There’s something about real-life couples coming together on the Bollywood screen. Their films don’t seem to be working at all at the box office. This seems to have become the golden rule these days. In the year 2009, Kurbaan being the latest example of a real-life pair’s film failing at the ticket windows.

Explains a trade source, “It is probably, with so much of media boom, the audience gets more than its dose of the real-life star-couple’s antics because of which there may be no charm left for them to see the same pair on screen. But then this was not the case in the good old days when stars were very discreet about their affairs and would not go about flaunting them. Also, media was not half as intrusive then. Whatever the reason, it seems risky to cast love birds in the same film today.

More so, after Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s Yuvvraaj tanked at the turnstiles. Much like Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor’s Fida bombed at the box-office. Their Jab We Met clicked but it was released only after the two had split.

Saif Ali Khan is worried now. The actor, who had relaxed for a fair bit after Love Aaj Kal was a hit, is now tensed. He didn’t sign any films after Love Aaj Kal merely because he thought the scripts were run-of-the-mill or not the central roles. He was certain Kurbaan, which was a Karan Johar film and starred opposite him his girlfriend Kareena Kapoor would be a success. So, even though his second home production, Agent Vinod, got delayed, he wasn’t bothered.

But reality came down knocking hard when Kurbaan sank. The directors he liked, Siddharth Anand and Imtiaz Ali had shifted to Ranbir and he had no project in his hand. That’s when he started off Agent Vinod at the fastest speed possible.

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, the film’s script has been fixed. Kareena, who was working on Karan Johar’s Stepmom and was about to sign another film with Aamir Khan after 3 Idiots, has been asked to keep herself free for Agent Vinod. Saif is pinning all his hopes on this film as it is his only film along with being a home production. According to Sriram, the film will begin shooting in March for a few days in Mumbai and then move on to Morocco.

Has Kareena Kapoor secretly got engaged to Saif Ali Khan? Well that's the question everybody in tinsel town is asking after Kareena was seen sporting a diamond-studded ring on her ring finger. This is the first time such a ring has been spotted in Kareena's finger. The two stars have been dating each other since 2007 and have time and again turned down rumours on their marriage

The Kurbaan actress was rehearsing for the Max Stardust Awards 2010 and was seen sporting the rock. Apparently, Kareena had removed all other jewellery during the rehearsal but did not remove the ring. When confronted Kareena neither confirmed it nor denied engagement. She said that it wasn't the right time to comment on it and she would speak about it at an appropriate time.

The speculations of their marriage had heated recently when Saif's mother Sharmila Tagore had said that they would soon tie the knot. Sharmila who was attending a meeting of Censor Board of Film Certification in Jodhpur had said “I don’t have any objection to their marriage and they will soon wed.” Well, let's keep our fingers crossed till we hear it from the couple itself.

There has been lot of fuzz around the Kareena Kapoor and her size zero. The story had become the favourite in the tinsel town and many predicted Kareena was going anorexic. Finally the actress decided to put on some weight after her bikini scene in Kambakkht Ishq. But hey, Saif Ali Khan doesn't seem to be too happy with this as the Chote Nawab strongly likes Kareena in her leaner look.

In a recent event at the Chitrakoot Grounds in Andheri both Saif and Kareena performed. Once Saif had finished with his performance he stayed backstage to watch Kareena perform. As Kareena Kapoor was making her way backstage after a sizzling performance Saif was heard saying “I think you need to lose some weight, yaar”

Well, Saif and Kareena's love blossomed on the sets of Tashan where Kareena sported a size zero. So Saif doesn't seem to mind a skinny Kareena Kapoor.

It has been more than 10 years since the Salman Khan and Saif Ali Khan hit the headlines for alleged killings of black bucks during the shooting for Hum Saath Saath Hain. But the ghost of it still haunts the stars. The Bishnoi community and wildlife activists are agitated over actor Saif Ali Khan being honoured with a Padma Shir by the government.

The infamous killing of black bucks had hit the headlines in 1998 in Jodhpur and the case is still under trial. Salman Khan was even imprisoned in the case for the shooting of the endangered species. The wildlife activists are planning to appeal to the Union government against the decision. The Bishnoi Tiger Vanyajeev Evam Paryavaran Sansthan (BTVPS) said they will soon to write to the President and the Prime Minister protesting against the decision.

People for Animals also expressed their regret on the Union Government's decision to honour an accused. The organization is now planning to approach the Union minister for forests and environment, Jairam Ramesh saying that this decision is hurting the dignity of the award as well as the spirit of the other deserving recipients.

Karisma Kapoor along with her husband Sanjay Kapur hosted a party at her Khar residence on January 25 to celebrate sister Kareena's beau Saif Ali Khan's Padmashri award. Says a source, "In the afternoon, the news about Saif's Padmashri win was made public. And as Lolo's hubby was in town along with a few business associates, she decided to make it a joint celebration, as they had recently done up their place (Karisma has done the interior decoration herself)."

B-Town became divided on this party as Randhir had a wrap-up bash for his film House Full. Arbaaz and Malaika were invited for Lolo's party but couldn't attend as they went for Randhir Kapoor's party in Chembur along with Riteish Deshmukh. Among the guests in attendance were Gauri Khan, Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, Karan Johar, Ayaan Mukerji, Sohail and Seema Khan, designer Shabina Khan and Kareena's close friend, director Lovely Singh.

After being awarded the Padma Shree honour by the Government of India, Saif Ali Khan is on cloud nine. The suave actor now wants to strengthen his presence and foothold in the industry and has appointed leading talent management firm, Carving Dreams to manage his brand and all his other business interests.

Commenting on this move, Saif Ali Khan says, "Carving Dreams has earned a tremendous reputation in the industry and given their expertise & strong credentials, I am confident that the association will prove to be a fruitful one. I look forward to working with them."

Meanwhile Afsar Zaidi (CEO of Carving Dreams) also seemed delighted with this association and said, "We are fully geared to manage this responsibility and as a group, we are committed to extend the scope of celebrity management in this country. We look forward to this partnership with Saif Ali Khan."

Saif Ali Khan is one actor who dares to speak out his mind. He is honest enough to admit that he doesn’t deserve the Padma Shri, as he feels that there are many actors in India who deserve the honour more than him.

One of the youngest actors to be conferred with the Padma Shri, the 39-year-old actor is accepting it with all humility. He said that he is humbled and undeserving on being awarded with the title but maintained that it is something he didn’t ask for. He added that he would deliver his best and live up to the title, as the Indian Government has decided to honour him.

Speaking on Aamir Khan, who has been awarded with the Padma Bhushan, and Rekha the Padma Shri award this year, he said that they really deserved honour. He added that he felt a little strange at the moment to be associated with all the senior names and that natural feeling would come only ten years down the line.

Having won the Padma Shri, he is now eyeing Filmfare and Screen awards for best actor, as he has not won any of them. He however added that the latest honour would remind special in his mind and that he would try to do good work in the years to come.

It may be recalled that big names in the field of entertainment like Amitabh Bachchan has been conferred with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, Rajinikanth was awarded Padma Bhushan and Kamal Hassan was honoured with Padma Shri in the past

It is learnt that their second film together was to start shooting in January 2010, but seems nowhere on the mark, to get set and go. Though Love Aaj Kal was one of the top three hits last year, it still didn't make a profit for distributors Eros, as it was sold at a very high price. The recession-hit Illuminati Films' next production Agent Vinod (starring Saif and Kareena Kapoor) has also run into rough weather because Eros has decided to cut down the budget by almost half. The film, which as to be shot in seven cities across the world, will now be shot in just one."

Many meetings have been held to discuss the progress of the film at Saif's office in Bandra. The actor feels that he is the main face for Illuminati and is putting in all the hard work, while his partner is not pulling his weight."

The source reveals that Saif felt a bit let down by the lack of interest and commitment from his pal, "Not one to suffer in silence, Saif had a word with Dinesh recently, and it lead to a huge showdown, following which Saif told Dinesh that they should part ways.

Though Dinesh owns the title of Illuminati Films, Saif wanted to retain it as he feels emotionally connected to it and Bebo also had gifted them the silver emblem of two lions, which became their logo. Dinesh doesn't want to pushed out of the company. He's crying foul as he has already taken 1 crore from his financiers and has done recces in Morocco and other locations for Agent Vinod. He has suggested that they complete Agent Vinod together and then part ways."

However, for the moment, things appear to have been sorted out. Saif, however, dismisses all the rumours, "These rumours have arisen because of the expansion plans made by our production company. I am aware of them too but it's all rubbish! There are certain infrastructural changes that are happening inside the company and within a week's time we shall be able to make the appropriate announcement."

When asked about many employees in Illuminati Films being given pink slips, he maintains, "It's nothing like that. As part of the expansion plans, we are looking at certain areas (like re-scheduling dates) because the film has been delayed and other issues but Agent Vinod is very much happening and Dinesh and I are 100 per cent together." Dinesh Vijan says "It's all rubbish!"

Unlike many star kids who hit the box-office jackpot with their very first film, Saif Ali Khan was handed with a different fate. Though he easily got the big ticket to Bollywood by being Sharmila Tagore’s son, success did not follow and soon he was relegated to second lead in movies throughout the 90’s.

But with his ‘never say die’ attitude, Saif was not to be shelved so easily, the sprightly lad bounced back as a sexy stud in the new millennium with Farhan Akhtar’s Dil Chahta Hai. And then after a long span of time he delivered a solo hit with Hum Tum and since then he never looked back.

Coming from a rocky 90’s to the super successful 2000s he has indeed come a long way. His movies like Parineeta, Race, Omkara and Love Aaj Kal were appreciated by audience and now all his hard work has been honoured by Padma Shri Award.

Saif’s career graph has been boosted by this honor, and he rightfully claims his share to fame as he says, “I am very proud and honoured to have received this honour.”

Naturally overjoyed with such honour the ever modest actor thanked all the directors who believed in him and gave him a chance to prove his mettle, he says, “I would like to thank my family and loved ones who have been there for me and the industry for supporting me. I would particularly like to thank Imtiaz Ali, Aditya Chopra, Karan Johar, Ramesh Taurani, Farhan Akhtar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Siddharth Anand, Kunal Kohli and Vishal Bhardwaj for having the faith in me and making me who I am today.”

Though the failure of his last film Kurbaan may have upset him but this honor will give Saif and his family to celebrate and get over the Kurbaan failure.

It's not just commercials the chote nawab is shooting for; Saif Ali Khan is also spearheading and will appear in an entertainment event benefitting Women Against Violence and Empowerment (WAVE) Saif Ali Khan recently became the brand ambassador of WAVE -- an organisation dealing with violence against women and working for their empowerment.

The actor will also participate in an event that "is being coordinated by WAVE and a TV channel. Saif, Katrina Kaif and a couple of other stars will be part of the event that takes place in Mumbai on February 20," reveals his spokesperson from Carving Dreams (the agency that manages his brand and business interests).

Saif, who loves playing the guitar and is often a part of rock band Parikrama's concerts, is expected to do a solo number for the show. Says the spokesperson, "Saif is taking a personal interest in the proceedings. He comes for the creative meetings, has discussions on how much and where he can contribute and is putting a lot of effort in to the event. It's not just about going on stage and performing but also how the creative act can be the best possible one. In fact, Saif's involvement helped WAVE begin the journey. Even Katrina Kaif coming aboard has happened after that. Depending on the success of this event, we will decide whether a plan should be carried forth for a multi-city series of events too or not."

"Saif is spearheading the movement. He has agreed to be the brand ambassador and create awareness for WAVE," the spokesperson says, "When WAVE wanted a star to become their brand ambassador and spread awareness, we suggested to Saif that he take it up. Saif immediately agreed to be the WAVE face.

He understood the concept and connected to it strongly. Saif said he wanted to be a part of it. He's in this phase where he's loved and feeling content in his relationship. Being a part of WAVE is his way of giving back to the woman he loves (Kareena Kapoor). That's Saif's special style of saying thank you to her." A press conference will be held on Feb 6 to announce the star lineup -- Saif, Kat and Harman Baweja -- that will perform on Feb 20 at the WAVE event.

Remember we told you that boyfriend Saif Ali Khan had a big surprise planned for her on her birthday. Well, the surprise is out. It's definitely big, it glitters and it's every girls dream come true.

Yes, we've heard that the lucky lass is now the proud owner of a massive 10 carat emerald, courtesy her handsome hunk boyfriend, of course.

Incidentally, for his birthday, Kareena had gifted Saif a luxurious holiday in the beautiful locales of Switzerland.

Must say, this is one couple who have mastered the art of pampering each other.

News has it that Saif Ali Khan is spending anxious nights on the mere thought of working with Priyanka Chopra in two back-to-back movies, who is the arch-rival of his girlfriend Kareena Kapoor. Well, the trouble does not end here as both Siddharth Anand and Kunal Kohli are his close friends.Talking to a news daily on Saif’s problem, a source said, “Khan sat down with both his director and told them to choose Priyanka for one of the two projects.
Kunal and Siddharth both agreed that she should only do the latter`s movie with Saif.”Confirming the reports, Kohli said, “Yes, he and I did jointly decide that only one of us should go for the Saif and Priyanka pair. When we realised we were both going to be shooting our films at the same time, I called Siddharth over to my office and we discussed the pairing issue like two mature human beings. And since Saif is signed by both of us. I can always work with her some other time.”

Sonal Chawla

Posted On Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 04:22:08 AM

Bollywood and punctuality don’t go hand-in-hand. In fact, some stars consider being late even stylish. Arriving late at shoots, not making it in time to inaugurate events, is a done thing.

But recently, Saif Ali Khan and his girlfriend Kareena Kapoor were not spared for keeping the media waiting at an event. They were stuck in traffic, they claimed. But by then, it was too late.

On Monday evening, at a five-star hotel in Juhu, the media sat waiting for Saif and Kareena to arrive for a press conference on a brand of shoes they endorse.

The actors arrived at the venue two hours late. Never in their wildest dreams had they expected the entire media to walk out on them. All press people boycotted the event and walked out the moment the two lovebirds entered.

An eyewitness says, “The event was to start at 8 pm and the entire media had arrived a little before time. After waiting for a while, they asked the organisers of the event about the whereabouts of Saif and Kareena. They were told that the couple was on its way to the venue and should be arriving any time. But that never happened.”

Apparently, the media decided to boycott the event at 10 pm. While exiting, they saw Saif and Kareena enter but none of them waited for the couple. The eyewitness adds, “The media people were fuming by that time and they refused to stay back. Saif did apologise to them, explaining that they were stuck in traffic. But none of them understood why it took Saif and Kareena over two hours to reach Juhu from their Bandra residence. The distance can be covered in half an hour.”

Riddhi Walia, media relation manager of the event, adds another interesting insight into what happened, “Yes, the media did boycott the event. It was very unfortunate. Saif and Kareena were genuinely stuck in traffic and the media were constantly being updated about the same.

But one particular photographer, who had personal vendetta against them, instigated the entire media to leave.” Must be a popular photographer!

While Kareena remained unavailable for comment, Saif said, “Yes, we were late as we were stuck in crazy traffic due to visarjan. However, the most important part is that the event went off very well. The client was very happy and I am aware that certain press people were a little fed up, as we were late. But I apologise for that. I even apologised to the organisers. Sometimes one does get late in Mumbai traffic.”

If not the weatherman, blame it on the traffic cops.

Actor Saif Ali Khan says he is not in competition with the three other Khans of Bollywood - Aamir, Shah Rukh and Salman. He is happy with the position he has in the industry and adds that he has "a long way to go".

"They have worked in iconic and more successful films. Aamir's debut movie Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak was a superhit, Salman's Maine Pyar Kiya was also a superhit, Shah Rukh's done equally good. I am really happy with the position where I am," Saif told reporters here Friday.

"I look forward to doing better films and rising up to that position, but they are senior to me and have worked in great films. They completely deserve the position they are in. I have a lot of respect for them," he said.

The actor was speaking at the Epicentre Auditorium in Apparel House, Gurgaon to join celebrations with the Taj Enlighten Film Society, which has been validated as India's Largest Film Society by the Federation of Film Societies of India (FFSI).

Although Saif has carved a niche for himself in the industry, he says he has a long way to go.

"I think I do have a niche. I think I have the saleability, I have the ability to roll a project as a producer as well as the lead actor, which in itself is substantially satisfying achievement. But am I satisfied with the depth of the niche? No, of course not. I want it to be much deeper, work harder. I have a long way to go. Work is in progress."

The actor is now busy with his first production venture spy thriller Agent Vinod, which also stars Kareena Kapoor in the lead.

"It is a very basic story. We are working hard on it and trying to take the action and the drama to another level," he said.

After Omkara, he is again in talks with filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj to star in his new film.

"I am looking forward to working with Vishal Bhardwaj. We are on the verge of finalising things," he added.