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'Pankh' deals with serious problem in film industry: BipashaBipasha Basu, who will be seen sporting nine different looks in her forthcoming film 'Pankh', says the movie highlights a serious problem in the movie industry.Source: Entertainment News | 1 Apr 2010 | 9:36 am City of Life to open Gulf Film Festival
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 1 Apr 2010 | 9:36 am The Simpsons to be added in school curriculum
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 1 Apr 2010 | 9:30 am Bullock's cheating husband checks into rehab
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Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 1 Apr 2010 | 9:17 am India all set to watch its first 'rockumentary'India's first 'rockumentary' on an Indian music band is finally set to hit theatres.Source: Entertainment News | 1 Apr 2010 | 9:04 am While wooing Priyanka, one automatically glows: Irrfan KhanIrrfan Khan, who is experimenting with his looks to play a love-stuck poet in 'Saat Khoon Maaf', says the idea of wooing Priyanka Chopra makes one 'automatically glow'.Source: Entertainment News | 1 Apr 2010 | 9:00 am Emma Watson misses English chocolate
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Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 1 Apr 2010 | 7:16 am "Pankh is a one day story of this guy who is confused about his sexuality" - Maradona
The famous 1986 Football World Cup. The infamous 'Hand of God'. Quarter Final between Argentina and England. Rings a bell? Where on one hand Diego Maradona scored the goal of the century, back in India, Maradona Rebello was born. Thanks to his father who kept his name Maradona after getting inspired by the Argentina - England match. Today, this young actor is making his debut opposite Bipasha Basu in the most talked about, controversial film of this year - Pankh Rebello is a rebel, when you meet him in person, you know he wants to spread his wings and fly, fly high in Bollywood. On the flip side, he too knows that before he learns to soar high in the sky, he needs to be rooted, grounded and a bit more careful in the big bad world of Bollywood. UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent met Maradona who shared his debut, his fears, his individuality and sexuality, his embarrassment, the censor board and the diva who repeatedly lingers in his mind even after the film is over - Bipasha Basu. Maradona is ready to kick some balls, but the only question is - Will he score well at the box office?
Maradona and Bollywood
Bollywood means stars. I am not a star yet. I am taking baby steps in the industry. I'd love to be here for the longest time. I have banked a lot on Pankh. I left my college while I was in my final year of BMM. I was doing my advertising from St Xavier's when I was offered to do this film. Miles to go before I sleep.
Fears
Initially I had a lot of fears. When I was signed on for this film, after they short listed me, took my auditions, and I was selected, I went chickened out. I was apprehensive in doing Pankh because I had a different Bollywood in mind, the cliche one with romance and drama. Pankh was way different. But when I got a script narration from my director Mr Sudipto Chatopadhyaya, I was completely bowled. I said 'yes'.
Bipasha Basu
I have to confess that Bipasha does come in my thoughts even after Pankh. That's the magic of a diva like Bipasha Basu. She is gorgeous. When she walks on the sets, you melt. But yet when I met her at her place, she was so simple and basic that the Bipasha on sets wasn't real. Before we started shooting, my director took me to a place where he assured me that I did not have to be scared and I did not have to be intimidated by Bipasha Basu. She was very sweet and helpful and took care of me. I couldn't have asked for a better co-star.
Individuality & Sexuality
In my personal life, I am a heterosexual. In the film too I play a heterosexual. The character I play in Pankh is of my past that is nagging me. It's not keeping me happy because my mother in the film played by Lilette Dubey cross dressed me when I was young. As a kid, your mind is so impressionable. Pankh is a one day story of this guy who is confused about his sexuality. I did have to push myself in wearing a girl's wig, putting on lipstick, etc. It was definitely odd.
Embarrassment
Yes, it was embarrassing shooting for Pankh, whether it was my nude scene in front of Lilette Dubey or my kissing scene with a man. My director also knew that I was a bit uncomfortable. When we shot the nude scene, the crew was kept to a minimum. But I was in safe hands at the end of the day. I never imagined that my debut would be in the form of Pankh. I am blessed. I also feel that if Pankh would've come immediately after Dev D, it could've worked better. But this is the right time for it to make it to the cinemas.
Censor Board
Even if the censors give an 'A' certificate to any film, they'll still come up with things like - 'This isn't good for the society.' So what are we to do? Directors are pushing the envelope and are coming out in the open and opposing the censor board. There should definitely be a better rating system. It's time that the directors don't want to compromise on their making.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 1 Apr 2010 | 6:02 am Neil Nitin Mukesh chosen as brand ambassador for Oxemberg suitings
For those who thought that a doctor's son will go onto become a doctor, an engineer's son will become an engineer, here is a man who went onto prove them wrong! He is none other than the Bollywood's literal blue eyed boy, Neil Nitin Mukesh, the son of the illustrious singer Nitin Mukesh.
Having made his debut in Johnny Gaddaar, Neil showed to the industry what superstars are made up of! Neil made his mark in the industry, not just with his talent, but also with his Greek looks. No wonder then, he became an instant hit even with the ad walahs alike. After having endorsed FMCGs like shoes and watches, Neil has now been chosen as the Brand Ambassador for Oxemberg suitings. Speaking about this deal, Prasad Shetty, (President Sales and Mktg, Oxemberg) said, "We chose Neil for the reason that he is simply a youth style icon and the teenage heartthrob. Not just that, he is also a well established star. And since our brand Oxemberg is positioned as 'Body Music', it aims and creates clothes that are music to an individual's body. And because of his (Neil's) music lineage, he simply fitted in the slot to a T."
Looking at his endorsement spree, it seems like Neil is all set to take the ad world by storm. What say, Neil!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 1 Apr 2010 | 5:06 am "Pankh deals with very serious problem within the film industry" - Bipasha Basu
Bipasha Basu gets to do 9 different looks in her new film Pankh. She clarifies, "It's not nine roles as has been wrongly reported. It's just nine looks. I play a character who doesn't really exist. I'm the young hero Maradona Rebello's fantasy figure. Every look is a reflection on his mood. When he's mellow I come out looking like an angel. He sees me the way he wants to see me. I loved the script and the director Sudipto Chattopadhyaya's passion."
The director wanted to name the character Bipasha Basu.
Says the straight-laced actress, "Yes, he was very keen that I be called Bipasha in Pankh. But I'm not at all comfortable with my name being used for any character. I'd rather stick to the character's name Nandini."
Belying the belief that she is not promoting the film, Bipasha enthuses, "Pankh is very special, and not just because it's my first so-called art film. But the minute I heard the subject I was bowled over. It deals with a very serious problem within the film industry. Let's not trivialize it by people speculating whether the character I play is based on me. That's exactly what would have happened if my name was Bipasha in Pankh."
In Priyadarshan's Aakrosh, Bipasha plays a refined school teacher, so she doesn't have to speak a dialectic Bihari.
Says Bipasha, "It's very small township. I'm dressed in simple saris for the role. It's a no-makeup look. But no makeup also means some makeup that the character uses when she goes out, etc. We're at this heritage bungalow called Bangla, very nice but very basic. It's a very hot place with big mosquitoes."
Bipasha is completely new to Priyadarshan's cinema. "So is Ajay. But Akshaye is not. He has worked repeatedly with Priyan. He's his favourite."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 1 Apr 2010 | 4:16 am Love-sick shayar Irrfan recites Gulzar's poetry to woo Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra who started shooting in Kashmir for Saat Khoon Maaf has her first of her 7 screen husbands, Irrfan Khan, frantically preparing for his part of a love-stuck poet.
Irrfan had started his career as a film actor with the role of a love-stuck poet in Govind Nihalani's Drishti where he had got to make love to the older woman, the beautiful Dimple Kapadia.
In Saat Khoon Maaf again, Irrfan plays a besotted lover-boy, this time wooing Priyanka Chopra. And to help Irrfan get passionately poetic, there's the inimitable Gulzar's poetry that would be used for Irrfan's character. Gulzar Saab has apparently written some of his most romantic lines ever for Irrfan to woo Priyanka with. A diehard Gulzar fan, Priyanka can't wait to be wooed with the luscious poetry that Irrfan would be reciting.
The trick is to make Irrfan look much younger than his age for the role of the Cupid-challenged poet. The makeup artiste has been working since last week on Irrfan's face and body language to arrive at a look that would knock at least ten years off Irrfan's actual age.
Says Irrfan, "I play a shayar who is completely in love with Priyanka Chopra. Yes, the makeup artiste has worked out a look around my strange face so that for the first time I look different. In any case if one has to woo Priyanka, one automatically glows with romantic enthusiasm. She's very inspiring."
Says the actor, "I can't reveal any more about my character. But I must thank Vishal Bhardwaj for allowing me to court two of the most beautiful women on screen. It was Tabu in Maqbool and now Priyanka in this film."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 1 Apr 2010 | 4:11 am There are no shortcuts to stardom: Luv - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 1 Apr 2010 | 3:50 am "I am a heterosexual" - Maradona RebelloThe famous 1986 Football World Cup. The infamous 'Hand of God'. Quarter Final between Argentina and England. Rings a bell? Where on one hand Diego Maradona scored the goal of the century, back in India, Maradona Rebello was born. Thanks toSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 1 Apr 2010 | 3:29 am Russell Brand labelled ultimate bridezilla by Katy PerryMelbourne (ANI): Comedian Russell Brand is all excited to get married to his pop star fiance Katy Perry and has earned a ‘bridezilla’ tag from her. Perry, who got engaged to Brand in December, admits that she is at ease andSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 1 Apr 2010 | 3:22 am I don't have sex appeal to be mainstream actor: Rahul BoseRahul Bose has commercial hits like "Jhankaar Beats" and "Pyar Ke Side Effects" to his credit, but the immensely talented actor prefers offbeat films because he feels he doesn't have the sex appeal to be a mainstream actor.Source: Entertainment News | 1 Apr 2010 | 3:21 am Song remained balance for IshtapaditheThe shooting of Ishtapadithe (Premena) directed by M Srinivas and produced by Padala Sriramachandra Reddy, Polisetty Chandrasekhar, R Surya Prakash and G Lakshmi Narayana Reddy on the banner of Varalakshmi Creations with Subhash Rayal and Farah Khan in the lead wasSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 1 Apr 2010 | 3:13 am Hrithik gains weight while dad losesRakesh Roshan shed 18 kgs at the same time that beta Hrithik gained 15 kgs for a film role. It's true. At the same time when Hrithik Roshan gained 15 kgs for his role in Guzaarish, his father Rakesh Roshan lostSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 1 Apr 2010 | 3:06 am Riteish Deshmukh refused to kiss Jacqueline - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 1 Apr 2010 | 3:05 am A film shoot in Kashmir rekindles old memoriesPicturesque Kashmir is reliving an old forgotten bond with Bollywood as director Vishal Bharadwaj shoots "Saat Khoon Maaf" here with his team.Source: Entertainment News | 1 Apr 2010 | 3:02 am Kendra happy with her post-baby figureMelbourne, (ANI): Former Playboy model Kendra Wilkinson is not worried about how her now three-month-old baby will view her when he's older. According to ShowbizSpy.com, Wilkinson doesn't believe her son will grow up to be uncomfortable about her past, and thinksSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 1 Apr 2010 | 2:59 am Baba Sehgal sings for PuneethPop singer Baba Sehgal has performed a song for director Neelkamal’s film, Puneeth. The singer will also be making an appearance in the video of the song. Baba Sehgal performed the song for a nice sum of Rs. 6 lakhs. TheSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 1 Apr 2010 | 2:57 am Rave reviews for Hrithik RoshanWhen the word was finally leaked out that Hrithik had crooned for his latest offering, Kites, the fans obviously were eager to hear him. He admits that he had tried to improve his singing skills and was nervous when it cameSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 1 Apr 2010 | 2:55 am Lindsay's skinny frame raises health concernsWashington (ANI): Lindsay Lohan's shockingly gaunt appearance has raised questions about the star's well being. Sources believe that the actress is on the verge of a complete breakdown. Lohan's frame looked normal at the recent Nokia X6 launch party but justSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 1 Apr 2010 | 2:53 am Riteish Deshmukh refused to kiss JacquelineRiteish Deshmukh flatly refused to kiss 'good friend' Jacqueline Fernandez while he shot for Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai. Apparently, this is because of the influence of his good buddy Shahrukh Khan, who has always adopted a no-kissing policy while actingSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 1 Apr 2010 | 2:47 am Michelle McGee calls Chelsea Handler transsexualNew York (ANI): Michelle McGee, the model who first came out in the open to reveal her affair with Sandra Bullock’s husband Jesse James, has blasted talk show host Chelsea Handler over her rather unfriendly comments and called her 'transsexual'.Handler, 35,Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 1 Apr 2010 | 2:40 am Fans celebrate Varudu release - Galatta.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 1 Apr 2010 | 2:32 am Padma Bhushan AR Rahman! - Galatta.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 1 Apr 2010 | 2:32 am Kites in the air - Screen Weekly
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 1 Apr 2010 | 2:02 am Priyanka Chopra urges films to be shot in Kashmir - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 1 Apr 2010 | 1:53 am Tom & Jerry dance to Punjabi tunes on 70th birthday partyThe world's most popular cat and mouse - Tom & Jerry celebrated their 70th birthday in the capital on Wednesday by dancing to Punjabi number "Ahun ahun" from the movie "Love Aaj Kal", leaving children and the audience asking for more.Source: Entertainment News | 1 Apr 2010 | 1:22 am Jnr NTR engaged to Lakshmi Pranathi - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 1 Apr 2010 | 1:17 am It's a Wonderful Afterlife promises big - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 1 Apr 2010 | 1:10 am Didi Benami is out of American IdolFans of 'American Idol' and judges were not satisfied with her performance of the song 'What Becomes of the Brokenhearted' and they voted her out of American Idol.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 1 Apr 2010 | 12:27 am Tum Milo Toh Sahi: PreviewTum Milo has more to it than just being a romantic-drama. It is about timeless love happening to different people at different stages of life.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 1 Apr 2010 | 12:16 am NTR Jr. getting engaged todayNandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr. , the famous actor will be engaged today to Narne Lakshmi Pranathi, the daughter of Narne Srinivasa Rao.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 31 Mar 2010 | 11:46 pm Now a Suduko solver in ExcelMicrosoft Excel that is used for data gathering, Analysis and Financial decision can now be used to play games.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 31 Mar 2010 | 11:21 pm Bhanushri: Varudu heroine comes on topVArudu, the most awaited film, was released on Wednesday and received huge audience response. The film is directed by Guna Shekhar. And the superstar Arya played the role of a viilian for the first time.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 31 Mar 2010 | 10:50 pm Heather McComb agrees to divorce settlementJames Van Der Beek's wife, Heather McComb has agreed to the divorce settlement with her husband of seven years. Heather McComb's husband has agreed to pay her $7,750 monthly till 2013.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 31 Mar 2010 | 4:00 pm Who is Ricky Martin's boyfriend, mystery continuesRicky Martin made headlines when he disclosed that he's 'proud to be a gay,', but the mystery about his possible boyfriend continues. Some media sources are claiming that a latin boy band member is the boyfriend of Ricky Martin.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 31 Mar 2010 | 3:22 pm Asin bags Youth Icon of Kerala titleMultilingual actress Asin Thottumkal has been voted Youth Icon of Kerala in a public in a poll conducted by the Asianet TV channel.Source: Entertainment News | 31 Mar 2010 | 12:59 pm Sandra Bullock files for divorce? Jesse James checked into rehabAcademy Award winning actress Sandra Bullock is reportedly file for the divorce with husband Jesse James. However, the latest update is Jesse James has checked into rehab in the hope of saving his marriage with Sandra Bullock.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 31 Mar 2010 | 12:35 pm DWTS Results - Shannen Doherty eliminatesShannen Doherty has been eliminated on the first elimination of Dancing With The Stars result 2010 on Tuesday night. Pamela Anderson who danced on 'I Wanna Be Loved By You' and scored 22 points was also on the bottom two in DWTS 2010.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 31 Mar 2010 | 11:37 am Music Review: Jaane Kahan Se Aayi HaiIt's high time composer duo Sajid-Wajid tried something fresh. The two experimented in Veer and tried to move away from their signature style, but they are back to their usual stuff in Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai.Source: | 31 Mar 2010 | 11:04 am Hanks announces cast of film on TwitterAs actor Tom Hanks prepares to direct his second feature film, Larry Crowne, a comedy that he will also star in with Julia Roberts, he has released a list of other cast members via a photograph on Twitter.Source: | 31 Mar 2010 | 10:55 am Will Smith to do sequels to Independence DayActor Will Smith, who was last seen in Seven Pounds, is all set to play Captain Steve Hiller Will in two sequels to the hit sci-fi film Independence Day.Source: | 31 Mar 2010 | 10:50 am Kareena as MarilynFilmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar’s next film starring Kareena Kapoor will be based on Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe’s life.Source: | 31 Mar 2010 | 10:43 am Lady Gaga to sing for next Bond filmFilm producers are said to be keen to rope in the Poker Face hitmaker to perform the theme tune for the forthcoming 007 movie, Bond 23 which will be directed by Sam Mendes.Source: | 31 Mar 2010 | 10:42 am 'Akki deserves an award'Veteran actress Dimple Kapadia is certain that her son-in-law, actor Akshay Kumar, who has already been conferred a Padma Shri, deserves a National award too.Source: | 31 Mar 2010 | 9:46 am Dad stopped Sonam’s shootA romantic scene for Karan Johar’s I Hate Luv Stories, was interrupted by Anil Kapoor’s arrival on the sets. Apparently her father's presence made the actress...Source: | 31 Mar 2010 | 9:37 am My directorial debut will be quirky comedy: ArshadBollywood actor Arshad Warsi, who has juggled roles as choreographer, actor and producer in over a decade in Bollywood, plans to direct a quirky and action comedy.Source: | 31 Mar 2010 | 9:18 am Curse of OscarMany top Hollywood stars headed for splitsville soon after they bagged the award. Does power play come into the picture?Source: | 31 Mar 2010 | 8:59 am Censors pass male smooch scene and morphed nude shot in Pankh
While the fate of the kissing scene between Rahul Bose and Arjun Mathur in Onir's film Omar hangs in balance, Bengali filmmaker Sudipto Chattopadhyaya's gay kiss in Pankh featuring Maradona Rebello and Amit Purohit has been passed by the censors, untouched.
This would be the first time Hindi audiences will see two men kissing on screen. Madhur Bhandarkar had earlier deleted a male kiss featuring Samir Soni before submitting his film Fashion to the censors.
Not only that, a sequence where Maradona Rebello goes fully naked before his screen-mother Lilette Dubey has also been passed by the lately-liberalized censor board, albeit with the 19-year old actor's butt blurred.
The director Sudipto Chattopadhyaya has no quibble with Vinayak Azad Regional Officer of the censor board.
Says Sudipto emphatically, "In fact Vinayak Azad has been very supportive. Its individual members of the jury who raised questions about the language and content. Some words from the dialogues had to be beeped out. One lady in Burqa behaved as though the moral health of the nation would be destroyed by the deeds of my characters. Such hypocrisy has to stop."
Director Sudipto Chattopadhyaya is extremely miffed at the lurid bent given to Pankh. "The so-called male kissing sequence is actually a molestation scene. The young shocked disgusted hero Maradona is force-kissed by a drunken friend who assumes Maradona is gay. The sequence is not titillating or erotic but filled with Maradona's revulsion. But because the kiss came to light after Article 377 was repealed it was conveniently misconstrued."
The nude sequence will qualify as the boldest ever in an Indian film. It comes at a time when the boy-hero must prove to his domineering mother that he is, after all, a man.
Says the director, "I've never spoken about this sequence before because the content is bound to be projected out of context. It's actually the climactic moment when the hero Jerry (Maradona Rebello) can no longer bear with his mother's taunts about his manhood. Jerry takes off his trousers to show his mother that he has a d...k like any man. It's shocking moment. We shot Maradona from the back. But he was fully nude in front of Lilette Dubey.
The censorial boldness notwithstanding one wonders how Indian audiences would react to a film that subverts the traditional mother-child relationship and takes it kicking and screaming into the zone of sexual politics.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 31 Mar 2010 | 7:33 am Vidya Balan highlights Indian cinema's global impact at WhartonBollywood actress Vidya Balan, who was recently invited to the Wharton School in Pennsylvania to be part of the 14th Wharton India Economic Forum, showcased the high points of Indian cinema there.Source: Entertainment News | 31 Mar 2010 | 7:06 am I am supporting Mumbai Indians: Sanjay DuttActor Sanjay Dutt, who featured on the "Extraaa Innings T20" show on MAX, says he is pitching for the Mumbai Indians team in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament.Source: Entertainment News | 31 Mar 2010 | 6:59 am Kareena to play Monroe in Madhur's nextBollywood actress Kareena Kapoor's role in director Madhur Bhandarkar's next film is based on the life and career of Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe.Source: | 31 Mar 2010 | 6:47 am I am supporting Mumbai Indians: Sanjay Dutt - Sify
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 31 Mar 2010 | 6:08 am How Sendhil Ramamurthy was cast in It's A Wonderful Afterlife
The tall, dark and handsome hunk from American series 'Heroes', Sendhil Ramamurthy, is making heads turn even before the first look of Gurinder Chadha's It's A Wonderful Afterlife has been revealed in India.
The LA-based actor, who was recently cast as a CIA agent in the noted US spy drama Covert Affairs opposite Piper Perabo, was approached by Chadha in December 2008 to meet for the role of Raj, opposite British-Indian debutant, Goldy Notay, who plays Roopie.
"Sendhil flew to London and we had lunch," informs Chadha. "He said he was determined to be in one of my films and happily he was perfect for the role; a good-looking out of towner who has not been in touch with Roopie and her family for a while. Sendhil was great on set, extremely disciplined and conscientious, and he made many a female heart flutter when he did a take - and some guys too!" she laughs.
Remarks Sendhil, "I had some time off between Season 3 and 4 of 'Heroes' and that's exactly when Gurinder was shooting for Afterlife. She's very good with her actors and the film gave me the opportunity of doing something light and different from Suresh in 'Heroes'."
Ramamurthy will attend the London premiere of It's A Wonderful Life on April 12, accompanied by his British wife and actress, Olga Sosnowska. The keenly awaited comedy, also starring Shabana Azmi, Sanjeev Bhaskar and Sally Hawkins in key roles, releases in the UK on April 21 and in India and Pakistan on May 7. It is an Indian Films and Bend It Films presentation in association with Studio 18.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 31 Mar 2010 | 5:55 am April Fools Day SMS, jokes, scrapsAs April is coming, you will be looking to fool people with your funny pranks and jokes. It is the only day when one can take the liberty to fool the people.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 31 Mar 2010 | 5:26 am Blog: Amitabh Bachchan and politics of celebrity
Amitabh Bachchan is caught in a political controversy yet again. The 67-year old-actor finds himself in the middle of a row over his presence at government functions in Mumbai and Pune.
While no official reason has been given, Bachchan's presence at a government function in Mumbai last week has raised hackles in the Congress party, ostensibly because of Bachchan's bitter relationship with the Gandhi family.
Later the same week, his son Abhishek's posters were removed from an Earth Day function for which he had earlier been declared ambassador, organised by the Congress-run Delhi state government.
On Monday, the Congress party criticised Bachchan for being a brand ambassador for the state of Gujarat, whose chief minister has not been able to shake off the stigma of the infamous 2002 riots.
And Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan avoided the star at a Marathi convention, choosing instead to attend a day before Bachchan's arrival.
"Am I hallucinating, or is there a pattern in all this!!!??" Bachchan wrote on his blog on Saturday.
Those who have followed Bachchan, or for that matter, the Gandhis closely may know of the bitter rift between the two once close families.
So for the Congress to shun the star seems to follow naturally. This is also not the first political party with which Bachchan has clashed.
Whether it was his campaign for the Uttar Pradesh government, his relationship with Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray or the MNS's violent reaction to his statements, the star has always had an uneasy relationship with the political establishment of the country.
Bachchan's closeness to former Congress ally Amar Singh and now to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is also a matter of much conjecture within political circles.
But many are questioning whether it is valid for a political party to question an individual's choice of friends, or whether Bachchan himself has shifted loyalties once too often.
What do you think? Has the Congress gone too far in "banning" Amitabh Bachchan and his family?
Blog can be accessed at http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2010/03/31/amitabh-bachchan-and-politics-of-celebrity/
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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed herein or statements made in the above column are solely those of the blogger, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bollywood Hungama. Bollywood Hungama accepts no legal liability or responsibility for any claims made or opinions expressed herein.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 31 Mar 2010 | 5:05 am Vidya Balan speaks at the 14th Wharton India Economic Forum (WIEF)
Vidya Balan spoke on the Globalization of Mainstream Indian Cinema at the14th Wharton India Economic Forum (WIEF). Balan, who has never failed to deliver a brilliant performance in her films, was recently invited to the prestigious Wharton School in Pennsylvania to be part of the 14th Wharton India Economic Forum (WIEF) to speak on the subject of Globalization of Mainstream.
The actress spoke on moving beyond parallel and cross-over films, and how mainstream Indian films are now making their mark on international audiences.
Reveals a source, "Vidya Balan spoke on how mainstream Indian Cinema is going global in every way possible as international production houses including Warner Bros and Disney are producing Indian films, and how Indian movies are being watched by over 90 countries and are consistently recognized across international film festivals."
Vidya was part of a panel that discussed the achievements, shortcomings, and future prospects of the Indian film industry as it scales new global heights. Others on the panel included Anil Kapoor, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Shankar Mahadevan, and Namit Malhotra.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 31 Mar 2010 | 4:47 am Suniel Shetty returns to action genre with Hindi remake of Keerthichakra
After having debuted with the hardcore action flick Balwaan, almost two decades ago, Suniel Shetty went on to experiment in various genres right from romance, to comedy to socially relevant films. However, those fans who have been pining to see 'Anna' in an action role can finally smile as the actor is all ready to start his next film which is an action film.
The film in question is a remake of the popular Malayalam film Keerthichakra and will be directed by Major Ravi (an ex-Indian Army Major). Major Ravi, who has been associated with directors like Priyadarshan and Rajkumar Santoshi in the past, had directed the original version starring Mohanlal which was a runaway success.
Speaking about the film, Suniel says, "Yes... I am excited about doing an action film after a long while. The original version Keerthichakra was a huge success and I hope that the Hindi remake also does well. I play the role of an officer who leads a team of 10 young commandos. My character is like a mentor and guide to the younger boys. "
The film is based on the militancy issue in Jammu and Kashmir While Suniel has been finalized for the lead role; the rest of the cast is yet to be finalized.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 31 Mar 2010 | 4:41 am Jacqueline does Dharmendra, Mithunda and Sridevi's dance steps in JKSAH
By now its common knowledge that the beautiful Jacqueline Fernandez plays a Girl who descends on Earth from Venus in Milap Zaveri's directorial debut Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai (JKSAH). However, what many don't know, is the fact that despite coming from another planet, Jackie's character Tara would be seen doing some famous Bollywood dance moves in this rom-com.
Speaking about the same, director Milap Zaveri says, "The scene you are talking about happens when Jacqueline's character Tara is in Riteish's house and her foot accidentally hits the T.V. remote thereby turning on the T.V. Since she plays a girl from Venus, she is completely zapped by the television set. She keeps changing channels and comes across shots of Dharmendraji dancing to 'Main Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana', Mithunda dancing to 'I Am A Disco Dancer' and Srideviji doing her Nagina dance number. Out of curiosity she begins to ape whatever she sees on television and ends up dancing like Dharamji, Mithunda and Sridevi. She gets so excited seeing the T.V. set that it becomes her favorite discovery. All of us had a blast shooting for this scene and I am sure the audiences too will love to see Jackie doing dance steps of some of Bollywood's popular stars."
Indeed it'll be fun to see Jacqueline ape some of the biggest Bollywood superstars.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 31 Mar 2010 | 4:06 am Anees Bazmee signs Irrfan Khan, Suniel Shetty and Celina Jaitley for Thank You
The core cast of Anees Bazmee's rom-com Thank You just got bigger. After Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor and Bobby Deol, Irrfan Khan has been added to the cast in a pivotal role.
Suniel Shetty and Celina Jaitly play another couple in the film.
Says Anees, "I've worked with Suniel and Celina before and enjoyed the experience. But with Irrfan I'm working for the first time. He is perfect for the part of Bobby Deol's boss."
Irrfan has a crammed year ahead. As soon as he finishes Saat Khoon Maaf, he heads for Canada to shoot for Anees Bazmee's Thank You.
Says Irrfan, "Yes, I'm doing Anees' film. I've always wanted to work with Anees Bazmee. It's always advisable to include spicy food in your cuisine. That's why I'm doing Anees' Thank You. The role is perfect. And I get to work with another lovely girl Sonam Kapoor."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 31 Mar 2010 | 4:03 am My directorial debut will be quirky comedy: Arshad WarsiArshad Warsi, who has juggled roles as choreographer, actor and producer in over a decade in Bollywood, wants to do more dark roles.Source: Entertainment News | 31 Mar 2010 | 3:02 am
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