"American Gangster" outgunned best picture Oscar nominee "Michael Clayton" to top the latest DVD sales and rental charts, according to data issued Wednesday. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 4:41 pm
Miley Cyrus has been barred by her parents from hanging out with Lindsay Lohan, because they fear that she will be a bad influence on their daughter. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 4:41 pm
Tyra Banks and Ashton Kutcher are joining forces to create an unscripted series for ABC, say reports. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 4:41 pm
Actor Orlando Bloom`s girlfriend Miranda Kerr has warned him to clean up if he wants to stay with her. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 4:41 pm
Actor Shahid Kapur has patched up with his mom, Neelima Azim, after having strong inhibitions over her third marriage to musician Raza Ali Khan four years ago. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 4:41 pm
Intimate details of Sir Paul McCartney and his estranged wife Heather Mills` divorce deal could be published by the High Court for public scrutiny. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 4:41 pm
Bob Dylan and David Bowie are among the artists featured on a soundtrack album for NBC`s superhero drama "Heroes." Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 4:41 pm
She has completed her stint in rehab, bagged five Grammys and has a new line of beauty products coming out, but despite all the positive things happening to her, it seems Amy Winehouse just can`t get it together, proving perhaps once again just how hard it is to kick a drug addiction. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 4:41 pm
Kidman`s representative Catherine Olim has slammed reports that the four-month pregnant actress was drinking alcohol backstage at the Oscars, saying she would never be so careless with her health. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 4:41 pm
Drummer Buddy Miles, who played with Jimi Hendrix in his short-lived group, Band of Gypsys, died at his home in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, his publicist said. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 4:41 pm
You would think a film starring Rahul Bose and Ayesha Dharker is bound to be a crossover film. But you might just change your mind once you see them sweeping the roads of Mumbai clean in Sanjay Jha's third directorial undertaking, Mumbai Chaka Chak under Sunil Shetty's Popcorn Entertainment.
"You'd be surprised to see how well Rahul and Ayesha, both known for their cosmopolitan personalities, have adapted themselves to the earthy roles. They look like they were born with the broom," laughs director Sanjay Jha. "We did an intense workshop. Rahul and Ayesha look completely convincing as the Marathi 'manoos' and the Bihari girl, respectively. In fact, Rahul plays a Dalit, and carries off the role without looking like a crossover king."
Mumbai Chaka Chak is being made with the active support and participation of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. "We auditioned around 250 workers from the BMC's cultural wing and chose quite a few. In the film, all the people that you see sweeping the roads with Rahul and Ayesha are Municipal workers. We've tried to make the film as authentic as possible. Also, with the theme of a relationship between a Marathi man and a Bihari girl, you can imagine how topical Mumbai Chaka Chak has become."
Jha has earlier directed two films. "Pran Jaye Par Shaan Na Jaye for producer Mahesh Manjrekar was a good experience. But Strings turned out to be a nightmare. It got embroiled in controversies over the 'sadhus' and 'sants'. It's still trapped in an IPL in Allahabad. This time for Mumbai Chaka Chak I'm so happy to get a producer like Sunil Shetty and Popcorn Entertainment. I know they'll make sure the film gets the release it deserves."
Sunil Shetty not only decided to make the film, he has also decided to prop it up with a music video featuring the who's who of Mumbai supporting the campaign for a squeaky-clean Mumbai.
âIt's a dream project for my company Popcorn Entertainment, and one with which we hope to up the caliber of our company from entertainment to meaningful cinemaâ, signs off Sunil. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 28 Feb 2008 | 1:05 pm
Pritam never denies his sources of inspiration. Whether it is the successful songs in Awaraapan or Race, he accepts the inspirational charges with grace. But the charge that the chartbuster 'Yeh Ishq Haaye Jannat Dikhaye' in Imtiaz Ali's Jab We Met is ripped off from Indonesian singer Anggun's French number 'Etre une femme' has the habitually-calm composer frothing in indignance.
"I've never denied the sources for my songs. So why should I deny it now? But the fact is, I had never heard Anggun's song when I composed the song in Jab We Met. I don't know the song myself. My friend who's a keyboard player had the groove programmed. I liked the groove and I composed my tune on it. I composed the song in front of so many people. I can guarantee the melody isn't anyone's but my own. I must admit the groove is similar to the one in my song. But that's it. And too to is totally unintentional. Not a note in the rest of my song sounds like Anggun's tune. And if anyone can prove I've copied her song I'm ready to stop composing songs forever.
Catching his breath Pritam admits, "In fact, let me tell you my songs in Mukesh Bhatt's forthcoming film, Jannat, which I had claimed were completely original are no longer so. Some parts of the soundtrack now have borrowed sounds. But 'Yeh Ishq Haye' in Jab We Met is an absolute original." Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 28 Feb 2008 | 11:16 am
Washington (ANI): Hollywood actress Katie Holmes has denied reports that she is expecting her second child. Holmes rep confirmed that the actress is not pregnant. "She's not pregnant," Usmagazine.com quoted the rep as saying. According to the OK magazine, a source said, "She has that special glow that only pregnant women ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 11:01 am
London (ANI): The Spice Girls ended their reunion tour amid emotional scenes of hugging and kissing at the band's final show in Toronto. Follwing the gig, the girl band posted an emotional message on their website. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 11:00 am
The audio release of Kamal Hassan's magnum opus Dasavatharam has been postponed to April 2nd and the same has beenofficially announced by its producer Oscar Ravichandiran. Earlier it was planned to be held on March 14th and now rescheduled due to the unavailability of Jackie Chan, the chief guest of ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 10:59 am
Washington, Feb 27 (ANI): A federal judge rejected the New York-based attorney Jon Eardley"s claim that he represented Britney Spears and sent the troubled pop star's conservatorship case back to probate court. US District Judge Philip Gutierrez in a ruling said that Eardley, who claimed that the local system's decision ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 10:58 am
Washington (ANI): Tyra Banks and Ashton Kutcher are joining forces to create an unscripted series for ABC, say reports. The as-yet-untitled project will feature contestants competing in a beauty pageant. ABC has requested that the concept remain under wraps because the show hasn't started production. The network has ordered eight episodes ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 10:49 am
Washington (ANI): Hollywood actor Eric Bana has vowed never to play comic characters, for he thinks that this genre left him 'burnt out'. Before earning fame in cinema, the Incredible Hulk star was associated with the television industry. He made his TV debut in 1993 as a sketch artist and writer ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 10:43 am
However popular actor Harrison Ford may be, an Oscar Award is one award which is far far away from his grasp! But this does not bother the star as he feels that he does not need awards to be recognized as a fine actor. In his vast film career, Harrison Ford ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 10:32 am
Composer Pritam Chakarborty has denied charges that the chartbuster 'Yeh ishq haaye' in Imtiaz Ali's 'Jab We Met' is rip-off from Indonesian singer Anggun's French number 'Etre une femme'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Feb 2008 | 10:31 am
London (ANI): Hollywood star Daniel Day-Lewis is planning to do a reality TV show wherein he may have to munch insects in the jungle with Z-list celebrities. The actor believes that his skilfulness in building canoes, throwing knives, and doing such other things make him the perfect candidate for the show ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 10:25 am
Trust Rakhi Sawant to come up with something outlandish in whatever she does, talks and even wears. The Bindaas babe was seen at an awards show of a popular radio station in a 'jhatak-matak' black and silver dress. But what shocked the living daylights out of us was her choice ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 10:15 am
She is the undisputed 'Queen' of Bollywood! She is also known as the 'Endorsement Queen of Bollywood'! Yes, we are talking about the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor who is growing from strength to strength as she occupies the No.1 Status with series of big banner films in her kitty. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2008 | 10:14 am
In a bizarre turn of events, film star Sanjay Dutt and wife Manyata have revoked their marriage in Goa. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Feb 2008 | 10:00 am
Actor Kushal Punjabi is not complaining. Madhur Bhandarkar had a long meeting with the actor but the director didn't find him suitable enough to play a homosexual in 'Fashion'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Feb 2008 | 5:01 am
Model-turned-actor Kelly Dorjee wants to become the best baddie in filmdom. He has finally found a place in the badlands with his first Telugu film 'Don No. 1' in which he plays a villain. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Feb 2008 | 5:00 am
Bollywood writer-director Muzaffar Ali, whose period film 'Umrao Jaan' still stirs the souls of viewers, says nowadays no Indian director has the sensibility to make a historical epic. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Feb 2008 | 3:30 am
Action-comedy is Akshay Kumar's forte and Nikhil Advani's 'Chandni Chowk To China' seems to be just what the box office doctors ordered. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Feb 2008 | 3:01 am
Hindi cinema lost two of its most enduring comedians, Rajendranath and Manorama, in the last fortnight but no one in the industry, not even those who knew the two, observed a minute's silence in their memory. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Feb 2008 | 3:00 am
The unit of Satish Kaushik's 'Karzzzz', which has singer-composer-actor Himesh Reshammiya in the lead, was jolted when political unrest and riots broke out in one of the film's primary locations in Kenya. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Feb 2008 | 3:00 am
Within one week, Hindi cinema lost two of its enduring comic talents Rajendranath and Manorama. And Bollywood couldn't care less. In fact, those who knew them faintly had no clue they were gone!
"Funny, because Rajendranath had very prestigious connections in the industry," says the 1960s' jubilee gal, Asha Parekh. "Rajendranath and I did our first film together. It was Nasir Husain's Dil Deke Dekho. We went on to do a series of musical films. Poor fellow, he always used to get beaten up by me in all our movies. He was Mrs Raj Kapoor's brother. Premnath, very famous in his own right, was his elder brother. Rajendranath was married and had a son and daughter. So, at least he had people close to him. But he was a recluse. Very quiet and non-humorous in real life. I don't think I was in touch with him for twenty years. He lived on the other end of Mumbai and he didn't want to meet friends," Ashaji trails off sadly.
Continues the pensive actress, "We lost another comic talent. Manoramaji squandered all her money on cards. She died in the hospital. Her husband was an actor Rajan Haksar. I think there was a boy named Sam who took care of her. But where was the rest of the industry? The problem is, only a handful of stars make money. The Bachchans and the Khans have their financial advisors and they invest wisely. The smaller character-actors aren't able to be wise about their moneyâ¦I wonder if you'll ring up people about me after my death, like you're ringing me up about Rajendranathji and Manoramaji," Ashaji's laughter rings across the telephone line.
Character-actress Shammi has her own story to tell. "I worked with Rajendranath in numerous films. He was a sweet gentle shy soul. But since we worked together in so many films, he had opened up to me. In some of Suraj Prakash's films we were paired together. I didn't even know Manoramaji had passed away! We used to meet at Sunil Dutt Saab's off and on. It's sad that the TV channels hardly said anything about the death of these comic talents. Rajendranath was a very prominent actor of his time. He used be part of many big-banner productions. I guess I too will be forgotten in the same way," sighs the 78-year old actress. "I keep myself busy doing television. I've one daily soap Ghar Ek Sapna on hand. I do it more because it keeps me connected with my colleagues. It's nice to go out to work everyday. It gives you a sense of purpose." Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 27 Feb 2008 | 4:01 pm
Those fine actors Harsh Chhaya and Samir Soni stepping into the gay zone for Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion haven't really helped Kushal Punjabi. The role that went to Samir Soni was almost cast when Kushal Punjabi (seen stealing the show as John Abraham's friend in Kaal and Goal) had a long meeting with Madhur Bhandarkar. Apparently, Madhur liked the actor but didn't find him suitable to play gay.
"I really got along well with Madhur. He's my kind of a director. But I really didn't see myself in that role at all. I'd like to work with directors like Madhur who look at actors as actors and not as stars," laughs Kushal. Enough of being shortchanged by lesser actors who happen to be stars. Kushal has had some bitter experiences in the past dealing with roles that turned out to be far less important than he was led to believe. Apparently, nearly half of Kushal's role in Vivek Agnihotri's Goal was chopped off. Kushal refuses to dwell on that one. "I wouldn't like to say anything on this. But yes, the big opportunities still elude me. I may be doing a role in Aamir Khan's Delhi Belly. But that apart I won't sign on anything that comes my way just because I don't have a better option. There're always the ads to keep me going. It's a pity, it didn't work out with Madhur. I would have really liked to work with him. But really I didn't see myself in that part."
Kushal is currently being considered by a very major production house for the second lead with Akshay Kumar. "But the problem is, once you acquire the reputation of a competent actor the big stars shy away from working with you." It happened with Arshad Warsi. Now it's happening with Kushal. "But it's okay. I make enough money to live the way I want to. In fact, I've just bought myself a home. And in Bombay that's a dream come true." Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 27 Feb 2008 | 4:00 pm
After regaling countless fans in Mumbai with 'Sivaji: The Boss', Tamil superstar Rajnikant is all set to win hearts again with the dubbed version of his Tamil blockbuster 'Chandramukhi'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 27 Feb 2008 | 3:30 pm
Irrfan Khan is surely on a high. The actor (just last week) bagged the Filmfare 'Best Supporting Actor' award for his lovable performance as a prospective groom in Anurag Basu's Lifeâ¦In a Metro. He couldn't make it to the awards function as he was busy attending the Spirit Awards in California where he was nominated in the 'Best Supporting Actor' category for his power packed performance in Mira Nair's The Namesake. Although, Irrfan didn't win that award, he did get a chance to meet some top names in Hollywood like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman and Forrest Whittaker.
The good times seem to continue for this talented and versatile actor who is all set to star in Mira Nair's next film titled Kosher Vegetarian. The film, which is a love story between a Gujarati guy and a Jewish girl will have Irrfan opposite Hollywood hottie Natalie Portman.
After the tremendous response which the Mira Nair- Irrfan Khan combo received for The Namesake, one thing is for sure that audiences would be looking forward to this love story with bated breath. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 27 Feb 2008 | 2:26 pm
Trust Rakhi Sawant to come up with something outlandish in whatever she does, talks and even wears. The Bindaas babe was seen at an awards show of a popular radio station in a 'jhatak-matak' black and silver dress. But what shocked the living daylights out of us was her choice to wear two different colored (black and silver) sandals.
What was Miss Sawant's idea to wear this weird and wacky combination of sandals is something we don't have an answer to? May be she wanted to match her black and silver dress with proper black and silver sandals. Your guess is as good as ours.
So, go ahead, post your views on this innovative fashion statement (pun intended) that Rakhi is trying to make. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 27 Feb 2008 | 2:14 pm
Pune is likely to see a host of Bollywood celebrities make their presence felt for the Abhijit Kadam Memorial Football Cup to be held in the city from today (Feb 27).
Baadshah of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan, who is passionate about sports (be it hockey or cricket or even football) would be inaugurating the tournament. SRK himself is an avid football player who even captained his school and college team.
Besides this, a host of Bollywood stars like Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Govinda, Dino Morea, Sunil Shetty, Zayed Khan, Kunal Kemmu, Shreyas Talpade and Ranbir Kapoor would be seen kicking ball in a charity match against Pune's team (comprising some well known personalities from Pune) on March 4th .The proceeds of this match (co-organized by the Salman Khan foundation) will go towards AIDS and cancer affected children.
There is more glitter and glamour as actors Nana Patekar and John Abraham are expected to grace the prize distribution ceremony on the concluding day of the tournament on March 8th.
The Abhijit Kadam Memorial Football Cup was started in the year 2003 in memory of late Abhijit Kadam who died in a car accident few years ago. Abhijit (son of Minister Dr.Patangrao Kadam) was an avid football player himself and this is a tribute organized by his father and brother Vishwajeet to groom upcoming football players in Maharashtra.
Well, with the kind of stars expected to attend, the public of Pune are surely going to turn up in large numbers for the love of the game and to have a dekko at their favorite celebs. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 27 Feb 2008 | 1:46 pm
For a Bollywood follower, the name Kunal Shivdasani may sound a little unfamiliar. But quiz an industry insider and you would realize that Kunal is a man behind close to 300 commercials as a director for some of the most notable brands in the country. With close to 20 years of experience behind him, the 35 year old (yes, you read it right) director is now making an obvious transition to the world of movies with Shiney Ahuja starrer Hijack.
"I won't deny that movie making was something I was eventually looking at getting into," divulges Kunal, "It's an obvious transition. I knew I had to be in this business and working on hundreds of advertisements kept bringing me closer to the big screen medium."
Hijack is an action thriller. It is about an airplane, which is hijacked by a group of terrorists. One of the passengers is a young girl who happens to be Shiney's daughter. In the film's climax, Shiney gets into the plane, foils the hijack and saves not just his daughter but also other passengers with his presence of mind and some dare devilry.
"You would see Shiney in a role like never before. Also, the overall narration and look of the film has been done in Hollywoodish style. I can proudly say that Hijack bridges the gap between Bollywood and Hollywood. Set in a Die Hard mode, Hijack marries style and technique with a sensible script, which is the heart and soul of the film," says Kunal excitedly.
"If you look at any of the Die Hard films, you would observe that the narration is always centered on the plot and never looses its way. There are no unnecessary tangents and even though there is action all around, an undercurrent of emotions is always prevalent."
He adds, "Also, it is not about super heroes or super humans. It is about sheer courage, presence of mind, high intelligence and some common sense that the hero possesses. It's the same in case of Hijack too where Shiney's character follows these qualities."
"Shiney has surprised everyone," reveals Kunal, "He has done all his stunts himself. Action choreographer Allan Amin has gone all out to get some phenomenal action happening in the film. There are stunts like two choppers flying one over another and that too at the speed of 100 kmph. It is not a child's play and though we could have probably got somewhat similar effects with CG, the team insisted on doing it all in real. I am glad I had such a committed crew in place."
Hijack is looking at releasing on May 2nd or 9th. While Esha Deol is the leading lady in the film, K K Raina, Mona Ambegaonkar and Kaveri Jha form the rest of the cast. Produced by Kunal Shivdasani himself along with Dinesh Vijan, Hijack is presented by EROS entertainment. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 27 Feb 2008 | 1:24 pm
"If the whole thing was planned then all I can say is, the show is digging its own grave," says the appalled music director Pritam Chakraborty about the bizarre events that transpired during the recording of the reality show Voice Of India on Monday, 25 February.
In the middle of the shooting a female member of the audience ran to stage to kiss the serial-kisser, Emraan Hashmi smack on his lips. After a horrific silence, judge composer Pritam Chakraborty walked out of the show in disgust.
Recalling the embarrassing episode Pritam says, "It was all so suddenââ¬Â¦and disgusting. Voice Of India is a show about children, and encouraging children's talent. We can't have such cheesy behaviour on this show. Also, the Bhatts and Emraan Hashmi were my special guests. I had to make my displeasure very clear. So I did walk out."
Pritam reveals this isn't the first time when he put his foot down on the show. "Earlier they were planning a full show spoofing Himesh Reshammiya. When I came to know of it, I was horrified. I asked the other judges Shreya Ghosal and Kunal Ganjawala if they were okay by it. They said they were not. I called up Himesh to ask if he was aware of the spoofy plans. He wasn't. So, I urged our producer Gajendra Singh to turn the whole spoof into a homage to Himesh."
Says Pritam, "Voice Of India has the potential to give us deserving winners. I don't want it to end up being just another TRP-hungry music show." Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 27 Feb 2008 | 12:03 pm
'Kasauti Zindagi Kay', the popular serial made by television soap queen Ekta Kapoor, is coming to an end. The show is being replaced by another love story from the Balaji camp titled 'Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil', starting March 3 on STAR Plus. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 27 Feb 2008 | 12:00 pm
Madhya Pradesh High Court has given some relief to Ronnie Screwvala and Ashutosh Gowarikar as it declared to eliminate the ban on Jodhaa Akbar in the state. Earlier this week, the distributors decided to take legal help against MP Governmentâs ban on the movie. MP Government had banned Jodhaa Akbar claiming that they wanted to avoid any kind of Law & Order problem over screening of it.
Speaking on the verdict issued, Ashutosh welcomed the verdict with relief and admiration for the High Court judgment. He said that, âThe film portrays love between two cultures and religions through a marriage of alliance between a Mughal emperor and a Rajput princess. This is an alliance that took place 450 years ago; an alliance that we need to respect, admire and learn from even today. He also adds that a disclaimer had been inserted at the start of the film saying that the film is a work of fiction and it draws from history but at the same time it is not the exact representation of it and there can be other viewpointsâ. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 27 Feb 2008 | 9:56 am
