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"Bollywood rules, so let's make business out of it" - Roli MalhotraBollywood, with all its stardom and glamour, presents great licensing opportunities for a variety of companies, from publishers to apparel-makers and jewelers. These and more were discussed at the Brand Licensing & Merchandising Show 2009 being held at Mumbai. Sia Lifestyles Marketing Manager, Roli Malhotra, whose firm designed all the jewellery for Devdas and Om Shanti Om, said, "While Devdas was the perfect project due to large showcasing of jewellery in the movie, Om Shanti Om released around Diwali and the marriage season giving us the opportunity to present a more contemporary range." Speaking at the session, 'Licensing opportunities in movies and publishing', Roli claimed that branding in Bollywood films had been beneficial for Sia. "The Om Shanti Om collection was a 100% sell out, footfalls increased 50% and sales went up by 20% on a year-on-year basis. Bollywood rules, so let's make business out of it," she said. She added that the company is currently working on designing the jewellery for two upcoming films. Another panelist, Eurokids MD Uday Mathur, whose company was the licensee for Lagaan and very recently, Drona cautioned against the odds in the licensing Bollywood properties. "Handling properties with a short opportunity window, like films, present a challenge. You might create lovely books or toys, but if the property (film) doesn't work, the product sinks with it," he said.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 26 Feb 2009 | 5:27 pm Eros plans to launch Aladin gameClick above for more movie stills Eros International is planning to release a game on Sujoy Gosh's Aladin. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Biren Ghose, Executive Director of Eros International confirmed the same saying, "Yes, a game is being planned around the movie Aladin, but it's very premature to talk in detail about it." The much awaited Amitabh Bachchan starrer film is being touted as a visual effects extravaganza. This development is part of an increasing trend wherein producers are releasing online and PC games around the release of their films. The latest examples being a 3D PC game on Ghajini and online games on the forthcoming 13B and Aa Dekhen Zara.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 26 Feb 2009 | 5:14 pm Akshay cooks for Kylie, plays perfect host
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 26 Feb 2009 | 4:47 pm Final Harry Potter film to be out in 2011
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 26 Feb 2009 | 4:47 pm Meryl Streep cheated to get film roles
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 26 Feb 2009 | 4:44 pm Dev Patel on Who Wants to be a Millionaire
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 26 Feb 2009 | 4:35 pm Slumdog Millionaire in Tamil now
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 26 Feb 2009 | 4:25 pm Mugdha replaces Katrina in Devgan's next
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 26 Feb 2009 | 4:08 pm Rajiv Menon's Abhishek - Ash starrer is titled DhunAce cinematographer Rajiv Menon captured some really beautiful moments between Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Mani Ratnam's Guru. Now Rajiv is all set to direct Bollywood's most talked about couple in his next film. Bollywood Hungama spoke to the South based cinematographer who confirmed the news. "Yes...Abhishek and Aishwarya are starring in my next directorial venture titled Dhun. It's a film where music plays a very important role. The film goes on floors sometime in June this year." Quiz him on rumors that the film is similar to the Amitabh-Jaya Bachchan starrer Abhimaan and he says, "I think Abhishek has already clarified this. There is no similarity except the fact that the characters in my film also play musicians." The film is being produced by Eros International and Rajiv's good friend and Oscar winner A.R. Rahman would be composing the music for this musical drama. One will have to wait and watch if after the melodious music of Guru, Rahman can once again come up with some interesting 'Dhun' for this film.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 26 Feb 2009 | 3:29 pm Assam to set up committee to tackle recession - Zee News
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 1:44 pm "Yes, Sikandar deals with violence" - Piyush JhaPiyush Jha (not be mistaken for Piyush Mishra) started his career with a youth flick Chalo America (1999). A small budget film, it was a light hearted take on the fascination that millions of youngsters have for America. The film's cast was led by Ashish Chaudhary who was pretty much a young boy then. Piyush followed it up with the Bollywood satire King of Bollywood (2004) which was about this aging evergreen hero [played by Om Puri] who refused to face reality and call it a day in showbiz. 5 years after the release of King of Bollywood, Piyush changes genre once again and comes up with Sikandar, which as per him is a quintessential Bollywood commercial fare but boasts of a meaningful story that he believes in. Also, his protagonists this time around are teenage children - Parzan Dastur (of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai fame) and Ayesha Kapur (of Black fame). Considering the fact that Sikandar comes with an intense story due to which working with children may have been quite difficult, how did he explain certain complex situations and happenings to the kids? "I would not like to call them kids, they are young adults", he sets records straight right away, "I am lucky to have leads which are intelligent actors. Parzan is sixteen actually but he looks younger. But all the kids now days are very accepting and understanding of situations that are beyond their age. And there are few areas that they are more knowledgeable than I am, especially computers." Though the film has children in the lead, Sikandar isn't essentially a children's film. Since the film has a disturbing backdrop, how appropriate is it for the kids to watch the film? "The subject is very relevant for both kids and adults; especially kids as it directly affect them", says Piyush. "The young minds today are forced to do things which are not of their understanding. It's very important to understand why they are lured off from the path of good. Firstly, it was only in war affected areas like Kashmir but now it is happening in other small towns of India too. So for me it became more important to have kids as protagonists and it's important for the parents to see the film and understand their kids better." He goes on to add, "Yes, Sikandar deals with violence, but the central theme of the film is that of peace. The film does not have a jingoistic or partisan point of view, and does not take sides, except the side of humanity." Also starring R. Madhavan, Sanjay Suri and Arunoday Singh in principal roles, Sikandar is co-produced by Sudhir Mishra and is looking at 27th March release.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 26 Feb 2009 | 1:42 pm Guess who's coming to lunch at Akshay Kumar's place today?Akshay Kumar has developed a penchant for staying in the news. Just a few days after shooting a song with Kareena Kapoor and RDB for Kambakth Ishq, he's now plastered all over the press for his song with Kylie Minogue in Anthony D'Souza's thriller Blue. The Australian siren landed in Mumbai early Thursday morning. One of her first appointments was for lunch at Akshay Kumar's residence. Says a source, "Kylie and some of Akshay-Twinkle Khanna's close friends from the industry plus the Blue crew are invited for lunch by the actor on Thursday afternoon. This is supposed to be his way of making her comfortable in Mumbai. If Hrithik and Sussanne Roshan went all out to make Barbara Mori comfortable in Mumbai why not Akshay and his wife?" The menu was not just selected to complement the sexy Ms Minogue's palate, Akshay, apparently, had also decided to do some of the cooking himself for the khaas mehmaan. As is the norm, the producers at Ashtavinayak invited the entire army of television cameras to cover the 'private' lunch at the Kumar's making you wonder how comfortable our foreigner guest would feel on her first outing in Mumbai with cameras recording every munch and slurp.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 26 Feb 2009 | 1:06 pm 'Slumdog' kids back in shanties - with Oscar dreamsTheir crowning glory at the 81st Academy Awards over, it's back to the grimy routine of Mumbai shanties for little Azharuddin Shaikh Ismail Usman and Rubina Rafiq Asghar Ali Qureshi Thursday. But their dreams have been stoked well and truly by the Oscars for 'Slumdog Millionaire'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 26 Feb 2009 | 1:03 pm Director Rituparno Ghosh to play lead in gay love storyBengali filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh is all set to debut as an actor with director Kaushik Ganguly's gay love story 'Chhaya Chhobi'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 26 Feb 2009 | 1:01 pm Let's forget about the East-West divide now, says RahmanDouble-Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, who returned home Thursday to a rousing welcome, says his victory at the 81st Academy Awards has bridged the gap between the east and west.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 26 Feb 2009 | 1:00 pm There’s no point aping dad: Jaycee Chan - Hindustan Times
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 12:52 pm Sandler slapped with copyright infringementLondon (ANI): Adam Sandler has been slapped with a copyright infringement suit by a comic book writer, who claims the actor stole his idea for the film You Don't Mess With The Zohan. Writer Robert Cabell turned to the Manhattan FederalSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 12:40 pm Vishal and Vishal come together for Shahid and Shahid starrer KamineyIt appears to be Angoor moment in the making. Kaminey, the film which features Shahid Kapoor in the double role of Charlie and Guddu, also sees another double role of sorts (at least as a namesake) in the crew details. While Vishal Bhardwaj is the film's director and composer, Vishal Dadlani (of Vishal-Shekhar duo) has been roped in to sing the key song in the film. The number in question is (an interestingly titled) 'Tan Tana' that sees Vishal Dadlani flexing his vocal chords. Says Vishal who loves to dabble in occasional singing as well and apart from singing in his own films has collaborated with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Pritam in the past, "Seriously, it's a big honor to be working with Vishal Bhardwaj. I respect him as a musician. He has done some great work in the past and to be singing for a song composed by him was an exciting opportunity." There is a story that goes behind how Vishal Dadlani was roped in to sing for Kaminey. Apparently, the song was already recorded and Vishal was sent across the CD to hear it out once. So impressed was Vishal with the voice in the song that he instantly called up Vishal Bhardwaj and enquired about the singer. "To my utter surprise, I was informed that Vishal Bhardwaj had himself sung the song. He had done such a brilliant job that I tried persuading him to retain the voice for the final cut as well. However, he wasn't willing to do so and wanted another voice for the song. I am happy that he considered me for the song", says Vishal Dadlani who has sung close to a dozen odd songs in the recent past, most notably being 'Jaane Kyun' and 'Khabar Nahi' [Dostana], title song [Krazzy 4], 'Jame Raho' [Taare Zameen Par] and 'Tashan Mein' [Tashan]. With 'Tan Tana' fetching a good response as it plays along with the theatrical promo of Kaminey, Vishal Dadlani is sure that it would be payback time soon for Vishal Bhardwaj. "I made a deal with him when I consented to sing 'Tan Tana'", smiles Vishal Dadlani, "I told him that I would do the song only on one condition that he would have to sing a song for us when we make a tune worthwhile enough for him. He has agreed to oblige so we should see collaboration between Vishal Bhardwaj and Vishal-Shekhar soon." Also featuring the voice of Sukhwinder Singh, 'Tan Tana' is pasteurized on Charlie and Guddu, the two characters that are played by Shahid Kapoor. With Priyanka Chopra as the leading lady, Kaminey is looking at a 5th June release.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 26 Feb 2009 | 12:39 pm India's Oscar heroes return home
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 26 Feb 2009 | 12:34 pm No takers for Heath Ledger's last filmLondon (ANI): Late Aussie actor Heath Ledger's final film The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus is facing marketing problems, as its bosses struggle to find a major distributor.The movie is facing a limited U.S. release, and its executives have been searching forSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 12:29 pm Guess who’s coming to lunch at Akki’s place? - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 12:26 pm I intend to stay away from Bollywood - Rajat KapoorWhat makes Rajat Kapoor an intriguing director, producer, writer and an actor? The fact that he says, "I don't exist in Bollywood. I direct my style of films, act in my kind of movies and produce what I believe in". TheSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 12:19 pm Michael Jackson falls for AR Rahman - NDTV.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 12:04 pm Kylie Minogue to shoot with Akshay Kumar - NDTV.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 12:04 pm “The success of the movie doesn't depend upon the star cast.” Manish GuptaManish gupta the New York based writer and director who is new to Bollywood but not in the field of direction as he has made a movie called Indian fish in American waters. Now his next movie which is Karma AurSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 11:50 am 'Slumdog' children accorded boisterous welcome - Hindu
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 11:47 am Freida Pinto: Life after Slumdog Millionaire - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 11:34 am Abhishek almost slipped out of Delhi 6 - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 11:34 am Darshan to leave no stone unturnedDarshan entered films at the tender age of 17. Last week, he celebrated his 32nd birthday at the set of his latest film Boss. Darshan, who had a successful year in 2008, has some exciting projects coming up in 2009 too.Pokiri,Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 11:32 am Oscars come home to rapturous Indian welcomeThey arrived in hundreds to toast India's newest heroes. Fans, well-wishers, mediapersons thronged the Chennai and Mumbai airports to welcome Oscar winners A.R. Rahman, Resul Pookutty as well as Irrfan Khan and the child stars of 'Slumdog Millionaire' when they returned from Los Angeles early Thursday.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 26 Feb 2009 | 11:31 am Kangana takes up fashion seriouslyKangana Ranaut loves to do new things from time to time. The latest buzz is that she is being inspired by her last film Fashion and by the various fashion designers she worked with, so much so that she has decidedSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 11:26 am Freida Pinto wants to work with DiCaprio
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 26 Feb 2009 | 11:23 am Freida Pinto: Life after Slumdog MillionaireFreida Pinto has leapt off Bombay's local trains and into Hollywood's limousines. At this time last year, Freida was probably one of a million girls scrambling onto the woefully crowded Malad local train. Considering that she had landed some modelling jobsSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 11:15 am Puneet, our Captain Jack SparrowThe role of Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean has given Johnny Depp a cult status and a great fan following all around the world, despite the fact that his divine looks were obscured by the pirate’s costume. NowSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 11:07 am Legends Kamal Hassan and Mohanlal meetSuperstar Kamal Hassan recently met Mohanlal, another superstar, who comes from the Malayalam industry to discuss the final script and shooting schedules of their new film.Kamal spent the day with Mohanlal at his newly opened hotel Travancore Court in Kochi. LaterSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 11:02 am Cine Federation celebrates Amrutha MahotsavaAmrutha Mahotsava, sponsored by KFCC, is to be conducted on March 1, 2 and 3, but the Karnataka Film Workers Artists Technicians Federation is having a celebration of their own on the occasion of the Kannada film industry completing 75 years.Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 11:01 am Global exposure of Indian films behind Oscar success: Kavita KrishnamurthyPlayback singer and Padmashri awardee Kavita Krishnamurthy attributes growing global exposure of Indian films as a key factor behind India's success at the 81st Academy Awards.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 26 Feb 2009 | 11:01 am Shahid loves thy neighbour - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 10:51 am Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor playing terrorists in Rensil D'Silva's film?2009 is a special year for Rensil D'Silva as he takes the big leap from writing to direction. By now it's known to one and all, that Rensil would be making his directorial debut with the Saif-Kareena-Vivek Oberoi starrer to be produced under the banner of Dharma Productions. The buzz in the media circles is that the intense film is titled Jihaad but Rensil denied this rumor. "No...my film is not called Jihaad. It's a name that the media seems to have given the film but it's not the official title", says Rensil Probe him a little bit on what the film is about and Rensil says, "It's a romantic thriller set against the backdrop of global terrorism." There is a strong buzz that Saif and Kareena are playing terrorists in the film but the director is not ready to reveal much. "I can't reveal plot points or character sketches at this point of time", says the writer turned director, who doesn't deny the news. Apart from Saif, Kareena and Vivek Oberoi the film was supposed to star Tara Sharma. However, the actress is due to have her first baby soon and hence had to back out of the project. Minissha Lamba would now be essaying that part. The supporting cast also includes Kirron Kher, Om Puri and some talented new faces. So, how much of the film's shoot is complete at this stage? "We are around 40% through with filming. We've shot in Philadelphia, Delhi and the Mumbai schedule is currently underway. We plan to complete shooting by May and will release the film in the last quarter of 2009," says Rensil. While the story of the film has been written by Karan Johar, Rensil has worked on the screenplay of the film. An interesting fact however is that instead of Dharma favorites Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, this time it would be Salim-Sulaiman who would be composing music for this film.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 26 Feb 2009 | 10:26 am Ajay Devgan adjusts dates of All The Best for Sanjay Dutt's BlueThe bonding between Ajay Devgan and Sanjay Dutt is getting stronger by the day. Not only has Dutt agreed to do Devgan's comedy directed by Rohit Shetty, in spite of his decision to concentrate on his newly - started political career, Dutt also decided to allot dates to Shetty's film All The Best immediately. However, the first of schedule of All The Best which was supposed to start from March 5 has been moved to March 10, leading to speculation whether there's trouble in paradise. But Dharam Oberoi, the CEO of Sanjay Dutt films quickly quells all controversy. "Before people start imagining there's a problem between Mr. Dutt and Mr. Devgan let me say the dates have been kindly re-adjusted by Mr. Devgan to accommodate the last schedule of Blue which now begins on March 1." Apparently, coordinating Sanjay's dates with Akshay Kumar for Blue has been a problem. Says Oberoi, "They're both busy artistes. Yes it has been a problem coordinating their dates. In fact the last schedule from March 1 has been arranged to accommodate Akshay Kumar because he has to leave. Ajay's film was to start on March 5. But he kindly agreed to shift forward his film to March 10 to accommodate the last schedule of Blue."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 26 Feb 2009 | 10:07 am Aadesh Shrivastava teams up with Timberlake for anti-terrorism albumPost Mumbai attacks, Bollywood composer Aadesh Shrivastava is teaming up with some of the biggest names from the music world including Justin Timberlake and Rihanna for an anti-terrorism album. He says these talented people are coming together to sing about peace, though with a difference.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 26 Feb 2009 | 10:01 am "I am an avid gamer" - Neil Nitin MukeshClick above for more stills "I am an avid gamer. I play games to take a break from work and to de-stress. In fact, I carry my laptop around all the time and during lunch breaks, I eat with one hand and play with the other," said Neil Nitin Mukesh at the launch of an online casual game based on his forthcoming movie Aa Dekhen Zara. The game will be hosted on online portal Zapak.com. Neil, whose favourite games include cricket and NFS, also felicitated the winners of Gillette Mach3 Turbo India Gaming Championship '09. The month long gaming tournament showcased some of the most popular casual games like cricket, tennis, Street Soccer and hardcore games like NFS and Fifa '08. In another instance of Bollywood going online to reach larger audiences, Zapak recently unveiled a website and two online games based on the movie 13 B. The games have been titled 'Bhooth Attack' and 'Halloween Ghost Hunter'. Commenting on the response, Zapak CMO, Arun Mehra said, "This is a case study as far as online movie marketing goes. Zapak had a two step strategy for the website. First step was to reach out to the online community interested in horror. The second step was to make people aware of the movie 13B which happened simultaneously while users accessed horror stories on the website."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 26 Feb 2009 | 9:58 am Resul Pookutty returns - Galatta.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 9:52 am Vidya Balan signs Nikhil Advani's Chand Bhai and Bhansali's Chenab GandhiDownload image as wallpaper The graceful Vidya Balan who turned a year older on January 1, has turned a new leaf. After her abortive attempts to revamp her wardrobe in Heyy Babyy and Kismat Konnection, Vidya has decided to go easy on the glam ramp. "It's not as though I am disowning my efforts to do glamorous roles. I'm proud of Heyy Babyy and Kismat Konnection. But this year I'm doing films that don't need me to stretch my personality. I'm very happy doing roles that come naturally to me. That's what I decided about my career this year." Vidya has just given the nod to Nikhil (Chandni Chowk To China) Advani's next film which would surprise many. Advani's Chand Bhai is a raw realistic song less film on juvenile delinquency. Says Vidya, "It's nothing like the high-flying glam-wham stuff that one expects from Nikhil after Chandni Chowk. Chand Bhai is a stark very real kind of drama. And I get to co-star with a very talented actor Akshaye Khanna with whom I was in Nikhil's Salaam-e-Ishq though we had just one passing shot together." Vidya gladly admits Chand Bhai doesn't feature her in the central role. "The film revolves around the delinquent boy's character. But I'm very happy to be part of a film that addresses itself an important social issue. This year I think I'm done with searching for various by lanes to my screen identity. All my forthcoming films have a sharp sense of social purpose, and that definitely includes Vibhu Puri's Chenab Gandhi which I'm enormously excited about because it's produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali." Vidya has been attending costume and reading sessions for Chenab Gandhi and is spellbound by the script. "But I haven't really interacted that much with my co-star Hurman as yet. With Mr. Bachchan who plays the title role, I share a lifelong bonding. Right from Eklavya we've been paired in so many films right up to Chenab Gandhi and now Balki's Pa. If I did all the films last year that I was offered with Mr. Bachchan, I wouldn't be working with anyone else," says Vidya, adding she's excited to work with Abhishek Bachchan for the first time in Pa. "We've never been paired together. It would be interesting to have another interesting co-star to work with," says Vidya who went to Panchgani for her birthday this year, with her parents, sister and brother-in-law. "It's very rare for all five of us in the family to be together. My birthday falls on a very unforgettable day, the New Year. It's preceded by Christmas, so we all take time off to be together. Another advantage of being born on the first day of the year is, no one can claim to forget your birthday," she says with loud laughter. Vidya recently saw Ghajini and was bowled over by Aamir Khan. "I'm dying to work with Aamir. And Shah Rukh of course is my favourite. I said on Sajid Khan's chat show I want to kill Shah Rukh's wife. No one took me seriously. There was no enhancement in the security around her. Sad."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 26 Feb 2009 | 9:50 am Sanjay Dutt bonds with Ajay Devgan, adjusts dates for himIt seems the bonding between Ajay Devgan and Sanjay Dutt is getting stronger by the day. Not only has Sanjay agreed to do Ajay's home production 'All the Best' in spite of his decision to concentrate on his newly-started political career, he has also decided to immediately allot dates to the film.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 26 Feb 2009 | 9:00 am Konark sun temple voted top Orissa wonderThe world famous 13th century sun temple in Konark has topped a survey of what people consider to be the seven wonders of Orissa.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 26 Feb 2009 | 9:00 am Resul returns to grand reception
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 26 Feb 2009 | 8:55 am Sajid Nadiadwala signs Siddharth Anand for his nextSiddharth Anand is the latest director to branch out from Yash Raj Films. After having made successful films like Salaam Namaste, Ta Ra Rum Pum and Bachna Ae Haseeno, Anand is all set to direct a film for producer Sajid Nadiadwala. "The contract with YRF is over. We are starting a film with him in August," Sajid confirmed with Bollywood Hungama. We probed him about more details and this is what he had to say, "It's an interesting film which has its moments. The cast should be finalized in a week's time. In the first week of April we can announce everything...it's an interesting star cast." Nadiadwala is eagerly looking forward to his next release Kambakht Ishq which apart from Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor, also stars his all time favourite actor-icon Sylvester Stallone in a pivotal role. Those who've seen the first look promo of the film just can't stop raving about it.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 26 Feb 2009 | 8:46 am Rahman dedicates Oscars to younger generationIndia's double Oscar winner A.R. Rahman dedicated his awards to the younger generation as he returned home to a hero's welcome here Thursday with ace drummer Sivamani and his troupe providing a pulsating backdrop, and a large crowd of thousands dancing to the chant of 'Jai ho'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 26 Feb 2009 | 7:02 am Slumdog's Tamil version to hit cinemas Friday'Naanum Kodeeshwaran', the Tamil version of multiple-Oscar-winner movie 'Slumdog Millionaire', is scheduled to hit the screens Friday.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 26 Feb 2009 | 7:00 am Freida Pinto: From Bombay's local trains into Hollywood's limousinesFreida Pinto has leapt off Bombay's local trains and into Hollywood's limousines. MANJULA NARAYAN looks at the transformation of the girl next door AT THIS time last year, Freida Pinto was probably one of a million girls scrambling onto the woefully crowded Malad local train. Considering that she had landed some modelling jobs and had hosted a travel show, she'd have jostled with the first-class bunch which, as every commuter in Bombay knows, can be far more vicious than any second class dibba gang. Who knows, our Freida must have occasionally been battered with laptops and prodded with tweezers if she'd dared to hog the coveted gangway space next to the door. In the evenings, she'd have been sharing a frappe with Rohan Antao, her boyfriend (oops, husband?) at the local coffee shop and perhaps spending love struck weekends with him at a cottage on Manori island. She would have been hanging out with the friends she has known since her days as an English Literature student at St Xavier's College and practising her expressions in the mirror in the bathroom of the flat she shared with her Mangalorean parents and sister. Then she landed that role in Slumdog millionaire. She began spending time with Danny Boyle and the crew, taking time out to show her leading man Dev Patel the sights including, perhaps, the Queen's Necklace, the neo-gothic buildings that had once prompted Aldous Huxley to call Bombay "one of the most appalling cities in either hemisphere", and seedily exotic Colaba. But this isn't a tourist brochure for Urbs Prima in Indis. It's a contemplation of what fame can do, and in the case of Freida Pinto, Oscar hopeful, BAFTA award winner and new darling of the red carpet, how it can take you from boarding the Churchgate fast every morning to riding around New York in a stretch limousine surrounded by stylists. Suddenly, Vogue, Vanity Fair and Elle, are courting her, UK's Sun is advising readers on how to get her 'look', luxury London outlets are inviting her to beam at the paparazzi from their shop fronts. YOU'RE not sure at what point Ms Pinto, who really didn't have much to do in the film, became an international sensation. Was it when she warmed the cockles of the firangi media's collective heart by mumbling through a mouthful of chocolate cake at Angelina Jolie? Was it because Jolie has anointed her for a life of stardom by advising her to "keep it real" - a bit strange coming from a woman whose own life with a million kids, zillion dollar paycheques and gadzillion international do-good programmes seems as far from reality as poor Rohan Antao is from Brad Pitt. Was it because she now speaks with a Miss India accent she couldn't have picked up at St John's Universal High School, Goregaon? Any day now you expect her to have a white-gloved-palmto- face Sushmita Sen moment. The truth is her stylist George Kotsiopoulos, who'd rather commit harakiri than let a Tahiliani near Pinto, is the real star. That other Mangalorean beauty Aishwarya Rai needs to get his number quick. The boob-squash thingy she wore to the Berlin Film Festival is just the sort of outfit George would chuck into Bombay's stinking Mahim creek... as Freida's usual local lumbers slowly over it. Which brings you to the question, what will Freida do next? Will she snap out of her fame-induced amnesia and run back into Antao's arms once the Slumdog fever dies down? Or will she find herself a Pitt replica? Whatever she does, let's hope she doesn't imitate Jolie's bizarre fertility goddess routine. With whoever.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 26 Feb 2009 | 6:49 am `Slumdog Millionaire` to be made into Broadway musical!The filmmakers of `Slumdog Millionaire` are planning a stage musical of the Oscar winning film.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 1:11 am When `flirty` Paris Hilton `trapped` Robert Pattinson !Paris Hilton stunned guests at a lavish Oscars bash by dragging Robert Pattinson outside for some time alone.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 1:11 am Aamir Khan wouldn`t have fitted my film: Sanjay Kapoor!Actor-turned filmmaker Sanjay Kapoor, who is busy with his film "It`s My Life", says he roped in Hurman Baweja for the lead role instead of Aamir Khan because the senior actor would not have fitted the character of a young boy.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 1:11 am Jennifer Hudson may turn to gospel for second album!Jennifer Hudson is reportedly considering ditching her pop music roots to visit the gospel genre for second album.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 1:11 am Megan gives a rare busty treat during a photo romp!Forget raunchy bikini or provocative posses, Megan Fox touted as the world`s sexiest women looks uber hot even with a simple white towel wrapped around her.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 1:11 am Sean Penn takes dig at ex-wife Madonna over toyboy ``lover`` !Oscar-winner Sean Penn took a dig at his former wife Madonna when the two crossed paths at an after-show party.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 1:11 am Guy Ritchie`s Sherlock Holmes is gay!British director Guy Ritchie has given a new twist to the old Sherlock Holmes story by portraying the legendary detective as a gay man.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 1:11 am Forget Dev Patel, Freida Pinto has a crush on Imran Khan!Western media is going gaga over `Slumdog` beauty Freida Pinto, who combines good looks with excellent histrionics.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 1:11 am Kareena beats all to become B-town`s tantrum queen!Throwing aside her size-zero crown, Kareena has become the worthy contender for `tantrum diva` tag owing to her latest `in your face` display of fits at the sets of her upcoming flick `Main Aur Mrs Khanna`.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 1:11 am Irrfan Khan to star in Hollywood adaptation of `Life of Pi`? !`Slumdog Millionaire` actor Irrfan Khan, who`s riding high on the Oscar success of the film, is up for a part in the movie version of “Life of Pi,” according to reports.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 26 Feb 2009 | 1:11 am Sean Penn to make a film based on CIA spy
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 25 Feb 2009 | 4:48 pm "I intend to stay away from Bollywood" - Rajat KapoorWhat makes Rajat Kapoor an intriguing director, producer, writer and an actor? The fact that he says, "I don't exist in Bollywood. I direct my style of films, act in my kind of movies and produce what I believe in". The fact that he's not necessarily interested in his all round image but more in becoming the character and trying different things. You wouldn't think it to look at him, and certainly not to listen to him, but Rajat has turned out to be something of a risk taker and a survivor. Having spent a few years in the direction doldrums (theatre and films), unsure even as to whether he had chosen an appropriate, 'dignified' career, he moved on to acting and is now known for his memorable roles in films like Dil Chahta Hai, Corporate, Monsoon Wedding and Bheja Fry. With additional career moves such as writing and production, he is now termed - 'Jack of All Trades'. Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent and UK's Harrow Observer columnist Devansh Patel met the shabby looking actor (that's how he described himself to each of the interviewers over the phone) last week to talk about his latest film Siddharth where he plays a prisoner. The actor also gave some bizarre insights to some 'not-so-bizarre' questions in an interview which happened in a bizarre looking ambience which looked more like a prison anyway (and that again is what Rajat thought of). Over to the man of few but fiery words. Theatre gives me as much joy as cinema does. So I don't want to abandon either of them. What satisfies you as an actor with so much versatility in you? I don't know really. The feeling of having done a good job satisfies me. When you look back at a film and say, "Oh God, this looks fake. This doesn't look real enough to what I wanted to show". For things like that, I wish I could go back in time and re-do it but I can't. So, a film where by and large, we don't get that feeling that it's fake when we watch it, I think that is what is satisfactory for you as an actor. When we don't get the feeling that it's fake while watching a film, I think that is what is satisfactory for you as an actor How different is Siddharth the writer from Rajat the writer? Not very different. Quite close I should say. I somewhat identify with that guy in the film because he is also as shabby as I am. The external appearance is quite close to me and internally he is as passionate and intense as I am when I write. He is also a believer, something I associate myself with. It wasn't a fabulous script but the kind of film he had in mind that made it interesting. What type of a writer are you in real life and what inspires you to write? I only write film scripts. I need a hook to get into a script. Like I had a hook in Raghu Romeo, I had a hook in Mithya. The beginning of any story has to be very strong and that's when you get hooked initially. Then there is no stopping you to get inspiration. You're doing acting, direction, production, scripting and theatre. Don't you think you've got your feet in too many holes? I would say 'too many' if I couldn't do it. If I can do all the roles then I don't think there is a problem. I hope I am doing justice in what I am doing. But it's not that I am doing this continuously all the time. The last play I did was eight years back. I am now doing a play. So it's not that I am doing theatre, running to my shoot, scripting a film, it doesn't work like that for me. I try to phase them. Theatre gives me as much joy as cinema does. So I don't want to abandon either of them. Click above for movie more stills How was Pryas Gupta's story able to convince you as an actor? It wasn't the story of Siddharth which convinced me. It was Pryas Gupta. It was the passion that he had, the vision that he had. It's quite an abstract film as you may or may not know. It wasn't a fabulous script but the kind of film he had in mind that made it interesting. The film explores the renunciation as a true path to enlightenment and freedom. Is the film exploring the psyche of each individual? These are ideas which are conveyed through the overall film. It's not about how will I play a character of a prisoner who is enlightened. When you're playing, you're playing a scene. Your effort is to be as truthful to that scene and situation. And it is the director's job to see that his ideas come through with the whole film. How did the debutant Sachin Nayak stand up to you as your co-star? He is very good in the film and so are all the other actors. I think if the casting of any film is done correctly, then half your battle is won anyway. Sachin is a good find and now-a-days, we do have actors like Purab Kohli, Abhay Deol, etc who are doing good yet different stuff which pleases the eye sometimes. I think if the casting of any film is done correctly, then half your battle is won anyway How careful do you have to be to articulate your point of view as an artist to your director? Why do you have to be careful? As an artist, you don't have to be careful to articulate your point of view. You have to be yourself and your view point comes across to whomsoever it may concern. If you become careful, you are not an artist. What do you want the audiences to take back with them after watching Siddharth? That they saw a good film. I don't exactly know how to answer this. You don't take anything from watching a film. When you listen to music, you take the feeling of joy and fulfilment. You don't learn anything when you see a film, or watch a painting or listen to music. I think art is a representation of beauty. So what do you take from a beauty? I guess, just the enjoyment of it. Off late, we haven't seen you in many commercial flicks. Do you intend to stay away from Bollywood? Yes, I intend to stay away from Bollywood because I am not a part of Bollywood filmmaking. I am not Bollywood at all. I am quite happy existing on the margins and living my life on the edge and to be able to make films that I want to make.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 25 Feb 2009 | 1:38 pm Kylie Minogue to shoot a music video with Akshay Kumar for BlueA.R.Rahman just couldn't have had it better. While he is on an all time high courtesy the Oscars, he is all set to put the listeners on an all-time high, by having none other than Australian pop sensation Kylie Minogue to sing for his forthcoming film Blue. For the uninitiated, this film stars the dashing Akshay Kumar, dynamic Sanjay Dutt, suave Zayed Khan, along with the lovely ladies Katrina Kaif and Lara Dutta! Produced under the banner of Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd, Blue is supposed to be India's first 'official' underwater film! But something that promises to float for decades to come is none other than Rahman's magical wand that has now got the sensational Kylie lending her magically mystical voice to not one but two of the songs in the film. While one of the songs is a duet with the supremely talented Sonu Nigam, the other is a racy solo number for the promotional video of the film. The USP of her duet track with Sonu Nigam is that while Sonu recorded the song in Mumbai, Kylie recorded the same in London, after she got a copy of Sonu's song. How this fusion was made possible, is something that only the musical maestro A.R.Rahman can tell us! The latest news is that Kylie will be shooting for the duet song with Akshay Kumar while gyrating to ace choreographer Farah Khan's dancing instructions. It really seems like the makers of this film are leaving no stone unturned to give the film a truly international feel. After all, it's only once in a 'Blue' moon that we get to see the clubbing of such mega talents under one roof!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 25 Feb 2009 | 1:19 pm
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