Director Pawan Kaul is a hurt man. He suddenly finds himself embroiled into the center of controversy in the time when he would
have rather worked on the promotion of his upcoming release Bhram.
For those who came late, around a week back there were allegations on film's composer Pritam around lifting from a Bengali song
'Ghare Pheraar Gaan' for one of his compositions 'Jaane Kyun Tanha Ho Gaye'. Pritam however denied the charge
and clarified that he had officially bought all the rights for the original source of the song. Since he had kept, Pawan Kaul in loop
all along, he felt that the director should have informed the producers about the same.
"Director Pawan Kaul liked the particular song 'Ghare Pheraar Gaan' and wanted it in the film. He all along knew that it is a
Bengali song by late Gautam Chatterjee", said Pritam, "After completion of this project, I tried calling Mr. Pawan Kaul umpteen
times to know what was happening on the album because I wanted proper credits to be given to Gautamda. I had no contact with
the producers as I was mostly dealing with Mr. Kaul."
Pawan Kaul reasons though, "I am clueless that why am I being made the villain of the piece. Have I mentioned even once that
Pritam has lifted the song? There are all sorts of reports coming from media but whoever has approached me directly, I have
always stood by Pritam. I have maintained that Pritam has bought the rights from the music company. As a director, this is the
maximum I can do that if and when someone seeks my comment, I give the true picture. To set the records straight, Pritam hasn't
stolen any song. I guess things are just being blown out of proportion for no rhyme or reason."
From where does he feel is the controversy originating? Why is Magna Films not coming out and issuing a note about the
authenticity of the deal around purchase of right? "I seriously have no clue around who started it off, who is carrying a
misunderstanding or if there is any controversy at all! I guess it is just a matter of misunderstanding between different people. Let
me tell you the exact story around how the song came into picture."
Please carry on - we are all ears!
"I distinctly remember when Pritam first played 'Ghare Pheraar Gaan' to me. It was on his laptop and we felt that the song
was not just melodious but also suited the mood of the situation. Pritam proposed that he would get the rights from the original
makers of the song. This was said in the presence of Navneet Sevlani, Line Producer - Magna Films and Vishal Nadkarni, Executive
Producer - Magna Films. Everyone was in agreement around this and Pritam went on to create 'Jaane Kyun Tanha Ho Gaye'
while also going ahead on the deal with Asha audio, which holds the rights of the original,â details Kaul.
In that case, from where did the gap in communication come really? Since Magna people were already in the meeting, wasn't the
loop complete? "I felt so myself but got to know that these two people had left the company after a while. I guess there was a
handover issue due to which Magna Films were not informed by them about the deal", wonders Kaul whose last directorial outing
was Sssshhh...
Exasperated, Kaul goes on to say, "I did check with Navneet who told me that he had informed Santosh from the Accounts
department of Magna Films about this. Beyond this, I don't see to that extent should I be checking for details. I am not the
producer of the film that I would go around checking the minutest details on what all is happening on the production front. As a
director, I make a film and inform people about proceedings as and when they take place. As a professional entrusted with a job, it
is certainly not my responsibility to look at any further aspects or do any running around."
While Mr. Lahiri from Asha Audio has already given a clean chit to Pritam stating, âHe bought the rights from us and is being
unnecessarily being cornered.â Ms. Shikha Singhi, Head of Films Acquisition, Times Music (the label on which Bhram
arrives) also concurs, âI am aware that Pritam had communicated to Pawan Kaul about the song being bought from the original
artiste. We got the label on the album cover citing the credits and at Times Music; we have absolutely no problems and see this as
a non-issue!â
Pritam too heaves a sigh of relief, "One does tend to react when charged with something as severe as this. However, now since all
stakeholders involved understand that this was a non-issue to begin with and are on the same page, I am a relieved man." With
things being open in black and white, he forces a smile on his face, "Last one week was quite horrendous for me, but I guess it's
time to get back to some serious work." Source: Indiafm.com Features | 7 Mar 2008 | 3:56 pm
Even as Bollywood producers continue to remake, rip off, adapt and modify films from foreign sources, producer-director Ravi Chopra is at peace for having lawfully purchased the rights of Jonathan Lynn`s 1992 courtroom drama `My Cousin Vinny`. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 7 Mar 2008 | 3:55 pm
He might be one of the members of the Fab Four, but Ringo Starr wants to be recognised for the work he did without the Beatles. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 7 Mar 2008 | 3:55 pm
Ranbir Kapoor`s post-`Saawariya` project, a romantic musical for Yash Raj Films, had been struggling to find an appropriate title. Finally, it has one - `Bachna Ae Haseenon`, which harks back to his father`s chartbuster. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 7 Mar 2008 | 3:55 pm
Socialite Nicole Richie has come far beyond her wild days and has `turned into a full-fledged mom`, says her dad Lionel Richie. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 7 Mar 2008 | 3:55 pm
Oscar winning actress Reese Witherspoon had to cancel a motorcycle-riding scene in the new movie `Penelope` because she was too short for the scooter`s footrest. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 7 Mar 2008 | 3:55 pm
The King is about to become a grandfather for the third time. Elvis Presley`s only child, Lisa Marie Presley, is expecting a child in the fall with her fourth husband. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 7 Mar 2008 | 3:55 pm
Smashing rumours of an alleged rift between the Spice Girls members, Sporty Spice Melanie Chisholm insisted that the girls are “like one big family.” Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 7 Mar 2008 | 3:55 pm
The music recording of Seetha Byraveshwara films Raj starring Power Star Puneet Rajkumar and directed by Prem started on the Mahashivarathri festival day. Hari Krishna is the music director of this film. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Mar 2008 | 11:54 am
The new concept of releasing the audio album of the film Meghave Meghave in the skies is being discussed in the Kannada film industry. This is the first innovative idea that has taken the shape of execution which makes the entire proceedings interesting. Meghave Meghave is directed by Nagendra Prasad who ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Mar 2008 | 11:46 am
Sony, in a bid to go beyond the conventional, did start with a serial with the backdrop of a police academy, but the end result is for all to see now! The serial Tujko Hai Salaam Zindgi, depicting the life of a woman aiming to be a police officer, spread ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Mar 2008 | 11:42 am
The young and dashing Ashmit Patel, is back in the spotlight with three new releases in March. The actor who got immensely popular after the success of Murder has had a rough patch for quite a long time. Eager to draw first blood with a hit, Ashmit Patel believes that there's ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Mar 2008 | 11:11 am
A very rare combination of success and simplicity is what the Showman of Indian Cinema Subhash Ghai all about. Donning almost all the hats be it director, producer, script-writer and actor with a small cameos in every film of his, Ghai has delivered some great films leaving an indelible imprint as ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Mar 2008 | 10:58 am
At a time when most filmmakers from Farah Khan (Om Shanti Om) to Siddharth Anand (Bachna Ae Haseenon) are naming their films after evergreen songs, it's refreshing to come across a filmmaker who doesn't hesitate in pushing the envelope. Rajkumar Santoshi has always chosen rather apt and succinct titles for his films so farâ¦.like Ghayal, Ghatak, Damini and Halla Bol.
But the title of his latest film is just so zany it makes you chuckle and keeps you intrigued even before the film goes on the floors. The film is called Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.
Prem was what Salman Khan was named in Raj Santoshi's only comedy Andaz Apna Apna Apna .Now it's Ranbir's turn in Santoshi's first-ever love story which coincidentally stars Salman's love interest, Katrina Kaif.
Salman and Ranbir bond big-time. In fact, when Ranbir was shooting the towel song in Saawariya, Salman had come on the sets to oversee Ranbir's abs-and-bare-torso although Salman wasn't required that day. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 7 Mar 2008 | 10:55 am
The sexiest lady in Asia, Bipasha Basu, is famed for getting framed as 'sex bomb' in many of her films. But her character in Race has set a new milestone in her career in which she is portraying a model, who has the confidence to win any heart with her graceful ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Mar 2008 | 10:42 am
Washington (ANI): Smashing rumours of an alleged rift between the Spice Girls members, Sporty Spice Melanie Chisholm insisted that the girls are 'like one big family.' Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Mar 2008 | 10:41 am
For those who think our stars can do anything for big bucks, here's an eye-opener. Abhishek Bachchan said 'No' to LG's offer to be their brand ambassador for their entire range of products across-the-board for an eye-popping price.
Reason? He didn't want to be even remotely unfaithful to another cell-phone manufacturing company. A source close to the Bachchans says, "LG was very keen to have Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to endorse their entire range of products across-the-line. It was an extremely tempting and lucrative offer. But LG's range of products also included cell-phones. And Abhishek is already endorsing Motorola cellphones. So, he had to decline LG's offer. But he has received a letter from the company saying they would love to have him and his wife as their brand ambassadors any time they wish."
The Abhishek-Aishwarya pair won't be seen in any advertisement at the moment. Their next screen outing will be Mani Ratnam's film that goes on the floors as soon as Abhishek returns from Miami after filming Karan Johar-Tarun Mansukhani's Dostana with Priyanka Chopra and John Abraham.
At the moment he's working 20 hours a day to wrap up Rakeysh Mehra's Delhi 6, which completed a 2-month schedule in Jaipur and is now being shot in Mumbai. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 7 Mar 2008 | 10:35 am
Washington (ANI): He might be one of the members of the Fab Four, but Ringo Starr wants to be recognised for the work he did without the Beatles. The Photograph singer said that he is fed up of the praise he receives for being part of the legendary British group. ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Mar 2008 | 10:34 am
Now if you thought that SRK's six packs are in...think twice. This actor has eight packs. Not kidding! He started his filmy safar at the time when ramp models were considered as a failure in the Hindi Film Industry. But this hunk proved it all wrong. Bollywood Hungama's Devansh Patel met ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Mar 2008 | 10:30 am
Washington (ANI): After years of anxiety over the size of her breasts, Shakira is now happy with her body. The Latina superstar has revealed that she was never comfortable with her small boobs. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Mar 2008 | 10:27 am
Bollywood's hottest couple Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai refused to represent LG as brand ambassadors for all their products across-the-board. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Mar 2008 | 10:01 am
The fourth Asian Women's Film Festival 2008, organised by Delhi-based non-profit organisation International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT), got off to a colourful start here Friday. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Mar 2008 | 10:00 am
A very rare combination of success and simplicity is what the âShowman of Indian Cinemaâ Subhash Ghai all about. Donning almost all the hats
be it director, producer, script-writer and of course actor, with a small cameos in every film of his, Ghai has delivered some great films
leaving an indelible imprint as a complete filmmaker.
And now, he is all set with Black & White which also marks Ghaiâs comeback as a director after a span of nearly 7 years. The film
stars his favourite actor, Anil Kapoor, along with Shefali Shah and his new discovery Anurag Sinha. Bollywood Hungama brings an
interview with Subhash Ghai where he talks about Black & White.
So back to film direction againâ¦
Well, an individualâs decision depends on what he feels is the need of the hour. Post Kisna, I felt the need of streamlining the faculty and
curriculum of the next generation at The Whistling Woods Institute to whom I have given my precious seven years. In return, it gave me the
sensibility of looking at the filmmaking not just a mere source of money minting, in other words what you call âcommercial success of the
filmsâ, but also groomed me as a director and inculcated the very notion of making issue based films. And when I was very confident of
picking up an issue of terrorism which Black & White talks about, only then did I make my mind to get back to direction.
What is Black & White all about?
Black & White means two different beliefs or two different thoughts. The story revolves around a terrorist who enters in the territory
of Delhi with a mission and happens to meet this Hindu professor with a different identity. They get to know each other inside out which
eventually creates and strengthens a strange bond between them. Things in the life of the terrorist unfold in such a way that it becomes too
late for him to realize the mission for which he had come. Black & White highlights the emotional tie between the terrorist and the
professor which is highly elevating. It also conveys the message for those who just believe in two colours that is âwhiteâ (right) or âblackâ
(wrong) and fail to see the third colour âgreyâ which encompasses all the other colours that make life beautiful.
Black & White highlights the emotional tie between the terrorist and the professor which is
highly elevating.
Why did you choose Chandni Chowk as a prime location?
Well, I feel Chandni Chowk is the largest democracy, a representative of secular India where at the 3 miles radius one can see the four major
landmarks Jama Masjid, Sheesh Gandh Gurudwara, Jain Mandir and Red Fort. People living together from past 15 years respect and acknowledge
each otherâs cultures and customs so well that I felt it was a perfect place to shoot for my film since it also spreads the message of living
in harmony. In fact, Chandni Chowk was my first choice as a title of the film. However, considering the subject that it deals with, Black
& White turned out to be the apt choice.
Chandni Chowk was my first choice as a title of the film. However, considering the subject
that it deals with, Black & White turned out to be the apt choice.
Are you satisfied with the way the film has shaped up?
Definitely, I would give full credit to the script of the film which did not let me make the kind of Cinema I have been making over the
years. We made it a point to live up to the demands of the script which involved many risks like to rope in two newcomers and the absence of
typical Bollywood masala. However, thankfully, things have changed in Bollywood. With the advent of multiplexes, our audience today
welcomes any sort of cinema be it independent or mainstream. Earlier, I would make films keeping in mind the taste of the audience but this
time I decided to satisfy my creative sensibilities and thus, attempted something which I have never done before.
You have worked with Anil Kapoor nearly after a span of seven years. What change did you see in him as an actor?
Anil is a great human being first of all. In fact, I feel despite not making films for some years, I have been in touch with everyone from
Anil to Shah Rukh and Salman to Jackie. They are like a family. As far as the change in Anil as an actor is concerned, I feel he still
possesses that star power to carry the entire film on his shoulders. This is my second intense film with him after Meri Jung.
Audiences will get to witness a performance beyond description from Anil Kapoor. A pool of versatility, he is someone who will remain
immortal as an actor.
A pool of versatility, Anil Kapoor is someone who will remain immortal as an actor.
What made you zero on Anurag Sinha?
I personally feel, today like any other professions say medicine or law, film industry needs educated filmmakers be it acting, direction,
production or anything which concerns with filmmaking. Professionals are the need of the hour. I respect the rigorous training that students
of FTII or institutes like Whistling Woods undergo to groom themselves to face competition in the industry rather than a student carrying a
certificate of some six months course in some XYZ institute. Anurag Sinha was picked up from the bunch of pictures that were brought to me
from FTII Pune. He who completely fitted in the bill came across to me as a very humble human being. It was a sheer delight working with such
a great artist.
Anurag Sinha was picked up from the bunch of pictures that were brought to me from FTII
Pune
What do you have to say about the music of the film? Which is your favourite track?
Black & White is not an out an out musical drama but yes, has background music score composed by Sukhwinder Singh. I feel, lyrics are
very important and music eventually falls in place with the nature of the lyrics. So, I briefed him about the theme of the film and what kind
of music I perceived. Sukhwinder is a great singer and composer who has come up with something very refreshing having the tinch of
semi-classical and sufiana melody in it. My favorite track is âMein Chala Kabhie Us Gali Kabhie Us Dagarâ.
Anurag shared with us some memorable moments like he and Anil forgot their dialogues during the shoot of one scene and you never got
pissed of with him?
I donât loose my temper so easily unless I find that actor is not giving his 100% to the scene. Human beings are bound to make mistakes, same
goes for actors. I believe in giving full liberty to my actors while they are performing. They might take 15 to 20 takes for a particular
shot to satisfy their level of perfection that they already perceive in their mind. So, I have been very supportive in that sense. But what
gets on to my nerves is the lack of honesty while performing. And, also who in order to safeguard themselves try to play politics and put
blames on others.
I donât loose my temper so easily unless I find that actor is not giving his 100% to the
scene.
This is for the first that you are working with Shefali. Why Shefali and not some other female actor you have worked earlier?
Anil recommended Shefaliâs name for this extremely intricate role of a woman activist who also plays the better half of Anil Kapoor in the
film. I was on a look out for someone who would perform the role with the great deal of conviction. Watching her earlier performances, I have
always thought highly of her as an actor. And Anil Kapoorâs suggestion since she was working under his production banner for Gandhi My
Father made her the apt choice for the role. Shefali has worked very hard and also, lost oodles of weight to match up with the character
I had observed her to be like.
Shefali has worked very hard and also, lost oodles of weight to match up with the character
I had observed her to be like.
What is the USP of the film?
If one wants to see the other side of Subhash Ghai, come and watch Black & White. Moreover, the USP of the film lies in the incredible
performances of all the 17 characters in my film. An emotional drama which is eye-opener for those who donât think beyond the notion of what
is right and what is wrong?
âThe USP of the film lies in the incredible performances of all the 17 characters in my
film.â
What are your expectations from the film?
I have not concentrated on the pre-release promotions on the great scale keeping in mind the low-budget of the film. And despite knowing the
fact that audience might get disappointed with kind of cinema that I have offered to them this time, all I can say to my audience is go and
watch for a different cinema straight from the heart of Subhash Ghai. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 7 Mar 2008 | 9:59 am
History was created in the Kannada film industry when the audio cassette and CD of 'Meghave Meghave', starring Sudeep and 'Laagan' girl Gracy Singh, was released onboard an Air Deccan aircraft during a flight. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Mar 2008 | 8:30 am
Even while her home in Mumbai is being rebuilt, Preity Zinta's dream to build a house in her hometown Shimla is about to be realised. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Mar 2008 | 8:00 am
Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, who was looking for an international face to cast opposite his son Hrithik in his next film 'Kites', has signed top Latin actress Barbara Mori as the leading lady. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Mar 2008 | 8:00 am
Bangalore-based fusion band Swarathma is basking in the glory of winning the title of India's best Hindi band following their successful stint at the finals of 'RC Live' after a nationwide competition. The group is now focussing on making their first album. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Mar 2008 | 6:02 am
Galipata still rules the Kannada box office. The bad news is that too many films are ending up as big flops. The film industry here is just waiting for a big success. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Mar 2008 | 4:32 am
Hari Krishna's magical music has catapulted 'Gaja' album to the top of the Kannada music charts. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Mar 2008 | 4:32 am
Ranbir Kapoor's post-'Saawariya' project, a romantic musical for Yash Raj Films, had been struggling to find an appropriate title. Finally, it has one - 'Bachna Ae Haseenon', which harks back to his father's chartbuster. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Mar 2008 | 3:00 am
Even as Bollywood producers continue to remake, rip off, adapt and modify films from foreign sources, producer-director Ravi Chopra is at peace for having lawfully purchased the rights of Jonathan Lynn's 1992 courtroom drama 'My Cousin Vinny'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Mar 2008 | 3:00 am
One More Thought Entertainment has signed the renowned London based Writer Farrukh Dhondy for a Commercial Bollywood thriller. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 7 Mar 2008 | 12:00 am
Ajay Devgan, Kajol and Tanuja at the press conference of the Zee TVs forthcoming reality dance ‘Rock-N-Roll Family’. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 7 Mar 2008 | 12:00 am
The press was enamoured by the gorgeous, picture perfect pair. The audience loved them. They were there in hordes to see the lovely Jodha and the handsome Akbar off the screen. The venue was all set for welcoming the ‘royal’ couple. Drapes and screens off the sets of Jodha Akbar adorned the lobby of PVR cinema here to welcome the special invitees and media persons. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 7 Mar 2008 | 12:00 am
Though quite a lot has been written about the rivalry between the two Super Models Dino Morea and Milind Soman because of the Bipasha factor, both Milind and Dino infact got off very well during the shoot of Magna films BHRAM, directed by Pawan Kaul. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 7 Mar 2008 | 12:00 am
Whenever there is Salman around he does not fail to hit the headlines. While some say he is the bad boy of Bollywood many feel he is a guy with a loving heart. This star was recently seen as the judge to the reality music show for kids, Chhote Ustad. And what did he do this time. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 7 Mar 2008 | 12:00 am
‘The name is Rajinikanth’, the biography of superstar Rajinikanth written by Dr Gayathri Srikanth and published by Om Books International was released at Hotel Taj Connemera in Chennai on March 6. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 7 Mar 2008 | 12:00 am
Downloads Black & White wallpapers
In a first of its kind for Bollywood, Subhash Ghai's Black & White has created an application http://apps.facebook.com/killterror on Facebook, which allows people to experience and share their views on Terrorism. This application also allows users to enter into a poll on three relevant issues connected with Terrorism and can also provide their comments and views on the topic. The application is suitably titled 'Kill Terror' and that is the view and perspective the movie would like to convey to audiences worldwide. In addition to participating in the polls, and providing views on Terrorism, the application also shares moments from the film, pictures, dialogues and personal views from the director. There's also a chance to win one of the 50 not to miss personally signed music CD's by Subhash Ghai and Anil Kapoor. The film opens world wide March 7, 2008. Directed and Produced by Subhash Ghai, starring Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah and introduces Anurag Sinha. The application is created by Katha Films in association with Digital Insight for Mukta Arts Private Limited.
Black & White is a story of a terrorist and his journey to accomplish his only mission in life. A journey that lasts for 15 days in the heart of Old Delhi, a journey that changes his life. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Mar 2008 | 5:10 pm
Click above for more stills
Salman Khan shot a stage song for the film Hello at ND studios, Karjat. 75 Indian and Russian dancers with a crowd of about 700 were involved in the shooting of the song spread over a 7 day schedule. The song was choreographed by Rajiv Surti and the set was designed by Nitin Chandrakant Desai.
Hello stars Sharman Joshi, Sohail Khan, Ishaa Koppikar, Amrita Arora, Gul Panag, Sharad Saxena, Dalip Tahil and Suresh Menon. It has special appearances by Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Arbaaz Khan.
The film, produced and directed by Atul Agnihotri is based on the bestseller book 'One Night At A Call Centre' by Chetan Bhagat. Paul Parmar is presenting the film. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Mar 2008 | 4:44 pm
Even while her home in Mumbai is being re-constructed, Preity Zinta had a dream and she's about to realize it. "I always wanted a family home in my home town Shimla. I'm now going to build a house there. The older one is in a locality that's so crowded I don't recognize it any more. Earlier it was just our house and lots of trees."
Preity has an ancestral land which she has been planning to use to build a dream house. "Now's the time to do it. Build a farmhouse where my kids and my brother's kids will grow up. It's a little away from Shimla near the golf course. A gloriously green patch. I want to make it completely eco-friendly. It's so difficult to acquire anything eco-friendly here in Mumbai. I'm trying to buy an eco-friendly car. But it's so difficult. But I am determined to buy an eco-friendly car. Look at the fumes in Mumbai. I'm more determined than ever to start building my home in Mumbai at the earliest." Preity is looking at entirely refurbishing her life. "Last year I badly hurt myself on my back and pelvis. I've been working on myself. We actors are constantly hurting ourselves and neglecting our health. Look at how much Shah Rukh has gone through. And the other day when I dropped in to meet him on the set of Om Shanti Om I saw him with a 6-pack. I was likeâ¦wow! I've seen him so unwell when we were shooting Kal Ho Na Ho. He's very inspiring, and not just on screen."
She describes this year of hers in the movies as the "India Shining Year.â "After so many years of shooting abroad I'm finally working in India. I just shot Samir Karnik's Mera Bharat Mahaan in Punjab. Came back with sunburn. Now I'm back to my normal self. I am in Mumbai for shooting after a long time. Apart from the crazy traffic and heavy rain I'm enjoying myself. But I wish Mumbai had places for recreation. Where does one go in Mumbai to relax? The other Sunday when I had a day off, I had no place to go! You go to either a restaurant or a movie. And it takes so long to get anywhere! It's very frustrating. You can't go anywhere. When I want to unwind, I go out of the country. We need more entertainment and sports centers in Mumbai. You can't have children and dogs in Mumbai. If I've children in Mumbai where do I stay with them? That's why I miss my home town Shimla."
Preity who was earlier looking at one assignment a year is now busy devouring scripts. "This is probably the best time for me. Look at Shah Rukh Khan in Chak De. There were conventional trappings. There're no hard and fast rules about what I can do and can't do. Strangely, I started my career playing an unwed mother, a prostitute, and a CBI trainee. Then I started doing more commercial films. Now it's time for me to do a different kind of film. Working with Rituparno Ghosh and Jahnu Barua there was a lot to unlearn about acting. And it's not as if I look at Last Lear or Har Pall as small films."
She's currently shooting for Jahnu Barua's second Hindi film Har Pall with Lilette Dubey and Shiney Ahuja.â I want to do work that excites me. I'm not the same actress I used to be. I want to do at least one film every year that pushes the envelope. I did Rituparno Ghosh's Last Lear and now I'm doing Har Palâ¦It's a totally new experience. I get to play a role I haven't done before. All the co-stars, directors, cinematographer are all new. I'm having so much fun. We've already completed one schedule. The director Jahnu Barua has a great sense of humor. Though he's very quiet, he knows what he wants. Isha Koppikar is a pleasure to work with." Then there's Rituparno Ghosh. "I just love him. He's too cute. He made me feel so comfortable during The Last Lear. Working with Mr. Bachchan was a treat for me. Then I had Shefali Shah and Divya Dutta and Arjun Rampal."
One of her most ennobling moments was when Preity recently gave away the bravery awards. "To meet a woman who fought a leopard with her bare hands to save a child, or a child who jumped into the fire to save another child. Or to meet a group of young Mumbaites who've started a private ambulance service, or a Devdasi who had a child at the age of 12 who has run away from her wretched life... believe me, there's no experience to equal these. Because of people like these 'Mera Bharat Mahaan' is not just a slogan. I don't want to get up every morning and thank God for what He has given me. I'd also like to give back."
Preity feels for the girl child. "When I went to the Bravery awards I said I was grateful to be standing there because my parents didn't kill me when I was born. When I was shooting for Mera Bharat Mahaan in Chandigarh, I went to a school where there were fifty boys and just eight girls. That shocked me. What's going to happen ten years from now?"
And what about marriage to a certain Mr. Wadia? "Each time I'm asked this, I goâ¦.ummm aaah! I'm a grownup girl and I don't have to hide my marriage plans when it happens. Everything happens in its own time." Maybe the housewarming and wedding can be combined in Shimla? "Ha, what if the house takes five years to make? I can't wait that long to get married," comes the retort. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Mar 2008 | 4:12 pm
A very rare combination of success and simplicity is what the âShowman of Indian Cinemaâ Subhash Ghai all about. Karma, Ram Lakhan, Khal Nayak, Meri Jung have been his milestones throughout his journey as a filmmaker.
And now, he is all set with Black & White which also marks Ghaiâs comeback as a director to release on March 7. The film stars Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah and Anurag Sinha.
For all those who missed the chat with this great filmmaker, Bollywood Hungama brings you the excerpts of the chat.
Vicky: what is black and white all about?
Subhash Ghai: Black and White is a story of two different beliefs, two different people and two different extremes and how they meet with a conflict ....of blasting each other and finally come to a resolution which has never been shown on Hindi screen before. It is an emotional serious, drama but very elevating uplifting and with a new thought to deal with the word called terrorism.
Black and White is an emotional serious, drama but very elevating uplifting and with a new thought to deal with the word called terrorism.
A. R Rahman fan: what do u think about Anurag Sinha as an actor?
Subhash Ghai: I think here is an actor who has all the materials of being a big star not because that he is a handsome model or a son of a film family or hyped by media but because of his strengths as an actor and professionalism in his attitude. He promises to be a big star....i can predict today.
Kulraj: sir, i am a great fan of Salman and Akshaye.. plz cast Salman Khan and Akshaye Khanna together in a movie?
Subhash Ghai: Yes Kulraj, Akshaye was in Taal. Salman is in my future film Yuvraaj so i donât know when i can fulfill your dream.
Yasmas: how was it working with Anil Kapoor after a span of nearly 7 years?
Subhash Ghai: Anil Kapoor with whom i have a great comfort level, trust and faith but i will surely like to work with those actors who are equally excited to work with me and play as a team player and not as a captain of the team. Itâs like Ram coming after 14 years of Vanvas to meet Bharat
Kulraj: what about ur next Yuvraaj which is going to release after black and white?
Subhash Ghai: Yuvraaj is you to your father.....am sure your father must be calling you Yuvraaj because every spoilt son is called the prince of the family and he creates lot of interesting moments in the family......so in Indian family we call him Yuvraaj.
Kulraj: How did u like the performance of Sonam in Sawaariya?
Subhash Ghai: I just loved her Kulraj as it was her first film and with so many heavyweights on her shoulders she has performed with all ease.
I just loved Sonam as it was her first film and with so many heavyweights on her shoulders she has performed with all ease.
Kulraj: Who is ur personal favourite actor with whom you wud like to work again and again?
Subhash Ghai: all are my favorite but the most favourite is the one who works in my films...so the moment it surely is Salman
Milind Desai: Please be honest and tell us, how inspired were you by the 1997 hit, The Devil's own while making black and white?
Subhash Ghai : Milind Desai why do you doubt my honesty? When everyone here knows me as an honest person....you have to see B and W to question this rumour.
Kulraj: plz cast Anil Kapoor, Akshaye Khanna and Sonam Kapoor together in your movie someday?
Subhash Ghai: Yes Kulraj...am looking for a subject of a daughter, father and uncle...if u have one please send me.
Kulraj: What do u think of Akshaye Khanna as actor and as person?
Subhash Ghai : Akshaye Khanna is like my younger brother and he gives me the right to scold him when he is wrong and i pet him with all my love when he performs well...he is one of the finest and most underrated actors we have
Darshit: tell us about some memorable moments on the sets of B&W?
Subhash Ghai: Black and White is shot almost entirely in real locations of the famous 150 year old colony called Chandni Chowk in Delhi and when i asked the people there to cooperate with our shooting they asked me to make them actors in my film....so i told them ...i have a crowd scene so you all can act and they all acted....emotionally this film belongs to them...you can identify them in the movie
PunjabiPride: Hello Mr. Ghai...Let me be the first one to tell you that I feel proud to be an Indian cinema viewer when i see your work in Taal...can't wait for black and white and proud of the fact that a fellow PUNJABI is doing so much for our Indian industry
Akshaye Khanna is one of the finest and most underrated actors we have.
Subhash Ghai: When you call it Indian film industry...i am Indian first and proud to be Punjabi too.
adwait : how did u find Anurag Sinha? Why him?
Subhash Ghai : Anurag Sinha is going to be a big star....wait n watch in a years time....because he is one of the finest actors i have met recently....i found him from FTII Pune since Whistling woods has just started....i normally prefer diploma holders and trained actors who have given two years of their life to get into acting ...so pls join WWI
Darshit: which is ur fav? track in B&W?
Subhash Ghai: Darshit main chala main chala because it has a unique composition, situation, rendering, and orchestration.
Main chala main chala because it has a unique composition, situation, rendering, and orchestration.
Kulraj : why didn't u take A.R Rahman this time?
Subhash Ghai: i have taken A R Rahman in Yuvraaj and at present we are working with him in his studio.
Amit : hello mr ghai..how are you sir? ..i am your biggest fan from sydney..and eagerly waiting for your next movie Black and White...its good to see you back..really missed your movies..and you are doing a great job..u have opened whistling woods..is it true that Yuvraj is your next project? can we expect more better from you this time after Taal..because in my opinion Taal is the best movie made in bollywood till date!!
Subhash Ghai : Music of Yuvraaj will be three times better than Taal.
Music of Yuvraaj will be three times better than Taal
adwait : what brief did u give to sukhwinder before recording?
Subhash Ghai : Yes its a story of a extremist militant terrorist whatever you may call but its the story of his human side
Amarnath : is black and white a story of a terrorist?
Subhash Ghai : adwait, i told him that it is a serious emotional film with a sensitive subject so Sufiana and classical melodies are needed so that it doesnât disturb the sensitivity of the subject...i cant create a song as a commercial break in this serious drama
Kulraj : Does Akshaye Khanna really consider you as his father? He said that during Sa Re Ga Ma Pa event - during Shaadi Se Pehle promotion?
Subhash Ghai : i told Akshaye you will get nothing out of my will.
PunjabiPride : I know that Mukta Arts has made Aitraaz with Akshay Kumar! I want to see my favorite director with my favorite actor...is it possible?
Subhash Ghai : Apna Sapna money money is our production and Black and white is my direction...both the responsibilities have a different creative skill set
MilindDesai : Why dont we see Subhash Ghai producing more films like Iqbal and Joggers park rather than films like Apna sapna money money ?
Subhash Ghai : i wish i get some good funding company to afford Akshay Kumar.....and fulfill your dream
MilindDesai : Hello Mr Ghai, have you seen the 'lives of others' ? This is the kind of movie that i wud like u to make since you have got that vision as a director?
Subhash Ghai : that is the reason you should go and see Black and White to know how your Subhash Ghai see the lives of others
A R Rahman fan : Will you ever work with Aamir? he is my fav actor!
Subhash Ghai : pls tell Aamir to work with me as an actor...
rozhina : which is ur favourite scene in Black and white
Subhash Ghai : rozhina i would be revealing my story if i tell you...because there are so many beautiful scenes.
yogesh : who has been ur inspiration as a director?
Subhash Ghai : Yogesh....David lee
Yogesh: which was ur fav. movie in the by-gone year?
Subhash Ghai : Taare Zameen Par, any film which can change peoples views on life is the best film acc to me and so you will see something in Black and White like this
Rajiv : which is ur personal fav. film among the films that u have made?
Subhash Ghai : rajju Black and White since i cant look back in the past
Rozhina : sir, i have been ur fan since the time of meri jung, i have seen ram lakhan some 20 times..an am looking forward to B&W.. All The Best!
Subhash Ghai: thank you very much Rozhina but you must see B n W at least one time in theatre as its very unlike Subhash Ghai film.
darshit : sir, any plans to make a film with Madhuri dixit since u and her togther have deliver some great hits like Ram lakhan and Khalnayak?
Subhash Ghai : i am still searching a good script for Madhuri and will let you know
I am still searching a good script for Madhuri and will let you know.
PunjabiPride : i am great fan of shefali shah?u r working for the time with her..plz temme how was the experience?
Subhash Ghai : i had not seen many films of Shefali except Waqt but i could see a beautiful young woman.....but removed the mother look in the film
MilindDesai : is it true u have signed madhur bhandarkar to make a film under mukta arts?
Subhash Ghai : I did sign him after Chandni bar but then after we signed him...he got a lot of big offers so he went for them.....he is still my good friend and good director.
I did sign Madhur after Chandni bar but then after we signed him...he got a lot of big offers so he went for them.
pak : sir,Shahid and kareena sharea very good chemistry on screen..i wud like u to cast tehm for ur next film?
Subhash Ghai : could you pls call Shahid and Kareena separately to send me your proposal have an interesting story......
MilindDesai : what is that one thing that makes u happy?
Subhash Ghai : when people come to me and say i love your film
Amit : what do u think of ranbir kapoor as an actor?
Subhash Ghai : Ranbir is very promising....
Ranbir is very promising....
A R Rahman fan: Sir is it true that Yuvraaj will release on Mukta Arts 30th anniversary?
Subhash Ghai: to provide better quality food to human body we need to spend a little more...so is the philosophy of Whistling Woods...Hence its best equipped to provide the best film and media education with latest hi tech technology and facilities.
rozhina : what are ur expectations with the film?
Subhash Ghai : rozhina more of awards than rewards
A R Rahman fan : Is Yuvraaj your most ambitious project till date??
Subhash Ghai : my every film is ambitious.....
rozhina : don't u think whistling woods is too expensive?
Subhash Ghai : yes Yuvraj is coming on 24th oct2008 - the day of 30th anniversary of Mukta arts....we started Karz on 24th Oct 1978.
Yuvraj is coming on 24th oct2008 - the day of 30th anniversary of Mukta arts....we started Karz on 24th Oct 1978.
PunjabiPride : sir, i am a die-hard fan of Anil Kapoor and looking forward to see ur more films with him?
Subhash Ghai : that is why i made both my new films with Anil Kapoor....black and white and Yuvraaj.
darshit : what acc. to u is more important a good story or right kind of promotions?
Subhash Ghai: anytime good story darsht which promotes the film for years to come...
pak : how was it working with Salman khan in yuvraaj?
Subhash Ghai : it was a sheer delight to work with him....he is the most handsome hero on the screen and a directorâs actor
YUVRAJ KHAN : Anil Said that he loves working with Jackie Shroff so any plans on that front?
Subhash Ghai : they have a great relationship of Ram Lakhan and i have to play the role of Rakhee....
Nile: how do u like the music of B&W?
Subhash Ghai : for me the music is very exciting...music which will live longer because of its divine quality....
sunny_9676 : hello mr.ghai... nice 2 see u back to direction with Black N White..looking forward to more films of urs
Subhash Ghai : It has its own limited budget because its a high concept low budget film....and meant for the people who like to see interesting drama.....than mass entertainment
B & W is meant for the people who like to see interesting drama.....than mass entertainment.
Milind Desai : A word of thought, wouldnât it be better and unique if you actually had filmed Black and White, in black and white ? It would have looked more intense, like Spielberg's Schindler's list.
Subhash Ghai: Since its not a gore, negative film...it shows the positive colour of life out of black and white.....so no real point in showing only black and white....in the film the hero coming out of the dark black tunnel sees the colour of India.
Itâs not a gore, negative film...it shows the positive colour of life out of black and white.....
himanshu99: why is Black and white being promoted on a small scale?
Subhash Ghai: thank u very much...i will give u one movie a year since i have done my job of setting up an international school like Whistling Woods.
aussieboi : you plan any movies in Australia???
Subhash Ghai : I am still contemplating an item number to display the beautiful locations in Australia.
Kulraj : Do u think that it was ok for not giving a nomination to Akshaye Khanna in the best actor category (Gandhi My Father) this year at 53rd Filmfare Awards 2008?
Subhash Ghai : These awards are more influenced by market forces than the real sense of art
These awards are more influenced by market forces than the real sense of art.
A R Rahman fan : Anil Kapoor or Jackie Shroff? Take your pick.
Subhash Ghai : they are like my 2 eyes. Do you want me to be one eyed man?
Both Anil and Jackie are my two eyes. Do you want me to be one eyed man.
tanya : hello sir, im a admirer of ure work.. and i have seen ur promos for black and white.. i am lookind fwd to the film.. All the best!!
Subhash Ghai: thank you very much.....normally though many a times promos
are better than movies itâs not the case with black and white.
YUVRAJ KHAN : what is ur fav. holiday spot?
Subhash Ghai : Austria
Kshaz : what makes u cry?
Subhash Ghai : human tragedy
Human tragedy makes me cry.
Reena : sir, i am very much interested in filmmaking. And ready with the script as well..wud like to make it under Mukta Arts?
Subhash Ghai : pls go for education before u want to be professional....in case of media industry there are many contemporary institutes like Whistling Woods Intl.....realize your ignorance that actors are born.....
Subhash Ghai: Watch out for the trained actor Anurag Sinha in Black and White.....wish you all the best of luck...stay in touch through Bollywoodhungama.com and Subhashghaiblogs.com. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 6 Mar 2008 | 4:07 pm
He was among the few models who made quite an impact with his first film Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhie. With his next film Raaz, he along with Bipasha Basu proved that 'models too can act'. He even excelled in comic flicks like Tom, Dick and Harry. One mustn't forget that he is the original six-pack guy whose washboard abs was every fitness fanatic's envy. He is none other than the hunk, Dino Morea, whose perfect blend of Indian and Italian looks would make any girl go weak in her knees.
Bollywood Hungama brings you a chance to get one on one with the handsome hunk as he talks about his new film Bhram, on Friday, March 7, at 1530 hrs IST. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Mar 2008 | 4:03 pm
Everyone knows Ranbir Kapoor's post-Saawariya project is a romantic musical for Yash Raj Films. What isn't so well-known is that the project has been struggling to find itself an appropriate title.
Finally, the film has the title it has been looking for. The Ranbir starrer which has the young superstar courting Bipasha Basu, Minissha Lamba and Deepika Padukone, is called Bachna Ae Haseeno. The title immediately takes us back to Ranbir's father, Rishi Kapoor's, chartbuster in Nasir Husain's Hum Kisise Kum Nahin.
Laughs Ranbir, "But I don't think we decided to name the film Bachna Ae Haseeno to suggest a link with my past. Sure, the song was a big R.D. Burman chartbuster in its time. My dad, mom and I are all huge fans of R.D. Burman. My parent's biggest hits were composed by R.D. But more than the instant connectivity, I think the title was selected because it's very apt for my film. It's about this guy's journey in life and his different encounters with various women."
Bachna Ae Haseeno is 60 percent complete and it is expected to be released on August 15. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Mar 2008 | 2:56 pm
Govinda is very excited about getting together with David Dhawan and producer Vashu Bhagnani again. "We've created quite a dhamaal in the past with Hero No 1 and Coolie No 1. We'll definitely be creating a full-on entertainment again. Yes, it'll be a comedy. I'll try my level-best that we come back with a film that will do justice to all three of us,"
Govinda says he owes his entire comeback to David Dhawan. "It's something I learnt from Mr. Bachchan. When he needed to make a comeback, he called Mr. Yash Chopra for Mohabbatein. Similarly, when I needed to come back I rang up David and he gave me Partner."
Govinda has no qualms in admitting that Big B. influenced him, "Yeah, I copied Mr. Bachchan. I'm not anything like Mr. Bachchan. But why shouldn't I copy a man as great as him? If he could reach out to a filmmaker, why can't I? David is such a big man. One call to him and my career was re-made. Today if he asks me to do another film with him I don't even need to think about it, I'd do it blindly." Govinda has never been more charged about his career. "I don't really care what people say about me. All I know is that I'm doing my work with sincerity. And I've become very punctual. I reach my sets on time. I'm not here to create any problems for anyone. If I'm doing my work quietly, why is it troubling some people? But I'm not going to get rattled. Main chupkese apna kaam kar raha hoon. I don't regret anything, not even my entry into politics. I respect politicians because they're doing their jobs very efficiently. But the fame and fortune I've got has come through mata Saraswati, my art (movies). No one has the right to eye my career and try to ruin it."
"A miracle happened during the shooting. We finished Govindaji's work in 60 days when we had reserved his dates for 85 days. In Mauritius where we shot most of the film, Govinda was the first of the cast to be awake. In fact, he'd wake me up and we'd have our morning chai together. I remember we had to shoot at a discotheque in Mauritius. We had to reach at 8 am and all we saw were the janitors at work. That's how punctual Govinda has become," adds Govinda's Money Hai To Honey Hai producer, Kumar Mangat.
In fact, Kumar Mangat is planning another film with Govinda this year. "He's a pleasure to work with," says the producer. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Mar 2008 | 2:53 pm
Subi Samuel, the renowned Bollywood photographer along with Rajeev Chudasama (Creative Director â Marching Ants Advertising) and Joy Ghoshal
(Marketing Director â Marching Ants Advertising) have launched a creative content production co. christened âAlchemy Studios Pvt.
Ltd.â
Alchemy Studios would produce two Hindi feature films in the year 2008. One is film is titled Seasons Greetings, a romantic comedy
directed by Vikram Chopra and the other is The Hit, an action comedy which would be Rajeev Chudasamaâs directorial debut.
The casting of both films is underway and nearly complete, details of which would be disclosed at a later date. Both films would be shot and
complete in 2008.
For the year 2009, in development are 3 projects. The first film would be Subi Samuel's directorial debut. Then there's a film adapted from an international bestseller and third will be a superhero film.
The company plans to produce 3 films per year. Alchemy Studios promises to do justice to the designation of âCreative Producerâ. All three
directors of the company, Subi, Rajeev and Joy are well known across the film industry as highly creative and marketing savvy
professionals.
The mission of Alchemy Studios is to consistently create high quality creative content backed by innovative marketing practices aimed at
consumer and trade.
Both Joy and Rajeev are advertising professionals who started Marching Ants advertising in 2001. They have been credited with numerous
successful marketing and communication campaigns in their careers. Joy was credited as one of Indiaâs Young Achievers 2006 by India Today,
while Rajeev has been credited as one of Gujaratâs All Time Achievers by Mid Day
Subi Samuel, a management graduate turned to one of Bollywoodâs most prolific photographers. Having worked on over 40 features and multiple
brand campaigns Subi is seen as one of the most skilled, creative technicians of the entertainment industry. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Mar 2008 | 1:49 pm
Sherlyn Chopra is at it again, posing outrageously for the camera at her skimpiest best. The singer - actress recently did a photo-shoot for
PETA where she was seen in a hot black lingerie with whips and chains etc.
The PETA campaign conveyed that 'Whips and Chains Belong in the Bedroom and Not in the Circus'. Now thatâs some thought we must say...
While, those pictures were the official pictures which were largely circulated in media, we at Bollywood Hungama always prefer giving
you something more and exclusive. So, here is Madame Chopra sizzling on your screen in purple lingerie. These are some of the raw shots taken
for during the photo-shoot but were not used in the campaign. We are sure the temperatures are already soaring in your room.
This is not all, as we bring you an even more exclusive never-before seen picture of this âBindaasâ babe in sexy white lingerie tomorrow. So
till then, hold your breath and keep drooling guys. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 6 Mar 2008 | 1:12 pm
Suparn Verma's Acid Factory will star Fardeen Khan, Bipasha Basu, Irrfan Khan, Manoj Bajpai, Dino Morea, Aftab Shivdasani and Danny Denzongpa. Suparn, a journalist turned story/screenplay writer turned director is obviously thrilled since he gets to work with Sanjay Gupta in this White Feather Films production.
"White Feather Films is just the right filmmaking house to be associated. Acid Factory is the kind of film that is appealing both for me as well as them," says Suparn who had made his directorial debut around three years back with Fardeen Khan and Koena Mitra starrer Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena.
Acid Factory appears quite intriguing. What does the title exactly stand for? "Acid Factory is a place in the film around which the story revolves. It won't be wrong to say that 'Acid Factory' is one of the characters in the film apart from all the other actors."
With an acid factory as a background, is the film going to be a gritty blood, gore and violence enterprise?
"The film is an action thriller for sure but it won't get into the kind of violence which would make you cringe in your seats. And before you ask me, let me clarify that it is not based on Hollywood flick Saw. Some people do feel that Acid Factory draws inspiration from Saw but let me clarify that my film has nothing to do with it. There are absolutely zero similarities between the two films", clarifies Suparn who is also working on the animation version of Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena which is titled EKEH 2.0.
Composer duo of Salim and Sulaiman, who are riding high after being signed on by Aditya Chopra for his Shah Rukh Khan starrer Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, have been roped in by Sanjay Gupta and Suparn Verma for Acid Factory. The film's shoot would begin in May and would be wrapped up by the month of July. This would be done in two back-to-back schedules in India and abroad with a break of just a couple of days.
Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena was a macho movie. Moreover, Sanjay Gupta too has been known for making male centric movies. Would Acid Factory also turn out to be a men-men movie considering a male heavy star cast? "Yes, the proceedings would be dominated by men again and the maximum I can divulge right now is that it will be one high adrenalin action thriller," concludes Suparn. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Mar 2008 | 1:03 pm
2007 saw him reaching the pinnacle of success with four successful albums in a row - Life In A Metro, Jab We Met, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and
Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal. However, as has been the case with the prolific composer ever since he created 'dhoom' with 'Dhoom
Macha Le' [Dhoom], his career has been mired with charges of plagiarism month after month.
Though the composer had admitted about his source of inspiration and reasons behind similarities in a few cases, some of the recent
developments have left him completely baffled, shocked and above all disappointed! Reason? He has been charged with lifting from a Bengali
song for one of his compositions in Magna Films' Bhram when the fact is that Pritam has officially bought all the rights for the
original source of the song.
Unable to control his anger, Pritam fumes, "I hate mud slinging, but this allegation is baseless and demeaning. It is being purposely done to
make a controversy and promote the film. Yes, the song in question here, 'Jaane Kyun Tanha Ho Gaye', is indeed an adaptation but all
the necessary paperwork has been done to make it legal. For the original number 'Ghare Pheraar Gaan', I myself went ahead and bought
the copyright from Asha Audio by spending my own money."
There is a different version floating from the production house though. As per Magna Films, it was only a day before the music release of
Bhram that they discovered that 'Jaane Kyun', was actually an inspiration.
"What rubbish", wonders Pritam, "Director Pawan Kaul liked the particular song 'Ghare Pheraar Gaan' and wanted it in the film. He all
along knew that it is a Bengali song by late Gautam Chatterjee. Possibly Magna Films was not informed about this but Pawan knew this all
along. Since my prime point of contact was Pawan, he should have kept Magna people in loop."
Continues Pritam in an exasperated tone, "I guess it keeps happening to me all the time and because I do not open up my mouth, there seems to
be an open opportunity for anyone and everyone. I choose to keep quite because I don't want any dirty linen to be washed in public. A lot
happens in the industry and it is always in the best of everyone's interest that people avoid indulging in cross fires. But this time I had
to speak up."
From where is the entire issue stemming from? "Search me", says Pritam while raising his hands in air, "After completion of this project, I
tried calling Mr. Pawan Kaul umpteen times to know what was happening on the album because I wanted proper credits to be given to Gautamda. I
had no contact with the producers as I was mostly dealing with Mr. Kaul."
âIn fact, I had no clue whatsoever about what was happening with the song unless I saw the poster of Bhram on a bus. That is when I
realized that the movie and music were getting ready for release,â informs Pritam, "Since I wasn't getting a concrete response from Mr. Kaul,
I requested him to pass me on the contacts at Magna Films."
Did the conversation help? "There was further shock in store for me as I got to know from them that the music of Bhram was to be
released on the market in a day. My worst fears came true as I realized that there was indeed no credit to Gautamda on the CD."
How could this have happened considering the fact that a proper contract had been signed to procure the number? "I seriously don't know what
made the producers refrain from having the credits on the album cover. There was a blame game happening where Mr. Kaul said that he had given
instructions to Magna Films while their representatives said that they had no clue about any such developments."
â On my request, Times Music later agreed to delay the music launch by a few days so that they could put a label next to the song with the
relevant credit. Of course, they couldn't replace the cover with a new one and I was ok to have at least a label carrying the credits. The
issue was settled and it was in fact I who was on the front foot, as I wanted the right people to get credit. However, what I see is tables
being turned on me for no rhyme or reason,â says Pritam in a disappointing tone.
Maybe Kaul thought that Pritam's name in the controversy would help the film. Laughs Pritam, "It's quite funny if that was the case. If Mr.
Kaul thought that I was such a big star that he could promote the film through me, he should have taken me as the hero!"
â I am clueless why Mr. Kaul had to drag me into this. Primarily, I gave all the time to him and when he bounced a song after full recording
(even though after approving it on the melody level), I didn't react or ask any money for it. Secondly, I was not paid any hefty money
because one year back I was charging very less. Thirdly, even when I had taken all the rights for the song while keeping Mr. Kaul informed
all along, where is the question of him or the producers finding out about the source? It is disgusting!"
Mr. Lahiri - Asha audio
âI don't understand why Pritam is being dragged into this. He bought the rights from us and is now setting up our song to gain popularity
across globe. This happened months back and it surprises me that all of a sudden people out there are trying to malign his name. Quite sad.
He is a gentle soul and when he is genuinely right, he is unnecessarily being cornered.â
Ms. Shikha Singhi - Head of Films Aquistion, Times Music
âI am aware that he had communicated to Pawan Kaul about the song being bought from the original artiste. I understand that Pritam trusted
Kaul to inform us about this. However, we were not aware about it until the first copy of the CD was ready to be out.
In fact, the moment Pritam came to know that there were crediting issues, he immediately requested us to get the stock back. We knew that he
was doing the right thing and supported him. This is why we even delayed the music launch by 2-3 days and got the label on the album cover
citing the credits. In fact, Pritam had even offered to pay for the losses that Times Music would have incurred due to CDs being called back
We at Times Music have absolutely no problems and see this as a non-issue!
This should settle the case once for an all!â Source: Indiafm.com Features | 6 Mar 2008 | 12:54 pm
MUMBAI (Reuters) - Shyam Benegal is making a comedy, Jahnu Barua tries his luck with romance while Subhash Ghai turns his back on lavish sets to probe the mind of a terrorist.
