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Ash has lost her appeal, thinks Sonam
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 May 2009 | 4:11 pm Exclusive: Read the synopsis of Hrithik-Kangna-Barbara starrer KitesOne of the most eagerly awaited films of the year is the Hrithik Roshan- Kangna Ranaut- Barbara Mori starrer Kites. While the film is likely to hit theatres only in the latter half of the year, it has already generated tremendous buzz among the trade circles. Everything right from Hrithik's sizzling hot chemistry with Barbara Mori to his super cool dance moves is being spoken about. However, not much is known about the film except for the fact that Hrithik plays a salsa dance instructor. Big Pictures are in fact all keen to market Kites to international buyers, distributors and media during the upcoming Cannes Film Festival. In fact, a brief description of the film's premise is also mentioned in some websites which provide information about this year's about the Cannes International Film Festival. The premise of the film goes like this:- In the harsh terrain of the Mexican desert, a mortally wounded man is left for dead in the heat of the desert sun. This is J (Hrithik Roshan) - once a street smart, carefree young guy and now a wanted man. As death looms, the only thing that keeps him alive is the quest to find the love of his life, Natasha (Babara Mori). A woman, betrothed to another man, surely destined for J. A woman, who comes into his life like a bolt of lightning, and changes his life forever. Love is a moment. The moment J and Natasha saw each other, words were not necessary. In that moment, they knew instantly that they belonged together. But, something went wrong. The ensuing fight of the two lovers results in a deadly chase. J battles death but nothing can prepare him for what he is about to discover. Kites is a story of love that goes beyond barriers, boundaries and cultures. It is a story of passion that defies every rule, of a relationship which takes two lovers on a journey that is filled with violence and death, of precious moments that are unforgettable. Finally it is a story of betrayal that is beyond comprehension. While one will have to wait and watch if this is indeed the film's plot, on first reading it does seem very exciting and intriguing.Source: Indiafm.com News | 11 May 2009 | 3:42 pm "Bhajji is a very special person in my life" - Geeta Basra
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She is someone whose smile is something that her fans have been treasuring ever since she exclaimed Dil Diya Hai after having boarded The Train. She is Geeta Basra, an NRI from England who took no time in taking to Bollywood. Even though she is merely two films old, she is already on the wish list of many Bollywood biggies! She has also got featured recently in the globally smash-hit video 'Ghum Sum Ghum Sum' sung by Sukhshinder Shinda and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Bollywood Hungama caught up with this actress and came back pretty impressed with her innocence, sincerity and dedication towards her work, which, eventually are the major requisites to make it big in the tinsel town. Over to Geeta...
Geeta, to start with, not many people know that you are one of the 'intellectual actresses' in Bollywood, as you have done your 'A' level education plus 'almost' a degree in criminal psychology.
I always wanted to get into the world of showbiz, and that's why here I am, enjoying every moment of it. As you said it, it was an 'almost' degree in criminal psychology as I thought that let me first try my hand in showbiz and then, if the need be, carry on with the academics. The best part is that my parents were quite supportive of my decision. I even had braces on during my 'settling period' in Mumbai, which got me 'stuck' from doing any thing anyways (laughs).
I was wearing braces during my 'settling period' in Mumbai
Your debut film Dil Diya Hai didn't quite work at the box-office. So, did that failure affect your career in anyway?
I won't say it 'affected' my film career because, when the promos were on air, it did have a high buzz around me and even the 'curiosity quotient' was pretty towering. Since I was a newcomer then, I wasn't aware as to how much publicity and promotion meant for an actor, since I was under the impression that its the producer who will take care of all this. Also, when my film was getting released, we had a mega monstrous film Lage Raho Munnabhai which got released simultaneously, thus affecting the business of our film in a big way. I realised it a bit later that when you have a film of Munnabhai's caliber, you can't even think of competing against it. Having said that, let me also tell you that I am not a person who will simply sit and cry over spilt milk. Irrespective of whether my debut film was a hit or a disaster, I was confident of the fact that I was not the first or the last actress to see a failure.
When you have a film of Munnabhai's caliber, you can't even think of competing against it.
Many such emotions and sentiments made me feel that I should work really hard to get there. I took a gap of one and a half years after the release of The Train, but then, that was really something that I wanted to do. In other words, as they say it was a 'conscious effort'. I had many offers after The Train got released. After that, I started questioning myself asking that are these going to make any difference in my career? I waited and waited, and now, finally, the patience is paying off its dividends and how!
Now the super actress Geeta Basra is back with a big bang with a Sufi music video with UK's sensational Sukhshinder Shinda.
Yes, it is true that I have done a Sufi video with him. But, I am not going to brag about the video, except that I can tell you that it's doing fantastic all over.
Geeta, considering the fact that it's already the No.1 on the international charts, you have every reason to brag about.
(Laughs) Thank you so much. I am highly flattered!
Each of my outfit cost around Rs. 2 lakhs
How did you bag this video?
It's surely a number that one does not get to see often and it's also one of the most expensive videos to be picturised in recent times. The cost of its making ranged around a whopping Rs. 30 lakhs. Each of my outfit cost around Rs. 2 lakhs. The DoP was the renowned Kabir Lal. We recreated an entire Jaipur-like palace, so much so that one just couldn't differentiate the real palace from this one! In other words, we refused to compromise anywhere in terms of quality. And the song itself is a unique one, as it's collaboration between Rahat Fateh Ali khan and Sukhshinder Shinda. The directors of this video (Lovel and Ajay Arora) are my good friends. Hence, when they heard the song, they immediately called me and said, "Geeta, we think that we have finally found the face that we have been looking for. And we are sure that only you can do justice to the song".
You will find that Rahul permanently features in all their videos, because he is their lucky mascot
Wow...sounds interesting. Can you give us some more details about the video...
The song has a certain feel of sadness to it, but, gradually, it gets translated into a happy ending. The music video has been directed by Colossus (the outfit run by Ajay and Lovel Arora), the video is picturised on me and the well-known model named Rahul Bhatt (who played the lead role in the famous TV serial 'Heena'). If you observe closely, you will find that Rahul permanently features in all their videos, because he is their lucky mascot! And trust me guys; this guy is great on camera! As far as the conceptualization of the music video is concerned, it's a love story in which I play the lover who is waiting for my loved one, who initially leaves me and then, eventually comes back. The icing on the cake are the two very versatile singers Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Sukhshinder Shinda. While the former is a big name here, the latter is a very well-known UK based Bhangra producer and artist and who has worked on over a whopping 200 albums!
Gitanjali ad has shown me in my Indian look, something that lots of people have time and again, compliment me with.
You have also done an ad for the world famous Gitanjali jewelers. Can you share some more details of the same?
I have been involved with Gitanjali Jewellery since the time of Dil Diya Hai, since they were promoting the movie. And I guess that they saw some potential in me, so, they signed me last year as their Brand Ambassador. I have recently shot an ad with them for Laxmi whereby we are promoting gold coins. The ad has me welcoming Goddess Laxmi in our homes. I am really very happy and satisfied with the way the ad has shaped up, especially because, it has shown me in my Indian look, something that lots of people have time and again, compliment me with.
News also has it that you have shot for a vest ad with Sunny Deol. Can you tell us something more about it?
Yeah. The brand you are referring to is 'Lux Cozi'. To tell you the very fact, when this ad was offered to me, I was very reluctant initially because a girl doing a vest ad was not gelling with my system. But trust me; the way the entire commercial has shaped up is totally awesome. Even though majority of the superstars like Hrithik, Salman have also been endorsing various brands of vests, what really impressed me about this ad was its mint-fresh concept. It has me as a quintessential Punjabi kudi in the fields and I am touted as the surprise element of the ad!
The ad has me as the quintessential Punjabi kudi in the fields and also as the surprise element!
You also underwent a surgery last year. Hope all is well now.
What happened was that I dropped a dumbbell on my foot, which resulted in the hemline ligament tear and bruising of my toe. I really don't know how it happened, but it just happened. Today, I simply shrug the incident by saying that it was a bad time of my life. Thanks to all the prayers and good wishes of my fans, I am feeling much better now.
Any dream role on your wish-list?
There are two. One is Pakeezah and the second one is Dil Toh Pagal Hai. I simply love and ogle at these films everytime I see them. I totally admire both these films.
The next time you interview me; it will be on the sets of my new film.
What are your upcoming films?
I have signed two big films. But due to the recession, the films have got postponed. I am a slightly superstitious to talk about these films as they are really very big movies. They are the kind of movies that I always wanted to be a part of, and are being directed by people with whom I always wanted to work with. All that I can say is that while one is a solo-heroine project, the other is two-heroine project. Besides this, I just cannot reveal anything more. And yes, hopefully, the next time you interview me; it will be on the sets of my new film.
Lastly, if you flip your pages of Geeta Basra's life a couple of years back, how did you react to the (by-now-almost-forgotten) Bhajji episode?
I know that you were about to ask me this sooner or later (laughs). To tell you the fact, now that the dust has settled, I just want to leave it at that. All that I can say is that Bhajji is a very special person in my life and a very close friend. That's it. I really do not want to have a second round of stories cropping up.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 11 May 2009 | 1:54 pm Mallika plays a super hot, scary nagin
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 May 2009 | 1:39 pm Angels and Demons censored for India release
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 May 2009 | 1:22 pm 'Robert Langdon is like Sherlock Holmes'
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 May 2009 | 1:10 pm Love guru Saif Ali Khan`s personal tips to woo a lady!For a man who wooed Kareena out of a `committed` relationship with her ex-beau Shahid, Saif seems to have found his true calling.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 12:25 pm Brown denies leaking Rihanna`s alleged naked pictures online!Chris Brown has quashed reports speculating that he leaked alleged naked pictures of ex-girlfriend Rihanna online, insisting he had nothing to do with the scandal.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 12:25 pm Akshay Kumar refuses to play quiz host !Once the reigning `King of Bollywood`, Akshay Kumar`s recent debacles at the Box Office may have dethroned him of the coveted title, but that hardly seems to stop him from making kingly demands.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 12:25 pm Actor Tobey Maguire`s wife gives birth to baby boy!The wife of "Spider-Man" star Tobey Maguire has given birth to the couple`s second child, a boy.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 12:25 pm `Jail` is my quickest movie ever: Madhur Bhandarkar!Madhur Bhandarkar has made eight films so far, but "Jail", he says, is his "quickest shoot ever". The movie, which stars Neil Nitin Mukesh, is 60 percent complete and would be ready to hit screens by September-October.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 12:25 pm Megan Fox's dig at Scarlett Johansson
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 May 2009 | 12:00 pm First Bhojpuri suspense film
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 May 2009 | 11:53 am When Saif's comments hurt Deepika
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 May 2009 | 11:25 am Hats off to Katrina, says Akshay
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 May 2009 | 11:07 am Hrithik-Ash's GUZAARISH to hit a hattrick! - GlamSham
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 10:57 am Guess Who?
So the weekend is over and we are all back to the usual grind again. However, to give a jumpstart to your Monday, we at Bollywood Hungama yet again bring you, your favourite online Bollywood quiz - 'Guess Who?'
This week, we bring you the actress who put her academic career on the back burner for a stint in Tinsel Ville. This lass who even has a Management Degree in International Business, first appeared in a confectionary ad along side a leading iconic Bollywood stalwart. Not too long ago, she even featured on the reality show on television doing some crazy stunts. She also starred in one of the biggest multi-starrer comedies of last year.
If you think this one is still tough, the last hint is that she will be seen next opposite a star son in a big banner film.
So, if you think you have cracked this one, go ahead and type your answer in the space below.
To find out last week's answer click hereSource: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 11 May 2009 | 10:46 am I did not insult the national anthem: RGV - MSN India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 10:45 am Film show timings changed in KarnatakaFaced with dwindling revenues at the theatres, the Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce (KFCC) has announced new show timings in an attempt to woo the audience.Source: Entertainment News | 11 May 2009 | 10:44 am Aditi Shirwaikar to anchor wedding reality showAfter Nach Balliye, Aditi Shirwaikar is all set to co-anchor a wedding reality show called Star Vivaah on Star Plus along with Monish Behl. However this cute bubbly girl refused to say anything about the format, “I will let you know
Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 10:41 am Salman angry with new Hrithik-Ash starrer
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 May 2009 | 10:39 am Justin Timberlake, Ciara get all licky on new video shootWashington, May 11 (ANI): American singers Justin Timberlake and Ciara reportedly got so carried away with the shooting of their new video that they ended up licking each other.
Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 10:36 am Calendar Girls stripping again after a decadeLondon, May 11 (ANI): Six of the 11 members of Rylstone and District Women's Institute, who first posed for a nude calendar in 1999 for helping cancer patients, have again stripped for charity after 10 years.
Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 10:36 am Prankster Ashton Kutcher has prank played on himNew York, May 11 (ANI): American actor Ashton Kutcher might be a well-known prankster, but when a prank was played on him recently he just did not realise it.
Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 10:36 am Lara Bingle mourns father's death with 'Wish you were here' tattooMelbourne, May 11 (ANI): Aussie model Lara Bingle has been so affected by her father Graham's death last year that she has had a "Wish you were here" tattoo inked on her wrist.
Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 10:36 am Lily Allen denies waging war of words with Cheryl Cole againLondon, May 11 (ANI): Brit pop singer Lily Allen has dismissed reports that she has once again waged a war of words with Cheryl Cole.
Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 10:36 am "My film with Shahid Kapoor is not titled Yahoo" - Ken GhoshAs reports of Ken Ghosh's Shahid Kapoor-Genelia D'Souza film being called Yahoo fill the papers and television tickers, the director is one worried man. "Because as far as I'm concerned my film is not called Yahoo," explains Ghosh with much distress. "The title has registered with the public because it has been thrown at them so often. But it hasn't been registered with us. We don't have the title, plain and simple. Some other producer has the title Yahoo. Not that I'm really keen on calling the film Yahoo." Ken feels once the title is entrenched in the public's mind the power to claim the title from the original owners weakens. "I've gone through this when the American choreographer Marty Kudelka's name was announced for our film before he was properly signed and put under the contract. When the information was leaked out we were suddenly being arm twisted financially." Ken feels he may have to go through the same process of financial bullying for the title. He would much rather call his film something else. The problem is the public thinks its Yahoo. "And it would take us a while to erase that assumption and start afresh. To begin with everyone thought our film was called Star. That caused its own damage." Ken hopes to put the idea to public vote. "We can't wait too long because we need the new title to sink in."Source: Indiafm.com News | 11 May 2009 | 10:32 am John launches the new Diet Pepsi can with a mass work-out session
Diet Pepsi announced the launch of its new, sleek Diet Pepsi Slim Can. Bringing alive Diet Pepsi's distinct proposition of 'Go Play', the Slim Can was
unveiled in a first ever consumer launch set up through a mass work-out session with brand ambassador and Bollywood fitness icon John Abraham. At Ansal
Plaza, as the music reverberated, aerobic troupes steered the audiences to sweat it out. John motivated them, the calorie meters kept ticking away making
every calorie truly count, building the crescendo, to the final unveiling of the Diet Pepsi Slim Can amongst its consumers with fanfare.
The 'Go Play John + You' mass work-out session in Delhi garnered huge consumer turnout all geared up to sweat it out with John. Diet Pepsi, through its
partnership with CONSERVE, aims to educate the youth about the importance of environment conservation. This awareness programme will see a unique drive
wherein special garbage bins for recycling will be placed at youth congregation points in Delhi and Mumbai. Volunteers from Diet Pepsi and CONSERVE team will
inform and create awareness about this cause amongst youngsters about environment, hazards caused by plastic to the habitat and ways to improve surroundings
through recycling etc. Different bins will be placed for different disposable materials such as plastic, glass, metals, etc.
According to John Abraham, brand ambassador for Diet Pepsi, "I am extremely excited to be associated with the launch of Diet Pepsi Slim Can, that too,
through such an innovative mass work-out session. This event combines my passion for fitness coupled with environment which is increasingly becoming a
concern for all."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 11 May 2009 | 10:29 am Divyanka Tripathi fulfills her mom's dreamDivyanka Tripathi may not be happy with the news of Banoo Main Teri Dulhan soon to go off air but the actress surely is happy about her fulfilling her mother’s dream of having a residence in Mumbai.“Last year, during my mom’s
Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 10:18 am Internet pushing more girls towards cyber bullyingSydney, May 11 (ANI): An Australian expert is concerned that with the advent of the Internet, children, especially girls, are becoming even meaner while bullying other girls online.
Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 10:15 am Antonio Banderas to star as detective in The Big BangWashington, May 11 (ANI): Antonio Banderas is all set to star in the Tony Krantz-directed neo-noir detective story, 'The Big Bang'.
Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 10:15 am Mickey Rourke, Charlie Sheen named among Hollywood madam's clientsNew York, May 11 (ANI): Mickey Rourke, Charlie Sheen, and several other people from business and sports worlds are said to be among the clients of top Hollywood madam Michelle Braun, who is due to be arraigned today in federal court in Santa Ana, California, as part of an agreement to "cooperate fully" with all branches of law enforcement.
Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 10:15 am Multiplex imbroglio continues; Bollywood bleeds! - MSN India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 9:46 am "Sorry, but I can't compromise" - Hazel
Hazel. Hazel Crowney. Does the name ring a bell? Perhaps not, and one can't blame the audiences for that. After all that's the way this MP3 - Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar girl wants to be. To stay away from the limelight and make a splash once she has something concrete to talk about w.r.t. her Bollywood stint. She may be happy with her advertisements, modelling and stage appearances but when it comes to attending parties and Bollywood events just for the sake of being in news, she is intentionally keeping away from them.
"What's the point in doing so?" she questions, "Such appearances can't get you work, can they? This is the reason why I have chosen to stay away from making noise in media or attending parties. It has been two years since the release of MP3 but I have no regrets of being away from the limelight. I would rather talk when I have some something big coming in picture. My work should be the focus of conversation, not my personal life."
So is there a big splash waiting to happen? "No point making a loud announcement all by myself because I guess it's always the job of a filmmaker", she evades the question, "Of course, I have been getting offers from Bollywood but clichéd as it may sound, the reality is that there hasn't been anything exciting."
After gaining appreciation from MP3 and making a small appearance in a prestigious film like U Me Aur Hum, she has set some strict guidelines for herself when it comes to choosing her assignments.
"See, making money in the glam world isn't quite difficult, especially when you have been in the circuit for close to 5 years. I could have earned a lot by doing a bunch of shi$$y movies that came my way but frankly, it's not worth it. At the end of the day I want to do some pucca commercial masala movies rather than some same old cr@p. Sorry, but I have a dream and I can't compromise on that."
Meanwhile, she is looking at a film of hers releasing soon. Titled Flat, it's a horror film starring Jimmy Sheirgill and Sanjay Suri in the lead.
"I guess the film should be out in July though the producers should be able to take the final call. We finished the principal shooting in October and currently the film is in post production with dubbing being on", says Hazel.
She goes on to conclude, "I am happy to be busy with work. I have my ads and stage assignments to keep me occupied so at least I am not in a desperate state. Yes, making it big in Bollywood is the ultimate aim and in time to come, that should happen as well."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 11 May 2009 | 9:39 am Neil Nitin Mukesh's film with Abbas-Mustan 'postponed indefinitely'Recession and the non-performance of his last film Aa Dekhen Zara have taken a toll on Neil Nitin Mukesh's career. Apparently, the start-to-finish thriller produced and directed by Abbas-Mustan scheduled to start in June which featured Neil as the solo male lead has been "postponed indefinitely" which in filmy parlance means....the end! The abortion of a reasonably big-budgeted high-gloss production has been sudden and unexpected throwing Neil's schedule into a vacuum. So sudden was the decision to stop the slick quickie that it came as a surprise to the actor who's currently shooting Jail in Karjat with Madhur Bhandarkar and was supposed to take a few weeks off to grow back his cropped hair for Abbas-Mustan's film in June. When contacted, director Abbas sounded a little unsure. "Yes the project with Neil has been postponed. We were supposed to shoot it at a 45-day stretch in May. That got postponed. Then June was impossible because it's a film set on the streets of Mumbai. We couldn't shoot it in the rains." The explanation sounds feeble. If the rains were a problem why was the schedule not planned accordingly? Says Abbas, "It's a subject very different from anything we've done. Very real and bold. We can shoot the film any time we want. At the moment we we're busy scripting two films which we'll announce soon." Sadly Abbas-Mustan are not directing any film this year. A tragic comment on the slump in the film industry.Source: Indiafm.com News | 11 May 2009 | 9:18 am Look, who asked John Abraham to strip
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 May 2009 | 9:07 am Maddy to romance Shahana in a Nikhil Advani directed film?Ok, so read this news piece making media rounds for last few days. It declares that - 'Shahana Goswami has been paired opposite Madhavan in a film called Tanu Weds Manu which is produced by Mukesh Talreja and directed by Nikhil Advani.' Wrong, wrong and some more wrong is all one can say for this piece which has not just ended up mixing a couple of stories together but also suffers big time due to someone's figment of imagination, going an extra mile that has only ended up making it all a 'bhel-puri' of sorts. So let's start deconstructing this statement and state some facts: Is there a film called Tanu Weds Manu? Answer - Yes Is Maddy acting in it? Answer - Yes Is Shahana part of the film? Answer - NO So who plays Tanu? Answer - Well, that's yet to be decided! Is Nikhil Advani directing Maddy in this film? Answer - No So who is the director of the film? Answer - Aanand Rai of Strangers [Jimmy Sheirgill, Kay Kay Menon] fame So is there a way where Nikhil Advani and Mukesh Talreja are related to the film? Answer - In no way! They are collaborating for another project which by the way stars Maddy in the lead. Also, Nikhil is not directing it, it is Navdeep Singh of Manorama - Six Feet Under fame. Is Shahana a part of that film? Answer - An official announcement is yet awaited. To summarise, there are two projects starring Madhavan in the lead in fray. While one is called Tanu Weds Manu, is to be directed by Aanand Rai, and is still waiting for a heroine, another doesn't have a title, is pending confirmation w.r.t. its leading lady, is to be directed by Navdeep Singh and is produced by Nikhil Advani and Mukesh Talreja. Hope this should keep the rumour mongers contained!Source: Indiafm.com News | 11 May 2009 | 8:54 am Ashutosh Gowariker's next project 'Buddha'Click above for more stills Dr. B. K. Modi's Spice Group, a leading diversified business group with interests in Telecom, Media, Entertainment, Technology and Financial Services, has announced plans to invest Rs. 400 crores in the entertainment and media businesses. His new venture, Spice Enfotainment, has chalked out plans in film production, television production, broadcasting, music, gaming and Internet, while creating, owning content and distributing it over multiple platforms including digital and wireless. Modi has announced two film projects with leading film directors, Ashutosh Gowariker and Anees Bazmee. Ashutosh Gowariker will direct the Rs. 100 crore epic titled BUDDHA, whereas Anees Bazmee will direct a full-on commercial potboiler titled NO PROBLEM in association with Anil Kapoor Productions. Gowariker's film will be in English and has been written by Oscar winner David Ward. The movie will go on floors in May 2010 and completed by the end of the year. The pre-production work of finalising the locations, technicians and artists will begin this month. BUDDHA will be shot in the foothills of Himalayas. Gowariker will only be directing the movie and not co-producing it. About the star cast, Gowariker said, "There is a strong possibility that a foreign actor would play the role of Buddha. Nationality should not be a concern for this character, which is truly an international face. There will be many Indian actors also." Meanwhile, Anees Bazmee's NO PROBLEM will be shot in Singapore, wherein the city-state's government will share the production cost.Source: Indiafm.com News | 11 May 2009 | 8:35 am Spice Group Ventures into movie production - Business Standard
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 8:27 am Look, who asked John to stripHis body is many guys' envy and many girls' eye candy.Source: Entertainment News | 11 May 2009 | 7:49 am Bollywood's composer duos - working together and loving itThe saying 'two is company' holds true for Bollywood's music industry where music director duos have been churning out great songs for decades.Source: Entertainment News | 11 May 2009 | 7:43 am Manna Dey: The Ageless Wonder
Manna Dey turned 90 on May 1. The singing legend remains young at heart and keeps busy with shows and performances. He promises Screen 15 minutes on the phone from Bengalooru, but gives us more than half an hour of characteristically candid chat
We, however, begin on a false note, which the veteran singer has probably never delivered in front of a microphone in 3,500-plus recordings and hundreds of performances over 60 years. For when asked how he feels about entering his 90th year on May 1, he thunders, "Listen, my age is not something I wish to discuss! I will answer your questions if they are about me and not about my age. Age is just another year gone by - a mere birthday. It means nothing! I hope that this interview is about music and the wonderful time I have had with so many wonderful people! I have worked for over 65 years now. If you have done your homework and are willing to discuss my career, I would love to answer your questions!"
But that's Manna Dey as he 's always been - a man who never minces words. As we are on a 'phone line, he naturally does not recollect our earlier meetings from the 1991 recording for Nana Patekar's Prahaar, his last significant Hindi film song, to an hour-plus interview at his Juhu bungalow in Mumbai and several other smaller meetings .
"Hamari hi mutthi mein akash saara was a beautiful number, the last of so many for Laxmi-Pyare!" he recollects. "I remember Nana Patekar being after me for days and insisting that only I could sing that song. He even wanted me to lip-sync it on screen! Of course I flatly refused to be on screen an also said that my voice wasn't what it used to be and gently turned him down! Then Laxmi (Laxmikant) called up and requested me to come home and listen to the song."
Mannada requests me not to mention the few songs he was persuaded to record after that. But he clarifies that he is very much familiar with what is happening on the music front today. "Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy are doing some nice songs. Anu Malik has also done some good work over the years. But otherwise, it is the sound that has improved tremendously since our times. But that's more to the credit of the arrangers and therefore with the packaging, right? We have some excellent instrumentalists today. But what's the use of such talent? Arrangements minus a good composition mean nothing! The lyrics too have degenerated so much."
What about the new blood in his own field - playback singing?
"I think Sonu Niigaam is very good, he is equipped with all the knowledge needed for a singer, is keen about doing good work and puts his heart into singing and understanding what he has to sing. Shreya Ghoshal is very good. But I will ask you something: In our wonderful country there is so much wonderful music. Every state is rich in music. But when you switch on the television, do you get to listen to anything nice?"
So where does he think the malaise lies? "Look, music is dictated by the kind of films being made, which is decided by the filmmakers. It's a demand and supply situation. A good singer like Udit Narayan has few takers. Why do you think a singer of the calibre of Kavita Krishnamurthi (Subramaniam) hardly records? It's a lie that it is because she is not based in Mumbai!"
We request Mannada to answer a hypothetical query: If Rafi, Kishore, Mukesh and he had all been active in today's scenario, would this decline had happened, and how would they have taken it? And the veteran replies, "We would have very, very nobly retreated!! Today our kind of singers are not needed. How could we have sung a mukhda with the word Saala in it? We could never have been a part of such indignities!"
Mannada's disciplined lifestyle and dedication to work has ensured that his memory remains sharper than the proverbial razor. Mention a composer, actor or film and he can rattle off details as if the events had happened just yesterday.
We go to the matter of his favourite composers. Having reiterated that Shankar-Jaikishan and Laxmikant-Pyarelal are the composers he rates high (which is what he has stressed in all our talks and has said on television even recently) he has mentioned R.D.Burman and Madan Mohan in other interviews. How does he reconcile this?
"It is silly to compare great composers, unless you are familiar with musical intricacies," he says with characteristic punch. "Madan Mohan gave me few but such soulful songs, like Tum bin jeevan (Bawarchi) and Kaun aaya mere man ke dwaare (Dekh Kabira Roya), so I am indebted to him. Panchamda was so good. He deserves the entire credit for the complex classic that was Ek chatur naar - the song was his concept from beginning to end, and Kishore and I just executed it to out best! See, it was less to do with the songs they called me for and more with the fact that they never got their dues in their lifetimes. Laxmi-Pyare were composers who have given me some fantastic songs right from Tum gagan ke chandrama ho in Sati Savitri - what a song that was! - to Prahaar. As for Shankar-Jaikishan - I was closer to Shankar - they were truly magical!"
He is not too taken in by my recalling S-J using Mannada for several heroes, even the Rafi-centric or Mukesh-centric ones like Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar and Raj Kapoor. "Look, there were all great singers then! If a song needed my skills, I was called to sing it. It was S-J's greatness that they thought I was the right singer for songs like Aaja sanam madhur chandni mein hum (Chori Chori), Lapak jhapak tu aa re badarwa (Boot Polish), Pyar hua ikraar kiya (Shree 420), Ae bhai zaraa dekh ke chalo (Mera Naam Joker), Sur na saje (Basant Bahar) or Jhanak jhanak tori baaje payaliya (Mere Huzoor) and for pitting me against Pandit Bhimsen Joshi in Ketaki gulab juhi in Basant Bahar. That's it!"
S-J also exposed him to Raj Kapoor, and the legend goes into raving mode as he speaks about the actor-filmmaker. "Rajsaab opened my horizons!" he says. "His way of conceiving a song was simply brilliant. The pains he took over a single song along with Shankar and Jaikishan was astounding. The way he enacted my songs like Ae bhai zaraa dekh ke chalo from Mera Naam Joker or Laaga chunari mein daag from Dil Hi To Hai was just unbelievable."
Since he has raised the subject, we mention that every playback singer has a couple of favourite actors whom they feel enhanced his songs and vocals best. Who were Mannada's favourites besides Raj Kapoor? "Mehmood obviously in so many songs," notes the singer. "Balraj Sahni was wonderful in Tu pyar ka sagar hai (Seema), Aye mere pyare watan (Kabuliwala) and even Tujhe suraj kahoon ya chanda (Ek Phool Do Mali). And I must mention Raaj Kumar for the way he carried the classical Jhanak jhanak tori baaje in Mere Huzoor."
But though Manna Dey sang for every hero from Dev Anand to Mithun Chakraborty with very few exceptions like Dilip Kumar and Rishi Kapoor, he was largely typecast as a comedian's voice or that of an old man. "Yes, I agree,"he says candidly. "I remember being very angry when I went to watch Parineeta and found that Chali Radhe raani, which was such a big hit, was filmed on an 80-plus old man! My heart sank. Slowly, my fears were realised. But I have no regrets. I came here after learning classical music and in a way my aim was to sing classical numbers, which I got in abundance. I sang classical songs better than others, but soon came a time when I was called for every kind of song along with Rafi. The rest were all great singers, but had their limitations. Rafi and I could sing everything, and he was such a gentleman. He was a better singer than me, and I will say this - that no one came even close to him! He deserved everything he got!"
Mention that Rafi had once told a scribe, "You listen to my songs. I listen only to Manna Dey!" and he feels that it was Rafi's greatness. "We recorded so many songs together right till Laxmi-Pyare's Waqt Ki Deewar in 1981. We had a great understanding and it was never about one-upmanship, " he recalls.
A curious point: Why did a classicist like him barely sing for the classical music-oriented Naushad? "He had a terrific understanding with Mohammed Rafi, that's why!" he thunders. "That's all right! Naushadsaab did give me some very good songs in Palki, Shabab and Mother India. And very few could match Naushadsaab in classical songs, and he was such a perfectionist."
Manna Dey, for those who came in late, was groomed and mentored by his uncle, composer-singer K.C.Dey, who brought him to Mumbai after he grew up in their joint family in Kolkata. Prabodh Chandra Dey, the boy for whom K.C.Dey was second father, teacher and everything else, was also named "Manna" Dey by him. "He was everything to me. He gave me a break in Tamanna in 1942. But my first film to make waves was Ram Rajya in 1943." However it was only with Mashal (1950) that Manna Dey got his real breakthrough. "Badri Prasad, for whom I sang in Ram Rajya, was not a big star, Ashok Kumar in Mashal was!" sums up Manna Dey succinctly. "Rafi was on the scene and it was tough to break into tge big league."
Mashal brought him very close to S.D.Burman, who later was to explore the full Manna Dey range from Chalti Ki Naam Gaadi's Baaju samjho ishare to Meri Soorat Teri Ankhen's Pooncho na kaise maine rain bitayee. "He was very fond of me. We knew each other since he was learning from my uncle." Kalyanji-Anandji and Roshan were two other composers of whom the singer was very fond. "Kalyanji-Anandji composed some beautiful songs for me like Kasme vaade (Upkar), Yaari hai imaan (Zanjeer) and Nadiya chale (Safar). Roshan was a master and gave me fabulous songs in Dil Hi To Hai, Dooj Ka Chand, Barsat Ki Raat and others and they were really superb compositions."
Despite his classical inclinations, Mannada was very fond of Western music, and sang in his college choirs. Did that help in his Western numbers like Aao twist karen (Bhoot Bungla), Jodi hamari (Aulad) and others? "It must have, because playback is about observation and learning from listening as well. My wife Sulochana was also responsible for teaching me a lot of Western nuances, and you may be interested in knowing that I used those finer points even in the way I rendered Aye mere pyare watan for Kabuliwala!"
Finally, we ask why he has sung in so many languages but opened his account in mother-tongue Bengali only after he made it in Hindi films? "I came to Mumbai then because I did not want to do what everyone was doing in Kolkata. But then came a time when distributors would refuse to touch a Bengali film if it did not have my song in it!"
Screen IndiaSource: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 11 May 2009 | 7:12 am 'Jail' is my quickest movie ever: Madhur BhandarkarMadhur Bhandarkar has made eight films so far, but "Jail", he says, is his "quickest shoot ever".Source: Entertainment News | 11 May 2009 | 7:10 am Akshay-Katrina can't stop their reel romance - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 7:08 am 'The variety of stories we have today are incredible!'
Writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar was recently conferred with the Taj Tareef Award for excellence in cinema. The undeniable genius, who together with Salim Khan wrote films like Sholay, Deewaar and Trishul, in his trademark humour tells us about what made the duo tick, and why the characters and dialogues from their films are remembered even today
You together with Salim Khan have made cult films which raised the bar of Hindi cinema. What according to you is the formula of a blockbuster?
If I knew the formula I would not have written a disaster like Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja! But I can tell you the formula to make a sure shot flop! Embark upon a plot, thinking that the film you are making will be the greatest ever. Second, choose a script thinking that you wouldn't like to watch a film like this, but the audience will. I guarantee that the film you make will be a flop!
What is your take about the films being made today?
The variety of stories we have today are incredible! But we are losing out on characterisation. Look at the characters in our films today-they are neither strong nor heroic. They have been replaced by the ordinary man. When I go into the theatre I want to see an icon, a role model and a person I can admire and look up to. I miss such characters in todays films.
Did you and Salim saab ever think that Deewaar would become a cult film, and remembered for its dialogues even today?
Not at all! Salim and I never thought that the film, or any other films we were making, were progressive or would take the society forward in any way. We wrote stories instinctively.
What according to you was the strong point of your screenplays?
The films we wrote are not remembered because of the plots, as hundreds of films with similar plots have been made. The characters and their interaction made the films stand out. But I must mention that at times what we thought was new and catchy was missed out by the audience. Like Sunny Deol's character in Arjun was a completely new one, but hardly anyone spoke about that. On the other hand, people come up to me and say what a wonderful dialogue Kitne aadmi the or Tera kya hoga Kaliya was, and I wonder what is so earth-shattering about such a simple line.
You and Salim were the only writers who gave a bound script to film-makers during the 70s. Did that also contribute to your success?
I know, in those days a bound script was a big thing. But I think developing the art of getting a producer interested in your script is more important. To understand their psyche and make them see your point. Basically it's more about how to win and influence people!
Do you think a formal training is essential to becoming a good screenplay writer and lyricist?
When I came to Mumbai I didn't know the difference between editing and writing a screenplay. That's how naïve I was. Everything I learnt was hands-on. I guess it all depends on how passionate you are about your work.
Do you think after the success of Slumdog Millionaire there will be more influence of Western cinema on Hindi cinema?
The furniture, the upholstery and clothes may all be very Western in our films, but the soul, sensibilities and flavour of Hindi cinema will always remain Indian, very Indian.
What was the thought behind conceptualising villains like Gabbar Singh and Mogambo in your stories?
Our villains were exceptional indeed. They did not lech only at women, but at everyone! Woh sab ko buri nazar se dekhte the. Making them rather magnificent and larger than life and not some downmarket rouges was intentional.
You are known to be a very prolific poet and writer. Don't you think you compromise on quality when you write for Hindi films?
When I write for an enlightened audience my work is more abstract and high-flown. But when writing stories or lyrics for a Hindi film which is for a mass audience I have to write in a language which they understand. This is not compromising on quality but it arises out of a desire to communicate with the masses.
What are the essentials of a good screenplay?
Awareness, simplicity and intrigue!
Screen IndiaSource: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 11 May 2009 | 7:07 am Mani ropes in Abhi-Ash for one more flick - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 7:01 am Saif turns 'Love Guru' - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 6:38 am Hrithik's Kites to fly off to Cannes Film Festival - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 6:11 am Actress Abitha set to marry T George - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 11 May 2009 | 5:38 am 'Jail' is my quickest movie ever: Madhur BhandarkarMadhur Bhandarkar has made eight films so far, but 'Jail', he says, is his 'quickest shoot ever'. The movie, which stars Neil Nitin Mukesh, is 60 percent complete and would be ready to hit screens by September-October.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 11 May 2009 | 3:00 am Bollywood's composer duos - working together and loving itThe saying 'two is company' holds true for Bollywood's music industry where music director duos have been churning out great songs for decades. And such two-member teams say that working with a partner is not only a lot of fun but also helps them create better music.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 11 May 2009 | 3:00 am 160,000 singers in Hyderabad set new world recordA whopping 160,000 people sang in chorus seven keerthanas, or hymns in praise of god, of Telugu saint-poet Thallapaka Annamacharya here today evening, and broke a 70-year-old world record.Source: Entertainment News | 10 May 2009 | 10:32 pm Look, who asked John to stripHis body is many guys' envy and many girls' eye candy. But in a strange turn of events, the tables turned when men here shrieked till they were hoarse for Bollywood actor John Abraham to strip off his T-shirt for them.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 10 May 2009 | 5:00 pm Mirchi KAAN Awards in Mumbai - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 10 May 2009 | 10:55 am I'm happy to be known as 'Maine Pyar Kiya' girl: BhagyashreeActress Bhagyashree, who made her presence felt after many years on reality dance show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa", is not worried because people still recall her as the demure girl in the 1989 hit "Maine Pyar Kiya".Source: Entertainment News | 10 May 2009 | 9:57 am
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