More and more of our stars are getting into alternate businesses. By alternate, I mean business which have nothing to do with the stars's USP -- acting.

Today, for example, Shah Rukh Khan launched srkworld.com. This, though, was not his first business venture. Earlier in the year, his production company (in tandem with actress Juhi Chawla and director Aziz Mirza), Dreamz Unlimited, released its debut film, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani. The company also makes ad films.

Another actor who has proved very technology-savvy is Ajay Devgan. He is seriously contemplating starting a B-to-B portal with his wife, Kajol. So, while Shah Rukh's portal exploits the fun side of entertainment, Ajay and Kajol's portal will look at its business side. Ajay, meanwhile, has already set up a production and distribution company called Devgan Entertainment Private Limited.

Anil Kapoor has also entered the field of film production. Of course, father Surinder and brother Boney have always been making films, but Anil's chosen to walk his own path. He's formed a new company, called Kapoor and Kaushik Entertainment Pvt Ltd, with Satish Kaushik. They have already started shooting for their first venture -- Badhai Ho Badhai.

Sunil Shetty is yet another actor known to possess a sharp business acumen -- everyone knows about his Mischief boutiques and restaurants. Now, Sunil and some of his friends have floated a company called Popcorn Entertainment. It is into event management in a big way and is also building a multiplex in Powai, Bombay. We are sure this is only the beginning though; after all, Sunil definitely has plenty of dynamic ideas up his body-hugging tee shirt sleeves.

Aamir Khan, who believes in doing only one thing at a time, completed his acting assignments before he began working on his first film as producer. Lagaan is now being readied for a May release.

Hrithik Roshan, of course, is drowning in offers of product endorsement -- so much so, it's almost become his new business! And a very, very profitable one too!

As for Amitabh Bachchan, it took the debacle of several films (post-Hum) and the collapse of Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited before he realised a great actor need not necessarily be a great businessman. In his attempt to revive ABCL, the Big B agreed to host a game show on the small screen. And, boy, did he succeed!!! Rumours have it that Abhishek too is planning something similar to resurrect his career. Just kidding -- about the Bachchan kid, that is!

Sunny Deol tried his hand at direction, but burnt his fingers badly. The guy is now back with his first love, acting.

Dimple Kapadia is into making candles, but that could be because she is out of work. And the way things are going, daughters Twinkle and Rinke could join her and make it a family business. Father Rajesh Khanna is, of course, now busy with his small screen appointments.

Govinda too has joined the game show bandwagon by agreeing to host one for Sony. Keeping in mind his habit of reporting late on the sets, Sony might be forced to telecast today's show tomorrow. But, knowing Sony's efficiency, we're sure they'll keep standby shows ready. Jokes apart, Govinda, like Ajay Devgan, tried his luck at distribution. While Ajay's company released several hits in Bombay (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Refugee), Govinda wasn't as lucky.

Anupam Kher and Manisha Koirala have also succumbed to the television mania. But we'd rather not reiterate the fact that they are making a hash of hosting Sawal Dus Crore Ka. Anupam has also announced his plans to get into full-time direction.

Mithun Chakraborty, of course, is minting money through his hotel business in Ooty. After all, he makes sure all his producers shoot in Ooty. But, as his hotel rakes in the profits, his films simply don't.

Jackie Shroff proved a smart investor when he invested his money in Sony Entertainment Television. The success of the channel is showing in Jackie's balance sheet too, which, otherwise, looked none too healthy. He too has launched a production company that is looked after by his wife, Ayesha.

Danny Denzongpa too has business interests, but they are not even remotely connected with the industry.

Which just goes to show that, all in all, we have a very dynamic set of stars in the industry.

How the movies fared at the box office last week

**Ratings based on box office collections and cost of the film**

Rating	Film	Production House	Verdict	Position Last Week	No Of Weeks Since Release
1	Mohabbatein	Yash Raj Films	Above average to hit (Superhit overseas)	1	3
2	Kurukshetra	Time Movies	Average	New	New
3	Mission Kashmir	Vinod Chopra Productions	Average (Above average in Bombay)	2	3
4	Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai	Quest Films	Flop (Fair in Bengal)	3	5
5	Aaghaaz	Suresh Productions	Average in some circuits, losing in others	7	6
6	Fiza	The Culture Co; UTV Motion Pictures	Above average in Bombay; average to losing in most other circuits (Initial was overwhelming)	6	10
7	Dhadkan	Venus Records & Tapes Ltd	Good in Bombay, Maharashtra	8	13
8	Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai	S K Films Enterprises	Above average in Bombay, hit in Gujarat, losing to average in the rest of the country	9	12
9	Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke	Inderjeet Films Combine	Disaster	5	7
10	Shikari	Kavita Pictures	Disaster	4	6

Komal Nahta edits the popular trade magazine, Film Information.

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