My family and friends know me as the source for gossip and I take my responsibility seriously! As 2013 draws to a close, I wanted to take over the job of newspapers, and list the Bollywood news that grabbed headlines.
(Please note: The view expressed in this blog are mine and for information purposes only. I make no representations on accuracy or completeness of any information on this site).
1) Hrithik and Suzanne Break up
Boy meets girl as a teenager, and get married just after his first movie- sounds like a fairy tale but ended as a disaster. Hrithik and Suzanne’s marriage was on the tabloids since his movie Kites and the rumored affair with Barbara Mori, but the separation announcement was a shocker. There are stories about Suzanne’s closeness to Arjun Ramphal, issues with in-laws- Hrithik’s statement suggested it was initiated by Suzanne. Fans are hoping for a reconciliation, but according the Bejan Daruwalla (Times of India astrologer) , he will get re-married in 2015.
2) Salman opened up
Salman surprised everyone by appearing on Koffee with Karan- what did we find out? He has learnt to lie and that he is a virgin!
3) Shah Rukh Khan had a son, and was in the middle of controversy
Shah Rukh Khan had a son- Abram, through a surrogate. But he landed in hot soup with the authorities, after there were stories about him conducting a sex determination test (deemed illegal in India). After an inquiry, he was given a clean chit; but the story made headlines the world over.
4) Ranbir and Katrina are a couple (we think!)
Bollywood’s favorite bachelor is dating Katrina- at least based on tons of stories, vacation pictures, and set visits. Of course, there are no confirmations from either of them but we are safe to assume it is true (at least based on Ranbir Kareena Koffee with karan episode).
5) Aamir Khan danced, rode bikes
As the new villain of the Dhoom franchise, Aamir Khan rode bikes, tap danced, even gymnastics. Suddenly he was all over the media with his fedora. My expectations were sky high, but the movie did not live up to the hype. Maybe he couldn’t fill in John Abraham and Hrithik Roshan’s shoes as ultimate anti-heroes.
6) Sanjay Dutt goes to jail, but keeps finding ways out
Sanjay Dutt was convicted to 5 years in prison for his involvement in TADA case- he went to prison to complete the remaining 42 months. There was a wave of sympathy- Bollywood put up messages supporting him. He came out first for ill health in October, and now for his wife’s health problems. Of course, there were headlines about all of this- was Sanjay’s issues serious? would other prisoners have received the same treatment? Was his wife really ill, after all she was spotted at premiers and parties)? My 2 cents- he committed the crime, he should do the time (without any special treatment).
7) Farhan Akhtar outruns Bollywood, Mikha Singh style
In one of the best movies of the year, Farhan Akhtar showed us what real acting is about- no styling and props, he was just all about the character. He took 2 years to get in shape and look like MIlkha Singh. In my opinion, it is one of Farhan’s best performances in his career, and helped launch the movie in to the list of top 10 hits for 2013.
8) Priyanka sings with Pitbull
Priyanka showed us she can sign by launching a single ‘In My City’. She went on to sing with Pitbull, and gave dozens of press conferences about it. Frankly, the song was very average- she sounded affected and fake, and she looked like a mash of music video outfits of Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears,etc. Not memorable at all!
9) The story by numbers
Top 10 movies in 2013 by collections: Krrish 3, Dhoom 3, Chennai Express, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Ramleela, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Grand Masti, Race 2, Aashiqui 2, Special 26.
As a trend, I look at this and one thing stands out- 5 out of the 10 movies are sequels. We seem to love reinventing the same stories! Another point to note, 4 out of the 10 movies have Deepika Padukone- no need to guess who is the top top actress!
10) Continues stories that make headlines
Will John Abraham get married to Priya?
Will Rani Mukherjee marry Aditya Chopra?
When will Aishwarya make a comeback to movies?
Will Salman stay single forever?
So many questions, so little answers. Maybe 2014 might offer some!
Drop a comment if you agree, disagree…..
Happy New Year!
Random Musings 