Salman to skip IIFA

All those who were expecting a face-off between the two Khans of Bollywood - Salman and Shah Rukh - at the forthcoming International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend will be disappointed as Salman has decided to skip the award ceremony.
Here to promote his debut movie production "Chillar Party", Salman confirmed that he won't be present at the three-day event which will kick off Thursday in Toronto.

"I am shooting for my next 'Bodyguard' and it is an action movie, so yes, you people won't see me there. IIFA will miss me this time," Salman told reporters at the Film Division here Tuesday.

This year, Shah Rukh is performing on the IIFA stage after seven years. The actor has attended two editions of the IIFA Weekend in the past - in Singapore in 2004, and Amsterdam in 2005.

As "Chillar Party" will open the 12th IIFA awards ceremony and this being Salman's first production, his presence was more than expected. But it seems the rift between the two Khans has pushed Salman to stay away from the ceremony.

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Salman Khan 'pampered' me on the sets of 'Ready' Asin

Bollywood actress Asin has revealed that Salman Khan 'pampered' her on the sets of 'Ready', the film that premieres in Dubai today.
The actress also praised Khan- her co-star in film - calling him a "guy with a good heart".

"When I fell ill during the climax of Ready, it was Salman who ensured that I had food and medicine on time. And if I forgot, he would knock on my door and see to it that I took it. You feel pampered and nicely taken care of," Gulf News quoted the actress as saying.

Quite the ladies man, Khan also used to treat her with some good comfort food too.

"He doesn't have anything himself but he will pamper us with ghar ka khana [home-made food] and ice cream. And if I moan about calories, he will be, 'don't worry - there's hardly any calories in them'," she said.

However, she denied rumours that Khan lavished her with gifts including a plush apartment in Mumbai, jewellery and pet animals.

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Kainaz Motivala smitten by Salman

Ragini MMS" actress Kainaz Motivala is mesmerised by Bollywood star Salman Khan's performance in "Ready" and says she feels he is unbeatable.
Just watched 'Ready' and I don't think India's ever had or will ever have another Salman Khan! @BeingSalmanKhan Sir, u exude charm and charisma!" Kainaz posted on her Twitter page Wednesday. The film is releasing Friday.

The actress was also earlier seen in a cameo in "Wake Up Sid" and she also features in Sony TV's show "Kismat".

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Post tiff with Bazmee, Salman steering 'Ready' to theatres

It seems Salman Khan wants "Ready" to rock to his own rhythm and has taken charge of the destiny of the film's release. Director Anees Bazmee has been sportingly justifying all his impositions as friendly collaboration, but apparently a difference of opinion recently came up between the two.
It was for a chase sequence. Salman wanted it edited in a particular way. But Anees thought it was fine the way it was. The two of them had a heated argument over the issue," said a source.

Bazmee said: "It was a pre-climactic chase sequence. Salman's character pursues the goons in an auto-rickshaw. I wanted it shorter, no more than three minutes of playing-time. Salman wanted it to go on a little longer because he thought the kids would enjoy it. So we extended it to four minutes. That's it."

"There has been no major argument as such. I've shown the edited portions to Salman as I've done to all my heroes in other films. What's wrong with that? Yes, I did change the chase sequence on his suggestion because it made sense to do so," he added.

"Ready" is coming out on June 3 and Salman will be seen with host of other actors - Asin Thottumkal, Arya Babbar, Mahesh Manjrekar and Paresh Rawa - in the film about a rich heir who wants to enjoy life before tying the knot.

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Salman Khan shoots 'Bodyguard' in Patiala

Bollywood actor Salman Khan and his sister Alvira Agnihotri reached here to shoot their film 'Bodyguard'.
Alvira, wife of Atul Agnihotri, producer of the film, reached here on Thursday evening to finalise some more locals for the shoot of the film. She would go back to Mumbai tomorrow.

Salman Khan, who also reached here on Thursday night from Chandigarh, had started shooting for 'Bodyguard' near Patiala.

He would stay for some days.

It is Alvira's directorial debut, slated to release on the occasion of Eid, August 31 this year, sources said.

The crew has reserved Neemrana Heritage Hotel here situated in the heart of Baradari Gardens.

A remake of the director's own 2010 Malayalam film 'Bodyguard' is being produced by Atul Agnihotri, starring Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor in lead roles.

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Fans' appreciation keeps Salman going

Salman Khan has seen several ups and downs in his over two-decade-old Bollywood career, but he says it is primarily the love of his fans which motivates him to continue his association with the industry.
When I feel like letting it go sometimes, and then when I think of how you guys (fans) appreciate what I've done, then I feel that it is my moral responsibility to get out of all those feelings and control and get my will power back and start working once again," Salman said, in a conversation with a fan through Airtel Talk2Me.

At 45, Salman gave the biggest hit of recent times with "Dabangg", and he is currently a rage thanks to his peppy numbers "Character dheela hai" and "Dhinkachika" from his forthcoming film "Ready", releasing June 3.

The actor exchanged short conversations with some of his fans through Airtel's service, and talked about "Ready", and his future projects like "Bodyguard", "Sherkhan", "Kick", "Tiger", "No Entry 2" and "Dabangg 2".

Salman also mentioned about a sequel to "Andaz Apna Apna" being planned by co-star Aamir Khan.

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Salman Khan turns writer for 'Chillar Party'

After being an actor and a painter, superstar Salman Khan seems to have embarked on a new career as a writer. The actor has written the introduction to the trailer of his forthcoming co-production "Chillar Party".
The team of "Chillar Party" wanted to take Salman through the theatrical trailer. When he saw the trailer, he liked it but felt that it lacked interesting punch.

He impromptu penned down the script for a voiceover introducing the characters in the film and recorded it in his own voice.

"Chillar Party" is the story about a gang of innocent yet feisty kids from Chandan Nagar - Encyclopedia, Jhanghia, Akram, Secondhand, Panauti, Silencer, Aflatoon and Shaolin.

Their lives turn around when two strangers Fatka and Bheedu enter their world.

Co-produced by UTV Spotboy, the film releases July 8. It is directed by Vikas Bahl and Nitesh Tiwari.

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Salman 'ready' for cameo in 'Taarak Mehta...'

Bollywood star Salman Khan has shot a cameo for Sab TV's "Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah", as part of promotional activities for his new film "Ready". He spread cheer on the sets as he broke into some impromptu jigs with the popular actors of the comedy show.
Salman's visit to the show's Gokuldham Society of the show filled everyone with excitement, especially lead characters Dayaben, played by Disha Wakani, and Jethalal, essayed by Dilip Joshi.

"I was very pleased to be part of this show. I have worked with Dilip Joshi since my 'Maine Pyaar Kiya' days and it was great meeting him again. I especially came to meet Daya bhabhi and I was all ready for all the fun on the sets," Salman said in a press statement.

Salman was welcomed with an 'aarti' by Dayaben, who performed her signature garba dance thereafter. Salman delighted the cast and crew by accompanying her with his impromptu jig.

The children who feature on the show insisted Salman teach them some of his typical dance moves and he readily obliged.

"It was such a surprise to see Salman. Had I known he was coming, I would have made some of my delicious aamrus puri for him. I'm sure he would have loved it," said Wakani.

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J.P. Dutta lashes out at National Awards' critics

The almost-complete exclusion of Bollywood from the National Awards and the selection of "Dabangg" as a "wholesome entertainer" has miffed some Bollywood denizens but jury head J.P Dutta is unfazed.
"Why are we looking at Indian cinema as Bollywood and regional cinema? There's just one cinema in the country, Indian cinema. It's a shame that a lot of filmmakers in Mumbai equate Bollywood with Indian cinema. They need to open their eyes and look around," he contended.

Dutta lashed out at films and filmmakers who seem to miss the point of the "real" India. "I think it's time to stop looking down on films that are set in the so-called cow-belt. It's a healthy sign that films like 'Dabangg' are taking our cinema back to the Indian heartland. I've always shot my films in the most beautiful places in India, whether it is Rajasthan or Ladakh or Leh. It's time for our cinema to stop its obsession with the West."

Dutta was enthralled by the films submitted this year. "I was amazed at how much quality-conscious cinema I got to see this year for the National Awards. The films that have won awards are truly outstanding. Some of them were so moving, they made me cry," he said.

He blames television channels for the Bollywood-centric National Awards coverage.

"The television channels were only harping on the Hindi films. What about the winners in other languages? They don't matter because they aren't in Hindi? I don't think the spoken language should be given so much importance in our films," he said.

Eyebrows have been raised, especially over the selection of "Dabangg" for wholesome entertainment. Defending the choice, Dutta said, "I think 'Dabangg' is the perfect wholesome entertainer. It propagates family values. It shows the alcoholic father sacrificing his life when he feels he's coming in the way of his daughter's life. And it shows step-brothers uniting as one force to protect the family."

Criticized for fumbling with the titles while announcing the winners, Dutta said: "Yes, some titles were tongue-twisters. I am not denying that. I wasn't familiar with the pronunciation of some of the languages. I was chosen to chair the jury not for my linguistic versatility but knowledge of cinema."

He insisted that Bollywood should not be the "fulcrum" for Indian cinema. "It was a pleasure to see cinema from all over the country making such an impact. It's about time we stopped looking at Bollywood as the fulcrum of Indian cinema. There's so much quality work happening all over the country. This year's National Awards are proof of it."

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Chillar Party profits for charity Salman Khan

Actor Salman Khan, who has donned the producer's hat with children's film "Chillar Party", has said that the profits from the movie will go to his Being Human charity.
I'm co-producing 'Chillar Party' in association with UTV and we will release it July 8. Whatever money that we make out of this film will go into the Being Human charitable trust. The profits will not come to me or to anyone else," Salman told reporters here Friday.

Directed by debutants Vikas Bahl and Nitesh Tiwari, "Chillar Party" is a film about a gang of innocent children who lead a carefree life and then a dog who faces danger from a corrupt politician comes into their life.

The story is about how the children stand up against the politician and save the dog's life.

"It's an incredible film. When I saw it, I decided to attach myself to it because its such an amazing film that I thought that Being Human and Salman Khan had to be a part of it," said the 45-year-old actor.

"It is the most beautiful film that I have ever seen. All dog-lovers should see it, all people who hate dogs should see it, all parents and children should go for it," he added.

Actor Ranbir Kapoor is also doing an item number in the film and the music has been scored by Amit Trivedi.

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Audience reaction more important to me than awards Salman

Actor Salman Khan, whose blockbuster film "Dabangg" bagged the 58th National Film Award for best film in wholesome entertainment category, said he is happy with the award but audience reaction is more important to him.
"Awards and rewards, we were already given by the people of the country long ago for the film. Now the people forced the government of India that this award should go to 'Dabangg' only. This award is important to me but people are more important. So I was as it is very happy that people enjoyed the film," the 45-year-old actor told reporters here.

"Dabangg" is a 2010 film, directed by Abhinav Kashyap and produced by Salman's younger brother Arbaaz Khan. The lead actors in the film included Sonakshi Sinha, Sonu Sood, Om Puri, Dimple Kapadia, Vinod Khanna, Anupam Kher, Mahesh Manjrekar and Mahie Gill apart from Salman.

The film broke many records at the box office within the first week of its release. It went on to become the highest opening day grosser as well as the highest weekend grossing Bollywood film of all time.

The actor was present at a meet to announce the "Ready Live Mad Concert" from T-series, an initiative by 3rd Rock Entertainment in association with Provogue India and Agni Jewels. The concert will be held at hotel Tulip Star June 2.

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People of 'Hindustan' have already awarded 'Dabanng' Salman

Bollywood actor Salman Khan today said the people of 'Hindustan' had already awarded and rewarded his box office smash hit 'Dabanng'- before it won the award for 'Best Popular Film for Providing Wholesome Entertainment', at the 58th National Film Awards.
Khan's blockbuster hit of 2010, the second biggest grosser ever, not only revived his stalling career but reaffirmed his position as one of the most saleable stars in the industry.

Speaking to media here, Khan said the award and reward that has followed the success of Debanng, belonged to the film and not him.

''My fans will watch my good films, whether it wins any award or not. It doesn't really matter if my name is in the forefront or put in a corner. But, I cannot be compared to a star like Rajnikanth- there is no comparision to him. I am not the 'north Indian Rajnikanth', and I hope he is there for the longest time,'' he said.

Khan announced that he would hit the stage on June 2 for the 'Ready Live Mad' Concert organized to promote both his upcoming movie 'Ready' and new musical talent. Upto 10,000 fans and a number of artistes from rock act, Trip Recipe, Shibani Kashyap and Tulsi Kumar, are expected to perform at the show. The film's director is Anees Bazmee and cast includes Asin, Paresh Rawal, Arya Babbar, Mahesh Manjrekar with cameo appearances by Sanjay Dutt, Kangana Ranaut, Zarine Khan and Arbaaz Khan.

Khan was also presented with a specially designed jacket by concert co-sponsor, 'Provogue', as well as a diamond-studded pair of glasses by Agni Jewels.

''If I had my male line of jewellery, I'd name it 'My Jewels','' quipped Khan. Commenting on the success of the single-''Dinga Chikka' from Ready, which will be released on June 3, Khan jested that one should follow a 'winning' formula and music director Pritam would agree with him.

''The song Dinga Chikka is originally taken from a south Indian song- 'Ringa Ringa' and reworked for the film,'' he said.

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