Imran, Ranbir to feature in KJo's next High school Musical style film

Karan Johar, presently busy shooting for My Name is Khan, has already locked on his next film as director. Sources reveal that Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan have agreed to be a part of Karan's project.

A source reveals, "Karan is fond of both Ranbir and Imran. In fact, he loved their act at an awards function this year. He realised that the two have great personal chemistry that could translate well on the big screen."

It is learnt that the film will be in the vein of Hollywood hit High School Musical. Both Imran and Ranbir play their age and it will be a yuppie romantic drama. "After Khan, Karan wants to direct something light. This will be the perfect opportunity."

Adds the source, "Also, Ranbir and Imran have been offered numerous projects opposite each other ('Zoya's double dhamaka'; HiTLIST, May 29) but both have turned most films down. However, when they heard the subject for Karan's musical, they immediately loved it."

Even though details are not available, the source adds that Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor are the two actresses being considered to play the roles opposite Ranbir and Imran.

Karan will sue to rescue image

Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, reputed for its timely and immaculate payments to all its staff and workers, has for the first time in its existence been sullied.

A lawsuit claiming apparent damages up to $150,000 has been filed in Phildelphia against Dharma Productions and their international partners Swish Films for non-payment to local workers in Phildelphia during the shooting of Rensil d’Silva’s Kareena-Saif film.

But a source very close to to Dharma has a completely different story to tell. “It’s not Dharma but their online producers Swish who have goofed up with the payments. Do you know of Dharma ever defaulting on their payments? Karan’s father Yash Johar worked all his life to preserve his company’s reputation. Do you know how hurtful it is for Karan to be suddenly accused of such unbecoming conduct?”

Apparently Karan is not only hurt, angry and upset, he’s also determined to clear Dharma’s name, and has decided to sue their online producers Swish.
Says the source, “Yes Dharma is suing Swish. Karan’s legal department is on the job. In the meanwhile Dharma has decided to clear all the payments of the Phialdelphian crew, although the money had already been passed on to Swish for payment. But Karan would rather deal with the default allegation first and then take on Swish to get back his money.”

Lawsuit in US against Karan Johar's company

Filmmaker Karan Johar's Dharma Productions faces a lawsuit in the US for not paying local workers and actors hired for the shooting of a Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor starrer in Philadelphia, reports an American news website.

According to the Philadelphia Daily News website, the Karan Johar-owned production major that tied up with Australia-based Swish Films for the movie shot for a few scenes in Philadelphia last autumn and then left owing money to hundreds of local actors and vendors.

Now, the two companies -- Dharma Productions and Swish Films - have been sued, according to documents filed in Common Pleas Court in New York, the report said.

The lawsuit seeks in excess of $150,000 to be paid to in unpaid services and expenses for 25 of the vendors.

Those named in the lawsuit include Fishtown bar Johnny Brenda's (owed $972), Mike Lemon Casting (owed $7,971) and Kitchen Sink Fabrications (owed $1,060).

The lawsuit also requests a restraining order that would prevent representatives of Dharma Productions from leaving the US with its assets, primarily the footage already shot.

Dharma Productions, which had reportedly changed its name to Karma Films while it continued to shoot the Rensil D'Silva directorial venture, had hired Swish Films to supervise production of the feature film.

The dispute struck when a Swish producer sent out cheques in December last year warning actors, vendors and crew members to wait until after Jan 9 to cash them. The cheques bounced leaving more than $500,000 in unpaid bills.

Dharma has since offered certain workers half the amount they are owed in return for signing a waiver that nullifies any legal action against the company. In other cases, Dharma paid the full amount owed, including to the City of Philadelphia and Teamsters Local 107.

Dharma and Swish will be hit with more litigation this week, said Center City lawyer Michael H. Rosenthal, who said he will file a suit on behalf of 60 actors and independent contractors.