Priyanka Chopra, Shahid Kapoor, Ritesh Deshmukh, Bobby Deol, Farah Khan, Shirish Kunder, John Abraham, Bipasha Basu, Karan Johar, Manish Malhotra at Tarun Mansukhani_s birthday bash in Bandra on 16th April 2009 .

Ask Bobby about the films that he loves watching and he says “I am extremely passionate about watching films when I am not shooting. I love action, thrillers and comedy.”

But just like films Bobby’s very selective. “I just don’t like to watch horror films. Those films are so gruesome and bloody. Too much special effect makes them look so yucky. I don’t know how people watch horror films? I often close my eyes when somebody is watching it or just walk out of the room. I can’t stand such films” he reveals.

Bobby is presently working on just one film with his dad Dharmendra titled Cheers being directed by Sangeet Sivan. Nothing exciting has come my way. I am waiting for it. I will be doing another film with Sameer Karnik but nothing has been finalized,” he concludes.

Bobby’s next release is Yeh Vaada Raha starring Kangana Ranaut and his Nanhe Jaisalmer co-star Dwij Yadav

The Media Spa launch on Tuesday April 7th late night in Bandra, Mumbai witnessed a huge celebrities turnout. We saw Karan Johar, Karishma Kapoor, Lara Dutta, Rani Mukerjee, Bobby Deol with wife Tanya Deol, Dino Morea, Malaika Arora Khan (a must for such events), Yash and Avanti Birla, Kunal Kapoor, Farah Khan, Chunkey Pandey with wife Bhavana Pandey, designer Nandita Mahtani, Leena Mogre, Manisha Koirala and in a rare appearance Neetu Singh.

Love birds Ritesh Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza came in separately and avoided getting posed together in front of the present photographers. But once inside they kept stuck together till it was time to leave, separately again since the photographers were still around outside. Manisha Koirala seemed to have lost a lot of weight. Rani Mukerjee too was seen after a long gap at any event and her weight loss training sessions seems to have done wonders or may be the long string of flops has done its damage on her health. For a minute we could not recognize that it was Rani. She as usual avoided speaking to the media and rushed off when we tried getting a sound byte from her. It was also after a long time we saw Bobby come along with wife Tanya Deol.

About why there has been a change in the title, Samir Karnik revealed, “Eros International who are the producers of the film wanted the change in the title as they felt that marketing the film would be more convenient.”

Karnik further revealed about his film that, “It is an emotional drama. It gives a social message that one should never lose hope. It is a family oriented subject based on relationships. Bobby’s character in the film is that of a doctor. He comes across an incident and his life changes forever.”

“This is the third time that I’m working with Bobby Deol. He is a fantastic human being and he has now become my favorite actor. I enjoy with him while Kangana is a talented actress.”

The film also stars Dwij Yadav the little kid who was Bobby’s co-star in Samir Karnik directed Nanhe Jaisalmer and was also seen last as Preity Zinta’s son in Karnik directed Heroes.

Dia Mirza, Rani Mukherjee, Abhishek Bachchan, Bobby Deol, Sunny Deol, Dharmendra, Farah Khan, Shirish Kunder, Chunky Pandey, Gayatri Joshi, Simone Singh, Nandita Mahtani, Twinkle Khanna, Sonali Bendre, Goldie Behl, Beenu Bawa & Tania Deol, Simran Lal at Tania Deol_s interiors at Good Earth on 4th April 2009.

Nandu (Bobby) and Shekhar (Pradeep Kharab) are childhood pals who have taken to crime and contract killing at a very young age. They get mentored by a goon Sawtya (Jackie Shroff) during their growing up years. Now as grown ups, Nandu becomes the most dreaded assassin in town and Shekhar his accomplice who always helps him in getting away from the scene of crime within minutes.

Rating: 2/5
Starring: Bobby Deol, Nana Patekar, Shriya Saran, Priti Bhutani, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Raghuvir Yadav, Pradeep Kharab, Zarina Wahab
Director: Sangeeth Sivan

Opposition leader Anna Mhatre (Sachin Khedekar) to create a sympathy wave for himself in the forthcoming Vidhan Sabha elections hires Nandu to make a false attack on him. According to the plan, Nandu aims a shot on Anna’s arms who is addressing a huge political rally but before he shoots, a bullets zips through Anna’s forehead killing him instantly.

Now the Police present on the scene see Bobby fleeing and think of him as the assassinator. When he tries to reach for Shekhar’s car, he sees it getting blown up after it hits a petrol tanker. Chased by cops Nandu enters a train heading towards Punjab.

In the train Nandu meets Puran (Akshay Kapoor) who is going back home to Hoshiyaarpur after 18 years since the time he had runaway as a kid. The talkative Puran narrates in short time everything about his home and shows Nandu his souvenirs from home. Just then Police arrives and in the commotion that ensues mistakenly shoot Puran.

Nandu yet again succeeds in fleeing the scene. He heads straight to Puran’s house but is mistaken as Puran by his family. Unable to reveal the sad truth, Nandu starts staying in their house impersonating Puran. There he encounters Puran’s childhood love Preet (Shriya). He takes it upon himself to solve all the problems that Puran’s family is facing.

But his happiness is short-lived as a quirky but intelligent CBI officer Nandkumar Rane (Nana) hot on trail to nab Anna Mhatre’s assassin lands up in Hoshiyaarpur at Puran’s doorsteps. What follows next forms the rest of the film wherein many secrets get revealed some shocking, some not so shocking.

Remake of Telugu super hit Athadu starring Mahesh Babu, Ek- The Power of One mixes the plot of many films together.

The basic plot of the hero responsible for an innocent man’s death going to his family’s house and staying with them without them knowing about his true identity was first explored in Rajesh Khanna starrer Dushman followed by Akshay – Saif starrer Keemat.

Then again, the whole political assassination drama and even the suspense angle of it is ditto similar to Salman Khan – Sushmita Sen starrer Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge. Nana Patekar’s ‘chaaloo’ cop who knows his line of duty is a little naughtier version of Om Puri’s cop character in Rajiv Rai’s Gupt which also incidentally had Bobby being chased for murder. But the mixed khichdi of a plot works to an extent here. But its more thanks to the technical finesse and twists and turns plotted at regular intervals, superbly shot action scenes and of course Nana Patekar.

But where the film falls down is in the pacing that drops down when Bobby arrives to Puran’s house. The whole joint family thing with all the irritating characters thrown in simply grates on your nerves after initial few minutes. Too much time is wasted on unnecessary and predictable sub-plots. The film could have well done without 30 minutes that are wasted on all this and it could have ended up as being a nice taut thriller.

Bobby acts well and has efficiently performed his own daring stunts. Shriya Saran doesn’t have much to do but look pretty and make faces at Bobby. Kulbhushan Kharbanda who was a delight to watch in last week’s Aloo Chaat is saddled with the typical Punjabi grandfather’s role.

Zarina Wahab seen after a long time hardly gets any scope. Jaspal Bhatti and Sanjay Mishra both irritate you to death. Priti Bhutani playing Puran’s sister act well and looks good too. Jackie in a small role impresses but Chunkey Pandey gets on your nerves in his special appearance with his fake Punjabi accent. Raghuvir Yadav as the wily politician is good as usual.

The biggest star of the film however is Nana Patekar. The openly flirtatious cop with his crazy one-liners justifying his womanizing is extremely hilarious. In fact you keep waiting for him to arrive whenever his character goes off screen.

The film is aimed at the masses but could have been a better one had some loose end taken care of and the narrative kept tight. But it is not a bad film and may work well for you if you literally have nothing else to do and go in without any expectations.

Also Read
“It was a challenge to make EK – THE POWER OF ONE” – Sangeeth Sivan
Ek – The Power of One – Movie Stills

When we were speaking to Bobby about his forthcoming film Ek – The Power of One he seemed all charged up but as soon we removed the topic of Abhay he got more excited and said, “He was simply awesome in Dev D. But what is more amazing is that he stuck to the kind of films that he has believed in and has taken the step forward. Believe me it takes a lot of guts to do a film like Dev D. Abhay has given a superb film and I am so proud of him.”

Bobby recalls, “We lovingly call Abhay Dimpy at home. Abhay was always multi talented. As a child he used to paint. He was a good cartoonist as well. It’s really nice that he is doing films appealing to today’s youth. It is nice to see that thanks to the multiplex culture his brand of cinema is being appreciated.”

So will he be willing to make an on-screen jodi with Abhay? “Why not? If we get the right script and our characters are well etched then of course we shall be seen together. But frankly nothing unique has crossed our paths yet.” Bobby concludes before signing off.

His Ek is being compared to Aamir’s Ghajini in terms of its action content but Bobby differs on it and says, “Well I guess apart from a few action scenes nothing is the same. Yes Ek is also the remake of a South film like Ghajini was hence it has the same kind of action. In fact Peter Haynes has done the action and he has done a lot of action in the South films that is why people tend to compare the two.” says Bobby.

There has also been a lot of buzz about him jumping off a high rise building and doing adrenalin rushing stunts in the film. “See action is the USP of the film. I enjoyed doing the action stunts. But then I have been doing a lot of action films. In fact my role in Dostana was very different. I had done a role with shades of comedy and people loved it.” Bobby says.

It is the first time Bobby shall be seen along side actor Nana Patekar who is famous for his whimsical ways on and off the screen. “Contrary to what is written about him, Nana is a very chilled out guy. I was pleasantly surprised when I came to know from him that he is a big fan of my father. He’s a talented and senior actor. He’s awesome in the film with shades of comedy to it. I am confident people will love Nana in the film” reveals Bobby.

About his Ek director Sangeet Sivan, Bobby tells us, “I have known Sangeet from a long time. He had done a film with Sunny long back. We had always wanted to work together but nothing materialized. I am also doing my second film with him now. It will be made on our home banner and is a father and son story. So naturally I will be acting with dad again in this film. It’s a light hearted film. This will be my second film with dad and I am looking forward working with him again.” says Bobby.

Bobby is doing yet another film papa Dharmendra and candidly admits he was nervous facing the camera with him for the first time during Apne. He adds, “Well that is because he has always been the major authority in our lives. He has done so many films but not anymore in fact I would love to work with him. We are a normal family though emotions run high in our family. Right now we are busy discussing and reading the script.”
Apart from these two films Bobby has not signed any other film. “Nothing exciting has come my way. I am waiting for it. I will be doing another film with Sameer Karnik but nothing has been finalized” Bobby concludes.

The actor was shooting for major action sequences in ‘erratic temperatures with heavy rains and blizzards’ say our source. The vanity vans had to be parked around 2kms away from the location and there were long gaps between the shots to accommodate the weather.

Apparently Jaswant Khera, the Executive Producer of ‘EK’, even requested Bobby to go rest in the van as he was worried about his health, to which our Punjab Da Puttar insisted that if the entire unit could bear the weather so could he. He further logically pointed out that going up and down to the van would unnecessarily waste the unit time as they had already lost so many days due to bad weather.

“These fight scenes had to be shot in muddy fields and freezing temperatures and the unit had already lost 3 to 4 days of shoot due to the climatic conditions. I was absolutely overwhelmed with his dedication and professionalism and the action sequences undoubtedly turned out as winners in the film.” says Jaswant Khera.

Well, way to go Bobby…after all you are a true Punjab Da Puttar.

We spoke to Samir Karnik about the film.

“Roshan”is in its post-production stage and this film is an emotional drama. It is based on the fact saying that when hope is there everything you can achieve. Its love story of Bobby Deol and Kangana Ranuat and in this film Bobby plays a doctor’scharacter. The character has achieved everything in life but one incident truly change his life. As of now I can just say this much because the film is still in the post-production stage and final releasing date will be out in few weeks.”

Further about working experience with Bobby Deol and Kangana Ranuat, the director says,”this is the third time that I’m working with Bobby Deol. He is a fantastic human being and he has now became my favorite actor. I enjoy with him while Kangana is also a fantastic and talented actress.”

The film is tentatively releasing in April. Eros International who is the producer of the film will decide the actual release date of the film as the film is still in the post-production stage.

Sanjay Dutt, Sunil Shetty, Shahid Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Zayed Khan, Aftab Shivdasani, Sonu Nigam, Anil Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, Aditya Pancholi, Divya Dutta, Rahul Dev, aamir Ali, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Antra Mali,Ravi Kishan, Bikram Saluja, Shonal Rawat, Atul Agnihotri, Rohit Roy with Manasi Joshi, Ronit Roy, Gulshan Grover, Ruslaan, Muzammil Ibrahim, Nandini Singh, Sambhavana Seth, Sonu Nigam, Taz, Abbas MAstan, Manish Malhotra at Aalim Hakim’s hair lounge on 11th December 2008

Set in Miami, the film revolves around a male nurse, Sameer (Abhishek) and a hotshot photographer, Kunal (John Abraham). Both are on the look out for an apartment and coincidentally end up landing at the same house at the same time. But the landlady refuses to take two hot macho men into her home that also houses her young niece, Neha (Priyanka Chopra). To not let of the opportunity they pretend to be gay.

Rating: 3/5
Starring: Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Priyanka Chopra, Bobby Deol and Kirron Kher
Director: Tarun Mansukhani

After Neha moves in, very soon the trio gets friendly and inseparable. According to Neha, she becomes one of the boys and the boys, as she says, are one of the girls! And just when you think this is one happy and gay friendship in comes the twist and turns. Both the guys realize that they have feelings for Neha and each of them wants her to himself. Both of them then try to outdo and outwit one another ending into a big fight. But ironically, Neha takes the fight as a lovers’ tiff! Now just when the two are about to reveal the truth, in walks Abhimanyu (Bobby) Neha’s new boss.

He starts showing extra affection for her and she too starts reciprocating. This comes as threat for the two lover boys. They then hatch a plan to get rid of Abhimanyu by resorting to all sorts of pranks to get rid of from Neha’s life by hook or by crook. Their plans succeed to some extent but they end up losing her in this bargain. How they win her back forms the rest of the film.

Coming from Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, Tarun Mansukhani’s directorial debut is a good mixture of Karan Johar’s stamp of glossy class and a new age director’s hatke treatment. Technically the film definitely stands amongst one of 2008’s best. The screenplay is truly innovative coupled with some great one-liners. There is not a single dull moment throughout the film as it keeps you in splits always. The scenes involving Boman Irani (in a gay role) are a laugh riot. So also are the scenes between Abhi-John and Abhi’s mom played by Kirron Kher.

Vishal-Shekhar’s music is already topping the charts and the picturisation of songs take it one notch higher. The opening track shot on Shilpa Shetty at the beautiful sun kissed Miami bitches provides great eye candy.

Abhishek in first out and out comedy role is brilliant. His self deprecating humor style has turned out very good. John who has never looked so hot before also shows great comic timing. Priyanka apart looking extremely gorgeous throughout does a nice job. Bobby underplays his part well. Kirron Kher is now type cast as the loud Punjabi mom. She does the same old routine that she been doing in such roles. Boman is fun to watch. Sushmita Mukherjee as Priyanka’s aunt appears wasted.

All in all it’s a fun film not to be missed if you truly want to enjoy a love story with a ‘twist.’

Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, John Abraham, Bobby Deol, Kiron Kher at Dostana Movie Wallpaper

Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Bobby Deol, John Abraham at the Press conference of Dostana in Cinemax on 13th November 2008

Salman Khan, Preity Zinta, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol in the Still from movie Heroes

Watch the trailer of the movie HEROES starring Mithun Chakraborty, Preity Zinta, Sunny Deol, Salman Khan, Bobby Deol and Akshay Kumar.

HEROES Poster

Bobby has become pro-active – he had been a part of the music sitting, pre-production, post-production of his recently released “Chamku”, which was produced by his banner Vijayta Films Pvt. Ltd.

“It’s (’Chamku’) my baby. And I want to do this more often. It’s with my new film that I’ve become involved with our home production. I was involved with its shooting and post-production. I was like an apprentice on the job, learning about how to produce a film. My brother believes I’ve been lazy,” said Bobby.

Like his father Dharmendra and elder brother Sunny, Bobby is now fully into family concerns. But he is not ready to direct a film yet. “I’ve been part of this industry for years. And my brother is into direction. I don’t feel ready for it. I wish I was.”

What Bobby is ready for is another film with his father. “There’s no other way we can come together on screen. Sangeeth Sivan is directing it. It’s the story of a father and son discovering each other during a journey.

“Then I’m doing an action-comedy with Sunny Deol. But it won’t be just fun. We brothers will share a lot of emotional moments. We can’t come together without sharing emotions. That will be directed by Samir Karnik, who is another of my favourite directors. I’ve done two films with Samir and we Deols are very impressed by his work.”

Asked about outside films, Bobby said: “Though I’m open to outside offers it’s definitely more productive to do home productions where everything is under our control. And we have three in-house actors.”

Dharmendra recently underwent knee surgery in the US. “And he has recovered very well. I’m dying to work with him. We start in October end.”

– By Subhash K. Jha

While Bobby plays the title role of a Maoist in the film, Priyanka, who is his love interest in the movie, is a schoolteacher and is seen mainly in plain chiffons.

Bobby’s elder brother Sunny too had serious problems finding a female lead for his home production, “The Man”. It was Shilpa Shetty who came to Sunny’s rescue.

Apart from Priyanka, Bobby is thankful to Riteish Deshmukh who plays a cameo in “Chamku”.

“Riteish was very sweet. He agreed to play the small part of my friend in ‘Chamku’ without a second thought at a time when he’s busy doing major projects,” said Bobby who had once agreed to play Riteish’s elder brother in Vikram Bhatt’s “Bardasht”.

Bobby has now another problem at hand. After losing 10 kg for his role in “Chamku”, he is now heavily into chocolates. And his family is very worried.

“It wasn’t easy for me to lose weight. But once I made up my mind, I did it. But now I’m trying to make back that weight and bingeing on chocolates. I’m even stealing them from my sons,” laughed Bobby.

More dilemmas – Bobby had to cut his hair really short for the part.

“I was reluctant. But it was one of the pre-conditions for doing ‘Chamku’. I was wondering if I should grow it back to the way it was. I’ve decided to stick to short hair. I feel I can play more characters this way. Also, my hair dries after a shower even before I towel it. I also don’t have to use any hair product.”

Released Friday, the brutal film about oppression, injustice and Maoist rebellion was more in the news for its unusual title.

Commenting on that, Bobby said: “I thought ‘Chamku’ was just a working title. But it’s my character’s name. And it completely fits in.”

Bobby plays a guy from Bihar, who becomes a Naxalite after his family is brutally murdered.

“I play a guy who never gets choices in life. He has no beliefs, no desires until he meets a woman who makes him realise he has the right to happiness.”

Bobby recently appeared on the reality show “Dus Ka Dum”, being hosted by Salman Khan, and says it was his first ever appearance on any such show.

“It was my first reality show, and with Priyanka. In the beginning I was nervous. I’ve known Salman for years. He used to take me horse riding and for bike stunts. In 2000 and 2003 we did stage shows together. He made me comfortable on the show. So did Priyanka,” he said.

First things first – what kind of a name is “Chamku”? Is it the name of a detergent or a whitener? No, it’s the name of a Maoist-turned-government-assassin who later becomes an avenging angel.

Film: CHAMKU
Cast: Bobby Deol, Priyanka Chopra, Danny Denzongpa, Irrfan Khan, Ritesh Deshmukh
Director: Kabeer Kaushik
Rating: 1.5/5

This is director Kabeer Kaushik’s second film and he had raised hopes after his gritty “Seher”. One went to see the film with serious reservations about the name of the film and really nothing else.

One thought maybe Kaushik could turn around the luck of Bobby Deol, who is desperately in need of a hit. But soon you realise that Bobby, who plays the protagonist Chamku in the film, is luckless.

An evil Thakur shoots Chandrama Singh’s family. Chandrama’s name is shortened to Chamku by Maoist leader Danny Denzongpa and grows up as his favourite lieutenant. He’s serious, morose, with one single expression on his face. Clap clap, that’s called acting.

Then Chamku is encountered and lies in the hospital with the same depressed look as a government agent Irrfan Khan, dependable as usual, makes him an offer.

He’s now trained to kill, we’re told. So he goes around killing, till he meets lovely Priyanka Chopra, who is wasted in the film.

Here the director lets go of a potential comic sequence when Bobby is about to introduce himself to the girl. Eventually love happens, songs happen, even pregnancy happens. So much happens and Chamku looks even more depressed. By then, so are you.

It doesn’t take you long to understand that the Maoists and the government-assassin- looking-to-get-out angle is just a guise for an often repeated revenge drama. Danny’s character should have been etched out with better imagination. The action sequence set in a train is handled well, but it isn’t enough to redeem the film.

Honestly, there’s little shine in this “Chamku”.

Bobby Deol and Sunny Deol promote Chamku at Cinemax Thane on 28th August 2008