Aamir, Katrina launch coffee table book on Hindi cinema

Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif have launched "Cine Blitz Gold Love and Longing in the Hindi Cinema", a coffee table book that pays tribute to the Hindi film industry. Both actors are excited about their look on the cover, as it resembles the poster of Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman in "Pyaasa".

"I was wondering whether we would get it right and how close we would come to the original. My effort went into trying to bring Guru Dutt back into life. It was a great moment for me," he said Monday at the launch of the book.

Katrina said: "When I was asked first, I was very surprised. But it was very special being able to recreate such a magical moment."

The book was released to celebrate 35 years of CineBlitz, which is published by VJM Media Private limited. Its Chairman Vijay Mallya said that when editors Nishi Prem and Subhash Gupte came up with the idea, he got excited.

"I was excited to capture the essence, romance and brilliant works of Indian cinema for over so many years. I thank Aamir and Katrina for their time and cooperation and for all they did to make this happen," said Mallya.

"We have produced something of which we can be proud," he added.

Arun Guru Dutt, son of legendary director-actor Guru Dutt, was present on the occasion. He said: "I am very happy as they have taken a lot of care while taking the photograph."

The book has been filled with images from late Raj Kapoor starrer "Awara" to Madhur Bhandarkar's "Fashion", articles, quotes of yesteryear actors and actress and the current lot as well.

Aamir Khan not to sign new films for one more year

Aamir Khan, who is currently busy promoting "3 Idiots", has decided not to take any new acting assignments in 2010 because he wants to concentrate on his three home productions.

"Aamir had earlier decided to take one year off. But now he has decided to extend his sabbatical by one more year. Filmmakers who have approached him with projects have been told that Aamir intends to take approximately one more year to supervise the post-production and final look of his three films," said a source close to the actor.

He wants put his home productions -- Abhinay Deo's "Delhi Belly", Anushka Rizvi's "The Falling" and his wife Kiran Rao's directorial debut "Dhobi Ghat" -- in order.

After the tough physical and emotional preparation for "Ghajini", Aamir had decided to take one full year off to rejuvenate himself.

He also wanted to relax and spend time with his wife and children. That's precisely what he has done for the last one year. But now Aamir would be taking one more year off because he feels all three projects need serious fine-tuning and have been delayed because he has been busy finishing and promoting director Rajkumar Hirani's "3 Idiots".

"The only way Aamir feels his three productions can be completed and released in 2010 is if he sets aside all his own acting assignments to look into them. So, he isn't signing any films in 2010 either," said the source

"It requires guts to say no to the best roles going in Bollywood and to a reported fee of approximately Rs.30 crore per film. But Aamir suffers no security pangs about not signing films. He told a friend he will work at his own pace, no matter what the temptation or provocation to take on extra work," added the source.