The ricochet effect from the Hollywood writers strike might be more far-reaching and long-lasting than first thought. So says an influential Los Angeles economist in his annual "Economic Forecast Report" for Los Angeles County and its surrounding areas Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 4:08 pm
A top Chinese state newspaper has lambasted Hollywood director Steven Spielberg for quitting the Beijing Olympic Games over Darfur, saying "childish" vanity politics lies behind Western criticism of Beijing policy. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 4:08 pm
Jennifer Aniston has reportedly found love once again. This time in the arms of her `Travelling` co-star Aaron Eckhart. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 4:08 pm
Legendary Kathak exponent Pandit Birju Maharaj has choreographed the Tandav dance for Harward Entertainments` first feature film `Pranali - The Tradition`, about the Devdasi tradition. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 4:08 pm
Beyonce Knowles has signed on to play blues singer Etta James in "Cadillac Records," a 1950s period film about the founder of Chicago`s Chess Records and his lineup of stars. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 4:08 pm
Black Eyed Peas singer Will i am will make his feature acting debut in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," the "X-Men" spinoff starring Hugh Jackman. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 4:08 pm
Britney Spears was spotted with a noticeable bump when she went out to eat in Hollywood. This has sparked rumours that the troubled pop star is pregnant. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 4:08 pm
Thespian Dilip Kumar`s ill health has delayed the government`s plans to honour him, singing legend Lata Mangeshkar, Bengali director Tapan Sinha and south Indian actress B Saroja Devi. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 4:08 pm
American actress and pop singer Lindsay Lohan`s nude pictures have received her manager-mom Dina`s stamp of approval. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 4:08 pm
Download Khuda Ke Liye wallpapers
Indian theatres are all set to give a wholehearted welcome to the Pakistani film, Khuda Ke Liye on March 28, which also happens to be the first ever Pakistani film to be released in India. The film produced and directed by Shoaib Mansoor has Pakistani stars Shaan and Imaan Ali in the lead roles. The film also stars Naseerudin Shah in a very pivotal role.
The film showcases the complex conditions of Pakistanis post 9/11. It highlights the cruel fact of West immensely suspicious about Muslims where they themselves are split between fundamentalists and Liberals.
Naseerudin Shah playing a role of clergy claims that the film is a must watch for the masses and has been appreciated after being shown in Pakistan, London and Dubai. The film also had its screening in Goa film festival. Source: Indiafm.com News | 20 Feb 2008 | 2:33 pm
Business partners or not, stars never leave their 'Konnection'. Although Dreamz Unlimited, a production house jointly owned by Juhi Chawla, Shah Rukh Khan and Aziz Mirza, may have bombed, they are still very much together.
While SRK and Juhi have joined hands for the IPL, she will be a surprise package in Aziz Mirza's Kismet Konnection. She is to play the role of a gypsy fortune-teller, which would mean a complete makeover for Juhi. She has to be dressed in loud, gaudy, and glitzy clothes. This transformation will surely be worth the wait. Source: Indiafm.com News | 20 Feb 2008 | 1:30 pm
A slight (apparent) alteration in life story of Emperor Akbar and Queen Jodhabai and you will find people up in arms, as experienced in the past few days. But on a more genuine note, whom would a film like Jodhaa Akbar really affect? Historians, revolutionists, Royal family or state. Well, among all of them, consider kids who have to keep learning and memorizing how many wives Akbar had - three, four or thirty four? Was Jodha really Akbar's wife or Salim's, if Jodha is Salim's wife then who is Nur Jahan and where exactly does Anaarkali fit into all of this.
Therefore, while the historians settle the issue of what's the real history, students probably might demand a break from the subject coz never know when another version of history might come up.
Image Courtesy: Mid-Day Source: Indiafm.com Features | 20 Feb 2008 | 12:49 pm
Golden star Ganesh married his lady love, Shilpa in a sudden marriage on February 11th. Their marriage, which was supposed to be held on February 18, was preponed due to threats received from Ganesh"s fans. Their wedding reception was held on 18th February at Burkur near Brahmavar. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 11:58 am
Model turned actresses Padmapriya, Namitha and Parvathi Melton will be sharing screen space with superstar Mohanlal in the forthcoming film, Karthik Thirunal Karthikeyan, directed by T. Suresh Babu. Valiyaveetal Siraj produces the film scripted by Mahesh Mithra. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 11:53 am
Ashutosh Gowarikar is puzzled but defiantly resolute about the protests against Jodhaa Akbar which have now spread from Rajasthan to Bihar and Gujarat.
Having made a film that does history proud, how do you feel about these sporadic protests?
You hit the nail on the head. These are sporadic incidents which appear much larger than they really are. While making the film I did my best to go by the book. I consulted the best historians and went through the most rigorous research. And there are different names used for Akbar's wife, Jodhaa being one of them. In fact, there's a disclaimer about the Rajput queen's name at the beginning of the film. But to see that, the protestors have to see the film.
I consulted the best historians and went through the most rigorous research
Most protests in our country are premature and based on insubstantial evidence.
Well, I want to say to people in the country and abroad, that I've done very deep research. Even the secondary characters like Shariffuddin, Bairam Khan and Maham Anga which some critics have found filmy are founded in history. That climactic combat between Akbar and Shariffuddin that I've shown really happened.
So where did your imagination come in?
My imagination came in while describing what happened between Jodhaa and Akbar in the privacy of their chambers. There I had to get creative since no one knew what actually happened. That artistic license apart, I haven't been jingoistic or fanciful in depicting history. In fact, I've been very careful in preserving Rajput pride and dignity.
I haven't been jingoistic or fanciful in depicting history
Do you think the protests are politically motivated?
I wouldn't know. But it's a part of the Rajput community that's protesting against my film. So I've reason to believe the Rajputs are offended. I want to tell them that history books have given several names to the Queen. I used the most popular of those names. But why focus on this issue? My intention was to show how the Rajputs made a difference to Mughal history.
My intention was to show how the Rajputs made a difference to Mughal history.
Did you anticipate such loud protests?
Honestly, I did! After the release of Ketan Mehta's Mangal Pandey, there were protests about how he was depicted. So I feared this would happen. Unlike my protagonists in Lagaan and Swades, Jodhaa and Akbar were real people. I delved into Rajput and Mughal history and prepared as much as I could. I also approached Jaipur royalty to get the facts, customs and traditions right.
And not once have you made Aishwarya Rai behave out of character.
Yes. I made sure of that. Only after the Jaipur royalty gave me the green signal to call my female protagonist Jodhaa, did I proceed with my film. In anticipation of protests and controversies that are very much part of all our historical films, I decided to be very careful about historical detail.
Film personalities like Shyam Benegal and Raza Murad have protested against the protests.
I respect their opinion.
The film's length is seen to be a detrimental to its full impact and enjoyment?
I was never calculating the length. I was only making my film. My earlier edited cut was 3 hours 40 minutes. I finally cut it by 20 minutes more, and no one persuaded me to do so. Jodhaa Akbar is definitely in the epic-romance and historical genre. Its length is dictated by the genre. Tomorrow if I make a comedy, I promise you it would be much shorter. I know some people might find the length daunting. But I'm convinced they finally find it captivating and enchanting. So far I'm extremely happy by the response. It could've been far less positive considering the inbuilt constraints of the historical genre. No one has complained about the way the Mughal tehzeeb has been portrayed.
Tomorrow if I make a comedy, I promise you it would be much shorter
Are you going to buckle under and apologize to the protestors?
I don't even know what they're protesting about! So the question of an apology doesn't arise. Please read the history texts. Among others, Muni Lal in Akbar has called the princess Jodhabai. This film turned me into a voracious history student. That's quite something for someone who has never been interested in history.
So why did you decide to make a film on Jodhaa and Akbar?
I was fascinated by what must've happened between them. My imagination was challenged by their alliance. Also, I felt this historical pair has always been taken for granted.
Considering the troubles, do you think filmmakers should stay away from historicals?
No. We must make what we've to make, fearless of repercussions. I think you've to follow your heart. Of course we must go back into the past. But after thorough research, I don't think there's any substitute for research. Since we're a multi-cultural and religious nation, there're bound to be questions raised about historical movies. We must be ready and equipped to handle these. I just hope more and more people come and see Jodhaa Akbar. The reports so far are very encouraging. What I want now is for the film to release in Rajasthan. Jodhaa Akbar belongs to Rajasthan. Let them see the film. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 20 Feb 2008 | 11:18 am
London (ANI): Troubled singer Amy Winehouse missed a crucial Brit awards rehearsal on Feb 18 after she heard the news that her jailbird hubby Blake Fielder-Civil has been trading her autographed pictures for heroin. Amy was very distraught over the news, as she had thought that Civil was trading the ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 11:13 am
After 'Guru', Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai will team up again for Mani Ratnam's next venture. Based on real life characters, the movie will be an intense love story. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Feb 2008 | 11:00 am
Come February and the only name that strikes your mind is that of Valentine, the Love-God! This is that time of the year when red becomes the universal colour, which depicts and symbolizes love. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 10:38 am
Washington (ANI): Actor John Travolta will be shaking a leg on the Oscar stage, according to reports. Insiders say that the Hairspray star will waltz while presenting the Best Original Song Oscar on Feb 24 at the Kodak Theater. Awards-show director Gil Cates wants the actor to make a waltzing appearance ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 10:35 am
Washington (ANI): Though Britney Spears has changed her attorney, but her visitation rights still stand unchanged, after the court commissioner refused to grant her permission to meet her sons. After not seeing her sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James, for almost a month now, the 26-year-old star had been hoping ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 10:31 am
New York (ANI): Hollywood hunk George Clooney's eye-candy status has taken a literal meaning - the actor has been immortalized in jellybeans. The mosaic masterpiece has been done by Jelly Belly, a candy making company in the UK. The magnum opus will be donated to a charity of George's choosing. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 10:29 am
After spending all his growing-up years with his family in Mira Road, Kunal Khemu has just moved to his own flat in suburban Andheri. "It's far more convenient because all the movie-related activities happen on this side of Mumbai. For now, I'm living alone for the first time," says the ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 10:24 am
Washington (ANI): Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson are dodging rumours that cupid has struck them after they were spotted getting cosy on a secret Valentine's Day date.According to reports by the Mirror, the young stars were seen while they were visiting the Imperial Arms in Fulham, west London, ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 10:20 am
Washington (ANI): American actress and pop singer Lindsay Lohan"s nude pictures have received her manager-mom Dina"s stamp of approval. The pictures, which appear in the current issue of New York magazine, were a recreation of Marilyn Monroe's legendary 1962 photo shoot shot by Bert Stern, and Dina believes that it is ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Feb 2008 | 10:12 am
On the night of January 9 in Hollywood Los Angeles, history was created as Bollywood's composer Aadesh Shrivastava spent a good two hours jamming on stage with American hip-hop and rap sensation Akon.
Akon, known for his controversial image and provocative songs like 'Konvicted' is currently the undisputed pop-rap king in the US. Aadesh and Akon along with rapper Wyclef Jean played Bhangra and Hip- hop together on stage, bringing the audiences to their collective feet with their rousing performance.
Exhausted but triumphant, Aadesh could barely contain his excitement hours after the triumphant performance. "It's been the most exhilarating experience of my life. Akon is more than an icon. He's currently the slogan-mongerer the anthem-man, so to speak. When he got on stage with me and Wyclef at the House Of Blues, I didn't know what was in store. Akon and I played Bhangra together for a couple of hours. He loved what I was doing with the rhythms and acoustics. And I loved his hip-hop sounds. We played each other's music. The audience went wild."
And now Akon wants to do an album with Aadesh! Says the jubilant desi composer, "Yes, after the show last night we've discussed an album together. But I've made it clear that I'll be playing only my brand of music. Bhangra and ragasâ¦.I'm very clear about this. I don't want to go out West and ape the singers thereâ¦When my 10-year old son back home heard that I played live with Akon, he was clean bowled. 'Papa, Akon is THE HOTTEST.' I think my boy suddenly respects me a bit more," laughs Aadesh. Source: Indiafm.com News | 20 Feb 2008 | 10:00 am
Mughal-time stories
Raju Bharatan in a recap mode on the movies that spoke of Jodhaa, Akbar and Anarkali
The Jodhaa-Akbar connection enjoys the visual sanction of so many Anarkali remakes that I see no controversy here. In fact, the beauty
of being Aishwarya - with no grey areas in the screen development of her role by Ashutosh Gowariker - stands out as already
underscored in the Jodhaa-Akbar TV promos.
Playing Jodhaa in1960, opposite Prithviraj Kapoor as Akbar in K Asif's Mughal-e-Azam, was Durga Khote,
looking the picture of regal dignity. Before that, in Filmistan's '53 Anarkali, it was the stately Sulochana as Jodhaa to
Mubarak's Akbar.
Imagine, before so vividly scoring as Salim (Pradeep Kumar's) Rajput mother; Sulochana (Anglo-Indian Ruby Mayers in real life), in
her heroine-playing days, had distinguished herself as Anarkali, not once, but twice. First, as Anarkali in the 1928 silent movie. Then as
Anarkali again in the '35 talkie era. D Bilimoria was her Salim both times. Directing Sulochana, in these two Anarkali productions of
Ardeshir (Alam Ara) Irani was R S Choudhury.
You think controversy surrounds only Jodhaa-Akbar? Over then to K Asif announcing, in 1944 itself, Nargis as Anarkali in his
Mughal-e-Azam.
Back in history
With Anil Biswas composing that epic's music. Opposite Nargis here, in Salim's role, was Sapru, her Kashmiri leading man-to-be in
Romeo & Juliet. If Sapru was Salim, Akbar (in Mughal-e-Azam then ) was Chandramohan of the fiery eyes. Nargis even donned
make-up at Bombay Talkies Studios for this Anarkali role. Bur the partition saw K Asif dropping the idea as Shiraz Ali Hakim, the
Anarkali theme originator, moved to Pakistan.
When K Asif revived Mughal-e-Azam in '52', even as Nutan replaced Nargis as Anarkali, Naushad displaced Anil Biswas as the
theme's music-director. But Nutan insisted she looked a misfit as Anarkali, she felt the role should revert to Nargis as her senior.
More plots
Side by side in '52 Kamal Amrohi announced his own Anarkali with Meena Kumari in the name-role. Meanwhile, Filmistan chief S
Mukherji quietly handpicked Bina Rai as his Anarkali following that collegian's sensational '51 Kali Ghata breakthrough as Sonia.
S Mukherji's director, Nandlal Jashwantlal, a master at shot composition, finished Filmistan's Anarkali in record time for the movie
released early in January 1953 - its milestone music scored by our fastest composer, C Ramchandra.
Personified
This while K Asif and Kamal Amrohi were still installing their first sets. How Lata Mangeshkar turned Filmistan's Anarkali into a screen
legend overnight should be manifested from a London papers noting - "Bina Rai sings like an angel." The papers angelic reference was pointedly to
Lata-Bina's Yeh zindagee usee kee hai.
Halim Jaffer it is on the transcendental sitar as Yeh zindagee unfolds in the Kaafi thhaat. The komaldhaivat here is in
Kaafi. From there, CR has Lata, in Yeh zindagee, moving to Raag Kirvani. For his lady-love finally to settle euphoniously, on Bina
Rai's luscious lips, in Raag Bhimpalasi. Could anything crafted by A R Rahman on Ash Rai to match Yeh zindagee on Bina
Rai? Source: Indiafm.com Features | 20 Feb 2008 | 7:55 am
The majestic sets of Ashutosh Gowariker's historical JODHAA AKBAR have been the topic of discussion, within and outside the industry. The magnificent palaces and forts, the grandeur, the splendor, the opulent look seems to have caught the attention of moviegoers within and outside the country. That, in turn, has prompted its makers and also the creator of those sets, Nitin Chandrakant Desai, to open the gates of the studio [N.D. Studios, where the film was shot] for public.
âI decided against dismantling the sets after DEVDAS,â Nitin Chandrakant Desai tells me, âAfter having watched the sets on screen, a lot of people were keen to visit the studios and watch them in real. It's also heart-breaking to dismantle the sets that have been painstakingly created over a period of time. That's when I decided to retain the sets of JODHAA AKBAR and throw open the gates of the studio for tourists, on the lines of Universal Studios in Los Angeles.â
Although the gates of N.D. Studios aren't open for tourists yet, they might be in due course of time. After paying a nominal fee, the tourist would be able to visit the sets of JODHAA AKBAR that were witnessed on the 70mm screen. Source: Indiafm.com News | 20 Feb 2008 | 7:13 am
Legendary Kathak exponent Pandit Birju Maharaj has choreographed the Tandav dance for Harward Entertainments' first feature film 'Pranali - The Tradition', about the Devdasi tradition. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Feb 2008 | 4:30 am
Thespian Dilip Kumar's ill health has delayed the government's plans to honour him, singing legend Lata Mangeshkar, Bengali director Tapan Sinha and south Indian actress B. Saroja Devi. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Feb 2008 | 4:00 am
Actress Manorama, who was known for her comic and negative roles, was bitter with Bollywood for shunning her in her later years but would still say 'god is great', says director Deepa Mehta. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Feb 2008 | 4:00 am
Ram Gopal Varma is a changed person. No longer willing to make films at the drop of a hit. No more the dial-a-quote wizard, this maverick moviemaker has mellowed but says he may remake 'Sholay' again notwithstanding the 'Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag' fiasco. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Feb 2008 | 3:02 am
When Rakesh Roshan, currently in Los Angeles, saw 'Jodhaa Akbar', he did what he had never done before. He told his son that he has given his best performance to date and the young star can't stop smiling. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Feb 2008 | 3:01 am
Though Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan has been under fire from Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for building a girls' school in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki district named after daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, he has found plenty of backers in the film industry. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Feb 2008 | 3:01 am
After the initial euphoria, 'Indralogathil Naa Azhagappan' sank at the box office while Myskin's 'Anjathe' received a good opening mainly because of the success of his first film 'Chithiram Pesuthadi'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Feb 2008 | 3:00 am
Harris Jayaraj has a winner in 'Bheema'. The film might not have done well at the box office, but its music is top class. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Feb 2008 | 3:00 am
Roles getting swapped happen in the blink of an eye in tinsel town, and Bollywood is no exception. The hero-heroine pair becomes father and daughter, mother and son, or siblings, as the script demands. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 20 Feb 2008 | 12:00 am
Legendary Kathak exponent Pandit Birju Maharaj, who had obliged to guide and advice creatively in the Tandav dance, based on the never-ending journey of a Devdasi, picturised a song on the leading lady Nargis, on Monday, 21st January, at the historic Madh Fort near Mumbai for Harward Entertainments Pranali – The Tradition. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 20 Feb 2008 | 12:00 am
Albeit a handful of films under his name, the limelight of Bollywood has failed to shine for Aftab Shivdasani. A cute face, good physique and good acting skills are sometimes not enough. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 20 Feb 2008 | 12:00 am
Subhash Ghai, who is described as the Showman in Bollywood, is back and is all set with his new film called Black & White. It’s his first film in four years and stars Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah and a newcomer named Anurag Sinha. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 20 Feb 2008 | 12:00 am
Prashant Chawla aka Mahesh the oldest son in Teen Bahuraniyaan is quite a motivator it seems. Given the erratic hours of shooting this young lad takes out time for important chores like from keeping in touch with his family back home in Delhi to his personal wellbeing. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 20 Feb 2008 | 12:00 am
John Abraham will soon be seen playing a Parsi boy in internationally acclaimed photographer and screen writer Sooni Taraporevala’s debut film called Little Zizou. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 20 Feb 2008 | 12:00 am
John Abraham has added another feather to his hat with his presence in the directorial debut of the internationally acclaimed photographer and screenplay writer, Sooni Taraporevala. The film titled Little Zizou is in the post-production stage and is being produced by Indian Films.
The director of film, Sooni, who also happens to be a close friend of Mira Nair, claimed that John's role of a Parsi boy would take everyone by surprise. She further added that, although the film revolves around the game of football, John's character had nothing to do with the game.
A spokesperson from Indian films informed that the only actor who fitted in the bill as soon as they heard the script was John. The film also stars Boman Irani, Immaduddin Shah, Cyrus Broacha and Kurush Deboo. Source: Indiafm.com News | 19 Feb 2008 | 4:50 pm
Rakhi Sawant's dream has finally come true as she will feature in a Yash Raj film. Yes, Rakhi will be seen sharing the screen space with none other than Shahid Kapoor and Rani Mukherjee in Yash Raj's next, which is to be directed by Anurag Singh.
Without divulging many details, the spokesperson from Yash Raj films confirms, "Yes, Rakhi Sawant has been signed for YRF production in a Shahid Kapoor and Rani Mukherjee starrer film." Apparently, Rakhi will be playing the role of a dancer from Bhand Samaj doing Nautanki.
Nevertheless, Rakhi's talent seems to be catching attention first with Rakesh Roshan's Krazzy 4 and now Yash Raj. Way to go Rakhi! Source: Indiafm.com News | 19 Feb 2008 | 4:41 pm
It had to happen. After Guru the movie-making maverick, Mani Ratnam, was bound to return to his favourite actor. It comes as no surprise to know Abhishek Bachchan and Mani Ratnam will team up again for their third film together.
After the terrific tuning that they shared during Yuva (which Abhishek describes as his career's first turning-point) and Guru (which he acknowledges as his second turning-point), it doesn't require much calculation to see the creative and commercial viability of the Mani-Abhishek pair. Abhishek's better- half too is back in the Mani- fold.
Coming out of his bereavement (Mani lost his brother earlier this year), Mani Ratnam is all set to announce a supple romantic film featuring filmdom's foremost marital pair.
Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan will come together in Mani Ratnam's film that starts shooting in September.
According to a source very close to the project, "It's going to be a very intense love story. Where Guru was more a bio-pic with a cavalcade of characters claiming screen space, this film will focus primarily on the romance. It's a very intense film. Mani's most romantic film to date. And yes, it's again based on real life characters." Source: Indiafm.com News | 19 Feb 2008 | 4:17 pm
Life has its own sweet ways of treating and testing people. Aamir Khanâs family had been going through tough times pertaining to the custody of his schizophrenic younger brother, Faisal Khan. Their family issues came out in public during this phase. The case was on for quite a while as to would get the custody of Faisal. This was one case, the verdict of which was long time awaited. Ultimately, Magistrate Pankaj Shah, who observed that Faisal was no threat to the society and had shown no abnormal behaviour in the months gone by, has given Faisal the freedom he was demanding.
Faisal Khan can now lead life by himself. However, the court has instructed Faisal to undergo regular medical check ups and should visit J. J. Hospital, Mumbai. Source: Indiafm.com News | 19 Feb 2008 | 3:11 pm
Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar's next film, Rock On, went on floors on January 7, 2008. The entire schedule is being filmed in Mumbai. Rock On marks the debut of TV actress Prachi Desai in Bollywood.
Prachi has a new and nifty look in the film in compared to her original look on TV. Adhuna Akhtar has worked on her hair; Shabana and Niharika Khan worked on her make up and costumes respectively.
The film revolves around four young boys who put together a rock band. Ten years hence, fate conspires to bring them together again and set them on a journey back to where they left off. A soul searching pilgrimage into their past. Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under the banner of Excel Entertainment, the film is being directed by Abhishek Kapoor. Rock On stars Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Prachi Desai, Purab Kohli, Sahana Goswami and Luke Kenny.
Music for the film is composed by Shankar, Eshaan and Loy with lyrics by Javed Akhtar and cinematography by Jason West. The film is scheduled to release in mid 2008. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 19 Feb 2008 | 2:50 pm
Newton's third law of motion states that 'To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction'. But when it comes to this man, looking at his action, the onlookers fail to give reaction, since they become soooo very awestruck and dumbfounded! He is Bollywood's very own Akki alias Akshay Kumar alias Rajeev Bhatia.
His story of rags to riches (read 'kitchen to studios') is nothing new. But, what is new is the fact that Akshay has done some of the breath taking stunts in his most eagerly expected forthcoming film Singh Is Kinng, which is directed Anees Bazmee and produced by Vipul Shah.
The stunt that he performed for this film, which had everyone skip a heartbeat, required him to jump from one moving elevator to the other at a height of a whopping 110 feet! And the USP of this stunt was the fact that Akki did all of this, not only without using a duplicate, but also without any safety harness!
After a hard day's work, Akki does take time out to confess that he knows that one single mistake will cost one dearly. Hence, he is very, very careful when performing such stunts. After all, at the end of the day, after having played action cum romantic hero on screen, he will have to go home to his darling son Aarav and play multiple roles ranging from Sponge-Bob to Superman!
Way to go Mr Superdad! Source: Indiafm.com Features | 19 Feb 2008 | 2:24 pm
Ramu is a changed person. No longer willing to make films at the drop of a hit. No more the dial-a-quote wizard, this maverick moviemaker has mellowed, though not melted down. In a 'no-holds-barred' interview with Subhash K Jha, Ramu finally speaks up after months of silence
Where have you been hiding?
I was shooting my new film Contract in Mumbai and Bangkok, besides shooting the balance and post-production of Sarkar Raj, which releases in May.
People believed you had gone into hiding after Aag?
Why would I hide? I've made flops before. Yes, I agree Aag was a special flop. The reason I didn't speak is because there was nothing to say. I went into a phase of introspection. I now feel I was making films lately with a certain frivolous even callous attitude. I was also making press statements for effect, for shock value. I decided to keep quiet for a while. High time I stopped talking stupidly.
I was making press statements for effect, for shock value
Why do you think your utterances were stupid?
I want to make films that excite me which hopefully will excite the audience. Once you start getting addicted to media interviews you tend to forget you are a filmmaker, and not meant to entertain people through your interviews. I made Aag out of arrogance. I think I just wanted to be cocky by remaking a film I loved and respected. But when I decided to remake Shiva I wonder what I was thinking! Earlier it took me three minutes to decide to do a film. Today I'd think a million times before re-doing Shiva. Why would I want to do something so juvenile after having done Satya, Sarkar and Company?
Once you start getting addicted to media interviews you tend to forget you are a filmmaker.
Has Aag changed you?
Yes. But I don't blame anyone else for going wrong in Aag. Mr. Amitabh Bachchan trusted me completely in Aag. He trusted my vision and intention. But I feel my intention was wrong. Aag was a three-year old dream. Many changes happened. I was told by lawyers to change the story because my Sholay had to be different from the original. I lost my way along the way. Aag ended up as a caricature of Sholay.
Aag ended up as a caricature of Sholay
You admit that?
When people around you keep saying it's turning out well, you tend to get carried away. Aag was a special flop for me. Just as Sholay was benchmark. Aag was a landmark for me. It was not even a wake up call. It was a slap. If Aag wasn't attached to Sholay it'd have been just another flop. But because of the Sholay factor my blunder was magnified manifold. It was time for me to take time off to think deeply.
Aag was a special flop for me. Just as Sholay was benchmark. Aag was a landmark for me. It was not even a wake up call. It was a slap.
You sound different!
Eventually you are what you are. My intention and objectives are now different. People can say what they want. I know exactly why I worked with the cast that I did in Aag. When I came to Mumbai to make films I was like a kid in the candy store. I wanted it all. I guess I didn't have the infrastructure or enough time to do justice to all my projects. By the time, I realized where I was going wrong it was too late. I was stuck with these projects. I continued to make callous cocky statements. But somewhere I felt I was going wrong. I'd never again jump into a project because it sounded good on the idea level. I'll only do films with scripts and with full objectivity and make sure that it has the potential to get an audience. Nobody realizes mistakes until he gets a solid slap. Aag was that slap. Making a success isn't in my hands. But making sure that I make films with objectivity is something I can do, and I will.
Is that the spirit in which Contract is being made?
Yes. I made a conscious decision to make it with newcomers. There're 40 characters in this underworld film, all played by unknown faces. When I took Manoj Bajpai in Satya or Vivek Oberoi in Company I wasn't launching stars. I used them because they were right for the roles. But when the media and my associates started praising me it went to my head. I began seeing myself as a star-maker. I went into the trip of launching new actors. When I signed Mohit Ahlawat and Prashant Raj, I presumed they were stars before the film was made. I was being more and more sucked into a fantasy-land. Doing multiple films at such a fast pace in this state of mind was a potent and lethal blend. Hence, the sabbatical. Now I'm far more clear-headed.
When I took Manoj Bajpai in Satya or Vivek Oberoi in Company I wasn't launching stars. I used them because they were right for the roles.
While you were introspecting people thought your career had gone kaput... that you were doing a film with newcomers because established stars won't work with youâ¦
It's a free country. People are free to think and say what they like. I've always done what I wanted. After Satya, I did Rangeela. Then I did Daud, which had Sanjay Dutt. Whether then or now, I did what I wanted. What my detractors or well-wishers say is their business, they're welcome to their opinion. Even I'd think the same way.
Barring Mr. Bachchan, the cast in Aag took it down.
I disagree. It was up to me to do the right thing with the cast. In Sarkar, Mr. Bachchan trusted me as much as he trusted me in Aag. That his character worked in one and not in the other isn't his fault. According to me, his performance in Aag was far more complex and superior. I believed equally in Manoj, Randeep, Mohit and Prashant .Manoj's character worked. The others didn't.
Your financial position is supposed to be so bad you had to apparently sell your car?
How do I answer that without sounding stupid? For the last fifteen years, people have been worried about my finances-so sweet of them. Let me assure them I'm still moving around in the same car. I haven't sold it. People write anything they want. I'm making films the way I want to.
You've supposedly gone from riches to rags.
I was never rich in the first place. My finances are nobody's business. Other people's distress always makes us happy. If they're having fun at the expense of my finances let them.
I was never rich in the first place. My finances are nobody's business. Other people's distress always makes us happy.
You've certainly changed!
I've become more intense and objective. And very clear about what I want to do.
Do you feel isolated?
I was always a lonely person. Yes earlier there were more people around me. That's because I had many productions on the floors. Right now, I am doing only one film. Nothing will change in terms of the content. I'll still make highly experimental films.
Will you still give chances to every spotboy who wants to direct a film?
I didn't give chances. I took chances. But I won't sign anyone on a whim. And it would be the responsibility of those I sign to deliver the goods. No point in making films nobody is going to see. I've changed in my attitude. Today, I wonder if I'd make Daud after Satya! Today, I know why I am directing Contract. In 1997, when I made Satya there were 108 underworld shootouts in Mumbai. Today there are far less. The profile of the underworld has changed. And I want to explore that change. The new developments in the underworld have given birth to new characters. And I've used new faces because these faces reflect the new order.
Does this project take you back to your Satya days?
I still continue to make films only for myself. It's a myth you can make films for the audience. You don't know who the audience is. So my films are going to be far more experimental than before. Contract takes me into areas I haven't gone into before.
I still continue to make films only for myself. It's a myth you can make films for the audience.
Okay, lastly what is the one lesson that you learnt from the Aag fiasco?
That I need to get it right. Ramesh Sippy was right. I was foolish to attempt Sholay the way I did. At some point of time when I'm ready I want to do it again. This time I won't make the same mistakes. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 19 Feb 2008 | 2:11 pm
Thirty-eight films from India and abroad will be showcased at a two-day film festival here Feb 20-21, seeking to give a glimpse into the lives of the disabled, their every day challenges and conquests.` Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 19 Feb 2008 | 2:01 pm
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Nikhil Advani and Mukesh Talreja, Director of Orion Pictures Private Limited, announced a slate of six films to be produced by them in the next twelve months, on February 18, 2008. The company is all geared up on the production of these six films, two out of which are already under production.
While the prestigious Chandni Chowk to China presented by Warner Brothers and their big animation project Ab Dilli Door Nahi is already on the floors, Orion Pictures has now commissioned four more projects that are slated to go on floors in the next few months. The third film from the Orion bouquet of films to hit the floors in April / May 2008 would be Milap Zaveri's Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai! This film would mark Milap Zaveri's debut as a director after a number of successful films as a writer, such as Heyy Babyy, Masti, Jhankaar Beats, and Kaante. "There are lot of love stories between rich and poor, caste and creed but nothing that is out of the world. So, I came up with a twist to the popular concept of 'Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus'. I kept the man from Earth and the Woman from Venus," says Milap Zaveri on the venture. Riteish Deshmukh plays the guy from planet Earth while Ayesha Takia is the girl from Venus. Weaved around the concept of an alien searching for love from an Earthling, the story is written with a lot of good humor and emotions that the young generation of today can connect with. The film also stars a promising new comer, Ruslaan Mumtaz. "At Orion we are looking at working with a host of fresh talent including new directors. There is a huge untapped talent in the country. And we believe that a successful writer like Milap will prove to be a very talented film maker with a bright future," said Mukesh Talreja.
The other three films form an interesting package, which we intend to make public soon, and shall go on floors in the next few months. This would include a film to be directed by Nikhil Advani, Vikramiditya Motwane and Shivam Nair. The details of which will be announced at a later date. Nikhil Advani emphasizes, "Entertainment is what we intend to focus at Orion. We intend to make quality films with new talent as well as the existing talent. Our emphasis will be on making films of all genres, which will satiate the palette of all kinds of audiences." Source: Indiafm.com News | 19 Feb 2008 | 1:04 pm
