Obama praises Aamir’s work

An invite to the prime minister's private dinner for the US first couple was an honour enough, but when President Barack Obama praised his work, Aamir Khan was on cloud nine.

The star, who was invited to the dinner by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at his Race Course Road residence, was cornered by the waiting media as soon as the dinner got over around 10 pm last night.

"President Obama said he has heard a lot about my work and my films," said Aamir, who was clad in a cream coloured kurta pyjama.

"It (the dinner) was an opportunity to meet big personalities. I am a big fan of Manmohanji and I am happy that he called me up," he told the journalists.

Aamir, 45, also praised the dinner platter and revealed that First Lady Michelle Obama had told him that she has danced to his title number from Rang De Basanti.

Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar and his actress-activist wife Shabana Azmi were also invited to the grand feast.

Aamir’s Next Film

Aamir Khan has signed his next film with none other than Farhan Akhtar. The two worked together in the super-hit Dil Chahta Hai and are once again joining forces... but this time for a suspense drama! Directed by Reema Kagti of Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd, this flick is definitely one to watch out for. A genre that Aamir has never explored before, we are curious to see what he has to offer! The leading ladies of the movie are not yet finalized but according to sources, both Farhan.

Aamir turns barber

After playing a milkman, Aamir Khan will be seen as a barber and a shopkeeper in new TV commercials.

Aamir, who is the brand ambassador of TataSky, plays a barber and a shopkeeper in two different television commercials of the DTH service.

In both the ads, the customer walks in asking for a particular haircut or a white shirt, while he is forced to take something completely different. The situation shown in the films draws a parallel between the DTH companies and the barber and the shopkeeper and has been communicated through the use of humour and satire.

Conceptualised by Ogilvy and Mather, the core theme of the ads revolves around TruChoice Packages being offered by Tata Sky.

Television viewers - whether cable or DTH - don't have the true choice of selecting only those channels that they wish to watch. In the process, they end up paying for a host of channels they don't watch or like. These packages give the subscriber the option of watching only those channels he/she likes to watch.

Earlier, the actor had actually turned into a barber while promoting his film 'Ghajini'. Aamir was seen giving his typical Ghajini-style haircut to his fans.

Aamir wants to watch Rajni's 'Robot'

Aamir Khan says he is yearning to watch southern superstar Rajnikanth-starrer 'Robot'.

"I am most keen to see 'Robot'. Rajni sir rocks!" Aamir posted on his Facebook page.

The movie, which is called 'Endhiran' in Tamil, also features Aishwarya Rai. Apparently made at a budget of Rs.175 crore ($38 million), it is being lapped up by audiences, particularly in South India.

Actors who have seen the movie are all praise for it, but have pointed to its inordinate length.

Riteish Deshmukh posted on Twitter: "Superstar Rajni! He is a phenomenon. Action in 'Robot' is just what you want to watch as a Rajni fan. Go watch it now - a bit long but worth it."

Actor Tusshar Kapoor opined: "...quite a fun film but a bit long. Rajni looks young and energetic even at this age. No wonder he's such a superstar."

Actress Sameera Reddy went gaga over the 60-year-old actor. "As the No.1 Rajnikanth fan, I am so proud that he has kicked ass at the box office! So proud of you Rajni sir! You are the best!" she tweeted.

Dabangg success party - Photos

"May Dabangg do better than 3 Idiots'

'Dabangg' should make 10 times more money than '3 Idiots, Aamir Khan said at a party thrown by Salman Khan to celebrate the success of the cop comedy.

"I am very happy that Salman's 'Dabangg' got so much success. That's why I have come to give him a hug and congratulate him. I would always pray that his film makes 10 times more than what '3 Idiots' did," Aamir told reporters at the success party of the film held at Vie Lounge in Mumbai. Aamir and Salman have become very close in recent times, and are pretty much regulars at each others parties.

Report says in two weeks 'Dabangg' has done business of Rs.116 crore net and the third week has opened well on single screens. The film revolves around a corrupt cop Chulbul Pande, played by Salman, and his life.

The party was for the cast, crew and close friends, says actor-turned-producer Arbaaz Khan, who was thrilled with the success of his first production venture.

Salman made a brief appearance for the media and said, "Thank you so much. I am very happy."

This was Abhinav Kashyap's first film as director and he too was very happy with the sucess. "I am in the seventh heaven," he said.

When Malaika Arora Khan, who features in the 'Munni' song, was asked if she had expected her husband Arbaaz's debut production to be a record breaking hit, she said, "No, one can ever predict the fate of the film before hand, but, of course, we pray for its success. The magnitude of the response and the collections of the film are overwhelming."

Among the guests were director David Dawan and he said: "This is the biggest hit of Salman. He is outstanding and everyone knows that. After watching the film I was quite sure that it would be a big hit."

Chunky Pandey, Sonu Niigaam, Subhash Ghai and Vidhu Vinod Chopra also joined Salman for the party.

Bollywood's got Saturday Night Fever

Here's what happened when Aamir, Ash, and Abhishek met up with John Travolta

Hollywood star John Travolta was honoured at the GQ Men of the Year awards event along with Aamir Khan, Arjun Rampal and other stars. And he totally floored the B'wood biggies.

The 56-year-old actor, known for his hits 'Saturday Night Fever', 'Grease' and 'Pulp Fiction', was given the GQ Legend of the Year award late yesterday (September 26), a day after the star flew down to India in his private jet with his daughter Ella.

While Aamir was awarded the GQ Cinematic Icon of the Year, Arjun won the GQ Most Stylish Person trophy.

Aamir was so excited that John was attending the event that the actor made it a point to be there too.

"I am a big fan of John Travolta. I have seen a lot of his films. When I heard that he has come for this function, I made it a point to attend it. I'm also wearing a suit because of that," Aamir, who was dressed formally in a black suit and bow tie, said.

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai (who won the Ultimate GQ Man and Excellence awards) met up with the star too. Abhishek posted on his Twitter page, "Just back from the GQ man of the year awards. Wonderful evening. Met 1 of my childhood favs John travolta. Very sweet and humble."

And Big B tweeted about it too, writing about the family's Hollywood interaction, "Abhishek and Aishwarya win GQ awards ..meet John Travolta ..found him humble and sweet .."

John, who is on a two-day visit to India, launched a new model of Breitling watches too. His wife Kelly Preston has not accompanied him as she is pregnant with their twins.

Meanwhile, the actor denied the news that he'd be performing with Akshay Kumar. He is likely to fly out of Mumbai today (September 27).

'Peepli Live' is India's official Oscar entry

Aamir Khan's production 'Peepli Live' has been chosen as India's official entry to the Oscars, an official at the star's office said.

Aamir was on the top of the world as the news came in. He said it's a "special honour" to represent the country.

"I'm really happy to hear that 'Peepli Live' has been chosen to represent India at the Oscars. It is always a special honour for me to represent India on a world platform and I would like to thank the Film Federation of India (FFI) for considering us worthy," Aamir said.

'Peepli Live' is former journalist Anusha Rizvi's debut film as director and does not boast of big stars.

"My congratulations to Anusha and the entire team," added Aamir.

This is the third time that a film with which Aamir is associated has been chosen to contend for the best foreign film award at the Oscars by the FFI.

The first was Ashutosh Gowariker’s 2001 film 'Lagaan', featuring Aamir in the lead, which was nominated among the best five in the best foreign film category. But it lost to 'No Man’s Land'.

In 2008, his production and debut directorial 'Taare Zameen Par' was chosen by the FFI as India’s official entry for the Academy Award, but it failed to make it to the top five.

'Peepli Live' which does not boast of any big stars, is a satirical take on farmer suicides in India and takes pot shots at the media, politicians and bureaucrats.

No title trouble for 'Dhobi Ghaat'

The Delhi High Court today (September 22) dismissed a plea against the title of Aamir Khan's forthcoming film 'Dhobi Ghat' that had been entered because it apparently offended the Dalit dhobi (washermen) community. The petitioner was also penalised for a frivolous lawsuit.

The court rejected the petition, saying that 'Dhobi Ghat' is a geographical description of a place and is not offensive.

The high court bench of Chief Justice Dipak Nisra and Justice Manmohan found no merit in the petition and also imposed a cost of Rs.25,000 on the petitioner and asked him to deposit the amount with the National Blind Relief Association.

Produced by Aamir and directed by his wife Kiran Rao, 'Dhobi Ghat' is about four people who are separated by class and language but are drawn into compelling relationships. Aamir plays a painter in the movie.

Vinod Kumar Kanojia, who heads the Hindustan Kanojia Organisation of dhobis, in his petition claimed that the title of the film may lead to caste division.

He sought from the court change of the film's title before it was released to theatres. He also requested the censor board to assess the film’s title in order to avoid caste division.

Kanojia stated that the makers of the movie could have opted for some other title, but chose 'Dhobi Ghat' to hurt the feelings of the dhobi community.

He added that the community was a notified Scheduled Caste in the constitution and it is a punishable offence to call any person by their community name. The fundamental right of his community was violated by the film’s title and the court must restrain it.

'Dhobi Ghat' got an overwhelming response when screened at the recent Toronto International Film festival in Canada.

Aamir Khan & Kiran Rao arrive at the Earth Awards at Marlboro House - Photos

Aamir Khan (R) with his wife Kiran Rao (L) arrive at the Earth Awards at Marlboro House on September 16, 2010 in London, England. The Earth Awards recognise achievements and new ideas in the field of eco-friendly design and innovation.

Bollywood's top tax payers revealed

Shah Rukh Khan has got back his position as Bollywood's top tax payer. For 2010- 2011, he's paid more taxes than Akshay Kumar, who'd topped the list for 2010-2009. SRK has paid Rs. 5 crores for the second quarter this time round, compared to Akki's 4.5 crores.

They are followed by Aamir Khan, who paid Rs 4 crores. The fourth place is shared by Saif Ali Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, both paying Rs 2.5 crores.

Katrina leads the B'wood heroine brigade, with Rs 1.3 crore. She's followed closely by Kareena Kapoor, who's paid Rs 1 crore.

Someone who's really fallen on this chart is Hrithik Roshan, who's only paid Rs 50 lakhs for the year, compared to Rs 3 crores last year.

Aamir's set for 'Koffee With Karan'

Aamir Khan is definitely becoming a friendlier man towards all of Bollywood. The once-upon-a-time-reclusive star is now seen at lots of parties and events (particularly with new bestie Salman Khan), and now we hear that Aamir's finally agreed to appear on Karan Johar's talk show 'Koffee With Karan'. Buzz is he's going to be one of the guests on season three of the show.

It seens Karan had approached Aamir to appear on the show in earlier seasons as well, but the star had always refused. Could it be that Aamir didn't want to have to answer all those fun and naughty questions in the show's famous rapid-fire round? The very same where Kareena Kapoor called John Abraham expressionless! We'll be watching out for what KJo has in store for Aamir, and if Aamir has really loosened up enough to answer some tricky questions about his B'wood choices.

Aamir's fallen in love again

Aamir Khan admits he was not enthusiastic about wife Kiran Rao's 'Dhobi Ghaat' script. But after the story reading session, he says he was so impressed that he fell in love with this "really talented woman" again.

"I didn't want Kiran to finish 'Dhobi Ghaat.' Which is not a nice thought, but she did finally complete the script. Then she said she wants me to listen to it. I said you have to read it out to me," Aamir said in Toronto at the conference for their film 'Dhobi Ghat'.

Aamir and Kiran were in the city for the screening of 'Dhobi Ghaat' at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival.

"I said let's go to Kannur, where my filmmaker cousin Mansoor (Khan) lives, and Mansoor and I will get together (to listen to the script). Hoping that Mansoor doesn't like it as well, I thought I will at least have the numbers on my side. I was really terrified of the script," Aamir, 45, said.

"But when she began the narration with Mansoor, his wife and I listening to it, I was so fascinated by what she had written. It is one of the best scripts I have ever read. It is so delicate and beautiful. The characters are so well written. The lines are so well written. Her characters speak in such a different and unique voice," said Aamir.

After hearing the complete script, Aamir fell in love with Kiran all over again.

"All (about the script) hit me and I said I was married to a really talented woman. When I fell in love with her for the first time, I didn't know how talented she was. But after reading her script, I was really amazed," said Aamir who met Kiran on the sets of his home production 'Lagaan'. She was an assistant to director Ashutosh Gowariker.

Complimenting his wife, he said: "Kiran is hugely talented not only as an actor but also as a director. She is another important addition to the creative talent in Indian cinema."

Aamir, who separated from his first wife Reena in 2002, married Kiran in 2005.

At the conference Aamir and Kiran treated the media to bouts of light-hearted banter.

In 'Dhobi Ghaat', Aamir plays painter Arun. Set in Mumbai, the film revolves around four people who are separated by class and language but are drawn into compelling relationships. Actor Pratiek Babbar plays a key role in the film.

Amid laughter, Aamir told reporters, "Kiran didn't even want me in the film."

Kiran responded, "Somehow diabolically and Machiavelli (like), he got the role."

When Kiran said she found it "a little harder" to pick someone for the role of Arun "because I didn't want someone who is famous as the shooting was done on location in Mumbai," Aamir's rejoinder came, "She didn't even want me in the film. I was most upset."

The Bollywood star said intially he was keen to play Munna the washer boy in the film.

"When I read the script first, I just fell in love with Munna because he is such a wonderful character. But I said there is no way I can play Munna because he is so young. Playing the role of Arun? I said I am excited about playing Arun, but I am more excited about playing Munna. But Kiran said, 'Aamir what are you saying? You are not even in the film. You are not playing a role,'" Aamir said.

Kiran put even her star husband through the same casting tests as others. There were no favours.

Aamir, Kiran Rao get rocking at the Toronto Film Fest

Some of the world's biggest film stars, directors and producers were already in town and others were pouring in for galas and premieres of their films as the 35th annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) got under way here.

Over 300 films from more than 60 countries will be screened during the 10-day festival that ends Sep 19. As many as 31 films were screened on the opening day of the festival on September 9.

Aamir Khan and wife Kiran Rao are there for the premiere of the latter's directorial debut 'Dhobi Ghat'. The Bollywood couple were spotted dining at the city's much fabled Opus Restaurant. They also attended the Opening Night party of the festival.

Lisa Ray is also back on the festival circuit after winning her battle with blood cancer.

The star of Deepa Mehta's 'Water' says, "My life is unfolding in completely new and unanticipated ways...I am doing everything I did before, but now I always stop and make sure I am not taking on too much."

From Hollywood, Martin Sheen, Colin Firth, Ben Affleck and Ed Norton have already descended on the city, and many more are on the way.

Robert De Niro, Keanu Reeves, Hilary Swank, Michael Moore, Kevin Spacey, Megan Fox, Jennifer Connelly, Steve Nash, Liv Tyler and Bruce Springsteen are among the other top stars coming to the world's biggest audience-based film show.

Meet Aamir, the milkman

Aamir Khan as a milkman? Well, that’s the star’s new role in a new commercial as the brand ambassador of TataSky.

The ad features a situation where one of the milkman’s customers offers to pay only for the days he was in town. The milkman's point of view is conveyed in a funny manner when he tells the customer that the cow was not aware of his vacation and hence gave milk every single day.

The milkman forcibly takes money from his customer even for the days he was on holiday. The ad revolves around once-a-year subscription holiday service being offered by TataSky. With this feature, subscribers can discontinue their service while on vacation for a period of 15 days once every year.

Meanwhile Aamir is preparing to fly to Toronto for the screening of his wife Kiran Rao's directorial debut ‘Dhobi Ghat’ at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

"Getting ready to leave for Toronto. First screening of 'Dhobi Ghat' on Sep 10 at the festival. Too many nervous days too close together," Aamir posted on his Facebook page.

The film festival is on from September 9-18.

In ‘Dhobi Ghat’, Aamir plays the lead role of a painter. Set in Mumbai, the film revolves around four people who are separated by class and language but drawn together in compelling relationships.

Pratiek Babbar also plays a key role in the film.

Aamir Khan and Anil Kapoor at the Mahurat shot of 'Double Dhamaal' - Photos

Aamir Khan gave the clap and Anil Kapoor directed the mahurat shot of 'Double Dhamaal' at Mehboob studios.
Aashish Chaudhary, Javed Jaffery, Arshad Warsi, Kangana Ranaut, Sanjay Dutt and Ritesh Deshmukh performing an act at the mahurat shot of 'Double Dhamaal'. Mallika Sherawat is also cast in the film but was not present at the mahurat.

Aamir to dine with Prince Charles!

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan and his filmmaker wife Kiran Rao Khan have been officially invited to dine with the Prince of Wales and Camila Parker Bowles at the Marlborough House in Westminster, London.

A source says, "Aamir is honoured and has accepted the invitation from Prince Charles inviting him to cocktails and dinner being hosted for a select gathering."

The actor will be in Toronto on September 9, for the Toronto Film Festival because Kiran's film Dhobi Ghat is playing there. After that, he is expected to be in London for the UK release of Peepli Live on September 24.

The Prince of Wales has had his moments with Bollywood. In 1980, Padmini Kolhapure created waves when she kissed him on his trip to India. And even badman Gulshan Grover has boasted about sharing a cuppa with the Prince. Now it is Aamir's turn to have his brush with royalty.

Aamir wants to go back to the 1950s-60s

Aamir Khan is so fond of films of the 1950s-60s that he wishes he was an actor in that era.

"To me the 1950s-60s were the golden period of Indian cinema. During that time the creative talents be it director, actor, lyricists, composers, writers and in every department used to be excellent," Aamir told reporters at PVR Phoenix Mill in Mumbai, where he came to attended the screening of 'Teesri Manzil' at the Purani Jeans Film Festival organized by Radio Mirchi.

"I think that people during that time were more passionate about filmmaking," he said.

"All old films I see, I feel that I should have worked in them. 'Teesri Manzil', 'Guide' and the list is unending. They are so fantastically made. I wish I was born during that period," he added

"In every period of time different kind of talent has come in Indian cinema. So it's quite difficult to compare one period of cinema with the other," Aamir continued.

"I don't think that now there is any dearth of talent. It often happens that we like older things, as there is a nostalgia value. But I think that talent at that time was really special. But today's talent, like me, is privileged and proud to belong to this lineage of talented people," said Aamir.

Aamir & Salman are wonderful: Shahrukh Khan (srkthedon.blogspot.com)

So what if Shah Rukh Khan isn't starring in KJo's new release (he's not even doing a cameo or a hot item number this time), but he's there in spirit.

And in the promotions too. After all, he's family, na? Yeah, during a promotional interview of We Are Family, with Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal, SRK casually blended in with the team and started talking about the movie, leaving all the viewers stunned and amused. Of course, the perfect moment was when he commented on the two other Khans. He said, "I have a huge amount of respect for Aamir and Salman.

I think they're wonderful. I think they're great stars, I know them personally and they're great human beings. And they're much bigger stars than I can ever be. I hope one day I can be like them in terms of work." Bravo, SRK, bravo! Over to you Sallu, c'mon and give us a quick dabangg reply. While Aamir can start pondering already...

Anil, Aamir get nostalgic at Double Dhamaal launch

Anil Kapoor and Aamir Khan got nostalgic at the launch of Indra Kumar and Ashok Thakeria's next project Double Dhamaal.

"Anil and I have very fond memories working with Indra and Ashok. As an actor, I have done three films with Indu. We wish all the very best to the whole team and I am looking forward to a highly entertaining film," Aamir told reporters at the launch of the movie at the Mehboob Studio Wednesday.

He teamed with Thakeria and Kumar in Dil and Mann.

Anil, who worked with them in the super hit Beta, said: "Indra and Ashok are like my brothers. They are in the field since I started my career. The first film I did with them was Mohabbat. The mahurat was also in Mehboob Studio."

Walking down memory lane, Anil said when Kumar decided to turn director with Beta, he was sceptical about doing the film.

"When Ashok told me that he wants me to do a film which will be directed by Indra, I was a bit taken aback. Still, I agreed to do Beta, but had a dates problem.

"That time Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak became a big hit and Indra told me he wants to make a film with Aamir. I thought it's a great idea - he is a new director, so he would gain some experience while working with Aamir and then I will do a film with him.

"So I started encouraging him to make Dil. That time I didn't know that any director with whom Aamir works will become a big hit and that the film will be a blockbuster. I was under pressure. But even Beta was a blockbuster and we continued to be great friends since then," said Anil.

Double Dhamaal is the sequel to Dhamaal with the same star cast - Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffrey and Aashish Chaudhary. Actresses Kangana Ranaut and Mallika Sherawat will also feature in the film.