Suave Akshaye plays the squire

Mesmerizing Katrina Kaif squired by the suave Akshaye Khanna together made the promotional event for their new action film Race at hotel Sea Princess, Juhu, Mumbai, February 6, a delight to attend.


Katrina Kaif. Photo Credit: Sawf News
With her charming good looks, sparkling eyes and a smile that instantly lights up your heart, Katrina Kaif, we believe, is the Bollywood actress with the most endearing screen presence.

What we are thrilled about is she matches her good looks with splendid sartorial tastes.


Akshaye Khanna and Katrina Kaif. Photo Credit: Sawf News
The 23-year-old former model walked tall in a satiny brown single button jacket over a figure hugging lace neck top, matching dress pants and snake leather pattern ballet flats.

Akshaye was dressed more casually in a fleece collar buttoned jacket, khaki pants and black loafers.


Katrina Kaif and Akshay Khanna with ‘Race’ director duo, Abbas Mustan (center). Photo Credit: Sawf News
TIPS Films' Race directed by Abbas Mustan with co-stars Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu, Anil Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Sameera Reddy is the story of two brothers competing against each other.

A stuntman from Australia who specializes in car chase and swivel was hired for the filming. The wardrobe for all the stars was designed by Anaita Shroff Adajania

The film is due for release on 21 March, 2008.

Another report on the event.

Akshaye on a TV Show Chhote Ustad

The cut-throat competition with the challenger to add upon goes through an interesting twist as 8 wildcard entries are allowed to enter again on judge's demand.. The fortunate eight viz. Gitashree, Mansi, Abeer, Abhaas, Shailey, Jayant, Areeb and Abeer leave no stone unturned in mesmerizing the audience with their mellifluous voices. To add on to the celebrations, the top 5 contestants including the challenger tap their feet on to Allah Duhai, a dance track from RACE and were joined in by star cast Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Sameera Reddy and Akshaye Khanna.

Gitashree made her comeback with Zindagi mein koi kabhi (Musafir) which was praised by all the judges and brought her their best wishes for the contest. Sameera Reddy along with Akshaye and Katrina were dazed on the emotional touch in Gitashree's voice at such a tender age. While on the other hand Saif's favourite Mansi sang Billo Rani and kissed Katrina and Sameera –her favorite actors. Shreya acclaimed her as the queen of expressions. Abeer sang Bardasht nahin kar sakta and was accompanied by Akshaye Khanna who danced and made a vote appeal for the 8 year old. It was hilarious to see Abeer proposing Katrina who was quite relieved for her future with Abeer after she heard him sing…!!!

The judges although felt that he was a little bit nervous and could have performed better.

Shailey sang Chalo Tumko Lekar (Jism) and was appreciated by Saif as a better one than the original; Shailey also expressed her desire to have a boyfriend like Akshaye Khanna. Jayant continued to keep the excitement high as he sang Kaise hai yeh rut picturized on Akshaye Khanna. Sameera said that Jayant is her favourite contestant.

Prakriti was praised by Katrina and Kunal Ganjawala also for her splendid performance when she sang Dil Di Nazar from Maine Kyun Pyar Kiya. Saif also played a rock piece on a guitar as a request by Prakriti on behalf of a fan in north-east.

Areeb sang Saif's song – Upar Khuda from Kacche Dhaage which is Saif's favourite and Saif also paid a tribute to Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan by joining Areeb in the song. And likewise, the excitement continued…

So catch the uncut excitement and a Star-studded episode with RACE star cast Watch
~Amul Star Voice of India Chhote Ustaad ~ 9 February, Saturday, 10 p.m. only on STAR Plus ~




Source here.

Akshaye to Katrina's rescue

The very sexy Akshaye Khanna(dressed in a denim jacket with a tee and pants) and equally gorgeous Katrina Kaif (in chic black formal trouser and suit) came to a suburban five star hotel in Mumbai last night just to launch the digital music of their forthcoming action thriller Race, an event organized by Indiatimes.

Akshaye and Katrina looked extremely comfortable in each other's company. Talking about the music Akshaye said, "Since its my film, its obvious that I'd say good things about it. However, in case of Race... its really true. The music is indeed sensational. If I were to download any particular song from the album as my caller tune on phone, it would be Atif Aslam's Pehli Nazar... a song that has been picturized on Bipasha and me."

Katrina too echoed his opinion about the music of the film but said she would download only the song which has featured her in it.

The duo then settled to give interviews, but looked like they were participating in a race ..a race between the two as to who would leave for home faster!

We however managed to reach the duo as they rushed towards their cars post their quick media interaction and what stole our attention was Akshaye's extremely sweet gesture of holding Katrina's hand and protectively escorting her towards her car! Since the duo was being chased by their fans and the press, Akshaye ensured that Katrina would stay untouched! Now that's what we call a macho man.

As we followed the duo, they smiled and answered our queries.. "I am not much of speed lover and when I was doing those action and fast car scenes, I realized one needs to have a heart of steel to perform such daredevilry! However Akshaye was with me in that car scene and he made me feel better", gushed Katrina while Akshaye hurriedly replied, "Race is not based on the Hollywood film Speed. Race is just about two brothers and their life. Their race to outdo the other is what the film is all about." Akshaye also added how he and Katrina enjoyed munching on the South African food during the shoot.

Akshaye chose not to react to the current anti-UP stance of Raj Thackeray, but that didn't bother us. His sweet gesture of protecting his co-star had already impressed us!


(Filmfare)

Race snaps

Race promotion--Chhote Ustad event

This week on Saibaba Telefilms Amul Star VOI - Chhotey Ustad you will witness the music launch of the film ‘RACE’. Entire star cast of the film Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Akshay Khanna & Sameera Reddy along with Sammer, Ramesh Turani of Tips were present on the sets.



View Exclusive Videos


Later the celebrity guests were joined on the judge’s panel with Kunal Ganjawala, Pritam & Shreya Ghosal. In between the shoot, Prakriti one of the contestant of the Chhotey Ustad, requested Saif uncle to play the guitar. Saif who was taken by this surprise request from the cute child couldn’t say no and happily accepted to play the guitar for the kid of Chhotey Ustad.

A small surprise was in the store for Katrina Kaif as well.

She had a small admirer present on the sets who was none other then Abeer, one of the contestants of Chhotey Ustad, who without fear but a little shyness proposed to Katrina - “Will you be my girlfriend?” Katrina laughed and accepted the proposal from the cute kid Abeer.

Abeer who is currently head over heels with Katrina accepting his proposal says, “It was my dream to meet her as she is the ultimate beautiful women I have ever seen. I saw her first in the movie Namaste London and that’s it.” Now we know who Salman Khan needs to be scared from?

On the other hand Sameera Reddy was in tears. A big fan of the show and the one who follows the shows regularly only for Jayant one of the Chhotey Ustad contestant, she was in tears while remembering Jayant’s performance weeks back when he sang ‘Teri Yaad” from the film Salaam Namaste. Says Sameera Reddy, “I love Jayant's performance each and every time and also the way he sings all the ghazals. I have become a big fan of his since day one. I wish him all the best and I believe that he will be one of the finest ghazal singers of India.”

Catch all these stars in action with Chhotey Ustad kids only on Star Plus every Fri & Sat 10pm onwards.

(Indiaglitz)



More videos here.

Awesome talent roped in for Akshaye's film

It’s not very often that you get to see three of the best talent of Bollywood in one film. Naseerudin Shah, Om Puri, Paresh Rawal will share screen space in Priyadarshan’s soon to be released Mere Baap Pehle Aap, a rib tickling comedy. Cine buffs will be treated to a veritable fare in the film as the three of our all time greats will display their talent in the Malyali remake. Another interesting aspect of the film is danseuse Shobhana who stars in her first ever commercial film.

Akshaye Khanna and Genelia play the lead couple in the film which was shot in three locations, Goa, Chennai, Mumbai. The music is by Vidyasagar and the film is slated for an April release. Like all Priyadarshan’s films, this one too has been completed in a short span of 60 days.

In the days of mediocre talent it is heartening to hear that good talent is still recognized. Though, of course, it remains to be seen if the film gives them the opportunity to display their craft.

(IndianTelevisiin.com)


Akshaye to match his wits against Om Puri, Naseer, Paresh and Shobhana. Can't wait for this movie.To top it all, the movie is already complete!!

Pic of the Day

Delicious.

Will post the rest of the pics on the weekend.

Race Music Launch Pics--Part 2

New Race pics

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!

WTF?!!!!!

Akshaye doesn't get nominated to Filmfare awards while ShahRukh has not one but two nominations (even for the crappy Om Shanti Om).

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.

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.)

More snaps from Race

Thanks to colofulrani from AK forum.

New snaps from the Race website

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!