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Aamir didn't have to apologise: Shah Rukh
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2009 | 8:34 am Madhur Bhandarkar set to direct comedy
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2009 | 7:26 am Madhur Bhandarkar set to direct comedyFilmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar is done with films on grim social issues for the time being and says his next directorial venture will be a laugh riot.Source: Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2009 | 7:08 am Lindsay Lohan denies kissing Jessica Alba's husband
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2009 | 7:01 am Kasaravalli's debut film 'Ghatashradhdha' makes T20 listGirish Kasaravalli's debut film "Ghatashradhdha" has found place in the T20 of Indian Cinema list.Source: Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2009 | 6:00 am Aamir didn't have to apologise: Shah RukhIt seems that Shah Rukh Khan has buried the hatchet with Aamir Khan ever since the "Ghajini" star apologised to his children for making fun of him.Source: Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2009 | 5:51 am SRK turns 75!
After Aamir, it's now the turn for King Khan to don the grey wig for a brand. Shahrukh Khan this time has done something unprecedented and innovative, by portraying the role of a 75-year-old grandfather, romancing Tanvi Azmi as his wife.
This is for the latest Dishtv campaign that gives viewers a chance to see Shahrukh Khan in an all new avatar. In the second TVC, Shahrukh Khan is paired with Tisca Chopra where he brings home an orphan girl child who settles into the family only after an experience with Dishtv.
Some of the best creative personalities in the country have come together to create this campaign. The creative idea was conceptualized by Ad industry veteran and celebrated lyricist, Prasoon Joshi and the McCann World Group team. The commercials have been directed by the much acclaimed Anurag Basu, (director of films like Life in a Metro, Gangster and the upcoming film Kites). Eminent fashion photographer Tarun Khiwal is the man behind the still photo campaign.
The television commercials are part of the brand's new brand positioning of 'Ghar Aayi Zindagi' and convey everyday beautiful emotions, through real life situations, of families rejoicing together with their loved ones. In line with the core message of the campaign, Shahrukh Khan will bring alive warm family moments that tug at the heartstrings. Indeed, SRK is the best man for this job.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 4 Dec 2009 | 5:36 am Disney's black princess
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2009 | 4:56 am Taiwanese film wins award at IFFITaiwanese film I Can't Live Without You was awarded the prestigious Golden Peacock for best film at the 40th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) at the festival's closing ceremony.Source: | 4 Dec 2009 | 4:54 am Eesha plans to live with Timmy's parentsAfter coming back from her honeymoon, Eesha Koppikar plans to stay with her husband Timmy Narang's parents in their family house.Source: Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2009 | 4:47 am Johnny Depp and Salma Hayek come togetherJohnny Depp and Salma Hayek are to star in Serbian director Emir Kusturica's biopic about Mexican revolutionary hero Pancho Villa, Variety reported.Source: | 4 Dec 2009 | 4:43 am Natalie Portman confesses smoking Cannabis
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2009 | 4:34 am Kangana Ranaut lends support to TV show on women
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2009 | 4:17 am Priyadarshan wants to work with Aamir Khan
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Dec 2009 | 3:47 am "I will be producing 5 films next year; my next will be a comedy" - Madhur Bhandarkar
So what if L. K. Advani saw Jail on Saturday 28 November and told Bhandarkar to make more of such meaningful films?
Madhur is done with films on grim social issues, but only for now. His next directorial venture will be a laugh riot. "Yes, I'm starting a comedy, though not slapstick like De Dana Dan. It would be more like the comedies of Hrishikesh Mukherjee."
Come January 2010, Madhur Bhandarkar will be producing 5 films for his banner Bhandarkar Films. "Two of these," informs Bhandarkar, "will be directed by me. Three others will be produced by me and directed by newcomers who I think deserve a break."
Madhur will direct two films one after the other in the first few months of 2010.
While one of the films that Madhur will direct will be a comedy, the other will be hard-hitting women's subject. "I'm not giving up my forte. I'm identified with a certain kind of cinema and I'll continue to make that kind of cinema. Some people said Jail was too grim. But I'm satisfied with the end-product and it won't lose money for anyone. But first I need to spread some laughter."
Apparently, Madhur's comedy will feature his favourite actress Tabu doing an image change.
At the Saturday screening in Delhi, Madhur Bhandarkar was present when L.K Advani, his daughter Pratibha Advani and the former Information & Broadcasting Minister Ravi Prasad Shankar saw the film.
"They all loved the film. Pratibha Advani said Jail was my best work to date. After the screening I asked Advaniji to call up Manoj Bajpai and Neil Nitin Mukesh since he liked their performances so much."
Madhur also met Ben Kingsley the 40th International Indian Festival of India in Goa this week. Kingsley expressed a keenness to watch Madhur's films. Madhur has arranged for them on DVD.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Dec 2009 | 3:17 am Rihanna blames dad for shaky relationshipMelbourne, (ANI): Rihanna recently exposed the less glamorous side of her life when she said her father had brushed aside her repeated reconciliation efforts. The Russian Roulette singer blamed her father for their shaky relationship and said he had turned downSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2009 | 3:12 am Ramya wishes Amoolya good luck for NNKAfter opting out from Prakash Raj's movie Naanu Nanna Kanasu, Sandalwood's No.1 actress Ramya seems to have attained maturity. She has said that she is not at all upset with Amul Baby Amoolya (Amulya) for replacing her in the movie NaanuSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2009 | 3:10 am Simon Cowell turns down Lady Gaga's demandsLondon, (ANI): Music mogul Simon Cowell is said to have towed the line at Lady Gaga's demands for fluffy lambs and hundreds of butterflies floating around the stage while she performed at The X Factor.Lady Gaga, 23, real name Stefani Germanotta,Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2009 | 3:09 am "Make up is the most boring part of an actor's job" - Shenaz Treasuryvala
Radio releases today. However, instead of being all jittery and nervous, Shenaz Treasuryvala is taking it easy and now allowing any tension to mount. For someone who has quite a few varied interests other than acting in Bollywood, Shenaz is cool about her first major film as a leading lady hitting the screens. Appreciated as a pretty face over the years, Shenaz surprises when she confesses in a conversation with Joginder Tuteja that she hates make up and tries as much as possible not to apply any, whether in real or reel life. She also talks about the release strategy of Radio, competition from other films as well its target audience.
Himesh says that unlike his previous two films that were targeted at masses, this one is a complete class affair. Do you agree?
I believe and am hoping everyone will enjoy our film and identify with our characters. I don't really want to discriminate (smiles).
But in your career, have you got any such direction already built for you, in terms of class or mass affair?
No, not really.
The item numbers and posing in the bikini is not really for me
The current crop of females is quite uninhibited when it comes to skin show since it has almost become a part of an actress profile. Any boundaries that you have set for yourself?
Look, I want to act. I enjoy acting as much as I do hosting and writing. I was always bored with modelling and not so crazy about choreographed dancing. So really, the item numbers and posing in the bikini is not really for me. In fact when I used to model, Farrookh Chotia, who is India's No. 1 photographer, told me that I am not vain enough and don't care about my looks enough to be a good model.
Do you also believe so?
Yes, he's right. I don't care much about my looks. I find all that superficial, shallow and nothing bores me more than staring at myself in the mirror. I avoid wearing make up, I never wear any foundation, blush or lipstick in real life or in my films, as long as I can help it. In Aagey Se Right and Radio, my character doesn't need it. In Delhi Belly, I play an airhostess and air hostesses wear make up on the job. So yes, I had to do it but I still got away without wearing foundation. I hate sitting for hours in makeup. Argh! That's the boring part of the job. I'm here to act.
Talking about Delhi Belly, are you the main lead opposite Imran Khan? Can you elaborate further on your part?
Delhi Belly is an ensemble film. I am Imran's girlfriend in the film. I play an air-hostess. I'm scared to say more lest I tick off my beloved producers (winks).
But what is it that is taking so long for Delhi Belly to release. Isn't a tad too long now for it to arrive?
I am sure Aamir Khan Productions know what they are doing and I'm also sure it will release with a big bang! I am (selfishly) happy that my releases have been spaced out well; I didn't want all three films releasing together.
Now Radio is all set to release this Friday. Isn't it a little surreal for you that after being in the industry for 6 years (starting with Ishq Vishk), this is your first commercial film arriving in theatres that has you as a leading lady?
I am excited and a bit nervous about the release but it isn't surreal or dream-like because I take Bollywood films as one of the many things I do.
It isn't surreal or dream-like because I take Bollywood films as one of the many things I do
The film follows De Dana Dan, comes along with Paa and is followed by Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year. Isn't that too much of a competition?
As an actor you do your best to bring the character to life in the most truthful and honest way as you can. In this film, I've done everything I can to breathe life into Shanaya and to make her a three dimensional person. I think I have achieved that. I did my job to the best of my ability. Everything else is irrelevant. There are so many factors, so many variants that make a film successful and most of them are out of my control and none of my business. Hence, I don't see the point in worrying about all that; especially the competition.
Leaving aside competition, if one sticks solely to Radio, are you personally happy with the kind of effort that has been put in the film's promotion? After all in the times when a film has to be on your face 24X7, Radio seems to be following a controlled approach.
Radio is being promoted very well. I leave all these things to the producers anyway. After all, that's none of my business.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 4 Dec 2009 | 3:08 am Chris Brown admits attack mentally damaged RihannaWashington (ANI): Popstar Chris Brown admits his attack on Rihanna has caused her more 'mental damage' than physical. The Kiss Kiss hitmaker split from the Bajan beauty in February after he assaulted her in a vicious fight that landed him communitySource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Dec 2009 | 3:08 am Special screening of Paa for Dilip KumarAmitabh Bachchan is planning to organise a special screening of Paa for Bollywood legend Dilip Kumar, who was not able to attend the star-studded premiere due to ill-health. |
 Hindustan Times | Pregnant Padma Lakshmi' nude photo shoot Oneindia By Raymond Ronamai Indian-born cookbook author, actress, model and Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi is six-months pregnant but that didn't stop her from going nude. She has bared it all for a photo spread to be featured in the latest issue of Page Six ... Pregnant Padma Lakshmi poses naked for mag cover Pregnant Padma Lakshmi goes nude Padma poses nude for magazine |
 New York Times | Total time'Paa'ss! Daily News & Analysis R Balki has done it again - an unusual plot deftly treated, entertaining moments and some real good performances, all come together in his second directorial venture, Paa. In Cheeni Kum, Balki got Amitabh Bachchan to romance a younger woman. ... Watch Paa for Auro Amitabh Bachchan still a challenge to youngsters Paa's 'Paa' excited, but says no 'Maa' in pipeline! |
 guardian.co.uk | Tattle: Woods' swingin' ways are normal for today's stars Philadelphia Inquirer Unfortunately, his off-the-course activities are not unique - they're the standard behavioral cliche for far too many of today's modern athletes. With so much precedent, why is anyone surprised by Tiger's behavior? ... Woods joins ranks of superstars who veered off course Zapped: Who really cares about Tiger Woods? Claims Tiger Woods had third mistress as $300m divorce payout looms |
 Hindustan Times | Aamir didn't have to apologise: SRK Hindustan Times "We often visit each other's home and we have love and respect for each other. I don't think there was any need for him to apologise because it is not really a big thing for me. Both of us don't take these things seriously but it is the media that ... Shah Rukh Khan portrays the role of a 75 year old I see no need to apologise to Shah Rukh, says Aamir Khan SRK insists on finding suitable stars |
 BehindWoods | Golden Peacock award at the IFFI BehindWoods Leon Dai's Taiwanese film I Can't Live Without You was awarded the coveted Golden Peacock award at the closing ceremony of the 40th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Korean director Lee Chang-dong won a cash prize of Rs. 15 lakhs for ... |
 Hindustan Times | Two Grammy nominations for AR Rahman Galatta.com India's music genius and Oscar award winner AR Rahman has been nominated in two categories at the 2010 Grammy Awards for his Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack. The Mozart of Madras has been nominated in the best soundtrack for motion pictures and in the ... AR Rahman nominated for Grammy AR Rahman gets two Grammy nominations for "Slumdog Millionaire" Rahman nominated for Grammy 2010 |
 NDTV.com | Review : Radio NDTV.com Radio: Love on Air, written and directed by Ishaan Trivedi, is the year's most wannabe film. It wants, above all else, to be cool, hip, current. So the characters have cool jobs - two are radio jockeys and one is a choreographer. ... Review: Radio just doesn't work! “I am definitely watching Paa” - Himesh Reshammiya Cast: Himesh Reshammiya, Shenaz Treasuryvala, Sonal Sehgal |
 Hindustan Times | Sir Ben Kingsley on his second home, Gandhi & Big B Indian Express Sir Ben Kingsley is happy that the thread that was created in 1981-82 during the filming of Gandhi has not snapped. India is home for me and one does not visit but come home, Sir Ben Kingsley gets nostalgic over the extraordinary welcome he receives in ... Sir Ben Kingsley visits Taj Mahal The 'Mahatma' at the Taj Madhur Bhandarkar meets Sir Ben Kingsley |
 Daijiworld.com | Good karma, says Golden Peacock winner from Taiwan Times of India PANAJI: “My father travelled from China to India 40 years ago...The good karma which began with my father's visit to this country, is now complete,” said Taiwanese film director Leon Dai as he accepted the Golden Peacock award at the culmination of the ... Curtains down at IFFI '09 Taiwan movie triumphs at film festival in Goa Curtains down on IFFI today |
You've seen him as an action hero and playing the lover boy, and now you will see superstar Shah Rukh Khan play a septuagenarian in a new ad. Conceptualised by adman-turned-lyricist Prasoon Joshi, the ad has been directed by Anurag Basu.
Himesh Reshammiya is brimming with energy. A little more than a year after his second film as an actor, Karzzzz, released in theaters, he is ready with Radio. While Karzzzz was targeted at the masses, Radio is touted to be a quintessential multiplex film. In an exclusive conversation with Joginder Tuteja, Himesh talks about how he believes that majority of actors have to spend number of years in the industry before they are termed successful, the contemporary outlook of Radio and his emotional attachment with the film.
In case of Karzzzz, you had said that you didn't wish to prove any point to anyone. However, in case of Radio, doesn't it become imperative that you actually prove a point?
No, I really don't have to prove a point to someone. What I certainly wish to do though is win my audiences. This is something which was always there in my mind. We have worked hard on the film to make it work as per the current audience sensibilities. Since commercially also we are quite safe due to Radio being a 'price success' already, it is now up to the audiences to appreciate it further and make it a success in theatres.
We have worked hard on the film to make it work as per the current audience sensibilities
I am sure you must be quite emotionally attached to Radio since with this film; it's the matter of bouncing back in a big way.
Yes, I am emotionally attached to Radio and something like this is bound to happen when you have a quality product in hand. Having said that, your confidence level is a notch above too when you know at the bottom of your heart that the film will click with audiences. Also, I have always maintained, Radio is one film which audiences can relate to and this is what really is the USP here.
After the success of Aap Kaa Surroor, you had a Karzzzz to contend to. Tell me honestly Himesh, there must have been quite some equations changing during the year gone by, isn't it?
No, there hasn't been any change per se and I will explain why. Pick up any actor from past or present and you would that see at least in the first half of his career, there won't be more than 10% success rate. 90% of his films would have been flop at the box office. In this context, I still have a 50% success rate. I started off with a hit followed by a flop. And again, let's not forget that Karzzzz flopped due to its price; otherwise the collections were even better than Aap Kaa Surroor. Now, my next 6-7 films would decide whether I am a successful actor or not. This is why I don't think that when it comes to me, any belief, perception or equations have changed over last couple years.
My next 6-7 films would decide whether I am a successful actor or not
You really think so...?
Yes, I do. See, I am not someone who will ever be in a denial mode. If Karzzzz didn't work, I know why it didn't. The film was originally made in the 80s and the remake carried forward the same sensibilities. We didn't alter anything and naturally, multiplex audiences were not really enthused about it. This is why in case of Radio, we were very sure that what was the target audiences we were looking at. Accordingly, we have projected the aesthetics and sensibilities of the contemporary urban India.
It seems the idea was to bring in something entirely new and unexplored?
Absolutely. Everything about Radio is new. Let's pick up something as basic as dressing up. Normally in a movie, you would see a hero entering a party in those flashy costumes to make an impression. However, in Radio, Vivaan is shown wearing a white shirt and blue jeans. Other than that the music is also absolutely new where I have experimented with a different sound and voice. The entire idea around bringing in the relevance of social networking sites is new. The narrative is new; it doesn't belong to the kind that has been seen before. The questions raised around compatibility are asked for the first time. The female co-stars are new.
Everything about Radio is new
Talking about your female co-stars, how were Shenaz and Sonal short-listed?
We completely went by what the character demanded. For a Parsi RJ, who else could have been a better choice than Shenaz Treasuryvala? And then for the other leading lady, Sonal was just the right choice since we had to get a young woman who was very unpredictable. I have worked with Sonal in Ishq Unplugged and we all were convinced that she would be able to deliver goods in Radio as well. As I have stated earlier, we have been honest about everything associated with Radio. Same holds good for the cast too. We are not selling anything that would come as a surprise to you.
Your music does surprise though as it is completely 'uncharacteristic Himesh'...
And you can see that this surprise has turned out to be quite pleasant for many out there! As a composer, I could give Himesh Reshammiya - the singer, an altogether new platform to perform. Another fact is that when we were discussing the economics of the film, music was one of the assets we had in hand other than home video, satellite rights etc. However, the way music has been received by audiences, we have recovered the price of the film though album sales itself. Whatever additional now comes is an added bonus.
It's an honour to be pitted against none other Mr. Amitabh Bachchan
The film is clashing with Amitabh Bachchan's Paa. Isn't that a scary thought?
Yes, I am scared but one can't help that, right? Due to producers' strike, plans of so many movies went haywire. Now that Radio and Paa are coming together, I am sure both of them will do quite well at the box office. I am definitely watching Paa in theatres on its release. In any case, it's an honour to be pitted against none other Mr. Amitabh Bachchan.
Hollywood heartthrob Johnny Depp is set to be honoured with the Career Achievement Award at this year's Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) in Nassau for his contribution to cinema.
Spanish beauty Penelope Cruz says she just can't stop kissing veteran actress Meryl Strep whenever she meets her.
Kannada actress Ramya says she has turned down actor-filmmaker Prakash Raj's directorial debut <I>Naanu Nanna Kanasu</I> because of the low fee offered to her.<br>
When it takes more than 100 pages of 'Unlikely Hero Om Puri' to arrive at the much awaited section detailing the actor's sex-capades during his growing up, younger and not-so-young years, you know for sure that this biography is much more than a sleaze saga that many were trying to paint it as. Of course one does tend to wonder if this was all a part of one big promotional/marketing plan because at the end of the day, every movie and biography enthusiast is aware about the existence of this Nandita C. Puri's book. Still, it doesn't even require any scratching the surface to find out that 'Unlikely Hero Om Puri' has a lot more to offer than that five page extract about the most intimate details of the actor's life which are already our in open. Well, whether intentionally or unintentionally!
There are two most attractive things about this book that make one pick it up pronto and start turning over the pages:
a) It is short and concise and lasts only 200 pages. For an actor with over 35 years of acting experience behind him, one may have expected a voluminous outing. However, as Nandita (author and Om Puri's wife) clarifies at the very beginning, the idea was to chop things down than balloon them due to which the book was cut down to half at the editing table.
b) The layout and presentation. Right from the cover design to the print to the paper quality to the textual representation, the book works in catching your attention. Going by the subject (Om Puri) under study, one wouldn't have expected a fluorescent presentation to begin with. However, on numerous occasions the entire reading (of some other books in the past) becomes a painful exercise when the presentation becomes a little too intellectual and 'business-like' for comfort.
Thankfully, that's not the case here with 'Unlikely Hero Om Puri' turning out to be an easy and comfortable read which doesn't try to portray an intelligent picture of either the subject or the author.
Moreover, there are added benefits of an author being closely related to the subject. This is another factor that works strongly for the book due to one major reason - 'Pictures'. Almost every page has at least one picture from Om Puri's personal collections that gives a good insight into the life and times of the actor right from his childhood days. Whether it's his picture as a boy scout or the one where he is receiving some of the most prestigious awards at an international level, one gets a real good peek into how Om Puri has grown over the years.
Another factor that stands out in the book (mainly due to the pictures) is Om Puri's relationship with his friends and family. Whether it is him spending time with his wife and son in various parts of the world or sharing a round of drinks with Naseeruddin Shah while comfortably seated on a floor to revisiting his place of upbringing and reuniting with his family to his marriage ceremony to his own private moments while sleeping - there is this and a lot more told through pictures (all in black & white) which further makes the book a engrossing read.
From 'presenting the truth' perspective, Nandita has claimed (at more than a couple of occasions) that she has tried to be as impartial as possible while staying true to her journalist ethics in spite of the man at the hot seat being her husband. However, she has also put a disclaimer of sorts by stating that when the idea of a biography was presented to Om Puri, he wanted it to be done his way with only those facts about his life being revealed that he wished to. Though Nandita has denied being influenced by these demands of her husband, one can sense that she has buckled down (compromise would be too harsh a word!) at a few places.
For example, in every (seemingly or out rightly) wrong act of his, there is a positive spin being put to the tale. Things are mostly told from Om Puri's point of view, whether it is about his numerous link ups or break ups, his relationship with his co-students in or fellow actors or even the last decade and a half that the couple has shared together. Yes, there have been some bitter moments about his life that have been brought on paper as well but they seem to have been 'controlled' than brought 'as is'.
Moreover, one would have looked forward to a little more insight into his period of struggle (how he got his first few films, the length he had to go in order to make an impression, him evolving as an actor etc. etc.) but there isn't much more than touching the surface that happens. Also, it seems like professionally Om Puri had a fairly spotless journey of 35 years with no discomfort while working in any of the movie, no argument with a director, no misunderstandings, no hard feelings and no bitterness around any of the incidents on the sets. Of course, all of these tid-bits about his life may have suited tabloid journalism more but if there is a biography being presented, one does expect a little more detailing.
Nevertheless, as stated earlier, Om and Nandita were quite sure about what would go in the book lest it hurts any person's sentiments. This is the reason why one takes it all with a pinch of salt. However, there are number of other interesting facts/trivia/incidents that keep a reader's interest alive all through 'Unlikely Hero Om Puri'. These are:
- Patrick Swayze considering him to be his true Guru
- His screen name being Vilom Puri and Azdak Puri in some of his earlier films
- Reasons behind his scarred face
- His love hate relationship with his dad
- His ever lasting friendship with Naseeruddin Shah
- How David Dhawan found him boring and humour-less when they were room mates
- Him stepping in for roles (Ardh Satya and Droh Kaal) originally written for Amitabh Bachchan
- His role as a family man when he supported his brother's family for years
- Him being molested by a Pandit in his younger days
Before concluding, one is bound to refer back to those five pages from the book that has brought it into notice during last fortnight. If one actually draws parallels for this book with a two hour movie, these five pages are akin to an 'item number' which attract audiences to theatres. However, once the lights go dim, you are engrossed in the story which is being told on screen and the 'item number' relegates itself to be just an added attraction.
Similarly when it comes to the book, for all the voyeurs it is not really a bad ploy to read about the aunts and the maids and the co-stars and the friend's sister with whom Om Puri did have some passionate affairs at some point in his life. However, for those who are actually interested in knowing the personal and professional journey of one of the most gifted actors from the country and a known international personality, 'Unlikely Hero Om Puri' turns out to be a good read.
Price: Rs. 395/=
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Critical appreciation be damned. Priyadarshan wants to make films for the masses. Even if it's about the construction mafia (Khatta Meetha with Akshay Kumar and Trisha) or the stigma attached to inter-caste marriages(untitled film with Ajay Devgn, Bipasha Basu and Akshaye Khanna) Priyan will speak in the language of the common man.
And why not? De Dana Dan is a big hit even in Pakistan where it's running to packed houses in a theatre with shows from 9 am to 2 am. Priyan says the romantic rain song with Akshay and Katrina which had been edited for reasons of length will be restored in the prints from Saturday.
Now after the warm reception accorded to De Dana Dan even the film on AIDS with Aamir Khan which was meant to be a stark song less look at the subject will be presented by Priyan in a way that's palatable to the public.
''And why not?'' Priyan shoots back. ''Films are meant to generate a mass reaction. No point in making a film with one of the biggest stars of the country which only a handful of people want to watch.''
The critical response to Priyadarshan's new comedy has left the prolific director feeling disillusioned with the critics and hell-bent on pursuing the commercial idiom.
''Some of them have commented on how massy it is. Others have said they couldn't follow the plot. Even my driver was able to follow what was going on.''
Taking a deep breath Priyan says, ''I've never made films for critics. Even my so-called artistic ones like Kaala Paani and Kanchivaram for a mass audience. Today commercial success is more important for the survival of our film industry than ever before. Don't critics want films to do well? Don't they want the industry to make money so the movie business can get back on its feet? If audiences want to watch happy films who is going to stop them?''
Priyan says he'll continue to make the films that connect with the audience. ''I'm a film buff. I understand world cinema. I know about Fellini, Ray and Godard. And Satyajit Ray is one of my favourite directors. But I also understand about the film market. We can't make the films that audiences don't come to see.''
So what would Priyan's future equation with his creativity be? ''Very simple. I will make the films I believe in. I've attained success in arthouse and mass cinema. I'll make what comes naturally to me. Not the films that critics want me to make. I believe in every frame of De Dana Dan. If some critics haven't liked it at least they should've the grace to admit the common man loves it. Say, you don't like. But don't make up your mind for the masses, please!''
Without losing his cool Priyan says, ''I don't claim to be a great filmmaker. But please take a long hard look at my body of work. Just see how many of my films have connected with the audience. Don't dismiss De Dana Dan just because it doesn't match your sensibility.''
While he was in the post production stage of his debut film Cheeni Kum, little did he knew that he would be fielding a lot of questions in his mind about his second directorial venture, till it all boiled down to one day, a few hours and one meeting with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan in Janak. And Abhishek Bachchan's interruption in the middle of their meeting made things even profitable. So much so that the entire film industry is going to be present at Paa's lavish premiere to take place this evening in Mumbai. Welcome R. Balki, the director whose career path is different. Different because he likes making light entertainers, and that's about it. There was no place for emotions in Balki's films till Paa happened (thanks to Big B who pointed out the missing ingredient - 'emotions'). The rest is for us to witness tomorrow on the big screen when Paa and Auro face each other. UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent had a quick chat with the multi talented R. Balki. His first big success, we don't know. More money at the box office, we don't know. But what we do know is that Balki loves the history of cinema and its pioneers. He loves different cinema, and different he is. And now comes a new challenge - a light heartedly serious one, we expect. Come tomorrow, we're sure-sure that the director is going to deliver us a massive injection of entertainment. That's Balki - the lighter side of life, the only guaranteed good time.
"Amitji was the one who stressed on the emotional factor in Paa. It was never an emotional film."
How excited is the father of Paa right now?
(laughs) I am quite numb right now because once you go through this process of fatherhood; it's extremely difficult to be excited initially as you are tired. After seeing my film for about one thousand seven hundred times, I am bound to be in the exhaustion zone as of now. At the end of the day, I feel something good is going to happen.
Paa deals with emotions to a great extent and yet has a lighter side to it. Is that it's USP?
I think emotions and good humour exist the world over, and people are going to connect to it. But when the same people see the emotions towards certain character in your film, and its story, the film works.
You have a great connect towards filming in the UK. Why such a fascination?
Cheeni Kum was shot in London and Paa was shot in Cambridge. I love London and right from my childhood days, I've got this fascination towards UK simply because of cricket, tennis, of every book that I've read out there and every bit of its picturesque landscape. I love the country for its looks too. I've grown up knowing a lot about Britain and being fascinated about it.
Let's do a role reversal for you too. From father to mother. Recall your days when you thought of conceiving your baby, Paa.
Actually, it happened a very long time back. I think during the post-production days of Cheeni Kum. I had gone to meet Mr Amitabh Bachchan in his Mumbai office when I saw Abhishek Bachchan walking. It was one of those rare days when Abhishek was saying something very matured and wise while Amitji was pulling his leg and behaving like a child. So I thought that in their last birth, Abhishek would've been a father to Amitabh. So I decided that if I ever make a film casting these two, I'd do a role reversal.
And what happened next?
Well, I decided that I'll make a fantasy film one day reversing their roles. But then I got to know that fantasy will not create the level of interest I was looking for. It had to be a real film. And if it is a real film, there has to be some medical condition in the kid. One day, I met a friend of mine who is a doctor and he informed me of Progeria patients. I saw some videos of these patients and gave birth to Auro. Then, I started writing Paa.
How well did the narration go? Did Mr Bachchan agree in one hearing?
No, not at all. I wrote the script of the film in one month flat and it was a very different script from what I finally wrote. I had written a light hearted comedy which I narrated to Mr Bachchan and he was very quiet. I asked him, "So didn't you like it?" Amitji replied, "Yeah I like it, but it's very light. Isn't it?" I, then answered, "I write light hearted films and that's my style." He questioned, "Are you sure you want to make a light movie? And don't you think that this concept has the power to be a Muqaddar Ka Sikandar or a Deewar or a Trishul?" I finally had to give in, "No Amitji. I have a certain style and I'll stick to just that." Amitji was the one who stressed on the emotional factor in Paa. It was never an emotional film. I was confused for five days as to why Mr. Bachchan was stressing on the emotional factor. That's when I thought that if the film had to be real, emotions had to be played with. The old script was ripped apart and we began writing the new script once Mr Bachchan came on board. It took couple of months to write the new script.
"Abhishek is a fabulous actor. He can act anything and everything."
How difficult was it to sell Paa?
It was never difficult to sell Paa. Sunil Manchanda, who had produced my film Cheeni Kum was on board from day one. But it was only on Amitji's insistence that A.B.Corp too decided to be the second producer for Paa. He was overjoyed when I narrated him the second draft and it was an honour to have him as one of the buyers of the film.
How much can one squeeze out of Mr. Amitabh Bachchan the actor?
He has been squeezed quite a bit by various directors (laughs). He is a supreme actor. In Cheeni Kum, I wanted to do everything that Amitabh Bachchan wanted to do. He was sarcastic, he was witty, he was dry, and he was serious. I wrote Cheeni Kum on the basis of what I felt Mr Amitabh Bachchan was. In Paa, I tried to everything that Mr Bachchan was not. Paa will not even have a trace of Amitabh Bachchan.
Are you doing something towards this disability?
No, not at all. Simple because the film is not about a Progeria child's illness. It is about a simple boy who has a family. It is a very difficult thing to keep a screening for Progeria children because they are very rare. There are only about ten children in India and are still discovering them. We are not trying to make any media issue out of it and are not indulging in their privacy.
How much of a father figure did Abhishek Bachchan come across?
Abhishek is a fabulous actor. He can act anything and everything. For Abhishek, it was very simple and easy to treat Amitabh as his kid. Yes, he has done his home work but he was so casual about it. The funny thing was that when the camera was on, they were father and son, and when the camera was off, they were son and father. It was magical. So was Vidya. To be a mother of Amitabh Bachchan wasn't an easy thing to do, but she pulled it off.
How difficult was the dubbing for a thirteen year old Auro?
(laughs) It wasn't difficult at all. You won't believe it, but Mr Bachchan dubbed the entire film in three days. It was so simple that he just wore Auro's teeth and dubbed with that.
"You won't believe it, but Mr Bachchan dubbed the entire film in three days."
And your fascination with Illayaraja?
Oh yes, he is great, isn't he? He did my first film Cheeni Kum and he is back again. But he hasn't done Paa because he worked on Cheeni Kum. He worked because he liked the story. Paa has some good tracks and you should listen to it.
Did Paa take you back to your relationship with your father?
Yes it did to some extent. Some of the relationship with Auro and his father is what I'd like to have with my dad too, but most of it is just purely fictional.| World : News Archives | Business | Entertainment | Sports | Technology | Science | Marketplace Audio |
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