Grateful for the lessons

Ranbir Kapoor may have hit the bull’s eye with Barfi! — which has turned out to be a critical success as well as a commercial blockbuster — but that doesn’t mean that he’s forgotten the people who helped him along when he was still tasting failure; most notably, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who launched Ranbir opposite Sonam Kapoor in his arty film Saawariya.

The movie might not have done so well at the box office, but Ranbir still maintains that he learnt a lot from the film-maker while shooting for it, as well as before, when he was assisting him.

“I learnt film direction from him when I was assisting him and then he launched me. I consider him as my guru and my teacher,” says Ranbir.

Decided upon a title

Subhash Ghai has locked Kaanchi as the title of his next directorial, a musical thriller with a love story, which is set to go on floors soon and release on August 15, 2013.
The movie has a new star cast, teamed with veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, who will play the villain, says a statement.

Other cast and credits are in the process of being finalised. Two songs have already been recorded by Ismail Darbar and Salim-Suleiman for the movie.

Ghai’s production banner, ‘Mukta Arts’, will celebrate its 34th anniversary on October 24. The banner has produced 35 movies, 14 of which have been directed by Ghai.
The 67-year-old’s last directorial was the 2008 release Yuvvraaj. Karma, Ram Lakhan, Saudagar, Khal Nayak and Taal are some of the other memorable films made under Mukta Arts.

‘This is the happiest phase of my life’

Actor Vivek Oberoi will soon be seen in film-maker Ekta Kapoor’s upcoming flick, a dark intense love story.

“I have signed it. I don’t think they have made an official announcement about it yet. All I can say is the film is a dark, intense and interesting love story. I can’t talk much about it as it is too early,” Vivek says.

Vivek’s recent release Kismat Luv Paisa Dilli with Mallika Sherawat did not do well at the box office.

However, the 36-year-old actor has a host of films in pipeline including Krrish 3 with Hrithik Roshan, Zilla Ghaziabad alongside Sanjay Dutt, Sher — again with Dutt — and Grand Masti, a sequel to the 2004 film Masti.

“I have nine films or so in hand. Jayanta Bhai Ki Love Story is about a goon falling in love, while Sher is set in the 60s and is based in Gujarat. It is about gold smuggling. Zilla Ghaziabad is an out-an-out action film. In Krrish 3, I am playing a super villain,” Vivek states, adding, “I feel I am doing good work. I am very happy.”

Vivek feels this is the happiest phase of his life, professionally as well as personally.
“I surely feel this is the happiest phase of my life. I have never been so mentally sorted and happy. I have my wife to thank for that. The day I got married, I felt there is so much more to life,” Vivek expresses.

“Now that I am going to become a father, the excitement is at its highest. I want to take her out for a romantic holiday while she is expecting,” he adds.

Vivek had earlier turned co-producer for Dekh Indian Circus; that had Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Tannishtha Chatterjee in the lead roles. The film won award at the ‘16th Busan Film Festival’ and ‘12th Annual New York Indian Film Festival’.

On being asked if he would produce more films now, Vivek says, “I think I will produce as many films as I can — films that I like to make, small and different.”And will he act in these? “Maybe I will, maybe I won’t — that is the beauty of life. There are no rules, no decisions,” he sums up.

Quiet affair for Saifeena

Bollywood couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s pre-wedding party at her Bandra residence was kept a private affair, with the terrace venue covered to prevent the media and any other outsiders from getting a peek.

Many Bollywood celebrities were spotted at the party, including Neetu Singh, Babita, Sanjay Kapoor, Manish Malhotra, Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Khemu, among others. While a source says it’s a sangeet ceremony, designer Manish Malhotra expresses, “It’s just a fun party.”

Kareena was said to be wearing a traditional lehenga in a bright shade of orange with a shimmery golden blouse. She had tied her hair in an elegant knot and accessorised with bold jewelery.