Southern actor Asin Thottumkal wants to reach masses with commercial films

Asin, who featured in Hindi films like London Dreams, Ready and Housefull 2, wants to reach out to the masses with the help of commercial movies.

"I am satisfied with the work I have done till now. These are my initial years in Bollywood and I want to reach out to maximum number of people and only commercial films can help me achieve that," Asin told IANS.

"Creative satisfaction is important for me. Right now I am looking for characters which can give me creative satisfaction within the commercial format," she said.


The 26-year-old made her Bollywood debut in 2008 with Ghajini, a Hindi remake of her own Tamil film of the same name. Before foraying into Bollywood, she was already an established name down south.

She made her Bollywood debut opposite Aamir Khan in Ghajini and in her four years in the industry, she has already featured with actors like Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar.

Now she has Bol Bachchan. Directed by Rohit Shetty, it is coming out Friday.

Asin says her character is down to earth and did not require homework. "Playing Sania was not much of a challenging task for me. A lot of homework or research from my side was not needed. But I have to say that she is the most down to earth and grounded character in the film," she said.

Even though inspired by the 1979 comic flick Gol Maal, Asin says that she had no prior reference for her character and relied purely on the script. "I had nothing to fall back on. I only relied on what was written in the script. The basic idea is that it is inspired from Gol Maal where the females did not have much to do. But it has been rewritten and does not stick to the original. So, I could not rely on the old one and had to go by the script which was written for this movie," she said.

After featuring in three back to back comedies Ready, Housefull 2, Bol Bachchan, the actor clears the air about sticking just to comic roles and says, "It is just a co-incidence" and that she doesn't have "a special affinity towards comedy. But I like doing comedy, especially when I have great co-stars like Ajay and Abhishek Bachchan on my side. It's fun and entertaining but obviously I would like to try out other genres as well," she said.

Asin is known as 'behenji' of B-town

Asin is gearing up for a major makeover. The actress is tired of being referred to as a behenji and wants to start dressing sexily.

Recently, she had a meeting with a designer and discussed the possibility of wearing skimpy clothes to various events. A source reveals, "She has realised that her image needs to be changed.

After working in Housefull 2 with Jacqueline Fernandez, Zarine Khan and Shazahn Padamsee, she felt that as everyone dressing up sexily, she should, too." Let's wait and see how this one turns out!

Heroines can be friends: Asin

After one of her closest contemporaries and friends Sonam Kapoor flagged off the show on January 1, actor Asin will be the second celebrity agony aunt on Superstar Santa. The actor agreed to be on the show because she liked the idea of helping two friends sort out their issues.

 “I had to help two boys who had drifted apart because of a misunderstanding years ago. My first step was to find out if they really valued their friendship now. They did, so it was only natural that they get back to being friends,” says Asin, who has a bunch of six girl friends who’ve been her confidantes since school days.

“I’ve sorted out problems between us several times, but now I’ve learnt that it works differently for both sexes. Your approach has to be different when you’re playing agony aunt to a boy.”

The 20-something actor, currently filming Bol Bachchan in the city, admitted on the UTV Stars show that she’s extremely friendly with her contemporaries too. “It’s not deliberate, but I’ve always worked with far senior male actors.

So, even if I’m friendly with them, Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgn or Salman Khan, I draw a line and never cross it. I respect and admire them like a fan would,” states Asin.

She reasons that since she isn’t insecure, she mixes up easily with all her female co-stars as well.

“It’s unbelievable, but including Sonam, I have 10 of my contemporaries on my phone’s chat list. We speak at random hours. We don’t discuss clothes, make-up and boys,” says Asin, adding, “But we share jokes, we whine about our gruelling travel and shoot schedules and admit to each other when we indulge in some sinful food like a cheese pizza or a chocolate sundae. So, heroines can be friends.”

Apart from her contemporaries, Asin has a close friend in the otherwise reclusive actor Tabu, who lives a couple of wings away from her home.

“She sends across the most amazing biryanis, and I never forget to send her chocolates and cakes,” she says.

“Tabu is one of the most beautiful persons I know. I liked her work on screen when I was younger. And now, I adore her as a friend.”

War of the Hotties: It's Asin vs Zarine Khan vs Jacqueline

We’re heard this one before. When two leading ladies come together in a film there’s no love lost, right? But what happens when three leading ladies get together?

There is an instant territorial war. So the two Sajids, producer Nadiadwala and his director Khan, have discovered on location in Petersborough in England for Housefull 2.

According to a source the sense of rivalry among the three heroines Asin, Zarine Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez is so palpable it has all the men on location cheering the ladies on to give their best.

The three ladies have a history with one another.

Says the source, “Asin and Zarine are Salman’s protégées. Their competitive spirit got a further edge when Zarine was given the Character dheela item song by Salman in Ready.

Though Asin was super- cool about the itemized intervention, arguing that she had her own Dhinka chika number in Ready, Zarina has been strutting around like the new star-attraction on location in the UK even since she joined the Housefull 2 unit last week.

Similingly polite Asin chooses to remain aloof from the Zarine factor. ”

Jacqueline of course is the new Murder girl. The Bhatts have convinced the Alladdin Barbie doll that she’s the next Mallika Sherawat.

Along with the attitude of a star-in-the-making Jacqueline apparently gets along with the Housefull 2 director Sajid Khan like a house (and a director) on fire.

Says the source, “Though Jacqueline is not playing the nose-in-the-air diva on location there’s definitely a sense of haughtiness about her. And why would Asin, a major star in the South with two blockbusters in Hindi tolerate any attitude?”

Into the simmering cauldron of competitiveness arrived choreographer Farah Khan this week to shoot a song featuring all the three heroines.

And Farah is dreading it.

Says a source, “It’s bad enough handling dance steps of two leading ladies. But three?? Asin is an expert dancer and she is opposite the biggest star of the film (Akshay). So she’d be within her rights to expect the best steps.

On the other hand Zarine, Salman’s blue-eyed babe thinks she’s the hottest item girl after Character dheela. Unka to haq banta hai.

Jacqueline of course is the new ‘It’ girl and therefore a star in her own right. besides she shot Apni to aise taise with Farah for the two Sajids’ Housefull. ”

Given the circumstances Farah is understandably nervous.

“Yes I’m in London to shoot a number with the three girls and their three heroes. Doing a song with two heroes and two heroines in Housefull was grueling enough. Here I’ll have to sambhalo three pairs.

And during the song the pairs get inter-changed also. It’s quite a challenge. Lekin kya karoon? I can’t say no to the two Sajids in my life.

One is my brother. The other is my brother and my husband’s producer and also like my brother. Main to phans gayi. ”

Watch out for fireworks when the teen divas hot-foot it for Farah. Wonder how Nanda, Simi Garewal and Kalpana Kartik shot Teen Deviyan without their leading man Dev Anand losing all his hair.

No bikinis for me: Asin

Call it being conservative, but Asin is very clear that she won't be wearing a bikini in the Housefull sequel.

The actress has a 'no bikini' clause written into her contract. Meanwhile director Sajid Khan will now be dolling up the other leading leady in the film -- Jacqueline Fernandez. Since Asin has refused to wear any swimwear, Jackie will provide all the sex appeal required. Guess Asin will lose out!

Jacqueline won't promote Murder 2?

It is believed that Sri Lankan beauty won't be able to allocate much time for the promotions of Mohit Suri's forthcoming film Murder 2.
 
The actress will be in London shooting Sajid Khan's next while promotional activities kick start back home. According to sources, M2 doesn't offer much scope to Jacqueline. Also, Sajid has given prior instructions to his crew members to not to give any dates for any other project during Housefull 2.
 
Sajid's film will be shot entirely in London and therefore it will be practically impossible for the actress to be available for the promotions. Sources also say that Sajid has promised his current favourite Jacqueline a perfect launch through H2. Unlike in Housefull, wherein Jacqueline's role was restricted to just one item song, the actress will have a substantial role in the sequel which also stars Asin and Zareen Khan in lead roles.
 
Reportedly Jacky, who is in London, shares a great rapport with Sajid. We hope their camaraderie does well for the gorgeous lasses career.

Jacqueline laps up Asin's bikini and role in 'Housefull 2' | Videos

Asin acting pricey after 'Ready'?

It may appear as a shock to many of you but currently Asin has only one project in hand in the form of Housefull 2. Zarine Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez have already been cast as the other two leading ladies, which means Asin will have to share her screen space with them.

If the buzz is to be believed, a well known Bollywood producer wants to cast Asin but is displeased about the fact that she is quoting the same price as the likes of Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. Now that’s too much to ask for!

Anyway, Asin’s good friend Salman Khan, despite willing to would not be able to grant her a role since the leading actresses of all his upcoming movies have been cast. Here is a look at Salman’s upcoming movies and leading ladies - Bodyguard with Kareena Kapoor, Ek Tha Tiger with Katrina Kaif and Kick and Dabangg 2 with Sonakshi Sinha.

Reportedly, the Kollywood producers and directors too are unhappy about the fact that she goldbricked them when she started receiving offers from Bollywood. Other than her only hit movie this year, Kaavalan starring Vijay, Asin has no Kollywood offers in her kitty. Whereas other stars like Ileana D Cruz, Deepika Padukone and Sonakshi Sinha have been receiving quite a few offers.

It is shocking that despite the super success of Ready, Asin is still falling short of offers. No Kollywood and no Bollywood, Asin? ever thought about moving to Hollywood?

Salman Impresses Again, Ready Grosses Rs. 41 Crore

Last year it was his rural action-drama Dabangg that broke the dry spell at the box office by earning Rs.48.25 crore in the opening weekend, and this year Salman Khan's comedy Ready has brought the much needed respite at the box office by grossing Rs.41 crore over the weekend.

Trade pundits, however, admit that Ready is not on par with Dabangg in terms of content and appeal and many not enjoy a long innings at the box office, but it is an entertaining film and got a good opening.

"Ready has had a good opening. The occupancy has been 90-95 percent. It is more of a family entertainer. One would not see the kind of action that was in Dabangg and Wanted," Yogesh Raizada, corporate head (Cinemas) of Wave Cinemas said.

"Salman is perfect in the film he has done full justice to his character. Asin, is also good in the film," he added.

In contrast to Rs.18 crore Dabangg, a small town cop drama shot in Wai in Maharashtra and partly in the UAE, Ready, shot entirely in Thailand, is expensive, has an urban setting and is said to have cost Rs.50 crore.

Released on 1,900 screens, Ready earned Rs.13.5 crore on the opening day, Rs.12.5 crore on Saturday, and Rs.15 crore on Sunday.

"People are enjoying the film a lot, specially Salman Khan, although the shows have not been back-to-back houseful like Dabangg and Wanted. The audis have witnessed 80 percent occupancy," said a source in PVR.

Shot in the exotic locales of Thailand, the film is about happy-go-lucky guy Prem (Salman). He mistakenly helps a girl Sanjana (Asin Thottumkal) escape from marriage and later falls for her. Paresh Rawal, Arya Babbar and Mahesh Manjeraker also feature in it.

Just like Salman's 2008 hit Wanted, his Ready is performing much better in single screen theatres. Confirming this, Piyush Raizada of Delite Cinemas said their shows are going houseful.

"The response to Ready is terrific. Till now, our shows are going housefull. Everyone is appreciating Salman's acting. It is too early to say whether the film will be as big as Dabangg because today, every day counts because of the number of shows being played today," he said.

At a time when most of the big-budgets, with big names like Akshay Kumar starrer Patiala House, Abhishek Bachchan's Game and Dum Maaro Dum failed to stir the box office, Salman's magic worked again as Ready has brought smiles on the faces of distributors, cinema hall owners and audiences alike.

"I really enjoyed the film. Salman is really good. The first half is a bit boring but the film picks up after the interval and I couldn't stop laughing till the end," said Madhu Verma, a housewife.

College student Priya Chawla liked it so much that she wants to watch it again.

"I found the movie extremely entertaining from the very first scene. Some of the one liners are hilarious and they could become popular pick-up lines. Salman is superb with his comic timing. I plan to watch it again," she said.

Last year too, when the box office was reeling under flops, Salman bailed it out with Dabangg and conquered it not only by earning the maximum profits of reportedly Rs.145 crore, but scooped the maximum awards, including a National Award for the best entertainer of the year.

Ritika Sinha, also a college sudent, said the film lacks focus, but has some really good punch lines.

Trade pundits, however, admitted that Ready will not enjoy long stay at the box office like Dabangg.

"The film doesn't seem to sustain for long. We are looking at the occupancy. If it drops down to 50 per cent then we will put another film. However, film is doing really well on single screens," said the source from PVR.

Piyush Raizada said: "Gone are the days when films had to run for many days to be declared a hit. Today, in two to three weeks a film is declared a hit."

Asin speaks about her relationship with Salman Khan

Asin speaks about her relationship with her co-star and how they bonded over workouts, ice creams We all know that Salman Khan and his Ready co-star Asin are very close to each other. Here is a why the two, who previous starred together in London Dream, are such good friends. Says an insider, "Asin and Salman have come very close since the time they started shooting in Sri Lanka and Thailand. It started when they spent hours not just working together but also working out together in the gym there. Asin first started asking Salman for some fitness tips. Soon, he turned into her fitness trainer. Apparently, there is also a scene in the film where both are working out together." Asin says, "Yes Salman has given me a lot of workout tips, one of which included concentrating on larger muscle work outs." The source adds, "The two are often seen hitting the gym together when they were not shooting. He has even recommended her to a few producer friends." Sri Lankan sojourn Asin narrates a story of how enthusiastic Salman is about his workouts. "We were shooting in Sri lanka and in one scene we were working out and Paresh Rawal walks in. I was cycling and he was doing push ups. Suddenly, he jumped onto my cycle! I was shocked. How could we both do the same exercise on one cycle?" However, she adds, "But lately, he has been tempting me with food including his delicious ghar ka khaana. Also, he knows I can't say no to Rollie's Ice Cream. You don't get it in Mumbai and I don't know where he gets it from for me." Talking about her relationship with Salman, Asin gushes, "We are friendly but I can't call him a good friend. He is an extremely supportive co-star and a great person. What I like the most about him is that he's very forthright and has no pretenses. Salman has no facade. It's difficult to find such qualities in showbiz especially for someone like him who has been here so long and to still maintain them."

Ready fails to match up to Dabangg

Even before its release, Ready was expected to take a big opening. It netted Rs 13.15 crore across India on Day One. Trade experts attribute it to Salman Khan. “Wanted, followed by Dabangg, has helped Ready open to full houses,” says  trade analyst, Amod Mehra , who’s expecting the film to make over Rs 40 crore in the first three days.

Manoj Desai, executive director of Maratha Mandir and G-7 Cineplex, adds that it has broken the jinx of big films failing to take off. “Ready will ensure full houses at my theatres till Monday,” he exults but declines to comment on why it did not match up to Dabangg that netted Rs 14.50 crore on the opening day. 

Mehra attributes this to the lack of content: “The story is typically South Indian cinema. And it’s hard for audiences in the Hindi belt to accept cousins getting married. For us such a union is incestuous.”

A veteran distributor, on condition of anonymity asserts that Ready will, at the most, net as much s Golmaal 3 (Rs 117 crore). “It’s opened big like Welcome (2009) and Singh Is Kinng (2008), but it’s not as good as Dabangg,” he rues.  

The vacation period has helped the film take a start, along with the lack of family entertainers in recent times. Observes Sunil Punjabi, CEO, Cinemax, “With schools and colleges to re-open in a week, people are flocking to theatres. The weekend should see 100 per cent occupancy but audience response is mixed. The first half is fantastic but the second half is slow and disappointing. Tuesday will be the acid test.”

Ready for more | Asin

After a lull, Asin is back in the reckoning. Harshikaa Udasi talks to the actor about her upcoming films with Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan

A two-year gap is huge, especially when there are youngsters clamouring to be part of Bollywood. But trust Asin to get back in the reckoning in style. Busy with the promotions of Ready (remake of the Telugu film Ready) with Salman Khan, the effervescent actor is packing her bags for a month-and-a-half stay in London for her film Housefull 2 opposite Akshay Kumar and is also bracing herself to face Shah Rukh Khan in the film adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's “2 States.” Ask her if she is all set to pull out one ace after another in Bollywood, and she says, “I just feel happy and blessed that I am working with actors of such repute. First Salman and next up is my film with Akshay. Not just that, the banners I am working with are also huge. As for 2 States, I wouldn't like to comment.”

A picture of confidence, Asin knows now is the time to make up for her last film's dismal box office report. Bollywood's been a mixed bag; while Ghajini made a huge impact, the big-budgeted London Dreams didn't fire anybody's imagination and, except for television commercials, the actor has not been seen in a single movie since 2009. Does she regret the decision to move to the Hindi film industry when she was at her peak in Tamil films? “I think it was a good decision,” reiterates Asin. “But it isn't like people think; I hadn't planned my move to Bollywood, though I will agree that the scope of reaching out to a larger audience exists in the Hindi film industry. I was approached by the producers who were thinking of remaking Ghajini and I saw no harm in being part of this wonderful team,” says the actor, denying any ambition of shifting to Mumbai for work then.

“I'd like to believe I am an actor of Indian cinema, and I have a soft spot for cinema in the South as it gave me the opportunity to explore myself as an actor,” she says, when asked about her plans to continue in southern films. “I have a lot of offers coming in for Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam films, but I seriously think I should choose with care. I have done several films in the South and don't want to repeat myself. The day I get something new and exciting, I will sign it,” she says, adding she hasn't currently green lighted any regional project.

Despite the failure of London Dreams, she has got another chance to work opposite Salman. An opportunity any other actor would have given her right arm for? Asin chuckles, “Having worked with Salman twice, I can say I am armless!” Speaking about her co-star, she says, “As an actor, Salman is a challenge to work with because he throws anything at you once the camera rolls. You have to think on your feet and be ready for anything, he is that spontaneous. As a person, Salman is absolutely unpretentious.

It's difficult to believe that a person like this exists in the world of showbiz.” In Ready, Asin plays Sanjana (essayed by Genelia D'Souza in the original) who falls in love with Prem (Salman) and has to fend off the greedy intentions of some of her relatives who are eyeing her wealth. The focus is clearly on Salman in this one, with Asin admitting that the Telugu script has been tweaked to not only suit North Indian sensibilities but also Salman's superstar status. 

Doesn't it make her insecure that consequently the hero is hogging the limelight when it comes to promotions? “It's a reflection of our male-dominated society. A commercial format naturally focusses on the hero. I have no problems with that. I am happy with the space I am occupying. Also I think that as a superstar, Salman deserves every bit of the adoration and space he is getting.”

The actor says she hasn't been influenced in the least by Genelia's portrayal of Sanjana. “I had watched the original film casually even before I was approached to do it. I have followed Anees Bazmee's (director, Ready) vision of the story and the character.”

Stories abound in tinsel town that Asin's refusal to wear revealing clothes and be part of intimate scenes is proving to be a hindrance to her career. Ask her about it, and her reply is straightforward. “I am not aware of this but at the same time I am comfortable only in a certain setup. 

There is a thin line dividing the aesthetic and the vulgar. I will do only what I am comfortable with. As for intimate scenes, nobody has yet approached me for any such so that's merely speculation. My career will run with or without such support,” she asserts.

Asin is my dream girl: Salman Khan | Video News

Why is Asin not upset with Salman for hogging all the limelight?

She is the leading lady in 'Ready' but actress Asin Thottumkal says she has no problems with Salman Khan hogging the limelight in the film's promotions. "When a film stars Salman Khan, it is but natural that the script is written to accentuate his presence in the film. It is also logical to have the film revolve around him. The same has to reflect in the promos as well ead, " she said. where his style and mannerisms are exposed to the audience, " Asin. The Annes Bazmee directorial is the third Hindi film for the 25-year-old actress, who has decided to work in only one big Bollywood venture a time and wait for the results rather than pick up multiple projects. "This was a conscious decision. I waited for the best offer to come my way and I got that in the form of 'Ready' where I get to play a solo heroine in a commercial film with Salman and Anees Bazmee, " said Asin. And the actress has the trend continuing with her next film 'Housefull 2' as well, where she has Akshay Kumar for company. With almost a decade's experience in South Indian films, Asin debuted in Bollywood opposite Aamir Khan in 'Ghajini'. Despite being in showbiz for so long and working with superstars, the actress says she hasn't let fame get to her head. "I am a grounded person, mainly because of the kind of upbringing that I have had. My parents are very down to earth people and that is one reason why I never try to fly high. Being a part of the industry hasn't changed one bit of me or my family over the years, " she said. "I feel everyday that I still have to prove a point. I don't consider myself as someone who is so big that her success could go to her head, " she said. Salman is called Prem in 'Ready', which sparked off rumours that the actor is set to re-create his onscreen chemistry with Madhuri Dixit from the hit movie 'Hum Aapke Hai Kaun'. But Asin dismissed them as mere speculation. "I don't know from where did these Madhuri-Salman talks start. In fact while I was shooting for the film, I wasn't even thinking of Madhuri or making any conscious effort to recreate it. We just went ahead and followed the script." "I am sure that I hadn't got any such brief. If at all such stories started making rounds, it was after the shooting was through. Perhaps some people saw a still or two from the film and started bringing on comparisons with Madhuri or Aishwarya. I can assure though that all of this is plain speculation, " she said.

Asin doesn’t mind being sidelined by Salman Khan

Salman Khan is the one hogging the limelight in the upcoming film Ready and his leading lady Asin has no problems with that.

The film’s promos celebrate Salmania and producer Bhushan Kumar has made no bones about the fact that the film is being marketed and promoted as a Salman juggernaut on the lines of Dabangg. While anyone else in her shoes would have felt insecure, Asin says she doesn’t mind being sidelined by Salman.

“When a film stars Salman Khan, it is but natural that the script is written to accentuate his presence in the film. It is also logical to have the film revolve around him. The same has to reflect in the promos as well where his style and mannerisms are exposed to the audience,” Asin is quoted as saying by a news agency.

The 25-year-old beauty from the south has already acted with Salman in London Dreams. She says doing another film with Salman was a conscious decision.

“I waited for the best offer to come my way and I got that in the form of 'Ready' where I get to play a solo heroine in a commercial film with Salman and Anees Bazmee,” said Asin.

The film is set for release on June 3.

I am not dating Asin, says Neil Nitin Mukesh

Neil Nitin Mukesh, who desperately wants to break the box office gremlin after his last film ‘Lafangey Parindey’ bombed badly, is now only focused on reviving his dipping career and is quite upset about his rumored liaison to the southern star Asin.
Back in Mumbai after a month long shooting schedule in Russia for his upcoming film ‘Players’, Neil seemed to be quite infuriated with the recent reports of him dating Asin that has been making news for sometime.
Talking about his link-up rumors, Neil stated, “To begin with I am not seeing Asin. I don't know how these rumours take life. Regular friendships become affairs and suddenly someone else other than me and my family are making career decisions for me."

Neil didn’t recommend Asin to filmmakers

Apart from these floating relationship rumors, Neil was annoyed when a recent rumor stated that he has been recommending Asin to a filmmaker.
It had been rumored that Neil recommended Asin’s name to filmmaker Hriday Shetty by asking him to cast the actress opposite him in his film.

However, it seems when the filmmaker went ahead and approached Asin, the actress refused the role and apparently told the movie maker that the character given to Neil won’t be suitable for him.
Neil denies these rumors of him having recommended Asin to any filmmaker and also cleared the air stating that no one takes decisions on his behalf other than himself.

Asin not affected with Kareena’s remark?

Kareena has recently given hints that Asin’s acting in the Tamil remake of ‘Bodyguard’ is not as impressive as Nayanthara’s in the original Malayalam film.
Kareena, who is busy shooting for the Hindi remake of ‘Bodyguard,’ was earlier told by the director Siddique to watch the original version and the Tamil remake to understand the character in both the movies.

However, after having watched both the films, Kareena commented that southern actress Nayanthara is more realistic when compared to Asin’s acting in the Tamil film.

Meanwhile when Asin came to know about Kareena’s recent comments about her the actress stated that she is comfortable with herself and doesn’t really care what anyone has to say about her.

Asin to team up with Shahrukh?

It seems the ‘Ghajini’ star Asin Thottumkal is in much demand these days, and is all set to join the SRK camp soon.

Reportedly, the actress, who has already worked with two Khans of the industry, will be seen playing the leading lady opposite Shahrukh Khan in a movie based on Chetan Bhagat’s ‘2 States’.

Buzz is that Asin, who has already teamed up with Aamir Khan in ‘Ghajini’ and Salman Khan in ‘London Dreams’ and ‘Ready’, was the first choice of producer Sajid Nadiadwala and director Vishal Bhardwaj for the SRK-starrer forthcoming movie.

“Asin, who is already working in Nadiadwala's production Housefull 2, recently met up with the producer and director to discuss the film. Both the producer and the director feel she is best suited for the role and Asin, too, is excited about the prospect of working with SRK and that too in a Bhardwaj film,” informed an industry source.

Asin’s character in the SRK-starrer imminent movie
‘2 States’ chronicles around the life of a young couple Krish and Ananya, who belong to Delhi and Tamil Nadu respectively, and come to know each other while studying at IIM, Ahmedabad.

Things take an ugly turn when they fall in love with each other, and their parents are against their ‘cross cultural’ marriage.
Asin is most likely to play the role of the Tamil Nadu girl, but the news has not been confirmed yet.

Kareena prefers Nayanthara over Asin
Meanwhile, it was reported that actress Kareena Kapoor watched the South Indian versions of her upcoming movie ‘Bodyguard’ on request of the director and liked Nayanthara-starrer Malayalam version more than the Asin-starrer Tamil version.

“Kareena commented that she found Nayanthara’s acting more promising and real as compared to Asin. Besides, Bebo also complimented her look and said that she would try to implement in her character,” confirmed a source.

But to handle the situation wittily, Bebo went on to say that Asin was also not too bad.

Well, we wonder what Asin has to say to about it!!

Asin to leave Salman for SRK!

They said it would be Priyanka Chopra. And then they said Deepika would replace her. However, the latest is that the lucky one to star opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Sajid Nadiadwala's rendition of Chetan Bhagat's 2 States is none other than Asin Thottumkal.

However, we wonder how her good co-star and better friend Salman Khan would take that piece of news. After London Dreams and now Ready, Asin is believed to be quite 'friendly' with the actor.

Also, her bagging Housefull 2, a film to be produced by Sallu's good friend Sajid Nadiadwala, did manage to raise a few eyebrows in the industry. But now, it seems like the career oriented actress has no qualms about angering one Khan for the other.

Leaving Sallu angry or not, this seems to be a wonderful career move for the south Indian beauty.

With 2 States, Asin will become the first among her contemporaries, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor or Anushka Sharma to have worked with all the three big Khans of Bollywood.

A source from Nadiadwala's office revealed that the producer along with director Vishal Bhardwaj met Asin to discuss the story. Needless to say, the actress was more than excited.

"Asin is already a part of Housefull 2 and hence she often featured in the discussions about the casting for 2 States. Sajid and Asin share a comfortable relationship and the actress was excited to be a part of the film, which not only features Shah Rukh but also will be directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. She is currently out of town but is expected to sign the papers as soon as she lands back in city," reveals the source.

The source further added, "Vidya Balan too was being considered for the role after Priyanka Chopra, since the female lead in the film is South Indian. Asin fits the bill for the same reason."

No wonder, Asin did not want her 'close' friend Neil Nitin Mukesh to mess up with his career decisions (Mumbai Mirror, May 11). After all, how can one who rubs shoulders with the Khans on-screen be seen with somebody who doesn't?

When contacted, Sajid Nadiadwala and Vishal Bhardwaj, both remained unavailable for comments.

Actor Salman Khan and actress Asin at the music launch of 'Ready' at Film City

Actor Salman Khan and actress Asin at the music launch of 'Ready' at Film City.

"Neil, Asin are very close!"

Asin Thottumkal and Neil Nitin Mukesh have been in the news for over a year now. Soon after his break up with childhood sweetheart Priyanka, Neil had been spotted having cozy dinners with the actress.

In 2010, Asin and Neil were signed up to play the leads in Ravi Chopra's film titled Pocketmaar, which has not yet gone on floors. Then, on his advice, Asin went on to buy the same car as he owns the very same car that was spotted outside her place pretty often. However, the stars, like many others before them chose to maintain that they are 'simply friends'.

Since then, there have been rumours about Neil recommending Asin to many producers.  In fact, Neil had angrily told a section of the media recently, "Asin is a very close friend, and I see no reason why I should shy away from that. I am fond of her and we are good friends, but I don't need to recommend her to anyone."

However, recently, when Hriday Shetty (son of late Shetty, the ace villain) approached Neil to play the male lead in his film, the actor heard him out and also suggested that he ask Asin to play the female lead opposite him. Which negates whatever Neil told the media earlier about not recommending Asin.

Excited with things falling into place, Shetty approached the Ghajini star. "Hriday was shocked when Asin not only refused the offer but also told him the role wouldn't suit Neil either," revealed a source.

Hriday had nothing to say to that. He couldn't imagine what was going on between the two actors. "Asin and Neil have become very close to each other. Their combined decision about the Hriday Shetty film was kind of weird and hard to explain," added our source.

While Neil who is in Russia shooting for Abbas Mustan's Players was unavailable for comment, his spokesperson said, "Neil is not dating Asin. But I am not aware of the Hriday Shetty incident." On the other hand, Asin, who will be seen with Salman Khan in Ready next, chose not to reply to our calls or text messages.