Karan Johar has denied reports that Short Term Shaadi headlining Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor is an adaptation of the Hollywood film ‘What Happens in Vegas.’

“The movie is not an adaptation. It is an original story written by the writer of the film and Shakun (Batra) is the director of the film with Imraan and Kareena in it. It is not an adaptation of ‘ What happens in Vegas,’” Johar told TOI.

The film is scheduled to be shot in Las Vegas starting early October.

Johar, whose recently released film – We Are Family – is an official adaptation of Stepmom, says he is open to more adaptations, but only when there is logic to it.

“Adaptation is a director’s prerogative. But it should not be an order of the day or a norm or a herd mentality. If it happens naturally and organically then why not,” Johar added.

Johar also rubbished recent press reports that he wants Kareena’s makeover in the film to be: size zero, short haircut, and skimpy clothes.

“I have not had any conversation about this with Kareena. This is just taken off and acquired it’s own life. She will look the way she does – lovely and beautiful like she is,” Johar said.

“I have asked her (Kareena) to throw out all her old clothes and fill her wardrobe with chaddis (shorts) and other skimpy outfits. She has to sport a short haircut and I also want her to try and get herself into a size minus (not a size zero) because she has to match Imran Khan perfectly for my film tentatively titled Short Term Shaadi,” Karan Johar was quoted as saying by TOI on August 23.

The yet to be launched film has been in the news for other dubious reasons.

Back in July, when the film was announced, there were reports that Imran had clashed with the director over title of the film. Imran wanted the Short Term Shaadi title to be finalized, but Shakun wasn’t too pleased with it.

Later, Johar had clarified that at Dharma Productions they go by what director envisions being right.

Sure, we believe that.

We all know from Siddharth Malhotra’s tweets and interviews how hard he’s trying to be like mentor Karan Johar. The We Are Family director has announced his fidelity to Dharma Productions and swears to work only with Karan Johar from now on!

Kareena Kapoor has been in the news for many reasons; her stepmom act, as Saif Ali Khan’s girlfriend and what-not. Well, the size-zero actress is now throwing tantrums even before she’s begun to act in Madhur Bhandarkar’s Heroine!

If Kareena can snub directors, looks like others can do it to Saif too. Vishal Bhardwaj said that he wasn’t even approached with the script for Ekta Kapoor’s Dreams.

Chocolat boy (or man) Johnny Depp is the highest paid actor in Hollywood in 2010. The handsome star is followed by Ben Stiller and Tom Hanks.

We’ll leave you to drool on that for now…

The combination of ace filmmaker Karan Johar and his friend, Kajol, has resulted in blockbusters such asKuch Kuch Hota and My Name is Khan early this year.

TOP TEAM: Nominath Ginsburg, Kajol, Diya Sonecha, Aanchal Munjal and Arjun Ramphal feature in the outstanding movie ‘We Are Family’

Johar and Kajol also worked together in the family tear-jerker Khabi Khushi Khabie Gham, which starred Kareena Kapoor. While Johar and Kajol have developed a strong friendship, his bond with Kapoor soured after Khabi Khushi Khabie Gham. The feisty actress turned down Kal Ho Na Ho due to financial reasons.

After they put their differences aside and worked on the flop Kurbaan, Kapoor and Kajol were, undoubtedly, the only choices for the leading roles in We Are Family, inspired by the Hollywood flick Stepmom, which featured Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon. The movie also marks the directorial debut of Siddharth Malhotra, who was confidently supported by Dharma Productions. We Are Family, which ranks as one of the biggest films of the year, also stars Arjun Ramphal, who is having a great run at the box office after being highly appreciated in Houseful and Rajneeti.

STORY:

The movie poses an interesting question – can two women run a house? Well, that’s the interesting dilemma that erupts in this powerful drama about the joys and sorrows of marriage and motherhood. The movie opens with a key pointer that Maya (Kajol) and Aman (Ramphal) were once married with three kids, but since their divorce three years ago, they have constantly shared a pleasant relationship. When Aman introduces a young and beautiful fashion designer named Shreya (Kapoor) to his ex-wife and children, all hell breaks loose as their first encounter turns out to be a disaster. However, when Maya learns of a tragedy, she makes difficult decisions that tears her world apart. What was once a happy family is about to undergo their most difficult journey ever.

DIRECTION:

I remember the immense excitement the first promotion of this movie created across the world. I remember raving like a typical Bollywood fanatic counting the days and nights before the released. But one thing is sure – it has not met my expectations, but actually superseded them.

Though inspired by Stepmom, Malhotra has carefully added the respected Indian values and cultures, and does a perfect job by balancing his characters in a riveting script. It’s essentially the relationship between the two women that makes this movie hold tremendous appeal, especially for South African audiences. Maya and Shreya have different qualities and circumstances, equally loving and hating each other at the same time. It’s a compelling tale with its fair share of cute and adorable light-hearted moments.

PERFORMANCES:

When Malhotra insisted he was not going to make this movie without Kajol, it was the right decision. I may be biased to the actress but her work is nothing short of impeccable. She is outstanding as Maya and gives another superlative performance, displaying so many emotions that cannot be matched by many other actresses. Kajol should be a front contender thus far in the category of Best Actress of the year.

Kapoor is a delight and the perfect choice as Shreya – she is sexy, smart and confident. Kapoor proves she will always rank as one of the greatest in this challenging industry. When these two women come together in the dramatic moments, their chemistry and acting skills are nothing short of world-class. Despite being slightly sidelined, Ramphal holds his owns with a restrained and subdued performance. He scores in the emotional scenes and lets his facial expressions do the talking, and he is superb. The kids are adorable and make the movie more appealing. The casting coup has to be the movie’s strongest point. Thankfully, the leading ladies bonded well, while shooting progressed without any cat-fights.

WHAT I LIKED:

Everything from start to finish but some of the most memorable scenes include the party and the introduction of Shreya, the bond between Maya and the kids, the tragedy that occurs and events that follow the family having fun, dinner with the family and a masterful climax which will naturally increase the sale of tissues. The climax has to rank as one of the most clever and heart-breaking ever.

OVERALL:

I remember many years ago having a debate with colleague Varshan Sookhun as we disagreed about two actresses in the industry. While Sookhun was a huge Manisha Koirala fan, I predicted that Kajol would rule the industry for many years. Luckily, my prediction has come true. Take the family along, take the neighbours, take your friends because somewhere in our lives we all have come across a Maya and Shreya – two different women with the same passion and devotion to their family. We Are Family is a tear-jerker that ranks as one the most electrifying movies this year.

By this time it is well known that Dharma Production’s latest offering We Are Family starring Kajol, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal is a Bollywood remake of Hollywood’s Stepmom that starred Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts. It is also quite clear that the stars have claimed time and again that the film is not a replica of the Hollywood blockbuster.

Recently, Kareena Kapoor has taken it upon herself to claim that her role of the stepmom is far removed from the same role that was essayed by Julia Roberts. “There are no similarities whatsoever between Shreya, the character I play in We Are Family, and the role essayed by Julia Roberts in Stepmom. Of course, given the fact that We Are Family is an official adaptation of Stepmom, comparisons will be there but I have played this part the way I would have done it. In fact, besides the fact that both (the character played by Julia and Kareena) are career driven women there are no similarities,” Kareena stated during promotions of the film.

Now, it is already common knowledge that each actor plays each role different with new flavour and zest, but is that enough for Kareena to claim that her role is completely different than Julia’s? We will have to see to find out!

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.

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor had earlier expressed her wish to act with her big sister Karisma Kapoor but not in the much-hyped film We Are Family. She thinks that Karisma can’t play the role played by Kajol.

Buzz up!
Kareena said that Karisma couldn’t do the film, as the film required them to marry the same man. She added that both Karisma and Kajol are mothers and have the experience of raising children in real life.

The bold and beautiful actress is all praise for her co-star. She said that it was an honour to be part of the film because she was excited by the challenge of sharing the screen space with Kajol. They had earlier acted together in Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham.

We Are Family is a remake of Hollywood film Stepmom. Karan Johar is producing it with Siddharth Malhotra as the director. It is scheduled for release this Friday, September 3.

Kareena Kapoor has touched the 40th-movie mark in Bollywood and is finally in her dream shape. And no it’s not size zero. The actress who’s tried to do “something different” in her career’s 40th film We Are Family speaks to Parmita Uniyal on the movie, minus size zero news and

‘I’m not playing Julia’
The actress who’s stepping into the shoes of Hollywood superstar Julia Roberts says that her character is written very differently from Roberts, and there are no similarities between the two characters. “We Are Family might be the remake of Stepmom, but there are no similarities with Julia Roberts. Comparisons are obvious though.”

Moving towards half-century of movies
Kareena Kapoor reveals that We Are Family would be her 40th film, and she’s put in a lot of effort to make the role stand out. “This is my 40th film and I wanted to make it special. I have portrayed this role in my own style and what Siddharth had visualised for me.”
‘Minus size zero? I’m putting on weight’
Kareena laughs off rumours that she’s going minus size zero for Karan Johar’s Short Term Shaadi opposite Imran Khan. “Yeah, I read that news while I was in the flight. Forget about minus size zero, I’ve put on weight now. And I am happy with this. I’ve also believed in being fit and healthy. This is how I want to look. It’s false news.

Why’s Karan spreading false rumours?
Kareena Kapoor is amused with reports that Karan Johar has been giving quotes to media that Kareena was getting into size zero mould for his upcoming movie. She says laughing, “Well Karan never told me that I have to go size zero for his movie. I’ll have to call him and find out. Frankly, I don’t think I would want to go size zero again.”

‘Can’t think like a mom right now’
Kareena Kapoor might have won the heart of her on-screen stepchildren in the movie, but she’s in no mood to imagine herself as a mother right now. “I’m going to think about that at a later stage, not now. But I’m a good aunt to my sister’s children.”

‘Kids are adults in We Are Family’
Kareena Kapoor is all praise for her on-screen stepchildren and thinks that as far as their acting was concerned, they were more like adults. “They acted like professionals. It didn’t seem they were acting for the first time. They were so well-behaved and matured that it was a pleasure to work with them.”

Kareena Kapoor is quite proud to be a part of We Are Family. “We Are Family is the remake of the Hollywood film Stepmom,” said Kareena. “It is a big honour for me that I am part of this film and that they have taken me for the role which was played by Julia Roberts.”

“Normally, we in Bollywood – and in India – copy Hollywood films, but we never admit it. But this is an official remake. So whether you call it Stepmom or We Are Family, both are the same.”

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 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.