WHEN Shah Rukh Khan's new image gets more airtime and print space than world issues, you know why he is called the King of Bollywood.

The much-flogged publicity shots of the 41-year-old actor's new rippling biceps and six-pack abdominal muscles were even hotly discussed at a recent leadership summit in New Delhi.

Shah Rukh's abs, which are the focus of the trailers for his soon-to-be released film, Om Shanti Om, have fans from Mumbai to Melbourne buzzing.

He plays the romantic lead in this love story about two lovers from 1977 being reincarnated in 2007.

The trailers, which can be found online on many video-sharing websites, feature a song and dance segment from the film where Shah Rukh emerges from a pool clad in a tight pair of denims.

The rest of the video has him prancing as a construction worker, both topless with a hard hat and in an unbuttoned white shirt surrounded by Caucasian back-up dancers.

Those new killer abdominal muscles are on full display.

Posters of him posing topless are also available for fans to download from the film's website.

Om Shanti Om is directed by Shah Rukh's good friend Farah Khan and produced by his company, Red Chillies Entertainment.

Why is Bollywood's top romantic leading man, who has never performed topless in his films before, going down the path of shameless exhibitionism like Salman Khan?

Salman, 42, has a reputation for showing off his muscles on and off the movie set.

Perhaps peer pressure has finally made Shah Rukh give in.

He told The Times of India: 'The second half of the film required me to look like the current crop of stars with long hair and toned body.

HARD WORK

'Today's stars are so physically fit that I had to work harder on myself. My son always thought I was fat... but now he thinks I look stronger.'

Director Farah who wanted her star to buff up for the film joked: 'He'd promised me that if he ever pumped up and took his shirt off for the cameras, the first time would be for me.'

He told film magazine Screen Weekly: 'I was always keen on this, but thanks to my back problems I was unable to follow up on it. So now I do back exercises, some 500 to 700 crunches every day and diet control.

'I have always looked up to Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan for being so disciplined and focused in this matter. They guided me too.'

This is not the first time Shah Rukh has created ripples over his body.

In 2005, he was featured in a Lux ad titled Dream Girls where he was shown soaking in a luxurious tub of pink and red rose petals surrounded by actresses Hema Malini, Kareena Kapoor, Juhi Chawla and Sridevi.

But his body then was not as taut as it is now.

Media reports in India speculated that Shah Rukh's reinvention is because he feels threatened by younger, sexier stars like model-turned-actor John Abraham.

But the actor rubbished the idea, telling The Press Trust of India: 'I am trying to play a young, 2007 film star who has a six pack and long hair. I was under no pressure (from the younger actors).

'If you think I am scared of being dethroned as the King of Bollywood, I would say 'shut up'.'

Yet another reason could simply be a commercial one.

MARKETING STRATEGY

Film journalist Priyanka Sinha wrote in her column in Screen Weekly that flogging the star's new body was a marketing strategy.

Om Shanti Om will be released on 9 Nov, the same time as the much-hyped Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, Saawariya (Beloved).

The romantic film stars newcomers Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor (no relation) and is marketed and distributed by Hollywood film company, Sony Pictures.

There are reports that Ranbir, 25, also shows off his body in the film.

Both films have had extensive coverage in the Indian media.

Ms Priyanka said: 'The timing is significant - the two films are slated for Diwali (Deepavali) release and SRK (Shah Rukh Khan), always ahead of the pack, has learnt his lessons in media relations well.

'Khan has gone to town, using every available platform to wax eloquent about his six-pack abs, why and how he acquired them, the brand new heroine of his film, Deepika Padukone, and all else related to his forthcoming film.'

But all the publicity seems to be working, reported The Times of India.

While stars like Hrithik and Salman have always been fitness icons, it seems that it is Shah Rukh's transformation which has made the most impact.

The newspaper quoted trainers saying that many of their 40-something clients have come in asking for the Shah Rukh six-pack.

As for his fans, his new body gives them one more excuse to adore their idol.

Student Nur Syabrina Hosneh, 18, told The New Paper that while his new image was 'cool', he doesn't need to take his shirt off to be hot.

She said: 'He will always be loved by others because of his talent and personality.

'He does not need to show off his muscles to gain fame or popularity.'

About a legend: Ritu Nanda along with Ranbir Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor at the book launch in Delhi on Tuesday.

NEW DELHI: It was an emotional moment for the First Family of Bollywood. Raj Kapoor's young grandson Ranbir Kapoor, whose debut film "Saawariya" hits the theatres next month, released a book on the legendary filmmaker here on Tuesday.

The book in Hindi has been penned by the gifted filmmaker's daughter Ritu Nanda.

Speaking on the occasion, Ranbir said it was an honour and a humbling experience for him to release the book titled "Raj Kapoor": "On many occasions I have been asked how it feels to be born into the Kapoor family. Well, I don't have readymade answers but The Showman continues to be omnipresent. The book written by Ritu Bua will give me an insight into his life and the magic of cinema he left behind for posterity."

Ranbir said the Kapoor "khandaan" was the only family in the world of cinema where four successive generations have been associated with the film industry and who have dedicated their lives successfully to entertaining people.

Stating that everyone in his family was inspired by his father, Rishi Kapoor said Raj Kapoor's contribution towards the film industry was immense. "Ritu has done all of us proud by putting together his life as seen from close quarters. There are a lot of unknown facets about him which this book will bring into light. All of us have gathered today to show solidarity for her efforts."

Earlier in the day, Rishi accompanied by his son Ranbir and sister Ritu went to Rashtrapati Bhavan to present a commemorative copy of the book to President Pratibha Patil. "The President showered her blessings on Ranbir and it was a proud moment for all of us. I am sure that the film-loving public will continue to love and bless Ranbir just as they did my grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor, father Raj Kapoor, and other members of our family," said Rishi.

The book gives a comprehensive account of Raj Kapoor's life as a person and as a filmmaker, his relationship with his children, his passion for movie-making and his much talked about films.

 

22 October 2007 (Sawf News) - Their film is backed by one of Hollywood's biggest production companies - Sony Pictures, it is directed by one of India's best directors - Sanjay Leela Bhansali and its story was penned by one of the world's most well known authors - Fyodor Dostoevsky.

The upcoming Deepavali release of Saawariya is the first Indian film produced by a Hollywood company - Sony Pictures.

Ranbir, 25, is the son of renowned actor-couple Neetu-Rishi Kapoor, and cousin of actresses Karisma and Kareena Kapoor. Sonam, 22, is the daughter of Anil Kapoor, another prominent veteran in the film industry.

 

In Saawariya, Ranbir plays artist Raj, who meets a young woman with a past, Sakina (Sonam), in a chance encounter and they fall madly in love. Based on the short story "White Nights" by 19th century Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky, Saawariya (Beloved) recounts the passionate love affair over four successive nights.

The presence of Salman Khan and Rani Mukerji in the film is likely to be an added draw and a safety net.

Saawariya has everything going for it so far except the audiences. The pre-release hype has ensured they will come, at least during the first couple of weeks. Going by the promos, Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor have the screen presence to draw audiences on their own. But the promos don't tell all - Diction and dialog delivery,

Mumbai: Star-in-waiting Sonam Kapoor showed up at an event on Saturday to promote designer Anuradha Vakil's autumn-winter collection. It was an emotional gesture for the lady who designed Sonam's costumes in her debut film Saawariya.

Already, there have been knee-jerk comparisons with Madhubala and Sadhana. But hang on..she has a certain individuality.. she's a new millennium girl who knows her heart and mind.

Parents Anil and Sunita Kapoor were hesitant to let her skip off to the studio world where angels fear to tread. But she was resolute.Well read and well-mannered, she's the girl from the Juhu- Vile Parle Scheme who was tipped to go places.

Sonam Kapoor is caught before take-off by Roshmila Bhattacharya

Ranbir Kapoor says that he loves Ranvir Raj, his Saawariya character, because he's so much like him. How close do you feel to your character?
Oh no, Sakina is nothing like me and that's why I love her. I became an actress, so I could play someone who's not like me at all. I'm a true Gemini.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's new film is a moving romantic feature that has taken the bold step of casting two scions of famous Bollywood clans as leads in their debut. 

THE upcoming Deepavali release Saawariya is not just the first Indian film produced by a Hollywood company – Sony Pictures – it also marks the debut of two bright young stars, Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor. They play the lead roles of star-crossed lovers in the musical movie. 

And nope, the two are unrelated though their names indicate Bollywood royalty and they have known each other since childhood. Ranbir, 25, is the son of renowned actor Rishi Kapoor, and a cousin of the actresses Karisma and Kareena Kapoor. Twenty-two-year-old Sonam is the daughter of Anil Kapoor, another prominent veteran. 

In Saawariya, Ranbir plays artist Raj, who meets a young woman with a past, Sakina (Sonam), in a chance encounter and they fall madly in love. Based on the short story White Nights by 19th century Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky, Saawariya (Beloved) recounts the passionate love affair over four successive nights. 

Will the audience be enchanted by the romance of Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor in Saawariya?

Its all-consuming love story aside, the film showcases sumptuous sets boosted by a haunting melody (soundtrack by Monty Sharma and Sameer) that are a trademark of Sanjay. The Hindi movie also has on its supporting line-up two of Bollywood's biggest names, Salman Khan and Rani Mukherjee. 

The debutants 

In a recent interview, the fresh-faced and bushy-browed Ranbir expresses wonder at how two young individuals – Sonam and him – are currently at the same point in life sharing similar hopes and fears. This Deepavali will be very different and exciting for the duo as they will be watching with bated breath how audiences worldwide react to their acting debut in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali feature. 

Ranbir Kapoor plays Raj, a dreamy artist.

The only order amidst the chaos is a giant poster of Saawariya that occupies pride of place in the middle of the room.  

It's a clear sign of the owner's preoccupation with his first major work. 

Sonam begins in jest: "I don't have as much to live up to as Ranbir. He has the whole Raj Kapoor banner to hold up." (Raj, the late famous film director, is Ranbir's grandfather.) 

Sonam Kapoor is shy Sakina, who's been through much.

Is it the kind of pressure that leads to sleepless nights? 

"No, we sleep a lot," says Sonam. And Ranbir goes: "That's going to sound terrible in print. You better rephrase it." But Sonam is too busy laughing to rephrase anything. 

As family friends who grew up together, the two are clearly at ease with each other. Ranbir is the voice of reason and calm while Sonam is quite the opposite – impulsive and emotional. Ranbir listens, Sonam talks. Ranbir thinks a thousand times before taking action, Sonam reacts without thinking. 

"Sonam is a drama queen, she's the modern-day Meena Kumari," grins Ranbir, striking a dramatic pose in reference to the legendary tragedy queen of Indian cinema. 

"How can you be so cool and collected?" asks Sonam ruefully. 

"Try thinking first before you speak, and you'll get there!" jokes Ranbir. "But it's okay. I like the honesty." 

Then remembering your presence there, the actor turns to you and says earnestly: "That's exactly how she's like – no pretences, when she's alone with you or with friends, with a hundred people or before the media." 

Back to more serious matters. How does he feel now that the shoot of Saawariya is over? "I feel like a father giving away his daughter in marriage," says Ranbir. Sonam giggles again.  

The kids aren't allowed to say much about their film. "Which is good, otherwise Sonam would narrate the entire script to you right now," says Ranbir. "Ask her about a book and she'll tell you the entire story. Then she'll move on to another book and narrate that story too...." 

What if Saawariya doesn't do well? 

Working with Ranbir and Sonam has energised Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Then Ranbir says: "It will do well." 

"We're young and optimistic. It will do well," Sonam replies. 

Despite the high expectations, the two are remarkably sanguine about their maiden effort. It's an attitude the up-and-coming actors will need to survive in the capricious world of showbiz. 

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is back. After his spectacular creations Khamoshi, Hum dil de chuke sanam, Devdas and Black, he returns with his fifth sensational venture, Saawariya. An expert at absorbing audiences with the story, he makes sure that the music too mesmerizes all. Mr. Bhansali always chooses themes close to peoples' hearts. With his protagonists usually in pain and circumstantial affliction, he asserts an emotional trip to viewers. The films are taken pretty seriously by women and they are often seen sobbing, while men hog the popcorn. But Sanjay Leela Bhansali is no less of a genius, who makes every film with an 'amazing' tag. He gets the soundtrack for every movie made before other production steps. That proves his creativity and meticulous efforts put in picturising every song. Undoubtedly, he is the best as far as musicals are concerned.

Another success story already here is that Saawariya is the first Hindi movie with the role of an international producer. Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, the banner we see invariably in Hollywood movies, has collaborated with Sony Pictures for the movie. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's worldwide acclaim has brought him to this prestigious avenue. The FTII graduate has a tidy sum of national and international accolades till date.

Ranbir Kapoor, girls! The Kapoor legecy bestows their fourth generation to Bollywood. Son of Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, Ranbir could soon achieve the next 'graceful' chocolate-boy image. We can't doubt his acting skills since it's in his blood, although for Saawariya it must've been a big challenge to play such a dramatic role.

Sonam Kapoor! A differrent Kapoor connection, Sonam is Anil Kapoor's daughter. She too has seen every bit of the industry, with relatives like Boney Kapoor and Sridevi, she knows most of the filmy duniya herself. The simple and sweet teen is also widely awaited on the screens as she has taken up her monumental romantic role in Saawariya.

The film also stars Rani Mukherjee, Salman Khan, Zohra Sehgal, Begum Para, and Achla Sachdev. It is based on a short story, 'White Nights' written by Fyodor Dostoevsky. The music is by Monty Sharma, a debutant director who had done the background score of Black and Devdas. He's shown his talent well, as the soundtrack already is a chart topper. More exciting is when these songs will be given another life on screen.

The movie promises dramatic characters, marvelous sceneries, a brilliant screenplay and moments of anguish & emotional turbulence. Never miss a good movie, and this is the one!

Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor are now considered to be the next star of Bollywood. These two newcomers are getting in to Bollywood through their first movie slated for release on the same 9 November. So, no doubt, there will have some hidden clash between the two newcomers. Even if not, media has created some hype over Deepika Padukone and Sanom Kapoor.

Deepika Padukone is coming with the mush awaited movie Om Shanti Om along with Shah Rukh Khan. On the other hand, Sonam Kapoor will get into Bollywood with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming movie Saawariya where she will be seen against another newcomer Ranbir Kapoor.

Sonam Kapoor

It's difficult to hit the headlines if you have put just one step into this ever increasing Bollywood business but if your film belongs to one of the top five film makers of the Hindi film industry, you are sure to grab all eyeballs.

This is the story of the "cute" onscreen couple Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor, who are exceedingly busy these days attending press conferences and social dos…all for their film, "Saawariyaa".

Due to release just before Diwali, this Sanjay Leela Bhansali film has already raised hopes with its lavishly shot film promos. Though the crew is unwilling to reveal the plot of the film, it surely seems to be a must watch.

The release of the film may still be a month away but the producers of the two films have set their marketing machineries in fuill swing in a bid to woo the cinegoers.

While 'Om Shanti Om' tied up with Shopper's Stop for the merchandising of it's costumes, it was Pantaloon that tied up for the merchandising of clothes worn in 'Saawariya'.

The producers of 'Om Shanti Om' Red Chillies is in the process of signing a deal for promotion of the film in association with brands like Nokia and the cosmetics company Maybelline.

At the same time, producers of 'Saawariya', Sony Columbia Tristar Films have signed a in-film merchandise deal with Kishore Biyani's Future Group which involves a 'Saawariya' range of menswear, home products and beauty products to be retailed at Big Bazaar stores.

Sony Pictures have also signed a Rs five-crore contest-based promotion with Neo Sports for the ongoing India-Australia cricket series.

Only time will tell who will emerge the winner in this "clash of the titans". However, the ultimate winner in all this will be the business of films in India which will witness a heightened curiosity among cinegoers for the films and consequently increasing number of them heading for the cinema halls.

Music of Aaja Nachle serves to be special. And the reasons are more than one.

a) Aaja Nachle is THE comeback film of Madhuri Dixit. Of course, there is no question of a compromise when it comes to music here.
b) The film's title. When a movie itself screams 'come dance', it should have enough ammunition in it's soundtrack to make you dance indeed.
c) The Yash Raj factor. After Jhoom Barabar Jhoom they desperately need a hit soundtrack. The need of the situation is much more than a single super successful track (Chak De India) or a critically appreciated album (Laaga Chunari Mein Daag).

Do the composer duo Salim-Sulaiman and lyricist team of Piyush Mishra, Jaideep Sahni and Asif Ali Beg do well to get the desired results? The way it turns out eventually is that the album isn't quite 'special' (as one would have hoped) but does have a few tunes which should make you play them on for some time to come at least. In the nutshell, is it a superhit album in the wings for Yash Raj Films? Not quite as they may have to wait longer!
Title song 'Aaja Nachle is the kind of track that Madhuri Dixit fans would have been waiting to see her in! This Piyush Mishra song has all in it that gives Madhuri ample opportunity to get into a 'jhatak-matak' act which is bound to be lapped up by her fans worldwide. A stage performance, ' Aaja Nachle' has a controlled Sunidhi Chauhan singing with aplomb. She gets the right 'ada' in her rendition hence doing well to suit the kind of image that Madhuri has built over the years.

With strong Indian classical influence, Salim-Sulaiman get the Indian mood right for this song that has a rustic edge to it and reminds one of Madhuri's own ' Chane Ke Khet Mein' from Anjaam. A sure shot popular track in the kitty for Madhuri here. The only song to find a repeat version in the album, 'Aaja Nachle' is heard in a 'reprise' version at the end of the album which is thankfully different from oh-so-common fly-a-dozen remix versions!

After some 'naach-gaana', it is time to get into a romantic mood with 'Ishq Hua'. With a young feel to it, this Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal sung track is a mix of poetry and conventional Hindi movie lyrics by Jaideep Sahni (also the writer of the film), all of which makes for a good listening.

Salim-Sulaiman get the melody working for this soothing track which is quite easy on ears, courtesy some soft arrangements. 'Ishq Hua' has a Yash Raj stamp all over it and has a certain cute element to it which should make it popular amongst kids as well!

It is a delight to hear Richa Sharma sing 'Show Me Your Jalwa' which is an addictive song from the word GO. Inspite of a jingle feel to it which sets you thinking about such music being heard in countless ads, it is hard to ignore the sheer rhythm on which the song is based.

With Kailash Kher and Salim Merchant as Richa's male singing partners, 'Show Me Your Jalwa' by Jaideep Sahni is truly rustic in appeal and brings the feeling of a small town setting well in spite of the catch line of the song being in English. While Richa is just perfect in her rendition here, she also sets the right platform for Madhuri to actually 'show her jalwa'.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the man from whom one tends to expect a lot whenever his name appears in credits, croons 'O Re Piya'. Jaideep Sahni is at the helm of writing for third song in a row which is not really a kind of romantic number which one expects from Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. A situational track with shades of a 'qawalli' setting, ' O Re Piya' takes some time to register itself in the mind of a listener.

Yet another number which is easy on ears, 'O Re Piya' would be enjoyed more with the narrative rather than being played out loud before one has witnessed the situation in the film where the song appears. A song that boasts of good quality but doesn't quite make for a popular track in the offering.

If there is one thing that strikes most about 'Soniye Mil Ja', it is the sound of 'ahas' and 'ohos' which gets the celebration mood rolling. Madhuri Dixit's singing is another good reason to give ' Soniye Mil Ja' a hearing since she adds certain spunk to the proceedings with Sunidhi Chauhan pitching in with a bit as well.

A track about arrival of youth which in turn is a matter of celebration, ' Soniye Mil Ja' is yet another rooted number which finds its base in the interiors of the country and would be appreciated more after one has seen it with the movie. Also, Piyush Mishra's lyrics are different from 'pyaar-mohabbat' routine and instead talk about situations in simple words sans any complications with incidents from everyday life.

After 'Ishq Hua', 'Is Pal' is the second hardcore romantic track to arrive in the album. Yet again, the singing 'jodi' is the same with Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal though the lyricist changes from Jaideep Sahni to Piyush Mishra. In fact, the overall mood created by ' Is Pal' is similar to that of 'Ishq Hua' and if you a die hard romantic, it may not be a bad idea to put both the songs together in a repeat mood and play them for hours at stretch. No, 'Is Pal' may not be the next chartbuster track in the offering but those who swear by melodious music and love to be entertained with soothing numbers, this is just the right one!

An out and out situational track which is perhaps made for a situation for a stage performance in Aaja Nachle comes in the form of 'Koi Patthar Se Na Maare'. Musically, this one written by Piyush Mishra is the weakest of the lot musically as it hardly comes with a retention value. A slow moving pensive number with Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam at the helm, ' Koi Patthar Se Na Maare' gets poetic but tests the patience of a listener who till this point was enjoying a mix of melody and rhythm in the offering. Skip this one.

New find Sonia Saigal croons the English track ' Dance With Me' penned by Asif Ali Beg who in the past has written for films like Neal N Nikki, Dhoom 2 and Victoria No. 203 amongst others. Surprisingly, the dance number here isn't quite the kind which makes you go 'wow' and play the track in a repeat mode. The song sounds like an 80s disco track and even the arrangements are hardly the kind which suit the grandeur of a Yash Raj setting. Very average with all hopes centered on the eventual picturisation of the song!

In the end, one still feels that there could have been more to the film's soundtrack to make it outstanding, something which is not really the case. One misses the presence of something exceptional the music of Aaja Nachle; not quite an unreasonable demand to begin with! Of course 'Koi Patthar Se Na Maare' and 'Dance With Me' don't really make you go for that 'repeat' option but then there are definite hits like Aaja Nachle and 'Show Me Your Jalwa waiting to explode with good melodies like 'Ishq Hua' and 'Is Pal' sure to catch the fancy of those who are in love.