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Chitrangada Singh endorses Frito-Lay's new snackAfter Kareena Kapoor and Juhi Chawla, Frito-Lay India has roped in critically acclaimed Bollywood actress Chitrangada Singh as the brand ambassador of its new snack - Aliva.Source: Entertainment News | 7 Aug 2009 | 9:51 am Kaminey gets an A certificate, Vishal upset
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 7 Aug 2009 | 7:38 am Malayalam film veteran Murali passes away
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 7 Aug 2009 | 7:37 am The Marilyn affair - Curtis tells all
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 7 Aug 2009 | 7:22 am Kareena says No to Gurinder Chadha again
All the talk of an international career is just talk for Kareena. As far as she is concerned, she has no intentions of going international. Not even for Gurinder Chadha.
Apparently, Aishwarya Rai who did Gurinder's Bride & Prejudice and her husband Paul Berges's The Mistress Of Spices, won't work with her...not after Chadha apparently went around blaming Ash for the failure of her husband's film.
Gurinder has also shown keen interest in working with Rani Mukherjee. And of course Kareena who is not impressed. For the second time she has said no to the Bend It Like Beckham director.
Says a source, "Three years ago Gurinder wanted Kareena for Bride & Prejudice. Kareena naturally presumed it was the lead. She was shocked to know the director actually wanted her for Aishwarya's youngest sister's part which finally went to Piya Rai Chowdhary. Kareena was shocked. She had turned down the author-backed central role in Deepa Mehta's Water. And here she was being offered the fourth lead. She vowed never to work with her again."
Now when the new Gurinder Chadha film was offered to Kareena, she quickly said no without hesitation.
Kareena admits this is the second time she has turned down Gurinder Chadha. "Who offers a role is not important. What is being offered is important. I'm really not that enthused by the idea of going international unless it's something really big. I don't even know if Gurinder's offer was with Johnny Depp. I was just not interested."
Interestingly, all the 3 topnotch NRI filmmakers have had problems getting an Indian cast. Deepa Mehta's Water went through several casting changes. Mira Nair originally wanted Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee for The Namesake. But Rani didn't want to play Abhishek's mother. And Gurinder is looking for an Indian heroine.
Kareena, for all practical purposes, is not interested in an international career. Neither are Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan. They've all said no to lucrative international offers.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 7 Aug 2009 | 7:20 am '80s teen flick director John Hughes dies in NYC
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 7 Aug 2009 | 7:17 am Cancer-stricken Swayze continues to smoke
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 7 Aug 2009 | 7:08 am Hilton's love worth US$ 325,000
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 7 Aug 2009 | 6:53 am Hayek wears beard for new movie
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 7 Aug 2009 | 6:42 am SRK, Kajol to spin magic again
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 7 Aug 2009 | 6:25 am Film on Cauvery issue runs into trouble
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 7 Aug 2009 | 5:46 am Mere Desh Ki Dharti lyricist passes awayNoted film lyricist Gulshan Bawra, who penned memorable songs like Yaari hai imaan mera, Agar tum na hote, Kasme Vaade Nibhayenge Hum, died today following a heart attack. He was 72.Source: Hindustan Times News Feeds 'Cinema' | 7 Aug 2009 | 5:35 am Sienna Miller wants toned legs
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 7 Aug 2009 | 5:24 am Subhash K. Jha speaks about Teree Sang
This is Raj Kapoor's Bobby with furtive sex and a baby thrown in for good measure. Otherwise the boy-meets-girl formula never seemed more homage-bound. Soft to the touch, but underpinned by a strong message on sex and the single parent, Teree Sang is a sweet and likable spin on premature parenthood.
The prim and proper Rajat Kapoor and Neena Gupta playing the debutante Sheena Shahabadi's stiff-upper-lipped parents could well be the painfully-young Rishi Kapoor's parents Pran and Sonia Sahni in Bobby with their socials airs and graces borrowed from a tacky soap on Page 3 mores.
Sahni had dropped her pallu to show her disdain for motherhood. Neena Gupta doesn't seem sure of what to drop.
Gupta's daughter Mahi's upper-class upbringing doesn't stop her from befriending the simple boy from Old Delhi. They meet, chat, flirt and ...well go all the way. And we don't mean that in any geopolitical sense, though Kaushik's film does travel that extra distance both emotionally and geographically.
Ruslaan Mumtaz last (and first) seen in Mera Pehla Pehla Pyar is endearing and sincere as the boy next-door who kind of forgets that making love quite frequently means making a baby.
The whole episode where the callow don't-know-any-better couple discovers that they are thrust with unwanted parenthood is awkward and self-conscious, kind of in-sync with the young protagonist's personalities. They don't know any better. Providentially, the film does.
Once they take off into the scenic hills to play Mummy-Dadddy far away from prying eyes, the film assumes the quaint colours of a Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak with the couple's disarming innocence adding a lemony luster of harmony to the otherwise-predictable Romeo-meets-Juliet-in-the-maternity-ward tale of juvenile slipups and slip-ins.
Satish Kaushik's direction is straight-and-sincere most of the way. The couple is given a non-judgmental treatment till the end when 'judge' Anupam Kher shows up with his verdict on teen pregnancy. Though the narration makes a bold statement on premature hormonal exuberance it doesn't quite acquire the poignant heartwarming intimacy and humour of Jason Reitman's Juno. Nor does young Sheena Sahabadi have Juno's contagious premature wisdom. The girl looks clueless about the birds and the bees and the wanna-bes.
The best interludes in the film feature Ruslaan's plebian parents played with spirited earthiness by Satish Kaushik and Sushmita Mukherjee . Their life in the crusty dusty Old Delhi lanes is authentically recreated. In contrast the female protagonist's world is awkward and cheaply stylized.
Juliet never had is so crude.
What ironically saves the day is the lack of chemistry between the lead pair. Painfully young and awkward Ruslaan Mumtaz and Sheena epitomize the premature householders grappling with house bills and pregnancy tests at a time when they should be at best worried about which party to attend next.
Kaushik gives the pair a fair chance to have their say. He isn't endorsing teenage pregnancy. But if it happens you don't need to run into the nearest abortion clinic.
Own up and be a man. That's the message. Take it or leave it.
Ruslaan has a ball playing the boy-man looking seriously for bespectacled maturity. Jainendra Jain's sermonistic Prem Rog past surfaces in bits and spurts when the homilies get prominent. Earlier Jain addressed remarriage. Here he addresses condoms without mentioning them. On the whole Teree Sang is not quite the film to watch and discard. It does make you think about sex and the city. And how the thrill goes out of the window when parenthood calls.
Baby, you ain't seen nothin' yet.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 7 Aug 2009 | 4:48 am "Such huge response for Love Aaj Kal was unexpected" - Imtiaz Ali
Imtiaz Ali has done it. And this time he has done it in a big way. In fact in its initial 3 day run at theaters in India, Love Aaj Kal netted Rs. 28 crores. Now this is a terrific figure by all means since Imtiaz's last film Jab We Met had made this kind of money in it's entire lifetime run. Surprised? But well, that's true. While comparisons with Jab We Met (which is now being called as a cult film) are being made ever since the release of Love Aaj Kal, the fact is that the film has
firmly established Imtiaz in the top league of directors that has members like Anees Bazmee, Priyadarshan, David Dhawan, Mani Ratnam, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ram Gopal Varma who are star film makers in their own right.
As the film manages to hold on well in theaters even on the dreaded Monday, Imtiaz Ali on his way to Chandan cinema (Mumbai) catches up with Joginder Tuteja to get a sneak peek at how the film is being received in single screen theaters.
Imtiaz, there are reports that the film is not as strong at single screens as multiplexes. True?
If you look at collections then yes, they are primarily coming from multiplexes. But that was always the intent and due to this reason we have screened Love Aaj Kal at 20+ shows in multiplexes while at single screens, the release has been only at select theaters. In that aspect, you would see comparatively lesser money coming from
single screens. That doesn't mean though that Love Aaj Kal is not being accepted by audiences at single screens. Since Friday I have been making rounds of Chandan cinema and other single screen facilities in Mumbai. The film is drawing houseful crowds there ever since it's release.
Really?
True. In fact I was talking to the guys who sell tickets in black outside these theaters. They have bought tickets for the night shows of the entire week since they are positive that there would be crowds thronging in. That's the confidence they have in the film and I am happy about it since I firmly believe that their future is connected to mine.
It was risky though to unleash such huge number of prints in the market.
Yes, it was always risky. In fact we had endless conversations between Eros and Dinu (co-producer Dinesh Vijan) to ask multiplexes to reduce the number of shows. But then exhibitors had a point of view that when audiences were standing there even at odd hours to watch the film, why should they be sent back? They ultimately convinced us that it was fine to go with a larger number of shows. So in a way, it was a calculated risk that we took.
Exhibitors had a point of view that when audiences were standing there even at odd hours to watch the film, why should
they be sent back?
Tell me honestly, have you been able to breathe easy ever since the Friday release of the film?
More than breathing easy, I am baffled with the way public has become today towards movies. They can smell a good or a bad film from a distance. When you bring your film in the market, it is being treated like a product and everything becomes like a public property. A film today is becoming like a personality of it's own. In this regard, Love Aaj Kal too is a personality which is now living it's own destiny. The good part is that it has become such a strong personality by itself that it is scary!
With the kind of huge release that Love Aaj Kal has received, you would have been expecting it to open so well, isn't it?
Honestly, I did expect a huge opening but such huge response is unexpected. The numbers are mind boggling to say the least and I am now getting more and more positive that the trend would remain the same over the entire week. Yes, I know that some people instinctively liked the film and felt a deep connection. Also there were some who
didn't like it. And then there is the third kind that saw Love Aaj Kal for the second time and then started liking it.
Maybe it took them a second viewing to get out of Jab We Met hangover.
(Laughs) Whatever we may think or claim, comparison with Jab We Met is obvious. There have been people who came to me and said that because of Jab We Met behind me, they were a little disappointed with Love Aaj Kal. They were perhaps expecting another Jab We Met but then the point was not to make
another Jab We Met. I am really glad that Love Aaj Kal touches unusual areas. There is a connection building up for audiences in case of Love Aaj Kal as well; I can feel that. Acceptance of the film has reaffirmed my faith in the fact that audiences have moved on and have accepted something new. That's heart-warming.
In a way it has also helped the industry which desperately wanted a universal money spinner, isn't it?
Of course as a director I feel good but more than that, as a member of the film industry, I feel that this is one movie that more or less satisfied and thrilled the audience.
When you see such response from audiences, you feel ki chalo achcha hai, apna future set hai industry
mein!
Can you please elaborate?
See, I firmly believe that people don't have to watch films to survive. After all whether it is Love Aaj Kal or any other film for that matter, it can never become a necessity in their lives. If they watch a film and get disappointed week after week, there would be a time in their life when they would eventually move on to other methods of entertainment. In case of Love Aaj Kal, it is refreshing that the film has reinstated in the mind of audiences that 'ye piucture toh dekhni hi chahiye'! When you see such response from audiences, you feel ki chalo achcha hai, apna future set hai industry mein!
But with such money and expectations behind the film, weren't you ever apprehensive about going so different in Love Aaj Kal?
I could have gone by popular sentiments and made another Jab We Met. In fact the appeal would have been instant as well but then I would have questioned myself if I have moved ahead in my career? Have I contributed to the creative growth of the industry? Have I not regressed? I was willing to take that risk rather than choosing to
safeguard myself and hide myself behind my past glory.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 7 Aug 2009 | 4:46 am Malayalam film veteran Murali passes awayNational best actor award winner and veteran Malayalam actor Murali died at a private hospital here on Thursday night.Source: Entertainment News | 7 Aug 2009 | 4:40 am Finally, MJ to be buried!Michael Jackson is all set to be buried at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park cemetery in Los Angeles' Hollywood Hills, more than six weeks after he passed away. Members of the Jackson family have made this decision.Source: Hindustan Times News Feeds 'Cinema' | 7 Aug 2009 | 4:28 am Love making scene in Teree Sang was re-shot twice
Satish Kaushik's film on teen pregnancy Teree Sang featuring Ruslaan Mumtaz and debutante Sheena Shahabadi as teenagers, who become parents after having unprotected sex, was stalled for a number of reasons.
One among the many reasons is the crucial love-making scene where the girl gets pregnant. When the director saw the decisive sequence he felt it lacked the impact it should. Says Satish, "The girl Sheena was inexperienced in that sequence and it showed. We needed to scrap and re-shoot the scene."
However, a second stab at realism in the love-making yielded no productive results. Kaushik had to shoot the sequence a third time... "This time we finally got it right," says leading man Ruslaan. "In fact it's all due to the girl. She went all-out to make sure the love scene looks convincing. We added a kiss this time which wasn't there originally to make it look convincing. And the whole series of incidents leading up to girl's seduction and pregnancy looks very convincing now. In fact a little too convincing."
Ruslaan feels the censor board might have a problem with the scene. "I hope it doesn't get snipped because, Satishji, Sheena and me worked really hard on it. Sheena was very brave. When we couldn't get the love making scene right two times, she had this do-or-die attitude the third time. We made the scene as authentic as we could. Now when I look at it, I wonder how I and Sheena will sit with our parents and watch the Teree Sang at the premiere."
Teree Sang is Bollywood's first film about teenage pregnancy. Says Kaushik, "A lot of people who've seen Teree Sang feel it looks like we're endorsing teenage pregnancy. But we are not. We're actually saying teenagers should be more careful if they choose to have sex. It's stupid to turn coy about matters of sex and pretend our children don't know about the birds and bees when in fact today's kids are very much into physical relationships. We need to educate them about how to prevent pregnancy and we must legalize abortions."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 7 Aug 2009 | 4:04 am My name is unimportant – SRK - IndiaGlitz
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 7 Aug 2009 | 3:59 am John Abraham surprises Bipasha - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 7 Aug 2009 | 3:57 am Only mediocre people play safe: Anupam KherActor Anupam Kher could have opted for a conventional subject and a known star cast for the first film of his new production house.Source: Entertainment News | 7 Aug 2009 | 3:39 am Katrina, sisters live it up in Spain with one 'handsome guy'British-born actress Katrina Kaif had a whale of time in exotic Marbella city in Andalusia, Spain along with her sisters. The six Kaif sisters let their hair down with their only brother Michael being the lone man in tow.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Aug 2009 | 3:33 am Imtiaz Ali: No one has offered me 10 crore yet - GlamSham
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 7 Aug 2009 | 3:04 am Review: Teree Sang is no Juno - Rediff
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 7 Aug 2009 | 3:03 am Agyaat: Watch it to believe it! - Rediff
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 7 Aug 2009 | 3:03 am I'm an attention seeker: Ram Gopal VarmaHe is always in the middle of controversies, but instead of killing them, Ram Gopal Varma says he is at peace when people call him an "attention seeker".Source: Entertainment News | 7 Aug 2009 | 2:59 am Imtiaz Ali has connection with black marketImtiaz Ali's next film would be for the production house Shree Ashtavinayak (who lately ran out of Luck).Says Imtiaz, "I was supposed to make a film with Ashtavinayak featuring Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. Though it was a story written bySource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 7 Aug 2009 | 2:57 am Azhagiya Tamizha Magan to be remade in TeluguA successful Tamil film Azhagiya Tamizha Magan in which Vijay played the hero is going to be remade in Telugu by Lakshmi Venkateswara Productions. Producers Addala Venkatrao and S Jameela say, “Vijay, Shreya Saran and Namitha played the lead roles inSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 7 Aug 2009 | 2:51 am SnippetsAugust 06, 2009Is filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj not happy with the final outcome of the much-talked-about film Kaminey? Nobody knows the real intention but the news is doing the rounds that Vishal has changed the climax of the film. It is saidSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 7 Aug 2009 | 2:49 am Durga edging towards the finishing lineOver 60 per cent shooting of Durga directed by Ramanarayana and produced under the banner of Sri Tenandal Films with Rajiv Kanakala, Sangeetha in the lead roles is complete. It is worth mentioning here that Ramanarayana had directed several successful TeluguSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 7 Aug 2009 | 2:48 am Pravarakyudu, a mature romantic comedyDirector Madhan will now shoot the second schedule of his film Pravarakyudu in South Africa from the 15th of August. The film will star Jagapathi Babu and Priyamani in the lead roles. It is produced by Ganesh Kandukuri under the bannerSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 7 Aug 2009 | 2:47 am Love making scene in Teree Sang re-shot twiceSatish Kaushik's film on teen pregnancy Teree Sang featuring Ruslaan Mumtaz and debutante Sheena Shahabadi as teenagers, who become parents after having unprotected sex, was stalled for a number of reasons.One among the many reasons is the crucial love-making scene whereSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 7 Aug 2009 | 2:45 am Shahid-Priyanka check out Kareena's boyfriendShahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra made sure that the rumourmongers have a field day by watching Love Aaj Kal together. They couldn't make out whether they were watching the film to check out Kareena Kapoor's boyfriend Saif Ali Khan in theSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 7 Aug 2009 | 2:43 am Warhol's Jackson goes on display - BBC News
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 7 Aug 2009 | 2:39 am Genelia refuses to party with Fardeen, Tusshar - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 7 Aug 2009 | 2:30 am Bollywood ka emotional attyachaar!Maa…mein aa gaya… Screams the young boy; tearing the crowd gathered in-front of his house, only to find his mommy dead. Nahiii! The famous words said by the hero, drown in the loud crash of the medicine bottle and wails ofSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 7 Aug 2009 | 2:28 am Raghavendra Rajkumar escapes car accidentLate Dr. Rajkumar's son Raghavendra Rajkumar has miraculously escaped a car accident at Unagal near Bagepalli in Chikkaballapur district this morning (Friday, August 07) at 10.30 am. The actor was on his way to attend a mass wedding (marriage), when aSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 7 Aug 2009 | 2:23 am "Such huge response for LAK was unexpected" - Imtiaz AliImtiaz Ali has done it. And this time he has done it in a big way. In fact in its initial 3 day run at theaters in India, Love Aaj Kal netted Rs. 28 crores. Now this is a terrific figureSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 7 Aug 2009 | 2:22 am Kaminey gets A certificate while Ghajini escaped - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 7 Aug 2009 | 2:21 am 'Vannathupoochi' noble concept gone awryFilm: 'Vannathupoochi'; Cast: Siddharth, Madhavi Sharma, Sri Lakshmi, Bala Singh; Producer and Director: Rasi Azhagappan; Music Director: Rahan; Rating: **Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 7 Aug 2009 | 2:00 am Sunny Deol to sue Big 92.7 FM for 'cheap' mimicryUpset at the continuous spoofing of his and his father Dharmendra's dialogue delivery by a popular FM radio, Bollywood star Sunny Deol on Thursday said he would sue the channel for its "below the belt" mimicry and has sought damages of Rs.Source: Entertainment News | 7 Aug 2009 | 1:51 am Lyricist Gulshan Bawra dies at 72 - Rediff
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 7 Aug 2009 | 1:32 am Murali: An actor par excellence - Rediff
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 6 Aug 2009 | 11:03 pm Only mediocre people play safe: Anupam KherActor Anupam Kher could have opted for a conventional subject and a known star cast for the first film of his new production house. But he chose to make 'Teree Sang', a film on teen pregnancy starring newcomers, as he didn't wish to play safe.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Aug 2009 | 9:30 pm I'm an attention seeker: Ram Gopal VarmaHe is always in the middle of controversies, but instead of killing them, Ram Gopal Varma says he is at peace when people call him an 'attention seeker'. True to his style, the publicity stunt for his latest film 'Agyaat' saw around 15 dummies of dead bodies suspended from the movie's posters.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Aug 2009 | 8:30 pm 'Teree Sang' likable spin on premature parenthoodFilm: 'Teree Sang'; Cast: Ruslaan Mumtaz, Sheena Shahabadi; Director: Satish Kaushik; Rating: ***Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Aug 2009 | 8:00 pm Malayalam film veteran Murali passes awayNational best actor award winner and veteran Malayalam actor Murali died at a private hospital here Thursday night. He was 55.Source: Hindustan Times News Feeds 'Cinema' | 6 Aug 2009 | 6:27 pm I think we did a good job of creating hype: RamuFilmmaker Ram Gopal Varma is pleasantly surprised that his Agyaat is being released on more screens than any of his earlier films despite not boasting of big stars. The horror thriller opens on 740 screens in Hindi and 220 in Telugu.Source: Hindustan Times News Feeds 'Cinema' | 6 Aug 2009 | 12:45 pm Film on Cauvery issue runs into trouble with censor boardA Tamil film Thambivudaiyan, which deals with the Cauvery water dispute has run into trouble with the censor board, which has placed a ban on the release of the film.Source: Hindustan Times News Feeds 'Cinema' | 6 Aug 2009 | 12:44 pm What makes Kamal Haasan happy?Tamil thespian Kamal Haasan has said he is delighted that the southern film industry is finally accepting new technology by welcoming the digital format.Source: Hindustan Times News Feeds 'Cinema' | 6 Aug 2009 | 12:39 pm Fox Star to distribute 'My Name is Khan'MUMBAI (Reuters) - Fox Star Studios said on Thursday it had signed a deal to finance and distribute "My Name is Khan", a Bollywood film starring Shah Rukh Khan.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 6 Aug 2009 | 11:28 am Malayalam film veteran Murali passes awayNational best actor award winner and veteran Malayalam actor Murali died at a private hospital here Thursday night. He was 55.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Aug 2009 | 11:00 am Angry Sunny to sue radio station for 'cheap' mimicryUpset at the continuous spoofing of his and his father Dharmendra's dialogue delivery by a popular FM radio, Bollywood star Sunny Deol Thursday said he would sue the channel for its 'below the belt' mimicry and has sought damages of Rs.200 crore.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Aug 2009 | 11:00 am Fox Star Studios signs deal with Dharma Productions and Red Chillies Entertainment
Some time back we had carried an article citing speculation about Fox Star Studios acquiring the rights to the under production film My Name Is Khan. The film, produced by Dharma Productions and Red Chillies Entertainment, is being directed by Karan Johar and stars long time comrade and friend Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in the lead.
Now the speculation can be put to rest as Fox Star Studios has signed a deal with Dharma Productions and Red Chillies Entertainment to finance and distribute My Name Is Khan. Fox Star Studios will market and distribute the film in India, while Fox Searchlight Pictures (which was responsible for the marketing of the film Slumdog Millionaire) will manage the American release. Twentieth Century Fox will meanwhile co-ordinate the release outside the US and India.
This partnership between Fox Star Studios and the makers of My Name Is Khan, comes after the successful acquisition and release of Fox Star Studios' recent film Slumdog Millionaire in India.
Speaking on this collaboration Jim Gianopulos, Chairman and C.E.O of Fox Filmed Entertainment said, ''We are extremely proud of the collaboration, My Name Is Khan is a powerful, emotional journey that will cross borders and cultures to enthrall audiences worldwide.''
Vijay Singh, CEO Fox Star Studios India, responsible for spearheading the entire deal said, ''Karan and Shah Rukh have been the most successful combination in Bollywood and we are delighted to be working together on My Name Is Khan.''
My Name Is Khan tells a heartwarming story of a Muslim man from India (played by SRK) living in San Francisco and how he embarks on a remarkable journey across the United States inspiring people and inviting debate, creating an accidental revolution.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Aug 2009 | 10:10 am Fox STAR Studios to distribute SRK's 'My Name Is Khan'Actor-producer Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Karan Johar have inked one of Bollywood's biggest deals with a Hollywood studio.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Aug 2009 | 9:23 am Varma's 'Agyaat' to open with 960 printsFilmmaker Ram Gopal Varma is pleasantly surprised that his 'Agyaat' is being released on more screens than any of his earlier films despite not boasting of big stars. The horror thriller opens on 740 screens in Hindi and 220 in Telugu.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Aug 2009 | 9:01 am Timberlake set to revive movie career with The Open RoadPop star Justin Timberlake is hoping to revive his acting career by starring in The Open Road.Source: Hindustan Times News Feeds 'Cinema' | 6 Aug 2009 | 8:56 am Prachi Desai has no problems with hot scenesPrachi Desai who teams up with Tusshar Kapoor in Life Partner says she had to shoot some intimate scenes in the film. While she insists she wasn't uncomfortable, the actress admits she was definitely a bit shy.Source: Hindustan Times News Feeds 'Cinema' | 6 Aug 2009 | 8:47 am Live Chat: Tusshar Kapoor on August 7 at 1700 hrs IST
He is someone who started out by playing the shy lover boy in Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai. Shortly after that, he was seen as the conscientious cop in Khakee and even became invisible in Gayab. However it was the Golmaal series of films that proved to be the turning point in Tusshar Kapoor's career.
Tusshar is now excited about his forthcoming film Life Partner. Bollywood Hungama gives you a chance to get up, close and personal with Tusshar Kapoor only on Celeb Chat on Friday, August 7, at 1700 hrs IST.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Aug 2009 | 8:46 am Mundhra hell-bent on making Sonia Gandhi biopicBritain-based Indian filmmaker Jagmohan Mundhra is determined to go ahead with his pet project , a biopic on Congress president Sonia Gandhi. He says he wouldn't even mind if the Indian government decides to ban the film later, but make the film he will.Source: Hindustan Times News Feeds 'Cinema' | 6 Aug 2009 | 8:44 am Bollywood heroes clown their way into people's heartSigning on full-time comedians for films is passe -- new age cinema now has mainstream actors like Akshay Kumar, Shreyas Talpade, Arshad Warsi and Riteish Deshmukh take on the funny man's mantle apart from doing the hero's job of dancing, romancing the heroine and doing stunts.Source: Hindustan Times News Feeds 'Cinema' | 6 Aug 2009 | 8:38 am Happy that southern films accepting digital format: Kamal HaasanTamil thespian Kamal Haasan has said he is delighted that the southern film industry is finally accepting new technology by welcoming the digital format.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Aug 2009 | 8:03 am Film on Cauvery issue runs into trouble with censor boardA Tamil film 'Thambivudaiyan', which deals with the Cauvery water dispute has run into trouble with the censor board, which has placed a ban on the release of the film.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 6 Aug 2009 | 8:00 am Trisha stays away from Gopichand's b'day bashTrisha is presently doing a Telugu film "Shankam" opposite Gopichand.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Aug 2009 | 5:37 am Rajnikanth to release audio of Shankar's 'Eeram'Tamil film superstar Rajnikanth will release the audio of "Eeram", produced by Shankar's 'S' Pictures and directed by newcomer Arivazagan.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Aug 2009 | 5:34 am "I had to convince the audience that I was going through all the pain and trouble" - Sheena ...
Sheena Shahabadi, the latest entrant to the tinsel world, is making a rather unconventional beginning in Bollywood. In her debut flick Teree Sang, she plays a 15 year old girl who gets pregnant by her 17 year old boyfriend (played by Ruslaan Mumtaz). This Satish Kaushik directed film comes with a message around teen pregnancy and has one of its major promotional pegs being sex education. As the film gets ready for release this Friday, Sheena talks to Joginder Tuteja about her love for movies, how she always had her mother (Sadhana Singh) standing behind her like a rock and whether she is open to all the criticism once the film hits the screens.
Since your mother has been an actress herself while your father has been a known producer for Bhojpuri films, movies would have come naturally to you, right?
I won't deny that. When I was just a 5 year old kid, I had made up my mind that I wanted to be an actress. In fact I started grooming myself when I was just 16 years old. Of course initially my parents were surprised that I was really serious about this profession but it didn't take them much time to understand my passion for doing films. My mother supported me whole heartedly though my dad gave an okay-dokay reaction (laughs). He was like 'Theek hai, kar lo, jaisa tumhe theek lage'. Thankfully there was no real resistance per se from any one and I joined an acting course as well to understand the nuances of acting.
Thankfully there was no real resistance per se from anyone for my acting
So what did you learn from your acting classes?
In addition to the entire learning, I also discovered myself. I went on to realize that 'obsession' is a plus point in my acting. I can portray the emotion of obsession and romance quite well. I remember during one of the scenes that we were enacting during our acting classes, my Sir just asked me to stop during my act and immediately called my mom. I was so nervous since he didn't say a word to me. When my mom came over, he just asked me to re-enact the entire scene. I did it all over again while being pretty confused that why he was asking me to do that. Once I was through, my Sir just declared that I was ready to face the camera for a film and asked my mom if he was right in his assessment. That single scene that I did was like a live show reel for my mom and her face said it all. It was one approval that I would cherish for the rest of my life.
Was there any run time grooming that happened for you during the shooting of the film?
Yes, my mother used to be there for all the support. If I wasn't doing any of my scenes right then she would guide me on how I could better them. Even if I did something really good, she won't go gaga over me and exclaim that it was fantastic, superb or something. She would quietly say that I did it well and I should now concentrate on my next scene. I was happy with all the criticism and appreciation coming my way. It's fine if the person in front of me is honest and blunt.
Though at time criticism does rattle an individual, isn't it?
[Says after a pause] Well, yes when you know that it is unfair or has been conveyed in a poor taste. For example I remember this instance when I put on slight weight during the shooting of Teree Sang. I don't want to take any names but there was this individual who commented on my weight and it wasn't a pleasant conversation. Initially it did hit me badly but then my mom advised me that I should instead take this as a challenge. She told me that 'chalo, ab aisa usne kaha hai to patla hoke dikhayo'! I worked on myself and soon I was back in my best shape!
I don't want to take any names but there was this individual who commented on my weight
Playing a pregnant girl in your very first film is not a joke. Did it come easy to you?
If you ask me about the character that I play then frankly I didn't have to really work much. This girl is bubbly and constantly laughing. Now that's me so there were no worries there. In any case I play a girl of today. In fact every girl can identify with my character. We also went through script reading sessions and had acting workshops as well. In fact my mom always tells me that actors belonging to today's generation are so lucky because in their time, there was no concept of acting workshops etc. Yes, talking about the pregnancy bit, it was indeed quite tough because I haven't quite gone through that emotion or the physical state.
So from where did you get help?
I asked my mom a lot of questions on. I also took help from Neena Gupta who plays my mom in the film. Over and above that, I purposely kept myself tense and exhausted in real life as well for all the portions in the film where I had to play a pregnant girl. After all I had to convince the audience that I was going through all the pain and trouble.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 6 Aug 2009 | 5:26 am "I will not do a bad action film to change my image" - Tusshar Kapoor
He is someone who can very rightly be 'credited' for injecting Bollywood with the fool-proof virus called 'Numerology'. We are indeed talking about Tusshar Kapoor, the illustrious son of the eternal 'Jumping Jack' Jeetendra and brother of the TV Czarina Ekta Kapoor. Even though Tusshar did not have a dream run at the B-O's windows, critics find it really tough to pull him down, thanks to his sincerity which comes across in all his performances.
After having enthralled the audiences with his 'muted laugh-a-thon' act in the smash hit Golmaal Returns, Tusshar is back with yet another cracker of a film called Life Partner, in which he is paired opposite Bolly land's latest 'blue eyed girl' Prachi Desai. If the promos of Life Partner are anything to go by, then, Tusshar is surely sitting on a goldmine with this film.
Bollywood Hungama caught up with this man for an exclusive interview, whereby he talks about his Life Partner and much more. Read on and find out.
Tusshar, to start with, what's the film Life Partner all about?
It's a fun, light hearted take on friendship, marriage and relationships in general. It's about the ups and downs any common man faces due to the marriage. It's an out and out comedy and is not a serious film, which everybody in the audience will identify with. We all get into a relationship sometimes or the other, be it an arranged marriage or a love marriage or even live in relationships too! There are at least ten scenes in every aspect of the film which the audience will surely connect with, as it's a film for all age groups. All of us are sincerely hoping that it should hit the right cord (smiles).
Life Partner is a film which everybody in the audience will easily identify with.
What was it about the film that made you sign it?
The narration of the film itself was damn entertaining. I got to do a family drama that I have signed after such a long time. It's a film that has got a universal appeal. It's got the wholesome feel.
How was your experience playing a married man for the first time on the silver screen?
I just tried to understand Bhavesh (my character in the film) and what he would go through the different phases of his life. Since I am not married, I had to use all my imagination to experience all the phases of various emotions that comes into his personality as the character experiences things like marriage, joint family and their take on marriage. I totally relied on my imagination and creativity to understand and 'live' the character of Bhavesh's life! This character was as similar as any other character that one gets to see in daily life, nothing larger than life. It's just that the situation that Bhavesh faces is different and new, which meant that it was more challenging for me as an actor.
Wearing and removing the moustache was slightly irritating at times
Not just that, were you comfortable sporting the moustache? Was it a part of your character since its inception? Or was it included because you were supposed to look old?
It was always a part of the character. Even though the director had conceived it since start, we all zeroed down in confidence that Bhavesh should have a moustache to make it look more authentic Gujarati. I am not wearing the moustache throughout the film. I have to confess that wearing the moustache and removing it was slightly irritating at times. I start wearing the moustache, only post marriage. Overall, I had fun doing this role.
In Life Partner, we have shown how psychology plays an important role in any kind of relationship.
In other words, can one say that Life Partner is a matured take on marriage and relationships?
I do not know if it's matured or not, but I can surely say that it's for real. In that sense, it's very matured. What we have shown is what exactly happens in practically every family, which includes rules and regulations, expectations from your life partner. We have also shown how psychology plays an important role in any kind of relationship.
Was playing the character of a Gujjubhai tough? Did you undergo any training for the character?
It was not tough at all. Bhavesh has been shown as a Gujarati, more in terms of the way he looks. And since Gujaratis do not have any specific kind of mannerisms, the mannerisms sported by Bhavesh are his own. It's only the dialect of Bhavesh which included a few words here and there were intentionally made in tune with the Gujaratis. Even the clothes that Bhavesh wears were the typical 'NRI corporate Gujju'. But what I really had to work on was the behavioral pattern of Bhavesh and his reactions to the issues that he faces due to the situations and circumstances around him.
And as far as doing my homework for playing the Gujju Bhavesh is concerned, my director used to chip in with his suggestions. I have traveled all over and I know how NRIs are culturally bred! So, it was not really that tough for me to play Bhavesh.
Even the clothes that I wore in Life Partner were the typical 'NRI corporate Gujju' types!
Life Partner is about 3 guys having 3 different approaches towards the institution of marriage. Of the three, which character's approach do you endorse in real life?
I totally endorse Karan's (Fardeen) approach, which is love marriage, and may even endorse live-in relationship like Jeet (Govinda). But, in real-life, I will never go in for an arranged marriage, very much unlike my character in the film.
I will never go in for an arranged marriage
Is it only in the film that you believe in the saying 'Marriages are made in heaven and arranged on earth'? Or do you agree the same even in real life?
In real life, I do not think that marriages are made in heaven. What I feel is that, in this world, what we do for ourselves is what we get in return. We just cannot attribute our success or failure to heaven or hell (laughs).
I do not think that marriages are made in heaven
What's your take on one-night-stands and live in relationships?
I would classify one night stands as 'To each his own'; as long as one is clear about the other person not being taken for a ride. And as far as live in relationships are concerned, one needs to understand and weigh the amount of commitments towards each other. Live in relationships just does not mean merely living with each other. It also means to perform certain duties which are expected of you. In other words, live in relationships, to me is an open commitment and communication towards and with each other.
In one of your earlier interviews, you had said that Life Partner is a romantic, musical and social entertainer. What's the social message that you are giving out through this film?
The social message that we are planning to give out is that 'Marriage is not a destination, it's a journey'. It's not about arranged marriage, love marriage or even relationships. Instead, it's about how well you live upto the expectations of your partner in all the three above-mentioned aspects. In short, the film is about taking a stand in life in any kind of relationship.
All that we want to tell the audience that 'Marriage is not a destination, it's a journey'
In the film, you get sandwiched between your parents and your wife, not knowing whose side you should take. How will you tackle the same situation in real life?
I think that there are certain compromises that both my parents and wife should have to make. Both sides should be kept happy and satisfied all the time, keeping the respect fact or intact. It's important to draw the lines between both the sides. Still if things don't work, then, I will have to move out. If the matter is beyond control even after me moving out, then I will head in for a divorce which I believe is a far stretched thing to even think about. I am smart and capable enough of handling such situations.
How was Prachi as a co-star? Was it easy to work with Prachi as she also happens to be your sister's 'blue-eyed girl'?
I think it was a little tough as we know each other only professionally. Even though she is my sister's 'blue-eyed girl', we have never met each other on a personal level. I got introduced to her just once or twice before we met on the sets.
Even when we did the honeymoon scene, she was little afraid. I totally understand her side as she is pretty young. I. sometimes wish that we had known each other quite before. I should have asked my sister (Ekta) to have got us introduced so that we could have known each other well. But mark my words, Prachi has done a brilliant job in the film.
You are working with the powerhouse of comedy Govinda and Bollywood's style icon Fardeen Khan for the first time. How was the experience?
While Govindaji is an energetic and fun person who keeps on coming up with his brilliant wisecracks and jokes which keeps the whole unit charged all the time, Fardeen is a little reserved and he keeps to himself most of the times. But he is a cheerful person to the core. If he has the mood, then, he will just be up there! Even though he does not have a shoot, he will still drop in to the sets and will stay back till the wee hours of the morning. He has got no issues in socializing and mingling with the crew. The fact remains that I just do not get along the so-called 'filmy' types. And Govindaji and Fardeen are just not that. They are so very casual, cheerful, and won't throw any starry tantrums even when they are or they are not shooting, and I respect both of them for this. They are very frank and are totally unpretentious.
What is the difference in Govinda's role as a lawyer in Ekta Kapoor's Kyonki Main Jhoot Nahi Bolta and now Life Partner?
Except for the fact that he plays a lawyer in both the films, his character is way off than each other. You have to see the film to know what I am talking about. All that I can say is that he is one of a kind of a character in the film, who stands out in every frame.
Do you feel that you have evolved as an actor since your Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai till Life Partner?
It's kind of tough for me to answer this question. All that I can say is that, in terms of opening up, my comfort level with the camera has been improved tremendously over the years.
My comfort level with the camera has been improved tremendously
How has Life Partner evolved in terms of music?
In terms of the music, I like its overall genre. After a long time in Bollywood, there is a honeymoon song called 'Teri meri zindagi', which has two couples dancing and singing, something that the silver screen has been missing since a long time. Besides this, there's a comedy song in the film, and a Gujarati song called 'Goonje angna mein shehnaai', which again are very cool songs. As far as my personal favourite is concerned, it's indeed the honey moon song 'Teri meri zindagi'.
Any memorable moments during the shoot of the film?
It indeed has to be the 20th of November, when my birthday was celebrated in Cape Town on the sets. Even though, I am not the birthday party types, but this time round, I simply let my hair down! It was not just an unforgettable incident, but also an unforgettable day of my life.
I am not the birthday party types, but this time, I simply let my hair down!
Hailing from one of the most premier Bollywood families, your real life is anything but a 'Bollywoodian', in terms of your love life and affairs. How have you managed to sail your way though the industry without being linked with any of the heroines?
I just follow one mantra in life, which is to 'keep my private life private'. If you look at the superstars of yesteryears, they too have done the same. Even my Dad has also been very careful about his personal life coming in print. What I have learnt is that after a certain time in the industry, it's only your work which will speak for itself, which is what is happening to me. And I am quite happy about it.
Tusshar, talking of Love, we are just 5 months away from the most romantic day of the year: Valentine's Day. So, who shall be the lucky one, who will be sitting across the table with Tusshar, enjoying a cozy candlelight dinner with music complementing the mood?
I just do not believe in these days. All that I want is to get lucky in love first.
You mean to say that you are still 'unlucky'?
I haven't been 'lucky' in the last few months. As they say, I am single and ready to mingle (laughs).
I am single and ready to mingle
What are your forthcoming films?
We are ready with Run Bola Run. I am starting Sagar Bellary's film Double Jhol by Smita Thackeray in September. After that, it's Golmaal 3 which stars in February next year.
Lastly, after Golmaal Returns, now it's Life Partner, your second back-to-back comedy. Aren't you fearing of being typecast?
I am already getting typecast in the comic genre. But I will not do a bad action film to change my image. I have refused lots of action oriented film in the recent past; because of bad scripts etc...Life Partner will be different from Golmaal Returns as it's not a slapstick comedy.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 6 Aug 2009 | 5:21 am Emraan refuses to speak on the flat issue
Emraan Hashmi is not allowed to speak any more. But his SMS to his uncle and mentor Mahesh Bhatt says it all.
''My grandmother wants to take me to an astrologer to help me arm myself for the painful future that may lie ahead of me. According to her this is the end of me.''
Chilling, omnipotent and indicative of the threat that the young actor has created for himself and his family by openly speaking on the issue of religious profiling, Emraan is now letting his lawyer do all the talking.
On Tuesday Emraan's Pali Hill residence looked like a fortress with approximately 8-10 police vehicles parked below his building. The threats, apparently, are relentless.
The actor himself seemed petrified of speaking. ''If you want to talk to me on the flat issue I can't. My lawyer Majid Memon has advised that I let him comment on the issue from now on.''
Emraan's uncle Mahesh Bhatt couldn't be stopped from voicing his concerns over the issue. ''A politically motivated application has been made by a BJP activist. They allege that we (Emraan and Mahesh Bhatt) tried to fan communal passion. The cops are yet to register a charge against us. The security given to Emraan is precautionary. He's fine.''
When Emraan has come out with his declaration of being denied housing because of his religion, the film industry is surprisingly mum. Even those who have gone through such religious profiling have chosen to remain silent.
Mahesh Bhatt lashes out, ''It's the politics of silence. It's the fear of being attacked or criticized if they take a stand. Our industry says things which are acceptable not what is RIGHT. We need to step out of this 'I Me Myself' syndrome to live sanely.''
As for Shah Rukh Khan dodging the issue Mahesh Bhatt, ''His silence is truly eloquent. He says it all by not saying a word.''Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 6 Aug 2009 | 4:55 am Imtiaz Ali's next with Ashtavinayak
Imtiaz Ali's next film would be for the production house Shree Ashtavinayak (who lately ran out of Luck).
Says Imtiaz, "I was supposed to make a film with Ashtavinayak featuring Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. Though it was a story written by me I didn't quite like it myself. So I dropped the idea. I've no idea what I'll be making for them. But I'm committed to do film for them next. Though we haven't discussed my price or anything."
Imtiaz has also been signed by Sajid Nadiadwala to direct a film.
Nowadays Imtiaz Ali spends the maximum time with people of a rather dubious social standing. His best friends at the moment are black-market ticket-sellers at movie theatres. They're the ones who are keeping him constantly informed about the box office progression of Love Aaj Kal.
In fact they are so familiar with Imtiaz's movements they track him down wherever he is to give him an update on his film's collections.
Says Imtiaz, "These black marketers are fearless and they mean business. They won't tell me anything but the absolute truth about the ticket sales. They are the best and most reliable source of information on how my film is doing. The trade analysts have their own take, and the buzz within the industry tells me nothing about how the film is actually doing. Because everyone has his own axe to grind so I've found this method of monitoring my collections."
Imtiaz knows all the black-marketers by their names. He knows where they live and they are free to visit him any time. The entire time since his film's release Imtiaz has been hobnobbing with his friends in the black zone.
On Monday he was spotted outside Mumbai's Chandan theatre at noon, inquiring anxiously about the shows for Monday. "They told me they had bought tickets to sell in 'black' rates for Monday evening and night and they had bought out the tickets for all the shows on Raksha Bandhan so I'm happy."
Imtiaz intends to celebrate with his friends from the black zone once the film is a certifiable hit.
"I'm not going by anyone's verdict except theirs" says Imtiaz resolutely. "You can call it a bit of chor bazaari in my life."
Imtiaz is upset by the guarded critical response to Deepika Padukone's performance in Love Aaj Kal. "I think she really, really got the point. She understood the character and its aspirations and she took her on internally. The best compliment for Deeepika came from Saif. After seeing the film he said Deepika gave a better performance than him."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Aug 2009 | 4:27 am Bollywood heroes clown their way into people's heartSigning on full-time comedians for films is passe -- new age cinema now has mainstream actors like Akshay Kumar, Shreyas Talpade, Arshad Warsi and Riteish Deshmukh take on the funny man's mantle apart from doing the hero's job of dancing, romancing the heroine and doing stunts.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Aug 2009 | 3:07 am Money not driving factor for me: Imtiaz AliHis latest film "Love Aaj Kal" has sent cash registers ringing, raking in Rs.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Aug 2009 | 2:57 am
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