|
|
|
|
Meet the man behind the 'slums' of Slumdog MillionaireAround 2005, long before the worldwide recognition and all the adulation and awards, Danny Boyle's adaptation of Vikas Swarup's novel Q & A was just another project in the making. It was when Simon Beaufoy, the project's screenplay writer decided to come to Mumbai, the city in Swarup's novel, to see for himself the various hues and shades of the mega polis. Simon had already won acclaim for his work in The Full Monty and knew his way around his city, London, very well. But he was completely at sea in the land of million mutinies. This is when he was introduced to Paresh Parekh - actor, casting director, dramatics lecturer and a pukka Mumbaiite for 14 years. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Paresh, who is currently working as a creative director with Frameboxx Animation & Visual Effects, shares experiences that formed the backdrop of Slumdog Millionaire's powerful, Oscar-winning screenplay. "When I was introduced to Simon in early 2005, I was working as a theatre teacher at M.P. Shah High School in Vile Parle (W), where I was directing plays with normal and mentally challenged children. After reading Q & A, the first place that I took him to was a slum right next to Pawan Hans. Simon was shocked at what he witnessed - a complete township equipped with everything from small cinema halls as popular as multiplexes, a mini hospital, places of worship and even grocery and wholesale markets. The only thing missing were the basic amenities. People cooked and dumped at the same place." Over a period of the next 10 days, Simon and Paresh toured the city together in the scorching summer heat, exploring every nook and cranny. Sites like Asia's biggest slum Dharavi, hutments on the banks of the filthy Mahim creek, the Mulund and Gorai dumping grounds, a red-light district in South Mumbai, the revered Haji Ali and Siddhivinayak temple and the iconic Victoria Terminus dotted their itinerary. "I introduced Simon to Indian culture, relationships, religions and the joint family system. He was shooting everything. Simon culled his understanding of Mumbai from the numerous cutting chai sessions at Dharavi and interactions with people of various strata and ages," says Paresh. Ask him about what the British screenwriter took away from the trip, and Paresh says, "All that Simon saw here has been captured in the movie quite well. The negative side of the city has been used very artistically... like in the scene where the brothers are accosted by Ankur (the beggar mafia boss) at the Mulund dumping ground." In fact, many places visited by the duo are included in the film - Pawan Hans slum, Mulund dumping grounds, red-light area and VT station. Paresh further shares an anecdote on the reason behind the brief cameo by Amitabh Bachchan. "Simon wanted to know about Bollywood, apart from Shah Rukh Khan whose star status he was already aware of. He also wondered how the 60-year-old Big B was still so famous with the masses. So I took him to Gaiety theatre in Bandra for a Bunty Aur Babli show. Amongst the hoots and whistles of the crazy audience, Simon fell in love with the 'Kajra Re' song." The kids playing cricket on the airstrip, the temporary toilets in the slums, the idea of a school, all things clicked. "All these elements are there in the movie as very good drama," exclaims Paresh. On the credit he never received for Slumdog, as the project according to Paresh shifted to another Line Producer in 2008, the NSD Delhi graduate says, "I was approached by Danny Boyle and Simon on their second visit to India in 2008 to get on board as the casting director but I already had a full-time commitment with Frameboxx and therefore could not join the team." "I was part of the pre-production under a different line producer (Rakesh Mehra, line producer for Bollywood films like Naina, Straight and Hollywood films like Armageddon, The Warrior). Why will someone bother about who helped Simon in the scripting?" Moreover, in reply to Paresh's e-mail after the BAFTA award, Simon asserted, 'Thanks so much for your kind words, Paresh. Glad you liked it (the movie). Thank you for playing your part in the creation of the movie. Couldn't have done it without you.' This is due acknowledgement to their camaraderie, opines Paresh. Did Paresh ever think that the film would make it to the Oscars? He ripostes, "It was just another project. Assisting a screenwriter certainly was a novel experience for me. The fact that the screenplay is the most important part of filmmaking is something I have understood by working with Simon." With the Slumdog-mania behind him, Paresh is now awaiting the release for Ketan Mehta's Rang Rasiya, for which he is the casting director. Meanwhile he is content in teaching animation students the nuances of acting. "I am quite happy right now," he quips as he leaves us for his students with whom he will share the exciting experience of bringing the real 'slums' to one of the most crowd-pleasing feature films of contemporary times.Source: Indiafm.com Features | 18 Mar 2009 | 5:44 pm Sanjay Dutt goes to 'court'
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 4:08 pm Priyanka Chopra to receive Nielsen Box Office AwardDownload image as wallpaper Priyanka Chopra seems to be in the best phase of her career. The actress will be receiving the Nielsen Box Office Award for her outstanding contribution to Asian film industry. The award will be presented to Ms. Chopra by 'The Hollywood Reporter' during the 3rd Annual Asian Film Awards on March 23. The Asian Film Awards, which recognizes professionals for their outstanding achievements in the field of Asian cinema, will be held as part of the 33rd Hong Kong International Film Festival at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. "Priyanka Chopra is India's number one female star. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her outstanding work," said Eric Mika, Publisher of 'The Hollywood Reporter' and Vice President, Nielsen Media and Entertainment Group. "It is truly amazing to acknowledge the breadth of her success, and we are honored to bestow the Nielsen Box Office Award on someone who has done so incredibly much in so little time." Priyanka is only the second recipient to receive the Nielsen Box Office Award. She joins Andy Lau, who received the inaugural award at the 2007 ceremony. Now in its third year, the Asian Film Awards will be recorded in front of a live audience on March 23 and will be telecast on Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) to 30 million people in more than 30 countries, and on Star World to more than 79 million homes around the world.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 18 Mar 2009 | 3:53 pm Asin on the cover of Verve
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 3:45 pm Now, watch Indian TV shows on mobile phonesWant to watch your favourite TV serial or news programme while on the move? It is no longer a dream, thanks to Entriq, a new business solution launched by digital content solution provider Irdeto.Source: Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 3:24 pm Aamir Khan pours his heart out on CNN's show Talk AsiaThe Reigning Khan of Bollywood- Aamir Khan recently appeared on the show called 'Talk Asia' for CNN with host Anjali Rao in front of a live audience. The actor who of late has been very media-savvy spoke at length on topics as diverse as his on-going war of words with Shah Rukh Khan to the terror attacks that devastated Mumbai on 26/11 last year. Post the stupendous success of his last film Ghajini, Aamir is being termed as the new 'King Khan' of Bollywood. Commenting on this, the actor said, "I had absolutely no intention of kicking Shah Rukh off his pedestal. Though I have to say, I don't think, he ever was on it. In my opinion, the actor who I really look up to is Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. He is someone who's work I really liked, a fantastic actor & the kind of stardom Mr. Bachchan has seen, none of us can ever hope to see." He also shared what he felt about Ghajini breaking all kinds of records and emerging as the highest grossing Bollywood film of all time. "You can never really tell how a film is going to perform until you see the film with the audience. For me what is important is that when I see the film once it is ready, has it turned out the way we wanted it to? If we have done that, then that makes me feel happy." The actor also expressed his views on the much talked about Oscar winning film Slumdog Millionaire. "I thought the movie was well intended. It was a very sincere attempt, but it didn't touch me personally, and I suspect its because, I'm not used to watching Indians speak English, all these slum kids talking in English... it's strange." Finally the actor got emotional while sharing his thoughts on the ghastly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. "It was really devastating. It was like a nightmare, I could not believe it. It was shocking to see the audacity with which these attacks were carried out." You can catch this entire episode on CNN on Wednesday, March 25, at 1800hrs IST with a repeat telecast on Saturday, March 28, at 1000hrs, 2000hrs IST.Source: Indiafm.com Features | 18 Mar 2009 | 3:17 pm Neeraj Shridhar & Tulsi Kumar shoot a special music video for Tasveer 8 x 10Even as the promos of Akshay Kumar's next big release Tasveer 8 x 10 makes its presence felt across T.V. channels, the audio-packaging and styling of the film is going on in full swing. Recently, singers Tulsi Kumar and Neeraj Shridhar shot a special music video at a suburban studio in Mumbai. The number 'Aaja Maahi' is composed by Neeraj and the video is directed by Ajeen Parkar. In the past, Neeraj has given Akshay hit numbers such as 'Hare Krishna Hare Rama' (Bhool Bhulaiya) and 'Heyy Babyy' (Heyy Babyy). Will he be able to deliver yet another chartbuster with 'Aaja Maahi'? One will have to wait and watch.Source: Indiafm.com Features | 18 Mar 2009 | 3:07 pm Nandita refuses special screening for Modi
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 2:47 pm I'm happy I couldn't see Jade: ShilpaBollywood actress Shilpa Shetty says she is glad she couldn't meet her "Celebrity Big Brother" housemate and cancer-stricken reality TV star Jade Goody - said to be hours away from death - in London as it would have depressed her no end.Source: Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 2:43 pm Check out: Sanjay Dutt as the bumbling cop in Chatur Singh Two StarSanjay Dutt was last seen as the tough as hell businessman Vikrant Raina in Kidnap. However soon, Sanju Baba would be seen in a role completely different from what he has ever done in Chatur Singh Two Star. The film has Sanjay Dutt playing a bumbling cop who knows everything.... about nothing. He is on a deadly mission....to destroy himself. These exclusive pics show Sanjay Dutt in a complete baffoon like wacky get up along with funny man Suresh Menon. If these pics are anything to go by, then expect one roller-coaster laugh-a-thon this time around. Sanju Baba who has excelled in the comedy genre courtesy his Munnabhai series of films will once again bring the house down with Chatur Singh Two Star. The film is a Movies and More Entertainment production produced by Mohammad Aslam and directed by Ajay Chandok. Besides Sanjay Dutt, Chatur Singh Two Star also stars Ameesha, Anupam Kher, Gulshan Grover and Satish Kaushik. The music has been given by Sajid-Wajid.Source: Indiafm.com Features | 18 Mar 2009 | 2:34 pm Shilpa Shetty glad not to have met Jade Goody
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 2:30 pm Arcade Cricket: Now play your favorite sport at mallsWith the IPL fever catching up, a number of companies are targeting their products and marketing towards the baap of all gaming tournaments, the Indian Premier League. A recent innovation has seen two engineers come up with an arcade cricket game. Vaibhav Goel and Puneet Kumar, former IIT Bombay students, have set-up GaMa Entertainment, attracting a funding of Rs 55 lakh from Sweat & Blood Venture Group headed by Indiagames Founder and CEO Vishal Gondal. GaMa will be manufacturing and selling the arcade gaming machines to the FECs (family entertainment centers) in malls and gaming zones across India. Played on a 22'' widescreen LCD monitor mounted on a theme based game cabinet and powered by high end processor, motherboard and an 8-way joystick controller, the arcade game uses a tweaked version of Indiagames' proprietary cricket game licensed by GaMa Entertainment. The arcade version has a gameplay for an average of 3 minutes as opposed to an average of an hour for the PC. The gamer plays as a batsman for the Indian team against a selected opponent, with two overs left to achieve the target score. Players stand a chance to win redemption coupons based on the number of fours and sixers they score. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Gama Entertainment Director Puneet Kumar said, "The response has been good so far. We feel that India is a big market for us, especially now that the IPL is coming. People are very excited about us since our launch in February at the IAAPI (Indian Association of Amusement Parks & Industries convention) Expo, where we were the runners-up for the most innovative product." The company, which has Vishal Gondal and Indiagames COO Samir Bangara as its advisors, is currently selling the machines under Rs 2 lakh per system and plans to develop into a revenue sharing model soon. Consumers can check out the game at Inorbit Mall, Nirmal Lifestyle and Oberoi Mall (coming shortly) in Mumbai.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 18 Mar 2009 | 1:17 pm Slumdog Millionaire now in China
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 1:12 pm Shilpa in no hurry to marry Raj Kundra - Indian Express
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:37 pm Young designers impress as WIFW begins at new venueThough confusion prevailed at the new venue of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) Wednesday, the perfectly cut silhouettes, creativity and fusion of Indian heritage with modernity exhibited by two young designers at the opening show impressed the full house.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:31 pm Shahid to endorse Levis StraussAfter endorsing VIP luggage and audio systems' major brand Pioneer, teen heartthrob Shahid Kapoor has bagged yet another plum endorsement. Levi Strauss Signature has signed Shahid as its brand ambassador. The actor, a youth icon, is seen as an aspirational figureSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:31 pm Ek... is like Ghajini: Santosh Sivan
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:30 pm Denise Richards happy for ex-hubby's newborn twinsWashington (ANI): It seems that Hollywood actress Denise Richards has put her bitter divorce from Charlie Sheen behind her, as she uttered good wishes to her ex-husband’s new-born sons with wife Brooke Mueller. Richards has even revealed that her daughters LolaSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:28 pm Book on Goody's battle with cancerLondon (ANI): Jade Goody’s final months have found their way in a new book titled ‘Forever in My Heart’. Publishers Harper Collins dubbed the diary as a "modern day parable", and said that the Brit reality TV star had led theSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:23 pm Goody asks family to arrange for one last partyLondon (ANI): Cancer might have taken its toll on Jade Goody's health but seemed far from dampening her spirits, for the Brit reality TV star told her family and friends to arrange for one last party before she leaves them forever.Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:19 pm Vijay shakes legs with son in Vettaikkaran - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:15 pm Kardashian, Reggie strips down for GQ photoshootWashington (ANI): Hollywood celebrity Kim Kardashian recently stripped down for an illuminating photoshoot with beau Reggie Bush for GQ magazine. Kardashian is seen wearing a bikini as she rested on Bush’s back, who was doing push ups.Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:15 pm Goody to leave cancer diary as final love letter to her sons - Hindu
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:05 pm Vijay shakes legs with son in VettaikkaranVettaikkaran, the latest Vijay movie directed by Babu Sivan, and with an all-time favourite MGR film title, has one more speciality to look forward to. In some scenes in the opening song choreographed by Shobhi and set to Vijay Antony's music,Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 11:57 am 'Ek' is a raw action film like 'Ghajini': SivanSangeeth Sivan says his "Ek ? The Power of One", starring Nana Patekar and Bobby Deol, is a raw action film like blockbuster "Ghajini" and he is confident it will do well.Source: Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 11:53 am Deepika to sell chewing gum - Bollywood Mantra
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 11:49 am Jayam Ravi to wed his sweetheartHis roles in M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi and Santosh Subramaniam have made him the darling of all classes of audience. His cheerful smile and happy countenance on the big screen are his specialties. In short, Jayam Ravi is one of theSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 11:40 am Nayantara invokes Goddess for fortuneFaith has not shined bright for gorgeous Nayantara as last year, 5 of her films got released but only one proved to be a success at the box office. Undoubtedly the producers are now thinking twice before signing the actress andSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 11:35 am Farhan gifts Shilpa book on managing cricket teamBollywood's multi-faceted star Farhan Akhtar pulled off a joke on actress Shilpa Shetty by gifting her a book titled "How To Manage A Cricket Team Without Creating Controversy", authored by former Indian coach Greg Chappell.Source: Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 11:23 am Jade Goody views sunset, asks for Coke cansCancer-stricken British reality star Jade Goody, who is breathing her last few days at her residence here, defied all odds to view the sunset and asked for cans of Coke Monday night.Source: Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 11:23 am "Slumdog Millionaire" to hit Chinese theatres - Press Trust of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 11:13 am Katrina focussing on two 'difficult films'After a slew of out and out comedies like "Namastey London", "Partner" and "Singh Is Kinng", Katrina Kaif is now working on two "difficult" films - Prakash Jha's political drama "Rajneeti" and Rajkumar Santoshi's romantic comedy "Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani"- and the actress wants to devote extra time and thought to the projects.Source: Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 11:10 am Weekly Box-Office Report: Gulaal and Zizou find little colour at BO - Indiatimes
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 11:07 am "Straight is a film about a homophobic guy" - Gul PanagThere is always this fear of messing it all up when you ask or throw your questions to intelligent personalities, who when talk, talk 'straight', no tedhi medhi baat. Especially Mr. Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Lara Dutta and of course, the dimpled beauty and the ever so coiffed Gul Panag. We were suppose to talk a couple of days back but it all zeroed down to the Mumbai airport yesterday when the actress was to catch her flight to attend the Delhi premiere of her latest flick Straight. Totally professional, ready for whatever over-personal or inane questions we throw at her, and it's really hard to resist the urge to tell her how many times we've watched her dimpled cheeks looking so gorgeous in the Tata Sky commercial with Aamir or how we saw her Manorama Six Feet Under or the countless other ways we've admired her for what seems like forever. Anyway, so here we go on a yet another intelligent talkathon. Sipping the hot coffee from the mug we open the book of questions and on the other side, a sugar free tea did the trick for Gul. 8.45 in the morning couldn't have been so sweet. Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent and UK's Harrow Observer columnist Devansh Patel joins Gul Panag in a poignant chat about experimenting with the audiences, her trust for her director Parvati, the feedback she got from the insiders who saw the film, what tickled her funny bone, her success and failure, whether homosexuality should be legalised, what makes Straight a tedhi medhi love story and a twisted individual called Vinay Pathak. Did the coffee or the tea smell any sweeter this morning? (Laughs) I'm still waiting for my tea to arrive. The release is just couple of days away and I have a feeling that this is going to be a film to which people are going to connect to across the board. This is yet another milestone in the kind of work I've set out to do and I'm hoping that it'll be well received. Are we really experimenting with our audiences now with such diverse films being released in cinemas? The multiplexes have sectioned the audiences in a manner where the audience are in a position to choose the film they want to watch. Having said that, the kind of audience for a film like Straight already exists. It need not be created. There are films that are being made now for that particular section of the audience. The kind of audience for a film like Straight already exists. Do films like Straight challenge you as an actor where the scope to perform is minimal? Every film, every role and every scene I do in films is a challenge. I don't think I'll be able to perform if I am constantly nervous or stressed. It's difficult to some extent playing a character which has a dominant driving emotion in films like Manorama or Dor. When there isn't a particularly outstanding over bearing trait in her personality, such roles are much harder. Much harder even to make these characters look real and normal without making it look like it doesn't exist. There is a very fine line between trying to not let it look contrived and fake and then yet not making it look 'thanda' and frigid. The role hasn't traumatized you, has it? (Laughs) In terms of mental trauma, this character has given me the most. I remember I asked my director Parvati as to what can I do with my character and she replied back saying just be yourself and be spontaneous. I was watching an interview she gave yesterday on the television show which was being done on me where she said, "The best thing I like about Gul's work is that when she goes into a scene, she doesn't know what she is going to do". And that is precisely what I do. I don't know how to react. This character has given me more sleepless nights than any other even though it looks very simple. This character has given me more sleepless nights than any other. What qualities did Parvati have where you would trust her with such an important film? I'll answer this question even more simply. Parvati and I have done a film before Straight which is still untitled and to be released in the next three four months. It's got a little bit of work left though. Out of three films Parvati has made, I am in two of them already. I didn't even read the script of Straight till I reached London because that's the kind of faith I had in her. I eventually did and my first reaction was - wow! Now how do you make a normal character endearing and interesting? For the first three to four days I was really stressed out but the more I was honest to myself and enjoyed on and off the sets, I felt more comfortable. Parvati is normal and that's what makes me trust her. Ketan Mehta said "I can't believe it. This is your best film ever. You light up the screen" Have you seen the film and any kind of feedback you've received? I saw the film three days ago. Ketan Mehta saw the film and said, "I can't believe it. This is your best film ever. You light up the screen". I wasn't expecting such a positive feedback from the film. Yes, it's a nice film but the insiders have told me something else which is quite shocking. I have to tell you this; there is a young advertising guy who is a good friend of mine too. He has found a fault in everything I've done except Manorama, whether it's my face, my hands, my hair, my lips, etc. Guess what, he is my truest friend from the industry. He saw Straight and said that he couldn't believe how nice I was. You aren't a narcissist are you? Not really. But I remember having a chat with Nagesh during Dor when I wanted to see myself in the monitor as to how I was looking and he said, "It doesn't even matter how you're looking. Do you want to see how you're looking on screen or want people to see the same?" What really tickled your funny bone when you saw the film? I think the way Parvati has cut it. I knew the story, so it can't tickle me. But as an audience I'm sure it's going to tickle you. It's so funny the way the editor and Parvati has edited the film. The way the film is put together has exceeded my expectations. Has success or failure ever compromised your vision towards commercial cinema? I don't think there is any other kind of cinema. Every film that is made is made with the intent of earning money. We don't make them for private viewing. But I'm sure there are filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino who make films for himself only (laughs). That is commerce and that's why it's termed as commercial cinema. I didn't do a Dor thinking that it'll change my life. I haven't thought of success or failure but the day I do, I'll evaluate these things. How do you empathize or even understand a guy like Pinu Patel? You don't. He is just a mystery. I remember interviewing Vinay and he was interviewing me. It was an interesting format. When I was doing that, I realised that he is an inherent good man even though he is twisted in certain ways and I am not saying that in a psychopathic manner. It's what experience we emotionally go through after the screw up that determines ones true character. I think a person who regrets is a better human being than the person for whom nothing makes a difference. Pinu's character may not be always in the white but when he is in the black, the goodness in him comes out. Pinu's character may not be always in the white but when he is in the black, the goodness in him comes out Clear this air about Straight being a film about homosexuality. Straight is a film about a homophobic guy. Pinu Patel is homophobic just like the bulk of the Indian population. In this society you are a conformist and sexuality is one small part of it. To conform would be to be heterosexual and the non conformists are to be the homosexual. It's all a matter of choice. We've always looked down upon these whether it's in sexuality, thought or any opinion. By and large, we are a homophobic society. Pinu suddenly figures that there is a possibility that he could just be a gay. Now imagine the trauma of Pinu, a man who hates people who are gays. Do you think homosexuality should be legalized? On whether homosexuality should be legalised or not, I've always maintained that sexuality is a very private matter. Neither a society nor a state has any right to interfere in this matter. They shouldn't even comment on a matter like this, I believe. Tomorrow we'll have a state saying that on Monday we should wear pink underwear, on Tuesday you wear a green one. They will tell us what way to brush our teeth too. All this is too personal. You shouldn't judge anybody on sexual orientation. I hope I've answered your question. What makes Straight a tedhi medhi love story? It's tedhi because it's a typical love story where a boy meets girl, they have some trouble and things work out. A tedhi medhi love story because it's not according to plan in more ways than at least five (laughs) or at least three. There is this guy who hopes he is a regular guy who is pushing forties. He thinks that one day will come when he finds his match - a girl, and he almost finds her. He lives in a quintessential hope that all of us live in. His love life is one set of messy things after the other, from one tedha to doosra tedha to teesra tedha.Source: Indiafm.com Features | 18 Mar 2009 | 11:04 am Madonna working on her last albumWashington (ANI): Madonna is working on the last album in her contract with record label Warner Bros., and it will again be a compilation of her hits. The Material Girl will reportedly record new songs this summer, which will be meantSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 11:02 am Britney Spears to cancel Circus tourNew Delhi (ANI): Popstar Britney Spears is threatening to cancel her ‘Circus’ tour after receiving death threats via the phone and email. The 'Womanizer' singer fears for the safety of her sons Sean Preston, 3, and Jayden James, 2, after gettingSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 10:58 am The Offishall Tour - PlanetRadiocity
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 10:57 am I've always said that sexuality is a very private matter: Gul Panag - SantaBanta.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 10:51 am I don't think SRK ever was King Khan: Aamir Khan
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 10:49 am Freida Pinto being chased by Bollywood banners - StarBoxOffice.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 10:44 am Jade Goody awaits the inevitable
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 10:33 am Priyanka to be honoured at the Asian Film AwardsBollywood actress Priyanka Chopra will receive the Nielsen Box Office Award for outstanding contribution to Asian cinema.Source: Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 10:30 am Shahid Kapoor signed as a brand ambassador for Levi Strauss SignatureAfter endorsing VIP luggage and audio systems' major brand Pioneer, teen heartthrob Shahid Kapoor has bagged yet another plum endorsement. Levi Strauss Signature has signed Shahid as its brand ambassador. The actor, a youth icon, is seen as an aspirational figure and the company is placing its bet exactly on that. Shumone Chatterjee, Country Manager, Levi Strauss & Co India Pvt. Ltd, said, "Shahid is a youth icon and Levi Strauss Signature is an iconic youth apparel brand - it's fitting that they both zip together. Shahid is a quintessential blend of youth and style, which is what the Levi Strauss Signature brand stands for. India is a strong growth market for the Levi Strauss Signature brand and signing on Shahid as its face will help us create a closer connection with our young audience." On his association with the brand, Shahid said, "I have always been a great admirer of the Levi Strauss Signature brand. It's relaxed and on-trend styles reflect my personal style, and the sentiment of the youth whom I identify with so closely. It's great to be associated with such an iconic brand." The company has planned an exciting media campaign and various interactive consumer related activities with Shahid in the coming months. With such plum endorsement deals and some interesting films on hand, Shahid's 'Kismat' is certainly getting 'Konnected' in the right way.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 18 Mar 2009 | 10:00 am I don't think SRK ever was 'King Khan': AamirKeeping up his swipes at superstar Shah Rukh Khan and the No.Source: Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 9:51 am 'Gulaal is a dark comment on regionalism' - Rediff
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 9:51 am Adnan's 14-year old son to cut his own album, Javed Akhtar to pen the lyricsAdnan Sami's son Azaan (from his marriage to Zeba Bakhtiar) who's down in India to visit his ailing grandfather, is all set cut his own album. Not surprising, considering the boy has already made a short film Meri Kahani which was screened at the Goa Film Festival last year where Azaan was seen with his mother Zeba Bakhtiar. Says the proud father, "Azaan made that film on computer software Final Cut Pro that I presented him. I think Farhan Akhtar made Lakshya on the same software. And now Azaan has inherited my music sense. My boy has already composed and sung 7 songs for the album without any help from me. He's all set to release his album long before the age when I released my first album." Apparently, Javed Akhtar heard Azaan's compositions and was impressed enough to agree to write the lyrics. Says Adnan, "Yes Javed Saab loved the songs. He's perfect to write the lyrics for Azaan's songs. At the moment Azaan is spending as much time as possible with my father whose face lights up every time he sees his grandson. I don't want to separate them for even a minute. But my father insisted I take Azaan out to experience the festival of Holi on Wednesday." The album is expected to be finalized during Azaan's Mumbai stay this time. Adds Azaan, "I think my father started his career in music when he was 19. I am starting at 14. So I do have a head start. I'm also writing a script for a feature film. Like my short film Meri Kahani it deals with the problems of the young. At the moment I'm just happy to be with my grandfather." Father and son Adnan and Azaan watched Sholay on Tuesday night. Says Adnan, "Azaan saw Sholay for the first time. His comments on the film were so intricate I was bowled over. His short film has been appreciated in Goa. It's only a matter of time before Azaan makes his first full-length feature film. I've already asked him to cast me in the lead."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 18 Mar 2009 | 9:48 am Katrina Kaif in a serious mode
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 9:32 am Bobby Deol shot fight scenes in heavy rainBobby Deol didn't bother about the pouring rain and freezing temperature while shooting fight scenes in muddy fields for Sangeeth Sivan's "Ek ? The Power of One" in Punjab in December, leaving producer Jaswant Khera highly impressed.Source: Entertainment News | 18 Mar 2009 | 9:31 am Rajat Sharma to re-launch 'Aap Ki Adalat' with Sanjay DuttHe has grilled some 800 personalities over 16 years in a mock court room, making 'judges' hand down verdicts on his popular show, 'Aap Ki Adalat'. Now, after a year-long sabbatical, noted TV host and co-founder of India TV Rajat Sharma says he is missing the limelight.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Mar 2009 | 9:31 am "Kal Kissne Dekha won't be promoted through any mediums" - Vashu BhagnaniMaster of promotion and marketing gimmicks, Vashu Bhagnani, has taken an altogether different stand when it comes to the launch of his own son Jackky Bhagnani. Call it a well thought of gamble but Vashu, who was once known as the 'man with the Midas touch', has decided that he won't promote his Vivek Sharma directed Kal Kissne Dekha at all. In a conversation with Joginder Tuteja, he makes this shocking revelation while also stating reasons behind this move which is clearly against the tide in the current times when more than 200 satellite channels rule the television world. Did you just say 'no promotion at all'? Exactly. By no promotion, I really mean no promotion. I am not going slowly now to pick up pace towards the film's release. Instead, the film will release without any TV promos. By no promotion, I really mean no promotion How about other mediums? The song CD is out and the tracks can also be heard and bought online. Apart from this, there won't be any other way that Kal Kissne Dekha will be exposed to audience before its release. There will be hoardings though but even that would be controlled. But if you are asking me about television promos then there would be none. Also, there won't be any radio promotion either. But if you are asking me about television promos then there would be none. Also, there won't be any radio promotion either. Is it happening due to ongoing 'producers v/s exhibitors' tussle? It is not the reason but then the entire fiasco did get the thought running. It just set me in a thinking mode that why do we have to spend so much on the promotion when ultimately we are looking at getting back that money from the audience's pocket only. Kahin naa kahin se woh paisa wapas nikalna hi hai jo lagaaya hai, toh phir usme audience ko kyon pareshan kiya jaaye! It is better to save cost than inflict it on others. But won't the 'zero promotion' stance turn out to be a deterrent for Jackky's launch? It's an experiment and I hope that it turns out to be a new marketing 'mantra' in weeks and months to come. Also, at the end of the day, even if it sounds clichéd, it's the product that does the talking. Tell me, in the 60s or the 70s, was there any medium through which a movie was promoted? Were there any entertainment channels? Even then the films did succeed, right? We have been spoilt by so many choices available and more is only turning out to be less. I want to go against the trend and am quite positive that it will work. So in a way you are creating a suspense element around Jackky by hiding him from the audience? In a way, that's true. So the thought here is, if you want to see how Jackky looks on screen, come and watch him on the big screen. I would rather have audience see him for the first time on screen rather than hundred times a day on music channels before the D-Day. I want the curiosity element to be built around him and Vaishali (Desai), the debutant girl. Audience should keep guessing who they are and how well do they act on screen. Tell me, in the 60s or the 70s, was there any medium through which a movie was promoted? Seems like the Yash Raj Films way of promotion too has inspired you. They too seldom go ballistic in the promotion of their films, case in point being Dhoom 2 which was hardly publicized but went on to be the biggest money spinner of their production house before Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi happened. Yes, they too have attempted this promotion and marketing model earlier but I am aware that this is still in its infancy stage. You never know, this may well turn out to be future way of movie marketing. (Smiles) Aakhir, kal kissne dekha!Source: Indiafm.com Features | 18 Mar 2009 | 9:31 am I'm happy I couldn't see Jade: Shilpa ShettyBollywood actress Shilpa Shetty says she is glad she couldn't meet her 'Celebrity Big Brother' housemate and cancer-stricken reality TV star Jade Goody - said to be hours away from death - in London as it would have depressed her no end.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Mar 2009 | 8:30 am 'Ek' is a raw action film like 'Ghajini', says SivanSangeeth Sivan says his 'Ek - The Power of One', starring Nana Patekar and Bobby Deol, is a raw action film like blockbuster 'Ghajini' and he is confident it will do well. The film has Bobby jumping down 14 stories in a stunt scene.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Mar 2009 | 5:00 am Katrina focussing on two 'difficult films'After a slew of out and out comedies like 'Namastey London', 'Partner' and 'Singh Is Kinng', Katrina Kaif is now working on two 'difficult' films - Prakash Jha's political drama 'Rajneeti' and Rajkumar Santoshi's romantic comedy 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani'- and the actress wants to devote extra time and thought to the projects.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Mar 2009 | 3:02 am Bobby Deol shot fight scenes in heavy rainBobby Deol didn't bother about the pouring rain and freezing temperature while shooting fight scenes in muddy fields for Sangeeth Sivan's 'Ek - The Power of One' in Punjab in December, leaving producer Jaswant Khera highly impressed.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Mar 2009 | 3:01 am Amy Winehouse pleads innocent to assault!Singer Amy Winehouse turned a court appearance into a spring fashion show Tuesday as she pleaded innocent to assaulting a fan at a party last year.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:12 am Abhishek Bachchan gives in to lure of money, deserts friends!Abhishek Bachchan has succumbed to what seems like an irresistible lure of big money and left `family-like` Anil Ambani in a lurch.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:12 am Delhi gears up for two parallel fashion `weeks` !Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) and the Delhi Fashion Week (DFW) - are again set for a head-to-head clash for their autumn/winter editions later this week.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:12 am Shilpa Shetty gets book on managing cricket team from Farhan!Farhan Akhtar pulled off a joke on actress Shilpa Shetty by gifting her a book titled `How To Manage A Cricket Team Without Creating Controversy`, authored by former Indian coach Greg Chappell.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:12 am Indian-origin writer Anita Ganeri wins Blue Peter Book Awards !Anita Ganeri, an Indian-origin writer of children`s books has been selected for the Blue Peter Book Awards for her book, `Planet in Peril`.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:12 am `Straight` is about homophobia, says funnyman Vinay Pathak!Vinay Pathak and Gul Panag have every reason to be hopeful about their upcoming comedy.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:12 am Aubrey O` Day keen to pose for Playboy and reveal even more!American singer Aubrey O` Day, who posed for the March issue of Playboy, is keen to pose for the magazine once again and reveal even more this time around.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:12 am Robert Pattinson moans about `quiet` sex life in NY!Brit actor Robert Pattinson was recently overheard saying that he has been having a hard time trying to get laid in NYC.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:12 am Elvis Presley`s blue-and-gold jumpsuit up for grabs!The trademark blue-and-gold jumpsuit and matching cape that King of Rock `n` Roll Elvis Presley wore at his 1972 concert in New York is up for grabs at an online auction.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:12 am I don`t think Shah Rukh ever was `King Khan`: Aamir Khan !Keeping up his swipes at superstar Shah Rukh Khan and the No 1 slot in Bollywood, Aamir Khan has said he never thought Shah Rukh was ever on the top pedestal at all.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:12 am Aparna Sen’s take on global crunchAparna Sen, the maker of simple yet high-impact realistic movies has made the blueprint for a film relating to the hardships of the contemporary times. Most of the nations at present are facing different problems instigated by the financial crisis and the subsequent economic slowdown.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am Aish & Abhi: Reel & Real!The hottest real-life pair in Bollywood, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan are eating, breathing and sleeping films these days, literally. Despite their hectic work schedule, the pair is quite happy and pleased when it comes to working in a project opposite each other. It is a bonus indeed. But is Aish happy working only with her hubby?Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am ‘Kambakht Ishq’ gets an A!Just the promos of the film have been released and the Censor Board has slapped an A certificate on the film. We are talking about the Akshay Kumar-Kareena Kapoor starrer ‘Kambakht Ishq’. The film has been directed by Sajid Nadiadwala. Receiving an adult certificate from the Censor Board has sure been a let down for the entire team of this flick.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am Gym is John’s havenJohn Abraham has certainly polished up to his capabilities as an actor over the years. His timing comedy witnessed in ‘Dostana’ stands a testimony to this.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am Akriti Kakar goes Solo!Akriti Kakar is riding high on the success of her new solo song, ‘Mohabbat Aapse..’ from ‘Aa Dekhen Zara’. This song has become a huge hit and is currently burning the airwaves! She was successful previously with her ‘Dil Vich lagya Ve..’ to ‘Khuda Ya Kher..’, but she was used to singing with seasoned singers like Sunidhi Chuhan and Shankar Mahadevan.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am Priyanka Chopra @ L’Officiel Magazine Launch [Gallery]The L’Officiel magazine launch was attended by Priyanka Chopra, Queenie Dhondy, Nisha Jamwal, Pooja Bedi and Madhoo. The event was held at the Trident in Mumbai. Catch up the photos.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am e-love!India with a huge population and growing economy certainly is a frontrunner when it comes to the usage of Internet. Even though Internet has today become a necessity, not many Indian film makers so far have exploited subjects that have anything to do with the world wide web.Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 18 Mar 2009 | 12:00 am I don't think Shah Rukh ever was 'King Khan': Aamir KhanKeeping up his swipes at superstar Shah Rukh Khan and the No.1 slot in Bollywood, Aamir Khan, riding on the super success of his revenge drama 'Ghajini', has said he never thought Shah Rukh was ever on the top pedestal at all.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 17 Mar 2009 | 4:30 pm Aamir warns against cash for Vote
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 17 Mar 2009 | 3:57 pm Film-makers, multiplex owners' spat to hit BollywoodMUMBAI (Reuters) - Bollywood could face a virtual shutdown after a dispute on revenue sharing between multiplex owners and film producers, leading to a freeze on marketing and release of all films after April 4.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 17 Mar 2009 | 3:16 pm Chaplinesque irony? Remembering Vivekananda's wordsThe irony is inescapable.Source: Entertainment News | 17 Mar 2009 | 3:02 pm Priyanka Chopra to be honoured at the Asian Film AwardsBollywood actress Priyanka Chopra will receive the Nielsen Box Office Award for outstanding contribution to Asian cinema.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 17 Mar 2009 | 3:01 pm Actor Ambareesh unhappy with Congress, unwilling to contest pollIs popular Kannada actor-turned politician Ambareesh planning to quit the Congress and join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)?Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 17 Mar 2009 | 1:31 pm 9XM's animated characters to star in animation feature, games9XM's animated dudes Bheegi Billi, Chhote-Bade, Beetle Nuts and others are soon going to grace the silver screen in an animation feature. The 90-minute 3D animated feature film will be complete 'Bollywood Masala' with song sequences and dance numbers incorporated in it. Talking to Bollywood Hungama, Vikas Varma, head of music channel 9XM said, "Our plan to launch an animation feature is a natural progression of our characters that have already become popular amongst the audiences. We still haven't finalized on the title of the feature but tentatively we are keeping it Bakwaas Band Kar." Currently in the scripting stage, the feature is expected to release in early 2010. On being asked about the animation studio going to work on the feature, he said, "We are planning to consider the same studio (Prime Focus) which has worked on animated shorts of our character because they understand our property and have the capability for right delivery." In a couple of months, the channel also plans to add another character to its bunch of odd ball VJs - Badshah Ali Khan (a cross between Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Shah Rukh Khan) will make his appearance along with Chhote-Bade, Bheegi Billi and The Beetles. With a refusal to comment on the budget of the movie, Varma concluded, "All our characters are the next Bollywood celebrities. All of them are inspired from Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan. We are already on mobile platform and are soon going to take these characters on the gaming, licensing and merchandising platforms in a big way."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 17 Mar 2009 | 12:54 pm Deepika Padukone to endorse chewing gum OrbitAfter endorsing brands like Fiama Di Wills, Pepsi, Kingfisher Airlines and Tissot, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has now signed up as the brand ambassador of Wrigley's sugar-free chewing gum Orbit.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 17 Mar 2009 | 12:01 pm
|
