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FIR lodged against Ajay Devgan
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 28 Feb 2009 | 5:04 pm Ketan Desai's nonchalant over Rang Rasiya controversiesDante had his Beatrice, Shakespeare had his Dark Lady, and Leonardo had Salai, the exquisite young Italian boy for whom even Michaelangelo harnessed a secret passion (he is the model for the 'David' statue carved in loving detail).Source: Entertainment News | 28 Feb 2009 | 4:18 pm Twin accidents interrupt Agyaat shoot
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 28 Feb 2009 | 1:49 pm Oscar-famed Pinky gets grand welcome - Newspost Online
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 1:40 pm Mickey Rourke to star in next Rambo film
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 28 Feb 2009 | 1:39 pm Kannada film industry to mark 75 years in grand styleSouthern superstars like Rajnikanth, Kamal Haasan and Vishnuvardhan are set to come together as the Kannada film industry celebrates its 75-year existence with a three-day extravaganza that kicks off here Sunday.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Feb 2009 | 1:30 pm Freida Pinto is India's ultimate cover girl - Sify
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 1:02 pm French musicians take 'Masala Dosa' to the worldThree French musicians taking inspiration from Indian food and mixing notes, beats and sounds like spices to cater to the global appetite for good music - that's what the band Masala Dosa is all about.Source: Entertainment News | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:43 pm Actor Feroz Khan's condition stable, moved out of ICUBollywood actor Feroz Khan, 69, who was hospitalised in a critical condition at the Breach Candy Hospital here, is now stable, his manager said on Friday.Source: Entertainment News | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:41 pm Team of Oscar winning 'Smile Pinki' meets PM's wifeAfter a heart-warming reception here on their return from Los Angeles, the team of Oscar-winning documentary "Smile Pinki" met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur on Friday.Source: Entertainment News | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:38 pm Priyanka Chopra inaugurates mother's cosmetic surgery clinicBollywood star Priyanka Chopra inaugurated her parents' cosmetic-surgery clinic Studio Aesthetique here and said that it will provide world-class treatments to its clients.Source: Entertainment News | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:36 pm Kylie Minogue has full-fledged role in 'Blue': DirectorDirector Anthony D'Souza says contrary to popular belief that Australian singer Kylie Minogue is only shaking a leg to her own song in his debut film "Blue", she has a full-fledged role in the underwater thriller.Source: Entertainment News | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:33 pm Only inspectors torture in India, government told 'Slumdog' makersThe co-producer of "Slumdog Millionaire" says one of the best things to come out of the Oscar winning movie is the debate on poverty and torture that it has sparked in India.Source: Entertainment News | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:31 pm Sanjay Dutt invites Ukranian PM's daughter for dinnerBollywood star Sanjay Dutt borrowed a private plane and flew form Patna to Mumbai just to have dinner with Ukranian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko's daughter Yevhenia since she is his big fan.Source: Entertainment News | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:29 pm 'Ram Teri Ganga Maili' last Bollywood screening in Nepal palaceIt was on a grim on Friday eight years ago that Nepal's best loved king Birendra was gunned down along with his queen Aishwarya and eight more family members in the tightly guarded Narayanhity royal palace in a midnight massacre that led to the eventual end of monarchy.Source: Entertainment News | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:22 pm Ajay Devgan's superbike seized by Revenue Intelligence for evasion of dutyAjay Devgan has been in the news of late thanks to his upcoming films Rajneeti and newly announced All The Best. However, this time he isn't making the headlines for any of his films. Instead it is the actor's imported bike that has drawn not just ours but also the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence's attention towards the star. In a massive sweep to check the duty evasion that is rampant on imported superbikes, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence cracked down on the owners of such bikes who have evaded the payment of duty by importing the bikes as parts. This evasion is blatantly visible as the bikes in question are clearly visible on the streets, but the reports fail to show any mention about them. Devgan's bike isn't the only set of wheels connected to the world of glitz. Also under the scanner is the bike of filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, though the filmmaker says that his papers were clear and that his mobike hadn't been seized. As for Devgan, reportedly, he has offered to pay the amount that is due.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:18 pm Jammu and Kashmir assembly hails Oscar winnersThe Jammu and Kashmir assembly on Friday congratulated music composer A.Source: Entertainment News | 28 Feb 2009 | 11:48 am On a high note! - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 11:40 am Rajat Kapoor gives the Miss a miss - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 11:39 am Big B to pen foreword for Madhushala
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 28 Feb 2009 | 11:39 am FIR lodged against Bollywood star Ajay Devgan in JharkhandA police complaint has been filed against Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan in the Jharkhand capital by the owner of a production house, charging the actor with cheating, police sources said Saturday.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Feb 2009 | 11:31 am Kylie's song in 'Blue' not completely ready, says directorKylie Minogue is ready to rock for Anthony D'Souza's 'Blue'. But her song is not ready! At least not as ready the director wants it to be.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Feb 2009 | 11:30 am Neil Nitin Mukesh and Bipasha Basu join the band ADZ-The RisingClick above for more stills No folks we are not talking about the duo changing their profession and taking to crooning, instead we are referring to their upcoming film Aa Dekhen Zara. The promotion of the film Aa Dekhen Zara is being done in a rather unique method, namely with a band, ADZ-The Rising. Viky Rajani, the producer of the film in conjunction with Gaurav Dasgupta, has created a band to promote the film. The band will perform in various cities across the country as part of the film's promotion. And Neil will accompany the band during various club performances. The band comprises of Divendu Mukherjee - vocalist and drummer, keyboard - Roshan, female vocals - Shweta Vijay (Miss India earth 2003) and Guitarist - Mizo. Launching the newly founded band was the cast of the film, Neil Mukesh and Bipasha Basu last night at Enigma, in the Marriot Hotel. What's more? Neil accompanied the band on stage and actually took a shot at crooning a few lines as he has sung the title track for the film 'Aa Dekhen Zara'. One thing is for sure, be it acting or crooning, Neil is on top of it. The Neil Nitin Mukesh and Bipasha Basu starrer Aa Dekhen Zara is set to release on March 27.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 28 Feb 2009 | 11:27 am Feroz Khan recovering, to be in hospital for few more daysBollywood actor Feroz Khan, who was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital here in a critical condition, is recuperating from his illness, but might have to stay in hospital for a few more days, his manager said Saturday.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Feb 2009 | 11:00 am 'Nam Yejamaanaru' - gripping film on multiple personality disorderFilm: 'Nam Yejamaanaru'; Director: Nagabharana; Cast: Vishnuvardhan, Navya Nair, Vijaya Raghavendra, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Anant Nag, Sharath Babu and Ramesh Bhat; Music: Hamsalekha; Rating: ***Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Feb 2009 | 11:00 am "I hope the audience accepts me in a comic avatar" - Kunal KhemuStarting off his career as a child artist and now emerging as the leading man in films, Kunal Khemu has surely come a long way. With his latest comedy Dhoondte Reh Jaoge Ready to release next week and two other films waiting in the line, Bollywood Hungama caught up with this young actor to know more about his films. You started your acting career as a child artist and today you are the leading man in films... what was this journey like? Yes, I did get into films as a child artist, and have in a way grown up here. To me this is like a blessing, its like living a dream, some thing that I always wanted to do. And now my dream has come true and I have become an actor in lead roles. So the entire journey for me has been a real lifelong experience quite literally. When you were a kid what was it like acting in films? Is there difference in the work pattern now? No, I don't think that I feel the same. The reason for this being that along with the actors and forms of acting, the entire method of filmmaking and audience mind set has changed. Today we have various filmmakers trying to tell stories in unthought-of and unconventional ways and the audience has matured so much. Besides the entire multiplex scene that has developed has actually given the art films so much more. Like some time back the so called art films were limited to TV releases, while now they can have a theatrical release just like any mainstream film and yet have audience flowing in to watch it. Paresh Rawal plays this producer while I am this middle class guy Last year you had just a single release, how come? The thing with film is that they are uncertain. Besides this, each film has its pre-production, then the production itself, followed by the post- production. To add to this are the numerous delays and problems that keep popping up every now and then. So last year was like that for me with films. Tell us about Dhoondte Reh Jaoge. Well Dhoondte Reh Jaoge is basically a story of two very different people, who come from absolutely contrasting backgrounds as well. Paresh plays this producer while I am this middle class guy. The story is about how thanks to destiny and circumstances, we are forced to become partners and work together to make a film. So the bottom line is how these two varied individuals get together during a crisis situation to devise a solution. As the release date draws closer, what goes through your mind as an actor about the audience's reaction to the film? I don't think there is anyone who hasn't felt the same. It's like the same feeling you get when giving an exam and then waiting for the results. It's all the same, those butterflies in your stomach and the entire anxious feeling. The only difference is that here the audience is examiner and critics are the moderators. What is the character you play in the film? Well my character is this lower middle class guy who is honest to the core. It is this same honesty that has already cost him five different jobs and now due to the mounting pressure, he is forced to find a way to pay the rent for the chawl room where is he living. The audience is examiner and critics are the moderators. Dhoondte Reh Jaoge is a comic film, what was the funniest thing that happened while shooting for it? Actually since we were making a comedy, there was always something happening on the sets, it was never a dull day. However, the funniest has to be the time when I just finished a shoot for which I had to be on a jet ski. After the shoot was done every one wanted a ride so I was the one who was taking them out for a spin. But when it was the director's turn, I thought of having a bit of fun and pushed him off. However, he actually was holding on so tight that he dragged me off too. The funny part was that he didn't know swimming and since the key was in the ignition, the Jet Ski just kept going. Thankfully we were in the shallow area and could easily walk back. What about the rest of the cast... how was it working with Paresh Rawal, Soha Ali Khan and of course Johnny Lever? Pareshji and I have worked earlier when I was doing theatre. So it was really great working with him again. Then we have Johnny Lever and Asrani, they are like legends when it comes to comedy. So yes it was really great working with them, and thanks to the interaction level on the sets I learnt a lot too. Besides they are all such fabulous actors. Since the film has a comic angle, what is the music of the film like? The music of the film is always important and has to carry the flavour of the film itself. In this film, the music is also pretty humorous. We've tried to incorporate humour with the lyrics and sound track like the track 'Salma Balma' then the title track itself 'Dhoondte Rah Jaoge'. Besides this the music is also pretty peppy and has a dance number also. There is just a single slow romantic track I the film. I have to say that Sajid- Wajid have done a wonderful job with the music album. Which is your personal favourite track from the album? From the entire album, I think my favourite track has to be the title track of the film 'Dhoondte Rah Jaaoge' and second is the song 'Pal'. Pareshji and I have worked earlier when I was doing theatre. So it was really great working with him again Though at times comic films can be tough, what was the hardest shoot that you had to go through? Yes that is true, though I cannot say if this was tough or scary. Basically, it is an action sequence that comes towards the end of the film, in which I am supposed to jump off a 5 storey building... and that's where the problem was. We were shooting in a chawl so there were no cable rigs, we had to do it with the camera crane itself. So I was tied to the crane and was hanging there giving take after take and the worst part was that there wasn't even crash mat down. Hence, I cannot term this as hard or scary. What about the audience... how open are they today to watch cinema that actually makes you think? The audiences, as I said are the actual examiners in this exam that we actors give when our film comes up for release. However, the audiences have matured by leaps and bounds. Some time ago, we would think twice about making an arty film. But now the audience is so open to any type of film... this can be seen with the way filmmakers are experimenting with different genres and story lines. What are your expectations for Dhoondte Reh Jaoge? Every actor wants his or her film to do the best and I don't think much differently. So yes, I want my film to do really well. Besides this I am also hoping that the audience will accept me in this comic avatar, as I am not easily related to such roles. After this film there is Jai Veeru and 99. Tell us a bit about these films. Jai Veeru is not an out and out comic caper, yet comedy plays an integral part in the film and the story as well, though the film is actually an action film. Jai Veeru is basically a film about two friends played by Fardeen and myself and it's more like a joy ride kind of movie, an adventure sort of outing with us on the run. But it does have those funny moments in the film. While 99, is almost complete, only a few scenes are actually left to be shot. The film is actually a genre bender and again this time comedy has an important role in the film, but with a different flavor. Besides the directors of this film are both Indians based in New York and this will be their first venture with a feature film though they have made documentaries and short films earlier. As far as the cast is concerned, it's a really good lot and an absolute ensemble troop. Any other film that you've signed up? Right now I am looking at a couple of scripts and I am also in talks for film deals, but I really can't say anything yet about them. I shall only reveal things when I have actually signed on for a film and have started shooting for it as well.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 28 Feb 2009 | 10:35 am Last minute panic: Kylie's song for Blue is not ready yetClick above for more stills Kylie Minogue is ready to rock for Anthony D'Souza's Blue. But her song is not ready! At least not as ready as the director wants it to be. Explains Anthony, "Though the lyrics have been readied, and Abbas Tyrewala has done a wonderful job, there's something missing. I want that one hook or catch line that would give that song an extra global push/appeal to go with Bollywood-goes-international image represented by Kylie Minogue in Blue." Anthony doesn't know what that phrase would be. But he's sure Abbas will deliver before the song starts shooting in the next couple of days. "I want something like Gulzar Saab's 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' or 'Jai Ho'. Abbas is a brilliant writer. I know he can do it." When contacted, Abbas Tyrewala is surprised to hear about Tony's dissatisfaction with the song. "I don't write lyrics any more for outside assignments. But when it comes to Rahman I can't stop myself. I thought the song is done and ready to be shot. It wasn't easy writing two sets of lyrics reflecting two languages, cultures, thoughts and ways of life. And then the male and female portions of the song were recorded separately in Mumbai. So I wrote extra lyrics because we didn't know what shape the composition will finally take when the two voices are brought together." About the catchphrase that Anthony D'Souza is looking for, Abbas says, "If any changes are required I'm not aware of them."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 28 Feb 2009 | 10:30 am I am not Sita in Ravana: Ash
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 28 Feb 2009 | 10:11 am Indian Idon finalist Sourabhee is Northeast's rockstar - IBNLive.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 9:29 am Kareena Kapoor shines on the inaugural issue of Harper's BazaarThe aforementioned words aptly and also literally describe the lissome lass of Bollywood as she is the 'Inaugural cover-girl' of the mega launch issue of the world-famous fashion and lifestyle magazine Harpers' Bazaar. As we had (exclusively) carried the news earlier this week, the issue does contain some of beautiful pictures of Kareena and Saif on the beaches of Mauritius. After seeing this couple romancing along the coastline, one wonders if this romance is enhancing the scenic beauty of the to-die-for beaches or is it the other way round! Get this issue to see for yourself some of the most precious verbal gems that Saifeena have belted out in this issue, with Bebo saying, "I think I am just perfect, because on screen, being my size looks great". All in all, a must buy-issue for the Bollywood buffs! BTW, when we said that 'Kareena shines on the inaugural issue of Harper's Bazaar', we really meant our words as this issue comes with 'diamonds' attached on its cover! Go and check for yourself!Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 28 Feb 2009 | 9:27 am Father slaps Slumdog... star for not giving interviews - Hindu
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 9:22 am End of an era for book lovers: TN Shanbhag dies - Daily News & Analysis
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 9:13 am Rahman's brush with death before the OscarsHis double win at the Oscars has been celebrated and talked about. But not many know that A.R. Rahman had a close shave while rehearsing for his performance at the Academy Awards - a chandelier came crashing down seconds after the music maestro moved away from the spot.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Feb 2009 | 8:31 am Its no longer Ekta's 'K', but 'B'The trends come and go but there are some which creates a lot of buzz. The trend of "K" initials set by Ekta Kapoor was the most followed and noticed trends on television. But as everything has a life and nowSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 7:04 am Oscar hero Rahman meets the PressA.R. Rahman has returned from Los Angeles with the prestigious Oscar Award.After a short rest, the Mozart of Madras met the media representatives at Hotel Green Park, Chennai.As he posed for the cameras with the coveted prize, he said that heSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 6:50 am Last-minute panic: Kylie’s song is not ready - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 6:20 am Rihanna's lifeline to Chris BrownWashington (ANI): Barbadian singer Rihanna has not come forward to press charges against her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown after he allegedly beat her. Brown had been arrested and charged with making criminal threats following an alleged attack on the Umbrella hitmaker afterSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 6:19 am Cops to strengthen case against Chris BrownWashington (ANI): Chris Brown's March 5 court date over his alleged bust-up with Rihanna is likely to be postponed while cops strengthen their case against him, says Los Angeles district attorney. The 'Kiss, Kiss' hit maker is due in Los AngelesSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 6:14 am Glini to follow sister Gopika's pathGopika's sister Glini has been cast to do the role of Mukesh's daughter in debutant director S.Binu Kumar's project. The director and producer were in search of a young heroine. The story is about Narendran, who is a widower living withSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 5:58 am The Pink Panther 2 - Hindustan Times
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 5:41 am Spielberg gets a taste of Chinese angerNew York (ANI): It seems film director Steven Spielberg's refusal to act as artistic adviser during the Beijing Olympic Games has not been forgotten by the Chinese, for censors in the country cut his appearance at the Academy Awards. ItSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 5:39 am Robin William's Show at BroadwayWashington (ANI): Oscar-winning comedian Robin Williams is all set to bring his stand-up on Broadway stage, when the tour of his solo show 'Weapons of Self-Destruction' gets a short stint at the Neil Simon Theater in the spring.'Weapons', which kicked offSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 5:34 am Saif, Kareena to set the screen on fire - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 5:24 am Vidya Balan's Crazy sideThe 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 glamSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 5:10 am Saif, Kareena to set the screen on fire2009 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 beSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 5:03 am Bachchanalia - Book ReviewMore than a month after its launch, 'Bachchanalia' has finally arrived on stands. Thankfully, it has been worth a wait, as one finds out after flipping though this 300 page book which could well serve as a Bible for all AmitabhSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 4:43 am Gulzar, Ilayaraja come together after 26 years for 'SRK'The last time they worked together was in the 1983 movie 'Sadma'. Now, after 26 years, Gulzar is once again teaming up with Ilayaraja for 'SRK' and says the music maestro's ability to create 'perfect harmony' is still intact.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Feb 2009 | 3:00 am Twin accidents interrupt Varma's 'Agyaat' shootRam Gopal Varma had to halt the shooting of his next thriller after two accidents on the sets of 'Agyaat', a movie that is ironically about the misadventures of a film unit shooting in thick jungles.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Feb 2009 | 1:30 am Spears` ex Adnan Ghalib faces 7yrs jail in hit-and-run case!Britney Spears` ex-boyfriend Adnan Ghalib may be jailed for up to seven years if he is convicted of trying to run over a court official, who was attempting to serve a restraining order obtained by the singer`s father.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:31 am I am not playing Sita in Mani Ratnam`s `Ravan`, says Aishwarya!Aishwarya Rai, who is currently shooting for director Mani Ratnam`s film `Ravan` here, said her character is not called Sita in the film.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:31 am Why Kardashian refused to do back pose at pre-Oscar bash? !The real reason behind American socialite Kim Kardashian`s refusal to do her famous back pose at the Stardust Pictures Pre-Oscar bash has been put down to a wardrobe malfunction.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:31 am Lady Gaga rejects Hugh Hefner`s `nude` proposal!With her raunchy sex escapades and skimpy skin showing outfits, Lady Gaga rarely leaves anything to imagination. But ask her to strip for money and the lady says a firm `no`.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:31 am Megan Fox tops Chickipedia`s most searched women list!Chickipedia.com, the wiki-based online hub of the world`s most famous women, has revealed who the 100 most wanted women in 2009, are.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:31 am Guy Ritchie calls ex-wife Madonna `IT` !Filmmaker Guy Ritchie calls his ex-wife Queen of Pop Madonna `IT`, if his pals are to be believed.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:31 am Review: `The Curious Case of Benjamin Button` is achingly romantic!`The Curious Case of Benjamin Button` deserves applause. The film strikes a chord with the audience due to the treatment of the unusual film and convincing performances by the characters.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:31 am Now, "Slumdog" and "Jai Ho!" named top Hollywood words!"Slumdog Millionaire", the rags-to-riches movie that took the Oscars by storm, also produced two of the most influential words of the 2008 Hollywood awards season, a language monitoring group said on Thursday.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:31 am Review: `Pink Panther 2` is silly, Aishwarya disappoints!!Aishwarya Rai Bachchan`s much anticipated Hollywood flick `Pink Panther 2` is full of nothing more than slapstick humour.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:31 am Ajay and Katrina to help Prakash JhaIt is heard that Ajay Devgan and Katrina Kaif are going to be part of the election campaigns in Bihar.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:00 am Aamir’s “Duffers” get the top prizeStupids, Dumbos, Fools and Duffers are the names of the four cricket teams that took part in a tournament at Mhatre Ground in Juhu.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:00 am Aadesh’s message against terrorismMusic director Aadesh Shrivastava is currently in the process of churning out an international album.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:00 am Aishs tryst with singingComposing duo Vishal-Shekar has discovered a new voice.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:00 am Aa Dekhen Zara Promotional Event [Gallery]The lead stars of the soon to be released thriller ‘Aa Dekhen Zara’ participated for a promotional event of the movie. Catch up Neil Nithin Mukesh, Bong beauty Bipasha Basu and Sophie Chaudhary as they came and did their duty at the J W Mariott.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:00 am ‘ADZ-Rising’ is the new band in townEven though a music band has nothing to do with the content of the film, the makers of the forthcoming flick ‘Aa Dekhen Zara’ thought that creating a band named after the film will be a good proposition.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:00 am Mandira Launches New Clinic [Gallery]The most wanted host and actress Mandira Bedi launched the new Blush Skin Clinic. Check out the snaps of the function held at the ITC Grand Central.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 28 Feb 2009 | 12:00 am Brand Licensing discuss Character Licensing bizThe Brand licensing and Merchandising Show '09, Mumbai, had Spacetoon's Rajiv Sanghari, Graphiti's Munjal Shroff and Extend Brands Mayuri Pitale discussing animation and character licensing. The session was moderated by LIMA's Martin Borchstein. Character licensing galore: Talking about the licensing industry, Rajiv Sanghari said that entertainment/character licensing is the strongest vertical in the licensing business. "This vertical continues to be the strongest in the licensing business maintaining a 45% share in the market followed by trademarks/brands at 17% and fashion category at 15%. Fido-the licensing biz hero: Munjal Shroff, whose company Graphiti Multimedia has tied-up with Joanna Ferrone (creator of Fido Dido, popular as 7UP's brand mascot) and is creating content around it, said that that the peppy and cool character was still popular with brands and consumers, attracting a lot of licensees. Sharing a brief background about Fido and how it was created he said, "Fido is known as a huge trademark success throughout the US, Europe and Asia and is present in several categories such as apparel, shoes, stationary, accessories, soft drinks, etc." Fido was a case of enormous success for PepsiCo in the 80's and still being used on the 7UP's cans and advertisements in Argentina, Chile, Greece, UK, Ireland and India, amongst many other countries. Key to successful licensing strategy: Extend Brands' Mayuri Pitale, whose company represents Popeye and many other characters, highlighted the key to a successful licensing strategy. She highlighted the need to identify the USP of the property and evolve with the target group, to continue building the property over the years and to strategize according to the product life cycle of a certain brand.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 27 Feb 2009 | 4:59 pm Freida Pinto on Maxim cover
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 27 Feb 2009 | 3:56 pm Sonal Chauhan in a song worth Rs 6 million
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 27 Feb 2009 | 3:49 pm Charles Darby speaks about VFX of Sujoy Ghosh's AladinInternational visual effects wiz Charles Darby has been in the industry for 14 years and has worked on more than 47 films. One of the pioneers of digital matte paintings, Charles is currently the CEO and Creative Director of EyeQube Studios in Mumbai, which is an Eros International company working on a number of projects including the much awaited Aladin and Veer. Darby's work includes Academy and BAFTA award-winning work on films such as Titanic, The Matrix, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, The Fifth Element, Minority Report and Drona. In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Darby speaks about the visual effects in Sujoy Ghosh's Aladin, his views on the Indian film industry, future projects and more⦠Tell us about your visual effects (vfx) work for Aladin? We have over 1,500 vfx shots and that includes, quite easily, the most complex vfx ever produced in India. What kind of shots does the film have? It's a gamut of work actually. It's everything from 3D city shots, 2D shots, character animation and high-end compositing. It's everything you can imagine a large FX driven film to have. I think Eros has already green lit a sequel Is there any other studio working on Aladin? I have designed all the shots in the film and EyeQube has created all the CG elements used throughout the movie. We have commissioned one other company to help composite our elements for one sequence. We supervise the work and make sure our quality standards are met. Is a sequel in the pipeline? I think Eros has already green lit a sequel. I am sure the performance of the first Aladin is going to be the most important thing. But, Eros is so happy with Aladin so far, that they are already having the second one written. How do you see vfx integrating in Bollywood films? We don't deal with many clients but only large shows. If a show comes to us, they kind of adhere to the manner in which we work. So, if we are involved in pre-production, then it's the kind of show we would be involved with. Not every show, here in Bollywood is run like that but those who want really western quality high-end vfx, and the ones that don't mind planning, are the ones that we are going for. With Aladin we have been very fortunate because the director, Sujoy Ghosh has given us a lot of leeway to do our job, and that makes a huge difference. Did you also work on the pre-production and pre-visualization? Yes. Even before EyeQube had an office, I had been on Aladin for almost two years. How much of vfx work has been completed? I can't give you a percentage. Essentially, I don't say something is final until it looks really good. EyeQube was also involved in outsourcing work with other projects. We produced 300 shots for Drona. We have already started with pre production for vfx shots for Anil Sharma's Veer. Aladin is slated to be the biggest vfx film since Drona and Love Story 2050 in 2008. How are you making sure that the quality of visual effects meets international standards? Every day is a fight. Its very difficult to get western style quality here because very few companies care enough or have enough time and desire to make that kind of work. Ultimately, no one really cares how many shots are there in the film. All they care about is how it's done at the end. The other thing they care about is the story. If it doesn't have a good story, it doesn't matter. It's quite like saying that this film has great sound but awful story. Part of what we do is to make a good story look bigger and better. Its very difficult to get western style quality here because very few companies care enough or have enough time and desire to make that kind of work Is the story more important that the visual effects? The story is always more important. But if you take a good story and give it great vfx, it will be a very memorable piece of filmmaking. But you can't put great vfx on a mediocre story and make it work. A mediocre story is always a mediocre story. Tell us about any challenging shot in Aladin. We have a completely 3D computer generated (CG) city and landscape with over 3,000 houses, all modeled and textured. (It's been) very difficult. When you have full CG, there is nothing real, there is nothing to support it on the screen. We have a lot of shots of the city and some of the most complex shots any fx house anywhere in the world would attempt. And no one in India would ever attempt that kind of look. So far, that's the most complicated shot. What is there for the audience in Aladin? It's a good story, its entertaining. So even if you take out the vfx, it's still a fun film. If you put the vfx in, it's a really big film. And that's the key. In some films if you take out all the fancy digital intermediate (DI), all the music and vfx, you are left with very little. And I think a lot of producers are realizing that the story is actually important. There is no point in having visual effects for just visual effects' sake; they need to be there to support the story. With Aladin, we had to support the story and make the film possible because there are certain sequences in the film which would be nearly impossible to do. So vfx allows you to tell a certain story, they're the kind of shots which were very difficult to have shot. If you do mediocre work, you are always bidding against someone else How many people are working on the vfx as of now? I have 200 staff of which 180 people working on just Aladin, which is different because EyeQube is not doing adverts here or TV there. We are doing pre production on Veer and rest of the company is on Aladin, 24 hours a day. So, it's a much more focused and planned process. 99% of people in my company are Indian artists, but what is different is the culture we have created in the company. We make sure that the artists really understand the look and the feel of the shot, and nothing gets finalized without me liking it personally. Has the recession affected EyeQube? No one in the world is recession proof. My number one job is quality and as long as I keep my quality extremely high, then my competition - domestic or international - has a problem. If you do mediocre work, you are always bidding against someone else. There's always someone who will bid lower that you and a producer who will pay less. But, if your quality is high, people will pay for that. And they will pay internationally, if they want to send work to India. India is not known or respected for outsourcing good quality vfx work but if they see Aladin and if they appreciate it, I can get good budgets from these guys and they can save money. So in a recession, that's a pretty good deal. Therefore I only aim at quality. What is your understanding of the Indian industry? As long as Indian producers and directors focus on the story, it will be good. With Aladin, I really want India to be respected for its work. I don't want people in the West to think that India cannot produce good vfx. And I want my artists to like what they did. On future projects We will work on anything which I like the sound of. If the work is interesting, the budget is OK and we have time to do it, we will do it. We have remained fairly quiet in the past few months and want our work to speak for itself.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 27 Feb 2009 | 3:40 pm Katrina, Lara threatened by Kylie Minogue
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 27 Feb 2009 | 3:00 pm John wants to play Barack Obama on screen
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 27 Feb 2009 | 1:33 pm Chacha Chowdhary, Pinki, Sabu to hit the silver screen soonChacha Chowdhary, Pinki and Sabu who have entertained a range of generations through the comic books, are all gearing up to hit the silver screen, TV and video game platform, soon. Diamond Comics, the owner of these characters, has tied up with License India, which is powering the plans of Diamond comics to reach on electronic platform and scouting for partners and people to work on the creative of the project. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Anupama Bindra, Business Head, License India, said, "We are preparing the licensing plans for Diamond Comics and are in talks with several animation studios who can work on the animation feature and TV series. To start with, we are looking at releasing the TV series this summer, when the holiday season starts so that we can reach kids." Also on the cards are clothes, toys, stationary and other merchandising which will be soon unveiled. Adds Gulshan Rai, Chairman and MD, Diamond Comics, "India is a very big country that manufactures a large number of children oriented products. In the present scenario, our characters can be used in stationary products, bubble-gums and candies amongst many other available merchandising options." Said Gaurav Marya, President-License India, "Animation and Character Licensing industry in India has bright prospect due its large population that accounts for a major chunk of the world's population. Also, the vast majority of India's $75-$100 million in retail sales comes from licensed merchandise in children's properties."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 27 Feb 2009 | 1:30 pm Ranbir and Imran to host Filmfare Awards
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 27 Feb 2009 | 1:17 pm Amitabh Bachchan to pen foreword for father's magnum opusReligiously dutiful about maintaining an e-diary with regular posts everyday, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan will now be writing the foreword for his poet father the late Harivansh Rai Bachchan's highly acclaimed work 'Madhushala'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 27 Feb 2009 | 1:00 pm
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