Bollymeter Jan 2007

Guru and Salaam-e-Ishq were the two major releases of Jan 2007. Both were awaited eagerly for past few months. While Guru hit the jackpot, Salaam-e-Ishq was given thumbs down by critics and audience alike. So, you can say 2007 has started on a mixed note. Guru has, though, broken the jinx of January as unlucky month for new releases. But more importantly it broke the jinx of Abhishek-Aishwarya unsuccessful pairing so far. The chemistry worked like charm for the first time on screen and Guru's success has put the hottest couple right on top. Both Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai have topped the charts in Bollymeter Jan 2007!

Top Actors:

1. Abhishek Bachchan	Everything seems to be going perfect for Abhishek Bachchan right now. Superlative performance in Guru, coupled with its super success at box office, engagement to Aishwarya - all just before 31st birthday on 05-Feb - can anyone ask for more? Icing on cake - Bentley by Big B as birthday gift! Now it would take some time before someone replaces him from the top. He is here to stay.
2. Hrithik Roshan	Hrithik Roshan ended 2006 with Dhoom (2). However, Abhishek raced past him with Guru. This might well be the future of Bollywood - Abhishek and Hrithik changing position at the top with every release. No. 1 position would most probably be shared by these two superstars in the years to come unless Khans have some aces up their sleeves.
3. Aamir Khan	Aamir Khan had two super hits in 2006 - Rang De Basanti and Fanaa. Rarely does one get to see more than one Aamir movie a year, but 2007 would be another exception year when Aamir has 3 movies lined up - Lajjo, Taare Zameen Pe and remake of Ghazini, which in turn was remake of Memento.
4. Shah Rukh Khan	Shah Rukh Khan had a relatively quiet 2006 - only two hits in KANK and Don. Even 2007 has begun with mixed response to his KBC act while Chak De India is probably his only major movie to hit theaters. Are we seeing the beginning of an end of an era? Probably not! I have no doubts, SRK would bounce back strongly and pretty soon.
5. Shahid Kapoor	Vivah, 36 China Town and Chup Chup Ke stabilised Shahid Kapoor after a rough three years since Ishq Vishq in 2003. His next is Fool N Final in Feb 2007.
6. Akshay Kumar	On one hand Akshay Kumar had flops like Family, Mere Jeevan Saathi, Humko Deewana Kar Gaye, while on the other he had super hit Phir Hera Pheri and average Jaan-e-Mann and Bhagam Bhag in 2006. In 2007, Akshay has Hey Baby, Namastey London, Hera Pheri 3, Welcome and Chandramukhi.
7. John Abraham	John Abraham would have liked to finish 2006 on a much brighter note but average Baabul and Kabul Express did not live upto high expectations set by Taxi No. 9211. Salaam-e-Ishq, this month, did not help either. Let's hope Raaste, Happy Birthday, Rockstar, No Smoking and Goal fare better.
8. Arshad Warsi	Arshad Warsi had a terrific 2006 making us laugh every time he came on screen in Lage Raho Munnabhai, Golmaal and Kabul Express. His only flop was Anthony Kaun Hai. Next, he has many movies in the pipeline most notably Mr. Black Mr. White and Goal.
9. Salman Khan	Salman Khan re-enters Top 10 with not so successful Salaam-e-Ishq. It's high time Salman delivers some big hit we all are used to. Jaan-e-Mann and Baabul too did not fare that well.
10. Sanjay Dutt	Apart from forgettable Tathastu and Anthony Kaun Hai, Sanjay Dutt had a good 2006 promoting Gandheegiri in a big way through his Lage Raho Munnabhai. However, his final hearing today (07-Feb) would decide the fate of 100s of crores invested in his forthcoming movies.
Top Actresses:
1. Aishwarya Rai	Aishwarya Rai reaches the Top with her fiancé Abhishek. In one of the most underplayed roles in Guru, she has proven her detractors wrong that she can't act. How diverse can one get - Umraao Jaan, Dhoom 2 and Guru! Way to go!
2. Vidya Balan	Vidya Balan was one of the few good things in Salaam-e-Ishq. With her expressive eyes she played her role to perfection. But one wonders what was she doing in Guru. Nevertheless, kudos to her - she has reached No. 2 within no time. Eklavya, Halla Bol, Chandramukhi and Hey Baby might take her higher.
3. Kareena Kapoor	Kareena Kapoor had a wonderful 2006 with Omkara, Don, 36 China Town and Chup Chup Ke, which kept her at the top throughout. But now she needs some more hits to get back to where she would like to be. 2007 does seem promising with Lajjo, Soham - Karan Johar's Next Project and Kismat Talkies.
4. Bipasha Basu	Bipasha had a more than decent 2006 with successful Dhoom 2, Corporate, Phir Hera Pheri and Omkara. She also had her share of flops in Jaane Hoga Kya, Darna Zaroori Hai and Humko Deewana Kar Gaye. Fool N Final will be her first 2007 release in Feb.
5. Rani Mukherjee	2006 saw Rani busy shedding tears in KANK and Baabul. She played a perfect bahu in Baabul and not-so-perfect wife in KANK quite convincingly. 2007 has some interesting big banner movies in store - Tara Rum Pum, Chooriyan, Saawariya and London Dreams.
6. Kajol	We just hope Kajol comes back to screen more often. Fanna left her fans wanting for more.
7. Preity Zinta	Preity Zinta is getting more and more selective these days. She only had two releases in 2006 - KANK and Jaan-e-Mann, while in 2007 she only has Jhoom Barabar Jhoom for now.
8. Kangana Ranaut	Kangna Ranaut made a remarkable debut in 2006 with Gangster and Woh Lamhe. Next, she will be seen in Shakalaka Boom Boom and Life In A... Metro.
9. Priyanka Chopra	If there was one thing most irritating in Salaam-e-Ishq - it was Priyanka Chopra. No wonder that pushes her down by a rank. Krrish and Don proved successful for her last year while Aapki Khatir did not. But she still has many big movies lined up - Drona, Love Story 2050, Kismat Talkies, Chamki Chameli, London Dreams, Big Brother, God Tussi Great Ho and Goal. But no over-acting please!
10. Mallika Sherawat	Wow, Mallika Sherawat provided the perfect start to Guru! Played item girl to perfection. If you are thinking how come she is in Top 10, then I would say - don't think :) there ain't no taker for this position! By the way, she did have Pyaar Ke Side Effects too.