Kangana Ranaut in a romantic flick with Sanjay Dutt

Kangana Ranaut in a romantic flick with Sanjay Dutt


For the first time, actress Kangana Ranaut is set to pair with Sanjay Dutt in a romantic movie.

There is quite an age difference between the two actors. But that didn’t deter producer Bhushan Kumar of T-Series to sign Kangana and Sanjay for a candy-floss romantic film to be directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru.

The movie will have one more heroine who is yet to be finalized. The shooting will take place in India and the US.

Reports have it that Kangana’s dates have been figured out for the film’s shooting schedule but Dutt’s dates have yet to be sorted out.

Kangana is presently busy with Madhur Bhandarkar’s film Fashion . She has also signed Raaz 2 opposite Emraan Hashmi and ‘The Kites’ opposite Hrithik Roshan .

Sanjay Dutt, on the other hand, has a number of projects up his sleeve, including the action thriller Blue . That is why his dates haven’t been worked out yet for the T-Series project.

Hrithik is brand ambassador for new and improved Cinthol

Hrithik is brand ambassador for new and improved Cinthol



Post the success of Jodhaa Akbar, Hrithik Roshan is on a high. Hrithik who is quite a favorite in the endorsement circle, was announced as the brand ambassador of the new, improved Cinthol range of soaps, talc and deo at a function in Mumbai yesterday (March 19)

Cinthol the popular and much-loved brand of Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), unleashed '24-hour confidence' with its new range of soaps, talc and deo sprays in three exciting fragrances - Classic, Cologne and Sport in a trendy new packaging. Even its earlier products Cinthol fresh soap and Cinthol regular soap will now be available in a new and exciting packaging.

Speaking at the launch, Mrs Tanya Dubash (Executive Director and President-Marketing of Godrej Industries), said "The new Cinthol range stands for confidence of achievers who constantly strive to realize their aspirations without stopping. Cinthol gives them '24-Hour Confidence' and enables them to lead a 'Don't Stop Life'. Hrithik Roshan was chosen as the brand ambassador as he exudes confidence and doesn't stop till he meets the high benchmarks he sets for himself"

Hrithik added, "It's an honour for me to be associated with a brand like Cinthol which has such a strong legacy. As Cinthol is all about '24- Hour confidence', energy and a 'Don't Stop Life' attitude, it was very natural for me to associate with this brand. Its in perfect sync with my lifestyle and attitude"

Hrithik Roshan is literally knee-deep in work.

Hrithik’s doing his homework!


The actor, who has been advised three weeks of rest for his injured knee, is editing his item song for his home production 'Krazzy 4' from his Juhu residence. The item song, which is going to appear with the film’s end credits, is reported to be Hrithik’s best dance performance so far.

After having shot the song a few days ago, the actor wanted to personally supervise the editing. A crew member informs, "Yes, Hrithik is editing the song from home, and it’s almost ready. It’s the same title track sung by Vishal Dadlani for Shah Rukh Khan’s item number in the film. Hrithik is trying to be at home as much as he can as he is nursing his knee injury."

Despite having damaged his ligament and muscles while filming for Dhoom 2 followed by Jodhaa Akbar, the actor put in a spirited performance for the Krazzy 4 song. The story goes that the actor used to give his shot and then rest his legs in an elevated position on the sets just to avoid over exhaustion.

Our source further informs, "For the next three weeks, Hrithik can neither dance nor do any stunts. He keeps his legs in an elevated position whenever he is sitting."

However, contrary to reports, the actor is not heading to Geneva for a knee surgery yet. Papa Rakesh Roshan says, “Hrithik is very much in Mumbai and he is not undergoing any surgery for his knee.”

Rakhi loses weight for Rakesh Roshan

Rakhi loses weight for Rakesh Roshan

Item girl Rakhi Sawant was thrilled when Rakesh Roshan approached her for the item song in his film "Krazzy 4", and just can't stop raving about the expert filmmaker that he is.

She says Rakesh Roshan - a perfectionist - oversaw everything related to the song, costume, hair, make up, props, and made her lose weight too!

"I thank god that I got an offer from such a prestigious house like Rakhesh-ji's. Thanks to him, I lost weight and got a completely new look for my song. He is a total perfectionist. He scrutinized everything and then okayed it," said Rakhi

"My song 'Dekhta Hai Tu Kya' shows me in a very different avatar, much more Indian and softer - all thanks to Rakesh-ji, it is a mind blowing song," she added.

Directed by Jaideep Sen, the film starring Arshad Warsi, Irrfan Khan hits screens April 11.

Apart from "Krazzy 4" Rakhi will be seen in an item number in Yash Raj Films' new venture.

Hrithik can't thank Shah Rukh enough

Shah Rukh Khan went out of his way to accommodate Rakesh Roshan and his banner by shooting an item song for their production Krazzzy 4. And Hrithik Roshan cannot thank him enough READ MORE

JODHAA AKBAR consolidates well

JODHAA AKBAR has completed one month at the box office and even though it had BLACK & WHITE for competition in the week gone by, it has managed to not just sustain quite well but also record impressive collections. read more

Hottie Barbara Mori to be Hrithik Roshan's leading lady?

Hottie Barbara Mori to be Hrithik Roshan's leading lady?


Latino beauty Barbara Mori will most probably be Hrithik Roshan ’s love interest in papa Rakesh Roshan’s next home production.

For over a month, director Anurag Basu and Rakesh Roshan have been hunting for a suitable actress from Spanish background for their upcoming film, which is tentatively titled ‘Kites’.

On their wishlist have been some of the popular actresses, including Penelope Cruz.

But now, if reports are to be believed, it is Mexican actress Barbara Mori who has been finalized for the part. Barbara has worked in Television and a few Mexican-Spanish films.

‘Kites’ will also have Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut in a significant role.

Kangana has previously been part of Basu’s successful films Gangster and Metro .

Rakesh Roshan says he will give an official confirmation about the film’s leading lady in the coming days.

Hrithik can’t thank Shah Rukh enough

Hrithik can’t thank Shah Rukh enough




Shah Rukh Khan went out of his way to accommodate the Roshans by shooting an item song for their production Krazzy 4, and Hrithik can’t thank the busy Khan enough. “I’m doing the song for my own home production. But Shah Rukh has gone out of his way to accommodate the project because he respects dad. His gesture has touched all of us. It’s very kind of him. He didn’t need to dance.”

Hrithik can’t stop raving about the item song. “It’s the best dance track I’ve ever performed. My uncle Rajesh Roshan has outdone himself. And Vishal Dadlani who has sung the number has also been extremely gracious. He didn’t accept the cheque that my dad gave him after the song. He did it for my dad and uncle. As a family, we Roshans are overwhelmed by the respect that has been shown by everyone associated with the item song.”

Tell him it’s because of the respect his dad’s banner commands, and Hrithik corrects. “No, I think it’s more to do with the kind of person my father is. If he wasn’t the person he is, Shah Rukh, Vishal and everyone else wouldn’t have gone out of their way to accommodate us, no matter how successful we may be. I think my dad has earned the respect he gets. He doesn’t command it.” Hrithik further informs, “Shah Rukh’s version of the song will be part of the main movie, while mine will be used in the end titles, also on MTV, Channel V and other promotional campaigns for television.”

With Jodhaa Akbar behind him, Hrithik is now looking forward to starting his next film with Anurag Basu. “That’s one film I’m really looking forward to. I’m a big fan of Anurag’s cinema. I think he’s a very sensitive director. He’s really going to be doing something different with me. I can’t say much about the subject. But it will be a different experience for me, though something right up his alley.” The industry was abuzz about Sonam Kapoor being Hrithik’s leading lady in Anurag’s film. “Both Dad and I think Sonam is wonderful. But she was never considered for Anurag’s film. The role requires someone from abroad. So yeah, I’ll have an international costar in Anurag’s film.”

Hrithik and Aishwarya Rai looked pretty international in Dhoom 2 and Jodhaa Akbar. “I can’t dispute that. It’s so true. Ash and I share a fabulous rapport. It’s always fun to work with a costar who isn’t selfish. We both gave so much of ourselves to Jodhaa Akbar. Aishwarya has been one of my most helpful costars. I really cherish working with her. She an incredible actor and an even better costar. And since all three of us — Abhishek, Aishwarya and I — are friends, we’ have great fun even when not shooting.”

Hrithik craves for the perfect chemistry with his costars. “I don’t think it’s possible for me to give my best if my costar isn’t doing the same. I try to surround myself with like-minded people. And I think I’ve found the right people operating at my frequency to work it, be it Ashutosh Gowarikar, Sanjay Gadhvi, Aditya Chopra or my dad. I’m fortunate, I guess.”

Hrithik Roshan's new advertisement has Sufi sounds

Hrithik Roshan's new advertisement has Sufi sounds



You cannot blame Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan to have a hangover after his excellent portrayal of Akbar the Great in Jodhaa Akbar .

After winning hearts with his dervish dance in the ‘Khwaja’ song in the Ashutosh Gowarikar film, comes a new Coke advertisement, which is slated to be aired this weekend.



Hrithik features in a stubble in the new campaign as it is celebration time for the superstar as he makes merry with a group of friends by proclaiming Jashn Mana Le to the accompaniment of Sufi sounds.

Hrithik’s campaign has been conceptualised by McCann Erickson and is directed by Sabal Singh Shekhawat of Big Picture Company with the background musical score given by Ram Sampath.

The commercial has a roadside eatery where a bunch of youngsters land up late at night to grab a quick bite. What follows is a tryst with Hrithik and a magical ride that leaves them in awe.

The ad based on the Jashn Mana Le theme showcases how Hrithik and his friends create a moment of celebration with the bottle.

Producer moves court against 'Jodhaa Akbar' ban in Madhya Pradesh

Producer moves court against 'Jodhaa Akbar' ban in Madhya Pradesh
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UTV Motion Pictures Saturday moved the Madhya Pradesh High Court to lift the ban on screening of "Jodhaa Akbar" in the state.

"The hearing is Monday. If nothing happens there, then we will move Supreme Court. We won't let this happen," Siddharth Roy Kapoor, marketing and distribution head of UTV Motion Pictures, told IANS on phone from Mumbai. The company has produced the movie.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Madhya Pradesh Friday suspended the screening of "Jodhaa Akbar", a week after the movie was released, fearing that it would cause a law and order problem in the state as a particular community was against the film's content.

People belonging to the Kshatriya (Rajput) community have been protesting against the movie that they claim has distorted historical facts. They have said that the film portrays Mughal emperor Akbar's wife Jodha Bai as a Kshatriya, though she was not one.

"We are appalled that the film has been banned in Madhya Pradesh. The Censor Board cleared the movie without any cuts. When a film is cleared by the Censor Board, the state should ensure that the film is screened across the country without disruption," Kapoor said.

The entire film industry, including producers, distributors and exhibitors are up in arms against the state government order. In fact, the exhibitors' association in Madhya Pradesh has threatened to go on an indefinite strike if the ruling is not reversed.

"The distributors feel that it is one of the biggest releases of the year and they should be allowed to screen the movie," Kapoor said.

Asked about the ban in Rajasthan, Kapoor said: "We are talking to groups who are against the film. However, in Rajasthan, the state government hasn't issued any whip against the film. The film's distributors have decided not to screen it because they fear that if they do so, protesters will torch their halls. And they are justified in their action."

The three-hour, 20-minute movie was released in 26 countries Feb 15, but banned in Rajasthan. The Karni Sena has been spearheading a campaign in the state against the movie for quite sometime.

The community alleged that Ashutosh Gowariker presented Jodha Bai as Mughal emperor Jalaluddin Akbar's wife, which is factually incorrect.

According to them, Jodha Bai was not the daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amber as shown in the film, but the daughter of Motaraja Udai Singh of Marwar. And she was married to Akbar's son Salim alias Jehangir and was the mother of emperor Shah Jahan.

However, Gowariker claimed that he was careful in preserving Rajput pride and dignity while making the period drama starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai.

"I haven't been jingoistic or fanciful in depicting history. In fact, I've been very careful in preserving Rajput pride and dignity. There's a disclaimer about the Rajput queen's name at the beginning of the film and to see that, the protestors have to see the movie," he said.

Gowariker's epic love story saw a fair opening and grossed Rs.385 million worldwide in the opening weekend. The critics praised Hrtihik and Aishwarya's performance in the film.

Hrithik wants father Roshan to change the climax

Hrithik wants father Roshan to change the climax



With the successive hit of Kaho Naa Pyar Hai, Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish, there is no doubt regarding the efficiency of the father-son duo Rakesh Roshan and Hrithik Roshan. Now, both are doing much brainstorming for their next venture which is suppose to be a Krrish sequel titled Krrish 2. Report is that Rakesh Roshan is ready with his first draft but Hrithik is not at all happy with the climax scene. There has been a strong debate over the crucial climax between the father and the son and Hrithik wants his father to change the climax.

Rakesh Roshan has just now completed writing the first draft and when he showed it to Hrithik, he disagreed. The duo has major differences over the climax of the film. Earlier, he had settled down on Hrithik to play the role of the villain. Later on they thought that if Hrithik happens to play the role, there will be three Hrithik in the form of Rohit from Koi Mil Gaya, Krishna from Krrish and now the villain of Krrish 2.

They had decided to cast some other actor for the villainous role. For that they have approached Shahrukh Khan but he turned down the offer. And now they are looking for some other actor for this role. Hrithik’s sister Sunaina who is the co-producer of the film confirms the differences between them. They have not yet able to come to any conclusion and the differences of their view point still exist. Hope, they resolve the matter and Krrish 2 hits the floor soon.

'Jodhaa Akbar' grosses Rs 38.50 crore worldwide in opening weekend

'Jodhaa Akbar' grosses Rs 38.50 crore worldwide in opening weekend


It may have evoked a mixed response from film critics but the sweet tale of romance between Mughal Emperor Akbar and his Rajput Queen Jodhabai in the Aishwarya Rai – Hrithik Roshan starrer Jodhaa Akbar seems to have cast its spell on cinegoers in India as well as abroad.

Released on February 15 to an unprecedented 1300 cinema screens in 26 countries, 'Jodhaa Akbar', a film which attempts to look at an aspect of life of the Mughal King Akbar hitherto not touched upon in history books; as "Akbar The Romantic' who in course of his journey from Jalaluddin to Akbar the Great', wins the love of his beautiful queen Jodhaa, has rocked the box office, grossing Rs 38.50 crore worldwide in its opening weekend, sources in UTV Motion pictures, the producers of the film, said.




The gross of Rs 38.5 crore in its opening weekend, of which the gross collections in India alone is Rs 25 crore plus, makes the opening garnered by grand period romance as amongst the Top 5 weekend openings of all time for a Hindi film, the sources said.

In the overseas markets, the collections of 'Jodhaa Akbar' in its opening weekend make it the Top 5 opening weekends of all time for an Indian film.

In the US, where the film was released to 129 prints, the film garnered the second highest opening weekend of all time.

Directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar , the director of the Oscar nominated Lagaan and the critically acclaimed Swades , ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, a co-production of UTV Motion Pictures and Ashutosh Gowarikar Productions, releases on nearly 1300 prints across 26 countries in the US, Europe, Asia and West Asia, making it the biggest release ever for an Hindi film.

In India alone the film released in nearly 1000 screens of which 400 were through digital cinemas and over 500 physical prints. The scale of its release makes ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ the biggest ever release for an Indian film till date, company sources say.

The film has been dubbed in 3 languages – Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and subtitled in English, Arabic and Dutch. However, while the original Hindi version and the subtitled versions were released on February 15, the Tamil and Telugu versions will be released at a later date.

Amitabh lauds Hrithik's trance dance in Jodhaa Akbar

Amitabh lauds Hrithik's trance dance in Jodhaa Akbar



The compliments haven't stopped pouring in for Hrithik Roshan since Jodhaa Akbar hit the theatres. The latest addition to the list of people who have praised him is Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan.

On seeing Hrithik's enchanting trance dance during the qawwalli Khwaja mere khwaja the Big B observed that not since Stanley Kubrick's legendary sci-fi "2001: A Space Odyssey" in 1968 had there been such an apocalyptic moment in a film.

"That compliment just blew my mind," Hrithik told IANS. "Doing Jodhaa Akbar wasn't easy for me. That dance in a trance was especially difficult. When Ashutosh Gowariker explained the situation, I just didn't know how to go about it.

"In that moment of spiritual ecstasy what does my character experience? I was completely puzzled. Then I was told that it was moment when Akbar connects with divinity.

"I joined the singers to dance with one hand pointing towards heaven, which was receiving the divine gift, while my other hand pointed to the ground, which meant I was connecting the gift received from divinity to people down below. I was the medium, the recipient of divine communication," he said.

Hrithik is paired with Aishwarya Rai in this historical romance that focuses on the relationship between Mughal emperor Jalaluddin Akbar and his wife Jodha Bai.

Amitabh lauds Hrithik's trance dance in Jodhaa Akbar

Amitabh lauds Hrithik's trance dance in Jodhaa Akbar



The compliments haven't stopped pouring in for Hrithik Roshan since Jodhaa Akbar hit the theatres. The latest addition to the list of people who have praised him is Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan.

On seeing Hrithik's enchanting trance dance during the qawwalli Khwaja mere khwaja the Big B observed that not since Stanley Kubrick's legendary sci-fi "2001: A Space Odyssey" in 1968 had there been such an apocalyptic moment in a film.

"That compliment just blew my mind," Hrithik told IANS. "Doing Jodhaa Akbar wasn't easy for me. That dance in a trance was especially difficult. When Ashutosh Gowariker explained the situation, I just didn't know how to go about it.

"In that moment of spiritual ecstasy what does my character experience? I was completely puzzled. Then I was told that it was moment when Akbar connects with divinity.

"I joined the singers to dance with one hand pointing towards heaven, which was receiving the divine gift, while my other hand pointed to the ground, which meant I was connecting the gift received from divinity to people down below. I was the medium, the recipient of divine communication," he said.

Hrithik is paired with Aishwarya Rai in this historical romance that focuses on the relationship between Mughal emperor Jalaluddin Akbar and his wife Jodha Bai.

Climax control please, says Hrithik

Climax control please, says Hrithik

The father-and-son duo of Rakesh Roshan and Hrithik Roshan has had a fantastic record so far. All the three films that they have worked together so far — Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish — have created box-office records.

Now that the father-son duo is all set to come back together for Krrish 2 , they want to leave no stone unturned to prove that their combination is unbeatable.

It has been learnt that although Rakesh Roshan has been ready with the first draft of Krrish 2 for some time now, son Hrithik Roshan is not very happy with the crucial climax sequence. Rakesh Roshan is known to pen his own script and the duo has major differences over the climax of the film.

Our sources say that although the father and son have finalised an idea to work on the film where Hrithik will face another powerful villain who also has special powers, they have not been able to finalise how to go about the story. Rakesh Roshan has already written the first draft of the film without dialogues but son Hrithik is far from happy with it. He has his own point of view over the climax. Earlier the Roshans had decided that Hrithik himself will play the villain in the film but that would mean that there would be three Hrithiks in the film in the form of Rohit from Koi Mil Gaya, Krishna from Krrish and now the villain in Krrish . That’s when they decided to cast Shah Rukh Khan in the film who did not agree to do the film. Now they are hunting for another actor for the same role.”

Our sources further add, “There are also talks with Rakyesh Mehra to direct the film and Rakesh Roshan will only be the writer of the film. However, that is yet to be finalised and will only be decided once Mehra takes time off from his film, Dilli 6.”

Rakesh Roshan and Hrithik Roshan remained unavailable for comment. When contacted Sunaina Roshan didn’t categorically deny the improvisations being made in Krrish 2 script. She says, “As far as I know, we are currently concentrating on Hrithik’s film, which will be directed by Anurag Basu. We will start working on the final script of Krrish 2 some time in the middle of this year.”

Hrithik brawn seduces women

Hrithik brawn seduces women



When Rakesh Roshan, currently in Los Angeles, saw Jodhaa-Akbar he did what he had never done before. He told his son that in Jodhaa-Akbar he has given his best performance to date.

Hrithik can't stop smiling.

"Dad completely floored me. He has never complimented me in my face.

Whatever his opinion of my performance he never expressed it openly so far. It was always understand between us that he appreciated my performances.

But this is the first time he has come out so openly to support my performance. I'm overwhelmed," said Hrithik from Delhi after attending the premiere.

The response to the film and to his performance has so far stunned Hrithik. "People are saying such wonderful things. We wanted to make Akbar relatable to today's generation, and that's how he has turned out to be."

Speaking of how female fans have responded to his sinewy show of muscle power in the sword-practising sequence Hrithik laughs, "Why shouln't a woman in those Mughal times be shown deriving voyeuristic pleasure watching her husband exercizing?

The idea was to make Akbar a timeless creation. I was apprehensive about reactions. But it all turned out fine, finally. Thank God for that. The reviews have been very kind.. We were lucky, I guess."

Bollywood's dress designers, no more unsung heroes

Bollywood's dress designers, no more unsung heroes



Gone are the days when no one remembered the person behind Amitabh Bachchan's knotted shirt in "Deewar" or Neetu Singh's bell-bottoms. For funds-flush Bollywood, getting the look of the actors right has evolved into a fine art and designers are now walking away with accolades and applause. Wake-up at 2 a.m. to look the part for the first shot at 11 a.m. is what the cast of "Jodhaa Akbar" went through during the making of Ahsutosh Gowariker's just released historical romance inspired by the opulent Mughal era.

Neeta Lulla, who designed for the entire cast of "Jodhaa Akbar" - from Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, to a commoner walking on the road, is raking in as much applause as the actors of the film that released Friday.

Neeta is not new to costume dramas, having won a National Award for her designs in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Devdas".

"Everything was well researched. Even then, I worked on this project for a year and half because there was very little information available about the costumes and jewellery worn during that period," says Neeta.

While she designed the clothes and the armour, which was crafted in Jodhpur, production designer Nitin Desai designed the weapons. The breathtaking jewellery was designed by leading jewellery brand Tanishq with inputs by Neeta and Gowariker.

The tie-up with Tanishq not only helped Gowariker recreate the grandiosity of the Mughal era but also got the film a lot of on-air publicity.

Ads of Tanishq's "Jodhaa Akbar" collection designed in gold, cut diamond, ruby, kundan and jade far out-number ads of the film itself.

Unlike the classic "Mughal-E-Azam", Neeta used a lot of warm tones in the film and designed clothes that are ornate but not completely un-wearable.

"I was aiming at a blend of both bringing back the grandness of those days in today's time zone," says Neeta.

Bollywood has come a long way from the days when the concept of a costume designer did not exist. The person handling the clothes department was for long known as merely a 'dresswallah'.

This, in spite of the fact that the only Indian to have won an Oscar so far is costume designer Bhanu Aitheya for her work in Richard Attenbourgh's "Gandhi". She got the coveted statue for Costume Design.

It took a true-blue commercial hit film like "Rangeela", in which Manish Malhotra designed Urmila Matondkar's costumes, to announce the arrival of costume designers in Bollywood.

The short dresses worn by Urmila catapulted her career and opened the floodgates for fashion designers to enter films.

Manish showed that designing for Hindi films was the best way to influence fashion across the country and designers stopped being snooty about associating with Bollywood.

"When I started, the industry used to work like five dresses for songs, three for romantic scenes, two for family sequences. I started designing according to characters," says Manish.

In the 80s it was always felt that commercial cinema sold dreams and dreams could never portray status of abjectness. But now with realism starting to make its presence felt in Bollywood, costumes have now come to form an integral part of the whole set up and become a vital cog in providing authenticity to the films.

Alas, commercial Hindi filmmakers are realising that clothes maketh the man.

Life has never been rosier for Hrithik Roshan

Life has never been rosier for Hrithik Roshan



With his first costume drama Jodhaa Akbar striking the right chord at the box office and his second child around the corner, life has never been rosier for Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan .

Hrithik says his primary motivation behind ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ was to be as alert and innovative as director Ashutosh Gowarikar , known for his meticulous skills.



"I knew he'd help me explore a different facet of my acting. He helped me go to places in my psyche I had never gone to before. Ashutosh is a damn good combination of intelligent preparation and spontaneity."

Hrithik was quoted as saying that he would never do a historical movie again after ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, but the actor denied it.

"Not true, I might have said that in a specific context," he clarified. But he would definitely not do one for a long time.

"Doing a historical again would make it less sublime. When you think of period, you think of grandeur that's hard to replicate. I don't think I'd want to get into that space for a long time."

Hrithik clearly intends to work more this year and combine business with fun.

Jodhaa Akbar opens in record 115 US theatres

Jodhaa Akbar opens in record 115 US theatres

Bollywood movie Jodhaa Akbar is releasing in a record 115 theatres in the US Friday, but some Indian American groups have called for its boycott. They have also asked the Indian government to ban the film.

The period romance directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, of Oscar nominated Lagaan fame, has come under fire from some groups in India. A group in Rajasthan, the Rajput Karni Sena, has claimed that Jodhaabai was not Akbar's wife but that of his son Jehangir.

The protesting groups in the US, along with NRI groups in other countries, have picked up from there and said in a press release that the film's "concocted story is an odious, false, unjust and irreverent portrayal of a Hindu Rajput princess and a Muslim Mughal ruler".

They have also alleged the historical distortions in Jodhaa Akbar, starring Hrithik Roshan as Akbar and Aishwarya Rai as Jodhaa, to be "extremely insensitive and it hurts the sentiments of millions of people who love the culture, history and traditions of India".

The protesting groups in the US include Global Institute for Truth & Awareness, Independent NRI Forum, Indian American Intellectuals Forum, Rajput Association of North America and Save Temples, USA.

Gowariker, who is said to have read Akbarnama and consulted historian Irfan Habib before making Jodhaa Akbar, has defended his creation.

Significantly, K. Asif's epic Mughal-e-Azam, which is etched in Indians' memory, presented Akbar and Jodhaabai as husband and wife, though it was centred on Jehangir and Anarkali's ill-fated love story.

The New York Times ran a report Sunday by Indian journalist Anupama Chopra on the $10-million Jodhaa Akbar, and said the magnum opus would help Aishwarya and Hrithik's reported moves towards Hollywood.

Girl who'll get sexy with Hrithik

Girl who'll get sexy with Hrithik

The thrills behind the thriller that Anurag Basu is making for Rakesh Roshan with Hrithik in the lead, are getting more thrilling than the film itself.

The hunt for the leading lady for Hrithik is getting more itense. Several names have been put forward. Apparently Rakesh Roshan who's very close to Anil Kapoor and very fond of Sonam wanted to cast her. But Sonam, frightfully conscious of her conservative image begged off.

The role requires the girl to get seriously sexy with Hrithik.

Says Hrithik, "I'd love to work with Sonam. But not on this project. The role doesn't do justice to her. We're looking at someone from abroad, someone Latin American or Brazilian. So yeah, in that sense this would be my first international project."

Director Anurag Basu says Sonam doesn't suit the role. "We've looked at many names, known and and new in Bollywood. But that 'it' factor eludes us. I'm getting quite jittery.

The girl's role is extremely bold. Actually we've decided to cast someone international, preferably Brazilian, because that's the personality and profile of the leading lady in my film."

According to reliable reports, the girl chosen for the part is the Channel V model Bruna Abdullah. Child of an Arabian mother and Brazilian father Bruna has been stationed in Mumbai waiting for Bollywood to happen. She performed an extremely bold item song for Anubhav Sinha's Cash recently.
Says a close friend of the Arabian-Brazilian veejay-dancer, "Bruna is extremely uninhibited before the camera.

That's why she was brought into Channel V who needed a girl to rival the international looks, personality and body language of MTV's veejay Mia. Bruna has her eyes set on Bollywood. Anubhav's item song was her stepping stone. Anurag's film with Hrithik is her next big move."

However the director denies Bruna has been penciled in for the Hrithik project. "I don't deny meeting her, like we've met so many other girls for the part. But Bruna hasn't been finalized.But it'll surely be an international face."

Adds Rakesh Roshan, "It'll be a Spanish –speaking girl.We want to show love has no barriers."