From a Miss Universe to a top star and a comic female actor to a brand ambassador for The Art of Living, Lara Dutta's packed a lot into her eight years of fame and five years in cinema. After packing a punch in Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and Partner, she's now ready with a few surprises like doing her own action stunts for Blue and more.
What are the other films that you are doing?
I have just signed Shree Asthavinayak Cine Vision's Blue¸ an action drama revolving around water-sports. Anthony D'Souza makes his directorial debut and Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, and Zayed Khan are my co-stars. Then there is Sudhir Mishra's Aur Devdas and two films with David Dhawan, of which the only thing I can reveal is that one is with Govinda. I may also be doing a film with Priyadarshan.
Is the other David film the one written by Rensil D'Silva?
I cannot answer that.
Till a few years ago, stars would openly talk about their films to come. Today everything is confidential. Is this a good trend?
I think that it is good not to speak out until everything is in place. This is the era of bound scripts and we usually accept films after hearing the first narration or draft. So it's better to wait till everything is concrete as it helps avoid controversies.
Apart from the heroes, are you too doing some action in Blue?
Yes, I am. In fact, Blue is the first Indian film to revolve around water-based sports. We will be shooting in the Bahamas among other locations and for over a month now, Akshay, Zayed, and I have been training for the action sequences.
Blue is the first Indian film to revolve around water-based sports.
Bhagam Bhaag, Partner, Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai and the other David Dhawan film - you seem to be doing a lot of films with Govinda.
Yes, but Banda⦠is a bit different, because in that comedy we are meant to be an odd pair!
You are also doing a lot of comedies.
I am very happy to be known as a comic actor. In the last five years all the great comedies have done well, and five of the best and most successful - Masti, No Entry, Phir Hera Pheri, Bhagam Bhag and Partner - have been mine. I am honored to have been thought of, for these films by directors who are the kings of comedy. It's also great that David and Priyan are coming back to me. I think that no other heroine has had such a streak as a comic actor in such a variety of comedies.
In India, however, comic actors are not rated highly though comedy is the most difficult part of acting.
I agree that comedy is tougher to do than anything else. But it's great to know that perceptions are changing. A few years ago, it was drama but now the success ratio of comedies is much more. Now some of the best actors are comic actors, and I have been lucky to work with actors who are brilliant at comedy, from Govinda to Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan and Paresh Rawal. Pareshji in particular has taught and guided me a lot.
I agree that comedy is tougher to do than anything else. But it's great to know that perceptions are changing.
How would you compare David Dhawan and Priyadarshan?
They are both so good yet so different. With David, a lot of work is done on the sets, on-the-spot improvisations rule, and that means in the performance too. Priyan, on the other hand, knows exactly what he wants from the scene, and so everything is canned in one or two takes.
But as an actor, I have to be very alert with both. Everything about comedy boils down to timing and improvisation and one look or glance and a slight change in your dialogue delivery can actually turn the whole character around.
Actors from ramps or pageants fit into two categories - those who accept offers after their wins and turn serious actors only later, or those who use this route as a passport to films. What about you?
I knew that I wanted to be an actor since I was 13. But since I lived in Bangalore, faraway Mumbai was just a dream. When I ended up winning the Miss Universe contest, I got offers straightaway and I thought that I should not look a gift-horse in the mouth!
But you cannot blame the industry and the audience for slotting a girl from the glamour world. It is up to the actor to get the identification with her work and establish a link that goes beyond the Miss Universe tag by doing different, normal roles.
And was Andaaz the right debut?
Of course it was! Unless I could have got a debut vehicle like Deepika Padukone did in Om Shanti Om!
Are there any films you regretted doing?
There were, but at least they taught me lessons early, so that I do not make mistakes now. I am very happy with what I have achieved and am in no hurry, I am not into the numbers game and I want to have fun. I am growing as an actor and I don't obsess about a big film being made without me!
I am very happy with what I have achieved and am in no hurry, I am not into the numbers game and I want to have fun.
And which are your special favorites?
My turnaround film was Boney Kapoor's No Entry. It not only opened up many doors for me but also became special as Boney Kapoor asked me to choose between the role I eventually did and Bipasha Basu's character. I thought that there was a greater challenge in playing a suspicious wife, and also Bipasha's role was broadly on the same lines as my character in Masti.
You talked about the numbers game. But Kajol recently said that but for a few male exceptions the era of the star-system is over. Would you agree?
She is right in a way. A star by definition is unreachable. A film star is someone who earlier was only seen in a film. If he or she did only one film in a year, the audience would have to wait. Now the exclusivity isn't there - stars are accessible and are seen daily on television and in ads. And ever since the '70s, the heroes have always had the upper hand.
One of the biggest shocks of 2007, though a pleasant variety, was your performance in Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. How did that happen?
Anyone who enters the film industry today, wants to work with Yash Raj Films. And Yash Uncle and Aditya had promised me that when they had the right role for me they would call. And it happened in a very bizarre way - JBJ's offer came when both my parents had been hospitalized and I was sitting outside their rooms. I was completely distraught and recall telling them that I could not talk about anything for five days, which was really crazy as I had wanted to work with them for years! What also made JBJ special is that Adi and Shaad Ali wanted only Lara Dutta, which was a first for me, because it was not a case of which good-looking female actor was available on some scheduled dates! This made me want to give more than 100 per cent.
JBJ's offer came when both my parents had been hospitalized and I was sitting outside their rooms. I was completely distraught and recall telling them that I could not talk about anything for five days, which was really crazy as I had wanted to work with them for years
You are endorsing Sri Ravi Shankar's The Art of Living. How involved are you personally with this?
I am certainly not just a celebrity pushing something. I was introduced to this by a friend eight years ago, and whatever I am doing is voluntary and unpaid and only because it worked and still works for me. I have been following the techniques since and it's a wonderful de-stressing tool. It helps you focus and also deal with everyday pressures.
When I became a celebrity I was just 21 - and that's not an age at which you are mature enough to deal with the pressures and the competition. Making your mark and becoming a go-getter is important, but this technique allows you to do that in a proper, stress-free manner and in the right way. It veers you away also from dangerous things like crash diets and eating disorders. When both my parents were ill, it helped me a lot too.
So what exactly are you doing as their ambassador?
It's like this: Yoga has been around for ages, but it took a Madonna for it to be recognized in the West. Celebrities make a difference. Right now I will be going to New Zealand with the teachers. New Zealand has the highest suicide rate among youth in the world and the people there do not know how to deal with this. We will be initiating the youth there into ancient Indian techniques like 'Pranayam' and Meditation, amongst other things. We will be interacting in a big way with the government authorities as well as the media. I have already gone with their teams to a few places like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. But again, all this is because I have benefited and I know that others will too.
Screen India Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 18 Apr 2008 | 3:36 pm
Malayalam actress Navya Nair who acts in various other South Indian languages has just signed her second Kannada film Namma Yejamaanaru which is directed by award winning director Nagabharana. The film will have Kannada Superstar Dr. Vishnuvardhan in the title role. Young actor Vijaya Raghavendra plays another important role in ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:36 pm
Legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan has now become closer and more accessible to people by sharing his views and replying to queries on his personal blog on BigAdda.com, an Indian youth network site. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:31 pm
The Anil Ambani-promoted BIG Music has announced a mega world tour for the finalists of the reality show 'Star Voice of India Chhote Ustaad' contest. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:31 pm
Darsheel Safary, who wowed all in 'Taare Zameen Par', has stepped into the world of advertising, becoming the brand ambassador of health drink Horlicks and he advises kids to try it to be 'cool'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:31 pm
For starters, Rajeev Khandelwal is the man who can make millions of girls faint with a mere 'Hello'. Imagine what will happen when the girls get to hear him for a full-on time frame of 3 hours! The reason being that Rajeev, the chocolate liquor of the TV industry is all set to say 'cheese' to the big screen, with his debut film Aamir. Bollywood Hungama spoke at length to this romantic hunk, whose 'morning mist' filled eyes were doing most of the talking. Presenting an exclusive interview with Rajeev Khandelwal.
What is your film Aamir all about?
Well this film is about a guy, Aamir who after returning to Mumbai from London finds himself in a situation where he is left with no option but to follow the person who is commanding him to do something which he would never want to do and how he emerges out of it as a winner. It also tells us that how some situations can make an ordinary man to come forward as a hero.
It also tells us that how some situations can make an ordinary man to come forward as a hero
What is your character in the film?
My character is of a middleclass Muslim guy, who is an ordinary person and who goes to London through scholarship for studies, loves his family very much and wants to lead a quite and calm life.
Why such an unusual debut when you could have made an easy debut in any romantic film?
Yes, that's true, I even got many offers for romantic films. But I didn't opt for any because I knew that everyone will expect me to make my debut in a romantic film since it would have been easy for me. But I wanted to do something which was unexpected rather than doing the obvious.
What made you leave TV serials?
TV is very regressive; I couldn't experience growth over there. In case of Sujal (Kahin Toh Hoga), I felt that the story was going nowhere and my role had no meaning left so I quit. In 'Left Right Left' also, though the character of Capt. Rajveer Singh Shekhawat was very close to my heart I thought that the character had reached its peak and was no more required in the story so I decided to quit. But the I loved doing that role because it was the role for which I received the best actor award.
TV is very regressive; I couldn't experience growth over there
Would you like to go back to TV?
Actually speaking, No. I would not like to look back and I hope I don't have to chew my words. I just want to look ahead and I hope people like my work in Aamir.
You are a debutant; your director is a debutante. Weren't you skeptical about choosing him as your launch pad?
Not at allâ¦though it is Rajkumar's first film, we cannot forget that he has assisted Anurag Kashyap in films like Black Friday and No Smoking. He is a fantastic director. In fact, I believe that when every one is a new comer, the passion to make the project a hit is all the more because every one wants their first film to be the best⦠So I was never skeptical about making my debut with Aamir. In fact, I think I couldn't have had a better choice than Aamir to launch myself in Bollywood. I believe that even if the film doesn't work, I'll never regret, choosing it as my launch pad. I trust my director and my film very much.
The lover boy of TV has no female lead opposite him in his first film.
I know it sounds very weird to most people, but the fact is that there was no need or place for an actress in the film. The script is very strong and revolves around my character, so Rajkumar didn't find the need of introducing any actress unnecessarily.
How did your parents react to your decision of quitting TV and doing films?
Wellâ¦initially, they were somewhat upset with me because obviously without any project in hand I quit 'Left Right Left' and was sitting idle, they were not really happy with me leaving TV because whatever said and done, you get good amount of money in TV. But once I signed Aamir, they were very happy with my choice of film.
The script is very strong and revolves around my character, so Rajkumar didn't find the need of introducing any actress unnecessarily.
How was your experience shooting for the film?
The experience was quite adventurous. Unlike shooting at foreign locales; we shot the entire movie at the real locations of Mumbai like 'Bhindi Bazaar', 'mutton market', 'chor bazaar', 'bandra masjid' etc. We used too shoot in the sun, near the gutters and naalis, at all busy locations, in the middle of traffic etc⦠but it was quite amazing shooting like this for my very first film, it was quite challenging and I love taking challenges.
You must have received many offers after Aamir, have you signed anything as yet?
Yes, I have received loads of offers for a number of films but I have not signed anything as yet because I know that the roles, which are offered to me, are all based on my previous image of Sujal. I want to take it slow, I want them all to see Aamir first and then give me roles. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:22 pm
Shivaraj Kumar's Paramesha Panwala, produced by Aditya Babu and directed by Mahesh Babu will start shooting on 21st April. The film is a remake of Shahrukh Khan's Don. Shooting will commence at Kanteerava Studios, Bangalore. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:19 pm
Washington (ANI): Troubled American pop princess Britney Spears trusted friend Sam Lufti, has agreed once again to stay away from her till July 31. The order came about on Wednesday Apr 16 and it was revealed at a Los Angeles court, People magazine reported. The had been slapped on Lufti ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:13 pm
Ever since last Diwali and Om Shanti Om, Shahrukh Khan fans have been starving to see their favourite hero on screen. They did catch a glimpse of the Baadshah gyrating to the "Break Free" item number for Rakesh Roshan's Krazzy 4. But that was not enough to satisfy them. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 11:22 am
On the eve of the Summer Olympics torch relay in New Delhi, Bollywood actor 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. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 11:01 am
Big B has initiated 'bigb.bigadda.com' to connect and communicate with people. With the coming of the internet, a simple concept like blogging is now used as the largest form of self-expression as users now discover the huge potential of this medium, which is far greater than any other media, solely ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 10:52 am
With the Nokia-Shahrukh Khan association for the IPL came the announcement of the Kolkata Knight Riders promotional music album Nokia 2 Hot 2 Cool in association with T-Series at the Taj Lands End on April 16. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 10:46 am
Rajkumar Gupta is Anurag Kashyap's true protege. Having assisted Anurag in Black Friday, Gupta, the director of Aamir, learnt the art of shooting with hidden cameras and in real locations. UTV Spotboy's Aamir has been shot extensively in real locations like Bhendi Bazzar, Crawford Market, Jacob Circle, Bandra Masjid and ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 10:34 am
Darsheel Safary is courting stardom at age 11 and relishing it too but at the same time the little bundle of talent, who wowed all and sundry in 'Taare Zameen Par' (TZP), rues that he has lost most of his friends. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Apr 2008 | 10:31 am
After the hard-hitting, Khuda Kay Liye Shoaib Mansoor plans a sequel to the film. However, the project stands to lose because of the nightmarish experiences the middle-aged director went through.
"My kismet was with me. If in Pakistan, we didn't have President Musharraf in-charge of the regime my film would've been in serious trouble. Yes, he openly supported the film. He saw Khuda Kay Liya and made his appreciation and approval so apparent that the work of the censors became quite easy. I don't think my film would have made it into the theatres."
Surprisingly the Pakistani fundamentalists also kept their peace. "The majority of the audience reacted so positively that they didn't have the guts to raise their voice. Also, I covered my bases well. If Naseeruddin Shah's anti-fundamentalist rhetorics had any flaws I'd have been hauled over the coals. I've a fair command over my religion. However if you ask a maulvi about it, he would say I am not Muslim at all specially after seeing my film. But I'd like to say I'm a far better Muslim than any maulvi. Just as they say, they're doing a Jihaad I'd like to think I've done Jihaad through my film. If I've shown so much courage and taken such a personal risk to depict the true meaning of religious faith it's a form of Jihaad born of strong convictions." It isn't as if Shoaib Mansoor thinks it's all peaches-and-creams in the Land Of Dreams. "If you and I travel together you can sail through customs. But I'll be grilled although I dress conventionally. Intolerance is a way of life in every culture. Even today, women are treated as commodities in many countries. Through my leading lady Iman Ali I wanted to show how women are treated."
And now Shoaib Mansoor plans a sequel to Khuda Kay Liye. "But I wonder if I'm equal to the task. I had members of the cast who didn't behave well during the shooting. How can I work with them again? My lead actor Shan gave an interview before the release of Khuda Kay Liye where he said I had made the film only for myself and for my close friends. These commercial actors believe audiences actually want potboilers." So did Shan apologize after Khuda Kay Liye succeeded? "Apologize? He hasn't called me once since the release. The whole of Pakistan has changed their mind about Shan after my film. I Believe I could only realize 50% of my script. I don't want to go through that suffering. Whatever I make, it would've a powerful message. I feel I've to use the cinematic medium to say something meaningful."
Apparently the leading man Shan who's a major star in Pakistan gave Mansoor hell.
He evades the question. "Maybe these stars behave the same way with all directors. Later I found out that these stars were being far more disciplined with me than with other Pakistani filmmakers. I wish they'd have looked at Naseeruddin Shah. What convictions and integrity he has! After hearing my script his first condition was, 'I'd do it for free'. My other actors first wanted to know how much money they'd get." Interestingly all the actors except Naseer and Shan in Khuda Kay Liye were feature-film firsts. Shoaib's next film could be an Indo-Pak production. "I'd like that. I feel the predicament regarding religious bigotry is the same in both countries. I feel Pakistan and India are casualties of wrong policies. I wish to address my films to these issues. It's important to bring about an awakening in people. Not that I feel cinema can change mindsets. I don't think Khuda Kay Liye has revised Muslim bigotry."
Shoaib is gung-ho about Jodhaa-Akbar. "The effort and the funds are evident. I was awed by the film's magnitude. I wish I could make a period film like this. History and fiction are my lifelines. I'm very interested in the life of Akbar. And I'm very impressed by Jodhaa-Akbar. My only grouse is that Hrithik Roshan is miscast. It was important to make sure that the actor who plays a historical character is correct in posture and bearing. In my own film too some actors were miscast. But then I wasn't in a negotiable position."
Shoaib admits Khuda Kay Liye got recognition outside Pakistan only at film festivals. "The film went through a nightmare in the US. I had no distribution setup. So I negotiated with some people on the e-mail. On trust, I sent them the prints of the film. They ran the film for a month in the US. And then vanished with the funds and the prints. In fact, I should make a film on my experiences while making the film. For example, the actor whom I initially wanted in the lead Junaid Jamshed was my close friend. I introduced him on television and promoted him to become a top musician in Pakistan. When I offered him the role he said yes eagerly. But then he became a mullah and lost nerve. I lost precious eight months in his dillydallying."
Reacting to the film's box office performance in India, Shoaib says, "I keep myself away from such things. But I wish the film's Indian distributors had treated it with more importance. It's the costliest film ever made in Pakistan. And I raised the funds somehow on my own." Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 18 Apr 2008 | 10:04 am
London (ANI): Before achieving global stardom, Angelina Jolie like any other struggling model took to posing in some racy pictures get her big break. Sensational pictures of the then 16-year-old Jolie have been published for the first time. They were taken when, as a rebellious youngster, she was trying to launch ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 9:56 am
Mohan Babu will be playing a special role in Puri Jagannath's film Bujjigadu Made In Chennai. He has been signed up by Trivikram Srinivas to play a special role in his new film starring prince Mahesh Babu in the lead. The film will hit the floors on April 24. S ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 9:46 am
Cinema and cricket will combine to make a heady mix when the Indian Premier League (IPL) debuts Friday evening in Bangalore with superstar Shah Rukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders taking on flamboyant magnate Vijay Mallya's Bangalore Royal Challengers. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Apr 2008 | 7:03 am
She rose to popularity as 'Devki bhojai' of the hit Doordarshan series 'Humrahi' in the early 1990s and since then has been active in films and television, but Himani Shivpuri says that theatre is her first love. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Apr 2008 | 4:33 am
Producer-director Harry Baweja promises his forthcoming 'Love Story 2050', about futuristic Mumbai, will be more spectacular than 'Krrish' as he has hired technicians involved with films like 'Lord Of The Rings'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Apr 2008 | 4:33 am
Rumours of Govinda's reportedly strange behaviour on the sets of Rajnish Thakur's 'Loot' in Bangkok have perturbed the actor, but he refuses to give any clarification saying his forthcoming releases will prove the naysayers wrong. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Apr 2008 | 3:00 am
Bollywood fashion designer Narendra Kumar, who has styled clothes for Madhur Bhandarkar's upcoming film 'Fashion' and plays a bit role in it too, has another ace up his sleeve - designing the line for the Amitabh Bachchan starrer 'Aladdin'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Apr 2008 | 3:00 am
Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff has filed a petition in the Kerala High Court seeking to quash a cheque bouncing case pending against him in a lower court in Thrissur. Shroff has stated in his petition, filed yesterday, the Judicial First Class Magistrate at Kodungalloor in Thrissur district had no territorial jurisdiction to consider the complaints filed against him in the case. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:02 am
She might not be the good girl as per media reports, but Lindsay Lohan`s dad, Michael, has claimed that his daughter is all set to take up missionary work in India with him. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:02 am
India`s burgeoning
entertainment industry loses as much as 4 billion dollars and
800,000 direct jobs each year due to counterfeiting and
piracy, a latest study says. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:02 am
Looks like Bollywood`s steadiest couple are heading for splitsville! Contrary to the rumours, the decade-old marriage of Arbaaz and Malaika Arora Khan is going strong and the story is reportedly a publicity gimmick for a skin cream advertisement. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:02 am
Hollywood hunk Daniel Craig, known for his debonair looks is making use of an assortment of girlie cosmetics to make sure he appeals to both men and women. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:02 am
Brit supermodel Naomi Campbell wanted to do her bit when she offered her blood at the HemoRio medical centre in Brazil - only to have officials turn her away. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:02 am
Troubled pop princess Britney Spears is said to have returned to the recording studio with former manager Larry Rudolph. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:02 am
It has finally been confirmed that the Queen of Pop, Madonna will be setting out on a world tour this year. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:02 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: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:02 am
My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves may have bombed but the industry sat up and took notice of its leading man Nikhil Dwivedi. The newcomer impressed the industry and the trade alike with his talent and now hes back with a bang with a spate of new films under his belt. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:00 am
The coming of the Indian premier League (IPL) made news not just because of its novelty, and the big bucks that the cricketers are to make, but also because of the presence of many of the B-Town megastars in the new league either as owners or being part of the publicity campaigns of various teams. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:00 am
If King Khan is the Baazigar among men, then the super-successful Kareena shares the same title among women! Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:00 am
Kings XI Punjab is part of the eight competing teams promoted by The Indian Premier League. It is held and promoted by a consortium which includes leading actor, Preity Zinta & Industrialists Ness Wadia (Wadia Group); Karan Paul (Apeejay Surrendra Group);and Mohit Burman (Dabur Industries). Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:00 am
After the back to back success of all her recently released films,like ‘Partner’, ‘Apne’, ‘Namestey London’ and ‘Welcome’, she is now the brand ambassador of Vijay Mallya’s IPL cricket team. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:00 am
Tanuja Chandra’s new film ‘Hope and Little Sugar’ was premiered at Cinemax. This is Tanuja’s first English film and comes after her last movie ‘Zindagi Rocks’. Mahima Choudhary, Anupam Kher, Suhasini Mulay, Vikram Chatwal, Amit Sial and Ranjit Choudhary are the main actors in the film. Rohit Roy, Mahesh Bhatt, Model and actor Bikram Saluja are some of the actors who attended the premiere. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:00 am
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan launched ‘Chandamama classics and comics’at JW Marriott. After the launching function Big B talked to the media persons and other people who had come to attend the function. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:00 am
The promo of the new film from the Yash Raj banner is to be shown in the theatres on April 25, the release day of ‘Tashan’.According to the grapevine, Kunal has even promised an expensive laptop for the person from the film’s crew who comes up with the most suitable title. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 18 Apr 2008 | 12:00 am
Big B has initiated 'bigb.bigadda.com' to connect and communicate with people. With the coming of the internet, a simple concept like blogging is now used as the largest form of self-expression as users now discover the huge potential of this medium, which is far greater than any other media, solely due to the interactive platform that it offers. This is what brings Bollywood's legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan online - closer and accessible to people.
Says Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, "bigb.bigadda.com allows me to express myself, share and reflect my emotions, thoughts, opinions and listen to what people have to say to me and show them the 'Real' side to my larger-than-life image that they see through the media. It's a platform which I control and share my own drama without anyone editing or interpreting my thoughts."
He further added, "What's most important for me is that, I can now share consequential replies to the inconsequential gossip that do the rounds. I have always wanted a platform, where I can speak⦠for truth is always stranger than fiction. People will now be able to get an unedited version of my views, ideas and thoughts, straight from me."
Mr. Rajesh Sawhney, President, Reliance Entertainment said, "Blogs are personal, online diaries of people, where the barriers of restricted communication and word limits are broken. We are proud that an Icon like Mr. Bachchan has chosen bigadda.com to express himself and connect."
As a closing thought, Mr. Bachchan added, "My 'adda' at http://bigb.bigadda.com will be the single point destination, where I will openly state my views and also discuss the same with all; if you write to me, I will reply. Let's Catch Up!" Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 17 Apr 2008 | 6:26 pm
Rubbishing rumours of Govinda's reportedly eerie behaviour in Bangkok for Rajnish Thakur's Loot, producer Suniel Shetty in fact gives the dancing star a glowing work report.
"Govinda was a delight to work with. Everyday without fail he reported at 9 am in the morning, sometimes much ahead of others, and worked till late in the night to complete our long schedule. In fact, because of Govinda's thorough professionalism, we wrapped up five days ahead of schedule."
Speaking from Bangkok, Suniel can't stop raving about his co-star. "I'm amazed at stories about his non-professionalism. Where did those come from? On the contrary, I'm ready to release Loot ahead of schedule because of Govinda. Earlier my partners, TV 18, and I were planning to release the film early next year. Now we're going for a release in August this year," Suniel ends happily.
Adds Govinda, "All sorts of strange rumours about my behaviour in Bangkok were reported while I was away. I don't know where they started from. All I'll say is let my films from Money Hai To Honey Hai to Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai to Loot be released. My mental condition will be made clear."
Laughing loudly Govinda says, "It was even reported that I moved out of the hotel that I was staying in with the unit and that I first fed my food to the dogs to make sure it wasn't poisoned. First of all, I stayed in the same hotel throughout with the rest of the unit. As for my meals, yes I did share my food with other members of the unit. So I'd like to know which of them they are calling a dog."
Reports say Govinda was scared of ghosts in Bangkok. "If I've the guts to take on all kinds of bullying and intimidating from politicians why would I be scared of ghosts?"
Govinda's laughter rings loud and clear.
He's laughing all the way to the bank. News is that he has cut a deal with a corporate house for Rs 8 crores. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 17 Apr 2008 | 4:04 pm
Picture this⦠Take some of the biggest names in Bollywood like Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar and Juhi Chawla⦠Add to this, some top notch industrialists like Dr. Vijay Mallya and Mukesh Ambaniâ¦.Finally, take some of the best cricketers across the world like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Yuvraj Singh, Sanath Jayasuriya, Shaun Pollock and Shane Warne. What do you get when you have all these stalwarts come together in one common platform?? Well, you get 44 days of complete fun and hungama better known as IPL - Indian Premiere League. As one of cricketing world's biggest extravaganza gets ready for its grand launch we at Bollywood Hungama bring you all the news, scoop, and updates from the world of IPL.
Shah Rukh Khan sings 'Run Just Run'
It's SRK getting behind the mike once again to sing a song, this time for his Kolkata Knight Riders music album...
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''I've always looked up to Shah Rukh'' - Preity
I've always looked up to Shah Rukh. When I did my first film Dil Se with him, he was already a huge star. To me it's a matter of great...
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News
- Sanjay Gupta directs Katrina Kaif for a music video
- SRK to sell IPL tickets for as low as Rs.100
- Now Mithun Chakraborty buys out a cricket team
- Ila Arun to say 'Halla Bol' for IPL team of Rajasthan
- Rani, Bipasha to do SRK's music video for IPL
- SRK ropes in Bappi Lahiri, Preity shoots her music..
- Katrina, Deepika to groove with Dravid for IPL video
- SRK, Preity plan music videos for their IPL teams
- Ranbir socks it on the soccer field
- Rahul and Ayesha sweep the streets of Mumbai
- Tattooed: Harman Baweja's 'V' for Victory
- SRK pays 4.4 cr to his captain, Preity pays 4.3 cr
- Theme song and cool uniform for SRK's team
Features
- King Khan launches Nokia 2 Hot 2 Kool
- "I said KkkKiranâ¦Aamir really loves Kkkkiran" - SRK
- Preity Zinta does 'bhangra' on the streets
Gallery
Nokia's association with Shah Rukh's Knight Riders
SRK Interacts With The Media And Fans About Kolkata Knight Riders
- SRK Unveils His IPL Team KKR' Mascot And Logo
- SRK And Priety At IPL'S Auction To Hire Cricketers
- MasterCard Ties Up With Mumbai Indians
Broadband
Shahrukh Khan's Rocking IPL Video
Preity's Music Video For Kings Xl Punjab
- SRK Gets Set For IPL
- Hrithik's 'Desi' Flavour For Mumbai IPL Music Video
- SRK Backs Knight Rider Shoaib Akhtar
- We Are King Khan's Men
- Juhi: SRK-Aamir, Who's No.1?
- Shahrukh Khan Turns Cricket Merchant
- Kolkata Knight Riders - A First Look
- SRK's Knight Riders Play Hard To Get
- Fearless SRK And His Knight Riders To Rule
- SRK's Knight Riders Do The Disco
- SRK's Knight Riders Too Hot To Handle
- Witty SRK On No.1 Aamir
- SRK & Preity Zinta's Cricketing Battle Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 17 Apr 2008 | 4:03 pm
On his 94th birthday, B.R Chopra will be honoured by the film fraternity with the screening of his nine magnum opuses.
The Film and Television Producers Guild of India have orsganized the event as part of their initiative called âGuild Greatsâ. Ravi Chopra, Raj Babbar, Basu Chatterjee, music maestro Ravi, Raj Tilak and Bobby Bedi will be part of the opening ceremony.
Raj Babbar and Padmini Kolhapuri starrer Insaaf Ka Tarazu will be first film to be screened at the Siri Fort auditorium. Apart from Insaaf Ka Tarazu, the other films which will be screened are Hamraaz, Waqt, Ittefaq, Baghban, Gumraah, Nikaah, Naya Daur and Chhoti Si Baat.
The three days event will commence from April 18. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 17 Apr 2008 | 2:51 pm
Click above for more stills
There have been many case histories in Bollywood which justify the statement (read 'theory') that neither friendship nor enmity lasts forever in Bollywood. The latest one is that of the ongoing tussle between the music giant T-Series with Ram Gopal Varma. Till about last week, they were at logger heads at each other, regarding the forgery of documents and non- payments etc⦠That's the reason all the eyes were focused on the fate of Sarkar Raj, starring the Senior and Junior Big B along with Aishwarya Rai.
The news is that they have now buried their differences with the release of an 'official statement' from both the parties, which says, âWe both compromised on all our differences and settled amicably and are doing Sarkar Raj together. We do not wish to give further clarifications."
And in accordance to this 'compromise', it's said that T-Series will get to keep the audio and home video rights of Sarkar Raj. For the sake of RGV's image, it was just about time that he patched up with T-Series. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 17 Apr 2008 | 2:34 pm
With IPL being the buzz word these days, even our B-town folk seem to be getting in the groove for some cricketing action. With just one day to go for the opening ceremony, the franchisees are running helter-skelter to see that all things are in place for their respective teams. What's more, they are even going all out to promote their team through music videos, merchandise and even distributing tickets by star players.
Liquor baron, Dr.Vijay Mallya, who owns the Bangalore Royal Challengers team is also ready with his music video. In fact, a promotional video featuring players like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and Jacques Kallis is already on air since a few days and now Mallya is all set to release his second music video featuring none other than super-hot babe Katrina Kaif.
While there were speculations about both Katrina and Bangalore girl Deepika Padukone being seen in the video, looks like it's finally only Katrina who has zoomed ahead in this 'Race'. The gorgeous actress shot for the video yesterday along with The 49ers - a team of cheerleader girls- at the Brabourne stadium in Mumbai. Noted filmmaker Sanjay Gupta of Kaante, Musafir and Zinda fame directed the video. The video has Katrina doing a live performance in front of a huge crowd with the cheerleaders performing with her on stage.
The video is set to be shown tomorrow when Bangalore Royal Challengers take on SRK's Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening match of the IPL at the Chinaswamy stadium in Bangalore. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 17 Apr 2008 | 1:23 pm
Shah Rukh Khan is known to put his heart and soul completely into whatever he undertakes. The big event which is keeping him really busy these days is the inaugural edition of the IPL- Indian Premiere League which kicks off in Bangalore tomorrow (April 18th)
SRK who is the proud owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders team is going all out to promote his team. In fact, his promotional music video 'Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo Re' is already making the air-waves and now Shah Rukh has gone ahead and even launched a music album called Nokia 2 Hot 2 Cool.
The actor along with music moghul Bhushan Kumar of T-series officially released the music of the album in association with Nokia at a function in Mumbai yesterday.
Speaking on the occasion, King Khan said, âI thought of Nokia because Nokia could connect my 22 players who were diverse but came together in one thought- they hated the thought of losing. T Series was the obvious choice because whenever I think of music, the only company that comes to my mind is T Series and I have a long association with Bhushan Kumar since Chalte Chalte days and recently even with Om Shanti Omâ
With the album having some pulsating numbers by Vishal-Shekhar, Bappi Lahiri and Pritam this one surely seems a must- buy for all die-hard SRK fans. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 17 Apr 2008 | 1:08 pm
The Madhya Pradesh government Thursday decided to grant exemption in entertainment tax and electricity duty to encourage construction of multiplexes and single screen cinema houses in the state. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 17 Apr 2008 | 1:00 pm
Ekta Kapoor's upcoming film C Kkompany will have Sanjay Dutt singing the title track. The song is composed by Anand Raj Anand and will be directed Rahul Sud. Sanju will also be featured in the video.
Confirming the news, Ramesh Sippy, the CEO of Balaji Motion Pictures, it was a sudden decision of production team during the dummy recording of the song. The three leads actors of the film, Tusshar Kapoor, Anupam Kher and Rajpal Yadav get introduced through this song hence they couldn't be featured in it. It was then that Sanjay Dutt's name came up and Dutt readily agreed to do it. The song will also be used as a promotional track for the film.
Sanjay Dutt will introduce the characters in the film through this song. Sanjay had done something similar for Milan Luthria's Taxi No. 9211 which starred Nana Patekar and John Abraham. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 17 Apr 2008 | 12:38 pm
Priyadarshan's forthcoming film Billo Barber has been in the news ever since it was announced, as this is the first time that the talented director is working with the 'Baadshah of Bollywood', Shah Rukh Khan. The film which stars Irrfan Khan in the lead role is a story of friendship between a poor villager and a big star and is completely different from Priyan's usual comic fares.
The latest buzz doing the rounds is that the film will have an item number featuring none other than the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor and the super-hot Deepika Padukone along with King Khan. While Kareena has already shot for the number, it is believed that Deepika would be shooting her part later this month.
When Kareena last grooved with Shah Rukh in Don, the song went on to become a chartbuster. As for Deepika, her pairing with SRK in Om Shanti Om also re-wrote the box-office history. So will the same magic be created this time round too? Wellâ¦.our guess is as good as yours. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 17 Apr 2008 | 12:00 pm
