King Khan? In 2011, Salman's Ready is biggest Bollywood box-office hit

Salman Khan's Ready is the biggest box-office hit in the first six months of 2011. Now having delivered three super duper hits in the past three years — Wanted (2008) and Dabangg (2010), being the other two — he continues to be Bollywood's hottest star.

"Salman rules. Ready is the biggest hit of 2011 so far. But overall, it has been a mixed year for the Hindi film industry," says Komal Nahta, editor, Film Information.

"Other films that made profits this year include Yamla Pagla Deewana, Tanu Weds Manu, Haunted (3D) and Raagini MMS. No
One Killed Jessica too has done well. Two major box-office turkeys are Dum Maaro Dum and 7 Khoon Maaf," says Nahta.

Delhi Belly was released on July 1, the second half of the year. Early box-office trends indicate that the movie will end up making sizeable profits. Nahta says that the Aamir Khan production could become 'a cult film among the youth'.

He adds, "Delhi Belly's all-India weekend collections grossed Rs 23 crore while Big B's Buddhah Hoga Tera Baap has collected Rs 7 crore in the same period."

Kamal Gianchandani, president, PVR Pictures, maintains that the year did not begin on a happy note for Bollywood. "Jan-Feb 2011 was lean and predictable. But No One Killed Jessica and Tanu Weds Manu did well in those months," he says.

Nahta points out that Bollywood collections were also lean between March to May 2011. Reason: ODI cricket World Cup, followed by IPL 4. "There were no major releases during that period because of cricket," he says.

Interestingly, small filmmakers saw the period as a window of opportunity. In the six IPL weeks between April 8-May 28, at least 20 films were released. Quality low budget films such as Shor in the City, I Am and Stanley Ka Dabba were released. And thanks to the absence of big budget Bollywood, these films got plenty of attention, if not box-office rewards.

Gianchandani also cites the example of Hollywood films such as The Hole (released March 18) and Fox Star Studio's 3D extravaganza Rio (released April 8) doing well during the cricket months. "They turned out to be big films for us. Their box office collections were beyond expectations," he says.

The industry is now keenly awaiting the release of Rohit Shetty's Singham, Prakash Jha's Aarakshan and Shah Rukh Khan starrers, Ra One and Don 2.

Bombay high court rejects IT plea against Salman Khan for alleged tax evasion

The Bombay high court has dismissed an appeal filed by the Income Tax department against actor Salman Khan for alleged tax evasion to the tune of Rs4 crore for the assessment year 2000-2001.

A bench of Justice JP Devdhar and Justice RP Sondurbaldota ruled that the actor had not been served the mandatory notice under section 143(2) of IT Act before the commencement of assessment proceedings.

The bench, while dismissing the appeal on June 6, mentioned its previous order pertaining to Salman saying that in the absence of mandatory notice, re-assessment orders can not be sustained.

In its appeal, the income tax department had disputed Khan's assessment of income for 2001-2001 and challenged the June 2009 order passed by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), which had ruled in favour of the actor.

Khan had declared his income as Rs9.82 crore while the IT department had re-assessed it as Rs13.61 crore on the basis of post-assessment searches carried out at the premises of the actor's then secretary Sudhir Wahi on November 23, 2000.

Aggrieved with the re-assessment done by the IT department, Khan moved the commissioner of I-T (CIT appeals) against the order of the assessment officer contending that mandatory notice under the IT Act had not been issued to him before the start of the assessment proceedings.

The CIT granted relief to the actor. However, the department filed an appeal in ITAT which too ruled in Khan's favour. The ITAT held that the assessment made by CIT was "bad in law".

The matter finally came for hearing before high court which dismissed the IT's appeal saying that the re-assessment order cannot be sustained in the absence of the mandatory notice under IT Act.

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.

Is Salman 'Ready' to take off the slapstick tag?

Rarely has a film which has mercurial actor Salman Khan playing the lead role as 'Prem' failed to work its magic at the box office.

The actor is back with his new film 'Ready' that hits the theatres on Friday and the 'Chulbul Pandey' of Dabangg is eager to hold on to his winning streak with the new romantic comedy.

But Khan, who combines unashamed, pie-in-the-face slapstick with a unique sensibility that appeals to a wide section of India's cinema-crazed population, is at risk of typecasting himself permanently with a string of roles aimed at spoofing the socio-political system.

Following on the heels of the stellar success of 'Dabangg' that won the National Award for the best popular film providing wholesome entertainment, the music of Khan’s Ready has already topped charts with the groovy beats of 'Dhinka Chika' and 'Character Dheela'.

It seems Khan, at 46, has never been in a better place in his life with the biggest success of last year and the second highest grossing cinema of all time in his kitty, his 'Being Human' campaign a hit and Ready setting the tone for a sizzling summer.

This also sees director Anees Bazmee trying to turn the tide in his favour after his disastrous run in 2010 and 2011 with 'No Problem' and 'Thank You'.

The worldwide theatrical rights of 'Ready' have been sold for an astounding Rs 55 crore, according to media reports. It stars beside Khan, Asin Thottumkal, Paresh Rawal, Arya Babbar and Mahesh Manjrekar. Zarine Khan, who bears a striking resemblance to Katrina Kaif scorches the scene in the hit track 'Character Dheela.'

Khan's 'Dabangg' satirized the not just the political system but also set a Jim Careyish trend of mocking the justice machinery that govern rural towns. From bullying the local potter to puffing his chest – Khan unabashedly nailed the genre that he does so well.

Despite starting out as an action hero and maturing into delicate performance oriented roles, Khan is fast slotting himself as a slapstick actor with spoof action sequences and Rajinikanth-styled dialogues meant to draw whistles at semi-urban and rural screenings.

The trend that started with 'Biwi No. 1' and continued with 'Partner' and 'No Entry' continued through Dabangg where he resorted to crude fart jokes to extract laughs.

But the fact remains that the middle-aged actor, linked to several women in his long and illustrious career in Bollywood, one of its wholesome entertainers and still the main draw of production houses looking to cash on the Khan factor.

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.

Salman Khan in trouble again

The actor may have unwittingly bought land which legally cannot be bought or sold as it belongs to the entire village.

On Thursday, more than 250 villagers gathered at the talathi's office in Panvel, protesting what they say is an illegal sale of their land to a political leader and actor Salman Khan.

The actor, who is embroiled in two other court cases, may be looking at a protracted legal battle again, because according to the rule book, buying or selling of land which belongs to any village is a cognisable offence.

The sleepy Vaje village near Panvel, home to 307 families, is putting up a spirited fight for 83 acres of surplus land they were given by the government to be tilled.

The Panch along with the villagers were joint custodians of this land till it was sold off to Congress leader Harbhans Singh and Salman. Villagers allege they were conned into parting with their land by the Panch, who convinced them that the alternative to selling was allowing the government to confiscate the land.

"The government gave the land to poor farmers for cultivation. Sometime back our Panch told us that government was planning to take the land back and in order to meet the expenses of putting up a fight, we need to sell a part of the land.

Recently we found out that 2.5 acres of the land had been sold to actor Salman Khan without even seeking any clearance from us, which is mandatory. Nobody knows where the money went," said Vishnu Patil, a resident of the village.

The villagers allege that the remaining 81 acres was also sold off unscrupulously. "The Panch gave us the same story and we agreed assuming that it was in our interest. We were conned into signing documents.

It was much later that we found out that the land was being sold to a political bigwig for profit," said Ganesh Patil, another resident, adding, "Though we did get some money from the second sale, we are all against letting outsiders grab it. We want all our land back."

The resolute villagers have filed complaints with Collector of Raigadh district who in turn has ordered an inquiry into the transactions. The inquiry is based on a circular dated January 2009 issued by the Raigadh District Collector, which says this about the vast tracts of lands owned by villages: "Since names of all the villagers cannot be put on the land records only names of Panch are put on them.

However, it has come to our notice that Panch or their kins sell off such land claiming to be theirs. These vast stretches of land are for the benefit for of public at large and not property of handful of people."

It further states, "It has been found that not only such sales have taken place but local Talathis and Circle Officers have given clearances to such sales. In some cases even the names of new owners have been added to land records.

This is a cognisable offence. In future no such sale or purchases should be allowed and would be considered as offences and action would be taken."

The panch however claims to be ignorant of the existence of any such rule. Bhagwan Patil, a member of the Panch, said, "We had no clue this circular. We are uneducated villagers. The officials who registered the names of new owners should have at least warned us. If we are being held responsible for this, so should they."

Patil also maintained that the decision to sell the land was taken in order to meet the expenses incurred during taking care of government formalities. "Every penny from both the sales was accounted for," he added.

The 7/12 land extract bearing Salman Khan's name
The Collector's office confirmed that an inquiry has been ordered. "Land belonging to the entire village cannot be sold or bought. In this case the villagers allege that they were conned by the Panch. Now we are hearing out the villagers, next we will question the Panch and buyers," said Chandrasen Pawar, Nayab Tehsildar of Panvel.

"We will finish the inquiry and recommend for both the deals to be scrapped. There is no doubt that the deals are in violation of the law," said a senior revenue department's official.

When Mumbai Mirror contacted Harbhans Singh, he said, "I had no idea of any such law. The deal was cleared by the then Tehsildar and even our name is on 7/12 extracts. I have paid the entire value of the plot to the village and I should not be blamed."

Several attempts to get in touch with Salman and his father Salim Khan, who manages the actor's property matters, did not yield any results.

Meanwhile both Khan and Singh have started work on their plots. A trip to the village revealed that they were constructing compound walls to demarcate their properties.

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.

Salman's Ready sells for fancy price

There is tremendous hype surrounding Salman Khan's Ready, his next big offering post last year's biggest hit
Dabangg.

The film that is the first big ticket Bollywood release post the long drawn out cricket season is being awaited by
the trade and the junta. Hence the prices it has got from the various territories is huge.

A trade source says, ``Ready has been reportedly sold for 11.61 cr for Maharashtra excluding Mumbai city; West Bengal territory for 2.25 cr; Mysore 2 cr, 2.25 Nizam/Hyderabad and overseas has fetched 9 cr--the highest for a Salman film.''

Salman's father Salim Khan has retained the distribution rights for CPCI and Rajasthan because he is one of the big players in this territory.

It is being said that Wave Cinemas will exploit the Mumbai city distribution themselves. No big star cast will release at least for a fortnight after Ready, so the film gets a clear run.

Salman scares Asin

The gorgeous Asin will again sizzle on the big screen with Salman Khan after their stint in London Dreams.

Talking about her experience of working with the hottest Khan in first London Dreams and now Ready, Asin reveals that working with Salman is always fun but one thing about him that always scares her is his habit of playing pranks on her.

In a recent interview Asin talked about a naughty and scary prank that Sallu played on her on the sets of Ready. Asin said, "We were shooting for Ready in Thailand and I was getting ready for the next shot in my vanity van. As soon as I opened the door of my van, Salman popped in front of me with something in his hand.

"It was an ugly looking insect and he insisted that I eat it. I later spotted the crew from Thailand eating those insects. It's like edible insects that people in Thailand binge on. Even some of our Indian crew members try it."

When asked if she also experimented with her palate, Asin said, "Yes I tried one and it was very bland."

Well Asin, we are use you must be thanking god that you weren't shooting in China! For the food out there is as bizarre as it can get.

Asin's sexy transformation!

Now, now, look at this actress' transformation over the years. When Asin attended the audio launch of one of her biggest films till date, Dasavatharam, in the presence of international celebrities like Jackie Chan, she came along in a traditional and simple salwar kameez.

A few years later, after her Bollywood dreams (in the form of London Dreams) went kaput, the actress – in Chennai for a press meet for her Vijay-starrer Kaavalan, went in for yet another 'homely' avatar; in the form of a simple salwar kameez.

However, when she made an appearance at the audio launch of her upcoming flick Ready, the actress – who will romance Salman Khan – went in for a short-and-sexy sheath dress. Insiders at the event that was held in Mumbai were heard ranting about how uncomfortable the actress was in the dress and how she should stick to what's comfortable with her. We wonder what Asin has to say to this...

Yes I met Somy Ali: Salman

Post two consecutive money rakers Wanted and Dabangg, one would expect Salman Khan to now start having those starry airs. Looks like, he couldn't be bothered less.

While people may think that whom they see is a new, more focused, serious Salman, the star himself feels, "Stardom and all is bakwaas. I am and always will be the same. The only thing that has probably changed in me is that I have learnt to say 'No'."

Salman, who always stood by his friends, has now realised that even friends deserve to be told 'No' when required. "Gone are the days when I used to make a film and say 'chalta hai, sets pe dekh lenge, kuch bana denge' to friends who did not have a script. Give me a good script and I will do it," explains the actor.

However, the star sure has learnt to say a 'yes' to media. Salman, who never promoted his own films, did so for Wanted. And for his forthcoming film Ready, he has even designed the promotional events.

The actor who brought a graffiti covered bus to an event of the film recently, still chose to deny his new media savvy avatar, "I am bakofying, and you are chapoying. It's the release of my film. I am doing my job and you are doing yours. Solves the purpose for both of us."

With a lot of expectations pinned on Ready after the success of his last two films, the media promotion is understandable. "I just hope we stand up to the expectations. Everybody starts off wanting to make a successful film," says the actor.

Ready, the film has had its fair share of controversies as well. The fight between Salman and Anees Bazmee for instance. "It is all bulls***. he came back for the post production of Thank You. There is no fight," states Salman.

But then, one would wonder why he never chose to refute them? Was that too a part of the publicity? "Why should I clear rumours? It just takes my thumb to deny all rumours on Twitter. But I choose not to," declares Sallu bhai.

Leaving films aside, there have been constant speculations about his personal life as well. His meeting with ex-girlfriend Somy Ali hit the headlines a little over a month back. "Yes, I met her. She is my friend like many others.

They come to my house doesn't mean I am having an affair with them," says Sallu and adds, clearing the air about Kangna, "Kangna too, is my friend. She is very sweet."

Though, Salman understands how to be diplomatic about the women in his life, one thing he still hasn't learnt is the business of making a film, unlike his peers Aamir, Shah Rukh or Saif. "I don't want to understand the business.

Sohail does and so does my father. It will probably take me five minutes but if I understand, I will spend hours every day thinking about it. I am happy this way," reveals the actor.

Salman gave Zarine a glamorous makeover

Zarine Khan credits her " Veer" co-star Salman Khan for her cameo in director Anees Bazmee's " Ready" and says she has got a very glamorous makeover for the role. 

"It's a cameo with a club song. Salman offered me to do this and I would never say no to Salman," Zarine, who made her Bollywood debut with "Veer", told

This is a little role, would cause an image makeover after showing a traditional Indian look in "Veer", maintains Zarine.

"I also found it quite exciting specially after 'Veer' because there I had a totally Indianised look, totally covered and after that it is like total 360 degree makeover, a very glamorous avatar," said Zarine adding: "We shot for it for three days in a club in Bangkok. I'm really waiting for people reaction about this song."

Her formal training in dance came in handy for the song.

"I have learnt different dance forms like Bharatnatyam and belly dancing. The latter really helped me to get the moves in this club song very easily," said the 26-year-old.

Asked if she has signed any other project, she said: "There are two projects in the pipeline, which I am going to sign very soon, but I don't want to talk about them, till I sign them."

No lip-lock for Asin, Salman!

There's been a buzz that Salman Khan and Asin will share a super raunchy kiss in their upcoming film Ready. 

But TOI has learned that both actors have no intention of kissing. As the actress was unavailable for comment, we spoke to an informer close to the project who told us, "It is a comedy film and a family entertainer, so there is absolutely no question of having such a scene! I guess people love Asin and Salman's chemistry so much that they are hoping they will lock lips." 

Well, this certainly puts all such rumours to rest for now.

Salman gives second chance to Zarine

Zarine Khan, the Katrina look-alike who went unnoticed after her debut flop 'Veer' will make her comeback with an item number in Salman's Ready. 

 Remember Zarine Khan? The Katrina Kaif look-alike who made her debut last year alongside Salman Khan in Veer! The film might have come and gone and Zarine Khan might have gone unnoticed. But the actress seems to have got another chance in Bollywood thanks to Salman Khan again.

"The actress is close to Salman Khan and Salman is known to help out his good friends. So he got Zarine an item number in his upcoming film Ready ", says a source. The actress shot this item number with Salman in Bangkok. The song is choreographed by Raju Khan and Mudassar Khan.

Zarine hasn't done any film after her debut film Veer bombed badly at the box-office. After playing a traditional character in Veer , this item number will have Zarine in a hot-n-happening avatar. And knowing what item numbers have been doing to actresses off late, seems like Zarine might just get a new lease of life.

Salman didn't throw me out: Kangna

TOI pins the actress down with seven prickly questions...

Charge 1:
Films in which you haven't played an edgy character, haven't clicked.
It would be wrong to say that. Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai did well. But yes, that was more of Ajay Devgn's film.

But how long could I go on playing those whacko characters? I kept getting similar roles but yearned to play other characters and I reached a pint of desperation.

I used to cry and wonder why I was not being offered roles, which could do justice to my talent. I could see that those roles were going to girls who had boyfriends and contacts at the right places. I couldn't make friends.

I was lonely Nobody was even recommending me. Instead of unwinding, I would often be researching drug-addicts or schizophrenics.

Thankfully, times have changed. Today I am in very happy space. I am playing a flirtatious girl in Rascals and Sanjay Dutt's secretary in Dhamaal 2.

Charge 2...
You said nobody was recommending you. But today, Ajay Devgn does.
(Interrupts) That's not true. In fact now, Ajay and I are thinking of not doing films together for two-three years. We are taking a break from each other professionally.

That's how Ajay also feels. We can't make our on-screen chemistry repetitive.

Charge 3...
Its' said that you use names of A-list actors to add to your brand equity.
If I could win so many awards- there are close to twenty lying in my house- without dropping names and without even working with big actors, then why would I suddenly start now? That too at a time, when I am actually doing better for myself.

I suspect sabotage. I know people who bitch about me; they are nice to my face though.

Charge 4...
Salman and you had an issue earlier.
Salman has never had a problem with me. Why doesn't anybody ask this question to Salman? It could be that people misconstrue my introvert nature.

I could never develop friends in this industry. I don't like filmi life and I don't connect to people who say nothing but, 'yeh woh picture kar rahi hai, yeh woh picture nahin kar rahi hai'. Most people are self-obsessed here and can't have a good conversation.

Charge 5...
You have had a wardrobe malfunction more than once at social gatherings. Its' said that you do it for publicity.
I have seen the pictures that were printed. It was definitely not intentional. I would do anything to be left alone.

If nobody believes that, I request the media not to fall prey to my plans. I am too smart. Don't give me publicity.

Charge 6...
You have become a part of Sanjay Dutt's house. You are more close to his wife Manyata than her best friend Amisha Patel is.

If I could be a part of my own household, I would be glad. I haven't gone home for the last three months. How can I be a part of Sanjay Dutt's house and why?

Charge 7...
You gatecrashed at Salman's party in Bangkok and were asked to leave.
I am young, successful and happening. People pay me to attend their parties. Would you close the gates to me if I wanted to attend your party? Salman, who I repeat is a friend, requested me to do a cameo in Ready. Why would I go uninvited to his party?

Morning shoots unlucky for Salman!

Believe it or not but Salman Khan needs seven men to wake him up and get him 'ready', while shooting for a film by the same name. 

In Bangkok, the team of Aneez Bazmee's Ready has been trying innumerable ways to get Sallu to reach the sets at 9 am, but to no avail. Though they have been shooting there not for too long, they are already exhausted with the actor's tantrums.

Asin stars opposite Salman in the film. According to our source, while all the other actors and she are up and ready to shoot every day, Sallu just refuses to wake up. As a result, he reports three hours late on the sets and the cameras don't start rolling before noon. The unit continues to bear it all silently. "Salman se kaun panga lega?" says the source. They fear the actor quite a lot, we hear.

A group of seven to eight people, they are petrified of waking him up in the mornings. "Waise call time 9 am ka hota hai, but every day, adjustments have to be made since Salman doesn't want to shoot early morning," says a source. Why? Revealing what Salman tells the unit our source says, "He tells us, 'Please don't make me shoot in the mornings. I shot for Main Aur Mrs Khanna mostly in the mornings and it bombed very badly'."

Wonder if all the Veer shoots were morning ones as well... You wonder if there is a possibility of keeping morning shoots only for the scenes that don't have him. "Well, let's not even go there. He is almost in every scene in Ready," says the source. In one of his interviews, Salman had once said, "Actually I don't get too much of sleep at night, so normally I go to sleep very late.

Adds the source, "That's still happening. This man is wide-awake till 2 am every day, irrespective of whether he has had a hard day at work or not." While the problem still persists, it seems Sallu has tried to mend his ways. "Pehle woh 2 pm ke pehle set pe nahin aata tha. Ever since Wanted happened, he tries not to come that late."

But if Wanted moved the clock from 2 back to 12, Dabangg should have done better. Something doesn't quite add up, Sallu...