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Hrithik Roshan offers help to paraplegicsBollywood star Hrithik Roshan was so moved after meeting people affected with paraplegia while researching for his role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Guzaarish" that he has decided to help them in whatever way he can.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Aug 2009 | 8:58 am "My man should be 'gharelu', 'sanskari' and do whatever I say" - Genelia D'Souza
She is chirpy and giggly and that's all what we've seen and read of Genelia D'Souza so far in Bollywood. People who've met her and known her say, "On the flip side, she's just sunshine. She has a lightness to her and something very liberating about her." In order to find out the truth behind all the myth surrounding the cute actress, Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent and UK's Harrow Observer columnist tries to be her perfect partner for some time and finds out how compatible the actress is in a relationship, how seriously serious D'Souza is when it comes to her marriage and how well equipped is Genelia if she was to handle both, her profession and her marriage. Whatever the prognosis, she says with a dry smile; she has "extreme fondness" for those kinds of roles and a relationship which she shares in Life Partner. Her single life is just about to get messed up in this exclusive interview.
Judging by the audiences reactions, Life Partner doesn't look like over the top forced in comedy.
Your right. It isn't over the top. It's a situational comedy. Life Partner is for those who are all in a relationship.
It ain't preachy too, is it?
No it's not. In my case, my role to be precise, I am in love with Karan played by Fardeen Khan. We have a fairly long courting period. Neither a love marriage nor an arranged marriage can solve the problems taking place in a relationship. A good married life is all what you need at the end of the day. Now that's not preachy, that's common sense.
Are you a good singer off camera? And was it a deliberate move by the play back to sing the 'Kuke' song in a way that sounds not worth hearing?
Firstly, I am not a good singer off camera and on camera. Well, the 'Kuke' song is a chartbuster song. So even if it's sung deliberately in a bad way, it has worked for us. Not that it was sung like that. But there is certain connect to my role and the way I sing it which has appealed to all. My role of Sanjana is the most untalented character in the world. She is filthy rich, pampered and spoilt. She wakes up in the morning thinking of her profession as a hobby and that's where things fall flat on her face.
I am not a good singer off camera and on camera
You must've got friends who are married. Any bit of info you tried to dig out from them on their respective relationships which could've helped you for the film?
Yes, I've got friends who are married but I didn't find the need to go and explore their personal relationships out. What I see in Sanjana is very much what I see in an outsider today. Sanjana is a brat like most of today's girls are in real life.
Sanjana is a brat like most of today's girls are in real life
That's quite a statement I should say.
Well not really a statement but a fact. Today's women are confident. They can manage themselves. They can get up and change the world. Most guys would agree with that and get married. There is always this chauvinist characteristic about the guys which come out. I am a chauvinist too and why not.
How safe and secure should one's marriage life be in today's time?
There is no guarantee for life, forget marriage. I think that marriages are made in heaven and I feel people do get married because they feel complete with their respective partner.
Would you then go for an arranged marriage or a love marriage?
I'd certainly go for a love marriage.
Did Fardeen share his love marriage stories with you?
Fardeen says that before he got married to Natasha, they were adventurous, they spent a lot of time together with friends and there were loads of fun moments between the two. This made his relationship strong and even stronger when they got married.
What would you look in your ideal man before marriage?
I would definitely want someone who is an outburst. He should be 'gharelu', 'sanskari' and do whatever I say. My wish should be his command. I like men who listen to their women and not order them and take them for granted just because they are in a relationship. They have to be courteous and respectful.
My man should be 'gharelu', 'sanskari' and do whatever I say
You think by playing a chirpy, cheerful brat in both your films (Jaane Tu and Life Partner), some part of your talent may be left undiscovered?
I don't think so. I am not in a hurry to grow up too. There is a time and place for everything. I'm sure there will be more substantial roles coming my way. I don't think you can take away talent from anyone. What is also to be noted is the fact that two bubbly and chirpy girls I've played in Jaane Tu and Life Partner aren't the same. They have different characteristics. There will be a day when another side of Genelia D'Souza will soon be discovered.
You didn't get along well with Govinda?
(Laughs) That was deliberate right? He is a blast. We've grown up watching his films since school and college days. I have looked up to him but sadly looking down upon him in Life Partner because I constantly fight with him. It was tough playing that part because I can't hate a person whom I like and admire so much, whether it's films or not. Sanjana hates Govinda but Genelia loves him.
Would you be able to balance your professional and personal life after you're married?
I don't think it is difficult at all to manage ones professional and personal life after you find your life partner. It's possible and it should be because marriage isn't the end of everything. It's a new beginning in itself.
Sanjana hates Govinda but Genelia loves him.
Anything you'd like to mention about the director duo turned producers?
I don't know why Abbas Mustan wanted to produce Life Partner but I'm sure they loved the subject. They as producers were outstanding. Though they are directors and can give their inputs in every scene they want, they tried not to. They came on the sets to be a part of the unit and not to be a part of the director.
As an actor, what precisely do you look out for when you see your co-stars filming a scene?
Everything. The timing, where the camera is coming from, how is the co-actor's body language, how many takes does he or she give, the way they express their emotions and laughter, etc. As an actor, I am always aware of what's happening around me and on the sets and I like being that way.
Sum up marriage in a word
Life PartnerSource: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 19 Aug 2009 | 8:01 am "In Sikandar I'm depicting that militancy is on wane in Kashmir" - Piyush Jha
Piyush Jha has come home. Ten years ago he made a spoofy film Chalo America about the compulsive and rampant NRI-ship among young Indians. Now Jha is totally on home turf with a film about a burning Indian issue. Sikandar takes us into the heartland of Kashmir militancy and was shot completely on location to the sound of booming guns and screaming bullets. That a filmmaker of Sudhir Mishra's strong political leanings had enough faith in Piyush to let him do a film on Kashmir says it all. Piyush Jha talks to Subhash K Jha.
Sikandar takes you to the 'forbidden' land of Kashmir. How was the experience of shooting in the volatile valley?
My experience of shooting in Kashmir was really most pleasurable. I enjoyed Kashmir thoroughly. What I'm depicting in the film based on my research, is that militancy is on the wane in Kashmir. This was borne out by the fact that I had a smooth shoot in the valley. Nowadays, militancy is limited to the border areas and perhaps today the truth is that Kashmir, is in most parts- safe, and yes it is still one of the most beautiful places on the face of the earth. You will see this beauty in my film. Sikandar is a post-card to Kashmir which contrasts the visual beauty with the cruelty of the goings on of the last 20 years.
What I'm depicting in the film based on my research, is that militancy is on the wane in Kashmir
Shooting with kids is never easy. You were shooting with Parzaan Dastur and Ayesha Kapoor who once were kids in popular roles and are now gawky teenagers. Was that a hard thing to deal with?
In fact the reason that I cast Parzaan and Ayesha was that I found that they had not only the required skill set of being comfortable in front of the camera, but also had a long enough hiatus to bring a freshness into their performance. They are gawky in a way, but that was what I needed for the roles, so I used their gawkiness to maximum advantage for building their on-screen characters. Although both of them are young, they have a maturity way beyond their years and their ability to respond to a director's instructions is that of seasoned professionals.
Many units including Rahul Dholakia's Lamha has faced huge amounts of trouble shooting in Kashmir. What about you?
My own experience was that of a smooth shoot, without any disturbances or glitches. The local people were very supportive to our efforts. Perhaps, we were able to relate to them well. Our local production managers and assistants were drawn from the pool of people who were very professional in their approach, and we had a dream run while the shoot lasted.
What was your tryst with terrorism like? Do you think film units can ever go back to the days of Kashmir Ki Kali and Junglee in the Valley?
Wherever we went, we were shown locations and told that this location was used in this film/ that location was in so and so song etc. For instance we shot in the beautiful 'Betaab Valley' near Pahalgam, so named because the film Betaab was shot there. In another place I was shown the temple used in the song 'Jai Jai Shiv Shankar' from the film Aap ki Kasam. The Kashmiri people are very proud that so many films were shot in the valley, and sad that for the past so many years, film crews have not visited them. They are looking forward to film crews going back. People on the streets would shout to us as we walked by "Send more film people back. Tell them that we miss them"
Kashmiri people are looking forward to film crews going back
There have been films on terrorism in Kashmir from Mani Ratnam's Roja and Dil Se to Shoojit Sircar's Yahan. What is your take on them?
So, what goes through our minds when see hear the word "Kashmir"? Nine times out of ten, it will invoke images of AK-47 wielding young terrorists. We will shudder if any of our friends suggest going for a holiday to Kashmir. We will dismiss Kashmir as a "problem": someone else's problem. I want to show that the average Kashmiri has absolutely the same aspirations as the average person from Bihar, Andhra Pradesh or Maharashtra, that is, upward mobility. The average Kashmiri kid wants to be a Doctor-Lawyer-Engineer and/or Shah Rukh- Sachin- Bhaichung. He wants the latest Mp3 players, 24 hrs Hi-Speed broadband, and wants to take part in Reality Shows. In other words, the average young person is not oiling his AK-47 for the next strike, but is waiting for the rest of the country to accept him into the national mainstream.
In the recession- hit scenario do you think audiences are open to the idea of watching films about the grim political reality?
In fact, Sikandar is not a "grim-political-message oriented" film. Sikandar is an exciting suspense-thriller. Although I have explained the political reality of Kashmir in my answers to you above, I have kept the politics of Kashmir in the background in the film. In the foreground, is a universal human story about a protagonist caught in a web of intrigue from which he tries to extricate himself and while doing so, gets further and further embroiled. I myself get bored with 'heavy political dosage' films. I, like most people, go to watch movies that thrill or excite me and give me a cinematic experience and therefore I think, like me, the audience at large likes to watch engaging screen stories, whatever be the circumstances around them.
You earlier made a film called King Of Bollywood which got a severely limited release. Do you think films by directors from outside the film industry have it easier than those who are born into film families?
I think film directors have a tough time making the films they truly want to make, whether the directors are from film families or not. The demands of the market are so strong that we are forced to bend towards a certain kind of filmmaking format that will appeal to the universe. However, in recent times we are seeing that this audience universe has got very choosy about the kind of films it likes to see. I think with the recent success of films which broke new ground, things are really looking up for all kinds of filmmaking talent that's looking to find their individual expression.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 19 Aug 2009 | 7:49 am Shahid, Genelia's next is Chance Pe Dance
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Aug 2009 | 7:30 am "Dharam-ji has made a career out of Kaminey" - Priyanka Chopra
When it comes to Bollywood releases, time and again one hears a declaration from the makers that 'audiences should leave their brains behind before stepping
into auditorium'. However, Priyanka Chopra makes an exception and insists that her latest release Kaminey respects the intelligence of the audiences
and wants them to bring their brains to the theaters. Talking to Joginder Tuteja, she admits that Kaminey stays true to the title with quite a few
'kamina' characters in the film. She also talks about Guy Ritchie world of film making in the narrative of kaminey and also the various twists and
turns that the movie takes.
First things first. Weren't you flabbergasted when Vishal Bhardwaj came to you with a film that had a title like Kaminey?
[Laughs] Frankly, I thought that he was joking. However, soon I realized that he was indeed very serious. Only he could have dared to come out with something
like this. I guess he is the biggest 'kamina' amongst us all and that shows in his work.
I guess Vishal is the biggest 'kamina' amongst us all and that shows in his work.
Apparently, Gulzar approved the title as well.
Yes, him giving his nod to the title was some reassurance as well. Vishal is a big fan of Gulzar saab and when he said that he was fine with the film's title
as Kaminey, there were no doubts whatsoever.
Since Kaminey is a plural world, would it be right to assume that it's not just Shahid Kapoor but even you who turns out to be a 'kameena' in the
film?
Actually every character in the film is a 'kamina' except for one.
Can you reveal who is this person? Or is a suspense element?
No, it's not really a suspense element but why don't you check it out for yourself?
This year we have seen 'kaala bandar' and 'kaala naag' as a metaphor of sorts in films like Delhi 6 and Videsh - Heaven on Earth. Does the
term Kaminey too substitute as a metaphor by any means?
No, not at all. There is no metaphor business here. The word is used straight and simple as 'kaminey' in the true sense that we use it. It stays honest to
its meaning. The film is an action caper with comedy and stays on to be a fun ride. (Laughs) In fact during the first half of the film, you would wonder what
the film is all about and where is it heading. It is only later that the entire drama starts unfolding and there is some resolution to the entire guessing
game that audiences had indulged themselves in.
There have been questions raised around the film's title though.
I don't really see Kaminey as abusive-abusive in the true sense. We make statements like 'kitna kameena aadmi hai yeh' or 'kitni kameeni
harkat kari hai isne' in our daily language. And come on, what are we really talking about. After all Dharam-ji has made a career out of this word!
(Smiles)
One look at the promos of the film and you are led to believe that Kaminey is following a Guy Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino brand of filmmaking.
How much of that is true?
Well yes, Kaminey does enter a similar space as that of Guy Ritchie or Quentin Tarantino. The film is first of its kind experience at least in Indian
cinema. Kaminey has an altogether new and different approach to story telling and at least I don't remember any such film being made before.
Director Ahmed Khan did try to do a Snatch with Fool N Final though with not-so-positive results.
I haven't seen the film so can't really comment on that. As far as I know, Kaminey is the first time when we have gone all out with a narrative like
this.
So are we looking at a linear narrative for the film? Or we would be witnessing quite a few layers to Kaminey?
It's a film about two brothers and what happens to them in the course of a day. There are lot of layers and lot of sub tracks in Kaminey. Yes, all of
it does tie up all in the end. While you are playing the guessing game, you can't predict that what's going to happen next. The film is like Ram and Shyam on
speed. You know, the old school kind of stories where there is an 'achcha bhai' and a 'bura bhai'! Kudos to Vishal since only he could have thought something
like this. There are so many characters in the film and he has made them all so real.
It's a film about two brothers and what happens to them in the course of a day
Does that make Kaminey a complex affair?
Not complex but then it doesn't facilitate spoon feeding for sure. It's high time that we stop thinking that audiences ko kuch samajh nahi aayega jab tak
saari baatein clearly nahi batayenge! Let's move away from this mentality because we are the same people who love such cinema from Hollywood that allows
audiences to use their brains judiciously. Then why don't we apply the same thought when it comes to Bollywood flicks too? Why do we under estimate the
intelligence of our audiences?Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 19 Aug 2009 | 7:14 am Amaan, Ayaan unsure of debut film, return to sarodAmaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, who were set to make their acting debut with director J.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Aug 2009 | 6:47 am Wright files for divorce from Penn
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Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Aug 2009 | 5:33 am Shahid Kapoor's next with Genelia D'Souza titled Chance Pe Dance?
Ken Ghosh's Shahid Kapoor starrer is getting in news each day. Earlier it was Jiah Khan's replacement with Genelia D'Souza. Now it is the change in title of the film for the third time. The title change started from Star to Yahoo and now the film is apparently been renamed as Chance Pe Dance.
It is learnt that director Ken Ghosh wasn't happy with the earlier titles. Being a dance-based movie, the director finds this title apt and has finalized for the same.
Ken Ghosh says, "We haven't locked any final title as yet. And nor was Yahoo or Star as the film's title. We are still deciding for the same." Has Chance Pe Dance title been finalized? He says, "Not as yet, we will be finalizing it by end of this week."
However, a source from UTV maintains, "The promos and poster have been locked on the title of Chance Pe Dance."
The film stars Shahid as the dancing sensation in the film. It is all about a middle class youngster who goes on to become a music sensation. The problem arises when he experiences a misfortune and gets into dejection. Ultimately, he recovers and hits the track yet again. Justin Timberlake's choreographer Marty Kedulka and Britney Spears' choreographer Brian Friedman have trained Shahid for the film.
The movie is due to release in November.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 19 Aug 2009 | 5:23 am Lohan's lips get a makeover?
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Aug 2009 | 5:20 am Govinda changed lyrics of Amrita's song in Life Partner?
During the last couple of years, there have been countless stories around Govinda and his superstitions that have made the rounds. Whether it is shooting with a hen or getting the dialogues changed at the last minute, there have been quite a few interesting anecdotes that have made headlines. Now add one more to the list.
Believe it or not but this time around, what got the axe were the lyrics of 'Poorza Poorza', an item number picturised on Amrita Rao for Govinda's Life Partner. The lyricist who had to bear the brunt? Kumaar, who has in the past has written for quite a few films coming from the house of Bhatts and is trying to establish himself in the industry.
Informs a source attached to Life Partner, "Govinda was unhappy with some of the words in 'Poorza Poorza' which he believed came with a negative connotation. The original lyrics go as 'Mare Hum, Jab Seene Se Dil Gaya, Hai Poorza Poorza Hil Gaya; Jab Poorza Poorza Hil Gaya, To Dum Sa Nikal Gaya'. He had problems with 'Mare Hum', 'Seene Se Dil Gaya' & 'Dum Sa Nikal Gaya'. He felt that this was clear indication of death and wanted to avoid them as a part of the song by all means."
It was a Code Red situation for the entire team of Life Partner, including composer Pritam, and the song had to be changed pronto. Though the song in the CD still appears as per the original recording, the lyrics that find a place in the final print of the film that has just released over the weekend gone by read as:
'To Humdum, Dil Se Dil Jab Mil Gaya, Hai Poorza Poorza Hil Gaya; Jab Poorza Poorza Hil Gaya, Tan Man Sa Machal Gaya."
Naturally, words like 'Humdum', 'Dil Se Dil Jab Mil Gaya' and 'Tan Man Sa Machal Gaya' were far more 'romance friendly' and less 'life threatening' for Govinda.
On contacting, lyricist Kumaar was reluctant to talk about the matter. He said, "Yes, this indeed happened. Beyond that, I don't wish to comment any further."
'Poorza Poorza' is sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and Kunal Ganjawala and would be seen it's revised version making it to the next lot of music CDs that would be hitting the stands.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 19 Aug 2009 | 4:45 am Raaj The Showman poses threat to MagadheeraAmidst the mixed response from the media, Puneet Rajkumar-Priyanka Kothari starrer Raaj - The Showman has been successful up to a certain extent in posing a tough competition for Telugu movie Magadheera. Earlier, director Vijayalakshmi Singh's Male Barali Manju Irali gotSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Aug 2009 | 3:59 am Katrina has been faking her origin! - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 19 Aug 2009 | 3:46 am What's the point in Priyanka being Priyanka? - GlamSham
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 19 Aug 2009 | 3:44 am Samuthirakani says no to Ram Gopal VarmaPossibly, director Samuthirakani should have changed his plans after watching Ram Gopal Varma Ke Aag. Recently, sources had revealed that filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma had planned to acquire remake rights of his Nadodigal in Hindi. Although, close friends of SamuthirakaniSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Aug 2009 | 3:44 am Wake Up Sid's first promo impressiveThe promotions of Wake Up Sid have begun and anyone and everyone who has watched the first promo as well as the ad campaign in newspapers can't help but talk of the fresh and innovative content and promotion. "It's not merelySource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Aug 2009 | 3:39 am Indra Kumar to take up Dhamaal 2Since the time Indra Kumar turned director with Dil, he has directed all his films himself. The only exception is, of course, his next release Daddy Cool, which is helmed by K. Murali Mohan Rao. "Murali has directed several enjoyable entertainersSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Aug 2009 | 3:37 am Love Aaj Kal remake rights for Rs.4 croresProducers Saif Ali Khan and Dinesh Vijan are already smiling from ear to ear. The fantastic response to Love Aaj Kal has given them the boost to go all out for their next film. The latest is, the makers have beenSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Aug 2009 | 3:34 am Katrina, Shahid get Rajiv Gandhi National AwardsWhen they began their career with Ishq Vishk and Boom respectively, even Shahid Kapoor and Katrina Kaif wouldn't have thought that a few years down the line, they would be winning a National Award for Best Acting. Well, this has actuallySource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Aug 2009 | 3:32 am Ranbir teaming up with Imtiaz, hints Rishi KapoorIf things move as per plan, Ranbir Kapoor may soon find himself working with ace filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, indicates the young actor's father Rishi Kapoor.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Aug 2009 | 3:23 am Mussanje Gelathi irks moral policeActor-cum-director BP Srinivas-Shalini starrer movie Mussanje Gelathi is all to set to release on August 28. It has been reported earlier that BP Srinivas and Shalini, who are father and daughter, are playing the lovers in the movie. Now, this hasSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Aug 2009 | 3:03 am It's time for 'Sona ka Swayamvar' - Oneindia
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Source: Entertainment - Google News | 19 Aug 2009 | 3:02 am Hrithik Roshan offers help to paraplegicsBollywood star Hrithik Roshan was so moved after meeting people affected with paraplegia while researching for his role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Guzaarish' that he has decided to help them in whatever way he can.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 19 Aug 2009 | 3:01 am Vijay tonsures his head for DevruDuniya fame Vijay is appearing in a totally different get up in his forthcoming movie Devru. Vijay has tonsured his head for the movie Devru, which has been directed by Sadhu Kokila. The movie has recently completed its shooting. Even afterSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Aug 2009 | 2:52 am SnippetsAugust 17, 2009Bollywood biggest Cold War needs just small sparks for new flares. Both Shahrukh and Salman miss no chance of taking a dig at each other. Just when the entire Bollywood stayed shocked to Shahrukh Khan's detention at the NewarkSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Aug 2009 | 2:50 am Karthi, the next to use Rajini's titleParuthiveeran Karthi is now going to play lead role in a film titled Naan Mahan Alla. Produced by his home production company, this is title is owned by K Balachander's Kavithalaya. 'Naan Mahan Alla' is the famous title of Rajini starrerSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Aug 2009 | 2:42 am Selva back with Dhanush - Galatta.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 19 Aug 2009 | 2:13 am My deal with Fox Studios is historic: Karan JoharFilmmaker Karan Johar dismisses reports that his deal with Fox Star Studios for his forthcoming Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol-starrer is worth $20 million.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Aug 2009 | 2:01 am Mallika Sherawat makes Hollywood history! - Rediff
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 19 Aug 2009 | 1:51 am Priyadarshan to remake Tamil hit 'Anjathey' in HindiFilmmaker Priyadarshan is so impressed with Tamil director Mysskin's 'Anjathey' that he wants him to remake it in Hindi under his banner Four Frames Entertainment.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 19 Aug 2009 | 1:30 am Vivek Oberoi avoids old flame Aishwarya - Oneindia
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Source: Entertainment - Google News | 18 Aug 2009 | 11:20 pm Globalisation taking purity out of ghazals: top Pakistani singerTina Sani, one of Pakistan's most popular classical and semi-classical ghazal exponents, feels that globalisation, the widespread culture of pop and rock music and the end of royal patronage are taking their toll on the popularity of ghazal in south Asia.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Aug 2009 | 10:31 pm Amaan, Ayaan unsure of debut film, return to sarodAmaan and Ayaan Ali Khan, who were set to make their acting debut with director J.P. Dutta's untitled film, were barred from making public appearances till its release. But now the Bangash brothers have returned to giving sarod recitals as their movie has been put on hold.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Aug 2009 | 10:30 pm Ranbir teaming up with Imtiaz, hints Rishi KapoorIf things move as per plan, Ranbir Kapoor may soon find himself working with ace filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, indicates the young actor's father Rishi Kapoor.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Aug 2009 | 9:30 pm My deal with Fox Studios is historic: Karan JoharFilmmaker Karan Johar dismisses reports that his deal with Fox Star Studios for his forthcoming Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol-starrer is worth $20 million. He says the deal is not about the money but an attempt to expand the reach of Hindi-language cinema with 'My Name Is Khan'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Aug 2009 | 8:30 pm Priyanka happy after scoring hat-trick with 'Kaminey'Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra is on cloud nine after scoring a hat-trick with her latest release "Kaminey".Source: Entertainment News | 18 Aug 2009 | 3:11 pm Quick Gun Murugan to make World's longest Dosa
One film that is generating a lot of curiosity these days is Quick Gun Murugan. The film, which stars South Indian superstar Rajendra Prasad in the lead role as a funny South Indian sambar loving cowboy, has managed to garner quite some attention courtesy its hilarious promos and innovative marketing strategy.
Keeping in sync with the theme of the film, the makers have now come up with an off-beat way to promote the film. Rajendra Prasad (Quick Gun Murugan) is all set to break the Guinness World Record by making the longest Dosa in the world. 16 cooks will help him make the world's longest Dosa and he is planning to break the record in about 40 mins. This special act would be done tomorrow at the Sankalp restaurant in Ahmedabad which currently holds the world record of the longest Dosa (30 feet).
Says, Vivek Krishnani of Fox Star Studios, "Since the film promotes the importance of vegetarian food, we thought it would be a good idea to make our protagonist (played by Rajendra Prasad) promote vegetarianism by making this popular South Indian dish."
The film takes a hilarious look at the clash between veg and non-veg food lovers as the protagonist Quick Gun Murugun fights for vegetarian food while the villain advocates non-vegetarian dishes.
As Quick Gun Murugan releases across cinema halls on August 28th, one will have to wait and watch if the audience finds this film masaledaar.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 18 Aug 2009 | 11:37 am Mallika Sherawat receives Honorary Citizenship by City of LA
One can always trust Madame Mallika Sherawat to do something that's worthy enough of being national headlines. Right from the time she entered Bollywood, till date, anything and everything she does becomes iconic statements!
This time round, she added yet another feather in her already overloaded cap by being the first Bollywood star to be bestowed with an Honorary Citizenship and Official Resolution by the City of Los Angeles. Mallika Sherawat received the prestigious honor in front of members of the entertainment industry, friends, family and fans during a ceremony at Los Angeles City Hall on the eve of the Indian Independence Day.
In the City Hall Council Chambers, Councilmember Jose Huizar presented Mallika with the said honour. Mallika accepted the Resolution, which was signed by the Mayor and all City Council members, before giving an inspiring speech to numerous rounds of applause throughout the hall. In her profound speech of thanksgiving and acceptance, an emotional Mallika said that she is deeply, and humbly, grateful for this grand honor, in addition to thanking the Councilmember Huizar, Mayor Villaragosa, Mayor Riordan, and all the City Council. Said the actress, "As the first Indian Bollywood actor to receive this Recognition, I proudly accept it in honor of my home country, mother India, and my beloved Bollywood, the world's largest film industry." She concluded the heartfelt speech saying "I am deeply touched, and eternally thankful for this acknowledgment. Jai Ho, Los Angeles!"
Way to go, Mallika. India and Bollywood are equally proud of you!Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 18 Aug 2009 | 11:20 am Anand Jon is victim of US racism, says sisterSanjana Jon, sister of jailed Indian-American fashion designer Anand Jon, Tuesday pleaded the government to extradite her brother for a fair trial because 'being an Indian in the US, I know we won't get justice'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Aug 2009 | 10:32 am I'm law abiding, but US airport experience embarrassing: SRKHe is a law abiding citizen, believes in the saying "jaisa desh waisa vesh" (When in Rome, do as the Romans do) and strictly follows the rules of the country he is visiting, but Shah Rukh Khan today said that his experience at the Newark airport's immigration counter in the US was "embarrassing".Source: Entertainment News | 18 Aug 2009 | 9:13 am Anil Ambani, Spielberg secure $825 mn for DreamWorksThe Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani group has sealed its $825-million deal with Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks Studios with investment banker JP Morgan syndicating $325 million debt, the two groups announced late on Monday.Source: Entertainment News | 18 Aug 2009 | 9:04 am Shah Rukh Khan says does not want apologyMUMBAI (Reuters) - Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, at the centre of a row over his detention and questioning at a U.S. airport, said on Tuesday he wasn't looking for any apology.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 18 Aug 2009 | 8:59 am 'Kaminey' mints earns Rs.300 mn over weekendDirector Vishal Bharadwaj's dark thriller "Kaminey" has turned out to be a goldmine, earning about Rs.Source: Entertainment News | 18 Aug 2009 | 8:17 am Priyanka happy after scoring hat-trick with 'Kaminey'Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra is on cloud nine after scoring a hat-trick with her latest release 'Kaminey'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Aug 2009 | 8:02 am SRK's interrogation in US was a waste of time: Farah KhanWell-known choreographer-director Farah Khan feels the authorities at the Newark airport in the US wasted precious time interrogating Bollywood super star and her close friend Shah Rukh Khan, so much so that 'three-four terrorists must have entered the US within that time'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Aug 2009 | 8:02 am Tom Alter to anchor radio show for visually challengedActor Tom Alter is all set to host a radio show about issues related to the visually challenged.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 18 Aug 2009 | 7:01 am Shahid Kapoor, Katrina Kaif to receive Rajiv Gandhi National Award
When they began their career with Ishq Vishk and Boom respectively, even Shahid Kapoor and Katrina Kaif wouldn't have thought that a few years down they line, they would be winning a National Award for Best Acting. Well, this has actually turned out to be true as both the actors are the chosen ones for 12th Rajiv Gandhi National Awards. The event would be taking place at National Centre for Performing Arts, Mumbai, on 19th August'09.
Rajiv Gandhi Awards were initiated in 1995 in an endeavor to keep alive the vision of ex-Prime Minister Mr. Rajiv Gandhi. The event honours the achievers who are a part of India current progress. Since 12 years this platform brings together various fraternities. Other winners this year are Avika Gor (Child Prodigy), Vineet Jain (Industrialist), Ramesh Chandra Agarwal (Journalism), Sam Pitroda (Global Indian), Dr. Narendra Jadhav (Educationist), Dr. G Madhavan Nair (Super Achiever), Krushnaa Patil (Women Achiever), Rajashree Birla (Social Field) and Rohit Kochhar (Young Entrepreneur).
These renowned personalities will be honoured in a grand manner amidst lot of performances & entertainment extravaganza on the eve of Shri Rajiv Gandhi' birth anniversary. The award ceremony will be graced by dignitaries like Kamalnath, Vilasrao Deshmukh, Ashok Chavan, Murli Deora, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ajay Maken, Rajiv Shukla, Priya Dutt, Milind Deora, Eknath Gaikwad, Sanjay Nirupam, Mohd. Azharuddin, Subodh Kant Sahay, Gurudas Kamat, Manikrao Thackray.
Rajiv Gandhi Awards has always had many Bollywood biggies as the performers in the past, including Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Navin Prabhakar, Rakhi Sawant, Vivek Oberoi, Sukhwinder Singh, Koena Mitra, Tanushree Dutta, Aftab Shivdasani, Sunidhi Chauhan, Isha Shravani, Sivamani, Tisca Chopra, Sajid Khan, Anupam Kher, Parizad Kolha, and more.
This year also, many celebrities namely Hrithik Roshan, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chowdhary, Esha Deol, Hussain Kuwajerwala, Priyanka Chopra, Raju Shrivastav, Vishal-Shekhar are to perform in this event.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 18 Aug 2009 | 4:40 am India is cool in Brazil thanks to hot 'novela'RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - The pink-walled palaces, shimmering saris and Bollywood dances all scream India. So why are the actors speaking Portuguese and kissing passionately?Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 18 Aug 2009 | 3:40 am Karan Johar talks about his deal with Fox for My Name Is Khan
Karan Johar talks about his deal with Fox for his next directorial venture, My Name Is Khan.
You've apparently inked a deal with 20th Century Fox for an astronomical never-heard-of amount of money?
Let me tell you the amount mentioned is nowhere near being a realistic amount. The deal among Star Fox studios, my company and Red Chillies is an internal matter and can't be discussed in public. What makes this deal so historic is not the money involved but the attempt to cross the diasporas with a Hindi -language film My Name Is Khan. We'll reach out in places where Hindi-language films have not gone before.
What makes this deal so historic is not the money involved but the attempt to cross the diasporas with a Hindi -language film
I am foxed by the dealâ¦
The Fox guys read the script and have followed the project. They're close enough to it to know what it's all about. I've shared a comfort zone with them from Day 1. Both Shah Rukh and I believe they are the best people to handle My Name Is Khan. They've faith in our brand power and content creation. It's not about money. It's not about mutual respect.
Is Fox trying to give the Islamic world a more positive image in the West by buying a film about Islamic isolation and the western world?
It's not the politics of the film. It's when the film moves you on a human and emotional level that matters. My Name Is Khan endeavors to do just that. I don't think Fox was swayed by the positive message. It's the human aspect that won them over. I believe in the emotional content of both my cinema and personal relationships. Look at the longevity of the association between my company Dharma Productions and Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies and you'll see what I mean.
I'd always want to direct original content
You are adapting Fox's Stepmom .Will there be more such adaptations of American films produced by Fox?
I'd always want to direct original content. But there're young filmmakers in my company who are excited by the idea of adapting films. Siddharth Malhotra, for example, is doing a Hindi version of Stepmom for our company. He's working really hard on it. An adaptation is as difficult as an original film. And Siddharth is working really hard on it.
What is the final cast of Stepmom?
It's Kajol, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 18 Aug 2009 | 3:21 am Seema Biswas, Shriya Saran to walk red carpet at Toronto Film Festival
The posh Toronto International Film Festival which opens on September 10 has a unique lineup of Indian films this year.
The two Bollywood entries are Ashutosh Gowariker's What's Your Raashee and first time director Anurag Singh's Dil Bole Hadippa. Both share a common trait. They're both female-centric products from a film industry notorious for male domination.
And now Dilip Mehta's (brother to Deepa Mehta) film Cooking With Stella has just been selected for the Toronto International Film Festival and that too in the prestigious Gala section that opens the festival where Jon Amiel's Creation a bio-pic on Charles Darwin is being premiered.
Dilip who has earlier made a much-acclaimed documentary on Indian widows is singularly kicked by the honour. "The Toronto International Film Festival is, after Cannes, undoubtedly the most significant festival worldwide. To have one's film participate in it is glory enough but to have a Gala screening and a world premiere is mind -blowing."
This was the very section where Dilip's sister Deepa's elegiac Water had been premiered in Toronto two years ago.
Dilip's film is in a different mood space. "For 34 years I have covered death, misfortune, war, plagues and other human tragedies for Time, Newsweek, National Geographic and other such major journals. I entered the world of cinema with The Forgotten Woman a hard documentary to portray the reality of the widows of India. Similarly Cooking With Stella also looks at a classic Indian tragedy, that of servants and employers but without wanting to give a lecture on morality."
Cooking With Stella was short listed for the Opening Gala of the Toronto festival along with Creation. Says Dilip, "For me as first- time feature director this was such a tremendous high to have our film in the company of such an amazing film. Creation nipped us all in the post but we were right up there. TIFF selected Cooking With Stella for a Gala screening for our world premiere on September 16."
Seema Biswas and Shriya Saran will be there gracing the red carpet. Enthuses Dilip, "The numbers are daunting. Approximately 3000 plus films are submitted for TIFF which along with Cannes is the most significant film festival in the world today. Of these 350- plus are selected for the Festival of which 15 or so have the distinction of a Gala screening at the amazing Roy Thomson Hall."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 18 Aug 2009 | 2:57 am
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