After launching three Aladin ice cream flavors and announcing one of the most exciting contests of the season last month, it was time for Baskin Robbins, the world's largest chain of specialty ice cream shops and Eros International, the leading studio in the Indian entertainment industry that produced Aladin, to announce the winners! Ten lucky people who participated in the Baskin Robbins contest for Eros International's Aladin today got a chance to fulfill their dream of meeting 'Aladin' himself - Riteish Deshmukh, at a 'Meet and Greet' session organized by Baskin Robbins and Eros International.

The winners had a whale of a time interacting with Riteish Deshmukh, who as always, was in a very witty mood. He cracked jokes with the winners, signed numerous autographs and posed patiently as the winners took photographs with him. The winners, all of whom loved the movie 'Aladin' also asked him questions on how was the experience to act in the movie with Jacqueline Fernandes, Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt. Not to forget, they all indulged in sinful scoops of Baskin Robbins ice creams! All in all, it was one memorable evening for the ten lucky contestants, which they would not forget for a long time to come.

Why ‘Aladin’, why not something else?
We have all been listening to this story since ages and when a story attracts people after so many generations that means it has certain element in it. Again, how I got this movie is an interesting story. After I finished ‘Masti’ and Sujoy finished ‘Jhankar Beats’ and both of us were discussing some projects to work together in a coffee shop. And suddenly; there we saw an ‘Aladin’ comic book and a DVD in front of us on the book rack. Sujoy asked ‘Aladin banaye kya?’ I was confused, then he explained me that he is planning to give it a ‘contemporary’ look. So, here we are!

This will be your second movie in the ‘lead role’. How does it feel?
Though I am doing the ‘title role’ of Aladin, in my mind it is always going to be an Amitabh Bachchan movie. It has firstly, Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and then Riteish Deshmukh , the order goes like this. And it’s clear in my head that when Amitabh Bachchan stars in a film it’s an ‘Amitabh Bachchan movie’.

The team of ALADIN is ecstatic. The film has been granted a U certificate, something which reaffirms film maker Sujoy Ghosh's claim that ALADIN is a wholesome family entertainer that would appeal to kids and adults alike. The film was shown to Censors this Wednesday and they were more than happy with what they saw.

Confirms Sujoy, "Yes, ALADIN has been given a U certificate. In any case, this was always expected since there is no violence, nudity or obscenity in the film. This was always meant to be a family film and our vision was in that direction from Day 1. Even though the basic essence of ALADIN comes from the children's tales that we have heard for decades, the narrative has been spiced up to gain enough attention from adults as well."

The fantasy adventure, Aladin, starring Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, becomes the first Hindi film to kick off the South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF) in New York since its inception in 2004. Director Sujoy Ghosh says "it's like a wish come true".

Aladin, which also stars Sanjay Dutt as Ringmaster, Riteish Deshmukh in the title role and debutante Jacqueline Fernandes as Jasmine, will be screened at The Paris Theatre on October 28.

"It is definitely a wish come true to be chosen as the opening film for SAIFF. A lot of people have worked over a period of a long time to make Aladin and an honour like this fully makes it worthwhile. It's a great platform for an Indian film to be showcased to a global audience. I am grateful to SAIFF for making this happen for Aladin." said Ghosh.

Those wondering what the new Riteish Deshmukh starrer Aladin is all about might have a pretty good idea from the trailer. However, if you didn’t get enough of the storyline from the traditional source, Sujoy Ghosh has your hook-up on Twitter, no less. The Boundscript writer-director divulged details of the upcoming release’s plot on his account (@sujoy_g) on October 11, and Riteish (@Riteishd) quickly re-tweeted each 140-character tidbit. Apparently the movie-related tweetfest was in response to rumors of copying the Disney cartoon, which Sujoy rubbished: “People keep asking me but I swear ALADIN is NOT the Disney one. 2 totally separate. And the Disney one is so kickass. Why copy & spoil it!”

Yes, there are spoilers in the Twitter synopsis, but Sujoy dismisses any concerns about foreknowledge of plot twists, tweeting: “Going to see a film like ALADIN should b like a rollercoaster ride. U know exactly what u getting in for but still you'll buy the ticket:)” Below, an exact copy of his tweets:

It's time to spin some magic this festive season! Baskin Robbins, the world's largest chain of specialty ice cream shops, today announced a tie-up with Eros International, the leading London-listed Indian media and entertainment studio, for its upcoming family entertainment extravaganza film Aladin, at Mayfair Rooms, Mumbai. Actors from the movie - the very witty Riteish Deshmukh and the gorgeous Jacqueline Fernandez launched three delectable Baskin Robbins AladinIce Cream Flavors, linked to their characters in the film.

The three Aladin flavors, available at all Baskin Robbins outlets across India this October, are aptly named Choc 'aladin (Malt flavored ice cream swirled with a chocolate fudge ribbon and chocolate bits) linked to Riteish Deshmukh's character of Aladin, Princess' Delite (Creamy Vanilla ice cream loaded with chocolate coated nuts and swirled with a chocolate ribbon), linked to Jacqueline Fernandez' character of Jasmine and Ringmaster's Whip (Devilicious chocolate ribbon and chocolate chips whipped into a sinful chocolate ice cream), linked to Sanjay Dutt's character of Ring Master in the film

Aamir Khan might have won a lot of attention with his ingenious ways of promoting his films. Now here's another actor who has chosen a very 'creative' way of promoting his film.

Well that's our very own actor Riteish Deshmukh. He has been sporting t-shirts with an 'A' embroidered on them akin to the red sweater that he wears throughout his film ALADIN.

Deshmukh, who is extremely enthusiastic about his first film with his favourite actor Amitabh Bachchan, has been wearing t-shirts with the 'A' in the distinguished Aladin style for various promotional events for the film.

Magic was created at J.W Marriot on Monday evening where the cast & crew of Eros International’s upcoming family entertainer ‘Aladin’ directed by Sujoy Ghosh, came together to launch the music of this eagerly awaited film.

Gracing the music launch was Amitabh Bachchan himself, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sunil Lulla of Eros International, Director Sujoy Ghosh, Biren Ghose – Executive Director – Eros International, Music directors Vishal-Shekhar and Singers Shaan and Sunidhi Chauhan.

Sanjay Dutt could not make it due to prior commitments, but he addressed the crowds and wished the team good luck through a special AV clip.

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan is all set to entertain the masses with his portrayal of ‘Genie’ in ‘Aladin‘.

Music composer duo coerced by Director Sujoy Ghosh to sing for their own composition after auditioning singers for almost a year!

Infact you could ask anyone from the ALADIN team about their favourite song, and the reply would be 'You May Be'.

As the song goes is currently on air, everyone from director Sujoy Ghosh to Sunil Lulla from EROS to Vishal-Shekhar, the composer duo, to Amitabh Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh and Jacqueline Fernandez (on whom the song is picturised), are supremely confident that this soft rock composition will turn out to be the love ballad of the season.

However, the result wasn't easy to get. First and foremost the composers struggled and had to work hard to get the perfect tune for 'You May Be'.

Brace yourself for a magical ride this October as 2009's most awaited film, Aladin, is here to transport you into a fascinating world full of hope, love and friendship where all your dreams and wishes can turn into reality.

Amidst much glamour and fanfare, Eros International revealed the first look of Aladin on Wednesday at Taj Lands End, Bandra, Mumbai.

Biren Ghose from Eros International, along with Director Sujoy Ghosh and actors Ritesh Deshmukh and Jacqueline Fernandez introduced the Aladin promo to the press fraternity, which was followed by a loud applause.

The production house also announced a mega tie-up with Godrej Appliances to launch the Godrej-Aladin Make A Wish offer. This is one of the biggest possible consumer promotion schemes in India where three major wishes of the Indian consumers could be granted on purchase of Godrej appliances this festive season:

Wish No. 1 - Act in the next Bollywood Blockbuster

Wish No. 2 - Dinner with Amitabh Bachchan

Wish No. 3 - Free Home Appliance

Godrej will also be sharing a part of their revenues from this offer to the Make-A-Wish-Foundation.