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Rahman's song shortlisted for Oscar nominationsIndian music maestro A.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jan 2010 | 9:05 am 'Ishqiya' gets 'A' certificate with no cuts'Ishqiya' with all its colourful expletives and sexually charged visuals was passed without any cuts with an 'A' certificate.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jan 2010 | 8:18 am Nayantara to act in her first Kannada film
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jan 2010 | 8:16 am Tom Cruise lands aviation honour
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jan 2010 | 8:04 am Nicole Scherzinger wants to be a Bond girl?
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jan 2010 | 7:52 am 'Ishqiya' gets 'A' certificate with no cuts
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jan 2010 | 7:21 am Nayantara to act in her first Kannada filmBewitching beauty Nayantara is all set to act in her first Kannada film shortly.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jan 2010 | 7:17 am Why Priyanka declined Rohan Sippy's filmPriyanka Chopra was apparently very keen to work in director Rohan Sippy's next project but unfortunately she had to decline the offer as...Source: | 19 Jan 2010 | 4:55 am Vivek Oberoi at Sabarimala
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jan 2010 | 4:24 am Swaralaya award for Sujatha and M.K Arjunan
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jan 2010 | 4:09 am Anil Kapoor: From 'One Two ka Four' to '24'Actor Anil Kapoor has made an assured and credible debut on US television with a two-hour season premier of the hugely popular drama series "24".Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jan 2010 | 4:08 am "Come, spend time with your family & play Bingo" - Abhishek Bachchan
What happens when you suddenly decide to meet Abhishek Bachchan in three hours? Firstly, it's almost impossible. Then, after some thought, you try and make it possible. I did the latter. Well, for starters, you need to be prepared to be the last one to interview him. That's exactly what happened. I was greeted by his P.R manager into the room where the actor was giving interviews to a few television channels on his launch as a host on the game show, 'National Bingo Night' on Colors channel which starts in India from January 23 at 9 pm. I was meeting him after a year but his stature, his command, his attitude, his confidence, his generosity, and his wholesomeness all looked taller than him. Abhishek Bachchan looked like one towering monarchy on an evening where coffee, tea and some complimentary pillows were offered to make our wait more comfortable. UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent met Mr. Phenomenon - Mr. Abhishek Bachchan at Taj Lands End, Bandra, and played the good old game of question and answers. Bingo! here it is.
Both, you and your father are influential when it comes to films. How influential will your game show 'National Bingo Night' be?
I think, we shouldn't take this influential thing too seriously. Colors is a wonderful channel. But apart from having successful shows and being the number one channel on television right now, what I really appreciate about them is that they are very socially aware. Prime time soap such as 'Balikavadhu' put out some important social messages about our Indian society.
And that Colors is going to launch itself in the UK is going to be an added benefit too. Plus, your father, Mr Amitabh Bachchan is a brand ambassador for the channel in the UK and the US.
Well, a channel is a channel. It's good to know that Colors is going to launch in the UK. But the show is going to be based here in India. So the overseas viewers can watch it but can't play it. That's about it. But they will have as much fun as we do out here through the game show. It's nice to reach out to the people from your country who are based off shores. Through the channel and the show, we give them the feeling that they are still connected to their homeland and if they feel that their connect through Bingo is more, I'll be more than happy to bring the show out there.
The overseas viewers can watch it but can't play it
Just like you were invited on the Oprah Winfrey Show, don't you think shows like that will carry more substance to it and still be tackling with social issues of our society?
I think we have had various talk shows like Oprah which were quite successful in India. I think Oprah is great. I felt really honoured to be invited by her. She was terribly sweet and is one of the warmest people you'll ever meet in your life. It's quite sad to know that she is going to be putting an end to her influential talk show. Each different audience has a different pallet and a different set of requirements. Indian society, culture and television is very similar to our food. In the West, you'd probably eat some roast chicken and mashed potatoes, but in India we have everything in our food. It's salty, sweet, spicy, etc. We want everything. And likewise, most of our television programming is skewed towards that. When Bingo first came out in America and Australia, it was more about just playing the game and getting on with it. But the Bingo in India is going to be filled with fun and frolic. We are inviting some celebrities on the show, we'll be joking around, dancing, etc.
How de-stressful do you think any game shows are?
For the audience, I think it's very de-stressing. But for me, it's insane. It's very tough and a lot of hard work. We promoted the entire game show on the lines of just chilling out and having a nap. It was called 'Aaram classes'. It was all about having fun, nothing else.
But it was a bit misleading because many of them thought that you're starting your own tuition classes?
(laughs) Maybe I should. I should enroll myself in such tuition classes.
Any bit of expert comments you received from your father on the dinner table as you are making your debut on the television?
Nothing really. He just said, ''Have fun.'' He told me to be genuine and enjoy myself. I had to be warm. What is important is the fact that if all this comes across, the viewers are going to like the show more. I am not playing a character here. I am playing myself. I am being myself and am hoping that people like me (laughs).
I am playing myself. I am being myself and am hoping that people like me
As a citizen of India, what do you think is the best way to connect to the viewers sitting in some remote village or small towns?
I think the television is a great way to reach out to the Indian audiences. Our films too are a great way to reach out to our audiences. Today, our world has become smaller. It's so easy to really relate and connect with everybody through the internet. We've got Facebook, Twitter, etc. When it comes to the rural villages of India, well, the satellite channels have penetrated through their houses. People sitting in a small hut can watch us and enjoy.
Can you recall playing any game for the fun of it and things going wrong?
I remember playing basketball and broke my leg. But honestly, I love games. Board games, indoor games, outdoor games, etc. are very important for a healthy lifestyle and a lot of what I am today is because of the sports I used to play as a kid. I don't think anything wrong can happen if you play it safe.
Bingo is aired on a Saturday between 9 to 10 in the night. Well, that gives a good enough reason for the entire family to be together and play the game, right?
Yeah. I don't think our country, or for that matter, any countrymen, step out of their house before 10 pm. The show is having a perfect timing. It's a good reason to come and spend time with your family and play Bingo before going out. And if you win, you can spend your money in the night out.
How would you spend the money if you win? I'm sure you'll support some cause, etc?
(laughs) I think the best gift I can give anybody or to myself is to spend some quality time with my family and friends. So I'll try and spend some time instead of money.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 19 Jan 2010 | 3:47 am Megan Fox engaged again?
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jan 2010 | 3:33 am Clive Owen hates making love onscreen
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jan 2010 | 3:25 am JK Rowling spends 2.5 mln pound on new home
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jan 2010 | 3:23 am John Travolta arranges plane for Haiti aid
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 19 Jan 2010 | 3:19 am Ali Asgar to share the dais with Abhishek - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 19 Jan 2010 | 3:15 am Amitabh, Kareena rule Stardust awardsAmitabh Bachchan has bagged the Reader's Choice best actor award for the movie Paa while Kareena Kapoor was adjudged best actress for Kurbaan at the seventh Stardust Awards. The other winners are...Source: | 19 Jan 2010 | 3:14 am Ishqiya gets 'A' with no cuts
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Ishqiya with all its colourful expletives and sexually charged visuals was passed on Wednesday without any cuts with an 'A' certificate. A huge step forward for Hindi cinema which contains graphic language.
Says the film's director Abhishek Chaubhey, ''Frankly, I expected I'd be asked for some kind of an explanation for the language and content and why they were necessary. I had gone prepared with dossiers on every graphic word and shot. To my surprise, I wasn't asked for any explanation. I was given an 'Adults' certificate with no cuts at all. I guess it's a sign of how far censorship has come in our country.''
The censor board apparently baulked at some of the gaalis. But finally saw reason. Says the film's director, ''I never claimed the film was for children. The content is adult. So I've no problem with the 'A' certificate. I feel the profile of the audience is changing swiftly.''
Abhishek also hastens to add that the language is not as strong as people seem to think. ''It's not about creating shock value. It's the way these people in the small North Indian towns live their life.''Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 19 Jan 2010 | 3:08 am Ali Asgar to share the dais with Abhishek BachchanThe comedy King of both Bollywood and Television industry Ali Asgar, on the demand of audience and Gods’ grace will be seen as a co-host of Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan in a reality game show on Colors named ‘Bingo’. But questionSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jan 2010 | 2:57 am Anil Sharma admits to creative differences with Salman during Veer
Salman Khan has first gone to his friend Sanjay Leela Bhansali to direct Taras Bulba. When Sanjay declined, Salman bitterly vowed to make the same story with another director, and make it as an epic comparable with Sanjay's vision.
Anil Sharma was chosen because of Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. "But please don't expect Gadar in Veer. Gadar was far more dramatic and emotional. Veer is targeted more at today's younger audiences," warns the director.
Stories about differences between Salman Khan and his director Anil Sharma during the making of Veer abound.
Speaking on the issue for the first time Anil Sharma admits there were differences. "Salman was not just the main actor in Veer, he was also the writer. We had a lot of differences of opinion. The way he narrated the story and the way I perceived it as a director were different. Moreover, I brought in other writers Shailesh Verma, Shaktimaan (who wrote my Gadar) and Krishna Raghav. Raghav did all the research. So Salman's story has been interpreted in the way I thought right."
Salman insisted that Anil Sharma watch his source of inspiration the Yul-Brynner-Tony Curtis 1962 film Taras Bulba. "But we couldn't get a single print of the film. So I had to make do with the images that I had in my mind from childhood. They made the film in Russia last year. I saw that version. Taras Bulba was the story of the father Yul Brynner, played by Mithun Chakraborty in my film. Veer is not the father's story. It's the son Salman's story. And we had to relocate the entire story from 16th century Russia to Colonial India."
While Salman Khan has become the face of Veer, the film's director Anil Sharma has taken a backseat so far.
Speaking up finally he says, "For three years now, all kinds of things have been said and written about Veer and my relationship with the project and actors. The truth is, we were making a very difficult film. And there were bound to be creative differences. But we sorted it out."
Anil admits he never wanted Salman's favourite composers Sajid -Wajid to do the music of Veer. "I had heard their tunes in his earlier films and I was sure Sajid -Wajid weren't the right people for a period drama like Veer. I met them reluctantly and was surprised by their understanding of Hindustani music. We worked really well together. They were delighted to be told to compose a thumri or a bandish for the first time. And the fact that I could convince Gulzar Saab to work with Sajid-Wajid was a stroke of luck."
Says Anil Sharma, "We've reduced the length to approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. Only one 15-second action scene was removed by the censors. We had actually retained longer versions of the action sequences than we needed because the censors always shorten action scenes. To our surprise they didn't touch anything!"Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 19 Jan 2010 | 2:53 am Good to have different composers: AR Rahman - The Hindu
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 19 Jan 2010 | 2:53 am Van Morrison to go for a paternity test?London (ANI): Van Morrison may soon be dragged to court by a woman named Samantha Branch who claims the singer is her father.Samantha, 42, whose late mum Dee was Morrison’s road manager, is believed to have asked the It’s Too LateSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jan 2010 | 2:43 am Just A Minute With: Ram Gopal VarmaMUMBAI (Reuters) - Ram Gopal Varma hasn't had it easy in the last few years. A string of unsuccessful films, coupled with the controversy over the director's visit to the Taj Mahal hotel just after the Mumbai attacks, ensured him a place in the limelight.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 19 Jan 2010 | 2:36 am Anil had differences with Salman over VeerSalman Khan has first gone to his friend Sanjay Leela Bhansali to direct Taras Bulba. When Sanjay declined Salman bitterly vowed to make the same story with another director, and make it as an epic comparable with Sanjay’s vision. Anil SharmaSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jan 2010 | 2:31 am Golden Globes get 16.9m viewers as Gervais hosts - BBC News
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 19 Jan 2010 | 2:27 am Trinidad And Tobago: The New Bollywood destinationAlmost three years have passed since the filming of the scenes of the Bollywood film Dulha Mil Gaya on-location in Trinidad and Tobago. The film was theatrically released last week in India, and notwithstanding the somewhat mixed reviews about its script,Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jan 2010 | 2:20 am Rahman says Australia concerned over attacksChennai (ANI): Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman has said Australian authorities are concerned about the attacks on Indians Down Under and are taking steps to deal with the issue. Addressing a gathering to mark the launch of an audio album ofSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jan 2010 | 2:16 am Dannii Minogue feared she was too old to have kidsLondon (ANI): Aussie popstar Dannii Minogue, who’s expecting her first child, feared that the time was running out, as she was getting too old to have a baby. The X-factor judge said she was warned by doctors that she was gettingSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jan 2010 | 2:13 am Mariah Carey calls herself a 'control freak'London (ANI): Mariah Carey has said that she is a "control freak" because she can’t easily trust others. The singer is wary people may mistake her obsessive attention for something more sinister."I can be thought of as a control freak. TrustSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jan 2010 | 2:08 am Kashmir is not just about guns, violence: Filmmaker BhandarkarDirector Madhur Bhandarkar always dreamt of visiting Jammu and Kashmir and, when he finally did, he was inspired to "bring laughter" to the Valley and shoot a comedy in its picturesque locales -- unlike the umpteen number of films on militancy and terror that Bollywood has churned out.Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jan 2010 | 2:02 am Kate Moss and Jamie Hince engaged?London (ANI): Kate Moss has reportedly got engaged to Jamie Hince. According to reports, the Kills guitarist Jamie flew out to see Kate on her 36th birthday while she was working in Mustique, reports the Telegraph.He then popped the question withSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jan 2010 | 2:01 am Ronnie Wood plans a solo world tourLondon (ANI): Ronnie Wood is set to go on a solo world tour, it has emerged. The Rolling Stones member reportedly wants to reprise his music career following break-up with Russian girlfriend Katia Ivanova last year. A friend said that heSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jan 2010 | 1:57 am Shakira finds her way to boost the economyLondon (ANI): Colombian singer Shakira doesn’t mind splashing cash while shopping because she feels her spending habits help boost the global economy. The Hips Don't Lie hitmaker used to worry about spending money on material things, but now she''s convinced sheSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 19 Jan 2010 | 1:56 am I learnt about bartending for new film : Mimoh ChakrabortyMimoh Chakraborty, the son of veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, believes in getting into the skin of his characters - so much so that he went visiting various pubs and bars to learn how to be a good bartender for his role in his next project "Spaghetti 24X7".Source: Entertainment News | 19 Jan 2010 | 1:44 am Zarine Khan: Doing VEER is not a drawback - GlamSham
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 19 Jan 2010 | 1:40 am I think Bebo needs to lose some weight: Saif - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 19 Jan 2010 | 12:25 am 'Rang De Basanti' fame Siddharth is back with 'Striker'
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Any actor in his place would've immediately shifted to Mumbai after the super-success of his debut film in Hindi, RANG DE BASANTI, but Siddharth decided to focus on his Telugu film career in Hyderabad. "My career had taken off in a big way in Telugu films then and I didn't want to let it go," Siddharth informs me.
Siddharth is back with his second Hindi film STRIKER, after a substantial gap. The film, directed by Chandan Arora [MAIN MADHURI DIXIT BANNA CHAHTI HOON, MAIN MERI PATNI AUR WOH], is set is the 80s in Malvani in Mumbai. Siddharth feels it's the right vehicle for his 'comeback' in Hindi films. "Actually, Chandan had approached me for an entirely different film - a love story, which we plan to make some day - but I wasn't too keen to work on it then. That's when Chandan came up with the story of a carrom player's life and I said, yes, this is it," the talented actor states.
Siddharth is supremely confident of STRIKER. "I don't believe in the concept of big or small films. It's the audience that decides on a Friday what film is big or small. All I can say now is that STRIKER has the potential to be a big film since it dares to tell a story that has never been told before," he states.
Siddharth, who has now focused his sights on Bollywood, has worked with some of the biggest names in the business [Mani Ratnam, Shankar, Prabhu Deva, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra]. "I met a lot of makers after RANG DE BASANTI, who were keen that I work with them. I hope we do work this time. I am in no hurry," he flashes a confident smile.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 19 Jan 2010 | 12:15 am The first promo of RGV's 'Phoonk 2' sends out right signals
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After the SARKAR series, Ramgopal Varma is ready to unleash the second instalment of his supernatural thriller PHOONK. But RGV hasn't directed PHOONK 2. It's directed by Milind Gadagkar, who, incidentally, had penned the first part. The star cast remains the same, except that the makers promise more thrills and chills this time.
While the first promo of PHOONK 2 will be unveiled shortly, this writer had a glimpse of it and it seems like a worthy follow up to PHOONK. Of course, there's a big twist in the tale, which we aren't revealing, but if the first promo of PHOONK 2 is an indicator of things to follow, get ready to be scared on April 9.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 19 Jan 2010 | 12:10 am Treat for movie loversCineASA Guwahati International Film Festival organised by Cine Arts Society will be held in Guwahati on January 18. The week-long festival will be held simultaneously at three venues - Rabindra Bhawan, Gauhati University, IIT and Jonakee, Panjabari.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 18 Jan 2010 | 11:48 pm Stars to auction off Golden Globe outfits for Haiti reliefHollywood stars like Meryl Streep and Gerard Butler are auctioning off the outfits they wore to the Golden Globe Awards to raise money for the Haitian relief fund. Source: | 18 Jan 2010 | 11:44 pm Anil Kapoor: From 'One Two ka Four' to '24' - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 18 Jan 2010 | 11:40 pm Aamir's ex-wife at Imran's engagement - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 18 Jan 2010 | 11:23 pm Zee Entertainment Q3 net profit at Rs 147.90 cr - Sify
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 18 Jan 2010 | 9:42 pm Actor Imran Khan gets engagedTouted as one of the most eligible bachelors in Bollywood showcasing his acting prowess, Imran Khan is the nephew of Mr Perfectionist Aamir Khan. In his short acting career he has come up with some scintillating movies, proving his worth in the silveSource: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 18 Jan 2010 | 9:18 pm Stardust Awards 2010: Winners ListStardust Awards 2010 took place at Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai. Preity Zinta bagged the award of Best Actress for film 'Videsh'. Star of the Year Male went to Amitabh Bachchan for his outstanding performance in 'Paa'.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 18 Jan 2010 | 9:12 pm "Perfection is so boring" - Shahrukh Khan - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 18 Jan 2010 | 9:09 pm Ed Lauter exits Golden Globe looking too drunk to driveEd Lauter was stopped from driving home on his own by the security present at the venue for he looked too drunk to drive on his own!Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 18 Jan 2010 | 9:07 pm Ashwath cremated with state honours - Express Buzz
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 18 Jan 2010 | 7:52 pm `Avatar` bags six honours at the Golden Globes !Sci-Fi blockbuster `Avatar` won six honours including best drama at the Golden Globes.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 18 Jan 2010 | 4:44 pm Rapper Killa Sha dies from Diabetes complicationsKilla Sha rapper and member of he Killa Kids has reportedly passed away due to complications from diabetes. Rapper Planet Asia confirmed his death.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 18 Jan 2010 | 2:54 pm Lady Gaga will donate concert proceeds for HaitiLady Gaga has decided to donate all the proceeds from tickets and merchandising sales at her Monster Ball concert which would take place on January 24. Among the merchandise up for grabs is also a special edition T Shirt to make people aware of HaitiSource: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 18 Jan 2010 | 2:22 pm Conan O'Brien to join Fox Fans plan protestsConan O Brien is nearing a settlement with NBC and is expected to appear in his last Tonight Show this Friday. His fans plan a protest rally.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 18 Jan 2010 | 1:50 pm Big B to feature on first episode of Abhishek's TV showAs Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan gets ready to make his TV debut with "Idea National Bingo Nights", he will be seen playing the game with his father Amitabh Bachchan in the inaugural episode of the show to be aired on a national channel.Source: Entertainment News | 18 Jan 2010 | 11:44 am Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?' not slapstick comedy: Ajay DevgnBollywood actor Ajay Devgn, who has just bagged the Stardust award for Reader's Choice best actor in comedy for "All The Best", says his forthcoming film "Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?" is a hilarious movie but unlike any slapstick comedy.Source: Entertainment News | 18 Jan 2010 | 11:01 am Salman races with top jockeys to promote VeerBollywood star Salman Khan is leaving no stone unturned to promote his upcoming period drama Veer which releases on Friday, even if it means participating in a race with top jockeys.Source: | 18 Jan 2010 | 10:44 am Salman returns to period drama with VeerAfter playing a prince early in his career in portions of 1992 film Suryavanshi, macho Salman Khan returns to period drama in his latest venture Veer that releases this Friday.Source: | 18 Jan 2010 | 10:34 am Priyadarshan inks deal with Woodpecker PicturesFilmmaker Priyadarshan's prdocution house 'Four Frames' has signed a USD 20 million deal with Woodpecker Pictures and Entertainment Ltd to produce two Hindi feature films.Source: | 18 Jan 2010 | 10:31 am Overage American Idol with his Pants on The Ground!He was shown the door by the American Idol judges for being over-age, but now he is swaying the crowds with original number 'Pants on the Ground'Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 18 Jan 2010 | 10:26 am Atithi... not slapstick comedy: Ajay DevgnBollywood actor Ajay Devgn, who has just bagged the Stardust award for Reader's Choice best actor in comedy for All The Best, says his forthcoming film Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? is a hilarious movie but unlike any slapstick comedy.Source: | 18 Jan 2010 | 10:25 am Depp's Alice In Wonderland character fascinates himHollywood star Johnny Depp says he understands the madness of his Alice in Wonderland character and finds it ''fascinating''. Source: | 18 Jan 2010 | 10:10 am Avatar leads US box office for fifth weekend runningEven the box office power of Denzel Washington can't beat the phenomenon of Avatar. Washington's new movie, the post-apocalyptic religious thriller The Book of Eli, debuted with $31.6 million for second place at US cinemas, while Avatar...Source: | 18 Jan 2010 | 10:02 am Kannada actor Ashwath deadVeteran Kannada actor K S Ashwath died of multiple organ failure at a local hospital here today, family sources said. The 85-year-old actor was ailing from long time. He is survived by wife Sharada, two daughters and two sons.Source: | 18 Jan 2010 | 9:55 am Why Priyanka declined Rohan Sippy's filmPriyanka Chopra was apparently very keen to work in director Rohan Sippy's next but unfortunately she had to decline the offer as the shooting dates clashed with Vishal Bharadwaj's "Ek Bataa Saat", in which she plays a woman with seven husbands.Source: Entertainment News | 18 Jan 2010 | 9:50 am Irrfan moves from Mira Nair to Deepa MehtaIrrfan Khan has been offered a major role in Deepa Mehta's film adaptation of "Midnight's Children".Source: Entertainment News | 18 Jan 2010 | 9:37 am Priyanka prefers Vishal Bhardwaj's Ek Bataa Saat to Rohan Sippy's film
Priyanka Chopra, as we all well know by now, is very keen to be part of Rohan Sippy's film. Rohan who had earlier worked with Priyanka in Bluffmaster was also keen to cast her in his Goan drug-busting film. Sippy wanted to cast Priyanka in a powerful role opposite the Southern star Rana Daggubati.
The earlier plan was to cast Priyanka opposite Abhishek. But now a new girl will be paired with Abhishek while Priyanka was seriously considered opposite Daggubati.
Says a source, "Unfortunately the dates on which Priyanka was required for Rohan's film clashed with Vishal Bhardwaj's film."
After Kaminey, Priyanka has a unique chemistry with Bhardwaj. In Vishal's Ek Bataa Saat (which means '1 into 7') she plays a woman with seven husbands, a big challenge for the actress.
Says a source, "There was no way Priyanka could let go of Vishal's Ek Bataa Saat. So she regretfully opted out of Rohan's film."
Now Rohan says he would probably have to cast newcomers opposite both Abhishek and Rana Daggubati.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 18 Jan 2010 | 7:51 am Live Chat: Zarine Khan on Jan 19 at 1900 hrs IST
A pucca Mumbai girl, good student, a model and then Salman Khan's muse. That's the Veer actress Zarine Khan for you. The girl couldn't believe it when Salman told her that 'Sweetheart, very soon you will be signing autographs', but here she is, on the verge of her first big release. Comparisons with Karina Kaif apart, this girl is all set to shake Bollywood this week with her grand debut in Veer.
Catch Zarine in an exclusive LIVE Video Chat only on Bollywood Hungama on Jan 19 at 1900 hrs IST. Don't miss it!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 18 Jan 2010 | 6:50 am Road, Movie to open 60th Berlin Film Festival
The Opening Night Generation 14plus Gala of the 60th Berlin International Film Festival has been confirmed as Road, Movie from writer/director Dev Benegal, presented by The Indian Film Company (TIFC) in association with Studio 18.
The film has already received glowing public receptions in Toronto, Tokyo and Doha before heading to Berlin. Road, Movie will screen in the Generation 14plus competitive programme. The movie is represented by International Sales giant Fortissimo Films, its first Hindi language title. The film will be theatrically released in Germany later this year by Senator Film.
Road, Movie is written and directed by Dev Benegal was English, August. His second feature presentation Split Wide Open premiered at the Venice International Film Festival.
Road, Movie follows Vishnu played by Abhay Deol, as a restless young man who rejects his father's faltering hair-oil business and hits the road with a Chevy travelling cinema in search of freedom. Along the journey Vishnu ponders his life's priorities as he learns to appreciate his culture and the power of friendship and love. Colourful and full of unforgettable characters, Road, Movie celebrates India's panorama and the pure love of film. Deol is supported by Satish Kaushik and Tannishtha Chatterjee.
On having his film invited to open the Generation section, Dev Benegal comments, "I'm thrilled that Road, Movie is the opening film for Berlinale Generation 14plus. It's a story close to my heart; about the young generation, our love for the open road, music and the desire to break free and celebrate independence. It's an honour to be at the Berlinale in its 60th year and I look forward to meeting the young audiences coming to see my film."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 18 Jan 2010 | 6:10 am Posters of Phoonk 2 and The Chaser - same same but different?
Many times our filmmakers have been accused of lifting story ideas from the West. Some filmmakers on the other hand do not copy story ideas but instead take serious "inspiration" from film posters of foreign films while designing their own movie poster.
Recently, one of the posters of the Ajay Devgn-Konkona Sen- Paresh Rawal starrer Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge bore an uncanny resemblance to the poster of the Robin Williams flick License To Wed and now yet another Bollywood film seems to have been heavily influenced by the poster of a foreign flick.
The film in question is RGV's Phoonk 2 (directed by Milind Gadagkar) whose first look poster seems very similar to that of the Korean flick The Chaser. Check out the two images and you will now what we are talking. If this trend continues, the day won't be far when our filmmakers will have to face the wrath of foreign filmmakers for not just copying story ideas but even lifting movie posters.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 18 Jan 2010 | 6:05 am Golden Globes Winners 2010, Avatar, Jeff Bridges - full listThe Golden Globe 2010 Awards was hosted by British comedian Ricky Gervais. Avatar bagged the award for the best film drama. Sandra Bullock and Meryl Downey won the best actress award and Robert Downey and Jeff Bridges won the best actor trophy.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 18 Jan 2010 | 5:08 am Winners of Max Stardust Awards 2010Superstar Of Tomorrow - Male Ranbir Kapoor - Wake Up Sid & Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani Breakthrough Performance - Male Abhimanyu Singh - Gulaal Breakthrough Performance - Female Shahana Goswami - Firaaq Hottest Film Of The Year Love Aaj Kal Hottest New Director Ayaan Mukherjee - Wake Up Sid Exciting New Face Jacqueline Fernandez - Aladin STARDUST SEARCHLIGHT AWARDS Best Actress Preity Zinta - Videsh Best Film Chintuji Best Director Ranjit Kapoor - Chintuji READERS CHOICE AWARDS Dream Director Imtiaz Ali - Love Aaj Kal Best Film Of The Year - Comedy All The Best Best Film Of The Year - Action / Thriller Wanted Best Film Of The Year - Drama 3 Idiots Star Of The Year - Male Amitabh Bachchan - Paa Star Of The Year - Female Kareena Kapoor - Kurbaan & 3 Idiots Best Actor In A Supporting Role Abhishek Bachchan - Paa Best Actress In A Supporting Role Kirron Kher - Kurbaan Best Actor In A Comedy Role Ajay Devgn - All The Best Best Actor - Popular Akshay Kumar - Blue Best Actress - Popular Katrina Kaif - New York, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab KahaniSource: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 18 Jan 2010 | 3:48 am Book Review: The Dialogue of Awaara
While in the last 3-4 years, quite a few books based on Bollywood, it's stars and the trends have hit the stands, not many authors have gone ahead and revived a film from the past, let alone dissecting and bisecting it via an authentic research. Yes, celebrities from the past, especially those with an enigmatic personality (Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt. Lata Mangeshkar, Pran, Sunil Dutt, Noor Jehan and many more) have been given a revisit but the world of literature has remained unexplored.
However, one can see a change in trend today. Slowly but steadily the vast literature available from the world of Bollywood movies is being made available to those die hard followers who want to lay their hands on the piece of history. While Sholay and Mughal-E-Azam are two of the most favourite films that have been revived time and again either on screen or in a book, it's a welcome change to see a writer return to the world of Awaara.
Widely recognised as one of the finest works ever of K.A. Abbas (who has written the story, screenplay and dialogues of the film) and V.P. Sathe (who had co-written the story of the film), Awaara is one of the most studied pieces from Indian cinema and it is just right that the film continues to find an audience till date. This is why the effort of Suhail Akhtar (who transcribes the original dialogue in Urdu and Roman) and Vijay Jani (who does the same in Hindi) needs to be lauded. They ensure that the job is done right while also maintaining the entire readability aspect that would make turning over the pages an exciting affair.
For the sheer concept of bringing back the dialogue of Awaara in a print format, author Nasreen Munni Kabir deserves a thank you note since she gives this Raj Kapoor film the kind of respect that it deserves. Even though the film was made six decades back, it remains to be one of the most sought after affairs for the students of cinema. No wonder, it makes complete sense to have the dialogues from the film brought to the forefront for the current generation of audiences via this book.
Very recently there was an ecstatic moment for film lovers when the screenplay of Lage Raho Munnabhai was released and now with 'The Dialogue of Awara' gracing the stands, it's a good enough reason for double the joy. Reason? Just like the classic appeal of the film, the book too maintains an out and put classy touch to it which makes it worth a treasure to preserve and a good enough artefact to gift.
A 300 odd page book which boasts of a brilliant layout, both from the design as well as content placement perspective, 'The Dialogue of Awaara' is the kind of study which makes for a very good read, especially if you are one of those select few people who have not seen the film yet. The best part about the book is that it doesn't restrict itself to a language. Since it's a Hindi film, it is but natural that the dialogues appear in Hindi. However, for the benefit of a wide segment of readers at which the book is targeted, the dialogues appear in Roman as well as Hindi script. This is not all as the dialogues are also transcribed in Urdu and Roman, hence making it a four-in-one package.
So here is the deal - If you want to read and visualise the scene in an 'as-is' manner, there is a Hindi version for you. If you find reading a Hindi script in English more interesting, there is an alternate available. And then if English and Urdu come naturally to you then there is also some good transcription done in both the languages which makes it a complete affair. This is where the design comes in handy because all the four options are made available on the two pages open in front of you, hence saving you from the effort of traversing between different sections of the book.
Also impressive is the way hundreds of screen shots from the film are brought to life all over again in the book. Since the book moves reel by reel and then scene by scene, placement of screen shots at the top of the page gives an extra edge to the narrative. This is not all as towards the end of the book, Nasreen goes on to take the reader through every reel of the film (in total 19) and shares various anecdotes and facts about the happenings both in front of and behind the camera.
At a couple of places in the book, it is acknowledged that Randhir Kapoor had a big helping hand in making this concept come alive and take a shape that would result in a book. No wonder, he goes on to make his own contribution with a Foreword which details how Awaara took shape into a modern classic. What is even more interesting is Nasreen's own take on 'The Road to Awaara' which is clearly a well researched piece of work. She also credits the various sources from where she collected the information and in the process also ends up quoting them verbatim, as applicable.
Of course a book like this doesn't have a widespread market except for the students of cinema. Majority of film lovers would rather wish to pick the DVD of the film and cherish the movie watching experience rather than turning over the pages of a voluminous book. However, for those who love their history to be preserved in a print format and be available easy reference on the coffee table, 'The Dialogue of Awaara' is a good, entertaining and an educating read.
Price: Rs. 1250/=
Rating: 
Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 18 Jan 2010 | 2:56 am Irrfan moves from Mira Nair to Deepa Mehta; signs Midnight's Children
Normally actors who work with Mira Nair intentionally or unintentionally end up not working with Deepa Mehta, and vice versa. It therefore comes as a surprise to know Irrfan Khan, a diehard Mira Nair groupie, would be working with Deepa Mehta in Midnight's Children.
Deepa met Irrfan Khan earlier this month and offered him a major role. Ironically, this incident happened just at about the same time that Mira's offer to Irrfan to play the lead in her prestigious international project The Reluctant Fundmentalist fell through.
Apparently, Mira had discussed the role of the progressive Pakistan protagonist with Irrfan and had even offered him the script.
Irrfan doesn't deny the fact that Mira had offered him the talked-about film. "While shooting with me she did bring it up. But that's it. After that there has been no word from her on it. I hold no grudges about it. What Mira has given me in The Namesake and Kosher Vegetarian is incredible. I enjoyed myself thoroughly doing these two films and I'm sure we'll work together some other time."
No matter what Irrfan says, facts tell another story. Not a single notable actor is common to the cinema of Deepa Mehta and Mira Nair.
As for the Deepa Mehta project, Irrfan has greenlighted it. Deepa Mehta's Midnight's Children and Mira Nair's The Reluctant Fundamentalist, both based on literary works, will commence shooting at around the same time.
"Deepa has given me the script and I'll read it as soon as my first schedule for Sudhir Mishra's Homecoming is over," says Irrfan. On Tuesday morning he was hanging from a harness from the 18th floor of a building in Delhi in the shivering winter with nothing on except track pants and a vest.
Explaining his precarious mid-air plight, Irrfan says, "It's the introduction scene in Sudhir's film. And here I'm half-naked waiting to be pulled up with strings to the 18th floor. Fortunately, I've the physique for it. I developed the build and stamina to try a stunt like this while I was playing the athlete Paan Singh Tomar in my last film."
As for the casting of The Reluctant Fundamentalist, its director says, "Its early days yet. I don't have an idea yet. I start casting in Pakistan first and then make my way to India."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 18 Jan 2010 | 2:37 am
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