Kareena’s new, improved sense of humour

For those not familiar with the franchise let me recap some pertinent facts and figures related to the films. ‘Dhoom’ produced by Aditya Chopra and directed by Sanjay Gadhvi released in 2004 was written by Vijay Krishna Acharya and did a business of approximately Rs 72 crores. ‘Dhoom 2’ came in 2006 and garnered a business of over 100 crores and finally ‘Dhoom 3’ collected over 530 crores in two weeks in 2013 and is still counting. While John Abraham, Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Katrina Kaif and Aamir Khan came and went, Jay Dixit/ Abhishek and Ali/ Uday Chopra and Vijay Krishna Acharya who wrote story of ‘Dhoom’, screenplay of ‘Dhoom 2’ and directed ‘Dhoom 3’ were the constants with the franchise.

Sharing the dais with me was Vijay Krishna Acharya and Abhishek Bachchan. We discussed the making of a franchise and pondered on issues like budget, time frame and blocking of dates, artiste contracts, other commitments and came up with startling revelations. One discovered for instance that that producer Aditya Chopra never planned ‘Dhoom’ as a sequel and approached it as one film at a time depending on the faring of the earlier film which is why there is two-year gap between the first and second and a longer gap between the second and the third. “Adi thought he was done with ‘Dhoom’ when he suddenly decided to make part 3 after seven years” said Acharya. Separate contracts were drawn each time which Abhishek explained was an advantage for both the producer and the actor to negotiate new clauses and time frame.” Acharya shared that he had no clue he was going to be directing ‘Dhoom 3’ until he was summoned into Adi’s room to be given the good news. Acharya had directed ‘Tashaan’ for YRF and ‘Dhoom’ was a bonus.

A topic that came up for aggressive discussion in another seminar was the diminishing dignity during the promotion of a film. Who is to be blamed for the trivialising of news, the filmmaker or the media? I guess both. The producer gets desperate and the media is hungry for any news – however illogical it may sound. Clearly this isn’t the best time to be in journalism but it is taxing time for being in public relations because they have to make headlines out of nothing! Last read an item about Kareena Kapoor reacting to a newcomer as a look-a-like of Sister Karisma Kapoor. Anybody who knows Bebo will agree that she will never find anybody good enough to be compared to her sister but she must have let that pass for better preoccupations. These days I’m sent press releases about Nargis Fakhri feeling excited about wearing a bikini in a forthcoming film. She was a riot on the show with Karan on TV and this sounds even crazier. Smart girl Sonam Kapoor, to not discuss anything in print and quietly walk into a frame cladding a bikini for Yash Raj Films ‘Bewaqoofiyaan’ and smart boy Varun Dhawan for not making a big deal about his six pack or lip lock scene for father David Dhawan’s ‘Main Tera Hero’ produced by Balaji Motion Pictures where Varun stars with Ileana D'Cruz and Nargis Fakri in lead roles.

In that sense there is a lot to learn from Kangana Ranaut who has proved a Queen in every respect after her sensational performance in the film. Ranaut was far from desperate during her promotion and the confidence reflected in her simple attire – cotton shirt and jeans devoid of makeup when addressing print and electronic media. Remember how she sat quietly listening to Priyanka Chopra wax eloquent during the promotion rounds of ‘Krrish 3’ and took the thunder from everyone with her spectacular look and performance! She has been low key about her forthcoming Revolver Rani letting the publicists talk as much as they want about her co-star Vir Das and all the inconsequential details.

Kareena Kapoor has transformed as a person after marriage to Saif Ali Khan and this reflects in her vocabulary, sense of humour and reading habits. Kapoor has always been candid and spoken from the heart but now she is witty and articulate and it comes from the company she keeps. She was sparkling at the launch of her trainer Rujuta Diwekar’s latest book titled ‘Don’t Lose out work Out’ published by Westland Ltd and gave her all the credit for what she is today. Kareena complimented Rujuta for her guidance and expertise in her life and now, husband Saif Ali Khan’s life as well. “Rujuta is the only other woman in my husband’s life” she joked. Rujuta dressed in net saree and backless blouse like a star cherished the compliments bestowed on her. She said that in the plethora of diet fads and fears, her voice rings loud and clear, urging us to use our common sense and un-complicate the act of eating. ‘You can eat everything and remain slim. I know this sounds too good to be true like being in love with your man and being married to him, but trust me it is possible with correct eating and exercise!’

I have purchased the book and intend to follow her formula, will let you know soon if the mantra works.

Bhawana Somaaya / Tweets @bhawanasomaaya