Mesmerizing, pulsating, alluring, colorful, and startling are probably too few words that could be used to describe IIFA. A ceremony where Stars come to be and feel proud of Bollywood and its accomplishments, descending from the Indian cinema's celluloid to live an experience, worth a million memories. After nine successful years, IIFA has earned its credibility and status quotient.
IIFA Awards is a symbol of outstanding achievement presented to some of the greatest talents in Indian and International Cinema. IIFA over these many years has grown to the most-watched entertainment event. And this year promises to be no different. Bangkok, IIFA's destination 2008, exuberates the spirit IIFA stands for and pledges an limitless dose of entertainment.
IIFA 2008 Diary: Day 1
Bangkok witnessed Bollywood biggies landing into the city to be a part of the most prestigious IIFA Awards 2008...
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IIFA weekend in Bangkok: Highlights
The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) has announced a stellar list of performers and events,
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Gallery
IIFA 2008 official media launch
Premiere of Sarkar Raj at IIFA 2008
- Press Conference of Acid Factory at IIFA
- Press conference of Contract at IIFA 2008
- Music launch of Mission Istaanbul at IIFA 2008
News & Features
- Nominations for the IIFA Awards 2008
- IIFA weekend opens amidst uncalled for controversies
- Urmila wears it again
- Harman Baweja's first live performance at IIFA
- IIFA to honor Rahman, Shyam Benegal, Mumtaz
- IIFA'08 Technical Awards Announced
- 'Sarkar Raj' at IIFA?
- Priyanka, Kareena, Harman, Vidya, Vivek, Zayed to walk ramp
- A Walkway for Bachchans from home to Siddhivinayak temple Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 7 Jun 2008 | 2:52 pm
Click above for more stills
Arrival of the stars
Bangkok witnessed Bollywood biggies landing into the city to be a part of the most prestigious IIFA Awards 2008. Karan Johar, Riteish Deshmukh, David Dhawan, Katrina Kaif, Viveik Oberoi were among the first ones to put their foot in the city. The Bachchan family along with Kareena Kapoor joined arrived later.
Sarkar Raj Premiere gets overwhelming response
RGV's Sarkar Raj Premiere kickstarted IIFA this year in Bangkok. The film got an overwhelming response from the audiences. The premiere had a 'Green Carpet' welcome to show concern towards the issue of Global Warming. A huge crowd packed the venue and the security had a tough time managing them when the Bachchan's arrived for the Premiere at the Paragon Cineplex. Kareena Kapoor, Viveik Oberoi, Urmila Matondkar and Dia Mirza though present at Bangkok for IIFA, skipped the Premiere.
Music launch of Mission Istaanbul
IIFA awards 2008 became the platform for the music launch of Apoorva Lakhia's Mission Istaanbul. While the queen of soaps, Ekta Kapoor, who is the producer of the film, was missing from the event, her absence was filled in by her father, Jeetendra, who launched the music of Mission Istaanbul. The director along with the film's star cast Viveik Oberoi, Zayed Khan, Shabbir Ahluwalia and Niketan Madhok interacted with the media. Viveik Oberoi also danced to the tunes of his famous numbers like 'Aye Ganpat' from Shootout At Lokhandwala.
Also check out the IIFA special Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 7 Jun 2008 | 2:42 pm
Paresh Rawal may be coming across as a spoilt dad in Priyadarshan's Mere Baap Pehle Aap. However, in real life too, his naughty streaks are getting visible, courtesy the remark that he just made about Mallika Sherawat.
Recently, Paresh Rawal insisted that Mallika was the root cause of all the global warming. This came as a result of his close interaction with the Murder actress, courtesy Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam. In the film, he plays a key role along with Mallika Sherawat, Rahul Bose and Kay Kay Menon.
On being asked whether it was a spur of moment statement made by the usually politically correct actor or did he truly mean it, the veteran actor said, "Of course, I was serious when I said that she is the root cause of all global warming. I mean see the kind of vibes she exudes when she is on the sets." s
"See, it is not just skin show which could make someone hot. Sometimes just the way a woman carries herself is good enough for her to make her presence felt in a big way. She truly carries herself off as a Diva and this is exactly the reason why we all used to miss her when she wasn't on the sets."
In the past, even Rahul Bose has been said to be mighty impressed after working with her in Pyaar Ke Side Effects. The chemistry of two altogether different individuals was there to be seen in the Saket Chaudhary film and the result was Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam which sees the two pairing up again.
While Pyaar Ke Side Effects was a surprise success, it doesn't seem likely that there would be any eyebrows raised if Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam goes on to be a success. Arriving under the banner of Venus Records & Tapes produced by Ratan Jain, Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam is heating up the trade circles ever since it's first look was out.
The film is creating quite some excitement since it appears to be based on comedy theater shows with each of the prime actors in the film - Rahul Bose, Mallika Sherawat, Paresh Rawal and Kay Kay Menon - seemingly playing comic characters from the past and contemporary era.
Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam is directed by Sanjay Chhel who had debuted with Sanjay Dutt-Urmila Matondkar starrer 'Khoobsurat' and had followed it up with Tusshar Kapoor-Esha Deol starrer Kya Dil Ne Kaha. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 7 Jun 2008 | 1:58 pm
Itâs definitely raining newcomers in tinsel town this year and there is yet another debutant Vishakha Singh at a threshold of her acting career making her debut in the film titled Humsey Hai Jahan. Vishakha is being launched opposite talented Mashhoor Amrohi who happens to be donning many caps for this project- director, screenplay writer and storywriter.
Humsey Hai Jahan released in theatres on June 6. We at Bollywood Hungama give you an opportunity to have a hearty chat with the new Bollywood entrant Vishakha Singh on Monday, June 9 at 1530 hrs IST. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 7 Jun 2008 | 1:48 pm
There have been item girls and there would be item girls. However, Neetu Chandra insists that her debut as an item girl would be special. Reason? She insists that her item number in Summer 2007 would be the mother of all item numbers as it would not just create an all around sensation but also change the very definition of an item number.
"In Summer 2007 I have performed on this item number called 'Baali Main Sone Waali'. Now this is what I would call as a hardcore dance number. It is a number with a 'desi' feel to it and is in the same lines as that of Madhuri Dixit's 'Humko Aaj Kal Hai' from the film Sailaab."
Well, isn't it quite a tall order, especially since the comparisons may be with none other than Madhuri Dixit.
"No one can dream of taking of Madhuri", replies Neetu, "When I talk about 'Baali Main Sone Waali', I am talking about comparisons with the kind of item numbers that we see today. Now this one is truly different because it shows that how a song can be hot and sensuous even without any cleavage show."
Ruing her lack of song and dance routine in films like Garam Masala, Traffic Signal and One Two Three, Neetu goes on to add, "Somehow I have been unlucky when it comes to 'real dance'. But now with 'Baali', I see the ice breaking. I have waited long for this opportunity and now when it has finally come my way, I have given it my all to ensure that my dancing 'keeda' is satisfied."
"See, I am a trained dancer and it was nothing short of being criminal on part of my film makers not to have utilized my dancing skills", jokes Neetu Chandra, "However, producer Atul Pandey and directed Suhail Tatari thought that I would fit in well as an item girl for Summer 2007. Well, it's their gain!"
Summer 2007 is all set for a 13th June release and days before the film hits the theaters, Neetu's item song would be on the air.
"My producers have promised me that they would bombard the song all over to make a sudden impact. We all understand the power of the song. Now the ball is going to be in the audience's court, who I am sure would make a beeline for the song", concludes Neetu.
Written by Vibha Singh, 'Baali Main Sone Waali' is sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and composed by Gourov Dasgupta of Dus Kahaniyaan fame. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 7 Jun 2008 | 1:44 pm
Kunal Kapoor may not have had a release this year so far but the actor has quite busy with various endorsements.
Most recently the handsome hunk has been roped in as the brand ambassador for Mahindraâs car âLoganâ. Bollywood Hungama spoke to the talented actor to get some more details on the same, âYes I am the brand ambassador for Mahindraâs Logan. I have shot around 4 commercials for them which should be on air anytime next week. The storyline of the first commercial revolves around the sense of individuality,â says Kunal.
In fact, Mahindra has also extended the promotional campaign for the car through the website âwww.butwhy.in.â In Kunalâs own words, âButwhy.in is something which Mahindra wants to bring forth through the Logan campaign. Whenever we go to buy a car there are always some or the other features which we have to compromise for. âWHYâ is the question that Mahindra puts forth through this new campaign,â signs off Kunal.
Well all you girls out there are surely going to see a lot more of Kunal once the campaign goes on air. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 7 Jun 2008 | 1:26 pm
Without mincing words, one can categorically say that this filmmaker may not be at par of the Johars and the Bhansalis of Bollywood, but he is indeed one of the front-runners of filmmaking in the tinsel town. We are talking about none other than the maker of Black Friday himself Anurag Kashyap! He can rightly be called as the Jack of all trades in Bollywood, as, time and again he has proved that he is an equal pro hand at not just writing scripts and screenplays, but also direction. If that was not enough, then, his unconventional looks has bagged him roles in various upcoming films!
Anurag Kashyap, in an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, talks about the ups and downs in his career and the excitement with which he looks forward to the great year ahead!
Such a prolifically creative filmmaker like you has almost three films lined up as an actor! Why this sudden shift towards acting?
Acting is not my cup of tea. I am happy the way my career is shaping up in the direction arena. Honestly, it's only out of goodwill and 'emotional blackmail' by people like Tigmanshu Dhulia and Sudhir Mishra (whom I really look upto), that I gave positive nods to their films. Trust me when I say that I was fed up (laughs) because things, which were promised to get finished within few days, actually took as long 12 days to wrap up.
What is your character in Shagird?
I play Bunty Bhaiya, a supari chewing uneducated rustic gangster from UP. He is an aggressive emotional fool who becomes a victim of politics.
This year seems to be proving lucky for you since the stay on your film Gulaal has been lifted.
Gulaal was stalled due to Jhamuji's (Jhamu Sughandh) health and other issues, but things seem to be looking good ahead since the film is been taken over by Zee Motion Pictures. And by the grace of God, I shall be completing the film by next month. Wellâ¦Gulaal is a story based on a song, 'Yeh Mahaloan Yeh Thakhton Yeh Tajon Ki Duniya' from the film Pyasa and that's dedicated to Sahir Ludhianvi. The film will showcase an independent India through the eyes of famous poets, Sahil and Majrooh Sultanpuri, post independence period with the backdrop of unrest. Gulaal epitomizes the colour of emotional violence.
Gulaal is a story based on a song, Pyasa 'Yeh Mahaloan Yeh Thakhton Yeh Tajo Ki Duniya' from Pyasa and dedicated to Sahir Ludhianvi.
Dev D, your other film happens to be the modern day description of the novel 'Devdas'. Tell us about your perception of modern 'Devdas'?
Dev D is neither based on 'Devdas' nor is it the remake of Devdas. In fact, interestingly, I have picked up real-life characters from the newspapers, which resemble the characters from the novel 'Devdas' and put them together in a story. Devdas is no longer referred as a novel but has become an adjective now. And how a character resembling Devdas would react in the contemporary times is what Dev D tries to convey. Devdas, in present times does not need a letter to express his emotions to Paro. In fact, he is just a phone call away from her. Besides, the love angle in the story, the film also highlights the dimensions added to these characters as to what are they looking for in life.
Are you satisfied with the way your 'perception' has shaped up, considering the fact that you have taken a leap from unconventional to mainstream cinema?
I always desired to make a love story, but mind you, Dev D is not an ordinary love story and can not be categorized in the list of mainstream cinema. Dev D, though a love story, is yet again a part of unconventional cinema but made in an understandable mainstream format unlike No Smoking, where my audience kept figuring out the story (laughs). I am extremely proud of my film and have come out really well. I hope that I manage to put across the idea behind my making this film to audience.
Dev D, though a love story is yet again a part of unconventional cinema but made in an understandable mainstream format unlike No Smoking where my audience kept figuring out the story.
In one of your recent interviews, you said that the audience has overestimated you. Do you think that's the reason for the debacle of No Smoking?
Well...I have always perceived my audience to be intelligent. However, with an unconventional look and tag line No Smoking seemed to be conveying the message of no smoking, which was not what it was supposed to be. Honestly, I don't think anything went wrong with the filmâ¦I churned out the film exactly the way I had perceived it. However, yes, I know I have not lived upto the expectations of my audience something which I hope to this time with Dev D.
How is Abhay Deol as an actor? Has he lived up to your expectations, considering the fact that playing a modern Devdas is not a cakewalk?
Abhay Deol has surpassed my expectations. He is one of the finest actors today who is extremely intelligent and is willing to push boundaries. We would have heated arguments on the sets. I would get bowled over his inquisitiveness about the character every time he entered the frame. He seeped into the character so easily and beautifully which makes him class apart considering the time span of his career so far. However, his deluge of questions would annoy me at times that would lead to long silence when we would not speak for long time.
Abhay Deol has surpassed my expectations.
Paanch is yet another controversial film of yoursâ¦what is the status of the film?
I have no idea about what's happening on that front (laughs). Honestly, I have moved on so much in my career since I made the film eight years ago that now I don't feel any kind of connection with the film. I really would wish the release of this film soon as it will showcase Kay Kay Menon in his best ever performance.
Coming back to your acting career, how was it working Zoya Akhtar in Luck By chance? What is this film all about?
Frankly speaking, I have no clue about the story. Wellâ¦I play a Bollywood based writer.
Tell us about your character in Tera Kya Hoga Johnny? Sudhir Mishra is considered as a veteran and intelligent director. Didn't your ideas clash while shooting?
Well, no not at all. I don't have a habit of flooding the director with questions like Abhay (laughs). I blindly follow what director says. Moreover, even if I had a slightest inclination towards acting, I would have been no less than Abhay (laughs again). And, in Tera Kya Hoga Johnny again, I play a sophisticated gangster wearing expensive jackets unlike 'kurta' and 'kajal' in Tigmanshu Dhulia's Shagird.
In Tera Kya Hoga Johnny again, I play a sophisticated gangster wearing expensive jackets unlike 'kurta' and 'kajal' in Tigmanshu Dhulia's Shagird.
What is the status of Mumbai Cutting? There was a buzz of you directing the film.
Wellâ¦Mumbai cutting is based on the life of a boy living in juvenile court. Its foundation lies in a play featured on Naseeruddin Shah as one of the artists. And, now I am making a short film out of it which also throws light on life style of street children.
What's your take on the trend of blogging in Bollywood? There was a buzz that you have stopped writing Blogs, what's the reason?
Oh! It's nice to see celebrities mingling with their fans. Earlier, in 70's and 80's, celebrities were treated like God. And today fans are aware of everything pertaining to their favourite stars. Wellâ¦as far as my career in blogging is concerned, after a deep introspection post release of No Smoking, I felt I needed to keep a low-profile and lower down my emotional quotient which had touched the sky. However, yes, I shall get back to it soon.
What do you have say about the deluge of newcomers stepping into Bollywood this year?
I just can't say much about others but yes, the two newcomers I am really looking forward to are Aamir's nephew Imran and Harry Sir's son Harman. I have known both Imran and Harman since a very long time. The best part about both of them is their technical experience in the industry. While Imran has made some brilliant short films, Harman has assisted directors behind the cameras.
You are turning producer with the production banner 'Proper Ganja Films. What's the status on that front?
Nothing much is really happening on that front. I worked as creative producer in Raj Kumar Gupta's Aamir. I must say it's a flawless effort made by a sincere newcomer (Director). I can say that with full conviction that Aamir is 20 times better than my debut film. I can't wait for the responses of audience to this film.
Lastly, where do you see yourself five years from now?
Well, I am terrified with the thought of making my kind of films with other producers after No Smoking. I feel very delighted to see M. F Hussain making his kind of cinema under his own production banner. So, I would, by the grace of God, be making films with my own money. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 7 Jun 2008 | 1:25 pm
Percept Picture Company (PPC), which is riding high on the success of "Khuda Kay Liye" and "Jannat", has joined hands with Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC) for the worldwide distribution of the upcoming film "Ugly Aur Pagli". Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Jun 2008 | 1:01 pm
Singer-composer brothers Manmeet Singh and Harmeet Singh, better known as Meet brothers, who had earlier launched Indian Idol contestant Neha Kakkar, now plan to provide a platform to yet another newcomer. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Jun 2008 | 1:00 pm
This years" Star Parivaar Awards 2008 is set to bring you the most entertaining moments as the galaxy of television stars converge under one roof at the Jamshedbhabha Theatre at NCPA. They walk the Red Carpet that leads the way to the most sought after destination for the Star Parivaar ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Jun 2008 | 11:56 am
Meera Jasmine has been approached to play Jeeva's heroine in a movie to be produced by R.B.Choudhary of Super Good Films. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Jun 2008 | 11:34 am
Close to 30 leading directors Saturday resigned from the Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA), bringing to the fore a crisis plaguing film industry organisations in Kerala. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Jun 2008 | 11:31 am
Film: '21'; Cast: Kevin Spacey, Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, Laurence Fishburne; Director: Robert Luketic; Rating: * Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Jun 2008 | 11:30 am
The film Bhairavi with item girl Abhinayasri in the title role has completed its talkie part. Abhinayasri plays the role of a police officer in this film directed by Rama Mogali and produced by BO Subba Reddy. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Jun 2008 | 11:18 am
His last film was an action thriller and the next titled 'Mission Istanbul', with focus on terrorism, is in the same genre. But Vivek Oberoi says that he won't allow himself to be typecast. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Jun 2008 | 11:02 am
Dileep is going to team up with Suresh Gopi in a new film named Ara Kallan, Mukkal Kallan, directed by Jose Thomas and scripted by the Siby K. Thomas-Udhay Krishna team. Suresh Peters returns to Malayalam after a gap to set tunes. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Jun 2008 | 10:59 am
Akshay 'Khiladi' Kumar's last release Tashan may have failed to continue his dream run at the B.O. However the superstar has put the failure of Tashan behind him and is looking forward to his other releases this year. One of his most awaited films includes the Anees Bazmee directed action-comedy, Singh is Kinng where he is paired opposite the gorgeous Katrina Kaif.
Akshay & Katrina were recently seen shooting a song in the picturesque locales of Egypt. Kumar is seen dressed in a typical Sardar get up with pagdi et al while Katrina is at her glowing best in a pink dress.
The duo was joined by some local dancers as they shot at some exotic locales in Cairo. What's more the Bollywood stars even seemed to have some fans in Egypt whom they happily obliged with autographs and pictures. The Akki- Kat duo delivered two big hits last year with Welcome and Namastey London. Will they be able to recreate the magic this time around? One will have to wait and watch Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 7 Jun 2008 | 10:20 am
Puneet Rajkumar"s latest movie will be based on the street game 'lagori'. In recent times, movies like Lagaan, Chak De India in Hindi and Chennai 600028 in Tamil, which focused on team sports raked in the moolah, did exceptionally well at the box office. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Jun 2008 | 9:57 am
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. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Jun 2008 | 9:28 am
Abhishek Bachchan will be seen in one of the most powerful characters of his career in Sarkar Raj. He disagrees that it is his character that takes the centre stage in the movie ahead of Amitabh Bachchan. He discusses with us about the movie in a short chat. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Jun 2008 | 8:55 am
Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, whose much awaited film 'Sarkar Raj' was released Friday, does not feel that he should always be paired with his wife Aishwarya Rai in a husband and wife role. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Jun 2008 | 8:31 am
London, (ANI): Former Atomic Kitten Kerry Katona has been voted as the 'Most Hated Woman in Britain'. The 27-year-old was given the accolade in a poll of Brit women. Katona was followed by party girl Peaches Geldof, film beauty Angelina Jolie and English journalist Fiona Phillips. Former British Prime Minister ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Jun 2008 | 8:31 am
New York, (ANI): Vanity Fair magazine has refused Gina Gershon's demand for an apology over a profile piece on Bill Clinton which stated that the actress had an alleged affair with the former US President. The magazine has also refused to print a retraction for the same. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Jun 2008 | 7:59 am
London, (ANI): Bobby Brown's son Brandon has revealed that he had a secret fling with Lindsay Lohan. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 7 Jun 2008 | 7:54 am
A balanced diet, a strict fitness regime and regular yoga make Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty's skin glow and help her remain fit and glamorous as she turns 33. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Jun 2008 | 2:00 am
