After making many hearts go flutter with his good looks and performance in the T.V. soap 'Kahiin to Hoga', this epitome of talent has done no less on the big screen. Rajeev Khandelwal's Bollywood launch vehicle Aamir directed by Raj Kumar Gupta has landed him in the category of one of the most promising actors of future.
And now, Rajeev is all set to have heart to heart chat with his fans with regard to his film Aamir, which hit the theatres last Friday.
Catch up with Rajeev Khandelwal on Wednesday, June 11, at 1500 hrs IST. Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Jun 2008 | 4:53 pm
Very few people manage the unique feat of acting, directing and writing the story with their very first film. Mashhoor Amrohi is one of them. This grandson of legendary filmmaker Kamal Amrohi, makes his foray into Bollywood with the roller-coaster ride Humsey Hai Jahaan. The film has Mashoor opposite newcomer Vishakha Singh and by the looks of it, the film indeed looks exciting. So how did this youngster manage both acting and directing? Well, we give you a chance to find out straight from the man himself.
Yes, Mashhoor Amrohi would be on Bollywood Hungama's celebrity chat on Tuesday, June 10, at 1530 hrs IST. So, all you people out there don't forget to chat with this bundle of talent on the aforementioned date and time. Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Jun 2008 | 4:41 pm
John Abraham is all geared up to produce a film on the agony of the tigers surviving in todayâs miserable environment. Surprisingly, a documentary film on the condition of tigers will be his next venture as a producer rather than a bollywood film. Johnâs production company first produced a music video of Strings. Wildlife filmmaker and environmentalist, Mike Pandey, will direct the documentary film titled Return of the Tigers.
The story of the film will revolve around four tigers and the problems faced by them such as the scarcity of preys, the repercussions of tourism and human plundering in animal habitat. Excited about the project, Pandey said that he was overwhelmed by Johnâs sweet gesture of investing his money into the film. He further added that the film showcased through the eyes of the tiger cubs, would have no stars acting in it.
Apart from producing the film on animals, John recently received the Eco-Warrior award for his contribution towards the rehabilitation of caged elephants in Maharashtra.
As far as Return of the Tigers is concerned the film is still in the scripting process and will go on the floors in October, post monsoon. Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Jun 2008 | 3:55 pm
So, here we come yet again with the most sought after quiz of Bollywood Hungama 'Guess Who'. Today, the celebrity we are talking about is the most eligible bachelor in the film fraternity, someone who can easily get his female fans bowled over by his charisma both on and off screen. However, what makes him class-apart is his intelligence and wisdom and thus, he makes the perfect combination of looks and intellect.
An excellent chess player, he has left an indelible imprint as an actor. Choosy about his roles since the advent of his career, he has done justice to each and every role his way.
Time for real brain storming guys, so get started with your guess work right away and post the answer if you recognized the celebrity.
To know the answer to last week's picture quiz, click here Source: Indiafm.com Features | 9 Jun 2008 | 3:52 pm
Click above for more stills
Mumbai city woke up to monsoon's arrivals with rain lashing and gusto winds on Friday morning. And shoot on a location like Madh Island only meant more rains and more fun.
Shamita Shetty was shooting for a promotional video with Zain Khanfor for the film, Hari Puttar-A Comedy of Terrors. Second day of shoot started early at 9 am at a bungalow situated right at the edge of sea shore. With winds blowing at their full volume, the noise levels were deafening. To counter that, the promotional song 'Tutari Baje' was played in full volume. Shamita, dressed in a hot red dress, was all set to fire the imagination of a ten year old boy. The wind was playing havoc with her hair and her hair dresser was going mad keeping her tresses in place. We asked her why she chose to do a promotional video which is first in her career. She says, "Yes, I have never shot for a promotional video where I am not acting in the film. There were two reasons, one that the film's concept and the song is exceptionally good and second that the head of the production, Munish Purii is a dear friend of mine. When he approached me for the song and discussed the details, the way they wanted to shoot it, I was really impressed and readily agreed".
Shamita and her gang of friends were seen troubling, pinching and throwing pillows at Zain Khan. After several takes of pinching and getting pushed around, Zian was getting impatient. Every time the director called out for more animation, Zian was seen exclaiming 'Hey, ours is not an animation film!'.
After some nine takes, the shot was okayed. Zain took a sigh of relief. We asked Zain, how was it shooting for the promotional video for the film, he says," My character in the film Hari Puttar- A Comedy of Terrors is of a guy who is fond of Shamita. In the video, it is shown that she walks into my life, my home and what happens after that." The shoot continued till late evening. Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Jun 2008 | 2:49 pm
Its raining newcomers in Bollywood and the latest to join the gang of newcomers is none other than Shruti Hassan. If the name Shruti Hassan doesn't ring a bell, then let us inform you that Shruti is the incredibly talented daughter of one of the finest actors of our country, Kamal Hassan.
Shruti, who was recently in the news for her string of musical concerts, would be making her Bollywood debut with Soham Shah's Luck. Luck is an action packed film starring Sanjay Dutt, Mithun Chakraborty, Imran Khan, Danny Denzongpa, Ravi Kissen and Rati Agnihotri in prominent roles.
According to director Soham, the role suited Shruti Hassan perfectly as her character is involved in a lot of action and Shruti's lean and athletic look fit the bill completely. Although Shruti quite liked her role, she consulted her dad for one final approval before signing on the dotted line.
The shooting of the film will begin on 8th July in South Africa where it will be shot from start to finish.
Luck is a Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd. Production. The music of the film has been given by Salim-Sulaiman and the Allan Amin is the action director. Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Jun 2008 | 2:31 pm
It doesn't take a Nostradamus to figure out that De Taali is a fun film by the youth, of the youth and for the youth. Also, its vibrant photography makes you quite sure that this is a holds-no-bar feel good comedy in the offering. With a strong campus feel to it and a bunch of friends on back-slapping terms, is De Taali being modeled as a 'desi' version of 'American Pie'?
"Not at all", protests Riteish Deshmukh, who has never set a foot wrong when it comes to being a part of comedies, "De Taali isn't set in an 'American Pie' mode at all. In fact it is far away from it."
By being far away from American Pie, a series that has a cult following across the globe, is he referring to the sexual innuendos here?
"To a good extent, yes", says Riteish, "Not that my films in the past haven't boasted of humor belonging to such genre. Masti, Kya Kool Hain Hum and Apna Sapna Money Money have indeed treaded this path. However, (director) E Niwas' treatment here is set differently which places De Taali in a genre different from the films that I mention."
How exactly? "Well, some of the films that I have acted in haven't quite catered to the family audience. On the other hand, De Taali should be penetrating not just the youth segment but also the elders. This film does tell the story of urban youth while catering to universal audience. The issue raised in the film is about friendship while the genre remains as a romantic comedy", explains Riteish who has been delivering hits on a consistent note ever since he made his big screen debut more than 5 years back with Tujhe Meri Kasam.
Does it mean that it is adieu to slapstick humor with De Taali? "Pretty much the case", agrees Riteish, "The film doesn't require us to get into the Dhamaal mode. Instead of funny antics on the screens where you do a lot with your body movements or facial expressions, De Taali has a lot to do with the spoken lines. This is a much cooler film and spoken dialogue is the real strength here." Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Jun 2008 | 2:31 pm
While Shah Rukh Khan's much talked about game show Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hai? opened to quite a mixed response in India, looks like the NRI folks are really excited to see their matinee idol's show. Needless to say, King Khan enjoys unprecedented popularity among the NRI junta and it's this very reason that the show is all set to be telecast in some foreign countries.
According to Akash Sharma of Bulldog Entertainment, license owner of the show, the tremendous response in the form of fan-mail from NRI's has made them take the decision to telecast the show in some foreign countries.
The show would first be launched in U.K. on June 13 followed by countries like U.S., Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Indonesia, Fiji and Australia.
While NRI's would be able to enjoy SRK at his wittiest best, they would still be ruing the fact they can't participate in the show. Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Jun 2008 | 2:22 pm
Rank
Last week
Film
Plusses
Minuses
1
2
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa
Rahman proudly sits at the top of the charts this week! Even though the film is still around a month away, the music of JTYJN has peaked and should now sustain at the top of the charts for next few weeks at least. 'Pappu' has done the trick though there are still quite a few aces up the sleeves for Rahman and company in the film's soundtrack.
None
2
1
Jannat
After reigning at the top for weeks, 'Jannat' finally makes way for another album to take over the throne. However, it is still giving quite some competition to JTYJN and one can expect Pritam to continue having his place in the sun till the arrival of 'Kismat Konection', the music of which is carrying good reports.
Wish Kamran Ahmed's version of 'Lambi Judai' was a part of the film as well
3
3
Race
Unshakable at the position that 'Race' is continuing to hold, it is befitting the status of the highest selling album of the year so far. Pritam's own 'Jannat' may catch up with the numbers though in next few months.
None
4
4
Khuda Kay Liye
'Bandya' and 'Allah' are classics and they have been the reasons for the album's bumper success as well. However, the title song is a gem as well and deserves to find a better reach through extensive word of mouth.
None
5
5
Ada
Staying on in Top-5 in spite of near to negligible promotion, 'Ada' is spinning some good magic for the lovers of Rahman. While 'Hawa Sun Hawa' is the track for which promotion is currently on, the ones to look forward to are 'Gum Sum', 'Gulfisha' and 'Meherbaan'.
'Ada' is a mixed bag with half the songs being quite good while the remaining half being average. Nothing is below the mark though.
6
6
Tashan
'Tashan' is hanging on but just about. A week more and it may fear an exit from the charts, since quite a few newer albums are trying to make their presence felt. Considering the poor fate of the film, it is quite a feat that the music has been able to achieve by staying on for so long.
YRF would have to re-look at their 'minimal promotion' of music strategy, especially after the reception to music of 'Tashan'
7
10
Haal E Dil
Highest gainer of the week gone by, 'Haal E Dil' has jumped by 3 spots and in the process has made short the competition from the likes of 'Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic' and new release 'Love Story 2050'. In addition to all the composers who have done a fantastic job in the album, Pritam's 'Fashion' has done the trick and become instant chartbuster.
The film primarily stars newcomers which would mean that the music of 'Haal E Dil' would take time to make it's presence felt in a big way
8
New
Love Story 2050
Harman Baweja can start smiling even more. Within a week of the release of the music of his debut film, the music has debuted in the charts. It may not be classified as a smash hit debut in the charts per se but is still decent enough to grow en route to the film's 4th July release.
At the moment, the name Anu Malik doesn't carry enough weight to enable an album take an earth shattering opening at the stands. 'Love Story 2050' would have to wait a little before the music picks up in a big way.
9
7
Jodhaa Akbar
Dropping by a couple of spots, 'Jodhaa Akbar' is now showing signs of retiring from the charts. Enjoying a superb journey over the months gone by, the music has won over all odds and a similar response is now expected from the DVDs of the film which are expected to be out soon.
None
10
9
Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic
Oops, there isn't much that seems to be happening for this Shankar Ehsaan Loy soundtrack. After making a modest entry in the charts in the week gone by, 'Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic' hasn't shown much improvement and has barely survived. It is good though that the album's best song, 'Pyaar Ke Liye Kabhi Socha Hai Kya' has finally been unveiled on the music channels.
Is it the 'Tashan' effect which is keeping audience away from the music of this Yash Raj film?
Source: Music Festival, MGF Mall Source: Indiafm.com Features | 9 Jun 2008 | 2:18 pm
It was his first live performance and choreographer Shiamak Davar who's IIFA's resident dance aficionado didn't make matters easy for Harman Baweja. According to a source, practicing his steps with Shiamak has been a lesson in "unlearning the learned", as someone close to the actor put it.
Elaborating on the nimble-footed Baweja's traumatic experience the source says, "Harman and Shiamak chose the slow and rhythmic 'Milo Na Milo' for IIFA. Harman of course had mastered Remo's original steps and he suggested to Shiamak that they retain the original steps since audiences hadn't seen much of Harman's dancing skills anyway. To Harman's surprise delight and relief Shiamak agreed to retain Remo's rhythms. The young actor couldn't have hoped for better."
For almost two weeks, Harman practiced the original steps in front of Shiamak. Then the super-choreographer had a change of 'mime'. Shiamak decided that the number must be done entirely his way.
Says the source, "Suddenly, Harman was told that the steps were being changed. After practicing for weeks, he was thrown completely off-course. Harman had no choice but to comply. But it was quite a harrowing experience to first do the original steps from the film for stage under Shiamak's guidance and then at the eleventh hour have them changed completely."
Harman laughed off the ordeal nervously on the eve of his departure for Bangkok. "All this is part and parcel of showbiz. I've to get used to slogging and I'm not scared of hard work. So far the only live audience I've danced for is me."
Interestingly, Priyanka joined Harman at the end of his act. "But that's only for a bit. I was solo most of the way,' Harman asserts. Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Jun 2008 | 2:09 pm
Download Shilpa Shetty wallpaper
It was planned as her perfect birthday bash in Dubai on Saturday night to bring in her birthday on Sunday.
Alas, Woman proposes, God (with some help from the airport authorities) disposes.
The ordeal for Shilpa began when she landed at the international airport in Dubai with her sister Shamita, parents and life companion Raj Kundra for company. Her bag went missing at the airport.
"This, let me tell you, is the story of my life," the ever-optimistic and cheerful Shilpa laughed from Dubai. "No journey of mine is complete without losing a bag. It could be a hopping flight from Mumbai to Pune. But if I don't lose baggage the journey is incomplete."
Unfortunately, the baggage that Shilpa lost in Dubai on Saturday contained the outfit she was supposed to wear for her big birthday bash planned in Dubai.
Late in the afternoon she had to go clothes- shopping in Dubai with her sister for the party in the nightâ¦
A party that she finally couldn't attend. "I've been on antibiotics for the past week. Ever since I got repeatedly wet in artificial rain for a song with Sunny Deol in The Man, I've been suffering these bouts of fever and coughing. I was in Delhi earlier last week. The humidity only aggravated my condition. It got worse on Saturday. A doctor had to be called."
Shilpa couldn't attend her own birthday party. But she has no regrets. "Because I spent the evening with my family. To me there can be no better way to bring in my birthday." Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Jun 2008 | 1:11 pm
The Bachchan family is busy rehearsing for a perfect world tour from July. But its ethereally beautiful daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai says even if things `go a bit (amiss) here and there` on stage, it only makes the stars real and human. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 9 Jun 2008 | 12:26 pm
TV star Rajeev Khandelwal is on a high these days. His first film “Aamir”, which released Friday, is earning rave reviews and he maintains that in the film he has got a dream debut. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 9 Jun 2008 | 12:26 pm
The three-day star packed IIFA Awards 2008 extravaganza, which drew to a close on Sunday in the Thai capital Bangkok, proved to be an event of its kind and is surely getting bigger and better year after year. The event that kick stared with a bang as the who`s who of the Indian film industry walked down the red carpet followed by the premieres of Bollywood`s most awaited films this year `Sarkar Raj`, concluded with fireworks as the much-awaited awards were announced. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 9 Jun 2008 | 12:26 pm
Bollywood actress Ayesha Takia has said that she chose the role in a film which satisfy her and she has no problems that Indian film industry is male dominated. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 9 Jun 2008 | 12:26 pm
The glitzy three-day Bollywood grand affair of IIFA concluded here on Sunday with the announcement of the IIFA 2008 awards saluting the excellence of Indian cinema. This years` event was unraveled at the Thai capital, bringing many Bollywood celebrities together under one roof. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 9 Jun 2008 | 12:26 pm
Four visits for one interview Radio announcer, actor-filmmaker and cabinet minister - Sunil Dutt led an eventful life for 75 years. From a Partition immigrant in 1947 to a man who embodied creative excellence and championed humanitarian causes, he remains a name to reckon within the annals of Indian cine ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Jun 2008 | 12:13 pm
It's said that if angels had a language, it would definitely be sweet music. Its not that we disagree, it's just that we would want to enhance the same by saying 'If Angels had a face, then, it would resemble the sensuously angelic beauty, Katrina Kaif'. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Jun 2008 | 12:04 pm
It seems like Ayesha Takia has been motivated by her contemporary actresses and wants to take up action. She wants to do what Priyanka Chopra has done in Shahrukh Khan's Don and is once again doing it in the upcoming Abhishek Bachchan starrer, DRONA. Even Deepika Padukone's martial arts prowess ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Jun 2008 | 11:53 am
Shahrukh Khan seems to be getting adventurous. Having made a career out of working in the safe zone with Yash Chopra, Aditya Chopra and Karan Johar, he has lately begun to move out of the comfort zone. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Jun 2008 | 11:43 am
Produced by Kishore Ganji and Raghu and directed by Hari Yelleti Under the banner of Innovision Cinema with Nikhil of Happy Days-fame and popular Bru model Megha Barman in the lead is all set for release during this month. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Jun 2008 | 11:41 am
It was planned as her perfect birthday bash in Dubai on Saturday night to bring in her birthday on Sunday. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Jun 2008 | 11:37 am
Harman Baweja's debut film Love Story 2050 has yet to hit the marquee. But the newbie has already begun getting negative vibes from industry folk including power couple AbhiAsh, no less! This was evident at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards in Bangkok. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Jun 2008 | 11:34 am
At a time when the entire Telugu Cinema was after films with commercial and love in its backdrop, producer Yarramilli Venkata Rao came forward to bring out a film with a very good message. Jonnavithula Ramalingeshwara Rao, who was a writer by profession, turned director with this movie. He chose ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Jun 2008 | 11:34 am
It was planned as her perfect birthday bash in Dubai, but Shilpa Shetty couldn't attend it. She lost her baggage and then went down with fever. But she has no regrets. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 9 Jun 2008 | 11:30 am
It is a very common phenomenon in the Telugu Cinema to introduce the children of heroes, comedians, producers and directors as heroes and technicians. Right from Balakrishna, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh till Allu Arjun, Ram Charan Teja, NTR, Tarakaratna, Kalyanram all these heroes had their parents who were connected with film industry. ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Jun 2008 | 11:23 am
There may be murmurs around the release date of Ghajini being changed from 2nd October to a later day but our trade sources insist that there is no other option for the film but be postponed. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 9 Jun 2008 | 11:20 am
Saif Ali Khan had not arrived yet to attend the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards gala here, and girlfriend Kareena Kapoor was found having a gala time riding an auto rickshaw with good friend Tusshar Kapoor. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 9 Jun 2008 | 11:00 am
The word âcutenessâ is synonymous to this diva who has come a long way since she started her career with Roshans. The colour pink compliments this gorgeous actress and makes her stand out in the crowd of millions out there. She is none other than the gorgeous Ameesha Patel, who celebrates her Birthday today.
Hereâs Bollywood Hungama giving you an opportunity to wish Ameesha. So, what are you waiting forâ¦run your fingers on the keyboard and post a wish. Source: Indiafm.com News | 9 Jun 2008 | 10:27 am
Any filmmaker would be nervous before the arrival of his film. It is supposed to be quite normal. And so what if you have actors like Rahul Bose and Mallika Sherawat on your rolls, the nervous pangs would still exist.
Laughs Sanjay Chhel, the director of Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam, for whom this is his third directorial outing after Khoobsurat and Kya Dil Ne Kaha, "I think it is fair to be a little nervous. We all may have done our homework well in getting a solid script in place, we may have one of country's premier production house backing us (the film arrives under the banner of Venus Records & Tapes), we may have got together two of the most exciting actors in the lead and we may have made one of the funniest comedies. Still, one can't afford not to be apprehensive around what the audience has to say in the final run."
Is that the reason why a forecaster was recently brought on board and his suggestion around numerology sought? "See, I have my own convictions and ideas. When I make a film, I don't think much about the letters which would fill in the title. So when numerologist Bhavick Sanghvi suggested a new spelling for Maan Gaye Mughal-E-Azam, I didn't fret much that bow it would be spelt as Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam instead", says Sanjay in a casual tone.
How rational does he find the entire theory around numerology? Says Sanjay as a matter of fact, "There are certain aspects in life where rational thinking cannot be applied. I don't think adding an extra 'L' would harm the prospects of my film. And yes, if it works then why not? It would only be good for the film, isn't it?"
"All said and done, of course I need a hit. Khoobsurat was a decent success while Kya Dil Ne Kaha wasn't one. Moreover, it has been 6 years since the release of Kya Dil Ne Kaha. I want Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam to succeed and this is what matters in the final run", concludes Sanjay. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 9 Jun 2008 | 9:18 am
NEW DELHI (Reuters Life!) - A new Bollywood film puts the spotlight on the sensitive issue of suicide in rural India, where some 150,000 farmers have taken their own lives in the past decade.
Veteran Marathi film and television actor Vihang Nayak died when his car overturned after hitting a divider on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Monday. He was 58. His driver was killed as well. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 9 Jun 2008 | 8:30 am
Veteran Marathi film and television actor Vihang Nayak died in a car accident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Monday. He was 58. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 9 Jun 2008 | 8:02 am
Four visits for one interview
Radio announcer, actor-filmmaker and cabinet minister - Sunil Dutt led an eventful life for 75 years. From a Partition immigrant in 1947 to a man who embodied creative excellence and championed humanitarian causes, he remains a name to reckon within the annals of Indian cine history.
He was born on June 6, 1930 in Khurd village in Punjab which is now in Pakistan. Named Balraj Dutt, his family moved to India after Partition to settle down in Yamunanagar, Haryana. Later he moved to Mumbai to pursue his studies. He joined Jai Hind College and took up a job as an interviewer on Radio Ceylon.
Dutt turned out to be a hugely popular announcer on the Hindi service of Radio Ceylon , the oldest radio station in South Asia. During his stint on radio he interviewed the biggest stars of the day including Dilip Kumar and Shammi Kapoor. There was one star who played hard to get, one star who turned him down four times before granting him ânot a minute more than half-an-hourâ. That elusive star was none other than Nargis!
Balraj to Sunil
With his impressive personality and deep voice, he was screen-tested by noted filmmaker Ramesh Saigal. The maker of hits like Shaheed and Samadhi approved of this young hero instantly. He cast him as the hero of Railway Platform in 1955. âBut this name won't do, there is already one Balraj - Balraj Sahni. You will be known as Sunil in films,â he proclaimed. Thus Balraj Dutt became Sunil Dutt. Ek Hi Raasta followed, but Sunil was yet a lesser-known name in films. It was the 1957 classic Mother India that changed the course of his career as well as his life.
Flight up four floors
Dutt shot to stardom in the guise of hot-headed Birju, Nargis' younger son in Mother India. Reportedly Nargis, the huge star was paid a handsome monthly fee of Rs 5000 as opposed to Rs 1000 each to Rajendra Kumar and Sunil Dutt and Rs 750 to Raaj Kumar. The famous fire sequence from which Dutt rescued Nargis had already set hearts aflutter on either ends. But it wasn't until one day when her car broke down and Dutt offered her a lift back home from Mehboob Studio in Bandra to her home in Marine Drive at the other end of the city that romance blossomed. Both the co-stars drove in tense silence all the way and when they reached Chowpatty, close to her home, Dutt mustered the courage to propose to her. âCan we think about marriage?â he asked her in earnest. Nargis dashed out of the car without as much as a glance behind. Dutt returned home with a heavy heart. Those days he stayed on the fourth floor in Stardust building (without an elevator) at Napean Sea Road. The next day Nargis trudged up four floors to find Dutt's sister Rani at home. She told an overwhelmed Rani to tell her brother that her answer was âYes!âThat night Dutt danced with joy and the two were married on March 11, 1958.
First success
Sadhana, Sujata and Gumraah further enhanced Dutt's star appeal. In all these films Nargis turned out to be his self-appointed stylist. She would go scouring the Delhi markets for those smart coats and sweaters that distinguished him in those days. In 1963, Dutt decided to make Mujhe Jeene Do under the home banner Ajanta Arts. This was a dacoit drama, considered to be a risky proposal in the face of two other big films releasing in the same year - Ganga Jamuna and Raj Kapoor's Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai. The film was his first success and it remained his favourite all his life.
Better man, lesser actor
Although the media always underrated him as an actor and mocked at his Punjabi accent, he maintained that he wanted to follow in Dharmendra's footsteps whom he idolised. âIf you want to be a hero on screen then you will first have to become a hero in their minds first,â he said. He guarded his public image closely and always came to the fore for any humanitarian cause. He and Nargis always volunteered for morale-boosting tours to the Indian borders during the wars. âHe treated a spot-boy and a producer at par. That was his greatness,ârecalls Raj Grover, his long-time manager.
Lonesome rider
Legendary Southern filmmaker S S Vasan approached Nargis to return to films after her marriage in a stunning role for her. He threatened to shelve the film if she wouldn't be part of it. Nargis smiled and argued,âBut I have three productions on the floors - Sanju, Anju and Priya!â Although Dutt never stopped her from going back to films, she willed to devote her time entirely to the family. She took off with the kids to Europe on a vacation. Left alone at home, Dutt thought of a film story that would be the story of a lonely man on a night. Nargis and his associates tried to warn him but Dutt was hell-bent on having his way. âI create trends,â he thundered. In the year 1963, Yaadein was shot over a non-stop 47-day schedule at Kardar Studio in Mumbai. Dutt despatched his trusted aide Grover to check the response to his âmasterpieceâ in Chandigarh. âThis is amazing, Dutt is alone on screen and I am alone in the balcony,â he called back. Dutt was heartbroken but not defeated.
Desert storm
The blockbusters Waqt, Khandaan, Humraaz, Milan and Padosan followed and Sunil Dutt's versatility as an actor was established beyond any question. Dutt was particularly proud of his comic act in Padosan and he marvelled at destiny when his heroine Saira Banu became his real-life padosan at Pali Hill, Mumbai.
By now a wiser Dutt handed over the production reins to his proficient production manager Yash Johar. In 1971, he was off to Jaisalmer to shoot Reshma Aur Shera with his entire cast and crew. As many as 52 tents were put up in the desert and even the leading lady of the film - Waheeda Rehman - stayed in one of the marquees. Ali Raza, the writer of Mother India wrote the script and Dutt was consumed with excitement while making it. It was almost like a desert storm. He produced, directed and acted in the film. Unfortunately the film was a huge disaster and it took him a while to bounce back.
The final chapters
He bounced back when he continued to star in hit films which included Heera (1973), followed by Zakhmee (1974), Nagin ('76) and Jaani Dushman ('79). He also starred in a series of Punjabi religious movies like Man Jeete Jag Jeet, Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam and Sat Sri Akal.
He launched his only son Sanjay Dutt in 1981 in Rocky that he directed. Shortly before its release Nargis died of pancreatic cancer . He set up the Nargis Dutt Foundation in memory of his wife for the cure of cancer patients. He also made Dard Ka Rishta based on this subject. Dutt donated all the proceedings of the film to the Cancer Patients' organisation.
Nargis, a Rajya Sabha member, had persuaded her husband to enter the political arena. In 1982 he was appointed the Sheriff of Mumbai. In 1984 he joined the Congress (I) party and was elected to Parliament for five terms from the Mumbai North-West Lok Sabha Constituency. He was appointed Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs. He ended his film career after Kshatriya and Parampara in 1993. He made one last screen appearance in Munna Bhai MBBS in 2003.
Periodically in indifferent health for many years, he finally succumbed to cardiac arrest in his sleep on May 25, 2005.
Screen India Source: Indiafm.com Features | 9 Jun 2008 | 7:55 am
Best Actor
Shah Rukh Khan - Chak De India
Best Actress
Kareena Kapoor - Jab We Met
Best Film
Chak De India
Best Director
Shimit Amin - Chak De India
Performance in a Supporting Role (Male)
Irrfan Khan - Life In A... Metro
Performance in a Supporting Role (Female)
Konkona Sen Sharma - Life In A... Metro
Performance in a Comic Role
Govinda - Partner
Performance in a Negative Role
Viveik Oberoi - Shootout At Lokhandwala
Music Director
A.R. Rahman - Barso Re Barso Re (Guru)
Best Story
Jaideep Sahni - Chak De India
Lyrics
Javed Akhtar - Main Agar Kahoon (Om Shanti Om)
Playback Singer (Male)
Shaan - Jabse Tere Naina (Saawariya)
Playback Singer (Female)
Shreya Ghoshal - Barso Re (Guru)
Achievement in Indian Cinema
Mumtaz
Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema
Shyam Benegal
Outstanding Contribution by an Indian in International Cinema
A. R. Rahman
STYLE IDEA AWARDS
Abhishek Bachchan
Katrina Kaif and Neil Nitin Mukesh were also awarded special awards
Technical Awards
Best Cinematography
Sudeep Chatterjee (Chak De India)
Best Editing
Amitabh Shukla (Chak De India)
Best Sound Recording
Manas Choudhary & Ali Merchant (Chak De India)
Best Sound Re-recording
Anuj Mathur (Chak De India)
Best Screenplay
Jaideep Sahni (Chak De India) & Anurag Basu (Lifeâ¦in a Metro)
Best Art Direction
Sabu Cyril (Om Shanti Om)
Best Special Effects
Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (Om Shanti Om)
Best Costume Designing
Manish Malhotra, Karan Johar & Sanjiv Mulchandani (Om Shanti Om)
Best Makeup
Bharat-Dorris, Ravi Indulkar & Namrata Soni (Om Shanti Om) Source: Indiafm.com Features | 9 Jun 2008 | 7:36 am
A Bollywood film on social issues sans the usual song and dance routine can be difficult to promote. But the producer of 'Summer 2007', a film based on farmer suicides in Maharashtra, has taken an offbeat approach. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 9 Jun 2008 | 3:30 am
TV star Rajeev Khandelwal is on a high these days. His first film 'Aamir', which released Friday, is earning rave reviews and he maintains that in the film he has got a dream debut. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 9 Jun 2008 | 2:30 am
Her father never gets tired of experimenting with Cinema. The whole of India is waiting for Kamal Hassans dream film Dasavataram to get to cinema halls. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 9 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
Kareena Kapoor recently performed as the Goddess of Bollywood at the IIFA awards in Bangkok. Of course, she also bagged the best actress award for her power house performance in Jab We Met. The actress has bagged the maximum number of awards this year for Jab We Met. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 9 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
After getting the rights for the music of the much awaited movie Yuvaraj directed by Subhash Ghai and having Salman Khan as the hero, T-Series has now bagged the music rights of another film of the original muscle man of Bollywood. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 9 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
Dasavathar has got a clean U certification from the censor board and as the day of release is nearing, expectations are soaring sky high. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 9 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
The Malayalam film industry's leading organisation for technicians Sunday formed a committee to sort out differences with the organisation representing the artists. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 8 Jun 2008 | 4:00 pm
Late filmmaker Satyajit Ray's films will be showcased at a heritage centre to be set up here, an official said Sunday. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 8 Jun 2008 | 12:31 pm
Sarath Kumar, president of the South Indian Artistes' Association (SIAA), has asked all non-member Tamil movie performers to either enrol before June 30 or face total non-cooperation from the film industry. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 8 Jun 2008 | 12:30 pm
