August News 2007

New Jodhaa-Akbar poster
August 30, 2007
IndiaFM has posted an awesome new poster for Jodhaa-Akbar.

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As we know by now, Hrithik Roshan plays the legendary Mughal Emperor, Akbar, in the film while Aishwarya Bachchan is the Rajput Princess, Jodhaa. The film is about one of the historic love stories which will be told for the first time through a film. In Jodhaa Akbar, Hrithik plays a young Akbar. This will be Hrithik's first period film. As seen in the image above, this is the first time that Hrithik sports a moustache throughout the film. The poster shows Hrithik as a warrior, clad in armor suit. Aishwarya on the other hand, plays the young Rajput Princess, Jodhaa. Ash is luxuriously dressed in a Red Sari. This Rajput Princess is wholly garlanded with gold jewellery. The posters however, do not reveal the faces of Hrithik and Ash. This definitely increases our curiosity levels.

A fare to remember
August 28, 2007
It is reported that Ash and Hrithik refused to shoot a sequence with ghee-rich food on the sets of Jodha Akbar

Ashutosh Gowarikar has just shot a sequence where Jodha (Aishwarya Rai) serves food to Akbar (Hrithik Roshan) and his council of ministers, at a special chamber on the lavish sets at ND Studios in Karjat. For the sake of authenticity, Ashutosh had flown in traditional cooks from Rajasthan who tossed up traditional fare including dal, bati and churma (a combination of lentils, baked wheat balls, powdered sweetened cereal). However, the actors were not too pleased, as Rajasthani cuisine is soaked in pure ghee and can be very fattening.

Considering that there are bound to be retakes, the health-conscious actors feared overeating. The anxious actors complained to their director and this is when Ashutosh asked the cooks to use vegetable oil instead of ghee. Says an actor on condition of anonymity, "With every re-take, we have to eat more. Food is always cooked in bulk so that we can re-shoot sequences if required. Rajasthani food is rich in ghee and we wanted to avoid it." A crew member further informs that the sequence features 20 people. However, food was prepared for 80 people.

That's not all, in keeping with Ash and Hrithik's demands, the cooks were told to go easy on spices too. "The cooks were instructed to avoid ghee and spices as Hrithik and Aishwarya follow a healthy diet plan. Apart from that Ashutosh wanted the food to be visibly appealing and rich in colour. " says a unit member. When quizzed about it Nitin Desai from ND Studios says, "The cooks were asked to go easy on ghee."

Once the sequence had been shot, there was an impromptu feast on the sets. The crew members gorged on the remaining food kachoris, curries and sweet dishes lapsi (broken wheat sauted in ghee and sugar) and malpuas.

Didi knows best?
August 28, 2007
Mumbai Mirror quizzed Hrithik's sister, Sunaina on how well she knows her lil' brother. She gets 4 out of 7 questions right

Like every year, the Roshan family is celebrating Raksha Bandhan at home, followed by a lunch at a swish suburban restaurant. Hrithik is known to shower gifts on sister Sunaina. Ask her and she says, "Last year he had gifted me a watch. I'm not expecting anything this year. He can surprise me with whatever he wants to."

What's Hrithik's height?
Sunaina: 5 ft 10'
Mumbai Mirror: 6 ft
(Sunaina certainly looks down on Hrithik!)

What's his favourite cuisine?
Sunaina: Italian
MM: Indian and Chinese
(Obviously, there's food for thought here)

His poison
Sunaina: A glass of beer
MM: Beer
(Cheers!)

Who was Hrithik's first crush?
Sunaina: Sussanne
MM: Wife Sussanne Roshan
(Good going, Sunaina!)

One controversy Hrithik got mired in…
Sunaina: The Nepal issue
MM: He was accused of making disparaging remarks against the people of Nepal. There was unrest and protests in Nepal that lead to the death of four people.
(Evidently, this is the family sore point)

Name the actor who had asked Hrithik to take up acting seriously.
Sunaina: I don't think anyone told him. He always aspired to be an actor ever since his childhood days. Maybe, dad had asked him to pursue acting.
MM: Salman Khan had asked Hrithik to pursue acting on the sets of Karan Arjun.
(Sunaina obviously doesn't talk business with little bro)

Name one film in which Hrithik starred as a child artiste.
Sunaina: Bhagwan Dada (1980)
MM: Aasha (1980), Aapke Deewane (1980) and Bhagwan Dada (1986)
(Sunaina's reel-ing with information on bhaiyya)

Sunaina's score: 4/7

Hrithik's mobile number
August 27, 2007
No, not his actual phone number but he's shooting another ad.

Bosco and Caesar introduced me to a different style of dance. We've worked together in the past and it's always a pleasure." Hrithik Roshan is busy shooting for a mobile ad commercial and choreographing this one for him is none other than the famous choreographers Bosco-Caesar. Hrithik says, "Bosco and Caesar introduced me to a different style of dance. We've worked together in the past and it's always a pleasure." Looks like this one is going to be some 'mobile' number.

Size matters
August 27, 2007
Mumbai Mirror reports that Jodha Akbar will have a lavish song, which will feature close to 2500 people.

Jodha Akbar seems to be getting bigger as it nears completion. The film's director, Ashutosh Gowarikar is all set to shoot a lavish song, which will be the biggest highlight of the film. Special arrangements are being made for this song that will be picturised at ND Studios from the September 1-15. ahid Shaikh, president of Cine Dancer Association says, "Yes, we have a requirement of around 350 dancers from Jodha Akbar. But, I am not supposed to reveal anything about it as it is confidential. We will be reaching the film's set on September 1 and will be there till the song is picturised."

Meanwhile, Faisal Khan, secretary and vigilant officer of Junior Artiste Association says, "Yes, I've been told that they require a huge crowd of around 2000 people but they are yet to get in touch with us. I have heard that they are planning to film is a lavish song, which will cost around Rs 50 lakh. But, I can't comment further till I get an exact, official number from the filmmakers."

Video Download: Lakshya, Yaadein and Mission Kashmir music video
August 20, 2007
Music videos for Lakshya, Yaadein and Mission Kashmir are now back online.

Video Download: Kaho Na Pyar Hai and Fiza music video
August 20, 2007
Music videos for Kaho Na Pyar Hai and Fiza are now back online.

Hrehaan's bald and beautiful
August 18, 2007
Following the Indian tradition, Hrithik and Sussanne's little bundle of joy got his hair cut today.

Hrithik Roshan is a busy man, working till 6 am of late, shooting for his ad campaigns and dubbing for the Jodhaa-Akbar. The man is relentless when it comes to his work, but when it comes to his son, 17-month old Hrehaan, he's all there and makes time for important events in his precious child's life. Little Hrehaan's raven black hair like mommy Sussanne's is gonna get snipped off today as per the customary tradition called mundan . But the ceremony is low key, with guests comprising close family and friends, in quintessential Roshan style. "It's a family affair. There's a havan in the morning and we've just invited some close friends and family for lunch thereafter," says granddad Rakesh Roshan. The question is: Will Hrehaan's hair grow back light brown like his superstar father's or black yet again like his mom's?

Moving to new server
August 15, 2007
Just to let you know that the site is in the process of moving to a new server, hope everything goes well *fingers crossed*, if you can't access the site or find it missing in the next 48 hours don't panic.

No change in JA release date
August 15, 2007
Ram Mirchandani of UTV confirms that Jodhaa-Akbar will be released on the scheduled date.

"Why should we postpone the film to January?" he asks. Tell him that the shooting is incomplete [according to rumor mills] and the post-production, music launch and promotion will at least take two months and he replies pronto, "We're very much on schedule. Yes, we're aware of the talk going around in the industry, but we're sticking to 12th October. There's no postponement and that's final."

Hrithik turned down Pink Panther 2 role
August 13, 2007
It is reported that Hrithik has turned down a role in the Pink Panther 2

Hrithik Roshan, known to be very picky about his roles, turned down an offer for the role of "Vicente" in MGM's Untitled Pink Panther Project several weeks ago. "After careful consideration, Hrithik decided to pass on the part," his spokes person said. "Hrithik is a huge fan of Steve Martin and hopes for future opportunities to work with Mr. Martin," she added. Hrithik is currently dubbing for Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodha Akbar in which he plays Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Hrithik shortlisted for Madame Tussauds
August 13, 2007
Madame Tussauds wax museum in London has started a hunt to decide who will be the next Bollywood star to grace its museum.

"From August 13 to 30, we will be having a poll to choose the next Bollywood figure to become a part of Madame Tussauds." says their spokesperson. Those who have made it to the shortlist include Hrithik Roshan, Kajol, Karan Johar, John Abraham, Lata Mangeshkar, Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Rani Mukerji, Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit. The results will be out on August 31. The other Indian film actors immortalised at the museum are Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Rajnikanth.

Hrithik's cameo in Luck By Chance
August 10, 2007
Zoya Akhtar is set to launch her brother Farhan as a full-fledged actor in her debut film, Luck By Chance and has convinced Hrithik to play a significant cameo in the film.

Zoya, however, is not going to let go her first choice for the leading man of her debut film, Hrithik Roshan. If all goes well, Hrithik will be seen playing a cameo in the film. Zoya's first film Kismet Talkies starring Hrithik and Kareena Kapoor has been pushed to the back burner. Says our source, "She wanted to feature Hrithik in her first film. Since that didn't work out she has convinced Hrithik to play a significant cameo in Luck By Chance." When quizzed about the film Zoya refuses to divulge too many details. She says, "We are still working on it. Once we finalise everything we will make an announcement."

JA set open to public?
August 10, 2007
It is reported that art director, Nitin Desai who designed the Jodhaa-Akbar set has decided to open the set for the public at a very nominal price.

Six decades of dynamic filmmaking in India
August 10, 2007
Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish are on the list of 60 Hindi films which have shaped the film industry of today

56. 'Koi...Mil Gaya' (2003). Director - Rakesh Roshan. Cast - Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta. Bollywood landed a commercially successful children's film and also catered to the tastes of all sections of the audience through this take on Steven Spielberg's 'E.T.'.

58. 'Krrish' (2006). Director - Rakesh Roshan. Cast - Hrithik Roshan, Rekha, Priyanka Chopra. This film saw the emergence of India's first silver screen superhero and took the box office by storm.

Blistering barnacles
August 9, 2007
Sources from Jodhaa-Akbar set said Hrithik had blisters all over his body after shooting in Rajasthan's scorching heat.

Hrithik Roshan had some hot memories to carry back from the sets of Jodhaa Akbar while he was shooting in Rajasthan. The actor had blisters on his entire body after he wore a heavy metal attire for hours on end under the scorching sun, at a place called Sambar, where the climate and topography were extremely harsh. Says a source from the sets, "Hrithik was shooting at Sambar in Rajasthan where one can't see anything but plain barren ground. There is not a single tree or a mountain as far as one can see. The climate is horrible with a temperature of 47 degrees centigrade. The hot breeze only made matters worse."

"Hrithik was shooting there wearing a metal headgear, metal shields on the body and he also had metal chains tied around his hands and legs. The attire was so heavy that it would easily weigh around 40 kgs. Hrithik could barely walk or sit comfortably. There were two men who helped him every time he had to sit or get up," adds the source. What made matters worse was that the actor had to enact some emotional scenes. "It was very difficult for Hrithik to shoot in those conditions. Everybody from the unit was feeling sorry for him. He had to shoot some emotional scenes wearing the uncomfortable attire for long hours. But, he continued to shoot. Only when he was done did we see the blisters all over his body," says the source.

Video Download: Koi Mil Gaya and K3G music video
August 8, 2007
Music videos from Koi Mil Gaya and K3G are now back online and available for download

Mashallah!
August 8, 2007
Hrithik Roshan's Urdu teacher talks about the actor's passion for getting his pronunciation just so he can deliver the perfect dialogues

Hrithik Roshan, who plays Mughal Emperor Akbar in Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodha Akbar, has been working hard to get his Urdu lines right. Hrithik also takes his Urdu teacher, Kamaal Ahmed, to the dubbing studio so that he can deliver the perfect dialogues. Hrithik, who has been learning Urdu at his home in Juhu, has been so driven about learning the language, that he makes it a point to take lessons whenever and wherever he has some free time.

A source says, "Hrithik has been learning Urdu from a teacher for some time now. The teacher also accompanies Hrithik to the studio where the actor is currently dubbing for Jodha Akbar." Kamaal Ahmed, a native from Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), confirms the news and says, "Yes, I am teaching Urdu to Hrithik. Hrithik is my favourite student as he is very hard-working and a perfectionist. He doesn't give up till he gets the pronunciations perfect."

So has he burdened the actor with homework, like most teachers are infamous for? "Yes. I used to give him a format that he had to keep practising. And he used to practise it diligently every time. Kaafi baar kuchh words repeat karaye (I would keep making him repeat some difficult words) which he had difficulty pronouncing. Many Arabic words like 'khh' in 'Khabar' and 'ghh' in 'Ghaddar' are pronounced wrongly by most. But it is just not possible that Hrithik will make any such mistake now," says a confident Ahmed.

Commenting on accompanying the actor to the dubbing studio, Ahmed says, "It's better to be present at the dubbing studio as well so that I can supervise each word and check if he is pronouncing it correctly. Hrithik always is open to learning and he still thinks that he is a trainee."

The trainer is quite happy with the outcome of his teaching as well as the person he has taught. "The credit goes completely to Hrithik. He has learnt the language well. Personally speaking, Hrithik is extremely cultured and knows how to respect people," says a visibly proud Ahmed.

Jodhaa-Akbar in post production
August 8, 2007
Post-production work Jodha-Akbar is on in full swing.

The editing and dubbing of the film starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai are being done simultaneously. "I'm currently editing the film in Mumbai. It's not an easy task," Gowariker said. Considering the canvas of the storytelling, this could well be the director's toughest film yet. "That isn't all. Aishwarya is shooting in Hyderabad. So she'll dub in that city, while Hrithik will dub in Mumbai," Gowariker said.

On top of it, there are dozens of other actors, big and small, whose dubbing has to be done under strict supervision to make sure that the Urdu dialogues are in place and the pronunciation is impeccable. In fact Hrithik and Aishwarya have been working doubly hard on their dialogues to live up to the Lagaan director's exacting standards.

Mashallah!
August 8, 2007
Hrithik Roshan's Urdu teacher talks about the actor's passion for getting his pronunciation just so he can deliver the perfect dialogues

Hrithik Roshan, who plays Mughal Emperor Akbar in Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodha Akbar, has been working hard to get his Urdu lines right. Hrithik also takes his Urdu teacher, Kamaal Ahmed, to the dubbing studio so that he can deliver the perfect dialogues. Hrithik, who has been learning Urdu at his home in Juhu, has been so driven about learning the language, that he makes it a point to take lessons whenever and wherever he has some free time.

A source says, "Hrithik has been learning Urdu from a teacher for some time now. The teacher also accompanies Hrithik to the studio where the actor is currently dubbing for Jodha Akbar." Kamaal Ahmed, a native from Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), confirms the news and says, "Yes, I am teaching Urdu to Hrithik. Hrithik is my favourite student as he is very hard-working and a perfectionist. He doesn't give up till he gets the pronunciations perfect."

So has he burdened the actor with homework, like most teachers are infamous for? "Yes. I used to give him a format that he had to keep practising. And he used to practise it diligently every time. Kaafi baar kuchh words repeat karaye (I would keep making him repeat some difficult words) which he had difficulty pronouncing. Many Arabic words like 'khh' in 'Khabar' and 'ghh' in 'Ghaddar' are pronounced wrongly by most. But it is just not possible that Hrithik will make any such mistake now," says a confident Ahmed.

Commenting on accompanying the actor to the dubbing studio, Ahmed says, "It's better to be present at the dubbing studio as well so that I can supervise each word and check if he is pronouncing it correctly. Hrithik always is open to learning and he still thinks that he is a trainee."

The trainer is quite happy with the outcome of his teaching as well as the person he has taught. "The credit goes completely to Hrithik. He has learnt the language well. Personally speaking, Hrithik is extremely cultured and knows how to respect people," says a visibly proud Ahmed.

Jodhaa-Akbar in post production
August 8, 2007
Post-production work Jodha-Akbar is on in full swing.

The editing and dubbing of the film starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai are being done simultaneously. "I'm currently editing the film in Mumbai. It's not an easy task," Gowariker said. Considering the canvas of the storytelling, this could well be the director's toughest film yet. "That isn't all. Aishwarya is shooting in Hyderabad. So she'll dub in that city, while Hrithik will dub in Mumbai," Gowariker said.

On top of it, there are dozens of other actors, big and small, whose dubbing has to be done under strict supervision to make sure that the Urdu dialogues are in place and the pronunciation is impeccable. In fact Hrithik and Aishwarya have been working doubly hard on their dialogues to live up to the Lagaan director's exacting standards.

Merc-ury rising
August 1, 2007
Rakesh Roshan has gifted son Hrithik a brand new S class Mercedes.

Papa Rakesh Roshan has gifted son Hrithik a brand new S class Mercedes after his car was smashed up in an accident on the Lonavla highway a month ago. It can be recalled that Hrithik's car was banged from behind by a speeding car. Luckily, Hrithik escaped unhurt.

Our source says, "Hrithik was travelling in his father's S class Mercedes, when his car met with an accident and was rammed from behind. In spite of such a serious accident, Hrithik escaped unhurt. That's when he realised that the car is built very strong. So he went up to his father and asked for a car of the same make. Doting dad Roshan immediately ordered a similar car for him, which was delivered to him in three days flat. (Normally it takes months for the delivery of a Merc.) Hrithik's S class Merc is golden beige in colour and Hrithik is very proud of his new possession." Earlier the actor used to drive a Porsche Cayenne.

No delay in Jodha Akbar release
August 1, 2007
Ashutosh Gowariker has denied rumours regarding the delay in Jodha Akbar release

For a long time now, sections of the media have been talking about a delay in the release of Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodha Akbar , but the director denies the rumours, saying the historical drama will hit the screens on Oct 12. "Not again! Not true at all!", said Gowariker.

"I've been reading stories of Jodha Akbar being postponed every couple of months. These rumours are not true at all. We had locked in on Oct 12 as the release date since it coincides with Eid when audiences swamp the theatres. We've to be stupid or careless to let go of such a coveted date," he added. There were also reports of Hrithik Roshan, who plays the main lead along with Aishwarya Rai, suffering an accident during the shooting of the film. But he too categorically denied anything of the sort.

So where does Gowariker, who had earlier made the Oscar-nominated Lagaan and the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Swades , think these rumors are coming from? "Beats me! Probably because I've one song and some scenes left to shoot, some people might be jumping to the wrong conclusion. But Oct 12 was and is the release date for Jodha Akbar."

Hrithik turns writer
August 1, 2007
TOI reports that Hrithik will co-write the script for Krrish 2.

Here's some news for Hrithik Roshan's fans. The actor is now turning writer too. Hrithik will not just play the superhero in Krrish 2, he will also write the script for the film along with dad, Rakesh Roshan. When contacted, Rakesh Roshan confirmed the news. He said, "Hrithik has always taken a keen interest in scripting and has been an intrinsic part in the making of all my films. Yes, he will write the script of Krrish 2 along with me."

Adds Rakesh Roshan, "Whenever Hrithik is at home, and not shooting, he joins me and my team of writers and takes part in discussions on every minute aspect of my films. Although we haven't started the scripting of Krrish 2 in a full-fledged manner yet, Hrithik has been playing an important role regarding the look of the film. He also has been discussing newer stunts that could be a part of Krrish 2. He is also quite savvy when it comes to technologies regarding the special effects in filmmaking . We have discussed the concept in detail. Now Hrithik and I have to sit together and decide the costumes, which will happen soon after we finish the script."

Adds a source close to the Roshans, "Hrithik will wind up his work for Jodha Akhbar in a few days now. After that he will devote time on Krrish 2." Krrish 2 will be a sequel to Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish.

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