Bollywood all set to kick a 'Goal'

Indo-Asian News ServiceTuesday, November 20, 2007: (New Delhi):
After flirting with crime as the theme in his directorial debut, Vivek Agnihotri's second film Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal, releasing on Friday, puts sports in the spotlight. Set in Britain, the film tells the story of Southall United Football Club which is going through its worst crisis ever - no money, no sponsors, no star players, no coach to lead them. And the final nail in the coffin comes when the city council sends an eviction notice. It's a do or die situation for the Southall United as they must win the Combined Counties Football League, in their otherwise last season, to save the ground and their honour. The film tells the story of the players who rise and shine in their effort for the club.Shaan (Arshad Warsi) takes up the challenge and the first help comes in the form of a disgraced ex-player, Tony Singh (Boman Irani) who agrees to join them as the coach. At each step they face mockery, criticism, but Shaan and Tony turn a deaf ear and work to gather the worn out team together. Then comes Sunny Bhasin (John Abraham) whose dreams to play for England crashes after his club does not select him because of the colour of his skin. Sunny, who always laughed at his own community and Southall United, joins the team at the behest of Tony. However, Shaan is not too happy with the new induction because he and Sunny could not ever see eye to eye. Adding to their personal chaos is Shaan's cousin sister Rumana's (Bipasha Basu) fondness for Sunny. It takes a while before Shaan and the team warm up to Sunny. With Sunny joining Southall United, the team gradually starts climbing the points tally. And the city council is worried. However, Sunny is more interested in being noticed than in Southall United winning the cup. Johny Bakshi (Dalip Tahil), a commentator and a front man of the council, finds out his weakness and plans to lure him away from the team. Will Sunny sacrifice everything he believed in for the team? Agnihotri also takes an intimate look at a cross-section of Indians, Pakistanis and other Asians living in England. Arshad and Bipasha play Pakistani characters in the movie.Agnihotri's Chocolate starring Anil Kapoor and Irrfan Khan was a riveting drama, but failed to be a commercial success. Sports films were not popular in Bollywood earlier but after the success of Chak De India hopes are flying high. Agnihotri may just score a "Goal".

If you do think Google changed your life and the direction of your academic paper, please at least let us ignorant ones know what exactly you googled

Madhuri returns to Mumbai to promote 'Aaja Nachle'

Pune, Madhuri Dixit who was apparently not satisfied with her comeback film "Aaja Nachle" will nevertheless be in Mumbai to promote it after Yash Chopra persuaded her to do so.
The actor, who lives in the US, will be in Mumbai Wednesday to attend the promotional events for "Aaja Nachle" that releases Nov 30, Chopra said here Tuesday during a visit to accept the Zenith Asia award for his contribution to cinema at a ceremony organised by the National Films Archives of India.Apparently, the actress felt Yash Raj Films did not deliver the promised goods and therefore refused to promote "Aaja Nachle". Chopra, who gave her a makeover in his super hit "Dil To Paagal Hai", had a tough time convincing her to change her mind.The director said his son Aditya met Madhuri in Detroit last year and convinced her to make a comeback with their film. She accepted the offer and came to Mumbai from the US, where she lives with her husband Sriram Nene and their two children. She was in India for almost seven months to complete the film.The actor had taken a sabbatical after "Devdas" and will be seen in a film after five years.Chopra, who hasn't directed any film after his cross-border love saga "Veer-Zaara", also talked about his forthcoming venture which he plans to start in January next year. "I don't direct too many films these days because I am short of ideas. I can only make romantic movies. I'm finalising the script for my next film. I cannot make action movies and that is why Yash Raj produces movies made by young and talented directors," Chopra told IANS.He is also looking forward to Yash Raj Films animation movie "Road Side Romeo", which is being made in collaboration with Walt Disney. Chopra doesn't want to compromise on quality and has allocated a huge budget for the film, which is expected to release sometime in June next year. He said: "For the first time, we have an Indian animation movie with the quality of Disney animation."

Kareena Kapoor will wear Bikini in ‘Tashan’?

It seems like yashraj’s Tashan is going to be one grand affair. Not only it features the newest love stuck couple Saif and kareena but it features Bebo is a total glam avatar.
Though she has played a number of glamourous roles in her acting career, she has never exposed beyond a limit. But this time Bollywood is abuzz with talk that Kareena will wear bikini in a film.
It is learnt that director Vijay Krishna Acharya and producer Aditya Chopra want to present Kareena in an entirely new avatar in ‘Tashan’.
Aditya was previously instrumental in presenting Aishwarya Rai and Bipasha Basu in hot avatars in Dhoom 2. Now he is apparently doing the same to Kareena.
Reports say the reason why Kareena has been shedding her flab and getting in shape in the last few months is for the bikini scenes that will be shot in February next year.
However, there has been no official confirmation of this either from Kareena or from the film’s makers.

Himesh Reshammiya to play Rishi Kapoor in ‘Karz’ remake

After the success of his debut film “Aap Kaa Surroor”, composer-singer-actor Himesh Reshammiya is ready to face the camera once again for the remake of the 1977 musical blockbuster “Karz”.
Reshammiya is going in for makeover for his role in the remake of Subhash Ghai’s film, which is being produced by T-Series. He will be seen dancing, singing and performing to self-composed songs sans his famous cap.
“At the moment I can only say I’m planning my look and performance. And yes this time I want to win over the critics as well,” Reshammiya told IANS.
The evergreen Laxmikant-Pyarelal songs from Ghai’s blockbuster will be replaced by Reshammiya’s tunes. And if we keep in mind the fact that Reshammiya is one of the biggest Laxmikant-Pyarelal fans, we have much to look forward to in the new “Karz”.
Giving details on the project, producer Bhushan Kumar of T-Series said: “Yes we’ve purchased the remake rights of Subhash Ghai’s timeless classic ‘Karz’ with Himesh playing Rishi Kapoor’s part. Himesh has already started working on a new look for the film.
“This will be his first release after ‘Aap Kaa Surroor’. The rest of the cast and director are yet to be decided. Our ‘Karz’ will be trans-located to contemporary times with a fresh musical score by Himesh with whom T-Series has always gelled.
“We’d have loved Mr. Ghai to direct the remake. But he refused arguing he doesn’t need to go back to one of his films when he’s brimming over with fresh ideas. We’ll decide on the director in a week’s time,” added Kumar.

Taare Zameen Par - First Look

Aamir Khan’s first directorial venture ‘Taare Zameen Par’ is the second venture of Aamir Khan’s Production house after Laagan. Aamir is know to be creatively involved in his earlier films like Lagaan, Dil Chata Hai and Rang De Basanti. The wait to see how creative is he behind the camera’s will soon come to an end as his film Taare Zaamen Par will hit the cinemas on December 21, 2007

'Om Shanti Om' beats 'Saawariya' at the box office

New Delhi, The audience verdict is out. The box office seems to favour Shah Rukh Khan's "Om Shanti Om" in comparison to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's much-touted magnum opus "Saawariya".
While King Khan's film registered 90 percent occupancy across the country on its Diwali release, Bhansali's love story managed 60 percent."Om Shanti Om" is director Farah Khan's tribute to the colourful and vibrant cinemas of the 70s and it has Shah Rukh is a new avatar, going shirtless and displaying his six-pack abs, while Bhansali's film is a mystical love story set in Shimla and introduces new faces.According to Vishal Kapur, COO of Fun Cinemas, the Shah Rukh film has generated a lot of repeat audience interest in comparison to "Saawariya"."Among our 15 cineplexes across the country, the bigger ones did a business of at least Rs.500,000 and smaller ones Rs.150,000 on Friday. 'Saawariya' churned out Rs.350,000 at the big centres, while at the smaller ones it could only manage to collect Rs.78,000," Kapur told IANS.Kapur feels that "Om Shanti Om" could prove an even bigger Shah Rukh hit than his last "Chak De! India"."It could do better than 'Chak De!' which picked up after the positive reviews. However, 'Om Shanti Om' had a great opening. I am a little doubtful about 'Saawariya'," said Kapur.The audience response can be gauged from Anirban Basu, a movie buff who saw both the films. "'Om Shanti Om' is much more entertaining than 'Saawariya'. SRK's film has a perfect blend of comedy and drama while Bhansali's film is stale and boring. It is extremely slow. Apart from the lavish sets there is nothing in the film to hold the audiences' interest." The difference of how well both the films would do in the coming days is also evident from the advance bookings."For Saturday, 50 percent of advance booking has been done for 'Om Shanti Om' while for 'Saawariya' it is just a little over 20 percent," said Ashok Bisht, assistant manager of JAM multiplex, Noida.With both the films in tough competition, the weekend will prove boom time for the multiplexes across the country."With two big films releasing the same day, this weekend will prove to be a big money spinner for all multiplexes. However, we have noticed a new trend among some viewers - they want to watch both films," said Gautam Dutt, chief marketing officer of PVR Cinema.

Abhishek's Drona Look

It is being said that Abhishek's Drona will establish him as a numero uno Superhero out there. I don't know about that but the picture does look interesting, don't you think? It seems like a Mask of Zorro, Robin Hood kind of get up, which may not be entirely wrong as the movie is a fantasy, superhero flick.
The movie is being made by Goldie Behl and also stars Priyanka Chopra, Jaya Bachchan and Kay Kay Menon. The movie is supposed to be out soon and no release date has been announced yet.
But let me know what you think of the picture?
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Spotted: Abhishek shoots for Drona

Abhishek Bachchan seems to be globetrotting these days.
After we spotted him at the Paris airport with Aishwarya Rai and her mother Vrinda Rai, the actor zipped over to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, to shoot for his new film, Drona.
Looking at his jacket, one wonders whether he's been taking tips from his dad Amitabh's outrageous costumes.
Drona will be the first Hindi film to feature Abhishek alongside his mother Jaya Bachchan on-screen.
The film is directed by one of Abhishek's childhood friends, Goldie Behl. Behl, who is married to Sonali Bendre, made his directorial debut with Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai, starring Abhishek.
Drona also stars Priyanka Chopra.
Inset: Abhishek poses with reader Parul Shah's aunt Vandana, uncle Vijay Singh, and their daughter Isha.
If you encounter/meet/see film or television personalities and photograph them, please scan the photographs and mail the pictures to us. We will feature the best images right here on Rediff Movies.

American Gangster (2007)Are you the No. 1 fan of American Gangster

Nobody used to notice Frank Lucas, the quiet driver to one of the inner city''s leading black crime bosses. But when his boss suddenly dies, Frank exploits the opening in the power structure to build his own empire and create his own version of the American Dream. Through ingenuity and a strict business ethic, he comes to rule the inner-city drug trade, flooding the streets with a purer product at a better price. Lucas outplays all of the leading crime syndicates and becomes not only one of the city''s mainline corrupters, but part of its circle of legit civic superstars. Richie Roberts is an outcast cop close enough to the streets to feel a shift of control in the drug underworld. Roberts believes someone is climbing the rungs above the known Mafia families and starts to suspect that a black power player has come from nowhere to dominate the scene. Both Lucas and Roberts share a rigorous ethical code that sets them apart from their own colleagues, making them lone figures on opposite sides of the law. The destinies of these two men will become intertwined as they approach a confrontation where only one of them can come out on top.

'Om Shanti Om' has global premiere in London

London, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's latest movie "Om Shanti Om" had its gala world premiere here Thursday with the actor saying he hoped it would help bring Hindi films to the doorsteps of the West.
"It's a beginning. Every new film helps us to mount the steps," he said after a screening for the press at the downtown Empire Leicester cinema.In London for the gala red-carpet premiere, besides Khan, is the film's debutante female lead Deepika Padukone, co-stars Arjun Rampal and Shreyas Talpade and distributor and Eros International chairman Kishore Lulla.This was the first time an Indian film had premiered at the Empire at Leicester Square - home of all London movie premieres, Khan said.He said London was the perfect launching pad for the film because of the history of "cultural cross-pollination" between India and Britain."I have always thought that we should be taking the first steps to bring out India's economy and culture to the world," he added.Lulla said: "This is one of the most awaited films of the year and we are excited to be leveraging Eros's global distribution in promoting the film."

After long journey, Saif gets his due in Bollywood

Mumbai, What a long journey it has been for Saif Ali Khan! From the over-pampered scion of a nawab family to one of Bollywood's most versatile actors and a serious contender for the No.1 spot, he has truly emerged triumphant at the turnstiles.
One still remembers the harsh comments that accompanied Saif's debut in Umesh Mehra's "Aashiq Awara" in 1993. Acidic comments about his looks and appearance were the order of the Friday. A well-known columnist wrote, "Put a dupatta on Saif's head and he looks like Sharmila Tagore."Such comments hurt all right. But they hit home, bang-on. As Saif said recently, "My detractors and their harsh comments have been my greatest incentive to prove myself."And then, in typical Saif fashion, he leaned back for some serious self-praise. "Actually that's a good quote, don't you think?"Saif almost always ends every observation tentatively. No wonder it took him so long to realise his worth. "But do I really know my worth today?"The to-be-or-not-to-be debate was invented for Saif. Or so it seems. Saif never says an outright yes or no. Maybe is his clearest option and safest zone.No wonder he remained in the zone of the probable for so many years. Looking gawky, ill at ease and out of sorts in a series of post-debut films, Saif all but finished off his career.He was and remains to a large extent a Khan from the outside. Aamir Khan and Salman Khan belong to film families. And despite being a Delhi dude Shah Rukh Khan is more of an insider in the industry today than any other actor.Yes, Saif has his mother Sharmila Tagore. But moms, as experience tells us, don't count in Bollywood. If they did, Nutan's son Mohnish Behl would've been the hugest superstar on the block."Mom had actually agreed to play my mother in 'Aashiq Awara'. That was sweet of her," Saif reminisced about the "good" old days when columnists took pot shots at him for everything, from his girlie looks to alleged sexuality.There're stories about how insecure he would get on the sets of Karan Johar's "Kal Ho Naa Ho". But Saif denies them.He said: "You know I get paranoid about every movie. I knew from the start that Shah Rukh would be the pivot of the film. But I knew I had great lines and a great role. I was never made to feel Shah Rukh was more important to the project. I went with very clear expectations. It was a civilised unit. Everyone was young and fun. I didn't feel like an outsider at all. I never did, though I was from outside Mumbai."He says he never felt any need to be a part of any particular camp."I was always warned about camps and groups. But I always felt there was some strength to be gained from standing alone, and not being part of any camp. But at the same time if you look at it I'm quite a Yash Raj boy, in many ways."I started my career with Yashji in 'Parampara'. He saw my first screen test. My first hit 'Yeh Dillagi' was also connected with Yash Raj Films. The way they work suits me. I'm not expected to socialise with them. So the whole 'camp' thing is quite a myth for me. Really, Karan Johar and Yash Raj Films have spoilt me."Saif's makeover has been as remarkable as that of Karisma Kapoor, who came accompanied by a truckload of flak and left at her peak as a screen queen.The actor seems to be enjoying his newfound status as a leading man to the hilt."Omkara" was definitely a new beginning. When Vishal Bahradwaj zeroed in on him to play the Indian Iago, Saif was, as usual, unsure. He never says an outright yes to any role, not even when it comes to a film like Farhan Akhtar's "Dil Chahta Hai". That film clearly was the turning point in his career.Farhan was sure he wanted only Saif to play the confused, naïve and confounded Sameer. As usual Saif wasn't convinced. Four years later, Saif was the same indecisive entity when Bharadwaj offered him Langda Tyagi."I was in Jaipur. And I began to think about how Vishal came down here to narrate 'Omkara' to me. One morning I was sitting on a beautiful lawn in Jaipur's Rambagh Palace with no work to do. Vishal was sitting in front of me. At that point of time I was wondering why I was being offered a negative role. Vishal really pushed me. He told me he was worried because it was an important part. From getting me to cut my hair to delivering my lines properly... he was quite paranoid."Initially, I read my character's lines with a bit of an English accent. Looking back, I could've taken it even further. But it was correct timing. Everything fell into place."Siddharth Anand, who's a close buddy, gave Saif's career as a leading man a further boost with "Salaam Namaste". Siddharth thinks Saif is constantly doing roles that challenge him to make his presence felt.Saif admits he's incapable of enjoying the gift of the present. "Perhaps. But at least I'm conscious of it. I'm always anxious about the future."At the moment he's more relaxed than ever before and hogging the limelight for his alleged affair with Kareena Kapoor."On the sets of 'Omkara' people would say there were four National Award winners. My first impulse would be to wonder who was the fourth after Vishal, Ajay Devgan and Konkona Sen. Then I'd realise, 'Oh shit, the fourth National Award winner is actually me!'"Saif has the final word. "I may seem like a bundle of contradictions most of the time. But there's a method to my madness which is apparent only to me a lot of times."

Shahid can carry film by himself

Shahid Kapoor has wowed the critics as well as the masses for his excellent performance in Jab We Met. The film has already been declared a box office success and Shahid is now flying high on a hattrick of successes, starting with 36 China Town, Vivaah and now Jab We Met. That Shahid has given solo hits is commendable, since he is the only actor to do so and is giving the superstars a run for their money. In fact the distributors are unanimous that Shahid can carry a film on his shoulders alone.
Shahid is taking over the mantle of the romantic lover boy image in Bollywood. Ever since his debut in the bubblegum movie Ishq Vishq, Shahid had become the darling of the youth. Confirms Imtiaz, "Yes, the response has been overwhelming. I expected a good turnout but frankly the way Jab We Met has eventually performed at the box office is beyond my expectations too. Now we are going in for a kill by increasing the print count all over the world."
Rattling off some of the figures and facts he has in hand, Imtiaz says, "In Mumbai city alone the shows have increased from 204 in the first week to 301 per day in the second week. On the other hand, in the Punjab territory, looking at the phenomenal business that the film is doing, the shows have seen a jump from 68 to 99 per day. A similar pattern is being followed everywhere whether in India or abroad. It is a big success already in overseas too." With all the top banners approaching him after the hit, it’s Shahid who is laughing all the way to the bank.

Aaja Nachle

Album: Aaja Nachle
Music Director: Salim-Suleiman
Singers: Sunidhi Chauhan, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Richa Sharma, Kailash Kher, Salim Merchant, Sonia Sehgal, Madhuri Dixit
Ratings: **1/2Everyone is waiting for Madhuri Dixit's comeback film Aaja Nacle. Starring in a movie where music and dance seem to be the essence of the film, Madhuri shakes quite a leg to Salim-Suleiman's music, hoping to create yet another sensation.Title track 'Aaja nachle' could be termed as Madhuri's comeback song that not only features her but also showcases Piyush Mishra's lyrics talking about dance, dance and only dance, something that the actress will always be known for. In all, 'Aaja nachle' makes for good listening but isn't the kind that one would like to hear again and again.'Dance with me', a Sonia Sehgal rendition, is a lukewarm affair as it is basically a dance track that could have been quite a hit in the era gone by but will not find any takers today.Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam join hands to render 'Is pal', again written by Piyush Mishra. It turns out to be a melodic piece, which encompasses a musical fusion of Indian classical with Western. But once again, the repeat value of the track remains doubtful.The duo of Shreya and Sonu lend their voice again to 'Ishq hua', a half-hearted attempt for romantic melody. Jaideep Sahni pens the lyrics for the song. Sadly, the musical arrangements do not blend well with the vocals and it turns into a mediocre Salim-Suleiman composition.Next is 'O re piya', sung by Rahat Fateh who does wonders once again with the song. Known for always striking a chord with his vocals, Rahat goes behind the mike for a sentimental, melodic and Sufi-inclined number that seems to have the right amount of emotions blending with the soulful music composed by the composer duo.Rustic and folksy music makes its way through in 'Show me your jalwa'. The composition has an assortment of singers like Kailash Kher, Richa Sharma and Salim Merchant who provide country-like vocals. A stage-show sort of number, it is a musical composition that would probably be a delight to hear while watching the movie, but as an individual piece, it may not bring in enough fans.Madhuri lends her voice to 'Soniye mil ja' and provides an interesting introduction to the track. Thereafter, Sukhwinder Singh and Sunidhi Chauhan take over, rendering vocals to a highly pepped up, amusing and entertaining track.Again, the track is only a one-time wonder.While the soundtrack of Aaja Nachle seems to be an assortment of hits and misses, one can be sure about the fact that the composer duo have definitely improved their standards and have given a chance to filmmakers to notice them all over again.

Multiplexes not ready for Om Shanti Om

Its holiday season and the tickets for this week's biggest blockbusters Om Shanti Om and Saawariya are going to be hard to get. As Saawariya has reached an agreement with cinema owners while Om Shanti Om's distributors Eros international are yet to crack the code."I don't know of any problem, I believe the matter has been resolved," said SRK.The star may have rubbished the on going tussle between Eros International and multiplex owners but the saga continues as the Diwali weekend translates into the clash of the titans. The distributors are still trying to seal the best deal possible for OSO."We have tied up with Saawariya the thing is that they offer something and we give a counter offer to that. So that's how it goes forward," said Yogesh Raizada, Head, Wave Cinemas.Eros International was unable to comment on the reason why the deal is yet to go through and while figures from the single screen theatres sing a happy tune industry watchers say the ice will definitely be broken."There is so much hype that even if they hit the deal with cinemas late this week they will be fine," said Raizada.While advance bookings for Saawariya have started in some multiplexes the question is can the scantily clad Shahrukh Khan still get the audiences to chant Om Shanti Om.

Jodhaa Akbar

Jodhaa Akbar

Jodhaa-Akbar (Hindi: जोधा-अकबर, Urdu: جودھا اکبر) is a forthcoming film, to be released in 2008. It is being directed and produced by Ashutosh Gowariker, the director of Oscar-nominated Lagaan. It stars Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in lead roles. This film also represents the debut of newcomer Abir Abrar. Extensive research has gone into the making of this film which begun shooting at Karjat.[1]
The film centers around the romance between the Mughal Emperor Akbar, the founder of Din-i-Ilahi, played by Hrithik Roshan and his Hindu wife, Jodhabai, played by Aishwarya. The music will be composed by acclaimed music composer A. R. Rahman. The soundtrack of the movie is to be released on November 27, 2007. This movie is scheduled for release on January 25, 2008.[2]

Salman's 20 years in Bollywood

Salman Khan, who completes 20 years in Bollywood, on how co-stars’ kids who adore him are now celebrities themselves Incredible as it may sound, Salman Khan is completing 20 years in Bollywood soon, and nobody is more surprised than the macho actor himself. “ It’s been quite a long journey, huh,” he asks with an amused smile, adding softly, “but it seems as if it was only yesterday.” He did his first film in 1988 called Biwi Ho To Aisi. Age has been kind with Salman. He will be 42 soon. It is an age he carries well on his powerful shoulders. Not so very long ago, he was among People magazine’s most sexy men on earth, and this at a time when Hollywood and Bollywood had good-looking men standing on each others’ shoulders to get noticed and counted. Salman shrugs at the memory. “I have moulded myself with the changing times. God has been kind. He has given me this face and body, I just maintain them because I am health-conscious, and because working out is like second nature to me,” says Salman. But it is his remarkable maintenance of this God-given body that has fetched him the role of Tarzan in a forthcoming movie. He is pleased by that. “I am looking forward to playing Tarzan. I was a great Tarzan comic fan. He is so cool, man,” says Salman visibly excited. If there is one indication that the years have rolled by since he gave his mahurat shot for Maine Pyaar Kiya in 1989, then it is this: four beauties on the threshold of their careers in the film industry who have expressed their craziness for him, are all the daughters of Bollywood stars. They are Aahana (Dharmendra and Hema Malini’s daughter), Narmada (Govinda’s daughter), Trishala ( Sanjay Dutt’s daughter) and Sonam (Anil Kapoor’s daughter). He melts when told that all of them are his big fans. “I have known Sonam since she was a kid. Now she is working with me. She is a very pretty and hard-working girl,” he says. As for buddy Sanjay Dutt’s daughter, Salman says, “Trishala, too, I know her since she was a baby. She’s grown up to be a lovely girl. I think she sees a lot of Sanju in me. Maybe that’s why she loves me. Narmada and Aahana are little girls who have grown into beautiful women. My God! All the kids have grown up! Now I will have to give 10 per cent more to stand with them,” he laughs. Not just the adulation of co-stars’ children, but another sign that Salman Khan has come of age is the fact that he is being cast in wax to join the likes of Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Bachchan at Madame Tussauds in London. He remembers going to the famous wax museum only once, as a boy of 14, and coming away fascinated. “Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think I’d be there one day myself,” says Salman. Madame Tussaud’s representatives are coming down to measure out the tough Pathan for his waxwork. “People say my statue should look typically Salman Khan, casually dressed in jeans and tee, and I’m fine with whatever they decide on. The statue will live long after I have passed away. Even if people want, they cannot forget Salman Khan,” he jokes, making light of the honour and his years in Bollywood and life.

Himesh Reshammiya

Himesh Reshammiya son of Veteran Gujarati music director Vipin Reshammiya, was born on 23rd July 1973.
Himeshji studied at Hill Grange School in Peddar Road where he met his best friend Prashant Chadha. Prashant is responsible for Himesh’s new look and for directing all of Himesh’s music videos from his private album “Aap Kaa Surroor” as well as promotional videos for the movies “Aashiq Banaya Aapne”, “Aksar” & “Tom, Dick & Harry”.
At just 16 years old and before Himesh Reshammiya went into music direction, he produced television serials for TV which included serials such as “Andaz” & “Amar Prem”.
The first big break came when Himesh Reshammiya approached Salman Khan (who had just made it big with the hit movie “Maine Pyar Kiya”) who gave Himesh the chance to be a music director for the movie “Bandhan” along with the composer Anand Raj Anand.
Himeshji entered bollywood on 29th June 2007 with the release of his first film 'Aap Kaa Surroor the moviee: The Real Luv Story' The film was released on his mother's (Mrs Madhu Reshammiya) birthday & the film has done tremendous success by breaking all box office records to date.
Read some more of Himesh Reshammiya

Rebirth and after - 'Om Shanti Om' is tribute to 70s cinema

New Delhi, Farah Khan is ready to treat movie buffs this Diwali with her second directorial venture "Om Shanti Om" that releases Friday. She once again teams up with Shah Rukh Khan in the film that captures the Bollywood of the 70s and is being promoted as a potpourri of romance, music and intrigue.
The 70s was one of the most prolific and vibrant eras of the Hindi film industry. It was the time of angry young man Amitabh Bachchan, debonair Dev Anand, suave Feroz Khan, macho Vinod Khanna as well as sensitive lovers like Shashi Kapoor and teen icon Rishi Kapoor. Apparently inspired by the Hollywood movie "Chances Are", "Om Shanti Om" deals with that old favourite theme - reincarnation. Farah's film revolves around Om (Shah Rukh Khan), a struggling actor in 1977. He is a big fan of Shanti (Deepika Padukone), a superstar. Om gets to meet Shanti while doing titbit roles and he falls head over heels in love with her.Om is so much in love with her that he is ready to give up all his dreams. And Shanti, who has been waiting for true love and wants to be a girl next door, is ready to give up everything she had.But before the two can embark on a new journey, Om meets an unfortunate accident and dies. For some love stories one life is not enough - Om is immediately reincarnated and the story fast forwards to present day. Haunted by memories of his past life and his true love, Om attempts to solve the mystery of his death, and also reunite with Shanti, the love of his past life. The supporting cast of the film includes Arjun Rampal and Shreyas Talpade.The highlight of the film is of course Shah Rukh and his six-pack abs. Other salient features are newcomer Deepika and the music, especially the title song, which features 31 stars like Mithun Chakraborty, Dharmendra, Jeetendra and Rekha. Also, Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan are making guest appearances in the film, which has been made at a budget of about Rs.400 million.While Farah's directorial debut "Main Hoon Na" -- which was again inspired by 70s films especially Manmohan Desai's blockbusters -- was a huge hit, Shah Rukh has given this year's biggest hit "Chak De! India". Hopefully, both will live up to the pre-release hype

Mumbai set for lavish premiere of 'Saawariya'

Mumbai, All roads in Mumbai Wednesday evening will lead to the premiere of Sony Pictures' first Hindi presentation "Saawariya" at the IMAX multiplex in Mumbai.
A launch vehicle of two star kids - yesteryear stars Neetu and Rishi Kapoor's son Ranbir and Anil Kapoor's daughter Sonam - the film is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali who is known for his grandeur and opulence. It also stars Salman Khan and Rani Mukerji.The guest list reads like the who's who of the film industry, from the whole Kapoor clan, both Ranbir's and Sonam family, to Amitabh Bachchan's family. They're all going to be there tomorrow.On Monday morning, Bhansali and his two protégées paid Amitabh a personal visit to invite him for the event. The Bollywood icon had played a pivotal role in Bhansali's last movie "Black" and had won a National Award for his performance. "We've been trying to invite everyone personally. For me a premiere is as sacred as a daughter's wedding. The personal touch is absolutely imperative," Bhansali told IANS."I haven't been getting much sleep. Not because I'm nervous about the film. There's an anxiety, yes, but only because I've attempted something entirely different this time, as I've tried to do each time. "The anxiety this time is more about the responsibility that weighs on my shoulders. This is Sony Pictures' first Hindi venture. They need to prove themselves. And in some strange way, so do I. Every time I make a film it is scrutinised closely," added Bhansali whose work includes "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam", "Devdas" and "Black".But despite the anxiety, the director is at peace. "I've never felt calmer about any of my works. There was an anxiety about 'Devdas' because it was a very expensive film made under very trying circumstances. 'Black' was a gamble because it was without song and serious in theme. With 'Saawariya' I can say I've never had better producers, never created a film under calmer circumstances."Practically everyone whom Bhansali has invited has agreed to be at the premiere."Except Waheedaji (Rehman), one of my favourites. I remember she was one of the first guests to arrive at the premiere of 'Black'. Unfortunately, she's in Bangalore and can't come. Otherwise, everyone I love is going to be there."

Age no bar at 42, the Shah Rukh magic continues

New Delhi, His charisma, wit and intelligence make him stand apart and his humility has endeared him to the masses. No wonder, in a short span Shah Rukh Khan has become a phenomenon. And now the Bollywood superstar, who turns 42 Friday, is set to charm movie buffs with his much-awaited "Om Shanti Om".

Shah Rukh, who has specially cultivated six-pack abs for the film and even gone shirtless, is fiercely promoting the film and says it will compete with the year's best "Chak De! India", which again had him in the lead role.

And "Chak De.." has been the only superhit of the year.

"I'm very competitive. I compete with myself. I don't look at anyone; I just look straight. I don't even watch films which don't star me," Shah Rukh, who reportedly earns a mind-boggling Rs.247 every minute, has been quoted as saying.

Set in the backdrop of the 1970s Bollywood, "Om Shanti Om" has the re-incarnation theme as its backdrop and is directed by good friend Farah Khan. It also introduces the lovely Deepika Padukone, former badminton ace Prakash Padukone's model daughter.

The actor is reported to have sold the film, made at a budget of Rs.400 million, for Rs.700 million.

When it releases Nov 9, the film will clash with another much-hyped movie - Sanjay Leela Bhansali's musical extravaganza "Saawariya" which stars, Nitu and Rishi Kapoor's son Ranbir and Anil Kapoor's daughter Sonam. Sony Pictures, co-producer of the film, is splurging big money on its publicity.

But Shah Rukh is unfazed.

He said: "Nobody is going to use money to oust the goodwill that I have created."

Ragini Talwar, a die-hard Shah Rukh fan, explains his popularity, saying: "He is a thinking man, he is intelligent, level-headed and doesn't exude any arrogance. All these qualities make him very endearing."

Although not good-looking in the conventional terms, Shah Rukh's mass appeal is amazing. This was quite obvious when he became host of STAR Plus' popular quiz show "Kaun Banega Crorepati", which had become synonymous with icon Amitabh Bachchan.

When launched on Jan 22 this year, the initial response to the quiz show was not so encouraging. And comparisons with original host Amitabh were inevitable.

But soon the comparisons stopped, and people began enjoying the show. With his irresistible charm and wittiness, Shah Rukh gave a new makeover to the show and viewers began looking forward to it. Its witty content made the show a kind of a stress buster.

Shah Rukh is considered one of the premium brands of India. However, he says that he never worked consciously to achieve the status.

"Brands are made by the conventional way of working hard. I never worked in a special manner to build my brand. I just worked hard. Getting somewhere is easy but holding on to it is very difficult. Brands work if you think positively," he says.

At a time when most of the successful actors are Hollywood bound, Shah Rukh brushes aside such aspirations.

"By acting in a Hollywood film I will not become a good actor. Acting has no language," says the actor, his feet firmly on the ground.

Shah Rukh, who started off as a stark newcomer in the industry in 1992 minus a godfather, is keen that India have Oscar-like academy awards. He also wants to introduce new film technology and has plans to build his own studio. But he has yet to find a place.

Age is no bar to the superstar who seems to look younger, get better and more energetic with the passing years, just like old wine.