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What would you get when you combine the Brand Ambassador of Romance and the God's very own Kingdom of Love? The answer is 'Rendezvous'! This is exactly what had taken place at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai, when the French Embassy, in collaboration with Unifrance inaugurated the 1st Rendez-vous with French Cinema.
The USP of the event was undoubtedly the 'Brand Ambassador of Romance' Shah Rukh Khan himself, who was conferred the prestigious 'Insignia of Officer in the Order of Arts & Letters'. With this, the King Khan joins the league of the previous awardees like Arundhati Roy, David Bowie, Celine Dion, Bob Dylan, Leonardo Di Caprio, Robert
Redford to name a few. Also, present on the occasion were Verenioque Cayla, Managing Director-CNC, Jerome Seydoux-Chairman of Pathe.
Even though the event was nothing short of a visual treat, but what really took the cake was the Q & A round with the King Khan. Needless to say that SRK was in his elements and was ready with an answer (read 'repartee') to every question, even before the question would have popped up in the person's mind. When asked about his take on the French cinema, SRK said "It's just a beginning. I feel too humble for this huge honour. I feel that I am taking the Indian Cinema much beyond as a career." He also drove home a few examples to explain that cinema is cinema, irrespective of the language. Not only that, SRK also got nostalgic about his first ever visit to France (which was for Devdas) and the second time for Veer Zaara. When asked about his popularity in France and his acceptance, he resembled a personified version of humbleness and modesty, as he said that "It's not me who is popular in France. It's the Indian Cinema which is popular and I am just a part of the Indian Cinema!" He also did not rule out the possibility of a French film, but with a right script and at the right time!
Echoing SRK's sentiments and statements was His Excellency Jerome Bonnfont, the Ambassador of France in India, who said "We want to marry the Indian and the French cinema, which will take some time, but, will happen for sure!" He also added that this kind of 'Rendez-Vous' will happen every year. Source: Indiafm.com News | 28 Jan 2008 | 3:21 pm
Amitabh Bachchan laid the foundation of a girl's college in the name of his daughter-in-law, Aishwarya Rai, at Barabaki in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. Barabaki is the same place where Big B got a clean chit two months ago in a controversial land purchase, from Allahabad High Court.
The entire Bachchan family along with Samajawadi Party leader, Amar Singh and Chief Minister, Mulayam Singh Yadav was present at the occasion of 'Bhumi Pujan', which also happened to be on the day of Samajawadi Party leader general's birthday. Speaking at the occasion, Aishwarya said that she was grateful to her family for giving her this honour.
In addition to that, present at the occasion were United National Progressive Alliance leaders including the Telugu Desam Party's N Chandrababu Naidu, National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah, INLD Chief Om Prakash Chautala and actress-turned-politician Jayaprada.
Along with the large number of people, were the SP workers wearing red caps chanting slogans for the Bachchans, Mulayam Singh and other leaders. Source: Indiafm.com News | 28 Jan 2008 | 3:08 pm
He is the ace director, Farah Khan's, brother and also Bollywood's very own funny man for whom the day starts and ends with films. He is one man who can be rightly described as someone who eats, drinks, breathes and sleeps films! People love to hate him and vice versa at his ability and guts in his butts to call a spade, a super spade! Here is a man who says that he is not yet married, not because all the girls are misfit, but, he still has to find his 'Miss Fit', Bollywood-wise! Recently, Sajid cradled his way to the Box-Office with his directorial blockbuster Heyy Babyy which happened to be a multi-dimensional hit of sorts!
A popular saying goes in the circles that if you remove Sajid from the Idiot Box, then, television would no longer be fun! So, here's your chance to get personal, close and up (in any order) with the funniest man that the industry has ever produced, Sajid Khan, on Tuesday, Jan 29, at 1600 hrs IST. Source: Indiafm.com News | 28 Jan 2008 | 2:43 pm
What will he direct next? Rakesh Roshan has more or less decided to make another super-hero film. "But we've to make sure that the screenplay goes beyond what we did in Koiâ¦Mil Gaya and Krissh. And also all the other super-hero films that have come from Hollywood lately. The genre, I feel has been done to the optimum. The fight between a super-hero and a super-villain has to be pitched right. The content has to be really strong."
Hrithik had expressed a desire to play the super-villain. "But that is not possible," laughs Rakesh Roshan. "We need another big star to play the super-villain. The fight has to be evenly pitched." But before that in June, Rakesh Roshan starts his film with Anurag Basu. "He's very talented. I saw his Gangster and Metro. He definitely has a great script-sense."
Although the trailers of Rakesh Roshan's production, Krazzy 4 were supposed to start from Friday, enthusiastic exhibitors in Mumbai began screening the trailers from Wednesday. "I've had a tremendous response." Rakesh Roshan denies there was any problem between him and Shah Rukh during the item song that they shot for Krazzy 4 earlier this week. "There were two costumes to be changed, and we did them. He finished it with much grace. It's come out really well. Now Hrithik will be shooting the same song in February. But while Shah Rukh's version will be in the film, Hrithik's will be for the promotion and then in the end-titles."
Rakesh Roshan says Krazzy 4 has shaped up really well. "And I'm proud to say my daughter Sunaina is the co-producer. She attended all the shootings and was there hands-on in the project." Source: Indiafm.com News | 28 Jan 2008 | 2:28 pm
Producer Anupam Kher and director Satish Kaushik are in a fix about their bold film on teen pregnancy Tere Sang, which is on release. No, it isn't a moral dilemma but a very practical and in-your-face problem.
Says a source, "The film has shaped up into a thought provoking look at love, sex and commitment among youngsters today. However, the crucial love scene where the 17 year old boy played by Ruslaan makes love to the 15-year old girl and impregnates her is very fleetingly shot." Apparently, the young debutante actress, Sheena Shahabadi, was petrified doing such an intimate scene in her very first film.
"Though she was briefed about it from the start, Sheena developed cold feet when it came to doing the love-making scene. The director Satish Kaushik kept postponing it. Finally, when Sheena agreed to do it, she refused to convey any serious intimacy. She even refused to kiss her co-star Ruslaan Mumtaz on the lips. Satish had to settle for a chin kiss."
The Tere Sang lead, Ruslaan Mumtaz (who made his debut in 2007 with Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar), admits his co-star was coy. "Yes, she did have problems with the love scene. And she did refuse to do the kiss. I don't blame her. Sheena is just a kid! I felt very embarrassed to even do such a scene with her. But as actors we both had to be thoroughly professional. Sheena conducted herself as best as she could. And we somehow managed the scene."
Ruslaan jumps to his callow co-star's defence. "See, Tere Sang isn't just about intimacy between two strangers. It's also about how two immature under-age people try to set up a home together. Satishji doesn't want to glorify promiscuousness and teen sex by making it look attractive on screen. So, in a way Sheena's inhibitions worked to our advantage."
However, Satish Kaushik who's current scouting locations in Africa for Himesh Reshammiya starrer, Karzzzz, admits the scene didn't turn out as effectively as he would've liked to."But Ruslaan is right. We don't want to make Tere Sang look like an invitation for teenagers to make love at an age when they should be making class projects. My film shows how parental neglect can trigger off a sexual rebellion in kids. I didn't want to sensationalize the love-making." Source: Indiafm.com News | 28 Jan 2008 | 12:34 pm
After SRKâs hockey and Johnâs football, its Akshayâs turn to get sporty. Well, before you let your imaginations run wild, Akshay is not doing a sports based film. Instead, he has decided to sponsor five wrestlers for their basic requirements. Well, now thatâs something to do.
An interesting fact is that Akshayâs father, Hariom Bhatia, was a wrestler himself, which explains Akkiâs interest in the sport. On Saturday, January 26, Akshay attended the annual wrestling contest at Andheri Sports Complex, wherein show organizer, promoter and Congress party spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam requested him to lend his support to the sport. Akshay, therefore, agreed to take care of the financial and basic needs of five wrestlers, so that they can make a career in the sport. This will probably also help India compete in wrestling in the international sporting events. Akshay has also promised to regularly visit the âakhadaâ in Goregoan.
This reassures us that action still remains Akshayâs first love. Source: Indiafm.com News | 28 Jan 2008 | 12:33 pm
Ever wondered how Shahrukh paid a tax of Rs 27 Crore last year by starring in just two movies. Well it is to nobody's surprise that brand Shahrukh is the hottest thing in the Indian advertising industry. According to estimates King Khan's income is close to Rs 150 crore during ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Jan 2008 | 11:59 am
Now take this. while he is unable to control the mess at the country's premier hospital AIIMS, Union health minister Anbumani Ramadoss has now poked his long nose into the affairs of Bollywood on the pretext of expressing concern over people's health. Although it may seem to be ridiculous, Ramadoss ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Jan 2008 | 11:45 am
Actress Gauri Munjal, who hails from Delhi, has acted in a few Telugu films including Bunny and also in three Kannada movies, Namma Basava, Gopi and Gandana Mane. The actress has now been signed for Sukumara, starring Sindhu Menon's brother Karthick in the lead. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Jan 2008 | 11:44 am
Sources say that Akshaye Khanna"s concern for the planet and the cause of global warming has made him choose the option of driving in an electric car for his shoots in Mumbai. He has always been known as thinking and as an intelligent actor and has always been a cut above ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Jan 2008 | 11:36 am
After doing the role of a Maharaja in Marujanma, NICE MD Ashok Kheny will now be seen in khaki in the upcoming Machcha, starring Jeevan and Sarita Jain in the lead, directed by Dhananjay Kundapura and produced by Deepak Shetty. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Jan 2008 | 11:32 am
Washington (ANI): Angelina Jolie fuelled pregnancy rumours when she showed up at the 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in a flowy strapless dress. It has been reported that the 'Tomb Raider' star is expecting twins with partner Brad Pitt, who accompanied her at the awards ceremony in Los Angeles ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Jan 2008 | 11:29 am
Darshan-starrer Gaja continues to rule the box office, staying at the top position. The movie, presenting Darshan with a different look, has already made a collection of one crore in Bangalore. Beautifully shot songs and power-packed performance of Darshan, especially in the action sequences, are the major highlights of the film. ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Jan 2008 | 11:24 am
Vijay Raghavendra got married to Spandana last year. This year, his brother Murali is all set to tie the marital knot too. Murali is going to marry his longtime girlfriend Vidya in May 2008. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Jan 2008 | 11:18 am
Despite the continous snow falls, the unit of Ganga Kaveri proceeded with the work of shooting of a song for the film in the cold climate of Kulu Manali. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Jan 2008 | 11:13 am
Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi apologized to actor Rajasekhar and his family members after his fans attacked them here Monday. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Jan 2008 | 11:00 am
Action hero Vijay's new film is all set to start its shooting on 6th February in Bangalore. This film is being produced by the Aa Dinagalu production unit and is being directed by journalist cum lyric writer Sumana Kiththoor. The film's story and script is written by Agni Sridhar. The story ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Jan 2008 | 10:57 am
He sits with his hand-cranked 1897 projector in a one-room shack in a grimy cluster, hearing the word Oscar for the first time. But in far away Hollywood, Mohammed Salim's life in the mean streets of Kolkata is the subject of intense scrutiny as the Academy Awards draw close. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Jan 2008 | 7:00 am
Fans of Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi Monday allegedly attacked actor Rajasekhar and his family members here to protest some remarks by the latter. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Jan 2008 | 6:30 am
The stage is set for the Balalji Telefilms' awards function that will see megastar Shah Rukh Khan performing Feb 1, but Ekta Kapoor refuses to shake a leg even at her own event. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Jan 2008 | 5:01 am
Indian television serials revolve around stock themes - the simple Indian girl and her hopes, dreams, joys, love and sorrow. Add a dash of revenge, conspiracy, murder and even rebirth - the latest in the assembly line of plots emanating from the world of TV soaps, and you have a gripping drama that sometime runs for months at a stretch. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Jan 2008 | 5:00 am
Popular Hindi film songs are never forgotten; they are recycled. Remixes have given a new life to many numbers and now film titles are inspired by them. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Jan 2008 | 4:00 am
Shah Rukh Khan is currently shooting for an item song for Rakesh Roshan's 'Krazzy 4' and Hrithik Roshan, who will feature in another version of the same number, says this proves that there is solidarity in Bollywood. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Jan 2008 | 3:30 am
Shah Rukh Khan, the Badshah of Bollywood, is an even bigger king of the advertising world, according to his tax figures. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Jan 2008 | 2:00 am
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was Sunday night conferred the prestigious 'Insignia of Officer in the Order of Arts and Letters' by the French government. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 27 Jan 2008 | 6:30 pm
A festival of French films was inaugurated in Mumbai Sunday by the French ambassador to India, Jerome Bonnafont, with the screening of 'Asterix at the Olympic Games'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 27 Jan 2008 | 6:30 pm
