This dream has been a long time coming. When on Jan 22 the epic film “Veer” hits theatres, Bollywood actor Salman Khan would have fulfilled his dream of 20 years. The movie’s first look will be unveiled Friday with “De Dana Dan”.

“‘Veer’ has been a 20-year dream of Salman Khan. His involvement in this particular project is tremendous especially because he lived with the script for so long. It’s like a dream come true for him,” said a source close to the actor in a press statement.

The much-talked about film is about the bravery of a Pindari soldier and speaks of bravery exemplifying the courage of every oppressed Indian fighting for justice and independence. Directed by Anil Sharma, the film features Salman in never seen before avatar along with newcomer Zarine Khan.

Former Miss UK Lisa Lazarus too plays an important role in the film that also stars Mithun Chakraborty and Jackie Shroff along with Sohail Khan and Bharat Dabholkar.

“Salman has gone all out for this film. He has worked hard on his look for ‘Veer’ – right from the styling to his toned physique. The film has turned out great much to everyone’s delight and is touted as Salman Khan’s greatest work,” said the source.

Produced by Vijay Galani, the film will be realeased worldwide by Eros International.

Galani has roped in Sajid Wajid for the music and Oscar winner Gulzar for the lyrics. This is composer duo’s first historical film.

Khandala, (BollywoodWorld.com) Clad in a red sari and flaunting diamonds and emeralds, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Sunday exchanged wedding vows with London-based businessman Raj Kundra in a close-knit family affair here in this Maharashtra hill station.

“Everything went very well. All parents want their children to get married happily and that goes the same for Shilpa’s parents as well. They are very happy,” said Kiran Bawa, Shilpa’s friend and business partner, after the wedding.

“Raj and Shilpa both were very nervous before the marriage but now they are happy. We are going straight to Raj’s house in Mumbai,” she added.

Wearing a red sari designed by Tarun Tahiliani, the 34-year-old exchanged vows with Kundra as per the Bunt tradition, according to the Mangalorean community that the Shettys belong to.

The groom was sporting a maroon sherwani with golden embroidery and a turban with his face veiled by a sehra (string of pearls). He was also holding a sword in his hand, as per Indian tradition.

Kundra left Amrit Villa, located about five minutes away from Bawa Villa, where the wedding was held, in a two-horse chariot.

Photographers scrambled to train their cameras at the goings-on while curious star-gazers were kept at bay by both private and police security.

Sunday’s wedding was the climax of the two-day festivities that included a sangeet ceremony Saturday night here.

The buzz around the marriage started early this year and had been steadily getting louder even though Shilpa denied it officially before getting engaged to Kundra late October.

Expected at the marriage were celebrities like the Bachchan family, Shah Rukh Khan and family, the Kapoors, Rekha, Farah Khan, Salman Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Karan Johar, the Deols and Sushmita Sen.

However, noticed prominently on the occasion were only actors Rohit Roy, Jackky Bhagnani and Tahiliani.

Shilpa also delighted fans by posting a blog entry titled “This is it” on her D-day.

“Thanks for all the best wishes from family and friends…Will write to you very soon… As Shilpa Shetty Kundra. This is it,” she posted on www.shilpashettylive.com/blog Sunday morning.

Shilpa met Raj after her win on the British reality show “Big Brother” in 2007.

Shilpa’s sister, actress Shamita who was participating in the third edition of “Bigg Boss”, withdrew voluntarily from the show to attend the wedding.

Akshay Kumar received the Olympic Torch from Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the Trident-Oberoi in Mumbai, as part of Mr Harper‘s visit to India. As reported earlier this week on Bollyspice, Akshay, a martial arts expert, has been invited to be India's representative at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. "Anything remotely related to sports in India is reminiscent of Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, he has taken Asia by storm and has universal appeal," said a source for the event.

It's a busy week for Akshay as work begins today on Patiala House, his new film with Anushka Sharma. The producers are taking an unusual approach to casting a young Akshay for some of the earlier scenes of the movie - they are going to run a national competition to find a suitable 17-year-old. "The film's team was tired of auditioning and watching show reels," a source for the production said, "None of the boys fulfilled the requirements. So, Akshay suggested that they conduct a nation-wide hunt. The participants essentially have to match Akshay's height and body language."

Akshay has also signed up for Farah Khan's next Tees Maar Khan, her third directorial venture. The script has been written by Farah's husband Shirish Kunder and will begin filming in March. "I wrote this film with Akshay in mind," explained Shirish, "My first film Jaaneman was with him and we share a good rapport. Initially, I was supposed to direct Tees Maar Khan but since it's our first home production, Farah and I decided that I'll produce it and she'll direct it."

Red Chillies Entertainment, a production company owned by Shah Rukh Khan has bought the filming rights to The Zoya Factor, a chick lit novel written by Anuja Chauhan. The film is being developed by Reema Kagti, director of Honeymoon Travels and will be directed by Vishal Punjabi. Vishal has been involved with Red Chillies Entertainment for a number of years and was the visual effects producer for Paheli, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukherjee.

The Zoya Factor tells the story of Zoya Solanki who was born at exactly the same moment when India won the World Cup in 1983. It is soon realized that whenever she watches a match, India wins. When she doesn't, it results in defeat for the team. The cricket team decides that she is their lucky charm and invites Zoya to accompany the team to the ICC World Cup in Australia.

Says Harper Collins India CEO, PM Sukumar, "This is a book that was destined to be made into a movie." The author has said that she is looking forward to seeing Zoya come to life on the big screen. "I love Red Chillies' movies, and am sure the film will have large dollops of both humour and heart as in the book."

Founded in 2004 by Shah Rukh Khan and his wife, Gauri, Red Chillies Entertainment has produced popular jingles like "Yeh dil mange more", "Mera number kab ayega", "Nothing official about it" and "Oye bubbly".

New Delhi, The Dubai and London premieres of Amitabh Bachchan’s film “Paa” have been cancelled, but the superstar says he is looking forward to the Mumbai event that will be attended by Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.

“The London and Dubai premiere have been cancelled. Several issues have cropped up and it would not be prudent to go ahead with it under such uncertain pressures and circumstances,” Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com.

“But Mumbai premiere is on at the IMAX Wadala on Dec 3 and Aamir and Shah Rukh have assured me of their presence there,” he added.

Apart from promotional events of “Paa”, Amitabh is also busy preparing for “Bachchan Sandhya”, an event to mark the 102nd birth anniversary of his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan on Nov 28.

“The arrangements, the invitees, the program and its functions, rehearsals for the recitation and getting the family to gear up for its participation is also keeping me busy,” he wrote.

New Delhi, (BollywoodWorld.com) Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor’s next project “Chance Pe Dance” has a slice of his own life as the film traces the journey of a struggler till he tastes success.

“Yes, there are many scenes in the movie that are similar to my life, but it’s not intentional, they have just turned out this way,” Shahid said in a press release.

The movie is based on a dancer’s life who enters a reality show after being rejected many times. Shahid, who plays the lead in the film, too had to give a lot of screen tests and auditions before he bagged the lead role in director Ken Ghosh’s 2003 movie “Ishq Vishk”.

According to a unit source, there’s another scene in the film where Shahid’s character is left with no option but to buy a second hand car due to his hardships, just like he had to in his own life.

Ghosh is directing “Chance Pe Dance”, and it also stars Genelia D’Souza. The film is being produced by UTV Motion Pictures and will release Jan 15 next year.

By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Nov 11 (IANS) A series of merchandise aimed at children is being planned after the release of "Paa" in which Amitabh Bachchan plays 13-year-old Auro suffering from the premature ageing disease progeria.

Also, on Children's Day this Saturday, Amitabh as Auro will appear on television with a very special message for children. The initiative has been taken by AB Corp Ltd, who is producing the film, to connect Amitabh's character with children across the world through an Auro blitzkrieg. The fans will have Big B merchandise including dolls to play with.

"We're most definitely targeting 'Paa' at children and parents alike. Mr. Bachchan's Auro is a special child suffering from an extremely rare age-hastening disease. Auro could've easily become lonely, isolated or abandoned," director R. Balakrishnan told IANS.

"'Paa' shows how special 'special kids' can be. It has a message on parenting rather than any disease. When your child is born with a special impairment you need to make him feel special, not unwanted or isolated," he added.

There are now plans to do special shows of "Paa" to collect funds for the Progeria Research Foundation.

"We really had no concrete plans to tie up with the Progeria foundation. Though our protagonist suffers from the disease the film is not about progeria. It's about how special children can fill your life with special brightness.

"Not for a minute does my protagonist's special condition qualify his relationship with his parents. That's why we avoided pitching 'Paa' as a progeria project. However we'd be more than happy if our film proves helpful to children who suffer from this rarest-of-rare diseases," said Balakrishnan.

"We're still to work out details since we hadn't really planned any Progeria events. We're definitely holding a charity screening of 'Paa' of which the proceeds will be given to the Progeria foundation in the US," said the director.

By Subhash K. Jha Bollywood Hungama News Network

After singing for 30 years in films -his first song was recorded for Mr Natwarlal in 1979-- Amitabh Bachchan has joined vocal forces with a trained and renowned vocalist like Rashid Khan, the singer whom the formidable classical maestro Pandit Bhimsen Joshi had once chosen as his successor.

The coming together of India's most popular actor and part-time singer with the classical maestro happened for the album Sound Of Peace, dedicated to the victims of Mumbai's 26/11 terrorist attack.

Aadesh Shrivastav who helmed the project, composed its music and is in the process of finalizing a music video featuring the Big B and Rashid Khan, says the Big B simply swam across Sameer's words of world-peace.

The Big B confirms modestly, "Yes, Rashid Khan and I have sung together. The system of recording these days allows a lot of freedom to sing how one is comfortable. That's how I managed it."

The music video, for which efforts are on to get Ashutosh Gowariker to direct, will feature the Big B with Rashid Khan and Aadesh Shrivastav. Footage from the barbaric occurrences during 26/11 from 2008 in Mumbai will be interspersed with scenes from 9/11 in the US from 2001 and the London subway bombings of 2005.

Says Aadesh, "We initially planned to make this a Hindi -Urdu album in memory of the 26/11 victims. But we've now expanded it into a comment on global terrorism. Mr Bachchan is now in the process of recording an English version of the peace song."

Nepalese beauty Manisha Koirala has confirmed that she is to enter Nepalese politics either as an independent or possibly as part of the Nepalese Congress. Three members of her family have been Prime Minister of Nepal at one stage or another so the decision is a serious one. The actress, who currently has roots in Mumbai and Los Angeles, is planning on moving permanently to Nepal. “My political plans are in the formative stage,” she says. “However, I do realise that if I’m to take the plunge; which I have decided, I will then need to spend a lot of time in my home country.”

Meanwhile, Manisha has a number of movie projects that she has to finish. Always an actress with great depth, she is looking forward to My Friend Pinto, a Sanjay Leela Bhansali production that will also star Prateik Babbar. “I’ve been dividing my time between Mumbai and the US, where things are going well between Chris, my partner, and I,” she explains, “Cinema will always remain my primary passion. After I did my friend Deepti Naval’s film Do Paise Ki Dhoop Char Aane Ki Baarish I’m hungry for even more challenging roles.”

Always a social activist, a UN goodwill ambassador with a particular interest in working hard to prevent the trafficking of Nepalese girls for prostitution, Manisha is looking for meaningful roles that reach out and touch - her most recent being the Onir short movie I Am Megha which looks at the conflict in Kashmir and the future hopes for peace.

New Delhi, (BollywoodWorld.com) She refuses to comment on her relationship with Bollywood actor Aftab Shivdasani, but actress Aamna Sharif admits that she shared a high comfort level with him while working on their second film “Aao Wish Karein”.

“Since this is my second film with Aftab (after ‘Aloo Chaat’), the comfort level is definitely higher. He is a wonderful actor and this film he has produced and co-written too,” Aamna told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Releasing Nov 13, “Aao Wish Karein” is being produced by Aftab.

“It was great to see how he managed both the roles of an actor and a producer. He took care of everyone in the crew and mine too. When he had to shoot, his whole concentration used to be on acting. But after the pack up, he used to completely become a producer looking after different things,” she added.

Aamna, who became a household name after featuring in the popular daily soap “Kahiin To Hoga”, forayed into Bollywood with “Aloo Chaat”. She says that she accepted Aftab’s home production because she liked the script.

“I was offered this film on the sets of ‘Aloo Chaat’. I gave my nod to it not because it had Aftab, but because I loved the script and my role,” she said.

The film is a fairy tale revolving around a ballet teacher and a 12-year-old child, who falls in love with her.

Asked for the reason behind doing a fantasy caper at a time when Indian cinema’s focus is on realistic films, the actress said that her priority is doing different kinds of roles.

“I want to do different things. I don’t want to limit myself to a particular kind of cinema. As it is ‘Aao Wish Karein’ is not a hardcore fairy tale. It has got its share of realism too.

“It has elements of a fairy tale, but the characters are very believable. People will relate to those characters,” said Aamna, who wishes to work with her favourite actor Shah Rukh Khan some day.

She is willing to return to television if something nice comes up.

“I would love to be attached to television. It’s just that it requires a lot of time; so I want something that is good and suitable. TV was the one that gave me recognition and I would definitely take up if something interesting comes my way,” Aamna said.

New Delhi, (BollywoodWorld.com) Known for her ethnic Indian wear, the iconic Ritu Kumar has been around in the fashion industry for 40 years. Yet she has not designed for any mainstream Bollywood movie, the reason being she has neither the time nor the patience.

“The way things are in Bollywood, I don’t think I have the time and patience for all that,” Delhi-based Ritu Kumar told IANS in an interview.

“For a typical Hindi movie, you have to be on the sets all the time. There are last-minute changes or else the director or the actors are not happy with their costume and you have to change it then and there only. I don’t have time for all that,” she said.

In her 60s, Ritu Kumar has been associated with artisans from Bhuj in Gujarat for a long time and is known for her designs in India and abroad.

Even though she has designed for her son Ashvin Kumar’s film “Little Terrorist”, which was also nominated for the 2004 Academy Awards and her cousin Deepa Mehta’s “Bollywood Hollywood”, she says they were different types of films.

“For these movies, we did our homework and research and I didn’t have to be on the sets all the time. The concept was given to me and the characters were discussed in advance. So it was easy and convenient for me to design for them unlike for a regular Bollywood movie,” explained Ritu Kumar.

However, she doesn’t rule out the possibility of working in a period film.

“I would very much like to do a period film and that would require a lot of research to design for the characters of the movie. I don’t want to look like a fool after designing for it,” said Ritu Kumar.

“I have no problems in doing extensive research for the characters of the period film but devoting an entire day on the sets is out of question as I have to look after my label also,” she said.

New Delhi, Nov 13 : Television actress Tanaaz Currim was Friday evicted from reality show "Bigg Boss" through public voting.

Tanaaz, best remembered for her role in comedy show "Zaban Sambhal Ke", the Indian version of "Mind Your Language", was nominated for eviction along with her husband Bakhtiyaar Irani, but got more votes in her name.

Tanaaz had a tough time dealing with her "Bigg Boss" co-contestants due to her temperament. She also had constant arguments with Bakhtiyaar.

She hugged Bakhtiyaar while leaving the "Bigg Boss" house and told him to "be good".

"Bigg Boss", the Indian version of international reality show "Celebrity Big Brother", is currently in its third season. In the show, 13 celebrities are locked up inside a secluded house for 84 days and kept under constant camera surveillance without any contact with the outside world. The show airs on Colors channel.

Mumbai, Kareena Kapoor says there is nothing “vulgar” about her backless shot being used for the publicity posters of forthcoming release “Kurbaan”, an intense thriller about terrorism. In fact, she says, it subtly reveals a lot about the story.

“This shot of me in a backless posture and Saif with a wound on his chest tell so much about the film’s theme,” Kareena told IANS.

“There is love, passion and violence – all combined in here and what better way than to show it through a single still? You too would agree that there is nothing sleazy or vulgar about it. Knowing the sensibilities of Karan Johar (producer) and Rensil D’Silva (director), that’s the least one could have expected,” she added.

Kareena said that after Geet in “Jab We Met”, her character of Avantika in “Kurbaan” will make people sit up and take notice.

“The girl’s role has a lot of edge in ‘Kurbaan’, something which starts becoming more and more visible as the film unfolds. In any case the film is not one of those cliched love stories. Every character has quite a few layers to it and Avantika, the character I play, is no exception. She is quite pivotal to ‘Kurbaan’,” she said.

Kareena plays a professor in “Kurbaan” who gets married to her colleague, played by Saif Ali Khan. They move to New York after marriage, but as a series of events unfold she finds herself into a vortex of danger and intrigue.

She further realises that she is a pawn in a huge game and no one could be trusted.

“What made this role special is the fact that I play this young beautiful professor who is quite normal. She reacts to terrorism for the first time and life is never the same again for her,” she said.

“Actually if you ask me, then technically ‘Kurbaan’ is the story of this girl. She is the light of the screen. I am sure people will cry with Avantika…so strong is her characterisation,” the actress said.

After “Jab We Met”, Kareena was seen in “Main Aurr Mrs Khanna”, “Kambakkth Ishq”, “Tashan” and “Golmaal Returns”. And except “Golmaal Returns”, none of the films did well at the box office.

Kareena is delighted about the prospects of audiences seeing her in a different light after the film and says it is not a frothy romance drama.

“‘Kurbaan’ has a deep-rooted love story to it, but it is not a frothy romantic film that we are time and again exposed to. The love story is much deeper here. There is a definite meaning, purpose and reason to it. Also, the film is quite powerful in its own way since it’s the voice of moderate Islam,” she said.

The film, which also stars Vivek Oberoi, Om Puri, Kirron Kher and Dia Mirza, is releasing Nov 20.

New Delhi, Kareena Kapoor is clear she will never endorse food chains like McDonald’s or Burger King, known for their beef burgers and the like, while co-actor and boyfriend Saif Ali Khan says he can’t think of doing an underwear ad.

“I will not endorse non-vegetarian products like McDonald’s or Burger King. I won’t endorse alcohol or tobacco. This is the policy I always follow because if I don’t relate to such things, I should not advocate them either,” Kareena said at the HT Leadership Summit here Saturday.

“Endorsing a brand is not only fun but it does add to the bank balance. Apart from that endorsing a good brand helps you in connecting with your fans. Given this, I have to be very choosy about my endorsements because they also help a lot in branding,” she added.

Kareena is the face of many leading brands like Kurkure Desi Beats and Vivel soap among others.

Saif, who promotes several brands including Head and Shoulders and Asian Paints, says it is important for him to connect with the brand he endorses.

“For me, brand name is very important. I feel I should represent a brand that I can connect with. This also helps me to reach out to my fans because they can associate with me through that brand. I won’t endorse something I don’t connect with… like underwear ads. I can do a baniyan (vest) ad, but no chaddis for me.

“It’s not the finances always. When a brand approaches us, they do a lot of research before they come to sign us. And when they come to sign, that means you represent something. It also helps visibility,” he added.

Recently evicted from the Big Boss house, Sherlyn Chopra has been very straight in her summing up of fellow guest Kamal Khan. “Kamal is a bogus person. He tells a lie," she said. However, she was equally complementary about some others in the house. "Shamita Shetty, Raju Srivastava and Poonam Dhillon are great fellows. They can win the Big Boss Season 3.”

However, Sherlyn hasn’t entirely given up hope of re-entering the House on a wildcard herself - and if she does, she thinks some of the guests will be in for a big surprise. " If I get a chance to re-enter the house then I'd definitely love to give Rohit a piece of my mind,” she explained, “Earlier, I was Seeta in the house, now I would like a chance to go back and become Geeta.” Sherlyn was referring to the classic Hema Malini film in which Hema plays two completely different characters - one cowed and submissive, the other wild and dominant.

If she doesn’t make it back into the show, the Outrageous singer, who made a strong impression in Dil Bole Hadippa, could now at least concentrate on the rest of her life. What sort of man, for example, would be of interest to her? “I’d say a believer,” she replied, “I don’t want him to be a crorepati. If he is a believer and if he has got the right kind of stuff between his ears and below the belt, he would know how to be a crorepati anyway. All I am looking for in my man is the right things in the right places.”

EXPECTATIONS

There are good, though not huge expectations from the music of Kurbaan. Good, because there are names like Karan Johar, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor associated with the film. Not huge, because the film doesn't belong to a quintessential romantic genre in the true sense, something which could possibly lend a 'safe' feel to the soundtrack. With the film having a background of terrorism to it, there is a certain restriction that happens to the commercial viability of the music. This is why composers Salim-Sulaiman and lyricist Prasoon Joshi had quite some task in hand when entrusted with the responsibility of creating soundtrack for Kurbaan. No wonder, one eagerly plays it on.

MUSIC

It's a tremendous start to the album, what with Salim Merchant coming behind the mike to open 'Shukran Allah' in a manner similar to that of Kailash Kher crooning of 'Subhan Allah' [Fanaa]. Within seconds, Sonu Nigam takes over and you instantly know why he is simply the best that we have today when it comes to crooning melodious romantic tracks. His trademark silky voice is at play once again in this beautifully composed number which easily finds a place at the top of romantic numbers composed by Salim-Sulaiman. If the 'mukhda' is impressive then watch out for the 'antara' - it proves once again why Indian melody can never ever be out of vogue. Shreya Ghoshal joins the scene three and a half minutes into 'Shukran Allah' and makes an instant impact. This is one song that would be played for a long-long time and is easily one of the best that we have heard this year.

It's the sound of guitar that lends a modern day feel to 'Dua Hai'. Though the English portion by Marianne D'Cruz has a distinct (and oft repeated sound by Salim-Sulaiman), it's the coming together of Sukhwinder Singh and Kailash Kher which brings in a different dimension to 'Dua Hai'. A fusion 'qawalli' that sees a mix of 'sufi', 'rock' and 'pop' coming together, it's the hook of 'Dua Hai' that keeps the ball rolling for song. While Kailash Kher brings in his own rustic touch to the track, it is usual energy that Sukhwinder Singh brings to the proceedings which make 'Dua Hai' special. Hear it for a couple of times and you would be hooked on for sure.

Salim Merchant gifts himself an entire song as a singer in the form of 'Ali Maula'. A situational track that should play as a part of the film's background, it has the kind of lyrics that may not be comprehendible to the common man. However, in the context of the film, one can well imagine it to be making a huge impact. Rendering a pensive feel to the proceedings with the protagonist kneeling before God to lend enough courage for him to accomplish the impossible, 'Ali Maula' carries trademark Salim-Sulaiman sound. In addition, the 'remix version' is well done too and makes one hit for a couch in the lounge!

Remember the impact that songs like 'Naina' and 'Laakad' had made after they were seen and heard in Omkara? Similar dark, haunting yet romantic touch is pretty apparent in 'Rasiya' which sees a fusion of Indian and Western classical music. Excellently crooned by Shruti Pathak who keeps her voice low for this sensual, romantic and poetic track, 'Naina' is yet another quality song by the young singer who has earlier rendered one of the best tracks ever by Salim and Sulaiman - 'Mar Jaava' [Fashion]. The composers certainly know how to pitch her voice and in what situation. No wonder, 'Rasiya' is pretty much a testimony to this fact.

Soon after this slow moving number comes a highly energetic title song 'Kurbaan Hua' which proves once again that Vishal Dadlani is seriously taking his stint behind the mike. Singing quite regularly now for the compositions created by him along with Shekhar, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and also Salim-Sulaiman, Vishal rocks the show, literally, with 'Kurbaan Hua'. This is a kind of number which evokes instant reactions and immediate appreciation. 'Kurbaan Hua' is a rock track that completely goes with the action packed theme of the film, hence making one look forward to it's placement in the narrative. Other than 'Shukran Allah', this clearly is the pick of the lot in Kurbaan.

OVERALL

Kurbaan is a quality album all the way and clearly the best that Salim & Sulaiman have offered since Fashion. A difficult album to compose considering the kind of theme that the film comes with, Kurbaan boasts of the kind of sound that is consistent throughout. While quite a few tracks would be noticed more after the release of the film, there are songs like 'Shukran Allah' and 'Kurbaan Hua' that would make sure that Kurbaan makes a good head start at the music stands.

OUR PICK(S)

'Shukran Allah', 'Kurbaan Hua', 'Dua Hai'

London, Oct 21 (IANS) Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue's performance in "Blue" has failed to impress film critics in India.

The scribes said Minogue's performance in Anthony D'souza's "Blue" failed to "sizzle" during her song and dance number, suggesting the pop star is "as sexy as a fat housewife in a kaftan", reports contactmusic.com.

One critic called Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman's score "strictly average", adding Minogue "can't save this film from reaching its watery grave"

EXPECTATIONS

Since Aao Wish Karein gives the perception of a romantic entertainer; one does expect music to play a reasonably important role in the film. Also, since composers Ankur Tewari and Xulfi had come up with a couple of tracks worth humming in Ek Chalis Ki Last Local, one expects a certain quality from their soundtrack of Aao Wish Karein.

MUSIC

Beginning of Aao Wish Karein is surprising though with 'Sabse Peeche Hum Khade' kick starting the proceedings. This is the same song that Mohit Chauhan had sung and had featured in the film Let's Enjoy. This time around it is Kunal Ganjawala who comes behind the mike for this melodious track that has an old world charm to it. Since the song has been heard over all these years, there is an instant recall value and it doesn't take much time to hum this Ankur Tewari written and composed number all over again.

Later, Kunal Ganjawala comes up with a much slower 'reprise version'. Sunidhi Chauhan brings on the spunk with a livelier version titled 'Sabse Peeche Kyon Khade'. Lyrics are different this time around and are told from the female protagonist's point of view where she gets into a conversational mode with the guy.

Xulfi begins 'Reh Jaane Do' with the trademark sound of guitar strings. A soft sounding pop track that has a sad connotation to it, 'Reh Jaane Do' moves at a very slow pace with focus on lyrics and rendition rather than any beats that could have otherwise diluted the overall impact. The song may not be the pick of the current season since it's not the kind that could be sung around the streets. However, hear it in the context of the film's narrative and it could make for a good background score. Also, after a promising beginning, its 'antara' doesn't quite manage to hold one's attention.

In the similar mode comes 'Tum Mere Ho' which is a romantic duet by Kunal Ganjawala and Sunidhi Chauhan. By now, the mood of the album is pretty much established as each of the songs so far has followed the same theme without getting into any tangents. The focus is not on creating a chartbuster song that would rock the dance floors or be played on highways. Instead, emphasis is on coming up with the kind of soundtrack that goes well with the soft and simple mood of the film, an atmosphere that composers Ankur Tewari and Mikey Mccleary manage to create in 'Tum Mere Ho'.

Xulfi comes up with the best track of the album in the form of 'Kuch Aisa' (which comes in both the upbeat and 'sad version'). If there is a song that deserves to be heavily promoted as of this very moment, it is 'Kuch Aisa'. Unfortunately, since there is a very small window between the music and the film release, it seems like quite a difficult task for this romantic melodious number to reach out to its target audience in a big way. It's the kind of song that most film makers would have loved to incorporate in their films as Xulfi has done quite well in playing the triple role of singer, composer and lyricist (with Danish Khan).

The last song of the album, 'Sab Yahaan Hain', though doesn't quite lead to similar sentiments. Set as a celebration song in a 50's mode, this Kunal Ganjawala sung track aims at getting into a carnival mode. However, it's playing time would be relegated to the screen time that it gets on the big screen since it is a hardcore situational song. A number about the wish coming true for the lead protagonist in the film (played by Aftab Shivdasani), 'Sab Yahaan Hain' is written and composed by Ankur Tewari with Mikey Mccleary joining in.

OVERALL

As stated earlier, it is apparent that the makers of Aao Wish Karein didn't quite have a chartbuster musical in mind when they came together to make music for the film. This is why the mood of the album remains situational for most part of it. Though none of the songs are bad per se, there isn't a hit quality to them either that would make the album sell like hot cakes. Hear it for some soulful moments in 'Kuch Aisa' and 'Sabse Peeche Hum Khade'.

OUR PICK(S)

'Kuch Aisa', 'Sabse Peeche Hum Khade'

Picture this...
3 IDIOTS on 25th December.
KITES on 15th January.
VEER on 29th January.
MY NAME IS KHAN on 12th February.
Four biggies, starring Aamir, Hrithik, Salman and SRK, respectively, will arrive within a span of two months. The question is, will low cost and medium-budget films get the right exposure at cineplexes? Or will they get sidelined due to these colossal ventures?

Incidentally, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's KARTHIK CALLING KARTHIK was confirmed for 12th February, provided MY NAME IS KHAN doesn't arrive on that date. "When Karan [Johar] confirmed that MY NAME IS KHAN is indeed arriving on 12th February, I immediately took a call to shift KARTHIK CALLING KARTHIK to a latter date. My film will now arrive on 26th February," Ritesh informs me.

However, one more biggie is slated for 12th February release - Ambika Hinduja's TEEN PATTI. Will it stick to that date or arrive later, is to be seen.

Indian tennis player Sania Mirza, who is in London to start the build-up to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, came face to face with Salman Khan who was put up at the same hotel.

Salman invited Sania and her family for a private screening of London Dreams, which was held at a West End hotel last evening. Salman’s brother, Sohail, and his close family and friends also attended the showing and gave the film a thumbs up.

Salman has been hosted by Studio 18 in London for media engagements to promote his latest Vipul Shah-directed release.