Kareena on the sets of RA.One

Kareena Kapoor struts her stuff on the sets of RA.One in London. Can you spot SRK in the background sporting a look from his yesteryear flick, Yes Boss?

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.

Kareena's birthday in Paris!

Kareena Kapoor will turn a year older on September 21.

And we hear her family has a nice little party planned for her in the most romantic city of the world — Paris. Her mother Babita, sister Karisma with her two kids and her boyfriend Saif Ali Khan are apparently planning to ring in Bebo's birthday in Paris, which is her favourite city. Saif is also said to be secretly shopping for Kareena's birthday gift as well.

Russian President Dmitry meets Yash Chopra and Shahrukh Khan

 

They say art and culture has no language and this became apparent during the recent visit of the Russian President H.E. Dmitry A. Medvedev to India when he took out time from his two day visit to head to Yash Raj Studio.

The agenda was quite simple; it was to further strengthen the ties of the two countries with special emphasis on promoting cultural exchanges between Russia and India and for the President to get an opportunity to directly meet with the members of the Indian film industry.

Not many know that Indian Films have been very popular with Russian audiences for over 60 years since the time of the legendary Raj Kapoor. And this fond memory helped to get the President's meeting off to a very cordial beginning and set the mood for what followed.

Russian President Dmitry meets Yash Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan Click here to add this article to My Clips

By Bollywood Hungama News Network, December 24, 2010 - 18:08 IST

Yash Chopra, Mukesh Bhatt, Dmitri Medvedev, Randhir Kapoor, Ramesh Sippy, Manmohan Desai

They say art and culture has no language and this became apparent during the recent visit of the Russian President H.E. Dmitry A. Medvedev to India when he took out time from his two day visit to head to Yash Raj Studio.

The agenda was quite simple; it was to further strengthen the ties of the two countries with special emphasis on promoting cultural exchanges between Russia and India and for the President to get an opportunity to directly meet with the members of the Indian film industry.

Not many know that Indian Films have been very popular with Russian audiences for over 60 years since the time of the legendary Raj Kapoor. And this fond memory helped to get the President's meeting off to a very cordial beginning and set the mood for what followed.

Shahrukh Khan, Dmitri Medvedev, Yash Chopra, Kareena Kapoor

President Dmitry Medvedev was very happy that he was able to spend some time at the studio along with Yash Chopra and meet with the members of the Film Producers Guild of India and others. He said that his association and love for Indian films started way back in 1970 with Raj Kapoor's Shree 420, a popular and iconic film in Russia. He also said that cinemas are a common language and that he looked forward to receiving good proposals from the Indian Film Industry.

Even Yash Chopra was thrilled to meet the President as he said, "We are honoured to have the President of Russia, H.E. Medvedev, who took time off during his very short visit to India, to come visit us. Speaking on behalf of all of us present here and particularly the film fraternity, I am confident that this visit will most certainly help us to build on our already strong cultural and emotional relationship that has existed over many years. With this as our heritage, we should be looking at doing things collectively going forward."

While at the studio Yash Chopra invited the Russia President to the sets of Ra.One to meet Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor. This was a special occasion for the President, being the first time that he was on the sets of an Indian film shoot. In his unique and witty style, Shah Rukh Khan said that there is a great diversity of Russian and Indian culture which can be mutually drawn upon. He suggested that we should go there to learn the ballet and Russia should come here to learn the bhangra!

At Mehboob Studios...

Shah Rukh Khan at a photoshoot for the suiting brand he endorses.

Deepika Padukone shooting for Break Ke Baad.

Arjun Rampal and Kareena Kapoor at a promotional event for We Are Family

"I'm lucky to have Saif as a partner"

Kareena Kapoor is all praise for her man Saif Ali Khan, with whom she is shooting for director Sriram Raghavan's 'Agent Vinod', and says she is lucky to have him in her life.

"Very few people get love in life and such a supportive partner. Of course, I am very lucky that I have got a partner like Saif. He is a very unique man. His thoughts are much different from others and he always encourages me to work," Kareena said.

She maintains that Saif is like a Hollywood actor, who is ignorant about what's happening around and enjoys his own world.

"Saif is mostly ignorant about what films are in the making or if I have signed any until I tell him about my upcoming projects. He is like a Hollywood actor who stays mostly in his own world. He wants to do certain films and produce movies like Hollywood star," said the actress who teamed up with him in 'Tashan'.

Is it Kareena?

Who has been cast opposite Salman Khan in Atul Agnihotri's remake of the South flick Bodyguard? A source close to Kareena Kapoor insists that it is the actress!

There was buzz that Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone too had been approached for the project being directed by Siddique, who called the shots in the original flick.

But the casting depended on the availability of Sallu's dates. So whichever actress could give the dates to match Khan could be part of the film.

Titled My Love Story, it is slated to release during Eid next year. It will be Sallu's third Eid release after Wanted in 2009 and Dabangg this year.

Pssst ¦ After Dabangg, Salman Khan is hot property and even those who had issues with him now want to star with him. Kareena had problems with the star during Main Aurr Mrs Khanna.

Saif's girl has let bygones be bygones to work again with the much-in-demand Sallu. Wonder what her RA.One co-star Shah Rukh Khan has to say to this?

“I wouldn’t be a strict mom”

Kareena Kapoor plays the ‘stepmom’ character in ‘We Are Family’. And it’s a role she’s unofficially playing in real-life too. Kareena’s man Saif has two kids, Sara and Ibrahim, with ex-wife Amrita Singh. And we guess the actress speaks from experience when she gets talking about ‘the need to understand, love and respect’ for both stepmums and stepkids.

Her answer is cautious when we ask her what kind of mom she’d make in real life but her striking confidence gives us a feeling she’ll be fine when the time comes. No false modesty for Bebo, who proudly says she’s the only who could have played Julia Roberts’ part in the B’wood version of ‘Stepmom’. And we love the tossed-off way in which Kareena says she doesn't really see any competition for herself in the ad world. Here’s more with the very candid hottie.

What kind of mom do you think you’d be in real life?
It’s difficult to say. I don’t think one can say without being a mom in real life. And I haven’t thought about this much. But I don’t think I’d be a strict mom, more the pampering kind. That’s how I am with my niece and nephew (Karisma Kapoor’s kids Samaira and Kiaan). I get to spend such little time with them because of work, so I just can’t be strict.

What advice would you give to someone who’s going to be a stepmom?
I think there’s nothing wrong with the term. You need to understand, love and respect the children. There’s adjustment involved of course. A lot of perceptions of a stepmom have changed now, and with ‘We Are Family’, we’re going to change them a lot more.

What’s Kajol like as a co-star? Was it any different working with her all these years after ‘Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham’?
Kajol is absolutely amazing. She’s the most exceptional person I know. We got along, we gave each other space, and when we were not together we ended up really missing one another. You know when Karan (Johar) started this movie, he told us that Kajol and I were the only actresses he could imagine in the roles played by Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts in the original ‘Stepmom’. That was such a compliment to both of us.

Your other co-star from ‘We Are Family’ Arjun Rampal has called you the Tendulkar of Bollywood. What do you have to say about that?
Arjun just likes me and cricket too. So he put us together! (Laughs). It’s a wonderful compliment. And I’m lucky to work with him. It’s great to see that he has come into his own as an actor, his metamorphosis. He’s a true star now.

You’re the most in-demand actress in the ad world for this year. Do you see any other actresses as competition there?
Not really. I think everyone’s doing an equal amount of work. If there are three shampoos out there, they’ll have three different actresses in the ads. The brands I am endorsing, Vaio among them, are international brands with international teams and concepts.

You’ll be working with Imran Khan soon. Any other actors from the newer lot you want to act with?
Well, there’s Ranbir but we’re brother and sister so we can’t be cast together as hero and heroine.

What if you and Ranbir were cast as brother and sister?
Someone has to write such a script!

Have you seen Imran and Ranbir’s recent movies?
No, but I’ve heard good things about ‘I Hate Luv Storys’ and ‘Raajneeti’. Actually, I don’t watch too many movies. The last one I saw was ‘3 Idiots’. I’ve got very little free time, so when I do I’d rather spend it with family and friends, instead of watching a movie. I’ve shot five films in the last one year, so that hasn’t left me free for much else. But I do take time out to travel, which is my passion.

Where did you last travel to?
Switzerland (Saif and Kareena spent his 40th birthday there). I just got back this morning. We make it a point to visit Switzerland at least three times a year. Basically, we love Europe, we’re big fans! It’s so hot in our country most of the time. So Paris and London are always great.

The devastating 'We Are Family' moment

Filming the Indian version of Elvis Presley's track ‘Jailhouse Rock’ in the forthcoming film ‘We Are Family’ was more like a nightmare for the crew and director Siddharth Malhotra describes it as the most devastating moment of the shooting.

Releasing September 3, the film starring Kajol, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal is the Indian version of the Hollywood hit ‘Stepmom’.

Earlier, producer Karan Johar had obtained the rights to the song ‘Pretty Woman’ for ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ fairly easily. This time too getting the original copyright holders of ‘Jailhouse Rock’ to say yes was easy enough.

The nightmare began later.

Apparently just days before filming, the official contract arrived from the US. To their horror, Karan and director Siddharth discovered that they were not allowed to use any image, visuals, dance steps or even the words associated with the original Elvis song!

At that late juncture everything from the dance steps, to the set to the lyrics had to be changed and the Elvis' classic song ‘Jailhouse Rock’ was titled ‘Dil khol ke let's rock’.

"The contract arrived just days before shooting. We got to know that we couldn't use anything to do with Elvis. We had everything ready, the set, the costumes, the songs and words... Most importantly we had images of Elvis splashed all over and we had incorporated the words from 'Jailhouse Rock' into the track. All that had to be scrapped."

For a while Karan and Siddharth contemplated scrapping the song altogether.

"What is the point of a tribute to Elvis when we couldn't use his face, his dance steps, even his images as props on the sets? We couldn't even replicate any of the lyrics from the original and had to rewrite the words on the spot. So what could we use?

"It was the most devastating moment of the shooting. First, Kajol was three months pregnant and we had to change all her steps. Then we had to change everything because we hadn't read the contract."

Matters got worse when the little girl playing Kajol's younger daughter suddenly fell sick with chickenpox.

"We had to rewrite the scene explaining her absence in the song. It was a nightmare. And one we'd never like to go through again," said Malhotra.

Kareena-Saif celebrate in Paris

Kareena Kapoor's ill on her birthday this year, but she didn't let that stop her from flying down to Paris to be with her man Saif. Even though her mom Babita told the star to rest, she chose to travel so she could with Saif as she turned 30.

Kareena's been swamped shooting for Shah Rukh Khan's 'Ra.One' in the UK and Saif's home production 'Agent Vinod' in Latvia. Plus, she's been shooting lots of ads in between her film shoots. Still, she managed to find time to throw a party for Malaika Arora Khan following 'Dabangg' and also one for buddy Tusshar Kapoor's birthday. But all that work and partying took its toll on her health, and Kareena fell ill.

But just as she wanted to spend her special day with Saif, so Saif wanted to make the day even more special for Bebo. So we hear that they're going to be having a romantic celebration at the Ritz Hotel in Paris. We're sure that'll make up for being under the weather.

Who boycotted Saif and Kareena?

We know from personal experience that there are very few B'wood stars who are punctual. Most of them get away with being hours late for events, but not this time for Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.

It seems that when Bebo and Saif got to an event in Mumbai almost two hours later than they were supposed to, the media boycotted them. So what was the reason for this delay? Apparently, the couple were stuck in traffic. Surprising, considering that the event venue was just about half an hour away from their home. The organisers say that they kept updating the journos about this, but that didn't stop them from walking out anyway.

We hear Saif apologised to everyone, but we think he might have also learnt that you can't keep all the people waiting all the time!

‘We Are Family’ releasing dates changed

Dharma Productions’ ‘We Are Family’ has announced a change of plans in its releasing dates.

Earlier, the film was planned for September 3rd release. Now according to the production statement, the film will be released a day ahead, that is, on Sept 2nd instead. That’s because Janamashtami falls on Sept 2nd and it’s a day when most parts of India will have a holiday. This in turn will be favourable for the film in terms of extended weekend footfalls.

Produced by Karan Johar and directed by debutant Siddharth Malhotra, ‘We Are Family’ stars Kajol, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal in the lead. The film is an official remake of Susan Sarandon-Julia Roberts starrer Hollywood flick ‘Stepmom’.

Bebo's wardrobe malfunction - Video

Kareena Kapoor suffered a wardrobe malfunction at the launch of the anniversary issue of the Star Week magazine

Kajol & Kareena Kapoor on Filmfare Magazine

Kareena's bash for Malaika Arora Khan

Kareena Kapoor threw a party for her best friend Amrita's sister Malaika Arora Khan urf Munni from Dabangg last night.

"Kareena is here for only a few days but she insisted on having a party for Malaika when she heard that Dabangg was a hit and the song Munni Badnaam Hui had become a rage. Salman and Kareena had a problem during the shooting of Main Aur Mrs Khanna after which they had decided not to work together but that has been sorted out. Bebo is too warm-hearted a person to hold grudges," a source said.

The party was held at Kareena's Bandra flat where Amu, Bebo, Malaika, Tusshar, director Lovely Singh and Karisma Kapoor had great fun dancing to the song.

Malaika said, "Though I am over the moon that the song is so popular and Dabangg is such a big hit, the best part is that friends have been really sweet and hosted celebratory dinners. Bebo was in town and she also had something at her place. We told her she has a busy schedule but she said 'I don't care, we are celebrating!'"

Few know that Malaika was initially reluctant to dance to the song, which has been composed by Lalit Pandit. "I felt that, as a producer, I should stay behind the camera. But when Arbaaz heard the song he came and told me that he's found his Munni and I will do the song. Later Salman and Amu insisted that only I could do justice to the number so I gave in."

Kareena's filmi battle

The cold war between Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra is fast intensifying, with a makeup artist the reason for the latest battle between them, according to a Pakistani daily.

"The war between Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra is not a new thing. For a long time, reports of mutual dislike between both have been circulating. This time, another undeclared outbreak of war between the two is over their favourite makeup artist Pompy, who is the stylist for both," the Urdu daily Jang reported.

According to the paper, Priyanka wanted Pompy for her makeup in her film 'Anjaana Anjaani' but when she contacted him, she found out Kareena had taken the makeup artist with her to Sydney, and thus Priyanka was unable to use Pompy's services for her film.

"It is these things that keep on adding to the bitterness between the two and thus the gulf between the two actresses is increasing day by day," the report said.

How's Kareena celebrating her 30th birthday?

Kareena Kapoor will bring in her 30th birthday on September 21 in Latvia, where she is busy shooting for 'Agent Vinod with her man Saif Ali Khan.

Since 'Agent Vinod' is Saif's home production, he and Kareena are planning to fly down to be with Kareena's mother (Babita) in Latvia for the birthday.

Her sister Karisma cannot join them because of her baby and Kareena expresses helplessness about her impossible schedules.

"What can I do? I barely have time to breathe. I've just come to Mumbai for two days. I've been away for 25 days. Now I fly off to Latvia for over a month's shooting," said Kareena.

Talking about her future, she said: "I'm now entering a new phase in my life and career. This year I hope to conquer many new peaks. By god's grace 'Agent Vinod' and 'Ra.One' are shaping up very well."

Kareena has also signed Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Heroine', but the film's shooting has been postponed. Confirming the news, she said: "Madhur is still working on the script. We start shooting the film when the script is ready in the next three months. Right now Madhur is busy with 'Dil To Bachcha Hai Jee'."

Kareena Kapoor on Indian Idol

Kareena Kapoor was on the sets of Indian Idol on Saturday promoting her movie We Are Family. A day earlier, she attended the first anniversary of Star Week, along with Karan Johar.

Munni act floors Bebo

Kareena Kapoor landed in Mumbai from Latvia via Frankfurt with two blobs of red on her cheeks.

Yes, the weather in Latvia where she was shooting for Agent Vinod was cold! Anway the first thing Bebo did when she landed in the warmer climes was to congratulate her best friends Malaika Arora Khan and Amrita Arora Lakdawala on the super success of their latest film.

Bebo said, "I haven't seen Malli's film, but I have only been hearing about what a rocker it is from everyone around me."

What Bebo conveniently forgot to say was that she herself was having a private bash for Malaika, Amrita, Lovely Singh, Tusshar Kapoor, Shabina Khan and a few others at her home last night. Said one of her friends, "Bebo wanted to be the first to throw a success party for Malli. And Malli actually did her Munni act at this closed door affair for the chosen few. All the guests joined in and they actually brought the house down." Saif Ali Khan missed this rocking party at his home because he is still in Europe.

Happy Birthday: Saif's birthday plans revealed

Saif Ali Khan turns 40 today (August 16), and girlfriend Kareena Kapoor put together a special vacation to celebrate the big day in style. The couple had been planning a secret birthday getaway for a while now, and it seems the location is the super scenic Gstaad in Switzerland.

Gstaad is famous for its uber luxurious skiing resorts, and Bebo felt that Saif (who loves skiing) would really enjoy the place.

Kareena's been really busy shooting for 'Ra.One' in London recently, and soon after she flew to Mumbai for a few events (we spotted her on an 'Indian Idol' shoot). But then it was time to fly to Switzerland to bring in the big celebrations with Saif.

Here's wishing Saif a very Happy Birthday, and hope the couple have a great holiday!