Sunday 11 November 2007
Thursday 8 November 2007
Tuesday 6 November 2007
Aishwarya ,Abhishek & Amitabh Bachan At Pre-Diwali Function
There was a lot to watch out for on Sunday night at the annual pre-Diwali function that was held for Mumbai’s police force at the Andheri Sports Complex.A lot of Bollywood stars graced the occasion, but the ones who stole the limelight were the Bachchans. Amitabh and Abhishek walked in with the pretty Bachchan bahu, Aishwarya. According to sources, while the Bachchans were enjoying the performances, King Khan walked in.
Raveena Tandon Set To Make a Comeback
Matrimony motherhood twice over…and now back to the movies! Yes, Raveena Tandon is all set to make a comeback."Ever since my husband Anil and daughter Rasha happened to me I've been constantly getting offers. Quite frankly, they never stopped," confesses Raveena. "But they weren't the kind to tempt me back."
Some major offers have made Raveena re-consider her temporary sabbatical from the cameras. "One of them is a movie where I've the central role. So far post-marriage the offers have been rather thanda-thanda and nothing cool-cool.
But this one is a meaty woman-oriented film. See, if I do a film now it can't be the usual pony-tailed Jill-in- a-drill kind of thing. I'd be happy to do this one film, as long as they don't clash with my daughter's routine."
The other offer, which Raveena is tightlipped about, is for a non-fiction programme on a news channel. "Doing tv is even easier for me because I can synchronize my clock according to Rasha's schedules. In any case she's the least problematic child. Not at all cranky like her mother."
Raveena would be the latest in a longish line of married actresses who returned after motherhood.
The successful ones were….Raakhee (returned successfully with Kabhie Kabhie & Tapasya), Sharmila Tagore (did her most successful films like Aradhana, Amar Prem and Mausam after marriage), Dimple Kapadia (had a fab innings post marriage and motherhood with Sagar, Rudaali and Lekin), Hema Malini (continues to be a queen way past marriage and grownup daughters
Nandana Sen:Hot Scenes Don't Embarrass Me
Nandana Sen, daughter of Nobel Winner Amartya Sen, has been in the film industry for eight years, but has not been able to make a mark for herself as yet, despite being considered an accomplished actor.
That does not dampen her spirit, nor does it deter her from trying harder. She will soon be seen in Anand Rai's 'Strangers', with Jimmy Shergill and Kay Kay Menon.
Q. How would you describe your role in 'Strangers'?
A. I play the role of Preeti. The character has many shades. I like her honesty and sense of responsibility. It is a very realistic role, and not at all imaginary. She is looking for love. She is good looking and ugly at the same time.
She is generous and she is cruel. She lives in London. That is where she meets Rahul (Jimmy Shergill). And the story then moves forward.
Q. Tell us something about your director, Anand Rai.
A. He is one of the most talented directors, who is spontaneous and brilliant at the same time. He improvised the characterization on set, and could make all actors, senior or junior, good or bad, feel equal.
Q. How similar, or dissimilar, are Preeti and Nandana?
A. Quite dissimilar. The only common factor between the two is that both have been born and brought up in London, but are Indian at heart.
Q. Tell us about your co-stars Jimmy Shergill and Kay Kay Menon.
A. I would rate them amongst the best of the best artistes. Incidentally, Jimmy is my favourite. He is outstanding in this film, and I believe the audience will actually hate him when they watch him portray the obnoxious character that he plays. I would like to request the audience to appreciate his acting, and despise the character, not him.
Q. Is it true that this film is a copy of the Hollywood 'Strangers'?
A. Absolutely not. It is a fresh, original story. Of course, Anand Rai may have been inspired by something he read or saw, but the treatment is entirely his, as is the story.
Amrita Rao:I love Working With Shahid
After establishing herself firmly in the hearts of her North Indian fans with her film, 'Vivaah', Amrita Rao is preparing to win over the South Indian audience with her Telegu film, 'Atithi'. Acting in a Marathi film is the top entry in her wishlist. We catch up with the petite actor.Q. Now that you have been in the industry for five years, why did you suddenly feel the need to do a Telegu film?
A. I come from a non-filmy background. When I first set foot into this industry, there were a few offers from the South, but since Bollywood was my first priority, I had to reject them.
One gets only one single chance to prove himself in this industry, and that is why I though that I would think of regional films later. This film offer came to me after 'Vivaah', and I thought it was a good time for me to get into regional movies.
Q. Was there any particular reason that 'Atithi' appealed to you so much?
A. Telegu films are very hero-oriented. The heroine only gets to dance and sing. This film, however, has a strong role for the heroine. I get to work with the Padmalaya banner, and I have Telegu superstar Mahesh Babu as my co -star.
My other co-stars are a dream cast, and they add so much to the movie. I get to do all the things that a hero usually does in these films. All these factors made me sign the movie.
Q. Tell us something about your role in this movie.
A. I play a bubbly college girl. She brings fantasy into her life, making it real. In the beginning of the film, you will see me in a 'Matrix' action sequence. I also get to enact some comedy scenes with comedians Brahmanandam, Sunil and Venu Madhav, three of the best comedians in the South film industry.
My character undergoes a complete makeover towards the end of the movie. I consider myself very lucky to have bagged such a multi- faceted role.
SRK And Farah Are My Friends: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Sanjay Leela Bhansali blends commercial cinema with art with his latest offering, 'Saawariya', where he introduces Ranvir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor.
Q. Are you nervous about your forthcoming release, 'Saawariya'?
A. Absolutely not. I get nervous before making a movie, not after. I keep thinking, before I make a film, how it will look, what people will say, will it be better than my previous works, etc.All these thoughts make me nervous. However, the satisfaction I get after completing a film is immense. I do not get too excited with the success of a film, nor do I get too disappointed with its failure.
Q. Did the script demand fresh faces, or was there something else on your mind?
A. I have worked with stars in all my films till date. After 'Black', where I worked with Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee, I wondered to myself, "Now what?" I thought I could either make an offbeat film, or return to mainstream stuff.
The appreciation I had received after 'Black' could be sustained only if I got new actors for my next. I challenged myself – I had to make something that was different from all the movies I have directed so far, and so I took the first step towards 'Saawariya'.
The two of them – Ranvir and Sonam – were my assistant directors. However, when they came to work for me, I knew that they were here to act, not do anything else. I had also taken screen tests of both. Working with newcomers makes me feel young all over again.
Q. What are your expectations from Ranvir and Sonam?
A. I would have never signed them on, if I did not see some talent in them. Both are going to go a long way – they are good looking and focused, talented, and willing to learn. It is very important to have intelligence these days, and these two have loads of it.
They are not like other star kids – both of them are not arrogant because of their background. They do not want their parents to be embarrassed because of them, but to be proud of them. That is what makes both Ranvir and Sonam special.
Q. Is there a reason why you gave Monty Sharma a chance with the music, instead of your favourite, Ismail Darbar?
A. I have worked with Monty in 'Devdas' and 'Black' earlier. Since there were new actors and new singers, I saw no harm in getting a new composer.
I wanted fresh music, with passion and integrity. Ismail and I are very close, almost brothers, and that is why he would not take my work seriously, postponing things, etc. I did not want that to happen to this movie.When a person moves away from his work towards the world of glamour, I believe something starts missing from his work, something that used to make him stand apart at one point.
Monday 5 November 2007
Sunday 4 November 2007
Ranbir:If `OSO` Has SRK, We Have The Biggest Director
New Delhi, Nov 04: The first Indian film produced by a Hollywood studio - Columbia Pictures - `Saawariya` is all set for some stiff competition from another mega-star mega-budget Indian film - `Om Shanti Om`, when both films hit the theaters november 9.While the `OSO` produced by the Baadshah of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan has, besides him, a galaxy of stars promoting the film, its fallen upon the two new (star) kids on the block - Ranbir and Sonam Kapoor - to promote their film `Saawariya`.
So even when they visited the city to promote their film, the two debutantes were facing the media queries on their own. Ranbir Kapoor - son of Rishi and Neetu Kapoor and fourth generation kid of the famous Kapoor gharana -understands and acknowledges the possible threats to his maiden film at the BO.
"It`s unfortunate that both the movies are releasing on the same day. It does affect business. But it`s festive season (of Diwali) so I am sure it can hold two films. The entire team of `Saawariya` wishes `OSO` all the best and I am sure they wish well for us too," says Ranbir.But he accepts being nervous, though seems all committed to shoulder the responsibility to publicise his film.
"Honestly, this being Sonam`s (Kapoor) and my first film that itself is giving us sleepless nights. I don`t think of it coming with Shah Rukh Khan. He is too big a star. He`s been in the industry for such a long time. We can`t even think of going head to head with him," he says.
But he further adds, "he`s (SRK) the biggest actor in the country, but we have the biggest director in the country - Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who is the USP of the film."
Ranbir and Sonam both admit that, being starkids it was easier for them to get a start in the industry, but say that their lineage will lead to unnecessary scrutiny and criticism as well.
"I wouldn`t have met Sanjay Leela Bhansali if I wasn`t Anil Kapoor`s daughter. But at the same time, I`ll have expectations, a baggage put on me. I`ll be compared to my father all the time," confesses Sonam.
Ranbir seconds her by saying, "I completely agree with Sonam. The comparisons are made, the expectations are too much. You are like under a microscope because they are going to compare everything right from your hair strand to your nail. You can`t escape that." She, however, adds, "but interestingly, right now top stars are not star kids. SRK, Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra none of them has a lineage except Abhishek Bachchan."
Ranbir quickly adds, "but don`t take away our hard work. We also work really hard to live up to expectations. Because you come from so and so family and comparison are gonna be made, so its really hard to make a niche for yourself."
Sonam pitches in, "at the end, it is what the audience want and what they like. Who they accept and who they don`t. So it is all up to the audience, your destiny and your hard work."
The film also stars, established names like Salman Khan and Rani Mukherji. Ranbir maintains he`s thankful to them for their contribution to the film.
"Though I have no scene with Salman, but I learned so much while sharing screen space with Rani. Rani is such a fabulous actor," he says. Interestingly, among the two debutantes, only Ranbir planned to become an actor reveals sonam. "I didn`t plan to be an actress, Ranbir did. I just wanted to be an assistant director and learn film-making. Fortunately, destiny played such a beautiful hand. Mr Bhansali said you are of 80 kgs, very pretty and you are the actress of my next movie. I said thank you sir," she chuckles.
Source:ZeeNews
Saturday 3 November 2007
Friday 2 November 2007
Ranbir Towel Dropping Scene Censored
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is not complaining because it neither obstructs the flow nor makes a mess of his creativity.
According to the team that accompanied Bhansali to the censor office, the director was offered the choice of keeping the nude shot with an adult certificate. But the filmmaker didn`t want to lose an extremely large and crucial portion of the potential audience for one shot.
"In fact, several members of the censor board who loved the film suggested I take the cut and go with the `U` certificate. Though in principle I`m against any cuts, this one time I agreed. The shot doesn`t really make any difference to the flow of my story," Bhansali said.
Source: Zee News
With the censor certificate, the film is all set for release Nov 9. Sony Pictures, film`s co-producer, seems pleased enough with "Saawariya" to offer Bhansali yet another film.
"The film is an extremely high-calibre product. We`d love to have him make another film for us. We can only hope that his experience with us has been as fruitful as our experience of working with him. And that he`d take up our offer of making another film for us," said Uday Singh, Sony CEO.
Thursday 1 November 2007
Don’t Lose Faith, Judge Tells Sanjay
Mumbai, Aug 01: Rejecting actor Sanjay Dutt’s emotional plea on Tuesday for time to surrender after he was given a six-year jail term in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, Judge P D Kode told the Bollywood star not to lose faith in himself as he was “Number One” in films.
Sanjay Dutt: Sir, please tell the policemen not to surround me and treat me as a convict.
Judge Pramod Kode: Door ubhe raha (stand away from him).
Sanjay: Sir, I want to request something. I know it is much, but please can you grant me time to surrender? I will return day after tomorrow. I have some family mater to settle and my sister is also pregnant.
Judge Kode: There is no provision under the law to grant you relief.
Sanjay: Can I at least make a call to my daughter?
Judge Kode: OK, allowed.
Sanjay: Sir, in the last 14 years you’ve known me better than my own family. Please give me relief.
Judge: doing my job. Once the sentence is pronounced, there can be more concessions. Do you want me to commit an illegality?
Sanjay: Sir, I am just requesting. It’s your discretion.
Judge Kode: I have been giving you concessions for the last 10 years, but not now.
Sanjay: Sir, please keep me and Yusuf (Nalawala, Sanjay’s friend who was also sentenced) in one jail.
Judge Kode: Both to be kept at Arthur Road till their application for not shifting them outside Mumbai is decided. Jail officials to give proper security…Sanjay, I have just done my duty. During the conviction too I had said you are not a terrorist. You know what you have done. I don’t want you to lose faith in yourself.
Sanjay: Yes sir, it’s just that I am tired.
Judge Kode: Yes, I know but don’t lose faith. Your are Number 1 in your field. In the 10 years, you have done well even during the trial… You should be like Gregory Peck, who acted in films like McKenna’s Gold.
Sanjay: (Says nothing, merely nods his head.)
Judge Kode: Which was the last film your father acted in… (pauses)… Munnabhai! He looked better than you. As your father acted till his last moment, so must you… I have sentenced you to only six years, of which two years have already passed and the remaining four will also pass quickly. You also have lawyers who can appeal to higher courts.
Happy Birthday Shahrukh
Can you ever imagine anyone else in the role of Raj in ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’? Can you visualize some other actor delivering the dialogue – Bade bade deshon mein aisi choti choti batein hoti rahte hain, Senorita? Probably no, not if you belong to the Generation Y that has grown up watching the making of the superstar King Khan
Early Khan Born on 2nd of November 1965 to Taj Mohammed and Fatima Khan, Shahrukh did his schooling from St Columb’s School. His father Taj Mohammed Khan was a freedom fighter. Shahrukh as a child demonstrated signs of making of a star, when he was awarded with Sword of Honour at St Columbus, an award given for keeping the spirit of the school.
His early inclination towards acting and drama was evident even at school as he often missed his classes for co-curricular activities. After graduating from Hansraj College, SRK completed his MA in Mass Communication from Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia. Probably it was just a build up to his career, which can be termed as most illustrious in Bollywood.
Shahrukh Khan's Birthday Video
For someone who reportedly charges between Rs five to seven crore per endorsement and has sold his latest home production Om Shanti Om for a whopping Rs 70-odd crore, brand SRK seems to be overshadowing SRK, the actor. And today he’s at a stage when he confesses that “Fridays no longer unnerve” him.
What makes him such a successful one-man industry by himself? Director and close friend Sajid Khan feels, “Shah Rukh, by far is not only one of the most intelligent people I’ve encountered, but he’s also one of the nicest guys around. It’s difficult to be so successful and nice. He’s one actor who doesn’t put on any act of pretence.”
As far as Brand SRK goes, Sajid says, “He’s not only marketed himself well, but has also connected with people well. He has this superb way of doing things which makes everyone happy at the end of the day.”
Ad guru Santosh Desai says, “The transition-from someone who started with a TV serial Fauji and has seen tremendous success in cinema, has been like an unbroken journey forward. He has fully developed his potential as a brand and has this charismatic quality about him. And this charisma comes through the person he is as none of his physical attributes account for his popularity unlike Amitabh Bachchan.”
Source: Times of India
Chirag Paswan Launched In Bollywood
Anuj Saxena CEO of Maverick Productions Pvt. Ltd. is stepping ahead to launch Chirag Paswan into Bollywood. Chirag is the son of Ram Vilas Paswan, Minister of Chemicals, Fertilizers and Steel. The film is expected to go on the floors early next year.Anuj threw a big bash and the event was a big hit with all the guests who came to meet Chirag and wish him happy birthday. Chirag cut the huge chocolate cake and was surrounded by well-wishers.
"Chirag is a young boy with stunning looks and talent to become the top star in Bollywood. I will present him in the best possible way. We are working on the final knits and knots of the script; after which the cast and crew will fall in place. It is a special day for all of us at my production house Maverick", says Anuj Saxena CEO of Maverick Productions.
"I am thrilled with the idea of being launched by Anuj Saxena's reputed production house Maverick. Acting has been my childhood passion and I am looking forward to a flourishing career in films. Today also happens to be my birthday, so I would cherish the memories of this day", says Chirag enthusiastically.
John, Hrthik Now Akshay
Apparently actor Akshay Kumar is all fired up and waiting to play the role of the snazzy well equipped stylish villain in the next sequel Dhoom 3 . The star has reportedly expressed his intentions to Aditya Chopya and is really pepped up to play the role.
The role is that of a negative anti-hero character but the way they stood out in the previous two sequels has apparently made Akki go crazy. It is rumoured that Akki wants to do this role no matter what happens.
Aishwarya 34th Birthday
Aishwarya Rai, regarded as the most beautiful woman in the world, turns a year older on Thursday. Aishwarya Rai, who will be playing Mumtaz Mahal in Ben Kingsley`s film on the Taj Mahal, brought in her 34th birthday in Agra with her real-life Shah Jehan – Abhishek Bachchan."It sounds so dramatic and romantic," said a giggly Ash. "It`s nothing like that. I`m bringing it in with Abhishek, Ma and Pa. Abhishek was shooting an ad in Agra on Wednesday. So I joined him with Ma (mom-in-law Jaya Bachchan) and now Pa (father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan) has also joined us. So you could say it`s a perfect birthday by the Taj Mahal, though not quite at the Taj Mahal. Have you seen the crowds over there? We can`t risk going to the Taj Mahal, but it`s just a stone`s throw away. It`s a pity my parents couldn`t join us here in Agra."
It`s been a hectic time for Aishwarya. "I came back from the US from shooting Pink Panther in time for Karwa Chauth. God knows how the cameras got our shots, probably from neighbour`s premise. We`re just leading our lives normally.I don`t know why or how the press has this hunger to know about us."
She laughs, "This is my first birthday after marriage and therefore a very special occasion. Spending time with the people I love is my greatest joy. I`m in a very happy place. And I don`t mean Agra. Just being with three people who mean so much to me makes my life complete. God has been kind. There`s great fulfillment in love and in being loved , by not just my husband but his parents who are now my parents. We`re one family and we all love one another."
She`ll be heading straight to Karjat after her birthday for the last two days` shooting of Ashutosh Gowariker`s Jodha-Akbar.
She`s excited about doing the Taj Mahal film with Ben Kingsley. "On the first day of shooting The Last Legion with him he walked up to me he said, `I`ve this idea.` He told me about the Shah Jehan-Mumtaz Mahal film that he`d like to do.
You know, how many Taj Mahal scripts have come my way? I told Ben there have been many occasions when this subject has come to me. But there was something exceptionally interesting about the way he approached the subject. And yes, the whole process of discussing the subject with him was participative. After The Last Legion I kind of put it in the back of my mind. But earlier this year he confirmed it was on."
At the moment it`s Jodha-Akbar that occupies Aishwarya`s mind. "You know me. Once I get into a subject I`m totally into it. But yes, I`m looking forward to working with Sir Ben again."
What does she want for her birthday? She thinks a while and says, "Just blessings and good wishes. Apart from that God has given me everything."
Salman Khan, who is scorching the headlines for the blackbuck poaching case for which he is being tried in a Jodhpur court, is playing a love ‘guru’ doling out advice on courtship matters to Govinda in David Dhawan’s “Partner”. David was jubilant and said: “Both Salman and Govinda are my buddies. And they are playing buddies in ‘Partner’. Naturally there has to be great bonding between them. “I am happy to say Salman and Govinda are like brothers.Wednesday 31 October 2007
Hot and Sexy Neha Dhupia Photoshoot
Hot and Sexy neha dhupia's photoshoot with Rajpal Yadav for the stills of New movie Rama Rama Kya Hai Darama