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'Jodhaa-Akbar' as relevant as arranged marriage: Gowariker

2008-01-09T23:29:00.000-08:00

Mumbai, (IANS) Young and dynamic director Ashutosh Gowariker, who is ready with "Jodhaa-Akbar", says he was fascinated by the relationship that the two historical figures must have shared after marriage.
"I feel if today we make a story about the past, it must be correlated to the present. And 'Jodhaa-Akbar' is as relevant to the present as arranged marriages. Jodha and Akbar shared a perfect arranged marriage. I was fascinated by how their relationship must have grown after marriage," Gowariker told IANS. Keeping the young generation in mind, the director has avoided a heavy dose of Urdu."As for youngsters, I had one rule of connectivity in my range of vision. Any word or dialogue that I didn't understand in Urdu I kept out. I've no interest in impressing audiences with my knowledge of Urdu, Hindi or even literature." Starring Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan in the lead roles, the film is set to hit the marquee Feb 15. The director is dubbing it in Telugu and Tamil as well.Excerpts:Q: After "Lagaan", you return to a period film in "Jodhaa-Akbar"? A: You might say that. But I call "Lagaan" a period film. "Jodhaa-Akbar" is to me a historical. Anything after 1857 is a period film for me. Anything before that is a historical. "Jodhaa-Akbar" is certainly not a costume drama. It isn't set in a never-never land. I'd call "Mughal-e-Azam" a historical though its focus was different from mine. I feel if today we make a story about the past, it must be correlated to the present. And "Jodhaa-Akbar" is as relevant to present times as arranged marriages. Jodha and Akbar shared a perfect arranged marriage. I was fascinated by how their relationship must have grown after marriage. There was no reference in any books about what happened between them. I've taken extreme care to make sure viewers believe in the relationship. Q: How much have you stressed the religious difference between Jodha and Akbar?A: It's important but not stressed in my film. Let's not forget, Akbar's marriage to Jodhabai was no common occurrence. It had a nationwide reverberation 450 years ago when society was far more conservative. How did their marriage affect those times? That's a question relevant even today. But I'm not jingoistic in my treatment. Q: Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan have very contemporary personalities?A: That won't be a problem. The audience will come in and forget everything about Hrithik and Aishwarya. Hrithik-Aishwarya's pairing is incredible. They're extremely charismatic and good-looking. They were a huge success in the contemporary "Dhoom 2". That can only help my film, not harm it. What audiences will see in my film are Jodha and Akbar. At least that's what I've tried to ensure through their looks, body language and behaviour. I wanted to make my historical as believable as I'd like to see it being. Every element big or small, from the texture of the clothes to the sets, décor, dialogues and the protocol, even the incidental sounds of birds and animals, they all had to be just right for me. I'm tired of filmmakers wondering where those good old days have gone. I wanted to reclaim those days. It took me two years of pre-production before I got into my first shot. Q: Film analysts feel history has no relevance for today's average youngster?A: I agree. Even as a child myself historical films never interested me. But when I saw "Mughal-e-Azam" on TV, I connected to it because it was a story of lovers separated by parental opposition. That the parents were historical figures was incidental. I feel the story has to be connectable to the audience. Hyder Ali, who wrote "Jodhaa-Abkar", told me, "In 'Mughal-e-Azam" the focus was so much on Salim and Anarkali, nobody asked a fundamental question. How did Akbar come to marry Jodhabai in spite of their religious and cultural divide? I immediately reacted to their alliance. I saw an interesting story there that needed to be told. As for the youngsters, I had one rule of connectivity in my range of vision. Any word or dialogue that I didn't understand in Urdu I kept out. I've no interest in impressing audiences with my knowledge of Urdu, Hindi or even literature. I feel literature is for the books, and that's where it should stay. I needed to reach out to the masses. Q: So is "Jodhaa-Akbar" kitsch?A: No. I've referred to literature and academia. But the Akbarnama was in Pharsi. It doesn't mean I'd use Pharsi in my film. I want Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Bengal to understand the film. I'm dubbing the film into Telugu and Tamil. Each language has its own regality and I'm going by the individual regality of the province. I had one vision before me when I started making this film. It was the world of the Amar Chitra Katha. I've grown up on that world. Q: Are you happy with the end product?A: Oh! it has been tremendously enriching. So far the Mughal period was part of textbooks. I always wondered about the battles and the durbar intrigue. The Mughal period was known for its lavishness, so much so that studio bosses in Hollywood from the golden period were not called movie czars or movie nawabs. They were called movie moguls

"We need a new face with Hrithik" - Anurag Basu

2008-01-01T22:48:00.000-08:00

Wanted: a brand new leading lady for Hrithik Roshan in his father's production which will be directed mid-2008 by the immensely talented Anurag Basu. "I really need to get back behind the camera; it’s been quite a while since Life…In Metro released. I'm glad it worked. But I now need to move on."Anurag's next film will be produced by Rakesh Roshan's company Filmkraft and will feature Hrithik Roshan in a never-before avatar. The interesting part of this action-romance would be the casting of the leading lady. Hrithik will pair with a completely new girl, his first female debutant since his debut in Kaho Na…Pyar Hai five years. "The theme is such that we need a fresh girl. We're searching for her. If we don't find the perfect debutante only then we may consider an established face," says Anurag who earlier for his career-making film, Gangster, discovered the stunning Kangana Ranaut. "Yes," laughs Anurag. "But every day isn't a Sunday. And we may not get that lucky this time. However, I'm extremely happy to be working with Hrithik who apparently saw Metro and liked it. Hrithik and his father are very professional non-interfering people. An added bonus for doing this yet-untitled film is that Hrithik's uncle Rajesh Roshan is doing the music. I've always been his big fan." While he waits to start his film with Hrithik, Anurag is scripting a film that he's committed to do for UTV. For now plans of making a sequel to Metro have been put on the back burner. "I'll do the sequel only when the script is better than the first part. Otherwise there's no point in doing a sequel for any film," says the filmmaker who has survived a terminal illness and is now doing the best work of his life.

2007-12-29T00:06:00.000-08:00

2007-12-29T00:03:00.000-08:00

Sonam-Abhishek in Mumbai after Bereavement

2007-12-28T23:55:00.000-08:00

It's been a trying time for the lead pair of Dilli 6. First Abhishek Bachchan lost his grandmother and had to rush back from Jaipur to Mumbai. Then Sonam Kapoor, with whom director Rakeysh Mehra was doing solo shots in Abhishek's absence, lost her grandfather (her mother's father) and had to return to Mumbai too.However, professionalism being a part of the duo's heritage, Abhishek and Sonam have both flown back on Friday to Jaipur to resume shooting. Not that Rakeysh was sitting idle. He has a huge cast assembled in Jaipur. And that includes Rishi Kapoor, Tanvi Azmi, Divya Dutt and the amazing Waheeda Rehman whom Rakeysh coaxed out of retirement.

Welcome and TZP benefit due to Jodha Akbar's delay

2007-12-28T23:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome being a super-success and Taare Zameen Par showing steady escalation isn't news any more. What is news though is an extended great run at the box office for both the films, which is pretty much on the cards now due to Jodha Akbar being postponed to February. Though the official date being cited is February 15, there are still doubts if this would stick on to be the final date.With coming weeks boasting of mostly small/medium budget productions with a limited market and only a handful of films which could be taken seriously, it greatly helps the prospects of Welcome and Taare Zameen Par to enjoy a longish stay at the screens. Coming Friday sees Return of Hanuman and Showbiz. While Anurag Kashyap has been quoted as saying that "Return of Hanuman could be as big a blockbuster as Om Shanti Om,” Mukesh Bhatt has maintained that "Showbiz would work with word of mouth going in it's favor". The fact still remains that none of the two films are expected to embark on an earth-shattering opening, hence allowing Akshay and Aamir to stay strong even in the second week. A film like Manthan Ek Kashmakash that may release on January 4 (deadly first weekend of a year), spells Z grade from miles away and the only thing it guarantees is an inauspicious beginning to 2008. A week later things turn better but still not in a way which could announce Halla Bol at the box office. Bombay To Bangkok is a small film by Iqbal team of Subhash Ghai, Nagesh Kukunoor and Shreyas Talpade and would see a limited release. Raj Kumar Santoshi, who would be desperate for a box office, has announced, "Halla Bol is a wake-up call for our collective conscience" while also clarifying that this Ajay Devgan (who plays a superstar) starrer is not set in the film industry. The film again belongs to ‘wait and watch’ category, as is the case with the third release of the January 11-My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves, which marks the debut of Nikhil Dwivedi. Earlier this month, producer Surendra Bhatia had postponed his Rajpal Yadav, Ashish Chaudhary, Neha Dhupia starrer Rama Rama Kya Hai Dramaaa stating, "There are number of biggies slated for a release in December, and we would be forced to vacate theatres/multiplexes once these films release." The situation definitely has improved as January 18 currently stands as an open weekend for this comedy. Still, it is more or less a negligible competition for Welcome and Taare Zameen Par. The first major competition, which comes, the way of Akshay and Aamir is Sunday which hits the screens on January 25, 2008. "The film unabashedly promises to be a mix of action, comedy, romance, and thrills. Director Rohit Shetty appears to have a winner in hands," says a trade insider. A solo release, it is followed by small/medium budget films like Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and Superstar, promotion for which is still to begin. What this means for both Welcome and Taare Zameen Par is that both the films would now have more or less an uninterrupted run for an almost 8 weeks! Astonishing, since in the times when there is competition arriving every Friday, Akshay and Aamir would have as many as two open months for their films.

'Welcome' beats Akshay's record in Overseas

2007-12-24T23:52:00.000-08:00

With a historic opening, the Indian Films-Studio 18 mega release WELCOME has emerged a winner at the box-office. The numbers in Overseas have also surpassed those of all erstwhile solo Akshay Kumar titles, creating a new record for the actor.In U.K., the preview and opening weekend gross was a smashing £ 370,000 (approx) from 40 locations. In UAE, just the 5-day business of WELCOME was nearly as much as the lifetime gross of Akshay’s earlier hits. The business to date is AED 1.8 million from 29 locations. In the US, the first two days grossed $ 100,000 only from the mainstream theatres (independents excluded), extremely impressive considering the biggest grosses will start from December 26. In almost every mainstream location, WELCOME out-grossed even the major Hollywood openers like CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR, P.S. I LOVE YOU and WALK HARD: THE DEWEY COX STORY.

Subhash Ghai announces Hello Darling

2007-12-18T22:19:00.000-08:00

Showman Subhash Ghai announced yet another new project under his banner Mukta Arts Ltd. The film titled Hello Darling is an out and out comedy based on the lines of Hollywood blockbuster series Charlie’s Angels and revolves around three heroines and a villain.Actresses Celina Jaitley, Gul Panag and Ishaa Koppikar have been roped in for playing the 3 lead roles while Javed Jaffery would be playing the villain in the film, which also stars Divya Dutta, Rajpal Yadav , Chunky Pandey and Sunny Deol in a special appearance. The movie which went on floors on December 16, 2007 is directed by Ghai’s chief assistant Manoj Tiwari while Pritam would be composing the music. Besides the above mentioned film, the coming New Year would also see the release of movies like Black and White, Bombay to Bangkok, Cycle Kick, and Right Yaaa Wrong from Ghai’s banner. Subhash Ghai is currently busy directing his ambitious project Yuvraajstarring Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Zayed Khan in lead roles.

Aladin marks Eros' foray into visual effects

2007-12-11T22:42:00.000-08:00

Eros International, the London AIM listed leading integrated company within the Indian media and entertainment sector, has announced the launch of Sujoy Ghosh's modern day Aladin, the evergreen Arabian Nights story in a big Bollywood format which has recently gone on floors. With Aladin, Eros also makes a foray into visual effects with their recently launched EyeQube Studios handling the same for the film.Eros International in association with Sujoy Ghosh's production company Boundscript is producing the hi-end special effects film, which stars Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Riteish Deshmukh and will introduce Jackie Fernandez opposite Riteish. “We are extremely excited about producing Aladin which promises to be a visual extravaganza and will take visual effects in Indian cinema to new heights. We will be leveraging our strength into new areas by using the most talented expertise in the special effects arena through EyeQube, our recently launched visual effects company”, says Sunil Lulla, President, Eros International, India. “We have chosen the toughest audience for our film - kids who are exposed to the best of the best today with the Harry Potters, Lord of the Rings etc, hence their benchmark is higher. With Aladin, we want to present a visual delight and a film with definite positioning for children, in sync with Hollywood summer blockbusters. Through Eros' global positioning, we hope to present the film on a worldwide platform at par with the other leading state-of-the-art visual effects films”, says director Sujoy Ghosh. “We are approaching Aladin with the same proven methods employed on large-scale Hollywood productions. We have designed the look and feel of the show prior to filming and also been involved with the production design to help weave in our effects more naturally. Basically, this film will really surprise people, it will open their eyes to a new kind of Indian film, the visual effects for this production are well thought out and will amaze the audience” says Charles Darby, Creative Director of EyeQube & Senior Visual Effects Supervisor. As part of its 360 degrees presence strategy, Eros International recently announced the launch of EyeQube, a visual effects company. EyeQube will create specific teams to handle individual film projects and exclusively handle top-end visual effects for Aladin. Aladin has just wrapped its Rajasthan schedule and the second schedule is presently being shot in Mumbai at Filmcity and Mehboob Studios. The film is aiming for a 2008 release. Aladin comes as part of a five-film deal between Eros International and Boundscript. All five films will be high-end visual effects driven and each film will be aimed at raising the visual effects benchmark.

Aamir to host Pogo Amazing Kids Awards

2007-12-11T22:39:00.000-08:00

Aamir Khan’s special bond with children is something that’s known to one and all. With Aamir’s directorial debut, Taare Zameen Par, revolving around children, the actor has been going all out interacting with his young fans be it at a radio station on Children’s day, or judging a kids’ musical reality show on television.The latest news doing the rounds is that Aamir will be hosting the Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2007. Incidentally, Darsheel Zafary, the lead child protagonist in Taare Zameen Par would be co-hosting the award function which would be telecast on Dec 29 2007. This is the first time that the normally reclusive actor would be hosting an awards show and apparently the only reason he has agreed to do it is because kids have been a real source of inspiration and strength for him. Considering the popularity the kids channel Pogo enjoys among tiny tots, one thing is certain that Aamir would add many loyal fans for his film, which opens on Dec 21.

Ghai signs Sunny, Bobby

2007-12-11T22:36:00.000-08:00

Subhash Ghai is expanding his horizons further. Having announced a slew of projects with a number of stars, Ghai has now added the Deol brothers to Mukta Arts’ family. The Showman has signed Sunny and Bobby for two separate projects, to be launched in August and October, 2008. Incidentally, Sunny is already starring in Mukta Arts’ RIGHT YA WRONG, being directed by Neeraj Pathak, the writer of Ghai’s PARDES and Anil Sharma’s APNE.Meanwhile, Ghai begins the year 2008 with BOMBAY TO BANGKOK, which is slated for release on 11th January.

Salman's call to Amrita

2007-12-11T22:25:00.000-08:00

Amrita Rao received a surprise call from, hold your breath, Salman Khan on Friday night. Amrita, who’s shooting in Jaisalmer for Anil Kapoor’s film, flew to Mumbai to partake in the music launch celebrations of MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES. Looking radiant, the pretty actress received compliments aplenty during the music launch. Salman, who was shooting in Hyderabad for Boney Kapoor’s film, was watching the music launch on television and promptly called Amrita, showering generous compliments on her. “I was pleasantly surprised when he called. In fact, Boney-ji, who was also with him, also spoke,” Amrita reveals excitedly. Amrita’s glam look in MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES is surely creating ripples!

Sohail Khan Signs 60 crore deal

2007-12-05T21:42:00.000-08:00

Salman-Govinda starrer Partner has not just given a boost to David Dhawan and Govinda's career but it has helped producer Sohail Khan, too. If sources are to be believed the director-actor has been offered a Rs. 60 crore-deal by Indian Films Production Company. According to the deal, Sohail will co-produce two films with Indian Films Production Company and both movies will have Salman in the lead. However, Sohail isn't too happy with the amount that has been offered to him by the production company and we hear that he's in talks with them to increase it. "Both the films will have Salman Khan as the protagonist. If everything goes well, one of the films will be a sequel to Partner, while details of the other film is yet to be finalized," says a source. After Partner Sohail has become so conscious about the production value of his films and thus wants both these films to be big budget ventures. It is also believed that big brother Salman who is always there for his family has already assigned dates to Sohail. Although we are told that Sohail had already been given Rs. 20 crores of the 60 crores in advance, Sohail maintained that he wasn't aware of any such deal when we contacted him.

All the best heroes were in the 70's - Farah Khan

2007-12-05T21:24:00.000-08:00

Excerpts from ‘The Making of Om Shanti Om’“I remember we used to stand in line to go and get tickets, we would stand on Monday to get tickets for a Friday show. The entire family would go; my mother, my brother and half the building! I was growing up then, between ages of 5 and 15, I was in the 70’s-the biggest influences of life come at that age,” says Farah. All the best and commercial movies of Indian cinema were made in the 70’s, whether it was Sholay or Deewar or Trishul or Don or Bobby. You had great music with R.D. Burman and Laxmikant Pyarelal. All the best heroes were in the 70’s points out Farah- Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor, Jeetendra, Rishi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, even the heroines, you can’t beat a Rekha or a Hema Malini or Parveen Babi or a Neetu Singh… (Page 08) “Think about it,” urges Farah. “If 30 years from now, you want to make a period film about Bollywood, a film about the 90’s or the 2000’s, you will find it very difficult. The 70’s had distinct villains Ajit or Gabbar Singh, you had vamps like Mona darling and the villainous sidekick Mac, the dens with the crocodiles, the Mere Paas Ma Hai dialogues… there are characteristics that just scream 70’s at you, you recognize them instantly. The 80’s still had disco and Mithunda clothes, the 90’s might be known for Shah Rukh or Karan’s colours but the current crop of movies, we don’t have this anymore.” “Besides in every reincarnation movie they never ever show the period before, if you see Karan Arjun or Karz, the world looks the same now and 30 years back, everything looks the same. I thought that reincarnation would be a really good idea because the first half is set 30 years earlier and we could base it in the 70’s so that it would have to be a period film in the first half,” says Farah. “Frankly the movie is about what we like about the 70s” Shah Rukh tells me… (Page 09) Most people in the film industry have such big dreams that one lifetime is not enough. Thus spoke Farah Khan. I cannot think of a better line that sums up her vision of Om Shanti Om… (page 12) Let’s check in with Mayur again. “In the opening scene of the film,” he says, “the shooting of the famous song ‘Om Shanti Om’ is in progress. The moment you see the set with the turn table, you immediately connect it with reality. That really happened, in the movie Karz that is, there’s Rishi Kapoor on stage, lip-synching the song. That really happened. We see Subhash Ghai, the director, famous for cameos in his own films, in his trademark hat yelling ‘action’! Yes, all of this actually happened, a couple of decades back. Then the hero throws his jacket on to the crowd of junior artistes jumping and cheering. The jacket falls on one junior artiste. Now, this didn’t happen in the original but what if it had? Then this is the story of that junior artiste. Om. Played by Shah Rukh Khan.” …… (page 12) The above excerpts are taken from the book –'The Making of Om Shanti Om' written by Mushtaq Shiekh and published by Om Books International

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'Khan' or 'My Name Is Khan'?

2007-12-05T21:21:00.000-08:00

So what is Karan Johar’s next venture called? Is it KING KHAN? Or is it KHAN? Or has it been re-titled MY NAME IS KHAN? Reports in the media suggest it’s called MY NAME IS KHAN. In fact, Karan is breaking away from the ‘K’ factor this time [all his films start with the alphabet ‘K’].“I haven’t zeroed on any title yet,” Karan confides, “It could be MY NAME IS KHAN or just KHAN. But it’s not KING KHAN. Where did that one come from?” Reportedly, the film is based on terrorism. “It’s not! That’s another rumour. There’s no terrorism angle in my film. Yes, there’s a mention of the 9/11 episode, but nothing beyond that,” he clears the air. The film has been delayed slightly. It was expected to start before the year came to a close, but will now roll in second quarter of 2008 and will hit the screens in April 2009. And yes, the film teams the golden combo – SRK and Kajol – after a hiatus. “I can’t confirm on Kajol’s presence till I talk to her. I’ve shifted my film ahead and need to sit with her on the fresh dates,” Karan reveals. Meanwhile, Karan has started work on the animation version of KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI, called KOOCHIE KOOCHIE HOTA HAI. Also, the Tarun Mansukhani-directed film, starring Abhishek, Priyanka and John, is expected to roll shortly

John follows SRK's footsteps

2007-12-05T21:17:00.000-08:00

John Abraham is following Shah Rukh Khan’s footsteps. While SRK set a precedent vis-à-vis the promotion of OM SHANTI OM, John is also going that extra mile to promote his new film DHAN DHANA DHAN GOAL. Last week, the actor flew to London [Monday] to spread the word, the next stop was Dubai [Wednesday] to partake in the Dubai premiere, thereafter it was Mumbai [Thursday] for the Mumbai premiere, the next morning it was New Delhi for a special screening, then Goa and subsequently, Pune [mingled with the moviegoers at E Square multiplex].At E Square, Pune, John threw more than 50 footballs -- with his signature on each ball -- at the overjoyed audience. “The crowd went berserk. The penultimate 25 minutes have caught on in a big way,” an elated John informs me. The promotion doesn’t end there. John is visiting various cities next to promote the film: Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Pune [once again]. “John’s dedication and his interest in marketing the film makes me wonder if he has joined our [UTV] marketing team,” UTV Vice President Siddharth Roy Kapur beams with joy. That’s a wonderful compliment. Wish all actors were as enthu as SRK and John!

"SRK, Farah visit Manoj Kumar

2007-12-05T21:04:00.000-08:00

By now its general knowledge that Manoj Kumar aka Mr. Bharat raised an objection stating that he was very deeply hurt with his portrayal in the latest blockbuster Om Shanti Om. And rumors had it that he had demanded the said scene to be deleted from the film. Needless to say that one cannot expect anything but the unexpected from the King Khan. The current status is that SRK and Farah Khan had called press conference to publicly apologize to Manoj Kumar. Meanwhile Mr. Bharat, it seems that, wanted SRK to call on him personally and lend his apology, which was not happening, all thanks to the King Khan’s choc-a-bloc schedules. That’s when Yash ‘Mr Romance’ Chopra, himself decided to play the mediator between the two by calling Manoj Kumar on Tuesday night amidst his dinner and said that he wanted to drop by, without divulging any further details. Manoj Kumar’s joys knew no bounds when he saw SRK along with his better half, Gauri and Farah accompanying Yash Chopra! SRK soon played the ‘real-life’ Raj of DDLJ and in no time all of them were happy with the outcome of the family re-union! In the meanwhile, Farah has gone on record to say that Manoj Kumar’s scenes won't be chopped off from Om Shanti Om. As the dialogue from the film goes “Aakhir mein sab kuch thik hi ho jata hai…”

Singh Is Kinng

2007-12-04T23:00:00.000-08:00

Singh Is Kinng is a upcoming film starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in lead role.

[edit] Cast
Akshay Kumar as.......... Amritpal Maan Singh
Katrina Kaif as.......... Jaya Maan Singh
Neha Dhupia as.......... Adhiti Maan Singh
Sunil Shetty as.......... Aditya Maan Singh
Sonu Sood as.......... Shashank Maan
Harjeet Singhas.......... BindaJatt Maan Singh
kawaljeet as.......... Kawal Maan Singh

Akki set to welcome new year

2007-12-04T22:53:00.000-08:00

Welcome is my last major comedy of 2007," says Akshay Kumar. After having a successful year with three comedies, Namastey London, Heyy Babyy and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Akshay is now gearing up for his next release Welcome on December 20.
Welcome, being touted as one of the biggest Id and Christmas release, marks the return of the Akshay-Katrina Kaif pair for a third time, besides assembling the biggest ensemble cast comprising Paresh Rawal, Anil Kapoor, Feroz Khan, Nana Patekar and Mallika Sherawat.
Akshay, who is presently shooting for Singh Is Kingg in Australia laughs and says, "Earlier, everyone said I was synonymous with action. I bagged the khiladi tag. Now, with my last few films being successful comedies, I’ve become synonymous with comedy."
Ask him about his reign at the box office this year and he smiles, "I’m happy that the three comedies I did this year have done well at the box office. Welcome is the king of them all! It’s a laughter riot from the word go and I hope everyone enjoys it during the festive season."
He adds, "Comedy comes as naturally to me as action. I have a variety of films on the anvil next year. I am getting back to action with Chandni Chowk To China and Tashan . But for now, I want everyone to concentrate on Welcome and welcome the new year with a bang."

Brett Lee to star in Bollywood film on cricket

2007-12-04T22:45:00.000-08:00

Sydney, Paceman Brett Lee has long expressed his desire to act in a Bollywood film and now fans of the Australian cricketing legend can look forward to soon seeing him in action on the big screen.
Lee will star in "Victory", a film on cricket to be produced by Vivek Aggarwal and Ajit Pal. Starring alongside Lee is Australian cricketing great Allan Border and fellow Australian cricketers Mike Hussey and Jason Gillespie. "I am excited to be making my Bollywood debut in 'Victory' and I'm hopeful playing the role of a cricketer will come naturally to me!" said Lee, 31, who earlier this year released "You're The One For Me", a duet with Asha Bhonsle. Not long ago, Lee had told IANS: "I would love to appear in a Bollywood movie one day soon. I have had a couple of offers but my schedule at the moment is primarily focused on cricket and family. The time will come and I can't wait!"The shooting of the film will commence in Australia in January 2008 during the India-Australia cricket series and will feature more than 20 current and recent cricket stars from around the globe "This is a huge boost to Indo-Australian film trade and follows the success of 'Heyy Babyy' and the anticipated release of 'Love Story 2050', both of which were shot in Australia," said the film's Australian producer, Anupam Sharma of Films and Casting Temple.Cricket and Bollywood make a heady mix. The announcement of a film on cricket comes close on the heels of the recent sporting box office hit "Chake De India", which was shot in Melbourne and Sydney.Producer Vivek Aggarwal said: "This is a complex and ambitious project, but Australia was the natural choice. Not only because of the film-friendly culture but also because India and Australia share such a strong passion for cricket". In "Victory", Ajit Pal makes his directorial feature debut. The film will be presented by one of the leading Indian production houses, AdLabs.International cricket stars include Simon Jones and Saj Mahmood from England and New Zealand's Craig McMillan, Daryl Tuffey, Nathan Astle and Martin Crowe. The lead actor is Harman Baweja, who recently shot his debut futuristic film "Love Story 2050" set in South Australia. The film stars Anupam Kher, Amrita Rao and Gulshan Grover among others.

I'll do another film if I like the script: Madhuri Dixit

2007-12-04T22:38:00.000-08:00

Mumbai, With Madhuri Dixit's comeback film "Aaja Nachle" already attracting the crowds - and controversy - there is talk on her next move. Is another film in the offing?
"I haven't signed anything new. I haven't planned any new project as yet. And it isn't because I want to see how my so-called comeback is accepted," Madhuri told IANS."The box office outcome of 'Aaja Nachle' has nothing to do with my future in films. I'll sign another film if I like it," she said.So how does Madhuri plan to balance her domestic duties in Denver, Colorado, with her movie manoeuvrings in Mumbai?She pondered for a while and said, "We'll see how it goes. Maybe I could again shoot in India during the kids' vacations. Or then the film could be shot in the US."Madhuri's sons Arin and Ryan have seen mom's films in passing. "They've seen 'Devdas' fully. They found me strange in that film because I was bedecked and bejewelled from head to toe. What I've worn in 'Aaja Nachle' is how they see me dressed at home. 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun' was another film that was pretty close to me in dress and thought," she said.She cuts down all speculation about her unwillingness to be in India to promote "Aaja Nachle".The actress said: "What rubbish! Yashraj Films and I had decided that I should be here 15 days before the film's release. I think two weeks is a decent period to acquaint people with a film."Madhuri admits she had never gone all-out for any of her earlier films. "Times have changed. Now you need to tell people to come and see your film. It's like inviting guests for a daughter's wedding. And you know what? I'm enjoying it."

Halla Bol

2007-12-04T22:32:00.000-08:00

Ashfaque (Ajay Devgan) is a small town boy aspiring to be a film star in the Hindi film industry. He joins a street theatre group run by a reformed dacoit Sidhu (Pankaj Kapur) who uses street theatre as a medium to bring about an awakening in the masses. Ashfaque struggles to give a creative vent to the actor in him in order to realize his dreams.
Ashfaque's determined struggle pays off and he gets a break in films. He gets a new screen name - Sameer Khan. With the passage of time, the roles start becoming better and he moves up the success ladder in a very short time. Soon, he becomes Sameer Khan the superstar - one who can enact any role with finesse, get under the skin of any and every character with ease and walk away with audience applause.
Sadly, amidst all adulation and applause, he slowly loses his own identity. He forgets his real self and imbibes all characteristics of the various roles essayed by him on screen. Corruption takes over his entire system, alienating him from all loved ones, including his wife Sneha (Vidya Balan).
A shocking incident at a party changes everything, rocking Sameer Khan's lifestyle. He gets caught between his human self on one side and his corrupted superstar image on the other.
Whether the conflict within him gives way to good sense and whether he is able to discard his corrupted image and emerge as a true life hero, becomes an integral part of this true life cinema

Sarkar Raj to see Ash in glam avatar

2007-12-04T22:02:00.000-08:00

It is believed that Aishwarya Rai’s role in Ram Gopal Varma’s Sarkar Raj is based on the character of Rebecca Mark. Aishwarya plays a contemporary business woman in the film, and hence, Varma has modelled her role on Rebecca.
Rebecca was the famous head of Enron International, a division of Enron. She later was promoted to the post of vice-chairman of Enron, but resigned from the company in 2000. She is not only remembered for her business acumen, but for her looks, clothes, and legs as well. Gossip columnists claimed she won the Dabhol contract due to her sex appeal. Rebecca’s mini-skirts, puffed blouses and three inch spiked heels were her trademark.
Sources say, "RGV was very keen for Aishwarya to have the look that Rebecca was famous for and has shaped up her character accordingly"
According to insiders, Sarkar Raj is shaping into Varma’s best work to date. And the Bachchans are extremely upbeat about it since; this is the first film that Ash and Abhishek Bachchan will be cast together after their marriage.
Sarkar Raj is the sequel to Varma’s superhit Sarkar, which also starred Amitabh and Abhishek. An insider says, "A major part of the story is however based on the conflict of emotions between Amitabh and Abhishek. Supposedly, in this film, Abhishek is said to be the new sarkar in this movie. The film is scheduled to release early next year."

Bollywood all set to kick a 'Goal'

2007-11-21T00:16:00.000-08:00

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".

2007-11-16T23:26:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-16T23:08:00.000-08:00

Madhuri returns to Mumbai to promote 'Aaja Nachle'

2007-11-15T23:28:00.000-08:00

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’?

2007-11-14T21:35:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-14T21:33:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-14T21:13:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-13T19:44:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-12T22:59:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-12T22:52:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-10T00:21:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-09T23:31:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-08T01:12:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-08T00:58:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-06T23:15:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-06T22:59:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-06T22:55:00.000-08:00

Jodhaa Akbar

2007-11-06T22:36:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-06T22:18:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-06T22:03:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-06T21:57:00.000-08:00

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'

2007-11-06T21:44:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-03T02:23:00.000-07:00

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.