New Delhi: An extra 'k' here, an extra 'z' there. This is how many Bollywood titles now read. From films like Heyy Babyy to the upcoming Singh is Kinng, using additional letters in the title of a film has become a routine, thanks to increasing influence of numerology.
It began as an obsession with the letter 'k', only to spread among producers and actors alike.
Film directors and producers are no more hesitating to consult professional numerologists before finalising the name of their films.
"Lot of people from the film industry consult us. Many actors, producers and directors are our regular clients," says Swetta Jhumani, a Pune-based numerologist. "Whatever recognition we have today is because of our Bollywood clients," she adds.
Producer-director Rakesh Roshan's brush with numerology began with Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, where an extra 'a' was added in two words in the film's name on the recommendation of the Jhumani family.
The film went on to become one of the biggest hits of all time. Since then, Roshan has diligently followed numerology in each of his next releases - Koi Mil Gaya, Krrish and Krazzy 4.
Singer turned actor Himesh Reshammiya is also known for his firm beliefs in numerology. His upcoming films Karzzzz, A Love Issshtory and Kajra Re have all been named on numerological calculations. "He also follows numerology.
Having an understanding of numerology, he does all the spellings himself," a Mumbai based numerologist told PTI.
Directors like Vipul Shah, John Matthew Matthan and Sangeet Shivan also consult numerologists. "I added an extra 'y' to Vipul Shah's Namastey London and Sajid Nadiadwala's Heyy Babyy. Both worked well at the box office," says Niraj Mancchanda, a numerologist from Mumbai.
Vipul's upcoming film, Singh is Kinng has been allocated an extra 'n' to make the film a sure-shot success despite having a big star cast.
Names of films like Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai, Zubeidaa, Kabkakkth Ishq, Kyaa Kool Hai Hum are all products of numerological calculations. Some of them have done good business.
The Jhumanis claim, "90 per cent of their predictions have gone right".
The upcoming Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam, starring Rahul Bose and Mallika Sherawat, has recently been respelled after the director consulted a numerologist.
Even a director like Ashutosh Gowariker added an extra 'a' in Jodhaa Akbar.
Ekta Kapoor's inclination towards numerology is well known.
Each film or television serial from the Balaji Telefilms stable passes through the Jhumanis. "I suggest the name of each of their serial," says Swetta Jhumani.
However, it is not just the name of the films or serials, but also many actors and other film personalities have changed their names according to the theory of numerology.
Actors like Suniel Shetty, Kirron Kher, Emraan Hashmi, Eesha Koppikhar and Tusshar Kapoor are now following their numerologically corrected names. While musician Anu Malik will soon be following suit with a new spelling - Aanuu Mallik.
Explaining the theory of numerology, Niraj Mancchanda, a numerologist from Mumbai says, "Numerology is the science of studying numbers. Numerologists assign numbers to every alphabet, and then study if those numbers match with the date of birth of the person concerned. And then, we suggest a change in name accordingly. This enhances luck."
Film critic Taran Adarsh calls this 'superstition' and says, "Lot is at stake here, so filmmakers have always taken recourse to superstitions. Almost everyone does it in some way or the other. And numerology is one of them."
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