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Kajol looks stunning on the cover of M
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2009 | 5:10 pm Salman, Katrina's adventure in the night
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2009 | 4:47 pm Govinda resumes shoot for Naughty at 40
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2009 | 4:14 pm Check out: Akshay engaging in a passionate lip lock with Denise RichardsAkshay 'Khiladi' Kumar is well-known for 2 things- his ability to do death-defying stunts and his charming ways which could sweep any gorgeous woman off her feet. The Superstar's last few films may have seen him more in action or comedy roles but there is a romantic side to Akshay too which can't be easily forgotten. Now in his forthcoming film Kambakht Ishq, Akshay would be seen romancing none other than the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor. However, it's not Akki's chemistry with Bebo that's being discussed here. Apart from Kareena, Akki would be seen cozying up to yet another hottie and its none other than Hollywood star Denise Richards. We came across this startling picture of Akshay engaged in a passionate lip lock with Denise. Also, we can't help but wonder what wifey dearest Twinkle's first reaction would be on seeing this pic? If this picture is any indication of things to come, expect a scorching hot summer when Kambakht Ishq opens across cinemas this May.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 6 Jan 2009 | 3:47 pm Deepika, Javed Akhtar celebrate Farhan's birthday on Oye! It's FridayWell, you may have guessed it by now that Farhan Akhtar's birthday is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate it than on your own chat show? Well that's what Farhan had in mind; however he was in for a big surprise himself... For the first time on the show 'Oye! It's Friday', the tables got turned as Farhan came under the spot light. Although it was supposed to be like any other episode, with the gorgeous leggy lass Deepika Padukone as the guest, things took a turn for the better with a sizzlingly hot performance by none other than item girl Sherlyn Chopra. Adding to this was the fact that Farhan's father Javed Akhtar dropped in and started to reveal some facts about the star. Well, as you can imagine just by looking at the picture above, Deepika seems to be having a lot of fun reliving Farhan's childhood. It kind of looks like she's teasing him to stay till after Javedji finishes what he had to say about Farhan.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 6 Jan 2009 | 3:22 pm Kajol looks stunning on the cover of M - NDTV.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 1:25 pm Sallu says bye to Bruna! - Hindustan Times
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 1:20 pm Jennifer Love Hewitt splits from Ross McCall!!!London (ANI): Hollywood actress Jennifer Love Hewitt has split from fiancee Ross McCall, according to reports. Ghost Whisperer star Hewitt, 29, and Scottish actor McCall, 32, got engaged in November 2007 after dating for two years. But the pairSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 1:10 pm Britney`s webpage hacked by adult message poster !One of Britney Spears` social networking pages was hacked by some rude internet pranksters.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:47 pm `Gorgeous` Jhumpa Lahiri among `thinking man`s sex symbols`!Indian origin author Jhumpa Lahiri, with her "hypnotic eyes", has been named among the top 10 "sex symobls of the thinking man" for 2008, which put Serbian tennis player Ana Ivanovic in the number one slot.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:47 pm `Slumdog Millionaire` gets Best Picture nomination from US guild!British director Danny Boyle`s "Slumdog Millionaire" has earned a Best Picture nomination from the Producers Guild of America.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:47 pm Sienna Miller to make her design debut at London Fashion Week!Sienna Miller is all set to make her design debut at London Fashion Week, organised this February.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:47 pm Death certificate: Travolta`s son killed by seizure!An official with a Bahamian funeral home says Jett Travolta`s death certificate says he was killed by a "seizure."Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:47 pm The `Mozart of Madras` AR Rahman celebrates his 43rd birthday!India`s musical maestro AR Rahman turns 43 on Tuesday.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:47 pm Priyanka makes her turbulent relationship with Hurman public through internet!!Priyanka Chopra has made the troubled waters of her relationship public on the internet.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:47 pm Jimmy Shergill to play henpecked husband in `Johnny Mastana`!Jimmy Shergill is all set to don the role of a meek husband in his forthcoming film `Johnny Mastana`.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:47 pm John and Neil do a Dostana in New YorkJust recently, we were entertained with the 'gay' film (pun intended) Dostana. The film which starred John Abraham, Abhishek Bachchan and yes, the lovely Priyanka Chopra was a rage. But it was not just Priyanka's sexy bikini act butSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:41 pm Top 10 Scenes of 2008In the year gone by, there were some truly remarkable scenes that made an impression. While some of them have hardly been seen by many due to the film flopping at the box office, quite a few of themSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:33 pm Entertainment firm Imax plans 9 theatres by 2010Entertainment technology firm Imax Corp will open five more theatres in India, in addition to the present four, by 2010, a top company official said here Tuesday.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:31 pm Top 10 Villains of 2008It doesn't happen every year that as many as three women find a place in Top-10 Bollywood villains/vamps. Also, in the times when feel good cinema and comedies are ruling the roost, there are hardly many films being madeSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:27 pm Buddivantha completes 100 days runBuddhivantha, real star Upendra's only release for 2008, has successfully completed 100 days run. The film continues in more than 25 theatres across the state and has given a new lease of life for Upendra, who appears in five different get-upsSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:16 pm Serial Naaku Tanti - Episode 1257Hosamane calls Megha over phone, while she and Nandgudi are getting ready to interview Krishnakumari. He tells her that the police men are coming to arrest her under charges of kidnapping Krishnakumari. She shouts back to him, "Let them arrest me.Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:12 pm Serial Naaku Tanti - Episode 1258Shankra is shocked to hear his brother Sudhindra's sad story. He gets ready to do something to save his brother. Kalyani, who is exhausted and has become nervous, requests him to wait for while. Megha comes to Poorvi. She tells herSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:09 pm Amrita rao to debut in Kannada filmBollywood actress Amrita Rao, who is born in Chitrapur, Karnataka, is all set to debut in Kannada film. Earlier she has acted with Mahesh Babu in Telugu movie Athidhi. Except this movie, she has not acted in any other South IndianSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:05 pm Big B has no sympathy for Kasab - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:04 pm Jiah finally gets her dues in Ghajini - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:04 pm Genelia not ready for Ready remakeRumours were flying that bubbly Genelia may be returning to Sandalwood in Puneeth Rajkumar's next venture. Apparently, the untitled film is a remake of the Telugu movie Ready in which Genelia was the heroine. But the latest buzz is that theSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 11:58 am Its Sony versus Warner in BollywoodNow this is a real coincidence. While Hollywood studio Warner Bros. awaits, with bated breath, the feedback to Chandni Chowk To China on January 16, another Hollywood giant, Sony Pictures, is keeping its fingers crossed for Raaz – The Mystery Continues,Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 11:53 am Happy Birthday, Rahman Saab! - StarBoxOffice.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 11:43 am "We may choose paid previews over premieres for CC2C" - Rohan SippyLooking at the phenomenal response that Ghajini generated, courtesy dozens of paid previews that were happening simultaneously across the country a day before the film's official release, the makers of Chandni Chowk to China too are contemplating a similar approach. If Rohan Sippy has his way, he would do away with the Mumbai and New Delhi premieres (as originally planned) and would rather have audience (instead of invited celebrities) watch the film and decide it's worth themselves. "I want my film's audience to talk on what they feel about Chandni Chowk To China. Though we are going ahead with the international premieres, in India we are looking at possibilities of paid previews. In Mumbai, Delhi and probably some other centers as well, we would go ahead with the paid previews on 15th January, a day before CC2C sees a global release", says Rohan Sippy, one of the producers of the Akshay Kumar-Deepika Padukone starrer. Super success of Ghajini has obviously been a pushing factor for this move, what with the film garnering crores on 24th December, a day before the Aamir Khan biggie saw a full fledged release. The paid previews of the film had begun early Wednesday evening and saw an unprecedented turnout. With Chandni Chowk To China looking at following suit, this could well be the beginning of a new trend. Also, unlike Rab Ne Bana De Jodi which was still going strong and hence resulted in exhibitors working extra hard on adjusting the show timings of the two films in the middle of the week, Chandni Chowk To China doesn't seem to be in a trouble zone because there aren't many notable films arriving on 9th January. Also, 2nd January didn't see a single film releasing due to which theaters at the moment are just continuing with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Ghajini. Obviously, there is ample place for Chandni Chowk To China on 15th January. While director Nikhil Advani along with Akshay and Deepika has already embarked on a world tour for the film's global premiere, Rohan Sippy continues to be stationed in Mumbai. "Someone has to be here to hold the fort", he smiles, "Between 7th and 12th of this month, CC2C would have premiers in Los Angeles, New York, Toronto and London. We may have a premiere in Mumbai on 15th but most likely it is going to be a paid preview. Let's see."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Jan 2009 | 10:44 am At 43, Rahman is a name most singers swear byWhen he started his career in the early 1990s, music maestro Alla Rakha Rahman wouldn't have thought his popularity will skyrocket to such an extent that budding as well as established musicians alike would swear by his name nearly two decades on.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Jan 2009 | 10:31 am 'Slumdog' nominated for 'Best Picture' by US Guild - Indian Express
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 10:30 am Britney back to work - Hindu
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 10:24 am "I'm charmed by Shah Rukh Khan" - Aamir KhanAamir Khan on being a marketing monster, feeling powerful, doing bench presses, ganging up with Salman on SRK, handling flops and being surrounded by gopis. What was it about Ghajini that made you want to do it? I found the Tamil version to be extremely engaging and entertaining. It intrigued me but I made up my mind when I met the director, AR Murugadoss. Frankly, I was completely taken in by his infectious positive energy and childlike excitement. Regarding the eight packs, has Ghajini been your physically most demanding film -more than Mangal Pandey or Lagaan? Every film has its own demands but yes, Ghajini was physically daunting because I had to train very hard. I had to keep at it and not lose patience. I had an athletic body but the director wanted me to bulk up with eight packs which was a challenge because I didn't know if I could achieve it. So, in a way, Ghajini made me resilient. I had an athletic body but the director wanted me to bulk up with eight packs which was a challenge Post 26/11, do you think the timing of its release was unfavorable, especially keeping in view its violent content? Personally, the attack is far greater and serious an issue for me than the release of my film. That said I was very clear that if the film is good, it'll work. The collections prove it. Do Ghajini's thumping collections make you feel powerful? Power doesn't figure in my hierarchy of needs. I won't use the word powerful; rather I'd say it makes me feel happy and blessed. When Taare Zameen Par (TZP) reaches so many people and changes so many lives, I don't feel powerful but gratified. Power doesn't figure in my hierarchy of needs When did you last feel powerful? (Thinks hard) I guess when I did my last set of bench press! If TZP gets you an Oscar, maybe then you'd feel powerful? (Shrugs) I'm not thinking of the Oscar. Right now, I'm focused on Ghajini and 3 Idiots. If we make it to the final five nominations which will be announced on January 22, then I'll think of the Oscar. I'll let you know what I feel then. (Laughs) Over the last five years, you've become this monstrous marketing god; can you tell us how and when do you start planning the marketing strategy? (Laughs) When I plan the marketing strategy, I try to understand the core values of the film. Each film has a unique marketing demand. I have about nine people in my marketing team. We brainstorm together. Our guiding principle is that cinema is a form of mass communication and we have to tell the audience the core values of our film. Once the film is complete, we see it and plan the strategy as to how to prepare the people for this particular film. Today, marketing is an important part of filmmaking. You need to make the audience excited about the film; you need to create the right atmosphere. But don't you think sometimes you go overboard, like giving the Ghajini haircut to the ushers the day Shah Rukh Khan's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi released? (Shrugs) It was a part of our marketing strategy. We were going to do that two weeks before the release of Ghajini irrespective of the film that was playing. We had initially planned to release Ghajini on October 2 but pushed it back after my leg injury. We would have done the same thing then too. There are two principles that I follow when I market my films: we should honestly represent the film to not mislead the audience and we shouldn't do anything negative. I'm very clear that while I do my best, I should not harm anyone else. As for giving the ushers the Ghajini haircut, we wanted it to be like a trailer. At the end of it, you can do as much publicity as you want but ultimately it's the film that matters. But there is some undercurrent with SRK, isn't it? You two have been taking digs at each other. We have high regard for each other. If you look at his interviews, you will see that Shah Rukh only talks about himself, makes digs at others and puts others down. He talks really big but he's a charming guy. I have no hesitation in saying that I'm charmed by SRK. It's just that media takes an extreme stand; it pits us as either enemies or as best friends. As for all our back-and-forth talks, it just shows that both of us have a good sense of humour. If you look at his interviews, you will see that Shah Rukh only talks about himself, makes digs at others and puts others down Aren't you and Salman Khan ganging up on SRK, especially with Salman painting your Ghajini look and you sporting his charitable organization's (Being Human) tee at a media event? (Smiles) We're not ganging up. Both Salman and Shah Rukh are my friends. I didn't ask Salman to paint me; he did it on his own. As for me wearing his tee, if Salman is doing something noble in starting an organization that'll help needy people, I'm happy to support him. Do you agree you're a control freak? I'm not a control freak. I'm realistic about my limits. When I act in a film, it's the director who is the boss. It's not my responsibility to control the film. But I'm always there if the director wants any help or suggestion. I just go with the flow. In the 20 years that you've been here, has there been any shift in your guiding principle of making movies? Not at all. I've always done films I believe in. I've always had an emotional approach to my work. This is my life so I only want to do those films that I really want to be a part of. I've gone wrong quite a few times especially in the first six months of my career after Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak when I signed every film offered to me. But they were all my decisions. I've learnt quickly from my failures. How badly does a flop affect you? I'm very emotionally involved with my films. If ever I have to face a failure, I'd like to take full responsibility for it. Even the failure is mine, I like to value my flops and hold them close to me. I like to mourn my failure and try to learn from it. What do you want your legacy to be? I'm very ambitious. I'd like to do work of the level people haven't seen before. I want to raise the bar as an actor, producer and director. I'd like to do films that would live on much after I'm no longer there. Even if someone sees Lagaan 200 years later, he should say, "Who's that guy, yaar?" Is there any role you haven't done and are dying to attempt? I really find Mahabharata fascinating. I would love to play Karan, who was 6 '3 and a born warrior. So, I don't think I fit the part physically but emotionally I do. I think the part I suit the best would be that of Krishna. When I was in KG, I had these really chubby cheeks. Girls would find me cute and surround me. I also used to eat makhan all the time so my mom would call me Krishna and the girls my gopis.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 6 Jan 2009 | 10:16 am Sex icon Bipasha eyeing meatier roles
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2009 | 10:15 am Nitish takes a dig at Lalu - Indopia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 10:06 am Marriage ? - Not now : Pooja - Chennai Online
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 10:04 am Success overdose - Asin throws starry tantrums - SantaBanta.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2009 | 9:59 am Govinda resumes shooting for Mundhra's Naughty At 40Putting an end to all speculation regarding the future of his project with Jagmohan Mundhra, Govinda resumed shooting for Naughty At 40 this week. "It was never Govinda's fault that the shooting had halted. We had some production problems which have now been sorted out. Govinda has never been troublesome. For a 3pm shift, he arrives at 2.30 pm." Mundhra feels it's time the industry realized they're in the throes of a recession. "Actors within the industry have realized it, and are working accordingly. There're reports of how Govinda has been troubling my project Naughty At 40. But the truth is that the project being in trouble has nothing to do with Govinda. On the contrary he has been unfailingly disciplined and punctual." The shooting now takes place in Punjab. Says Mundhra, "We shoot for twenty-five days and the film is done. The days of stretching a film and its budget are over. Stars now need to cut their prices and give their dates at a stretch. It's the only way to work."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Jan 2009 | 9:52 am Younger sisters fail to impress in Bollywood
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2009 | 9:44 am Slumdog gets Best Picture nomination
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2009 | 9:37 am Wishing A.R.Rahman a very Happy BirthdayHe is someone who literally gave a 'New' sound to music ever since he arrived on the Indian music scene with the soundtrack of Mani Ratnam's Roja. Since then, there has been no looking back for A.R.Rahman who has been consistently delivering one hit after the other in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Hindi cinema. His music in films like Bombay, Taal, Rangeela, Lagaan and Rang De Basanti have given us many chartbusters. Last year (2008) was a particularly great year for all 'Rahmaniacs' as the music maestro gave us super soundtracks like Jodhaa Akbar, Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na, Yuvvraaj and Ghajini. Most recently his compositions for Danny Boyle's internationally acclaimed film Slumdog Millionaire has even fetched him the prestigious Golden Globe nomination. As the musical genius celebrates his birthday today, we at Bollywood Hungama give you all a chance to post your birthday wishes (in the section below) for the one and only A.R.Rahman.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Jan 2009 | 8:25 am Sangeeth Sivan's 'Kyaa Fool Hai Hum' runs into controversySangeeth Sivan, who directed the raunchy comedy 'Kyaa Kool Hai Hum' for Ekta Kapoor, is producing a sequel to the film, which has run into a controversy as Govinda and Sohail Khan, who were supposed to be part of the project, deny being in 'Kyaa Fool Hai Hum'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Jan 2009 | 8:01 am Govinda resumes shooting for 'Naughty At 40'Putting an end to all the speculation over the future of 'Naughty At 40', actor Govinda resumed shooting for director Jagmohan Mundhra's movie this week.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Jan 2009 | 8:00 am A not-so-good year for Bollywood in 2008MUMBAI (Reuters) - If you are looking for a word to describe Bollywood’s output in 2008, "ordinary" would be high up on the list.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 6 Jan 2009 | 7:52 am On 23rd birthday, Deepika visits Siddhivinayak templeModel-turned-actress Deepika Padukone turned 23 today and visited the Siddhivinayak temple here with her parents to offer prayers. She is currently busy promoting her upcoming film 'Chandni Chowk to China', co-starring Akshay Kumar, that releases on January 16. Deepika, who plays a double role in the film, will be seen in an action-oriented role for the first time. After being involved in some dare-devil scenes, the actress had labelled herself as the "female Akshay Kumar of Bollywood". Though she was accompanied by legendary father Prakash and mother Ujjwala, beau Ranbir Kapoor was not there. Ranbir is busy shooting with Katrina Kaif in Mumbai for Rajkumar Santoshi's 'Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani'. Ranbir and Katrina are also being paired opposite each other in Prakash Jha's 'Rajniti' which goes on floors shortly. Deepika's last film with Ranbir was 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' which did moderate business at the box office. Screen IndiaSource: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Jan 2009 | 7:49 am Film Music Business - Recession or downward correction?Bhushan Kumar In the past few months recession has hit the world economy in a big way. Almost all the sectors have been badly affected in India as well, including the Film Industry. Multiple film deals amounting to obscene crores have either been slashed big time or scrapped completely. Big stars are willingly taking a pay cut and this effect has trickled down to the other departments like direction, technicians, foreign locations etc. The question that we at Bollywood Hungama are asking is how recession has badly affected the Film Music Industry too. "Recession has affected without a doubt. There's a difference of 30-40% in the prices that are being offered now than what was being offered six months back," says Adarsh Gupta, CEO, Junglee Music. "Recession is affecting the overall consumer buying. In music business things are getting back to reality. There has to be a relation between content and revenue," adds CEO, Big Music & Home Entertainment, Kulmeet Makkar. In other words, the general perception within the industry is that music buying-selling scenario needs to be changed and the producers have to be more realistic while quoting their prices. "Corporates came in and they started throwing money. They started buying world rights and keeping the music for themselves. Some Corporates even opened their own music labels. They thought they will become big because they will buy all the rights but they didn't know that without a running catalogue you can't sell new music at any platform whether you go on mobile or radio, you again need a catalogue," says Bhushan Kumar, Managing Director, T Series. A consensus sentiment within the industry is that the realistic pricing for music became a necessity after the exorbitant cost of the overall music rights of Singh is Kinng (which reportedly went for Rs 13 crores). "The music rights of Singh is Kinng were purchased at around Rs 10 crores and not Rs 13 crores as stated by certain sources," clarifies Adarsh Gupta of Junglee Music, the newly formed record label that purchased the music. We combated some sharp reactions to this deal. "The price at which Singh is Kinng music rights were sold is an absurd figure. One can never make money on that cost. Maybe they had other business compulsions," says Kulmeet Makkar. "It was a wrong deal... I don't know what was the strategy," adds Kumar Taurani, Chairman and Managing Director, Tips Industries. It can now be clearly said that the price at which Singh is Kinng music was sold was totally unrealistic. Junglee Music stopped buying rights for the next six months testifying to the fact that they have lost money and the film that they have in hand currently (Horn Ok Pleassss) isn't a big one from any standards. "We bought Horn Ok Pleassss because we always wanted to be associated with happening music and Horn Ok music is extremely good. Our definition of good music isn't necessarily belonging to the biggest film. Good music can come from a big film. It can also come from a small film," justifies Adarsh Gupta. The fact of the matter is that in spite of the promos having hit the air for quite a while none of its songs have really caught people's fancy yet. Yes, music of a small film can be popular too even if a film tanks at the Box Office. A case in point in recent times is Sorry Bhai which has extraordinary melodies and will be heard for a while. "Price correction is coming in for artist prices, production, director, heroines, everything. Everybody's price is reducing. Everybody is coming to a realistic level. The corporate or distributors will buy films at a lower rate so obviously the music prices also have to come down. If everybody is coming down to 50% so music also has to come down at 50%," reasons Bhushan Kumar. Kulmeet Makkar "Even if there's Shahrukh Khan in a film, I'll still say I want to listen to the music first. You must know what you're buying. Shahrukh can add 300% to a project provided the content is good," adds Kulmeet Makkar. It is obvious that the general feeling within the music industry is one of caution. Having burnt their fingers and still coming to terms with an evolving industry, risk taking has been put on hold. Till the dust of uncertainty settles down, cost cutting is the highest priority on agenda. To give you a more precise idea, we give you a low down on the maximum limit the biggest players in the music industry are willing to stretch themselves for projects starring some of the most saleable stars like Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar: Adarsh Gupta, Junglee Music: Rs 3.5 - Rs 4 crores. Kulmeet Makkar, Big Music: Rs 1 - 5 crores Kumar Taurani, Tips Music: Rs 3 - 4 crores. Bhushan Kumar, T-Series: Rs 3 - 5 crores Year 2008 saw some of the most hyped and highly priced films like Love Story 2050 and Drona biting the dust resulting in colossal losses. If a film does well, it automatically results in the music doing well in the larger context. But if it doesn't, then the best of music fails to create that big an impact. A classic example is Rock On!! Music helped the film before its release and when the film was liked, music sales shot up. The songs of the film achieved a unique distinction of topping not only the Indian but even the world charts. Kulmeet Makkar of Big Music suggests a new business model which according to him is the need of the day and would help everyone. "A new business model is emerging where producers are looking at music labels as partners. Revenue can be shared. It has to be a win-win model. There can't be a situation where one party makes money while the other loses," he says. "Partnership model isn't a workable model. Accounting is a very big problem. It may happen after 2 years. Reporting structure is not in place. So many radio stations and television channels, how will you monitor each one of them," counters Kumar Taurani of Tips Music. Taurani is of the view that the music industry has been under recession for the last three or four years. "Huge piracy is happening. Entry of radio has also killed our business. Physical sales are not encouraging." Piracy is a scourge that's eating the music industry like termites on a rampage. Unlike, 1990s, the physical sale of music has slimmed remarkably. Today if a Race sells 3.5 lakh or a Rock On!! 3 lakh copies in physical sales it is considered to be the upper limit. Of course there are other factors like multiple television channels, radio stations, internet (more illegitimate than legitimate), mobile downloads etc which are generating revenue. Kumar Taurani A decade ago Subhash Ghai's Taal did record business. "Around 1.6 million CDs of Taal were sold and it still continues to be highly downloaded music," informs Subhash Ghai. There were other films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and Raja Hindustani which sold around 15 million copies (mostly cassettes). Such a figure is unimaginable today. Piracy is a crisis that seems to be having no answers. Around fifty to fifty five percent revenue of the music industry goes into piracy. If a Pirate is caught, he gets bail in two days as the laws are very weak. In USA, one has to pay to download music on IPods whereas there's no such case here. There are many illegal sites offering free music. Such sites are a roadblock to the growth of the Online face of the music industry and it's very difficult to wipe them out in entirety. In times when physical sales are gradually dying down and the piracy is rampant, one of the most potent vehicles for doing legitimate profitable music business is the Digital platform. The common viewpoint of everyone within and outside the music industry is that it is the future of the music industry. Mobile downloads are on an all time high. Ringtones and Caller back tones of popular film hits are echoing in each and every corner of the country. It's very apparent that the Digital wing of music business will gain huge strength in the coming days as it benefits everyone. There's no dearth of talent in the country and new forms of experimentations are happening. Both the new age filmmakers as well as the musicians promise to cull out chartbusting melodies for generations to cherish. And hopefully their music will be priced correctly so that the Music Mughals continue to stretch the benchmark for quality entertainment.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 6 Jan 2009 | 7:41 am 'Raaz' is piping hotClick above for more movie stills Now this is a real coincidence. While Hollywood studio Warner Bros. awaits, with bated breath, the feedback to CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA on January 16, another Hollywood giant, Sony Pictures, is keeping its fingers crossed for RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES, which opens worldwide the following week, on January 23. The Bhatts are known for qualitative films and RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is no exception. In fact, those who've watched the rushes feel that the film has the potential to score big time. There hasn't been an eerie movie for a while now and although RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is dissimilar to RAAZ, the brand should generate tremendous curiosity amongst viewers, translating into serpentine queues at the ticket counters. Meanwhile, a section of the media has reported that the Bhatts are planning to dub RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES in South languages [Tamil and Telugu], releasing it simultaneously with the Hindi version. However, there's no truth to it. "We aren't dubbing in South languages," Mukesh Bhatt states.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Jan 2009 | 7:25 am It's Akki's turn nowClick above for more movie stills SRK has proved it. Aamir has, well, taken a big leap. It's Akki's turn now. With RAB NE BANA DI JODI and GHAJINI setting new records at the box-office and emerging true saviours for the strife-torn industry, all eyes are on the next-in-line biggie, CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA. This film is more crucial for all those associated with it. Nikhil Advani made a tremendous debut with KAL HO NAA HO, but slipped with SALAAM-E-ISHQ. He has to fire the salvo with CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA. Hollywood giant Warner Bros., associated with this film in the capacity of its presenters, need to spread their wings in India and if CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA works -- this being their first biggie in Hindi -- the studio would get the confidence to go all out and try their luck in Bollywood. Most importantly, CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA is an acid test for Akshay Kumar, whose status is at par with SRK and Aamir. While SRK and Aamir's latest movies are thrashing all previous records at the ticket window, one expects Akki to follow suit. Will CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA supersede these two films? Going by the trends, CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA is expected to fetch a hurricane-like start when released. There's tremendous hype for the film and soothsayers [most exhibitors this writer spoke to] are predicting a thunder storm at the box-office on January 16, when CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA opens.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Jan 2009 | 7:19 am Bollywood's Khans may clash again this DecemberMUMBAI (Reuters) - Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan brought some cheer at the fag end of a dismal year for the film industry -- and they might do so again in 2009.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 6 Jan 2009 | 7:18 am Bangalore film fest offers complete entertainment packageAbout 130 films from 35 countries, seminars, children films, old Kannada classics and an animation workshop - the forthcoming third Bengalooru International Film Festival promises all this and more to give movie buffs a holistic view of world cinema.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Jan 2009 | 6:30 am 'Dreams can act like safety valves'Ever dreamt that you are flying over tree tops or streaking across the sky? It could mean that you have fallen in love or are simply happy, says dream interpreter Madhu Tandan.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Jan 2009 | 5:01 am Are non-film music albums dying out?Acclaimed singers like Sonu Nigam, Shaan, KK and even Asha Bhonsle have come out with independent music albums that have been popular with audiences. But these non-film albums are now on the decline and many blame Bollywood for the downward trend.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Jan 2009 | 5:00 am At 30, Bipasha Basu looking for serious rolesShe came into the limelight with her coffee bean complexion in 'Ajnabee' and was called a scorcher for her skin show in 'Jism'. But Bollywood beauty Bipasha Basu, who turns 30 Wednesday, has now moved on from being just a sex icon and is signing on mature roles.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Jan 2009 | 4:01 am Younger sisters fail to blossom in BollywoodThey had a launch pad in their elder sisters who are stars in Bollywood. But actresses like Amrita Arora, Shamita Shetty and Tanisha Mukherjee have failed to come out of the glittering shadow of their siblings despite seeking to carve out their own destiny.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Jan 2009 | 4:00 am Pritam takes back tunes he created for Rajkumar SantoshiComposer Pritam Chakraborty is often dissatisfied with the tunes he makes. He recently decided to take back two of his compositions for Rajkumar Santoshi's forthcoming film 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' because he wasn't too happy with them.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Jan 2009 | 3:00 am Daboo Ratnani Calendar 2009 Launch [Gallery]Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:00 am I dont live for money- Randeep [Interview]The nation noticed him when he appeared as the fearless handsome don in D and since then for Randeep Hooda the journey in Bollywood has been one huge experiment and he is a performer who gives equal importance to downfall as he gives to triumph and embrace failures always with a laugh in the quest for becoming a better actor.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 6 Jan 2009 | 12:00 am B'day girl Deepika turns into a goddess!
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2009 | 7:43 pm Big B cancels Nepal trip due to Pashupatinath row
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2009 | 4:45 pm Sanju's wife leaves him alone
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2009 | 4:40 pm The F-word, fake orgasm get 'A' certificate for The President Is ComingClick above for more movie stills Producer Rohan Sippy and director Kunaal Roy Kapur are unperturbed that their upcoming release The President Is Coming has been meted with a 'A' certificate by the Censor Board. They would let the film's content stay intact rather than tone it down just so that it could find universal audience for itself. Since the film itself is aimed at urban youth, they believe that it is okay for it to bear an 'A' certificate stamp. "There is no fun in tampering with the content of your film unnecessarily. We know the language we are talking and that's the kind which is spoken around by the urban youth. It is not meant to be malicious or coming with a wrong contention but Censors felt that it won't be appropriate for kids to hear this language on screen", says Rohan Sippy who explains that it was usage of some bad words /objectionable language in The President Is Coming due to which they had to be content with an 'A' certificate. "There is some abusive content in the film but nothing that is wrongly placed or aimed at hurting someone. It has been retained as it in the film though", says Kunaal Roy Kapur, the debutant director. Some of the words/phrases that were found objectionable were 'Fu%^ you', 'You bast#$d', 'what the fu%^ are you doing' etc. "But isn't it the kind of language that we hear around us in the normal milieu", questions Rohan, "More often than not, we don't even mean the actual meaning of the words. But that's ok. As for the 'A' mark on the posters, I am only taking it positively. It should only get the youth excited since they could expect some non-veg stuff coming their way after a plethora of vegetarian dishes being served to them." Talking about some of the jokes from the film, Rohan adds, "You tell me how we could prune out a joke where one guy asks another - 'Why do some women fake orgasms?' - to which the person applies - 'They probably think that we care, huh!'. So you know, that's the talk that we are having in the film. In any case, urban audience (at which the film is targeted) will get the jokes rather than being offended or confused." Starring Konkona Sen in the lead, The President Is Coming is an English language film that also features Shenaz Patel with youngsters like Ira Dubey, Vivek Gomber, Satchit Puranik, Namit Das, Anand Tiwari and Shivani Tanksale. The film releases on 9th January.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jan 2009 | 3:48 pm Click above for more movie stills Whether it is a successful director and actor coming together or a sequel being made or the film franchise being extended, the pressure is always on a filmmaker to deliver something bigger and better. The same holds good for Raaz - The Mystery Continues which is next in the series of Raaz franchise. No wonder, there are huge expectations from this Mohit Suri directed film which brings together an altogether new star cast comprising of Emraan Hashmi, Kangna Ranaut and Adhyayan Suman. Even the composers have been new though the makers - Vishesh Films - remain as the Captain of the ship. Was the pressure indeed humungous throughout the making of the film? "The pressure was to make a good film and that happens in every creative medium", says Emraan Hashmi, "It wasn't because we were making a film after Raaz; we were not competing with it in the first place." But how can one completely forget the original which has been one of the biggest successes coming out of the stable of Vishesh Films? "We completely distanced ourselves away from the original since we wanted to make the film in a different approach altogether. When you will see the film, you would realize that it is an entirely different take on horror; something that no one has ever seen in Bollywood. We didn't even begin with any reference point to the earlier Raaz and instead detached ourselves completely." Emraan also insists that while noise has more often than not played a major role in creating the spooky feel in a horror film, it is a different treatment this time around. "Yes, so many times in Hindi films we have seen people getting jolted with the all noise around. Here we are playing with silence. We took a break from the old school approach of filming and wanted to give audience a new experience when it comes to Hindi horror movies", declares Emraan. Raaz - The Mystery Continues is confirmed for 23rd January release, a week after Chandni Chowk To China.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 5 Jan 2009 | 3:45 pm "I was doing background scores when Bhatts offered me Raaz" - Raju SinghYou will have to wait for a few more days see the big-screen version of Raaz-The Mystery Continues. But composer Raju Singh's score is already out on CD, and the music sets a tone that is both suspenseful and brimming with emotion. Raju is a cinema power-house. His past work includes background scores for films like Zeher, Woh Lamhe, Gangster, Awarapan, Kalyug, etc. In short, you can even call him Vishesh Films lucky music mascot. Making the score for what might be the most-awaited film of this month required a delicate balance. The result is reflective, but rises to the occasion for a thriller packed sequences...romance too. Having worked on the background music for quite some time now, it was the Bhatt camp and director Mohit Suri who wanted Singh to come out of the closet, and he did exactly that. Harrow Observer and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent Devansh Patel met the versatile Raju Singh at his Juhu residence where he gets talking about his mentor, his inspiration, his passion, and of course, his Raaz to stardom. Realistically, no one has heard of Raju Singh - the music director. Do you give credit to the Bhatt camp for where you are today? Definitely, yes. For the last five years in the music industry, I've just kept myself busy not informing people of what I've been doing. It wasn't about blowing my own trumpet but I believed that my work will speak up for itself. I used to compose background score for five years but Bhatt saab and Mohit Suri saw the talent in me and urged me to compose four tracks for the Raaz-TMC album. Vishesh Films previous record has been so great as far as their music is concerned that I just couldn't say no. I used to go to meet my dad in the recording studios, Pancham da would tempt me with a Cadbury chocolate You had a very good rapport with RD Burman, we've heard. Brief us a bit about it. My dad's been a musician with Shankar Jaikishen, SD Burman, RD Burman, Naushad ji, etc. So right from my childhood I used to go and meet dad in the recording studios. Every time I used to go, Pancham da would tempt me with a Cadbury chocolate. After I started working with Mr. Uttam Singh for three years and then as a free lancer, I got a call from Pancham da who wanted me to come to the recording studio with my guitar. As I entered, I saw a chocolate lying on my seat. I was 16 to 17 years old then. That was my memorable experience with the genius called RD Burman for the film Jai Jai Shiv Shankar staring Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia. I don't know whether that film got released or not. Vikram Bhatt's Raaz with Nadeem Shravan's music was an instant hit back then. Will Razz-TMC take it to another level? The comparisons are happening with today's Raaz because the original's music was a superhit. Raaz TMC is different because the story is different, the situations are different and at the same time it's been a long time when that genre of music was at the peak. Today you cannot do that. You have to do something which is in sync with the current flavour of the season. Audiences have changed too. Their perception towards music has made a lot of difference to our music industry. So far the 'Mahi' and 'Soniyo' tracks are proving to be chart busters. Once the film is released, you will enjoy the music even more. Which is your favourite song from the album and why? I've composed four songs from the entire album. If I had to pick my favourite, I'd pick 'Soniyo' because we wanted to make a song which any lover would want to dedicate to. And we had in mind the song 'Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye' which became our reference point as it was such a simple song which touched the hearts of millions of Indians. So we thought that if the same song had to be made in today's time, how it would sound. I and my director, Mohit Suri, tried out many versions but initially it didn't work. Then the next day we sat with couple of chilled beers and we got it because it had to be as simple as 'Tu De De Mera Saath' types. The song started happening and we finally got it. Thanks to the beer (laughs). How has Raaz-TMC shaped up? The first time I saw the film was only till the interval because the second half was still being edited. In spite of knowing the story I was taken by surprise when I saw the interval sequence. I never expected that to happen. Over the last few months, horror films in India are now being accepted by our audiences. I think Raaz-TMC will not only be accepted but respected too. Raaz-TMC will not only be accepted but respected too. Did you ever think at any point that Vikram Bhatt would have been an apt choice to direct Raaz TMC? Mohit Suri has given Zeher, Kalyug, Awarapan and Woh Lamhe and now Raaz TMC. So it would be wrong to say that Vikram Bhatt would be a better choice because he has his own way of making films. It's a different story when you say that Mohit Suri used to assist Vikram Bhatt. I guess the schooling is the same. But I'm sure that Vikram would be happy that Mohit is directing Raaz-TMC. What have you learnt from my past experiences as a background music composer? It's not enough to just keep doing your work. I had to be a music director one day but I guess it had to be a bit late. I had to come out in the open and let people know that I have done this. That was lacking in me. I had to talk about it. After Raaz-TMC, I am doing background music for Tips Film Toh Baat Pakki staring Tabu and Sharman Joshi. I've also done a Sanjay Gupta film called Pankh directed by Shudipto Chatterji starring Bipasha Basu and a new-comer Maradona. That will have music by Raju Singh. I've also done a background score for a film called Fast Forward directed by Zaigam Ali with fresh new faces. It's an Anjum Rizvi production. I'd done a film called Charas with him earlier. Before Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion got released, I'd also done all his earlier films background score. Sonu Nigam stated in one of his interviews that 'Soniyo' comes in the top ten songs he has ever sung Tell us a the story behind making of the track - 'Soniyo'. When Mohit and I worked out the entire song, we played it to Mukesh Bhattji and Mahesh Bhatt saab. They were all very kicked about it. Then we wanted to polish the song even more. I had sung the scratch version of 'Soniyo' and all of them wanted to keep my voice as the playback. By that time we had heard the song so many times that we were convinced the song was over. But realistically we had to rope in a singer. We went for Sonu Nigam. He said that it will be a super hit song. He also stated in one of his interviews that 'Soniyo' comes in the top ten songs he has ever sung. You don't really associate music with horror films. Were you reluctant in doing it initially? I had a similar question in mind for Mohit Suri initially. But Mohit said that he was making a love story with the basic super natural aspect around it. You can then understand what the songs are doing in the film. There is only one song in the film which has nothing to do with the romance and that is 'Banda Re'. It is a very strong situational song. The rest of the album is romantic. Let's do a quick rapid fire now. Your best song. 'Gun Gunati Hain Geet Gaati Hain' from Madhur Bhandarkar's Satta sung by Sonu Nigam and Asha Bhonsle and 'Soniyo' of course. Your favourite music director. RD Burman from the yesteryears and A.R. Rahman now. I also like the work of Vishal- Shekhar and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Most touching lyrics you've heard to date. There is a line from Sanjay Gupta's film titled Musafir which goes - Zindagi mein koi kabhi aaye na rabba... Those lines are very touching. These lines were penned by Kumar who has also written lyrics for 'Soniyo'. I'm also a big fan of all Javed Akhtar's lyrics. Best Playback singers - Male and Female. Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan. Two of your all time favourite films from the Vishesh Films banner. Gangster and Awarapan. Do you see Raaz-TMC winning a lot of awards in 2010 for its music? I'm sure Sonu Nigam will win for his melodious voice in 'Soniyo'.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 5 Jan 2009 | 3:07 pm Shah Rukh's new show 'Knights and Angels'
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2009 | 3:00 pm
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