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Aamir feels the pressure post Ghajini
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2009 | 6:16 pm "I don't yell from the top of my voice about being the lead" - Emraan HashmiFor Emraan Hashmi, playing an integral character in a film is the most important thing to do regardless of the screen space he gets. So whether it is a small but critical role in Kalyug or an obsessive lover with villainous shades in Murder or one of the three key characters in Raaz - The Mystery Continues, he approaches them with all the honesty and integrity. Ask him if he is the main lead in the film or Adhyayan Suman and he goes on to reply, "I don't really get into topics like these because gone are the days when there was the concept of a hero or a main lead. I pick up a film when I am very convinced about a role because it's the depth in the character that matters most. If I like it, I go ahead and do it. I don't get into matters where I have to worry about whether the person other than me in the film has a meatier role." Stating examples about how he has maintained this strategy from the very beginning of his career that saw him playing second lead to Aftab Shivdasani in Footpath, he goes on to add, "If I had thought on those lines, would I have done Murder considering it was supposed to be Mallika's film? When I do a film, I move ahead and let the audience decide whose film it was. I don't yell from the top of my voice that 'This is MY film'. The same holds good for Raaz - The Mystery Continues as well." Some actors choose to do that though. They want the world to know that they have the most important part to play in a film. "Other actors may have different work priorities, I have my own. I work for the betterment of the character; the way the director wants me to play it. At the end of the day, a film is much bigger than the actor. And by the way, whenever I have a special appearance in the film, I haven't hidden it. There is no point being dishonest to your audience. In case of Kalyug, I had told people that I had a special appearance and it was basically a Kunal (Khemu) film", remembers Emraan Hashmi. Which means he has a full fledged role in Raaz - The Mystery Continues even though all the romance seems to be reserved for Kangna and Adhyayan Suman? "Absolutely. I have a full blown character to enact in Raaz -TMC. As for who romances whom in the film, then well, watch the film", he winks before signing off.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 14 Jan 2009 | 4:11 pm Ledger's Golden Globe to go to daughter
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2009 | 3:22 pm The golden statue that Aamir Khan got at Ghajini's success partyProducers have strange ways of making their leading men happy at the end of a film so that they are open to doing another film. Ghajini producer Madhu Mantena outdid himself by presenting a solid-gold statue designed specially to resemble Aamir's Ghajini look at the party held to celebrate the film's success earlier this week. "8 abs included," says Mantena proudly. We didn't know it was 8 abs. "It is and we can see all 8 of them on the statue," he states. The statuette is pure gold and probably cost the producer close to Rs. 70-80 lakhs though he isn't telling. "It has certain amount of other metal to make it malleable. Solid gold wouldn't allow the identical Ghajini shape to be done in gold. But the idea was to create an Oscar-sized statue exclusively for Ghajini. Aamir knew he was getting a trophy. But he didn't know it would be golden and with his Ghajini's look. He was overwhelmed," says Mantena. So now a second project featuring the Ghajini actor-producer is pucca. To make sure he doesn't feel bad, director Murugadoss was also given a statue. Though we hear his was far less hefty and golden than Aamir's. But yes, the 8-abs were there for Muruga too.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 14 Jan 2009 | 3:18 pm Aamir's Taare Zameen Par out of Oscar race - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 14 Jan 2009 | 1:34 pm Bipasha does not portray Kashmiri separatist leader in 'Lamhaa'Bollywood star Bipasha Basu's role in Rahul Dholakia directed 'Lamhaa' doesn't portray the life of a woman Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi, the director said Wednesday.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 14 Jan 2009 | 1:30 pm Industry reacts on Rahman being the first Indian to win a Golden Globe AwardMira Nair: "The most innocent and lovely image on American television in years was the sight of our beloved A.R. Rahman on tiptoe hugging a loved one before he got the Golden Globe. How wonderful to see this rush of talent being recognized. Go, Slumdog!" Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: "This is absolutely fantastic news. Superb in the superlative. Heartiest congratulations to him. He's truly blessed. An incredible talent, a wonderful soul and has always been and will be the pride of our country." Pritam Chakraborty: "Wow ...I was kind of expecting this. Congratulations to him. It's a proud moment for any Indian especially the music fraternity. I pray that it's just the beginning for him." Amitabh Bachchan: "Congratulations. A reward most deserving." Abhishek Bachchan: "What a glorious moment for him. He continues to make us proud. I'm very lucky to have worked with him in Yuva, Guru and Delhi 6. My congratulations to him." Gulzar: "It's the horse that has won the race. The one riding the horse was Rahman. My lyrics for 'Jai Ho' were just the lagaam for the horse. Rahman has always been a clutter-breaker. He broke the antara-mukhda-antara (stanza-intro-stanza) mould in Hindi film songs. Now he has broken into the international arena. I'm working with him on the new Mani Ratnam project Raavan. As always it's a pleasure. All I can say for Rahman is, Jai Ho." Bappi Lahiri: "It's a great honour for Bollywood. We're all proud of A R Rahman. God bless him." Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra: "I guess on the way to the Oscars he has picked up a Golden Globe. The best thing about his music in Slumdog Millionaire (SD) is that his work in the film is so revolutionary and potent, that he made the jury's job easier. God bless Rahman for bringing India back on the cultural world-map. This will pave the way for bigger things from him and from our country." Javed Akhtar: "I'm thrilled happy and proud, but not at all surprised. It's inevitable for a genius like Rahman to get international acclaim." Shekhar Ravjiani: "A. R. Rahman is a genius. The music of SM is outstanding. It deserves every award on this planet. I'm extremely happy for him." Udit Narayan: "I've had the singular pleasure of working with A. R. Rahman many times. In fact I had sung for the last India-based film Lagaan that had his music. He's a fine human being and composer. I always say good things happen to good people. This honour that he has brought to the country proves it. Today when I have cut down on my singing I realize he's one of the composers I'd want to sing for even if I stopped singing." Ashutosh Gowarikar: "In one word he is fan-tas-tic! He's a trailblazer. I'm so very proud of him, too thrilled! And his speech at the Golden Globe ceremonies was superb, short and sweet full of gratitude for his fans. Wow! I'll exhale only when I meet him." Sunidhi Chauhan: "When I heard Rahman saab had won a Golden Globe it didn't register for a while. It took me time to understand what he has done. I'm too, too happy to say anything. I haven't sung too many songs from him. Recently, I sang a Hindi song for him in an English-language film. Singing an A.R Rahman composition is a privilege. I'm glad the West is realizing his worth." Shreya Ghoshal: "I'm extremely happy and thrilled to hear this. It's a huge achievement. I'm very proud of Rahman sir. This is just the beginning for him." Anu Malik: "I'm not surprised. Such talent comes once in a lifetime. I'm in London and I caught the film and its music. It's terrific. A great day for our great country. A R Rahman is a genius. I'm sure he's going to get an Oscar now. I salute A R Rahman. Mark my words. Next month Rahman will also get the Oscar for SM. It is brilliant. I'm so happy for him. With the Oscar coming to Rahman the Indian music industry would've come a long way." Farhan Akhtar: "I'm very happy for him. The recognition is truly deserved. Congratulations to Rahman and Danny Boyle." Vishal Bhardwaj: "Things just won't stop here for Rahman. The genius shall now bring an Oscar for us. Insha Allah." Aditya Narayan: "It's incredible! He's the first Indian artiste to be working internationally at such a high level. I've had the pleasure of singing for him when I was a child in Taal. Of course now everyone will say he had it in him. Here's one artiste who just does his work, and wastes no time in publicity gimmicks. I think India is just getting ready for international recognition." Bipasha Basu: "He's an absolute genius. He deserves every award. And the applause he's getting globally is richly deserved. I feel immense pride." Anand Raj Anand: "He deserves it. He's the only music director who got opportunities to work in terrific banners and super-talented directors. I wish him many many more achievements." Sameer Anjaan: "It's a proud moment for every Indian. I'm lucky to have worked with him. He deserves much more." Aadesh Shrivastava: "Bahut garv hota hai apne desh ke prati. Jai Hind." Himesh Reshammiya: "He deserves it. He's my favourite." Ameesha: "Rahman is a modern-day Mozart. A complete genius. I wish him the Oscar next." Kunal Ganjawala: "This is just the beginning of many more international awards to come for Rahman." KK (singer): "He deserves it. Glad he brought it for us. He's someone who understands music and what it does for our soul. Truly Indian too. God bless him .This is just the beginning." Irrfan Khan: "Rahman ki jai ho aur aage Indian cinema ki bhi jai ho. I'm part of SM and meri bhi jai ho."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 14 Jan 2009 | 1:14 pm Brad Pitt called 'ugly' at Golden Globes
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2009 | 12:55 pm Manyata manipulated Sanjay to further her ambitions: Priya Dutt!Saddened by Sanjay Dutt`s plan to contest Lok Sabha election on a SP ticket, his sister and Congress MP Priya on Wednesday slammed his wife Manyata, accusing her of manipulating Sanjay to further her own ambitions.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 14 Jan 2009 | 12:46 pm Aamir`s `Taare Zameen Par` fails to impress the Oscar jury!Aamir Khan`s brainchild and award winning film `Taare Zameen Par` has been left out of the nine films shortlisted in the foreign language film category at the 81st Academy Awards.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 14 Jan 2009 | 12:46 pm Comedy king Adam Sandler now looking for family movies !He has been tickling the funny bone for 20 years with his mindless, slapstick Hollywood comedies and black humour, but acting in "Bedtime Stories" has inspired Adam Sandler to take on more family-friendly movies.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 14 Jan 2009 | 12:46 pm Pamela Anderson flaunts her butt as hse soaks the sun!After making a career from flashing her famous big bust, Pamela Anderson is these days busy attracting attention to her other key asset-her butt.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 14 Jan 2009 | 12:46 pm For kids in "Slumdog" slum, life is not as upbeatMUMBAI (Reuters) - In Nehru Nagar, the teeming Mumbai slum featured in the Golden Globe-winning film "Slumdog Millionaire", the only music heard is on tiny radio sets and the young boys have no ambition to appear on quiz shows.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 14 Jan 2009 | 12:30 pm Priya Dutt shocked over Sanju's choice
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2009 | 12:13 pm 'Ghajini' producer presents gold statuette to Aamir KhanMadhu Mantena, who co-produced the super hit film 'Ghajini' with Allu Arvind, has presented an Oscar-sized gold statuette worth Rs.8 million to Aamir Khan.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 14 Jan 2009 | 12:00 pm Set up independent media regulator: Karat - Sify
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 14 Jan 2009 | 11:49 am Ghajini's second success party - Daily News & Analysis
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 14 Jan 2009 | 11:40 am Adhyayan Suman: Kangna does look like a supermodel in RAAZ – TMC - GlamSham
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 14 Jan 2009 | 11:34 am Sanjay Dutt gets apex court's nod to go abroadBollywood actor Sanjay Dutt Wednesday got the Supreme Court's permission to go to New York as the United Nation's 'goodwill ambassador' to attend a conference on malnutrition next month.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 14 Jan 2009 | 11:32 am "CC2C has me in my element and I would love to share it with you ... - bollywoodhungama
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 14 Jan 2009 | 11:32 am Aamir's Taare Zameen Par out of Oscar race
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2009 | 11:21 am "Shooting at The Great Wall of China was the highlight of CC2C" - Rohan SippyWhile Chandni Chowk To China is seeing multiple premieres across the continent, producer Rohan Sippy is holding fort in Mumbai and getting plans in place for the paid previews of the film along with the last minute detailing. Getting all set to release his biggest film till date, Rohan fondly remembers his shooting stint at 'The Great Wall of China' and acknowledges that it was his most cherished moment of the shoot. "While the whole journey of Chandni Chowk To China was extraordinary, for me personally the highlight of the film was to shoot on 'The Great Wall Of China'. We shot for only 8-9 days but each of these days has been memorable. We used to walk as many as 600 steps every morning and even though it used to tire us out, it was always a phenomenal moment to be standing up there. I used to look around me and pinch myself that I was actually standing at one of the world's greatest monument", Rohan says in a nostalgic tone. He admits though that while on paper things looked quite rosy, it was a completely different challenge to bring scenes on screen. "Very few films have got a chance to shoot at 'The Great Wall of China' and I was the privileged lot. Still, it is quite amazing that we actually managed to pull it off, especially a couple of action sequences on the location. We had to take the equipment all the way up and then down on a daily basis and we were not sure if we would be able to do that. This is where our line producer and local production unit came handy. They did a great job in helping us out", he remembers. Chandni Chowk To China is the first film to have been shot at this location. "As far as my understanding goes, except for Chinese productions, no other film has been allowed permission to shoot at 'The Great Wall of China'. Ours is the first international film that has been allowed to do so." After two long years that went into the making of the film, right from the conceptualization phase, Rohan is happy that all the hard work is now ready to be unveiled to the audience. "I remember going to a recce to China way back in November 2006", says Rohan, "I met with the action director then and started all the ground work because action is such an integral part of the film. There are so many factors involved in a huge international production like this and we had to go through a lot of preparations. It was not just about the logistics but also bringing in good human resources. We had to get a lot of good people in place, set up various departments in production, the works. There was so much planning involved in this two year long project. Now it's time to see the results unfold."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 14 Jan 2009 | 10:38 am Slumdog is India's success: Vikas Swarup - NDTV.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 14 Jan 2009 | 10:36 am Electric mix of speed, sensuality in Force India calendarThere is a mix of machismo and sensuality in the inaugural edition of the Vijay Mallya-owned Force India Formula One 2009 calendar promising an adrenaline rush.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 14 Jan 2009 | 10:30 am Slumdog is India's success: Vikas Swarup
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2009 | 10:30 am Sankranti with Vidya - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 14 Jan 2009 | 10:17 am SC allows Sanjay Dutt to travel abroad for UNESCO's mission - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 14 Jan 2009 | 9:51 am "I lived in a village to get my character right for Victory" - Harman BawejaIt is not just Aamir Khan who is making news by setting up base in IIM-Bangalore to understand the psyche of the students and gain familiarity with the campus ambience for his 3 Idiots which is currently being shot in the city. Months back, Harman Baweja too literally lived in a small village as a part of his preparation for his role in Victory. Though in this Ajitpal Mangat directed film, his character elevates to the status of a superstar cricketer, it has it's bearings in a small village. Harman didn't want to take any chances in his second film after Love Story 2050 and insisted that he stay in the village rather than driving back to the hotel during the shooting of the film last year. Confirms Harman Baweja when posed with the query around his staying in the village, "Yes, I did spend quite some time in Falaudi which is a small village in Rajasthan. In any case, I don't see what's the big deal in that? Every actor should prepare for his or her role." Wasn't it tough for him, considering the fact that actors are used to a luxurious lifestyle? "In today's competitive times, you have to get out of your comfort zone and do everything possible to give an authentic look to your film and the character. You can't and should not be following your audience. I play the character of a small village boy and since I have lived in a city all my life, I had to do something to familiarize myself with Vijay Shekhawat, the character that I play", says Harman. Director Ajitpal too is extremely happy with Harman's dedication and is genuinely happy that his faith in the actor has eventually. "For Harman it was double the hard work because while he had to train with Praveen Amre to authenticate his moves as a batsman, he also set up base in Falaudi to get into the character." Another reason for Harman to live in the village was to get comfortable with the Rajasthani village lingo. "That's true", replies Harman, "Being able to speak the language of the character is the most important part of approaching your role. I had to get comfortable with Rajasthani language which was very essential to give a real feel to the character. Just like I trained myself as a cricketer for the major part of the film which is set in the field, for the talkie portions I had to look and behave like the boy who has his roots in the village. I had to walk, talk and think like him but sport the body language of a cricketer on the field." Visibly pleased with the final results, Ajitpal questions, "Tell me, how many actors would stretch them to such an extent? He has justified his presence in the film and with the kind of response that the promos have got so far and 'Balla Utha' already becoming a cricket anthem, I am sure we all would taste 'Victory' with the film's release." Also starring Amrita Rao, Anupam Kher, Gulshan Grover, Dalip Tahil and 45 international cricketers, Victory is all set to release on 30th January all over.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 14 Jan 2009 | 9:31 am Apex court allows Sanjay Dutt to travel to USThe Supreme Court Wednesday granted permission to Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt to travel to New York to attend a conference there in his capacity as a United Nations goodwill ambassador.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 14 Jan 2009 | 9:30 am No rift over Sanjay joining Samajwadi Party: Priya DuttDenying any rift in the family, Congress MP Priya Dutt Wednesday said that although she was 'disappointed' that her film star brother Sanjay Dutt had chosen to contest the Lok Sabha elections on a Samajwadi Party ticket, she would always support him.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 14 Jan 2009 | 8:30 am Sanjay's decision to join Samajwadi Party his own: PriyaCongress MP Priya Dutt Wednesday said her film star brother Sanjay Dutt's decision to contest the Lok Sabha elections on a Samajwadi Party ticket is his own and there was no feud in the family over the issue.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 14 Jan 2009 | 7:33 am Is it Dhoni or Sehwag who inspired 'Victory'?Click above for more movie stills Is VICTORY based on Dhoni or Sehwag's life? Does Harman Baweja's character in the film bear a striking resemblance to these two icons? That's the rumour floating around! "Not true," VICTORY director Ajitpal Mangat clarifies, "The only similarity is that like some of our cricketers, Vijay Shekhawat [the role enacted by Harman in VICTORY] hails from a small town. In fact, I'd say it's the story of an underdog, who rises from ashes to glory." VICTORY is a make-or-break film for both Ajitpal and lead man Harman. Having dabbled in acting and later, directing ad films, Ajitpal decided to try his hand at film-making. "The script of VICTORY was ready way back in 2000. Much later, when I narrated the story to Manmohan Shetty, my mentor, he suggested that I should not only direct the film, but also produce it. Manmohan-ji also suggested Harman for the project and when I met him, I knew I had found Vijay Shekhawat," Ajitpal says. Getting cricketers on board was tough, but once Ajitpal signed Brett Lee, it was easy convincing other cricketers. Come to think of it, he could've cast actors in those roles. "I wanted the matches to look authentic. With actors, it wouldn't have looked natural. That's why I chose real-life cricketers for those parts," he reasons. So why Harman? Why not someone like Dhoni in the central role? "Most of them may be fabulous cricketers, but they aren't good actors," he smiles. Harman, labeled a Hrithik look-alike, will now face Hrithik and Farhan Akhtar [LUCK BY CHANCE] on 30th January. What are the prospects of VICTORY then? "There's space for everyone. I genuinely believe that two films can co-exist easily. I'm sure, they've made a good film. VICTORY is great as well," he says.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 14 Jan 2009 | 6:58 am Dilip Kumar, SRK, now AbhayClick above for more movie stills Decades ago, thespian Dilip Kumar enacted the role of DEVDAS. Later, SRK interpreted it his way. Now Abhay Deol is portraying the modern-day Devdas in DEV D. Comparisons with Dilip-saab and SRK are inevitable. "That's not new for me," Abhay tells me, "Initially, I was compared with my cousins [brothers Sunny and Bobby Deol]. Now it's Dilip-saab and SRK. I remember watching Dilip-saab's DEVDAS as a kid, but SRK's DEVDAS is still fresh in my mind. I really don't know where I stand vis-Ã -vis the comparisons, but when I watch my work in DEV D, it makes me happy... Also, for a change, the media isn't comparing me with my brothers." The Devdas in DEV D not only hits the bottle, he takes to drugs as well. Will the innumerable fans of this classic digest this fact? "DEV D is the present-day version and in today's times, not just alcohol, people do drugs as well. Look, we haven't strayed from the main plot, except that we've made it contemporary. And if you're talking of current times, you need to update the script to suit the current requirements," Abhay reasons. This is Abhay's first film with Anurag Kashyap. "We've been friends for a long time. We were keen to work with each other and when he offered this film, I took it up instantaneously. Anurag is someone I truly respect as a film-maker. It was an enriching experience," he says. Abhay's ready to broaden his horizons. He's turned producer [his company is called Forbidden Films] and his first film is titled JUNCTION. "It's directed by Atul Sabharwal. He's extremely talented. I saw his short film and was floored completely. We're putting the cast in order and hopefully, we should start filming by the end of this year," Abhay reveals.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 14 Jan 2009 | 6:51 am Slumdog is a success for the India story: Vikas SwarupDiplomat-author Vikas Swarup is more than a millionaire now. But all the global adulation and limelight that has stalked 'Slumdog Millionaire', the movie version of his acclaimed novel 'Q and A', hasn't touched him. 'It's a success for India and the story of India,' says the unassuming diplomat.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 14 Jan 2009 | 5:31 am Comedy king Adam Sandler now looking for family moviesHe has been tickling the funny bone for 20 years with his mindless, slapstick Hollywood comedies and black humour, but acting in 'Bedtime Stories' has inspired Adam Sandler to take on more family-friendly movies.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 14 Jan 2009 | 2:31 am I was doing comedy while grieving for my sister'Bollywood actor Ashish Chowdhury says soon after he lost his sister and brother-in-law in the Mumbai terror strikes, he had to leave for South Africa to shoot comedy scenes for the film 'Seasons Greetings'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 14 Jan 2009 | 2:30 am Mamata presence sparks mall ruckus - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 14 Jan 2009 | 1:42 am Emraan Hashmi On Nach Baliye4 [Gallery]Emraan Hashmi, the intense bollywood actor visited the sets of STAR Plus Nach Baliye4 on Monday Jan 12 2009 to shake a leg like a la jodis of Nach Baliye 4 and promote his forthcoming film Raaz 2 – The mystery continues.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 14 Jan 2009 | 12:00 am Punjabi community in city celebrates lohri - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 13 Jan 2009 | 11:40 pm Warner makes Bollywood debut with kung fu comedyNEW YORK (Reuters) - British director Danny Boyle's Indian foray paid off with the award-winning film "Slumdog Millionaire" and now Warner Bros. Pictures hopes its debut Bollywood film will reap some U.S. box office success.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 13 Jan 2009 | 11:20 pm Slumdog's win is historic: Anil Kapoor
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 Jan 2009 | 7:30 pm I am extremely proud of Akshay: Big B
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 Jan 2009 | 6:48 pm Manoj Bajpai faces language problem
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 Jan 2009 | 6:23 pm King Khan on Oye! It's Friday
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 Jan 2009 | 5:07 pm "CC2C has me in my element and I would love to share it with you" - AkshayAkshay Kumar may be treated like a God in Chandni Chowk and is arguably one of the biggest movie stars in India, but just a couple of years ago Akki, as we call him, couldn't even pitch an idea in China or for that matter, Hollywood. However, all that changed for Kumar when he signed Nikhil Advani's Chandni Chowk To China. It must have taken more than just convincing our Chinese neighbours to do a cross over film with Akshay in the lead. But our Khiladi Kumar weaved his magic. It worked. The deal was signed. India's first ever Kung-Fu comedy with Bollywood and Chinese stars was to be made and have a world wide premiere in L.A, Toronto, New York and London. It's a dream come true for the martial arts maestro, not only can he finally high kick his way around the Great Wall of China after years in the mainstream movie wilderness, but more importantly, it means he's at last achieved his life-long ambition to play the real Akshay Kumar before he entered films - a cook. Harrow Observer's UK columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent got hold of the busiest actor in India, somehow, phew!...where apna Akki adds a bit of tadka to make this world exclusive Chandni Chowk To China interview as hot and spicy you could ever have. CC2C is a film based on your real life story. How true were you then to the film? As true as I am with any character I have to play, I happened to love this character immensely. It enabled me to be the man I have wanted to be on screen for a long time now, a funny action hero. What more could I want, it's totally my kind of film... However, the only similarity between my life and this film is the fact that I was born in Chandni Chowk, like my character is also born there, and has to cook just like I had to learn to cook when I was working as a chef in Bangkok. I am playing a halwai in the film. If there's anything anyone likes about me at all, I recommend this movie to the whole family, it is me in my element and I would love to share it with you. I recommend this movie to the whole family, it is me in my element and I would love to share it with you This is the first Kung Fu comedy to hit Bollywood since its inception. Are you happy that cross country talents are merging to give us even more entertainment? Yes definitely. I have always believed that Bollywood has been evolving. With people being more accepting and culturally aware there has been a great demand for global Indian cinema. Cultures have been merging. There has been a great influence of the western culture in India and of the Indian culture in the west. People are coming together so why not cinema? After all, people are spending their hard earned money to watch a good film and if we can provide this through the merging of cultural talent then why not? You are considered to be Bollywood's box office mascot. Both Welcome and Singh Is Kinng grossed over a million pounds in the UK. Will CC2C complete the hat trick? Hat trick or bad trick... at the end of the day it's all about hard work. I am grateful to all my fans for providing me with all the love and support as they always have and I am glad they have enjoyed my films in the past year. Whether Chandni Chowk To China will be a success or not is something that I cannot predict. All I know is that the whole team and of course I, have worked extremely hard and all I can do is leave the rest to you all. How did Deepika adapt to such an action packed film where you will steal most of the show? Oh I haven't stolen the show, trust me. Deepika has quite a few stunts that she has done as well in the film. Apparently, I have heard that she calls herself the female version of Akshay Kumar. So I guess I'm the one that should be worried (laughs) I have heard that she calls herself the female version of Akshay Kumar We know you are a master when it comes to action. How difficult was this action compared to all your other action films you've done? It was a lot more painful, and a lot more advanced than any martial arts I've performed in my previous movies. The stunt team was incredible. I'm so happy to have relived my black belt days. It's a movie I wish I could do over and over again, if only it didn't hurt so much. I loved the style, no one has seen it in Bollywood before. Let's hope it was all worth it at the end of the day. Did you have to learn Chinese as a language No not at all. That was the whole point. I'm a true Chandni Chowk boy through and through and that's half my adventure. The fact is that I'm so innocent that I'm not aware of what's going on around me. Though I couldn't resist to learn a few words, just for jokes on the sets really... not to be repeated on paper though sorry guys! Nikhil Advani's Salaam-E-Ishq was a complete disaster. What made you work with Nikhil then? Was it Nikhil's Kal Ho Naa Ho or Rohan Sippy productions? That's a bit harsh, it wasn't a disaster. Anyway, how can I judge Nikhil saab for his flops when I have way more flops to my name then he'll ever have. Nikhil is by far one of the best commercial directors I have ever come across, to the point where I can't wait to work with him again, as well as Rohan Sippy. It's not about reputation with me. If you hadn't noticed I work with many new directors. It's not about the name with me, it never has been, and it's about the passion. Show me your passion for your work and I'm anybody's. And right now no one has shown me as much passion as Nikhil Advani saab. Nikhil is by far one of the best commercial directors I have ever come across We know you are a good cook. Please tell us what's the yummiest food you can cook for us? Honestly, if you want to live I wouldn't recommend you eat any of my food (laughs). Ok, I'm not that bad, but I've been pampered too much now that I've forgotten my secrets. Give me a day in the kitchen and I'll rustle you up some delicious Punjabi food. How was it to work with one of Bollywood's finest talent Ranvir Shorey? Do you know what, I truly think he is one of the finest actors I have ever come across and of course, we got on like a house on fire. Such a funny guy and damn good at what he does, I love sharing the screen with him. Which is your favourite track from the film and why? Ouch... Sorry too hard a question. I love 'Sidhu' coz it's just me through out in the film, I love the romantic song purely coz it's just beautiful. Soundtrack is addictive, the training song hits home a lot, it just helped me get through the hard parts during the shooting and the video song means so much to me for it's my life story written by an admirer and good friend. So yeah hard to say really. Brief us about your experience of shooting at the Great Wall of China. Ah! Words can't describe how amazing it was to shoot there, one of the best experiences of my life and what an honour. Even Mission Impossible didn't get permission to shoot there. One of my best shots of my whole career was on that wall. It was unforgettable. What more can I say? Come see me in my element. You'll see so much of the real me on that Wall in the movie. Even Mission Impossible didn't get permission to shoot on the Great Wall of China So far in your career you've given escapist performances. Any idea when are we going to see you in some serious roles? Well to be honest, I would not completely agree with you. I think I had a very serious and interesting character to play in the film Sangharsh. I have Nagesh Kukunoor's Eight By Ten coming up this year which is a supernatural thriller. So there's no room there for escapist cinema. I will also be playing a true life character in the film Komagata Maru which is an epic film based on a true story surrounding the voyage of the ship 'Komagata Maru' from India to Vancouver in the early part of the last century with 376 passengers on board seeking a new life in the promised land. It is a film of high level government intrigue, duplicity, racism, spying, military engagements, court battles, sedition, and assassination. Is that serious enough for you? Did you ever wish Jackie Chan was in CC2C? That thought never crossed my mind actually. I was so overwhelmed with the cast and crew we had that those additions didn't enter my mind. Gordon Liu was enough for me in one movie. These guys are legends. I was honoured by the people involved in this film that's all I want to say really. How's the touring going on Akki? Absolutely marvelous, I'm touring right now as we speak. L.A, New York, Toronto and London... Have to say, I am over-whelmed with the reaction, all we have left to do now is release it and then it's all up to you guys I'm afraid, you do know I love you all don't you (winks).Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 13 Jan 2009 | 4:51 pm Nikhil Dwivedi plays Lakshman in Mani Ratnam's RaavanaIf the name Nikhil Dwivedi doesn't ring a bell, then the film name of My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves surely will, whereby he played the lead opposite the petite actress Amrita Rao. Nikhil who is currently awaiting the release of his second film, Khallballi - Fun Unlimited, has bagged the pivotal and plum role of Lakshman in Raavana, that's being directed by Mani Ratnam! Rumors are strife that Ratnam had considered lot of top rung actors for the said role, which ultimately fell in the lap of Nikhil Dwivedi. According to some of the sources, Mani Ratnam saw great potential in Nikhil, after watching My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves, and that Ratnam also flew down especially to Mumbai just before he left for a month long schedule in Orcha in MP and personally supervised the Nikhil's new look. Nikhil apparently, was asked to cut his long tresses for a much shorter hairdo. For the uninformed, Ramayana is a modern adaptation of the mythological epic and has the Tamil superstar Vikram playing the character of modern day Lord Ram alongside Aishwarya Rai who plays Sita. If that was not enough, Mani has roped in Govinda to play Lord Hanuman while Raavana is being played by Abhishek Bachchan.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 13 Jan 2009 | 4:19 pm "Slumdog" may be too real for Indian movie audiencesMUMBAI (Reuters) - "Slumdog Millionaire" swept the Golden Globes and is generating Oscar buzz, but the film may not be as warmly received in India where it was shot and where millions live in the squalor depicted in the movie.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 13 Jan 2009 | 2:48 pm Victory to be remade for Hollywood?Click above for more movie stills The soon to be released Harman Baweja- Amrita Rao starrer Victory, based on a father son relationship and of course cricket has already been making waves in the industry. Adding to this is the latest piece of news that's speeding like wild fire, that Ajitpal Mangat (the director) has been approached to remake the film in English. Bollywood Hungama caught up with him to know more... "Yes I was approached by Terry Barth who told me that a particular studio based in LA had seen the promos of Victory and now wanted to buy the rights of the film." He further explains, "When Terry called me I was swamped with work, so I requested him to mail me the details about this. I was but naturally very interested in this topic. Terry later explained how this had come about." If this was music to the directors ears, he was certainly flying in the clouds when he heard the last part, "Terry at the end of the mail said, 'the LA studio wants to buy the rights of the script to remake the film in English on a different spot and they are also looking forward to you being the director of it.' This was like the icing on the cake for me, what else could I want, my film hasn't even released yet and I am already getting noticed." Victory had released its trailers and promos along with the film Ghajini overseas. With such worldwide recognition Ajitpal Mangat must already be feeling 'Victorious'.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 13 Jan 2009 | 12:40 pm Mumbai Crime Branch arrests security guard who robbed Sajid NadiadwalaVeteran producer Sajid Nadiadwala had a harrowing experience last week when his own security guard robbed him and his wife Wardha at gunpoint. On Jan 9th, Sajid along with his wife Wardha had returned home late night after a party when all of a sudden they were confronted by their security guard Prabhat Tripathi who pointed a revolver at the duo demanding money. Sajid had to part away with Rs.10 lakh in cash and Rs.40 lakh jewellery but luckily wasn't injured. Now three days after the incident, things seem to be looking brighter for the producer of films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Heyy Babyy etc .as the culprit Prabhat Tripathi has been finally caught by the Mumbai crime branch. Tripathi was involved with two other accomplices in this whole robbery plan. The two others have also been arrested. Of the stolen amount, cops have recovered Rs.7.1 lakh in cash and the entire Rs.40 lakh worth of jewellery. The state government has also initiated action against Tiger Security which had deployed Tripathi. After a tension packed last few days, Sajid surely must be heaving a sigh of relief.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 13 Jan 2009 | 12:36 pm
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