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The stylishly made AISHA has had an instant connect with the youth & female audiences, and is now being referred to as an effervescent coming-of-age film for the Indian Film Industry.
Commenting on this Mr. Deepak Sharma, Head - Worldwide Distribution, PVR Pictures said, "We are extremely delighted with AISHA's initial response at the box office and expect the film to set a new benchmark for female protagonist centric films in India."
Our source tells us the new story. He says, "These days Sonam is not her bubbly self that she is known to be. As she is very close to her mom, Sonam loves her company more than the arc lights. In fact Sonam and her sister is wondering what went wrong with this subject that had everything in its favour."
AISHA, as the reports have already suggested didn't get the public pulse right. Despite its attractive storyline and great performances, Sonam Kapoor could woo the audiences to the extent she hoped to do.
After SAAWARIYA, DELHI 6, I HATE LUV STORYS and now AISHA, Sonam has lost her smile all the way. the way.
I am sure even he is missing all the fun that we are having while promoting the film", smiles Sonam who is on a definite high after the success of I HATE LUV STORYS, "No one can help it through. He had a prior commitment to Zoya's film ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA and since it has such a huge star cast, he couldn't afford to deviate from the plans."
One can't help but ask Sonam this question - 'Is Abhay absent due to the fact that he is mainly a strong supporting actor in the film rather than a lead hero per se'? At least this is the perception that one gets after seeing the promos.
"Then I would say that it is a totally wrong perception", she immediately shoots back, "Have you read 'Emma' on which AISHA is based? It is an ensemble piece and while the film is called AISHA because it is from her perspective. Each and every other character is important to the movie, including Abhay. Regarding your question about him being a lead hero or not, then well we are trying to cut the whole idea of hero and a heroine here. AISHA is as real as it gets with story of real people. Abhay is an extremely confident actor and a confident man; hence he was totally in synch with the character he had to portray."
Sonam Kapoor is all geared up with AISHA which releases this Friday. The actress has said that she wants to work with papa Anil Kapoor. But did you know why? Well, let's hear it from Sonam herself.
"I would love to work with Dad. But as an actor, I think because I'm a selfish actor. And I think if you work with great actors, acting is all about reacting. So when you have great actors around you, you just become better. You know what I mean? So just to make my performance better, I would love to work with my dad as an actor," said Sonam on CNN International's 'Connect the World'.
Like father, like daughter, we must say.
Now, this gruelling schedule is playing havoc with Sonam's healthy. Reportedly, the actress is losing weight despite not working out. Sonam feels that it is her hectic schedule that is to blame for all this.
Well, let's hope Sonam's hard work really pays off this time. We pray it works in her favour unlike her last film which failed to charm the audiences.
The actress, who delivered the biggest hit of her career with I HATE LUV STORYS, sure seems to have some hidden talents as her friend, Kunal reveals. "Sonam is a multi-tasker and she has multiple talents. The fact that her father-sister duo is producing the film gave her a lot of creative freedom and the power to implement them. In fact, I was amazed by Sonam's fashion sense and her understanding of the adorable characters in the film," admits Kunal Rawal, who is an accomplished high-end designer.
She may have rubbished co-star Abhay's intelligent image but the actress sure knows her pr�t and her haute couture. And having an upcoming rising star like Kunal as her friend helped her a lot in helping Abhay don a highly stylised look making him the next hunk in town. After doing films, which have been appreciated for his performances, now Abhay is paying some attention to style too and the duo of Kunal Rawal and Sonam Kapoor are his partners in crime.
Kunal has designed the looks for the male leads (Abhay Deol, Arunoday Singh and Cyrus Sahukar) for the movie AISHA (an adaptation of Jane Austen's 'Emma') by Anil Kapoor Films Company production. In the romantic film, AISHA, where Abhay Deol plays Arjun Barman (an investment banker), designer Kunal Rawal says that his brief was to style Abhay according to his profession. "Abhay is a clotheshorse. His character is the perfect dresser. Strait-laced yet fun and casual but his outfits are slightly slicker. He's every girl's dream. We have given Abhay suits in mixed subtle colors, suits without belts, vintage tie clips, vintage YSL belts from New York in contrasting colors. Arjun loves his brown belts and shoes."
Sonam Kapoor, who is making waves for her stylish looks in her upcoming film AISHA, was beset with some wardrobe issues at a promotional event.
It's learnt that Sonam wore pants that kept slipping down since it was not of the right measurement. The actress was pulling it up every time and finally had to pin it up to keep it from slipping further.
Well, we wonder how Sonam got into such a style mess at the first place. The actress who shows up quite fashionably otherwise on screen and off it had got it completely wrong this time.
The lolipop girl Sonam Kapoor says that Abhay is not of my type and a smile came on the face of Abhay. Sonam and Abhay promoting Aisha which is to be released on 2nd August 2010. Anil Kapoor is debuting from Aisha as a producer.
The room was filled up with loud bursts of laughter when after a sudden pause the lollipop girl said, "No, he's not my type." The lollipop girl's answer was enough to leave one with a sour taste but the chocolate boy was sweet enough to taste it.
No, this is not a candy store but an In-Studio Special with chocolate boy Abhay Deol, lollipop girl Sonam Kapoor and Encounter Specialist Omar. A lot of banter, fun and humour on this AISHA special with the lead couple.
Tune-in this Wednesday for a 1 Hour Special dedicated to the upcoming youth comedy of the season - AISHA with an Encounter with Omar & a first & exclusive 'Making of AISHA' only on zoom.
You will get a complete inside scoop of the characters, the settings, the story & so much more. Watch the cast talk about their favourite songs, moments & experiences while working on the film.
The room was filled up with loud bursts of laughter when after a sudden pause the lollipop girl said, "No, he's not my type." The lollipop girl's answer was enough to leave one with a sour taste but the chocolate boy was sweet enough to taste it.
No, this is not a candy store but an In-Studio Special with chocolate boy Abhay Deol, lollipop girl Sonam Kapoor and Encounter Specialist Omar. A lot of banter, fun and humour on this AISHA special with the lead couple.
Tune-in this Wednesday for a 1 Hour Special dedicated to the upcoming youth comedy of the season - AISHA with an Encounter with Omar & a first & exclusive 'Making of AISHA' only on zoom.
You will get a complete inside scoop of the characters, the settings, the story & so much more. Watch the cast talk about their favourite songs, moments & experiences while working on the film.
"Abhay Deol has the potentiality to become the next Anil Kapoor," said Sonam in a TV interview.
Abhay and Sonam are paired together for the first time in director Rajshree Ojha's film AISHA. The film is co-produced by Sonam's father and actor Anil Kapoor and is scheduled to get released in August.
Sonam's recently released film I HATE LUV STORYS gained a good response from both critics as well as the audience. Now it will be interesting to see how the new pair performs in their upcoming movie AISHA.
It must be mentioned that Sonam Kapoor plays the role of a confused girl in the film that has little knowledge about the world outside.
After her last film I HATE LUV STORYS got a mixed response at the box-office, Sonam Kapoor is pinning all hope on her next release - AISHA.
The film is making waves for its music and in all likelihood might be Sonam's best act so far. Let's wait and watch.
The latest is that Sonam is leaving no stone unturned to praise her AISHA co-star Abhay Deol. The actress seems to be in awe of Abhay.
Says Sonam, "Initially I had reservations working with Abhay Deol as I thought that his idea of cinema is completely different from mine. But, he proved me absolutely wrong. Abhay is such a great co-star that he makes the best in you to come out. We bonded big time while shooting for AISHA. He was extremely caring and cooperative all through the shoot."
Earlier, there were reports that Abhay had issues with Sonam on the sets, Sonam has trashed these reports and dubbed them baseless.
Though Sonam failed to set the silver screen afire with Imran Khan, hope she manages to do it with Abhay this time around.
One does complain though that this was quite short and diplomatic. However, refusing to bite the bait, Sonam says, 'I think it is a personal matter. Even if I am dating anyone, I am not going to speak about it for sure. There is nothing to be discussed.'
What she is willing to discuss though are things which are not so personal. While IHLS deals with the subject of self denial when it comes to matters of heart, Sonam says that in real life, she has indeed seen something like this happening to people in her friend circle.
'I have actually seen that happening all the time and especially with boys', giggles Sonam, 'It is fun because most of the boys that I have hung around with are like that only to begin with. They say that mere saath aisa kabhi kuch nahi hone waala; this is something only for girls. But once they get hitched, their personality changes. Most of my guys friends have been through this phase.'
What she is willing to discuss though are things which are not so personal. While IHLS deals with the subject of self denial when it comes to matters of heart, Sonam says that in real life, she has indeed seen something like this happening to people in her friend circle.
Elegantly dressed in a Westwoods Red Label polka dot cocktail dress, Sonam said, "Abhay Deol's dimples are very cute. He's a hottie. He loves food a lot. He's a typical Panju Deol. This entire intelligent New York image that he has is all rubbish. He's a simple Punjabi boy from Juhu (in Mumbai)."
She further went on to add, "He's extremely sweet and has got a lot of traditional values. He's very possessive about me. He keeps on saying, 'Sonam, don't do this. I made the same mistake' and I'm like, 'Calm down, let me make my own mistake'."
"He's an integral part of the film and has supported us. He's one hero who is confident enough to do this film," revealed the actress.
AISHA is an adaptation of the British novel, Emma by Jane Austen and is set to release on Aug 6.
Karan Johar has come out in defence of the leading lady of recently release I HATE LUV STORYS. While industry was abuzz with rumours of a link up between Sonam Kapoor and Punit Malhotra, the young director who has made his debut with the musical romcom, Karan is hardly amused.
"This is entirely rubbish actually", says Karan who is said to have been impacted with the stories making the rounds for last 3-4 months, "Punit is quite focused on his job and is a thorough professional. He has given his heart and soul into making IHLS and I know for sure that he wasn't distracted at all. There can't be anything more idiotic than insinuating that he was into any romantic rendezvous during the making of the film."
While Karan maintains that it is not his business to get into the personal life of people who work with him or comment on their alleged affairs, he doesn't mind stating facts as they are, "Sonam has been one of the most disciplined actors that Dharma Productions has worked with. She comes with a great lineage and her parents are my friends. In fact when I talk to her, I sound like an old uncle. I like to take care of her."
"This is entirely rubbish actually", says Karan who is said to have been impacted with the stories making the rounds for last 3-4 months, "Punit is quite focused on his job and is a thorough professional. He has given his heart and soul into making IHLS and I know for sure that he wasn't distracted at all. There can't be anything more idiotic than insinuating that he was into any romantic rendezvous during the making of the film."
While Karan maintains that it is not his business to get into the personal life of people who work with him or comment on their alleged affairs, he doesn't mind stating facts as they are, "Sonam has been one of the most disciplined actors that Dharma Productions has worked with. She comes with a great lineage and her parents are my friends. In fact when I talk to her, I sound like an old uncle. I like to take care of her."
No matter how mushy or cheesy they are, we find love stories irresistible because of the tremendous rush we experience at the end. Some of us are big suckers for love sagas, aren't we? That's precisely the reason why this title [I HATE LUV STORYS] nagged me no end every time I watched the promo of this film.
Helmed by first-timer Punit Malhotra, I HATE LUV STORYS is typical candyfloss romance with a story that's not jaw-droppingly different, let me forewarn you. But if you're young at heart or a diehard and hopeless romantic, you'd lap up I HATE LUV STORYS like a kid laps up his fav candy.
Now to the vital question: If I HATE LUV STORYS rests on a thin plot, what is it that drives the film for the next two hours? My answer to that is, four factors: The fresh pairing and chemistry between the lead cast, tremendous youth appeal, terrific music and magical moments that make a love story work.
Final word? The makers have never claimed that I HATE LUV STORYS will change the face of Hindi cinema. Nor did they ever claim that I HATE LUV STORYS will change the mindset of the viewer towards romantic films. So let's sit back and enjoy the fun ride. This one's by the youth, for the youth. It's this age-group that would come out smiling, cheering and rooting for this prem kahani.
'I hate love stories' is the maxim Jay [Imran Khan] lives by. But as an assistant director to Veer [Samir Soni], the most famous romantic film-maker of Indian film industry, Jay has little option but to live with larger than life, glossy, cinematic love on an everyday basis. Things only get worse when he is made to work under the new production designer on the film, Simran [Sonam Kapoor], with whom he shares the strangest first encounter. Simran loves love stories, so much so that even her life has begun to resemble one. With her ideal job and the perfect boyfriend Raj [Samir Dattani], she lives a blissful, dreamy life. One that is rudely interrupted by Jay's cynicism.
Writer-director Punit Malhotra wins Round 1 by casting the right actors in the roles of Jay and Simran. In fact, it wouldn't be erroneous to state that the casting is the trump card of this film. But what Punit ought to know by now is that every story ought to have a strong grip to keep your attention arrested for the next two hours. In this case, the film rests on a waferthin plot, with not much movement in the story in the first hour. In fact, the story barely moves in the first part.
Yes, post-interval, the story does gather momentum and though you're well aware of the journey and what the culmination will be like, you don't mind the ride because you can't take your eyes off Imran and Sonam. Also, a love story works if one pines for the on-screen lovers and in I HATE LUV STORYS, you genuinely want the duo to sort things out, which means that you're involved in their lives. Even the finale - it won't be fair on my part to reveal how this movie concludes - may be filmy or cliched, but let's face it, it works.
Let me draw parallels with another love story, also starring Imran Khan. Recall the finale of JAANE TU YA JAANE NA, which had Imran riding a horse to reach his sweetheart [Genelia] at the airport. I distinctly recall, a lot of people found the end bizzare and rightly so. Can you imagine anyone galloping to the international airport in Mumbai? But I was truly surprised when I learnt that the youth were whistling and clapping all through. The finale is different here [no horses, please] and you exit the auditorium with a smile on your face. Director Punit Malhotra is heavily inspired by Mills & Boon novels and several Bollywood films... love stories all. But like I pointed out earlier, Punit needs to polish his writing skills, although the director in him bails the writer out and takes the film to a different level. The sequences between Imran and Sonam are well penned, but the ones between Sonam and her parents or Sonam and Samir Dattani are half-baked. Directorially, Punit shows super-confidence in moulding the two actors in their respective parts, so much so that you get sucked into Jay and Simran's world after a while.
A love story ought to be embellished with a lilting score - that's a compulsion - and Vishal-Shekhar are in true form this time. The score is trendy, energetic and beyond fantastic and what's more, it's already a rage. In fact, the musical score only takes the movie a step ahead. Ditto for Salim-Sulaiman's background score, which matches the mood to the T. Ayananka Bose's cinematography is awesome. The ace DoP proved his credentials in KITES recently and with I HATE LUV STORYS, he should find himself entrenched in the top bracket. The styling [Manish Malhotra] is top notch.
Imran enacts his part effortlessly. Though the role doesn't demand histrionics, you keep reacting to Imran because of the magnetism he radiates. The devilish streak in his character is sure to appeal to the youth. Besides, Imran has been photographed and presented very well. Sonam is a revelation. From salwars [SAAWARIYA, DELHI 6] to skirts in I HATE LUV STORYS, Sonam finally gets a role that does justice to her as an actress. The ease and class with which she carries off the glam look is fantastic. She's like a whiff of fresh air and you actually wonder, is she the same girl from SAAWARIYA and DELHI 6? In fact, I HATE LUV STORYS will only multiply Imran and Sonam's fan base manifold.
Samir Dattani is decent, although his role gets sidelined as the story moves forward. Samir Soni's character reminds you of a certain hi-profile director and he plays the part extremely well. Kavin Dave, as Imran's buddy, is first-rate and steals the show in several scenes. Aamir Ali is perfect, while Pooja Ghai doesn't get scope to deliver. Bruna Abdullah looks sensuous and adds to the glam quotient. Ketaki Dave [Sonam's mother] is wasted. Anju Mahendru [Imran's mother] is adequate.
On the whole, I HATE LUV STORYS is a young and vibrant love story with tremendous appeal for the yuppies. The fresh pairing and the on-screen electrifying chemistry, the lilting musical score and the magical moments in the film should attract its target audience - the youth - in hordes. If you're young or young at heart, this one's for you!
Imran enacts his part effortlessly. Though the role doesn't demand histrionics, you keep reacting to Imran because of the magnetism he radiates. The devilish streak in his character is sure to appeal to the youth. Besides, Imran has been photographed and presented very well. Sonam is a revelation. From salwars [SAAWARIYA, DELHI 6] to skirts in I HATE LUV STORYS, Sonam finally gets a role that does justice to her as an actress. The ease and class with which she carries off the glam look is fantastic. She's like a whiff of fresh air and you actually wonder, is she the same girl from SAAWARIYA and DELHI 6? In fact, I HATE LUV STORYS will only multiply Imran and Sonam's fan base manifold.
Samir Dattani is decent, although his role gets sidelined as the story moves forward. Samir Soni's character reminds you of a certain hi-profile director and he plays the part extremely well. Kavin Dave, as Imran's buddy, is first-rate and steals the show in several scenes. Aamir Ali is perfect, while Pooja Ghai doesn't get scope to deliver. Bruna Abdullah looks sensuous and adds to the glam quotient. Ketaki Dave [Sonam's mother] is wasted. Anju Mahendru [Imran's mother] is adequate.
On the whole, I HATE LUV STORYS is a young and vibrant love story with tremendous appeal for the yuppies. The fresh pairing and the on-screen electrifying chemistry, the lilting musical score and the magical moments in the film should attract its target audience - the youth - in hordes. If you're young or young at heart, this one's for you!
Just last month the industry was in a state of shock as the very expensive and lavishly mounted Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori starrer, KITES, turned out to be a big setback and a huge loser for Big Pictures. But just a couple of weeks later Prakash Jha's RAAJNEETI came like manna from heaven and turned out to be the biggest grosser and hit of the year.
However the joy was short-lived as once again disaster struck as Mani Ratnam's Abhishek, Aishwarya and Vikram starrer, RAAVAN, another very expensive investment for Big Pictures, turned out to be an even bigger disaster than KITES. In this case the audience rejected the film on the first day itself unlike KITES. But there is light at the end of the tunnel because Karan Johar's Punit Malhotra directed I HATE LUV STORYS is looking set to take a good start, for sure at multiplexes and also at high end cinemas in the cities.
Here's hoping that the Imran-Sonam starrer manages to make the industry smile once again!
However the joy was short-lived as once again disaster struck as Mani Ratnam's Abhishek, Aishwarya and Vikram starrer, RAAVAN, another very expensive investment for Big Pictures, turned out to be an even bigger disaster than KITES. In this case the audience rejected the film on the first day itself unlike KITES. But there is light at the end of the tunnel because Karan Johar's Punit Malhotra directed I HATE LUV STORYS is looking set to take a good start, for sure at multiplexes and also at high end cinemas in the cities.
Here's hoping that the Imran-Sonam starrer manages to make the industry smile once again!
Now, reports suggest that Sonam Kapoor has walked out of a film when she learnt that Deepika Padukone is also part of the star cast.
The cold war between Sonam and Deepika dates back to SAAWARIYA days when there were rumours linking Sonam with Ranbir. Later Deepika and Ranbir were going steady before they broke up some time back.
Now, that Ranbir is no longer with Deepika, the cold war between the two actresses still continues. Deepika and Sonam can't see each other eye-to-eye.
For the moment the frozen chemistry between the two has no hopes of revival.
He tweeted, "Big day at work today...IHLS copy out!! Excited about its release...WE ARE FAMILY promo finalised...rushing against time to get it with IHLS."
CHECK OUT: Karan Johar's Stepmom remake will be We are family
WE ARE FAMILY is about a terminally ill divorcee who has to accept the new woman in her ex-husband's life as the stepmother of her kids and the problems they face to find a common ground of understanding.
The film stars Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal and Kajol in lead roles. It has been mainly shot in Sydney, Australia.
Meanwhile, I HATE LUV STORYS, starring Sonam Kapoor and Imran Khan, is all set to hit the screens on July 2nd.
Her clothes which are always a source of powerful on-screen personality-transference for her has been worked on at great lengths by designer Anamika Khanna. And the result, says a member of the crew, is no less than devastating.
Apparently, Sonam was initially reluctant to get into the mature mould. "She had reservations about being bracketed in the mature mould so early in her career. In all her films so far from Saawariya to Thank You, Sonam has played a girl her own age and dressed accordingly, in what she's comfortable with. The Western clothes that 'd transform her into a chic Delhi socialite in Aisha are as much a part of her personality as the salwar-kameez that she wore in Delhi 6."
Apparently, designer Anamika Khanna who has worked earlier with Sonam in Delhi 6 has been pouring over the designs with Sonam trying to figure out what clothes she's most comfortable in.
Shahid, who needed to make a sartorial changeover to play the mature mellow lover in the later part of the film, has also been heard joking about how Mausam has turned him and Sonam into overnight adult stars.
Says the Mausam producer Sheetal Talwar, "Shahid has sported the mature mellow look in Jab We Met. But for Sonam the transformation from girl to woman in Mausam is a challenge. Before she left for Scotland, Sonam wanted to be completely comfortable in her new avatar."
