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What does Shah Rukh want?

Shah Rukh had better decide what he wants. On the one hand, he talks about wanting to work with commercial directors like Raj Kanwar and Abbas-Mustaan.

On the other, he is said to be building contacts with parallel cinema film-makers like Govind Nihalani and Tanuja Chandra.

Which raises doubts as to what the Khan would really like to do -- hardcore commercial stuff or meaningful cinema? We think, more than anything, it's success Shah Rukh is craving for. And it is the non-success of his home production, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, that is prompting his indecisiveness.

Ajay D opts for AB Jr

The debacle of Hindustan Ki Kasam has wisened Ajay Devgan -- he now believes it's time for youth to take over. After long discussions with his father, Veeru, Ajay is said to have convinced the veteran fight composer to concentrate on his craft and leave film-making aside. Which could probably be why he is now looking at newer talent.

And who better than good friend Milan Luthria, who presented Ajay in an extremely interesting role in Kachche Dhaage? The shrewd businessman that he is, Ajay has also managed to rope in Abhishek Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt to ensure the commercial viability of the project.

Nadeem's secret plans

Kuku Kohli had better be warned. We told you last week how the film-maker said he was prepared for any eventuality when he signed Nadeem-Shravan to compose the music for his underproduction film. He was positive, though, that there would not be any hostility or animosity about the announcement.

Sure enough, there hasn't been any so far. But then, a little bird tells us that even Kuku doesn't know about Nadeem's latest plans. Apparently, says a source close to the composer, Nadeem plans to migrate to Pakistan to seek refuge and asylum and, eventually, citizenship.

If that were to happen, what would you do, Mr Kohli?

The soft-hearted Roshan

On the one hand, Rakesh Roshan is all set to sue Archies, the card chain store, who have been displaying huge posters of his son, Hrithik, and cashing in on the star's popularity, especially during Valentine week.

If you using my son to make money, go ahead, says Roshan, but give me my fair share. The proud papa is said to demand unheard of figures for letting his son attend a function as chief guest.

On the other hand, he has co-ordinated a shoot where his wife, Pinky and Hrithik will talk about and promote the virtues of mother's milk. All for free, of course.

So it is not as if Hrithik's success has spoilt Rakesh. The milk of human kindness still flows strong in the Roshan clan.

One more Khan!!!

A source tells us that Sohail Khan, hitherto known as Salman's director-brother, will now be seen in front of the camera as well. Yes, says this family friend of the Khans, Sohail will be launched in the next home production. The title and subject are under finalisation. Is that why Sohail's directorial venture, Aryaan, has been kept in cold storage as the budding actor concentrates on pumping iron?

Sunny subdued

The Maa Tujhe Salaam team were in for a surprise. Its director, Tinnu Varma, was at the receiving end of an sudden visit from actor Sunny Deol, who was originally scheduled to join the unit later. Sunny, whose shoot in Bombay was cancelled, instead rushed to Kulu Manali to join the MTS team.

An overwhelmed Varma readjusted his shooting schedule to accommodate the star, who was whiling away his time on the set. Seems like the disaster of Dillagi has humbled Sunny greatly. He now religiously concentrates on his work, without asking any questions or interfering in any way.

Esha's toothy barrier

Believe it or not, Esha Deol's debut has been postponed. Apparently, her teeth are in the way.

Seems Boney Kapoor and Sridevi, who have taken young Esha under their wing, counselled Hema Malini on the necessity of getting her daughter's teeth set right.

Considering Sridevi herself has got quite a few repairs done (including two nose jobs), Hema seems to have placed her daughter in the right hands. So, until the braces come off, Esha is confined to an exile of sorts. No shoots -- either film or stills -- at all, are producer Boney's strict orders.

-- The Insider