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My father is a real 'Veer': Salman KhanBollywood star Salman Khan, who is awaiting the release of his pet project "Veer", says his father, acclaimed screenplay writer Salim Khan, is a real 'Veer' (braveheart).Source: Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 8:54 am Kannada film Suryakaanthi hits theatres
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 8:47 am I don't blame Kangna for anything: Adhyayan SumanBollywood actor Adhyayan Suman believes in learning from the past and does not blame actress Kangna Ranaut, with whom he was in a relationship, for anything.Source: Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 8:41 am Big B is brand ambassador for Colors in US, BritainBollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has been roped in to endorse TV channel Colors in Britain and the US after a successful stint as the host of reality show "Bigg Boss 3" on the channel.Source: Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 8:41 am Yash Raj Films to offer 'YRF Enchanted Journey' in SwitzerlandBollywood's premier production house Yash Raj Films (YRF) has entered into an agreement with Indian travel and tourism company SOTC and Switzerland-based enterprise Brandinvest AG to offer Hindi movie fans a 'YRF Enchanted Journey' in Switzerland.Source: Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 8:36 am Karan Johar ignores Abhishek BachchanPopular filmmaker Karan Johar is so busy promoting his film "My Name Is Khan" that he didn't even notice actor Abhishek Bachchan waving out to him on the streets recently.Source: Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 8:29 am It was great being a student: Preity ZintaBollywood actress Preity Zinta, who went to the prestigious Harvard University in the US for a brief management course, says she had great fun being a student.Source: Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 8:26 am I'm passionate about what I make: Deepa MehtaCanada-based Indian filmmaker Deepa Mehta might have wielded the megaphone for serious movies like "Earth", "Fire", "Water" and "Heaven On Earth" but she says whatever be her subjects, they derive out of her "passion" for good stories.Source: Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 8:18 am Paresh Rawal looking for negative rolesParesh Rawal made a mark with grey shades in films like "Ram Lakhan", "Jigar", "Damini" and "Auzaar" before being noticed in comedies.Source: Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 8:15 am Actors should be like supermarkets: Shahid KapoorShahid Kapoor says actors should be like "supermarkets", offering whatever the audience wants from them in terms of variety.Source: Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 8:11 am Karnataka film chamber to ensure success of Vishnuvardhan filmsThe Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has appealed to Kannada film producers not to release simultaneously the two forthcoming films of legendary actor Vishnuvardhan, who died recently.Source: Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 7:39 am Reality TV to cash in on religion?
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 7:04 am Slumdog girl Rubina to move to a flat soon
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 6:44 am Jolie, Pitt reach out to Haiti quake victims
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 6:33 am YRF and SOTC tie up to offer Switzerland experience to Indian-movie fans
Yash Raj Films has entered into an agreement with SOTC, the country's largest Travel & Tourism Company, and Brandinvest AG, a Switzerland-based enterprise. The partnership, signed by Mr. Yash Chopra, Chairman of Yash Raj Films, Mr. Zubin Karkaria, CEO & Managing Director of Kuoni India & South Asia, and Mr. Marco Casanova, Co-Owner & CEO of Brandinvest AG, offers a unique and once in a lifetime entertainment experience to Indians and Indian-film fans visiting Switzerland. The 'YRF Enchanted Journey' gives consumers a firsthand opportunity to live the authentic YRF experience by visiting original sites and locations in Switzerland used by Yash Raj Films, as well as engaging with various themes and elements seen in the Studio's most famous movies, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Mohabbatein, Veer-Zaara, Chandni, Darr and Bachna Ae Haseeno.
"We at YRF are convinced that this very special offering in Switzerland will provide a previously unattainable opportunity to a lot of Indians and fans of our films. It is a unique entertainment product that we are bringing to the market that promises to be a showcase offering for tourists visiting Switzerland. Film Studios across the globe have slowly shifted their focus to creating derivative 'entertainment experiences' around their actual movies, such as theme parks for instance, and we feel that this very innovative approach is a natural extension of the YRF brand of entertainment and provides a very personal experience for our audiences - something that has never been done before by an Indian entertainment brand. Moreover, I have lived some of the most intense and emotional moments of my life in Switzerland and I have used its spectacular locales extensively in a number of my flagship films that have been seen and loved by millions worldwide. I feel it is only apt that I now share this journey with YRF fans through a personalized walk down memory lane, and allow them to see these moments through our eyes. I am very excited to partner with India's leading travel brand, SOTC, and the highly reputed and skilled professionals at Brandinvest AG, in bringing this YRF experience to you", said Mr. Yash Chopra.
Mr. Zubin Karkaria said, "Bollywood is deep-rooted in the psyche of most Indians, and it gives us immense pleasure to be able to offer our customers a taste of Mr. Yash Chopra and Yash Raj Films' several blockbuster films shot in Switzerland. It is also an honour to be able to work with Yash Raj Films on an exclusive basis in this venture. We are convinced that this will be a very successful project, where we would be able to offer our customers an authentic Bollywood experience on our tours to Europe."
Mr. Jorg Krebs (Director Markets, Switzerland Tourism), representative of the 'YRF Enchanted Journey' Co-Host, Switzerland Tourism, added, "Switzerland is still a highly appreciated destination. Our travelers want to see our lakes and mountains and to touch our snow, of course. The 'YRF Enchanted Journey' tour spans the famous regions of Saanenland, Berne, Lucerne, Mount Titlis and Ticino and fits perfectly with our corporate strategy. Our guests can explore wonderful, dramatic landscapes and a truly diverse Switzerland experience. This first collaboration between a film studio, a tour operator and a country with a national brand, will bring fruitful results for all involved as well as new emotions and experiences for our guests."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 14 Jan 2010 | 6:32 am I am eccentric, so what? says Eva Green
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 6:20 am A.R. Rahman to perform live in Sydney on Jan 16
In spite of the recent attacks on Indian students in Australia, music maestro A.R. Rahman's much awaited Sydney concert at the Parramatta Park on January 16 will be taking place as per schedule. Australia Network will broadcast this mega concert live across 44 nations.
Rahman will perform with 40 Indian musicians and Bollywood dancers on stage. High-impact lighting displays, choreographed moving video screens and audience interaction are among the other highlights of this musical extravaganza. The live concert is conducted as part of Vivacity and the 2010 Sydney Festival.
The A.R. Rahman concert, co-hosted by Australian cricketing legend Matthew Hayden and ABC presenter Miriam Corowa, is a free event supported by the New South Wales Government.
Hayden, in a statement issued by the Australian Embassy in Delhi, said, "I am honoured and thrilled to be a part of A.R. Rahman's unique outdoor extravaganza and the Sydney Festival. Rahman was born in Chennai, a city that I have come to love and a part of India that is very special to me for many reasons. I am excited that many Australians will be able to enjoy what millions of people around the world have come to love and appreciate- the incredible Mozart of Madras and the amazing Indian musicians and Bollywood dancers."
Australia Network will broadcast the entire event on Saturday January 16.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 14 Jan 2010 | 6:15 am Italian prince is Kate Moss' ex
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 5:24 am Jackie Chan breaks finger while shooting
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 5:03 am India, Oz should 'redefine friendship': Rahman
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 4:38 am Excessive length? 'Veer' director Anil Sharma clarifies
Period films come with the baggage of excessive length. Recall the running time of JODHAA AKBAR. Now the excessive length of VEER is the topic of discussion within the film fraternity. Reportedly, the length of the film exceeds 3.30 hours.
VEER director Anil Sharma, who has got so used to rumours by now, laughs it off. "Really? Is that the new rumour pertaining to the film? Well, let me dishearten the rumour mongers by clarifying this. The final length of the film is 3.04 hours, which includes the opening and end titles. And I plan to bring it further down to 2.50 hours," the veteran director informs me.
He continues, "The length of the film never shot up to 3.30 hours. Even when I watched the loose edit, it was barely a few minutes more than the final length. But, as I said, I plan to limit the running time to less than 3 hours."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 14 Jan 2010 | 4:00 am 'Housefull' will now arrive in April
The clash has been averted. HOUSEFULL was confirmed for release on 20th May, but with KITES arriving on that date, HOUSEFULL producer Sajid Nadiadwala has decided to bring the film earlier. Why clash with another biggie, that's what most film-makers think these days. And rightly so!
HOUSEFULL director Sajid Khan confirms the development, "HOUSEFULL was confirmed for April initially, but we shifted to May subsequently. Now we are planning to stick to our original plan of April. Kishore Lulla [Eros], Sajid Nadiadwala and I are meeting today to discuss the issue. In all probability, HOUSEFULL will arrive on 30th April."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 14 Jan 2010 | 3:55 am "I hadn't even met Shahid before Chance Pe Dance" - Genelia
Genelia D'Souza is all set for an eventful 2010 with Chance Pe Dance, It's My Life and Hook Ya Crook lined up in quick succession. This is not all as her South career is continuing to flourish as well with at least a couple of movies in Tamil and Telugu in the wings. With a good enough success rate behind her in recent times with Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Naa turning out to be a super hit and Life Partner making money as well, Genelia has managed to sail smooth. On the eve of the film's release, she gets talking to Joginder Tuteja about audience expectations from her post Jaane Tu..., the 'chanced' and the 'dance' element in
Chance Pe Dance and the Jiah Khan controversy.
So Genelia, is Chance Pe Dance one film where you get to look good as well as emote to a reasonable extent?
(Says after a brief pause) I won't say that there aren't any serious moments in Chance Pe Dance. In fact there are times when you stop smiling for a while and reflect upon what's happening in the lives of the protagonists. There is a definite story running in the background and though there is comedy for sure, it is situational rather than slapstick. There are some tender scenes which are heart-warming as you start relating to the characters played by Shahid and me.
In CPD there are times when you stop smiling for a while and reflect upon what's happening
With 'chance' already making it's presence felt, is it the 'dance' element that takes centre stage from here on?
(Laughs) Nahi nahi, the film is more about chance than dance. It's this one chance that Shahid gets and he goes all out to ensure that he makes best use of it. Dance just remains as a peripheral element. If you remember his Ishq Vishk, you would recollect that there were all kinds of moments in the film, whether happy, emotional, comic or heart warming. It's a similar combination with a different setup and storyline that we get to see here. Overall, Chance Pe Dance is a very 'Ken film'.
Errr... a Ken film? Now what's that?
I will explain. See, Ken is very good with his characters. An actor may be playing a second lead or a supporting role but still he/she would be remembered after the film is over. Say for example Shenaz (Treasurywala) in Ishq Vishk. Now she was really loved in spite of playing the character of someone due to whom Shahid moves away from Amrita (Rao). Still, no one really hated her in the film. Or for that matter Vishal who played the role of Mambo in the same film. I still remember him from the film. You know, when Ken narrates a scene to you, you enjoy it first hand and grasp it there and then. He creates those nice little sweet moments that remain etched in your heart.
Needless to say, one can expect such 'nice little sweet' moments in Chance Pe Dance too?
Yes, you can. After all it brings back the oft told belief that behind every successful man is a woman (laughs). Just kidding. I do have a very significant role in the film even though Chance Pe Dance is rightly being projected to be the story of this lead character who is an aspiring actor and goes through various phases without getting much success during his struggle period. As his girlfriend, I am there with him in his lows and highs and share his moments of sorrow or euphoria. I am indeed the driving factor in his life.
While one looks forward to how much do audience see the two of you together, one fact which cannot be denied is that it's a welcome relief to see a fresh new 'jodi' in the form of Shahid and Genelia.
Yeeeeaay, now that's so encouraging. And to think of it, let aside shooting with him, I hadn't even met Shahid before Chance Pe Dance. However, the moment promos of the film came on air first, there were hundreds of tweets that I got which stated how people were really enjoying our pairing. I guess there is this innocence factor which worked in our favour
Ken is very good with giving a likable depth to his characters
Well, on a different note, it wasn't really an innocent outing last year when your Life Partner released. There were quite a few detractors who come out in open and commented on your act. Many believed that not just did you go over the top in your portrayal of a rich arrogant girl but also lost the reputation of a sweet and simple girl that you had gained from Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa days.
Aah, now I take it all as a backhanded compliment (smiles) that's because I was required to be that high headed, loud and a spoilt brat. I guess it was quite a thin rope to walk while never loosing that lovey-dovey side of my persona. This is why I take whatever criticism which came my way quite positively.
But since you were shrieking and throwing tantrums at every given juncture, many filmgoers complained that your character got on their nerves.
Which means mission accomplished! I had to make audiences feel miserable for Fardeen and empathise with him. If I got on their nerves then it means the character worked. That was always the intent. I had to stay true to the character and bring to life Sanjana who was just so unreasonable and knew nothing, whether it was art or house-hold affairs. This is why she continued to make all these false attempts at singing, painting, cooking etc.
Coming back to Chance Pe Dance, the fact is that the film is clearly being sold as a Shahid Kapoor starrer. Given the fact that you had made a definite place for yourself after Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Naa where you had a role equal to that of Imran Khan, don't you crave for more author backed characters? Are you willing to be a good looking arm candy?
Let's be practical, one can't expect every second movie to be Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Naa. What should be of utmost importance is that everyone remembers the character that I play. Just now you mentioned about my presence in Life Partner. Now that was a multi starrer with five principal protagonists, but still we are talking about Sanjana, right? I have to make a place in the film and give my best there. One can't expect to reach the highest level in each of the outings though I hope and believe that one day, the benchmark set by Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Naa will also be crossed
Meanwhile, even as the film's release is round the corner, what's your take on the entire controversy around Jiah Khan being dropped and you being roped in instead?
Let's not say that I replaced Jiah because that's not the fact. Main nahi karti toh koyi aur yeh role karta. It wasn't like after looking at me, the makers suddenly had a change in heart and asked Jiah to leave. In fact she was already out and the role was open for any other actor. The makers were hunting for a leading lady and they felt I suited the character. It's as simple as that.
Let's not say that I replaced Jiah because that's not the fact. Main nahi karti toh koyi aur yeh role karta
Now that Chance Pe Dance is carrying positive vibes, you must be utterly confident about 2010 beginning on a hit note for you?
I am a firm believer in destiny. People come and tell me that Chance Pe Dance is looking good and it's a definite hit in the offering. But really, I take it all with a pinch of salt. Of course while you are working in a film, you know the direction it is headed towards. Still, you can never be too sure. Success as well as failure are pre-written. If a film sails through then great but if it doesn't then one cannot be blaming anyone. This is why when I sign a film; I pick a subject thinking if it will make me happy as an actor. I don't work for hits of flops.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 14 Jan 2010 | 3:40 am Mira Nair's eternal wait for Johnny Depp...The script is set and the cameras are ready to roll. Internationally acclaimed filmmaker MiraNair is now just waiting for Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp to give the green signal to her dream project Shantaram.Source: | 14 Jan 2010 | 3:35 am Preity Zinta espouses cause of widows, cites Sonia Gandhi
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 3:26 am Karan Johar keen to work with Aishwarya Rai
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 14 Jan 2010 | 3:15 am Karan Johar keen to work with Aishwarya Rai?Karan Johar is toying with the idea of finally working with Aishwarya Rai, with whom he hasn't made a single project. He said that Aishwarya is his ideal heroine and all the scripts that he writes are keeping her in mind...Source: | 14 Jan 2010 | 3:12 am Salman may invite Shah Rukh for the premiere of 'Veer' - Spicezee
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 14 Jan 2010 | 3:07 am Namo Venkatesa Review: a good watchNamo Venkatesa is a budle of romance, drama, action and entertainment. Venkatesh is seen playing a role of Parvathaneni Venkata Ramana, who is an ardent devotee of Lord Venkateswara. Trisha is playing an important role in the movie, but Venkatesh and BrahSource: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 14 Jan 2010 | 2:45 am Sanju, Anil, Suniel, Akshaye turn Sardars in No Problem
The fact that Anees Bazmee is not part of the sequel to his own successful Sardar saga Singh Is Kinng has not dampened the busy director's spirits at all.
At this very moment he is shooting the pre-climax song for his comedy No Problem on a set at Film City with his 17 principal male actors and 150 junior artistes, all dressed as Sadarajis dancing to a boisterous number entitled Mast Punjabi.
Says Anees, "The fun part of it is, not a single principal actor or junior artiste is a Sardarji. They're all disguised as Sardarjis for a number that is my tribute to the community I came to love while making Singh Is Kinng. The Sikhs too love me, so much so that I'm said to be a half a sikh myself. I had to do something after Singh Is Kingg to show my love for that wonderful community. The climax of No Problem is my tribute to the Sikhs who keep urging me to do the sequel to Singh Is Kinng."
Anees admits there has been no feelers from producer Vipul Shah to do a sequel to Singh Is Kinng.
And only Vipul can tell why I haven't been approached to do Singh Is Kinng 2 when the entire concept, look and execution of the first film is mine."
Anees says he would accommodate Singh Is Kinng 2 into his busy schedule even at this later stage if Vipul asked. Since Vipul is directing the sequel, Anees whose affinity to the Sikh community is intense, decided to write the entire climax of No Problem as homage to the Sikh community.
Every actor from Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna and Anil Kapoor to Paresh Rawal, Vishwajeet Pradhan and Suresh Menon is dressed as a Sardarji.
"It's supposed to be a roadside Punjabi dhaba in South Africa. We've called it The Dhaba. All the 17 main actors and 150 junior artistes barring Vijay Raaz are Sardarji. And a sign on the set says 'Punjab 0 Kms'."
Adds Vipul Shah, "I've nothing against Aneesbhai. We did Singh Is Kinng amicably. But at the moment he's directing many projects. He's over-committed. When he did the first Singh film for me, I was accused by producers of stealing him away from other projects. I don't want that accusation on my head again."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 14 Jan 2010 | 1:50 am Why Victoria Beckham should be more ridiculous as American Idol judge, says ... - Mirror.co.uk
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 14 Jan 2010 | 1:24 am Salman better ride a timid mare! - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 14 Jan 2010 | 1:24 am Priyanka Chopra: The Multiple Husband Adventure Path? - Entertainment and Showbiz!
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 14 Jan 2010 | 12:32 am Kareena ignores Shahid - Bollywood Mantra
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 14 Jan 2010 | 12:18 am Rs 315 cr in 18 days: 3 Idiots is India's biggest hit - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 14 Jan 2010 | 12:18 am Aayirathil Oruvan Review: A must watchAayirathil Oruvan, the much awaited movie is tipped to be the biggest blockbuster of 2010. It is about a journey in two different time periods. Three people meet by chance and then set off on an adventurous journey. Movie stars Karthi and Reemma Sen.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 13 Jan 2010 | 11:53 pm India, Oz should 'redefine friendship' - NDTV.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 13 Jan 2010 | 11:21 pm Conan O'Brien, Jay Leno to quit NBC?Amidst reports that Conan O'Brien might leave the NBC following his resentment at his show being pushed to midnight time slot, it is being said that Jay Leno may also be contemplating an exit.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 13 Jan 2010 | 10:00 pm Beauty contest to bring transgenders out of shell - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 13 Jan 2010 | 6:25 pm First day Adurs for Jr NTR - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 13 Jan 2010 | 6:24 pm Memphis garage rocker Jay Reatard no moreJay Reatard's record label Goner Records confirmed his death in a statement it posted on Wednesday.'It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our good friend Jay Reatard. Jay died in his sleep last night.' The garage rocker was 29.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 13 Jan 2010 | 3:03 pm Paula Abdul not in American Idol - did you miss her?Paula Abdul was not present on the sets of the American Idol which started its ninth season on a high note with an estimated audience of nearly 30 million people. Tuesday's viewer ship nearly matched the last season's debut audience of 30.4 million.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 13 Jan 2010 | 2:59 pm Spiderman 4: Robert Pattinson to replace Tobey Maguire?Twilight star Robert Pattinson might replace Spiderman star Tobey Maguire to play Peter Parker in the next installment of the movie Spiderman 4, which is slated to release in 2012.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 13 Jan 2010 | 2:49 pm Caitlin Crosby and Zachary Levi break off - pics, videoThe latest news is the Caitlin Crosby and Zachary Levi are no longer together. Caitlin Crosby is Zachary Levi's ex girlfriend now, after being together for 2 years. Zachary and Caitlin just got back from a vacation and so she did not see it comingSource: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 13 Jan 2010 | 12:18 pm Heidi Montag plastic surgery obsessionHeidi Montag of reality series 'The Hills' fame has admitted to having a bizarre addiction to plastic surgeries, so much so that the 23 year old star recently underwent 10 plastic surgeries in one day.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 13 Jan 2010 | 10:47 am Rann does not show media in bad light: RGVRam Gopal Varma avers that Rann exposes true colours of media but does not portray it in bad light. "I expose the media by showing its true colours...the pressures, problems and complexities in running a 24 hour news channel," says the director.Source: | 13 Jan 2010 | 10:18 am Now, download Delhi-6 on iTunesAbhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor starrer Delhi-6 has become the first Indian movie available for online download. It is available on the iTunes online store at a cost of...Source: | 13 Jan 2010 | 10:16 am "I don't blame Kangna for anything" - Adhyayan Suman
Adhyayan Suman who last year remained in the news for his tumultuous association with Kangna Ranaut is now looking to rebuild his career after the storm.
Adhyayan minces no words while saying he regretted the stormy affair with Kangna. "I was too young, too immature and gullible. My parents and my friends warned me I was losing out on my career because of my relationship. Like any young besotted guy, I couldn't see reason. I thought anyone who advised me against the relationship was my enemy. I was blinded by my passion. I don't blame Kangna for anything. It was a great learning experience for me. And I'm glad I went through it at the start of my career instead of later when I'd have much more to lose."
The young actor is now trying to rebuild his career. "I got a great break in Raaz 2. Then decent reviews for Jashnn. The Bhatts gave me a great break. But unfortunately the marketing was not done properly."
Adhyayan admits he had to spend Rs. 30 lakhs from the family's pocket for the marketing and promotion of Jashnn. "But I'll always be grateful to the Bhatts. I don't regret the Kangna episode either. I see them as important links in my growth as a human being and actor. I'm ready to start again."
Adhyayan is now playing the lead in Rani Mukherjee's brother Raja Mukherjee's film and also Telugu hotshot Sekhar Suri's film about how stars are exploited by politicians during election campaigns.
"It starts off as a story of a star who campaigns for a politician. Then when he realizes that he's being used by wrong elements, the star stands for elections himself. I quite identify with the character's growth from smugness to self-consciousness. I know I've been blind and I seemed arrogant in my attitude. All that has changed now," says Adhyayan.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 13 Jan 2010 | 10:13 am Foreign language Oscars are so unpredictableThe race for the Oscars will hot up in the weeks to come, and the one for the foreign language film evokes a keen interest in India. Here's perhaps why India has had an abysmally poor record on the Academy awards night year after year...Source: | 13 Jan 2010 | 8:50 am YRF signs deal to bring Switzerland to Bollywood fansYash Raj Films has tied up with tour operator SOTC and Brandivest AG, a Switzerland based enterprise to give Bollywood fans an opportunity to visit sites and locations in the European tourist destination where it has shot some of its famous movies.Source: | 13 Jan 2010 | 8:40 am Is Krrish's sequel feasible after Avatar?It looks like James Cameron's Avatar has affected Bollywood in unexpected ways. Director Rakesh Roshan is having second thoughts about making the sequel to Krrish after watching the Hollywood sci-fi sagaSource: | 13 Jan 2010 | 8:35 am 3 Idiots' grosses Rs.315 crore in 19 daysAamir Khan starrer comedy-drama 3 Idiots has grossed over Rs.315 crore ($70 million) globally in the 19 days since its release, a statement by Reliance BIG Entertainment, the film's distributor, said on TuesdaySource: | 13 Jan 2010 | 8:26 am "No one really expected 3 Idiots to do so well" - Madhavan
He has been in the industry for the past decade and yet he is termed as a newcomer. Apart from being fluent in almost five different languages and numerous hits in Tamil, Telegu, Hindi under his belt, he is still a fresh actor who manages to turn a new corner with ever role he plays. His smile has been an endearing beacon that has managed to survive the lashes of films and varied roles, he is none other than R. Madhavan. Bollywood Hungama caught up with this hyper active bubbling actor to find out more about his film 3 Idiots post its release which has been making waves ever since.
I just feel numb with all the positive reviews coming in
It's been more than two weeks now that 3 Idiots has released, looking back, how has the journey been?
Right now I am just too numb to really feel anything, like really there was a time when we were happy and then it goes ahead and breaks Ghajini's records, then we heard that its actually beaten Sholay's records, so there is a huge sense of happiness as the film has really gone ahead and touched the people the way we expected it to. The best part is that in the past five days I have seldom met people who haven't seen the film at least once. So on the whole the journey was fantastic but now after reaching such a point I have no idea what to do. I just feel numb with all the positive reviews coming in.
The reason Aamir is a perfectionist is that he does what is best for the film and not what is best for him
Did you'll expect such a huge response for the film, beating even Ghajini's BO record?
Well to be frank no one really expected the film to do so well. I think I was the only one on sets who went around saying that this film is going to be a big hit, but still I never thought that it would really turn out to be such a huge success. I mean come on, this has just gone all out and shattered all standards that we thought.
Everyone has an experience while working with the perfectionist, what's yours?
I think the biggest perfectionist is Rajkumar Hirani, which is what Aamir has said himself, while Aamir is actually a stickler for details and he follows his job very passionately. Whatever he does is full of passion and attention. Maybe this is why people get unnerved because you have to be as committed as him to your project only then will you see the same movie. As far as Raju is concerned, he was even more committed. The reason Aamir is a perfectionist is that he does what is best for the film and not what is best for him.
While shooting 3 Idiots we heard that you actually moved out of the hotel to stay with the IIM students, why?
We didn't have to move actually, it was another aspect to help us with our characters that we decided to stay in the hostel itself to get in touch with the mannerisms and behaviour of the students. So in a way this became helpful as the students also got well adjusted with us and us with them.
What was the funniest or rather embarrassing situation you faced while filming?
This will have to be the 'tohfa' scene where we had to pull down our pants. The worst part or rather as you said the embarrassing part was that it was not an all-guys college so we had girls there too and irrespective of that we just had to turn around and pull down our pants. This was also pretty difficult.
The entire team of 3I just went on tour of sorts, where all did you go and which was the best city according to you?
It's very difficult to choose. Everywhere we went, be it Indore, Bangalore, Delhi, Nagpur, Ahmedabad or anywhere for that matter, the response was the same. It just drove us up the wall. The ecstasy of the audience, the way they were even repeating dialogues from the film after 5 days; it was like a sea of people.
The embarrassing scene has to be the 'tohfa' scene where we had to pull down our pants
How similar are you to the character you played in the film 3I?
I think I am more like Rancho in real life. I mean I had a great relationship with my parents. I could explain myself to them; actually I went through the same situation as my character did. I have done my BSc too, but all my life I have been very different in what I do, not for the sake of being different but because I didn't find sense in what was being done.
Which has been the best compliment you have received from anyone in the industry?
Three of four of them actually said 'after seeing how you spoke to your father I actually have the courage to speak to mine' and these were from some people who are in the industry with us today.
I think I am more like Rancho in real life
You and Sharman remained mum at most press conferences during the whole Chetan Bhagat episode, so what's your take on it?
I think by the end of the entire controversy, it's pretty evident why it really happened. Mr. Bhagat has apologized now and I just think that he missed out on a great opportunity to be with us in our tours and all. Had we not been in a conflicting mode, lot better things would have come out. In fact we would have loved to share this entire success with him as part of the group which is what the original plan was. But he took an antagonistic approach and we had to safeguard ourselves.
Omi Vaidya has been receiving a lot of accolades...
All I can say about Omi is that he is a true super star, he's got the maximum benefit from the film and I think he deserves it, and well if he's smart about choosing a role that says a lot in the future. He's definitely got his place here. But he will have to learn the language; he doesn't know a lot of hindi.
So now after this, would you be taking off on a break to enjoy the victory?
Yes, actually I am planning a really nice long family holiday. In fact when I was a kid I had been to Canada to live with the cowboys as part of an exchange trip and I loved that life. It changed me totally apart from being a vegan. So I am planning to take my son and wife there to for a nice holiday.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 13 Jan 2010 | 8:25 am Spider-Man 4 to hit screens in 2012 with new castThe fourth instalment in the highly awaited Spider-Man franchise will release in 2012 without actor Tobey Maguire in the lead and filmmaker Sam Raimi behind the megaphone, as they have quit over reported script issues.Source: | 13 Jan 2010 | 8:19 am A matter of chance - The Hindu
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 13 Jan 2010 | 8:04 am 'Rann' offers peek into India's media industryMUMBAI (Reuters) - Ram Gopal Varma's latest film "Rann", about the highly competitive world of television news reporting in India, has been inspired a "hundred percent" from real events, the filmmaker said.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 13 Jan 2010 | 7:57 am Bhandarkar questions Neil's exclusion from award nominations
After nominations for SCREEN awards were announced Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra was seen blasting SCREEN for largely ignoring Delhi 6 from the nominations that have been announced, it is Madhur Bhandarkar's turn. Reason? His Jail has been truly and completely ignored. While it can be argued that nominations were based on popularity quotient of the films and the artists involved, Bhandarkar is holding a grudge.
While Jail hasn't fetched him any nominations, Madhur is even more shocked with the exclusion of Neil Nitin Mukesh from the list created for 'Best Actor'. The ones who have made the cut are Aamir Khan (3 Idiots), Amitabh Bachchan (Paa), Ranbir Kapoor (2 nominations for Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Rocket Singh Salesman Of The Year), Saif Ali Khan (Love Aaj Kal) and Shahid Kapur (Kaminey).
Says a source close to Bhandarkar, "He is just not able to digest that Neil's performance in Jail has been ignored. Ok, so the film didn't do too well at the box office but at the end of the day it wins critical acclaim. It's really surprising and only leads one to look at the nominations list more carefully."
It could well be a trend in the making for Madhur Bhandarkar as far as SCREEN nominations are concerned. Last year too when nominations were announced for the 'Best of the Best in 2008', Fashion wasn't nominated for Best Film, Best Music or Best Director. However, Priyanka Chopra and Kangna did see nominations coming their way while there were a few other categories as well where Fashion did make a cut.
"See, Madhur is not taking things personally because of him being ignored in the nominations. He is sport and mature enough to understand that. However, he doesn't buy the point around popularity quotient being the deciding factor. After all actors, from certain films which didn't work at the box office have also been nominated", questions the source, "Also, let the fact be known that from recovery standpoint, Jail was a breakeven preposition for the makers."
Madhur Bhandarkar, who has recently returned from Kashmir after a family holiday, has ever since then been severely disappointed with the state of affairs. Though he was unwilling to comment on exclusion of Jail in general, he didn't mince words when it came to Neil Nitin Mukesh.
"It's a known fact that almost all critics, quite a few prominent members from the film fraternity as well as audiences who saw the film had hailed Neil's performance. Really, if performance was the only criteria for an actor to be nominated, then Neil should have made it to the list and so should have Manoj Bajpai for Best Supporting Actor. These exclusions only lead me to speculate about what happens behind closed doors when it comes to awards", comments Madhur.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 13 Jan 2010 | 7:44 am ‘Fleming’s role a rumour’Hollywood actor James McAvoy has rubbished reports that he has been approached to play the lead in Ian Fleming’s biopic.Source: | 13 Jan 2010 | 7:01 am Where the Wild Things Are – A movie on creatures - 4“Building the creatures alone took eight months. But basically we decided what we wanted it to feel like and worked backwards on how to get there—and just stuck to that, for better or worse. Like ‘OK, we’re going to do thisSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Jan 2010 | 4:55 am Where the Wild Things Are – A movie on creatures - 3Most of the creatures in the film are vaguely mammalian, from the panther-like Thanator to the obviously equine Direhorse, but at least two creatures have a slightly more reptilian aspect. Both, the Mountain Banshee and the Great Leonopteryx, are brightly-colored flyingSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Jan 2010 | 4:52 am Robert Downey Jr quits ‘Cowboys And Aliens'London (ANI): Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr. has walked out of new movie Cowboys And Aliens for Sherlock Holmes sequel. He was to re-team with Iron Man director Jon Favreau for the sci-fi adventure, based on the 2006 graphic novel ofSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Jan 2010 | 4:49 am Where the Wild Things Are – A movie on creatures -2The earliest land-dwelling vertebrates on our planet, the ancestors of all amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, had four limbs, but what if by some quirk they had six? What might their descendants look like millions of years later? The creatures ofSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Jan 2010 | 4:49 am Where the Wild Things Are – A movie on creatures -1Now days there have been many movies on the creatures of Avatar, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Shrek, and Beowulf are entirely speculative and in some cases are modeled closely on familiar animals, but they are still interesting interpretations ofSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Jan 2010 | 4:45 am Where the Wild Things Are – A movie on creaturesAfter the overwhelming success of the James Cameron directed Avatar, Warner Bros Pictures India is all geared up with it's next release Where the Wild Things Are starring Max Records, Pepita Emmerichs, Max Pfeifer, Madeleine Greaves, Joshua Jay and Catherine Keener.Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Jan 2010 | 4:39 am Amitabh shares his happiness after Star Screen AwardsThe 68 years old Amitabh who won the Best Actor award at the 16th Star Screen Awards shared his experience of winning the award and that too form the hands of his son Abhishek Bachchan and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Bachchan. Amitabh whoSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Jan 2010 | 4:30 am Megan Fox strips for Emporio Armani Underwear adNew York (ANI): Sexy Megan Fox has stripped down to undies to pose for new Emporio Armani Underwear ad campaign. The black and white photos of the 23-year-old actress shot by fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, will appear inSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Jan 2010 | 4:25 am Kerry Katona expecting her fifth babyLondon (ANI): Former Atomic Kitten Kerry Katona has quit Fat Camp – because she’s expecting baby No 5, it has emerged. She used her Twitter account to give the hint, reports the Daily Star. She tweeted that she had “unexpected news”Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Jan 2010 | 4:24 am Alex Reid wants Peter Andre in Celebrity Big BrotherLondon (ANI): Katie Price a.k.a. Jordan's cagefighter lover Alex Reid has said that he would like Aussie singer Peter Andre to be in the Celebrity Big Brother show. Reid has been telling other CBB housemates, one of whom, Dane, is Jordan'sSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 13 Jan 2010 | 4:22 am Balki plans to make comedy starring Big B
Balki has put on hold plans of his next feature film until his wife Gauri Shinde, whom Balki met in the advertising world, makes her first feature. "She isn't going to rush her script. And I'm willing to wait," says the director.
Paa is one of the biggest contenders for awards this year but 3 Idiots bagged the Screen popular awards for Best Director and Best Film.
Ask Balki if he cares. In fact he didn't even want to attend the awards. "In all these years in advertising I never went for awards function for excellence in ad-making. Naturally, I thought I'd extend the same attitude to filmmaking. However, Mr. Bachchan and Abhishek wanted me to accompany them for the Screen Awards so I went. It wasâ¦.fun! I was thrilled for Amitji, Vidya Balan, the child artiste who played Vishnu and Arundhati Nag."
As for Balki missing out on the awards for Best Director and Best Picture, he shrugs, "It just means more people saw 3 Idiots than Paa which I gladly accept. I saw 3 Idiots too and had a good time. I thought Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor were fantastic."
Balki is in fact thinking of working with Kareena, after having extracted such outstanding work from Tabu in Cheeni Kum and Vidya Balan in Paa. "I'd also love to work with Deepika Padukone," says Balki enthusiastically.
So would Deepika feature opposite Big B in his next? "Why not?" shoots back Balki. "It all depends on how far you stretch the boundaries of conventionality in cinema. For me there's no point in making feature films if I don't push the envelope. I might as well continue making ads."
After two hugely unconventional successes, Balki is no mood to sit on his laurels. He has already started work on his next film, a comedy written for the Big B in mind.
Shedding light on the laughter that would emanate from his third feature film, Balki says, "Cheeni Kum and Paa were both humorous takes on what people saw as serious issues. But I never set out to make issue-based films. They just happened. I just want to entertain the audience intelligently. My comedy won't be slapstick or situational. It would be a very specific situation and theme targeted at bringing out the amusing side of a particular aspect of our life."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 13 Jan 2010 | 3:21 am Wishing Imran Khan a very happy Birthday
Almost 27 years ago, there was a kid born to Anil Pal and Nuzhat Khan, who, instead of crying out 'Maa', said 'Bollywood'. In other words, this kid was destined to be in Bollywood since his birth. He later grew up to become Imran Khan, the dashing dude, who celebrates his grand birthday today.
Imran has to his credit of a very successful dream debut film in Jaane Tu...Yaa Jaane Na.. a film that gave Bollywood its Gen-Next Superstar. Imran later went onto do films like Kidnap etc..., films that only consolidated his position in the Numero Uno slot. The whole of Bollywood is now waiting with bated breath for this stud's next venture Delhi Belly.
Join Bollywood Hungama as we wish Imran Khan a very happy Birthday, by posting your wishes below:Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 13 Jan 2010 | 2:47 am
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