Ajay wants to earn his stripes

The actor will shoot with a Bengal Tiger for Himmatwala. But will use a body double for the riskier 'action' scenes

In August this year, when the launched his film Himmatwala Sajid Khan released a poster of Ajay Devgn who had evidently 'belled' the big cat. There was plenty of speculation at that time about the computer-generated poster and the film, which would see Sajid graduate from monkeys, crocodiles and other reptiles to the Royal Bengal Tiger.

    Well, tigers do seem  to be the flavour of the season. And after Salman Khan declared that for Sher Khan he wants a tiger that can give Richard Parker (of life of Pi fame) a run for his stripes, Ajay and Sajid have decided to tackle the big cat head on. According to sources, Sajid and Ajay are flying to a farm in Mauritius that specialises in animals trained for the big screen. Apparently, it is for a pivotal scene in the film that is inspired by Amitabh Bachchan's hand-to-paw combat in Mr Natwarlal. Interestingly, the stunt director of that memorable scene was Ajay's father Veeru Devgn.
    A friend of Sajid told Mirror, "Sajid's films are incomplete without animals. The tiger is an intrinsic part of his Himmatwala. If Ajay has to rescue the tiger, he has to fight one. The sequence will be shot in Mauritius over seven days under sonstant supervision by stunt co-ordinators and experts.

    Unlike in India, in Mauritius, filming of animals is allowed."
    However, Mirror has learnt that while Ajay will shoot a few scenes with the tiger, there will be stunt double for the riskier close-up sequences.
    A source close to Ajay said, "Sajid wanted to use computer graphics and special effects but it was Ajay who insisted on shooting at least a few secens with the tiger. He likes to push the envelope and he had a long chat with Sajid in Hyderabad about this."
    In a text message, Sajid confirmed the news: "Yes, I am leaving for Mauritius tomorrow where Ajay will shoot with the tiger."

SALMAN DROPS THE P-BOMB

Declares in Dubai that he is Priyanka's favourite co-star these days and even calls up a friend to finalise a film with her

A month after this newspaper published exclusive pictures as proof of Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra's new camaraderie, the stars more or less made it official in Dubai.

    PeeCee and Salman were slated to perform at a concert in the historic district of Bur Dubai last night and have been staying in the same hotel. And that is where their bonhomie became all too evident.
    It started with a press conference that the two stars attended. Both Salman and PeeCee were seen doodling on a piece of paper towards the end of the conference. While Salman faces, PeeCee was doodling just to humour him.
    On a more serious note, the two carried their warm vibes backstage where they met a select media group. In his inimitable style Salman declared: "I didn't choose Priyanka or the others to perform with me. They (pointing to PeeCee and Zarine Khan, Sophie Choudry) chose me," he said, adding, "I am Priyanka's favourite co-star of late."
    As for PeeCee, she grabbed the opportunity to reaffirm her friendship with Salman: "Yup!" she said grinning widely and later showered praises on her new 'friend.'
    As was being speculated, Salman may have just designed a film for Priyanka. According to sources in Dubai, the actors were ensconced in Salman's suite all afternoon with Sohail Khan and PeeCee's manager. "There was a series of meeting. And they did not emerge till late for their rehearsals," added the source travelling with the stars. Buzz is, they were discussing a forthcoming Sallu starrer. And as a final seal of approval, Salman, says our source, made a long conference call to a 'friend' in Mumbai. He ended the conversation with "Chal abhi woh picture banata hain."
    Except the 'friend' to reveal himself very soon.

Help Mr India tackle Magambo for Rs 1500

Manmohan Shetty takes us through his dream project, a Bollywood theme park on the Expressway

Three years in the making, Manmohan Shetty's most ambitious project is finally taking space. Spread over 300 acres on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the Bollywood theme park is budgeted at a whopping Rs 1600 crore.
    Sitting at his plush Andheri office along with his daughters Pooja and Aarti, Shetty told Mirror, "Building the aprk is like making 200 films together. But thankfully, my dream is finally coming true. I was toying with the idea for six-seven years. And it has been a roller-coaster ride. It took over a year-and-half to convince the banks about my vision." Reportedly, Shetty is paying the remaining sum as equity.
    Five minutes from the Khopoli Railway Station, we spotted several workers busy creating the park on Khopoli-Pali road. When asked about the main attractions of this new park, Shetty said there would be five.
1) MR INDIA RIDE: The characters of the 1987 blockbuster - Mr India and Seema take you on a ride. Along with them, you fight Mogambo to save the world. The famous villain is holding a few kids as hostage as well. And of course, there would be Calendar. "What's more Anil (Kapoor) and Sridevi have dubbed for the ride," revealed Shetty.
2) SOARING OVER INDIA: A flying experience, in this you can get an aerial view of the country. "Special effects will do the trick," Shetty told us.
3) WRATH OF GOD: Agni, Vayu and Jal came together. 160 people experience free fall as the platform gives way. Buildings fall around you. "There's bound to be scream," Pooja (Shetty's daughter) sounds confident.
4) SALIMGARH: Monstrous activities happen inside the fort. Characters pop out of walls as you sit in a cart. "It's a 4D interaction," explained Aarti (Shetty's younger daughter).
5) ALIBABA AUR 40 CHOR: You are travelling through ancient Middle East on a cart shooting at thieves. "The cart moves so fast, it's hard to focus," Shetty told us.
    Priced at Rs 1500 a stub, the entry ticket may appear expensive. "This isn't a multiplex that a family nas to visit four times a month. One needs around two days to see the park properly. And we will have a hotel inside the premises. And we will have a hitel inside the premises. There will be five-six theme based restaurants as well," Pooja justified.

Not Ranbir's screen parents

Rishi and Neetu Kapoor play Haryani cops in Besharam

Rumour had it that apart from Ranbir Kapoor headlining Abhinav Kashyap's next Besharam, his parents too would play definitive roles in the film.

    And while Mirror can tell you it is true both Rishi and Neetu Kapoor have been roped in the filmmaker, the latest development is that contrary to popular perception they won't be seen as Ranbir's parents in the film. Rather, they will portray Haryanvi cops. Neetu will be the loud, aggressive one while Rishi will be her soft-spoken counterpart.
    According to a source close to the film, Abhinav thought of casting Neetu only later after he was sure the role was meaty enough to offer her. "Recently, he narrated the script to hre and she was game to be part of the film. Ranbir is very excited since this will be the first time he will share screen space with his mother. whom he is extremely close to," the source said. Apparently, Abhinav had always wanted to make a film with Ranbir and Rishi Kapoor. Getting Neetu on board proved to be the icing on the cake.
    While Ranbir will start shooting anytime now, his parents will join him later.
   

Shaad film waits for Ram Leela

While he hasn't directed a film since Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom (2007), Shaad Ali will have to wait some more before he starts his next project Kill Dill starring Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone.

    Reason being both actors are currently busy with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ram Leela and Shaad, who is a huge fan of Bhansali's work and who wants to cast both Ranveer and Deepika in his film, has no qualms about waiting for Ram Leela to get over before he starts work on his next.
    A source close to the film said, "Having decided on his pal Ranveer for the film, Shaad thought he would start his film by January 2013 by sharing Ranveer's dates with Bhansali. But now Shaad also wants his other pal Deepika in the film. That means both artistes have to be free of their commitment to Bhansali's Ram Leela before plunging into Shaad's Kill Dill."
    Apparently, Shaad rang up Bhansali to discuss dates issue and it was mutually agreed Shaad would wait for Ram Leela to get over.
    "It's not just about dates, Ranveer also needs to look different for Shaad's film. In Ram Leela, he spots a moustache and beard. In Kill Dill, he needs to be clean-shaven," the source added.

It ain't being easy being Mrs Borat

Being married to Sacha Baron Cohen can't be easy. The star of Ali G, Borat and The Dictator is a zany and unpredictable in real life as he is on screen, or so says the long-suffering Mrs Baron Cohen, better known as actress Isla Fisher.

    "I cannot tell you how embarrassing he is in social situations," says flame-haired Isla. "To him, there's no difference between the awkward gaffes he deliberately makes as a comic, and the terrible faux pas he innocently commits as my husband."
    According to Isla, "He once told Diane Keaton at a dinner party that she should have won an Oscar for her performance in The Kids Are All Right because he thought she was Annette Benning. Another time, he asked Oscar-winning Cate Blanchett as to what she did for a living." Perhaps 'his worst graffe', according to her, was at the screening of a Jack Black movie, when a buxom woman made a very long speech followed by a very short address by Jack. Isla explained that Sacha told Jack, "Why did you make such a short speech? You should have shut up the woman with the big bosoms and said more yourself." To which, Jack said through gritted teeth, "That was my mother." But even that didn't silence Sacha and he further told Jack, "Well, at least your mother has a fabulous bosom." Apparently, Sacha then turnes to Isla and told her, "You've always wanted larger breasts, haven't you, Isla?"
     Isla said she wanted the floor to swallow her up at the time. "I would like to think Sacha is putting in rehearsel time for all those hilarious gaffes his characters amke in movies. But I'm by no means certain that's why he does it. I don't think he can help himself!'

Lilo hires a private investigator

Lindsay Lohan is not just going to sit around and wait for Tiffany Mitchell to sue her. So she's hired a private investigator to dig into the life of the woman who accused her of assault, a leading website has learned. As previously reported, Mitchell has hired Gloria Allred to represent her, following an alleged altercation with Lindsay in a New York nightclub. But sources close to Lindsay say Lilo thinks Mitchelll just made up the story about the punching to score a quick payday. Lindsay feels Mitchell is another person who see her as an opportunity to make a quick buck.
    Lindsay has hired a P.I. to look into Mitchell and see it she has any criminal past or if she's done anything like this before. Lindsay wants to dig up as much info on Mitchell so that she's ready should Mitchell pursue the case in civil court.

Jolie wants to quit acting

Angelina Jolie is ready to quit acting and be a stay-a-home mother. The A-list star, 37, who has six children with hunk Brad Pitt, 48, also said she wants to spend more time doing charity work instead of being paid millions as a Hollywood star.

    Oscar winner Angelina, who shot to fame after playing Lara Croft in Tomb Raider in 2001, had previously only hinted she wanted to spend more time as a mother and humanitarian. But while speaking in her role as UN special envoy about a mission to help rape victims in war-torn Syria, Angelina went on record to say, "I think I'm goning to have to give up acting as the kid hit the teenage years anyway. Because there is going to be too much to manage at home. I've enjoyed being an actress and I'm so grateful for the job. I have been able to tell stories that matter....I wake up in the morning as a mum and turn on the news like everybody else and see what's happening in the world. I want to be a part of the world in a positive way."

    Brad and Angelina are parents to - Maddox, 11, Pax, eight, Zahara, seven, Shiloh, six, and four-year-old twins Knox and - Vivienne.

Brad's bloody good as action hero

Battered Brad Pitt looks as if he's been filming Fight Club II. And the Hollywood star's latest rough and tumble role is far from plain sailing, as our pictures show. In World War Z Brad plays a UN worker trying to save the planet from zombies, and in one scene, falls out of a crashed jet. Brad needed a stunt body double plus extra dollops of blood on the Berkshire set to get it right. But, at 48, the hunky actor showed his career as an action hero is still top flight.

'Manyata i professional but I'm not'

Back in 'action' with Samy, a leaner and meaner Sanjay Dutt met us at his Bandra residence. Dressed in a white shirt and denims, the actor looked relaxed as he spoke about the one woman who has made his life 'beautiful' and production plans easier. Excerpts....

   
What's next for Sanjay Dutt Productions? You mentioned talking to Rohit Shetty, Milan Luthria and Prabhu Dheva....
Nothing is finalised. They are all very busy. They will work with me when they have the time. As a producer, I am not into the habit of pushing people.

Several younger actors have set up their production houses and doing rather well. What do you think has worked for them and what has been an eye opener for you?
There is no eye opener for me. I know one thing- if I turn producer, things are going to move very slowly. And thus, production is handled by my wife. I take care of the creative. She is more corporate like the younger actors. I will just end up spending everything.

Your recent release Son Of Sardaar touched 100 crore mark? Do you associate yourself with numbers?
I can't associate with numbers, though it's a good feeling. I associate myself with good roles.

But as a producer, you have to think about numbers...
That's where my wife comes in. If I am the producer, all my projects would go way over budget.

How has she affected your work?
She doesn't influence my decision on films. Just my lifestyle. She has given me two beautiful kids taken care of my family and production house. She is a perfect combination of intelligence and love. Also, she is very professional - a quality I lack.

Everyone is waiting for Munna Bhai 3...
I am tired of asking Raju (hirani) to start the project.

While everything is falling in place, Ashtavinayak's Sher seems to be in trouble. What kind of a setback is it?
A lot of hard work has been put in. It's a good movie being made. And that's why it feels bad. We shot for 45 days in Jaipur in scorching heat. A good part of the film is complete. Just one song and a few scenes are left. Let's see what happens...

You and Sanjay Gupta hugged at Amitabh Bachchan's party?
Yes, we are now back on line. He is a brother. Ghar ke andar jhagde hote hai. It was just one moment. We were in front of each other and we hugged.

You look more at  peace today, than ever before...
Yes, I just pray to God that the judgement that is about to be passed, is in my favour. Toh mazaa aa jaayega. I want nothing else.

Do Aur Do Paanch Revisited

Anil Vohra's remake of the 1980 film starring Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor is likely to have Ajay Devgn in Big B's role

A little-remembered but incorrigibly funny film - Do Aur Do Paach- is the latest to jump onto the 'remake' bandwagon. Producer Anil Vohra seems to have woken up to the potential of the 1980 film and bought its remake rights from Chennai-based producer C Dhandayuthapani. He is now looking at refurbishing the script of the film that remains the most underrated of all the 70s-80s films featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor in the lead.

    In the original film, Amitabh and Shashi play con-men who are hired to kidnap an heir-apparent from his school, where they masquerade as teachers in order to win over the child's confidence. It was directed by Rakesh Kumar, who also directed Amitabh starrers Khoon Pasina, Mr Natwarlal and Yaarana.
   Elaborating on his plan, Vohra said, "I was happy to seek the producer out. He has been associated with an all-time blockbuster like Haathi Mere Saathi. Our basic plot remains the same but some situations need to be reworked in the modern context. I feel Do Aur Do Paanch is among Bachchan's most neglected comedies. It has immense potential."
   The remake will be directed by Ajay Devgn's brother Anil Devgan, who has wielded the megaphone in Raju Chacha and Blackmail. We hear the Bol Bachchan duo will return with Ajay Devgn cast in Amitabh's role and Abhishek Bachchan reprising Shashi's character.
    Asked about the casting, Vohra refused to divulge much. "I am not in a position to talk about the casting. But yes, Anil Devgan is directing the film. We're also going to get the title song from the original Do Aur Do Paanch that was composed by Rajesh Roshan in our remake, no matter what it takes. We've bought the remake rights. We're now ready to negotiate with Saregama for the title track Jo soche...hum woh hain jo do aur do paanch banade."