This can probably be touted as one of the biggest landmark deals in the Indian Music industry, which has seen a resurgence over the past few months. According to reliable sources, music label major T-Series, run by music baron Bhushan Kumar, has acquired the music rights for 20 forthcoming films of UTV Motion Pictures at a whopping Rs. 27.50 crores, in what is arguably the biggest music deal in the industry.
Some of the major titles include Dilli 6 of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra starring Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor at Rs. 5 crores, Main Aur Mrs Khanna starring Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor at Rs. 6 crores. It is learnt that two films starring Shahid Kapoor were closed at Rs. 3.5 crores each.
UTV Motion Pictures is one of India's largest integrated film studios and has had a record year at the box office in the current year, with films like Jodhaa Akbar and the critically acclaimed Aamir in recent times. The studio had ventured into the music business by launching its own label UTV Music with Jodhaa Akbar, however, had Sony BMG distributing Aamir and with this partnership has possibly entered into a strategic relationship with the leader in the industry, T-Series.
Music has been an integral component of Bollywood not just in terms of content, but indeed in marketing of the film and getting an encouraging opening. When Bollywood Hungama contacted T-Series to confirm and ask if their marketing initiatives had resulted in this acquisition, they refused to comment. We will be tracking this alliance and will have more for you very soon. Source: Indiafm.com News | 13 Jun 2008 | 4:08 pm
Gee, what a pair! But there you have it. Saawariya star Ranbir Kapoor is all set to star opposite the twice National awarding winning Konkona Sen Sharma in a film that will be produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Production.
This highly unorthodox confluence of a Punjabi heir-apparent and the Bengali bohemian is being directed by Ayaan Mukherjee who's a cousin of Kajol. Ayaan has assisted Ashutosh Gowariker in Swades and Karan Johar in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.
Says a source, "It wasn't so much because Ayaan was Karan's pal, Kajol's cousin. It had more to do with Ayaan's script than anything else that clinched the deal. The minute Karan read it he fell in love with it."
But aren't Ranbir and Konkona coming together like the synthesis of Venus and Mars?
"That's exactly the point. In this Mumbai-based romance about urban relationships, the director needed a pair that seems incompatible. The film is about seeking a level of compatibility in a world gone distinctly out of control."
Apparently, when Ranbir and Konkona heard the script, they immediately fell in love with the script. Now all they've to do is fall in love with one another on screen. Source: Indiafm.com News | 13 Jun 2008 | 3:36 pm
They have done only one film together. But that happens to be a cult film. Even today, millions of people stay glued to the T.V. each time Andaz Apna Apna unleashes its hilarious linesâ¦. âAap purush nahinâ¦.mahapurush hainâ¦.â Or âCrime Master Gogo hai naam mera⦠aakhen nikaal kar gotiyan khelta hoon main.â Well, Salman and Aamir Khan will be seen together once again. No, not on big screen, but yes Aamir will be a celebrity guest on Salman's game show 10 Ka Dum on Sony TV. Now, wouldn't that be a spectacle!
Recently, Aamir along with nephew Imran Khan shot for an episode way past midnight at a Mumbai studio. An executive from the PR agency handling the show confirmed this news. The episode will be aired in July (maybe matching the July 4th release date of Aamir Khan Production's next Jaane Tuâ¦Ya Jaane Na). Unlike others, Aamir has made rare appearances on TV reality shows. The first one was for Amitabh Bachchan's Kaun Banega Crorepati and then more recently on Little Champs.
There had been reports in a certain section of the media that the song 'Pappu Can't Dance' in Jaane Tuâ¦Ya Jaane Na is based on the bachelor life of Salman Khan. Aamir had vehemently denied the report by saying, âIn fact, Salman dances better than me and the song is most certainly not based on him.â Film's director Abbas Tyrewala had clarified that if the song makes fun of anyone then it is that of Aamir Khan for it has a reference to 'Papa Kehte Hain Bada Naam Karega'.
Now, wouldn't it be fun if Salman actually dances to Pappu⦠and Aamir and Imran follow suit! What do you say? Source: Indiafm.com News | 13 Jun 2008 | 3:28 pm
Gorgeous and sizzling Shamita Shetty made her debut into Bollywood with the Yash Raj Films Mohabbatein. Though her career graph as an actress has not been very fascinating after that, Shamita has surely has impressed the audiences with her item numbers.
The now she will been seen doing the same in Hari Puttar - A Comedy Of Terrors.
Bollywood Hungama was in conversation with Shamita Shetty, where she spoke about Hari Puttar, her sister and her upcoming films.
What is this song about?
This is a fun filled, peppy Punjabi number, basically a very groovy dance number
How did the song happen?
Well, the producer of this film is a very dear friend of mine. He came to me with this concept, it was very well organized and well prepared with the idea and the entire concept of the song, and they approached me with a mock video, which I totally loved. I also loved the song, it's really good and will be a hit amongst the listeners.
How was your experience while shooting for the video?
The experience was really good. I enjoyed my self a lot. It's not a hard core choreographed song so we were not under any kind of pressure and thus enjoyed our selves a lot.
How much do you think does a promotional song help a film?
I think the promotional song concept is really "in" right now and even big banners these days include promotional songs in their film and I think such songs do help in leveraging the film.
So, this song will be called an item number.
I don't understand what the definition of an item number is and how people tag a particular song as an item song. All I know is that this is a special song in the film which I am glad to do.
A small kid, Zain Khan is sharing the screen space with you in the song, how was your chemistry with the kid?
(Laughs) Well the chemistry is good. Zain is really good, a good dancer and the thing I like about him is that he is not at all camera conscious; he is a dynamite when the cameras are rolling. I am not working with him in the film but as much I saw him performing in the video, one can definitely make out that he is a great performer.
We haven't seen Shamita on screen since a long, when will we get to see her again? What projects are you working on?
Well, I wish I could sit here and predict my future and tell you when I am coming in which film but frankly speaking I don't have any thing right now in my hands but I am waiting for a nice and exciting script.
We have heard that you are coming out with your own production house.
Yes, we are coming out with our own production house probably next year so right now I am concentrating more on it.
Your sister Shilpa has been in news since quite a long time after winning the Big Brother title and the rumors of her getting married soon?
I think my Shilpa deserves every bit of success that she has gained recently and I am very happy for her and no, she is not getting married, we will definitely let you know when she plans it. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 13 Jun 2008 | 3:25 pm
What happens when two legends of Indian cinema come face to face? For a change we are not talking about Big B or SRK, but this time the men in question are Megastars Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth.
Kamal Haasan's mega project Dasavathaaram (Tamil Version) opens across cinema halls today and the film is being talked about, as it's the first time ever in the history of cinema that an actor would be seen in 10 different roles. Phew!!! Now that's quite a feat.
A special screening of this Tamil flick was held in Chennai yesterday and present at this screening was none another than superstar Rajinikanth. Needless to say, both Rajini and Kamal Haasan are considered as Demi-Gods down South and enjoy a tremendous fan following. So what was Sivaji- The Boss' reaction to his colleague's film. According to sources, Rajini was simply bowled over by the film and termed it as 'extraordinary'. With praises coming from none other than Rajini Sir himself, Kamal Haasan must be feeling all the more thrilled.
The magnum-opus which also stars Mallika Sherawat, Asin and Jaya Prada is directed by noted filmmaker K.S.Ravikumar. Bollywood's ace composer Himesh Reshammiya has given the music for this film which is being released with a record number of prints in India. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 13 Jun 2008 | 2:24 pm
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' bagged four trophies on Tuesday at the 54th National Film Awards, announced a year late after legal proceedings dogged the previous edition.
Washington (ANI): Madonna's younger brother, Christopher Ciccone, has written a book about his pop star sibling, which is set for release next month, publisher Simon & Schuster has announced. The 'Life With My Sister' is co-written by biographer Wendy Leigh and will hit shelves on July 15. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Jun 2008 | 12:42 pm
London (ANI): A former friend of late Beatles legend John Lennon is set to make a fortune by selling the singer's handwritten lyrics to the anti-war anthem "Give Peace a Chance" for up to 300,000 pounds. Gail Renard was a student in Montreal in May 1969, when Lennon and wife ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Jun 2008 | 12:23 pm
London (ANI): Victoria Beckham and Naomi Campbell have shown that their eight-year feud is finally over by working together on a jeans range. Posh Spice announced that the latest design in her dVb denim range has been inspired by the British supermodel, and will fittingly be called 'Naomi'. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Jun 2008 | 12:12 pm
London (ANI): English singer George Michael has hinted at quitting touring by announcing what are being billed as his "last arena shows in the UK." The singer announced that he would hold two major concerts in London to mark the end of his 25 Live Tour, and also said he ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Jun 2008 | 12:03 pm
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan's five little friends on quiz show 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain' had loads of fun when actors Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan came as celebrity guests for a special episode. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Jun 2008 | 12:00 pm
The Palakkad district unit of the Kamal Hassan Fans' Welfare Association has received the consent of two theatres to donate the collections of the first special show of the Kamal Hassan starrer Dasavatharam to charity. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Jun 2008 | 12:00 pm
Washington (ANI): Duran Duran star John Taylor has hit out at pop queen Madonna for copying one of their ideas. Taylor accused Madge of having copied their collaboration with Justin Timberlake and super producer Timbaland for her new album. Madonna had teamed up with Timberlake and Timbaland to record songs ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Jun 2008 | 11:53 am
Melbourne (ANI): Troubled singer Britney Spears is still being seen out with Mel Gibson, this time at Los Angeles cigar bar the Havana Club. The pair spent almost three hours talking at the Havana Club in Beverly Hills, reports the Daily Telegraph. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Jun 2008 | 11:48 am
`Hope`, an offbeat film screened at the Cannes film festival this year, won wide acclaim for its remarkable script and concept. Shot in Kansas City and New Delhi, the script of `Hope` has been written and co-produced by Dr Shelley Chawla, a doctor from Ludhiana. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 13 Jun 2008 | 11:46 am
The wait is over as the costliest flick ever to be made in the history of Indian cinema `Dasavathaaram` releases today. The Tamil film starring superstar Kamal Haasan made on a whopping budget of Rs.1.6 billion, will finally see the light of the day today, overcoming numerous controversies that have been surrounding the film ever since it`s shooting started. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 13 Jun 2008 | 11:46 am
Former Bond girl Denise Richards, currently starring in a reality television series about her chaotic life, has one key thing to say to ex-husband Charlie Sheen now that he has remarried: stop picking on me. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 13 Jun 2008 | 11:46 am
The going has been tough for Rani Mukerji. Getting her new house constructed proved to be the biggest challenge for the talented actress. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 13 Jun 2008 | 11:46 am
After delivering blockbusters like `Hungama` and `Hulchul` the famous trio of Akshaye Khanna, Paresh Rawal and Priyadarshan is back yet again with `Mere Baap Pehle Aap` in the platter. The movie that looks poised to exercise your funny bone is all set to hit theaters Friday. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 13 Jun 2008 | 11:46 am
While the Malayalam film industry is in crisis with the split up of MACTA, Mohanlal has decided to stay away from all the hype and hoopla and continue with his work. He is busy with the work of Swapnamalika, a film for which he has written the story. The shooting ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Jun 2008 | 11:36 am
On one hand, the crisis in the Malayalam film industry deepens as MACTA (the apex body of 19 trade unions in Mollywood) is facing a split with the directors' Union formally announced its decision to come out of the organisation after conciliatory talks failed. At the same time, Vinayan, general ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Jun 2008 | 11:35 am
Veteran Malayalam actor Nedumudi Venu Friday denied National Award winner Thilakan's allegation that he was trying to destroy his career. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Jun 2008 | 11:32 am
The two-day premiere of the 10th Osian's-Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema got off Friday that will showcase 14 movies, selected from 160 entries, and a collection of seven short films. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Jun 2008 | 11:30 am
The Federation of Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA), comprising 360 members, is finally nearing a split. A meeting of the representatives of technicians, the directors who have resigned from MACTA, Film Distributors' Association and Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes, held in Kochi on Tuesday, decided to float a new organisation ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 13 Jun 2008 | 11:29 am
'Agg Lage Aaj Kal De Fashion Nu' - Now that's yet another chartbuster track by Pritam which is fast heating up the charts. From the film Haal-e-Dil which introduces three new faces - Nakuul Mehta, Amita Pathak and Adhyayan, this Labh Janjua and Hard Kaur sung number comes with a mix of English, Hindi and Punjabi lyrics and has some great club rhythm in motion.
But are you aware that this song was first offered to Shahid Kapoor who had refused it since he didn't really feel that the song had good enough potential to become a national rage?
Confirms a source attached to Haal-e-Dil, "Yes, Pritam had composed 'Agg Lage Aaj Kal De Fashion Nu' for Shahid's upcoming film Kismat Konnection keeping in mind the young and cool image that the Jab We Met star carries. However, Shahid wasn't too convinced and requested Pritam to compose something else. The composer did oblige and did come up with some other smash hit numbers that would soon be heard in Kismat Konnection."
Talking about the placement of the same song in Haal-e-Dil, the source divulges, "All this while Pritam hadn't forgotten 'Fashion'. He was attached to the song and knew its worth. This was the time when Bhushan Kumar too was looking for a song to be included in Haal-e-Dil. Though he was aware that Anand Raaj Anand, Vishal Bhardwaj and Raghav Sachar had done a good job with their respective songs in the Kumar Mangat film, he was still in lookout of that sure shot chartbuster song which could propel album sales overnight."
"Since Pritam has made many a hit numbers for T-Series in the past, Bhushan didn't hesitate in approaching the composer", reveals the source, "He asked Pritam if he could create a dance number in a jiffy and the young composer was more than happy to hand him over 'Fashion'. Bhushan took an immediate liking to the song and soon Nakuul, Amita and Adhyayan were summoned on the sets to shoot for the dance number. Rest, as they say, is history."
Well, looking at the kind of popularity that 'Fashion' is gaining, one wonders if Shahid Kapoor is ruining the missed opportunity. With due respect to the three newcomers, one thing is for sure that if Shahid would have danced to this Pritam's tune, it would have been a different experience altogether for the viewers! Source: Indiafm.com News | 13 Jun 2008 | 10:58 am
Reliance BIG Entertainment (RBE) has acquired theatrical and other rights of T. Series' much talked about film 'Karzzz' for Rs.350 million. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Jun 2008 | 10:00 am
Claiming the filmmaker owes the production company Rs. 12 lakhs, Pritish Nandy Communications has sent Hyderabad-based director Mani Shankar a letter-of-objection regarding the release of the Mani-directed Mukhbiir which is all set for release on June 27.
The letter signed by PNC's chief operating officer Bobbie Ghosh warns Mani Shankar that if the money owed to PNC by Mani is not paid up, PNC will protest against the release of Mukhbiir to various film associations.
But Mukhbiir producer Sudish Rambhotla of the Hyderabad-based company Color Chips is unfazed. "Mukhbiir is not Mani Shankar's property. He isn't the producer. I am. How can Mr. Nandy stop it from release just because Mani owes him money? If the architect owes money to someone you can't stop the owner of a building from entering it."
Continues Rambhotla, "I told Mr. Nandy this. If the company wants to put pressure on Mani, my film can't be a casualty. This letter has larger ramifications. How can the producer be held responsible for the director's liabilities? If tomorrow Mani owes me money should I stop Pritish Nandy from releasing his film?"
Mani Shankar tries hard to conceal his annoyance. "The facts speak for themselves. Mr. Nandy entered into an agreement with me. And I gave him two bound scripts with dialogues. One was a period film Chanakya and the other was a hi-tech thriller called Chip Chor, an ideal vehicle for an actor like Sammir Dattani. Mr. Nandy was supposed to pay me another ten lakhs after receiving the script. I've already narrated the scripts to various actors like John Abraham, Priyanka Chopra and Zayed Khan. Mr Nandy or his daughter Rongita was present during some narrations. I've tried to get both projects started. If for whatever reasons he couldn't get the projects started, there's no provision in our contract for me to refund the money. As a gentleman, he should've requested me to refund the money and take back the scripts. Instead he sends me a letter saying I never fulfilled my agreement, meaning I never gave him the scripts in the first place. This, after I've narrated the subjects to so many actors in the industry. I'm not responsible for the projects not taking off. His actions are not worthy of a man of his stature."
Mani is in agreement with the Mukhbir producer that the film has nothing to do with his differences with PNC. "I'm only a technician for Mukhbiir. I've no equity in it. These are bullying tactics. I'm not bothered at all. This kind of behaviour is common practice in Mumbai. Mr Nandy has no case in any court of law or before any film association. This is happening because I'm not from Mumbai and people in Bollywood think they can bully me. But I'm not losing a day's sleep over this irrelevant matter."
Pritish Nandy responds "Tell me, what option does a producer have when a director takes the money and disappears? We at PNC are not unethical. Mani, I suspect, is a capable director. He narrated his scripts so eloquently. He emailed us two scripts to read. We never bought them. The point is not the money but the attitude. Rs.12 Lakhs is chickenshit. He doesn't even respond to our calls! The Mukhbiir producer Sudhish Rambhotla has his own litany of complaints against Mani. When I spoke to him he was so unhappy. See, there's this alarming trend developing among a certain group of filmmakers who have a name but aren't doing too much work. They come with these ideas, sign a contract and are never to be traced again. This has become a constant problem with middle-rank directors. They take a sizeable sum of money and then live comfortably for a while. And then the producer realizes the script belongs to someone else. Such things happen in our industry because we work more on trust than paper-work. Today creativity is totally irrelevant. Money is all. PNC is here to make movies. I guess we're among the last of the Mohicans." Source: Indiafm.com News | 13 Jun 2008 | 9:39 am
Kannada film industry's young comedian Sharan, who has carved a niche for himself, doesn't want to wait for the lead roles. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Jun 2008 | 8:30 am
After making inroads into Hollywood and buying about 250 movie screen chains in 28 cities across the US, Reliance BIG Entertainment (RBE) has now acquired theatrical and other rights of a Bollywood film at a whopping price. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Jun 2008 | 8:02 am
Well-known designer Ritu Kumar's younger son Amrish forays into music with his album called 'Mummy Daddy Records'. It reflects the Indian youth, he says. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Jun 2008 | 8:00 am
The going has been tough for Rani Mukerji. Getting her new house constructed proved to be the biggest challenge for the talented actress. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Jun 2008 | 3:31 am
Veteran actress Jaya Bachchan has liked the 'Sarkar Raj' saga so much that she has urged director Ram Gopal Varma to make another sequel. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Jun 2008 | 3:31 am
The war of words between two Bollywood item girls continues as actress Kashmera Shah says she is far better than Rakhi Sawant who, she asserts, gets into controversies just for publicity. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Jun 2008 | 3:30 am
Whether he is acting or directing movies Rajat Kappor is a treat to watch with his effortless acting in films like Bheja Fry, Monsoon Weddingetc and selection of contemporary subjects that acted as the spine of his directorial ventures such as Mithya. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 13 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
Farhan Akhtar is looking a million bucks in Rock On. Some who have seen the rushes of the film, went to the extent of saying that this Abhishek Kapoor directed film is much better than the earlier Farhan Akhtar directed Dil Chahta Hai. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 13 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
After the trailer of Abhishek Kapoors directorial venture Rock On was shown with Sarkar Raj screenings last week, there have been a lot of distributors and business houses whose interest in the film has zoomed. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 13 Jun 2008 | 12:00 am
The Baadshah of Bollywood has managed to bring one of Bollywood's hottest couples on his game show. Yes we are talking about none other than Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor who will be seen playing Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hai with Shah Rukh Khan and his bunch of kids.
The episode which is going to be telecast this Saturday (June 14th ) at 8 pm IST promises to be a complete riot. To start with Saif Ali Khan opens the game as the host and invites Shah Rukh Khan as a contestant to play. Shah Rukh enters with Kareena Kapoor, hand in hand, and announces that as Saif has taken over his show, he has stolen Saif's girlfriend. Seeing Saif's reaction to this is something which you don't wanna miss!
This star-studded episode of Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hai also reveals for the first time on television certain cute anecdotes like when did Saif first meet Kareena? How they fell in love? Do they fight with each other and what do they do when they are mad at each other? The answers to all the above questions will be revealed on the show.
Despite being warned and tutored by his daughter, Saif Ali Khan was bowled by some of the initial questions; he was found biting his nails all through. Shah Rukh also teases Saif each time he gives a right answer, saying, "Shakal se lagta nahin, par Saif intelligent hain".
The classmates also had a rollicking time with the celebrity couple. Anubhav flaunted his Kareena tattoo which resembled the one on Saif's wrist and even sang a song for her. Shreya gifted a small T-shirt that she had outgrown to Kareena saying that she thought it might just fit Kareena because of her size zero. Milanjeet offered Saif-Kareena a full laddoo. Catch all this fun and action on Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hai?
'Saif-eena', as Saif and Kareena are popularly known as, will be playing for a charitable cause. Saif Ali Khan will donate the winning amount to Naaz organization (Delhi), which takes care of HIV positive kids, while Kareena will use the funds for the aged and lonely parent from St. Anthony's Old Age Home, Bandra.
So don't miss as Saif and Kareena get grilled with some fiery questions on this special episode. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 12 Jun 2008 | 5:30 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
