Kaminay Teaser Trailer

I just watched the teaser trailer for Kaminay, starring Shahid and Priyanka. Kaminay is scheduled for release on March 27, 2009. There have been rumors of Shahid changing his image and his physique for this film. I have been skeptical of this move, what he calls "taking off his shirt if a film requires it." Work ethic, riight.

You all know what comes to mind:
Shahrukh in Om Shanti Om. (A grasping attempt to hang on to the under-40 side of the industry with that now infamous flash of sixpack abs in Om Shanti Om. I respect your acting, yaar, but showcase your age with dignity. Like in Paheli or in Kal Ho Naa Ho).
Aamir in Ghajini.
John Abraham in Dostanta.
Hirthik.
Ranbir Kapoor in Sawaariya. (He practically used abs in his debut to get noticed. He was.)

And now, the wonderful, romantic guy next door is bending to the winds of 2008 by making himself look physically stronger. This craze in bollywood has gained the name "abs war," and Shahid has thrown himself into the fray. He's lost by joining in.

Remember this shot in Krrish of Hirthik running faster than his white horse accompanied by closeups of Hirthik's body parts?


Now look:Wow! Four horses. And a full body shot. Shahid, you dolt!
I laughed pretty hard at the absurdity and the media baggage propelling this scene along.
Shahid is always lovable, but...the best part has always been that he isn't like everyone else!! His strong points are that he has shown what counts is on the inside: care, partnership, perceptiveness, respect, humor, sensitivity.

And he doesn't have to show it off for us to know that he's got it. If you've seen Fida, you know what I mean. Understatement is so endearing and attractive.

I can understand Shahid's desire not to get typecast, but with his body makeover in Kaminay, he's given up some part of his endearing side by trying to fit into the trendy mold. The industry's a rat race, I know. But Shahid has never before allowed himself to become one of the rats. He has always been the elegant, playful love bird singing his own tune.

I enjoy seeing Shahid in new roles, but I say that he doesn't have to remake his body to be noticed. He gets notice because of his smile. Because of the way he connects with the co-stars with his eyes and his voice. And because of his rocking dance moves--the way he seems to enjoy dancing so much. I love him because of who he is (on screen at least), not becuase of how his body looks.