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Roshans make up for Bachchans' absence at the IIFAThe Bachchan clan was sorely missed at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards here but the Roshan family seemed to make up for their absence as Hrithik's filmmaker grandfather J.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jun 2010 | 8:57 am Little fan in Gujarat moves Amitabh BachchanBollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan was deeply moved when a group of people, including a little boy, lined up along a road in Gujarat with bouquets in the wee hours of the morning to catch a glimpse of him.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jun 2010 | 8:18 am Manav of 'Pavitra Rishta' interested in film-makingTelevision actor Sushant Singh Rajput, better known as Manav of "Pavitra Rishta', says his next step is to go back to college once the series comes to an end.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jun 2010 | 7:02 am Kareena sports 'no make-up look' on People magazine cover
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jun 2010 | 7:01 am Sans big stars, IIFA awards end with fanfareAamir Khan's "3 Idiots" swept the 11th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards that concluded with much fanfare here early Sunday but the three-day event will perhaps be remembered more for the absence of Bollywood mega stars led by IIFA brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan, apparently due to a boycott threatened by southern Indian film distributors of the stars who attended the event.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jun 2010 | 5:32 am 'I'll know which films to show my kid'Says Nandita Das, the chairperson of the Children’s Film Society Of India, whose film, Krish Trish And Baltiboy, premieres on TV today.Source: | 6 Jun 2010 | 5:31 am Twilight music editor roped in for RaajneetiUS composer Wayne Sharpe, who worked with Tim Starnes, the music editor of Lord Of The Rings and Twilight, on his score, in conversation.Source: | 6 Jun 2010 | 5:21 am New look, old filmShahid Kapoor releases first look of Milenge Milenge on Twitter.Source: | 6 Jun 2010 | 5:20 am No takers for Jaggu dada’s Sai Baba?Release delayed despite director’s claims that he’s getting good offers.Source: | 6 Jun 2010 | 5:05 am Honour boundOm Puri says that same gotra or same khap marriages no reason to butcher youngsters.Source: | 6 Jun 2010 | 4:50 am 3 Idiots triumphs at IIFA; Vidya, Kareena are best actresses
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 6 Jun 2010 | 4:46 am Men in black, beauties in gowns ruled IIFA green carpetDresses, train gowns, saris and black suits ruled the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards ceremony here.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jun 2010 | 3:39 am Jacqueline, Omi bag Best Debutant awards at IIFASri Lankan actress Jacqueline Fernandez, who made her Bollywood debut with "Aladin", was declared Star Plus Debut of the Year (Female) at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards here on Saturday.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jun 2010 | 3:37 am Kareena sports 'no make-up look' on People magazine coverThe glamorous and stylish Kareena Kapoor let go of make-up and and decided to be simple for the cover of the latest issue of People magazine.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jun 2010 | 3:37 am Karan Johar wanted me to look sexy: Imran KhanYoung actor Imran Khan, who is playing a bit of a womaniser in "I Hate Luv Storys", says filmmaker Karan Johar wanted him to look effortlessly sexy for the role.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jun 2010 | 3:32 am When Vinod Kambli sang for ShaanFormer cricketer Vinod Kambli is known for his skills on the field, but he is also a very good singer and gave a peak into his talent when he sang a song on meeting his friend and Bollywood singer Shaan.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jun 2010 | 3:31 am Anil Kapoor snubs fan in Sri LankaBollywood actor Anil Kapoor, here to attend the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, snubbed an eager fan who wanted his autograph.Source: Entertainment News | 6 Jun 2010 | 3:29 am IFTRC starts new media researchInternational Film and Television Research Centre (IFTRC) will address itself to this complex task of conducting research with the audience on programming and its effectiveness.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 6 Jun 2010 | 3:10 am Suniel Shetty injured at IIFA - Daily News & Analysis
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 6 Jun 2010 | 1:47 am Kareena sports 'no make-up look' - NDTV.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 6 Jun 2010 | 1:44 am '3 Idiots' bags maximum technical awards at IIFAAamir Khan starrer "3 Idiots", a super hit and one of the highest grossers ever, on Saturday baggged the maximum technical awards at the the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards.Source: | 6 Jun 2010 | 1:33 am '3 Idiots' sweeps IIFA awards, Amitabh adjudged best actorAamir Khan starrer '3 Idiots' swept this year's IIFA awards bagging 8 honours including the Best Film award, with megastar Amitabh Bachchan winning the Best Actor award for his role as a progeria-afflicted child in 'Paa'. IIFA moments: In pics | SpecialSource: | 6 Jun 2010 | 12:38 am '3 Idiots' sweeps IIFA awards amid protestsCOLOMBO (Reuters) - A heart-warming tale of life in an Indian college swept a low-key Bollywood film awards ceremony in Sri Lanka on Saturday night, with several big stars staying away and after protests from Tamil groups.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 5 Jun 2010 | 11:08 pm Actor Anil Kapoor felicitated at IIFA
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jun 2010 | 6:32 pm When Shoaib Malik joined Salman's team against Pakistan
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jun 2010 | 5:43 pm 'The Real Housewives of New York City', one of the hit reality shows in U.SOne reality show that has become a huge hit these days in States is 'The Real Housewives of New York City'.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 5 Jun 2010 | 5:28 pm Jacqueline, Omi bag Best Debutant awards at IIFA
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jun 2010 | 5:13 pm Raajneeti justifies 'Mahabharata' adaptation
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jun 2010 | 5:09 pm Vivek Oberoi receives Global Green Award at IIFA
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jun 2010 | 4:59 pm IIFA 2010: Winners
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jun 2010 | 4:36 pm Shashi Tharoor wants film world to act as 'Ram Sethu'
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jun 2010 | 4:31 pm 3 Idiots bags 8 technical awards at IIFA
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jun 2010 | 4:30 pm Lil Jon returns with new album Crunk RockLil Jon, the rapper known for his crunk music, is going to release his new album 'Crunk Rock' on June 8 on Universal Republic. Crank music is all about fusion of hip-hop, rock and electro.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 5 Jun 2010 | 3:51 pm Porn Star Stephen Clancy Hill surrounded by LAPD, live updateStephen Clancy Hill an XXX rated movie actor was suspected of killing a colleague with a sword.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 5 Jun 2010 | 3:39 pm MTV Awards 2010: List of the nominees and event detailsSandra Bullock will receive MTV Generation award and thus becoming the first lady to receive such an honor. Other big names that are expected on the award night are Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Tom Cruize, Anna Kendrick, Cameron Diaz, Vanessa HSource: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 5 Jun 2010 | 3:23 pm Fans touch Big B, star touched by fans - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jun 2010 | 3:17 pm Paint Your Wagon Cinematographer William A. Fraker diesPaint Your Wagon is a 1969 musical film adapted by Paddy Chayefsky from the 1951 stage musical by Lerner and Loewe. The film was set in a mining camp in Gold Rush era California.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 5 Jun 2010 | 2:41 pm Winners of the IIFA Awards 2010Best Film Vidhu Vinod Chopra - 3 Idiots Best Performance in a Leading Role (Male) Amitabh Bachchan - Paa Best Performance in a Leading Role (Female) Kareena Kapoor - 3 Idiots & Vidya Balan - Paa Best Direction Rajkumar Hirani - 3 Idiots Best Performance in a Comic Role Sanjay Dutt - All The Best Best Performance in a Negative Role Boman Irani - 3 Idiots Best Performance in Supporting Role (Male) Sharman Joshi - 3 Idiots Best Performance in Supporting Role (Female) Divya Dutta - Delhi 6 Best Debut of the year (Male) Omi Vaidya - Jackie Bhagnani Best Debut of the year (Female) Jacqueline Fernandez - Mahie Gill Best Playback Singer (Female) Kavita Seth - Ek Tara (Wake Up Sid) Best Playback Singer (Male) Shaan - Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh (3 Idiots) Best Music Direction Pritam - Love Aaj Kal Best Lyrics Swanand Kirkire - 3 Idiots Best Story Abhijat Joshi, Raj Kumar Hirani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra - 3 Idiots Habitat For Humanity Ambassadorship Salman Khan IIFA outstanding contribution to Hindi Cinema (Male) J. Om Prakash IIFA outstanding contribution to Hindi Cinema (Female) Zeenat Aman Outstanding Achievement by an Indian Internationally Anil Kapoor IIFA Green Global Award Vivek Oberoi Technical Awards Winners Best Screenplay Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra (3 Idiots) Best Cinematography C.K. Muraleedharan (3 Idiots) Best Dialogue Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi (3 Idiots) Best Background Score Sanjay Wandrekar, Atul Raninga, Shantanu Moitra (3 Idiots) Best Editing Rajkumar Hirani (3 Idiots) Best Sound Recording Bishwadeep Chatterjee, Nihal Ranjan Samel (3 Idiots) Best Song Recording Bishwadeep Chatterjee, Sachi K Sanghvi (3 Idiots) Best Sound Re-recording Anup Dev (3 Idiots) Best Choreography Bosco Martis, Caesar Gonsalves (Love Aaj Kal) Best Costume Designing Anahita Shroff Adajania, Dolly Ahluwalia (Love Aaj Kal) Best Art Direction Sabu Cyril (Aladin) Best Special Effects (Visual) Charles Darby - Eyecube Labs (Aladin) Best Action Shyam Kaushal (Kaminey) Best Make up Artist Christien Tinsley, Domini Till (Paa)Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 5 Jun 2010 | 2:34 pm The Goonies anniversary celebration: Schedule, detailsThere will be screening of a special documentary that was made on the Goonies. There will be Goonies merchandise available in huge quantity for the fans. So you can buy somee hats, T's and other memorabilia.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 5 Jun 2010 | 2:05 pm Rush Limbaugh wedding fourth time with Kathryn RogersRush Limbaugh the popular radio host is all set to getting married for a fourth time. The 59-year-old Rush Limbaugh is ready to tie the knot with Kathryn Rogers, 33, on Saturday.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 5 Jun 2010 | 1:44 pm Eminem 'Not Afraid' music video: watch online, downloadEminem 'Not Afraid', the highly anticipated music video premiered on Saturday, June 5. 'Not Afraid' is the first single off of Eminem's new album, RecoverySource: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 5 Jun 2010 | 1:40 pm Vivek defends ex-flame AshVivek Oberoi has come out in support of Bachchan clan stating that they should not be criticised for non-participation.Source: | 5 Jun 2010 | 12:46 pm Gillette Stadium all set for Taylor Swift concert: Parking, weather detailsIn regard of the concert, parking advisory is posted by the Gillette Stadium management. According to the weather forecast, it may rain in the evening. So don't forget to wear the rain coat, because the stadium is not covered.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 5 Jun 2010 | 12:42 pm Arjun Rampal swarmed with compliments for RaajneetiIt's congratulations galore for model-turned-actor Arjun Rampal who has delivered his career's best performance as a conniving politician Prithvi Pratap in Prakash Jha's Rajneeti.Source: | 5 Jun 2010 | 12:15 pm Abhishek completes shooting GameAbhishek Bachchan, who has finished shooting for Farhan Akhtar's Game, says he finds it difficult to say goodbye to the film's crew members.Source: | 5 Jun 2010 | 12:06 pm Raajneeti justifies 'Mahabharata' adaptation - NDTV.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jun 2010 | 11:53 am Live Chat: Mehul Kumar on Monday June 7 at 1500 hrs IST
He has been in this industry since ages, and churning out meaningful cinema without a care. Mehul Kumar, director, producer and writer who has been this industry on his own terms, an independent film maker he is not clouded by what the trends or patterns in the industry are. He makes what he believes in and has worked with some of the biggest names in industry, whether it was Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit or Naseerudin Shah.
The films that have made him a name to reckon with are Krantiveer and Kohram. We still look at these films with awe. The man is back with yet another kranti, this time Krantiveer- The Revolution. We at Bollywood Hungama give all you fans of bollywood a chance to chat with this mentor on Monday June 7 at 1500 Hrs IST and take your Bollywood quotient a notch higher.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jun 2010 | 11:16 am Abhishek completes shooting Game - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jun 2010 | 9:07 am MAAC Creative Shop releases Cric-XMAAC Creative Shop, a division of animation education major Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics has developed and produced a cricket based 3D animation feature film titled - 'Cric X'. The 80 minutes long feature film is inspired by the unflagging popularity and craze people have for cricket in India. The movie revolves around the fun, excitement and dreams associated with cricket in India. The movie has many interesting characters like Soni, the captain, who is a cool headed guy and the opener for the team, then there is Veer, a swash backing batsmen who believes in aggression is all it requires to win the game and Prince, a Casanova kind of a character. Sanjiv Waeerkar, Chief Creative Officer, MAAC said that in the last two years, the domestic market for animation has grown and Cric X is an effort to demonstrate capabilities of Indian Animators. MAAC Creative Shop is an exclusive entity of MAAC which offers a platform to young and creative talent to create original ideas and market them to producers for licensing and co-development.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jun 2010 | 9:07 am Anupam Kher to open acting school in Sri Lanka - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jun 2010 | 8:34 am John skips IIFA due to Tamilian protests, Bipasha goes to promote Lamhaa
Love and ideology make strange bedfellows. While other star couples from Bollywood were off to Colombo for four days of fun, frolic and, er, films at IIFA, John and Bipasha decided to go their separate ways on the issue of Tamilian protests against Bollywood's presence in Colombo.
Says a source close to John and Bipasha, "Bipasha proceeded to Colombo at the last minute without John. This was the first time she attended this annual jamboree without John and no, she wasn't sulking over the matter. Bipasha had no choice but to attend because she had to represent her film Lamhaa in Colombo."
Initially, Bipasha did try to convince John to accompany her. But keeping in mind the Tamilian sentiments he opted out. Says the mutual friend of the couple, "John is very clear about being politically correct. He is a Malyali and feels very strongly about South Indian issues. So even if it meant not spending quality time with Bipasha, John decided to forego the pleasure trip."
When contacted John tries to brush off his non-presence at Colombo. "I had work in Mumbai so I didn't go. I'm completely immersed in pre-production work for Nishikant Kamat's film. I can't think of anything else at the moment."
Incidentally, Colombo was one of the major locations suggested by Nishikant Kamat. John politely suggested a digression.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jun 2010 | 7:22 am Raajneeti gets huge opening, Arjun, Manoj and Prakash Jha in seventh heaven
One film scholar says, "Friday will decide the fate of Raajneeti." A distributor says, "I don't think the film will last because of its political backdrop." An overseas marketing head of a production house says, "Raajneeti is a dicey film. Its chances of not connecting to the overseas audiences are many." All this jazz and then this - Raajneeti receives a thunderous 90% opening. All the above then doesn't make sense, does it? It all boils down to 'The film opened well. People bought the tickets. Audiences got sold to Raajneeti. Job done and everything else is history, and the guy who is very much responsible for the thunder this summer is Mr. Prakash Jha. A director of his calibre confesses this morning, "I have now realised that I can make and take risks in terms of commerciality. I will be open to new ideas for my next film. Raajneeti's opening has taught me that good work never goes unnoticed. It's the goodness which has stood out so far. Now it's time to see how the goodness gets transformed into greatness in the coming days." Jha continues, "Raajneeti had everything working against it if you see the commerciality in terms of business of Bollywood. But the opening proved me wrong. I am in seventh heaven."
A very jovial, excited and shocked Arjun Rampal said this morning, "It's a shock to know that Raajneeti has not only opened with a great percentage but the crazy fact is that I've just got a call from Prakash who told me that Raajneeti has opened very well in the U.K and Australia. It has got a bigger opening than 3 Idiots. Now that's a shocker." He continues, "We have got the most unexpected start and now looking for the snowball effect. Raajneeti, if it works for a few days more, will have a fate like Rock On. The word of mouth is the key here. The time has come to hit the last hammer. I am so happy with the opening the film has got. My weekend is going to be great (laughs)."
Manoj Bajpai too was in a shock but confident when he quoted, "I know that any good product gets sold quickly. Raajneeti is facing the same fortune. The news of the opening comes to me as a shock because we never thought that a film of this scale will get a big jump start. Somewhere, people had faith in our film and that's a victory for me and our team. Faith in any film decides its fate too, I think."
You never can tell what works, why it works, how it works but the fact is that it works...and how. Now the question asked is, 'Will Raajneeti be able to sustain its opening?'Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 5 Jun 2010 | 7:04 am Mani's next with Ranbir, Imran - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jun 2010 | 7:02 am Anupam Kher receives Sri Lankan Presidential Award
Getting awards (both national and international) is nothing new for Bollywood's ever green superstar Anupam Kher. After being conferred a million awards (and that just won't be an exaggeration), Anupam Kher, has been now given the most prestigious Presidential Award from Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, at the ongoing International Indian Film Academy Weekend (IIFA) for his contribution to cinema.
Speaking exclusively to Bollywood Hungama, an elated Anupam said , "It's a greatest honour that I am given the award. For me, it's the biggest award in IIFA. The award also means the recognition of my school, my teachers and the hard work that they have put in the last 5 years. All in all, it's simply a great feeling."
Congratulations Mr. Kher!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jun 2010 | 6:14 am Neil Nitin Mukesh signed up as brand ambassador for Gen X Vests
Neil Nitin Mukesh is someone who happens to be one of the most prominent faces among the Gen-next breed of actors. Hailing from a filmy family, he made a rocking debut in Johnny Gaddaar. He later followed it up with brilliant performances in films like Aa Dekhen Zara, New York and Jail.
These days, Neil is one helluva' busy man. If he is not shooting films, the actor is busy signing the dotted lines as the brand ambassador. After having lent his face to almost a dozen products, Neil has now been chosen as the brand ambassador for Gen X Vests. Sources close to Bollywood Hungama say that, Neil was chosen purely on the basis of his squeaky-clean and decent image, both on screen and off screen, a requite that the company officials were keen on.
Looks like Neil is definitely basking in the sunshine when the sun is shining bright, really bright!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jun 2010 | 5:56 am Sonam Kapoor redefines travel in L'Officiel
A legend once said, "While on a travel, the destination is more important than the journey". We just would like to add a bit more, stating that 'If the companion is worthwhile, both the journey and the destination become equally exciting'.
Well, that's exactly what you can expect when you pick up the current edition of L'Officiel, which has got none other than Bollywood's latest blue eyed girl: Sonam Kapoor. If this is not what you call as 'Hitting two birds with one stone', which means, Sonam Kapoor has been shot in New Zealand by the magazine guys, which also doubles up as the location for Sonam's upcoming project I Hate Luv Storys. The snaps speak a million words in this issue.
All in all, Sonam Kapoor takes you to the beautiful New Zealand in L'Officiel!Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 5 Jun 2010 | 5:49 am "Eventually it is a film which works, nothing else" - Prakash Jha
Don't expect 'oh, it was great working with so and so actor' quotes from Prakash Jha. He isn't someone who is trapped in the world of stars. Now that sounds strange for someone who has managed to get some of the top line actors and stars in his political drama cum thriller Raajneeti. Ajay Devgn and Arjun Rampal are two contrasting actors who can set the screen ablaze. Manoj Bajpai is in the league of his own while Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif are youngsters who are clearly ready to rule for an entire decade to come. Still, Jha believes (and rightly so) that a film works due to the story which is told rather than the stars.
In a conversation with Joginder Tuteja, the man behind hard hitting films like Gangaajal and Apaharan reveals his reasons behind taking time to make films, the entertainment quotient (or the lack of it) which is thought of during the writing process and how Ajay stays on to be a constant feature in each of his newer films.
It is the story and the narrative that should engage and involve you in those 2.5 - 3 hours
It has been five years since the release of your Gangaajal. Now comes Raajneeti and there is so much gap between the two films. Why is that so? Is it intentional?
Yes, I do take time to make films and that's because I never tell a usual tale. I get something topical, something which has not been told and then bring in a lot of ingredients to it. I concentrate a lot on getting the narrative right and also putting everything in place during the pre-production stage itself. Due to this, there is this gap which does come between two films of mine.
Some may believe that a political drama is a relatively dry subject to be told on celluloid. While working on the narrative of Raajneeti, how did you keep the entertainment quotient intact?
Kisi cheez ka aisa koyi quotient nahi hota. At the end of the day, it is the story and the narrative that should engage and involve you in those 2.5 - 3 hours. If that doesn't engage you then whatever you may make, it won't work for the audience. You can have the best of the locations, artists and big money but only that is not good enough to work for the film. We have seen a lot of such things happening in the past. This is why sometimes you may be making a small film but it clicks with the audience just because there was a terrific story to tell.
For example?
For example Dev D. It was a small film and an experimental one at that. Still, people liked it. It made money for all involved and also fetched quite some critical acclaim for itself. So you don't necessarily have to aspire to make a big film with stars all around. Even that may not work after all.
Ajay is not just a great professional, he is also a very nice human being
Well, one does believe strongly that Raajneeti is all set to click with the audience. Do you see them coming from smaller cities and towns only or even metropolitan cities?
I will give an example of my own films - Gangaajal and Apaharan. Both these films worked in the interiors of UP as well as multiplexes. Similarily for Raajneeti as well, I have my target as audiences from all over.
In fact after Kites, your film is also expected to bail out the industry from the current crisis it is in.
I would say it is the wrong way of looking at things. Yes, when a film works then it benefits everybody. There are good actors in the film toh thodi expectations toh hogi hi logon mein.
You sound diplomatic. After all the name Prakash Jha also counts, isn't it?
No, that's not really justified. The end of the day it is all about a film and not a director. All expectations should be on a film after all. Initially people may think that it is a Prakash Jha film and come to theatres with lot of expectations. But eventually it is a film which works, nothing else.
Meanwhile, one hears that your next film would be looking at exploring a relationship based subject. As again, Ajay's presence seems mandatory in the film. Why is it so that ever since Dil Kya Kare, he has a constant presence in your films, whether it is Gangaajal, Apaharan or Raajneeti?
(Smiles) Uske saath maza aata hai kaam karne mein. Not just is he a great professional, he is also a very nice human being. That gives him an extra edge. There is a huge understanding that both of us have for each other. He has a huge range and can do anything. No wonder, whenever I am in the process of writing a film, there is one or the other character that ends up suiting him. Issi liye Ajay ke liye meri films mein jahag apne aap hi ban jaati hai.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 5 Jun 2010 | 5:05 am Ranbir regrets dumping Deepika - IndiaGlitz
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jun 2010 | 4:27 am Kites grounded in Chennai - NDTV.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jun 2010 | 4:16 am Subhash K. Jha speaks about Raajneeti
In Prakash Jha's sweeping damning and definitive look at Indian politics and its power-hungry players , Sarah Thompson is Ranbir Kapoor's Irish-American girlfriend who suddenly finds herself thrown into the vortex of the murkiest aspect of Indian culture... no , I don't mean films about Indian politics, but politics the real thing. Ekdum asli maal, boss.
Sarah's shock is never ours. We are a cynical people.
Prakash Jha known earlier for his deft Devgn-helmed Bihar-centric political thrillers (Apaharan, Gangaajal) this time explores the Mahabharat for a look at the way politics in our country governs almost every aspect of Indian existence. The Thompson character's shocked realization of the indiscretions and immoralities of Indian politics cuts across the audiences' perception of the world bathed in blood and corruption, manned and piloted by people who emerge out of a dynastic propensity to define power-hunger as a birthright.
Raajneeti has more characters lunging for the ballot box than the popcorn-nibbling audience can keep track of . A taut clenched drama of devastating nemesis, Raajneeti moves across its epic mythology-inspired canvas with a vigour and velocity that sweep audiences off our feet.
The way Prakash Jha captures the parched dusty bustling energy of political rallies is maha-impressive. Yes, this director understands the rudiments of politics as well as the entrances and exits of the movie-making canvas . This is no amateurish attempt to yoke the Mahabharat with Indian politics. The truth-defining moments in Raajneeti are truly shattering. The lies that co-writers Anjum Rajabali and Prakash Jha's characters live have ricocheting ramifications.
Prakash Jha delves deep into the conscience of his characters to emerge with some acutely penetrating insight the corroded heart of the Indian body-politic.The dramatic high-points in the narration are handled with strangulated vigour. The sound of a muffled scream is never far away from the centre of the narration.
Jha's storytelling never touches those nerve-ends in his narration where his characters would have actually expressed what they feel. You often miss a culmination to the dramatic tensions that the writers and director build so diligently. A sequence such as the one where the mother-figure(new actress Nikhila Tirkha, interesting) meets her illegitimate son(Ajay Devgn) for the first time is more interesting for its dramatic possibilities than their actual realization.Strangely,the lamguage in this mother-son reunion sequence abruptly turns to shuddh from sly.
The criss-cross of relationships in the intricate tapestry of trust betrayal murder and atonement works as a persuasive pactiche of smothered anguished dramatic ambivalence. No character is allowed ample space to express his or her innermost desires and ambitions.
Katrina's character for example, is so underdeveloped , we never know what she really wants to get out of her space in life . The brutality with which she is shoved by the male characters from rebuffed love to a marriage of political convenience to a widowed political career, is a plot of immense dramatic potential, alas sketchily realized.
We see Jha's gallery of dynastic politicians in all their ruthless glory. But we never get close enough to them to connect with their lust greed pain anger and hunger.
The squalor and ugliness of Indian politics is put on screen with cutting immediacy. There are interesting side-characters , like the ambitious female politician from Sitapur(Shruti Seth) who uses sex for barter and female newscasters, rallyists and petty politicians played by actors who seem to know the world they are meant to occupy from the fringes.
The trouble with the over-laden plot is that all the major characters clamour to be emblematic and individualistic. They are types and yet unique in the way their portray political cliches. They inhabit the two worlds with just about enough conviction to make this a political drama high on content if somewhat low on emotions.
What really elevates Raajneeti to the level of a powerful political parable of our times are the performanes. Nana Patekar, Manoj Bajpai, Arjun Rampal and Ajay Devgn(in that order) get a firm grip over their characters and carry their tumultuous karma to a logical culmination.
Katrina Kaif comes into her own in the last 15 minutes. She looks vulnerable and resplendent as a girl forced to put power over her heart. As for Ranbir Kapoor he is actually the backbone of Raajneeti. He brings a reined-in steel-edged ruthlessness to his character. For sure there is no other actor from his generation who could have played this character.
The pair's goodbye sequence at the end of the film is so discreetly and deftly handled, you wish there was more moments between the two.
Raajneeti is not just a film that opens up the tattered edges of Indian politics. It dares to walk right into the muck, with restraint vigour and some sensitivity. The film has some outstanding cinematography by Sachin Kumar Krishnan . The camera seems to be looking into places in the characters' psyche that perhaps even the screenplay isn't aware of.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 5 Jun 2010 | 3:52 am For Sania's sake, Shoaib Malik joined Salman's team against Pakistan
This has got to be the strangest and most exciting marriage of two opposing sides ever. First, Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik comes to India and marries India's hottest tennis player Sania Mirza. Then before we know it, the pair moves to the no-man's land in Dubai where Malik joins hands with Salman Khan to play against Pakistan.
At the Dubai Sports City on Thursday May 27, Shoaib created cricketing history by playing in Salman Khan's Indian team against his fellow team-mates led by Shoaib Akhtar who played against Salman's Being Human team from Bollywood.
Apparently, Shoaib was reluctant to play in Salman's team. It was wife Sania who convinced him.
Says a source from Salman's team, "Sania Mirza is a huge Salman fan. When Salman asked her husband to play on his team Shoaib Malik was naturally reluctant. But then Sania's persuasive powers over her husband worked. When it came to Salman, Sania wouldn't hear a no even from her own husband."
That's how Malik made cricketing history by playing against his country men.
Arbaaz Khan verifies the historic occurrence. However, he wouldn't like to attribute any political motives to Salman's charitable game in Dubai.
Arbaaz says, "It was a friendly match between mixed teams and had wasn't anything like playing for or against. All in good spirit and for fun."
However, with Pakistan waiting for 'Sania Bhabhi' to show up, Shoaib Bhai giving in to his wife's fondness for Salman by playing against Pakistan could be a politically and athletically a wrong move.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jun 2010 | 3:49 am Bollywood stars discover their charitable side at IIFACOLOMBO (Reuters) - Bollywood stars in Sri Lanka for an awards ceremony billed as India's Oscars are doing their bit to help the island nation emerge from the devastation of a quarter century war.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 5 Jun 2010 | 2:44 am
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