Bonanza 2001 -- AB, SRK, Hrithik!

Komal Nahta

The year 2001 might have begun on the wrong foot as far as films go. But it might just turn out a smash year before it ends.

Why? Because cinegoers will be treated to a triple sundae: At least three films each of the three most doted stars today -- Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan -- are slated for the marquee this year.

Amitabh Bachchan's first release is Rakesh Mehra's Aks (in which he stars opposite Nandita Das) to be followed by Suneel Darshan's Ek Rishtaa - The Bond Of Love (with Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor and Juhi Chawla) and Karan Johar's second directorial venture, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, which boasts also of Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan.

He might even be able to squeeze in one more release: the Vipul Shah-directed All The Best, which stars Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar and Sushmita Sen.

Shah Rukh Khan, of course, is expected to run up the numbers with Shashilal Nair's One 2 Ka 4, opposite Juhi Chawla.

Then, he dons the additional mantle of producer with Asoka, directed by Priyadarshan (of Virasat), and which also stars Tamil superstar Ajith. The film will hit the screens around May.

Shah Rukh will end the year with -- no guesses here -- Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Two more Shah Rukh starrers, the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed Devdas and Hum Aapke Hain Sanam, are also slated for release this year. Whether they will or won't is anybody's guess.

As for heart-throb Hrithik Roshan, his first release this year will be Subhash Ghai's ambitious project, Yaadein, in which he stars opposite Kareena Kapoor.

He soon follows with Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage. His last release of 2001, as with the other two superstars, will be Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

His Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, opposite star kid Esha Deol, is progressing well.

Hot question: Will it release this year? The bets are on!