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Heathrow denies SRK's body-scan autograph claimBritain's airport authorities have dismissed as "simply not true" claims by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan that he autographed printouts of his body-scan for female security staff at Heathrow airport.Source: Entertainment News | 11 Feb 2010 | 9:08 am 'My Name Is Khan' to launch Reliance BIG Cinemas in NepalIndia's most talked-about upcoming film "My Name Is Khan" will serve as the launchpad for a new venture of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group in Nepal.Source: Entertainment News | 11 Feb 2010 | 9:05 am Gisele Bundchen debuts baby son Benjamin
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 Feb 2010 | 8:33 am Emily Blunt turns to cello for relaxing
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 Feb 2010 | 7:55 am Finally, Shabana-Tabu come togetherBoth are critically acclaimed actresses, but what brought Shabana Azmi and Tabu together was not a film but a book.Source: Entertainment News | 11 Feb 2010 | 7:51 am UK disputes Shah Rukh's claim on body scanners
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 Feb 2010 | 7:51 am Jolie gifts olive tree to Pitt for Valentine
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 Feb 2010 | 7:47 am Imran Khan makes debut in Coke ad
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 Feb 2010 | 7:45 am Raj Thackeray won't join Sena against SRK
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 Feb 2010 | 7:35 am 10 Albums to watch out for in 2010
Whatever be the fate of Bollywood films year after year, there is always something consistent about the world of films and that happens to be it's music. 2009 saw quite a few good soundtracks hitting the stands and 2010 should be no exception with number of diverse films spread across genres. While 2009 was dominated by Pritam, 2010 is pretty much setting the stage for number of top line composers with Vishal-Shekhar and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy also joining in. A.R. Rahman is expected to continue his good work; Rajesh Roshan would be back as well while Himesh Reshammiya is expected to churn out his yearly hit. Meanwhile, expect a few surprises from the likes of Salim-Sulaiman as well as new finds Sachin & Jigar. Joginder Tuteja brings to you 10 most anticipated albums of 2010 (in alphabetical order) that should see an all around popularity in months to come.
Action Replayy (Pritam)
Pritam is expected to carry forward the great run that he has been enjoying during last 3-4 years. Action Replayy is also special because it brings together the hit team of Vipul Shah, Akshay Kumar and Pritam together after Singh Is Kinng. Vipul has been known for roping in different composers for each of his films, whether it was Aankhen (Jatin-Lalit, Aadesh Srivastava), Waqt - Race Against Time (Anu Malik) or Namastey London (Himesh Reshammiya). However, after London Dreams (Shankar Ehsaan Loy), he has gone back to Pritam and in the process repeated a composer for the first time ever.
Anjaana Anjaani (Vishal Shekhar)
Vishal and Shekhar were quiet all through 2009 with Aladin (for which they composed a couple of years back) being their sole release of the year. However, it was for a reason since they were getting bigger things in place for entire 2010. The year should begin with Anjaana Anjaani and it has all the right reasons to be mighty successful. Reason being that in Siddharth Anand's Bachna Ae Haseeno and Salaam Namaste, they gave some real good melodies even though Ta Ra Rum Pum was a step behind. Now with Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra forming the film's cast, it is but obvious that the composer duo would push themselves further for this Sajid Nadiadwala production.
Guzaarish (Sanjay Leela Bhansali)
He didn't quite make history with the music of Saawariya. However, the reputation that Sanjay Leela Bhansali carries ever since the days of Khamoshi, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas means that the man is expected to deliver goods in a big way with Guzaarish. Since he has himself decided to hold the baton for the music of this Hrithik Roshan - Aishwarya Rai starrer as the composer, the excitement is palpable. Expect the man with a vision of his own to surprise and reinvent filmmaking as well as music all over again with Guzaarish.
Housefull (Shankar Ehsaan Loy)
This is one 'houseful' affair waiting to happen. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy may not have created a blockbuster score in 2009 but they did deliver good quality music all through the year. Sajid Khan directed Housefull is touted to be that BIG project for the composer trio where they are expected to go all out in getting a huge commercial soundtrack in place. With a huge star cast to boast of and Sajid's eye for mass appeal to vouch for, Housefull is expected to be the first musical success for Akshay Kumar in 2010.
I Hate Luv Stories (Vishal Shekhar)
Sheer volume of albums being churned out by Vishal-Shekhar in 2010 indicates that this could well be their year after a rather dull 2009. Not restricted to working in any fixed camps, the composer duo is smartly balancing work across different filmmakers. For this Karan Johar production, they are expected to create a peppy rom-com outing (going with the genre of the film). Coming together of Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor is enticing enough and icing on the cake would be music by Vishal and Shekhar that should keep the flag high for them all through the year.
Kajraare (Himesh Reshammiya)
His Radio may have sunk at the box office but it's music was much appreciated right till it's release. As a composer he has not let down even once and there is no reason why Kajraare should be any different. Moreover, since he joins hands with Bhatts (who have a rather impressive track record as far as their musical outings are concerned), Himesh is expected to put in double the effort for Kajraare. This time around though, Himesh would certainly be hoping that his good luck with music rubs on his foray into acting as well.
Kites (Rajesh Roshan)
Hrithik Roshan. Rakesh Roshan. Rajesh Roshan. Need one say more about this combination? Their soundtrack for Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai may stay on to be their best while Krrish wasn't exactly the kind of outing that met sky high expectations of their fans and followers. Still, Roshans are a brand together and that should get wheels moving for Kites as well. Also, a fact that cannot be ignored is the involvement of director Anurag Basu whose taste in music won't raise any doubts. Remember Life In A Metro, Gangster and Murder?
Ra. 1 (Vishal Shekhar)
Ra. 1 may or may not release in 2010 but if it indeed does then this could well be a film to watch out for. Vishal and Shekhar have been known for their consistency and their penchant for doing limited but quality projects is helping them build a unique branding for themselves. With Shah Rukh Khan, they have made Om Shanti Om while with director Anubhav Sinha they have made some rocking tracks in Dus and much ignored Cash. Ra. 1 is just the kind of assignment that could redefine the musical scene as the first decade of the new millennium comes to an end.
Raavan (A. R. Rahman)
From a techno Ra 1, it's time to jump on to mythical Raavan with A.R. Rahman promising a lot for this Mani Ratnam directed modern day tale. From Dil Se to Yuva to Guru, Rahman has always delivered the best for Ratnam and expectations are gargantuan from this Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer. The soundtrack is expected to be attached to the roots and set in a characteristic Indian backdrop. From the Oscar award composer, Raavan would be one of the biggest efforts to watch out for in 2010.
Tees Maar Khan (Vishal Shekhar)
Tees Maar Khan is all set to arrive by the end of this year. With Farah Khan joining hands with Vishal-Shekhar once again after Om Shanti Om and Akshay Kumar bringing on his star quotient and a strong music sense intact, Tees Maar Khan is a big project waiting to explode. Expect a 100% masala outing sans any pretence in the music of Tees Maar Khan that should keep the lovers of mass commercial Bollywood soundtracks happy.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 11 Feb 2010 | 7:03 am "Even unconventional and non-formulaic films can work" - Vidya Balan
She was and has been the quintessential young woman next door whom an intelligent man would love to take to his mother. Playing a quintessential 'bhartiya naari', whether belonging to the classical mould (Parineeta, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Eklavya - The Royal Guard) or the modern times (Paa, Lage Raho Munnabhai, Salaam E Ishq) with a brain of her own, Vidya Balan boasts of consistency as her hallmark.
In fact a closer study of her filmography pretty much confirms that after Katrina Kaif, she easily has the best success rate amongst leading ladies today with at least one hit a year ever since her debut effort Parineeta (2005). No wonder, when Vidya moves from her 'maa' performance in Paa to a 'woman with desires of her own' (in her own words) in Ishqiya, she makes viewers look forward to what's new that she has to offer in the New Year. More so because in the film she makes men as diverse as Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi dance to her tune.
"This is the best time to be working in movies", declares Vidya who now has two back to back successes in her kitty with Ishqiya following Paa, "Earlier when any filmmaker even thought of making a non-formulaic film, it used to be slotted as an art film there and then. Soon after it would be considered as economical unviable and unfortunately there wasn't much progress that any of such brilliant ideas made. I guess there was an attempt in the late 70s and the early 80s but then ever since NFDC has stopped making films, all doors seemed to be shut. However, in the current decade we are back to making different kind of films. Yes, it's a slow but a steady journey for sure. At least now with movies like Ishqiya, we have started pushing the envelope a little more."
At the beginning of 2009, it was Anurag Kashyap directed Dev D that followed a non-conformist approach towards cinema. Circa 2010 and the year has begun well with Ishqiya. It appears like finally there is some trend in the making here with mainstream actors not feeling shy about lending their support to films that break commercial mould. After Abhay Deol, it is nice to see Vidya Balan too joining the fray.
"I think what is actually happening is that even audiences want to see different things today. This is why when a few experiments worked earlier, people just lapped it up. Movies like Bheja Fry pretty much paved the way for quality films in controlled budget to start making an appearance because once these films worked, more and more people from the industry were further encouraged to present different ideas. It was obvious that even unconventional and non-formulaic films can work if packed, marketed, promoted and presented well. Slowly there are steps being taken due to which audiences too are accepting varied subjects with open arms. Thankfully, there are better budgets being offered as well in spite of increase in experimental cinema", Vidya goes on to share her 'gyaan' on the advent of new age cinema.
She can't be blamed though if she is sounding all excited about the advent of a different kind of cinema. After all, she is one of the rare female actors who has agreed to play the role of a mother in two films (Paa, Heyy Babyy), someone who has psychological disorder (Bhool Bhulaiyaa), a woman suffering from an ailment (Guru, Salaam E Ishq) and now a widow who doesn't mind getting into an intense romance with love (Naseeruddin Shah) and lust (Arshad Warsi) as the driving force. With the 'Jessica Lal' based film already in her kitty and things looking promising with Gulzar's next seemingly quite close, Vidya sure is getting all her calculations right.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 11 Feb 2010 | 6:49 am Katherine Heigl replaces Reese Witherspoon
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 Feb 2010 | 6:38 am "RGV had picked me up from nowhere and made me a star" - Vivek Oberoi
Ram Gopal Varma with whom Vivek Oberoi is working again in Rakta Charitra is one of the many people the actor fell out with. The two have now become the closest of friends. They even converse in Telugu, Ramu's mother tongue which Vivek learnt for Rakta Charitra. The two are now working on another project together.
Says Vivek emotionally, "Ramuji was angry. And rightly so. He had picked me up from nowhere and made me a star. He was embittered by the way I turned. I lost a lot of my friends. And that included Ramuji."
Now the two are back on an even pitch. And planning at least two more films together.
Vivek flew the theatrical trailer of his new film Prince to Hyderabad where Ram Gopal Varma was shooting with Vivek.
Says Vivek, "Ramuji booked a theatre at the Ramuji Rao film city in Hyderabad to watch it. Not just that. I left the theatre after a while since late nights don't suit me. I had a shoot in the morning. But my director chose to stay on watching the trailer over and over again. Ramuji has always been a mentor. I'm sorry if I let him down in the past."
Shatrughan Sinha who forms the third party in the new Ramu-Vivek alliance too watched the trailer with Ramu.
Vivek just can't stop raving about his Rakta Charitra co-star Shatrughan Sinha. "He's so generous and warm. He makes me feel so special every day on the sets. He's an inspiration. I call him Super Sarkar. He's so larger-than-life. He's the only politician who is never politically correct."
Vivek is gearing himself for the release of his next film Prince which is rumoured to be a remake of the 1960s' Shammi Kapoor starrer Prince.
Chortles Vivek, "Ha ha. I wish. People feel it might be a takeoff on Shammi Kapoorji in Prince, or they feel it is a costume drama. Let them see what it is. I don't want to give away the plot. Hats off to Kumar Tauraniji for having faith in me. I knew it would be risky. He pulled out all the stops to make Prince look lavish."
Incidentally, Vivek is the only protégé whom Ramu has chosen to patch up with. The ones he has had permanent fall-outs with include Manoj Bajpai, Aftab Shivdasani, Randeep Hooda and Mohit Ahlawat.
Reacting to rumours of a patch-up with Bajpai, Ramu retorts, "Mere itne bhi bure din nahin aaye hain."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 11 Feb 2010 | 6:32 am "Tabu and my mom are very close" - Shabana Azmi
On Tuesday, Tabu released the English translation of Shabana's mother Shaukat Azmi's biography Kaifi & I on the legendary poet-activist-lyricist Kaifi Azmi.
So far available to readers in an Urdu, Hindi, Marathi and Japanese, the English translation by Nasreen Rehman was released on Tuesday evening. Tabu unhesitatingly said yes.
Explains Shabana, "Tabu and my mom are very close. It was important to have the book released by someone who's familiar with the language and the cultural ethos of those times. There could be no better choice than Tabu."
When asked why the two of them had not done any movie together, Shabana replied, "It has to be something worth the while for both of us." About the book function, Shabana says, "It was lovely. Mum's admirers turned up in large numbers and she was in top form."
Talk is now on to turn Kaifi & I into a film. The book is already on stage with Javed Akhtar and Shabana playing Kaifi and Shaukat Azmi.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 11 Feb 2010 | 6:27 am Jyoti Basu's life now in jatraLess than a month after his death, India's communist legend Jyoti Basu's life has become the subject of jatra, West Bengal's popular folk theatre form.Source: Entertainment News | 11 Feb 2010 | 5:47 am Imran Khan makes debut in Coke adBollywood actor Imran Khan, who has stayed away from the endorsement segment, will now be seen in the new Coca-Cola advertisement as its brand ambassador.Source: Entertainment News | 11 Feb 2010 | 5:25 am Hindi entertainment channel to be launched in ChennaiA Hindi entertainment channel by a Tamil Nadu-based satellite channel operator is on the anvil here.Source: Entertainment News | 11 Feb 2010 | 5:21 am "Post 3 Idiots, I got a lot of offers even internationally" - Suraj Jagan
The reaction to his song Give me some sunshine from 3 Idiots is "mindblowingly beyond imagination," says Suraj Jagan, who finds himself suddenly in demand for both live shows as well as films.
The boy from Kerala feels vindicated, and is especially happy that the song that has really made him is Give me some sunshine from 3 Idiots. "When a boy from Kerala decides that rock music in English and Hindi is going to be his livelihood, he is taken to be an idiot! So with 3 Idiots, I have proved that I am actually not one!" A recent award, he tells you, is the icing on the cake.
Suraj Jagan reveals how his song was singled out by Aamir Khan no less as a musical dark horse from the score. "He always believed in the song and said that it will connect with the youth. The thrust of the music promotion was obviously on All is well and Zooby dooby, but at the music release itself, I sensed that this song will be a hit on its own!"
The singer however admits that the scale of the film's and music's success has been unprecedented. "When I recorded the song I liked it, did my best and forgot about it, but now what has happened is incredible! For me, however, it was a great compliment when Shantanu Moitra stated in public that if my voice had not been approved by the filmmakers, he would have changed the tune!" The composer had promised him a song two years ago when encountering him in the jingles circuit where Suraj has always been busy.
"The world of jingles is great but obviously anonymity is high," says the youngster. "People know your work but not the fact that it is you. My famous jingles include You and I in this beautiful world and Everyday I want to fly stay by my side and there are so many in every language from Hindi to Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Oriya and the South Indian languages as well."
Suraj had his band called Dream Out Loud that did English songs. "That's on hold now," says Suraj. "I am now the lead vocalist of a Hindi band with six musicians. After Give me some sunshine we are getting a lot of offers even internationally."
This sudden happy turn of events, says Suraj, has put on hold his planned Hindi rock album. "I have composed most of the songs. But right now, I have to flow with the tide. And as it happens, this year will see me sing more. I have sung Rang de in My Name Is Khan, the title-track in Karthik Calling Karthik and also in Hide & Seek." After this, Suraj will also be heard in I Hate Luv Stories and Patiala House.
Suraj is gung-ho with whatever life offers him. "I did not go out of my way to become a playback singer, neither did I want to avoid singing in films! I was comfortable with my band and later my jingles, and still am."
Suraj therefore had an unthinkable eight-year gap between his Hindi film debut with the Vishal-Shekhar song Hum naujawan from Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi in 1999 and his second lot of films that came in 2007. "I sang in a lot of small films, like Money Hai To Honey Hai, Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama and Humse Hain Jahaan. What was noticed, however, was my title-track in Johnny Gaddaar. And then there was Zehreele in Rock On!! , a song also filmed on me as Farhan Akhtar's rival contestant." Straight, in which he sang five solos, barely registered its music on screen. And so it is only now that the turnaround has come, notes the singer who has sung a bit in Tamil and Telugu too. So how does his professional approach vary from jingles, his live work and films? "For me the difference is simply between studio work and live work. Both have aspects that cannot be compensated by the other! Live work gives instant reactions and a greater challenge. Studio work has a more intimate connection with associates and greater recognition," says the admirer of Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar and Hemant Kumar. Among present singers, he likes everyone but could listen to Shankar Mahadevan and Vishal Dadlani for hours. "I like my singing to be a part of the creative process. In that sense, I love working with my band where I do the music and vocals and am a part of the lyrics writing process."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 11 Feb 2010 | 4:36 am "Tabu is a scintillating actor; what a brilliant performer she is" - Sharman Joshi
If you meet Sharman Joshi in person, you'd be left questioning - Why so Serious? Then you might have a laugh or two about how funny he is off screen. Sharman is a surprisingly simple, laid back and a straightforward person to talk to. So when asked whether Toh Baat Pakki will manage to be a big success at the box office, the actor got a bit unsettled. Unlike most actors who have a great comic sense and the ones who always seem "on" during an interview, Joshi felt no need to joke around or entertain with his answers. He was quite comfortable in being honest. What an actor! Now you can take this pun however you want, but we for sure believe that he is a great find in our larger than life film industry. UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent met Sharman Joshi who is about to get married on February 12...or is he? Whatever the results, we sure are going to be a witness to this lavish wedding. Let the groom take on from here.
You are married, so how well did you associate yourself to the filmâ¦
I associated myself in a way that I made the right decision on screen and off screen (laughs). Seriously, it's a film set in a small town on how an elder sister helps her younger sister to find a perfect match and how things go mismatch after the elder sister gives hope to not just one, but two boys for her sisters' marriage. It's a light hearted comedy.
How tough is it for a film like Toh Baat Pakki in times where big films with bigger budgets and the biggest stars are getting hyped?
No film in my opinion is big or small, whether it is the star cast or the director or the producer. A film is big or small only after the audiences see it. What you're asking is very speculative. We've made this film because we completely believe in it and we're sure that the audiences have something worth their time and enjoy themselves.
No film in my opinion is big or small, it becomes big or small only after the audiences see it
Working with Tabu is like working with Aamir Khan. She is the best of the best, isn't it?
Yes she is. Tabu is a scintillating actor. What a brilliant performer she is! I was a little tentative in figuring out how to break the ice with her during the first few days of the shoot. But she is an extremely friendly and a down to earth kind of a person. We got along very well, enjoyed our lunches on the sets, worked hard and post pack up we used to get together in each others room for more filmy gupshups. Toh Baat Pakki was a unique experience all together.
Nobody talks about the debutant directors now-a-days unless they make a film with big stars.
Kedar Shinde, the director of Toh Baat Pakki is a big name himself in Marathi stage. An actor's job is limited in a certain sense. Film, is a director's and a scriptwriter's medium. It's how they see the film. I am hoping that Kedar is happy with the work I've done in the film. We both are from theatre background and have seen each others work. We've also worked with each other on stage. So when I got to know Kedar was directing this film, I jumped on to it knowing that he will handle the affairs pretty well.
Industry has now become a one week wonder. Openings are more crucial than how the film will fare at the box office.
We aren't going through the worst phase. Yes, we were going through a bad phase last year but things are becoming better. Yes, openings have become vital only to gauge whether the audiences will accept a certain kind of cinema or not. When a good film is made, there are audiences who'll go and watch. 3 Idiots had its audiences. The potential of our films is tremendous. Audiences are prepared for more or beyond and the intellect they possess, which we assume, is far less. But that's not right. They are far more progressive then we are. Agreed, that Hollywood's success rate is much better than Bollywood but that's the truth. We make so many films that the time gap between two films is hardly there, and then the audiences split.
We make so many films that the time gap between two films is hardly there, and then the audiences split
Are you careful in signing films now as you're a part of two cult films - Rang De Basanti and 3 Idiots. Are you in a different league all together?
My mantra is pretty much the same from the days I started acting. I do the kind of films that challenge me. First comes, the script and then the actor. That's the path I follow. I cannot credit myself alone for being in a film which is as successful as a Rang De Basanti or 3 Idiots is because there are so many factors that go into making a cult film. Those cannot necessarily be acting. But what you must do is to be a part of the film that excites you and take up the role of a lifetime.
Which is your next release?
There is a film called Allah Ke Bandey which is a redemption drama. It has Farooq Sheikh, Naseeruddin Shah, Atul Kulkarni as the principal cast and my director, Mr Farooq Kabir and myself are playing the lead roles. It's about two boys from the slums of Mumbai and their life story. It's a hard core drama with part real life story.
But would you ever imagine Sharman Joshi not smile?
(Laughs) Why do you say that? I did a film called Raqeeb which wasn't very successful. It was a serious thriller drama. Yes, I have been synonymous with light hearted comedy but I am not a comedian. I hate being tagged as an actor. I've been playing parts which are different from what I'm generally associated with. It's again exciting and challenging...not to smile (laughs).Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 11 Feb 2010 | 4:20 am Paris Hilton secretly engaged?
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 Feb 2010 | 4:04 am Moss' life set to be enacted on stage
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 Feb 2010 | 3:55 am No method to Kajol's madness, she's brilliant: Karan Johar
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 11 Feb 2010 | 3:25 am "You can't compare MNIK with 3 Idiots" - Karan Johar
My Name Is Khan is just a few hours away from release and the obvious question that comes to mind is around the box office outcome of the film. With 3 Idiots setting such high standards at the box office and breaking the ceiling, doesn't it put an additional pressure on MNIK to perform further well?
It seems like this was the only ammunition that was waiting to find a way on the battlefield because Karan gets all fired up at this juncture. "I don't know why write-ups around one film taking a bigger opening than another or whether MNIK would be able to reach the highest slot when it comes box office openings keep appearing without any rhyme or reason. The kind of films that we are seeing today are all different from each other. Veer was different from 3 Idiots, just like My Name Is Khan is different from Veer. You can't be comparing a Guzaarish with a Kites. Or you can't be picking up a Raajneeti and start drawing comparisons with 3 Idiots. This is why I don't like the entire comparing business because all films are different from each other."
Calming down, he further goes on to extend his logic around difference in expectations that one must have when looking at two major films, "First and foremost we should be cognizant of the fact that comparing two entities never helps. A film should be allowed to breathe in the way it deserves to. Yes, now if only I would have made a film in a campus with students as my heroes then perhaps I may have compared it with 3 Idiots. But then just like you could never compare a Lagaan with a Dil Chahta Hai, similarly you can't ever compare MNIK with 3 Idiots or any other film."
Meanwhile, Karan is happy to be following the 'mantra' of making quality films without worrying much about their blockbuster fate.
"At Dharma Productions, we have great vibes amongst us", says Karan, "Everyone is quite passionate about filmmaking and we believe that we should always make films that we are proud of. Commercial success is important but not at the expense of something that would make us cringe later."
No wonder, most of the first time filmmakers working with Karan are happy to be working in an environment that challenges as well as motivates them to make something worth remembering.
"I never ask my directors to give me a film that would fetch me 80, 100 or 120 crores. Once you do that, you only end up putting pressure on the poor guy. Instead, I want them to focus entirely on the subject in front of them and leave the box office in the hands of audiences. This is what Ayan Mukerjee did with Wake Up Sid and look how he passed with flying colours both critically and commercially. Similar was the case with Rensil D'Souza who ensured that there is definite quality component to Kurbaan", concludes Karan with a tone of appreciation.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 11 Feb 2010 | 3:20 am Avatar highest grossing film in U.K.The Oscar-nominated blockbuster raked in 4.3 million pounds in its eighth week of release, pushing it over the 72-million-pound mark since it hit cinemas in December. |
 Telegraph.co.uk | UK disputes Shah Rukh's claim on body scanners NDTV.com PTI Britain's airport officials have disputed the claim by Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan on a popular television show last week that his naked image taken from body scanners at the Heathrow airport were printed and circulated by staff. ... Raj Thackeray targets Shiv Sena SRK signs body scan prints for fans 'My Name is Khan' and I am coming to Bangalore |
 SantaBanta.com | Katrina Kaif ki ISHQIA rides a rickshaw la Salman Khan!! stardustco.in Heard this?? Katrina Kaif, the sizzling hot sexy firang babe of bollywood who is in a relationship with macho man Salman Khan for quite some time, rode a rickshaw, much like her beau, to reach home after watching Vidya Balan, Arshad Warsi, ... Katrina's Kissing Kahani Katrina Kaif travels by Auto in Mumbai Sick Katrina Kaif advised complete bed rest |
"Bade bade shehron mein aisi choti choti baatein hoti rahti hain," said Shahrukh on being requested by a journalist to say any of his favourite romantic dialogues. The awestruck girl got lucky and ended up getting to kiss the Badshah of Bollywood on his cheek. And after that the decibel levels of the manic crowd touched an astounding high. An unprecedented welcome was meted out to Shahrukh Khan, Kajol and Karan Johar at the World Premiere of My Name Is Khan at the regal Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi yesterday. The media was scrambling for space as the fans literally caused a stampede to get closer to their favourite stars.
"My Name Is Khan is my most important film of whatever films I've worked up to now," Karan said to Bollywood Hungama. The producer-director looked relaxed and excited in spite of the political mayhem that continues to unfold back home. A Dubai based journalist asked him as to whatever happened to the family drama in a Karan Johar film. "There's a lot of family drama in Khan, have a look and you'll know," said Johar with a smile.
Lyricist and co-dialogue writer of MNIK, Niranjan Iyengar was super excited and said that he had never been to a premiere like this before. How come a South Indian like him has managed to use such typical Urdu words with such felicity in the songs and the dialogues of the film? "That's a very long story. For that I think we'll have to talk some other time," he said laughingly. Dude, we are surely interested in talking about that for having seen the film, the writing of Story-Screenplay writer Shibani Bhatija and Niranjan is the backbone of the film.
Kajol wore a gorgeous Red Saari designed by Manish Malhotra and exuded tonnes of positive energy. "Please jaake picture dekhiye. Watch it with an open mind aur jo bhi aap sochte hain hamko zaroor bataiye," she said. The five minutes of Suraj hua madhdham, according to Karan, is the most timeless Shahrukh-Kajol romantic moment of all times. "Jab teen logon ke beech mein bahut pyaar hota hai, mutual respect hota hai then it shows on the big screen," said Johar about what makes SRK-Kajol and him a memorable combo.
The film was screened in a mammoth auditorium with excited fans turning the darkness around into a shimmering experience of a zillion camera lights. The fans screamed the loudest as the awesome trio of the director and his actors came on stage. They thanked a lot of people and teased each other amidst loud squeals. Shahrukh being the perfect showman that he is, bowed before people, air kissed them, indulged in light banter with the 'I Love You Shahrukh' brigade in the front and also broke into an impromptu Khan dance.
The film ran without a break and there was a pin drop silence during the entire course of the unique journey of Rizvan Khan. There were many poignant dramatic moments that involved the audience as they witnessed a different take on love in times of distrust. At the end there was a loud standing ovation. We spoke to several viewers who belonged to different nationalities like UK, Labanon, UAE, USA and other parts of the Arab world. Their body language and stunned eyes said it all much more than their words. Many said that after Slumdog Millionaire, My Name Is Khan takes the Indian cinema to a truly global audience and is deserving of an Oscar.
Also, it was notable to note that a huge number of people who attended this premiere expressed their massive love and liking for Bollywood Hungama. It was heartening to come across people from another part of the world, who, follow and appreciate our quest to bring movies to the world. Stay tuned as we shall be bringing all the hysteria of this premiere for you guys in a very special video...very soon...only on Bollywood Hungama Broadband. Sify | Malayalam lyricist Girish Puthenchery is dead Times of India Renowned Malayalam film lyricist Girish Puthenchery, who suffered a brain haemorrhage Saturday, died at a private hospital here Wednesday, his family said. He was 48. Besides writing lyrics for several hit songs, Girish had also scripted films like ... Gireesh Puthenchery died of brain hemorrhage Gireesh Puthencherry passes away An acknowledged prince among lyricists |
 Spicezee | Sonam in Pankaj Kapur's next Times of India After auditioning a number of aspirants including Shatrughan Sinha's daughter Sonakshi, Govinda's daughter Narmada, and even Alyque Padamseee's daughter Shazahn, Pankaj Kapur has finally decided who he wants to cast opposite his star son Shahid in ... Shahid Kapoor finally finds a girl Pankaj Kapoor chooses Sonam for son Shahid Leading lady for 'Mausam' has been finalised: Shahid |
US heiress Paris Hilton has reportedly got engaged to boyfriend Doug Reinhardt, after she thanked her "future sister-in-law" at a charity event, according to an entertainment website.
Reliance BIG Pictures and Rakesh Roshan's eagerly awaited romantic film KITES will release worldwide in Hindi and English versions on 21st May in over 60 countries. The trailer of the Hindi version will play in 1700 screens worldwide on Friday, 12th February, to coincide with Valentine's Day. The trailer of KITES' English version will be released shortly in 1000 screens.
The English version of KITES is presented and reworked by well-known Hollywood director Brett Ratner. World News | Shilpa clarifies about Pakistani players Oneindia Bollywood celebrity and Rajasthan Royals co-owner Shilpa Shetty has said that the non-inclusion of Pakistani players in IPL was by their availability and not nationality. She made it clear that she didn't want to take risk by selecting pakistani ... Didn't want to take risk with Pak players: Shilpa Rajasthan Royals launch music video, special ticket programme Shilpa Shetty avoided Pak players Afridi, Razzak due to risky environment!! |
 SantaBanta.com | Tabu launches Kaifi & I Sify Tabu was in Mumbai to launch Kaifi & I, the English translation of Yaad Ki Rahguzar by Shaukat Kaifi, at The Club, Mumbai. Also present at the momentous ocassion were Javed Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, Anil Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, ... Star shower at Shaukat Kaifi's book release! "Tabu and my mom are very close" - Shabana Azmi Tabu launches Kaifi and I |
He was the small screen heart throb of the late 90's with his lovable performance in the hit series 'Just Mohabbat', and also ventured into modelling and commercials. Later he made his debut in films with the Abbas-Mastan flick Taarzan: The Wonder Car.
The film didn't work at the BO, but Vatsal managed to get noticed for his talent. His big success came with 2008 release - Heroes, which also starred biggies like Salman Khan, Sunny Deol and Mithun Chakraborty.
Now Bollywood Hungama gives you an opportunity to chat with this rising star who'll be seen in Toh Baat Pakki. Vatsal will be live on Celebrity Video Chat on Thursday, February 11, at 1600 hrs IST.
They say that Promises are meant to be broken, a statement that holds immense water in the field of politics. And it is this 'promise' by the leading political party Shiv Sena that gave assurance to the makers of the much anticipated film My Name Is Khan, starring SRK, Kajol and others. The said party had assured the filmmakers that they will let the film run on screens without any hassles from their side.
However, the party workers yesterday attacked three theatres in Mumbai (Shreyas Theatre-Ghatkopar, Mehul Talkies-Mulund, and Metro Big Cinemas-Dhobi Talao), that will be screening the Karan Johar directed MNIK.
Bollywood Hungama has also got the oven-fresh news that Cinemax Cinemas have stopped advance bookings for the film, directed by Karan Johar which releases on Friday.
Leaves of all Mumbai policemen have been cancelled in order to ensure the smooth proceedings of the shows. The security cover at the single screen theatres as well as the multiplexes have been more than doubled, while MNIK's lead star Shah Rukh Khan's security has been increased.
Even though there was stone pelting at the said theatres, the situation in Metro Big Cinemas was reported to be the worst as party workers went onto vandalize and tear one of the screens. An official with Metro Cinema, requesting anonymity, told Bollywood Hungama, "The 'modus operandi' adopted by the party workers was really something. They entered the theatre on the pretext of watching a film. Within a few minutes, there was some stone-throwing outside the theatre. When we went to control that, the workers in the theatre started their act of tearing the screen apart. The damages are too huge to be even spoken about."
A certain Mr. Prakash Shah (name changed on request) from Mehul Talkies, who was present at the time of the incident, told us that at around 12.45 pm, a mob of about 14 -15 people entered through the main door and started damaging the theatre property. They started off by breaking the glass door, windows, and then attacked the canteen. If that wasn't enough, they even entered the cinema hall where a Marathi film Shikshanacha Aaicha Gho was being screened and threatened the present audience with dire consequences if they came to watch MNIK. The overall damages are an estimated Rs. 1 lakh plus." He further added, "What was more shocking was the fact that nobody from the said mob was carrying the party flag! And the whole incident lasted for almost 15 minutes".
The situation was slightly different at Shreyas Theatre, Ghatkopar. When we spoke to one of the theatre staff there, he said, "I am just not going to reveal my name to you as I fear losing my job, if any of the party workers gets to know that it was me who spoke about the incident." After repeated assurances from our end, he revealed, "Yesterday, at around 9 am, about 50 policemen arrived at the theatre stating they were here for 'bandobast'. When we asked them what was the need for the 'bandobast', they said that they were anticipating some trouble. They also enquired if we had got any threatening calls from any political party to stop the screening of the forthcoming film MNIK. And since we had not received any calls from anyone, we replied in the negative. The policemen then went on with their duty of providing security to the theatre. Then, at around 12 noon, some 12-15 men from Shiv Sena armed with their party flags started shouting anti-SRK slogans. The policemen stationed outside immediately flung into action and brought the situation under control. However, four party workers managed to sneak inside the theatre and told the management to not screen MNIK."
There were groups of the party workers who were also seen protesting and shouting slogans in the areas of Kanjurmarg, Bandra, Khar and other parts of the city. A senior official from the police department told us, "There were around 13 party workers whom we arrested from Mulund, and around 23 detained in Ghatkopar and Kanjurmarg in connection with the said protests."
The damages also got extended upto Maratha Mandir, New Empire and also Minerva. The situation was slightly upheaval here SRK's face in MNIK poster was blackened, stating that this was just sampler of what to expect once when the film gets released.
Readers my also recall that yesterday afternoon MNIK's director Karan Johar had visited the Police Commissioner D. Sivanandhan, who had assured full co-operation and security. News also had it that cine-goers who will have to show their identity cards before they can watch MNIK. There will be policeman in civil clothes who will be inside the theatres in order to prevent the miscreants resorting to any kind of trouble.
In Samir Karnik's Yamla Pagla Deewana, Dharmendra and Bobby Deol play a father-son con-men duo in Varanasi. Sunny plays an upright man married to a Canadian living in Canada who gets to know after two decades that he has a father and brother in Varanasi. The film is about Sunny's journey into his past and into a culture that he had left behind.
Karnik will shoot in Varanasi in April.
The interesting part of the film is the bum-chum relationship between father Dharmendra and son Bobby, when in real life Bobby is intimidated by his father. Laughs Karnik, "Not so any longer. Thanks to the preparation for my film, both Bobby and Sunny have loosened up with their Dad."
While Bobby is paired with television actress Kulraj Randhawa, the Canadian leading lady for Sunny is yet to be finalized. The film's shooting starts on Feb 15.
"And we release Yamala Pagla Deewana on December 24, Aamir Khan's slot. This year he won't have any release in the last week of December. So we've decided to release our film in that slot," announces Samir Karnik.
Incidentally, Karnik's lucky mascot, little Dwij Yadav who features in all of the director's works so far, won't be part of Yamla Pagla Deewana.
"Let him grow up off camera now. He's my insurance for the future, just like Rakesh Roshan has Hrithik," says the director emotionally.
The film's title is obviously inspired by the chartbuster 'Main Jat Yamala Pagla Deewana' from Dharmendra's 1975 blockbuster Pratiggya.
Karnik intends to record a remix version of the Mohd Rafi hit. The director introduces a new composing duo Nouman Javed and Rahul Seth, one of whom happens to be from Pakistan.
Says Karnik, "I heard Nouman's music on the internet and asked him to send me his songs on the MP3 format. Then I took another new composer Rahul Seth to Dubai and we recorded the songs in a Nouman's land (Dubai)."
While doing a re-mix of the old hit may be considered a stroke of clever marketing, bringing the father Deol and his two sons together hardly qualifies as a novel strategy.
Says Karnik, "I know Dharamji, Sunny and Bobby have been brought together earlier in Apne. But that was a very emotional drama. Yamala Pagla Deewana is an out- and- out comedy."| World : News Archives | Business | Entertainment | Sports | Technology | Science | Marketplace Audio |
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