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Munnabhai part 3 begins next year: Arshad WarsiIt was hard not to fall in love with the nutty Circuit and his brainless antics.Source: Entertainment News | 3 Jul 2009 | 4:20 pm "I Hate Love Stories is a love story, a date flick" - Sonam Kapoor
She's just two films old at 24. Togged in a trendy black jumpsuit, she flashes her trademark mischievous grin that reaches all the way to her eyes. Sonam Kapoor epitomises today's youth. Here's the perky and perceptive actor at her chirpy best
Have you finished unwrapping your birthday (June 8) gifts yet? Which is best one of all?
The best gift was that dad flew into Mumbai from Los Angeles for four days and then we went together to Macau. His visit was supposed to be a surprise but in all her excitement, my manager Nisha just let it slip out. But that was very sweet of him. I got some 500 books and the most delicious home-baked carrot cake from Monika, my publicist.
At 24, how would you sum up your personality?
I was born and brought up in the film industry. I have seen dad go through a lot - I had the ringside view of his struggle and stardom. He was never aware of his super-stardom, work has been worship for him. That experience, together with my mom and sis Rhea, keeps me well-grounded. I certainly don't have any false sense of self importance.
I am very hard-working. I am like the pit bull - I never give up on anything. Like I get claustrophobic in lifts but I made sure I rode up and down in the elevator from the 38th floor hotel room in Macau recently with a brave face. I am scared of going underwater, so I will take to deep-sea diving.
I get claustrophobic in lifts but I rode up and down in the elevator from the 38th floor hotel room in Macau recently with a brave face.
The easiest perhaps is facing the camera? Your recent photo spreads have been scintillating.
Facing the camera for films surely comes easy to me because that is such a great escape. You are playing someone else! But I hate still camera. I overcame that apprehension working with Mr Bhansali when we had hundreds of photoshoots. I also don't look at myself in the mirror, I get self-critical and self-conscious.
We heard that you will be soon busying yourself in a workshop with your co-stars in Ayesha.
Ayesha is not a pure love story, it is about six or seven friends played by Ira Dubey, Amita , Lisa, Cyrus Sahukar, Arunoday Singh and Abhay Deol. Since the film spans over 63 days, we all have to really be friends before the film goes on floors. So if we have to work together for nearly four months we should have mutual trust too. Now that Abhay is back from New York, we can hold the workshops.
How is it working for the first time with a lady director, Rajshri Ojha?
Oh, we keep discussing back stories for every character in Ayesha. I can be annoying with all my questions to the director. I used to badger Mr Bhansali and Mr Mehra too. So Rajshri is no exception - at times she asks me when I will stop asking questions! (laughs) As for women directors , I think they make films most beautifully. I am a big Mira Nair fan because she uses space with her actors so effectively.
What's Ayesha like? Do you identify with her?
Ayesha is the Indianised version of Jane Austen's character, as you know already. Ayesha is a motherless girl who has taken care of the family. She wants to be in control - she likes everything to be perfect. She's smart and perceptive. But she challenges everybody which makes her self-destructive in a way.
How and why did Abhay Deol come into the picture?
Abhay is a brilliant actor. He can be fun and he has the confidence to carry off this role. He is a very secure actor, he knows who he is. He suits the role of Knightley aka Arjun who is a very sorted-out guy and he is at ease with Ayesha as a woman of substance.
So is Ayesha anti-marriage? What's your view about the institution of matrimony?
Ayesha definitely feels that marriage is not a merger. I am a romantic, so I too feel marriages cannot be arranged, but since I also know that my parents love me so selflessly, I will be smart about bringing home someone whom I love and of whom they approve. I will have to do a balancing act.
Ayesha is not a pure love story, it is about six or seven friends played by Ira Dubey, Amita , Lisa, Cyrus Sahukar, Arunoday Singh and Abhay Deol.
You are a Jane Austen fan. What do you admire about her heroines?
All her protagonists are independent, self respecting women. They read, write and play music. They have a definite sense of self-entitlement. And I am quite a feminist, so I love her work and most of my favourite authors are women writers like Sylvia Plath.
Are you doing Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Sahibaan?
Mehra speaks to me about so many films, Sahibaan is one of them. Let us see which one of these works out. But I want to with him for sure. He is extremely realistic - a good man and a great filmmaker. I want to play characters of conflict - like the ones in his films.
You have been signed up by Dharma Productions for I Hate Love Stories opposite Imran Khan. So are you prepared to get away from the traditional mould and don a bikini if "the role demands"?
Punit Malhotra is the young, earnest director of the film. It's a young man's sweet romantic take. This will be a lovely film for Imran and me. It is a love story, a date flick. As for wearing a bikini - well I wear it in real life and I have worn angarkhas, salwar-kameez, bandana, jeans, skirts, gunjee - whatever it takes. If the character I play is on the beach - the correct gear would have to be a bikini. (squeals away naughtily).
What kind of roles are you being offered these days?
Oh absolutely anything - my sister is going through umpteen scripts offered to me. It is flattering that most of these are strong women roles.
Having been an assistant director, when will the director in you surface?
At present, I am still evolving as an actor. But the writer in me is wanting to surface. I don't know if I can be a good director because I am not so good at dealing with people. I would rather write screenplays.
Screen IndiaSource: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 3 Jul 2009 | 3:58 pm Aftab celebrates birthday with Aamna SharifAftab Shivdasani ushered in his 31st birthday with Aamna Sharif, who is rumoured to be his girlfriend, and is his co-star from the flop "Aloo Chaat".Source: Entertainment News | 3 Jul 2009 | 2:52 pm Why makers of Kambakkht Ishq thanked Pooja Batra in the opening credits
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Leggy actress Pooja Batra, who starred in films like Virasat, Haseena Maan Jayegi etc., maybe missing from the Bollywood scene after she tied the knot
with hubby Dr. Ahluwalia; however she still continues to make her presence felt in Bollywood in a rather unique way.
At the previews of Kambakkht Ishq which took place yesterday, viewers were
surprised to see Pooja's name being featured in the opening credits of the film. Considering that Pooja has been missing from the Bollywood action for a
while now, we decided to find out why she was being thanked by the makers.
Speaking to a spokesperson from Sajid Nadiadwala's office, we got the information we wanted. "Pooja was instrumental in fixing meetings with Hollywood
bigwigs such as Sylvester Stallone, Denise Richards and Brandon Routh. Pooja, as we all know, is now based in LA since a few years and when we got to know
that she is in touch with some Hollywood bigwigs, we immediately asked her if she could help us set a meeting with some of them. She was more than helpful
and coordinated a lot in getting the Hollywood stars on board. Hence, it was apt that we thank her for this sweet gesture," said the spokesperson.
Pooja was even present at the special screening of the film which took place on Wednesday night.
One thing is for sure, Pooja is well connected not just in Bollywood but even in Hollywood.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 3 Jul 2009 | 2:31 pm Casting confusion, who replaced whom in 'Run Bhola Run'?There seems to be some confusion regarding who replaced whom in Neeraj Vora's "Run Bhola Run".Source: Entertainment News | 3 Jul 2009 | 2:11 pm "I was replaced by Celina in Run Bhola Run" - Tanushree Dutta
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There seems to be some kind of a confusion regarding who replaced whom in Neeraj Vora's Run Bhola Run.
Tanushree Dutta was apparently replaced by Celina Jaitly. But Celina says she didn't replace Tanushree. "Tanushree was supposed to do the role that Ameesha
has finally done. She was cast opposite Govinda."
But Ameesha firmly refutes Celina's claim. "I haven't replaced anyone. I've been working on the film from Day 1. Celina has replaced Tanushree."
Tanushree Dutta endorses Ameesha's statement. "I was supposed to be doing the role opposite Tusshar Kapoor that Celina is now doing. I had to opt out because
the film got delayed and I had other commitments which I couldn't wriggle out. Although she isn't paired with Govinda, the character I was supposed to play
has a lot of scenes with Govinda. Celina was a natural choice because she's doing other films with Govinda and their dates were easier to synchronize than
mine and Govinda's. I'd have loved to work with Govinda. Sadly they faced a lot of hiccups in their schedules earlier. Once I opted out, the film was
completed smoothly. My bad luck."
Tanushree also regrets missing out on working with the producers Ashtavinayak. "I had done a guest appearance for them earlier in Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
Fortunately, there was no bad blood because of this Run Bhola Run incident. But like I said I was replaced by Celina. Ameesha was always in the
project."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 3 Jul 2009 | 1:29 pm "I learnt so much from Stallone, Denise Richards and Brandon Routh" - Aftab
Aftab Shivdasani, who turned 31, last Thursday, brought in his birthday with family and very close friends.
And that included the pretty Aamna Sharif, his co-star from the flop Aloo Chaat and also rumoured to be the love of Aftab's life.
Tell him she's the prettiest girlfriend he has had and Aftab doesn't demur. "Thanks. I'll tell her that," he acknowledges the lady's presence. And that's a first.
Deviating from his 'no comments' stand, Aftab admits, "Yes, she was in the little party that I had for people close to me on my birthday. Aamna is a very dear friend. Beyond that I don't want to say anything about the future of our relationship. But yes I do look forward to marriage, like everyone else. But I still have time."
Curiously Aftab Shivdasani is not a part of the publicity blitzkrieg for Kambhakkht Ishq, although he plays a pivotal part. There's no resentment about this omission. "I always wanted to work with Sajid Nadiadwala. My being part of the publicity was never part of the plan. I was just happy being part of such a big project. If the film works everyone benefits and that includes me."
Obviously, Aftab has realized being part of small solo starrers doesn't help his career in anyway. The best part of Aloo Chaat was that Aftab met Aamna and the two hit it off immediately. Their relationship has survived the flop.
Doing Kambhakkht Ishq had its perks; Aftab got to work with his idol Sylvester Stallone. "Coincidentally, I had watched the latest edition of his Rambo series just a few days before I shot with Stallone. We spent hours on the sets talking about how the last Rambo movie had to be shot in Thailand in place of Burma."
Aftab was bowled over by Stallone's discipline. "They've a guild's rule in Hollywood that actors can work only for eight hours per day. Stallone's trademark red Ferrari would drive into the studio promptly at 7 am. By 9 am he would be ready to shoot. And so would we. By 5 pm he'd be ready to leave. I learnt so much shooting with Stallone, Denise Richards and Brandon Routh. Even if I perform just a cameo it's worth it."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 3 Jul 2009 | 1:16 pm "Me and Kareena will be known as the new Mr. and Mrs. Smith" - Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar is playing a MCP in his forthcoming release Kambakkht Ishq who believes that he would never ever get hitched with just one woman for his entire life. However, his character falls in love, and how! Ending up exclaiming 'Hai Yeh Kambakkth Ishq', he goes on to proclaim that while men are from Mars, women are not from Venus, but from Heaven. Akshay Kumar chats with Joginder Tuteja on Kambakkth Ishq which releases today.
Akshay Kumar and a MCP. Now how believable is that?
Truly speaking, I don't identify with my character in Kambakkth Ishq at all. In the film, Viraj Shergill is a MCP while I am definitely not. Viraj thinks that he is someone who is God's gift to women folk; woh apne aap ko bhagwaan ki den samajhta hai. On the other hand, my saying is that if men are from Mars then women are from Heaven.
You seem to be quite fascinated by women.
Very much. In fact I personally feel that women have more guts than men. This is the reason why I agreed to host 'Fear Factor' as well. This is where all these women compete in situations that are more about guts than being physically powerful. Otherwise there are so many programs on TV for which I get offers to host them but then I agreed only for 'Fear Factor'.
Coming back to Kambakkth Ishq and the MCPs; have you come across any such men yourself?
Yes, I have. I know of so many people out there who have been born MCPs. These are the kind of men who are afraid of the word 'marriage' itself. They just don't want to commit to one woman; the kind of trait that Viraj, my character in Kambakkth Ishq, possesses. These men are afraid of 'pyaar', 'ishq' aur 'moahabbat'. My answer to them has always been that 'Bachchu, jab pyaar mein padoge tab baat karenge' (we will talk when you actually fall in love)!
And did you witness something like that happening with them?
Yes, and it has been quite funny. Such people who run away from love are most likely to get hitched in a big way. This is when they end up saying that 'Hai, is kambakkth ishq ne jaan nikal di'!
But isn't a title like Kambakkth Ishq a little negative?
How can you say that? I don't see it is as negative at all. In fact it's a very lovely expression of love because those very people who were cursing love all this while can't have enough of it once deeply in love. Chahe kitna hi bada MCP hi kyo na ho, agar ek baar pyaar mein gir gaya to bas gir gaya (Howsoever big a MCP he may be, once in love, he only falls down deeper and deeper)!
And how deep is the love between Akshay and Kareena in the film?
Well, as I would love to state, I and Kareena are like the Bollywood version of Mr. and Mrs. Smith in Kambakkht Ishq. The way they share a love hate relationship is very engaging and relatable.
Is the film based on Mr. and Mrs. Smith as well?
No ways. That film had a lot of 'goli-baari', 'maar-dhaad' etc. Here, this couple has fights just like any other male and a female who are constantly at loggerheads with each other and keep encountering each other at numerous junctures. Believe me, after Kambakkht Ishq, Akshay and Kareena will be known as the new Mr. and Mrs. Smith!
Believe me, after Kambakkht Ishq, Akshay and Kareena will be known as the new Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Talking of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, with Stallone, Brandon Routh and Denise Richards being a part of a Bollywood film, isn't it getting a little too gimmicky?
That's not the case really because these actors are a part of the film's storyline. Yes, there was some amount of gimmick, if you may say so, in Singh Is Kinng, where we roped in Snoop Dogg for a promotional track. As such he didn't have anything to do with the film's plot but he was still there. And if you look at it, then in true terms even Snoop Dogg came in because his rap number was an integral part of the film's soundtrack and had become a chartbuster by the release of the film. So it was imperative that we shoot a music video with him for the end credit roll.
Other than Hollywood, from Bollywood too we have Aftab Shivdasani as another male lead in the film. How does he fit into the scheme of things?
Yes, Aftab has his own parallel track in the film and he has performed very well. I have worked with him earlier in Awara Paagal Deewana and it was nice to reunite with him. He also plays a stuntman in the film; albeit a junior stuntman. In the film his character thinks that I hate him!Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 3 Jul 2009 | 12:55 pm Jackson ex-wife wants custody of kids
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 3 Jul 2009 | 12:52 pm DiCaprio's girlfriend poses nude in video
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 3 Jul 2009 | 12:37 pm Why is Akshay Kumar tensed?
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 3 Jul 2009 | 11:57 am Jackson shared bond with 'very dear friend Diana Ross' - CNN
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 3 Jul 2009 | 11:46 am Shiney says he was victim of conspiracy to malign his image - MSN India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 3 Jul 2009 | 11:43 am Akshay Kumar: I can't be 'lakeer ka fakeer' - GlamSham
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 3 Jul 2009 | 11:30 am MJ to be buried with the who’s who of HollywoodLondon (ANI): After spending all his life in showbiz, late King of Pop Michael Jackson would be surrounded by the biggest of Hollywood stars even after he is buried. After legal problems thrashed plans of Jacko’s burial at his beloved NeverlandSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 3 Jul 2009 | 11:24 am Cheryl Cole set to front US X FactorLondon, (ANI): The X Factor co-judge Cheryl Cole is said to have been specially chosen by music mogul Simon Cowell to front a US version of the show. Senior NBC executives are due to fly to Manchester this weekend to seeSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 3 Jul 2009 | 11:15 am Cher urging Chaz to turn down sex changeWashington (ANI): Legendary singer Cher is asking her daughter Chastity Bono not to film her sex change surgery for reality TV. Bono, now known as Chaz, announced he was gay in 1995. The 40-year-old began the lengthy gender reassignment process lastSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 3 Jul 2009 | 11:07 am Riteish to play Mithun's character in Agneepath remakeWhile the hunt by Karan Johar for playing the lead man in his Agneepath remake continues as Hrithik Roshan has reportedly declined to reprise Amitabh Bachchan’s role, the actor to play the second most important character in the film of thatSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 3 Jul 2009 | 11:02 am Kristen to do steamy bedroom scene with DakotaNew York (ANI): Actress Kristen Stewart will reportedly do a steamy bedroom scene with Dakota Fanning in the upcoming Joan Jett biopic ‘The Runaways.’ According to Life & Style, the ‘Twilight’ starlet will try her hand at some girl onSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 3 Jul 2009 | 10:57 am Kareena's presence in LOVE AAJ KAL - GlamSham
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 3 Jul 2009 | 10:56 am Britney's dad will continue as her legal guardianWashington, (ANI): 'Toxic' hitmaker Britney Spears will still have her father Jamie Spears act as her legal guardian until at least 2010. Jamie, who has been the conservator of the singer's estate since her 2008 meltdown, has obtained a 1.5 millionSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 3 Jul 2009 | 10:51 am Munnabhai - 3 begins next year: Arshad
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 3 Jul 2009 | 10:47 am Will Parvathamma attend Chennamma award ceremony?Karnataka Government has now planned to organise an award function to honour the women achievers with Kittur Rani Chennamma Award. Late Dr. Rajkumar's wife producer Parvathamma Rajkumar will also be awarded in the function, which will be held on July 8Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 3 Jul 2009 | 10:30 am A R Rahman invited to join Oscar voters
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 3 Jul 2009 | 10:27 am Are Lindsay and Samantha back?London, (ANI): Lindsay Lohan may be back with lesbian lover Samantha Ronson. The actress was snapped with DJ partying at The Ruby nightclub in L.A, the Sun reports. The 'Mean Girls' star was sporting a new blonde hairdo, while Ronson choseSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 3 Jul 2009 | 10:17 am Shruti performs live for Luck promotion - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 3 Jul 2009 | 10:04 am Shruti performs live for Luck promotionA promotional event for Soham Shah’s Luck, was held at a Mumbai five-star hotel on Wednesday with the cast and crew. Debutant actress Shruti Hassan crooned the title track Aazma Luck followed by a screening in which each of the actorsSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 3 Jul 2009 | 9:48 am Tamanna to star in Tamil KickTamanna is the hot and happening actress in Tamil cinema now. At present she is in the number one position and now she is pairing with all leading young heroes except Ajith. After two back to back super hit films, PadikkathavanSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 3 Jul 2009 | 9:38 am There is no question of getting Oscar early or late: GulzarRenowned poet-lyricist Gulzar who picked up an Oscar for the song "Jai Ho" from the multi-award winning film "Slumdog Millionaire" said on Thursday there was no question of getting "an Oscar early or late".Source: Entertainment News | 3 Jul 2009 | 9:27 am Akshay Kumar is in trouble again
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 3 Jul 2009 | 9:18 am Casting confusion - who replaced whom in 'Run Bhola Run'?There seems to be some confusion regarding who replaced whom in Neeraj Vora's 'Run Bhola Run'. Tanushree Dutta was apparently replaced by Celina Jaitley, but she denies it.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 3 Jul 2009 | 9:01 am Talk of drug use surrounds Jackson's death - CNN
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 3 Jul 2009 | 8:56 am Akshay does live stunt for 'Kambakkht..' promotionPopular for his daredevil stunts, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar jumped off a 60-foot high elevated structure in the capital on Thursday evening to promote his new film "Kambakkht Ishq" releasing today.Source: Entertainment News | 3 Jul 2009 | 8:41 am Anupam Kher to launch acting school in AhmedabadBollywood veteran Anupam Kher will launch his acting school Actor Prepares in Ahmedabad after having opened branches in Chandigarh and London.Source: Entertainment News | 3 Jul 2009 | 7:19 am Katrina Kaif doesn't feel secured - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 3 Jul 2009 | 4:44 am Tyeb: A brother and a friend... - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 3 Jul 2009 | 3:47 am 'Ekta Choudhary perfect mix of Indian beauty and international style'Miss India Universe Ekta Choudhary is nearly set to take part in the Miss Universe pageant. Fashion diva Ritu Kumar, who is designing Choudhary's outfits, says she is a perfect combination of Indian beauty and international style.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 3 Jul 2009 | 2:30 am Munnabhai part three begins next year: Arshad WarsiIt was hard not to fall in love with the nutty Circuit and his brainless antics. Now Arshad Warsi, the Bollywood actor who played the character effortlessly in the two hit Munnabhai comedy films, says part three will go on the floors in 2010.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 3 Jul 2009 | 2:30 am Lady with a phone: Devgan gifts Bipasha a BlackberryBollywood actress Bipasha Basu has got a swanky new toy - a Blackberry - gifted to her by her co-star and producer Ajay Devgan for working round the clock for his new film "All the Best".Source: Entertainment News | 2 Jul 2009 | 8:14 pm Now, await A Suitable Girl - Hindu
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 2 Jul 2009 | 7:41 pm Celebs rejoice legalising homosexuality
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 2 Jul 2009 | 6:02 pm Freida threatens Ash's status
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 2 Jul 2009 | 5:25 pm Anupam Kher to launch acting school in AhmedabadBollywood veteran Anupam Kher will launch his acting school Actor Prepares in Ahmedabad after having opened branches in Chandigarh and London.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 Jul 2009 | 5:01 pm John Abraham applauds pro-gay decision
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 2 Jul 2009 | 4:44 pm Akshay does live stunt for 'Kambakkht...' promotionPopular for his daredevil stunts, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar jumped off a 60-foot high elevated structure in the capital Thursday evening to promote his new film 'Kambakkht Ishq' releasing Friday.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 Jul 2009 | 4:00 pm MJ to be buried with Islamic rituals?
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 2 Jul 2009 | 3:29 pm There is no question of getting Oscar early or late: GulzarRenowned poet-lyricist Gulzar who picked up an Oscar for the song 'Jai Ho' from the multi-award winning film 'Slumdog Millionaire' said Thursday there was no question of getting 'an Oscar early or late'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 Jul 2009 | 3:02 pm Lady with a phone: Devgan gifts Bipasha a BlackberryBollywood actress Bipasha Basu has got a swanky new toy - a Blackberry - gifted to her by her co-star and producer Ajay Devgan for working round the clock for his new film 'All the Best'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 Jul 2009 | 2:30 pm Rock on as MTV hunts for a new bandWant to be a rock star, and looking for a break? Well, you might just get lucky, as music channel MTV has launched a new reality show that will hunt for and select a music band.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 Jul 2009 | 2:01 pm Peter Andre signs $1.6 mn record dealAustralian singer Peter Andre couldn't have had a better comeback as he has just signed $1.6 millionn (1 million pounds) record deal with an independent music label.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 Jul 2009 | 2:00 pm INTERVIEW - Eros pins hopes on new Bollywood releasesReuters - With a slate of highly-anticipated Bollywood films on the anvil, Indian movie distributor Eros International Plc expects to set the box office on fire and boost its overall revenue by 20 percent for the current financial year.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 2 Jul 2009 | 1:41 pm Indian film, fashion celebs rejoice as gayness is decriminalised'Historic!' That is how the film and fashion fraternities have hailed Thursday's Delhi High Court judgement decriminalising gay sex. Hailing India as great, they said the verdict would give more independence to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 2 Jul 2009 | 1:32 pm Court extends Shiney Ahuja's judicial custody till July 16A Mumbai court today extended till July 16 the judicial custody of rape-accused Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja.Source: Entertainment News | 2 Jul 2009 | 1:29 pm "No film actor has asked me his market price" - Subhash Ghai
A never-before recession has hit the entertainment industry. First the economic slump, then the 26/11 trauma...Bollywood has never been more crippled by adversities. And yet the potential blockbusters with stars charging the sun, moon and galaxy continue to be made. Subhash Ghai explains the economics of a crippled industry to Subhash K Jha.
An all-time recession has hit the world, and Bollywood. What is the status of the film industry's morale, and how do you feel about the present-day scenario?
Finally the time has come for a reality check in our industry too. We, the production companies surviving for thirty years were pushed back by financial tigers attacking the city of Bollywood. It was the first time when corporate companies entered without studying the nature of this creative industry and threw investors tons of money to everyone who mattered in the industry to create a perception among investors that they have bought over the industry or industry's best. They offered unimaginable prices to stars and directors without considering the economic logistics.The cost of every production went haywire. I was told that one company financed a producer with known losses on the paper just so that he could bring one star in his project. In the history of the movie business, we can see a director become successful producer... and a producer can become a distributor [Rajshri, Yash Raj, Mukta Arts]. But the reverse process could never be a success. Last year we could see financiers becoming distributors and producers. Everyone was creating paper wealth in the name of IPR. This unnatural escalation had to tumble down. But to our dismay every thing went extremely costly. My latest film Yuvraaj which could be made in Rs. 30 crores easily now cost us 50- plus... it just happened in one year... But now the storm is over...NOW everyone will get the place he deserves.
My latest film Yuvraaj which could be made in Rs. 30 crores easily now cost us 50- plus
The economics of Bollywood have hit an all-time low. Many really big films are lying unsold. What do you suggest as remedy for the industry?
Now prices have to come down back to the rates that existed in 2006. New trained professionals with a deep knowledge of this industry must be recruited in companies. Everyone should do the job he is made for or he is best for ...don't intrude into other territories - investors must be educated on the fundamentals of this movie business. We must encourage low budget high concept movies. Depend more on experienced wise men. Stars must ask for a fair share of money. We must work more on a product than marketing.
I am of the opinion that small budget movies at multiplexes must have reduced rates [50%] at theatre windows
Its felt ticket prices in the multiplexes are growing prohibitive for the common man. What do you think is the correct approach to filmmaking so that the average viewer gets his money's worth?
Multiplex theatre is a luxury place for which one pays on his own will like going to five -star hotels. Of course I am of the opinion that small budget movies at multiplexes must have reduced rates [50 %] at theatre windows. We must make audience -friendly movies... and don't cheat audience with false marketing. Many movies have done well during the first weekend but dropped on Mondays only because of the word of mouth.
No film actor has asked me his market price. They want a good role and a good film from me
Earlier during the year you made a smaller-budgeted film with only Anil Kapoor as a 'star-attraction'. Why have you gravitated to the big budget film again?
The same question was asked to me during the release of Black And White... why have you gravitated to such a small budget film... I say it was a break... there has to be a vast difference between a TV movie and a theatre motion picture.
Do you feel star prices need to be brought down with immediate effect? Do you pay your stars their full market price, or are they more accommodating because of your own awesome reputation as a movie maker?
Stars react both to market and filmmakers. Some stars are swayed by the market over a talented team...some prefer filmmakers of repute over money. In 1970, Dharmendra used to charge Rs. 8 lakhs per movie when he had accepted Rs.1 lakh for Hrishikesh Mukherjee movies. They always charge producers as per the profit margin. It's the traders who gave them a wrong picture of the movie business and lured them with huge prices only to snatch them away from genuine filmmakers. This was done to create a false market perception in share holder's mind. No film actor has asked me his market price. They want a good role and a good film from me.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 2 Jul 2009 | 12:57 pm Jackson wanted to start a clothing line: designerPop legend Michael Jackson was in the process of designing his dream collection with French fashion designer Christian Audigier at the time of his death.Source: Entertainment News | 2 Jul 2009 | 12:06 pm
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