Big deals Of B'Town

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan for Bajirao Mastani

After being reportedly chucked out of Bajirao Mastani years ago, Aishwarya Rai makes a comeback… and this time she isn't alone. Coming as a package deal with Ash is hubby Abhishek Bachchan playing the love struck Peshwa (Maratha warlord). Years ago, Aishwarya Rai was shown the door after Sanjay Leela Bhansali dropped her like a hot potato after her break-up with Salman Khan. Kareena Kapoor replaced Aishwarya Rai and the project was shelved.



Akshay Kumar for Singh is Kinng II

Director Anees Bazmi may or may not be directing this sequel. But Akshay Kumar is definitely in it. Produced by Vipul Shah, this film is to start shooting somewhere in the middle of 2009.




Kareena Kapoor and Akshay Kumar for Ashtavinayak's next

Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor come together for Shree Ashtavinayak's next film. The title isn't decided but when has that ever come in the way of Akshay Kumar signing films (or Kareena Kapoor for that matter)? The budget: Rs 40 crore.





Sanjay Dutt, Katrina Kaif and Akshay Kumar for Blue

Cut to Bahamas from where Akshay flew down to appease the north Indian community here in India recently. He is there shooting for Blue with Sanjay Dutt and Katrina Kaif. Never mind the title, Blue (produced by Ashtavinayak) is an action-thriller. We're assuming it has something to do with the waters in the Bahamas… or does it?





Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan for My Name is Khan

So, the golden couple is back after a hiatus of god knows how many years. The film is to be directed and produced by Karan Johar. To be shot entirely in USA (c'mon, the guy can't stop raving New York) My Name is Khan is to be made on a budget of Rs 50 crore.





Katrina Kaif for two films with Studio 18

After Welcome, Partner, Namastey London and Apne, it would have been a surprise if Katrina Kaif would not have been signed up by a major production house. Salman Khan's girl (is she still?) has moved out of his shadows… and has reportedly made Rs 6 crore in the bargain.







Harman Baweja and Priyanka Chopra for What's Your Rashee?

The guy hasn't even made his debut but Harman Baweja is already going places…with Priyanka Chopra. Ashutosh Gowariker has signed them up for his next film, a comic flick called What's Your Rashee? Co-produced by UTV and Ashu's production company, the film is said to be made on a budget of approximately Rs 40 crore. How's that for funny?





Aamir Khan for Three Idiots

Vidhu Vinod Chopra has struck again! And he's managed to get Aamir Khan to work for him in his next project, Three Idiots. The film also stars Kareena Kapoor, Sharman Joshi and Boman Irani among others and will be directed by Rajkumar Hirani (duh!).






Shah Rukh Khan for himself

If you thought My Name is Khan was narcissistic, sample this. Shah Rukh Khan has signed himself for his home production, an animation film to be directed by Anubhav Sinha. Rs 15-20 crore have been spent on the animation. A good part of the rest, we're sure, went into paying Khan who has lent his voice.





Salman Khan for No Entry 2

Sequel King Anees Bazmee had been signed on to direct No Entry 2. But from what it seems the three men from the film will be carried forward into the sequel. The last of the three to be signed was Salman Khan. Rumour has it that the superstar has inked the deal. Rumour also goes that he reassured a slightly paranoid Anees and told him, "Anees, if there's a problem just buzz me!"




Neil Nitin Mukesh for Jail

He has been hailed as the next big thing. But so have Ranbir Kapoor, Adhyayan Suman, Harman Baweja, Imran Khan and every other celeb sons whose films are releasing or have recently released. But all that apart, Neil Nitin Mukesh has managed to get a role in Madhur Bhandarkar's next film Jail. We won't bother you with the details of Madhur going and interviewing policemen. Whatever it is will cost the producers (Percept Picture Company) Rs 25 crore.


Ranbir Kapoor for Rajniti

Said to be based on the life and times of Rajiv Gandhi, this film stars Ajay Devgan, Manoj Bajpai and Ranbir Kapoor. Needless to say Ranbir plays the former Prime Minister. And surely that has nothing to do with his complexion. Ranbir also stars opposite the dusky Konkona Sen Sharma in Karan Johar's next production.