By Fuad Omar
Rakesh Mehra, the ad-film guru is beaming like a cheshire cat. His Aks is
almost ready for release and everyone associated with the movie is awaiting
its release with eager anticipation.
"Let's do it", was the one line from Mr Amitabh Bachchan that changed Rakesh
Mehra's entire life.
Speaking at the audio release function of AB Corp's Aks, an emotional Mehra said: "I was sitting with Abhishek and discussing
our favourite films, when Mr Bachchan just happened to pass by. He was on
his way to catch a flight to Delhi. I handed over a 25-page story of Aks to
him. Maybe there was less of reading material on the flight, but Mr Bachchan
landed in Delhi and called me and said, 'Let's do it'."
One can only imagine what his reaction would've been, but imagine handing
the stalwart of Indian cinema your proposal for a film and within hours he
calls you up with three simple words: let's do it. Hats off to Mr Bachchan
who not only remains a living legend (despite certain media types constantly
trying to steal his crown from him by saying he's 'past it'), also remains
the king of cool in his demeanour.
The music release function of Rakesh Mehra's Aks was a classy and well
organised affair. Held at The Club in Andheri on May 3rd, the release
function was followed by a press conference where the entire cast was
present: Amitabh Bachchan, Raveena Tandon, Manoj Bajpai and Nandita Das. The
highlight of the evening was Bachchan in a rare talkative mood. He announced
his next two projects were to be produced by his home company AB Corps. The
first one stars Aamir Khan and Rani Mukherji, and will be directed by
Mansoor Khan. Given Mansoor's tenacity in films such as the now cult-classic
'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander' and the post-modern West Side Story 'Josh', having
Mansoor Khan, Aamir and Amitabh is certainly an exciting affair. The other
film will star the Bachchan clan, and sees Amitabh, Abhishek and Jaya united
for a movie directed by Rakesh Mehra.
Mr Bachchan spoke highly of Mehra's directorial finesse and also got
emotional about others who had stood by him. "I'm grateful to Mr Amar Singh
who's like a brother to me for standing by me through thick and thin. Also,
I have to thank Anil Ambani for his support. Anil is like my younger
brother."
Rakesh Mehra elated by Mr Bachchan's speech, took time to praise his heroine
Raveena Tandon, who has been receiving negative publicity of late with the
National Award so-called scandal. The media have never been kind to her
either so it was Rakesh's chance to let everyone know "Raveena is excellent
in my film. What you've seen of Raveena is only the tip of the iceberg. Wait
for her performance in my film. I'm glad that she has won the National award
this year. But I'm also very jealous because she's flying out to have dinner
with Bill Clinton," he said bringing attention to a star event where a
highlight was dinner with the ex-president.
Smiling at Raveena, he added: "Ravs, don't tell me later that I didn't warn
you. I'm very jealous!"
The song screening followed and everyone was talking
about Raveena's strip tease number in the film. Picturised in an
international manner with Raveena looking nothing short of stunning, the
response guaranteed soaring temperatures in the audience.
Mr Bachchan said: "Aks is an attempt to enter a new realm, which has not
been attempted earlier in Hindi film scenario."
Manoj Bajpai, the other leading man of the film, said that he had always
dreamt of getting a chance to work with Amitabh Bachchan. "I am in the
industry because of Mr Bachchan and I finally got a chance to work with him
in this film. My life has come full circle now. It is for Mr Bachchan to
guide me further," he said in an emotional moment.
Following the presentation, Manoj Bajpai and Raveena Tandon disappeared from
the venue for another appointment. Aamir Khan made a late appearance with
his wife Reena, and Abhishek joined the party later too.
Many have raved about Aks, let's see how it has shaped up as it readies for
release in the coming months.
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