Kareena wants to work with Aamir again

Kareena Kapoor and Aamir Khan's sizzling chemistry in '3 Idiots' ought to be repeated, and we're not the only ones who think so. Kareena says she wants to team up with Aamir once again.

"I want to work with Aamir, but he is not doing any film for a year," Kareena said.

Bebo's also very keen that boyfriend Saif Ali Khan should work with '3 Idiots' director Rajkumar Hirani.

"I always tell him (Saif) that he should work with Raju Hirani," she added.

Indian PM watches 'Peepli Live'

Manmohan Singh and his family had Aamir for company at the special screening.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday (August 29) evening watched Aamir Khan's production 'Peepli Live' at his 7 Race Course Road residence, an official said.

"Dr. Singh watched the film with interest," the official in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said after the special screening of the film.

'Peepli Live' is a political satire based on farmers' suicides and the superfluous approach by media on issue.

Manmohan Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur, his family members and some close friends also watched the film at the special screening.

Aamir, the film's director Anusha Rizvi, distributor Ronnie Screwala and actors Raghuvir Yadav and Omkar Das Manikpuri were also present, the official said.

According to Congress sources, several party leaders had recommended the film to the prime minister.

Earlier, Aamir had held a screening of 'Peepli Live' for senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader L K Advani and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray.

Aamir has kept his 'Rancho' costume

Aamir Khan has confessed he keeps the costumes of all the characters he plays in films, even the clapboards.

Aamir has kept the costumes of Rancho, the character he essayed in the superhit '3 Idiots', as well as the clapboards, as he has done for all his films.

"You know I keep the clapboards of all my films. On the last day of the shoot, I collect it, even the costumes," Aamir told reporters at the DVD launch of '3 Idiots'.

Asked if he would produce Marathi films, he said: "I would be happy to produce Marathi films. The story and script should touch my heart. Language is not the problem. I would love to produce Gujarati, Bhojpuri. The beauty of our country is that we have around 22 languages and in every language we make films and there are television channels in every language, which you won't find in anywhere else. I would be happy to make films in other language also."

The superstar said he wishes he could have shown '3 Idiots' to his favourite directors -Guru Dutt, Mehboob and Raj Kapoor.

"Guru Dutt, Mehboobji and Raj Kapoor, I would have liked them to see this film (3 Idiots)," Aamir said.

In the last 10 years, the actor has give some major hits like 'Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India' (2001), 'Dil Chahta Hai' (2001), 'Rang De Basanti' (2006), 'Fanaa' (2006), 'Ghajini' (2008).

The actor maintains that every film is a collective effort and the key person is the director of the film.

"One thing that all should remember is that the main thing of a film is the collective effort, and the most important person of a film is the director. Till now if so many of my films have become successful, its bigger share of credit goes to the director.

"Like in '3 Idiots' Raju (Rajkumar Hirani), Abhijat (Joshi) have a huge contribution, after that we all have put in our best, that's why you liked '3 Idiots' so much. So I don't solely take the credit behind the success of the film, it's a collective effort of every single person associated with the film."

Dabangg success party - Photos

"May Dabangg do better than 3 Idiots'

'Dabangg' should make 10 times more money than '3 Idiots, Aamir Khan said at a party thrown by Salman Khan to celebrate the success of the cop comedy.

"I am very happy that Salman's 'Dabangg' got so much success. That's why I have come to give him a hug and congratulate him. I would always pray that his film makes 10 times more than what '3 Idiots' did," Aamir told reporters at the success party of the film held at Vie Lounge in Mumbai. Aamir and Salman have become very close in recent times, and are pretty much regulars at each others parties.

Report says in two weeks 'Dabangg' has done business of Rs.116 crore net and the third week has opened well on single screens. The film revolves around a corrupt cop Chulbul Pande, played by Salman, and his life.

The party was for the cast, crew and close friends, says actor-turned-producer Arbaaz Khan, who was thrilled with the success of his first production venture.

Salman made a brief appearance for the media and said, "Thank you so much. I am very happy."

This was Abhinav Kashyap's first film as director and he too was very happy with the sucess. "I am in the seventh heaven," he said.

When Malaika Arora Khan, who features in the 'Munni' song, was asked if she had expected her husband Arbaaz's debut production to be a record breaking hit, she said, "No, one can ever predict the fate of the film before hand, but, of course, we pray for its success. The magnitude of the response and the collections of the film are overwhelming."

Among the guests were director David Dawan and he said: "This is the biggest hit of Salman. He is outstanding and everyone knows that. After watching the film I was quite sure that it would be a big hit."

Chunky Pandey, Sonu Niigaam, Subhash Ghai and Vidhu Vinod Chopra also joined Salman for the party.

Bollywood's got Saturday Night Fever

Here's what happened when Aamir, Ash, and Abhishek met up with John Travolta

Hollywood star John Travolta was honoured at the GQ Men of the Year awards event along with Aamir Khan, Arjun Rampal and other stars. And he totally floored the B'wood biggies.

The 56-year-old actor, known for his hits 'Saturday Night Fever', 'Grease' and 'Pulp Fiction', was given the GQ Legend of the Year award late yesterday (September 26), a day after the star flew down to India in his private jet with his daughter Ella.

While Aamir was awarded the GQ Cinematic Icon of the Year, Arjun won the GQ Most Stylish Person trophy.

Aamir was so excited that John was attending the event that the actor made it a point to be there too.

"I am a big fan of John Travolta. I have seen a lot of his films. When I heard that he has come for this function, I made it a point to attend it. I'm also wearing a suit because of that," Aamir, who was dressed formally in a black suit and bow tie, said.

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai (who won the Ultimate GQ Man and Excellence awards) met up with the star too. Abhishek posted on his Twitter page, "Just back from the GQ man of the year awards. Wonderful evening. Met 1 of my childhood favs John travolta. Very sweet and humble."

And Big B tweeted about it too, writing about the family's Hollywood interaction, "Abhishek and Aishwarya win GQ awards ..meet John Travolta ..found him humble and sweet .."

John, who is on a two-day visit to India, launched a new model of Breitling watches too. His wife Kelly Preston has not accompanied him as she is pregnant with their twins.

Meanwhile, the actor denied the news that he'd be performing with Akshay Kumar. He is likely to fly out of Mumbai today (September 27).

Aamir Khan Screens 'Peepli Live' For Raj Thackeray - Photos

Aamir Khan Screens 'Peepli Live' For Raj Thackeray

'Peepli Live' is India's official Oscar entry

Aamir Khan's production 'Peepli Live' has been chosen as India's official entry to the Oscars, an official at the star's office said.

Aamir was on the top of the world as the news came in. He said it's a "special honour" to represent the country.

"I'm really happy to hear that 'Peepli Live' has been chosen to represent India at the Oscars. It is always a special honour for me to represent India on a world platform and I would like to thank the Film Federation of India (FFI) for considering us worthy," Aamir said.

'Peepli Live' is former journalist Anusha Rizvi's debut film as director and does not boast of big stars.

"My congratulations to Anusha and the entire team," added Aamir.

This is the third time that a film with which Aamir is associated has been chosen to contend for the best foreign film award at the Oscars by the FFI.

The first was Ashutosh Gowariker’s 2001 film 'Lagaan', featuring Aamir in the lead, which was nominated among the best five in the best foreign film category. But it lost to 'No Man’s Land'.

In 2008, his production and debut directorial 'Taare Zameen Par' was chosen by the FFI as India’s official entry for the Academy Award, but it failed to make it to the top five.

'Peepli Live' which does not boast of any big stars, is a satirical take on farmer suicides in India and takes pot shots at the media, politicians and bureaucrats.

No title trouble for 'Dhobi Ghaat'

The Delhi High Court today (September 22) dismissed a plea against the title of Aamir Khan's forthcoming film 'Dhobi Ghat' that had been entered because it apparently offended the Dalit dhobi (washermen) community. The petitioner was also penalised for a frivolous lawsuit.

The court rejected the petition, saying that 'Dhobi Ghat' is a geographical description of a place and is not offensive.

The high court bench of Chief Justice Dipak Nisra and Justice Manmohan found no merit in the petition and also imposed a cost of Rs.25,000 on the petitioner and asked him to deposit the amount with the National Blind Relief Association.

Produced by Aamir and directed by his wife Kiran Rao, 'Dhobi Ghat' is about four people who are separated by class and language but are drawn into compelling relationships. Aamir plays a painter in the movie.

Vinod Kumar Kanojia, who heads the Hindustan Kanojia Organisation of dhobis, in his petition claimed that the title of the film may lead to caste division.

He sought from the court change of the film's title before it was released to theatres. He also requested the censor board to assess the film’s title in order to avoid caste division.

Kanojia stated that the makers of the movie could have opted for some other title, but chose 'Dhobi Ghat' to hurt the feelings of the dhobi community.

He added that the community was a notified Scheduled Caste in the constitution and it is a punishable offence to call any person by their community name. The fundamental right of his community was violated by the film’s title and the court must restrain it.

'Dhobi Ghat' got an overwhelming response when screened at the recent Toronto International Film festival in Canada.

I’m no perfectionist: Aamir Khan

'Mr Perfectionist' is a tag that has always been associated with Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan but the actor-producer says that he only tries to do work that he believes in.

"I don't see myself as a perfectionist. I don't think anyone is perfect and anyone can be. I am someone who enjoys doing what I am doing and I do it with lot of love and passion," Khan told PTI in an interview during his recent visit to Melbourne Film Festival 2010. The actor, who worked hard on his body for an eight-pack look in 'Ghajini' only to lose those muscles for a plump look in '3 Idiots', is also averse to being called a methodical actor.

"I don't know if being called as methodical is the right word to describe me. Each time I approach the material in a new way. So there is not one method for me, I m not a trained actor, so I don't know what method acting is," Khan said. His films 'Laagan', 'Taare Zameen Par', '3 Idiots', and now 'Peepli Live' have all made it big at the box office around the globe and he attributes his success to a talented team.

"I ve been successful in my career and I m grateful but you have to remember film making is a collective art form and all the films I have done and have been successful are not a result of me alone. They are result of a lot of talented people coming together and doing a good work."

His latest production stars a motley of theatre actors and depicts the growing rural and urban divide in India, but Khan says he does not think about awards while working on a movie. "I never have Oscar or any other awards ceremony in my mind when I m doing my film. I believe that I make my films for my audience and for myself and in the process if my film does get selected to the platform which showcases the film to an audience which does not get to see Indian films then thats great," Khan said.

On the query if he was trying to change the landscape for Bollywood by his meaningful cinema, Khan says he invests his energies into good movies. "I have been working in film industry for more than two decades and I am sure I have my energies into it. I found that in past 20 years, from that time till now. I am swimming against tide and I'm glad that I have certain amount of success in that. But I am not doing films to change anything," Khan said.

As far as naming his lady luck goes, he says,"Kiran and I have been working together for more than 4 years and she has helped me produce films like TZP, 'Jaane tu Ya Jaane Naa' and now 'Peepli Live'. She has contributed towards my success and she is someone who I regard and respect highly," Khan said.

Aamir Khan & Kiran Rao arrive at the Earth Awards at Marlboro House - Photos

Aamir Khan (R) with his wife Kiran Rao (L) arrive at the Earth Awards at Marlboro House on September 16, 2010 in London, England. The Earth Awards recognise achievements and new ideas in the field of eco-friendly design and innovation.

Bollywood's top tax payers revealed

Shah Rukh Khan has got back his position as Bollywood's top tax payer. For 2010- 2011, he's paid more taxes than Akshay Kumar, who'd topped the list for 2010-2009. SRK has paid Rs. 5 crores for the second quarter this time round, compared to Akki's 4.5 crores.

They are followed by Aamir Khan, who paid Rs 4 crores. The fourth place is shared by Saif Ali Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, both paying Rs 2.5 crores.

Katrina leads the B'wood heroine brigade, with Rs 1.3 crore. She's followed closely by Kareena Kapoor, who's paid Rs 1 crore.

Someone who's really fallen on this chart is Hrithik Roshan, who's only paid Rs 50 lakhs for the year, compared to Rs 3 crores last year.

Aamir says all's not well

Aamir Khan visited the Druk White Lotus School in Leh yesterday (August 18). And seeing the school that's been badly affected by the cloudburst in the region he said - "All's not well".

The school became famous after being featured in '3 Idiots', it's shown as being started by Aamir Khan's character Rancho. In real-life, the school has 800 students on its rolls. It was devastated by the sudden cloudburst two weeks ago.

After seeing the damage, Aamir said that he would be donating money to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund, and that he would also ask his colleagues in Bollywood to contribute. He also asked people to come and visit Leh, which he described as being like paradise.

Aamir says all's not well

Aamir Khan visited the Druk White Lotus School in Leh yesterday (August 18). And seeing the school that's been badly affected by the cloudburst in the region he said - "All's not well".

The school became famous after being featured in '3 Idiots', it's shown as being started by Aamir Khan's character Rancho. In real-life, the school has 800 students on its rolls. It was devastated by the sudden cloudburst two weeks ago.

After seeing the damage, Aamir said that he would be donating money to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund, and that he would also ask his colleagues in Bollywood to contribute. He also asked people to come and visit Leh, which he described as being like paradise.

Aamir turns barber

After playing a milkman, Aamir Khan will be seen as a barber and a shopkeeper in new TV commercials.

Aamir, who is the brand ambassador of TataSky, plays a barber and a shopkeeper in two different television commercials of the DTH service.

In both the ads, the customer walks in asking for a particular haircut or a white shirt, while he is forced to take something completely different. The situation shown in the films draws a parallel between the DTH companies and the barber and the shopkeeper and has been communicated through the use of humour and satire.

Conceptualised by Ogilvy and Mather, the core theme of the ads revolves around TruChoice Packages being offered by Tata Sky.

Television viewers - whether cable or DTH - don't have the true choice of selecting only those channels that they wish to watch. In the process, they end up paying for a host of channels they don't watch or like. These packages give the subscriber the option of watching only those channels he/she likes to watch.

Earlier, the actor had actually turned into a barber while promoting his film 'Ghajini'. Aamir was seen giving his typical Ghajini-style haircut to his fans.

At the Dhobi Ghaat

We take a sneak peek

Kiran Rao's directorial debut Dhobi Ghat is premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Even though the film's plot has been closely guarded, it recently made its way to the Internet. Here's what to expect from the film.

Character: Arun

Played by: Aamir Khan

Profile: A brooding painter who loves to lose himself in his world of art.

Character: Shai

Played by: Monica Dogra

Profile: An Indian American woman visiting her family in the city. Shai and Arun meet at his exhibition and strike a conversation. She's an affluent investment banker on a sabbatica

Character: Munna

Played by: Pratik Babbar

Profile: He's a young laundry boy with ambitions of being a Bollywood actor. Shai happens to meet Munna and befriend him as he takes her on a journey through his Dhobhi Ghaat. She soon starts photographing him at work and they become closer.

Protests against 'Peepli Live'

Aamir Khan's 'Peepli Live' might be a hit with both audiences and critics, but there's one section of people who're definitely not happy with the movie. And they're making their problem known. Farmers in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra have held protests against 'Peepli Live', which they feel mocks the issues facing farmers in the area, many of whom have committed suicide. The protestors even burned Aamir's effigy and have asked that the movie be banned because of the way it portrays farmer suicides.

They've said that the movie is an insult to farmers who have been victims of the system. They feel that by showing a farmer deciding to commit suicide just for the sake of compensation, the filmmakers have made light of a serious issue.

The Vidarbha farmers say they will continue to protest unless the movie is banned.

Aamir's set for 'Koffee With Karan'

Aamir Khan is definitely becoming a friendlier man towards all of Bollywood. The once-upon-a-time-reclusive star is now seen at lots of parties and events (particularly with new bestie Salman Khan), and now we hear that Aamir's finally agreed to appear on Karan Johar's talk show 'Koffee With Karan'. Buzz is he's going to be one of the guests on season three of the show.

It seens Karan had approached Aamir to appear on the show in earlier seasons as well, but the star had always refused. Could it be that Aamir didn't want to have to answer all those fun and naughty questions in the show's famous rapid-fire round? The very same where Kareena Kapoor called John Abraham expressionless! We'll be watching out for what KJo has in store for Aamir, and if Aamir has really loosened up enough to answer some tricky questions about his B'wood choices.

'Peepli Live' strikes gold at the box office

Aamir's movie took in Rs.70 million on its opening day

Aamir Khan's Midas touch continues with his production venture 'Peepli Live', a non commercial film about farmer suicides, doing well on its opening day, taking the actor pleasantly by surprise, and raking up about Rs.70 million and still counting.

"Initially, we had planned to open with 200 screens. But the reaction to the promos and trailers has been most encouraging. We are trying to react to the perceived demand to the film," said Aamir.

Journalist-turned-director Anusha Rizvi's direcotrial debut, 'Peepli Live' was made on a budget of approximately Rs.100 million (including marketing costs) and recovered its investment even before its release by selling its satellite rights for Rs.100 million and music rights for Rs.40 million.

"'Peepli Live' has opened extremely well. What is surprising is the reaction from single screens - it opened to almost 90 to 95 percent in single screens," said a source close to Aamir.

"As a non-star cast film with A-certificate, trade expected the film to do modest business. However, the film has done bigger business than small films by three times," added the source.

The cast of the film didn't have any big names except Naseeruddin Shah. Many actors are tribals from Bhadwai village in Madhya Pradesh, while other cast members are from late playwright Habib Tanvir's theatre troupe Naya Theatre, including the main lead Omkar Das Manikpuri, who plays Natha.

Other names in the cast are Malaika Shenoy, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Shalini Vatsa, Farrukh Jaffer, Vishal O. Sharma, Aamir Bashir, Sitaram Panchal and Yugal Kishore.

'Peepli Live' had the widest film release ever for a non star cast Hindi film. It hit 600 screens in India and 100 in overseas markets, except Britain Friday.

This is the fourth film from Aamir Khan Productions Ltd. after 'Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India' (2001), 'Taare Zameen Par' (2007) and 'Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na' (2008).

When Priyanka met Aamir

Aamir Khan held screenings of his production Peepli [Live] at Ketnav and at an Andheri multiplex for film folk on Wednesday night. Priyanka Chopra was among those who attended.