Charge of the tyke brigade

BOLLYWOOD: After just a film or two, young film stars are charging the earth for endorsing brands.

Slumdog Millionaire’s Freida Pinto, who is believed to have bagged a role in Woody Allen’s next, may see her brand endorsement fee rise nearly four-fold to nearly Rs 1.5 crore from a mere Rs 40 lakh that she charged earlier. Genelia D’Souza and Imraan Khan, who starred in the hit Jaane Tu Ya Jane Na, and Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, the cornerstones of Pepsi’s Youngistaan campaign, are already demanding between Rs 1 crore and Rs 4 crore.

The growing popularity of Generation X is easy to explain, given that Bollywood’s established stars Shah Rukh, Hrithik Roshan, Aamir Khan and Rani Mukherjee are appearing in fewer films.

“The older stars have very few projects for the next few months. The younger stars have three or four projects slated for release over the next 12 months and will be in the limelight. The endorsement rate is directly proportionate to the number of new projects you have in hand,” said Anirban Das Blah, chief executive of Globosports, the Bangalore-based celebrity management company.

Part of the reason for this rapid rise in asking price is that some new stars may be new in Mumbai but already have a large fan following in their regions. D’Souza and Asin, for instance, are already big names in south India, but the success of just one Hindi movie has virtually doubled their fees.

Industry sources say stars like Kapoor, D’Souza and Padukone are currently in talks with at least five leading brands in categories like automobiles, beauty products and apparel.

Companies say they are banking on new faces because it fits the profile of the brands they are endorsing. D’Souza, for instance, endorses Coca-Cola’s new Fanta Apple.

“Genelia’s personality matches the Fanta brand persona,which is young, energetic and fresh, and she appeals to the youth,” said a company spokesperson.

Dabur Vatika has tied up with D’Souza, mainly to try and revamp the product and make it more attractive to the youth.

Tata Sky, for the same reason, roped in Asin during the release of the hit, Ghajini. “Tata Sky and Asin have a lot in common. Both are young, energetic, achievers, and both enjoy a high degree of credibility with consumers,” said Vikram Mehra, the company’s chief marketing officer. “As our new face, she will be influential in reinforcing the attributes of the Tata Sky brand and reiterate our positioning.” There are, however, risks in betting on the new faces. “The huge endorsement fees paid to the younger lot, especially the actress, are in anticipation of better on-screen work in the near future. Mind you, if their next project flops, they will be out of the race for big bucks,” said ad-filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar. In contrast, he said, Shah Rukh or Hrithik were much more stable and time-tested.

Shailendra Singh, joint managing director of Percept Limited, seconds this. “Asin has yet to prove her youth connect despite the success of Ghajini. So her unrealistic price could disappear if her next film flops. However, India has a large youth population, so youth’s connect with brands is a given, especially as the established actors today are over 40 and the new ones have to come to the fore,” he said.

Deepika joins dad to help Needy Sports people to make a movie

Sports and Deepika Padukone are inextricably linked. what with her father being a badminton champ.

And now Deepika has gotten together with her father Prakash Paudokne in a project to help needy sports people.

Says Deepika, “My father has just started an organization to help promising individual sports persons. I’ve decided to be associated with it. I want to contribute not just financially but also by being there for it physically.I’m dying to do a sports film. But no one has offered me any so far.”

Deepika moves away from her Lucy Lieu act in Chandni Chowk To China to do a very ‘today’ film about a contemporary relationship in Imtiaz Ali’s film with Saif Ali Khan.

And the extremely contemporary film often found Deepika drawing references from her own relationship.

“It’s a very contemporary take on relationships, the way couples feel in this day age. It’s a very unusual film.Very real. It will connect with contemporary couples. I sure did connect with it.”

Deepika is thrilled to be compared with Lucy Lieu. “I come from a very athletic background. And I wanted to do an action scenes. To be doing somersaults and flips for all those guys who supervised the stunts for Uma Thurman in Kill Bill…was a big treat.”

She did injure her ankle, permanently she thought. “But it has healed miraculously. And I’m raring to do another action film.”

Like Kareena, Deepika has decided to stay mum about her personal life. “The only time Ranbir and I have spoken is about each other is when we wanted to talk confess our love. Then they’ve been bringing us together, splitting us up…I’m very secure and happy in our relationship.”

Sidelining all speculation about Ranbir Kapoor’s mother being disapproving of her, Deepika says, “I’ve only met her a couple of times and hardly interacted with Ranbir’s parents. I’ve the highest regard for her. Ranbir and I will get to know each other’s parents when the time is right. At the moment we’re both focused on our careers.”

About being called a female Akshay Kumar Deepika laughs, “That was picked up by a journalist who asked me if I wanted to be a female Akshay Kumar. If my words are twisted and played around with, what can I say? I’m just here to enjoy myself. Now I’ve another chance to be a female Akshay Kumar when we start Sajid Khan’s Houseful.”

It’s choc-a-bloc routine for Deepika. But she says she has time for everything. “Time management is something I learnt very young.I make sure I work very hard.I also get time to relax. We’re in a business where we need to get look good.”

Then she adds, “But I’m glad people don’t think of me as a decorative doll. I take my own decisions on what films to do. Ranbir and I don’t discuss work.”

A recent trip to Tirupathi with her family also gave the actress a big high, and not just spiritually. “It’s nice to know that people recognize me even in the South. We were obviously there for a religious visit. People were extremely well behaved. They did of course take photographs and ask for autographs.I’d have been disappointed if they didn’t.” -Subhash K Jha / Sampurn Media

Deepika Padukone latest wallpapers (21st Feb)

Deepika Padukone on Cover of a Men's Magazine

Deepika Padukone is surely going places. The pretty lass graces the cover of a men's magazine this Valentine season.

In an interview with the magazine, the Om Shanti Om actor admits she loves life's simple pleasures. One of them is traveling and Deepika makes it a point to visit new places. If she has good company too, then there is nothing more she could want, claims the actress.

Readers of the magazine would surely like nothing better than to accompany this hot lady on those trips.

Bollywood's Dreamy Deepika Padukone

Sometimes, it's nice to be defeated: Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone, glamour goddess, wears a sporty hat for a change and talks about her days as a badminton champion at the launch of MTV Force India.. The Fast and The Gorgeous, to Nikhil Taneja.

What was the impact of sports on your growing up years?
It has taught me so much! I was very young when I started travelling for tournaments. Because of the fact that I interacted with people across the country, I am very confident now. It taught me to be responsible and independent. I have lived the life that sportspersons experience in India, with the limited facilities. I have travelled by second class trains, lived in dormitories and you know, shared loos.

You continue to be associated with sport in some way, isn't it? You are a former badminton champion, we spotted you at IPL last season, and now you are the brand ambassador for Force India.

(Smiles) I come from a sports family. So I've always been extremely fond of sports. I've played national level badminton myself, and I'm in the glamour industry now.

Formula One is one of the only sports which has a blend of both glamour and sports, just like my life. MTV Force India.. The Fast and The Gorgeous, like MTV Roadies is fresh, young, and about being yourself and expressing yourself.. which is why I'm endorsing it.

What's the one memory you have of being on the badminton court?
(Thinks, and then lights up) I think the days when my dad, Prakash Padukone, would coach me.

Did he let you win sometimes?
We never played competitively actually. Moreover, he didn't want to spoil me by treating me any different from others. He was the coach for the senior players, and I was a junior player.

It was only once in a while, when he was in a good mood, that he'd train me separately. That was fun! (Smiles)

He never once let the fatherly aspect take on the badminton court?
No, on court, he was a coach, and at home, he was a father.. a very normal one at that. He balanced out his family time and his career very well. I never felt like my father wasn't home for me.

Was he disappointed when you left badminton to join modelling?
(Pauses) No.. both my parents have been extremely supportive of whichever career my sister Anisha or I decided to take up. They trust the fact that we would make the right choices.

Did they have an inkling that your heart was set somewhere else?
I modelled as a kid and did a couple of campaigns. I don't know if they expected it, but when I told them, they handled it really well.

I did have to convince them first. They just told me that they trusted me to work hard and get noticed. And well, I'm just glad I didn't do any wrong work and get carried away.

What's the one thing you still miss about the sport?
When we played national level, it was a lot of fun when we travelled as an entire team. We lived in the worst conditions, ate the worst food, and struggled our way up.. but it was fun doing it together. Times have changed now and things have become professional, but that phase was also fun.

You may have become a national level champion had you still been a part of that world.
Yeah, probably. But you know, when I was young, there was no thought of not getting into badminton. It was expected that the daughter of a sports legend would obviously take up that sport.

It's only after I started playing, there came a time when I had to think whether that was what I really wanted. I realised that I was good at the game, but I just didn't enjoy it as much as I'd enjoy, say, being a part of the entertainment world.

What have you learnt from your father which helps you in your film career?
It would surely be the way he handled success. He is also very passionate about what he does. Even today, the minute you start talking to him about badminton, he's so passionate, you can see it. That's what makes a person successful in the first place.

How did he handle defeats?
He had stopped playing by the time I was born. But he's told me a lot about success and failure. You have your good days and your bad days, but you can't give up. Sometimes, it's nice to be defeated because it gives you the strength to go back there and do better.

Is that how you feel after Chandni Chowk to China's debacle?
Yeah, I guess. You can't get disheartened if your film doesn't work, because there's no formula to success. The most important thing is to enjoy the process of making the film. So many months of our lives go into that.. you meet so many people, learn so many things, enjoying your time is very important.

Being from a sports background, do you think the sporting spirit is missing in the film industry?
(Evasively) I think I have been able to handle failure of a film or things like allegations and rumours much better. It's something I was prepared for, coming from a sports family.

So is the sporting spirit missing?
(Thinks) Some have it, some don't.

You recently said that you'd be starting a sports academy.
My father, Prakash Padukone, has already set up the Olympic Gold Quest with Geet Sethi and a couple of corporates.

They'd be supporting talented sportspersons financially, with the aim of bringing back Olympic medals. I plan to do something similar, but on a personal track.

You will be supporting sportspersons financially?
Yes. When sportspersons in our country go out and play, they shouldn't be worried about whether they have enough money to eat or support their families. Their worry should be focusing on the game, but that's sadly not the case.

Would you put together a film on sports?
I don't know about that, but I would love to be part of a sports film, whether it's badminton or any other. I think it's nice for a girl to do different things in films, especially after Chak De! India became popular.

So who has the most sporty body in the film industry?
(Instantly) Me. Amongst the girls, definitely me.

And amongst the guys?
(Instantly) Akshay (Kumar). Oh, and John (Abraham) too.

Deepika Padukone hot wallpapers (14th Feb)

Deepika's 'glamour' to rev-up Force India

Vijay Mallya, chairman of Force India F1 team, has roped in actress Deepika Padukone to be the face of his team.

Deepika said, if she could manage time from her busy Bollywood schedule, she would love to be one of the team's 'speed divas' and travel around the world for the Formula One Grand Prix event 2009.

"I may make brief appearances during MTV's reality show, 'The Fast and the Gorgeous' and I'm looking forward to it," said Deepika as she sat on a McLaren-Mercedes-powered Formula One car to unveil MTV-Force India's The Fast and the Gorgeous hunt for the 'speed divas' here.

Four 'speed divas' will be chosen from 20 contestants. Deepika, daughter of badminton champion Prakash Padukone, loves sports and excelled in badminton in school. Asked what is common between badminton and car racing, she said: "Speed".

Force India Formula One team's maiden performance on the international race track last year was not up to the mark. "But to be qualified to take part in Formula One Grand Prix itself was no mean achievement," said Mallya. Mallya, however, warned the Indian car race lovers not to expect "miracles" from the Force India team during the prelims.

"The Grand Prix event from Barcelona onwards will be the real test for all the teams," he said. Mallya, who took the initiative to put India on the international car racing track, said he will be a proud man when Force India will host the first Indian Grand Prix in 2011.

"It was fantastic working with Saif" - Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone at the Idea Filmfare Awards 2009 unveiling event at a Mumbai star hotel. The beautiful actress was missing boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor at the event. When asked about Ranbir's absence from the event she replied, "You'll have to ask the organizers that"

Talking about her recent debacle Chandni Chowk To China, Deepika stated, "I would still count it as a great experience. If you work hard on a film or anything and then it doesn't do well, you are obviously disappointed but it was a great experience for me. I learnt a lot from it. It's an experience that pushes me to better myself and my performances."

Speaking about her Imtiaz Ali film, Love Aaj Kal with Saif Ali Khan, she said, "Imtiaz Ali was always on my wish-list of directors to work with and I am glad I am working with him so soon in my career. It was fantastic working with Saif. He is brilliant yet he needs to be taken care of like a child. My character in the film, Meera, is a modern yet traditional girl. She is practical yet emotional in matters of the heart. I think youngsters will relate very well to the love story in the film."

Deepika has also made a small appearance with her debut film hero Shahrukh Khan in coming Friday's release, Billu Barber. Recalling his shooting experience for the same, the tall beauty said, "I shot for three days for Billu Barber shooting the song Love Mera Hit Hit. It actually brought back memories of Om Shanti Om for me. In fact even the caterer, Muthuswamy was the same. Farah and SRK are like family to me and I would do anything for them."

Finally when we asked her plans for Valentine's Day? she cleverly replied, "I am spending the day with my parents."

Deepika wants to do a sports film

Sports and Deepika Padukone are inextricably linked, what with her father being a badminton champ.

And now Deepika has gotten together with her father Prakash Paudokne in a project to help needy sports people.

Says Deepika, "My father has just started an organization to help promising individual sports persons. I've decided to be associated with it. I want to contribute not just financially but also by being there for it physically. I'm dying to do a sports film. But no one has offered me any so far."

Deepika moves away from her Lucy Lieu act in Chandni Chowk To China to do a very 'today' film about a contemporary relationship in Imtiaz Ali's film with Saif Ali Khan.

And the extremely contemporary film often found Deepika drawing references from her own relationship.

"It's a very contemporary take on relationships, the way couples feel in this day age. It's a very unusual film. Very real. It will connect with contemporary couples. I sure did connect with it."

Deepika is thrilled to be compared with Lucy Lieu. "I come from a very athletic background. And I wanted to do an action scenes. To be doing somersaults and flips for all those guys who supervised the stunts for Uma Thurman in Kill Bill ... was a big treat."

She did injure her ankle, permanently she thought. "But it has healed miraculously. And I'm raring to do another action film."

Like Kareena, Deepika has decided to stay mum about her personal life. "The only time Ranbir and I have spoken is about each other is when we wanted to confess our love. Then they've been bringing us together, splitting us up ... I'm very secure and happy in our relationship."

Sidelining all speculation about Ranbir Kapoor's mother being disapproving of her, Deepika says, "I've only met her a couple of times and hardly interacted with Ranbir's parents. I've the highest regard for her. Ranbir and I will get to know each other's parents when the time is right. At the moment we're both focused on our careers."

About being called a female Akshay Kumar Deepika laughs, "That was picked up by a journalist who asked me if I wanted to be a female Akshay Kumar. If my words are twisted and played around with, what can I say? I'm just here to enjoy myself. Now I've another chance to be a female Akshay Kumar when we start Sajid Khan's Houseful."

It's choc-a-bloc routine for Deepika.But she says she has time for everything. "Time management is something I learnt very young. I make sure I work very hard. I also get time to relax. We're in a business where we need to get look good."

Then she adds, "But I'm glad people don't think of me as a decorative doll. I take my own decisions on what films to do. Ranbir and I don't discuss work."

A recent trip to Tirupathi with her family also gave the actress a big high, and not just spiritually. "It's nice to know that people recognize me even in the South. We were obviously there for a religious visit. People were extremely well-behaved. They did of course take photographs and ask for autographs.I'd have been disappointed if they didn't."

Deepika disappointed with Chandni Chowk's failure

Deepika Padukone has admitted that she is disappointed with the debacle of her latest film Chandni Chowk to China.

She, However, refused to comment on reports that she has proved unlucky for co-star Akshay Kumar.

The film's failure comes at a time when movies with Akshay in the lead were a huge draw at the Box Office in the last two years.

"Of course, I am disappointed with the film's failure. But, that does not stop me from looking at the brighter side. My work was appreciated and I learned a lot from the film. I will better myself as an actor," she said.

Speaking about her next release, Love Aajkal with Saif Ali Khan, Deepika said she always wanted to work with director Imtiaz Ali.

"I play Meera, a girl of today who has to deal with relationships. She is a modern young woman but traditional to the core. She follows her heart," she added.

Deepika described co-star Saif Ali Khan as a brilliant actor. "He is like a child and needs to be taken care of," she added.

Deepika was talking to reporters at the press conference to announce the launch of Idea cellular as the new sponsors of 54th Filmfare awards which will take place on February 28.

Asin and Anushka, both are great: Padukone

Deepika Padukone showed up on Friday to add a dash of glamour and lend support to an event organised by Filmfare magazine to announce their annual awards ceremony and their new sponsors.

The actress, who won Best Female Debutante, last year, happily endorsed the magazine and revealed why it holds a special place in her heart.

“My association with film fare goes down years as a kid I use to watch the awards with my family as one of the most anticipated film awards of the year,” says Actor, Deepika Padukone.

Deepika, who is unlikely to win any awards at this year's ceremony, will attend the show nevertheless to cheer for this year's debutantes.

“I think Asin was brilliant in the film, at the same time I have known Anushka since my modeling days, I think both should get film fares,” adds Deepika Padukone.

Studiously avoiding any questions on her recent colossal dud, Chandni Chowk To China, Deepika chose instead to shed some light on her new film Love Aaj Kal and her working relationship with Saif Ali Khan who stars opposite her in this Imtiaz Ali film that will release later this year.

“He's great fun to work with, he a kid and needs to be taken care of but a brilliant actor,” says Deepika Padukone.

Considering Imtiaz Ali gave Kareena Kapoor the role of her life in Jab We Met, there's a good chance Deepika won't be deprived of her big chance to shine either.

Perhaps next year, she'll return for the awards as a nominee again.

Deepika Padukone wallpapers (7th Feb)

Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone in Anees Bazmee's next?

After Chandni Chowk to China, the not-so-hit jodi of Deepika Padukone and Akshay Kumar will be seen in Singh is Kinng director Anees Bazmee's next for UTV.


"I'm thinking of casting Akshay Kumar but things are yet to be finalized as yet but UTV and I am interested in casting him. Everything is at a preliminary stage right now. Besides Akki, who is my favourite actor, I am in talks with Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor, so let's see how things will work out. I am currently busy with 'It's My Life' and I want it to be as successful as Singh is Kinng," says Bazmee.

But does he think Harman Baweja will be successful after Love Story 2050 and Victory have bombed?

Anees replies, "It's not necessary as every film is different and I'm not interested in Victory and Love Story 2050's result as this time he will deliver a hit through my film as I'm confident enough about the script and it has been shot in Norway, Bangkok and New Delhi. I want everything in my film to be done perfectly. Now the film is near completion and then I will start working for Anil Kapoor's production "No Problem" sometime in March which stars Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Sushmita Sen and Paresh Rawal. This film will have everything from action, comedy, thriller to romance."

It will be interesting to see Akshay Kumar, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone to sharing screen space but Akshay should not forget the debacle of Chandni Chowk to China.