Akshay Kumar under threat

'Chandni Chowk To China' sank without a trace and many felt that Kinng Kumar's golden streak has come to an end.

It's being said that his well wishers are asking him to not try comedy again.

A source has said "Akshay Kumar has become progressively active in the process of writing scripts and shooting films. He freely makes suggestions some of which, I've to admit, are good.

But quite often he wants to take over the project. When I went to him with another project he offered to co-produce it and to get someone to re-write portions. It's obvious a lot of scenes in Chandni Chowk were re-written. The result shows."

The inside buzz is that 'Chandni Chowk To China' writer Sridhar Raghavan was persuaded to continuously change the scenes until the writer who has good screenplays to his credit in Raj Santoshi's films was a helpless puppet propelling the plot to destinations-unknown.

But friends like producer Sajid Nadiadwala whose 'Kambhakht Ishq' he's doing aren't worried.

He says, "It's an out-and-out rom-com with stunts of an international order. And why are we jumping the gun just because one of his films hasn't lived up to expectations? There could be so many reasons for it. Why should Akshay be blamed for it? Why so much negative criticism about him? Is he the first superstar to fail at box office?"

He doesn't care about the comic element being there or not.

He's said, "The film is what it is. I don't work with my actors based on how their last film did. 'Kambhakht Ishq' will have a lot to offer."

One huge challenge though is that Akshay's pairing with Kareena Kapoor hasn't always done well with duds like Suneel Darshan's 'Talaash', Dharmesh Darshan's 'Bewafaa' and Yash Raj's 'Tashan'.

Vipul Shah's film with Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai which is to be launched in March has no comic element either.

He says, "I don't think the failure of 'Chandni Chowk To China' means that audiences have rejected him in the comic avatar. The backlash is totally uncalled-for. And it looks motivated by reasons other than the box- office. A lot of people have been waiting to pounce on Akshay. This is their opportunity."

Only Priyadarshan's 'De Dana Dan' is an out-and-out comedy but Govinda's buffoonery would be more visible there.

Other than that, Akshay's forthcoming projects will not have much of comedy.

Well things change for better or worse with time. Looks like the hit machine has learnt it well enough by now.

Katrina wears sari in Egypt

Singh is Kinng

Remember "Suraj hua madham" from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham shot at the breathtaking locales of Egypt on Shahrukh Khan and Kajol? What about it? Well director Anees Bazmee has shot a romantic song at the same location with Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif for his forthcoming flick Singh Is Kinng. What's noteworthy is that this is for the first time that Katrina has shot an entire a song wearing a sari.

A source close to the actress, 'All popular songs that Katrina has done so far in her films have either had her in casual or formal wear, this is for the first time that she shot a song in a sari.'

For Katrina, shooting a song wearing a sari was an experience she will never forget! ''I thoroughly loved it! A sari makes a woman look so graceful and feminine.''

Katrina adds, 'Anees Bazmee was very clear that he wanted me to have an Indian look for the song. And what can make me look more Indian than a sari! Also, the song is Akshay's imagination of me and him dancing in the mysterious locales of Egypt. Manish Malhotra is the designer of my spectacular saris. This is for the first time that Manish has designed a costume for me. And his creations are just wonderful!'

Twinkle spies on Akshay and Katrina

Twinke Khanna made a sudden entry on the finale day of the IIFA 2008 event. Was it to check on her husband since Katrina and Akshay were performing together and there was no sign of Salman around? She clung to Akshay throughout and made sure he never left her side even for a few moments or even attend his calls. There were talks going around that Katrina was trying to call up Akshaye frantically before the performance but Akshay didn't pick up the phone. Was it because Twinkle was sitting with him?

Kat baby got so pissed off with all these stories that she decided to give to give it back, "People need to stop imagining so much. This is pure imagination on someone's part. Akshay Kumar came in for the show in the night and left right after as he had a flight to catch. I had dinner with Twinkle and some of her friends after that and even my mom was with me. So what's with these stories?"

Akshay to Romance Denise Richards

Producer Sajid Nadiadwala declares that it is easier to meet Hollywood stars for roles than our actors back home. So he met 'Superman' Brandon Routh and Denise Richards and has finalized them for his $20 million project 'Kambhakt Ishq,' which also stars Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. Nadiadwala is toying with the idea of dubbing the film in English for a global audience.
Nadiadwala is also in talks with actor turned politician Arnold Schwarzenegger for the film, which revolves around Akshay, who play a Hollywood stuntman in the film. Beisdes all of these Hollywood stars, Nadiadwala has also managed to sign on 'Terminator' heroine Linda Hamilton for his film. All three stars are expected to sign up by early next week. While some of the Hollywood actors have walk on parts, Richards has a far more substantial role. She plays Kareena's rival and has quite a few romantic scenes with Akshay. Nadiadwala reveals that his film will have many more Hollywood actors, "about a dozen, who'll do walk on parts." Despite his tall claims about Hollywood stars being more accessible, Nadiadwala did come across some obstacles while trying to sign on these Hollywood icons. But thankfully, they were only those of fiscal conversion. He laughingly claims that he is still getting used to converting rupees into dollars. Though the producer in him feels that these stars are expensive, as a fan, he feels money is of little consequence. "The important thing," says Sajid, "is that the presence of Hollywood stars in Kambhakt Ishq is not a gimmick. The hero is a stuntman in Hollywood. So the stars all fit into the plot." Nadiadwala, who shot his Salman Khan and Akshay starrer, Jaan e Mann in New York, will shoot Kambhakt Ishq in Los Angeles from June 27th. Following that, there is a 20 day schedule in Italy. Kareena will be flying in from London, while Akshay is coming in from the Bahamas The next five months promise to be grueling.

Chopke Chopke

Funniest confirmed rumour of the day Seems Saif Ali Khan is very upset that as many as 25 of his scenes were edited out from the final print of Tashan. Even Akshay Kumar is believed to be upset that quite a few of his scenes were also chopped out. Really now, both Saif and Akshoo should thank their stars, shouldn't they? Imagine, what if the public had seen any more of Tashan! Anil Kapoor is the only one who isn't complaining. But I am. What Uncle AK said by way of dialogue needed subtitles... Unfazed by the Tashan debacle, AK is believed to have hiked his fee to Rs 8 crore...

Deepika replacing Katrina?

Anees Bazmee’s Welcome released at the end of last year was a super hit at the box-office and therefore it came as no surprise when the director declared plans for the sequel Welcome Back. The film will star Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor but leading lady Katrina won’t be a part of it.

Deepika Padukone is expected to replace Kat while Mallika Sherawat is expected to get a much important role in the sequel. A close source to Deepika told us about her involvement in Welcome Back.

“Firoz Nadiawala had approached Deepika for this film while shooting for Chandni Chowk to China. She has not yet made up her mind about whether she might do a role in sequel of Welcome.”

“She is very busy with Chandni Chowk to China which is about to finish in few weeks. Deepika had seen Welcome and she had liked the movie so she hasn't said yet no to them,” says the source.

Speaking more about Chandni Chowk to China, the source tells us that for the first time “Deepika will be doing some great stunts matching with Akshay Kumar.”

It seems none of Akki’s leading ladies can get enough of him. First Katrina couldn’t stop being paired with the khiladi and now Deepika is the next. After Chandni Chowk to China she will be also seen in Sajid Khan's Houseful with him and Welcome Back if she is to give it her nod.

Females only for Akshay Kumar’s 'Fear Factor'

Akshay Kumar is becoming a ladies’ man for his first TV show, ‘Fear Factor’.

Yes, all the participants short-listed for the show are females. Not even a single male is part of the show. Talk about male chauvinism!

The ladies who will be participating on the show are: Yana Gupta , Anjana Sukhani , Sonali Kulkarni , Payal Rohatgi , Meghna Naidu , Pooja Bedi , Sayali Bhagat , Aditi Govitrikar , Tapur Chatterjee, Nethra Raghuraman and Dipannita Sharma .

Akshay will be the host of the show ‘Fear Factor – Khatron Ke Khiladi’ that will be telecast on a brand new channel Colours that was launched in Bangkok on Monday.

The launch had Akshay showing his machismo as he made a spectacular entry on a mobike, shattering a huge glass. And on stage when Akshay was asked about his fear factor, the actor silently walked to one of the tables and held a python in his hands. For the rest of the show, Akki kept the python on his shoulders.

When asked about the 13 ladies, Akshay gave a gummy smile and said: “I feel when it comes to facing one’s fears, women can be no less than men. I take pride in training these ladies.”

By the way, in an entirely unexpected development, Akshay will be conferred an honorary doctorate on May 9 by the University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Well, shall we call him Dr. Akshay Kumar from now on!

Bollywood hunks Akshay, John together!

Akshay Kumar and John Abraham -- the combo that featured in the Priyadarshan hit Garam Masala -- are expected to share the screen space yet again. This time, the project will be produced by Studio 18 and directed by Anees Bazmee. Although the production house hasn't signed the stars yet, there's a strong possibility that the two actors might feature in the film.

"Right now, we've signed Anees Bazmee for the project in question. We've also locked the concept. But we haven't confirmed the star cast yet," Preeti Shahani of Studio 18 sets the record straight, "Once the script is okayed, we will we move on to the next level -- of finalizing the cast. Things should be crystal clear once Singh Is Kinng is released."

Well, there's a strong possibility that Anees and Akshay, the winning combination of Welcome and the soon-to-be-released Singh Is Kinng, will team up for the third time. Watch this space for more updates!

August is crucial

August is a crucial month and those who've films confirmed this month are hoping that their great run continues. The Akshay Kumar starrer SINGH IS KINNG, slated for release on 8 August, is carrying excellent reports and has been sold for a record price to Studio 18, who, in turn, have sold various territories for astronomical prices. Akshay is expecting SINGH IS KINNG to cement his status as a superstar.

Abhishek Bachchan is keeping his fingers crossed for DRONA, which arrives on 15 August. Reportedly, Sunil Lulla of Eros, who holds the global rights, saw the rushes of the film recently and couldn't stop raving about the film as also Abhishek's performance in it. '”DRONA will be a huge hit. Abhishek is simply outstanding,” Sunil informs me. Such glowing words from a seasoned player like Sunil Lulla means a lot.

It's an acid test for Ranbir Kapoor, whose BACHNA AE HASEENO also arrives on 15 August. After the disaster called SAAWARIYA, Ranbir is hoping that he finally sees a hit. The question on everyone's lips is, will Ranbir deliver? Or will he be a one-film wonder?

Aamir Khan's nephew Imran is also keeping his fingers crossed, what with KIDNAP releasing on 22 August. Incidentally, KIDNAP also happens to be Sanjay Gadhvi's first film outside Yash Raj. Farhan Akhtar too is hoping that his acting debut, ROCK ON, rocks the box-office. The film is confirmed for release on 29 August.

Akshay Kumar plays a Hollywood stuntman

It looks like Akshay Kumar is hell-bent on making 2008-09 his year of action films. In maverick producer Sajid Nadiadwala's Kambhakth Ishq, he plays a Hollywood stuntman. "This would be the first Indian film to be shot within Universal Studios. We've got the permission not only to shoot within Universal Studios, but also to use their logo. Akshay Kumar plays a stuntman from Universal Studios. The film will also have some big Hollywood icons making their appearance in the film. We're working out the legal aspects," informs Sajid.

The entire film is to be shot in Hollywood, Los Angeles. "It'll also star 12-15 leading actors from Hollywood in various parts. It's a candyfloss, 'safe' film. We had to bring in an extra gloss in the backdrop. That's why Hollywood. When I produced Mujhse Shaadi Karogi it was the first beach film in Bollywood. After that, we had dozens of beach films in Hindi. Likewise, my Jaan-e-Mann was the first romantic-comedy with visual effects. While making full-on commercial films we need to change the backdrop." Sajid agrees shooting Kambhakth Ishq in Hollywood won't be an easy task. "It will be expensive, yes. We'll have 40-50 crew members flying to LA. We're thinking of chartering a flight from Mumbai. It'll be more economical. Or maybe we should just buy a jet," he jokes. This is Sajid's most ambitious film to date with a budget of Rs. 60 crores. Kareena Kapoor plays a brand model.

Why a new director for such a lavish film? "Sabir Khan has grown up in front of me. He assisted in my production Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. He's very hardworking. And if you're suggesting that I should've first let Sabir make a smaller film then let me say, I don't make small films. I've dreamt 70mm dreams from before that format was invented." Sajid has been signing many new directors. "After a lot of introspection, my company has decided that we need to continue making commercial films but with a little deviation. That's where my three new directors Sabir Khan, Siddharth Anand and Imtiaz Ali come in. They have the discipline of commercial cinema and the ability to take cinema further. Siddharth's film (which will probably star Saif Ali Khan and Ranbir Kapoor) isn't the routine candy floss film. We start at the end of 2008. Siddharth wants to do something different. So do I.. It's a film set against Mumbai. It isn't a dark film. But not frothy either."

Imtiaz Ali will first direct a film for Saif's production house. "After that in March-April 2009, Imtiaz will make a film for me. I think his forte is romance. We'll go by that. Though I'd like to take a little risk with the successful directors." Pushing the envelope isn't seen as a healthy trend in some quarters of Bollywood, if we go by the opposition to Ashutosh Gowarikar"s Jodhaa Akbar. "No," Sajid protests. "I think Jodhaa Akbar was commercially viable from the start. Not a single critic questioned Ashutosh for making the film. The promos weren't that good. But in 5-6 places in the film we stood up and clapped." Siddharth will direct for Sajid this year and Imtiaz Ali comes in next year. How does Sajid pick his directors? "I don't look at the directors' success graph. In 2006, I gave a break to Shirish Kunder (in Jaan-e-Mann) when he was a film editor. In 2008, I took on Sajid Khan who had no background in movies. In fact, he was a stand-up comedian and a critic. To put a commercial 45-crore project on his shoulders needed some guts and vision. Though Jaan-e-Mann didn't do well I'm proud of it. My biggest blunder was to release it alongside another big commercial film Don. It was one of the biggest blunders of my career. I failed with my release strategy. I take full responsibility. Lagaan and Gadar - Ek Prem Katha had done well on the same Friday. But two films with over a 1000 prints each was wrong. The economics were wrong. Eventually, many people saw Jaan-e-Mann on satellite television and loved it."

Why isn't Kunder making his second film with Sajid? "He needs to start his own production house. Maybe he feels producers become a hurdle because they bring in a business factor. I don't know why bringing the topic of commerce into cinema is considered cheesy. The minute you talk commerce to a filmmaker he falls back on creativity," Sajid says with uncharacteristic sarcasm. He then grows retrospective. "This is my 54th year in the industry. I must've inherited the filmy genes from my father. I do feel alone. I wish I had a sibling or a partner. My son is just a child. Yes, I've a first-cousin Feroz Nadiadwala who's also a very successful producer. I did work with him for two years. But we chose to work separately."

Why not direct his own film? "I do a lot of homework on all the scripts that I produce. But I'm too sensitive and shy to instruct a hundred people on the set. I won't be able to shoot with an actor I don't like. I'm an escapist in real life. Maybe I can direct a good escapist entertainer."