More dope on Akshaye-Anil's new movie

Another source revealed, "Anil Kapoor's Disney film will only begin in mid-2009 but before that he intends to start a film to be directed by Anees Bazmee. Anil has even signed Sanjay Dutt for the same. Earlier, Anil had managed to rope in Dutt for a dance sequence along with himself in his current in production film, Shortkut. The new film, a comedy will also star Akshaye Khanna and Anil himself. The hunt for the three female leads in the female is still on."

When enquired, Anees admitted to having been offered the Anil Kapoor Productions film, stating, "Anil was offering me Rs 15 crore for this project, which he intended to begin soon. That's way too much for someone like me. I have done successful films like No Entry and Welcome with him and now am busy shooting for his younger brother, Sanjay Kapoor's debut production, It's My Life. So, we are like a family. I declined the amount but have considered the direction offer. But the script is yet to be worked upon."

(Buzz 18)

Akshaye vs Vinod

This article says Akshaye is not as hot as father Vinod Khanna. We beg to differ!

Did Akshaye lose Race sequel?

According to our sources, the duo has already finalised the script and is now on a look out for the cast except for the lead actor. Apparently the filmmakers are too impressed by Chhote Nawab’s royal panache to consider any other actor for the protagonist character.

As of now, Saif has confirmed to be on board with the project. But quite interestingly, Akshaye Khanna, who is a loyalist of the Abbas-Mastan camp, has not been approached for the project as yet.

Looks like Saif’s cunning streak has overpowered Akshaye’s wickedness!

(Zee news)

Aamir Khan on Akshaye Khanna

Which people in the industry do you look at for opinion, if you wanted one, on discussing the merits and demerits of a movie, its chances at the Oscars, for instance?
Rakeysh (Mehra), Ashutosh (Gowariker), Farhan (Akhtar), Akshaye Khanna, Amitji – these are among the people with a discerning eye. I’d listen to their opinion on my movie with interest.

(Times of India)

More fans of Akshaye out of the closet.

AKshaye signs Anil Kapoor's new production

After making a critically acclaimed film Gandhi My Father actor turned producer Anil Kapoor has decided to concentrate on box office success too. After GMF his next release will be Shortcut which is directed by Neeraj Vora, and it is still under production. And now Anil Kapoor has signed Anees Bazme to direct his next film which will be by his home production.

Anil Kapoor who shares a good rapport with Bazme has already worked with him in No Entry and Welcome . Bazme’s recent release Singh Is Kinng has made excellent business at the box office. Anees Bazme confirmed that he has been signed by Anil Kapoor Productions. According to him the film which is yet to be titled is going to be a multi starrer film. It will star three actors and six actresses in the lead.

Anil Kapoor personally went to Phuket where Sanjay Dutt was shooting for his forthcoming film Blue to sign him. Dutt has liked the story and has agreed to do this film. This untitled film also stars Akshaye Khanna in one of the lead roles. Akshaye played an integral role in Gandhi My Father . He is also part of Shortcut.

This untitled film will commence next year.

(indiatimes)

Sanjay, Anil and Akshaye? Isn't the casting a bit odd? When will Akshaye star in young, hip movies like Rock On or Dostana?

Farhan Akthar on Akshaye Khanna

Jackie: hey...who is your best friend in the industry?
Farhan Akhtar: hi Jackie... I have many friends in the film industry. They are all special to me. The people that i spend most time with are Shahrukh, Hrithik, Farah khan, karan and Akshaye Khanna


(indiafm)


Does he now, really?

Akshaye chats up with Vir Sanghvi

This was one of the best interviews Akshaye ever did. Watch it here.

I always thought he clams up if he thought the questioner was stupid or asking routine questions. But, the interviewer was intelligent, he talks like a charm.

He's damn cute in the video.

PS: After writing this post, I found this quote from an old interview:

We’ve been told that Akshaye Khanna is a difficult guy to interview. He’s known to stick to one-liners and monosyllables and if you rub him the wrong way you can be shown the door. That hasn’t happened yet?
(Laughing loudly) If you don’t ask stupid questions you’re safe!

Hah!

Akshaye with Benzair Bhutto

mag scans

Akshaye on VJ Salil's show

Akshaye's MBPA interview

Salil:
All right hello & welcome on Star Stop as we got well very very talented Akshay Khanna with us, always give us surprises & we love his performances & back of that fabulous performance in “Gandhi My Father” & thank you for joining us.

Akshaye Kumar (AK):
Thank you for having me.

Salil:
And there was mind blowing proytal by you & world loved it & I think… I think all the work & effort that u & Anil Kapoor put in it, ya it can be seen.



AK:
Ya it was special film, ya probably a… a…one of the important film of my career & something that experience & memories that I will genuinely cherish because we don't make… we don't make film that happen in the country, not lots of them.

Salil:
No one have the guts to show them to all.

AK:
Ya I was privileged to be part of it & also it was a great story, it was story that very few people knew about it, it was character that you know it almost in many ways raised from history, so for me as a actor to play that was great, it was challenge & prevailed I think, ya thank you.

Salil:
When we come to , this is an actually an interesting film that we are talking about today “Mere Baap Pehle Aap” the most interesting thing I find are about promos, I haven't seen such a talking promo about a long time , so it's like a narrative what's happening in the entire story.

AK:
Ya u see a… most of the Hindi film are promoted through music a… through there songs a… but we decided for this film to focus more on dialogues promo & it promoted through that, because a… we have so much material in the film, kind of hw to say, I m not trying to be pompous, we generally have a… lot of stuff which we think people will find interesting, a… much more attractive for audiences to see promos like that other than songs & dances a… because we have so much material & it worked.

Salil:
To generate interest.

AK:
Ya… and I think promos had done there work.

Salil:
And that's why we like it and also the premise of the film is hilarious, & because he is not looking wife for himself but wife for his father that's why it's Mere Baap Pehle Aap & a… great association with Priyadarshan as well.

AK:
Ya this is my fourth film with Priyadarshan & a… we made good film in past, they are certain combination that work, and they click and certain don't and I think me and Priyadarshan had a great run and we personally understands & genuinely fond of each other and a… I hope Priyadarshan continuously use me in his film till the time he makes them & a… I think its genuine comfort level or genuine understanding between director & actor. I think he use me quiet well, really actor's youknow… unless used well... I m sure you can understand there is not much u can do. So its director who use you well, kind of … that you get attracted to them… to work with them, a… you know what I mean…

Salil:
So if I say now that u have got two fabulous team to work with, Abbas Mastan also, you had done a great job in “Race” also & you got Priyadarshan also, so do you feel as you are moving ahead or AK is progressing towards the honeymoon phase of his career now or a… middle phase of your career as u feel that you are more restricting yourself to the people that just totally comfortable with them and lesser to the new talent.



AK:
a… no I had not restricted my self to anybody, I am an actor so I should be open to anybody. I haven't work with any new talent for a while now that's not I m close to them, because I haven't come across to which caught my interest, but new talent is something definitely that a… I had been more than happy to do, if everything is right.

Salil:
Everything is going to fit in place and that's basically how a film is made and that how the audience are going to see it and I think… this year is a testing time of the industry, and audiences are been very unpredictable as hit film are concern and I think this is a very tuff year, this one nice comedy coming up this year, we will take little break & coming right back.

Salil:
Alright you are on Star Stop and yes AK is with us, we are glad to have you here; thank you for joining us, alright this will be the first comedy of the year.

AK:
Ya probably yes but also a… it is a hilarious film, which is also… I think after a long time I really don't think of a last Hindi film which really a… genuinely feel good for you, I think may be TZP, but TZP was not comedy, but it's a film you know… you come out of the movie feeling happy about life .

Salil:
You were sure shot when you heard the script, did you straight away say yes?

AK:
What do you mean… when you say sure shot… box office wise.

Salil:
No no.., as far as your thinking is considered, you were sure you will do this movie.

AK:
Yes I was sure… I was absolutely sure I will do this movie. It something… I mean it is unusual. I mean… it's not kind of story that you heard everyday… its something new, I know everybody says the same thing… I know, but it is… I mean you see the promotions, basic premise of the movie and it is… something that you haven't seen before and it is something …a… that kind of …. Very heart warming, it's that kind of film… the relationship is written so beautifully and the chemistry between me and Paresh really worked…at least I think so. You can make it when you see the film, but… because it was essential that… because story was based between father and son, the chemistry really worked & we think we manage that.

Salil:
You had quite a good association with him.

AK:
Ya… I had a lot of films with Paresh now and he is great actor as everybody knows it but he is also a very nice person and we get long very well… off screen and I think we have a genuinely liking for each other and it really somewhere come on the screen and somewhere or other it rubs on the screen and I think that's really need and when you ask… what is the USP of the film than I would say you know… relationship between me and Paresh is the USP.

Salil:
Where would be Ompuri Ji is fitted in the film?

AK:
Ompuri, Ompuri is a… basically Paresh's childhood friend, who a… is constantly getting him into trouble, getting my father into trouble. So I can't stand Ompuri a… because he keeps a… u know my father keeps getting into trouble because of him and it was really fun and it's almost like family member to Paresh.

Salil:
So… so the whole film works out and like most Priyadarshan film, is there any characteristic ending which is beautifully choreographed with all the characters coming together a… which is nicely done and where there is lots of confusion…

AK:
I know… what you are talking about… about like the climax of Hungama.

Salil:
like Malamal Weekly or whatever…

AK:
Every film is different, this film do not have that kind of climax, but a… I mean equally good and I mean equally funny but the thing that I really liked about the film is script & also our scenes. There is no wasting time in the film, it's a very... how do u say, it is very real… it is very compact film, in terms of scripting, in terms of screenplay & in terms how it has been edited, how its been in a final product & there is not… a… there is nothing a… nothing you know in the film a…which shouldn't be there or which is dragging or which is slowing the story and that very fast phase, tight and hilarious film… so… so that's good.

Salil:
your confident work… alright.

AK:
One can never predict…... but a… I definitely feel that….. you know… that it's the film that people of all ages can enjoy, its not the film that targeting one section of the audience, I think… its… its universal kind of subject, in the way it been treated u know… it will be enjoy by… by anybody.

Salil:
Ok but… but most of the Priyadarshan films are family entertainment, we all look forward for it, I love confusion and all that a…and then there is sanity in confusion and all that, we will take a little break & come right back and there will be lot more talk with AK.

Salil:
All right Star Stop continues and AK continues chatting with us & thank you for with us & this is interesting phase, and before I talk about Genelia… I love the fact that you had chosen a very interesting role in last three- four years , very very different roles from saalme ishq, naqaab to race to Gandhi my father, its really very good run from last two three years.

AK:
Ya I think… a… I mean … I don't want to praising my self , but the fact is that fortunately for me as an actor producers, directors, writers, they do not look at me a.. in doing peculiar kind of role or film, they really offered me through out of the my career, a… a variety of stuff… you know because of actor you can choose from what you offered… right… I m not writer myself, I do not direct the film, I have to work on which people write for me and what people write for me and what people a… conceive for me and what they think I can do & fortunately for me they think… and they offered me … they continue to offered me… u know … a lot of stuff, they are more interesting for me & lot of actors a... a...

Salil:
pull it of…

AK:
No… no…pull it of, like that lot of … actors a… are used by directors, by writers, so I keen very happy for it.

Salil:
You are always conclude as a very malligable actor you know, u can mould in a way

AK:
So when u say I had done quite a variety of stuff a… how much time I don't know what u had mentioned , that is not because of me , because of… because of u know people offering me different stuff.

Salil:
So we happen to see u in different roles , with u also, with Paresh ji also, an interesting girl , she had done good stuff done so, she is there while back , now she had couple of films coming out.

AK:
Ya I had seen her in this film , in my film& I had couple of people who actually seen her next film.

Salil:
Janne Tu.

AK:
Ya which is that Aamir s film, & in which his nephew & they are getting praising for there performance as well as boy also , so I had worked with her in this movie first time and I really enjoyed it, she is very… ho do u say… u met her.

Salil:
ya.

AK:
She is got very… something very innocent about her u know… and I think that her most endeavor quality as an actor, even on screen she come across very nice person, u know I am saying… very innocent kind of feel and vibe she have…

Salil:
Difficult to find in girl.

AK:
Very difficult ya and that really works and she is good actress also, she is … someone who can observe and which is very important for an actors and I find specially… more often in women actors , that u know when they are directed they pretend to listen but they are not actually listening, u know what I m saying… they can really absorb what had been told to them, what I find Genelia is very… she is very listen… she genuinely listen and u know which is very good and she is spontaneous actor. She is… quiet of lot of energy on screen. I think she has a great future.

Salil:
Ya… high words of praise and I think spontaneity is important also when acting with Paresh Rawal and Ompuri Ji also

AK:
Ya… these are… these are seriously great actors, Ompuri my God, and Paresh is outstanding and both are great actors, it is always …. Always more fun and more interesting to work with people who are really are in command of there craft. I m working with Ompuri first time, I had never worked with him , I always respected him and really love his performances but I never actually worked with him and I really excited to work with him and just such a gentle… he is very gentleman and such a nice human being , so soft spoken, gentle, really nice guy , really enjoy working with him and I hope in future I will work with him.

Salil:
Thank u so much for joining me.

AK:
Thank u.

Salil:
And as always u know… there are few actors who… u would say they know there craft very well and AK will be one of them and we always love his performances, we hope to see u in future, as lot of films comings this year as well as next year.

AK: Just one more at the end of the year.

Salil:
We wish you all the very best and for more...

(B4U tv)

Children's film

“Farhan will begin directing Voice from the Sky early next year. This is a period film, set in 1905 in Calcutta when the telephone first came to India, a children’s film also featuring Akshaye Khanna. Then we have a really fabulous script — Crooked is its working title — to be directed by Abhinay Deo, an Agatha Christie kind of murder mystery of the kind that we’ve not yet seen. We will be looking at a mainstream international release for this.”

Business Standard

I am a Bachelor

The first time we were introduced to the glory called Akshaye.

Kaisi hai Yeh Agan

Two beautiful, talented people teamed for the first and last time.

Akshaye should branch out

It's great Akshaye is doing yet another Anil Kapoor movie. I am so grateful to him.

Anil Kapoor, Priyadarshan, Abbas-Mustan, Rajat Jain and now Farhan Aktar.. it's great that Akshaye has a fabulous but limited circle of admirers who trust him and keep coming back to him time after time. But it's also clear that he's being inhibited by this circle. We know the Chopra-Johar camp is closed to him because of some childhood grouses that Adi Chopra and Karan Johar have against him but there must be other filmmakers out there, new and old, who would want to work with him. Or are they all too scared of his reclsuive image?

One thing I noticed though that Akshaye wasn't first choice for many of his projects. He did challenging roles like Humraaz and DCH that no one else would touch and the directors and producers of these movies who first came to Akshaye because of compulsion, kept coming to him again and again because they liked working with him very much. Once they get to work with the real person, the media stereotype of arrogant recluse is shattered and they see how professional and talented actor he is.

That is why Akshaye should be doing more interviews, go out and talk with people more, express his interest, actively seek roles(there's nothing wrong with that), be in the public eye. That way people won't be intimidated by his reputation.

Akshaye should branch out more and do movies with other people too.

Akshaye signs a multistarrer

After scoring a hat trick with successful films like NO ENTRY, WELCOME and SINGH IS KINNG, Director Anees Bazmee is in heavy demand these days. Many producers have shown their keen interest working with Anees. And one such producer is Anil Kapoor who has roped in Anees to direct his next film. After GANDHI MY FATHER's poor show at the Box–office, the actor turned producer Anil is taking movie production business quite seriously. Since comedy is the flavour of the season Anil has decided to make comedy flicks. And Anees is currently leading the pack among entertainers.

Infact for this single project, Anil has offered Anees a whooping amount of Rs. 15 crore and already given a signing amount of Rs. 5 crore and 11 Lakhs. If the reports are to believed than this new outing with Anees would be an absolute laugh riot with 4 leading heroes.

Last week, after paying Anees a big sum, the producer and director flew down to Bangkok to sign Sanjay Dutt as one of the leading hero of this comic caper. Sanjay, who is currently shooting for his upcoming film BLUE in Phuket, gave his nod to Anil instantly as he liked the subject very much. Anil's favourite Akshaye Khanna has also been roped in to play one of the leading characters. The film is said to go on the floors by sometime next year. Meanwhile Anil is busy wrapping up his yet another comic outing SHORTKUT directed by PHIR HERA PHERI fame director Neeraj Vora.

(Glamsham)

Akshaye should do more of these. Since they are multi-starrers, they won't take much of his time and Akshaye won't be blamed too much if the movie bombs.

Kheva re Kheva

Wasn't Akshaye at his finest looking in Doli Sajake Rakhna? I don't think he looked better before or after.

Akshaye Urvashi dating?

Oops, looks like this video is from an year ago but they put it on YouTube just recently.

Akshaye praises Madhuri

Sunday Open Thread

Since we are in a recession, I thought I'd start this for time pass. Time for some silly questions every weekend.

Are you irritated when people confuse Akshaye Khanna with Akshay Kumar and vice versa? Why do people still do it? Though Akshay Kumar has earned my goodwill recently for sheer hard work, I mean, come on there's no comparision.

I just noticed that I automatically type the e at the end.

Another child movie!

Advani is also slated to direct another film for his banner, which is tentatively titled Chand. The movie is scheduled to go on floors in February next year. "The movie is about a child's journey from a remand home. We are in talks with Akshaye Khanna for this film," informs Talreja.

(Business of Cinema)

I really hope Akshaye striked up a partnership with Nikhil Advani and gets to star in some of the more commercial vehicles. Come on Akshaye, do it!

Voice from the Sky to begin shooting

What's Farhan Akhtar making next, after DON? Sure, he produced HONEYMOON TRAVELS PVT. LTD. and awaits the release of ROCK ON!! [he makes his acting debut with this film], but he hasn't placed himself on the 'Director's Chair' for a while now. But the wait is over!

Farhan begins filming VOICE FROM THE SKY from next month onwards. Is it an English film? "It's not! But it's a film that has tremendous international appeal. There's an audience for this film beyond India," Farhan's partner Ritesh Sidhwani confirms, "It's a period film set in 1905 in Kolkata. It's about a child and the telephone invention. It's a fairytale. In fact, Farhan wanted to make this film immediately after DIL CHAHTA HAI." So far, only Akshaye Khanna has been confirmed for the film.

Meanwhile, Ritesh and Farhan have also made Zoya [Farhan's sister] realize her dreams. Her directorial debut LUCK BY CHANCE is already complete. "Zoya has been working on the script since last five years. It's about the film industry that she has seen since her childhood in the 1970s, till now. It's about a struggling actor [Farhan Akhtar], a superstar [Hrithik Roshan], a Punjabi producer [Rishi Kapoor], a junior artiste [Konkona Sen Sharma]. Plus, a whole lot of stars making special appearances, including Aamir and Shah Rukh Khan," Ritesh divulges.

A sequel to DON is also in the pipeline. "Two people whom we didn't know at all came up with the idea of the sequel. We fell for it instantly. The script is finally complete and we begin filming next year," Ritesh states. Of course, Shah Rukh Khan would head the cast of the film.


A period film? Will it work? The story does have some Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost kinda vibe to it. Please, let it be better than that. Hope Akshaye has a great role in it. So far, it looks like the child's movie.

Watch Hulchul

If you are depressed by total lack of news about Akshaye, you can make up by watching Hulchul tomorrow. 15th August, on Star Gold at 4.30.

Lost

Akshaye "loses" the next Abbas-Mustan movie. Did he reject it or was it never offered to him?

Elusive

Elusive Akshaye Khanna

Akshaye Khanna’s got such an amazing smile. He’s truly inherited the luscious looks of his dad. A terrific sense of humour, too

Finally an interview

Although Akshaye Khanna bonds big-time with his dad he has sworn never to share screen space with him.

"I worked with my dad in my first film Himalayputra. It was an absolutely terrifying experience. There're certain people whom you shouldn't work with. My dad is one of them.

Mr Bachchan is another. To stand in the same frame as them confidently is impossible. They've such an overpowering screen presence. It's very difficult to match my father on screen. It's that quality.

Either you have it or you don't have it. I very frankly don't have it. I just don't have that kind of presence. There're some actors who just wash you away on screen. My dad is one of them."

Akshaye doesn't feel the same way about any of his contemporaries. "But yes, Govinda is another actor I feel the same way about. He's a very EFFECTIVE actor.

Govinda is a very scary actor. Even Sanjay Dutt has such an overpowering screen presence."

Interestingly and ironically Akshaye Khanna has done two very different and dimaterically opposite father-son films in two successive years

While Feroz Gandhi's Gandhi My Father featured Akshaye Khanna as Mahatma Gandhi's estranged son, in the new Priyadarshan comedy Mere Baap Pehle Aap he plays Paresh Rawal's son adamant to get dad married.

"Can you imagine two more contrasting father-son films?" Akshaye Laughs. "Mere Baap…is a genuine feel-good film. I like doing such films.

Every father and son would want to share the easygoing rapport between me and Paresh. My character puts his father's happiness ahead of his own. The son is more like a father, and vice versa.

Paresh's character is so childlike. My character is constantly shouting at and disciplining his dad. It's a very heartwarming kind of relationship. Paresh and I have always gotten along. We spend a lot of time together when we're working."

Is Akshaye happy with the quality of cinema he's doing? "I do the films I get. And I'd rather be in a successful film than a good film. Having said that I must say Gandhi My Father is the single-most important film of my career. Probably my best work. I'm immensely attached to it.

Interestingly 2008 is Akshaye's year of comedy. "Agreed my next release Short Cut after Mere Baap Pehle Aap is also an out-and-out comedy. But Race was not a comedy."

If you say so, Akshaye.

(santa banta)
God, we missed you so much, Akshaye!

MBPA released on DVD

Shemaroo Entertainment has released the home production film Mere Baap Pehle Aap on home video. Directed by Priyadarshan, Mere Baap Pehle Aap is a comedy flick.

While the VCD of the film is priced at Rs 99, the DVD will be retailed at Rs 299.

This movie portrays unconventional father-son relationship, played by Paresh Rawal and Akshaye Khanna.

Archana Puran Singh, Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Shobana, Genelia D’Souza, Rajpal Yadav and Manoj Joshi also have played important characters in the film.

The DVD includes bonus content such as the making of the film, deleted scenes from the film and the promotional video ‘Mere Baap Pehle Aap.’

Thank you, Filmfare!

He might come across as another surprise on the list. Not much has been written about Akshaye Khanna though a lot has been seen and heard about him. Akshaye had a big hit with Race where he repeated the negative act in Abbas-Mustan film with finesse. Add to that he is the only actor to have an additional film on his list that met with average to above average success – Mere Baap Pehle Aap .

(Filmfare)

Akshaye has had a very good year so far box-office wise, much better than many bigger stars and this is the first time a film mag even mentions it.

Shortcut to release on Dec 19th

Tentative schedule here.

Akshaye n Sush

A great pairing, limited only to this cover.

Please send me more such links/ scans if you have any. I'd love to post any magazine covers of Akshaye paired with an actress.

Kudrat

I am bored of having no new news of Akshaye to post here. So, to make up, go and see these lovely caps Beth took from Kudrat. Wish I was as good at taking screen caps. I suck at it.

Coming to Kudrat. I saw the movie only once. That too on TV! I don't possess the DVD either. I know the movie was horrible and yet another daddy fixation story, this time, Akshaye plays both dad and son! But these pics made me realise how wonderful Akshaye was when he first appeared on screen. I want to go back there. Himalay Putra, Border, Mohabbat, Kudrat and Doli Sajake Rakhna. They maybe awful movies but they are still special because they featured a young actor so radiant and so special.

The Perils of Film Industry

Thank God, Akshaye escaped from such a travesty.

Akshaye gets caught up in Salman-Shahrukh fight?

Katrina Kaif's birthday party has sparked off furious activity (and we're speaking literally) at Mannat and Galaxy Apartments. The showdown between Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan has snowballed into a regular camp war, casting its effects across Bollywood. Both Khans are furious, their supporters are worried.

The industry is already taking sides. SRK's supporters camped at Mannat the whole day yesterday, discussing the incident and its fallouts. Sajid Khan and writer Mustaq Sheikh were the first to arrive. Then the calls started coming in. Farhan Akhtar called to offer support, so did Javed Akhtar. Arjun Rampal and Karan Johar made it clear that they were on his side. Kunal Kohli called SRK too. Yash Chopra called to enquire what exactly had happened, making it clear where the loyalty of Yash Raj Films lies.

Meanwhile, At Salman's place too the supporters and supportive calls streamed in. Kapoor called to commiserate with Salman. So did Fardeen and Zayed Khan. Kareena Kapoor called Sallu too. Akshaye Khanna called and tried to cheer him up. Govinda's support is obvious for Sallu, he didn't even need to call. Sajid Nadiadwala is away in Los Angeles, so probably unaware that everyone is indulging in a show of support.

Aamir Khan's well-meaning efforts seem to have been in vain. The industry is abuzz with the feeling that this is the end of the road for the Salman-Shah Rukh relationship. Neither of them is in any mood to relent.

(Mumbai Mirror)
Didn't know Akshaye belonged to Salmaan camp. Stay neutral, Akshaye, as always.

Akshaye's love interests

The goss about Akshaye seeing Urvashi made me think. It fits a pattern. He is always sweet on newcomers. He was hot with Riya Sen and she had had first film with Akshaye, he was rumoured to be sweet on Jyothika and she debuted opposite him and now Urvashi, who needless to say starred opposite him in her first movie. Does he like to play Prof.Higgins to every new Eliza Doolittle or what?

Akshaye n Urvashi paired again?

From this blog:

Akshaye Khanna has been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently. But there’s something that might cheer him up now. He has signed a film with his on-off girlfriend Urvashi Sharma and the two will be thrown in each other’s company for three months in New York. Urvashi who was once touted as a name to watch out for, after signing an eight-film contract with Tips, went underground after the debacle of Naqaab. After a year’s gap, she is back to Mumbai and work has come to her instantly. Initially the producers were circumspect about asking Akshaye to play the main lead opposite her, and were thinking of launching a newcomer. But when Akshaye heard the script he was more than willing to be a part of the project, and had no issues with working with her.

Let the speculation begin!

Fan reaction

Akshaye Khanna pulled off a beauty there

More dope on Voice from the Sky

Who would ever forget Akshaye Khanna's memorable performance in Farhan Akhtar's immensely successful directorial debut DIL CHAHTA HAI?

And now as per the latest buzz the two are all set to bond once again with the forthcoming venture VOICES FROM THE SKY, an unusual film about the evolution of telecommunication system. Farhan had announced about this project quite sometime back and was considering Saif Ali Khan for the movie. But for some reasons Saif couldn't be a part of it and ultimately Farhan finalized Akshaye Khanna. When Akshaye heard about the script he was so kicked off by the character that he immediately gave his nod to Farhan. Farhan is looking forward to begin the shooting by the year end.

Meanwhile he is busy with the promotion of his upcoming film ROCK ON!! as a debutant actor which is set to hit the screens in coming August.

(Glamsham)

One Way ticket: Akshaye's new movie

Another comedy from the stable of Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd will be Neeraj Vora's RUN BHOLA RUN casting Govinda, Tusshar Kapoor, Tanushree Dutta & Amisha Patel. Not just this, Neeraj Vora will be once again directing another laughathon titled ONE WAY TICKET starring Anil Kapoor, Akshaye Khanna & two more Heroines

(Glamsham)

I am glad he's got on board with Astavinayak. I was always wondering why he wasn't signed up by more corporate biggies out there.

Keep signing more movies, Akshoo. Way to go!

Bollywood dreamboat

Looks like Vancouver has some great fans of Akshaye. I like what they call him. "Bollywood dreamboat." Also, found this review:

When I first saw Akshaye Khanna in a Bollywood film at a friend's place, I was smitten. The photogenic star was definitely good looking, but I was also attracted to the depth, sensitivity, and intelligence he projected on screen that was different from other Bollywood actors I'd seen.

So when I found out he was starring in Gandhi, My Father which is playing at the Granville 7 (which still has one of the cheapest prices in town for a first run film at $7), I was eager to see how he fared in the complex and challenging role of Harilal Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi's eldest son, who suffered in the shadow of his famous father.

(Even Will Smith was impressed by the film.)

This biopic informs us that Harilal often wanted an education so he could become a barrister like his father. But his father had other plans for him, such as enlisting him in his passive resistance campaigns which began in South Africa.

Due to his lack of proper schooling and repeated entrance exam failures, Harilal developed a chain of problems that increased as he grew older. His inability to secure a job resulted in a number of debts. His relations with his family, including his wife (endearingly played by Bhumika Chawla) and children, became progressively strained. His turn to drink for escape resulted in alcoholism that worsened and compounded his difficulties.

Tragically, he ended up wandering the streets as a beggar. The irony that his father, who led his nation to independence, could not help his own son with his personal struggles resonates throughout the film.

The film is blessed with gorgeous cinematography, including vibrant scenes of Hindu ceremonies. The pacing suffers from an awkward sluggishness that eventually resolves as the weight of the story gains greater momentum.

Khanna turns in a thoughtful performance, though at times he does tend towards overacting. Darshan Jariwala is convincing as Mahatma Gandhi, who seems utterly perplexed and impotent to help his floundering son, even though some of his own strict decisions led to his demise.

Though many public personas often have troubled relationships in their personal lives, it seems irreconcilable that such a compassionate figure as Mahatma, who reached out to innumerous lives, could not figure out how to aid a life so close to him.

(Straight)

Farhan on Akshaye

We have roped in Akshaye for the role because I feel he can really do justice to the character as well as the film. I have known Akshaye for a long time now and I think he is a very talented actor

Premiere pics

BTW, are there any pics out there of Jaane tu Jaane Na premiere with Akshoo in them? Please post the links below if you find any.

Akshaye is a very close friend: Aamir

At Jaane Tu's premiere you patched up with lot of people from Ram Gopal Varma to Akshaye Khanna. Is this your way of building bridges?

Akshaye? Not at all. He's a very close friend of mine. And no, I am not on a bridge-building spree because I don't think I need to build any bridges if I have any problems with anyone in the industry.

(One India)

That should take care of the 'former foes' meme

MBPA, Akshaye's biggest solo hit!

As expected MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP has taken a fall and though it is bad, it is not catastrophic enough to result in it's investors turning panicky! With a 65% drop, the film still managed to earn 5 crores more which enabled the film to cross the respectable 20 crores mark. This makes the film as the biggest ever solo success for Akshaye Khanna when it comes to sheer collections. The film earned close to 90 lakhs in Mumbai while Delhi stood at 60 lakhs.

If one looks at Akshaye's films from the past, all of his successes so far have been multistarrers and this is for the first time that Akshaye has pulled audience by itself (though coming together of Priyan and Paresh Rawal along with him did help in a big way). Also for prouders Shemaroo, it is time to smile after GHATHOKACH being their latest box office failure. Still, in spite of face saving numbers enabling MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP to earn an average tag for itself, these are warning signs for Priyadarshan who must certainly have realized by now that there are obvious threats of his magic fading away!


(indiaglitz)

Akshaye to campaign for PETA

A campaign seeking the complete ban on the use of bullocks to pull heavy oil carts spearheaded by animal rights organisation has drawn support from leading Bollywood actors.

Akshaye Khanna, Rahul Khanna, Raveena Tandon, Eesha Koppikar and Arjun Rampal are leading the plea campaign by animal welfare body PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) to the Controller of Rationing to discontinue the practice of using bullocks.

"Forcing these neglected and abused bullocks to pull oil tankers through city streets is outdated and cruel", said PETA India's Chief Functionary Anuradha Sawhney. "Along with our many celebrity friends and the oil companies themselves, we're calling on the controller of rationing to stop such blatant abuse at once," she said.

The bullocks are forced to stand long hours in extreme weather without adequate food or water, on the main street opposite the Sewree Railway Station. The injured and sick animals are forced to continue pulling heavy kerosene tankers and are often kept in miserable and unhygienic conditions tethered on heaps of dung urine and muck, officials of PETA said.

According to PETA, Justice C S Dharmadhikari (Retd. Judge of the Bombay High Court), the chairman of the Committee to Monitor Animal Welfare Laws in Maharashtra, has asked the controller about the course of action he plans to take to bring relief to the animals.

"Even oil companies have issued letters to the controller of rationing through the Maharashtra state level coordinator, R K Panda of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., asking for bullock-pulled oil carts to be discontinued," PETA officials said.

Torn Jeans

Femme Fatale

The woman who ruined Akshaye's look is out to runi his look again in Shortcut:

The IPL season is over and Ameira Punvani is busy dressing up Bollywood that is content with films and does not care whether Shoaib Akhtar would bowl again or not, but the 20-something costume designer still has not got over her encounters with Kolkata Knight Riders.

Of late, she has done the crazy costumes of Akshaye Khanna in a few songs in Priyadarshan’s latest comic caper Mere Baap Pehle Aap and work is in full swing for Neeraj Vohra’s forthcoming film Shortkut that stars again Khanna and Amrita Rao. “Everybody says Akshaye is moody, but he was a pleasure to work with. I really had a good time working on the look of the film. Since it is a comedy, the look is very funky. Amrita, though, has a glamorous turn,” says Punwani.

Somehow the conversation veers to IPL and how she kitted out Knight Riders for their ad campaigns. “I can barely sit through a cricket match, so you can imagine the extent of my cricket knowledge. I think my gaffes entertained them thoroughly. For my part, I was surprised at how fashion conscious each of these stars was. Ricky Ponting, in particular, seemed pretty clued in about fashion,” she says. Punvani is equally in awe of the former India captain Sourav Ganguly. “I always thought he was aggressive and arrogant. But when I met him, I was totally taken in by his politeness,” she gushes. Her knowledge of cricket may still be scanty but hey, thankfully, there is evergreen Bollywood dying to look pretty.

(Indian Express)

Akshaye, Aamir patch up their friendship

Aamir Khan is hosting a grand premiere of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na to launch his nephew Imran Khan. Touted to be one of the biggest events, Aamir has invited over 700 people from the film industry. According our source Aamir has extended an invitation to his one-time archrival Ram Gopal Varma.

Our source says, "Aamir is calling up people and inviting them personally. He called up even Ram Gopal Varma, with whom he had major issues during the making of Rangeela, and invited him for the premiere. Ramu has also reciprocated Aamir's gesture and accepted the invitation."

Glossing over creative differences between Ramu and Aamir during the making of Rangeela our source adds, "Following the release and success of the film, both of them had lashed out against each other in print. Ramu had accused Aamir of 'interfering' in the film and that had apparently not gone too well with the actor."

We contacted Ramu by texting him if he will be attending the premiere, he merely said "yes" but chose not to reveal anything further.

Another long-lost friend that Aamir has patched up with is Akshaye Khanna. Apparently, it's Akshaye who took the initiative to revive the friendship. Aamir and Akshaye who had bonded big time during the making of Farhan Akhtar's Dil Chahta Hai had drifted apart and were not on talking terms.

But what was the bone of contention? Says a source, "After Dil Chahta Hai released, Aamir and Akshaye remained in constant touch. In fact, for Taare Zameen Par, Amole Gupte and Aamir selected Akshaye to play the lead.

However, after Aamir parted ways with Amole owing to creative differences, he decided to step into Akshaye's shoes, which upset him.

However, recently, when Akshaye saw Taare Zameen Par, he was so moved by Aamir's performance that he messaged him saying that perhaps he could not have done as much justice to the role as Aamir had. Aamir in turn, thanked Akshaye and the two broke the ice once again."

And well, Akshaye was also personally invited by Aamir to his film's premiere.

(India Target)

That's our boy! Not a single mean bone in him. I am talking to you, Emraan Hashmi.

Akshaye cast as lead in Farhan Akhtar's next

Farhan Akhtar has finally found the leading man for his next, Voice From The Sky. It's Akshaye Khanna with whom Farhan had teamed up with optimum creative satisfaction in his first directorial venture Dil Chahta Hai.

Saif who has also teamed with Farhan in Dil Chahta Hai and in fact acknowledges the film as a turning point, opted out of Voice From The Sky a couple of months ago. Revealing the change in cast Farhan says, "Yes, it is Akshaye Khanna. Naam lock kiya jaye. I'm confident. Both Saif and Akshaye are my buddies. I needed an actor of really good caliber, at the same time sensitive sophisticated, a guy who seems extremely hard from the outside but is soft from the inside. Both Saif and Akshaye fitted the bill. Saif didn't work out."

Continues Farhan, "There're many reasons why Akshaye works amazingly for the film. Akshaye is damn excited. He loves his role. And I love him in the role. It'd be great fun working with Akshaye again. Fortunately, all the actors I've worked with so far have been a pleasure."

The main role of a young boy is yet to be cast. "The story belongs to the boy. But three other characters played by Akshaye Khanna and two women (whom I'm yet to cast) play very important roles in the boy's life. Akshaye's story is integral to the plot. It's an extremely important role. And he's kicked by the script and by the part. Akshaye knows it's a very important part. Otherwise he wouldn't do it."

As for the boy… "We've a short-list of 12-15 boys now. And no, Darsheel Safary was not considered at all. I 'm looking for a totally untried face." Farhan starts filming Voice From The Sky in November. "Then there's Don 2. Which will have all the actors from the first Don including Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, of course. The story and screenplay are done. Voice From The Sky was scripted right after Dil Chahta Hai. Don 2 I started writing a few months after Don released. So this year I only have releases as an actor. Next year I'll have two releases as a director."

Great ! I was getting worried.

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