An ageing love triangle

If it was night time, Rishi Kapoor would have glowed like a firefly -- a plump, round, shiny bug. But during the day, his Surf-white attire ...

If it was night time, Rishi Kapoor would have glowed like a firefly 8212; a plump, round, shiny bug. But during the day, his Surf-white attire is just reminiscent of Jeetendra8217;s grotty wardrobe in the 8217;70s. But that look would be at home on the sets of Karobaar. The film, directed by Rakesh Roshan, has Bollywood8217;s longest-playing lover as the romantic lead. And given the general age of all the stars 8212; Anil Kapoor and Juhi Chawla 8212; you would not be faulted for thinking you are in a time warp.

But a statement like that distresses the young-at-heart Chintu. He has played knight in shining armour to many distressed damsels, and he is, in no way, hanging up his spurs 8212; even though he has taken up direction with the R K banner8217;s Aa Ab Laut Chalein. quot;More than two decades as a successful romantic hero is quite commendable. Everyday someone says I am too old but I do a great job. I am not going to give up acting. Only the roles will be different.quot;

But in this film, Rishi will be seen the same old way.quot;Karobaar is a good film. My only resentment is that it has taken too long in the making,quot; he says. So, the story appears hackneyed: It is about a good boy played by a 40-plus Rishi and a good girl Chirpy Chawla who swear to live by love alone, since neither of them have money. In walks Anil Kapoor, slimmer, richer philanderer, with designs on Juhi. He is the black spot on their pristine white world. The rest of the story is not for telling, only viewing, adds Roshan.

And he goes back to creating the view. The scene being shot is supposed to be set in a Sun City restaurant. In a Machiavellian plot to bed Juhi, Anil flies the twosome in his jet 8212; for a holiday for three 8212; to Sun City. Jewel of India, a Worli eatery, is masquerading as the restaurant, since the African schedule is long over. Rishi is the first to arrive and is followed by a bespectacled Juhi who giggles and trips her way to the dressing room. Anil meanders in some time later. His mind is occupied with his dabba. Afterdeclaring thrice that ghar ka khana is the best khana, he is forced to give in to the hospitality of the producer, Gavaa.

While Gavaa is not his real name, it is one he has adopted for his first venture as a producer. Before this he has worked with brother-in-law Yash Chopra on some nine films. So, one thing is sure. Karobaar will look very lush 8212; aka Yash Chopra8217;s trademark. quot;We haven8217;t cut corners anywhere. Yes, the film has been delayed but it was quite unavoidable,quot; he says genially, without blaming the director or the actors.

And nobody blames anybody. While the lights are being set up, someone mentions Gavaa and Anil starts to rapsodhise, quot;I love Gavaa, I just love Gavaa.quot; Rakesh nods fiercely from behind the camera and adds, quot;I love Gavaa too. He is the greatest.quot; In between all this love, Anil has managed to change into a tuxedo. He enters the main restaurant, twirls around, and asks at large whether he is looking good. He then proceeds to hold court. No starry airs, but Anilloves attention.

Finally, the tables, lights and actors are in place. Juhi, trussed up in a blue sequinned backless dress, is sandwiched between her paramours. At this point, the two lovebirds have realised that their good friend is not so good after all and tension is palpable all around. A toast is raised and Juhi8217;s face gets hidden behind crashing glasses. War is officially declared.

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Roshan is keeping the twists and turns in the story under wraps but Rishi smiles and admits that he gets the girl, in the end 8212; age and financial status no bar. Anil smirks, looks around and aping his character off screen, says, quot;He says that does he. We will see.quot;