After Britney Spears` father was handed over the control of her affairs, the latest to be kept away from the pop star is her business manager and her attorney. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 3:29 pm
The sexy actresses will "leave the audience gasping" with their steamy love scene in Allen`s upcoming `Vicky Cristina Barcelona`. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 3:29 pm
Celine Dion`s five-year residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas -- which ended December 15, grossed $385 million and drew nearly 3 million people to 717 shows -- isn`t an easy act to follow. But when it came to finding her replacement, Bette Midler was the natural choice. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 3:29 pm
Kabir Khan, who didn`t have any female lead in his directorial debut `Kabul Express`, has singed Katrina Kaif for his next film. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 3:29 pm
The father of troubled singer Britney Spears has strengthened control over her affairs with an order to fire her business manager and a demand that he turn over her personal records, a court document showed on Friday. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 3:29 pm
American actress Angelina Jolie has lost the Oscar trophy she won in 1999, according to reports Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 3:29 pm
After celebrating his son`s birthday in Jaipur, superstar Amitabh Bachchan has returned to snow-capped Shimla to resume the shooting of Soojit Sircar`s marital drama `Shoe Bite`. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 3:29 pm
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin added another jewel to her illustrious musical crown on Friday night when she was honored at the annual MusiCares dinner, a Grammy-related event that raises money for musicians in need. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 3:29 pm
Troubled singer Britney Spears is trying to get her life together and is starting out by getting a new hairstyle. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 3:29 pm
Bollywood was tabloid-struck yesterday by two news items pertaining to Saif Ali Khan-Kareena Kapoor marriage and Salman Khan allegedly slapping
girlfriend Katrina Kaif in a Bandra coffee shop. The rumour mills worked overtime and a day later, both the parties have issued official press releases
to clarify their stand.
It was reported that Saif-Kareena got married in a hush hush ceremony conducted by a Maulvi. There were quotes by Saif's mom Sharmila Tagore
who said that she was not aware about the marriage but then Saif had married Amrita Singh secretly and informed them later. "I am not getting
married for the next five years," said Kareena Kapoor
emphatically.
She further added, "The news is utter rubbish. I want to concentrate on my career, and marriage is definitely not on the cards for the next five years."
Incidentally, according to friends close to Kareena, both Kareena and Saif were quite amused too on reading the story. They are both happy
together and marriage is definitely not on their minds right now.
Recently, a tabloid also carried an interview with Saif's astrologer. A common friend adds that the astrologer mentioned in the report is a hoax.
Though Saif had met him a couple of months back, he was not in touch with him after that meeting. Maybe the astrologer (according to the friends)
is a cheap publicity seeker and wants to garner cheap publicity.
Even Saif seems very upset and he has issued a clarification. Says Saif "It is untrue, utter rubbish."
In the other news item that appeared in another tabloid, it was stated that bad boy Salman Khan slapped Katrina Kaif in a Bandra Coffee shop.
Reportedly, Katrina Kaif is extremely livid about the report. "Enough is enough, I have never talked about my personal life and don't intend to and
because I have always believed that what is
personal is personal. But this is too much. The story that has appeared is utter rubbish and fabricated. I suspect that it's been spread by vested
interest with ulterior motives. I would like to repeat that nothing of this sort has happened. Normally, I don't like to clarify but sometimes one has to
take a stand and this is one of one of those times," she said.
According to Katrina's friends, she has always believed in being dignified and keeping her personal life in the private domain. But she seems quite
upset when Salman is painted in a bad light and the fact is upsetting her more, and therefore she felt that she had to take a stand and put a lid on
the rumour floating around.
Two big scoops followed by two immediate denials. Now, one wonders where the truth lies. Is the media too desperate to resort to any means to
manufacture spicy news items? Or, the stars are also aiding the rumour mills to promote their forthcoming films? What according to you is the
'Sach'! Source: Indiafm.com Features | 9 Feb 2008 | 1:18 pm
All you guys out there who always thought of Ameesha Patel as the girl next door or 'Miss Goody Two Shoes' will get the surprise shock of your life as the Patel babe gets all 'hot n happening' as the cover girl in the February issue of Maxim (India)
Dressed in a white shirt (with just that one button in place), the actress known for her sober appearances in films doesn't mind flaunting what she has!
What's more, the article inside reveals the actress' hidden secrets like her ideal guy, her (by now famous) pink fixation and even gives all you men out there the much needed green signal that she is single and very much ready to mingle.
So what are you waiting for? Start getting your homework done now, on how to sweep Miss Patel off her feet. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 9 Feb 2008 | 1:02 pm
Shah Rukh Khan was the centre of attraction in Berlin yesterday as scores of fans gathered to have a dekko of the Bollywood star. The actor was at Berlin's International cinema for the premiere of his blockbuster film Om Shanti Om.
Tickets for Friday night's premiere were sold out in minutes after the booking opened and some tickets were even being sold on German eBay website (for a much higher price). The organisers even had to arrange an additional screening to meet the demand.
What's more, SRK even seemed excited at the Berlinale Special Title- 'Om' given to his home production film. The Berlinale has been programming occasional Bollywood titles in the forum sidebar for about a decade. Apparently, this is the highest profile slot yet given to a Bollywood title here.
There is more good news for SRK fans as Eros International plans a mega release for 'Om' in Germany next month.
One thing is for sure, no matter which part of the world King Khan goes to, there are scores of fans waiting with bated breath to see their favorite Bollywood matinee idol. Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Feb 2008 | 1:01 pm
Jimmy Sheirgill has been signed as the brand ambassador for a men's wear brand called tQs. The actor will endorse a varied of clothesline which includes western, formals, casuals, t-shirts, jackets, denims etc. for men. On his association with the brand, Jimmy said that he was glad to be endorsing a brand which offers style, comfort and is also affordable. tQ's introduced their new range of clothes after announcing Jimmy as the brand ambassador in Delhi yesterday.
The new collection is targeted at the young professionals from the middle class segment. Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Feb 2008 | 12:55 pm
Even as the talented Tigmanshu Dhulia wraps up his new project Shagird with Nana Patekar and Mohit Ahlawat, he's all set to direct another film for TV 18 with Govinda in the lead.
So what happened to Tigmanshu's film Good Night which he was supposed to make with Neil Mukesh in the lead? Now that the lead actor has opted out what's the status of that project? "I'm still shell-shocked by Neil's last-minute opting out. It's true that I planned another project called Fame with him. But I was never too happy with it. When I heard someone else was making the film, I happily scrapped Fame and decided to make Good Night instead. It's an idea that has been with me for many years, and very close to my heart. I narrated the idea to Neil and he was very kicked by it."
Next on Tigmanshu's list was Sunil. "I went to Sunil Shetty for the role of the negative lead. He very clearly told me he doesn't do negative roles. And in any case he said he does only one film a year now. But I insisted on narrating it to him. When Sunil heard the idea he immediately agreed. Now with the two main leads in place my crew proceeded to Bikaner for a reiki."
A shock awaited Tigmanshu when he returned from Rajasthan. "Neil said he wouldn't be doing the film until the script was ready. I had yet to work out a portion of the script. So how could I show it to him? He said, in that case let's do it in winter or in 2009. How could a project that was to begin in February 2008 be pushed to 2009?"
As things stand now, Tigmanshu's film tentatively titled Good Night which was supposed to start on February 15 is now indefinitely postponed. Neil apparently, has returned the signing amount.
And Tigmanshu has moved on. "I'm working now on the post-production of Shagird. One day of the shooting with Nana remains to be done. We had to cancel because of his injured leg. After that it's time for me to do that fun film with Govinda for TV 18." Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Feb 2008 | 12:35 pm
Television's most popular 'bahu', Smriti Irani, has finally decided to step in to the big bad world of Bollywood as a producer. Smriti will produce her first film (a comedy) in joint collaboration with leading production house UTV.
While the cast is yet to be finalized, Smriti isn't willing to reveal too much on who will be holding the directorial reins of this venture. However, writers Kamlesh Pandey of Rang De Basanti fame and Imtiaz Patel would be writing the script.
The film will be entirely shot in India and would be a different kind of a comedy which Indian cinema has never ever witnessed. From the usual 'rona dhona' she was part of in T.V. serials to making people laugh in her maiden film, 'Tulsi' has surely come a long way. Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Feb 2008 | 11:48 am
Konkona Sen Sharma is among the latest Bollywood stars to join the endorsement bandwagon on television. The actress, who was last seen in Aaja Nachle will now be seen in her first ever television commercial for Women's Horlicks.
GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) -Consumer Health Care has formulated the drink especially for meeting the nutritional requirements of the Indian woman.
The actress said that she was excited to endorse the product as she herself used to have Horlicks during her growing up years. The Woman's Horlicks drink is low in fat, without any added sugar and would be available in two exciting flavors, namely chocolate and caramel. Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Feb 2008 | 11:47 am
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Bollywood hottie Deepika Padukone's dream run post Om Shanti Om continues. The actress, who has signed quite a few films and endorsement deals post her successful debut, has now been roped in by ITC to promote its Fiama Di Wills brand of soap.
The print advertisement of the same was recently unveiled. Apparently, Deepika has been selected to endorse the soap as the brand personality of Fiama Di Wills matches her own, of a confident, intelligent and aware woman.
Well, with such deals already in her kitty, what else can we say except that the Padukone babe is here to stay. Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Feb 2008 | 11:27 am
Anupam Kher has just completed a hush-hush week-long visit to Australia which was outwardly for the express purpose of staging his traveling play Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai. But behind the scenes there were some serious tie-ups between his company and the Australian government.
These include the opening of yet another branch of his acting school, Actor Prepares, this time in Sydney at the famous Fox Studios. Speaking from Sydney, Anupam said, "Yes, we're opening one more branch of my school here in Sydney. It feels good because my dream was to take my skills outside our country."
In addition to the acting school, Anupam has another major plan for Sydney. "I'm starting global acting awards. It will be called Thespis, named after the world's first actor who was from Greece (hence the term 'thespian'). And the awards will not be a Bollywood award. It will honour debut acting skills from all over the world. So, any debut performance from any part of the world will be eligible. The Thespis will be like the Oscar. When the award is announced, the emcee will say, 'And the Thespis goes toâ¦' The first Thespis awards ceremony will be held in Sydney at the end of the year. Then the awards will travel to other parts of the world every year."
Anupam is dreaming big dreams for Australia. "We're going in for major tie-ups in Australia, besides my first awards function, I'll also be the first ambassador for the Indian International Film Festival. My company will also be collaborating with Australia on various movie productions."
But it's the global acting awards that Anupam is most exciting about. "After my acting schools it was always the idea of global awards that honoured new acting talent that grabbed my fancy. Because once you produce worthy acting talent from a school you need to recognize and honour that talent for it to grow." Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Feb 2008 | 11:17 am
While Mira Nair has openly said that Hollywood suffers from colour blindness after her resplendent film The Namesake failed to make it into any of the Oscar nominations, Mira's leading man Irrfan says he isn't the least disappointed.
"I knew The Namesake won't find favour at the Oscars. The culture and ambience were all very alien to the Americans. They live in a very enclosed kind of society where their culture and way of life is all that matters to them. To them, a film about a Bengali family was strange and alien. We're yet to make inroads in the West the way Chinese cinema has made. I mean, long before Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Bruce Lee had made a big impact on the Western audience. We from Indian cinema are yet to make that kind of an impact. But we're getting there."
Irrfan says he has suffered a much bigger blow at the Oscars. "And that was when my British film Warrior by Asif Kapadia failed to make it into the nomination for Best Foreign Film for a technical reason. The Academy rejected Warrior because it was a British film in Hindi. According to them, a British film can only be in English! Thank God, since then the language barriers have dissolved. But it was never fun while it lasted." Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Feb 2008 | 11:04 am
Noted Bengali actor Sabyasachi Chakraborty, who essayed the role of super sleuth Feluda penned by maestro Satyajit Ray, has said it was his dream to play the role of the middle-class private detective that has mesmerised generations of Bengalis since the 1970s. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 9 Feb 2008 | 11:00 am
26 films released in the year 2006-07 have been given subsidy by the quality committee. In this four films are qualified automatically since they got the state award. These films will get 10 lacks and one film for from children's film category is selected which will get 25 lacs. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 10:40 am
The Telugu Film industry is not new to our maestro Ilayaraja. In fact, he is one of the leading music directors in Telugu like in his own mother tongue Tamil. Most of the Telugu film makers have nice experience with Ilayaraja and often wish to include him in their films. ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 10:14 am
It's not often that you come away from a film thinkingâ¦oh hell, this one is far better than I thought! Original fresh vibrant tongue-in-cheek and yet
moving in its sincerity this big-little film acquires its power and energy purely from its maker's ability to infuse potentially hammy situations with a
bristling believability.
You've seen film's about doppelganger-transference where look-alikes cross the line into each other's realm of vision to exchange lives. The
Prince & The Pauper did it long before Raja Aur Runk and Duplicate. Most films about double roles simplify the moral lines to the
extent that Ram and Shyam become figures on either side if the coin. Flip-flop!
Rohit Jugraj (who's earlier film, James, never prepared us for what Superstar brings to the fore) tosses that ram-sham coin into the air
and lets it fall languorously and neatly to the ground.
That he has set this feisty funny and exhilarating fable of the prince and the super-prince (forget the pauper) in the film industry, is a happy
occurrence that gives the narrative a zest to make in-house jokes without tripping over on its own cleverness.
This would be as good a time as any to state that Kunal Khemu who plays the earnest junior artiste and the spoilt but still-decent producer's son
who cannot value the gift of Bollywood like his more humble middle-class doppelganger, is a revelation. He brings to the two characters more than
just a surface dissimilarity.
Khemu doesn't try to make Kunal and Karan different from each others. Often-as in that critical pre-interval sequence when the plot takes a literal
somersault-we see the two Khemus as the yin and yang, mirror-images looking into one another's soul with disarming transparency.
Not too many 20-something actors today can carry off the discomforting predicament of baring their soul through tight close-ups. Khemu dares the
unthinkable. Not too many actors have carried out the double-role tradition with such casual aplomb. Happily, the special effects bringing the two
Khemus together are not all that's special in the narration.
Khemu has a director who also dares to dream the impossible. While keeping the narrative on a fun and frisky plane Rohit Jugraj brings in moral and
ethical issues in the second-half when the junior-artiste is forced to replace the dude from the affluent producer's family.
Watch the sequence where the junior-artiste Kunal posing as the star Karan visits Kunal's grieving parents. The camera (Mahendra Shetty)
microscopes the son's dilemma as he must pretend before his bereaved parents to be a stranger. The background score (Sanjay Choudhary) creates
just a hint of melodrama before backing off.
Fully filmy? Yes, but not quite. Jugraj always leaves scope for subtleties. There's a mildly stirring dimension of authenticity in Jugraj's narration, as
though Ram Gopal Varma's Rangeela had suddenly and happily mated with Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om to produce a film that takes us
beyond the expected in pursuit of a happiness that's got very little to do with celebrating the spirit of the double role.
At times the glam-quotient required to make Bollywood's dream factory look believable is overly sham. The affluent Khemu in the swimming-pool with
various bikini-clad blondes looks just too much like whoosh-fulfillment.
Superstar represents the wry slightly-cynical view of the outsider peeping nervous enviously and uncertainly into the glitter and glory of the
entertainment business. But the sense of wonderment is well-contained. Neither the humble wannabe nor the privileged producer's son is portrayed
with cynicism, so that when the personality-transference between the two occurs unexpectedly, we aren't looking at a morality-play but a Bollywood
take on Bollywood with the conventions turned on their head.
Jugraj seeks constant references to Bollywood biggies from Amitabh Bachchan in Deewaar (no further in the past, can't take the young
audience that far behind) to Ayesha Jhulka in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, to Salman Khan in Andaz Apna Apna. The in-house humour
pervades the plot without overwhelming the basic layering of storytelling. We watch the characters as spin-offs of Urmila Matondkar in
Rangeela, Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om and Pinchoo Kapoor in Karz (Darshan Jariwala's take as the ruthlessly exploitative
producer reminds you of Rishi Kapoor's manipulative manager in Karz). But we're also looking at a world where artificiality is not just a way of
life and death. It's also the only way to function.
Watch Superstar for Rohit Jugraj's fresh original take on Bollywood's dream factory, and Kunal Khemu's sincere and warm performance as the
'wannabe' and the 'don't-wannabe', who share more than just a passing affinity with the rams and the shams of showbiz. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 9 Feb 2008 | 9:54 am
John's sartorial aspirations seem to have caught on. The John Abraham collection which hit stores last year is all set to go international. Revealing his clothes' expansion plans the model-star smiles, "Last year we put out exclusive clothes with my brand-name, into selected outlets in seven cities of India. We ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 9:17 am
Kabir Khan, the director of Kabul Express which released in Dec 2006, is now set to direct his next film. It was said that the film would star John Abraham and Neil Mukesh in lead roles. Now, the latest addition to the cast of the film is Katrina Kaif. Katrina ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 9:05 am
Saif Ali Khan has been the brand ambassador for Provogue for a few years now. The campaigns so far have been pretty-much straightforward using the star's personality and presence to project the Provogue shirts as cool trendy and young. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 8:55 am
Mahesh Bhatt quit direction with the Ajay Devgan-Sonali Bendre starrer Zakhm (which also won Devgan his first national award). Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 8:47 am
There are times when we learn certain things from the kids that we never forget throughout our lives. Something similar happened with our sexy lass Mallika Sherawat. If you recall, Mallika was also a member of the cast of "Aap Ka Suroor', the first film by Himesh Reshammiya and Hansika ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 8:22 am
Aamir Khan's film 'Taare Zameen Par' has been an eye-opener for harried schoolteachers in West Bengal's Burdwan district. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 9 Feb 2008 | 8:00 am
Kabir Khan, who didn't have any female lead in his directorial debut 'Kabul Express', has singed Katrina Kaif for his next film. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 9 Feb 2008 | 8:00 am
After celebrating his son's birthday in Jaipur, superstar Amitabh Bachchan has returned to snow-capped Shimla to resume the shooting of Soojit Sircar's marital drama 'Shoe Bite'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 9 Feb 2008 | 8:00 am
Sid Makkar aka Shankar of ‘Mere Apne" who is playing the youngest son of Smriti Irani aka Sharda is all praise for the versatile actress Smriti. In the soap where everyone thinks Shankar to be a spoilsport and good for nothing kind of a person it's Smriti who has complete ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 6:57 am
Actress Sheetal Menon is fresh from featuring lustily in Kingfisher calendar and now see will soon be seen on the silver screen in 'Bhram'. Recently, we met her for a chit-chat to know about her film, current engagements, future plans as well as to know her version regarding the rumours ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 6:16 am
Pinky (Charmi) is the daughter of Sita (Prema), who keeps away from her husband. When Pinky insists on why she does so, Sita tells her reason. Sita fells in love with Raja Ravivarma (Sunil Sharma), son of a Zamindar Surendra Varma (Ranganath). Ravivarma and Sita meet each other at a ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Feb 2008 | 5:25 am
Make sure you are not carrying any plastic bag while entering the Calicut Orphanage Lower Primary School here. Otherwise, a kid wearing a blue cap and badge will politely ask you to hand it over and give a cloth bag instead. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 9 Feb 2008 | 5:00 am
In a fit of rage, actor Upen Patel ripped apart the shirt provided to him as part of his costume for the comedy 'Money Hai To Honey Hai' while shooting in Mauritius. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 9 Feb 2008 | 2:00 am
Mimoh, Mithun Chakravarthy’s son who was supposed to make his debut years ago will finally be seen in Dharmesh Darshan’s next. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 9 Feb 2008 | 12:00 am
Yes! Salman’s fans can relish a major share of their star this year with almost three films of his going to be released between May and July. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 9 Feb 2008 | 12:00 am
Katrina Kaif is extremely livid about a rumour that reported that she was manhandled by boyfriend Salman Khan and slapped at a public coffee shop in Mumbai. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 9 Feb 2008 | 12:00 am
Karan Johar is one of the most reputed director’s in Bollywood. Though he directs just one movie a year, he is always seen making appearances on talk shows or judging reality shows on TV. Recently, he was seen doing a cameo in his very close friend, SRK’s home production, Om Shanti Om. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 9 Feb 2008 | 12:00 am
On 13.6.2006 Ram Gopal Varma in his capacity as director of Ram Gopal Varma Films Pvt. Ltd. executed MOU/Assignment Deed in respect of 14 films mentioned therein in favour of SCIL. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 9 Feb 2008 | 12:00 am
NYSA, a state-of- the- art music studio for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering, considered a new feather in the already elegantly decorated cap of Sahara India Parivaar was launched at Hotel Sahara Star, Santacruz, Mumbai. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 9 Feb 2008 | 12:00 am
Secretaries of Bollywood stars turning into producers in not something new in the film industry. It all started with Rikku Rakesh Nath, Madhuri Dixit’s secretary who turned producer with Mohabbat starring Madhuri and Akshay Khanna. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 9 Feb 2008 | 12:00 am
The lead lady of RGV’s ‘Sarkar Raj in Hindi and ‘Robot’ in Tamil Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is having her hands full, but still she has revealed yet another side of her, generosity. Aish has found time to act an important role in her business manager’s film. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 9 Feb 2008 | 12:00 am
Leading men's wear brand tQs announced here Friday that Bollywood actor Jimmy Shergill would be its new brand ambassador. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 8 Feb 2008 | 4:01 pm
Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda Friday denied his government's move to appoint Bollywood actress Koena Mitra as the state's brand ambassador. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 8 Feb 2008 | 4:00 pm
Saif has been the brand ambassador for Provogue for a few years now. The campaigns so far have been pretty-much straightforward using the star's personality and presence to project the Provogue shirts as cool trendy and young.
But now the campaign is about to hot up. The new Provogue ads will feature Saif in an enormously rugged ambience. Says Saif, "Ya, it's a cooler campaign with stylish cars in the picture and lots of metal in the frames. We're going for a rougher slicker approach than before."
Saif has always maintained he does ads to supplement his income. But now he seems to be taking care to make sure that the products he projects acquire a durable shelf life. Source: Indiafm.com News | 8 Feb 2008 | 3:56 pm
Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif, who gave a string of hits last year but couldn't manage to earn a single nomination in the best actress category in any of the major awards, says she is unfazed as long as her fans are happy with her work. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 8 Feb 2008 | 3:30 pm
MUMBAI (Reuters) - “Jodhaa Akbar”, the Mughal-era love story of Emperor Akbar and his Rajput consort, marks filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker's first foray into the genre of romance - something he wasn't too keen to take up.
The saying âGold only shines better with ageâ, suits this B-town actor- turned-director to a 'T'. This 'Been there, done that' man is indeed a perfectionist in whatever he does. He is one man who believes in living his imagination through screen. If you still haven't figured out as to who is he, then, allow us to unmask him as the one and only Rajat Kapoor, the dude called 'Ranjeet Thadani' in Bheja Fry and also the director of Mithya, which released in theaters today. For all those who missed the chat with this innovative dude Bollywood Hungama brings you the excerpts of the chat.
Zaki: Hello sir, what is Mithya all about?
Rajat Kapoor: Zaki, Mithya is about the fiction of self...we create a fake identity of ourselves...like I am Rajat Kapoor and I like black coffee and I am married too,so and so but who is this 'I"?
Bird: Hello, what made you to get into direction?
Rajat Kapoor: Bird, since I was 15 years old I knew I would make films, I just didn't know how to go about it, and then I went to FTII in 1985.
Bird: Hello, what made you to get into direction?
Rajat Kapoor: Bird, since I was 15 years old I knew I would make films and I just didn't know how to go about it and then I went to FTII in 1985.
Bird: Hi, why Ranvir as the main character?
Rajat Kapoor: Bird, I had written it for Naseer in 1998 but by the time I got money to make it I thought Ranvir is the best possible choice and I think it is his role of a lifetime.
Lakpa: Hi...Raghu Romeo, why do you think the film didn't do well?
Rajat Kapoor: Raghu Romeo was released badly and at a wrong time.
Lakpa: As I know you are a brilliant man, will you define yourself?
Rajat Kapoor: Lakpa passionate, dreamy, positive, perseverant, and above all grateful.
Lets: How long did you take to make Mithya?
Rajat Kapoor: It took 10 yrs to make Mithya but actual shooting days were 42.
Lets: How long did you take to make Mithya?
Rajat Kapoor: It took 10 yrs to make Mithya but actual shooting days were 42.
Paris: Hi, Mr. Rajat Kapoor, have you been inspired to be like your role model as you are today? Who is your idol?
Rajat Kapoor: Paris, it should be Charlie Chaplin, Felony, Ritwik Ghatak, Ozu, Billy wilder, woody Allen, Scorsese, Pedro Almodovar, and do you want me to go on
Paris: Hi, Mr. Rajat Kapoor, have you been inspired to be like your role model as you are today? Who is your idol?
Rajat Kapoor: Paris, it should be Charlie Chaplin, Felony, Ritwik Ghatak, Ozu, Billy wilder, woody Allen, Scorcese, Pedro Almodovar, and do you want me to go on
Lets: Hi, How did you come up with Mixed Doubles?
Rajat Kapoor: Lets, Mixed Doubles was just a look at the modern urban relationships and there is more of that coming in future
Sandy: Hi Rajat...Freaked on are Romeo but didn't care much for Mixed Doubles. What can I expect from Mithya?
Rajat Kapoor: Sandy, Mithiya should be bigger and better than the other.
Lets: Do you use real life experiences in your films even small incidents?
Rajat Kapoor: Lots of small incidents.
Khan: you were fantabulous in Khoya Khoya Chand...have you ever researched on that era?
Rajat Kapoor: Khan, I just like films form the 50's a lot and thank you very much
David: Hi Rajat...so do you think Ranvir and Neha have done justice to your film...or you expected a little more?
Rajat Kapoor: They have done more than I have expected.
David: Hi Rajat...so do you think Ranvir and Neha have done justice to your film...or you expected a little more?
Rajat Kapoor: They have done more than I have expected.
Paris: What's your best ever experience in a movie until date?
Rajat Kapoor: Paris, it should be making Mixed Doubles I guess.
Lets: Under whose guidance in FTII did you learn filmmaking
Rajat Kapoor: Lets, Kumar Shahani and Mani Kaul.
Indi: Hi! Mixed was a brilliant film loved the concept...are you planning to do a commercial big budget film?
Rajat Kapoor: indi Never.
Khan: Where do you see yourself 10 yrs from now?
Rajat Kapoor: Khan, I'll be 57, in the next 10 years I would have made another 4 films and 2 or 3 new plays.
Sandy: Your favorite h'wood & b'wood film?
Rajat Kapoor: Sandy, b'wood film is Pyaasa and h 'wood film is Godfather.
Paris: How has it been working with Naseeruddin Shah?
Rajat Kapoor: Paris, Naseer is a great friend and great support. And someone whom I admire so it has been wonderful.
Paris: How has it been working with Naseeruddin Shah?
Rajat Kapoor: Paris, Naseer is a great friend and great support. And someone whom I admire so it has been wonderful.
Lets: What is your dream role?
Rajat Kapoor: Lets, there's nothing like that but I wanted to play an idiot (Dostoevsky)
Lets: With whom you wish to work with?
Rajat Kapoor: Should be Saif, Shahrukh and Kareena.
Namri: Hi Rajat ...they say you are a man of few words is it true? ...What do you like doing when you're not making films?
Rajat Kapoor: Namri, I talk a lot, who says I am a man of few words, only on the Lola kutty show because she didn't let me speak.
Rajat Sharma: hi, Rajat! I am a great fan of yours...how are you? After talking to you on phone I believe you to be the most approachable and down to earth person in the industry.
Rajat Kapoor: Thank you Rajat, I'll try to keep that going.
Papaji: Hi Rajat...of all the movies in 2007 which has been the best according to you?
Rajat Kapoor: Chak De India
Papaji: You have struggled a lot to reach this level, how do you feel?
Rajat Kapoor: I think you have to believe in yourself and your dreams and follow them honestly thanks.
timor2007: HI, What do you think about Ajay Devgan? Will you cast him in your next film?
Rajat Kapoor: I like him as an actor and will cast him if there is a role for him.
Paris: Do you think popular cinema have become distanced from reality?
Rajat Kapoor: I hope some of my sensibility reflects in the film.
Paris: Do you think popular cinema have become distanced from reality?
Rajat Kapoor: I hope some of my sensibility reflects in the film.
Namri: What comprises a good film?
Rajat Kapoor: Namri, I think a film that has an independent voice and has a vision.
Namri: Any movies which will be like Bheja fry...I almost fell down from the seat while watching it.
Rajat Kapoor: Namri, two films that Saurabh Shukla has directed last year I am 24 and Raat Gayee Baat Gayee
Nanda: you seem to be repeating the same cast in all your films' doesn't you experiment with the other actors in the industry?
Rajat Kapoor: Nanda, its not true, Ranvir has been there in only 2 of my films and I am very open to working with others too ...i worked with Vijay Raaz, Sadia , Maria in Raghu Romeo.
Papaji: According to you who are the best performer in the film?
Rajat Kapoor: Ranvir for sure....it's a role of a lifetime.
Papaji: According to you who are the best performer in the film?
Rajat Kapoor: Ranvir for sure....it's a role of a lifetime.
David: Rajat, would you rate Mithya as your best work so far?
Rajat Kapoor: I think so David and I hope so.
Papaji: Have you seen TZP? If yes than how it was?
Rajat Kapoor: I thought the first half of TZP was wonderful...second half was nothing.
Sandeep: I just loved you in Bheja Fry people talks of other performances but I liked yours?
Rajat Kapoor: Thanks sandeep...it's always hard to play the straight guy.
Adi7775: You had worked with Aamir and Preity in Dil Chahta Hai...What do you think about Aamir?
Rajat Kapoor: Aamir is a very fine actor and is really passionate and committed.
Paris: Who's your favorite movie director?
Rajat Kapoor: I already gave my list of favorite movie directors.
Papaji: What is your favorite subject which you would like to explore in future?
Rajat Kapoor: I suppose there is a lot, one can explore about relationships and the meaning of life.
Namri: So you like to enact more in theatre or in movies?
Rajat Kapoor: Theatre is an incredible high.
Cool blues: Hi, after Mixed Dobules, would you be working with Anurag kashyap again?
Rajat Kapoor: Hopefully if Anurag has the time.
Cool blues: Sir, don't you think Mithya sounds similar on the lines of Don.
Rajat Kapoor: Cool blues, is Don without the songs.
Cool blues: Sir, don't you think Mithya sounds similar on the lines of Don.
Rajat Kapoor: Cool blues, is Don without the songs.
Papaji: Your favorite Bollywood couple?
Rajat Kapoor: Papaji, me and my wife
Sandeep: what's your take on Om Shanti Om?
Rajat Kapoor: I don't care for it, Sandeep.
Paris: Did you have any problem getting actors to work on in your film?
Rajat Kapoor: I did have some problems, as some actors are still inaccessible.
Papaji: besides film what you like most and why?
Rajat Kapoor: Spending time with my children.
Paris: If are given a choice to act in one classic film from the yesteryears, which one will you choose & why?
Rajat Kapoor: Well I have played a pedophile what can be worse.....but wait if I have to dance a lot will be scared one.
Paris: If are given a choice to act in one classic film from the yesteryears, which one will you choose & why?
Rajat Kapoor: Well I have played a pedophile what can be worse.....but wait if I have to dance a lot will be scared one
Nisha: When you made Raghu Romeo, you had to raise funds through the Internet. From then to Mithya, have things become easier?
Rajat Kapoor: Nisha a lot easier and unbelievably so, fortunately.
David: Do you compromise between stars and actors while making a film?
Rajat Kapoor: No I don't compromise, never.
Adi7775: Your views on Konkona Sen Sharma in the movie?
Rajat Kapoor: I love Konkona.... I think she is brilliant.
Papaji: Who's your style icon?
Rajat Kapoor: Obviously not.
Paris: What was the last film you saw that made you go I wish I was in that?
Rajat Kapoor: Paris, Godfather.
Sandeep: Sir, what is your opinion on SRK?
Rajat Kapoor: I think SRK has incredible charm and magnetism.
Sandeep: Sir, what is your opinion on SRK?
Rajat Kapoor: I think SRK has incredible charm and magnetism.
Papaji: How far it is true that our filmmaker picks ideas from Hollywood films and most of them try to follow their footstep?
Rajat Kapoor: A lot of them do get picked from the Hollywood?
5star: Hello Rajat Bhai when you are coming to Pakistan???
Rajat Kapoor: Soon inshallah
Cool blues: what's your opinion about a movie like No Smoking?
Rajat Kapoor: No smoking didn't work for me at all.
David: What would you prefer- Rajat as an actor or Rajat as a director?
Rajat Kapoor: Rajat as a director.
Sandeep: I didn't like you in Monsoon... too villainous... you shouldn't do negative roles.
Rajat Kapoor: Sandeep...I try not to do them now.
Niki: Hi...What's the one thing that you would want to change about yourself?
Rajat Kapoor: Niki I wish I could do with less hours of sleep.
Paris: What kinds of movies do you like doing the most, such as comedy, thriller or drama?
Rajat Kapoor: I like gangster film.
Cool blues: Would you like to do a remake and if yes then for which movie?
Rajat Kapoor: I won't like to do remakes because I have many stories to tell myself?
Papaji: According to you what is required to be a great director?
Rajat Kapoor: A vision and courage to stick to it
indi : Is it necessary to have a formal training to direct a movie, I have made a short film (22mins) on a digi beta... and want to make couple of more on a handy cam before I go on to make a film.. Can you advise me on this?
Rajat Kapoor: Just follow your conviction to the end, Indi.
Roshni: How honest do you think Hindi film awards are?? Do you care for them?
Rajat Kapoor: No I don't care for awards.
Roshni: How honest do you think Hindi film awards are?? Do you care for them?
Rajat Kapoor: No I don't care for awards
David: Would you like to cast Himesh in any of your films?
Rajat Kapoor: David, if there is a role.
Nisha: Naseer is still there in the film. Did he have any problem giving up the lead and stepping back?
Rajat Kapoor: No Naseer is a wonderful guy.
Nisha: From Private Detective to Mithya has Rajat Kapoor changed as a director. Is he more conscious of the market?
Rajat Kapoor: Nisha, not more conscious but it took me a long time to find my voice.
Dreamers. Space: Do you like Martin Scorsese gangster movies or Coppopla's godfather series?
Rajat Kapoor: All of them Godfather.
Cool blues: Why you always do typical sophisticated roles, why don't you experiment with your range?
Rajat Kapoor: Well I would like to - you know the problem with this industry is that they tend to stereotype you. So after doing one corporate I get 40 similar roles... And I end up saying no to all of them. You will see a different Rajat in Saurabh's I am 24 and Jaideep's hulla this year. Hope i Cool blues: Why you always do typical sophisticated roles, why don't you experiment with your range?
Rajat Kapoor: To all, it was nice talking...it's a new forum for me....and I hope Mithya lives up to whatever expectations you have.... I am pretty pleased with the film. Alright guys- thanks... and bye bye.. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 8 Feb 2008 | 1:55 pm
