John, very funny :) I know someone like Neetu..ha ha... Btw, I too think Aamir Khan is a better actor anyday..Really enjoyed reading it.

i don't understand why these preposterous teenagers and some blind fans of his go gaga over SRK. while i agree that the guy is quite intelligent (at least in some of the interviews that i got hold of his), the actor clearly lacks versatility (one of the traits that a superstar of his stature is expected to possess) and natural flair in acting. he's been playing the same ol' romantic hero who starts as being an underdog and later, with the help of few catchy numbers composed by Jatin Lalit or Anu Malik, wins the heart of his fellow actress against all odds. heck, he doesn't even have an appealing masculine looks that some of his contemporary actors have.

barring swades and perhaps DDLJ, in which he is close to being outstanding *applauses*, i haven't seen any other flick of his where he drew my attention as would greats with the likes of Amitabh, Nasir Uddin and Sleep Kumar...arrrrgh...i mean dilip kumar do :D)

look at devdas for instance. he was nothing more than a wannabe dilip kumar II. no wonder talented directors like RGV, who experiments with "real talents" of the industry, has never given second thought about signing SRK for his movies. . big banners, big names of directors, music directors et al. and picturesque locales have been saving SRK for way too long now. his retirement from romantic roles is overdue.

this doesn't mean i admire Aamir "pudke" (maya garera) ni pheri. while he's left me spellbound with his performance in some of his flicks, the dude plays one movie in 5 years! . At that sluggish rate, even johnny lever should fancy his chance in bollywood as an out-an-out commercial hero :D) hahaha j/k.

and i think i rather not talk anything about the always-likes-to-be-in-controversy mr. salman.

the point i am trying to make is, it's high time the so-called 'khans' make graceful exits from the industry as romantic heroes before the vigilant viewers kick them out from where they think they are deservedly in. bollywood is experimenting different styles and approach in film-making these days, so they should act in roles which suit their age, style and caliber.

no offense or malice intended to khans' die hard fans. i am sure there many in this forum alone.

Loots, very true. Recently I read a review for Himesh Reshamiya movie which was pretty interesting. I guess u like Himesh then? LOL..

Here u go.. Why we should pray for Himesh's Moviee Raja Sen | June 21, 2007 18:33 IST It's not about aesthetics, or critical preference. It's not about liking one film over the other. It's about how Jhoom Barabar Jhoom's failure is fantastic news for the Hindi film industry, in general. And about how we should all pray that Himesh Reshammiya's film is a super-success. Assuming you're not nodding in agreement just yet, allow me to make my case. Read on. *** I have nothing personal against Yash Raj Films. They've made some fine movies over the years, Yash Chopra [Images] and son Adi have contributed immeasurably to Indian cinema, and it's commendable. It's also just turned into a big, flashy bar of soap. The last watchable Yash Raj movie was Saathiya, Shaad Ali's warm, loyal remake of Mani Ratnam's Alaipaayuthe. This was back in 2002. Over the last five years, Bollywood's biggest banner has started taking the audience for granted, churning out stars, locales, cliche and camp. It's all merely packaging. Save for Sanjay Gadhvi's unashamed Dhoom testosterone, the roster's been dismal. Hum Tum, Veer-Zaara, Neal N Nikki, Salaam Namaste, Fanaa. Films without plots or soul. Then there are the fatally flawed Kabul Express and Bunty Aur Babli. What's the point of it all? Money, of course. Their camp has gotten stronger (and, appropriately, campier) and way richer. They are the guys who reportedly twist multiplex arms to extract higher ticket prices and allegedly force smaller filmmakers to shuffle release dates. And if rumours are to be believed, they don't pay their stars -- it's all about visibility, the stars gladly making a bundle hiking their stage and endorsement fees. Rani Mukerji and Saif Ali Khan in Ta Ra Rum PumThey are an influential media presence, and there are few film critics who will dare totally trash a Yash Raj film. The otherwise outspoken Mumbai film journalist circle, at a Yash Raj press screening, clears their throats with some discretion. No matter how the films do, they are labeled superhits -- yes, even Neal N Nikki [Images]. Please. Upto a decade ago, crassness and melodrama used to be justified condescendingly as stuff that would work 'in the interiors.' Today, an SRK [Images]/Amitabh item song, a London [Images] backdrop, and crores spent on fashion over script, are justified as stuff that would work 'in the multiplexes.' Or worse yet, 'overseas.' YR Films believe packaging is what our educated metropolitan youth and Indian Diaspora demand. So they shove the repetitive silliness down our throats, packing enough first-weekend shows to ensure some sort of profit. Thankfully, the audience isn't biting. They've had enough. This year, Ta Ra Rum Pum [Images] and Jhoom Barabar Jhoom have been declared monstrosities. Too awful to watch, audiences have given the films a thumbs-down. Even the more 'diplomatic' critics haven't been able to find anything to praise. Mr and Mr Chopra, sit up and take notice. You made Silsila, you made DDLJ. Work harder. *** Now, why the Himesh love? And no, it's not just because I haven't shaved for a week. I'm not a fan of the baseball-capped singer. I don't have any crazy expectations from Aap Ka Surroor: The Moviee: The Real Luv Story. The first time I heard the name, I winced -- now they're carrying the numerology superstition onto English, and its ridiculous. I mean, Moviee. The promos are almost smug in their insanity, with names like Ruby James (for Mallika Sherawat) and bizarre prison scenes. This one's going to be sheer madness -- and Himesh knows it. But it's not for you, city reader. Aap Ka Surroor: The Moviee: The Real Luv StoryIt's a film aiming at the auto-rickshawwallahs -- with a whole promo going blissfully over the top declaring that intention -- and at the janta theatres that burst into mad applause the minute the nasal voice screeches over the speakers. If you've never been there, it's a riot. Forget the Amitabhs and Akshays and those ubiquitous Khans, the crowds respond insanely as soon as a Himesh promo comes on. Also, there is the matter of sheer bravado. The singer has often been dismissed as a two (dozen, at least) hit wonder, but there is a crazy consistency to his sound translating into success. After outselling the Khans at his stage shows across America, he's now put all his eggs in one basket. Some reports peg this as being Bollywood's costliest film. Even if that's a tall claim, the singer's backers have invested huge, and the film flopping could write off the whiny hit-maker for good. Still, the point remains. Why the Himesh film? Why should we, in all consciousness, want a film to succeed while we imagine it'll be near-unwatchable? Sure, it could turn out fun, but odds are that it won't. Why should we want this Moviee to hit it big? *** Because... Because it's been a mad year, awful for the box office. Two high-profile Yash Raj Films have bombed. Amitabh Bachchan's [Images] had three of his career's best performances -- Eklavya, Nishabd and Cheeni Kum -- and only one of the three (CK) has managed to salvage its budget. The biggest hit of the year so far is Bheja Fry, a film costing Rs 55 lakhs going on to make about 7 crores. Imagine then, a film coming out from a new banner, starring a new actor -- and trumping the industry. There will be complete chaos. The star-system will be rattled, the producers will be shaken, distributors won't know what hit them and there will be complete unpredictability in the industry, giving independent cinema a tremendous boost -- for if no one knows what'll work, anything could! Himesh has the opportunity to upset the Bollywood apple-cart. And that's a delicious thought.

hahaha....sn diiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! i believe more in character and performance than in person. :P. i have loved SRK in swades, Aamir and Saif in Dil chahta hai, Hrithik in Dhoom-2... so on and so forth, but no one currently in bollywood is my favorite :P i don't know what to say about himesh. i don't quite like him as a singer while i admit that he is unique. haven't seen his movies so i may sound judgmental but just by looking at him, i don't see a great actor in making. :P...but he can prove me wrong :D if u really push me, "Asrani" is my favorite actor of all time hahahahaha :D)

Asraani? Mine is Amrish Puri, seriously.. I cried when he died..sachai.. Btw, I saw few episodes of Saregamapa 2005 and I quite liked Himesh' arguments. Seems like he's a sensible man.

Mine all time favorite is AMOL PALEKAR and UTPAL DUTT. SRK was good in KHKN and SWADES. Apart from that I think his performances were mediocre. Anyway thanks John dai for making Friday Sajha Evening Happening. PM

The king khan as proclaimed by media, I don't doubt at all. I have been a regular audience of his flicks, but as u told john dai, it tastes like the same curry i cook at my house every time excluding few exceptions. As a matter of fact I have lost bollywood in time these days except for those songs tht plays in youtube.

One problem here, I love the curry I cook what so ever !! yet another piece of excellence there john dai,Do keep revealing your intelect here, feels good to read whatsoever comes out of your pen!!

While we criticize a lot about India we still love their movies don't we?? Galt well narrated but the apprehension of some good Nepali flick getting overshadowed by them should be comprehended. Worst case scenario Nepali film fraternity don't deliver good movies and each movie is a stereotyped Rajesh Hamal starrer or a raunchy clothes show by Rekha Thapa.
This was supposed to be a compliment write up. I do laud good Indian movies but I equally long for any good Nepali flick. I don't remember watching one . Anyways Galt , Sharukh did manage to affiliate the siblings.
Keep posting Galt I really like your articulate writings.

Difficult to pronounce Dixit? What is his full name? ChakDeIndia Dixit? Those neo-teens, I know one or two of them myself. Enjoyed reading it. Well written. Chuckles, chuckles everywhere.

john should start getting into Movie industry. Honeslty we do need guy as such for good script. If you are looking for one then i might have story undertitled. I want to name it " BAAM Ko KAAM". It is something which revovles around this character called BAAM who is shorty and leaner. He has a biger dream of being a great politican and dreams of taking oath as minister. His keeps on giving example of Baam Dev Gautam as ideal. The end is somehow which will make people shocked and leave home with total masal....paisa waasul. However i want total character in the movie around 10 in which Rajesh hamal, Nima Rumba, Navin Bhattarai and Dam Dev as guest apperance. The Story will be 2 hours of Non Stop of stomach tickling flick. Man i should take your help here and give you full credit for your contribution............ any thought

Enjoyed reading it, JG!

hehe lookie at what you've started mr. JG :) kancho: ltns? kushalai?

"We met like two persons who had just discovered that the other existed." and managed to talk almost an hour or so? Thanks to Bollywood movies. It can bring complete strangers together!!!!! Galt bro, enjoyed every bit of it! keep them coming!!!

sure lasspass garne bhayo neetu lai.... Rock on john galt

Hmm, I had actually missed this one... but it is a wonderful read nonetheless. But in my case no matter what people say about Shah Rukh, he never fails to be my favorite. I wish he did more movies. lol I think that his expressive eyes do the trick for me... John Please write more!

John, where did the article go??? I read it a long time ago but didn't respond then as I felt hard to connect to the Indian actors being talked about (as I've been totally removed/moved on from the Bollywood scene for nearly a decade now). However, even though the article is here no mo, just wanted you to know that your articles are the bomb. Its what makes sajha worth checking even before that major deadline on a project or when on the phone with a major client and I'm on hold. Hoping to read more from you and find out the answer to the age-old question: Who is John Galt (the savior of sajha??) some day!! hhahahah Ciao!

Yeah I dont know if he removed it but I cant see it either. I actually read it last night and I thought I would comment on it today... but when I opened the thread.. the whole first page of the thread seems to have disappeared somehow. John did you remove it, or is it an error??

John....fun read. You do keep us all tickled dun you? Keep em coming hai ta. Has anyone SEEN that Shiny Ahuja guy?!!!!!!!!!!! He is HOTTTTTTT! Kasam. I loved him in Woh Lamhe and even more so in Gangster. Pheww....

Surely SRK dont make sense for me as well. I personally like rahul bose and Aamir Khan. They both excel well on perfomance. It was amazing how aamir carried RDB( Rand De Basanti) with his perfomance. He surely is a actor who is bindas and thinks only about his acting. He chooses offtune bollywood movie and make them sucessful.Even he fail to make Mangal Pandey ( The Rising) fall on box office. I felt one of his best perfomance can be seen in it. In other hand rahul bose on Pyaar Ke Side Effect was superb. If you guys havenot watch so far then please do. I remeber rahul speaking in coffee with Karan " i cant imagine myself doing lip singing ever in my life". There are lot of actors who are not rated or taken as supremeo as SRK. SRK is spontonous in answering and good in public relation. He has bigger circle of friends who always support him. In other hand aamir is own type but tell you what this guy is trendsetter and has guts. He refuges to take any award from bollywood fretenity. He knew it is not fare.

I will only spend my money for these forthcoming movies though

Swariyaa: directed by sanjay leela bansali

Tare Jammen paar: Directed by Aamir himself

End of the day " this is world and popularity counts a lot. Though people after 20 years may laugh at shahrukh acting. Today is his. "

Masha allah