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I'm not getting married to anyone: GeneliaGenelia D'Souza is upset with rumours of her wedding with actor Riteish Deshmukh.Source: Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2010 | 8:32 am Chetan Bhagat apologises to Aamir over 3 Idiots row
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2010 | 8:25 am Shilpa to bring Bollywood glamour to beleagured British parliamentThe British parliament, down in the dumps over a long-running expenses scandal, is set to brighten up to a touch of Indian glamour on Wednesday when it hosts a wedding dinner in honour of Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra.Source: Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2010 | 8:24 am Chetan Bhagat apologises to Aamir KhanAfter the war of words over the credit issue in blockbuster 3 Idiots, author Chetan Bhagat has apologised to actor Aamir Khan and the filmmakers, saying he would like to put a lid on the controversy and "move on".Source: | 5 Jan 2010 | 6:40 am Mariah Carey lives upto diva image
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2010 | 6:02 am "I don't have infrastructure or knowledge to do TV as seriously as Adi" - KJo
You won't find a better friend than Karan Johar in the film industry. Buzz has it that he shared the story idea of Kurbaan with his pals at Yashraj films (which he calls his second home). Before he knew it Yashraj's New York was out before Karan's Kurbaan.
And now Karan has gone and postponed his own plans of heading into producing television content only so that his friend Aditya Chopra can get a head start. Not only that, Karan has even agreed to host a posh chat show with super-celebrities called 'Lift Kara De' where he will interact with super-icons, when ideally Karan would've preferred to use his own name and clout for television within his own production house.
The 20 super-icons that Karan would be interviewing on the show to be telecast on Sony Entertainment are Lata Mangeshkar, Amitabh Bachchan, A R Rahman, Dharmendra, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, John Abraham, Shahid Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Rani Mukherjee, Deepika Padukone, Kajol, Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Kareena Kapoor and Preity Zinta.
Says Karan, "Working for Yashraj is like working for my own production house. When Adi offered me the show, it immediately struck a chord within me. I have a done a talk show on Star World. But that was more fun candid and gossipy. But Adi felt I needed to project a more serious side to my personality. Of course I'm fun and witty and acidic. But Adi said why don't you tap into the other unseen part of you? I loved it because it is human and personal. I think it has great connect value. It's about searching for every icon's biggest fan."
What appealed to Karan was the search for iconic superstars. "How we define an icon is very interesting. What about Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra because of whom kids want to win beauty pageants or enter the fashion world, or what about kids wanting to imitate Kareena Kapoor's clothes...they are all iconic. These people create dreams for million."
Aditya Chopra has done all the ground work and drawn up the list of celebrities. "I'm just hosting the show. I'm just happy to be part of Yashraj's foray into television," says Karan.
As for Karan's own television foray he says, "We at Dharma are definitely looking at going into television. Maybe in a year. I believe television is a very impressionable medium of entertainment. And I've the biggest fan of the home medium in my home. My mother keeps telling me that she'd love to watch my shows on television. She has inspired me to start a television unit at Dharma. We'll now take a call after the release of My Name Is Khan. "
Now of course Yashraj has beaten Dharma to it. So Karan will give his own television software dreams a decent gap.
"We'll be doing television on a much smaller scale than Yashraj. I don't have the infrastructure or the knowledge to do television as seriously as Adi," says Karan.
Obviously Karan believes in kurbaani when it comes to dostana. He laughs off the resemblances between Kurbaan and New York. "I don't see the similarities between the two films in terms of content, visual and tonal treatment. New York did much better and I personally liked the film. Every film has its own destiny. Even if Kurbaan had come first, it would've performed just as it did. Kurbaan was more niche in treatment. I'm very proud of Kurbaan. It's possibly the most credible film I've ever made."
Karan is proud to launch new directorial talent from his production, house. "For many years we launched no new talent. I wanted to take cinema ahead. Now I think I've done better than launching new talent. I've launched captains of the ship."
At the moment Karan is completely immersed in the process of editing his own directorial venture My Name Is Khan. "Shah Rukh and I feel we've made a film we can be proud of. It's the most uncorrupted uncompromised and honest film we've made. Of course I'm anxious to see how audiences embrace the humanism of My Name Is Khan."
Any fears that the film may suffer for because Karan's films have been identified as closet musicals whereas My Name Is Khan has no lip-sync songs? "Even Rang De Basanti had no lip-sync songs," retorts Karan. "I do feel audiences are naturing even if a serious film like Kurbaan fails. It's the budget that failed. Not Kurbaan. It was a cinematic success, although a box-office failure. Because it was so monstrously expensive we couldn't recover our investments. Unusual films should be cautiously budgeted."
Karan is very happy with the year that was. "We're proud of the directorial talent we launched this year. 25-year old Ayan Mukerjee made his debut. I'm grateful to give him the opportunity. And Rensil D'Silva, I'm very proud of both. And yes they're doing their second film with Dharma. Ayan is on a backpack holiday in Argentina. But Rensil has already given me his next script. Starting with Dostana and then going on to Wake Up Sid and Kurbaan, I'm thrilled at where I'm taking Dharma. I'd be much happier taking cinema ahead than making money. Cinema from the heart is far more important than money in the bank."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 5 Jan 2010 | 5:51 am Elvis at 75 - still rocking n' rollingThe 1970s are alive and well at the white villa on Elvis Presley Boulevard in the Blues city of Memphis that has come to symbolise the life of the King of Rock `n Roll who would have been 75 on Jan 8.Source: Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2010 | 5:38 am Lindsay to get rid of negativity in 2010
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2010 | 5:33 am Butler packs some paunch on his holiday
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2010 | 5:18 am Chetan Bhagat closes 3 Idiots controversyAuthor of bestseller Five Point Someone Chetan Bhagat seems to be fed up with the ongoing 3 Idiots credit controversy, and is keen on closing the issue once and for all.Source: | 5 Jan 2010 | 5:16 am Elusive Aamir gives Nasreen Munni Kabir the miss
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2010 | 5:11 am ‘I don’t believe in demons or ghosts but…’Steven Spielberg talks about how after watching the DVD of Paranormal Activity he was locked in his bedroom and a locksmith had to be called to get him out.Source: | 5 Jan 2010 | 4:21 am "If I could call the shots, I would have become a director myself" - Priyanka Chopra
2009 was an eventful year for Priyanka Chopra. She played as many as 12 roles in What's Your Raashee? but the film failed to take off. On the other hand, she had less than 12 scenes in Kaminey and not just did the film turn out to be a success but in the process also fetched Priyanka quite some accolades and appreciation. In the uncertain world of Bollywood, Priyanka isn't willing to differentiate between big and small. This is the reason why after working in relatively bigger budget films like Dostana and Fashion and sharing screen space with top stars, she doesn't mind being the leading lady of Uday Chopra who is making a comeback of sorts with Pyaar Impossible.
In a conversation with Joginder Tuteja, Priyanka shares her point of view on how all actors are small if the bigger picture of a film as a whole is taken into account, how she copes with failure and why in spite of being in the industry for more than half a decade; she continues to be a director's actor.
There aren't many big names involved in Pyaar Impossible except for the fact that the film marks your entry into Yash Raj Films. Really, what made you sign the film?
Why are you forgetting the most integral part about filmmaking - the script? You seem to be conveniently ignoring the fact that a film is not made of just stars and banners. It requires a definite story and this is where Pyaar Impossible wins. I really like the film's basic plot about a nerdy guy falling in love with a glam girl. Believe me when I say that I after Dostana, I had most fun working in Pyaar Impossible.
With Uday and director Jugal Hansraj around, you must have felt like the senior most in Pyaar Impossible, right? Seems like you had quite some responsibility on your shoulders.
Well, if you look at it this way then perhaps Manish Malhotra (the costume designer of the film) was the senior most of the lot (laughs). See, one should not be generalising things this way that who was the senior most and who was the junior of the lot. It's a learning process and it all happens on the job.
Aah, now you are being diplomatic...
Arrey nahi. See when I started doing films, I had no idea what had to be done in front of the camera. I was just 19 and a blank piece of paper. I wasn't formally trained on acting and had no Godfather to help me out. This is why I said that I had to do it all on the job. Over the years I had the fortune to work with people who helped me grow as an actor. Till date I consider myself as a director's actor.
Even after 30 odd films?
Pretty much so. I am not confident to do it all by myself. I need a director to help me get the overall effect bang on. Otherwise if came with the capability of calling the shots, toh kya main khud director nahi ban jaati!
As someone who hands herself over to the director, don't you feel hurt when even a brilliant act of yours goes relatively unnoticed, case in point being What's Your Raashee?
See, an actor is a very small part of a film. As an actor I can't do much if a film of mine doesn't work. But then if people come out of a theatre and say that they hated my performance then I would be truly shattered. I would want to go back and check that what really went wrong. I got some great reviews for What's Your Raashee? and that was soothing to an extent.
If people come out of a theatre and say that they hated my performance then I would be truly shattered
You must have still felt sad. After all a lot of hard work had seemingly gone in getting into the skin of the character, in this case as many as 12 of them!
Sad? That's an understatement. I was heartbroken. I really wept a lot when the film didn't work.
After Pyaar Impossible, you would be seen in Siddharth Anand directed Anjaana Anjaani (with Ranbir Kapoor) followed by Vishal Bhardwaj's next (yet untitled) directorial outing. In last two years, you have had eight of your films releasing. Don't you ever feel like cutting down on work and taking a deep breath?
Really, I enjoy those days the most when I am shooting for films and commercials or doing any other work which is worthwhile and keeps me busy. Mujhe woh craving hoti hi nahi ki chalo, mein ek week thoda rest kar loon ya holiday par chali jaaon. I don't consider work as a burden at all.
Meanwhile you were also not keeping too well all through 2009 as well. Really Priyanka, what's happening to your health? Isn't it too much of work.
It wasn't that bad actually. There was this stomach infection a few weeks back but that's absolutely fine now. Otherwise I kept myself really busy all through the year and if you ask me, this is the way I like things to be. It gives me tremendous pleasure and I get my highest high on those days when I crash on bed dead tired.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 5 Jan 2010 | 4:20 am Kim insecure about approaching men
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2010 | 3:59 am Anil Kapoor starrer American series 24 premieres on Jan 14
As he turned 50 on Thursday, Anil Kapoor has much reason to be happy and proud, the most immediate being the fact that his American television series 24 premieres in New York on January 14.
And his presence in the globally popular series has been extended from 10 to 16 episodes.
Confirming this boost in the contract, Anil says, "Initially I was under contract for just ten episodes. Then seeing the way my role developed, they decided to have me in sixteen episodes. I must say I was as happy with the whole experience as I was with Slumdog Millionaire."
Anil laughingly recalls how a lot of people advised him against doing American television. "But I was also advised not to do Slumdog Millionaire. Some Bollywood actors had turned down that part before me. I took it up because my wife and kids were in favour. Can you imagine how I'd feel right now if I had turned it down? If I see 2009 as the best year of my life it's partly because of Slumdog...Then of course there was Aisha my two daughters' gift to me. Yes, that's how I see it. It isn't my gift to them. But their gift to me. While Sonam plays the lead Rhea is producing Aisha. I'm proud of both of them."
Anil is now ready to take on his third international project. "But I am very clear that I won't play Indian characters in international projects unless they're really special. I won't do the stereotypical Indian characters in American films. I've told my agent to seek out parts that are not culture-specific but have character."
Anil plays a Middle Eastern character in 24. "I'm now waiting to see how audiences react to it. I've always believed in doing all kinds of work. Just like my friend A.R .Rahman who scores music for Shankar and Mani Ratnam, I've also done Eeshwar and Rakhwala side by side. I think variety is a very strong incentive for growth."
Another project with Danny Boyle after Slumdog Millionaire is not ruled out. "Yes Danny has gone on record to say we're working together and we will. As soon as we both have time. At the moment, I'm not signing anything new until I'm sure of what to do next."
Anil Kapoor faced a rather strange dilemma on Wednesday night. He needed to be at two very important places at the same time.
"It was my Dad's birthday on Wednesday night. It was also the premiere of Vidhu Vinod Chopra's film. Vinod and I go back a long way. I did Parinda with him. Remember? But my Dad and I go back an even longer way. Besides at his age he depends on his family to make his day special. But I didn't want Vinod to feel bad."
Anil did what he always does when he's in a dilemma. "I asked my wife Sunita. She gave me the solution, so I could fulfill both the commitments. As for my own birthday I've a habit of quickly turning around and wishing a Happy Birthday to all those who wish me. It's my way of sharing that day with all those who care for me."
Anil dropped in at the premiere said hi to all his friends and proceeded to his Dad's for the birthday. Things couldn't get any better for Anil Kapoor who turned 50 on December 24. He agrees it has been a phenomenal year for him. "And now 2010 starts for me with the premiere of my television series 24 on January 14."
The actor is naturally excited about the event. "I'm flying down to New York on January 12 for the premiere. In fact all through the shooting of the series I've been flying in and out of India and the USA. At one point, I thought I wouldn't be able to do Anees Bazmee's No Problem because I was committed to do 24. I even spoke to Mr. Bachchan about my role. Finally I did manage both, thanks to Anees' co-operation. But I must say doing 24 and No Problem side by side was quite a cultural and continental shuffle."
Anil feels a strong support system at home and at work is the key to his durability as an actor. "I hope my children have imbibed the values that I grew up with. I'm very proud of my three children. They are all doing well for themselves. My son Harshvardhan is enjoying his student days in the US, just like I did at his age, though not abroad like him."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jan 2010 | 3:44 am ''Chance Pe Dance' not biopic on Shahid Kapoor'
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2010 | 3:42 am Chetan Bhagat closes 3 Idiots controversy - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jan 2010 | 3:24 am New Michael Jackson track leaked onlineA snippet from a previously unheard track featuring the late King of Pop Michael Jackson collaborating with rocker Lenny Kravitz has leaked onto the Internet.Source: Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2010 | 3:02 am Jennifer Aniston not to turn a restaurateurLondon, (ANI): Jennifer Aniston’s representative has dismissed media reports that the actress is planning to open her own restaurant. According to The Daily Mirror newspaper, the former Friends star was eyeing launch of an upmarket Mexican eatery in New York laterSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:57 am Priyanka opens up on her relationship statusPriyanka Chopra has never confessed her love in public. Though grapevine was abuzz with talks around Priyanka linked with Hurman Baweja and later with Shahid Kapoor, all the parties always chose to remain quiet about it.Even as tabloids and glossies areSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:54 am Beyonce does 1hr gig for Moammar Khadafy's sonNew York (ANI): Singer Beyonce Knowles did an hour-long gig at a New Year's Eve party thrown by terror-backing Libyan dictator Moammar Khadafy's son, Hannibal—infamous for violence against women. The ‘Baby Boy’ singer performed five songs in a sexy black leotardSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:53 am Avatar star Sam Worthington fears unemploymentMelbourne (ANI): Avatar hunk Sam Worthington is scared he may be out of work and unable to pay his bills in future, despite the huge success of his latest film. The star feels that the fear of unemployment is always presentSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:49 am Taylor Swift in Valentine's DayWashington (ANI): A DC Comics representative has refuted reports that singer Taylor Swift is set to star in a new Supergirl movie. Rumours were abuzz that the ‘You Belong With Me’ hitmaker had bagged a role in the remake of 1984Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:46 am Salman reminisces his school days - GlamSham
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:41 am Kerry Katona blasts Jordan for reuniting with Alex ReidLondon (ANI): Kerry Katona has criticised her former pal Katie Price a.k.a. Jordan for reuniting with cage fighter lover Alex Reid. Troubled reality star Kerry, 29, laid into the glamour model, 31, for getting back together with cage-fighter Alex, 34."What aSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:36 am Deepika Padukone turns 24, but without beau Ranbir Kapoor!! - stardustco.in
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:34 am Shabana Azmi starrer 'It's a Wonderful Afterlife' to have world premiere at prestigious SundanceBAFTA nominated Gurinder Chadha's comedy 'It's a Wonderful Afterlife' has made it to the renowned Sundance Film Festival (USA), where it will have world premiere.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:31 am Joy gets ready for releaseAvitej, Trinath, Parvati and Vainavi are making their debut as heroes and heroines for Joy directed by B Raja, presented by EV Kumar and produced by EVV Kambhan on the banner of Arunai Pictures. The film is all set for releaseSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:29 am Jadugallu on Jan 8Upendra, Charmy and Ruthi are playing the lead in Jadugallu directed by Saiprakash is all set for release across the state on January 8 with highest prints. K Prabhakar and Yuvaraj are dubbing this film on the banner of Vijaya Films.Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:26 am Killer completes talkie shootingSindhura Gadde is playing the lead in Killer directed by Nagesh Naradasi and produced by Kiran on the banner of Sri Srinivasa Creations, had completed shooting of its talkie part. Now efforts are being made to choreograph the songs in MumbaiSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:21 am Rann is a men's film: Ram Gopal Varma
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:21 am Cheta Vennamudda completes dubbingAltaaf and Krithika Krishnan are playing the lead in Cheta Vennamudda under the direction of Rohit S Abhyuday and produced by PR Kumar on the banner of Full Moon Pictures. The film had completed its dubbing recently. Executive producer Bharat KumarSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:15 am Fardeen Khan marries Ishitta Sharrma - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:06 am Is Comedy changing its way..?Laughter has become a business and when things become business, profit replaces creativity and passion. With the flood in comedy shows today, a lot of second grade comedy has made its appearance in the small screen.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:00 am Wishing Deepika Padukone a very happy Birthday
A killer smile, a gorgeous face and a personality that oozes not only confidence and self belief but also sophistication and style. She may be a former model-turned-actress but she made that transition so effortlessly that it wasn't hard to believe that Bollywood is where this leggy lass naturally belongs. Having spent little but a very fruitful time in the industry, it's time for her to sit back, kick off those shoes and declare a holiday just for today as it's this promising star, Deepika Padukone's birthday.
Having worked so hard for more than a year, and giving one hit after another, whether it's Om Shanti Om, Bachana Ae Haseeno or Love Aaj Kal, Deepika has proved her acting prowess with one great performance after another and has risen to the position of one of the most promising female stars of Bollywood. No doubt, this birthday brings with it a hope of better things to come for Miss Padukone. Bollywood Hungama raises the toast in celebration to her bright future. Cheers!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jan 2010 | 1:50 am 'Rann' is a men's film: Ram Gopal VarmaDirector Ram Gopal Varma describes his forthcoming movie as a "men's film" and says it was natural for Amitabh Bachchan to spearhead the show in the promos of the movie.Source: Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2010 | 1:42 am 'Chance Pe Dance' not biopic on Shahid Kapoor: Ken Ghosh"Chance Pe Dance" is not a biopic on Shahid Kapoor, clarifies director Ken Ghosh even though it does reflect the actor's real life struggle.Source: Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2010 | 1:16 am RGV's new year greeting is a shocker
Ramgopal Varma thinks out of the box. When it comes to movies or story concepts or even casting actors, RGV has never followed rules. Now here's more on this maverick film-maker. While everyone may've received the standard new year messages from family and friends, the one sent by RGV catches you by complete surprise.
Let me quote the message verbatim: "Since we never ever really learn anything from the old years that have gone by and yet we stupidly keep on wishing each other a happy new year and this we keep on doing year after year, inspite of knowing that last year's new year wishes didn't give us even an iota of extra happiness ever and also none of us ever believe even for one second that neither our wishes nor anybody's wishes will never ever amount to our's or anybody's happiness ever, I hereby declare that I am not going to wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!"
RGV's new year greetings are a shocker as well, right?Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jan 2010 | 12:01 am Shahid - Deepika teamed?
Leading choreographer Ahmed Khan hasn't directed a film for a while now. His last [directorial] venture FOOL & FINAL opened a few years ago and his next venture, PAATHSHAALA, produced by his company, opens worldwide on 9th April. Ahmed is now gearing up to start his new venture, which, according to sources, will star Ahmed's buddy Shahid Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in lead roles.
Ahmed expressed complete surprise when this writer called to verify the news. "Sure, I am working on a script and it will star Shahid, but I haven't thought of anyone yet. I would like to cast Katrina and Deepika both, but the script has to take shape first," Ahmed clarifies.
He continues, "The script seems exciting now, but may not excite me after a point. So only when I am through with the final script, will I take a call on the casting." Point noted!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Jan 2010 | 11:58 pm Ajith's double treat in 'Asal' - IndiaGlitz
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 4 Jan 2010 | 11:27 pm Kareena on CNNgo's 'Who Mattered Most in 2009' list - Sify
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 4 Jan 2010 | 11:09 pm Chance Pe Dance not biopic on Shahid Kapoor: Ken Ghosh - Sify
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 4 Jan 2010 | 10:25 pm Two weeks later, '3 Idiots' going strong - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 4 Jan 2010 | 9:56 pm Shahrukh's imposter on Twitter going great guns - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 4 Jan 2010 | 8:35 pm 3 Idiots is Bollywood’s top grosser ever in USAamir Khan-starrer 3 Idiots has set a new box office record for Bollywood films in the United States. Within two weeks of its release, it has grossed $4.8 million, according to two major box office tracking websites, Hollywood.com and Deadline Hollywood. No other Bollywood film has ever crossed the $4 million barrier before. Anirudh Bhattacharyya examines...Source: | 4 Jan 2010 | 3:58 pm Artie Lange hospitalised, no updates on conditionArtie Lange was missing from the Howard Stern Show before it went on its holiday break. The 41 year old former Mad TV star has faced drug addiction for years. Since his hopitalisation in New Jersey, there are no updates about him.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 4 Jan 2010 | 2:43 pm Kate dumped beau over Madonna
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Jan 2010 | 11:41 am Kareena on CNNgo's 'Who Mattered Most in 2009' list
There's a popular saying 'work hard, party harder'. Well, Bollywood's numero uno actress Kareena Kapoor can do just that, as CNNgo has listed her in their prestigious list of '15 People Who Mattered Most in 2009'. The icing on the cake is that Kareena is one of the only 3 actors from Bollywood who have been named in the list. For those who felt that films like Jab We Met was just a mere flash in the pan for this actress, being featured in this list would have definitely sealed the tongues.
For the uninitiated, 'Who Mattered the Most in 2009' is a compilation of prominent personalities who mattered in that particular year, due to their prominent contribution. This list includes the likes of scientists, politicians and people from the arena of sports and music.
Besides Kareena, the other Bollywood stars who have been featured in the list include the latest 'IT' boy Ranbir Kapoor as well as the Music maestro A R Rahman and the deadly Dev D dude Abhay Deol.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Jan 2010 | 10:29 am Sandra is number 1Actress Sandra Bullock has beaten actor Johnny Depp to become highest-earning star in Hollywood.Source: | 4 Jan 2010 | 9:54 am Deepa Mehta to begin filming 'Midnight's Children' in SeptemberCanada-based Indian filmmaker Deepa Mehta says she has finished writing the script for the big-screen adaptation of Salman Rushdie's Booker Prize winner "Midnight's Children" and will start filming in September this year.Source: Entertainment News | 4 Jan 2010 | 9:52 am Ken Ghosh noticed my eight packs first: Shahid KapoorShahid Kapoor may have worked hard on his body for his forthcoming film "Chance Pe Dance", but the actor says it was director Ken Ghosh who noticed his eight packs first.Source: Entertainment News | 4 Jan 2010 | 9:38 am Aamir is a very powerful man: Chetan Bhagat
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Jan 2010 | 9:31 am Book Review: Love and Longing in Hindi Cinema
Aamir Khan has emerged as the strongest force on the first decade of the current millennium. On the other hand, Katrina Kaif is one woman who is enjoying the best success ratio during last half a decade. Naturally when the two of them come together (in whatever capacity) it is expected to be an event in itself. They may yet have to sign a film together (the day doesn't look far away) but in the interim they have managed to get cameras busy with their appearance for Cineblitz's coffee table book 'Love and Longing in Hindi Cinema'. Not just have they come up with numerous shots which are inspired by Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman in the classic Pyaasa; they have also contributed towards a couple of write-ups in the book which focuses on Bollywood (termed as Hindi cinema in the title), has guest write-ups by the likes of Karan Johar and Vikram Bhatt and is basically centred on love, lust, passion, sensuality etc. etc.
Good idea? Yes (not many film based books have tried to pick upon a singular theme and churn it for readers)
Great marketing? Yes (whoever thought of bringing Aamir and Katrina together for the book deserves a pat on the back)
Greater packaging? Oh absolutely (this is one of the best designed coffee table books to have come out in 2009)
Excellent product? Not at all.
And this is where one feels a lot let down because the book is analogous to a much hyped product that didn't quite deliver what was expected out of it. It was akin to a good announcement (the book's theme) followed by roping in of top stars (Aamir and Katrina), releasing a great First Look (the Pyaasa pose) and a happening premiere (the product being introduced to the media). However, as a reader starts flipping through pages, one realises that the content out there isn't superb enough to compliment a great finishing and polishing that oozes out of the overall layout of this 200 odd pages book.
It's as simple as this - visually the book is an enticing affair with an overall design coupled with exciting pictures and some ease of reading, hence making 'Love and Longing in Hindi Cinema' a product that you would want to check out on it's very arrival. However, browse through the content and it turns out to be either too routine/predictable and at places catering to only that segment of readers who wish to be intellectually stimulated.
This is evidenced in a couple of chapters where the book becomes so talk heavy and researched that the taste of an average reader is compromised. One of the initial chapters (sex and sensuality in Hindi cinema vis-Ã -vis European cinema) could have made for an enticing subject line. However, scratch the surface and it turns out to be a whitepaper/thesis/essay. In fact this is where the overall design (by Divya Saxena - Great job done!!!) comes in handy because she ensures that the overall text doesn't get boring and at least visually there is something on the offing.
From visual representation, one isn't expecting semi nude pictures to ooze out of the pages due to the book's theme being centred on 'love' and 'longing' followed by 'lust'. However, as long as never seen before (or rarely seen) film or photo shoot stills are put to great use on practically every page, that's reasonable enough incentive for a reader.
The sad part though is that just being reasonable is not good enough to warrant a recommendation for 'Love and Longing in Hindi Cinema' because even other chapters around 'Kiss Sutra', 'Once Upon a Wedding Night', 'The Death of Romance' and many more, despite the tantalising appeal that is carried in the titles, don't have anything unexplored or untold to offer. Either the language and text starts appearing like a paper (as mentioned earlier) or done to death references to scenes/actresses like Madhuri Dixit in Dayavan, Sridevi in Mr. India, Dimple Kapadia in Saagar, Meena Kumari in Paakezah or Madhu Bala in Mughal E Azam are made which results in a strong sense of 'seen it done all'.
What does turn out to be exciting in some ways are dozens of quotes from decades of Cineblitz archives that bring back the nostalgia of Rekha, Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra from the 70s, Dimple Kapadia, Madhuri Dixit and Amitabh Bachchan in the 80s and Manisha Koirala, Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan from the 90s. For the younger generation of reader, it makes for an interesting read when text around fantasies, desires, sexual liberation and free lifestyle of yesteryear actors is put on display, right from the horse's mouth.
Talking about mouths, the book wrongly mentions Emraan Hashmi of kissing in each of his films, including Kalyug. The fact is, he didn't in that film. Wait, there is more. Remember Amitabh Bachchan starrer Ganga Jamuna Saraswati? In another chapter, a scene from the film is described in great detail where Amitabh Bachchan is supposed to have saved Jaya Prada (who is ice cold due to extreme weather conditions) by making love to her and hence warm her up. However, there is an error here because the fact is that in the film it was Meenakshi Sehsadri and not Jaya Pradha who was the victim (or the lucky one, as you may wish to interpret) here. Surprising part is that not just is the reference to Jaya Prada repeated thrice in this episode, it is also done by a writer (check out the book to find his name) who is a National Award winner.
Well, given the fact that the book by itself isn't exciting enough in totality, a couple of aberrations like these are way too minor in comparison.
Price: Rs. 549/=
Rating: 
Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 4 Jan 2010 | 9:04 am Aamir is a very powerful man: Chetan BhagatAamir Khan is a "very powerful person" but the truth has to prevail, says author Chetan Bhagat, asking people to compare for themselves his book "Five Point Someone" and the film "3 Idiots".Source: Entertainment News | 4 Jan 2010 | 9:02 am PC hits a sixPriyanka Chopra’s ‘big deal’ makes her the highest paid actress.Source: | 4 Jan 2010 | 8:56 am ‘Stay away’, says AadeshMusic director Aadesh Shrivastava, has lashed out against the trend of Pakistani artists coming to India and trying to be a part of the Indian music industry.Source: | 4 Jan 2010 | 8:52 am The queer case of Sherlock HolmesHollywood actor Robert Downey Jr’s comments that his character in the latest movie Sherlock Holmes, could be shown as a gay, and involved with sidekick Dr. Watson, in the movie’s sequel has caused a controversy.Source: | 4 Jan 2010 | 8:45 am Shot in DelhiOn Sunday morning, when most Delhiites were tucked in bed, Bollywood came calling in Paharganj. Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra was in the Capital to shoot for Dil Darbadar, the sequel to his film Is Raat Ki Subeh Nahin.Source: | 4 Jan 2010 | 8:40 am Dia Mirza chosen as brand ambassador for Veola Amla Hair Oil
The very moment anyone mentions of the name Dia Mirza, the immediate memory that 'lights' up is that of a sweet girl with a voice to match the innocence that glows on the face. She is none other than Barbie doll personified Miss India-turned- actress Dia Mirza, whose mere smile has so far launched more than a million ships (read 'products').
If sources close to Bollywood Hungama are to be believed, then, the latest product on Dia's endorsement list is 'Veola Amla Hair Oil', an internationally acclaimed hair care range, that's soon to be launched in India. Way to go, Dia!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Jan 2010 | 7:59 am Garner not keen on working with AffleckHollywood star Jennifer Garner doubts she'll ever team up with her husband Ben Affleck on the big screen again because the pairing could ruin their happy marriage. The couple first met on the set of...Source: | 4 Jan 2010 | 7:28 am Kareena Kapoor 'doubles' up her oomph factor in GQ
What do you call someone whose eyes control the sunrise and the moon shine? What do you call who is the inspiration to many a poet globally? What do you call someone who is highly intellectual, yet is a part of an 'Idiotic' gang? Well, mince no names, as we are indeed talking about the one and only 'Oomph-mati' that the silver screen has ever seen: Kareena Kapoor!
And it is the very same Kareena Kapoor who is on the cover of the widely read magazine GQ for the month (January 2010). What a way to start the New Year by having the eternal glowing Miss Kapoor as the cover-girl! From the looks of it, Kareena looks nothing short of being Miss Perfect. Well, we are no one to challenge perfection, are we? All that we can say is that; do watch out for Kareena's honest-than-thou confessional statements on topics ranging from films, marriage and of course...Saif, about whom she says "Saif comes from a very cultured background; he is a man of the world. And he's seen so much of life; he's got his head very firmly on his shoulders. I can connect with this guy. He has a good sense of humour; a charming man with a lot of culture. He always liked me on screen. He said I was someone he always wanted to meet."
Keeping the tradition of 'Keep the best for last', we really do have to mention that this issue of GQ has not one, but two whoppingly sizzling covers, which only means, twice the cover, twice the fun. Kareena is indeed the way to go this season and for the year 2010!Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 4 Jan 2010 | 6:39 am "Aamir is very powerful man, but finally the truth has to prevail" - Chetan Bhagat
Those multitudes who have read Chetan Bhagat's book novel Five Point Someone would agree there are uncanny resemblances between the novel and Rajkumar Hirani's 3 Idiots. The film apparently set out to adapt Bhagat's novel and then decided to go its own way, for whatever reason. Chetan Bhagat shouts foul as he finds his name missing from the opening credits of 3 Idiots, instead they are in the rolling credits in the end. On the other hand, the producers of the film claim that it was mentioned in the contract that Chetan had signed. Hurt and amused Chetan reacts.
You must be very upset by the latest proceedings?
You're a writer. You should know how it feels to have credit taken away from you. And it's not something only I'm saying. It's out there. The book is there. The film is there. They've tried to take away from my contribution. My name is at the very end of the credit titles after the junior artistes and still photographers. From the time they started making the film, they've been stressing that their product is different. It's like a systematic effort (to underplay my contribution). If you read the book and saw the film, you'll see the similarities.
My name is at the very end of the credit titles after the junior artistes and still photographers
So would you say 3 Idiots is an adaptation of your novel?
3 Idiots is a total adaptation of my book. Some things are direct lifts, others indirect adaptations.
Aamir thinks you are trying to take away credit from the film's writer Abhijat Joshi? I heard his comments. But then he says he hasn't read the book. There's no denying Abhijat has done the screenplay. What Abhijat has done with my book can only be known if you've read it. If Aamir is so concerned about Abhijat not getting the publicity, he should let Abhijat talk. I very much respect Aamir. He's the reason I thought the project would have a lot of integrity. I know for a fact he was told not to read my book because they told him it'd affect his understanding of his story. I was told it was a different script.
Even dialogues about matar-paneer and Maruti 800 cars are from my novel. The novel was set in the 1990s. Aaj Maruti 800 kaun bolega?
How would Aamir's perception have been affected if he read the book?
I don't know. I'm on a firm footing with the facts. See the film, read the book. And judge for yourself. The whole plot-structure narrative, even dialogues about matar-paneer and Maruti 800 cars are from my novel. The novel was set in the 1990s. Aaj Maruti 800 kaun bolega? I mention 42 exams and 16 broken bones in my body. They have kept the same numbers in the film. Kareena's brother committing on the railway tracksâ¦so many other things in the film; it's all there in my novel.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Aamir have accused you of trying to make mileage out of their movie? If I didn't take up the issue properly, I wouldn't have been able to live with myself. If someone else goes and collects the award for best story at the awards functions how will I feel? Only once I met Aamir. When I landed at Bangalore where they were shooting 3 Idiots they said, 'Don't come we've too many visitors.' They prevented me from going on the set. The book has been selling for six years. There're lakhs of fans of the book. It's not about Chetan being naraaz and Aamir being naraaz. My issue is not with Aamir. When the other film Hello based on my novel One Night At The Call Centre came, did I say one word against the characterizations or treatment? I was credited properly for that. I haven't been credited for 3 Idiots.
When I landed at Bangalore where they were shooting 3 Idiots they said, 'Don't come we've too many visitors.' They prevented me from going on the set.
Have you become embittered towards Bollywood?
You could make up any kind of contract. But is there any contract that stops people from being petty? My last novel Three Mistakes Of My Life is being directed by Abhishek Kapoor. I am co-scripting it. There's a lot of interest in adapting my latest novel 2 States: The Story Of My Life. I don't think there would be any problem with future project. With 3 Idiots, I know I'm in the right. I'm just telling people to see the film and read my book. I know Aamir is a very powerful person. But finally the truth has to prevail, no? I'm no great artiste. But there has to be fair play. I'm being accused of trying to get mileage.10 lakh copies of the book have been sold. The book has been read by 1 crore readers. Wouldn't they know the truth?
What do you intend to do? The makers of 3 Idiots are busy with their victory tours all over the country. They're naturally being asked about the similarities between my book and the film. Sorry I spoilt their celebrations. The truth had to be told. I've been told by them, 'You're just a writer. You don't realize how big we are.' Maybe I don't realize how big they are. Main kya karoon? But the truth is above everything. Aisa nahin ke pura Bollywood kharaab hai.
Do you think you'll be ostracized by Bollywood after this incident?
I'm not dependent on Bollywood for my livelihood. I'm a big Krishna bhakt. I'll follow the right path. If I'm wrong I'll leave writing and join ISKCON. What does a writer want? That his words should make a change in society. Maybe by taking up this issue I hope to bring about a change in the way writers are treated. Vidhu Vinod Chopra assured me that he would treat me like a king. Kahan ka raja?
Vidhu Vinod Chopra assured me that he would treat me like a king. Kahan ka raja?
What do you hope to achieve? When they go to pick up the story award I want people to know whose story it is. When they make eye contact with their children they should know they're lying. We've to show that truth comes before everything else. I don't write for money or glamour. I just need paper and pen. Lord Krishna takes care of the rest.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 4 Jan 2010 | 5:48 am Ajay Devgn seeks blessings in Ajmer for new filmBollywood actor Ajay Devgn recently visited the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan to seek blessings for his forthcoming movie "Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge".Source: Entertainment News | 4 Jan 2010 | 5:44 am `Avatar` grosses $1bn at box office!James Cameron`s science-fiction epic "Avatar" shoots past USD 1 billion worldwide.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 4 Jan 2010 | 5:05 am Shahrukh Khan to shoot in Miami next monthBollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan (Chak De India!) will shoot in Miami (Florida, USA) next month for a big-budget action film 'Ra.One'.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 4 Jan 2010 | 4:12 am The Official Magazine of World of Warcraft in New Year 2010 Coming NowWorld of Warcraft Blizzard launched World of Warcraft official magazine in new year 2010 now.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 4 Jan 2010 | 3:12 am Shah Rukh Khan joins Twitter
More and more Bollywood A-listers feel the need to communicate with their fans through social networking sites on the internet. After Priyanka Chopra, Abhishek Bachchan, Imran Khan and Karan Johar, it's now Shah Rukh who went on Twitter on Saturday.
Within 24 hours Shah Rukh has 10,000 followers on Twitter. A new record in twittering, one supposes.
Shah Rukh's best friend Karan Johar admits he persuaded the My Name Is Khan star to get on Twitter. "It is really a very satisfying way of communicating with the world outside your immediate circle. I've been persuading all my friends to get on Twitter. Shah Rukh finally relented. Within 24 hours he had 10, 000 followers."
The star is already hooked hopelessly to Twitter. He hopes to establish a personal rapport with his fans and movie-watchers in time for the release of My Name Is Khan which is a very important piece of cinema and not quite what Shah Rukh fans would expect from him.
Shah Rukh felt this was an opportune moment for a direct interaction with people who watch his films, to let them know exactly what to expect in My Name Is Khan.
Interestingly, while most of Bollywood's A-listers are succumbing to the temptation of getting on social networks, two stars who absolutely refuse to do are Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor.
They have both admitted on separate occasions that they'd rather not have people being updated on their minute-by-minute activities.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Jan 2010 | 2:57 am Tickets Available For The Caretaker Through Concierge DeskSince the year 2000, Concierge Desk have sold theatre tickets to the biggest West End shows, and today announce that tickets are now available through their online store to see the classic Harold Pinter play, The Caretaker.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 4 Jan 2010 | 2:48 am Internet Movie Indianinjas reaches International Film Festival!The Movie Indianinjas released on Internet Directed By Varun Mehta has met with an outstanding response and has been invited at 16:9 International Film Festival.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 4 Jan 2010 | 2:30 am
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