The IIFA Awards '08 weekend kick starts in exotic Bangkok from today (June 6). And even before the actual function starts, organizers Wizcraft Entertainment found themselves in a soup with some stars throwing tantrums while others landing themselves in uncalled for trouble.
Among the first stars to troop in Bangkok were close friends Urmila Matondkar and star designer Manish Malhotra. However, the she didn't have the most pleasant welcome in Bangkok as she was asked by the hotel staff to wait for a while for her room keys. Needless to say, Madame Matondkar threw a fit and cooled down only after the organizers stepped in.
This was just one of the instances. Another embarrassing moment was at the Bangkok airport itself, when Rajeev (Chimpoo) Kapoor was held by the cops as he was in an inebriated state. Apparently, the actor-director was so drunk that he couldn't even tell his name properly at the immigration counter. Not a perfect start for the IIFA weekend one would say.
However, on the brighter side the IIFA weekend promises quite a lot of exciting events like the Gala Premiere of Sarkar Raj and some dazzling performances on the awards night. One of the hottest stars in Bollywood, Kareena Kapoor, is set to perform a special act in which she would appear as 'The Goddess of Bollywood'. Bebo would be performing to her latest chartbusters from Tashan, Jab We Met etc. and would have a different theme for each song. The act has been choreographed by ace choreographer Shiamak Davar while Manish Malhotra would be designing Bebo's outfits. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Jun 2008 | 1:26 pm
As the adjoining picture 'crystal clearly' depicts, the 'Lady in Red' Kareena Kapoor looks more than a million bucks in her forthcoming film Main Aur Mrs Khanna with Salman Khan. The film's that's being directed by the debutante Prem Soni also stars Sohail Khan.
Not the one to mince her words and feelings, Kareena, had earlier said that she was tad nervous to work with Salman Khan, despite the fact that she had earlier worked together with him in Kyon Ki. History also has it that there were two mega films with this pair that never saw the light of the day, for many unknown reasons. These films were Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Baajirao Mastani and Salman Khan's home production My Punjabi Nikaah.
After having put 'Size Zero' behind her, Kareena seems to have put on some weight. If the glow on her face is any indication, then, one wonders how lucky and 'Saif' must be her real-life. What say, Kareena! Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 6 Jun 2008 | 12:49 pm
Trust the man to mouth the wittiest of lines with a dead pan expression; even though all the fun is at his expense!
While Bollywood insiders and followers are impatiently looking forward to the fate of Sarkar Raj, Ramu continues to be relaxed. "I have always maintained that no single film is the end of road for me. Once Sarkar Raj comes, I would be getting started with the promotion of Contract. Yes, Sarkar Raj is quite important but so have all the films even before that I have made."
How about Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag? Has he truly forgotten all the flak? "I could see it coming. At the end of the day, I knew that I wasn't making Sholay there", says Ramu.
Oh really? But wasn't Aag always supposed to be the remake of Sholay? "What remake?", questions Ramu in a mocking tune, "You can't have a one line plot and claim that it is a remake. Yes, we started off with quite a few inputs from the classic. But then over the period of time, the setting changed, the situations changed; heck, the basic idea changed. The visual connect too was completely different as conveyed through a different style of photography."
Reflecting on the time gone by, Ramu says, "Right from the time the film's title was renamed to Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, there were signs of troubled. I was ridiculed, there were attempts to defeat my courage, I was called arrogant and what not!"
Yes, everyone knows the kind of horrifying response that the film got on its release. But there must have been some soul out there who would have liked the film? Did he come across anyone like that? "Out of 100 people I met, 90 disliked it. To be honest, I truly believe that those 10 people who liked Aag were mental patients", Ramu sets the record straight. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 6 Jun 2008 | 12:45 pm
Hollywood`s "glass closet" may not be shattered, but with stars such as Ellen DeGeneres and TR Knight openly out and shows like "The L Word" proving popular in recent years, insiders say being gay or lesbian is no longer a career breaker for celebrities. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 6 Jun 2008 | 12:37 pm
The gorgeous Malaika Arora Khan is really looking forward to brother-in-law Sallu`s upcoming small screen project `Dus Ka Dum`, which is to go off the mark on June 6. The pretty lady is very positive about the show`s success and feels that Salman is best at achieving exactly what he always wants. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 6 Jun 2008 | 12:37 pm
Finally, the wait is over! The B-Town`s first family comes together for the one of the most eagerly awaited movies of all time – `Sarkar Raj`, all set to hit the theatres across the country this Friday morning. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 6 Jun 2008 | 12:37 pm
Akshay can groove all that he wants with Katrina at the IIFA finale but it is Salman who is having the last laugh. The actor has reportedly bagged a whopping Rs 50 crore movie deal that has turned this macho man into the highest paid actor in Bollywood. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 6 Jun 2008 | 12:37 pm
Small screen wonder Rajeev Khandelwal will surely have his fingers crossed for this one. The actor is all set to take on the Bollywood as his debut film `Aamir` releases across the country today. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 6 Jun 2008 | 12:37 pm
France said farewell to fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent at a funeral on Thursday attended by supermodels, film stars and President Nicolas Sarkozy. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 6 Jun 2008 | 12:37 pm
Move over Indiana Jones, “Sex and the City” is all set to take over the Indian audience this Friday. The film poses many questions and answers them as well. Do Carrie and Mr Big marry or don`t they? That is the million-dollar question “Sex and the City" fans hope is answered when the long-awaited film about love and friendship in New York City hits theaters. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 6 Jun 2008 | 12:37 pm
"A careful driver is one who honks his horn when he goes through a red light." The aforementioned quote clearly indicates the importance of red colour. Well, if one has to 'enhance' the importance of the important, all that a person needs to do is make the important wear the ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 6 Jun 2008 | 10:54 am
As the adjoining picture 'crystal clearly' depicts, the 'Lady in Red' Kareena Kapoor looks more than a million bucks in her forthcoming film Main Aur Mrs Khannawith Salman Khan. The film's that's being directed by the debutante Prem Soni also stars Sohail Khan. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 6 Jun 2008 | 10:49 am
Download Love Story 2050 wallpapers
Harman Baweja insists that he would talk about Love Story 2050 and his work in it rather than spend any productive effort in worrying about the clash which is waiting to happen with Imran Khan's Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa.
"Arrey yaar, why should I be even indulging in talks around how I feel about the other newcomer whose film is releasing on the same day as mine", says Harman in a cool tone, "When we locked 4th July as the day for the release of Love Story 2050, we thought that was just the right time for the film to arrive. We never worried then around what would happen if some other film decides all of a sudden to come on the same day."
Some sections of the media are trying to make it out as yet another Om Shanti Om v/s Saawariya clash. Isn't it unfair? Doesn't he feel that all of this would only lead to an ugly situation, just the kind it happened when Farah Khan's film clashed with much hyped launch of newcomers Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone?
"If you ask me, I am completely against this kind of an ugly situation being created. I don't want this to be treated as some kind of clash per se", Harman declares as a matter of fact, "I have worked hard on my film and this is what interests me most. I don't want to be talking about any other film than mine, let alone downsizing it or saying anything negative about it."
On a lighter note, Harman goes on to add, "My funda in life is simple. I have worked on my film and not yours, so I should stand by my film. Similarly you have worked in your film and haven't made any contribution to mine. So why any of us should be worried about how the other film is?"
Audience may not necessarily share similar sentiments?
"I don't think that should be the case. It's a movie at the end of the day and they may see the one that they want to. It could be Love Story 2050 or Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa or both. Also, they are not tied up to a particular film that they cannot even look at the other one. It isn't like that on 4th July, they have to think so hard as if they have to choose a life partner between Imran and me."
Yup, these would indeed be remembered as the famous last words! Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 6 Jun 2008 | 10:15 am
How different are you and your father in Sarkar Raj as compared with Sarkar?
In Sarkar Raj, Pa would be seen with an added slouch. Pa had to be shown aged since the first part of the film. Time has passed and we see it in his performance, and mine. My character has more responsibility on his shoulders. Earlier my character was hungry and lean eager to prove himself. Now I'm a more a confident and successful man.
I believe you've put on weight for the role?
I have. We wanted to show Shankar Nagre as not heavy, but healthier than he was in the first partâ¦as a successful well-settled man. Even my clothes in Sarkar Raj have changed. In Sarkar, I was more casually dressed. In Sarkar Raj, I'm more formally attired in a suit all through.
Earlier my character was hungry and lean eager to prove himself. Now I'm a more a confident and successful man.
You know more about sequels than your colleagues?
Sarkar Raj isn't my first sequel. I've also done Dhoom 2. But there's a difference. For Dhoom 2, Aditya Chopra's brief was to take the brand further. He wanted to make the sequel bigger and better. Otherwise, he reasoned, why would they come to see it? Sarkar Raj on the other hand, moved the other way. It's not a candyfloss entertainer. We had to be true to the original characters. The characters moved in a specific direction from the first part to the second. So there has to be a lot of intensity in the presentation. In Sarkar Raj, we couldn't afford the liberties that we could in Dhoom 2.
Experimenting with body language and weight are now a part of your acting grammar. I guess today, an actor has to work hard to be noticed. So does the director. In Sarkar Raj, it's not just my character's weight that has changed. The house the characters live in has become more plush.
This time you take centrestage in the drama?
I disagree. Sarkar is Subhash Nagre which is dad's character. But now Shankar is running the family business. But his father is still the head of the family. So we're in it together."
But you and Aishwarya are not a couple in Sarkar Raj?
Does that matter to the audience? Once the lights go down in the theatre the audience becomes one with the characters. If they don't it's my failing as an actor. They will be swept away with the characters. Whether we're married or a couple in the film is of no consequence. I think such cheap publicity gimmicks don't work. And yes we haven't tried to hide the fact that we aren't a couple in the film. No point in lying to the audience. In fact, there's no relationship between Aishwarya and me in Sarkar Raj. And that should be no problem. Just because we're husband and wife doesn't mean we should play the same roles in all our films.
I'd like to think my character has evolved since the first part and that I've evolved accordingly
But what about the strong media -created image of you as a couple?
No, I'm convinced the audience isn't going to take that factor into consideration. My father and I do play father and son in Sarkar Raj. But we weren't related at all in Bunty Aur Babli. In fact, he was hunting me down throughout the film. And yet it was a resounding success.
How much have you evolved as an actor since Sarkar?
I'd like to think my character has evolved since the first part and that I've evolved accordingly. But like I said, Jai Dixit could change his looks and clothes from Dhoom to Dhoom 2. I don't think it'd look believable to see me in a t-shirt, jeans and clean-shaven in Sarkar Raj. As for myself, without sounding arrogant I'd like to say I think I've evolved as an actor. I'm still learning and I'll be learning till the day I'm an actor. Look at my father at 65. He continues to evolve. In comparison to him there's a long way to go. I'd like to believe I'm evolving. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 6 Jun 2008 | 9:59 am
John Baptist is producing a film under the banner of Meshek Movie Makers introducing Sinivas Balla, a protege of noted Malayalam director Siddique, as director. The film has two heroes and a heroine. While Shashank is playing one hero, Arya Menon of 'Chak De India'-fame is being introduced to Telugu ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 6 Jun 2008 | 9:53 am
Shooting of Gunde Jhallumandi was almost complete but for the canning of two songs. The movie is directed by Madan of Pellaina Kothalo-fame and produced by Paruchuri Sivarama Prasad under the banner of United Movies. Udaykiran and Aditi Sharma are in the lead. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 6 Jun 2008 | 9:46 am
Nadigar Thilagam's Deiva Magan is one of the milestones in the glorious history of Tamil Cinema. Sivaji Ganesan played 3 different roles in this and the same was sent to Oscar Awards under Indian language films category in the 60's. Though the film didn't clinch any award at that time, ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 6 Jun 2008 | 9:40 am
Malayalam Actor cum filmmaker Srinivasan has came to meet Superstar Rajinikanth at the location of Kuselan at Alapuzha, Kerala. The actor spent almost one hour with the Superstar and listened the changes that have taken place in the original story written by him for Katha Parayumbol. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 6 Jun 2008 | 9:28 am
Neene Neene is all set to be the first Kannada film to be released in India, US and Australia on the same day, June 6th. Even within India, Neene Neene will be released simultaneously all over Karnataka, New Delhi and Mumbai. This is a new turning point for Kannada films ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 6 Jun 2008 | 9:18 am
Shivaraj Kumar (popularly called Shivanna) is trying to present himself in diverse roles in his upcoming films. Though his recent films did not fetch the expected response at the box office, he is now trying his best to do some unusual roles in different get ups. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 6 Jun 2008 | 9:07 am
Actor Shivadhwaj who has turned director for the first time in Basava Reddy's first production venture Neene Neene handles a sensitive subject with a great ease. He has opted for a contemporary modern subject and has narrated the film with a touch of authenticity that the film is sure to ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 6 Jun 2008 | 8:55 am
Director Srinivasa Prasad deserves a huge round of applause for selecting Prachanda Ravana (a play written 50 years ago by Kanagal Prabakara Shastri) as his debut movie. He also deserves praise for making the film without deviating from the original script. He presents the movie with the same devotion that ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 6 Jun 2008 | 8:44 am
Due to his love for wildlife conservation, actor John Abraham has agreed to produce a film on tigers along with environmentalist and filmmaker Mike Pandey, the duo announced at an awards function here. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Jun 2008 | 5:01 am
Indian origin female rap artist Taran 'Hard' Kaur Dhillon, who made waves with her foot-tapping number 'Move Your Body' in the film 'Johnny Gaddar', says she faced racism in Britain before making a mark on the music scene. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Jun 2008 | 4:00 am
TV star Rajiv Khandelwal has rubbished rumours that his debut movie 'Aamir', released Friday, is a copy of the Hollywood film 'Cellular'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Jun 2008 | 2:47 am
Once playback singing was in place in Hindi films, elaborate filming of the numbers caught the fancy of filmmakers. The process has come to be called 'picturisation'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Jun 2008 | 2:47 am
Sanjay Chhel is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that Maan Gaye Mughal-E-Azam is well received by the audience in theatres. And though he strictly believes in his own convictions and ideas, he has this time given into a suggestion given by a forecaster. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 6 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
PPC has tied up with Anushvi productions for “DASHAVATAR” a mythological tale about the divine incarnations of Lord Vishnu in an animated format. The company believes that it is very essential for the present generation to understand mythology. Thus, giving it to them in an enjoyable animated package would be the best approach. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 6 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
Shooting abroad has its advantages! Besides getting to work in an serene atmosphere actors get to discover and learn new things. One actor who will vouch for that is Shahid (Kapoor). The actor learnt roller blading during the shoot of Tips Films Kismat Konnection in Canada. Roller blading is a favorite sport amongst Canadians just like Cricket is to Indians. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 6 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
PVR Pictures limited which is the film production and distribution branch of the parent company PVR Limited has signed agreements with ICICI Venture Funds Management Company Private Limited and JPMorgan Global Special Opportunities Group, one of JPMorgan Chase Bank N.As private equity arms for the investment of Rs.1.2.billion in the company. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 6 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
If you are one of those super-selective moviegoers who watches three films a year then make sure, Aamir figures on your list. Varnaaâ¦
This is by far one of the finest attempts in recent times to explore the psyche of a modern 'foreign-returned' Indian as he's plunged headlong into the Kafkaesque nightmare of crime grime extremism and fanaticism in the underbelly of that big bright and bewildering city known as Mumbai. A Swades on skids hurling down into an abyss of unpatriotic instigations.
From the moment Aamir (Rajeev Khandelwal) touches down on Mumbai's international airport, what assails you is that overpowering sense of an individual's struggle to survive in a pitiless and often unforgiving city. That debutant director Rajkumar Gupta is able to muster a fair amount of smiles and chuckles in this tale of one day in the life of a man caught in a nightmare that even Kafka would find hard to create let alone condone, is entirely providential.
Aamir could've easily slipped into being a heavy-handed polemical study of the isolation and persecution of the Indian Muslim and his constant battle to remain part of the mainstream even as he's provoked and instigated from both ends to keel over and surrender to forces of chaos anarchy and annihilation. Ironically a work of art like Aamir embraces the chaos to create a universe that is in a strange a stirring way, the opposite of destruction.
Persistently, Aamir repeatedly invokes images of ominous doom as we see the protagonist wind his way through a dreadful day that would end in abject tragedy.
The taut and tense narration finds supreme sustenance from its outdoors. Indeed apart from Khandelwal and his portrayal of the reluctant hero, the real protagonist of Aamir is Mumbai city. The crowded congested chawls and gullis, the reek of deprivation and the stench and sweat of anxiety assail your senses in a way that we last saw in Anurag Kashyap's Black Friday. Squalor seldom seemed so splendidly evocative. As the protagonist winds his way through a day in the city that would lead to his inevitable doom, the camera captures crowds of bored bystanders and curious passersby looking at our man on the run with a tell-tale red briefcaseâ¦.or shall we call it the grief case?...in his sweaty hands.
First-time cinematographer Alphons Roy has done to Mumbai what most movies set on the city have not. He has made Mumbai at once the perpetrator and victim of a socio-political perversity that goes beyond crime and punishment. Editor Aarti Bajaj cuts the film with a ruthlessness that echoes the film's subliminal mood⦠There is no room in the narration for question marks. Every shot is punctuated by an exclamation mark; every moment means a move forward to an unknown destination. Every glance on the road seems to suggest danger. Every peep is a peril. It's an amazingly constructed labyrinth of crime and commitment.
The narrative harnesses faces on the streets with the expertise of an unrehearsed trapeze artiste's walk across a ragged rope. There's very little to keep the plot from going over the precipice. And yet director Raj Kumar Gupta pulls it off with a full-throttle drama that leaves us gasping for breath. Indeed, we have never seen a screen hero- run so fast and so relentlessly. Rajeev Khandelwal chases fugitive taxis and petty criminals through highways and gullis, which stretch, into acres of aching squalor. Physically and emotional taxing, the role gives Khandelwal a chance to make the kind of debut actors dream about in their worst nightmare.
The debutant doesn't let go of his character for even a split second. From those skillfully shot long-shots of Aamir running on the highways to those tight close-ups expressing hurt, anger anguish desperation and occasional gratitude(watch him when the prostitute helps him out, or towards the finale on the bus when looking out of the widow he thinks his ordeal has ended) Khandelwal knows what his job thoroughly.
There're hordes of smaller actors, like Gajraj Rao barking orders into poor Aamir's burning ears through a cell phone that has no outgoing calls. Only incoming fanaticism.
Aamir is that kind of a rare film, which provides us food for thought without burdening us with calories of polemics and sermons on the quality of existence. The thriller element presides over the message. The disturbing undercurrents just flow out of the story with a virile fluency.
At the end you aren't watching a film about extremism but a rare take on life at the edge that doesn't topple over into the abyss. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 5 Jun 2008 | 9:20 pm
Bollywood actor John Abraham's sensitivity and sense of social responsibility drove him to help in creating India's first elephant village in Maharashtra, for which he was awarded an EcoWarrior award here late Thursday. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 5 Jun 2008 | 7:00 pm
January 1st is a day when all the near and dear ones wish you a Very Happy and a Prosperous New Year. This day is universally considered to be auspicious and lucky. And if you add the terms 'gorgeous', 'gracious', 'talented', 'beautiful', 'persona extraordinaire' and so on and so forth to the terms 'auspicious' and 'lucky', you will get someone called as Tanishaa, the torchbearer of the prestigious Mukherjee clan, a clan that has given to Bollywood its eternal greats like Shobana Samarth, Tanuja and Kajol. Having born on January 1st, Tanisha has indeed started off her innings in Bollywood with a big bang.
Tanishaa is all set to rule your hearts with her forthcoming release Sarkar Raj, with none other than the flaming Bachchans!
This ruler of hearts will be amidst you for a heart-to-heart chat only on Bollywood Hungama on Saturday, June 7, at 1500 hrs IST. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jun 2008 | 5:11 pm
"Kaan Pakdo Aur Bench Pe Khadde Raho"
It's fun-galore on 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?' as the biggest stars of Bollywood descend on the small screen. Karan Johar, Rani Mukherjee and Shah Rukh Khan... No, it is NOT Kuch Kuch Hota Hain this time, the trio have assumed different avatars and come together on India's biggest quiz game show 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?' in which Shah Rukh officially plays the role of the knowledgeable teacher and Rani and Karan are summoned as classmates.
This Saturday, June 7 at 2000 hrs, viewers will witness India's finest actor, Rani Mukherjee, and ace-director, Karan Johar, stumble into Shah Rukh's classroom quite unaware of what trouble awaits them in the form of eleven fifth grade questions, as they try to prove that they are smarter than a fifth grader on 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain'
While the warmth, the funny repartees and camaraderie between the guests and host is the over-powering flavor of this celebrity special episode, it really does not help Karan and Rani win brownie points and impress the strict and intelligent teacher-Shah Rukh Khan who flummoxes them with his very first question.
As India's most celebrated actor and director struggle to get their facts right with the help of five 10-year-olds, Shah Rukh has a great time pulling their leg and making them beg for answers. Karan even gets down to his knees to beg for answers. "Hamari bahot beizzati hui hai yahaan par," Karan jokingly kept saying. When Karan and Rani tried to cheat from the audience, SRK gave them a fitting punishment by making them stand on the chair in the classroom.
There are many hilarious and emotional moments intertwined in the show. The most funny being where Karan reveals that, as a kid, he wanted to be a barber and cut people's hair when he grew up. On a serious note, Rani reveals that she always wanted to make it big but did not know which direction to go.
Karan and Rani played in true sportsmanlike spirit giving everybody their share of laughter, entertainment, and fun. They won a handsome amount, which they intend to donate partly to Nanavati Hospital and partly to another medical facility in the country of Rani's choice. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 5 Jun 2008 | 4:49 pm
Percept Picture Company signs Emraan Hashmi for a multiple film deal for Rs. 15 cr. Emraan's Jannat acquired and released by Percept Picture Company (PPC) smashed the lull in the Box Office. The company has been very happy with the way Jannat has pulled through and hence look forward to collaborating with Emraan further.
Emraan Hashmi whose steady performance has been praised by the critics and audiences alike seems to be in the league of the Khans now. PPC, JT. MD, Mr. Shailendra Singh says, "We are very happy to have Emraan Hashmi on board. We believe his performances are consistently improving and he has the potential to make a difference to our future line up with leading directors" Jannat - A Percept Picture Company release in association with Zee Motion Picture
PPC has a varied slate of successful directors like Priyadarshan, David Dhawan, Nagesh Kukunoor amongst others, churning out different genres of cinema be it comedy, supernatural thrillers, dramas, romance, action etc. The studio has the ability to take talent like Emraan Hashmi to its next level.
Emraan Hashmi who has proved his mettle through movies like Murder, Gangster, Awarapan and now Jannat truly seems to be giving the traditional box office stars a run for their money. Noticing Emraan's acting prowess and subsequent rise with Jannat, David Dhawan is looking to cast him in a future PPC project. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jun 2008 | 4:34 pm
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will not attend the prestigious International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards gala starting here Friday. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 5 Jun 2008 | 4:33 pm
Nothing can stop actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha from voicing his opinion - not even his contemporary Amitabh Bachchan's severe response to the former's comments that International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards is all about kinship rather than merit. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 5 Jun 2008 | 3:12 pm
Budding actor Hansika Motwani, who made her Bollywood debut opposite Himesh Reshammiya in 'Aap Ka Suroor', has a natural flair for painting and hits the canvass whenever she gets time. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 5 Jun 2008 | 1:31 pm
For playback singer Smita, who released her trilingual album 'Smita' last week, a special song sounds more sophisticated than an item number, and if given a chance, she would agree to do it. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 5 Jun 2008 | 12:01 pm
Red Carpet Films Ltd., a joint venture between Subhash Ghai's Mukta Arts and Manish Goswami, has signed four directors for their forthcoming films. They are Shivam Nair (also director of Ashtavinayak's MAHARATHI), Suhail Tatari, Ajay Chandhok and Mahesh Kothare. Cast and credits are being finalized. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jun 2008 | 11:08 am
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Cinemax hosted the music launch of Marathi film SANAI CHAUGHADE, directed by Rajeev Patil. Held at the luxurious Red Lounge in Cinemax Versova, a host of celebrities from the Marathi film fraternity attended along with movie's star cast Shreyas Talpade, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Tushaar Dalvi, Shilpa Tulaskar, Subodh Bhave and Sai Tamhankar. Farah Khan stepped in as the chief guest to support Shreyas in his debut venture as a producer. Avdhoot Gupte has composed the music. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jun 2008 | 11:08 am
Download Aamir wallpapers
It happened in the crowded Dongri area where Rajeev Khandelwal shot his debut film Aamir with hidden cameras hoping he won't be recognized. Unfortunately, a female fan jumped out of the crowd and accosted Rajiv when she recognized him as Sujal from the Ekta Kapoor soap Kahiin To Hoga.
"We were shooting on the road in Dongri where I had to run across the street. And there couldn't be a re-take for obvious reasons. Suddenly this woman spotted me from a taxi. She stopped her vehicle mid-street got out and started screaming my name. The camera was rolling. I told her I needed to cross the street before the lights changed from red to green. She wouldn't listen. So I gently pushed her hands away and crossed as per script. That shot of the woman stopping me is in the film. "
Many times as we see Rajiv talking into the phone in Aamir it's actually the director instructing the actor rather than the character being instructed by people in the plot. "It was a great challenge. We shot for 28 days on the streets of Mumbai. Except a shot in an airport washroom everything has been shot outdoors in some of the most congested areas of Mumbai. We first tried shooting with normal cameras. But that didn't work. Coming from television when people in Dharavi and Dongri saw cameras pointing at me, they immediately recognized me."
Rajeev says he felt much more comfortable facing the movie camera than television.
"The minute I heard the script I loved the sound of it. The idea of my character roaming anxiously in crowded areas of Mumbai taking instructions on the phone from mysterious people really caught my attention. But it's not a copy of the Hollywood film Cellular. People jumped to the conclusion when they saw running helter-skelter me with a cellphone in hand."
In real life Rajeev loses his phone more frequently than his temper. "I lost my phone last month. Then again last week I dropped it on the beach and lost the phone and all my numbers at a time when I need to invite all my friends and associates for my premiere."
So far his movie debut has been smooth. "My most cherished moment was when Hema Maliniji after seeing Aamir said, 'Welcome To The Film Fraternity.' I don't think of the hurdles. Yes, Sarkar Raj is also coming with me. So what? The minute you stop focusing on the finishing line and start looking around you are finished." Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jun 2008 | 10:54 am
