Amitabh Bachchan could have retired long ago. He could have hung up his hat on his many awards, basked in the glow of movie history, and holed up in his Mumbai bungalow above all the hustle and bustle of Bollywood. But luckily for everyone, he hasn't gone anywhere and, at 66, is at the top of his game. In the last three years alone, he's worked with one of the movies' best known directors demonstrating a penchant for artistic evolution and experimentation. But as Bachchan tells me, and as few of the legend's colleagues and friends tell us, as much as his role choices and co-stars have changed, some things about the man remain the same. He loves to learn, is more anxious to promote his films than the distributors and producers, has to have tea and cookies while giving interviews, and can't get enough of life's little pleasures. So while he adjusts his yellow tie and his trademark dark glasses, I have a last careful look at my questions which will be fired to Mr. Bachchan...because you never know when they might get back fired.
B for B.R. Films, B for Baghban, B for Baabul, B for Bhoothnath, B for Bachchan and B for Blog. The only thing I can say here is - to B or not to B?
(Laughs) It's nice the way you've used the B in the question. But it's also a coincidence that happens to everyone in their life at some point or the other. Yes, I still haven't worked with B.R Chopra as a director but look at destiny, I'm working with B.R. Films for that matter. And now the entire media is talking about the blog which I've started but then it wouldn't be possible without the help of media. I hope my views and opinions expressed in my blog are appreciated by one and all, and if not, they are free to express their.
I still haven't worked with B.R Chopra as a director but look at destiny, I'm working with B.R. Films
With so much going around - IIFA, Bhoothnath, and Sarkar Raj next, you seem to be the busiest actor on board. What's your stress level like?
I don't understand why the media asks this question. I mean whatever I'm doing is my job. Today if I'm given some responsibility, I'll make sure I fulfill it. Yes, my age does not permit me to do everything I want to but I try and manage and adjust as per my convenience. And my stress level is normal at the moment.
Adlabs distributed and marketed your earlier film Baabul which grossed 960,000 pounds and was one of the top 15 films ever on the U.K box office out of 500 released. Now with Eros International distributing Bhoothnath, do you think this film will touch a million pounds?
Well, we all know how capable Eros International are. And with the stats which you've just mentioned of B.R Films, I can't see why Bhoothnath can't do good business.
You're playing a bhooth in Bhoothnath and a genie in your forthcoming film Alladin. Do such roles allow you to tap the child within you?
We all have a child within ourselves and it does come out sometime and somewhere. So if films like Bhoothnath and Alladin give me variety, it also gives me freedom to be jovial and interact with kids and of course, as you just mentioned, to tap a child within me.
We all have a child within ourselves and it does come out sometime and somewhere. So if films like Bhoothnath and Alladin give me variety, it also gives me freedom to be jovial and interact with kids
You'd normally associate a bhooth with Ramsay Brothers or Ram Gopal Varma. But Amol Palekar in Paheli and Vivek Sharma in Bhoothnath have given a completely new dimension to their bhooth's. Any comments?
You're right. They have. But let's not forget that the Indian Film Industry needed a makeover and it came at the right time. Yes, there is a risk of films not doing well while you experiment with new ideas but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel too. The way Vivek has made this film, for once you will not be able to tell that Bhoothnath is made by a debutant.
Why do you think the story of Bhoothnath in today's time period be relevant for people today?
Bhoothnath is just not another ghost story. It's a story of a little kid and a ghost who becomes friendly, their relationship and how as it develops, they are able to sort out a problem which is quite universal like togetherness, family relationships, respect for elders and so forth.
Do you encourage your co-stars to take on your style and do you accept theirs when you're acting?
I have no style and I hope I don't, and I will never want to interfere in someone else's style.
You mentioned on the BBC Breakfast while promoting Bhoothnath that you refrain from using the word Bollywood. But do you mind when people use that word in front of you?
Yes, because it's detrimental. It's degrading. We are the Indian Film Industry and why give it a defamatory terminology.
What did you learn about the mindset of young directors like debutant Vivek Sharma from your years of research and study in films?
I've hardly done any research, but yes, I've had the opportunity to work with many prominent directors and new ones too. I find the younger generation more excitable, aggressive in their passion to succeed, technically more savvy, more professional as far as managing their project is concerned and very very keen to propel their graph upwards, not that the others aren't either. But this generation is terribly independent, aggressive and wanting desperately to prove themselves at a very early age.
I find the younger generation more excitable, aggressive in their passion to succeed, technically more savvy, more professional as far as managing their project is concerned and very very keen to propel their graph upwards, not that the others aren't either.
Merchandising a film has become an important marketing tool now-a-days, from clothes to accessories to games. Do marketing of this sort change the fate of any films?
I don't know but I'd imagine it does, otherwise it wouldn't be there. Once a film becomes popular, perhaps there is a need and a desire to have a lasting identity with it so that the merchandising goods get manufactured and they remain with you. For Bhoothnath too we have come out with some games for the kids, which I'm sure they will love playing. In the past, we have seen that such strategies have been successful in the West. So why not try them here when it works. I'd say Yes.
One learns about Mr. Bachchan on the set of being dedicated, the visionary, the go-getter and the one who shares a laugh with his co-stars. Is it an obsession, a passion that's necessary to get where you want to go or is that you've had enough?
No, I hope that I've never had enough because then it'll be a terrible moment for me. So yes, we look out for fresh things, new ideas, and fresh opportunities and the atmosphere on the sets needs to be very conducive in wanting to achieve that. So we work to excel in whatever we are doing and look for excellence in every department and try to work hard enough to achieve our goals and dreams.
How would you characterize your contribution and your achievement in the field of films and what do you understand about achievement now that you did not when you were young?
I don't think that there's been any great achievement as far as I'm concerned. I've just been fortunate and lucky to be in an industry which has looked upon me rather kindly. The fans have propelled me into doing what I've desired to do and I'm happy for that and I hope they continue looking at me in this manner. Industry changes happen because of changes in the society, changes in time and period and in the way the country has changed. All this is reflected in any kind of creativity. So if you find things different in our cinema, it is reflective of the above changes. I will always honor that and that is my achievement. These are some of the things I've noticed.
The road to shoot a film is not a straight line. It's a winding road. You must have faced set backs, frustrations and self-doubts while filming Bhoothnath and many other films. How do you deal with them?
I think that is true for any vocation in life, whether you are a journalist or an actor or a businessman. There would be ups and down and that's what teaches you about life and how to overcome hardships, obstacles and hurdles. I hope they remain because each hurdle is a great lesson in life. We need to struggle everyday to be able to succeed and to be able to look forward. If it were all smooth sailing, my life would be too monotonous.
The Indian Film Industry is more about the star kids. But when you see young and very young talents such as Aman Siddiqui, don't you feel they are the future to look out for and should be groomed well rather than see them in a one off appearance?
I think Aman is very young and surely this is something that he will have to decide upon or let us say, his parents. But to say that the film industry is full of star kids is not entirely correct. Yes, there are children that are working who belong to stars but that is a very natural phenomenon. I wasn't a star kid when I started off and neither was Shahrukh or Salman and Hrithik or Hrithik's father, Mr. Rakesh Roshan. There are examples and I don't think that should be looked upon in a derogatory manner or in a negative way. When the same thing happens in business nobody says anything, when it happens in medical profession nobody says anything, then why films?
Yes, there are children that are working who belong to stars but that is a very natural phenomenon. I wasn't a star kid when I started off and neither was Shahrukh or Salman and Hrithik or Hrithik's father, Mr. Rakesh Roshan.
You also quoted on the BBC Breakfast show that the films you do is sort of an escapism for those who cannot afford luxury or want to escape from the daily worries. Why do you say so?
The question asked revolved around our Indian films, which are very big and colorful and so on, and I said yes, I think our films are escapist in nature and we need to show that to the common man who perhaps does not get an opportunity to see this. So if by paying some money to watch a film if that person can get three hours to escape from his personal worries, poverty and hardships in life, that's what our cinema is all about.
From IIFA Yorkshire in 2007 to IIFA Bangkok in 2008. Are there any cities and countries left now to host the awards?
(Laughs) Well, we always try to do things, which are different and add more to the IIFA weekend irrespective of which country or city hosts it. I hope we continue doing that and try and make it better in the future years as well. Of course, IIFA weekend in Bangkok this year will also be special and remembered dearly as for the first time the entire Bachchan family comes together for Sarkar Raj, which is premiered there.
Well then, would you like to give a special parting message to the readers of Bollywood Hungama?
Thank you for your love and affection. I hope you continue seeing our films. We are a family full of actors now and we need your blessings which I know has always been with us. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 3 May 2008 | 3:47 pm
An ace cinematographer and filmmaker Santosh Sivanâs directorial debut in English language Before The Rains has won at the 41st Annual World Fest 2008 Grand REMI Awards. The film has been made under the banner of Excalibur Pictures, which stars Rahul Bose, Leopold Benedict, Linus Roach, Nandita Das and Jennifer Ehle.
Before The Rains which won in the category of Best Theatrical Feature revolves around a man crushed between his honesty and future ambitions. Set in the colonial period of 1937, it is also about the plantation of tea and spices during the British rule by Indians.
The film was showcased as the opening night world premiere at the World Fest. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 3 May 2008 | 3:04 pm
Imran Khan has been feeling pangs of nervousness before his first promo of Jaane Tu⦠Ya Jaane Na, which hits the marquee on this Sunday. He called Aamir Khan to share his nervousness, during the conversation Aamir Khan realized that his nephew was nervous and asked him to take the next flight to Hyderabad on Tuesday.
Aamir Khan is going through the most grueling schedule of Ghajini in Hyderabad. Even with a 14-hour day shift, he took time out to spend most of his time with his nephew Imran Khan between the shots. People, who know Aamir, would know how unusual this is, as when he is shooting he likes to be completely involved in his shooting and not meet lot of people. In fact, director AR Murgadoss was also seen talking and chatting with Imran Khan.
During the conversation, Imran admitted to Aamir that he was worried and a bit nervous about his first photo shoot. So promptly, he called Avi (Avinash Gowarikar) to Hyderabad to have the photo shoot done in Hyderabad next day, where he could be around to give moral support.
Source close to Aamir Khan says, "It was reminiscent of Aamir Khan's launch himself, during the days of QSQTâ¦he would be going through nervous phases and both Naseer Sahib and Mansoor Khan would sit with him and talk to him. Aamir has been through the earlier days of first promo going on air and knows how it feels." Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 3 May 2008 | 2:38 pm
Click above for more stills
Rajeev Khandelwal adds another feather to his cap with his debut film, UTV Spotboy's Aamir. Apart from being the lead actor in his first film, he also gets an official credit as the first Assistant director of the film.
Director Rajkumar Gupta & producer Vikas Behl have decided to give Rajeev the official credit of being the First Asst. Director of the film. Says Rajkumar, " Rajeev was always proactive about everything that was happening on the sets, and since we were shooting in the real locations of Mumbai with the hidden cameras on the streets Rajeev never got the opportunity of using vanity vans. He was himself suppose to take care of his make up, clothes etc. and most of the time he used to do his make up in auto rickshaws and taxis. Even when he had a vanity van, he never disconnected himself from rest of the cast and was on the sets looking after various things. He took charge of the continuity of the film with his dressing and makeup and even did his own clap sometimesâ¦
For few scenes where we were shooting on the roads, in taxi, he even held the reflector in his hands and did his scene. Since the Asst. Director of films handles these responsibilities, we decided to endow him with the First AD's title for Aamir. He was very passionate about each and every thing related to the film, being a first time director myself, I couldn't have asked for a better debutant for my film than Rajeev."
When checked with Rajeev, he laughs and says, âYes, since we were shooting in narrow streets, sometimes on the roads where it was too crowded and the place was too compact to accommodate many people, I decided to do the clap myself and also call action. I am happy that Rajkumar found me considerable enough to give me the credit of Assistant Director for the filmâ¦he is a very easygoing director and always made me feel comfortableâ¦I enjoyed each and every day shooting for Aamir. It was a very learning and enriching experience for me." Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 3 May 2008 | 2:30 pm
She is on the run to prove herself. Sure life has its ups and downs, after having a fair share of downs with some terrible movies and moves, the weather has finally turned around to smile at Shilpa Shetty. In a life span of 33 years and film career of 15 years, Shilpa has managed to garner attention in the last year and a half. Featuring on the cover of Marie Claire, she is dressed to kill.
At a time, when colleagues are settling for a domestic life Shilpa is making the
best of a spontaneous life and business. After launching her own brand of perfume, Yoga DVD
and a production house, she is all set to re-define her acting prowess. No doubt that she is ravishing and after being a part of the Brit Paparazzi, it's barely going to stop. Shilpa, the hot sexy and unbelievably sensuous damsel soaks up the sun of media attention and glam without a second glance. Looking her best, she definitely knows how to knock down her fansâ¦any doubts? Source: Indiafm.com Features | 3 May 2008 | 2:11 pm
Mukesh Talreja and Nikhil Advani of Orion Pictures Private Limited are in talks with Warner Brothers to remake the Hollywood blockbuster Wedding Crashers. The company is in talks with two big actors to play the lead in this remake.
Speaking on the decision to make Wedding Crashers, Mukesh Talreja, Orion Pictures said, "I have seen Wedding Crashers and I think it is a great property that would certainly lend itself to a Bollywood remake and I am very happy that we will be doing this in the right way in association with Warner Brothers.â
Commenting on the same, Blaise Fernandes of Warner brothers India said, "Yes, we are talking to Orion Pictures on the possibilities of re-making Wedding Crashers in India. Orion has shown keen interest in this project and they (Orion) have lined up some of the best talent for this project. Both WB and Orion will come back to you on this project the moment we have finalized the detailsâ.
Sources indicate that, âWarner Brothers will also take legal action with any party who plans to remake this film in concept or as a remake. A trade warning in this respect about the remake rights of the film being with Warner brothers will be sent out.â
Orion Pictures at the moment, have the prestigious Chandni Chowk to China in association with Ramesh Sippy Entertainment, which is presented by Warner Brothers near completion. The film stars Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone. The other films that they will be starting this year include their big animation project tentatively titled Ab Dilli Door Nahi, Milap Milan Zaveri's Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai! The other three films form an interesting package, which we intend to make public soon, and shall go on floors in the next few months. This would include a film to be directed by Nikhil Advani, Vikramaditya Motwane, Shivam Nair. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 3 May 2008 | 12:55 pm
The Chennai Police has decided not to take any legal action on Bollywood Bombshell Mallika Sherawat for her 'provoking' dressing manner at the Dasavatharam audio launch event held at Nehru Indoor Stadium, a week ago. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 11:47 am
After facing difficulty to make an impact in Tamil Cinema, actress Vimala Raman has shifted her concentration in Malayalam a year before. She did lead lady roles against all the major heroes including Mohanlal (College Kumaran), Mammootty (Nasrani), Dileep (Time) and Jayaram (Sooriyan) in the Malayalam Film Industry. But since ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 11:14 am
Director cum producer R Narayana Murthy is known for making revolutionary films in Telugu Film Industry under the banner of Sneha Chitra. In his 24 years of filmy career, he has brought out 20 films under the banner. Though his earlier films are based on stories related to the injustices ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 10:59 am
Glamorous Genelia started her career by working in Shankar directed Boys and later acted in a Hindi film. But then the sizzling beauty moves down south to act in Tamil, Telugu and even Kannada films. Her Kannada film Sathya In Love will be completing fifty days run shortly. And her ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 10:48 am
A report in a section of the press stating that Amitabh Bachchan would be playing the role of Bangladesh's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has the mega-star completely stumped, puzzled, and amused.
"I've no idea what all this is about. Lots of media persons have been calling since yesterday. I can't say where and how this report originated from. But it is not true," said the Big B from London on Saturday morning just before he boarded his flight back to Mumbai. Not only does the report state with absolute authority that the Big B plays Mujbir Rahman, it also quotes the film's producer as saying that the rest of the Bachchan clan, Abhishek and Aishwarya, will also feature in this bio-pic.
Continues the Big B, "I've no clue about this. There's nothing to it. At least not as far as I'm concerned. I'm hearing all this talk about this film for the first time." This isn't the first time that producers have made premature or unfounded announcements about the Big B's presence in a project. But it would have been interesting to watch him play a historical character. In all these years of superstardom, the Big B has never played a biographic figure. The closest he came to it was in Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar where his role had shades of Bal Thackeray. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 3 May 2008 | 10:26 am
Arshad doesn't know whether to be amused or exasperated. His release this week, Mr. White Mr. Black was earlier entitled Mr. Black Mr. White. "But then Subhash Ghai's film Black & White came along. To avoid confusion the film's title was flipped around. Aisa hota hai Bollywood mein," he says wryly and adds, "It's a nice clean comedy, and that's the only kind of comedy I can do. I can't do sleazy double-meaning comedies. That's one reason why I enjoyed doing Krazzy 4," he says from Goa where he's shooting for Golmaal Returns.
"It's so hot here. From now on, I've decided to put a clause in my contract. I won't shoot anywhere that the temperature rises above 20 degrees. I'll call it the temperature clause."
For his birthday on April 19, Arshad was shooting in the middle of the ocean in Mauritius for a song in Neeraj Vora's Shortcut. "I was in Bangkok for almost two months, came back to Mumbai for two days and left for Mauritius. Now I'm in Goa and then I go to London for a long schedule. I'm seriously thinking of getting NRI status. As for my birthday, normally I don't like birthdays. They're so embarrassing. But this one was special. Because my choreographer Bosco and 20 dancers got into a catamaran with 200 beer bottles and just sailed away into a high skyâ¦It wasâ¦liberating," Arshad chuckles at the memory.
Equally liberating is the sleazebag he plays in Shortcut. "I've never played a more despicable character in my life. I never thought I'd play someone so lowdown. When I watched myself I thought, shit how could anyone be so cheap?" Arshad has attempted a new kind of acting in the role. "See I play a bad actor. So when the camera is on I do some terrible acting. When my character is off-sets he's a bad actor trying to behave like a normal decent guy which he is not. I just hope audiences get the point and don't accuse me of hamming." No hamming involved in his first production, which goes on the floors on July 10. "I am yet to get a proper title for it. Though, tentatively we've called it I Believe In Angels. Everyone thinks angrezi titles don't work. So we're searching for a title and a heroine. No one wants to work with me. I think I need to have a long talk with Godâ¦or maybe plastic surgery will help."
Arshad regrets missing Teen Patti with the Big B. "I'm dying to work with Mr. Bachchan. But I couldn't possibly mess around with my dates in a film that stars him. Next time. Is Madhavan doing my role? Good He's a cool guy and a good actor." Source: Indiafm.com Features | 3 May 2008 | 9:59 am
Hours before I saw white-and-all-black I asked a colleague what kind of a review she was going to give the film. "I'm not going waste any space on this one," she retorted. Frankly, even for a diehard movie buff like yours truly sticking through this piece of risible rap (give or take a 'c') was an ordeal akin to a visit to the dentist. No, I take that back. I any day prefer molar surgery to watching white black and red-faced farces.
First the positive comments. Sunil Shetty as the boor from Hoshiarpur chasing poor Arshad Warsi all over Goa in the effort to bring him back to the village for a barren stretch of land, safeguarding a spoilt heiress from debauchery is obviously inspired by Akshay Kumar in Sabse Bada Khiladi. Sunil does the innocent-abroad act with a warmth and compassion that this project doesn't deserve.
The land of the bland stretches from the first frame to the last. The first-half does have a few funny moments, like Sunil's dhoti being pulled off by a dour doggie(ha ha ha) and a roguish Warsi hoodwinking an innocent Goa ki gori (newcomer Rashmi Nigam) into believing his double is doing all the gadbad (Jewel Thief, anyone?). The second half is based entirely on a series of improvised gags with the Warsi-Shetty duo trying hard to breathe life into a dead script.
Once director Shivdasani takes the characters to Goa he seems to have gone on a holiday. And he seems to have taken the scriptwriter (if he ever existed) with him. What we are left with is an amateurish clumsy parade of skits masquerading as spurts of satire. But acute exasperation is all this furiously frigid 'wannbe'-funny-film gets out of us. Tediously structured to echo the manipulative maneuvers of a monstrously mediocre man of mirth who can't tell the difference between cheers and jeers Mr. White⦠makes you think only black thoughts about the future of comedy.
Arguably, Mr. White & Mr. Black is the worst comedy to have come out of Mumbai's dream factory in recent times, lower down on the scale of pale laughter than even the horrendous Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama. It's not the quality of performances (Shetty good, Warsi very good, and some of the supporting cast more tolerable than the material allows them to be). It isn't even the fault of the production values (Thomas Xavier's cinematography gets Goa going on a 'slight'-seeing spree).
Damnit, so who's to blame for the roya-all mess of, ha ha, a comedy about a lovable charlatan who poses as a diamond robber and hotel owner and god-knows-what-else in this you me and ho-hum laugathon which thinks jokes about skin colour (Ashish Vidyarthi is called koyle ki khaan) and humor about a dead mother (Shashikala in a guest appearance) being relived through old Hindi movies could keep the spirit of a modern-day satire alive.
Sorry, Mr. White and Mr. Black is as amusing as a dog peeing on a Kashmiri carpet.
Who just urinated on our sense of humor? Could it be the makers of this ghastly travesty of a film? What was the gifted Sandhya Mridul thinking doing Charlie's Angels with two chinky chicks who think flying through the air in clumsy f-x scenes is akin to touching paradise? There are a couple debutante leading ladies hoping to become stars after this film. One of them looks like Preity Zinta on a bad-hair day and Bobby Darling on a good-hair day. And that's a funnier joke than anything you'll see.
Oh, I forgot. There is actually a funny joke in this film. And it's to do with a hugely gifted comic actor called Jameel Khan who was a laugh riot as a music-contest organizer in Manish Acharya's Loins Of Punjab Presents. In White Black and Purple Jameel is reduced to an un-funny non-entity. While everyone else is trying hard to be comic, the film's biggest comic talent stands apart. What was Jameel thinking? A good question for everyone involved except the director. It's easy to see he wasn't thinking at all. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 3 May 2008 | 9:59 am
Washington (ANI): British fans have named Jack Nicholson Hollywood"s Top Hellraiser. The 71-year old took the top spot with over 24 percent of the votes in the poll that saw more than 1,300 people taking part. Following close in second place was former drug addict and Iron Man star Robert ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 9:56 am
London (ANI): Heather Mills has turned down a 100,000 pounds offer to become the face of Britain"s biggest chain of sex stores. Mills was made the offer by Private Shops that hoped that the 40-year-old would lead their advertising campaign. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 9:40 am
London (ANI): English pop singer Victoria Beckham has been branded a ‘nightmare" by soccer hero Sol Campbell"s girlfriend in the latest war of the WAGs. The 27-year-old Fiona Barratt has also accused David Beckham"s wife of acting like a prima donna. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 9:34 am
Arshad doesn't know whether to be amused or exasperated. His release this week, Mr. White Mr. Black was earlier entitled Mr. Black Mr. White. "But then Subhash Ghai's film Black & White came along. To avoid confusion the film's title was flipped around. Aisa hota hai Bollywood mein," he says ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 9:09 am
An understanding has been reached between Yash Raj Films and the multiplexes for the entire YRF slate of films for the year 2008. This agreement commences with Vijay Krishna Acharya"s Tashan, which will be released in multiplexes nationwide starting Saturday, May 3. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 9:02 am
After two shocking eliminations in Friday"s episode of Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar, the mood lifts in the Saturday"s episode as the Champions entertain both, the crowds and the judges, singing hit retro numbers complete in appropriate retro attire. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 8:48 am
Sahara Motion Pictures has acquired the rights of Popcorn and Ramesh Sippy's EMI for World distribution rights for 7 years at a price close to Rs. 40 crores. Sahara has also acquired BHOOTHNATH for C.P. and Rajasthan and NARNIA 2 from Sony for Rajasthan. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 3 May 2008 | 7:30 am
An understanding has been reached between Yash Raj Films and the multiplexes for the entire YRF slate of films for the year 2008. This agreement commences with Vijay Krishna Acharyaâs TASHAN, which will be released in multiplexes nationwide starting Saturday, May 3.
This will be followed by Kunal Kohliâs THODA PYAR THODA MAGIC on June 27, Siddharth Anandâs BACHNA AE HASEENO on August 15, Jugal Hansrajâs ROADSIDE ROMEO on October 24 and culminates with Aditya Chopraâs RAB NE BANA DI JODI on December 12.
The terms agreed upon are to the mutual satisfaction of all concerned parties. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 3 May 2008 | 7:23 am
Television actor and anchor Mona Singh, who shot to fame as the nerdy, bespectacled Jassi on TV, is making a conscious effort to stay away from regular soap operas based on family dramas. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 3 May 2008 | 3:30 am
Film: 'Iron Man'; Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges; Director: Jon Favreau; Rating: 3 Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 3 May 2008 | 2:00 am
Known for his brand of intelligent comedy, actor-producer Vinay Pathak is set to churn out another laughathon, 'Dasvidaniya', with his regular gang - Ranbir Shorey and Rajat Kapoor. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 3 May 2008 | 2:00 am
With a Bachchan name and a former Miss Universe title Aishwarya Rai Bachchan may appear to be having it all, but there is one aspect where this Bollywood princes lags behind and has recently lost to the sizzling hot Kartina Kaif. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 12:14 am
Comic actor Vinay Pathak will be seen next in `Dasvidaniya`, a film conceived by him and director Shashant Shah about `the funnier side of everyday existence`. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 12:14 am
Catching up with the recent trend of comic flicks in Bollywood, Director Deepak Shivadasani in Mr White Mr Black attempts to present the duo of Suniel Shetty and Arshad Warsi in a new comic combo. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 12:14 am
Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan and
Juhi Chawla were awarded for their contribution to cultural
promotion at a function at the court house Kempenski here. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 12:14 am
Actress Uma Thurman finally testified against her accused stalker in Manhattan State Supreme Court on May 1, and told the judge that the experience was a "nightmare". Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 12:14 am
Internationally acclaimed
Indian film `Mahek` has added yet another feather in its cap
by winning the Best Feature Film Award at the ongoing 5th
Syracuse International Film Festival in New York. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 12:14 am
Well, the controversy queen Mallika Sherawat is back again and this time around too it`s her clothes that have been the talk of the town. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 12:14 am
Rumours were right after all, for it has now been confirmed that Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon are indeed married. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 12:14 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: Zee News : Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 12:14 am
The Beatles` company Apple Corps is reportedly suffering following the loss of the band`s business manager Neil Aspinall who died of cancer last month. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 3 May 2008 | 12:14 am
Priyanka Chopra was not seen with any of the 'dosts' in the images which the fans shot on the sets of Dostana. So, before you start letting your imaginations run wild, we bring you a special gift. Previously, Bollywood Hungama had featured exclusive pictures of John Abraham, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on the sets of Dostana. However, clearly Priyanka was nowhere to be seen. In order to make up for that, one of Bollywood Hungama users sent us some pictures of Priyanka Chopra on the sets of the film.
Priyanka's recent workouts and body regime has clearly worked for her. Not only is she looking heavenly gorgeous but also looking the real 'Bond' material. Now, what wouldn't one give to possess one of those looks? Since, Dostana is being shot mainly on the beaches, the curvaceous look really works.
Well if you disagree with us then take a second look. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 2 May 2008 | 5:10 pm
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By now its common knowledge that Ranbir Kapoor's next release Bachna Ae Haseeno directed by Siddharth Raj Anand borrows its title from his father Rishi Kapoor's evergreen number from Hum Kisise Kum Nahin. But now the latest heartthrob will even move his feet to a song called Bachna Ae Haseeno for the film.
Bollywood Hungama got in touch with ace choreographer Ahmed Khan who would be choreographing the Saawariya lad in this film, âYes, we are having a song called 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' and it will feature Ranbir along with the 3 girls- Bipasha, Deepika and Minissha. It will be mainly used as promotional number for the film. Since Rishi-ji's number is still a cult hit, they decided to have Ranbir also perform to a song which has similar lyrics. Vishal and Shekhar have composed the music for the song,â he adds.
So how has been the experience shooting with tinsel-town's latest pin-up boy, âIt has been great. I shot a song with him in Mumbai at Yashraj studios. It's a commercial Indian song which we did. He is a brilliant dancer. In Saawariya, baring a number or two, he didn't really get much of a chance to showcase his dancing skills but he has got that rhythm in his genes. His father and uncle Shammi-ji have all been brilliant dancers and even Ranbir has his own style. I would be going to Switzerland and Venice now to finish 3 songs for the film and after we return we would shoot the 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' number,â says the choreographer-turned-director.
We also asked Ahmed on the status of his next film Paathshala, âThe post-production is currently on. We would start the dubbing of the film sometime next month. We are planning a Children's Day release (Nov 14th) so we have ample amount of time on our handsâ, he smiles.
Meanwhile Ahmed's wife Shaira Khan who turns producer with Paathshala is already planning her next project, âYes, her next film is about what goes on in a girl's heart. It is essentially a journey through a girl's heart and what do girls want from guys and all that stuff etc. The film is a light, fun film on the lines of Drew Barrymore, Meg Ryan, Adam Sandler's kind of flicks. The film would star one girl and three guys. We would be finalizing the names within a fortnight or so,â reveals Ahmed.
With choreographing, direction and now production, Ahmed surely has his hands full. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 2 May 2008 | 4:59 pm
The Forbidden Kingdom Times of India - 20 hours ago THERE'S got to be magic when two maestros meet. And there is. The Forbidden Kingdom creates moments of high action and fun when the champions of chopsucky, Jackie Chan and Jet Li, clash in this quaint oriental tale that takes you back to ancient China, ... Dream teamDaily News & Analysis Forbidden Kingdom packs in great actionRediff Screen Weekly all 5 news articles
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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: BollywoodHungama.com News | 2 May 2008 | 4:05 pm
Comic actor Vinay Pathak will be seen next in 'Dasvidaniya', a film conceived by him and director Shashant Shah about 'the funnier side of everyday existence'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 May 2008 | 4:01 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: BollywoodHungama.com News | 2 May 2008 | 2:46 pm
BIG Music and amp; Home Entertainment will be producing the title track for Zapak Digital Entertainment Ltd's online racing game 'Crazy Cart' in India, the firm said Friday. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 May 2008 | 2:01 pm
