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Raj shows off dancing skills at Sangeet
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Nov 2009 | 6:22 am I can proudly tell my kids Big B was my first child: Vidya BalanBollywood actress Vidya Balan, who is playing Amitabh Bachchan's mother in her forthcoming movie "Paa", says that now she can proudly tell everyone that the 67-year-old megastar was her first child.Source: Entertainment News | 22 Nov 2009 | 5:58 am 'Idiots' means 'I do it on my terms': HiraniBollywood director Rajkumar Hirani showed his witty side on his birthday and said 'idiots' when expanded means 'I do it on my terms', talking about his much-awaited film "3 idiots".Source: Entertainment News | 22 Nov 2009 | 5:50 am Raj Kundra shows off dancing skills at sangeetActress Shilpa Shetty's dancing skills are well-known, and her groom-to-be Raj Kundra is no less a dancer -- he surprised everyone at their sangeet ceremony by imitating late pop legend Michael Jackson's moves.Source: Entertainment News | 22 Nov 2009 | 5:42 am Wedding bells for Shilpa, Raj today
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Nov 2009 | 4:20 am Aamir was worried to be part of 3 IdiotsRaju Hirani, director of 3 Idiots says his lead actor Aamir Khan was worried to be a part of the film because he did not fit the age group. But the director, says he could not find the perfect casting for his film and in the end decided to settle for competent and established actors like Aamir Khan, R Madhavan and Sharman Joshi.Source: | 22 Nov 2009 | 4:17 am Masand's Movie Review: Kurbaan compelling thriller - IBNLive.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 22 Nov 2009 | 3:12 am 'Sacch Ka Saamna' set for season 2, host not yet decidedControversial reality game show 'Sacch Ka Saamna' is set to return to the small screen with a second season on Star Plus. However, the show's host has not yet been decided, said an official.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Nov 2009 | 3:02 am 'Shilpa bhangda karke doli mein baithegi' - Rediff
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 22 Nov 2009 | 2:52 am Sach Ka Saamna to return on Star PlusSach Ka Samna, the controversial reality show that saw celebrities as well as common people shedding their inhibitions to reveal truth about their lives, is all set to make a comeback on television channel Star Plus.Source: | 22 Nov 2009 | 2:41 am Madhavan soldiers on...despite injured kneeR.Source: Entertainment News | 22 Nov 2009 | 2:25 am Gulshan Grover still prefers being Bollywood baddieTwo Hollywood movies, a British venture and an Indo-French collaboration.Source: Entertainment News | 22 Nov 2009 | 2:08 am I can proudly tell my kids Big B was my first child: Vidya BalanBollywood actress Vidya Balan, who is playing Amitabh Bachchan's mother in her forthcoming movie 'Paa', says that now she can proudly tell everyone that the 67-year-old megastar was her first child.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Nov 2009 | 1:03 am 'Idiots' means 'I do it on my terms': HiraniBollywood director Rajkumar Hirani showed his witty side on his birthday and said 'idiots' when expanded means 'I do it on my terms', talking about his much-awaited film '3 idiots'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Nov 2009 | 1:02 am Raj Kundra shows off dancing skills at sangeetActress Shilpa Shetty's dancing skills are well-known, and her groom-to-be Raj Kundra is no less a dancer -- he surprised everyone at their sangeet ceremony by imitating late pop legend Michael Jackson's moves.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Nov 2009 | 1:01 am 'Idiots' means 'I do it on my terms': Hirani - Sify
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 22 Nov 2009 | 12:25 am 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' earns $72.7 mn, breaks opening day record - Sify
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Nov 2009 | 11:32 pm A feat for the eyes, and the palateThe good news is that Vorakul Homepirom, otherwise known as 'Chef Pu', who for 20 years worked his magic at the classy Four Seasons Hotel in Chiang Mai, is producing the most delectable dishes at Thai High in the Ambawatta Complex in New Delhi's Mehrauli. The bad news is that he is here only for a few months.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Nov 2009 | 11:00 pm Gala opening of 2nd global Festival Of Documentary Film'I have always believe in promoting young and talented film makers by creating an opportunity for them in this beautiful trade' said Sandeep Marwah to the international press gathered along with film makers and participants.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 21 Nov 2009 | 10:55 pm Shilpa Shetty Wedding: Starts off a new innings todayShilpa Shetty is all set to start off her new innings with London bases businessman Raj Kundara today. The guests list for Shilpa's wedding includes Jermaine Jackson and Shane Warne.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 21 Nov 2009 | 10:31 pm Madhavan soldiers on...despite injured kneeR. Madhavan, who plays one of the idiots in Rajkumar Hirani's '3 Idiots', is in pain thanks to a knee injury he suffered during the film's shooting. But despite being advised a few weeks' rest, the actor continued working and says he won't slow down until the movie releases.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm Gulshan Grover still prefers being Bollywood baddieTwo Hollywood movies, a British venture and an Indo-French collaboration... Gulshan Grover has his hands full with serious-themed international projects. But the Bollywood bad man insists he hasn't bid adieu to Hindi films, specially the villainous roles.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Nov 2009 | 7:00 pm Stage all set for Iffi 2009 - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Nov 2009 | 5:58 pm Watch New Moon online free, sales touch $72 millionThe Twilight Saga: New Moon has smashed the record for a single day sales opening at the North American box office. The vampire romance sequel has already made a collection of $72.7 million across United States and Canada on Friday.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 21 Nov 2009 | 3:35 pm Pandiraj wins Best Director award at Children's International Film Festival - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Nov 2009 | 2:57 pm Kamat calls Asin 'Asian', then says southern spellings 'different'Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat today pronounced popular actress Asin's name as "Asian", and when quizzed over it answered that "their (southern) spellings are very different".Source: Entertainment News | 21 Nov 2009 | 1:46 pm I want one last chance to play with Sachin: KambliMoments after being evicted out from Big Boss 3, former cricketer Vinod Kambli poured his heart out and said he wants to play along childhood friend Sachin Tendulkar. Kambli had entered the show as a wildcard entry November 5.Source: | 21 Nov 2009 | 12:57 pm Kapadia's Tum Milo Toh Sahi to release in JanDimple Kapadia and Nana Patekar starrer Tum Milo Toh Sahi, a film about love at different ages, will release on January 29 next year.Source: | 21 Nov 2009 | 12:15 pm Karthik Calling Karthik release postponedThe 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: | 21 Nov 2009 | 12:08 pm Reliance Big, Brad Pitt pact for sci-fi filmReliance Big Entertainment and Brad Pitt's production company Plan B have entered into a pact with leading video gaming firm Capcom to make the sci-fi action game Drak Void into a motion picture.Source: | 21 Nov 2009 | 12:03 pm 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. While the actress says the former prime minister is her idol, she maintains that she hasn't yet given her consent to filmmaker Krishna Shah for the biopic.Source: | 21 Nov 2009 | 11:57 am Robert Downey Jr. ''eyeing'' retirementRobert Downey Jr. will think about winding down his film career if his new detective movie Sherlock Holmes flops. However, he admitted that he will do a Jay-Z by proclaiming his retirement and then returning months later with an exciting new project. Source: | 21 Nov 2009 | 11:50 am China makes its presence felt in GoaAfter Chinese goods taking over the Indian market, a Chinese film will open 40th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here on Monday.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Nov 2009 | 11:46 am Om Puri on what made him choose KurbaanOm 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. He talks about this and lots more.Source: | 21 Nov 2009 | 11:43 am SRK, Aamir make it for Paa - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Nov 2009 | 11:34 am Chinese film Wheat to open IFFIhe 40th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be inaugurated by veteran actress Waheeda Rehman at a glittering ceremony here Monday. hinese film "Wheat" directed by He Peng will be the opening film of the 11-day festival.Source: | 21 Nov 2009 | 11:30 am I've lost 'Bigg Boss', but I feel like a winner: KambliFormer India cricketer Vinod Kambli has been evicted out of the third season of reality show "Bigg Boss" within two weeks of his stay, but he says he still feels like a winner.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Nov 2009 | 11:25 am Kat turns sex kitten in De Dana Dan - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Nov 2009 | 11:01 am Chinese film 'Wheat' to open Goa IFFIThe 40th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be inaugurated by veteran actress Waheeda Rehman at a glittering ceremony here on Monday.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Nov 2009 | 10:33 am Reliance Big, Brad Pitt pact for sci-fi film Dark Void
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Nov 2009 | 9:55 am Shakira wants to apologise to Matt Damon's wife
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Nov 2009 | 9:45 am Hugh Grant wants to be father
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Nov 2009 | 9:41 am Review: Devaru
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Nov 2009 | 9:39 am Kamat calls Asin 'Asian', then says southern spellings 'different'Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat Saturday pronounced popular actress Asin's name as 'Asian', and when quizzed over it answered that 'their (southern) spellings are very different'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Nov 2009 | 9:06 am 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 I haven't yet signed on to play Indira Gandhi: Madhuri Dixit - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Nov 2009 | 7:42 am I've lost 'Bigg Boss', but I feel like a winner: KambliFormer India cricketer Vinod Kambli has been evicted out of the third season of reality show 'Bigg Boss' within two weeks of his stay, but he says he still feels like a winner.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Nov 2009 | 7:03 am China makes its presence felt in GoaAfter Chinese goods taking over the Indian market, a Chinese film will open 40th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here Monday.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Nov 2009 | 7:00 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 releasing on 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 "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 "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 "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
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