Dad really loved Dostana: Abhishek

Abhishek Bachchan is on cloud nine after the recent success of Dostana and said that his father Big B also liked the film. 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2008 | 5:16 pm

Shahid Kapur goes underground

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapur has got a new look for Vishal Bharadwaj's <I>Kaminay</I>, but he is keeping it under wraps. Shahid has been so particular about not revealing his new look that he has stopped making public appearances - the actor missed the trial show of <I>Dostana</I> because he wanted to avoid media there. He will continue to do so till the promos of the movie are released. 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2008 | 4:29 pm

"I was making a few mistakes, I learnt from them" - Neha Dhupia

Download image as wallpaper Neha Dhupia isn't shying away from admitting that she made quite a few wrong choices in her five year long career. She has seen hits and flops at regular intervals but 2007 onwards; she is being seen in a different light altogether. While she is doing Mithya with as much as ease as Singh Is Kinng, soon after Dasvidaniya, she is appearing in Maharathi. A planned move? "For me, the most important thing is the fact that I am enjoying it all. There are these so-called commercial projects and then also the other kind of films that I am doing. There is a very definite line between the two. I am not undermining the 'masala' fare but seriously, films like Mithya, Dasvidaniya and now Maharathi are made from the heart. These are the kind of films that are made for the love of cinema. I am enjoying being a part of both kinds of films", Neha says happily. So the balancing act would continue? "Pretty much so", Neha says promptly, "I have to feel good with the kind of work I do and currently I am very happy. However, let me clarify that not even for a single minute am I saying no to big commercial cinema. After all, that's where I have my maximum accessibility to audience. These are the films that have maximum reach and more and more people want to watch them since they wish to leave their worries back home. So yes, I would be seen in all kinds of cinema." She goes on to add, "Today when I sign a movie, I make sure that my role has to be good. Length is not the deciding factor. Also, I don't see a project as commercial or offbeat. I check whether there is something about a project which is good. Something has to come out of it, whether cinematically or commercially. There should be at least one set of target audience where it is guaranteed to work. This is why not you would see me either as a part of a good film or a good project." The change doesn't seem sudden though. She would have certainly planned it all out while choosing the distinct projects that she is seen in today? Says Neha, "If you have to look ahead, you have to see what you have left behind as well. It is plain and simple mathematics. I took two steps back to make sure that I could take four steps forward." And what made her do that? "Honestly, I was not enjoying the work I was doing at all. But no, let me not say that I was being misguided. Puhleeeze, they were my decisions and no one else was responsible for the work that I did. Today, I can gladly look back and say that yes, I was facing a storm but I braved it. I was making a few mistakes; I learnt from them and moved on." The future looks good though, isn't it, what with 2009 also showcasing her in a variety of roles? "Yes, I can confidently say that 2009 would be even better. There are movies like Raat Gayi Baat Gayi and I Am 24 which are completed and should release early 2009. Then I have also just completed Pappu Can't Dance Saala which is another amazing film. Raftaar with Emraan Hashmi is a film I am looking forward to as this is commercial and yet so demanding as an actor. I would also be beginning work on Priyadarshan's De Dana Dan with Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif. So as you see, quite some variety at play", smiles Neha.
Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 4 Dec 2008 | 3:59 pm

Prabhu Deva's son dies

Actor, dancer and director Prabhu Deva's son Vishal aka Basavraj passed away on Thursday morning. Vishal had been battling cancer for a long time. Prabhu Deva said though he knew it would happen, he had hoped they would have more time with Vishal. 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2008 | 3:46 pm

Kim Sharma goofs up with the National Flag

Bollywood is one place where anything and everything is possible and believable. Right from the medium built (but good looking) hero bashing up a thousand villains single handedly, cars fly with the speed of light, so on and so forth! All of this can be well digested and believed by all the cine-goers, which has been the tradition since long. But what is not happening or unpardonable is when our very own Bollywood resident, who go blah-blah about how he/ she loves the country and that they can go upto the extent of sacrificing their lives for our country etc...etc... all this and much more, by wearing our prestigious national flag upside down! Sounds so very strange and confusing na? Well, so were we when we saw the 'now-I'm-hot-now-I'm-not' actress Kim Sharma, who had participated with millions of others in the Peace Protest March that was held at the Gateway of India yesterday. Agreed that Kim was there with crystal clear emotions to show her solidarity and support towards the dead who sacrificed their lives for India, but what really took the daylight out if us is that she was wearing the Indian flag upside down! We just can't ignore such acts! Hope this serves as an eye opener to all those who plan to wear the country flag. The 'official' colour and order is saffron, white and green! We are really sorry, but this is not the place whereby one can commit a national crime (by dishonoring the flag) and tell us "Bhavnaaon ko samjho" (Please understand the emotions). To such people, all that we have to say is "First understand our country and its flag".
Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 4 Dec 2008 | 3:22 pm

Jolie steals the show

Actress Angelina Jolie dazzled crowds when she wore a white L'Wren Scott dress for the premiere of her partner Brad Pitt's new movie <I>The Curious Case of Benjamin Button</I> in New Orleans recently. 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2008 | 2:57 pm

Katrina Kaif features in the December issue of Vogue

She is what one would call as the 'proverbial lucky Kat'. We are referring to none other than our very own Katrina Kaif, whose looks are enough to make a million dollars look worthless! All this and much more...only on the elite fashion magazine 'Vogue'. The lady needs to be applauded with a standing ovation for keeping her public life public and private life private! Not just that, she was committed to give this interview to the Vogue magazine, but the behind-the-screen, fact remains that she had just come from a whopping 19-hour shoot in New York, where she was shooting for YRF's (tentatively titled film) New York that stars John Abraham and Neil Nitin Mukesh. Lucky twosome, na! The magazine's photographer seems to be the less of a photographer and more of a magician. How else would you describe the swift transformation of the actress Katrina to angel Katrina in the snaps! Katrina, on her part tells the readers that, "Actors feel lost without all the attention. I am most comfortable in front of 300 people on a set. Otherwise, I am lost. It's too much quiet, too much alone". There are some of the other gems that Kats has spoken in this endearing interview, but we do not want to play the spoilsport by telling it all. Get your hands on Vogue for that!
Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 4 Dec 2008 | 1:40 pm

"I really have no say" - Dino Morea

Click above for more movie stills Dino Morea can't help but shrug away in sheer despair as he sees an age old film of his being promoted all over again on satellite channels en route to it's Friday's release. Worse, the film is being marketed as a sleaze flick when it is actually a mystery thriller. We are talking about Gumnaam - The Mystery which was incidentally known as Gumnaam - The Unknown when it's promos started coming on air first 4 years back. Quiz Dino on the delayed release of the film and all the young man has to say is, "I really have no say, it's a five year old film." When the film was launched, Gumnaam - The Mystery seemingly boasted of an interesting cast. Coming together of Dino Morea, Mahima Chaudhary and Suman Ranganathan sounded quite fresh and surprising due to it being unique and unpredictable. At that time, each of the three actors was coming from different stream of films altogether because Dino was juggling between playing a chocolate boy to even a baddy. On the other hand, Mahima had just seen the release of mature adult drama Dobara while Suman continued to play hide and seek with varied projects like Baghban, Market and Ishq Qayamat. However, when the film releases today, it is nothing but truly rotten, what with ultimate insult to the injury being the way it is being promoted. With 29 out of 30 seconds of the promo focusing on Mahima's cleavage and Suman mouthing lines that go as 'Oh, I am wet", it is left to anyone's imagination as to what sort of target audience the makers are aiming for. "They are crazy", says an exasperated Dino as he (rightly) distances himself from the project which is produced by Shubir S. Mukerji, is directed by Neeraj Pathak and has music and lyrics department handled by Nadeem Shravan and Sameer respectively.
Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Dec 2008 | 12:42 pm

Politicians trying to gain mileage from attacks: Gulzar!

Gulzar, who has made two films on the issue of terrorism, blames laxity on the part of the Maharashtra government for the Mumbai terror strikes.
Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 12:20 pm

Lil Wayne leads Grammy nominations with 8, Coldplay 7!

Lil Wayne — the most prolific, ubiquitous and successful performer on today`s music scene — was the most rewarded by the Recording Academy on Wednesday.
Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 12:20 pm

Tabu to play Amitabh Bachchan`s love interest yet again!

After doing "Cheeni Kum", a contemporary take on relationships, Amitabh Bachchan and Tabu are teaming up again for period film "The Legend Of Kunal".
Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 12:20 pm

Sean Penn pushed for more exlpicit scenes

Actor James Franco says his co-star Sean Penn urged writers to pen more raunchy gay love making scenes for their new film <i>Milk</I>. 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2008 | 11:50 am

Don't compare this with 9/11: Gulzar

Prolific writer-director-lyricist Gulzar, who has made two films on the issue of terrorism, blames laxity on the part of the Maharashtra government for the Mumbai terror strikes and says politicians are trying to gain political mileage out of the attacks. 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2008 | 11:45 am

REVIEW: Meerabai Not Out - IBNLive.com

IBNLive.com

REVIEW: Meerabai Not Out IBNLive.com - 53 minutes ago By Suranjana Nandi . Buzz18 Dec 04, 2008 Who wants to watch a Mandira Bedi covered from head to toe? Not many! That too in her first full fledged role in a mainstream Hindi film after her super successful XXXtra Innings avatar. Meerabai Not Out Times of India Meerabai Not Out. India-Forums.com Calcutta Telegraph - IBNLive.com all 6 news articles

Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 11:40 am

Simon Cowell warns paparazzi for exceeding limit

London (ANI): X Factor judge Simon Cowell has warned the paparazzi from exceeding their limit, after a journalist planted a bugging device underneath his car to monitor his movements. After the bugger was planted underneath Cowell's car, he

Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 11:32 am

Lindsay Lohan's Facebook account disabled

Lindsay Lohan has been locked out of her own Facebook account as the administration at the social networking website apparently thought it was someone faking as the singer-actress. 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2008 | 11:30 am

Amy's hubby to carve niche in reality TV show

Washington (ANI): Troubled popstar Amy Winehouse's husband Blake Fielder Civil is reportedly in talks to carve a niche in reality TV. After serving almost a year behind bars in relation to an attack on a pub landlord in

Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 11:28 am

Naomi Watts to strip for painting

Hollywood star Naomi Watts has agreed to pose for David Bromley, a leading Australian famed for his nude portraits of famous women. 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2008 | 11:21 am

Deepika Padukone becomes a victim of recession

Diana Penty has signed on as the new face of global cosmetic giant Maybelline replacing Deepika Padukone. Penty joins the ranks of international supermodels Adriana Lima and Christy Turlington who have earlier modelled for Maybelline. Says a source

Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 11:18 am

Abhi-Ash replacing Aamir-Bebo? - Oneindia

Real Bollywood

Abhi-Ash replacing Aamir-Bebo? Oneindia - 1 hour ago There have been lots of talks about how husband and wife duo Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Bachchan plan to sing together. It's going to be an interesting occasion since this is for the first time that Abhi-Ash will be using their vocal chords for a ... Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai to croon for Raavana News Line 365 Abhi-Ash To Sing Lajjo’s Composition For Ravana TopNews Times of India - NDTV.com - Fresh News - Oneindia all 14 news articles  हिन्दी में

Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 11:14 am

Vikram doesn't want film on Mumbai terror attacks

The recent terror attacks in Mumbai, which claimed almost 200 lives, looked so unreal. It was much more than the scenes from thriller films. The barbaric act of the terrorists has left even the filmmakers gasping for air.

Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 11:12 am

Aamir Khan's sound recordist passed away

Aamir Khan has been left shattered with his sound recordist H. Shridhar's demise. Sharing his feelings he writes on his blog, "I am here in Chennai to meet Shridhar for the last time. I went to his house last night to

Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 11:08 am

Salman fails to save Yuvvraaj

That Yuvvraaj was too long and slow–paced was evident to all once the film was released on 21st November, and as the saying goes, extreme situations call for extreme measures. That is precisely what the lead actor of Yuvvraaj Salman Khan

Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 10:55 am

Eesha made ugly remark on Shiney Ahuja

Much has been written and discussed about how Shiney Ahuja ended up pissing out his industry senior like Preity Zinta on the sets of Jahnu Barua's Har Pall and how she stopped talking to him on the film's sets. Recently in

Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 10:50 am

Tabu, Big B to create history

After doing <I>Cheeni Kum</I>, a contemporary take on relationships, Amitabh Bachchan and Tabu are teaming up again for period film <I>The Legend Of Kunal</I>. The film, to be directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi and produced by Amitabh's company AB Corp Ltd, has the Big B playing emperor Ashoka and Tabu his wife Tishyarakshitra. 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2008 | 10:40 am

"My dad loved Dostana" - Abhishek Bachchan

Far away in the jungles of Cochin shooting for Mani Ratnam's next, Abhishek Bachchan has had no time to celebrate the success of Dostana. "Of course we'll have a party when we get back. But at the moment, I'm celebrating by doing more quality work." Abhishek is happy to be a gay icon. "I 'm very happy with that. Why should I be surprised or shocked? I think homosexuals are as human as anyone else. It's a matter of great pride if I'm their icon." Abhishek describes his pairing with John as the jodi of the moment. "Other screen couples can go eat their hearts out." His effeminate gestures in Dostana have raised eyebrows. And there's talk that his father hasn't really liked Junior's character or performance. Abhishek is aghast. "Why should he take offence? Not at all! The film is not about homosexuality. Dostana isn't Brokeback Mountain. It was just a comedy. My whole family has thoroughly enjoyed it. Who doesn't enjoy a good laugh? It's a normal fun film. Aishwarya is very happy that it's a big hit....my second big hit of the year after Sarkar Raj." Whom was he copying in Dostana? "Dostana wasn't made in haseen-mazaaq. We had a lot of fun making the film. But we were serious about the making of the film. I worked very hard on the gestures and mannerisms. We in this country tend to take comedies very frivolously. Good locales, good songs....and that's it. In Dostana, I had to work very hard to portray a straight man acting gay. It could easily have gone over-board. I wanted to avoid making the character caricatural. Barring one portion (the flashback about how John met Abhishek) we kept it controlled." This was the toughest character for Abhishek to play. "It's unfortunate that these kinds of films aren't taken seriously. It wasn't a character I could sleepwalk through. People think we partied hard while shooting Dostana in Miami. Wrong. We worked from early morning till night, worked out and crashed out." Abhishek says he isn't surprised by the success of Dostana. "I knew it was workable when I heard the script. I was convinced it'd be very entertaining. We knew the audiences would laugh with us, that they wanted something entertaining to get their minds off a hard day's work." Abhishek admits the disappointment of Drona has been wiped away by the success of Dostana. "It's always wonderful to be a part of a hit. Dostana was the name of Dharma Productions' first film and it starred my dad. When Karan and I put our heads together, we spontaneously decided Dostana was the best title for our film." Far from the madding appreciation Abhishek is enjoying the hit. "It gives you back your self-confidence. I worked very hard on Drona. I felt hugely disappointed when it didn't do well. Drona will always remain close to my heart." Abhishek next moves to Munnar with Mani. "Munnar is where Pa shot Nishabd with Ramu." Reacting to media reports that he wore a cap in Mumbai to hide the special look for Mani's look, Abhishek laughs, "I know Mani is secretive about his characters' look. But there's only so much one can do. An actor has many commitments to fulfill besides the film on hand. I'm sure Mani understands that. No, I wore a cap for no particular reason."
Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 4 Dec 2008 | 10:35 am

“I would never snub Hefner,” Kim Kardashian

Socialite Kim Kardashian has dismissed the reports saying that she snubbed Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. The actress makes it clear on her blog that she would 'never say never'. She loves Hugh Hefner and the rest of the Playboy team.According to

Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 10:22 am

Singer Krish ready to face the camera

After giving a definitive form to Harris Jayaraj's beautiful and strikingly different style of music, renowned playback singer Krish is raring to come before the camera. Yes, we might soon see him acting in a film!Krish has always been passionate about

Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 10:15 am

Parthiban hunting for a new face

Maverick actor Parthiban is hunting for a fresh face to play the female lead in his upcoming Vithagan (also referred to as Vitthagan). The news that Parthiban is planning his next film is in itself a reason to rejoice for many;

Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 10:07 am

Aditya Chopra pinning hopes on Rab Ne

After a series of flops from Yash Raj Films, Aditya Chopra is making sure nothing goes wrong with his directorial venture <I>Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi</I> which releases on December 12. 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2008 | 10:02 am

Display your dancing skills online, feature in a music video

If you can dance, flaunt it on virtual space and win a chance to feature in a music video to be made by well-known Bollywood choreographers - Bosco and Caesar, who made Kareena Kapoor dance in hit number 'Mauja mauja' in 'Jab We Met'.
Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 4 Dec 2008 | 9:30 am

Terror attack made Irrfan angry and cynical - Oneindia

Real Bollywood

Terror attack made Irrfan angry and cynical Oneindia - 3 hours ago Irrfan Khan's Dil Kabaddi releases this week but he's "angry and cynical" about what's been happening in the last few days. Rahul Bose reminds Irfan Khan about his school master Real Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan is a terrific producer: Irrfan Khan MSN India IBNLive.com all 5 news articles  हिन्दी में

Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 9:13 am

Shahid's 'Kaminay' look, a guarded secret

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapur has got a new look for Vishal Bharadwaj's 'Kaminay', but he is keeping it under wraps.
Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 4 Dec 2008 | 9:02 am

Vidya Balan remains fresh at night schedules

'Parineeta' girl Vidya Balan not only stays in high spirits during late night shooting schedules, but also manages to keep everyone cheerful with her mimicry skills.
Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 4 Dec 2008 | 9:00 am

I wanted to be a lawyer: Kim Sharma

Kim Sharma, best remembered for her role in Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'Mohabbatein', says she never wanted to be an actor.
Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 4 Dec 2008 | 9:00 am

Katrina upset about not continuing cello lessons

Katrina Kaif learnt to play the cello for her role in recently released 'Yuvvraaj', but couldn't master the instrument. She says she would love to take more lessons but her busy schedule doesn't allow her to do so.
Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 4 Dec 2008 | 9:00 am

Aamir Shocked Over Engineer’s Sudden Death - TopNews

TopNews

Aamir Shocked Over Engineer’s Sudden Death TopNews - 3 hours ago Aamir Khan has expressed “deep condolences” over the sudden death of H. Sridhar, a four-time national award-winning sound engineer of the Indian film industry. Technician’s death shatters Aamir Daily News & Analysis Who inspired Aamir Khan's look in Ghajini? Iexplorehere Movies Business of Cinema - Fresh News all 8 news articles

Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 8:51 am

Was it right to visit the Taj Ramu? - Oneindia

IBNLive.com

Was it right to visit the Taj Ramu? Oneindia - 5 hours ago Ram Gopal Varma created a huge uproar by visiting the Taj Mahal Hotel with Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and his son Riteish Deshmukh after the Mumbai terror attacks. Close relations with RGV cost Vilasrao his job Times of India ‘I resigned in deference to popular anguish’ Sify Daily News & Analysis - IBNLive.com - Hindu Business Line - Indian Express all 185 news articles

Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 7:30 am

Come, have Paranthas with Akshay Kumar - SantaBanta.com

Sify

Come, have Paranthas with Akshay Kumar SantaBanta.com - 5 hours ago Come December 9th morning and it will Parathas with Akshay Kumar. Confused? Well so were we when we got a media invite for breakfast with the new King of Bollywood. Chandni Chowk To China is not shot in China! Sify 'Main next Akshay Kumar hoon' Rediff Apun Ka Choice - Screen Weekly - Fresh News - Screen Weekly all 14 news articles  हिन्दी में

Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 7:15 am

'Little Zizou', 'Firaaq' nominated in multiple categories at AFFF

Screenwriter Sooni Taraporevala's 'Little Zizou' and actress Nandita Das' directorial debut 'Firaaq' have been nominated for multiple awards at the Asian Festival of 1st Films (AFFF) that kickstarted in Singapore Thursday.
Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 4 Dec 2008 | 7:01 am

Between the lines - Indian Express

BBC News

Between the lines Indian Express - 5 hours ago The Indian Underdog is the toast of the town. Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger, a tale of the seamier side of Indian life and how a man overcomes poverty, won the Booker Prize this year. AR Rahman uses 'Choli Ke Peeche' track from Khalnayak in Slumdog ... Galatta.com Slumdog millionaire wins big in the shadow of terror attacks News Line 365 Hindu - Bollywood Spice - The Desert Sun all 155 news articles

Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 6:53 am

Stars will have to come to terms with pay cuts

Pay cuts are an eventuality with which stars will have to come to terms. Caught in choppy market, hit by an economic tsunami - world's largest film industry, Bollywood is also facing rough weather. The boat is rocking. Big budget projects are folding up, expansion plans are being kept on hold and worst of all corporate houses are calling off their fancy multi-film contracts. But are stars affected by this sudden bubble burst? Most importantly will they also take pay-cuts like the rest of working class? Senior chartered accountant Satish Pai declares ominously,"This is just the begining of the meltdown, it will continue for the next five years and financial scene will be really grim in the years to come. Very soon the biggest star will definitely have to take a pay cut," he stresses. In the last three years, ever since corporate funding flushed into filmdom, talent cost shot up. Stars witnessed a euphoric hike in their fees, "Shah Rukh Khan was the only star who had seen that kind of money earlier and that too because he used to have 50 per cent partnership in his films. But with the corporate boom - even second-rung actors clinched plum multi-crore deals," trade analyst N P Yadav points out. So does it really mean that even Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Sanjay Dutt - the three stars who benefitted the most by the corporate boom-will have to revise their charges? "They will have to slash their fees or stick to working in films made under their own banners,"declares analyst Vinod Mirani. While Akshay Kumar laughs off his enviable Rs 60 crore tag as "way too bloated", Salman Khan brushes off the possibility of cutting his price saying,"Recession is for those who overcharge and certainly not for me who works hard and honestly. I charge what I deserve. So where is the question of slashing my price?" he counters. On the other hand, Sanjay Dutt admits, "When the going was good, I took a handsome price. But when there is a downslide, I am prepared to face a pay cut. Why only me, all of us will have to play it to the market mood," he adds sportingly. Irrfan, the poster boy of new-wave mid-budget cinema informs that the budgets of two of his UTV films have been "re-negotiated" but he argues that he never shot up his charges so he's not "cutting down" his price. However he concedes, "For an appropriate project, I am game for a slight cut." Trade insiders have it that the only stars who have never been in the "rat-race" and are above the recession are Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan because unlike their contemporaries they never hiked their prices disproportionately. Ajay Devgan, who also had stoically held his own and commanded a steady market price even after Golmaal turned out to be a hit, has surprisingly chosen these troubled times to hike his fees, "After the success of Golmaal Returns he is contemplating raising his price," said his spokesperson, Parag Desai. If the male bastion is facing the axe, the going doesn't look too good for the female of the species,"The first to succumb to recession will be the girls. It doesn't make too much difference if you cast a newbie opposite Salman Khan," reasons Vinod Mirani. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, one of the highest-paid actors agrees,"The economic crisis has touched every person's life, and we will all deal with it in whatever way it hits us. I do not know much about the business aspects of films, but work wise, so far so good." Vidya Balan's business manager K S Sanjay explains,"Vidya is known as a reasonably-priced actor. We always knew this was a bubble that would burst and we always charged a fee that was viable for filmmakers. So we remain unaffected it," he says firmly. Newcomer Sadaa, who has a few Southern hits to her credit and makes her Hindi debut with Khalballi, elaborates, "If producers ask me to cut down my fees because of the recession, I will surely consider doing so provided the story and director are good enough. The number of films I act in doesn't depend on how much I am paid," she stresses. And Bengal-import Rituparna Sengupta is also prepared for the eventuality of "cut " as she feels it is a global phenomenon and everyone will have to face the brunt. Veteran actor Farooque Shaikh is of the view that "only the highest-paid actors will be affected" while Sonu Sood, whose Ek Vivaah - aisi bhi released recently is open for a pay-cut,"Together we should bail out the industry out of this crisis," he suggests. While multi-crore, multi-film deals have been put on backburners by corporate companies and it seems like an uphill task for actors, the importance of big stars and grand cinema cannot be undermined. With mushrooming multiplexes all over the country, super stars and super cinema will continue to rule. As of now, we do not know of a single instance where a star has gone back on his contract and corrected his remuneration. No one has been really "cut to size" so far! Screen India
Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 4 Dec 2008 | 6:53 am

Salman fails to save Yuvvraaj - Oneindia

Salman fails to save Yuvvraaj Oneindia - 6 hours ago That Yuvvraaj was too long and slow–paced was evident to all once the film was released on 21st November, and as the saying goes, extreme situations call for extreme measures. Husain’s fida over Yuvvraaj! Times of India Yuvvraaj, film with a message Screen Weekly all 5 news articles  हिन्दी में

Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2008 | 5:45 am

Beijing Olympics led Nikhil Advani to shoot in Bangkok

It was director Nikhil Advani's dream to shoot 'Chandni Chowk To China' in China, but it could only be partially realised. After shooting for a while, the crew had to hastily leave the country as Olympics authorities found it to be an intrusion in the preparations for the international sporting event that took place in August.
Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 4 Dec 2008 | 3:30 am

Tabu to play Amitabh's love interest yet again

After doing 'Cheeni Kum', a contemporary take on relationships, Amitabh Bachchan and Tabu are teaming up again for period film 'The Legend Of Kunal'.
Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 4 Dec 2008 | 3:30 am

Politicians trying to gain mileage from attacks: Gulzar

Prolific writer-director-lyricist Gulzar, who has made two films on the issue of terrorism, blames laxity on the part of the Maharashtra government for the Mumbai terror strikes and says politicians are trying to gain political mileage out of the attacks.
Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 4 Dec 2008 | 2:00 am

''RTMC music is going to be bigger than any of the previous ones'' - Emraan Hashmi

At Bollywood Hungama, we were the first to unveil the music of Raaz - The Mystery Continues a.k.a. RTMC which is expected to add on to the enviable catalogue of HIT soundtracks coming from the house of Vishesh Films. While the formal release of the album is still a few days away, we had an exclusive hear at the songs and were left stunned with at least a couple of them, especially 'Maahi' and 'Soniye' that are expected to add on to list of chartbusters that Emraan Hashmi has been accumulating ever since he first hit the Bollywood scene with Footpath. However, even as all his films have successively featured at least a chartbuster song or two, Emraan is now super positive that RTMC is going to out do each of these previous albums. Even though this pretty much sounds like a tall claim considering the fact that early this year, Emraan has seen Superhit music in Jannat, the man does believe that the main attraction of RTMC would be its stunning soundtrack. He says, "It's really amazing to hear such exceptional music and I have been really fortunate that all my films have got the grooviest tracks. Not only does RTMC keep up with this but believe me, it's going to be a much bigger soundtrack than any of the previous ones." Apart from Maahi' and 'Soniye', other songs in the album go as 'O Jaana', 'Kaisa Yeh Raaz Hai' and 'O Banda Re'. Says Mukesh Bhatt about RTMC - the film, "With this flick, what is in the offing is something different that hasn't been seen so far." SONY BMG, that has already worked with Vishesh Films' Jannat, is also super positive about the music. Says an official, "RTMC will repeat the success of Jannat when its music hits the store. The album is simply brilliant and promises to create quite a storm amongst music lovers and industry people as well." Emraan Hashmi pretty much rounds up the impact that RTMC is expected to create by stating, "Mark my words, the film will leave the viewers with so much horror and fright that it would take them a long time to overcome the impact!" With as many as four composers coming together to make music for RTMC, this is yet another album from the house of Bhatts which is much awaited at the stands.
Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 3 Dec 2008 | 5:05 pm

Vilasrao Deshmukh and RGV indulge in some role-play

Maverick filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma's visit to the Taj Mahal hotel along with Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and his actor son Ritesh last Sunday resulted in a mass public outcry. Citizens across the country could not fathom what RGV and Ritesh were doing inside the Taj along with the CM's convoy. Irrespective of RGV clarifying that he just happened to be there, people don't seem to be in any mood of forgetting the incident. The very next day saw Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil resign from his post and soon there were protests all around pressuring Maharashtra Chief Minister- Vilasrao Deshmukh to step down as well. While the debate still continues, this cartoonist from popular tabloid Mid-Day seems to be in the mood for some fun. The cartoon shows an extremely worried and harrowed Vilasrao Deshmukh pleading with RGV for a role in one of his films. RGV finally seems to have agreed to give Senior Deshmukh the role of the hero's father and even asks if the Patils would be interested in being part of his future project. With the situation being serious and grim over the last few days, this cartoon, though hilarious, surely carries a sarcastic tone. Image Credits and Copyright: Satish Acharya for Mid-Day
Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 3 Dec 2008 | 5:05 pm

Will Devender, alias Lucky Singh, do a Charles Sobhraj on Oye Lucky?

Films based on real-life characters always seem to get into trouble. Whether it was the real life Bandit Queen who wanted to be compensated by Shekhar Kapoor or Bhanwari Devi who created a Bawandar in Jagmohan Mundhra's life, biographical films almost always court trouble in this country. Quick on the heels of Charles Sobhraj threatening to sue author Farrukh Dhondy for borrowing from his life, UTV and director Dibakar Banerjee have clammed shut on the origins of the car-stealing protagonist Abhay Deol in Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! Apparently, the character is inspired by the life and crimes of Devender Singh alias Bunty who's currently in jail for stealing posh cars from the elite circles of Delhi. Doing a complete volte face on the earlier stance that the producers have received a letter from the real-life crime-dude asking for monetary compensation for creative cannibalization, UTV's Siddharth Roy-Kapoor says, "We've received no intimation at all from anyone of this sort." Earlier sources from UTV had been quoted in the press as admitting that Devender had indeed approached the producers for monetary compensation. Says the director Dibakar Bannerjee, "Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! is partly inspired by the story of Devender Singh's life. But it's a composite of many lives. So whom should we compensate? Even one of Paresh Rawal's character (he plays several characters) is inspired by a real-life character. And some incidents are from my own childhood. Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! is about today's acquisitive materialistic lifestyle where nothing is enough and what the neighbour possesses is always more desirable than what we have. Everyone wants more. But no one knows how much is enough." There seems to be no end to director Dibakar Banerjee's troubles. From Welcome to Dostana...it's a prolonged season of comedies in Bollywood. And the Khosla Ka Ghosla director was apparently asked to deliver another laughathon from his producers even though Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! was not really meant to be comedy. "It has a lot of humour. But I'd be seriously offended if anyone called it a comedy. You're right. It's the season of comedies. And when a director goes to producers with a project that doesn't star one of the big stars, he's asked to make a comedy. However my film may be pitched, I hope audiences see it in the right spirit." Dibakar had a tough time writing this 'comedy.' Jaideep Sahni who played such a big hand in making Khosla Ka Ghosla what it was, decided to write exclusively for Yash Raj Films. Dibakar had no option but to pen Oye Lucky himself with Urmi Javekar. But there's no rancour about it. "Jaideep is doing well for himself at Yash Raj. I wish him well. He must direct a film soon." There's also no bitterness about missing out on the National award. "I didn't get a National award for Khosla Ka Ghosla. But the film did. So it was a triumph for the whole team." Making Khosla was not easy for Dibakar. It had almost gone to the realm of the shelved when UTV retrieved it. "But I didn't see it as a struggle. It's because of my good friend Jaideep. He called me one day. I was a normal yuppy ad-maker. Jaideep did all the struggling, not me. He got me the offer to direct Khosla Ka Ghosla. It wasn't an easy film to package and pre-sell. In fact I'd say the producers and writer struggled for me." Today, when Jaideep Sahni has moved to posher pastures, it is natural for Dibakar to feel bereft. Khosla Ka Ghosla took almost three years to be completed and released. "I'd say der aaye durust aaye. Thank God, Khosla released after the multiplex audiences ware alert and ready."
Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 3 Dec 2008 | 4:32 pm

Studio collapse defers SRK shoot - Times of India

Zee News

Studio collapse defers SRK shoot Times of India - 20 hours ago Shah Rukh Khan’s dates for Viveck Vaswani’s new film Dulha Mil Gaya seem to be quite jinxed. SRK was supposed to shoot for the film this week at a studio in Mumbai. Shah Rukh Khan delighted on being conferred Datuk News Line 365 Youngsters need to understand Islam: Shah Rukh Khan Zee News Real Bollywood - Fresh News all 8 news articles

Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 3 Dec 2008 | 3:53 pm

Political parties have failed to tackle terrorism: Aamir Khan

Actor Aamir Khan on his blog blasted the political parties for not not being able to tackle terrorism and in fact fueling it by using the crisis to their advantage.
Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 3 Dec 2008 | 2:00 pm

Jiah Khan does her sexiest photo shoot for Maxim - Oneindia

South Asian Women's Forum

Jiah Khan does her sexiest photo shoot for Maxim Oneindia - 3 Dec 2008 With her oh-so-sensuous act in her very first film, Jiah Khan made everyone go Nishabd. Now this bold and beautiful bombshell does her hottest ever photo shoot for Maxim India. Aamir the 'perfectionist' Khan graces the cover of ‘GQ’ mag Zee News Aamir Khan on cover of GQ Magazine News Line 365 Apun Ka Choice - Desi Hits! - Iexplorehere Movies all 11 news articles

Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 3 Dec 2008 | 11:47 am

Oh, My God!! - A feel-good fare!

Click above for more movie stills Debutante directors have new stories to tell. Predictability is passé, unconventional is in. First-time director Sourabh Shrivastava's OH, MY GOD!! may give an impression that it's yet another offshoot of BRUCE ALMIGHTY [the source of GOD TUSSI GREAT HO], but the fact is that OH, MY GOD!! reminds you of the Hrishikesh Mukherjee/Basu Chatterjee films of the 1970s and 1980s. Like most debutante-helmed vehicles, OH, MY GOD!! comes with its share of plusses and minuses. In this case, the aces overpower the deficiencies. It has its heart in the right place. Given the fact that OH, MY GOD!! has been shot in 19 days, it doesn't look like a hurried job at all. Sourabh takes a simple story of a simpleton and narrates it in the most simplistic manner. OH, MY GOD!! rests on Vinay Pathak and Saurabh Shukla's firm shoulders and both deliver natural performances. Vinay is so very believable in the latter reels, while Saurabh is equally credible. Divya Dutta is first-rate as the doting wife. The detailed review will appear on the date of its release.
Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 3 Dec 2008 | 10:45 am

Olympics preparations forced Nikhil Advani to shoot CC2C in Bangkok

Click above for more movie stills Nikhil Advani's dream of making the first Bollywood film in China could only be partially realized. After a major part of the shooting, the director and his entire crew had to hastily leave China and look for an alternative place to shoot the rest of the film. If New York is being shot in Philadelphia. Chandni Chowk To China has been shot in Bangkok. And with good reason. Says Nikhil, "It was the year of the Olympics in China and it became impossible beyond a point to shoot in the country where our film is based. Maybe a quieter less flamboyant film…but not the kind of action that Akshay has shot." Apparently, the Olympics authorities found Akshay Kumar's athletic exertions to be a bit of an intrusion in the preparations for the grand international event. Says Nikhil, "Bangkok's topography is quite similar to China. Also, it's a very Bollywood-friendly country. So we just had to let go of the real country. Because the action scenes required Olympian skills and infrastructure." Akshay Kumar had to battle it out with globally-known actors like Gordon Lieu who was in The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin and Roger Yuan, the main baddie in the Jackie Chan starrer Shanghai Noon. Says Nikhil, "Gordon Lieu is a well-known name in Hollywood and Roger Yuan is the only Asian actor who works out of Bollywood. They both play arch-villains. Then I've a cast of actors who are stalwarts in China. They held on their own against Akshay, even when they were taken out of their home ground and put into Bangkok masquerading as China." Incidentally, apart from Akshay, Mithun Chakraborty who was also quite an action star during his heydays has been given to do stunts in Chandni Chowk To China. Says Nikhil, "Mithunda will kick some ass too. Action is the backbone of my film. While other films have item songs Chandni Chowk To China has item-action. It's the action scenes that move the plot forward. The songs are extremely situational. I'm very lucky. I got Bappi Lahiri to re-do his 'Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost'. I think the music is a decent follow-up to my Salaam-e-Ishq." As for the expectations from the film, "Ya. I'm getting nervous as the release approaches." Next, Nikhil produces a film adapted from The Wedding Crashers. "Our production company has got together to co-produce a Hindi version of The Wedding Crashers with Warner Brothers. We've bought the rights and David Dhawan will be directing the film for us."
Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 3 Dec 2008 | 10:36 am