October sees the release of oven-fresh Shaandaar, which marks the first time that Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt will be seen opposite each other, in Queen director Vikas Bahl's romance revolving around a destination wedding!

A big fat “Shaandaar” Indian wedding, which is actually a business merger between two of the biggest business families of India, is happening at an exotic castle in Europe. Mrs. Kamla Arora, the grandmother of the Arora family, the sole owner of the billion-dollar business and the property, has planned their wedding. Kamla Arora , treats everyone like her servants including her three sons, Bipin (the eldest), Vipul and Vinay. Mr.Fandwani, the groom’s father is a loud Sindhi businessman who is the counter to Kamla Arora: The Fandwanis dress in gold, accessorise in gold and if possible they drink and eat gold.

Shahid-Alia romance on the rooftops in Shaandaar — Shahid-Alia romance on the rooftops in *Shaandaar*

Based against the backdrop of the Shaandaar wedding is a love triangle between (our protagonists) Aliya and Jagjinder Joginder and Bipin (Aliya’s father). Bipin believes there’s no guy that will be good enough for his daughter while Aliya is a dreamer but her dreams are whacked out and Jagjinder Joginder is a doer, he can make anything happen! And for obvious reasons Bipin hates Jagjinder Joginder.

Shaandaar charts the journey of Aliya, Jagjinder Joginder and Bipin and how it turns out tbe the fairy tale love story that everyone has always dreamt of…

Anecdotes

Vikas Bahl’s alternative approach to insomnia in Shaandaar

Director Vikas Bahl has approached insomnia in an alternative way in his forthcoming film, Shaandaar. "Our approach towards insomnia in the film is different, the character of Shahid is scared of ghosts while Alia's character thinks night is the best time," he explains.

“take something that is nostalgic and beautiful and recreate it for Shahid and Alia...”

The song, ‘Neend Na Mujhko Aaye’, a rendition of Asha Bhosle's evergreen classic, is picturised on Alia and Shahid who play insomniacs in the film. "We have given the 60s song the touch of 20s. It is one of the old songs that talks about insomnia so we thought why recreate a new song, take something that is nostalgic and beautiful and recreate it for Shahid and Alia," Vikas adds.

Shaandaar crew’s 137 espresso shots during ‘Neend Na Mujhko Aaye’ shoot

The wonderful crew on Shaandaar consumed about 137 espresso shots to stay awake for the all-night shoot of ‘Neend Na Mujhko Aaye’. The song required about 60 crew members shooting through the night with the cast. The song is a modern version of the popular track from the 1958 film, Post Box 999, originally picturised on Sunil Dutt and Shakeela.

The Shaandaar version of the popular track is recreated by Mikey McCleary and picturised on Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. The song depicts the growing love story between two insomniacs. It was shot over four days and involved an extensive caffeine consumption by the crew.

Karan Johar sees a return to the charm of ageless romance in Shaandaar

Vikas Bahl’s Shaandaar, which is all set for release on 22 October, promises to be the craziest wedding celebration of the year onscreen. The film is a peppy, romantic comedy, set against the backdrop of a wedding destination in Yorkshire. Filmmaker, Karan Johar, who is also co-producer of the film, took to Twitter to share his opinion of the film. The respected director, who praised lead actors, Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, feels that Shaandaar will see a return to the old world charm of 'ageless romance' in a new way altogether. "Old world charm....new age lovers....ageless romance....doesn't get more #Shaandaar than this... # Nazdeekiyaan,” he expressed.

“Shaandaar will see a return to the old world charm of ‘ageless romance... ”

Shahid Kapoor credits his designer for energetic look in Shaam Shaandaar

Shahid Kapoor has garnered praise for his look in the title track of forthcoming film Shaandaar, and the actor credits his designer, Kunal Rawal, for dressing him perfectly for the energetic number. In the song titled “Shaam Shaandaar”, the actor is seen wearing a red jacket with baggy pants. Shahid took to Twitter to thank his designer through a post that read: “Special thanks to @kunalrawalvibe for the #shaamshaandaar look. Last minute saving the day vibe.”

The designer, who also created the actor’s wedding ensemble, was humbled by the actor’s gesture and expressed that the outfit is among his personal favourites. “This is one of my favourite designs from my collection. I found deep oxblood red quite a shaandaar fit,” said Rawal.

The Old World charm of ‘Nazdeekiyaan’

A heritage castle, a grand ballroom, a black-and-white screen, a gown-glad dame, a tuxedo-clad gentleman and soft music. Easily the setting of a Victorian novel, this is the backdrop of the song, ‘Nazdeekiyaan’, a love ballad from the forthcoming romantic comedy, Shaandaar, depicted in vintage style. Featuring a svelte Shahid Kapoor and graceful Alia Bhatt, the video is shot in black and white, with an air of old world charm about it.

The song perfectly captures the onscreen 'Shaalia' (as they are now referenced on social media) dynamic. The fairy-tale romance element aside, the highlight of the video is the lighthearted moment between father-son Shahid and Pankaj Kapur who actually dance with each other at one point.

“Dad and Alia connected well on Shaandaar set,” says Shahid Kapoor

Actor Shahid Kapoor says that his actor father, Pankaj Kapur, bonded well with Alia Bhatt on the set of Shaandaar, to the point that he would get territorial when his son was interacting with her. Says the Bollywood beau, “Alia and my father had some connection. They used to have long conversations and they bonded over food. My father was jealous when I was talking to Alia. He was in his character from the film. In the movie, he plays Alia’s father and thinks no one is good for his daughter.”

Shahid Kapoor’s sister, Sanah Kapur, to feature in Shaandaar

Getting an acting break with one of Bollywood’s most reputed production houses, Dharma Productions, is a dream for every actor and Sanah Kapur, who is featuring in Dharma’s upcoming Shandaar, playing female lead Alia Bhatt’s sister’s in the film, is naturally overwhelmed. But unlike other star kids, Sanah chose a different path and decided to go through auditions and look test to jumpstart her career in Bollywood, without taking help from her star brother Shahid Kapoor and father Pankaj Kapur.

“My father was jealous when I was talking to Alia...”

Commenting on her big screen debut, Sanah says, “I knew that I wanted to become an actor since childhood and trained myself to become one. My family members were aware about my desires but I didn’t want to take any support from them. When I went for the auditions of Shaandaar, I chose to do this on my own, to work independently and prove myself.”

The launch of 'Shaam Shaandaar'

Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt today launched their latest song, Shaam Shaandaar, from their forthcoming film, Shaandaar, at the famous Mithibai college in Mumbai, amidst a young and enthusiastic crowd of more than 1,200 students.

The song is an upbeat, high tempo number, replete with the signature dance moves of Shahid Kapoor, with Alia Bhatt matching his steps with equal gusto. The song reflects the energetic verve and celebratory spirit of the film and is shot with a riot of colours, boasting a grand scale.

Theatrical Posters: Shaandaar

The duo of Shahid-Alia or 'Shalia' presented an energetic dance performance of the track live, before opening the stage for a casual and informal interaction with the students. The lead pair fielded questions, indulged in lighthearted banter with them and had the crowd cheering and whistling at their every move.

While Alia excitedly spoke about her customised outfit that displayed some cool fan art she received recently on social media, Shahid nostalgically bonded with the students of the college, that happened to be his alma mater. The evening ended with Shalia having a selfie moment with the students, truly making it a Shaam Shaandaar for everyone present .

The magic unravels 22 October at a theatre near you!

Fox Star Studios cordially invites you to witness 2015’s most awaited Bollywood romantic comedy when Shaandaar walks down the cinema aisle and onto the silver screen on 22 October, presented by Dharma Productions and Phantom Films.

Marking Indian cinema’s first destination wedding film, Shaandaar is the next outing by maverick director, Vikas Bahl, following the runaway success of the critically lauded and commercially successful Queen – 2014’s most celebrated Bollywood film that consequently swept up award season. Set to surpass the plaudit generated by his last cinematic offering, Bahl’s Shaandaar has been highly anticipated by audiences and critics alike since its announcement, with its trailer release generating in excess of five million views in four days.

Principally filmed against the charming backdrop of Leeds and the sweeping Yorkshire countryside, Shaandaar will appeal to cross-generational audiences, representing feelgood Indian cinema at its finest. Stylish, sassy and exuberant, Shaandaar is a breezy rom-com featuring two of India’s most accomplished artists – understated Bollywood beau, Shahid Kapoor, and the industry’s most celebrated new gen talent, Alia Bhatt. Supporting the pair onscreen is a seasoned ensemble featuring Pankaj Kapur, Sanjay Kapoor and veteran actress, Sushma Seth. Bearing the hallmarks of an evergreen, feelgood screen gem and emblematic of contemporary Bollywood filmmaking at its best, Shaandaar will charm cineastes for years to come with its loveable and timeless narrative, delightful mise en scene and polished performances. The film is complemented by a magical soundtrack courtesy of composer Amit Trivedi, who has crafted a collection of anthemic tracks that are sure to champion the airwaves.

Are you looking forward to Shaandaar?