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Sanjay Dutt trapped in a landslide in Manali

admin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:00:09 +0000

In his first full-on action schedule in a long time, in Manali, Sanjay Dutt got together with action directors Javed-Ejaaz for some serious stunts including hand-to-hand combats. In the process he aggravated a shoulder injury which would now have to be looked into immediately when Dutt returns to Mumbai. But the worst blow was delivered by Nature when it, in all its wisdom, decided to rain down catastrophic weather that put an end to Dutt’s dreams of doing devilish derrindo in the stunning expanse of the Rohtang Pass.It was a harrowing end to a spectacular schedule devoted to rough action scenes. On Tuesday, the cast and crew of Rahul Dholakia’s Lamhaa were to shoot some truly complicated action sequences at the breathtaking Rohtang Pass.However, Man proposes and then we all know what God does. After driving incessantly through slush snow and rain, the crew had to turn back. On Tuesday producer Bunty Walia said, “We didn’t shoot at Rohtang Pass. We’ve packed up in Manali. We’ll return to Mumbai on November 20 and start shooting in Film City from November 24.It was a very frustrating experience. We drove through the most impossible roadway because this was the last day of the schedule and there was no way we could delay.

Sanju had to get back. We had to encounter the most nightmarish weather. If we didn’t turn back, we’d face the danger of a serious road accident.”However, the crew would have still plodded on. But a landslide blocking the way to Rohtang Pass left the Lamhaa crew with no choice but to turn back.And now the remaining action scenes will have to be shot in Kashmir when the crew returns in January after the elections. This turn of events would certainly please the J&K government.

Ekta calls off 500 crore deal with Sanjay Dutt

admin — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:18:07 +0000

The 500-crore Balaji Motion Pictures-Sanjay Dutt Productions alliance is now null and void. Says a source in Balaji, “In July this year, Balaji Motion Pictures and Sanjay Dutt Productions signed a nine-film deal to be realised over a three-year period at the cost of Rs 500 crore. Sanju was to act in these films and was even given a 5-crore cheque as a signing amount. Now, the deal has fallen through and he has returned the signing amount to Balaji.”
There were differences between Ekta and Sanju which led to this split. It was Ekta’s decision to call off the deal. There were major differences in the style of working of the two production houses. The professional split was catalysed by the fact that Sanjay Dutt did not publicise Balaji Motion Pictures’ last film EMI. He didn’t even make it to the promotional event. And EMI failing at the box-office really saw the end of Sanju’s deal with Kapoor’s production house. The film industry facing the heat of the current recession, is being touted as the official reason for the parting of ways between SDP and Balaji.

The source continues, “Though Balaji sold EMI to Sahara, they suffered losses too. Ekta is disgruntled about the way EMI was promoted. The lack of commitment and interest by some stars has upset her a lot. At the last EMI press conference held a couple of days before the release only Ekta and her dad were present neither Sunil Shetty (co-producer) nor Dutt showed up. Balaji wants accountability in all its operations and only wants to work with people who understand this.”

When contacted, Ekta Kapoor maintained, “Balaji has no issues with Sanjay Dutt. He’s a rockstar! I would love to cast him in my films.” The source says, “After suffering losses in Mission Istaanbul and EMI, Balaji is being very careful about the films they will produce. A CEO with an entertainment background from the corporate industry has been hired, who will take all the decisions from scripting to post-production. There will be accountability and profit-showing accounts at the end of the year.”

Sanjay Dutt Getting Back to Old form

admin — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 08:51:38 +0000

Ever since he has come out of jail, actor Sanjay Dutt has been struggling hard to shed weight and get back his lean mean looks. Kidnap was quite a disaster in terms of looks. In EMI, he kind of looked better, less tired at least. But in good friend Bunty Walia’s Lamha, he seems to have finally got his look right. According to reports, the actor is believed to be sporting a lean look for the film, where he plays a military intelligence officer. Shabina Khan is working on the actor’s look for the film, where he sports a beard as well, and this time it is real. The actor is also believed to have colored his hair for the part. It is a salt and pepper look that he is sporting for the movie. Apparently, the actor has returned from his holiday abroad, looking trimmer than ever before. He may finally be able to give Bipasha Basu some competition. The actress who plays a Kashmiri in the film, is being besieged by crowds during the film’s shooting. Besides disrupting the shooting because of their general mistrust about how the film would portray Kashmiris, it seems that a large section of the crowd is turning up just to watch Bipasha.

Forget about the crowd, even the security personnel cops and military officers are totally smitten by the actress.

Sanjay Dutt in Arasangam remake

admin — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 11:36:36 +0000

Sanjay Dutt in Arasangam remake Earlier, we had reported that Arasangam (which starred Vijaykanth and Sheryl Pinto in the lead) will soon be remade in Hindi. Now, it is said that shooting for this remake will start in the beginning of 2009 with Bollywood superstar Sanjay Dutt reprising Vijakanth’s role. Arasangam did quite good business throughout Tamil Nadu. Bollywood veteran Sanjay Dutt, who became famous for his work in Munnabhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munna Bhai, has also decided to produce this project. Director Madhesh said that he is quite happy to do a film for an esteemed actor like Sanjay Dutt and feels more responsible as he is working for his budding production company. Though this is his first Bollywood film and he has a big task of adding value to Sanjay Dutt’s production company, he says that he does not feel any pressure or stress, but is fully charged up to do justice to the faith the actor has in him. The director also said that he is involved in the brainstorming sessions of a Tamil action film, which he will direct soon.

He said he will come out with the details shortly. Check out the links below: Arasangam photo gallery Listen to songs and download them

Sanjay Dutt looking beyond gangster roles

admin — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:44:04 +0000

After playing a gangster in many of his films, Sanjay Dutt says he is now looking at exciting, challenging and more real life-based characters.”At this stage of my career, I want to play roles I haven’t done so far. I’m playing a very different role in my next release ‘EMI’. It has turned out really, really well. And it goes into a new territory. I haven’t done a real-life part before. And it’s a really superb script. So let’s see,” added the actor, who was seen playing negative roles in “Khalnayak”, “Vaastav”, “Viruddh” and “Kaante”.Produced by Suniel Shetty’s Popcorn Entertainment and directed by Saurabh Kabra, “EMI” is a bittersweet comedy and takes a look at contemporary India in a mirthful, subjective way. The actor is quite positive about the movie that releases Friday.The actor feels the project will prove lucky for him and friend Suniel Shetty. Mission Istaanbul’ didn’t work for Suniel as a producer. Everyone makes mistakes. I’m sure ‘EMI’ will work for both me and Suniel,” Sanjay said.

He recently turned down Ekta Kapoor and Suniel’s “Gen Next”, the film that was to be directed by Apoorva Lakhia introducing the winners from the television tsarina’s reality show “Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket”.Denying rumours that he refused to work in the film because Lakhia was directing it, Sanjay said: “I’m not doing ‘Gen Next’. But I’ve no problems working with Apu again. All he has to do is to come up with a fabulous script. And I am on.”There’s absolutely no negativity at all about Apu. I’ve worked with him in ‘Shootout At Lokhandwala’ under very trying circumstances. In fact, it was not easy for any of us,” said Sanjay. While shooting for “Shootout At Lokhandwala”, the actor’s friendship with filmmaker Sanjay Gupta soured due to misunderstandings.

If the buzz in trade circles is to be believed, Sanjay and Ekta are set to ink a deal that would bring Sanjay Dutt Films and Balaji Telefilms into an alliance running into a multiplicity of movies and activities.When asked about the deal, Sanjay said: “It is too early to talk about it. We’re still in negotiations and a clearer picture will emerge soon.”

Big B in Sanjay Dutt’s film

admin — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 07:17:44 +0000

Sanjay Dutt adores Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan like his own father and brother. But even though he hesitates to approach Big B for his film. Sanjay wanted Big B to act in his film but he is shy to approach him and has left information in his office. On knowing, Bachchan’s reaction was “All he (Dutt) has to do is ask.”Dharam Oberoi, CEO Sanjay Dutt Productions, confirms, “Sanju Baba does want Mr Bachchan in the film to be directed by Soham Shah. He quietly left a message. But now when he and Bhabhiji (Manayata) return from their holiday Baba will drop in to finalize it.”The film also stars Zayed Khan in a pivotal role but interestingly, Sanju baba will not be acting. He will only play the role of producer. There is an interesting story lying behind the script, it is the same script that Soham was supposed to make for Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and later for Ajay Devgan.

Dutt loved the script and had promised Soham he’d do it with him whenever he made it.

Sanjay Dutt pocketing 15 crores per film, signs 28 proj

admin — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:55:10 +0000

Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt is on a signing spree and accepting new projects at a price he never commanded before - a staggering Rs 15 crores/150 million per film.Even at his new price Sanjay is now booked till the end of 2010 for 28 assignments, so much so that director Rohit Jugraj will be able to start his bio-pic with the actor only in 2011.The new rate is thanks to good friend and colleague Suniel Shetty, who generously hiked Sanjay’s price when he signed on the actor for a multi-film deal for his production house Popcorn Entertainment. Dharam Oberoi, CEO of Sanjay Dutt Productions, confirmed it to reporters: “It is true Anna (Suniel) raised Baba’s (Sanjay) price in the market. Before that Baba was being taken for granted price-wise by all and sundry. Anna was adamant about Baba’s price and started a new precedent by paying him far above what Baba got from others.”He added: “Suniel is one of his dearest friends and responsible for initiating the remuneration that you’ve quoted.” Having completed “EMI” with Suniel, Sanjay has now signed another big project with his company that will feature the two actors as warring heroes locked in a dramatic conflict. The big-budgeted Sanjay-Suniel action drama is to go on the floors soon, all thanks to Sanjay who magically accommodated the new assignment into his schedule even if it meant working a little harder. “Anything for Suniel is Baba’s motto,” said Oberoi.

“Yes, Baba has accommodated a new assignment with Anna into his schedule at a time when he couldn’t afford to. It means he has to work harder.”Suniel is co-producing “EMI” with Ekta Kapoor and the film is being directed by debutant Saurav Kabra.Sanjay recently suffered a leg injury in the gym, but he left for Bangkok to do action scenes for director Anthony D’Souza’s “Blue” against doctors’ orders. He was advised by doctors to let the limb heal itself out.”Baba can’t afford to delay any project. In fact, he was really concerned when he had to cancel a small portion of the dubbing for Anna’s ‘EMI’ on the day he injured his leg. While he was on the cycle something gave way in his leg and Baba was in acute pain. In his typical way, he tried to brush it off as no big deal. But then the pain got unbearable and it came to a point where he could barely walk.”With his tight schedule and his typical attitude of bravado, Baba refused to take the injury seriously. But he was forced to undergo tests. It was revealed that there was severe swelling in his leg that would take quite some time to heal.”Disregarding doctors’ diktats Sanjay zipped off to Bangkok to join the already-waiting cast of “Blue” even if the stunts slowed down the healing process of his legs.

“That’s Baba for you. Even when going underwater was potentially harmful to his already weak lungs he went 40 feet under for ‘Blue’ in the Bahamas. And now he’s doing stunts in Bangkok with his injured leg with Akshay Kumar.”

Sanjay Dutt makes an entry

admin — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:38:32 +0000

He is the original action hero and and audiences like to see Sanjay Dutt doing stunts. Perhaps that’s why director Sanjay Gadhvi shot the long chase sequence between Sanju Baba and Imran Khan in Kidnap.So in his next film for Sunil Shetty’s Popkorn Entertainment called EMI, Sanju has been made to do an action sequence even though there is no need for any action. Says director, Saurabh Kabra, “Primarily EMI has no action scene for Sanju Baba as the portrayal of Sattarbhai’s character is one that does not subscribe to violence and he is more in to finding peaceful and happy solutions.” But his entry had to be unique so Kabra suggested just one ’shot’ for a powerful impact on Sanju’s entry so that they could establish the character of “Sattar Bhai”. Sanju too agreed and finally one will see only one action scene of Sanju Baba’s powerful entry in EMI. Says Kabra, “We needed to create an image of Sattarbhai, the recovery agent and so we set up his entry shot where he is roughing up some of the bad guys. It has been shot in a stylized manner, with no blood and gore.

This will set the pace for the story to unfold.” Anything to see Sanjay Dutt, be it an all out action film or a concept film, like EMI.

I hope success doesn’t change Imran: Sanjay Dutt

admin — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:55:40 +0000

Actor Sanjay Dutt speaks out on his forthcoming release Kidnap, his equation with co-star Imran Khan and his thoughts on playing a father again. Excerpts from an interview:

What attracted you to Kidnap?

The moment Sanjay (Gadhvi) narrated the first line of the film, I knew I had to do it. It’s something I haven’t done in all these years. There was a sense of identification with the character - a father who deeply and immensely cares for his daughter and will go to any extent for her safety and happiness.

What was Sanjay Gadhvi like as a director?

He’s tremendous. Sanjay (Gadhvi) is very focused and he knows what he wants. He is very clear in his vision and has the knack of getting the best out his actors.

Did it help that he was the maker of the Dhoom series?

To be honest I had not seen Dhoom 1 or Dhoom 2, except their promos when he approached me. I believed in the subject and in him and decided to do it.

Tell us more about Kidnap?

My producers, director and co-actors went through a lot of anxiety during the shoot of Kidnap because of my trial. But all’s well that ends well. I am happy the film is complete, ready and looking good. It is my first release in 2008. I play a father to Sonia (Minissha Lamba) who is kidnapped by Kabir (Imran Khan). It’s an edge-of-the-seat thriller, which everyone is bound to enjoy. It has some great action and emotion and has been well written and directed. I hope my audience goes out and watches it.

Was it difficult playing a father?

No, why should it be? I have played father to Hrithik Roshan earlier.

You mentioned at the press conference that Kidnap is very close to you, as you identify very closely with the character of Vikrant Raina!

I could relate to the father in the film. I love my daughter Trishala immensely and during the making of this film I kept thinking about what I would do or how I would react if Trishala ever got kidnapped. There was a lot of real-life emotion that came into my character in the film.

Who will Kidnap appeal to?

I think the beauty of Kidnap lies in the fact that besides being an engaging thriller cum drama it concurrently captures the softer emotions and relationships - father-daughter, husband-wife, girl-boy. It’s a thriller with a heart, and on the whole, an entertaining commercial product, which will appeal to everyone. Also, it has Imran Khan who has become very popular after Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.

How was it to work with the industry’s hottest youngster, Imran Khan?

We got along well. He’s a humble, conscientious and hardworking boy. He’s into his craft. He’ll go a long way and I hope and pray that success doesn’t change him.

Anything else you can recount during the shoot of Kidnap?

I enjoyed the action. It had my adrenaline rushing. I felt a teenager again! (Smiles)

Which are your forthcoming films?

EMI, Aladdin, Blue and Munnabhai 3. I am starting my own production house next year and hope to make good films.

What do you cherish the most in life?

The fact that I was born to great parents and have a great set of fans, friends and well-wishers.

What do you regret the most?

The days when I was into drugs and my time in jail. But that was destiny…..

Sanjay Dutt’s ‘EMI’ role inspired by real loan recovery agent

admin — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:22:38 +0000

Sanjay Dutt plays ‘Sattarbhai’, a bully who collects loan instalments from bank debtors, in his forthcoming film ‘EMI’. The character has been inspired by a real-life collecting agent and the Bollywood actor spent a lot of time with him to get his act right.’Sanju sir’s character is modelled on a real-life agent. In fact, the whole film’s plot about all these debt collectors who have the thankless job of getting bank loans back from debtors was inspired by the real-life Sattarbhai,’ said TV tsarina Ekta Kapoor, who is co-producing the film with Suniel Shetty.The real-life character’s identity is, however, being kept a secret right now.

Said Suniel Shetty: ‘We don’t want the real Sattarbhai to come into the picture until Sanju baba’s fictional avatar is properly unveiled to the public.’ Sanjay Dutt met, interacted with and studied the real-life Sattarbhai very closely to get into the skin of the character. And he was glad that he wasn’t playing an underworld gangster yet again.’This is my most seriously funny and socially relevant character since Munnabhai. And I’m happy to be doing something that doesn’t require me to go into the underworld,’ he quipped. As for the real Sattarbhai, he is free to share the thrill of the film unless he suddenly decides to demand a bigger share in the movie’s investments.This isn’t the first time this question has cropped up.

When Preity Zinta played a real-life battered wife in Deepa Mehta’s ‘Heaven On Earth’, the woman who inspired the character suddenly came forward to demand a huge amount of money.’She demanded an obscenely astronomical sum of money that really put Deepa Mehta off,’ a member of the ‘Heaven On Earth’ team said.However, producers Ekta and Suniel seem pretty sure their real character won’t suddenly demand his pound of flesh.’He’s more than happy to be a role model for a character that Sanju baba is playing. We’ll include him in the promotional events of ‘EMI’ very soon,’ said Suniel. There’s also the debate of ‘EMI’ sharing its title with the international music label. Any copyright hassles on the anvil?

‘But we’ve registered our title. And EMI is accepted bank jargon, short for Equated Monthly Instalments. If EMI is a music company, then we’re glad to be keeping such musical company,’ Suniel joked.