Mani Ratnam has turned Abhishek into nothing short of a Tarzan boy.
From wading in the water for hours, to climbing hills and swinging
from ropes in the jungles of Kerala – AB is the King of the Jungle!
Sorry SRK...we meant only the 'jungle', alright!

The grueling shoot of 'Ravana' has exhausted poor Abhishek, and his
lovely wife Aishwarya Rai's company was the only respite for the
over-worked T-boy. Finally Abhiash got a break during New Year, and
were back to urban civilization. Well, it's not because Mani sir (as
he is fondly called) decided to be ultra nice to the B-couple, and
give them time off to let down their hair. Nah....you don't get so
lucky with Mani Ratnam. He is famed for being an excellent
taskmaster, and no one is spared, whether it is his favourite South
superstars or Bollywood icons.

A little birdie from the sets revealed, "The unit is shifting
location from Kerala to Madhya Pradesh, and while the sets are
relocating, the cast has been given time off from work. With Mani
sir you can't expect time off to party for New Year, Christmas,
birthdays or whatever else. You never know, if he sets camp in the
new location sooner, everyone will be back to the grind before they
know."

We heard that sir has asked Abhishek not to flaunt his new
look...and obviously stay away from media fellas. So Aby baby might
decide to stay off city limits, after all. We aren't too khush about
this setting, but we dare take panga with Mani sir. So we're outta
here, Tarzan boy. Save the look for us!

After a dismal 2008, fresh beginnings in 2009. Buoyed by the success
of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Ghajini in the dying days of the year,
Bollywood is looking forward to a year of quality cinema that will
bring audiences in their hordes to theatres.

From small-budget endeavours and a horror sequel to a period drama
and several big-budget potboilers, India's Hindi film industry has
an assorted platter on offer this year.

The fiery initials from the December releases by the two Khan
biggies - Shah Rukh Khan with Rab Ne Bana De Jodi and Aamir Khan
with Ghajini - have put Bollywood on the revival path. And
filmmakers are hoping to put the trauma of the global meltdown and
the Mumbai terror attack behind with a package of almost 30 films in
just the first quarter of the year.

Although no film is scheduled for release in the first week, the
second week will see a burst of six low-budget films releasing
simultaneously - Bad Luck Govind, Horn Ok Pleassss, Kaashh... Mere
Hote, Khallballi - Fun Unlimited, 42 Kms... and The President Is
Coming.

Trade experts predict the market will catch momentum with the
release of Nikhil Advani's much-hyped action comedy Chandni Chowk to
China Jan 16.

"Bollywood was going through a tough time but Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
and Ghajini infused new life in the film industry. These movies have
also raised hopes for providing continuous quality and quantity
every week that can be seen in the different releases in 2009,"
Joginder Mahajan, a Delhi-based distributor said.

This is also the year of firsts for many like India-born American
filmmaker Varun Khanna who makes his Bollywood directorial debut
with Bad Luck..., filmmaker Kunal Roy Kapur with The President Is
Coming, actress Nandita Das with Firaaq and Zoya Akhtar with Luck By
Chance.

The year will also see the release of Raaz - The Mystery Continues,
the much-talked about sequel to the 2002 hit horror film Raaz. The
internationally acclaimed and multiple award winning film Slumdog
Millionaire, based on a book by Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup, will
also be seen in India this year.

Anurag Kashyap's Dev D, releasing February 6, will present a modern
take on Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay's acclaimed novel Devdas, while
February 13 will see Shah Rukh Khan sharing screen space with actor
Irrfan Khan in Priyadarshan's Billu Barber.

This will be followed by the much-awaited on-screen autobiography of
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Delhi-6, starring Amitabh Bachchan,
Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor. Also releasing is Salman Khan-
Kareena Kapoor- starrer Main Aur Mrs Khanna.

Ketan Mehta's period drama Rang Rasiya (Colours of Passion) based on
the life of epochal painter Raja Ravi Varma will splash colours on
screen February 27.

March end will see a string of movies with Shortcut - The Con Is On,
Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge, Kaminey, , Gullal, Kissan and New York.

Last year saw only six genuine hits out of 127 releases and the $2
billion industry incurring staggering losses worth Rs.5 billion
(over $100 million). Trade experts are pinning their hopes on the
releases scheduled for 2009 and predict that the forthcoming
releases will entertain domestic as well as international audiences.

"Films are now being made keeping the international audience in
mind; considering that a multiplex needs a big-budget movie every
week to sustain its business, 2009 will see filmmakers coming out
with quality movies at low-production costs," said a trade analyst.

1. John Abraham



A hot bod! He can get the temperature soaring with his deadly
combination of rugged, handsome looks coupled with his highly
innocent dimpled smile. His liking for his hot wheels adds to his
sex appeal. He has the body of a Greek God, perfect abs, dusky
rugged face that looks absolutely seductive and his infectious smile
makes him look like an innocent 5-year old!In 2008 John starred in
Karan Johar production "Dostana" along with Abhishek Bachchan and
Priyanka Chopra. The film was a romantic comedy involving pretend
homosexual plots. His performance was highly acclaimed and the movie
was a huge success at the box-office. John is playing an
environmentalist activist in Deepa Mehta's new film Luna (currently
under production) starring Dustin Hoffman, Rachel Weisz and Chris
Cooper. Apart from his movie commitments, John is also the brand
ambassador for Castrol Power 1, Yamaha Marque and has also endorsed
Wrangler, Clinic All clear, Fastrack eye gear and Samsung cell
phones. He was the first Indian Brand ambassador for Diet Pepsi.

2. Akshay kumar



Akshay Kumar (born Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia on September 9, 1967) is an
Indian Bollywood film actor. He has appeared in over 80 Hindi
language films. With so many hits and fabulous performances under
his belt, Akshay Kumar has graduated from being a mere action hero
to a stylish, glamorous and a sophisticated lover boy, who can make
women laugh with his great comic timing. Of course, his martial
skills are not unknown and he is someone who can look as innocent as
a puppy and also as seductive as Adonis. On the other hand People
magazine has declared none other than the `Khiladi' Akshay Kumar
as `Sexiest Man Alive'. Kumar's first film of 2008, Tashan, marked
his comeback to the Yash Raj Films banner after 11 years. Although
much anticipated by the public, the film was a critical and
commercial failure. His second film, Singh Is Kinng, has been
declared a super-hit after breaking first weeks worldwide record of
Om Shanti Om which was the previous highest figure.

3. Shah Rukh Khan



Shahrukh Khan, born 2 November 1965, is a highly acclaimed Indian
actor who works in Bollywood films, as well as a film producer and
television host. His naughty eyes and dimpled smile sends hearts
aflutter even today. At 40, SRK can carry off the look of a stud of
20 and be a lover, fighter, dancer, all at the same time.SRK's
immense sex appeal lies in his intoxicating flirtatious eyes. SRK's
one glance can make any woman feel special and who can forget his
luscious lips and dashing dimples? In December 2008, the next Khan
film, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi was released. A romantic comedy directed
and scripted by Aditya Chopra, was a major success at the box office.

4. Aamir Khan



Aamir Khan (born Aamir Hussain Khan on March 14, 1965) is an Indian
actor, film director and film producer. Khan was part of several
commercially successful movies and has established himself as one of
the leading actors of Hindi cinema, delivering a number of highly
acclaimed performances. In 2008, Khan launched his nephew Imran
Khan's debut in the film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. The film was a major
critical and commercial success. Also in the same year Khan appeared
in the movie Ghajini. The film was a major critical and commercial
success.

5. Farhan Akhtar



Farhan Akhtar was born on January 9, 1974, to screenwriters, Javed
Akhtar and Honey Irani, in Mumbai, where he did his schooling
from `Maneckji Cooper School', Vile Parle, and later joined H.R.
College, for a degree in Commerce, though he left it, in the second
year . His stepmother is the actress Shabana Azmi. He is also the
grandson of Urdu poet Jan Nisar Akhtar and the cousin of Bollywood
film director and dance choreographer Farah Khan. His sister, Zoya
Akhtar, is also turning director with a film that is currently under
production titled LUCK BY CHANCE. Farhan Akhtar is married to
hairstylist Adhuna Akhtar. The couple have two children Shakya and
Akira.In 2008, Farhan made his acting debut in Rock On!!.This was
one groundbreaking cinema. It was critically acclaimed as well as a
box office blockbuster.He has appeared as a judge on a few shows on
television, including the first season of the dance-reality show,
Nach Baliye (2005), and the beauty pageant, Femina Miss India (in
2002).According to Bollywood analysts, the song Sindbad the Sailor
in Rock On!! showcased the latent powerhouse acting talent of Farhan
[citation needed]. Farhan Akhtar was invited by Salim Khan at his
residence.Salim Khan was so impressed with Farhan's acting skills
that salim awarded him with one of Filmfare award he had received in
his time.

6. Arjun Rampal



Arjun Rampal (born 26 November 1972) is an Indian actor who appears
in Bollywood films, as well as a fashion model.He married former
Miss India and supermodel Mehr Jesia and they have two daughters,
Mahikaa, born on January 17, 2002 and Myra, born June 2005.His debut
movie - Moksha was released in 2001 and was directed by Ashok
Mehta.The film starred Arjun Rampal, Vipasha Agarwal, Sonali
Kulkarni and Boman Irani. Bollywood Superstars Shahrukh Khan and
Hrithik Roshan did a cameo in the film. I See You was shot entirely
in London. The film received poor reviews and was a failure at the
box office. Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om where he played a negative
role, receiving many praises for his acting. Arjun recently starred
in Rock on !! where he has received many praises and increased his
fan club. He played the role of lead guitarist in Rock on !!,An
English language film titled The Last Lear which is his latest
release has been a hit at the box office.The performance of Arjun
was however commendable.

7. Salman Khan



Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan(born December 27 1965) is an Indian
film actor who appears in Bollywood films.On October 11, 2007, Khan
accepted an offer from Madame Tussauds wax museum in London to have
a wax replica made of himself. His life-size wax figure was finally
installed there on January 15, 2008, making him the fourth Indian
actor to have been replicated as a wax statue in the museum .

8. Surya Sivakumar



Saravanan Sivakumar (Tamil) popularly known as Surya (Tamil) (born
on 23 July 1975), is an Indian actor in the Tamil film industry. He
is the son of Tamil actor Sivakumar and is married to Jyothika, a
popular Tamil actress. He is well-known for trying out off-beat
roles in different films.Surya has signed up to an untitled A. R.
Murugadoss film and a film with Gautham Menon, Vaaranam Aayiram
directed by Gautham Menon.He is doing another movie called VEL
opposite ASIN since their onscreen chemistry did work out well in
his blockbuster GAJINI, fans are eager to see VEL hit the theatres
soon. He also dubbed Abhishek Bachchan's role in the Tamil version
of Guru.

9. Hrithik Roshan



Hrithik Roshan, fondly known as Duggu by his near and dear ones, was
born into a filmi family on the 10th of January, 1974.He got a taste
of Bollywood as a child, when he appeared in the film Aasha (1980),
Aapke Deewane (1980) and Bhagwan Dada (1986). But it was the year
2000 that made people sit up and take note.2008 In Ashutosh
Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar, set in the sixteenth century, Hrithik
Roshan took over as the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The film did well
overseas while in India the response swung both ways.2009 Hrithik
will be starring in Anurag Basu's Kites shot extensively in Los
Angeles, Las Vegas and New Mexico, which will mostly see light in
the middle of 2009.

10. Abhishek Bachchan



Abhishek Bachchan (born February 5, 1976 in Mumbai, Maharashtra,
India) is an award-winning Indian actor. He is the son of Indian
actors Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan. He is married to former
Miss World turned actress Aishwarya Rai.Bachchan made his debut with
J.P. Dutta's Refugee (2000). After that, his career consisted of
films that went un-noticed at the box office. It was not until 2004,
that the actor delivered a hit and a critically acclaimed
performance, in the films Dhoom and Yuva.In Summer 2008, Abhishek
Bachchan joined his father Amitabh Bachchan, wife Aishwarya Rai
Bachchan along with Preity Zinta, Ritesh Deshmukh and Madhuri Dixit
on the Unforgettable World Tour. The 1st leg of the tour covered the
USA, Canada, London, and Trinidad. The second leg of the tour will
most likely happen by the end of this year 2008. Amitabh's company
AB Corp Ltd. along with Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt.
Ltd are behind the concert. The tour has been a resounding success
with almost every venue being sold out.

Mani Ratnam has taken a 10 day break from his magnum opus bi-lingual
tentatively titled Asokavanam (Ravan in Hindi).

After shooting in the forests of Kerala and Ootty, Mani is now
planning to shoot in the dense forests of Madhya Pradesh, from the
first week of January.

Meanwhile Mani sir is just chilling out in Chennai. Two days back he
expressed a desire to catch up with the years most meaningful film
Subramaniapuram.

Director and producer Sasikumar, who has now become hero was
shooting for his new film somewhere near Erode.

So Sasikumar's music teacher at Kodaikanal International School and
the film's music director James Vasanth arranged a special show for
Mani at the Four Frames Preview theatre.

Later Mani is reported to have said- "It is one of the most
realistic films that I have seen and augers well for Tamil cinema,
which is innovative and daring."

IN 2008, debutants rained in Bollywood. Some turned heads, some
broke heart and some created new box office records and some even
crash-landed in the box office. About 125 films were released this
year, among which only a few were able to pull the audiences. Here
is a list of some of the best films released in 2008.

A Wednesday: The best film of 2008, undoubtedly. For the first time
in the history of Indian cinema a simple incident (it wasn't even a
plot) was treated in such a splendid manner. Naseeruddin Shah
notched an award-winning performance for his role of a commoner out
to take revenge on terrorists. A Wednesday is one of those few films
that used the power of background music to it's optimal.

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa: Another simple film that was raised to the
class of a splendid film; just because of two technical aspects of
film-making - writing and direction. The oft-repeated theme was so
well executed that it is probably one of the best examples of film's
having a non-linear narrative.

Rock On!!: Farhan Akhtar, the eminently gifted director, who was on
a low after Don and Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. (as a producer) -
sprung the surprise of the year with his acting debut in Rock On!!.
It was the classic case of perfect casting, perfect script and
perfect timing. Almost the entire cast fit their respective roles
like hand-in-glove.

Welcome to Sajjanpur: The joke in the trade-circuit was - Shyam
Benegal's all the past movies in 25 years made less money than what
Welcome to Sajjanpur did. A simple tale of a man out to woo his
childhood crush. The film touched a lot of social issues and was one
of the few films that worked well commercially as well as wowed the
critics.

Dostana: Karan Johar's ode to gays. He made them meet. He made them
fall in love (fine, the script had them feigning it) and he made
them smooch or kiss (as the case maybe). The point is the film was a
hit (despite of a very high cost) and it not only ensured that the
gamble paid off; but also proved that a story if convincingly told
will strike it rich!

Jodhaa Akbar: Ashutosh Gowariker's big epic about the love story of
Mughal emperor Akbar and Rajput princess Jodha. The celluloid dream
couldn't have got any better. Hrithik Roshan really got into the
skin of Akbar and Aishwarya Rai was ethereal essaying Jodha. The
audiences ensured that the producers got their booty back.

Golmaal Returns: Welcome to slapstick inanity that set the cash-
registers jingling. The biggest opening after Singh is King (before
Ghajini happened, displacing the two). The film's plot was 'accused'
to be borrowed from 1973 sleeper-hit Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar - but there
were glaring differences in the screenplay. Tusshar proved that he
is a fine comic actor, and even over-shadowed the eminently gifted
Shreyas Talpade.

Sarkar Raj: Call it irony or destiny - Bachchan's were cross with a
certain Raj and their film was interestingly titled Sarkar Raj.
Naturally, the media went gaga of Bachchan bashing Raj in the film,
but that was not to be! One of the finest performances by Amitabh
Bachchan (the death scene of Abhishek Bachchan for one) - the film
was a big hit.

Singh is King: Akshay Kumar the new numero uno proved once and for
all - the star power. The film set new records. The film also proved
that there is immense lobbying within the film-fraternity with the
reported Shahrukh lobby pulling it down and calling it a flop. Well
the collections proved otherwise!

Ghajini and Bachna Ae Haseeno: Only Aamir Khan could have ensured
that his film has the dum to surpass the mammoth collections of
Singh is King. Reportedly, the film has not only set a new record
for the opening day (fine there were more prints, but no one takes
that into account anymore), but also new record for weekend
collections. An eminently average fare the film finds space in top
10 only because of Aamir Khan.

Bachna Ae Haseeno finds space, because of the fine actor Ranbir
Kapoor. A very difficult role for any young actor who has just
started in films; Ranbir proved that the Kapoor khoon is very much
in him and he is the next big thing. Yashraj reeling after a spate
of flops - got a much needed average outing at the box-office with
Bachna Ae Haseeno.

Apart from the films; there were many other things that kept
Bollywood buzzing. Almost, everyone wrote obituaries of the films of
select camps, be it Jodha Akbar, Sarkar Raj, Singh is King, Rab Ne
Bana Di Jodi or Ghajini.
Other Articles by  Amit R Agarwal
Ghajini: Aamir, Asin rise above a mediocre fare
A very good effort – `Good Night'
Rab Ne Bigaad Di Jodi
Dil ka Buddy
IFFI 2008: An interview with Olga Kabo
more >>

The fact is all these films - barring Ghajini, though money making
propositions for producers - worked at select centers; at few
centers (two and three tier cinemas) the exhibitors cribbed of the
business not up to the mark or plain losses.

Films like A Wednesday, Rock On!! and other medium-budget
productions never even saw a theatrical release at these centres.

Winding up the article, the writer will leave with the fare, scare
and darshan of 2008:

Bikini fare of the year:
Kareena Kapoor in Tashan; never before the bikini looked so drool-
worthy. 'Purrífect' size-zero and perfect act.

Bikini scare of the year:
Minisha Lamba in Kidnap; I remember I was packing up for Langkawi
and I actually made sure that the girls either got rid of the flab
or packed shorts instead.

Butt 'darshan' of the year:
John Abraham in Dostana; I can still very clearly recall all the
oohs and ahs of the girls in the audi!

Body 'darshan' of the year:
Aamir Khan in Ghajini, need I say more!

When whole of the country was churning and various kind of options
were being looked into to set the political system of the country on
the right course, the idea seems to have been provided by the
recently released advertisement of Idea where the veritable mobile
phone is used to penetrate through the layers of sycophancy and
reach the common masses to assuage his views about an issue.

Abhishek Bachchan as a typical political advisor has excelled
himself in the copy and has sort of redeemed himself with this
campaign, as the campaign has a positive connotation. There is a
sense of wonder whether the idea to run this campaign had some
parallels being drawn from Yash Raj films AAJA NACH LE, where the
politician agreed to have an open referendum to see whether a
shopping mall be constructed on a play ground or not, as this was
the theme that dominated AAJA NACH LE.

If a comparison where to be drawn about the kind of campaigns that
the Bachchan family has been associated with the stocks of Abhishek
Bachchan would be a notch higher than that of his wife Aishwarya Rai
or his father Amitabh Bachchan as he has been associated with the
Idea campaign which has a socially relevant message delivered in a
commercial environment.

The earlier attempt to spread the message of education of mobile,
being an out of box thinking, was criticized by the intellectual
class of portraying a world view where English teaching and convent
teaching of education was being encouraged to. The moot point is
that English as a language is the preferred choice for upward social
mobility and this is what was being portrayed through the campaign
of Idea.

Abhishek Bachchan for his association with the Idea campaign need to
be appreciated as through the series of campaigns the message of one
importance or the other is being driven for the betterment of the
country. If critics cannot appreciate this out of box thinking, so
be it. Let the Ideas dominate after it is the ideas that would give
rise to new solutions and criticism would not provide any positive
solution.

After creating Dhoom at the box office with his action packed
performance, Abhishekh Bachchan became the Guru of versatility. This
panache actor is now befriending Priyanka in Dostana. But will his
kismet stand by him in the year 2009 ? Ganesha with an astrological
perspective answers this question.





Major Transits over Abhishek Bachchan's Natal Planets during 2009

Jupiter (a Natural Benefic) and Rahu (a natural Malefic)'s transit
over Natal Sun (Sun signifies father and glory) for a very long time
during 2009
Ketu's transit over Natal Saturn.
Exalted Venus' transit over Natal Jupiter for about four months.
Venus rules arts and Jupiter is a benefic planet which rules
expansion.
Transiting Rahu and Ketu Square with Natal Rahu and Ketu (both are
Natural Malefic planets).
2009 Predictions for Abhishek Bachchan

Abhishek's concern for his father's health will increase during
2009, says Ganesha.
He will receive good offers during the first half of the year 2009
and his performance in the movies signed/shot between February and
May 2009 will be very noticeable.
He may receive an offer for a foreign trip/show or even for a
Hollywood/foreign movie
Contacts with people living abroad will be very useful and
beneficial.
He will have to work very hard on honing his performance, during the
second half of the next year and will also need to focus on his
career front, as some disturbances at personal and family front may
keep demanding his attention and may also keep upsetting him.
He will become very choosy about the subjects so may not sign a
number of films for the sake of it but may become choosy.
Despite being choosy, he will be able to earn pretty well during
2009, feels Ganesha.
He may face some legal issues or minor problems from the government.
We may see him in guest appearance in some movies.
Despite good opportunities, may crave for outstanding role/character
to play.
He may remain highly concerned about married life during the second
half of 2009.

Good luck and may Lord Ganesha bless Abhishek Bachchan with great
success during 2009.

We are trying to rope in SRK and Abhishek in my debut film: Jacky
Bhagnani
How are you feeling that your father, India's top producer, Vashu
Bhagnani, is launching you in a Vivek Sharma directed film?
I'm feeling really good and I am honoured. Vivek having worked with
the likes of Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Juhi Chawla says
it all.

I am no one in front of these biggies. Not to forget, I have
country's number one producer backing me (laughs) who is emotionally
attached to me because I am his son. So everybody is putting in that
extra bit of effort. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Take us back about your first ever experience on a movie set with
your father.
My father used to always take me along to shoots. I used to bunk
school and go on the sets. I can remember I went on the sets of
Coolie No 1, Hero No 1, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna
Kya, Biwi No 1, Tera Jaadu Chal Gaya. I used to be good in geography
in school because I was a traveler...on the sets (laughs).

Was this a planned move on Vashu's part that you had to be launched
in this manner? In a Vivek Sharma film opposite Manmohan Desai's
grand daughter?
No not at all. I was training to be an actor and at the same time
was assisting my dad in production. So I kind of had an idea of
what's going to come in a few years. My dad is very strict as far as
my acting is concerned. He waited for four years to finally come to
a conclusion that I had to be launched in 2009.

So if people think that I have got it the easy way, they're wrong.
People who come from star families and who have their godfathers
backing, have to work that much harder to prove a point. I am doing
exactly that.

I'm sure Kal Kissney Dekha is a college drama.
You're right. It is a college flick with a little bit of a twist. It
is a suspense thriller without murder mystery. It has a sweet
suspense.

  We hear that SRK and Abhishek Bachchan are going to do a cameo in
your debut film. Star power huh?
Of course, we are trying to rope in Shah Rukh and Abhishek. We've
requested them to do cameos in the film and because I've known them
for ages, I'm sure they won't let me down. Both are like my elder
brothers. If they do a little bit for my debut film, for me, it'll
be a blessing from both.

You're working on a Christmas day which also happens to be your
birthday.
Every year I used to throw my birthday parties. So all my friends
used to tell me - 'Where is the party this year dude?' But truly
speaking, this is the biggest party for me, to be working on the
sets of Kal Kissney Dekha.

I've waited all my life to do this. So I am the happiest guy on this
planet. Can you believe it, I am also dancing today. Good way to
celebrate my birthday na?

What's your role in the film?
I am playing a small town boy who comes to Mumbai from
Chandigarh. 'Hello, I am Nihal Singh from Chandigarh', that's how I
address myself in the film. I can only reveal that much right now.

How was the first day of your shoot?
I was almost short of peeing in my pants because it's a dream come
true and finally you're there. All of a sudden you feel whether or
not I'll be able to act. But my director, cameraman and the entire
cast and crew were so supportive of me. They've really helped me
build my confidence.

Talk about the new beauty in Tinsel town, your co-star in the film,
Vaishali Desai.
What can I say about her? She is a very nice girl; she is stunning,
lovely, and beautiful. I am short of words here. As I always say,
she is better than me (laughs). I couldn't have asked for a better
co-star. She is so rooted and simple that you want to fall in love
with her. At the same time, she is very hard working too.

Sequels are in! Is Tarun Mansukhani making a sequel to the immensely
likable Dostana? That's the buzz in the industry.

"Not a bad idea," Tarun admits.

  Dostana cast comment on their film's reviews


"But the truth is, I haven't decided anything yet. I don't have an
inkling of what to make next. But I hope to start working on my next
film within a fortnight."

By the time you're reading this, Tarun must've flown to the United
States - he's the line producer of his mentor Karan Johar's My Name
is Khan. Talking about the Dostana sequel, Tarun says that a lot of
people have asked him about it.

"It would be a great idea to take the Abhishek - John story forward.
But the sequel has to be better than the first part," he adds.

Tarun is simultaneously involved with the animation version of Kuck
Kuch Hota Hai. Incidentally, Tarun had joined Karan as an apprentice
when he started Kuck Kuch Hota Hai and the talented director must be
reliving the moments all over again.

"I owe everything to Karan. He's family for me. I can never think of
branching out of Dharma Productions."

Abhishek Bachchan will be loved in Delhi 6. Abhishek should use his
father's initial and be Abhishek A Bachchan. If he decides to stick to
his original spelling, his career could always be cyclic with huge
variables of more flops than hits.

http://www.bollyspice.com%2Fview.php%2F2191-2009-belongs-to-aamir-khan-
predicts-numerologist-niraj-
mancchanda.html&h=7d366254d5e7f0b2087c2ddf7ed872fe

If sources are to be believed, Jaya Bachchan has finally taken her
first step towards being net savvy. After having bought a hi-tech
laptop, she is trying to familiarise herself with the same!
It seems that it was son Abhishek Bachchan who insisted that she get
the gizmo and become net savvy. We have also come to know that
Aishwarya and Abhishek have been teaching Jaya how to use it.


Anyway, the latest is that she is using it to send e-mails and
pictures to darling daughter Shweta Nanda!

Abhishek's new look makes him look much younger than his wife. He is
sporting this new look for his next film Ravana. Abhishek is said to
be shooting with his wife Ash for Mani Ratnam's film Ravana in Ooty
and is said to have lost more than 10 kilos or maybe 15 and is
looking what he actually is younger to his wife.

Ash is 35, while Abhishek is 32 and he is supposed to be shaving his
head for the film Ravana which is definitely going to make him look
even younger. It seems Mani Ratnam wanted  Abhishek to sport the new
lean look for his film Ravana, where he wanted him to have a lean
warrior look and a different hairstyle too. That's why Abhi has
trimmed his hair real short and has lost 15 kgs.

When asked as to how did he manage to loose so much weight he said
that he has been spending most of his time in the gym. It seems when
he is not on the sets he is spending his time working out. He has
also done yoga.

According to sources Ash is taking care of his diet and is making
sure that he is eating less oily stuff and more of fruits and
vegetables at every interval.

Hey guys,

A big Hello to all on board!!

Its been quite sumtime since the moderators have written to all of you.

So let me juss giv u a quick update on the latest.We are still in
contact with Abhishek's secretary and hoping for THE DAY to come soon
to gift him the Souvenir that v made for his b'de.

If things dnt happen that ways we wud b leaving the same at his office
in Jalsa.

Well...lets keep our fingers crossd and hope all the efforts put in do
not go in vain....

Ok now sum info...kindly do vote for our dear Abhi on the following
link and mak him the AAJ Tak Award winner.

Its gonna be aired on 30th December on Aaj Tak..

http://specials.indiatoday.com/survey/moviesmasala.htm

Take care all

And as always....

Be Abhified!!!

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
Abhishek-Online group:

What do u think about the lead pair of Delhi 6?

   o Marvelous!!
   o Spicy....
   o juss okay
   o Thanda


To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/Abhishek-Online/surveys?id=12856231

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

The following Abhishek-Online poll is now closed.  Here are the
final results:


POLL QUESTION: Who was your favourite in Dostana?

CHOICES AND RESULTS
- Abhishek Bachchan, 3 votes, 60.00%
- John Abraham, 1 votes, 20.00%
- Priyanka Chopra, 1 votes, 20.00%
- Boman Irani, 0 votes, 0.00%
- Kirron Kher, 0 votes, 0.00%

INDIVIDUAL VOTES
- Abhishek Bachchan
      - neni2abhi@...
      - ann_f21@...
      - pritiey4u@...
- John Abraham
      - ann_f21@...
- Priyanka Chopra
      - ann_f21@...
- Boman Irani
- Kirron Kher


For more information about this group, please visit
http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/Abhishek-Online

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http://help.yahoo.com/help/in/groups/

"I belong behind the camera and feel most comfortable there," said
Indian director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra during a Dubai International
Film Festival (DIFF) conference on the unveiling of his film Dehli
6, slated to hit the theatres on February 21, 2009.

Mehra was accompanied by Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor, the
movie's leading actors.

"This film is a journey. It's Bachchan's journey (who plays Roshan)
who comes to drop his ailing grandmother from the US to India. He
has to go back because his life belongs there [US]. Little does he
know that this short trip will turn into the longest journey of his
lifetime," said Mehra, adding that: "The longest journey for anyone
of us is the journey within."

His previous films include Rang De Basanti (Color of Sacrifice,
2006) and Aks (The Reflection, 2001). His Paanch Kaurav is under
production.

Delhi 6, titled after the postal code used for old Delhi, is also
about Kapoor's (Bittu) ordeals, her securities and insecurities that
are faced by most Indian girls of her age.

"I gave away the film to the actors, and then I became an observer….
They took over from there. I'm happy to confess that the two main
actors [Bachchan and Kapoor], did not do a single thing that I asked
them to do. I accepted this fact on day three of the shoot."

Mehra and Bachchan first decided to make a movie together 12 years
ago. "That film never was made. But, it was worth the wait,"
Bachchan said.

The Rs400 million (Dh31 million) production has meant a lot to both
the actors. Bachchan said he immediately felt connected with the
script because he himself spent the majority of his childhood abroad
in a boarding school.

"This is the story of a young man who comes to India for the first
time and discovers his country and more importantly himself. The
script is almost a foreigner's point of view of what India really
is. The best part of it is that it's far more beautiful and
enchanting than any news channel or magazine may make it out to be.
There's a magical quality to India and it is the people who make it
magical," Bachchan said.

"I hope that when people see the film, they experience what I
experienced while making the film, because it was a life-changing
experience. I truly discovered myself as a human being after working
with Mehra," he added.

Delhi 6 is Kapoor's second film. "I was completely enthralled by the
script and by this girl who represented the youth of India. I liked
her stupid quirks, her eccentricities and the fact that she was so
Indian. It is the best experience of my life."

Bachchan made a point that Dehli 6 is not an autobiographical film
based on Mehra's life despite the fact that the director is a "Delhi
boy". It is not a social message conveying unity either. "It's about
asking questions like `why'," he said.

Mehra said: "The film is [not just] a microcosm of India, but also
of Pakistan and Bangladesh. We're trying to figure out how the hell
does this country [India] work?"

On the recent Mumbai attacks that killed over 170 people, Mehra
said: "We pay a big price by avoiding politics. We can't avoid
politics," he said and added that the film must not be made relevant
just because of the attacks.

Mehra said he's very happy that his film is part of the DIFF. "Dubai
is truly a modern city, and very well connected. It can serve as an
important bridge between the East and the West. People are warm. You
can feel the energy."

Mani Ratnam after completing the forest schedule for his bi-lingual
Ravan in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, is now shooting in Ooty.

The day one of the shoot in Tamilnadu at Ooty had to be cancelled as
local cab operators and FEFSI (Film Employees Federation of South
India) got into a dispute over who has the right to operate taxi
service to the location.

Finally after a day's shoot was cancelled, the shooting was resumed
the next day. The entire crew of Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai,
Vikram, Pritviraj and others took part in the shoot.

The Ooty schedule will be over by Christmas, and then Mani and his
unit will be moving over to Hogenakkal, for more forest cover
locations.

As per sources close to the unit Mani, the fast worker has completed
nearly 35 percent of the bilingual, which by any standards is
amazing.

Puri Jagannath's `Neninthe' starring Ravi Teja and Shiya in the lead
has been produced by DVV Danayya on Universal Media banner. Based on
life behind the big screen in Tollywood, the movie is a satire on film
industry. The premiere show of `Neninthe' was screened yesterday on
17th December. After the event, director Puri briefed the media
about `Neninthe' and his plans.

In this time of Telugu movies being remade in Hindi, the question was
put forth director Puri for `Neninthe'. He said that Ram Gopal Varma
is interested in remaking the movie and he's now waiting to see the
movie's response in Telugu. If it goes on to become a hit, he got
plans to make it in Hindi.

RGV has already talked to Abhishek Bachchan about these plans and to
cast him in the lead role. A finalized decision will be made after it
gets released, added the director.

Mumbai, Dec 18 (IANS) After wowing north American and European
audiences, the Bachchan family will go on stage in India with
their `Unforgettable' tour.Confirms Amitabh Bachchan, "We're working
on it. The details are yet to be worked out. Wizcraft is handling
the project."

The show's first lap will cover the four metros Mumbai, Chennai,
Delhi and Kolkata, followed by other large cities like Bangalore,
Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, sources said.

Sabbas Joseph, director Wizcraft, told IANS: "We're in the process
of working out the nitty-gritty of the Indian shows. One thing is
for sure. We won't restrict the Unforgettable concerts to the four
metros. They'll go to the smaller towns, depending on the
feasibility, security bandobast etc. But after the response we saw
to the Bachchans abroad we wouldn't like to keep our own country-men
deprived of the experience."

Every effort is being made to ensure the concerts go to as many
cities in India as possible.

"But in a phased manner," warns Sabbas. "We would have a few Indian
concerts at a time to avoid excessive pressure on the time of the
Bachchans and the star-performers."

The good news is that the concerts will feature exactly the same
star lineup in India as abroad, meaning the Big B, Abhishek,
Aishwarya and Preity Zinta-Riteish Deshmukh

Mumbai, Dec 19: Year 2008 may have been Akshay's year with several
back-to-back hits. But Abhishek Bachchan is not sitting idle; he is
ready to come back with a bang in the year 2009. Although,
his `Drona' flopped miserable and his very ambitious `Sarkar Raj'
turned out to be an average fare, the actor is not disappointed. His
recently released `Dostana' is doing well at the Box Office. And he
is ready to take on Bollywood with very promising films this year.

  Rivals Akshay, Hrithik, Salman need to pull up their socks as the
Jr Bachchan is ready with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's `Delhi 6'. In
the flick, the beautiful Sonam Kapoor stars opposite him. Going by
the promos of the film, `Delhi 6' may turn out to be a superhit.

Apart from `Delhi 6', he is working with wife Aishwarya in Mani
Ratnam's `Ravana', which is progressing at a brisk pace. The actor
is also working in Rohan Sippy's next film. And added to the good
projects, papa Bachchan's backing would also help Jr B. Then, there
would be astrologers and pujas to make `Abhi Baby' rise and shine in
the year 2009.

Abhishek Bachchan and wife, Aishwarya Rai are getting a chance, which
was lost by Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor.They are crooning a song for
their latest movie.

Music genius A R Rahman had composed a song initially meant for Mani
Ratnam's project, Lajjo. But when Lajjo was shelved, Rahman decided to
use the track for Raavana.

According to the original plan, the track for Lajjo was to be sung by
its cast Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor. Now that it is used by
Raavana, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai will do the honours.

According to Rahman, "Some of the songs in Lajjo were generic, so we
have translocated them into Raavana. Such things happen once in a
while. No regrets. There is no time for that. Regret is boring. Mani s
new film is a new genre for me. I ve done nothing like this before. So
that s exciting."

Hi all,

If you have watched Dostana or Drona.

Please post your reviews here:
http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/Abhishek-Online/database?
method=reportRows&tbl=14

We would like to hear what you thought of both the movies!!!

Regards,
ABO Team

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
Abhishek-Online group:

Who was your favourite in Dostana?

   o Abhishek Bachchan
   o John Abraham
   o Priyanka Chopra
   o Boman Irani
   o Kirron Kher


To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/Abhishek-Online/surveys?id=12848997

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

Aishwarya's presence makes Abhishek nervous!
By ApunKaChoice
Thu, Nov 27, 2008 17:40 IST

Though they may have taken vows to spend the rest of their lives
together, Aishwarya Rai's presence can still make hubby Abhishek
Bachchan nervous.

It happened on the sets of director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra 's movie
Dilli 6 . Abhishek had to shoot a stunt scene when Aishwarya Rai
dropped by on the sets to meet him. May be it was performance
anxiety due to the presence of his wife on the sets or may be he was
having a bad day, but Abhi just could not enact the scene properly.

The stunt was not a tough one and Abhi, who's been part of action
films like Dus and Dhoom , Dhoom 2 , shouldn't have had any problem.
But the actor got nervous and couldn't focus. And the crew on the
sets believed it was the distracting presence of Ash that got Abhi
jittery.

`Dilli 6' is slated for 13 February release. The movie stars Sonam
Kapoor along side Abhishek.

Meanwhile, Abhishek and Aishwarya are presently shooting Mani
Ratnam's movie `Ravan' in Kerala.

Hope, Abhi is not getting nervous this time around!

Abhishek getting his one pack for Raavan!

Mani Ratnam's Guru was a career defining film for Abhishek Bachchan.
Though his first hit was Dhoom, it was Guru which brought him
universal accolades as an accomplished actor and was also his first
solo hit. It was for his character in Guru that Abhishek had to put
on a lot of weight and then he had to keep some of it for Ram Gopal
Varma's Sarkar Raj, where he had to look slightly heavier set. But
that was the past and now Abhishek is looking trim and fit. People
seeing Abhishek on the sets of Mani Ratnam's Raavan were pleasantly
surprised to him back in shipshape.

Abhishek says jokingly that while everyone was working on a six–pack
ab, he was working on one pack! On a serious note, he adds that he
has worked hard to get back in shape as it was really very difficult
to shed 14 kgs., which he had acquired during the shooting of Guru
and had to stick to till Sarkar Raj. And is very happy to be back to
his original weight from Bunty Aur Babli days.

Well, that is certainly good news for the fans of Abhishek Bachchan,
and for that they have to thank John Abraham and his trainer who
were instrumental in inspiring Abhishek to follow the fitness
program devised to get the Dostana hot bod for John. Here's a cheer
to their friendship!

http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/gupshup/2008/abhishek-one-
pack-291108.html