Vidya Balan has not been much in the news since her last release Halla Bol in January this year. The talented actress has been quite a regular on the endorsement front and is seen often on T.V. along with South star Madhavan in the Airtel commercials.
On the eve of World Environment Day, Vidya Balan was present at a tree plantation drive held by Lanxess India along with the 'Save The Children India' organization. They planted over 100 samplings in an initiative to increase the green cover and stimulate worldwide awareness of the environment. Indeed a noble gesture on the beautiful actresses' part.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Vidya Balan has recently signed on with Bling! Entertainment Solutions, a leading talent and celebrity management company in India founded by Atul Kasbekar. Bling! Entertainment Solutions shall now handle all the endorsement deals of the actor as well as protect her long term interests.
The promos of Vidya's next big release Kismat Konnection opposite Shahid Kapoor are already generating a lot of curiosity. Looks like Vidya indeed has a lot of reasons to flaunt that million dollar smile of hers. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 4 Jun 2008 | 4:33 pm
Click above for more stills
Bhushan Kumar's Karzzzz has been in the news ever since it was announced. For the first time ever, a remake had the blessings of the director and actor of the original classic Karz. Yes, Subhash Ghai and Rishi Kapoor were present at the Muhurat of Karzzzz which took place a few months back and the film took off in grand style.
Now, thanks to the strong production values and amazing music, Reliance Big Entertainment has acquired the world theatrical, internet and satellite rights of T-Series' Karzzzz. Interestingly, the film slated to be made at a high production value of Rs. 28 crores (approximately) is said to have already raked in the moolah for the makers with Reliance parting with Rs. 35 crore as a part of the deal. This could only be because of the marketing and music acumen of the company which has now ventured into film production with three diverse musicals that have brought to the fore directors like Satish Kaushik, John Mathew Mathan and Pooja Bhatt in three Himesh Reshammiya starrers.
Though the makers refuse to second the figure (confirmed by our sources), the fact that there is no denial pretty much sums up things. With the kind of pricing Bhushan Kumar has managed for this film, looks like this is just the beginning for this young and dynamic entrepreneur.
Karzzzz sees Himesh Reshammiya portraying the role which was played by Rishi Kapoor in the original classic and also stars Urmila Matondkar, Shweta Kumar, Raj Babbar, Danny Denzongpa, Gulshan Grover and Rohini Hattangadi in other stellar roles. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Jun 2008 | 3:10 pm
After a star-studded announcement, Star entertainments Pvt. Ltd. presentation Red Alert- The War Within has gone on floors from May 19, 2008. The entire team has moved to an outdoor location and the current schedule will run through till June 14, 2008.
This is the true story of Narsimha, a farm laborer, who desperately needed money to fund the education of his children. He finds himself in the midst of Naxalites where his mission becomes a mere subset of a greater cause that the militant's pursue.
Red Alert - The War Within is produced by T.P Aggarwal and Rahul Aggarwal under the banner of Star Entertainments Pvt. Ltd. Anant Mahadevan is directing the film, written by Aruna Raje, K. Rajkumar is the Director of Photography and Executive producer is George F Cameron. Creatives for the film by Brainstorm.
Red Alert- The War Within stars Sunil Shetty, Sameera Reddy, Ayesha Dharker, Seema Biswas, Makrand Deshpande, Bhagyashree, Ashish Vidyarthi, Ehsaan Khan, Suneel Sinha with Gulshan Grover, Naseeruddin Shah and Vinod Khanna. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Jun 2008 | 2:35 pm
Download Aashayein wallpapers
If you are someone who is glued to T.V. then you would have surely seen her in serials like Saara Akash and Hotel Kingston. She even featured in the popular music-video Maeri by Euphoria. She is none other than the vivacious beauty Sonal Sehgal. After having done quite a few commercials, music-videos and T.V. serials, Sonal is looking forward to her big Bollywood release- Aashayein which has her paired opposite Bollywood hunk John Abraham. Bollywood Hungama spoke to the effervescent actress who has all her Aashayein pinned on this Nagesh Kukunoor directed film.
Sonal, you are a familiar face on Television and are now stepping into mainstream Bollywood with Aashayein. How does it feel?
It feels great to enter Bollywood with such a fantastic director and such a good film.
The title Aashayein itself is very inspiring. What is the film all about?
In one word, the film is about Hope. What you take from the film as learning is to learn to live life. All of us deep down know about that but in the course of our day to day life we forget about it and get caught up with the rat race and meetings, deadlines etc.
What is your character in the film?
I play John's live-in girlfriend. I am a regular city girl who has a 9-to-5 job and he is a good-for-nothing gambler. But I am too much in love to be upset with him for not working. We have this beautiful life and share some really happy moments till we are confronted by certain circumstances and how we get out of it, without losing hope forms the crux of the film.
I play John's live-in girlfriend. I am a regular city girl who has a 9-to-5 job and he is a good-for-nothing gambler
A lot of girls would die to debut with a hunk like John. How has been your experience with him?
It has been fantastic working with John. In spite of the fact that he is a big star and is bestowed with adulation all the time, he still doesn't behave like a star on the sets. He is very down-to-earth, professional and makes everyone feel comfortable. He was always there on time for the reading sessions, rehearsals etc. He didn't throw any tantrums whatsoever.
John is very down-to-earth, professional and makes everyone feel comfortable
How was it working with a director like Nagesh Kukunoor? Was he the taskmaster on the sets?
Nagesh is very thorough when it comes to his work. Once you are on the sets, there is no time for discussion. All the discussions about the character, the scene etc. happens before you go to shoot. So in that sense, he is very organized. There is no time (on the sets) for fooling around and playing pranks etc. But at the same time it gives you a different high when you are working with people who are so honest and sincere about their work. We used to shoot around 12-15 hours everyday, yet we never felt fatigued because when everybody is giving in their 100% you also feel like putting your best foot forward.
A major portion of the film has been shot in Pondicherry. Could you share some interesting moments during the shoot?
We were shooting at this resort in Pondicherry where there was no Television, no Internet, no newspapers and no cell-phone connectivity. There was a reason why this resort was chosen, as Aashayein was shot in sync-sound. As per international guidelines, whenever you are shooting for a sync-sound film, there should be pin-drop silence for at-least a 5 km radius. So even when you are not shooting your scenes you can neither watch T.V. nor chat with someone on the phone. What's more you couldn't even talk with your co-stars because sync-sound is so sensitive that it will catch the voice. I felt like I am at some Vipasana camp. So, finally John and I used to play chess as that is the only game which we could play quietly (laughs).
We had to keep pin-drop silence as we were shooting in sync-sound. So John and I used to play chess as that is the only game which we could play quietly.
You have starred in T.V. serials like Saara Akash and Hotel Kingston and are now looking forward to your big release Aashayein. Did you always want to be an actress?
I think the acting bug bit me when I was really small. My mother tells me that when I was 3 years old, I used to go around telling everyone that I want to be Charlie Chaplin. He was my favorite actor then and still is. My parents were worried because other kids dreamt of becoming a doctor, or an engineer or a pilot and I wanted to only become Charlie Chaplin (laughs). Even when I was in my late teens, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do in life. Sometimes I wanted to be a pilot and at times a fashion designer or an architect. That's when my sister came up with this idea and said that I should become an actor as I could then play all the roles which I want to. I was thrilled (laughs).
When I was 3 years old, I used to go around telling everyone that I want to be Charlie Chaplin
So how did you get your first major break in the world of modeling and T.V.?
I started out as an assistant director to Pradeep Sarkar on his ad films. It's quite a funny story how I landed up in Euphoria's music-video Maeri. We were shooting around New Year's time and all the models are usually partying in Goa at that time of the year. We did not find a girl for a long time. So Dada told me in his typical innocent tone, âSonal you come in your white salwar-kameez for the shoot. If I don't find a model, then I will ask you to feature in the videoâ Next thing I know I was starring in the video. The funniest thing was that I used to be taking the clap, throw the clap on the floor and start acting (laughs).
I started out as an assistant director to Pradeep Sarkar on his ad films.
A lot of T.V. actors (Rajeev Khandelwal, Shweta Salve, Shama Sikander and Prachi Desai) are making the transition to the big screen this year. Your commentsâ¦
I am very happy that it's happening now. In fact I am looking forward to seeing Rajeev's film Aamir. There are some really talented people in T.V. but not everyone gets the right, big opportunity to act in films. Even if they do it's usually the role of the hero's friend or some supporting character. But I am glad that today times are changing. A lot of T.V. actors are getting to play the lead roles in films and it's mainly because even they have such a huge fan following. So I am really happy about T.V. actors finally getting their due.
I am really happy about T.V. actors finally getting their due
What about yourself, are you going to do only films or would you even be doing T.V.?
If I keep getting good films to do, I will do them. But God forbid, even if I don't, I won't do seedy roles in films. I'd rather be a heroine in a T.V. serial than a heroine's friend or sister in a film. These days the biggest stars are on T.V., so I don't think this is the time to say no to Television if something exciting comes up. I am just keeping my fingers crossed and hoping to get some good offers. As for now, I'll just take things as they come and go with the flow.
I'd rather be a heroine in a T.V. serial than a heroine's friend or sister in a film
Any particular directors / actors you would love to work with.
I think there are lots of fantastic directors like Farhan Akhtar, Anurag Basu, Anurag Kashyap, Sudhir Mishra and even Aamir Khan for that matter who are doing good cinema these days. Even the audiences' tastes are changing and if you have a good script, it is going to work. So I think now is a great time to be a part of Indian film industry.
In Bollywood they say a heroine's career is pretty much finished the moment she ties the knot. Not many may know but you have been married for some time now. In fact, you are one of the few actresses who are making their debut after her marriage. Do you think it will affect your image in any way?
I don't know. In fact I don't think these things actually matter. What matters at the end of the day is the quality your work. The audiences today have become very smart and have really evolved. These things don't really matter to them either. All they want to see at the end of the day is a good film which entertains them and gives them value for money.
Your husband Naresh Kamat is a musician and is part of the band Kailasa along with Kailash Kher. Are you also musically inclined?
No, I'm not (laughs).
So how do you like spending your free time?
In my free time I watch a lot of movies, I read a lot of books, and I keep joining all the new dance classes that are opening in the city (laughs).That I feel is a great way to workout and plus you get to learn something new. So I've been learning various dance forms be it Salsa, or Belly-dancing, and Capoeira .I don't know any of them perfectly but I am still learning. I am like the 'Jack of all dances and Master of none' (laughs)
You did star in U Bomsi, N Me but the movie didn't click. Do you consider Aashayein as your real debut?
The problem with U, Bomsi N Me was that it was an English film and hence catered to a very niche audience. Aashayein on the other hand is a commercial film. Nagesh always has his own set of loyal audience who come to watch his films. And then there is John,
who is going to really surprise everybody with his performance in this film. You have to see it to believe it.
John is going to really surprise everybody with his performance in this film
The music of Aashayein was unveiled in a really innovative way with a concert recently. How do you think the music has evolved?
The music of the film is fantastic. It's going to be a big hit. To give you an instance, when we had the wrap-up party we were dancing whole night to that song 'Ab Hai Ujala'. So you can imagine, if we were dancing the whole night to just one song what a big hit it's going to be. Then there is 'Shukriya Zindagi', and 'Pal Mein' which leave a lingering impact on your mind. I simply love the music.
What are your future projects?
I'm just meeting people and reading scripts at this point of time. I always feel if your first film launches you then your second film establishes you. So you have to pick the right film and I'm in no hurry. After debuting with such a great role and with a great director, I don't want to do run of the mill kind of roles.
Finally, what is your Aashayein from Aashayein?
I hope everyone goes to watch the movie not because I'm starring in it but because I feel people should support good films. So if you believe in good, intelligent and entertaining cinema then go and watch the film because a film like this comes once in a while. Aashayein is an extremely positive film and that itself is its biggest strength. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 4 Jun 2008 | 2:34 pm
Sikander Kher's next release Summer 2007 will hit the screens on June 13. The film seeks to explore with deep humanism, the fascinating coming together of India's youth with the Agrarian Crisis that is threatening to spiral out of control. The film is produced by Adlabs and Atul Productions.
Speaking on the film, producer Atul Pandey says, âThe film explores the possibility of micro credit as a possible non-violent solution to the problems of the farmers. Our research shows the existence of micro credit in the regions of Vidarbha - though used within small intimate groups. Mohammad Yunus of Grameen Bank has displayed the success of micro credit scheme. He lent $27 to forty-two people in 1976 and today more than 60 countries practice the system. Thus, we weaved micro credit and social credit as possible solution to the problems in the films thematic and geographical landscape.â
The character of Sachin Khedekar is based on Mohammad Yunus while Sikander, Gul, Yuvika, Arjan and Alekh play the 5 friends who somehow get embroiled in the issues faced by the villagers in a village where these 5 medical students go for a rural media training camp.
Each of the five friends reacts differently to the situations around them. Some come to terms with reality, some undergo a change of heart, and some become even bitterâ¦some fall in love. Thus, these few days of rural medical training become cataclysmic in nature as each of them go through a trial by fire and come out scorched and seasoned.
Summer 2007 releases on June 13, 2008. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Jun 2008 | 1:19 pm
So the IPL `Karamyudh` is finally over, but believe us when we say that the small screen is sure to get more interesting over the weekend. In fact it has never been this gripping before., come Friday the idiot box shall have an all new meaning to itself as TV most awaited battle shall begin and it would be the Khan vs Khan Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 4 Jun 2008 | 12:07 pm
Movie actress Sharon Stone will not be invited to next week`s Shanghai Film Festival, state media said on Wednesday, as the row over her "bad karma" comments about last month`s earthquake shows no sign of going away. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 4 Jun 2008 | 12:07 pm
Actor-filmmaker Mel Ferrer, the onetime husband of screen icon Audrey Hepburn who co-starred with her in "War and Peace" and directed her in "Green Mansions," has died at age 90, a family spokesman said on Tuesday. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 4 Jun 2008 | 12:07 pm
Rajiv Khandelwal, who became a craze among the Indian television audience for his portrayal of Sujal in Ekta Kapoor's 'Kahiin To Hoga', said he would never like to be a part of Balaji's project again in its present form. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 4 Jun 2008 | 11:20 am
Bollywood star Salman Khan, who is gearing up for his television debut with reality game show 'Dus Ka Dum', starting June 6, says he is not the type to rehearse for his roles. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 4 Jun 2008 | 11:20 am
Actress Bhumika Chawla, who is playing the female lead in director's Samudra's latest and underproduction film Mallepoovu, is a well known as a heroine with loads of talent. She is now gearing up to don a new role. She will don the cap of a producer along with her husband ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2008 | 11:17 am
The film Maa Alludu Lavangam is progressing briskly. Actor Krishna Bhagawan is in the lead role. Srirangam Satish Kumar is directing the film on the on the Sri Talupulamma Creations banner. The talkie part will be completed shortly and songs will be shot from June 15. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2008 | 11:10 am
Harish is acting in a film titled Naa Anevaadu. He shot to fame with the film Prema Khaidi. Rajiv Kanakala and Tanuja are the other lead actors. Prashant is the director. The film is about friendship and love. Both Harish and Rajiv Kanakala have given a great performance in the ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2008 | 10:58 am
The low phase in Overseas continues! Woodstock Villa has fetched miserable figures in its opening weekend. In fact, it's the lowest opener of 2008, even lower than Mr. White & Mr. Black Now judge for yourself! Meanwhile, Jannat is a moderate success in U.K., is okay in U.S., but excellent ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2008 | 10:48 am
Nah, not because Raj Thackeray demands that of every North Indian immigrant. Priyanka Chopra is simply gearing up for her part in Vishal Bhardwaj's Kaminay. Screen caught up with a trim and tanned Priyanka as soon as she got back from the outdoor shoot of Dostana in Miami. On the ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2008 | 10:24 am
The daily dose of family soaps on TV is hogging popularity day-in and day-out, cutting across almost all sections of the audiences. It's been so for more than six years now since the one, which started it all; Kyun Ki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi hit the marquee. And it ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2008 | 10:23 am
Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Karan Johar, Urmila Matonkar, Arjun Rampal and Rakhi Sawant will be a part of the Morani Brothers' and Ashish Gidwani Productions' first Bollywood musical, City of Dreams. It will premiere on June 13 at Mumbai's St. Andrews Auditorium.
Based on the story of a small-town girl who comes to Mumbai with stars in her eyes to become an actress, the musical drama stars Nasreen Morani in the central role. The two-hour extravaganza boasts of larger-than-life sets and props and is jointly directed by Gautam Joglekar and Mohammed Morani.
All the stars will be seen as narrators in an audio-visual playing intermittently. Five more shows are lined up in Mumbai. "Such shows are very popular abroad and we wanted to introduce them in India too," said Mohammed Morani.
Screen India Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Jun 2008 | 10:13 am
These days the glam guys have turned really indiscreet about the medium they are posing for. As soon as the Big B stepped on the small screen with Kaun Banega Crorepati, the rest of the tinsel town started thinking the same to pull more eyeballs towards the booby box and ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2008 | 10:03 am
The director of Anuranan, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, was awarded the Emerging Film-Maker Award at Santa Cruz Film Festival, held between 9 and 17 May in California. The Emerging Film-Maker Award is bestowed upon a debutante film-maker. The Santa Cruz Film Festival screened 148 films from 26 countries, where Anuranan was ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2008 | 9:54 am
One suspects Riteish Deshmukh to get irritated, in fact really irritated, on being prodded incessantly about his long delayed solo hero act. However, to one's pleasant surprise, he is quite patient when the query is raised and surprises by saying that going solo is indeed in his mind now.
"If you look at my career graph in last few months, I have been making a conscious effort to be seen with lesser heroes around me", he smiles, "I have been seen in four hero films and also three hero films. Off late, I am also making progress on being a part of two hero films. Soon it should be time to solo too!"
In last few months, Riteish has been seen in Cash (Ajay Devgan, Suneil Shetty, Zayed Khan) and Dhamaal (Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffrey, Aashish Chaudhary) where he was surrounded by number of men. Earlier too, Malamaal Weekly and Apna Sapna Money Money were multi starrers though the latter clearly had Riteish as the key man.
Later he went on to deliver yet another success in the form of Heyy Babyy where he was next only to Akshay Kumar in spite of Fardeen Khan being the senior colleague.
"I am happy with the progress I am making", adds Riteish, "Now in Sajid Khan's Housefull, which is a two hero project, I am there with Akshay Kumar. Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai is another good project in the making. I play this guy from planet Earth while Ayesha Takia is the girl from Venus. The film stars the young boy Ruslaan Mumtaz (of Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar fame) as well."
While Housefull and Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai are waiting to happen, Riteish already has a two hero film closer home. Come 20th June and De Taali, where he shares screen space with Aftab Shivdasani, would hit the screens.
"The film is coming at just the right time when a comedy like this should make an impact", informs Riteish, "I love the kind of gags that have been incorporated in the film."
Before year end, Riteish would be seen in Aladin And The Mystery Of The Lamp where he plays the title role of Aladin. The Sujoy Ghosh starrer features Amitabh Bachchan as Genius - The Genie along with Sanjay Dutt as a 'lovable villain' - as put by Ghosh! Source: Indiafm.com Features | 4 Jun 2008 | 9:41 am
Yet another blue eyed boy of the soap queen Ekta Kapoor has showed the guts to say no to her. Jay Bhanushali, who won the hearts of the audiences with his performance in Ekta Kapoor's serial Kayamat first and later on with his dancing prowess in the reality dance show ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2008 | 9:34 am
Download Love Story... wallpapers
Harman has been taking the comparisons with his senior Hrithik Roshan on his chin. At his music launch last week when someone shouted 'Hey Hrithik' at him from the crowds Harman smiled and said, "Can't help the way I look. It's what my parents gave me." The ongoing comparisons between Hrithik Roshan and debutant Harman Baweja are now being nipped in the bud.
The Bawejas have decided to avert any more comparisons with the Krissh star and also to curb the unnecessary digs about Harman's glamorous girlfriend. Since it was felt that Harman even sounded like Hrithik, Harman's dubbing for Love Story 2050 is being done under strict supervision by a female voice expert who sits in with Harman. "She listens to every word that Harman dubs. And if anywhere he sounds like anyone else, she immediately corrects him and makes him re-do the dialogues. For this reason Harman's dubbing in Love Story 2050 has taken a painfully long time No actor has taken so long to complete his dubbing. A month away from release and Harman is still dubbing!"
Says a source close to the Bawejas, "Harman is not the least conscious or worried about all the comparisons with Hrithik. They started when Harry Baweja decided to launch his son in a futuristic film. Everyone jumped to the conclusion that it was another Krissh. Then to make the comparisons even stronger there was the Kareena Kapoor factor. She had opted out of Hrithik Roshan's Kaho Naâ¦Pyaar Hai after a few days of shooting. The same happened with Harman's Love Story 2050."
More worrisome to Harman is the way Priyanka Chopra's presence in his life is being seen as a calculated move to gain mileage for the film. The giddy limit was when another debutante Mashoor Amrohi went on television to talk about colleagues who have glamorous girlfriends to flaunt.
Says the source, "Harman has a great deal of self-respect. He'd never want to be known by being associated with anyone else more famous and recognizable than him. In fact Kajol and Ajay Devgan were supposed to launch the music of Love Story 2050. Harman's father decided against it at the last minute. Harry Baweja in fact rang up his colleague Kumar Mangat and advised him not to allow Kajol and Ajay's presence to overshadow his daughter at the music launch of Haal-e-Dil. That's how self-respecting the Bawejas are."
It hurts Harman to have his name being constantly mentioned with Priyanka. Says a source, "He has now decided to seriously cut down if not entirely do away with public appearances with Priyanka. Of course she will be part of all the Love Story 2050 promotion. But Harman is refusing offers for magazine covers and guest appearances on reality shows with Priyanka." Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Jun 2008 | 9:33 am
Manish Naggdev, who became popular as Chintu in Dulhan, is all set to enter Star Plus' Santaan. This young actor is playing the similar character like that of Ajay Devgan in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Let"s check out what this young flick has to say about his new serial ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2008 | 9:27 am
Blog and six-pack-abs are the latest fads in Bollywood but Abhishek Bachchan continues to remain averse to both of them. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 4 Jun 2008 | 9:01 am
For all those who were waiting to get their hands on the original DVD of Aamir Khan's widely appreciated "Taare Zameen Par" (TZP), there's good news. It would be released soon. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 4 Jun 2008 | 9:01 am
Sameer Dattani-starrer 'Neene Neene' will become the first Kannada film to be simultaneously released in India, US and Australia. The love story featuring the man known as Dhyan in the Kannada film industry is releasing June 6. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 4 Jun 2008 | 8:01 am
The director of ANURANAN, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, was awarded the Emerging Film-Maker Award at Santa Cruz Film Festival, held between 9 and 17 May in California. The Emerging Film-Maker Award is bestowed upon a debutante film-maker. The Santa Cruz Film Festival screened 148 films from 26 countries, where ANURANAN was selected for the competitive section.
ANURANAN was presented by Shemaroo Entertainment and Screenplay Films, with Rahul Bose, Rituparna Sengupta, Raima Sen and Rajat Kapoor playing lead roles. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Jun 2008 | 7:59 am
Vidhu Vinod Chopra Films has issued a press statement, which is being reproduced verbatim:-
âVidhu Vinod Chopra Films denies all the speculations regarding any argument between Mr. Vinod Chopra and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan regarding the casting of Ms. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in our new venture TALISMAAN. Ms. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was never approached for the film and neither have the Bachchans approached us on her behalf.
âTALISMAAN is inspired by the novel 'Chandrakanta' and will be directed by ad film-maker Ram Madhvani. The cast of the film is yet to be finalized. It will be announced at an appropriate time. We request everyone to ignore the baseless rumors and speculations.â Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Jun 2008 | 7:51 am
Film and TV actor Anjan Srivastav celebrated his 60th birthday on 2nd June at The Club, Mumbai. As Anjan is an active member of IPTA, it was a reunion of sorts for IPTA members as most of them came to wish the birthday boy. These included Raman Kumar, Ramesh Talwar, music director Kuldeep Singh, Avtar Gill, Sulbha Arya, K.K. Raina, Ila Arun, Bharat Kapoor, Dharmesh Tiwari, Shaily Sathyu (daughter of director M.S. Sathyu) etc. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Jun 2008 | 7:47 am
This was my first Mother's Day as a mother, and I was oh-so-emotional when I looked at my three little ones. I was already thinking when they will grow up and wish me on this day. Only when one becomes a mother does one appreciate one's own mother, who I sheepishly realized we tend to take for granted. Otherwise I am having so much fun with my babies, Czar, Diva and Anya. Films and fame seem so insignificant, and going to the studios is the last thing on my mind today. Being with my kids is such a wonderful feeling that I just cannot describe it in words. I have decided not to work for a year and spend all the time with my babies as the first year is the time when mother and child bond. This also includes no parties and no socializing! Why, I have not even attended any of the IPL matches, because I cannot think of spending so many hours away from them. As for Jo Jeeta Wahi Superstar I agreed to do the show because I shoot for it only one day in a month.
I am enjoying my babies a lot more because I have so much help who can do the manual work. I seriously think mothers should not feel guilty about not doing stuff like cleaning babies and changing nappies. Which child remembers who changes their diapers? At least I don't. I only remember the quality time I spent with my mom. Remember there is no such thing as a perfect mother, just give your kids all the love and warmth you can.
Everyone tells me that the mothers I have portrayed in my two films Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om were archetypal and over-dramatic. But now that I am a mother myself, I think that Kirron Kher's character (excluding the drama bit) in OSO is very real. Like her I am trying to feed my kids the whole day! And I have seen Kirron doing he same thing off-screen too. She is always after Sikandar enquiring about his meals! The relationship she shared with her son on-screen was very informal and lovely and the right blend of being mother and friend, and I hope to have the same with my kids!
I think all Indian men are mamma's boys. I can already see it in my son Czar. He clings the maximum to meâ¦â¦ and I love it! Diva, like her name, throws the maximum tantrums! I love to hug and cuddle them all, as it is an important way of bonding with our children, so please do not hesitate to get physically close to yours children. Shirish and I even plan to take them along on the sets once I start working and spend as much time as we can together
Screen India Source: Indiafm.com Features | 4 Jun 2008 | 7:22 am
Here's the biggest news of the week! The realistic film-maker has just announced a massive project, which, according to reports, is the modern-day interpretation of an epic. He has also roped in several big names for the film in question. The latest is, two corporate houses have made separate offers for the global distribution rights of this film. While the first has offered Rs. 55 crores, the second has offered Rs. 60 crores. Interesting, isn't it? Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Jun 2008 | 7:14 am
Was Shahid Kapur the first choice for Ashutosh Gowariker's new project WHAT'S YOUR RAASHEE?, before he finally zeroed in on Harman Baweja? According to a news-report, Gowariker persistently called Shahid, but the actor wasn't keen on doing this film. "That's completely untrue," Gowariker informs me, "Shahid was never approached in the first place."
Was Harman the first choice then? "Call it a coincidence, the launch of LOVE STORY 2050 promos coincided with the casting of my movie. I was on the lookout for a fresh face for the film and when I watched the song-promo of LOVE STORY 2050, I requested Harry Baweja to screen a few scenes for me. In fact, Harman was the first actor I approached for the role in question. He's ideal for this role," the talented film-maker sets the record straight.
Meanwhile, here's good news for all those who loved JODHAA AKBAR. Ashu has decided to premiere the edited portions [which were chopped off on the editing table due to its excessive length] on television, before the film is premiered on TV. These portions, I must add, are simply outstanding! Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Jun 2008 | 7:09 am
The Rs.6.2 billion radio industry has emerged as a mainstream medium for advertising, but it will take almost five to seven years for it to acquire an adequate share - over 10 percent - in the total media spend, say industry experts. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 4 Jun 2008 | 5:00 am
Bollywood actor Anuj Sawhney, better known for his portrayals of a 'lover trapped in weird circumstances' in comedies like 'Nayee Padosan' and 'Funtoosh', is now going for a remarkable transition for his role in the Hindi remake of 'Departed'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 4 Jun 2008 | 2:31 am
The actor who plays the lookalike of politician Raj Thackeray in the film 'Sarkar Raj' was recommended by actress-MP Hema Malini, says director Ram Gopal Varma. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 4 Jun 2008 | 2:31 am
First there was news about the astronomical MG for the music of SINGH IS KINNG, one of the highest ever in recent times. Then followed news about the sale of its Mumbai territory for a kingly sum. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 4 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
Producer Sanddeep Kapur, in association with Anuj Sharma, has started 18 day shoot schedule for his next untitled film at various locations in London. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 4 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
The whole country is facing an acute price rise and also large parts of the country are reeling under the pressure of the collapse of some of the traditional strong lands of farming. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 4 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
Even as the Dasavatharam fever has gripped India and as Kamal fans are waiting with bated breath for its release, the ace actor is looking ahead with his next project, ‘Marmayogi’. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 4 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
His intentions may be honest and without any hidden agendas, but the ghosts of his past are still hunting and haunting him down. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 4 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
Now that Kareena Kapoor's sleek size-zero look in her latest film 'Tashan' failed to work wonders at the box-office, she has added a few pounds for a new look in her forthcoming 'Main Aur Mrs Khanna'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 3 Jun 2008 | 2:30 pm
The Bachchan parivar is known to walk the red carpet at many starry premieres and award functions. However, apart from Bollywood functions yet another place where Amitabh, Jaya, Abhishek and Aishwarya are seen walking together is at various temples across the length and breadth of the country.
It's a known fact that the Bachchans are strong believers of Lord Ganesha and are seen making frequent trips to the famous Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai. In fact, just last week Amitabh and Jaya along with beta Abhishek and bahu Aishwarya were seen walking to Siddhivinayak temple in the wee hours of morning. This time, Sikander Kher also joined the Bachchan family.
Whether they were praying for the success of their big release Sarkar Raj or for the success of the IIFA Awards is not known. But considering their frequent trips to the Siddhivinayak temple, you never know, there may soon be a special walkway from the Bachchan bungalow to the holy shrine. This will be a Jalsa for Bollywood's Family No.1 as they will not have to do any Pratiksha to enter the temple.
Image Courtesy: Mid-Day Source: Indiafm.com Features | 3 Jun 2008 | 2:21 pm
The IPL mania came to an end, in what was one of the most thrilling finals seen in a long time. Although Mumbaikars missed their team 'Mumbai Indians' in the final, they surely must have considered themselves lucky to get to see a cracker of a contest between two well deserving teams- 'Rajasthan Royals' & 'Chennai Super Kings'.
The VIP stand of the swanky D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai saw some bigwigs from the world of politics, business, sports and Bollywood make their presence felt. A rare sight was that of Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar enjoying the game with none other than Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan.
While Aamir has been a lover of the game for a long time, this is the first instance when he took out time for attending the IPL matches. Although the actor was there with his nephew Imran and son Junaid, he seemed to be having a hearty talk with Sachin. The duo seemed quite animated while discussing the finer nuances of the game. And just as the match went down to the wire, the tension seemed to be building among spectators. With one run needed to win for Team Rajasthan of the final delivery, Aamir was once again seen in a discussion with Sachin. And in case you are wondering what the duo were talking during the course of the match, well the actor himself reveals it all.
Aamir in his latest blog on www.aamirkhan.com relives the memorable experience of watching the thrilling final with the Master Blaster himself. The actor says, "The match last night was certainly exciting but what made it a unique experience for me, was that I had Sachin next to me. You will find this hard to believe, but Sachin was able to predict every ball before it was bowled. 'He is going to bowl a Bouncer next.' 'This one is going to be a slower one.' 'Next one will be a Yorker.' It was uncanny. He got it right each time!!! No wonder it's so difficult to bowl to him. He has an amazing instinct."
After bring dumbstruck by the Master Blaster's acumen the actor apparently told Sachin, that the next time they watch a film together it would be his turn to tell what's going to happen next.
Shifting gears, Aamir in his blog, also talks about what's keeping him busy off-late. "My friend Paul Blackthorn was visiting Bombay and I spent the week with him reliving Lagaan. In fact we had a bit of a reunion for him and it was really great to meet everyone."
And finally for all you Taare Zameen Par fans, there is good news, as the DVD of TZP should be out any time now. "My apologies for the delay in the DVD release of TZP. The final work is almost over. I assure you I have tried my very best to make the wait worth it. Very soon I will tell you'll the exact release date, which is any day now." signs off Aamir. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 3 Jun 2008 | 12:13 pm
