I didnt charge Dad for Mausam: Shahid

Shahid Kapoor charges over Rs 15 crore for his films, but the actor hasn’t taken a penny for his upcoming film Mausam.Directed by his father Pankaj Kapur, the film has been made on a budget of Rs XXX crore.

But, the 30-year-old actor clarifies that his fees did not add to the expenses. “It is such a big and expensive film that I didn’t want the burden of my fees to fall on the film’s budget. We’ve worked out a structure of sorts, so that my payment is not a burden on the film as of now,” says Shahid while on a visit to the Capital. Does that mean he's following a profit sharing model like the Khans. "Please contact my accountant for more details," he says.Shahid has had a spate of bad luck with international events recently. In August, the music launch of the film in London was cancelled due to the riots in the city, and his live performance at Times Square, New Jersey, was called off after hurricane Irene struck. He now has his fingers crossed that all will go well with Mausam’s scheduled premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on Friday.

But, the film has reached a stumbling block. Based on the Indian Air Force, a seqeuence in the film needs to reworked after the IAF objected to it. “Certain special effects and computer graphics were added during post-production and that's come under scrutiny. But it’s a 30 second sequence and hopefully will be rectified in time.” Though he is pragmatic about the cancelled events, he adds, “I’m not making plans for Toronto as of now.”For him, the best part about his role as Squadron Leader Harinder (Harry) Singh was getting to fly an F16 and the worst was having to maintain a moustache! “It is the most difficult thing to maintain! I used to cut myself while trimming everyday. And I will never keep one in the future again,” says Shahid, all smiles now that he’s back to his clean shaven avatar.

1006 appreciation letters to Shahid!

Mumbai: Commitment and dedication put forth by Shahid Kapoor towards ‘Mausam’ seems to paying off incredibly well.

Shahid’s new look in ‘Mausam’ where he dons the air force uniform and sports the classic moustache with aviator glasses is already a hit, but the actors’ latest get up has earned a first-time admiration from the young students of National Defense Academy (NDA).

Sources reveal that the young students of the National Defense Academy which trains students for Army, Navy and Air Force are going so crazy seeing Shahid in uniform that the actor received a whopping 1006 appreciation letters (and still counting) from NDA cadets!

The cadets have written Shahid about how much they appreciate him for bringing so much pride to them by carrying the uniform with so much poise and style.

Interestingly, a few letters go beyond just appreciation. They have thanked Shahid for making their uniform a style statement resulting in a lot of attention from girls.

The official spokesperson confirms, “Yes, it is an overwhelming response that we have received. We are honoured and humbled at the same time to know that the youngsters are appreciating the character and Shahid`s look in the film. His uniform, his moustache his aviator glares everything.”

The spokesperson further added, “The youngsters have expressed how happy they all are to see Shahid`s character in ‘Mausam’ which is that of an air force pilot and it brings them such great pride to see him carry it off with style and poise.” Source

Shahid Kapoor plays three characters

Actor Shahid Kapoor doesn't want to talk about Kunal Kohli's film for which he was shooting in London, but says he plays three different characters in the yet untitled movie.

"I don't want to speak much about the film but it has three different characters," Shahid told reporters at a radio station in Mumbai on Wednesday.

After "Kaminey", Shahid has once again teamed up with Priyanka Chopra in the movie.

Right now the young actor is geared up to promote his much-awaited movie "Mausam", which marks the directorial debut of his father and acclaimed actor Pankaj Kapur.

"Mausam", a love story releasing Sep 16, will see Shahid romancing Sonam Kapoor.

"The world surrounding 'Mausam' and its feel is totally different. 'Mausam' is not another run-of-the-mill film. It has a different story and even the story telling is unique," he said.

"The USP of 'Mausam' is that it's a journey. One side where you are going to see the innocence of Punjab and entertaining atmosphere, the other side will show you a matured air force officer and then it moves forward to some other level," he added.

Shahid Kapoor, "The only actor to fly F-16"

Actor Shahid Kapur, who had the rare experience of flying multirole jet fighter aircraft F-16 to adapt traits of a fighter pilot for his forthcoming film " Mausam", takes pride in being the only film actor to have flown that ultimate flying machine.

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor considers himself fortunate to be the only actor in the film industry to have flown the F-16.

It had been a very exciting experience for Shahid. Hollywood actor Tom Cruise too had flown the F-15. Shahid had flown the F-16 earlier this year at Bangalore’s AeroIndia defense exhibition.

He stated that he is not much fond of flying a plane, but flying the American fighter aircraft was the most exhilarating experience that one can have.

He had taken rigorous training prior to flying the plane. He visited air force bases and met air force pilots; he had put on the G-suit, sat on the plane, and carefully observed how the pilots walked with their helmets.

In his upcoming film ‘Mausam’ which is his father Pankaj Kapoor’s directorial debut he plays the role of an Air Force pilot.

The film has Shahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor in the lead pair. The film will hit theatres on 16th September.

Shahid Kapoor promotes vegetarianism

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor, who was voted Bollywood's sexiest vegetarian by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), will be seen urging people to turn vegetarian in a new ad of the animal rights group.

In the new ad titled "Chicks Love a Vegetarian", a casually dressed Shahid is seen with two downy yellow chicks perched on his body, extolling the benefits of a plant-based diet. The ad is shot by ace photographer Atul Kasbekar

"I love chicks... pigs, cows, fish, and all the other animals too. That's why I turned vegetarian," said Shahid.

"I am very happy being a vegetarian and I believe that it is the best way to be. The day I started believing in the fact that I would want not to kill animals for my taste buds, that is the day everything changed for me," he added.

Lord have mercy on Japan "Sophie Choudry"

A host of Bollywood personalities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shekhar Kapur and Madhuri Dixit have expressed grief at the devastation in Japan, which was hit Friday by a massive earthquake followed by a tsunami.

The celebrities are shocked at the images of the country after the disaster and, in postings on their blogs and social networking site Twitter, they hope that the pain and suffering will subside soon.

Here's what they had to say:

Sophie Choudry: As I lay me down to sleep, can't help but think of tragedy. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to all the people of Japan. Lord have mercy.

Amitabh Bachchan: The horrible visuals of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan are just unbearable to watch! The fury of the devastation and the helplessness of those that suffer is petrifying. In this hour of grief our heads bow down in prayer and hope, for those that face this trauma and wish that we can through our thoughts give them solace and comfort.

Shekhar Kapur: Watching videos from Japan was like watching an apocalypse. Heart and prayers go out to people of Japan.

Madhuri Dixit: Can you believe another quake and tsunami? My heart goes out to them.

Gul Panag: My heart goes out to all those affected by nature's fury in Japan. Gut-wrenching images on TV.

Vivek Oberoi: Just got back and saw the heartbreaking images of the tragedy in Japan... brings back memories of the destruction and devastation I saw during the tsunami in India. The images we see on television are nothing compared to the real pain and anguish of the people going through it... my thoughts and prayers are with them.

Shahana Goswami: Feel really helpless and upset with the tsunami and what its done to Japan. All the support and love to the survivors.

Aftab Shivdasani: Shocking visuals of the earthquake in Japan... Dreading the loss of life there. It's nature's way of saying do not spoil the planet... Must respect nature before it gets too late. My condolences and deep compassion to all those who lost their loved ones in this unforeseen fury of nature. May the divine bless the souls.

Arshad Warsi: God be with the ppl of Japan...

Siddharth: The visuals of yesterday (Friday) still haven't sunk in. It's all so very tragic. 2012 does seem like just another doomsday prophecy anymore!

Shahid Kapoor: Spread the love people... Life is just too short... Japan could have been us... Live with no regrets... May god bless us all!

R. Madhavan: My heart goes out to Japan. Having lived through one in Chennai I can't even imagine how this must be.

Lisa Ray: Deeply saddened by news of natural disaster in Japan.

Sanjay Suri: Heart and prayers for all suffering in Japan. Life is so very fragile.

Divya Dutta: EverythIng that we run around for is so frivolous in front of nature's fury. Let's make every day magical as if there's no tomorrow... prayers for Japan.

Shreya Ghosal: The Japan Earthquake, Tsunami is MASSIVE!! I am just praying... Dear God, have mercy..

Shahid Kapoor floored by 'Black Swan'

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor, a trained dancer, is in awe of the critically acclaimed film "Black Swan", which features Oscar winning actress Natalie Portman as a New York-based ballerina.

The actor recently saw the Fox Star Studios' movie, and posted on Twitter: "BLACK SWAN...Stunningly poetic...What a violent interpretation of the serene swan lake...Bravo!!!!!!! In awe...Total respect (sic)"

"Black Swan" was released in India Feb 25 and is attracting audiences ever since Portman's performance won her the best actress Oscar award this year.

Mona Singh wants no 'star' on her wedding!
Unlike many others who dream of having Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan dance on their weddings, actress-anchor Mona Singh says she would rather be the star herself on her D-day!

"I wouldn't want any star to come to my wedding and hog the limelight. It will be my day so I would rather have people look at me than be awestruck by a Shah Rukh or any other star!" said Mona.

The "Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin" actress is currently hosting Imagine TV's "Shaadi 3 Crore Ki", where a middle class family is given the whopping amount to organise a wedding.

'Tanu Weds Manu' composer wants to work on R and B album
Music composer Krsna, who is riding high on the success of "Tanu Weds Manu" songs, desires to create an R and B album and market it internationally through the internet.

"I want to do something in the non-film scene too and I really hope to create an R and B album to reach out with my music to the world. The internet has made it so easy today to reach a pan-world audience and I would release my work through it," said Krsna.

"These days everyone thinks of reaching an international audience. Rahman's 'Jai Ho' was such an Indian song - yet it became a rage across the globe thanks to its popularity online. That's the best about music - it has no language and connects with all," he added.

Priyanka Chopra's 'ex-boyfriends attend same party'

Shahid Kapoor and Harman Baweja are said to have avoided each other at a recent birthday party in Mumbai.

The actors, who have both been linked to former Miss World Priyanka Chopra, are said to have once been close friends, Mumbai Mirror reports.

A source told the tabloid: "Almost everybody was looking at them to see their reactions towards each other. One kept wondering if they would get into a conversation and, if so, what would transpire consequently."

Baweja, who appeared with Chopra in his debut film Love Story 2050, and What's Your Raashee?, recently commented on the star's developing relationship with her Kaminey co-star.

"It was hard to see her talk on the phone and text. I knew what was happening," said Baweja. "I just didn't want to see Kaminey.

"I thought I would be okay, but as the day kept coming nearer, it was all around and therefore harder to bear. I just booked tickets and left the country."

Bebo had a bout of food poisoning

It seems that the Kapoor girl –Kareena is facing a difficult time. The buzz was doing the rounds that Kareena was feeling unwell on the sets of her latest venture Bodyguard. Bebo had a bout of food poisoning. Kareena was shooting in Pune when she suddenly started feeling unwell. Kareena had to take bed rest for her condition and the shooting had to be halted.

Kareena is paired opposite to Salman Khan in the movie Bodyguard. The film is made on the lines of a Malayalam film which bears the same name.

The film is by Siddique while Salman Khan’s brother- in- law Atul Agnihotri and his wife Alvira Agnihotri are the producers of the film. Pritam Chakraborty has been roped in for the music in the film. In this film Salman dons a different look altogether.

It will be a far cry from what he has done in his blockbuster hit Dabbang.

Kareena will be essaying the role of a don’s daughter who is a college goer. Kareena also sports a different look in the film as she goes traditional for the film. Kareena wears a lot of Pakistani kurtas with oxidized jewellery.

Designer Manish Malhotra is trying to get Karenna’s look in the film right. Manish has even scouted for accessories in Pune, Delhi and Mumbai. Manish feels that Kareena will be a trendsetter with her ethnic look in the film.

News are doing the rounds that the makers plan to release Bodyguard on August 27.However with Bebo’s condition the production of the movie will be delayed

What's The Reason Behind Shahid-Priyanka Breakup?

Bollywood actors Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra have reportedly called off their relationship, though their fans are still not sure about what kind of a relationship the duo shared!

According to reports circulating in the media, Shahid and Priyanka had come close to each other during the shooting of Kaminey. However there was no commitment in the relationship and it was this fact which ultimately led to the couple's so-called break-up. But is it all so simple or is there somebody behind Shahid's and Priyanka's sudden decision to call off their relationship?

If reports are anything to go by, a certain Ranbir Kapoor, may be the man behind the collapse in the Shahid - Priyanka love story. Though the couple is remaining tight-lipped, media speculations suggest that Shahid Kapoor was always uncomfortable about the growing closeness between girlfriend Priyanka and Ranbir Kapoor's during the filming of their recently released film Anjaana Anjaani. Priyanka Chopra, on the other hand, not only refused to put an end to her friendship with Ranbir Kapoor, but also went ahead and signed another film with the rising star.

Friends of the couple say that both Shahid and Priyanka have an opinion of their own and at this point of time in their career are not prepared to commit to a full-fledged relationship. Therefore, the best method that the duo could apply was to call off whatever they had between them and walk their separate ways.

Is Priyanka walking with Ranbir? As of now, no!

Shahid Kapoor may shoot in Pakistan for Mira Nair film

In exciting news for his Pakistani fans, Bollywood heartthrob Shahid Kapoor could be shooting in Pakistan for a Mira Nair film, Aaj TV channel reported Friday.

According to the Pakistani channel, noted Indian film director Mira Nair is planning to make a movie based on Pakistani writer Mohsin Hamid's second novel "The Reluctant Fundamentalist".

The yet-to-be-named film is expected to be shot in Pakistan. But it is not yet clear whether the necessary permissions have been sought for this purpose. The interior ministry and foreign ministry on both sides of the border have to be involved if any such project has to go ahead , the TV channel said quoting unnamed sources.

Shahid Kapoor, the channel reported, has not signed the contract yet but has shown interest in reading the script and is also excited about working with US-based Mira Nair, who has won critical acclaim for her off-beat films. Her "Salaam Bombay" in 1988 was shortlisted for the Academy Award in the category of best foreign film.

Mohsin, a Harvard-educated law graduate, is based in London and has won acclaim for his incisive and engaging writings. He shot to fame with his first novel "Moth Smoke" in 2000. "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" was published in 2007 and soon become an instant best-seller.

Earlier, Mahesh Bhatt had also planned to shoot his film "Mandi" while Shah Rukh-starrer "Veer Zara" was also supposed to be shot partly in Pakistan but the plans had to be shelved because of administrative hassles.

The story of "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" revolves around a Pakistani man who lets go of his life of fame in America after a failed love affair and the 9/11 terror attack. The novel was translated in more than 25 languages, won the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award and was also shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.

With a dying Pakistani film industry that produces hardly a handful of movies in Urdu, Punjabi and Pushto languages each year, Indian movies are a rage in Pakistan.

The release of Indian movies allowed in Pakistan a couple of years ago after a break of more than 40 years has also helped to bring the general public back to cinema houses.

Sonam's Illness Costs The Producers Rupees 75 Lakh

Bollywood stars are very costly even when they are ill. Recently, the producer of Sonam Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor starrer upcoming movie Mausum, had to bear the burden of such a problem.

The actress was suffering from typhoid and was unable to shoot for few days which resulted in a loss and created a big hole in the film producer's pocket. There is a buzz that the producer had to suffer a big loss of around Rs 75 lakh due to the unavailability of the actress.

The Masakalli gal from Delhi 6 has recovered from the disease now,. only after causing this big loss. Recently, the entire set of this film directed by Shahid Kapoor's father, Pankaj Kapoor had to be dismantled in Mumbai. They were supposed to shoot few romantic scenes of Sonam and Shahid. But Sonam fell sick and was absent for a long time, so they had to cancel the October shoot. The producer had to suffer a big loss due to Sonam's sudden absence.

A source was quoted saying that the next schedule of the film will now be shot in Gwalior wherein a few scenes will only require Sonam.

The news was confirmed by co-producer Sheetal Talwar, who said that they could not continue shooting due to Sonam's illness. She also affirmed the loss of Rs 75 lakh but said that it's okay because they can earn it later on. She was more concerned about the health of the lead actress. Talwar said that if Sonam is fine now they can recover the money from the film. Talwar said that the Mumbai schedule of the shooting will start soon after completing the Gwalior schedule.

Kapoor to star in 'Mission: Impossible 4'

Anil Kapoor is to play a significant supporting role in Mission: Impossible 4.

The Slumdog Millionaire star has confirmed that he will be appearing in the film alongside Tom Cruise, NDTV has reported.

He told the site: "At this point I can only say that have been contacted for Mission: Impossible 4 and I have said yes for the role."

Brad Bird, director of The Incredibles, will be helming the follow-up, which is expected to hit cinemas at the end of 2011.

Other stars who will be reprising their roles include Simon Pegg, while Lost creator J.J.Abrams will be producing.

Shahid Kapoor scores over Ranbir

After making a film on legendary American pilot Amelia Earhart, Mira Nair is planning her next. And this time, her protagonist will be a Pakistani man who lets go of his life of fame in America after a failed love affair and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. And the filmmaker has already chosen the one who will play that protagonist: Shahid Kapoor.

Nair’s film is based on Mohsin Hamid’s second novel, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, which was published in 2007 and was an instant bestseller. The lead role is thus quite a challenging yet prestigious offer for Shahid, who will be acting in an international film for the first time.

Apparently, Mira was keen on casting either Shahid or Ranbir Kapoor for the role of the protagonist, who is a bearded man called Changez in the novel. Our source said, “Between Ranbir and Shahid, Mira felt that Shahid had the intensity that the character required. While immensely appreciative of Ranbir’s talent, Mira thought that Shahid was better suited for this role.”

We wonder if Shahid’s intense double role in Kaminey won him his brownie points.

In Nair’s film as well as the novel by Mohsin, the story unfolds in the form of a dialogue between Changez and an American he meets at a cafe in Lahore. The protagonist gives voice to the various post-9/11 anxieties that emerged in the following months in America.

All in all, the project is an extremely promising one for Shahid. Though the actor remained unavailable for comment, a source confirmed, “Mira has already met Shahid.

The actor loves the script. The necessary formalities are being worked out as both Mira and Shahid are extremely excited about the film and want to start working on it by early next year.”

Shirtless Shahid leaves gals swooning

The female fans of Shahid Kapur are not done having an eyeful of the actor’s well-sculpted torso in the promos of the upcoming film Kaminey. The actor’s waxed chest, his bulging abs, his biceps and those finely-shaped collar bones flanking his graceful neck, gives Shahid an almost Adonis kind of look. The girls obviously are swooning over him.

Since behind every beautiful thing there’s some kind of pain (as says an American singer), getting that perfect body wasn’t a cakewalk for Shahid.

Speaking about the shirtless scene, Shahid told a news agency: “This scene was Vishal's vision... he told me he had a scene where he wanted me running with the horses. Since, this was to be a topless scene, it took me nearly a year of following a strict diet and exercise routine to build my body to give it a sprinter's look.”

The movie has the 28-year-old actor playing a double role as two brothers, Guddu, who stammers, and Charlie, who lisps.

“Charlie's character needed to pronounce 'fa' in place of 'sa'. So, in every dialogue, every scene whether it was emotional, comedy or action, I had to maintain that speech defect and still talk like I had been talking like this forever. Guddu's Character stammered so it was very difficult to get into that state of mind of stammering each time,” Shahid said.