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Priyanka Chopra India's top brand endorser of 2009
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 31 Dec 2009 | 9:04 am 'Raat Gayi Baat Gayi' about one night flingsSomewhere on the second-half of this slightly seductive jigsaw about a one-night scam, filmmaker Sudhir Mishra shows up as Neha Dhupia's father who drops in to have a chat with his sullen daughter on the way to the airport.Source: Entertainment News | 31 Dec 2009 | 7:11 am Priyanka Chopra India's top brand endorser of 2009After emerging as one of the leading actresses in Bollywood, Priyanka Chopra has been declared India's top brand endorser in 2009, says a report.Source: Entertainment News | 31 Dec 2009 | 7:05 am 3 Idiots one of the best from Bollywood: Malaysian critic
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 31 Dec 2009 | 7:03 am Aal Izz Not Well between Chetan Bhagat and the makers of 3 Idiots
3 Idiots may be breaking Box Office records by the day but that hasn't kept the film and its makers far away from a controversy. Few days after the release of one of the best films of 2009, popular author Chetan Bhagat (on whose best selling novel '5 Point Someone' the film is based) and Vidhu Vinod Chopra have engaged in a war of words.
Chetan is apparently upset at the way the makers of 3 Idiots have been trying to keep him and his book out of the limelight. Anyone who has read '5 Point Someone' and watched 3 Idiots will surely be able to identify the many direct similarities between the two. Yet the makers have been going around the town saying that the film is completely different from the book. In fact, early this week at a press conference in Bangalore, Vidhu Vinod Chopra accused Chetan of seeking unnecessary publicity and needless to say the best selling writer has not taken this remark too lightly. Chetan has come out in the open and spoken about this issue in his official blog and here are the excerpts of the same:
"The 3 Idiots story credit issue has been making some noise now. The news is coming out in bits and pieces, and I think it is important I clarify a few things. Yes, clearly, the makers of the film have been unfair and thousands of my readers have been saying so. I am aware of this, and this is not an issue that has 'just come up'. I've been grappling with it for two years, but kept silent about it.
The only reason it has surfaced after the movie's release is because Five Point Someone has a few million readers, and when you copy a popular story claiming it as 'original' and 'completely different', people are going to find out. People did, and so did a lot of media journalists.
Pre-release, the makers made press statements like the movie is only 'very loosely', '2%-5% inspired by the book'. After release, those who have read the book and seen the movie (and frankly, I think those are the only people who have the right to comment) find the film to be an adaptation of Five Point Someone (FPS). The setting, characters, plotline, dramatic twists and turns, one-liners, theme, message - almost all aspects that make up the story are from FPS. Yes, there are some changes, any adaptation requires that - but it is no way an original story. Leading movie critics have privately admitted to me that the film is 70% the book. Still, don't take my word for it - go read the book, watch the film.
I, frankly, was shocked to see this. This is because I was also fed 'this is an original movie' line a lot. I wanted to see the final script - it was never shown to me. I wanted to see the film before release - it was not shown to me (even though trials had been done for people). What's more, the makers had called me to their office and pressured me several times to withdraw my 'Based on a novel by' credit, which was by contract. They told me they'd replace it with something like 'initiated by' - a credit that doesn't exist anywhere in the world. I still told them that if the film is indeed original, I'll happily withdraw the credit, but somehow the promos don't tell me so. I asked them to show me the film and they fell silent.
Ten days before the release, I was called into their office. They said 'we should be friends now'. I said I am always up for friendship, and the success of the film is good for me as well. They also said, and I quote verbatim 'even though this is an original film, we have given you a great credit, right upfront. After all, we love writers and a king should treat another king with respect. You are family'. I believed them.
Then I went for the premiere. My family sat in the theatre shocked, as sequence after sequence came from the book. 2%-5% means 3-6 minutes, and I had told my family to look for the few FPS moments and note them. However, there were so many that it became impossible to keep track. The plot line was same - people meet at ragging, the first class with definition of machine, the friends separate, Alok (Raju) moves with Venkat (Chatur), Ryan (Rancho) helps Alok's father, Alok rejoins group etc etc. From Alok (Raju) jumping to stealing the papers and calling out from Cherian (Virus') office - the book came alive on screen. I was surprised and happy that FPS has made it in such a grand way.
However, my family had not spotted my credit in the beginning (there was none) and they were feeling let down. A screenplay associate credit to VVC had a prominent upfront placement. The story credit was not shared with me. And yes, all the office talk of a 'king treated like king' was a white lie.
I knew they had played with me, and that 'based on a novel by' credit, which they were legally bound to give would be hushed away at the end - with the clear intention of making sure people miss it. And indeed, it came after the junior artists and still photographer of the movie, and zoomed away fast. My own mother missed seeing my name, and for that she cried after seeing the film. I told her it doesn't matter, as people know FPS. But yes, that hurt me a lot.
I went up to the makers after the premiere, and they said it is a hit so chill and forget about it. I guess I could, but it is hard. Only a writer or a creative person knows how this feels. I am one of the lucky ones that people have read FPS. Imagine the fate of other writers in Bollywood. Anyway, I came home and thanked God for making my story reach so many people.
Upon the film's release - my mailbox and twitter account, literally became flooded. Fans and readers wrote stunned mails. They had seen the makers' interviews which had denied FPS links and they missed seeing the credit on screen. I kept quiet, though I did send a message to the makers telling them audience reactions. They did not respond. Soon media journalists saw the film. They called me and said they have to do a story on this as they are on my side. I tried my best to avoid them. However, when one journalist from Delhi called, and asked me how I felt about the credit. I used one word - I said 'strange'. And that's when the news exploded.
This, my friends, is the story. Meanwhile, the makers have accused me of seeking fame - when clearly it is the other way round. They've taken my story to make fame for themselves, and shut me out of it. I know my readers will spot it immediately. However, the film also reaches millions of other people who do not read books - and they deserve to know who wrote the story. And that is why I am talking about this issue (and I admit for people who've read the book, they may wonder it's so obvious so why I am going on about it).
Some people have told me that I should keep silent. I did try to be silent but didn't work. Also, people say this is how Bollywood works. Sorry, I disagree. Not all Bollywood works like this. There are a lot of good people too. And every event like this helps change things for the better. And that is what I am all about anyway.
I urge you to not believe me at face value. Read the book, see the movie - and like the movie says - think for yourself and decide."
Whatever be the outcome of this clash, one thing is certain that Aal Izz certainly not Well between Chetan Bhagat and the makers of 3 Idiots.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 31 Dec 2009 | 6:57 am Murphy's father 'unknown' on death certificate
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 31 Dec 2009 | 6:45 am 3 Idiots one of the best from Bollywood: Malaysian film criticApplauding the cast and crew of recently released hit film 3 Idiots, a Malaysian film critic described director Rajkumar Hirani's directorial venture as "one of the best from Bollywood".Source: | 31 Dec 2009 | 6:11 am Priyanka Chopra India's top brand endorser of 2009According to a report, the 27-year-old actress has edged past endorsement giants like skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and actors Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan to be declared as India's top brand endorser in 2009.Source: | 31 Dec 2009 | 6:04 am Oscar entry among four Marathi films set for January
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 31 Dec 2009 | 5:57 am Peter Jackson bestowed with knighthood
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 31 Dec 2009 | 5:49 am '3 Idiots' one of the best from Bollywood: Malaysian film criticApplauding the cast and crew of recently released hit film "3 Idiots", a Malaysian film critic described director Rajkumar Hirani's directorial venture as "one of the best from Bollywood".Source: Entertainment News | 31 Dec 2009 | 5:26 am `Slumdog` star Rubina`s shack smashed!`Slumdog Millionaire` child star Rubina Ali now sits on the ruins of her home in Mumbai.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 31 Dec 2009 | 5:23 am Mariah Carey picks up first acting awardHero hitmaker and popstar Mariah Carey had sacrificed glamour to play a dowdy social worker in Precious and the effort is paying rich dividends as she picked up her first acting award and may be in line for more.Source: | 31 Dec 2009 | 4:44 am Tollywood feeling Telangana ire
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 31 Dec 2009 | 4:24 am Nominations for Nokia 16th Annual Star Screen Awards 2009Best Film 3 Idiots Dev D Kaminey Love Aaj Kal Paa Best Director Anurag Kashyap - Dev D Imtiaz Ali - Love Aaj Kal R Balki - Paa Rajkumar Hirani - 3 Idiots Vishal Bhardwaj - Kaminey Best Actor (Male) Aamir Khan - 3 Idiots Amitabh Bachchan - Paa Ranbir Kapoor - Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani Ranbir Kapoor - Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year Saif Ali Khan - Love Aaj Kal Shahid Kapoor - Kaminey Best Actor (Female) Deepika Padukone - Love Aaj Kal Kareena Kapoor - 3 Idiots Katrina Kaif - New York Priyanka Chopra - Kaminey Priyanka Chopra - What's Your Raashee? Vidya Balan - Paa Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) Abhimanyu Singh - Gulaal R Madhavan - 3 Idiots Rishi Kapoor - Love Aaj Kal Rishi Kapoor - Luck By Chance Sharman Joshi - 3 Idiots Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female) Arundhati Naag - Paa Divya Dutta - Delhi-6 Gauhar Khan - Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year Neha Dhupia - Raat Gayi Baat Gayi Shahana Goswami - Firaaq Best Actor in a Negative Role Amole Gupte - Kaminey Boman Irani - 3 Idiots Kay Kay Menon - Gulaal Mahesh Manjrekar - Wanted Manish Choudhary - Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year Best Actor in a Comic Role D Santosh - Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year Omi Vaidya - 3 Idiots Paresh Rawal - De Dana Dan Sanjay Mishra - All The Best Vinay Pathak - Raat Gayi Baat Gayi Best Background Music Amit Trivedi - Dev D Ilaiyaraja - Paa Salim-Sulaiman - Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year Shantanu Moitra, Atul Raninga, Sanjay Wandrekar - 3 Idiots Vishal Bhardwaj - Kaminey Best Music A R Rahman - Delhi-6 Pritam - Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani Pritam - Love Aaj Kal Pritam - Tum Mile Vishal Bhardwaj - Kaminey Best Playback Singer Female Kavita Seth - Iktara - Wake Up Sid Rekha Bhardwaj - Genda Phool - Delhi-6 Shreya Ghoshal - Zoobi Doobi - 3 Idiots Shilpa Rao - Mudi Mudi - Paa Sunidhi Chauhan - Mere Sang - New York Best Lyrics Amitabh Bhattacharya - Emosanal Attyachaar - Dev D Irshad Kamil - Chor Bazari - Love Aaj Kal Javed Akhtar - Sapnon Se Bhare Naina - Luck By Chance Piyush Mishra - Ranaji - Gulaal Prasoon Joshi - Man Ko Ati Bhavey - London Dreams Best Story Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani - 3 Idiots Anurag Kashyap, Aparna Malhotra, Raj Singh Chaudhary, Sanjay Maurya - Gulaal Imtiaz Ali - Love Aaj Kal Nandita Das, Shuchi Kothari - Firaaq R Balki - Paa Best Screenplay Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra - 3 Idiots Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane - Dev D Imtiaz Ali - Love Aaj Kal Pankaj Advani - Sankat City R Balki - Paa Best Dialogue Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani - 3 Idiots Imtiaz Ali - Love Aaj Kal Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane - Dev D R Balki - Paa Vishal Bhardwaj - Kaminey Best Editing Aarti Bajaj - Dev D Aarti Bajaj - Love Aaj Kal Anil Naidu - Paa Meghna Manchanda Sen, Sreekar Prasad - Kaminey Rajkumar Hirani - 3 Idiots Best Sound Bishwadeep Chatterjee, Nihar Ranjan Samel - 3 Idiots Dileep Subramaniam - Love Aaj Kal Sanjay Maurya, Allwin Rego - Dev D Shajith Koyeri, Subhash Sahu, P M Satheesh - Kaminey Tapas Nayak - Paa Best Special Effects Charles Darby - Aladin Prime Focus Ltd - Blue Best Cinematography C.K. Muraleedharan - 3 Idiots P.C. Sreeram - Paa Rajeev Ravi - Dev D Shankar Raman - Frozen Tassaduq Hussain - Kaminey Best Art Directon Acropolis, Rajnish Hedaa, Sumit, Snigdha Basu - 3 Idiots Sabu Cyril - Aladin Samir Chanda - Delhi-6 Samir Chanda - Kaminey Sukanta Panigrahy, Helen Jones - Dev D Best Choreography Ahmed Khan - Prem Ki Naiiyya - Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani Avit Dias - Aal Izz Well - 3 Idiots Bosco- Caesar - Zoobi Doobi - 3 Idiots Prasanna - Marjaani - Billu Baawre - Vaibhavi Merchant - Luck By Chance Best Action James D Bomalick - Blue Huan-Chiu Ku - Chandni Chowk To China Shyam Kaushal - Kaminey Tinu Verma - Acid Factory Vijayan Master - Wanted Most Promising Newcomer (Male) Amole Gupte - Kaminey Chandan Roy Sanyal - Kaminey Navin Kaushik - Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year Omi Vaidya - 3 Idiots Most Promising Newcomer (Female) Gauhar Khan - Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year Giselle Monteiro - Love Aaj Kal Jesse Randhawa - Gulaal Kalki Koechlin - Dev D Mahie Gill - Dev D Most Promising Debut Director Ayan Mukerji - Wake Up Sid Nandita Das - Firaaq Pankaj Advani - Sankat City Shivajee Chandrabhushan - Frozen Zoya Akhtar - Luck By Chance Best Child Artiste Jahan Bativala - Little Zizou Iyanah Bativala - Little Zizou Rahul Kumar - 3 Idiots Parzan Dastur- Sikandar Pratik Katare - Paa Best Ensemble Cast Delhi-6 Firaaq Gulaal Luck By Chance Sankat CitySource: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 31 Dec 2009 | 3:52 am Music review: Rann
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 31 Dec 2009 | 3:46 am Megan Fox voted both worst actress, sexiest star
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 31 Dec 2009 | 3:42 am Kate Winslet's body most desirable
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 31 Dec 2009 | 3:39 am Gibson's new movie causes controversy
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 31 Dec 2009 | 3:34 am "What were Jaideep & Shimit thinking while doing Rocket Singh?" - Abbas Tyrewala
Abbas Tyrewala who directed one of 2008's biggest successes is also a writer of great repute, having written among other things, the prophetic dialogues of Munnabhai MBBS and the screenplay of Maqbool.
Abbas went to see the latest Yashraj production Rocket Singh Salesman Of The Year not only as a writer and director but also as an eager fan of the films that the banner comes out of.
"I love Jaideep Sahni's writing and Shimit Amin's direction. But what were they thinking while doing Rocket Singh? Where is the payoff in the screenplay? Where is the hero? Ranbir plays a timid Sardar who steals phone lines and computer hardware from his work-place to start his own business. And we are supposed to accept him as a man of integrity! Would he be able to start his own business if it wasn't for the nefarious support he gets from his work-place? In other words the 'hero' resorts to those very underhand tactics that he claims to abhor and takes the help of that very organization which has disgraced him!"
Most damaging of all, Abbas couldn't see a hero in Ranbir's character. "The boss (Manish Chowdhary) is so over-the-top he belongs to another sensibility altogether, calls Ranbir a 'bastard' several times, humiliates and disgraces him publicly. We wait for our hero to have his revenge on the boorish boss. I completely believe in the old-fashioned Hindi film formula where the hero gives his tormentor tit for tat. But Boss, where's the comeuppance for the villain? In fact the story comes across more as the boss' redemption story as the hero's."
Abbas is now more than sure what he wants to do with his own hero John Abraham in 1-800-Love at the end. "I want my hero to either win or die at the end. Not a hero whose fight for the right simply peters out to a dead-end."
In fact Abbas's disappointment with Rocket Singh Salesman Of The Year has given him a renewed creative strength. "I now know exactly how my hero's journey to end. I'm an old-fashioned storyteller. And we've at heart a very traditional audience. They want to see the hero triumph at the end, not walk away from the villain as he makes an apology speech."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 31 Dec 2009 | 3:05 am Charlie Sheen's wife has past history of drug abuse - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 31 Dec 2009 | 3:02 am Riya Sen appears on Shree Adi ManavSAB TV's Shree Adi Manav will soon see Riya Sen, a wounderful, glamours and hot actress from Bollywood in their coming episode. The shoots are already over for the episodes and the whole cast enjoyed and had some wonderful experience toSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 31 Dec 2009 | 3:00 am 2009's memorable wardrobe malfunctionsWashington (ANI): Actress Emma Watson's wardrobe malfunction at the London premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has made it to the list of Memorable Wardrobe Malfunctions of 2009. Compiled by Fox News, the list of Memorable Wardrobe Malfunctions ofSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 31 Dec 2009 | 2:54 am Urvashi as 'Mummy' in Mummy and MePopular actress Urvashi, will play the lead role in the new movie Mummy And Me which will be directed by Jithu Joseph. The movie will address the communication gap between children and their new-age parents.Archana Kavi ( Neelathamara fame) will appearSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 31 Dec 2009 | 2:54 am Abhishek starts Aaram classes on ColorsFor the past few weeks, viewers of Colors were treated to a series of promos of Abhishek Bachchan reclining on an easy lazy boy chair or dozing in a cozy bed announcing the launch of his Aaram Classes. Abhishek Aaram ClassesSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 31 Dec 2009 | 2:48 am Charlie Sheen’s wife has past history of drug abuseWashington (ANI): It has now emerged that actor Charlie Sheen’s wife Brooke Mueller has a past history of drug abuse, involving cocaine, Vicodin and marijuana. According to RadarOnline.com, Mueller has been arrested twice – once in September 1996 for DUI andSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 31 Dec 2009 | 2:46 am Priyanka Chopra India's top brand endorser of 2009 - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 31 Dec 2009 | 2:44 am Flowers hit Lady Gaga on stageMelbourne (ANI): A bunch of flowers hit Lady Gaga on the head as she crooned Poker Face during her gig in Atlanta. Although, the singer was surprised, she continued with her performance. Gaga, 23, who is famous for her outrageous outfitsSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 31 Dec 2009 | 2:43 am Nominations for 16th Star Scree AwardsThe nominations for the 16th Annual Star Screen Awards 2009 are out and there not too many surprises in it. 3 Idiots, Dev D, Kaminey, Love Aaj Ka and Paa have been nominated for the Best Movie Awards. The fullSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 31 Dec 2009 | 2:23 am Sienna trying to draw Law's attention towards herLondon (ANI): Sienna Miller is leaving no stone unturned to keep on and off boyfriend Jude Law’s eyes all for herself as they attempt to rekindle their romance. Sienna has agreed to see in the new year with Law, but withSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 31 Dec 2009 | 2:19 am Mel Gibson in controversy with his Mexican movieLondon (ANI): Mel Gibson has landed in a new controversy with his Mexican movie —relatives of inmates at a Veracruz jail have blasted plans to move prisoners to make way for the film shoot. The Hollywood actor-turned-director had planned to filmSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 31 Dec 2009 | 2:16 am Abbey Lee Kershaw strips for US MuseMelbourne (ANI): Aussie fashion model Abbey Lee Kershaw has stripped off for an American fashion magazine. Steamy nude pics of the 22-year-old glam girl have appeared in the latest edition of US Muse and have also been posted on website fashiongonerogue.com.Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 31 Dec 2009 | 2:14 am Farah chooses Salman over Shahrukh - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 31 Dec 2009 | 2:00 am Celebrate Vishnuvardhan's life, don't mourn his death - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 31 Dec 2009 | 1:56 am "I am here to be No. 1" - Celina Jaitly
This is one 'accident' that Celina was waiting for to take place. Being in the industry for 6 years now, she has played a leading lady in close to dozen odd films. Though she may have played an integral part in some of her major films like No Entry, Jaanasheen and Red, she has also enjoyed good success in comic affairs like Golmaal Returns and Tom Dick and Harry.
However, just like any other actor who, despite all the fame and adulation, craves for one film which showcases his/her acting talent to the fullest, even Celina was no different. She patiently waited for that day to arrive when she would be the central protagonist in a dramatic affair that would revolve around her. Accident On Hill Road turned out to be one such film which, as the title suggests, is a gritty dramatic thriller where Celina has managed to make people sit up and notice her act that required her to go way beyond the sexy image that she has built for herself and instead showcase the new facet of her persona. On the eve of the film's release, she chats with Joginder Tuteja, explains her stance of working in diverse films and her long term goal to be Number One actress in the country one day.
With the kind of emerging market for small yet effective films, is Accident On Hill Road just the right kind of film for you?
Absolutely, this is just the right film and it is arriving at just the right time. In fact I do believe that if it would have come when I had just started my acting career, I may not have been able to do complete justice to it. For this film, I had to not just drain myself emotionally but also go through some physical stress. For starters, I had to chop off my hair. Then I had to also put on some weight to go with the character. I guess the experience that I have gained as an actor over the years helped me portray this real tough character.
Accident⦠this is just the right film and it is arriving at just the right time
So has this turned out to be THE film of your career?
I won't quite say that since I am still young and the good thing is that my whole career is not residing on Accident On Hill Road. But yes, as an actor I am proud of being a part of noir cinema. All these years, the only categorisation has been around commercial and parallel cinema. However, now even noir cinema has emerged. I am glad that such films are being made today.
You just mentioned that you had to cut your hair short for the film. Wasn't it heartbreaking? Why didn't you just go ahead and wear a wig?
(Laughs) That would have meant looking like an alien. You know, when you have very long hair and then go on to wear a short wig, you have to pull all your hair back. It leads to a very funny sight and your head suddenly starts looking like a 'matka'. Since it was a quick schedule, I thought it would be better to cut my hair and give myself the right kind of look for the character.
The film is said to be based on a true story. So what kind of study did you have to do for it?
More than studying for the part, I had to apply myself well and be subtle rather than going over the top. The script also facilitated this since the film belongs to the kind of genre where characters have to underplay their part. For example in a film like No Entry and Golmaal Returns, I could just play myself since the screenplay and dialogues were written in such a manner. Also, I had to be careful about not over acting because the moment you do that, it all starts looking slapstick. In a similar fashion, I played completely real and identifiable character in Accident On Hill Road.
More than studying for the part, I had to apply myself well and be subtle rather than going over the top
So where does all of this leave the sexy and glamorous Celina? One hopes that she is not left behind...
Absolutely not. The glam part of me will always be alive. It's just that as an actor I have reached the point where I can afford to diversify a little and do a movie like Accident.... Every actor should now and then dabble in a film belonging to this genre because the world also needs reality.
So after being in the industry for a little over half a decade, do you think that you have got your due?
See, I am doing good work, I am seeing some good appreciation coming my way and I am also getting paid well. I guess this is good enough considering the fact that I don't have parents from the industry and I have learnt everything entirely on my own and grown myself.
Any regrets from the past?
No, because I don't look at the past any more. I make a plan for myself and then I achieve it. I have strived for appreciation, I am working on gaining more of it and I am sure there would be a lot of it in future. My main appreciation is my fans and worldwide following and that can only come from the kind of work that you have done over a period of time. I am here to be Number One and I feel that one day, I would be able to achieve that.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 31 Dec 2009 | 1:55 am "Come on, everyone has wild ideas in their minds" - Neha Dhupia
2009 would go down as a year that marked the turning point in the career of Neha Dhupia. Literally so because her Raat Gayi Baat Gayi is the last release of 2009 as it arrives on Thursday, 31st December. One night stand, adultery, a few drunken men and a sexy seductress in the midst of it all - Neha Dhupia, that's the kind of package that this fun film has to offer which has won some international recognition coming it's way en route to it's theatrical release. In a candid conversation with Joginder Tuteja, Neha reveals how working in a film like this is always akin to walking a thin rope, the comfort level that she has built with the makers (Rajat Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Sauyrabh Shukla) and her views on cheating (whether mental, emotional or physical).
It must be a great feeling to be seen in movies as diverse as a Raat Gayi Baat Gayi and De Dana Dan. Seems like things are falling in place for you...
Well, I don't know whether things are really falling in place for me but yes, my portfolio definitely looks better than before. I am doing good work for sure and I have realised that eventually it's all about timing. When I work in a subject like RGBG, I don't know how many women would have been able to handle it well for screen. The more I act, the more it becomes easier for me to handle characters and situations like these.
I don't know whether things are really falling in place for me but yes, my portfolio definitely looks better
So what was the basic thought process you had when you stepped on the sets of the film?
There wasn't any major thought process except to go and enjoy out there. The character of Sophia is so close to my heart and it's the people out there who made it all so comfortable for me. Also, Saurabh was quite clear about how he wanted me to be presented in different scenes of the film. Like I remember on one day when I landed up on the shoot, I was just stepping into the vanity van to change. However, Saurabh said that he didn't want me to put any make up on and instead face the camera directly.
Neha without any make up? Now that's a first!
You know, there is this entire chunk of the film which I have shot without any make up. This is an after-party situation in the film. When I saw myself on the monitor, I really looked so natural and I am glad that I did it the way Saurabh had conceptualised. Now in any other film I would have been perhaps apprehensive but not with RGBG because a) I had faith in the unit and b) I believed in the power of the scene. The fact about the glam world is that when you are used to seeing yourself so glossed up all the time, you need to have certain faith and belief before you shed your inhibitions.
There is this entire chunk of the film which I have shot without any make up
You just mentioned about your faith in the unit. In fact coming together of you, Vinay, Rajat, Saurabh etc. (after Mithya and Dasvidaniyan) pretty much mandates a quality outing with a language of it's own. Are we seeing yet another package deal here when this team returns for Raat Gayi Baat Gayi?
You can say that and that's exactly because of the people involved. This team is a backed by talent, skill and intelligence. Having said that it is also so much fun to work with them, mainly because it doesn't seem like work at all.
This means offbeat films are pretty much the way to go for Neha Dhupia?
You can't really classify RGBG or any other film of mine for that matter to be offbeat or otherwise. The fact is that when I choose a script, my prime criterion is entertainment. I just feel that if I was not a part of the film, would I still go and watch it. If I get 'yes' for an answer, I go ahead and do it. There have been times when I have actually said no to a few films where my inner self hasn't given me an affirmative answer.
You can't really classify RGBG or any other film of mine for that matter to be offbeat
For example...?
You would be surprised to know that it was just 3 months back when Saurabh and Vinay were doing a film but I didn't want to be a part of it. Hopefully this should dispel another myth that we have formed a camp of sorts where all of us would be seen in every second film (smiles).
From a massy Julie to a classy Raat Gayi Gayi Baat Gayi, it seems like quite a journey for you Neha, right? More so because in a subject like this, it is always possible that narrative may either become really classy or out rightly tacky. You must have been careful about this, right?
I totally agree with the part that a subject like this may just turn tacky if not handled well. Whenever you explore a subject that has adultery as it's central theme with elements like a one night stand, cheating and a drunken night, you are but obviously walking a tight rope. Thankfully Saurabh's writing came in handy here. He ensured that it was a classy outing. Still, there was always a danger involved because the kinds of words that are used in the dialogues are explicit enough; we haven't held back.
Whenever you explore a subject that has adultery as it's central theme you are but obviously walking a tight rope
And all of this is to enhance the fun quotient in as natural manner as possible, right?
Exactly. Humour is something that lightens the entire situation and this was the standing principle around making of Raat Gayi Baat Gayi. Also, what has been ensured is that none of the characters eventually come across as wrong. There are 6 different men and women in the story and then there is me. Also, if one looks at it closely, the whole world is split into these seven human beings where any man or woman can relate to at least one of them. Moreover, since the joke is entirely on ourselves, there is nothing wrong that comes across.
But then aren't we dealing with adultery? So someone has to be wrong, isn't it?
Wake up buddy, which world are you in? Whoever said that they haven't cheated on their spouse? Now it isn't always around physical cheating; it could be even mental. And whoever is saying that he/she hasn't cheated at all in his life is lying. When you cheat mentally, it is still the beginning of something physical. Don't you check out other females? Don't you have wild ideas in your head when you get into a party? So what are you talking out? Aur agar koyi kehta hai ki usne aisa kabhi nahi socha toh mere saamne laa ke khada kar do. I would like to have a nice and little chat with him/her (winks)!Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 31 Dec 2009 | 1:54 am 'Rann' music more situational, less hummableThe music of Ram Gopal Varma's latest offering "Rann", which has Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role, is not one that music buffs would like to sit and listen to.Source: Entertainment News | 31 Dec 2009 | 1:50 am It's tough to play a simple, beautiful girl: Priyanka ChopraShe is smart, glamorous and one of the most sought after actresses in Bollywood, but Priyanka Chopra says it was difficult for her to portray a simple, beautiful girl in forthcoming film "Pyaar Impossible" and still try to hold the interest of audiences.Source: Entertainment News | 31 Dec 2009 | 1:44 am Movie Review: Raat Gayi Baat Gayi - Economic Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 31 Dec 2009 | 1:23 am ‘3 Idiots’ adds punch to bleak 2009 box officeMUMBAI (Reuters) - A stand-off between producers and multiplex owners and a shortage of hits marked a bleak year for Bollywood in 2009, but Aamir Khan starrer ‘3 Idiots’ may have saved the industry from hitting rock-bottom, trade analysts said.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 31 Dec 2009 | 1:11 am Kareena relents to do Gol Maal 3 but as a solo hottie - SantaBanta.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 31 Dec 2009 | 12:53 am 3 Idiots smashes records overseas - Rediff
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 31 Dec 2009 | 12:51 am Who's the best actor of 2009? - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 30 Dec 2009 | 11:53 pm Scandal-hit Tiger Woods checks into rehab: Report - Indian Express
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 30 Dec 2009 | 11:14 pm Five Indian movies in Palm Beach film festivalThe Palm Beach International Film Festival (PBIFF) is committed to supporting emerging filmmakers of today and tomorrow, striving to recognize new and original voices throughout the world and channel the excitement of film into local schoolsSource: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 30 Dec 2009 | 9:22 pm Katrina Kaif is jobless! - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 30 Dec 2009 | 9:06 pm Kannada star Vishnuvardhan cremated, thousands mournKannada superstar Vishnuvardhan, who died early today, was given a state funeral here.Source: Entertainment News | 30 Dec 2009 | 2:40 pm Telugu film industry may shift to Chennai, warns RosaiahAndhra Pradesh Chief Minister K.Source: Entertainment News | 30 Dec 2009 | 2:18 pm And now Amitabh to read news on national televisionAfter playing Auro from Paa in a number of off-screen events, Amitabh Bachchan now assumes the role of media magnate Vijay Harshwardhan Mallik from his forthcoming movie Rann and will appear on a TV channel to do a year-end news round-up.Source: | 30 Dec 2009 | 1:56 pm Special screening of 'Harishchandrachi Factory' at Rashtrapati BhawanA special screening of Marathi film "Harishchandrachi Factory", India's official entry to the Oscars, will take place at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Jan 16.Source: Entertainment News | 30 Dec 2009 | 10:43 am Thousands pay homage to Kannada superstar VishnuvardhanPolice cane charged and burst tear gas shells here today to control fans who turned unruly while waiting to pay homage to Kannada superstar Vishnuvardhan.Source: Entertainment News | 30 Dec 2009 | 10:25 am Bollywood producer furious with builderBollywood producer Shabnam Kapoor today again denounced a Mumbai realty developer whose associates she said attacked and further injured her already broken arm over a property dispute.Source: Entertainment News | 30 Dec 2009 | 10:13 am Anthony Hopkins turns 72Considered to be one of Hollywood's greatest living actors, he is known for his portrayal of cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs series. His other prominent films include Magic, The Elephant Man, 84 Charing Cross Road, Dracula, Legends of the Fall, The Remains of the Day, Amistad, Nixon and Fracture.Source: | 30 Dec 2009 | 8:39 am Celebrating John Denver!It is the 66th birth anniversary of singer, songwriter and actor John Denver, who's known for his songs like Country Roads – Take me Home, Rocky Mountain High and Thank God I'm a Country Boy.Source: | 30 Dec 2009 | 8:29 am Live Chat: Fardeen Khan on January 4 at 1500 hrs IST
He's one of the most likeable actors in Bollywood, tickling the audience's funny bone with comic capers like Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, No Entry, All The Best, Life Partner and Heyy Babyy. He's also experimented with diverse genre with films like Acid Factory and Jungle under his belt. The son of one of the biggest film stars, Fardeen Khan never ceases to surprise us.
The actor who made his debut with Prem Aggan in 1998 is now ready with his next release, rom-com Dulha Mil Gaya. Catch Fardeen Khan exclusively on Bollywood Hungama's live video chat on Monday, January 4, at 1500 hrs IST. Don't miss it!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 30 Dec 2009 | 8:00 am "Both Anurag and RGV are unique in their own ways" - Abhimanyu Singh
When I entered the small living room of Abhimanyu Singh's not so spacious apartment, I was taken aback. The day was just before the Christmas eve and believe me, the space looked colourful, it was filled with glitter, and even the Christmas tree wasn't spared. Pillows were decorated with green, orange, purple, yellow and red. The sofa sheet was looking bright too...and I was going colour blind. Then you think for a second about Abhimanyu Singh, the actor whose fame has doubled up and made his career more colourful than ever before. Thanks to Gulaal and Anurag Kashyap, directors have started to take notice that very few actors have his talent, sex appeal, a big heart...and active imagination. Moving on further, he will soon be seen in Ram Gopal Varma's revenge drama, Rakth Charitra
. He is excited and tells me, "You have to wait and see my best is still to come out in RC." That's not the actor informing me, it's his confidence in the director that's making him sound like that, and though he may not be the leading hero of Bollywood films, he can certainly lead the film on his shoulders alone. Such is his enormity in acting. His eyes are filled with vengeance... vengeance to perform and to take cinema to new heights. Standing six feet tall, he offers me some aromatic masala tea made by his wife accompanied by cashew nuts, biscuits and sweets. I compliment him on his interiors and he says, "It's my wife who takes all the credit. She has always been this way, colourful and supportive, even when I didn't have any money." Then I look in his eyes and see a spark of life...a spark that goes a long way in building relations and building a better career. UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent Devansh Patel meets a man on a mission - Abhimanyu Singh.
Gulaal has added more colours to your career than any other film. How do you look at your career today?
Bang on! Absolutely right. I feel little charged up these days because I feel that our cinema is taking centre stage. Everybody likes to see a good realistic performance and they're paying for it. Today's young generation is so smart that they are aware of world cinema. So, I always believe in giving the real stuff to them and that's where my career is today. It's real than ever before.
My career today is real than ever before.
You've worked with the best in the industry, Anurag Kashyap and Ram Gopal Varma. What have you got out of them?
As a human being, you may be the same to everyone but as an actor you need to give out various characters all the time. Every time you have to be different. A great director has got the vision not many have. They have the perception of characters that you aren't aware of. It is their job to bring that character out from your mind and body. You need to be subtle and not over the top. Both Anurag and Ramu are unique in their own ways. Shooting with them is something very special. I have worked with other directors but haven't got that kind of a feeling. The moment I'm shooting for their films, it's a different ball game all together.
Celina told me that the more you talk about Abhimanyu, the less it is.
That's so great of her. I really like her generosity that she is appreciating me that way. Yes, I have really done something different in Accident On Hill Road. In fact, it is radically different from what I've done in Gulaal. I play a kind of a guy who indulges in drugs and cheats on his girlfriend. He doesn't know where to go and what to do. He is trying to get something out of life all the time. You need to see the film to love my role.
You do look like a bit of Val Kilmer. I mean, you can switch from one get up to another in no time. You're a perfect saint.
(laughs) People associate with my character a lot, and thank you for letting me know or comparing my looks with that of Val Kilmer. I can look a little different from what I usually look so that I can give a dimension to my character. I'd say, I can remain clean shaven in all my films and that will typecast me. The beard and the look I've put up now is for my new film Happy Journey in which I'm doing a special appearance opposite Kalki Koechlin.
Both Anurag and Ramu are unique in their own ways.
You're playing a real life character in Accident on Hill Road. Have you met the guy?
No I haven't because the film is a remake of a Hollywood film. The producers have taken the rights of the film. I think that Accident on Hill Road is a very tight film. It's a fast film too. Initially it's about Farooq Sheikh losing his wife, so there is a lull in the environment but slowly it picks up. The suspense of the film is whether the victim survives or not.
The suspense of the film is whether the victim survives or not.
Brief me about Celina Jaitley please. We want to know more about her from you.
I think she is climbing up the ladder of Bollywood fast. More people are taking her seriously and she has proved it by winning the Best Actress award at the Cairo International Film Festival. Her character in this film has got lots of shades. It's given her a huge platform to showcase her untapped talent. It's Celina's most meatier role.
How serious are you in your real life?
I'm not too serious yaar! I don't take myself seriously. I'm just a common man who enjoys his life like millions do. Yes, I am serious about my work. Yes, I am serious about making a mark on 70mm. I've been doing theatre since eight years now with Makarand Deshpande. Five hundred people used to come, see the play and go away. With films, my audience has grown by leaps and bounds.
Would you go to the theatres on 31st December to see a film?
Yes, why not? Of course, in all the big metros they might not get their audiences, but in small towns and cities, they will definitely catch the film. It's not often that you see a film releasing on 31st December. Now that it is, I think I might too catch the film on the same day.
I've been doing theatre since eight years now. With films, my audience has grown by leaps and bounds.
Would you like to work with Madhur Bhandarkar too? That way, you may just be working with the three aces in our industry.
Yes, why not? I'd love to work with him. I love his cinema and he is a brilliant director. He always brings out something new with his films and his characters. His best film so far is Chandni Bar. Having said that, I did love Page 3, Fashion and Jail too. He is a classic.
Slowly but surely, don't you think you should be doing meatier roles?
I am doing them now, and Rakth Charitra is doing just that because the screen length is much bigger than Gulaal. There are so many scenes in the film that I've come out with surprising performances. Each scene in RC will hit you like a pile of bricks. I was looking for this and Ramu came at the right time to my rescue (laughs).Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 30 Dec 2009 | 7:55 am Live Chat: Mudassar Aziz on January 4 at 1300 hrs IST
Not many directors get a chance to direct the 'Baadshah of Bollywood' - Shah Rukh Khan in their very first film. Mudassar Aziz is one such lucky guy. His maiden directorial venture Dulha Mil Gaya stars Shah Rukh Khan, Sushmita Sen and Fardeen Khan and is now ready for release.
Bollywood Hungama gives you a chance to have an interesting chat with the man behind Dulha Mil Gaya - director Mudassar Aziz only on Celebrity Chat on Monday, January 4, at 1300 hrs IST.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 30 Dec 2009 | 7:52 am Rajkumar Hirani to direct a fantasy film next?After making three back-to-back feel-good films, the latest being 3 Idiots, director Rajkumar Hirani says he may venture into the world of fantasy or animation.Source: | 30 Dec 2009 | 7:50 am Business of cinemaHT City looks at the top 10 Bollywood box-office grossers of 2009.Source: | 30 Dec 2009 | 6:53 am Lipside of stardomIf industry buzz is to be believed, 2009 saw a number of Bollywood babes going in for lip jobs. HT City checks out the hotties who paid some lip service.Source: | 30 Dec 2009 | 6:47 am Katy perry in IndiaHollywood’s latest star couple, popstar Katy Perry and comedian Rusell Brand, are celebrating their recent engagement with a holiday in India and their first stop was none other than the world’s most romantic monument, the Taj Mahal.Source: | 30 Dec 2009 | 6:38 am Book and DVD Review: Pancham Unmixed
Now this is one Collectors Edition that deserved to be much better marketed, promoted and released. When an effort like 'Pancham Unmixed' arrives on stands unannounced, it is not just a letdown for the man (Brahmanand S Singh) who has made an effort to put it all together but also the subject himself, the legendary R.D. Burman a.k.a. Pancham, on whose life it is based.
This collection is a delight, as evidenced in this brilliantly packaged affair that comprises of a coffee table book (Pancham - Strings of Eternity), a DVD (Pancham Unmixed) which is basically a two hour feature length film made on his life and an additional DVD (Pancham Magic) which comprises of 30 original videos of some of the best tracks created by Pancham.
This is why the release of a DVD and a book on his life makes for an important event. And yes, Brahmanand actually makes it authentic enough by reaching out to people who were closest to the man who, needless to say, redefined the entire manner in which music was looked at in Bollywood flicks. Dozens of people are interviewed and quite a few anecdotes are shared as people like Asha Bhonsle, Gulzar, Shammi Kapoor, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Manna Dey, Pt. Ronu Majumdar and many others (including a bunch of fans, musicians, arrangers etc.) come together the describe the phenomenon called Pancham.
The film DVD is an engaging affair. The tone is set in the very first 5 minutes itself with Asha Bhonsle and others describing the man he was, both from professional and personal standpoint. In fact one has to give it to Brahmanand here as he intelligently brings in quotes from different people and comes up with a seamless feature that is alternatively emotional and entertaining. What works most in this feature is the way Pancham songs are interspersed as a part of the narrative. Most of the times it is in direct relevance to what it is being spoken by Pancham's friends and professional acquaintances and the placement of songs only enhance the overall effect.
The film is also special because it is not just about the music that we all have been hearing for over three decades now. There are finer points around his composition style explained as well that would certainly make the students of music a lot more interested. Musicians who have worked closely with him during his decades of music making share their experiences from the recordings and describe what transpired within the walls of a studio. In course of such happenings, it may have been possible that the talks become a little too technical for the taste of 'aam junta' but the director ensures that he mixes it up all well to make it a seamless exercise that doesn't get talk heavy.
The coffee table book is a good read as well, especially after one has watched the DVD. In fact the book and the DVD compliment each other as they come up with different factoids though the people interviewed are the same. The layout is well done too which gives a classy feel to the entire product. Comprising of dozens of quotes from people close to Pancham, the book brings to fore a lot about his personal life with friends recollecting his naughty antics that were a part of his personality right from his younger days till the time he was actively composing. Of course, as the world is aware, he was quite sad during his last days, especially due to the state of music Bollywood had found for itself (from the mid-80s to the mid-90s). Pancham too was pretty much down and out before some fabulous tunes for Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Parinda followed by 1942 A Love Story revived him to an extent. It was a pity though that he never lived to see either the success of his music nor the hundreds of remixes that continue to sell on his name till date.
Majority of biographies are known for falling pray to being too talk heavy and also being primarily descriptive around the subject's life journey, while being presented in a chronological order. However, to the credit of Brahmanand, he doesn't fall into this trap. He steers clear of making his book seem like a chapter by chapter account of how R.D. Burman emerged from the shadows of his father (S.D. Burman) and turned into Pancham as we know him today. Instead, he just picks up certain episodes of his life and brings them (in no particular order) in front of audiences to give them a good enough insight of what the man actually was.
Any blemishes? Yes, there is one for sure. It is obvious that Brahmanand, along with dozens of other people who have spoken for the DVD and the book, have been followers and fans of Pancham. Due to this, all one gets to hear and read is the good work that the man did in his entire lifetime. However, the fact remains (as detailed in the filmography of Pancham) that he had made music for 300 odd movies and not all are known to the general audiences. Even he must have had his off days with an uninspired piece of work, as obvious from the fact that there are dozens of films (Kaun? Kaise?, Shubh Kaamna, Rusvai, Bada Kabutar, Doosri Sita etc.) That one has never even heard about. A brief take on such work would have lent further weight to 'Pancham Unmixed' which eventually comes across as a tribute more than a complete take on the man. Also, 30 songs which appear in the DVD are good ('Jaan-E-Jaan', 'Pyaar Mein Dil Pe Maar De Goli', 'O Maanjhi Re', 'Do Lafzon Ki Hai' and many more) but again only from those films for which the DVD company (Shemaroo) holds rights. An extra effort to procure songs from other companies would have taken this compilation to the next level.
Nevertheless, leaving such blemishes aside, the fact is that it isn't everyday when a compilation like this is made available to audiences and hence it is pretty much a surprise when it arrives sans any fanfare. Now that's a disappointment because just a few weeks back, there was this entire global phenomenon over 'This Is It', the film released on Michael Jackson. While the movie went on to earn millions for itself from its theatrical release (and also saw some decent moolah coming from India), it is certainly sad when a movie around country's own icon doesn't even get a proper release.
Price: Rs. 999/=
Rating: 
 Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 30 Dec 2009 | 5:59 am Gulzar honours Ghalib again
Remember the television serial on Mirza Ghalib that Gulzar made in 1988? 20 years later Ghalib's memory remains as strongly imprinted on Gulzar's mind as ever. Proof of it lies in the fact that on Sunday, December 27, on the occasion of Ghalib's 200th birthday, Gulzar flew down to Delhi to participate in the annual candlelight march in honour of the peerless poet.
Says Gulzar, "It's an annual ritual started by Pavan Kumar Varma who has researched intensely on Ghalib. Every year on Ghalib's birthday, we Ghalib followers march with candles from the Townhall in Delhi to Ghalib Miyan's home at the Galli Qasim Jaan in Chandni Chowk."
Vishal Bhardwaj who was also in Delhi was expected to join the March.
Says Gulzar emotionally, "Remembering Mirza Ghalib on his birth anniversary is the least we can do. Do you know his house had been converted into a coal depot until Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji stepped in to rescue the monument from doom? Now Ghalib's home is a museum and a shrine which we visit every day on his birth anniversary. If it wasn't for Ghalib, I wouldn't be a poet."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 30 Dec 2009 | 5:54 am Avatar in India: Development of graphics industryWith the arrival of the latest Hollywood film called Avatar, it has been very clear that we people still have a long way to go. Still there are a lots of advancement and progress that we need to learn and grasp.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 30 Dec 2009 | 5:13 am Amitabh Bachchan to read news on national television
After playing Auro from Paa in a number of off-screen events and campaigns, the Big B will now assume the personality of Vijay Harshwardhan Mallik, the media commentator in Ram Gopal Varma's Rann, to appear on December 30 (today) on a news channel to do a year-end round-up of activities.
"And we aren't just talking about entertainment-related activities," marvels Rann's co-producer Sheetal Talwar who was present when Mr Bachchan, in what would rank as the last in a chain of firsts, became the first actor from anywhere in the world to go on national television as a news anchor holding forth on events of the year from the world .
"And it was events from the world of global politics. Mr. Bachchan just took over the television space as though he had done news analysis all his life. It was an amazing experience," says Talwar.
On Thursday night, we'll hear Mr Bachchan talking on roughly 6 global issues of 2009: Indian national politics, terrorism, cricket, swine flu, recession and Obama on an hour-long segment.
This would be the first of several media-related activities that the Big B is scheduled to participate in before Rann releases.
Apparently, he intends to assume whatever character he plays in his forthcoming films and promote the film as the character rather than 'Amitabh Bachchan'.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 30 Dec 2009 | 4:10 am
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