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Chiranjeevi celebrates a quiet birthday
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Aug 2008 | 5:37 pm Devdas rotting in Bangladesh
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Aug 2008 | 5:26 pm "Performing live is far more fulfilling experience than in front of camera" - Big B"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Firstly, our apologies for being late. We've just got off the plane from New York, baggage, getting dressed and trying to cope with the jet lag has been taking its toll. That's why I'm wearing dark glasses. I hope that you'll understand. It's been several years since I've been on a concert of this nature and I'm truly enjoying the experience. It's not my age to be on stage anymore but I'm being provoked by the youngsters and the younger generation. The fact that this is going to give me another opportunity to meet the fans and to be with the audiences has got me on board. We've had a wonderful trip so far and as we approach our last leg, we do look forward to giving it that little bit extra in the last miles, as we all say. Thank you for your support. Media, you've been wonderful with us throughout this tour and we hope you'll continue doing that. We truly appreciate the contribution of Wizcraft for putting up a show which has surpassed some of the previous efforts that have been done by us. Once again, Thank you so much for being here everyone". With this speech, everyone sitting in the Press Conference put their hands together for one man who has brought and is bringing the Indian Film Industry and it's lovers across the globe together with each passing day - The indispensable and the undisputed, Mr Amitabh Bachchan. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away. The Unforgettable Tour's London Press Conference was just that apt moment for those who love and cherish Indian Cinema. So, Bollywood Hungama's Devansh Patel brings you the exclusive chit-chat with the Unforgettable Stars from London's St James Park Hotel where the entire gang interacted with the U.K media, strangely, in a very fun loving and a humorous mood after a long one hour wait. Well, let me tell you, it was worth the wait! Being a live show, how did you physically train yourself to cope up with the stress levels? Amitabh Bachchan - Oh dear. Thank you for reminding that I need physical training (everyone laughs). I think that we all have a routine every morning or evening or whenever we work in front of the camera. When the show was initiated, I think that we needed to get a little more energy because there is a lot of singing and dancing. Being on stage live is a totally different experience from being in front of the camera where you have the benefit of re-takes. But yes, we've been doing our regular gyms and rehearsals for over three months and hopefully it's working well. Q. This goes out to everyone on the panel. Out of all the performances, except your own, whose performance did you enjoy the most? Amitabh Bachchan - Vishal and Shekhar (everyone laughs). Preity Zinta - We all liked each others performances but above all, Mr Bachchan's dialogues. That was my favourite part from the Tour. Riteish Deshmukh - I agree with Preity. I think when Amitji recites his lines, it's extremely emotional and gets difficult to perform after that. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - The whole show is awesome. We've genuinely enjoyed all the performances. But Pa's dialogues are just totally in the movement. Every entertainer works and performs for the audience. So it's the audience's response which is the most memorable at every venue. They've just been exceptional. Abhishek Bachchan - Having Dad on the Tour is a great honour for all of us present on the dais right now. Needless to say, he is a star attraction. Whenever he is on stage, everybody backstage just stops everything and focuses on his performance. Coupled with that, I'd like to believe that the show is very interactive and the way the audiences have performed has been truly unforgettable. Amitabh Bachchan - For me it's a little bit depressing backstage when I watch these youngsters move (other actors laugh) because I can't move like that now. I feel depressed and I hope that some day I'll be able to do what they do on stage. Abhishek Bachchan - Yes...so he comes out on the stage and knocks us straight out (other actors laugh). Vishal Dadlani - Yeah...and then comes out on the stage and says 'Aaj Khush Toh Bahut Hue Honge Tum, Haiii?' (Amitabh Bachchan laughs) Amitabh Bachchan - For me it's a little bit depressing backstage when I watch these youngsters move because I can't move like that now How strenuous has the schedule been for you so far? Preity Zinta - It's been hectic because we've been travelling the world over but it's been fun. I think the most hectic has been last nights travel. None of us has slept on the plane. But we're here in London and it's nice to see such a big gathering. There is a lot of excitement and fun associated with this Tour. So you don't feel the stress that much. How much of the show is really rehearsed and is there something somewhere, some kind of a surprise for the London show? Wiz Viraf Sarkari - The show is absolutely rehearsed. Preity Zinta - Not when Abhishek is there (laughs). Wiz Viraf Sarkari - We've been rehearsing before we kick started the show for about a month in Mumbai. Every last performance happens to be a rehearsal for the next performance. I think there are some special moments in the show especially when the stars are jamming into each others acts. How is the London show going to be different from the other shows you've done so far in the Unforgettable Tour? Amitabh Bachchan - Oh! (After a pause) We have Shilpa Shetty in this one (everyone laughs). Preity Zinta - When we had this show in San Francisco, my brother came for the show. I asked him how he found the show, to which he said that it is the best show he has ever seen because everything he knew about Indian Films was a part of this show. He could really identify with it. I think that's why the show is different and hope that you come and see and.... Abhishek Bachchan - (completes Preity's answer)....have the same opinion. Preity Zinta - Sorry I am a bit slow (laughs) Preity Zinta - In San Francisco, my brother came for the show. He said that it is the best show he has ever seen The Tour must have been a special one for you Mr Bachchan as you must have spent some quality time together with your family? Amitabh Bachchan - All of us are just one big family. It's not just the three of us. It is great fun being together. We often don't get time in Mumbai even though we are in the same city working on different films in different studios near by, live near each other. We do not get time to even see each other. That goes for the members of my immediate family as well. We all live under the same roof but many a times, days go by and we don't see each other because of our shooting schedules. But this has been a wonderful experience. We travel together, move together, perform together, laugh together, pull each others leg after the show is over. I hope that we can spend many more days like this. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - Riteish said something really sweet yesterday. He turned around and said that as soon as we go back, we all are just going to keep coming for breakfast and lunch and dinner as often as we can. We must meet up if we could because it's the Unforgettable Team should continue as we go back. We are beginning to feel it now. The time we've spent together has been so wonderful and we are all feeling the same way as Riteish. Is the brand Bachchan for world domination? Amitabh Bachchan - (After a pause) No! (everyone laughs) What sort of happiness do you get by doing a live performance as suppose to the one in front of the camera? Amitabh Bachchan - Good question. I think that when you're on stage and perform live, it is far more fulfilling experience than when you're performing in front of the camera not knowing what kind of reaction you'll get. Because here the reaction is immediate, because visually you can see what it's doing to you, what you're doing to the audience. I think it's a lot more satisfying which is why when Aishwarya said that it's the audiences performance which is keeping us going and on stage. When we hear the screams and the roars and the applause, that provokes us and gives us that extra energy to perform better. I doubt very much if that kind of experience happens in front of the camera. It's just a very muted performance without reactions. At the most you get the director coming out and telling you that it was a good shot. A lot of time passes since we start working on a film. Sometimes a year before you can actually get to hear that appreciation or not. Here this is a lot more enjoyable. How does this Tour compare with your other Tours? Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - The tour is unforgettable for multiple reasons. We always feel unfair when you ask us to compare the tour experiences, film experiences or any of our work experiences because each one at that given point of time is extremely special. We give our all to it and we come out all enriched with experience that down the line if you ask us to choose, it's like telling a mother to choose between her kids. But this Tour, personally for me, is extremely special because this is my first tour with the love of my life (hugs Abhishek) and it's his first world tour. It will always be like...We did this together. It's again special because it's got my mother-in-law and she is here with us too. Moments spent with her were memorable and will be cherish for a long long time (everyone claps). Preity Zinta - I'd like to be a bit humorous. Actually, this is the first time that another heroine has taken care of me. So, if I go to have lunch or dinner at her apartment or room, she always serves me and takes care of me. So, I think that's pretty unforgettable (all laugh). I've always been pampered by Ash and there will never be a Tour like this again. So I'd like to thank Wizcraft and Mr Bachchan and everyone on this Tour. As a performer, it's a different story all together seeing Mr Bachchan perform. And really...I've grown up watching Sholay and watching his films. So it's amazing and I know that such thing will never happen again (all applaud). Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - I'd like to add the fact that even though today I'm family and I do call him 'Pa' and that kind of comfort level, you know but it's just over a year now since I'm a part of the Bachchan family. I've been a part of this industry for a while and to grow up watching Pa's films is an honour. It's a dream to be doing this show with him. I am so glad Pa agreed to be a part of this Tour. He is a legend here... Amitabh Bachchan - (humorously)....This is getting extremely embarrassing and I'd like to leave now with your kind permission (all laugh out loud). Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - No way. Amitabh Bachchan - Stop!! (then smiles) Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - You're too sweet (laughs) This is your first world tour Riteish. How's the experience been like and what steps have you taken to support the climate change which is associated with this tour? Riteish Deshmukh - It's quite strange because I just finished shooting a film with Amitji. (looking at Mr Bachchan) Sorry Amitji, apologies but I had to mention it. As a child when I used to watch his films I was like ....Oh man! It's Amitabh Bachchan film. I never dreamt that one day I'd be doing a film with him. To share any kind of screen space and stage space with him is an honour and I'll always cherish it. The day when Abhishek called me for the world tour about a year and a half back, I immediately said, 'Let's go and have fun'. They've really taken care of me. As I've mentioned before many times that I am the youngest member of the Tour and the youngest one is the most loved one. I got to know Vishal and Shekhar and Preity a lot more through this tour. I got to know Ash know as well better. I am glad that because of Wizcraft, this day has seen the light of the day. About the climate change, about couple of years ago, I got aware of the seriousness of this issue and what we could do to help it. I watched the ads all over and people talking about it. I do what I can do to support this cause and I think we need to take actions at our own level to make a change at a larger level. You are an artiste who doesn't return annually for tours be it at various intervals of your career. Frank Sinatra once quoted that each tour has its own memories and emotions that are associated with that phase of your life you're in. What does the Tour represent to you and how have things changed in the three decades you've spent bringing our cinema to international shores? Amitabh Bachchan - I think initially what it demonstrates is the resilience of Indian cinema and the fact that our presentations and our performances and the way we come out to perform has not only increased in numbers but increased in the way it's presented. I keep repeating this story again and again. In 1973, I came out here with Jaya and was invited for a show in Southall and there were five people in the theatre. Two were Jaya's relatives and there were three ushers. Now we've matured to huge venues and a large number of people coming out to see us, the most memorable for me was at the Wembley Stadium. So every year with the awareness of Indian Cinema growing across Indian shores and different parts of the world, this is great news and if we can through our concerts and meet and greets and our performances create that atmosphere where our films are going to be watched by a larger number of people then I'm very happy to be associated with this. The entire film fraternity - my colleagues, my seniors, my juniors, they've all worked very hard with a great amount of confidence and aggression to make sure that the legacy of Indian cinema continues. Amitabh Bachchan- In 1973, I came out here with Jaya and was invited for a show in Southall and there were five people in the theatre. Two were Jaya's relatives and there were three ushers. What is the nature of your relationship with the Indians in India and abroad? Amitabh Bachchan - Well, primarily we're really proud of our country, our history, our culture. It goes to thousands of years. We're proud of the fact that we fought for our Independence and the largest democracy in the world and we're really proud now that the way India is progressing after the economic liberalisation. India today is a recognised force and I hope to see that India is no longer referred to as the third world country or a developing nation and should be referred to as developed nation (everyone applauds). Those that chose to go out of India and settle abroad and work, one must acknowledge their desire to do so but what I have noticed is that in spite of them going out and settling abroad, they still have never forgotten their roots and that's why we come and relate with them. You've been writing on your blog throughout the Tour. Are you really enjoying the process of writing it? Amitabh Bachchan - I've not been just writing during the tour. I'm now on Day 120 (i) and as soon as I get off from this Press Conference, I'll start the Day 121. I just feel that it's a wonderful medium to express myself, to express thoughts and ideas that come to me, to be able to connect to my fans and well wishers on a daily basis and an immediate basis. I know that the media, through its wonderful medium, will transfer the relationship that we have with you through your newspapers and television. Blog is something where we get to talk to them directly. We get their responses directly. It's a wonderful experience and I don't have to see the morning papers to check out what I said or what my reactions are or to wait for a week or a month to get a feedback in reverse as to what that particular article meant to several people. I write my thoughts and within seconds, at times even faster, I get a response and that's marvelous. I think very large percentage of those who visit my blog are complimenting. There are abuses as well, there is dislike and debate and there is discussion too. I encourage that. I do not ask my server to monitor any remarks that comes to me because I think it's important to give space to people who do not agree with you. It's wonderful to know that the whole world does not have to necessarily agree with what you have to say just because you happen to be a film star. I'm very happy what I'm doing and hope to continue that (everyone applauds). Who was the brain behind this Tour and who selected whom for this Tour? Amitabh Bachchan - All of us, everyone's brains. All of us selected each other (everyone laughs and then applauds). There are so many other causes to support. So why only climate change, why not poverty? Climate change is a western cause which is finding its way back home in India. Did you find the cause or did the cause find you? Amitabh Bachchan - When IIFA was celebrated in Yorkshire, that's the first time two years ago that Wizcraft International and the founding committee decided that we would acknowledge the cause of global warming. There was an association called 'Global Cool' which was based outside England and we joined hands with them and are very strongly behind it. When we took this cause with this tour, we thought that this was something universal. We felt it would be out of place to be performing in Houston for a village in India and we felt that if we're touring the entire world, we should look at a cause that encompasses everyone. I think that all of you would agree that global warming is indeed a universal cause that all of us should look after. You mentioned it being a cause too western. I think that is not entirely correct. I think all of us are victims of global warming. It could be that the U.S and the developed world is largely responsible for the emissions. But in time to come with India developing and the kind of development that is taking place, we will also be victims of the same kinds of emissions and therefore perhaps the West is trying to warn us to take pre active measures before we get into a situation that they are in now presently. I think that is very wise. At this year IIFA in Bangkok we had the good fortune of honoring Dr Pachauri whose work on environment got him the noble peace prize. During his lecture which he gave at the business forum, we were made aware of several other factors which we were terribly excited and moved with. One was the idea of growing more trees and joining a campaign of a billion tree program. I'm happy to state that we have now managed to go beyond the billion figure. Dr Pachauri also stated that 33% of the world is still without electricity. It's a little contrary to global warming to try and work with electricity. But he wanted to use Solar energy to try and get electricity to the villages. A large number of that 33% comes from India. Hopefully, through this Tour we will be able to at least contribute to one village. As the Tour goes to different countries we want to increase the number of villages we can lend our support to. He has given us all a solar lantern. It's a kind of system that is well prevalent now in some of the villages in India and we hope to be able to propagate that (all stand and applause).Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 22 Aug 2008 | 3:42 pm Akshay gets 'Unbuttoned' in style for Levi'sThere is simply no stopping the 'Khiladi' or should we say 'Kinng of Bollywood'- Akshay Kumar. After delivering one of the biggest hits of his career Singh is Kinng, Akki is surely on cloud nine. And if you thought that its time for Akshay to sit back and relax, you couldn't be further from the truth. Yesterday we had informed you of Akshay being signed on as the brand ambassador of popular denim brand Levi's and today we bring you some exclusive sizzling hot pics from the promotional campaign that Akki shot for. Akshay Kumar is known to have a certain comfort level with the fairer sex and even here he is seen setting the screen on fire with US supermodel Sara. The actor shot for the commercial in USA recently along with some foreign models. Akki will be launching the 501 Jeans of Levi's and the campaign is based on the theme of 'Live Unbuttoned'. Hence, it's no wonder that the beautiful American model is seen unbuttoning Akki's jeans. As for Akki, he seems to be having a lot of fun in showing his chiseled torso while getting 'unbuttoned' by a super hot babe. What else can we say except that Some Guys have all the fun!!!Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 22 Aug 2008 | 3:32 pm Chunky turns Ramu into 'Shamu'Chunky Panday is doing a caricature of Ram Gopal Varma called Sham Gopal Varma inSource: India News | 22 Aug 2008 | 1:55 pm Singh is Kinng invited at Toronto Fest - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 1:44 pm Soha Ali Khan wanted to become a journalistMadhur Bhandarkar saw Nishikant Kamath's Mumbai Meri Jaan and he's blown away by Soha Ali Khan's performance. "Every actor is fantastic. But Soha is a revelation," says Madhur.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 1:42 pm Kim Sharma busy down SouthTo many of you it may appear that the bubbly and chirpy girl of Mohabbatein Kim Sharma is lying low or has vanished from the glamour vicinity.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 1:35 pm Black and White - ReviewSeveral films have come with treason by extremists as the backdrop. In most of the cases, the extremists made use of religion, politics as the source to show extremism. Director Srikanth, went a step ahead, and tried family system too as a source in this regard. Once again the Telugu ...Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 1:15 pm Phoonk is not a ghost story: Ram Gopal Varma - Hindustan Times
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 1:10 pm Faded rocker Glitter finally returns to Britain - International Herald Tribune
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 1:04 pm 'Bigg Boss' host Shilpa Shetty hurt over Rakhi's allegationThis week has been really tough on actress Shilpa Shetty, who is hosting the second sSource: India News | 22 Aug 2008 | 12:57 pm Ayesha Dharkar in 'Coronation Street'
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Aug 2008 | 12:33 pm 'Only copy' of first 'Devdas' in damaged state in Bangladesh - Hindu
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 12:05 pm Madhumitha to wed her loverKudaikkul Mazhai fame actress Madhumitha has decided that it is the apt time to step into family life. She is going to marry her actor boy friend Siva Balaji soon. The actress was introduced by actor-director Parthiban.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 12:02 pm Chiranjeevi celebrates birthday quietly with familyFour days before he formally launches his political party, Telugu film star and wannabe-politician Chiranjeevi Friday celebrated his 53rd birthday quietly with his family.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Aug 2008 | 12:02 pm 'Mumbai Meri...' an honest attempt to delve into communal psycheFilm: 'Mumbai Meri Jaan'; Cast: Kay Kay Menon, Irrfan Khan, Soha Ali Khan, Madhavan, Paresh Rawal, Vijay Maurya; Director: Nishikant Kamat; Rating: ** and 1/2Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Aug 2008 | 12:01 pm Kirsten Dunst scared of singing
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Aug 2008 | 11:57 am Review: Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam - NDTV.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 11:55 am Review: Mumbai Meri Jaan - NDTV.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 11:55 am Leave me alone: Shilpa Shetty
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Aug 2008 | 11:53 am Aval Peyar Tamilarasi launched!Moser Baer's new movie Aval Peyar Tamilarasi has been launched in a simple function held at Hotel Green Park Chennai.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 11:47 am Billoo Barber, Dostana evade clashOff late there has been a lot of speculation about Shahrukh Khan's home production, the Priyadarshan directed Billoo Barber, releasing alongside Karan Johar's Tarun Mansukhani directed Dostana. However, as per our reliable trade and distribution sources, there is not even an ounce of truth in that.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 11:25 am Big B brings in light of hope
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Aug 2008 | 11:21 am Shilpa hits back at RakhiThis week has been really tough on Shilpa Shetty. First Jade Goody's traumatic adieu. Then a member of her own film fraternity Rakhi Sawant was heard telling TV channels that a contestant on Bigg Boss must have been changed because of Shilpa.Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 11:20 am Anaganagaa Oka Aranyam commences shootShooting of Anaganaga Oka Arayanyam directed by G Sekhar Chandra and produced by T Sultan under the banner of Happy Movie Creations with Kaushal, Sairabanu and Ekta Trivedi was launched at Bhoot Bungalow in Jubilee Hills of Hyderabad on Thursday. The film is being simultaneously made in Telugu and Hindi languages. ...Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 11:20 am Green Chic-Finding Dad ready to rollOver the last few years, there has been a lot of buzz happening in the animation scene in India. After successfully producing and releasing My Friend Ganesha (a 2D composite animated film) in 2007, Koffee Break Pictures Ltd is all set to roll out their next animation feature film Green ...Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 11:15 am Ajantha audio launchedThe audio of Ajantha directed and produced by Rajpa Ravishankar under the banner of Ellora Movie Club Inc., with Saikiran, Srinath and Vandana Gupta in the lead was launched at Prasad Labs in Hyderabad recently. Popular producer C Kalyan released the audiocassettes and CDs and handed over the copies to senior ...Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 11:13 am Reliance Big enters US mobile content marketThe Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG)-promoted Reliance Big Entertainment Friday announced the US launch of Jump Games, a publisher and developer of mobile video games.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Aug 2008 | 10:00 am "At one point I wanted to be a journalist" - Soha Ali KhanDownload image as wallpaper Madhur Bhandarkar saw Nishikant Kamath's Mumbai Meri Jaan and he's blown away by Soha Ali Khan's performance. "Every actor is fantastic. But Soha is a revelation," says Madhur. Soha is very proud of her new film Mumbai Meri Jaan. "I was surrounded by powerhouse actors like Paresh Rawal, KayKay Menon, Irrfan, Madhavan. I was the least experienced of the lot. And I was apprehensive." Soha plays a television journalist. "At one point I wanted to be a journalist. Then I was at the receiving end. Now after playing a TV journalist in Mumbai Meri Jaan, I'm more sympathetic towards the media's job. I understand why they need to ask uncomfortable questions. Of course I still won't answer personal questions. But I understand the journalist has a right to ask what he or she wants to." Soha didn't need to do too much research to play the journalist. "My job brings me into daily contact with the media. And I watch the news closely. Recently, when we had 23 bomb attacks in 24 hours I watched the full coverage. There's too much of desensitized, lurid, sensational coverage on television. I play one of those hard-nosed TRP-driven journalists. I play a journalist who forgets that during those times, the people being interviewed are human. Then I undergo a crisis and change." In Dil Kabaddi, Soha is paired with Irrfan for the first time. "Though we're together in Mumbai Meri Jaan we don't have scenes together. I told him at the beginning of Dil Kabaddi to please advise me if needed. Yes, I'm open to advise provided it's done without lecturing and it should be given after I'm well fed."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 22 Aug 2008 | 9:33 am Akshay charges a whopping Rs15 crore for unbuttoning his jeans! - Zee News
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 7:31 am 'Phoonk' star Amruta learns acting from child artisteMarathi actress Amruta Khanvilkar, who plays a significant role in Ram Gopal Varma'sSource: India News | 22 Aug 2008 | 6:12 am Bigg Boss host Shilpa Shetty hurt over Rakhi Sawant's - Sify
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 5:33 am When Bipasha kissed Deepika! - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 4:33 am 'Bigg Boss' host Shilpa Shetty hurt over Rakhi Sawant's allegationThis week has been really tough on actress Shilpa Shetty, who is hosting the second season of 'Bigg Boss'. First Jade Goody's traumatic adieu and then item girl Rakhi Sawant's allegation that a contestant on the show has been changed because of her manoeuvres.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Aug 2008 | 3:30 am I don't rule out forming a band: Farhan AkhtarAfter playing a musician in 'Rock on', director-turned-actor Farhan Akhtar says that the film has changed his attitude towards rock music and he might form his own band. 'My entire take on rock music has been tweaked after this film. Music was something I had put aside to make movies. Now I want to pursue music keenly,' Farhan, who debuts as an actor with the film, told IANS in an interview. 'I don't rule that out. If ever there was a desire in me to be part of a music band, it's now. I wouldn't like to ignore this desire in me now because two years from now I'll regret it,' said Farhan who directed hits like 'Dil Chahta Hai' and 'Don - The Chase Begins'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Aug 2008 | 3:01 am Director Sudhir Mishra adopts his homeless heroAcclaimed filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, who signed underprivileged boy Sikandar Aggarwal for his ready-for-release 'Tera Kya Hoga Johnny', is making sure that the 17-year-old teenager doesn't revert to his old life.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Aug 2008 | 3:00 am Indian collectors and the enfant terrible of art - Business Standard
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Aug 2008 | 12:06 am Dev Anand Announces Two International ProjectsEver feeling as younger legend of Bollywood, 84 years old Dev Anand has announced two international English projects which are close to his hearts.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 22 Aug 2008 | 12:00 am Lara now knows the real village lifeLara Dutta experienced a different way of leading life that she had till now only read, heard or seen in other movies.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 22 Aug 2008 | 12:00 am Big Boss for Sherlyn? Only if she gets a great incentive!With Jade Goody on her way back to UK, speculations are rife whether bikini babe Sherlyn Chopra will be replaced with her in Bigg Boss to boost up the hoopla.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 22 Aug 2008 | 12:00 am KIDNAP - A power tussle between Sanju baba and ImranFrom Sanjay Gadhvi, the master-director of mega blockbusters like Dhoom and Dhoom: 2, Kidnap is a high-octane edge-of-the-seat drama about a power tussle between a young boy and the father of the girl he kidnaps.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 22 Aug 2008 | 12:00 am Box office analysisYASH RAJ FILMS finally have a success in their hands. After four back to back flops (LAAGA CHUNARI MEIN DAAG, AAJA NACHLE, TASHAN, THODA PYAAR THODA MAGIC) which boasted of big names like Rani Mukherjee, Abhishek Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Anil Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan, a film like BACHNA AE HASEENO with one film old Ranbir Kapoor has taken aSource: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 22 Aug 2008 | 12:00 am New look Kareena for ParisThe Czarina of Bollywood is literally going places. Sources reveal that the actress is off to Paris for a hush hush shoot. Further investigation reveals that she is actually going to shoot a very cool campaign.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 22 Aug 2008 | 12:00 am Akshay is the new man of Levi StraussSo Akshay Kumar has clinched a brand endorsement that suits his dare devil tough personality the most.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 22 Aug 2008 | 12:00 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", directSource: India News | 21 Aug 2008 | 6:59 pm Live Chat: Hiten Paintal on August 22 at 1600 hrs ISTAll of those who saw the recent blockbuster Bachna Ae Haseeno came out being tad impressed with not just with the hunky Ranbir Kapoor, but also Hiten Paintal, who happens to be the 'rising-son' of the legendary Paintal, one of the most comical actors that Bollywood has witnessed. Hiten, who became a household name with his presence in serials, has now bid adieu to the idiot box and said 'Hello' to the silver screen. We know that you all must be dying to know the reason why. Not just this, but for all the other questions that you were wanting to ask about this dreamy man, but did not know whom to ask, then, search no further, as Bollywood Hungama brings Hiten Paintal only for you. You can have a heart-to-heart chat with him on August 22 at 1600 hrs IST.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 Aug 2008 | 5:23 pm 'Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam' a different comedy, says directorWatch my film because it's different, says writer-director Sanjay Chhel of his latest offering 'Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam' starring Mallika Sherawat and Rahul Bose that releases Friday.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Aug 2008 | 4:32 pm Chiranjeevi hails Supreme Court order on Tirupati meetTelugu actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi Thursday hailed the Supreme Court verdict allowing him to hold a public meeting at the temple town of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh Aug 26 to formally launch his political party.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Aug 2008 | 4:03 pm 'Phoonk' star Amruta learns acting from child artisteMarathi actress Amruta Khanvilkar, who plays a significant role in Ram Gopal Varma's 'Phoonk', says she has learnt a lot about acting from her nine-year-old co-star Ahsaas Channa.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Aug 2008 | 3:32 pm ''Why is Rakhi Sawant talking like this?'' - Shilpa ShettyThis week has been really tough on Shilpa. First Jade Goody's traumatic adieu. Then a member of her own film fraternity Rakhi Sawant was heard telling TV channels that a contestant on Big Boss must have been changed because of Shilpa. When questioned about Rakhi's allegation, Shilpa says she's appalled. "I don't even want to talk about her. But I was very hurt. I really like Rakhi . Why was she talking this way about me without knowing the facts? How does she know the facts about how contestants were chosen? I don't think it's right for anyone to shoot off her mouth in this way. You may have an outspoken image that you're always eager to uphold. But please don't flaunt that image at my cost." Shilpa was also appalled by her effigies being burnt. Apparently, Ramdas Atahavle was approached to go into the house. He claims he was dropped because of Shilpa's manoeuvres. The actress doesn't know whether to laugh or cry at this. "It's the channel's prerogative to select or reject a candidate. Until two days prior to the show, I didn't even know who was going. The format doesn't allow the host to know the contestants .Mr Athavle claims he was dropped on discriminatory grounds because he was a Dalit and Sanjay Nirupam was taken instead." Shilpa is outraged. "Why was I being blamed if a candidate didn't make it into Big Boss? Why were they throwing stones at the channel Colors' office and burning my effigy? They even held a dharna in Lonavla in front of the Big Boss house. Why me? Every time I'm associated with something people try to use my name for their own purposes. Please leave me alone." Taking a deep breath Shilpa laughs. "I think I should take all this attention as a compliment. But somewhere it does take its toll on my mental equilibrium. We all need to be more responsible about our duties as a citizen. My phone went ballistic on Tuesday. I'm in the midst of a dozen things and then to be badgered like this! I'm human and I don't like my name being constantly used. Don't hit where it hurts the most. I think they should start auctioning my effigies." Laughs Shilpa, "But really, Rakhi Sawant takes the cake. What authority does she have to make such charges against me? I'd have Rakhi know that it's the channel's prerogative to decide the participants. I'm hired by the channel to do a job. My jurisdiction is to go on stage and host the show." Shilpa wants police action against the practice of burning effigies. "It's really very sad that known people are subjected to this. It's very degrading?"Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 Aug 2008 | 3:29 pm Green Chic - Finding Dad, an animation film promoting vegetarianismClick above for more stills Over the last few years, there has been a lot of buzz happening in the animation scene in India. After successfully producing and releasing My Friend Ganesha (a 2D composite animated film) in 2007, Koffee Break Pictures Ltd is all set to roll out their next animation feature film Green Chic - Finding Dad. It's a 2D animation film promoting vegetarianism. Green Chic - Finding Dad is the story of a chick named Chiclet and his family who are living happily in the jungle. One day the parents of Green Chic are walking in the jungle, when fate suddenly takes a turn and the mother chick is captured by a human for his selfish purpose. The father chick in an attempt to save his wife also gets captured by the human, unable to fight against the human strength. Learning about his parent's fate the Chiclet treads on a path to find his Dad and decides with determination that he will rescue his only surviving parent from the clutches of the humans. In this journey from jungle to the city, Chiclet, along with his friends Ginger (Monkey) and Quacky (Duck) come across various hardships during which he gets to make new friends as well as enemies. Chiclet, against all odds, braves the city life and encounters all sorts of city dangers. Talking on the film Mr.Apurva Shah, Producer, Koffee Break Pictures says "This film is very dear and close to our heart. We are attempting to show the world that we should love animals and let them live just as we live freely. Our objective is to spread awareness among the youth about the atrocities caused on animals and learn to respect them. Through this film we would also like to discourage consumption of non-vegetarian food which is one of the prime reasons of Global Warming." Green Chic - Finding Dad is conceived, written and directed by Sudhir Mehta. It's a first-of-its kind animation film in Hinglish. Interestingly, Green Chick also sets a benchmark by being the first Indian Animation film based on an originally coined character. The film is slated for a nationwide release in the month of November and will have simultaneous theatrical release in the international markets as well.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 Aug 2008 | 3:27 pm Akshay Kumar signed as the brand ambassador for Levi'sAfter the unprecedented success of the Anees Bazmee directed Singh Is Kinng, Akshay Kumar has been 'Singh-ing' all his way to the bank. The film has not just upped his Bollywood status, but has also made him the advertiser's darling. After endorsing brands like Thums Up and Grasim, Akshay has now been roped in as the Brand Ambassador for the American Jeans and casual wear manufacturer, Levi Strauss, for launching its brand Levi's 501 in India. According to reliable sources, Akshay has been paid a whopping sum for the endorsement of the jeans brand, whose ads have been shot in some of the most stunning locations of Los Angeles. These ads are expected to go on air from the last week of this month. It's about time that we say (read 'declare') that being 'Akshay Kumar' has got its own merits. What say, Akki!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 Aug 2008 | 3:22 pm Dev Anand plans two international projects after 'Chargesheet'Octogenarian Dev Anand has started shooting for his ambitious project 'Chargesheet' and says after completing it, he will make two international film.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Aug 2008 | 3:02 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
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