NEWS: Soon Ranbir might cross my record: Kareena

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor, who has won as many as six Filmfare awards, feels her cousin Ranbir is giving her tough competition and may soon break her record -- but she adds that it would be a big moment for her.

"Since I was a child, I always thought I will win a Filmfare and give an acceptance speech, where I will thank my mother, father and family. My Filmfare trophies will follow me till my grave. Hopefully, not only six but many more," said Kareena.

"But I have a very tough competition in my own family now. You never know, soon Ranbir might cross my record and that of my grandfather. But that would surely be a very joyous moment for our family," added the 32-year-old.

While Kareena has six Filmfare trophies in her kitty, Ranbir has four and their grandfather, the legendary actor Raj Kapoor had won 11 Filmfare awards.

The newly-wed was speaking here at the 58th Idea Filmfare Awards 2012 press conference Tuesday.

The award-giving ceremony is scheduled for Jan 20 next year at the Yash Raj Films (YRF) studios in Mumbai.

The fact that she belongs to the Kapoor family does put pressure on her.

"The pressures are obviously there because there are so many names associated with it. But we are all taking it forward in our own way. Earlier it was me and Karisma, but I am so glad that finally there is a man in the family (Ranbir)," said Kareena.

This year the actress had four releases -- "Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu", "Agent Vinod", "Heroine", and "Talaash". Besides that she has done item number "Fevicol se" in Salman Khan's film "Dabangg 2", releasing Friday

NEWS: Kareena Kapoor Will Have To Do Homework For ‘Satyagraha’

Bollywood’s reigning queen Kareena Kapoor’s next film is veteran filmmaker Prakash Jha’s ‘Satygraha’.  The film is a political thriller and Kareena is playing a role of a journalist in it.

According to the reports, Kareena’s character is the film is designed on CNN’s Christiane Amanpour and she will have to work hard to make herself ready for the role.

Interestingly, Kareena is known to be a spontaneous actor and she doesn’t believe in rehearsing or advance preparation for her roles. However, this time it would be different as Jha has asked Kareena to do her homework and be in sync with our country’s current political movements.

A source close to the film says, “Kareena would have to become thoroughly familiar with present-day political affairs. Her character is a fiercely militant investigative journalist. For her too look credible Parkash feels the words about present day politics and politicians should not come from the script. They should flow naturally from the actress’ sensitivities as an Indian.”

The source further adds, “For this Kareena would have to change her working method. She normally gets familiar with her lines just before a shot. For ‘Satayrgaha’ she would have to spend time understanding the genesis of her character’s thought process before being able to express it properly.”

‘Satyagraha’ is expected to go on floors from mid January. The political thriller also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn,Arjun Rampal and Manoj Bjapayee in the leading roles.

NEWS: Kareena happier after marriage says Farah Khan

Farah Khan, who has choreographed Kareena Kapoor for "Dabangg 2" song "Fevicol Se", says the actress seems to be happier after her wedding with Saif Ali Khan.

Farah and Kareena have worked together before, but the former feels their bonding became stronger while shooting for the song.

"Kareena's bonding with me became good after the song. She is also relaxed and is in a happier state after marriage. She is hardworking," Farah said at the launch of a new channel, Nick Juniors Tuesday.

Farah says both Kareena and Salman Khan were very supportive during the shoot.

"Kareena has put in a lot of effort. She rehearsed a lot for it. In fact, she let me do whatever I wanted for the costumes and look," said the choreographer.

"Salman was learning everything in one rehearsal. The shooting of the movie was over and the song was at the end, so everyone was relaxed. It was fun shooting in the end," Farah added.

After Kareena's song "Halkat jawaani" from "Heroine" became a hit, Farah wanted to give the actress a completely different look in "Fevicol se".

"Manish Malhotra and I were aware that she did 'Halkat jawaani' a few months before and we wanted to give her a different look. I wanted her to look a little mismatched and I also didn't give her too much make-up," she said.

Farah is happy that she has had an interesting 2012.

"(The year) 2012 was good. 'Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi' gave me good reviews and 'Fevicol se' has also became a hit. Ups and downs come in every year, but overall it was not bad," she said.

Farah's new film "Happy New Year" will go on floors next year and its leading lady is yet to be disclosed.

NEWS: Kareena is grateful to Yashji

Bebo feels she wouldn't have married Saif Ali Khan if it weren't for Yash Chopra

At a recent awards function, Priyanka Chopra turned emotional and expressed her regret at not being directed in any of her films by the man considered the epitome of Bollywood romance. Obviously, she was referring to Yash Chopra, who passed away in October.

Turns out Kareena Kapoor too has similar regrets, as the legendary filmmaker never passed her instructions over the microphone during a shoot. However, the actress says she's thankful to be associated with him for a completely different reason. And it has something to do with her marriage.

Kareena, who recently married Saif Ali Khan, got involved in a serious relationship with him on the sets of Tashan. The 2008 action film was produced under Chopra's banner Yash Raj Films. `It would have been an honour but the fact is I never got to work with Yashji as my director.

Fortunately, I've been in several films made by his production house. In fact, thanks to Yash Raj Films, Saif and I are together today because it was during Tashan we fell in love with each other. Were it not for that film, things could have been different today for both of us,` gushes the 32 year-old actress.

Talking about movies, Bebo admits to have not having watched a single film this year. She says, `The Dirty Picture was the last one I saw and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I haven't seen Barfi! either, but I've heard Ranbir and Priyanka are fantastic in it. They are both wonderful actors. It's been a busy year but then Saif and I rarely go out like other couples to catch a movie."

NEWS: After 'Talaash', bubbly Bebo readies for rom-com

After a "sensitive" role in "Talaash", Kareena Kapoor says she is ready to give the audience a taste of the real "Bebo" and is looking forward to a light romantic comedy in which she can play her usual effervescent self.

"I want to experiment with various genres and not just do monotonous roles. 'Taalash' was one of my most sensitive performances, but now my next will be a rom-com. I want to give a nice flavour of Bebo to the audience post-'Talaash'," Kareena, who is nicknamed Bebo, said in an interview.

The 32-year-old, who wed actor Saif Ali Khan in October, is ready to get back to full on work in the new year. She will begin work on a Karan Johar production opposite Imran Khan in January.

"I love being part of Dharma Productions' projects. There is some young and new talent coming from this production. My film 'Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu' was directed by Shakun Batra, who is just 25.

"I am looking forward to do this new film (to be directed by Punit Malhotra of 'I Hate Luv Storys' fame)," said Kareena, who describes the film as a "super fun yet poignant" love story.

The first schedule of the movie will start in Bangalore.

Kareena is especially happy about doing such a film because she doesn't have a suspense drama like "Talaash" on her mind right now.

"I don't think I will take a suspense drama for a while. It was a brave decision to make a film like 'Talaash'," she said.

Kareena says she is thankful to the audience that accepted this genre.

"When we were making the film, my only concern was the audience should accept this genre and we have won the battle. My year began with 'Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu', in which I played a very modern girl, and the year ended with a very sensitive performance in 'Talaash'."

She only wants to continue doing "good projects and show different shades" of herself through movies.

"Numbers don't really matter to me, what matters is good performance," said the actress, who also features in the peppy and saucy item number "Fevicol se" in the movie "Dabangg 2".

The song has won her rave reviews, and director-producer Arbaaz Khan says Kareena has done a "superb job in it".

NEWS: Kareena to shoot with Imran in Bangalore

Actress Kareena Kapoor will soon start shooting with actor Imran Khan in Bangalore for Karan Johar's new production.

"I am starting my shoot with Imran Khan for Karan Johar's film. I will start shooting for that film from January. We will be shooting in Bangalore for the first schedule," Kareena said.

The duo was last paired in "Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu". Their new film, which is yet to be titled, will be directed by Punit Malhotra.

Kareena's calendar is packed.

"Post-Bangalore, I will be in Bhopal in February to shoot for Prakash Jha's 'Satyagrah'. I am really looking forward to these films," she said.

The actress, who married Saif Ali Khan Oct 16, has been busy with her endorsements and even shot an item number, "Fevicol se" for "Dabangg 2".

Kareena says she wants to continue exploring various genres in the film industry.

"I don't want to pin-point and explore just one kind of role. I want to try different genres. I want to do different kinds of role and I will continue doing that," said the 32-year-old.

PHOTO: Kapoor Kousins Together

PHOTO: Kareena Kapoor's Sangeet

Saif-Kareena's pre-wedding party kept very private affair

Bollywood couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor's pre-wedding party on Sunday at her Bandra residence was kept as a private affair with the terrace venue covered to prevent media getting a peek.

Many Bollywood celebrities were spotted at the party including Neetu Singh, Babita, Sanjay Kapoor, Manish Malhotra, Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Khemu among others.

While a source says it's a sangeet ceremony, designer Manish Malhotra said: "It's just a fun party."

Kareena was said to be wearing a traditional orange lehenga with a golden blouse.

The marriage, to be reportedly be held on Tuesday, is planned as a quiet affair with only immediate family members from both sides being present.

Ranbir beats cousin Kareena in box office race

Ranbir Kapoor's deaf and mute character in "Barfi!" seems to be giving cousin Kareena Kapoor's glamorous avatar in "Heroine" a run for her money!

The sweet and simple love story of a mute and deaf boy in "Barfi!" seems to have touched the heartstrings of viewers who are still flocking theatres to savour the unconventional romantic flavour. On the other hand, "Heroine", with an an overdose of glitz, doesn't seem to have the same effect on the moviegoers.

It is obvious from the fact that the Rs.30 crore-"Barfi!", released Sep 14, has raked in Rs.82.05 crore net at the domestic box-office, while "Heroine", which released a week later, has garnered just Rs.32 crore. Made at a budget of Rs.20 crore, it has recovered the cost, but is not as big a success as "Barfi!".

Both the films have been produced and distributed by Disney UTV.

"'Barfi' is performing exceedingly well across all international markets. The movie is resonating with audience and such sustenance across second weekend and weekdays is rare to see in recent times! Exhibitors all across have retained a good number of shows despite new releases," Amrita Pandey, executive director - syndication, international distribution, Studios, Disney UTV, said in a statement.

"Barfi!" is India's official entry to the prestigious Academy Awards in Best Foreign Language Film.

Gaurav Verma, director, India Theatrical Distribution, Studios, Disney UTV, says that it is like "icing on the cake".

"The second weekend saw more and more people coming in for the film and seeing the response we are in talks with exhibitors to add more screens for 'Barfi!'" he added.

As far as the international markets are concerned "Barfi!" seems to be ruling the roost there too. It has earned $4.82 million, while "Heroine" collection is $1.75 million as of Tuesday.

But Pandey claims that none of the female-centric films in recent years have received a response as good as "Heroine".

She said "Heroine" had a "phenomenal opening in all major international markets"!

"This was a highly anticipated movie and our marketing push has helped pull in massive crowds to theatres," she added.

Saif, Kareena visit London theatre to check Heroine's response

Kareena recently celebrated her 32nd birthday in London with Saif Ali Khan. Now the actor will be accompanying his ladylove to a screening of Heroine in a London theatre to check out the reasponse the film has been getting from Bebo's UK fans 

Our source says, `In India, the film has been getting a mixed response. But apparently in UK, it is doing well. The film was entirely shouldered on Kareena's performance and she is very happy with the way it has turned out.

So she will visit a London film theatre and get live feedback from her UK fans. She has invited Saif to join her during the screening.` 

Box office: 'Heroine' disappoints, 'Barfi!' still sweet

While Madhur Bhandarkar's film gets a slow start at the BO, 'Barfi!' is on an upward swing 

Madhur Bhandarkar's much-anticipated Heroine released with mix response. Although it was expected to get a huge opening and the producers released 2000 plus prints, the film didn't live up to the expectations. The trade feels that though the opening was good for a woman-oriented film, the film failed short of expectations.

Heroine has managed to earn Rs 22.49 crore in its first weekend (Friday Rs 7.35 cr, Saturday Rs 7.41cr and Sunday Rs 7.73 cr) On the other hand, Barfi! has collected around Rs 57.14 crore in its first week and Rs 15 crore in its second weekend making its total to Rs 62.14 crore in the first 10 days.

An interesting study of the moolah raked in by woman-oriented films in recent years in their first weekend indicates Rs 8.82 cr for 7 Khoon Maaf, Rs 10.85 cr for Tanu Weds Manu, Rs 12.02 cr for No One Killed Jessica, Rs 29.89 cr for The Dirty Picture, Rs 13.25 cr for Kahaani, Rs 6.28 cr for Hate Story and Rs 17.38 cr for Jism 2.

Girish Wankhede, official spokesperson of a multiplex chain says, `The reviews and the audience reactions for Heroine are mixed. And for Barfi!, the timely Oscar entry announcement has boosted the collections and in fact we are thinking of increasing shows at our theatres.` 

Trade analyst Atul Mohan says, `I think both Barfi! and Heroine should have been spaced out as both are from the same production house.` Trade expert Amod Mehra adds, `Heroine has nothing new to offer and the second half is dragging. It is a depressing film and will loose at least 20 to 30 per cent of its investment.`

Priyanka Chopra voted Bollywood’s biggest heroine!

The Barfi! babe is probably having the best year of her career so far, and her fans seem to be loving it!

A poll was conducted asking fans who thought was Bollywood’s biggest heroine right now, and got an overwhelming response. Must say that the competition was tough – between Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra. But PeeCee quite comfortably beat her contemporaries to come out as the winner of the poll.

While Priyanka received 31 percent votes, Kareena – the current “Heroine” – got 25 percent votes and Katrina Kaif came third with 24 percent votes. The others in the running were Vidya Balan with 10 percent votes and Rani Mukerji with 5 percent.

PeeCee has had an amazing 2012 and it’s not surprising at all that she has come out tops in this poll. She started the year with a big hit in the form of Agneepath and now Barfi! has managed to win over the audiences and critics alike. Priyanka was applauded for her subtle and mature portrayal of the autistic girl Jhilmil. The only thing that hasn’t worked for her is Teri Meri Kahaani with Shahid Kapoor, but it seems like everyone has already forgotten about it.

Barfi! has made over approximately Rs 80 crores (including overseas collections) and has been picked as India’s official entry to the Oscars. And if that wasn’t enough, the girl is making waves internationally as the first singing star from India. Her first single In My City became the anthem of the National Football League, putting her directly in the top league. Her video is set to release soon, and it’s creating loads of curiosity in India.

Priyanka’s 30th year definitely seems to be proving lucky for her. And we are sure that 2013 will be as exciting for the babe, as she vies for all the best actress trophies in India and Barfi! fights for a place in the top five foreign language films list at the Academy Awards. The superhero flick Krissh 3 releases next year and Priyanka’s album also hits the market in early 2013! Way to go PeeCee!

Monday Movie Review: HEROINE

Rating **1/2

Madhur Bhandarkar's fascination for home-truths is known fact. Be it unseen or rather, unexplored world of bar dancers, the hind truths of media business and socialites, or the home truths of corporate sector and glamour aisles. Madhur has always succeeded in making his mark, by all his previous releases. 

After exhibiting his adroitness in conceptualising the home truths on celluloid, Madhur is once again here with a theme based on the hind side of showbiz. 

This time with Heroine, Madhur has tried to reveal the murkier secrets of an actresses' life, who has an ongoing tryst with agony and plight pertaining to personal and professional life. This much talked about cine cantata of Madhur, featuring Kareena, Randeep Hooda and Arjun Rampal opened with an occupancy of around 55% at multiplexes. 

There is widely prevailing notion about the showbiz which says that, darkness always prevails behind the spotlight. So is the story of Madhur's directional venture, Heroine, which is knitted around the voyage of an actress in the glittery lanes of showbiz. And her rendezvous with the dark side of fame and eminence. 

Heroine is tale of Mahi Arora (Kareena Kapoor) a prominent superstar of Bollywood, who has got all fragrances of goodies in her bunch of success blooms. Besides this Mahi suffers from bipolar disorder with mood swings, predominated by a sense of insecurity and loneliness. And the only source of soothing delight for Mahi is, her unconditional and everlasting dote on reigning superstar Aryan (Arjun Rampal). 

But as the story proceeds her insecurities start taking over the control of her life, where she lands up in a state of dilemma, due to sheer contradiction between her outer life and inner world which demands a soothing comfort of true love. As story moves ahead, her quest and longing for true love starts taking her to disastrous depths. 

After exhibiting his dexterity in handling the home-truths pertaining to glamour aisles, media industry, corporate world, and even the life of bar dancers this time Madhur some what failed in penning down a flawless script for one of the most over hyped cine flick of his career.

Infact the script of Heroine seems to be overly burdened with stereotypical element, showcasing those common features of "Madhur's type of cinema" for which homosexuality, Page-3 parties with gallons of liquor flowing, a gay fashion designers and bitchy celebs are a must. 

The script no where gives you a fragrance of freshness, rather it gets more and more monotonous with frames rolling ahead. Apart from it's characteristic resemblance with the previous cine cantatas of Madhur (especially Fashion). The script becomes monotonous, repetitive within itself also. 

With every successive sequence Heroine makes you feel that it is the same narrative which you have seen just a couple of minutes ago and the only difference lies in the shift of set. 

Even at times script of Heroine seems to be more of a gossip tabloid, which tries to take a dig at some of the real life incidents of Bollywood actress in order to authenticate its proclamation of being a reality based cine tale pertaining to Bollywood

In nutshell, contrary to his previous cine ideas which were thoroughly novel, this time Madhur has completely failed in knitting an entertaining script. 

With rhetoric pattern inspired from Socratian way of thinking, dialogues of Heroine may leave some impact upon you at one or two places but on the whole, masses are expected to get surprised by the phraseology, adopted by the ace director for this most ambitious project of his.

Well as far as screenplay and flow of the narration are concerned, then after having those award winning cine flicks like Fashion, Corporate, Page -3 and Chandini Bar in his kitty, this time Madhur has failed in meeting his own benchmark.

Though like typical Madhur Bhandarkar movies Heroine also begins with a curiosity raising sequence, providing a take off to audience apprehensions, but as the frames move ahead the onscreen substance seems to be divorcing from the reality, with everything kissing the horizons of obtruded melodrama.

Contrary Bhandarkar style of direction every single sequence of the film, Heroine is loaded with tonnes of predictability coated around it. Which is surely a disappointment for die hard Bhandarkar fans. With tons of soil from the previous grounds, Heroine once again showcased the feminine-traits of a designer, homosexuality, bitching celebs everything seems to be copy, pasted from his previous cine cantatas. 

As far as direction is concerned then in Heroine Madhur some what failed in extracting best from his protagonists. Though Kareena's oomph in movie was at all time best, but inspite of that her performance could have been better. Infact despite having the patronage of an ace director like Madhur, Kareena looked getting derailed from her performance track as the movie rolls ahead. 

With narration flowing ahead at snails pace and run time of around 2 hrs 30 minutes Heroine at times becomes so overburdening that, you simply feel like being punished. 

Clad with oodles of glamour around her, Kareena has looked scorching hot in the movie, but as far as her performance is concerned then up till an extent Bebo disappoints the fans who expected a memorable performance from her. 

As a superstar Arjun Rampal is proficient and leaves a thorough impression. And on the other hand Randeep Hooda too delivered a satisfactory in a brief, but significant role.

As far as supporting cast is concerned then Divya Dutta as a PR professional leaves an impact. 

In the music department, Heroine failed in making it to chart busters list. With Halkat Jawani as the pick of the deck, for those who relish soft and soothing tunes, there are a couple of tracks like Tujhpe Fida, Khwahishein, Saiyaan which are well integrated in the narrative. 

With so much hype created to provide a massive impetus to its opening on the BO, Heroine somewhat lacks the trademark trait of Bhandarkar cine flicks. And as far as its emerging as a massive success is concerned, then it's Kareena's fan following which may do the miracle for the movie which is otherwise expected to emerge as the cine flick slightly above the average mark.
To sum up, after watching so many women centric cine delights offered by Madhur, Heroine somewhat fails in meeting the previous benchmarks set by the director, and could only be watched to witness the oodles of oomph of Kareena.

'Heroine' performs well in overseas market

Kareena Kapoor-starrer "Heroine" is working wonders in the overseas market.

The Madhur Bhandarkar movie, based on the ups and downs in the life of an actress, was reportedly made at a budget of Rs.20 crore.

It released in 42 screens in the Middle East Thursday, and has earned $350,000, with 19 screens still to report the numbers.

In India, Britain and the US, the movie opened Friday.

It registered Rs.7.5 crore earnings in India, in Britain, it made $78,402 from 41 screens, while in the US, "Heroine" minted $140,000 (it released in 112 screens, and six screens are yet to report the numbers.

"'Heroine' has seen a phenomenal opening in all major international markets. This was a highly anticipated movie and our marketing push has helped pull in massive crowds to theatres. No other female lead has seen such a response in recent years," Amrita Pandey, executive director, Syndication, International Distribution - Studios, Disney UTV, said in a statement.

"Heroine" also features Arjun Rampal and Randeep Hooda in key roles. The movie had a strong buzz around it, and it was heavily promoted across all quarters.

Bollywood incomplete without Salman: Kareena

Salman Khan is on the brink of completing a silver jubilee in Bollywood, and actress Kareena Kapoor says the industry is incomplete without him.

"I think we all are big fans of Salman and he has been my and Karisma's (Kapoor) co-star. I am really happy with his 25 years because this industry is incomplete without Salman," the 31-year-old said here.

The actress, who is awaiting the release of her film "Heroine" spoke on the sidelines of a special shoot for comedy TV show "Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah".

About her appearance on the show, Kareena said: "I think it's the number one TV show, so we are happy that we could promote our film 'Heroine' on such a popular stage."

The serial's most popular character, Daya Jethalal Gada, essayed by actress Disha Vakani, made Kareena do the garba. Kareena, who has danced to "Halkat jawaani" in the film was quite a sport.

"All of them are quite halkat so we danced on 'Halkat jawaani' and the show has got that spirit. I also did the garba and Punjabi dance and I also made them dance to my song. So the concept has been well-woven in the script," Kareena said.

Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, "Heroine" hits theatres this Friday and also stars Arjun Rampal and Randeep Hooda.

Kareena Kapoor on the Sets of "Halkat Jawani" Music Shoot

First Look: Arjun Rampal and Kareena Kapoor in HEROINE

HEROINE's 'Halkat jawani ' n 'Saaiyaan' crosses 1 million hits on YouTube. S

Kareena Kapoor's peppy number "Halkat jawani" from "Heroine" is grabbing eyeballs. It has crossed over one million hits on YouTube.

The video was officially put on the site Aug 16, and has received a stupendous response.

From Ganesh Acharya's choreography to Kareena's svelte looks, viewers have praised the song for all its aspects.

"Heroine" will release Sep 21

Also the news has it that "Saaiyaan" has also done the same. OFFICIAL TWEET BY MUSIC COMPOSOR SALIM MERCHANT OF SALIM-SULAIMAN DUO

VIDEOS BELOW

HALKAT JAWANI

SAAIYAAN

Kareena Kapoor takes on Katrina Kaif in Heroine

Kareena Kapoor has gone ahead and taken a dig at fellow actress Katrina Kaif and her foreign origin.

But don’t let your imaginations run wild, as the potshots are strictly part of the script of her upcoming movieHeroine.

In one of the scenes, the 31-year-old is seen poking fun at another actress with uncanny resemblance to Kaif. While interacting with a journalist in the scene, the actress claimed that the latter got successful only because her boyfriend (Salman Khan) was a big star.

Bebo even remarks on how the actress' passport should be checked to identify her real name, age and country of origin.

Although Kapoor girl was reluctant to do this scene, she was convinced by director Madhur Bhandarkar, who reasoned that several aspiring actresses did come to India to try their luck in films.

Kaif’s passport issue got hyped when Deepika Padukone quipped about it on chat show Koffee With Karan.