CELEBS FACTORY

You can’t think of Ishqiya (2010), the movie written and produced by Vishal Bhardwaj, without thinking of its central character – Krishna.

In what was one her most powerful roles, Vidya Balan played the sultry, sharp-tongued character in printed saris and long tresses. Playing a dominatrix of sorts, Vidya's kiss and intimate scenes with Arshad Warsi became one of the talking points of the movie.

So now, as Madhuri Dixit-Nene prepares to start shooting for the sequel (Dedh Ishqiya) in September, everyone wants to know what her character along with Arshad Warsi and Naseeruddin Shah is going to be like.

Madhuri says, “I know there were talks about me being associated with the project even before I gave my nod. But at that time, I was taking things slowly to settle down and help my kids adjust with the new environment.”

“I’m really excited about both my co-stars. They were brilliant in Ishqiya. I loved that film also because of its director Abhishek, who didn’t make it seem like his debut film. And I don’t have enough words to praise Vidya Balan for her awesome performance that took the film to another level,” added Madhuri, who is all praises for Ishqiya’s actors and director Abhishek Chaubey.

If her character is going to be anything like Vidya’s, the question arises whether the 45-year-old mother of two will be comfortable with intimate scenes.

“If I’m convinced that the intimate scenes are essential to the script and I know it will be shot aesthetically, I won’t say no to intimate scenes. Vidya’s scenes were shot so beautifully in Ishqiya. If Dedh Ishqiya absolutely needs something of that sort, I’m game.

I don’t think marriage or motherhood has anything to do with an actor’s work. My kids (Arin and Rayan) and husband (Dr Sriram Nene) know that I’m an artiste. I can’t shy away from anything that a script demands, even if it’s physical intimacy,” reasoned the actor.

Of course, the veteran actor won’t be in unfamiliar territory, having shot for intimate kissing and lovemaking scenes with Vinod Khanna, Sanjay Dutt and Aamir Khan back then. Let all us Madhuri fans go back in time for them steamy scenes later and look at the beautiful Madhuri gyrating for one of the hit songs of the millennium.

The grapevine in B-town is that the Munna Bhai jodi - Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi - has been replaced by Aamir Khan and Sharman Joshi in the next edition of the "Munna Bhai" franchise.

When we quizzed Vidhu Vinod Chopra's official representative, he rubbished the rumours saying, "We are not even ready with the script of the next "Munna Bhai" flick and this is a baseless humour.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra doesn't begin the casting for his films until he completes his script. Besides, Aamir Khan is not free for another two years." Quiz him about the promos of the third edition (which have Sanjay and Arshad) that are on air, he clarified, "The promo with them was shot two years ago."

Salman Khan, Arshad Warsi and Farhan Akhtar - have spoken up for Shiney Ahuja after he was sentenced to seven years in jail for rape.

"Seven years? Seven years is a lot! I have been locked up myself, so I know what happens," said shocked Salman, who himself has had brief stints in jail. The 45-year-old was embroiled in a hit-and-run case as well as in a black buck shooting case

"I hope he (Shiney) is innocent, and if anyone is trying to frame him, that person should come out in the open. Seven-year jail term is too long, especially if someone has lied about it," added Salman.

A court on Wednesday sentenced Shiney after he was found guilty of raping his maid in 2009. The actor broke down when judge P.M. Chauhan of the Sewri fast track sessions court delivered the judgement.

The verdict came despite the maid turning hostile during the trial.

Arshad Warsi feels the judiciary should not target actors "blatantly".

"Murderers, terrorist and corrupt politicians are walking free and Shiney Ahuja gets 7 years. Judiciary should stop targeting actors so blatantly," Arshad posted on his Twitter account.

"I am not saying he's right but don't forget that Kasab is still enjoying our hospitality. Do you know the no. of rapes that happen in our country on a daily basis by influential and connected people? Those cases are not even registered," he posted.

"My point is all criminals should be punished equally, it's not fair to make an example of an actor only because it makes news," he added.

Producer-director Farhan Akhtar wishes that Shiney has the strength to face the court verdict.

"He has pleaded against the decision. If he can prove it wrong, he will come out. At the end of the day, we have a legal system in the country," Farhan told reporters at a promotional event of his film 'Game' at Novotel Hotel on Thursday.

"If you do something wrong, you have to go through punishment. I wish him all the strength. Hopefully, it would be proved that he is innocent," he added.

Shiney Ahuja was arrested June 15, 2009 after medical tests on the maid confirmed sexual assault.

The 20-year-old maid had in June 2009 lodged a police complaint alleging she was raped by Shiney, 37, while she was at work at his residence, following which the actor was arrested.

In August 2009, the case was moved to a fast track court. Shiney was granted bail in October 2009 citing lack of evidence.

After more than a year, the maid in September 2010 told the court that the rape never took place. The medical examination in June 2009, however, confirmed rape.

She also stated before the judge that she made the serious charge against Shiney because of pressure from a woman who introduced her to the actor.

Shiney's lawyer Shrikant Shivade said that relying mostly on the police complaint filed against the actor; the court did not accept the maid's version that she was not raped as the judge felt that she gave false evidence.

In a 109-page chargesheet, Shiney was accused of rape, criminal intimidation and holding his maid hostage.

In his defence, Ahuja had argued that he was being framed.

Going by the critical acclaim their film Ishqiya got last year, Shemaroo Entertainment and Vishal Bharadwaj Pictures have announced the sequel of the film.

Said Shemaroo Entertainmenr director Hiren Gada, “ The yet untitled film, to be directed by Abhishek Chaubey, will have the same cast and crew. Right now the film is in the scripting stage and once it is locked, we will think of incorporating a few other names as the script demands. In all probability, the film will go on the floors in the middle of this year."

It is said that several production houses had approached Chaubey to direct the sequel. He too was in talks and wanted to make a sequel to the film with John Abraham. But nothing worked out.

Chaubey took a long break to decide his next film. Once he firmed up his mind, he decided to go ahead and direct the Ishqiya sequel.