Love is in the air

Love spans generations in Khan's hot new film.

Love Aaj Kal
Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Singh
Director: Imitiaz Ali
Rating: (G)

Saif Ali Khan's debut production Love Aaj Kal promises to be just what the doctor ordered for the die-hard romantics. Directed by Imitiaz Ali (who also churned out Socha Na Tha and Jab We Met), it showcases Deepika Padukone in the lead.

The plot

The film spans two generations. There is the current day story, where Jai (Khan) and Meera (Padukone) play a modern happy couple who don't believe in commitment. So when life pulls them in different directions, they go with the flow. The second is set in 1965, where Veer Singh (Khan) surrenders his heart to Harleen the very first time he sees her. Veer believes in unconditional love, which is for him a once in a lifetime phenomenon. Eventually, as both stories unfold, they show how the experience of being in love is truly timeless.

'Saif' debut

Khan doubles as the lead and producer for Love Aaj Kal. "I think it's a natural progression for an actor to get into film production, as this enables one to be creatively in control and gives a sense of ownership," he says. Khan's safely placed his bet on this typical Bollywood love story, which is peppered with rollicking music, good humour and dramatic scenes. "To be honest I was impressed with Ali's script. And I wanted to make a commercially viable film that has songs and dance and yet a film that will stand out for its fresh narration."

Kareena out, Deepika in

Surprisingly Love Aaj Kal stars Padukone and not Khan's beau, Kareena Kapoor, who earlier starred in Ali's hit flick Jab We Met. "I've tremendous respect for Kareena and she is one of my favourite actresses but in Love Aaj Kal I felt Deepika suited the role better," adds Ali.

Padukone too is mighty impressed with her role. "There are some roles, like the one in Love Aaj Kal, which instantly connect with you, simply because the emotions are so real and identifiable," she says.

Mysterious girl

The identity of the gal playing Veer Singh's lover Harleen has been kept under tight wraps by the filmmakers in an attempt to heighten the curiosity. Though the identity of the actress playing the young Harleen is still under wraps, it's strongly rumoured that Neetu Singh will play the older Harleen, while Rishi Kapoor will play the role of the senior Veer Singh.

Musical and dance treat

In Love Aaj Kal, composer Pritam has hit the right notes. Twist, Chor Bazaari, Dooriyan and Ahun Ahun have all become chartbusters.

With so many factors in the film's favour, Khan seems to be all set to strike gold at the box office with his debut film production and join the Khan league. Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan have successfully launched their own production houses: think Om Shanti Om and Ghajini.