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.

Aamir wants to take on SRK at the Box Office

By: Subhadeep Bhattacharjee

If Aamir Khan has his way this year end might see one of the biggest clashes in the history of Bollywood. It has been learnt that Aamir wants Raj Kumar Hirani directed 3 Idiots to release on the same days as Shahrukh Khan's My Name Is Khan. This will be the first time the two stars will clash at the Box Office on the same day.

This however has become a bone of contention between the Hirani and Aamir as the director wanted the movie to release by the year end and avoid any major clashes and have a free run. Aamir has gone for a vacation deliberately to delay the film which also stars Kareena Kapoor, Sharman Joshi and Madhavan and is based on Chetan Bhagat's novel Five Point Someone.

Aamir and Hirani have had a long discussion on the issue and the perfectionist actor has given Hirani a free hand to decide on the release date. But the truth is Aamir will take the final call on the release date. Last Year Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Ghajini had released back to back and Aamir had won the battle. It seems like Aamir wants to take on SRK again and prove who is the real superstar of Bollywood.

A big star in a little world

amir Khan talks about the magic of working with children and what he's trying to convey through his directorial debut Taare Zameen Par

Over the last few years, he has acquired the reputation of being one of the most discerning actors within the Indian film industry. Now that he makes his first foray into direction, Aamir Khan's Taare Zameen Pe is generating a lot of positive buzz that could easily translate into box office success. As he whizzes through his promotional responsibilities, he is careful not to let the attention be taken away from the subject of the film - children with dyslexia.

Heard your kids have seen the film.
They've seen the rough cut and they like it.
Are you an indulgent father or a disciplinarian?

Neither. I want my kids to grow up with character and integrity, be happy and well-behaved. I've been a good parent. Taare Zameen Par has made me more sensitised to their needs.
Wasn't your divorce from their mother Reena difficult for them?

That's not relevant here. I'm here to talk about the film.

Being celebrity kids how do they view the realities of the world around them?
Both Reena and I are particular about them having a normal childhood. They go by the school bus, like other children, but both of them are very good academically. Junaid (14) is good at football and squash and Aria (9) is already making a film with her friends where I also have a role - I play the villain.

How was the experience of directing kids?
It was exciting because kids bring a lot of energy and their own point of view during filmmaking. You can get something magical, and I did. 'Taare' looks at the issue of dyslexia, which is often confused with low IQ or lack of talent, while actually it is a disability with language. This movie is not about disabilities but about the endless abilities and possibilities of children.

What pointers would you give parents?
To connect with our children in a focused way. In the rush of today's life and adult responsibilities, even as we love our children to death and they are our main lifeline, we tend to soft focus and not really make an effort to understand them completely, their world and the way they see things, what they like, what they don't, what really gives them joy. I hope children see this film with their parents.

How much was Kiran involved in the making? It is being said that when you were facing the camera she would get behind it.
Kiran is a part of the film but what you are saying is untrue. She will make her own movie some day.

What has been her contribution then?
She's the executive producer of the movie and from the Lagaan days she has been the best assistant director I have ever worked with. She is amazing at scheduling, handling the children, and things like that.

Haven't you asked her to rework her script?
No. I loved her script and wanted Aamir Khan Productions to produce it. But she's very individualistic. It's for her to decide if she wants to involve me or not.

Apparently you make an appearance only minutes before the interval?
I don't want to reveal anything except that both Darsheel and I are playing the leads.

You have been trying to meet Amitabh Bachchan since you lashed out at him and Black?
I have heard rumours that he is upset and hurt with me. With that in mind I called his office for an appointment. Hopefully, we'll meet soon.

Why did you speak out so strongly now and not before?
I did say the same things soon after the release of the film two years ago.

There is buzz that all's not well with the Khans either?
You mean Salman and Shah Rukh? We get along very well, thank you.

Meanwhile 'Gajini' has been put on hold till after the release of 'Taare Zameen Par', right?
I hadn't expected to direct 'Taare Zameen Par'. Producing and acting are bad enough since I'm not good at multi-tasking. Though I started shooting for 'Gajini' after 'Taare' I was distracted by post-production. Fortunately, everyone involved with 'Gajini' has been supportive.