He’s been making more headlines than any actor of late, but that’s been largely because of his celebrated nuptials with Aishwarya Rai.

Abhishek Bachchan is thrilled, however, about his Friday release, director Shaad Ali’s Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, a mad comedy that casts him with Preity Zinta, Bobby Deol and Lara Dutta.

Abhi just loves everything to do with Jhoom, and here are some excerpts from his gushing:
>> More <<

Even though Nishabhd has stirred up a lot of conterversies and discontent, Big B thinks its all worth it!

Nishabd has triggered a lot of debate.

I did Nishabd because it was challenging, so I?m happy that I?ve been appreciated and that the audience has understood what the film is really about. >> More <<

We all know about Shweta’s new role as as an anchor for NDTV. Here is what her father Amitabh Bachchan thinks about the whole issue.

Shweta?s foray into television is so unexpected.

Well, NDTV Profit called her and offered her the chance to host this show, so it wasn?t something she planned or even initiated. >> More <<

Jiah Khan’s Nishabd will be releasing tomorrow. Here is what the actress thinks about the movie and more..

Were you intimidated while acting opposite Mr. Bachchan?
Nice first question, I must say. I think if I was intimidated by him throughout the film, I would not have been able to complete the film. For me the minute the camera was on, he was just my character. I don?t know how that happened I think that was God-sent but he was just my character Vijay.

You have a startling screen presence and a terrific body language?
Who says that?

I say that.
Wow. Thank you.

The body language for the kind of role you have is simply stunning?
I?m nishabd! That?s amazing; I mean you are first person who has given me a compliment like this. Thank you so much.

I said that in the press conference as well?
You did? Everything was so rushed? I was like, ?what?s going on? at the press conference. My first press conference, never again hopefully.

What was your reaction when you were offered this role?
Obviously, Mr. Bachchan wasn?t in the picture. As a role in itself, it was very appealing to me because even the male protagonist of the film is talking about this female character. She is the main thing in the film, and she is very hard to find in Indian cinema today. A female character that is so much in the film is a very powerful thing and as a first film, that is amazing.

How did you prepare yourself for Nishabd?
Well, I went to an acting school where they teach us method acting. And method acting is where from your past experiences you take out this emotions and then you put into the scene. So as far as preparation there was no sort of preparation weeks before. It was very much on the set during the scenes.

Where does Mr. Bachchan?s appeal lie apart from him smelling good?
Well, obviously he is very charismatic everyone can see that and I?m sure you have obviously have seen him a lot and I haven?t seen him that much as what I have saw at the music release and stuff, the way he answers as well. He speaks so well, he sounds really good. His style is so daring, which is very sexy. At his age if he could take risks without thinking about it twice, it is a really cool thing.

Do you think you could fall in love with a much older man in real life?
Right now? I think the only reason anyone would stop me from doing such a thing is because of what people might say, basically social acceptance, which is sad but it is very important to us as an individuals. Social acceptance is a big thing in our lives. Whether our boss agrees with what we do or whether our family agrees and stuffs. So that?s the only reason I would shy away from it. No other reason.

How was Munnar as location for filming?
So romantic! I don?t think I ever looked so good. It doesn?t even look like me in the film. My skin was glowing. I think the weather was beautiful. Obviously there is tea plantation and tea is know to be a sort of a detoxer, so it detoxified me,

How does it feel to be on posters all around the city?
Oh my god, I was on my way here and I was seeing my poster being put up, and I nearly burst out into the tears, and when I realized I have make-up on, I couldn?t. But it was so surreal, it is unbelievable. I think every newcomer would say this thing.

Rozana seems to be a fabulous number?
Oh my God it is beautiful. Oh my God, the first time I heard it I cried out saying that this song is sung for me? I felt really special.

RGV has been linked with most of his heroines. Your comments?
Some one said to me other day, ?How do you feel being called as Ramu?s girl?? I was saying, what? I think the focus is on both of us so I am more Mr. Bachchan?s girl than anyone else?s. I mean come on he is my director, when he comes in the room I shake. So like I don?t think there is any question about it.

Your father left you at an early age?Any regrets or anger?
No there is no regret or anger anything.

There have been rumours about you being Aamir Khan?s step sister?
My God, do I look his sister from any angle? (No?) You answered your own question!

If you meet Aamir, how will you react?
Yeah, I?ll be awkward because he is a superstar, that?s the only reason.

You did a jig on Rangeela when you are young, Aamir is much older now
Yeah, hello he is amazing, even now he is amazing.

Your favourite directors, films and actors?
Well I have always liked RGV but I think you obviously know that already. I loved Mani Ratnam?s films than the conventional Bollywood cinema. This is what I practice. For me Nishabd is something which I never thought I would get, I never practiced for it. I would always sing songs in front of the mirror and get geared up for that sort of cinema, so Nishabd for me was much harder. But I?m glad that I started with this because it shows that anyone can do that, even though it is very hard because it is so far from your real personality. No one dances around trees and goes to Switzerland, that doesn?t happen in real life. Well, this is more real so in a way it?s a harder, in a way it is easier as well.

Tell us about favourite directors and actors?
I know there are lots of directors. Actor wise I think the most recent film I saw was Black and I think what Rani Mukherji did was so commendable because she is glamour icon. You know she looks beautiful in the film, and for her to take such a risk to play role of spastic which is not an interactive thing, and to do it with no make up, and for that film to be appreciated, is amazing thing. That?s definitely something to look up to. I?m such a tom boy. I like films like Scarface, Godfather, and films about the mafia.

Any regrets for not completing your stint at the acting school?
I did about 6 months and then I called them up and I said I got Nishabd and what you want me to do. I did really want to complete it because I think it?s very important for an actor to do some sort of training because everyone does it. Whether you go into investment banking you have to study about it, this is something that my mom told me. So I called him up when I got this film and asked them what I should do. They said you would be an idiot to come back. You have a lifetime opportunity now, you can come back anytime.

What was your mother?s reaction on your choice of career?
She wanted me to actually go into investment banking which is quite funny because I am very bad at math. But once I got Nishabd she was very supportive.

Do you look up to your mother considering she has been through so much in life?
Definitely look up to her, I mean, as an individual and as a woman who comes from India where the society is not so independent as far as women are concerned; to come to London and bring up 3 children all by herself is quite a job.

What kind of film offers have you been getting?
Yeah, lots. I have been getting loads of offers but I haven?t finalized it.

Bollywood follows stereotypes? Do you think Nishabd is a risk?
Risks. Okay, I?m sitting here right now. From whatever you see of me, do you think I care about risks!

Did you always want to be an actress?
Since I was three, I wanted to be an actress. I was very fond of entertaining people. Like if someone is crying I can?t see anyone crying, it really upsets me, no matter who it is, even if it is a stranger. I would just get up on a table and I used to start acting just like, just doing a scene!

Time for some rapid fire?a la Koffee With Karan?.
What colour is the night?
Black

Difference between sensuality and obscenity?
The person who is showing it

Apart from smell what else appeals to you in a man?
Generosity

Your first date?
My first date?It was hilarious. My first date was a school play where I was playing Marry and the guy was playing Joseph.

Definition of fidelity?
There is no definition; it is as screwed up as the word.

Importance of ?Desire? in one?s life?
It would be on my list of high priority.

Finally, what would you say is the USP of Nishabd?
I think the USP of the film is? well I can?t give you the answer to this question. At least what I think ? I don?t think you will get to see Mr. Bachchan romancing at 60 in any other film. So if you want to see it then definitely see the film. And as a human being to understand love and to understand the message that we are sending through Nishabd that?s why you should go and see the film.

What about the controversy surrounding Nishabd?
There is already controversy. I mean no one is even creating it trust me it is just the concept. It is bound to create some sort of controversy and have some focus.

More facts of Nana Patekar in this intresting interview..

Ek Machchar Aadmi Ko Hijda Bana Deta Hai?Well, this is the famous dialogue from the not-so-famous film Yashwant that epitomized Nana Patekar brand of crowd pulling tricks. His unconventional acting style has been widely applauded in films like Ankush, Thoda Sa Roomani Ho Jayen, Salaam Bombay, Parinda, Agneesakshi, Krantiveer, Khamoshi ? The Musical and the more recent Ab Tak Chappan, Bhoot, Bluff Master and Aparahan. In a freewheeling interview with IndiaFM, Patekar talks about his forthcoming film Hattrick and yes he is finally ready to turn a director again after the eminently watchable Prahaar.

Why did you sign Hattrick?
Because of the format of the film and story. It is happening simultaneously when cricket world cup is on and what?s happening at three different locations. The way Milan wants to narrate the story is something I loved.

You are a sports buff yourself?.Was that a motivation for doing the film?
It?s not that. It?s how you project it which is most important. Here it is a unique style of storytelling?.that?s why I felt like doing it?.

You worked with Milan in Taxi No. 9 2 11?Have you developed a comfort level?
With Milan there?s a big aspect that he is not a rigid guy. Some directors are so rigid that they want certain things exactly the way they feel is right. He gives you a lot of space that helps you improvise as an actor.

Naseeruddin Shah was supposed to do Danny?s role?
I felt bad because for the first time Naseer and me would have been together but unfortunately because of his son?s accident he couldn?t make it.

Do you think releasing the film during World Cup is a wise move?
Absolutely?.And mind you India is going to win this World Cup. I am sure. This is the best team we are having.

Films based on sports generally don?t do well?Except for a Lagaan?
Hattrick will be an exception?

Why do you do so few films?
No?I do a lot of films. This year I am doing six seven films. Already I have completed four films.

There were reports that your portions in Anees Bazmee?s ?Welcome? are incomplete?
There are a few minor things. Unfortunately I have shaved off and now it?s not possible to shoot immediately. I said I can?t put artificial beard as it is not comfortable. Yesterday only I had a meeting with them?.It?s a matter of one or two days they?ve said.

How do you keep on reinventing yourself and still be commercially viable?
People get fed up with the same thing. It all depends upon what kind of director and story you get. It?s not possible to improvise in isolation.

What is your criterion for choosing a film?
Meaning in the story and story telling. The narration part of it and the basic story. It?s not just my role that I am interested in because you can?t think about your role in isolation.

Do you think Box Office before signing? as your films should do good business?
I never thought about Box Office. It?s not in my hand. While doing a film I put my 100% and I will be focused till dubbing. After dubbing my creation is over. After that I am not concerned with my film. Mostly I don?t watch my film or watch them maybe, when they come on TV?

Why aren?t you directing films after making a fine debut in Prahaar?
I am directing now. It?s not yet titled. I am directing for Prakash Jha. But I can?t tell you anything about the story idea.

What kind of filmmakers have you grown up on?
V Shantaram, Bimal Roy, Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak?

Who have been your idols or role models in life?
Sunil Gawaskar is my idol. He taught me that any normal human being can be anybody if he wishes to. No body?No height?nothing?and he became a world class batsman.

Any actors that you?ve idolized?
I have liked so many people but I will be the last person to copy anybody. Eventually you learn things by experience and hunger and humiliation. If you?ve faced that then obviously you will perceive everything in a different way. That teaches you most.

What are your passions besides acting?
Shooting. Recently I played Nationals and I won a bronze. I scored 550 out of 600. From the beginning I wanted to do it. But then I didn?t have a weapon, time and money. Now I have little money, little time?.

Do you believe in competition?
I want to beat one person and that is myself. If I am 100, I want to be 101 tomorrow. There?s competition only with myself and not with anybody else.

How do you stay young?You don?t seem to be aging?
I don?t know if you are saying it genuinely. But I am 57. I workout everyday. I can?t come out of house without working out. It?s an obsession.

Do you think films like Water are selling India?s poverty and backwardness in foreign market?
I am really against it. Whatever my country is?.good, bad ugly. I will try in my whatever capacity, to improve it. But I don?t want to show that kind of image and if somebody is selling those images and making money then that is ridiculous.

Source:http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/02/26/2307/index.html

Jimmy Shergill has two releases Eklavya ? The Royal Guard and Delhii Heights comming up. Here is what the actor thinks about the two movies and more…

Jimmy Shergill has a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks. Two of his films release quite close to each other. While Eklavya ? The Royal Guard arrives this Friday, Delhii Heights hits the screens on March 09. Is it ?two-much-too-quick? for him? Joginder Tuteja catches up with Jimmy to know about this and a lot more. Over to Jimmy!

You have two releases coming quite close to each other Eklavya ? The Royal Guard and Delhii Heights. Are you nervous?
In fact I am excited. The two roles are quite different and the films too belong to contrasting genres. It is good to see the way characters are written these days which gives actors like us an opportunity to broaden our horizon.

Like playing an out-and-out evil guy in Eklavya?
My character in the film is that of a prince who is jealous of another prince played by Saif Ali Khan. Add to this the way he has been brought up in a royal manner and you can see a certain attitude around his entire persona. All of this reflects each of his acts, whether he is talking to someone or just having a casual walk in the fort.

Doesn?t it make you a villain?
If you look at it from your end, you may perceive this character as evil, or a downright villain. But get into the character?s shoes and you would see a reason behind the way he acts and behaves. From the very beginning, Vidhu Vinod Chopra was clear that we didn?t want this character to look like someone who was a typical ?villain-villain?. Otherwise they could have chosen any conventional baddie in the role. Instead the thought was to have someone play this character who looked believable and yet portray the evil side in him with the right justification. Not able to do so would have resulted in the purpose being lost to have this character in the narrative.

Did it all sound so clear at the very onset?
Yes, I was quite clear about the role I had to play and how I had to do it. Also it was a privilege to be with Jaggu dada [Jackie Shroff] since he brought all his years of experience with him. As his son who has his own way of settling scores, it was quite a challenge to stand up with him and deliver. So while Jackie as a father has his own royal way of taking revenge, I am projected as someone who is aggressive by nature.

Since Saif Ali Khan comes from a royal background, did you take any tips from him around costumes, dressing up etc.?
We had designer Raghuvendra Rathore to help us in the costumes department. Since he is himself based in Rajasthan and hails from the princely clan of Jodhpur, his association with the project was quite useful as he brought great authenticity. As my character has a lot of anger and attitude in the film, I am mostly dressed in leather jackets.

So how do you think the film has shaped up?
It is one gripping action thriller that would keep you entertained throughout its 1 hour 45 minutes length.

Just 1 hour 45 minutes?
That?s right. At the very onset Vidhu Vinod Chopra was clear that to keep the action thriller mode of the film interesting enough, the film?s length has to be only around 100 minutes. This is why the film is a short and sweet cinematic experience that would keep you on the edge of your seats throughout.

So what else is happening on the career front?
I have a very interesting film called ?The Strangers? coming up where I would be seen with Kay Kay Menon. ?Raqueeb? is complete too and should now come around May. ?Chodo Na Yaar? is another interesting film for which the shooting is over while Sanjay Gupta?s ?Dus Kahaniyaan? should be arriving in July.

That?s quite a lot?
[Laughs] Wo to hai, but they should run also and not just release. Isn?t it?

True. On a parting note, what?s happening on your personal website front? You had mentioned some time back that it would be launched soon.
The work on it at the moment is going a little slow. There are so many things like getting the right photographs, content etc. is place. Also, I am also looking at some tie ups with the site. Once that happens, it should be all set to roll!

Source:http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/02/13/2242/index.html

Now, if you are wondering who Ritwik Bhattacharya is. Find out here from Neha herself

Every time the media asks you about Ritwik Bhattacharya, your patented answer is, ?There?s nothing between us but friendship.? But then you?re all over the place with him.

To be honest, it has gone beyond friendship. It?s a wonderful relationship now. But I?m non-committal right now. We?ve been spending a lot of time together, primarily because Ritwik has been in Mumbai for a while.

Do you ever feel the need to settle down with someone you?ve known all your life?

That?s an advantage but there?s no question of settling down. He?s the only guy whom I?ve ever come closest to in my life. He has seen my struggle to make my place as an actress, I?ve seen him go through a lot to reach where he has today. We have arrived at decent positions in our careers, we are absolutely focused.

Ours has been a strange, fairy tale like relationship.. we respect each other tremendously.

How does your family react to gossip written about Ritwik and you?

(Laughs) They are fine with it. Ritwik, in fact, has known my family for years. He used to play squash with my father. Frankly, I don?t know why so much has been made out of my public appearances with him. I just like being with him. He?s a companionable sort of a guy.

You?re a regular fixture at events and parties. Do you feel it?s vital to network?

I don?t go to parties just to be seen or network. I get invited; I go to be with friends.

Career-wise, you?ve moved from bikinis to bindis, haven?t you?

I think so. Eyebrows were raised at what I did in the past. I?m proud of how I?ve conducted myself in my career, You think the bikini scenes in Qayamat and Julie were mistakes. Believe me, I?ll never disown Julie. Even today, I watch it for its wonderful story and execution. I don?t think the Qayamat scene was a mistake either.

Shilpa Shetty has made big-time news with Celebrity Big Brother. Would you ever do a reality show, if offered?

That show is highly entertaining, it makes for great bedtime viewing. But I don?t think I would do a reality show right now. It?s too much of an invasion of one?s privacy. I?m still quite a private, middle class girl.

What?s been happening on the movie front for you?
I?ve been shooting for Shootout atl Lokhandwala. I?m also about to start dubbing for Mithiya. Then there is Delhi Heights, which has been shot in my hometown. Ek Chalis Ki Last Local should be releasing soon. I?m shooting for Dus Kahaaniyan this week..and I?ve signed Kuch Love Kuch Drama, a comedy with Rajpal Yadav.

SOurce:hindustantimes

The Aashiq Banaya Apne girl Tanushree Dutta talks on Risk, her item number Signal in Bhagam Bhag, her new look, her releases in 2007 and much more..

After being the centre of attention in films like Aashiq Banaya Apne and Chocolate, what are you doing in a man-man movie like Risk?

Yes, Risk is definitely a man-oriented film revolving around the underworld and cops. But I do figure there somewhere. Otherwise I wouldn?t be doing the film, would I? In between all the fighting, I provide the glam element in the film, the emotional quotient in the movie. I am there to soften up all the action, at a few places.

So it?s not about two songs and one-and-a-half scenes?

Not at all. Risk is very special to me because director Vishram Sawant has cast me in such a real and sensitive role. That?s something I have not really done before. When he approached me, Vishram told me, ?Tanushree, the way you will look and perform in this film will be totally different.? And he has kept his promise.

But all everyone is talking about is your Lavani (popular Marathi music form) number in the film, Hichki?

See, you can?t deny the fact that songs promote the film. Unless the songs become popular among the masses, the film won?t get a good start and that much-required push. Of course, if the film?s not good, no song can make it work. But I am very happy with the way Hichki has become popular. I enjoyed every moment of doing a Lavani song, something in the tradition with Bollywood actresses from Dimple Kapadia (Bobby) to Madhuri Dixit (Sailaab). And they have a penchant for being popular with the masses. I had to wear the kashta (the nine-yard sari) and the nath (Maharashtrian nose ring).

Were you at ease dancing in such outfits in public places like the Gateway of India?

It?s a job. I am not a trained dancer as such. But there is the choreographer and all the extras and we have to do it for the movie. For Hichki, I couldn?t have pulled it off without (the choreographer) Masterji Ganesh Acharya. He has made it look so Indian, so enduring.

This is the first time you are being made to look Indian?

Completely! And that?s good for any actor because one can now get a variety of roles. Film-makers have seen me in those Western outfits in films like Aashiq Banaya Apne and Chocolate and now they can see me in this desi avatar in Risk.

How was it working with Randeep Hooda and Vinod Khanna in Risk?

Randeep is a fabulous co-star. There is a beautiful relationship between his character and mine in the film. Randeep is very hardworking and that shows in his performance.

As for Vinod Khanna, unfortunately I have no scenes with him. I have definitely been a big Vinod Khanna fan and I even told Vishram to create a scene featuring the two of us. But that was not to be. I comfort myself saying that at least he and I are in the same film.

After a dull 2006, you have a long list of releases this year?

Yes, there?s Raj Kanwar?s Raqeeb with Rahul Khanna, Jimmy Sheirgill and Sharman Joshi, shot mainly in Bangkok. There?s Vikram Bhatt?s Speed which has Aftab Shivdasani, Sanjay Suri, Zayed Khan and Urmila Matondkar. Then there?s Mukta Arts?s film Good Boy Bad Boy with Emraan Hashmi, Tusshar Kapoor and Isha Sharvani. I play the ?bad girl?. So, that?s experimental, too. But the film I am most excited about is Priyadarshan?s Dhol. I am the only heroine in the film starring Kunal Khemu, Tusshar Kapoor, Sharman Joshi and Rajpal Yadav. It is a big comedy and a completely mad caper.

So the Signal item number in Priyadarshan?s Bhagam Bhag sealed the deal…

Signal has been one of the best decisions I have taken till now. When I was doing the song, everyone asked me why I was doing an item number. All I did was shrug my shoulders and asked them to wait and watch. Some offers do not look lucrative at the onset but I knew Signal was a goldmine. It wasn?t exactly a typical sexy item song in small clothes, it had a comic side to it. The number has done so well and I have a superhit song to my credit. It has also boosted my stage performances. And now Priyanji has given me a full film for that one song. Now I have been turning down item songs. But that one Signal was worth the risk.

Its been only 2 days since we are seeing SRk as the host of KBC, and the comparisions have already started. Here is what the actor feels about the whole issue.

So, you nervous, confident or over confident?

I am anxious. Everybody thinks I am pompous but that’s a just a front for me. Inside, I’m anxious. For me it’s the creative process. You create something in isolation ? alone with your thoughts in the moment ? and when it is exposed, there is a huge explosion of public opinion. In the film industry, I know where I’m headed and whether it’s the right direction. Here, I don’t know.

Are you coping with the obvious comparisons?

There has been hype, pressure, comparisons with this other gentleman that I am not comfortable talking about. Because all this negative and positive carries to the children, and I’m wary about that. However what really hurts me are the SMSes.

The SMSes?

That newspapers carry in reader’s polls. When a Geetika from Bhayander says ‘SRK sucks’ that really hurts me. I read them all. The good and the bad. It’s like a pimple on the face. You don’t notice the rest of the face, but the pimple you notice. I remember the nasty ones. Some are very rude.

So, is there any truth to ‘SRK vs Mr Bachchan’?

He’s an accomplished gentleman who’s 64, and I am where I am, and at the stage where I am the comparison is not fair to him at all.

Here is what Nikhil Adwani the director of the multi starer Salam-E-Ishq feels about the movie and more…

What happened after Kal Ho Na Ho? How did Salaam-e-Ishq come to be?

The seeds for Salaam were planted in my head by Sunil Manchanda. He asked me what I thought of a film with six love stories. I was very skeptical at first, because the format for multiple stories in this country is very difficult for audiences to grasp. But the minute I started writing it, I realised that this is something I wanted to do.

What can you tell us about Salaam-e-Ishq?

It has six love stories, intertwined and interconnected. What is interesting about the film is its treatment and screenplay.

Are the characters related?

Yes, they are related in a certain way.

Akshaye Khanna sits in a taxi driven by Govinda in Delhi. Akshaye is getting engaged to Ayesha Takia, the sister of Juhi Chawla. Juhi is married to Anil Kapoor, an event organiser. He calls up Priyanka Chopra, an item girl from London, to perform in Mumbai. Priyanka is connected to Salman Khan, who in turn is connected to Akshaye and Govinda.

Sohail Khan and Isha Koppikar are the only couple not connected to anyone. I like to think of them like the chipmunk in Ice Age who is not connected to the main story — but every time they come on screen, they make you laugh. I think every director likes to indulge, and these characters are my indulgences.

What are these six stories all about?

Salaam-e-Ishq has nothing to do with love and everything to do with what you should not do when in love. Salaam takes this whole notion of love being a sacred cow and flips it on its head completely. It is best summed up in one line — ‘One common problem: love.’ A problem because when you’re in love, you know it’s a problem. It’s a problem you can’t live without and the only solution to it is also love. The only way to handle love is to love more.

The characters are simple. We have a taxi driver, an ambitious man, an item girl, a couple looking to elope, a man facing mid-life crisis and his wife, a commitment phobic man and his girlfriend, a girl looking for love and an American.

The most visible part of the movie is its huge star cast. How did you go about casting?

Salman wanted to do a film with me and I wanted the same. He was the first person I approached. Akshaye Khanna was the second person who said he’d do this film. I was very clear that I would not make this film without Anil Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. The essential thing about Salaam-e-Ishq is that the casting is bang on. Salman was the one who suggested we take in Govinda.

I had Govinda in mind when I wrote the part of a taxi driver. As for Anil Kapoor, he becomes the character as soon as he’s in the frame.

Salman is a rock star in real life and that is what he plays in the film, too. He is an enigma, and you don’t know whether he is joking or serious. For Priyanka, the requirement was someone who could undergo this journey - a dancer, a comedian who was fairly ambitious but in the heart of hearts is just a sweet, simple Indian girl.

John Abraham and Vidya Balan in Salaam-E-IshqVidya Balan and John Abraham make an interesting couple. Balan plays a practical, logical, and very Indian woman. The essential thing about John’s role is that he starts off as a boy, and matures into a man by the end of the film. Vidya is already a woman in the film and looks after him. He learns from her what love is all about.

‘John and Vidya are the best couple’

Is the movie inspired by Love Actually?

Yes, it is inspired by the British film. In fact, every multi-track, multi-starrer movie that I can think of — Love Actually, American Beauty, Dil Chahta hai, Amar Akbar Anthony — has inspired me.

So the film is not a copy?

Well, Salman is not the Prime Minister of India.

Salaam was written by you. Does that give you more creative freedom?

If you’re passionate about making a particular film then you can do justice to it. Ramesh Sippy did not write Sholay, but his stamp is there in every frame of the film. As for creative freedom, I started writing Salaam because I realised there is a lot of me in this movie. One thing I hate is writing. It is the most exhausting process. I would prefer directing a bound script.

As a producer, did you choose love stories, for your production house’s first release because it was a safe bet where Indian audiences are concerned?

Maybe I am, but I’m trying to tell six stories that I thought should be told. I don’t think it’s a conscious decision.

How did the breaking off from Dharma Productions happen?

I’ve no idea. I think there were a lot of misunderstandings and miscommunications. But how and when it happened, I don’t think I’ve an answer to that.

Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra in Salaam-E-IshqHow was the experience working with Dharma Productions like?

Working for Dharma Productions and Yashraj Films is like working in a family. They have a very democratic setup and I think they give you lot of creative freedom. I think those are the kind of things I’ve taken with me while starting my own production company. Whatever Yash Johar has taught me in production is the basis of my own production company.

Was it a natural progression, moving on from being an independent director to starting your own production house?

From the time I’ve been an assistant, I’ve always done films where I’ve been able to handle production. It is very important for director to understand the concept of production because that is the only way that they are able to fulfill their creative requirements. So yes, it was a natural progression.

How has working with Aditya Chopra (Nikhil assisted him in Mohabbatein) and Karan Johar influenced your filmmaking?

They are such talented directors and scriptwriters that even everyday conversations permeate into your thought process. When you’re making and writing your own film, there is a certain sur, or tone, that you incorporate in your scenes.

The most important thing Karan or Aditya bring to a table, or to a story, is clarity. They are very clear about everything, and can envision the whole movie right from the first to the last frame. They know exactly what they want to do. So when they are interacting with technicians or actors they instill a certain confidence in them. And that is the greatest strength they’ve given me. You cannot do a film like Salaam-e-Ishq, you can’t bring actors like these on camera, until they have ultimate confidence in you.

So there are no negative feelings between you and Karan?

I think you should call up Karan and ask him that question.

What is your vision for your production house? Is it going to be open to outside directors?

I happen to be a very silent producer in Salaam-e-Ishq. I’ve been very lucky to have Kal Ho Na Ho as my first film and to have Sunil Manchanda and Mukesh Talreja, who have given me the same kind of opportunity as I got with Dharma Productions.

We’re already working with outside directors. My vision for the production house is that I’m not controlling everything but the director is.

You recently adopted a daughter. How does this feel?

It’s a wonderful thing. It something my wife and I decided sometime back. We finally summoned up the courage to just do it. There are so many neglected children in this country that it is better for us to give a home to one of them rather than to have our own.

Finally, does Salaam-E-Ishq movie have a happy ending?

Salaam-e-Ishq has got a very, very happy ending. And no one dies.

Source:http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/24nikhil.htm