Zoom Supernova 2010: Top 50

If the people on the zoOm Supernova list, shut shop or moved away, Bollywood as we know it would cease to exist. Or be unrecognizable in the very least.

That's the kind of power they wield over the film industry. Sure, they may not be able to move mountains or walk on water (just yet) but it's amazing what they can accomplish with their star pull. The folks on this list are supernovas in every sense of the term, with the Top 10, holding the clout to change fortunes. Be it numero uno Salman Khan, who made a complete newbie (Sonakshi) a household name with just one film and showed an ex (Katrina Kaif), that managing without him in B-Town would be difficult despite her own meteoric rise or an Aamir Khan, who's widely considered the maai-baap of marketing, Rajinikanth who is a demigod unto himself, for Shah Rukh Khan who may be lower down the order but is the preacher of the power of PR (public relations) and has a stranglehold on the overseas market, they're all masters of the game. It took A R Rahman's awesome music to propel a film like Slumdog Millionaire and an acting veteran like Anil Kapoor into the Hollywood stratosphere. And how can we forget Katrina Kaif, the Sheila who salvaged the initial opening of Tees Maar Khan with her moves in one scorching item number and is the only gal on our top 10. Together, they make the B-Town world go round...

Zoom Supernova Top 50
1. Salman Khan, Actor
2. Aamir Khan, Actor/Producer
3. Rajinikanth, Actor
4. Shah Rukh Khan, Actor/Producer
5. Ar Rahman, Music Director
6. Amitabh Bachchan, Actor
7. Ajay Degvn, Actor/Producer
8. Hrithik Roshan, Actor
9. Katrina Kaif, Actor
10. Ranbir Kapoor, Actor
11. Karan Johar, Producer/ Director
12. Deepika Padukone, Actor
13. Priyanka Chopra, Actor
14. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Actor
15. Akshay Kumar, Actor/Producer
16. Kareena Kapoor, Actor
17. Shahid Kapoor, Actor
18. Vidya Balan, Actor
19. Imran Khan, Actor
20. Arbaaz Khan, Actor/ Producer
21. Raj Kumar Hirani, Director
22. Aditya Chopra, Producer/ Director
23. Prakash Jha, Director
24. Ekta Kapoor, Producer
25. Arjun Rampal, Actor
26. Sanjay Dutt, Actor/Producer
27. Saif Ali Khan, Actor/Producer
28. Kajol, Actor
29. Anil Kapoor, Actor/Producer
30. Anil Ambani, Producer
31. Bhushan Kumar, Producer
32. Ronnie Screwvala, Producer
33. Vishal Bhardwaj, Director/Music Director
34. Farhan Akhtar, Actor/Producer/Director
35. Sonu Nigam, Singer
36. Vishal Shekhar, Music Directors
37. Pritam, Music Director
38. Malaika Arora Khan, Actor/Producer
39. Javed Akhtar, Lyricist
40. Sajid Khan, Director
41. Rani Mukerji, Actor
42. Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Director/Producer
43. Farah Khan, Director/Producer
44. Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Music Directors
45. Sunny Deol, Actor/Producer
46. Manish Malhotra, Fashion Designer
47. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Director
48. Rakesh Roshan, Director/Producer
49. Ashutosh Gowariker, Director/Producer
50. Madhur Bhandarkar, Director

Court issues notices to Aamir Khan, censor board

The Allahabad High Court Monday issued notices to Bollywood actor-filmmaker Aamir Khan and two others in connection with the public exhibition of an objectionable song in his latest production venture Delhi Belly, a lawyer said.

While hearing a public interest litigation, seeking a ban on showing the controversial song Bhaag DK Bose, a division bench also issued notice to the censor board and Ram Sampat, the writer of the song.

The petition was moved by law graduate Saumitra Dwivedi.

"It was stated that the public exhibition of the (objectionable) song stands in violation of the `A' certificate given to the movie for its adult content, and therefore it should be screened only in the movie and not anywhere else," counsel Vinay Saran told reporters.

"The division bench has given two weeks time to Khan and others to file their reply. The next date of hearing has been fixed Aug 9," he added.

Why Katrina chose Ranbir over Aamir

Actress Katrina Kaif opted out of Aditya Chopra's Dhoom 3 to work with ex beau Ranbir Kapoor in Karan Johar's next.

According to reports, Katrina had committed to a film with Karan Johar long time back, and was also supposed to star in Yash Raj banner's Dhoom 3 starring Aamir Khan. Since both the films are scheduled to go on the floors at the same time, so Kat was forced to choose between the two films. Since it was a difficult decision, instead of taking the call herself, the sensible star decided to play it safe.

"She asked both her filmmakers to sit together and take a call on which film she should do," reveals a source close to her.

The source adds, "Katrina has worked with a lot of big banners, but for some reason she has not got the opportunity to work with Dharma Productions. Karan and she were very keen on working together, and were waiting for the right film to come their way."

Reportedly, she was supposed to star in Karan's Dostana sequel. But since it has been put on a backburner, Karan offered her his next Ayaan Mukherjee's film starring Ranbir.

On the other hand, Aditya Chopra was very keen to have Katrina in Dhoom 3. He thought she would be perfect, and her pairing with Aamir would bring on a whiff of freshness.

"Couldn't the filmmakers shift their dates if both of them were so keen on casting Katrina? The source explains, "Adi can't tell Aamir to shift his dates for an actress. And Ranbir's dates can't be moved because he has a packed schedule. So the only option left was for Katrina to choose either of the films. Adi spoke with Karan over phone and they mutually decided that Katrina should do Karan's film. With heavy heart, Adi gave away his actress to Karan since the latter has never worked with her."

The source says, "It's been a difficult decision for Katrina as well. She was looking forward to working with Aamir, and is quite disheartened to let go of such a good opportunity."

Well, there is still hope for Katrina, that is, if Aamir Khan decides to shift his dates.

Will Aamir play a gymnast in 'Dhoom 3'?

Aamir Khan will be playing a gymnast in Dhoom 3.

After he wraps up Reema Kagti's film, he starts working on his body to make it as flexible and agile as possible.

Didn't he bulk up for Ghajini and lose weight for 3 Idiots in which he played a college student?

Mr Perfectionist can slip into any role.

Aamir is backing Jan Lokpal bill: Team Anna

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has extended his support to Jan Lokpal bill, a statement from Team Anna said Wednesday.

In reply to a questionnaire framed by India Against Corruption, the banner under which the Jan Lokpal movement is being held, Aamir Khan has agreed to many of the group's demands, including that the prime minister be brought under the purview of the Lokpal.

In the options given on the questionnaire, the actor chose: "I feel this issue is non-negotiable. This is the right time to demand and pursue wholeheartedly."

The actor also agreed to including higher judiciary, MPs' action in parliament, merging the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Lokpal, inclusion of lower bureaucracy, appointment of Lokayukta (ombudsman) through the same act and maximum punishment up to life imprisonment.

"He also categorically said that Lokpal should be empowered to remove corrupt public/government servant. He should also be responsible for protection of the whistle blowers and witnesses," the statement said.

After the meetings between civil society members and the government on formulating the Lokpal bill went sour, Anna Hazare has been warning the government that he will go on a fast once again if the civil society's version of the anti-graft Lokpal bill, the Jan Lokpal bill, is not tabled in parliament's monsoon session.

The civil society has been conducting public meetings to garner support for their Jan Lokpal bill.

Why Aamir, Salman can't ever do a film together?

It will be a dream-come-true for Aamir Khan and Salman Khan fans to see them together, creating the same magic they did in Raj Kumar Santoshi's Andaz Apna Apna. But sadly, the dream seems to be farfetched from reality.

Sources inform that when UTV approached Aamir to star alongside Sallu in David Dhawan-helmed Partner 2, he humorously declined pointing to their very different work timings.

"Though Aamir loved the script, he said he wouldn't be able do the film. He said 'I am very fond of Salman and would love to work with him but it's not practically possible for both of us to work together.

By the time Salman starts his day at a shoot, its time for me to wrap up. So how can you expect us to work together?'" says a source.

The two actors apparently didn't see eye to eye in their only film together in 1994 but now it is well known that they have grown quite fond of each other.

"The studio feels that they form a lethal pair. But though Aamir was being humorous, he did make a valid point.

They are two ends of the pole when it comes to their work ethics. That's the reason they haven't worked together since AAA and there is very rare chance of it happening in the future, " the source further explains.

Well, there goes a chance to see both the Khans in the same frame. We hope they get together for their fans' sake, even if it is for just one film.

'Delhi Belly' under attack in Kolhapur

Kolhapur (Maharashtra), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) activists Monday protested outside two cinema halls here exhibiting the latest Aamir Khan production " Delhi Belly" due to its "vulgar and objectionable" content, police said. 

The managements were forced to cancel the afternoon shows. Over 50 angry NCP activists, led by local corporators Anil Pharat and Prakash Gaondi, created ruccus at the Padma and Parvati cinema halls where the afternoon shows had started. 

They shouted slogans, tore off the movie posters and banners and attempted to barge into the theatre premises, demanding cancellation of the show. Their ire was also directed at the censor board, which they said had cleared objectionable dialogues, explicit erotic scenes and the song "DK Bose". 

The protesters demanded deletion of the song, offensive dialogues and explicit scenes on grounds that they corrupted the mind of the youth, especially college students, who have been queuing up to watch the movie. Police said that around 20 NCP activists were detained and additional security has been provided at the two cinema halls. 

An officer from Kolhapur's Laxmipuri police station said that the NCP had told the two theatre managements and the police Sunday that the party members will demonstrate if the shows were not cancelled.

Main Karu Toh Character Dheela Hai: Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan, who declared that his film Delhi Belly is strictly for adults and not for kids, is surprised why he has been questioned about the content of the film. The actor was recently grilled about the language and content of DB at a chat show.

He explained that though he understands his fans don't expect a bold film like this from him, he is an entertainer and loved the script so decided to make it. "I understand that after films like Tare Zameen Par my fans did not expect me to come up with a bold film like DB. But I feel I am an entertainer and I loved the script of DB and thought today's generation will relate to it."

Aamir used lines of Salman's popular song Character Dheela from Ready to explain his situation. He said there are so many bold films being made these days thus there's nothing to get shocked about.

"I don't understand this! It's like Main karu toh saala character dheela hai... I made a special promo to inform my fans that it's an adult film. And it's really hard for a producer to say that publicly as he knows, he is going to miss out half of his audience by that."

Imran Khan, who was also present on the show, defended his uncle and said, "There are several action films which showcase brutal killings and in Delhi Belly, there's just abusive language. If that's allowed then I wonder what is more harmful," he concluded.

 

Amitji loves me too much: Aamir Khan

I have the highest regard for Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan). He is a gentleman and loves me too much. I refuse to believe that he could say anything damaging about my film or me,” says Aamir Khan, on being questioned on a recent post on Bachchan’s blog that supposedly lashes out at Delhi Belly producer’s “immodesty”. 

The actor-producer however admits that there is a section of conservative purists, who have been running down his film. He reasons, “Anyone who’s a youth icon — Elvis Preseley and the Beatles or Madonna and Michael Jackson — has been panned. Saadat Hasan Manto and Ismat Chugtai had criminal cases lodged against them for obscenity. But I refuse to believe that Amitji’s is one of these voices.” 

Pakistan has refused to allow screenings of Delhi Belly. Aamir’s not surprised, as it doesn’t have the “artistic freedom of a democracy”. For him it’s enough that the collections are great in the UK, US, Australia and the Gulf. Back home too, the footfalls have been higher on Monday and Tuesday as compared to Friday. “Going by numbers, Rs 5.65 crore (Monday’s figures) and Rs 5.40 core (Tuesday’s collections) are lower than Rs 7.15 crore (Friday’s gross), but ticket prices drop by 1/3 on weekdays. However, thanks to the strong word-of-mouth, viewers are flocking to theatres even on weekdays, some returning for a repeat. That’s never happened with me in my entire career.” 

Some allege that he’s been manipulating figures. He laughs, “Numbers speak for themselves and you can’t manipulate them. The film is a hit not just in the metros, multiplexes and overseas, but even in single screen theatres in the interiors of Gujarat, Punjab, Bengal, Bihar, CPCI, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. You can’t get more heartland than that,” says a relieved and thrilled Aamir. 

Mahesh Bhatt believes the ‘adult’ certification used as a forbidden carrot is pulling in the crowds. Aamir disagrees, “An ‘A’ certificate is never a guarantee for a hit. If anything, it reduced my audience by half. I lost out on the eight to 18 year segment, that’s my biggest fan base and their parents too. Abusive language doesn’t make a film successful, not does action or item numbers,” he argues. “There’s been talk about our colourful vocabulary, but this is not the first time people have heard such words. That’s why it’s an adult film.”

How much does Delhi Belly owe its success to Aamir’s marketing genius? He says, “I can get people to come for the first or second show through hype, but if they are returning for more, it’s because the film works for them.” Will he now be encouraged to take bigger risks? “All six films from Aamir Khan Productions in 10 years have been risks and we’ve earned on all of them. I don’t make a film because it’s a risk, but because I believe in it,” he argues. Should AB Corp and Viacom 18 have pushed forward the release of Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap by a week or two? Says Aamir, “Two, three even four films coming together don’t affect the success of one or the other. We were never competition for Amitji, he’s too big a star!.” 

DB sequel on? Aamir smiles According to recent news reports, Aamir Khan’s next production, to be directed by wife Kiran Rao, could be a sequel to Delhi Belly. It’s likely to star the film’s comic trio – Imran Khan, Vir Das, Kunal Roy Kapoor – besides Aamir himself as Disco Fighter (his ‘item role’ from the first part). In Delhi Belly itself, if you recall, when Aamir’s character appears at the end, a freeze frame announces his next film titled ‘Disco Fighter’, slated for Christmas, 2011 release. When asked to comment, Aamir says, “I’m not saying this is true or false. I’m only smiling. Kiran’s working on a script, till it's locked, I can’t comment.”

Aamir Khan to play a gymnast in Dhoom 3?

Aamir Khan loves to experiment with his roles and it's true that whenever he sees anything new and challenging, he goes for it. We heard the method actor is now set to play a gymnast in Yash Raj Films forthcoming flick Dhoom 3.

As we all know Aamir plays a negative role in D3. His role offers him a challenge that he hasn't done before. D3 will have loads of action scenes for Aamir who will showcase his gymnastic skills too. Reportedly the actor has recently left his personal trainer Satyajit Chaurasia and is looking for gymnast trainer. Aamir is super excited to play his part of a gymnast and also gearing up to learn the art as soon as he finishes Reema Kagti's film.

Aamir will seek training from professional trainers. It is also believed that a trainer will be provided on the sets to help Aamir give his best shot.

It can be recalled that the 46 year old actor first got his six packs abs for his role in Ghajini. Later he lost them all for 3 Idiots and now he is all set to learn gymnastics. Aamir is indeed a perfectionist!

B-town praises Delhi Belly, Bbuddah...

Big B v/s Aamir

Bollywood celebrities have taken to Twitter to pick their favourite from this week's releases -- Aamir Khan's home production Delhi Belly and Amitabh Bachchan's Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap. Directed by Abhinay Deo, Delhi Belly, an adult comedy, stars Imran Khan, Vir Das and Kunal Roy Kapur in pivotal roles.

"Saw Delhi Belly last night! Its a crazy good film! Laughed so much! Abhinay Deo is super talented! Everything abt d film was awesome!," actress Bipasha Basu said on micro-blogging site Twitter.

"My fav song frm the film is switty switty switty! Ram Sampath's music fr Delhi Belly is so crisp, bold, entertaining n in sync with the film!," the dusky actress added.

"Delhi Belly-- Two Thumbs Up! A film that cannot be missed. And yes, v can make films as good as Hollywood!," actress Minissha Lamba said.

"Wish Imran Khan all the best for D B. All the adults who have seen the film have loved it, so adults go n watch it, I am also gonna watch it," actor Salman Khan had said.

While, there are others who have enjoyed Big B's Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap. Directed by Puri Jagannath, it stars Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Sonu Sood, Raveena Tandon and Sonal Chauhan.

Filmmaker Shirish Kunder, tweeted, "All the films were good in their own way. But really really impressed by Delhi Belly. And Mr Bachchan's one man show in BHTB."

Noted author and columnist, Shobhaa De, said, "Buddhas and Buddhis over 60, rejoice. Big B is the Sexiest Sam in town. Take that you 6-pack fellas and smoke it. 60+ rocks! Watch 'Buddha' NOW!."

"Entire hall went into frenzy cheering AB doing his spectacular Bbuddah act! Who says AB's appeal doesn't cut across generations?," filmmaker Pritish Nandy said.

Director, Sujoy Ghosh, tweets, "Bbuddah HTB. Go see. pure unabashed fun. I'm a @SrBachchan fan and today I'm that much more proud to be one".