Ace choreographer Shiamak Davar is back with his show âI BELIEVE- A Shiamak Davar Spectacularâ. For those who came in late, âI BELIEVE- A Shiamak Davar Spectacularâ presented by the Aditya Birla Group set new standards for Indian theatre though its sell out shows last November.
This landmark production is a carnival of inspiring messages, gigantic images, live music, and fantastic choreography bringing together an incredible blend of Indian power and exciting international talent.
I BELIEVE brings the visual language of performing arts to a dazzling live event that is sung, danced, directed and conceived by award winning entertainer Shiamak Davar. âI believe that there is divinity in all of us, and that for anyone who goes astray, there is someone who lights the way. I found my way through the performing arts, by giving back all that God has given me. This show celebrates the joy of life with everyone who loves the performing arts!â says Shiamak.
With 300 enchanting dancers of the Shiamak Davar Dance Company, and children of the Shiamak Davar Junior Dance Company and Victory Arts Foundation, Shiamak finds his true spirit, taking you with him on this glorious, magical ride!
Shiamakâs I BELIEVE dream world gets that special touch from award-winning Hollywood costume designer Clarinda Salandy's larger-than-life animated puppets. Critically acclaimed as a spectacular show on par with Broadway and West End musicals, I BELIEVE is all set to mesmerise audiences once again with the sheer scale of the surreal sets, lighting, pulse-pounding music and of course, stunning performances.
I BELIEVE will be staged at the NCPA Jamshed Bhabha auditorium, Nariman Point, from the 11th to the 20th of April 2008. Ticket sales for I Believe commence from the 1st of April 2008 at Jamshed Bhabha and St. Andrews Auditorium, Bandra. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 29 Mar 2008 | 12:11 pm
Post the success of Chak De India, apart from the 16 girls who overnight climbed the popularity charts, there was one more person who all of a sudden came into the limelight. We are talking about none other than former India hockey player and coach of the women's hockey team, Mir Ranjan Negi.
Negi assisted and trained Shah Rukh and his team of girls during the making of the film. What's more, he was even seen in a blink and miss role in the film. Post the release, Negi became a well-known figure and even appeared in the dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 2.
Now, Negi would next be seen playing the role of Mumbai's Municipal Commissioner in Sunil Shetty's upcoming project Mumbai Chaka Chak. The film is based on keeping the city of Mumbai clean and Negi's character would be an important one in the context of the film. Negi, who starts shooting for the film from tomorrow (Mar 30), seems quite excited about his role. In fact, to get the nuances of the character right, Negi even went and met R.A. Rajeev- Additional Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. Hope Negi is able to strike a goal with this film as well.
Mumbai Chaka Chak stars Rahul Bose, Ayesha Dharker, Vinay Pathak, Suresh Menon, Mandira Bedi and Cyrus Broacha in lead roles. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 29 Mar 2008 | 12:04 pm
Rakhi Sawant has some tough competition coming as Bollywood good girls don the naughty item girl image. After Bipasha, it`s Preity who has taken up the task now. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 12:00 pm
Jean-luc Choplin, the director of Paris` Theatre Du Chatelet which is currently hosting Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s opera `Padmavati`, wants the Bollywood filmmaker back for an encore. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 12:00 pm
In 2004 when his hit television comedy "Friends" ended, David Schwimmer longed to direct a feature film, and four years later his debut movie "Run FatBoy Run" finally rolls into theaters on Friday. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 12:00 pm
The latest super sizzling "Krazzy 4" has taken competition in item numbers to an all new level. In case, you did not notice, the two big daddies of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roashan seem to be `Breaking Free` on groovy dance moves in the same song, but not together. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 12:00 pm
Rakeysh Mehra was surrounded by super-efficient women during the making of `Dilli 6` - Aamir Khan`s wife Kiran Rao and Mehra`s own editor-wife Bharathi. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 12:00 pm
Pop icon Madonna admits that she would sing her biggest hits again only if someone offers her 30 million dollars. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 12:00 pm
Despite the success of issue-based films like "Taare Zameen Par", producers in Bollywood feel popcorn romances, slapstick comedies and multi-starrer thrillers continue to hold an edge at the box-office. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 12:00 pm
She is one of the most talented actresses in Bollywood, but Kajol, who graces the screen after a gap of two years in her home production `U, Me Aur Hum`, says her priority is her family. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 12:00 pm
Fresh from the astounding success of Anees Bazmi's Welcome, Anil Kapoor has taken a straight cultural leap into Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire. After shooting portions of it in Agra, the auteur director Danny Boyle is currently shooting the rest of the film in Mumbai.
Anil Kapoor is characteristically charged, "Normally when I start any film, I get as nervous as a schoolboy on his first day of school. But Slumdog Millionaire is special on many counts. It's my first international film after 35 years in the industry. Though I've worked with Shekhar Kapoor it was before he became an international filmmaker. So, Danny Boyle is my first international director." v
Is it true Anil plays a game-show host, a la Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan in Kaun Banega Crorepati? "No it's nothing like them. Danny has devised my character as completely different from Amitji and Shah Rukh in KBC. They brought their own sensibility personality and stardom into the part. I think Danny wanted me because I was a completely different actor from Amitji and Shah Rukh. I'm playing the game-show host in my own way. I speak the English language without any accent. The danger of an Indian actor doing an international project is the accent tilts either to being exaggerated or too sophisticated. I'm speaking my lines as I would have if I was actually hosting a game- show in real life."
London actor Dev Patel (who starred in the hit teen series Skins) plays the young lead of the game-show contestant who appears on Anil Kapoor's show and proceeds to win. Interestingly, Anil wasn't too familiar with Danny Boyle's work when he was offered the role. "It was my son Harsh who convinced me. He's a big Danny Boyle fan. When you enter his room there's a poster of Danny right at the door. When Harsh heard I was offered a role in a Danny Boyle film he told me I had to do it. Fortunately, for me the role is substantial and interesting. Even if it wasn't I'd have done it for my son's sake."
Currently, Anil is busy reading up the novel by Vikas Swarup in-between the shots. "All I can tell you is that the film is very different from the novel." promises Anil. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 29 Mar 2008 | 11:52 am
Internationally acclaimed filmmaker, Mira Nair, added yet another feather to her already illustrious cap. The director of films like Salaam Bombay, Monsoon Wedding and The Namesake was yesterday (Mar 28) honored as the India Abroad Person of the Year 2007 at a glittering ceremony in New York.
The award was presented to Mira by Indra Nooyi (Chairperson and CEO-Pepsi), who incidentally was the recipient of the same award in the year 2006.
The India Abroad Person of the Year award is currently in its sixth year and was instituted in the year 2002 by 'India Abroad' -the oldest and most widely circulated news weekly for the Indian community. The awards are aimed at recognizing the outstanding achievements of the Indian-American community. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 29 Mar 2008 | 11:50 am
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Now that Sushmita Sen has decided to direct her dream project Rani Laxmibai herself, she has got Manmohan Desai's son Ketan Desai's MKD Productions to collaborate with her. Ketan will serve as the executive producer on the project.
Sushmita can barely contain her excitement at the collaboration. "It would've been impossible for me to look into all the nitty-gritty. I had to work with people whom I can trust implicitly. Ketan is an extremely capable and clued in man."
While late Manmohan Desai's only son, Ketan, will bring his cinematic expertise into Sushmita's dream project, another Desai, Nitin, is busy designing the elaborate period sets of the film. For the crucial war scenes Sushmita takes her mixed Indo-British crew to China. "The cast will be both British and Indian actors." The casting of the British actors is currently on. The celebrated British agency William Morris has been employed to find the perfect British actors for the project.
Sushmita who's currently busy, among other things, brushing up her Urdu diction, says excitedly, "We will stick as far as possible to the language of the characters' national identity. But we've to keep the question of accessibility in mind. The film will therefore be largely in Hindi and Urdu."
Since Rani Laxmibai's husband was a man much older than the Rani, there will be no romantic interest for Sushmita in the film. And yes Sushmita will dedicate Rani Laxmibai to her dear friend Rajiv Narayan who died of cancer recently. "They were both such fierce warriors battling their enemies till the very end," says Sushmita who admits Rani Laxmibai has always been a role model. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 29 Mar 2008 | 11:45 am
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Right now, Sushmita Sen lives, eats, drinks and sleeps with Rani Laxmibai. "Being the first product of my production house, Tantra Productions, Rani Laxmibai is something that I'm very ambitious about," she says with electric excitement.
"While Tantra Productions is the parent company, 'Sushmita Sen Productions' will be producing feature films. Tantra will be going into every sphere of entertainment, from television software to events managementâ¦.all kinds of things to do with the creative process. There'll be different divisions of Tantra."
At the moment, her swanky new production is focusing only on the historical project. "Sushmita Sen Productions is what we're focusing on right now. I'm working very hard to put the company's logistics in place. Going into direction wasn't something I had planned. Unfortunately or fortunately I can't think of anyone else who feels as strongly about Laxmibai. If that's the seat I'm being persuaded to take, it's in the best interest of my film that the creative people I've on board must have a trustworthy name in the market."
Sushmita is restless. âI get only 4-6 hours of sleep these days. Fortunately, I am not facing the camera these days. So I don't care how I look." Dulha Mil Gaya is Sushmita's only acting assignment at the moment. "It's my genre of a film, and I'm very excited about it. By God's grace the film will be a decent precursor to Rani Laxmibai." Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 29 Mar 2008 | 11:42 am
It is a known fact that the Bachchans and the Khers have a very cordial bonding and that the young blood of both families, Abhishek and Sikandar are thick friends. Knowing all this, it certainly was no surprise that the 'Bahu' of Bachchan household, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan took centre stage ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 10:09 am
After hosting a show like Laughter challenge and interviewing various cricketers, Shonali Nagrani is now b seen hosting a multifaceted reality show on Sony, Mr. and Ms. Television. Here is the pretty lasso sharing her experience on hosting shows… Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 9:41 am
Many have thought that Vijayakanth hasn't has an offer in Tamil due his fading market. But the Captain of Kollywood reveals that he has not accepted films due to his hectic political schedule. He met the media persons yesterday after the launch of the audio of his new film Arasangam, ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 9:04 am
Washington (ANI): Miley Cyrus has denied rumours that she is surfing the Internet to find a new boyfriend. The teen sensation revealed that she is not so desperate to find a boyfriend, even though she likes to check out what is available online from time to time. "I'm not that ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 8:35 am
Washington (ANI): Madonna has shown her unremitting support for Britney Spears, insisting that the media needs to "step off" the troubled singer. In a recent interview with the “Yo on E!" satellite radio show, Madonna urged everyone to save the fading pop star. "They need to step off. For real...Let's ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 8:30 am
Hatrick hero Shivaraj Kumar's change of hair do and looks has given a fresh element to Raghava Loki's debut film "Sathya In Love' which is a hundred percent entertainer. If you feel that a film has to entertain fully and all the commercial elements have to be in place in ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 8:08 am
After playing lead roles in about 100 Oriya films during a 15-year career, Oriya superstar Siddhant Mohapatra is now set to direct his first feature film. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 29 Mar 2008 | 7:31 am
London (ANI): Actress Angelina Jolie has been suffering from a form of diabetes that hits pregnant women, according to reports. Jolie, who is expecting twins, has reportedly contracted. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 6:58 am
London (ANI): Britney Spears is reportedly undergoing regular colon cleansing sessions in a bid to improve her messy lifestyle. According to sources, the singer is having lingering traces of Frappucino and Cheeto flushed out of her system at a Beverly Hills Clinic as part of a new health kick. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 6:51 am
The lead actors and actresses of a film not getting along with each other is not uncommon. But what took this issue to another level altogether is the spat which happened yesterday, between Tanushree Datta and Nana Patekar on the sets of Rakesh Sarang"s Horn Ok Pleassss. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 6:13 am
Now that Dilli 6 is nearing completion, there are many stories about it that can be told. Rakeysh Mehra's favourite story at the moment is about Aamir's wife Kiran Rao who came to the rescue of Dilli 6 at the moment of a grave crisis. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 29 Mar 2008 | 5:57 am
He ventured into films after doing an MBA and stints in theatre and TV. But talented actor Kay Kay Menon has carved a niche for himself by doing unconventional roles in movies like 'Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi' and 'Corporate'. However, he resists being called a star. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 29 Mar 2008 | 4:32 am
Govinda is excited about getting together with director David Dhawan and producer Vashu Bhagnani again. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 29 Mar 2008 | 4:30 am
She is one of the most talented actresses in Bollywood, but Kajol, who graces the screen after a gap of two years in her home production 'U, Me Aur Hum', says her priority is her family. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 29 Mar 2008 | 2:00 am
Jean-luc Choplin, the director of Paris' Theatre Du Chatelet which is currently hosting Sanjay Leela Bhansali's opera 'Padmavati', wants the Bollywood filmmaker back for an encore. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 29 Mar 2008 | 2:00 am
Rakeysh Mehra was surrounded by super-efficient women during the making of 'Dilli 6' - Aamir Khan's wife Kiran Rao and Mehra's own editor-wife Bharathi. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 29 Mar 2008 | 1:30 am
One actress out to give her contemporaries a run for their money is Katrina Kaif. In the recent past, she has been the only actress to have given four hits—Apne, Namstey London, Partner and Welcome—consecutively. Now make it 5 in a row with RACE turning out to be a huge success too. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 29 Mar 2008 | 12:00 am
The Lakme Fashion Week is all set to make a mark again this year as always in a brand new style and enthusiasm. The week is at its highest spirit and portrays a vivid image as it involves best of events from both fashion and the corporate world.To start off the week with a bang Gitanjali Lifestyle and J J Vallaya celebrated the fun filled evening of the inaugural bash on 28th March, 2008 at The High Lounge at Sahara Star, Mumbai.The evening turned out to be more exhilarating as Milind Soman, Syyed Zulfi, Sahawar Ali Sudhanshu Pandey, Rahul Dev walked down the ramp. Sikandar Kher added some excitement to the evening. The true party animal can’t be just missed out, so there was Kishen Mulchandani, the party lover. Milind Soman had a cozy evening with a female friend and at the same juncture everybody seemed to have gala of time.The excitement of the start of the fashion week was just noticeable among the guests and of course the lounge kept the guests entertained.At the high point of excitement it is to be believed by everyone that Lakme Fashion Week does everything larger than life and it is a signature event in the fashion calendar of the country. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 29 Mar 2008 | 12:00 am
Last weeks release Race is doing crazy business with the film continuing to be on the top of the box-office charts. The films fast cars, handsome hunks, hot babes and rocking soundtrack are the current topic of discussion among the young and the old. So, it comes as no wonder that Amul has decided to use the film poster in its new hoarding. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 29 Mar 2008 | 12:00 am
Amrita TV has been using the copyright content of T-Series without obtaining proper license from Super Cassettes Industries Ltd[SCIL]. Inspite of repeated requests from T-Series to obtain the rights no steps has been taken.. As a result T-Series, to protect its copyright, moved the high court of Delhi. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 29 Mar 2008 | 12:00 am
Malayalam actor Sreenivasan is carving a niche for himself as his films are widely remade in various languages. His Malayalam films like Udhayannau Tharam and ‘Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam were all remade in many languages with acceptable success. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 29 Mar 2008 | 12:00 am
As the Indian summer is at the doorstep Puma is all set with the brand new collection of swimwear in India. To get at the perfect idea of the usage of items introduced, models displayed the swimwear and even played beach games at the event. There was no formal ramp walk as the collection was simply displayed by models wearing it and having fun in water also. Heres a breathtaking view of the entire event, for you! Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 29 Mar 2008 | 12:00 am
Sophie Chaudury has acquired a new passion! Before your imagination runs wild we need to clarify—no, the actress is not getting into any relationship! She is just pursuing a passion that caught her fancy years ago in London. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 29 Mar 2008 | 12:00 am
The story began in June 2006 when Ram Gopal Varma assigned 'Audio & Home Video' rights of his 14 forthcomings films including Sarkar Raaj to T-Series vide agreement dated 13th June 2006 and T-Series paid Rs.50 lakhs as a part payment.
A MoU / Assignment deed was executed between RGV and T-Series for Assignment of Audio & Home Video Rights of 14 cinematograph films and for promoting his films amongst general public to serve their common purpose. T-Series paid towards the promotion of the films, which released under the said MoU /Assignment namely, Nishabd, Shiva, Darwaza Bandh Rakho and RGV Ki Aag. Such payments made by T-Series were duly acknowledged by RGV and the monies were adjusted against the payments that were to be made by T-Series for the rights granted under the said MoU / Assignment Deed.
By May 2007, on request from RGV, T-Series had been liberally spending on the publicity of the films of RGV, on assurances about the quality of the films, but having seen the performance of past films T-Series requested for re-negotiation of the prices and terms of the MoU / Assignment Deed. T-Series and RGV mutually agreed for downward revision of the consideration amount for the upcoming projects and settled the past loss making projects on an already incurred basis. The same was accepted and confirmed by RGV and a letter was also issued by RGV dated 18-7-2007. Also, on a written request from RGV, T-Series relinquished the rights of the film Go from the said 14 film so assigned under the MoU / Assignment Deed. Pursuant to such release, T-Series issued a letter dated 20-7-2007 and a Public Notice dated 20th July 2007, in the industry magazine âSuper Cinemaâ published in the circulation issue of 21st July 2007. In the said Notice, T-Series had disclosed the factum of the MoU / Assignment Deed and the stipulations thereunder and also the fact that the said relinquishment was pursuant to the request letter of the RGV dated 18-07-2007.
In the meanwhile, T-Series had spent about Rs. 1.40 crores on account of the publicity done for the film RGV Ki Aag. Out of which Rs. 50 lakhs were adjusted towards the consideration for RGV Ki Aag, Rs. 50 lakhs towards consideration for Sarkar Raaj and Rs. 40 Lacs were to be adjusted on account of future films to be produced by RGV under the said MoU/Assignment. This was confirmed by RGV vide his letter dated 7-09-2007.
To the shock & dismay of the T-Series, RGV allegedly terminated the MoU/Assignment Deed vide notice dated 14-11-2007. Since, the allegations made under the said notice were false and frivolous, the same was promptly replied and challenged by T-Series on 26-11-2007. Since T-Series had spent over Rs.1.4 crores on just one film of the RGV, on his seeking continued support of publicity/ promos, T-Series was left with no other option but to file a suit for declaration, specific performance of contract & permanent injunction before the civil judge, Noida for relief. Instead of defending his case in the court, RGV filed false and baseless complaint with Economic Offence Wing (EoW), Mumbai Police. The reason for doing so was to distract the public and frustrate the contract so that RGV could sell the rights so already assigned to the third party for more money and usurp the monies already spent by T-Series on account of publicity on behalf of RGV.
It was now clear that RGV never intended to perform his part of the MoU, and was only deceiving T-Series into spending their money for the promotions of his movies. RGV dishonestly got the T-Series to pay for his film promotions, in the garb of the Assignment Deed/ MoU, and now fraudulently trying to escape his liability and is now usurping the Assigned Copyrights of T-Series by illegally terminating the MoU. He has also denied his signatures on the documents of price revision and is leveling false charges against T-Series and its directors before different agencies, both within & out of the Industry.
In pursuant to complaint made by RGV in the EoW for alleged forgery of his signatures, T-Series sent all the original documents signed by RGV being alleged by him as forged for an evaluation by a reputed and recognized Handwriting, Fingerprints & Forensic Science experts and the report reveals that the signatures are indeed genuine.
T-Series, after observing the conduct of RGV and going through the contents of correspondence and the allegations by RGV against directors of T-Series understood the malafide design of RGV to dupe T-Series and to secure its interest and liberties T-Series filed a criminal complaint against RGV with Noida Police for commission of offences u/s 420, 421, 422, 120B, 385 and 409 of Indian Penal Code, 1860.
Bollywood Hungama has a copy of the report submitted by the Handwriting, Fingerprints & Forensic Science experts. To view to the report, click here.
Messages doing the rounds in media
QUOTE
FIR against Ram Gopal Varma given by Bhushan Kumar in Noida is stayed by Allahabad HC till 1st July. FIR will be quashed subsequently.
EOW in Mumbai has given deadline of 2 days to Bhushan Kumar to submit the alleged forged docs in original to them.
UNQUOTE
Statement from T-Series
Some misleading information is circulating through SMS in the media regarding FIR logged by T-Series against RGV
Honâble Allahabad High Court has only accepted his application for quashing of the said FIR and has fixed 1st July as next date of hearing and in the interim has directed police not to take any coercive steps. The said sms also states that the FIR shall be quashed subsequently which is purely imaginative as the matter is subjudice and shows the desperation at the RGV end.
The very fact that RGV has approached the courts to prevent his arrest or any coercive action by the Noida police is a testimony to his guilt.
Secondly EOW has not given any deadline of two days to T-Series as whatever documents EOW has sought so far from T-Series have already been submitted. T-series has been very co-operative in the investigation and as & when any further information / documents will be sought by EOW, the same shall also be provided to the satisfaction of the EOW.
With Bollywood getting corporatized, we would ideally expect lesser legal issues to erupt, but it seems like the change will happen only gradually. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 28 Mar 2008 | 5:25 pm
Cinema acts as a cultural bonding between countries and the China Film Festival is a step towards promoting cultural exchanges between India and China, said officials at the inauguration of the fest here Friday evening. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Mar 2008 | 5:00 pm
Now that Dilli 6 is nearing completion, there are many stories about it that can be told.
Rakeysh Mehra's favourite story at the moment is about Aamir's wife Kiran Rao who came to the rescue of Dilli 6 at the moment of a grave crisis.
"My First Assistant Director who has her family in the US had a family crisis and had to leave immediately. There we were, without a first AD with 22 actors on location in Jaipur. News about our crisis spread fast and Kiran immediately offered to come to Jaipur to serve as First AD. She got to know on Sunday morning and by Sunday evening she was in Jaipur sorting everything out. This is the spirit in which Dilli 6 has been made."
Rakeysh seems to be surrounded by super-efficient women during the making of the film. There's Rakeysh's editor-wife Bharathi.
"I've now left Dilli 6 to her. She's now trying to make sense of my nonsense," chortles Rakeysh. "Seriously I've a great team on board for Dilli 6. My cinematographer Binod Pradhan who was 21 during Rang De Basanti is now 19. The childlike enthusiasm of the whole team has to be seen to be believed."
Ask him about reports of Rakeysh losing his temper and flying off the handle on the sets, and he falls quiet. "I'd say I lost my temper as much as I've the right to with my own child at home. Losing my cool on the sets is a manifestation of our team effort to create something we'd all be proud of."
Incidentally, the RDB writer Rensel d'Silva was on board to write Dilli 6. "But then he got busy. And the scripting was passed on to Kamlesh Pandey. Finally, it's Prasoon Joshi who has put the script in place."
Friday, March 28, was the last day of shooting for Dilli 6. Ab Dilli bilkul door nahin hai. Rakeysh Mehra has just about ten more days of shooting left. Tell Rakeysh that an infinite number of films are now being shot in Delhi and he shrugs, "Delhi is beautiful, vibrant. But so are many other parts of India. I'd love to shoot in Bhopal or Patna for that matter."
But Rakeysh isn't holding his breath about the Friday when Dilli 6 will be released. "Such pressures don't do the film any good. I'd rather work at my own pace. The film will be complete when it will be complete. Why fret about it? No, I've no date of release for Dilli 6. The film will be released whenever it's ready." Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 28 Mar 2008 | 4:51 pm
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The lead actors and actresses of a film not getting along with each other is not uncommon. But what took this issue to another level altogether is the spat which happened yesterday, between Tanushree Datta and Nana Patekar on the sets of Rakesh Sarangâs Horn Ok Pleassss.
The incident occurred during the picturisation of an item number with choreographer Ganesh Acharya. Tanushree, allegedly, reasoned that instead of the chorographer, it was Nana who started showing her the steps and in the bargain, he came too close and made her feel uncomfortable. After which she immediately ran into her vanity van and shoot was stalled for quite a while. Tanushree then called it a day and got into her car along with her mother. Her car was then allegedly âattackedâ by hoards of journalists, who just wanted a video âbyteâ from her over the issue.
Tanushreeâs family, in the meanwhile, has filed a FIR against those who attacked their car.
On the other hand, itâs the perpetual hot favourite Rakhi Sawant, who has replaced Tanushree Datta. With the kind of item number that our laadli Maharashtrian mulgi is doing, she will surely create a world record in item numbers, Rakhi isshtyle! Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 28 Mar 2008 | 4:34 pm
After Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta it is now Mithun Chakraborty to buy a cricket team. However, the twist in the tale is that Mithun has bought the Kolkata Tigers team of ICL (Indian Cricket League), the rival league of BCCI's Indian Premier League (IPL).
The ICL which started last year is currently in its second season of Twenty 20 tournament with matches being held at Gurgaon, Hyderabad and Panchkula. Mithunda, as he is popularly called by his fans, said that since he was an ardent sports lover himself, he decided to go ahead and buy the team. In fact, the actor also agreed that apart from the entertainment which this latest version of the game provides, it is also a very good business proposition.
Mithun is said to give the team a complete overhaul along with a slogan and theme song once the formalities are completed. What's more he has even suggested that the team be renamed as 'Bengal Tigers' since the team represents people across the state of Bengal and not just Kolkata.
ICL- Kolkata Tigers team is currently captained by Kiwi, Craig McMillan, and has some star players like Lance Klusener, Andre Adams and Upul Chandana. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 28 Mar 2008 | 4:12 pm
The brand ambassador of International Indian Film Academy (IIFA), Amitabh Bachchan set in motion the voting process for IDEA-IIFA Awards 2008 by casting the first vote Friday. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Mar 2008 | 4:00 pm
'Return of Hanuman', the 2D animated sequel to 'Hanuman', jointly produced by Toonz Animation India and Percept Picture Company, won the 'Best Animated Feature Film' at the Ficci-Frames 2008 held in Mumbai. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Mar 2008 | 3:01 pm
In Bollywood, it is always an unsaid rule that 'There is nothing a Khan can't'. This 'rule' explains the reason why the Khans (Aamir, Saif, Salman, and SRK- in random order) always rule the silver screen. Well, here's presenting one more Khan who is definitely different, in the sense, while all others flirt with the camera, he chose to be behind the camera and make others say 'Cheese'. Simply put, he is a director, who has to his credit, Kuch Meetha Ho Jaaye, a film that was so sugary sweet, that it can put even the world's best tasting chocolate to shame! Even though the film didn't light up the Box Office, Samar Khan's efforts stood out like an oasis in the desert.
Bollywood Hungama proudly presents an interview with the man who is all set to take the Box Office by storm with his latest offering Shaurya, through his never-dying grit, determination and of course 'Courage'!
What is Shaurya all about?
The film revolves around an issue which largely affects almost every one of us today. It deals with an issue of prejudice towards certain race, culture and sections of people, with the military backdrop. It also highlights the very fact that whether we have courage to stand up for such wrong doings. However, despite the serious issues the film deals with, Shaurya promises to be an entertainer.
Despite the serious issues the film deals with, Shaurya promises to be an entertainer.
What are the respective characters of Rahul Bose, Javed Jaffrey, Kay Kay Menon and Minishaa Lamba?
Rahul Bose plays a defence lawyer in army who comes across a case which tests his conviction and ideology. Similar phase comes in Javed Jaffrey's life as he is a public prosecutor in the same case. Minishaa Lamba plays a journalist and Kay Kay, the brigadier in the army. The film deals with the incidents that affect these characters and their own ideologies.
What do you have to say about Rozza Catalano in the sizzling item number?
Rozza is a wonderful girl to work with and a good friend of mine. She has been picturized in the song which is a part of the story so, I would not like to call it as an item number. It wasn't that we developed or devised a song just because we wanted Rozza in the film. She is very much part of the film. Rozza is a great human being and a dancer and looks amazingly stunning in the film.
Rozza is a great human being and a dancer and looks amazingly stunning in the film.
Are you satisfied with the way the film has shaped up?
I am more than happy and feel that if a film deserves 100 percent, I have given 99.9 percent to this film. We have worked very hard as a team on the film. I personally believe that if you have good actors performing, half the battle is won. It has shaped up well and hope the audience feels the same way.
I personally believe that if you have good actors performing half the battle is won.
Hmmmâ¦good performers mean half the battle won, then, why haven't you opted for big stars for your films? Wouldn't that mean the absolute victory in the battle? Even in your last film, you had Arshad Warsi who though had Munnabhai on his back, wasn't really a big commercial star. Anything against big starsâ¦.
I choose actors who suit the best for the roles. If Rahul Bose fits in very well in the character of lawyer in Shaurya, why would I even think of some other actor? Yes, star power does work wonder for the film. But today stars like SRK do four films under big banners a year, out of 15 offered by other producers. So I feel it's very difficult to sign the actors rather stars you want to work with at least in the initial stages of your career although Shah Rukh was generous enough to do a cameo in my film.
SRK has recited a poem in Shaurya. Tell us about your association with him?
Shah Rukh is a wonderful human being, someone who respects talent and goes out of his way to bring him / her it into the limelight. He has been a great support throughout my career. And, I think the word 'thanks' is too small a word to express my gratitude for his contribution to this film. Jaideep Sarkar has written the poem but its real essence lies in the recitation by Shah Rukh Khan.
Coming back to Shaurya how is the music of the film?
Well, Adnan Sami has come up with some wonderful melodies which is one of the USP's of the film. Javed Akhtar has penned down some fabulous lyrics like 'Dosti Kya Hai' and 'Dheere Dheere'. I am very happy with the end results.
What do you think went wrong with Kuch Meetha Ho Jaye?
I believe 'Commitment' is the key word to success. And, if this word is missing during the making of the film, nothing can stop it from going into doldrums. So, I feel I somewhere did not give my best to it despite good performers and writers. Thus, I take the responsibility of the debacle of the film. However, life does not end and one has to learn from his/her mistakes to move on in life, which I did by giving 100% to Shaurya.
Today, directors are recognized with a particular genre they master in. What do you think which genre will become your forte?
Honestly, Shaurya is a crucial test for me to evaluate whether I have understood the craft of filmmaking or not. Things will eventually fall in place as I make more films. I think it's too early to decide on my forte as far as the genre is concerned as a filmmaker. I will be able to figure that out in due course of time.
Some of the recent films that dealt with military cases like Tarkieb or say even Pukar for that matter, Agni Pankh, all of them bombed at the box office. So why did u decide to play with this theme again.
Military is just a backdrop in the film. As I mentioned earlier, Shaurya deals with certain issues that are very much prevalent in our society. These issues could have been showcased with a different backdrop. I have spent three years in the National Defence Academy as a trainer but could not continue due to some reasons. My fascination for army has grown since then. I completely admire the way they conduct and uphold their moral values and fight for the country. So, I decided why not make a film on army forces.
Since you have also been a movie critic, what's your take on the films that are made in Bollywood these days? Where is our cinema heading?
Filmmaking has undergone a sea-change. I would not just give credit to the new technology but the wide-range of cinema our filmmakers are offering nowadays, where on one hand there is a sensible film like Chak De! India and on the hand we have an entertainer like Om Shanti Om. Today, the thin line between off-beat and main stream cinema has become invisible due to multiplexes which are unbiased when it comes to screening of films. A new term called 'Independent cinema' has emerged and films like Bheja Fry are welcomed by the audience with the same zeal as they have for films like Welcome.
But being a film critic you definitely must be having an inclination towards certain kind of films?
I feel every film is unique and it's unfair to compare films like Chak De! India which is full of drama and Om Shanti Om which is a complete masala film. Every filmmaker has a certain vision with which he /she makes a film. And if today's audience is willing to
take a risk of watching a film without preconditions, it gives a fair chance to the filmmaker to bring their vision in picture. At the same time, not every film is accepted by audience, one which is not good definitely faces a bad time at the box-office.
If today's audience is willing to take a risk of watching a film without preconditions, it gives a fair chance to the filmmaker to bring their vision in picture.
What is the USP of Shaurya?
I think, combination of good script and some outstanding performances by the actors is the USP of the film.
What are your expectations with the film?
Well, I can't predict about the box-office fate. However, one thing is for sure that if 40 people will come to see the film, 39 will come out praising it. That's all I am expecting as of now.
One thing is for sure that if 40 people will come to see the film, 39 will come out praising it.
Some other films like Bhram, Khuda Ke Liye and Sirf- Life looks greener on the other side, which also stars Kay Kay, are releasing with Shaurya. How do you think the business of your film will be affected?
I have no idea and think it's hypothetical because no one can predict what will affect the other film in what way. There are around three to four releases every Friday. So, there would be certain section of audience wiling to watch my film and others to watch Bhram. At the end of the day, it's the word of mouth which decides the fate of the film.
Share some special moments which you still cherish during the shoot of the film?
Javed has got a wicked good sense of humour so, he would pull everyone's leg on the sets. He would make fun of Rahul Bose on his eating etiquettes and Minishaa Lamba
on behalf of all the actresses who would put loads of neat make-up. At times, I would be his target as I would come in shorts or bermudas while shooting. It was great fun shooting Rozza as I would interpret the conversation between the choreographer and her. And, Rahul not comfortable with dancing would make his own steps during the shoot. We had a gala time during the shoot of that song. He is an intelligent and well-read guy and healthy group discussions had become an everyday affair. However, the most memorable moment was the last day of the shoot which I feel is very memorable for every director as it's the end of one chapter in his/her life. It comes with certain satisfaction that he/she has accomplished the job which he/she had set out to do. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 28 Mar 2008 | 1:46 pm
The moment someone mentions of the famous politician L.K. Advani, the first thing that comes to mind is that of nothing but a shrewd politician. However, if you mention the same name before Bollywood's Big B, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and other 'powerful names', then, chances are very bright that the first thing that will recall of L K Advani is that of a heartfelt writer and an author.
That also explains the reason as to why Amitabh Bachchan, his beautifully dutiful daughter-in-law Aishwarya, ace art director Nitin Desai and Manoj 'Bharat' Kumar were in full attendance at the grand launch of Advani's book 'My Country My Life'.
It's too early to even speak about the book review, but looking at the crème de la crème who had come for the launch, this book does promise to make a good read. After all, there can be exceptions to the saying 'Do not judge a book by its cover'. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 28 Mar 2008 | 12:47 pm
Race is fetching mind blowing reaction with classes, masses, old and young audience, A, B as well as C centers giving it a Thumbs Up. A universal success, this Abbas Mustan film is having a dream run and given its producers, TIPS, a shot in the arm after not-so-heartening show of Naqaab. However, this isn't quite giving sleepless nights to Tusshar Kapoor, the lead actor of One Two Three which releases this Friday.
Doesn't the mass hysteria being evidenced for Race bother him?
"Not really", says Tusshar, "Yes, Race is a good success and no one would negate that. However, One Two Three was always planned to come during this season when school/college exams get over. The film has children and youth as its target audience and I am sure they would be visiting theaters to have some good time."
With the first week of Race turning out to be exceptionally good, it is expected that substantial crowds would continue to spill over even in the second week. Would One Two Three be able to survive the onslaught?
Says Tusshar categorically, "It should, I don't see any reason why One Two Three should be overtly worried? At the end of the day, a good film is a good film and it would run if it has substance. Though we are coming solo, I myself understand that if a film doesn't have any substance, then even a solo week or a solo month doesn't matter."
He adds, "See, two films can comfortably survive together in a single week. While Race is doing well, we should be doing well too. The film's buzz is good and the promos have always been appreciated for the laughter quotient the film promises to bring along. In any case, I am superbly confident of One Two Three and I am sure it would click with the audience." Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 28 Mar 2008 | 10:48 am
Last week's release Race is slowly and steadily racing along to the top of the box-office charts. The film's fast cars, handsome hunks, hot babes and rocking soundtrack are the current topic of discussion among the young and the old. So, it comes as no wonder that Amul has decided to use the film poster in its new hoarding.
For those who came in late, Amul is known for covering the most topical events through its hoardings for years now. So, all you folks who enjoyed Race, take a dekko at this cute image which shows caricatures of Anil Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu and Katrina Kaif, all munching on their favorite bread butter. It does bring a smile to your face and makes you long for a bite of bread-butter too. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 28 Mar 2008 | 10:05 am
The posh Theatre du Chatelet which is currently hosting Sanjay Leela Bhansali's opera Padmavati, wants the director back for an encore. Speaking exclusively from Paris, the director of the Theatre Du Chatelet Jean-luc Choplin said, "I think we could not have Padmavati without the help of the original ballet. The incredible success of Sanjay Leela Bhansali lies in the fact that he has been able to at the same time use the ballet to tell the story, to use the singers, to let them act like theatre actors and create a big spectacle on stage with a great luxury of effects. So yes, it would be great if Mr Bhansali could spend a little bit more time in Europe and do another opera at the Chatelet or in another place. He is always welcome to do whatever he wants now."
Choplin stresses the Indian antecedents of the opera. "Padmavati is a French opera but it is inspired by an Indian story and it is an opera ballet which means that it is an opera and a ballet. It is a very famous form in France, created by Lully and Rameau in the 17th and the 18th century and I think it is very important to do something spectacular."
He states, "I was very impressed when I saw in 2002 the film, Devdas. I thought that the choreography and all the art of Mr Bhansali of creating great choreography, movements⦠those things are very close to the opera direction. After, I saw the film Black I again thought it was very theatrical. So when I was looking for a director for this French opera ballet of Albert Roussel with an Indian story, I immediately thought that it would be a great chance if we could interest this great Indian film director to do an opera. I knew that he was not very familiar with the opera world but sometimes when we are dealing with great artists, there is no barrier between categories and I think it could not be too difficult for him so that is how and why we ask him to take up this challenge in Paris."
Choplin was sure that Bhansali's discipline as a filmmaker would be ideal for the opera. "I was more interested in the idea of having a real dialogue between Indian and European culture rather than just looking at filmmaking. I think Mr Bhansali was apt to tell us about the India of today, to tell us about ourselves and tell us about a very old Indian story even if that story was brought to us at the beginning of the 20th century .What interested me was the dialogue between the two cultures, the two civilizations."
Choplin can't stop praising Bhansali. "I think what is great with what Sanjay Leela Bhansali has done is his capacity of story- telling. He works with music and music is dictating the dance, is dictating everything in an opera. The singers have to sing at the same time that they have to act, so it is a real challenge and Mr Bhansali has been able to deal with this incredible world and to show the singer-actors how to do beautiful movements and to behave on stage. Moreover, the singers and the ballet are together on stage and the work of Tanushree Shankar, the choreographer that she has done with her ballet coming from Calcutta has been a fantastic help."
The music conductor of Padmavati, Lawrence Foster adds, "Padmavati is a real masterpiece of the French opera, full of tragedy and colours that fits very well with the work of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He gets a huge sensibility, perfect for the moments the most colourful, as for the moments the most intimates. The thing that astonished me the most was his will to fully respect the music score, and to marry very well the Indian influences. I have a deep respect for him so⦠we should work together again! Both Mr Bhansali and I can feel the nuances in the music of Roussel. I am only a messenger in order to transcribe exactly the music that is written on the score, which fits well with that Indian story, the brutality, the sensibility⦠of the story." Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 28 Mar 2008 | 9:48 am
