Imran and Sonam's chemistry USP of IHLS: Karan Johar

By Press Trust of India

The unusual pairing of Sonam Kapoor and Imran Khan in I Hate Luv Storys has generated quite a buzz and filmmaker Karan Johar who is producing the rom-com says that it is the freshness of the two young actors which is the USP of the film.

Johar says that the film and its lead pair are sure to click with the younger generation who no more accept the old fashioned ideals of love.

"The two form a very fresh pair and that should work for the audience. In fact ever since the promotion of IHLS began, there has been excellent feedback all over. People are reacting to the freshness factor. There is a youthful energy which they bring and that is pretty much visible in the film," the filmmaker told PTI.

The film which parodies the romantic cliches of Bollywood sees Sonam playing a 'filmi' romantic while Imran plays a cynic who hates love stories.

Both Imran and Sonam are new entrants in the industry and neither have delivered a hit in the past year, but Johar is sure that their chemistry will work wonders.

Imran didn't have much luck running in his favour after Luck and Kidnap and Sonam too is yet to find her groove despite biggies like Saawariya and Delhi 6 behind her.

"Imran has already shown so much promise in his very first film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa. On the other hand everyone knows that Sonam is beautiful and good at playing the girl-next-door," said Johar.

"However, while she was very Indian in Delhi 6 and Saawariya, there is a different kind of girl that she plays in IHLS. She is presented in such an avatar for the first time," he added. 

The film pokes fun at the 'cheesy' treatment given to love stories in Hindi cinema and takes potshots at some of Johar's own movies including Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

"Today there is a lot of cynicism attached to love. The old fashioned love is no longer accepted. Even if people see that happening, they find it so unbelievable," said Johar adding that when director Punit Malhotra narrated the subject of IHLS to him, he immediately said yes.

"I have met a lot of youngsters who believe that old fashioned love stories are a thing of the past. No wonder, there has been quite some time since we saw an iconic love story. The last big one which the entire nation liked was Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Before that it was Maine Pyaar Kiya while in the recent times I can only think of Jab We Met to some extent," he said.

Though Johar admits that love stories are not finding much acceptance from the audience now a days, he is confident that IHLS will work.

"Well, ours is a nice youthful attempt and even though we are not selling it as a out of the world original story, we know that it will work. I know that audience is hungry for different love stories and it will connect with the film," said Johar about the IHLS which releases on July 2.

Imran and Sonam highlight of ‘I Hate Luv Storys’—Karan Johar

by Jasmine

One of the finest filmmaker in Bollywood and producer of upcoming romantic flick 'I Hate Luv Storys' Karan Johar revealed that the main highlight of the film is leading pair Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor.

"The two form a very fresh pair and that should work for the audience. In fact ever since the promotion of IHLS began, there has been excellent feedback all over,” said Karan Johar, who’s obviously quite excited about this new project.

He further added that he’s happy because “people are reacting to the freshness factor. There is a youthful energy which they bring and that is pretty much visible in the film.”

The film’s story revolves around characters of Imran and Sonam and their different take on love. Sonam’s character is a die-hard romantic while Imran’s cannot stand even a mention of love stories. The film is slated to be released on July 2.

Today’s generation growing cynic towards love--Karan

Karan added that today’s young generation attaches lot of cynicism with old fashioned love stories and find it unreal.

"Today there is a lot of cynicism attached to love. The old fashioned love is no longer accepted. Even if people see that happening, they find it so unbelievable," said the filmmaker.

"I have met a lot of youngsters who believe that old fashioned love stories are a thing of the past. No wonder, there has been quite some time since we saw an iconic love story,” he added.

He revealed that he found the script of the film fresh and appealing and immediately agreed with director Punit Malhotra’s proposal to make a film on it.

Karan confident of IHLS’s success

Karan admitted that it is tough to find audiences for a love story today because of people’s changing attitude towards love. But he’s confident of IHLS’s success.

"Well, we are not selling it as an out of the world original story; we know that it will work. I know that audience is hungry for different love stories and will connect with the film," said Johar confidently.

Sneak peek: I Hate Luv Storys

By ndtv.com

Here's the first look of Sonam Kapoor, Imran Khan starrer I Hate Luv Storys.

Sonam and Imran have been paired together for the first time.

The film is produced by Karan Johar and directed by debutante Punit Malhotra, nephew of designer Manish Malhotra.

This will be Sonam's third film after Saawariya andDelhi 6.

It is the story of Jay played by Imran Khan and Simran (Sonam Kapoor).

Simran loves love stories so much so that her life has begun to resemble one.

Jay plays an assistant director to a romantic director but in real life, he hates love stories.

The movie is about encounters between Simran and Jay.

The film has been shot mainly in New Zealand.

The film is going to release in July this year.

Imran Khan: Bushy eyebrows v/s. arched eyebrows for I Hate Luv Storys

Aamir Khan’s nephew who crashed into the female hearts roaring his way into Bollywood with his maiden venture in ‘Jaane Tu…….Ya Jaane Na’ has had a relatively silent period after his debut flick with two successive flops in his kitty.

After trying his hands in action flicks, he will be back to the rom com genre in Karan Johar’s ‘I Hate Luv Storys’ teasers of which are already doing the rounds. As, Imran teams up with the gorgeous Sonam Kapoor for this candyfloss, reports are rife that Imran has taken to tweezers to shape his eyebrows for the film.

The actor has thick, bushy eyebrows but the pics and images of the film clearly show his new arched brow which is adding depth to his chocolaty looks. Though director Punit Malhotra is feigning ignorance about the subject with a statement, “I have no ideawhether Imran has done his eyebrows or not,” fashion designer Anna Singh has showed her thumbs up to his groomed looks.

She quips, “There is a marked difference in Imran’s eyebrows. I prefer his new look. It makes his face look softer, which is required for a love story. He looks better groomed.”

Even though, the new look may have upped his facial features, some female fans are miffed and in complete disagreement. In a war between his old and new eyebrows, his fans have split themselves into two categories:

1. Those who have taken an instant liking to his new looks
2. And those who are sticking to the old one as their favourite.

To which category do you belong?

Popularity: 1% [?]

by newspostraj

Vishal-Shekhar add zing to I Hate Luv Storys

Ignoring the weird grammar logic behind its title, you browse through the colourful inlay featuring cutesy couple shots juxtaposed with cardboard hearts and movie reel. 

Karan Johar's [ Images ] latest production, I Hate Luv Storys has all its trademark eye-candy in place, alright. Pretty people, trendy clothes, funky decor and stunning locations, you get the picture?

Directed by debutant Punit Malhotra, this promising date flick explores the mysterious workings behind 'opposites attract' and stars Imran Khan [ Images ] and Sonam Kapoor [Images ]. Composer duo Vishal-Shekhar signs up to infuse the right blend of zing and freshness to their young romance.

Vibrant and peppy creations have been a Vishal-Shekhar forte as witnessed in their works like Om Shanti Om [ Images ], Bachna Ae Haseeno [ Images ], Salaam Namaste [ Images ] and Bluffmaster [Images ]. For its genre, I Hate Luv Storys may not be high on rapturous drama, it's sufficiently serene to keep the going good. While the arrangement is spiffy, the composers could work a bit on the melody bit.

The album opens with Vishal Dadlani [ Images ] wielding the mic to stylishly croon Jab mila tu, a not-so-distant cousin of Dostana [ Images ]'s Jaane kyun in texture and tune. Its relaxed tempo and crisp urban sentiments penned by Anvita Dutt blend smoothly enough to ensure repeat value.

Considering the movie's confused-in-love theme, it's only appropriate for Shafqat Amanat Ali and Sunidhi Chauhan [Images ] to feel the pinch of separation in Bin tere. Some curves of its tune are reminiscent of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy' [Images ] Mera dil (Salaam-E-Ishq [ Images ]). If the latter maintains an upbeat mood, Bin tere keeps it a curious mix of pensive yet peachy.  

Up next, Shekhar Ravjiani delivers an impressive, unplugged version of the same through Kumar's lyrics piled up with grief and regret.

There's still some more Bin tere to come. DJ Kiran remixes the same into an exhilarating, rave-friendly version making it perfect of those long, lonely drives.

Off with despair, Vishal brings the roof down with his sprightly rendition of the ultra buoyant, I Hate Luv Storys. Apart from offering a smug explanation for Imran's skeptical character, the title ditty celebrates the concept of no-strings attached with gay abandon. Tempting!   

As if on a cue to shatter the wayward spunk of anti-romance enters the part-ethnic, part-Bollywood Bahara. For all of Shreya Ghosal's [ Images ] syrupy sweetness to compliment Sona Mohapatra's husky tones, Bahara doesn't have enough dreaminess or sizzle for the listener to get hooked. Despite its ho-hum status, trust Sonam's pixie-like charm to turn this into a visually enticing spectacle. 

Bahara's 'chill version', performed by the ever-sublime Rahat Fateh Ali Khan [Images ], scores favourably in comparison thanks to its diluted arrangement and the singer's crystal-clear fervour.

The soundtrack ends on a high note, literally and otherwise with Suraj Jagan, accompanied by Mahalaxmi Iyer, doling out a sensational pop ballad, Sadka. Like everything romance, this one too reiterates and rejoices in the power of the Big L.

Bottomline is Vishal-Shekhar's soundtrack for I Hate Luv Storys resonates the personality of the current generation -- zippy, capricious, and in-the-moment. And that's never too bad, right? 

By rediff.com

Post IHLS, Sonam is looking forward to MAUSAM!

By Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

There is no doubt that despite the twin commercial debacle in the form of SAAWARIYA (with Ranbir) & DELHI 6 (opposite Abhishek), actress Sonam Kapoor has emerged unscathed due to all the praises that the critics and also the audience showered on her.

With her next release, I HATE LOVE STORYS (with Imran), looking all set to be Sonam's first commercial success, the actress is now focusing on her highly prestigious project, MAUSAM, that pairs her with none other than Shahid Kapoor. The 'sone pe suhaga' (icing on the cake) is that it is being directed by Shahid's father, the master actor Pankaj Kapoor. 

As per Anil Kapoor's darling daughter, Sonam, audience will love her pairing with Shahid and more than that Pankaj Kapoor directing the film will be a huge plus as he knows the art of getting the best out of all the actors, being an experienced and iconic actor! 

Well, Sonam makes some relevant and interesting points and we wish her the best for all her upcoming projects - I HATE LOVE STORYS, AISHA and MAUSAM.

I Hate Luv Storys doesn't mock Bollywood: Imran

By Press Trust Of India

He achieved heartthrob status with his debut in the hit romcom Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa and Imran Khan is returning to the genre with I Hate Luv Storys (IHLS), which he says is a parody of all things Bollywood.

Though Imran's new film pokes fun at the "cheesy" treatment given to love stories in Hindi cinema, the actor says that the film does not take a condescending look at Bollywood, instead the laughters come from the fact that everyone loves the much derided cliches.

"IHLS is a self parody and we are not shying away from admitting that. See, the fact is that there is a tendency amongst a lot of people in the industry to say that the song and dance routine is passe. It is something that I have never understood," the actor told PTI.

The Karan Johar production, directed by debutante Punit Malhotra sees Imran pair up with Sonam Kapoor, who plays a die-hard filmi romantic.

If promos are any indication, the film makes an unabashed statement about the song, dance, mush and romance in Bollywood. But he is all for more song and dance in films, said the 27-year-old actor.

Infact, Imran is of the opinion that Bollywood does not need to be apologetic about it's song and dance routines and stick to it's entertainment value.

"We are making films for the Indian industry so why not just make it the way everyone loves them? If we are making Hindi films with all the songs and dances then why be apologetic? We should be proud of what we are doing and only aspire to do something better. Let's work further on getting some more amazing music and amazing dance numbers but let's not do away with them please," he said.

Music Review: I Hate Luv Storys

By Indo-Asian News Service
It is titled I Hate Luv Storys, but the soundtrack of Karan Johar's forthcoming production venture is all about love. Composed by the musical duo of Vishal and Shekhar, the film's music is mushy and melodious.

The Imran Khan-Sonam Kapoor-starrer, helmed by debutant director Punit Malhotra, offers seven originals and one remix.
Jab mila tu has been doing the rounds on TV channels. Sung by Vishal Dadlani, it has a very youthful feel and is apt for the younger generation. The breezy love song is enjoyable, especially with the orchestration that is neither too loud nor minimal.

Next is Bin tere, which is the best song in the album. It begins with English lyrics, followed by Hindi and singer Shafqat Amanat Ali's beautiful rendition turns it into a soulful and melodious number. It has very simple lyrics, but still manages to attract the listeners especially with the entry of Sunidhi Chauhan towards the end of the song.
Bin tere has two more versions - a remixed version, which is faster in pace and includes more beats, making it suitable for the dance floor.

The other is a reprised version by Shekhar Ravijiani. It has a raw feel, but it is extremely likeable.

Then there is the title track crooned by Vishal. The fast-paced, English-Hindi song is quite average and fails to generate too much interest.

Next is an all girls song Bahara sung by Sona Mohapatra and Shreya Ghoshal. It is a mixture of folk and contemporary music. While Sona does justice with her husky folk voice, Shreya is good in the contemporary part of the song.

This too has another version called Chill, which is sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Composers have used sarangi for this version and with Khan's impressive voice this version is a clear winner.

Finally, there is Sadka, which is again a love ballad by Suraj Jagan and Mahalakshmi Iyer. The part where the singer sings in a high octave is impressive; otherwise it is average.

On the whole, the soundtrack of the film offers a number of tracks that are hummable and enjoyable. Vishal-Shekhar have done a good job.

Imran and Sonam in focus

Debutant director Punit Malhotra is leaving no path unexplored to ensure that his debut film I Hate Luv Storys starring Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor works at the box office. The young director held focus group screenings for various age groups recently to evaluate the end product. He asked for feedback in order to take care of the flaws prior to the release. 

The young director had a discussion with producer Karan Johar, who normally has focus group screenings, and was given the green signal to start this exercise. 

So far there have been five screenings for people of different age groups, varying from 18-25, 25-35, 35-50 and 50 plus years. Punit says, "It is a regular exercise that filmmakers follow. It helps directors understand and get honest feedback from their audience. Each person has an opinion and I am glad everyone was forthcoming with their views and opinions." 

Punit is glad that the movie was appreciated by the motley group. "I will obviously be telling you everything positive," he laughs. When asked if he would be making changes in the film after the feedback, he says, "Well, not really. I got different opinions from individuals but not from groups as a whole. What matters to me is that the movie should be liked overall and the end product was liked by everyone." 

He adds, "It is a simple sweet love story and I have left it in its basic form. I am delivering a love story to my audience with utmost simplicity." 

PAST FOCUS GROUP SCREENING 

• Naseeruddin Shah,Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan starrer Ishqiyawas reshot. The film’s explicit dialogues were objected to by women audiences in a focus group screening, leading wary producers to rework parts of the movie. 

• For 3 Idiots, Aamir called people from different strata and took their reaction. Over a thousand people saw the film and the director had to take a few minor edit calls, but didn't have to reshoot anything. 

• The Mamu song in Munnabhai MBBS was added after the screenings for the focus groups. It was background music at first, but after the focus groups gave their views, Raju Hirani felt the need to insert a song there. 

• Milap Zaveri held two test screenings Jaane Kahaan Se Aayee Hai . 500-odd viewers were picked up from coffee shops and shopping malls and he reshot a few scenes based on the response. The audience loved the camaraderie between Vishal Malhotra and Ritesh Deshmukh. So the director deleted a one-minute scene and added one more scene between the two. 

By TNN.

Imran Khan debuts 'I Hate Luv Storys' on Twitter

Bollywood actor Imran Khan unveiled the first look of his upcoming film 'I Hate Luv Storys' on micro-blogging website Twitter.

The film which sees him paired opposite actress Sonam Kapoor is produced under filmmaker Karan Johar's Dharma productions.

It is directed by debutante Punit Malhotra, nephew of fashion designer Manish Malhotra and also stars actor Sameer Dattani.

"First look of I Hate Luv Storys (sic!)," Imran posted on his page with a picture that sees him alongside Sonam.

Reacting to the photograph singer Shreya Ghosal said, "Oh wow! Both look awesome."

"Thanks for all the feedback on IHLS!! Its the twitter family film with Imran Khan, Sonam Kapoor and punitdmalhotra and me...all twitteractive!," an elated Karan Johar said after the fan's responses.

Imran Khan sweats out for bare-chested scene

By: Upala KBR

You will see Imran Khan as if you have never seen him before. After SRK in Om Shanti Om, and Aamir Khan in Ghajini, this bare-chested Khan is sending temperatures soaring with his new lean body. Imran presently has just seven per cent body fat - the same as top international athletes.

The actor will be seen in this new avatar in his film I Hate Luv Storys that releases on July 2. The Jaane Tu... boy who has always been more 'brain' than 'body' (that's changed for good now), built the physique at the behest of his director.

How I did it

Imran says, "Karan had wanted a certain look for the photo shoot and the bare -chested scene in the film. We had a break for a month as Sonam was shooting for Aisha. I started working out at that time. My trainer Yasmin Karachiwala and I worked out a different diet and exercise regime for those 30 days. My diet consisted only of steamed veg and fish and brown rice.

Three days before the shoot, I cut salt intake in my food as that decreases the water content in the body. A day before the shoot, I completely stopped taking salt. A lot of actors do what I did to tone their body for a film but it's not healthy. I would work out twice a day.

In the morning, I would do pilates while in the evening, I would do strength training and functional training. I get bored of working out in the gym but I enjoyed functional training which is real life workouts doing stuff we would do in real life. After the shoot, I went to Don Giovanni in Juhu at night and gorged on lasagne."

It took a whole month!

I Hate Luv Storys director Punit Malhotra says, "I wanted Imran to pump it up a little more - have a kind of boy-man look. He took the whole month to train for the shoot and had regular workouts with his trainer and followed a strict diet. He was feeling miserable that entire month but the results are worth all that pain."

He adds that one of the best scenes in IHLS has Imran in a bare-bodied shot. "He has a bare-chested scene in the film wearing track pants and he's looking very hot!"

I won't marry this year: Imran Khan

By Prithwish Ganguly / DNA

During his engagement in January to girlfriend Avantika Malik, actor Imran Khan could not actively participate in the arrangements because he was busy with his shooting commitments. However, he wants to make up for that during his wedding. Imran wants to wrap up all work much before D-Day and take a long break post marriage.

He says, “I was in the middle of shooting and thus I could not be a part of any planning for my engagement. I just knew about the big decisions. I got engaged on January 16 and the next day I had to fly to New Zealand for shooting. That was not such a nice thing.”

He adds, “So, I had a word with Avantika and we spoke to our parents and decided that we won’t marry this year. I will wrap up everything and then concentrate single-mindedly on my wedding. It is a special occasion and I don’t want to think about anything else. I will take a month and a half break for my wedding.”

Imran and Avantika have decided to get married early next year as Imran is loaded with work this year. He has quite a few interesting projects — Karan Johar’s I Hate Love Stories where he is paired opposite Sonam Kapoor, Break Ke Baad with Deepika Padukone and his mamu Aamir Khan’s Delhi Belly. In fact, in I Hate Love Stories, Imran will be seen bare-chested in one of the scenes — the first time that he has done so on-screen.

He says, “I was apprehensive to go shirtless in the beginning. I have been always on the thinner side and I had to build my muscles to pull off the look that Karan wanted me to have. He had given me a time frame of 3-4 months to achieve it. I had to work hard for six days a week, three hours daily. I find gymming boring; so I did functional training which was fun and controlled my diet. I had steamed fish and veggies and no chicken or eggs. I had brown rice and sweet potatoes and ate lots of fruits and nuts. Plus, I did a lot of weight training.”

Imran Khan will be seen in lean avatar for I Hate Luv Storys

By: Upala KBR

Imran Khan. As you have never seen him before. After SRK in Om Shanti Om, and Aamir Khan in Ghajini, this bare-chested Khan is sending temperatures soaring with his new lean body. Imran presently has just seven per cent body fat -- the same as top international athletes. 

The actor will be seen in this new avatar in his film I Hate Luv Storys that releases on July 2. The Jaane Tu... boy who has always been more 'brain' than 'body' (that's changed for good now), built the physique at the behest of his director.  

How I did it

Imran says, "Karan had wanted a certain look for the photo shoot and the bare -chested scene in the film. We had a break for a month as Sonam was shooting for Aisha. I started working out at that time. My trainer Yasmin Karachiwala and I worked out a different diet and exercise regime for those 30 days. My diet consisted only of steamed veg and fish and brown rice. 

Three days before the shoot, I cut salt intake in my food as that decreases the water content in the body. A day before the shoot, I completely stopped taking salt. A lot of actors do what I did to tone their body for a film but it's not healthy. I would work out twice a day. 

In the morning, I would do pilates while in the evening, I would do strength training and functional training. I get bored of working out in the gym but I enjoyed functional training which is real life workouts doing stuff we would do in real life. After the shoot, I went to Don Giovanni in Juhu at night and gorged on lasagne." 

It took a whole month!

I Hate Luv Storys director Punit Malhotra says, "I wanted Imran to pump it up a little more -- have a kind of boy-man look. He took the whole month to train for the shoot and had regular workouts with his trainer and followed a strict diet. He was feeling miserable that entire month but the results are worth all that pain." 

He adds that one of the best scenes in IHLS has Imran in a bare-bodied shot. "He has a bare-chested scene in the film wearing track pants and he's looking very hot!"

Akshay to be perfect case study for Imran’s next role

by Jasmine

According to Bollywood actor Imran Khan, he has found a perfect case study in senior actor Akshay Kumar for his Casanova like role in his next venture ‘I Hate Luv Stories.’

"I was at a loss how to play this confident and suave character a hit with the ladies. After some deliberation, I decided to base it on Akshay. I have met him twice and I have found him to be very cool and chilled out. The character needed to be like that, so it was a good fit,” confessed Imran.

In Punit Malhotra’s film ‘I Hate Luv Stories’ Imran will be seen portraying a character called Jay Dhingra, who’s 23-years-old and is always in search of opportunity to flirt with as many pretty girls as possible.

Akshay perfect study material for Imran

It looks like Imran has chosen his study subject quite wisely since everyone in the industry is well aware of Akshay’s Casanova image before he got married to Twinkle Khanna.

Before his marriage, action film star always was in news more for his link-ups with his pretty female co-stars than for films.

In the past, tabloids had linked Akshay with Raveena Tandon, Sushmita Sen, Shilpa Shetty, and Pooja Batra.

Imran could not have picked better case study than Akshay Kumar.

Imran’s character not based on Akshay, says director

However, films director Punit Malhotra said, "Actually, I think Imran is playing himself. I don't think his character is based on any actor, maybe persona yes. I have written the script of I Hate Luv Stories, keeping in mind, the characteristics of people I have known."

"Imran plays a flirt or womaniser in my film. He`s a 23-year-old boy who looks at, and flirts with every pretty girl that comes his way,” added Malhotra.

Sonam & Imran smell foul

By Bollywood Trade News Network

This is one of the experiences that won't be forgotten in long time by Imran Khan andSonam Kapoor. 

Our sources tell us that while shooting for the film I HATE LUV STORIES in New Zealand, Imran and Sonam tipped off the balance and fell on a pile of cow dung much to the shock of everyone on the sets. 

It so happened that Imran and Sonam were filming a romantic scene in which Sonam leans backwards and Imran put his arms around her. When the final moment came, Sonam lost her balance and fell to the ground with Imran on top of her. 

But the real surprise came when they got up and Sonam's clothes smelt foul. It turned out to be that they had fallen on a pile of cow dung and couldn't wait to rush back and get into the shower.