Quickgun Murugun makes Aamir Khan smile

Prithwish Ganguly

Mumbai: They've not quite recovered from the miscarriage and while the trip they planned to get away from it all is still on, both Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao are keeping a low profile.While work is on hold and Aamir is home with Kiran most of the time, DNA was intrigued to spot the actor walking into Ketnav theatre in Bandra accompanied by sister Nuzhat and pal Amin Haji.

A little probing revealed that he was there on the invitation of Fox Star Studios for a private preview of Quickgun Murugan. Says a source, "Very few people know that Aamir was approached to star in the film but couldn't do it for some reason. When he saw the promos he liked them and conveyed that to the makers (with whom he shares a very good rapport), following which they requested him to see the film and give them some feedback. Aamir agreed on the condition that they would not publicise it."

So what was Aamir's reaction to the film? "We're sure he liked it. There was a smile on his face -- it had completely vanished from his face for a long time now. He has even posted his views on his blog. In fact he called up the producers to fix up a meeting with the protagonist Dr Rajendra Prasad," said the source.

Vivek Krishnani of Fox Star Studios' confirmed, "Yes, it is true that Aamir Khan watched the film and wanted to catch up with the lead actor for dinner.

Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan in National Awards '07's race

Mumbai: As the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry gets ready to announce the winners of the National Awards for 2007, buzz is that two of Bollywood's biggest stars Aamir and Shah Rukh Khan are in the contention for the Best Actor Award.

While Shah Rukh Khan has been nominated for his role as hockey coach Kabir Khan in Chak De India, Aamir Khan is in competition for his restrained performance as Art teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh in Taare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan is also said to be in the running for Best Film for Taare Zameen Par - having directed and produced the film. News is that Darsheel Safari is also being considered for the Best child actor award for his performance as the dyslexic Ishaan Awasthi in the same film.

Shah Rukh Khan's home production, Om Shanti Om has also been nominated for a National Award in the best feature film for wholesome entertainment category. Aamir Khan earlier won an award in this category for Lagaan which he produced in 2001.

However neither Shah Rukh nor Aamir has ever won a national award for Best Actor yet in their career.

Meanwhile I&B Minister Ambika Soni is likely to announce the National Awards next week and President Pratibha Patil is scheduled to handover the awards in Delhi in October this year.