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Romance with Salman only in reel life: Asin
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Jan 2009 | 1:33 pm I'd love to make a dark thriller on Mumbai: Danny BoyleAfter his Golden Globe-winning film "Slumdog Millionaire", English director Danny Boyle wants to return to Mumbai again for a dark thriller.Source: Entertainment News | 22 Jan 2009 | 12:20 pm Sober babe Soha Ali Khan reveals her `bookworm` side!With Pataudi as her last name, a superstar for a brother and an influential mother, Soha has many claims to fame.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 12:04 pm Akon claims he doesn`t know his true age!Even though Akon has a birth certificate, he says his age is still a mystery — and he`d rather keep it that way.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 12:04 pm Akshay and Deepika nominated for Asian Film Awards!Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone have been nominated for the Best Actor and Best Actress category at the prestigious third Asian Film Awards.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 12:04 pm Ashish Jaiswal makes a grand entry into the literary world!A glitzy event in the capital attended by B-town`s pretty lass Soha Ali Khan marked Ashish Jaiswal entry in the literary world.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 12:04 pm After Fashion, it's Jail for Mughda
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Jan 2009 | 12:04 pm Turner International enters Hindi entertainment TV segmentReality shows, dramas and much more ? US-based production major Turner International promises to entertain Indian viewers with the launch of their Hindi general entertainment channel REAL.Source: Entertainment News | 22 Jan 2009 | 11:58 am Gwyneth Paltrow strips for new movie
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Jan 2009 | 11:30 am Eva Mendes is the most desired
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Jan 2009 | 11:27 am Aditya Pancholi won't pose nude again
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Jan 2009 | 11:26 am John Mayer to propose Jennifer Aniston
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Jan 2009 | 11:18 am Live Chat: Kangna Ranaut on Jan 23 at 1100 hrs ISTThe Mystery Continues about the Raaz of the Fashion world's topmost model's Life In A Metro who encountered a Gangster when flying Kites. We are sure that the aforementioned 'story' would have really led you to the lady in question. For the still clueless, we are indeed talking about the one and only Kangna Ranaut, who is all geared up to set your hearts afire with yet another stellar performance in her forthcoming film Raaz-The Mystery Continues. We are sure that everybody out there must be waiting to pour their hearts out to this yesterday's 'poster-girl' and today's 'calendar girl'! Life only seems to be flying high like Kites for this chic with an attitude. Bollywood Hungama brings to you a never before chance to get up, close and personal with Kangna Ranaut, the lady whose mere smile is enough to light up the globe. You can chat live with her on Friday, Jan 23 at 1100 hrs IST.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 22 Jan 2009 | 11:16 am Slumdog title not offensive: Beaufoy
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Jan 2009 | 10:41 am 'Kartik Calling Kartik'Farhan Akhtar has a penchant for working with first-time directors. ROCK ON!! may not be Abhishek Kapoor's directorial debut, but it was the first film that discovered Abhishek's true talent. Farhan's next release, LUCK BY CHANCE, is also helmed by a first-timer, his sister Zoya Akhtar. The film is carrying rave reports and those who've watched the film, speak very, very highly of it. Farhan is ready to face the camera again and his next film as an actor, titled KARTIK CALLING KARTIK, will also be directed by a newcomer -- Vijay Lalwani. This one's a psychological thriller. Besides acting in home-productions, Farhan and his enterprising producer-partner Ritesh Sidhwani will start a film with Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, which will be directed by Abhinay Deo, who's currently directing Aamir Khan's home-production DELHI BELLY. So where does it leave DON 2? "That has been pushed ahead," Farhan tells me, "I planned to shoot this summer, but Shah Rukh is busy with Karan Johar's film currently, so I've decided to film it next year. In the meanwhile, I am planning to start another film later this year. I've just locked the script; it's a romantic-comedy. The casting is yet to be finalized."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 22 Jan 2009 | 10:37 am 'Victory' is not just cricketClick above for more movie stills LOVE STORY 2050 may've gone completely unnoticed at the box-office, but Harman S. Baweja is raring to go. "It hurts if your debut film fails, but you can't let failure overpower you," says Harman, who's ready to face the audience again next week. VICTORY has to succeed. It's a do-or-die film for him. "Every film is a do-or-die film actually. The business is so different today. That one film plays the deciding role," he asserts. Tell us about VICTORY. "At the outset, when I signed VICTORY, I didn't realize it would be so tough. The role was very demanding, plus one wasn't facing actors on field, but real-life cricketers. Also, the shooting was spread over various stadiums, depending on the availability of a cricketer. Whew... this was the most unforgettable experience ever," Harman smiles. At a time when every second television channel is either telecasting a cricket match or there's some discussion on cricket, why would people be interested in spending Rs. 200 for a ticket to watch a cricket match on the big screen? "Because VICTORY is not a cricket match. It goes beyond that. It shows what happens behind closed doors, when a cricketer fails or is out of the team. His highs and lows, how his family gets affected, how his frustrations take over⦠So it's different," Harman defends VICTORY. Harman has two more films lined up in the coming months, both directed by super-successful names - Ashutosh Gowariker and Anees Bazmee. Also, a film produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, starring Amitabh Bachchan in the central role. "I am really nervous about this one, but I am looking forward to working with Mr. Bachchan," he states.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 22 Jan 2009 | 10:34 am Slumdog team dreams big for Oscars
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Jan 2009 | 10:34 am Priyanka Chopra's mom to open a hi-tech cosmetic-surgery clinicIf Priyanka's mother Madhu Chopra didn't accompany her only son Siddharth when he left for Geneva for his one-year culinary course, it was with good reason. Mrs Chopra is busy with the final preparation for her pricey hi-tech cosmetic-surgery clinic in Juhu (Mumbai). It's a dream project for the Chopras that Priyanka is pooling into with prideful gusto. "It was my dad who went with my brother. Mom can't leave right now. She's so heavily into her cosmetic clinic. It's on the verge of being opened. We've named it Studio Aesthetic." Studio Aesthetic aims to be a one-stop cosmetic-surgery clinic with the most sophisticated surgery equipment. Says Priyanka proudly, "We've been getting the machines and equipment for the past one year. The process will continue for a while. But mom's clinic is ready to roll." And to think Priyanka herself is supposed to have gone through cosmetic surgery. "I know. I should've waited for my mom's clinic. I'd have got a discount," she jokes. "But seriously, if I had gone through cosmetic surgery I'd happily admit it. There's nothing wrong with it. But the fact is, what has happened to me is not surgery. It's polishing. When I came in I was raw and inexperienced about diet, work-outs, makeup. Over a period of time I've understood my body, face and mind. That shows in my appearance and performances." Priyanka is thrilled to receive the first of her best-actress awards for Fashion. "The last time I got the awards it was for my performance in Aitraaz. But that was not for best actress. So yeah, I'm thrilled." More thrilling is the fact that two of the popular awards this season shifted their dates forward to accommodate Priyanka's schedules. Apparently, so sure were they of Priyanka winning that they chose to push the awards forward rather than not have her present. Laughs Priyanka, "I don't think it was for me. But yes the dates were pushed forward. But who wouldn't like winning awards. I do! I've a busy and challenging year ahead. First out is Kaminay with Shahid where audiences will get to see me in a completely different look and role. Then there's What's Your Raashee? which is challenging the hell out of me. Next I go into Pyar Impossible with Uday Chopra. That I think would be easier than Raashee." In What's Your Raashee? Priyanka plays 12 roles each denoting one star-sign in the horoscope. Though the actress isn't allowed to talk about it. On a soberer note the Chopras' home is looking emptier. "My brother has gone to study culinary arts at this institution at the outskirts of Geneva called La Rouche. During his year's stay he'll be learning everything to do with the restaurant business from hotel management to cooking. Dad has gone with my brother. But mom has been crying her eyes out. I miss him too."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 22 Jan 2009 | 10:01 am After Fashion, Madhur ropes in Mugdha Godse for JailDownload image as wallpaper Not many leading ladies of Madhur Bhandarkar films are lucky enough to be repeated by the filmmaker. Though Konkona Sen Sharma remains his personal favorite (she has starred in Page 3, Traffic Signal and a one scene appearance in Fashion), others like Tabu (Chandni Bar), Bipasha Basu (Corporate) and Neetu Chandra (Traffic Signal) haven't been as lucky. However, Mugdha Godse has made it to the elite list after being signed on to play the main female lead in Jail. Confirms Madhur Bhandarkar who would be kick starting the film's shoot in February, "Yes, Mugha Godse has been signed for Jail. She really impressed me in Fashion and it was only right that I bring her in as a female lead in my next film. She is paired opposite Neil Nitin Mukesh." Mugdha is ecstatic too to be a part of Jail and has started preparing for the role. "I am in an even better position now with Jail since from 'one of the leads' in Fashion, I would now be playing a 'sole lead'. Everyone wants to see such progression and I am glad this is happening in quick time. Madhur sir has seldom repeated his heroines due to which I am even more excited that he has chosen to rope me in for the movie. It just shows that if you do hard work and demonstrate good enough potential, you would be noticed." Mugha has a 3 film deal with Percept Picture Company and Jail would kick start her engagement with the production house. Incidentally, the film is a co-production of Percept Picture Company and Bhandarkar Entertainment. Since Mugdha was noticed for her glamour quotient as well as acting potential in Fashion, how would she be presented in Jail? Replies Madhur, "She would be having a semi-glam look in the film. That's all I can say for now because anything more would only end up revealing the plot. At the moment, it would just suffice to say that Mugdha is not there in the film just for glamour value but she is also critical to the film's plot." For Mugdha, it's a great start for things to follow because she has been paired with one of the most promising newcomers around, Neil Nitin Mukesh. "I am looking forward to shooting with Neil. It's nice to have upcoming youngsters around and both Neil and I are amongst the new breed. We should make for a good fresh pair", smiles Mugdha.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 22 Jan 2009 | 9:29 am Kangana denies going nude in Raaz - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 7:15 am What luck! Aamir & SRK in a film - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 7:11 am Jiah Khan desperate for attentionNow we all know that Aamir Khan's ambitious 200-crore movie Ghajini was a huge hit in spite of some critics not liking it at all. It was Aamir Khan and Asin who walked away with all the accolades. But the dameSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 7:09 am All's not well between Harman and AmritaTill recently the news was that Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja broke up because of his closeness to Victory co-star Amrita Rao. Good girl Amrita of course denied the rumours. She and Priyanka were even spotted bonding. The latest is thatSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 7:04 am Abhay Deol hates promotion - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 7:02 am Akshay breaks down in hometown - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 7:02 am I write for the sake of the handkerchief: Vikas SwarupHe is no 'Slumdog Millionaire', and neither is he the street-smart protagonist of this year's favourite at the Golden Globes.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Jan 2009 | 7:02 am A prostitute or a princess, a wife has certain rights: Manyata DuttShe may be at the centre of all the controversies surrounding Sanjay Dutt's family feuds and political choices, but the fiery Manyata is unfazed as she hits out at her husband's 'fair-weather friends' and says she is the 'barricade between him and those who want to use him'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Jan 2009 | 7:00 am Shilpa Shetty fakes her bald look!Shilpa Shetty shot for her Indo-Chinese film The Desire but didn't shave off her hair to achieve takla look. The actress has been shooting at the Ashtamudi Lake at Kollam district in Kerala since last Saturday for her 'bald' portions inSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 6:59 am Kangana denies going nude in RaazBollywood's bold babe Kangana Ranaut has been in news for her relationship with her co star Adhyayan Suman and also for her bold scene in Raaz - The Mystery Continues. Reportedly Kangana has a nude scene in the film which hasSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 6:55 am I write for the sake of the handkerchief: Vikas Swarup - Hindu
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 6:53 am Jonas Brothers surprise Obama's girlsWashington (ANI): American band 'The Jonas Brothers' surprised Obama girls Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, with a surprise visit to the White House. The little girls found Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas in front of them as they opened a door,Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 6:50 am Akshay breaks down in hometownSo what if his Chandni Chowk To China isn't the best film in the world. Akshay takes back with him moments... special ones. After all, he's a Dilli da kuda, and shooting in Chandni Chowk was exhilarating. Anyway, it was whenSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 6:45 am AR Rahman and Anil Kapoor sued by slum-dwellers for Slumdog ... - Galatta.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 6:39 am Abhay Deol hates promotionThis modern-day Devdas believes in his own unique things be it his films or his thoughts. He just loves to be different. Now when all the big stars including Aamir, SRK and Akshay believe in strong promotion for their films AbhaySource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 6:39 am Love in Singapore to release tomorrowLove In Singapore, Malayalam's sensational superstar Mammootty's much-awaited first release in 2009 by director duo Rafi-Mecartin, is releasing big in 100 plus screens in Kerala on January 23. This is a hilarious comedy presenting Mammootty as 'Aakry Machu', a man whoSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 6:28 am Bhumika to be Mohanlal's heroineIn the forthcoming project of Blessy, Bhumika has been cast as the heroine of Mohanlal. After completing Sagar alias Jackie – Reloaded, Lal would join the sets of Blessy. The shooting of the film will begin on February 10th. Coimbatore andSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 6:05 am Sanjay Dutt sports triangular side-locks for 'Luck' - Hindu
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 6:02 am Jayaram has become a GandhianJayaram's forthcoming Samasathakeralam P.O., directed by Bibin Prabhakar, former assistant to directors Ranjith, Shaji Kailas and Padmakumar, has completed its entire shooting in and around Thodupuzha. The actor is pinning high hopes on this film, which is scripted by K. GireeshSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 5:42 am Rahman hits the bull's eye with 'Delhi-6'Film: 'Delhi-6'; Music Director: A.R. Rahman; Lyricist: Prasoon Joshi; Singers: Rekha Bharadwaj, Kishori Gowariker, Shraddha Pandit, Sujata Majumdar, Kailash Kher, Javed Ali, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Shreya Ghoshal, Benny Dayal, Vivienne Pocha, Blaaze, Tanvi, Claire, Ash King, Chinmayee, Karthik, Naresh, Srinivas, Bony Chakravarthy, Mohit Chauhan, Amitabh Bachchan and Rahman. Rating: ***Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Jan 2009 | 3:31 am Aditya Pancholi plays Nari Hira in 'Raftaar 24/7'Decades ago media baron Nari Hira had launched Aditya Pancholi as a leading man in 'Shingora'. Now the actor is all set to pay homage to his mentor.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Jan 2009 | 3:31 am Literature festival kicks-off amidst glitterati - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Jan 2009 | 12:26 am Case filed against Slumdog MillionaireSlumdog Millionaire now needs to win over the Indian judiciary.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 22 Jan 2009 | 12:00 am My father would have been upset: Sanjay Dutt - Hindu
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 21 Jan 2009 | 10:59 pm SRK doesn't regret refusing Slumdog
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Jan 2009 | 7:07 pm I wasn't invited to the Golden Globes: Lovleen
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Jan 2009 | 6:07 pm Aamir Khan to spearhead India tourism campaign - News Line 365
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 21 Jan 2009 | 5:34 pm 'Slumdog' didn't capture Mumbai perfectly - directorNEW DELHI (Reuters) - "Slumdog Millionaire" is not perfect, director Danny Boyle said on Wednesday, adding no filmmaker could capture the essence of a bustling city like Mumbai in a single project.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 21 Jan 2009 | 3:36 pm Shekhar Kapoor's poem on Mumbai Terror attack in the latest issue of VervePresenting Shekhar Kapoor's poem on the Mumbai Terror attack in the latest issue of Verve... Goodbye My Love as she left her womb, thrust out by a violent birth i knew that she and I were destined for the most intimate of all relationships time stood still as I watched her inexorably sail towards me so she and I would join in one final embrace to complete an event born in eternity for since the first explosions that formed the universe and the first metals had been created she and I had been preparing for this one event how may forms must she have taken how many hands must have shaped her and how many eons must have formed her and how many men must have used her before she left for this final journey between me and her as I looked around and saw the head of my friend's daughter explode, the blood sailing outwards and the drops, finding their own individuality falling on the table cloth, astonishingly in the most even geometric pattern and yet as I looked up she was still travelling towards me I said my silent goodbyes to loved ones that could never be part of the intimacy with which the bullet and I would meet in one final embrace I looked at the eyes of the young man that held the rifle that had exploded her out to her final journey do you know me, young man? as you avert your eyes so casually looking for your next target did you think of me? of who I might be of my loved ones or yours? do you not think that in the sheer carelessness of this one event that you and I now know each other? that we will be tethered together forever too? your life as altered as has mine as has all those I love and who love me I want you to remember me young man I would hate to be someone random that you had no interest in but the need to squeeze the trigger occupied as you were with thoughts of greater glory of martyrdom in your own inevitable death yet you were the mere instrument one small cog almost insignificant in the bullet's journey towards me as we finally meet the anticipation of pain never coming as the embrace of death flowed through my body goodbye my love if only I had known this would be the last time I would see you I would have touched your cheeks looked into your eyes softy caressed your hand looked back and smiled and tried to make time stay still just for a little while but little did I know that the bullet and I were destined to finally meet tonight after waiting an eon Courtesy: www.verveonline.comSource: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 21 Jan 2009 | 3:33 pm Court orders Maharashtra to release Salman Khan's duesA Mumbai court Wednesday ordered the Maharashtra government to clear Bollywood actor Salman Khan's dues of Rs. 2.50 million that have been outstanding for long.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Jan 2009 | 3:30 pm Obama's oath: News channels record 21 percent viewership risePeople across India sat glued to their TV screens to watch history in making live as Barack Obama took the oath of office as the 44th president of the US.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Jan 2009 | 2:33 pm India to set up first space-themed park by 2010As India reaches for the moon, one company is gearing up to offer the country its space-themed park, complete with a space camp, an aviation camp, fun rides demonstrating weightlessness, robotics, rocketry and even scuba diving, near Pune.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Jan 2009 | 2:31 pm I'd love to make a dark thriller on Mumbai: Danny BoyleAfter his Golden Globe-winning film 'Slumdog Millionaire', English director Danny Boyle wants to return to Mumbai again for a dark thriller.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Jan 2009 | 2:30 pm Turner International enters Hindi entertainment TV segmentReality shows, dramas and much more - US-based production major Turner International promises to entertain Indian viewers with the launch of their Hindi general entertainment channel REAL.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Jan 2009 | 2:02 pm Sanjay Dutt sports triangular side-locks for 'Luck'A thin handle bar moustache, a small goatee and three triangular side-burns on each cheek - that's Sanjay Dutt's new look for Soham Shah's forthcoming movie 'Luck'. The actor is very happy with the look.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Jan 2009 | 2:02 pm Sanju Baba 'Buttering' his way into politics?For all those who were rocketed to Mars after reading the above headline, then let us make it clear, with the plethora of Bolly stars who have either entered politics or are contemplating on making the move, we have our very own Sanju Baba, who has recently jumped boats and is now making his foray into the domain of politics. As usual, the milk major Amul has come up with their 'topical' treats and this time, it's none other than Sanjay Dutt and Manyata Dutt at the helm of things. Strange it may sound, that the irony of the situation is that, since politics is all about 'buttering' up, it's really interesting to see the universal 'butter people' doing their bit towards politics! Continuing the tradition of some outstanding one-liners, the guys at Amul, this time, have rephrased 'Munnabhai MBBS' as 'Chunavbhai MP' with the rejoinder 'Amul- Split by families', clearly indicating Sanju's sister Priya Dutt's disapproval of him joining the Samajwadi Party. Whatever be the case, we, would like to salute the ad makers since they have made the ad in good 'taste'! Way to go, Amul!Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 21 Jan 2009 | 2:00 pm An exclusive chat with cast & crew of Golden Globe winner Slumdog MillionaireDownload Slumdog... wallpapers "We've released the film in America, it got released in the U.K last week and now the holy trinity is completed this week by releasing the film in India because probably its release is no where more important than it's release in Mumbai, the extraordinary city", said Danny Boyle when called on to the podium by his producer, Mr. Christian Colson. The media gave a thunderous applaud to the award winning director on hearing the word 'Mumbai'. It was Danny's job that evening, to remember every actors name as he called them individually by giving an interesting brief about each one. The first guy the director called was the screen writer who adapted Vikas Swaroop's novel 'Q and A' and transformed it into this magnificent film, Mr. Simon Beaufoy. Then he calls his three musketeers, the three guys who handled the entire production of the film. Next up on the stage was the casting director, Miss Loveleen Tandon who helped an outsider like Danny rope in the best talent available in India. A.R.Rahman was in Chennai and was unable to attend, but Danny confirmed his attendance at the Thursday's red carpet premiere. Next, the director got down to some serious business by introducing the actors of Slumdog Millionaire. The only actor Boyle knew very well before he came down to Mumbai was Irrfan Khan through the work of Mira Nair's Salaam Bombay and The Namesake. He also mentioned Irrfan's pairing with Tabu was the talk of the town in the U.S for the level of performance both had given. Strangely, Danny Boyle, in the very same hotel where the press conference was held, J.W. Marriot, met one of the legends of Bollywood cinema, Anil Kapoor. He had previously seen Kapoor's work in Mr.India and Taal by which he was impressed. But also humorously added that Anil was so helpful to the extras sitting in the audience of the game show that he turned as a part time director. The last two people, the two most important people on whom the film revolves came up on the stage - Freida Pinto and Dev Patel. Danny saw Freida first on the auditioned tapes sent by Loveleen. The director said, "She has dealt with the attention that's been caught on to the film with a grace that equals her beauty". Finally it was the turn of the reel 'Millionaire' soon to be the real one with the way the film's performing worldwide - Dev Patel. Danny Boyle briefs us an interesting story on how this young talent is turning into a recognizable figure all over the world. "Yesterday, me, Christian and Dev turned up at the Heathrow Airport. We were flying by British Airways and the airlines had upgraded us to the first class. They did this because of Dev who has now become the public face of the film", said the overjoyed Danny Boyle. But before we bring you the excerpts, in the middle of the conference, an announcement was made. A surprise was waiting for all of us. Some speculated it could well have been A.R.Rahman but they were the 4 cute boys and 2 cute girls who play the little Dev and little Freida were welcomed with a standing ovation. As Danny said way before he started his speech, "The real heroes are always the ones forgotten. Today we remember them in the form of six special boys and girls from Mumbai who've contributed to Slumdog Millionaire immensely." Can we just ask you how are you feeling about the prospect of an Oscar nomination on Thursday, 22 January? Danny Boyle: The most important thing for us is to be here right now in Mumbai. We are also very happy about our Golden Globe Awards achievements. You can't really expect anything. Tomorrow you may get knocked down by a bus which is not a very healthy feeling (laughs) because it can all end like that. But we have been really fortunate to be where we are and to be in front of the Mumbai media is an achievement in itself! We have travelled a full circle and it ends where it all began. Danny - Americans have loved the scene where the little Jamal somehow manages to get through anything to get the autograph of his great hero Amitabh Bachchan There has been a little bit of criticism here by India's number one movie star, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. Could you please clear the air on that? Danny Boyle: Ironically, we have benefited from the great stature of Amitabh Bachchan. Americans have loved the scene where the little Jamal somehow manages to get through anything to get the autograph of his great hero Amitabh Bachchan. We've tried to include as much of the city of Mumbai in the film as possible. The thing I wanted my audience to take away from the film was this breathtaking resilience of people and the joy of people despite their circumstances. We've had the privilege of making the film and presenting it to the world and everyone has the same privilege of saying what they want about it. That's one of the things you learn as a filmmaker to accept criticism. Don't you think the film tried too hard to concentrate on the poverty in India? Danny Boyle: We tried to cram in as much of the city as we could as we found it really, both in terms of some factual stuff and imaginative leaps because it is a movie and not a documentary. Any picture of this city will be imperfect because it's much beyond the city, nobody can capture it. The city was the same but it was always changing and it's impossible to define Mumbai but land up benefiting from it. Do you think the movie has created so much hype in India only for the reason that it has worked in the U.S and the U.K? Danny Boyle: The truth is that the world is changing very fast. It is quite clear and I don't want to sound too pompous, but this world has clearly become Asia centric just like the way the last century belonged to the Americans. We work in Hollywood and in the U.K film industry and now in Bollywood. It's an achievement. In no time you will be seeing more and more of these actors and their peer groups in both industries. Additionally, Slumdog Millionaire is a universal story. The reason it works is because the film signifies the relevance of one coming from nowhere with a dream and how he eventually gets there somehow. Danny - Slumdog Millionaire is a universal story Would you again come to Mumbai to make a film? Danny Boyle: I'd love to do another film here. I'd love to do a thriller here, seriously. All the time I've spent in Mumbai makes me think what a city this isâ¦a perfect place to make a thriller story. It's got so many ingredients. Mumbai isn't a twenty four hour city and you can see the hustle bustle going around. I'd love to come back sometime and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Danny - All the time I've spent in Mumbai makes me think what a city this is...a perfect place to make a thriller story There were talks three months ago that the film would directly release on the DVD. We are here three months later with awards, applauds, commercial success and more. Brief us how the journey has been. Danny Boyle: You are right. At one point we lost our North American distributor because they closed their company 'Warner Independent' down, and we thought then that we could end up on a DVD. We actually got picked up by Fox Searchlight, which is an extraordinary company. They are the reason we are in the awards season because they recognize the value of the film and they forced it to come out very quickly so we could take it to the Toronto Film Festival. Although the film includes the idea of destiny, in the West, and for us, it's kind of a charming idea but being here in India you learn to appreciate something that you cannot rationally define and understand which clearly applies, and it has applied to our film - the fate of our film. How has the film fared in the U.S and the U.K? Have you got any figures? Christian Colson: The film has opened at number 2 in the U.K last weekend and the latest reports since yesterday have shown that we have gone up to number 1 now in the U.K. That is a very rare occurrence for a Danny Boyle film. It has grossed as of now GBP 4 million in the U.K and around $40 million in the U.S in terms of ticket sales. What's the release plan in India? Christian Colson: The film has an over-whelming response. We are going to be releasing the film in Hindi titled Slumdog Crorepati because we believe that the fundamental story is something that will appeal to all Bollywood lovers. We are going to release the film in all the metros and smaller towns, say around 85 cities with 400 prints. Christian Colson -We are going to release the film in all the metros and smaller towns, say around 85 cities with 400 prints Is it true that a special fund was set up for the slum children in Mumbai? Christian Colson: Yes we did. The distributors and the financers are very generous in making some money available for the slum children for their long term welfare after we packed up and finished our shoot for the film. What made you zero in on A.R.Rahman and how did his music carry the film forward? Danny Boyle: I had the privilege of working with that man 'A.R.Rahman'! I've been travelling the U.S and the U.K and telling people how famous this man is. He has a tiny little studio in Tufnell Park in London. We go out in lunch time to get a break from the music. We are walking along the road and somebody would spot him, ignore the traffic, come near him and tell him - "Is that you? Are you A.R.Rahman?" The joy of people here in music is something I love more than anything. I used to have a driver named Harish who didn't speak much English but used to play all the Hindi songs in my car. It was him who introduced me to all the Bollywood songs. Slumdog Millionaire is a very small film but because of A.R.Rahman, Anil Kapoor and Irrfan Khan, the film boasts of a biggie. A.R created this fusion of hip-hop, disco, RnB and the world music which was phenomenal. One of the biggest buzzes for me was that last week, his album went to number 1 in the iTunes album chart. That's not the soundtrack chart, it's an album chart. Normally, you'd find Beyonce and Rihana to be there. A.R.Rahman was up there, could you believe it? I'd also like to thank Shekhar Kapoor for his contribution towards the film. People really have this strong vision and belief in a field that is so collaborative that you don't always have a control on. Did you at some point lose that vision and control? Danny Boyle: I think I learnt as a director how much you can let the film go and benefit from letting it go, certainly in terms of the streets and the way we filmed on the streets. I had to pay tribute to my first assistant director who taught me how to work here technically and he would often frustrate the western crew because they expected him to behave in the way the first assistant director normally behaves. He knew much more importantly that the film was going to be as I wanted it to be and he had to work on the streets like he knew it inside out, which I'm sure he did. You lose things like continuity, repetition and minute control but what you get instead is this pulsating energy that runs through the Mumbai city. I also learnt from Loveleen the ability to listen to people who knew more than you about casting and culture. I also benefited a lot from Resul Pookutty, the sound guy. I gained by giving all these people some vision and control. What was the most difficult thing about filming such a film? Danny Boyle: We shouldn't think that the film is a challenge. We should think that the film is an opportunity. The most terrifying bit was the kids, the seven year olds running besides the railway tracks with the trains. If they fall, you start thinking - What the hell am I doing here? But the tribute here has to go to our stunt master, Shyam. He made sure that no danger came to them at all. Their faith in him was absolute complete and that was the most terrifying thing for me as a parent. Do you feel lucky that Bollywood has welcomed you with open arms? Danny Boyle: I have always been hugely welcomed by the industry here. We wrote to Amitabh Bachchan to take his permission to use his name in the film. We were sure that we would only be able to glimpse him ever so slightly and I always thought that he would be the wrong host for the game show in the film. We were also invited to see the recording of the show with SRK. He was very gracious and we had lunch with him too. But the actors in India are so busy that it's impossible to tie them down. At one point it became impossible to do the film without them. Then one day, Loveleen told me that Anil Kapoor was available and I should meet him, and it was this very hotel, JW Marriott in Juhu, where I met him in the lobby. I am proud of these actors here in Bollywood who've welcomed me. What do you have to say about the quote from Mr. Bachchan who thinks that the film is highlighting too much poverty? Anil Kapoor: I just want to say that I don't agree with Mr. Bachchan and what he thinks. I respect the right to ones individual opinion because that's what democracy is. Irrfan Khan: It's a story about human spirit. Poverty is just a backdrop. Even the book has the same backdrop of slums. But I sometimes don't understand why we think that India is not poor. Why don't we accept the fact that there is a bit of poverty in our country? Let's not hide away from it. If we incorporate it into our story, then what's the big fuss anyway? Anil Kapoor- I don't agree with Mr. Bachchan and what he thinks Is Bollywood knocking on your door and how did you manage to keep up to dancing in the film? Dev Patel: We, in the West, all think, that Bollywood is just about pretty faces but I understood that there is much more to it than just being pretty. They are so talented. If I was given to do a film here in Mumbai, I'd do it. By the way, I am a very bad dancer (laughs).Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 21 Jan 2009 | 12:28 pm Double-digit growth predicted for entertainment sectorEven as the Rs.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Jan 2009 | 12:06 pm Deepika skipped sister's National Golf Tournament for CC2C premieresBeing a star at 23 is not easy. Deepika has no friends in Mumbai. And she doesn't have any qualms in admitting it. So busy is the stunning actress that she went off for the North American and London premieres of Chandni Chowk To China just when her sister Anisha was playing at a National Golf Tournament in Pune. "Yes Anisha who's five years younger to me and the baby of the family was playing in Pune just when I left for my premieres. I'd have definitely liked to watch her," says Deepika wistfully. "But then maybe having family around to watch her play would make her self-conscious. She needs to find her own identity away from the family cocoon. And for that we need to leave her alone to swim in the waters and face the storms. So in a way it was good that I wasn't around when she played." Deepika has been traveling unchaperoned all through the year. "Both me and my sister have been taught to be self dependent. I am 23 and very proud of it. I'm young and raring to go. Age has nothing to do with maturity. I started traveling alone at a very young age (12) as a badminton player. That made feel responsible from a very young age. I learnt to travel in a team share dormitories and bathrooms. You could say I've roughed it out. My parents made sure my sister and I were brought up with normal working class values." She says she isn't into celebrations. "I've never been the partying type. I'm not much into celebrations ever since I moved to Mumbai to become an actress. I don't have any friends to call over. Earlier when I was in Bangalore I used to call all my friends over for my birthday and then take them bowling or to watch a movie..." She trails off. "Now all my free days are spent with my family. My entire family comes down from Bangalore to Mumbai for my birthday every year. It becomes a family reunion time. They came to visit me around my birthday. My Dad, mom and sister were here. We also paid a visit to Tirupathi." And now Deepika travelled all across the US, Toronto and London, all on her own. "Why do you say that?" she shoots back. "I had the Chandni Chowk To China team with me. We were hopping from city to city. The only sleep I got was on flight."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 21 Jan 2009 | 10:35 am Live Chat: Amrita Rao on Jan 22 at 1530 hrs ISTShe is what innocence and purity is all about. Her mere smile is enough for the entire city to get illuminated in a jiffy, for she is none other than the petite Amrita Rao, who, after having made an unforgettable debut in the forgettable flick Ab Ke Baras, has already carved a niche for herself (and that too without any proverbial Godfather) in an industry where only Godfathers' prodigies reign supreme. Prior to her entry in Bollywood, Amrita -'The Model' gave everyone reasons galore to buy a million products. Post her entry in Bollywood, Amrita -'The Actress' is busy giving reasons to everyone to flock into the theatres again and again. The good news is that she will again be all over your hearts with her forthcoming film Victory, where she is paired opposite the current hearth throb Harman Baweja. The best news is that Bollywood Hungama has managed to rope in Amrita for an exclusive heart-to-heart chat with you on Thursday, Jan 22 at 1530 hrs IST.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 Jan 2009 | 9:53 am "I wasn't invited to the Golden Globes" - Loveleen TandonShocking as it may sound, Loveleen Tandon, the co-director for Slumdog Millionaire was not invited to be part of the triumphant Slumdog team at the Golden Globe ceremonies. "No, I wasn't invited," the softspoken co-director confesses reluctantly. "But please don't create a controversy over it. I'm very happy for the way the film is moving forward. And I've been with the project to many festivals. I can never feel isolated from it." She pauses for thought. And then asserts, "I've been part of the film throughout. I've been addressing students at universities. But now when the dubbing was in progress I felt I should be in Mumbai." But there're lots of raised eyebrows as to why the film's co-director should be missing from such an important step-forward in the project's destiny. "That only the producers can answer. The director Danny Boyle has no hand in who is called. And if I may say so, I'm not new to this kind of international events," says Loveleen who has also served as a casting director for Mira Nair and Steven Spielberg's films. Recalls Loveleen, "In Spielberg's The Terminal, they needed an Indian actor for a role. The character's name was Gupta. We were first looking at someone in the age group of 45-plus. I thought of Tinu Anand and Anupam Kher. Then they made him into an 86-year old, and that became really difficult. Where does one find an English-speaking 86-year old Indian actor? In our country we don't have that many actors active at that age." Loveleen's woes didn't end there. "It was a pivotal role. That of Tom Hanks' soul mate. We finally got an actor named Kumal Pallana who lived in California and had done some acting. When I contacted him I warned him his character had lengthy dialogues. He said he could do it. But when he started shooting we realized he couldn't remember his lines. In comparison, dealing with the children in Slumdog Millionaire was child's play." Says Loveleen, "I've had the time of my life shooting for Slumdog. No one can take that away from me."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 Jan 2009 | 9:46 am
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