Himesh asks the Deols to back off

This could be the clash which may turn into the crash of the titans. Himesh Reshammiya's acting debut "Aap Ka Surroor" has unexpected competition from the fringes. The Deols have decided to release their ambitious joint-family saga "Apne" Friday (June 29), the same day the much-awaited "Aap Ka Surroor" will make it to the cinemas.

Is this just the 'guroor' (pride) to counter Himesh's "Suroor"? It looks like it.

Himesh personally requested the Deols to re-schedule their magnum opus. But the Deols paid no heed.

"Yes, I did request them to come on another Friday. But they refused," says the capped composer. "I respect their decision. I'm sure they've their own reasons for coming on June 29.

"I think our film is very small compared to theirs. It stars Dharamji and his two sons, which means it has 300 percent box-office clout whereas my film has an untried singer-turned-actor whom the whole world is waiting to rip apart."

However, Himesh has a trump card.

"'Apne' is apna film too. I've done the music score for that film. And I'm very proud of my songs. Yes, I do admit I'm partial to 'Aap Ka Surroor'. It's very special to me on many counts."

He pauses to consider the repercussions. "I think June 29 is going to be a very decisive Friday. Not only mine and the Deols' film but Mahesh Bhatt's 'Awaarapan' is also being released.

"That film too is special to me. It stars my friend Emran Hashmi ... I think June 29 will disprove the myth that only one film at the most does well on any Friday."

Indo-Asian News Service