MOVIE DETAILS
Cast: Rajpal Yadav, Neha Dhupia, Anupam Kher, Rati Agnihotri, Amrita Arora and Aashish Chaudhary (Yes, his name does come
towards the very end. Remember the feud between him and the film's producers?)
Director: S. Chandrakant
Producer: Ranjan Prakash, Surendra Bhatia
Music: Siddhartth-Suhas
Lyrics: Kumaar
THE FILM
When a film's catchwords read as 'It's Funny', expectations are being set around what to expect form the film. In the season of
comedies where one comic entertainer per fortnight has been the order of the day, especially in year 2007, Rama Rama Kya Hai
Dramaaa too arrived early 2008. However, the film failed at the box office with audience hardly showing any interest in
checking out the film, whether in A, B or C centers. The reasons were aplenty:
First and foremost the look of the film in itself came in for quite some criticism, as was quite apparent when the promos hit the
small screen. With hardly any color correction in film, RRKHD looked like an early 90s flick with screeching colors leading to
not-so-impressive visuals.
Secondly, the cast hardly enthused the audience as the combination of Aashish Chaudhary, Rajpal Yadav, Neha Dhupia, Amrita
Arora, Anupam Kher and Rati Agnihotri didn't quite make one jump into the queue for watching the flick.
Thirdly, the comedy was pretty much targeted at the gallery. Ok, in defense of the makers, their last film Tom Dick and Harry
too had masses in mind. In fact, it was abound with doubt entendres and some real downright offensive jokes. But then it had it's
cast (Dino Morea, Celina Jaitley, Jimmy Shergill, Kim Sharma) and a man by the name of Himesh Reshammiya ('Zara Jhoom
Jhoom') coming to the rescue. RRKHD lacks this because though Siddhattth-Suhas came up with a decent soundtrack (Title
song, 'Ye Faasle', 'Dekha Tujhe'), it could never scale the heights set by Tom Dick and Harry.
Last but not the least, the story in itself. How banal can it get to have an entire plot being centric on a man 'imagining' someone
else as his own wife! The central protagonist here, Rajpal Yadav, after being frustrated by his wife (It is never explained why is he
frustrated? One is just told that Neha Dhupia hails from a village/small town, but was that reason enough?), starts looking at every
girl in his close prominence as his own wife. Whether it is his colleague's girl friend or his boss' (Aashish Chaudhary) wife (Amrita
Arora), he starts making castles in the air with them. And no, the absurdity doesn't end just with this. He goes on to dream
sequence after sequence, day after day, event after event with them, all when he has been day dreaming for just a few minutes!
Ok, so one does tend to break into a giggle or two at a few places. But such instances are far and few as otherwise the film plain
bores. To hand it to the director, there are no vulgar jokes or below the belt talks happening, here as RRKHD is pitched as a family
film. Still, the film moves as ordinarily as it can and keeps you thoroughly disinterested in the proceedings. In fact it is painful to
see actors like Anupam Kher and Rati Agnihotri (as Rajpal's caring neighbors) being thoroughly wasted in an affair like this.
Ever dependent Rajpal Yadav too is just about decent in the film. One misses his eccentricity, which is the hallmark of his acting.
Neha Dhupia seems to be stuck in this affair and one wonders if she would have realized her mistake of signing this film on the
first day of her shoot itself! Aashish Chaudhary and Amrita Arora are the glam couple in the film and though they do maximum in
their capacity to spice up the proceedings (their track is a direct lift from the one enacted by Vivek Oberoi and Amrita Rao in
Masti), they are tied down by a sub-standard script.
Overall, the film is a deserving failure and all it's cast members would be happier forgetting about their association with the
project.
PACKAGING
The DVD comes in an ordinary paper case with a kind of decent design and layout, which caters mainly to B and C centers.
DURATION
The film comes in a single DVD pack with the film's duration being approximately 140 minutes.
SPECIAL FEATURES
The DVD doesn't come with any special features.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
- 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen format-
- Subtitles In English
- Dolby Digital 5.1
PRICE
Rs. 149/-
CONCLUSION
Skip it!
Rating: *1/2 Source: Indiafm.com Features | 13 Mar 2008 | 3:55 pm
âMy wife has warned me if I say anything about Aamir she'll beat me up. She is an Aamir Khan fan,â said Shahrukh Khan replying to the raging controversial fire fanned by Aamir Khan yesterday by posing a question to SRK as to how does it feel being No. 2 to Aamir? Shahrukh was addressing the media along with his Indian Premiere League team Kolkata Knight Rider's Captain Saurav Ganguly and a few other players like Ishant Sharma, Akash Chopra and Murali Karthik in Mumbai today. Also present at the event was Juhi Chawla, Jai Mehta, Gauri Khan and and Sanjay Kapoor.
âAamir is a dear friend and if he says that I'm second to him then it's a great compliment to himâ¦.oops that was a genuine slip of tongue (amidst peals of laughter)â¦I mean it's a great compliment to me. We are complete opposites. He is an intelligent, intellectual person, I'm more physical. I do things. He thinks them out. I know his jokes, he knows mine. He is 100% No. 1â¦I just said Kkkk Kiranâ¦he really loves Kkkkk Kiran (Again a round of collective laughter),â King Khan said lightheartedly.
While there were regular cricketing Q&A too but the Aamir-SRK controversy remained one of the big highlights of the press conference. When a poking journo reminded SRK about a statement, âThere's Chengez Khan and then there's Shahrukh Khanâ made before the release of Don on comparison with Salman (whose film Jaaneman was releasing simultaneously) and is Aamir upset that his name was excluded, SRK said, âThere's Aamir, then there's me and then there's Chengez Khan I guessâ¦that keeps changingâ¦.I'm proud of having learnt a lot from Aamir. One of my biggest desires in life is to do a film with Aamir and learn a lot from him. We should not belittle the importance of Aamir Khan by comparing with someone like me. He is a standalone, one of the nicest gentleman and actor in the country.â
As for the cricketing activities, King Khan showcased the hip shaking anthem Korbo Lorbo Jeetro Be which has been composed by Vishal-Shekhar, sung by Vishal Dadlani and directed by Ganesh Hegde. Yes, you shall see the OSO superstar showing a few mean dance moves in a novel attempt to glamourise cricket like never before. In an attempt to make cricket more entertaining, there was a live video conferencing with Knight Rider's mascot Hoog Lee, a laidback and fun Bengali tiger. And this is what Hoog Lee had to say:
Boys, girls, ladies and gentlemen
Let me bring you all 'the King's men'
We'll make you choke and lose your wicket
And I'm not just simply talking cricket
To slam a boundary or spin a googly
I'm your man and the name isâ¦..HOOG LEE!
The Creed of Kolkota Knight Riders is tough and aggressive having the hard core competitive streak exemplified by its owner itself. Time to check it out:
We fight for passion. We fight for glory.
We believe no dream is too big to achieve.
We believe in winning in the game of life in spite of all the odds.
We believe losing is not an option.
We are here to conquer.
We are the Knight Riders.
We are the King's Men. We rule!
The ruthless creed also rubs onto a few of the names coined for a few individual players. Well Saurav Ganguly (Captain Courageous) and Ricky Ponting (Master Blaster) are regular names but Chris Gayle (Weapon of Mass Destruction), Ishant Sharma (Speed Merchant), Umar Gul (Toe Crusher) and physiotherapist Andrew Leipus (The 'Shape-up' Doc) are both unorthodox, eye catching and makes you sayâ¦heyâ¦.when do the games beginâ¦Its April 18th that all of us waiting for. Isn't it!
Let's end on a lighter note. A journalist asked Shahrukh that with IPL all set the hog prime time television, what will happen to children looking forward to their cartoons or ladies desperate to follow up on their saas bahu serials. Wouldn't it cause discord in families? âVideocon ke chaar tv khareed loâ¦koi jhagde nahin hongeâ¦.(amidst laughter)â¦.tumhara answer bhi ho gaya aur meri branding bhi ho gayiâ¦(laughs all around once again).â
We shall bring all the action in the video of this event soon. And yes, a big plus will be an exclusive video interview with Shahrukh Khan coming your way tomorrow morning where SRK sings his team's anthemâ¦.only on Bollywood Hungama Broadband! Source: Indiafm.com Features | 13 Mar 2008 | 3:07 pm
Katrina Kaif may have lost the chance to be one of Ranbir's leading ladies in Yash Raj Films' Bachna Ae Haseenon. But the lady,
currently sizzling with Saif Ali Khan in the promos of Race, didn't have to wait long for Yash Raj to make amends. Katrina has now
been signed to star opposite Neil Nitin Mukesh in Kabir Khan's untitled film which also stars John Abraham in a pivotal role.
Without giving away much detail about the project Neil says, "Kabir made a very unusual film Kabul Express for Yash Raj earlier. This
time, he's going all-out to make a commercial film. I think Katrina and I will make a striking pair." Katrina who's paired with Ranbir Kapoor
in Raj Kumar Santoshi's Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani seems to be getting into the let's-get-young mode. All her earlier films are
primarily with the 40-plus Salman Khan, Govinda and Akshay Kumar. Now she's finally working with co-stars nearer her own age.
Laughs Neil, "I wouldn't know about that. My bonding so far has been with John. I really get along with him. He's so funny and entertaining.
Somehow he reminds me of Dharamji (Dharmendra) with whom I did my first film Johnny Gaddaar. The same towering personality and
physique and a heart of gold."
Let's hope the initial camaraderie lasts through the film. Considering what happened to John's dosti with Arshad Warsi during Kabir
Khan's Kabul Express, one wonders if the seedha-sadha Neil would be singing the same tune by the time he and John finish
shooting together.
Isn't it a disadvantage for Neil to start his career with two arty films like Sriram Raghavan's Johnny Gaddaar and Sudhir Mishra's
Tera Kya Hoga Johnny? "I think the two Johnny films are very different in mood. Tera Kya⦠is funny episodic film where me, Soha
Ali Khan, Kay Kay Menon and Karan Nath are four characters who meet this child, played by Sikandar. It's masala of a different kind.
It even has an item song by Chitrangada now." Sure, we can see queues clamouring to get in to see Chitrangada wriggle on the dance floor.
"But Freeze is out-and-out commercial, glamorous, glossy and sexy," Neil brightens up. Ando, he isn't called Johnny in Freeze. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 13 Mar 2008 | 2:20 pm
Nileish Malhotra, director and producer of the forthcoming film Monopoly- The Game Of Money, has signed a three films deal with a corporate. These films will be shot at various exotic locations in Europe.
When asked about the business house Nileish says, "Right now I cannot divulge the name because they have major plans and announcements to make in entertainment industry. As a corporate, they will talk about all the developments together. Only thing I can say is that these films are big and I am happy to be part of their team."
Nileish Malhotra is leaving for Scotland on March 15, 2008 to finalize locations for his new film Beyond Belief. The film's Director of Photography, Mr. Jack Conroy from Hollywood and Writer, Sheila Evans from London will be joining him in Scotland. Shoot of this film is planned towards the later part of this year in Scotland.
His current film on floors Monopoly- The Game Of Money stars Zeenat Aman, Karan Khanna, Nikita Anand, Rajat Bedi, Hina, Vivek Shauq and Nileish Malhotra and is 80% complete. The film's music is composed by Sukhwinder Singh, lyrics by Ibrahim Aks and cinematographer is Jack Conroy (three times nominated for Oscars) from Hollywood. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 13 Mar 2008 | 1:28 pm
The trend of trailers being attached to big films continues. The latest to get a boost in the theatres months ahead of release is Harman
Baweja's big epic star-launch Love Story 2050.
The film's slickly-cut trailer which has among other things, Priyanka Chopra in two different avatars and looks, Harman's rock-happy wizkid
dancing and loads and loads of FXâall within a few minutesâwill be seen with Abbas-Mustan's racy Race from March 21.
The trailer has been put together by the father-son duo (Harry- Harman). Harman is personally ensuring that the trailer goes to all the
centers with Race. "In fact, Harman has also closely collaborated in the scripting of Love Story 2050 and just might take
credit for co-scripting." Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 13 Mar 2008 | 1:06 pm
Sanjay Khanduri, who made a mark with his first ever directorial venture Ek Chalis Ki Last Local (2007), is going places. Other than being signed by Venus Films for a comedy that has thrill elements interspersed with it, Khanduri has now also bagged a project with Vipul Shah's Blockbuster Movie Entertainers.
The maker of films like Waqt - Race Against Time, Namastey London and Singh Is Kinng (which is currently on floors), Vipul Shah, has signed Sanjay Khanduri for a film which is going to be an out and out action entertainer.
Confirms Sanjay, "Yes, I have been signed by Vipul Shah. It is an interesting subject for me since it would have action in ample doses."
As per sources, the film is touted to be a multi crore extravaganza and would feature some never seen before stunts on the Indian screen. Khanduri does admit that the film is set on a huge scale though he prefers to keep mum on the exact amount which is expected to be spent on the film.
"It's the subject and its execution which is prevailing most in my mind currently", says Sanjay whose ECKLL not just garnered critical acclaim all over but also turned out to be a surprise success story. In fact though the film's theatrical run was limited, its DVD featured as a best seller for weeks in succession. Also, the film featured as one of the best to have come out of Bollywood when 2007 year end charts were being created.
"Of course it gives me a high to receive compliments till date for ECKLL. Anyways, now I am raring to get behind the camera again. The scripts for both the films (with Venus and Vipul Shah) are in good shape and I should be ready to kick start a project soon", says Sanjay excitedly.
How about murmurs that some of the top bracket star/actors have been sending him feelers about their interest in working with him? Laughs Sanjay, "Let something concrete happen and then we should be ready to talk. Yes, good things are certainly happening and the projects coming my way are prestigious as well. God willing, I should be able to deliver well with my next film too." Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 13 Mar 2008 | 12:53 pm
Emraan Hashmi is all set to acquire the latest BMW model — 2008's BMW Coupe (costing Rs 13-15 lakh). Emraan sounds surprised when asked, "How did you find out? Yes, I am getting the BMW in the next couple of months. I had bought my first car, a silver Accent ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Mar 2008 | 11:31 am
Ajay Devgan, who adorns the hot seat as one of the Judges of Zee's upcoming dance reality show, Rock N Roll Family took to a one day resolution when a family from Ghaziabad's thought-provoking dance on the theme, 'Smoking is injurious to health' touched his heart. Can you guess what ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Mar 2008 | 11:26 am
The Rs 40 crore budgeted Rajinikanth's animation film 'Sultan the Warrior' is expected to do the business worth Rs.100 crore, as informed by Soundarya Rajinikanth, the director of the film. According to Soundarya, the film is progressing at a brisk pace and more than 100 technicians are working round the ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Mar 2008 | 10:38 am
Shreya Saran has signed her second international project, but this time with noted filmmaker Deepa Metha. The actress, who debuted in Hindi with Mahesh Bhatt's Awarapan is visibly thrilled to have bagged a role in this international production titled as What's Cooking. The film is jointly produced by Deepa Mehta ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Mar 2008 | 10:28 am
Arun Vaidyanathan, a US based NRI is directing Prasanna and Sneha starrer Achchamundu Achchamundu, with the team of Madhu, who was worked in the team of The Lord of The Rings in Hollywood few years back. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Mar 2008 | 10:22 am
They say there cannot be smoke without fire. The rumours of Indian speedstar Sreesanth's romance with actress Priyanka Chopra started after they were spotted speaking on phone for hours. Now, their relationship is turning soapy, as they are endorsing a soap brand together. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Mar 2008 | 10:17 am
Superstar Rajinikanth released the audio CD of Gururaja Saranam, which comprised devotional songs on Sri Ragavendra, sung by Shobha Chandrasekar, Mother of leading actor Vijay on Monday at his residence.This album contains 7 songs sung by the multifaceted veteran in praise of Ragavendra. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Mar 2008 | 10:09 am
Yoga keeps a person fit in mind and heart, and it looks like our telly stars have started to realize it now! The latest to fall into the art of keeping fit through yoga is Solhah Singaar actress, Akangsha Rawat who finds an enormous difference after taking to a new ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Mar 2008 | 9:55 am
After Arasangam, the new project of Captain Vijayakanth Engal Aasan has been launched by the actor today at AVM with a simple pooja. Produced by Thangaraj behalf of Youvasri Creations, the film has two heroines for Vijayakanth. According to RK Kalaimani, the director of the film, the names of the ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Mar 2008 | 9:53 am
Shooting of the film, Ullasamgaa... Utsahamgaa, directed by Karunakaran, jointly produced by BP Somu and GS Ranganath on the banner of Amarnath Arts, with new comers Yasho Sagar and Sneha Ullal has ended successful and the movie is now in its re-recording stage. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Mar 2008 | 9:47 am
Click above for more stills
Samsung telecommunications India (STI), a design and technology leader in the Indian mobile market, today, announced the appointment of actor Aamir Khan as its brand ambassador for Samsung mobile phones in India.
Announcing Aamir Khan as Samsung's ambassador for mobile phones, stated Mr. H. B. Lee, president & CEO, Samsung southwest Asia headquarters, "The Samsung brand stands for qualities of innovation, change, discovery, self-expression, and excellence in performance. And these very same qualities are epitomized by Aamir Khan, whose quality and depth of work as well as versatility as an actor, have made him a much loved and respected actor in India today. We are indeed very proud and privileged to have him as our brand ambassador."
The company plans to leverage Aamir in its brand advertising as well as product advertising for mobile phones. In sync with its thrust on introducing innovative products, Samsung today announced its new brand positioning for Samsung mobiles, which is reflected in its new, spunky, tagline - 'next is what ?' being used in all its communication material for mobiles .
Living up to its promise of 'next is what?', Samsung today announced the launch of five new, sleek and stylish Samsung mobile phones that exemplify cutting edge technology and design innovation. The new handset range targets consumers across the multimedia (imaging and music), business lifestyle, and popular segments. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 13 Mar 2008 | 9:41 am
Diamond merchant and film financer Bharat Shah has come under the scanner of the Income Tax (IT) department, which conducted raids at his office and residence here Thursday. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Mar 2008 | 9:30 am
Although this is going to be Aishwarya Rai's first Holi after her wedding, the Bachchan family is not planning to celebrate the festival this year. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Mar 2008 | 8:00 am
India may have started the process of economic reforms rather late compared to China, but it has since opened up to the world much faster than the Chinese as far as the entertainment business is concerned, says Hollywood trade magazine Variety. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Mar 2008 | 5:31 am
Popular playback singer Richa Sharma, known for her folk-flavoured, lively and soulful singing, claims that her voice and style of singing are exclusive. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Mar 2008 | 5:30 am
Bollywood showman Subhash Ghai is puzzled with reports that more than 'The Devil's Own', his recent release 'Black and amp; White' seems to replicate Joseph Costelo's 'The War Within', where a closet terrorist arrives in New York, befriends a benign Muslim family and plans to blow up the Grand Central. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Mar 2008 | 5:30 am
The Bhatt brothers - Mahesh and Mukesh - who always pride themselves on the independent status of their production banner, Vishesh Films, have finally succumbed to the market dynamics. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Mar 2008 | 5:00 am
Now that their relationship is out in the open, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone seem to have become the most talked-about couple in the Hindi film industry overnight. And Imtiaz Ali of 'Jab We Met' fame will direct them in another Pepsi advertisement. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Mar 2008 | 3:00 am
Katrina Kaif, who's paired with Ranbir Kapoor in Raj Kumar Santoshi's 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani', seems to be getting into the let's-get-young mode. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Mar 2008 | 3:00 am
After making lengthy films like 'Lagaan' and 'Jodhaa Akbar', Ashutosh Gowariker says it's time to make a short length film. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Mar 2008 | 3:00 am
Britain-based novelist and scriptwriter Farrukh Dhondy has been roped in to pen a Bollywood thriller for Parvez Damania's newly launched production company and says it won't be a typical masala film because that is not his cup of tea. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Mar 2008 | 3:00 am
What is the motivating factor behind the idea of music wizard A.R. Rahman’s new Conservatory and Symphony Orchestra? It is nothing but his passion towards the music, said the young genius while talking to the media on the occasion of announcing the launch of the projects Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 13 Mar 2008 | 12:00 am
BLACK & WHITE wasnt expected to open well but a shockingly poor response has got another red in Bollywoods report card this year. There were empty houses all around for this Subhash Ghai film which in spite of being reasonably well promoted couldnt entice an audience. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 13 Mar 2008 | 12:00 am
Finally it is out, and out right from the horse’s mouth. Deepika the latest most wanted girl of Bollywood has divulged that she is dating Ranbir. It was just hardly a month back that there was news all over the papers that Deepika had called it quits with her ex-boy friend cricketer Yuvraj Singh. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 13 Mar 2008 | 12:00 am
Queen of pop Madonna has expressed a desire to minimise her live concerts, and to perform more and more in opera houses. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 12 Mar 2008 | 11:43 pm
The makers of a new film about the Taj Mahal hope to have an edge over previous attempts with an epic romance that appeals to both Indian and Western audiences. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 12 Mar 2008 | 11:43 pm
American pop princess Britney Spears, who has been trying to keep herself in shape for an upcoming video, has decided to use an animated version of her sleek self instead. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 12 Mar 2008 | 11:43 pm
Dame Julie Andrews has revealed in her autobiography that her stepfather tried to kiss her as a child. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 12 Mar 2008 | 11:43 pm
Brendan Gleeson has signed on to join Matt Damon, Greg Kinnear, Amy Ryan and Jason Isaacs in Paul Greengrass` untitled Green Zone thriller, for Universal and Working Title. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 12 Mar 2008 | 11:43 pm
"I am a hard-core musician," claims Ishq Bector who had come a long way from the song 'Shaadi Jo Kiya Tune To Ab Nakhre
Bhi Utha' in Barsaat to the title track of Ugly Aur Pagli. Certified in Chinese Medicine with forte in Acupuncture,
Ishq Bector is an ex-student of Roshan Taneja film studio in Mumbai. "As a gift for graduating, my father enrolled me into Roshan
Tuneja's film studio to cultivate my acting skills which have also been very beneficial for my music videos. So, I mainly did it for
music but I feel, it will help me in all sorts of facets."
Talking about his first break in Bollywood, he informs, "I would give credit to Salim of Salim-Suleman. He saw me singing in a club
and immediately signed me and recommended to Sunil Darshan for Barsaat where not only did I sing but even shared
screen space with Bipasha and Bobby."
And then there was no looking back for Ishq, he has penned songs for Dhoom and rap portions for the title track of
Race and 'Baby Doll' in Pyaar Ke Side Effects. And off late, has signed a 3 songs deal with Anu Malik, with
'Aankhan Wich Aankhan Nu Rehna De' in Ugly Aur Pagli, the first one sung with Anushka. He further says, "I have not
written songs for Ugly Aur Pagli but before lending my voice I made certain changes which I feel were necessary in the
song."
Ishq has also sung the title track of Maan Gaye Mughal-E-Azam and 'Aankhen Na Dikha Nanga Kardenge Yahan' in
Sagar Ballary's Kaccha Limboo which is picturized on kids in the school assembly. And last but not the least a song titled
'Kala Jaadu' in Faroukh Kabir's Allah Ke Banday.
Ishq Bector's latest music album 'Aye Hip Hopper' and 'Dakku Daddy' are already popular among youngsters. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 12 Mar 2008 | 3:36 pm
After making a Hindi film debut as a main lead in Kuku Kohli directed Woh Tera Naa Tha, Arjan Bajwa chose to lie low
before bouncing back in Guru.
As a suave businessman who was finding ways to create an establishment of his own in a resurgent India post independence,
Arjan Bajwa changed colors from his lover boy image created in Woh Tera Naa Tha and came up with a fine portrayal of a
young man with negative shades.
"But it wasn't as if I was out in cold and suddenly decided to face the camera again", exclaims Arjan who has now been penciled in
for Fashion to play the leading role opposite Priyanka Chopra, "I was busy meeting filmmakers and was even finalized for
quite a few major projects before last moment changes happened."
Would he care to share about these films? "I was finalized for major roles in Rang De Basanti, Gangster and Anurag
Kashyap's yet-to-be-released Gulal. Suddenly, I was told that I won't be making it for these films. But that's ok, it happens. I
am not new to showbiz. Though I am looked as a newcomer in Bollywood, not many are aware that I have done five movies down
south in full-fledged lead roles. When I compare myself with some new entrants or fresh blood in Mumbai, I feel like a veteran,"
laughs Arjan.
A Delhi based Punjabi boy like him in South films. Sounds a little bizarre, isn't it? "Yes, bizarre it does sound. You see Punjabi
girls going to South and making a career. But guess what? A Punjabi boy being successful and accepted in South film industry is
a rare scenario. I believe people out there trust me to be indigenous enough," winks Arjan.
His heart though was always beating to make it big in Bollywood. He kept meeting filmmakers of repute until Guru
happened. "You would be further surprised to know that when I went in for audition, it was for the role which Madhavan played
eventually", informs Arjan.
And what happened next? Arjan reveals, "Yet again, I was almost finalized before Madhavan stepped in. Good for him and good
for me too! Because I got the negative role of the businessman who had some of the best scenes along with Abhishek Bachchan
in the first half. I am glad that compliments still keep coming in even though the film was released more than a year back."
However, for the time being, Arjan won't be playing a negative role. In Fashion, he would be seen in a positive part as
Priyanka Chopra's love interest. "When Madhur sir calls for a role, you don't think twice. It was as simple as he telling me that
'Arjan, I have a role for you' and me replying 'Thank you sir, where and when do I have to report'? It's a great platform for me and I
am going to make full use of it," declares Arjan confidently. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 12 Mar 2008 | 1:13 pm
A zara-hatke debut, playing a gaddaar in his first film, then his performance being critically acclaimed by top reviewers,
followed by him getting nominated in all award functions. And if that wasn't enough, pause.......now read - he is the hottest pin-up boy of
the Hindi Film Industry, his presence is seen on Dabboo Ratnani's and Subi Samuel's calendars and the only actor in the Indian cinema fondly
called as a Hrithik Roshan look-alike by his fans. Put your hands together for Johnny...oops... Neil Nitin Mukesh, as he chats about his
past, present and future.
Your grey shades in Johnny Gaddaar have shown many colours than just one as far as your acting is concerned. Is it right in saying that
Johnny is not a gaddaar?
(laughs) Johnny Gaddaar has been a colourful opening for me as a debutant and I hope that the consistency remains. Critical acclaim is the
biggest gain anyone can get in their first film. And it's not only the critics who've appreciated the film, it all goes to show that the
audiences have taste for different cinema and are now accepting the change.
I hope the U.K audiences buy the original DVD of Johnny Gaddaar and watch it. I bet they'll
enjoy it.
So when you say that the audiences are accepting the change, were you sad to know that the film wasn't released theatrically in the U.K
considering that it was your debut film?
Of course. Any actorâs first film not getting released in the U.K is sad. But then it's up to the producers and distributors to decide. Yes,
I am amazed at the fact that the film wasn't released in the U.K in spite of the vast Hindi movie-goer population. But you shouldn't forget
that the overseas Asians like more of the masala entertainers and family dramas unlike Johnny Gaddaar being a suspense thriller with a
very versatile line up of stars topped with a new comer like me. I hope the U.K audiences buy the original DVD of Johnny Gaddaar and
watch it. I bet they'll enjoy it.
Grandson of India's finest playback singer, Late Mukeshji, son of singer Nitin Mukesh. Then why not build your career in singing?
Actorâs son is always an actor. That's what our Hindi Film Industry has seen over many decades. But norms are meant to be broken. Just as a
doctorâs son need not be a doctor, singerâs son need not be a singer. As long as the creativity side is there, I think that's more important
and that's what I've got.
Only one film old and you're the hottest pin-up boy, not only on the posters but even on Dabboo Ratnani, Subi Samuel and the Pink calendar
for the breast cancer awareness. Did you see this coming?
I am the calendar boy of the year (laughs). I guess it's what the people from the industry want to try. Directors like Sriram Raghavan
gambled by making Johnny Gaddaar as far as the cast and script was concerned, but the risk paid off only because he had faith and
confidence in himself. Dabboo and Subi must have had the same thinking what my director had before taking me on board. So I'm not at all
surprised and shocked, but happy. Yes, I couldn't see all this coming post Johnny Gaddaar.
Sriram Raghavan gambled by making Johnny Gaddaar as far as the cast and script was
concerned, but the risk paid off only because he had faith and confidence in himself
Let's talk about competition and nominations. So, many debutants come every year but only a handful stand out. Last year it was you and
Ranbir Kapoor from the male list. How fierce is the battle?
It's not a battle nor competition, and as far as nomination is concerned, it's rewards which matter to me the most than awards. I think
awards are in the house because Ranbir is like a brother to me and Rishi uncle is like a father. So, whoever wins doesn't matter and I have
no regrets. Ranbir is deserving. Talking about me, last year there were 26 debutants and 2 being nominated, you can't say more. I am thankful
to all those who have considered me for nominations.
What's Johnny...sorry...Neil going to do next?
I've just finished shooting for my next release titled Tera Kya Hoga Johnny directed by Sudhir Mishra and after that I'm doing a film
with Madhur Bhandarkar titled Fashion. Once that's done, I'm going to do a film with Eros International. I'm also doing a film with
Percept Pictures.
Is this all because of Johnny Gaddaar that you're getting so many offers?
You have hit the nail on the head. Yes, you're right. All the films I've signed and am doing right now are because of my debut in Johnny
Gaddaar. I did get some offers before Johnny Gaddaar released but after itâs after the filmâs release that a lot is being spoken
about my praise worthy talent by my critics and fans alike.
The word 'Johnny' seems to be your lucky charm. What's Tera Kya Hoga Johnny all about?
Tera Kya Hoga Johnny is not about me (laughs). Johnny is played by a 15 year old boy from Jharkhand. It's got 2 stories which run
parallel to each other and Johnny gets connected in both the stories. One of the protagonists is Preeti played by Soha Ali Khan and the other
is played by me. In the film, both the protagonists keep thinking what's going to happen with Johnny and Johnny keeps thinking what's going
to happen with them. My character is called Parvez in the film who comes from Ahmedabad and wants to make it really big but he lands up into
a lot of s**t and nonsense because of a lot of things. Tera Kya Hoga Johnny should release this June.
I think awards are in the house because Ranbir is like a brother to me and Rishi uncle is
like a father
Are we now going to see you more often in thriller genre or are you going to do some popcorn flicks too?
It was a deliberate move from my end that I first wanted to venture out in a film like Johnny Gaddaar only for the people and critics
to take me seriously as an actor. I am continuing to do that with Tera Kya Hoga Johnny but after that I'm trying to get into the
commercial side, films for which have already been signed. So, hopefully you'll be seeing much more of me than just Johnny.
Your fans still think you are the only Hrithik Roshan look-alike in the industry. What does your mirror tell you?
(laughs) I wouldn't call myself as a look-alike. Many people think that. For me personally, it's a very big thing. If you are comparing me
with one of the best looking men in the world then I will grab it as a huge compliment. Hrithik works very hard, he is superb in all his
performances, he is the best dancer in our industry, and it's going to take me many years to even come to the level of grace and sharpness
that Hrithik possesses.
It's going to take me many years to even come to the level of grace and sharpness that
Hrithik possesses
Are we going to see you lend your voice in Hindi Films as a one off thing if not as a playback singer?
Yes, why not. Trend is changing and so are our films and our audiences. With so many actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt, etc
lending their voice in Hindi Films, I think I should also give it a try and I have a right to do that because I belong to the family of
singers.
Any message you'd like to convey to your fans through Bollywood Hungama?
For all my fans, please keep loving me and keep on watching my films. I hope I can sustain the good work for all my life and cater to all
your needs. God Bless! Source: Indiafm.com Features | 12 Mar 2008 | 12:50 pm
MUMBAI (Reuters) - The makers of a new film about the Taj Mahal hope to have an edge over previous attempts with an epic romance that appeals to both Indian and Western audiences.
More than Alan Pukula's The Devil's Own Subhash Ghai's Black & White seems to replicate Joseph Costelo's The
War Within where a closet terrorist arrives in New York, befriends a benign Muslim family and plans to blow up the Grand
Central. Subhash Ghai is puzzled. "I've never heard of The War Within. In Devil's Own the terrorist succeeds in his
mission. In Black & White, the point is that we need to kill terrorism not terrorists. That really touched me. As for the
similarities, in world cinema there're 36 plots, only 4 in Mumbai. Sometimes we stretch it to 4.5. Black & White does
that."
One of the unique aspects of Black & White is the casting of the veteran stage actor Habib Tanvir. "Casting for the part of
the young terrorist (played by debutant Anurag Sinha) and for this wise old man of Chandni Chowk was very tough. I got Habib
Saab to play a man who sheltered Hindus in his home during the Partition. Eventually, he sold away all his property for a pittance.
Finding the right actor with a specific heritage, culture, personality and face was really tough. I didn't want to cast anybody
stereotypical or stagey. Even Dilip Kumar Saab wouldn't have worked. My casting agent suggested Habib Tanvir. He was reluctant
to begin with me. He wondered what he'd do in a Subhash Ghai film! I told Habib Saab, 'Subhash Ghai has gone crazy. He wants to
make an unusual film.' When he heard me out he loved my subject and my command of Urdu."
But some bitter reviews have left Ghai undeterred. "They aren't angry with my film. They're angry with Subhash Ghai. Hai Allah,
tumne kyon chhod diya naach-gaana. When I was doing naach-gana films I was told, 'You've opened an acting school
Now make a sensible film.' Now that I've made a sensible film they're wondering what has happened to Subhash Ghai. They're
judging Subhash Ghai, not the film. I had a story that I needed to tell at this point of my career. I'm not demoralized by the reviews.
The world has torn Jesus and Gandhi into shreds. Who am I? Today even M. F Husain isn't in our country⦠These brickbats don't
matter to me."
Ghai reminisces about the ups and downs in his career. "According to my critics I had a thud in1982 when Krodhi didn't
work after two hits Kalicharan and Vishwanath. Then after Krodhi, I made three hits-Vidhaata, Karz and
Hero. Then when Trimurti didn't work in 1993 they wrote that Subhash Ghai had lost his magic. I bounced back with
Khalnayak, Pardes and Taal. Then the moment Yaadein opened badly they decided to write me off on Friday
itself ⦠Now I understand one thing. Today there's a lot of change in the media. The hunger for news today drives the media to
extremes. Abhishek-Aishwarya getting married peacefully isn't news. Some crazed girl barging into the wedding claiming to be
his wife is bigger news. In the 1980s, there were only six newspapers and one TV channel. Today, there're eighty TV channels and
forty newspapers. The media is busy creating vertical rather than horizontal news. I'm immune to these gaalis. If ten people of
caliber have appreciated Black & White why should I be bothered with five people who think a theme like terrorism is an
occasion for them to be clever and cheeky with their words?"
There's jubilation at Ghais' office. "We're very happy with Black & White. We're uncorking champagne and celebrating.
Never mind the personal slant of the comments. Have they said anything nice about Jodhaa Akbar or any other recent film?
God bless them. Because even readers are laughing at these opinionated critics. There're actors who are serious entertainers, the
others are comedians. Some of our media commentators have become light entertainers. They're only interested in playing with
words. They've the right to spoof my reviews, if it makes them happy."
Ghai says he was prompted by the world around him to make Black & White. "Music of a different sufi kind has been used in
Black & White. Music has always been important in my films. Taal was a full-on musical because it was about
musicians. Although Karz was a murder mystery it was still formated as a musical. In Black & White there's no place
for music. The protagonist doesn't like music. The music had to be the kind that the protagonist somehow had to tolerate. Anurag
Sinha's character had to go through a change. And that music had to be part of that change. The explosion finally happens within
him rather than outside. I asked my composer Sukhvinder to give me a score that had no disco or item songs. How many critics
have noticed this?"
For those who think Black & White isn't Subhash Ghai's territory, the Showman has an answer. "Tell me, haven't I made
Jogger's Park earlier? Black & White was shot over a period of 40 days at Chandni Chowk at a cost of 6.5 crore
rupees. It's a profitable venture, no matter how we look at it. I'm happy for my debutant hero Anurag Sinha. I really like that boy.
He's a very good actor and a humble human being. He's an educated soft-spoken boy from a good family. Mumbai hasn't polluted
him as yet. No matter what the fate of Black & White, I'll make another film with him."
He is optimistic to the core. "My next film Yuvraaj is a typical Subhash Ghai film. I've enjoyed big sets sounds and moving
with the times. Yuvraaj is ahead of its times. I'm lucky to have A. R. Rahman to compose the music .We're planning a Diwali
release."
In Yuvraaj, Ghai works with Salman Khan for the first time. "Whatever I had heard about him was wrong. He loved my script.
Then he started loving me. Trust me not once has he questioned me about the scenes and dialogues. He obeys my instructions.
He's a delight to work with. I like stars who've full faith in me." Source: Indiafm.com Features | 12 Mar 2008 | 11:10 am
