Whose baby is it anyway?

Santoshi's not so (Andaz Apna) Apna

The director may be keen on a sequel, but turns out he doesn't own the rights to make one

On 3rd September, this newspaper reported that after wrapping up Phata Poster Nikla Hero, Rajkumar Santoshi is keen to cast Ranbir Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor in the sequel to his 1994-hit Andaz Apna Apna.

However, it seems Santoshi may not be in the position to take any calls related to the film, and his "dream-cast" may end up as just that - a dream.
Mirror has learnt that the title and the intellectual property rights of Andaz Apna Apna belong to Vinay Sinha, the producer of the original film and not to Santoshi. When contacted Sinha said: "I, alone am the owner of the IPR in the Derivative Rights of the film Andaz Apna Apna and solely entitled to make any prequel, sequel, remake, etc. of the same."

When asked whether he plans to take the franchise forward at all, he said: "We are in the process of undertaking the production, and will make an announcement on the director and the cast within a month."

Industry insiders say that it was Santoshi's high-handedness that led to his ouster.

From what Mirror has gathered, Santoshi was offered the project in 2009, but he demanded a staggering fee of Rs 5 crore. The production asked him to tone down the amount, but Santoshi was not only adamant on the money, but also kept delaying the project. Eventually, the production house had no option, but to approach other directors.

Despite repeated attempts, Santoshi remained unavailable for comment.

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The war between the producer and the creators gathers steam

Fighting over Vidya: A twist in the Kahaani

Only a few months back, director and co-producer of Kahaani, Sujoy Ghosh, was ousted from the sequel after he had a fallout with PEN.

On July 17, 2013 Mirror had reported how CMD of PEN India Pvt Ltd and the co producer of the 2012 thriller, Jayantilal Gada replaced Ghosh with Kundan Shah.

The decision came after Ghosh sent a letter to Gada allegedly asking for a whopping Rs 35 crore for the sequel to the 2012 thriller.

Although, according to PEN, the rights of Kahaani and its sequel, prequel or remake rests with the company, Ghosh insists that he has the sole right to take Vidya Bagchi's story forward.

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Facing the music: A Krazzy case of copying

In 2008 music composer Ram Sampath set a precedent when he dragged the Roshans to court for copyright violations in their film Krazzy 4.

Sampath had created a tune The Thump for a television commercial (for a mobile phone manufacturer) featuring Hrithik Roshan. Rakesh Roshan, apparently liked the music and requested the company for permission to use the song in the movie.

In a landmark order for the entertainment industry, justice D G Karnik in the morning held that Rakesh and Rajesh Roshan were prima facie guilty of copyright violations and plagiarism. 

Fifty Shades locks its stars

 Seeing as the producers of The Social Network, Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti, are also producing Fifty Shadesit's perhaps not that eyebrow-raising a casting decision.

Charlie, 33, has been in Children of Men, Cold Mountain and Pacific Rim. He's also been in something called 1, 2, 3 Frankie Go Boomwhich we haven't seen, but that sounds excellent. He's perhaps best known though for his turn as Nathan Maloney in the TV series Queer As Folk.

Sam Taylor-Wood will direct the film which has had everyone from Emma Watson to Cara Delevingne in the frame to play sexually naive student Ana, while names being bandied about for the Christian role included Michael Fassbender, Robert Pattinson and Ian Somerhalder.Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam to play the lead in a film based on the E L James bestseller.

Stop the rumour-mongering! It's all over. All bets are off - stop waving that tenner in the air. EL James, author of the eye-wateringly successful Fifty Shades trilogy, has announced via Twitter that her heroine, Anastasia Steele, is going to be played by 23-year-old Dakota Johnson and that her S&M-loving billionaire Christian Grey is to be played by Brit actor Charlie Hunnam.

Never heard of them? Not surprising. Dakota is best known for supporting roles in The Social Network (in which she appeared in a scene with Justin Timberlake) and The Five Year Engagement.

Ekta, Akki, Ajay to fight it out

 "Akshay Kumar has already announced the arrival of Gabbar on 15th August next year. On the other hand Ajay Devgn too has sounded off all involved that Singham 2 would arrive on the same date. Now Balaji is also eyeing the same date to release its still untitled Emraan Hashmi and Kareena Kapoor starrer, which is being co-produced by Dharma Productions," a source informed.

Interestingly, Singham 2 is directed by Rohit Shetty and this in turn means another Rohit-Ekta war at the box office. "Even though OUATIMD and Chennai Express were separated by a week, they ate into each other's business. One can well imagine the kind of mayhem it will create at the box office if three big films release on the same day," an industry insider pointed out.
Though Ajay has already said that he would want to avoid such a clash, it is yet to be seen who blinks first.Although Ekta Kapoor shares a good rapport with both her Once Upon... stars, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn, she might just find herself in a box-office tussle with the two next August. The buzz is that the three are planning to release their respective film on the same day-15th August next year.

When Ram Charan got a call from Sallu

The Zanjeer actor has been offered a role in Salman's home production.

Even before his first Hindi film Zanjeer hits the theatres, southern star Ram Charan Teja has landed another Bollywood project. And the offer came from none other than Salman Khan.

According to sources, on Monday evening Salman invited the actor to his house and offered him a role in a Salman Khan Productions film. The shooting will start next year.
A source told Mirror: "Salman has got a shooting break from Sohail Khan's Mental and Sajid Nadiadwala's Kick and was chilling out at his house with a few friends. In the middle of a discussion he suddenly called up Ram Charan and asked him if he can drop by for a while."
Within an hour, a rather nervous Ram Charan at Salman's house.It is interesting to note that Salman's father Salim Khan, who cowrote the 1973 film along with Javed Akhtar, is locked in a legal battle with the producers over the Zanjeer remake—Ram Charan's debut vehicle.

And on Monday the Bombay High Court had refused to put a stay order on the release of the film. However, the actor eventually warmed up to Salman. "They were talking about Ram Charan's future projects. Salman took the actor by surprise when he casually offered him a role in his home production," the source said.

Duggu plans a big fat birthday bash for dad

The Roshan clan is leaving no stone unturned to make Rakesh Roshan's upcoming anniversary an unforgettable event with Hrithik and sister Sunaina playing party planners.

Mirror has managed to get a photograph of the gold and black invite which has been sent out to the filmmaker's close circle of friends.

Talking about the celebrations, a source close to the family said, "Duggu is the last person to throw parties. He usually prefers to spend time with his family and only attends parties when his friends insist. But he is really excited about this one. It will not be a big do, it will be a private but lavish affair."

The guest list will include Rakesh and wife Pinky's friends including Jeetendra and Rishi Kapoor who are expected to attend with their families.
Besides the oldies, few friends of Hrithik like Karan Johar, Farhan Akhtar, Preity Zinta, Siddharth Anand and Katrina Kaif too are expected to come.

The star cast of Krrish 3 including Vivek Oberoi, Priyanka Chopra and Kangna Ranaut, too have confirmed their presence, the source told us.

Hrithik is busy finalising the menu right now and the fare on offer will include all his father's favourite delicacies.

Daughter in law Susanne's family and friends including Gauri Khan and Zayed Khan are also expected to make an appearance.

Earlier Mirror was the first to report about Hrithik's private birthday bash on a yacht for his select few friends.

I was caught kissing in the cover of night

Randeep Hooda talks about his odd jobs and fond memories.

What are your fondest memories of Rohtak, your hometown?

They are mostly of my Nani's. I remember how she used to hunt me down every time I ran away to escape my tuitions. She would send my uncles looking for me in the weirdest of places.

I would often take this bus and go to a nearby village where I had hordes of animal friends. I was hardly around four or five years old then. The conductor was so used to seeing me hop on to the bus and get down at the same place, that he never asked any questions. The strangest part is, he never asked for a ticket either!

You made your debut in theatres as a writer, adapting Lee Blessing's A Walk in the Woods. You have also written a few columns. Have you ever considered taking up writing as a full-time career?

Honestly, I find writing to be a very lonely job. Although, I wouldn't take it up professionally, after writing these columns, I have realised that I am not incapable of putting my thought on paper.

You did various odd jobs while you were studying in Melbourne. Any interesting episode?

Oh I can write a thesis on that! From being a waiter, to a door-to-door salesman, to a car-washer, to a delivery boy-I have done it all. I remember driving around the city in a delivery van which had a stuffed gorilla perched on top. And when I graduated from being the delivery boy to a waiter, I remember the owner of the restaurant taking me to people and introducing me as Dharmendra!
You have a stable of horses and also own a polo team now. Quite an animal lover?

I find solace in animals. I have got a stray dog at home called Candy. I picked it up while I was waiting at the airport one day. I always wanted to have a 'macho' dog but got this sweet little thing instead (laughs).

Were you one of those naughty kids in your boarding school?

Oh you would not want to go there! From throwing bricks and breaking beehives to getting caught kissing girls in the cover of night, I have tried 'naughty' from almost every angle possible (chuckles).

Didn’t know I had a dark side until now

Vivek Oberoi on work, wife, fatherhood and enjoying his villainous turn in Krrish 3.

His villainous turn in Krrish 3 is being dubbed a make or break moment for Vivek Oberoi but the actor seemed at ease as we caught up with him in Film City on his birthday yesterday. Excerpts from the interview...

Your past films this year - KLPD and Zilla Ghaziabad did not fare well. How important is the success of Krissh 3 to resurrect your career?

I do not believe in resurrection. I think I have done fairly well in Bollywood and I am reasonably proud of my body of work. If tomorrow I were to retire I know I will be remembered, because I have a few memorable films in my portfolio. My character Kaal in Krrish 3 revels in revenge, hatred and darkness. It's the fuel of this character and it bought me closer to my dark side, one I didn't even know I had. So, the idea now is to expand my portfolio and do diverse roles.

If that is the idea, what makes you do films that put you in a tee shirt with Mallika Sherawat?

These films attracted me on the basis of their concept. On paper it looked very lucrative but unfortunately did not translate on screen. A number of issues happened. But am I embarrassed of them? No. I'd still get into a tee with Riteish and Aftab to promote our film Grand Masti. (Laughs)

Despite the fact that the film has already faced criticism for its brand of humour...

Ideally I wouldn't have done a film like this. At best, I am a reluctant participant. When I read the script, I was shocked. Then I called up Riteish, he too had a similar reaction. Then we both put things in perspective. We, as an audience, enjoy films like American Pie and The Hangover, then why the double standards when it comes to Grand Masti? With this logic, I felt lets go do it. If there was a scene beyond my comfort zone, I put it on Aftab.

You did Masti in 2004. Today you are married and have a kid. What is your family's take on Grand Masti?

There is no friction and my wife is very supportive. She is interested in my work but doesn't interfere. So in that sense, my married status has had no influence on my choice of roles.
Is your wife critical of your roles?

All women are after marriage. Nothing that you do escapes their scrutiny. My wife is my fiercest critic, definitely the most vocal. At the same time, she is my strength and my best friend. She'd never lie to me about how she feels about my performance.

How has fatherhood changed you as a person?

It has revamped me. It has given me perspective and a sense of balance. When Vivaan was born, I was very busy with movies and promotions. I think I have missed out on a lot of milestone moments. I haven't seen him grow as much as I would have liked to. Then it struck me, is this what I really want? Being occupied with work, and barely any time for my son? Then I started cutting down on many work related things. Today I am much calmer and happier because of him; we spend a lot of time cuddling together.

Ranbir to dance to his father’s tune

 The song starts with a montage of Kapoor Sr's famous celluloid moments, with his cherubic debut in Bobby featuring prominently. That comes as no surprise as Rishi is enjoying a rather successful second innings in Bollywood.

While the Kapoor clan shot together, the movie's leading lady Pallavi Sharda continued shooting her portions after their departure. RK flew in from Sri Lanka to film this song which has been sung by Daler Mehndi and Mika. Mirror got a sneak peek, quite literally, at Besharam's much talked about number which unites Ranbir Kapoor with parents Rishi and Neetu on the dance floor.

We gate crashed the sets at Film City to bring you these pictures of the trio filming Hand Uthake Nachche which looks like a colourful tribute to Rishi Kapoor.

Heard this? Andaz Apna sequel with RK, Shahid

Rajkumar Santoshi has been planning to make a sequel to his 1994 cult classic Andaz Apna Apna for quite some time now.

However, to get Aamir Khan and Salman Khan--who immortalised the characters of Amar and Prem in the rib-tickling comedy--on board is proving to be a major challenge. And now it seems Santoshi might just replace the two.

With his Shahid Kapoor-Ileana D'Cruz starrer, Phata Poster Nihkla Hero, almost ready for release, Santoshi is eager to put the sequel on floors. Mirror has learnt that instead of waiting for the two Khans, the director has decided to revamp the film with a contemporary storyline and a younger cast.
He has bounced off the idea to Shahid, who has already impressed him with his comic turn in Phata Poster. For the parallel lead, Santoshi is keen on roping in Ranbir Kapoor, with whom he has previously worked in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.

A source close to the production said: "Although Rajji ideally wants to do the film with Aamir and Salman, he is keeping his options open. Since it has almost become an impossible task to get combination dates from the two, Rajji might go ahead with Ranbir and Shahid - who are both young and commercially viable."

However, no official announcement has been made yet. When contacted, Santoshi said, "It's very early for me to take the call on the actors. I am still in the process of putting together the script, so wouldn't like to comment on the casting of Andaz Apna Apna 2."

Eye to I

In a rare feat for a choreographer, the wax statue of Prabhu Dheva was unveiled yesterday at a plush hotel in Andheri. It has been sculpted by Sunil Kandallor, who has previously worked on the statues of as varied personalities as Saddam Hussain, Mother Teresa and Adolf Hitler amongst others.
The wax incarnation of the ace choreographer-director, who is also referred to as the Michael Jackson of India, will be shifted to the Lonavala Wax Museum, where it will be open for public viewing.
Touched by the gesture, the National Award winning dancer took to twitter to express his gratitude. "Today is a very imp day for me. Just unveiled my wax statue for the Lonavla wax museum. I'm touched! Sunil and his team have done a great job with my statue."

Zanjeer war: Writer duo lose round one

 While the director of the remake, Apoorva Lakhia, remained unavailable for comment, Puneet sounded jubilant when we called him after the order. He said, "Yes, we have won the case. The court has prima facie upheld that Prakash Mehra Productions is the owner of all copyrights of Zanjeer."
 The authors had claimed that they had allowed Prakash Mehra Productions (PMP) (Sumeet and Puneet Mehra were named the heirs to this production company) only to a one-time use of their script i.e. in making the original Zanjeer and had not authorised any reuse of the same. They also argued that since they retained the copyright of the 'literary work' i.e. the script, any use of the same requires their consent.

Sometime ago, Puneet had told Mirror, "We have remained quiet till now simply because Salim saab and Javed saab are veterans. But the way they have been going on about my father is unjustified. They have said that our production house minted money from Zanjeer. As if my father had no role to play in the film's success. They made it look like we made money and declined to pay them their due."

According to the Court Order (of which Mirror has a copy), Salim-Javed informed the Court that they did not have a copy of the literary work of Zanjeer after claiming it to be the 'first owners of the copy'. Salim-Javed, the scriptwriters of the original Zanjeer, had moved the Bombay High Court against Puneet and Sumeet Mehra, sons of late Prakash Mehra, who are producing the remake of the film, up for release on September 6. On Monday afternoon, the duo's application asking for a stay on the film's release was rejected.

However, they are in no mood to give up the fight and are planning to appeal to the apex court. Confirming this, Salim told Mirror, "If need be,we will take the matter to the Supreme Court."Before this however they will approach the Division Bench of the HC.