I'm being offered 51 crores to direct 3 films

Super success of Singh Is Kinng has certainly raised the bar higher up for Bollywood. Till about a couple of years back, Rs. 50 crores final total for a film meant that champagne bottles were ready to be corked.However, now with movies like Om Shanti Om and Singh Is Kinng topping Rs. 40 crores in the first week itself, Rs. 50 crores final total is passé. In the times when Rs. 100 crores for a movie is seen to be pretty achievable within next six months itself, what with biggies like Chandni Chowk To China, Ghajini and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi arriving soon at the box office, the pay package of everyone out there in Bollywood has seen an exponential increase. This is why it is not just the top actors who see their remuneration in excess of Rs. 10 crores; even top directors too are commanding a huge price.One such filmmaker is writer-director Anees Bazmee who, post the hat trick of success of No Entry, Welcome and Singh Is Kinng, has been offered, hold your breath, as much as Rs. 51 crores by a top corporate house for a bouquet of 3 films.Confirms a source close to Anees Bazmee, "Anees bhai is keeping tight lipped about the entire offer since he would rather sign on the dotted line before making any declaration of sorts.However, the fact is that the day Singh Is Kinng was released and declared a success on the basis of sheer opening; he has been inundated with offers by one and all.So many producers out there just want him to take up their projects and are not even worried about the figure he may quote. However, one such offer that seems to be in serious contention has come from a top corporate house." Refusing to divulge on the name, the source only informs that it is a leading corporate house which has delivered a string of successful films in last six months."Not just that Anees bhai has been offered 51 crores to direct three films and given full freedom to pick subjects and actors of his choice over a period of time, he has also been extended flat 21 crores as a signing amount.It is an unheard of money and quite unprecedented. Something of this scale has never happened before for a Bollywood director but Anees bhai's track record has forced producers to talk big money", informs the source.Is the number indeed true? Is Anees going to bite the bait? Says Anees Bazmee in a cautious tone, "It won't be fair on my part to comment on the number part since it is best left to be announced by the people who are making an offer.In any case, temptations like these aren't new to me because ever since No Entry became a superhit, mega bucks have been offered to me. I don't want to rush up on my films and go for quantity while compromising on the quality.Yes, there have been huge offers after Singh Is Kinng as well and I am certainly considering a few of them. However, the moment I sign on the dotted line, there would be a formal announcement for all to know." .

Rani and Aditya Chopra had a huge fight

According to inside sources, Aditya Chopra and Rani Mukherji had a fight amongst themselves. As a result of which, they both had even stopped communicating with each other.Sources revealed, "Rani was upset by the treatment her once special banner, Yash Raj films had been meting out to her post the flopping of her Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic. She was getting the feelers about her no longer being the blue eyed girl of the prestigious banner. There was no big project announced keeping her in mind and she only had just one film with them that too being directed by a debutant director. But she had kept quiet over this matter despite it all being extremely frustrating for her. Just later then, Aditya Chopra confronted her over a matter that came in the press.It is a well known fact that Adi likes to maintain huge secrecy concerning his projects. He was therefore very miffed with Rani that she spoke some off the record things about her film with Yash Raj to her media friends. What she spoke to them came out in the press and Adi didn't like it one bit. But as he confronted her over this all her boiled up anger came out and she questioned him over his changed attitude towards her post the flopping of TPTM. Well this further led to a huge argument between the two and they both parted ways refusing to talk to one another. But just a week later Adi took the first step in reconciling their spoiled relation and asked for a meeting with her. Rani agreed and after this meeting they were back to being friends again!"

Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra: Ego problems?

It's official now ! Coming from the horse's mouth, Shilpa Shetty has confessed that she is looking forward to marrying London based businessman Raj Kundra (fondly called Ripu ) in 18 months time now. Astro Numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi informs us, that the man in question is one of his esteemed clients and he seems to predict quiet a 'happy ending' to this love story (read marriage ) although with some better understanding. Both born in 1975, Shilpa is a No.8 in numerology (June 8 ), a Gemini (Air sign ) ruled by No.5 (Mercury ) & her destiny number adds up to No.9. (8 + 6 + 1 + 9 + 7 + 5 = 36 = 3 + 6 = 9 ) which represents a light 'mangal' in her birth chart. On the other hand, Raj is a No.9 in numerology (September 9 ), a Virgo (Earth sign ) also ruled by No.5 (Mercury ) & his destiny number adds up to No.4 (9 + 9 + 1 + 9 + 7 + 5 = 40 = 4 + 0 = 4 ) indicating 'rahu' in his 'kundli' (horoscope ). (astrologically the combination of 'rahu' and 'mangal' is appropriate ). Here it is noticeable that both Raj & Shilpa are commonly ruled by No.5 (Mercury ) the planet of speed and communication, which makes them both talkative, frank and outright honest in their conversations. No hidden feelings or secrets here. They also share the spontaneity and vibrant energy of No.9 (Mars ). Even their personal elements 'Air' & 'Earth' form a good combination although Raj will feel lonely and depressed in absence of Shilpa especially when she is traveling.But as far as the foundation level of their relationship is concerned, they are directly dominated by tough, aggressive and ferocious planets Saturn (No.8 ) and Mars (No.9 ), as a result of which they could end up in big fights during arguments, discussions etc. since they both have strong opinions, likes and dislikes.A feeling of competition and ego problems could creep in between them with little or no room for compromise. Acting with maturity and handling the matter with utmost care and sensitivity at such times is recommended. She is advised to stay abroad after marriage and can come back for work from time to time.

Runaway bride Amisha goes gaga over beau

After bidding adieu to all the problems that were nagging her, life has finally started looking up for the Ameesha girl, both on a professional and personal level! With her latest release, Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic Ameesha climbed the charts; both her looks and acting were praised to the hilt. er snaps as a ‘Runaway Bride’ in this issue of Verve indeed anchors itself in the readers’ hearts, mind, body, and soul! Needless to say that Ameesha is a chic herself, but she adds a certain aura and glory to the already glorious range of Louis Vuitton, Prada, Falguni Shane, Suneet Varma, Hermes (to name a few) range by posing with them. She, in her own words, confesses, “I am still enjoying the limited edition Dior ‘Jazz’ bag that Kanav gifted me on my birthday a couple of months ago.” Whereas, on a professional front, this pretty lass is looking forward to films like Run Bhola Run, Chatur Singh Two Star etc…On a parting note, one simply wonders if the ‘Runaway Bride’ looks as gorgeous as Ameesha, who wouldn’t want to ‘run away’ with her! What say, Ameesha!

Salman's Veer in demand for Rs. 150 crore?

Salman Khan starrer Veer might break down all records if the price its being offered is agreed upon. It has been offered a mind boggling Rs. 150 crore for its complete world wide rights.Industry trade sources inform, "If Vipul Shah's London Dreams got a whopping Rs. 120 crore even before shooting a single shot and became the biggest deal in Bollywood, Veer is all set to break its record very soon.Anil Sharma's Veer starring Salman and Sohail Khan along with a debutante model turned actress and Mithun Chakraborty has been offered Rs. 150 crore by one of Bollywood's top most corporate production house. What has made Veer a period drama such a hot proposition? Well it has a script written by Salman Khan himself and the ferocious way by which he is promoting this film everywhere, the hype for the film is multiplying every passing day. Salman is also keen on taking his war with Shah Rukh Khan more further by taking active interest in every single department of his most ambitious venture till date, Veer. He wants to prove that if SRK can take Om Shanti Om to glory single handedly, he can pitch in more efforts and ensure double the result of OSO. The staggering price offered is a sort of moral victory for Salman as he is now considered the hottest stars of Bollywood in terms of market price overtaking SRK by leaps and bounds!"

I'm still in love with Udita Goswami

Rubbishing rumours of a rift with girlfriend Udita Goswami, director Mohit Suri says their relationship is far from over and that they have just taken a break from each other.'I don't know why this image of me as a Casanova is being splashed around. I'm very uncomfortable with it. I've been seeing Udita for four years now and I'm very much in love with her, ' Mohit told.He's directing Kangana Ranaut in 'Raaz: Some Secrets Are Yet To Revealed' in Shimla and there were rumours of a link-up between them. Mohit was quick to brush these aside.'Udita and I have taken a break from each other. I'm sure we'll be together again. This is a crucial phase in our relationship. The last thing I need for Udita to hear is that I'm having an affair with someone else. Please, ' added the director of films like 'Kalyug' and 'Awarapan'.Mohit admitted there have been problems between him and Udita because of his workload. And the rumours of an affair with Kangana don't help either.'Kangana and I have known each other from the time she came into the industry. We've done a film together earlier. 'Raaz' is a difficult role because she plays a woman possessed. It's her film all the way, ' clarified Mohit.The director said Udita was unable to understand his passion for making movies.'Udita can't understand my passion for my work. When I'm shooting I'm a man possessed... just like Kangana's character in 'Raaz'.'I can't think of anything else, not even love. This is where our differences cropped up. She being a woman was able to give much more of herself than I am to our relationship. I hate myself for it and am trying to find a way out, ' said Mohit.

Sanjay Dutt still hates Shahid Kapoor

Sanjay Dutt seems to be holding a long standing grudge on Shahid Kapoor. The exact reason is unknown but it was Dutt who put his foot down when the makers of his film Kidnap, Shree Ashtavinayak Productions put forth Shahid Kapoor's name as his co-star for the film.Sources reveal, "This all happened over an year back when the casting of the film was being finalised. Dutt was already on board and hunt for the second lead, a much younger hero was going on.But when Shahid's name cropped up, Sanju baba told the Ashtavinayak bosses that he was not willing to work along with Shahid. He would prefer any newcomer for the role but Shahid.In a tizzy after this surprising reaction by Dutt, the official put forth options of Kunal Khemmu and Harman Baweja. But then that time the director of the film, Sanjay Gadhvi (Dhoom and Dhoom 2) suggested Imran Khan's name.That time his Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na was under production and Gadhvi had probably seen rushes of the film and was all set for getting Imran in his film. When Dutt was told about Imran, he okayed him.A few video tests were taken of Imran wherein the talented youngster impressed them all and he was in the project."Industry sources claim Sanjay Dutt was pissed off by Shahid's behaviour during the making of their only film together, Vaah! Life Ho To Aisi (2005) which was a massive flop at the box office.Dutt was perhaps offended by Shahid not treating him like a major senior co-star and mostly keeping it to himself on the sets.There is also talk that since Salman hates Shahid bigtime after the Rockstars tour in 2006, where Shahid entered the wrong books of Salman by trying to teach him how to dance, Sanjay Dutt was just trying to please Salman by refusing a film with Shahid.

Hijack

Music to be composed for an action film is always a tricky business. Not many, except for perhaps Sanjay Gupta, have perfected this art when it comes to movies being made today.So, with expectations of a theme track, a hot item number and a couple of melodious number, one plays on Hijack which promises to show Shiney Ahuja do a Bruce Willis a la 'Die Hard'.
Hijack has music by new finds Justin-Uday with Kumaar writing lyrics for this debut directorial venture of Kunal Shivdasani.One minute into the song and you know that Justin and Uday have kick started Hijack well with a romantic number 'Aksar' which takes on truly from where 'Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai (Pritam composition from Woh Lamhe) left.Just the same in sound, spirit and soul, 'Aksar' gives the listener one more song to play on in a loop and be entertained for hours at a stretch.A well orchestrated number which has 'Mr. Reliable' K.K. coming up with an impressive act yet again, 'Aksar' deserves to be heard more often and aggressively promoted.No wonder, the song is heard thrice. The 'Unplugged version' is first to come and this time around it is Shaan who goes solo for 'Aksar'.An extended guitar piece plays on (while creating a romantic scene) before Shaan is heard in this tad slower version. Even though the lyrics remain the same, the change in singer and pace of the song makes 'Aksar' a delightful composition all over.The longest composition of all with close to 7 minute duration, it is followed by a 'sad version' by Shaan which lasts only a little more than a minute.In addition, there is also a 'remix version' by KK and Joi which certainly has in it to do well, if accompanied by a promotional music video.

A quintessential number follows next and does hold promise to engage the audiences while it is accompanied by some hot visuals and aggressive choreography.With a mix of English and Hindi lyrics, 'Dekh Dekh' has Sunidhi Chauhan being largely responsible for the song with Suraj Jagan and Joi chipping in a little as well.Mainly orchestrated as a Western track with beats dominating the proceedings, 'Dekh Dekh' is seemingly a pre-climax track which solves its purpose of taking the narrative forward but that's about it.Don't expect the number to create a riot, though the faster paced 'club remix' version may just do better at nightclubs and discotheques.The name Shilpa Rao raises a lot of expectations. Very recently she has delivered a chartbuster 'Khuda Jaane' [Bachna Ae Haseeno] and now she is back with 'Koi Na Jaane' which is kick started by K.K.A situational number where the protagonist gets into a pensive mood and is looking forward to The Almighty for a direction to move ahead, 'Koi Na Jaane' is surprisingly ordinary in feel.However, what really disappoints is that Shilpa Rao is not heard in the song at all except for a faint 'alaap' at the very beginning of the song. Come on, she deserves a better outing!One wonders if the song would play in entirety in the film's narrative since an action-thriller like Hijack risks slowing down in pace with a song like 'Koi Na Jaane' in the background. The track by itself is not a bad hear; it's just that it is core situational and doesn't make one pick it up and play on a repeat mode.
An aircraft taking off is what begins 'Theme Of Hijack' that promises to be an engaging hear, courtesy the thriller genre that the film belongs to.However, instead of being just a theme piece with only an orchestra taking charge of the proceedings, 'Theme of Hijack' turns out to be a 'Hinglish' outing with Suraj Jagan and Uday coming behind the mike.However, it isn't really an impressive tune to boast of and yet again, all would depend upon the track's placement in the film and the visuals that accompany it. And yes, just like the song preceding it, this one too doesn't make it to the wish-list of those looking at extending their collection on the iPod!Eventually, it all boils down to the number 'Aksar' which is not just the best of the lot but in isolation too quite a good composition. With 'Dekh Dekh' being the only other number to really look forward to from the album, one now waits for the film Hijack to arrive at theaters..