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One More Thought Entertainment (OMTE) announced its new film Dasvidaniya in association with Vinay Pathak and Shashant Shah's Lemontea Productions. This situational comedy is being directed by Shashant Shah with an ensemble cast which includes Vinay Pathak himself apart from Ranvir Shourey, Rajat Kapoor, Neha Dhupia, Saurabh Shukla, Gaurav Gera, Suchitra Pillai, Sarita Joshi, Suresh Menon.
"One More Thought believes in quality work. The way we have done with our first release Tingya. Cinema is a medium that we believe in and we are proud to have with us Vinay Pathak and his team. It's a brilliant story brought to life by the immensely talented Vinay Pathak and his unique brand of comedy," said Mr. Azam Khan, ED, OMTE.
Dasvidaniya is a bitter-sweet situational comedy about a man Amar Kaul (Vinay Pathak), whose existence is easily forgotten among the millions of people in the pool of Mumbai's ever increasing population. His innocence and his obsession for making his daily TO-DO LIST every morning is what motivates him to look forward to the next day. And then begins a journey of a lifetime for Amar Kaul, where he sets out to write his FINAL LIST. The List of 10 things to do before he dies. The List that would make his life worthy, before it actually ends. As the countdown begins does Amar Kaul succeed in fulfilling the final tasks to do on his wish list, is what the film is about.
On his association with One More Thought Entertainment Vinay Pathak said, "It's our first feature film under Lemontea Productions and I do hope we go a long way with One More Thought. It's great to see our ideas being received so well. Dasvidaniya is a mirror of everyone in society today. It's a reflection on life in a comic way".
This rollercoaster comic ride with Amar who symbolizes people caught in the web of life. Always wanting to do the simplest of things, but put them on hold is expected to go on the floors this month. Source: Indiafm.com News | 2 May 2008 | 4:05 pm
Noted filmmaker Firoz Nadiadwala is a man on a noble mission. And his mission is to provide for the rehabilitation, education and employment of those women and children who have been victims of human trafficking. Joining Firoz in this noble cause is clothes brand GAP and software major Microsoft. All 3 of them are working in sync with (UNODC) United Nations Office on Drug and Crime in the fight against human trafficking.
Bollywood Hungama spoke to Firoz to find out how he got involved with this serious issue and what steps he plans to take? âHuman trafficking is not just a very serious and grave issue but is an unpardonable sin. It is nothing but the buying and selling of human beings especially women and young girls. According to UNODC statistics, human trafficking is more than a $ 20 billion business annually and not many people are aware of it. People always talk about drugs and illegal arms and HIV etc but one of the main sources of HIV is prostitution which in turn exists because of human trafficking. The fact is that no woman becomes a prostitute out of her own free will; it is a route which they resort to or are forced to take up mainly because of lack of education which ultimately results in no money for basic survival. The first step is to identify the various pockets and areas where human trafficking is going on in a rampant way and then create the needed awareness about this issue. We then plan to make sure that the women who are rescued from human trafficking are given proper education and employment. Once they have employment, they have money and they can look after themselves and their families.â
We also asked him on how the association with GAP and Microsoft came about, âWe had made a short 2 minute film which was screened just before our film Welcome in all the theatres across the world. In that short film Mr. Amitabh Bachchan has also expressed his concern for this issue. Fortunately for us, since Welcome went on to become a super-duper hit, we were able to reach out to 1.5 billion people. Since it was placed immediately after the censor certificate it became like a compulsory viewing and helped in creating some awareness about human trafficking across the globe. In fact, United Nations started receiving many calls about this film and they got in touch with me and invited me in February to Vienna for a global conference on human trafficking. That's where I met the chief representatives of GAP and Microsoft and some senators from Washington. We felt that entertainment was the biggest way to increase global mass awareness about this issue. Even if one person out of every 1000 who watches the film has a change of heart and feels for this issue, I feel we have achieved the purpose.â says Firoz
So does he plan to rope in any more Bollywood celebrities to support this cause, âA very big Indian star whose name we would divulge shortly has offered his support and with his name associated with this project, much more awareness would be created. We will also be approaching some top names in Hollywood as well to support this cause. The Govt. of India has been very supportive and encouraging. The UNODC chief representative Mr. Gary Lewis, a very senior executive from UNODC Ms. Nandita, the chief person from GAP-India Mr. Lakshmi and a senior person from Microsoft - Vikas have all been extremely supportive in this endeavor. Some very big international MNC's have also expressed their desire to join this movement. In fact, we have decided that we would keep aside some amount from the collections of all our future films for this noble causeâ, signs off Firoz.
Must say in this day and age when most producers are only focusing on making maximum moolah, this noble gesture from Firoz A Nadiadwala indeed comes as a breath of fresh air. Source: Indiafm.com News | 2 May 2008 | 2:46 pm
Pop star Michael Jackson has dropped a lawsuit against an accounting firm he had accused of making deals and hiring people without his permission, according to court papers obtained on Thursday. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 12:50 pm
Top-selling recording artist Mariah Carey and popular rap singer and actor Nick Cannon married this week in the Bahamas, according to several media reports. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 12:50 pm
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Despite being a huge hit in India, Pakistan singer Atif Aslam has to overcome a number of visa issues each time the artist has to fly to the country for an song recording. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 12:50 pm
The company that controls rights to rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix`s music and likeness said on Thursday a purported sex tape of the musician being sold on the Internet was not authentic. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 12:50 pm
Actress Jiah Khan is barely in her 20s but has already worked with three generations of top Bollywood actors. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 12:50 pm
Canadian rock star Avril Lavigne says non-stop touring has taken a toll on her health and has apologised to her fans for cancelling a show due to illness. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 12:50 pm
A former nanny for Rob Lowe took part in a dramatic, tear-filled press conference Thursday regarding her lawsuit that accuses the actor`s wife of sexual harassment. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 12:50 pm
After Ash flew to Miami for celebrating first anniversary with hubby Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha was soon to follow to give company to boyfriend John Abraham. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 12:50 pm
Sussanne Khan delivered a baby boy yesterday (May 1) at Lilavati hospital in Mumbai. Daddy Hrithik caught the first glimpse of the new born baby at 11:45 a.m.
This is the couple's second child after their son Hrehaan, who is now two years old. We give the Roshan family our best wishes on this special occasion. Source: Indiafm.com News | 2 May 2008 | 12:30 pm
How boring can a book get? Well, flip through the pages of 'Hema Malini - The Authorized Biography' and you would get an answer. There are quite a few factors which add on to make the book one of the most strenuous and mechanical exercise:
a) It's print layout itself. A book which reminisces of a school/college text book, it doesn't come with an iota of glamour and is cruelly text heavy
b) Its narrative by author Bhawana Somaaya. Of course, everyone in media is aware about her accomplishments over the years in the field of film journalism but her writing style in the book is restricted to those interested in some 'serious reading'
c) Excessive focus on the relationship between Hema Malini and her mother
d) Close to half the book dedicated on Hema's position as a classical dancer. Of course, even the lady makes it clear that along with acting, dancing is her twin passion but for majority of her fans over the decades, she is still the 'dream girl' they have cherished on the screen rather than stage.
Due to reasons as above, 'Hema Malini - The Authorized Biography' turns out to be a painful read at number of places with only a few instances actually bringing on some exciting passages from her life.
To be fair to the author and the most successful leading lady in Hindi cinema of all times, many details from her life have been painstakingly gathered, analyzed and documented. It is a research which would surely have taken its own time, effort and energy. It is so easy for many authors to just do a desk research, gather a few quotes from the person whose biography is being written and spend some time with the ones dear and near to her.
However, in case of this book, it is much more than just visible that Bhawana has gone all out to make sure that not a single detail is missed out in her research. Of course, one can't say that practically everything would have eventually made it to the book since no one would actually expose his/her life's every intimate detail to the fullest in print for consumption to the world around her. Still, to Bhawana's credit, she seems to have got all the facts right, whether it is do with people, events or places.
This 200 page book gets alive in a major way mainly when, as expected, details around the blossoming love between Hema Malini and Dharmendra are put in words. The author understands that this is one area which has intrigued many for over the years and she catches the pulse of the readers well while exploring many told and untold stories about Hema's love story.
While many are aware that Hema's marriage to Dharmendra was being opposed by their families, not many know that Hema's mother had Girish Karnad in mind as her daughter's groom. In fact, she tried hooking them up together but that wasn't the case to be. Also, while Sanjeev Kumar was heads over heel in love with the 'dream girl' (a story which is known to all), even Jeetendra, who had otherwise taken Sanjeev Kumar's proposal to Hema Malini, later fell in love with her as well.
This isn't all as the book also gives a reader insight into how Jeetendra and Hema Malini were almost engaged before a quick turn of events changed the situation. For those interested in finding more about it, the book does provide some food for consumption.
However, apart from some interesting information like this, there are only few other details which make for an interesting read. For example, one gets to hear around how as a teenager, she was dropped from her first project, a Tamil film, because the filmmaker suddenly developed cold feet and thought that she was not 'heroine material'. Of course humiliation struck her hard and it was only later when none other than Raj Kapoor signed her on for Sapno Ka Saudagar did she set herself on path to glory. Words like 'She is going to be the biggest star of the Indian screen' coming from the Late Showman only boosted her confidence further and there was no looking back ever since then.
Those who have followed her career have known that Hema had started loosing her charm during the 80s, what with films like Ramkali, Aandhi Toofan and Durga hardly justifying her stature, even though they were successful. The book does mention about her sudden foray to B Grade cinema even as she was just out of prestigious projects like Meera and Razia Sultan.
While there are quite a few intrinsic details around her strong influence towards dance performances on stage, the book does mention interesting incidents around how even decades back, audience wanted her to break into a 'filmy' jig every now and then in the midst of classical performances. It was to Hema's credit that she stayed away from the temptation and instead persuaded her fans to watch her movies instead if they would rather choose to see her in a mode like that.
In addition, she also had a strict 'no revealing costumes' policy even in the most sensual/adult roles that she performed. Between all this, there is also a little write up on how she discovered Shah Rukh Khan and signed him on for Dil Aashna Hai after watching his dynamic act in 'Fauji'.
Still, interesting tidbits like these are far and few in the book which goes really deep down the relationship shared between Hema Malini and her mother and to an extent Hema Malini and her daughters - Esha and Ahana - as well. What makes one flip over the pages even faster (so as to see if something more interesting is in store) are the portions where the book gets really detailed around her classical dancing. In fact this happens most during the beginning and the end of the book which truly turns into an exasperating exercise. Result? It is only the middle portion of the book, that too in a limited manner, which succeed in hooking on a reader to go through this biography.
Price: Rs. 495/=
Rating: ** Source: Indiafm.com Features | 2 May 2008 | 10:49 am
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Kareena Kapoor has just danced with Shah Rukh Khan for the second time. It's for Priyadarshan's Billo Barbar. And its composer Pritam Chakraborty is sure that it will be a smash hit like Kareena's other item song 'Yeh Mera Dil' with Shah Rukh in Don. Says Pritam, "The Don song was a re-mix. My item song 'Theek Hai Theek Hai' sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and Sukhwinder for Kareena and Shah Rukh in Billo Barbar is an absolute original. And if today I'm doing my most creatively satisfying work, I give Kareena a lot of credit for it."
What is it about Kareena Kapoor that our new-age composers get inspired by her?
Earlier he wasn't supposed to do the music in Golmaal Returns. "But then I heard Kareena is part of the sequel. And I kicked myself, 'Shit I wish I could do it.' To my good fortune Vishal-Shekhar who were supposed to do Golmaal Returns, backed out. I jumped in, rang up Shekhar and asked him, 'Tu nahin kar rahan hai?' When he confirmed they were out, I was over the moon. I've composed a rocking item song 'Maine Tujhse Pyar Kiya Hai' for Kareena in Golmaal Returns."
Earlier Anu Malik used to claim that he formed an indelible team with Kareena. With all his big projects from her debut Refugee to Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai to the ambitious (though not successful) Yaadein, Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon and Khushi, Anu had once said to me. "I don't know what it is about Bebo. But she brings out the best in me. And I think I do the same for her."
Now suddenly once again Kareena is the muse for another composer. The high-flying Pritam Chakraborty, who's just composed two songs 'Don't Stop' and 'Jai Jai Shiv Shankar' for Shah Rukh's Knight Riders, thinks Kareena is his lucky mascot. "It's more than that actually. I just feel I'm linked by a creative satellite to her. It started with the 'Its Rocking' item-song in Kya Love Story Hai. You've to admit it presented Kareena like never before. And it brought me loads of popularity too. Then I did Jab We Met which I think is a turning point in my career. If it wasn't for Kareena my songs like 'Yeh Ishq Haye', 'Mauja Hi Mauja' and 'Nagara' wouldn't have become a rage. And no matter what some people say 'Yeh Ishq Haye' is an original composition. I'd say if today I'm doing original work it's because Kareena inspires me."
So taken up is Pritam with his new-found muse that he wants to compose for all of Kareena's films. "I know that isn't possible. But I'd like to try," says Pritam emotionally. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 2 May 2008 | 10:13 am
Everyone is talking about Upen Patel's daredevil act at the Zee Awards at London on Saturday evening. Speaking from London, Upen explains, "I was actually asked to step into Salman Khan's act at the last minute. Believe it or not, I had just one hour to rehearse! One hour! I don't know how I managed it."
But the response Upen got from his fellow-Londoners was unimaginable. "London is my home. And to perform there was a dream come true for me. My mom, my sister and my entire family watched me. They had a planned a lavish act with Salman with motorbikes on stages and everything."
So what gives? "Salman, I'm told, couldn't come for his performance because of a torn ligament. I happily agreed to be a last-minute replacement because I didn't want them to incur losses. Why wouldn't I want to step in for Salman? He's a rock star. Besides, they altered Salman's act to suit my personality. Initially, I was supposed to dance to two songs from Partner. But when I stepped in they re-structured the intro with bits of my songs from 36 China Town and Shakalaka Boom Boom to begin the act."
Earlier Upen was supposed to be part only of Shah Rukh Khan's act. "He did a kind of Om Shanti Om with a gender reversal where instead of all the heroines, all the heroes joined him on stage. I was only supposed to be part of that. But thanks to Salman, I had two acts, one for myself and one with Shah Rukh. The press here in London has gone ballistic over my act. I can't get over it."
And all because of Salman's unpredictability! Source: Indiafm.com Features | 2 May 2008 | 10:06 am
Film scripts are like rubber band. Try stretching the band beyond a point and it's sure to give away. The script of Anamika suffers for this reason! Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 9:52 am
It's tough to make a comedy. It's even tougher to make people laugh. With Mr. White Mr. Black you realize that director Deepak Shivdasani's intentions may be sincere, to make a full-on entertainer, but the film fails to transport you to ha-ha-land. It takes off with gusto, but the vehicle runs ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 9:40 am
T-Series has acquired audio rights of Chandni Chowk To China starring Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone. The movie is being produced by Mukesh Taleja, Ramesh Sippy and Warner Bros. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 8:58 am
Life is unpredictable. Shahrukh Khan was on top of the world when the Indian Premier League took off. His team Kolkata Knight Riders won two consecutive matches, including the IPL inaugural match against Bangalore Royal Challengers. But the story has changed. Now, his counterpart Preity Zinta has scored over him. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 8:47 am
Everyone is talking about Upen Patel's daredevil act at the Zee Awards at London on Saturday evening. Speaking from London, Upen explains, "I was actually asked to step into Salman Khan's act at the last minute. Believe it or not, I had just one hour to rehearse! One hour! I don't ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 8:39 am
Something special came to Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan's life this Labour Day. His wife Suzanne Roshan gave birth to a baby boy on May 1, at 11.27 am. She was taken to Lilavati Hospital on Wednesday. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 7:34 am
Ultimate star Thala Ajith celebrated his 37th birthday on May 1. The actor, who always liked to celebrate this event as a private occasion, had a very private birthday party without any fanfare or great public celebrations. Only his close friends and family members attended the party on May 1 evening. ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 7:01 am
Young director Tarun Gopi, who is known for his directorial ventures Vishal starrer Thimiru and Simbhu's Kaalai is turning hero now. He has titled his debut film as hero as Kaattu Paya. The announcement came on the hundredth day of the Kaalai when Simbhu's father T Rajender slapped the director on ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 6:56 am
Hot actress Namitha escaped from a fire accident when her bedroom AC was burnt. When the actress was in her Numgambakkam residence on Tuesday, the AC machine was suddenly caught by the fire and her bedroom filled in smoke. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 6:49 am
New York (ANI): Mariah Carey is reportedly no longer a single woman, with rumours abuzz that she has married her rapper beau Nick Cannon. According to Latina magazine, the ‘Hero" hitmaker wed Cannon in a 'very impulsive' ceremony in the Bahamas. The ceremony took place in front of a few friends, ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 2 May 2008 | 6:23 am
Actress Chitrangada Singh, who is returning to Bollywood after a three-year hiatus, says she has walked out of 'Delhi Belly' starring Aamir Khan due to creative differences with the makers of the film. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 May 2008 | 6:02 am
Live concerts and music on the internet will be key to the music business of the future, feels Ralph Christoph, an electronics music expert from Germany who is scouting for talent in India. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 May 2008 | 5:00 am
The two 'Dostana' heroes had a pleasant break while shooting in Miami. First Abhishek Bachchan had wife Aishwarya Rai join him on their first wedding anniversary and then John Abraham had Bipasha Basu for company. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 May 2008 | 3:30 am
A passport problem for Pakistani artists is forcing Bollywood composer Pritam Chakraborty to rush to Lahore to record a song with Atif Aslam for the upcoming film 'Kismat Konnection'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 May 2008 | 3:00 am
Spunky Jiah Khan, who wasn't seen much after her debut in the controversial 'Nishabd', says she was waiting for 'Ghajini' to roll out. In it, co-star Aamir Khan presents her in a different avatar. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 May 2008 | 2:00 am
