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Priyadarshan: India sends trash to Oscars
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Oct 2009 | 9:40 am Cameron Diaz confused in life
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Oct 2009 | 8:59 am I would only get paid 'love', says Diane Keaton
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Oct 2009 | 8:55 am Khalid's 'Rutba' yet to find takers
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Oct 2009 | 8:49 am Lindsay Lohan 'hurt' by father's comments
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Oct 2009 | 8:43 am Diwali release of Main Aurr was a mistake: Sohail
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Oct 2009 | 8:38 am Delay in film sours Ghai, Sunny relationshipActor Sunny Deol and producer Subhash Ghai are at loggerheads over the completion and release of "Right Yaa Wrong".Source: Entertainment News | 21 Oct 2009 | 8:01 am Episodic film India's lone entry at Viennale 2009Amit Dutta`s "Aadmi ki Aurat Aur Anya Kahaniyan" (The Man's Woman and Other Stories) is the lone Indian entry to the main programme of the 47th Viennale, Austria's most important international film event that opens here on Thursday.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Oct 2009 | 7:25 am Despite bad reviews, Blue gets record opening
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Oct 2009 | 7:02 am Nude scene in Jail won't offend: Neil
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Oct 2009 | 6:56 am No more 'Bridget Jones' for Renee Zellweger
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Oct 2009 | 6:39 am Minogue's performance fail to impress Indian criticsAustralian pop singer Kylie Minogue's performance in "Blue" has failed to impress film critics in India.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Oct 2009 | 6:35 am "Asin means without sin, in other words ...Pure" - Asin
She stormed Bollywood much like the southern winds bring rains to the parched central regions; with a breath of freshness she captivated the heart of the audience with her stunning performance in her debut film Ghajini. She is Asin. This upcoming star was here on Bollywood Hungama's Celebrity Chat talking about her upcoming film London Dreams.
However, for those whose missed on the chance to chat with her we bring to you the excerpts from Asin's live chat.
Asin: Hi this is Asin only on Bollywood Hungama.com
Dutt: Hi Asin.. do u always wanted to be an actress? And if not an actress what you would have been?
Asin: Never dreamt of being an actress at all!!! i probably wud have gone in the academic line like my parents.
Bip: Hey Asin after working with Aamir and Salman would u like to work with SRK?
Asin: hey bip- Yes i would. Hope something exciting comes along.
dairyman8912: Asin I'm a huge fan of urs
Asin: Thank u dairyman
Sam: Did Aamir interfere with the direction?
Asin: hey sam- no he dint!
anushkas_fan: why did u refuse Farah khan's film with Shahrukh Khan?
Asin: hi anushka- that ws just a false story
Aditya: hi Asin..you are my fav actress.i wanted to ask you what do you think of A R .Rahman
Asin: aditya...i am a big admirer of A R Rahman...he is a musical genius...I have been fortunate to work with him in a few of my projects :)
Emma: Hi Asin I'm not being rude but can you change your Hairstyle?
Asin: hey emma- point taken :)
Awais: London dreams...wht kind of role u have in LD?
Asin: awais...I play Priya...a girl born and brought up in London who becomes a part of the London Dreams music band along with Ajay and Salman.
SAM: What's Your Rashee?
Asin: SAM...I'm a Scorpion...its 26th October
anushkas_fan: why did you refuse farah khans film happy new year with Shahrukh?
Asin: Hey anushka...that's just a fabricated story.
neha28: hello Asin, how are you doing today?
Asin: neha...I am doing very well. thank you :)
Priti: what is your fitness mantra?
Asin: Priti....I try and stick to a regular exercise routine and a healthy diet
Atul: what expectations do u have from London dreams?????
Asin: atul...simple expectations...I hope the movie does well :)
Zoreen: hey whats ur fav scene from London dreams!
Asin: Zoreen... one scene with Salman ...can't tell you more.
Bongohuzz: How old are you if you don't mind telling?
Asin: Bongobuzz....its an open secret....October 26th 1985.
Asin: hey guys...it was great chatting with you....hope to catch you next at the theatres with London Dreams...Byeeeeeeeeeeee :)Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 21 Oct 2009 | 5:58 am Live Chat: Akshay Kumar on October 22 at 1130 hrs IST
For his millions of fans, he is the undisputed 'Khiladi' of Bollywood who has established his supremacy at the Box Office with each of his new releases. Having started out as an action hero in films like Mohra, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi, this star went on to excel in the comic genre as well. His performances in films like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Heyy Babyy and Welcome are testimony to this fact.
Now he is back at exploring yet another new genre - an underwater thriller - in the recently released Blue. In case you are still wondering who we are talking about, it's none other than superstar Akshay Kumar.
Bollywood Hungama gives all you Akki fans a once in a lifetime opportunity of chatting with 'The Man' himself exclusively on Celebrity Chat on Thursday, October 22, at 1130 hrs IST.
So mark your calendar right now and don't miss this golden chance of getting up, close and personal with Akshay Kumar.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 Oct 2009 | 5:07 am "Boman picked up chocolate & said, 'Why don't we call our film Fruit And Nut?'" - Kunal Vijaykar
It is difficult to describe Kunal Vijaykar. But when you know that his debut film as a director is titled Fruit And Nut, you sure can come up with lots of descriptions for this cute little man. Ask him, and he calls himself 'lazy'. More difficult when you come to know that the film stars a comic genius Boman Irani, a mad comic genius Cyrus Broacha and an attractive lady Dia Mirza sandwiched between them. What a cast! After reading this, probably you want to describe Kunal Vijaykar as a Nutty professor, guiding his actors to deliver the maddest moments on the big screen. UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent Devansh Patel chats with the subdued, normal guy who happens to be abnormally funny. He is unscripted, uncensored and unexpected just like his film Fruit And Nut. He is Kunal Vijaykar.
There is a Golmaal and All The Best which fit into a comedy. Then there is a Bheja Fry and Fruit And Nut. Are there genres in genres too?
Honestly, I don't think so. Fruit And Nut is a crazy comedy. It doesn't fall under any kind of a comedy category. I'm not sure you need to apply brains to understand my film. But I have to say, Fruit And Nut does not fall under the Golmaal category nor the All The Best one. It has got its own life. I'm not trying to show-off by saying this but sometimes I need to figure out myself what to call my film because we haven't seen this kind of a genre in Indian cinema before as far as I am concerned.
It's understood why you've got Boman and Cyrus. But why Dia Mirza?
Honestly, Dia was one of the first people to have said 'yes' to me. Secondly, we needed a slightly dignified lady and that's what she comes across as. She didn't have to do any stupidity and comedy that everyone else is doing. Dia is a person who is stuck in the middle of all this and I roped her in because she looks great in a saree, man!
And why go for a title like Fruit And Nut? Anything to do with the chocolate fixation Kunal?
You got me there. Yes, Fruit And Nut is my favourite chocolate. Seriously, sometimes I think that the title and the film does not necessarily have to have anything with each other. As long as you feel fine with it, it works. Fruit And Nut came out as an idea when Boman and me were sitting and having dinner. He picked up a chocolate and told me, "Why don't we call the film Fruit And Nut?"
What is the definition of funny?
It's very simple. 'What makes you laugh' is the definition of funny.
More films for Kunal in the coming years or is it one out of sheer passion?
It is out of sheer passion and I'd like to take it as it comes. Yes, I'd love to make more films. I have an idea in my mind. If some miracle happens then I'll make it. But there are scripts which are happening that I'm quite happy doing.
Brief us about one bizarre traits of Boman Irani
I'll tell you. Mr Boman Irani can't bathe alone. He needs somebody while he is bathing. I mean that he needs somebody to chat to while he is having a bath. Normally it's his wife who stands besides him or a friend. This habit of Boman exists ever since he was a child. This is a kind of thing that comes with stardom (laughs).
Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 21 Oct 2009 | 5:00 am Indonesian villagers protest Julia Roberts film
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Oct 2009 | 4:40 am Kalashrishti presents the Arangetram of SpandanaKalashrishti on Tuesday presented the Arangetram of Spandana Bhattacharjee, disciple of Guru Jayalakhshmi Eshwar, President, Abhinaya Aradhana and Head of the Department of Bharatnatyam, Triveni Kala Sangam Delhi and Guru Sujatha Ramalingam, Director, Kalashrishti, Kolkata.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Oct 2009 | 4:26 am Subhash Ghai-Sunny Deol tensed about Right Yaaa Wrong
If mutual friends are to be believed, there's considerable tension between Sunny Deol and producer Subhash Ghai over the completion and release of Right Yaaa Wrong. Apparently, Sunny Deol and Ghai are constantly at loggerheads over the long-delayed project.
Says a source close to the project, "The release of the Subhash Ghai-Sunny Deol project keeps getting postponed repeatedly. This is affecting Sunny's own production The Man. Both have a common factor. Neeraj Pathak, who directs Right Yaaa Wrong also co-directs The Man. The fate of one affects the other."
Ghai acts injured when told about the rumours regarding the delay, "Naturally, I'm the producer of the film. So I'll be blamed for the delay. I'm used to it. Every film of mine that gets delayed, I take full blame for it."
Ghai says the real reason for the delay of Right Yaaa Wrong is the additional shooting involved. "We decided to add two songs, since we all felt there wasn't enough music in the film. Once the shooting is complete, it's very hard to co-ordinate everyone's dates. Irrfan Khan and Konkona Sen-Sharma are busy artistes. But it's finally happening. We will complete the additional shooting soon. We are releasing the film on January 6."
That should come as a relief to Sunny and also to Shilpa Shetty who's the leading lady in Sunny Deol's The Man. The fate of The Man depends entirely on how and when Right Yaaa Wrong is released.
Says a source, "Sunny is going through considerable financial hardships. It's not easy for him to complete his pending projects right now. The funds have dried up. But once Subhash Ghai releases Right Yaaa Wrong, Sunny will move ahead with his other project."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 Oct 2009 | 4:13 am Would you wear these ruffles? - Rediff
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Oct 2009 | 4:07 am Mark Ronson vows not to work with Lily AllenLondon, (ANI): English music producer Mark Ronson has revealed that he will never work with Brit singer Lily Allen again. Ronson, 34, had shot to fame after working on 24-year-old Allen's 2006-debut album 'Alright, Still'."I can't go back to working withSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 21 Oct 2009 | 3:58 am Tom Cruise, wife help Travolta return to public lifeWashington, (ANI): American actor Tom Cruise and his wife Katie Holmes have helped actor John Travolta come back to public life with a top secret Church of Scientology party in England at the weekend.Travolta, 55, who had stayed away from theSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 21 Oct 2009 | 3:51 am Pitt-Jolie visit orphaned kids in JordanWashington, (ANI): Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie paid a visit to the residents of the SOS Children's Village in Amman, Jordan. The couple were invited to the orphan charity's village by Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan, who is Honorary ChairmanSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 21 Oct 2009 | 3:47 am Salman promises to feature in Prem Soni's next filmDespite the tepid response to "Main Aurr Mrs Khanna", Salman Khan has promised to the director Prem R.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Oct 2009 | 3:41 am Sa Re Ga Ma Pa to end with London Dreams - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Oct 2009 | 3:39 am Mammootty confirms to star in Kannada movieAfter the movie Pazhassi Raja, Malayalam Superstar Mammootty is ready to enter Kannada film industry. The actor has recently confirmed to star in director Abhaya Simha's Kannada movie Shikari. The director, who has got a degree from Pune Film Institute, hasSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 21 Oct 2009 | 3:35 am Beyonce Knowles postpones concert in MalaysiaKuala Lumpur, (ANI): Beyonce Knowles' concert in Malaysia was postponed by the singer herself, revealed Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.Datuk said that there was no interference by his ministry on the matter and that Beyonce, 28,Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 21 Oct 2009 | 3:31 am Nude scene in 'Jail' won't offend moms: Neil MukeshHe does a full monty in Madhur Bhandarkar's upcoming movie "Jail", but Neil Nitin Mukesh insists the nude scenes won't distract any mother because the narrative is high on emotional quotient.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Oct 2009 | 3:27 am Angelina Jolie approached for lead role in GucciWashington, (ANI): Ridley Scott is in talks with Angelina Jolie for the lead role in Gucci, a flick themed on the glorious days and murder and decline in the Gucci fashion dynasty. Fox 2000 wants filming to start by 2010, reportsSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 21 Oct 2009 | 3:27 am Sa Re Ga Ma Pa to end with London DreamsWhile the world waits with bated breath to find out the winner of the popular title of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs (on Zee TV), the team of London Dreams, going the whole hog on the film's marketing, isSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 21 Oct 2009 | 3:24 am Ram Kapoor throws tantrums in BaseraRam Kapoor who is currently shooting for Basera has got lot of attitude these days. The non famous man who is known for his tantrums has been throwing lots of weight around the sets of the show. Our khabroo from theSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 21 Oct 2009 | 3:21 am Akshay Kumar first in the run race: Salman, Sanjay, Ajay all left behind - World News
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Oct 2009 | 2:58 am Sunny Deol, Subhash Ghai at loggerheadsIf mutual friends are to be believed, there's considerable tension between Sunny Deol and producer Subhash Ghai over the completion and release of Right Yaaa Wrong. Apparently, Sunny Deol and Ghai are constantly at loggerheads over the long-delayed project.Says a sourceSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 21 Oct 2009 | 2:56 am Perfect Bride is all fakeThe reality show of Star Plus, Prefect Bride is on the news again but this time for all wrong reasons. If the buzz is to be believed, the contestants on the show is fake and nobody is going to get marriedSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 21 Oct 2009 | 2:50 am Amitabh incapable of directing movie - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Oct 2009 | 2:43 am Neil Nitin Mukesh's tan look in Jail - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Oct 2009 | 2:39 am Despite bad reviews, Blue gets record opening - NDTV.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Oct 2009 | 2:10 am Gul Panag to be Twitter Face for Wills fashion weekGul Panag is among the most regular celebrities on the social networking site Twitter and the actress is now taking it to the next level - she has been signed to post live updates of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW), starting Saturday.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Oct 2009 | 2:01 am Delay in film sours Ghai, Sunny relationshipActor Sunny Deol and producer Subhash Ghai are at loggerheads over the completion and release of 'Right Yaa Wrong'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Oct 2009 | 2:00 am Kurbaan's music liked so far - World News
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Oct 2009 | 1:25 am Ranbir-Deepika relationship in trouble? - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 20 Oct 2009 | 11:07 pm Pazhassi Raja Tamil on Nov 6 - Sify
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 20 Oct 2009 | 10:06 pm Salman Khan promises to feature in Prem Soni's next filmDespite the tepid response to 'Main Aurr Mrs Khanna', Salman Khan has promised director Prem R. Soni that he will do his next movie.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Oct 2009 | 10:00 pm Naseer arrested, granted bail - Express Buzz
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 20 Oct 2009 | 8:30 pm Nude scene in 'Jail' won't offend moms: Neil MukeshHe does a full monty in Madhur Bhandarkar's upcoming movie 'Jail', but Neil Nitin Mukesh insists the nude scenes won't distract any mother because the narrative is high on emotional quotient.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Oct 2009 | 8:00 pm Kasaravalli ecstatic after receiving Crystal Globe AwardKannada filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli, who was honoured with the South Asian Cinema Foundation's Excellence in Cinema Crystal Globe Award 2009, says receiving the prestigious award has been the most precious moment in his life.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Oct 2009 | 4:08 pm Direction is my next career choice: Prosenjit ChatterjeeNational Award winning Bengali actor Prosenjit Chatterjee is keen to wield the megaphone and follow in the footsteps of legends like Guru Dutt to make movies that have 'intelligence and mass appeal'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Oct 2009 | 4:05 pm Movie producer arrested for links with chit fund scamNaseer Khan, the producer of Hindi movie 'Shadow', was arrested Tuesday in connection with a chit fund scam in Cuttack and later released on a personal bond, police said.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Oct 2009 | 2:03 pm Amitabh likely to campaign again for polio eradicationBollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, one of the most effective campaigners against polio, is likely to work for the cause again.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Oct 2009 | 2:02 pm Steven Soderbergh's 'The Informant' to open Mumbai film festAcademy Award winning director Steven Soderbergh's 'The Informant', a dark political comedy based on true events, will open 11th Mumbai Film Festival (MFF) staring Oct 29, the festival committee members announced here.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Oct 2009 | 2:01 pm 11th Osian's to honour Gulzar with lifetime achievement awardThe 11th edition of the annual Osian's-Cinefan Film Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema will confer legendary lyricist Gulzar with the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award for cinematic contribution.Source: Entertainment News | 20 Oct 2009 | 12:58 pm Movie producer arrested for links with chit fund scamNaseer Khan, the producer of Hindi movie "Shadow", was arrested today in connection with a chit fund scam in Cuttack and later released on a personal bond, police said.Source: Entertainment News | 20 Oct 2009 | 12:37 pm Media vs actors: Court asks police to reply by Oct 23The Madras High Court Monday asked the Chennai police to file its report by Oct 23 while adjourning a case filed by Chennai Union of Journalists (CUJ) seeking action by the city police commissioner on its complaint against several actors for making derogatory remarks against them and their family members.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Oct 2009 | 12:08 pm I'm incapable of directing a film: Amitabh BachchanHe has dabbled in acting, production, playback singing and also worked as a television host, but Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has no plans to direct a film.Source: Entertainment News | 20 Oct 2009 | 11:21 am Rani Mukerji, thy name is punctuality!Rani Mukerji, who debuts on the small screen as the judge of Sony TV's new reality show "Dance Premier League", impressed the whole unit with her punctuality and professionalism.Source: Entertainment News | 20 Oct 2009 | 9:36 am The Final Destination director David Ellis to make film with Akshay Kumar
After having worked with some of the biggest of directors in Bollywood, superstar Akshay Kumar is now all set to go west. Apparently, Hollywood director David Ellis, who has directed films like The Final Destination, is very keen to work with Akshay Kumar after seeing portions of his latest film Blue.
David happened to get a chance to see some rushes of Blue when director Anthony D'Souza was doing the final mixing of the film in Los Angeles recently. David loved what he saw and was blown away by the sheer magnitude of the film. Confirms Anthony, director of Blue, "David was highly impressed when he saw some portions of Blue .He was of the opinion that such stunts could not be possible in movies outside Hollywood. He simply loved Akshay's work and truly that believes Akshay has huge potential to make it big in the West."
The buzz is that David has already chalked out the storyline of his film in which Akshay will be playing the main lead. The film will be a mainstream film catering to both the Indian as well as international audience.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 20 Oct 2009 | 7:50 am ASIFA announces 8th International Animation Day celebrationsInternational Animation Day (IAD) is an annual global celebration to recognize the art of animation, celebrated worldwide on October 28. In India, this year IAD will be celebrated in Mumbai on October 25 after which the festival would travel to other cities including Pune, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, and others. Each year ASIFA India comes up with new ideas and delights for students and professionals which involve creative workshops, exclusive presentations, fun filled activities. There are some interesting sessions planned such as the premiere presentation of Merry Madagascar a short film produced by the Dreamworks Animation team in India. Dreamworks will also present a session on the making of Monsters vs. Aliens. Furthermore another session on the making of the Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs will be presented by the team from Sony Imageworks. ASIFA India Vice President AR Seshaprasad said, "It's always been our effort to try and create exposure by getting content from all across the world, and also recognize the best animation work done in India. We are sure everyone involved will have fun taking part in this year's celebrations." The Mumbai leg of IAD celebrations will include the ASIFA India Awards of Excellence which recognize the best in animation produced over the last year. The nominated films will be screened in front of a large audience and the winning artists or students will be awarded and recognized. Online pre-registrations are now open for various cities. For more details visit www.asifa.in/iad09Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 20 Oct 2009 | 6:43 am Seshasaye Kanthamraju appointed Director, Mktg, Walt Disney Motion PicturesSeshasaye Kanthamraju has been named Director, Marketing and Distribution, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, India. The announcement was made by Mahesh Samat, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company (India). In his role, Seshasaye will be responsible for overall Marketing and Distribution strategy for the theatrical slate. He will also be working closely with UTV Motion Pictures on the film distribution. Commenting on his appointment, Mahesh Samat said, "Seshasaye has been with Disney for last five years. He has a passion for the brand and has proven business acumen and we are very confident that his contribution will further strengthen the reach and relevance of our Studios business in India." Previously Director, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company (India) Seshasaye managed internal and external communications as well as championing the company's Corporate Social Responsibility efforts in the market. Kanthamraju will work closely with Walt Disney Studios Theatrical Production and Acquisitions team. The head of Theatrical Distribution and the head of Theatrical Marketing for Walt Disney Studios India will report into Seshasaye. Seshasaye has over 16 years of marketing and communications experience across different industries ranging from advertising, technology and media.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 20 Oct 2009 | 6:38 am Imran Khan, Kangna and Kunal Kapoor had rejected Tum Mile
Today, Emraan Hashmi and Soha Ali Khan are being seen opposite each other in Kunal Deshmukh directed Tum Mile which belongs to 'disaster movie' genre. However, not many are aware that years back, the film had first been offered to Imran Khan and Kangna, both of whom promptly rejected this Mukesh Bhatt production. Not just that, even Kunal Kapoor, who had yet to prove his standing as a commercially viable leading man, wasn't too enticed by the film and politely declined the offer.
"That's what destiny is all about and one can't do much about it. Perhaps Emraan Hashmi and Soha Ali Khan were always meant to be a part of Tum Mile. I am glad that happened because today, I am getting such a wonderful feedback for this unique pairing", says Kunal Deshmukh who saw a change in fortune after his Jannat turned out to be super hit at the box office last year.
As per sources, all the aforementioned actors didn't quite want to work with a newcomer like Kunal Deshmukh in a film which was unconventional and broke Bollywood stereotypes. For Kunal, it was a period of turmoil since he had written the first draft of the script in 2006 itself, way before Jannat was even conceptualised.
"I was an Assistant Director at that time and Mumbai floods, which took place on 26th July, 2005, really shook me. I wanted to make a movie about two characters who reunite in this situation and what happens to their life soon after. This was a subject close to my heart but unfortunately for me, none of the actors were inclined to work with me at that time", Kunal makes an honest confession.
Imran Khan was shooting for Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa at that time and was extremely confident of his debut film. This is why he didn't want to work with a novice director at that time.
"And I don't blame him for that", Kunal replied promptly, "He is justified in his place. He was just starting out and perhaps it was good for him to be safe. He is a great guy and I would wish to work with him in future."
Meanwhile both Kunal Kapoor as well as Kangna excused themselves from the film as well.
"May be it was all my fault. May be I couldn't sell my concept to them in a convincing manner. After all a movie like this hasn't been attempted before and it was difficult for me to narrate a movie which is so visually driven", says Kunal.
It was an increasingly difficult period for him and this is when Mukesh Bhatt suggested that we begin work on a different subject.
"Mr. Bhatt told me that every movie has its own time and destiny and may be Tum Mile was meant to be made at a later stage. He advised me to work on something different and this is how Jannat was born. It too was a radically different subject for Bollywood due to it's theme of match fixing. But perhaps it was still a safer project", he reveals.
Not many know that even Emraan Hashmi had refused Tum Mile stating the same reason as his other colleagues.
"Thankfully, he didn't say no to me once I proved myself with Jannat", adds Kunal in a humorous tone, "After the success of Jannat, Mr. Bhatt reminded me of Tum Mile and gave me a go ahead. This time around Emraan was game for the film. He didn't even discuss the economics with me and just asked me when we could start."
Confirms Emraan Hashmi, "Kunal is a very sensible director; something that I realised with the way he made Jannat. As far as Kunal would want to work with me, I am sure that I would want to work with him. We make a great team and after Jannat, we were set out to make Tum Mile with as much passion and sincerity as well."
Kunal didn't revert to Kangna though and instead roped in Soha Ali Khan who was game for Tum Mile.
"Kangna was already working with Mohit (Suri) on Raaz - The Mystery Continues with Vishesh Films. She was paired with Emraan in the film and it would have been too much too soon for audience to see the same pair twice in a year. It made sense to rope in some other actress as that would have added freshness to the project. I was happy to sign on Soha since her pairing with Emraan is bound to surprise the audience. Time and again, it has been proven that something unconventional does work for the audiences. Same should hold goof for Tum Mile too", reasons Kunal.
The rest, as they say, is history and work soon began on the film. There was quite some emphasis placed on the film's pre and post production which is releasing all over on 13th November. Tum Mile has music by Pritam and lyrics by Sayeed Quadri & Kumaar.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 20 Oct 2009 | 5:16 am Salman Khan will star in Prem Soni's next
Two days after the tepid response to the latest Salman starrer Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, its shell-shocked debutant director Prem Soni was bracing himself to be written off as one-film wannabe-wonder.
Salman Khan restored Prem's trust in his abilities when on Sunday night at a private family gathering, he embraced the shaken director and announced, "No matter what people say about Khanna, you are doing our next film."
Relieved beyond belief, Prem Soni is now a bigger Salman fan than ever before. "The way Main Aurr Mrs Khanna has been received, I thought no one would want to touch me with a bargepole. So many announcements go down the drain if the first film doesn't work."
Relieved, Soni is still bewildered by the savage response to his maiden effort. "It was almost as if we made the worst film on this earth. I could smell the resentment against the film. There was definitely an attempt to write it off on the day of release."
Salman who had just delivered a grand hit in Wanted showed his full faith in Main Aurr Mrs Khanna.
Says the director, "He completely believed in my film and his character. But since he was already so visible for Wanted, we decided to go easy on the publicity for Mrs Khanna. We were wrong. This was a different Salman and a different film. Not that aggressive promotion helps. But aggressive anti-publicity surely damaged my film."
Whatever the response to the film at home, Main Aurr Mrs Khanna has been warmly received in Australia where the film is set and where a number of prominent Hindi films have been lately shot.
Says Prem Soni, "Melbourne is not just a location in my film. It's one of the characters in the plot. Has anyone commented on how hard we worked on getting the locations right? Main Aurr Mrs Khanna is the first Indian film to be shot on an international airport. When I wrote my script a major part of drama was situated on an international airport."
Salman, Sohail and Soni were very clear on the fact that they wanted to shoot on an international airport. "We didn't want to erect a set depicting an airport. A set looks like a set no matter how authentic. I made contact with the authorities at several airports. We had the choice of shooting on the airport in three cities Geneva, New York and Melbourne. We chose Melbourne because after much discussion they offered us the best deal."
And shooting on the bustling international airport in Melbourne was allowed absolutely free of cost. "Can you imagine? All we were told was to shoot in the nights when the air traffic was less dense. We paid nothing and we got complete and free access to shoot in the most restricted areas on the airport. We shot in an area past the immigration, so any of us could take an unauthorized flight to any part of the world. But all of us Kareena, Salman, Sohail, Yash Tonk, Nauheed Cyrusi and Bappi Lahiri, were very careful of our responsibility. We had been given a huge privilege and a diplomatic immunity. It wasn't just us. It was India's reputation at stake."
Sighs Soni, "Has anyone noticed that Main Aurr Mrs Khanna is the only film to be shot on an airport since Steven Spielberg's The Terminal? It's so easy and so much fun to be clever at a film's expense."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 20 Oct 2009 | 4:33 am Taxi Driver, OSO writers pair up for Indo-American bilingual
One man made Robert De Niro come up with a career defining act in Taxi Driver. Another made Shah Rukh Khan go over the top as never before in Om Shanti Om. And now both creative artists would be joining hands with each other to bridge the gap between Hollywood and Bollywood through Xtrme City [yes, that's the way the film is pronounced]! The men in question? Paul Schrader and Mushtaq Shiekh.
The project has already been commissioned and is a co-production of Hollywood's David Weisman (Kiss of the Spider Woman) and Bollywood's own Anubhav Sinha (Dus). While the project was in news a few months, it is now pretty much rolling with the top actors (from both Hollywood and Bollywood) soon to be finalised.
Says a source closely attached to the film, "This groundbreaking production will showcase a Bollywood mega-star and a Hollywood movie-star sharing top billing in a major motion picture. The film is destined for both the subcontinent and international markets. In fact, Xtrme City is already in the process of casting the two star leads. The film is being budgeted at about $10 million."
Schrader, who has directed 18 films, has previously worked in Japan, Italy, Romania, Israel and Morocco. "I hadn't thought about working in India", he says, "However, now I see Bollywood as the next great frontier. The film is a cross-cultural entertainment that merges the cinematic traditions of Bollywood and Hollywood. I am indeed excited to make a film which is accessible and meaningful to both Indian and American cultures."
In fact Mushtaq Shiekh would also be joining the team as Indian producer. A former journalist turned Bollywood screenwriter and prime-time Indian-TV show-runner, he has earlier authored bestselling biographies for Shah Rukh Khan like 'SRK: Still Reading Khan' and 'Shah Rukh Can'. He has also written books like 'The Making of Asoka', 'Devdas - The Indian Hamlet' and 'The Making of Om Shanti Om'. Of course his claim to fame are screenwriting credits for Om Shanti Om, Billu and Shah Rukh's under production Ra - One.
"Working on Xtrme City with a master screenwriter like Paul Schrader has been exhilarating and a marvellous illumination for me," says Shiekh. "He is tireless. We kept at it until achieving a perfect emotional balance for our story. We wanted to reveal the best of each world in surprising, entertaining, inspiring ways. That's what I like about Paul's screenplay. Ours is a film that never takes either culture for granted."
David Weisman had travelled to India twice with Schrader during July and October of 2008. The two return to India next month for the 11th Mumbai Film Festival, where Schrader will be honoured and serve on the jury.
Adds the source, "The film is aiming for a late 2010 shoot in Mumbai, New York and the Persian Gulf. The makers are hoping for a 2011 release. As with many Bollywood films, Xtrme City will integrate thriller, drama and comedy elements. The movie will be family-friendly though there would certainly be elements of violence. However, sex will be downplayed, though there would be quintessential song and dance routines."
About Xtrme City:
Xtrme City is an action thriller set in the brutal, impenetrable, criminal orbit of Mumbai, India. Curtis Hawkley, a former U.S. Ranger, is obliged to return to Mumbai when his father-in-law's youngest daughter is kidnapped by a powerful underworld Don. In order to save the girl he must first find his old friend Raj Rangan, an Indian Special Forces Commando who became a crime world enforcer. After reuniting and saving the girl, the two men are drawn deeper into the "bhai" underworld of Mumbai than they expected. Sense of duty compels them to take on a system of corruption, revenge, and familial obligations.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 20 Oct 2009 | 4:25 am
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