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Chatur of '3 Idiots' is latest toast of BollywoodHe may be just one film old and not everyone even remembers his name, but US-based Omi Vaidya has just no time for interviews.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 8:55 am Indian fans remember Elvis on his 75th birth anniversaryAttending theme parties, lighting candles and listening to his music - that's how Indian fans of Rock n' Roll star Elvis Presley are planning to celebrate his 75th birth anniversary on Thursday.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 8:10 am The golden boy of Indian music A R Rahman turns 44
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 7:48 am Film City to be built in the name of Raj Kumar, VishnuvardhanThe Karnataka government will make a film city in the memory of Kannada film icons Raj Kumar and Vishnuvardhan, Chief Minister B.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 7:21 am I'm not playing Buddha in my next: Amitabh BachchanBollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan has clarified that he is not playing the role of Gautam Buddha in Puri Jagannathan's film "Budda".Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 7:16 am Paris Hilton devastated by Casey Johnson's death
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 6:50 am Shahid, Genelia to spend night together in a car
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 6:42 am Preity back in movie business with a bang!Preity Zinta has been off the Bollywood radar for a long time as she was preoccupied with the Indian Premier League and a management course at Harvard Business School in the US. She has reassured fans she will be seen in a whole lot of movies in 2010.Source: | 6 Jan 2010 | 6:04 am Shah Rukh Khan's green move
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 5:57 am Brand, Perry got engaged in IndiaSinger Katy Perry and comic actor Russell Brand got engaged during their recent trip to India.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 5:53 am Jailed Polanski finishes film for Berlin CompetitionNow under house arrest in Switzerland, waiting for his deportation to the USA, where he could be tried for having sex with a 13-year-old girl, Polanski has completed his latest movie, The Ghost Writer. It will compete at the 60th Berlin International Film Festival to roll on February 11.Source: | 6 Jan 2010 | 5:31 am Reese Witherspoon is a worried mother
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 5:19 am George Clooney's girlfriend an 'erotic dream'
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 5:16 am Shahid, Genelia to spend night together in a carOut of all different movie promotion ideas, this one seems new.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 5:10 am Maha BJP demands review of 3 Idiots
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 4:57 am Award winning French soprano to perform in capitalFrench opera singer Marion Baglon, who has been praised for her impressive debut in Paris, is in India to present the Lyric Open Opera concert at the Alliance Francaise in the capital.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 4:47 am DiCaprio's girlfriend strips for lingerie ad
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 4:45 am Jolie is most beautiful star of past decade
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 4:31 am MJ's final song leaked online
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 4:25 am After an alarming accident-prone 2009, Sunil Shetty will steer clear of action
For Sunil Shetty the year 2009 began with a terrible accident that left him bed-bound for a good three months. Bizarrely the year ended with a fire accident that scorched Sunil's hand.
"It's just about healing," says Sunil, just back from a family holiday in Bali, blessedly free of accidents.
Laughing uncomfortably Sunil says, "Yeah, it's been pretty bad. In-between I hurt my leg also. The chest injury kept me off-limits for a good part of 2009. I couldn't even exercise or go to the gym. But the worst discomfort was that I couldn't sleep properly because of the pain in my rib cage... and now this hand injury at the end of the year. Hota hai. It's part and parcel of our line of work."
However, Sunil's family isn't taking the string of accidents lightly. His wife, two children, and his parents have now strictly forbidden him from doing anything dangerous stunts in the water (De Dana Dan) or playing with fire (No Problem). Sunil has no choice but to put away all the muscle power at his disposal.
It's not that he would cease to stay fit. He'd just not do dangerous stunts. For all practical purposes his last action film for now is Anant Mahadevan's Red Alert- The War Within where Sunil plays a naxalite.
Then onwards, it's goodbye to action for one of Bollywood's biggest action heroes who started the trend of gym-toned torsos.
Chuckles Suniel, "Let the new younger boys have all the fun now. I've won the first award of my life for best actor at the South Asia International Film Festival for Red Alert. It's time to move into another phase."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 6 Jan 2010 | 4:19 am "Aamir Khan is a marketing monster " - Rajkumar Hirani
3 Idiots is now officially the biggest money spinner ever and within two weekends of it's release has displaced Ghajini from the top position. With over Rs. 100 crores nett in it's kitty just from India, the film has placed Rajkumar Hirani right up there in the top league that has filmmakers like Karan Johar, Rakesh Roshan, Aditya Chopra, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Imtiaz Ali sitting pretty.
It's the simplicity factor which is being most talked about and the film has been termed as 'Hirani cinema' which is quite a compliment considering the fact that 3 Idiots boasts of superstars like Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor. In a conversation with Joginder Tuteja, Raju (as he is fondly known) explains how he put together the entire film and later Aamir Khan gave it a different dimension altogether by bringing in the entire marketing effort.
Now that the film is a huge blockbuster, one wonders if 3 Idiots was an easy film to make, especially due to the fact that you had two modern day classics (Munnabhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munnabhai) behind you?
Yes, 3 Idiots was easier and there were quite a few factors that contributed to it. I went about making the film layer by layer and by the time the script came through, we knew that we were getting into something special. Moreover, it was all also possible due to the commitment and availability of my three lead actors - Aamir, Madhavan and Sharman. They were truly focused on just this film and were not working on anything else. Boman too was completely on board from Day One.
How about Kareena Kapoor?
Of course yes, she has been a great asset to the film as well. She was in fact working on other films as well during 3 Idiots but it was nice of her to take out time and fit 3 Idiots into her schedule.
Talking about Kareena, when someone of her stature and standing in the industry gets into a project, one suddenly visualises a star out there. For you as a filmmaker, what did you want from Kareena - a star or an actor?
I wanted a real person. Period. Ever since the first promo of the film came out, people did observe that it was a very different Kareena out there. Still, there were a few who doubted if she would be seen like this in the entire film. Now that 3 Idiots has released, everyone can see that she is really deglamourised and the girl next door. You know, this was the kind of look that was always envisioned by me; someone who is simple and real. No wonder, she was made to wear spectacles (smiles).
There were a few who doubted if Kareena would be seen like this in the entire film
In fact one also wonders how you actually managed this entire marketing and promotional blitzkrieg that took place for 3 Idiots? Even your own Lage Raho Munnabhai had arrived quietly in spite of a hit like Munnabhai MBBS behind you.
Arrey yaar for me this all happened for the first time (laughs). Earlier in case of Munnabhai series, Vidhu Vinod and me just went about doing some regular promotion of the film by placing TV promos, giving some interviews and doing other routine stuff. However, Aamir took it all to a different level altogether.
How about taking the film by itself to a different level? I am sure given his reputation; there must have been 'creative' and 'let's-make-it-perfect' contributions as well?
But that was the case with everyone else in the cast and crew as well! In fact one thing which I make quite clear to all is that they should have a freedom of expressing themselves. Just because your first few films have worked shouldn't make the person in front of you either nervous or complacent. Do tarah ke log hote hain. Ek woh jo nervous hote hain suggestions dene mein. Others feel that chalo achcha director hai, isse to sab pata hi hoga. Now that's a dangerous situation for any filmmaker who starts believing that he is Mr. Know-it-all. Agar aap apne aap ko boss samajhne lag gaye toh ho gaya kaam!
So there wasn't any feeling of Raju being the boss of the show?
That was always the intent. I ask and rather request everyone on my sets to opine. Everyone participated and so did Aamir. And let me add that he is very good in that. His contributions do make a lot of difference.
For a change a film of Aamir is being termed as a Hirani-Aamir movie instead of just being an Aamir movie. Some shift here...
(Laughs) Well, I haven't heard that and even if this is being said then I don't really have much to say. See, when you are making a film, you hear so many things around you that you tend to shut your mind and just concentrate on getting your job done. But yes, one thing that we all have learnt from Aamir is how to market a film. He is a marketing monster.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 6 Jan 2010 | 3:56 am Happy Birthday AR Rahman! - Galatta.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 6 Jan 2010 | 3:33 am Shahid, Genelia to spend night togetherOut of all different movie promotion ideas, this one seems new. Bollywood actors Shahid Kapoor and Genelia D'Souza will be spending Wednesday night together in a car to promote their forthcoming film Chance Pe Dance.Source: | 6 Jan 2010 | 3:32 am Sanjay and Manyata in Burj DubaiSanjay Dutt and wife Manyata witnessed the grand opening of the Burj Khalifa from the room of a facing building with Amar Singh. Sanjay and Manyata Dutt caught the opening of the Burj Khalifa (at 2716.5 ft, the tallest tower inSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2010 | 2:59 am Lady Gaga to turn a comic characterWashington (ANI): Popstar Lady Gaga is set to turn into a comic character. The ‘Poker Face’ hitmaker, who has a penchant for wacky outfits, will star in a brand-new comic book series called Fame, which focuses on the lives of popSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2010 | 2:55 am Angelina Jolie's mom leaves $300k for grandkidsWashington (ANI): The late mother of Angelina Jolie has reportedly left behind 300,000 dollars to be inherited by the actress and her partner Brad Pitt's kids. Marcheline Bertrand, who died of ovarian cancer aged 56 in 2007, was said to haveSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2010 | 2:54 am Exhausted Seal bans more babies!London (ANI): Heidi Klum's husband Seal has banned any more babies, admitting he’s exhausted. The Crazy star said he’s tired after being driven potty by his four little ones, reports The Mirror. Victoria's Secret model Heidi gave birth only threeSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2010 | 2:54 am 'Endhiran' is full of surprises: Shankar - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 6 Jan 2010 | 2:52 am Robbie Williams to woo girlfriend on Valentine’s dayLondon, (ANI): Robbie Williams is reportedly drawing plans to marry his girlfriend of three years Ayda Field on Valentine’s Day. The multi-BRIT Award-winning singer was said to have asked family and close friends to keep themselves free a week before theSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2010 | 2:52 am Shilpa and Raj Kundra have wedding reception in the House of Commons today
Shilpa Shetty-Kundra couldn't have asked for more. After a giddying round of partying and holidaying, Shilpa Shetty is now in London for her wedding reception on Wednesday in the House Of Commons.
Excited and nervous Shilpa said on Tuesday, "The House Of Commons reception is being thrown for Raj and me by British MP Keith Vaz who's a dear friend of ours."
Shilpa is over the moon and feels marriage is something she should have done much earlier.
Speaking from London after her majestic Mediterranean cruise with her husband and their two families, Shilpa says, "I don't know why I didn't get married earlier! Marriage is wonderful when the man whom you marry is good, and mine is wonderful! Touchwood, I'm loving every minute of the marriage."
Now Shilpa can't wait to get back to Mumbai on the 8th of January. "I'm missing Mumbai and can't wait to get back."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 6 Jan 2010 | 2:48 am Remo sports jazzy accessories on DID2Gone are those days when one would feel repentant about carrying the burden of a cast on his body for master Remo D’Souza of Zee Tv’s Dance India Dance 2 has actually turned his cast into a jazzy accessory! Our reliableSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2010 | 2:48 am When Robert Pattinson chipped his toothLondon, (ANI): Twilight hunk Robert Pattinson once chipped his tooth after flossing too hard, reveals co-star Bryce Dallas Howard. The 28-year-old star has stepped into the shoes of actress Rachelle Lefevre as vampire Victoria in the third movie Twilight: Eclipse. HeSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2010 | 2:43 am Shahid, Genelia to spend night together - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 6 Jan 2010 | 2:37 am Bollywood has mental disabilities too on mindBollywood is known to bat for the underdog and often one with certain mental disabilities as we saw Hrithik Roshan in "Koi Mil Gaya" and Anil Kapoor in "Yuvvraaj".Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 2:37 am Baywatch suit still sexes things up: Pamela AndersonLondon (ANI): Actress Pamela Anderson has confessed that her famous Baywatch swimwear still sends the temperatures soaring in the bedroom. The 42-year-old actress revealed she sometimes puts on the suit to impress her beaus.The American/Canadian star further said the costume stillSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2010 | 2:05 am Lady Gaga throws drink over a homophobic manMelbourne (ANI): Lady Gaga is said to have thrown a drink over a man who made anti-gay remarks before her in Canadian nightclub. Gaga was reportedly in an Ottawa club with pals when an unidentified homophobic man made the comments againstSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2010 | 1:59 am Wedding bells for Marilyn Manson, Evan Rachel Wood?London (ANI): Goth rocker Marilyn Manson and his actress girlfriend Evan Rachel Wood are reportedly set to tie the knot. The singer – the ex of burlesque pin-up Dita Von Teese – has apparently proposed to his 22-year-old lover on stageSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 6 Jan 2010 | 1:57 am I don't want star treatment on Ken Ghosh's film set: Shahid KapoorAfter months of silence, Shahid Kapoor has decided to put an end to the controversy surrounding his alleged differences with filmmaker Ken Ghosh.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jan 2010 | 1:54 am A R Rahman Birthday - Did you wish him?AR Rahman, the Oscar Winning Music Director and composer is celebrating his 44th birthday today, January 6, 2010. Last Year A R Rahman won the prestigious Oscar for his music in the Danny Boyle's acclaimed movie Slumdog Millionaire.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 6 Jan 2010 | 1:20 am Genelia slams marriage reports - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 6 Jan 2010 | 12:10 am Russell Brand confirms engagement - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jan 2010 | 11:59 pm Salman Khan VEER shouts at security, connects with kids!! - stardustco.in
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jan 2010 | 11:47 pm Aamir tops the Khan brigade - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jan 2010 | 11:40 pm High expectations from Veer and SRK after 3 IdiotsVidhu Vinod Chopra production 3 Idiots has made a record as the highest grosser in the history of Indian cinema, beating the number one Ghajini also featuring Aamir.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 5 Jan 2010 | 11:29 pm Eighth Pune Film Festival set to commence on January 7Pune Film Foundation is geared up and ready to start its 8th Film Festival. Rajesh Khanna and Dr Shriram Lagoo will receive lifetime achievement awards during the festival.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 5 Jan 2010 | 11:18 pm I'm boring and single: Deepika - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jan 2010 | 10:36 pm Chetan's book selling like hot cakes - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jan 2010 | 8:43 pm Avatar fastest film to break $1 billion markThey are 10ft tall, blue-skinned and inhabit the distant moon Pandora some 145 years into the future. But the Na’vi, a species of extraterrestrial eco-friendly hunters in the smash hit movie Avatar, have already made cinema history by raking in $1billion at cinema box offices in just three weekends.Source: | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:31 pm Russell Brand and Katy Perry engaged,to marry in India?Funnyman Russell Brand and popstar Katy Perry recently took part in a Hindu ceremony which is meant for engaged couples.The ceremony is usually used to bless new couples, hoping that it might lead them towards marriage.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 5 Jan 2010 | 2:09 pm Children's age limit for reality shows not yet fixed: panelAfter 11-year-old Neha Sawant committed suicide allegedly over her parents disallowing her from participating in a reality show, the need for an age limit for children to enter TV shows has been raised again.Source: Entertainment News | 5 Jan 2010 | 1:24 pm Rihanna, LA Dodger Matt Kemp vacation in MexicoRihanna was spotted spending some quality time with Los Angeles Dodger outfielder Matt Kemp in Mexico for the New Year. The couple have been together since friends introduced the two to each other in November.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 5 Jan 2010 | 1:18 pm Vince Vaughn marries Kyla WeberVince Vaughn and Kyla Weber started seeing each other in a hush hush affair. The wedding was a private affair attended by close friends and family of the couple, and took place in Lake Forest, Illinois on Saturday January 2.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 5 Jan 2010 | 11:49 am Happy Birthday, A R RahmanMusic genius and Academy Awards winner AR Rahman turns 44. One of the most acclaimed music directors of the present time, he in a career spanning over a decade has delivered some of the most memorable music in films like Roja, Lagaan, Rang De Basanti , Guru, Taal, Bombay, Dil Se, Rangeela and the most recently Slumdog Millionaire.Source: | 5 Jan 2010 | 10:42 am Tusshar, Shreyas and Minissha in Sagar Ballary's Hum Tum Aur Shabana
After directing the laugh-riot Bheja Fry, Sagar Ballary is all set to start his next comic venture titled Hum Tum Aur Shabana. The film stars Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade and Minissha Lamba in lead roles.
Bollywood Hungama got in touch with Tusshar who seemed excited about working on yet another comedy. "Yes....Hum Tum Aur Shabana is a really funny script. It's about Shreyas and I indulging in a competition of sorts to get Shabana (played by Minissha Lamba). We start shooting this week in Mumbai and later on even have a schedule in Goa. It should be good fun."
The film, which also stars VJ Pia Trivedi in an important role, has been produced by Horseshoe Pictures Pvt. Ltd. (who earlier made the Aftab-Celina-Amrita starrer Red). Music of the film has been composed by Sachin-Jigar who earlier gave some impressive tracks in Teree Sang.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jan 2010 | 9:15 am Audiences feel cheated as Chetan Bhagat-team Idiots milk their differencesThey got what they wanted, perhaps even more. While the public is left wondering if they’ve been taken on a royal ride by both the parties in the Chetan Bhagat-3 Idiots controversy, the author’s four-year-old book is flying off the shelves and the movie is doing unprecedented business.Source: | 5 Jan 2010 | 8:51 am Fardeen Khan becomes groom again to promote his filmBollywood actor Fardeen Khan, who has been married for over four years, dressed up as a groom again and led a marriage procession, but this time to promote his upcoming film Dulha Mil Gaya.Source: | 5 Jan 2010 | 8:02 am Mehra’s nomination woesFilmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has expressed his displeasure over the lack of nominations for his film Delhi-6 in the Star Screen Awards that take place in Mumbai on Saturday.Source: | 5 Jan 2010 | 7:50 am Away from B-town rush, Madhur enjoyed a peaceful sojourn in Kashmir
Goa, as has been the trend during the entire first decade of the current millennium, was the hottest spot for Bollywood folks this New Year eve. Akshay Kumar and Neha Dhupia were just some of the film celebrities who flew down to Goa with their friends and families. Shah Rukh Khan was in Dubai while Karan Johar preferred work over worldly pleasures and stayed back to keep the pace on for My Name Is Khan.
Others like Vidya Balan chose a quieter Kerala, Katrina Kaif spent her time abroad while Bipasha Basu, Celina Jaitly, Mugdha Godse and Aarti Chhabria saw big bucks coming their way by means of New Year eve performances. Meanwhile for Aamir Khan, Rajkumar Hirani and Co., the party was closer home with their country wide visits continuing way into 2010, what with 3 Idiots all set to be the biggest grosser ever.
With entire Bollywood immersed in some crazy revelries and night long parties, filmmaker Madhur Madhurkar preferred to distance himself from the mad rush and chose a much quieter Kashmir. Though his films are primarily Mumbai centric and have a gritty look and feel to them, personally he preferred the scenic beauty of Kashmir and was happy with his wife and daughter in tow.
"It was a conscious decision to bring on New Year in a place which is far removed from the madness of big cities", said Madhur from Srinagar, "The world could be seen and heard in Goa and I wanted to stay away from anything which is Bollywood for the time being. Break matlab break. Goa mein hota toh I would have invariably bumped into dozens of other people from the film fraternity. Phir wahi filmon ki baatein hoti. With my family I wanted to celebrate some good times and talk about things other than films."
Kashmir is indeed an unconventional choice for film folks because except for shooting a film (and that too mostly carrying terrorism as the theme), not many have stepped into the state for the celebrations purpose. There have been on and off visits by B-town folks but Goa followed by Kerala have been the most popular and the chosen destinations for all looking at taking a break from studios and the sound of lights, camera and action.
"When it comes to work, I would be glad to be back in Mumbai", says Madhur Bhandarkar, "However, as of now it's only Kashmir for me. It is so heavenly out here. It's a much deserving break for me."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 5 Jan 2010 | 7:50 am Now Idiots under ragging cloudControversy continues to dog 3 Idiots. The Maharashtra government on Monday decided to examine the film’s content after reports that it inspired a ragging incident in a Mumbai medical college.Source: | 5 Jan 2010 | 7:46 am Kangna’s glad to be homeGuess who’s back in town, Rapchik Rajni wonders aloud as if we all have been missing someone rather desperately. Tell me about it, I order, and Rajni replies that it’s Kangna Ranaut.Source: | 5 Jan 2010 | 7:16 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 "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 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 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 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
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