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Abhishek to spend 34th birthday at workHeir to the first family of Bollywood, married to one of the most beautiful women in the world and with a kitty full of projects, actor Abhishek Bachchan has no complaints spending his 34th birthday Friday quietly shooting for his next film.Source: Entertainment News | 4 Feb 2010 | 8:21 am I belong to the stage, not films: Isha SharvaniIsha Sharvani has no regrets about having no films in her kitty because the actress says she actually belongs to the stage.Source: Entertainment News | 4 Feb 2010 | 7:21 am `We are ashamed Shah Rukh was born in India`!With Shah Rukh Khan refusing to apologise for criticising the exclusion of Pak players from IPL, the Shiv Sena Thursday dared to him to come back to Mumbai and make a similar statement.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 4 Feb 2010 | 7:02 am Renuka Shahane back on TV after 17 years
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Feb 2010 | 6:02 am Emraan Hashmi becomes a proud father
2010 began on a great note for actor Emraan Hashmi who became a father yesterday. Emraan's wife Parveen delivered a baby boy and both mother and son are doing fine.
We at Bollywood Hungama extend our heartfelt wishes to Emraan and his family on this joyous occasion.
You too can wish Emraan by posting your wishes below:Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Feb 2010 | 5:49 am Adnan to finally make his acting debut It's finally happening. The crisis-ridden life of Adnan Sami is finally turning a gentle corner. And he's ready to take that long-delayed plunge into acting.
The project, it is reliably learnt will feature Adnan in an unexpected role. Even more unexpected is the fact that Adnan will be directing the untitled film which is expected to have three leading ladies.
The film with a screenplay co-written by Adnan is expected to roll later this year. It was to start in February 2010 but got delayed because of Adnan's marriage this week.
Says Adnan, "I'd have actually started my acting career long ago if all this sh**t hadn't happened in my life. My personal battles took priority. Now that I'm out of it I am launching my production with me in the lead."
Speaking on his acting debut Adnan says, "I wanted to play a man who did things I didn't do. The whole point of acting is to assume personalities that you cannot be in your own life."
So we probe Adnan to know what he's playing. "I play an impostor, a con-man, a man with an angelic face who has a dark sinister side to his personality."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Feb 2010 | 5:47 am Johnny Depp to direct docu on Keith Richards
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Feb 2010 | 5:18 am "If you can't thrill a person in a thriller than you're in trouble" - Mrinalini Sharma
Mrinalini Sharma. The name rings a bell??? Does Awarapan ring a bell??? Yea you got it! She is back... and back for good to play the game Hide & Seek. This Apoorva Lakhia produced and Shawn Arranha directed film has got her back in action. Oh! But I forgot to mention how good this babe is at her game. I mean, she decided to play one on me too. Don't we say, ''It's difficult to trace a celebrity for an interview?'' Sharma did just that. After sending her ten text messages over a period of one month, I finally managed to find her...and where? At the J.W. Mariott's bar area where I am awaiting her arrival. I was busy reading the newspaper kept on the serving desk...You know...trying to catch up on the current stories. Now you've also heard that how spooky these thriller movies can get sometimes. So as I flip the pages, I don't know why, but I turned behind to see if my lady for the day had arrived. And there she was in her black sun glasses, denims, her black top, looking right into my eyes and saying, ''Are you Devansh Patel?'' Since how long was she standing behind me? I don't know...and never bothered to ask too. Events like these scare the sh** out of you sometimes. The game was interesting and so was the player. Or was it a game? Who knows! UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent Devansh Patel gets talking to the come back girl, Mrinalini Sharma over a...nothing. We didn't order anything. There was no tea, no coffee, nothing! Or was there anything....who knows! The game just got a bit spookier.
When was the first time you can recall playing the game of Hide & Seek?
Wow! It had to be when I was a child. We used to play the game in birthday parties and around the house when my cousins would come and visit me. Dark room was also very popular back then.
I've really loved working with men who eventually became my very good friends.
Purab once commented that you were a man amongst the men in Aawarapan. Now in this film, you've got company
I'm going to take Purab's case (laughs). Thankfully, I've got company in the form of Amruta Patki.
But do you like men around you?
It entirely depends on the scenario in which you're working. So far, I've really loved working with men who eventually became my very good friends. We were on location outside India for more than a month while we were filming Aawarapan and not for once I felt left out. In Hide & Seek too, I was well aware about many of them. I know Sameer since quite a while now, known Arjan socially, I've worked with Purab in Aawarapan, and I've worked with Amruta during my modelling days. That leaves Aayaz, and we share the same kick boxing instructor.
A long sabbatical after Aawarapan. Are you superstitious Mrinalini?
To some extent. I'm not being superstitious in terms of taking up or not taking up films. I'm just superstitious in not talking about my films till they are done.
And what about your survival in Bollywood?
Bollywood is a very competitive world. It's not easy for new actors. You have to be savvy, street-smart and you have to know your industry. Sometimes there is no shame in saying that I need to sit back and learn it. I'm extremely grateful to Shawn and Apoorva who've given me a good film after Aawarapan. Yes, there is a tomorrow, there is a future and I'm sure to survive here. There is a future for actresses like me.
How well do you know this industry?
I've learnt it step by step and still learning. I don't know the film makers and whom to call up. I've got many friends in the modelling industry but none from Bollywood. I didn't even know whom to approach and talk to. So it's been a process of learning the people, learning the ropes, learning how to present yourself and pitch yourself for any film. It's fun and great and very healthy.
Bollywood looks sparkling and that's why the common man wants to grab it and make it big here
You wish you were a star daughter.
In this city alone, there are people who aspire to become actors. Thousands go back empty handed. It's a world which seems glamorous to people but they don't realise the hardships behind it. It looks sparkling and that's why the common man wants to grab it and make it big here. There is a little something called possibility. It's very hard to say no to people's aspirations. With those who have parents from the film industry and have tremendous contacts, yes, there used to be endless possibilities. But not now. With the newer set of film makers coming in, it's come down more to credibility, auditions or prior work done.
Would you spend two hours inside a locked shopping mall in the middle of a night?
Not at all. I'm scared of darkness, shadows and horror flicks. I have this very over active imagination that comes into play by the time I'm sleeping and dreaming.
How well did Ahmedabad receive you?
So far we've only heard about Gujarat as a state but the cities were not explored too much in detail probably because we don't shoot any films there. But Ahmedabad is so cosmopolitan. The time I got out from the airport till the time I was being escorted to the sets, I was shocked to see the clean roads, big roads, big malls, etc. The people are insanely hospitable. We had food coming by the kilos on the sets. We had lots of foodies (laughs). It was amazing. Everyone was warm and supremely nice. Today I really miss the city.
I'm still trying to learn the art of laughing in front of the camera; I want to be the happy person in front of the camera.
What have you still not learnt from the time you've spent in the industry?
Nice question. I'm still trying to learn the art of laughing in front of the camera (laughs). I've cried my guts out in Aawarapan and now in Hide & Seek too I'm quite serious and shocked. I want to be the happy person in front of the camera.
Would you like to work with Apoorva Lakhia the director?
Why not? Yes. But with all due respects, let's also give credit to this wonderful new talent Shawn Arranha too. He was someone I had never met in any social gatherings too. But what instigated me to do this film was his narration, his ideology and his conviction in the film he was planning to make. Then followed my character. Yes, it is an Apoorva Lakhia film as a producer. He too is happy about his first maiden production venture.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 4 Feb 2010 | 5:16 am Roger Moore breaks wife's wrist
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Feb 2010 | 5:09 am Twinkle at her stylish best in this month's issue of Grazia
One of the most stylish star-wives in tinsel town is none other than Twinkle Khanna. Twinkle, who still looks like she could give the current breed of actresses a run for their money, features on the cover page of this month's issue of fashion and style magazine Grazia. Looking like a million bucks, Twinkle is seen wearing a red coloured textured dress by Blugirl.
In an exclusive interview with Grazia, Twinkle talks about her style statement and her favorite designers. She says, "A woman has to always go by her structure and make the most of it, rather than try to dress like someone else. I love flowing dresses, but I can't really wear them because they overwhelm my frame. For me, everything has to be cinched at the waist."
Finally, Twinkle also shares some valuable insights on how she manages to juggle between her various roles of a devoted mother, loving wife, successful businesswoman and veritable style genius. All this and more indeed makes for some very interesting read.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 4 Feb 2010 | 4:59 am SRK vs Thackerays: Bollywood largely silent
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Feb 2010 | 4:52 am Books on Bollywood poetry released in PolandThe Polish version of two books - "Bollywood Poetry" and "Legends of Tansen" - have been released here ahead of the world premiere of actor Shah Rukh Khan's new movie "My Name Is Khan" to enhance the charm of the film, which is releasing on Feb 12.Source: Entertainment News | 4 Feb 2010 | 4:46 am Sarah Jessica Parker's ballerina dream
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Feb 2010 | 4:46 am David vs Goliath as Oscars race heats upAll eyes are on the race for best picture, where low budget Iraq war drama The Hurt Locker has emerged as the favorite to thwart James Cameron's science fiction blockbuster Avatar, the most expensive film ever made.Source: | 4 Feb 2010 | 4:36 am SRK: Should I retract that I'm an Indian?
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Feb 2010 | 4:14 am Mallika bags role opposite Avatar star
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Feb 2010 | 4:08 am Akki to learn bowling from Wasim AkramWhile cinema and cricket are under the scanner courtesy the SRK-Sena row, Akshay Kumar is taking bowling lessons from Wasim Akram. Other retired and active cricketers including Imran Khan too are being roped in. Source: | 4 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am Big B returns to action roles with Budha - Don't F...k With Him
This would be the first Big B film to have a profanity attached to its title. But Budha Don't F**k With Him - yup, that's what the next Big B flick is titled-is about an aging dude with an attitude.
Koi Shaq? Well, f..k that shaq!
Telugu super-director Poori Jagannath who has to his credit the biggest hit ever Pokhiri (remade with Salman Khan as Wanted recently) in Andhra Pradesh, is all set to enter Hindi cinema with an actioner which will star Amitabh Bachchan in and as Budha.
The unusual and eyeball-grabbing tagline for this out-and-out masala film is, 'Don't F**k With Him', obviously a brainwave of Ram Gopal Varma who's going to produce the film.
Laughing at rumours that he is making a film on the life and teachings of Gautam Buddha Poori Jagannath says, "Mr. Bachchan's character is actually quite angry and very violent. I've written the role especially for him. It is that of a 60-year old man who refuses to accept his age. Any time someone calls him budha (old man) he flies off the handle."
A diehard Bachchan fan Jagannath wrote the screenplay especially for The Big B. "Budha is not a remake of any of my Telugu films. It's an original screenplay written especially for Mr. Bachchan. The challenge was to cast him as a character he hadn't done before. After seeing Paa, I wonder what any director can make him do that's new! I wanted to cast him again as the Angry Young Man I grew up watching in Zanjeer and Deewaar. But the character had to be modified to suit his age. So I thought of a 60-year old man who thinks acts and fights like a young man."
Budha will have lots of action sequences, some of them of a very intricate and potentially dangerous kind.
Would Mr. Bachchan perform them?
The diffident director is evasive on the stunt front. "We're yet to work out the details. But yes, there are action scenes. Like I said Budha is a film about a man who's 60 but feels he's 20 in body and mind. I wrote the film with Mr. Bachchan in mind."
This would be the hotshot Telugu director's first full-fledged foray into Hindi cinema, not counting the 2004 Tusshar Kapoor-Amrita Rao starrer Shart which Jagannath remade from his own Telugu blockbuster Badri.
The director would rather not think about his ill-conceived beginning in Bollywood. "Shart was being directed by someone else, then I was brought in later...It just didn't work. I don't really think of Shart as my film. So for all practical purposes Budha will be my Hindi debut."
Ask him to comment on the quality of Wanted, the remake of his blockbuster Pokhiri and Jagannath shies away. "Boney is a very good friend of mine," is all the director will say. "Right now my focus is entirely on Budha. We start as soon as Mr. Bachchan allots the dates. Hopefully in April."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Feb 2010 | 3:36 am "Initially we were looking for new face but went for Katrina" - Shirish Kunder
Finally all the speculations can be laid to rest. Ever since Tees Maar Khan was announced with Akshay Kumar in the lead, there were rumours abound about the leading lady in the film. The game of musical chairs was on and there were number of names that were being considered. However, all the juggling around is over and though it hardly comes as a surprise, the fact is that Katrina Kaif has made it to the top of the list and is now the chosen one.
"Yes, Katrina Kaif is doing Tees Maar Khan", confirms Shirish Kunder, producer of the film which would be directed by Farah Khan.
If Katrina was indeed such an obvious choice and was in any case being discussed from Day One, what made it so long for the makers to spill the beans? Why the mystery around the announcement when an early declaration of the cast may have probably saved quite a few from any heartburn?
"Well, it wasn't that obvious to begin with after all", says Shirish who has worked with Preity Zinta in his debut flick Jaan-E-Mann, "Initially we were looking for a new face in Tees Maar Khan. Farah had to make up her mind and eventually she settled down for an established leading lady. This is where Katrina came in."
The fact remains that during this entire period of uncertainty, there were three names that had made it to the top of the list - Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra and Sonam Kapoor.
While Katrina always seemed to be the first choice due to her hit record with Akshay and a crackling chemistry that she had shared with him in each of their films together, Priyanka was said to be a strong contender too. And why not? After all, their coming together would not just have made for a great piece of news but also a welcome sign for their fans who have loved them together in each of their films beginning from Andaaz to Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. Sonam Kapoor was said to be in contention as well and for the upcoming girl, it would have been a huge break had Tees Maar Khan come her way.
"See, all of this was mere speculation. Whether it is Priyanka or anyone else, none of them was approached per se. Yes, they were in strong consideration but so were all other good names in the industry as well. Other than Akshay (Kumar) and Akshaye (Khanna), everyone else was in a 'consideration phase'", smiles Shirish who is mighty excited to begin work on the film beginning 1st March.
The release date of Tees Maar Khan has already been decided for 24th December. In fact this would be for the first time in three years (after Taare Zameen Par, Ghajini and 3 Idiots) that there won't be an Aamir Khan film releasing on the Christmas weekend.
"That's true, we are positively coming on 24th December", says Shirish, "We begin shooting on 1st March and wrap it up all in August. I can't wait for Tees Maar Khan to go on floors. Trust me; it is going to be a true blue Farah Khan brand of commercial entertainment at its best."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 4 Feb 2010 | 3:15 am Posh splashes £20k on new Birkin bag!London (ANI): Victoria Beckham has splashed out 20,000 pounds on a new accessory – a Birkin bag. While teetering into Los Angeles airport for a flight to London, the fashion icon sported the flash red crocodile-skin Birkin number by designer Hermes,Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Feb 2010 | 2:59 am Alexandra Burke fears getting diabetesLondon (ANI): Singer Alexandra Burke is watching her diet carefully because she is afraid of developing diabetes. The 21-year-old star's grandma was a diabetic and died from complications arising out of the disease and her mum Melissa suffered kidney failure dueSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Feb 2010 | 2:59 am Twinkle Khanna sizzles on GraziaOne of the most stylish star-wives in tinsel town is none other than Twinkle Khanna. Twinkle, who still looks like she could give the current breed of actresses a run for their money, features on the cover page of this month'sSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Feb 2010 | 2:58 am Beyonce Knowles in a Super Bowl adNew York (ANI): Beyonce Knowles is appearing in a 60-second Vizio HDTV television ad during the Super Bowl. In the ad, the pop diva can be seen singing and dancing in a sexy mini, under the direction of three-time Oscar-nominated cinematographerSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Feb 2010 | 2:56 am MJ's Doctor denies surrender claimsLondon (ANI): A spokeswoman for Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson’s personal doctor facing manslaughter charges, has dismissed rumours claiming the medic is due to surrender before the police. Murray has been at the centre of the investigation probing the singer’s death onSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Feb 2010 | 2:55 am Mackenzie's relationship with dad not consensualNew York, (ANI): American actress Laura Mackenzie Phillips has gone back on her earlier claim that her incestuous relationship with her father, John Phillips, was consensual.Phillips, 50, who is the daughter of the lead singer of The Mamas & The Papas,Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Feb 2010 | 2:54 am Mani Ratnam to direct SilambarasanActor Silambarasan seems to be going through a successful phase now. The young actor, of late, seems to have been receiving great offers from maverick filmmakers of Tamil film industry. Though there is a buzz that Simbhu has walked out ofSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Feb 2010 | 2:54 am Cameron thinks Oscars’ Avatar actors snub unfairNew York (ANI): James Cameron says Oscars have snubbed actors of his sci-fi blockbuster Avatar because people often 'confuse' the movie's technology as being responsible for what they have seen onscreen."People confuse what we have done with animation," the New YorkSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Feb 2010 | 2:46 am Aniston shows off her renovated Beverly Hills homeLondon (ANI): Jennifer Aniston’s fans can now take a look at the actress’ life whose newly-renovated Beverly Hills home has featured in a magazine spread. The former Friends star recently completed a two-year restoration project and has been busy giving theSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Feb 2010 | 2:44 am Ashton Kutcher is romantic in natureWashington, (ANI): Ashton Kutcher, who is married to actress Demi Moore, has confessed that he is romantic in nature. The Just Married star said he was born 'loving to love'."I guess you could say I am a romantic. I love lifeSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Feb 2010 | 2:43 am Working with Indian stars has always excited me: Baz LuhrmannAustralian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann finds a reflection of Shakespeare's plays in Bollywood films and was so impressed with Indian stars and Hindi movies that he used the song "Chamma, Chamma" in his musical "Moulin Rouge".Source: Entertainment News | 4 Feb 2010 | 2:01 am Rann: A tale of media power punched with politicsRam Gopal Verma's latest movie 'Rann' is a smart take on 24-hour television media where news is more often created than disseminated. Great actors, a powerful story-line and tight screenplay have made the movie Ramu's much needed success.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 4 Feb 2010 | 1:59 am Bollywood tunes in to music bandsMove over albums and live shows.Source: Entertainment News | 4 Feb 2010 | 1:51 am I can decide what I want: Ajith - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 4 Feb 2010 | 1:43 am No Kisses, No Bikinis: Katrina Kaif - SantaBanta.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 4 Feb 2010 | 12:17 am Lights slowly fading for India's touring cinemasBANGALORE (Reuters Life!) - Picture a football field on a tea estate in northeastern India, where hundreds of workers sit before a metres-wide screen stretched across bamboo poles to watch the Bollywood hero bash up the goons and win the girl.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 4 Feb 2010 | 12:16 am Veteran Malayalam actor Cochin Haneefa no moreMalayalam actor Cochin Haneefa succumbed on February 2, 2010 to a liver ailment. His 30 plus years in cinema saw him act in 300 films including Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. He is also credited with the direction of seven Malayalam and six Tamil films.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 3 Feb 2010 | 11:40 pm Inox buys stake in Fame, open offer to followMUMBAI (Reuters) - Cinema chain Inox Leisure Ltd said on Wednesday it bought 43.3 percent in rival Fame India for 664.8 million rupees, making it India's No. 2 multiplex chain, pushing its shares up by the 20 percent limit.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 3 Feb 2010 | 11:38 pm SRK vs Thackerays: Bollywood largely silent - NDTV.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 3 Feb 2010 | 11:34 pm Mallika bags a role with Avatar star Alonso - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 3 Feb 2010 | 11:33 pm Nicolette looks like a pristine goddess from heaven: Vidya Malvade - SantaBanta.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 3 Feb 2010 | 11:14 pm Kollywood to honour CM on Feb 6! - Sify
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 3 Feb 2010 | 11:01 pm Aishwarya Bachchan is the costliest actress - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 3 Feb 2010 | 10:56 pm Cochin Haneefa laid to rest - Express Buzz
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 3 Feb 2010 | 10:46 pm Valentine's Day to rock film goers this ValentineThe movie Valentine's Day is being touted as the most romantic movie of 2010. The movie is to be screened on February 12, to make Valentine's night a special event. Valentine's Day provides different shades of experiences.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 3 Feb 2010 | 10:31 pm Madonna left with no love as Jesus Luz leaves herThe material girl Madonna has left with no love. 'Madonna has been dumped by her Brazilian lover Jesus Luz' is the speculation that is buzzing in the town. Madonna and Luz met each other in December 2008, and henceforth, they started dating.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 3 Feb 2010 | 9:41 pm Rahman part of historic remake of 'We are the World'Oscar and Grammy Award winner and music maestro AR Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) is part of the remake of 'We are the World' charity anthem recorded in Los Angeles, United States of America, which reportedly included over 75 world-class stars.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 3 Feb 2010 | 8:51 pm Duggar kids Josh and John save little girlJosh and John Duggar saved the life of a six year old little girl who had been involved in a car crash near Josh Duggar's used car dealership. The two, helped the girl by performing CPR on her.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 3 Feb 2010 | 3:44 pm The Bachelor: Vienna looted ex husband to get breast implantsAs per reports, Bachelor contender Vienna, had drained her broke ex husband to buy herself breast implants. Her former mother in law said that she had withdrawn the last money he had before entering the show.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 3 Feb 2010 | 3:43 pm Katie Price wedding shatters Peter Andre, cries on live TVKatie Price's second marriage to Celebrity Big Brother star Alex Reid has left Peter Andre shattered. He said, he hasn't told his kids yet about their mum having married another man.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 3 Feb 2010 | 3:41 pm Vandals may ransack cinemas showing SRK movie: Police
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 3 Feb 2010 | 3:19 pm American Idol Bikini boy, hip-swinging deserved a chance?Ty Hemmerling, a male contestant who perhaps thought dressing up in a skimpy string-top two-piece would be lovely, left judges numb and shocked.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 3 Feb 2010 | 2:33 pm Oscar Awards 2010: List of events, telecast detailsOscar Awards 2010 ceremony, honoring the best films of 2009, will take place March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. It will be telecast in the United States on ABC.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 3 Feb 2010 | 11:47 am Katrina awarded for excellence in cinema
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 3 Feb 2010 | 10:41 am Big B impressed by Vishal Bhardwaj's moviesThere are many filmmakers who are keen to sign Amitabh Bachchan for their projects, but the megastar is impressed with none other than Vishal Bhardwaj and says they may work together in future.
Source: | 3 Feb 2010 | 10:08 am "KCK won't allow you to leave your seat even for a moment" - Vijay Lalwani
Each year Bollywood sees a new breed of young and talented directors making their debut. While some manage to strike a chord with their films, others fade away into oblivion. In a few weeks' time, yet another oven-fresh director Vijay Lalwani is all set to unveil his labour of love Karthik Calling Karthik. The promos of this Farhan-Deepika starrer have generated tremendous curiosity and audiences are looking forward to this romantic thriller with bated breath. Bollywood Hungama's Nikhil Ramsubramaniam got in touch with the man behind the scenes- debutant director Vijay Lalwani- and spoke to him about his maiden venture.
Your first baby Karthik Calling Karthik (KCK) is a few weeks away from release, how is the feeling?
I'm still finishing the post, so I've had absolutely no time to sit back and think about my condition. Chaos and lack of awareness of what is to follow prevails (smiles).
Everyone is curious to know about your background. So could you brief us on that?
Ever since I can remember, I always wanted to be a story teller, but at 12 I didn't know that film making could actually be my career, so I decided that Advertising was what I would do when I grow up, since it seemed like the next most creatively challenging and exciting possibility. I did my 11th and 12th in Science at my parents insistence, and decided to rebel and take up Arts later on so I could eventually make it into Advertising. I graduated in Applied Art and decided to head to Mumbai to pursue mainstream Advertising.
I joined Ogilvy & Mather (Mumbai) as an Art Director in 2002. In less than a year, my passion for writing took over. I moved completely to the discipline of writing. I was now officially a copywriter training to be a Creative Director. Was fortunate enough in Advertising and ended up doing 100 TV commercials and various print campaigns, and include major brands such as Sprite, Hide n seek, Milano, Cadbury, Hutch and many more.
I've done over 100 TV commercials and various print campaigns including major brands such as Sprite, Hide n Seek, Milano, Cadbury, Hutch and many more
So how did the shift from Advertising to Films take place?
My first love always remained wanting to make movies. As Creative Director, writing always remained the major interest but I wanted to dabble in direction. After successfully directing a few commercials I decided to take the plunge into movie making completely. I further trained in some of the best agencies in the country with some of the sharpest minds. What really helped though is the discipline one gets while being in Advertising. Having to go back to the drawing board a hundred times, dealing with rejection, and dealing with multiple levels to get work done, just end up being assets later in the film writing career. Then be it dialogues, jingles, campaign ideas or commercials, one just gets used to constantly improving /crafting your product. In 2007 I gave up my post as a Senior Creative Director and decided to focus on a Movie Making career as Writer and Director. With the many screenplays I had written over time, 2008 saw the formation of 'Magic Beans Films' with my partner Amit Chandrra and our thus began our first film venture Karthik Calling Karthik. We had the fortune/foresight to seek Excel Entertainment as the right partners to do justice to the project.
How would you describe Karthik Calling Karthik (KCK)?
It's essentially a thriller. Some people are calling it a psychological thriller, and some call it a romantic thriller because there is a very strong romance track in the film that is pretty much the fulcrum of the film. All I would like to say that it's an imaginative yet relatable human story about 'change' in a lovable loser's life. It's funny, it's romantic, and it's mysterious and won't allow you to leave your seat. I don't know if I've over described it or confused you further (laughs) KCK, is the story of a lovable loser Karthik, whose life changes with the help of someone who also claims to be Karthik. A thrilling, soulful and romantic journey of this man's victory against all odds is how I would sum up the film.
KCK is essentially a thriller. Some people are calling it a psychological thriller while some call it a romantic thriller
How and when did the idea of KCK first germinate?
About 3 years ago, I was sitting troubled at a restaurant worrying about certain choices I need to make in my life (personal life/ career/ job opportunities else where/ shifting homes etc).... Tired of wrestling between choices I said, "Gosh, why can't I get a call every morning from someone who knows what's right for me and tells me exactly what to do" and then I paused for a few seconds. "That's a great idea for a movie" I said, and that's how the idea for Karthik Calling Karthik was born. I jotted the idea down and over the next few months it simmered at the back of my mind.
Farhan and Deepika make for quite an unconventional on-screen pair. What made you cast them for the lead roles?
Farhan had the intensity and maturity that I required an actor to have to play Karthik. Plus I preferred someone with no baggage which means I wanted someone who didn't come with a chocolate boy/serious/comedy/action hero image. Farhan is relatively new as an actor so he was ideal. Plus there was an awesome match of sensibilities when we met. We also share a very similar sense of corny, cheesy humour which made it easier for me to like him.
As for Deepika, the character she plays, Shonali, needed to be desirable, aspirational, confident and sexy. Deepika fit the bill perfectly. I always wanted her for the role but never thought she would say YES. Luckily for me, she did. Her character has the best lines in the film. She is the funny one, and the cheeky one. It would be fresh to see her in such an avatar. She too comes with only positive equity and she hasn't been seen like this ever before. The pairing in my head was very unique and I believed that I would pull it off on screen convincingly. I'm quite happy with the choice.
Farhan and I share a very similar sense of corny, cheesy humour which made it easier for me to like him
Deepika's new look is fast becoming the talk of the town...Apparently you were the one who wanted her to sport a new hair style. Why so?
Her character Shonali is outgoing, bold and stylish. I always saw the character have shorter hair (as compared to how Deepika looks in real life). A new trendy cut was very important for Deepika to get into a new look. I wanted to present Deepika differently from how she had been seen earlier in previous films. The hair cut was step one for her new look.
I always wanted Deepika's character Shonali to have short hair. So we went in for a trendy new look
Does the film deal with psychological issues like alter ego / split personality?
I would like the audience to see my next promo before speculating anything. The promo on air is only a teaser. Once the promo is out, a lot will be clearer. But I promise it's worth the wait.
The music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy has a nice mix of songs....which is your favorite pick and why?
That's too difficult to say at this point. In fact, at any given point it's a different favorite track for me. Right now I've just finished doing the background music with Midival Punditz and Karsh Kale, so that's very fresh in my head. I find myself humming themes from the film today.
Where all have you shot the film?
Essentially Mumbai with some Outdoors in Karjat, Lonavla and Cochin,
Describe the most unforgettable moment during the shooting of the film?
Farhan played a prank on me by faking unconsciousness on the set during a scene. I was very worried for him. I kept my calm, but only from the outside. When I found out it was a prank I was very relieved and then I really wanted to strangle him. (Laughs)
Farhan played a prank on me by faking unconsciousness on the set during a scene
KCK is releasing alongside a biggie like Teen Patti on Feb 26th. Don't you think it would hamper the prospects of the film?
I think if 2 good films are released together both will do well. I have begun to believe that in the long run a film gets what it deserves. It all evens out. Sometimes even when good films don't do brilliantly on the box office front; they end up becoming cult films. I could be wrong, but I would rather choose to believe that a film gets what it deserves no matter what the competition.
What's next on your agenda after KCK?
1. Sleep
2. Sleep
3. Sleep
After that I'm gonna go for a short vacation where I intend to write another script to add to my bank of scripts. I find it therapeutic to keep writing. I distress completely.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 3 Feb 2010 | 9:36 am Hollywood producer David Brown deadDavid Brown, producer of hits like A Few Good Men and Deep Impact, died at his home in New York City Sunday following a prolonged illness. He was 93.Source: | 3 Feb 2010 | 9:29 am How baz broke his wristA broken hand and two designer slings — that’s what Oscar-winning filmmaker Baz Luhrmann will remember of his week-long visit to India.Source: | 3 Feb 2010 | 9:10 am Finding good scripts a challenge: MadhavanFrom 3 Idiots to Teen Patti, R. Madhavan is surely doing a different kind of cinema but he doesn't want to experiment with the genres. The multilingual actor says he just wants to work on good scripts but rues that these are hard to come by.Source: | 3 Feb 2010 | 9:05 am India’s only Oscar hopeKavi, a Hindi film by American director Gregg Helvey, has been nominated in the Short Film (Live Action) category at the 82nd Academy Awards, to be held in March.Source: | 3 Feb 2010 | 8:58 am Oscar nominations spring surprisesThe Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Tuesday released the nominations list for the 82nd Annual Academy Awards.Source: | 3 Feb 2010 | 8:35 am DiCaprio has no time for family
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 3 Feb 2010 | 8:15 am Mallika Sherawat bags role opposite 'Avatar' star Laz AlonsoBollywood actress Mallika Sherawat is continuing her Hollywood stint with "Love, Barack" - she has been cast opposite "Avatar" star Laz Alonso in the political comedy.Source: Entertainment News | 3 Feb 2010 | 8:12 am Mallika bags role opposite Avatar starBollywood actress Mallika Sherawat is continuing her Hollywood stint with Love, Barack. She has been cast opposite Avatar star Laz Alonso in the political comedy.Source: | 3 Feb 2010 | 8:08 am Bollywood bids adieu to Tahir Hussain - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 3 Feb 2010 | 7:33 am Court issues contempt notice to Prasar Bharati CEOThe Delhi High Court today issued a contempt notice to Prasar Bharati CEO B.Source: Entertainment News | 3 Feb 2010 | 6:53 am Live Chat: Abhishek Chaubey on February 4 at 1330 hrs IST
He is what one can term as the restless souls of the Gen-Next school of filmmaking. We are talking about the highly talented Abhishek Chaubey, the man who has become the toast of every occasion with his directorial debut vehicle Ishqiya, a film that is setting its own standards ever since day one. Having worked on the screenplays of films like Omkara and Kaminey, Abhishek is definitely the talent to watch out for in the days to come.
Bollywood Hungama gives you a chance to get up, close and personal with the man who is all set to rewrite history with Ishqiya. Your date with the man stands still on February 4 at 1330 hrs IST.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 3 Feb 2010 | 6:40 am Live Chat: Vidya Malvade February 4 at 1530 hrs IST
Vidya Malvade's first film Inteha may not have garnered her with ample attention and fan mails but one film that changed the entire equation was Yash Raj Films' smash hit Chak De India. This 'sporting' role was followed up by her portrayal of Sanjay Dutt's wife and Minissha Lamba's mom in Sanjay Gadhvi's Kidnap.
For the uninitiated lot, Vidya is the same PYT, who, after making a splash in the ad world with the likes of FMCGs like Maska Chaska, Thums Up, Kitkat, Hyundai Santro, Anne French, Ponds, Videocon, Pepsi, Hyundai Accent... made an impressive splash in Bollywood.
The good news is that she is back in Striker in which she plays Siddharth's sister. Bollywood Hungama gives you a chance to get up, close and personal with Vidya Malvade for an exclusive video chat. Do remember your time with the gorgeous lady stands confirmed on February 4 at 1530 hrs IST.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 3 Feb 2010 | 6:20 am Omi's 'Space Cowboy' outfit up for grabs on ebay
Omi Vaidya not only impressed one and all with his brilliant performance of Chatur Ramalingam in the blockbuster 3 Idiots but also was the star attraction at the recently held 16th Annual Star Screen Awards. Not only did Omi bag two awards that night (Best Actor in a Comic Role and Best Debutant- Male) but he also kept everyone in splits when he hosted one segment of the show along with his 3 Idiots co-star Madhavan.
Omi and Maddy were both dressed in wacky costumes with Omi's 'Space Cowboy' garnering special attention. For all those who loved that costume, here is a golden opportunity to get your hands on it. The costume worn by the actor at the Star Screen Awards has been put up on sale on ebay by the actor himself and is up for grabs. The 'Space Cowboy' outfit as Omi likes to call it is made up of intricate hand-woven Indian bead work and fine Indian fabrics. The highest bidder not only gets to take home the costume but also gets a personally autographed photo of Omi. Part of the proceeds of the auction will also go to an orphan charity.
So for all those wanting to take a piece of Chatur Ramalingam home here is your best chance. Just go and grab it.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 3 Feb 2010 | 6:17 am Indian poverty under Oscar scanner againThere's no blockbuster like "Slumdog Millionaire" in the reckoning but India's poverty story is again under the Oscar scanner with US director Gregg Helvey's Hindi film "Kavi" about child labour being nominated in the short film (live action) category.Source: Entertainment News | 3 Feb 2010 | 5:47 am Siddharth and I are like buddies: Vidya MalvadeActress Vidya Malvade says she enjoyed working with Siddharth on the sets of their forthcoming film "Striker" as they shared a very friendly relationship and often played pranks on each other.Source: Entertainment News | 3 Feb 2010 | 5:34 am Sharmila Tagore and Soha Ali Khan on Hello! Cover
While 'Miss Senior' was the heart throb of millions, 'Miss Junior' continues the tradition to be the eternal heart throb of millions. We are indeed talking about Sharmila Tagore and Soha Ali Khan, who have come together on the cover of Hello! magazine.
This magazine is surely one of the rare collection that qualifies itself to be a 'Collector's Issue'. Sharmila Tagore, on her own admission, says, "I could not sit on somebody's sets and call the shots on behalf of my children. As parents, Tiger and I have always believed that the best lesson is to learn from your own mistakes." While on that, Soha says "My mother never allowed her acclaim to be my yardstick of success. She was always there when I needed advice, but that's it." She also adds, "I am more like my father, who is such an intense man. He speaks little, reads voraciously and keeps to his word." This issue surely makes an interesting read.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 3 Feb 2010 | 5:13 am The ‘He’ and the ‘She’ OscarThis year’s Oscar race may well lend itself to a gripping screenplay. We have a man and his former wife pitted against each other with nine nominations each for their respective films. Source: | 3 Feb 2010 | 5:07 am 'Gladiator' Dhoni & 'Superwoman' Preity shoot Emami Cooking Oil commercial
On the cricket field, they may belong to rival IPL teams but when Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain of Chennai Super Kings) and Preity Zinta (co-owner of Kings XI Punjab) came together for an ad shoot yesterday, all rivalry was forgotten. Mahi and Preity shot a commercial for Emami Cooking Oil and if these pics are anything to go by, the chemistry between them was indeed there for one and all to see. Dhoni was dressed in a Gladiator like avatar, while PZ was given a Super-woman like get-up with a body-hugging silver dress and a red cape to go with.
While the commercial was directed by noted ad-man Prahlad Kakkar, a special photo shoot featuring the duo was done by ace-photographer Dabboo Ratnani. We got in touch with Dabboo and asked him about his experience of this special photo shoot, "It was a great experience shooting with Preity and Dhoni. They first shot for the commercial with Prahlad Kakkar and then did this photo-shoot which we will use in the ad posters. I've shot with Preity countless times before, she is very charming and a complete sweetheart to work with. As for Dhoni, this was probably the second or third time that I was doing a shoot with him. He is extremely cool, chilled out and very receptive. He was totally involved in the photo shoot, putting in his 100% effort and was very comfortable in front of the camera. All in all, we had a great time."
The commercial is likely to go on air in ten days from now when Dhoni's Men In Blue will be busy taking on the South African cricket team in what promises to be a grueling contest.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 3 Feb 2010 | 3:58 am Rakesh Roshan reworking on Krrish 3's script
Rakesh Roshan has no option left but to re-work on the script of Krrish 3. The sole reason being that the script which Roshan had penned down more than a year back has the same plot as Spiderman 3.
A source close to the director reveals, "Rakesh Roshan had written portions of Krrish along with other writers. The movie turned out to be a major hit. He does not want the sequel to be any less. The director sat down almost two years back and was penning down the script to Krrish 3. But to his surprise, Spiderman 3 which released then had the same plot as he had ideated."
The source continues, "At that point, Rakesh Roshan kept the script back into his drawer and started working on his production Kites. Now that Kites is almost done and will be releasing soon, Rakesh has gone back to re-working on the script of Krrish 3. The director has hired freelancers too, to help him make alterations and the required inputs for the film. He wants a new plot, and does not want any similarity to the Spiderman movie plot."
"In the past Rakesh Roshan has paid a heavy amount to a young composer Ram Sampath who went to court saying that Rajesh Roshan, composer of the soundtrack for Krazzy 4, sampled his music from the Song Ericsson Thump ads in the songs 'Break Free' and 'Krazzy 4'. Ram won the case and was given a whopping amount. To avoid any such troubles, Rakesh Roshan is extremely cautious," adds the source.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 3 Feb 2010 | 3:24 am Finding good scripts a challenge: MadhavanFrom "3 Idiots" to "Teen Patti", R.Source: Entertainment News | 3 Feb 2010 | 1:46 am
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