Apart from Reliance BIG Entertainment's Rs.40-billion ($1 billion)deal with Hollywood's topline independent studios, which hit the headlines all over, Marche du Film, the Cannes Film Festival's market-place, saw no other big deals being signed this year. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 24 May 2008 | 1:31 pm
Producer-director-actor Rajat Kapoor has hit the gym with a vengeance to tone up his body for a towel-dropping scene in 'Raat Gayi Baat Gayi'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 24 May 2008 | 1:31 pm
âIâve had a terrific working relationship with Akshayeâ - Genelia D'Souza
In an industry dominated by Bong Babes and Punjabi Kudis, she is one of the few Catholic girls out to make a mark. We are talking about the cute and bubbly Genelia D'Souza who debuted opposite Riteish Deshmukh in Tujhe Meri Kasam and was later seen with him in the comic-caper Masti. Subsequently, she went down South and acted in a dozen odd Telugu and Tamil films, most of which were blockbusters. She is now back with a bang in Bollywood and would first be seen alongside Akshaye Khanna in the family entertainer Mere Baap Pehle Aap. Post that she would be seen working with two of the most talked about newcomers- Imraan Khan in Jaane Tuâ¦Ya Jaane Na and Harman Baweja in Itâs my life. In this exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Genelia talks about her experience down South, her comeback plans and life in general
After a long gap you are all over the place with two back to back releases; First Mere Baap Pehle Aap and then Jaane Tuâ¦Ya Jaane Na. How does it feel?
Oh it feels fabulous to be back with a bang. I am looking forward to seeing what kind of welcome I get with these two releases.
You debuted with Riteish in Tujhe Meri Kasam and even did the comic-caper Masti. Where did you suddenly disappear after that?
(Laughs) Well I didnât disappear. I was busy with films down South. In fact in my first year itself, I started shooting for 3 of my films simultaneously. All 3 of them were in 3 different languages- Boys (Tamil), Satyam (Telugu) and of course Tujhe Meri Kasam (Hindi). So you can say I debuted in 2003 in three different languages (smiles). Subsequently, my next couple of years were already booked with films in Telugu and Tamil.
I debuted in 2003 in three different languages
After nearly a dozen odd Tamil and Telugu filmsâ¦have you picked the language?
Well, I definitely understand it and I can speak to save my soul (smiles) but am not perfect grammatically as I live here in Mumbai.
In the past a lot of Bollywood stars like Nagma, Jyothika and Simran didnât really come back to Bollywood after becoming big stars down south. You are really popular down south, so what made you come back to Bollywood?
I guess it was the kind of offers that I got and the kind of faith that Priyan sir and Aamir had in me that brought me back. However, for me itâs never been that I didnât want to come back or that I wanted to do only films in the South. I am open to any good offers and prefer to just go with the flow and take things as they come.
I am open to any good offers and prefer to just go with the flow and take things as they come.
A lot of people say that you look refreshingly differentâ¦so whatâs the secret behind this new look?
Is it? I donât know (laughs)â¦I guess I have just grown up (smiles)
In an industry dominated by Bong babes and Punjabi kudis you are one of the few Catholic girls out to make a mark; how does it feel?
It feels challenging. I am looking forward to it. Right now, I am too new to be looking at destiny as totally fulfilling. I am just waiting to see what my releases have in store for me.
Are there any differences in the style of working here in Bollywood and down south?
Honestly, I really donât think so mainly because the people I have worked with here are equally professional as the people down South.
Your next release is the Priyadarshan comedy Mere Baap Pehle Aap. The title itself makes you smile. Whatâs the film all about?
Yeah precisely thatâs the basic idea why we chose the title because itâs a family comedy entertainer. Itâs about a guy searching for a bride for his father and the entire hilarious journey.
What about your character in the film?
Well, I play a girl who helps Akshaye in searching for a bride for his father. She is a very lovable character.
So are you the one who plays the bride in the end?
Hmmmâ¦for that you will have to come and watch the film.
You are working with seasoned actors like Akshaye Khanna, Paresh Rawal and Om Puri in Mere Baap Pehle Aap? How has been the experience?
Fabulous. I feel for someone like me who is not from a filmy family, one of the only ways you can learn is by being a keen observer of such experienced stars. Working on Mere Baap Pehle Aap gave me that chance. It was indeed a really good learning experience for me watching actors like Akshaye, Pareshji and Om Puri ji perform.
Mere Baap Pehle Aap was indeed a really good learning experience for me, watching actors like Akshaye, Pareshji and Om Puri ji perform.
A lot of people feel Akshaye is quite an introvert. So did he open up to you?
Iâve had a terrific working relationship with Akshaye Khanna. I feel he is a lot quieter than some of the other actors but he is definitely not uncomfortable to be with.
How was it working with Priyadarshan?
Fantastic. Priyan Sir and I have somehow almost missed working with each other. He was to do my first ad but that didnât work out. So we have always been wishing that we get a chance to work with each other and I am glad that he gave me this opportunity to act in his film. Itâs a role which gives me a lot of scope to perform, so I am happy.
Post that you have Jaane Tuâ¦Ya Jaane Na which is touted as the grand launch of Aamir Khanâs nephew Imraan. How does it feel?
I am really looking forward to that film.
You are also doing the Hindi remake of one of your Telugu blockbusters Bommarillu in which you are paired opposite Harman Baweja. Whatâs the film all about?
Itâs a sweet romantic film directed by Anees Bazmee. Itâs quite a coincidence as I starred in the original Telugu version Bommarillu. The film was a big success and even fetched me a Filmfare award for Best Actress. The same film was also remade in Tamil called Santosh Subramaniam. It just released last week down South and has got a terrific response. I am glad they didnât need to find a replacement for my character. I am probably one of the few actresses who have starred in the remake of the same film in 3 different languages so it kind of gives me a high.
Lastly, what are your expectations from your two forthcoming releases?
I just hope to be noticed and be appreciated for the work that I have done. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 24 May 2008 | 1:16 pm
Two Mumbai based actors, who don't want their lines to be dubbed, are trying to master Tamil to add value to their performance in the Tamil film 'Leelai'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 24 May 2008 | 1:01 pm
Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG), which has one of largest online movie rental services in collaboration with BIGFlix, has launched a website - www.bigflix.com - that will allow users to view movies online or download these for a fee through its broadband service. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 24 May 2008 | 1:01 pm
He is known for his chocolate boy looks and that million dollar smile. After starring in a few commercials and music videos, he first burst onto the Bollywood scene with Rajshriâs candy-floss love story Uuf Kya Jaadoo Mohabbat Hai in the year 2004. Since then he has done some interesting roles in films like Pyaar Mein Twist, Corporate and Life Mein Kabhie Kabhiee. Apart from acting in Hindi films, he is also a big star down South. Yes, we are talking about the good-looking actor Sammir Dattani. Sammir is all excited about his latest release Dhoom Dadakka which is an out-and-out comedy.
Bollywood Hungama gives you a chance to get up, close and personal with Sammir only on our very own Celebrity Chat. So donât miss the chance to chat with the affable Sammir Dattani on Tuesday, May 27 at 1500 hrs IST. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 24 May 2008 | 12:47 pm
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After lying low for a while, Rakhi Sawant is back to where she best belongs. Yes, that's right on the T.V. screens. After being seen in countless reality shows and even some chat shows, the item queen would now be seen hosting her own chat show on Zee Next channel.
The show tentatively titled Rakhi Ka Phone Aaya Hai would feature some big names as guests. The topic of conversation would also veer from films to sports and politics to current affairs not to forget the latest gossip in town. Rakhi is currently doing a lot of research for the show.
It may be recalled that the Koffee With Karan episode which had Rakhi as the guest was among the most watched episodes ever. With Rakhi now in the host's seat, one would be keenly looking forward to see who does most of the talking this time. The host or the guests? Your guess is as good as ours. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 24 May 2008 | 12:31 pm
In his very first film Maachis, he impressed the audiences even though the role was not of the main lead. In his next big release, Mohabbatein, he managed to hold his own despite sharing share screen space with two of the biggest actors in Indian cinema- Big B and SRK. He is an inseparable element of the famous Munnabhai series. Not one to be slotted in anyone particular image, he even managed to raise a few laughs in the rib-ticking comedy Tom, Dick And Harry. And just when you thought that he can only play the Sweet Prince Charming, he took everyone by surprise by portraying a negative character with aplomb in Eklavya- The Royal Guard. Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting the multi-talented and multi-faceted Jimmy Sheirgill.
Jimmy is gearing up for his next release, the romantic comedy Hastey Hastey where he is paired opposite two new actresses. Bollywood Hungama brings you an opportunity to chat with Jimmy as he talks about Hastey Hastey and his forthcoming films only on Bollywood Hungamaâs Celebrity Chat. So without wasting any timeâ¦set your appointment fixed with Jimmy for Monday, May 26 at 1500 hrs IST. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 24 May 2008 | 12:30 pm
Director Samar Khan is a happy man. His second directorial venture Shaurya has just completed a run of 50 days and no wonder the director is grinning from ear to ear.
Bollywood Hungama spoke to Samar to find out more. âYes, Shaurya has completed 50 days and is still running in theatres in both Delhi and Mumbai. Moreover, the DVD's of Shaurya which released recently are currently in No.1 position replacing Jab We Met from the top spot as per a leading music store. It's a rare case that a film which is still running in the theatres is also on the No.1 spot in the DVD circuit. It feels nice that people are liking the film and I am really happy because for a small film like Shaurya, it's quite a big achievementâ, says the elated director.
On the work front, the buzz is that Samar is very actively involved in setting up the television division for good friend SRK's company Red Chillies. âYes, I am involved with the work of Red Chillies T.V. division. However, it's too early to talk about it.â
Lastly, Samar is also in the process of developing the script for his next film. Although the director remains tight-lipped about it, the buzz is that he is planning a love story next.
Well, looks like there are lots of interesting things that are happening in Samar Khan's life this summer. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 24 May 2008 | 12:25 pm
While its common knowledge in Bollywood to get inspired from the West and flatly deny it, director Nagesh Kukunoor believes otherwise. In his forthcoming film Aashayein starring John Abraham in the lead role, the director has decided to incorporate a scene in which John would be seen dressed as the legendary Hollywood character, Indiana Jones.
Apparently, both Nagesh and John are big fans of the Indiana Jones series and hence the director thought this would be like an apt tribute to the fictitious character. The fact that John could pull it off with his Greek God looks surely proved to be the icing on the cake.
With the latest Indiana Jones film set to hit the screens next week, we are pretty sure that Kukunoor and John would be among the first to catch the flick. After all, as the director says itâs only after watching Indiana Jones- Raiders of the Lost Ark did he decide to pursue filmmaking as a career. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 24 May 2008 | 11:58 am
The name of Bipasha`s upcoming flick, Freeze is completely antithetical to her hot screen persona. In the much-awaited flick, where she is cast opposite Neil Nitin Mukesh, she plays a DJ while Neil is a high-flying photographer. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 24 May 2008 | 11:29 am
After Big B, Aamir and SRK, it`s the industry`s tough guy Salman Khan who has hopped on to the much talked about Bollywood blog brigade. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 24 May 2008 | 11:29 am
Gisele Bundchen has revealed that she will never opt for plastic surgery, because she expects to get more beautiful with age. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 24 May 2008 | 11:29 am
New York Gov David Paterson is granting a full and unconditional pardon to rapper Ricky "Slick Rick" Walters for the attempted murders of two men in 1991. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 24 May 2008 | 11:29 am
Madonna auctioned a "private concert" late on Thursday at a star-studded dinner, raising 350,000 euros ($560,000) for AIDS charity amfAR. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 24 May 2008 | 11:29 am
Item numbers are in vogue but Yash Raj Films' blue-eyed director Kunal Kohli doesn't approve of them and says using the term 'item' for an actress is derogatory. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 24 May 2008 | 10:31 am
NDTV Lumiere, which aims to premiere the best of world cinema in Indian theatres, will make its multiplex debut with the Spanish horror thriller 'Orphanage' ('El Orfanato') May 30. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 24 May 2008 | 10:30 am
Many moons ago the entrepreneur in Suniel Shetty had surfaced with spectacular success in the garment industry when he launched a series of boutiques across Mumbai called Mischief.
Now Suniel is getting back into the garment business in a big way. "This isn't to say that I'm no longer into Mischief," Suniel clears the air from the jungles of Lonavla where he's playing a naxalite in Anant Mahadevan's Red Alert.
"The Mischief chain is still doing well for itself. But now I've tied up to be part of an exclusive lineup of garments known called Creative Crossover. It's a company from Vancouver in Canada. When I came across their garments I saw a great potential for them to grow in these parts."
Suniel doesn't intend to be a sleeping partner. "I can never be inactive in any business association. Though I've made it clear that I won't be taking part in their day-to-day activities I'll be taking keen interest in the workings of this enterprise. I believe the clothes lineup from this group is going to create a lot of interest in the Indian market."
Creative Crossover has just opened a showroom at the Phoenix Mills in Mumbai.
"See the showroom," commands Suniel. "It's an indication where we intend to take this brand." Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 24 May 2008 | 9:37 am
Children of a few orphanages here were treated to a memorable evening when Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji and other members of Yash Raj Films' forthcoming movie 'Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic' sang and danced for them. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 24 May 2008 | 9:30 am
London (ANI): Troubled star Amy Winehouse has dismissed reports that she will be travelling to Israel for drug addiction treatment. The 'Back to Black' singer, who was recently photographed apparently smoking crack cocaine, was allegedly planning to undergo a 6,400 pounds operation to kick her well-documented habit. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 24 May 2008 | 8:36 am
London (ANI): She will be turning 50 soon, but that is not making Madonna feel 'low', for the stunner has said that she will be marking her half-century this August - by saying: "F*** you, I'm 50." The Material Girl star insisted she "felt good" at her age. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 24 May 2008 | 8:30 am
After making waves with music of Dil Dosti Etc. , the Dino Morea-Sheetal Menon-Milind Soman starrer Bhram and signing up for the K K Menon starrer Stoneman, music directors Siddharth-Suhas made the great Indian wrestling champion The Great Khali sing and dance to their tunes! Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 24 May 2008 | 8:24 am
Once again Lawrence tested the waters with his new avatar as solo action hero. But the net result is not as much enthusiastic the actor expected and the often beaten maas masala with the backdrop of Village milieu fails to entertain the people. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 24 May 2008 | 8:15 am
Raghava Lawrence, who joined the film industry as a fighter, later joined a dancer in a group, then turned a choreographer with the blessings of Tollywood top stars. He was elevated as director through 'Mass' by Nagarjuna. He proved successful as director as well. On the lines of his mentor ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 24 May 2008 | 7:16 am
London (ANI): Lindsay Lohan and her celeb DJ "best friend" Samantha Ronson continue to fuel rumours of a lesbian romance after the two were caught on camera getting 'really' cozy with each other. The snaps were taken at P Diddy's exclusive yacht party. In one shot the Mean Girls star ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 24 May 2008 | 6:12 am
Nowadays, with corporate houses being in the spotlight for their multiple films, one begins to think - whatever happened to producers who built an empire in the 1960s, 70s and 80s? One of the prolific production houses of the era re-emerges on the scene with the Mithun starrer Don Muthuswamt. ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 24 May 2008 | 6:03 am
When Maan Gaye Mughal-E-Azam shoot almost came to a stand still... Producer Ratan Jain had a tough time with the Pondicherry schedule of Maan Gaye Mughal-E-Azam. Not that there was a problem with the film's lead pair Mallika Sherawat and Rahul Bose. In fact Mallika and Rahul got along famously ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 24 May 2008 | 5:51 am
The excitement of the upcoming Star Parivaar Awards 2008 unfolds with another nomination episode of the series on Sunday, May 25th, 10 pm only on Star Plus. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 24 May 2008 | 5:28 am
Today's episode of Clinic All Clear Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar is dedicated to Sufi music. Bringing the theme alive, Bollywood singer Richa Sharma opens the episode with an extraordinary rendition of the song 'Tere Bin Nahin Lagda Dil Mera'. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 24 May 2008 | 5:14 am
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan and director Priyadarshan have hit it off big time, be it cinema or cricket. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 24 May 2008 | 5:01 am
Many moons ago, the entrepreneur in Suniel Shetty successfully entered the garment business by launching a series of boutiques across Mumbai called Mischief. Now he is expanding it in a big by tying up with a Canadian company. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 24 May 2008 | 5:01 am
Though his talent has been applauded by critics and masses alike, Rahul Boses presence has always been underplayed by our film industry. One wonders why? One also wonders whether it will take a foreign hand to make Bollywood notice its own asset? Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 24 May 2008 | 12:00 am
Tulsi Kumar, daughter of late devotional music maestro Gulshan Kumar has given many hits with leading bollywood musicians Pritam, Himesh Reshammiya etc with many hit numbers. Tulsi currently had lent her voice for the upcoming movies like Kajraare and Himesh Reshammiya’s Karzzzz. And now getting into versatility she is coming out with her maiden solo album. The album has been inspected by the very talented Monty Sharma, and also with many talented singers and musicians like Himesh, Shaan, Sameer, Pritam, and Anu Malik.Music is what that comes from Tulsi’s family a giant in music companies, T Series led by Bhushan Kumar who happens to be the brother of Tulsi Kumar. The album includes songs of various moods- a peppy romantic album with a hip hop dance number, a Sufi song and ofcourse a Punjabi one. The freshness in the voice of singer is put to test with versatile songs and ofcourse with great music. Hope after Sunidhi and Shreya its Tulsi. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 24 May 2008 | 12:00 am
Rahman and Aamir Khan have developed a fascination for each other. After ‘Rang De Basanti’, the two come together for ‘Ghajini’, directed by A R Murugadoss. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 24 May 2008 | 12:00 am
Sagar Bellary, the Director who arrived in style with his path breaking satirical comedy Bheja Fry is now ready to enthrall his audiences once again with his latest film Kaccha Limboo which is being produced by Sahara One Motion Pictures. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 24 May 2008 | 12:00 am
In spite of he now being in the peak of his music composing career, why did Himesh have opted not to compose music and sing in any films hereafter expect the work on his remaining projects that he is committed to finish. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 24 May 2008 | 12:00 am
Mehgna Naidu and Shaswati come together after Kaliyon Kam Chaman again. This time with a video called Its Hot. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 24 May 2008 | 12:00 am
Besides women, Shahid Kapoor has a huge fan following amongst children. The actor realised that when he was shooting for a film in Pune recently. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 24 May 2008 | 12:00 am
To begin your career with someone like Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan by your side is half the battle won. We are talking about Vivek Sharma who, on the success of his directorial debut Bhoothnath says, âItâs a great feeling to have tasted success in your very first attempt and in addition to that, to be associated with the two top notch superstars of the film fraternity, that itself gives you a high.â
âBhoothnath will always remain very close to my heart and I will always remember what Amitabhjiâs told me donât go by the words of others instead introspect your work which will help you in the longer run,â says Vivek. So did you pay heed to Big Bâs golden advice? âOf course, I feel visual narration and screen staging are some areas where I will have to work on.â
When asked about the response he got from the people in the industry, he says, âI was both surprised and honored, when veterans like Ashutosh Gowarikar, Jaya Bachchan and Aziz Mirza praised my work and efforts.â
Workaholic to the core, Vivek is already engrossed with Vashu Bhagnaniâs Kal Kisne Dekhaa in South Africa. To which Vivek says, âJacky Bhagnani (Vashuâs son) would be launched in Kal Kisne Dekha which is a romantic thriller. The film would also introduce Vaishali Desai in the lead role. In addition, there is a surprise element in the form of Rishi Kapoor who would play a role he has never done before.â
Shedding some light on his future projects Vivek informs, âI am turning producer with a film, which will be presented by Tips films. This film would be a comedy of error with romance in the background and the star cast is yet to be finalized. We will commence shooting within two months. Then for another movie of mine with Ashtavinayakâs, I have signed Govinda. It is a multi-starrer, romantic-comedy which will go on floors by October.â Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 23 May 2008 | 3:28 pm
Aarti Chhabria didn't know what hit her when her sizzler 'Hari Om Hari Om' which has been on the air for one month now turned into 'Jale Mome Jale Mome' when the film Dhoom Dadakka released on Friday.
Not only that, huge chunks of the song had to be dropped because they apparently would've offended religious sensibilities. "Gaane ki to 'banned' baja di. I gave in immediately because I had no time to fight back. I find it very strange. So many songs suggesting so many things are freely being played on radio. My number's promo has been playing for a month. What sense does it make to censor it when everybody has already heard it?" says the livid producer-director, Shashi Ranjan.
Interestingly, the censor board had no objection to Akshay Kumar cavorting with a group of extremely religious bikini-clad women singing Hare Ram Hare Krishna in Bhool Bhulaiyaa just months back. "I don't know what the censorial yardstick is. A few members of the censor board objected to my song. They feared PILs against the words and the visuals. I had no choice but to change the words. What I want to ask is, what is the validity of the censor board if they're so scared of people going to the court? Let us filmmakers directly fight the PILs straight in the courts instead of going through the censor board," sighs Ranjan.
Shashi Ranjan says, "If you remember I was the president of the BJP's film cell. I had intervened when Bandit Queen got into trouble. I've constantly fought to discipline vulgar songs. But my song in Dhoom Dadakka is by no means vulgar. And then to subject me to this. Eight days before release I was told to make the deletions and changes. It was a nightmare." Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 23 May 2008 | 2:43 pm
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After Ranbir Kapoor, it's now Rajat Kapoor's turn, who will be seen dropping the towel
a-la Saawariya, in a sequence for his forthcoming film Raat Gayi Baat Gayi
Rajat Kapoor is taking no chances and has hit the gym with a vengeance. The scene requires him to be in the same frame as the sexy Neha Dhupia and he doesn't want to look less sexy than Neha.
Apart from being on a special diet and training hard, Rajat has also been practicing dropping the towel with flair.
Like the name of the film suggests, Raat Gayi Baat Gayi is a humorous take on one night stands. In a genre true to Rajat Kapoor kind of films, it is an outlandish comedy about a married couple, their friends and one night of passion that turns their lives topsy-turvy. The film stars Rajat Kapoor, Neha Dhupia and Vinay Pathak in pivotal roles.
Rajat laughs about this sequence, "Well even I am conscious about my looks⦠Jokes apart, I want to look as lean as possible. After all, I am in the same frame as Neha Dhupia. The truth is that I have never gone to a gym in my life but for the first time I am going through such a tough workout session."
After Saawariya's towel dropping scene, what next Rajat? Maybe SRK's 'Dard-e-Disco' step. What say? Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 23 May 2008 | 1:30 pm
