Toys for boys and money for Aids
Live the fantasy
MOBILE games, dolls, fashion accessories, notebooks, cards and more. That’s what brought Bollywood stars Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif together on Tuesday for the launch of the merchandise from their forthcoming actionadventure, Dhoom: 3. Khan, who plays Sahir the clown thief, and Kaif, who appears as Aaliya the acrobat diva in the film, launched the range of products at the Yash Raj Films Studios in Mumbai.
There are more than 200 products linked to the film, from a variety of electronic gadgets inspired by the movie to dolls, fashion and jewellery.
Their prices range from R400 to R50 000.
Toy company Mattel has produced limited-edition Barbietype dolls of Kaif and Khan. For those who want to drive in
Dhoom style, a line of bike decals is available from graphics manufacturer Classic Stripes.
Other tie-ins include diaries and notebooks, branded bed and bath linen, clown-themed scarves and games.
Tweeting his delight
TAMIL actor Dhanush, who scored a hit with the film Raanjhanaa, has joined forces with filmmaker R Balki for an as yet unnamed Hindi project that will also feature megastar Amitabh Bachchan in an important role.
A delighted Dhanush tweeted: “Yes guys, my next Hindi film is with Balki sir. Very excited and eagerly looking forward to it. Privileged to share screen space with Big B himself and ecstatic to be part of Raja sir’s musical again.”
This is the third time Balki has teamed up with Bachchan and composer Illayaraja— following
Paa and Cheeni Kum. Akshara Haasan, younger daughter of actor Kamal, will reportedly make her cinematic debut in the film. But first Dhanush needs to finish working on Tamil projects
Velaiyilla Pattathari and Anegan.
Saluting Sharon Stone
BOLLYWOOD’S star couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai are proud to have lent their support to amfAR, the American Foundation for AIDS Research.
The organisation’s Mumbai fundraising gala was held on Sunday and was attended by actresses Sharon Stone and Hilary Swank, singer Kesha and fashion designer Kenneth Cole.
At the gala, Rai told journalists: “This is first event of amfAR in India and I am confident we will have several more to come in our country. I hope we all collectively raise funds, spread awareness and strengthen the force.”
Bachchan added: “We are honoured to be here today and we both feel strongly about the disease HIV. It’s a matter of pride to raise funds for this cause and spread the awareness.”
The black-tie event, held at the Taj Mahal Palace and Hotel, featured a cocktail reception, dinner and a gold-themed fashion show with outfits designed by Rohit Bal, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla and Tarun Tahiliani.
Rai was especially grateful to Stone, who is amfAR’s global fundraising chairwoman.
The former beauty queen said: “It’s very generous of her. We salute her passion to drive so passionately towards this cause. She is worthy of salutation.”
Bollywood stars Sophie Choudry, Dino Morea and Nargis Fakhri represented India at the event.
Hard-hitting romance
AFTER directing successful flicks such as A Wednesday and Special 26, Neeraj Pandey is set to turn producer for a hard-hitting romance between a Pakistani boy and an Indian girl. Heading the cast will be Ali Zafar and Yami Gautam. who received rave reviews for her role in Vicky Donor. The movie has been titled Total Siyappa.