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Brett Lee confirms split with wife
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Aug 2008 | 2:11 pm Suniel Shetty's debt to Danny Denzongpa
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Aug 2008 | 1:46 pm It pays to be bumped by George Clooney
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Aug 2008 | 1:37 pm Rajini release, another quickie?Once again media has started its own campaign about Rajini's next film. It is not about Robot, the Shankar directed movie.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:55 pm Rasikkum Seemane audio launchedThe audio of Srikanth starrer Rasikkum Seemane was launched yesterday in the shooting spot of the film at Prasad Studios, Chennai.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:48 pm Ramya Nambeesan the upcoming star !Ramya Nambeesan, the young Malayalam actress is one among the five heroines in the Tamil movie Raman Thedia Seethai (RTS) starring actor Cheran.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:43 pm "Ahsaas is the best actor I have worked with ever" - RGVLove him or hate him but you simply can't ignore him. Yes, we are talking about the one and only one- Ram Gopal Varma. Ramu, as he is more fondly known as, is back with his third release in the last three months (Sarkar Raj in June, Contract in July and now Phoonk in August). While Sarkar Raj was a political drama and Contract a gangster flick, Phoonk is a film revolving around black magic. In a candid chat with Bollywood Hungama, Ramu talks about what makes Phoonk so scary, his views on fear as an emotion and the films that gave him sleepless nights. With Phoonk, you are back to doing what you do best, scaring the living daylights of the audience. Does it give you some extra pleasure in doing that? (Laughs) Yaaâ¦I must admit that it does give me an extra kick to get the audience seated in a theatre, close all the doors and scare them. I must admit that it does give me an extra kick to get the audience seated in a theatre, close all the doors and scare them. Phoonk is a supernatural thrillerâ¦could you tell us a little bit more on the film and why the title Phoonk? See the title comes from the term 'Jhad Phoonk' which is some kind of a ritual done to counter-effect black magic. Phoonk is about black magic. Black magic, as some people believe, is associated with some kind of evil force and involves such practices which people do to try and control or destroy or kill their enemies. In the film, I am not trying to make any statement on whether it exists or not. All I am saying is that, it's about every individual's belief and if an individual believes that he is being subject to black magic what kind of trauma does he go through. Not much is known about the cast; could you tell us who all form part of the cast? Sudeep, the protagonist, is a star in Kannada films though that is not the reason I took him. He fitted the role perfectly. He is not a well-known name here in Bollywood but is an excellent actor. Then there is Amruta Khanvilkar who is playing his wife. However, the main central protagonist of the film is this little girl Ahsaas Channa. She is truly remarkable. If you ask me, I would say that Ahsaas is the best actor I have worked with ever, because for an 8 year old girl to understand the complexity of the character she is playing and react in such a way is simply unbelievable. If you ask me, I would say that Ahsaas is the best actor I have worked with ever Why didn't you take any known names? My primary reason for that was I felt that everyone sitting and watching the film in the theatre should feel that this family is my family or my neighbour's family. I didn't want actors about who people have certain pre-conceived notions or who come with some kind of excess baggage. They should be relatable and identifiable. How did the idea of Phoonk, weaving a story around black magic come to your mind? When I was watching India TV one day, I saw a program revolving around supernatural forces and black magic etc. In fact, even in the next few days while surfing through that very channel they had some or the other story on this topic. When I happened to tell this to a group of 5 - 6 people, that in the year 2008 what are these TV channels discussing about black magic, 4 out of them said that they also believe in black magic which came as a shock to me. That's what I think sparked the initial interest. The number of people who believe in such things in spite of their education and social class really fascinated me. The number of people who believe in things such as black magic in spite of their education and social class really fascinated me. There is a shot in Phoonk which bears a striking similarity to The Exorcist. Is the film inspired by The Exorcist in terms of the premise? See the difference between The Exorcist and Phoonk is that The Exorcist is about demonic possession and Phoonk as I told you is about black magic. But the concern of the loved ones towards somebody who has been affected by such evil forces may bear certain resemblance to The Exorcist A lot of times while shooting for such films, some eerie incidents do take place on the sets. Did anything like that take place during the making of Phoonk? I think eerie incidents happen during the making of all films, it's only when you are making horror films do they get highlighted (laughs). With Phoonk, you have gone one step ahead and even challenged anyone to watch the film alone in a theatre for prize money. Why this idea and how did it come about? Every film these days has some kind of contest to generate awareness and catch maximum attention around release. This is a unique concept which my producers One More Thought came up with to create publicity for the film and also generate curiosity about the film. How is the contest being worked on and are you indeed offering a prize money of 5 lakhs? Yes, of courseâ¦we are offering the prize money of 5 lakhs to anyone watching the film Phoonk alone in a theatre. I guess the five finalists of the contest have already been short listed. Yes of courseâ¦we are offering the prize money of 5 lakhs to anyone watching the film Phoonk alone in a theatre After Darna Mana Hai a lot of people thought twice before eating an apple, this time do you think people will be scared each time they look at a lemon? Yesâ¦I think the lemon and the crow will be the scariest things this time around Your films are known for their screeching doors, loud door bells and rickety elevators. What can we expect this time around? Besides, background music plays an important role in horror films, so could you tell us a little bit on the background score of Phoonk and how has it evolved? Background music does play an important part in horror/ thriller films and even in the case of Phoonk it does create a fear factor. But I feel that the fear of Phoonk is much deeper than just sound effects. It will make you question your belief system and that is what I think is the larger fear I feel that the fear of Phoonk is much deeper than just sound effects. It will make you question your belief system and that is what I think is the larger fear. When it comes to horror films, the Ramsay brothers are the most popular name in Bollywood. Have you seen any of their films? Of course... In fact one of my all time favorite Bollywood horror films is Ramsay Brothers' Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche. I saw it when I was in school. After watching the film, I didn't feel like taking a shortcut to my home from school just because there was a graveyard in between. I took a 2 km longer route to avoid the graveyard. So they have been pretty instrumental in getting me to make horror films One of my all time favorite Bollywood horror films is Ramsay Brothers' Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche. They have been pretty instrumental in getting me to make horror films You have made quite a few films belonging to the horror genre- Raat, Bhoot, Darna Mana Hai, Darna Zaroori Hai, Darling, and Phoonk. Which one do you think is the scariest of the lot? See they all come under different sub-categories. Darling was more of a comic horror kind of a flick, Darna Mana Hai is a bizarre story and isn't intentionally scary. I think Phoonk is by far the scariest of the lot as it's much deeper. It's not just on a surface level. Do you believe in supernatural forces and have you experienced any such presence? I have not experienced any such thing which is why I came up with the tag line "It is superstition till it happens to you". So it has not happened to me so far (laughs). Fear as an emotion changes with time and age, what are the things that you fear now and what were the things that you feared as a child? Basic fears are fixed during our childhood days. It can be just a small thing like looking under your bed or when you are walking at night and you see a tree and a certain light of the moon gives it a different look, or when you are alone at home in the night and you have this feeling that one painting is watching you or suddenly you realize that the fan is making a lot more noise than it usually does, you get scared. Actually it's your own mind playing the trick. Those are some of the basic fears which most people experience but when you highlight them and enhance them using sound effects and background music and lighting, it works. Basic fears are fixed during our childhood days. It can be just a small thing like looking under your bed or when you are walking at night and you see a tree and a certain light of the moon gives it a different look Which was the first horror film that you watched and when? I can't remember the first horror film but the film that really shook me up is The Exorcist. Hollywood director M Night Shyamalan said that most of his movies' inspiration was from stories which his grandmom used to tell him as a child. Did you have someone narrating you such ghost stories? It's not just the stories but experiences which people share and also some incidents when I have scared people as a child, have all helped me somewhere while making spooky flicks. If you had to pick 3 films that gave you sleepless nights, which would they be? The Exorcist, Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche and Candy Man. A survey once said that the thing people fear the most is going to a dentist. Do you think that is true? Most probablyâ¦I used to be very scared of going to the dentist (laughs). You mostly dabble in crime/ gangster / horror - thriller genre. Don't you think you are losing out on a lot of kiddie audience because of this? You should not aim to satisfy everybody because it is practically not possible. Fear is a feeling when you are threatened by physical or emotional violence and it gets magnified especially if it comes from an unknown or a non-understandable source. You've had three releases in three months (Sarkar Raj in June, Contract in July and now Phoonk in August), all directed by you. How do you manage such a feat? Each film on an average took 45-50 days and it's just that I do nothing but make films. So it is not that difficult. Phoonk was made when the post-production of Sarkar Raj was going on. Does it bother you that your last release Contract didn't fare well at the B.O.? Obviously, when you are putting in that much of effort into making a film and it doesn't work it does bother you. What's next on your plate after Phoonk? I am making a film on the media. Any plans to produce films for new directors. Yes of courseâ¦the scripts are being worked upon. On a closing note, each person defines fear in his own way, how would you define fear? Fear is a feeling when you are threatened by physical or emotional violence and it gets magnified especially if it comes from an unknown or a non-understandable source.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:42 pm Prabhu re-shoots A.R.Rahman's "Taxi..."The peppy number of A.R.Rahman "Taxi... taxi..." in his recently released super hit album Sakkarakati has been re-shot by director Kala Prabhu.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:02 pm Phoonk is conflict between belief and atheism - Hindustan Times
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:02 pm Weddings bells for SwathiTamil actress Swathi, who made her debut against Vijay in film Deva will be marrying Srikanth, a Dubai based entrepreneur on 27th August.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 11:54 am Penelope Cruz hates acting in English
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Aug 2008 | 11:50 am Son rise again - Daily News & Analysis
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 11:49 am Conspiracy to foil KuselanPushpa Kandasamy, one of the producers of Rajinikanth's Kuselan commented that some people including a section of the media have been trying to pull down Kuselan even while it is successfully running.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 11:42 am Farhan Akhtar's 'Don 2' to go on floors next yearConfirming the news that he is making a sequel to 'Don - The Chase Begins', director-turned-actor Farhan Akhtar said he will start shooting the film with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role towards the end of next year.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Aug 2008 | 11:31 am Apex court refuses stay Chiranjeevi's rallyThe Supreme Court Thursday refused to stop Telugu film star Chiranjeevi from holding a rally Sunday at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh to formally launch his political party.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Aug 2008 | 11:31 am Payal returns with a bang in Bigg Boss - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 11:23 am Hot date with Bipasha in store for 'golden' VijenderMUMBAI (Reuters) - Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu has offered to go on a date with Indian boxer Vijender Kumar if he wins gold at the Beijing Olympics.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 21 Aug 2008 | 11:21 am Darsheel in Children of HeavenChild prodigy Darsheel Safary won everyone's hearts with his sensitive portrayal of dyslexic Ishaan Awasthi in Aamir Khan's directorial debut Taare Zameen Par. Since then, Darsheel has been seen endorsing many brands and has even made appearances at a number of social dos and award functions. However, he still was ...Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 11:14 am UNESCO honours Girish KarnadGirish Raghunath Karnad is a contemporary writer, playwright, actor, and movie director. After being honoured by the Government of India with the Padma Shri in 1974 and Padma Bhushan in 1992, there is barely anything this man has not achieved.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 11:13 am Kidnap, the story in pictures - Rediff
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 11:04 am Ex-beau stands by cancer stricken Jade GoodyLondon (ANI): Cancer-stricken Jade Goody's ex-beau Jack Tweed was spotted consoling her as they visited the Big Brother star's consultant in hospital. Mum-of-two was crying and visibly distressed at the wheel of her silver Bentley while Tweed was sitting on the passenger seat.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 11:03 am Mallika creates magic on Voice of IndiaMadame Mallika Sherawat surely knows how to draw maximum eyeballs, especially when her film release is around the corner. With Maan Gaye Mughall-e-Azam releasing this Friday, Mallika is leaving no stone unturned to publicize and promote the film.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 10:56 am Punjabi problems plague Singh is Kinng
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Aug 2008 | 10:46 am 'Singh Is Kinng' a flop in BiharAkshay Kumar-starrer 'Singh Is Kinng' has done good business all over the country andSource: India News | 21 Aug 2008 | 10:35 am 'Voice of India' Ishmeet Singh's only playback song releasedFans of Ishmeet Singh, the 19-year-old singing contest winner who died July 29 in the Maldives, will now be able to hear his only attempt at playback singing with the release of the music album of forthcoming Punjabi movie 'Sat Sri Akal'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Aug 2008 | 10:32 am What is Sambhavana Seth up to? - Buzz18 India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 10:10 am Kamal Haasan plans costliest Indian film
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Aug 2008 | 10:07 am Mallika Sherawat plays a 'bad' actorDownload image as wallpaper Playing a lousy actor is not an easy thing to do. Preity Zinta and Arshad Warsi have done it in Rituparno Ghosh's The Last Lear and Neeraj Vora's Shortkut, respectively. Now it's Mallika Sherawat's turn to play a member of the world's hammiest theatre group in the world in Maan Gaye Mughall-e-Azam. And apparently, Mallika has done a splendid job. However at the moment her morale is shaken. According to people who know her Mallika is shattered by the box-office performance of Ugly Aur Pagli and has gone into a shell. Says a co-star, "Mallika had given the film her best shot, and was expecting it to be a glorious follow-up to Pyar Ke Side Effects. The poor show of the film has affected her. She's no longer that confident of her next release Maan Gaye Mughall-e-Azam." And now Mallika has a harder task ahead. She has to prove herself playing a part of what is described in the film as the worst theatre company in the universe. So in essence Mallika has to play a bad actress in Maan Gaye Mughall-e-Azam. Rahul Bose who has done two films with Mallika feels she has immense talent. "Mallika is part of the theatre repertory in Maan Gayeâ¦. In fact all the principal actors Mallika, Paresh Rawal (who plays her husband), Kay Kay Menon and Zakir Hussain are part of the theatre group. I am not part of the theatre group. I'm a RAW agent who needs to save the world by taking the help of a theatre company containing probably the world's worst actors. So the world's worst theatre group is helping me to save the world." In essence, brilliant actors like Paresh and KK are required to ham it up. Laughs Rahul, "The only thing that this theatre group can do effectively on stage is a rendition of K. Asif's film Mughal-e-Azam. That's where my Salim act with Anarkali comes in. I am only fantasizing about being on stage with Mallika." Rahul has never done broad comedy before. "And I'm delighted by how good Mallika is at comedy. I'm the guy who tries to get her attention right under her husband Paresh Rawal's nose." It's Mallika's Murder in a mirthful milieu. Incidentally, the letter 'm', Mallika once agreed with me, was lucky for her. Her first hit was Murder. Her mentor was Mahesh Bhatt. And her first international break was in The Myth.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 21 Aug 2008 | 9:56 am MAAN GAYE...Zakir Hussain goes comic! - GlamSham
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 9:46 am It's Toronto Calling For Akki’s 'Singh is King' - TopNews
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 9:41 am Disgraced British glam rocker back in Bangkok - Reuters India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 9:01 am Vikram To team up with Aishwarya - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 7:40 am Kamal Haasan plans costliest Indian film - NDTV.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 6:16 am I owe my image of action star to Danny Denzongpa: Suniel ShettyActor-producer Suniel Shetty is all set to pay a tribute to his friend, philosopher and guide Danny Denzongpa by making a film for him.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Aug 2008 | 4:00 am Nikita Anand enters the world of SpiritualismToeing the footsteps of gorgeous Shipa Shetty, the 'Dil Dosti Etc' girl Nikita AnaSource: India News | 21 Aug 2008 | 3:17 am Punjabi dialogues scuttle 'Singh Is Kinng' run in BiharAkshay Kumar-starrer 'Singh Is Kinng' has done good business all over the country and overseas, but the romantic comedy is a flop in Bihar due to the heavy dose of Punjabi dialogues.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Aug 2008 | 2:00 am Lily Allen indulges in street fight row !Lily Allen attempted to punch a woman who hurled abuse at her outside a nightclub.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:37 am Abhishek-Aishwarya to play Ram-Sita in Mani Ratnam`s Ramayan!Imagine Abhishek Bachchan as `Maryada Purushottam Ram` and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as the docile and beautiful `Sita` in a period film on the epic Ramayan. Well, the imagination may soon turn out to be a reality as the ace director is actually intending to sign Abhi-Ash for his upcoming film on Ramayan. And guess who will be cast in the role of Hanuman? Well, it is none other than our comedy star Govinda, who will be seen playing the monkey God.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:37 am Britney Spears saddled with hefty legal fees !Troubled popstar Britney Spears has been burdened with huge legal fees, following her custody battle with ex-husband Kevin Federline.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:37 am Kids get ready, Noddy is coming to town!Comic book character Noddy, who wears a bright red cap with a bell on top, will endear himself to children during his first ever live show in India, starting here Wednesday.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:37 am Manyata`s ex gets six months imprisonment in obscene messages case!A local court here today sentenced six months imprisonment to former husband of actor Sanjay Dutt`s wife Manyata in a case of sending obscene messages to actress Nagma.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:37 am Golden couple Sridevi and Anil Kapoor to return with Mr India sequel !Yesteryear`s golden couple Sridevi and Anil Kapoor are all charged up to set the sparks again as they gear up for one of the most awaited sequels in the history of Indian cinema, `Mr India`.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:37 am `Singh Is Kinng` to be screened at Toronto film fest!The Akshay Kumar-starrer "Singh is Kinng" is among the 20 "special" films that will be screened at the Toronto International Film Festival beginning Sep 4, which will also see the premiere of Deepa Mehta`s "Heaven On Earth".Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:37 am Posh `fine` with Becks` Armani undie ad!English footballer David Beckham has revealed that his wife Victoria is `totally fine` about his baring his body to the whole world in the Armani`s underwear campaign.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:37 am First look of Bollywood film `C Kkompany` unveiled in Mumbai !Bollywood`s veteran actor turned producer Jeetendra unveiled the first look of his forthcoming film `C Kkompany` in Mumbai on Tuesday.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:37 am Kate Hudson trying to rekindle romance with Owen Wilson!Hollywood actress Kate Hudson is desperately trying to rekindle her romance with ex-flame Owen Wilson, it has emerged.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:37 am Roger Moore releases bond secretsBeing James Bond is not easy according to the 80 years old Second successful player in the legacy of the super spy series.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:00 am Priyankas precise planningThe debacle of the big budgeted Love Story 2050 has not affected Priyanka Chopras Bollywood moves in any way.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 21 Aug 2008 | 12:00 am Shammi Kapoor's son to play a negative roleBreaking the family tradition, Aditya Raj Kapoor, the fifty-plus son of legendary actSource: India News | 20 Aug 2008 | 5:08 pm Vishesh Films back with JashnAfter the musical hit Aashiqui, Vishesh Films is all set to repeat history with its latest offering Jashn with Adhyayan Suman as the lead. When Bollywood Hungama spoke to Adhyayan (who is now touted to be the latest blue eyed boy of the Bhatts), he confirmed the news but refused to comment anything further about the film. Speaking about the film, Mukesh Bhatt said, "Jashn will be directed by the duo of Raksha Mistry and Hasnain Hyderabadwala (of The Train fame) and will be produced by us. Let me also clarify that we are yet to finalize the leading lady and its definitely not Sonal Chauhan (as reported in certain sections of the media). This film will be the biggest musical by Mukesh Films till date. I am confident of the film's music and can easily assure you that it will be far more superior to even Jannat. With Jashn, we are introducing a Jaipur based sensational music director called Sharib. And mark my words that he will be the biggest music director in Bollywood within a mere span of one year! He is one guy whose tunes comes from the marrow of his bones. It's after a long time, that I have come across a 'Pure Musician'." When asked about the story of the film, Mukesh said, "It's a story of a 19 year old boy Akash (played by Adhyayan), and his ambition to become a rockstar in life. He is a part of this band called 'Jashn'. Beyond this, I cannot reveal anything." When we spoke to film's director Raksha, she said, "Though I cannot divulge anything at this moment, all I can tell you is that we are genuinely looking for a fresh face opposite Adhyayan because the character in the film demands one. I would also add that Jashn is basically a love story with a musical backdrop." Elaborating on Adhyayan's role, reliable sources close to the Bhatt camp said he is playing a budding musician who is initially careless towards life, and feels that getting a break in music is a cakewalk. Its only when he faces the harsh realities of life, does he realize how wrong he was. After that, he becomes tad serious about his career decision to make it big as a musician. In a nutshell, the film is basically about his pursuit to success and happiness, whilst becoming a musician. Sources also added that in order to do full justice to the role, Adhyayan is leaving no stone unturned by religiously attending guitar classes for three hours everyday, followed by rigorous acting sessions! The hunt for a girl is also on in the role of his sister. Lastly, Mukesh Bhatt signed off saying, "I am glad that T-Series got the music rights of Jashn, as they also happen to be the same music company who had earlier released Aashiqui. The shooting for shooting Jashn will begin next month and we are looking at a March 2009 release."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 20 Aug 2008 | 4:51 pm When Ranbir Kapoor met a GenieRanbir Kapoor was last seen serenading three beautiful women in last weekâs release Bachna Ae Haseeno. However, soon after the release of the film, the handsome hunk had quite a pleasant surprise awaiting him. One fine day as Ranbir was taking a stroll; he happened to kick a lamp accidentally and out popped a genie. Like any good genie does, Ranbir was granted three wishes by this genie too. So what did Ranbir wish for? Did his wishes come true? How did he feel after this special encounter with the Genie? To know the answers to these questions, check out this really funny video clip. Video Courtesy: www.magicbricks.comSource: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 20 Aug 2008 | 4:11 pm "After Juhi, Mallika is one actress who fits so easily into comedy" - Sanjay ChhelIn Bollywood, if there's one person who can prove wrong the saying 'Jack of all trades, Master of none', then, it has to be none other than Sanjay Chhel. For he is the man behind many a hit film that Bollywood has witnessed over the years. Films like Rangeela, Yes Boss, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, Khoobsurat, Partner, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya, Kismat Konnection bears the eternal stamp of Sanjay's brilliant work, as a writer. He has also directed films like Khoobsurat which starred Sanjay Dutt & Urmila Matondkar and Kya Dil Ne Kaha which starred Tusshar Kapoor and Esha Deol. The man is all set to take your breath away with his latest release Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam, the most awaited breezy-comedy film of the season starring none other than Madame Mallika Sherawat alongwith Rahul Bose and Paresh Rawal! Bollywood Hungama caught up with this man for an exclusive interview. Must say, it's surely one of the most interesting interviews ever! Read on and decide for yourselves! Your last directorial film was in 2002...why did it take you 5 years to make another one. I have been very engrossed in writing films like Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya, Partner, and Kismat Konnection. Moreover, I was not getting a proper project, producer, and set up and I didn't want to take any chances with my career. Anyways, as a writer, I am doing very well. I know I am not young but I have time to roll on. Although I must mention that after meeting Ratan Jain who has produced my film, I feel much secured as he is one person who allowed me to follow my vision as a thorough gentleman. He believed in me when I had lost faith in myself. That was a major reason for me to take up Maan Gaye Mughall-e-Azam. He allowed me to do what I found interesting and that was one prime reason that triggered me to do films after five years. Ratan Jain believed in me when I had lost faith in myself. Maan Gaye Mughall-e-Azam...how did this idea pop up in your head? I always wanted to do an out of the box comedy, a very different one, unlike the routine comical of four guys chasing a girl or a Malayalam remake. And I was bored and fed up writing such films; I wanted to make a film on the lines of Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron wherein the genre is class-apart, where the approach to comedy and characters is different; so I made a script about a theater group, an extra marital affair inclusive of all this there is comedy, thrill and social commitment. Maan Gaye Mughall-e-Azam is a mixture of all these elements. You can't exactly place the film in one particular genre; this is something I have never done before. Was taking Mallika Sherawat and Rahul Bose influenced by their chemistry in Pyaar Ke Side Effects? No, not really. When I started doing this film I had only Paresh Rawal in my mind. As the story progressed Rahul and Mallika joined the cast. So, it was not exactly a conscious decision but somewhere there is karmic connection and casting was just perfect. Tell us something about the storyline. It is a multi layered comedy about relationships, a theater group and its relevance. It's about the underworld and the hide and seek involved. That pretty much sums the story of Maan Gaye Mughall-e-Azam. It could have been a Romeo-Juliet, Laila-Majnu then why Mughal-e-Azam? The story of Mughal-e-Azam is part of Indian heritage it is more likely to connect with the audience more than what a Romeo-Juliet could. And I do not relate to Shakespearean drama. I connect more to Mughal-e-Azam and moreover it fits the Indian psyche perfectly. The story is not exactly spoofed but it will be clearer once you see the film. And I do not relate to Shakespearean drama. I connect more to Mughal-e-Azam Paresh Rawal and Rahul Bose have done theatre did Mallika Sherawat need extra training to learn the theatre ways? No, Mallika has also done theatre in the north and moreover she is a fantabulous actor. I admire her command over Hindi; I think after Juhi Chawla, Mallika is the next actress who fits so easily into comedy. Normally good looking girls have a problem with the comedy because they are too self obsessed by their glamorous image. But Mallika in addition to being selfless looks sexy and glamorous, and when she acts she makes it all look very easy. I fell in love with the way Mallika carries herself, and her improvisations, and the way she rehearses with Rahul, Kay Kay Menon, and Paresh Rawal. After Juhi Chawla, Mallika is the next actress who fits so easily into comedy. Have you ever been associated with theatre before? Yes, my father is an art director; he has been doing English, Marathi, Gujarati, and Hindi plays since the last forty years. I too have done theatre wherein I have acted with the likes of Paresh Rawal and Shafi Inamdaar. In fact, I have done my entire schooling from Gujarati theatre. I have learnt and succeeded in Hindi comic capers because of my experience in Gujarati theatre. If you pull out Gujarati writers from Hindi films, comedies will not work. Besides me, there is Neeraj, Vipul, Aatish, Imtiaz Patel and Milap who also emerge from Gujarati Theater and thus have a strong sense of comedy. How different do you find theatre from films? When a play starts we cannot control the actor or the scene. But when it comes to a film, the writer and director can control the entire content. Coming back to Maan Gaye Mughall-e-Azam, could you throw some light on Paresh Rawal and the other actor's roles in the film? Paresh is doing about four-five roles in the film, he's playing Akbar; he is playing a senior actor, an underworld don, a Ghazal singer. Probably after Hera Pheri this would be rated as his best performance. I think Paresh Rawal is one of India's best actors but despite that, he still improvises along with other actors, very casual, and very down to earth. His humility is such a striking feature about him unlike some actors. He is an underrated actor and critics have not given him his due but the people love him. Kay Kay Menon is a shaayar (poet), and Mallika plays a theater actress whilst Rahul Bose is a lover boy who is also involved in a mission. All of them are playing multiple characters. After Hera Pheri this would be rated as Paresh Rawal's best performance. How has your chemistry with the three actors been? It has been fantastic. Kay Kay was the surprise package and this is probably the first time he has done a full fledge comedy. And Paresh as always was very good as he is great actor. This would be Rahul's first time in such a comedy. Mallika is class-apart when it comes to the bright comedy. If I can put it, its like, Paresh is the soul of the film, Rahul is the mind of the film, Mallika is the body of the film and Kay Kay is the shadow. This would be the ideal way to describe the film and my interaction with them. Paresh is the soul of the film, Rahul is the mind of the film, Mallika is the body of the film and Kay Kay is the shadow. What kind of music has been given to the film? The music is very different and has a very out of the box contemporary style. Anu Mallik has given terrific music; he has used all the classical elements giving tribute to Mughal-e-Azam. He has also composed some ghazals in the film which are sung by Pankaj Udhas. The music is truly Indian, I just hope that the multiplex sensible audience would like it and appreciate it. What was the most difficult shot during the filming? According to me the most difficult scene is the climax shot wherein I am handling 20 to 30 actors at a time. Everyone has different a body language and emote differently and to catch it all and execute them well is a task. The most difficult scene is the climax shot wherein I am handling 20 to 30 actors at a time Could you share some memories of the film? There is a particular scene where Paresh is performing on the stage and Mallika is romancing with Salim and suddenly Pawan Malhotra enters the theater with Rahul chasing him, and the audience is going mad with laughter on seeing the whole chaos. The scene is very similar to the scene in the film, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron. The whole situation is very hilarious, very strenuous and difficult to shoot. Mallika has also done some sensuous shots under sea water, it was high-tide, in spite of that Mallika never once complained. I was getting scared wondering whether she would be able to manage or not but Mallika's dedication and daring attitude is commendable. She's a true professional. What other projects are you handling now in terms of direction and writing? I have been signed by Percept for a romantic comedy film and I am also doing a film for I Dream. However, all my films will have Paresh Rawal because without him I am handicapped, he is my anchor. I feel very secure with him.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 20 Aug 2008 | 3:28 pm Big B extends his support to Keith Vaz for diabetes appealBig B may be busy jet-setting across the world with his Unforgettable Tour but that doesn't stop him from extending a helping hand to socially relevant causes. The superstar will now join Indian origin M.P. Keith Vaz at the opening of new premises for diabetes charity in Leicester. The charity was launched by Vaz after he himself was diagnosed diabetic. Fans in Leicester are bound to throng the new premises in large numbers to get a dekko of Bollywood's biggest superstar. The new building of the Silver Star Appeal will help support the work of the Leicester-based charity which aims to raise awareness about diabetes and provide free blood sugar tests through mobile assessment units. Needless to say, Vaz is delighted to have Big B's support for this noble cause.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 20 Aug 2008 | 2:08 pm Darsheel to star in Priyadarshan's next directorial ventureChild prodigy Darsheel Safary won everyone's hearts with his sensitive portrayal of dyslexic Ishaan Awasthi in Aamir Khan's directorial debut Taare Zameen Par. Since then, Darsheel has been seen endorsing many brands and has even made appearances at a number of social dos and award functions. However, he still was playing the waiting game before signing his next film. Now it seems the wait is finally over. Darsheel would be seen playing the lead role in the remake of Oscar nominated film Children of Heaven. The remake would be directed by ace director Priyadarshan. Majid Majidi's Children of Heaven tells to story of young Ali and his sister Zahra and their adventures over a lost pair of shoes. Shooting for the remake, which is being produced by Percept Picture Company, commences on September 12. The film is expected to be ready by March 2009.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 20 Aug 2008 | 1:35 pm Girish Karnad honored with ambassadorship by UNESCOGirish Raghunath Karnad is a contemporary writer, playwright, actor, and movie director. After being honored by the Government of India with the Padma Shri in 1974 and Padma Bhushan in 1992, there is barely anything this man has not achieved. To top it all, Girish Karnad has now been honored with ambassadorship of UNESCO's International Theatre Institute. The Paris based organization has honored other personalities including British theatre and film director Peter Brook, Italian playwright Dario Fo, French theatrical legend Ariane Mnouchkine and German choreographer Pina Bausch. At the age of 70, he is a well-known and established theatre personality as his plays have been translated and produced in several languages. There is seriously nothing more that he could have wished for.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 20 Aug 2008 | 1:14 pm Singh is Kinng to be screened at the Toronto International Film FestivalNearly two weeks after its release, Akshay Kumar-Katrina Kaif starrer Singh Is Kinng continues to take the B.O. by storm raking in the moolah from all parts of the world. After creating new box-office records, the film has managed to achieve yet another milestone. Singh Is Kinng, the year's biggest hit, is headed to the glittering Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF 2008), one of the biggest cinematic events in the world. It will be one of the eleven coveted gala presentations to be screened at The Roy Thomson Hall on Sunday, 7th September, 2008. Singh Is Kinng finds itself in august company with ten celebrated top-notch Hollywood titles that include Kate Beckinsale- David Schwimmer starrer Nothing But the Truth, Edward Norton-Colin Farrell starrer Pride and Glory and George Clooney-Brad Pitt starrer Burn After Reading amongst others. Tickets to the gala are always in high demand, being high-profile star-studded events. The Singh Is Kinng celebration at the festival is tipped to be attended by Sandeep Bhargava, CEO of the investment adviser to Indian Films, producer Vipul A. Shah, director Anees Bazmee, and lead actors, Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 20 Aug 2008 | 12:49 pm
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