SRK, Aamir, Ranbir, Kareena in Luck By Chance

By Joginder Tuteja,
Luck By Chance would go down as perhaps the first ever film in Bollywood that boasted of true cameos/one scene appearances from 20 odd celebrities from the film industry, all of whom actually had a role to play in the film.
Though there have been star appearances before in quite a few Bollywood flicks, most of them have been for the glamour quotient without really contributing much to the film’s plot. However, Luck By Chance is different since each of them has a definite role to play in the film.
Here is presenting a low down on how some of the stars (who play themselves) have enriched an experience that goes by the name of Luck By Chance.
Shah Rukh Khan and Mushtaq Sheikh
This was perhaps the most subtle appearance in the film that has virtually gone unnoticed. If you remember the scene where Shah Rukh Khan walks into a lounge and meets Farhan Akhtar for the first time, he is shown to be accompanied by a man of his age.
This guy is none other than Mushtaq Sheikh who is Shah Rukh Khan’s age old friend and has written quite a few books on him apart from penning Om Shanti Om and also acting in it. So how is he related to the plot of the film? Well, in a very subtle way.
When Shah Rukh Khan tells Farhan Akhtar that he should not be forgetting his friends from the old times, a message is being conveyed because the superstar himself is shown to be in company of those (read Mushtaq) who have been with him through his good and bad times.
Ranbir Kapoor
A rising star whose stocks are certainly on a high, he is shown to be this sweet talking youngster who is embarrassed enough to be saying no to an old time director and even hails him as his father figure.
However, in the moment of reckoning when he has to take a call on signing a film, he comes up with an age old excuse – ‘No Dates’. He doesn’t say no, he just says – ‘Let’s start working on the film in 2015’! Message conveyed – Not so loud but quite clear!

Kareena Kapoor
She can be Miss Nice as well as Miss Ice – This is something conveyed in Luck By Chance where she is pleasant and warm when introduced to the rising star Farhan Akhtar.
She extends him an invitation to come over to her place any time. However, the moment he starts believing every spoken word of hers, she turns into Miss Ice by stating as a matter of fact – ‘Just kidding’! Aah, that hurt!
Abhishek Bachchan
With an ever so glowing smile on the face, he is someone who avoids controversies, more so if he has to accept a movie that has been rejected by someone else.
This is what he does to the character of Rommy Rolly (Rishi Kapoor) and politely refuses to be a part of his film. Of course, it’s the message of ‘Daddy says Hi!’ which brings that real life touch to the proceedings! Yup, what this translates into is ‘End of conversation’!
John Abraham
Okay, so we know that John Abraham has his own fan following and chooses the films that he truly believes that he can do justice to.
This is why it is quite ironic when he mouths the dialogue ‘Ab main kuch hatke karna chahta hoon’ (I want to do something different) while refusing Rommy Rolly. Ya John, we know! And everyone in the auditorium too got the excuse!
Vivek Oberoi
Height of frustration for Rommy Rolly is shown in the scene where even star turned struggling actors too are shown refusing his film.
When he can’t get hold of actors like Abhishek Bachchan or John Abraham, he is shown to be approaching Vivek Oberoi in times of desperation. And guess what, even he refuses the film stating that after doing quite three heavy films in a row, he wants to do something light. Real life imitating reel life here?

Aamir Khan
Aamir Khan certainly knows how to take a spoof on himself. In one of the first scenes of the film, he is shown to be giving this ‘perfect shot’ for a Rajkumar Hirani film.
All so intense and into the character, he returns back to the monitor, only to sound a little unhappy over the way he gave his shot. He and Raju acknowledge though that the subtle touch that he gave to the scene while adjusting his hat was quite thoughtful! Yup, we know this was meant to be an exaggerated take on things.
Akshaye Khanna
This appearance did bring a smile on the face as Akshaye Khanna truly spoofed himself. Ever so indecisive and someone who goes by his instinct more than anything else, Akshaye Khanna is shown to be taking an eternity to decide upon the Rommy Rolly offer.
He doesn’t say a word, he just thinks. And thinks. And thinks. And finally says ‘No’ with that sheepish grin of his. Wicked!
Bhatt brothers and Emraan Hashmi
When it is Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt, there has to be Emraan Hashmi. This is re-established once again in Luck By Chance with the best part being that none of the three are even shown in the film.
In a casual conversation, an Assistant Director mentions about reporting on the sets the next morning for a Bhatt film. And in an even casual manner, he throws a point that he has to ensure that the shoot gets wrapped up on time because Emraan has to fly off the next morning.
Also, the Emraan’s name is mentioned again when the AD invites Farhan on the sets saying Emraan is doing a smooch scene yet again. Hmmm, some intelligent writing here with the point being conveyed in a smart way!

Karan Johar
Ever so witty, bitchy and a brat, Karan Johar brings on the smiles during his conversation with Hrithik Roshan.
Though it was his film that made Hrithik leave Rishi Kapoor’s film, only to pave way for another rising star Farhan Akhtar, he doesn’t hesitate in coming up with some of his own catty gyaan! With a wink, he educates Hrithik around how newer heroes come in when older ones refuse to be a part of a risky project.
Something that holds true for Luck By Chance as well because Farhan Akhtar himself was roped in for a role only after other established actors refused to be a part of it. Result?
Farhan has been truly acknowledged as an actor now, especially so after Rock On put a strong foundation for him in Bollywood!