Dhoom:3 Movie Poster

The third installment of Dhoom series, the film is a action thriller. Conspicuously the series is known to introduce the most exciting villains and this time the role has been bagged by Perfectionist actor Aamir Khan. Starring Katrina Kaif, Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra, a large part of the film has been shot in Chicago.

Eyeing a December release in 2013, this will undoubtedly grab attention for being an Aamir Khan film and for being Dhoom, of course.

Salman Khan And Aishwarya  Rai :

Their love blossomed on the sets of Bhansali’s magnum opus, ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ but their affair, which was once the everyday-scoop of all leading dailies and tabloids soon was buried with reports of physical violence slashed at our Dabangg Khan. Ash reportedly released a statement about Salman’s wrath and unruly behaviour and their relationship took an ugly turn, although Salman’s love for her still flames somewhere down his heart. Post the most high-profile break up of the millennium maybe, Salman and Ash avoid facing each other or even sharing a glimpse by fluke!

Aishwarya Rai And Salman Khan

Bipasha Basu And John Abraham :

A couple who were going strong for nine years was the flavour of all seasons before it was called off officially one sudden day. Rumour mills suggest John’s non-committal maneuvers haunted Bipasha of a dark future ahead, it was also taken as John’s ego catering to Bipasha’ss stardom that created the rift between the two lovey-dovey individuals. Gossip mills are ablaze even today as the two actors take indirect digs at each other, with Bipasha denying knowing anyone of that name in her interviews!

John Abraham And Bipasha Basu

Bipasha Basu And Dino Morea :

Much before Bipasha climbed the ladder of Fame, the two supermodels were totally into each other. Although the two parted ways mutually, they still are close buddies and have maintained a strong bond whatsoever! Respect!

Bipasha Basu And Dino Morea

Vivek Oberoi And Aishwarya Rai :

If Salman’s behaviour caught a media frenzy, trying-to-be-Dabangg Viveek Oberoi open challenged the real Dabangg while he was lost in love with the dreamy Aishwarya. Although their love was mushy mushy and cute, it was short lived with questions on Vivek’s immaturity raised by our lovely babe, who seemed to be the newest break up queen of sorts. Vivek went on to openly show his remorse for his fuelled stance but it was Ash who clearly had moved on easier than the Company star!

Vivek Oberoi And Aishwarya Rai

Akshay Kumar And Shilpa Shetty :

Another love-saga-gone-sour tale, Akshay-Shilpa’s break up was in the reckoning, knowing Akshay’s Casanova image and flamboyant maneuvers! Shilpa, the one deeply in love with the rugged star took years to get over whilst the Khiladi quickly moved on from Shilpa to the Twinkling Star of the Khanna Khandaan! No wonder, we call him the Khiladi!

Akshay Kumar And Shilpa Shetty

Akshay Kumar And Raveena Tandon :

Raveena was Akshay’s new ‘mast mast cheez’ with who, he went ‘tip tip barsa pani’ in the rain, but all of the coy romance was shut to a sudden full stop when Akshay started dating Shilpa Shetty who went ‘Churake dil mera goriya chali’! Akshay hardly cared but Raveena, who had limited friends, for her unabashed frankness was left in the middle of the deep blue ocean!

Raveena Tandon And Akshay Kumar

Karisma Kapoor And  Abhishek Bachchan :

This was not just an affair but an already made and confirmed relationship, where the Bachchans and the Kapoors were instrumental in getting the once-upon-a-time pair of abhishek and Karisma wedded in a lavish ceremony. But Jaya’s strict No-no and Babita’s interference spoiled it all for the couple. While Karisma married Delhi based businessman and is having a troubled marital life, Abhishek went on to marry Ash and is living happily with their daughter Aaradhya in tow!

Karisma Kapoor And Abhishek Bachchan

Shahid Kapoor And Kareena Kapoor :

There were the cutest pair in town some years back but a certain Tashan changed the entire scenario for this happily in love couple Jab They (Kareena and Saif) Met, unceremoniously dumping and cheating on Shahid. While their MMS clip grabbed headlines, their break up news made the nation go crazy, and bechara Shahid still faces the consequences of the good-went-wrong relationship where he faces uncomfortable questions on their break up even today! And what magical effect their break up had on their last on-screen liaison. Jab we Met, anyone?

Kareena Kapoor And Shahid Kapoor

Deepika Padukone And Ranbir Kapoor :

This romantic affair started off with a lot of intimidation when the Kappor lad, who I self confessed-ly non-intimidated by his costars had Deepika’s charm wooing her off his knees. Soon they were in a relation and represented GenX couples with aplomb. They came, sat, chatted and danced together everywhere but Neetu Kapoor’s grunge over the Om shanti Om ki Shantipriya made matters worse. From a relationship-gone-kaput to dealing with infidelity as Ranbir is known to be quite a playboy in real life too, Deepika tried to manage until all solutions she resorted came to an unflattering end. But they have maintained a cool and chilled out ambiance even till date, striking a trend everyone should follow. With the two pairing up in the upcoming ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’, it would be nice to see the two back in groove on screen, if not in reality, after the ugly statements on a chat show! But to their professionalism and maturity, a Salute from our end!

Deepika Padukone And Ranbir Kapoor

Lara Dutta And Kelly Dorji :

Another story of a long time in love couple heading for splitsville, Lara Dutta and Kelly Dorjee’s eight year long relationship came to an exhausting end when the two decided to part ways. Too much of ego clashes, dying love and insecurity paved way for the two ending up single, on their own terms!

Lara Dutta And Kelly Dorji

Priyanka Chopra And Harman Baweja :

She was the darkest horse in the race and she knew it. He was a failing debutante with nothing much to look out to. And when they met, sparks flew instantly. But it was hardly a matter of time to take its toll and it did! Priyanka-Harman might have reconciled their differences recently, with Piggy chops gleefully greeting her ex at an event, but things between them got sour on a ‘love’-ly note few years back!

Priyanka Chopra And Harman Baweja

Randeep Hooda And Sushmita Sen :

Randeep had been staying at Sushmita’s residence after they hit it off well. Randeep, who was, as claimed, ‘Sush’s youngest boyfriend’ was too much occupied with his romantic genes thus staying too busy to work. But once the things got ugly, the couple decided to say Goodbye, although Randeep has openly expressed his regret over the relationship and taken potshots at the former Miss Universe, even accusing her of being the reason for him having no work at one point of time. While Sush stayed away from the promotions of ‘Karma aur Holi’ post their break up, Randeep snapped at the petite actress for her ‘unethical and unprofessional’ behaviour!

Randeep Hooda And Sushmita Sen

Preity Zinta And Ness Wadia:

She has always been this bubbly, vivacious girl next door and he has always been her arm candy, at all events and parties. Too much is too bad, as they say. Well for this couple, the sweet romance ended all of a sudden, although the business magnate’s momma never quite liked Ms. Zinta!Ness, the mumma’s adorable kid didn’t take a stand for his beloved, hence taking things the wrong direction! But they still maintain a healthy professional relationship of being co owners of the Kings XI Punjab IPL Team.

Preity Zinta And Ness Wadia

Aditya Chopra

This man has quite a legacy. Being the elder son of veteran film maker Yash Chopra, Aditya Chopra naturally inherited the luxuries of the Chopra clan. A Bollywood mogul company of sorts, Aditya Chopra ventured into film production soon after the overwhelming success of his film Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. Currently serving as the Chairman of the YRF gold mine, the company itself was established in 1976 when Yash Chopra moved out of his elder brother‘s production company BR Films. Though it is Yash Chopra’s name that gave the company a stable ground, Aditya Chopra’s hard work elevated the banner to the position that it holds today. With his flawless choice of witty scripts, this man’s sense of entertainment and what works with the audiences has invariably proved correct. On the eve of this man’s 42nd birthday, Koimoi brings to you his journey of how he kept true to his legacy and reached YRF at the zenith of success where it stands today.

1997

Aditya Chopra moved into film production with Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor starrer Dil Toh Pagal Hai. One of Yash Chopra’s contemporary masterpieces, the film was a beauty in its simplicity and heart wrenching value. The film was a superhit and earned 28 crores at the domestic box office.

2002

Always on the hunt for good scripts, Aditya Chopra once again moved to film production with Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai. Cating his brother Uday Chopra and Jimmy Shergill, the film was the launch vehicle of Tulip Joshi. The film was an average grosser and earned a meager amount of 5.75 crores at the domestic box office. The same year he also produced the Hrithik Roshan, Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor starrer Mujhse Dosti Karoge. The film was a flop at the box office. Earning only 10.25 crores, it could not even earn back the investment made on it.

2004

While 2002 was a dull time for Chopra, 2004 gained back his sturdy position again. He produced three films this year. The Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji starrer Hum Tum was declared a hit. Based on the classic Hollywood Romantic Comedy ‘When Harry Met Sally’, the film earned 21 crores at the domestic box office. The same year Dhoom frenzy struck the Indian Entertainment markets. Speedy bikes racing against the cops, this film gave a stylish dimension to the genre of Bollywood thrillers. Earning a cumulative of 29 crores at the box office, Dhoom was declared a hit with John Abraham standing out as the most irresistible thief in the history of Hindi cinema. Following this, Yash Chopra’s epic directorial Veer Zaara managed to escalate the revenues of the banner to a higher mark. Earning 40 crores at the domestic box office, the film starring Shah Rukh Khan and Priety Zinta, along with Rani Mukerji is still remembered for its classic grandeur. Overall 2004 made up for a low 2002 Chopra had suffered.

2005

In 2005 too, luck maintained its favorable stance on Aditya. With two striking films from YRF’s kitty that year, both performed commendably well. Cashing on the sparkling chemistry of actress Rani Mukerji and actor Abhishek Bachchan, Bunty Aur Babli managed to become a hit by earning 35.75 crores at the domestic box office. His next release brought into mainstream Bollywood the rare concept of live-in relationships (by the standards those days). Playing safe by placing the story in Australia, Salaam Namaste was received favorably by the audiences. Starring Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta in the main roles, the film was declared a semi hit at the domestic box office with its adequately good earnings of 25.75 crores.

2006

An excellent year for YRF, well mostly, three major films came out of the company that year. Dhoom 2 starring the same cast of its prequel saw Hrithik Roshan playing the sleek thief in it. Raking up an overwhelming amount of 80.25 crores, the film was declared a blockbuster. The year’s next release Fanaa brought on screen together the unusual lead pair of Aamir Khan and Kajol. The film was declared a super hit and earned 52 crores at the box office. Riding high on success that year, it was a stark low when Kabir Khan’s Kabul Express failed to live up to its expectations. Set in Afghanistan, the story was a humane journey of two Indian journalists trying to get an insight into the life of Taliban, in times of turmoil when American forces are on a mission to eradicate them from the country all together. The film despite a brilliantly fresh premise was a flop and earned a measly sum of 9.75 crores only.

2007

The moroseness that began in 2006, continued into 2007 as well. Tara Rum Pum starring the hit Jodi of Rani Mukerji and Saif Ali Khan despite being slammed by critics for being an unreal and tedious film, managed to become a semi hit by raking up an income of 35.02 crores. However the year’s next release was Shimit Amin’s Chak De India starring Shah Rukh Khan. Shimit, who has worked closely with celebrated international director Mira Nair delivered a blockbuster for YRF. Earning 67.69 crores, the film was a magnanimous hit, mostly for SRK whose undeterred acting earned him accolades from critics. However, the next two releases were dull that year. Rani’s Laaga Chunari Mein Daag was a damp show and earned a low sum of 19.20 crores. The next release Aaja Nachle that served as iconic actress Madhuri Dixit’s comeback film flopped too. With a small income of 14.85 crores, the film unexpectedly had a doomed fate at the domestic box office.

2008

YRF again tried to put together the hit Hum Tum pair of Rani and Saif in Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. A magical fairytale based on the 1965 classic The Sound of Music, the film earned a scantly amount of 21.50 crores at the box office. The next film that year was Ranbir Kapoor’s Bachna Ae Haseeno. The film was a semi hit and earned 36.64 crores. However, the expectations from the film were higher which it failed to level.

2009

YRF had a mixed bag in 2009 as well. Though the John Abraham and Katrina Kaif starrer New York had great collections and went on to become a hit by earning 42 crores, the subsequent films Dil Bole Hadippa starring Rani and Shahid Kapoor and Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year starring Ranbir Kapoor both fared below average at the box office. Earning 23.66 crores and 20.22 crores, the films had a dissatisfactory performance at the box office.

2010

After a slow year in 2009, 2010 was mediocre year for YRF. Neil Nitin Mukesh and Deepika Padukone starrer Lafangey Parindey earned an average amount of 22.71 crore at the box office. The year continued into the next release, Badmaash Company that had Anushka Sharma and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles. It fared above average at the box office and earned 33.02 crores. The year’s third YRF release was Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma’s Band Baaja Baarat. Though the film struggled to reach above average collections of 23.31 crores, critics praised the film for being a quirky and realistic romantic story. Anushka and Ranveer both scored for magnetic chemistry and strong acting.

2011

Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma continued to sizzle the silver screens with their chemistry next year as well but it was met with the same fate again. Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl had an above average earning at the domestic box office with 37 crores. The year’s next release was a romantic comedy starring Imran Khan, Katrina Kaif and Ali Zafar which again had an above average earning of 58 crores at the box office. Not having a substantial hit to their credit for 2 years, YRF was facing a little downhill time.

2012

The previous year’s misery was all rectified in one straight shot. Beginning with Ishaqzaade, the film launched actors Parineeti Chopra and Arjun Kapoor catapulting them into fame. Delivering a hit, the film earned a good lifetime collections of 45 crores. The next two releases had a magnificent performance. Salman Khan-Katrina Kaif starrer Kabir Khan’s Ek Tha Tiger was a super hit earning 198 crores. Joining the distinguished 100 crore club, the film was one of the year’s top grosser. October was an unfortunate time for Chopra personally as he lost his father few days before the release of their next film Jab Tak Hai Jaan. The film which was to be the veteran director’s last directorial venture was packed with grandeur and beauty. Declared a Superhit, the film earned a lifetime total of 120.65 crores. Starring SRK, Katrina and Anushka in lead roles, the film was a legendary man’s last work and hence will remain memorable!

Yash Raj Films would be unrecognizable without Aditya Chopra. The man’s sweat and blood has gone into building the brand into a magnanimous success. Attaining the exquisite position as one of India’s most elite entertainment companies, Aditya Chopra has for years personified YRF. While his father, Late Yash Chopra was alive he remained a more passive hand behind the success of his ventures, but all along YRF films have attributed their fortunes to Aditya’s acute understanding of cinema.

Koimoi takes the cue and extends our best wishes to one of India’s most reputed entertainment barons – Happy Birthday Aditya Chopra!

N.B. This Article is based on Aditya Chopra as a Producer. Hence his Directorial Ventures like Mohabattein, DDLJ, RNBDJ have not been included.

“I think only Dhanush can become Raanjhanaa. He has got the innocence. I think there is nobody who has that spirit that is as clean (as his) over here (Bollywood),” said the 27-year-old in an interview.

“There is a lot of innocence and at the same time there is a lot of love in the way he approaches everything,” added the actress who has worked with stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Imran Khan and Shahid Kapoor in the last six years.

Sonam Kapoor And Dhanush

Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna Movie Poster

Karan Johar’s first solo production came with Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, which he directed as well. It is the rare concept that the film introduced in Bollywood, bringing out the issue of marital discordance and extra marital affairs that incurred him critics’ harsh words yet boosted his morale for continuing to trust his conviction on films whose concepts are such a rarity. The film for its indomitable star presence of Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Priety Zinta and Rani Mukerji, managed to become quite a hit at both the domestic and global box office. Earning a lifetime collections of 46 crores at the domestic box office, it still remains one of the most prominent films produced by KJo.

Dostana Movie Poster

He next took up a laugh riot of a script by Tarun Mansukhani and backed it up to make Dostana. The film that was mainly a romantic comedy was a hit for the unbeatable chemistry of John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan who posed as gay lovers in the film. Though cheekily clichéd and offensive depicting homosexual relationships stereotypically, the film was a hit and earned a total domestic collection of 45 crores approximately.

Kurbaan Movie Poster

After tasting a much heightened success at production with two money spinning ventures, he decided to score up for script and its honesty. Backing a controversial and bold film Kurbaan, centered around Islamic fundamentalism and global terrorism, Karan Johar focused mainly on delivering a powerful story rather than counting his bills. The film could not manage a decent box office collection and rested its nett earnings at 24 crores at the domestic box office.

Wake Up Side Movie Poster

It was hard to deter Johar’s faith on scripts especially on ones his conviction laid. Despite not being able to deliver a hit from the Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor starrer Kurbaan, Karan still backed debutant director Ayan Mukherji’s heartwarming film Wake Up Sid starring Konkona Sen Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor. The film traces the coming of age of its protagonist’s lackadaisical nature that must learn the value of responsibility. The film went on to become a hit with a total domestic collection of 28.50 crores.

My Name Is Khan Movie Poster

Karan gambled a large part of his money on his dream venture My Name is Khan. Starring his favorite actors Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, the film was set on the backdrop of victimization of Muslims following 9/11 scenario. The film an all-in-all SRK was lauded by critics as a perseverant effort at showcasing the issue without a judgmental approach.

Agneepath Movie Poster

2012 began brilliantly for KJo. Working on a remake of the classic Big B film Agneepath, starring Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt and Priyanka Chopra, the film went on to become his most successful venture ever. The film made a marvelous business of 123.50 crores at the domestic box office, becoming his first film to venture into the esteemed 100 crore club.

Student Of The Year Movie Poster

Dharma Productions followed up the success of Agneepath with their high school romance film, Student of the Year launching three new faces in Bollywood – Siddharth Malhotra, Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt. The film was a typical slice from trademark KJo style of ornate film sets set up in posh locations. The film went on to become a super hit by earning over 70 crores at the domestic box office despite the presence of new stars in lead roles.

Though a couple of his co-productions had doomed concepts like Kaal with Red Chillies and I Hate Luv Storys with UTV, yet there is one memorable co-production out of Dharma that deserves a special mention. Kareena Kapoor and Imran Khan starrer Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu was a beautiful concept that stays true-to-the-term modern age love story.

While Bombay Talkies is getting Karan Johar brilliant reviews for making a bold short film, quite unlikely his style and sensibility of cinema, it quite brought out the man’s honest affinity towards building earnest films. With Gippi working on the same lines delving into a story of an adolescent girl dealing with peer pressure, looking towards beauty and popularity, it is a realistic film from KJo’s brand that will definitely earn back its investment. However, it entirely depends on the film’s essence whether it will earn any beyond. Karan Johar’s stamp on the film will attract its initial audiences but the eventual pull will be based on a positive word of the mouth which depends on the film’s intrinsic value.

“This is going to be a fun film about a father and his son, both of whom are on the run,” informs a source, “While normally you see a boy and a girl on the run, the very uniqueness of this film lies in the father-son relationship. While it was pretty much a sombre outing for Rishiji and Abhi in Delhi 6 they would be getting an opportunity to let their hair down for this film.”

Rishi Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan

The makers are currently tight lipped about the casting of the film though.

“While Abhishek has been signed for the film already, it is just a matter of formality that remains for Rishiji. He has okayed the film in principle,” the source adds.

When contacted, Bhushan Kumar, the film’s producer, wasn’t willing to reveal much either. He just said, “The film is definitely on and it is a family comedy cum drama with a very strong father-son angle to it. Of course the actor who is going to play the father would be someone with a very strong and powerful presence. Just like OMG – Oh My God!, Umesh would be sending out a very strong message. It shouldn’t be mistaken with a social film though as the narrative is going to be as commercial as it gets.”

Meanwhile we await an official announcement around the eventual cast of the film.

Sonu Sood and Manoj Bajpai in Shootout At Wadala Movie Poster

This is your one stop shop for the latest happenings in the town. The buzz. The release plans. The launches. The works. Yes, this is serious business and we will bring to you the most reliable information at the weekend. Have a dekko.

- With terrific buzz surrounding Sanjay Gupta’s Shootout at Wadala, it is now widely believed that this would be the second 100 crore earner of the year after Race 2. Incidentally, that too starred John Abraham and Anil Kapoor.

- Bhatts have announced that there won’t be any more instalments of Raaz, Jannat and Murder for next few years to come at least.

- Deepika Padukone and Arjun Kapoor are all set to come together for a film which would be directed by Homi Adajania. Interestingly, it would be made in English.

- John Abraham is yet to sign on the dotted line for Abbas-Mustan’s remake of Vettai with Abhishek Bachchan. The film won’t go on floors before next year.

- Contrary to rumours making the rounds, Saif Ali Khan has not opted out of the Sajid Khan’s next and is definitely going ahead with it

Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder

Catch the video right here:

Abhishek Bachchan

“In Zila Ghaziabad there was no place for girls and this is the reason why despite four-five women in there, it essentially turned out to be an all-male show. It is different though in case of Meerut Junction. This time around women have a very meaty part to play and yet again there is requirement of two actresses. The ones who are on the top of the list for Anand are Anushka Sharma and Huma Qureshi”, informs a source.

Anushka Sharma, Abhishek Bachchan and Huma Qureshi

It is the kind of work that they have done in the past that has tilted the balance in their favour.

“Anushka has proven that she can play a small town girl really well. Right from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi to Band Baaja Baaraat and very recent Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, there are ample examples. On the other hand Huma has perfected that art with films like Gangs of Wasseypur and Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana. For a film set in Meerut, Anushka and Huma are just the right personalities”, the source adds, “They would seep into the entire milieu really well.”

However for that to happen, first and foremost Anand needs to bring them on board. On contacted, Anand didn’t deny the developments, “Yes, I am reaching out to them. They are the best fit for my film.”

If at all this development indeed ends up taking some concrete shape, it would be the first ever instance of Abhishek coming together with either of the two heroines.

Abhishek, married to actress Aishwarya Rai, has a daughter named Aaradhya. She turned one in November 2012.

He was in the capital Saturday to be the part of designer Ritu Beri’s annual kids’ fashion show, organised to create awareness for autism and raise funds to support underprivileged children. When asked about why Aaradhya was missing from the action on the ramp, Abhishek said, “I had lot of fun coming here. I am a film actor and these children (who walked the ramp) are much better than me. Talking about my daughter, I think it is completely her (Aaradhya) choice, let her decide her career as and when she wants too.”

Abhishek and Aishwarya with Aaradhya Bachchan

“Currently she is in Dubai and very small, but I am sure she will be happy to lend her support to such causes when she grows up,” he said.

The 37-year-old also said that a parent’s responsibility is just too give a healthy upbringing to child, without forcing any ideas on him or her. ”As a parent it is not about material goods. The gifts a parent can give the children are love, care, education and understanding. These are the most important gifts any parent can give. As far as I am concerned, taking care of the child is never just a mother’s role. It’s all about sharing responsibilities,” Abhishek told IANS.

Dressed in a black jacket and blue denims, he was seen having a fun time with small kids on the ramp. He also danced on the ramp to songs like Bunty aur Babli, Kajra re, Bol Bachchan and Desi girl.

Showing his generosity to the cause, Abhishek also signed a t-shirt that went on live auction during the event. With the price starting from Rs.50,000 it finally went to Member of Parliament Baijayant “Jay” Panda, who got the t-shirt, for Rs.5 lakh.

Abhishek Bachchan

Director Umesh Shukla of OMG Oh My God! fame will start shooting his second film Mere Apne with actor Abhishek Bachchan soon. He says it is a family oriented movie.

“In the next four weeks, we will confirm Abhishek’s dates and will start shooting. The schedule will complete in one go, it is a 60-day schedule. We will be shooting in Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and London,” Shukla told IANS.

The film has the same title as a 1971 movie. However, Shukla confirmed it is not a remake of any film.

“It is a family oriented film with lots of fun and humour. I am quite excited about this project,” he said.

Abhishek was his only choice for the film, says the director, confident that the actor will do justice to his role.

“When I was scripting the film, I knew I only want Abhishek in the film… I believe Abhishek suits the role the best.”

The rest of the cast is yet to be locked.

“Things will take time. It is only Abhishek who has been finalised as of now. The rest of the cast and crew, I will decide later,” he said.

Yes! You can go back and give it another read. After the much delayed and almost shelved off project of Farah Khan, Happy New Year is all set to go on floors in mid-April. Finally!

The movie has been in the tinsel town talkies for years and years, and there were series of names plummeting for the lead actress; some said Deepika Padukone would be the leading lady, some speculated Anushka Sharma, some even suggested Priyanka Chopra. But our firangi-gone-desi babe Katrina takes away the cake, as the riffing rumor is that Farah Khan has roped in Katrina Kaif, to star in the film.

Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Abhishek Bachchan

One name that stood like a rock in the casting list was of Shah Rukh Khan, and it remains constant. In succession to Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Kat-SRK chemistry is worth looking forward to and all hope they recreate the sheer romantic apologue on the silver screen yet again in HNY. Alongwith SRK, Abhishek Bachchan will be seen playing one of the leads. Farah has also enfettered Prithviraj Sukumaran for a pivotal role.

The flick is produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Farah takes the director’s seat. Music would be by Vishal-Shekar. The film is a romantic comedy which revolves around a group of friends who are circumstantially forced into participating in a dance competition which will alter their relations.

So we can finally exclaim that 2013 is “Happy New Year” for Farah Khan and the cast, as the film would at last commence shooting from mid-April. Phew!