Bollywood`s hottest couple Bebo and Saif seem to have had just enough of the endless banter written about their alleged brawls and tiffs as the two feel that it`s time to set the record straight and explain once and for all that all`s well in their paradise. Period. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 12 Jun 2008 | 5:00 pm
The next time director Aditya Chopra plans a rain shot sequence in his film, he is sure to think twice as the recent Mumbai rains have left a huge hole in his pockets. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 12 Jun 2008 | 5:00 pm
Being chopped in half would usually make anyone cringe but not Paris Hilton, for she found the whole experience sexy! Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 12 Jun 2008 | 5:00 pm
After conquering the handbag, shoe, sunglass and swimsuit world, Jessica Simpson is all set to launch a lingerie line. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 12 Jun 2008 | 5:00 pm
Socialite Paris Hilton`s mum Kathy Hilton will be playing the role of Tom Cruise`s wife in a hilarious scene in Ben Stiller`s new movie Tropic Thunder. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 12 Jun 2008 | 5:00 pm
American actress Angelina Jolie has confessed that being pregnant has given her and partner Brad Pitt an unexpected sex boost. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 12 Jun 2008 | 5:00 pm
The trend of Bollywood actors making appearances on reality shows on T.V. continues as the âQueen of Heartsâ Rani Mukherjee makes an appearance on the T.V. show Vodafone Yeh Hai Jalwa.
The actress, whose next big release Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic is set to hit the screens later this month, weaved her magic as the celebrity guest for the final episode of Yeh Hai Jalwa. The 3 finalists Ronit Roy, Husain Kuwajerwala and Rakhi Sawant will sweat it out for the title of the âBest Dance Teamâ on the Jalwa platform.
Rani, who has watched the earlier episodes of Yeh Hai Jalwa was all praises for the show and the format. She is very happy at the decision of the audience and wishes the best to the 3 teams- Kal Ke Kalakaar, Bindaas Bosses and Chillar Party. Speaking of her experience on being part of the show, the actress said that, "I have seen the earlier episodes and wish the teams all the very best. May the best team win."
Rani also spent some time with hosts Smriti Irani and Saakshi Tanwar. Spreading her charm and magic on all the Jalwa participants, Rani showered them with various gifts and indeed made their day.
The final episode featuring Rani would be telecast on 9X on June 15th at 8 pm. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 12 Jun 2008 | 2:52 pm
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Deepika Padukone who made it in first go with her noteworthy performance in Om Shanti Om will be leading the 28th Indian Day Parade as Grand Marshal on August 17 to celebrate India's 61st Independence Day.
Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), the organizers of this parade, have chosen Madison Avenue in Manhattan as the venue this year. Also, present at the occasion will be former Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam confirmed the FIA President Yash Paul Soi. And, the prime agenda of this year annual parade will to highlight on Indian American progress and unity and harmony with other communities.
Deepika has taken the pledge from Priyanka Chopra who had donned the hat of Grand Marshal last year where Sunita Williams was the Guest of Honour. Source: Indiafm.com News | 12 Jun 2008 | 2:32 pm
Television's blue-eyed boy and the latest entrant in B-town, Rajeev Khandelwal is basking in all the adulation that he has been receiving for his performance in his debut film Aamir. The film, which opened last week, has received rave reviews and unanimous praise from anyone and everyone who has seen it.
However, not one to rest on his past laurels, Rajeev has already signed his second film with UTV Spot boy (the same production house that produced Aamir). The film is a love story titled Peter Gaya Kaam Se and is directed by India based British filmmaker John Owen. Bollywood Hungama spoke to Rajeev to get some more details on the same. "Yes, my second film is a love story set in Goa. The film is titled Peter Gaya Kaam Se and I play the role of Peter. My character is that of a taxi bike rider. These are people who drive tourists on their bikes in and around Goa. It's quite a common sight to see such taxi bike riders in Goa and I play one of them. We plan to shoot in Goa after the monsoons sometime in August", says the talented actor
We also quizzed him on his co-star in the film. "Wellâ¦the female lead is yet to be finalized. It's not yet certain if it would be a fresh face or a known name. However, I would like a fresh face since it brings in a fresh chemistry. But the decision stays with my producer and director." Source: Indiafm.com News | 12 Jun 2008 | 1:58 pm
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Even if you happen to look like Rani Mukherjee, producers will follow you offering "big" roles - as the romantic interest of the male lead of the film. So, there's no way that a filmmaker would not think of having Rani as the hero's romantic interest. But Kunal Kohli did. For the very first time onscreen, you will see Rani Mukherjee not being playing the love interest of her co-star Saif Ali Khan in Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. In an exclusive interview for Bollywood Hungama, Mukherjee confesses that it's a testament to her acting skills that she carried off the role with such aplomb, as Devansh Patel finds out more.
What fairy or angel stories influenced you when you were growing up?
That's a good question, a little different from what the others are asking me (laughs). I've seen Mary Poppins and I loved it because we used to sing one of the very famous songs from that film in my singing class which I can't recall now. That's one film. And ofcourse, Sound of Music, though she wasn't an angel in the film but that was one movie I really liked watching as a kid and even now.
I've seen Mary Poppins and I loved it
You are not only a movie star but a character actress as well. I mean, how hard do you have to work to create the characters you have portrayed in films such as Black, Bunty Aur Babli, Hum Tum and now Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic?
It takes a little bit of your focus to get into the skin of any character. I think I just have to be a bit more observant of the people and watch them in different walks of life and draw inspiration from it. In Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic, this angel is a lot Indianized and unfortunately I could not get inspired for my role because I haven't seen a real life angel but I've just given my own touch to it.
The film has got fantasy, it's got reality, kids, Saif Ali Khan and yourself. So what's new in the film that tags it 'unusual'?
What is unusual is that I am playing an angel and I don't think that the Indian cinema, in the last 50 years, has made a film like TPTM. We have had films like Mr India, Koi Mil Gaya and Krissh. But we really haven't seen any women doing anything with super-natural powers before. So this is one film which is a perfect blend between fantasy and real life, and that is TPTM's USP. What's more is that I am not allowed to love in the film. That makes it a bit unusual too, isn't it?
We really haven't seen any women doing anything with super-natural powers before
We don't usually see angels perform stunts. But did you come across any cliff-hanging experience in TPTM?
There aren't any such stunts as you mentioned but it's just me cycling down the rainbow to get to the Earth and sitting on different planets trying to create lunar and solar eclipse, so she basically does these things because she is a brat angel who loves to play pranks like throws stars on other angels and harasses them and floats on the swimming pool when she is made to fall down in the pool, etc. These are some of the many things she does in the film.
She is a brat angel who loves to play pranks like throws stars on other angels
From being a brat, lets move on to some emotions. We've seen how well you can portray emotions in films. Then what challenged you as an actress for a role like this one which has no emotions?
I think that was something that really made me do this film in the first place because it was my first film in which I will not be seen crying and for me that's wonderful because I have played so many characters who cry in each and every film. Infact, Kunal Kohli has saved a lot of glycerine in this film (laughs).
It is my first film in which I will not be seen crying and for me that's wonderful
You're 12 years old in the Hindi Film Industry and now that you've become so choosy, do you find that you've become too old for certain roles or too young for other roles?
I don't think anybody can be too old or too young for any role. It just depends on what kind of role you want to do and you have to be intelligent enough to choose roles which you feel that the audiences would like to see you in. Bearing in mind my height, I can't play a teenage girl of 16 in any film. That will push it a bit too far. But having said that, in movie making, there is nothing impossible that the actors can or can't do. It depends on how fit you are and how good you look. Personally, I'd like to do roles that I enjoy playing and I feel something worthwhile to do in it rather than decide I'm too old or too young for it.
There is nothing impossible that the actors can or can't do
A film like TPTM will surely end something like - '...and happily ever after'. Do you think it's just a myth or can Bollywood change the happy endings in such films?
Kids are so optimistic by nature and they are so positive that I think, any film with kids in them should have a happy ending because these kids are the future of our country who will bring a change in our society, for good, I hope. Plus, there is so much violence out there in the real world that it's wise to show good side in kids and end the film on a happy note.
Is there any frustration after you've done the film and seen it and it all works fine, but you know you could have done something else to make it work better?
I think that happens with every actor. I don't think that's only with me. All the good actors are always complaining about their work not being good and that they could've done better. But filmmaking is all about that moment where you take the shot and where the shot is canned and you have to be as spontaneous and as good as you can be at that point of time. Then they can spend their entire lifetime thinking that 'Oh, I could have been better'. The fact is, when a shot is canned, you have to be focused and have all your energies in that particular shot because it's gone into celluloid forever.
You have to be focused and have all your energies in that particular shot because it's gone into celluloid forever
What was it like joining a cast and crew that had already worked together?
It just makes it simpler and much easier. This is Saif's second film with Kunal but my third film with both of them. So I have a great working relationship with them and a great rapport. When you are working with like minded people, it just becomes easier to work.
Out of all the Kunal Kohli films you've done, what would you consider your most memorable one?
Hum Tum because I got my first Best Actress Award for that film which makes it all the more special.
Any aspects of your character you identify with while playing the angel, besides being a brat?
(Laughs) Yes, I do by bringing in a lot of happiness in peoples life and always smiling.
When you talk about any angel, you create in your mind a special wardrobe for them which any director would. But has the designer made your look very simple or is it something extra special we'll be seeing in the film?
When she is in heaven, she is dressed up like the other angels but when she comes on Earth, she has a different wardrobe and that is one look that she has in the entire film. We could have experimented with many things but as we did not specifically know and have not seen any angel in real life, we had to go by the fairy tale books, paintings and costumes worn by other actors who have portrayed the role of angels before. The costumes aren't that special but the acting is.
The costumes aren't that special but the acting is
How does it feel not being able to love your co-star in TPTM?
I think it's very interesting because I've already played a lot of romantic roles and love romancing on screen. This was one welcome change in my character. And as you know I'm very hungry and excited to play different roles, this was also one of them which I really enjoyed playing.
With so many stars turning bloggers, when do we see you join the elite club?
When I really find the time to do that. Right now, I'm too busy and loaded with work. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 12 Jun 2008 | 12:15 pm
The film Ankit Pallavi and Friends directed by Hari Yeleti has completed shooting and is now getting ready for release. Nikhil of Happy Days fame is the hero and Megha Burman is the heroine. The overseas rights of the film have been bagged by Radiant Movies. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 12 Jun 2008 | 11:00 am
Washington (ANI): Socialite Paris Hilton's mum Kathy Hilton will be playing the role of Tom Cruise's wife in a hilarious scene in Ben Stiller's new movie Tropic Thunder. Kathy, who is an American socialite and an actress, revealed to friends that she has a cameo in the upcoming summer comedy. ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 12 Jun 2008 | 10:40 am
Abigail Breslin walked the red carpet at the premiere of the film The Happening at the Ziegfeld Theater on Tuesday. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 12 Jun 2008 | 10:33 am
Washington (ANI): American actress Angelina Jolie has confessed that being pregnant has given her and partner Brad Pitt an unexpected sex boost. Jolie, who is expecting twins, said that her "round and full" figure has given her a real lust for life, and when most couples find sex a turn ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 12 Jun 2008 | 10:26 am
Superstar Rajinikanth astonished after watching the preview of Kamal Hassan's much hyped magnum opus Dasavatharam yesterday. The movie featuring Kamal Hassan in ten different roles will hit screens across the globe on Friday. Directed by KS Ravikumar and produced by Ravichandran, Dasavatharam found a decent opening in the advance bookings ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 12 Jun 2008 | 10:19 am
Melbourne (ANI): American socialite Kim Kardashian has hinted that she is about to get engaged to American football player Reggie Bush. Kardashian revealed the news of her getting ready to tie the knot, to Usmagazine.com at a Celebrity Family Feud taping in L.A. Saturday when she was asked about marriage. ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 12 Jun 2008 | 10:19 am
Akshat Varma is an NRI from Los Angeles. Delhi Belly is his script, probably his story too. There're many misapprehensions about Aamir Khan's project Delhi Belly in the air.
Debutant director Abhinay Deo clears the air. "Delhi Belly is in the English language, but since it's about young people in Delhi it would've have a smattering of Hindi too."
Abhinay comes to direction after 350 ads. "I've been making ads since 2006. Deo came in as a replacement to the Swedish director Robert Nylund. Or so we thought until now.
Abhinay explains. "I was approached before Robert. Because of the nature of the film, Aamir Khan wanted a fresh director. He stared scouting in the advertising industry. He saw some of my work and felt I was the right person to do Delhi Belly. Unfortunately, at that point of time I was already committed to do another project with Riteish and Farhan for Excel. That project hasn't gone beyond the scripting stage. That's when Robert came into the picture."
The casting, according to Abhinay, has progressed to a point where they've more or less zeroed in on three actors for every role. "It's an ensemble cast. Every character is equally important. We had zeroed in on Ranbir Kapoor to play one of the parts. But that didn't work out. So our search started again."
"We start shooting end-August. We don't have much time to get the entire cast in place," sighs Abhinay.
Abhinay's parents are the veteran actors Ramesh and Seema Deo. Source: Indiafm.com News | 12 Jun 2008 | 10:06 am
The Nation's Apex Court has dismissed all the cases filed against Kamal Hassan's magnum opus Dasavatharam today. In their verdict, the judges Bachayath and Navlokar say that the petitioner should watch the movie first and if they find anything against the Hindu's belief or any group of people's sentiment they ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 12 Jun 2008 | 9:59 am
Very few Asian American women foray into Pop Music - let alone making big in the world of music. This time around, singer and songwriter Priscilla Ahn has made the break-through. She has the looks, the passion and above all the sweetness in her voice to capture the hearts of ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 12 Jun 2008 | 9:45 am
Akshat Varma is an NRI from Los Angeles. Delhi Belly is his script, probably his story too. There're many misapprehensions about Aamir Khan's project Delhi Belly in the air. Debutant director Abhinay Deo clears the air. "Delhi Belly is in the English language, but since it's about young people in ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 12 Jun 2008 | 9:41 am
New York (ANI): Madonna has once again shot down rumours that her marriage to British director Guy Ritchie is in trouble. The rumours started once again when Madonna was spotted without her wedding ring while partying at two of London's most high-profile restaurants. A source also told Now magazine that ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 12 Jun 2008 | 9:34 am
As things stand today, neither Love Story 2050 nor Jaane Tu⦠Ya Jaane Na are buzzing from their stand and sticking to the release date of 4th July. While the two debutant actors Harman Baweja and Imran Khan are pretty much getting ready for the BIG clash, for the former it is not the first time that he is being pitted against competition.
If one jogs down the memory lane, there could well have been a similar situation for the Baweja Junior late 2007 when his Love Story 2050 was originally being planned for a Diwali release. At that time, instead of Harman v/s Imran clash, it was Ranbir v/s Harman clash which was being looked forward to, courtesy the arrival of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya.
Frankly, was it the immense buzz surrounding Ranbir Kapoor that had lead to Love Story 2050 being moved into 2008? Was delay in work on SFX/CGI being just an excuse after all?
"How funny", says Harman after a hearty laugh, "After investing close to 3 years on a film, working with hundreds of crew members, globe trotting to get the best of the technical team in place to get that perfect look for the film, living the film every minute, spending crores and crores and then patiently waiting for it to arrive on the big screen, you don't start looking for excuses to delay your product. Seriously, you don't move a 50 crore movie fearing competition."
Relaxing a little, Harman quips, "Thankfully, industry is a small place and hence these rumors didn't hamper our dream project. After all those silly murmurs of the film being delayed due to other newcomers arriving in Bollywood, insiders started seeing it for themselves that we were actually working on the task rather than relaxing, twiddling out thumbs and letting go off all the big and the small launch pads so that a certain Harman Baweja can finally make a grand entry!"
Harman continues to joke, "I think we shouldn't have spoken about the release timing at all last year. Perhaps for the next film that we start making for which we may have 2009 as the target, we would instead announce the release year as 2011. The industry too would start feeling that we are working on something big and later when we would in fact arrive in 2009, we will claim that we were able to work at a faster pace and are hence ahead of times!" Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 12 Jun 2008 | 9:22 am
Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi had announced at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) last November that movies of both 2006 and 2007 would be considered for the 54th National Awards. However, last year's films will have to wait for recognition due to the alleged apathy of bureaucrats. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 12 Jun 2008 | 7:31 am
Supermodel Milind Soman may be sporting a greying beard, but his fit physique defies his age. And the 43-year-old actor says he wouldn't mind doing 'Captain Vyom', the science fiction serial, all over again. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 12 Jun 2008 | 3:32 am
Call it a homegrown musical. Indian audiences will get to savour the glitz and glamour of Bollywood on stage through a play called 'City of Dreams', which is set for its maiden show here Friday. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 12 Jun 2008 | 3:30 am
Irrfan Khan is a self-confessed Mira Nair fan. But he has said no to the director's next film with Konkona Sen Sharma in the lead. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 12 Jun 2008 | 2:30 am
Ace film director, better known for his award winning trilogy, has scored a Hat-trick of National Awards, winning the National Award for The Best Film Director, for his film Traffic Signal. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 12 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
Katrina Kaif is very amused at a recent report of Akshay Kumar not taking her calls at IIFA before their performance on stage. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 12 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
Insiders have it that Mallika just rocks in the song Jab pyar to kiya to darna kya in Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam produced by Ratan Jain of Venus. The costumes, the ambience on the sets and Mallikas graceful and stylish adaa reminded director Sanjay Chhel and producer Ratan Jain of Madhubala. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 12 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
White Feather adds another feather to its already successful cap with the launch of its high octane thriller Acid Factory. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 12 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
As of today, there is no clear verdict on the box office performance of SARKAR RAJ. The trade is keeping its fingers crossed to classify the status of SARKAR RAJ before the first week comes to an end. And all of this is Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 12 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
He enters with a bang and leaves with a louder bang. Akshay Kumar and his stunts are simply fantabulous and the audience is bowled over by his antics each time. Well here's a record of how Akshay's stunts enticed the audience.
At the IIFA Awards, Akshay Kumar, stole the thunder during the grand finale. As the fireworks blazed and the audience screamed with delight, Akki descended on the stage, sliding swiftly across a cable from the extreme end of the auditorium. Clad in a 'pagdi' and snazzy overcoat, similar to his get-up in Singh Is Kinng. He was soon joined by a pack of dancers, dressed as sardars, roaring the name of his upcoming release. Among others, he danced to both the title tracks from Singh Is Kinng, leaving the Thai, Bollywood struck audiences absolutely bedazzled!
Remarks Akshay, of his exemplary stage performance, "I'm glad the performance drew a thunderous applause, as the crowd seemed to enjoy it. From the stage, all I could see were just flashing lights though! I hope my audiences enjoy Singh Is Kinng as much as they enjoyed my act. It was only a glimpse of what is to come..."
Singh Is Kinng releases worldwide on August 8 and previews in select locations on August 7. It is an Indian Films-Studio 18 release and is produced by Vipul Shah. Source: Indiafm.com News | 11 Jun 2008 | 4:43 pm
Critically acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj is ready to start his next project which is titled Kaminey. The film would belong to the action genre and stars teen heartthrob Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. This is the first time that they are paired opposite each other.
The shooting of the film is set to start from June 18 at various locations across the country. Vishal, whose last film was Blood Brothers (a short film), will also be composing the music for this film.
With such a unique title and a fresh pairing, one thing is certain that this film is bound to generate tremendous curiosity. Source: Indiafm.com News | 11 Jun 2008 | 4:19 pm
Lage Raho Munnabhai wins four National Awards in categories which included Best Popular Film providing Wholesome Entertainment, Best Screenplay (Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijaat Joshi), Best Lyrics (Swanand Kirkire) and the Best Supporting Actor (Dileep Prabhawalkar)
An exhilarated Vidhu Vinod Chopra adds, "It is a wonderful surprise. What makes me happy is that it is a great inspiration for newcomers and fresh talented people who have a fire in their belly to make a mark in this industry. Abhijaat Joshi (screenplay) and Swanand Kirkire's (lyricist) work getting acknowledged makes Raju and me very proud." After four prestigious awards and world recognition, even Raj Kumar Hirani cannot stay shut. "I am happy that a film based on the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi wins the award for wholesome entertainment. It is a big achievement for my team and me. My associates, Abhijaat Joshi, and Swanand Kirkire's awards make this moment even greater," expresses Hirani.
The music and lyrics have been a revelation in itself. "I might be the one who has won the award but this was a collaborative and collective piece of work. I am grateful to Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani and Shantanu Moitra for bringing out the best in me and and for creating the atmosphere where one can strive for excellence," says an exhilarated Swanand Kirkire.
Apart from Lage Raho Munnabhai, Vishal Bhardwaj won the Special Jury Award for Omkara, Madhur Bhandarkar won The Best Director Award for Traffic Signal, Kabir Khan won The Best Debutante Director for Kabul Express and Konkona Sen Sharma won The Best Supporting Actress award for Omkara.
So here's a round of applause for all the winners and their achievements. Source: Indiafm.com News | 11 Jun 2008 | 4:10 pm
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The gossip mills are working overtime when it comes to the IT couple of Bollywood - Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. Every second day too much newsprint is being devoted to incorrect stories on them. Obviously, it is uncalled for and it has reached a stage where both of them are upset about this. Recently, there were reports on Saif and Kareena having a spat at a recent awards function. According to one report, the fight was over Kareena's 'revealing' costumes. According to another, the fight was over Saif leaving the function early. A source close to both the actors reveals, âThis is getting extremely out of hand and upsetting. No one bothers to clarify anything with him or her and choose to write whatever they want to. It is about time Bebo and Saif spoke up and put a stop to it.â
Apparently, the truth is the exact opposite. For all those predicting trouble in paradise, here's the news. The couple's very much together and happy as ever. In fact, Saif flew all the way from London where he was shooting for his production, Illuminati Films' first venture directed by Imtiaz Ali. A source close to the actor spills the beans, âSaif actually took a twelve hour flight just to spend three hours with Kareena at this recent award function. Apparently, he had planned this as a surprise for her. Bebo was caught unawares when he landed up and she couldn't stop smiling. In fact, he came all the way just to cheer for her performance and to clap for her because she received the Best Actress for Jab We Met. He's extremely proud of her and is very supportive of her work. In fact, all this nonsense about him being upset about a revealing outfit at the awards is rubbish. Manish Malhotra who has been designing for her for a long time has done the outfit and he was very much aware of what she was wearing. And c'mon, she has worn a bikini in Tashan, so what's the big deal over an outfit?"
Kareena when contacted, true to fiery image, takes matters into hand and clarifies. Says Kareena, "Enough is enough. Why don't people check facts before writing? These stories are absolutely ridiculous and baseless. In fact, Saif came all the way to surprise me and I've never been happier."
So all you rumor-mongers out there, you have heard it from the girl. Get over this. Source: Indiafm.com News | 11 Jun 2008 | 2:35 pm
Celebrating the global success of Indian cinema, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday said the soft power of India in some ways can be a very important instrument of foreign policy. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 11 Jun 2008 | 2:30 pm
Besides being a launch pad for Imran Khan as an actor and Abbas Tyrewala as director, Jaane Tuâ¦Ya Jaane Na also brought filmmaker Mansoor Khan back to Bollywood from hills of Coonoor, where Mansoor shifted his base to few years back. Mansoor took over as the producer for the film as Aamir was busy with Taare Zameen Par.
Following is the special producer's note by Mansoor Khan as he shares his experience of working on Jaane Tu⦠Ya Jaane Na.
âEvery now and then something happens that - for better or worse - shifts your life to a track that you were least prepared for. Here I was in the idyllic town of Coonoor, in the hills, preparing myself for global warming, Peak Oil and other catastrophes when suddenly I get a call from Aamir telling me I have to take the next flight to Bombay, if Jaane Tu⦠was to be shot anytime within a year. It was that simple- a call from the family that could not be ignored, as Jaane Tuâ¦was also long over-due to launch my nephew Imran Khan.
The next day I was sitting in A.K. productions' office in Bombay, meeting a team of bright-eyed youngsters who were introduced to me as Abbas, the writer and director, Manoj, the cinematographer, Shaan, the editor, and Raghav, the associate director. I tried to look as confident as possible and the journey started.
I must admit I felt like I was starting from scratch. So many things had changed in filmmaking that I could have easily surrendered. But a few things kept me going. First, Abbas had written a tight, inspired script-the real starting point before any producer should think of pouring money and effort into shooting it. Second, it was the perfect launch for my nephew, Imran, who Abbas saw in the lead role from the first time he saw him. Third, the music by AR Rahman was fabulous and one of his best in Hindi films. And last but not the least-Aamir's confidence in me to take over as producer.
Jaane Tu⦠was a revitalizing experience for me-to brush-up on old skills and learn new rules. I first countered, then, gradually absorbed Abbas's unique way of instructing his actors and playing out the scene for the camera. Though it seemed to break some rules in my head, they brought amazing results. So what if he does not like to make shot breakdowns!
I admired Manoj, the cinematographer who was strikingly amicable even while managing the heaviest shifts of lighting the Bombay streets at night with minimum fanfare, yet achieving a new look and feel. So what if he wanted half the lighting equipment in town.
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I joked easily with Raghav, the associate director, on whose broad shoulders rested the weight of making it all happen on the shooting set. So what if he finished off half my sandwiches.
I gradually understood the tribulations of being sync-sound recordist as I watched Stephen deal with all the unwanted noises of the Bombay streets, birds and occasional team members, to give a clean sync- sound track. No wonder he did not talk much.
I never knew when Shaan, the editor, put it all together, but it was ready to watch with new twists, no sooner had we shot it. One way to keep the producer from making painful suggestions!
And above all I learnt how to work in tandem with Rao Sahab who played a strict executive producer, keeping schedules on track, budgets in control and adolescent hormones of crew members in check, while still being practical and lovable.
I was grateful to Kiran as associate producer who made well-time appearances and saved us when we were in trouble.
Aamir was the perfect co producer- few words of advice but striking rigidly to the budget limit. That's it! Made us think harder.
On the actor's front, Imran was one I was most concerned about- After all, this was his launch film. It kin of reminded me of how I felt about Aamir during earlier shoots of QSQT. But Imran put me at ease soon. He showed remarkable inner confidence with a sharp learning curve while evolving his own pitch of rendering a scene in an original and effective manner.
Genelia was dynamite the movement the camera rolled- plain watchable, no matter what she did or wore.
So many other contributors in the Jaane Tu⦠team and each one I have learnt something from. Oh hell, I was actually beginning to enjoy this diversion from my bucolic farm life.
And now the film is done and it is time to write a producer's note. Well let me tell you, the defining moment of a film is the final cut. And having watched that I am glad I was pulled out of the hills to associate with a young film team that has effectively translated a wonderful script into a memorable film.
Now back to Global Warming and Peak Oil."
- Mansoor Khan Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 11 Jun 2008 | 1:38 pm
Actor Suniel Shetty has sent his family on a long holiday after he received threatening calls from a stuntman over a financial deal. The Stuntmen's Association of India has, however, distanced itself from the dispute. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 11 Jun 2008 | 12:00 pm
Bollywood couple Ajay Devgan and Kajol are all set to make a cameo in a song in Anil Devgan's next film 'Haal-E-Dil'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 11 Jun 2008 | 11:31 am
Facing rebellion from some members, Federation of Malayalam Cine Technicians' Association (MACTA) general secretary Vinayan has got a shot in the arm with two national organisations extending their full support to him. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 11 Jun 2008 | 11:30 am
