the desi blog that shocks!
Posts tagged uday chopra
I don’t have an uncle in B-Town
01 week ago

She had been in the news for not the best reasons of late. And yet, Priyanka Chopra refuses to let the rumours affect her. At least professionally. When faced with personal questions about rumours of her special friendship with Shah Rukh Khan, the actress fidgets and declares, “I will not talk about this. I shall never talk about this.” However, when it comes to her films, the actress doesn’t shy away from answering.
About her upcoming Dharma Productions venture Agneepath, the actress gushes, “I am nervous and excited. Reports have been brilliant. They have liked Hrithik (Roshan), Sanju (Sanjay Dutt) and my work. More than anything, they have loved the film. I’m very proud of Karan (Malhotra, the director) as this is his first film and I’m his first heroine. For me, it’s not a remake. I hadn’t even seen the original Agneepath till I signed this film. Also my role has been written fresh.”
And this film strengthens her bond with Karan Johar and Dharma. She had earlier worked with the production house in Dostana. Though she is not doing Dostana 2, “my love story ended in the first part when I walked away with Bobby Deol” being the actress’ reason for the same, her relationship with the production house has remained.
“Miami to Mandva. It was lovely working with Dharma again. As an actor, you don’t involve yourself with the production much. You’re closer to the director,” says the actress.
Despite her proximity to Dharma, her relationship with Yash Raj Films is reportedly not strong. Rumour has it that Yash Raj did not keep its promise of offering her a big film after she agreed to do a small project Pyaar Impossible. However, the actress maintains that it wasn’t YRF she was working for, but Uday Chopra Productions.
Good with a section of the industry and not too close to the rest — this is Priyanka’s career graph in a nutshell. However, with single-minded determination and what trade analyst Amod Mehra calls ‘luck’, the actress despite being shunned some, has managed to maintain her position in Bollywood.
The actress has also tried to hold on to the few ‘good’ relations she has in the industry. For example, despite delivering an award-winning performance for Madhur Bhandarkar in Fashion, the filmmaker’s next project Heroine finally had Kareena Kapoor. But the actress has no complaints. “I couldn’t have done that role. Working on a similar plot did not make sense for Madhur and me. We spoke about the film several times. I’m glad that Kareena’s doing it. Both of them will work very well.”
Priyanka puts up a brave front on her reported alienation from the Salman Khan camp. “I have worked with every co-actor possible. I don’t come from a film background. I don’t have relationships with people in terms of uncles and aunts. I have been an outsider. Wherever I’m today is due to the support of this film industry. They have given big films and amazing work to me. It hasn’t been because of any director, production house, actor or a person. I have never been a part of any camp. I respect every co-actor tremendously and equally. I would work with anyone,” declares the actress.
As for her not having worked ever with the third Khan of the triumvirate, Aamir, she simply laughs, “Ask Aamir. If the offer hasn’t come to me yet, what can I say about it?”
While in hushed tones, insiders do cite her friendship with Shah Rukh as the reason of her alienation from the other Khans. When questioned about her rise and rise in Bollywood, they all agree upon one thing — her professionalism.
According to Suneel Darshan, who gave her the first break with Andaaz, Priyanka is not the conventional beauty like Kareena Kapoor. “Despite that, she has done very well for herself. Knowing well that the perks of stardom can be really high, she has set her goals accordingly. There is determination written all over her face. When it comes to her, there is hardly anything left between the apple and the arrow.”
But trade analyst Amod Mehra feels differently. “Kareena stands first. Katrina is at number two. And Priyanka, who was once on the second position, is now at three. That’s because Priyanka has made all the wrong choices and given many flops — 7 Khoon Maaf, Kaminey, What’s Your Rashee, Drona. I would say that she has been lucky,” says Mehra and adds, “Also, she has limited choices. Her big star bracket is restricted to SRK and Hrithik. Salman doesn’t want to work with her. Aamir hasn’t worked with her yet. She hasn’t worked much with Ajay Devgn. And she can’t work with Akshay Kumar.”
Filmmaker Ratan Jain, who worked with Priyanka in Aap Ki Khatir, however, seems to be almost on the same page as Darshan. Maintaining that films in Bollywood depend on the male actor, Jain says, “Priyanka is a very popular actress. She is an excellent performer too. Else, why would she be cast in so many movies? Note that she has also improved her acting abilities over the years.”
Three Khans in a row, What more could Katrina Kaif ask for?
03 weeks ago

Katrina Kaif is all set to romance her ex’s rival, Shahrukh khan. The actress recently shot for Salman’s Ek Tha Tiger and now, she has moved on to the King Khan.
Shahrukh’s movie will be directed by Yash Chopra, who will be directing films after eight long years. Yash Chopra’s son, Uday Chopra tweeted,
“Launching my dad’s film today with a little pooja at YRF… shoot starts tomorrow with @ iamsrk and Katrina Kaif.. Dad directing after Veer- Zaara.”
The film goes on floors today, i.e. Monday. The yet to be titled flick will be shot in London, Thailand and India and is said to be a pure epic love story. Music of the film by A R Rahman and lyrics by Gulzar.
Anushka Sharma also plays a pivotal role in the film.
Whats more interesting is that Katrina will then move on to Aamir khan, to shoot Dhoom 3, post shooting with SRK.
Uday Chopra Announced the Formation of New Production Company
02 months ago

Uday Chopra has announced the formation of YRF Entertainment, a Hollywood-based production and financing company focused on developing and producing feature films for the U.S. and international marketplace. The company is launched and funded by Yash Raj Films, the 41-year old studio that was founded by Yash Chopra, and continues to be one of India’s most prolific film producers and distributors. Uday Chopra will serve as CEO of YRF Entertainment and has hired Jonathan Reiman to head development and production under him.
Uday Chopra commented, “My family has a deep commitment to making and distributing quality films that entertain and enlighten audiences. I share that passion, as well as a love for American films that I have had since childhood. It is that enthusiasm and my love of the creative process of filmmaking that drove me to start this new venture.”
YRF Entertainment is currently producing and financing The Longest Week, which began shooting last week in New York City. Written and directed by Peter Glanz, the movie stars Jason Bateman, Olivia Wilde, and Billy Crudup. Uday Chopra is producing with Neda Armian. Exec Producers are, Jonathan Reiman, Chris Marsh, Stone Douglass, and Taylor Materne.
The comedy tells the story of a bratty “man-child” (Bateman) who still lives with his parents in a chic Manhattan hotel but suddenly finds himself evicted, disinherited and hopelessly in love with his best friend’s heartthrob (Wilde).
Uday tracked down the project after the original financier had to abandon the film and immediately fell in love with the material. He quickly arranged a creative and physical production meeting with Glanz and Armian in Mumbai. After the lengthy meeting, he committed to making the movie, with his business and legal team closing the deal in less than two weeks.
YRF Entertainment is also building a slate of projects that it will actively develop and produce from the ground up. The first project the company will develop is an untitled action/comedy by Dan Ewen (Opposites Attract) about two twenty-something’s who run away from their towns to pursue big dreams and become an unlikely but seemingly unstoppable duo after meeting serendipitously
Yash Raj Films ventures into Hollywood
02 months ago
Veteran Bollywood banner Yash Raj Films has forayed into the international market by launching a Hollywood-based production and financing company that will produce international content.
The company named YRF Entertainment, will focus on developing and producing feature films for the US and the international market.
YRF Entertainment is funded by Yash Raj Films, the 41-year-old studio that was founded by filmmaker Yash Chopra. His younger son, Uday Chopra will serve as the CEO of YRF Entertainment.
Veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra
"My family has a deep commitment to making and distributing quality films that entertain and enlighten audiences. I share that passion, as well as a love for American films that I have had since childhood. It is that enthusiasm and my love of the creative process of filmmaking that drove me to start this new venture," Uday Chopra said in a statement.
Uday has hired Jonathan Reiman to head development and production under him. Currently, YRF Entertainment is producing and financing The Longest Week, a comedy film, with stars Jason Bateman, Olivia Wilde and Billy Crudup.
Written and directed by Peter Glanz, the movie is being produced by Uday, along with Neda Armian. The executive producers are Jonathan Reiman, Chris Marsh, Stone Douglass and Taylor Materne.
The film tells the story of a bratty man-child played by Jason Bateman, who still lives with his parents in a Manhattan hotel, but suddenly finds himself evicted, disinherited and hopelessly in love with his best friend's heartthrob, played by Olivia Wilde. The shooting for the film began last week in New York.
Uday tracked down the project after the original financier had to abandon the film and immediately fell in love with the material.
YRF Entertainment is also building a slate of projects that it will develop and produce from the ground up. The first project the company will develop is an untitled action-comedy by Dan Ewen about two twenty-somethings, who run away from their podunk towns to pursue big dreams and become an unlikely but seemingly unstoppable duo after meeting serendipitously.
Back home, the parent banner Yash Raj Films continues to produce mainstream Bollywood films. Yash Chopra's eldest son Aditya's upcoming film, Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, a romantic comedy, starring Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma. The film releases on December 9.
Veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra returns to direction after almost seven years. The new untitled project will feature superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma.
The company named YRF Entertainment, will focus on developing and producing feature films for the US and the international market.
YRF Entertainment is funded by Yash Raj Films, the 41-year-old studio that was founded by filmmaker Yash Chopra. His younger son, Uday Chopra will serve as the CEO of YRF Entertainment.
Veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra
"My family has a deep commitment to making and distributing quality films that entertain and enlighten audiences. I share that passion, as well as a love for American films that I have had since childhood. It is that enthusiasm and my love of the creative process of filmmaking that drove me to start this new venture," Uday Chopra said in a statement.
Uday has hired Jonathan Reiman to head development and production under him. Currently, YRF Entertainment is producing and financing The Longest Week, a comedy film, with stars Jason Bateman, Olivia Wilde and Billy Crudup.
Written and directed by Peter Glanz, the movie is being produced by Uday, along with Neda Armian. The executive producers are Jonathan Reiman, Chris Marsh, Stone Douglass and Taylor Materne.
The film tells the story of a bratty man-child played by Jason Bateman, who still lives with his parents in a Manhattan hotel, but suddenly finds himself evicted, disinherited and hopelessly in love with his best friend's heartthrob, played by Olivia Wilde. The shooting for the film began last week in New York.
Uday tracked down the project after the original financier had to abandon the film and immediately fell in love with the material.
YRF Entertainment is also building a slate of projects that it will develop and produce from the ground up. The first project the company will develop is an untitled action-comedy by Dan Ewen about two twenty-somethings, who run away from their podunk towns to pursue big dreams and become an unlikely but seemingly unstoppable duo after meeting serendipitously.
Back home, the parent banner Yash Raj Films continues to produce mainstream Bollywood films. Yash Chopra's eldest son Aditya's upcoming film, Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, a romantic comedy, starring Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma. The film releases on December 9.
Veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra returns to direction after almost seven years. The new untitled project will feature superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma.
Aamir Khan Will Learn Parkour For ‘Dhoom 3′
02 months ago
Aamir Khan who is known for his perfection will learn french technique called Parkour for his upcoming film ‘Dhoom 3‘.

Aamir Khan is playing the main antagonist in ‘Dhoom 3′ and for that he is required to do some terrific action sequences. And to make them perfect he has decided to learn Parkour, a technique to move faster around obstacles with efficiency, so his actions look effortless on screen.
A source close to the film says, “The main purpose of Parkour is to teach participants how to move through their environment by vaulting, rolling, running, climbing and jumping, which will help Aamir for his sequences opposite Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra.”
However, Aamir is not the first Bollywood actor to learn this technique. Before him, Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan and Vivek Oberoi had also learned it for action sequences in their films.
‘Dhoom 3′ is going on floors in January 2012 and is expected to release in early 2013. Apart from Aamir, the film also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Uday Chopra and Katrina Kaif.

Aamir Khan is playing the main antagonist in ‘Dhoom 3′ and for that he is required to do some terrific action sequences. And to make them perfect he has decided to learn Parkour, a technique to move faster around obstacles with efficiency, so his actions look effortless on screen.
A source close to the film says, “The main purpose of Parkour is to teach participants how to move through their environment by vaulting, rolling, running, climbing and jumping, which will help Aamir for his sequences opposite Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra.”
However, Aamir is not the first Bollywood actor to learn this technique. Before him, Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan and Vivek Oberoi had also learned it for action sequences in their films.
‘Dhoom 3′ is going on floors in January 2012 and is expected to release in early 2013. Apart from Aamir, the film also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Uday Chopra and Katrina Kaif.
Release date of Dhoom 3 delayed from 2012 to 2013
03 months ago

The release date of Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) much-awaited “Dhoom 3″ has been shifted to 2013 due to production and post-production considerations.
The movie, which is the third instalment of YRF’s popular action-adventure franchise “Dhoom”, will go on the floors November-end, said a statement issued by the production house.
The production unit anticipates “a demanding 10-11 months of intense shooting with concurrent post-production”, which will “probably be cutting it too fine for a Christmas 2012 release”. Therefore, the decision was locked by producer Aditya Chopra, director Vijay Krishna Acharya, in consultation with lead actor Aamir Khan”.
“‘Dhoom 3′ is very dear to all of us as well as to its audience who expect only the best from the franchise. While the shooting will finish in time, we expect the post-production to take much longer. We are trying our best to give one of the finest cinematic experiences to our discerning audience and therefore did not want to compromise the quality of the film just to meet the release date,” said Acharya.
The movie will see Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra reprising their roles as policemen, while Katrina Kaif has been roped in to raise the oomph in the film.
With the change in release date, the film has also co-incidentally avoided a clash with “Dabangg 2″, which is slated for a Christmas release in 2012.
DHOOM:3 Release shifted to 2013 :(
03 months ago

The much awaited release of DHOOM:3 has now been shifted to 2013. This has been necessitated because of various production and post-production considerations.
While the shoot begins from end-November 2011, we anticipate a demanding 10 to 11 months of intense shooting with concurrent post-production, which will stretch beyond. This will probably be cutting it too fine for a Christmas 2012 release.
In view of this and keeping the interest of the audience expectations from DHOOM:3, both Aditya Chopra and Vijay Krishna Acharya (Victor) in consultation with Aamir, have decided to delay the release of the film to 2013.
Speaking about this, Victor said, “DHOOM:3 is very dear to all of us as well as to its audience who expect only the best from the franchise. While the shooting will finish in time, we expect the post-production to take much longer. We are trying our best to give one of the finest cinematic experiences to our discerning audience and therefore did not want to compromise the quality of the film just to meet the release date.”
Produced by Aditya Chopra, DHOOM:3 will be written and directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, who has written DHOOM 1 & 2. He has also written and directed Tashan.
Both Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra will continue in their now iconic roles of Jai Dixit and Ali.
Look forward to DHOOM:3 in 2013!
Katrina Kaif finally confirmed for Dhoom 3
04 months ago

After denying the rumours that Katrina Kaif was to play the lead role in Dhoom 3, and albeit an extensive hunt for a new face for the leading lady, which included international aspirants as well, Yash Raj Films is now pleased to announce and confirm that Katrina will play this role.
Dhoom: 3 director, Vijay Krishna Acharya (Victor), along with Aditya Chopra, has made this choice after considerable deliberations. When asked on the selection process, Victor said, "After almost a year of searching for a new face for Dhoom:3, we were still unable to find the perfect debutant to play the lead role. We even reached out to international talent but were still unable to find someone who stood out. Both Adi and I really wanted to be sure that the person we chose would be perfect for the role. Once we decided to go with a known face and not pursue the new-comer route, Katrina was the obvious choice for all of us. She is someone who we all know will bring tremendous enthusiasm and commitment to the film. The first time pairing of Aamir with Katrina will also certainly add value."
Produced by Aditya Chopra, Dhoom:3 is written and directed by Victor, who had also written Dhoom & Dhoom 2.
Apart from Aamir Khan, who plays the anti-hero in the film, both Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra will continue in their now iconic roles of Jai Dixit and Ali.
The film will begin shooting end of this year and is slated for a 2012 Christmas release.
Uday Chopra quits Bollywood!!!
07 months ago

Uday Chopra is all set to quit Bollywood.
The actor tweeted “Ok confession time… Dhoom 3 is my swan song… my last film… no I’m not giving up acting… quite the opposite, acting is giving up on me!”
Uday, debuted with Aditya Chopra’s Mohabbattein and remained in public memory because of his happy-go-lucky character as Ali Akbar Fateh in Dhoom and Dhoom 2. Just a few days back, Shilpa Shetty’s younger sister Shamita Shetty had announced that she was switching to interior decoration.
Interestingly, both Shamita and Uday debuted in the same film — Mohabbatein — in 2000.
Double Dhamaal creates record amongst sequels
08 months ago
Double Dhamaal creates record amongst sequels
Double Dhamaal could well be looking at record books as far as Bollywood is concerned. In the history of sequels that have been churned out so far, this riotous comedy is the first ever film to see each of the five principal protagonists along with director being retained from Part One to the sequel.
"Dhamaal (2007) featured Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Jaaved Jaaferi and Ashish Chowdhry in principal roles and was directed by Indra Kumar. Now the same team has been retained in the sequel as well. This is a first by a long distance as practically ever sequel so far has seen a change either in the cast or the director", says a trade veteran.
He goes on to rattle down a dozen odd instances to substantiate his claim.
"While Phir Hera Pheri retained Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal, the leading ladies changed. Also, Neeraj Vora directed the film instead of Priyadarshan", he continues, "Rajkumar Hirani, Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi teamed up for Munnabhai sequel but Vidya Balan replaced Gracy Singh. Dhoom has seen only Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra being retained with leading ladies as well as villains continuing to change. Ditto for Koi Mil Gaya/Krrish where only Roshans are the constant factor. Golmaal Returns saw Sharman Joshi dropping out though amongst leading ladies Kareena Kapoor has managed to retain her place between Golmaal Returns and Golmaal 3."
Well, seems like this record for Double Dhamaal would be pretty much retained for long in future as well. If one looks at the line up of sequels which are releasing over next 1-2 years, practically each of them is seeing a change in the cast or director.
"Akshay Kumar has come in place of Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi for the sequel of Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. Jacqueline Fernandez has replaced Mallika Sherawat in Murder 2. Rajat Kapoor is no more there in Bheja Fry sequel. Katrina Kaif is coming in place of Priyanka Chopra for Dostana 2", he details, "All leading ladies have been replaced in Housefull sequel and Arjun Rampal is out as well. Kaante would have an entirely different cast. The only film which has retained it's principal cast is Don 2 with Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra coming together. However Double Dhamaal has an edge since it has many more protagonists than Don 2."
Riteish Deshmukh, one of the key actors in Double Dhamaal, was taken by surprise when told about this record. "Oh really, none of us ever realised that", he exclaims, "Yes, it is a nice record to make after all. I will tell Induji (Indra Kumar) about it."
Detailing the need behind the same cast being retained, Riteish says, "It wouldn't have made sense if any of us would have been missing. Unlike many other sequels which have basically built a franchise, we are actually taking the story forward from where we left in Dhamaal. In fact at the beginning of the film, we would also be showing a recap of Dhamaal."
Double Dhamaal could well be looking at record books as far as Bollywood is concerned. In the history of sequels that have been churned out so far, this riotous comedy is the first ever film to see each of the five principal protagonists along with director being retained from Part One to the sequel.
"Dhamaal (2007) featured Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Jaaved Jaaferi and Ashish Chowdhry in principal roles and was directed by Indra Kumar. Now the same team has been retained in the sequel as well. This is a first by a long distance as practically ever sequel so far has seen a change either in the cast or the director", says a trade veteran.
He goes on to rattle down a dozen odd instances to substantiate his claim.
"While Phir Hera Pheri retained Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal, the leading ladies changed. Also, Neeraj Vora directed the film instead of Priyadarshan", he continues, "Rajkumar Hirani, Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi teamed up for Munnabhai sequel but Vidya Balan replaced Gracy Singh. Dhoom has seen only Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra being retained with leading ladies as well as villains continuing to change. Ditto for Koi Mil Gaya/Krrish where only Roshans are the constant factor. Golmaal Returns saw Sharman Joshi dropping out though amongst leading ladies Kareena Kapoor has managed to retain her place between Golmaal Returns and Golmaal 3."
Well, seems like this record for Double Dhamaal would be pretty much retained for long in future as well. If one looks at the line up of sequels which are releasing over next 1-2 years, practically each of them is seeing a change in the cast or director.
"Akshay Kumar has come in place of Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi for the sequel of Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. Jacqueline Fernandez has replaced Mallika Sherawat in Murder 2. Rajat Kapoor is no more there in Bheja Fry sequel. Katrina Kaif is coming in place of Priyanka Chopra for Dostana 2", he details, "All leading ladies have been replaced in Housefull sequel and Arjun Rampal is out as well. Kaante would have an entirely different cast. The only film which has retained it's principal cast is Don 2 with Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra coming together. However Double Dhamaal has an edge since it has many more protagonists than Don 2."
Riteish Deshmukh, one of the key actors in Double Dhamaal, was taken by surprise when told about this record. "Oh really, none of us ever realised that", he exclaims, "Yes, it is a nice record to make after all. I will tell Induji (Indra Kumar) about it."
Detailing the need behind the same cast being retained, Riteish says, "It wouldn't have made sense if any of us would have been missing. Unlike many other sequels which have basically built a franchise, we are actually taking the story forward from where we left in Dhamaal. In fact at the beginning of the film, we would also be showing a recap of Dhamaal."