Broken Mirror

What is it with Mumbai Mirror? First it raises up dust on those "alcoholic" pics and now it creates a controversy with Emraan Hashmi. Wonder why it's so miffed with Akshaye.

Emraan Hashmi, you're a moron

Emraan Hashmi is furious. Recently there were reports in the media about Akshaye Khanna reportedly telling a friend that if Emraan demanded Rs 5 crore per film, how much should Akshaye's market price be!

Says a source, "Emraan was livid on reading Akshaye's comment. He is really pissed off."

When contacted, Emraan retorted that he isn't upset. "I don't want to talk about this. I don't even know Akshaye Khanna and we have never spoken to each other," he said.

However, when we probed further, Emraan said, "Let me make life simpler for Akshaye. He wants to know how much he should get, right? Well, I think he should get Rs 2 crore per film."


Emraan Hashmi
Only Rs 2 crore? Hinting at the fact that Akshaye's recent films haven't done well at the box-office (Mere Baap Pehle Aap being the recent-most example), Emraan said, "Yeah, Rs 2 crore should be just fine."

"A certain section of the industry just want to discuss other people's lives. This is not done. Besides, I am very happy with the kind of work that I have done in the industry so far. The success of Jannat was sweet," Emraan added.

Emraan's friend added, "A few people in the film industry feel that it is their domain to decide which actor should charge how much. How much better it would be for all of us if they refrained from voicing their frustrations aloud."


First of all, there's no record of Akshaye saying such a thing. It was reported by Times of India in an omnibus report and there too the quote was attributed to a "friend". Which means TOI simply made it up.

Secondly, even if MBPA is a "failure", it collected in its first week what your so-called superhit movie colelcted in its entire run.

Thirdly, it's not Akshaye who is setting your price, it's you who are doing that you dumb moron.

Finally, do we have to repeat this again? It's kind of ridiculous that you'd compare yourself with Akshaye. You aren't one tenth of an actor he is. Vaccumming out girls is not acting.

MBPA, Akshaye's second hit this year!

Box office India calls MBPA a success!

IBOS shows calls its above average.

Where is the media hype? If this were any other actor, the media would be declaring him a superstar by now.

Anyway,Akshaye has two back to back hits, one of them a solo starrer. Way to go!

3 D Akshaye Khanna

His comic romp in Mere Baap Pehle Aap has tickled many a funny bone. Akshaye Khanna, in a jovial mode reveals his best:
Dish: What Khanna Jr finds irresistible is the humble wayside “vegetable sandwich” and he says that when he spots a sandwich stall, he has to stop by to pick up a “hot ‘n spicy” one always!

Dress: If he had his way the no-fuss actor would be perenially seen in “a black tee and blue jeans” - his favourite outfit.

Destination: “An island with a pretty gal,” quips the bachelor boy.

(Screen)

Mere Baap Pehle Aap declared a success!

It is now clear that Shemaroo Entertainments' MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP is the third consecutive triumph for the Priyadarshan-Akshaye Khanna team. And that within ten days of its run! Not only did the film get the producers a table profit but it has also succeeded in the Overseas, especially in the UK, where Tip Top has released it to rock steady collections.

The Akshaye-Genelia starrer, which netted around 15.85 crore during just the first week of its run in India, is all set to surpass the collections of the previous Priyan-Khanna films like HUNGAMA and HULCHUL. In fact, MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP is also a profitable venture for most of its distributors, including PVR Films, who have released it in the two biggest territories of India, Bombay and Delhi-U.P.

For those who are not aware, trade classifies the success (or otherwise) of a movie from the distributors point of view.

(glamsham)

Finally!

Akshaye pulls even a bad film

MBPA has fair first week in both domestic and international markets. Collects around 16 crores.

15 crores is not bad considering it was being initially sold for that amount. Didn't have great music or any star value except Akshaye. It may not be the slamdunk we thought it would be but it should position Akshaye as a bankable star at the box-office, especially after Race.

Akshaye speaks about TZP loss

Akshaye Khanna is a very talented actor but not a particularly lucky one, considering he, not Aamir Khan, was Amole Gupte's choice for the role of Ram Shankar Nikumbh in the 2007 blockbuster film Taare Zameen Par.

Unfortunately for Akshaye, Amole showed his script to Aamir who liked it so much that he not only decided to produce the film, but also grabbed Akshaye's role for himself.

Recalling the incident, Akshaye told us, "I was shooting in Mehboob Studios two years back when I came to know that Aamir was shooting in the same premises and decided to go and meet him, something we rarely get to do because of our busy schedules. Aamir told me that his friend Amole Gupte had a wonderful script and was dying to meet me, but Aamir wouldn't let him!

"I was stunned. Aamir then confessed to me that he himself liked the script so much that he decided to produce the film and work in it."

Akshaye, 33, rues the lost chance, but takes it in his stride.

"When I watched the film I was proud of Aamir. He's really made a good film. I have no regrets that I was not asked to do the film, but yes I do feel a bit jealous"

Akshaye's forthcoming films include:

Anil Kapoor Productions' Shortkut - The Con directed by Neeraj Vora with co-stars Amrita Rao, Arshad Warsi and Simi Grewal.

Ab Dilli Door Nahin directed by Nikhil Advani with co-stars Ayesha Takia, Boman Irani, Govinda, Suniel Shetty and Urmila Matondkar.

Akshaye in Pune

Akshaye at an event in Pune. No Pics yet.

Feel good Weekend Akshaye Links

Imran Khan, the new debutante, inspired by Akshaye Khanna:

"As a child I used to be fascinated by the huge posters of film stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Khanna etc and used to dream about a time when my face would also be a part of such posters," Khan said at a function in New Delhi today."

Ritesh Deshumkh on Akshaye:

“Look at the way Akshaye Khanna acts. Isn’t it absolutely original and unique”, he questions, “You can never expect him to react in a manner similar to any other actor if thrown in a common situation. It’s just the same for Ayesha. I guess this makes her and Akshaye as two of the finest and most genuine talent around.”

Meanwhile, our friend Briyanshu asks if Akshaye's smile isn't heart-melting? We agree!

Akshaye rocks in Kerala garb

MBPA overseas business fair

Mere Baap Pehle Aap is fair in the overseas market against its costs and opened to a decent response in UK and Middle East. The three day total is 2.25 crore with UK contributing 85 lakhs, UAE adding 60 lakhs and North America grossing 50 lakhs.



Sarkar Raj fell in week two and now will not cover its costs for its International distributor Eros International. The 10 day total is 8.75 crore with 2.50 crore coming from UK, 3.50 crore from North America and the rest of the world adding 2.75 crore. The film is likely to finish at around 9.50 crore business from overseas markets. FLOP

(Box Office India)

Akshaye clears up on the silly alcoholic controversy!

Is it true Akshaye that you had a drinking problem recently?
Certainly not!

Where did that come from?
It was one photograph taken outside a friend's nightclub. It was blown a bit out of proportion. Isn't it normal to unwind at a friend's party? Suddenly, I hear I have a drinking problem.

It was also rumoured that you went to a rehabilitation centre?
Says who? Oh God, no! I'm the last person on this earth to make a spectacle of myself. Yes, I did take a vacation.

A friend was quoted as saying you had gone to clean yourself out?
I don't have friends who would talk like this.

Did this scandal bother you?
Come on, you can hardly call it a scandal. I can't say I was unaffected because such a thing has never happened to me before. I can say with a certain amount of gratitude that so far the press has always been fair to me. I'm not bitter about it. But I find a clear perspective missing in such rumours. But then we're living in a world that's constantly changing. Journalism in this country is also changing. I can see the humorous side of it. One lives and learns. Enough said on this topic.

You're an introvert…
I am not

But you are a private person. How comfortable are you doing a loud comedy?
I haven't done that much comedy. Out of the 30 or 35 films, only 4 have been comedies. And of course Salaam-e-Ishq where I thought my track was really funny.

In the long run would you be remembered by Gandhi My Father or the comedies?
I've no burning ambitious to be remembered. Once I'm gone I'm gone. It doesn't make a damn difference. It's not my ambition to leave a legacy behind. It doesn't matter to me what people think about me when I'm not there.

Do you think Priyadarshan has reached saturation point as far as comedies are concerned?
That's not fair to him or to me. I've done only three comedies with him. And Priyan has done a lot more than just comedy in Hindi. In the South his oeuvre is phenomenal. And he's just made Kanjeevaram which I believe is awesome. The kind of success he has had at the box-office with comedies completely justifies what he does. We keep discussing many other films and scripts besides the ones we've done together. He's got such great ideas.


(indiafm)


I could bomb Mid-Day office right now. It was as I said it was. Go Akshoo, we're all with you on this.

MBPA doing really well in overseas markets

Here's good news for the fans of the Priyadarshan brand of cinema! While the Indian numbers are still to be declared, the Om Puri, Akshaye Khanna, Paresh Rawal and Genelia D'Souza starrer has surprised in the Overseas, given its cost and cast.

During its first weekend run, MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP has grossed a decent $113,576 in the US, entering the charts at number 23. It has done even better in the UK, grossing $199,469, with a healthy print average of $6,434. The film makes an entry at number 13 in the UK chart! There are also reports of a good performance in Middle East!

What makes MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP's performance all the more creditable is that it had for company the formidable, THE INCREDIBLE HULK.


(Glamsham)

To compare, it is as good as Dasavthar, the costliest movie ever made in India. It's safe to say it's a hit overseas.

Shobhana

OK. I couldn't resist. She reminds me of Akshaye in many wyas. Such beautiful people, so talented, so utterly wasted.

Mere Baap Pehle Aap picks up on the weekend

Mere Baap Pehle Aap picked up on Saturday to record 60-65% buisness with business on Sunday hitting 80% at the multiplexes. Business in single screens was lower.

Mere Baap Pehle Aap is a safe bet for most distributors, circuits like Mumbai, Delhi/UP and East Punjab should emerge earning fares on the strength of multiplexes while others should cover costs. The reasonable pricing is also a plus for the film. Mere Baap Pehle Aap is unlikely to be a big hit but a decent earning proposal for most of its investors.

(Box Office India)

As I said before there seems to be an overt campaign to be quite engative about this movie. The first was avergae but it has picked up quite nicely on the weekend. Let's wait till the week is over to get a full picture. Dont trust the media pile on.

My review of Mere Baap Pehle Aap

I have seen Mere Baap Pehle Aap. It could have been a really good movie but what lets it down is the awful dialogue. There isn't a single dialogue that's not cringe worthy. Priyan is from the South, so he probably doesn't know much about the nuances of Hindi. As a result the movie is peppered with school text shuddh hindi that was really hard to listen to. Bhains ki bachi, kameeni, paanchvi kaksha and all those idioms, none of them funny. Priyan was unable to inject any fresh vibes into the movie. It looks quite stale and old. Editing was bad.

Still, the movie is pleasant, funny and heart warming without major song and drama. Genelia is cute. Paresh is nice.

I watched it for Akshaye and Shobhana. Shobhana didn't have much to do in the movie but she looked heart-stoppingly beautiful. They made her look old and frumpy to suit Paresh but there's a song in which she is wearing a green saree and she leans on a tree and you catch your breath. My god, what a beautiful woman! She gives new meaning to statuesque. And she shows what a really classy actress can do with even little material. She doesn't have a single major dialogue and yet in the scene where Akshaye calls her and she thinks it's Paresh, she turned it into the emotional highlight of the movie.

Akshaye didn't have much to do except be a perpetual scold in a cutesy way. This could have worked if the dialogue backed him up. With that godawful writing, there was no chance.

Akshaye always looks his best in Priyan's movies. Doli Sajake Rakhna, Hulchul and now this. He looked much better than in Race. As usual, he was costumed really badly. In one scene, he wear a normal white T-shirt and he looked so cool in it and I wondered why can't they fit him with such simple clothes throughout the movie? Instead he was sporting a dowdy wardrobe. As if that wasn't enough, he had bad makeup. In some scenes, he hadn't shaved and his eyes were red. On the whole, these are just minor quibbles. He was great to see. He was awesome in Kerala lungi in that houseboat song.

I wanted to see Akshaye and Shobhana in the movie and the movie didn't disappoint me on that score. Genelia was an added delight. Good timepass.

The best role I've ever done-- Akshaye

Akshaye Khanna is one of the most underrated actors of Bollywood, so say some die-hard fans. He's got it all - his father Vinod Khanna's boyish charm, oodles of talent and some good backers in the film industry. Even Bollywood veteran Anil Kapoor swears by Akshaye. But somehow, the actor hasn't been able to crack the A-list, despite all these pluses. He's either played supporting roles or negative roles and has not found much success as a solo leading man.

But now, Akshaye hopes to change all that with Mere Baap Pehle Aap in which he plays the lead. The film's a comedy that also stars Paresh Rawal, Genelia D'Souza, Om Puri and Rajpal Yadav.

A quick chat with Akshaye on his new film:

What attracted you to this film?

The film is about relationships. It's a family-oriented flick. I am sure when the audiences come out of the theatres they will identify with the film. The situations in the film are hilarious and it's a positive film. What I liked about the script was that it was unique even though it had all the ingredients of a commercial Hindi film. But it's not a hackneyed plot. It's refreshingly different. Also Priyadarshan is a great director. I really enjoy working with him. We share a great relationship and I enjoy coming to his sets.

Tell us something about your character in the film...

This is probably the best role I have ever done. It fits in perfectly with the story and even complements it. I play the role of Gaurav, a man who always wants his father to be happy. So he tried everything in his capacity to make his dad happy. Sometimes, that leads to hilarious situations, especially when he tries to unite his dad with his lost love.

Can you tell us about any one particular funny situation?

Yeah. Genelia once asks me in this film, 'Who do you have in your house besides your father?' I reply 'I have uncles and aunts, grandpa, grandma and they all come together in one human being and that is in my father'. I thought that was an interesting line.

How well do you and Paresh get along?

We have done a lot of films together. But I think we have the maximum scenes together in this film. So there is a lot of interaction between us as we play father and son. He is a great guy, interesting to work with and a great actor as everybody knows. We gel well and it is fun to be with Paresh on the shoots. We don't have any problems or any hitches.

What do you feel about Paresh's comic timing?

Paresh has his own style of acting. His style is very effective. His performance forces the audience to sit back and watch him without even blinking. He manages a rare blend of comedy and seriousness that's hard to emulate.

Do you like him as a person?

In our industry, it is very important to personally like the people you work with. It is good to have a professional relationship but if you have a personal equation, the quality of work improves. In filmmaking, you end up spending a lot of time for days with the same people. So it's important to like them and enjoy good communication with them. Else you can't perform too well and the rapport suffers. We share a good personal equation too.

You have worked with Priyadarshan in some films earlier too. Do you sense any change in him?

None at all. He's just become older (laughs). He is a really good speaker and he expresses his point of view so clearly that the actors face no problem at all in doing what he wants them to. A distinct and clear explanation leads to a good film. Communication is where most directors fail.

Well, now let's talk about your rapport with your real-life father Vinod...

My father is more like a friend to me; we share a very good relationship. We discuss so many things. He is not the one who likes to force his decisions on others. Plus he loves to socialise. This is why he has so many friends.

What other films are you working on?

Besides Mere Baap Pehle Aap, there is Anil Kapoor's Shortcut and an animated film Ab Dilli Door Nahi. I dubbed for the animated film. It was a completely different experience.

What about producing? Anything coming up there?

Right now, that has taken a backseat. But yes, if I come across a good story, I will definitely try my hand at producing films.


(Beta Masala)

"I won't get married" -- Akshaye

The first thing that Akshaye Khanna loves to talk about, when we meet him, are his fond memories of the city.

Says he, “I used to come to Pune 25 years back. That was the time when my dad (Vinod Khanna) used to be in the Osho Ashram. I remember he would pick me up from the school on Friday evenings and we would reach the Ashram late in the nights. I would be in and around the Ashram on weekends,” recalls Akshaye. And, the best part about Pune he misses are the rickshaw rides. “At that time, Koregaon Park was lush and green. A ride around the Ashram would be two or three bucks. I loved it,” says Akshaye, who was last in Pune about two years back for the shooting of Gandhi My Father.

Akshaye, whose recent release talks of the father-son relationship, has an interesting take on the usual father-son films in Bollywood. “Usually, it is a lot of rona-dhona where conflict and generation gap is shown between father and son. So, it was nice doing a film which had a comic angle to it — where the father is more like the son and the son more like father!” Does he take advise from his dad, who himself is an illustrious actor? “I used to when I started off, not anymore. If at all I need a second opinion, I go to him. But, frankly, that’s hardly there,” he says.

Talking about the films he has done, he rates Gandhi My Father very highly. “I think probably it was the most important film of my career. I feel playing the role of Harilal Gandhi creatively has given me immense satisfaction. We don’t make many of these kinds of films, and it’s one of those films where every department, whether it is cinematography or costumes, excelled. I am very proud of it and very thankful to both Anil and Feroz to have considered me for that role,” says Akshaye.

In his long career, the actor has done a variety of roles — from intense ones to comedies. What is he most comfortable doing? “For me, it doesn’t matter what kind of role I am doing. I just enjoy the process of acting and filmmaking. Sometimes people say that doing comedy is more difficult. But, from my experience I can say doing comedy is more easy,” he says. Explaining further, he adds, “But I have done hardly two or three comedy films and most of them have been with Priyadarshan. Priyan’s writing is so strong that he makes the work easy. And, I think, script is the most important part of a comedy flick. If you have a brilliant scene and dialogue on paper, somehow it manifests on screen, and Priyan does a great job out of it. So, maybe I’m a bit spoilt with him.”

Akshaye believes that Bollywood has undergone a sea change from the time he made his debut. “I would say it is more organised and professional now. The quality of films in terms of technical aspects has improved. But, the main change has come in terms of how we fund our movies, how we manage that money, and how films are released. It’s much more transparent and clean,” says Akshaye.

Quiz Akshaye on when he is getting married and he laughs off, “I have decided not to get married,” he says crisply. On a more serious note, he adds, “As of now, I have not decided on marriage. I don’t see myself getting married soon. Frankly, I am not in love with the very concept of getting married. But, that’s for now. Maybe that would change with time. For marriage, meeting the right person is very important and that has not happened with me so far, nor am I looking forward to that either. When it has to happen, it will happen,” Akshaye Khanna signs off.

(Times of India)

Father's Day Column

Mere Baap Pehle Aap is the best title of my career. It goes with the subject as well. In the film, the son keeps his father's happiness before his own. He gives more importance to his father's happiness. The father and son both love each other a lot. This is the basic story of the film. In the film, the father is actually like the son and the son is actually like his father.

But on the flipside, the relation that I have with my own father is very different. My father is more of a friend to me. He never imposes himself on other people and is a non-interfering person. He takes people for what they are. I have never met a man with more friends than my father in my entire life. He is a people's person who loves to socialise and it's his friendly stride that has won him thousands of friends.

He has never tried to influence my thinking or my way of life. But I have been inspired and influenced by looking at him. He has never forced anything on me. Though we talk about films, he never tells me to do or not to do a film; he leaves the decision solely on me.

In 2001, when Gujarat was shaken by a massive earthquake, I was at my father's place. He told everyone in the family that he wanted to go to Gujarat and see what he could do there. I do not know of anyone who would do what my father did. He packed a small bag and said that he would return in 3 days. Alone he took a flight and went to Bhuj. He did not come back for three and a half months. On his own, he built the largest non government relief camp. He slept on the floor for three months. By the end of the camp he had around 800 people sitting in it. He built a full fledged running hospital having about 20 beds. He called every friend of his to send all the essential things like beds, blankets, food, soaps etc. All his friends in the constituency sent whatever they had. It was an unbelievable achievement and he never spoke about it. That was my proudest moment.


(Indiatimes)

Reviews of MBPA --2

On the acting front, Akshaye Khanna fits the bill and excels with his expressions, dialogues and body language. (Indiaglitz)

super hot.... Akshaye Khanna has never looked so handsome and so reminiscent of his dashing father. He is the soul of the film and displays his flair for comedy. His rapport with Paresh Rawal is excellent and he looks good with Genelia too. He portrays anger particularly well, whether it is directed towards Om Puri for getting his father in trouble or Genelia for annoying him. (Meri News)

Paresh Rawal and Akashaye Khanna seem to be in the perfect comic mode throughout the film (Zee News)

Akshaye surprises with his comedy (Glamsham)

Taran's chat with Akshaye and Priyadarshan

Early reviews

Akshaye Khanna looking marvellous....Akshaye Khanna carries the film gamely on his shoulders and gives a first rate performance (Sify)

Acting-wise, Akshaye is, as always, very much with the character, essaying his part with incredible ease. (Indiafm)

There are moments when you slip into your seat, comfortably viewing the effortless and endearing chemistry between Paresh Rawal [Images] and Akshaye Khanna [Images], playing an unconventional father-son pair. Paresh Rawal plays the perfectly adorable and compliant daddy to Akshaye's admonishing, authoritarian son. Besides exuding mutual warmth and taking well-timed cues, both the actors give each other respectful space, all of which is palpable on and off-screen. (Rediff)

Sabotage won't work

Suddenly there are a spate of negative articles about Akshaye. Just before the release of his movie. Call me paranoid, I feel somebody is desperately trying to dampen the buzz before the movie hits the screen.

I won't post more of those desperate stories here but nothing can dampen our excitement for tomorrow when a great actor is gonna get his due at box-office. Finally. The first "solo" hit of his career, maybe? No matter how insiginificant the other actor's contribution, it's never an Akshaye hit, always a mutistarrer finding acceptance. Even now they the media is setting up Paresh Rawal as the hero of the movie. But, but, but, it won't wash. Not after Race.

This could do to Akshaye what Hum Tum did to Saif. Only Saif was backed up by a great production house and all the perks that come with it. Still, no complaints.

Tomorrow the world is going to change!

Media piling on Akshaye

A visibly uncomfortable Akshaye Khanna was recently spotted promoting his next film at a popular radio station. At first glance, it looked like the actor — who hasn’t had a hit in a long time— was anxious about his film Mere Baap Pehle Aap doing well at the box office. But it was only later that we realised the real reason for his jumpiness. The media-shy actor was apparently finding it hard to settle in the presence of all the cameras around him. Despite his quandary though, Akshaye somehow managed to get his act right and participated in the promotions wholeheartedly. The radio station had arranged for a bizarre ceremony. A female contest winner was made to tie the knot with a male Radio Jockey, and Akshaye happily played the part of a pandit. Once the nuptials were complete, Akshaye eased up and spoke to the media about his film. Perhaps he felt more intelligent next to the newlyweds?

Video here.

Akshaye is Priyan's favorite

So while Karan Johar brings out the best in SRK and Rakesh Roshan in Hritik, Priyadarshan manages to do so effectively with Paresh Rawal, Akshaye Khanna and many more. Priyadarshan is a delight to work with. Thats what the entire cast of Mere Baap Pehle aap vouche for and Akshaye explains why.

He comments, "I completely trust Priyadarshan because he is a director who knows his work, his script and his actors well. He is completely aware of how to bring out the required reactions and expressions (output) from his actors for the script. Priyadarshan is such a good director who communicates his ideas and expectations to his actors with complete precision and has contributed significantly to my career. Hence working with him is such a pleasure and one doesn't have to think twice before signing up with him".

(indiatimes)

Akshaye attends Amisha's birthday

Amisha Patel has been in the celebration mode for close to a week. According to sources, the actress and her current boyfriend, businessman Kanav Puri flew down to the Maldives on June 5 for a brief vacation while friends in India were already planning a surprise birthday bash for her.

All preparations for Amisha's birthday began from June 4 at her close friend and jewellery designer Paulomi Sanghvi's pad in central Mumbai. Paulomi, who is a good friend of Manisha Koirala and Urmila Matondkar, is presently modelling for Fardeen's sister Laila Khan's jewellery line. A lesser known fact is that she is also Amisha's childhood friend. Paulomi confirms and says, "Amisha is a childhood friend and I threw a surprise birthday bash for her at my place. It is so nice to plan these surprise parties for a friend."

We hear that boyfriend Kanav called Paulomi from Delhi and the two decided to do something special for Amisha. Though Kanav and Amisha were originally supposed to go to Goa for their own special party on June 9, (but changed their minds at the last minute and flew to Maldives instead) it looks like the actress's close friends did not want to miss out on the fun.

So, Akshaye Khanna, Tusshar Kapoor, Adnan Sami, Sanjay Kapoor and some more Page 3 regulars got together to sing happy birthday for Amisha. The venue was decorated with flowers and candles and there were thirty-five people who attended the do.

Amisha, who bought herself a fancy apartment in Juhu after moving out of Vikram Bhatt's house, is busy decorating her new place. Says one of the invitees, "That's why Paulomi hosted the do at her home."

The actress who is sure that her sizzling number in Yash Raj's Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic is going to notch up some rave reviews and cannot wait for the movie to hit the theatres.

Akshaye cribs about Akshay

Abbas-Mustan and Akshaye Khanna go back a long way. Besides working in a number of films together, including the biggest hit of 2008 yet, RACE, the director duo and the actor share a terrific rapport in real life. But there's a twist in the tale, at least that's what the rumor mongers would like us to believe.

Rumors are rife that Akshaye has refused an Abbas-Mustan film, to be directed by someone else, on financial grounds. Apparently, post RACE, Akshaye has hiked his fee four-fold and feels that he deserves an 'x' price, which did not suit Abbas-Mustan's budget.

"The hike [in fee] isn't four-fold, it's eight-fold," Akshaye jokes, but gets serious immediately, "The economics of the industry has undergone a change. But my refusal [of an Abbas-Mustan film] had no financial bearings. The reason was something else altogether."

With MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP hitting the screens this Friday, the actor looks forward to working with Priyadarshan every year. "I really enjoyed working in MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP. In fact, working with Priyan relaxes me completely. I keep telling him that we should work in at least one film every year, lekin doosra Akshay beech mein aa jaata hain," he chuckles.

(indiafm)

Hey this actually touches on what I've been thinking. he may want to work with Priyan but Priyan won't be available evry year. After the spat, I dunno whether Abbas-Mustan will come back to him. He has to sign up with new directors and cultivate them.

MBPA getting bigger by the minute

Mere Baap Pehle Aap which was going to have a medium release looks set to have a fairly big release. Exhibitors in many small centres who took on Sarkar Raj probably for a 3-4 week run will now be replacing it with Mere Baap Pehle Aap from Friday.

Mere Baap Pehle Aap was probably going to come on around 125 digital screens while after Sarkar Raj the total now is set to be double that. The film will be by far the biggest solo Akshaye Khanna release with 750 prints going to 650+ cinemas all over India.

(boxofficeindia.com)

Go Akshoo!

I have no head for the numbers but they say it's going to be Akshoo's biggest solo release! It's already been sold for twice the amount they initially planned (Race bump). If it clicks, there's no stopping Akshoo.

Canadian Ken, thanks for the tip. I don't think it will be a Govinda-Shakthi Kapoor kind of comedy. It will probably be more like Priyan's own Hungama, mindless but not totally unpalatable.

I was surprised to find out how many people actually love Hungama and Hulchul, so there's already some fondness for Akshaye-Priyan brand out there. Priyan's movies tend to be dull sometimes and that's the only danger I can see for this movie at the moment. Even if it's decently funny, it should do well.

And as I said before, can't wait to watch Akshaye and Shobhana together!

10,000

Sometime yesterday, tis bog has crossed 10,000 visits mark! Thanks to you all.

Akshaye is Hot Property

Akshaye Khanna has a big film for release soon. Although Race did reasonably good business at the box office, Akshaye's performance went largely unnoticed. With Mere Baap Pehle Aap, Akshaye Khanna is on a stronger wicket. Priyadarshan and Akshaye have given two huge hits in the past Hulchul and Hangama. And comedy has always been Akshaye's forte.

But keeping aside his graph of hits and flops there is something to this actor that makes the women go weak in the knees. His fan following has many more women than men. And there seem to be several reasons for it…

Has Akshaye inherited his father’s looks?

There is an old adage that men with deep clefts in their chins are flirts. Akshaye may not be blessed with his father's good looks but a lot of women call him handsome. Akshaye's cleft, his strong jaw line and charismatic smile have the women falling over him. But our man seems to be the choosey sort. With the exception of one relationship with Tara Sharma we have not really heard about any link-ups alleged or otherwise.

Quiet Elegance

Akshaye doesn’t sport tags or brands or labels. He’s far too refined for that. But everything about him from his jeans to the casual t-shirts or sunglasses spell class. He's been brought up in the lap of luxury (His mother Geetanjali also came from a rich family) and Akshaye is quite the global citizen. It’s surprising Akshaye hasn’t got on to the endorsement band wagon yet but he’s the perfect icon for designer watches and sunglasses. Guess it’s only a matter of time before the corporates make a beeline to his door.

Does Akshaye hate the press?

Akshaye Khanna does not believe in seeing himself on Page 3 all the time. When he’s not promoting a film he prefers to stay out of the limelight. It’s far nicer than some upstarts who send out a press release every time they’re down with viral fever or they lose their cell phone. (Shahid Kapur, please note). And when he does open his mouth he speaks sense. Not a journo’s delight but a good policy decision from Akshaye’s point of view.

The quiet actor

Akshaye has not reached the heights of his success like his father Vinod Khanna did in the 1970s but he has carved his own niche in Bollywood. And he generally plays roles where he's the strong silent type. Even in Gandhi, My Father he kept his histrionics as minimal as possible. His dialogue delivery is always precise and terse. And sometimes he conveys volumes with a twitch of his eyebrow or the hint of a smile, which constantly hovers, around his lips.

The homely kind

Although Akshaye Khanna is not puny there's nothing overtly macho about him. He is a more of a 'thinking' man than the shirt-baring muscle-flaunting type. He looks like the kind of person who would hold the door open for a woman and show proper respect towards the older generation. In other words he's the type of guy you would like to introduce to your parents. That is if you can get him to commit in the first place. With Akshaye Khanna nobody has succeeded so far.

(buzz18)

Ishq Subhanallah video

Switch to 0.34. He's soo adorable there.

What happened to Ishq Subhanallah?

BTW, is the promo for Akshaye-Genelia song Ishq Subhanallah song out yet? The movie releases next week.

Are you excited? I know I am. It has two of my favorite stars. I was kind of hoping they'd work opposite each other but it doesn't matter they are in the same movie! Akshaye Khanna and Shobhana together at last!

MBPA music release--Part 5

This is what they design for him, see what I mean? I wish I was a fashion designer.

OMG, isn't he just freakin' awesome?

He looks like this in real life without much effort and somehow Bollywood designers always manage to mangle his look in his movies. How do they do it?

MBPA promos

Akshaye at BigFM event-- IV

The BigFM event

The wedding bells are ringing on-air for BIG 92.7 FM's RJ Rohit, the host for Mumbai's popular evening drive time show 'Mumbai Much Much', and BIG 92.7 FM, marked the celebrations today with none other than Bollywood's most eligible bachelor Akshaye Khanna. BIG 92.7 FM's star RJ and heartthrob of many finally decided to take the plunge on-air with a grand swayamvar amid baraatis, band-bajaa & shehenaai at the colourful mandap…all making for a picture perfect wedding.

RJ Rohit - all of 6 feet with his well chiselled features and great sense of humour has a huge female fan following across the city and was looking for an opportunity to meet with his fans. It was on one of the shows that he came up with the idea which gave all his women listeners' an opportunity to come up with their most interesting & innovative on-air proposals for him. He proclaimed that he would select his on air bride from amongst the listeners who sent in the most unique on air proposals and helping him end his search for the most suitable on-air bride and playing match-maker was Bollywood's most sought after actor Akshaye Khanna, who after scanning through all the on-air proposals finally declared the funniest & wittiest proposal as the winner! The winner for the on-air contest was short listed from RJ Rohit's huge female fan following across the city, who participated with full enthusiasm, sending messages by the dozen to woo him!



The mandap was set, baraatis dancing to the band-bajaa & shehenaai, it was all in all a fun-filled event with RJ Rohit having a gala time enjoying all the attention from his female fans who came to shower him with their blessings.

Elated with the response, BIG 92.7 FM RJ Rohit said, "I am very excited with the kind of response that the contest has garnered, and you can look forward many more interesting offering from BIG 92.7 FM. It was quite a task to finalise on the winner but we zeroed down on one listener and shouldering this responsibility was none other than heartthrob of Bollywood, Akshaye Khanna. This is an initiative towards providing listeners a wholesome mix of entertainment and I enjoyed every bit of this evening."

"RJ Rohit is very popular with women and has a huge fan-following, women flocking the BIG 92.7 FM studios just to get a glimpse of him is a regular sight that one gets to witness. This initative was conceptualised to meet the wishes of listeners to meet their favourite jock and woo him. This is part of our ongoing initative to connect with listeners and ensure high levels of interactivity. The evening was well received with women from across the city thronging the studios to meet with their favourite jock and the presence of Bollywood's most eligible bachelor, Akshaye Khanna only added to the excitement of the evening." Added Mr. Sudarshan Saha, Station Head-Mumbai, BIG 92.7 FM

(RadioandMusic.com)

Akshaye at BigFM event-- III

Akshaye at BigFM event-- II

Akshaye at BigFM event-- I

A note

I have noticed that new commenters are continually leaving their comments on my blog. I appreciate each and every one of your comments. Lack of time doesn't allow me to respond to them as I would like to. I can barely keep up with posting as it is. Thanks for visiting my blog and caring enough to leave your comments. I will try to catch up with you all.

Akshaye gets candid

Akshaye Khanna may be shy and reserved, but when it’s ‘lights, camera, and action’ time — he switches gears to deliver some power-packed performances.


The talented actor, who’s now gearing up for his next film, minces no words as he speaks to BT about matters close to his heart...

Are you anxious about your new film?

A little bit on the edge. It’s all part of the business. Everyone feels anxious and a bit impatient to see how a film is accepted by the audiences. A genuinely feel-good film is releasing after quite some time. The last one I think was Taare Zameen Par.

If a film of yours does not do well... how do you cope?

How do I deal with a film flopping? I really don’t have an answer. But then, I don’t know how to deal with a successful film either. Actually, success is more difficult to deal with than failure. And how one deals with success says a lot about the person. Bigger the success, more difficult it is to handle. It can corrupt you. Your upbringing, maturity as a person, has a lot to do with how you deal with success.

You play Paresh Rawal’s son in this Priyadarshan movie Mere Baap Pehle Aap...

We have great chemistry on screen and that’s also because we genuinely like each other and get along very well. We’ve done a good five to six films together.

In real life what’s your relationship with your dad like?

My father has never imposed anything on his children. He is like that with everybody. He is very much a ‘live and let live’ kind of a guy. We are more like friends.

If not an actor what would you be?

Hard to say, but I’ve always been fascinated by flying, something I still want to pursue. When I was a kid I wanted to be a fighter pilot. I even went to the Air Force office and got a form for myself.

What about criticism? How do you react to it?

All my friends are people who are totally honest. Sometimes I get upset by their honesty! Of course, I appreciate it and wouldn’t like it any other way! Talking about critics, the press has been quite kind. However, I would question a couple of critics who I feel have no credentials. Everyone has freedom of expression except the film industry! Actually, this problem of censorship applies to all creative fields. It’s a national shame that somebody like M F Husain, who probably knows more about Hinduism than some Hindus themselves, has to live abroad. Why should a couple of hundred people dictate what society should be like?

Like your dad, would you get into politics at some point?

Politics is part of everyday life. Everybody is a politician. We are a politically active country. But, I don’t think a career in politics interests me. You can never say never, though, but at the moment — it’s no.

On the personal front, are you still single?

Yes, and I intend to keep it that way as long as I can!

You are quite shy and reserved as a person...

I am a very shy person, but I’m not a loner. I love being around people, but I’m still very reserved. It’s a strange combination!

(TOI)

Akshaye moves on

It’s not often that we hear a Bollywood actor taking a hurried and discreet trip to a rehab centre overseas. But Akshaye Khanna did just that. He reportedly took permission from the producers of Mere Baap Pehle Aap, his latest movie, to take time off and fly to Philippines to seek therapy for alcohol addiction. Now that he is back, he knows best how to deal with it – by moving on.

Last month, photographs of a visibly drunk Akshaye at a city pub had been splashed in many newspapers. They showed Akshaye holding on to his drink even as he was being helped into his waiting vehicle. On his return he has this to say: “We live in a world that is changing. And so is the media. One must be open enough to accept what’s on hand and move on.” Was he angry with the media to find that he had made headlines for the wrong reason? He says, “It was what it was!”

Meanwhile, he seems to have found the perfect way to put everything negative behind him. Gardening is his new-found passion. He says, “It is a great form of meditation. It is hugely satisfying to be able to eat your own onions and bhindis. I want to learn more about gardening. Fifteen minutes of gardening are enough to make me perfectly calm.”

Recalling his younger days he says, “My family has a house outside Mumbai. My earliest memories are those of me standing over the plants and watering them. Perhaps this passion has stemmed from that.”
Talking about his latest movie awaiting release on June 13, Akshaye rates it high on the list of comedies he has done till date. When asked if Mere Baap Pehle Aap will be one of those slapstick comedies by director Priyadarshan, Akshaye says, “Comedy is a genre that generally fails to touch your heart. But Priyadarshan has transformed Mere Baap Pehle Aap into something beyond a father-son relationship.”

Priyadarshan seems to be his favourite director. He says, “Working with Priyadarshan is absolutely different from working with others. On his sets, there is no bitching or gossiping. I feel liberated.” So much so that, he says he and co-star Paresh Rawal even considered asking the director if he could extend the shoot for few more days.

Though Gandhi My Father, in which he played a serious role, turned out to be a flop at the box office, Akshaye remains undaunted and says he would not want to be typecast as a comedy hero. And if there is one genre of movie that Akshaye wants to stay off, that’s science thrillers. “I am not a Star Wars fan at all. And since it is not a genre found in Bollywood, I don’t need to act in those,” says Akshaye.

MBPA is the funniest film I've done-- Akshaye

How has the journey with Priyadarshan been?
This is my fourth film with him. In Bollywood, he has been branded as a director, who makes only comedies. But he is a very versatile director, who makes films in different genres. He has done all kinds of films down South.

Personally and professionally, we work very well together.

What about Genelia D'Souza?

She is a wonderful artiste. I wouldn't call her a newcomer as she has done a substantial amount of work in the South. She has a very young screen age, which makes people think that she is a newcomer.

What I particularly like about Genelia is that there is a certain amount of originality in her. She does not have a history. She does not try to copy someone or be someone else. And this is very refreshing.

I would say Ranbir [Kapoor] and Sonam [Kapoor] also fall in this category. Though they come from a filmi background, they are original. I do not see Anil Kapoor in Sonam or Raj Kapoor or Rishi Kapoor in Ranbir.

Why is it that you do not make many public appearances?
That is just the way I am. I am a very low profile kind of guy.

This is the first time you have worked with Om Puri. How was the experience?

I have lots of respect for him. Before this film, I had never met him. He is a gentleman and very soft-spoken, humble and easy going. It is incredible that such great talent does not affect the person's ego. I really liked him and enjoyed working with him.

What is his role?

He is this eccentric friend of my father's [Paresh Rawal], who I hate because he always gets my father into trouble. He is this old guy, who believes that today's young women fall for men of his age

The film has a very unusual concept. How was the idea conceived?
This film is the remake of a Malayalam film [called Istham].

Tell us about your role.

I am a son, who sometimes behaves like my father's father. My life unfolds through the script. It is an extremely unconventional film and the funniest I have ever done.

Now, with the music out and promos doing the rounds, what kind of response have you got so far?

All I can say is that the response has been positive.

What are your favourite scenes in the film?
All the scenes with Paresh, which form the crux of the film. Those are very novel scenes. I don't think I will ever play such roles again in my career.

Who are your favourite directors?

From among the directors I have worked with, I like Priyadarshan (Doli Sajake Rakna, Hulchul, Hungama) Abbas-Mastan (Race), J P Dutta (Border, LOC: Kargil), Farhan Akhtar (Dil Chata Hai), Rishi Kapoor (Aa Ab Laut Chalen), Firoz Abbas Khan (Gandhi My Father) and Subhash Ghai (Taal).

You have done different roles in different films. Do you think comedy is your forte?

I do not think I am the best at anything. I just enjoy what I do.


Come on Akshaye, you are absolutely the bestest in the world, ever, no doubt about it. and don't be shy to admit it.

Advice to future designers, just put Akshoo in a normal tee-shirt, you don't have to do anything else.

I can't embed the video interview but go here to watch it.

Akshaye on MBPA

Is it just me or are there more interviews and more media coverage than for a normal Akshaye movie? Signs of things changing?

More MBPA stills