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SRK ignores Big B's birthday wish
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 Nov 2009 | 7:50 am FutureWorks delivers VFX shots for Tum Mile
Mukesh Bhatt's Tum Mile takes a calamity that hit Mumbai in 2005 monsoons and tries to recreate the horror that the deluge brought with it. The protagonists of the film, played by Emraan Hashmi and Soha Ali Khan, are stuck in the deluge, as is the whole of the city.
Creating seamless, realistic digital effects for director Kunal Deshmukh was a tall order, but doing cinematically wide angle shots with such camera moves was an extra added attraction for the post-production studios who worked on Mukesh Bhatt's.' Tum Mile. "Kunal has a very astute eye," said FutureWorks' Abhishek De.
"It was important for the visual effects to look as though they were shot on real location on that rampageous day 26th July'05 in the middle of actual weather conditions. He didn't want the film to take on a gimmicky visual-effects look."
Visual-effects post-production house FutureWorks worked on the two shots set amidst the wide significant skylines of Mumbai, and worked hard on digital makeup for the city skyline and other atmospheric effects.
"Our team went with a hi-resolution still camera for shooting references and frames for creating the matte paintings of the Mumbai skylines. By shooting in digital hi-resolution format we could capture lot of actual life like details," Abhishek said.
To support the hi-resolution matte paintings with the number of atmospheric and particle effect layers, the studio had to work with the horsepower of Autodesk's latest Flame machines. Even that was difficult. "The kind of data that was flowing and way the layering was done was tremendous," Gaurav Gupta (CEO, Futureworks) says. "So we had to upgrade our whole infrastructure and pipeline. We needed faster network speeds to move data around, massively beefed up servers, and - the most important thing - increase RAM power and add render nodes for fast background rendering."
Along with Futureworks, Prime Focus has also done major work on the movie.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 13 Nov 2009 | 6:49 am Vivek Oberoi sidelined from Kurbaan promos
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 Nov 2009 | 6:35 am Paa is Paa's best performance till date: Abhishek BachchanIt was a tough role reversal for Abhishek Bachchan who plays father to Amitabh Bachchan in Paa but the young actor chooses to train the spotlight on Big B, saying that the veteran has delivered his best performance till date in the film.Source: | 13 Nov 2009 | 6:32 am Kutcher gifts Moore a car on her birthday
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 Nov 2009 | 6:08 am "Tum Mile is more real than 'Raj - Rahul' cinema" - Emraan Hashmi
In his 6 years long career so far, Emraan Hashmi is yet to be seen in a conventional Bollywood cinema where the leading man is all correct and proper with a clean heart and no grey shades. Revelling in the kind of roles that he has picked for himself, Emraan has broken quite a few stereotypes and created his own place under the sun. He may still be awaiting his 50 crore hit, something which is pretty much a benchmark for any leading man to break into the top bracket today. However, Emraan is content that he is at least trying not to follow any conventional or tried and tested trends and is giving something new to the audience in each of his films. Emraan gets into a conversation with Joginder Tuteja and explains what makes his films different.
A Bollywood disaster movie - another first for you Emraan?
It's a misconception that Tum Mile belongs to disaster movie genre. No, it is not. The Mumbai floods disaster is an integral part of the film's plot, yes. But that doesn't necessarily make the entire movie revolve around this single thread. There is so much more to Tum Mile. In fact the way I look at the film, it is mainly a love story with a disaster just acting as a catalyst to bring the two characters together. However, never once during the entire sequence of events would you miss the love between these two characters.
It is mainly a love story with a disaster just acting as a catalyst to bring the two characters together
From the promos though it appears that it is quite a turbulent relationship between the characters played by you and Soha. Moreover, one can sense that it's not a sweet, simple and soft romantic hero that we would see in Tum Mile.
Well, if you are looking at a Raj and Rahul cinema here then Tum Mile is obviously not the one. The character I play is also much more real than a Raj or a Rahul that we have been exposed to. Instead of living in palatial mansions, this guy could be someone who lives next door. Tum Mile shows the times and tribulations in his life.
Can you elaborate further?
This guy is someone who is very real, very today. He is someone who has been quite ambitious in his life but has lost his way. He is still trying to find himself and still groping with the break in relationship with his girl (Soha Ali Khan) with whom he was so much in love at one point of time. Having said that, my chemistry with Soha shows in the film. The character that I play is my most romantic ever.
The character that I play is my most romantic ever
Seems like it must have been a cakewalk for you?
On the contrary it was quite a tiring experience, both physically and mentally. This was mainly because of the flood situation that had to be recreated. It was a difficult film to be made and hats off to Kunal (Deshmukh) for making it happen. During shooting, everyone from cast and crew used to stand in waist deep water for hours at stretch to give that perfect shot. When I saw the film, I was like 'Wow man, how did we actually accomplish it all?!' Credit must also go to the special effects guys who have done a brilliant job for the entire recreation.
Kunal says that the unfolding of proceedings is kept quite real...
That's right. Every romance comes with a share of problems and the one here isn't any different. One has to live up to the challenges. It's situations like these that make this guy real and also makes the viewer out there feel that something like this could happen to him as well.
Pairing of Soha along with you has also raised quite a few eyebrows. It's quite unconventional after all?
Well, if people feel so then it means that we have succeeded in our endeavour (smiles). Yes, we are shown as complete opposites on screen and for that to happen, we wanted to have the right actors. Everyone felt that Soha fitted in the bill while knowing pretty well throughout that I and her coming together would be quite unconventional. Also, the way it has turned out on screen, I am sure it is this very unpredictability around the pairing that would work in the film's favour.
I am sure it is this very unpredictability around the pairing that would work in the film's favour
But can one take grey shades away from Emraan?
It's a welcome change to have absolutely no grey shades in my character this time around (laughs). In the past, I have played quite a lot of grey roles that have been liked by the audience. However, this one is completely white. Kunal told me that Tum Mile would take me to a next level. He had quite a few pointers to validate his claim. If not for him, I would have continued playing the kind of roles I have been successful in. Today when I look at the film in retrospect, I see where he was coming from. Working in Tum Mile has broadened my approach.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 13 Nov 2009 | 5:58 am Liz Hurley on a vodka diet
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 Nov 2009 | 5:52 am My family is complete, says Pritam after daughter's birthMusic composer Pritam Chakraborty has a daughter and says now his family is complete.Source: Entertainment News | 13 Nov 2009 | 5:46 am "Let there not be trial by media" - Madhur Bhandarkar
His latest film Jail has seen critical acclaim coming it's way and is now entering it's second week today. However, Madhur Bhandarkar is far from resting. In the ongoing 33rd Cairo International Film Festival in Egypt, his films have been invited under the section 'Tribute to Indian Cinema'. This event would showcase retrospective of 5 films from the National Award winner filmmaker.
The films are Chandni Bar, Page3, Corporate, Traffic Signal and Fashion.
"Yes, it's a big honour as very recently I had also travelled to Moscow International Film Festival for a similar retrospective. I would be leaving Mumbai on 16th November for Cairo", confirmed Bhandarkar.
Some of the other prominent actors who are already attending the event are Salma Hayek, Lucy Liu, Samuel L. Jackson and Tom Berenger.
Meanwhile, all is not well on the personal front of Madhur Bhandarkar. Ghosts of the past are back to haunt him again as the years old case where an aspiring starlet had accused Madhur Bhandarkar of rape is back in limelight.
"I really don't wish to comment on it since the matter is sub judice", says Madhur Bhandarkar.
On being prodded further, all he was willing to say was, "It is a sensitive issue and let the law take its own course. People should just realise though that I have a mother, wife and a daughter at home, hence this case shouldn't take the shape of trial by media. That's my humble request to entire print and electronic media."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 13 Nov 2009 | 4:23 am Katrina angry over marriage rumours
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 Nov 2009 | 4:11 am I'm afraid Aishwarya and I will fall out: Vipul Shah
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:55 am Big B & Rashid Khan record song for 26/11 victims; Gowariker to shoot video
After singing for 30 years in films -his first song was recorded for Mr Natwarlal in 1979-- Amitabh Bachchan has joined vocal forces with a trained and renowned vocalist like Rashid Khan, the singer whom the formidable classical maestro Pandit Bhimsen Joshi had once chosen as his successor.
The coming together of India's most popular actor and part-time singer with the classical maestro happened for the album Sound Of Peace, dedicated to the victims of Mumbai's 26/11 terrorist attack.
Aadesh Shrivastav who helmed the project, composed its music and is in the process of finalizing a music video featuring the Big B and Rashid Khan, says the Big B simply swam across Sameer's words of world-peace.
The Big B confirms modestly, "Yes, Rashid Khan and I have sung together. The system of recording these days allows a lot of freedom to sing how one is comfortable. That's how I managed it."
The music video, for which efforts are on to get Ashutosh Gowariker to direct, will feature the Big B with Rashid Khan and Aadesh Shrivastav. Footage from the barbaric occurrences during 26/11 from 2008 in Mumbai will be interspersed with scenes from 9/11 in the US from 2001 and the London subway bombings of 2005.
Says Aadesh, "We initially planned to make this a Hindi -Urdu album in memory of the 26/11 victims. But we've now expanded it into a comment on global terrorism. Mr Bachchan is now in the process of recording an English version of the peace song."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:44 am Live Chat: Soha Ali Khan on November 14 at 1300 hrs IST
Soha Ali Khan is someone, who, despite being born in a royal family, is extraordinarily down to earth. Even though Bollywood could have been a mere cakewalk for her, she chose to walk the path that is woven with hard work and sweat, for which the only passwords are dedication and sincerity. Soha made her debut on the silver screen with her dazzling presence in the film Dil Maange More. This was followed by some of the most sensational performances in films like Mumbai Meri Jaan and Khoya Khoya Chaand... to name a few.
The good news is that she is back with Tum Mile, a film about Mumbai floods that stars Emraan Hashmi as her co-star. Here is your chance to chat with Soha Ali Khan only on Bollywood Hungama's Celebrity Chat, which happens on Saturday, November 14 at 1300 hrs IST.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:22 am futureworks delivers VFX shots for Tum Mile - bollywoodhungama
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:12 am Last day of task at Bigg Boss - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:07 am Mahesh Bhatt's son questioned on Headley linkMumbai police have questioned Bollywood filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt's son Rahul for his alleged friendship with David Coleman Headley, the Pakistan-born US national who is in FBI custody as a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) suspect.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:06 am I'd like to be pitted against Adhyayan in a film: Shekhar SumanVersatile actor Shekhar Suman says he and his son Adhyayan are more like buddies and that he would like to do a film where they are pitted against each other.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:05 am Has Shah Rukh ignored Big B's birthday wish?Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan says he is still awaiting an acknowledgement for an SMS that he sent to Shah Rukh Khan on his birthday over a week ago.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:04 am Nicole Kidman busts out at Country Music AwardsAdelaide (ANI): Actress Nicole Kidman recently walked the red carpet with her husband Keith Urban wearing a dress that seemingly made her appear bustier than usual. The fuchsia embroidered L'Wren Scott dress the actress donned at the Country Music Awards hasSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:00 am Hema Malini finds her daughter's heroHema Malini is leaving no stone unturned to re-launch her daughter Esha Deol through her production Tell Me Oh Khuda. Recently, we came to know that she has roped in four veteran cinematographers to shoot separate portions of the film’s fourSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Nov 2009 | 2:57 am Cast: Aftab Shivdasani, Aamna Sharif, Johny Lever - Indian Express
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 13 Nov 2009 | 2:55 am Pritam Chakraborty has a baby girl
Music composer Pritam Chakraborty's wife Smita delivered a baby girl on Thursday morning at 9.30 am at the Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai.
Both mother and child are healthy and fine, though the baby girl was born a fortnight before the due date.
Said the happy father, ''My son Purvesh who's 2 and whom we all call Salsa, was born more than a month prematurely. He had to be kept in an incubator. My daughter is fine, though slightly before time.''
Pritam says his wife would like to call their baby girl Ishqa.
''My family is now complete. Hum do hamare do,'' he says happily. ''Ever since my daughter was conceived my really successful innings as a composer started.''Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 13 Nov 2009 | 2:55 am Last day of task at Bigg BossIt’s the last day of the task and everyone is performing their duties with precision. After all, this task will fetch them maximum points and a luxurious budget and Malika-e-Aditi isn’t complaining either! The last couple of weeks have brought turmoilSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Nov 2009 | 2:51 am Has Shah Rukh ignored Big B's birthday wish? - Economic Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 13 Nov 2009 | 2:48 am "Playing a 12 year old was like walking a thin rope" - Aftab Shivdasani
Aao Wish Karein releases today and till yesterday, actor turned producer Aftab Shivdasani was busy supervising last minute nitty-gritty. He is one of the select few actors in the industry who has turned to production at such a young change. Playing the triple role of a producer, actor and a writer was something that Aftab hadn't quite fathomed.
"I seriously feel whether 40 hours a day would have been good enough or not", Aftab brings on a smile here as he anxiously awaited audience response to his first ever 'baby', "As a producer, you realise that time is of such an utmost importance."
Even as an actor, Aftab was quite challenged since the character that he enacts required him to have the innocence and purity of a 12 year old boy even when he has turned 22 overnight. Quite a few actors may have feared slipping with such characterisation since there is a good probability of a role like this resulting in the protagonist merely relying on making funny faces or acting a little insane.
"That's true", agrees Aftab, "I had to walk a thin rope because there is a fine difference between playing a child and acting a little mad. I decided that let me just play it all simple rather than thinking or rehearsing too much around how a kid would look at things and behave. I am glad when I see the final cut of the film, since I know for sure that if I had given this portrayal too much of thought, it would have turned mechanical and made it look all practiced and rehearsed. It was good to come up with a natural act while just getting into the boots of a 12 year old kid."
For this, Aftab made sure not to go overboard even once and keep his facial expressions, mannerisms and body language in check. With a subject like this where an overnight transformation happens to a human body (a 12 year old boy desires to turn into a young man and his wish is granted), Aao Wish Karein could have easily slipped into the Mr. Ya Miss zone where Aftab was converted into Antara Mali via a bad dream.
"While comedy there was slapstick, proceedings are completely subtle in Aao Wish Karein", Aftab explains the difference, "There is no over the top act, no vulgarity or any mandatory jokes around manhood. Instead, the film retains its simplicity course and focuses primarily on the quest of this boy who wishes to woo his lady love."
As the sole lead in the film, Aftab was also required to carry the entire film on his shoulders unlike quite a few multi starrers that he has been a part of. While being good in comedy is a given for him (Masti, Awara Paagal Deewana, De Taali), one awaits how Aao Wish Karein showcases a different facet of him as an emotional lover boy.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 13 Nov 2009 | 2:47 am Stripper apologises to Fergie for having sex with JoshWashington (ANI): Stripper Nicole Forrester, who had an alleged affair with Josh Duhamel, has apologized to the actor’s wife/singer Fergie. "I'm sorry, I thought, Nobody's gonna find out. It's not gonna hurt anybody,” People magazine quoted her as telling Extra. SheSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Nov 2009 | 2:45 am Magadheera scores a centuryMagadheera , the biggest hit of South India by Geetha Arts has crossed its century. The film with the highest opening ever in the South collected 28 crore in the first week itself. Starring Ram Charan Teja and Kajal Aggarwal, theSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Nov 2009 | 2:31 am Shilpa Shetty's sangeet ceremony details unveiledEverybody knows that Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty is marrying her beau businessman Raj Kundra on November 22. But have you heard about her sangeet ceremony? We have the details about it for you.The sangeet ceremony is taking place on November 21,Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Nov 2009 | 2:26 am Liz Hurley ditches coffee, wine to stay in shapeNew York (ANI): Actress Elizabeth Hurley has revealed that she shifted from drinking wine to vodka in order to maintain her svelte figure. The actress also mentioned that she stopped drinking coffee."I used to drink an awful lot of coffee, butSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Nov 2009 | 2:18 am Three Talkies to come soonMalayalam film industry is in the progress of three films with similar names. Talkies, Valluvanadan Talkies, and Menaka Talkies are three movies with similar names. Talkies cast Mohahla as the hero, is directed by Shajoon Kariyal. Valluvanadan Talkies' scripted by MSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Nov 2009 | 2:14 am Mohanlal to star in ShikaarAfter the movie Angel John, Mohanlal is now to be screened in Shikaar. The film is all about the deep relation of a father and daughter. Mohahlal plays the role of the father named Balaraman in the film. Naadodigal fame AnanyaSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Nov 2009 | 2:12 am Sharon Osbourne apologises to Susan BoyleLondon (ANI): Sharon Osbourne has said sorry for her verbal attack on Britain's Got Talent runner-up Susan Boyle while on a radio show last week. On micro-blogging site Twitter, Osbourne stated that she wanted to "apologise for getting a cheap laugh"Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Nov 2009 | 2:09 am MJ's This Is It passes $200 millionMichael Jackson's concert movie This Is It has raked in more than $200 million at box offices worldwide in the first two weeks of release. The movie is now one of the biggest grossing movies worldwide of 2009.Source: | 13 Nov 2009 | 2:06 am Why Vivek Oberoi missing from 'Kurbaan' promos?The "Kurbaan" promos feature only Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor while Vivek Oberoi is hardly to be seen.Source: Entertainment News | 13 Nov 2009 | 2:02 am FBI chief in India next week to probe Headley case - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 13 Nov 2009 | 1:54 am I'm afraid Aishwarya and I will fall out: Vipul ShahFilmmaker Vipul Shah says he is worried about his friendship with Aishwarya Rai who is working in his film "Action Replay" as people are making "systematic attempts to destroy" their relationship.Source: Entertainment News | 13 Nov 2009 | 1:46 am 'Radio' has already recovered investment: ReshammiyaComposer-singer-actor Himesh Reshammiya, whose last two films bombed at the box office, says that the money invested in his forthcoming release has already been recovered through its music.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Nov 2009 | 1:01 am I'm afraid Aishwarya and I will fall out: Vipul ShahFilmmaker Vipul Shah says he is worried about his friendship with Aishwarya Rai who is working in his film Action Replay as people are making "systematic attempts to destroy" their relationship. Source: | 13 Nov 2009 | 1:00 am My family is complete, says Pritam after daughter's birthMusic composer Pritam Chakraborty has a daughter and says now his family is complete.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 13 Nov 2009 | 1:00 am Hurt Om Puri says biography tribute to women in his life - Indian Express
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 13 Nov 2009 | 12:56 am Twilight is like a 'virus': Robert Pattinson - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 13 Nov 2009 | 12:25 am Malayalam film industry to tighten beltsHit by several flops at the box office, the Malayalam film industry has decided to implement austerity measures and discipline.Source: Entertainment News | 12 Nov 2009 | 11:47 pm The eternal aura of TintinThe legacy of the comic began in 1929, when Tintin first appeared in a supplement meant for children to the Belgian newspaper Le Vingtième Siècle. Tintin was perhaps the closest real hero ever created, an entity ordinary person could identify with.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 12 Nov 2009 | 11:13 pm Akshay takes a dig at Aamir Khan? - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 12 Nov 2009 | 9:43 pm I'm afraid Aishwarya and I will fall out: Vipul ShahFilmmaker Vipul Shah says he is worried about his friendship with Aishwarya Rai who is working in his film 'Action Replay' as people are making 'systematic attempts to destroy' their relationship.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 12 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm Tom Sparks - Reality game show Wipeout, contestant diesTOM SPARKS, 33 will be the first contestant to die following his appearance on the reality game show Wipeout. A recent college graduate and newlywed Tom, died of stroke two weeks after he pulled out from WipeoutSource: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 12 Nov 2009 | 8:43 pm Why Vivek Oberoi missing from 'Kurbaan' promos?The 'Kurbaan' promos feature only Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor while Vivek Oberoi is hardly to be seen. Director Rensil D'Silva says his role is so deeply affiliated to the plot's suspense that if exposed too much, it can give away the story.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 12 Nov 2009 | 7:00 pm Review: Kurradu
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 12 Nov 2009 | 5:54 pm Cabinet clears 'digital delivery' for cable TV - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 12 Nov 2009 | 2:56 pm Government hikes FDI cap in cable TV to 74 percentThe cabinet today approved a proposal to issue policy guidelines for Headend-in-the-Sky operators, and raised the cap on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector to 74 percent.Source: Entertainment News | 12 Nov 2009 | 1:10 pm I can't act: Rohit ShettyRohit Shetty, son of late actor Shetty who played negative roles in films and also worked as the fight master in numerous Bollywood and Kannada movies, says acting is not his forte.Source: Entertainment News | 12 Nov 2009 | 12:52 pm Manoj Bajpai too has six pack absFirst Shah Rukh Khan had it, then Aamir Khan and now National Award winning actor Manoj Bajpai has also got six-pack abs, but he doesn't want to show it off on screen.Source: Entertainment News | 12 Nov 2009 | 12:46 pm Brechtian lyricsThe man who redefined the role of the lyricist in the Indian music industry meets the man who took literally took theatre apart — that too on stage.Source: | 12 Nov 2009 | 12:23 pm Aao Wish Karein12 year old Mickey’s life was almost like a fairy tale. But one day his tale shattered when he realizes that he was an adopted child. Tired and drained of all emotions he sits by himself.Source: | 12 Nov 2009 | 12:14 pm ‘I was unhappy with the second half of Tum Mile’Yes, I was unhappy with the second half of Tum Mile when I saw the first master print, says Mahesh Bhatt. He tells Kunal Deshmukh to edit out 10 minutes of Tum Mile, director says he had a point.Source: | 12 Nov 2009 | 12:03 pm Ranbir is a true blue Kapoor: KareenaYesteryear actor Randhir Kapoor has been in the news for the past one year, thanks to his plans of reviving the half-a-century-old family banner, RK Films. But his daughter, actress Kareena Kapoor, would like to see her cousin, Ranbir, to “take charge” of RK Films.Source: | 12 Nov 2009 | 11:48 am ‘Ranbir doesn’t copy anyone’Two successful films in a row have set the trade thinking of Ranbir Kapoor as the next big thing in Hindi films. Most reviews have flattering comments about his portrayal of Prem in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and of Siddharth Mehra in Wake Up Sid.Source: | 12 Nov 2009 | 11:45 am Mallika Sherawat bonds with Johnny Depp in Santa Monica
Mallika Sherawat is surely making her presence felt in the Wild Wild West (in case you are still wondering we are referring to Hollywood darling). The actress, who is more often seen in Beverly Hills than Bandra these days, is hobnobbing with the biggest names of Hollywood.
Recently, Mallika was seen bonding with Hollywood heartthrob Johnny Depp. The duo met at legendary crooner Tom Waits' daughter Kellisimone's art opening in Santa Monica where Mallika was a special guest. Obviously Madame Sherawat was on top of the moon on meeting one of the world's sexiest men. She said, "It was a great pleasure meeting one of America's greatest actors. He's even better looking in person and to top it all, he told me that he is really looking forward to watching the Hissss trailer. I'm sure it'll give him sleepless nights!"
Decked up in a stylish designer black gown, Mallika particularly enjoyed the artwork of Miss Waits whose current political theme highlighted world politicians in compromising positions. Mallika's new American film project, a romantic comedy set in the world of American politics, entitled Love, Barack has also been generating a lot of buzz.
Also seen with Miss Sherawat at the art opening was Hollywood studio director Jesse Dylan who is developing another new mainstream commercial American film for the Indian star.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 12 Nov 2009 | 11:38 am Why don't producers learn the basics of film business?
There are few basic facts of the film business which have been proven time and again, but still producers / directors try to defy them. Why? Is it because of ego or something else? Just to compete and outsmart each other without realizing facts (or deliberate ignorance), a producer turns a blind eye towards an obvious fact. Why one fails to understand that a film is the resultant of many months' hard work put together by a huge team with best of their efforts where careers of so many people associated with film are at stake. But after spending so much money and putting in best efforts to promote the film, they fail on deciding a right date for the release of the film. There are so many examples available when we know that a film would have done better business if released at the right time.
Facts like a film never works in pre-Diwali week are proven but still we see film releasing in that week and biting dust. The most recent example is that of Acid Factory. Another fact being that films never work in the last week of the year and first week of the year has been defied by so many producers and they have seen the results also. Still producers still do not learn the lesson.
Another very important fact producers fail to read is the strength of the competition on a particular release date. A release should be decided based on the fact that whether their film can sustain the competition and not on their egos. It's a market reality that when two different genres like hard hitting social reality and feel good entertainer compete with each other, winner always will be the feel good cinema provided the content is decent enough. The case in point is Jail and APKGK, two films belonging to above mentioned genres clashed on the same date and the result is for everyone to see.
Thinking just from the paying audiences' point view which goes to cinema to get entertained, what will they prefer, Jail or APKGK? The answer is anybody's guess. The question is whether Jail could have avoided its fate? The answer is yes, by realizing the basic fact about strength of the competition based on genres of these two films. Releasing the film by few weeks here and there would have made a lot of difference in its collections. Its not that Madhur Bhandarkar has lost his charm, but one should be able to read the market conditions also. Of course there is a loyal audience of Madhur Bhandarkar films but when a family which includes kids or a group of teenagers go out to watch a film on a weekend, you decide which film they will choose from Jail and APKGK? Writing is on the wall that unless you are catering to masses / families, you cannot make big monies. It's not the film which has failed, but it's the release strategy which has compelled a good film to bite the dust. We hope producers will understand and keep these basic principles in mind instead of any other reasons before deciding a release date.
Rupessh Jain can be reached at rupessh@gmail.com
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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed herein or statements made in the above column are solely those of the blogger, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bollywood Hungama. Bollywood Hungama accepts no legal liability or responsibility for any claims made or opinions expressed herein.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 12 Nov 2009 | 11:28 am There should be a limit to fun, says angry Katrina KaifBollywood actress Katrina Kaif is not taking rumours of her marriage with an Indore-based politician in good humour.Source: Entertainment News | 12 Nov 2009 | 11:06 am Malayalam film industry to tighten beltsHit by several flops at the box office, the Malayalam film industry has decided to implement austerity measures and discipline.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 12 Nov 2009 | 11:03 am Police bar Sonali Bendre from inaugurating lounge barBollywood actress Sonali Bendre, famous for her roles in movies like 'Sarfarosh' and 'Hum Saath Saath Hai', had a rude shock Thursday evening when city police prevented her from inaugurating a lounge bar housed in an illegally constructed shopping mall in the city.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 12 Nov 2009 | 11:00 am Taylor Swift is 'Entertainer of the Year'Country singer Taylor Swift dominated the Country Music Association Awards by winning four awards, including the Entertainer of the Year. The 19-year-old broke into tears while receiving the prize. Source: | 12 Nov 2009 | 10:49 am Madhur Bhandarkar's case reopens, courtesy Preeti Jain
It's always said that life is Bollywood is nothing else but strange. It just cannot be truer than in the case of the most 'realistic' filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar. On one hand, while he is basking in the glory of the success of his latest film Jail, which has earned him critics' as well as the mass acclaim, on the other, a city court has ruled that Madhur will stand trial for allegedly raping Preeti Jain, the girl who shocked the entire of Bollywood, after she claimed that Madhur had raped her.
Preeti's counsel Sushan Kunjuraman said that the court's said ruling happened after it felt that the FIR (First Information Report) that was filed against Madhur was not false. The next hearing is expected to happen on Dec 22, a day when the complainant Preeti Jain's statements will be recorded. In addition to that, Jain will also be submitting the details of SMS that were allegedly sent to her by Madhur Bhandarkar.
For the uninitiated, Preeti Jain shot into overnight fame in 2004, by claiming that Madhur Bhandarkar had allegedly raped her, at the pretext of making her an actress in his films.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 12 Nov 2009 | 10:43 am Kiarostami to head Marrakech juryRenowned Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami has been named president of the jury at the ninth Marrakech Film Festival set to roll on December 4.Source: | 12 Nov 2009 | 8:54 am "I haven't yet reached my peak" - Boney Kapoor
When Boney Kapoor was invited to the ongoing Cairo International Film Festival, it was in the capacity of being a Guest of Honour. However, to his pleasant surprise, he was also bestowed upon a Lifetime Achievement award, something which he didn't see coming at all. What acted as a cherry on the top, literally so, was the fact that the felicitation happened yesterday, 11th November, which happens to be Boney Kapoor's birthday.
"I have turned 54 today and this award makes me wonder if I have really aged. In fact I feel that I have just started", chuckles Boney Kapoor when this writer spoke to him yesterday, "It's my birthday and this award has really made me feel so special. More so because I wasn't expecting it at all. I was a special invitee there as a Guest of Honour and was required to provide organizers some documentation around my work over the decades. I didn't have any clue that this profiling was being done to hand me over a Lifetime Achievement award."
He was in the elite company of actors like Samuel Jackson and Salma Hayek amongst others who were also special guests at the event. Other than them, there were also quite a few renowned Arab and Egyptian film personalities with whom Boney Kapoor hobnobbed with.
"Yes, it was good to be with Hollywood personalities. However, what I liked most was the fact that I was on stage with Adoor Gopalakrishnan who is on an extremely different end when it comes to filmmaking sensibilities. He too was bestowed upon the same award. It is great that industry in general is acknowledging the contribution of filmmakers belonging to farthest extremes", says Boney over phone from Cairo.
Generally an award belonging to this category signals retirement time for many a filmmaker. However, Boney has been further buoyed by this and is now aspiring at starting newer projects soon.
"I don't think I have reached my peak to even think of retirement", he laughs, "There are only a few lucky ones who have managed to survive the industry as a filmmaker for as many as 30 years. I guess there are just 8-10 of us. God has been kind with me to pull me out of the financial mess I was in."
"With two back to back blockbusters in the form of No Entry followed by Wanted, I am raring to go. I have to be consistent from here on, pick my projects carefully and ensure that I do not repeat my mistakes. Being in a good situation like this, I can't let it slip away again", he signs off.
Next in line for Boney Kapoor is Satish Kaushik directed Milenge Milenge [Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor] and brother Sanjay Kapoor's debut production It's My Life [directed by Anees Bazmee and starring Harman Baweja, Genelia D'Souza and Nana Patekar].Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 12 Nov 2009 | 8:45 am Balki on Amitabh-Abhishek role reversal in Paa - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 12 Nov 2009 | 7:33 am Boutique media firm acquires SRK starrer 'Dulha Mil Gaya' rightsMorpheus Media Ventures (MMV), a boutique media firm, has acquired half ownership rights to Shah Rukh Khan's forthcoming film 'Dulha Mil Gaya'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 12 Nov 2009 | 7:05 am No problem working with Shiney: Soha
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 12 Nov 2009 | 6:51 am Jolie to adopt baby from Syria?
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 12 Nov 2009 | 6:48 am Brad Pitt wants 'Inglourious Basterds' prequel
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 12 Nov 2009 | 6:37 am Horror show 'Aahat' returns after two yearsPopular horror show "Aahat" is returning to the small screen after two years to tell new scary stories.Source: Entertainment News | 12 Nov 2009 | 6:26 am Akshay Kumar will be torch bearer from India for 2010 Olympics
The sportiest star of the Indian Film Industry, is now going ahead and becoming the international khiladi as he will soon be seen in the most respected sporting event, The 2010 Olympics games, as the sole star representing the global entertainment industry.
Akshay has been the brand ambassador from India for the Special Olympics World Winter Games for the past three years, but this year he is also going to be the torch bearer at the Winter Games being held in Vancouver, Canada.
Akshay's love for sports is a well known fact; he was recently awarded the highest Japanese honour of 'Katana' at his first international karate championship. Not only that, but he has shot for 'Seven Deadly Sins' for the National Geographic channel recently.
This one would be another feather in his cap, as only 15 international celebrities have been invited to Canada to participate in carrying the torch.
The games will be held from January 30 to February 14, 2010. Akshay will be presented the torch on November 16 by the Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper, in Mumbai. At a high power exclusive lunch organised for 50 CEO's of respected tourism companies, the PM will be introducing Akshay as the sole torch bearer from India.
It's not only an honour for Akshay but an hour for our industry and most importantly for our country. Kudos to Akshay!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 12 Nov 2009 | 5:45 am When Aftab and gang threw surprise birthday bash for Rati Agnihotri
Rati Agnihotri is someone who does not need any introduction in Bollywood. She has been one of the 'initiators' of some of the golden romantic moments on the silver screen. How can one forget the cross-cultural romance between her and Kamal Hassan in the yesteryear's smash hit film Ek Duje Ke Liye.
It is the same Rati Agnihotri, who will now be seen in the Aftab-Aamna starrer candyfloss flick Aao Wish Karein, directed by Glenn Baretto. True to the theme of the film, which is magic and surprise, the whole unit of the film sprang a surprise on Rati Agnihotri by celebrating her birthday on the sets of the film. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Glenn said, "The whole unit of the film was very upbeat about celebrating Ratiji's birthday on the sets. Rati, on her part was indeed very touched and moved by the sweet gesture that the unit members showed towards her. The 'surprise packet' of the day was the presence of Rati's husband Anil Virwani, who is an extremely busy man. He took time out to be with the whole unit to bring in Rati's birthday!"
All that one can say is that Aao Wish Karein seems to be living upto its name, both on screen and off-screen!Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 12 Nov 2009 | 5:44 am My backless shot tells a lot about 'Kurbaan' theme: Kareena KapoorKareena Kapoor says there is nothing "vulgar" about her backless shot being used for the publicity posters of forthcoming release "Kurbaan", an intense thriller about terrorism.Source: Entertainment News | 12 Nov 2009 | 2:00 am Vivek Oberoi's baffling non-presence Kurbaan promos, Rensil explains
Is Vivek Oberoi getting a raw deal? The Kurbaan promos feature Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor all the way. Vivek Oberoi who plays the third main protagonist is hardly glimpsed in the entire promotional campaign, triggering off a widespread feeling that things are not so right between Vivek and the Kurbaan team.
However, the explanation for Vivek's absence is far more bizarre than the normal raw-deal rona-dona.
Apparently, his role is so deeply affiliated to the plot's suspense that every moment shown in the promos featuring Oberoi would have the tendency to give away the story.
Laughs director Rensil D'Silva, "It's a very strange situation. Vivek is one of the central characters. But almost every scene of his is a dead giveway of the suspense. What do we do?"
Rensil has discussed the problem with Vivek. "And he is absolutely cool with being the band mutthi of the film. I've spoken to Vivek and explained the dilemma. He was cool with not being featured in the promos that much. He said to do whatever is right for the film because when the film opens the truth about the extent of his role would be out. Vivek has worked very hard in the film. He had to acquire a true New Yorker's accent and not the kind Indians get at the John F Kennedy airport."
Vivek worked really hard on the accent. "We had a couple of New Yorkers on the sets to coach him. He's got the NY accent bang-on. It's not a borough-specific accent (NY has 5 boroughs each with its own speaking pattern). It's a general New York twang. And Vivek is superb with it."
Rensil cuts down the belief that Vivek has a cameo in Kurbaan? "Not true at all. Vivek is in 80 percent of the film. He's central to the drama. Vivek worked very hard on the role. He was in my room in Philadelphia every night to discuss his diction, dialogues and looks. I seem his career at the cusp of something really exciting."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 12 Nov 2009 | 1:44 am
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