Salman Khan and Nargis Fakhri at 8th Indo American Corporate Excellence Awards

Salman Khan and Nargis Fakhri at 8th Indo American Corporate Excellence Awards and Commemoration of American Independence Day held at Nariman Point, Mumbai on 4th July 2012.

Rockstar actress Nargis Fakhri bags three endorsement deals before film release

 Nargis Fakhri, an American fashion model who made her Bollywood debut with Rockstar, bagged three endorsement deals worth about Rs 9 crore even before her first film released on Friday, creating a record of sorts. 

Fakhri has agreed to sign deals to endorse apparel brand Van Heusen's women's line, a premium brand of Tata Motors and Marico's Parachute hair-care brand, taking home a total of about Rs 9 crore, a person with direct knowledge of the deals said.

Anirban Das Blah, MD of celebrity management firm Kwan, which manages Fakhri, confirmed that the 24-year-old actress has accepted offers from three leading brands, but declined to mention the names.

"It's not surprising, considering she's had one of the biggest career debuts with Ranbir Kapoor and Imtiaz Ali," he said.

Fakhri, a New Yorker born to a Pakistani father and Czech mother, told ET, "I'm actually quite speechless to have received such warm feedback from brands that consider me appropriate to represent them."

It is a first for an actor to grab three endorsement deals before making a career debut.

Deepika Padukone had endorsed two brands- UB Group's Kingfisher and Tissot watches-before her first Hindi film, Om Shanti Om, was released. Sonam

Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor too were signed by L'Oreal and Pepsi, respectively, before the release of their debut film Saawariya.

Atul Kasbekar, fashion photographer and CMD of entertainment management firm Bling, which manages Sonam Kapoor, says it's a calculated gamble to sign new faces before any big success.

The upside could be huge if the star becomes successful, because the deal price will be much less than what they will charge when they become big, he says.

It is expected that Fakhri's deals will be announced within 10 days. Spokespersons of Van Heusen and Marico declined comment. An email sent to Tata Motors remained unanswered.

Film trade analyst Komal Nahata says introducing new faces in films is largely driven by advertisers wanting to present new faces to their audience.

Movie Review : Rockstar

Director: Imtiaz Ali; 

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Nargis Fakhri, Shammi Kapoor, Shikha Jain, Jaideep Ahlawat, Aditi Rao Hydari, Piyush Mishra; 

Running time: 160 mins; 

Certificate: PG

 Borne entirely of the imagination of Imtiaz Ali, Rockstar is the fictional story of Janardhan Jhakar, a small town boy with big dreams of becoming a rock star like his idol Jim Morrison. Lacking any personal tragedy that might infuse his music with passion, Janardhan goes on a quest for love and unwittingly embarks on a journey that culminates in his dramatic descent into oblivion. Using a non linear narrative style, the film depicts his emotional journey, from Janardhan the college geek, to Jordan, the angst ridden rock god who fills out stadiums.

The film opens with a bedraggled Jordan, fighting off police as he makes his way to his own concert. The footage is interspersed with flashbacks to the character in his youth, a gawky guitar wielding rock star wannabe, who sings to queues of people at bus stands.

Rockstar engages you from its very opening sequence through to its emotional denouement. Director Imtiaz Ali adeptly employs a range of elements that, in combination, render the film enthralling. The film is smattered with wry humour and witty dialogue where you least expect it. The non-linear style works brilliantly, maintaining a sense of escalating drama and building to a crescendo, as piece-by-piece we discover the incidents that lead to the genesis of the tormented artist.

Key to the film's authenticity is an outstanding performance by Ranbir Kapoor, who has immersed himself in the role. Kapoor's performance as the wilful Jordan, a loose canon and a free spirit with a sense of entitlement, belies his years, as he undergoes a dramatic transformation. We trace the emotional trajectory of Jordan over a period of seven years, and with subtle nuances Kapoor captures the character's unravelling. Jordan's burgeoning angst is conveyed in his physicality as he transmutes into a Che Guevara styled urban guerilla. Kapoor reportedly learnt to play the guitar for the role and his performance is so realistic that, coupled with the documentary style concert footage, it's easy confuse the film for a real life biopic.

Nargis Fakhri, meanwhile, is well cast as Heer and makes a bold cinematic debut. She brings naturalism, effervescence and incandescent beauty to the role, though her lack of experience is evident in the more intense stand-offs with Kapoor. Both actors have a natural chemistry and convey the unfettered spirit that unites the lovers, and depicting the carefree lunacy of their youth which is displaced by the torment of a forbidden passion and illicit love.

The music is integral to the story and bears all the hallmarks of A.R. Rahman's personal brand of genius. The soundtrack complements the emotional peaks and troughs in the narrative, and set against the backdrop of the stunning planes of Kashmir and Prague, is entirely compelling.

With subtle allusions to classic stories of forbidden love such as Romeo and Juliet and Heer Ranjha, Rockstar is a riveting portrait of the destruction that ensues in the face of passion and desire borne of forbidden love.

A simple story, beautifully enacted, perfectly crafted, there is not much to fault in this film. Exemplary cinema by any standards. 

 By Priya Joshi 

Catch me if you can!

Nargis Fakhri is almost put under 'house arrest' by 'Rockstar' director Imtiaz Ali apparently to retain the mystery surrounding her. Mauli Singh reports on the 'surprise element' strategy and if it really works in favour of films

She has not yet proved herself onscreen, but Nargis Fakhri seems to have already caught the imagination of Bollywood followers thanks to her mentor Imtiaz Ali.

The filmmaker is pulling out all the stops to maintain the mystery surrounding his American find before their Rockstar hits theatres this year. Not surprisingly, she'll be kept out of all the promotional events, too.

Confirms a source, "Nargis will not interact much with the media till the film's release. Ranbir Kapoor (the film's main protagonist) will mostly promote the movie. This is all part of the promotional strategy."

Apparently, this is also the reason why the half-Pak, half-Czech hottie was missing from the music launch event held in Delhi recently. "The makers want people to see her work and then introduce her to the media.

They don't want her to get over exposed before the release of the film, and lose her charm. They want to retain the mysterious air around the supermodel," the source adds.

Avoiding the paparazzi
Even during the making of the movie, Imtiaz did everything possible to keep Nargis under wraps. She wasn't even allowed to go to public places and get photographed by the paparazzi.

The only gossip we did get to hear about her included romantic link ups with co-star Ranbir and later model/actor Shayan Munshi.

Since the film's publicity has started, the actress was expected to finally surface.

But Imtiaz seems to be very protective about her, like he has been with all his girls (Giselli Monteiro was introduced to the media only post Love Aaj Kal release). But it's not just the Rockstar director.

Of late, several producers have been adopting this strategy of introducing (and fiercely guarding) surprise elements, be it a debut actor, a new look, special effects or a special appearance by a well-known superstar in a film

Due to the media boom it has become all the more difficult for filmmakers to keep their reel secrets under wraps.

To ensure that the story or the 'surprise' doesn't leak out, production houses have started signing non-disclosure contracts with their actors and directorial crew.

It doesn't stop there. Besides the lead cast, no other actor is given the full script.


Anushka Sharma, Giselli Monteiro and Nargis Fakhri

A character artiste confirms, "We don't get to read the whole script of the film. We are given a gist of our roles and we get the script scene-wise only a night before our shoot. It's done to ensure that story doesn't leak out."

An assistant director of another hyped upcoming film adds, "We are starting the shoot of our film in a few days and we still haven't been told who the lead actor is as the makers don't want to disclose it."

All the big film studios have become extra cautious about guarding their films that are under production.

In fact, only recently Karan Johar spruced up the security of his forthcoming Agneepath after Mid-day leaked Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra's look.

Hit or miss?
But do such strategies work? Does it really make sense for Nargis Fakhri to be kept away from the media, especially when Ranbir is the main protagonist of the film? Film historian Dinesh Raheja says, "If the heroine is in the titular role (Heena, Julie, Bobby) keeping her under wraps makes sense because there is so much curiosity about her, but not if it's a second fiddle or an arm candy. Actresses take a huge risk by agreeing to remain low profile.

If you keep a heroine under wraps and the film fails, she stands to lose the most. No one will be interested in talking to the actor of a failed film. Between Anushka Sharma (who was also kept under wraps for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi) and Giselli, the former benefited more since her films were bigger hits."

Giselli says, "Yes, every film has a pre-decided publicity plan, which is in the best interest of the project."
No wonder then Imtiaz seems to be backing off his stance a bit.

The spokesperson of Rockstar informs, "We are going to reveal Nargis at a dandiya night in Ahmedabad on October 2. She is also walking the ramp for Manish Malhotra next month.

She will also have media interactions before the release of the film, but we still have to work out the details." Let's just hope Nargis is worth the wait and not a disappointment like many other 'surprises' sprung on us by filmmakers!

Surprise cameos...
Juhi Chawla in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na
John Abraham in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan
Salman Khan in Deewana Mastana
Abhishek Bachchan in Lage Raho Munnabhai
Salman Khan in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Surprise looks...
Sanjay Dutt in Agneepath
Arjun Rampal in Don
Akshay Kumar in Joker 

Source: Midday

Nargis Fakhri takes Ranbir Kapoor for a ride

Ranbir Kapoor had the fright of his life when he had to shoot a bike sequence with newbie Nargis Fakhri in Rockstar.

Ranbir was required to ride pillion with Nargis. Since Nargis had never ridden one, Imtiaz asked his team to teach Nargis. To everyone's surprise, after just half an hour of practice, Nargis claimed that she was ready for the shot. Ranbir expressed his concern - wondering how Nargis could learn riding a bike in just 30 minutes.

However, once the shoot commenced, Ranbir realized that Nargis was indeed a fast learner and was handling the bike quite comfortably, he eventually relaxed and even enjoyed his short spin with Nargis. For a change, RK was taken for a ride!

Why Ranbir is taking so much interest in the exotic Nargis?

Ranbir Kapoor's interest in the exotic beauty Nargis Fakhri is more professional than personal. The US-born half-Pakistani half-Czech debutante's Hindi needs a lot of work, to put it mildly, and Kapoor has taken up the cause to perfect her language skills. Along with director Imtiaz Ali, Kapoor has been relentlessly working on Fakhri's diction. In fact, sources say the entire Rockstar team is determined to turn Fakhri desi before the final print of Rockstar is ready for release in September. All members of the crew have been advised to converse in Hindi with Fakhri; no one talks to her in English anymore. Ali and Kapoor had put aside the leading lady's linguistic problem at the start of the shoot. Ali was reportedly dazzled by her screen presence, and decided to sort out the tiny issue of language later. Now, with Rockstar nearly complete, the director and the lead actor have joined forces to make Fakhri's Hindi sound credible. The two have two options -- either her lines can be dubbed by a professional dubbing artist, like Katrina Kaif's lines were in her first few films, or Fakhri improves her Hindi enough to sound convincing as a desi girl in time for the final print. "Nargis' screen presence and her acting abilities are topnotch. Everyone from the unit is raving about her. But the matter of her lines still need to be sorted out, " said a source. Ali and Kapoor have reportedly taken the tougher route and are working on Fakhri's Hindi round the clock. The 5'9" tall Fakhri was featured in the 2009 Kingfisher calendar. She has also done television commercials for Herbal Essence, Pantene, and Ponds in the US.

Roadblock for Ranbir's Rockstar

Ranbir Kapoor, Nargis Fakhri starrer Rockstar faces a roadblock. The producers of this Imtiaz Ali film, Eros International and Shree Ashtavinayak, have had a fallout. In fact, the latter has even filed a legal notice against Eros declaring that they have not honoured their financial commitments till date.

Sources from Eros however, have denied the charges, saying that Ashtavinayak has breached the partnership contract simply because they want to get a new buyer thinking that Rockstar has the potential to generate more money.

M/S Thakore Jariwala & associates, the law firm representing Shree Ashtavinayak issued a public notice last Sunday stating that Ashtavinayak has terminated the agreement with Eros International since the latter has failed to discharge their obligations as per the contract.

An official from Eros International  (on request of anonymity) told Mumbai Mirror,  "We will not let go of the film."

Explaining the terms and conditions of their agreement with Shree Ashtavinayak, the official from Eros International said, "We were supposed to shell out Rs 52 crore for Rockstar. During the course of shooting we were supposed to pay Shree Ashtavinayak Rs 26 crore, which we have already fulfilled. Our signing amount was Rs 6 crore.

The balance is supposed to be paid on delivery. Till date, we have discharged all our obligations. On the contrary, we were quite surprised that they didn't encash our last cheque worth Rs 41 lakh sent to them in February."

"These are arm-twisting tactics. We don't know but it is possible that they are negotiating the film with some other party now. This is definitely not done," he added angrily.

However, the official spokesperson of the company replied saying, "We do not want to elaborate on this. Sunil Lulla, the head honcho remained unavailable for comment.

On the other hand, we got an instant reply from the spokesperson of Shree Ashtavinayak. "No comments," he quipped.

On contacting, Hetal Thakore of M/S Thakore Jariwala said that he was busy and we should text him the story, which he decided not to revert back on.

Imtiaz Ali, who shares a good rapport with Eros, is troubled with the proceedings.

Salman Khan (Sallu) to steal Ranbir's girl?

Ranbir Kapoor and Salman Khan have history. The RK boy began dating Khan's girl Katrina Kaif two years ago.

The romance began on the sets of their film Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (and continued during Raajneeti). Will history repeat itself? It is learnt that Salman now wants to romance RK's girl Nargis Fakhri.

Towards the end of the year, Salman Khan will get into the super-hero garb for his younger brother Sohail Khan's film titled Sher Khan (and not Tarzan) as reported. Sohail has worked on the script of this film for a long time and it is wildly exciting, say sources. Even as the girls — Katrina Kaif, Sonakshi Sinha and others start lining up for the role of Sher Khan's leading lady, trade sources indicate that Salman may team up with the Rockstar girl Nargis Fakhri.

Says our source, "Sohail either wants a fresh face or he wants his brother to pair up with Nargis."' We hear the producers of Rockstar, who are also advising Nargis on her career, will be happy if she bags a film with Bhai.

Swimsuit model Nargis Fakhri is no more a surprise package

Rockstar leading lady Nargis Fakhri's public appearances with co-star Ranbir Kapoor have ensured that Ali's plans have come to naught

Swimsuit model Nargis Fakhri's debut in Imitiaz Ali's Rockstar was supposed to be the film's surprise package. Not any more.

Her public appearances with co-star Ranbir Kapoor have ensured that Ali's plans have come to naught. The director has given the newbie a stern warning: don't be seen in public.

A source reveals what Imitaz had in mind. "The plan was to bring her out in public only at the start of the film's promotions.

The fact remains that despite being a swimsuit calendar girl, she hasn't spent time in the spotlight. Obviously, not being spotted in public topped her Rockstar director's don'ts list. "

Nevertheless, Nargis got snapped up a couple of times and has been spotted in public quite often. Most notably, she was seen having lunch with RK's mother Neetu at a popular eatery.

Had she taken the effort to stay away from places where she could draw attention to herself, Imtiaz might not have cared.

Adds the source, "He now feels the girl's devil-may-care attitude will cost him his film. The film is expected to release in August and he worries that the attention around Fakhri might peak and ebb all too soon. "

It also doesn't help that his lead pair indulge in public displays of affection. "The fact that they are dating makes things really awkward for the Rockstar director.

Also, since RK is a good friend, he can't get too stern with him. "

PEHLE BHI. . .

Imtiaz Ali had gone to great lengths to hide his Love Aaj Kal second lead, Brazilian newbie Giselli Monteiro hidden till the film's release. She, too, was issued a warning by the filmmaker to stay away from public places and not be in media glare.

Ranbir wants Nargis

Nargis is tied to Ashtavinayak with a three-film deal. So even though he is pushing Sajid Nadiadwala to sign her for his next, it's not happening... 

 Although Ranbir Kapoor must be promoting his 'good friend' Nargis Fakhri and called producer Sajid Nadiadwala to cast her in his next Heer Ranjha, little does he know that the young lass is under a 3-film deal with Ashtavinayak.

Ashtavinayak, which is launching Nargis opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Imtiaz Ali's Rockstar, has signed an exclusive contract with her. Nadiadwala who is keen to cast Nargis, has also had a word with Ashtavinayak.

A source said, "Nargis has already generated a lot of buzz in the industry. One reason might be her mixed-race looks, the other could be her link-up with Ranbir Kapoor.

After Ranbir's recommendation, Nadiadwala also had a word with Ashtavinayak, but one doesn't know if Ashtavinayak will bend and mend ways for Nargis to work outside their banner till the deal is over.

Heer Ranjha director Sabir Khan was also blown away when he saw Nargis's pictures and finds her suitable for the female lead in his movie."

The source continues, "Ashtavinyak had realised the young girl's potential the very minute they signed her onboard.

Being launched in Imtiaz Ali's flick, Nargis has already been given instructions not to have photo shoots or be out in the media.

A lot of producers and directors are chasing the young lass to star in their film. On the other hand Ranbir is also promoting the girl and recommending her to filmmakers.

But the three-film deal has tied the talent to Ashtavinayak."

While Ashtavinayak refused to comment, Sajid Nadiadwala did not reply to our calls or message.

Did Nargis come between Katrina and Ranbir?

Fakhri stakes claim on Ranbir Kapoor. Get the lowdown on the RK-Katrina split right here! KYA HUA?

Ranbir and Katrina finally broke up last week.

KAISE? The couple's relationship had a rocky run from the very beginning. Their arguments constantly revolved around insecurity and loyalty issues.

Kat felt RK wasn't giving her enough time, while he felt extremely stifled towards the end. After her split from Salman, Kat wanted to give her relation with Ranbir everything. There was even a time when she contemplated going public about their pyaar.

But then, things took turn for the worse. Enter his Rockstar co-star Nargis Fakhri, a Kingfisher calendar girl, who along with her looks had the right attitude to attract RK's attention.

A source spills the beans on how things went down, "It wasn't a surprise for anyone.

Ranbir: I have bigger things on my mind right now, baby! It's time to Kat my losses and move ahead. Lo, maine apna haath chhuda liya. Yay!

Katrina: There's a song that comes to mind here... don't know what it means though. Sounds apt. Here goes... Humse ka bhool hui jo yeh sazaa humka mili

They had been arguing and fighting for over a month. When the new gal got in the frame, it only got worse. Kat was totally against him spending time with her. There were times when he was with Fakhri and wouldn't pick up Katrina's calls. He said they were meeting to see the film's rushes, but later she realised he was just making excuses to spend time with her."

What seemed like mere infatuation at the start, turned serious when Nargis got a chance to visit the Kapoor household in Delhi.

The source adds, "When Ranbir took her to his sister Riddhima's place it was a big step. It upset Kat that he was introducing her to his family when they were still going around. She felt like he was two-timing her with Nargis."

DEEPIKA FACTOR: It is believed that Ranbir's ex-girlfriend Deepika Padukone's interest in acting with him was also a bone of contention for Kat. She was extremely upset with the news that Deepika might be doing Ayan Mukherji's next with RK.

"Even though RK and Deepika have got over each other, Kat wasn't pleased with the idea that they would be working together in the same film. She even expressed her apprehensions to Ayan who told her he hadn't finalised anyone yet."

IS IT FINAL? Close friends are of the opinion that Ranbir-Kat are done for good. Ranbir is clearly besotted by Fakhri and has been raving about her to all his friends.

When asked if their love story was scripted to benefit their film, the source quipped, "Not at all. They are truly in love. Spend time with them and you would know."

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com 

Ranbir spotted with Nargis outside a multiplex | Video News

Nargis or Kat for Ranbir?

Ranbir Kapoor and his co-star Nargis Fakhri were watching a screening of Black Swan when we spotted them outside the theatre after the film.

First, we caught Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif dining at a suburban five star hotel. Now we have spotted him with his new-found friend and Rockstar co-star Nargis Fakhri.

Ranbir might be discreet about his public outings with 'good friend' Katrina but it seems he has no qualms in going public with Nargis.

On Monday night Ranbir went out to watch Oscar winning film Black Swan at a Juhu multiplex with Nargis. He was also accompanied by buddy Ayan Mukerji.

The two, it seems, were having a cosy evening and a good time watching the film.

But after the film, as soon as they learnt about shutterbugs waiting outside the theatre, they immediately dispersed. 

There have been reports about the growing proximity between Ranbir and Nargis ever since they started shooting for Imtiaz Ali's Rockstar.

A source said, "Ranbir is known to charm girls and it is not surprising that he has charmed his Anglo Indian co-star, Nargis too.

Although he is very close to Katrina Kaif that doesn't stop the Kapoor boy from making new friends and socialising with them."

Pics - Check out the striking look of Nargis in ‘Rockstar’

             On the sets!

                                                                 Nargis shooting in Prague for a song.
                                                  The stunning Nargis from 'Rockstar'.

                                          Nargis and Ranbir at Delhi for the shoot.

Pics - Ranbir’s Rockstar heroine Nargis Fakhri 

Ranbir’s Rockstar heroine Nargis Fakhri resembles Katrina Kaif

Speculations were rife that the beautiful Katrina Kaif feels insecure of the hot Nargis Fakhri, who gets to make her debut opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Rockstar. We see the reason why Kat was seeing red when her new man was getting friendly with Nargis on the sets of the film.

It’s kind of creepy! See how closely Nargis resembles Katrina Kaif! She was never touted as the look-alike of Katrina, but in these images from Rockstar, no one can deny that she looks like the spitting image of Kat. Is that the reason why Kat was feeling insecure of Nargis?

Nargis was selected to romance Ranbir in Rockstar after many fresh faces auditioned for the role. Director Imtiaz Ali was convinced about Nargis being the right gal for the film.

What else is common between the two ladies besides their striking resemblance? Nargis who is from USA is half Pakistani and half Czech, and Kat, as we all know, is also half Kashmiri and half British. The pout, the face-cut and the immaculate fair skin of both the actresses can confuse anyone at first glance. Do we see the reason why Kat should worry?

To see More Images of Rockstar heroine Nargis Fakhri Click Here>>>

Does Neetu prefer Nargis?

Ranbir kept out of his leading ladies' hair over the weekend because he was busy elsewhere, but TOI learnt that there are some new developments pertaining to his personal life.

Since RK Junior is the most eligible bachelor in B-town, rich, super-successful, blue-blooded and talented, the women have been seeking his attention constantly.

An insider says, "The guy has had no breathing space. He is constantly smothered with affection." Barely had his famous affair with Deepika Padukone ended, when he was linked to Katrina Kaif. The reason for his split with Deepika is well-known. It is alleged that his mother, Neetu Kapoor didn't approve of the hazel-eyed Bangalore beauty.

A few days ago the snooping paparazzi insisted that after filmmaker Karan Johar's party to celebrate his win at the Filmfare Awards, Kat spent time sipping coffee at Ranbir's Pali Hill home, late at night.

Kat and Ranbir do share very good vibes. They are both rumoured to be doing Ayan Mukerji's second film that might mount the floors at the end of 2011 or early 2012 depending on when Ayan furbishes a finished script. In this context we must reproduce an informal conversation with Neetu who mentioned, "I like Katrina. She's a sweet girl."

However, there are rumours saying that Neetu's innocuous statement certainly doesn't mean that KK has the senior Mrs Kapoor's stamp of approval for anything more serious.

An industry insider says, "Neetu was last seen lunching with Ranbir's Rockstar heroine Nargis Fakhri at a five-star hotel. To onlookers it certainly looked like Neetu had taken the young, extremely attractive model-turned-actress under her wing."

Now whether this is also an innocuous lunch meet or whether it is Neetu's way of saying she prefers Nargis over the other girls who are Ranbir's 'good friends' is something only time will tell. 

Source: TOI