Rani excited about her reunion with Aamir & Kareena

Life has come full circle for Bollywood's feisty actress, Rani Mujherjee'>Rani Mukherjee with her upcoming film (tentatively titled THE ACT OF MURDER) being directed by Reema Kagti. The film is being touted as reunion of sorts as it not only marks the return of Rani with Aamir Khan, with whom she gave her first major hit in the form of GHULAM but also the coming together of Rani and Kareena, who last worked in MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE (2002).

Rani gets nostalgic about her association with the superstar. 'It's always wonderful working with Aamir because I get to learn a lot from him. Aamir is one person who is a very close friend, with whom I began my career. I am looking forward to this film. Kareena and me both learn from him,' says Rani.

With respect to Kareena she says, 'It's great working with her! Kareena and I worked in the film MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE about eight years back. And now we are back together so it is very exciting. We met recently and are really happy about the fact that we both are in the film'

It's quite surprising to know that the three highly talented actors of Bollywood Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor, who are known as powerhouse performers, who have acting in their blood, from whom people take their acting lessons, are attending acting workshops for their forthcoming film. 'We actors also keep studying. We have to keep going to our own finishing schools to refine our skills,' says the 32-year-old actor candidly.

When probed about the film title (THE ACT OF MURDER) Rani in her trademark style answered, 'Really is that the one? I am sorry I was not aware of the title.' 'I don't think this is true,' quips Rani.

With the merging of three stalwarts, Rani, Kareena and Aamir surely expect fireworks at the Box-office when the film releases!

Aamir'll sing again in 'Dhoom 3' after Gulam

After singing 'Aati Kya Khandala' for Jatin-Lalit in Ghulam, Bollywood's Mr. Perfectionist Aamir Khan is all set to lend his voice to Dhoom 3 theme song. For this composer Pritam Chakraborty has been clearly instructed by producer Aditya Chopra to compose a tune, which will match Aamir's character in the movie. According to reports Pritam has also been asked to complete all his other assignments by June this year, so he can give all his attention to 'Dhoom 3'.

Aamir Khan to star in Dhoom 3

In an announcement likely to excite curiosity of cinegoers across the country, Yashraj Films today announced that Superstar Aamir Khan would star in 'Dhoom 3', the third in the 'Dhoom' Franchise which will go on floors shortly.

Making the announcement, filmmaker Yash Chopra said, ''It's a great pleasure to have Aamir working with YRF once again.

It is even more special that he will be doing 'Dhoom 3. I am terribly excited with what an actor like Aamir will bring to the Dhoom franchise with his unique star power and level of performance.'' Produced by Aditya Chopra, 'Dhoom 3' will be written and directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, popularly known as Victor, who has written 'Doom' 1 and 2. Victor has also written and directed Tashan.

The film will start its shooting from this year's end and is slated for a 2012 Christmas release.

Talking about the film, which is third in series of films under YRF's 'Dhoom' franchise, Yash Chopra said, ''Adi and Victor have worked over a year to bring out, what I can now confidently say, is possibly one of the best scripts coming out of YRF and I am sure that with Aamir and Adi together, they will both create magic to give our audience one of the most exciting films they have ever seen.'' This is Aamir's second film with Yash Raj, having worked with the banner in Kunal Kohli's 'Fanaa'.

On working in 'Dhoom 3', Aamir said, ''It is indeed a pleasure to be working with Yashraj once again. 'Dhoom' is a great franchise, most entertaining and full of fun. Every time I hear the theme tune of the movie, it brings a swing to my step. Victor's script really won me over and I look forward to working with him, sharing screen space with Jai and Ali, and, of course, working with Yashji and Adi once again.'' Both Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra will continue in their new iconic roles of Jai Dixit and Ali.

Amir Khan on Berlin film fest jury

Bollywood star Aamir Khan will bring some Indian spice to the jury at the 61st Berlin film festival next month.

The seven-person jury, headed by Italian-American actress Isabella Rossellini, is tasked with picking the winner of the coveted Golden and Silver Bear prizes in the February 10 to 20 festival in the German capital.

Australian film producer Jan Chapman, German actress Nina Hoss, Canadian film-maker Guy Maddin, British costume designer Sandy Powell and Iranian director Jafar Panahi complete the line-up.

However, Panahi's place on the jury will be left symbolically empty, as he was handed six years in jail in December and banned from making films or leaving Iran for 20 years.

"There has been worldwide protest against this verdict that violates the right to freedom of opinion and expression," said the festival in a statement.

"The Berlinale is holding a place open in the Jury for Jafar Panahi and in doing so wants to signal its support for his struggle for freedom."

The festival features a financial crisis thriller starring Kevin Spacey and Demi Moore and a French 3D animated feature, amongst others.

In all, it features 22 films in its main programme including 16 in the running for the festival's prizes.

Khan, 44, has made a name for himself as one of the most bankable Bollywood stars on and off screen, shunning the conveyor belt of song and dance-laden films for more contemporary themes and unconventional subject matter.

As a producer, he is hoping it will be third time lucky at this year's Oscars, after his latest movie was chosen as India's entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category.

Two other films he produced have previously been selected as India's official Oscar entry.

The Berlinale, one of the world's top film festivals, will open with a remake of the classic Western "True Grit" by the Oscar-winning brothers Joel and Ethan Coen.

Dhobi Ghat

Every year literally hundreds of thousands throng to the city of dreams, Mumbai. To cover so many dreams in a small span of an-hour-and-a-half calls for some brilliant filmmaking. And watching "Dhobi Ghat" will make you realise that there indeed have been very few debuts as stunning as this one.

"Dhobi Ghat" is the story of five characters - Yasmin (Kirti Malhotra), Arun (Aamir Khan), Shai (Monica Dogra), Munna (Prateik Babbar) and the city of Mumbai. After a one night stand with Arun, who is a painter, Shai, an investment banker from America and an amateur photographer, obsesses over him, while her dhobi Munna pines for Shai.

Arun, meanwhile, discovers a few tapes in his flat from the previous tenant and, watching them, falls in love and find a muse in the woman who has made them - Yasmin.

Each of the character is thus looking for something in one another, while the fifth character, Mumbai, simply stares blankly at them without comment or prejudice.

One of the best things about the film is its casting. Each of the actors complement the film, its director, and the city of Mumbai perfectly.

Each is believable in his or her own garb. Prateik is bound to become the heartthrob of the generation, while Kirti Malhotra's innocence has to be seen to be believed.

Real life singer Monica brings out the uncertainty of her character beautifully.

The only one who is a little out of place, and hence the small sore point of the film is actor Aamir Khan. He begins shakily and is self conscious, unable as he is perhaps of shaking away two decades of Bollywood's acting baggage. By the end of it though, he manages to get into the film's rhythm and gives a believable performance.

It is hence not Kiran Rao's luck that she got superstar husband Aamir to act in the film, but Aamir's luck that he is in this film, which will go down in the history of cinema as one of the best character sketches of a city and its people.

Very few people in the world have sketched any city with such tender love, care and affection. And to add to the lilting melody that is Mumbai in the film is composer Gustavo Santaolalla who gives a haunting background score.

Director Kiran Rao brilliantly manages to find a physical representation of Mumbai city, in the old woman who blankly stares at all the characters, but says nothing. The metaphor is simple but powerful - Mumbai is a dying, decaying city, but one that is definitely alive and watches over all.

And like the character of Arun who becomes a voyeur into the life of Yasmin, it is Kiran Rao that has played voyeur on the city of Mumbai.

Another good thing about the film is that nowhere does it slacken or lose pace.

On the contrary, it unfolds almost like a mystery, like a rose bud, only to scintillate the senses in full bloom. It thus might become the low budget indie Indian film that will finally make money like big-budget Bollywood fare.

In the end though, that wouldn't matter much to the audience who will find themselves somewhere in the film. Each one of the characters in the film is like Mumbai, and Mumbai is like each one of us who inhabit it.

Aamir disappointed 'Peepli Live' is out of Oscars

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan Thursday said he is disappointed at "Peepli Live" failing to get selected at the Oscars but is happy that his film represented India.

"I came to know that 'Peepli Live' is out of Oscars. I am of course sad about it. But, I am happy that we represented India and we were one among the world's best 60 films which were sent to Oscars. We are disappointed and sad," Aamir told reporters at a press conference at the Sun and Sand hotel here.

The actor maintained that he doesn't make films for the Oscars.

"I don't make them for Oscars, neither for any other awards. I make films for the audience. I value whatever response I get from the audience, critics and media. Oscars, Cannes, Berlin Festival - they are like platforms where international audience come to know about our films. If you win there, more people watch them," said Aamir.

"Peepli Live", the directorial debut of Anusha Rizvi, explores the disparity between rural and urban India.

The film failed to make it in the list of nine movies selected for the next next round of voting in the Foreign Language Film category for the 83rd Academy Awards.

Aamir Khan Says, 'Dhobi Ghat Is More For The Females'

Aamir Khan's next Dhobi Ghat is releasing tomorrow and he has made it clear a hundred times already that his presence in the movie is not because of his relation with the director of the movie Kiran Rao. They are director-actor-producer team on the sets, and husband-wife at home.

So what's new? Aamir has said in his latest interview that the movie may not be for all his fans, as there are more faces in the film than one. He himself plays a detached painter in the movie, and says, it is a film which the intellectual type of audience will connect with. But more than art and literature lovers, it is the higher sensibilities of a woman's heart which will find the movie worth watching!

Aamir, who has always been seen doing meaningful revolutionary roles or those associated with fun-on fun, has gone on to do a serious role this time in Dhobi Ghat. So unglamorous is this role that he says his learning of the past two decades in the industry has marred the performance's raw needs and requirements.

Since the movie is based on a newcomer's struggles in Mumbai, Krian Rao has cast fresh faces like Monica Dogra, Kirti Malhotra and Prateik Babbar in the movie. Aamir is perhaps the only star in the movie, when was not needed to be!

Kiran Rao's 'Dhobi Ghat' Is All Set To Create Magic

Kiran Rao, wife of Aamir Khan is the centre of all the attention for her debut film Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries).The film Dhobi Ghat deals with the story of four youngsters who hail from different backgrounds and when they form relationships, the essence of the city is brought out through the characters. It is a story about love and also speculates on loss and loneliness. The lives of the youngsters get changed forever when they get into a relationship.

Kiran has added that through her film, she has tried to give us a real picture of the City of Dreams-Mumbai. Kiran has added that she has tried her best to make the film look real through Dhobi Ghat, Kiran also has tried to show all the aspects of Mumbai. The story of the film is fresh and has never been depicted before on-screen. Kiran remarked that though initially, she did not want her husband Aamir to play a role in the film, eventually she gave in when she did not find anyone suitable for the role of Arun. Kiran wanted a fresh actor to play the part, so that the film looks real. However, when Aamir was auditioned Kiran finally zeroed him.

The music of the film has been scored by Gustavo Santaolalla who is a Golden Globe and Academy Award winner. Kiran is a huge fan of him and wanted him to work on her project. Finally, with Aamir's intervention, he was brought on board.

Aamir is all praises for Kiran after reading the script of the film and has added that she is very talented as an actor and a director.

Dhobi Ghat releases on January 21, 2011 and make sure you catch it.

Reema Kagti's brothel scenes in debate

Producers of Reema Kagti's new film are reportedly concerned over plans to shoot scenes in real brothels.

Portions of the film starring Rani Mukherji and Kareena Kapoor and produced by Bollywood star Aamir Khan were allegedly to be filmed in the brothels of Kamatipura.

But this is now up for debate after concerns were raised. News agency DNA reported a source as saying: "Firstly, it disturbs the daily routine of the area and the occupants fear that the shooting will disrupt their business. Moreover, there are some serious security concerns over shooting with stars of the stature of Aamir Khan, Rani and Kareena."

Neither Kapoor nor Mukherji have yet agreed to shoot the scenes, but according to reports the decision is in the hands of the director and producer.

"Aamir and Reema together will have the final word on the matter. If they decide on a real location then, of course, everything right from the security of the actors to the logistics will be sorted out," added the source.

Never thought of changing surname: Kiran Rao

Unlike other star wives, Kiran Rao - the better half of superstar Aamir Khan - uses her maiden surname and says that the thought of changing her surname to Khan never occurred to her or to Aamir.

"I've grown with my name and have had it for so many years. I have always wondered how people change their names. I'm quite comfortable with Rao and even Aamir is, he never asked me to change my surname," Kiran told reporters here

"I don't mind calling myself Mrs. Khan but its definitely nicer to be called what I have been referred to for all these years," she added.

Kiran, who was at an event to launch a new promo of her forthcoming directorial debut "Dhobi Ghat", also revealed that she is a fan of Salman Khan and initially had wanted a special appearance by the actor in her film.

"In the film, Prateik's character is someone who wants to be an actor and is a huge fan of Salman Khan, so initially when I was writing the film, I had thought I'll ask Salman to make a guest appearance but then that part didn't fit in the film at all, so we dropped it.

"I myself like Salman a lot and this is my tribute to him. Since we have shown that Prateik's character has his (Salman's) posters in his room and wears a bracelet which is quite similar to the one Slaman wears in real life," she said.

"Dhobi Ghat", slated for a Dec 21 release, also stars Aamir and is the story of four individuals and how their lives are intertwined with each other.

Aamir cancels French honeymoon

Prefers to work on Dhobi Ghat than go on a romantic holiday with his wife, the director

The Aamir Khan-Kiran Rao shaadi turned five yesterday. The biwi had planned an trip for two to the south of France to mark the occasion.

Aamir not only cancelled the plan but preferred to work rather than have a holiday.

This is the first time in three years that the actor didn't have a release during the holidays (TZP, Ghajini and 3 Idiots were all December releases).

Despite the odds working in her favour, 'K' had to succumb to her husband's demands and ended up cancelling the vacation.

A source reveals, "Aamir and Kiran haven't gone on an official honeymoon.

This time around, they didn't have any release around Christmas, Kiran excitedly made all enquiries and was planning a short trip to her favourite destination the south of France.

She loves backpacking and going to remote places. Her idea was to take off on the Christmas Eve and return on Jan 2."

Aamir had initially planned to stay away from the promotion of Dhobi Ghat and let 'K' take centrestage, he has now cited a reason to forego the vacation.

The source adds, "Aamir wants to concentrate on the mixing of Dhobi Ghat. He feels if they delay the sound mixing it might hamper the further promotion and marketing of the project.

Kiran's plans went for a toss when Aamir suggested they concentrate on the film and postpone their holiday for a later date." Aamir confirms, "Yes, Kiran wanted to go for a holiday, she has been planning a holiday for longest time."

'Dhobi Ghat' to be released in two versions

Aamir Khan's production venture "Dhobi Ghat", which is the directorial debut of his wife Kiran Rao, will be released in two versions - one completely in Hindi and the other with a few scenes in English.

"The film has 8-10 scenes in English. But we realized that people who are not very comfortable with the language would be in a tough spot. So we dubbed those scenes in Hindi," Aamir told reporters here.

"We will release the film in two versions. One will be completely in Hindi and the other will have the original English dialogues. People can choose the version they want to see," he said.

The 45-year-old confirmed that both the versions will be released Jan 21.

When asked the reason for two versions when he could have also gone in for subtitles, the actor-producer informed: "We didn't want to keep subtitles because a lot of people don't like reading while seeing the film and many people can't read, so dubbing was a better option."

"Dhobi Ghat" that stars Aamir along with Prateik Babbar, Monica Dogra, Kriti Malhotra, Kitu Gidwani and Nafisa Khan is a film about four characters from different classes of society and how their lives are interwined.

"I'm very happy for the film. Kiran has beautifully implemented what she intended to make. It's a very different film, an arthouse film that we haven't seen for a while.

"It's a film about moments. Kiran has shot at real locations with a small crew, so it has a real feel about it. She has brought about the vibrancy and colour of Mumbai very well," he added.

Aamir Khan 'anxious about Rao's script'

Aamir Khan has admitted that he was worried when his wife told him she was writing a film script.

The actor said that he hoped Kiran Rao would not finish the script she was working on to save any uncomfortable situations if he didn't think it was right.

"Every time she mentioned she was working on it I prayed that she would not complete it, and in time would abandon it," Khan said about the script for Dhobi Ghat, his production directed by wife Rao.

However, when Rao finished it, Khan said that he had nothing to worry about and was blown away by his wife's work.

"From the first scene itself, the script just sucked me in," he added.

Rao's debut Dhobi Ghat featured in the lineup of the London Film Festival and will be released on January 22.

Aamir Khan goes bald again

Aamir Khan has again don 'Ghajini' look. He has shaved off his hair. It is assumed that he has chopped his hair for his new film.

Aamir Khan can go to any extent to bring perfection to his role. He takes every pain to look perfect. Whether going bald or growing thick moustache, he never compromises with his role.

It is believed that his new avatar is for his new film to be directed by Reema Kagti and co-produced by Aamir and Excel Entertainment. In this movie, Aamir Khan will play a cop.

He has not completely shaved off his hair but kept very short hair and left it to grow to take the shape that he is looking for.

A source close to Aamir confirmed, "Aamir has shaved his head, but not completely. It's basically a look which resembles the one he had in Ghajini."

His favorite hair stylist Avan Contractor had shaved off his hair for 'Ghajini' but this time a new hair dresser has been assigned. "The shaving happened on November 8. It was done at his residence. Obviously, nobody else was present except a new hairdresser and Aamir's family", added the source.

"Now, Aamir will growing his hair all over again. And he shall settle on the crop which he feels would best suit him."

Will Aamir Have Koffee With Karan?

Aamir 'perfectionist' Khan, who is known to keep a distance from the small screen, despite the fact that all the other top stars are making a beeline for it, is being given a sort of informal invitation or so, from the ace director and producer of B town, Karan Johar!

Recently, there have been reports suggesting that Karan Johar would be glad to have Aamir on his chat show, 'Koffee with Karan', season 3 , which will start next Sunday.

However, the question is will Mr. Perfectionist have Koffee with Karan? Will he agree to appear on the small screen? Will it be impossible to get the Khan brand for the show?

There are too many questions to be answered, and very few options, as most of these answers would stop at, most probably a "No", with a capital 'N'.

Thus, if at all, Aamir Khan does appear in the show, it should really be a show which will create a lot of buzz in tinsel town!

Considering the fact that Aamir Khan is the only Khan, who does not find the small screen such an attractive prospect, but of course, he did come on telly for the promotion of his film Fanaa, with Kajol, who was his co- actor in the film.

But, to get the star for a chat show is nothing less than a herculean task, and if Karan Johar, the director with the panache, manages to convince Aamir 'perfectionist' Khan, then, this could be the biggest bumper show for all Aamir Khan Fans!

Indian cinema going through a change

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, whose recent films 3 Idiots and Peepli Live has hit the right notes with the audience, says that Indian cinema is going through a change and there is demand for varied content.

"I feel that Indian Cinema is constantly going through a change. Nothing is static. It is nice to see that the audience wants to see varied subjects and different kinds of movies," Aamir told PTI.

In London for the release on September 24 of Peepli Live, a political satire about farmer suicides in India, Aamir, who has produced the film, said it has done "really well" in India, USA, Middle East and Australia.

"I am happy with the way Anusha Rizvi has made the film. This is her first film as writer and director and I think she has been able to translate the script onto the screen very well," said Aamir.

Aamir, who made his directorial debut with Taare Zameen Par in 2007 and starred in a supporting role, said that the film was not expected to do well.

"That is a new phenomena. Ten years back you would not expect a film like that to do well," he said.

When asked whether it is the social issue or any particular message that drives him to do a film, the actor-director-producer replied in the negative.

While admitting that Peepli Live has a specific message, his next film Dhobi Ghat, written and directed by his wife Kiran Rao, has no message.

"It is just about the lives of people. Dhobi Ghat is about the life of four characters in the city of Mumbai and how their lives affect each other. It is also about the city itself which is the 5th character of the film. Again there is no social issue or message in it," said Aamir.

When a script is offered to the 45-year-old actor, it is important for him to react to it instinctively to be able to say yes to the film.

"Me being attracted to a script is a very instinctive reaction. When I am reading a script, I am like an audience. The script which touches me, moves me, makes me laugh or cry, enriches me in any way or I get excited, that is the kind of film I have been doing all along," said Aamir.

"Each film is an experience because I get to learn more. The field of film-making is quite fascinating. While producing Taare Zameen Par, I had to do a lot of research about education and children with learning disabilities," he added.

The actor further said that his 1998 film Sarfarosh, in which he played an honest cop engaged in fighting border terrorism, was also a learning experience.

"I came to know so much about the police force and their problems. We constantly complain about them but we don't understand what they go through," said Aamir, adding that he got superb feed back after the film's released.

"Every cop I met told me it is such an accurate story showing exactly what happens. At least someone is showing police in the proper light," said Aamir.

Similarly, after the runaway success of Taare Zameen Par, "the way parents and teachers reacted and the way the education system reacted was tremendous. There have been a lot of policy changes after that."

"That is what I like about cinema. You touch people's lives, you make them laugh, you make them cry, you make them think, you make them feel. I find that fascinating," said Aamir.

'Dhobi Ghat' wins praise at TIFF

Aamir Khan's newest project Dhobi Ghat has won acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

According to IANS, TIFF co-director Cameron Bailey lauded the actor's performance in the picture.

"Dhobi Ghat has Aamir Khan in a role of an artist that you often don't see him in - he has done a terrific job," he said.

Director Kiran Rao also won praise from the festival organiser.

"I think she is part of a generation of filmmakers that we are seeing come up now in India - a new school in international cinema.

"This generation is not making films out of the Indian commercial cinema context, but making films that are referencing American independent cinema or European cinema or Asian cinema," said Bailey.

Dhobi Ghat is expected to release commercially at the end of 2010.

Aamir heads to Toronto for Dhobi Ghat screening

Popular actor-filmmaker Aamir Khan is preparing to fly to Toronto for the screening of his wife Kiran Rao's directorial debut Dhobi Ghat at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

"Getting ready to leave for Toronto. First screening of Dhobi Ghat on Sept 10 at the festival. Too many nervous days too close together," Aamir posted on his Facebook page.

The film festival is to be held Sep 9-18.

In Dhobi Ghat, Aamir plays the lead role of a painter. Set in Mumbai, the film revolves around four people who are separated by class and language but drawn together in compelling relationships.

Actor Pratiek Babbar too plays a key role in the film.