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Power yoga, the fitness mantra of Bollywood beautiesIn this age of treadmills and ab crunchers, Bollywood actresses like Kareena Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty and Kangana Ranaut are among those banking on power yoga to shed extra pounds and look picture perfect at all times.Source: Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 5:49 pm While Freida shines, Ash gets the flak
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 5:05 pm Freida to star opposite Antonio Banderas
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 4:59 pm SRK to work with Ghajini director?
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 4:42 pm Slumdog kids floor Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 4:07 pm Don't mix art with politics, urges Kamal HaasanTamil superstar Kamal Haasan struck the right chords with fans at the Kannada film industry's platinum jubilee celebrations by urging politicians of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu not to mix art with politics.Source: Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 3:58 pm Prime Focus appoints Michael Constantine as Director of Global MarketingMumbai-based post production major Prime Focus Group has hired Michael Constantine as its Director of Global Marketing. Michael will report to CEO Namit Malhotra and will be instrumental in the development of the company's market and brand positioning. "Michael's appointment reflects our commitment to strategically organising and marketing our brand on the global stage to win more assignments from existing client partners, to reach important new clients, and to identify and tap fresh revenue streams," said Namit Malhotra. Michael will split his time between Prime Focus' facilities in London, India and North America, working closely with specialist division heads in each region. "In this challenging period for the industry, Prime Focus is committed to delivering even greater strategic value for our client partners - when they most need it," said Michael. "By leveraging our unique global capabilities in three world time zones, we can provide imaginative, proactive and timely solutions. Our pioneering resourcing model, integrated facilities and services ensure the delivery of a superior level of service aligned with a highly competitive pricing structure." Michael is a senior marketing communications professional, with extensive experience in international agency management (Leo Burnett, BBDO), new business and top-level multi-national and local client relations. As a former marcom agency Head of Client Service & Business Development and then CEO, Michael has worked with some of the world's leading US, European and Asian blue-chip clients including: P&G, Coca-Cola, Pepsico, Diageo, Cadbury's, McDonald's, Kellogg's, Warner Lambert, Philip Morris, Moet Hennessy, Cathay Pacific, Ricoh and Fedex . With a market capitalisation of $140m USD, Prime Focus operates nine facilities in India, four in the UK and four in North America. Its recent credits include feature films such as Quantum of Solace and Red Cliff internationally and Ghajini, Chandni Chowk To China and Love Story 2050 in India.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 2 Mar 2009 | 3:50 pm Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt floored by little 'Slumdog' starsHollywood stars like Meryl Streep and Brad Pitt were floored by the little kids who featured in Danny Boyle's Oscar winning "Slumdog Millionaire", says Loveleen Tandon, the film's co-director.Source: Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 3:29 pm Lata Mangeshkar's call perks up Adnan Sami's ailing fatherPakistani singer Adnan Sami says doctors noticed miraculous change in his ailing father's condition when singing legend Lata Mangeshkar called him up to enquire about his health.Source: Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 3:00 pm Rahman visits dargah - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 1:53 pm Karma aur an un-Holi mess? - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 1:53 pm When music felicitated Rahman - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 1:53 pm Who's performing at Amrita’s sangeet ? - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 1:51 pm Kate and Owen trying for a baby
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 1:31 pm Hard Kaur sheds weight for Jhalak...
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 1:28 pm Don't mix art with politics: Kamal Haasan
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 1:26 pm 'I still can't believe I've won Indian Idol' - Rediff
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 1:19 pm "Charles & I is not based on the life of Sobhraj" - Prawaal RamanHerman Knippenberg, the Dutch diplomat who investigated Charles Sobhraj's case, has been roped in as consultant for the Sanjay Dutt bio-pic apparently based on Sobhraj's life. However, no one involved with the Sanjay Dutt's project Charles & I is talking about Sobhraj any more. According to people close to the project, Sanjay Dutt who plays the lead has been told not to speak about the character any more. Says a source, "From the moment the director Prawaal Raman narrated the script to Sanjay he has been charged. The actor has taken charge of the project, so much so that when the original producers pulled out, Dutt personally took on the responsibility for getting immediate replacement producers. However, the excitable actor has been asked not to mention Sobhraj anywhere." It looks like Faroukh Dhondy's novel The Bikini Murders is not the only supposedly-biographical target that the controversial convict Charles Sobhraj has chosen for legal recourse. Former Ram Gopal Varma associate, Prawaal Raman, who is making a film based on the life and crimes of Sobhraj with Sanjay Dutt in the lead has had to do some quick rethinking after he received legal summons from Sobhraj's lawyers. Confirming these developments the Prawaal Raman says, "Yes, Charles Sobhraj has sued us. My lawyers have looked into it. In fact Sanjay Dutt and I were dismayed by reports linking my film about an international criminal to Sobhraj. Let me clarify that my film titled Charles & I is not based on the life of Sobhraj." So why the title Charles & I? "That's because my protagonist is named Charles and his story is told from the perspective of a retired cop who pursued the criminal all across the world." The fact that Herman Knippenberg is an inspiration for the cop's character is, of course, just a happy coincidence. Right? Going by what happened to enterprising filmmakers from Shekhar Kapoor (Bandit Queen) to Jagmohan Mundra (Bawandar) and Deepa Mehta (Heaven On Earth) who have been made financially and creatively accountable by sources for the bio-pics.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 2 Mar 2009 | 1:06 pm Tripura toasts its `Indian Idol` all night long!Most of Tripura was in party mode the whole night until Monday morning, bursting crackers to celebrate Sourabhee being crowned "Indian Idol".Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:40 pm India gets its first female `Indian Idol` in Sourabhee Debbarma !Popular music reality show "Indian Idol" has finally got its first female winner in the form of Sourabhee Debbarma.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:40 pm Lindsay Lohan sings duet with lover Samantha Ronson !Lindsay Lohan jumped on stage for a surprise duet with her lesbian lover Samantha Ronson during a family celebration.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:40 pm Shah Rukh to host Indian version of `The Moment of Truth`?!Shah Rukh Khan has been approached to host what is being touted as the boldest show in the history of Indian television.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:40 pm Tripura`s Sourabhee Debbraman wins Indian Idol-1V!Tripura`s Sourabhee Debbraman, who has created ripples with her soulful rendition of popular numbers, tonight bagged the `Indian Idol crown`.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:40 pm Sonam loves being compared to Hollywood diva Penelope Cruz!Actress Sonam Kapoor is certainly becoming a hit with several Bollywood directors approaching her for their upcoming ventures.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:40 pm Slumdog success helps Chinese critics to complain about lack of ... - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:39 pm Amrita's wedding outfits revealedAmrita Arora will finally be getting married to the man of her dreams Shakeel Ladhak on March 4. The man who has designed her church wedding, mehendi and nikaah outfits and the bridesmaids' outfits, Ashley Rebello, talks about the wedding gown."ISource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:35 pm Ayesha ties the knot with FarhanAyesha Takia and Farhan Azmi had a quiet nikaah with close friends and family at Farhan's restaurant in Colaba last night.Says an eyewitness, "It was a simple, private ceremony with only close friends and family being present; around 200 people wereSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:30 pm Tripura toasts its 'Indian Idol' all night longMost of Tripura was in party mode the whole night until today morning, bursting crackers and dancing on the streets to celebrate Sourabhee Debbarma being crowned "Indian Idol" in Mumbai.Source: Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:28 pm The murder mystery of Harry Potter actorLondon (ANI): The jurors, who are trying a man accused of murdering Harry Potter actor Rob Knox, are expected to retire to consider their verdicts. Knox had allegedly been stabbed five times by Karl Bishop, 21, outside the Metro bar inSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:19 pm Penny Higgs shocks all with topless picsMelbourne (ANI): Penny Higgs, a contestant on the American dance reality show 'So You Think You Can Dance', has shocked people with her topless photos. When it emerged that Zoo Weekly magazine was set to publish revealing snaps of the contestant,Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:14 pm Sharon Stone pens short storiesWashington (ANI): Hollywood actress Sharon Stone is reportedly considering becoming an author after writing a collection of short stories. The actress is said to be looking for a publishing deal to have her work released, reports Contactmusic. According to Fox News.Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:10 pm Dev D hits Box Office gold
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 11:54 am Filmfare Awards: A glittery affair - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 11:50 am Shahid-Priyanka a couple?Priyanka Chopra not only attended good friend Shahid Kapoor's birthday (February 25) at the lounge bar of a suburban five-star hotel but also played hostess to the hilt. That too in the presence of Shahid's close friends like Vidya Balan andSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 11:44 am Kylie Minogue's song in Blue lacks catch lineKylie 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 aSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 11:37 am Aa Dekhen Zara resorts to unique promotionNo 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 uniqueSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 11:30 am Kareena sizzles on the cover of Harpers' 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 thisSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 11:24 am 'Slumdog Millionaire' dashes Nepal director's hopeThis year's wonder film "Slumdog Millionaire", which won eight Oscars and reopened the world's eyes to the talent blooming in Bollywood, has however come as a blow to someone in Nepal.Source: Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 11:17 am Filmfare awards have become more organised: Javed AkhtarJaved Akhtar, who won the best lyricist Filmfare award for a song in "Jodhaa Akbar", says this year's award function was more organised and sophisticated.Source: Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 11:16 am Keira Knightley roped in to star in Never Let Me GoWashington (ANI): Actress Keira Knightly has been roped in to star in Fox's sci-fi thriller titled Never Let Me Go. Actor Andrew Garfield and Carey Mulligan will star alongside the Atonement star in the cloning-themed film. Director Mark Romanek of OneSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 11:13 am Email-divorced Sita in copyright troubleNina Paley, an American animator who fused jazz music and Indian mythological epic "Ramayana" to tell the story of her failed relationship, got rave reviews for her film but is entangled in a copyright controversy.Source: Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 11:10 am India's 10 best plays on show at Mahindra theatre festTheatre enthusiasts in the capital enjoy a weeklong treat as 10 best plays chosen from across the country, including those by Swanand Kirkire and K.Source: Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 11:09 am Kerala to host national drama festivalTheatre buffs in Kerala would be treated to more than a dozen award-winning plays at the fifth National Drama Festival that starts here Monday.Source: Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 11:06 am Dutch diplomat Knippenberg roped in as consultant for 'Charles and amp; I'Herman Knippenberg, the Dutch diplomat who investigated Charles Sobhraj's case, has been roped in as consultant for the Sanjay Dutt starrer 'Charles and amp; I', which the director insists is not based on the notorious criminal's life.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 Mar 2009 | 11:00 am Freida Pinto features in the March issue of VogueAt first we thought that this beautiful lady some supermodel on the cover of the latest issue of Vogue. It's only after we saw her glacier like eyes, tresses that will give Rapunzel a huge complex, eye brows that takes you through a virtual tour of the most luscious desert, lips such that even Gods must have repented after having sent her to Earth... .that we realised that she was none other than Freida Pinto, World's envy, India's pride! This issue is going to be a sure-shot sellout considering the fact everyone now wants to know about this new actress and Vogue provides its readers just that. Talking about this gorgeous girl, Danny Boyle says, "I met many breathtakingly beautiful and talented actresses in Mumbai, but in addition to being beautiful, there was a grace to Freida, an ease that transcended her physical beauty. She is truly unique." We simply couldn't argue on that, neither could the Oscar's jury. Way to go, Freida!Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 2 Mar 2009 | 10:50 am Venu Nagavally returns to direction after eight yearsActor-scriptwriter-director Venu Nagavally, who makes a comeback after eight years with 'Bharaya Swantham Suhurthu', Monday said Malayalam films have lost the Malayali touch.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 Mar 2009 | 10:32 am Abhishek and gang party hard as Rock On bags 7 Filmfare awards"For me, each of the seven Filmfare awards bagged by Rock On are my own awards. The film is my baby and I am going to clutch on to all the trophies till someone pulls them away from me", says Abhishek Kapoor in good humor a few hours after his second directorial effort topped the list of winners at the recently held Filmfare awards function. The film saw a good spread of awards for itself beginning with Shahana Goswami fetching a Jury Award for the 'Best Actress'. There was a special jury mention for Purab Kohli for the same film. The biggest cheer came when Arjun Rampal's name was announced as a 'Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male)'. Abhishek Kapoor went home with a trophy for 'Best Story' while Jason West did the technical crew proud with an award for 'Best Cinematography'. Vinod Subramanyam was another in line for technical finesse as he bagged one for 'Best Sound Design'. To add to this, if one adds Farhan Akhtar's trophy for the 'Best Sensational Debutant (Male)' then it well makes it seven for Rock On. "Yeah, it has been a great feeling. I have been partying ever since the awards were announced. It's not just one or two awards; we are talking about seven awards here. It's phenomenal", said Abhishek in an elated tone. Winning the 'Best Story' award holds a special meaning for Abhishek because finally people can stop talking about Farhan Akhtar's influence in the making of Rock On. "Let's see if people would still talk about it. I have moved on for sure. Let them say what they want; for me all that matters is to make more movies and continue to prove myself. You can't stop others but you can have hold over your act, right", questions Abhishek. So thrilled was the entire gang of Rock On that they were seen partying around in the post awards bash thrown by Karan Johar at Taj Lands End. "We all partied till the wee hours in the morning. Arjun (Rampal), Farhan (Akhtar), Purab (Kohli) - all of us were there. Karan's parties are the best in the town and Rock On winning accolades all over again was a special event in itself. It was celebration time for all of us and we all let our hair down." In fact Rock On pipped Jodhaa Akbar for the highest number of trophies as the Ashutosh Gowarikar film managed only five awards. However, if one looks at the top honors, they have all gone to the Ashutosh Gowarikar film since it has bagged not just the 'Best Film' award but also the 'Best Director' award. In fact it's a clean sweep of sorts at the top because the movie also fetched Hrithik Roshan yet another award for the 'Best Actor' in addition to 'Best Lyrics' (Javed Akhtar - Jashn-E-Bahara) and 'Best Background Score' (A.R. Rahman).Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 2 Mar 2009 | 10:22 am Kylie discovers Indian Culture through Akshay - GlamSham
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 10:13 am Slumdog... kid's father didn't slap him
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 2 Mar 2009 | 10:08 am "Kartik Calling Kartik is a thriller but has a lot of light funny moments" - FarhanAfter two back-to-back sober-and-thoughtful roles as a wannabe singer and wannabe actor respectively, Farhan will for the first time try his hand at comedy in Kartik Calling Kartik. "Not that Kartik is a full-fledged comedy. It's a thriller. But it has a lot of light funny moments, something that I missed out on in my first two, actually three (the unreleased acting debut in The Fakir Of Venice) starrers on doing any of the light-hearted stuff," explains Farhan. Strange, considering Farhan is well- known for his sense of humour in real life. "I don't know why I've been cast in such serious parts so far." Besides Deepika Padukone who plays the female lead, Kartik Calling Kartik also stars Shefali Shah and Boman Irani. "We start shooting in April," informs Farhan who also plans to cut a music album. "But for that I need to take out a chunk of time and devote my full attention to it. Singing is not just a hobby. It never was. I need to pursue it seriously. And not only because of Rock On. I can't just have someone else composing the songs while I go in the studio and record." Farhan has just completed his innings as a chat-show anchor on 'Oye! It's Friday!' In the last episode we saw him with cricketer Sourav Ganguly and Kangna Ranaut. "I don't think I've had so much fun before. I'm a huge cricket addict and Sourav was a delight. And I'm amazed by how relaxed and natural Kangna is."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 2 Mar 2009 | 9:40 am National theatre fest from today - Express Buzz
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 9:09 am Lata Mangeshkar's call perks up Adnan Sami's ailing fatherPakistani singer Adnan Sami says doctors noticed miraculous change in his ailing father's condition when singing legend Lata Mangeshkar called him up to enquire about his health.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 Mar 2009 | 8:32 am Meet Benny Dayal - The man behind 'Pappu can't dance'His debut song Pappu can't dance saala made even non-dancers tango. And his subsequent songs said Tu hi to mera dost hai to the charts. Screen checks out Benny Dayal, who still refuses to market himself because music "is not an imposition" What does music mean to you? Music is one of the greatest energies given to us by God. It has the power to make us laugh and cry and create emotions within us. It can change our life and even heal sickness. I decided on music as a career after I attended a A.R.Rahman concert in Dubai, where we were based then. It was the turning-point. Did you formally train in music, and if so, in which genre? I learnt Carnatic classical from the age of three-and-a-half in Dubai itself. My teacher was a South Indian. I am now based in Chennai right from my college days and now I am learning Hindustani classical music from a North Indian teacher! Rahman inspired you - but that's not a passport to sing for him. How did you get to sing for Rahman? I was part of a band called S5. We sang songs for a Malayalam movie called By The People with music by Pravin Mani, who was Rahman-sir's assistant. Rahman-sir heard them and called me. My first song was Balleilakka in Sivaji as a chorus singer. After that I sang Maduraikku pogadhedi and Nee Marylin Monroe, both in Azhagiya Thamizhmagan composed by A.R.Rahman. Have you sung for all the South languages? Yes, but strangely, I had not sung solo in my mother-tongue Malayalam. And frankly, I have not tried too hard. Actress Asin hails from Kerala but has done just one Malayalam film too. Why is this? One reason is that I am based in Chennai, and most of the music for Tamil, Kannada and Telugu films is also done there because we have better studios and technicians. But the Malayalam industry operates out of Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. I am also not averse to Malayalam songs. But music cannot be like an imposition. It is something that is beautiful and I believe that we cannot force it. We have to let it happen and work towards it, that's all. How did your Hindi break happen? I speak, read and write good Hindi. Rahman-sir mentioned this to Abbas Tyrewala when the song Pappu can't dance saala came up in Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na. This was way back in November 2006 when we recorded the song. After that I have sung in his Yuvvraaj, Ghajini and Delhi-6. Have you tried approaching other composers in Mumbai? No, but Pritam called me for the song Is there a vacancy. But maybe I will soon meet composers with a demo. Why is there the need for a demo after giving so many hits, including all your Hindi songs? Why not? That's the proper way because then music directors get a complete picture. Remember that I have yet to take off, so there's no harm in considering myself a baccha, for that way there's more scope to grow! Music directors seem to be shifting to trained singers after a short phase when training wasn't really considered vital. Training consolidates your command on sur and taal. But it is not a hard-and-fast rule in playback singing. Today's music directors look at how much you can sing from the heart, and sometimes you have to actually forget your classical lessons to get the song right. Music directors like singers who are very fast at work, and those jo harkatein dil se lete hain, gale se nahin. They want a human element, but they do not want a main sab kuch jaanta hoon attitude. Look at Shankar Mahadevan and Kishore Kumar - the way they bring emotions into songs is just superb. So I too approach a song as if it is my first-ever, but on the other hand, I put in my best - as if I have been singing for the last 20 years! Are you into strict riyaaz? Frankly, I do not do much riyaaz. But I listen to a lot of music, and the effect is largely the same. I love R & B. I hear lots of Blues, Arabic and African music. I listen to Mirza Ghalib and Mehdi Hasan. I am absolutely crazy about Rajasthani folk. Apart from that, from childhood I have been exposed to Hindi film music. I love Rafisaab and O.P.Nayyar and Kalyanji-Anandji are special favourites, especially for the songs of Shammi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan respectively, but even otherwise. Coming from a double classical background, so to speak, how do you view the way our music is becoming increasingly influenced by the West? Aren't we at one level making music that is a pale shadow of theirs and at another losing our identity? We will never lose our identity! On the contrary, we are very soon going to be at par with Western music in reach and fame. Today, Indian music is played at discotheques all over the world. In London, every week there is a Desi Nite when only Hindi and Tamil music is played in so many pubs. And at the end of the day, it's about knowing and not forgetting our roots, while learning and incorporating new things. Portraying our roots all the time is not needed. And I know that I can sing Carnatic classical any time I want! Screen IndiaSource: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 2 Mar 2009 | 8:09 am Gurinder Chadha's next with Indian Film-Studio 18The Indian Film Company (TIFC) and Bend It Films have entered into a strategic partnership to produce Gurinder Chadha's next feature, It's A Wonderful Afterlife. The shoot of the film will taking off on 28th March, 2009 in London. The co-producers will enjoy global revenues in perpetuity. It's A Wonderful Afterlife is a TIFC and Bend It Films presentation in association with Studio 18, and is slated for a worldwide release in early 2010. The announcement was made today by CEO - TIFC, Sandeep Bhargava, and Director - Bend It Films, Gurinder Chadha. With this announcement, TIFC becomes the only Indian company to have forged a partnership with both the top cross-cultural directors - Mira Nair and Gurinder Chadha. The screenplay of Afterlife is written by Gurinder and her husband Paul Mayeda Berges. London-based world sales outfit, Hanway Films, is handling overseas sales for the movie, while TIFC is releasing it in the Indian territories through Studio 18. Chadha's previous works, Bhaji On The Beach, Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, Bride & Prejudice and Bend It Like Beckham have made her a popular name the world over. After a string of successful Bollywood distributions, Indian Films ventured into international film production with the Sooni Taraporevala-directed Little Zizou, a co-presentation with Mira Nair, and Road, Movie, a Dev Benegal film whose script was an official selection at Cinefondation, Cannes 2006. Sandeep Bhargava, CEO - The Indian Films Company said, "We couldn't be more proud to join forces with Bend It Films to make this fantastic comic script into a reality. Gurinder is an extremely talented and popular writer-director whose films have fared incredibly at the box office. Ever since our team met her in December 2008, we developed great chemistry and I'm delighted that conversations moved at a brisk pace to allow us to work together." Chadha added, "I am thrilled to have found an Indian partner in The Indian Film Company & Studio 18, as this new film has huge international appeal for the NRI and Non-NRI audience. It's A Wonderful Afterlife is part of a new slate of films by me that have an Indian element but are aimed at the global audience and I am excited to be working with Sandeep, Tanuj, and their colleagues on what I hope will be a long and fruitful relationship." Afterlife will feature a top multi-cultural cast comprising of the legendary Shabana Azmi, Sendhil Ramamoorthy ('Heroes'), Shaheen Khan (Bend It Like Beckham), and other well-known international names to be announced shortly. Building on Chadha's record for discovering new talent, Afterlife introduces British-Indian theatre actress, Goldy Notay.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 2 Mar 2009 | 8:05 am Meet Ajay Jhingran - A trained singer, an acclaimed lyricist and a composerHis Munni ki baari from Welcome To Sajjanpur and Billu bhayankar from Billu both raked in accolades for his vocals. But Ajay Jhingran is not just a trained singer - he is an acclaimed lyricist, a composer and a performer too and dabbles in jingles and television. In short, variety could well be his middle-name Despite his consistency as a lyricist all the way from his early films like T-Series' Papa The Great and Tips' Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai and albums like Sanskar and Mausam (both with Sonu Niigaam) and Shiva (with Jagjit Singh), Ajay Jhingran has come into focus of late more for his unique voice in the few songs he has sung in films and albums. He won a prestigious nomination for his debut song, the semi-classical Mann yeh banwraa which was co-written and co-rendered by him with Swanand Kirkire for Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi. "The nomination was only for new talents, which was very gratifying," says Ajay. "My title-track for Khoya Khoya Chand drew attention to my unusual voice, while Munni ki baari from Welcome To Sajjanpur had people even asking actor Ravi Jhankal whether he had sung the song himself!" But unlike the trends of today, Ajay isn't moonlighting when he lends his vocal chords. Ajay hails from the lineage of the Bijnor gharana and his Saharanpur-based father, grandfather and others were accomplished singers. "My father was also a Kathak dancer who learnt from Achchan Maharaj, father of Birju Maharaj," he reveals. Ajay is thus fully trained in classical music besides being a graduate in Literature from the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University and a post-graduate in Indian theatre from Punjab University. How did he land up with these songs? "It was Shantanu Moitra and Swanand Kirkire who recognised the earthy quality my voice possessed," he said. "But the Billu song was pure destiny!" Reveals the verse-atile Ajay, "One day, I sent composer Pritam an sms that read, "You know me as a lyricist. But I am blessed with an earthy rustic voice, please use my vocal chords." The same evening, I was attending a function at South Mumbai and had kept my mobilephone on silent mode. At 2 a.m. when I was leaving the party I saw some 12 missed calls from Pritamji. When I called him up, he actually asked me if I could come and record a song straightaway! I told him that I could definitely come and hear the track but that my voice wasn't at its best. At 2.30 I reached his studio in the same formalwear and when I heard Billu bhayankar, I knew that the song was my forte. I recorded it the next morning and Pritamji wasn't even present for the 'take'. As he put it, 'You don't require a composer! The song requires acting. Just see that you do not sound shahari (urban)!'" Adds Ajay, "But I voiced my insecurity about them retaining my voice, especially because I realised what this song could do for me. Pritamji assured me that they had been thinking of someone else earlier, but now no one would dub the song. This was important because such things happen frequently nowadays. My song Munni ki baari, for example,had been dubbed by several singers before me but they had not been happy with any of them!" What did Gulzar, who wrote Billu bhayankar and Shah Rukh Khan think about his vocals? "I have not met them after the recordings, but I heard they had praised me," smiles Ajay. And what about the protests against the film's title and songs? "They are very unfair and so unnecessary," rues Ajay. So how does he plan to move on - will he be doing more of writing or singing? "Obviously both, though aaj ek lyricist ki haalat sab se kharaab hai!" he says. "By the way, my debut album came out in October last year - Sun Le Sachche Bol Miyaan, which I wrote and sang and also composed. My next album will also be out soon." As a trained vocalist, wasn't he keen to break out of the rustic image? "Yes, you will see that in my new album. But I think that doing quality work is more important than being different for the sake of it. Besides, I am getting interesting combinations - like in the forthcoming Pradeep Guha production Phir Kabhi I am writing all songs - this is my first solo with Shantanu Moitra as composer - and also singing two songs. Rahul Vaidya, the Indian Idol finalist, is insisting that I write and compose his new album. I have just sung a song for UNICEF that is neither written nor sung by me, though I am acting in the video with Sachin Tendulkar." These are but the latest achievements for Ajay in a line of work that include writing title-tracks for cricket tournaments, national sports events and social issues and various live and television reality shows and for albums with Asha Bhosle, Jagjit Singh, Sonu Niigaam, Daler Mehndi and Mahalakshmi Iyer, He has also contributed a track for the Karsh Kale-Anushka Shankar album Breathing Under Water and is writing a Jagjit Singh album composed by Deepak Pandit. And Classically Mild with Sonu Niigaam remains a benchmark. But to return to his earlier remark, why are lyricists in an unenviable condition today? "It's like this," he says thoughtfully. "It is always the lyrics that decide the enduring power of a song. But while every writer has a guru or inspiration - for me it is the immortal Neerajji - it is only the craft that can come from such inspiration. The thoughts and the language should be your own. Today we are in an era when lyricists with no knowledge of literature thrive, whereas the minimum a songwriter must have read and absorbed is lots of Hindi and Urdu literature. I also feel that lyrics should never be vacuous, even if in an "item" song. A thought or a philosophy must be incorporated along with certain aesthetics. Then it does not matter whether you are writing a Bijuria, my hit song with Sonu, or a Classically Mild." Screen IndiaSource: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 2 Mar 2009 | 7:45 am Asha Parekh walks down the memory laneDancing from the cradle Born on October 2, 1942 in a middle-class family, Asha Parekh wouldn't have had a normal and safe birth but for her maternal uncle. Her mother Sudha, a social worker of repute, was participating in a rally connected to the Quit India Movement on that day. So engrossed was she that she had overlooked that she was very much in the family way. It was her brother who forced Sudha to return home. That same night, baby Asha was born. Baby Asha was exposed to dance from a very early age; her mother taking keen interest in honing her darling daughter's dancing skills. Whenever film music used to play in the neighbourhood, baby Asha used to come to her feet and dance. "Seeing my interest in the fine arts, my mother thought it best to get me trained in one of the disciplines of Indian classical dance, and on the insistence of the late actor Premnath, a family friend, I was kept under the tutelage of a trained Kathak dancer, the late Mohanlal Pandey," recalls the actress. The tryst with celluloid Once after watching her perform for a school function, the late Bimal Roy, offered her a small role in his film Baap Beti that featured Ranjan, Nalini Jaywant and Baby Tabassum. But after that, Asha continued with her schooling until Vijay Bhatt, in his endeavour to launch a new girl in Goonj Uthi Shehnai approached Asha Parekh. But as luck would have it, Parekh was rejected because she was no star material according to Bhatt. The role later went to Ameeta. After two days, Parekh received a call from Sashadhar Mukerji for an appointment. "Director Nasir Husain took a small screen test after which I was selected for the lead role in Dil Deke Dekho opposite Shammi Kapoor. "I remember it was on my 17th birthday that the film was released in 1959 at the Novelty theatre in Mumbai." After that there was no looking back for Parekh. Lady Lucky Asha Parekh's contribution to Hindi films was pioneering a new type of heroine who became the prototype for the next decade - she was the incandescent girlfriend of the hero who first detested and hated him and breathed fire. Later, she became his loyal woman and remained so. The Asha Parekh model was followed later by several heroines like Mumtaz, Sharmila Tagore, Saira Banu, Babita and many more. Asha's firm grip on Kathak gave her an edge and inspired superb dances and songs in a school different from the Bharatanatyam-based South belles who were ruling till then - Vyjayantimala, Waheeda Rehman and Padmini. In the '60s and early '70s before she switched to character roles, she had an amazing hit-streak with jubilees galore in Aan Milo Sajan, Aye Din Bahar Ke, Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Bharosa, Caravan, Dil Deke Dekho, Do Badan, Gharana, Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai, Kati Patang, Love In Tokyo, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Mere Sanam, Meri Soorat Teri Ankhen, Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon, Pyar Ka Mausam, Sajan, Shikar, Upkar, Ziddi and Heera. Due to her commercial success, Asha was never considered a serious actress, but whenever she got the opportunity, she came up trumps with award-worthy portrayals in Kati Patang, Chirag and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki. Honours and achievements Side-by-side Asha Parekh honed up her dancing skills from Gopi Krishna and also from Pt. Birju Maharaj. Later she produced three ballets namely Chaula Devi, Anarkali and Image Of India (at the Sydney Festival where there were several representations from across the world). "I feel proud to state that I was the first woman who represented India at the Lincoln Theatre in New York," says an elated Parekh. Not to be alienated from her mother-tongue, Parekh acted in two Gujarati films at the height of her career - Akhand Saubhagyavati and Kulvadhu Chandan. Parekh has also featured in two Punjabi films and one film in Kannada. Asha Parekh also functioned as a distributor for 13-14 years under the name of Movie Gem. She was also a theatre owner for a brief 6-8 months and has been president of CINTAA, an industry association for a long period of six years, besides being the trustee and treasurer of the Cine Artistes' Welfare Trust. Parekh has been credited as the first woman to serve as the chief of the censor board. From the last decade she produced and directed television serials like Jyoti (Gujarati), Baaje Payal - a major hit on Doordarshan, Dal Mein Kala, Kora Kagaz, Kangan and Kuch Pal Saath. Right now connected with the Film Industry Welfare Trust, her attention is also taken up by the now-famous Asha Parekh Hospital. "The hospital that was under a lock-out for the last 14 months will start functioning from the first week of April," says Asha happily. Asha Parekh has several good friends. Topping the list is yesteryear actress Shammi. "After my mother's death in 1990, Shammi has been like a mother figure to me. Waheeda Rehman is another great friend. I always look up to her for her warm-heartedness. I have great regards for Nanda - I admire her will-power and mental strength for the manner she faced all the turmoil in life very bravely." she says. Asha Parekh has had a fulfilling innings and lives a happy and a satisfied life today. "I am free from the arclights yet I am all for the industry," she concludes. Screen IndiaSource: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 2 Mar 2009 | 7:37 am Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt floored by little 'Slumdog' starsHollywood stars like Meryl Streep and Brad Pitt were floored by the little kids who featured in Danny Boyle's Oscar winning 'Slumdog Millionaire', says Loveleen Tandon, the film's co-director.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 Mar 2009 | 7:30 am "Sylvester Stallone has spoken Hindi in the film" - Sajid Nadiadwala"When I went to his office for the first time I didn't know whether to sign the agreement or to get his autograph first," says Sajid Nadiadwala about Sylvester Stallone who has an important role in the Akshay-Kareena starrer Kambakth Ishq. "What Akshay has done in the last two years is unbelievable. In my 20-25 year career I have seen it just once or twice and the moment the actor gives you one flop, they are pulled down so badly," Sajid exclaims in the first part of a Bollywood Hungama exclusive interview. Also, get treated to all the dope on Sylvester, Denise Richards, Slumdog Millionaire controversy and why Nadiadwala feels releasing Jaaneman with Don was a mistake. What are your thoughts about Slumdog Millionaire's Oscar triumph considering your next film Kambakth Ishq has a lot of Hollywood stars and technicians including Sylvester Stallone? Well I am very excited, very happy. Any event which reaches its peak like the world cup win in 83, though people who were not associated with cricket still enjoyed and were happy. It's a world victory. Oscar is a major thing. We are growing in all departments whether its sports, culture, economics⦠everywhere we are making a mark and the world is looking up to us. We were surprised to see so many awards bestowed on the same person - Rahman. I think in the years to come, we will be shocked if we don't get an award like that. I remember we were shooting there about six months back and I was sitting in the front row at Kodak theatre while sharing a cup of coffee with Sylvester. I was just telling him that the way the Indian films are being made and the way the Indian actors are performing today, the day is not far that we will be here. We are growing in all departments whether its sports, culture, economics⦠everywhere we are making a mark and the world is looking up to us Mr. Mukesh Bhatt while talking to Bollywood Hungama immediately after the Oscars had a few reservations about the film. He said we already have 11000 Gods and now the latest one is Oscar bhagwaan and it's shameful the way everyone is going overboard in celebrating this win. I have not heard about it actually. Besides I don't want to react on somebody else's comments. But I do know that I have celebrated. I have celebrated on every event where an Indian is associated. We are always underdogs and whenever the underdogs win there will always be celebrations all over the world. When the world is looking up to us, I don't know why we should look down upon ourselves. When the world is looking up to us, I don't know why we should look down upon ourselves. Even Mr. Bachchan has raised doubts about the Oscar fixation while Aamir has congratulated the entire starcast of Slumdog but he says the film didn't work for him⦠No, I feel this is not the moment. All these guys that you are talking about are seniors. I would only say this is not the time to say âifs' and âbuts'. It's a debatable issue which will go on for months. It's our film, our guys have won it and we are strongly behind it. Alright, we know that Kambakht Ishq has some really big Hollywood names like Sylvester Stallone, Denise Richards and Brandon Routh. We have grown up watching Stallone and trying to emulate him. How did you get the idea to approaching Sylvester? See what happens is that the story (Kambakth Ishq) has Hollywood as its backdrop, Akshay Kumar plays a stunt man. So when you place your film in Hollywood, you need Hollywood actors. There's a love triangle with Denise Richards, there is an action sequence by Sylvester Stallone. When you want to cast a big star it is necessary to see who you want and whether they are available. I would like to have the moon but I have to see whether it is available or not. We have grown up on Sylvester and he was our first choice. It was just a shot in the dark to begin with. When we were writing the script we would easily take his name and talk like âthen this happens and Sylvester comesâ¦then he does this and then there is action and Sylvester does that' we used to laugh at it. When we are writing it, we used to think âIs it possible to actually meet him, forget signing him?' But we kept on giving names. Denise Richards was there because we wanted a James Bond girl. We started mailing people, we started writing. We have some common friends, we started mailing them. There were some friends who introduced us with an agent, then the script process happened, writing happened and eventually after four months before they said âYes', we were almost there. Then the day came when I actually had to meet him (Sylvester). We have been his fans, with the Rocky and Rambo series. So 4-5 days before I had to meet him I had goose flesh. I did not know how to react. I had to discuss the agreement with him and I am about to meet him face to face. When I went to his office the first time I did not know whether to sign the agreement or to get his autograph first. Whatever message we sent in the universe came back. Whatever we wanted we got it. They were expensive. They were cheap according to their standards but they were expensive according to our standards. They were cheap according to their standards but they were expensive according to our standards What is the approximate figure that you have spent on getting these Hollywood stars? No, it spoils everything. Even the readers should get a little feel. For me expense is not always important. When I say expensive then it's really expensive but it was a wonderful experience. I mean this filmmaking is a wonderful process. You enjoy while at the same time you work. How was the shooting experience? And how long did your LA and Venice schedule last? We shot for about sixty days in Los Angeles and about 20 days in a place called Vicencia, a beautiful town. It's about 200 Kms from Venice. It's a beautiful place, out of the world...that's where all the top mansions areâ¦very artistic. How was the experience of bringing Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor together? Both are very professional. When we shot in Hollywood everything was on paper. They have this clause called pay and play, so we had to be very careful. They have to be booked three months in advance so once you booked those dates and if your actors for some reason don't attend the shoot then all your money is gone. We are talking about big money, so we needed somebody who is very professional and these people were up to it. Apart from the Kodak theatre where else did you shoot in Hollywood? Except roads, we have shot everywhere. Whether it is Universal Studio, 20th Century Fox, Paramount Studio, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Boulevard, when you see the look of the film you will understand that this film is triple-A Hollywood film. What kind of release are you looking for? Right now we are looking at releasing sometime in May, 29th of May perhaps. I meant in terms of international release, considering you have Sylvester, the reach becomes bigger and people apart from the Hindi movie buffs would be keen as well. How many prints are you coming out with worldwide? We are working on it. I am there, Eros is there and we are trying to have an international release. We are also trying to have an English release. Also we are trying to pitch it at the Cannes film festival. So there is a lot of stuff we are trying to do. It's too early to say how many prints and all that. You created a record with Jaan-e-Mann as far as selling the theatrical and distribution rights for the Mumbai territory were concerned. Will we see records tumbling with Kambakth Ishq too? Records are meant to be broken. We are now pioneers in getting all these foreign actors actually to Bollywood. During my career, we have always tried something new like, we were the first guys to have DTS sound in Judwaa and we were the ones who got a Motion Control in India in Mujhse Shaadi Karoge, in Heyy Babby we were the first guys to get Blu Ray technology. So every time we try our level best to do something interesting. Jaan-e-Mann music was fantastic⦠It's one of my favorite films. But I think it didn't work and that was my mistake. I had a bad release. Some time you need to take the blame. Jaan-e-Mann is one of my favorite films. But I think it didn't work and that was my mistake Do you feel it should not have been released with Don? No, not at all! Two big releases should not come at the same time. I had six back to back hits before that and after that again I had Heyy Baby. It was a learning experience but it was definitely nobody else's mistake except mine. The crown goes on my head. Let's talk about Sylvester Stallone. I think he is one of the USPs of Kambakth Ishq. There's a lot of curiosity as to what his role in the film is and what's the duration of his role? He is playing himself in the film. I wouldn't like to kill the curiosity of the audience by telling any definite time duration that they will see him in the film. But he certainly will not have just a walk on role. We have taken him for what his strength is - action. So there is a major action scene in the film of which he is a part. The first charisma for me was when I chatted with him on mail, then the first experience of sitting face to face and having a cup of coffee. We met once or twice, went to his house and he gave me his Rocky gloves. It was beautiful. Then he started coming on the set in his Ferrari and he used to drive himself. I thought the excitement was over till the time I saw him and Akshay in the same frame and interacting with each other. That was very different. Again it's a big excitement seeing that and later we shot with him and Bebo. There's an action scene where he saves Kareena, again at this point we felt excited. He has also spoken Hindi in some parts of the film, so it's very exciting for the audience. Talking about Akshay... his last film Chandni Chowk To China didn't work at the Box Office. Till a few days back people were calling him a super star, but now questions are being raised about films involving him⦠It was bound to happen. Anyone who has a success record like his is bound to be pulled down if and when he gives a flop. Australia had five back to back disasters when they lost in cricket, they were pulled down because earlier they were winning left right and centre, so it's overdue. When I had six back to back hits it was overdue for Jaan-e-Mann. What Akshay has done in the last two years is just unbelievable. Where do you see this! In my 20-25 year career I have seen this happen just once or twice and the moment they give you one flop, they are pulled down so badly and you have to accept that. It is part of your profession. You have to be ready for it. In terms of the pricing of the film, do you think somewhere your film will get affected due to the dismal fate of CC2C? No. This is the 56th year of our company. We don't over price and we don't under price and this is why we are consistently making films. We have never gone wrong even when the industry was peaking. Recession is happening not only in the film industry, it's happening all over the world so it's bound to affect every corner of the world. We need to be careful. While we make a film, we have all the money which goes into filmmaking. So once you don't have over heads, you are safe. We try cutting edges and the trade also is very mature enough to understand who is good and who is not, what is the kind of money that has gone in a film, they know who are the guys who have given hundred percent. We have been a fortunate lot. PS: Second part will bring forth some interesting thoughts on Bebo's acting skills, Sajid Khan-Ashutosh Gowarikar Star Screen Awards spat and Nadiadwala's future plans.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 2 Mar 2009 | 7:21 am Irrfan Khan meets Julia Roberts - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 2 Mar 2009 | 6:54 am Don't mix art with politics, urges Kamal HaasanTamil superstar Kamal Haasan struck the right chords with fans at the Kannada film industry's platinum jubilee celebrations by urging politicians of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu not to mix art with politics.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 Mar 2009 | 6:30 am Tripura toasts its 'Indian Idol' all night longMost of Tripura was in party mode the whole night until Monday morning, bursting crackers and dancing on the streets to celebrate Sourabhee Debbarma being crowned 'Indian Idol' in Mumbai. The young singer from Tripura became the first woman 'Indian Idol' in the fourth year of the live TV competition.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 Mar 2009 | 4:31 am Power yoga, the fitness mantra of Bollywood beautiesIn this age of treadmills and ab crunchers, Bollywood actresses like Kareena Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty and Kangana Ranaut are among those banking on power yoga to shed extra pounds and look picture perfect at all times.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 Mar 2009 | 4:00 am Instant stardom on world stage, the Freida Pinto wayShe's been catapulted straight to Hollywood. Freida Pinto, the poised, smiling beauty that Oscar winner 'Slumdog Millionaire' has thrown up on the global stage, has done what few Indian actors have managed to do before her.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 Mar 2009 | 3:00 am Slumdog brings Hollywood closer to BollywoodMUMBAI (Reuters) - The largely Indian cast and crew of "Slumdog Millionaire" who gleefully stormed the stage at the Academy Awards signalled a closer nexus between the world's biggest movie industries, with experts hoping for a happy ending.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 2 Mar 2009 | 2:35 am Hard Kaur sheds weight, thanks 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa'Indian rapper Hard Kaur has put on her dancing shoes for reality show 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' and she is overjoyed that the rigorous dance rehearsals have helped her shed those extra kilos without visits to the gym.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 Mar 2009 | 2:00 am 54th Filmfare Awards- The winnersThe whole of Bollywood came and celebrated the spirit of filmmaking at the 54th Idea Filmfare awards held at the Yashraj Studios on Saturday night.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am Indian Idol 4s Grand Finale [Gallery]Bollywood hunks John Abraham and Neil Nithin Mukesh along with the beauty Katrina Kaif witnessed the crowing of the first girl Indian Idol. The B-Town stars had come and added some filmy glamour to the grand finale of the latest Indian Idol competition and saw Sourabhee Debbarma, the girl from Tripura being proclaimed as the proud winner.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am Gulzar reconnecting with IllayarajaBoth of them are considered as men with golden creative senses.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am Neil undergoes a change in mindsetFrom now onwards Neil Nithin Mukesh will value the absolute freedom that he like any other citizen of the country get and enjoys.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am Murali is again a copThere is no escape for Murali Sharma from “policeman” roles.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am Amrita Arora Sangeet Party [Gallery]Amrita Arora and Shakeels Sangeet party.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am Star Plus in talks with Shah RukhHis last game show in Television must have not have been able to become one of the most watched one at the time when it was beamed.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 2 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am I won't show sex on screen: Anurag Kahsyap
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 1 Mar 2009 | 7:30 pm India gets its first female 'Indian Idol'After four years of its running, popular music reality show 'Indian Idol' finally got its first female winner in the form of Sourabhee Debbarma, who won the grand finale of the fourth season of the TV programme here Sunday night.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 1 Mar 2009 | 6:31 pm
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