‘I don’t care’

‘I don’t care’...says John Abraham about those who continue to cast a shadow on his success.
Source: | 17 Jan 2010 | 5:50 am

Imran gifts red Beetle to fiancee

Bollywood actor Imran Khan, who exchanged rings with his long-time girlfriend Avantika Malik on Saturday night, has gifted her a Volkswagen Beetle which he especially imported from Europe.
Source: | 17 Jan 2010 | 4:38 am

Teen Patti sees me in grey: Madhavan

Actor R. Madhavan will for the first time play a character with &quot;grey shades&quot; in Bollywood in <I>Teen Patti</I>. 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 17 Jan 2010 | 4:30 am

Jurassic Park to return to the big screen

"There is going to be a Jurassic Park IV. And it's going to be unlike anything you've seen. It breaks away from the first three - it's essentially the beginning of the second Jurassic Park trilogy. It's going to be done in a completely different way."
Source: | 17 Jan 2010 | 4:07 am

Rituparno Ghosh's Abohomaan set for release

Maverick filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh's new Bengali celluloid venture Abohomaan, portraying the complexity of a relationship between a director and an actress which takes a toll on their family lives, is all set to hit cineplexes
Source: | 17 Jan 2010 | 3:44 am

Number three has been lucky for me: Madhavan

Actor R. Madhavan seems to have taken a fancy for the number "three" as most of his recent films with the same digit have been hits and his upcoming ventures also carry the number connection.
Source: | 17 Jan 2010 | 3:38 am

Shyam Benegal's Manthan to be screened at Berlinale

Manthan, released in 1976, will be among 11 films revolving around the relationship between food and love, nature, and the environment that will be presented in the section, a release on the official website of the film festival stated.
Source: | 17 Jan 2010 | 3:35 am

'Harishchandrachi Factory' has special show at Rashtrapati Bhavan

A special screening of Marathi film "Harishchandrachi Factory", India's official entry to the Oscars, was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday evening.
Source: Entertainment News | 17 Jan 2010 | 3:29 am

I have no desire to direct: Paresh Rawal

Paresh Rawal's acting skills are well-known and the popular actor also dons the producer's hat for several television serials but the veteran is clear that he will not turn director in the near future.
Source: | 17 Jan 2010 | 3:28 am

When debutants, Ben Kingsley left Big B embarrassed

Amitabh Bachchan is proud to have worked with four newcomers in the new film Teen Patti, saying even when he did not know his lines, they would be set and ready on the sets. And it was much the same with co-actor Ben Kingsley...
Source: | 17 Jan 2010 | 3:17 am

'I play a hateful person in Karthik Calling Karthik'

Popular television actor Ram Kapoor, says he plays a mean and hateful person in his first mainstream Bollywood film Karthik Calling Karthik which also stars Farhan Akhtar.
Source: | 17 Jan 2010 | 3:16 am

Gandhi's childhood would make for great film, says great grandson

There have been films on Mahatma Gandhi's freedom struggle, his values, beliefs and even one on how he fared as a father to his son, but now his great grandson Tushar Gandhi says he would like to see Bapu's childhood years on the big screen.
Source: Entertainment News | 17 Jan 2010 | 2:46 am

Star-studded marathon begins in Mumbai

A star-studded race, the seventh Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, got underway here today morning amidst tight security and elaborate arrangements.
Source: Entertainment News | 17 Jan 2010 | 2:32 am

Shahid Kapur has finally arrived - Total Filmy

Total Filmy

Shahid Kapur has finally arrived Total Filmy Mumbai, January 17 -- Shahid Kapur seems to be on a joy ride these days. He is not the old Shahid anymore who was once just latching on to his famous superstar girlfriend Kareena Kapoor for getting a part ... Shahid Kapoor bowled over by AamirOneindia One day the audience will love me: ShahidTimes of India Shahid Kapoor Idealises Aamir Khanindia-server.com PlanetRadiocity -Oneindia all 21 news articles »

Source: Entertainment - Google News | 17 Jan 2010 | 2:31 am

Salman jumps on promotional bandwagon - Total Filmy

NDTV.com

Salman jumps on promotional bandwagon Total Filmy by padmapreetham - January 17, 2010 - 0 comments Mumbai, January 17-- Actor Salman Khan, who is awaiting his big ticket release 'Veer' this month, is now said to be busy with its promotions. The actor and his leading lady in the film, Zarine Khan, ... Salman better ride a timid mare!Times of India Will Salman beat Aamir and SRK?GlamSham A glimpse of Salman Khan's new girlRediff IndiaGlitz -Oneindia -NDTV.com all 102 news articles »

Source: Entertainment - Google News | 17 Jan 2010 | 2:31 am

'Teen Patti' sees me in grey role for first time: Madhavan

Actor R.
Source: Entertainment News | 17 Jan 2010 | 1:17 am

Globalisation of Indian cinema

All about the upcoming craze for indian cinema around the globe.
Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 16 Jan 2010 | 11:55 pm

'Avatar' claims six honours at Critics Choice Movie Awards

Acclaimed director James Cameron's much-anticipated 3D sci-fi epic "Avatar" became critics' favourite by bagging six honours at the 2010 Critics Choice Movie Awards.
Source: Entertainment News | 16 Jan 2010 | 11:52 pm

White Collar returns on USA network

USA Network will be axing a number of Friday night dramas to make way for new shows like White Collar and Psych. White Collar will start airing at Tuesdays 10 pm from this week, and Psych air on Wednesdays from next week.
Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 16 Jan 2010 | 11:24 pm

Teen Patti sees me in grey: Madhavan - NDTV.com

Hindustan Times

Teen Patti sees me in grey: Madhavan NDTV.com Actor R. Madhavan will for the first time play a character with "grey shades" in Bollywood in Teen Patti. While he is a professor in the forthcoming film, the actor will also be seen sporting "six different avatars" in the thriller that also features ... R Madhavan to don six different looks in 'Teen Patti'Press Trust of India Madhavan: Big B and Kingsley are fabulousStarBoxOffice.com Ben Kingsley is a wonderful human being: Big BIndian Express Total Filmy -Indiainfo.com -India.com all 87 news articles »

Source: Entertainment - Google News | 16 Jan 2010 | 11:03 pm

Aayirathil Oruvan taught Reemma patience! - Galatta.com

Sify

Aayirathil Oruvan taught Reemma patience! Galatta.com In India, you announce a movie today and release it ten months later, or at the most an year later. The first man to bend this rule was the man who bent all the other rules in the book – Kamal Haasan! While his comedy flicks come in quick succession, ... Rajinikanth watches AO!Sify AO team energisedTimes of India I am not there in TVP: ReemmaIndiaGlitz BehindWoods -Thaindian.com -Sify all 25 news articles »

Source: Entertainment - Google News | 16 Jan 2010 | 7:53 pm

Brittany Murphy's mom says she didn't do drugs

Brittany Murphy's husband Simon Monjack and her mother Sharon Murphy have come forward claiming that the 32 year old star neither had an eating disorder, nor did she take drugs. They say it was a congenital heart condition that took her life.
Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 16 Jan 2010 | 3:58 pm

Backstreet Boys coming to India

This year opens with a musical note for India. American multi-Grammy nominated pop band Backstreet Boys, pop/rock singer Richard Marx and South African band Prime Circle will headline this year’s Rock In India 2010 festival, reports Jairaj Singh.
Source: | 16 Jan 2010 | 3:38 pm

TV channel brings four-part series 'My Name Is Khan'

With all eyes now on "My Name Is Khan", TV channel is bringing an exclusive preview to the movies' star cast, filmmaker and its making with the hit trio of Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.
Source: Entertainment News | 16 Jan 2010 | 2:26 pm

'Book of Eli' grosses $11.7 million, beats 'Avatar'

'The Book of Eli,' which stars Denzel Washington as a survivor of an apocalypse who is fighting for his existence and identity, grossed a record $11.7 million on its opening day beating the record of 'Avatar' which raked in $10.4 million.
Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 16 Jan 2010 | 2:02 pm

Gisele Bundchen donates $1.5 mn to Haiti

Gisele Bundchen, the world's highest paid supermodel, has donated $1.5 million for relief efforts for Haiti earthquake victims.<br> 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 16 Jan 2010 | 1:51 pm

Rajeev Khandelwal plays the lead in 'Joker'

Bollywood actor Rajeev Khandelwal, who received acclaim for his debut <I>Aamir</I>, will next be doing a project tentatively titled <I>Joker</I>. The shooting will begin Jan 20.<br> 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 16 Jan 2010 | 1:48 pm

Victoria Beckham hides shabby look

Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham tried her level best to hide from the paparazzi, but was caught make-up free. 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 16 Jan 2010 | 1:43 pm

Imran gifts red Beetle to fiancee

Bollywood actor Imran Khan, who will exchange rings with his long-time girlfriend Avantika Malik soon, has gifted her a Volkswagen Beetle. 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 16 Jan 2010 | 1:39 pm

Anil 'nervous' about Hollywood debut

Bollywood star Anil Kapoor`s performance in the superhit TV series <I>24</I> has already been given a thumps up by critics but the actor is nervous about his Hollywood debut. 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 16 Jan 2010 | 12:51 pm

Anil Ambani plans a takeover of MGM Hollywood studio

According to the reports, Anil Ambani plans a takeover of the Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer Hollywood studio in an attempt to become one of the world's most powerful film bosses. 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 16 Jan 2010 | 12:00 pm

Miia Carruthers, Tyler Nelson on Taking the Stage

The one hour special episode of Taking the Stage would show the graduation of certain stars from season one like Mia Carruthers, Jasmine White Killians, Malik Kitchen and Shaakira Sargent. Then there would be a special on season two auditions.
Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 16 Jan 2010 | 11:30 am

Imran Khan gifts red Beetle to fiancee

Bollywood actor Imran Khan, who will exchange rings with his long-time girlfriend Avantika Malik today night, has gifted her a Volkswagen Beetle which he especially imported from Europe.
Source: Entertainment News | 16 Jan 2010 | 11:06 am

Jimmy Buffett tour dates 2010, tickets

Jimmy Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band will be performing in the Colonial Life Arena on February 23 and in Amway Arena on February 25 as part of the Summerzcool tour 2010.
Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 16 Jan 2010 | 10:47 am

The Khan phenomenon - Express Buzz

Hindustan Times

The Khan phenomenon Express Buzz As the box office continues to quake and tremble under the cumulative impact of Avatar and 3 Idiots, every single trade pundit — along with every single web site and blog devoted to film — has taken it upon himself to genuflect in unconcealed awe. ... IN PASSISNG...The Hindu Aamir: I do what makes me happyTimes of India Aamir Khan's 3 Idiots remade in Kannada?Oneindia Apun Ka Choice -Entertainment and Showbiz! -Screen Weekly all 59 news articles »

Source: Entertainment - Google News | 16 Jan 2010 | 10:27 am

A death unites Paris and Nicole

Johnson & Johnson heiress Casey Johnson's death has brought former best friends Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie closer - they've bonded over the tragedy.<br> 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 16 Jan 2010 | 9:16 am

Imran gifts red Beetle to fiancee - NDTV.com

Indian Express

Imran gifts red Beetle to fiancee NDTV.com Bollywood actor Imran Khan, who will exchange rings with his long-time girlfriend Avantika Malik Saturday night, has gifted her a Volkswagen Beetle which he especially imported from Europe. "Imran gifted her a red Beetle as her engagement present. ... Imran gifts Volkswagen Beetle to fiancée AvantikaTotal Filmy New Volkswagen car gifted by Imran to fiancéeEntertainment and Showbiz! Imran-Avantika getting engaged tonightHindustan Times Indiainfo.com -Oneindia -Desi Hits! all 51 news articles »

Source: Entertainment - Google News | 16 Jan 2010 | 8:24 am

Shahid steals show in 'Chance Pe Dance'

At one point in this heartwarming journey into the life of a Bollywood struggler, one of the kids in the school where our hero teaches dance wonders how he manages to wear such trendy T-shirts when he lives in a car and has no money for food.
Source: Entertainment News | 16 Jan 2010 | 8:22 am

Masand's Movie Review: Chance Pe Dance annoying - IBNLive.com

Hindustan Times

Masand's Movie Review: Chance Pe Dance annoying IBNLive.com BELOW PAR: Shahid Kapoor stars as Sameer Behl, a struggling actor chasing the Bollywood dream. ibnlive.com is on mobile now. Read news, watch videos be a Citizen Journalist. Log on to m.ibnlive.com NOW! There are three moments in Chance Pe Dance that I ... Mayank Shekhar's Review: Chance Pe DanceHindustan Times Review: The dance has no chanceDaily News & Analysis Chance Pe Dance: a waste of timeTotal Filmy Entertainment and Showbiz! -india-server.com -Times of India all 205 news articles »

Source: Entertainment - Google News | 16 Jan 2010 | 8:20 am

Michael Jackson wanted to work with A R Rahman

'King of Pop' Michael Jackson had expressed a desire to work with Indian composer A R Rahman just two months before he died.<br> 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 16 Jan 2010 | 8:13 am

Nominations for Max Stardust Awards 2010

Superstar Of Tomorrow - Male Ranbir Kapoor - Wake Up Sid & Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani Imraan Khan - Luck Farhan Akhtar - Luck By Chance Neil Nitin Mukesh - New York Harman Baweja - What's Your Raashee? Superstar Of Tomorrow - Female Deepika Padukone - Love Aaj Kal Sonam Kapoor - Delhi 6 Isha Sharvani - Luck By Chance Mugdha Godse - Jail Asin - London Dreams Breakthrough Performance - Male Abhimanyu Singh - Gulaal Chandan Roy Sanyal - Kaminey Parzan Dastur - Sikandar Amol Gupte - Kaminey Adhyayan Suman - Raaz -The Mystery Continues Cyrus Broacha - 99 Breakthrough Performance - Female Chitrashi Rawat - Luck Urvashi Sharma - Baabarr Shahana Goswami - Firaaq Gauhar Khan - Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year Mugdha Godse - All The Best Kalki Koechlin - Dev D Bhavna Pani - Fast Forward Kulraj Randhawa - Chintuji Hottest Film Of The Year Paa All The Best Love Aaj Kal Gulaal Quick Gun Murugan Hottest New Director Renzil D'Silva - Kurbaan Anthony D'Souza - Blue Ayaan Mukherjee - Wake Up Sid Prabhu Devaa - Wanted Zoya Akhtar - Luck By Chance Exciting New Face Shazahn Padamsee - Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year Giselle Monteiro - Love Aaj Kal Jacqueline Fernandez - Aladin Shruti Hassan - Luck Standout Performance By A Music Director Amit Trivedi - Dev D RDB - Kambakkht Ishq Piyush Mishra - Gulaal Sharib -Toshi - Raaz -The Mystery Continues & Jashnn Sohail Sen - What's Your Raashee? Bappa Lahiri - Jai Veeru Standout Performance By A Lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya - Emosional Atyachar - (Dev D) Sandeep Shrivastava - Mere Sang Toh Chal Zaraa - (New York) Shellee - Dhol Yaara Dhol - (Dev D) Subrat Sinha - Piya Jaise Ladoo - (Radio) New Musical Sensation - Male Mohit Chauhan - Masakali - (Delhi 6) Mohit Chauhan - Dooriyan - (Love Aaj Kal) Amit Trivedi - Emosional Atyachar - (Dev D) Tochi Raina - Pardesi - (Dev D) Suraj Jagan - Give Me Some Sunshine - (3 Idiots) Toshi - Maahi - (Raaz -The Mystery Continues) New Musical Sensation - Female Kavita Seth - Iktara - (Wake Up Sid) Mouli Dave - Agre Ka Ghagra - (Jai Veeru) Tarannum Malik - Salone Kya - (What's Your Raashee?) Shruti Hasaan - Aazma Luck Aazma - (Luck) Bela Shinde - Su Chhe - (What's Your Raashee?) STARDUST SEARCHLIGHT AWARDS Best Actor Abhay Deol - Dev D Naseeruddin Shah - Firaaq Kay Kay Menon - Gulaal Rishi Kapoor - Chintuji Irrfan Khan - Billu Akshay Kumar - 8x10 Tasveer Best Actress Soha Ali Khan - 99 Preity Zinta - Videsh Mahie Gill - Dev D Lara Dutta - Billu Best Film Chintuji Sankat City 99 Billu Dev D Best Director Nandita Das - Firaaq Priyadarshan - Billu Ashu Trikha - Baabarr Ranjit Kapoor - Chintuji Pankaj Advani - Sankat City Anurag Kashyap - Dev D READERS CHOICE AWARDS Dream Director Rajkumar Hirani - 3 Idiots Rajkumar Santoshi - Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani Rohit Shetty - All The Best Vishal Bhardwaj - Kaminey R. Balki - Paa Imtiaz Ali - Love Aaj Kal Best Film Of The Year -Comedy De Dana Dan Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani All The Best Do Knot Disturb Dil Bole Hadippa Best Film Of The Year - Action / Thriller Blue Wanted Kaminey New York Kurbaan Best Film Of The Year - Drama 3 Idiots Love Aaj Kal Dev D Wake Up Sid Delhi 6 Star Of The Year - Male Aamir Khan - 3 Idiots Amitabh Bachchan - Paa Saif Ali Khan - Love Aaj Kal Salman Khan - Wanted Akshay Kumar - Blue Shahid Kapoor - Kaminey Ajay Devgn - All The Best Star Of The Year -Female Katrina Kaif - Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani & New York Kareena Kapoor - Kurbaan & 3 Idiots Vidya Balan - Paa Rani Mukherjee - Dil Bole Hadippa Priyanka Chopra - Kaminey Best Actor In A Supporting Role Abhishek Bachchan - Paa Vivek Oberoi - Kurbaan Rishi Kapoor - Luck By Chance Hrithik Roshan - Luck By Chance Sharman Joshi - 3 Idiots Best Actress In A Supporting Role Dimple Kapadia - Luck By Chance Kirron Kher - Kurbaan Divya Dutta - Delhi 6 Tisca Chopra - Firaaq Supriya Pathak - Wake Up Sid Best Actor In A Comedy Role Sanjay Dutt - All The Best Akshay Kumar - De Dana Dan Ajay Devgn - All The Best Riteish Deshmukh - Do Knot Disturb Govinda - Life Partner
Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 16 Jan 2010 | 7:55 am

Avatar, Basterds win big at Critics Choice awards

Director James Cameron's 3-D epic <I>Avatar</I> and Quentin Tarantino's <I>Inglorius Basterds</I> bagged the major awards at the 2010 Critics Choice Movie Awards. 

Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 16 Jan 2010 | 7:55 am

Anil 'nervous' about Hollywood debut - NDTV.com

Screen Weekly

Anil 'nervous' about Hollywood debut NDTV.com PTI Bollywood star Anil Kapoor`s performance in the superhit TV series 24 has already been given a thumps up by critics but the actor is nervous about his Hollywood debut in the episode which airs tomorrow. The Slumdog Millionaire star plays the leader ... Slumdog's Anil Kapoor nabs plum job on 24Toronto Star Anil Kapoor An Enigma, To Hit American TV Screen!india-server.com Anil plays prezTimes of India Entertainment and Showbiz! -Digital Spy -PopEater all 43 news articles »

Source: Entertainment - Google News | 16 Jan 2010 | 7:29 am

Critics Choice Awards 2010 Winners - full list

The Critics Choice 2010 Awards were held on January 14, 2010, Friday at Hollywood Palladium. The highlights of the Awards was the lip lock between Sandra Bullock and Meryl Streep on the stage. The list of Critics Choice Awards 2010 winners is here.
Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 16 Jan 2010 | 7:20 am

Sanjay, Anil, Govinda and Akshaye in Indra Kumar's next

After having directed many hit films like Dil, Beta, Raja, Ishq, Masti and Dhamaal under his banner Maruti International, veteran filmmaker Indra Kumar is now all set to direct a film outside his banner for noted production house- Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd. The film will star top actors such as Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor, Govinda, Akshaye Khanna and one more hero in lead roles. The leading ladies are yet to be finalized. While directing the as-yet-untitled film for Ashtavinayak, Indra Kumar will also be simultaneously working on Double Dhamaal (the much awaited sequel of his super-hit film Dhamaal). Double Dhamaal however will be made under his home banner Maruti International. One will have to wait and watch if Indra Kumar is able to create 'Double Magic' with these two films later this year.
Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 16 Jan 2010 | 6:37 am

Anees Bazmee signs up Akshay Kumar for Thank You

Ever since the Lady Luck has started smiling on Anees Bazmee, there has been no looking back for him. He is what one would call as the man with the 'Midas Touch'. Testimonies to this, stand in the form of blockbusters hits like Singh Is Kinng, Welcome, No Entry... to name a few. Anees, who is busy with his next magnum opus No Problem, that has a gigantic cast of all the possible topnotch names, is now all set to roll his next film titled Thank You that stars Akshay Kumar. Speaking exclusively to Bollywood Hungama, Anees confirmed the news saying "Yes. I am starting UTV's Thank You. And so far, I have just signed Akshay Kumar. The rest of the star cast is yet to be finalized. All that I can say right now is that it will be a romantic comedy." When we spoke to Vikas Behl, Chief Operating Officer- UTV Motion Pictures, he said "We are thrilled to have Anees Bazmee and Akshay Kumar on board for Thank You. It's an absolutely delightful story and will be a hilarious comedy. We hope to take comedy to the next level with Thank You." Here's hoping that Anees 'Midas Touch' Bazmee continues his golden marathon run with Thank You at the Box- Office.
Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 16 Jan 2010 | 6:35 am

Review: Did You Hear About The Morgans? - Hindustan Times

Hindustan Times

Review: Did You Hear About The Morgans? Hindustan Times This movie's title begs for trouble. Because at the end of some unnerving 90 minutes, we wish we hadn't ever heard of the Morgans of Manhattan. They are such a tiresome couple, devoid of empathy, an insult to the concept of a romcom. ... Masand's Review: Did you hear about the Morgans? not originalIBNLive.com Did You Hear About the Morgans?Times of India Did You Hear About the Morgans?Indian Express Jakarta Post -India.com -Mid-Day all 16 news articles »

Source: Entertainment - Google News | 16 Jan 2010 | 6:32 am

Anil Kapoor makes debut on '24' on Sunday

Bollywood star Anil Kapoor is excited about his debut on Sunday on "24", a popular American TV series depicting a 24-hour period in the life of a government agent fighting fictitious terrorist threats to the US.
Source: Entertainment News | 16 Jan 2010 | 5:12 am

Akshay Kumar chosen as the Brand Ambassador for Dollar banian

Bollywood is all about synonyms. While Aamir Khan is synonymous with Perfection, Salman Khan is synonymous with brawn and generosity, the one word (which says it all) synonymous for the 'Smooth Operator' Akshay Kumar 'Machismo'. One has to give it to Akshay Kumar when it comes to 'Machoism'. Be it the silver screen or the product endorsement arena, Akshay Kumar has handled both with equal ease. After having endorsed a million products like Levis, Thums Up etc..., the latest one in his kitty of endorsements is 'Dollar banian'. According to Bollywood Hungama's confirmed sources, "Keeping the said brand's positioning and image in the market, Akshay Kumar was an obvious choice". Repeated attempts to contact Akshay Kumar proved futile.
Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 16 Jan 2010 | 4:48 am

Times change but situations seldom : Ek Aur Dronacharya

The teacher student relationship hasn't remained unaffected; here too, power and superiority came into play.
Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 16 Jan 2010 | 4:37 am

Aamir Khan: A brilliant idiot!

A superbly talented actor known as Mr Perfectionist and Bollywood's version of Tom Hanks, Aamir Khan has done it once again. 3 Idiots that hit the screens across India and abroad three weeks ago has set many records which no other Indian movie has been ab
Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 16 Jan 2010 | 4:30 am

"I don't want to play another Chatur" - Omi Vaidya

The one film that is taking the world by storm is Rajkumar Hirani's 3 Idiots. While the 3 Idiots - Aamir, Sharman and Madhavan are surely basking in all the adulation coming their way, there is yet another actor who, before the release of the film was unheard of, but is now the talk of the town. Yes, we are indeed talking about the inimitable Omi Vaidya who played the role of Chatur 'Silencer' Ramlingam in 3 Idiots. Bollywood Hungama got in touch with the 'Chamatkaari' actor for an interesting rendezvous and found out that he is as funny off-screen as he is on-screen. Read on to find out more... To start off, heartiest congratulations on bagging two awards at the Star Screen Awards...how is the feeling? It's feeling unreal...actually surreal. To be honest...I thought I had a chance at winning the Best Newcomer award but never did I think in my wildest dreams that I would also end up winning the Best Actor in a Comic Role award. I was nominated alongside veterans like Johnny Lever, Paresh Rawal etc, so didn't really think I had a chance there. When my name was finally announced, I couldn't believe my ears (smiles). I thought I had a chance at winning the Best Newcomer award but never did I think in my wildest dreams that I would also end up winning the Best Actor in a Comic Role award. Pre-release, not many people knew about you but after release you have become the talk of the town. What do you have to say about that? Yeah...a few days ago nobody knew me. I could walk down the street without anyone recognizing me which was kind of nice. But now, wherever I go, most people recognize me as the guy from 3 Idiots and want to come up to me for a photograph or a handshake. The whole feeling is just sinking in. It's quite unbelievable. I don't know what the future holds but I am definitely looking forward to it. What is the best compliment that you have received and from whom? After the premiere of 3 Idiots, Shabana Azmiji came up to my mother and told her that ''He's done the best work in the film'' To me that was a really huge compliment coming from someone as reputed as Shabanaji. After the premiere of 3 Idiots, Shabana Azmiji came up to my mother and told her that ''He's done the best work in the film'' To me that was a really huge compliment. The one thing that people do know about you is that you are based in USA. Could you throw some more light on your background? Yes! I live in Los Angeles, USA. That's where I grew up, but every year we used to come to India. My native place in India is Goa and I also did visit Mumbai quite often during my growing up days. I started acting when I was about six in Marathi mandal nataks and some English plays in the US. I learnt more about acting in high school and that's when I became really serious about films as a career. I went to NYU film school and learnt the ropes of filmmaking, editing, acting etc. I learnt the technical language used on the sets. After graduating in honors from NYU, I went back to Los Angeles and began auditioning for roles in T.V. serials and films. What kind of work have you been doing in the USA? I have done T.V. serials like The Office, Arrested Development, Kath and Kim, CSI: Las Vegas. I began doing lots of T.V.shows and ads. I was competing with not only Indian actors but other regular American actors as well and luckily succeeded in getting some good roles which was a good accomplishment in itself. Staying in the USA have you been an avid Bollywood buff? Not so much...I do watch Bollywood films but not many. I usually end up watching the ones recommended by my mother. Growing up, I remember having watched classics like Mughal-e-Azam, Padosan etc. Later on, Roja, Dil Se, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam are some films which I can remember having watched. I liked the work of actors like Naseruddin Shah, Nana Patekar, and Om Puri. How did you land the role of Chatur Ramalingam? I was here on vacation in India when one of my friends (who writes with Abhijat Joshi) told me that Vidhu Vinod Chopra Productions is looking for an actor to play a part in 3 Idiots. I was apprehensive of going for an audition as I don't speak Hindi too well. Nevertheless I gave an audition. I said a few lines from 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' in my own typical broken Hindi and as luck would have it they really loved it. They thought that I would suit the role of the NRI character very well and the rest as they say is history. Raju and Vidhu had the vision and were willing to take the risk on somebody new like me. Luckily it paid off. What was your initial reaction when you were offered this role? I thought to myself, "What the hell am I getting into? A Bollywood film with Aamir Khan..." It all sounded quite crazy and too good to be true at that point of time. But then I said that lets stop thinking about it and focus on getting the character right You are a Maharashtrian yet you got the accent of the NRI South Indian bang on. How come? Yeah! I am a Maharashtrian with a Konkani background. I always had the American accent so playing the NRI part was not tough but since my character is a South Indian I had to slightly get a South Indian twang to my accent. I guess I have managed to pull it off. I took some references from how some of my South Indian friends talk I always had the American accent so playing the NRI part was not tough but since my character is a South Indian I had to slightly get a South Indian twang to my accent. A lot of detailing has also gone into your two different looks in the film during the college scenes and the Ladakh / Shimla scenes. How easy or difficult was that? It was really tough yaar. We first shot the Ladakh scenes in which I am 10 years older and slightly bald, for that I had to gain 10 kgs. Immediately after that we had to film the college scenes in which I am supposed to look thin and young. I had a month and a half to lose 10 kgs. I went on a strict diet on the advice of a nutritionist, started eating at regular intervals, took some supplements, did some light exercise and ended up losing 10 kgs. Then unfortunately because of the heavy snowing in Ladakh, we had to still shoot some remaining portions of the Ladakh scenes and guess what once again I had to gain back weight. It was quite crazy. In fact, around the same time I also got married and my wife was really upset with me as I was fat at the time of our wedding. She told me, "Who do they think they are? You are going to look old, ugly and fat in the wedding pictures? These photos are going to last forever'' I remember Aamir jokingly telling me, ''Tell her, everyone will see your photos when you are 45 and say that you haven't aged at all'' Luckily I managed to convince her that I had to do it for the role and she agreed. Now after seeing the film, she is really happy for me. For the Ladakh scenes, I had to gain 10 kgs. For the college sequences I had to lose 10 kgs and then since some of the Ladakh scenes were left to be shot, I had to again gain 10 kgs How similar are you to Chatur's character…are you as cut-throat competitive as him? No... I don't think I am like Chatur in any way. I mean I won’t do the things he does to destroy competition in the film like distributing porn magazines and distracting other students during exams. I haven't even done such stuff (laughs) The 'Chamatkaar- Balaatkaar' scene will go down in history as one of the cult scenes...describe the experience shooting for that scene. (Laughs) Shooting the 'Chamatkaar- Balatkaar' scene was a lot of fun. We shot at the audi in IIM-B. We did the close-ups shots first so I didn't really know what the audience reaction would be like. Later on we had almost 300 students fill up the auditorium and though we thought it would be quite a task to make them laugh at the right moments, it was far from the truth. They were constantly laughing at each word I spoke. In fact only after shooting that scene did people actually notice me and come upto me. Till then they thought I am just another side actor hanging around on the sets and that's when I realized the impact of the scene. Is that your favourite scene in the film? Gosh... not really. The 'Chamatkaar-balatkaar' scene is no doubt hilarious but personally I like the drunk scene in which Aamir, Sharman and Maddy talk to each other on top of the water tank after being completely sloshed. I also love the last scene in which Chatur thinks he has got his revenge on Rancho and then receives the surprise phone call from Phunsuk Wangdu. I've been to the theatres to catch audience reactions and they simply burst out laughing seeing Chatur's reaction in the end. The 'Chamatkaar-balatkaar' scene is no doubt hilarious but personally I like the drunk scene in which Aamir, Sharman and Maddy talk to each other on top of the water tank after being completely sloshed. How was it bonding with the 3 Idiots - Aamir , Sharman and Maddy? At first I thought that I may be isolated from their group talks considering that they are big stars in their own right. However I was wrong and that was absolutely not the case. They were completely welcoming and made me feel really comfortable. We chatted a lot during the breaks, they were keen to know about my background. Also they fact that I was not too much in awe of them because of my limited exposure to Bollywood helped me get even closer to them. They were really sweet and in general we had a jolly good time. You've worked with one of India's best directors - Rajkumar Hirani...how was the experience? Rajkumar Hirani is like the coolest granddad you could ever have. He is so relaxed and chill all the time. The man has made two cult films before this and now with 3 Idiots, he has set the bar really high. He completely trusts his actors and gives a lot of encouragement and confidence. Working with him was very easy. He seems like a simple man but is very smart. There are always a thousand things on his mind at any point of time. He is one of the main reasons why the film has turned out the way it has. Rajkumar Hirani is like the coolest granddad you could ever have. He is so relaxed and chill all the time Post release, the whole controversy surrounding Chetan Bhagat arose all of a sudden. What is your take on it? To be honest, I haven't read Chetan's book. Raju told me not to watch any Hindi films or read any books, or even learn Hindi for that matter. So I didn't read the book. When I met Chetan at the premiere, he told me, ''Oh your character of Chatur was too mean compared to the character of Venkat in the book. You made him too mean. I don't think he liked my character (laughs)'' However the whole controversy reaching such levels is quite tragic and uncalled for. Finally are you planning to stay in Mumbai or go back home? Well! As long as the Hindi film industry wants to see me...I will be here. I have already started taking Hindi diction classes. I am looking and hearing out scripts. I don't want to play another Chatur so will watch out for something exciting and only then take it up.
Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 16 Jan 2010 | 2:59 am

Subhash K. Jha talks about Chance Pe Dance

At one point in this heart warming journey into the life and trials of this Bollywood struggler a kid in the school, where our struggler-hero teaches dancing, wonders how their teacher ji manages to wear such trendy tee-shirts when he lives in a car and has no money for food. "Arrey , those are duplicates of branded tee-shirts, you can get them at Rs 150 on the pavement," retorts a know-all kid. That one fleeting moment sums up what Chance Pe Dance strives to squeeze into two-hour of fluid playing-time. The struggle for stardom is done on such a glamorized level of self-actualization so that the audience accepts these liberties for the pleasure of watching good-looking people look presentable in situations where they would otherwise appear unbecoming. On the credit titles we see our struggler-hero prepare for another day of self selling to an unthinking entertainment industry, when one sees a slightly seamless splendour lurking at the heart of this film about a Dilliwallah's struggle to become a star in the Big Bad Bollywood. Cliched theme? Yup! But sometime some of the most endearing truths of life emerge from situations that work in a direction opposite to the originality. The fact that Shahid plays the struggler helps. It really helps. Here's an enormously watchable actor who can take away the 'acting' from a character and just make you look at what is being said and done on screen without the baggage of his personal life being carried forward. Shahid's character, Samir, in the film is a struggler in all its shades. Samir, has defiantly left for Bollywood while his dad (Parikshat Sahni, endearing) is left wondering why his son needs to be a film hero in the first place (Bollywood). Shahid goes through the predictable grind, but with such extraordinary sincerity and involvement, you suddenly realize the one truth about life's vagaries. Every struggle no matter how similar on the surface is different underneath. Shahid brings out all the shades, nuances and layers in the struggler's inner world without bending the rules of commercial herogiri. This is a far better performance than it outwardly seems. Whether romancing the funny girl-next-door (okay, a few block away)manifesting the disappointments of a struggler who's getting emotionally worn-out waiting for the big moment, or interacting with the kids in school(the director is almost as good with these angels from hell as Shekhar Kapoor in Mr India)Shahid just goes with the flow with a fluidity that goes beyond the dance-floor. Oh, about Shahid's dancing, is there a better dancer in the film industry today? The slim but confident plot moves smoothly on the surface. This one is a rom-com with a pleasing pungent flavour of Mumbai's sorrowful underbelly hidden, but palpable. While Shahid struggles for stardom the narrative glides along at its own even pace seeking out the wannabe star's life as homeless road-dweller who sleeps in his car, and smirks at life's cruelties. There are very few characters in the plot. Satish Shah, Mohnish Behl and Vikas Bhalla who come and go like images seen from a moving train. Director Ken Ghosh keeps the narrative free of complexities beyond the struggler's immediate preoccupations. And that suits the film's moderate temperature just fine. Some moments especially with the kids, exude the warmth like rays of sunshine peeping through a partially open door. Watch the sequence where the kids share their lunch with their famished teacher. Awwwww! Though the choreography is uneven and the climactic dance, a bit of a disappointment, Shahid comfortably keeps us watching the predictable but perky progression of this penniless pilgrim from the backseat of a car to the red-carpet. While giving groovy guru-gyan to his students, our dance teacher, Shahid mentions Michael Jackson , Govinda, Prabhu Deva , Hrithik Roshan and Shiamak Davar among the best dancers. We can easily add Shahid's name to the list.
Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 16 Jan 2010 | 2:52 am

Michael Jackson wanted to work with AR Rahman - The Hindu

ABC Online

Michael Jackson wanted to work with AR Rahman The Hindu PTI 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson had expressed a desire to work with composer AR Rahman just two months before he died. The 'Mozart of Madras' who won two Oscar awards for the soundtrack to the hit movie 'Slumdog Millionaire' revealed that the ... AR Rahman sings to salute India-Australia solidaritySpicezee MJ wanted to work with A.R. RahmanTimes of India AR Rahman enthralls SydneyDeccan Herald NDTV.com -Galatta.com -Daily News & Analysis all 179 news articles »

Source: Entertainment - Google News | 16 Jan 2010 | 2:42 am

Bollywood writers want to script a better deal

MUMBAI (Reuters) - When author Chetan Bhagat accused the makers of "3 Idiots" of not giving him and his book enough credit, he unwittingly put the spotlight on the plight of writers in the Indian film industry.
Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 16 Jan 2010 | 2:42 am

Imran Khan and Avantika Malik to get engaged today

The young and once available heartthrob of Bollywood is now unavailable, and it's official. Imran Khan, the sweet chocolate faced hero, from Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na will get engaged today to his long time girlfriend Avantika Malik. If you're wondering why no hype and hooplah was made about this one, well, that's simply because the couple have planned the engagement party to be a quiet family affair. The couple has always been very candid about their relationship and have always been spotted attending parties and social dos together. It was therefore an obvious step to take this commitment to the next level and Bollywood Hungama wishes the two the very best.
Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 16 Jan 2010 | 2:32 am

I play a hateful person in 'Karthik Calling Karthik': Ram Kapoor

Popular television actor Ram Kapoor, who is sporting a new fit look after losing 11 kg, says he plays a mean and hateful person in his first mainstream Bollywood film "Karthik Calling Karthik" which also stars Farhan Akhtar.
Source: Entertainment News | 16 Jan 2010 | 2:27 am

Rajeev Khandelwal is the lead in Joker

With the director Sourabh Narang of Rajeev Khandelwal's next project falling seriously ill, the actor has now gone to another project entitled Joker which starts shooting on 20th January. To be directed by Kumar Gaurav's cousin Vikram Tuli, the film, the story of a father and his young son was earlier supposed to be made with Javed Jafrey in the lead. Sportingly Rajeev admits the role was earlier offered to Javed. "Joker has gone through many changes. I'm aware Javed Jafrey was offered the role." Earlier when Javed was doing it, the son was to be 7-year old. With Rajeev in the cast the son's age is now 4. The film to be shot at a stretch from 20th January to 20th February in New Zealand will star Rajeev with Prachi Desai playing his leading lady. Rajeev begins this film in lieu of Sourabh Narang's Return Gift which has now got indefinitely postponed until the director recovers. There's just one hitch. The title Joker belongs to Shirish Kunder who is all set to start a film by that name. The makers of the Khandelwal film were hoping to get the title from Shirish. But with Shirish apparently ready to make a film of that title, Rajeev says their project will have to seek another title. "We don't know what to call it because Joker was the most suitable title," Rajeev says helplessly, hoping for the ailing director of Return Gift to recover shortly. "Sourabh was about to start his film when this happened. We're all waiting for him to be well enough to start the film."
Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 16 Jan 2010 | 1:52 am