a spokesperson from production banner UTV Motion Pictures.

The movie, about the life story of three friends and set in Gujarat, features Sushant Singh Rajput, Amit Sadh and Rajkumar Yadav in key roles.

"Kai Po Che!", whose title has been derived from a common Gujarat phrase used during Makar Sankranti, has been entirely shot in the heartland of Gujarat.

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Man of the Moment: Yash Raj Films, UTV, Rajkumar Hirani to share Sushant Singh Rajput

With two UTV Films, a Yashraj production and Raj Kumar Hirani's next in his repertoire, Sushant Singh Rajput is going places. 

Done with Ranveer Singh's flamboyance for now, we hear Yashraj Films is adamant on utilizing and promoting the talents of Sushant Singh Rajput to the optimum. While Sushant has been signed for one major project by Yashraj the banner is, according to a source, `a hundred percent keen` to sign this much in-demand newcomer for two other projects. 

Only hitch is, Sushant is under contract with UTV who are launching him as a leading man in Abhishek Kapoor's Kai Po Che. 

New Talent seems much in-demand in Bollywood, what with a handful of so-called A-listers demanding multi-cores in fees, and getting away with it. 
Both UTV and Yashraj Films seem equally keen to utilize Sushant's talents. While UTV's Kai Po Che featuring Sushant along with two other male leads (Rajkumar Yadav and Amit Sadh) is almost ready for release, Yashraj has just secured Sushant as the male lead for Maneesh Sharma's next film with Parineeti Chopra. 

While Sushant Singh Rajput begged off any comment on the issue a very reliable source close to UTV confirmed that Sushant is indeed bound by a contract by UTV. 

Says the source, `For some time now Aditya Chopra had been looking at Sushant as a potential Yashraj trouper. They've recently launched Ranveer and Arjun Kapoor. Now they're looking at Sushant. 

Sushant was offered Yashraj's Aurangzeb and one other film which the young actor couldn't do because of his contract with UTV. However when Maneesh Sharma's film with Parineeti Chopra was offered to Sushant he just couldn't say no. Sushant approach UTV's Ronnie Screwvala directly asking his permission to do the film. 

Ronnie gave the go-ahead but on condition that Sushant do another film, this time as a solo lead, with UTV immediately after completing his Yashraj film. ` 
Apparently UTV has a solo-hero rom-com ready to go on the floors the minute Sushant completes his Yashraj Film. 

Clearly the newcomer's windfall has proven to be larger than he expected it to be. Sushant Singh Rajput remained unavailable for comment.

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Kai Po Che! to hit screens in February 2013?

The shooting of "Kai Po Che!", based on Chetan Bhagat's novel "The 3 Mistakes of My Life", will be complete within two days, says director Abhishek Kapoor.

"We have been shooting for this film at many different locations. Now there are just two days left for the shooting. UTV will make an official announcement of when the film is slated for release. But I believe it should release by February 2013."

The film is about three best friends Ishaan, Omi and Govind trying to make a mark in the India of the early 2000s. It features actors Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkumar Yadav and Amit Sadh in key roles.

Kapoor is busy shooting some last portions of the movie, which is majorly captured in Ahmedabad and Jaipur.

The music for "Kai Po Che!" is by Amit Trivedi, and Javed Akhtar has penned the lyrics.

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I like taking risks, says Sushant Singh Rajput

Sushant Singh Rajput has proved himself as a dancer, a theatre artist and TV actor. Now he is ready to take on the big screen, and feels taking risks has been fruitful for him.

Sushant shot to fame with TV show "Pavitra Rishta", but he shocked his fans when he decided to quit it at the peak of his career. 

"I am the kind of person who likes taking risks. I quit 'Pavitra Rishta' because I wanted to go abroad and study films, but that did not happen," he said.

"I always do what I want to. I got all-India rank seven in engineering, got a scholarship from the government. During the first semester, I was a part of Shiamak Davar's dance troupe, during the second semester, I joined Barry John's theatre classes and in my sixth semester, I quit."

"I wanted to go ahead and pursue my dream because I realised that I love it when performing on stage or I am on camera," Sushant told. 

The 26-year-old is all set to begin his journey on silver screen with "Kai Po Che".

Sushant believes he is a performer - medium irrespective.

"For me the only difference was with the paychecks that I got. I have been a performer throughout whether it was dancing with Shiamak, doing theatre with Barry or playing Manav in 'Pavitra Rishta' and now in 'Kai Po Che'.
"As an actor it is just the medium that has changed for me. Everything else remains the same," he said.

Directed by Abhishek Kapoor of "Rock On!!" fame, the film is the big screen adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's book "The 3 Mistakes of My Life".

Sushant, who plays cricket enthusiast Ishaan in the film, says the script made him decide on to "Kai Po Che" as debut film. 

"After quitting 'Pavitra Rishta' and doing 'Jhalak Dikhla Jaa', I started getting film offers. Among the seven to eight offers I got, 'Kai Po Che' was one. When I read the script, I just loved it. I auditioned for it and got the role," he said.

The film portrays the journey of three friends as they discover cricket, religion and business in their respective fields. Actors Raj Kumar Yadav, Amit Sadh and Amrita Puri will play prominent roles in the film. 

Sushant says he read the book after shooting a major portion of the movie. So he has sketched his character according to the script, and not the book. 

"I read 'The 3 Mistakes...' after I shot for almost 60 per cent of the film. I have read 'Five Point Someone', 'Revolution 2020' and '2 States'. This is the only book that I missed on and got a film."

"I have sketched my character according to the film. I don't know if it will be difficult for audiences to relate to my character with the character in the book. But when the ones who have read the book see the movie, they will be pleasantly surprised. The book is superb, but I have to say that the film is going to be amazing," he said.

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Star of tomorrow? Yashraj gives 3-Film offer to Sushant Singh Rajput

If the demand for an actor is a barometer for his success than young Sushant Singh Rajput is definitely the star of tomorrow. At least two of the largest production houses in Bollywood, UTV and Yashraj Films are currently considering Rajput for exclusive deals. 


The young actor who made his mark on television before making the transition to cinema earlier this year with UTV’s film adaptation of Chetan Bhagat’s The 3 Mistakes Of My Life was called by Aditya Chopra last month to discuss an exclusive 3-film contract with Yashraj. 

Says our source from Yashraj, “Adi immediately offered him the parallel lead with Arjun Kapoor in Aurangzeb. Also, Aditya Chopra had seen Sushant Singh Rajput’s dancing in Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa. He wanted to make a full-fledged dance film with Rajput. A third film would have been finalized later. ”

Unfortunately UTV would not allow Rajput to sign any outside contacts. 

A friend of the actor spilled the beans, “Aditya Chopra met Sushant and told him he had seen his work on television and had big screen plans for the young actor. Adi Chopra wanted to sign Sushant for a 3-film contract. ” 


Since the young actor was already under contract with UTV he asked for time to speak to UTV before getting back. 


Says Rajput’s friend, “Sushant would have to fulfil his 2-film deal with UTV before he can sign anything else with an outside banner. They’ve invested so much in the Chetan Bhagat adaptation Kai Po Che. They expect Sushant’s career to take off in a big way. UTV naturally wants to cash in on his popularity once his debut film is released. ” 

Says Sushant Rajput’s friend, “Sushant has already lost one Yashraj film Aurangzeb which was to start in the next couple of months. He has also lost Mukesh and Mahesh Bhatt’s Aashiqui 2 which has now gone to Aditya Roy Kapoor. ” 

The latest development in the Rajput imbroglio is that UTV has agreed to put a time frame to the actor’s exclusive contract. 

Says Sushant’s friend, “UTV’s second project with Sushant Rajput has to be launched before January 2013. If they fail to do so, Sushant is free to sign any film. ”

Would Aditya Chopra be willing to wait for Sushant Singh Rajput to complete the obligation with UTV? 

Sushant Singh Rajput remained unavailable for comment.

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All Leading actors refused to star in 'Kai Po Che'

Director Abhishek Kapoor, who is adapting Chetan Bhagat's book '3 Mistakes of My Life' for the big screen, says leading Bollywood actors refused to be a part of 'Kai Po Che' because it is a multi-starrer

The film stars Sushant Singh Rajput of "'Pavitra Rishta' fame, 'Love Sex And Dhokha' actor Raj Kumar Yadav, TV actor Amit Sadh and 'Aisha' actress Amrita Puri. Kapoor said he initially approached few big stars for his movie but was turned down by them because they didn't want to star in a three hero film. 

"Initially I tried to get some big names on board but they all had some apprehensions because they didn't want to work in three-hero film. 

Especially the younger lot as they are so vulnerable - they think 'If I do this film then what will be my future? ', " Kapoor told in an interview. However, the 'Rock On' director is glad he didn't spend much time running behind the stars and is satisfied with his choice of actors. 

"I wouldn't change the script to suit anyone. They are three friends and they should be equal. It should not be that one is a hero and other two are flunkies. Big actors are not authorities on what is a good film or bad film. I can't decide my career trajectory based on what stars want.

"If you want to work with stars then you should make movies which they like... I want to make movies which I like. I can't do everything for money and short term. I would like my movie to be appreciated 50 years down the line, " he said. 

The film is set in Gujarat and follows the story of three boys - Ishaan, Omi and Govind. Kapoor said that although the movie is based on Bhagat's novel he has changed about 50-60 per cent of the story line. 

"It is based on Chetan's book but to change a book to screenplay is a huge process. The adaptation takes a while and a lot of changes are made. " 

"I would say about 50-60 per cent is changed but the characters and the heart of the film is still the book. Cinematically I felt it is a good opportunity for me to tell an already told story and add value to it, " he said. Kapoor also said unlike many other directors who are running behind the 100 crore club he has no interest in it and thinks the whole thing is a big joke. 


"The 100 crore club is just a joke... 100 crores is just a standard now. Its not that the films are great, they have just opened well. The weekend collection is not the only thing. I work hard on my stories and films so I would want them to be seen by people across and not just crash after the weekend. So actually bad films are doing 100 crore, " he said. 

The filmmaker, who is returning to the director's chair after a gap of three years, said he was in no rush to make another movie after the success of "Rock On".

"I actually took a very long holiday after 'Rock On' and I was in no rush to make another film. I don't feel that insecurity may be because I have seen so much failure that I am not worried what will happen to me if I don't make one film every year. This is the privilege of being self employed. "

Kapoor, who started his career with acting in "Uff! Yeh Mohabbat" in 1996, has his focus on direction now but hasn't ruled out acting in a film. "I do get offers but nothing has really struck. I wouldn't say I don't want to act but nothing exciting is coming my way.

I am not pursuing it either because I am completely into my scripts. Working with these actors is also making me learn so I think I am still in learning process as an actor, maybe when I am ready I will take an opportunity, " he said.

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