Poorna Jagannathan eager to work with Aamir Khan

Actor Poorna Jagannathan seems to be smitten by Aamir Khan. The actress says she would love to work with the Delhi Belly producer again, even if it means being a part of his new talk show's audience. "Hundred percent! I even will be an audience member on his new TV show," the 39-year-old actress said at the Filmfare Awards nomination party Friday night, when asked if she would like to team up with Aamir again.

Aamir will soon make his TV debut with a new talk show on social issues. It is to be aired on Star Plus.

Meanwhile, Poorna is waiting for some good Bollywood scripts to come her way. However, for the moment she is busy with her international projects. "One is a sex-comedy...it's really what I do. It has Gwyneth Paltrow and Mark Ruffalo and is hilarious... a very funny script. The other is Peace, Love And Misunderstanding with Jane Fonda," said Poorna, who is currently seen on American TV show Royal Pains.

Peace, Love And Misunderstanding is being directed by Oscar winner Bruce Beresford, and also features Catherine Keener.

IANS

Adult films are raking in moolah in Bollywood

"Delhi Belly" has shocked quite a few with its toilet and sex scenes and generous use of expletives, but the A-certified film got a bumper response. With "Haunted" and "Murder 2" also raking in the moolah, these movies have shown how to make money despite having a restricted audience.

"The reason we are seeing A-movies becoming hits is because people are experimenting a lot with the subject. Gone are the days of happy family with Ram Rajya-type subjects. Just to get out of the family drama zone, Bollywood is experimenting with subjects, language and characters," director Rahul Dholakia told.

Dholakia, known for making movies like "Parzania" (2005) and "Lamhaa: The Untold Story of Kashmir" (2010), which were released with A-certificates, is penning down a courtroom drama, "Kanoon", which has a close reference to the 2007 Nandigram incident in West Bengal.

He believes the audience was always ready to accept strong and bold concepts, but producers and directors shied away.

"We always watched such things, but it's just that we never really told such stories through our cinema. There were films by Mahesh Bhatt which had strong and bold concepts like 'Saaransh' (1984) and the movie was well received by the audience.

" 'Nirmaan' (1974), directed by Ravi Tandon, was another example of strong and real subjects. Though the movie received an average business, the plot is revisited now," he added.

In the past few years, things have changed and filmmakers have become bold storytellers and A-movies are setting cash registers ringing.

"Delhi Belly", an adult comedy produced by Aamir Khan, has broken the dry spell at the box office by earning Rs.15.65 crore on its first two days and Mohit Suri's crime thriller "Murder 2" earned Rs.34.9 crore net in the first week.

Earlier this year Raj Kumar Gupta's "No One Killed Jessica", which makes heavy use of abuses, was given an A-certificate, but it created a box-office record.

Anurag Kashyap's "Shaitan", about the dark side of the life of Mumbai youngsters, and Ekta Kapoor's horror flick "Ragini MMS" received critical acclaim and did decent business at the box office.

Gupta said the times have changed and so have viewer perspectives.

"Bollywood films that include reality, violence and the dark side of life have caused a stir. The film industry is also trying hard to shed its traditionally conservative image and develop a new Bollywood which is full of experimentation," said Gupta.

Film critic Taran Adarsh feels a new Bollywood is coming out and said: "Now the whole concept has changed. I am not denying that masala movies have taken a back seat, but other films are also doing very well. 'Delhi Belly' is a shining example. We have a broader outlook towards everything; so we are automatically experimenting."

Mainstream cinema has moved into the 'adult' territory nowadays with acclaimed actors like Aamir Khan and Naseeruddin Shah, who acted in "Ishqiya", jumping into the A bandwagon without any hitch.

Dholakia feels Sharmila Tagore, the ex-chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), and Vinayak Azad, the regional director of CBFC, played a big role in changing the trend.

"Full credit should be given to two people for this change in Bollywood - one is Sharmila Tagore and the second is Vinayak Azad. They are the ones who made a revolutionary change in cinema in the last five years. I love the way Bollywood movies are made nowadays," he said.

'Delhi Belly' under attack in Kolhapur

Kolhapur (Maharashtra), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) activists Monday protested outside two cinema halls here exhibiting the latest Aamir Khan production " Delhi Belly" due to its "vulgar and objectionable" content, police said. 

The managements were forced to cancel the afternoon shows. Over 50 angry NCP activists, led by local corporators Anil Pharat and Prakash Gaondi, created ruccus at the Padma and Parvati cinema halls where the afternoon shows had started. 

They shouted slogans, tore off the movie posters and banners and attempted to barge into the theatre premises, demanding cancellation of the show. Their ire was also directed at the censor board, which they said had cleared objectionable dialogues, explicit erotic scenes and the song "DK Bose". 

The protesters demanded deletion of the song, offensive dialogues and explicit scenes on grounds that they corrupted the mind of the youth, especially college students, who have been queuing up to watch the movie. Police said that around 20 NCP activists were detained and additional security has been provided at the two cinema halls. 

An officer from Kolhapur's Laxmipuri police station said that the NCP had told the two theatre managements and the police Sunday that the party members will demonstrate if the shows were not cancelled.

Main Karu Toh Character Dheela Hai: Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan, who declared that his film Delhi Belly is strictly for adults and not for kids, is surprised why he has been questioned about the content of the film. The actor was recently grilled about the language and content of DB at a chat show.

He explained that though he understands his fans don't expect a bold film like this from him, he is an entertainer and loved the script so decided to make it. "I understand that after films like Tare Zameen Par my fans did not expect me to come up with a bold film like DB. But I feel I am an entertainer and I loved the script of DB and thought today's generation will relate to it."

Aamir used lines of Salman's popular song Character Dheela from Ready to explain his situation. He said there are so many bold films being made these days thus there's nothing to get shocked about.

"I don't understand this! It's like Main karu toh saala character dheela hai... I made a special promo to inform my fans that it's an adult film. And it's really hard for a producer to say that publicly as he knows, he is going to miss out half of his audience by that."

Imran Khan, who was also present on the show, defended his uncle and said, "There are several action films which showcase brutal killings and in Delhi Belly, there's just abusive language. If that's allowed then I wonder what is more harmful," he concluded.

 

Amitji loves me too much: Aamir Khan

I have the highest regard for Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan). He is a gentleman and loves me too much. I refuse to believe that he could say anything damaging about my film or me,” says Aamir Khan, on being questioned on a recent post on Bachchan’s blog that supposedly lashes out at Delhi Belly producer’s “immodesty”. 

The actor-producer however admits that there is a section of conservative purists, who have been running down his film. He reasons, “Anyone who’s a youth icon — Elvis Preseley and the Beatles or Madonna and Michael Jackson — has been panned. Saadat Hasan Manto and Ismat Chugtai had criminal cases lodged against them for obscenity. But I refuse to believe that Amitji’s is one of these voices.” 

Pakistan has refused to allow screenings of Delhi Belly. Aamir’s not surprised, as it doesn’t have the “artistic freedom of a democracy”. For him it’s enough that the collections are great in the UK, US, Australia and the Gulf. Back home too, the footfalls have been higher on Monday and Tuesday as compared to Friday. “Going by numbers, Rs 5.65 crore (Monday’s figures) and Rs 5.40 core (Tuesday’s collections) are lower than Rs 7.15 crore (Friday’s gross), but ticket prices drop by 1/3 on weekdays. However, thanks to the strong word-of-mouth, viewers are flocking to theatres even on weekdays, some returning for a repeat. That’s never happened with me in my entire career.” 

Some allege that he’s been manipulating figures. He laughs, “Numbers speak for themselves and you can’t manipulate them. The film is a hit not just in the metros, multiplexes and overseas, but even in single screen theatres in the interiors of Gujarat, Punjab, Bengal, Bihar, CPCI, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. You can’t get more heartland than that,” says a relieved and thrilled Aamir. 

Mahesh Bhatt believes the ‘adult’ certification used as a forbidden carrot is pulling in the crowds. Aamir disagrees, “An ‘A’ certificate is never a guarantee for a hit. If anything, it reduced my audience by half. I lost out on the eight to 18 year segment, that’s my biggest fan base and their parents too. Abusive language doesn’t make a film successful, not does action or item numbers,” he argues. “There’s been talk about our colourful vocabulary, but this is not the first time people have heard such words. That’s why it’s an adult film.”

How much does Delhi Belly owe its success to Aamir’s marketing genius? He says, “I can get people to come for the first or second show through hype, but if they are returning for more, it’s because the film works for them.” Will he now be encouraged to take bigger risks? “All six films from Aamir Khan Productions in 10 years have been risks and we’ve earned on all of them. I don’t make a film because it’s a risk, but because I believe in it,” he argues. Should AB Corp and Viacom 18 have pushed forward the release of Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap by a week or two? Says Aamir, “Two, three even four films coming together don’t affect the success of one or the other. We were never competition for Amitji, he’s too big a star!.” 

DB sequel on? Aamir smiles According to recent news reports, Aamir Khan’s next production, to be directed by wife Kiran Rao, could be a sequel to Delhi Belly. It’s likely to star the film’s comic trio – Imran Khan, Vir Das, Kunal Roy Kapoor – besides Aamir himself as Disco Fighter (his ‘item role’ from the first part). In Delhi Belly itself, if you recall, when Aamir’s character appears at the end, a freeze frame announces his next film titled ‘Disco Fighter’, slated for Christmas, 2011 release. When asked to comment, Aamir says, “I’m not saying this is true or false. I’m only smiling. Kiran’s working on a script, till it's locked, I can’t comment.”

Meet Imran Khan's hot leading lady in Delhi Belly

 It was frustrating to wait. That's how 'Delhi Belly' actress Poorna Jagannathan sums up the year she spent after the film was shot

For a new actress making her debut in Aamir Khan's production didn't exactly mean a dream run.

Los Angeles-based Poorna Jagannathan, who plays Imran Khan's leading lady in Delhi Belly concedes that the waiting period of over a year after finishing the shoot was quite restless and frustrating.

Having started in advertising as a consumer and brand strategist, she attributes the career switch to dislike for her job.

"There came a point when I stopped loving my job and I didn't want my boss's job either, " she recalls, giving up a comfortable job to train acting at the Actor's Studio.

Asked if she was aware of the reported differences between the actor-producer and Abhinay Deo, the film's director, and Poorna denies knowing "the inside politics".

She says, "I was sad about the possibility that the film might not come out."

She further enthuses, "The script is brilliant and the film represents the kind of person I am. But as an actor, I kept trudging away, working hard. That's what kept me going."

At the same time, the actress is also quick to add that she believed that the film would see the light of day. "I love my character of Maneka. And I knew that the movie would be something I'd be proud of, " she says.

Production line

So what factor comforted her that her Bollywood debut would make it to the cinemas? In reply, Poorna likens Aamir Khan Productions to a runway.

"There's a plane ready to take off every time. Peepli [Live], Dhobi Ghat and now Delhi Belly, which is a writer's and editor's film.

When you see it, you'll realise that the editor plays a large role in the film. That determines where it came in the line up, " she explains. Add to that, she also became friends with the writer, Akshat Verma, who is also based in LA.

Point out to her that surfacing for the promotions just a day before the film's release is a risky move for her and she reasons, "I'd have been worried if I had not seen the film. But I have and I'm proud of the work I've done."

The strangest aspect of Poorna's foray into cinema is that her family didn't have a television set at home. So how did her diplomat father react to his daughter's entry in the Bollywood? "It's an Aamir Khan production.

That overshadows all other apprehensions, " she asserts, adding that her parents will be catching the first show in Toronto.

B-town praises Delhi Belly, Bbuddah...

Big B v/s Aamir

Bollywood celebrities have taken to Twitter to pick their favourite from this week's releases -- Aamir Khan's home production Delhi Belly and Amitabh Bachchan's Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap. Directed by Abhinay Deo, Delhi Belly, an adult comedy, stars Imran Khan, Vir Das and Kunal Roy Kapur in pivotal roles.

"Saw Delhi Belly last night! Its a crazy good film! Laughed so much! Abhinay Deo is super talented! Everything abt d film was awesome!," actress Bipasha Basu said on micro-blogging site Twitter.

"My fav song frm the film is switty switty switty! Ram Sampath's music fr Delhi Belly is so crisp, bold, entertaining n in sync with the film!," the dusky actress added.

"Delhi Belly-- Two Thumbs Up! A film that cannot be missed. And yes, v can make films as good as Hollywood!," actress Minissha Lamba said.

"Wish Imran Khan all the best for D B. All the adults who have seen the film have loved it, so adults go n watch it, I am also gonna watch it," actor Salman Khan had said.

While, there are others who have enjoyed Big B's Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap. Directed by Puri Jagannath, it stars Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Sonu Sood, Raveena Tandon and Sonal Chauhan.

Filmmaker Shirish Kunder, tweeted, "All the films were good in their own way. But really really impressed by Delhi Belly. And Mr Bachchan's one man show in BHTB."

Noted author and columnist, Shobhaa De, said, "Buddhas and Buddhis over 60, rejoice. Big B is the Sexiest Sam in town. Take that you 6-pack fellas and smoke it. 60+ rocks! Watch 'Buddha' NOW!."

"Entire hall went into frenzy cheering AB doing his spectacular Bbuddah act! Who says AB's appeal doesn't cut across generations?," filmmaker Pritish Nandy said.

Director, Sujoy Ghosh, tweets, "Bbuddah HTB. Go see. pure unabashed fun. I'm a @SrBachchan fan and today I'm that much more proud to be one".

Delhi Belly bigger box office opener than Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap

Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap

It was a clash between Aamir Khan's Delhi Belly and Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap at the box office today and it seems the former has outdone the latter.

Delhi Belly, an adult comedy, is aimed at the youth and has had a better opening in theatres across the country, according to trade analysts and multiplex chains.

"Delhi Belly has opened with a bang. It has seen a better response in cities including Delhi, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Indore, Ahmedabad and Bangalore. Comparatively Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap has had a lukewarm response," said Rahul Singh, VP, PVR Cinemas.

And the bigger opening is being credited to the movie's already-hit music and Aamir's promotional strategies.

Delhi Belly

"Delhi Belly is performing better mainly is due to its music and Aamir's brand value. The youth have liked the film. It is expected to attract more audience in the weekend," trade analyst Taran Adarsh told PTI.

Besides Bachchan, Bbuddah... also stars Hema Malini, Prakash Raj and Raveena Tandon, while Delhi Belly has a young cast comprising Imran Khan, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Poorna Jagannathan and Vir Das.

An official at multiplex chain Cinemax said, "Delhi Belly has performed better than Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap, primarily because it is a youth film and of course due to Aamir and the film's music. Hopefully Bbuddah... will pick up in the coming days."

While Bbuddah... is about the exploits of a quick-tempered, flamboyantly dressed retired gangster, played by the Big B, Delhi Belly is the story of three young boys living in the capital who go through a horrible few days due to certain turn of events.

Aamir dismisses Shah Rukh's director

He said, who is he? While there have been mixed reactions to the infamous DK Bose number from his next release, we all know the strongest one came from SRK's director Anubhav Sinha.

Of course Big B strongly reacted to this too, but that's a different story. Sometime ago, at a press conference when Kiran Rao was asked to react to Anubhav Sinha's snide remark about the song, she rolled her eyes and said, "Anubhav Sinha, who?". It was repeat act when zoOm threw the same question at Aamir. With a smirk, he just dismissed it, "Who's Anubhav Sinha, what has he done?" Over to you Shah Rukh!

Aamir Khan's WC lucky charm for Delhi Belly

Delhi Belly, produced by Aamir Khan Productions, is ready to hit screens on July 1, 2011 and Aamir Khan has plans set to ensure that the film is a super success.

Though Aamir is not a superstitious guy, he does believe that one of his Blue t-shirt is very lucky for him. The Khan wore it to the Wankhede Stadium during the 2011 Cricket World Cup finals, when Team India registered a historical victory. And the perfectionist plans to pull that lucky charm out of his wardrobe once again - this time, for the success of Delhi Belly.

Talking about his plans, Aamir says, "My Blue t-shirt is very lucky for me. I wore it during the World Cup finals and I will now wear it on July 1 when Delhi Belly hits screens."

Without a doubt, Aamir is doing everything possible to make sure that his home production starring bhanja Imran Khan is a super success. Now, only the box office numbers will reveal if Aamir has succeeded in his efforts.

Bollywood focusing on youth!

Shaitan

The world of moving pixels is brimming with stories that the young relate to.

And that the entertainment world is trying to woo its young consumers is a universally accepted fact. But what makes 'young' a hot topic with many takers — be it B-Town movies or reality shows is a billion dollar question.
On celluloid, the young and hip characters ooze an effervescence that is fresh. Yet at the same time, they send out a message that they are irreverent and unapologetic about living life on their own terms, sometimes testing the moral fibre of society and feel it is cool to do so.

Keeping the young Indians in mind as the target audience, Bollywood filmmakers are churning out 35 mm stories about the young in their coolest avatars, speaking the bindaas bol, liberally dotted with cuss words and doing things that they think is cool. In films like F.A.L.T.U., Luv Ka The End, Pyar ka Punchnama, Shaitan and Delhi Belly et al the protagonists flaunt the devil may care attitude, reflecting what the young are up to these days.

What is universal is the assumption that if you are young you can get away with anything unparliamentarian — from flouting laws, using abusive language or treating sex as a rush of hormones — because life's all about listening to your instincts and following your hearts.

So is Bollywood's portrayal, for that matter how the young come across as in reality shows, a reflection of what the young actually are today? Actor Aaskha Goradia says the youth in Hindi films are "shown exactly the way they are in real life. It is up to the young audience to use their own discretion and move ahead in life without emulating them." Filmmaker Onir feels, "Suddenly it has become cool to use abuses. And since the young are seen using them quite a bit, filmmakers add these abuses in songs and dialogues to attract their target audience."

However, VJ Cyrus Sahukar feels the young are not as irreverent as they are portrayed in films. "The young are irreverent when they want to be at the same time they can be responsible when the situation demands. The young are also focused and very, very ambitious too. It would not be justified to simply label them as irreverent. In movies and TV shows only certain aspects are shown to make the storyline interesting. As far as abusive language is concerned, the young have always used abusive language. Our parents might have used those words too, when they were young. The only difference is that some expletives are now part of informal conversations."

Echoing the same sentiment, reality star Pravesh Rana says, "The young today believe in the concept of survival of the fittest which makes them flaunt what they think they possess. They want to be owners of their own life. They also know what they can do and what they can't."

There is another way to look at it, feels Aashka. "Hindi films are made only to entertain and should be treated as such."

For our desi dream merchants however, if irreverent young flicks can translate into big bucks then that's the trend that might rule the industry in the months to come!

Aamir Khan: DK Bose is just a name

Aamir Khan fields some questions and cleverly dodges some relating to recent controversies, about him and his movie...

Just as he is preparing to celebrate the completion of ten years of Lagaan, Aamir Khan looked at ease, and thanks to his newly acquired moustache (for Reema Kagti's film), a little older. An excerpt from the interview with the awe-inspiring superstar...

Ten years... how have things changed for you?
So many things have happened, so many things have opened up, within me and outside. I didn't want to be a
producer at any cost. I have seen my father go through hell as a producer, and I didn't want to go through it. But when Lagaan came up, I couldn't let anyone produce the film. After Lagaan, my wife Reena and I divorced, and I didn't want to produce a film without her. But then five years later, Taare Zameen Par came up and I had to produce it. For me it was always a decision from my heart, never really a business.

And to think you are looked at as one of the best businessmen in the industry...
Yeah, but believe me, it has always been a decision taken with heart. Do you think we would have waited for five years to produce a film after Lagaan? Business is important, but for me it has always been the kind of movies I want to make.

Some people who have worked with you, like Anusha Rizvi and Amole Gupte don't really like you. Would you know why?
I don't know why. They might have not liked the way I have worked, but that's their way of looking at it. I am not obliged to anyone. I have worked in this industry for 22 years and there are two people who don't like me. That's a good track record isn't it? I have worked with so many producers, directors, unit members, actors ¦ no one seemed to have major problems with me. Only two people don't approve of my style of working. We do our work, according to how we think it should be done, and I am not really looking for anyone's approval.

Whose approval are you looking for then?
My audience and a few people I trust.

Have you watched Amole Gupte's Stanley Ka Dabba?
No, not yet.

It is said that Gupte made with the sensitive Stanley Ka Dabba, what he could have done with Taare Zameen Par...
(Smiling) Does that mean Taare Zameen Par was not sensitive?

And about Anusha Rizvi, she has also expressed her anguish at Peepli [Live] not being entered for National Awards...
We decided not to enter our films Peepli Live or Dhobhi Ghat for the National Awards as a matter of policy. We have got National Awards for Lagaan, Taare Zameen Par and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, but now we want to concentrate on the creative aspects and not winning awards. Not entering the film has nothing to do with who has directed the film. Dhobhi Ghat was directed by Kiran.

Anubhav Sinha, and now we hear Shankar Ehsaan Loy, have taken a moralistic stand about the song Bhaag DK Bose in Delhi Belly...
(Smiling) But it is just a name. What is their objection to the mention of a name in the song? If they are reading too much into it and are objecting, it talks about their mind. As far as we are concerned, it is just a name. 

'D.K. Bose' Is An Anthem Now: Kiran Rao

Trust Aamir Khan to do things differently. The star organised a first ever success party for a song - "D.K. Bose" from his upcoming film Delhi Belly that his wife Kiran Rao says has become an anthem.

"We are happy that people liked this song so much. It has become an anthem in such a short span. It was an idea that came from the brain of our writer Akshat Verma and then Amitabh Bhattacharya wrote the lyrics and Ram Sampath composed it brilliantly," Kiran told reporters.

The party was attended by director Abhinay Deo, co-producer Ronnie Screwvala, the cast Imran Khan, Vir Das and Kunal Roy Kapoor and other members of the film.

The night also saw composer Ram Sampath playing the unplugged versions of the film's songs, including "Nakkadwale disco" and "Bedardi raja" along with his band, ending with a splendid performance of "D.K. Bose" with Imran, Vir and Kunal providing backing vocals.

"When I had heard this song, I knew that it will be liked, but I never thought that it will become such a rage. I'm happy with the concept of a party for the success of this song," said Imran.

A bold, youth-centric film, Delhi Belly is slated to be released July 1.

Aamir isn’t scared of Big B

Aamir isn't worried about the release of Delhi Belly clashing with Big B's flick

After producing five hit films under his banner Aamir Khan is extremely confident about his sixth home production Delhi Belly.

Aamir is busy promoting this sex comedy and is aware of the fact that his film has a strong contender.

Amitabh Bachchan's much awaited flick Bbuddah- Hoga Tera Baap will also release along side Delhi Belly. The film will see Big B once again returning as an angry but old man. Directed by South India's renowned filmmaker Puri Jagannath, Bbuddah... has a strong buzz in the industry.

When asked about the clash on July 1, Aamir reacted in his trademark expression, "Ohhh, is it?!!" He added, "There is always room for two good films. They can co-exist. Remember Dil and Ghayal were released on the same day? Again Lagaan and Gadar hit screens together. So it's not new for me," he signed off.

Aamir's Delhi Belly cost 30 crores

Actor Aamir Khan's production venture 'Delhi Belly' has gone way over budget...

One would think that Delhi Belly starring Imran Khan, Veer Das and Kunal wouldn't be a very expensive venture. However, Aamir Khan insists that movie will cost as much as a whopping Rs. 30 crores. When we caught up with the actor, he told us, "The budget has gone way overboard. But that happens with every movie we produce, be it Lagaan, Dhobi Ghaat, Peepli Live, or even Delhi Belly. We thought 'Delhi Belly' would be around 20 crores. Now, I see it easily costing us about 30!"

Aamir cites creative decisions as the reason for this. "I'm more of a creative person than a business person. So I tend to spend more once the creativity is justified, rather than curb creativity to stick to a limited spend."

When asked if the delay has caused an up in the spends, Aamir is quick to say, "Not at all. There was no re-shooting done. Yes, there has been a delay, but that has just affected the release date of the movie, and not the cost."

The delay in releasing Delhi Belly Aamir attributes to his busy schedule.

Delhi Belly For Adults, But There Is No Skin Show: Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan says his next production Delhi Belly is a bold film, but it doesn't have any skin show. The star was keen to do a role in the movie, which he believes will re-define the genre in the Hindi film industry.

"It's of course for adults, but there is no skin show. Neither have we made girls wear small clothes, nor are there any bold scenes. I think it would change the definition of bold films in Hindi cinema," Aamir told reporters at the launch of theatrical trailer of the movie releasing July 1.

This is his first production, which is not a family entertainment.

"My films had normally been family films or they had a social message. This is our first film which is certainly not for children because it has obscene language. We applied for adult certification for the film and we have got that.

"It's not even for those who have reservations about curse words. I myself don't use such words or language, but it fits the script. It's a very irreverent film, but it has humour in it," said Aamir.

Delhi Belly, which stars Imran Khan, Vir Das and Kunal Roy Kapoor, is directed by well-known ad filmmaker Abhinay Deo and Aamir says: "I had seen Abhinay's ads. So I was really impressed with his work. Abhinay liked the script and that's how Abhinay came on board."

Abhinay has done justice to the script written by Los Angeles-based Akshat Verma, who studied movies at the University of California.

"As a producer I am very happy the way Abhinay has made the film, showed humour and made it more exciting. I think he has fully justified the faith we had in him," said Aamir who was tempted to play the role that Kunal is doing in the film.

"I was dying to do a role in this film. I regret that I didn't work as an actor in this film. I wanted to do the role of Kunal Roy Kapoor. But the character is supposed to be fat and sloppy. I just didn't want to put on weight as I have worked very hard to lose it," said Aamir.

Aamir guides Imran Khan again

As Delly Belly is all set to release, Aamir Khan takes Imran in his stride once again.

Imran Khan is on a high these days as he gets a chance to be back to where he started from – Aamir Khan Productions. Delhi Belly , which is the next production from the banner, will see Imran Khan in the lead role. Imran is extremely excited about this film as this will be his second film with his mamu jaan Aamir Khan and that too after a big gap of 3 years.

Imran Khan had taken his baby steps into the film industry way back in 2008 when AKP launched him with Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na . This was the third film produced by the company and it marked the debut of the suave actor. Since then, it has been a roller coaster ride for Imran Khan who went on to do some successful cinema and has emerged as a good actor.

"Although mamu jaan Aamir ensured Imran's entry into Bollywood, the actor has never looked back upon him for help for any of his future assignments", says a close friend. "He has taken his own decisions and done a plethora of films, proving his mettle as an actor, with every genre of film that he has done. And he has done so rather successfully which is why he is kicked about Delhi Belly where he will get a chance to chisel his skills once again under the impeccable guidance of Aamir Khan".

Delhi Belly, which is co produced by Aamir Khan Productions and UTV Motion Pictures is slated to release on the 1st of July. Incidentally Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na also released in the first week of July. Guess with the first movie turning out to be a megahit, AKP is leaving no stones unturned to ensure the success of this film as well.

I'm an obsessive actor: Aamir Khan

This may well be one of Aamir Khan's busiest birthdays. He is shooting for Reema Kagti's suspense thriller, bulking up for Aditya Chopra's Dhoom-3 and getting ready to release Delhi Belly.

He's also learning to swim, speak Marathi more fluently and planning to enroll in a cooking class. In a quick Q & A, the actor confesses to his current highs.

So who is it with you in Dhoom-3? Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra or Deepika Padukone?
Dhoom-3 will roll in January 2012. I'm only building my physique for it from now on. And why are you assuming that I'm involved in the casting. Aditya Chopra and Vijay Acharya Krishna (Victor) will select the heroine. I have no say in the matter.

In an Aamir film, Aamir normally has all the say...
Yaar nahin, I'm only an actor on set. I'm an obsessive actor but nothing more. Right now, I'm totally preoccupied with Reema's film. It is a genre that neither I nor anyone else has dabbled in for a long time. It's also got a strong emotional core.

And, it has no title?
Yeah, if someone gives me a title for Reema's film, it will be the best birthday gift I receive today.

Heard you are learning to swim?
Yes, in fact I've enrolled for swimming lessons with Mickey Mehta. I have to swim in Reema's film. Actually I'm very excited about this one. After 3-Idiots this is my next film. I was in Dhobi Ghaat, but it was more Kiran's movie.

You also have conversations only in Marathi?
With my staff I only speak in Marathi. My teacher Suhas Limaye says that it is the best way to polish my language. I have poor language skills; I'm a little slow but I am thoroughly enjoying speaking the language.

What's this cooking thing you are getting into?
Cooking is also something I want to learn. Honestly, I haven't started.

One hears Kiran and you have moved into your mother's house?
Yes, Kiran and I are now sleeping in the bedroom where I spent my childhood. My mother has come to live in my building; Kiran and I have moved upstairs to her home. Our things are still in our home downstairs but we sleep and wake up in mom's house. After pack up, I go straight to mom's house and I am with her till bedtime.

What according to you is your biggest achievement in the year gone by?
I have given the industry two women directors-Anusha Rizvi (Peepli Live) and Kiran Rao (Dhobi Ghat). I've supported talent that I believe in and I have also shown that art house movies which earlier collected two-three crores can collect as much as 15 crore-plus.

Is Delhi Belly also art-house?
No. It is a kameena commercial film.

Are Shah Rukh, Salman and you still the front-runners?
I don't know about being number 1 or 2; I'm excited about my success. My fans are happy to see everything that I put out there in the market. That's immensely gratifying.

Do you feel any different at 46 than you felt at 40?
Frankly, age is just a number. Physically, no one can counter age; to me it has never mattered. Goals can be achieved even when you are 90. The audience doesn't ask an actor's age when it comes to seeing his film.