Amrita Rao Online

News

Luxury, stars and glamour

Kickstarting the fest, Wendell chose to flaunt the hues of dull gold, olive, plum, grey and black and played up the schoolgirl look with high ponies and short hemlines. This was a collection that reflected the ubran chic attitude of the modern Indian metro. His showstopper — actress Sonali Kulkarni, flashed a charming smile and swept across in a flowy black outfit.
Then came the gorgeous Delhi-based designer Ritu Beri with a collection in Mumbai after long. Detailed to the core, there was some pretty signature opulence in Ritu’s collection with 30 distinctive looks. Sensuous models strutted heavily embroidered jackets, shimmery jooda clips, dupattas with frills in lovely colours of pink, plum, sea green and reds. Ritu claimed, “I love Mumbai and that’s why I chose to show my collection in my favourite colours.” She chose actress Vidya Balan as her showstopper, and there was great camaraderie between the two ladies on the ramp. Vidya said with a flash of studded eyelashes, “Ritu’s designs are spectacular. I wouldn’t have walked the ramp for anyone else. The dress I wore was so elaborate, I felt like a Goddess on the runway.” Meanwhile, actor Harman Baweja and the gorgeous Amrita Rao (soon to be seen in Victory) walked the ramp independently in high-end Stephan Hafner Italian jewellery to whistles from the audience.
Under the open skies, Day 1 was drawn to a close with designer Rohit Bal’s hot collection titled Gulal, which spoke of the celebrations of Spring. Rohit said, “The spirit of freedom and joie de vivre inspired this look. Each design is like a sculpture in motion with bursts of hot pinks, flame orange turquoise and pewter.” For this dramatic show with pink feathers strewn on the ramp, it was actress Neha Dhupia who was Gudda’s vivacious showstopper. Neha was visibly happy having walked for Rohit and played with him on the ramp by showering some feathers on him as the audiences cheered on. “He is truly the very best we have,” claimed the actress appreciating her showstopper outfit.

Amrita Rao becomes an alien due to Milap!

It appears that the year 2009 will be a real important one for Amrita Rao, the girl next door who won innumerable hearts with VIVAAH. Last year saw her as a simple village girl in Shyam Benegal's WELCOME TO SAJJANPUR and once again she got a lot of praise!
This year Amrita has three films up her sleeves, HOOK YA CROOK, VICTORY and SHORTCUT- THE CON IS ON. But there is one film that Amrita is very excited about and that is the Nikhil Advani and Mukesh Talreja production, JAANE KAHAAN SE AAYI HAI. The film is being directed by Milap Zaveri, the famous writer of hit films like MASTI, HEYY BABYY etc. And believe it or not, Amrita Rao plays an alien from outer space in the film. Since she is portraying an alien, a conscious effort has been made to make her look specially suited for the character and even her body language would be different here. She is Ruslan Mumtaz's girlfriend who plays a young superstar in the film.
The buzz doing the round is that Amrita is doing a guest appearance in the film. Amrita has agreed to do JAANE KAHAAN SE AAYI HAI because of her friendship with the director, Milap Zaveri and her character will be kept as a surprise package. The film also stars Ritesh Deshmikh, Ruslan Mumataz (Of MP3 fame), Ayesha Takia and Sonal Sehgal.
While on Milap Zaveri, while you are reading this, the MASTI and HEYY BABYY writer is all set to get married to Gouri later today (5th January 2009)! We at Glamsham wish him a happy married life!

Amrita Rao: I will give him 100% marks for VICTORY

Amrita Rao knows that VICTORY is a Harman Baweja film and even though she has done far more number of movies than him, she truly appreciates the kind of performance that the young man has come up with in his second film.
’'What I like about Harman is his never say die attitude. He is always very gung ho about what he is doing. The way he has played the character is absolutely fascinating. In fact what appealed me most about his performance was that he wasn’t acting as a cricketer. He prepared so very well for the role and picked up the entire body language of a cricketer. These are the finer nuances that matter’', says Amrita Rao who was seen in WELCOME TO SAJJAPUR, MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES and SHAURYA last year.
When LOVE STORY 2050 bombed, wasn’t she worried that she had VICTORY releasing soon with Harman? Didn’t it put an additional pressure on her?
’'If one really checks the track records of actors, the best of us haven’t had the best of debuts’', defends Amrita Rao, ’'Even I had a faulty beginning with AB KE BARAS; it had failed at the box office. So you know, you can’t predict such things or start assessing an actor after one flop. Success or failure is not in your hand; what matters though is that your passion as an actor shouldn’t die. This is where Harman excels so much. He continued to work extra hard and made sure that he gave it all to his role.’’
She says fondly, ’'There is no flaw in his acting in VICTORY and when you sense that he is not acting for camera, it itself tells a lot about the kind of training he must have gone through. I will give him 100% marks. We all really wish him luck.’

RJ Archana Jani , Amrita Rao to sing for the nation on Big 92.7 FM

Big 92.7 FM Mumbai will celebrate this Republic day with the Big Musical Republic day parade. Flagging off the Big Musical Republic day parade was RJ Archana Jani with super star Amrita Rao, Big FM listeners and college students at the studio who came together and sang patriotic songs.
The Big Musical Republic day parade is an interesting property inviting Mumbaikars to join and sing for the nation. Throughout the week, Big FM RJs will visit various localities and communities like housing societies, corporate offices, colleges, singer groups, theatre groups and many more recording their voices and compositions. In this way, Mumbai will get a chance to express their patriotic spirit for the nation. Big Ke Saath Republic Day Manaega, Mumbai Dil Khol Ke Gayega will provide Mumbaikars a platform to express their patriotic compositions and be a part of the Big Musical republic day parade. To ensure high aspirational quotient, eminent singers will also be heard crooning patriotic songs along with listeners.
On the morning of Republic day, the BIG RJs will visit various flag hoisting ceremonies and cover the republic day parades. Also, Big FM RJs with listeners will form Republic day parades and visit the city singing patriotic songs spreading the feeling of patriotism. Through its offerings, BIG 92.7 FM will bring out the patriotic fervor of the people, bringing the entire country together even in its diversity.
Wishing Mumbai a Happy Republic day Neerja Dhillon, Station Director, BIG 92.7 FM-Mumbai said, “The Big Musical Republic day parade is an innovative property bringing the entire Mumbai to sing for the nation together. It is touching various important communities of the city for one common cause-Respect and devotion towards their nation. The response so far has been great with listener responses being very high just showcasing the need of people wanting to showcase their patriotic spirit for the nation”

Amrita Rao kicked out of ad?

The latest victim of the strained Indo-Pak relations is not a Pakistani. I am told Amrita Rao lost out on the Walls ice cream commercial because of 26/11.
Sounds unrealistic? Here's the story: Few months ago Amrita starred alongside Farhan Saeed, the singer from the Pakistani band Jal in the commercial and a music video.
However now with the diplomatic ties between the two countries going for a toss, Saeed is finding little support this side of the border.
I'm told, with Saeed out of the picture Amrita was also given the boot and in came Shruti Hassan.
Shruti will star alongside Raghav Sachar, the man who composed music for Kabul Express and One Two Three among other films.
I'm not sure how Amrita has taken this news. But Shruti, the rising star could well do with some dollops of ice cream on her way up!

Amrita speaks her mind!

Most importantly, my city has woken up from its legendary chalta hai attitude. I’m proud of the Indian Muslims who are voicing the true essence of Islam to the fidayeens (and not to the Hindus) as some may mistake. Let’s not only blame politicians. They gave us little because our resilience was mistaken for contentment. Let’s use the media readily available today to fight not only against terrorism, but for all our basic civic rights. Our forefathers won us freedom. Let’s win for ourselves important basic facilities in this city. To begin with, let’s vote.

One fiery lass

Don’t go by her looks. Petite looking Amrita Rao can surely topple you when she starts talking with conviction about something. Her fiery side takes on and her eyes and face are aglow. The actress was here to anchor the 39th International Film Festival of India’s inaugural function. “I have decided to come every year now to this festival,” says Amrita. “The enthusiasm is so infectious! And it is the perfect opportunity to interact with international filmmakers – something that I would really like to do next time for a longer time.”
Does that mean this belle is tired of the Bollywood song and dance routine and is looking to cross the borders? “No…Not at all!” exclaims Amrita. “On the contrary, I love doing this song and dance stuff. I enjoy every moment of it.” What exactly does she enjoy about it? “Everything. There have been times when I have stood on one tall rock, with surface barely enough for two people to stand, amidst rock formations romancing my lead man! Its possible only in a Bollywood song sequence, nowhere else!” That means it is the fantasy that lures you? “Fantasy, romance and surrealism! I love all of it. Am so glad that am a part of the industry just now,” she shares. Amrita loves music and dance. She is willing to do an item number, too. “Nothing wrong in doing it if it is filmed well,” she feels. You can see the fire lighting in her eyes. “It is like doing a cameo in a film. And if I have someone like Farah Khan choreographing my song, I would love to an item number. Cause I am sure that it will be presented perfectly.” As an actress, Amrita has had a share of good directors of the industry in the short span of her career. From Sooraj Barjatiya to Shyam Benegal. Is she willing to venture into parallel cinema? “Today the line between parallel cinema and mainstream cinema is slowly diminishing,” Amrita says. Face is now glowing with conviction as she readies herself for an intelligent argument. “Shyambabu became ‘Shyam Benegal’ because when he started doing his kind of cinema, the mainstream cinema was too unreal. Even the locations were unreal and most of the films were shot on the sets. Today the scenario has changed. Most films are shot on varied locations. Offbeat films are made by mainstream producers and directors, something that didn’t happen earlier,” she adds emphatically. “And talking about my cross over – I am already doing different kinds of films with different set of directors.”
What would you like to be known as a hot babe or a girl next door? “A good actor!” comes the prompt one. What is closest to the heart of this young woman? “Saraswat – aamchi – food!” replies Amrita. She is proud to be a Saraswat. “That I am. And one of the reasons that I am so comfortable in Goa is that I feel as if I belong here. Whenever I have come here for shoots, it has been my best outdoors. The language, the food, everything is so like home.” Amrita regrets that she could not anchor the inauguration in Konkani. “I wish I had spoken at least something in Konkani!”
No problem baby…there is always a next time.

Neeraj can't stop singing Amrita's praises

After impressing acclaimed filmmaker like Shyam Benegal, it is the turn of writer turned filmmaker Neeraj Vohra to get mighty impressed by Amrita Rao. Amrita is working with Neeraj for Anil Kapoor's home production Shortkut.
Neeraj states, "One can actually take out the best performance from her. interestingly she follows the directors instructions completely. I am working with her for the first time. I have seen her earlier performances and she has done a commendable job. She has been good in commercial ventures and down to earth characters like the one she performed in Welcome To Sajjanpur. Amrita is talented and will sure make it to the top very soon."
"It is completely Anil Kapoor's baby but not once did Anil Kapoor come on the sets. I have never seen a producer like him. He discusses with me the schedules of the day every morning but never interferes on the sets. I have enjoyed working with him. The shooting of the film is almost complete now we are planning to release it somewhere in April to May," says Neeraj.
Meanwhile the directors next venture Run Bhola Run which has run into controversies over its title is also being readied for an April to May release. "The title has not been change," states Neeraj Vohra. "the shooting has been completed but we still have to shoot four songs. We will be shooting them very soon," he says and concludes.

Priyanka celebrated Harman Birth Day

Hot babe Priyanka surprised her boyfriend Harman Baweja on his Birth Day. She thrown a surprised party at her house and she called Harman’s friends and relatives. Harman busy with his shooting for upcoming project Victory so he was not decided.
How he celebrated his Birth Day but his girlfriend Priyanka gave him a surprised party as a birth day gift. She also called Harman’s Victory co star talented actress Amrita Rao. Minissha Lamba and Ashish Chaudhary also invited.

Amrita goes to the Dostana Special Screening

Exactly two screenings of Karan Johar's keenly anticipated DOSTANA have been held so far. The first screening, held on Tuesday night at Yash Raj, was attended by the cast and crew of the film, besides the Chopras, who are close family friends of the Johars, besides being the global distributors of DOSTANA.
The second screening, held last night [Wednesday] at Yash Raj, was a truly hi-profile affair, what with Karan's closest friends being invited for the screening. Jaya Bachchan, SRK and wife Gauri with their kids, Saif and Kareena, Karisma Kapoor, Rani and her parents, Deepika Padukone, Susanne Roshan, Arjun Rampal with wife Mehr, Imran Khan and girlfriend Avantika, Kunal Kapoor, Kunal Kohli, Ritesh Sidhwani, Anil Thadani, Sajid Khan, Siddharth Raj Anand, Jugal Hansraj, Kangna Ranaut, Amrita Rao, Sanjay Kapoor and wife Maheep, Sonam Kapoor, Neelam, Chunkey Pandey and wife Bhavana, Koel Purie, Mushtaq Sheikh, Manish Malhotra, music composers Vishal and Shekhar, writer Shibani Bhatija were amongst those present at this exclusive screening.
The auditorium was resonating with laughter and claps all through the screening.
Priyanka Chopra walked to meet the guests after the screening got over. Karan and director Tarun Mansukhani were wonderful hosts, attending to every guest personally.

‘Time to bond with people we love’

ACTRESS Amrita Rao is really excited. With Diwali being celebrated today, the lady is already partying with close family and friends. Last night she had a pre-Diwali bash at her place to relax and celebrate after a hectic session of shooting for Shortcut, an Anil Kapoor production. We caught up with the beautiful lady to know about her plans for Deepawali. “Diwali is my favourite festival. Diwali per se may be celebrated for a variety of reasons, but I think in present times when everybody is leading such a rushed life, Diwali is the perfect reason to connect with your loved ones. It gives one a reason to bond with people we love, and celebrate happiness and love." And the lady is celebrating the festival of lights with loads of masti. “Celebrations for me began last night itself. I had a small party at my place with very close and old pals. There was Vishal Malhotra, my co-star in Ishq Vishq, then there was writer Kiran Kotiyal, Ronnie Screwvala and some other friends. We had lots of fun. It was a cosy gettogether where all of us knew each other and could give time to each other instead of hopping from one guest to the other. We all chatted and gorged on goodies. It was lots of fun,” says Amrita excitedly.
But doesn’t indulging in all the goodies scare her about putting on weight? “Fortunately, I am one of those who doesn't put on weight easily. And it's Diwali yaar! Some concession is allowed. In any case I avoid canned and packaged stuff so no harm done. There's no dieting for me. I'm going to 'Die Eating'," says she with a laugh.
So what will she be wearing on her favourite festival? "I will be wearing an Indo-western outfit. See, we are anyways wearing Western outfits all the time, but for our festivals I love to wear traditional clothes. So that is what will be my choice for this evening also,” says Amrita who is busy shooting for several films.
One of them is Victory with Harman Baweja. “Victory is a very interesting film based on cricket and has a very large canvas. You will be seeing almost all the big cricketers in the film including Sri Lankan, New Zealand and Pakistani teams, besides Australian speedster Brett Lee. I am very excited about the project.” On that happy note we wish the pretty lady and all of you a very Happy Diwali. itishree.misra@timesgroup.com

This is 'Mareez E Mohabbat'

More over 'Dard-E-Disco', it's going to be time for some 'Mareez-E-Mohabbat' in around a couple of months from now. And while Shah Rukh Khan had shown his six-pack abs in the ‘Om Shanti Om’ song, Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt have decided to take a 'shortcut' by being fully covered in the number 'Mareez-E-Mohabbat' which would be on air soon. The song has been picturised for Anil Kapoor's home production ‘Shortcut - The Con Is On’ and features the 'jhakaas' actor with 'Munnabhai' Sanju baba.
Confirms a source attached to the film which should find a way in theaters early 2009, ''‘Shortcut - The Con Is On’ has Akshaye Khanna, Arshad Warsi and Amrita Rao as the three leads. However, Sanjay Dutt and Anil Kapoor would be seen in a guest appearance. The number is called 'Mareez-E-Mohabbat' and who else but Javed (Akhtar) saab could have come up with such lyrics?''
The number features Amrita Rao as well and has been choreographed by Bosco and Ceaser.
''Shooting for the song is through and it has turned out quite well. Sanju baba and Anil Kapoor had a blast dancing to this number, courtesy a catchy tune by Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy who have composed for the film. They have done a great job in creating an earthy tune'', says a crew member.
Incidentally, Anil Kapoor's last outing as a producer was ‘Gandhi My Father’ which had received immense critical acclaim in 2007. However, Shortcut is a full on commercial venture and features three more songs in addition to 'Mareez-E-Mohabbat'. While the title track 'Shortcut' is quite peppy, 'Koi Ye Na Jaane' is a fun romantic number while 'Kal Nau Baje' is a poetic love song.
''Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy have come together with Javed saab to make a good album with lot of variety'', adds the source.
’Shortcut - The Con Is On’ is directed by Neeraj Vora and also stars Simi Garewal along with Chunkey Pandey. Anees Bazmee, who has given three back to back hits in the form of ‘Singh Is Kinng’, ‘Welcome’ and ‘No Entry’, has written the screenplay of the film.

Amrita wins fans in Russia

AMRITA Rao seems to be on a fan-winning spree. The actress — who’s already popular in countries like the US, UK, Thailand and even Turkey and Peru — was quite surprised to know that she even has fans in Russia after being bombarded by mails from her Russian well-wishers. Says a source, “Amrita was extremely touched by this one particular girl’s mail. The Russian girl named Naritsyna Yekaterina had written to her claiming that, she has not only seen every film of hers almost 20 to 30 times, but also feels like she’s known her forever. And she added that Amrita is quite popular there.” Seems like Amrita’s charms have certainly worked in the country that’s already known to have a huge fan following of the legendary Raj Kapoor as well.

Power-packed!

Chandraprakash Dwivedi has finally found a daughter-in-law for Tabu. Amrita Rao has been roped in to play Arjun Rampal’s wife, and, Tabu and Amitabh Bachchan’s daughter-in-law in his upcoming film, The Legend of Kunal.
The film will show a good deal of sexual tension between Tabu and her step-son Rampal, while Amitabh and Amrita play mute spectators to the erotically-charged game between their spouses.
Says Dwivedi, “This is a very difficult role for Amrita. While Tabu plays the central character, Amrita is very important to the central drama. Tabu portrays trishna (thirst), whereas Amrita shows purity and honesty. So it was easy to cast Amrita. After seeing her innocent act in Sooraj Barjatya’s Vivaah and Shyam Benegal’s Welcome to Sajjanpur, Amrita was just the right choice.”
Adds Dwivedi, “Tabu’s character suffers from kama tanha (sexual desolation). She’s unable to achieve sexual fulfillment. Desire when uncontrolled, plays havoc with the mind. That’s Tabu’s story. Her dramatic circumstance throws up a challenge to the three characters played by Bachchan saab, Arjun Rampal and Amrita Rao. They have been cast because of their suitability rather than salability.”
The Legend of Kunal shows Amrita as Kanchanmala, the wife of the Emperor Ashoka. Says Dwivedi, “Mrs Jaya Bachchan actually suggested that I cast Amrita as Kanchanmala. Tabu and Amrita have many dramatic confrontation scenes together. I needed an actress who could hold her own against someone as powerful as Tabu. Amrita is delicate but strong. She can stand up to Tabu’s formidable talent and personality.”

Amrita brings the luck factor!

Amrita Rao has more reason to celebrate. Not only is the actress being flooded with film offers galore post the success of Welcome to Sajjanpur, but the girl is being considered the lucky mascot for most actors, the latest being Shreyas Talpade, who also tasted his first commercial success with his Shyam Benegal film with Amrita after Iqbal.
In fact, the actress had earlier proven lucky for her co-stars including Vivek Oberoi in Masti, Shahid Kapur in Ishq Vishq and Vivaah, and Zayed Khan in Main Hoon Na. Says Shreyas, “I have always recognised Amrita as a fine actress.
Our approach towards work is similar and I really enjoyed working with her. She certainly brought me luck with the welcoming success of Welcome to Sajjanpur. I am looking forward to working with her again as our chemistry worked wonders for the film’s success.” Seems like Bollywood’s Miss Goody-Two-Shoes is proving to be Miss Lucky-Two-Shoes as well!

‘I’m so disappointed...

…says Amrita Rao because she couldn’t go to Dubai to celebrate Eid with MF Husain
VINITA CHATURVEDI
There’s palpable disappointment in her voice as she tells CT that she couldn’t be with maverick painter MF Husain, who had specially invited her to Dubai to celebrate Eid and screen her latest film for some of his special guests. A visibly upset Amrita Rao says, “I am so disappointed that I couldn’t be with Husain saab. I was looking forward to meeting him but now the plan has gone kaput because I couldn’t get visa for Dubai due to holidays.” And what was the Eid gift that she was planning to give to her favourite painter? “I was actually looking forward to watching my film Welcome to Sajjanpur along with him. Nevertheless, I wished him Eid Mubarak. Now I will plan a visit to Dubai after 15 days,” says she.
While meeting MF Husain is one of her top priorities at the moment, she’s also busy completing two of her important projects. “Shortcut and Victory are almost nearing completion,” she says.
Amrita, is sure glowing these days. In fact, even MF Husain is said to have commented on this recently. So, is there a man on the horizon, who’s responsible for this extra touch of radiance? Amrita giggles and says coyly, “It’s the glow of success! I am doing very well and it shows!”

Set for a change

She is the girl every guy would want to take home with to his mother. But Amrita Rao seems to have got bored of the ‘girl next door and tag’ and is all set to shed the image in her upcoming film Shortcut opposite Arshad Warsi and Akshaye Khanna. Talking about the flick, in which she plays a girl from the glamour industry, Amrita says, “Manish Malhotra has styled me and I will be looking fashionable as never before. In fact in Victory opposite Harman Baweja, I play a modern girl from Jaisalmer. So yes, I am shedding the stereotypical image,” she says.
“Another reason the film will go down well with the audience because Harman plays an aspiring cricketer and there will be lot of international cricketers in the film.” Welcome To Sajjanpur set the box office registers ringing and the actress is glad her palpitating efforts paid off. “I had to get into the character of the illiterate villager and do pottery It was tough . but also great fun.” Talking about films that didn’t work, say My name Is Anthony Gonsalves, she says that when she acts in a film she loses judgement.
“At times, one does not know the kind of promos that will click and do well with the audience.” Having been MF Husain’s muse for so long, she says that she became special to him after he saw her in Vivah. “When he met me he said that he had wondered if I would be anywhere near the character and I was flattered when he said that I more than met his expectations,” she says.
In the capital to inaugurate PC Jewellers showroom in Faridabad, she said that she loves jewellery and is planning to open her treausre box this Diwali. “I am going to spend time with family friends and all relatives.” By Neha Sharma

Amrita Rao inaugurates jewellery showroom

The connoisseurs of fashion and jewellery P.C. Jewellers (PCJ) launched their new showroom at Faridabad on 2nd October 2008 amidst much fanfare in a glittering function. The Grand opening was marked by the presence of much glitterati, Bollywood celebrity, Amrita Rao, who added extra sizzle and oomph to the high profile glamorous event.
PC Jewellers is one of the largest and most reputed chains of gold and diamond jewellery that provides a wide range of products, transparency in dealings and best customer care.
Bollywood beauty Amrita Rao who inaugurated the new showroom said, "I am delighted to be here at this occasion, PCJ is a brand that embodies perfection in everything they do – be it jewellery or design. Being a woman, I have looked out for a brand that I could wear everyday and a brand that would match my needs at every occasion. In PCJ, I found a brand that not only satisfies these needs, but also embraces the desires of a woman in every beautiful piece of well-crafted jewellery.”

Anees Bazmee to direct Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt for a record Rs. 15 crore

Anees Bazmee has been signed by Anil Kapoor for his next home production. The direction fees offered to him for the same is a staggering Rs. 15 crore.
An industry source revealed, “Anil Kapoor has signed Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna in the lead roles. Anil too shall be playing one of the leads in the film. Amrita Rao is being considered to play one of the female leads while hunt for two more actresses is still on. Amrita is playing the lead in Anil’s current in-production film, Shortkut, also starring Akshaye Khanna and Arshad Warsi.”
When contacted, Anees stated, “Yes it is true that I am going to do Anil Kapoor’s film and I have been offered Rs. 15 crore for directing it. He has offered me same also because he intends to start the film soon just after he finishes his current in-production film, Shortkut. But I don’t think so I shall do the film for such a high price offered. We have had a very successful working relationship with No Entry and Welcome. I am also doing his younger brother Sanjay Kapoor’s first production, Its My Life. The script for the Sanjay-Anil-Akshaye starrer hasn’t been completed yet. But its a complete entertainer let me assure you.”
There was a time when there was cold war of sorts happening between Sanjay Dutt and Anil Kapoor for over a decade but it got over when Sanjay Gupta who was Dutt’s production house White Feathers partner then, brokered peace between them and got Anil to sign in for their production, Musafir (2004). Sanjay returned the favour by doing an item song appearance in Anil’s Shortkut dancing along Amrita Rao and Anil Kapoor.

Simple pleasures

The last couple of years have seen the triumph of low-budget Bollywood films. With the success of no-frills movies such as Bheja Fry (2007) and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008), it has become evident that the average Bollywood movie buff's love affair with beefy heroes, raunchy rain dances and melodramatic tearjerkers is at an all-time low.
So much so, that acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal's Welcome To Sajjanpur (WTS), a rustic tale set in a fictional Northern Indian Village, was greeted with an overwhelming response at the box office in India last week.
Buoyed by its success, Bollywood actress Amrita Rao, who plays the role of illiterate and gullible village belle Kamala, says she knew she had a winner in her hands from the very beginning.
Refreshing
"The simplicity and the novelty of the script was endearing. Urban comedies made on lavish and larger-than-life budgets are the norm these days, but I was sure that a story set in the Indian villages would be refreshing for the actors and the viewers alike," says Rao over the telephone.
The movie, in Dubai theatres this week, will also be screened at the London Film Festival on October 25 and 26.
"It's a classic cherry on the cake scenario. I knew the movie would be a hit with the Indian viewers but for it to be showcased at such a prestigious platform fills me with great pride. I feel as if I have taken a step nearer to my dream of being associated with some great movies," says Rao, who is known for her virginal, holier-than-thou roles.
After making her debut in 2002, Rao's five-year career graph is dotted with hits including Ishq Vishq, Main Hoon Na and Vivaah.
"I would never take up a role or agree to shoot for scenes that compromise on my comfort level. In short, I am willing to take on any challenge that does not include shedding clothes," says Rao, who sports a sari for the movie.
Getting her hands dirty
True to her word, Rao is said to have learnt the art of pottery in just five days for her role in WTS.
"Shyamji [Benegal] managed to hunt down a potter from one of the villages and brought him to Hyderabad film city to teach me pottery. So basically I was on a deadline to learn the art and shoot a pot-making scene within five days. It was one of the most exhilarating experiences ever," says Rao.
The movie was also shot on an express track spanning 33 days.
"It's a pleasure to work with a director who believed in making things happen rather than just talking about it endlessly," says Rao.
Surprisingly, Rao's next release, Victory, featuring struggling actor Harman Baweja (who is still reeling from his debut debacle Love Story 2050), is being touted as the most expensive Bollywood movie that will be made in 2009.
"As an actor, I want to do different kinds of projects. If my role as village belle Kamala has been well-liked then my character in Victory, a city-bred medical student, has the potential to be a bigger hit. 2009 is all about experimenting."
Amrita's score card
In just five years, the South Indian belle has worked with some of Bollywood's A-list directors and banners. Here is her take on her favourite co-stars …

Shahid Kapur in director Sooraj Bharjatya's family entertainer Vivaah: "Shahid and I are a perfect fit. We balance each other out in terms of personality and chemistry. The success of Vivaah proves that we work well as a team."
Zayed Khan in director Farah Khan's blockbuster Main Hoon Na: "He is a prankster on the sets and one of the few actors who never takes himself too seriously. He has got a great sense of humour".
Shah Rukh Khan in the same film: "By far, one of the best co-stars that I have worked with. His charm and personality are unparalleled."
Shreyas Talpade in Shyam Benegal's Welcome To Sajjanpur: "He is my current favourite. I respect him as an actor and he is now my new-found friend. "
Harman Baweja in the forthcoming release Victory: "The cliché ‘we get along like a house on fire' is our trademark."
Passage to England
Veteran filmmaker Shyamn Benegal's Welcome To Sajjanpur is not the only Indian movie to be screened at the 52nd London Film Festival. Five other films including actress Nandita Das's directorial debut Firaaq, Santosh Sivan's Tahaan, Ketan Mehta's Rang Rasiya, Shashank Ghosh's Quick Gun Murugan and Atul Sabharwal's short film Midnight Lost and Found will be doing the rounds at the fest.

Amrita wants to be a bold babe

It seems Amrita Rao is desperate to change her onscreen image. Apparently after films like Vivaah and Welcome To Sajjanpur , Amrita’s getting more roles of that of a simple small town girl.
Interestingly she was offered a role of a simpleton in Jagmohan Mundra’s forthcoming film Roommates . However Amrita preferred to excuse herself from the project. “Yeah I approached Amrita for the role of a small town girl but she was a little apprehensive as it has a negative shade too. She was not sure that she wants to do it at this point in her career.” says the director Jagmohan Mundra.
According to an industry insider after the success of Welcome to Sajjanpur Amrita is getting a lot of similar offers to play the same character, but Amrita who doesn’t want to get typecast in one type of role has refused to be part of Mundra’s urban thriller Roommates.
However Amrita wasn’t available for any comments. It can be recalled that earlier she was offered Jagmohan Mundra’s Naughty@ 40 , opposite Govinda. Interestingly Amria has attempted to be a glam doll in her previous film. She has done a glamorous role in My Name Anthony Gonsalves which failed to impress her audience. Hope Amrita learns from her past experiences!

Amrita spent time with kids

Bollywood babe Amrita Rao was recently in kolkata to give away prizes for a contest. In this contest required two children's to eat the huge number of ice-creams to get a chance to meet Amrita Rao. In kolkata a boy and a girl who had 900 and 400 ice creams respectively won the contest. The hot babe Amrita says "It's was very sweet of them to eat so many ice creams just to meet me, she also spent a time with the kids. so we now know that Amrita's fans are crazy.

Amrita to be Husain’s guest

Amrita Rao has been invited by MF Husain to celebrate Eid with him at his Dubai residence. Said an excited Amrita, “Yes, it’s true.
It will be lovely to celebrate Eid with Husain saab.” Our source close to the actress said, “Husain has been reading up stuff on the actress and her role in her latest film Welcome to Sajjanpur. He wants to watch the film together with Amrita in Dubai.”
About his latest muse Amrita Rao, Husain is reported to have said, “Woh toh khud hi khuda ki banayi hui perfect painting hain. Her body language is so beautiful that it can only be captured on canvas.”
Apparently, one painting was inspired by the actress’ performance as Anarkali at an awards function. In the remaining two paintings, the painter had tried arresting the essence of the small-town girl character she portrayed in Vivaah.

Ciao to Rao... again

Amrita Rao is proving to be a jinx for filmmaker Jagmohan Mundra. First, the director cast her in Naughty@40 starring Govinda, but she had issues with her character and walked out. Then he pencilled in her for his next project Roomates but now she has opted out of that too.
Says Mundra, "I still really don't know why Amrita walked out. The producers (Promodome and Sishty Creations) told me that she had certain issues. Later, she was my original choice for Roommates. Amrita had heard the script and given her nod but then she mentioned a date issue and moved out."
Roommates, produced by One Thought Entertainment, now stars Pakistani actor Mikaal Zulfiqar (who also features in Mundra's Shoot On Sight), Raima Sen and Gul Panag. Slated to roll in January, it is penned by Syed Gulrez an associate of Mundra.
"The film is an extremely urbane edge-of-the-seat thriller set in Yari Road. In fact, I will be shooting Roomates in a house in that area," informs Mundra who is currently shooting Begunah which stars Anuj Saxena and Udita Goswami.
At the moment, the shoot is on hold because of Govinda's dates, "I am waiting for the producers to get back with the required dates. We have only had a schedule in London so far." After Rao was out, Ayesha Takia stepped in, "We have not yet shot with Ayesha as that schedule was to be in Punjab. But now I am told that she will be getting married in December, so I guess she will be busy with the marriage preparations."
Mundra is still hopeful that Amrita just might be back in the project. "I know her personally but unfortunately she can't be part of my films. I recently saw her in Welcome To Sajjanpur and I thought she was splendid in it." Despite repeated attempts, Amrita remained unavailable for comment.

Meet the rustics!

He is the latest to bridge the actor-hero divide. Shreyas Talpade is not your regular star who walks with a halo or thrives on controversies.
He prefers slipping into characters and lets the real Shreyas take a backseat. The Marathi actor greets you with Kaisen Ho Bhaiya for this is the dialect he speaks in Shyam Benegal’s “Welcome to Sajjanpur”.
“The film is set in an idyllic village, very much like ‘Malgudi Days’. The characters speak Hindi with a Baghelkhandi flavour. Mahadev, the central character, is among the few literates in the village. He has this amazing ability to write persuasive letters. He doesn’t do it for social service. He has his own interests. He uses his talent to manipulate people, which results in amusing and, at times, not-so-amusing situations.”
Will all this strike a chord with the laptop generation? “This is exactly what I asked Shyam Babu. And he said this generation needs to look beyond the metros. Sajjanpur is not really fictitious. It represents many villages in the heart of India where mobile phones have reached, but the basic infrastructure is still missing.”
The film apparently has a sarcastic tone, and Shreyas promises nothing is preachy. “I feel now the audience is no longer concerned what the actor is wearing, as long as it identifies with the character.” Shreyas was Benegal’s first choice for the film.
“He is returning to comedy after a long time. I have watched most of his films but I really like ‘Mandi’, which is known for its black humour. I was apprehensive in the beginning because of his stature but he turned out to be the most chilled out guy on the sets. I was amazed by his knowledge of not only social issues but technology as well.”
After “Iqbal” and “Dor”, Shreyas came to be known as Nagesh Kukunoor’s blue-eyed boy.
“These days Akshay Kumar and John Abraham are his boys,” he quips. “There is no wedge. Nagesh has promised to call whenever a role demands me,” he clarifies. Shreyas doesn’t consider doing “Om Shanti Om” as a compromise to reach out to a larger audience.
“I was convinced about the role. I am a performer. I have not set out to do only intellectual cinema, or say, one kind of films. I do an ‘Apna Sapna Money Money’ with as much conviction as ‘Iqbal’.” He reels out the names of his future films, “Golmaal Returns” and “Paying Guest”, to underline his point.
Shreyas doesn’t have a film background. His father runs a business and his mother is an income tax inspector. “My wife is a clinical psychologist.” Does she help him in understanding characters? “No, she just keeps my mental status in check,” he signs off.
She is the quintessential girl next door. And Amrita Rao doesn’t mind the tag.
“Thank God I have a positive image. I am one of those girls living next door, who have a sense of humour and who nobody can look through! Recently I was shooting in Jodhpur and the girls called me Poonam, the character I played in ‘Vivaah’. It is the ultimate honour for an actor. However, performing similar roles at times does get boring.”
For now in “Welcome To Sajjanpur” it is time to consolidate the image. “I am playing Kamla, a complete village bumpkin, who doesn’t know there is a world beyond Sajjanpur. She is the love interest of Mahadev.”
Few know that both Amrita and Shyam Benegal come from the same region of Karnataka. “Yes, we are Saraswat Brahmins who speak Konkani. Anant Nag and Girish Karnad also belong to the same community. While growing up every child in that area is told about their contribution to theatre and cinema. So when I got a call from Shyam Babu’s office, I felt elated but at the same time felt the pressure of being his lead actress. I was expected to match Shabana Azmi, Rekha and Smita Patil. The workshops and reading eased out the pressure. He has an innate sense of humour.”
Shreyas’ exemplary command on the Baghelkhandi twang surprised her. “He made me cry in ‘Iqbal’, and here he was so hilarious. I rushed to Ashok Mishra, the dialogue coach, to get my accent right,” Amrita fondly recalls.
“The village was created in Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. After ‘Lagaan’, it is the first time that people will get to see village life so closely on screen. Right from post box to ghar ka aangan has been recreated but looks real.”
So is the ensemble cast, which includes Ravi Kissen, Divya Dutta and Benegal’s favourite Rajeshwari.
As a young Indian, she feels proud to be part of a film which talks about real people and real life.
“While watching the film you will laugh your guts out, but once out of the theatre you will realise that it is a comment on the flawed development in parts of this country. Shyam Babu has been doing it for years; it is only the audience who has woken up from slumber now.”
As for the tag, which at times gets boring, Amrita says, “Just watch out for the promos of ‘Shortcut’!”

Could WELCOME TO SAJJANPUR do the trick for Amrita Rao?

Though Amrita Rao had a good run in her initial phase of career, her career did not take off. Her last successful film was VIVAH, and before that MAIN HOON NA. Now in WELCOME TO SAJJANPUR she is appearing in a totally deglamourized role, and could this turn out to be the turning phase in her career?
Why this question is being raised is on account of the director who is directing this film, Shyam Benegal. Right from his earlier days of film making Shyam Benegal has been credited with giving a new career to the female actors in her films, inspite of the fact that the male co-stars have given a powerhouse of performance.
It all started with Shabana Azmi when her career just launched into stratosphere after stellar performance in ANKUR, and Smita Patil came into limelight after BHUMIKA following the same with MANDI. It happened with Rekha and Karishma Kapoor in ZUBEIDA. Even Nina Gupta had her magical moments in TRIKAAL and she never got a chance to attain the same after TRIKAAL. SARDARI BEGUM gave a launch to the career of Kiron Kher and she became a big time character actress in the commercial films in a big way. Fareeda Jalal came into her own being and gave her lifetime performance in MUMMO.
With such an illustrious record of having culled out performances from the actresses in the past and catapulting them all together into a new orbit, the same magic should work for Amrita Rao as well. Amrita Rao has demonstrated in the past, more so in MAIN HOON NA that she has the potential but she needs a director and she can shine. It may also be fortunate for her that she has not been paired opposite any famous star of the fist category, but has been paired with Shreyas Talpade and Ravi Kishan so she can be expected to score her point. WELCOME TO SAJJANPUR may therefore be a new welcome to her career.

Is Amrita getting typecast?

The petite Amrita Rao wowed audiences and critics with her performance as the coy bride Poonam in Sooraj Barjatya’s Vivah who embarks on an arranged marriage to Shahid Kapoor’s Prem. She has tried to play the glam/commercial act, having pulled off the college kid with conviction in Main Hoon Na, but failed to earn points for her part in My Name is Anthony Gonsalves. So maybe her village belle avatar in Shyam Benegal’s Welcome to Sajjanpur will give her the much needed profiling her ambling career needs.
The veteran filmmaker says that he chose her for the part in Welcome to Sajjanpur because she is "a very attractive young girl with innocence about her. People living in cities become very fashionable and lose their innocence.A look of knowing comes in, but Amrita still has a look of wonder." Perhaps that was why her cameo as a widow in Samar Khan’s Shaurya also stood out. Her forthcoming projects include the Akshaye Khanna,Arshad Warsi starrer Short Cuts and Victory with Harman Baweja.

Amrita Rao very impressed with Shreyas Talpade

Rao is very impressed with Shreyas Talpade, her co-star in Welcome to Sajjanpur. Amrita who is known to be very choosy says that Talpade impressed not only her on the sets of the film, but all the cast members.
Amrita says that it was an honour to work with Shreyas Talpade and that she had seen all his films beginning Iqbal that brought the fame to the young and energetic actor.
When Amrita was offered Welcome to Sajjanpur by Shyam Benegal, the actress immediately agreed. “It’s a great honour to be working with his calibre.
A brilliant director, a superb script and a beautiful role. What else can an actress ask for? Very few filmmakers can handle every character as sensitively and working with him was almost like a dream come true for me,” said Amrita excitedly. And while she can’t stop praising the veteran director, Amrita’s also very impressed by her co-star Shreyas Talpade.
Shreyas Talpade plays a letter writer in his upcoming comedy flick.
“He’s a powerhouse of raw talent. I had cried buckets while watching him in Iqbal and laughed like crazy watching him in Dor. He is really versatile and a very nice human being,” added Amrita. Not surprisingly the two bonded really well even off the sets, what with Shreyas also admitting to being extremely impressed by Amrita’s acting poweress. In fact, Amrita even visited his house for Ganpati to seek blessings. Here’s hoping that their prayers are answered!

Shyam Benegal’s London dreams

Shyam Benegal’s film Welcome to Sajjanpur has been invited for the prestigious London Film Festival.
The film stars Shreyas Talpade and Amrita Rao, and will be Benegal’s first commercial comedy film. The film has been selected to be screened in the world cinema category.
Says Benegal, “I am happy and honoured that the film has been invited for such a prestigious film festival. It is a nice platform to showcase the film to larger audiences. I hope everyone likes the film.”

Amrita goes three shades darker

Amrita Rao takes her roles very seriously.
So, when the actress was required to play the character of Kamla — a simple village potterwoman — in her forthcoming film, Shyam Benegal’s Welcome to Sajjanpur, Amrita not only learnt pottery to get under her character’s skin, but also got a new complexion for her skin, albeit a much darker one.
“Yes, in Welcome to Sajjanpur, I will be seen looking much darker than I really am, almost three shades darker than my original complexion,” Amrita told BT. “Being a potter, my character needed to have a very sun-tanned look. So, although my make-up is minimalistic, I have donned make-up to look dusky,” added the fair maiden of Bollywood. In fact, Benegal, known to be a stickler for authenticity, personally supervised Amrita’s make-up.
And that’s not all, Amrita was even required to practise pottery in the clothes she wears in the movie to give the clothes a used look. “We wanted the clothes to have a used feel and also I wanted to look comfortable and at ease in them, considering we’re not really used to wearing a ghagra-choli everyday. So I would practise pottery in them everyday and they were washed several times before the shooting. The whole process of getting into this character has been very challenging and interesting. I’ve had to learn pottery, learn a new language and get comfortable in moving around in a ghagra,” said Amrita, admitting to being really excited about playing a dusky village belle for the first time.
From the feisty Sanjana in Main Hoon Na to the demure bride-to-be Poonam in Vivaah and from the hottie in Shortkut to a dusky village belle, Amrita sure knows to pack in a surprise in each film.

Talpade, Amrita Rao at Aajaa Mahi Vay

Bollywood actors, Shreyas Talpade and Amrita Rao visited the sets of STAR Plus’ Aajaa Mahi Vay to promote their upcoming movie Welcome to Sajjanpur.
Caught in a flirtatious mood yet again with Amrita Rao, the newest lady on the show, host Vineet left no stone unturned in wooing her! Shreyas and Amrita were also seen shaking a leg with contestants Maanav, Rashmee, Jashan and Tahira on hit songs from their upcoming movie.
The episode will air on Friday, September 12, 8 pm only on STAR Plus.

Farah promotes Amrita

Amrita Rao might be scoring some brownie points with her Main Hoon Na director Farah Khan, who is not very pleased with her OSO actress Deepika. It was at Farah’s behest that Amrita had done the item song with a bevy of beauties for Sajid Khan’s Heyy Babyy. And Sajid is now casting for his next film, and though most of the lead cast in his film is sorted out, he was looking for an actress to play a cameo role in the film. He had already been knocking on several doors to play that part, but none of the names he was aiming at were willing to take on the role. That’s when Farah came to his rescue once again and called up Amrita, who instantly agreed to do the film without even asking for her role or the signing amount.
Farah is very happy with her erstwhile protégé and is singing praises of her to hubby Shirish Kunder, who is looking for the lead for his upcoming film. One good deed calls for another, and Amrita might just actually reap the benefits of doing the cameo in Sajid’s film.

Amrita on flirting

No one has ever flirted with me or used a pick up line on me. But there’s one incident which happened with a friend of mine. We were all at a party and this guy walked up and started hitting on my friend big time. He started telling her that he was Krishna’s avtaar and that he had visions of this girl and him etc. He was sounding so put on and desperate and we girls were giggling away at him. It was real fun.

Shyam Benegal on Amrita

"Amrita has a sense of innocence and wonder on her face that’s missing in other urban beauties."

‘I haven’t dated any one’

Six years of playing the demure girl and Amrita Rao still hasn’t changed. The petite bombshell has tried to don a glam image once in a while, and by her own admission, she's comfortable breaking free of that girl-next-door tag. “I have always wanted to look young, fashionable and contemporary on screen. I don’t understand why people always see me as a girl-next-door when I have done quite a bit of varied roles. I have always gone beyond singing and dancing roles!” Does that mean she would not want to skin-show? “I will never do something that I don’t feel comfy about. After Vivaah, there was a time when I didn’t take up new films, but that’s because I do only two-three films in a year.”
Not that life has been boring since. She’s already sizzled down south in blockbusters and is basking in the afterglow of success. But that doesn’t mean she wants more such films. “If there are offers from the southern film industry, then it would have to be offers from filmmakers like Mani Ratnam or Prabhu Deva.”
Her attempt at playing a deglam role in Shyam Benegal’s Welcome to Sajjanpur was a pleasant experience. “I really enjoyed the Bagelkhand dialect of Hindi that I had to learn for the role.”
What’s this, we keep hearing about her dating Pakistani band Jal’s frontman Farhan Saeed. The demure star confesses that there’s “nothing between us to talk about.” Prod her a bit more and she says she did “meet” Farhan while shooting “for an ad. That’s how we became friends. We met twice after that. In fact, my life is so unexciting that no one would even want to know what’s happening there! Don’t go looking for love stories in my life, there aren’t. I haven’t even dated anyone.” Well, okay, she does have ‘male’ friends from the film fraternity. “Shahid, Ritiesh and Harman are all close friends, but hey, that’s all. Nothing more, nothing less,”she says wistfully. Alright, what about Shahid? We did hear she was romancing him at one point. Are they rekindling their screen magic together? “I really hope I get to work with Shahid again. He is a great guy and though we are a hit jodi, I think he looked great with Kareena Kapoor in Jab We Met." So does she plan to move on and settle down with a traditional Konkani guy of her mom’s choice? “Oh no, I have just taken baby steps in Bollywood, so marriage will have to wait.” Besides wanting to work with the three Khan — Aamir, Salman and Shah Rukh— is she looking forward to other things? She laughs gently, “Oh, there are so many things to do. I never knew that one day I’d be a part of the film industry, but here I am. So tomorrow is definitely a new day and there are millions of things to look forward to.” Amen to that.

Amrita: Age of innocence

Her smile and innocence is the first thing you’ll notice about this petite actress.
With the perfect girl-next-door look, Amrita Rao has proved that she is much more than that. The actress who was first noticed in Ishq Vishq , is now all set to work with Shyam Benegal!
So, how did it feel working with the maestro? “I’ve grown up watching his films and Zubeidaa is my favourite film. I feel fortunate to work not only with him, but an actor like Shreyas Talpade too, who is also a part of the project. It was a mélange of brilliant people who know what they are doing. When I saw Iqbal, I had tears in my eyes. It was just a perfect blend,” says the pretty actress.
Incidentally, Amrita plays a village belle in the film. Talking about the character, she says, “This is the first time I am playing such a rustic character. My character, Kamla, is a potter and is uneducated. It is a costume drama and we also had to adapt to the Bagilkhandi accent. I’m very excited about the film.”
The actress has been on an experimenting spree and the recent change was quite visible in Heyy Babyy, where she was part of a song. So, any further plans of experimenting with her image? “Well, an actor is remembered more for his/her last performance, and mine was Vivah, so it will take a little time to shed that image. But, I’m getting there. I would love to do an out-and-out action film. I have done an action sequence in one of my films which had a typical Matrix like sequence, and I would love to do something like that again,” says she.
With two very different looks in her forthcoming films, Shortcut and Victory, looks like Amrita is definitely gunning for an image makeover.

Amrita loves challenges

Amrita Rao takes her work really seriously and her dedication to her profession was clearly visible during the shooting of the Shyam Benegal’s Welcome to Sajjanpur in which the pretty actress plays a village belle for the first time.
Amrita was required to speak in Baagelkhande — a dialect of Hindi — and to get the right accent Amrita not only practised during the shooting, but also practised long after the entire unit had wrapped up work.
“Amrita really took it up as a challenge. She would sit with the film’s dialogue-writer Ashok Mishra and practise to get the right accent,” revealed a unit hand. “Well, when you work with a veteran like Benegal sir and a talented actor like Shreyas, you have to push yourself to do the best and I wanted to give in my best, so I really didn’t mind the extra efforts at all.” Well, and we’re sure the effort won’t go unnoticed either.

Amrita makes an exception

Amrita Rao is known for being extremely choosy when it comes to taking up any film.
However when Amrita was offered Welcome to Sajjanpur by Shyam Benegal, the actress immediately agreed. “It’s a great honour to be working with a filmmaker of his calibre.
A brilliant director, a superb script and a beautiful role. What else can an actress ask for? Very few filmmakers can handle every character as sensitively and working with him was almost like a dream come true for me,” said Amrita excitedly. And while she can’t stop praising the veteran director, Amrita’s also very impressed by her co-star Shreyas Talpade.
“He’s a powerhouse of raw talent. I had cried buckets while watching him in Iqbal and laughed like crazy watching him in Dor. He is really versatile and a very nice human being,” added Amrita. Not surprisingly the two bonded really well even off the sets, what with Shreyas also admitting to being extremely impressed by Amrita’s acting poweress. In fact, Amrita even visited his house for Ganpati to seek blessings. Here’s hoping that their prayers are answered!

Amrita Rao’s makeover secret

The gorgeous Amrita Rao who donned a simple girl next door image in films like Ishq Vishk had a complete makeover in her last film My Name is Anthony Gonsalves . She was also on the cover of various magazines flaunting her new bold image.
However, Amrita believes that the makeover was not a conscious decision. “The different image changes that I have been seen in were not conscious. Yes it was something which I loved and wanted to do. But I was sitting lucky because such roles were scripted for me at those times. They just came my way. In the industry, you cannot sit and plan your looks in films. In 2006, Vivah was scripted and only I could suit the bid. I have been very particular with the kind of films I choose to be a part of. Today, with the audience getting smarter and expecting so much more, I realise that only good characters and wholesome films will give me that place in the hearts of the audiences.”
Perhaps Amrita loves to experiment a lot with looks. May be that is the reason why after My Name is Anthony Gonsalves she will be seen in a very simple avatar playing a villager in her next film Welcome to Sajjanpur. Way to go, gal!

Amrita believes in Harman

The cute and petite Amrita Rao is all set to share screen space with the hot hunk Harman Baweja in Victory . But according to the pretty lass, Harman will make a strong comeback post the debacle of Love Story 2050 .
Speaking about Harman Amrita said, “Debacles of a debut film should not really matter. My debut film Ab Ke Baras was a total disaster. Victory offers a very different scope for Harman because he is playing a regular boy from small town in Jaisalmer. In Love Story 2050 he was more like a super hero. I see a completely different facet of Harman in Victory . He is very sincere and hard working. We gelled quite well.”
Victory is not just about cricket according to Amrita. “ Victory is a film based on cricket. But it has scope for all kinds of emotions. It has good roles for me, Anupamji and Harman. We are the three main people in the film. The film will also see a whole lot of cricketers from all over the world. I am very excited about Victory .”

Amrita Rao ko gussa kyun aaya?

The promotional music video of Welcome to Sajjanpur is quite interesting to watch but here is a behind the scene dope. We hear that the leading actress Amrita Rao was not very happy during the shoot of this promotional video. It is believed that the unprofessional attitude of the crew made her walk out from the set.
Apparently, the director of the film Shyam Benegal wasn’t present on the set and the promotional video, featuring the entire star cast, has been directed by some other director.
A unit hand informs that Amrita was asked to report at 9 in the morning. She was at the venue and got ready to give her shot; she waited in her vanity van but was never called by the director.
“Amrita was ready and was waiting since 9 in the morning. But when she was not called for her shot till 6.30 in the evening she lost her temper and walked out of the set. She completed her shoot only the next day,” says a unit hand.
When we tried to contact Amrita, her mother refused to comment and said that she is not aware of it.

Is Amrita still single?

Amrita Rao talks about being single and the ‘hoax’ that she has found love in Pakistani band Jal’s lead singer Farhan Saeed.
The smile didn’t disappear from her face when the question was volleyed across to her. There was just a split second pause. The she rolled her beautiful eyes and armed her with any actress’ best weapon in face of a nasty question – the giggle.
“Who told you that I kept quiet when they floated a rumour? I gave an interview clarifying my stand and that I was not seeing him at all. It was all an extension of a campaign,” this time Amrita Rao’s voice was more firm while she spoke clutching on to the dictaphone.
“I didn’t know where the rumours came out from. I never really encouraged the rumours. I thought it’s best to keep mum.”
We were referring to the widely spread rumours that Amrita Rao was seeing Farhan Saeed, the lead singer of the Pakistani Band Jal.
So are you single? “Yes I am. And I am not seeing anybody.”
“I guess he will come in at the right time. I don’t really want to wait for him. I guess it’s all pre-mediated and you don’t have a hand in it. Some people flaunt their love lives. I don’t find any problem with that. May be, in my case, I would like to be more discreet,” she says almost in the same breadth.
So, Amrita Rao, who has thrived on glam roles or the cute college girl-next-door has suddenly decided to get into a gaon ki gori’s saree?
“I don’t think I thought twice before signing on a movie that Shyam Benegal was directing. I never asked any question before signing on the dotted line. I wanted to work with him and it was perhaps one of the best decisions I have taken so far,” the actor says about her role in Shyam Benegal’s next comedy flick Welcome to Sajjanpur.
But is the audience prepared to see Amrita Rao running around tress in a village with thickly oiled plaits and tattered cotton sarees? Isn’t the role too downmarket for an actor whose performance was acclaimed in movies like Main Hoon Na and Ishq Vishq?
“I had played a small-town girl before (in Vivah), but this is for the first time that I will be playing a completely village girl. I don’t think it is a risk because I have loved the script. I have also seen Shreyas’ amazing comic timing and acting skills on movies like Iqbal and Dor. I would say that anybody in place would have given an arm for that role,” she ended.

Amrita Rao welcomes you to Sajjanpur

Amrita Rao invites you to a one day fun filled trip to Sajjanpur . Come and meet a hilarious bunch of people. This is a kind of trip you will enjoy and surely don’t want to miss.
That is exactly what Amrita Rao is doing in her upcoming film Welcome To Sajjanpur . “We all invite you to Sajjanpur . It is a mad hatter town. We just want to invite the audience to come and have fun. That is the main objective. We are not here to preach. It is a funny film”, said Amrita.
For the first time in her career Amrita will play an uneducated village girl in the film. “I play a girl who does pottery. I have a Kumbhar background. It is a role which is visually drastic in terms of get ups and the costume drama happening around it. I speak Hindi in Baghelkhandi which has a very different dialect. Yes, I have played a small town girl in Vivaah . But I have never played a total uneducated gaonwali which I play in this film. It was quite fascinating”, said the petty lass.
Welcome to Sajjanpur is directed by Shyam Benegal and is slated to release on September 19.

Benegal: 'Welcome to Sajjanpur' also deals with serious issues

Noted filmmaker Shyam Benegal has said even though his forthcoming film 'Welcome to Sajjanpur' is a comedy, it deals with very serious issues. "I always wanted to make a comedy. I discussed my story idea with script writer Ashok Mishra who wrote a beautiful script and I decided to make a film on it," Benegal told in Mumbai.
Benegal said 'Welcome to Sajjanpur' is set in a village of Madhya Pradesh and the entire set has been recreated at the Ramoji film city in Hyderabad. "I chose my actors as per the demands of the script and for this film, Shreyas Talpade, Amrita Rao, Ravi Kisshen fitted the bill perfectly," he added.
He said 'Welcome to Sajjanpur' is a story of Mahadev (played by Shreyas) who is one of the few educated young men from Sajjanpur. His ambition is to be a novelist but finds it easier to make a living by writing letters sitting next to the post office.
His ability to write persuasive letters makes him popular with the largely non-literate population of the town. Aware of this power, he soon uses his talent to manipulate people with amusing and sometimes not so amusing results.
He said he completed the film late last year. The producers, UTV Spotboy, have decided to release it on September 19. Benegal said multiplexes had wiped out the divide between mainstream and new cinema.
"Today, multiplexes have given audiences a tremendous choice. There is place to cater to different tastes and sensibilities of audiences which did not exist earlier. Due to the lack of theatres, there were no high risk ventures to meet the interests of all sections of the audience. The changing trend in cinema business is a very positive sign," said Benegal, who is considered one of the pioneers of new cinema in the 70s.

Pottering around

Amrita Rao, who plays the lead in UTV Spot Boy’s Welcome To Sajjanpur, dirtied her hands learning pottery before she could shoot for the film. And while she was learning the art, she also made gifts for the unit members.
Amrita plays a village belle in the film and director Shyam Benegal, known for his penchant of perfection had an interesting arrangement in mind to get the urban actress portray a village potter authentically.
Says Amrita, “I play a potter from the Kumbhar community in the film. Shyamji appointed a local village potter in Hyderabad to teach me the art of making pots. He wanted to make sure that I look authentic and so before we started shooting, I took lessons in pottery for over a week. In fact, Shyamji even dropped by to check if I was getting it right.”
Talking about gifting her unit members, Amrita smiles, “While learning, I made many pots. So I decided to gift them to each member of our unit. Shyamji was pleased to see the turnout.”

Shreyas-Amrita try their hand at comedy

In this coming episode of Comedy Circus 2 on Sony, the special guests for the evening will be the sizzling Amrita Rao and the talented Shreyas Talpade. They will be trying their hand at comedy in the show.
Our well placed khabroo said, “The show started with a funny act by Shreyas and Amrita. The dazzling actress was good though she has never done comedy before.”
Elaborating on their performance our source speaks, “After their act Shreyas and Amrita took their seats as celebrity judges. When asked about what she thought of comedy as an art Amrita replied, ‘It is very difficult to make people laugh.’ And Shreyas also agreed with her.”
“Shreyas went on saying that comedy makes an artist complete. If an actor knows this art he becomes a master of the game. The duo mingled with the contestants and the judges too,” adds the source.
One of the judges also asked Krushna Abhishek who is a contestant on the show the secret of getting full marks and he replied, “Its Kashmira’s presence.”
“Kashmira paid a surprise visit to her beau but only stayed backstage. After replying to the judges Krushna was seen blushing,” concludes the source.
At the end of the show Shreyas and Amrita had conquered the hearts of the contestants as well as the judges.

This will surely bowl you ever

What do Indians love more – their Bollywood movies or their cricket? It’s a tough call to make, not least because both things have been known to rouse the subcontinent to the point of mass hysteria. But a new movie, which combines the two in a wildly inspirational tale of a young boy’s rise to the top of the game, seems set to hit the jack pot at the box office. The movie features big Bollywood names like Harman Baweja, Amrita Rao, Anupam Kher and Gulshan Grover; but for many the main attraction will be the cricketers – over 43 from nearly seven countries starring in the film, whose casting, the producers claim, will make this the most authentic Bollywood film about cricket.
The climax of the movie, filmed at the Oval grounds in Colombo late last week, pitted Bollywood’s newest heart throb Harman against the Sri Lankan team. Thus, audiences can expect to see Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Muttiah Muralitheran, Sanath Jayasuriya, Dilhara Fernando, Farveez Maharoof and Chaminda Vaas on the big screens early next year. “This was more difficult than actually playing cricket,” said pacie Dilhara Fernando of his first Bollywood experience.
With a basic production budget of 10 million US dollars, ‘Victory’ will surely count amongst the most ambitious films that Bollywood has presented in recent memory. Matching the schedules of the various celebrities alone was a mammoth task, say the producers. A tide of international participants followed in the wake of Australian express bowler Brett Lee, who was the first to sign on – after he told director, writer and producer Ajitpal Mangat that this was the “best sports script I’ve read in years!” Counted among the cast are Lee’s team mates Brad Hogg, Mike Hussey, Brad Haddin and Stuart Clark.
But the list doesn’t end there – players from India, England, South Africa, Pakistan, and possibly the West Indies have also committed to being part of the cast, bringing the total of participating teams to seven. “Other than the lead role – which is played by Harman Baweja – the other characters you see on the cricket field are real cricketers,” says Ruby Singh, a line producer for the film. Director Ajitpal decided early on that authenticity was key to his vision of what the film should be. “When I have a panel, Kapil Dev, Navjot Sidhu, Allan Border are on that panel,” he said, adding that instead of shooting the film in only one stadium, he and his team intend to travel the globe, filming in a number of locations along the way. Included in this is footage taken at large sporting events like the India Premier League (IPL).
The movie follows the life of Vijay Shekhawat (played by Harman) and charts his meteoric rise to fame. Harman, fresh from his debut in Love Story 2050, trained for six months in preparation. “Luckily I’ve always been a cricket fan, but then I think every Indian is born loving cricket,” he said. With filming having begun last December, he says he cannot remember when he last had a holiday, but that he now knows enough about cricket and cricketers to write a book. Even so, batting against several of the world’s most famous cricketers must be somewhat intimidating. “It helps that they’re all going easy on me,” says the 28-year-old actor.
Ruby promises that the movie will be nothing less than epic. “We Indians are mad about three things – Bollywood, cricket and music – and this movie has them all,” he says. The last is in the capable hands of composer Anu Malik. The soundtrack will include performances by bhangra singer Daler Mehndi and playback singer Sukhwinder Singh.
The matches themselves promise to be spectacular. With the transition from a 20 inch T.V screen to a 35mm theatre screen, audiences can enjoy “every detail,” he says; “you can see their finger movement, their wrist movement, their expression, the details of their aggression and even their thought process.” The movie is also intended to give viewers glimpses of backstage politics and the role that sponsors, the cricket boards, selectors, and managers play in the game.
“Look at me – I’ve lost three inches off my hairline and ten years off my life,” says Ajitpal, for whom this movie marks his debut as a Bollywood director. Having directed over 800 advertisements, Ajitpal says movie-making is both more challenging and infinitely more satisfying creatively. Of course as an ardent cricket fan, meeting the stars of the game has been one of the highlights of his switch in careers.
These are all guys I’ve sort of admired from afar – and then here’s Murali actually taking directions from me.”
The three day shoot for ‘Victory’ in Sri Lanka was organised by Chandran Ratnam’s company Film Location Services. The well known film maker, who served as line producer for ‘Victory’ is convinced that such big budget blockbusters will draw valuable movie tourism to the country – “we have the most beautiful locations for films set in the tropics, we have skilled technicians and competitive prices,” he says.
Having successfully completed their Sri Lankan stint, the Indian film makers are now preparing to go to Pakistan and then to South Africa for the remainder of the shoot. Post-production will be carried out in India and in the U.S.A, where computer generated imagery (CGI) will be used to enhance the movie. A tentative premiere date is January 30, 2009 in Bombay, with a U.K release following shortly after.