ARE AKSHAY AND SONAM TEAMING UP?

Buzz is Akshay Kumar and Sonam Kapoor is teaming up for a film being directed by Kunal Kohli.

The film in question is a romantic caper based in Rome, Kunal had been working on the script for a while when he approached Akshay for the lead role. Akshay though found some loopholes in the script and told Kunal to rewrite on the script. However, he didn’t totally reject the offer and even mentioned Sonam’s name for the female lead. Kunal was over the roof and went around town daring of Akki being the star of his film.

A source close to the director explained, “After the dud that was Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic, no one really was concerned in working with Kunal. Yash Raj too had washed their hands of him and he didn’t have any big banner too support him for his next. He had earlier approached Ranbir Kapoor, Imran Khan, Shahid Kapur and Saif Ali Khan but all of them refused the film. He had even contemplated on playing the main lead himself and that’s when Akshay showed some interest. But rather than keeping it hush hush he was screaming off the rooftops that he’d found the stars of his next film, that’s when Akshay backed out. But you never know these stars they never really can make up their minds, who knows maybe Akshay might give it another thought.”

After Blue's sinking fate, Akki might have a change of heart, pairing with Sonam, which does have a novelty. His pairing with Deepika did not work, maybe Sonam will be his lucky girl, although that idea is also too unlikely since Sonam's films have so far bombed, both with Ranbir and Abhishek- who are no longer doing any projects with her.

When StarBoxOffice contacted Kunal Kohli, he straight out denied the rumours, “It’s not true as it’s too soon to talk about my next film, there’s still a lot of work going into it.” We hope Kunal pulls his socks up soon for if Khiladi Kumar and the Masakalli girl were to be teamed up together, now that would be something indeed!

WHY KATRINA LOVES RANBIR

Katrina Kaif’s New York re-energized the box office. She will be seen in full-blown roles in two films this year, Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahani and De Dana Dan and a special appearance in Blue. The beautiful actress tells us about her latest film, director Rajkumar Santoshi and working with Ranbir Kapoor who is the next big thing.

“It’s been a great honour to work with Rajji. I have done most of my films with Akshay and Salman. I asked them who is the best director for an actor to work with and both of them answered that it was Rajkumar Santoshi. I had an amazing time working with him. I had a great time shooting the songs in Turkey and am grateful to Ahmed Khan for the unbelievable choreography and Pritam for the superb music, as always,’ smiled Katrina.

Katrina has usually played the glam doll in most of her films except New York and, in APKGK her character seems to be more than just a pretty face. How does she feel about that? ‘I think I am very privileged that I keep getting fresh new chances with every film to better myself as an actress. In my opinion, Rajji has s reputation of not being just a fantastic director but also a fantastic director for actors and their performances. He has taught me a lot about improvisation. He has given my character and persona a new angle. It’s not anything like you have seen in New York or Singh is Kinng. It’s a completely different interpretation of Jenny, my character. Ranbir and I followed his guidance. We were always on the sets because being around Rajji, because you get to understand how he envisions the scene. Before every shot, he would enact my part and then enact my part. And we both would just stare at him in amazement. Then the two of us would have a competition as to who can copy him best. We just needed to follow his direction,’ she replied.

She and Ranbir are being touted as the best-looking on-screen pair of the year. About working with Ranbir Kapoor, she said, ‘He is a very talented actor and a very sweet guy. He is always lively and he fills the set with energy and interest. He makes sure everybody is having a good time. He is a positive force to be around. He is unbelievable actor and dancer.’

WHAT IS SANJAY DUTT DOING IN ALADIN?

Sanjay Dutt didn't require much believable or cajoling to come on board for Aladin.

The moment he heard the film's concept, genre and they way it was imagined to be brought on screen, he agreed to do the film pronto. He was annoyed about the film going on floors. His character is like that of evil magician Jafar in the Disney version of Aladin.

Says a source associated to the film, "Sanju baba actually became quite childlike when he was narrated the concept of Aladin. He hasn't worked in a film belonging to this genre before, the kind that involves fairytale elements embellished in a narrative that is set in today's times. The legend of Aladin and Genie is known global and Sanju baba didn't require much thinking to be a part of the project. As a fun loving villain, who was capable of showing the mean side of his at any given moment, the character was tailor-made for him and he connected to that instantly when the part was explained to him."

By the way, it was Amitabh Bachchan himself who first had a word with Sanjay Dutt about his role of Ringmaster in Aladin.

Confirms Sujoy Ghosh, "Yes, after I had an elaborate narration of Aladin with Mr. Bachchan, we were discussing who could play the role of Ringmaster. We agreed that it had to be Dutt saab and I was supposed to contact him the next day. Though, to my surprise, before I could speak to Dutt saab, Mr. Bachchan had already spoken to him. When I met him, he mockingly pulled me for not speaking to him directly. I explained that I had all the right intentions to do so but didn't have any clue that Mr. Bachchan would himself take the first step."

Kicked about the entire idea, "I still remember it was year 2006," Sujoy gets nostalgic here, "Dutt saab was so excited about donning the hat of Ringmaster. Pun anticipated."

Sanjay Dutt had a condition though before saying yes. "Yes, he didn't want anyone to fiddle around with his look," laughs Sujoy, "His only condition was that he wanted the moustache of Ringmaster to be kept intact. Of course, we had no reason not to agree."

Aladin releases on October 30.

KATRINA'S NEW LOOK IN BLUE

Everyone who’s seen Katrina in the promo of Blue has been amiably amazed by her ‘biker chick’ look.

The pretty actress who always been portrayed as a girl next door, is for the first time sporting a gothic grime look with a stud pierced below her lip, dreadlocks and tattoos all over her arms. Kat’s look has been designed to complement Zayed’s character in the film – that of a daredevil biker.

Says a source form the production team, “Kat was very excited about her new look as it’s a huge contrast from her earlier roles. She gave a lot of inputs and worked closely with the designers on minute details.” But one thing that gave nightmares to Kat is her hairdo! The dreadlocks that she sports cause a lot of damage to one’s hair and Kat was very particular about that. “She’d immediately go for a hair wash once the shoot would be over,” says a source from the team.

Rocky S, who gave her the confidence to pull off the look so stunningly, is sure it will be a hit with auds.

We sure can’t wait to see Katrina in this new, rugged avatar, can we?!

BLUE IS COMING TO THE UAE FIRST

Bollywood mega-starrer will have its world premiere at the third Middle East International Film Festival in Abu Dhabi

Expect the best of world cinema at the third Middle East International Film Festival to be held from October 8 to 17 in Abu Dhabi. And Bollywood will be represented by none other than Blue, the Akshay Kumar-Sanjay Dutt-Lara Dutta-Katrina Kaif movie that features Australian pop princess Kylie Minogue in a special song appearance. The promos of the movie are already burning up our TV screens, so we can’t wait to see the film.

All of MEIFF ‘s gala screenings will be held in the Auditorium of the Emirates Palace Hotel , with some of them receiving second screenings at Cinestar Cinemas at Marina Mall.

AKKI'S FAMILY ALBUM

Akshay Kumar and Twinkle are on the cover of the latest issue of L'Officiel India. Shooting together after nine years and the first time as a couple, the entire experience was one that neither of them would ever forget.

"This shoot will be kept in our family album for sure and that's why it's even more special for both of us," says Akshay who confesses that this was possibly one of the most enjoyable shoots he has done.

Dressed in Dior's Fall-Winter '09 collection during the shoot in London, the couple laughed, smiled and allowed a glimpse into their private world.

AKSHAY GETS HIS SON AARAV AN EXPENSIVE PC FOR HIS B'DAY

On his birthday (September 9), Akshay Kumar received numerous gifts. But the best present he received was a huge cut-out of Superman with his face place over on it by his son Aarav.

For the four-year-old, dad is Superman and he had planned his gift for his papa. In fact he had designed it on his computer with the help of his mom Twinkle. So for his son's birthday (September 15), AK got his beta a computer of his own.

Says a source close to the actor, "Aarav has been learning how to use the computer in his school for the last few months so this time Akshay decided to gift him a computer with all kinds of drawing and designing programs. He loves playing games on them.

That wasn't the only computer gift he got. Twinkle's mother Dimple also gifted Aarav an Apple notebook, which he can carry with him everywhere he travels."

Kumar Jr is excited with his two computers and has been proudly showing them off to all his friends.

In the Kumar family, birthdays are special. No matter where Akshay is shooting they all make sure they are together on each other's birthdays. September is a special month because it is Akshay (September 9), Aarav (September 15) and the actor's niece Simar's birthday too.

AKSHAY AND SANJAY KA DOSTANA

The dudes will be seen in Blue where they play pals but they weren’t on talking terms during the making of the film, thanks to their 15-year old antagonism. It’s not only actresses that fight, actors have ego issues too.

Their dushmani began when they were shooting for Raj Sippy’s Amaanat which released in 1994. According to legends, Raj Sippy wanted to shoot a song video with Akshay Kumar but Sanjay Dutt wanted to be part of the video and he persuaded Sippy to shoot the video only with him. Both Sanjay and Akshay were big stars at the time and Akshay was and is the better dancer among the two. He didn’t take very gently to his being bumped off the video and thus began a 15 year long cold war between him and Sanjay.

A source tells us, “During the making of Blue, both of them gave director Anthony D’souza a hard time because of their ego clashes. They wanted to know who's role was meatier. In fact, Sanjay even stopped shooting for Blue for a while. Only after a lot of praise and demanding from the production house and some special ads in his favour, did he return. This was around the time of Kidnap’s release. Things were cool for a while but then escalated when Kylie Minogue came to India. Akshay Kumar and wife Twinkle played her personal hosts. Sanjay Dutt also wanted to throw a party for her but his political schedule and the short duration of her visit didn’t allow that to happen. Poor Lara had to yo-yo between the two people as she is friends with both Kumar and Dutt.”

Finally peace prevailed on the last day of the shoot in Mumbai. Our source adds, “Akshay and Sanjay are both adults and they decided to get over what had happened 15 years ago. Both decided to be cordial and warm towards each other and this surprised everyone on set but they were only happy as everybody could finally relax and bond together. Blue is an important film for both of them (along with the rest of the cast) as neither Akshay nor Sanjay has had a hit this year. If it does well and people like their rapport, then they will team up for another project. Both stars have a huge fan base and any movie could cash in on it.”

Sanjay’s spokesperson denied that the duo had any problems in the first place and maintained that they have always been friends.

KATZ CELEBRATES GANAPATI

The wonderful Ganpati at Khetwadi’s 12th Lane Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal had a beautiful and illustrious visitor in Bollywood beauty Katrina Kaif on Wednesday evening.

Head covered and bent in respect, hands joined in prayer, and then down on her knees with her forehead touching the idol’s feet, the actress paid her compliments to Lord Ganesh with an ease and sincerity born of long practice at the Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi.

Is she a Ganesh bhakt? Isn’t everyone who is a Mumbaikar? The actress said she had a lot to be grateful to Mumbai for. And, she believed Lord Ganesh was the presiding god of Mumbai, everybody worshipped Ganpati... she felt a strong connect to the God, that is why she often visited Siddhivinayak.

“Being a part of the puja here is a small gesture on my part to express my gratitude,” said Katrina as devotees gaped in astonishment at her faith and then made a mad scramble to shoot pictures of her on their cell phones.