Heather Mills apparently got on the wrong side of the Miss USA pageant organizers with her unreasonable demands and her `enormous ego.` Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 12:04 pm
A Los Angeles judge on Wednesday extended a restraining order against Britney Spears` former self-styled manager until July 31, under an agreement between attorneys for both sides. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 12:04 pm
Author JK Rowling said on Wednesday publication of an unofficial encyclopedic companion to her Harry Potter books would "open the floodgates" and threaten other authors. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 12:04 pm
Singer and actress Barbra Streisand has donated $5 million to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for a women`s heart education and research program, the hospital said on Wednesday. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 12:04 pm
Troubled English singer Amy Winehouse`s rep has shot down reports claiming that she was secretly writing the title track for upcoming Bond movie Quantum Of Solace. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 12:04 pm
Britain-born Upen Patel has been courting controversy lately and the three-film-old model-turned-actor feels there`s a definite design to demolish his reputation. But he is determined to strike gold without any backing from the industry. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 12:04 pm
English actress Emma Watson received the most expensive gift on her 18th birthday - access to her 20 million dollar fortune. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 12:04 pm
Size-zero models have become a rage among young girls and they are starving themselves to be like them, but `Rangeela` star Urmila Matondkar disapproves of this and says staying slim doesn`t necessarily mean being on a starvation diet. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 12:04 pm
After Harry Baweja's Love Story 2050, futuristic Mumbai will be seen in Shekhar Kapoor's Paani. Laughs Harry, "I'm glad I was the one to bell the cat. Everyone seems to have woken up to the powers of special effects. The audience now wants to see more F-X films. I feel after my film's release, there'll be dozens of such films on the floor. This is the future of Indian cinema. Thirty years ago, Hollywood got us Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone doing Terminator and Rocky. It was all about letting the machismo hang out. Today, the concept of the actioner and the action hero has changed. Overt beefy jungle-man tactics are out. Today's audience is the subtle urban multiplex audience. The 'interiors' still exist, but only for the Bhojpuri films."
Hyper Harry halts for breath. Though Love Story 2050 moves through two different time zones and two eras, Baweja has learnt a lesson from the Jodhaa Akbar experience. "Mine is an epic kind of film. The story needs to move smoothly in time. The time factor was a problem. We tried to get it down to 2 hours 30 miniutes. But we'll have to keep it at 2 hours 50 minutes."
There's apparently been infinite delay in the release of Harry Baweja's futuristic spectacle. "We started shooting on the third of September 2006 and finished in March 2007â¦.Any special-effects film is bound to take that longâ¦not to compare myself with anyone else. But my film has ten times more F-X that Krissh. We've something called animatronics in our film. That took inordinately long. It required a six-month waiting period. One year before that we applied for copyrights for designs, We divided the F-X in Love Story 2050 over five international studios. Technicians involved with films like Lord Of The Rings are part of our film."
Harry admits this is as big as it gets. "It all depends on the star cast. If I make film with Salman, Akshay, Sunny, John or Aamirâ¦each of these actors has a hardcore target audience. Harman is being targeted at the youth. He's young, energetic and part of the gen-X , so he's being given a launch where the audience gets to feel the excitement of a spectacleâ¦My responsibilities this time are tremendous."
Harry tries to play down his excitement about his son's debut. "You mean now I don't have to sign outside stars and I just have to run to my son? I was very happy making film with Ajay Devgan. But it's definitely gratifying to have a leading man at home whose career I can mould. Just like Rakesh and Hrithik Roshan. Like Hrithik, Harman understands cinema and the camera. That really helps. He's a fast learner and growing by the day. He has been learning very fast. Even if I wasn't his father I'd rate him very highly."
Harry says it's too early to say how many prints will be released. "But after the encouraging response to the theatrical trailer we feel the print order will be far more than we had anticipated. All I can tell you is that nothing like this has been attempted before." Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 17 Apr 2008 | 10:35 am
It's amazing how age has failed to wither Anil Kapoor. Not only has he been a major star for over 25 years, but he's somehow held onto the status of action-hero and sex symbol (from Jaanbaaz to Musafir to Race), even into his almost fifties. Hardly a few actors of comparable age and fame command such pay-packets, respect and are held in such esteem by Bollywood producers. This alone would mark Anil Kapoor out as someone special because cinematically speaking, he has been there and done that. Bollywood Hungama's Devansh Patel gets this exclusive interview with the actor whose hard work and 'Tashan' has still kept him winning the 'Race' and 'Welcoming' the crowds.
With last year's multi starrer debacle of Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, do you think in 2008 Yash Raj Films need a bit of Tashan, meaning 'good luck'?
You are forgetting Chak De India which got a bit of Tashan with it. But you can't predict a box office result of any film. The film should entertain and people should like the film and enjoy it. It's up to the critics to give the stars but the true results will always be measured by the honest opinion given by the public after the film releases.
Critics give the stars but the true results will always be measured by the honest opinion given by the public
With scripts such as Dhoom and Dhoom 2 to his credit, Vijay Krishna Acharya has proved he can write...and write well. Do you think he will 'dhoom machale' in his debut film Tashan?
If Tashan clicks, then 'dhoom machale'. If it doesn't, then 'doom machale'. But no matter what the fate of the film is going to be, I can surely vouch for him that he is a good writer and an even better director.
We've always noticed that Yash Raj Films have remained quite secretive about their story line for many of their films. They don't like to give anything away? Would you like to give away something if not anything?
The promos are out; the posters are on the walls, the stills are out...so there is nothing secretive about the film. I feel that the strategy we used to have in the 70's and the 80's should sometimes be implemented by the producers, where nothing was seen of the film except for some few photographs. That's exactly what I and Aditya Chopra discussed. His strategy for Tashan is to let the people discover for themselves what the film is all about. As kids when we used to go to theatres, we only had exposure to couple of film posters and used to listen to songs on the radio, and that was exciting. That's the excitement Aditya Chopra is trying to project through Tashan. Let audiences enjoy every second of this film discovering it.
Let audiences enjoy every second of this film discovering it.
It's not only Akshay Kumar, but Saif, Kareena and you too are coming back to the action genre after a sabbatical. Do you think the audiences have forgotten this genre completely in the midst of romance, comedy and family entertainers?
Whenever a good script comes your way, no matter what the genre of the film is, it will always click anytime. But definitely, at the moment, people are too receptive to a little bit of everything. I think in the overseas, all the people, including the Americans and the Brits are more receptive to action entertainers like Rush Hour, etc. Likewise, we Indians love the love triangles and love sagas. But now things are changing. People are fed up and bored with romance and family melodramas. Give them a bit of Welcome, Chak De India, Race and Tashan and see the difference.
People are fed up and bored with romance and family melodramas
Is it right is saying that Anil Kapoor has got a midas touch. You welcomed your fans by touching Welcome and won the race by touching Race. What's going to happen with Tashan?
I hope Tashan is bigger than both Welcome and Race and I pray to God that Tashan is an even bigger box office film. But if it doesn't, I would still not regret it.
I hope Tashan is bigger than both Welcome and Race
You are speaking in broken Hinglish with a bit of lingo to it. Is it a difficult thing to be putting your voice in such a mix?
Rather than me speaking about my language, I'd urge people to go and figure out for themselves what I've done in the film. But whatever you've mentioned is so right. It is something I've never done in the past because it's not purely a south Indian, not purely Punjabi and definitely not pure Hindi. I keep my fingers crossed that my fans accept me in such a role so I can get a chance to repeat it whenever an opportunity arise in the future.
What's so good about playing a bad character?
I wouldn't say it's a bad character. According to me, Bhaiyyaji is a very lovable character. And you need to know this that now-a-days bad is good. The younger generation is more attracted towards bad guys than good ones I guess (laughs).
We know that Akshay - the real Khiladi is back to his favourite action genre after many years. Do you think Saif and Kareena could cope up to his style and image?
All actors have different skills. Yes, Akshay as we all know loved every bit of action he did on the sets. He was desperate to return back to what he loves best - action. In fact, Akshay by missing out on action for a few years has mastered comedy as well. Saif Ali Khan has done something which you haven't seen him do in these many years. So that might come as a surprise and the same applies to Kareena. All my three co-stars have surpassed themselves with Tashan, and when I say surpass, I mean that they have surpassed themselves in entertaining their audiences and then by their individual performances. Tashan tailors to entertainment in its true sense.
All my three co-stars have surpassed themselves with Tashan
Vishal-Shekhar's music for an action film like this sounds different. How different do you think it sounds?
It sounds great yaar. My favourite track is 'Dil Haara'. I love the way Sukhwinder has sung it. Other than that, I feel the songs will pick up more after the film's release. That's my opinion, though they are on the top charts on all radio stations.
Can you tell us a little bit about your character in the film?
The character stays in a small town in Kanpur. He rides a rickshaw and makes a living out of it. He is ambitious in his own way and if it requires him to go against the law to fulfill his ambition he would not think twice he would just go and grab it. He is called Bhaiyyaji. He wants to make it big in Mumbai, the city of dreams. He achieves that. Then he wants to make it big internationally but his problem is that he does not know how to speak fluent English because he has only studied till third standard and that's the background of his character. You have to see the film to see how he learns English and how he fulfills his dream to become the most powerful man.
Bhaiyyaji wants to make it big internationally but his problem is that he does not know how to speak fluent English because he has only studied till third standard
How would you describe Tashan? And what is your Tashan?
In true sense, Tashan means 'goodluck'. But in the film, Tashan is style, attitude and goodluck packed together. My Tashan is my two pair of jeans which I wear 365 days a year and my pair of boots which I've kept on wearing for years and years. My jeans and boots represent my style. As of now, this is my Tashan.
What was it like working with Yash Raj Films after so many years?
I have done three films with Yash Raj, I almost started my career with them. As a matter of fact, the turning point of my career was Mashaal, where I had the opportunity to work with Yashji and Dilip Kumar. I can never ever forget that because if Yashji would not have signed me for that film, I don't think I would have been giving this interview. Then I did Lamhe. We had such a wonderful time doing it and it was such a beautiful film and till today people remember that film. I have also spent some great moments with them traveling abroad and staying together. I think the best way to describe Yash Raj Films in one word is - Tashan.
If Yashji would not have signed me for Mashaal, I don't think I would have been giving this interview
Any message for your fans who are eager to watch 2008's biggest action flick, Tashan?
I'm coming to the U.K to attend the Zee Cine Awards on the 26th April, the day after Tashan releases. I'm looking forward to interact with them personally and I want them to go and watch Tashan just like they've watched Welcome and Race. So when I come to the U.K, I'll be waiting for their feedback.
Do you believe when you say in the promos of Tashan - 'First impression...is Last impression'?
I don't believe in it....but yes, the character believes. Bhaiyyaji believes Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 17 Apr 2008 | 10:24 am
On the eve of the Summer Olympics torch relay in New Delhi, Saif Ali Khan, is facing a tough race. Shrugging off controversy, the star spoke to Steven Baker on his latest controversial role - playing the part of Olympic torchbearer.
After global demonstrations against China's human rights record, Khan defended his decision to take part in the event, "My reasons for running are to honour my commitments as brand ambassador for the Lenova group, one of the sponsors of the Olympics."
The actor justified why he was taking part, "Maybe I'm being idealistic. But we have issues with Pakistan over Kashmir, and we still play cricket with them. It's good that the cause of Tibet is highlighted, but in a perfect world, sports and politics would remain separate. The Dalai Lama himself has said he is supporting the Olympics."
In an atmosphere where a number of the country's celebrities from sport and film (including actress Soha Ali Khan) have pulled out of the Indian leg of the globe-trotting ritual, Saif reflected, "It's a personal issue. My sister, for example, is not supporting this and I respect her decision."
After last year's health scare when Saif was admitted to hospital with chest pains, the performer is making an effort to stay fit. "It was an almost heart attack, caused by exertion from dancing," Khan asserts. "I used to smoke a lot, but then quit," the star adds.
He puts down his new found healthy living to, "a bit of Kareena's influence." And how has the 'Race' star been staying in shape before the relay? "I do about 45 minutes on the treadmill, running between 6 and 9km an hour."
With two thumbs up, Khan signs off by giving his support to the Indian competitors at the 2008 Summer Olympics, "I'd like to wish all of our sports stars all the best."
Steven Baker is a UK writer who divides his time between London, Delhi, and Mumbai. Steven is best known for his writing on the Hindi Film Industry, his work regularly appears in a range of Indian, NRI, and international publications. Steven Baker is presently the Co-ordinater of the British Council's Creative Writing course in New
Delhi. He has also appeared in 15 Bollywood films. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 17 Apr 2008 | 9:33 am
Even though Anees Bazmee's films have been minting money in a big way at the Box Office, the humble writer/director is the first to confess that his films have invariably taken long to reach the finishing line. Whether it is his blockbuster Welcome, super hit No Entry, hit Deewangee or a flop Sandwich (which holds the record for being the most delayed), all his major films releasing in the recent times have taken their own sweet time to reach the finishing line.
However, he is happy that his Singh Is Kinng is on the right path to meet it's 8th August deadline. And he is candid enough to confess that the professional approach of Vipul Shah, producer of this Akshay Kumar-Katrina Kaif starrer, is the major reason for this 'achievement' of sorts.
States Anees as a matter of fact, "Vipul is easily one of the most organized people I have interacted with, both professionally and personally. Even though Singh Is Kinng is being set at such a grand scale with shooting across multiple locations across continents, everything so far has been super smooth. Touchwood!"
Sharing his pleasure of working with Vipul, Anees goes on to add, "Due to his great planning capabilities, there have been absolutely no production hassles at all. Since he is a director himself, he truly understands what is really required in making a film. What I also find admirable about the man is the sheer compatibility factor. It is great to be working with likeminded people and believe me, Singh Is Kinng experience has only made me richer."
The film's first look and teaser have fetched encouraging response all over with the buzz catching on well amongst cine goers. Apart from Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, the most reliable 'jodi' at the moment, the film also stars Sonu Sood, Neha Dhupia, Javed Jaffrey and Ranvir Shorey in principal roles. Pritam has composed the film's music. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 17 Apr 2008 | 9:30 am
The classical maestro, Shri Pandit Jasraj sings in his melodious and powerful voice for the first time, in a feature film with Vikram Bhatt's 1920. Creating a record with his first ever number for a film, the musical legend has sung 'Waada Tumse Hai Waada', for a promotional video for ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 6:55 am
Just a day before the Olympic torch relay in New Delhi, Soha Ali Khan backed out from carrying the Olympic torch in the relay. She informed the Indian Olympic Association of her decision to do so citing 'personal reasons' for opting out. But big brother Saif is determined to go ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 6:52 am
Ajay Devgan is known in the industry for being truthful and absolutely honest when standing by his beliefs and opinion and he is also humble enough to give credit where due we hear! Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 6:46 am
Bollywood actor Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan surely make a wonderful couple. They look stunning together and have a named Arhaan. But if the latest news is to be believed, this hot and happening couple is heading for a divorce. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 6:16 am
Bollywood's hottest couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor are in the news for good reasons. Saif's family seems to have excepted Kareena into the household. It was Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who recently said that Kareena would make a perfect daughter-in-law. Now, Soha Ali Khan wants the duo to ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 6:06 am
With a half Indian and half American crew and all pre- and post-production work done through the internet, director Tanuja Chandra says her film 'Hope And A Little Sugar' was a bit like an arranged marriage. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 17 Apr 2008 | 6:00 am
Yes, it's finally happening. Mimoh Chakraborty, Mithun Chakraborty's son, would finally be having a release to his name after being in the news for close to two years. Jimmy is the film getting ready to hit the screens and the man who would be responsible for this star-son launch pad ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 5:56 am
Sophie Chaudhry has created waves by learning Salsa of late, and now the young lass is being very choosy in opting for the right role. Amongst hundreds of offers, Sophie has chosen just one film of Bobby Deol recently. And what's so exciting in this film? Well, no guesses here, ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 5:55 am
Aap Ka Surroor girl Hansika Motwani has already reached the pinnacle of success, we can say at the tender age of 16! After tasting success with her very first film, the young girl has moved on to sign four big banner films in a row. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 5:45 am
If you were to say "Mirror Mirror on the wall, tell me who is the huskiest of them all." And there is no second thought as to what the answer will be not me, not you but the Queen amongst the blessed few: Bipasha Basu, undoubtedly! And it is this huskiest ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 5:41 am
The list of nominees for the Zee Cine Awards 2008 Awards and as usual Shahrukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor are leading the pack of best actors and actresses respectively. Among the movie it is a tough contest between Chak De India, Guru, Om Shanti Om, Jab We Met, Life In ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 17 Apr 2008 | 5:37 am
Andhra Pradesh seems to be heading for 'star wars' with several popular Telugu actors gearing up to take the plunge into politics ahead of next year's assembly elections. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 17 Apr 2008 | 5:32 am
Packed with pulsating stunts and tough guy acts, MTV's weekly reality show 'Roadies' has managed to hook millions of Indians, from college goers to school kids to housewives. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 17 Apr 2008 | 5:30 am
Britain-born Upen Patel has been courting controversy lately and the three-film-old model-turned-actor feels there's a definite design to demolish his reputation. But he is determined to strike gold without any backing from the industry. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 17 Apr 2008 | 3:31 am
Young actress Jiah Khan, who after 'Nishabd' had virtually gone underground, will resurface with Aamir Khan in the Hindi remake of the Tamil film 'Gajini'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 17 Apr 2008 | 3:30 am
'Biology' has it that only a cat can give birth to a cat, a dog can give birth to a dog, a cow to a cow, so on and so forth. If that same 'theory' were to be applied in Bollywood, then, the saying will be like 'Only a sane person can make a sane movie', and a 'Crazy person can make a crazy movie'. If you think that's right, then, well, it's only about time that you dig into the latest issues of all the film glossies and read what Jaideep Sen is all about. For starters, he is a man who has proved the 'Biology' theory wrong, for he is the 'Sen' guy who was sane enough to make a crazy movie like Krazzzy 4, a movie that is setting its own records only to break them! How crazy is that now!
The ones who have seen the film find it extremely tough to believe that it is Jaideep's debut film. But there is something that's worth believing and that is, the man himself, Jaideep Sen will be all with you only on Bollywood Hungama to have a heart-to-heart chat.
So, do not forget to log on to Bollywood Hungama's Celebrity Chat on Friday, April 18, at 1530 hrs IST. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 16 Apr 2008 | 4:34 pm
For a man who began his tryst with Mumbai as a steward in Hotel Sea Rock, Action Director 'Cheetah' Yajnesh Shetty has come a long way. His zest for martial arts led to him training big stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, Govinda etc. To add to that he also produced a Govinda starrer Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain. The behind-the-scenes man is now all set to face the camera in Zoya Akhtar's Luck By Chance. "Cheetah plays a fight instructor who teaches Bollywood aspirants the art of action in movies," film's producer and Zoya's elder brother, Farhan Akhtar, disclosed to Bollywood Hungama.
Luck By Chance is said to be a contemporary take on the Hindi film industry something different from both Om Shanti Om as well as Khoya Khoya Chand (films in recent times based on Bollywood). Incidentally, Farhan will be acting in the film as well, for he plays a struggling actor who comes to Mumbai from Delhi. "The other cast includes Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Juhi Chawla, Konkona Sen, Isha Sharwani and a special cameo by Hrithik Roshan," Farhan informed. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 16 Apr 2008 | 4:15 pm
Download Bipasha Basu wallpaper
After endorsing for various renowned brands like 'Heads & Shoulders' and 'Kinetic scooty', Bipasha is all geared up for yet another brand which suits her sumptuous personality. A US-based company has signed Bips as a Brand Ambassador of their brand 'Alcome perfumes and cosmetics'.
Alcome will be launched in the Indian market with Bipasha as the face of the brand. Sanjeev Nayyar, Vice-President of Alcome Perfumes and cosmetics enthusiastically said that Bipasha perfectly fits in the bill and will definitely help the brand and the company with respect to their business aspect in India. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 16 Apr 2008 | 3:38 pm
Nandita Das will be bestowed for her contribution to cinema by the prestigious Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres at Paris. Not just that, she has also been given an open choice to choose any French personality for felicitation.
Nandita, who is on the cloud nine, informed that she was taken by surprise on receiving the letter last week. She further added that, to her, Paris is very similar to Kolkata in terms of both being the cultural nerve-centres of their respective countries.
Nandita is second Bollywood personality after Shah Rukh Khan who has been conferred with this award this year. It was at the beginning of the year that Shah Rukh Khan was honoured with the award. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 16 Apr 2008 | 3:26 pm
The shooting of UTV Spotboy Pictures and Sohail Khan Productions first co- production Main Aur Mrs. Khanna is currently on in full swing in Mumbai since the last few weeks. The film which stars Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Sohail Khan in lead roles is being directed by debutant director Prem Soni.
The film is a romantic comedy and will be extensively shot in Australia with short schedules in Mumbai and Dalhousie. Sajid Wajid have composed music for this film which should be completed by October this year.
It has indeed been a mutually rewarding association for both the co-producers. Commenting on the association, Vikas Bahl - COO of UTV Spotboy Motion Pictures said, "It's a delight to work with veterans and new comers at the same time as they all bring new skills. Needless to say anything about the stars who are a delight, but debutant Prem Soni is here to make a mark in the industry. The movie is a perfect mix of all the emotions and fun that we experience in our lives."
Sohail Khan had a few words of praise for UTV Spotboy as well. "Within a short time, UTV SpotBoy has earned quite a name for themselves in the industry, by adopting a very creative approach towards movie production. The interactions so far have been extremely productive, and we are impressed with what UTV SpotBoy has been able to bring to the table. It just makes us more positive about the film, and we want to leave no stone unturned to make our first association Main Aur Mrs Khanna, a success."
We too hope this film indeed takes the box-office by fire when it hits theatres. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 16 Apr 2008 | 2:59 pm
There's a definite design to demolish Upen Patel's reputation. And Upen knows who's behind the smearing schemes. "I'm being made out to be this publicity hungry woman-eating Casanova with nothing better to do than chase skirts. I know exactly who's behind these."
Apparently, a certain section of the industry is determined to hold Upen up for ridicule. Off the record, he names some people who have in some way or other felt slighted threatened or rejected by the actor. "But the truth is I'm not here to take up a panga with anyone. I'm accused of having a temper problem. Fine. But do I display my temper unnecessarily? I got into a situation with the One Two Three director Ashwani Dheer. But did you see how silly I looked in One Two Three, especially when I take my shirt off in the middle of a song, everyone laughed when it wasn't meant to be funny."
Upen takes a deep breath. âI'm accused of being the kiss-and-tell type. Will anyone, even my closest friends, be able to claim I've shared my girlfriend secrets with anyone? I'm not that kind of a guy."
What about the stories of Upen whizzing past Mumbai's fast lanes with Tabu? "Did I call up journalists and say I'm seeing the lady? Did I plant stories of our friendship? No! The next thing I hear Tabu is upset with me, for what? What have I done? Or Tanissha for that matter. I've been shouting from rooftops that I'm single. Will someone please listen to me?"
When other actor's past rares its head it's often an ugly occurrence, But Upen Patel feels he's being hounded for a perfectly normal pastâ¦.sans hanky panky. "The latest attempt to force me unnecessarily into a corner is a group of pictures featuring me and Deepika Padukone released on the net by someone who has nothing better to do. Now, I'm being accused of leaking out those pictures! What would I gain by doing something so silly? It's not as if they're sleazy pictures. They're part of mine and Deepika's modeling days. We shot the photo-spread for a men's magazine. What's wrong with that? I've shot similar pics with other model-friends like Yana Gupta. What is the point of bringing them out? If they're meant to embarrass the lady, then they don't work. I'm very proud of my modeling days and all that I did back then."
Upen insists he knows who his enemies are. "But I won't give them the pleasure of publicity by naming them. Neither will I let them demoralize me. I came to Mumbai from London with a dream. Today, I've made a place for myself and for my sister whose modeling agency is doing very well. I will make it big without being a star-son or having godfathers and sugar daddys in the industry." Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 16 Apr 2008 | 2:51 pm
Best Picture
Guru
Chak De India
Jab We Met
Om Shanti Om
Life In A Metro
Partner
Best Direction
Anurag Basu - Life In A⦠Metro
Imtiaz Ali - Jab We Met
Mani Ratnam - Guru
Priyadarshan - Bhool Bhulaiyaa
Shimit Amin - Chak De India
David Dhawan - Partner
Performance in a Leading Role (Male)
Abhishek Bachchan - Guru
Akshay Kumar - Bhool Bhulaiyaa
Salman Khan - Partner
Shah Rukh Khan - Chak De India
Shahid Kapoor - Jab We Met
Performance in a Leading Role (Female)
Aishwarya Rai - Guru
Deepika Padukone - Om Shanti Om
Kareena Kapoor - Jab We Met
Tabu - Cheeni Kum
Vidya Balan - Bhool Bhulaiyaa
Performance in a Supporting Role (Male)
Anil Kapoor - Welcome
Govinda - Partner
Irrfan Khan - Life In A... Metro
Mithun Chakraborty - Guru
Rajat Kapoor - Bheja Fry
Performance in a Supporting Role (Female)
Chitrashi Rawat - Chak De India
Konkona Sen Sharma - Life In A... Metro
Rani Mukerji - Saawariya
Vidya Balan - Guru
Zohra Sehgal - Cheeni Kum
Performance in a Comic Role
Govinda - Partner
Irrfan Khan - Life In A... Metro
Paresh Rawal - Bhool Bhulaiyaa
Rajpal Yadav - Bhool Bhulaiyaa
Vinay Pathak - Bheja Fry
Performance in a Negative Role
Arjun Rampal - Om Shanti Om
Kay Kay Menon - Life In A ... Metro
Shilpa Shukla - Chak De India
Vidya Balan - Bhool Bhulaiyaa
Viveik Oberoi - Shootout At Lokhandwala
Music Direction
A.R. Rahman - Barso Re Barso Re (Guru)
Mika Ganpat - Ganpat (Shootout At Lokhandwala)
Monty Sharma - Saawariya (Saawariya)
Pritam - Hare Ram Hare Ram (Bhool Bhulaiyaa)
Sajid - Wajid - Do U Wanna Partner (Partner)
Salim - Sulaiman - Chak De India (Chak De India)
Best Story
Anurag Basu - Life In A⦠Metro
Feroz Abbas Khan - Gandhi My Father
Imtiaz Ali - Jab We Met
Jaideep Sahni - Chak De India
Mani Ratnam - Guru
R. Balki - Cheeni Kum
Lyrics
Gulzar - Tere Bina (Guru)
Jaideep Sahni - Chak De India (Chak De India)
Javed Akhtar - Main Agar Kahoon (Om Shanti Om)
Sameer - Jab Se Tere Naina (Saawariya)
Sayeed Quadri - In Dino Life In A⦠Metro In Dino
Playback Singer (Male)
KK - Aankhon Mein Teri Om (Shanti Om)
Neeraj Shridhar - Hare Ram Hare Ram (Bhool Bhulaiyaa)
Shaan - Jabse Tere Naina (Saawariya)
Sukhvinder Singh - Chak De India (Chak De India)
Wajid, Laabh Janjuwa - Soni De Nakhre (Partner)
Playback Singer (Female)
Shreya Ghoshal - Barso Re (Guru)
Shreya Ghoshal - Dholna (Bhool Bhulaiyaa)
Shreya Ghoshal - Thode Badmash (Saawariya)
Shreya Ghoshal - Ye Ishq Hai (Jab We Met)
Sunidhi Chauhan - Aaja Nachle (Aaja Nachle) Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 16 Apr 2008 | 1:02 pm
Amitabh Bachchan: "For the first time in my career I had to learn a skill for Sanjay Bhansali's Black. I learnt the sign language. I think this silent but utterly eloquent way of communicating helped me become a better human being and actor."
Bipasha Basu: "For Dhoom 2, I finally learnt to swim. Earlier, I couldn't even get into the water. Swimming was required for a surfing shot. Finally, though I didn't have to apply my new skill because the sea was too rough. But at least I learnt how to swim."
Victor Banerjee: "The one skill that I had the hardest time learning for a role was a bit of a joke. You see, I had to learn to speak Urdu for my first film ever in Hindi Shatranj Ke Khiladi, and that too for the mighty Satyajit Ray. I had three Urdu teachers, Shama Zaidi, Javed Siddiqui and Saeed Jaffrey, all spewing venom and tearing me apart because Urdu with a Bengali accent is certainly peculiar. And another unique skill was for a Bengali film Pratidaan where I had to learn wild the lathi to play the baddie while Naseer and Sharmila played the romantic lead.
Urmila Matondkar: "For Naina, I had to learn and understand the complete body language of the blind. I also got to understand the psychological changes and physical disturbances in a person after she gains her vision. It was then that I realized how much we take our senses for granted."
Shabana Azmi: "For Morning Raga, I had to master the Carnatic Swara. It was a terrifying and frustrating learning process. But it felt very very exhilarating when I got it right. Thank God for my guru Ranjini and her patience and dedication.
Shilpa Shetty: "For Indra Kumar's Rishtey, I had to learn to speak Hindi with a Marathi accent. That was more difficult than anything I had to face in Big Brother.
Lara Dutta: "I had to learn to speak French for Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. I absolutely loved it!! I got to learn the cheesiest pick-up lines."
Aftab Shivdasani: "For Vikram Bhatt's Red, I had to work on my body. I went through rigorous training and had to be on a strict diet for several months. Though it required immense discipline I enjoyed it tremendously.
Rajit Kapur: "To play the character of Sadanand Borde in my only Marathi film, Limited Manuski, I had to ride a scooter. I didn't know how to. I reached Pune a day earlier to start practicing. I didn't know on the first day of shooting that I had to drive through the crowded streets of old Pune. I was very nervous at the outset. I thought I'd knock someone down. But eventually I had a ball.
Madhavan: "I have had to learn just one skill as an actor. And that was for the Tamil version of Mani Ratnam's Yuva. For the role of the street lout, I had to walk, talk and abuse like a goonda. I spent days with guys in the chawls, told them to brief me on the art of appearing uncouth on screen without overdoing it. My entire body language changed.
Vidya Balan: "The toughest thing that I had to learn for a role would have to be plying the wheelchair effortlessly for Guru, and that too with one foot twisted. That's when I realized how many of our physical abilities we take for granted.
Riteish Deshmukh: "For Anubhav Sinha's Cash, I had to learn street luge. It's actually sleeping on a skateboard and chasing cars. Risky but exciting."
Hema Malini: For Kamal Amrohi's Razia Sultan, I had to learn to speak Urdu, and I really enjoyed myself. Ironically I hardy spoke in the film, ha ha.
Raima Sen: "For Aparna Sen's The Japanese Wife, I had to learn how to do domestic chores. It wasn't enough to just fake it. My character actually had to LOOK like she does house work. My director needed that to show in my body language. So I did the actual cleaning, sweeping etc every day till these chores were ingrained in me. And I had to look graceful while doing it. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 16 Apr 2008 | 12:41 pm
Katrina Kaif joins the list of celebrities associated with Indian Premier League cricket teams. The gorgeous actress will support Vijay Mallya's Bangalore team. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 16 Apr 2008 | 12:30 pm
Size-zero models have become a rage among young girls and they are starving themselves to be like them, but 'Rangeela' star Urmila Matondkar disapproves of this and says staying slim doesn't necessarily mean being on a starvation diet. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 16 Apr 2008 | 11:31 am
Known for making socially relevant films and catering to popular sentiments, B.R. Chopra turns 94 next week and a special tribute will be paid to the veteran filmmaker by screening nine of his masterpieces here from April 18. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 16 Apr 2008 | 11:03 am
With just one day to go for the Olympic torch relay in the capital, actress Soha Ali Khan seems to have got the heebie-jeebies. The bubbly actress has backed out from carrying the Olympic torch in the relay and has even informed the Indian Olympic Association of her decision.
What is quite strange is that Soha has cited purely personal reasons as the cause for her backing out at the last minute. For those who came in late, the Olympic torch relay event scheduled to take place in Delhi tomorrow has been affected by one controversy after the other. First actor Aamir Khan was asked by some members of the Tibetan community to not participate in the event, then star football player, Baichung Bhutia, opted out of the event and finally Aamir decided that he would be carrying the Olympic torch.
With so many ups and downs, the Indian Olympic Association surely would heave a sigh of relief if and when the event goes on smoothly tomorrow. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 16 Apr 2008 | 10:44 am
Download Lara Dutta wallpaper
"Confidence comes not from always being right, but from not fearing to be wrong."
The aforementioned words very plain-fully and aptly describe 'her', who is also Bollywood's very original and eternally brightest shining star. She is also been described as the 'reason' for one common disease: 'Insomnia' (lack of sleep), as most of her fans just can't stop thinking about her and hence can't sleep.
She is none other than Lara Dutta, who celebrates her very delightful Birthday today. Having started her career with modeling and with the prestigious 'Miss Universe' crown resting on her head, Bollywood was the obvious next step for her. The wagging tongues that once said 'Models cannot act', are now sheepishly hiding their faces, since Lara has not just proved them wrong, but also has proved to the world that its not just her, but any girl, who wants to conquer the World can do so with just one quality: CONFIDENCE!
So, what are you waiting for? Please give your B-Day wishes to this Birthday Girl who gave you many reasons to smile, by simply posting your wishes below. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 16 Apr 2008 | 10:23 am
A brutal hard-hitting no-nonsense film on child abuse shot on the 16 mm format. That's what the U Me Aur Hum cinematographer Aseem Bajaj is off to shoot in London since 24 March.
"It's an 18-minute film on child abuse as seen through the eyes of a 21-year old man, who has grown up with memories of murdering his mother and crucifying his abusive father . He kills both the parents because while the father abused him, the mother would watch and even encourage the abuse," says Bajaj.
The film entitled Dissociation is directed by a young filmmaker Ish Thapar who is the son of the famed documentary maker Navin Thapar. Says Aseem, âThe film is obviously based on a real life incident. When I asked the director, he said it was his friend's story. I'm just happy doing something that talks about a very real incident and how it scars the individual." Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 16 Apr 2008 | 10:18 am
May is a crucial month for several entrants [actors, directors, writers, singers]. And at least three actors will be hoping for the best and keeping their fingers crossed - Mimoh Chakraborty [JIMMY], Sikandar [WOODSTOCK VILLA, SUMMER 2007] and Rajeev Khandelwal [AAMIR]. Ironically, all three newcomers are expected to face each other on the same date or a week later - May 16/23.
The question is, what if the movies release on the same date? In an industry that's governed by the box-office [talent follows later], the newcomers would be hoping that they hit the jackpot in their very first release. Let's hope that the makers sort out the issue [averting the clash]. If not, let the best film [and newcomer] win! Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 16 Apr 2008 | 7:21 am
