|
Summer bonanza awaits children on television
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 May 2010 | 8:13 am Saif Ali Khan signed up as brand ambassador for Amul innerwear
He is someone who spells Royal with a capital R. No prizes for guessing who we are referring to. He's none other than Saif Ali Khan. Having the illustrious Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi for a father and the eternally gorgeous Sharmila Tagore for a mother, this man has been on a roll from the word go.
Besides films, Saif Ali Khan is a hot property in the ad world too. After having endorsed almost all the possible products under the sun, right from paints, tea, shampoos, chips, cell phones etc..., Bollywood Hungama's sources claim that he is now all set to take on Amul innerwear.
Looks like the Pataudi junior is making hay while the sun shines! As they say in Bollywood, Saif is always a safe bet, when it comes to brand endorsements!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 13 May 2010 | 8:11 am Polanski lawyers say extradition request is unfair
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 May 2010 | 8:01 am Kim Kardashian looking for a man in her life
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 May 2010 | 7:57 am Helen Mirren wants her 'waxwork' next to Victoria Beckham
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 May 2010 | 7:56 am Cameron Diaz banned from watching baseball by beau
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 May 2010 | 7:55 am Taylor Lautner looking for a loyal girlfriend
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 May 2010 | 7:53 am Lindsay Lohan is misunderstood, says her director
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 May 2010 | 7:52 am Katrina sings along with Rahman
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 May 2010 | 7:47 am Jiah Khan is busy house hunting in London
Post the release of the film Housefull, everyone is talking about the gags that the film's starcast pulled off in it; however, Jiah Khan is on a different tangent. The pretty damsel, who is currently house hunting, tweeted a while back asking her fans to pray that she manages to get her dream home.
Says Jiah, "Well, yes actually I have been looking for a place of my own in London for close to a month now, but unfortunately I have not managed to find anything that suits my taste. In fact that whole house hunting process began a bit before Housefull actually released, and sadly I am still searching."
When quizzed about her dream house, Jiah happily says, "A home is where the family is, but what I have in mind is something quite surreal, which makes me wonder if it actually exists, but if it does I will get it and decorate it the way I want. I am more of a neutral colours kind of person, and yes I will be doing the interiors myself."
Coming to films, post her success in Housefull, Jiah seems to be on top of the world with numerous film offers and scripts coming in from all sides, "Actually, after Housefull there is definitely more interest in me as an actor in Bollywood, and I am currently reading a few scripts that have come in, but I haven't signed anything yet. Besides Housefull was one film that I was a bit sceptical about in terms of my role in it, however, now that the film has released, I can be rest assured as people are liking my character."
"Also its obvious people are talking about my Hollywood film, though it's still too early to disclose anything, all I can say is that yes I am doing it and we will start the shoot for the same in Italy somewhere in October. Till then I think I will hunt for my house," signs off Jiah.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 13 May 2010 | 7:43 am Ashutosh Gowarikar signs Hollywood cinematographer for Buddha
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 May 2010 | 7:27 am Ash walks the red carpet at Cannes opening
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 13 May 2010 | 7:12 am John Abraham to shoot on Westminster Bridge in London for Abbas' next
This week, John Abraham will be the first film actor from any part in the world to shoot on the mythic Westminster Bridge in the heart of London.
How to keep the Bollywood fans at bay? That's the question which hounds the director Abbas Tyrewala as the unit gathers in London in nail-biting suspense.
On one of the given dates, the Westminster Bridge, forever buzzing with activity, will be cordoned off for a historic romantic shot, in the most virgin film locale available to a crew. Between May 11 and 13 - the exact date and time not being revealed to avoid an avalanche of Bollywood fans creating a stampede - John Abraham will get ultra-romantic with his co-star Pakhi at one of London's most scenic and tourist-friendly locations, the Westminster Bridge which stands over the legendary River Thames.
Though some British and Hollywood films have been shot on the bank of the River Thames, no Indian or international unit has ever been granted permission to shoot on the Westminster Bridge covering the River Thames.
Informs John, "The idea is to shoot in places in London that are unexposed. Apart from the Westminster Bridge, we'll also shoot at the Marble Arch and Jubilee Park. We want the London visible in our film to look different. Otherwise, we've been to London so many times for Bollywood films our audiences know almost every inch of the city by heart."
Incidentally, when Londoners flock to greet John, he turns around to introduce his unrecognizable co-star Pakhi as, "The star of tomorrow. Take her autograph, not mine," he urges fans.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 13 May 2010 | 6:56 am Rahman and Katrina launch Rhymeskool nursery rhymes album for kids
One is a musician par excellence who has won every possible award, the other is a gorgeous beauty who has managed to make a mark for herself as one of the top actresses in Bollywood and together they came to launch a music album of nursery rhymes for kids. Yes we are indeed talking about the one and only A.R.Rahman and Katrina Kaif who jointly launched Rhymeskool yesterday in Mumbai.
Released under Sa Re Ga Ma, Rhymeskool has nursery rhymes for small children which have been composed by Rahman and rendered by Katrina Kaif. Speaking on this occasion, Rahman said, "I want to thank Sa Re Ga Ma for trusting K.M.Music Conservatory with this project. I want to thank Selva who has been mentoring the kids, Johnny my band-mate and also all the staff, teachers from my school who have been working on this project. I would also like to thank Katrina for her kind gesture and for being part of this project."
Katrina also seemed more than happy to be associated with this project. She said, "Education for children is something that is very important for this country. It's a topic that is very close to my mother's and my heart. I would like to thank Sa Re Ga Ma for coming up with such a noble initiative. For me, it was a great honour to be associated with something Rahman saab was doing. I feel really happy being here and hope that we can achieve what we set out to. If the kids like it, we can may be come out with more such interesting concepts in the future."
Katrina also said that she would be distributing the CD's at the Mercy Home orphanage in Madurai that she and her mother are closely associated with.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 13 May 2010 | 6:43 am Raajneeti faces lawsuitA social worker has moved court claiming that the film defames politician Sonia Gandhi’s image.Source: | 13 May 2010 | 6:36 am Around townThe NCPA is presenting a series of documentary films on music and musicians, starting this week, with a film on vocalist Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur.Source: | 13 May 2010 | 6:21 am IIFA bats for a causeA day before the Indian International Film Academy Awards 2010, Indian celebrities will play a charitable cricket match against Sri Lankan cricketers to rehablitate Sri Lankan refugees.Source: | 13 May 2010 | 6:21 am Gig alerts: May 13Check out what the city music aficionados are grooving to! From electronica to blues, there's something for everyone.Source: | 13 May 2010 | 5:59 am So as we mark another year of his passing, before you sleep tonight, put on a Frank Sinatra song. That way you let his voice be the last thing you hear before you slip away…if I may say so. |
![]() Hindustan Times | Raajneeti faces lawsuit Hindustan Times Ever since photographs of a sari-clad Katrina Kaif in Raajneeti appeared in the media, there seems to be no end to reports that her character is based on Sonia Gandhi. Never mind if director Prakash Jha and the actress have continuously denied any ... Glam and de-glam Katrina in RAAJNEETI! Ranbir, Katrina smell the beans Ranbir-Kat promote 'Raajneeti', Rampal ignored |
Yesterday, Sajid Khan spoke about the sheer differentiation factor between a hit and a flop film, the challenge that lies ahead in the biggies that would follow in 2010, some brickbats that he has faced for the climax of Housefull and rumours of him antagonising Karan Johar. In the second and concluding part of this conversation with Joginder Tuteja, Sajid Khan talks about his perceived war with critics, fulfilling the promise of giving his actors the biggest success of their career, accusations of being termed as arrogant and why it doesn't matter to him if he is not winning many friends in the industry.
On his war of words with critics
Honestly, critics don't know anything about Hindi or English films. I have been a critic myself; I have made fun of films made by others and also my own. Still, the fact remains that there is no critic in the world who has given two back to back blockbusters. When I started off as a director, I said that I would make a hit film and now I have done it twice in a row. Nobody makes movies for critics and those who do are foolish. In any case, in 90% of cases, critics and audience think differently. This has been proven across the world. Sholay was written off by critics in India while big money spinners like Transforrmers as well as Quantum of Solace were also given thumbs down by them. Who are these critics? Their job is to give 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 stars for movies that 'they' have liked. How do they know what is it that audience is going to like?
On not budging from his stand when it comes to critics
I am sure that even if I go on to make Gone with the Winds, I would never ever get good reviews in my life because critics don't like me. So why the hell should I bother about what they are going to write about me? Personally, I have never seen a movie after reading a review. A review should be different from synopsis which is written on the DVD cover. Now that can help you decide if you wish to watch that film or not. As for critics, then well they have never ever made any difference to the box office status of
a film.
On fulfilling the promise of giving his actors the biggest hit ever of their career
Actually I haven't been able to fulfil that promise. I regret that. After all, Boman Irani still has 3 Idiots which is a much bigger success, right (chuckles)? On a serious note though, other actors from the film have come back and reminded me of the promise that I had made. They are all very happy. More than anything else, they are spellbound by the confidence that I have always carried. I sense that.
On not winning too many friends
In any case, the industry has never ever been fond of me. After all I have been making fun of them on TV (laughs). Still, over a period of time, as they have started getting to know more of me, they realise that I am a fun guy. I would say that I have still gained a lot of friends in the film industry. Having said that, at the end of the day I feel that nothing matters as much as success. You can be nicest and the humblest person on earth but if you are failure, no one will be with you. Same holds true vice versa. No, I don't think that I am the nicest or the sweetest person but then I am a genuine and a honest person. It is all about having self pride. I don't need to have a Mercedes to feel good; I can be standing at a bus stand but still hold my high head.
On Rajkumar Hirani being an example of someone who is nice, humble, genuine, honest, and successful and still being loved by all Well, Raju never hosted any TV shows. He never made fun of industry people for years. The day he does, we will see (laughs).
Click here to read Sajid Khan Uncensored - [Part 1]
In this special four part feature, Joginder Tuteja would be taking readers through the 10 years journey of Hrithik Roshan which has been nothing but a roller coaster ride. Seeing early success, Hrithik saw himself staring at the bottom of the barrel before a great resurgence brought a turnaround in fortunes.
Part II of this feature takes readers through Hrithik's turnaround phase where he was almost finished
The turnaround
While Shah Rukh Khan just laughed it all away, just as he had done for his other counterparts who had turned out to be a flash in the pan during the 90s, Hrithik managed to hold on, though surprisingly in films that weren't quite an ideal follow ups to Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. These were some of the films that he had consented to before he became a sensation after his debut effort. Fiza, a half baked film by Khalid Mohammad saw an opening due to the fan base that had multiplied exponentially after Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. However, audience can't be fooled for days at stretch and the outcome was scathing criticism that came the film's way (with some of it also falling into Hrithik's lap as well). There were danger signs ahead that clearly indicated that audience weren't expecting him to do experimental films or play a role where he was in a supporting role.
This was evidenced yet again in Mission Kashmir which, despite being a good success, had resulted in industry wondering if there would ever be another Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai by Hrithik. Playing Sanjay Dutt's son with Sonali Kulkarni as a mother was looked at rather suspiciously (and amusedly) while the character played by him, that of a terrorist, seemed way too convenient. However, his charisma coupled with some excellent action ensured that Hrithik stayed on while promising something better in quick time.
However, this was not the case to be as Yaadein which followed in the year ahead was a complete compromise affair. A Subhash Ghai film, which was about a father (Jackie Shroff) and his love and affection for his daughters (Kareena Kapoor & rest) turned out to be an out and out cheesy love story with Hrithik ending up playing a pivotal role. It was clear that the script (which was written before the release of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai) was reworked on to accommodate the big star that the makers had at their disposal - Hrithik Roshan.
The fact remains though, and something which ex-showman Ghai would definitely agree today based on his vast experience, is that a star can never be above the script. The film was rejected by audience and for the first time ever in his eventful last few months; Hrithik experienced the bitter taste of failure. However, the damage was done by then as he had signed a flurry of films, all of which were all set to make life further miserable for the superstar, who was now relegated to merely a star, in the year to follow. In the meantime, he had to find solace in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham which was clearly an Amitabh Bachchan-Shah Rukh Khan starrer and despite its super success, the picture was clear on the wall - Hrithik had to do something on his own rather than piggy bank on big banners, big directors or big co-stars. He had to do it soon and he had to do it fast. Because this was the time when the same old detractors of Shah Rukh Khan were pretty much ready to pass on the placard to him that read bold and clear - FINISHED.
Yes, indeed finished! Did that happen? Oh yes, it certainly did and in fact sooner than expected. What followed next wasn't something that Hrithik wouldn't have imagined. He knew the films he had signed. He was aware about the work he had done. He was certain about how the films had shaped. And he perhaps may also have had an inkling of what lied ahead. Both his romantic tales - Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage (reuniting him with Amisha Patel after their debut effort Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai) and Na Tum Jaano Na Hum (featuring ice maiden and yet so raw Esha Deol) were huge disappointments from all aspects. Nothing really stood out here, be it performances, music, overall product and of course box
office.
Such misfortune would have broken anyone but Hrithik could still at least hope for the best since a film each with Yash Raj Films and Rajshri Productions was pretty much on the anvil. Both Mujhse Dosti Karoge and Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon featured Kareena Kapoor opposite him and it was expected that he would finally bounce back after his failed efforts with Amisha and Esha.
However, that was not the case to be as the fate of both the films was already sealed. Mujhse Dosti Karogi was totally rejected as a candy floss affair that didn't have any soul to boast. On the other hand Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon saw itself going past the coverage mark due to past record (Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Hum Saath Saath Hain) of Sooraj Barjatya but stayed on to be his most negatively criticised film ever. For Hrithik too, these films got quite some backlash and the placard finally landed in his backyard. Expectedly, it read - FINISHED.
(Visit this space again for Part III of this feature where readers would be taken through a phase where Roshans forward planning resulted in a great revival of fortunes for Hrithik)
Click here to read Exploring 10 year journey of Hrithik Roshan [Part I]Imran-Sonam: All for I Hate Luv Storys Oneindia I Hate Luv Storys, no we are not saying that, it's the title of the upcoming Imran Khan, Sonam Kapoor starrer film, that's making quite an appearance on the social networking site, Twitter. Yesterday we saw Sonam holding a flower, cracking a typical ... Cops spoiled Sonam , Imran's bash Catch Imran Khan, Sonam Kapoor in 'I Hate Luv Storys' first trailer Imran shows a page from I Hate Luv Storys |
![]() India-Forums.com | Shiney Ahuja: Dropped like a hot potato! Entertainment and Showbiz! Shiney Ahuja, the defamed actor who had been accused for his atrocious behavior with his housemaid a few months ago, has been granted bail, and is on the look out for a second chance in the film industry. So, news about him being cast in a flick titled ... Shiney Ahuja's co-star dumps him Vaishali walks out on Shiney! Newcomer Vaishali refuses to work with Shiney Ahuja |
![]() Indian Express | Agent Vinod will release in March 2011: Saif Sify Saif Ali Khan says his ambitious production venture Agent Vinod, in which he plays the lead role, will be ready for a March 2011 release. "We will start the shooting in May and will release it in March next year," Saif told reporters here. ... Saif-Kareena involve in a fight Bebo, Saif involve in a serious fight 'Agent Vinod' coming March 2011 |
![]() India Tone | Naseeruddin Shah was discharged: doctor Sify Naseeruddin Shah, who was admitted to a hospital here after he complained of giddiness, was discharged Wednesday after he showed signs of improvement, doctor said. "Shah was discharged from the hospital," H Sudarshan Ballal, medical director of Manipal ... Naseeruddin Shah discharged from hospital Naseer in and out of hospital Naseeruddin Shah hospitalized for exhaustion; discharged |
![]() Indian Express | Salman to help rehabilitate child soldiers in Sri Lanka Sify The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) will hold a charity match between Indian celebrities and Sri Lankan cricketers here in June to help rehabilitate former Tamil Tiger child soldiers. The event will be held in conjunction with the Sri Lankan ... "3 Idiots" front-runner for IIFA honours Salman Khan to perform at IIFA Awards 2010 Salman Khan Supports IIFA's Sri Lanka Initiative |
![]() Hindustan Times | Why Barbara Mori was afraid to kiss Hrithik Rediff "When we were getting ready to shoot the kiss, I asked Hrithik why we are doing this. They don't show kissing in Indian films," she says with a chuckle. The Uruguay-born and Mexico-raised TV and movie actress says, "We kiss in Mexican films all the ... Barbara feeds Amul to Hrithik Bollywood's sexiest lovemaking scenes Hrithik-Barbara Once more? |
![]() Calcutta Telegraph | Amitabh Bachchan opposes caste census Economic Times NEW DELHI: Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has opposed the demand to factor in caste in the 2011 census. Mr Bachchan said his Indianness overrode every other identity. Big B, as Mr Bachchan is fondly called by his legions of admirers, ... Amitabh Bachchan Supports The Indian Identity Ali's wait ends at Prateeksha My caste? I am Indian: Big B |
![]() Digital Spy | I can't follow Aamir, SRK: Akshay Kumar Times of India Actor Akshay Kumar is in the top league now, however, unlike his contemporaries - Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan or even Hrithik Roshan, the actor follows a different strategy. While Aamir and Shah Rukh Khan do a maximum of one film a year, actor Akshay ... Has Arjun gone bald? Shahrukh Khan can't use the loo SRK's costume blues… |
Let the truth be told now. After some dilly dallying that went on, the secret is finally out. Kangna Ranaut would basically be seen in a special appearance in Anurag Basu directed Kites which is being entirely sold as a Hrithik-Barbara starrer now.
"Let's not make a big deal about all of this", says Anurag who has given almost three years of his personal and professional life into making Kites a reality, "When I first spoke to Kangna about Kites, she didn't even want to know what she was supposed to do in the film."
During last year and a half, while it was a known fact that Barbara Mori was the leading lady of Hrithik Roshan, it was widely believed that Kangna Ranaut would have a substantial role to play in Kites, both from duration as well as content perspective. After all, this was her third film with Anurag Basu (after Gangster and Life In A Metro) and Kites would have been her big calling card, courtesy the prestigious banner of Roshans being attached to her name and most importantly, Hrithik Roshan as her co-star.
"There is no point whatsoever about Kangna being discontent with her presence in the film", says Basu, "She knew that her role was small but she still wanted to do it because of our love and friendship.'"
In fact the makers are not even intending to hide Kangna's role in Kites as a special appearance. Even in the title rolls of the film, she would be billed as 'Special Appearance', hence putting all rumours to rest. In a way, this would only work positively for Kangna since from this point on, audience expectations from her would also be limited.
"Kangna is like my lucky mascot and I like her to be a part of my films. I feel that she adds something to my story telling when she is there. This is why I am glad that she is a part of Kites. Even though it is a special appearance, no one is complaining", smiles Anurag who was keeping quiet for last few months ever since insinuations were being made about Kangna being left out of the film's publicity and her being upset with the developments.
However, now Kangna can now heave a sigh of relief since by no means is she holding the burden of this mammoth film which comes with huge stakes. If the film works, she benefits from it. And in case it doesn't quite end up meeting expectations, then she has nothing to loose as - in her friend and director Anurag Basu's own words - she did the film only for love and friendship.
If the sources close to Bollywood Hungama are to be believed, then the gorgeous Twinkle Khanna, who had taken a sabbatical from the tinsel town, is back. This time round, she will be seen in a commercial for Micromax Mobiles.
It is the same brand of cell phones endorsed by Twinkle's hubby dearest Akshay Kumar. The same source also added that the ad will be directed by the ace director Anurag Basu and that it's supposed to be a fun ad which will show the glamorous and funny side of Twinkle at the same time."
We simply can't wait to see Twinkle's comeback.| World : News Archives | Business | Entertainment | Sports | Technology | Science | Marketplace Audio |
| India : News | Business | Entertainment | Sports | Telugu | |
| Blogs : Humor pages | Norkay's Blog | Kids Stories | Indian Recipes | Database Tech Blog |
| Sundries : World Video Clips | Songs Clips | Indian Video Clips | |