Cricket Mania hits B-Town
Instead of films, today cricket comes first for B-Town biggies, especially when it's India versus Pakistan in the do-or-die World Cup semi-finals in Mohali. Here's a peek at how the cricket bug has gone viral in Bollywood.
Preity Zinta is no stranger to Mohali - it's her IPL team Kings XI Punjab's home ground. She was one of the first Bollywood member to reach the venue and cheer for team India.
Aamir Khan has touched down on the battlefield as well. Playing hookey from work?
According to reports, Mr Perfectionist asked Reema Kagti to cancel the day's shoot of her upcoming movie. Aamir then dropped his plan to watch the match with pals at home, and taken off with wife Kiran to catch the match, live in action!
There are reports that the former Bigg Boss inmate, and very controversial, Veena Malik will be seen at Mohali with her rumoured beau Ashmit Patel.
Deepika may not be watching it live, but that won't stop her from being glued to the television set in London.
The actress said, "I will be in London shooting for Desi Boyz. As it is behind India in time, I will get ready early and catch the match before my afternoon shoot. I wish I was in Mohali, catching the action live."
Saif Ali Khan is busy with his Agent Vinod shoot in Delhi and will be watching the match on the sets on a specially installed TV in his van or at his hotel.
Kareena had earlier said, "I will be busy shooting for Reema Kagti's film with Aamir on that day unless things wrap up fast. Knowing Aamir's around, it probably will!"
But now that Aamir has shut shop for the day, where will Bebo be now?
She will spend the day in beau Saif Ali Khan's company in New Delhi.
Akshay Kumar, the avid cricket enthusiast from Patiala House, opted to be off the field this time around. "Sajid Khan, Sajid Nadiadwala and a few of my close friends are coming over to watch the semis between India and Pakistan on the plasma TV in my house. I love cricket. I am not cheering any particular player but I'm rooting for India. Team India has to win!"
Suniel Shetty is ready to take it in live from the stands. "I am a huge cricket lover. Gautam Singhania and I will head to Mohali for the semis between India and Pakistan. I am rooting for Team India and not for any player in particular."
Another actor away from the fun and games is Sanjay Dutt. "Though I love cricket and have watched most of the World Cup matches, sadly for the semis between India and Pakistan I am not there. What a match it will be! I am in Hong Kong shooting for Dhamaal 2. I will watch it somewhere or maybe on the Net. Though I am rooting for Team India, I love Sachin and Sehwag." (Photo: Varinder Chawla)
Karan Johar's other production Short Term Shaadi starring Imran Khan was also to be shot today. But, courtesy Imran and director Shakun Batra, the unit will have the day off.
The cast and crew shot all through yesterday up to 6 am today over 15 hours at a stretch completing the day's shoot a day early.
"We have shot long stretches before. But now that it has worked out, we can get to watch the match at home," the actor said.
Ajay Devgn will be busy shooting in Goa. "I will be shooting for Rohit Shetty's Singham in Goa and will watch the match between breaks. Rohit has promised to wind up the shoot early that day so we can all get to watch at least half the match."
Still not sure of his plans for the day, Anil Kapoor is rooting for the little master Sachin.
"Yes, I do plan to watch the cricket semis between India and Pakistan as I love cricket. As of now, I'm a bit uncertain of my plans as I have some guests from Los Angeles flying down for a meeting and at night I'm having a small dinner party. I love watching Sachin Tendulkar's game and it would be fantastic if he got his 100th century during this match! I'm happy Yuvraj has struck form and playing brilliantly now. It's also a great opportunity for India and Pakistan to strengthen their ties in this match and make it a friendship match though on-the-field aggression and competition will be there."
Sonam wants more of Sachin! "I don't know yet whether I will be watching the semis or not. I enjoy the game of cricket, especially when India's playing. I love watching Sachin Tendulkar play!"
Sultry Bipasha is definitely in for watching the game, in between travel that is.
"I have still not decided where I will watch the match. Maybe, socially or at home with close friends. But am flying back from Kolkata on that day! Cheering for the entire team and hope they make us proud!" (Photo: Varinder Chawla)
Priyanka Chopra is busy shooting for Agneepath. But she does intend to join Shah Rukh Khan at Mannat, where the actor is hosting a party for his friends.
Shahid Kapoor The actor will be at Karjat shooting for dad Pankaj Kapur's Mausam. He's got a plasma TV installed where he will watch the match in between shots.
Ritesh Deshmukh is in Macau in Hong Kong with Sanjay Dutt and the Dhamaal 2 unit. He will be watching the match on the sets.
Hrithik Roshan will also be giving this crucial match a miss due to his Agneepath commitment.
Even though the actor loves his cricket, he was adamant that the shoot for the film must not be cancelled. According to a source, "He realises the losses they'd be liable for if the shoot was cancelled. Therefore, it will be a working day for him today
Rahul Bose is well on his way for the match!
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