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Sonam tops Bollywood's best dressed list
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 26 Sep 2009 | 9:50 am Live Chat: Ashutosh Gowariker on September 29 at 1700 hrs IST
He is one of the most talented and successful directors of the Hindi film industry. Each of his last 3 films- Jodhaa Akbar, Swades and Lagaan have managed to create a mark for themselves in the annals of Hindi cinema. His film Lagaan was even nominated for an Oscar in the Best Foreign Film category at the Academy Awards few years ago. In case you are still wondering who we are referring to it's none other than producer-director Ashutosh Gowariker.
Ashutosh's latest film What's Your Raashee? has just released and the buzz about the film is quite encouraging. Bollywood Hungama brings you a chance to chat with the man of the moment Ashutosh Gowariker only on Celebrity Chat on Tuesday, September 29, at 1700 hrs IST. Don't miss it!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 26 Sep 2009 | 8:20 am I'm proud of Kurbaan: Saif
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 26 Sep 2009 | 8:18 am "Script would decide my next film with Aamir, SRK or Hrithik" - Ashutosh Gowariker
Yesterday, in the first part of this exclusive two part interview with Joginder Tuteja, Ashutosh Gowariker spoke about how he went through a transition as a director during the making of What's Your Raashee? . He also came clean on the reason behind his films being more than three hours long and how What's Your Raashee? isn't as easy and fun as it appears. Today he gets talking about the casting of Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja in the film, pressure (or the lack of it) around him after the failure of Love Story 2050 and the chances of him coming back with Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan or Hrithik Roshan again.
Coming to the USP of the film, was it a given from the very beginning that in What's Your Raashee?, there would be one leading lady for all the 12 roles? Or did you still ponder over different options?
From the word 'Go' it was clear that one girl would play 12 parts. Our lead protagonist Yogesh Patel (played by Harman Baweja) had to select one girl out of 12. If we would have chosen 12 different girls, beauty would have been the prime consideration. Here at least audience is assured that Harman would eventually get Priyanka Chopra. So now they can sit back and enjoy the scenes with all the girls and their 'raashees' and their characters!
If we would have chosen 12 different girls, beauty would have been the prime consideration
Once it was decided that it would be Priyanka only who would enact all the 12 roles, did you actually have to go back to the drawing board and start sketching and detailing their finer details and graphs all over again?
Here I am thankful to Mr. Madhu Rye, writer of 'Kimball Ravenswood' for coming up with a concept like this and presenting such fine details in the novel itself. The written matter was very strong and we had to just get a few layers on that. Yes, there was a difference though because the novel talks about 12 different girls while in the film I had to get one actor playing all these girls. Moreover, each of them had to belong to 18-24 years age group and come from different backgrounds. Our team had to work hard on bringing in the difference by making changes in wardrobes, costumes, hairstyle, mannerisms and then leave it all on the performing power of Priyanka. Of course we had several reading sessions and look tests so as to ensure that Priyanka indeed comes across as 12 different girls.
How about Harman Baweja? You roped him in before Love Story 2050 released. How did you have so much confidence in his abilities even without seeing what he had done? A lot of people have asked me this. See, the fact is that there were 2-3 things that struck me about Harman. I was looking around for a leading man for What's Your Raashee? when I heard about Love Story 2050. When I saw the rushes after requesting Harry (Baweja), I was immediately attracted to his innocence and endearing quality. To top that I also learnt that he spent a lot of time abroad studying cinema. He did everything to earn the craft and be skillful rather than coming with the attitude that 'I am the son of a filmmaker so I automatically qualify as a hero'. He is so passionate and dedicated for acting and performing rather than just becoming a star. I liked that a lot. Moreover, he is a very good dancer. His tuning and timing was good with Priyanka and I thought that he would be quite good. The good part about him was that even after Love Story 2050, he didn't appear to be under any pressure.
When I saw the rushes of Love Story 2050, I was immediately attracted to Harman's innocence and endearing quality
You seem to be showing quite some confidence in your actorsâ¦
See, roping in an actor are just some commercial decisions that you have to calmly take before making a movie. When Jodhaa Akbar was being worked upon, Hrithik's Krissh and Dhoom 2 hadn't released. It was being said that Hrithik couldn't get a hit without his father. Now all that was of course a myth! Still, when I announced Jodhaa Akbar with Hrithik, there was an immediate reaction that how could Hrithik be Akbar!
You must have been terribly disappointed?
On the contrary I welcomed such feedback. This is how you realise that how audience is reacting and thinking about a particular actor. I had a confidence in him that he was the true Akbar. He is someone who is naturally a prince; whether it's his approach or his walk. It's just that when there are adverse reactions to someone's casting, you have to give that little 25%. We said to each other that we are going to make it happen and work towards that. Same happened with Aishwarya Rai going all out for being Jodhaa.
From Aamir to Shah Rukh to Hrithik, you have worked with the best of the best....
With both Aamir and Shah Rukh, I have been a co-actor once so it's quite some relaxed atmosphere. It was different though in case of Hrithik since we never knew each other before talks began for Jodhaa Akbar. But then with him you can share a lot of wisdom about cinema since he has seen it all so up close with Rakeshji. There are a lot of diverse views that can be expressed. Something similar was the case with Harman too since he is again from the industry. He is highly aware about how movies are made.
Harman is from the industry so he is highly aware about how movies are made
Ever thought of making a movie with them again?
Yes, I would love to work with these people again. So yes, in a way I am fortunate to have had an association with these actors. (Smiles) Strange thing is that each of these actors has green lit some very different movies. The decision to rope any one of them again would be driven by the script. I always want the script to allow me and make that decision. If that script is right and the character is aiming towards a particular actor, then I go for that actor.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 26 Sep 2009 | 7:54 am Review: What’s Your Rashee?Given this is the 50th year of the national broadcaster, some may recall a popular prime-time show from back in the otherwise dull days of Doordarshan, called Mr Yogi.Source: | 26 Sep 2009 | 7:49 am Advance booking for Jackson film to start on SundayThe booking of the much-awaited Michael Jackson movie "This Is It" will begin on Sunday, a month before the film opens in multiplex es across India.Source: Entertainment News | 26 Sep 2009 | 7:31 am BMW case inspires Jail: Madhur BhandarkarIt has made news for its nude scene. Now filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar says that his upcoming film Jail has also found inspiration from the hit-and-run cases of Sanjeev Nanda and Alistair Pereira.Source: | 26 Sep 2009 | 7:26 am Vince Vaughn ready to have kids
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 26 Sep 2009 | 6:42 am It's Salman Khan time in BollywoodWith his full-on actioner Wanted becoming a hit, the superstar has millions of rupees riding on his shoulders with three more big-budget films lined up.Source: | 26 Sep 2009 | 6:40 am Annu Kapoor says no to Big Boss 3
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 26 Sep 2009 | 6:37 am Salman Khan's riding high post Wanted
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 26 Sep 2009 | 6:24 am Let Aditya make films for multiplexes: Boney KapoorSalman Khan starrer Wanted has become a hit in single screen theatres and it's celebration time for producer Boney Kapoor who is happy making film for the masses and says let Aditya Chopra make films for multiplexes.Source: | 26 Sep 2009 | 6:10 am SRK and Kajol feature in the special anniversary issue of Vogue
Continuing Bollywood's traditional famous line 'Ek se bhale do', the latest edition of Vogue has given (read 'gifted') the readers with not one, but two of India's biggest superstars: Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol on the cover! For starters, it is this pair who will be seen in My Name Is Khan, one of the most-awaited films currently. And nothing could be twice more exciting than having these two torchbearers of the silver screen, on the cover page of the second anniversary special issue of Vogue! And the man leading the path is none other than the ace director Karan Johar, who not only reunites the stars in his new film but also talks to them exclusively for Vogue about what it is like to have the Midas touch.
Needless to say that, if the cover of this issue is any indication of what to expect inside, the readers are bound to celebrate Diwali much before its arrival, add to it, some amazing photographs of the two superstars! Talking about this pairing, Priya Tanna (Editor Vogue India) says, "Vogue is a year older and what better way to convey the 'Power of Two' theme that runs through (and electrifies) this issue than by bringing together Bollywood's ultimate pairing, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. His legendary charisma first met her quirky effervescence in 1995 on a Eurorail in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and the entire nation fell in love. Karan wore an interviewer's hat for Vogue, deconstructing the chemistry behind their magic."
We just couldn't argue on that! Simply bring on the October issue of Vogue folks pronto!Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 26 Sep 2009 | 5:55 am I feel proud I did Kurbaan: Saif Ali KhanActor-producer Saif Ali Khan is looking forward to Kurbaan - a film he admits he is proud of having acted in being a Muslim. His recently launched Love Aaj Kal has earned more than Rs.65 crores just within India.Source: | 26 Sep 2009 | 5:43 am Salman Khan's riding high...and Bollywood is cheeringIt's Salman Khan time in Bollywood.Source: Entertainment News | 26 Sep 2009 | 5:39 am Julia Roberts wants to meet Kareena & Saif! - GlamSham
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 26 Sep 2009 | 4:17 am Shatrughan Sinha to play N.T. Rama Rao in RGV's Rakta Charitra
Here's something that no one knows as yet. Ram Gopal Varma a.k.a Ramu has been a big fan of Shatrughan Sinha a.k.a Shatru for the longest time.
"Ram Gopal Varma told me that when he came to offer me Rakta Charitra," said Shatrughan Sinha from Jaipur where he was attending a wedding on Wednesday. "He said he has enjoyed my films from his college days when he saw Kala Patthar. It's providential that Ram and Shatrughan are coming together. But Rakta Charita (I love the title) is more like the Mahabharata in spirit than the Ramayana. "
The Kala Patthar actor will be directed by Ram Gopal Varma in his Hind-Telugu bio-pic Rakta Charitra based on the life of the alleged outlaw Paritala Ravi. Shooting of the film starts in Hyderabad this month.
Ram Gopal Varma confirms that Shatrughan Sinha plays the 'Telugu Desam' party-chief N. T. Rama Rao who was also the chief-minister of Andhra Pradesh. Paritala Ravi, who was wanted in several serious cases, contested and won elections on a 'Telugu Desam' ticket.
Says Shatrughan Sinha, "I've been a big fan of the film The Godfather. Rakta Charitra is similar in mood to The Godfather. And like I said it's also very similar to the Mahabharata in tone and spirit. I think Ram and Shatrughan will create something special."
Adds Ram Gopal Varma, "I basically chose Shatruji because he has the larger-than-life personality required to play NTR. He played a very important part in the life and political career of Paritala Ravi."
Veteran Telugu actor Mohan Babu will play the same role in the Telugu version of Rakta Charitra.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 26 Sep 2009 | 4:13 am Sushmita Sen: I am a good wife - StarBoxOffice.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 26 Sep 2009 | 4:12 am Subhash K. Jha talks about What's Your Raashee?
A Gujarati downmarket wannabe bride dragged out of her traditional habitat into tight skirts tops and a 7-star hotel by her parents to meet the eligible bachelor from Chicago. The girl's longing to go West, leaps out at you even when he politely rejects her.
"It must be snowing in Chicago," she says with a warm wistfulness that melts your heart.
Elsewhere, almost at the end of Yogesh's long and exhausting bride-hunt, an under-age 15-year old is passed off by her desperate parents as a purported bride. When our hero politely asks her which college the girl attends, the school girl burst into wracking sobs.
There are enough heart-melting moments in this lengthy treatise on 'How NOT To Go Bride-Hunting For Money's Sake', to make Ashutosh Gowariker's reputation as a filmmaker, who constantly ventures into areas of filmmaking that seem at first, commonplace but actually secrete the most valuable truths of life.
We saw him make a resplendent virtue of simplicity in the storytelling in Swades where Gowariker said, go back home to the NRI.
It tugged at our heartstrings because the message maneuvered the movie's vision into places that are the opposite of artifice.
A lack of pretension and a thorough affinity to simplicity and grace in the narration imbue WYR with shades of life done in the quirky satirical tones that completely reject obscure images and symbols.
What's Your Raashee? relates the episodic story of the NRI's search for a groom in the easygoing rhythms of a folk tale set to a contemporary but unobtrusive beat. The director's eye for detail is unmatchable. When a postman huffs and puffs up that dusty village-road to deliver a much-awaited birthday card to a rich Nanajee from his favourite grandson in Chicago, the postman's shirt is sweat-stained. When the first of Yogesh's wannabe brides (arguably the best of Priyanka's 12 spectacular turns) walks in, her shoes seem to have been bought hours ago.
Ashutosh Gowariker pitches the elemental tale at a satirical level. Some of the supporting characters (too broadly parochial to match the narrative's mellow mood) needed to be toned down, and the whole subplot about the marriage broker (Darshan Zariwala's) excellent extra-marital affair and a bumbling detective on his trail, needed to be edited out.
Some of the music in the otherwise-interesting mix of acoustics and sporadic melody by debutant Sohail Sen is also a burden on the narrative.
But, Yogesh's bride-hunt never gets tedious, thanks to the unadorned interiors of the simple plot. The bride-encounters move from the poignant (the girl who frankly tells Yogesh she had sex with her neighbor) to the satirical (the self-crowned 'yogini' who gets horny on the flustered Yogesh) to the unabashedly idealistic (a barefoot doctor who invites Yogesh to move from Chicago to the gaon) to the satirical (a theatre actress who spews venom at the NRIs)â¦each character brings her own little universe of flickering emotions and ideologies.
WYR is the consummate post-date film. It tells us about what happens to the nice decent Gujarati boy (played with heartwarming niceness and decency by Harman Baweja, more of that later) when he meets 12 prospective brides.
By now, we all know Priyanka Chopra plays all the 12 brides. What we don't know is how beautifully she balances every charcaters' inner life in the swarming but serene paradigm of the plot creating for each of the 12 intended brides an inner life and an outer glow within a restricted time-span.
It's an amazing achievement. Priyanka gives soul to all the 12 characters she plays. In the climactic song, she brings all of them together, quirks and mannerisms all on display in one unified flow of feelings and body-language. The actress achieves individuality for all her characters while giving the plot a homogenous flow.
As for Harman Baweja, this film is his actual debut. His equation with Priyanka is similar to Shahid's vis-Ã -vis Kareena in Jab We Met. Harman is warm and sincere and ever- articulate before the camera. What a nice guy he has made out of Yogi!
And what a lovely uncluttered unassuming and transparent film you have made, Mr. Gowariker!Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 26 Sep 2009 | 4:08 am Salman Khan heaps praise on Shahrukh Khan - Apun Ka Choice
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 26 Sep 2009 | 3:37 am Vairam - ReviewAfter Pakal, Nagaram and Ayudham, director MA Nishad has offered his fourth movie Vairam, which is an issue-based film. The film discusses things that are very much relevant in today's India. Above all, it touches the hearts of those whoSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Sep 2009 | 3:36 am Shiney Ahuja shifted to JJ Hospital - Press Trust of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 26 Sep 2009 | 3:31 am Sindhu Menon eyes on negative rolesIt’s all about heavy downpour of praises on actress Sindhu Menon. The actress made her debut with Bharathiraja’s Kadal Pookal and later didn’t focus much in Kollywood due to her hectic schedules in Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada projects.But now, she isSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Sep 2009 | 3:27 am Haathi mere saathi for ManibenWell yes this time Maniben is going to get a huge gift from her uncle. It’s none other than Haathi Mere Saathi for the actress Smriti Irani in the show Maniben.com which will soon arrive in their society.“Yes in the comingSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Sep 2009 | 3:11 am Priyanka Chopra signs Vishal Bhardwaj's next - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 26 Sep 2009 | 3:11 am Rechipo - ReviewA senior director like Ram Gopal Varma, who had directed a film Adavi with Nitin (Nithin) as hero, also proving to be a dud, the young hero, who once robbed the hearts of teenagers with his films like Jayam and SyeSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Sep 2009 | 3:00 am Salman Khan sucker for soccer - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 26 Sep 2009 | 2:54 am Priyanka Chopra signs Vishal Bhardwaj's nextAfter playing 12 roles of bride-to-be in What's Your Raashee?, actress Priyanka Chopra is finally playing the role of a bride, not to one man but seven different men. The actress is gearing up for yet another multiple role in VishalSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Sep 2009 | 2:50 am As a Muslim I feel proud I did 'Kurbaan': SaifHis "Love Aaj Kal" has completed 50 days at the box office and has earned more than Rs.Source: Entertainment News | 26 Sep 2009 | 2:50 am Salman Khan sucker for soccerSalman Khan will be in Kolkata for a friendly match to mingle with the top soccer teams of the city - East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. It is a part of the promotions of Salman-starrer Wanted that released last week. ProducerSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Sep 2009 | 2:32 am Unstarry Julia stays cool in Indian summer - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 26 Sep 2009 | 2:19 am Johnny Depp directs music promo for BabybirdWashington (ANI): Hollywood actor Johnny Depp was reportedly spotted directing the new music promo for British band Babybird. According to RadarOnline, the Pirates of the Caribbean star wearing a beanie hat, heavy jacket and white-rimmed glasses was seen directing the musicSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Sep 2009 | 2:15 am Patrick Swayze found Dirty Dancing script too cleanNew Delhi (ANI): Late American actor Patrick Swayze had reportedly found the movie Dirty Dancing to be a little clean when he first read the script. Swayze, who died on September 14 from cancer, had written in his memoir ‘The TimeSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Sep 2009 | 2:13 am Mackenzie Phillips' stepmoms slam her allegationsThe 'Mamas And The Papas' singer John Phillips' ex-wives Michelle Phillips and Genevieve Waite have lashed out the allegations made by Mackenzie Phillips, who is his daughter with first wife Susan Adams, against him. They have claimed although John was aSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Sep 2009 | 2:01 am Michael Jackson was convinced Madge loved himWashington (ANI): Late Michael Jackson was convinced that pop queen Madonna was in love with him. In a taped conversation with his close friend Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, the King of Pop is heard saying that he knew that theSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 26 Sep 2009 | 1:59 am Advance booking for Jackson film to start SundayThe booking of the much-awaited Michael Jackson movie 'This Is It' will begin Sunday, a month before the film opens in multiplexes across India.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 26 Sep 2009 | 1:30 am Salman Khan's riding high...and Bollywood is cheeringIt's Salman Khan time in Bollywood. With his full-on actioner 'Wanted' becoming a hit, the superstar has millions of rupees riding on his shoulders with three more big-budget films lined up. And all his friends in the industry - from David Dhawan to Vipul Shah - are rejoicing at the actor's success.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 25 Sep 2009 | 11:30 pm Chandigarh all geared to celebrate World Tourism DayChandigarh is set to celebrate World Tourism Day Sunday with a musical extravaganza, food festival, shopping bonanza and an assortment of activities for both the city dwellers and for the tourists coming to this union territory (UT).Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 25 Sep 2009 | 9:30 pm As a Muslim I feel proud I did 'Kurbaan': Saif Ali KhanHis 'Love Aaj Kal' has completed 50 days at the box office and has earned more than Rs.65 crores (Rs.650 million) just within India. Now actor-producer Saif Ali Khan is looking forward to 'Kurbaan' - a film he admits he is proud of having acted in being a Muslim.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 25 Sep 2009 | 9:30 pm A close look at Bengali culture, for others too - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 25 Sep 2009 | 6:26 pm Ahead of verdict, Shiney struggles in Court!Arrested for raping his maid, Shiney collapsed during his hearing in the court.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 25 Sep 2009 | 6:04 pm Sexual love is secondary to me: Drew Barrymore"Sexual love is secondary to me right now. My life is very refreshing without it, " said Barrymore, who is rumoured to have rekindled her romance with actor Justin Long.Source: | 25 Sep 2009 | 1:34 pm Sonam Kapoor tops Bollywood's best dressed celebrities listTwo film-old actress Sonam Kapoor has beaten the likes of Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif to emerge as the best dressed celebrity in India, according to People magazine.Source: | 25 Sep 2009 | 1:26 pm Sonam Kapoor tops Bollywood's best dressed celebrities listTwo film-old actress Sonam Kapoor has beaten the likes of Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif to emerge as the best dressed celebrity in India, according to People magazine.Source: Entertainment News | 25 Sep 2009 | 12:31 pm After Wanted wait for Most Wanted
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 25 Sep 2009 | 11:28 am How 12 Priyankas were createdMake-up whiz Rajesh Patil talks about how he went about creating the 12 different Priyanka Chopras in What’s Your Rashee?Source: | 25 Sep 2009 | 11:13 am Tulsi Kumar’s song goes to TorontoA sports documentary to be screened at Toronto, has acquired a track from the singer’s debut album, reports Nikhil Taneja.Source: | 25 Sep 2009 | 11:09 am Ravans within usFor our Dusshera special, we asked celebrities what’s the one devil within them they’d like to get rid of.Source: | 25 Sep 2009 | 10:44 am Jude Law can't see his newborn till year end due to workBritish actor Jude Law's work commitments have prevented him from visiting his newborn daughter Sophia till the end of this year.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 25 Sep 2009 | 9:30 am Ghai to be in Emmy awards jury againFilmmaker Subhash Ghai has been selected as a jury member at the International Emmy Awards for the fourth consecutive year.Source: Entertainment News | 25 Sep 2009 | 9:13 am Geon Studios executes vfx for Kamal Haasan bilingual
Mumbai based visual effects and animation house Geon Studios recently executed around vfx 400 plus shots for the Tamil-Telugu bilingual film Unnaipol Oruvan. The film is a remake of the Bollywood film A Wednesday and stars Kamal Haasan and Mohanlal in the Tamil version and Venkatesh in Telugu version titled Eenadu. Interestingly, Shruti Haasan has composed the film's music.
The movie is about a day's story, starts in the morning and concludes in the evening with paced mood and dramatic sequences.
Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, N Madhu Sudhanan, VFX Supervisor of the movies shared, "The story was to start in the morning and end in the evening, wherein the challenge for Geon was the lighting and tracking as the movie was shot in different times, different days and in different backdrops. Also, a story like this, visual effects should always be invisible and enhance the story telling!"
Visual Effects Producer for both the films, Asmita Bharrati informed, "The deadlines were so tight for both the films posing many challenges in the post. The vfx team executed a wide variety of replacement and design shots - right from logos, nameplates, name boards, TV monitors, screen, rooftop gadgets, concrete floors to street lights, windows, digital matte painting and 3D set extensions. Especially, the camera was traveling throughout the film in every frame. It was highly challenging to track and composite many live action plates. Since GEON was the lead studio for the project the job never stopped by turning around the shots to the client but also guiding our vendors in Chennai and Mumbai were quite engaging!"
Geon was lead studio for both the films, and executed the vfx in 6 weeks flat. In order to cope up with the tight schedule, Geon awarded few shots from both the films to Jupiter, Chennai and few shots from the Telugu film to EFX, Mumbai.
Here's a shot breakdown of a few key scenes, courtesy Geon Studios.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 25 Sep 2009 | 7:46 am Review: Fast forward to the end - Daily News & Analysis
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 25 Sep 2009 | 7:33 am Shiney Ahuja faints in court
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 25 Sep 2009 | 7:22 am Let Aditya Chopra make films for multiplexes: Boney KapoorSalman Khan starrer 'Wanted' has become a hit in single screen theatres and it's celebration time for producer Boney Kapoor who is happy making film for the masses and says let Aditya Chopra make films for multiplexes.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 25 Sep 2009 | 7:00 am Mugdha wants to experiment with different genresAfter doing serious movies like "Fashion" and "Jail", model-turned-actress Mugdha Godse says she is looking to do something different.Source: Entertainment News | 25 Sep 2009 | 6:51 am I'm offered sub-standard songs: Sonu NiigaamOne of Bollywood's most talented playback singers Sonu Niigaam is hardly heard these days.Source: Entertainment News | 25 Sep 2009 | 6:41 am Sallu and Kat refrain from professing love - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 25 Sep 2009 | 6:33 am Sonam Kapoor tops Bollywood's best dressed celebrities listTwo film-old actress Sonam Kapoor has beaten the likes of Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif to emerge as the best dressed celebrity in India, according to People magazine.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 25 Sep 2009 | 6:32 am "In one week Wanted has done better business than Kambakkht Ishq" - Boney Kapoor
Celebrations are in order. But the Wanted party has been postponed by a week. "Our director Prabhu Deva got caught up in an assignment in Kerala. So we've postponed the party for next week. We can't celebrate without Prabhu," says Boney emotionally.
Boney has not been so excited in a long time. "The collections of Wanted speak for themselves. In the first week, it has done better business than Kambakkht Ishq did in its entire run. There was gun-firing between two sections of clashing Salman fans in a theatre named Rishi in Bulandshaher."
Commenting on Dil Bole Haddipa(which released along with Wanted), Boney says, "Their intended USP was the Punjabi culture. Ironically, the film didn't even open well in Punjab. How does one explain this? Their other USP was Rani Mukherjee dressed as a man. But old-time heroines like Asha Parekh and Saira Banu have done the man thing long ago. And they were buxom ladies therefore tantalizing in their cross-dressing. With due respects to her amazing talent, Rani looked like a school boy."
Apart from the No Entry sequel, Boney will also finally start a film with his mesmeric wife Sridevi. "If I don't, her fans will kill me. I've heard a script I've liked."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 25 Sep 2009 | 6:26 am "Sometimes, even 2 hour films seem 4 hours long" - Ashutosh Gowariker
Say Ashutosh Gowariker and it's the vision of mega films like Lagaan and Jodhaa Akbar or a socially relevant Swades that comes to mind. Now turn on your TV sets and browse through any music channel and it's the sound of 'Su Che' or jokes around 'Tom & Jerry v/s Tom Cruise' or the romantic strings of 'Jao Na' that are more visible. You are suddenly transported into a different world and it's difficult to believe that the name against 'Directed By' is Ashutosh Gowariker himself. In this exclusive two part interview, Joginder Tuteja catches up with the filmmaker and gets to know a lot more about the transition that he went through and whether What's Your Raashee? is indeed a small-n-cute film that it is perceived to be or is it just a comparison factor (due to his earlier work) talking? Over to Ashu...
You somehow never seem to be setting easy goals for yourself. After a historical Jodhaa Akbar, one would have expected you to relax but you went on to make What's Your Raashee with 12 leading ladies!
[Laughs] Yes, I always had this thing in mind to make a romcom. During Jodhaa Akbar itself, I became sure that my next would be a light hearted movie. I thought that from production point of view, it would be much easier. After working with 100 elephants, anything else would have been comparatively easier after all (laughs). I told Sunita about this as well and she was thrilled and happy. We both believed that it would be fun to do What's Your Raashee? After a month, I told her that this new story will have 13 songs. Now that was the first shock for her. Later I gently slipped in this other piece of information that there would be 65 locations for the film. This is where she indeed hit the roof!
After working with 100 elephants, anything else would have been comparatively easier after all
Were there protests?
Not really (smiles). Jokes apart, we knew about the story and believed that it did carry great potential. The only change we made was to stop calling WYR as a light film because the production, yet again, was going to be big. The film itself threw so many challenges. Though we were aware that it won't be that easy after all, we ended up realizing its full impact only later once the shooting began. Right from setting locations to getting new looks in place for Priyanka, there were challenges all the way.
It must have required a shift in mind set for you though to make a chic urban flick, right?
Yes, I had to change and adapt myself to a very different kind of thinking. I tend to approach directing just like acting. Just like the way you have to mould yourself as an actor as per the character you are playing; something similar is required in direction too. My acting background helps because I have done diverse films like Saleem Langde Pe Mat Ro, Indrajeet, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa etc. My roles have ranged from being dark to light hearted. Similarly in direction too I had to change my style.
And what exactly were these changes?
I had to bring a change in my cinematic grammar. WYR is by nature a different kind of a film. It is more indoor and is more dialogue driven. It has a lot of comic silences. As a director, you have to observe the actors more. Moreover, I wasn't making a remake that I could have afforded a ready reference material.
But the film is adapted from a novel?
That's true and it has also been made as a 13 episode TV serial 'Mr. Yogi' in 1989. Later it was also made as a play in 1995. I watch a lot of plays, whether they are in English, Hindi, Gujarati or Marathi. I like to attend cultural events as well as art galleries. They help in sharpening your mind. Lot of times you retain certain things in mind. This story was one such thing. Even then I thought of making it as a movie and went to the source to know more about it. Once I decided that I had to bring it to the big screen, the sheer joy of creating that world was something that was so satisfying. Of course that satisfaction can only become complete once audiences too accept your film.
The film appears to be truly contemporary though...
Yes, it is completely contemporary. It's a movie set on Gujaratis in different parts of Mumbai ranging from Dahisar to Juhu. It's a 'smile through' film.
The smiles are supposed to last for more than 3 hours though, right?
[Laughs] Yes, it is certainly three hours long. However, for me, length is always secondary. How much does the film hold you and what's its content is always more important. When you have a long film, you know that the maker has a lot of stories to tell. Only otherwise is a movie 2 hours long. In any case, there are instances when even 2 hours movie don't work and seem like 4 hours long. I guess in current times, it is only economic consideration (around multiplex show timings) that possibly drives a film's length rather than hard and fast rules.
There are instances when even 2 hours movie don't work and seem like 4 hours long
Was Ronnie Screwvala, your co-producer for What's Your Raashee?, as convinced?
Me and Ronnie are clear about the economic consideration for our film. We may loose that fourth show in a single screen or those couple of shows in a multiplex. However, I don't think audiences would mind that because they would still return to watch the film if they don't get the tickets in the first instance. It's this very understanding due to which association between Ronnie and me has been for so long. We have shared the same vision.
Watch this space to read the second part of the interview with Ashutosh GowarikerSource: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 25 Sep 2009 | 5:30 am Barbie to come alive in a motion picture
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 25 Sep 2009 | 5:11 am "I hope the pirated copy will not be cut" - Ashutosh Gowariker
Hours before the release of his new magnum opus What's Your Raashee? Ashutosh Gowariker is running around trying to understand where and how the master print of his film was allegedly stolen and pirated from the lab.
"I've been traveling to Toronto and then to Ahmedabad, so I'm not aware of the full situation. However, it's a scary and sobering thought that films have been going out for piracy from the lab. I'm glad they were caught out when my film was smuggled out. We don't know the extent of the damage. I can only be thankful my master print was retrieved. Just how many copies were made we don't know."
Choosing to see the lighter side of the extremely grim situation, Ashutosh says, "I hope the pirates didn't cut the film. I don't want them to watch an incomplete film."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 25 Sep 2009 | 5:09 am Sushmita's imposter asks for money online
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 25 Sep 2009 | 4:58 am Love Hewitt still has body hang-ups
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 25 Sep 2009 | 4:49 am I am not asking for money on Facebook or Twitter: SushmitaA Sushmita Sen impersonator on the social networking site Facebook has started asking for money in her name for charity.Source: Entertainment News | 25 Sep 2009 | 4:46 am Priyanka Chopra signs Vishal Bhardwaj's next; will play 7 roles
After playing 12 roles of bride-to-be in What's Your Raashee?, Priyanka Chopra is finally playing the role of a bride, not to one man but seven different men. The actress is gearing up for yet another multiple role in Vishal Bhardwaj's next titled 7 Husbands.
A source reveals, "Vishal was very impressed with Priyanka while working with her in Kaminey. He always referred to her as a dedicated and devoted actress. While scripting for 7 Husbands, without any second thought, he made up his mind to cast the actress in the movie. Vishal also had seen the rushes and promos of What's Your Raashee? with her 12 different avatars and thought she carried it off really well and could do justice to her film."
The source continues, "In 7 Husbands, Priyanka will again be seen in seven different avatars of wives to seven different men. She will have different get ups for each wife. The seven different actors for the role of husbands haven't been finalized as yet. They are in look out for serious actors who might not be A-listers."
"The movie is still in the scripting process. The movie will go on floors next year after Priyanka's dates are available and the seven actors are finalized," adds the source.
Priyanka Chopra remained unavailable for the comment.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 25 Sep 2009 | 4:23 am Priyanka X 12, a pleasure to watch in 'What's Your Raashee?'Film: 'What's Your Raashee?'; Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Hurman Baweja; Director: Ashutsoh Gowariker; Rating: *** 1/2)Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 25 Sep 2009 | 4:01 am Ghai to be in Emmy awards jury againFilmmaker Subhash Ghai has been selected as a jury member at the International Emmy Awards for the fourth consecutive year.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 25 Sep 2009 | 3:31 am
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