Kareena Kapoor-Kajol starrer latest flick �We Are Family�, which opened on Thursday (perhaps due to Janmashtami) at limited theatres for paid reviews, was received handsomely by the audiences and fetched Rs 2.7 crores on its first day.

Karan Johar, the producer of the flick, and distributors UTV were ecstatic about it doing better at the box office. The Siddharth Malhotra directed flick had Kareena Kapoor playing the character of Julia Roberts, which she had enacted in the original Hollywood flick �Stepmom�.

Kajol, the ravishing bollywood babe, enacted the part that was played in the Hollywood original by Susan Sarandon. The Indian audiences loved the sparkling confrontation of the two reigning divas of bollywood on the screen as competing wife/girlfriend of Arjun Rampal, who played the male lead in the film.

The part of Kajol�s kids played by youngsters�Aanchal Munjal, Nominath and Diya�was just fantastic and loved by audiences. Though the movie was not the original but a remake, it definitely had the trademark stylistic touch of ace filmmaker Karan Johar, and that must have weighed on the minds of audiences who came to watch the flick on first day.

However, being a family oriented flick, there was not usual mushy things that are generally associated with a Karan Johar�s production. Nonetheless, the word of mouth publicity did help the flick in garnering better response at the box office.

In any case the target audience of this Kareena Kapoor �Kajol starrer flick was women and the family audiences and that segment of society, as per reports, loved the flick.

As usual this segment of filmgoers takes time to watch a flick but they are consistent during the week and this makes a flick successful at the box office. Let us wait and watch for their responses towards �We Are Family� before saying anything with finality.

Kareena Kapoor and Kajol coming together after a long gap(they were last seen together around ten years ago in Karan Johar�s �Kabhi Khusi Kabhi Gham), is also an added advantage for the film.

The audiences love both the actresses�Kajol more for superb acting and Kareena for her stylish looks and fabulous acting.

Already Kareena Kapoor has been gushing about her role in �We Are Family� as well as about her working chemistry with Kajol in the film.

Kareena is also happy that the role had depth, and she was offered such a powerful role by such a big banner. She feels fully satisfied with her performance.

Kareena Kapoor talks about her personal and professional life as she completes 10 years in Bollywood
She’s hogged the limelight for more than just her acting — the size-zero debate, her sizzling romance with beau Saif Ali Khan… And, quietly completed a decade in the industry. As for her films, there have been many memorable performances, and a few, not so. Kareena Kapoor opens up on how she has matured over the years, her ‘colourful’ journey, her relationships, and her much-awaited We Are Family. Excerpts…

You’ve completed 10 years in the industry. How has the journey been?

Colourful! My first film Refugee is very special to me because I’ve been particular about being an actor, not a glam doll. My roles in Refugee, Dev, Chameli, Omkara, Jab We Met, 3 Idiots and Kurbaan have been varied; not many actors have done this. Some people have liked my work, some haven’t, but as I said, the journey has been colourful.

And, real life?

I’m a fun-lover who loves spending time with family and friends.

Your latest film We Are Family, the remake of the Julia Roberts-Susan Sarandon hit Stepmom, has a mature topic and a new director

I never felt it was Siddharth Malhotra’s first film as a director. He’s from a filmy family; he’s filmy himself. Siddharth is a very sensitive person.

He says you’ve surpassed Julia Roberts in the film…

It’s an honour that (producer) Karan Johar and Siddharth thought I could essay the role played by Julia Roberts. To me, after Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts is the finest actor. I haven’t watched We Are Family yet, but those who have, congratulated me. But, it’d be wrong to compare the two because the films were made in different times. And, the Hindi film industry is completely different in its approach. But, I’m satisfied with my performance. The character I’ve played is very forward-thinking, contemporary and powerful.

Does your role mirror your real life situation — Saif and his kids…?

No. My personal life and professional life are two different chapters.

You’re acting with Kajol in this film. How was the experience?

It’s an exciting challenge to be working with Kajol!

In Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Kajol and you played sisters. And, now you play the ‘other woman’.

We didn’t have many scenes together in Kabhi…. Here, we are shown as living under the same roof. We both have powerful roles, but I have a more complex and complicated role — it’s very easy to be the one who has the sympathy, but it’s very difficult to win that sympathy. I hope I’ve achieved what I set out to. I want people to say both of us are spectacular, and that it’s difficult to choose.

Has Kajol changed from Kabhi…to We Are Family?

She’s the same — spontaneous, bubbly and oozing energy. It’s lovely to have someone such as her on the sets, and we got along really well. Working with her is a dream come true. She’s a super entertainer.

Kajol says you have matured …

When I was in Kabhi…, I was quite a baby. Since, I’ve done several films, and it’s been a great journey.

Have you seen Kajol as a mother?

Both Kajol and Karisma are hands-on mothers. I don’t know if it’s something to do with their generation. As for me, I haven’t thought about being a mother.

Are you doing Madhur’s Heroine or have you forsaken it for a Karan Johar film?

I have committed to Madhur’s film. He is scripting the film; the script should be ready in two months.

You are way thinner now …

My weight has always been in the news, isn’t it? I’ve put on some weight now, and plan to be this way. I’m fit, I do yoga, I eat healthy — I’m a vegetarian.

What is the one advice you’d give Saif?

To work with Raju Hirani.

Kareena and Saif’s loving relationship is not new to Bollywood and their jodi is regarded as one of the hottest jodi in the B-town.

The latest buzz revealed that the actress might take two days leave to spend some time with her love Saif, on his birthday on Aug. 16.

Reportedly, the actress might go to Latvia, where Saif is shooting for his home production ‘Agent Vinod’.

Bebo requested for two days off to Shahrukh
Presently, Bebo is in London shooting with SRK for his forthcoming flick ‘Ra. One’. The gorgeous actress has requested for a two days off, from her London schedule, to Shahrukh.

A source said, “While the actress has requested leave of absence from SRK to promote We Are Family in Mumbai, she will take two more days off to go to Latvia.”

Though the actress did not reveal, officially, anything about her plans to celebrate Saif’s birthday, Kareena has asked for leave from her London shoot.

Kareena said, “I’m in London and will come to Mumbai this week and then, in September, when the film releases. As far as Saif’s birthday is concerned, I am not sure whether I will spend it with him or not. He’s shooting in Latvia and I am shooting in London. I haven’t asked Shah Rukh for two more days of leave. Saif and I have already spent some time in London.”

When asked about Saif’s birthday gift, Bebo said, “I haven’t bought anything as yet. I will have to think about it as he has everything. Maybe I will buy him something in London.”

Siddharth Malhotra quiet happy to work with Kareena and Kajol in ‘We Are Family’
Though Kareena is Siddharth Malhora’s cousin, directing the film with the two famed actresses, Kareena and Kajol, was a dream-come-true for Siddharth.

Debutant director Siddharth said, “Kareena’s grandmother Mrs. Krishna Raj Kapoor and my grandfather actor Premnath are siblings. So I’ve known her from my childhood. We’ve practically grown up together. When I went to Karan Johar with the idea of remaking Stepmom I told him that Kajol and Kareena were my first and last choices. Karan not only got me the remake rights, he also got me the two actresses”.

The super-excited director added, “According to me Kareena has surpassed Julia Roberts in the original. The two actresses are the best we have. And there was never an ego issue. Both actresses were super-professional. That is why it took two years to get remake rights and only 64 shifts to make my film.”

Reportedly, Siddharth was quite excited to work with Kajol and wants to work with her again.

“Kajol is addictive. No one can wok only once with her. She kept me on my toes. If you work with her you better do your homework, or she will grill you. Karan has taught me to know my characters on my fingertips,” said Siddharth.

Kareena Kapoor, who is an all time fan of the bubbly and effervescent Kajol, has been more impressed with the matured actress after working with her in the Karan Johar flick ‘We Are Family’.
Even though the two have worked earlier in KJO’S block buster movie ‘Kabhi Khushi Khabhi Gham’, as sisters, their bonding did not match up to that level.
However, in this forth coming flick, which is a remake of the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Step mom’, starring Susan Saradon and Julia Roberts, Kareena and Kajol got along like a house on fire.
The two have very challenging roles to play in the film, where both of them get married to the same man Arjun Rampal, and the mature Kajol has to put up with the young bride played by Kareena Kapoor who tries to interfere in Kajol’s life by even bossing over the kids, and stuff.
Thus, the movie has been completed, and the promotional strategies are to start soon, but as Kajol is about to enter the last couple of months in her second pregnancy, she will not be able to take in the stress of traveling so much for the promotion of ‘We Are Family’.
Thus, the entire responsibility of handling every bit of the promotion on her delicate shoulders, Kareena is all ready to give it a shot!

Well, certainly, Bebo is showing how good a tackler she is with woes in the family! Does this quality of taking more responsibity on her shoulder have anything to do with her role in ‘We Are Family’? We wonder! Great going Bebo!

Kareena Kapoor, the size zero sexy siren of bollywood who sizzled in flicks like ‘Kambakht Ishq’, ‘Tashan’ ,etc, in bikini, considers ‘Pretty Woman’, ‘Erin Brockovich’ actress Julia Roberts of Hollywood to be the most beautiful face of the world.

In fact, Kareena Kapoor feels inspired by Julia Roberts’ whole personality and was elated to be featured along with her on a magazine cover under the bracket of being the most beautiful woman of India( Julia featured as most beautiful of the world ).

However, Bebo is not talking here about Julia Roberts’ perfect features, and in fact, is impressed by her complete happy and fulfilled look, which shows from her glowing face. Julia Roberts seems to be at peace with herself, and whatever she has achieved or lost in life.

Incidentally, Julia Roberts had been in India shooting for a flick in Pataudi near Delhi but Kareena was too busy with her work to be able to meet her, despite of wanting to do so. Kareena is also doing a remake of Julia Robert’s flick ‘Stepmom’, which is being made by ace filmmaker Karan Johar.

Kareena is enacting Julia Roberts’ part in the film. Kajol also stars in the film with Kareena Kapoor and the expectations are very high with this pairing.

For the present, Kareena Kapoor is busy with Saif Ali Khan’s home production ‘Agent Vinod’, where in she plays the character of a person who needs to perform action sequence in plenty.

Saif Ali Khan is in the role of a secret agent and the movie is being made in Hollywood style with a touch of James Bond.

Hot and sultry sex siren Kareena Kapoor shall soon be hitting the stands decorating the cover page of the esteemed People Magazine in her naked skin.
Now, before you pop your eyes out in sheer anticipation of the delightful visualization, put a break to your fanciful thoughts. Of course, she would be clad in clothes (though, of late, she has shed tons of weight along with clothes) but her skin will be naked i.e. sans any make up.

The Bollywood actress who went de-glam in films like Chameli and a forgettable Dev asserts that she whole-heartedly believes in simplicity and naturalness. She pompously declares her addiction to being pristine and make-up free. However, one need not take her statements too seriously. Her statements are as inconsistent as Shilpa Shetty’s nose and often more untruthful than Aishwarya Rai’s link-up tale with Akshay Kumar.
However, speaking of her nude People look she basks in pride and vanity and says, “When they came to me with the concept and said they wanted to do the ‘India’s most beautiful’ issue, I was up for it. It is ironical that the international version of the same issue features Julia Roberts on the cover.”
One wonders if she would ever take the cover off from her heart and let her mind go nude and bare………..

The movie is not slated for release until November 5, but you can already now get a sneak peek of Kareena Kapoor’s upcoming comedy “Golmaal 3.” After starring in the box-office hit “3 Idiots” Kareena Kapoor takes on another ’3′ and is hard at work shooting her new movie “Golmaal 3″ in Goa and Hyderabad. The Rohit Shetty directed comedy co-stars Ajay Devgan and Arshad Warsi.
Bebo’s role has been described as a ‘tomboy’ and will be far from some of the more glam parts she has taken on in the past: “My look in Golmaal 3 is not glamorous. He’s young and grunge and maintenance of the weather and the appearance of Goa in mind. I play a tomboy, but with a feminine touch. Although to use language Tapori not be too abusive or vulgar. I will agree with my personality,” Kareena told reporters when asked about her role.

This is not the first time the “Kurbaan” star has had to take the glamour level down a notch. For her role in Karan Johar’s remake of the 1998 Julia Roberts movie “Stepmom,” the Bollywood beauty will portray an ordinary working woman, a stepmom. “I walk, talk and dress like an ordinary working girl. I’ll be using no makeup,” she revealed, adding “I’m going for a new hairstyle,” said about this part.
Sounds like everyone wants to take Kareena from glam to gloomy! “The last time I rehearsed for a part it was for Vishal Bhardwaj’s “Omkara.” However, that was a more unconventional film and role where I had to get into a milieu and character I knew nothing about. But Stepmom is urban and very contemporary. I play a very normal metro-centric working girl. It should’ve been easier,” Bebo added.
So take a look at Kareena Kapoor’s look in “Golmaal 3″ and tell us what you think; are you looking forward to seeing the movie? Drop us a line.

Kareena Kapoor who will soon be seen with beau Saif Ali Khan in ‘Kurbaan’ seems to be in awe of Hollywood. The actress who will be playing Julia Roberts’ role in Bollywood remake of 1998 Hollywood film ‘Stepmom’ has revealed how she’d love to be in films like ‘The Reader’ and ‘Revolutionary Road’, both films being great opportunities for actors to show their acting ability. Kate Winslet acted in both the films which Bebo wished would have been made in Bollywood.

The actress also likes the way international actors don’t mind the length of their role but the importance of it in the film. “I saw ‘Inglourious Basterds’ and even actors like Brad Pitt are not there in it throughout, in ‘Three Idiots’ I play a student but the film is male oriented and revolves around Aamir, Sharman and Madhavan more but someone has to start this and I am proud I have an interesting role to play in it.”

After Kareena imitated Sarah Jessica Parker’s style in ‘Kambakkht Ishq’, we wonder how far will Kareena go in terms of imitating Kate, after all Kate has no qualms in stripping off in almost every film she does! What say Bebo?

THE streets of North Sydney will be bursting with colour and song when filming of a Bollywood remake of Julia Roberts movie Stepmom gets underway.
Featuring brightly coloured saris and traditional Hindi singing and dancing with a modern twist, it will chart the story of an Indian family coping with the turbulence of a divorce.
The yet unnamed film which has the working title of Production Number 18 is the first Bollywood movie to be set entirely in Sydney and filming is due to start later this month.
“This movie will take Sydney to Bollywood and an audience of more than one billion people,’’ Virginia Judge, Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts, said.
Anu Sharma, head of Sydney-based film company Temple, said the production would also create almost 300 jobs including extras, cast members and crew.
It is the first Australian production from iconic film maker Karan Johar, principal of Dharma Productions, and will feature glamorous Bollywood stars Kareena Kapoor and Kajal.
“We are excited to showcase the very best that Australia has to offer and we hope to bring back some of the infectious spirit and charm that has become synonymous with Australia and Australians,’’ Mr Johar said.
Links between the Indian and Australian film industries date back to the 1940s while Mr Sharma said this project was a “big boost for Indo-Australian film links’’.
Director Siddhartha Malhotra said Sydney was a “film friendly place’’ which had the best locales worldwide and suited the script requirements.
Mr Sharma said the exact locations and dates of filming were yet to be finalised.

Bollywood is remaking Oscar winner Julia Roberts starrer 1998 Hollywood comedy-drama Stepmom.

Bollywood fans are curious to see how glamorous Filmfare winner Kareena Kapoor will fit into the shoes of working girl Roberts, who played a successful photographer Isabel Kelly in 1998 movie.

They find it quite unusual for Kapoor to look like an ordinary working girl, who is reportedly taking acting lessons just for this movie, shall flaunt a new hairstyle and shall not use any make-up.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed has strongly criticized Bollywood filmmakers for blatantly recreating Hollywood themes while ignoring India’s abundance of great tales ready for adaptation for the big screen.

India had a longstanding tradition of scriptural and folk tales and various languages of India were loaded with literary themes to choose from, Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, added.

Directed by Siddharth Malhotra and produced by Filmfare winner Karan Johar, Bollywood Stepmom will replace Oscar winner Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking) and Oscar nominated Ed Harris (Pollock) with Filmfare winners Kajol (Fanaa) and Arjun Rampal (Rock On!!) respectively.

While Hollywood Stepmom was filmed in New York and New Jersey states of USA, the Bollywood Stepmom will be shot in Australia and USA.

The storyline of Hollywood Stepmom was about how the children and ex-wife cope when a new woman (Julia Roberts) entered in their father’s life, who was a successful photographer, and did not plan to give up her work.