New Race pics
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Akshaye's bad run to end with Race
Akshaye Khanna was plain unfortunate in 2007 when some of his best work went unnoticed. Whether he played a commitment-phobic youngster in SALAAM-E-ISHQ, a guilt ridden lover in NAQAAB, a failed son in GANDHI MY FATHER or a practical politician in AAJA NACHLE - none of his performances got the kind of due they deserved.
Now a continued streak of bad run is all set to get broken once his RACE hits the silver screen. A multi starrer which also features Saif Ali Khan, Anil Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif and Sameera Reddy, it has Akshaye in a prime role who is expected to create a space for himself in this Abbas Mustan film.
In RACE, Akshaye plays the role of a laid back young man who is also a chronic alcoholic. His character is shown to be in love with Bipasha Basu to whom he eventually gets married. Later, an extra marital affair develops between Saif Ali Khan (who plays Akshaye's elder brother) and Bipasha which leads to a murder.
A suspense thriller with liberal doses of action, RACE also has its music (by Pritam) climbing up the popularity charts. The film releases all over on 21st March.
(Glamsham)
Akshaye looks terrific at Race Music Launch
... and Saif looks bleccch, very haggard.
Look at the last pic. He is mesmerising. Seriously, isn't it time Akshoo gets rid of those stupid toupees in moives? He looks so much better without them. They are the culprit. He was looking so old in Race and Naqaab and so young in Salaam-e-Ishq.
Saif gets revolting
Saif Ali Khan who has been racing with time to cope with his hectic schedules, was furious with co-actor Akshaye Khanna at the audio release of Race on Monday evening. According to an eye witness, Saif arrived straight from Alibaug where he has been shooting for Kunal Kohli's film and was made to wait for more than two hours because Khanna was having his lunch. This irked Saif and he was ready to leave the venue in a huff, until producer Ramesh Taurani convinced him to stay back.
An eye witness confirmed Saif's arrival from Alibaug where he has been shooting for Kohli's film with Rani Mukherji. Although the entire cast, including Sameera Reddy, Katrina Kaif and Akshaye Kumar were present at the venue at about 3pm, the audio release function didn't start before 5 pm.
The source said, "Saif was looking tired and irritated after the long drive and when he asked Ramesh Taurani about the delay he was told that Khanna was having his lunch and would take a little time to get done. This made Saif very angry and he almost walked out of the venue." Taurani actually ran behind him to plead with him to stay back. He assured him that the event would begin in a few minutes.
The insider also heard Saif saying, "What does he think? I have come all the way from Alibaug for the event and he is busy having his lunch."
Saif has been shooting in Alibaug and prefers not to stay there but travel to and fro every day so that he can spend as much time possible with girlfriend Kareena Kapoor.
Saif is getting insufferable. First he throws a girly fit over Race promotion and gets other stars in the movie to be pushed to background and now apaprently he thinks he's a maharaja. Everyone, stand in line for the Nawaab Saab! Disgusting.
Looks like he's seriously worried about Akshaye's stealing his thunder in Race!
Race music launch
On Monday evening, it was time for the stars to get together under one roof and celebrate their new venture. Saif Ali Khan, looking dapper in a steel grey suit was the cynosure of everyone’s eyes and for once, everyone seemed to be looking at him than at leggy beauties Sameera Reddy and Katrina Kaif.
He’s one of the hottest Khans on the block these days after all! While Sameera wore a polka dotted halter dress, Katrina opted for a simple black salwar kameez.
Hanging around together were Kunal Ganjawalla and Pritam — the two of them in an upbeat and cheerful mood. Sameera was seen chatting with Akshay Khanna, who refused to take out his dark glasses. Getting dazzled by the beauties Akshay?
Abbas Mastan were together as always, and in matching white outfits, as always too! Sameer was spotted having a chat with Akshay, while Ramesh Taurani made sure that the guests were attended to. The stars were seen having a good time, as they mingled around with each other. Since it was a musical do, the musicians too were seen soaking up the attentionOn Monday evening, it was time for the stars to get together under one roof and celebrate their new venture. Saif Ali Khan, looking dapper in a steel grey suit was the cynosure of everyone’s eyes and for once, everyone seemed to be looking at him than at leggy beauties Sameera Reddy and Katrina Kaif.
He’s one of the hottest Khans on the block these days after all! While Sameera wore a polka dotted halter dress, Katrina opted for a simple black salwar kameez.
Hanging around together were Kunal Ganjawalla and Pritam — the two of them in an upbeat and cheerful mood. Sameera was seen chatting with Akshay Khanna, who refused to take out his dark glasses. Getting dazzled by the beauties Akshay?
Abbas Mastan were together as always, and in matching white outfits, as always too! Sameer was spotted having a chat with Akshaye, while Ramesh Taurani made sure that the guests were attended to. The stars were seen having a good time, as they mingled around with each other. Since it was a musical do, the musicians too were seen soaking up the attention.
(Times of India)
Pics of the event soon to follow. That's sweet of Sameera! Wonder if something is brewing between them, they'd make one sweet couple!
Akshaye gets carried away
He is generally the last person to give an interview, but the first to feel passionately about something and talk about it.
Akshaye Khanna, in many of his interviews earlier, has said that he is boring and so are his interviews because he has nothing new to talk about. But it’s a different story this time. Akshaye is really excited these days and this is hard to miss in his voice. Reason, "My brand new electric car." And that’s his contribution towards stemming global warming. "I read in a newspaper the other day that Dubai was flooded with water. For God’s sake, it is supposed to be a desert. But this is what global warming is doing to the world. Ice is melting and the clock is ticking. Al Gore’s movie gave me the shivers. But what are we doing about it?" he asks. "I had read about electric cars and how they can help stem global warming on the net. But most of the cars were too expensive and beat the purpose it is made for. A car like that should also be reasonably priced so that the masses can afford it," he says.
And that’s how his black electric car has Akshay completely bowled. "Can you believe that the Mayor of London uses one such car?" asks Akshaye. When Akshaye is not giving gyan about ‘green’ cars, he is busy completing the shooting of Priyadarshan’s movie after which he will be shooting for Anil Kapoor’s next venture, Shortcut. Akshaye’s also been wanting to take a break. "I just need a week off and I will be rejuvenated. But I don’t see that happening for another three months," says he.
(Times of India)
Akshoo, dude, chill down, seriously. You're an intelligent guy, don't get carried away by this insane paranoia.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Sexy guys
The unrepentant killer wins the trophy for the sexiest guy in Akshaye's galaxy!
The ditzy bachelor comes a surprise second!
The sensitive artiste shares the silver!
(Thanks to Beth for the DCH pic. To my horror, I just realised I don't have any, so I cribbed one from Beth. Hope you don't mind.)
Race Posters
I like the third one and the other two are crap. It's amazing how they ground Saif in front and leave the others behind.
The last is a screenshot of the website. Even here, the idiots misspell his name!
Akshaye's fan forum
OK, it's clubbed him with Anil and it spells his name wrongly but hey, the first internet fan forum dedicated exclusively to Akshaye is up here. It has some long term Akshaye fans working for it. Visit often and contribute.
Thanks to all guys who made this happen. Damnit, we have to plug for our guy after all!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Akshaye goes electric
As the saying goes " Be the change, you want to see in the world", Akshaye Khanna has literally put the dictum into practice.
Akshaye Khanna will soon be seen in the streets of Mumbai driving a customized Electric Car –REVA. Akshaye Khanna concern for the planet and the cause of global warming has made him choose the option of driving in an electric car for his shoots in Mumbai.
Akshaye Khanna has always been known as a thinking and as an intelligent actor. He has always been a cut above the rest in Bollywood and has always walked a different path. Besides being known as an intelligent actor, Akshaye Khanna is also a responsible citizen.
According to friends close to the actor, Akshaye Khanna was quite impressed by the concept of the electric car, which besides meeting individual needs in city mobility, would also help combat some of the social and environmental problems hovering on the horizon.
Electric cars, which is symbolic of the 'Green Economy', is soon becoming a trend in the west, to embrace clean and renewable energy to survive the tidal wave of pollution and eco-system degradation.
His friends add that Akshaye Khanna was quite impressed with Chetan Maini, the founder of the electric car REWA, due to its unique model of economic activity that incorporated social and environmental concerns, and felt like contributing in a small way, his bit for Planet Earth.
Says Chetan Maini "Globally we see celebrities coming forward and supporting causes they believe in, be it the environment, human rights etc. It great to know that an Indian celebrity like Akshaye Khanna is taking steps to help the environment, his decision to chose the REVA for its environment friendly advantage and great city mobility is a reflection of his commitment to this cause."
Being a CO2 emission free vehicle, the REVA is a car that loves the environment and offers its owner a great driving experience. Akshaye's REVA is customized for his use and comes with all the accessories that he would need. With its range of 80kilometeres and a maximum speed of 80 km/h, it will ensure Akshaye gets around the city efficiently."
Oh, sweet Jesus, Akshaye is taken by the global warming nonsense!Still, it's nice of him to do what he believes in.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
AKshoo's got da moves
Watch the making of the title song of Race. As usual, there's very little of Akshoo but its a pleasure seeing him in his unscripted moments. And boy does he looks great when he is practicing! In amazing shape, better than we have seen him in a long time.(Only if he had taken off that jacket for the actual song!)
Race pics pouring in
(Glamsham)
How I wish he ditched those jackets! He looks awesome in tees. BTW, I am surprised how few pics of Akshaye there are on the Glamsham website. Even Anil Kapor as more!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Nominated
Akshaye nominated for Star of the Year- Male for Gandhi My Father and Best Actor in a Supporting ROle for Aaja Nachle for Max Stardust Awards
When are the filmfare nominations out?
Akshaye's finest
Gandhi_My Father's DVD is reviewed here.It beautifully answers the nitpicking of many Naach Gaana type reviews:
I think it is much to his credit that Akshaye Khanna does so much with a script that leaves his character largely incomplete. As his physicality changes (so many hairstyles!), Harilal's sadness is constant but unfixed. There's no rigidity in his performance, no calcified bitterness. The character may sink overall, but he injects glimmers and wobbles along the way, suggesting that the story is more complex than just failure and that Harilal was at least sometimes connected to the people and world around him and able to participate in occasional joys and interests. He's really, really good - I'd say he's at his finest since Dil Chahta Hai.
PS: Link fixed and now directs you to Beth's blog
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Up at IMDB
Mere Baap Pehle Aap is up at IMDB. It bugs me, why is Akshaye not given top billing there even though it is his solo starrer?
Well, so is Ab Dilli Door Nahin.
But, why is Race not there yet?
Umm...?
I just found out. I have some kind of voyeuristic fascincation about Akshoo's love life. Is that good thing or bad thing?
Akshaye in Race n Naqaab
We can never keep a tally of how Akshaye's weight changes but he seems to have this annoying habit of putting up weight when he is shooting for a movie and losing it when he is free. So, how he is going to look in Race? When the first pic was out, the fans were quite ecstatic that he worked out into a good shape for the shooting. 
Then came the Race still and we got really confused again for he didn't seem to have lost weight at all!
My guess, there were two schedules and he's fit in one and not so, in the other.
However that maybe, one thing is for sure. Here's how he looks in Naqaab:
And this is how he appears in Race:
Granted he has the glares on and that makes a difference but these two are promotional pics having almost identical profiles. One thing's for sure, he's looking much better in Race.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Akshaye to lend his voice for a parrot
If you thought that the failure of a few animation films has put a stop to this trend in India, think again. Yash Raj and Walt Disney Pictures are readying their first animation movie ROADSIDE ROMEO, while Karan Johar is remaking his blockbuster hit KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI in the animation format, called KOOCHIE KOOCHIE HOTA HAI.
Joining the august company of the Chopras and Johars is Nikhil Advani, who has started an animation film called AB DILLI DOOR NAHIN. The film stars Govinda, Akshaye Khanna, Suniel Shetty, Urmila Matondkar, Ayesha Takia and Boman Irani in lead roles. What's the film all about? “It's a 3D animation film that traces the journey of four animals/birds from Mumbai to Delhi. Akshaye is a parrot, Govinda a monkey, Boman a bear, Urmila a leopard, Suniel also a leopard and Ayesha a cub,” Nikhil divulges.
AB DILLI DOOR NAHIN is produced by Nukhil Advani and Mukesh Talreja jointly and scripted by Suresh Nair and Girish Dhamija. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy score the music of the film that's slated for 2009 release.
(indiafm.com)
That's be one cute parrot!
Akshaye n Goinda's movie confirmed
Venus Records And Tapes Pvt Ltd has been in news from quite sometime for its soon to be released film 'Maan Gaye Mughall E Azam' starring Mallika Sherawat and Rahul Bose and directed by Sanjay Chhel.
The company has fortified their plans by leaps and bounds and has announced 5 new projects to be released by the end of the year 2008.
Venus Films will be producing films with high profile directors like David Dhawan, Priyadarshan, Abbas-Mustan, Rahul Dholakia and Sanjay Khanduri (Ek Chalis Ki Last Local fame). .
The David Dhawan directed film will star Govinda and Akshaye Khanna whereas the film directed by Priyadarshan will have box office Superstar Akshay Kumar.
According to head honcho Ratan Jain, Venus Films "Yes, we have big plans for our banner; we are coming back in movie production in a big way this year. And by the end of the year 2008 some of the above projects would be completed".
Govinda n Akshaye did have some nice chemistry in Salaam-E-Ishq but I wonder what kind of storyline will suit them, with their difference in ages and different appeals? Partner would have been an ideal choice for this jodi but do they have another similar story somewhere?
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Akshaye's affairs
(Stardust)
Akshaye Khanna has had a conservative image in the media. The reason why the audience warmed up to the intensely shy boy he played in the uber-cool ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ was because Akshaye was so convincingly real on screen. Sure a huge part of the credit goes to his mammoth talent, but the rest is Akshaye’s real life image, which is so close to the character he plays. Try tracing Akshaye’s career; you’ll notice there have been very few films where he’s played a swash-buckling Casanova unlike his namesake, the Kumar.
One could easily imagine him as the elusive complex lover who fails to express himself in the clichéd sense, but hardly the two-timer that are the Bollywood stereotypes. Akshaye’s led a painfully vegetarian existence. Unlike his contemporaries who change female companions as often as their underwear, Akshaye’s had only one name to flaunt, Tara Sharma, that too from a distant past. One relationship in a decade is as good or as rare an occurrence as a Halley’s Comet.
In such a vanilla situation as has been, even a passing interest in his ‘Naqab’ co-star, Urvashi Sharma screamed for ink space. It was possibly the first co-star in years that the otherwise reclusive Khanna made endless conversations. Naturally when Akshaye was bombarded with queries regarding the same, he thumbed them down as baseless rumours, out of pure habit. After all, he’s mastered the art of being tight lipped with years of practice.
Little did anyone anticipate however, with Urvashi as a catalyst, Akshaye marked a huge change or rather an upgrade in his love life. While he commented in various tabloid interviews how the woman of his dreams had yet to arrive, his search for her had already started, that too in full gear. Akshaye would hardly run out of work in the industry, not when he’s proved time and again that his is a talent unmatched (‘Gandhi-My father’ being a recent example), not to mention his saleability as a star with numerous hits to his credit. He’s also all set to start his own production house, which should set the moolah rolling. All that he had to do was spice up his personal life, and spice up he did.
It all started with his once upon a time lover. It’s probably erased from people’s memories, but Akshaye had a brief affair with the petite Riya Sen a long time ago. Their affections for each other blossomed on the sets of Khanna’s then in process, ad filmmaker Kailash Surendranath’s film. The film might’ve never seen the light of the day, but Akshaye and Riya ended up a happy couple, who perhaps dated each other for a while thereafter.
The details of their subsequent break-up are hazy. But it’s believed that Riya moved on to John Abraham, who was then just another popular model leaving Akshaye in his bachelor boat. It’s true when they say that sometimes people, no matter how mismatched, come back together for the sheer comfort of good times that have been in the past. Time heals any bitterness that might’ve been and Akshaye found himself gravitating towards Riya once again. Close friends of the couple confirm they are an item.
Confirming the news is a few spottings of the two stars dining in public. On her part, Riya is said to have pinned all hopes on this re-unison. Her close friends insist the Bong bombshell is in seventh heaven looking forward to every date with the dashing bachelor hoping this time it’s for keeps. Spreading yourself thin is better than placing all your eggs in one basket.
In times of speed dating and internet romances, one can never be too sure so as to be fixated on one romance. Akshaye was following the millennium rule. It was a London based model who he had met in the Queen’s kingdom that caught his fancy. The Brit model, Sera left our man of few words tongue-tied with her stunning beauty. But what really helped him warm up to her was her intelligence quotient.
Unlike models who carry the reputation of being no-brainers, this one was equipped with enough gray matter to keep Akshaye occupied in unending conversations. What started out as an uncomplicated friendship developed into a romance. There’s only so much of the long distance relationship that you can do without craving to spend each breathing hour with your lover. So the model on a whim landed on desi shores, aamchi Mumbai to live in with her man de jour and make up for lost time.
Sera surprisingly took well to the city, what with Akshaye for company. Shortly after the model moved back to London from her brief visit to India, she returned to the maximum city with ambitions of making it in the Indian fashion industry. Akshaye was naturally encouraging and is believed to have urged her to get her folio shot locally. He even introduced her to the industry’s who’s who to get her started. Akshaye’s keen interest in Sera’s career impressed her even further. While Sera’s merrily wearing her heart on her sleeve, there are rumours of Akshaye’s German conquest doing the rounds. Apparently the dimpled actor has some German girlfriend hidden somewhere.
For someone who’s been exclusively single for as long as one can remember, Akshaye’s quite the Casanova now. Only time will tell who he settles for eventually. Should we take hints from his recent tabloid quote that goes, “Gimme the desi maal” and assume it’ll be Riya to the finish line?
Or not? One thing we know for sure, Akshaye’s surely spoilt for choices here.
I am happy he is getting some action. I was worried he was getting a loner. Anyway, with some of the industry's most beautfiul women lattu over him, why does he bother with hand-me-downs like Riya Sen?
Race preview
(From Indiafm.com)
Ranvir (Saif Ali Khan) and Rajiv (Akshaye Henna) are half brothers who own a huge stud farm in Durban, South Africa. They breed horses on their huge ranch house and are also the biggest bookies in the horse racing circuit.
Ranvir the elder of the two is known to be a very shrewd man. He is very aggressive, and is always on the move. His half brother Rajiv on the other hand is very laid back, and is also a chronic alcoholic.
Sophia (Katrina Kaif) is Ranvir's personal secretary. She adores her boss and loves him. Ranvir is totally unaware of her feeling and regards her adoration as her efficiency.
Shaina (Bipasha Basu) is an upcoming Indian ramp model in Durban. She and Ranvir share a very beautiful relationship, which is just on the borderline of love.
R.D. (Anil Kapoor) is a flamboyant police detective who lives by his wits. He has a strange addiction to fruits. He provides the film with witty humor and a very intriguing murder investigation.
Mini (Sameera Raddy) is R.D's personal assistant. She is as dumb as a blonde can be, in spite of being a brunette.
Shaina loves Ranvir but through a twist of fate gets married to his younger brother Rajiv. When she discovers that Rajiv is a chronic alcoholic, her world is shattered.
Ranvir too is disturbed as he has sacrificed his love for his younger brother because Rajiv had promised him that if he gets married to Shaina, he will leave alcohol forever.
Rajiv after getting married breaks his promise and the story starts getting complicated. In a weak moment Ranvir and Shaina come very close to each other, and an affair starts between the younger brother's wife and the elder brother.
When the younger brother starts suspecting his wife, all hell breaks loose.
A murder is committed, a contract killing is issued, double crossings become the order of the day, betrayals are executed at the blink of an eye, and a point comes where you cannot pick the good from the bad, the evil from the righteous and the tame from the wild.
A sharp tongued detective R.D., getting wise on the proceedings, starts an intriguing investigation with his brainless bimbo assistant Mini, and the story starts to move at a breakneck speed, full of unexpected twists and turns making the climax of the movie impossible to predict. A back drop of horse racing, the beautiful locales of Durban and edge of the seat excitement are the crux of Race.
Too bad, both Katrina n Bipasha have the hots for Saif. I thought it was the other way round. Still, should be an interesting character for AK. Maybe that's why he put so much weight during the time and then lost all of it.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Race to relase on March 21
Race releaing on Marchi 21:
The months of March and May only got hotter. The release date of the keenly-anticipated RACE, which was initially slated for February release, has now been confirmed for March 21. Incidentally, GOD TUSSI GREAT HO and DULHA MIL GAYA, both were confirmed for March 21, but will be shifted ahead.
Meanwhile, another biggie, BHOOTNATH, which was expected to arrive in April, will now arrive in May -- on May 9, to be precise. The summer vacations are only getting hotter!
(Indiafm)
Hey, Race must be really big if movies are being shifted ahead because of it.
Anil's relationship with Akshaye, Saif
With a lean season at Bollywood currently, one of the few films which is making people sit up and take notice is RACE. Its high adrenalin actions sequences are boasting of an international appeal while an unusual combination of multi star cast is intriguing too.
One such combination is that of veteran Anil Kapoor with Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna. While Saif and Akshaye had a great camaraderie demonstrated in DIL CHAHTA HAI, Anil Kapoor has acted with Saif and Akshaye only once earlier.
Remember TAAL? This was the first film which brought Anil and Akshaye together. The scenes they shared were powerful and quite important to the narrative of the film as they both wooed none other than Aishwarya Rai. Incidentally, the two were also the lead protagonists in two stories of episodic SALAAM-E-ISHQ and were paired opposite Juhi Chawla and Ayesha Takia respectively.
Later Akshaye was seen in Anil's home production GANDHI MY FATHER and is currently also involved in his second production SHORTKUT - THE CON IS ON!
With Saif, Anil has been involved for a very brief period. The film was BIWI NO. 1 where the two shared a solitary scene together. A Salman Khan - Karisma Kapoor film, BIWI NO. 1 had Anil in a cameo with Saif in a guest appearance. Now after RACE, Saif would be seen along with Anil Kapoor once more in TASHAN. Yet again, this Yash Raj film is an action entertainer and would showcase both the actors in a different light.
An Abbas Mustan film, RACE is an out and out action entertainer with Saif and Akshaye playing half-brothers while Anil plays a detective. Directed by Abbas Mustan, the film has been shot internationally with Dubai and Durban being prominent locations for shoot. Also starring Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif and Sameera Reddy, the film has music by Pritam.
A TIPS production, RACE has action by Allan Amin, Bollywood's numero uno action director, who has choreographed some breathtaking stunts for the film. RACE is looking at a March release.
(Glamsham)
Friday, January 11, 2008
Akshaye to attend Star Screen Awards
Akshaye confirms he's gonna attend Star Screen Awards:
Akshaye Khanna, another of Screen’s poster boys, insisted on giving a clipped, no - nonsense one line quote on his nomination as the Best Actor for Gandhi My Father and also confirmed that he would drop by to check out the awards.
(Screen)
Oops I am late to it. Looks like they have given the award to Shah Rukh again. Why do they even bother? Did Akshaye attend? That would make at least worth my while for posting the news.
Race title song
Ok, I haven't had the chance to watch this properly till now. Yeah, Akshaye doesn't get much footage but I don't think it's in the song itself. They edited a lot of extra montage of Saif n Bipasha into the trailer ( I know they are trying to create market buzz based on Saif-Bipasha chemistry).
Unexpectedly, even with the very Akshaye's montage, I loved it. Akshaye simply glows. When the stills were released, Saif did indeed look better than him. But in the song, it is AK who is quietly radioactive whereas Saif offputtingly acts as if he is Sylvester Stallone, when he is so obviously not.
It's given me hope that AK might yet again walk away with the show.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Going slow?
Akshaye Khanna is going slow while signing for new movies. Off late, he has hardly given his consent to any new film and is instead focusing on completing some of his other committed assignments.
One such movie is Neeraj Vora directed SHORTKUT - THE CON IS ON which is an Anil Kapoor production. He also has a film with VENUS, the details of which would be made public in a formal announcement soon. Beyond these films, he currently doesn't have any other film in hand.
In comparison, 2007 was a big year for Akshaye as he had as many as 4 releases from beginning till the end of year. While New Year kick started for him with the arrival of SALAAM-E-ISHQ, around half a year later he was seen in NAQAAB. One of the biggest films of his career, GANDHI MY FATHER came a few weeks later while the year ended with his special appearance in AAJA NACHLE.
There were two common factors about each of these four films. While Akshaye was unanimously appreciated for his act in all the films, each of them was a failure at the box office. The dismal performance of GANDHI MY FATHER particularly disturbed Akshaye who was banking heavily on this Anil Kapoor production.
Now he is looking forward to the release of RACE which is first film in the year 2008. An action thriller, it reunites him with Abbas-Mustan who have given him some of his best roles in films like HUMRAAZ, 36 CHINA TOWN and NAQAAB.
(Glamsham)
This guy misses Priyan's movie.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
More dope on the Priyan movie
Priyadarshan has teamed up with Akshaye Khanna once again. After making Hungama and Hulchul, the director and actor combo will be seen in yet another rib-tickling comedy Mere Baap Pehle Aap. Another interesting aspect of the film is that the director has signed powerful actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Shobhana along with Priyan regulars Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Rajpal Yadav and Manoj Joshi for the project in question. Genelia D’Souza, who made her debut opposite Ritesh Deshmukh in Tujhe Meri Kasam, is the leading lady of this film that’s produced by Shemaroo Entertainment P. Ltd.
Meanwhile, Shemaroo is planning to start a string of projects. There’s a co-production with Vishal Bharadwaj next, titled Ishkiyan, to be directed by Abhishek Chaubey, who was the associate director in Makdee, Maqbool and Omkara.
Next on the cards is Channo, to be directed by E. Niwas and of course, the remake of Padosan, which will star Sanjay Dutt, Ritesh Deshmukh and Paresh Rawal. Talks are on with one more lead man. Neeraj Vora will direct this film.
(Indiainfo)
Shobhana in an Akshaye film? It's a dream come true. Hope they won't make her his mother or something but both of them will have show their immense acting talents. This movie getting better in my eyes.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Why is Akshaye under-represented in movie forums?
Trawling through movie groups and other filmy forums, I got a feeling that Akshaye is poorly represented. Often some group member realises that Akshaye does not have a subject devoted to him and they start it in the middle, without failing to wonder why a prominent actor like him doesn't have a single page devoted to him.. His page gets about 20 or 30 entries max while lesser known stars, even one film wonders usually have pages n pages devoted to them. All the film buffs usually acknowledge that he is a good actor but they never show that obsessive interest which they show for other actors.
I know he has some pretty dedicated fans(I am one of them) but he doesn't seem to have that popular vibe thing going for him, at least on the net. Maybe it's because there is so very little news or gossip about him ( actually, this has changed a lot since last one and half years, earlier we used to go months without single mention of him anywhere on the media.) Also, he was alwyas percieved as moody n arrogant and withdrawn from the fans. This perception has changed a little bit but shouldn't this affetc the media coverage more than it does internet film site representation?
Any thoughts?
Big money riding on Race
UTV Motion Pictures has acquired two latest flicks of Tips Films, Race and Kismat Konnection, for worldwide distribution. While the exact amount of the deal is not known, it is being said that the two movies have been acquired by UTV for approximately Rs 900 million (Rs 90 crores).
This deal is not inclusive of music rights. The production company Tips, which also runs a music label, holds the music rights for both the movies. Tips also holds the IPR of both these movies.
Race has been up for sale since September 2007. It is in January 2008 that the film finally made its way to UTV. Along with UTV, The Indian Film Company was also in negotiations with Tips for the distribution rights of the two films.
The multi-starrer Race is directed by Abbas and Matstan and is an action thriller. It stars Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Anil Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif and Sameera Reddy. The film is likely to release in February or March. From the total amount of the deal, Race is said to be sold for Rs 600 million (Rs 60 crore).
Kismat Konnection starring Shahid Kapur and Vidya Balan has been directed by Aziz Mirza. This film is said to have been sold for Rs 300 million (Rs 30 crores). The movie will release around April or June.
The worldwide distribution rights of Kapur's previous film Jab We Met, which was produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision, was acquired by The Indian Film Company for Rs 200 million (Rs 20 crores).
(Business of Cinema)
Is this biggest movie Akshaye has done?
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Hey, that's my word!
em>From Variety's review of Aaja nachle:
Though Dia is welcomed by Ajanta's aged caretaker, Doctor (Raghubir Yadav), the rest of the town has mixed feelings about her return, not least its businesslike mayor, Raja Singh (matinee idol Akshaye Khanna, guesting).
Some of Dixit's best scenes are opposite Khanna, with the two experienced thesps sparking off each other; more of this relationship could have given Dia's role an emotional heft it lacks. Singh finally gives Dia two months to put on a show and prove Ajanta still has a place in the town's life before hard-nosed developer Haru Farooq (Irrfan Khan) moves in.
Of course, Akshaye is nowhere as experienced as Madhuri is but he's definitely acquired that magic status. He's not just an actor but a thespian! That's why Aaja Nachle is a major turning point in his acting career. No matter the space or time given hime, he simply commands the stage.
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