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Why is Aamir Khan worried?
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Jun 2009 | 4:53 pm What is music for our Bollywood singers, composers?They give Bollywood music buffs their regular doses of sounds, melodies and beats that take not only the country but the world by storm.Source: Entertainment News | 20 Jun 2009 | 4:30 pm SRK denies anti-Prophet comments
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Jun 2009 | 4:18 pm Kannada actress Roopa impresses with directorial debutPopular Kannada actress Roopa Iyer's debut directorial venture "Mukhaputa", which deals with the problems of young children suffering from HIV, has been applauded by the film fraternity.Source: Entertainment News | 20 Jun 2009 | 4:15 pm Che Guevara's granddaughter poses semi-naked
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Jun 2009 | 4:08 pm Jolie wants to adopt more children
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Jun 2009 | 4:05 pm Jennifer Aniston, Bradley Cooper enjoy a date?
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Jun 2009 | 4:02 pm Munnibai kidnapped in Ghazipur; rescued
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Jun 2009 | 3:09 pm Sarath Kumar elected unopposed to film bodyMost of the existing office-bearers of South Indian Artistes' Association (SIAA), including president Sarath Kumar, were unanimously elected on Friday.Source: Entertainment News | 20 Jun 2009 | 12:25 pm Shiney to be tried in fast-track court !The rape case against Shiney Ahuja will be tried in a fast-track court, Maharashtra CM announced.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 12:24 pm Chalo Chennai, says Kamal HaasanAfter successfully holding an international screenwriting workshop here, acclaimed actor-director Kamal Haasan now plans to produce, direct and act in some short films - based on the Tamil Nadu capital.Source: Entertainment News | 20 Jun 2009 | 12:20 pm Shiney case to be tried in fast track court: Maharashtra CM
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Jun 2009 | 11:44 am Akshaye, Arshad in conflict
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Jun 2009 | 10:57 am Subhash K. Jha speaks about Paying Guests
What can we say about a comedy where the main characters get inspired watching Riteish Deshmukh's drag act in Apna Sapna Money Money? Tearing a blousy chapter from that black-sheepish comedy (remember the song 'Dekha Jo Tujhe Yaar Dil Mein Baji Guitar'?) Javed Jaffrey and Shreyas Talpade get into desi (Talpade) and blonde (Jaffrey) drag acts, leaving you thinking, when was the last time a drag act dragged its act so far-out?
To his credit, Shreyas as Karisma to Jaffrey's Kareena are a laugh riot in parts, whenever the oily script pauses long enough to give us a non-greasy passage of humour.
Filled with double meanings that are meaningless passwords for mindless meanderings, the main plot is about four lately-unemployed men two of whom get into drag to get accommodation in the home of a kindly couple (Johnny Lever and Delnaz Paul) who are as devoid of intelligence as most of the writing in this film is. The Bangkok setting doesn't help. Most of the way the characters clutter the canvas so much the scenic view is blocked out. Never mind. The thing about these prevalent boys-will-have-fun comedies is that the boys seem to have all the fun while the girls just hang on to the lapels of the comedy hoping there is a life after the laughter.
Beyond the loud lewd laughter of characters, who want to convince themselves that being on the ticklish track pays, Paying Guests has little to offer except tired jokes about oranges and other suggestive props that, alas, cannot prop up the creaking sagging props.
In the plus side, Jaffrey and Talpade are perky in their drag act. Talpade has been in fine comic form recently in the wonderful Welcome To Sajjanpur and the far (ce)-from-wonderful Golmaal Returns, provides a sparkling wit to the proceedings often going beyond the sweltering standards set by the stale satire.
Talpade deserves better. The other actors are in- sync with the sinking feeling of the comedy. As is the custom in these air headed comedies the canvas is crowded with clamorous characters dressed in an assorted variety of skin-tight clothes and loose wigs that come off at the whoosh of the wind in this wimpy comedy.
The climax air-lifted from Kundan Shah's Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron has all the 37(or is it 38?) characters including a fierce don by the almost-forgotten Inder Kumar who just can't get beyond the scowl , colliding all over a staging of Mughal-e-Azam. Moan gaye Mughal-e-Azam.
The dialogues (Lawrence John) plumb such depths of toilet graffiti as 'I hope we don't BLOW this JOB'. The makers of this wonder-kid-me-not haven't quite BLOWN the JOB. But this prolonged drag act about two men dressed as Karisma and Kareena manages to remain inoffensive for a while.
But the Kapoor sisters have nothing to feel flattered about.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 20 Jun 2009 | 10:44 am The Power of A Woman - Indian Express
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 10:34 am "I play this Catholic Bandra girl who's very dramatic in Ajab Prem Ki..." - Katrina
Click above for more movie stills
Who says Katrina can't speak proper Hindi? She's been practicing constantly with friends and in her dubbing, so much so that Katrina has almost lost her voice while dubbing for Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.
Raj Kumar Santoshi is always known to be very particular about his actors' language. For Ranbir in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, who has a lot of colloquial Hindi to speak, Santoshi has personally been supervising the dubbing. But Ranbir is a very skilled at dialogue delivery. And getting the rustic colloquialism right is a cakewalk for him.
For Katrina, dubbing is the most difficult part of the acting process. After all, she was initially dubbed by professional voice artistes. She finally won the right to speak on screen in her own voice in spite of a thick British accent. And now, Katrina Kaif is going through the worst tribulation of her brief career.
Dubbing for Raj Kumar Santoshi's Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani is the most challenging thing that Katrina has ever done. Says Katrina, ''I don't have any colloquial lines like Ranbir. I play this Catholic Bandra girl who's very dramatic. She's funny to others. But not to herself. So, when I cry, I have to cry real tears but make sure they come across as funny. First of all, the lines are not comic in the dubbing theatre. So, I've to recreate the laughter of the sets in a studio without knowing if I am being funny enough.''
For Katrina it's excruciating. ''I don't know whether I'm getting it right or not. I'm doing the dubbing under supervision. But this is the most difficult film I've dubbed for.'' Now that she's almost finished dubbing, she plans to go through the entire dubbing in Santoshi's film and re-do the portions Santoshi isn't satisfied with.
A bigger challenge now awaits Katrina. In Prakash Jha's Rajneeti, she must recreate all the rhetorics that she mouthed on stage in front of thousands of spectators, as a woman politician! ''The speeches I made have been taped. Now I have to listen to them, get the accent tone and voice quality right and dub in a studio.''
Easier done than said.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 20 Jun 2009 | 10:01 am Paying Guests - Sify
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 10:01 am Asin injured while practicing Kalari - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 8:46 am Kambakkht Ishq was shot in a 300 year old villa - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 8:18 am Maharashtra CM believes Shiney is guilty - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 8:18 am Rumours of my rift with Akshaye nonsense: Arshad WarsiArshad Warsi is irritated with rumours that all is not well between him and Akshaye Khanna, his co-star in "Shortkut - The Con Is On".Source: Entertainment News | 20 Jun 2009 | 8:03 am Susan Boyle misses yet another concertLondon (ANI): Susan Boyle was asked to remain at bay from another Britain’s Got Talent concert after the singing sensation suffered exhaustion once again. The show runner-up remained at her rented London flat while the rest of the finalistsSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 7:59 am Madonna jets off to Malawi to get MercyLondon (ANI): Madonna has finally jetted off to Malawi to pick up her new adopted daughter Mercy James. Tagging along with the Queen of Pop on her journey to Malawi were her kids— Lourdes, 12, Rocco, eight, and David,Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 7:56 am Jolie wants to be like Audrey HepburnNew Delhi (ANI): Angelina Jolie has said that she wants to follow in the footsteps of Audrey Hepburn and be as selfless as the Breakfast at Tiffany’s star. While in an interview with NBC’s The Today Show, Jolie —Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 7:53 am Paris Hilton shows naked shots to paparazziWashington (ANI): Socialite Paris Hilton has opened the doors to her new home for the paparazzi to show off her naked photos, extensive collection of dolls, and the gym, which she converted into a massive shoe closet. The 27-year-oldSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 7:51 am Hussain and Tina are romancing in RomeOne of the most loving jodi, Tina Darira and Hussain Kuwajerwala are having a gala time in Rome. They are there for an official cum pleasure trip. But the duo will be enjoying their holiday too by exploring theSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 7:49 am Asin injured while practicing KalariActress Asin Thottumkal got injured during a 'Kalari' fight practice session for her yet to be launched 19 Steps in which Kamal Hassan plays a crucial role. Directed by Bharat Bala and produced by Walt Disney Productions, theSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 7:47 am Rama Rama Krishna Krishna starts shootingRam and Priya are playing the hero, heroine, while Arjun is playing another key role in ‘Rama Rama… Krishna Krishna…’ for a film to be directed Srivas and produced by Dil Raju on the banner of Sri Venkateswara Creations.Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 7:44 am Kambakkht Ishq was shot in a 300 year old villaImagine shooting in a 300 years old villa that could crumble any minute. Yet producer Sajid Nadiadwala took the risk after all it involved his pet project Kambakkht Ishq. A source said, "The unit had to shoot in thisSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 7:38 am Why Preity Zinta left Ness WadiaThe end of the IPL in South Africa had also signaled the end of Preity Zinta's affair with Ness Wadia. The couple who jointly owned Kings XI Punjab were never spotted together during the tournament. The actress hadSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 7:32 am Maharashtra CM believes Shiney is guiltyIn what could come as a major blow to Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja who is accused of raping his maid servant Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said that Shiney has indeed raped the girl. Chavan said this whileSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 7:28 am Salman's got a new flame? - Hindustan Times
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 6:36 am Film: X Men Origins: Wolverine - Indian Express
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 1:37 am Sarod maestro Ali Akbar Khan passes away at 87 - Sify
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 20 Jun 2009 | 1:13 am Shiney Ahuja to be tried in fast-track courtThe rape case against Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja will be tried in a fast-track court, Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan announced here today, while the National Commission of Women (NCW) said that medical reports proved rape.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 8:46 pm Bhojpuri babe Monalisa in item song
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 5:54 pm Comedian Sunil Pal in Bhojpuri Film
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 5:43 pm NRI bids to marry Rakhi SawantElesh Parujanwala, a 30-year-old Gujarati NRI, is one among the thousands bidding to marry item girl Rakhi Sawant through the reality show "Rakhi Ka Swayamvar".Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 4:31 pm Saif learnt Punjabi for 'Love Aaj Kal'After playing a rustic villain in "Omkara", Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is now playing a Sikh in his forthcoming film "Love Aaj Kal" and took Punjabi classes to get the right accent for the role.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 4:26 pm Soha got 'Tum Mile' for new appeal: DirectorBollywood actress Soha Ali Khan's "new appeal" and "mature" looks helped her bag "Tum Mile", says Kunal Deshmukh.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 3:55 pm 'Kettavan' as good as shelved: Tamil actor SimbuTamil actor Simbu's much-hyped "Kettavan" has been shelved and he says he has now moved away from it.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jun 2009 | 3:51 pm CG Overdrive: How to create and monetize your character?
If you were asked to remember a particular video game character from your childhood, what name would pop up in your head? Perhaps Nintendo's Super Mario. Indeed, most of us remember this popular game from the 90's. Aldric Chang, Founding Managing Director, Mediafreaks Pte Ltd discussed the nuts and bolts of creating, monetizing and popularizing cartoon characters.
Excerpts form his in-depth talk:
The most popular game characters
"Certain cartoons characters are classics in their own right. Everyone knows about Disney's Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. Super Mario is one of the icons of the gaming industry. When I analyzed Mario, I realized that they designed him as a very simple character and if you compare his past and present versions, his simplicity might be the key to his popularity. People could relate to this average guy image and therefore, was suitable for a game."
What makes them good?
"The computer graphics have advanced a lot in the past two decades. If we compare the Super Mario game by Nintendo in the 90's and look at it today, it has progressed a lot. This popular character stood the test of time and has advanced from its early 2D version to the latest 3D versions.
There are various important tips to design a character. One must learn to monetize the characters and prepare for character licensing. One should adopt good marketing tactics through the internet as it is a very powerful medium today."
Monetizing characters
"Managing a cartoon character should be similar to managing the publicity for a real life artist. Consider creating and selling the merchandise all by yourself. It can also be done through licensing. Use the Internet to drive traffic to your website. But try not to make too much money through this. You might want to consider selling the character license."
Preparing for licensing
"First determine whether your character is cool or cute. If it is cool then it might be for collectibles for your character. Licensing caters to the cute categories and if you have cool characters they meant for collectible or games. It also depends on the kind of connections you have.
With cute characters, it directly goes for cute merchandizing. As it caters to women and kids who are the largest market consumers for cute items. Outsourcing characters is also possible if you do not have good character designers on your team."
Popularizing the character
"This can be done through video marketing. Mini animation clips of the characters can be used. You can create a blog or create communities on social networking sites about your characters.
The Lara Croft game's timing was great. It made an entry in a time where in there were no heroines. Plus Lara Croft reflected the independent woman's ideologies and shedding the stereotype of dependent woman, and she went to become a feminist woman icon. For guys, who wouldn't want to play an acrobatic and adventurous woman's part. Catching the right time to roll out the right cartoon character is important."
The core product
"One question that we ask ourselves while creating the cartoon characters is, what is our core product. This is because many people are under the misconception that cartoon characters are used only for animated series and films. But this is not entirely true. In many cases there are other products you can consider like, Mashimaro- it could be for a game or a story book like Harry Potter, comics or merchandise etc. Therefore, you have to keep all these properties in mind while you create your character."
Tips for creating a cartoon character
"Ideally a character should be able to perform across all platforms with the maximum magnetizing appeal. The demography of the product too, should be kept in mind. The character might be popular but will not fit the image of the product.
Traits and characteristics of the cartoon character too, are to be taken into consideration. So it is just not the exterior but also the interior of the cartoon which has to be looked upon. To do this, the designer has to get into the skin of the cartoon character and think how the character does this or that. It is not merely an artist's job but also a profiling job. It has to go well with the property of the game and also the audience demography.
One of the most popular cartoon characters is The Simpsons. They are different for the simple reason that they are of a different colour tone, the shape and the way they draw the characters.
Every character you create needs to have a different and a strong personality. No point in creating a boring character. Every aspect needs to stress and made interesting. You have to think how your cartoon character will translate to 3D. Therefore, the concept has to be designed from the very beginning in a manner in which it will translate well from 2D to 3D. While drawing them in different poses, add various emotions to them. Put them in different situations. Colours play an essential role in communicating a character's personality.
Most importantly a character should have a goal and dream to make them interesting."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 19 Jun 2009 | 1:50 pm Karan Johar to remake Agneepath with Hrithik - NDTV.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 19 Jun 2009 | 12:29 pm "My Ranbir-Priyanka starrer is not titled Aaj Phir Jeene..." - Siddharth Anand
A couple of days back there was a strong buzz doing the rounds that Siddharth Anand has named his next film as Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai. However, this is far from true as the man at the hot seat, Siddharth, has firmly denied that this to be the title of his Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra starrer.
"This was never the name of the film. I have no clue from where has this rumour originated. In fact I am yet to lock the final title of the film", says Siddharth who is amused with this piece of news floating around.
A Sajid Nadiadwala production, the film is also special for Siddharth since this is for the first time ever that he would be working with a production house outside Yash Raj Films. He has earlier made Salaam Namaste, Ta Ra Rum Pum and Bachna Ae Haseeno, all being successful in their own right, and has now graduated to making films for the outside banner.
As he begins working on first of these films, he finds himself without a title for this Sajid Nadiadwala production. The enterprising producer is showing trust in new directors, what with giving opportunities to Sajid Khan (Heyy Babyy, Housefull), Shirish Kunder (Jaan-E-Mann) and now Sabbir Khan (Kambakkht Ishq).
Coming back to Siddharth Anand, even though he has branched out of Yash Raj Films (at least for the time being), his stint with Vishal-Shekhar continues. After composing music for each of his three films earlier, the composer duo is working with him again on the Sajid Nadiadwala project.
Vishal Dadlani too was zapped when informed about the title of the film. "What rubbish, I have no clue what you are talking about", he says in mock anger, "By no means is Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai the title of the film. We would know if that was the case, right? In fact till yesterday we were having a discussion and desperately trying to lock a title. Some people's imaginations really run hard and the film's title to be finalised as Aaj Phir Jeene... is yet another such instance."
Guess this song from Dev Anand-Waheeda Rehman starrer Guide will have to wait for a while before it finally sees a film based on this title!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 19 Jun 2009 | 10:59 am
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