Hrithik Promotes Tata Sky

With the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 round the corner, Direct-To-Home (DTH) players hope to double their subscription revenues in the first year to Rs 90-100 crore by selling around 300,000 connections in March alone.

This will mean an addition of 15 per cent to the existing DTH subscriber base of 25 lakh shared by Dish TV and Tata Sky. Even cable operators in areas under the conditional access system (CAS) in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are hopeful of a 10-fold increase in subscribers because of the World Cup.

“Currently, 100-200 STBs are sold on a daily basis. However, as the World Cup nears, we expect to sell 1,000 STBs per day,” said Ravi Mansukhani, managing director, InNetwork Entertainment.

But DTH players are betting big on the World Cup. Currently the two players are acquiring 5,000-6,000 subscribers a day, with each subscriber spending Rs 3,500-Rs 4,000 for a connection.

To lure subscribers, both Dish TV and Tata Sky have announced special offers. For instance, Dish TV has floated a promotional price of Rs 3,990 valid till March 31, including its Sports Active service which allows for multiple screen viewing.

Likewise, Tata Sky is offering a three-month subscription free to subscribers who buy before April 15. Additionally, the company has signed up Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan for a lucky draw contest in which 50 families will get to watch the finals in Mumbai with the film-star.

“We are optimistic that our rate of new subscriptions will increase two or three-fold,” said Anjali Malhotra, vice-president marketing, Dish TV. Dish TV’s subscription base stands at 1.8 million.

Even Tata Sky aims to get closer to its first-year target.

Said Vikram Mehra, vice-president, consumer marketing, Tata Sky, “We set ourselves the target of achieving one million subscribers in the first year of our launch. With the World Cup, we feel we may achieve it much ahead of our target.”

Hrithik to play Aladdin

March 15, 2007
Times Now reports that Hrithik will play the title role in Aladin to be produced by Rohan Sippy. Big B will play the genie.

Life is definitely on the upswing for Hrithik Roshan. The blue eyed boy of Bollywood, Hrithik Roshan is rocking with meaty roles. With the stupendous success in Krrish and Dhoom 2, he has another plum role as Aladin in a Rs 70 crore blockbuster to be produced by Rohan Sippy. The role is opposite Amitabh Bachchan.

But according to sources Hrithik is forgetting his old benefactors. Zoya Akhtar was one of the few directors who was ready to take a chance on Hrithik post Lakshya. It seems he is unwilling to return the favour. The actor has now opted out of Zoya's much touted love story. Though close friends cite the sizzling chemistry with Kareena and Suzanne Khan's ire as the main cause of the actor's denial to accept Zoya's offer. The fact is Zoya's film is a small fry as compared to the whopping Aladdin that stars none other than the Big B as the genie.

After all when you have a Rs 70 crore budget movie and a superstar cast, can we really blame Hrithik for giving love story a pass? It looks like the junior Roshan has finally realised that you are only as good as your last film.

Hrithik and Priyanka's revelation makes Koffee HOT!

Source: Indiaenews

Date: February 14, 2007

He is truly a superhero in every which way... She is super hot and happening... He’s had the most rocking year in the business... He can dance, fly and boy... He can Dhoom... She is truly the reigning queen of Bollywood

This Sunday meet the mega star Hrithik Roshan, who from being termed as a ‘superb actor’ to now being termed as a ‘sex symbol’ has managed to replace every pin-up boy in the business and has emerged the hottest hunk, only on Koffee with Karan. The second guest is the super hot, very happening and truly the reigning queen of Bollywood, who’s had the biggest blockbusters in her kitty. The charismatic Priyanka Chopra and her Krissh co-star Hrithik chat up with Karan this Sunday, February 18th at 9 p.m. on Star One and Star World!

Hrithik and Priyanka have an absolute ball in the episode as Karan confesses; “I have never had people who talk more than me on my talk show.” The Krissh duo tease, laugh their heart out and let their hair down as they don’t miss any opportunity to mock each other… even taking digs at each others appetite! Hrithik talks about him being slated as a sex symbol, the sexiest compliment he has received so far, his take on his detractors who say that he works best with his father Rakesh Roshan and the much talked about kiss episode of Dhoom-2. Priyanka is also not spared by the hosts’ volley of questions. He probes Priyanka on her much doubted friendship with Kareena Kapoor, if she is currently dating someone, catfights and controversies and lots more!

And just when the set of controversial Q&A wraps up and the two attractive actors are about to lean back with a sigh of relief, Karan announces the rapid fire round! So which actor does Hrithik consider a threat? Shah Rukh, Hrithik or Salman – which co-star would Priyanka like to work again with? Kareena as a friend or Kareena as an acquaintance – what does Priyanka choose? A girl from Indian Cinema who turns Hrithik on? Lot of revelations... Lot of tongue-in-cheek moments...

Excerpts from the interview:

Karan: What’s the sexiest compliment you have received?

Hrithik: Well .. let me just say that .. there were these whole bunch of SMS’es that I got, in which it was pretty clear that a lot of the girls said that they were very happy .. a long way before the film had climaxed...

Karan: (interrupts) … I know of a lot of women who went to see the film with their husbands or their boy friends … and there were very shattered husbands at the end of the film.. and you managed to do that ..

Hrithik: It should be something that should motivate them

Karan: How’s it been .. the year .. you have had two big hits .. it’s been a fantastic commercial year for you .. are you thrilled .. happy .. waiting to do more exciting work ..

Priyanka: Yes.. I am really looking forward to do some good work.. it has been a fantastic year ..and more than anything my dad come back home this year.. he was really unwell last year … that added just to the whole year ..

Hrithik: You know... If anything ever happened to Krrish … you can easily go ahead and make a super ‘Krisshi’ ..

Karan: Because she is really a super girl ..

Hrithik: She is crazy .. she is a shocker ..

Karan: The over hyped kiss episode of Dhoom .. the whole paparazzi .. the media attention it got .. I believe it was absolutely for no reason .. What do you think?

Hrithik: There was a reason .. for sure ..

Karan: What was the reason?

Hrithik: The reason is .. some people are just not getting any action .. on a more serious note … I think it is ridiculous .. because from my point of view .. it’s all about creating that one beautiful moment on screen .. it’s about having a vision and giving your whole and soul .. and it doesn’t matter whether you are comfortable or uncomfortable with it .. you know there were all these questions .. were you uncomfortable .. were you awkward .. it doesn’t matter .. you know what’s the most uncomfortable thing in the world is … to stand at the edge of a 50 feet building and jump .. you are risking you’re life there .. but , you do it because I had a vision for Krish .. I had a vision for Aryan’s love story .. and that’s what it is all about .. creating that one special moment … rest all is crap ..

Karan: I thought is it was very aesthetically and beautifully shot.

Karan: Would you call them detractors .. the ones who turned around and said that Hrithik Roshan works only with his father? What would you call them?

Hrithik: Angels .. if it weren’t for them .. I don’t think it would have added that little zing in my drive .. so .. fab .. thank you.

Karan: That’s a great grand look at the detractors?

Hrithik: Ya .. they are all angels

Karan: Tell me, what is the worst criticism you have ever received?

Hrithik: Worst criticism .. I don’t know if you can call it a criticism .. but, here was this magazine, which had my face on the cover and said ‘Finished’

Karan: Finished

Hrithik: Ya .. Finished ..

Karan: Have you met that person who wrote that today

Hrithik: Ahh .. No , I don’t need to .. doesn’t matter ..

Karan: You think he or she is just turning in their heads and going completely mad that they wrote something like this..

Hrithik: But great .. it was the best day of my life .. because the truth was so apparent .. they have my face on the cover .. selling the magazine for that month …

Karan: Ya .. That upset you ..

Hrithik: No, it excited me . I was very very motivated .. encouraged .. I know it’s a bit crazy but that’s the way I am.

Karan: It seems to be .. detractors are angels .. and ‘Finished’ is encouraging ..

Hrithik: Absolutely ..

Karan: So, Hrithik Roshan is Mr. Nice guy .. is it really all that true? ..Are you all that nice .. really?

Hrithik: Ah .. I guess .. am I?

Karan: I think you are .. Are you really? ..

Hrithik: Ya .. laughs ..

Karan: Laughs … You are a nice guy .. duggu

Karan: Much doubted friendship with Kareena Kapoor no longer exists ..

Priyanka: Of course it does

Karan: You were spotted .. with various dinners .. going out in a group .. Shahid, you, her and of course your good friend Harman .. you’ll used to go out a lot .. and now that group seems to have dispersed ..

Priyanka: No .. It’s not that .. It’s just that we don’t have the time .. In fact Shahid and me are neighbors .. I have brought a house where he lives … I will be seeing a lot of him .. I’ve been out of town .. So we have not really hung out as much ..

Karan: I asked her this question .. you want to know what she said ..

Priyanka: I think it will be pretty much the same .. unless there is something else Karan: Well I asked her … I said you know ... are you’ll close … she said we are not anymore

Priyanka: We used to go on holidays …we don’t anymore …

Karan: She said we are not .. and it rather be like this …as acquaintances than friends … Has any water flown below this bridge … for her to have said this …

Priyanka: I have no idea .. where that came from ..

Karan: She said that she likes you … you are a nice girl … but its best to keep distance ..

Priyanka: Its her choice .. I am not pouncing on her either … laughs ..

Karan: You are getting there babes …

Priyanka: Thanks ..

Karan: Do you feel that .. it always started with women .. women have catfights .. women have issues .. have you seen that with men .. with the heroes in the business …

Priyanka: Well .. honestly .. guys I think have a lot more camaraderie .. They hang out …they can be a lot more chilled out somehow. . But girls there are always. I have sensed it … may be have this bird’s eye point of view. May be because I am not brought up here … but for me it was some how it was new to feel that. You’re friends in a second. And suddenly things change. Which, I don’t know why … and I just let it be. It doesn’t matter.

Karan: And you move on ..

Priyanka: Ya.. so much more to do …

Hrithik: Good for you …

Karan: Good for all us … I have never had people who talk more than me on my talk show …

Karan: So having fun …

Priyanka: Ahhh ..

Hrithik: Ahh …

Karan: Thanks .. so much for enthusiasm … I sounded so much chirpy and happy … and this is what I get …

Priyanka: No ..no .. good fun ..

Hrithik: You are getting crores for this

Karan: I wish .. not half of what you are getting ..

Hrithik: That’s true

Karan: I have to work very hard to get the crores .. You shake a leg and you get them

Hrithik: You are almost there ya

Karan: You think I can do like an Aryan ..

Hrithik: Much better .. I have full faith

Karan: And you would laugh the loudest .. if I had to do an Aryan …you know .. sexy and me .. don’t go

Hrithik: They do ..

Priyanka: What are you saying ..

Karan: only my mother thinks I am sexy … its only her ..

Hrithik: Gift of the gab ya

Karan: That’s more important.

The h factor

Source: Gulf News

Date: February 14, 2007

We ran a poll on gulfnews.com and asked you to vote for your ideal celeb dinner date on Valentine's Day (see poll on this page). Unsurprisingly, Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan proved to be the most popular - never mind if both are in committed relationships!

So what exactly makes us want to be with them? That too on a day marked out in red roses on the calendar?

An informal survey threw up one word: HOT. Men drooled over Ash, her eyes, her smile, her hair - and of course, her body. Women swooned over Hrithik - his eyes, his smile, his hair - and yes, his body!

The fact that both speak well, in a lingo every young, urban Indian understands, doesn't hurt either.

Time then for a quick comparison between the two superstars of current Indian cinema, purely in the interest of serious journalism.

Alike

Both Ash and Hrithik are in serious relationships. Hrithik is married to Suzanne, Ash has just got engaged to Abhishek Bachchan, as the whole world knows. Both sets of in-laws are big in the film industry. Suzanne is the daughter of Sanjay Khan and the niece of the irrepressible Feroz Khan.

Abhishek, of course, is the son of acting legends Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan.

Both Ash and Hrithik have light eyes that light up the screen.

Good bodies

Both have gorgeous bodies and manage to look good at all times. In hideous gown (think Cannes), wife-next-door sari (Guru) or sexy drape (Kajra Re in Bunty Aur Babli), Ash always looks attractive. Very.

Hrithik does exactly the same, whether he's dressed as superhero in mask and cape (Krrish), wearing casual jeans and a sweater knotted around his shoulders (Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai) or walking stiffly around in full-sleeve buttoned-down shirts and high-waisted trousers (Koi Mil Gaya).

Both have matured into good actors in the hand of the right director. Hrithik's fans have forgotten his Yaadein and Mujhse Dosti Karoge days. Aishwarya's fans are trying to forget Kuch Na Kaho and Umrao Jaan.

Fans of both, however, are never going to forget Dhoom2 - and the searing kiss they shared on screen. That was later censored, reportedly because the Bachchans got upset.

And yes, both are fabulous dancers - think Dhoom2 again, just for starters.

Different

The way they handle relationships. Ash has had at least two very publicised ones - remember Salman Khan and Viveik Oberoi? Her detractors even say she used each boyfriend to climb in her career and social status.

Hrithik is very much a one-woman man - Suzanne is a girlfriend from pre-stardom days. There has been speculation about him and actress Kareena Kapoor, but nothing has ever been proved. He's not starred in any major lover's row either, unlike Ash, caught between Salman and Viveik.

Another difference: Hrithik is from a film family himself, Ash is not. Roshan senior, Rakesh, was a B-grade actor who's turned into an A-grade director.

Bottomline

Whatever their differences, Ash and Hrithik are young and good-looking, well-spoken and media-savvy, equally skilful in shedding a tear or swivelling a hip.

Clearly, their fan base extends beyond India - as our very own online poll shows.

Gulf News asked: Pick your favourite Valentine's Day dinner companion

Men 's Choice

Aishwarya Rai-38%

Shakira-28%

Scarlett Johansson-15%

Beyonce Knowles-19%

Women's Choice

Hrithik Roshan-43%

Leonardo DiCaprio-20%

Daniel Craig-13%

Will Smith-24%

Hrithik 'Rambo' Roshan?

Source: Times Now

Date: February 14, 2007

He's obsessed about his physique and his father has one of the strongest Hollywood hangovers in Mumbai, which makes our knowledge about Hrithik being the next Rambo, very believable.

There is no official confirmation from the Roshans yet, but there is a very strong possibility of Hrithik being ‘Rambo 4’, which is totally in line with his father's constant larger than life vision - the vision which took more than a few leaps with Filmkraft’s superhero flick ‘Krrish’.

If Hrithik playing Rambo turns out to be a reality, it will be his ultimate step to superstardom - a huge step up from donning the combats in ‘Lakshya’, but much in line with the image he tried to portray in the same film.

The right platform

The physical dynamics fit to the T but no matter how endearing Stallone is, Hrithik will score better in the acting department.

“I think he's the only Indian actor who looks the part. He's fit enough and, after 'Krrish', this will go into another zone altogether as it's a Hollywood production and they'll spend the right kind of money to give it the right amount of backup,” opined ad film maker Prahlad Kakkar.

For the record, Hrithik hasn’t exactly been running after Hollywood. He turned down a film opposite Jennifer Lopez seven years ago.

While Sylvester Stallone gave a befitting farewell to the Rocky series with Rocky Balboa, it seems the Rambo legacy will be carried on and don’t be surprised if the future looks a bit Indian!

Hrithik Roshan in ‘Lakshya’

“A lot of people, when they came into the theatres to see ‘Lakshya’ with me being the central character, I think, expected to see something like the second half of the film, something like Rambo,” Hrithik had said in an earlier interview.

TIMES NOW called both Hrithik’s inner circle and contacts in Hollywood. While nobody was willing to spill the beans, our sources insist that Hrithik Roshan has indeed come very close now to getting his ticket to Hollywood. If it’s Rambo, then our desi superhero is surely flying first class.

Highly reliable sources have confirmed that Hrithik is lined up to play the role of the Afghani boy who grew up to be Rambo’s successor. The news is that the film will be shot in India once Hrithik has completed shooting for Ashutosh Gowariker's ‘Jodha Akbar’. But does our man have what it takes to fill the formidable space created by Sylvester Stallone?