He is a mad man of television and films who entertains audiences worldover with his motor-mouthed brand of humor and animated facial expressions of celebrities from all walks of life to a common man. You've also seen him in last year's laugh riot, Partner, in a brief role who 'loves the game of cricket only because the players tamper with the ball.' Need I say more? So, if you're a fan of Suresh Menon, you'll definitely enjoy reading what he had to say in this exclusive interview which left me laughing even after I finished talking to him.
Is it a norm that people now have to do stage and be a stand up comedian to enter films as a comedian?
No. I've always been an actor more than an anchor or a stand up comedian. The first show I did on television was 'Main Bhi Detective' where we were meant to act like slippers, knives, iron boxes, rooms, etc. It was a weird experience. But when I joined ETC, I was made to interview a few celebrities which was boring. So, I started taking different get-ups of stars and took on one character in each episode. It came across very well and that was my calling. I realized that I've got this ability to go into the skin of the character. If somebody were to open up my brain, they would find a bit of Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar and many more. There are many things, which go into the mind of an actor, and my mind is clustered with lot of things.
If somebody were to open up my brain, they would find a bit of Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar and many more.
After a hectic day when you want to watch a light and entertaining program, you have to tune into any of the Suresh Menon shows. And it's not only TV but you're now seen more often in films too. How do you manage so many shows and yet be a part of a few films?
That's been a beauty because I just love doing comedy. I try and adjust my dates and then myself (laughs). Believe me, it's sometimes very tough. There have been nights where I've not slept for continuously four to five days at a stretch. From 9 am to 9 pm I'm somewhere shooting. Then from 9 pm to 9 am the other day I'm doing another show or a film. I go home, have a shower, and rush straight back to the shoot. I love what I am doing and thus never get tired. Sometimes I've performed my best shot because of my lack of sleep. When you enjoy what you're doing, you put in more hours in the office and that's been a blessing for me.
Boman Irani once said, "It's time that our Hindi Film Industry realized the true potential of actors like Ranvir Shorey." I think the same applies to you too. But why realize the potential now? Why not five to six years ago? Where was the Hindi Film Industry then?
I'm not saying that we haven't done good work five or six years ago. But the fact is that in the last five years television and cinema viewing has changed unbelievably. People are willing to experiment with films like Bheja Fry and Mithya and shows like 'The Great Indian Comedy' show based on the lines of 'Saturday Night Live'. So things fell into place and that became such a good place to be in. I've myself experimented with a lot of characters in that particular show. But my best reason for all this happening now is that everything happens at the right time. You may be Mr. Bachchan or Shah Rukh Khan or anybody but its only when God decides that this is their time to be on the top. What timing! (laughs)
But the fact is that in the last five years television and cinema viewing has changed unbelievably. People are willing to experiment
Brief us through your filmy career.
I started my filmy career with Priyadarshan and Yash Chopra films, Kabhi Na Kabhi, Doli Saja Ke Rakhna and Dil To Pagal Hai. Then I did Badhai Ho Badhai for which I was nominated as the Best comedian at the Zee Cine Awards. I also enjoyed doing Deewane Huye Paagal. There were many more films but now comes the mother of all films. Krazzy 4, my first film as a lead actor after 14 years. That's an achievement (laughs)
Krazzy 4, my first film as a lead actor after 14 years. That's an achievement.
Let's talk about the crazy Suresh Menon of Krazzy 4.
My role is of a mentally challenged person who can't talk because of his insecurities and fears. He is like a guy who can and can't communicate and Arshad Warsi is the guy who looks after him. All the four men are shown as a bunch of crazy lunatics. They pose a question to the audience if it is the audience who is mad or is it that all four are actually mad.
It must be peanuts for you to enact the role of a mentally challenged person with such precision and ease. Isn't it?
Yes. Rakesh Roshan told me that he didn't want me to do a caricature of a mentally challenged man. He wanted a normal person who has got this problem and that's why he doesn't talk. I understood what he meant. So I started making weird faces what other mentally challenged person don't do. That was the best part. Ultimately, I thought of myself as a cute crazy character. Actually, I started questioning myself that how I can look so cute (laughs). There is something wrong, as the team must have used some special effects (laughs).
Rakesh Roshan told me that he didn't want me to do a caricature of a mentally challenged man. He wanted a normal person who has got this problem and that's why he doesn't talk.
What expectations have you got from Krazzy 4?
All four of us, Irrfan, Arshad, Rajpal Yadav and myself have batted really well. Now it is up to the audience how they bat with us. I hope they don't hit us with the same bat (laughs). After all, Life is cricket in India as we say.
Many celebrities have quit TV for cinema. You've maintained the balance between the two. Is it right in saying that you should have a spare wheel in your car?
Absolutely (laughs). I am a television boy. I love television and there is no question about me quitting that medium. Even as we speak right now, I am seriously trying to follow one ambition of mine that is to set up a 24-hour comedy channel in our country. That's something I need to do and have to do. Films will come. I'm not denying that. I am in a good situation right now. I don't have to do films because it's my bread and butter. I do films because I meet good people and work with good people. My motto in life is that when you're working, you must also enjoy. If you can't enjoy then better not work or quit your job.
I am seriously trying to follow one ambition of mine that is to set up a 24-hour comedy channel in our country.
What comes to your mind when I take the names of Ranvir Shorey, Vinay Pathak, and Raju Srivastav?
Ranvir Shorey, after Mithya, has raised a bar for actors...and thankfully, I'm not one of them (laughs). SRK, Salman, Saif, etc all have to be careful now. Vinay has already proved himself after doing Bheja Fry. Raju Srivastav is the best stand up comedian India has ever produced. He has got the pulse of rural and urban India. He is always a good laugh when Gajodhar comes to a high society party. All the names you've mentioned can be described as geniuses.
Ranvir Shorey, after Mithya, has raised a bar for actors...and thankfully, I'm not one of them (laughs). SRK, Salman, Saif, etc all have to be careful now.
What about Akshay Kumar? Do you rate him as one of the best comic actors?
Akshay has done so much comedy along with Paresh Rawal that he is now an expert in his timings and sense of humor. He has really come a long way. But Akki will always be stuck with an image of a hero. He must be thinking that I'm a star, how much more comedy will I do (laughs). Watch out for Akshay Kumar's releases next year. He'll have much better releases.
Name six comedy films you can watch again and again.
Padosan, Golmaal, Bombay to Goa, Andaz Apna Apna, Bheja Fry, and Dhamaal. But for some reason I also like Sunday. That makes it seven.
Name your favorite comic actors.
Mehmood-saab, Johnny Walker, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav and not to forget, Johnny Lever. But you will be surprised to know that it was Amitabh Bachchan who started the trend of humorous comedy in Amar Akbar Anthony just like what Ranvir, Vinay and Akshay Kumar do in their films now-a-days.
It was Amitabh Bachchan, who started the trend of humorous comedy in Amar Akbar Anthony
Why should one go and watch Krazzy 4?
Firstly, because I will get a lot of work after the film releases (laughs). All four of us have done an honest job including the director. It's an out an out comedy film and I bet people will enjoy it. You have to be crazy to watch it.
Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
Can't say about the next few years but when I will be 65, I will definitely be in some asylum or a mental hospital where people will be looking at me and saying - Hey, this is the same mad man from television and films who finally is in the right place at the wrong time (laughs).
Before we part, could you share with the Bollywood Hungama readers two of your favorite jokes?
There is one joke, which I always tell everybody and that is - My wife likes reading a lot of books (laughs). And the second one is not a joke but after doing a lot of scientific research, I came to a conclusion that in a marriage procession when I see the 'Dulha's' friends dancing in front of the 'ghodi', 99% of them are married men and they dance to welcome the 'Dulha' in their company of misery. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 20 Mar 2008 | 12:51 pm
If you thought that Women's Day was over, then you better think again, for the 'Brand Ambassador' of women power- Pooja Bhatt- is leaving no stone unturned in taking the Raigad cops head on.
She vocally criticized the Raigad cops for failing to nab the culprits, who on Saturday, had hit two nuns on their private parts and attempted to strip them in Alibaug. And the adivasi women who had tried to save them were also attacked. The mob reasoned the attack by saying that hat the nuns was influencing the adivasis to turn to their faith.
Pooja backed these nuns saying that she has personally seen them build 200 homes for adivasis with proper sanitation and that she had personally spoken to the adivasis about them being influenced into Christianity and the tribals denied such charges. She also elucidated that she was against forcible or induced conversion, by giving her own family background as an example. Source: Indiafm.com News | 20 Mar 2008 | 12:42 pm
With less than a month to go for the biggest cricketing extravaganza - IPL, the franchisees are leaving no stone unturned to create maximum awareness for their respective teams.
King Khan recently held press conferences in Mumbai and Kolkata for his team Kolkata Knight Riders where he unveiled the logo, the theme song (composed by Vishal-Shekhar) and in the process had a field-day with the media. We had even earlier informed you of Preity Zinta having roped in Sajid- Wajid and Daler Mehndi for her team song. In fact last week, even the Bangalore Royal Challengers, owned by Dr. Vijay Mallya had announced their plans for an ad and a promotional video which would feature Rahul Dravid along with Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone.
Now it seems like the promotion isn't enough for the teams. News has it that Shah Rukh Khan has apparently approached veteran music composer Bappi Lahiri to compose some more songs for his team. Bappi would be composing three songs which would be sung by him, Usha Uthup, and a Bengali band called Bhoomi. The songs would be recorded some time next week and you never know King Khan may himself croon some lines.
Meanwhile, Preity Zinta recently shot for her music video for her Mohali team. The video is made under Preity's company called P Zinta Film World and is directed by ad filmmaker Ram Madhvani who recently directed the 'Bheja Kam' track for Aamir Khan's Taare Zameen Par. The music of the video has a Punjabi flavor with Bhangra King Daler Mehndi lending his vocals and Sajid- Wajid (Partner, Welcome) composing the music.
Well seems like right now, cricket seems to be on top of the mind for some of our top Bollywood stars. Source: Indiafm.com News | 20 Mar 2008 | 12:40 pm
Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has been accused of abusing her driver both physically and verbally after he asked her to give directions to the sets of `Faashion` in which Kangana plays a leading role. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 20 Mar 2008 | 11:49 am
Production house Pritish Nandy Communications Ltd (PNC) has struck a Rs 18 bn ($45 mn) deal with DQ Entertainment (DQE), one of the world`s top most animation, VFX and gaming companies, to co-develop and co-produce six animation movies over the next four years. The deal is considered to be one of the most expensive deals in the animation industry. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 20 Mar 2008 | 11:49 am
The movie studio behind the upcoming James Bond film, "Quantum of Solace," has moved the British release date forward by one week to Oct. 31, a spokesman for Columbia Pictures said on Wednesday. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 20 Mar 2008 | 11:49 am
Sarah Jessica Parker has revealed her disgust and sadness over being voted the World`s Unsexiest Woman in a men`s mag poll. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 20 Mar 2008 | 11:49 am
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Abhishek Bachchan took a day off from his hectic schedule to do some additional shooting for Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar Raaj before he flew off to Miami to join Karan Johar's crew for Tarun Mansukhani's Dostana.
According to Ramu, "There were a few vital close-ups of Abhishek that I wanted to add to the film, so before anyone jumps to the conclusion that I re-shot my film, let me quickly clear the air. I think Abhishek excels in silent close-ups. Not too many actors of his generation know how to hold silences on camera. I made him do that in Naach. And I just thought a few tight close-ups would add to the drama in Sarkar Raaj."
According to Ramu, Abhishek has given yet another riveting performance in Sarkar Raaj after Guru. "I wouldn't even compare the two performances on any level except that intensity that Abhishek brings to both the roles. Abhishek and Aishwarya in Sarkar Raaj will be very different from Guru. And if you ask me, he has gone far beyond what he did in Sarkar."
Ramu adds, "Abhishek is looking really thin these days. For those who are writing that he's frantically gyming to lose weight here's some disappointing news. I don't think Abhishek can lose any more weight."
On Tuesday night Abhishek left for Miami to do what he calls a fun film on the beach. Before that he tried to spend as much time as possible with wife Aishwarya who, incidentally, is trying juggle domestic duties with script readings.
Says a source, "After the success of Jodhaa Akbar the offers are phenomenal. The Bachchans, especially Jaya, who gave up her career at her prime, are delighted. They thought her marital status would inhibit her career. But the offers are pouring in. Besides Shankar's Robot, Aishwarya has already said yes to Sriram Raghavan's film with John Abraham and Ben Kingsley's Taj Mahal project which also has Bipasha Basu."
Not surprising to see Bipasha in an Aishwarya project because the former has hired the latter's American agent to handle her work and hopes to see some of the international projects coming her way. Source: Indiafm.com News | 20 Mar 2008 | 10:15 am
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Rumours linking the lovely Raima Sen with cricketer Yuvraaj Singh have her embarrassed and scared. Embarrassed, because there's nothing to it. Says the spirited and honest actress, "These rumours linking me with Yuvraj are ridiculous. Just because we partied together in Delhi, it doesn't mean I'm seeing him, for God's sake. How provincial can the paparazzi get?"
So where and how did Raima meet Yuvraaj? "We met at the India Fashion Week chatted and were friendly. Bas, the Delhi media went berserk linking us. Trust me there's nothing on between us. If there was I'd be the first to talk about it."
In fact, Raima who was last seen in the dubbed Hindi version of the Bengali film Anuranan claims there's no one in her life at the moment. "And if such baseless link-ups continue, no man would want to be linked with me. They'd think I'm already seeing someone."
Raima is currently focusing with full ferocity on her career. "I've some really terrific roles and films lined up including Aparna Sen's The Japanese Wife and Rituparno Ghosh's Khela. I've no time for love! And barely any time for family."
Raima has been in and out of Kolkata visiting her ailing grandmother the legendary Suchitra Sen. "Fortunately, she's out of danger and out of hospital now." Source: Indiafm.com News | 20 Mar 2008 | 10:04 am
Post the success of Jodhaa Akbar, Hrithik Roshan is on a high. Hrithik who is quite a favorite in the endorsement circle, was announced as the brand ambassador of the new, improved Cinthol range of soaps, talc and deo at a function in Mumbai yesterday (March 19)
Cinthol the popular and much-loved brand of Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), unleashed '24-hour confidence' with its new range of soaps, talc and deo sprays in three exciting fragrances - Classic, Cologne and Sport in a trendy new packaging. Even its earlier products Cinthol fresh soap and Cinthol regular soap will now be available in a new and exciting packaging.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs Tanya Dubash (Executive Director and President-Marketing of Godrej Industries), said "The new Cinthol range stands for confidence of achievers who constantly strive to realize their aspirations without stopping. Cinthol gives them '24-Hour Confidence' and enables them to lead a 'Don't Stop Life'. Hrithik Roshan was chosen as the brand ambassador as he exudes confidence and doesn't stop till he meets the high benchmarks he sets for himself"
Hrithik added, "It's an honour for me to be associated with a brand like Cinthol which has such a strong legacy. As Cinthol is all about '24- Hour confidence', energy and a 'Don't Stop Life' attitude, it was very natural for me to associate with this brand. Its in perfect sync with my lifestyle and attitude"
So, get ready to see Duggu flaunt his macho look for this commercial soon. Source: Indiafm.com News | 20 Mar 2008 | 9:44 am
Writer Jayamohan has refused to seek public apology for his 'abusive' comments on Tamil Cinema legends MGR and Sivaji Ganesan and opted out from the film Angadi Theru, produced by Ayngaran International. He conveyed this to the production house and the director of the film Vasantha Balan. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Mar 2008 | 8:58 am
The Disco Dancer as he is fondly called, Mithun Chakraborty is a proud father today, as his son Mimoh would soon make his debut on the silver screen with the film Jimmy. Here is the Star Son, Mimoh talking about the film and the terrible accident that laid him low ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Mar 2008 | 8:49 am
After actress Nayantara, Asin and many other beauties, there is another homely babe from the God's Own Land is going to make her debut in Tamil Cinema. She is Meera Nandhakumar, the heroine of Dileep's yet to be released Mulla. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Mar 2008 | 8:46 am
Melbourne (ANI): Sarah Jessica Parker has revealed her disgust and sadness over being voted the World's Unsexiest Woman in a men's mag poll. Parker, who is one of the most adored actresses, was given the title by Maxim magazine. The actress, who played the sexy Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Mar 2008 | 8:30 am
London (ANI): Football star David Beckham renounced his soccer skills for a while and turned action hero in a new TV advert for soft drink Pepsi. The former England captain features as a replica for Indiana Jones in the ad as he dons a fedora hat and a brown leather jacket ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Mar 2008 | 8:22 am
Washington (ANI): British science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke, passed away on Wednesday March 19 in Sri Lank at the age of 90. He had been suffering from post-polio syndrome for decades. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Mar 2008 | 8:17 am
London (ANI): Grange Hill has been voted 'The Best Ever TV Show for Kids' in a poll of 5,000 adults. John Sewell, spokesman for OnePoll.com which carried out the survey, said that that the reason the show topped the list because people still held fond memories of watching it in their ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Mar 2008 | 8:10 am
London (ANI): Veteran actress Dame Maggie Smith is reported to be suffering from breast cancer. The double Oscar-winner is said to have has also completed a course of chemotherapy while filming her role as Minerva McGonagall in the latest instalment of the Harry Potter films. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Mar 2008 | 8:03 am
Chunky Pandey, who is shooting for Anil Kapoor's Short Cut in Bangkok, was robbed of his shopping worth over Rs 1 lakh and his passport by a guy posing as his fan. Chunky, who is shooting with Akshaye Khanna, laughs, "I lost my passport to an ardent fan and had ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Mar 2008 | 7:53 am
The new and innovative promos of Samar Khan's upcoming release, Shaurya, are being noticed by one and all. In fact, the leading lady of Shaurya, the naturally beautiful Minissha Lamba has surprised everyone with her new and graceful get-up. Minissha plays a TV journalist in the film and her look ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 20 Mar 2008 | 7:33 am
Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut is in trouble. Her driver Thursday accused her of physical assault and registered a case against the star of 'Woh Lamhe' and 'Gangster - a love story'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Mar 2008 | 7:32 am
The Bhojpuri filmmakers in Mumbai are disappointed that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has gone back on its word to exempt Bhojpuri movies from payment of Entertainment Tax (ET). Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Mar 2008 | 7:31 am
'My heart is beating' from 'Jalsa', slated for release this month end, tops the Telugu charts this week. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Mar 2008 | 6:00 am
Kareena Kapoor, who's been on a high since the release of 'Jab We Met', finally started shooting a new film 'Main Aur Mrs. Khanna' with Salman Khan. She says the idea of working with her 'sister's co-star' makes her nervous. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Mar 2008 | 4:01 am
Although films are releasing almost every week, few have been able to run for a considerable number of weeks. As a result the Telugu films list remains mostly unchanged. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Mar 2008 | 4:01 am
Raima Sen, who played the female lead in the dubbed Bengali release 'Anuranan', feels the film would've been better off being subtitled in English rather than being dubbed in Hindi. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Mar 2008 | 2:00 am
A co-production between UTV Motion Pictures and Ashutosh Gowariker Productions ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, the first blockbuster of 2008, simply seems to be making its way to be written as one of the greatest cinematic triumphs of Hindi Cinema. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 20 Mar 2008 | 12:00 am
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PepsiCo India has signed Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif as the brand ambassador for its
mango drink Slice.
Katrina becomes not only the first brand ambassador for Slice but also the first Indian
film actress to endorse a brand in the juice category. She will also be the face for
Slice Mangola.
"Slice enjoys high salience in the Indian market and is known to be a great tasting mango
drink for all occasions. We are delighted to associate with Katrina Kaif as the brand
ambassador for Slice and are positive that she will help build the brand's connect with
our core consumers," said Homi Battiwalla, vice president (emerging categories), PepsiCo
India.
Katrina said: "I am extremely proud to be associated with Slice. When the brand
approached me, I readily agreed because it is the best-tasting mango drink, and has been
my favorite for a long time. Its delicious taste makes it a perfect drink suitable for
all occasions." Source: Indiafm.com News | 19 Mar 2008 | 7:56 pm
Bollywood director Ram Gopal Varma has landed himself once again in a controversy as leading music company T-Series has filed a case of extortion, cheating and fraud against him. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 19 Mar 2008 | 3:32 pm
Renowned character actor Raghuvaran died here Wednesday after a week-long battle to survive a cardiac arrest. He was 49. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 19 Mar 2008 | 3:00 pm
There is a famous saying in English that 'Death! Be not proud for you can only take away the soul of a person, not his/her memories'. Well, this is exactly what the shell-shocked Tollywood residents are feeling, for they have just lost their much-loved on-screen baddie Raghuvaran. He passed away at a private hospital in Chetpet, Chennai, due to a cardiac arrest. He debuted with the Tamil film Ezhavathu Manithan in 1982.
Although he had a short stint in Bollywood, it was a very memorable one. He played the role of a doting father to the hilt, in the much-acclaimed Mani Ratnam film, Anjali, where he was paired opposite Revathi. Even though the film was a dubbed version of the Tamil original, the cinegoers went gaga over Raghuvaran's performance.
Besides Anjali, his other Hindi films included Izzatdaar, Shiva, Lal Baadshah and Rakshak. The volume of his Tamil and other regional films reads by a ton, including the all-time smash hit blockbuster Sivaji.
He is survived by his wife and children. We at Bollywood Hungama pray that may the Lord Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace. Source: Indiafm.com News | 19 Mar 2008 | 2:55 pm
At the recently concluded MAMI festival, cine-goers in Mumbai had a chance to see some qualitative cinema across the world. Now come yet another film society called Enlighten which is basically a NGO dedicated to the cause of spreading good cinema by screening great national and international films.
Enlighten Film Society was founded in April 2007 by Mr. Pranav Ashar and Mr. Jimmy Mistry along with the support of filmmaker Farhan Akhtar. The society aims at breaking the myth that world cinema is arty and boring by screening films across genres like action, comedy, romantic, drama, foreign language films, animation, documentaries, great commercial successes, children's films, compilation of short films from all over the world. In fact, many of these films are highly realistic and entertaining but have never been seen on the big screen in India until now.
As a part of their Hollywood Classic month (last February) Enlighten Film Society screened movies like Casablanca, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Detective Story & Roman Holiday. These screenings are usually held on Sunday mornings at Cinemax, Versova and Metro Adlabs multiplex in Mumbai
The NGO currently has around1500 members including some prestigious names like Anurag Kashyap, Saroj Khan, Vivek Agnihotri, Shaad Ali, Bikram Saluja and Binod Pradhan. It is planning to launch in Delhi, Bangalore and Ahmedabad in April, and is looking forward to enroll 3500 more members. Source: Indiafm.com News | 19 Mar 2008 | 2:46 pm
Hema Malini, Bollywood's Dream Girl, Wednesday revealed the secret of her beauty - water. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 19 Mar 2008 | 2:31 pm
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If one thought that the pretty young Minissha Lamba was all sweet and docile then think again. That's because in her upcoming film Shaurya, the Yahaan actor gets into quite a firebrand mode.
Reveals Minissha, "The character of Kaavya Shastri which I portray in Shaurya is pretty much a firebrand. For her truth is the ultimate. As an investigative journalist, she has just started off her career and hence doesn't come with an excess baggage. One can safely presume that she is uncorrupted by politics around her."
Minissha as a firebrand comes across as quite an unlikely combination. After all, she has been having fun singing and dancing in mainstream films like Rocky - The Rebel and Anthony Kaun Hai in the past. "Well, you are forgetting Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. where I played a super-woman", jokes Minisha.
Getting serious, she adds, "In any case, being a firebrand doesn't just mean uttering rubbish or speaking loud. Even without such traits one can be tactful, straight forward, not indulge into blabbering and still make a point. I credit my director Samar Khan for making Kaavya Shastri as real as it gets. If he wanted, he could have made my character that is just proper. Instead, he has made me go through those little moments of eccentricity which makes it all the more identifiable."
What were her efforts in making her character work for the film? "Not many are aware that before entering films, I wanted to be a journalist myself. Also, in every day life, I get pretty moved when I see any wrong doings around me. It is just difficult to keep my head down and bow out of a situation like this. Some people in fact feel embarrassed when they have to pitch into someone else's problem. They feel that it may be unnecessary for them to indulge into someone else's affair and allow the person to be mistreated. But I can't be like that!"
In that case does Shaurya reflect what Minissha is in real life? "Exactly, this is why in Shaurya, 80% of my own personality comes into play. I get to enact the real me in the film which has only turned out to be an out rightly rewarding experience for me", says Minissha excitedly.
About Kaavya Shastri
As an investigative journalist, she stumbles upon a case (related to an Army officer) which is almost dead and buried. While everyone around her feels that the case should lie dead, Kaavya wants to find answers to all the questions which no one wants to remember or talk about. Though for her as well, it's the beginning of a professional journey, it gradually becomes a matter of personal issue as she wants the justice to be done at all cost. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 19 Mar 2008 | 1:32 pm
Is it the end of the road for long films? The producers UTV and the director Ashutosh Gowarikar may have thought otherwise. But the exhibitors of Jodhaa Akbar (JA) in the smaller centers have taken matters in their own hands.
Vital sequences amounting to a good 30 minutes of playing time, including Hrithik Roshan's elephant fight and Aishwarya's culinary conflict with Ila Arun, have been edited out from JA in Patna. According to sources this has been done to accommodate the mandatory 4-shows which had been denied the film to start with.
But the film's Bihar distributor is none too pleased with the local exhibitor's editorial skills. "I was myself shocked to see some of the key scenes gone from JA. I don't think any exhibitor has the right to act above the creative rights of a film's director and producer. Earlier a good 45-60 minutes were forced out of J.P. Dutta'a LOC when the director had categorically instructed exhibitors not to cut his film. If you don't wish to run a long film, please don't screen the film. But please don't act God over a film's fate," says the distributor.
UTV's Siddharth Roy-Kapoor is unfazed by the extra-constitutional editing of their premium product. "It's hard to monitor what happens in the smaller centers. But we're not the least daunted. We at UTV are certainly not going to dictate a film's length to a director just to fit into the screening timings. Ashutosh Gowarikar is making another film for UTV. And he's welcome to make it as long or short as he wants to."
One thing is for sure. While earlier scenes and footage were added to a film as it progressed towards that now-fugitive goal of a silver jubilee, today's average viewer has no patience to watch a film that exceeds 2 hours. Source: Indiafm.com News | 19 Mar 2008 | 12:11 pm
He is humorous and so was his film. Sajid Khan set the Bollywood charts high with his directorial debut. He is now all set repeat it again with his forthcoming flick for which he signed Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone.
After Chandni Chowk to China, this will be Akshay and Deepika's second film together. Sajid not only repeats Akshay alone but also Riteish Deshmukh and Sajid Nadiadwala for his second film. âThe film is yet to be titled and I need to talk to some other stars as well. It is going to be a multistarrer,â says an exhilarated Sajid Khan. The film will also have two more heroines and one more hero.
âThe film will go on floor by the end of the year and its going to be a romantic comedy. It's not on the lines of Heyy Babyy and it is for sure going to be the biggest hit film of 2009,â Sajid confidently adds. Source: Indiafm.com News | 19 Mar 2008 | 11:16 am
