"Don 2 is being written by three Don fans and not my father" - Farhan Akhtar

Known to be utterly gregarious and accessible, Farhan has suddenly withdrawn into a shell. Before well-wishers could presume the worst, the truth has come out in the open.

His current acting assignment, Kartik Versus Kartik with Deepika Padukone which is almost done provoked these withdrawal symptoms.

Since the part requires him to be a lonely brooder, Farhan has lately switched off his phone and become almost inaccessible to the world outside. "It was the nature of the character I was playing. He's a guy lost in his world. So I was making an effort to isolate myself," he says.

Friends found Farhan's behaviour strange since usually he is so reachable and gregarious. "Lately I've just been switching off from the world for the sake of my character. If you want to call it method acting, so be it," says Farhan.

Farhan won't be cast in Abhishek Kapoor's second film, though it's being produced by Farhan's company. "Gattu has very specific ideas on whom he wants to cast. If he thinks I don't fit any part that's fine. I'm just happy producing his film."

Now Farhan prepares to shoot for Don 2. His father Javed Akhtar will not be a part of the sequel to Don. The first part of the film had been written by Javed saab. Don 2 has a different team of writers which includes Farhan.

"The first film was my father's vision. He had written the original Don featuring Mr. Bachchan. But Don 2 is being written by fans only. These are yours truly and two new enthusiastic boys Ameet and Amreesh who came to me with their ideas on how the story can be carried forward. I've thrown my ideas at them. Don 2 is basically being written by three Don fans who are having a ball carrying the story forward.

About the exclusion of his father Farhan explains, "He cannot be a fan of Don because he conceived it."

Farhan's heart is set on his pet project Voice From The Sky which got stalled by casting setbacks. "It's strange. No matter who it is and no matter how big or small the director, everyone of us is facing casting problems. Finding the right actors has become a major problem. Voice From The Sky did get delayed because I couldn't find the right actor. But I know I'll come back to it. And one day when you see it, you'll realize why I had to make this film."

Sequel to Don will only release 2011, five years after original!

Sequels are interesting only if there isn't a big gap between the two releases. They are usually made to cash in on the success of the film. Dostana released last year but the wheels to make Dostana 2 are in motion.

However Don which released in 2006, will have it's sequel in 2011!

Insiders say that the script of the film is ready and SRK had kept dates aside for the film but after the success of Rock On!!, Farhan is concentrating more on his acting and direction has taken a backseat.

A source reveals, "Shah Rukh Khan was keen to finish the film this year but it wasn't possible, as Farhan had other commitments. Now SRK will have no release in 2009, and he isn't happy about the fact. And next year, his dates are committed to Anubhav Sinha's Ra1 and Farah Khan's Happy New Year." Now he will make Farhan sweat it out for another year before he gives dates for the sequel.

Says producer Ritesh Sidhwani, "Don 2 starts in the summer next year and will be shot in Berlin and will release in 2011."

What's keeping Farhan busy?
Kismat Talkies (2010) (announced)
Gulel (2009) (announced)
Dhruv (2010) (pre-production)
Karthik Calling Karthik

The science of sequels

Golmaal (2006)
Starring – Ajay Devgan, Arshad Warsi, Sharman Joshi, Tusshar Kapoor and Rimi Sen
Golmaal Returns (2008)
Starring – Ajay Devgan, Arshad Warsi, Kareena Kapoor, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Celina Jaitly and Amrita Arora

Hera Pheri (2000)
Starring – Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Sunil Shetty and Tabu
Phir Hera Pheri (2006)
Starring – Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Sunil Shetty, Bipasha Basu and Rimi Sen

Koi Mil Gaya (2003)
Starring – Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Rekha & Rakesh Roshan
Krrish (2006)
Starring – Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra & Rekha

Kuch smooch hota hai!

Farhan Akhtar's Karthik Calling Karthik has gone on the floors and the unit is shooting at Filmistan Studios.

Reveals the source, "Yesterday, a scene between Deepika Padukone and Farhan was being shot.

Director Vijay Lalwani requested the crew out of the set. Apparently the duo were supposed to shoot a kissing scene and Deepika wasn't comfortable.

So very limited people were on the sets while the scene was canned." Seems to us, Farhan should've been the one more uncomfortable with the whole 'kiss'a, whatcha think?

Farhan Akhtar's recording a song for Rahman

Farhan Akhar's song for Tony D'Souza's underwater thriller "Blue" that composer A.R. Rahman has decided to record at the last minute might get stalled a bit as the director-actor-singer is suffering from a sore throat.

Farhan developed a sore throat while shooting for his latest "Kartik Calling Kartik" in a dry humid studio in Mumbai.

"And I'm hugely allergic to dust. My throat has gone bad at a time when I least needed my voice to go bad. Working in dusty studios and singing just don't go hand-in-hand. I guess I'll just have to live with it," Farhan, who debuted as a signer and actor with "Rock On!", told IANS.

"'Kartik Calling Kartik' is my most gruelling role to date. It requires a lot of physical action," he added.

There were no plans to use Farhan's vocals in "Blue". But then Rahman, who really liked Shankar-Ehsan-Loy's tunes in "Rock On!", wanted to incorporate his vocals in the movie.

"Rahman has approached me and yes, I'm singing for him. It's a club-based song and I guess my voice goes well with the smoky mood," he said.

Farhan admits it's a leap ahead for him as a singer.

"In 'Rock On!', I sang for myself. Now I'll get to sing for someone else and that too a song composed by Rahman. Yeah, I guess it's a leap forward."

But for that Farhan will have to first wait till his throat is normal.

"Blue" stars Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Zayed Khan, Lara Dutt and Katrina Kaif. It also features Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue in an item number.

"In Kartik Calling Kartik, I'm totally out of character" - Farhan Akhtar

Farhan Akhtar's latest starrer Kartik Calling Kartik is turning out to be more fun than any of his previous starrers. Admits Farhan, "My earlier films were somehow connected with the entertainment industry, and therefore, they had a direct or indirect bearing on my life. But in Kartik Calling Kartik, I'm totally out of character. Also, in all my films so far, I play a troubled introvert. In Kartik..., I start off as an introvert and then become a totally flamboyant guy. It's fun."

The fun element spilt over on the sets of Kartik Calling Kartik on Sunday when Farhan's co-star Deepika Padukone decided to end the controversy about how tall she is. Says Farhan, "So far, I presumed she was taller. I had even measured her height on my talk show 'Oye! It's Friday' and I was okay with the fact that she looked taller than me. I've absolutely no problem being shorter than my heroine." But, on Sunday, Deepika challenged the view. "She made me stand next to her. And to my surprise she turned out to be no taller! In fact, maybe I'm a half-inch taller than her. Deepika says she isn't as tall as she looks. It comes from having long legs, I guess."

Farhan admits he's having a ball shooting for Kartik... "But, given a chance, I'd like to direct a film this year. Unfortunately, Voice From The Sky didn't work out. And I start Don 2 next year."

While Farhan's father, Javed Akhtar, scripted Don's remake, its sequel was Farhan's idea. "When I opted for an open ending in Don, I wasn't leaving room for a sequel. I just wanted to show that the protagonist is cleverer than everyone else. But now, that ending comes in handy to carry the story forward into a sequel."

Farhan confirms the film will star Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra. "But there're lots of supporting parts that will change."

Farhan Akhtar demands to feature on magazine cover

If you thought only A-List actors are quirky and hi-maintainance, here's an eye-opener. Farhan Akhtar, who has been on several magazine covers, is one fussy cover boy.

After the actor agrees to have his face grace the cover of the magazine, the editor gets a mail from the actor or one of his PAs with a list of demands. And there are requests for specifics that are not subject to any change. While we understand why he'd want his own make-up person and hair stylist (A specific hair dresser from his wife Adhuna's salon) one fails to understand what stops Farhan from carrying basic things like tissues and water.

That's not all...
The actor even decides how much each of the staff members would be paid. There is also a fee for his driver to drive him to the venue, which is within city limits! Makes you wonder if the chauffeur gets paid at all or if his salary also comes from the publishers' bank accounts.

Akhtar also asks for chocolates Twix and Mars chocolates to be stocked at the studio before he arrives for the shoot. No one will dare ask, 'why not bring your own?' And lest you ruffle the feathers of the temperamental actor, make sure you have mints ready (a particular brand) and water at room temperature. And the final request is for a box of tissues!

Want Mr Off-His-Rocker Akhtar on the cover of your rag? Here's what you need to stock up on!

Farhan's email for his staff payments, lists the following...
Driver Rs 1,000
Make-Up Rs 8,000
Hair Rs 7,000
Spot Boy Rs 2,000
Total cost Rs 18,000

Gobble, gobble...
Mineral water At room temperature Rs 20/- per bottle
Twix Chocolates Rs 50/- per bar
Mars Chocolates Rs 25/- per bar
Tissue paper Rs 50/- per box
Mentos Ice Blue Rs 10/- per bar
Total cost Rs 155/-

Shah Rukh replaces Aamir

Shah Rukh Khan is said to be doing Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidwani’s film after the deal with Aamir Khan fell through.

Aamir was the favourite choice for director Reema Kagti’s upcoming film, to be produced by Farhan and Ritesh, with whom Aamir has worked with in “Dil Chahta Hai”. The three are also good friends.

However, Aamir is no longer doing their film as he is said to have demanded a huge sum of money and also a share in the film’s profit. These terms were not acceptable to Ritesh.

It seems Ritesh had gone to the sets of “3 Idiots” to meet Aamir and finalise the deal. But the meeting did not go well as Aamir was not ready to compromise on the terms and conditions that he had laid. Ritesh got upset and left the sets in a huff.

Ritesh confirmed the news saying Aamir is not in his film as they had differences over the terms laid down by Aamir. He also added that though they were in talks with an actor, the lead is still to be finalised.

Aamir meanwhile has said he is not doing the film because he did not like the script.

What's happening in Bollywood!

The hottie in town played with some kids as women graced the ramp for a jewelry show.

Farhan the Softie: Farhan Akhtar was the Guest of Honor at a show organized by Special Children, at Taj Lands End. Truly an Aw - Moment.


Bringing on the Bling: The gorgeous Sheetal Mallar leads the way on the ramp for the Super Nature, Deniel Swarovski Spring Collection.


Seeking Sympathy: An injured Kelly Dorji feels the much needed love from pretty model Aanchal Kumar


Who’s the kid? Designer Neeta Lulla is sure giving her daughter Nishka a run for her money at the unveiling of her newly launched Chiconomic collection.


Scary in Red: Poonam Dhillon went all wrong with this Red number, nothing but a sore treat for the eyes.


Sock it up: Prachi Desai manages to maintain her makeover from dowdy bahu to classy belle at the recent Marks and Spencer store opening.