Director Sanjay Gadhvi's Kidnap starring Sanjay Dutt, Imran Khan, Vidya Malvade, Minissha Lamba and Rahul Dev has been in the making for quite some time now.
However, the director of the popular Dhoom series must now be heaving a sigh of relief as the dubbing of Kidnap has been completed. All the actors, including Sanjay Dutt have finished with their dubbing and the post production of the film is going on at the moment.
In fact, this also puts rest to the rumours of Sanjay Dutt refusing to dub for the film. A tabloid went on to say that Sanjay wasn't happy with Imran Khan debuting with Jaane Tuâ¦Ya Jaane Na and hence refused to dub. But with this confirmed news of the Deadly Dutt having finished dubbing for Kidnap, another rumour bites the dust.
Kidnap is being produced by Shree Ashatvinayak Cinevision Ltd. Source: Indiafm.com News | 30 May 2008 | 4:04 pm
All eyes were on the real life lovers, Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja at the music launch of India`s most expensive Sci-Fi movie `Love Story 2050`.
Priyanka and Harman were joined by Bollywood big shots like Boman Irani and Archana Puran Singh, who also happen to be starring in the flick. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 12:26 pm
Britney Spears is not yet fit to participate in court proceedings in her conservatorship case, her lawyer told a Los Angeles Superior Court commissioner Thursday. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 12:26 pm
After Munnabhai films, Sanjay Dutt`s histrionic skills would be tested once again in his upcoming comedy - Chatur singh Two Star, in which he dons Hitler`s look. The movie poster shows a caricature of 6ft tall Sanju wearing Hitler`s look to perfection. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 12:26 pm
Will he or won`t he be able to win the hearts of millions? Well that`s one of the many questions in Sikander`s mind as his debut flick Woodstock Villa releases across India on Friday. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 12:26 pm
The International Indian Film Academy [IIFA] awards has been one of the most anticipated events of the year ever since it started out in 2000 in London. The event that only getting bigger and better year by year and has much glamour and glitz in store for it`s international audience this year too. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 12:26 pm
After playing some not so interesting roles in flicks like Yun Hota To Kya Hota, Eklavya - The Royal Guard (all being dramas) and Dus Kahaniyaan, Strangers (thrillers), Jimmy Shergill is all set to tickle your funny bone as he returns in the lead role in Hastey Hastey Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 12:26 pm
Newcomer Vishakha Singh might have been dropped out of award winning movie `Chak De! India` but this Delhi based lass has no regrets whatsoever as what came next was her dream launch. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 12:26 pm
Comic actor Harvey Korman, who co-starred on the US television classic "The Carol Burnett Show" in the 1960s and 1970s and in "Blazing Saddles" and other Mel Brooks movies, died on Thursday at age 81. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 12:26 pm
The success of the Bhatts' Jannat released right in the middle of stiff competition from the IPL matches has shocked one and all, including the film's leading man Emraan Khan who has wasted no time in hiking his price from an estimate1.5 crore rupees to 5 crores.
"And why not?" Emraan argues happily. "Equations change every Friday. The sun has started shining for me. I seem to have had a solo hit at a time when only Akshay Kumar and the Khans seem to be getting the audiences in," he.
"Ya, my price has gone up. I won't say drastically. Right now I can quote a higher price with some justification." There's celebration in Emraan's house. "I've cut about fifteen cakes in the last one week. And I've just bought a new BMW. I was so confident about Jannat that I had it delivered to my home on the day of its release."
Emraan has even backed out of a film that Warner Brothers was to produce in association with Tandav Films (of Khosla Ka Ghosla). Here Emraan gets evasive. "I wouldn't like to comment on which project I backed out. But yes, we were in serious negotiation. I only had to sign the contract. But as is the rule in the entertainment industry, they were waiting to see how Jannat would perform. But now the ball is in my court. Since I'm in a negotiable position now, why should I sign the film at a price I was supposed to? They were playing the wait-and-watch game. Now that they've watched it's my turn."
Emraan says his price also goes up for his mentors the Bhatts. "I haven't spoken to them about my price now that Jannat has done so well. But they've always been very fair as far as the price goes. We share a professional relationship first, we're relatives later. Eventually, the film stands on its own, no matter who makes it. I only sign Bhatt Saab's films when I'm convinced about them. It isn't as if I've said yes to all his offers. I was picky earlier. I'm being more picky now."
Emraan says he was always getting offers outside the Bhatt camp. "But yes after Jannat the offers from outside are better. This is probably the best time as an actor for me." His next release is Raaz 2. "Like Jannat and the earlier films that I've done with Bhatt Saab, it tries something different. No one wants to touch the horror genre. It hasn't been explored sufficiently except in the first part of Raaz which came five years ago. I've again done the unexpected in Raaz 2. I feel the different will always work. I guess the same applies to me as an actor. I always go for the unconventional roles."
Strangely, Emraan has always been working with new leading ladies. "I don't see that as a burden. I think the audience wants to see me with new heroines and yes, I did kiss my heroine in Jannat too, though this time it was more furtive than torrid. If the director feels the kiss has to be shown, I won't object to a kiss in future too."
Emraan's wife loved Jannat. "She's zapped by its success. Suddenly to have your spouse blossom into a starâ¦it completes our circle of happiness. The prolonged period of failure has been good for me. It made me realize I wasn't invincible. If people don't earn money out of you in the entertainment industry they don't want you. As simple as that."
Says Emraan, "We were warned not to release Jannat with the IPL. Biggies like Tashan and Paachvi Paas on TV had failed. I was very confident about Jannat. We got a phenomenal opening. The collections have only been going up. Eventually, a film stands on its own, and the promos helped. The past one year was really tough on me. If Jannat didn't work I'd been really frustrating. I was bitter and angry. So Jannat was a do or die project for me. If it failed I had told myself nothing else will work." Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 30 May 2008 | 12:20 pm
Dashi, one of the fast upcoming music directors in Tamil Cinema, has scored music for an album titled Kalaignar Kavasam and the same will be released on the eve of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi's 85 birthday. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 11:54 am
Actress Ravali, who got married with Neelikrishna, gave birth to a baby girl in Hyderabad on Thursday evening. Ravali, a popular actress in Tamil and Telugu Cinema, had played as lead lady in many films with popular actors including Vijayakanth, Sathyaraj and Parthiban among others. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 11:48 am
London (ANI): If Madonna's daughter Lourdes gets her way, then she will soon be joining the iconic singer on her tour. Madge's daughter has already started having lessons at London's famous dance studio, Pineapple, and is reportedly desperate to join the singer when she goes on tour this autumn. "Lola ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 11:15 am
The reason why a majority of films go unnoticed is courtesy the weak storyline first. The other factors come later. Hastey-Hastey - Follow Your Heart also suffers for this reason. The story idea, credited to one Rohit Batra, is so tacky, so banal, so obsolete, so lifeless that you break ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 10:37 am
Shahrukh Khan and Lalu Prasad Yadav share one thing in common, their habit of giving out witty one liners. So when the Railway Minister participated in SRK's Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hai the audience had a lot to cheer about. The grand finale episode of the first season ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 10:35 am
Hindi cinema is slowly waking up to hardcore thrillers. Earlier this year, Abbas-Mustan's Race chartered a totally novel path. The twists-n-turns in the plot moved in a serpentine manner, with the viewer finding it difficult to guess what the outcome would be. Woodstock Villa, directed by Hansal Mehta, also leaves ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 10:27 am
4 years back Neha Dhupia had made a big splash when she came up with a stunning and holds-no-bar uninhibited performance in Julie. It was just her second film after a successful Qayamat and the box office performance of Julie, which in fact killed Asambhav (Arjun Rampal, Priyanka Chopra) that released ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 10:23 am
Katrina Kaif has just returned from Egypt after shooting a song with her favourite co-star, Akshay Kumar, for the keenly awaited Singh Is Kinng. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 10:15 am
Though NT Rama Rao's latest flick Kantri is doing well at the Box Office, it failed to reach expectations. Now NTR is getting ready for his next film to be directed by VV Vinayak, presented by Kodali Nani and produced by Vallabhaneni Vamsimohan. The film was formally launched on April ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 10:14 am
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Everyone loves Nisha Rawal. And that's because they love to remember her as the 'Chanda Ki Doli' girl who was serenaded by Sonu Nigam in the namesake music video a few years back. Carrying on the same image of a beautiful young woman who knew where to draw the line when it came to on-screen exposing, Nisha Rawal makes her big screen debut opposite Jimmy Shergill with Hastey Hastey this weekend.
"I am happy with the way I have been presented in Hastey Hastey, says Nisha Rawal, "I have my own identity and the way I want to dress. I know that whether I wear Indian or Western costumes, they would never breach the limits I have set for myself. I like my wardrobe and am fine to be seen as a sweet and cute girl. If that's the image people want to see me in, I don't have any issues with that."
But does she feel that the plain Jane image would indeed work for long? With Bollywood showing a constant escalation in the different subjects it is exploring and even normally coy girls (read Amrita Rao, Soha Ali Khan) going all out to build a different image of themselves, doesn't she feel that she may loose out in competition?
"It's just my first film and I would rather play by the character than worry about the competition," says Nisha with a matter of fact, "If I am playing a college student in the film, I can't suddenly start shedding off my clothes. I play a girl who hails from a Catholic-Indian family and is down to earth yet emotionally driven. My wardrobe goes perfectly fine with the character I play and I have no qualms with the way I look on screen."
But what about future?
Laughs Nisha, "I know, as years pass by, market dynamics change too. If I am really fed up, the way I look, and people too feel that they want to see me in a different 'avatar', I may possibly start thinking about presenting myself differently. Today I am this way but what can one say about tomorrow?"
With music by Anu Malik, Hastey Hastey is directed by Toony and produced by the duo of Ashutosh Bajpay and Shivaram Kumar. The film is a lighthearted entertainer, which also marks the debut of another girl Monishka who plays a young woman with shades of black. Hastey Hasteyv is said to have Rajpal Yadav's triple role performance as it's USP. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 30 May 2008 | 10:11 am
SPR Entertainments India Pvt Ltd, which had produced several successful films earlier in Telugu, Tamil and Kannada languages, is planning yet another heavy budget film with actor Sriram of Rojapoolu-fame and actress Sada as heroine. The film was titled as Brindavanam. CSR Krishnan is being introduced as director through the ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 30 May 2008 | 10:08 am
After the commercial debacle of his last film 'Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag', producer-director Ram Gopal Varma is leaving no stone unturned to promote his next release 'Sarkar Raj'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 30 May 2008 | 9:01 am
Once upon a time a Nayak created Hungama because his Aankhen saw a Shikari creating a big Hera Pheri as he was sipping American Chai which was mixed with Garam Masala. One just wonders as to will ever these Deewane attain Moksha.
Well, for starters, these words of wisdom surely mean a lot, as it means more than just a spontaneous story. This story is interwoven with the names of films that has one name that truly is the Burning Light of Bollywood, a name that not just spells versatility, but also humanism and selflessness to the core. That name is none other than that of the ever-so-welcoming Paresh Rawal, who celebrates his Birthday today.
Join Bollywood Hungama as we wish this Powerhouse of Talent a very Happy and a Prosperous Birthday, simply by posting your wishes below: Source: Indiafm.com News | 30 May 2008 | 7:02 am
Primetime 'saas-bahu' family soap operas are gradually losing out to meaningful infotainment on Indian television, with young viewers in particular switching allegiance to intellectually stimulating reality shows. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 30 May 2008 | 5:01 am
Barring a select few like 'Lagaan' and 'Chak De! India', movies based on the sports theme have hardly clicked at the box-office. But the Emraan Hashmi starrer 'Jannat', about match fixing in cricket, has proved the world wrong. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 30 May 2008 | 4:01 am
Model-turned-actress Vishakha Singh was first shortlisted for 'Chak De! India' but later dropped out. The newcomer from Delhi has no regrets as she immediately got a chance to play the lead opposite legendary filmmaker Kamaal Amrohi's grandson Mashhoor in 'Hum Sey Hai Jahaan'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 30 May 2008 | 4:01 am
Even as the Madras High Court ruled in favour of Kamal Haasan starrer Dasavathar holding that freedom of expression cannot be curtailed by mere belief, myth and fiction, it expressed the hope that the film shall not carry anything that wounds any section of the Hindus. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 30 May 2008 | 12:00 am
Putting again the thousands of eagerly awaiting film viewers into another prolonged wait, it has been informed that Kamal Haasan epic film Dasavathar will hit the theatres on June 12. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 30 May 2008 | 12:00 am
Nikhil Dwivedi, who had been maintaining a low profile after the release of My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves, was spotted with Harman Baweja and Amrita Rao at a suburban swanky Chinese restaurant. The trio was spotted together having a ball of a time at the Chinese restaurant! Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 30 May 2008 | 12:00 am
Moul of music Bhushan Kumar and the entire Bachchan family jointly released the background score music of Sarkar Raj at The Club, Andheri on 29th May.Present at the event were Abhishek Bachchan and wife Aishwarya were accompanied by Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. The guests and the cast of the movie shared the passion and also had some common jokes at the dais. The other guests present were Divya Khosla, wife of Bhushan Kumar, Ram Gopal Varma, Pravin Nischol, Amar Mohile and Sabbas Joseph. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 30 May 2008 | 12:00 am
Krazzy 4 and U, Me Aur Hum hit the cinema screens on the April 11. Both the films got their own share of bashing from the critics and the invited mixed response from the viewers. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 30 May 2008 | 12:00 am
The reach of the world's highest radio station was Thursday further enhanced when Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad inaugurated an FM station and satellite uplink facility in the cold desert region of Ladakh. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 29 May 2008 | 6:30 pm
After having tested many foreign voices, Alibaba gets to speak the desi language, courtesy John Abraham. Which only means that the lead 'hero' of the much awaited animated film Alibaba and the 40 Thieves will have John Abraham's voice. The film is directed by Soumitra Ranade of Jajantaram Mamantram fame.
Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Soumitra said, "We have John Abraham lending his voice for Alibaba, while Saurabh Shukla, Raza Murad, and Mukesh Tiwary do for other characters."
Alibaba and the 40 Thieves is a story based on a boy called Chinku, who lives in Mumbai and is trans-migrated into Arabian Night's tale. "The music of the film is given by a group called Three Brothers & a Violin. It's expected to release by 2009," added Soumitra.
It will be interesting to see how John's voice sounds over Alibaba because he was among those actors whose debut films were dubbed by someone else. Yes, John's voice was dubbed by a dubbing artist in his filmJism. Source: Indiafm.com News | 29 May 2008 | 4:24 pm
A new feather has been added into Vidhu Vinod Chopra's cap after Rajkumar Hirani. We are talking about the very talented Ram Madhvani. Ram has worked with every big advertising agency in the country to become one of the fraternity's most respected and sought-after filmmakers. Ram made his debut as a director with Let's Talk, then he made a documentary on Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and titled it Everlasting Light. Presently, Ram is working on his second feature film, Talismaan (to be produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra) based on the classic Hindi story, Chandrakanta.
Ram Madhvani Spoke to Bollywood Hungama exclusively about Talismaan.
Talismaan is your second film after Let's Talk how does it feel?
It feels great!
What is Talismaan all about in short?
It is a compelling tale of love, friendship and a creed of men who stop war through magic.
It seems like a period film but are you showing it in modern times?
It is not a period film. Talismaan is based in the realm of fantasy but its core is modern and contemporary.
Is it confirmed that Abhishek and Sanjay Dutt would also be part of the story and have been signed for it?
We are in talks. It would not be appropriate to talk about it right now.
What is the status of the film is it still in pre-production?
The film is at the pre-production stage. Talismaan is the kind of film that requires tremendous amount of work before it can go on the floors so thats what we are doing...a tremendous amount of work.
When is the shooting expected to be completed? An approximate date.
Mid next year
What kind of music will be used in the film? And who would be making the music?
Shantanu Moitra is doing the music for the film. The music will be in keeping with the tone of Talismaan.
Why a name like Talisman? What are you trying to imply with the title?
A talisman is an object of secret power. It is also an urdu word called Tilism. Talismaan means a world created out of magic and illusion. The film is a love story with the elements of magic and war based in a fantasy world. Therefore, the name Talismaan.
Your second film and you're already making a film with the crème de la crème of the bollywood fraternity. How's your reaction to that? Are you nervous to shoot scenes with Amitabh sir?
I have worked with Mr. Bachchan earlier in advertising and I also directed a documentary on him called "Everlasting Light" which premiered at the Lincoln centre in New York, during a retrospective of Mr. Bachchan's. I like working with him and I feel being nervous is good.
Lastly, What's your take on blogging?
I am not net savvy at all . My colleagues are grateful that I can atleast manage to check my mail Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 29 May 2008 | 4:18 pm
Lara Dutta looked fresh, radiant and luxe in a Diane Von Furstenberg dress at the recent Louis Vuitton store launch in Bangalore!
It is always refreshing to see actresses depart from the usual and embrace a trend and make it their own! Color and florals are big trends for Spring. As are 'Safari' influences. And Lara's DvF silk shirtdress had a bit of everything!
Styled perfectly, Lara Dutta was a perfect ten!
The writers of this article can be reached at http://www.highheelconfidential.com/ Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 29 May 2008 | 4:05 pm
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Bollywood stars making their presence felt on various T.V. shows is no longer a new phenomenon. While most of the stars make fleeting appearances on reality shows around the time when their film releases, some are even seen hosting shows on T.V.
The latest superstar who would be seen on T.V. (albeit in a new avatar) is Hrithik Roshan. Hrithik has been signed on as the goodwill ambassador for Junoon⦠Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka, the exciting new musical show on NDTV Imagine. Celebrating the shows' cultural and artistic diversity, Hrithik will lend his support to the participants of the Sufi, Folk and Filmy genres on the show.
Announcing Hrithik's association with the show, Shailja Kejriwal, EVP Content, NDTV Imagine said, "We are very excited as this is the first time that a channel has associated with a celebrity at this level. Hrithik's role is very unique - he is not a host, judge or performer. He is here to lend his support to the participants. What makes this association special is that we truly believe that he embodies the spirit of Junoon and epitomizes the passion which is present in all the talented artists that are part of the show! He symbolizes the personality of the show brilliantly!"
Even Hrithik seemed all excited on being associated with the show. The talented actor said "I am very pleased to be associated with NDTV Imagine and Junoon. I can identify with the participants and their desire to achieve success with their god-given talent. I relate to their positive and exuberant spirit because I believe that I have a similar Junoon - be it my work or my personal life."
Junoon⦠Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka is an exciting new musical show that will decide the country's most popular genre of music, namely Folk, Sufi and Filmy. Each team will have 6 contestants and will be mentored by an eminent personality from the music industry, namely, Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for the Sufi Team, Ila Arun for the Folk Team and Anand Raj Anand for the Filmy Team. Source: Indiafm.com News | 29 May 2008 | 2:27 pm
He is one of the few Directors who have made a successful transition from the TV medium to films. Not the one to mince his words, he is known as someone who can speak his mind. He can be aptly called as the 'master of all trades' as he has not just faced the camera as an actor, and but also has ventured into producing and directing Bollywood blockbusters. We are indeed talking about Shashi Ranjan, the name that immediately brings to mind the recently released Dhoom Dhadakka, a film that had the audiences in split, right from the word Go..
Well, Bollywood Hungama was with Shashi Ranjan for an exclusive chat, whereby the chatters had a heart-to-art talk with the man himself. If you are one of those who missed, then, do not fret, as we bring to you the excerpts of the same.
Kuttabilli: Hi Shashi, what kind of promotion are you doing for Dhoom Dadakka?
Shashi Ranjan: well I am looking at 360 degrees promotion. We are on radio, TV, print media and of course now on internet.
Kuttabilli: what is the film all about?
Shashi Ranjan: Dhoom Dadakka is an out and out comedy about a don played by Anupam kher, who is looking out to stay in the mafia syndicate...Since he is not married, he is depending on his sisters son Kamal, whom he has never seen. So, he hires a detective to find out his heir Kamal...and one girl and two guys land up in his house posing as Kamal without realizing that the man in question happens to be a big DON
Kuttabilli: so, when is the film releasing?
Shashi Ranjan: May 23rd is the release date
Kuttabilli: tell us about your other projects?
Shashi Ranjan: well I am planning another film, which is a relationship based story, tentative title is Tadap... casting is yet to start for the same.
Kuttabilli: tell us about your other projects?
Shashi Ranjan: well I am planning another film, which is a relationship based story,...tentative title is Tadap...casting is yet to start for the same
Nanda: hey shashi, I loved u as an actor in Saheb..i loved the film as well?
Shashi Ranjan: you must be really ancient nanda...that was a long time back...however I am still not too bad.
Kuttabilli: how different is this story from stories like father wants son to become next don and stuff?
Shashi Ranjan: in terms of treatment its absolutely different because everything is looked at it in a comic and funny way.
Nanda: why did u quit acting?
Shashi Ranjan: I wasnât getting the kind of roles, which I wanted to do at that time so I was feeling a bit letdown...Hence I decided to pursue my talent in various other aspects of cinema.
Nanda: what were u doing all this while after Siyasat as a producer?
Shashi Ranjan: aditi there are lot of things...friends...movies...sports etc
Aditi: does it become difficult to juggle between Bollywood n TV industry?
Shashi Ranjan: I did lot of things in TV....I have produced and directed nearly 1000 hours of TV programming like The Shotgun Show, Making of a Legend, a show with Javed Akhtar, Mahesh Bhatt.....I have also been busy with Indian Television Academy.
Aditi: ya ITA awards is a very big thing for TV stars. Whose concept was it?
Shashi Ranjan: it was my wife Anu's concept, aditi.
Nanda: what makes u cry?
Shashi Ranjan: Emotions.
Nanda: what is more fascinating Acting or Direction?
Shashi Ranjan: I think Direction in any day much more satisfying than Acting
Nanda: what is more fascinating Acting or Direction?
Shashi Ranjan: I think Direction in any day much more satisfying than Acting
Aditi: she seems to be a very strong woman, do your creative ideas clash. And also what was her contribution in DD?
Shashi Ranjan: Yes aditi, she is a very strong person, she is a great Marketing person and looked in to the mktg and promotions for Dhoom Dadakka
Kuttabilli: so, when your not filming what u doing?
Shashi Ranjan: Producing
Nanda: which is fav hangout in Mumbai?
Shashi Ranjan: nanda once upon a time it used to be Holiday Inn...now donât really have the time to hang out
Anubhav: who is your inspiration?
Shashi Ranjan: my inspirations keep changing but a large part of my life is influenced by my father
Anubhav: who is your fav actor in Bollywood?
Shashi Ranjan: Anubhav I canât pick one actor--- there are many Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Hassan, Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan.
Anubhav: who is your fav actor in Bollywood?
Shashi Ranjan: Anubhav I canât pick one actor--- there are many Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Hassan, Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan.
Kuttabilli: are you from Mumbai?
Shashi Ranjan: no, Iâm from Haryana, a very small town called Bhiwani...after that I went to Pune FTII to do my diploma in acting...landed in Bombay in 1979.
Kuttabilli: have u tried your hand at anything other than direction?
Shashi Ranjan: lots of things I have a magazine, a Television company, I love reading and even playing squash
Kuttabilli: what do u think of comedy today?
Shashi Ranjan: comedy as a genre is doing well ...the younger generation prefers seeing light-hearted and peppy films rather than serious cinema.
Nanda: whatâs your take on casting couch?
Shashi Ranjan: nanda.....I havenât been lucky as yet
Aditi: I wish u all the very best for DD, and your other forthcoming films?
Shashi Ranjan: thank you so much aditi...i need all your wishes.
Kuttabilli: what kind of comedy in DD- slapstick, raunchy, cheesy, sarcastic, or sex related?
Shashi Ranjan: DD is none of these...it is not slapstick ...it is situational and funny because of its performances and dialogues.
Kuttabilli: what kind of comedy in DD- slapstick, raunchy, cheesy, sarcastic, or sex related?
Shashi Ranjan: DD is none of these...it is not slapstick ...it is situational and funny because of its performances and dialogues.
Anubhav: will u give chance to new comers in Bollywood? Iâm a struggling actor.
Shashi Ranjan: I have always given newcomers a chance...even in DD there are many newcomers.
Kuttabilli: what books do you read?
Shashi Ranjan: I read fiction, philosophy...sometimes I read autobiographies they fascinate me.
Kuttabilli: u like Indian writers or others?
Shashi Ranjan: I am enjoying Dev Saab's book at the moment
Anubhav: sir, so will u give me a chance? I have been doing acting in serials like Ramayana, Maa Durga.
Shashi Ranjan: work hard anubhav and you got to be the best because there are plenty of talented people floating around here
Whatever: any interest in art cinema?
Shashi Ranjan: yes I have been brought up in art cinema since I am from FTII...loved Ritwik Ghatak's work
Anubhav: what kind of film story do u like the most??
Shashi Ranjan: I basically like films, which are intense in emotions.
Nanda: exchange some memorable moments during the shoot of DD?
Shashi Ranjan : nanda....during the shoot we were a unit of 60-70 people staying in the same hotel in Bangkok.....and our drive to shooting used to be an hour daily and all of us used to sit together and sing Hindi film songs.....it was great fun.....didnât seem like shooting
Whatever: how did you become a director in Bollywood? it must be hard....and to find a producer for your films..?
Shashi Ranjan: I had to produce my own films...couldnât find anybody to produce for me.
Anubhav: I have also written one script. I genuinely want to do something in films either acting or scriptwriting
Shashi Ranjan: you have to make up your mind...acting or script-writing...they are 2 different things.
Whatever: would u also like to work with big names of Bollywood. .I would like to work with SRK... he is my fav.actor.
Shashi Ranjan: I would love to work with Shah Rukh too if he will to work with me
Nanda: tell me about your strengths and weaknesses?
Shashi Ranjan: my strength would be my, self confidence....I came from a small city not knowing many people in Mumbai....and my weakness is my family.... My family is my strength as well.
Ishika: What do you think of Akshaye Khanna as an actor?
Shashi Ranjan: I quite like Akshaye.....i like his acting grammar which is absolutely different from most actors.
Kuttabilli: have u seen any movies of lately in English -Hindi?
Shashi Ranjan: yes I keep watching lot of English films.
Kuttabilli: how was it working with Shaad Randhawa?
Shashi Ranjan: Shaad was a revelation...when I took him I though he probably may be able to do comedy but when I started shooting he turned to be a very good.
Kuttabilli: how was it working with Shaad Randhawa?
Shashi Ranjan: Shaad was a revelation...when I took him I though he probably may be able to do comedy but when I started shooting he turned to be a very good.
Ishika: Have you seen Akshaye Khanna's performance in Gandhi My Father? What is your opinion about his performance? And I would like to do a film with him?
Shashi Ranjan: he is always competent, ishika
Whatever: whatâs your take on Rakhi Sawant's performance in the film and generally. And does she throw tantrums?
Shashi Ranjan: Rakhi isnât in my film but I have done shows with her. And she hasnât thrown any tantrums with me at least.
Kuttabilli: what are your expectations with DD?
Shashi Ranjan: I hope and pray to GOD that Dhoom Dadakka is a big hit
Sikander: how was it working with Satish Shah? Was he a prankster on sets?
Shashi Ranjan: sikander...we were all pranksters pulling each others leg all the time
Asiy: Anupam kher is a fabulous actor. Nobody in the industry can match his acting
Shashi Ranjan: asiy in three words G-R-8
Sikander: whatâs your take on Ranbir n Sonam Kapoor?
Shashi Ranjan: I liked both Ranbir and Sonam in the film
Sikander: Do u have a filmy background?
Shashi Ranjan: not at all sikander...i come from a family of educationists
Ishika: what Mungilal Rocks is all about?
Shashi Ranjan: well actually Mungilal Rocks is the same film Dhoom Dadakka...the title is different.
Ishika: what Mungilal Rocks is all about?
Shashi Ranjan: well actually Mungilal Rocks is the same film Dhoom Dadakka...the title is different.
Ishika: Don't you think that Akshaye Khanna is being under-rated, under-stated and under-utilized?
Shashi Ranjan: I donât think Akshaye is underrated...people have realized his potential and he has performed well
Whatever: so how was Rakhi on that show?
Shashi Ranjan: Rakhi was herself...outspoken, brash and funny
Ishika: whatâs your take on remakes?
Shashi Ranjan: well I generally donât like blatant copies but no harm in getting inspired by a film.
Ishika: whatâs your take on remakes?
Shashi Ranjan: well I generally donât like blatant copies but no harm in getting inspired by a film.
srk19: hi shashi! How are you? I just wanted to ask what are your thoughts on the IPL? What are your thoughts on Bollywood meeting cricket?
Shashi Ranjan: I think IPL is a great concept, which is working well....
Kiran: whatâs your take on TZP?
Shashi Ranjan: TZP is a good film but way too hyped
Kiran: what are those 5 important things u cannot live without?
Shashi Ranjan: Food, Water, Air, Clothes and Love
srk19: whatâs your take on King khan in other words Baadshah of Bollywood?
Shashi Ranjan: I agree with u...he is the Baadshah of Bollywood
srk19: tell me about your most embarrassing moment?
Shashi Ranjan: yet to come, srk19
BWJ: as you are from Haryana, what do you think of Punjabi films nowadays?
Shashi Ranjan: I think Punjabi films should be encouraged...they have tremendous sense of humorâ¦I have done two Punjabi films as a hero.
BWJ: as you are from Haryana, what do you think of Punjabi films nowadays?
Shashi Ranjan: I think Punjabi films should be encouraged...they have tremendous sense of humor..I have done two Punjabi films as a hero.
srk19: what would u have been if not an actor or director?
Shashi Ranjan: I think a Tennis player
srk19: I am a big fan of SRK but biggest of Aamir..Would like u to work with both...plzzzzzz!!!!
Shashi Ranjan: yes pls tell them to work with me.
Janiya: define urself in 3 words?
Shashi Ranjan: Tall, Fair and Handsome
Neha: what do you never leave home without?.
Shashi Ranjan: my gym bag.
Neha: who is your favorite actress and y?
Shashi Ranjan: I have so many fav actresses...but I think Madhuri would be right at the top...she is fabulous
Shashi Ranjan : it was great chatting with you all...please go and watch Dhoom Dadakka in theatres....you surely gonna enjoy it. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 29 May 2008 | 2:09 pm
MOVIE DETAILS
Cast: Shan, Iman Ali, Fawad Khan and Naseeruddin Shah
Director: Shoaib Mansoor
Producer: Shoaib Mansoor
Music: Various
THE FILM
Father - "I can't stay here anymore"
Another man - "Why?"
Father - (Leans closer) - "Because toilets here aren't good"
Meanwhile, at a little distance away, his daughter looks at him in disgust as he walks away, leaving her in the hands of a Afghani/Pakistani family which has fundamentalism running in their veins. Now why would a British citizen with a Pakistani origin do this to his well-educated daughter on her very first visit to Pakistan? Well, that's because she wanted to get married to a 'gora'. Unable to face the expected wrath from his fellow Pakistanis, the father instead tricks her into getting married to a Pakistani boy who himself is a convert from a rock star to a fundamentalist.
The scene above is the defining moment of the film which clearly explores the irony of certain Muslims in Western countries themselves being lesser tolerant than a select segment of highly educated and well off Pakistanis who in turn are the most liberal of most.
Khuda Kay Liye has three stories about one single family running in parallel. There is an elder brother (Shan) who visits USA to learn music and instead gets branded as a terrorist post 9/11 (watch out for the evidence around 9/11 found in his locket - it is heart-melting and makes you cry). Then there is his younger brother (Fawad Khan) who himself was once a rock star but instead gets carried away by the preachers (a Maulvi, played by Rasheed Naz) of fundamentalism and joins the 'jihaadis'. The third character (and one of the most integral to the plot) is a young woman (Iman Ali) who is forcibly married to Fawad Khan and kept hostage on Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
It's the lives of these three characters around which the plot of Khuda Kay Liye is centered. Meanwhile there are long drawn but extremely effective and engaging conversations around terrorism, fundamentalism, false propaganda, and perception about Muslims across the globe, struggle of liberals and acceptance of music amongst many other tangents that Shoaib Mansoor explores. In inept hands, this could have turned into one boring exercise or a documentary for those looking who are looking at intelligent cinema but it's not a case at all for Khuda Kay Liye.
Instead, Mansoor makes sure that he tells a story differently and in a most natural manner. Look out for the way characters interact with each other, whether in Chicago, London, or Lahore. None of it is artificial, dramatic or over the top. In fact at places one is even reminded of Farhan Akhtar's touch from Dil Chahta Hai, especially when it comes to urban setting in the film.
Performance wise Shan tops the bracket with Naseeruddin Shah being his excellent self the moment he is introduced in the last 30 minutes of the film. Fawad is average though while Iman is decent. Rasheed Naz as the 'maulvi' exudes hate, which goes perfectly well with the character while the couple, which plays Shan's parents, is straight out of Dil Chahta Hai mode.
Yes, the film is not for those who are looking for their regular dose of entertainment. In fact, majority of film is in English while some of the Urdu portions mandate that subtitles are kept on. Moreover, at places, your heart is bound to sink, especially when Iman Ali is forcibly kept hostage (reminding of Escape From Taliban) or Shan is interrogated by the American cops (coming close to Black Friday). You tend to cringe in your seats in scenes like these. This is where music comes as a relief whenever it is played. While 'Bandya' is the pick of the lot, 'Allah' that plays in the background at crucial junctures is haunting.
And by the why, I am surprised that some people called the production values being low for Khuda Kay Liye!Ok, so the film may not have set on a huge canvas but in the limited space available, Shoaib has done quite well in bringing richness in the frames. There isn't any blemish whatsoever in shot taking and you always feel like watching international cinema.
PACKAGING
The film comes in a well packaged plastic box engulfed in a separate paper case.
DURATION
The film comes in a single DVD pack with the film's duration being 166 minutes.
SPECIAL FEATURES
The DVD doesn't come with any special features.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
- 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation
- Subtitles in English
- Dolby Digital 5.1
PRICE
Rs. 399/=
CONCLUSION
It is hard to believe that Khuda Kay Liye is the first film by producer-director Shoaib Mansoor. He is excellent in the way he sets context about the story he wishes to narrate and is superb in the way he involves his audience throughout. In fact, in spite of the film's duration being close to 3 hours, a rarity in today's time, you are gripped by the drama that unfolds.
Rating: ***1/2 Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 29 May 2008 | 1:50 pm
Defeat in the Karnataka assembly poll has forced Kannada film actor and central minister M.H. Ambareesh to give up celebrating his birthday, usually a grand show with fans and friends in attendance. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 29 May 2008 | 1:01 pm
Ram Gopal Varma is confident about his upcoming film, Sarkar Raj. Now does it really warrant to be touted as Breaking News? No, not at all. After all the man has always sounded positive about his movies, regardless of whether the man behind the camera is him or his spot boy, driver or an office boy! He was confident about Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, he was confident about Nishabd, he was confident about Darling and he was also confident about Shiva!
So what really makes one believe the words coming from Ramu are indeed sincere when he talks about Sarkar Raj? Well, of course, the vintage factor which makes one nostalgic about Sarkar, his last bona fide success.
Laughs Ramu, "You tell me, how much can I actually go wrong with Sarkar Raj? I am making a movie which takes its setting and characters from a film which has already been largely accepted by the audience over the years."
Tell him that it indeed is the case since Nagres did turn out to be household names after the release of Sarkar and he adds on, "See, Sarkar was liked by quite a few people. The box office itself is witness to that. The subject was lapped up well while the characters were appreciated. People wanted to know what more happened in the lives of Subhash Nagre and Shankar Nagre, the characters played by Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan respectively."
So how does he delve into the journey of the family from this point on? "When power changes hands, a lot of things happen. And in case of Sarkar Raj, third dimension comes in the form of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's introduction too. All of this does lead to quite a few volatile situations in the film", hints Ramu, "See, my characters are all set so it saves me a lot of time (and some raw stock) to establish/introduce them to the audience. All I have to do now is tell them what happened once Shankar started calling the shots." Source: Indiafm.com News | 29 May 2008 | 11:21 am
