Welcome to the SHAH RUKH KHAN'S DON Fans Blog

I am Don Uncle, says SRK

2006-10-30T09:38:00.000-08:00

“I am Don Uncle,” said SRK sweetly as he entered amidst a lot of anticipation and anxiety to announce the results of the much fancied Sa Re Ga Ma L’il Champs on Zee TV this Saturday 28th October. Over 1.32 crore votes were polled between the three finalists but it was the talented Sanchita Bhattacharya who became the champion with 45, 23, 312 votes. Delhi’s Diwakar Sharma earned 44, 19, 616 while Mumbai’s Sameer Mohammad was third with 43, 42, 028 votes. Shahrukh rightly said that with this kind of votes, one can become the prime minister of the country.

It was an electrifying finale at the Andheri Sports Complex where 20, 000 people had converged to boost the morale of the finalists. All the three contestants won the hearts and minds of the worldwide audience with superlative performances. There were spectacular performances by the terrific trio of judges singers Abhijeet, Alka Yagnik and music composer Bappi Lahri other than hosts Shaan himself.

Another big announcement was made when filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, actress-producer-director Pooja Bhatt and actor Anupam Kher were called on to announce a new reality show ‘Zee Cine Stars Ki Khoj’ from next week where all the Bollywood aspirants will compete to enter the big stage of Bollywood. It remains to be seen if the new show will match the giant popularity curve of L’il Champs.

Source: IndiaGlitz

Don dominates Jaanemann

2006-10-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

Farhan Akhtar’s thriller is drawing more audience to cine theatres than Shirish Kunder’s love triangle.

The clash of the Khans on Diwali eve promised a cinematic feast for movie buffs. In this tussle, Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘Don’ is having the upper hand over Salman Khan starrer ‘Jaanemann’.

Don opened to an excellent start at cine theatres throughout India. The film has a very sleek and snazzy look, with SRK playing a flamboyant Don. At many multiplexes in major Indian cities, the tickets of the film have been booked in advance till Wednesday, the Eid day.

Jaaneman , on the other hand, registered a slow start at the marquee. Although the movie got rave reviews from critics, it is still not being able to pull crowds to theatres. Only at few cineplexes is the movie running to packed houses.

The popular sentiment among cinegoers is more in favour of ‘Don’ because everyone wants to see how Farhan Akhtar has remade Chandra Barot’s classic Don (1978) . People are also curious to see Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal of the role of Don that was immortalized by Amitabh Bachchan in the original flick.

Majority of those who have seen ‘Don’ have liked the film. The movie’s Hollywoodish look, Shah Rukh’s praiseworthy performance and the unexpected twist at the movie’s end have caught the fancy of movie buffs.

According to owners of some multiplexes in Delhi, people have already started coming back for the second viewing of the film.

‘Jaanemann’, in the first place, was considered an underdog because of the movie’s ordinary-looking promos. On top of it, Shirish Kunder ’s unconventional style of storytelling is not finding as many takers as expected. However, the good critical reviews and the word of mouth may work in the film’s favour in the coming days.

It is still too soon to draw conclusions about the two films’ box-office fate. Trade analysts believe the Eid festival on Wednesday will boost the earnings of both films.

Source: Apunkachoice

Don - The Chase Begins Again

2006-10-21T01:14:00.000-07:00

Remaking a yesteryear hit can be an arduous task. Especially if it happens to be the Amitabh Bachchan starrer DON. One film people remember vividly for various reasons, right from Big B's towering performance to the popular tracks to its gripping story and sharp execution.

A remake comes with its share of plusses and minuses, advantages and disadvantages. The advantages first…
Perhaps, the new generation might not have watched the classic starring Bachchan. That makes the 2006 adaptation a novel cinematic experience. The present version also arouses tremendous interest since SRK steps into Bachchan's shoes.

DON was made in the 1970s and a new version, with appropriate updates, is always welcome.

Most importantly, every director has his/her style of interpreting a story. Chandra Barot had his way of narrating a story, Farhan Akhtar has his own unique style.

Now, the sole disadvantage…

Since the Bachchan starrer remains etched in the memory of a section of moviegoers, the SRK starrer carries a massive responsibility on its shoulders. The comparisons, therefore, are inevitable. Every character, song and the impact of several vital portions will be viewed minutely.

Unfortunately, the new DON fails on several counts…

The original script [Salim-Javed] had the power to keep you involved and mesmerized for the next 2.30 hours. The new version lacks it.

The sequence of events in the earlier DON unraveled at a feverish pace, which the entertainment-hungry viewer lapped up with glee and excitement. The new version moves at a sluggish pace at regular intervals and that indeed is bad news for a thriller. In fact, boredom sets in after a point and it also gets difficult to comprehend what's going on. Things could have been simpler for sure.

Every character in the earlier DON was well etched out. That's not the case with the new version. Barring SRK and to an extent Priyanka, the remaining characters appear as mere caricatures.

The songs in the first version were merged beautifully with the script. Somehow, in the new version, barring the Kareena track, the songs don't take the story forward. Even the terrific 'Khaike Paan Banaraswala' comes across as an unwanted guest.

Any area where the new version works? Of course, it's far more glossy, far more stylish and far more visually appealing. Let's just say, the new DON is body beautiful, minus soul. The original version had simplistic execution, but it hit you like a ton of bricks. The new version is a hundred times more stylish, but how about a riveting script, Mr. Director?

The one question you want to ask Farhan Akhtar is, What happened? His directorial debut DIL CHAHTA HAI told a novel story. His second attempt, LAKSHYA, stood on a slippery wicket. But DON, his new endeavor, is his weakest attempt as a storyteller. Agreed, Farhan has climbed the ladder as far as craftsmanship is concerned [every frame is well decorated and makes a spellbinding impact], but, despite a readymade classic at his disposal, the storyteller just doesn't get it right this time.

Farhan makes a sincere effort to shock the viewer in the end and you are startled for a minute, but the moment the focus shifts to the flashback and how he managed to pull a fast one, the impact evaporates into thin air. Farhan also ends the film with some scope for a sequel. Nothing wrong with that, but how one wishes Farhan had a hit a boundary in this interpretation of the classic first.

Now, the storyline:
The drug trade is booming. Trafficking between Asia and Europe is at an all-time high. There are rumors that a dreaded gang has moved their operational headquarters to Kuala Lumpur. The cartel is headed by Singhania [Rajesh Khattar], but the business is managed by his lieutenant Don [Shah Rukh Khan].

An Indian officer Desilva [Boman Irani] has sworn to put an end to the nexus. He knows that in capturing Don lies the key to unlock this puzzle. And he succeeds one day. Don is captured and Desilva puts his plan into action. Unknown to even his own department, Desilva recruits and trains a man who is a splitting image of Don. His name is Vijay.

Vijay infiltrates the cartel and manages to give Desilva all the information he needs to bring it down. But in a bizarre twist of fate, Desilva is killed during a raid and the secret that Don is in fact Vijay is buried with him. The only people who realize that he's an imposter are the members of Don's cartel [Pawan Malhotra and Shakeel Khan] and they want their revenge.

Vijay manages to escape and is now on the lookout for the one last piece of evidence that can get him out of the mess. Helping him on this quest are two people: Roma [Priyanka Chopra] and Jasjit [Arjun Rampal].

There are glaring loopholes in the screenplay and you just can't overlook them. Like, for instance, how does SRK kill Kareena when the fact remains that he himself admits that there aren't any bullets in his gun? Here's another one: SRK, the Don, arrives in India for a major drug deal, but why isn't he arrested by Boman Irani and his team of cops when he must've presumably boarded an aircraft from KL? Why chase him on a secluded beach somewhere near Mumbai?

In the second hour, the murder of Rajesh Khattar [Don's boss] gives an impression that it's child's play to eliminate a drug baron. Moreover, what happens to Don's gang, also being held captive and being chartered to another destination [just before Don escapes from the aircraft]? Also, Arjun Rampal's exit from the story could've been properly defined. Also, where does his kid disappear suddenly? And what is Om Puri doing in this film? A junior police officer [aiding Boman Irani] has a meatier role than Puri here. It's a screenplay of convenience. Frankly, this looks like a desi James Bond saga, with the protagonist behaving like one mighty guy who can outsmart just about anyone and everyone.

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music is strictly functional. The only track that's worth a mention is 'Ye Mera Dil Pyaar Ka Diwana' and S-E-L cannot get credit for it because it's not their composition. Mohanan's cinematography is of international quality. The opulent look and sets are well captured by the lensman and so are the eye-catching locations of Malaysia.

Action scenes are superb. Take the fight between SRK and Chunkey Pandey at the very start of the film or the chase on a secluded beach and the lanes of a town before Don is captured by the cops -- it's jaw-dropping. The sync sound is not coherent at times and this will pose a major problem, especially at single screens where the sound system isn't of standard.

SRK carries a massive responsibility on his shoulders since direct comparisons with Bachchan are foreseeable. SRK does very well as Don. He enacts the evil character with flourish. But he fails to carry off the other role [Vijay] with conviction. It looks made up, it doesn't come natural to him at all. Priyanka Chopra carries off her part with élan. The stunt [when she rescues SRK] is bound to win her laurels.

Arjun Rampal's character could've been better developed. Despite the shortcomings, he makes a sincere attempt. Kareena Kapoor looks alluring in a miniscule role. Isha Koppikar is alright. Boman Irani is fantastic yet again. He enacts the conniving and calculating villain with gusto. A remarkable actor like Om Puri is completely wasted here. Pawan Malhotra does very well. Why doesn't one see more of his talented actor in films?

Diwakar Pundir [as Kareena's fiancé], Shakeel Khan and Rajesh Khattar are adequate.

On the whole, DON does not meet the expectations as a film. BUT the film will be a different story altogether at the box-office. The tremendous craze for the film, the fabulous hype of the film, the presence of SRK in the central role and also the credibility of its makers [Farhan Akhtar] will ensure a fabulous start at the ticket window. The Diwali and Idd period will only give a big boost to the business, making its distributors jump with joy.

In short, sometimes a weak film weaves magic at the box-office. DON is one of those!

Source: By IndiaFM

I don’t think I can match up to what Zeenat Aman: Priyanka

2006-10-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

Priyanka Chopra is doing a role that is not a typically defined Bollywood role. She is playing Roma in her forthcoming movie Don, a role which was previously played by Zeenat Aman in the original. How well she has recreated the Zeenat magic, only time will tell. In the meanwhile we talk to Priyanka Chopra about her experience of being a part of the new DON.

What was your reaction when you were offered DON?
When Farhan first narrated Don to me, I was very excited about the fact that Don is being remade and more excited about the fact that I get a chance to play the role of Zeenat Aman. But after a week I was a little nervous since Zeenat Aman played the character so well that I wondered if I will be able to do justice to the character as good as her. That you will come to know only by Friday.

How different are you from Zeenat Aman? Have you seen the old Don?
I definitely have seen the film. I saw the film when I was 13. When I was offered Don, I did not watch Don again because I did not want to do it like Zeenat Aman. If I tried being like her, I would not have been able to do justice to Roma as Zeenat aman had done a superb job. Comparisons are inevitable but Zeenat will always be the original Roma. I am just trying to recreate the character in a little different manner. We made Roma’s character a martial arts fighter. We trained her. In terms of performance we have kept her subtle and restrictive. I do not know how it will turn out but I hope people like it.

How did you manage to pull off so many stunts?
Action is a first for me. I have never done an action movie where I have done my own action. I was very excited. I did all my stunts on my own. That for me is a very big deal. I wanted to make a record. For a first timer it is always exciting that you have done all your stunts all by yourself, without cables, without duplicates. The training aspect of it, learning martial arts which I have never done before, all that was a lot of fun.

How different is the new Don from the old?
There is a lot of difference. Presentation is very different. But besides that, the plot is the same, the story is the same, the essence of the film is the same. This Don is technically more sound.

There are original tracks as well as remakes of old songs? Why have you done so?
Don is our team’s perception of the old Don. It is not the old Don and it is very important for people to understand that. But at the same time when we are remaking Don, it is incomplete without Khaike Paan Banaraswala and Yeh Mera Dil and hence we have retained it. We have contemporized the songs. They are obviously not the original songs because someone else is singing with new music to it

What is the glamour quotient in the film?
All three of us, whether it is Kareena, Isha or me, all three of us are very very glamorous in the film because all the heroines in DON have to be glamorous.

How is the experience to work in a remake of a film?
It is very nerve-wrecking to be working in a film’s remake, especially a cult super hit film. Don became a cult film. People used to look up to that film. I clarify again that our reason to make Don again is not to make Don a better film. That is not possible. We have just made a technically more sound film. We have made this film with one major reason being youths. Those who have not seen this classic, or the younger ones for whom old films is like the films in 90’s or 80’s, will really enjoy this Don. I know so many people who say they haven’t seen the old Don. This is for all of them.

How was it working with Farhan Akhtar?
Farhan is a fantastic director. He has a very fresh approach to films and cinema. He knows exactly what he wants and he knows how to get it but at the same time he gives his actors a lot of independence to work better. He listens to everyone, takes their opinions, and eventually takes the decision himself which is exactly what a director has to do.

Any nervousness regarding the comparisons with the old Don?
Of course, there is bound to be nervousness because I don’t think I can match up to what Zeenat Aman had done. There is bound to be nervousness which is why I tried to play Roma differently. I guess this Friday will decide that.

Can we expect sizzling chemistry between you and Shahrukh?
That is for you to decide. It is exactly the same film. I cannot comment on that. I guess you will have to watch and find out.

Farhan’s films always have a technical break through. What is the USP here?
The way Don has been cut, it is so fast, that it doesn’t give you time to think. It just goes really really quickly and that I think is the USP of Don.

Which is your favorite song from the film?
Khaike is my favorite song honestly. Yeh Mera Dil and Khaike are the most integral parts of the film, without which the film is incomplete. I also love the title track of Don and also Aaj Ki Raat. Basically I love all the songs.

Whom do you think has the sexiest character in the film?
I feel Boman Irani’s character is the sexiest in the film.

Don is coming during the Diwali season. What difference can that make on the film according to you?
I feel festive season is very good for any film’s release. People want to go out, watch films. We hope we live up to it. This is our Diwali gift to the audience. I hope people enjoy the film.

Which Don do you want to be remembered more?
See comparisons are bound to happen. We have made a film for the people. We do not want to replace the old characters as they have immortalized themselves but we are just trying to present the same film with a different star cast in a slightly different manner. So we want people to like both the Don’s

What do you feel of Shahrukh Khan in the film?
I think he is fabulous in the film. I do not think anyone could have enacted Don the way Shahrukh Khan has done it after Amitabh Bachchan.

Any scene which was very difficult to perform?
There is one scene where I have to jump over one car and get into another in the film. That scene took me 15 takes because the bonnet of the car was so hot, it made the job more difficult.

Source: Indiafm

“Cold War Between Priyanka and Me,” says Isha Koppikar

2006-10-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

A bit role opposite Karishma Kapoor in ‘Fiza’ didn’t do anything to further her film career. She had to sizzle hard to make the country go ‘Khallas’ in Ramu’s ‘Company’. It was a struggle thereafter shrugging off the item girl image till she left a mark as an actress with Ekta Kapoor’s sex comedy ‘Kya Kool Hain Hum’. No, she played no sex-kitten in this one. In fact, she was a tough cop who can actually shoo all the lust-quotient down the drain. She was also appreciated in a small role in Vishram Sawant’s ‘D’. Isha Koppikar is all smiles as we pin her down for an IndiaGlitz exclusive for her forthcoming style-flick ‘Don’ where she is essaying a consequential role. And of course, with her face plastered all over the world along with King of hits Shahrukh Khan, Isha is on top of the world and enjoying every moment of it.

Don is a big release….How are the expectations like?
Expectations are touching the sky. They are rising by the day. But I am sure it is going to be a great film. I am confident that it’s gonna do very well at the Box Office.

How was it like working with director Farhan Akhtar?
I missed an opportunity of having to work with Farhan in Dil Chahta Hai. I was supposed to do the role opposite Saif. But I was doing ‘Pyaar Ishq Mohabbat’. That’s one regret I have in life that I couldn’t work with Farhan Akhtar. After that I’ve been in touch with him. It just happened that he called me for this role and I jumped at it. Who can say no to a film of this magnitude!

How differently have you played Anita as compared with the original?
In the earlier ‘Don’ Anita’s character was not consequential. She was so significant. The film could have done without Anita. This film couldn’t have done without Anita. I think that’s all I can say about the character. I can’t say anything more about the film as I would be unveiling a lot of suspense. Anita’s character is mysterious and if I talk about Anita then I would be revealing the suspense. Once you see the film you will get to know what I am talking about. Anita is the only character in the film which you can’t compare with the earlier version.

Did you have those tiffs with Priyanka the way Zeenat Aman had with Anita’s character in ‘Don’?
There’s a constant cold war between Priyanka and me in the film.

You are a fine dancer….What’s your take on the music of the film?
I don’t know about me being a good dancer but the music of the film rocks. It’s very versatile. The music of the film is very retro, disco number like ‘Aaj Ki Raat’ resembling all those ‘Raat Baki’ numbers. Then there’s that vintage desi feel in ‘Khaike’ and ‘Moriya Re’. Then there’s ‘Main Hoon Don’ is superb. My favourite is ‘Ganpati Bappa’, ‘Main Hoon Don’ and ‘Don Revisited’…I love the theme music.

‘Don’ is the biggest film of your career….
I am feeling good. 2006 has been a great year for me. A turning point in my career. God has been kind for me. I think finally things are looking up. And this is just the beginning.

Anita of earlier ‘Don’ doesn’t register and was hardly talked about…So how different in your take in the remake?
Lemme get this straight, I think I’ve done a fair job in the film. Anita is not Don. Anita is Anita. Anita is meant to look good in the film. She loves Don. She is dancing and she is the glamour element. The film’s selling point is Shahrukh Khan. The film sells because of Shahrukh. And the movie looks good because of Priyanka and me.

First film with Shahrukh…
This is my first movie with him and I had a great time. He is one of the finest actors. And I really admire his commitment towards his work. He is a great person. He is a very very selfless person. He really deserves to be where he is. I really respect him.

Your acting credentials were appreciated during ‘Kya Kool Hain Hum’ and ‘D’ and I think you have this desire to play a character like Don yourself
I am playing Shabri in a film by the same name. She is a gangster in a rural set up. It’s a simple girl’s story who gets stuck in a situation because of which she has to revolt against the society. It’s also the story of how she gets motivated or compelled to pick the gun. In terms of performance it is one role that I have enjoyed a lot. I enjoyed ‘Kya Kool Hain Hum’ too in terms of performance satisfaction.

Are you a part of ‘Kya Kool Hai Hum’ sequel too?
I don’t know….You can ask Ekta that…

Source: Indiaglitz

Don - a litmus test for Shah Rukh and Farhan

2006-10-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

With memories of the Amitabh original only too fresh in everyone's mind, Farhan Akhtar releases his hi-tech action thriller 'Don - The Chase Begins' this Friday -- a litmus test for both the director and Shah Rukh Khan who plays the title role in the film.

Farhan made a spectacular debut with 'Dil Chahta Hai', but his second directorial venture 'Lakshya' bombed and Shah Rukh hasn't had any big hit in last two years. This film is therefore particularly important for both.

Unlike the original version, this one is set in Malaysia and Farhan has used the best of technology to make it a slick flick.

It is about an Indian mafia group headed by dreaded gangster Singhania who has moved his base to Malaysia. Very few know that in reality Singhania's trusted lieutenant Don (Shah Rukh Khan) runs the gang and both Indian as well as Malaysian intelligence agencies are trying to catch him.

But Don is unstoppable in his pursuit of absolute power. For Indian police officer, DCP Desilva (Boman Irani), it's a huge challenge to arrest Don. After a dangerous cat-and-mouse run, one day luck favours Desilva. Don gets seriously injured in a police encounter and he captures him.

Instead of sending him to jail, however, he hides him because he has a secret plan to bust this drug mafia.

The word that Don is dead begins to do the rounds. Disleva feels that it is the right time to put his plan in action - he sends Vijay, Don's look alike whom he had been training for quite some time, to take Don's place in the gang.

As luck would have it, the man shielding Vijay is killed and the latter comes to know the horrifying truth that both the police and the gang are out to catch him for different reasons.

Don is desperate to prove his innocence. In this time of crisis he gets help from Roma (Priyanka Chopra) and Jasjit (Arjun Rampal), who owes Vijay a favour for looking after his son while he was in jail.

With the release date only a couple of days away, tension is mounting in the Shah Rukh camp. Comparisons with Amitabh, who recently stole the show in Karan Johar's 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' as Sexy Sam, will be inevitable.

Farhan has not left any stone unturned to make it work - he has roped in the best actors, world-class technologies and, of course, the most glamorous girls from Bollywood. Apart from Priyanka, the film will see Kareena Kapoor in an item number and Isha Koppikar playing an important role.

If the film clicks, both the director and the actor can sit on their laurels and relish the success. But if it fails, it is a sure sign of danger for both.

Source: Glamsham

Shah Rukh, Priyanka board Pepsi's 'Blue Billion Express'

2006-10-16T12:32:00.000-07:00

Bollywood superstar and Pepsi's brand ambassador Shah Rukh Khan boarded Pepsi's "Blue Billion Express" train here Sunday to cheer the Indian cricket team while it takes on England at the ICC Champions Trophy match at the Sawai Man Singh cricket stadium in Jaipur.

Shah Rukh, who took a ride on a train after seven years, was accompanied by his "Don" co-star Priyanka Chopra, who also endorses Pepsi.

The 11-bogey special train done up in blue and white with a catchline that resonates through all of Pepsi's ad campaigns - "Oooooh Aaaaah India, Aaaaah Yaaaaa India!" - written on it chugged out of Delhi's Safdarjang station early Sunday with about a 100 cricket fans.

The platform looked like a set from a Bollywood flick with blue and white balloons adorning the platform, and girls and boys dressed in the Pepsi uniform dancing to the catchline song. Turbaned waiters served snacks to passengers, and Pepsi products could be picked up for free.

The "Blue Billion Express" - clearly India's biggest road show ever - is the first major brand-specific communication that Pepsi has come out with after high level of pesticides were allegedly found by Centre for Science and Environment.

"Indians are the biggest fans of cricket. This campaign is about the fans, their passion. It is not about the cricketers or the stars who endorse Pepsi," Shah Rukh told reporters on board the special train.

On the importance of sports, the actor said: "We should encourage our youth to plays sports, if not for anything else, then for its team spirit. I think games should not be glamorised, but commercialised.

"There should be enough money in the sport, so that we can have 'professional' sportspersons. No parent should be able to question the choice of his child's decision to become a sportsperson.

Asked about his favourite cricketer, he said: "I have a lot of favourites. And some of them are good friends too. But I think it is we who make or break a team. It is fans who can make a team win by cheering them."

"We will win this cup and the World Cup too ... Inshallah."

Comparing a cricket match to a Bollywood film he said the tension was the same in both. Before the match is played or before the movie is set for release - there is this big question mark about the end result.

Priyanka, dressed in a white top and short denim skirt, said her favourite cricketer was Rahul Dravid. "He is my favourite, and also looks great, which only helps," she laughed.

She said she gets "mad" each time the Indian team loses a match.

Pepsi's marketing head Punita Lal said: "Pepsi has unbottled the passion of cricket in India. The game has never been about fans, it has always been about stars. For the first time a big brand is focussing on fans."

A special feature of the train was a cricket museum created inside it, displaying exclusive cricket memorabilia such as the ICC Champion's trophy and a cricket bat that belongs to star cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on display.

Source: Glamsham

Watch the making of DON

2006-10-12T08:22:00.000-07:00

After a leading music channel scooped mega star Shah Rukh Khan for their October 'Artist Of The Month' for 'Don', it is now the turn of another popular family channel to do the same.

The channel now has the rights to show the two-part making of 'Don' (1 hour) exclusively in the UK, which also makes for quality programming. We are informed that the making of 'Don' will feature on coming Saturday.

Incidentally, another leading Indian news channel is also likely to showcase the making of 'Don' as well on the 14th, but as the channel has a limited feed in the UK, customers with access to it may secure a chance to watch it there on the same weekend.

As if that isn't enough, there are plans for bringing viewers to have heart-to-heart with Shah Rukh Khan on Friday 13th October in the late evening slot, with a repeat on the day of the film release, Friday 20th October. Further to that, there would be repeats on Sunday 15th October and Saturday 21st October.

Hats off to strong marketing!

Source: Indiaglitz

The truth about Shah Rukh Khan's Anita in DON!

2006-10-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

That Ishaa Koppikar's character (Anita) in the new DON was not in the original version happens to be the popular conception, or should we say, misconception in people's minds. There was talk that Ishaa's character is a new introduction. But we hear that Ishaa's character in the modern DON was indeed present in the original DON as well but went unnoticed because it was a very insignificant one. Director Farhan Akhtar subsequently rewrote and increased it.

When asked, Farhan confirmed the question saying, "There's a character in the original, which is the character of Don's girlfriend. She had a very minor part in the film; in fact she has barely two scenes and is standing on the side in one of the songs looking jealous. But Ishaa's character in the new version has been substantially developed and when you watch the film, you'll find out yourself!"

We can't wait, as DON releases in the UK on 19th October, a day earlier than the rest of the world.

Source: Glamsham

The story revolves around finding Don to avenge Kamini - Kareena

2006-10-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

She may have received mixed reactions for her gyrating to 'Yeh Mera Dil' on 'Don - The Chase Begins Again', but nothing can stop the Kapoor girl from being overtly excited about this biggie that arrives on October 20th.

She says, "Experimenting is something that I have always loved and when I was asked to do a character role, something that I haven’t tried before, I thought for a second. I thought about ‘Don’ the all time classic, Helen aunty; whose a legend in her own rights and then of the song – ‘Ye Mera Dil’ one of my favorites. And I said “I’d love to do something like this.”

Kamini’s role is brief but very pivotal. The story revolves around finding Don to avenge Kamini and her fiance’s murder. So this is where it really starts. She’s also the first one to have come really close to having caught Don… but then …“Don ko pakkadna mushkil hi nahin Naamumkin Hai.”

To conclude I feel totally honored to be put in the same league as Helen aunty and I hope I have done justice to the role."

Source: Indiaglitz

“Don Success Best Birthday Gift,” Ehsaan

2006-10-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

Ehsaan Noorani of talented trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is sure going to be one happy birthday boy in a few days. Currently basking in the glory of the success of ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’ and the music of ‘Don’, Ehsaan cannot expect a better birthday gift than seeing the success of the film ‘Don’ which is due for release on the 20 th of Oct 2006. The music has already become a raging hit with the songs steadily climbing the charts.

With some modern sounds mixed with contemporary musical scores, retaining the old theme while giving it an urbane twist, the ‘Don’ soundtrack is heard everywhere nowadays and what better way to bring in the birthday celebrations than with a career success! Ehsaan is hoping that the music of ‘Don’ continues to be a success even after the release of the film.

Source: IndiaGlitz

DON fever grips British-Asians

2006-10-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

DJ Sanj, among UK's most popular Brit-Asian DJs, has been inspired by the much awaited DON. So much so that his forthcoming youth Bollywood night on Friday, the 13th (October) at Soho Spice in London, is being pegged as the DON Night.

He will be mixing up the best in Bollywood, Bombass, 70's and 80's while ULTIMATE PLAYAZ provide the RnB. Other highlights on the night are: Brown Exploitation retro lounge mix: Special Don Cocktails: The Don, Paan Benares Wala and Pyaar Ka Deewana. If that wasn't enough UTV UK will be supplying CDs and posters of DON as giveaways on the night.

The dress code for the evening requires guests to come dressed up in a DON theme!

Source: Indiaglitz

SRK as a Don is non-smoker

2006-10-10T08:53:00.001-07:00

Farhan is immersed in the post-production work. But he's baffled by the raised eyebrows about shots of Shah Rukh Khan smoking in the promos.

Farhan is amused. "It's become the order of the Friday to raise eyebrows at every film. The closer a film gets to release the more you get to hear,some things you like and some things that you don't. The trick is to take both in your stride. At the end of the end of the day the film will speak for itself. I'd rather focus on my work."

About Shah Rukh's controversial smoking shots Farhan chuckles, "We've actually established Don's character as a non-smoker. He keeps holding an unlit cigarette. He's trying very hard to quit. But as much he tries he can't ward off the temptation of smoking all the time.

That's how I've observed people behave when they try to quit smoking. I thought it would de a devious personality trait to put into Shah Rukh's character."

He laughs off charges of espousing smoking habits. "Please I don't smoke. So far I've never shown my characters smoking in my films, because I never felt the need to. I thought using this weakness in the hero's personality to show his human side, was justified. And that wasn't the intention. Too much has been made of it."

Farhan thinks it's important to see situations and traits within a film's context. "You can't generalize and apply the same rules to all situations. Of course we all know smoking is bad. Please, if you asked me to sign up for an anti-smoking campaign in Mumbai I'd be very happy to do so.

Too much important is given to that one shot without realizing its context. Why not try and eradicate the smoking habit from society rather than object about it in cinema? Movies only reflect what is seen all around us in real life."

Farhan thinks the smoking controversy was unnecessarily created. "Anyone with a basic amount of intelligence can see why such a hue and cry has been raised about Shah Rukh smoking in Don. He's a very popular figure whom people idolize.

It may have been thought that Shah Rukh may influence impressionable minds into smoking. But why forget Shah Rukh does a 150 good things in his movies and real life. Hopefully people would focus on those and get inspired by those. Smoking is a weakness for sure.

But it isn't a negative trait, not when you look at the fact that Shah Rukh is playing a gangster dealing in drugs in Don. If his gangster's role is seen as a fictional trait then why not the smoking which is comparatively minor vice? So many public places have banned smoking.

That's the way to eradicate smoking, and not by preventing characters in films from smoking.. I don't think people will cut down on smoking if they don't see characters in films smoking."

What about animal activists jumping into a movie frame every time an animal is shown? Farhan demurs. "I won't place smoking into the same category as animal welfare. We've to respect the feelings of animals.

If there's even a hint of any animal in any part of the world being mistreated then the authorities should certainly look into it. I think animals deserve to live with dignity."

Source: Santabanta

Box-office ka Khan kaun?

2006-10-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

While industrywallahs await the Khan duel at the box-office with Shah Rukh Khan's 'Don' and Salman Khan's 'Jaan-E-Mann' releasing this festive season, viewers reveal which Khan they are more keen to see.

YOU SAY...
I'd like to see Salman Khan's 'Jaan-E-Mann'. I feel he has more sex appeal and brings intensity to any role he plays. However, 'Don' could prove to be a greater commercial bet!
Farida Salim, businessperson

I am keen to see SRK's 'Don'. His character seems different and his hairstyle is interesting. In addition, the aggressiveness and playboy quality may be new to watch.
Raj Usman Gani, real-estate agent

I guess 'Don' will be a better flick, it being a Farhan Akhtar directorial. Besides, it is a remake of a hit film. Above all, it's a SRK film. But I am fond of Salman too and 'Jaan-E-Mann' has great music. So I'll watch both.
Bashira Khatri, nutritionist

Undoubtedly, Shah Rukh Khan's 'Don'! Salman has been doing the same kind of roles for a while now. I am sure SRK will do justice to this new role.
Vinita Sagwekar, manager

Shah Rukh Khan and 'Don' is a deadly combination. So it is obviously 'Don' that I am looking forward to.
Dayanand Shetty, restaurateur

"I will definitely go for 'Don'. Firstly, it has SRK, and secondly because I love the way Farhan Akhtar treats his movies. I think 'Don' will rock. 'Jaan-E-Mann' promos look unappealing and since I am not a Salman fan, I may not go for it."
Arpana Singh, BMM student

Source: DNA

Wanna attend the DON night?

2006-10-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

DJ San-j Sanj, among UK's most popular Brit-Asian DJs, has been inspired by the much awaited DON. So much so that his forthcoming youth Bollywood night on Friday, the 13th (October) at Soho Spice in London, is being pegged as the DON Night.

He will be mixing up the best in Bollywood, Bombass, 70's and 80's while ULTIMATE PLAYAZ provides the RnB. Other highlights on the night are: Brown Exploitation retro lounge mix: Special Don Cocktails: The Don, Paan Benares Wala and Pyaar Ka Deewana. If that wasn't enough UTV UK will be supplying CDs and posters of DON as giveaways on the night.

The dress code for the evening requires guests to come dressed up in a DON theme!

Source: IndiaFM

'Ye Dosti' of the makers of 'Don'

2006-10-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

Not many know how the popular producer-director duo of Don, Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar first met!

When asked, Farhan rewinds to the past, "We met in the principal's office when we were called in for doing something really terrible!!" Ritesh laughs, "We haven't been punished for it as yet! On a more serious note, it's a friendship that's formed over time. We were in school together for a few years."

Adds Farhan, "Ritesh was working in his family business and I was working at a production house, writing the script of Dil Chahta Hai. It just so happened that Ritesh wanted to move out and produce a film. He heard the narration of Dil Chahta Hai along with his father and there was an immediate click."

Substantiating what Farhan said, Ritesh remarks, "My dad owned a home appliances company, which has been around for 32 years. I had a lot of experience in marketing and dealing with consumers. There was nothing I could contribute to the film business as it was pretty set. I was an avid film-watcher and I was keen to do something on my own. I heard that Farhan (Akhtar) had written a script at that time and we met and got talking."

Don releases in the UK on 19th October.

Source: Indiaglitz

In Don, to limp was difficult - Arjun Rampal

2006-10-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

Who could have ever imagined Arjun Rampal filling up Pran's shows in the remake of 'Don'. Well, Farhan Akhtar obviously thought so and here we have Arjun Rampal ready to be seen in one of his most interesting roles ever. So how was the feeling when the role was offered to Arjun?

He says, “Wonderful…but Jasjit in the original was 44!” is what I thought when Farhan called me for Don. So I went met up with him and little did I know of how well he had got the whole story structured in his head.

To limp was difficult initially but the concept of cane with Jasjit at all times was very interesting. More than a prop it became a part of the character and so did the ‘kada’ and the ‘family photograph’ he carries with him in the movie. I always thought the character was more emotional than aggressive and the rage side to it was only an outcome of what he was made to go through.

It was a lot of fun especially when I had to walk the top of the Petronas skybridge! Looking down from that height… wow!!

It was a fabulous experience and I wish all our attempts will be appreciated."

Source: Indiaglitz

Shah Rukh Khan defends smoking scene in `Don`

2006-10-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has defended his smoking scene in his forthcoming film Don .

Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss has voiced his displeasure over smoking scenes featuring SRK in the Farhan Akhtar directed venture.

Talking about the Union Health Minister taking objection to scenes showing the star smoking a cigarette in the film, SRK said, "I will not go to the extent of saying that smoking is artistic in cinema and that is why we are having this problem. However, the larger issue involved here is today it is smoking in films, tomorrow what?"

"I truly believe that Indian masses are literate enough to know that there is no more a Humphrey Bogart kind of smoking that one would start smoking as an actor does. Also, for most of them, it is a very small issue."

"I feel that the powers that be should look at bigger health issues than smoking in films," SRK said in an interview to a TV channel this week.

To the argument by the authorities that smoking scenes be banned as cigarettes are injurious to health, SRK said, "I'd like to appeal to any authority that if smoking is bad, do not permit production of cigarettes in the country. My logic is you are not stopping it despite telling that it’s harmful just because it gives a revenue to the Government. Then don't stop my revenue. After all, I am an actor and am supposed to do a job and get revenue from it."

SRK recently opposed the proposal of branding a film with smoking scenes under the category of 'A' by the Censor Board.

The hullabaloo over smoking scenes in 'Don' notwithstanding, the film has been granted a UA certificate by the Censor Board.

However, trade sources said the version shown to the board had the cigarette smoking scene of SRK pruned. In any case, the sources said the 'UA' certificate was due to the film having a lot of violence and not any other reason.

Source: Apunkachoice

I am “Care a damn attitude love-doll” in 'Don' - Isha Koppikar

2006-10-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

Post 'Kya Kool Hai Hum', Isha Kopikar has been quite selective about her choice of her films. Listen to her as she talks about what prompted her to opt for 'Don - The Chase Begins Again'.

"Don was one of the projects which just felt right and needed no thinking. It sounded exciting from the word go and impulsive as I am; I just went with the flow. More than the character it was the movie I was attracted to but soon I fell in love with my part too…

…Anita is just my kind of a girl “Care a damn attitude love-doll”. She lives in her own world and creates her own space. Little different than the original, she’s louder with her actions and obviously her bad habits. Maybe a lot more spoilt… after all, that’s what I love about it."

Source: Indiaglitz

DON takes heads on with KANK

2006-10-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

DON has been in the news for a multitude of reasons and this one is amongst the biggest that adds to the enormous hype around the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer.

Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar's magnum opus will be the biggest theatrical release for a Bollywood movie in North America, if sources are to go by. With almost 110 prints, the number is said to be 15 more than SRK's previous release, KANK, which has been the widest so far, say industry sources.

UTV US plans to open up new territories in North America with DON. Even UTV UK is planning a unique cinema strategy and the final list of cinemas for DON in the UK & US will be officially released on the corporate website soon.

Source: Indiaglitz

DON is the biggest release in North America

2006-10-04T10:34:00.000-07:00

DON has been in the news for a multitude of reasons and this one is among the biggest that adds to the enormous hype around the Shah Rukh Khan starrer. Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar's magnum opus DON will be the biggest theatrical release for a Bollywood movie in North America, if sources are to go by. With almost 110 prints, the number is said to be 15 more than SRK's previous release, KANK, which has been the widest so far, say industry sources.

UTV US plans to open up new territories in North America with DON. Even UTV UK is planning a unique cinema strategy and the final list of cinemas for DON in the UK and US will be officially released soon.

Source: Bollywood Trade News Network

Farhan has managed to achieve this paradox: Javed Akhtar

2006-10-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

Surprised, amused and flattered…..this is how the proud papa felt when hearing about son Farhan's plans to remake Don!

In his own words, "This is how I felt! And then I thought it’s actually a good choice for a remake. The script was good, the characters were iconic and maybe now the time is right to take such a script and make it at a much larger scale.

To my astonishment, Farhan has not only been successful in retaining the essence of the original but has given the story new turns and twists. And sincerely what’s the point to remake a movie exactly the same way? But on the other hand if it’s totally different then why call it a “remake”?

So it is very important for the remake to have certain commonality and some individuality and Farhan has managed to achieve this paradox. I wish and believe instead of comparing the new to the original people will adore them both."

Source: Indiaglitz

Storyboarding with DON

2006-10-03T07:32:00.000-07:00

Visual effects are fast gaining popularity in our film fraternity. The recent success of KRRISH with Hrithik Roshan achieving impossible feats is an eye-opener for what animation and 3D modeling can do...The latest being DHOOM 2 and DON.

Farhan Akhtars's DON has some outstanding stunts and special effects. Catch King Khan getting into the Mission Impossible mode. Not only that, it has also used the rare concept of 'storyboarding'.

Storyboarding is an essential step in the creative process of filmmaking. The sketches, which resemble a comic book, allow the director to conceptualize his thoughts before it finally shapes up in the film.

The Storyboard is the backbone of every great Hollywood film. Spielberg, Lucas, Stone, Cameron, Scott, all the great directors use storyboards to visualize their stories and experiment with composition elements before planning their cost of production.

The sample storyboard contains all the elements needed to make a great film...camera angles, shots, scenes, background, and well-drawn actors.

Check out the storyboarding images and its resultant transformation in the film. Storyboarding must've definitely contributed to the efficiency and quality of DON.

The film hits the screens on 20th October. UTV is releasing DON internationally.

Source: glamsham

Don returns to compete with Don - The Chase Begins Again

2006-10-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

Guess who is returning to compete with Farhan Akhtar's 'Don - The Chase Begins Again'? A song from the original Don!

Promos of 'Don - The Chase Begins Again' have been on for quite some time and along with the theatrical promo, the two rearranged tracks 'Ye Mera Dil' and now 'Khaike Paan Banaraswala' are fast getting popular too. But now they have direct competition from the original 'Don' as the classic dance track picturised on Helen and Amitabh Bachchan, 'Ye Mera Dil' has been unleashed on the music channels too.

With Kareena Kapoor tries to seduce SRK while gyrating in style, Helen proves again the substance she is made of by reappearing again after three decades to create a stunning impact. Take your pick!

Source: IndiaGlitz

SRK's Don escapes Adult tag!

2006-09-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

Farhan Akhtar's Don has been given an U/A certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification with no cuts. The film was screened for the Censor Board members on Monday.

Vinayak Azad, regional officer of the CBFC said, "We have issued an U/A certificate to the film with no cuts."

Asked about the alleged smoking scenes which angered the health minister, Azad said, "There is no smoking scene in the film, there is only one scene where there is a smoke ring around Shah Rukh Khan's face, but the character does not have a cigarette in his hand.

The only reason an U/A certificate was issued to the film is because of the violence portrayed in it."

Union health minister Abumani Ramadoss had insisted on issuing an 'A' certificate to films with smoking scenes. The health ministry will soon be issuing a new notification where films with smoking scenes will have to carry strong editorial justification for their inclusion.

Source: Santabanta

"I am excited by the slickness of the promos of Don" - Big B

2006-09-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

Amitabh Bachchan, who is about to start work on Ram Gopal Varma's modern Sholay, is looking forward to Farhan Akhtar's Don. "It would be interesting to see how Don has shaped up. I am excited by the slickness of the promos," he remarked.

Bachchan, who featured in the previous Don, said that he has no problem with remakes. "When our makers adapt Hollywood films they are condemned. Now when they are attempting remakes or modern interpretations, they are being criticized. What's wrong about remakes? They are a tribute to the old films," he added.

Source: Indiaglitz

'Don' team pairs up with John, Indian cricket team

2006-09-24T01:04:00.000-07:00

'Don' trio of Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor have joined hands with John Abraham and the Indian cricket team. Sounds like an odd combination, isn't it? Is it for a film? No, in fact this group of individuals has come together to promote the ICC Championship trophy by means of a music video that also celebrates the greatness of India.

Titled 'Aaya India', the music video features SRK leading the bunch with the famous FEVICOL man making an appearance too. A rhythmic number with the sound of 'Hoo Haa...India, Aaya India' catching up instantly, it is composed by Vishal Shekhar with Sukhwinder Singh in tremendous form yet again.

The cricketers featuring in the song are Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Harbhajan Singh, Mohammad Kaif and Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Source: Indiaglitz

Priyanka unhappy about sharing poster space with females in Don?

2006-09-24T01:03:00.001-07:00

Priyanka Chopra is upset at a news report claiming that she had been confiding to close friends about her unhappiness on sharing the limelight with hotties Ishaa Koppikar and Kareena Kapoor in the forthcoming 'Don'. Both of them have been appreciated in the 'Main Hoon Don' and 'Yeh Mera Dil' tracks respectively.

It seems Priyanka was not pleased about sharing poster space with her female co-stars and with their high presence in the film's television publicity.

In her defence, Priyanka emphatically clarifies, "The rumour is absolutely baseless and silly. I've been out of town for nearly three months on work, shuttling between countries and living out of a suitcase. Do I look insecure? I'm so proud to be a part of 'Don'. It was a great opportunity to work with such a fantastic bunch of professionals - Shah Rukh, Ritesh and Farhan. I hope to work with them again. It's among the highlight films of my career."

When asked about sharing the limelight with Kareena and Ishaa, she shot back, "I've worked with Kareena before. She's wonderful and adds to the star value of the set-up. Even Ishaa is very good in the film. I really wish people would stop creating fire when there's none!"

Source: IndiaFM

"Do I look insecure?" - Priyanka Chopra

2006-09-24T01:03:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday there was news floating about Priyanka Chopra being upset with her co-stars Kareena and Isha getting more prominence than her. And now she is upset....very upset!

She is fuming over a news report claiming that she had been confiding to close friends about her unhappiness on sharing the limelight with hotties Isha Koppikar and Kareena Kapoor in the forthcoming 'Don'. Both of them have been appreciated in the 'Main Hoon Don' and 'Yeh Mera Dil' tracks respectively.

It seems Priyanka was not pleased about sharing poster space with her female co-stars and with their high presence in the film's television publicity.

In her defence, Priyanka emphatically clarifies, "The rumor is absolutely baseless and silly. I've been out of town for nearly three months on work, shuttling between countries and living out of a suitcase. Do I look insecure? I'm so proud to be a part of 'Don'. It was a great opportunity to work with such a fantastic bunch of professionals - Shah Rukh, Ritesh and Farhan. I hope to work with them again. It's among the highlight films of my career."

When asked about sharing the limelight with Kareena and Isha, she shot back, "I've worked with Kareena before. She's wonderful and adds to the star value of the set-up. Even Isha is very good in the film. I really wish people would stop creating fire when there's none!"

Point noted, people?

Source: Indiaglitz

Don - When India defeated Malaysia!

2006-09-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that a large portion of the forthcoming Shah Rukh Khan-starrer DON has been shot in sizzling Malaysia. Producer Ritesh Sidhwani and director Farhan Akhtar ensured that the shoot was a holiday of sorts for the entire cast and crew, so that everyone ended up "enjoying" their work, and the results surely show on screen!

Laughs producer Ritesh Sidhwani, who remains known for DIL CHAHTA HAI and LAKSHYA, "The crew of DON enjoyed itself in Malaysia. It was a big party. We made sure everyone got a weekly off and played every possible game. We organized volleyball between the crew from India and crew from Malaysia every weekend, and ended up winning the match most of the time, perhaps because Malaysians play football and not volleyball!"

Apart from playing real and virtual games, the crew would party together almost every weekend!

"We would either party or go for fun dinners. We would also frequent the local bars," adds Ritesh. "Once back, everyone started missing on the fun they had. Though we were glad to be back home after a gap, just after a week, everyone started complaining about how they were missing Malaysia."

Interestingly, the popular Yeh Mera Dil and Khaike Paan Banaras Waala songs from the film are also based in Malaysia!

Source: IndiaGlitz

Hrithik Roshan- The original choice for DON?

2006-09-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

We are as surprised as you. "When I started writing I had Hrithik's image in my mind, but as the script developed it became obvious that Shahrukh was more suited to play the part", Farhan was quoted in an interview.

Whether it's King Khan or our 'superhero' Hrithik Roshan, the audience just cannot wait for their Diwali/Eid bonanza. The film has been making headlines ever since it was announced. Only time will decide its fate at the box-office.

The new contemporary look of the film, the stunts, the Matrix effects and the two tracks that have been retained, has generated unbridled enthusiasm and curiosity amongst the audience.

The film hits the screens on 20th October.

Source: Bollywood Trade News Network

Priyanka Chopra trained in Martial Arts for DON

2006-09-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

Priyanka Chopra is essaying the stunning Zeenat Aman's character [Roma] in Farhan Akhtar's eagerly anticipated DON, releasing on Diwali / Eid this year. In an interview to the BBC Asian Network to be aired soon, when she was asked about comparisons with Zeenat Aman, she exclusively divulged, "I am not trying to step in to Zeenatji's shoes. She was in a league of her own. My character is very different from the one in the original. I'm playing a killer and have received special training in Martial Arts by a Shaolin teacher to prepare for the role! DON will show me in a completely new avatar!"

For long, there has been talk that contrary to perception, the new DON is replete with twists, turns and unforeseen surprises and thrills, and looks like this is only one of them!

U T V is releasing DON internationally on October 20.

Source: Glamsham

'Main hoon Don' tops charts again

2006-09-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

"Main hoon Don" which made an impressive entry on the music charts last week is still going strong on the number one slot.

The top 10 Hindi film songs of the week are:

1. "Main hoon Don" - Film: "Don - The Chase Begins Again"; Singer: Shaan; Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Javed Akhtar has penned the lyrics for the song.

2. "Tere bin" - Film: "Bas Ek Pal"; singer: Atif Aslam; Music: Mithoon. The blues song strikes just the right chord with music lovers.

3. "Kabhi alvida naa kehna" - Film: "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna"; Singers: Alka Yagnik and Sonu Nigam; Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. The song is sliding down the charts.

4. "Aap ki khatir" - Film: "Aap Ki Khatir"; Singer: Himesh Reshammiya; Music: Himesh Reshammiya. The film didn't receive encouraging reviews but the song is doing reasonably well.

5. "Lage raho Munna bhai" - Film: "Lage Raho Munna Bhai"; Singer: Vinod Rathod; Music: Shantanu Moitra. It is a treat to watch this well-choreographed song.

6. "Kya mujhe pyaar hai" - Film: "Woh Lamhe"; Singer: K.K; Music: Pritam. This rock number is one of the best songs in the album.

7. "Bidee" - Film: "Omkara"; Singers: Sunidhi Chauhan, Sukhwinder Singh; Music: Vishal Bharadwaj. "Bidee" seems to have become a permanent fixture on the charts.

8. "Chand sifarish" - Film: "Fanaa"; Singers: Shaan and Kailash Kher; Music: Jatin-Lalit. This naughty and romantic number has been on the charts for many months.

9. "Shake it" - Film: "Naksha"; Singer: Suzzane De Mello; Music: Pritam. The film bombed at the box office but this item song is quite popular.

10. "Humko malum hai" - Film: "Jaan-e-Mann"; Singers: Sonu and Sadhnaa Sargam; Nigam Music: Anu Malik. A soft romantic number made it to the charts this week and promises to stay there for a while.

(Source - The Music Shop, Khan Market)

Source: IANS

The Don of a new era

2006-09-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

The music of Excel Entertainment’s new film, Don was released recently in Mumbai. Instead of a media together, it was launched amidst the people, who got a rare chance to watch their favourite stars and music directors in action.

Marketed by T-Series, the film’s music has been composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy with lyrics by Javed Akhtar. The film produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and directed by Farhan Akhtar is a remake of the cult 1978 film co-authored by Salim-Javed.

The highlight of the evening was a live performance by Shankar Mahadevan of the song Ganpati bappa morya.. Present on the occasion were the ‘new’ Don Shah Rukh Khan and Ishaa Koppikar along with Om Puri, Bhushan Kumar of T-Series, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, producer Ritesh Sidhwani and director Farhan Akhtar.

Source: Newindpress

Don't miss Don, SRK to fans!

2006-09-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

As we are inching towards October 2006, the well-orchestrated hype around ‘Don’ is reaching heights while generating a mass hysteria in its target belt, that is India, South East Asia, UAE, UK, USA and other parts of the world.

The last that we have heard from Shahrukh Khan about the movie will surely raise pulse beats to his die-hard fans.

SRK asks his fans to not to miss the beginning and the end of the film. He further says that the film is not exactly a remake of the 1977 blockbuster and it is quite different from the original one.

More interestingly it is learnt that director Farhan Akhtar has shot two climaxes for the film, which other than the King Khan also stars Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor as lead actors.

The Diwali-Eid mega release ‘Don-The Chase Begins Again’ is hitting the theatre leaving an immense pressure on the director-hero duo.

The older as well as the new generation who have seen the film for umpteenth times are eagerly waiting to see if Farhan Akhtar and Shahrukh Khan can recreate the magic on the silver screen again.

They want to see whether the script matches up to the original one or not. Fans are breathtakingly waiting to see Shahrukh Khan successfully manages to fit into the big boot of the original Don.

Source: Santabanta

Don - Farhan Shoots Two Climaxes !

2006-09-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

According to our sources , two climaxes have been shot by Farhan Akhtar for his upcoming Shah Rukh Khan-Priyanka 'Diwali-Eid' release 'Don' . It is obvious that one of the two is to be used in the movie and it is still to be decided which one . We know about both but that will qualify as a huge spoiler .

Yes , it is quite different from that of the 1977 Amitabh 'Don' and is quite a unique one and even King Khan says " Don't miss the beginning and the end ! "

Don't worry we wont SRK !

Source: Planetbollywood

Don - Don´t Do This Dr. Ramadoss !

2006-09-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

Health minister Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss seems to have made the film industry his permanent target . Barely had the trailors of Farhan Akhtar's 'Don' gone on air and the health minister proclaimed that he didn't approve of Shah Rukh Khan smoking in them . It must come as a dampener for the minister (whose favourite punching bag are film stars and filmmakers) , when it was clarified in an interview later that the film has a scene in which Shah Rukh Khan actually exhorts a person to give up smoking .

Relax Mr. Minister ! Wait for the film to hit the screens before you start hitting out . Otherwise it may well be another embarassment like the recent AIIMS and Dr. Venugopal case ( where the court interfered) .

Source: Planetbollywood

'Main hoon Don' is top song of the week

2006-09-06T09:17:00.001-07:00

It's time to enjoy the hit number 'Main hoon Don' once again, but this time with Shah Rukh Khan on screen and Shaan singing it. The song has made an impressive entry and is at number one position on the list.

The top 10 Hindi film songs of the week are:

1. 'Main hoon Don' - Film: 'Don - The Chase Begins Again'; Singer: Shaan; Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Javed Akhtar has penned the lyrics for the popular song being lapped up by music lovers.

2. 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' - Film: 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'; Singers: Alka Yagnik and Sonu Nigam; Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. The song has shown some improvement and has moved up the chart.

3. 'Aap ki khatir' - Film: 'Aap Ki Khatir'; Singer: Himesh Reshammiya; Music: Himesh Reshammiya. The film, which opened last week, didn't receive encouraging reviews but the song is doing reasonably well.

4. 'Bidee' - Film: 'Omkara'; Singers: Sunidhi Chauhan, Sukhwinder Singh; Music: Vishal Bhardwaj. This rustic item number, which remained on top for weeks, has gone three notches down.

5. 'Golmaal' - Film: 'Golmaal - Fun Unlimited'; Singers: Anushka Manchandani, Vishal Dadlani; Music: Vishal-Shekhar. The song, which got pushed to the last slot from number four last week, has made progress and enjoys number five position.

6. 'Chand sifarish' - Film: 'Fanaa'; Singers: Shaan and Kailash Kher; Music: Jatin-Lalit. A naughty and romantic number that has remained on top of the charts for months and seems to have entrenched itself permanently in the number six position.

7. 'Junoon'- Film: 'Rocky - The Rebel'; Singers: Himesh Reshammiya and Amrita Kak; Music: Himesh Reshammiya. The rocking number, which was not on the charts last week, has re-entered and occupies number seven slot.

8. 'Hai Ishq Ye Kya Ek Khata' - Film: 'Bas Ek Pal'; Singers: K.K. Sunidhi Chauhan; Music: Pritam. The song with meaningful lyrics and lilting composition by Pritam will take time to grow on the listeners.

9. 'Pal pal har pal' - Film: 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai'; Singer - Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal; Music: Shantanu Moitra. The film is a hit and this melodious number, which is different from other love songs, was a treat to watch on the screen. The song is being played on all music channels.

10. 'Ek kahani' - Film: 'Krrish'; Singer: Kunal Ganjawala; Music: Rajesh Roshan. The film has become the biggest blockbuster of the year but the album, which was not an instant hit, is losing its charm.

(Source - The Music Shop, Khan Market)

Source: Indo Asian News Service

SRK Plays Games With People

2006-09-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

Shahrukh Khan is looking hot in those green silhouettes of ‘Don’ Promos. I’ve been saying it repeatedly that an SRK with mean streak looks more desirable than a weakling. Well, more on that debate some other day. The latest dope on the shooting of ‘Don’ is Shahrukh’s obsession with Play-stations. Apparently, he had set up an entire area in his hotel room in Malaysia for PS2 Stations.

The entire gang of Priyanka Chopra, Arjun Rampal, Isha Koppikar, Boman Irani et al would gather in his room and play for hours. SRK had also sourced exclusive wrist bands for everyone with their names embossed on them. Apart from the indoor games, there was a beach volleyball tournament between the Indian and the Malaysian crew. It’s quite clear, all the fun the team had is showing in the glowing results in the form of ‘Don’ stills and promos. No wonder, SRK is known for his sporting spirit.

Source: Indiaglitz

When Kareena Kapoor seduced Shah Rukh Khan

2006-09-04T17:57:00.000-07:00

Kareena Kapoor is all set to set the screen on fire with her sizzling dance number in Don , in which she seduces Shah Rukh Khan .

Kareena is now wowing everyone with her sensuous dance number in the promos of "Don", a remake of Don (1978) .

Kareena does a delightful and seductive dance on the lines of the Helen number "Ye mera dil pyaar ka deewana".

The song starts with Kareena poking SRK's back with her fingers trickily, making him assume that it's a pistol but then starts seducing him, breaking into the song.

In the original, Helen trying to seduce the charismatic Don, Amitabh Bachchan on this track. SRK plays the title role in the Farhan Akhtar – directed remake, slated to hit theatres on Diwali.

"Though my role is small it's important. It's great playing Helen-aunty's role, and the song has been especially great fun," Kareena has been quoted as saying.

"It's been the best experience of my life. The song is now mine. It's a legendary track and dancing on to it with SRK has been an absolute dream-come-true. 'Yeh mera dil' will be an enriching part of my career," she added.

‘Don’ also stars Priyanka Chopra , Isha Koppikar , Arjun Rampal and Boman Irani .

Source: Apunkachoice

All tracks of Don will become very popular: Shankar

2006-09-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

Don’s music is making waves all over. With the music becoming immensely popular as the day is passing, we chat with Shankar Mahadevan about the music of Don and his views on it.

Your highly awaited Don’s music has released. How are you feeling? Oh yes, we are very excited about this because this is a soundtrack we were really looking forward to and finally it is out in the market. We just hope we get a good response.

So what is the USP of the soundtrack?
Well the film itself is a cult film. So this is kind of a dedicational remake of the original DON. The essence of the film is maintained. It has a packing edge. We have retained two songs – ‘Khaike Paan Banaraswala’ and ‘Yeh Mera Dil’ and we have composed three new tracks, so I hope people like it.

While reworking on the original tracks how much work went into keeping the sound similar to the old tracks but also refreshing it at the same time?
To tell you in simple words, we have retained the melody but we have changed the dressing and we have added some surprise elements especially in Khaike Paan Banaraswala because Sharukh is featured in a particular part where he is singing in the song. So that is very interesting.

Shahrukh sings in Khaike Paan Banaraswala. Tell us about the other singers in the film.
Well there is a song called Morya Morya, which is a Ganpati song, which is sung by me and it’s a beautiful song. It already has got very popular since the Ganesh festival is going on, which is very big in India. Then there is a song called Aaj Ki Raat which is a very interesting, club kind of a song which is sung by Alisha, Mahalakshmi Iyer along with Sonu Nigam. Then there is the new title song, which is sung by Shaan. Khaike Paan Banaraswala is sung by Udit along with Shahrukh. And then there is Yeh Mera Dil which is sung by Sunidhi Chauhan. So that is pretty much the album. There are two soundtracks given. One done by Randolf. He has done a wonderful job of the DON title song. We have also given a dedication to the earlier Don title song. We have incorporated that in this track. Then there is a remix, kind of a club mix for the title song, which is done by the medieval pundits.

Tell us about the young kind of feel to the album.
It’s basically keeping in touch with the kind of film. The film is very stylish, very modern. It is not set twenty years back. It is set in today’s world. So we had to keep that in mind. The way its shot, the way it is cut, the characters of the film. All the characters are very modern, trendy and very stylish. So we had to keep the music also very modern, trendy, cutting edge, modern grooves with modern instrumentation. So basically, this goes with the film.

Let’s talk about the track Aaj ki raat. It’s got a very retro kind of a sound to it. Very young and very vibrant. How did you do that?
It is all a result of jamming and being with a person like Farhan Akhtar, who himself is a musician at heart and understands what new music is all about.

Which track according to you will be the most popular?
All of them. I can put that to you in writing. It has always been in the past that the albums that we do, all the songs become popular, like everyone loved all the songs of Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. Similarly, all tracks of Don will become very popular.

Have you seen the movie yet?
Yes we have seen the film since we have done the background score too.

Tell us something about the film.
All I can say is, It Rocks.

Anything else you want to say about the soundtrack.
All I can say is that, it’s a great soundtrack and I am sure everybody is going to enjoy it.

Audio clip courtesy: Sabras Radio [U.K]

Source: IndiaFM

How Ishaa Koppikar bagged DON

2006-08-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

DON is quite easily Ishaa Koppikar's biggest release to date. Of all the characters, hers [Anita] will be the interesting one to look out for, especially because it did not feature in the original. According to sources, Ishaa had been considered by Farhan [Akhtar] for Sonali Kulkarni's role in Dil Chahta Hai. Unfortunately, she could not allot dates to Farhan on that occasion.

While casting for DON, when Farhan was on the look-out for a suitable actress to play Anita, he thought of Ishaa again and offered her the part. Needless to add, Ishaa lapped up the offer! Who wouldn't like to be seated alongside the King Khan with a champagne glass in hand?!

Source: IndiaFM

SRK Raps in Khaike Paan Banaras Wala

2006-08-31T07:55:00.000-07:00

Shahrukh Khan’s has turned an Eminem cousin by expertly rapping in the retro track ‘Khaike Paan Banaraswala’. The track starts off with Udit Narayan matching steps with Kishore Kumar magic of yore. The dhinchak beat goes on and on. And then SRK makes his entry in style.

Ek Naar Naweli Kare Atkheli, Badi Albeli, Uski Badi Dhoom Hai Aisi…Must say Shahrukh sounds much better than his earlier experience with singing in Mansoor Khan’s ‘Josh’ where he sang ‘Apun Bola’ to Anu Malik’s music. The energy level and exuberance quotient is at an all time high. I think SRK will have lot more offers to sing coming his way after this one….

Source: Indiaglitz

How the Ganpati song from DON got erased!

2006-08-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

The 'Mourya Re' track from the soundtrack of the forthcoming Diwali/Eid release, DON, currently making waves given the Ganpati season in Mumbai, was actually redone. Not many know that when some singers came in to dub extracts of it, the distressful reality dawned on the composers, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, that the song had been accidentally wiped out from the tape.

In an interview to the Sunday Soundtrack programme on the BBC, the composers confirmed the occurrence of the mini-calamity of sorts! They said, "When we asked the engineer to play it, we realized it was gone. It had been erased by mistake. There was absolute silence. We didn't have an option and had to redo it. The engineer was sacked!"

The track was successfully redone and has bagged immense appreciation! So all's well that ends well!

Source: Bollywood Trade News Network

Don: Music Review

2006-08-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

There is something about these BIG films that makes one await their music with a bated breath. Whether it is 'Fanaa', 'Krrish', 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna' or any of the other multi crore extravaganzas that have arrived on screen in recent months, there is a certain expectation from the music of each of these films. But one thing that is still common about the music of their films is the 'predictability' factor. There is always a set expectation from a Yashraj/Rakesh Roshan/Karan Johar film which means that though the music of the films mentioned above have ranged from good to very good, what has been amiss is the "surprise" element. Nothing wrong with that but then a listener won't really mind with an occasional surprise or two!

This is where the music of 'Don - The Chase Begins Again' scores!

Because though there have been people ready with bouquets and brickbats before the music starts playing, what cannot be denied is that none are aware about what is going to be in store. Will 'Don' have the music in a style similar to the 70s? Will 'Don' forget about the past and turn out to be a score that suits the image of Shahrukh Khan in the contemporary world? Or does it fuse the present with the past while not shying away from taking a peek into the future?

Questions like these have resulted in an unprecedented excitement about the arrival of the soundtrack of 'Don - The Chase Begins Again' and hasn't the wait been simply worth it? Because not just the music excites, at places it makes the adrenaline level go high while at times it takes you to a trip down the memory lane. All this while making maximum use of the technological advances of today. No wonder, this turns out to be one of the top efforts by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Javed Akhtar saab!

Watch out for a signature tune that marks the beginning of title song 'Main Hoon Don'! That's because much before the song tops the charts, you would soon hear a ring tone based on this signature tune on cell phones around you! The music of this Shaan rendered song is completely different from the classic 'Main Hoon Don’ but that hardly acts as a deterrent after one has heard this new version a few times. Javed Akhtar's lyrics are different too for this song about a daredevil don who is willing to face the might of any challenge whatsoever and doesn't shy away from being a self acclaimed danger-man!

Shaan excels and does quite well in this song which could have been tailor-made for Abhijeet due to his past record with Khan. Mid-way into 'Main Hoon Don' there is an extended musical piece set in western mode that is truly international and is reminiscent of the background score of a Hollywood flick. The song doesn't take a conventional linear approach and has number of twists in it that keep you guessing throughout the duration about what's next in store. Chorus singers are highly effective in this track as it adds on to the dark mood of the situation. With a kind of choreography and cinematography the song comes with, it should be extremely effective during the narrative.

Zingy and zippy, the remix version of 'Main Hoon Don' is what one would really want to acknowledge as a true blue remix track. There is a good dose of some innovative use of western arrangements that fuse the vintage and contemporary mood of 'Don' quite well and pump up the adrenalin from the very beginning. Expect this sound to be played during the title sequence and also form an important part of the background score. If the original version formulated a base then this remix simply takes off in full gear!

SEL are loyal to the original sound of 'Yeh Mera Dil Pyaar Ka Deewana' during the song's opening but 30 seconds into the track and they add on their own beats to give it a club feel. Sunidhi Chauhan arrives on the scene at just the right time and presses the right buttons to get into the groove. The interludes are interspersed with the music that would work well with the lovers of lounge genre. Overall one can easily say that Sunidhi doesn't let anyone down while rendering this track that doesn't deviate much from the 70s original and still works well for today's audience. Expect the heat to be on when Kareena Kapoor lip syncs to this seduction number while applying her charms on Shah Rukh Khan!

By now it becomes an irresistible wait to listen to 'Khaike Paan Banarswala' but guess it was a trick played well by the music company that saves it only for a later stage. Before that comes 'Maurya Re', a Ganpati song sung by Shankar Mahadevan. So far the soundtrack was predominantly western with a touch of lounge but with 'Maurya Re', there is a shift in proceedings as the action shifts to the streets. Sound of 'dhol' accompanies Mahadevan throughout to keep the celebration mood alive in this lively number that is easy on ears and keeps the Indian melody intact. Would it be a classic 'Ganpati' celebration track? No, probably not, but what it succeeds in is bringing Shahrukh Khan in a new light who has traditionally been bound by a certain image.

Super-duper hit!!! And you know which song we are talking about! 'Khaike Paan Banaraswala' is sure to enthrall audience all over again when heard in the version created by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. And there are manifold reasons to say that, first and foremost being the creative aspect gone behind this version. Composers, Akhtar saab and Udit Narayan have gone all out to ensure that they give something additional to this song rather making it a plain remix/rearrangement. This is something prevalent from the very beginning when Udit sets the base for 'Khaike Paan' before actually rendering the classic.

Arriving with an Indian rooted rap, Udit accelerates the song to a right pace before beginning the actual rendition of 'Khaike'. Expect the applause in not just single screen theatres but even multiplexes when the song is played! The pacing is just perfect while the musical arrangements bring a mix of Western and Indian style but the highlight of the song is Shahrukh Khan who holds the mike towards the middle of the song. He does his own 'desi' poetic rapping of some new lines by Javed Akhtar saab that takes the song to an all time high and there is just the right pause before Udit Narayan takes over again to make this fun number a sure shot success.

So is 'Khaike Paan' the zenith of the album? Anyone would feel so after hearing it on for the first time itself but then the BEST is yet to arrive. Undoubtedly the most creative, exciting and mesmerizing of the lot, 'Aaj Ki Raat' is easily the best of the enterprise and hooks you on after hearing it just once. Picturised on both Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor, it is about a decisive night that is expected to be full of surprises. If there is a song that perfectly mixes the theme of 70s with the style of 21st century, it is 'Aaj Ki Raat'.

A true lounge track, 'Aaj Ki Raat' has ample usage of those musical instruments that formed the disco/cabaret tracks of the late 70s/early 80s [in fact it is reminiscent of 'Raat Baaki' (Namak Halal) ] and creates a haunting impact. Alisha Chinoy is a perfect choice for a song like this but real surprise comes in the form of Mahalaxmi Iyer who is just flawless in her laidback rendition. For a change Sonu Nigam is the last to arrive but he doesn’t mind letting the ladies dominate the scene while adding on his bit as per the demand of the situation. A superb number, it is one of the most innovative tracks composed by Shankar Ehsaan Loy and should sit at the top of their best songs ever.

Remember the signature tune of 'Don' that accompanied when the titles of the original rolled? The same intriguing sound is heard again though with in a complete makeover avtar that ensures that this Farhan Akhtar film is going to be one pucca masala entertainer! Westernized and lounge in style and feel, this instrumental of the 'Theme Music' makes one helluva ride that should bring you on the edge of the seat right away if played during the opening title roll. Let the lights dim, cell phones switched off, get your popcorn and enjoy the show!

Some unforgettable music and dialogues from the original are given a new treatment by Medival Punditz in the concluding track 'Don Revisited'. Yet another racy track that should keep you hooked on your music system while it is played! While the theme music of 'Arrey Deewano Mujhe Pehchano' forms the base of this track, some evergreen dialogues like 'Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi namumkin hai' mouthed by SRK make it a highly enjoyable track. There are some more dialogues in the musical piece but check them out for yourselves when you play it on. Chances are high that this could well be the track that you may want to set on repeat mode before embarking on a long highway ride!

Shankar Ehsaan Loy do exceedingly well with the soundtrack of 'Don – The Chase Begins Again' and establish their supremacy as the composer trio who can give their own even while rearranging the songs from the past, as seen in 'Khaike Paan' and 'Ye Mera Dil'. While 'Aaj Ki Raat' sits pretty at the top for its innovative appeal, 'Khaike' is a sure shot chartbuster for all generations and 'Main Hoon Don' makes the proceedings exciting, the theme instrumentals too create a great impact and take the proceedings on a fast track.

Strength of 'Don' lies in its success at surprising a listener. Overall, the album primarily comes across as a lounge/club mix with a dash of Indian melody and should do well across the length and breath of the country. Chances are that it may turn out to be one of the Top 3 selling albums of this year!

Source: IndiaFM

Shahrukh's new suave look

2006-08-29T07:29:00.000-07:00

Shahrukh Khan's new bearded look has become the talk of the town. Ever since the superstar made his first public appearance sporting that cool stubble, the news spread like wildfire. Apparently he is sporting it for his forthcoming film, Yashraj's CHAK DE INDIA to be directed by Shimit Amin. Whatever be the reason, the fact is it's gelling very well with his dashing personality. It has only enhanced his persona and makes him look even more handsome. He was recently seen donning that chic look at the Filmfare event and the music launch of DON and ZINDAGGI ROCKS.

His forthcoming films include close friend Farah Khan's OM SHANTI OM, Shimit Amin's CHAK DE INDIA (where he plays a hockey coach) and the much hyped Farhan Akhtar's DON.

DON Music is Trendy

2006-08-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

The crowd was going delirious with joy for Badshah Khan. Occasion: Music launch of his latest style flick: ‘Don’. Directed by Farhan Akhtar, this Shahrukh, Priyanka Chopra, Isha Koppikar, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal and Om Puri starrer is one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year. A humungous crowd was gathered outside an up-market music shop in a plush suburban Mall. The security guards had a tough time dealing with the crowd frenzy. Looking at the madness outside, it was decided that SRK wouldn’t be coming there. Instead, Farhan Akhtar, father Javed Akhtar and producer Riteish Sidhwani flashed the music album of ‘Don’.

In the parking lot the excitement had touched unimaginable heights. Police were having a really tough time dealing with enthusiastic onlookers who had almost broken iron barricades to get a wee bit close to their idol who had still not descended on the stage. Music Director Trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy regaled the crowd with the catchy track ‘Moriya Re’ from the album. A Man-in-black Emcee introduced Isha Koppikar to the crowd, but the public wanted their SRK. Amidst dim lights, firecrackers, smoke and the trendy background score, King Khan made a Compelling-Entry dressed in a dashing black suit with two weeks stubble to go along with that.

Now, if you feast on SRK, then your eyes just can’t waver. His magnetic appeal is extremely gripping. He belted out a rap number that has been added onto the famous ‘Khaike Paan Banaras Wala’ (From the original ‘Don’), unleashed a few famous dialogues from the film like ‘Don Ko Maarna Mushkil hi nahin namumkin hai’ and ‘Don ke dushman ki sabse badi galti yeh hai ki voh Don ka dushman hai’ and then finally, the one everyone had been waiting for, ‘I Am The KING’. Rest of the crew came onto the stage after ‘Don himself but the Emcee made a faux pa when while introducing Farhan Akhtar, he completely forgot his first film…Answer to that is ‘Dil Chahta Hai’. And I am sure the organizers must have rapped his knuckles hard for making this blooper.

It was a brief event. As for the music of ‘Don’…Then it is trendy, hip and happening. Check it out!

Source: Indiaglitz

Don - The Chase Begins Again: Preview

2006-08-28T07:22:00.000-07:00

A huge Indian contingent embarks on a dangerous cat-and-mouse trail of capturing DON (Shah Rukh Khan) - the ruthless drug mafia in Malaysia.

When DON gets seriously injured in a police encounter, the word that he is dead begins to do the rounds. The reality, of course, is that DON is held captive in a secret location, while his bumpkin of a look-alike, Vijay, is polished and sent to take down DON's gang.

In a bizarre twist of fate, when the man shielding the humble and streetwise Vijay, is killed, the latter comes to terms with the horrifying realization that both the police and the gang are out to nab him for different reasons.

In a desperate attempt to prove his innocence, he is aided by the glamorously staggering Roma (Priyanka Chopra), and handsomely striking, Jasjit (Arjun Rampal), who owes Vijay a favor for care-taking his son during his imprisonment. But will Vijay be successful in his mission?

Based on the successful erstwhile classic of the same name, which featured the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, the contemporary and stylishly crafted DON, features Bollywood czar Shah Rukh Khan playing a double role in one of the most defining performances of his career, teamed for the first time with former Miss World, Priyanka Chopra.

The biggest and most keenly awaited motion picture of 2006, DON is a high-octane, tension-filled, twisty roller coaster of a ride, with just the right dose of glamour, action, suspense & romance.
Source: IndiaFM

Now a sequel to Don – The Chase Begins Again?

2006-08-28T07:14:00.000-07:00

Sequels are the order of the day. And now, there is a new buzz in the industry that Farhan Akhtar’s Don – The Chase Begins Again will be followed with a sequel. The film, which is scheduled to release in Diwali this year, has already generated lot of hype. The major attraction being Shah Rukh Khan playing the role of Don, which was earlier, portrayed by the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan in 1978.

When director Farhan Akhtar was contacted, he said “I can’t imagine a sequel to Don for reasons beyond just the story. The desire to make the film was to re create the excitement I felt watching the original as a child. That desire has been satisfied with this film and its time to move on to something new.”

Also there are plans for the premiere of the film in London, but Farhan added that it was too early to comment on that.
Source: IndiaFM

Don lights up a controversy

2006-08-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

The promos of Don have been creating quite a lot of hype ever since the promos have been on air. But now like a lot of movies these days, controversy takes its toll on this one as well.

It has come to notice that Union health minister Anbumani Ramadoss is quite upset with the fact that the lead actor of Don Shah Rukh Khan smokes in the film and objected to it. Producer Riteish Sidhwani and director Farhan Akhtar were quite upset over this incident. They claimed that the censor board has passed the movie without any objections and they have not done anything illegal.

Word is that Ramadoss has not yet seen the film and is making claims a bit too early. Shah Rukh’s character in fact stops a person trying to light a cigarette by saying, 'Smoking kills, I am trying to quit smoking' and throws the cigarette away. Incidentally the shooting of the film began just after the commencement of the banning of smoking in films. Hence there was a notification which stated that if there was a smoking scene in the film then an audio-visual should be included talking about the ill-hazards of smoking. So the producer and director justify this by making Shah Rukh do the anti-smoking scene.

Source: IndiaFM

2006-08-28T06:34:00.001-07:00

Shahrukh Khan

2006-08-28T06:34:00.000-07:00

Loy, Shankar, Eshaan

2006-08-28T06:33:00.002-07:00

Isha Koppikar

2006-08-28T06:33:00.001-07:00

Shahrukh Khan

2006-08-28T06:33:00.000-07:00

Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Isha Koppikar, Om Puri

2006-08-28T06:32:00.000-07:00

Shahrukh Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Bhushan Kumar, Kishan Kumar, Ritesh Sidhwani

2006-08-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

Farhan Akhtar, Bhushan Kumar, Kishan Kumar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Shahrukh Khan, Isha Koppikar, Om Puri

2006-08-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

Shahrukh Khan, Bhushan Kumar, Farhan Akhtar, Kishan Kumar

Don music launch amongst 30000 people

2006-08-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

The music launch of Farhan Akhtar's Don promises to be one extravaganza. It will be held amidst much fanfare at Mumbai's Inorbit Mall, on Saturday, 26th August. The musical trio of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy will be performing at the event. About 30,000 people are expected to be present. For more dope on the event, keep watching this space.
Source: IndiaFM

Don: Music Preview

2006-08-25T18:07:00.000-07:00

Promo 1

45 | 80 | 150 (Real Player)

(The world is keenly looking forward to the music of Don that releases tomorrow (August 26) worldwide. But IndiaFM brings your wait to an end. Do check out this 4-minute song montage from the movie Don that makes its exclusive world premiere.

Over to the music preview

2006 continues to become bigger with every passing week. Barely a few weeks after the musical release of 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' comes yet another Shahrukh Khan starrer 'Don - The Chase Begins Again'. It is always a thin rope to walk while treading a path that has been taken before by a hugely acclaimed thriller. That makes it doubly difficult for a film like 'Don - The Chase Begins Again' since it is always in the firing line, be it from the movie or music front.

The dilemma a film like this faces is something akin to a vicious circle. You set the music in a contemporary manner and the question raised is, "Why to disturb the mood of a classic?" You do otherwise and keep the music just like its yesteryear counterpart and the argument is, "So what's so new about it?" Underlining statement here is that music of a film like this will anyways come in the firing range irrespective of its credentials. Let's hear on the music ourselves and find out how the musical team of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Midival Punditz, DJ Randolph and Javed Akhtar have tried to create some good music in their own way!

From a film that is stated to be gizmo-heavy and techno-friendly, the music too is expected to be on the same lines. The beginning is absolutely smashing as the 'mood' is created right away through the 'teaser theme tune' when Shahrukh Khan introduces himself as 'Don' in a chilling tone. The music picks up pace that is interspersed with some classic dialogues from the film. Yes, what you are guessing is right - 'Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi namumkin hai'! The signature tune of 'Arrey Deewano....Main Hoon Don' combined with techno effect create just the right ambience for a thriller like this.

'Yeh Mera Dil Pyaar Ka Deewana' is the next to follow and Sunidhi Chauhan doesn't let the classic down by any means. Her rendition has that ice cold effect which makes this modern day remix of a decades old song exciting once again. Expect the adrenaline level to go up when the song comes on the big screen!

It's time to get back to being techno and instrument driven with the arrival of 2006 version of 'Main Hoon Don'. Except for these golden three words, there is nothing common with the classic original. It takes time to grow on you and it requires at an average 5-10 hearings before one completely gets hooked on.

'Aaj Ki Raat' turns out to be most interesting of all since it manages to do what most of the others hadn't so far i.e. surprise you! A song that perfectly combines the mood of today's style with yesterday's theme i.e. turns out to be a true-blue fusion track. A haunting situational track that could well be set during the film's climax, it makes for a good lounge outing.

Lastly comes the most awaited song of the enterprise - 'Khaike Paan Banaras Waala'. As expected Udit Narayan gives his everything to a song that he may as well call it as a song of his life because of the 'pressure' factor. One listening to the song and you know that pressure is something that seems to be quite a distance away from the singer.

Does the music of today's version of 'Don' fulfill expectations? Yes, it does! Watch out for our exclusive detailed review when the album releases all over tomorrow i.e. 26th August.
Source: IndiaFM

International technicians on DON

2006-08-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

Not many know that DON is among the few Bollywood flicks to boast of Hollywood technicians, which explains its young, slick and stylish look on the telly-tube these days.

For the Special Effects Supervision & 2nd Unit Direction, producer Ritesh Sidhwani and director Farhan Akhtar roped in Angelo Sahin, who is behind major American films like 'Scooby Doo’, ‘Mission: Impossible II’ and ‘Ghost Ship’.

If that's not enough, noted aerial stunt coordinator Joe Jennings has also been used in the film. Incidentally, he is the man behind ‘Charlie’s Angels’, ‘Air Force 1’ and ‘XXX’!

More reason to watch DON!
IndiaFM

Ganesh Pandal will promote Don’s music

2006-08-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

Farhan Akhtar’s remake of Don has so many interesting things to attract the audiences. And he doesn’t want to miss the opportunity of Ganesh Festival to promote its music. His film Don also has a Ganeshotsav song featuring Shahrukh Khan.

Though the movie is scheduled to release in Diwali, the producers have come up with some new ideas to cash in during the Ganesh festival. They will distribute free audio CDs of the movie at the selected Ganesh Pandals.

An interesting fact is that Shahrukh Khan has learned Lezim and Jhanj especially for the song. Director of choreography Rajiv Surti has informed that he has used Bubul Tarang dance form during the immersion sequence.
IndiaFM

Hollywood helps SRK to defy gravity

2006-08-19T02:31:00.000-07:00

Stunt director Joe Jennings tells us about SRK's 'daredevilry', which includes jumping from a height of 15,000 feet.

After Hrithik Roshan's gravity-defying stunts in Krrish, it is now the turn of Shah Rukh Khan to take a turn in the air. Among other action sequences, King Khan will be jumping from a height of 15,000 feet. It is the first time that SRK is doing his own stunts.

"It might take very less print space but 15,000 ft is not a small height. It can be a nightmare for a person who is scared of heights," says director Farhan Akhtar.

And to make sure that everything goes by the script, Hollywood stunt expert Joe Jennings is calling the shots. Joe has already directed stunts for movies like Charlie's Angels, XXX, Wild California, Last Holiday and Air Force One.

"I know a lot about Shah Rukh now, but before this shoot, I wouldn't have known him from my dentist. Of course, I noticed the buzz around him on the sets, and I felt star struck despite having no clue about who he was. But SRK was very professional and gracious throughout the shoot," says Joe.

And was the shooting difficult given SRK's back problem? "There were apprehensions in Farhan's mind before making SRK do the stunt because of this, but the actor was more confident than the rest of us," Joe reveals.

What difference has he seen between a Bollywood and a Hollywood film? "The budget of a Hollywood movie is much bigger but the production and coordination here are handled just as professionally. I was really impressed by the people whom I met on this project," he says.

With an experience of over 12 years in filming aerial stunts, Joe is quite impressed with Farhan Akhtar. "Farhan is a pro. He was quite relaxed throughout the shoot and didn't want to control our work. Creatively, he told us clearly what he hoped to see, and then sent us off to do our work. I had the same sort of experience with director Mic Gee on Charlie's Angels. He was clear about what he wanted, and then just sent us off to do the job," he says.

Source: The Times

Shah Rukh Khan was uncomfortable as straying husband in new movie

2006-08-19T02:30:00.000-07:00

Bollywood leading man Shah Rukh Khan says he felt uncomfortable taking on the role of a husband who leaves his wife and child for another woman in his latest film.

Khan usually plays the reliable son or the devoted father and said it was difficult to play a man who turned away from his family in ``Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna,'' or ``Never Say Goodbye,'' which hit theaters last week.

He told Cine Blitz magazine that infidelity wasn't what ``a good man'' would do.

``I was embarrassed doing some scenes of this film, I felt shy doing them ... I am not a prude but I felt odd,'' said Khan, who has been married for 14 years and has two children.

The movie about troubled marriages, directed by well-known filmmaker Karan Johar, also stars Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek, Rani Mukherjee and Preity Zinta.

Khan had some words of wisdom for those tempted by extramarital relationships: ``I think you have to work very hard after marriage to make it work. You can't go on believing that love will continue to take care of it.''

``Unreal expectations'' ruined relationships, he told the magazine.

Souce: The Hindu

'DON' music to release on August 23

2006-08-18T05:49:00.000-07:00

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy are in for a double whammy! After the recent Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, they are now getting set for the audio release of Farhan Akhtar's much-awaited Don, which we hear, is happening worldwide on August 23.

T-Series is pushing out an inordinate number of units of the audio in anticipation of an extraordinary demand. The soundtrack features two guest tracks by DJ Randolph and Midival Punditz.

The word is out that Udit Narayan and Sunidhi Chauhan have sung the recreated versions of Khaike Paan Banaras Waala and Yeh Mera Dil respectively, which are being tipped as the highlights of the film.

Interestingly enough, the film's overseas distributor, U T V, has already pushed out teaser extracts of the Don theme track and the title song [Main Hoon Don] on UK & US radio, as part of the promotional build-up to the film's much-hyped music release.

Source: IndiaFM

Abhishek takes away Shah Rukh's film

2006-08-15T05:42:00.000-07:00

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna has had a mixed reaction from the trade

While the new age people from film industry has been talking about the richness of the making and the thought behind the film, the old timers are shocked to see the unfamiliar ending given in the film stating that this was the big reason why the film has failed to touch hearts in the Indian belt. The film has some outstanding collections from the Overseas territory as Karan tells us. But in India, the film has taken a bit of a beating. "It is a great thought, but because of the subject smaller centres in India haven't liked the film so much. The film will make loads of money from bigger cities and overseas," says Vashu Bhagnani who feels that Abhishek Bachchan has emerged a star from the film.

Does that mean that the film did not benefit the man for whom it was made for – Shah Rukh Khan?

Would there be fire due to SRK's smoke?

2006-08-13T23:38:00.000-07:00

Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz

Remember the hoopla that was caused a few months back when the government proposed a ban on depiction of onscreen smoking? While Bollywood was more or less unanimous in their objection against the ban, there was always uncertainty around the actual timeline when the ban would come into action.

Now one fears if the makers of Shahrukh Khan's next release 'Don - The Chase Begins Again' would be required to answer some questions due to depiction of 'smoke' in their latest promo of the film. The 1 minute song promo of 'Main Hoon Don' ends with a cloud of smoke around SRK's mouth as he looks at the screen. While the camera cleverly avoids showing any cigarette stick hanging in the frame, the cloud of smoke remains on screen for a good 5-7 seconds hence adding to the style appeal of SRK.

One wonders if this smoke would give rise to some more fire in the coming days. Wait and watch as the film's release is still a good 2 months away!

It's 'Main Hoon Don' again

2006-08-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

Joginder Tuteja Indiaglitz

Get set for a rocking action again as fireworks happen all around this Diwali!

After a rocking beginning to the promotion of 'Don' with a 20 second teaser, Farhan Akhtar has now unleashed a one minute song promo of the title 'Main Hoon Don'. And no, it is not a remix version of popular 'Arrey Deewani Mujhe Pehchano' but a brand new track by Shankar Ehsan Loy with the only similarity being the song's conclusion with the words 'Main Hoon Don'.

A swanky looking song picturised on an elaborate set with a dark yet flashy look throughout', 'Main Hoon Don' is an extravagantly shot number with Shahrukh Khan coming across as a style guru! His gyrates along with Isha Kopikar while partying around with a few men (who appear to be baddies) as Priyanka Chopra watches the proceedings.

A song with a retro feel to it, it mixes the spirit of the original Don with a dash of new age lounge effect to come across as a highly intriguing track!

Shahrukh Khan’s 15000 feet jump for a stunt in Don

2006-08-12T01:18:00.000-07:00

Shahrukh Khan, the king Khan is back with a bang after a long hiatus from bollywood, his last release Paheli did not do too well at the box-office. But now Shahrukh seems to be in top form and is all set to take on the reins and give the younger lot in bollywood tough competition once more. He has two releases lined up this year, Karan Johar’s Kabhie Alvida Na Kehna and Farhan Akhtar’s remake of Don. He plays two extremely diverse characters in both the flicks, in KANK in spite of a stellar and phenomenal starcast; he is no doubt the show stealer and delivers a powerful emotional performance. While in Don, the kool Khan has a lean mean look, he’s suave and stylish, executes some first rate action sequences and even does a hair raising stunt of jumping from a height of 15000 feet.

The promos of Don are out and Shahrukh looks absolutely amazing in his new designer and bad boy leather look. The entire shots and soundtrack have a Hollywood feel to it. Director Farhan says “We needed to shoot a one minute sequence and required a minimum height of 15000 feet high. The sequence was shot in Malaysia over a period of four to five days.” Shahrukh Khan who was operated for a back surgery in 2003 performed the daring stunt of jumping from a height of 15000 feet. There was a special team of stunt directors from California who have done many Hollywood projects who ensured the safety of superstar Shahrukh. Farhan says “Stunt Expert Joe Jennings was in charge for the sequence and he is both talented and experienced in his work. He took special care and monitored the safety of the stunts and also the beauty.”

Recently there has been a controversy surrounding Pepsi in India, it is being said that many of these aerated drinks contain a high amount of pesticides. Shahrukh is one of the biggest brand ambassadors of Pepsi in India, but despite this controversy the star claims that he has no hassle with continuing to endorse the product as well as personally consuming it. Many states in India are contemplating a ban on the sale of the product, but a final decision still has to be taken by the various centers. Shahrukh defends his brand saying “Pepsi is a quality conscious company recognized worldwide. If somebody says it contains pesticides, cola companies will definitely counter it with their facts and figures. There will definitely be a debate.”

Nonetheless Khan claims that if the product is legally banned by the government in the country he would never do something that has been legally banned. Shahrukh recently attended a media conference where he was re-signed as the brand ambassador of Tag Huer. The future advertising plans of the company were discussed and the plan for launching the limited edition of 100 pieces of the Shahrukh Khan Monaco 69 watch was unveiled. The watches will be officially launched in the market in October, there will be only 100 pieces and they will be personally signed by the king Khan. The watch worth Rs. 3 lakhs is the first of its kind to offer both digital and mechanical displays by pivoting the case.

Shahrukh is definitely making a powerful comeback and we’re sure his fans worldwide will look forward to it eagerly.

2006-08-10T04:06:00.000-07:00

Arjun Rampal

2006-08-10T04:05:00.004-07:00

shahrukh khan

2006-08-10T04:05:00.003-07:00

shahrukh khan

2006-08-10T04:05:00.002-07:00

shahrukh khan

2006-08-10T04:05:00.001-07:00

shahrukh khan

2006-08-10T04:05:00.000-07:00

shahrukh khan

2006-08-10T04:04:00.001-07:00

shahrukh khan

2006-08-10T04:04:00.000-07:00

shahrukh khan

2006-08-10T04:03:00.000-07:00

shahrukh khan

2006-08-10T04:02:00.000-07:00

Boman Irani

2006-08-10T03:56:00.000-07:00

Shahrukh Khan

Sushma Reddy in Don

2006-08-09T01:46:00.000-07:00

By IndiaFM

Sushma Reddy will be seen in a special appearance in Farhan Akthar’s forthcoming film Don. She will play the role of Geeta who is Arjun Rampal’s wife in the film. Arjun plays the role enacted by Pran way back in 1978 in the original film. However, if Farhan does stick to the original film, Sushma’s special appearance will indeed be very special considering that her role in the original film was hardly there.

Let’s wait and see whether Farhan does indeed give Sushma some concession in the film with a lengthier role.

Don music releases Aug 23. Music video to be shot

2006-08-05T02:36:00.000-07:00

By IndiaFM

While everyone seems to be talking about the new 'Don' by Farhan Akhtar being a remake of the old classic, the reality is far from this. Says our source, "While the four principal characters of Amitabh, Zeenat, Pran and Helen feature in the contemporary version as well, the storyline is replete with unpredictable twists and turns that no one will be able to guess or imagine!" In fact, Ishaa Koppikar's character (Anita) was not even in the original and has been added to the new version.

Ehsaan-Shankar-Loy's soundtrack is likely to release around August 23 and guest tracks by DJ Randolf and Midival Punditz also form part of the much-awaited album. Also a promotional music video will soon be shot for the film.

Chunkey Pandey in 'Don'

2006-08-02T02:23:00.001-07:00

Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz

We all know that in Farhan Akhtar's 'Don - The Chase Begins Again', Shahrukh Khan plays the role of Don [Amitabh Bachchan], Priyanka Chopra is Roma [Zeenat Aman], Arjun Rampal is Jasjeet [Pran] while Kareena Kapoor is Kamini [Helen].

There are also Om Puri, Pawan Malhotra and Boman Irani in some of the other important roles that were made immortal by the actors [Iftekhar, Satyan Kappu, Om Shivpuri] who were originally seen in the movie. But are you aware that even Chunkey Pandey is a part of this mega starcast?

With all the original roles been grabbed by the actors as mentioned above, Chunkey's part in the film has been kept as a surprise element with no buzz created around his association in the film. One hopes that his presence in the film is justified and Farhan Akhtar indeed throws a surprise or two with his added characters!

Don - The Chase Begins : Movie Preview

2006-08-02T02:23:00.000-07:00

Curiosity ran high the minute Farhan Akhtar's DON was announced. Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, DON has an ensemble star cast - Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Arjun Rampal, Isha Kopikkar, Kareena Kapoor and Boman Irani.

That it is a remake of the classic Amitabh Bachchan starrer DON (1978) is a well-known fact. Apparently Farhan's DON is very different in terms of the look, mood and flavour though the essence is the same. Kareena will be seen gyrating to 'Yeh mera dil' (originally done by Helen) and the song 'Khaike Paan Banaras Wala' is definitely something to look out for, since Saroj Khan has remade it in a different style. The story goes like this...

A huge Indian contingent embarks on a dangerous cat-and-mouse trail of capturing DON (Shah Rukh Khan) - the ruthless drug mafia in Malaysia.

When DON gets seriously injured in a police encounter, the word that he is dead begins to do the rounds. The reality, of course, is that DON is held captive in a secret location, while his bumpkin of a look-alike, Vijay, is polished and sent to take down DON's gang.

In a bizarre twist of fate, when the man shielding the humble and streetwise Vijay, is killed, the latter comes to terms with the horrifying realization that both the police and the gang are out to nab him for different reasons.

In a desperate attempt to prove his innocence, he is aided by the glamorously staggering Roma (Priyanka Chopra), and handsomely striking, Jasjit (Arjun Rampal), who owes Vijay a favor for care-taking his son during his imprisonment. But will Vijay be successful in his mission?

Based on the successful erstwhile classic of the same name, which featured the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, the contemporary and stylishly crafted DON, features Bollywood czar Shah Rukh Khan playing a double role in one of the most defining performances of his career, teamed for the first time with former Miss World, Priyanka Chopra.

The biggest and most keenly awaited motion picture of 2006, DON is a high-octane, tension-filled, twisty roller coaster of a ride, with just the right dose of glamour, action, suspense and romance.

It releases on 20th October 2006. The promos are very stylish and exciting. The film is bound to generate comparisons and judgments. So the audience is in for lots of excitement and an exhilarating experience this Diwali.

Source: Glamsham

Can Priyanka Chopra punch like a man?

2006-08-02T02:22:00.000-07:00

By Nikhil Kumar (Apunkachoice)

Priyanka Chopra is gorgeous, feisty and modest. But can she punch like a man if a role demands it?

In Farhan Akhtar’s film Don , Priyanka will be seen in a totally new avatar – a martial arts expert. The film has Priyanka doing some dangerous stunts for which she underwent arduous training in judo and karate.

But while punching the bad guys in the film, Priyanka could not bring enough power and manliness in her blows.

During the shooting, Priyanka’s co-star Shah Rukh Khan kept on insisting her to make her punches more manly.

“Aur thoda manly” was the advice SRK kept doling until Priyanka brought enough strength and fury in her fists.

However, the actress says she is still not convinced that her punches were aggressive enough.

“I think I can never punch like a man, although I tried really hard,” a report quotes Priyanka as saying.

By the way, Priyanka has become more sought-after in Bollywood following the super success of Krrish .

The actress will have three big releases this winter – ‘Don’, Salaam-e-Ishq and Aap Ki Khatir .

Will ‘Don’ make it in Diwali?

2006-08-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

By Taran Adarsh (IndiaFM)

With Diwali releases three months away, the excitement has started soaring. While J.P. Dutta [UMRAO JAAN] has confirmed the release date and so has Sajid Nadiadwala [JAAN-E-MANN], producer Ritesh Sidhwani and director Farhan Akhtar, the makers of DON, have not issued any official statement pertaining to the release date yet.

In fact, a section of the industry is of the opinion that DON might not make it in the Diwali week since a substantial amount of work is yet to be completed. “I am not bothered about what people have to say. The fact is that DON is definitely arriving on October 20. There’s no reason for postponement,” Farhan Akhtar tells me.

Reportedly, Farhan is yet to complete the film. “Actually, we are through with the shooting. Only one song remains to be filmed, that’s it. And even that should be completed in a few days from now,” he clarifies.

Farhan adds that his interpretation is not a scene-to-scene copy of the original Bachchan starrer. “We have brought in certain changes, in keeping with the current times. Otherwise, the essence remains the same,” he states.

SRK: The Whole World Is My Oyster

2006-07-31T03:42:00.000-07:00

Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz

He has reportedly charged Rs 12 crore for Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Don’. And that makes him the highest paid actor in Bollywood. Yes, Rs 12 crore is the cost of an overseas territory for a Shahrukh Khan film. And that’s exactly what SRK has been given for re-playing Amitabh Bachchan’s stylish double barreled masala-classic of the late 70s. “I’m working with Karan and Farhan because I love how they work and think,” says King Khan who is confidently looking forward to ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’ this August 11th.

SRK dismisses the new wave of smaller thinking films as nothing but a creation of a ‘flippant media’ that has got too much space to fill in with inane news items. He is of the opinion that serious or ‘real’ cinema has always been there. Earlier it was called ‘Art’ or ‘Parallel’ cinema and today maybe it is termed as ‘multiplex cinema’. But that segment of filmmaking had always been there. He points out that even Yash Chopra made a film like ‘Ittefaq’ which had no songs and was serious in nature.

Amongst the new breed of actors, Shahrukh is fond of Shiney Ahuja and Vidya Balan. “It takes just one good film to change a career for almost everyone. Even Abhishek came with the Bachchan baggage but one good film later he just shook it off to settle down.” He remembers how at the beginning of his career Mani Rathnam once told him that he should try and create a niche for himself. And what niche has SRK created for himself? “The Whole World,” says the Badshah

Will Shah Rukh Khan be a better 'Don' than Amitabh Bachchan?

2006-07-31T03:31:00.000-07:00

Big comparisons will be made when Shah Rukh Khan will enact the role of Amitabh Bachchan in Don .

And the difficulty will arise when the time will come to choose who is a better ‘Don’ between Bachchan and SRK.

Bachchan was at the pinnacle of fame in his career delivering one hit after another in the late seventies when Chandra Barot’s maiden venture Don (1978) was made.

The film added to Bachchan’s list of super-hits. The ‘Khaike Paan Banaraswala’ and ‘Main Hoon Don’ songs became a rage.

Bachchan made a cool-dude-boss of a syndicate of gangsters. As he feasted on the glorious appeal of Helen (who at that time was 40 years old) in the spellbinding ‘Yeh Mera Dil Pyaar Ka Deewana’, the sinister magnetism of Bachchan left a lasting impact on the viewers asking for more.

Bachchan’s villainous act carried a unique sophistication that didn’t dilute the immense negative energy one associates with someone who being portrayed as a bad man.

And SRK is undoubtedly the biggest superstar of the present generation today and will be an able foil to play the modern day Don.

That is because SRK may now have shifted to romantic roles in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai , Dil To Pagal Hai , Mohabbatein and Veer Zaara but the films that first brought success for SRK were ‘Baazigar’ and ‘Darr’ in which he was at his fierce best in the portrayal of the anti-hero.

SRK’s performances in ‘Baazigar’ and ‘Darr’ are more captivating as compared to the sugar-syrupy lover-boy roles.

So who will the better ‘Don’ will be known only when the film releases in October.

Fans can be fanatics

2006-07-30T05:03:00.000-07:00

At the shooting of Don, Shahrukh Khan's fans were hell bent on meeting him and landed up at the same hotel. When they were denied permission to meet him, the desperate fans resorted to a hoax bomb call, creating complete chaos and disorder.

His fans wanted to book a room on the top floor which was reserved for him. They were ultimately asked to leave the place and within no time the hotel received the hoax call. Luckily no damage was done. All this just to see the actor.

SRK becomes the highest paid actor in Bollywood

2006-07-18T00:22:00.000-07:00

"I am an overseas actor," says Shahrukh Khan. Karan Johar's 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna' and Farhan Akhtar's 'Don' are the most eagerly awaited films of the year. By staking his claim at the overseas territory for 'Don' (worth Rs 12 crore), he becomes the highest paid actor in Bollywood. SRK and Ram Gopal Verma were coming together for the first time in 'Time Machine'. SRK clears the air by saying that at any given time he receives 10 - 12 offers, out of which he rejects 10 and accepts only two. And 'Time Machine' is one of those ten that he refused as it was not measuring up to the mark. But the diplomat that he is, SRK is still saying that the SMS he sent to Ramu was: "We shall tell another story some other time".

Akshay´s Wish Of Taking On The King Khan On ´Diwali´ Has Already Been Fulfilled

2006-07-17T04:29:00.000-07:00

Akshay´s Wish Of Taking On The King Khan On ´Diwali´ Has Already Been Fulfilled
By: Abid
A few propogators of yellow journalism do not even realise what they are saying . But that is understandable , as they belong to a group , the editor of which has already been issued a (bailable) warrant , as a result of a fake tape case filed by a leading actress . Let us see the latest buffoonery . The write up talks about the admirable self made star Akshay Kumar's earnest desire to take on the mighty King Khan and that it will finally be fulfilled during the coming 'Diwali' , as Shah Rukh Khan's 'Don-The Chase Begins Again' releases against 'Jaan-E-Mann' . A fact omitted ( on purpose) is that the movie also stars another top star Salman Khan and is not a solo Akki starrer .

Well , if we talk about Akshay versus Shah Rukh Khan during 'Diwali' , that has already taken place a couple of years back when Akshay's Ghai banner starrer 'Aitraaz' ( directed by Abbas-Mustan) released against Yash Chopra's Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'Veer-Zaara' . While both were solo starrers and 'Aitraaz' put up up a creditable performance , what cannot be ignored is that 'Veer-Zaara' ended at about 44 crores and 'Aitraaz' at about 18 crores (from India) . Let us not discuss the Overseas scenario as the outcome is obvious .

Well , nothing more is expected from ill informed so-called journalists , who put up fictitious items like " Scared Shah Rukh Gets 'Khakee' Postponed " , talking about the 'Khakee' versus 'Kal Ho Na Ho' clash , which was not going to take place in the first place !

Once again we will desist from putting up numbers , so as not to embarass people .

We sincerely hope that better sense prevails next time and more fact finding takes place before putting up sensational headings .

First Look: A peek into SRK's Don

2006-07-17T04:26:00.000-07:00

First Look: A peek into SRK's Don
Rediff

It's been a while since a Shah Rukh Khan film hit screens, the last being Amol Palekar's Paheli.
This year, we get to see him in two -- Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna and Farhan Akhtar's Don.

Here, Shah Rukh takes a break on the sets of Don, to chat with the producer, Ritesh Sidhwani.
A remake of the Amitabh Bachchan classic, Don also stars Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal.

The film is scheduled for a Diwali release.

Shah Rukh, the King Khan

2006-07-17T04:24:00.001-07:00

Shah Rukh, the King Khan
Mumbai

Shah Rukh Khan has become the highest paid actor in Bollywood worth Rs 12 crore for his latest film Don. Recently in an interview Shahrukh Khan declared that he is the King Khan .. he is the Ronaldinho of acting. But a recent opinion poll found that Aamir Khan was the real King Khan. He staked his claim as 12 crore at the overseas territory for Don. But ‘Don’ and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna the second half of 2006 is undoubtedly going to belong to the King Khan. Shah Rukh spent most part of this year traveling all over the world for thse two flicks. SRK says that at any given time he receives 10 – 12 offers, out of which he rejects 10 and accepts only two. He has earlier refused Ram Gopal Varma's ‘Time Machine’ as it was not measuring up to the mark. ACV News

How to be a Don, Lesson no.6

2006-07-17T04:24:00.000-07:00

How to be a Don, Lesson no.6
Becoming a Don is not an easy task, even if you happen to be a Shah Rukh Khan. To achieve that position one has to undergo special training from learning street fighting to driving expensive cars rashly and of course dressing stylishly to playing it cool all the time. But most important lesson is to learn the gun tricks.

Be it the sleek cowboy style of removing pistol from the hostler and sneaking it back in or using a machine gun like Rambo, a Don must know it all. Our favorite Khan who is set to become the next Don also seems to be training himself in the same. Wearing a shirt resembling to that of his predecessor Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh is toying with a gun on the sets of Farhan Akhtar’s Don with some inputs coming from producer Ritesh Sidwani.

Let’s hope that SRK absorbs the 'gun gyan' properly and applies it well onscreen.

'Don' runs into trouble over music rights

2006-07-17T04:22:00.000-07:00

'Don' runs into trouble over music rights

Bollywood is in remake mode. So, there are plans to remake films like 'Umrao Jaan', 'Sholay', 'Guide' and 'Victoria No 203', but is everybody happy with remakes? Well some are not very happy. The music of Farhan Akhtar's remake of the Amitabh Bachchan starrer 'Don' is hitting unhappy notes with few people.

A silhouette of Shah Rukh Khan against the Petronas Towers in Malaysia - this is the first and the only poster image that's been revealed so far of director Farhan Akhtar's 'Don', a remake of the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan starrer. The film, scheduled for a Diwali release, is already stirring controversy.

The film's makers announced, that they would include two songs from the original film - 'Khaike paan banaraswala' and 'Yeh mera dil pyar ka diwana' - in the new version. The songs were recently re-recorded under the baton of composer-trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. And although the producers have bought the remake rights of the original film, there is no clarity on whether they have obtained the rights to re-record Kalyanji-Anandji's hit tracks, that were written by the late lyricist Anjaan.

Kalyanji Shah's son, Viju Shah told CNBC-TV18, "They should have informed us that they are using the songs because ultimately the music rights lies with the music composer." But Director Farhan Akhtar's father, lyricist Javed Akhtar says, "I'm sure that all the rights and permissons have been taken from Sameer, Anjaan's son." Though Sameer has his own grouse. He explains, "It's like putting old wine in a new bottle and the least they can do is give us credit and the royalty for it."

Sameer, Viju Shah and Anandji are not exploring any legal options right now. They are adopting a wait and watch approach, to see how their songs take shape in the new avtaar.

Dhoom 2 upstages Don

2006-07-17T04:21:00.000-07:00

Dhoom 2 upstages Don
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz

Showbiz is like Politics. No permanent friends or enemies. Shahrukh Khan is realizing exactly the same at this very moment. Apparently Yash Chopra and son Aditya Chopra are taking their animosity with Shah to a different level. Two of the biggest Diwali releases this year will be Yash Raj’s ‘Dhoom 2’ and Shahrukh’s ‘Don’. All the exhibitors of ‘Krrish’ (Yash Raj Films is distributing Hrithik’s super duper saga) have been verbally booked for ‘Dhoom 2’ and this leaves very few exhibitors for ‘Don’. And in the bargain, the fate of King Khan’s big ticket will be affected badly.

The feud between the two parties started when Shahrukh asked for his market price from Yash Raj Films. The ten year association started turning sour as Aditya Chopra had learned by now that he could make successful films even without Shahrukh. Aamir Khan was signed at his market price for ‘Fanaa’ which incensed Shahrukh. His favorite leading lady Kajol was signed opposite Aamir, upsetting King Khan even further. After being chucked out from Shimit Amin’s film produced by Yash Raj Films in favor of Salman Khan, Shahrukh was at a loss of words. The schemer that he is, he just wormed his way back by easing out Salman from Shimit’s film. No wonder Salman is upset with him.

It seems Yash and Aditya Chopra are in a mood to teach a lesson to all the big and small stars of Bollywood. That if they can do it to the biggest of them all, then they can do it with anyone. So beware! IndiaGlitz will keep a close watch on the Diwali fireworks and keep you updated about the same.

Shahrukh or Abhishek?

2006-07-17T04:14:00.000-07:00

Shahrukh or Abhishek?
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz

IndiaGlitz reported yesterday about Yash Chopra’s ‘Dhoom 2’ set to upstage Shahrukh’s ‘Don’ because of the ‘differences’ between the two Bollyood bigwigs. Continuing in the same vein, is another Breaking News: Aditya Chopra, the man with the midas touch who has given two of the biggest hits ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ and ‘Mohabbatein’ (Both starring SRK) has decided to cast Abhishek Bachchan in his next directorial venture. Rani Mukherjee, in all probability will be the female lead.

It is very clear that Yash Chopra camp wish to give a very clear message to Shahrukh Khan that nobody is indispensable. It is being said that Yash Chopra is incensed with SRK for his ‘silent’ opposition of Amitabh Bachchan and that’s why son Abhishek is being cast in Adi’s film. Chopra Senior had strongly defended Shahrukh when Sunny Deol was angry about being shortchanged in ‘Darr’. And since that Hit, SRK has featured in all their films, be it ‘DDLJ’, ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’, ‘Mohabbatein’ and ‘Veer Zaara’. With the ten year bond coming apart, Chopras are bonding with Deols once again by signing Bobby Deol for Shaad Ali’s ‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom’. Maybe it’s their way of burying the hatchet.

With Bollywood riding on the recent successes, it’s also time for some big-time-animosities. And inflated balloons of ego being burst by ‘mutual compromise’. The next move will be from the depleted SRK camp. IndiaGlitz will be the first to report it to all our loyal patrons the world over.