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Rajeev Masand: Bitter Koffee Break
Rajeev Masand's Open Magazine column this week.
For some months now, there have been murmurs that all's not well between an A-list male star and his close filmmaker buddy. The duo has delivered a string of popular hits together and is considered one of the most successful professional pairings in recent times, apart from being as close as family.
When the filmmaker announced his latest project some months ago, the industry was surprised that it didn't feature his actor friend. Troublemakers were quick to spread stories that the actor (who'd been going through a career low at the time) was so down and out that even his best friend wasn't making movies with him anymore.
Turns out, the actor has in fact taken it personally, and might be sulking. There's been no great falling out or screaming match between them, however. The director remains particularly close to the actor's wife, and still swears loyalty to his actor pal, even if he's decided to work with a younger cast on his new film.
Insiders say the actor's hurt stems not just from being left out of the filmmaker's new movie, but also from the fact that his Mr Congeniality director friend has developed warm relations with two or three of his biggest rivals—including two top stars around his own age, and one younger star who's being tomtommed as his replacement on the popularity charts.
The director, meanwhile, has repeatedly told friends that no one can take the A-lister's place in his life. He's explained that he may be a social animal, but his loyalties lie firmly with his old friend. Apparently, he even spent New Year's Eve with the actor and his family.
