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I haven't yet signed on to play Indira Gandhi: Madhuri DikshitAt the moment, Madhuri Dixit is more bothered about her son's upset tummy than playing Indira Gandhi.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Nov 2009 | 8:18 am I haven't yet signed for Indira Gandhi project: Madhuri
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Nov 2009 | 7:49 am Himesh carries forward Radio look in music reality show
As the theatrical release of Radio, his third film as a lead actor, approaches it's release, Himesh Reshammiya appears to be quite attached to the short hair look that he is sporting in the urban contemporary romantic tale. Buoyed by the response that he has fetched for the look that has been a gradual progression from his Aap Kaa Surroor and Karzzzz days, Himesh has now taken it forward into TV reality show as well.
The musical show is called 'Music Ka Maha Muqabla' which would be on air soon.
Says Himesh, "I have sported a casual look in Radio since it goes perfectly well with the role of VJ that I play in it. Since the response so far has been quite positive to it, I thought it would be a good idea to stick to it for TV as well."
His reasoning does make sense since this is also expected to aid the promotion of the film which is just a fortnight away.
Conceptualised by Gajendra Singh who has many successful TV shows to his credit ever since satellite channels came into being, 'Music Ka Maha Muqabla' has excited Himesh due to its concept and the treatment that has been designed.
"It's like a musical sport which is akin to one day cricket", he says, "There are 6 captains with each of them leading a team of contestants, all of whom perform for their respective captain and teams. I am sure the show will break all records in terms of TRPs."
Other than Himesh, the other 5 captains are Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, Mohit Chauhan, Mika and Sunidhi Chauhan.
There have also been murmurs in the trade circles that he has charged as much as Rs. 8 crores for participating in the show which requires shooting for only 20 days.
Refusing to comment on the remuneration of the show, Himesh is quite happy to discuss the economics of Radio instead. "I am very happy that the producer of Radio as already made a good profit. Moreover, the music is super hit as well. I will be a happier man though if people appreciate the film and my performance."
Starring Sonal Sehgal and Shenaz Treasurywala as the leading ladies, Radio is directed by Ishaan Trivedi and released on Thursday, 3rd December.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 Nov 2009 | 6:42 am Akshay Kumar foregoes fees for TV show
In his endeavour to spread awareness about Karate and Martial Arts in general, Akshay Kumar has let go of at least a few lakhs for a TV show. A special 'making' segment has been created for the Karate Championship sponsored by him. However, the actor didn't talk commercials when the channel expressed its desire to air it.
Says a source attached to the channel Colors that would be airing the program titled 'Akshay Kumar Invitational Karate Event', "This is a very special event since Akshay Kumar is sponsoring a Karate Championship for the youngsters. The purpose is to enhance their talent, showcase their skills and represent their country. This is why he didn't even charge a penny for the program. He is not looking for any money here since he feels very strongly about the relevance of Martial Arts and wants all around awareness to be spread about it."
As the actor has always maintained, through this Championship he is looking at more and more youngsters in the country to come closer to Martial Arts. Just like in Singapore where learning Martial Arts is a must for everyone, he wants India too to wake up to this fact and become an expert in self defence.
"In a country like Singapore where Martial Arts is known by one and all, the crime rate is near to zero. No, it's not because everyone fears the backlash that he may get but the very fact that Martial Arts teaches the virtue of goodness as well as immense patience and mind control. That helps in further mental and personality development of an individual", says an expert, "In a country as wide as India, it makes sense to introduce Martial Arts much more religiously. It would add quite some value to enhance human endurance."
Named 'Akshay Kumar Invitational Karate Event', the show will be aired between 7PM-8PM IST on COLORS on Sunday, 22nd November.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 Nov 2009 | 6:28 am Sanjay Dutt's bearded look for Knock-Out delays his projects
Sanjay Dutt's dates have gone haywire, all thanks to the beard that he has grown for his role in Mani Shankar's Knock-Out.
The beard was supposed to come off this month after the completion of his schedule for Shankar's film. But Dutt's mentor Amar Singh played the spoilsport. He asked Dutt to campaign for the assembly elections in Maharashtra.
That's when Dutt's shooting schedule got somewhat messed up. Says a source close to Dutt, "Sanjay Dutt was supposed to complete the current schedule of Knock-Out and then move on to Indra Kumar's Dhamaal Part 2, the next schedule of Anees Bazmi's No Problem and the remaining portion of Bunty Walia's Lamhaa. But suddenly Sanjay got a call from Amar Singh asking him to campaign for the by-elections in Maharashtra."
When Amar Singh summons Sanjay Dutt hears no other voice. Says the source, "Sanjay immediately gave the dates required. Resultantly, his schedules were thrown off by two weeks."
Two weeks in itself would've not been such a setback were it not for the beard. Apparently, Dutt refused to shave off the beard to work on other pending projects simultaneously with Knock-Out.
Says the source, "Sanjay feels a false beard would cut into the authenticity of his character in Knock-Out. He refused to shave off the beard and take on the other projects after the delay caused by the by-elections. He requested other producers to push up their dates until he could finish with his bearded look."
Dutt has now decided he will hold a 'Look' for his film even if means cutting down on his assignments. In fact after he was unable to shave off his beard during Knock-Out, he gave others producers the option of signing someone else.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 Nov 2009 | 6:22 am Shilpa Shetty ready for her sangeet
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Nov 2009 | 6:22 am Reliance, Brad Pitt's production company join hands for film on Dark Void game
Brad Pitt's production company Plan B Entertainment, under its Creative Partnership with Reliance BIG Entertainment, and Capcom (a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games) have come to terms on the film rights relating to Dark Void, a new property from Capcom. The theatrical version of the Dark Void game is being developed as a sci-fi action franchise and potential starring vehicle for Pitt.
Capcom will release Dark Void on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and PC in North America on January 19, 2010 and across Europe on January 22, 2010.
Dark Void is an adrenaline-fuelled blend of aerial and ground-pounding combat which centers on Will, a pilot who crash lands in the Bermuda Triangle following a routine mission. Will wakes up to find himself in 'The Void', an alternate world resembling a primitive earth where aliens with superior technology are planning to take over civilization. Together with a faction of humans who have disappeared into the Void, Will takes on the alien race using their own advanced technology including a high-powered jet pack to defeat them and keep order in the civilized world.
Reliance BIG Entertainment first introduced its Creative Partnership (an innovative development / production financing deal) with Plan B Entertainment at the Cannes Film Festival 2008.
Speaking on this new development, Reliance BIG Entertainment's Chairman, Mr. Amit Khanna commented, "We are delighted that our Creative Partnership with Plan B has led to this agreement to develop the Dark Void motion picture based on the Dark Void game along with Capcom and we look forward to future projects with them."
"As a game, Dark Void was developed with a wide-screen mentality - a world full of adventure presented in cinematic scope and scale," said Germaine Gioia, Senior Vice- President, licensing, Capcom Entertainment. "Plan B recognized the potential of our newest property and are as excited about bringing Dark Void to life in cinemas as Capcom is to bring the interactive experience to home theaters."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 Nov 2009 | 6:06 am Kate Hudson's son has a crush on Penelope Cruz
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Nov 2009 | 5:42 am Eva Mendes to write love letter for Kate Winslet
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Nov 2009 | 5:38 am "Kurbaan doesn't make any political or social commentary" - Karan Johar
Keeping aside certain threats that Kurbaan has received courtesy its posters, even otherwise the film comes with a volatile theme which is centred on global terrorism. With the film's release almost coinciding with 26/11 attack in 2008, the matter becomes further sensitive. This is why one strongly hopes and believes that even after the release of Kurbaan, there would be no disruptions from any political or religious sections that may see red in the content or timing of Kurbaan. Joginder Tuteja gets into a conversation with Karan Johar and asks if he fears any further protests.
Karan, knowing the sensibilities of Dharma Productions, one always expects a quality outing with a sensitive storyline that doesn't threat anyone's sensibilities - whether social, political, religious or emotional. Still, in the democratic environment that we are in, do you fear any protests coming the way of Kurbaan since it deals with
terrorism?
No, I don't see foresee any controversies around the film since it is only showing things as they are. It has been made with a huge level of sensitivity and I am sure it won't be offending anyone's sensibilities. (Pauses) No, there should not be a protest or any other disruptive activity.
It has been made with a huge level of sensitivity and I am sure it won't be offending anyone's sensibilities
So, is the element of terror constant throughout the film or do we see some other layers as well?
Of course the film is conveying an important point of view with an eye on global terrorism. However, at the heart of it all, it's a love story and that itself is its biggest strength too. This is what constitutes for an emotional narrative against the backdrop of terrorism. Of course emotional strength is the film's mainstay but I can confidently state that
Kurbaan does scratch the surface more than any other film based on a similar subject. Still, we are not making a political or a social commentary here.
Well, one has to agree that in a limited time span, Kurbaan has managed to create quite some curiosity around itself...
I am thankful that this has happened for both the movie and the songs. Our marketing window for the film was just 5 weeks and it's great that we have been able to penetrate the market in such limited framework of time. See, certain products need a slow build up, like it was in the case of Wake Up Sid. We had to work our way in people's
mind. On the other hand Kurbaan is thrilling. Also, it has Saif and Kareena and this is why the movie is so hot today and has a curiosity of its own.
I remember you mentioning that once they are hired, you let your directors loose. Was it the same case with first timer Rensil D'Silva as well?
Rensil cinema has nothing to do with me. Yes, the story is mine but I have nothing to do on a creative level. It's entirely Rensil's take on how the film has been shot and executed. In fact you would know that when you see the film. Every director has his own voice and Rensil has his own. Another strong point that he brings to the table is that he is also a writer. Sometimes writers become indulgent but he is not. He is very easy to deal with. I didn't have to tell him what to cut. He understands the pace of the film and kept it's duration just the way it should be.
Rensil cinema has nothing to do with me
You seem to be quite impressed with him...
And that's because he knows what he is talking about. He has written the film's screenplay and the entire mystery of Kurbaan lies in this element. He knows his subject inside outside.
Ever since Jab We Met, I have never seen Kareena so gung go about a film as has been in the case of Kurbaan. What is it so special about the film that makes her extremely confident and close to the product?
In fact Bebo has been a huge support to the film and has given it all. She has grasped the character very well and worked hard on the film. That level of passion shows. I believe that everyone has done an exceptional job, whether it is Saif, Vivek or herself.
However, Kareena believes that Saif is all set to walk away with the biggest honors after Kurbaan. Do we actually foresee that coming?
[Smiles] Bebo is very passionate about Kurbaan and obviously has great things to say about everything associated with it. Yes, I am proud of the work done, the technique applied and overall filmmaking. However, the biggest verdict is the box office verdict. That's going to validate if we have actually come up with something that deserves critical and commercial acclaim.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 21 Nov 2009 | 5:10 am Movie Review: TwilightDirector Hardwicke succeeds in giving the familiar story a fresh twist. Kristen Stewart is passable. Pattinson has the kind of uber-cool screen presence that is favoured by the tweens. Read on for full review by Rashid Irani.Source: | 21 Nov 2009 | 4:25 am "We never claimed Kurbaan to be a Disney affair" - Saif Ali Khan [Part 2]
Yesterday, in Part 1 of the interview, he spoke about how promoting a movie has taken a different form and shape in current times, his annoyance with the way some sections of media have splashed stories about Kurbaan and Kareena and himself in a not-so-flattering manner. In the second and concluding part of this exclusive interview with Joginder Tuteja, Saif talks about the 'A' certificate that the film has been granted, changing business scenario at the box office and how Kurbaan goes beyond his off-screen pairing with Kareena.
Even if one leaves the poster aside, one can't deny the fact that a major promotional peg for Kurbaan is Saif-Kareena pairing...
Yes, our coming together has been much spoken about and it was nice to be eventually doing Kurbaan together. I was often scared that people should not be bored by the pair because we are together in real life. This is why it is so important to be playing the character well so that you are seen doing something which brings in a lot more on the table than just being a regular pair. Thankfully, the characterization of both Ehsaan and Avantika are pretty well etched out so that wasn't difficult.
There is still good enough population above 18 years that can come together to watch a film and turn it into a super hit
With someone like Rensil on board, one does hope that he has moved beyond off-screen pairing...
Karan is very lucky to have entrusted Rensil for the job. He is a first time director and I am highly impressed since he is a deeply intelligent man and an observant person. Also, he is a very gifted storyteller.
Kurbaan has got an 'A' certificate for itself. Doesn't it bother you that audience footfall would be impacted due to this?
Let me explain it this way. You can try and make a Disney film which promises a wide audience for a 2 year old and her 60 year old grandfather; now that's an ideal producer scenario. But then, that's not the only kind of film which you want to make. You also want to make a gripping, scary, gritty film because entertainment can come in different ways. Some films are so violent, suspenseful, thrilling or sensual that censorship is required. This is why; I don't mind it at all when Kurbaan gets an 'A' certificate. In any case, there is still good enough population above 18 years that can come together to watch a film and turn it into a super hit.
Well, Wanted with an 'A' certificate and that too with a substantial single screen audiences, did turn into a super hit this year...
And so did Race last year. The film's concept was quite adult and it broke the cliche of a man sacrificing his life for his brother. The film was quite intriguing, restricted kids from watching it, and still was widely accepted. We have enough examples where 'A' movies have done quite well commercially.
Talking about commercial gains, after Love Aaj Kal people would be expecting yet another record breaking opening from a film of yours. Doesn't it become a scary thought?
It is a scary thought, but then, also an understandable thought. See, today, the growth in business and economy gets reflected in box office returns. There are new records which are set practically every month or at least every quarter. If Kurbaan sets a record today, I am sure 3 Idiots will set another tomorrow. And then there will be another film which would succeed those high numbers. This is why it is unfair to think of records as they are not meant to be taken seriously.
If Kurbaan sets a record today, I am sure 3 Idiots will set another tomorrow
But being a producer yourself, you would certainly wish to keep a tab on emerging business scenario?
In our box office business which hasn't peaked yet, it is ridiculous to think records. In fact we should phrase this like 'So far, Ghajini has taken the biggest opening ever'. Or, 'In 2009 so far, Love Aaj Kal has opened the best.' Records should be an area of interest / debate / concern, when it is about crossing the peak of human endurance. Say for example, when someone creates a new record in a 100 meters sprint. Now that's an achievement.
And what have you achieved with Kurbaan?
My achievement is that I got to work in a movie which isn't regular or run of the mill. The film follows the caption of 'Some Love Stories Have Blood On Them' to the T. It has got a strange ending, has quite a few grey characters and grey emotions with not much being black & white. In how many films do you see a girl in love with a man while knowing that he is a terrorist?Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 21 Nov 2009 | 4:17 am Review: KurbaanKurbaan's script seems what they call man ghadant. The speeches are merely political, their pains are personal, not a work of indoctrination. They appear at best a rag-tag cottage firm out to bomb and bleed America to death. Here's Mayank Shekhar's full review.Source: | 21 Nov 2009 | 4:02 am Karthik Calling Karthik release shifted
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Nov 2009 | 3:50 am "I don't think you'll find tougher role in Saif's filmography than Kurbaan" - Rensil D'Silva
Rensil D'Silva doesn't speak his heart out. He stamps an impression on each word and each sentence when he speaks. Why? Because he is one of the best writers we have in our Indian Film Industry. Ask him on his turning a director he says, "Directing is an easy job. What's difficult is writing a good film." In person he is tough. As soon as the first question is asked, though, he relaxes, like someone coming up for air. He starts talking in a broad, slightly high-pitched Indian accent and grows more and more. What's got him going is the acting of his current cinematic muses - Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi. It's a statement that goes - Kurbaan will give out the performance of the year from Kareena'. A line for Saif too goes this way - I don't think you'll find a tougher role than Kurbaan in Saif's filmography, and then the underdog Vivek - He is the most dramatic of the three. It doesn't require boldness to say things about actors like them. Rather, it takes confidence in you as a writer and director which Rensil so badly possesses. By now he is conducting the conversation as he might, well, direct a movie. And then there are his eyes which have their own power, framed by two shockingly black eyebrows set behind his not-so-thick rimmed glasses. UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent meets the hurricane of energy - a man called Rensil D'Silva.
A writer is the best believer in the story. What did you believe in when you made Kurbaan?
Well, ideologically, my point of view is out there in the film. I believe that I can tell the story of Kurbaan really well because it engages head and heart which is always a tough thing when you are a writer or a story teller or a director. Usually you have something so intellectual that the critics can like it and you get a bit myopic about things. Then you have something like leave-your-brains-at-home kind of films. I didn't want to make such cinema. I wanted to make something sensible and heart wrenching at the same time. The world view of the film has really intrigued me quite a lot, like how the West views Islam and all.
The world view of the film has really intrigued me quite a lot, like how the West views Islam and all
I'm sure the research didn't come that easy then?
Yes. You're right. But we did a good bit of reading too. I picked up a book called 'A suicide bomber'
from London. I've got a book where an Algerian journalist infiltrated the Al Qaeda for a two year period. Then I also got my hands on some MI5 reports because the film was initially based in London on the number of sleeper cells which makes garage bombs or worse. There are some four thousand such cells in the UK alone. The magnitude of the problem kind of hits you when you get such information.
There are some four thousand sleeper cells in the UK alone
Is part of the film based on real life characters or events?
There aren't any real life or people events shown in the film. It's almost an amalgamation of the problem. Quite frankly, the last thirty minutes have played out in some form, may be in London, where I first set this film. It has nothing to do with real people and events but has to do with the broader aspect of a terrorist attack.
Why go for the under-rated Vivek Oberoi?
I've always been a fan of Vivek Oberoi after watching Company and Saathiya. I think he is a great actor and hopefully you'll see that on the screen. If I had to define the three roles then Vivek's is the most dramatic of the three. It's got lots of twists and turns and all the monologues. It's got a very powerful scene which happens in the class room. Vivek has an accent too in the film which is very New York specific. There is a lot for Vivek to do and he has been up to the task.
What is challenging? Writing or directing?
Definitely as a writer. I think the hardest thing is to put the blue print in place. If you are clear in your vision, you can go out and direct. I've been directing ad-films for ten years now. So technically, there isn't any problem. I really believe that even if a director is not a technical person, there are some great technicians who can chip in for him. If you don't know pacing, if you don't know the story and how long to hold on your characters then you're dead. That comes from writing a story. The image that you see while writing is the same image that should be transformed on the screen.
How important is the screenplay then?
A series of ideas by which you tell a story is the screenplay of the film. I actually believe that it's great to have a germ in the story. But if you don't know how to deliver it you're screwed. Over the past couple of years, screenplay has started to play more importance, whether it's Rang De Basanti where you shift back in time or it's a non linear structure. Today one shouldn't take audiences for granted. They are damn smart and they are the head of the filmmakers today. They are watching everything on the television which is being done around the world. They are superior in terms of the number of films they've seen than the director of any film. Screenplay should involve the audiences. You just can't say that you've got a great story and hopefully some acting will happen. It doesn't work that way.
Today one shouldn't take audiences for granted. They are damn smart and they are the head of the filmmakers today
After writing Kurbaan, what did you do? Did you take it to the production house or the actors?
Its many things. When I did not have the power to direct a film and while I was just a writer, I took it to actors. I still do. We live in an industry where if you want a certain amount of money, you got to get actors on board. In the case of someone like Karan, who has the power to green light a project, you just need his consent. If he likes it, the film will get made. But if you're out there as a story writer or a screenplay writer, you should get a star on board first.
The word Kurbaan means a lot to Islam. Is that why you came up with the title?
May be you're right. But the title came out from the romantic story of the film, where a man has to choose between love and a cause. I think the one powerful message we have in the film is that love conquers all. And if the cause means taking a life or an actor giving a life, it becomes even more interesting. There is a line in the film that says 'A terrorist can understand the value of a human life and maybe there is hope for us all'. So I guess, the title could've come to our mind from all that. Kurbaan deals with a lot of intense themes.
Saif Ali Khan - How raw can he get as an actor?
He is fabulously raw. It's his toughest role yet. I don't think you'll find a tougher role in Saif Ali Khan's filmography. It's crazy because the moment you start showing things he is going against the role. There are lot of silences and pauses in the film. This is the role that people will see Saif as a man's man.
No one's talking about Dia Mirza.
She has a very important role in the film. She plays a producer in a news channel and is a romantic interest for Vivek Oberoi. She is absolutely lovely in the film. She is so real and today's woman. A lot of people who've seen the trial have loved her, not that she is doing any great histrionics but the fact that she embodies her role so well.
And what about Kareena? Improving by day and age?
â¦And films too (laughs). Kareena is a fabulous metamorphosis as an actress. I loved her in Jab We Met and this has taken her one step further. Kurbaan will give out the performance of the year from Kareena. I am not being biased. She is playing a de-glamorised look and she has given it her all. The last ten minutes of Kurbaan you have to see Kareena to believe it.
Kurbaan is the film which only has one poster, one creative to it. Why?
The poster has become the most important tool to get the public in because they sense it. The success quotient of any film is its poster and its promo. It's not about how many times you bombard them. It's a waste of money then. Karan and I wanted a one iconic look to sell Kurbaan. The strategy of the marketing team was to sell the film as a love story and a thriller. What you see on the poster is how you will see them in the film and it's the most powerful scene of Kurbaan. It's a scene which is very edgy and shows their love. It has a huge thriller element to it.
It's a disgrace when people make issues out of nothing, isn't it?
(Laughs) Very good. Exactly. We are one billion people here. Obviously couples aren't shaking their hands and going to bed turning to their respective sides of the bed every night. I mean, they are making babies man! And lots of them. If you are hungry, you'll eat. If you're in a relationship, you'll make love. So what's the big deal? I personally think there should be a protest because protest is a form of democracy. If you don't you are autocrats. But my humble submission to these people is that they see things in the context of the film. There is a difference between pornography and an aesthetic nude art.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 21 Nov 2009 | 3:02 am Subhash K Jha speaks on Kurbaan
''When a bomb explodes mainly the innocent die,'' says Vivek Oberoi towards the blood-red-hot finale when, to put it at the most basic level, all hell breaks loose.
Innocence is not quite snuffed out at the end of this explosive drama on international terrorism.
In Rang De Basanti Rensil D'Silva had taken screenwriting in Hindi cinema to a new level of expressionism. With his directorial debut coming as it does with the erroneously filmy title of Kurbaan, Rensil carries the spoken unspoken, visual and metaphorical language of mainstream cinema to an unvisited distant shore.
Blending the thorny theme of the political-cultural identity of the Muslim community post 26/11 with the commercial identity of contemporary Hindi cinema is not an easy task. The film manages to be many notches superior to other national and international films on global terrorism, a theme that now threatens to turn into a full-blown commercial formula.
Kurbaan averts a catastrophic collision of 'message' and entertainment by preserving a virile and healthy contempt for the trite expressions of formulistic terrorism in films that use fundamentalism as a villainous formula. Here the characters are not representational of Islamic ideology. They function in the brilliantly-designed plot as people who subscribe to the view that the Muslim community across the world are persecuted, hounded victims of an American oil-politics that threatens to annihilate the Islamic world.
This is a very thin ice for a debutant director to walk on. Rensil D'Silva's film says, sometimes right out loud, that a sense of aggressive isolation grips the entire Muslim community. There are either those (like the chanters played by Om Puri, Kirron Kher and Saif Ali Khan) who think a direct action plan of retaliation and retribution is required to save Muslims from mass destruction. Or, more alarmingly, there are those like Vivek Oberoi and his father (Kulbhushan Kharbanda) who are tacitly in favour of violence against their community's collective persecution.
Either way, Rensil's film looks at the theme of Islamic terrorism with fearless and brutal honestly. There's no attempt to dilute the damning exposition on the ghetto-styled fundamentalism of the Muslim community in the US.
After a rather pale preambular courtship in Delhi (with a couple of unnecessary kissing scenes thrown in for added value) the Hindu lecturer Avantika (Kareena Kapoor) flies into New York with her ever-so-suave suitor Ehsaan (Saif).
The narrative immediately and inextricably plunges Avantika (who becomes the audiences' viewpoint in the tale of terrorism) into the vortex of a 26/11-styled conspiracy being hatched in her backyard on a deceptively quiet suburban street filled with Asian homes.
If the closet terrorists in the narrative proves themselves master plotters, director Rensil D'Silva is no less. While the master-plotters in Kurbaan finally fail, Rensil walks past the finishing line with victorious strides. With cinematographer Hemant Chaturvedi (giving the narration a hue of heightened sinister ness) Rensil moves stealthily in and out of politically-challenged lives with the least amount of drama and ostentation.
The background score is kept at a bare minimum. The sense of heightened poignancy which is constantly created in celluloid dramas of the doomed is stubbornly averted. Kurbaan creates its drama from the characters' misbegotten sense of identity. From that vantage point of disorientation the film dexterously moved into the agile mode of action-driven conflicts.
From the pre-intermission point in the narration where Ehsaan and his accomplice are chased down by cops as they carry a dead Muslim wife's body for burial Kurbaan is one relentlessly breathless treatise on 'How To Create A Prolonged Climax In A Plot Without Losing The Theme's Bearings.'
The film has been shot as an extended crime thriller which penetrates deeper and deeper into the anatomy of a crime thriller until the core of the crisis is reached with painful bluntness. Miraculously the director avoids the shrill will right to the blood-spattered finale. There is room in the commodious narration for disgruntled characters from a multitude of Islamic countries huddled in the US to create retaliatory mayhem. But at the core there are just three characters, the terrorist, his pregnant and rebellious wife and the expose-driven journalist, played by Saif, Kareena and Vivek Oberoi.
Oberoi, in spite of his now-on-now-off Yankee accent plays the conflicted progressive American Muslim with a resolute understanding of the underlying politics that plagues his character's soul. But Saif Ali Khan is a disappointment. In a role that could have been a career-defining event the actor pitches a performance as a not-so-reluctant terrorist that simply swims on the surface. There's no attempt by the actor to understand the workings of Ehsaan's mind or to revisit Ehsaan's roots. What we see is a confused rather than a politically and religiously conflicted soul tormented by an ideological crisis.
Where is the mean-spirited guy who exploited and cheated Urmila Matondkar in Ek Hasina Thi? Or the innerving enigma of the tortured terrorist that Manisha Koirala
played in Dil Se? Wake up and smell the Kafir, Saif!
The whole humbug of watching a real-life pair making lingering love on screen is blessedly gotten over with in no time at all, though would the director please explain why and how the terrorist has sex with his heavily pregnant wife at a time when his life as a husband and a responsible citizen are falling apart?
Finally Kurbaan belongs to Kareena Kapoor. In her most consistently-pitched performance to date she pulls out all stops to play a betrayed wife with splendid sensitivity. Kareena accommodates her radiant beauty into an utterly credible character and performance. At her best, Kareena is incomparable. She proves it in Kurbaan.
Much of the credit for Kareena's compelling performance must go to the written word. Anurag Kashyap and Niranjan Iyenger enter the characters' dark and anguished world
with words that avoid rhetorical excesses. However a key classroom discussion on Islam and the Western World is ruined because even the American students speak in Hindi!
Kurbaan creates a kingdom of doom with a deep understanding of the bonds that bind and separate the Islamic world from the West. It is a critically important work
because it spells out uncomfortable truths in a cinematic language that's riveting and resonant without resorting to extravagant flourishes and fireworks.
Not to be missed.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 21 Nov 2009 | 2:27 am Top global jazz musicians to play in capitalJazz lovers in the capital have an exciting weekend in store.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Nov 2009 | 2:17 am "Me? Mrs Gandhi? Hang on..." - Madhuri Dixit
At the moment Madhuri Dixit is more bothered with her son's upset tummy than playing Mrs. Gandhi
For the last two days we've been hearing about Madhuri playing Mrs Indira Gandhi in a 2-part bio-pic. But Madhuri has not given her consent as yet. Far from it.
Speaking from her home in Colorado Madhuri says, "The thing is, Krishna Shah approached me for the role. He's very keen that I do it. He came home, met me and showed me all the research that he had done. I was impressed by his preparation. But nothing has been finalised. We're still in negotiation."
The ever-cautious actress was last seen in Yash Raj Films lukewarmly received Aaja Nachle.
The director Krishna Shah's enthusiasm is understandable. But so is Madhuri's guardedness. Playing Mrs. Gandhi won't be easy even for an actress of Madhuri Dixit's stature. And we aren't talking about the challenge of portraying the powerful personality. The challenge would be to get the Congress and Mrs. Sonia Gandhi's approval.
Jagmohan Mundhra tried making a film on Sonia Gandhi. His efforts were deadlocked by the ruling regime.
Two years ago, N Chandra was to direct Manisha Koirala as Mrs. Indira Gandhi in a project entitled Indira Gandhi A Tryst With Destiny. It never happened.
Krishna Shah had last directed the low-budget Hard Rock Zombies for the American market in 1985. His only feature-film in Hindi Shalimar in 1978 was a box-office bomb.
Madhuri at this stage in her career when she is well-settled in life wouldn't like to venture out into camera range unless she is absolutely sure of the project.
Says Madhuri, "I still have to decide. Mrs. Gandhi is my idol. At school, I remember impersonating her for a fancy- dress competition. However many other factors besides the bigness of the character go into making of a movie. There're many considerations to be gone through before I decide. Like I said, he (Krishna Shah) is keen. Everything has to fall into place."
She continues, "My decision would depend on where it would be shot (since the Madhuri can't keep away from her sons for too long) and how long it'd take to shoot the film. Also who are the other actors in the project. The casting is very important. Because one would want large sections of the audience to see the film."
Tell Madhuri we are eager to see her back on screen and she rewards you with her trademark bubbling-brook laughter. "There are offers. It's very sweet of people to want me back. But I can't jump into anything."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 Nov 2009 | 2:14 am Now terrorists emerge from educated households: Om PuriOm Puri, who plays a terror mastermind in Rensil D' Silva's just released "Kurbaan", says that people with terrorist leanings have begun to emerge from educated households and that his character represents this dangerous trend.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Nov 2009 | 2:10 am A show that will go into people's past livesDid Shah Rukh Khan stammer in his last life? Or was Salman Khan as macho in his previous birth? Viewers are wondering if a new reality show based on past life regression therapy will answer questions about their favourite stars even as it as created quite a buzz.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 am Shilpa Shetty ready for her sangeet - NDTV.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Nov 2009 | 1:07 am 'Kurbaan' a brilliantly designed terror plotFilm: 'Kurbaan'; Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Om Puri, Kirron Kher; Director: Rensil d'Silva; Rating: ****Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Nov 2009 | 1:02 am Boyfriend makes Sush's b'day special - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Nov 2009 | 1:00 am 'Kurbaan' a brilliantly designed terror plot(IANS Film Review; Rating ****) - Sify
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Nov 2009 | 12:37 am Naked Rihanna gives her pool boy an eyefulThe “Russian Roulette” singer admits: "To be honest, I'm even hotter at home, because I'm always naked there. I'm from Barbados, that's quite normal there. My pool boy saw me naked five times already."At first it was so embarrassing. I alwaysSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Nov 2009 | 11:55 pm Meera Jasmine in a female-oriented filmShooting of a female-oriented film was formally launched in Hyderabad recently with puja. Vasudev, a protégé of K Raghavendra Rao, is making debut as a director with this film to be produced by Rambabu on the banner of Sri Jagadiswari FilmsSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Nov 2009 | 11:53 pm Lady Gaga to sing for the QueenLondon (ANI): American singer Lady Gaga has been booked to perform in front of the Queen for this year’s Royal Variety Performance.Lady Gaga, 23, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, is said to be an unusual choice for the event, whichSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Nov 2009 | 11:52 pm Shikha Puri impresses Hollywood director ReynoldActress Shikha Puri, who will be seen playing Parveen Babi in a film titled The Three Kings, has impressed her Hollywood director Reynold Baines so much that the latter even offered her a role in a new English film that heSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Nov 2009 | 11:50 pm Robert Pattinson overshadows Kristen StewartWhere is Kristen Stewart? you might ask. It’s not that she is not in the news or that the media is bias but it’s a fact that Robert Pattinson, her co-star in The Twilight Saga: New Moon, has received more attention.InSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Nov 2009 | 11:49 pm Salman-Katrina want to enjoy before marriageMany might be wondering why Salman Khan has not married in spite of his hair fading with age every passing year. All he got to do is to say ‘I’ll marry you,’ as he has a steady girlfriend in Katrina Kaif.Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Nov 2009 | 11:47 pm "3 Idiots is an idiotic decision" - Aamir KhanAamir Khan is in the news again for 3 Idiots, his latest film with Kareena Kapoor. He has been given the title the ‘Perfectionist’ for his meticulous work. But if you think his decisions are perfect, be it his choice ofSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Nov 2009 | 11:44 pm Barbie Katrina Kaif coming to India soonIt seems the Barbie war is going to the next level as the vivacious beauty Katrina Kaif is finally getting the honour of being the one. The toy brand Mattel has decided to design a Barbie with Katrina’s face as aSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Nov 2009 | 11:41 pm Paa Amitabh is an incredible human being: AishwaryaThe Bachchans just can’t ask for a better bahu than Aishwarya Bachchan. The former Miss World has been totally committed to the Bachchan family besides shooting films and commercials without break. She is equally excited about the Family banner ABCL’s Paa,Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Nov 2009 | 11:38 pm IIFI 2009 organisers fight over Amitabh BachchanBollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan is in the news for all the wrong reasons. He has become the bone of contention between the two organisers of the International Film Festival of India (IIFI) 2009.The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) alleged that theSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 20 Nov 2009 | 11:30 pm Robert Pattinson overshadows Kristen Stewart - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 20 Nov 2009 | 11:21 pm Barbie Katrina Kaif coming to India soon - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 20 Nov 2009 | 11:14 pm Mammootty chief guest at IFFI closing ceremony - Sify
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 20 Nov 2009 | 11:05 pm Madhuri: Me, Mrs Gandhi? Hang On - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 20 Nov 2009 | 11:02 pm Bigg Boss 3 housemates fight in final stage - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 20 Nov 2009 | 10:45 pm Record pre-orders for Susan Boyle's debut albumBoyle has broken all records due to the sheer amount of pre-orders for her debut album. On the website Amazon.com these have gone up to tens of thousands. The album, which would release on Monday, November 23, is expected to be a chartbuster.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 20 Nov 2009 | 10:02 pm A show that will go into people's past livesDid Shah Rukh Khan stammer in his last life? Or was Salman Khan as macho in his previous birth? Viewers are wondering if a new reality show based on past life regression therapy will answer questions about their favourite stars even as it as created quite a buzz.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm Mumbai remains extremely vulnerable: Shobhaa DeA year has gone by since the devastating 26/11 terror attacks, but the city is still vulnerable and people far from secure, says well-known author and columnist Shobhaa De.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm Top global jazz musicians to play in capitalJazz lovers in the capital have an exciting weekend in store. The 100 Pipers Jazz Utsav 2009 Saturday and Sunday will feature some of the biggest names in international jazz.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm Now terrorists emerge from educated households: Om PuriOm Puri, who plays a terror mastermind in Rensil D' Silva's just released 'Kurbaan', says that people with terrorist leanings have begun to emerge from educated households and that his character represents this dangerous trend.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm End of an era for Oprah Winfrey show - BBC News
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 20 Nov 2009 | 3:24 pm Shooting blanksTruly unbearable is ‘Unwrite that song,’ that sounds like a downright lovechild of a Gareth Brooks song and ‘We are the world’. That shudder is followed by the only number from this album that leaps out to grab, writes Indrajit Hazra.Source: | 20 Nov 2009 | 2:33 pm An ear for jazzLal, 69, is one of the 10 founder-members of Jazz India Delhi Chapter, a band of aficionados — now called Capital Jazz — that has been organising Delhi’s only regular jazz event for a quarter of a century, reports Amitava Sanyal.Source: | 20 Nov 2009 | 1:40 pm New Moon eclipsed in IndiaWhile fans of the Twilight saga across the world celebrated the sequel New Moon’s release yesterday, it gave India a miss. Instead of the second instalment, movie buffs will have to make do with Twilight...Source: | 20 Nov 2009 | 11:02 am Amitabh on Bigg Boss 3, Paa and more offersAge is no bar for Amitabh Bachchan. From television to films to endorsements, he is doing everything and that keeps the 67-year-old megastar busier than his younger colleagues. Here's an interview with the Big Boss of Bollywood.Source: | 20 Nov 2009 | 10:49 am Saif and Anil to begin shooting for Race 2Taking forward the story of the 2008 suspense thriller Race, its sequel Race 2 will go on floors early next year with Saif Ali Khan and Anil Kapoor reprising the lead roles.Source: | 20 Nov 2009 | 10:30 am I am not playing Indira...yet: Madhuri DixitExpressing surprise at news reports about her decision to play Indira Gandhi in an upcoming biopic on the former PM, actress Madhuri Dixit told HT City that she’s not even thought about it yet, let alone signed on the dotted line.Source: | 20 Nov 2009 | 10:20 am Emraan Hashmi gets a Big B style makeoverMoving away from his serial kisser image, actor Emraan Hashmi will seen playing an underworld don in period flick Once Upon A Time in Mumbai where his look is inspired by none-other-than Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan. And how?Source: | 20 Nov 2009 | 10:16 am IFFI to screen award-winning war movies
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Nov 2009 | 10:16 am Waheeda, Mammootty to be IFFI chief guests
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Nov 2009 | 10:14 am Indian animation to be showcased at IFFI
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Nov 2009 | 10:14 am Suniel Shetty promoting a Bollywood poll
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Nov 2009 | 10:06 am T20 cinema to take Bollywood by storm!
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Nov 2009 | 10:04 am Aamir's new trick: Releases 3 Idiots music onlineAamir Khan is known to walk the path less travelled. And has done so again by choosing to release the music of his upcoming film 3 Idiots online and...Source: | 20 Nov 2009 | 9:54 am 'Karthik Calling Karthik' release shifted to avoid clash with 'Teen Patti'The release date of Farhan Akhtar's 'Karthik Calling Karthik' has now been pushed ahead to avoid a clash with Amitabh Bachchan starrer 'Teen Patti'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Nov 2009 | 9:04 am Live Chat: Rensil D' Silva on November 23 at 1200hrs IST
The award winning writer of the classic Rang De Basanti is surely one with sensibilities that that will redefine the Indian film industry. Trust Rensil D'Silva to engage with untouched, contentious topic and make a thought provoking film out of it. Even though his latest film Kurbaan might have ruffled a few feathers, the credit of making a film based on terror bombing in a sensitive and extraordinary way has to be given to this man.
Bollywood Hungama has the adman-filmmaker Rensil live on Celebrity Chat especially for you. Catch him on Monday, November 23, at 1200 hrs IST as he answers all your queries.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 20 Nov 2009 | 8:09 am Dimple Kapadia's 'Tum Milo Toh Sahi' to release in JanuaryDimple Kapadia and Nana Patekar starrer "Tum Milo Toh Sahi", a film about love at different ages, will release on Jan 29 next year.Source: Entertainment News | 20 Nov 2009 | 7:39 am Barack Obama bags popular at trade fairIf you are a fan of US President Barack Obama and want to take him everywhere with you, then buy one of the many jute bags with images of him and his family on them available at the India International Trade Fair (IITF).Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Nov 2009 | 7:00 am "I never felt rejected" - Katrina Kaif
Katrina Kaif is staring at a hat trick of sorts with De Dana Dan arriving after the stupendous success of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and a good box office hit in the form of New York. With both films being as different as chalk and cheese and boasting of Katrina as one of the key protagonists, the lady has pretty much consolidated her position further in the top bracket. With more than half a dozen other hits behind her in recent times, one wonders if she has actually stopped counting her hits?
"Really, I don't see things like that. I take each movie at it's own pace and don't quite start looking at the work I have done in the past and go gaga about it. It's like a new journey every time and hence has never got that feeling that 'Oh, since I now have so many successful films under my name, let me take it easy'. Yes, the way success helps you is reinstate the faith and belief that you have in yourself and push yourself to work harder. This is something that I am following", says Katrina who at one point of time wasn't quite taken seriously when she began her Bollywood career with Boom (2003).
The film was a critical disaster and commercially too didn't hold much ground after taking a good box office opening. It took her a good two years to land her next assignment (Sarkar - 2005) which was hugely successful at the box office even though she appeared in a miniscule role. However, the wheels had started moving and there wasn't any looking back ever since then.
For a girl who was almost rejected 6 years back, it has been kind of a surreal dream to be actually reaching at this stage where she can not just pick and choose projects but perhaps also leading men.
"Actually even at the beginning of my career, I never felt rejected. I was still working hard and believed in myself. I wasn't in a hurry and was picking and choosing projects carefully even then when I was just a newcomer. My attitude towards films hasn't changed even after these years", she responds in a proper tone.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Katrina says, "Yes, it has been a long journey. It has been quite eventful too. The more you see, the more you learn, become confident and gain even more experience. The beauty of the profession that I am in is that it is a never ending process. You can also strive for better films and aim for playing better characters. You can never get stagnated in this industry."
Well, one thing is for sure that Katrina is not stagnating for sure. After a dramatic New York and a romcom Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, she would soon be changing genres with an out and out laugh riot De Dana Dan followed by political drama Rajneeti. Certainly, there are a lot more shades of Katrina waiting to come alive in months to come.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 20 Nov 2009 | 6:23 am David Dhawan reveals reason behind Hook Ya Crook delay
In his career spanning exactly two decades (he made his debut in 1989 with as many as four films - Gola Barood, Taaqatwar, Jurrat and Aag Ka Gola - a record of sorts), David Dhawan has directed close to 40 films. Master of comedies, he ruled the roost for most of the 90s and also reinvented himself in the current decade with films like Partner, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. While some of his biggest films have taken a couple of years to reach the finishing line, he has averaged a couple of films every year since the beginning of his career.
However, Hook Ya Crook can well be considered as a project that has taken the longest time ever for a David Dhawan film to reach the finishing mark. Announced way back in December 2006 (yes, the film was first supposed to begin 3 years back), Hook Ya Crook is David's long pending dream that is waiting to be materialised. Change in cast, availability of the right actors, recession plaguing the industry and accidents during the shoot are just some of the many reasons that have continued to the delay this film from seeing the light of the day. The director, who just saw a release in the form of Do Knot Disturb, is gearing up to finish the film soon though and release it in 2010.
However, as it has turned out, Hook Ya Crook doesn't quite have a regular excuse of date unavailability from the principal cast of the film. Even though the film stars the likes of John Abraham, Genelia Dsouza, Kay Kay Menon and Shreyas Talpade, it is the busy schedule of cricketers which has been keeping the film on bay.
Says David Dhawan, "Yes, the shooting of the film has been on hold for a while since it requires a schedule with some top Indian cricketers. It still hasn't been decided who would these cricketers be. However, the demand of the script is that this man has to be a top player from the current generation. We can't afford to have a lesser cricket star."
Hook Ya Crook, though set in a jail, has cricket playing an important part in the narrative. Apparently, the jail inmates are supposed to be playing a match with the top Indian cricketers and hence it was imperative that some of the biggest names in the sports were roped in for the film. There were talks that the captain of the Indian cricket team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, would be adding further value to the star studded affair
David Dhawan denies though that the film has been held back because of this very reason. "There is so much which is required in the making of a film. While we are waiting for this last schedule to get over, which would last for about 10 days in total, there is good progress being made on the post production activities. The film is certainly not on hold, as some rumour mongers are busy predicting. Come December and we should be definitely through with the principal shooting of the film."
When the film had earlier gone on floors in early 2009, it had seemed that Hook Ya Crook was finally back on tracks and would eventually release in late 2009. However, to the misfortune of UTV and David Dhawan, a freak incident on the sets of the film resulted in John Abraham being out of action for a month. This happened at the worst possible time since the film was progressing well to be completed in the mid-2009.
"It was quite unfortunate that John fractured his foot during the shooting of a key cricket sequence in the film", informs David Dhawan, "Lakshmipathy Balaji bowled a fast one to John which directly hit him on his right foot. Earlier it appeared to be a minor injury but as it turned out eventually, John's foot had to be put on a cast. But obviously, it couldn't have been possible to shoot further in these conditions, right?"
With John out of action, the film was put on hold once again, hence placing a question mark over its completion and subsequent release. David Dhawan got busy with completing Do Knot Disturb, John (after his recovery from the injury) went on to begin work on Abbas Tyrewala's 1-800 Love while UTV too got busy with release of it's multiple projects (Kaminey, Agyaat, Aage Se Right, What's Your Raashee?, Wake Up Sid and Chance Pe Dance). Now with UTV, David as well as John more or less through with their projects in hand, focus is said to be shifting again towards Hook Ya Crook.
Attached to the project for 3 years now, David Dhawan is naturally excited about the prospects of the film's release. "It is not just unlike any other project that I have done in the past but also nothing like what has been seen before in Indian cinema", he proudly declares, "No, it is not a comedy that many perceive it be to be just because it has
my name attached to it. It has its fair dose of drama, action, thrills and emotions."
"Of course, I can't deprive my audience of a few laughs and hence there is touch of humour to some of the scenes as well", he adds, "But essentially, it has been made as a complete entertainment with little bit of every genre. Once we wrap up the film in December, UTV should be coming up with its marketing, promotional and release plans. The design of Hook Ya Crook is such that it qualifies as a summer film. It will certainly arrive in the first half of 2010."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 20 Nov 2009 | 6:02 am Karisma Kapoor chosen as brand ambassador for Aromaz range of beauty products
After having endorsed anything and everything ranging from colas, cosmetics, sarees, the original 'Rani Hindustani' Karisma Kapoor is back with a bang. This time round, she has been chosen as the brand ambassador for 'Aromaz' range of beauty products, which includes a wide range of products ranging from Tamarind oil control face wash, face & body exfoliating scrub, rejuvenating facial mask, hydrating toner and moisturizing lotion.
According to Bollywood Hungama's confirmed sources, the actress has been paid a whopping amount for signing the dotted lines. The source also added that the said product range is slightly different from other existing cosmetic products that are available in the market as they are based on the principle of "treatment with aroma" with constituents of distinct essential oils extracted from plants & flowers that help in rejuvenation and curing of skin and body.
The source also added that there could be a possibility of a TVC being shot with Karisma, whenever she has the dates for the same. Looking at the way the Kapoor sisters (Karisma and Kareena) are ruling the brand markets, it will be totally needless to say that, if at all there was as award for the Numero Uno Brand Endorser of the year, it will get split between these two.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 20 Nov 2009 | 5:58 am Madhuri Dixit to play Indira Gandhi in biopicAsian-American filmmaker Krishna Shah is set to make a biopic on Indira Gandhi and has roped in Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit to play the role of India's first and only woman prime minister.Source: Entertainment News | 20 Nov 2009 | 5:44 am `The Oprah Winfrey Show` to end in 2011!Oprah Winfrey`s show will end its run in 2011 after completing 25 seasons.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 20 Nov 2009 | 5:27 am Having denied Headley link, Kangna Ranaut heads back to MumbaiBollywood actress Kangna Ranaut, whose father strongly denied that she had any link with 26/11 terror suspect David Coleman Headley, headed back to Mumbai today morning after a few days at her ancestral home in Himachal Pradesh.Source: Entertainment News | 20 Nov 2009 | 4:21 am Madhuri Dixit to play Indira Gandhi in Mother: The Indira Gandhi Story
She has been the eternal 'Dhak Dhak' girl who ruled every human heart with her 'Ek Do Teen' number! She is none other than the eternal gorgeous Madhuri Dixit, who is now all set to play the role of the iconic (late Prime Minister) Indira Gandhi, in the biopic that is being made by the renowned director Krishna Shah. The two-part motion picture titled Mother: The Indira Gandhi Story was announced on her 92nd birth anniversary, which was on November 19th.
If the market buzz is to be believed, then, Hollywood stars Tom Hanks (as Lyndon Baines Johnson) is most likely to be a part of the film. Not just that, Tommy Lee Jones is being told as someone who was approached for an important role (to play Richard Nixon) in the film. On the Bollywood front, news has it that, Dharmendra, Abhay Deol and Nana Patekar have been approached to play Motilal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi and Jai Prakash Narayan respectively!
Director Krishna Shah, who is known for his extensive research, has left no stone unturned while doing his research on Indira Gandhi, for the last 20 years by reading books on her, doing interviews with politicians, journalists, bureaucrats, writers, military men and Indira Gandhi's contemporaries. While the pre-production has already been done, the film will go on floors in mid 2010. The film is to be extensively shot in India, U.K, U.S.A and Russia.
Talking about the film, an excited Krishna Shah said, ''I have followed Indira Gandhi's life through media, books and critics. It's such an exciting and dramatic story. I want the future generation to know her story. A whole new generation has grown and matured since her assassination and through this film, I hope to connect people with their history and legacy.'' In order to do justice to the sweep of Indira Gandhi's remarkable life, the story will be a two-part film; Shah has split the film in two parts. While the first part will unfold her story from her birth to her emergence as 'Maa Durga' (Goddess of War) after her victory against Pakistan in the 1971 war, the second part will cover the political span of the rise of her son Sanjay Gandhi under Indira to her assassination.
Sources close to the filmmaker also revealed that the said film will have every element of an epic film - passion, love, marriage, motherhood, personal tragedy, revenge, and martyrdom. Needles to say, every viewer will be indeed waiting with bated beat to see the Madhuri not just back on the silver screen, but also as the legendary India Gandhi!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 20 Nov 2009 | 4:01 am Kangna denies Headley link, back to Mumbai - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 20 Nov 2009 | 3:34 am Rishi Kapoor honoured at Year of India in RussiaThe programme showcased the start of Indian cinema from the silent era to the contemporary era. Rishi Kapoor's film Chintu Ji, produced by Bobby Bedi, was shown at the exhibition and dubbed copy would be shown at the event in Moscow and Vladikavkaz.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 20 Nov 2009 | 3:16 am It is a wonder I am still getting offers: Amitabh BachchanAge is no bar for Amitabh Bachchan.Source: Entertainment News | 20 Nov 2009 | 3:15 am Kamal Khan a visitor in Bigg Boss, will leave on SundayKamal Khan who was evicted from Bigg Boss because of his behavior made an entry once again. But he is just a visitor, to provoke the inmates and create drama and would leave on Sunday.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 20 Nov 2009 | 3:07 am Dimple Kapadia's 'Tum Milo Toh Sahi' to release in JanuaryDimple Kapadia and Nana Patekar starrer 'Tum Milo Toh Sahi', a film about love at different ages, will release on Jan 29 next year.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Nov 2009 | 3:05 am Sanjay Dutt's beard plays villainSanjay Dutt's schedule has gone haywire, all thanks to the beard that he has grown for his role in Mani Shankar's 'Knock Out'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Nov 2009 | 3:04 am 'The Great Khali' to fight Punjab police - outside the ringThis is one fight where former World Wide Entertainment (WWE) champion 'The Great Khali' has nearly lost round one without making any move -- but he is resolved to continue the battle and eventually hopes to emerge victorious.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 20 Nov 2009 | 3:02 am Wishing Tusshar Kapoor very happy Birthday
He is the son of the famous superstar Jeetendra, who is better known as the eternal 'Jumping Jack'. No prizes for guessing as we are indeed talking about the one and only Tusshar Kapoor, who is Bollywood Hungama's birthday baby for the day! Having studied at the University of Michigan & graduated with a gleaming BBA degree from the prestigious Stephen Ross School of Business, Tusshar worked his way up to climb the success ladder of Bollywood to reach wherever he is today.
Having made his dream debut with the smash hit Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai, this dude went on to do films that have redefined him from a mere debutante to one of the top league actors! In a very short period of time, Tusshar has done such diverse roles that many actors take decades to achieve. If on one hand, if Tusshar was the chocolate boy in Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa, on the other hand, he played the dumb guy with élan in Golmaal Returns. And if the recently released film, Life Partner was anything to go by, then Bollywood seems to be all set to say Hello to the smashing and dashing Superstar!
Join Bollywood Hungama as we wish this man a very happy birthday
simply by posting your wishes below:Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 20 Nov 2009 | 3:01 am I was apprehensive about abusive lingo in 'Ishqiya': Vidya BalanMouthing expletives for her role in "Ishqiya" embarrassed Vidya Balan as she says she never uses foul language in real life.Source: Entertainment News | 20 Nov 2009 | 1:49 am
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