Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra to have on-screen romance

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Not all is well between Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. The stories of their breakups and settling things and breaking up and then again settling things up has become a regular affair. They have hardly managed to keep things on track. But when they were going steady and seeing each other, Kunal Kohli signed them for his next film.

No doubt, he had made a good choice of getting the pair for the lead as they were dating in real life too. However, calamity struck Kohli even before the shooting of the film had started. (As usual) Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra saw their relation again hitting the rocks. Kohli wonders what will happen to his film.

However, he believes in the professionalism of both the actors. They do give a good shot when before the camera. But the situation is not too good on the sets once the shooting stops.

A source reveals that there is tension for sure. Both Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra have almost zero interaction between them when they are giving the shots. Once any specific shot is over, they turn a blind eye towards each other. There is such a great amount of hatred towards each other that none of them rehearses with each other.

The results may not be too good for the film. We just pray for the best!

Katrina Kaif denies approaching Pankaj Kapoor for Mausam role

It was reported, or may be rumored, that Katrina Kaif had approached Pankaj Kapoor for a role in the film Mausam. She said that these statements are totally baseless and holds no truth at all. Mausam happens to be the directorial debut of Pankaj Kapoor – Shahid Kapoor’s father.

A source from Katrina’s side said that Katrina Kaif has attained a position in Bollywood, where she has the position to pick the roles of her choice. Producers and directors approach her instead of being vice versa. So, all the news going around are no less than rumors, the source is believed to have said.

The unknown source even said that, the rumors are spread by those people who have vested interests. Well, one thing is true though. Katrina has risen to the position where she has the privilege to pick the roles that come her way.

Currently, Katrina Kaif is busy with the two films she is shooting for. One of them is Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara. Her other film happens to be the Yash Raj’s Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. She has already her hands full of films as of now.

I am not related to Bani at all: Shahid Kapoor

Shahid Kapoor is already trying to woo back Priyanka Chopra again at any cost. To add to that he is now being linked to Bani. He is not at all happy with the developments and wants to clear the air. These types of unwarranted gossips in the air can derail Shahid’s love life for days to come.

Being linked to anyone else is the last thing that Shahid wants at this moment. He is very careful that he does not disturb the already fragile relation between him and Priyanka.

But in the meanwhile, as far as his link with VJ Bani is concerned, he thinks, it is the handiwork of Bani’s some of the close friends. The most possible reason could be Shahid and Bani share the same trainer – Abbas.

Still there are no comments coming from Priyanka’s side. However, it is just a matter of time before Priyanka says something. But remember, even if she chooses to keep silence on this, she is still conveying a lot of feelings.

Are Shahid And Priyanka Still On?

It is really difficult to predict if a couple is really in touch with each other or it is nothing more than a publicity stunts. Couples have done such publicity stunts before at the time of the release of major films to garner more and more support to make the film a hit.
However, whom we are now talking about is the charming lady and the current host of ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 3’, Priyanka Chopra. PC was seeing Shahid Kapoor, and we are all aware of that. We also know that they have stopped seeing each other now. So what’s new that we are saying?
Well, the two were seen (not exactly with each other), at the night show of ‘Dabangg’. They were at an Andheri multiplex, just days before. They arrived in separate cars. But, the two were at the show at the same time. Are we reading too much between the lines?

Kismat Konnection

I just returned from the opening show of Kismat Konnection starring Vidya Balan and Shahrukh Khan...oops, I mean Shahid Kapoor.



I have an announcement to make to Aziz Mirza, and any other Bollywood director who plans on casting Shahid Kapoor in the future: Shahid Kapoor is not Shahrukh Khan. He will never be Shahrukh Khan. He is Shahid Kapoor. And I like him just the way he is--when he is doing his own thing, like he was in Jab We Met and Vivah.

I mean, really, it was quite obvious that Mizra was trying to mold Shahid into "The Next Shahrukh Khan" in Kismat Konnection. Raj (yes, his name was Raj) had it all-- He made the same facial expressions and hand gestures. The tone of his voice was eerily similar. He even a Shahrukh-esque hairstyle. And to top it all off, King Khan himself opened the movie in a typical Bollywood narrative--as if to "pass the torch". Come on, people!



Shahid Kapoor looked completely out of his element in this comedic role. But then again, he was playing a part that was written for someone else--Shahrukh Khan. Aziz Mizra, who cast Shahrukh in previous films, said he did not ask him to play the lead in Kismat Konnection because he is getting to old for this type of thing. But Mizra apparently forgot that fact when making his film.

What's ironic about all of this is I believe Shahid has the possibility to become a very, very successful hero in Indian cinema--like Shahrukh Khan has--as long as he is himself. But this is not the answer. After all, Shahrukh Khan didn't climb his way to the top by emulating Amitabh Bachchan, did he?

But let me get to Kismat Konnection, which could have made me overlook all of that had it been a worthwhile film. Unfortunately--and it pains me to say this, because I was so excited--it was not.

The story has the basic rom-com sketch, minus anything special to grab ahold of you. Boy is having career problems and meets Girl. Boy uses Girl because she somehow holds the key to him getting a promotion or deal at work. In the process, Boy falls in love with Girl. Boy realizes he has to come clean with Girl before she finds out on her own of his deception. Sound familiar? I'm sure you can guess the outcome.



Sure, the whole "good luck charm" idea is a fresh little twist, but its not explored in great enough detail to make you care.

I took my three year old daughter to see this with me, and she kept acting up in the movie theater. But by the time intermission rolled around, I didn't mind the distraction. I realize I may have enjoyed the film a little more had I went by myself--But I honestly doubt it.

At the risk of sounding too filmi-wannabee, I'll say that, for me, a major weakness of the film was a lack of chemistry between the two leads. Vidya looked positively wooden in most of her light-hearted scenes with her costar, especially when she smiled. Maybe she was nervous--it seems like she's got a little crush on Shahid in real life (Get in line, Sister). But as for the film, I got nothing. There wasn't even enough written in the script for me to believe these two were falling for each other.

This was a huge disappointment, because I really wanted Shahid and Vidya to light the screen on fire, particularly for Vidya's sake. She sounded so excited about her onscreen jodi with Shahid in the interviews I'd read, and I really wanted her to have her moment where she could prove her critics wrong. Seriously, it seems like someone is always picking on her dancing, her fashion sense, her weight, and her lack of chemistry with her costars. And where the latter is concerned, this time, there was none.

As for her dancing and fashion sense, I just know Vidya's going to get heat for this. Some of her outfits were awful, and she looked really uncomfortable in her dance sequences (particularly the very last song). I think Vidya's a fine actress, but maybe, like Shahid, her role just wasn't suited for her.



And, speaking of the music, the songs in Kismat Konnection even failed to gain the attention of my three year old. Some of the visuals were cool, but...nothing too memorable.

The brightest spot in my experience at the theater today was a preview for a film about supermodels called Fashion starring Priyanka Chopra. It looks like it could be the ideal role for her--perhaps this will be her moment to prove she is more than just a pretty face. Or maybe it'll just be another Laaga Chunari Mein Daag...all glitter, no substance.

Well, it seems to be my kismet that every time I see a film on opening day its a letdown. Maybe next time I'll wait a day or two. Or maybe I need to find my own "good luck charm". Clearly, it's not my daughter...and it's not Shahid or Vidya!

Text © 2008 Nida Nazir Bitten By Bollywood

Vivah

Some people are going to find Vivah horribly boring. I can understand that. But it worked for me. I don't know how, or why exactly...but ...



It carried all the red flags of a film I would hate--shoddy subtitles (could be the copy I rented--it didn't look pirated but there were no previews at the beginning and the subtitles were worse than I've ever, ever seen...something I usually have very little patience for), a weak story, and mostly forgettable songs. However, something about the love story was so sweet and relaxing that none of those things mattered. Go figure (I'm not kidding about the subtitles, though--see for yourself below).




I've said it about the new Umrao Jaan and I'll say it here--The film had that typical "bleached out" look you see in pirated movies and low budget films. Much of the scenes reminded me of an Indian soap opera, which I actually don't happen to mind (reminds me of my childhood). However, to some it might just look cheap.

Vivah has a very basic story, with a script that feels like it crawls at a snail's pace. As Ajnabi so accurately put it, by intermission you feel like you're watching the film in "real time". This appears to be director Sooraj R. Barjatya's style, because like his older classic Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, the movie feels very much like a reality show of a family wedding. There's really not much more to it, which may be frustrating for some. It usually is for me, but for some reason in this film I loved the simplicity of it all.

There were so many aww moments Vivah. I'm not sure how old their characters were supposed to be, but Shahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao reminded me of two teenagers falling in love for the very first time. I could practically feel the butterflies in their stomachs! There were shy glances...


Lowered eyelids (wink, wink Ajnabi)...



Gazes from afar...



I truly felt excited and happy for Prem and Ponam, as if I was there celebrating their engagement along with everyone else.

Actually, if I'm being honest, most of the time I was daydreaming about Prem right along with Ponam. So there's a very good possibility that my reason for liking this film may have a lot to do with my crush on Shahid Kapoor.



Shahid had a lot of opportunities to be sweet here, and he made me melt every time.

I'm a sucker for stuff like that. For example, when Prem shows Ponam their future bedroom, we see there are framed photos of her relatives on the nightstand. Not only was this meant to make her feel at home, but Prem was showing that her family was his own because he loved her.


This was my first introduction to Amrita Rao.


Her character reminded me of a Disney princess like Cinderella or Snow White--Ponam was as kind as she was beautiful. She even had a "wicked stepmother" who was jealous of her and a handsome Prince Charming waiting to whisk her away. I don't know if I got to see enough of her personality in this film, but I can't really complain about her, either. Her beauty added a much needed glow to Vivah. It was hard to be bored when she kept popping up in different colored outfits, looking Princess-pretty every single time. I'm not exaggerating--Not one hair ever fell out of place. Not one.

Ok, on second thought, it was a bit sickening.

But how cute was the little girl who played the younger Ponam?



(***Spoilers ahead--if you haven't yet seen Vivah you may want to stop reading now***)

As in Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, director Sooraj R. Barjatya chose to wait until two-thirds of the movie had passed before throwing a plot twist in. At that point, it felt a little forced. Luckily, things weren't too long and drawn out--Once you got past the dreary hospital scenes, it wrapped up fairly quickly.

It would have been interesting if the fire had occured earlier on, and if the writers had explored in greater detail the aftermath of Ponam's injuries (Would Prem still love her and want to marry her if her face and body were scarred?). This film could have went into Satyam Shivam Sundaram territory minus the glamour and pigheaded hero (No offense, Shashi fans), and turned out a heartwrenching drama. But, for some reason, the movie shies away from any real repercussions, save Prem applying burn treatment to Ponam before making love to her on their wedding night.



Unlike the treasured songs of Barjatya's Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, the music in Vivah is mostly forgettable. "Mujhe Haq Hai" was pretty and "Hamari Shaadi" was fun, but neither was outstanding. I will, however, give the director a nod of appreciation for the first song (I can't find the name) which is played over Prem's first meeting with Ponam's family. The song's not that great, and there is no lipsynching or dancing, yet we are spared the agony of sitting through seven minutes of small talk and get to just observe their interactions with body language instead.

Aside: Prem's brother, played by Samir Soni, looked a lot like Chris Noth from Sex and the City fame. Does anybody else think so?



I'm sure you figured out that my decision to finally rent Vivah had a lot to do with my being in a Shahid Kapoor mood. This came on the heels of a Jab We Met hangover (I rewatched it the other day with a friend) and a delightful discovery that Kismat Konnection is actually playing at my local theater. I'll be going on Friday, so stay tuned...Let's hope this one is a good one!

Text © 2008 Nida Nazir Bitten By Bollywood

Jab We Met

Dear Kareena Kapoor,

I owe you an apology.

Frankly, I never liked you very much. I really don't know why. It could have been the way you and SRK pawed at each other in that dreadful hotel scene in Don. Or maybe it was the voice in the back of my head during Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham that kept shouting, "Paris Hilton!" every time you were onscreen. Or perhaps I thought you were arrogant after reading some comments you made about your peers on Bollywhat.com.
Whatever the case was, one thing was clear- you were not one of my favorite actresses.

Until I saw Jab We Met, a darling romantic comedy that delighted me from beginning to end. This movie made me realize I was wrong. How foolish I was to judge you off of two performances and some quotes about Salman Khan (who I happen to also think can't really act)!


You were awesome as Geet! I didn't know you had it in you, Bebo! I could learn to love you like this. You were spunky, witty, adorable, full of life... You even did a good job at fake-crying! And your au naturale look really showed off your hidden gorgeousness. For the first time I didn't think about the Paris Hilton thing!

Bravo, Kareena. Thank you (and mostly your production crew) for giving us a romantic comedy that doesn't consist of the two leads hopping into bed together and falling in love later (if ever). Pay attention, Hollywood...


And although I may be making a hasty decision here based off of one viewing, I'm going to say this next comment anyways: Forget the mild similarities to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. I liked this movie even better than DDLJ.

If it wouldn't be too awkward for you (Because let's not kid ourselves, we've all read the stories), please pass this message onto your costar: His portrayal of Aditya was just as memorable. This character was exactly what I would want in a man. The guy had just been dumped, and may have moped around for most of the beginning, but he dropped his baggage in a flash once he saw what a gem Geet was. He never said to her, "Well, I've just been through a lot, so I need some time to heal before jumping into anything serious". No. He wasn't going to let this one get away. And I appreciated that there was no cliched "resurfacing" of his ex towards the end, forcing him to choose between her and Geet. In fact, she was never mentioned again after the love story started to kick in. Aditya was falling for Geet, and never once looked back at the woman who had left him. He never made her feel like she would be second best. Whoo-hoo! Now that's a man.


I'm glad you and your ex turned out Jab We Met before things got ugly. The world is a better place because of it, I'm convinced. Your cute little movie was so good, I've moved it onto my favorites shelf, right next to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Dil Chata Hai. It deserves to be there.

Well, Kareena, you did it. You managed to change my opinion about you and give me a new movie to love, all in one shot. Thanks again for the good work-- I'll be looking forward to your next films. In the meantime, I'll be recommending this one to anyone who will listen.

Oh! And one more thing...If you didn't want Shahid, you could have just passed him along this way. Seriously.

Text © Copyright Nida Nazir 2008 Link to Home