Top-Grossing Bollywood Actors

Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn are the only Bollywood actors whose films have grossed 100 crores (around £14m) at the box office.

3 Idiots, Ghajini, Ready, Dabangg and Golmaal 3 are the only films to have made 100 crores in the domestic market. Aamir Khan's 3 Idiots is the highest grossing Bollywood film of all time. Salman Khan's Dabangg and Ready follow in second and third place.

Devgn is next with Golmaal 3, while his recent release - the critically acclaimed Singham - continues to draw record-breaking audiences.

Trade analyst Vajir Singh told The Times of India: "Going by the extraordinary opening at single screens and a good opening at multiplexes, Singham will cross the 100 crore mark soon."

Speaking of his films' successes, Devgn said: "It feels great to have two films on the list of the biggest earners in Hindi cinema... that too through Golmaal 3 and Singham! It's unreal - much more than what we had hoped for. The flip side is that with great success comes a lot of pressure about your next film.

"Also, the success quotient changes every Friday. Today, it is my day; tomorrow it will be somebody else's. After 20 years of success and failure, it doesn't change or excite me much. Now I just try and make the audience happy. I am sure Salman and Aamir feel the same way."

Aamir, whose hit film 3 Idiots broke all opening day records, commented: "While I am very happy with the monetary success of both films, I have to confess that merely monetary success does not excite me.

"I think that films like Taare Zameen Par, Lagaan, Rang De Basanti and Dhobi Ghat enrich our emotions and have the ability to create a very positive, inspirational, happy and moving impact on us. What excites me is to be part of this life-changing experience for people and society. I thank my directors and writers for that."

Dabangg producer Arbaaz Khan said: "Salman enjoyed doing the films and the right music, action, characters and script worked for the films.

"But the business module is changing today along with a growing number of prints, theatres and multiplexes. What is a benchmark today will change with the economics of the business."

Aamir turns into item boy for Delhi Belly

MUMBAI: Producer-actor Aamir Khan, who has performed an item number titled I Hate You for his latest home production Delhi Belly, says it's time for "item boys" to rock Bollywood.

I want to become the number one item boy," Aamir told reporters here after unveiling the first look of the song on Wednesday.

Aamir, who will be seen in a retro look, aping veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty as 'Disco Fighter' in the much anticipated item number, says he is waiting for Salman's comments on it.

The 46-year-old actor will be seen in a new look that of a pass 80s disco dancer for the song.

Aamir said he had approached almost every actress and even item girl Rakhi Sawant but all of them avoided his calls and hence he decided to turn "item boy".

The film produced by Aamir Khan Productions stars Imran Khan, Vir Das, Kunal Roy Kapur, Poorna Jagannathan and Shenaz Treasurywala.

Directed by Abhinay Deo, Delhi Belly an adult comedy, releases on July 1.

Aamir Khan on lookout for item girl

Aamir Khan has revealed that he is on the lookout for a "fresh face" for an item number in the upcoming Delhi Belly.

The film, produced by the actor, depicts the adventures of three bachelors in the Indian capital.

He told Mumbai Mirror: "I'm looking out for someone. We have got quite a nice number, now we are thinking whom we can cast.

"It could be an established actor or a fresh face. If you have any suggestions, please let us know."

However, he added jokingly that he would be prepared to dance himself if they failed to find the right person for the role.

Khan said this week that he thought the film will hail a comeback for his nephew Imran Khan, who tackles the lead role in the ground-breaking Hinglish film.

Aamir Khan to host an Oprah-type talk show

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has been roped in to host a talk show, reveals Indian daily Mid-Day.

Yesteryear's quiz master Siddharth Basu's company Big Synergy is touted to produce it.

The daily says, Basu approached Khan a while ago with a show on the lines of The Oprah Winfrey Show.

The show aims to address common man's problems. The daily says, Khan warmed to 'this concept, as it deals with issues pertaining to the ordinary citizens of the country'.

One person will be picked per episode and the show host will pick and talk about any issue that the person is dealing with. The show will also include a documentary on the person's life and it will be shot in a packed studio, the paper said.

Khan is not tagged as Bollywood's Mr. Perfectionist for nothing. He not only plans to be involved in the making of each documentary but would like to meet and know his main guest before the shoot commences, the paper revealed.

Aamir Khan supports Anna Hazare's crusade against corruption

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has said the crusade against Corruption by eminent social activist Anna Hazare was extremely important and extended support to him, saying he is an inspiration to the youth of the country.

"Like the country supported the Indian cricket team in their struggle to win the World Cup, I hope and pray that your struggle, which is definitely more important and affects every one of us, will get even greater support", Aamir said in a letter to Hazare.

"I am among the thousands who are fully supportive of your effort", he wrote. Hazare has undertaken a fast unto death, demanding a joint committee to draft a strong Jan Lokpal bill.

Acclaimed director Shekhar Kapur said, "the test of the will of the nation is whether all the attention now goes to IPL or stays with Anna Hazare's patriotic movement" Actors Pyianka Chopra, Vivek Oberoi and Anupam Kher also pledged their support for Hazare's campaign.

Meanwhile, in Hazare's village Ralegaon Siddhi, a least 600 school children participated in a rally against corruption.

The village also observed a day-long shutdown in support of his cause.

The campaign for the Jan Lokpal bill saw strong support from corporate executives, students, traders and even government employees, who gathered here at the Azad maidan. They said the Bill was their only hope for a better and cleam government.

Aamir Khan is 'Maharashtrian of the Year'

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and Maharashtra Home Minister R.R.Patil received the 'Maharashtrian of the Year' award, instituted by leading Marathi daily Lokmat, at a function held recently.

While Aamir received the award in the entertainment category, Patil received it in the politics category. Others who received the award on the occasion include Kalpana JoshiSanjay Gaikwad (industry), Bhagwan Rampure (arts), Kavita Raut (sports), Dr Ravindra Kolhe and Smita Kolhe (social service). (science and technology),

Speaking on the occasion, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said, “Democratic systems and free media are true strengths of the state”. Delivering the welcome speech, Lokmat director and Rajya Sabha MP, Vijay Darda, voiced concerns about malnutrition, slow industrial progress rate, and farmers’ suicide among other aspects plaguing society.

The event also marked a social cause where Sanjeev Gupta of the leading outdoor branding agency Global Advertisers donated a sum for an adivasi (tribal) community clinic, earning applause from the audience.

The jury members included former High Court judge B.N.Deshmukh, Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, Anna Hazare, Lila Poonawala, Gulzar, Rajdeep Sardesai and Dilip Vengsarkar.

The event was also graced by Union Sports Minister Ajay Maken, state education minister Rajendra Darda, actors Jackie Shroff and Jeetendra and industrialist Gautam Singhania.

Kiran Rao's 'Dhobi Ghat' Is All Set To Create Magic

Kiran Rao, wife of Aamir Khan is the centre of all the attention for her debut film Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries).The film Dhobi Ghat deals with the story of four youngsters who hail from different backgrounds and when they form relationships, the essence of the city is brought out through the characters. It is a story about love and also speculates on loss and loneliness. The lives of the youngsters get changed forever when they get into a relationship.

Kiran has added that through her film, she has tried to give us a real picture of the City of Dreams-Mumbai. Kiran has added that she has tried her best to make the film look real through Dhobi Ghat, Kiran also has tried to show all the aspects of Mumbai. The story of the film is fresh and has never been depicted before on-screen. Kiran remarked that though initially, she did not want her husband Aamir to play a role in the film, eventually she gave in when she did not find anyone suitable for the role of Arun. Kiran wanted a fresh actor to play the part, so that the film looks real. However, when Aamir was auditioned Kiran finally zeroed him.

The music of the film has been scored by Gustavo Santaolalla who is a Golden Globe and Academy Award winner. Kiran is a huge fan of him and wanted him to work on her project. Finally, with Aamir's intervention, he was brought on board.

Aamir is all praises for Kiran after reading the script of the film and has added that she is very talented as an actor and a director.

Dhobi Ghat releases on January 21, 2011 and make sure you catch it.

Reema Kagti's brothel scenes in debate

Producers of Reema Kagti's new film are reportedly concerned over plans to shoot scenes in real brothels.

Portions of the film starring Rani Mukherji and Kareena Kapoor and produced by Bollywood star Aamir Khan were allegedly to be filmed in the brothels of Kamatipura.

But this is now up for debate after concerns were raised. News agency DNA reported a source as saying: "Firstly, it disturbs the daily routine of the area and the occupants fear that the shooting will disrupt their business. Moreover, there are some serious security concerns over shooting with stars of the stature of Aamir Khan, Rani and Kareena."

Neither Kapoor nor Mukherji have yet agreed to shoot the scenes, but according to reports the decision is in the hands of the director and producer.

"Aamir and Reema together will have the final word on the matter. If they decide on a real location then, of course, everything right from the security of the actors to the logistics will be sorted out," added the source.

Never thought of changing surname: Kiran Rao

Unlike other star wives, Kiran Rao - the better half of superstar Aamir Khan - uses her maiden surname and says that the thought of changing her surname to Khan never occurred to her or to Aamir.

"I've grown with my name and have had it for so many years. I have always wondered how people change their names. I'm quite comfortable with Rao and even Aamir is, he never asked me to change my surname," Kiran told reporters here

"I don't mind calling myself Mrs. Khan but its definitely nicer to be called what I have been referred to for all these years," she added.

Kiran, who was at an event to launch a new promo of her forthcoming directorial debut "Dhobi Ghat", also revealed that she is a fan of Salman Khan and initially had wanted a special appearance by the actor in her film.

"In the film, Prateik's character is someone who wants to be an actor and is a huge fan of Salman Khan, so initially when I was writing the film, I had thought I'll ask Salman to make a guest appearance but then that part didn't fit in the film at all, so we dropped it.

"I myself like Salman a lot and this is my tribute to him. Since we have shown that Prateik's character has his (Salman's) posters in his room and wears a bracelet which is quite similar to the one Slaman wears in real life," she said.

"Dhobi Ghat", slated for a Dec 21 release, also stars Aamir and is the story of four individuals and how their lives are intertwined with each other.

Aamir cancels French honeymoon

Prefers to work on Dhobi Ghat than go on a romantic holiday with his wife, the director

The Aamir Khan-Kiran Rao shaadi turned five yesterday. The biwi had planned an trip for two to the south of France to mark the occasion.

Aamir not only cancelled the plan but preferred to work rather than have a holiday.

This is the first time in three years that the actor didn't have a release during the holidays (TZP, Ghajini and 3 Idiots were all December releases).

Despite the odds working in her favour, 'K' had to succumb to her husband's demands and ended up cancelling the vacation.

A source reveals, "Aamir and Kiran haven't gone on an official honeymoon.

This time around, they didn't have any release around Christmas, Kiran excitedly made all enquiries and was planning a short trip to her favourite destination the south of France.

She loves backpacking and going to remote places. Her idea was to take off on the Christmas Eve and return on Jan 2."

Aamir had initially planned to stay away from the promotion of Dhobi Ghat and let 'K' take centrestage, he has now cited a reason to forego the vacation.

The source adds, "Aamir wants to concentrate on the mixing of Dhobi Ghat. He feels if they delay the sound mixing it might hamper the further promotion and marketing of the project.

Kiran's plans went for a toss when Aamir suggested they concentrate on the film and postpone their holiday for a later date." Aamir confirms, "Yes, Kiran wanted to go for a holiday, she has been planning a holiday for longest time."

'Dhobi Ghat' to be released in two versions

Aamir Khan's production venture "Dhobi Ghat", which is the directorial debut of his wife Kiran Rao, will be released in two versions - one completely in Hindi and the other with a few scenes in English.

"The film has 8-10 scenes in English. But we realized that people who are not very comfortable with the language would be in a tough spot. So we dubbed those scenes in Hindi," Aamir told reporters here.

"We will release the film in two versions. One will be completely in Hindi and the other will have the original English dialogues. People can choose the version they want to see," he said.

The 45-year-old confirmed that both the versions will be released Jan 21.

When asked the reason for two versions when he could have also gone in for subtitles, the actor-producer informed: "We didn't want to keep subtitles because a lot of people don't like reading while seeing the film and many people can't read, so dubbing was a better option."

"Dhobi Ghat" that stars Aamir along with Prateik Babbar, Monica Dogra, Kriti Malhotra, Kitu Gidwani and Nafisa Khan is a film about four characters from different classes of society and how their lives are interwined.

"I'm very happy for the film. Kiran has beautifully implemented what she intended to make. It's a very different film, an arthouse film that we haven't seen for a while.

"It's a film about moments. Kiran has shot at real locations with a small crew, so it has a real feel about it. She has brought about the vibrancy and colour of Mumbai very well," he added.

Aamir Khan 'anxious about Rao's script'

Aamir Khan has admitted that he was worried when his wife told him she was writing a film script.

The actor said that he hoped Kiran Rao would not finish the script she was working on to save any uncomfortable situations if he didn't think it was right.

"Every time she mentioned she was working on it I prayed that she would not complete it, and in time would abandon it," Khan said about the script for Dhobi Ghat, his production directed by wife Rao.

However, when Rao finished it, Khan said that he had nothing to worry about and was blown away by his wife's work.

"From the first scene itself, the script just sucked me in," he added.

Rao's debut Dhobi Ghat featured in the lineup of the London Film Festival and will be released on January 22.

Aamir Khan goes bald again

Aamir Khan has again don 'Ghajini' look. He has shaved off his hair. It is assumed that he has chopped his hair for his new film.

Aamir Khan can go to any extent to bring perfection to his role. He takes every pain to look perfect. Whether going bald or growing thick moustache, he never compromises with his role.

It is believed that his new avatar is for his new film to be directed by Reema Kagti and co-produced by Aamir and Excel Entertainment. In this movie, Aamir Khan will play a cop.

He has not completely shaved off his hair but kept very short hair and left it to grow to take the shape that he is looking for.

A source close to Aamir confirmed, "Aamir has shaved his head, but not completely. It's basically a look which resembles the one he had in Ghajini."

His favorite hair stylist Avan Contractor had shaved off his hair for 'Ghajini' but this time a new hair dresser has been assigned. "The shaving happened on November 8. It was done at his residence. Obviously, nobody else was present except a new hairdresser and Aamir's family", added the source.

"Now, Aamir will growing his hair all over again. And he shall settle on the crop which he feels would best suit him."

Will Aamir Have Koffee With Karan?

Aamir 'perfectionist' Khan, who is known to keep a distance from the small screen, despite the fact that all the other top stars are making a beeline for it, is being given a sort of informal invitation or so, from the ace director and producer of B town, Karan Johar!

Recently, there have been reports suggesting that Karan Johar would be glad to have Aamir on his chat show, 'Koffee with Karan', season 3 , which will start next Sunday.

However, the question is will Mr. Perfectionist have Koffee with Karan? Will he agree to appear on the small screen? Will it be impossible to get the Khan brand for the show?

There are too many questions to be answered, and very few options, as most of these answers would stop at, most probably a "No", with a capital 'N'.

Thus, if at all, Aamir Khan does appear in the show, it should really be a show which will create a lot of buzz in tinsel town!

Considering the fact that Aamir Khan is the only Khan, who does not find the small screen such an attractive prospect, but of course, he did come on telly for the promotion of his film Fanaa, with Kajol, who was his co- actor in the film.

But, to get the star for a chat show is nothing less than a herculean task, and if Karan Johar, the director with the panache, manages to convince Aamir 'perfectionist' Khan, then, this could be the biggest bumper show for all Aamir Khan Fans!

Indian cinema going through a change

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, whose recent films 3 Idiots and Peepli Live has hit the right notes with the audience, says that Indian cinema is going through a change and there is demand for varied content.

"I feel that Indian Cinema is constantly going through a change. Nothing is static. It is nice to see that the audience wants to see varied subjects and different kinds of movies," Aamir told PTI.

In London for the release on September 24 of Peepli Live, a political satire about farmer suicides in India, Aamir, who has produced the film, said it has done "really well" in India, USA, Middle East and Australia.

"I am happy with the way Anusha Rizvi has made the film. This is her first film as writer and director and I think she has been able to translate the script onto the screen very well," said Aamir.

Aamir, who made his directorial debut with Taare Zameen Par in 2007 and starred in a supporting role, said that the film was not expected to do well.

"That is a new phenomena. Ten years back you would not expect a film like that to do well," he said.

When asked whether it is the social issue or any particular message that drives him to do a film, the actor-director-producer replied in the negative.

While admitting that Peepli Live has a specific message, his next film Dhobi Ghat, written and directed by his wife Kiran Rao, has no message.

"It is just about the lives of people. Dhobi Ghat is about the life of four characters in the city of Mumbai and how their lives affect each other. It is also about the city itself which is the 5th character of the film. Again there is no social issue or message in it," said Aamir.

When a script is offered to the 45-year-old actor, it is important for him to react to it instinctively to be able to say yes to the film.

"Me being attracted to a script is a very instinctive reaction. When I am reading a script, I am like an audience. The script which touches me, moves me, makes me laugh or cry, enriches me in any way or I get excited, that is the kind of film I have been doing all along," said Aamir.

"Each film is an experience because I get to learn more. The field of film-making is quite fascinating. While producing Taare Zameen Par, I had to do a lot of research about education and children with learning disabilities," he added.

The actor further said that his 1998 film Sarfarosh, in which he played an honest cop engaged in fighting border terrorism, was also a learning experience.

"I came to know so much about the police force and their problems. We constantly complain about them but we don't understand what they go through," said Aamir, adding that he got superb feed back after the film's released.

"Every cop I met told me it is such an accurate story showing exactly what happens. At least someone is showing police in the proper light," said Aamir.

Similarly, after the runaway success of Taare Zameen Par, "the way parents and teachers reacted and the way the education system reacted was tremendous. There have been a lot of policy changes after that."

"That is what I like about cinema. You touch people's lives, you make them laugh, you make them cry, you make them think, you make them feel. I find that fascinating," said Aamir.

'Dhobi Ghat' wins praise at TIFF

Aamir Khan's newest project Dhobi Ghat has won acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

According to IANS, TIFF co-director Cameron Bailey lauded the actor's performance in the picture.

"Dhobi Ghat has Aamir Khan in a role of an artist that you often don't see him in - he has done a terrific job," he said.

Director Kiran Rao also won praise from the festival organiser.

"I think she is part of a generation of filmmakers that we are seeing come up now in India - a new school in international cinema.

"This generation is not making films out of the Indian commercial cinema context, but making films that are referencing American independent cinema or European cinema or Asian cinema," said Bailey.

Dhobi Ghat is expected to release commercially at the end of 2010.

Aamir heads to Toronto for Dhobi Ghat screening

Popular actor-filmmaker Aamir Khan is preparing to fly to Toronto for the screening of his wife Kiran Rao's directorial debut Dhobi Ghat at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

"Getting ready to leave for Toronto. First screening of Dhobi Ghat on Sept 10 at the festival. Too many nervous days too close together," Aamir posted on his Facebook page.

The film festival is to be held Sep 9-18.

In Dhobi Ghat, Aamir plays the lead role of a painter. Set in Mumbai, the film revolves around four people who are separated by class and language but drawn together in compelling relationships.

Actor Pratiek Babbar too plays a key role in the film.

Aamir Khan brokers Euro film deal

Aamir Khan has visited Europe to discuss how to help his films reach international audiences.

The actor-cum-producer, who has three new films - Peepli Live, Dhobi Ghat and Delhi Belly - due for release, is keen for his movies to be seen by people across the world.

"He is tying up with the distributors on this trip," a source told Mid Day. "During his last holiday in Europe, he had his first round of meetings and now he is making it official and signing up with the distribution houses that impressed him. Aamir was thrilled by the response Peepli Live got at Sundance and other film festivals.

"He feels that his next three productions should be screened at arthouse theatres that don't generally release Hindi films. He believes that there is a huge market for Indian movies to be seen on a global scene."

The source also claimed that Khan held talks with Artificial Eye, Path, 20th Century Fox and Warners.