Amrita Rao: It's a deal!

By Hindustan Times

Mumabi, May 16 -- Amrita Rao, who has been lying low since the debacles of Short Kut - The Con Is On that saw her undergoing a startling metamorphosis, and Life Partner and Jaane Kahaan Se Aayi Hai that had her putting in cameo appearances, is back in the news.

She has signed a three-movie deal with Rajshri Productions. The first of the films toplines Tushar Kapoor and will be directed by newcomer director S Manasvi. The film rolls in a couple of months.

One of Rao's close friends reveals that Sooraj Barjatya offered the three-film deal to his Poonam from his last hit Vivaah. "However, Amrita hasn't been approached by Sooraj for another project as yet," adds the friend.

No vivaah this time

Rao's film with Kapoor is yet to be titled. It's a young love story in the traditional Rajshri style. "But it's a contemporary subject set in Mumbai and won't have too many actors from Barjatyas' previous films. So, chances of Rajshri regulars like Alok Nath, Reema Lagoo and Rajiv Verma putting in appearances are slim," says our source.

It's also believed that marriage, which has been the focus of the last three Barjatya films - Hum Aapke Hai Koun, Hum Saath Saath Hain and Vivah- does not figure in the Kapoor-Rao love story. The director is an FTII graduate who has worked with Rajshri Productions for over a year-and-a-half and has also written the story.

"After Vivah, Sooraj wants to take a backseat and play mentor to newcomer directors under his banner. That's why he will only be directing one of three films that Amrita has been signed up for," adds our source.

When contacted, Rao declined to comment, stating, "Soorajji is the best person to answer your questions. As a filmmaker, it's his call announce and talk about his productions." Earlier the buzz was that Shahid Kapoor who had played Prem in Vivaah would be signed on again. But he hasn't been approached yet.