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50 composers to perform together at AIFEC eventMore than 50 composers, including Oscar winning music director A.Source: Entertainment News | 29 Sep 2009 | 9:21 am Southern superstars laud Kamal Haasan's 50 years in filmdomSouthern cinema's biggest names, Rajinikant, Venkatesh, Mohanlal and Mammootty, came together under one-roof to celebrate Kamal Hassan's five decades in showbiz.Source: Entertainment News | 29 Sep 2009 | 8:57 am Makers of Do Knot Disturb use flash mobs to promote their film
These days, filmmakers are trying to come up with innovative and unique ways of promoting their films so that it manages to garner maximum attention. The makers of the forthcoming laugh-riot Do Knot Disturb, namely Big Pictures and Vashu Bhagnani's Puja Entertainment, have also come up with one such unique marketing strategy called 'flash mobs'.
For the uninitiated, a 'flash mob' is a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual action such as a dance, a pillow fight or synchronized clapping for a short duration, and then quickly disperse.
Recently, Big Pictures and Big Music experimented with this unique marketing strategy to promote their film Do Knot Disturb. A group of young boys and girls performed to tracks such as 'Bebo' and 'Mere Naal' from Do Knot Disturb at some of the popular malls in Delhi and did manage to garner a lot of attention. Now Big Pictures plans to create the same buzz in Mumbai too.
Just like marketing a consumer product that goes beyond standard awareness creating medium of print, TV, radio and outdoor through consumer engagement initiatives, it is imperative to practice this in film marketing too. Says BIG Pictures COO, Sunil Kheterpal. "To leverage the films' hilarious extra-marital plot, we decided to launch film trailers right on the streets of Mumbai performed by theatre actors, thus practising innovation cost-effectively. The trailers of DKD are being premiered live for Mumbai's public on their doorsteps. Mumbai is the ideal city for such initiatives to be launched - an exciting place with a bustling youth frequenting many high footfall areas especially during holidays and weekends. 24 locations, including colleges, railway stations and shopping areas traversing the length and breadth of Mumbai were chosen for the trailer performances, increasing awareness and curiosity for the film on the roads itself."
Says Girish Shah, Head of Branding Reliance ADAG and CMO of Reliance Big Entertainment's Film Entertainment business. "The real challenge for marketers is to use force multiplier ideas like these and further leverage them through PR and interactive mediums such as radio and internet."
Appointment viewing was practiced, where group company, BIG 92.7 FM announced locations and timings of the performances for people to witness these trailers live at Fashion Street, V.T. Station, Andheri West, Lokhandwala Market, National College, Bandra Bandstand and Juhu Chowpatty among others. This initiative was further accentuated by posting the live videos into cyberspace, interspersed with clippings from the film. The trailers have already commenced and the excitement on the streets is apparent with students, commuters and shopkeepers alike, dropping their work for a moment or two of live entertainment on the street. They leave with an idea of the Do Knot Disturb storyline, undoubtedly thirsty for more.
Internationally, flash mobs have been used by various brands for promotional purposes to great effect. One will have to wait and watch if the trend of using flash mobs for promotion catches on here too.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 29 Sep 2009 | 8:06 am Megan Fox performs with U2
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 29 Sep 2009 | 7:49 am Brad Pitt's peculiar toilet seat habit
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 29 Sep 2009 | 7:48 am Liz Hurley outshines Kate Moss
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 29 Sep 2009 | 7:46 am Book Review: Lata Mangeshkar...in her own voice
'Lata Mangeshkar...in her own voice' is an extremely heavy (reading wise) text book on the living legend and her work. A kind of book that could be a reference material for many a students, of the lady who doesn't have any parallel. However, the key words here are 'text book' and 'reference material' because that's what this Nasreen Munni Kabir book stands for.
There is history, history and more of history in this 250 odd page book which has the sole intention of making readers aware about her work over more than half a century gone by. While this aspect of the book may excite a select few who want to study Lata Mangeshkar's work, for an average reader looking at gaining an insight into Lata Mangeshkar - the person - there is hardly anything in the offering. The book gets into years and dates and people and the places where the interaction took place - all being good information and interesting, but only from a historian's perspective.
Even otherwise, the basic narrative itself of the entire book is boring. The book is primarily a reproduction of a six-part documentary series (Lata in Her Own Voice) that was directed by Nasreen Munni Kabir in 1991. Close to two decades later, the spoken words have been put on print with certain updates being carried out based on the recent happenings.
A good idea, though marred by a narrative that doesn't quite cut the ice after first few pages. Prime reason being that at quite a few places, the written material seems to be forced. How exactly? Well, in order to get some facts and trivia out to ensure a smooth flow in the Q&A session, Nasreen has been forced to add quite some material in her questions/follow up to Lata's answers which clearly doesn't seem to be a part of the original conversation. Due to this, the narrative becomes jerky rather than smooth, resulting in a disappointing read.
As stated earlier, the book is good though for those who wish to study Lata Mangeshkar's work. Her initial years as a child who showed traits of being a great artist in years to follow have been together quite well. Also her entire struggle period as a singer and how she made a place for herself in the industry is captured well too. In the times when singers weren't given the kind of status in the industry as they rightly deserved, it is remarkable to see Lata's stand as an artist who stood for her rights while
maintaining her dignity.
Also, one reads in sheer awe as pages unfold while narrating how she worked with dozens of known and unknown names over last five decades and more. For someone who has practically seen multiple generations unfolding in front of her own eyes and trends changing w.r.t. music, lyrics, rendition, song situations, working conditions and other logistics, Lata's journey belongs to the kind that would perhaps never be repeated by any other artist from the Hindi film music industry.
From this perspective, Nasreen's effort as a historian has to be hailed. She not just captures what Lata has to say but also does her own research to bring dozens of facts out on print. She also makes a conscious effort to break quite a few myths and misconceptions around the singer's professional as well as personal life. However, when it comes to two important aspects of Lata's life - a) her rivalry with Asha Bhonsle and b) her unmarried status - there is hardly half a page dedicated. The content here too is diplomatic at most and doesn't unravel anything that a reader hasn't known before. For a book that boasts of capturing 'Lata in her own voice', one was definitely expecting more detailing!
On the positive side, the book does feature hundreds of photographs of Lata Mangeshkar from childhood till present date; most of them being straight out of her own personal collection. Yet another delight for a reader who wishes to delve into the past! Arriving straight out of her interaction with her family members to her work in the studios to some private affairs to her rendezvous with the top leaders of the country to her performances in Indian and abroad, the pictures have quite a few stories to tell.
Here is presenting some interesting trivia that is shared in the book:
- She was seriously ill before singing 'Kahin Deep Jale Kahin Dil' [Bees Saal Baad] and was bed ridden for 3 months. Reason? She was being slowly poisoned by her servant though it hasn't been found out till date that who was behind this act.
- Hrishikesh Mukherjee had first offered her Anand. No, not just as a singer but as a composer!
- Lata refused to sing in Filmfare Awards (1957) because till that year, there were no award nominations for playback singers and song writers
- She has a playful streak to her and loves spending time in Las Vegas while playing the slot machines
Now if only the book would have covered more personal aspects of her life as above, 'Lata Mangeshkar...in her own voice' may have made for a more entertaining read!
Price: Rs. 1500/=
Rating: 
Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 29 Sep 2009 | 7:30 am All you wanted to know about 'Wake Up Sid'
How many of us feel that the most important thing in out lives is friends, hobbies, parties and life? Well Siddharth Mehra (Ranbir Kapoor) is the same⦠Wake Up Sid is the story of a lazy, unmotivated slacker from Mumbai whose life undergoes a series of changes after taking his final year college exams. Bollywood Hungama knows how much you guys have been waiting for this film and hence provides you with a unique page dedicated to telling you everything you ever wanted to know about the film on this special page of All you ever wanted to know about Wake Up Sid.
Preview
 This is the story of Sidharth Mehra (Ranbir Kapoor), a lazy, unmotivated slacker from Mumbai whose life undergoes a series...
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Music Reviews
 'Kya Karoon? '. A lively number that has 'youth appeal' written all over it, 'Kya Karoon? ' is urban and contemporary with...
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News
- "I had to be a part of W.U.S." - Ranbir Kapoor
- "WUS is a Karan Johar product at heart" - Ayan Mukerji
- Bollywood Hungama launches exclusive Video Blogs for Wake Up Sid
- The promotional campaign of 'Wake Up Sid' is truly innovative
- Ranbir - Konkona starrer Wake Up Sid to release on Oct 2
- Karan Johar's Dharma Productions inks distribution deal with UTV
Features
- "Wake Up Sid is a big wake up call for our film industry" - Karan Johar
- "Ranbir was the first choice for Wake Up Sid" - Karan Johar
- "Ranbir-Konkona is a pair that no one would imagine" - Ayan Mukerji
- Check out Ranbir as lazy 'Sid' in Wake Up Sid
- "Ranbir Kapoor is a very big star" - Konkona Sen Sharma
Gallery
Wallpapers
Movie Stills
- Movie Screensaver: Wake Up Sid
- On the Sets: Wake Up Sid
- First Look: Wake Up Sid
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Wake Up Sid! (Wake Up Sid)
Kya Karoon (Wake Up Sid)
- Dialogue Promo 1 (Wake Up Sid)
- Dialogue Promo 2 (Wake Up Sid)
- Dialogue Promo 3 (Wake Up Sid)
- Dialogue Promo 4 (Wake Up Sid)
- Konkona Sen Sharma Speaks About 'Wake Up Sid'
- Ayan Mukerji Speaks About 'Wake Up Sid'
- Iktara (Wake Up Sid)
- Kya Karoon (Wake Up Sid)
- Bollywood Hungama Launches 'Wake Up Sid' Video Blogs
- Ranbir Kapoor Speaks About 'Wake Up Sid'
- Ranbir Kapoor's 'Wake Up Sid' Blog Part 1
- Title Song (Wake Up Sid)
- Teaser 1 (Wake Up Sid)Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 29 Sep 2009 | 7:24 am Rajnikant, Kamal Haasan win best actor state awardsSouthern superstars Rajnikant and Kamal Haasan have bagged the best actor awards for "Sivaji - The Boss" and "Dasavatharam" respectively announced by the Tamil Nadu government.Source: Entertainment News | 29 Sep 2009 | 7:16 am Sohail Khan revives RD Burman's classic in Main Aurr Mrs Khanna
The R.D. Burman revival rage seems no sign of waning. In Kaminey, Vishal Bharadwaj had used two of RD-Asha Bhosle tracks 'Duniya mein logon ko' and 'Do labzon ki hai yeh dil ki kahani'.
And now, in Sohail Khan's production of Main Aur Mrs Khanna R.D.Burman's 'Bade achche lagte hain' makes a vital appearance and mainly because the word 'Raina' plays a prominent part in the songâ¦. 'Bade achche lagte hain yeh dharti yeh nadiya yeh raina aur tum'â¦.. Kareena's character in Main Aur Mrs Khanna is named Raina.
The film required a strong nostalgic theme song between Kareena and Sohail to create a sense of intimacy between the couple. And since Amit Kumar's song from Shakti Samanta's Balika Badhu was everyone's favourite 'Bade achche lagte hain' became the chosen one in Main Aur Mrs Khanna, overriding the other popular choice 'Raina beeti jaaye', which is also from a Shakti Samanta film (Amar Prem).
Says Sohail Khan, "It's a song that we all chose unanimously. It comes on when my character meets Kareena. When we meet, the song plays in the background. Since her character is named Raina, we loved the idea of having the song."
Interestingly Sohail Khan's other production Kissan also revived an old song 'Mere desh ki dharti'. But there's a difference. Explains Sohail, "While 'Mere desh ki dharti' is part of the film's soundtrack, we won't put 'Bade achche lagte hain' in the album for Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, even though we've legitimately bought the rights for the song. Let's just say, we mean it to be a tribute to R.D. Burman and the tradition in Hindi lyrics celebrating raina (night)."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 29 Sep 2009 | 7:13 am BIG Animation's Big Bees Jr. wins TVCA at Anifest
Pune based BIG Animation's ready to release collection of animated nursery rhymes titled Big Bees Jr. - ''Nature is Fun'' has bagged the TASI Viewers Choice Award in the Independent Professional Film category at the recently concluded Anifest India 2009. This 3D animated musical features 39 English nursery rhymes and a song with a completely new composition that is enacted by the bunch of cute, colorful ever so energetic fun loving bee characters.
Speaking to Bollywood Hungama Big Animation CEO Ashish S.K. said, ''This is for the second time that our content has bagged an award in this category at Anifest. Two years ago it was Little Krishna. This has a very special significance as it's a Viewers' Choice Award.''
''Big Bees Jr. is based on the concept of nature is fun and it encourages kids to love nature from an early pre-school age. We are planning to launch it in a month's time and we are targeting the product for both broadcast and home video market across the globe. We would also be taking it to MIPCOM.''
This unique collection of rhymes truly stands out as a brilliant product in the category and has sixty five minutes of animation content that has been developed by the studio is a time span of three months. It primarily features three set of bee characters namely the Chubees, Mombees and the Wonabees.
Although the series is targeted at pre-school kids, BIG Animation has gone ahead and done some high end character modeling and a lot of detailing has gone into the development of the characters, backgrounds and complete color palette of the series.
Big Bees Jr. Nursery Rhymes will be soon released on DVDs for pre-school kids. The company is also developing a complete animated TV series around these characters and the same will be titled as Big Bees.
Winners list of the other categories can be found at: http://www.tasionline.org/category/anifest-india-2009/tvca-2009/Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 29 Sep 2009 | 7:04 am Anifest '09: Inside the Famous House of Animation
The business of animation in India has come a long way from the early 90's - from being the muse of small groups of enthusiastic storytellers, to being a tool used widely in Bollywood and advertising industries.
E Suresh, Creative Director of Mumbai based Famous House of Animation, was one of the early starters in this industry and his studio has emerged as one of the foremost creative workshops. Suresh narrated his journey at the recently held Anifest India 2009. "Animation has come a long way since the 90's. Yet, an oft-asked question is 'Where is the market?' Ad films remain our bread and butter."
Suresh has 12 years of experience in the field and established Famous House of Animation in 1998 to do the "kind of work I stand for". His studio does 2D, 3D animation, claymation and stop motion and boasts of a wide ranging portfolio including an award-winning commercial for Sulekha.com.
A close circle of Suresh's friends - including Vaibhav Kumaresh and Geethanjali Rao - put together a pilot for a 2D animation concept, Shivaji, in the early 90's, but failed to excite broadcasters. "No one was interested in indigenous content then. Even today a 'made in India' animation series is expensive when compared to the cost of acquiring and dubbing a foreign animation series. We failed miserably in the market," he recalled.
Things changed after 2000 as Channel V adopted Vaibhav Kumaresh's hilarious animated character Simpu for its promos. Suddenly, animation became a part of the pop culture in India, an easy way for music channels to break the clutter and engage with the younger audience.
But approvals for TV series were still hard to come by. Suresh's creative team racked their brains, coming up with concept after concept, remodeling the existing ones to match the client's needs. At a point he felt that there was "no way good content could be shown in India". Meanwhile Famous House of Animation became one of the preferred studios for advertisements and did a surfeit of ads including those for Happydent, Spice Telecom, Big Babool and many others.
On being asked about the two major qualities for an animator, Suresh quipped, "perseverance and patience". His studio is right now working on a gag based 3D animated series Neki & Pooch Pooch, starring a dumb elephant and a smart rat.
In parting advice, Suresh said, "We hear usual words about the audience not being ready for animation. What we need today is to find an animation style equivalent to that of Bollywood. The stories we tell must find an audience in the masses of India and not just within the animation community."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 29 Sep 2009 | 6:57 am "Even experienced directors have goofed up in the past" - Akshay Kumar
Why Anthony D'Souza? That's the question which comes to mind the moment one sees the team of Blue lending their support to a first time filmmaker who has gone ahead and turned his vision reality by putting together this multi crore extravaganza in place which is touted to be the most expensive film coming from Bollywood shores.
Akshay Kumar, whose last film Kambakkht Ishq too was helmed by a first timer (Sabbir Khan) talks about what makes him root for the newer lot.
"Years back, I worked with Vipul Shah when he was just stepping into Bollywood. I did Aankhen with him. And then Waqt - Race Against Time followed by Namastey London and then Singh Is Kinng. Now I have done his Action Replay as well. So tell me, today after so many successful films behind him, do we even remember that once upon a time, Vipul too was a newcomer?" questions Akshay Kumar who has quite a few examples to cite where he has supported first time directors.
"I worked with Naresh Malhotra in Yeh Dillagi way back in 1994. He hadn't done any film before that. Then I also did Guddu Dhanoa's first film Elaan followed by Tu Chor Main Sipahi as well as Aflatoon. We know Abbas-Mustan for what they are today but after a low key Agnikaal, their first major film Khiladi was with me. I went ahead and also did Ajnabee and Aitraaz with them. Two years back I did Sajid Khan's debut film Heyy Babyy and now I am shooting for his Housefull. Ok, so I did Tashan too with a first timer (Vijay Krishna Acharya) but then such things happen. Hamaare yahan kuch itne dhurandhar film waale hain jinhone 40-50 movies banayi hai but still they don't get it right", says Akshay in a single breath.
"Sometimes filmmakers fail but one can't keep thinking about it all the time. If you start doing it, you can never ever step out and work other than those 10-15 experienced directors that we have in Bollywood. Today we all are talking about Wanted and how it is such a big success. But isn't that too the first ever Bollywood film by director Prabhu Deva", questions Akshay.
On a parting note, one can't help but ask him a question - 'When he works with a debutant director, doesn't the film turn out to be just all about himself? Isn't it a fact that there isn't any space for anyone else?'
"Main nahi dikhoonga toh kya mere padosi dikhege film mein", jokes Akshay, "Most of the films that I mentioned to you just now were single hero starrers. It is but natural that I would be seen. And let's admit it but for good or for bad, this is a male dominated industry. Isn't Wanted too a Salman Khan show all the way?"Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 29 Sep 2009 | 6:55 am Julia wants to meet Saif, KareenaThe ace actress seems to be smitten by Pataudi khandaan after meeting Sharmila Tagore. That's probably why she has expressed a desire to meet Saif Ali Khan and his beloved Bebo.Source: | 29 Sep 2009 | 6:33 am "We dressed garishly, played pool and got a bit tipsy on the shots" - Soha Ali Khan
For the shoot of the title song of Tum Mile, the cast and crew was required to be stationed on the sets for three straight days. The number required Emraan and Soha to be amidst a celebration which was based on Obz Festival which takes place annually in Cape Town. This is an annual street festival in Cape Town, South Africa, where musicians, artists and entertainers come together for a 3 day non-stop hysteria.
In the beginning, it all sounded like fun to begin with, especially since it was a party song to be shot. There were flaming shots, jager bombs, playing pool, fun dressing - all being perfect ingredients of a party which could well keep party goers up the whole night. However, for Emraan, Soha and the crew of Tum Mile, it was not just party, but also loads of work. In the end, it all became tiring as the first night's shoot came to an end.
This is when director Kunal Deshmukh hit upon an idea. Instead of asking his actors to 'get into the mood' for a party sequence only when the song was being canned, he actually put up an actual party for three nights in a row.
Says Emraan, "We were so exhausted that we just couldn't get our energy up for the shoot. That's when Kunal suggested that we start having a party. The shots you see me and Soha having are diluted but real shots made by a real bartender. There were flaming shots, jager bombs, shooters - of different colours and flavours - which we drank. At the end of it, we ended up a bit tipsy!"
"Since the song is high on energy and everyone had to look very happy and bubbly, Emraan and Soha - who had been continuously shooting from Cape Town - were tired on the very first night. That's when we stumbled upon the idea of actually having the 'party' during the shoot", Kunal confirms.
He goes on to add, "I wanted to shoot the song in the actual Obz Festival in Cape Town, but we were denied permission. So we went to this festival, clicked pictures, shot videos and then recreated the entire festival back here in Mumbai. If you were to show this to someone from Cape Town, you could make him believe that this is a real Obz fest!!"
Soha Ali Khan is plain amused on recollecting the sequence of events that took place which led her to become tipsy in reality as well.
"We dressed garishly, played pool (where I beat Emraan by the way) and got a bit tipsy on the shots. It was tiring, but I think this is truly one song I have enjoyed shooting", she laughs, "Kunal made sure that we actually freaked out during the shoot to capture the vibes and just be ourselves. Many people have complimented on how great the song looks, and how good Emraan and I look good together, but I think credit would go to Kunal to come up with the idea of having a party right on the sets."
A Mukesh Bhatt production, Tum Mile is all set to release on 13th November.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 29 Sep 2009 | 6:28 am Aladin offers racy, foot-tapping songs
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 29 Sep 2009 | 6:12 am France and Poland fight for Polanski
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 29 Sep 2009 | 5:34 am Kareena, Salman are an adorable couple
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 29 Sep 2009 | 5:24 am Kareena-Salman adorable couple in '...Mrs.Khanna': directorHe is 43 and she is 29, but their age difference is no matter.Source: Entertainment News | 29 Sep 2009 | 5:23 am Akshay, John back together after four years
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 29 Sep 2009 | 5:15 am It's KJo vs David Dhawan after a decade
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 29 Sep 2009 | 4:35 am KJo, Dhawan clash after a decade!Way back in 1998, Karan Johar's directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai clashed with David Dhawan's much-hyped Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. Now a little more than a decade later, history is repeating itself...Source: | 29 Sep 2009 | 4:28 am Movie Jaala to hit the screens on October 2Kannada movie Jaala is now all set to hit the screens this week on October 2. The movie has been produced by Narasimha Joshi under the banner Joshi's Cine Creations. Naganath Joshi, who has earlier worked assistant director to popular directorSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 29 Sep 2009 | 4:15 am What's Your Raashee? - looking from different angleA 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 whenSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 29 Sep 2009 | 4:09 am Julia wants to meet Saif, Kareena - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 29 Sep 2009 | 3:59 am Rajnikant, Kamal Haasan win best actor state awards - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 29 Sep 2009 | 3:55 am Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan in Magadheera remake?Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan! These are two of the names being seriously considered for the Hindi remake of the Telugu super-blockbuster Magadheera directed by S.S Rajamouli.Released in July this year, the film has already grossed over Rs.65 crores in IndiaSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 29 Sep 2009 | 3:52 am Miss India World Pooja Chopra making Bollywood debut?After romancing Miss India International Vaishali Desai in his debut movie Kal Kissne Dekha, Jackky Bhagnani will now be seen opposite Miss India World Pooja Chopra. The model is making her debut with Vashu Bhagnani's Faltu.After the debacle of Jackky's debutSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 29 Sep 2009 | 3:41 am Kamal Hassan and Shahrukh dub for Pazhassi Raja - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 29 Sep 2009 | 3:34 am Katie Green fuming after Ultimo dropped herLondon (ANI): British model Katie Green is reportedly fuming after lingerie giant Ultimo dropped her for being photographed topless while on holiday. Green, 22, is convinced that the lingerie firm had an ulterior motive when they signed her, especially since pastSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 29 Sep 2009 | 3:34 am Swayze's memoirs reveal Cruise's obsession with teethLondon (ANI): Late Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze’s memoirs are said to also reveal an obsession actor Tom Cruise had with his own teeth. The memoirs, published September 29, revealed how Cruise, 47, was once so self-conscious about his teeth thatSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 29 Sep 2009 | 3:32 am Even experienced directors have goofed up in the past: Akshay - Indian Express
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 29 Sep 2009 | 3:29 am Polanski capture 'always planned' - BBC News
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 29 Sep 2009 | 3:24 am Kamal Hassan and Shahrukh dub for Pazhassi RajaPazhassi Raja is definitely one movie that is grabbing everyone’s eyeballs. After it was announced that Mohanlal would be introducing the film and its characters in the Malayalam version, news came out that Kamal Hassan and Shahrukh Khan have been chosenSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 29 Sep 2009 | 3:16 am Mohanlal to be Devdutt NarasimhanMohanlal is all set to take on the new role made for him. He is to play the role of Devdutt Narasimhan, a criminal lawyer in the upcoming Malayalam movie Janakan with Sureshgopi and Jyothirmayi in the lead roles. Directed bySource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 29 Sep 2009 | 3:12 am Robinhood garners rave reviewsMalayalam movie Robinhood a hi-tech adventurous film with the youth playing the key roles has opened to a warm reception by the moviegoers. Starring Prithviraj, Narain, Jaaysurya and Bhavana, Robinhood by filmmaker Joshy was released in nearly 65 centres all overSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 29 Sep 2009 | 3:06 am Spotlight: Ranbir Kapoor - MSN India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 29 Sep 2009 | 3:04 am Jacqueline Fernandes signs her first endorsement with charitable organization
Miss Sri Lanka - Jacqueline Fernandes has signed her first endorsement with a charitable organization. She is the brand ambassador for 'Habitat for Humanity' which provides shelter to poor and needy people.
Jacqueline will be representing Sri Lanka for this organization. It is a project that helps poor build their own simple and decent houses. Jacqueline says, "This is my first endorsement for a charitable organization. I will be representing Sri Lanka and I thank Habitat for the opportunity it has given me, to make a difference to society. This organization helps the poor and needy people with shelter. They aren't free homes which are given away but people work in order to collect funds and provide free homes."
The model turned actress will be traveling all around the small towns and villages in Sri Lanka. She continues, "'Habitat for Humanity' works with ambassadors globally. We have John Abraham in India, Ricky Martin in the United Sates. Each ambassador helps in contributing to another in their own way."
All set to make her debut in Bollywood with Aladin, the actress is more than willing to be a part of India's organization. She adds, "Now that I am residing in India, as a responsible citizen, I will be glad to be working for the people in this country too. It doesn't restrict me to work to a specific country I represent."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 29 Sep 2009 | 2:59 am Nostalgic song for Kareena Kapoor, SohailThe R.D. Burman revival rage seems no sign of waning. In Kaminey, Vishal Bhardwaj has used two RD-Asha Bhosle tracks Duniya mein logon ko and Do labzon ki hai yeh dil ki kahani.And now in Sohail Khan’s production of Main AurSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 29 Sep 2009 | 2:54 am Miss India-World Pooja Chopra paired opposite Jackky Bhagnani in Faltu
After romancing Miss India International Vaishali Desai in his debut movie Kal Kissne Dekha, Jackky Bhagnani will now be seen opposite Miss India-World Pooja Chopra. The model is making her debut with Vashu Bhagnani's Faltu.
After the debacle of Jackky's debut vehicle, papa Vashu is very careful about his next. A source reveals, "They auditioned for a couple of new faces but have zeroed down on Pooja. She was finalized in an audition that had at least a dozen Bollywood aspirants contending for the role. Having done a couple of commercials, Chopra had the perfect face; the production house was looking for."
The source continues, "It is gen x movie talking about the story of youngsters of today. They wanted a fresh face opposite Jackky and chose Pooja Chopra for the same."
Jackky however claims, "Talks are on with Pooja but nothing has been finalized as yet."
The movie has Sanjay Dutt playing the main protagonist of the dean of the college. One will also see Riteish Deshmukh in a cameo. The movie will go on floors in November.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 29 Sep 2009 | 2:32 am "Wake Up Sid is a big wake up call for our film industry" - Karan Johar
Few men exemplify Bollywood muscle so completely as producer and director Karan Johar. To his fans, he is one of the most trusted storytellers in the industry, a byword for excellence and a patriot who is working for a closer accord between the Indian Film Industry and its audiences. To his critics, he is a propaganda tool and a pedlar of the sort of high-class spectacle that prefigured Bollywood in a different limelight to the overseas audiences. Whichever camp you fall into, public opinion is on Karan's side. His career revenues make him one of the most successful producers in the world of Indian cinema. He revolutionised popular cinema by giving us Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. In person, he is watchful as a wolf, witty and very intelligent. He speaks softly, with no need to emphasise or ingratiate. He is a man who is used to being listened to. Or perhaps he is just content to let his films do the talking. UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent Devansh Patel wakes up for an unusual chat with K-Jo all the way from London where he is busy promoting Wake Up Sid, a big wake up call for our Indian Film Industry. So sit back with your favourite hot cuppa cofee and take a sip. It's time to wake up mate!
After being knackered since morning giving interviews, is this the right time to say 'Wake Up Karan'?
(laughs) I need to be woken up now. I think a new fresh burst of caffeine will help me this moment. I've spoken enough to last for my lifetime.
Have you ever been fingered at and labelled a lazy, unmotivated slacker?
Never really. No. I was never unmotivated and I was definitely not termed as a slacker. But I was definitely at a career cross roads. I can identify with that part to my life. I was always very motivated and very active and alive at all points of time. So yes, I was half way there. My dilemma was whether I should take the business path or the creative one.
Film like Wake Up Sid marks the return of new age cinema. Something fresh, feel good and of today's day and age. Is it time our Indian Film Industry wakes up and makes cinema like this?
I hope so. I've done a whole body of work that can be clubbed in one. Yes, I too had my wake up moment where I had to branch out and expand the base of cossets that we were coming out with at Dharma Productions, and I felt that the desire to work with new energies and new people was a new vision and spoke a new language. Wake Up Sid is a conscious decision to break the shackles of what we've done so far and what we've been doing. It's a step forward.
How supportive can you get as a person and as a producer for a debutant like Ayan Mukerji?
I'd like to say that I've been a big support to Ayan. I stayed out of his way and that's a big support in itself. The worst thing I could've done is come in his way. It was his own vision and when he wrote the screenplay, I liked it. I told him that he understood what he had penned down more than I did. I didn't want to get in his way in terms of the content and the way he wanted to film it. I told Ayan, 'Confusions never ever result in a good body of work.'
I stayed out of Ayan's way and that's a big support in itself
Even the soundtrack of the film is too different from what we've been hearing off late. Is every department, right from editing to sound to direction, an invention in itself?
Yes. Wake Up Sid is new because it's new for us too. Ayan is a new thought and a new visionary. He is only twenty five years old. He has a new language and that's the reason that every department is following his vision. Wake Up Sid is a big wake up call for our film industry. I hope that it eventually resonates for him to continue doing an interesting body of work ahead.
Do you sit on every bit of detailing in a film's journey or is your job only restricted to monetary gains?
I am a creative producer and that goes without saying it. I definitely sit with my directors on the screenplay, how it's been structured, their vision, the production design, etc. My input as a producer is just not monetary, it's way and above that. But it's not a hundred percent presence on a daily basis on the sets and all because that would hinder the director's progress.
To exaggerate, your films are a super duper success in the UK and the US. Will Wake Up Sid be yet another undisputed success? And will the overseas Indians identify with it in terms of characters?
If you are an Indian, you will definitely identify with the characters in Wake Up Sid. Indians anywhere on the globe haven't changed. Geography is geography at the end of the day. You may be sitting in London or Mumbai, but your parenting process doesn't undergo a change. The connectivity is certainly not the problem. As far as box office is concerned, Wake Up Sid is unusual and different from what we've ever done. Films of such nature have been path breaking and have broken records of sorts out of India. I hope the film kind of changes that a little bit where people come in to watch it only because they feel they can connect with the plot of Wake Up Sid. All this is on our wish list right now and we don't know how it'll play out.
What talks did Ronnie Screwvala have over a hot coffee with Karan?
(Laughs) Well, Ronnie and I've known each other for years. We always wanted to collaborate and finally there came an opportunity where Yash Raj Films wanted to distribute their production films only. Yash Raj is my family and a part of my DNA on a daily basis. They are really the reason why I am in this great business and I will always have that personal connect. Yash Raj Films have stopped taking outside films for distribution and thus UTV came on board. Ronnie and I have a similar kind of understanding and sensibilities in the way we think. Wake Up Sid is a very UTV profile film.
You've worked with Shah Rukh Khan. Now, another breed of actors have taken over. Ranbir Kapoor, Imran Khan, etc. What changes have you seen in the two diverse generations?
Ranbir was the only choice for Wake Up Sid. Ranbir Kapoor is really the future in terms of the acting potential. He is going to go ahead and achieve heights like anything. His body language and approach is so new and yet so natural. He has this untapped emotion that is waiting to exhale. That's what Sid is about. It's been wonderful working with a new generation of actor like him. Ranbir's level of professionalism and discipline comes from his upbringing of having parents coming from the industry too. Shah Rukh Khan and Ranbir Kapoor have many things in common because good actors always have something in common. They bring in them a certain amount of punctuality, confidence and sincerity. Other than that, they both are different people and have different approaches. I look forward to directing Ranbir in my film one day.
I look forward to directing Ranbir in my film one day
Wake Up Sid isn't a film that goes preachy, is it? I mean, it ain't one of those films that puts you in the hot seat and tells you to do the right things in life.
Not at all. Wake Up Sid has nothing that makes it preachy. It's a very simple and an honest film. It's about a man who is at a career crossroad and how he overcomes his dilemma. It's endearing, emotional and soulful.
And what about those hundreds of people who want to have coffee with Karan?
(laughs) Ah ha! Well, I am a person who loves having coffee with all the people who've been watching me and my films. So you're invited anywhere any time. Hopefully I'll be back next year on the tele too (laughs).Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 29 Sep 2009 | 2:30 am Bebo-cum Dolly-cum-Lara Dutta - PunjabNewsline.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 29 Sep 2009 | 2:21 am Ghajini producer Madhu Mantena to remake another Telugu blockbuster in Hindi
Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan!
These are two of the names being seriously considered for the Hindi remake of the Telugu super-blockbuster Magadheera directed by S.S Rajamouli.
Released in July this year, the film has already grossed over Rs. 65 crores in India alone and is said to be the second-biggest Telugu hit after Ghajini which holds the record for being the biggest hit ever in Andhra Pradesh.
With this Telugu remake into Hindi that is expected to take off early next year, producers Allu Arvind and Madhu Mantena who also co-produced Ghajini in both Telugu and Hindi, hope to raise the bars for action-drama cinema in Hindi once again.
The remake, to be budgeted at Rs. 70 crores, is deeply ambitious. The Hindi version of Magadheera is expected to star Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan.
While in the original Telugu film which is set in 17th century and in today's times, the hero Ram Charan Teja plays a double role, the remake, it is reliably learnt, will split the hero's personality into two parts. Apparently, Hrithik will play the 17th century Samurai while Aamir will play his present-day avatar.
Says Madhu Mantena, "Yes. Allu Arvind and I are remaking Magadheera in Hindi. As for the cast, it's too early to talk about it. But Magadheera is definitely planned to be bigger than Ghajini."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 29 Sep 2009 | 1:59 am Karan Johar and David Dhawan clash again after a decadeWay back in 1998, Karan Johar's directorial debut "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" clashed with David Dhawan's much-hyped "Bade Miyan Chote Miyan" - both released on the same day.Source: Entertainment News | 29 Sep 2009 | 1:30 am Bipasha Basu's boobs groped at Durga Puja fest - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 29 Sep 2009 | 1:24 am Polanski vows to fight US extraditionRoman Polanski's lawyers vowed to fight his extradition over a 32-year-old child sex case, amid reports they may have sparked his arrest by suggesting that US prosecutors were not serious about nabbing the famed film director.Source: | 29 Sep 2009 | 1:05 am "I had to be a part of W.U.S." - Ranbir Kapoor
Download W.U.S wallpapers
Ranbir Kapoor is damn excited about WAKE UP SID. "When Ayan narrated the script - it was a 4-hour marathon session - I knew I had to be a part of it. Nothing else mattered. All I knew was, I had to do this film. That was the impact of its story," Ranbir tells me.
Ranbir's one gutsy actor and the best part is, the films are diverse in content. If there's a coming of age WAKE UP SID, there's also a rom-com AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI, a black comedy ROCKET SINGH or an intense RAJNEETI. "I never made a conscious decision. I received several offers, but I chose to do films that would appeal to me first and foremost," Ranbir reveals.
Meanwhile, the supremely talented actor has done a remarkable job in WAKE UP SID, feels Karan Johar. "Ranbir has the power to hold a scene, which very few actors can boast of. Also, his choice of films is incredible. He's extremely courageous," Karan states.
Once Ranbir completes RAJNEETI, he moves on to Siddharth Anand's film, which will be produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. "That's the only film I've signed," he clarifies.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 29 Sep 2009 | 12:55 am David Dhawan's sons are ready to take centrestage
The Gen Next is ready to take centrestage. While David Dhawan continues to actively churn out one biggie after another, his sons are ready to follow in his footsteps. Elder son Rohit, who has assisted David in MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI, is ready to start his debut film with Akshay Kumar in the lead. "It's entirely Rohit's baby. I haven't contributed an iota to it," the proud father states.
Younger son Varun, in the meanwhile, is assisting Karan Johar in MY NAME IS KHAN. In the past, Varun has modelled for a few products and in all likelihood, will pursue acting subsequently.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 29 Sep 2009 | 12:48 am Shahrukh Khan is the best: Salman Khan - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 29 Sep 2009 | 12:48 am Kareena-Salman adorable couple in '...Mrs.Khanna', says directorHe is 43 and she is 29, but their age difference is no matter. Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor make an 'adorable' couple on screen in his forthcoming 'Main Aurr Mrs.Khanna', says debutant director Prem Soni.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Sep 2009 | 11:30 pm 'Aladin' offers racy, foot-tapping songsFilm: 'Aladin'; Music Directors: Vishal-Shekhar; Lyricists: Vishal Dadlani and Anvita Dutt Guptan; Singers: Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, Amitabh Bachchan, Shreya Ghosal, Sudesh Bhosle, Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani, Anushka Manchanda, Sunidhi Chauhan and Sanjay Dutt; Rating:***Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Sep 2009 | 8:30 pm Karan Johar and David Dhawan clash again after a decadeWay back in 1998, Karan Johar's directorial debut 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' clashed with David Dhawan's much-hyped 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' - both released on the same day. Now a little more than a decade later, history is repeating itself with 'Wake Up Sid' coming face to face with 'Do Knot Disturb' on Oct 2.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Sep 2009 | 8:00 pm Melody queen Lata still voice of India at 80 - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 28 Sep 2009 | 3:08 pm Meera's husband booked for theft
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 28 Sep 2009 | 1:46 pm Akshay, John team up again
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 28 Sep 2009 | 12:16 pm The Nightingale sings with Shehenshah-e-ghazalLegendary playback singer, Lata Mangeshkar turned 80 yesterday. Her birthday present? Finally accomplishing her dream of singing with renowned ghazal singer, Mehdi Hassan.Source: | 28 Sep 2009 | 11:43 am Akshay, John team up again after four yearsHis maiden underwater thriller "Blue" is yet to be out, but director Anthony D'Souza has already convinced his producer Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.Source: Entertainment News | 28 Sep 2009 | 11:19 am Filmography: MehmoodMehmood was among the rare league of actors who could make you smile and cry, both with an effortless ease. Born in 1932 in Mumbai, he acted in more than 300 films in a career spanning almost three decades. Here're some of his memorable films...Source: | 28 Sep 2009 | 10:56 am A tribute to MehmoodToday is 77th birth anniversary of Mehmood, the uncrowned king of comedy. He tickled many a funny bone with a perfect sense of timing, rib-tickling punch lines and intrinsic wit. Join us in paying a tribute to him.Source: | 28 Sep 2009 | 10:41 am Khan of the momentAfter spending 26 years in theatre when Feroze Abbas Khan turned to filmmaking, it wasn’t for himself or his passion. Maanwi Malik tells more.Source: | 28 Sep 2009 | 10:40 am House thatMumbai loses a landmark with Dilip Kumar’s bungalow making way for a high rise.Source: | 28 Sep 2009 | 10:38 am Who will be Alice?After making a film on iconic character Quickgun Murugan, director Shashanka Ghosh is on the look out for Alice in Bollywood.Source: | 28 Sep 2009 | 10:36 am Abhinav Bindra gunning for Bollywood?Olympic gold medallist, shooter Abhinav Bindra, recently elbowed out competitors including MS Dhoni, Vijender Singh, Saina Nehwal and Pankaj Advani to be voted India Youth Icon for Sports, decided through a nation-wide poll last week.Source: | 28 Sep 2009 | 10:32 am Akshay, John team up again after four yearsHis maiden underwater thriller 'Blue' is yet to be out, but director Anthony D'Souza has already convinced his producer Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd. to produce his next that will star Akshay Kumar and John Abraham.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Sep 2009 | 6:01 am I lost Rs.10 lakh because of Ramya: Kannada film producerKannada film producer Shankare Gowda alleges that he has lost about Rs.Source: Entertainment News | 28 Sep 2009 | 5:57 am Wishing Lata Mangeshkar a very happy Birthday
'God cannot be everywhere, that's why He created Mothers. Pure and serene Melody cannot be everywhere, that's why He created Lata Mangeshkar'...are the words that aptly describes the 'Birthday Girl' of today, Lata Mangeshkar! As someone rightly said, "Lata Mangeshkar is someone whose voice grows younger and younger as she grows older and older".
Lata Mangeshkar's mere name is enough for any album sales to go multi-platinum! Rightly called as the 'Nightingale of India', Lata Mangeshkar got featured in the Guinness Book of World Records from 1974 to 1991 for having made the most recordings in the world! Even though each and every song of hers goes on to create history, some of the all-time greatest hits that has been rendered (read 'blessed') by this 'Lady Divine' spans the wide time span ranging from 'Aayega aayega aaayega aane wala' till 'Didi tera devar dewwana' and many others on the chart! The awards and rewards that have been bestowed upon on her are 'subject' matter enough for anyone to write a PhD on!
Bollywood Hungama finds immensely pride in wishing Lata Mangeshkar a very happy birthday. You too can join us by posting your messages below:Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 28 Sep 2009 | 5:22 am 'Ghajini' producers now want both Aamir and Hrithik'Ghajini' producers Allu Arvind and Madhu Mantena are going to make a Hindi remake of Telugu blockbuster 'Magadheera' and they are reportedly considering Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan to play the main leads.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 28 Sep 2009 | 4:02 am
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