Thursday, December 31

Best Actresses of 2009


Best Actresses of 2009
9. Mahie Gill
8. Kareena Kapoor
7. Sonam Kapoor
6. Isha Sharvani
5. Vidya Balan
4. Gauhar Khan
3. Kareena Kapoor
2. Mahie Gill
1. Priyanka Chopra

Raja Sen in Mumbai

Another year come and gone, and another set of great performances. The following list isn't your usual set of leading women, it's just an awestruck look at the year's ten best female acting jobs. Ladies, bravo.

10. Aditi Rao Hyder

This wonderfully fresh-faced girl didn't have much screentime in Delhi 6, but just seeing her poignant portrayal of a divorced young woman made us wish the film told her story instead.

Her character is a sad one, yet Aditi throws up moments of genuine hope in the way she looks at her family.


Image: A scene from Delhi 6

3 Idiots smashes records overseas


CommentA group of desi college students lined up at a theatre in New York on December 25 to watch their second film of the day, Avatar. But they just could not stop talking about the film they had just seen, Aamir Khan's 3 Idiots.

One of the women in the group commented, '3 Idiots is going to be our Avatar.'

And she may be right.

3 Idiots has shattered many records, and has grossed $ 21 million in four days across the globe. The film made about $2.1 million in North America and about $800,000 in the UK in five days. It could have reached the $1 million mark in UK if the theatres weren't closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas.

The film stood at the number 12th spot on the American box office charts and number four in UK. The charts were led by Avatar's $ 75 million.

North American and UK grosses often help a breakeven film in India become an overall hit, and help films like Shah Rukh Khan's Paheli recoup the investment (Paheli was a flop in India but grossed a healthy $4 million abroad).

There is no entertainment tax in America and Canada as there is in India, and so producers can get about 60 percent of the box office gross, unlike in India where they get about 45 percent -- unless the government gives the film a tax break.

Director Rajkumar Hirani's 3 Idiots -- starring Aamir Khan, R Madhavan ,Sharman Joshi and Kareena Kapoor [ -- was expected to become a big hit. But who would have thought that it would have the biggest opening for a Hindi film in India (beating Ghajini's record by about 20 percent)? And that it would have an awesome opening in North America?

3 Idiots made $1.6 million during the Christmas weekend and beat the jaw-dropping weekend openings of two films, Love Aaj Kal ($1.24 million, in August) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham ($1.1 million, 2001). Of course, tickets were about 20 percent less in 2001 than the average $8 ticket today.

It's tough to play a simple, beautiful girl: Priyanka Chopra

She is smart, glamorous and one of the most sought after actresses in Bollywood, but Priyanka Chopra says it was difficult for her to portray a simple, beautiful girl in forthcoming film 'Pyaar Impossible' and still try to hold the interest of audiences.

"When you do characters like one in 'Aitraaz', 'Fashion' or 'Kaminey', there are certain peripheries. For example, Sweety in 'Kaminey' won't be able to speak English or she won't wear jeans and top. They are also difficult, but the boundaries help. When I am playing a simple beautiful looking girl, how do I get your interest?" Priyanka said.

"Heroines ought to look beautiful, it's their work. We look pretty, we wear great clothes but that's our job. But how do I make you feel for her? That's why these films are more difficult," Priyanka, who has teamed up with Uday Chopra in the film, told us.

Written and produced by Uday, 'Pyaar Impossible' is a romantic tale about a beauty and a geek. Directed by Jugal Hansraj, it shows how fate brings Uday and Priyanka come together and love blooms amidst all odds.

Talking about her character in 'Pyaar Impossible', Priyanka said: "I play Alisha who works in a software company. She has always been a popular girl, fun loving and one who loves life. But at a young age she has to take a lot of responsibilities and she finds it difficult to manage and her life becomes chaotic," said Priyanka.

'Pyaar Impossible' is slated to release Jan 8.

Wednesday, December 30

The Bollywood hits of 2009


Wanted
Love Aaj Kal
Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani
New York
Kambakkht Ishq
De Dana Dan
All The Best
Kaminey
Raaz 2
Paa
The year has not been the best Bollywood has seen at the box office. In fact, the Hindi film industry faced some serious competition from Hollywood films like 2012 and Avatar.

While we await a potential blockbuster in this week's release 3 Idiots, we look at the biggest hits in Bollywood this year.

Trade analyst Vinod Mirani throws in some figures as well, as he lists out the hits.


Image: Scenes from 3 Idiots, 2012 and Avatar

The Best Celeb Tweets of 2009


Shahid Kapoor drives from Mumbai to Goa. Priyanka Chopra shows off her perfume collection. Karan Johar L-O-V-E-S Avatar. Konkona Sen Sharma does not.

The word, these days, gets around faster than usual. And you have 'a little birdie' to thank for this. Twitter is quite easily one of the best things to have happened to star-struck fans 'following' each and every move of their favourite star. One click and you are privy to each of their random thoughts and mini views on anything and everything.

Bollywood stars, too, are fast waking up to the potential and possibilities of micro-blogging. A far cry from their 'no comments' days, they are candid than ever and game to take on both -- admirers and miscreants. This year in particular saw a rise in the number of Bollywood's starry folk signing up for the same.

So all you tweeple out there, here are some of Bollywood's Most Interesting Celebrity Tweets of 2009.

Mallika Sherawat

'The butt that launched a 1000 tweets.'

If it's Mallika Sherawat, it's probably true. When not posting pictures of her bump-ins with the Hollywood glitterati or her forthcoming snake-woman act in Hisss, Mallika doles out naughty responses on discovering her name up there in a website's list of Bollywood's best butts.


Image: Mallika Sherawat

Karnataka pays tribute to Dr Vishnuvardhan



CommentWith the unexpected death of Kannada superstar Dr Vishnuvardhan this morning, reactions and tributes have been pouring in from the Kannada film industry.

Here are some voices:

B S Yediyurappa, Chief Minister of Karnataka [ Images ]

With the death of Dr Vishnuvardhan, Karnataka has lost one of its greatest sons.

He was an actor of excellence and a great human being. The state government has decided to grant Rs 10 crores to build a memorial for him. We will consult his family to see how this mission can be accomplished.

S V Rajendra Singh Babu, award-winning director

I have lost a friend with whom I had had a great association for more than four decades. He was one of the most talented actors in the country, who was not recognised for his brilliance and talent adequately by the central government.

I have directed several great films with him like Bandhana, Muththina Haara and Nagarahole and produced films like Krishna Nee Begane Baaro and Karna. They were superhits.

We have lost two legends now, Dr Raj Kumar and Dr Vishnuvardhan. I think an era has ended.

Rebel Star Ambareesh, actor and former member of Parliament

With the death of Vishnu [ Images ], I have lost one of my greatest friends. He was my guiding force for 35 years.

We shared many great moments and he has always cared for me.

If there was one person who could command over me, it would be Vishnuvardhan.

He was one of the greatest artists in the Kannada film industry.

Dwarakish, actor and producer

I would say my films were zero without Dr Vishnuvardhan. Success beckoned only when Dr Vishnuvardhan acted in them.

I have produced many of his films and even acted with him. He is perhaps one of the greatest actors on the Indian screen, who had lakhs of fans.

The overwhelming reaction of his fans on his death was expected, as he had touched their hearts deeply through his magical performances.

Prema, actress

I was his great fan as a child. When I became an actress, I was lucky enough to act with him early in my career. I have acted with him in many films, including the big hit Yajamaana.

We got close while acting in the film, and he taught me the importance of yoga. I would seek advice from him many times too.

I respect him as a great human being.

S Narayan, actor and director

I have lost my big strength and support with the death of Dr Vishnu sir. I delivered my biggest hits with him in Suryavamsha, Simhadhriya Simha, Sirivantha and Veerappa Nayaka. He was terrific in front of the camera and would add a lot of strength to the characters he played.

Raghavendra, assistant director

He showed us what love and affection meant to us. Through his superb performances on screen, he will be eternally remembered. He was not only a great actor but also a great human being.

R G Vijayasarathy in Bangalore

Spotted! John Abraham in Chandigarh


CommentReader Kapil Thakur met John Abraham [ Images ] at a theatre in Chandigarh.

Friday, December 25

'SRK was the first choice for 3 Idiots'


Rajkumar Hirani has moved on from his blockbuster Munnabhai series to 3 Idiots, from Sanjay Dutt to Aamir Khan.

The director, who landed on the Bollywood map out of nowhere, tells Patcy N what to expect from his new film, out on Christmas Day.

What made you decide to take on 3 Idiots after announcing Munnabhai Chale Amerika?

I was slightly exhausted doing two back-to-back Munnabhai movies. And for the third part, I would have to think about Munnabhai and Circuit again -- the same style, clothes and everything. I wasn't too excited about that. Also, I thought that if I write a script, it may not be as exciting.

On the other hand, I had the germ of an idea of 3 Idiots. I was trying to concentrate on Munnabhai but my mind would think about 3 Idiots. In the end, I realised I had written more on 3 Idiots than Munnabhai. So I decided to make that.

Now that 3 Idiots is done and my mind is fresh, I will work on Munnabhai Chale Amerika.


Image: A scene from 3 Idiots. Inset: Rajkumar Hirani

'I want everyone to watch my film'


Aamir Khan employs a different marketing strategy for each of his films, and they never fail to work.

To promote this Friday's release 3 Idiots, Aamir 'disappeared' for a couple of days and traveled all over India in various disguises.

Three days before the film's release, Aamir made his appearance again, and spoke at length about his memorable experiences and India tour. Patcy N took notes:

Whose idea was this 'disappearing act'?

Mine. But it was implemented by many people. They had a code name for me called Phantom and the operation was called Operation Spiderman. We started preparing for it four months in advance.

How was your journey?

It was very exciting. I had an amazing experience in every state -- from Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. I met many people and learnt about their problems, aspirations and day-to-day issues.

This game had different layers. Firstly, it was a marketing strategy for 3 Idiots, as it is connected to the story. In the film, my character Rancho disappears and his friends have to search for him. So we thought we should market the film in such a way that I go missing and my audience goes searching for me. Wherever I went, I made friends and gifted them gold rings. I have invited them to the premiere of 3 Idiots.

Secondly, it was only a marketing strategy. I wanted to connect with common people. Usually, when I visit the different parts of India, people know me and treat me like an actor. But here, nobody recognised me. People treated me like a common man and that was a new experience for me.

The third layer of this trip was that I wanted to throw light on certain issues in the country. I went to Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, a place where weavers live. Two years ago, I heard it was a dying profession and that they were running into losses. I wanted to highlight their problems and request people to wear hand-woven clothes as much as possible.

Likewise, I wanted to highlight the problem of education. So I went to Gujarat where the education system is good. There is free education in small schools up to Standard Seven.

How much of this will help the film?

I don't know that. But I liked the idea and its various layers.


Image: Aamir Khan
Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar

Abhishek Bachchan to host TV gameshow


The actor will make his foray into television with a gameshow to test your laziness quotient. Saturday Night Bingo will replace Bigg Boss' [ Images ] slot on COLORS.

The show will see common people as well as celebrities participating in it, and is expected to start on January 23.

Rajul Hegde in Mumbai

Tuesday, December 22

Wedding Bells Ringing For Kareena & Saif


High-profile Bollywood couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor may be getting married soon. And the confirmation has come from none other than Saif's mother, Sharmila Tagore. (Text courtesy: Hindustantimes.com)

Sunday, December 20

Stylists have designs on Bollywood - as directors

New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS) Ace stylists like Sabysachi Mukherjee and Manish Malhotra are eyeing Bollywood with plans to direct movies on romance, art and more. Though their numbers are still small, fashion designers turning movie directors seems to be quite the fad.

Kolkata-based Mukherjee has said that he is ready with the script for his directorial debut and that he has also finalised the actors and producer for his venture.

Calling it a natural progression, Mukherjee told IANS: 'I won't reveal much about my project, but all I can say is the idea to direct a movie is not new. I wanted to do it for a long time and it is just a matter of right time.'

Mukherjee, who designed for movies like 'Black', 'Baabul' and 'Paa', said his film will have nothing to do with the fashion industry; it would be based on the life of a painter.


His colleague, designer Rahul Jain of the label Sirali, is however making a film on the fashion world and the idea struck him after he watched Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Fashion'.

'Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to make a movie. It was just a matter of time. After watching 'Fashion', I decided to go ahead with my dream. It was a very bad movie. I didn't like it at all,' said Jain.

'I'm making this movie just to break the notion that fashion is only about glamour. A lot of hard work goes behind it. The movie will talk about the pain, agony and discrimination that goes into this fashion circuit. It is not based on any fiction but all that I have observed, seen and dared to talk about,' he added.

Jain is currently working on the script and plans to work on post-production next year.

Celebrity designer Manish Malhotra too wants to try his luck in the film business by going behind the camera.

'I very much want to do that. But fashion shows, movies and personal clients keep me so busy that I find it difficult to take out time and work on it. Hopefully, I will start the process next year,' Malhotra told IANS.

'Pyaar Impossible' music has young, urban appeal

Actor Uday Chopra turns producer with 'Pyaar Impossible', and the film boasts of young contemporary music, perfect for college-goers.

The film that stars Uday and Priyanka Chopra contains five originals and two remixes composed by Salim and Sulaiman Merchant.

The album opens with 'Alisha', crooned by Anushka Manchanda and composer Salim Merchant himself. The free-flowing, catchy track is quite appealing thanks to Anushka's vocals and the general attitude of the song. Salim gives this song an extra edge and makes it an interesting hear.

The song also has a remixed version, which is high on energy and is an electronic spin to the original. It is ideal for the dance floor.

Next in line is the title track 'Pyaar impossible' sung by Vishal Dadlani and Dominique Cerejo. The romantic track is hummable and the unplugged background music makes a good impact.

This song too has a remixed version, which is not too different from the original.

Neha Bhasin and Benny Dayal go behind the mike for 'You and me', a peppy, fun track. The mix of Hindi and English lyrics and heavy influences of pop make it a song just right for youngsters. It is nice but not as appealing as the earlier tracks.

Up next is '10 on 10', a track that has a complete rock feel. It is energetic and high on beats with vocals by Mahua Kamat, Anushka Manchanda and Naresh Kamath. The foot-tapping song doesn't seem interesting initially but it slowly grows on you.

Then there is 'Ek thi ladki', which has been sung by child artist Rishika Sawant. More of a narration than a song, 'Ek ladki thi' is an average number.

On the whole, the album is a good mix of slow and fast-paced songs and goes well with the theme of the film. The soundtrack is urban, young and mainly for the younger generation.

Meet the real stars behind the masks


Playing someone else is a challenge. At the same time, not being able to show your true self is a tricky and ironical prospect for an actor yet to establish himself as a known face.

And so despite playing some of the best known characters with a popular fan-following in record-breaking money spinners, performers go virtually unrecognised simply because of the make-up, prosthetics or masks associated with their iconic look.

Currently it's impossible to identify leading man Sam Worthington's original face while he plays Jake Sully, the courageous central protagonist of filmmaker James Cameron's insanely-anticipated and favorably-reviewed $230 million 3D treat, Avatar.

On that note, here's a look at the real deal behind actors who have essayed masked or partially concealed fictional characters on celluloid.


Image: Left: Sam Worthington. Right: As Jake Sully in Avatar
Photographs: Luke MacGregor/Reuters

'Phoonk 2 is scarier than Phoonk'


Nithya Ramani in Mumbai

Say what you will of Ram Gopal Varma, but his horror films always seem to thrill. It's evident from the impact his spook tales like Bhoot, Darna Mana Hai, Darna Zaroori Hai and Phoonk have.

Since Phoonk did farely well at the box office, the filmmaker has decided to make its sequel. It will be directed by first-timer Milind Gadagkar, who had written Phoonk. Phoonk 2 is ready to release early next year.

Nithya Ramani caught up with Ram Gopal Varma to quiz him about Phoonk 2, why he didn't direct it himself and what new thrills he has added to the story.

Why did you decide to make a sequel to Phoonk?

Making a sequel to a film that has done well is an obvious step. Especially in the horror genre.

Milind, who wrote the first film, suggested that we do a sequel to Phoonk. I didn't see a reason why we shouldn't.


Image: A scene from Phoonk 2

Want to act with Akshay Kumar? Here's how!


The director is casting for his next Akshay Kumar-starrer Patiala House. And you could have a role in it too!

Advani is looking for someone to play a 17-year-old Akshay Kumar in the film, and share screen space with Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia.

As expected, the response was overwhelming. For those of you who missed the chat and want to know how to be a part of the film, read on:

But first, become a fan of Patiala House!

Nikhil Advani says, Hi, this is Nikhil Advani. Guys! I'm ready to chat about my next film Patiala House.

soumyodeep asked, i want to act with akki
Nikhil Advani answers, All you need to do is log onto www.patialahousethefilm.com and enter the contest for the young Akshay Kumar.

SamXA asked, Hi Nikhil, This Sam from Bangalore. 17 years of age. I wish to be a part of Patiala House. I was a little intrigued to know if the height of the 17 year old needs to exactly match Akshay's height, which is 6'0. Is it ok, if one is lesser than 6'0, though resembling Akshay.....? Kindly lemme know. Sam
Nikhil Advani answers, Hi! Sam. You do not need to be exactly six feet. Near abouts would be fine!

Raj asked, Hi, are you'll filtering candidates for the 17 year olds' role based on their performance only Or something more than that?
Nikhil Advani answers, Raj, it would be best if you log onto www.patialhousethefilm.com and follow the instructions. You will need to film yourself enacting one of the scenes that have been posted on the site and then we will choose.

santan asked, hello

'Doing Amitabh's make-up in Paa was a nightmare'


After making Cheeni Kum with Amitabh Bachchan, director R Balakrishnan aka Balki has decided to explore a completely different genre. His new film Paa will not see the Big B but rather, will see a 'Small' B. Amitabh plays a 13-year-old child suffering from the rare medical condition Progeria, where the victim ages rapidly.

Paa will see a reversal of roles as Abhishek plays Amitabh's father. Vidya Balan plays his mother.

Balki tells Patcy N how he made Paa possible.

What made you decide to make a film on Progeria?

I did not think of making a film on Progeria at all. I wanted to make a film where Amitabh would play Abhishek's son. I discovered Progeria along the way.

Why did you want Amitabh to play Abhishek's son?

I had gone to Amitji's office once and saw him talking to Abhishek. Abhishek was talking very wisely and Amitji was playing the fool. That made me think how a role reversal would look if Abhishek played Amitji's father.

I thought of making a fantasy film with this idea. But I also wondered if I could make a real story, if there was any medical condition that would help this story. I spoke to doctors and learnt about Progeria. Quite a few movies have been made on this so I did not want to make another one on it. Instead, I wanted to concentrate on the father-son relationship.

Did you find anyone with this condition?

I called a friend whose son had some hormonal imbalance problem. He put me through to a pediatrician, who told me that only 30 Progeria cases have been registered in the world. There is no treatment for this. I did not want to meet any cases personally because it would intrude into their privacy. The film talks about this intrusion of privacy too.

Monday, December 14

Katrina Kaif says no to Hrithik Roshan


Bollywood hunk Hrithik Roshan has acted with almost every actress in the film industry but not with the hot and happening Katrina Kaif, who has a string of hits under her belt. It would be a treat to see these talented actors together on the big screens but that's not going to happen soon, as Katrina has refused to act with Hrithik.


Buzz up!The grapevine is abuzz with the news that Katrina refused to act opposite Hrithik in the sequel of the hit film Krrish. The reason she gave was that its shooting schedules clashed with that of Karan Johar’s Dostana sequel.


Sources said that Rakesh Roshan decided to go for Deepika Padukone after Katrina turned down his offer. Well, Katrina's loss is Deepika's gain!

My biggest flaw is that I am sexy, says Neha Dhupia


New Delhi: She had once famously remarked that only Shah Rukh Khan and sex sells in Bollywood but actress Neha Dhupia is now tired of the ‘sexy’ tag, which she believes has worked against her.

The former Miss India, who started her Bollywood journey with bold roles in Qayamat and Julie, feels that despite having done some very serious roles, she has not been taken seriously in the industry because of her ‘sexy’ image.

“I sincerely believe that the term ‘sexy’ is always used against me,” Dhupia told PTI.

The actress had to work hard to get over the Julie nickname that she earned for herself after a dare bare portrayal of a prostitute in the namesake film in 2004.

“No one seems to realise that I can do a lot more. Why don't people remember Mithya, Singh Is Kinng, Dasvidaniya or a Maharathi?” she questions.

“I strongly believe that my biggest flaw is that I am sexy. Just because of that, it is always safely presumed that I would be busy out there seducing people on screen,” she says.

The 29-year-old star, however, is happy about the compliments that she has received for her recent success in comic caper De Dana Dan. She is also looking forward to audience’s reaction to her forthcoming release Raat Gayi Baat Gayi.

Dhupia's very first shot in debut Qayamat saw her emerging from sea wearing a swimsuit and her next release was Julie, which despite its success, placed the actress in a bracket from where it was difficult to come out.

Her subsequent releases like Sheesha, where she played the role of a seductress and Teesri Aankh - The Hidden Camera, where she played a porn film victim, didn't help her cause either.

Dhupia decided to come out of her ‘sex siren’ image by accepting a strong supporting role opposite Kareena Kapoor in Priyadarshan’s Chup Chup Ke.

“It was Priyadarshan who came forward to help me change my image. When the entire world was after me to wear a bikini, he put me in a salwar- kameez,” Dhupia says.

“The problem is that no one realises I can do a lot more. Thankfully films like Ek Chalis Ki Last Local and Mithya followed that helped me showcase a different facet of my acting talent,” she adds.

Dhupia plays an aspiring actress Sophia, a femme fatale in her forthcoming film Raat Gayi Baat Gayi. Her character is like a jigsaw puzzle in the film, which slowly unfolds through a series of interesting interactions with the men (Rajat Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Dilip Tahil) she meets.

So, is she happy to be playing a sexy seductress again?

“What makes you think that I am a seductress? May be I am a victim myself in that party. Yes, in the film's context, I do flirt and have a drink with others around. But then may be ‘I am a poor-little-vulnerable-I-don't-know-what-to-do’ Neha than being a sexy seductress Neha,” she jokes.

John Abraham in India's Second 3D Film


India's first 3D movie as everybody would remember was 'Chhota Chetan', which released way back in 1998. More than 11 year down the line, the second 3D project is being readied, this time with John Abraham in the lead. The film which will be called 'Allien Sahib', will see our Bollywood hunk paired with a Hollywood actress.

The film will be directed by Shirish Kunder, who has also written the script. The film will be produced by Shirish's wife Farah Khan. The duo has just launched their production house and the first film to emerge from that should be 'Tees Maar Khan', which Farah is directing. 'Alien Sahib' is obviously their next project. The film is expected to go in the floors sometime in April 2010, after the release of 'Tees Maar Khan'. Quite an ambitious project is being planned with the director wanting to shoot the movie with the same technology that has been used in director James Cameron's 'Avatar', which is scheduled to release in India on 18 December. Shirish would also like to work with the same crew and it remains to be seen if he is able to rope them in. Currently, the director is all set to fly out to Hollywood with wife Farah to try and find an actress to star opposite John in the film. If all goes well, the project will soon see John being a part of an international project.

Karan Johar waiting for 18 Dec


When you are bringing out a project after a gap, you strive to give your best, even it means losing the 40 winks.

Karan Johar’s much-awaited directorial and Dharma Productions’ ‘My Name is Khan’ will show the world its first promo on coming 18th. So the filmmaker was said to have been totally on his toes to get things done perfectly and finalised for the D-day. It heard that past few days, KJo was very busy in putting things in order for the film’s first look and in the process had kept on working from Saturday morning to Monday morning without any sleep.

Being one of his ambitious projects till date, this Shahrukh-Kajol starrer is a subject that Karan Johar is said to have never attempted to make so far. According to sources, the filmmaker reached office early on Saturday morning to start working on the edit and didn't stop till Monday morning 7am. “He must have barely taken an hour-long nap in those two days. SRK too joined him on Saturday night and they had a meeting about how they plan to go about promoting the film. SRK saw some portions of the first theatrical promo and then left the Dharma Productions office early on Sunday morning. However, Karan continued to work and only left on Monday morning after he was satisfied with the first look,” revealed the sources.

The theatrical trailer of ‘My Name is Khan’ is releasing alongside the release of Hollywood flick ‘Avatar’. While KJo is praying for the best on that day, audience across the globe are equally inquisitive for his film as well.

Katrina unwell again


As her hemoglobin count continues to plummet, Katrina’s health is causing distress to all those who know her.

Everyone around Katrina, well-wishers, co-stars, friends and family are beginning to be extremely worried about Katrina’s deteriorating health. On Sunday she was again at a suburban hospital to take further tests as her haemoglobin count continued to fall, despite treatment from the best doctors in the city.

Though Katrina has been extremely selective recently about the appearances she makes, she is obviously still straining too much and it is affecting her adversely.

On Sunday Katrina woke up unable to get out of bed. The worst blow to her frail energy level was the hectic wedding of Salman Khan’s close family-friend Krishan Narayan’s daughter which Katrina attended for two consecutive nights on Friday and Saturday for the sangeet and wedding.

Forgetting her delicate health, Katrina had simply let herself go, dancing and having a good time.

A friend explained, “It was a commitment she couldn’t wriggle out of. The bride’s father, an associate of politician Praful Patel, is a very close friend of Salman Khan. And Katrina who has always looked at Salman’s friends as her own, had to be there.”

The result of two consecutive nights of merry-making was a relapse. On Sunday Katrina had to undergo a series of complicated medical tests that went on the whole day

The friend continued, “Katrina’s haemoglobin count continues to plummet. The doctors are perplexed by this. They can’t figure out what is causing this abnormality in her blood. She has been prescribed complete bed rest.”

When contacted, Katrina tried to dismiss her indisposition with. “I will be just fine. I just need to rest.”

The doctors can’t figure out what is causing the abnormality in her blood

Sunday, December 13

It's impossible to remake 'Awara': Randhir Kapoor

Mumbai, Dec 13 (IANS) Randhir Kapoor says he is not interested in remaking his father Raj Kapoor's 1951 classic 'Awara' as it would be impossible to find actors of the same calibre that the film's original cast had.
'Many people came to me and my brothers (Rishi and Rajiv) and asked why don't we remake 'Awara'. I told them that it is absolutely impossible to imitate the classic 'Awara' which is loved so much till today,' Randhir told reporters at the launch of the book 'The Dialogue of Awara; Raj Kapoor's Immortal Classic'.

Written by author-documentary filmmaker Nasreen Munni Kabir, the book was released Saturday, two days before the 85th birth anniversary of legendary Raj Kapoor.

'Where will I get Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor, Nargisji and where will I get that innocent looking Shashi Kapoor? I would be making a fool of myself by trying to imitate the film because I won't have actors of that calibre again, even if I copy it frame by frame,' he added.

Raj Kapoor was only 27 when he made 'Awara'. Released in 1951, it became one of the most successful films in his career.

'The Dialogue of Awara...' has the original story, dialogues and screenplay along with the screen shots of the movie.

'When Nasreen Munni Kabir approached me with the idea to transform this great film into a book, I got very excited as it's one of my favourite films ever. I discussed it with my brothers and they were also very keen to bring this film in book form for today's generation to see, read and understand what 'Awara' was all about,' said Randhir.
Thanking the Kapoor family, Kabir said: 'I'm extremely thankful to the Kapoor family. Without their support this wouldn't have been possible. It's by continuously finding new ways to talk about iconic films, we can keep them alive. A book is a way of keeping record of a film in a different way.'

Rishi Kapoor was also present at the event.

I'm glad 'Paa' has made people experts on progeria: Director

Mumbai, Dec 13 (IANS) The poignant story of Auro in R. Balakrishnan's 'Paa' led to two brothers suffering from progeria getting government aid, but critics say patients of the premature ageing disease don't look like Amitabh Bachchan in the movie. Bouquets or brickbats - the filmmaker is only happy that it has made people experts on the disease.

A prominent director had said: 'That isn't how a progeria patient looks. Balki has made Mr Bachchan look like a rubber doll.'
'I'm glad my film has made the whole industry experts on progeria. But the fact of the matter is we know exactly what progeric kids look like. Amit-ji and I watched dozens of film clippings to understand the way progeric children look and behave. And Amit-ji got it dead-on,' said the director who is popularly known as Balki.

Spurred by the film, which also stars Abhishek Bachchan and Vidya Balan, the Bihar government announced aid for progeric brothers Ikramul Khan and Ali Hussain. And Balki is delighted by the impact of the film.

'Now that's the kind of story one likes to hear about 'Paa'. But let me repeat we did not make 'Paa' to spotlight progeria,' the filmmaker said.

But there's no way he can distance the film and its content from the disease.

The Progeria Research Foundation in the US is now showing a keen interest in 'Paa'.

Said Balki: 'I'd be only too happy for them to watch the film and decide how 'Paa' could spread awareness about progeria.'

Once members of the Progeria Research Foundation watch 'Paa' later this month, the director intends to take his film further as a progeric vehicle.

I can make very good dal-roti now: German supermodel

New Delhi, Dec 13 (IANS) She may be German, but supermodel-turned-actress Claudia Ciesla can roll out a roti and cook up a dal in a jiffy, thanks to her stint in Indian reality show 'Bigg Boss 3' where she was a 'housemate'.

'I adjusted very well inside the 'Bigg Boss' house. I didn't know how to cook at all, but during my stay I learnt how to cook dal and roti and a few other things. I can cook well now,' Claudia, who was evicted from the 'Bigg Boss' house Friday, told IANS in an interview.

Claudia also had a hard time as far as language was concerned - the actress was not allowed to speak in English inside the house after the first month.
'Learning Hindi was a task. But I somehow managed. That was one thing that was most difficult for me. I can now understand the language much better,' she added.
Claudia, who entered the house with 12 more celebrities, including Poonam Dhillon, Kamaal R. Khan, Ismail Darbar, Sherlyn Chopra, Vindu Dara Singh and Raju Srivastav, was evicted through public voting.

All remaining members of the house were nominated for eviction this week.
When asked whether she expected her eviction, the 22-year-old said: 'I thought that Aditi (Govitrikar) or Poonam (Dhillon) will be the one to leave the house this time. I was hoping that it's not me because I wanted to stay...but it's okay.'

'I have no regrets. I'm happy that I'm out after so many days and I had a wonderful time even inside the house,' she said.

Even though Claudia, who featured in M.R. Shahjahan's 'Karma: Crime, Passion, Reincarnation', had cordial relations with every housemate, her friendship with wild card entry, model Pravesh Rana, raised eyebrows.

The actress however maintains they just shared a friendship and nothing beyond that.

'Pravesh and I are only friends and nothing else. We clicked because we are of the same age, same profession, so we had a lot to talk about. That was the only reason why we spent more time together,' clarified Claudia.
But Claudia does feel that Pravesh will win.
'I feel Pravesh or Vindu will ultimately win. Both are playing with a very good strategy and I feel both have a strong chance of winning the show,' she said.

'No one is bad or playing dirty (in the house). A few people made mistakes, but that was all because of the circumstances. It is an emotional and a mental game, so people tend to react in ways they normally wouldn't.'

Now the actress is planning to buy a house in Mumbai and create a place for herself in the Hindi film industry.

Bipasha to perform at New Year eve bash

Mumbai, Dec 13 (IANS) Actress Bipasha Basu and singer Sudesh Bhosle will add glitz to the New Year eve celebrations at the Sahara Star Hotel here, says an official.

'Bipasha Basu will perform in our hotel on New Year eve,' Vivek Kumar, CEO of hotel, told IANS.
He, however, refused to reveal how much Bipasha was charging for her performance.
'She is priceless. We do not attach any price to art, but yes, there are certain commitments that will be fulfilled,' said Kumar, and added that Sudesh Bhonsle would also perform.

Asked about other performers, he said: 'We are in very advanced talks with some other celebrities and I think it will be confirmed very soon who else are going to be there.'

Kumar informed that they have designed various packages and priced them differently for those who want to enjoy the New Year eve extravaganza.

'There are different packages. The food and beverage package will cost Rs.11,500 per head. There are other packages for those who book a room in the hotel for that night.'

Bipasha's manager confirmed the news to IANS, saying: 'Yes, it's true (that she is performing).'

Aamir Khan goes missing!

In a unique marketing strategy for his latest film, 3 Idiots, Aamir Khan has promised to go missing. And if you manage to find him, you get to win his game.

As Aamir says in this video, he plans to travel through India, increasing everyone's chance of spotting him. But you have only two weeks to search for him -- before his film 3 Idiots releases on December 25.

There will be seven clues to track him down. The first will be provided by none other than cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar will give out the clue this evening, at a special screening of 3 Idiots.

Best of luck!

Plane and simple


CommentHow in the world does Jaideep Sahni do it? Really, how? At a time when our cinema attempts to either be shampoo-commercial glossy or marijuana-rolling edgy, the ace screenwriter hammers out his work with a stark neatness, a stoic tidy that stands out amidst both the varnished and the handheld.

And when we see such unspectacular triumphs as Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year, it is clear that mere nails and efficiency aren't what hold them together: like his latest leading man, Sahni sells because he believes.

As said, Shimit Amin's [ Images ] film is an unspectacular one. And it's quite hard to express just how bloody refreshing that is. Comfortable in its own skin, the film never tries too hard, and while it takes a little while to really get going, it completely eschews glitz and bling -- never an easy thing to do, moreso considering the hero's the hottest property in town since a certain Mr Khan moved to Bombay and stammered obsessively -- and does its own thing, nice and easy.

Ranbir Kapoor plays Harpreet Singh Bedi, a lanky Sikh who struggled through his college marksheet and is now ready to sell. Armed with more than his fair share of enthusiasm, the good-natured lad finds himself in a trainee job in a ruthlessly competitive officeful of computer-selling sharks. Harpreet watches, wide eyed, as targets are met and chowkidars are bribed, but the morally staunch boy raised by his grandfather can't quite stomach high-stakes skullduggery, and before he knows it, he trips over his own goofy grin.

The rest is right up Jaideep's alley, a tale of justice a la Jeffrey Archer, a tale that involves entrepreneurship, scruples, profit-sharing and friendship, and the writer-director duo let it unfold gradually, with such warm geniality that Jerry Maguire'd jump at the chance of working in our sincere sardar's Rocket Sales. Predictable to a degree, certainly, but some films are such an easy watch that you consciously avoid second-guessing the filmmakers, you don't want to predict what happens three scenes later.

The boy, as we are all getting used to saying, is excellent. Two films ago, Ranbir Kapoor [ Images ] acted in something where more attention was paid to his tee-shirts than to plot, and yet now he slips so comfortably into the skin of this humdrum Harpreet that it's easy to forget his glamour. He's a versatile, instinctive actor working on roles that are much harder than they look: in this film, he's burdened by the most trite lines in the script, about belief and friendship and ethics, but his earnestness sees him carry them through. This isn't a traditional hero role -- his plans are more than a trifle harebrained and there are no showy moments of grand triumph -- but the way Harpreet keeps plugging away at it makes him more of a role-model than most our postermen.

The ensemble is quite delightful, really. D Santosh is the pick of the bunch as Giri, a computer-assembler who surfs porn through the night and lies to clients by day; Naveen Kaushik is super as the uniquely sideburned Nitin Rathore, a sales shark who really knows what he's doing; Mukesh Bhatt does well as Chhotelal Misra, a peon capable of more; and Gauhar Khan [ Images ] brings some nuance to her role as Koena, the ambitious receptionist.

It's also great to see Prem Chopra [ Images ] as Harpreet's patient grandpa. The film's best lines are given to Shazahn Padamsee's Sherena -- right from an abrupt offering of Maggi to a casual 'I love you, use me' flung at Harpreet -- but she's far too vanilla to really work the words, keeping them from hitting the highs they deserve.

Yet this only brings us to another aspect of the film: the romance. Harpreet meets Sherena on work, and then bumps into her at a party, where they drink in the bathroom and he shyly asks her to a movie before he has to get up for some guy who has to throw up in the commode.

Seldom do we see a romantic track handled so casually, but Shimit knows love is completely incidental to Harpreet's story, and even though the director is obsessed with detail -- it isn't a coincidence that this tale of entrepreneurship sees Harpreet nicknamed HP, like a certain computer company formed in a garage, or that he goes to work at a store that is part of the Tata umbrella, a nod to the entrepreneur like no other -- he lets the romance drift in and out of the narrative, treating it with a breezily light hand. Smashing.

Wednesday, December 9

Sush is bruised


The gorgeous Sushmita Sen who is busy promoting the upcoming flick 'Dulha Mil Gaya' had a bruising experience on the sets. While shooting for a song sequence in the movie, Sush wore stunning golden gown. (Text courtesy: Glamsham.com)

Ranbir, Priyanka didn't hike fee for my movie: Sajid Nadiadwala


Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra are riding high at the box office these days but they offered to keep their fees at the most reasonable for 'Anjana Anjani', making Sajid Nadiadwala a happy producer.

"Ranbir and Priyanka were already part of our extended family. When Ranbir's father Chintu-ji (Rishi Kapoor) was working in my dad's production 'Hathyar', I was an assistant. That's when I got to know Chintu-ji and his family," Nadiadwala told us.

"Priyanka has been family from the time she did 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' for my banner. So yes, they've certainly not hiked their price just because they are super-saleable today. In fact, they didn't even discuss money with me."

This is Ranbir and Priyanka's first film together and Nadiadwala says their chemistry was evident in Bangkok. "Both Ranbir and Priyanka have changed their looks for this film. They hardly knew one another before the shooting. So they're getting to know each other as their on-screen romance progresses.

"Ranbir is entertaining on screen. But he carries that sense of fun from the screen to the sets. Priyanka was in her own shell to begin with. But her resolve didn't take long to dissolve," he said.

Nadiadwala's last release 'Kambakht Ishq', which starred Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor, got a lukewarm response but it hasn't dissuaded him from shooting 'Anjana Anjani' in foreign locales. He heads to the US to shoot the film.

Those who thought Nadiadwala was done with Sylvester Stallone, who played a cameo in his 'Kambakht Ishq', here's the surprise element - he has an appointment with the Hollywood action star who may make an appearance in 'Anjana Anjani' as well.

"We don't work that way in our production house. Our bonds are for keeps," said the producer, whose elder son Subhaan is a big fan of Stallone.

Subhaan kept in touch with his idol long after 'Kambakht Ishq' came and went.

"Subhaan is coming with us only to meet Stallone. To call him Stallone's fan would be an understatement. He isn't a fan, he's a fanatic. His day starts with Stallone's signature song 'Eye Of The Tiger' from 'Rocky'. He knows every trivia associated with Stallone,"Nadiadwala said.

Source: IANS

The love of Rocket Singh's life is sales: Ranbir


Ranbir Kapoor and on screen romance almost go hand in hand but his much awaited 'Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year' has no love angle. He says the film's protagonist is completely in love with sales.

"It is not a love story. The character Rocket Singh is in love with sales. It's a very simple movie," Ranbir told us.

This year Ranbir was seen with Konkona Sen Sharma in hit movie 'Wake Up Sid' and later teamed up with Katrina Kaif in romantic comedy 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani', winning the hearts of audiences.

And now comes 'Rocket Singh' in which he plays Harpreet Singh Bedi, who has just graduated with embarrassing marks. But that doesn't stop him from dreaming about an exciting career. Releasing Friday, the film has been made under the Yash Raj Films' banner.

This is the first film in which Ranbir's physical appearance has been changed for a role. He looks a typical Sikh youth complete with a turban and beard. "It was very important to feel the character first, later you automatically start living him," Ranbir said.

He said that director Shimit Amin and screenwriter Jaideep Sahni had held different workshops for the cast and the crew before starting the shoot.

"Shimit wanted to make the character as real as possible so that it doesn't look as if an actor is trying to be a sardar. Shimit and Jaideep held workshops for 30 days, not just with me but the entire cast and crew," the actor said.

But despite being a Punjabi, Ranbir's character speaks fluent Hindi. "He is Mumbai-based fourth generation sardar, so he has no influence of a Punjabi accent in his diction," Ranbir explained.

In real life too, Ranbir is half Sikh as his maternal grandparents were Sikh.

The '3 Idiots' Album


Two friends (Madhavan and Sharman Joshi) embark on a quest for a lost buddy. On this journey, they encounter a long forgotten bet, a wedding they must crash, and a funeral that goes impossibly out of control. As they make their way through the perilous landscape, another journey begins: their inner journey through memory lane and the story of their friend- the irrepressible free-thinker Rancho (Aamir Khan), who in his unique way, touched and changed their lives. It's a story of their hostel days that swings between rancho's romance with the spirited Pia (Kareena Kapoor), and his clash with and oppressive mentor, Viru Sahastrabudhhe (Boman Irani). And then one day, suddenly, Rancho vanishes...

Who was he? Where did he come from? Why did he leave?

The friend who influenced and inspired them to think creatively and independently, even as the conformist world called them three idiots. Where is the original idiot now?

Finally, in misty mountains of unparalleled beauty, the find the key to the secret.

Three Idiots is comedy of ideas that is a provocative as it is funny, as wildly entertaining as it is insightful. A laugh-riot that talks about the most important of human pursuits: self-actualization.

Source: Bollywood Hungama

New films on TV...good or bad?


New movies are increasingly being beamed to homes not long after their release, thanks to Direct To Home (DTH) television or channels buying the screening rights early. While many members of the film fraternity support the trend, saying that films nowadays don't have a long shelf life, there are some who don't.

The latest to hit the small screen is Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor-starrer 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' -- it will be shown on Colors channel as their yearender whammy.

"The satellite premiere of 'Ajab...' is happening in December end, which is two months after its theatrical release. The theatrical business nowadays is for four weeks, however successful the film," Ramesh Taurani, producer of "Ajab...", told us.

Other films that have hit small screens soon after their release are 'Blue', 'Slumdog Millionnaire', 'Kaminey' and 'What's Your Raashee?'. This new trend has evoked mixed response from filmmakers.

Said Sajid Khan: "It's definitely healthier than downloading the film on the first day of release free of cost on the Internet."

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, known for introducing new trends in the filmmaking, said: "Change is inevitable. Bend like a bamboo and you'll survive. Resist like an unyielding oak and you'll perish."

Pritish Nandy too doesn't think airing an almost new film on TV is such a bad idea.

"If distributors are okay with it, no harm done. The market defines its own compulsions and if different segments are in sync with each other, I guess it is fine," Nandy said.

"The theatrical window is in any case shrinking by the Friday as more and more films are crowding theatres. Theatres should be happy to see movies move out to give room to new ones. That's the nature of the business today," he added.

David Dhawan echoed Nandy's view and said: "Tell me, which film lasts in theatres beyond two months?"

Producer-director Harry Baweja, reeling under the losses suffered by son Hurman's debut 'Love Story 2050', too welcomes this new concept.

'Kurbaan gave a shock to the system'


Authur J Pais in New York

The pre-release excitement over Kurbaan was not sustained despite some good reviews. But writer Rensil D'Silva [inset], who makes his directorial debut with this film, says it will not be written off.

Best known for his screenplay for Rang De Basanti, D'Silva, 41, discusses films and people that have influenced him the most.

When did you fall in love with the movies?

It started with Star Wars over three decades ago. I had begged my family to take me to that movie. I was amazed to see the spectacle unfold, though my mother (a classical piano teacher) complained during the interval that she did not understand a word of it. But for me, everything in the film was magical.

Is there someone else in the family who loves movies as much as you do?

My mother's father (Walter Netto), who is 95. He used to take me to the movies, and, more importantly, discuss them with me. I saw some of the best Indian and Hollywood films because of him. He also kept a thick notebook, and from 1940 he had been entering the names of the films he had seen, with a few lines about them.

Is the notebook still around?

Very much. I began adding some of the films I had seen and wrote a few lines about them. Just to keep the tradition going. The 400-page book is almost full.


Image: A scene from Kurbaan

Bollywood's best dressed stars of 2009


Style is the heartbeat of showbiz. Year after year, Bollywood stars make their share of fashionable statements on celluloid. And this year saw no shortage of eye-catching action.

While the reigning divas and hunks continue to sparkle, young 'uns, too, showed some flair for dressing up.

Presenting 2009's Top 10 Best Dressed stars on the silver screen, in no particular order.

Kareena Kapoor

While none of her movies rose to the stature of Jab We Met this year, Kareena Kapoor surely didn't disappoint fans who favour her as Bollywood's leading fashionista.

As always, her range was stunning, diverse and effortless. Be it Kurbaan's fusion picks, Main Aur Mrs Khanna's pastel-hued femininity, Kambakkht Ishq's designer brand flamboyance or 3 Idiot's charming simplicity.

This girl sure knows how to pick an outfit and own it.


Image: Kareena Kapoor

Rocket Singh's music is no great shakes


It's one of the most fun-seeming releases in a while, and Shimit Amin's Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year is looking good. Ranbir Kapoor's in fine form, and writer Jaideep Sahni is a class act. Salim-Suleiman's soundtrack for the new film, however, has only three new tracks, the rest a smattering of random YashRaj hits.

'Main hoon bada busy/No time to even be' goes the inevitably suggestively titled Pocket Mein Rocket, penned clearly by Sahni in one of his more whimsical moods.

The song, referring to the title character's business cards in his pocket, is witty and sharp, while Salim-Suleiman give it a groove that makes it work even if you aren't listening to the clever words. The basic melody is whistle-able, and while the EMI-talk begins to sound repetitive, Benny Dayal sings it lazy enough to keep it likeable -- even though it does outstay its welcome at over four and a half minutes.

Vishal Dadlani sings the next track, Gadbadi Hadbadi. A funky track, this one's got a nice casual feel to it, and while Dadlani's vocals seem more aggressive than the song itself demands, the chorus is likeable, in a forgettable sort of way. It's a track which has riffs thrown in for the heck of it, and the kind of thing that can only work because of a good montage on screen.

Composer Salim Merchant goes one up on brother Suleiman and steps behind the microphone for Pankhon Ko, a nice soft track about taking flight and finding the wind beneath one's wings. The poetry is simple and effective, and Salim's voice is a pleasant surprise. It's the kind of dreamy song that works so well on Ranbir -- remember Iktaara from Wake Up Sid -- and ends up being an appropriately unspectacular pick of this laidback soundtrack.

Then come the free Yashraj tracks: three from Bachna Ae Haseeno -- Khuda Jaane, Lucky Boy and Jogi Mahi; three from Dil Bole Hadippa -- Hadippa, Discowale Khisko and Bhangra Bistar; two from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi -- Haule Haule and Dance Pe Chance; two from Tashan -- Dil Haara and Chhaliya; plus the Chak De India title track and Dil Laga Na from Dhoom 2 Yawwwn.

Fifteen tracks, but nothing to really make this CD worth buying. I think they released the soundtrack just for completeness' sake. One wishes they'd released tracks from the background score instead.

'I was shocked when Tanaaz, Aditi pulled my pajamas'


Raju Srivastav's comic antics could not save him from eviction from the Bigg Boss house.

This is the first time he had been nominated but the audience clearly preferred the other nominees Vindoo Dara Singh and Pravesh Rana over him.

Raju tells Rajul Hegde that it feels great getting out of Bigg Boss.

It seemed like you were not prepared to go out.

That's not true. I was mentally prepared to go out because I knew it was my turn. People have had enough of comedy, they want drama and fighting. And I was not doing that.

You were one of the most popular housemates in Bigg Boss. Why do you think the audience voted you out?

I was there for 63 days and I'm thankful to the public to keep me there so long. There have been many ups and downs in life; you can't be happy all the time. People want more aggression and arrogance on the show. Maybe that's why they saved Vindoo and Pravesh. I have no complaints because I am satisfied with the duration of my stay.

I was feeling low of late because of the verbal spats between Vindoo, Pravesh and Kamal Khan. That definitely troubled me.

You dressed like a woman for a week. Didn't that make you uncomfortable?

Nobody wished to take the hand grenade which Rohit Verma was to offer one of us. So I decided to take it up. I always wished to do things the rest wouldn't do. This task was a challenge. I decided to entertain the viewers dressed up like a woman. I tried to project rural as well as urban women. I borrowed lipstick and kajal from Poonamji (Dhillion). I had fun.

Who do you think played dirty games?

I would not like to take any names. Everyone is insecure. All of them are making mistakes and playing for money.

I want Vindoo to win because he entertains people. He has a good heart.

Would you like to go back to the house?

Yes, if I have the dates.

Tanaaz [ Images ] Irani and Aditi Govitrikar [ Images ] pulled off your pyjamas near the swimming pool, which created quite a controversy.

I was shocked. They should not have done it but I knew it was an accident, so I forgive them. I am told that the media aired the clipping and it certainly was controversial.

Sri Adhikari Brothers sent a legal notice to you when you were inside the house. Can you talk about that?

They are launching a channel later in the month and I am doing shows for them. No dates were decided when I entered the house. I had informed them that Bigg Boss would wind up towards the end of the month.

Spotted: Mallika Sherawat in Los Angeles


Reader Abhinav Shrivastava bumped into Mallika Sherawat [ Images ] in Los Angeles. He sends us a picture.

Paa, on the cover of a magazine


Seems like Amitabh Bachchan's gangly dance in his just released movie Paa is fast catching on.

The actor and his son Abhishek, who also stars in the movie, made the cover of Hi Blitz magazine, which they unveiled on Monday in Mumbai.

Directed by R Balki, the film relates the story of a 13-year-old boy played by Amitabh, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder progeria that causes a person to age faster than normal.

Image: Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan
Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar

Spotted: Nana Patekar in Goa


Reader Sushil Gupta's friend Dinesh met Nana Patekar [ Images ] in Goa [ Images ], where the actor was holidaying.

Now you can read Lage Raho Munna Bhai

Three years after it released to much applause and became a huge blockbuster, Lage Raho Munna Bhai's screenplay is now available on stands.

Director Rajkumar Hirani, producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra and cast members Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi and Vidya Balan launched the screenplay on Monday, giving audiences a better feel of the film.

We present an excerpt from the book.


At the Dhobi Ghat, Munna sits on a wooden plank that's placed over the water. His legs dangle in the water. It is raining heavily and Munna is soaked. He is quiet and looks defeated. Circuit stands in front of him with an umbrella. He speaks remorsefully.

Circuit: Sorry, Bhai. Bhai, apne se mistake ho gaya, Bhai. Apne ko phone karna chaahiye tha tumko. Bhai, apun bola tumko disturb kaiko karega? Chhota sa kaam hai, apun hai na kaam sambhalne ke liye.

Munna does not respond, shattered.

Circuit: Bhai, mood kyun kharaab karta hai, Bhai?

Munna looks up, angry and intense.

Circuit: Jaane doh na abhi. (Assures) Bhai, main samajhaayega, bhabhi ko samajhaayega. Koi tension nahin, Bhai. Aap fikr mat...

Suddenly, Munna gets up and slaps Circuit hard on the face. The umbrella falls. Munna grabs Circuit by his collar and yells.

Munna: Kya samajhaayega usse? Kya samajhaayega usse? Ki apun ek bhai hai? Yeh samajhaayega?

Munna shoves Circuit. He falls down.

Munna: Ek kaam bhi theek se nahin kar sakta, saala!

Munna turns and walks away, wading through water, towards his house. The fallen umbrella is whisked away by the strong breeze. Circuit gets up slowly, nursing his cheek. He just stands there shell-shocked and sobs.

Excerpted from Lage Raho Munna Bhai - The Original Screenplay, Om Books International, with the publisher's permission.

Sunday, November 15

'I miss my Ghajini body'


Aamir Khan looks good with Kareena Kapoor; the new promos of 3 Idiots' song Zoobie Doobie prove that. And when the actors promoted the number at a press meet, they looked very comfortable with each other.

Aamir tells Patcy N what to expect from the song, and the Rajkumar Hirani film. Read on.

You have crossed 40. But you're still playing a college student.

When this film was offered to me, I had told Raju (Rajkumar Hirani) and Vinod (Vidhu Vinod Chopra, producer) that they were taking a dangerous decision; that I won't be able to play a college student. But Raju told me that the character Rancho was like me. We argued a lot on this. But I had liked the story. Plus, Raju and I wanted to work with each other.

Two days before the shoot started in Bangalore, I even called Raju and Vinod and told them that they could change their decision. But they didn't want to.

Raju told me that when I did Sarfarosh, nobody thought I could pull off the role of an ACP (Assistant Commissioner of Police), or that I could play a tapori in Rangeela. Nobody thought I could play a villager in Lagaan or have a physique like that in Ghajini. So he said that I had taken up these challenges in the past, and should take up another challenge. Plus, I had already worked on my body to look younger and leaner.

It's a challenge for an actor to do different kinds of characters like playing an 80 year old man or a woman. So I have taken up the challenge now and will wait for the audience reaction.


Image: Kareena Kapoor and Aamir Khan in Zoobie Doobie song from 3 Idiots

I would prefer a son like Abhishek: Vidya


Mumbai, Nov 15 (IANS) Vidya Balan, who plays Amitabh Bachchan's mother in 'Paa', was so impressed by Abhishek's caring behaviour towards his father during the shooting that she confesses she would like to have a son like Abhishek in real life.

'I would prefer a son like Abhishek. I have seen him with his father on the sets... he was so nice to his father that I was touched,' Vidya told reporters here Saturday.


Director R. Balakrishnan's 'Paa' is an emotional story of a father-son relationship and Amitabh will be seen as Abhishek's 13-year-old son Auro who is suffering from a rare disease progeria, that accelerates ageing. The film releases Dec 4.


'The film is all about Auro and all through the film there is a certain sensibility about Auro, but no sympathy is shown towards the 13-year-old progeric child in the film,' said Vidya.


When the director approached her for the role, she wasn't sure about playing the mother of a progeric child. 'Initially, I wondered how to do the role as I didn't have that motherly instinct. But while working on the film I realised what motherhood is,' said Vidya.


She says playing Amitabh's mother wasn't difficult at all. 'I was a bit concerned initially but it was smooth sail once we started working together.'


Asked if it wasn't a risk to play a mother so early in her career, she said: 'I didn't see any risk, rather it was a lifetime opportunity to get to work in such a wonderful film.'

'Ajab Prem is a slap on people's faces'


Syed Firdaus Ashraf in Mumbai
When you enter director Rajkumar Santoshi's office in Versova, north-west Mumbai, you don't see any posters of his latest hit, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.

Posters of his early films -- Ghayal, Damini, Barsaat and Andaz Apna Apna -- are showcased next to a portrait of Che Guevara, the Argentine doctor who became an icon of revolutionaries everywhere.

Santoshi was written off after consecutive failures -- Family: Ties of Blood (2006) and Halla Bol (2008) -- but has bounced back with his Ranbir Kapoor-Katrina Kaif starrer.

The director spoke to Syed Firdaus Ashraf about the highs of lows of his career.

Did you expect such a good response for Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani?

I knew people would like it, especially youngsters. When we edit and watch the trial, we come to know. But no one can predict the response. The film had a lot of innocence.

How has the attitude of the movie industry changed after this success?

The corporate people are calling me now!

Artistes have always respected my work. As far as the trade is concerned, it changes every Friday. I don't go to parties or meet stars other than the ones I am working with.

I am an introvert. I don't like to hang around with people without purpose because I don't drink. That's another problem. How many Cokes can I have in a party?

What kept you away from romantic comedies despite the success of Andaz Apna Apna?

I go by my own emotions and pick subjects that inspire me. When I made my first film Ghayal with Sunny Deol, it was a phenomenal success. But I did not make another action film after that. I made a heroine-oriented film, Damini. Then I made Andaz Apna Apna. If you see my career graph, it's always been like this.

I did Lajja, a woman-oriented film, and Khakee, a police thriller. I never repeat myself; I don't like doing that. I always want to explore new territories; that gives me a high.

Comedy, of course, comes naturally to me. But I don't want to cash on it. There was a lot of pressure on me to do a sequel to Andaz Apna Apna, but I didn't.


Image: A scene from Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani. Inset: Rajkumar Santoshi.

I don't know how to cook: Karisma Kapoor

Mumbai, Nov 15 (IANS) Karisma Kapoor, a self-confessed foodie who is expecting her second child, confesses that she doesn't know how to cook.

'I don't know how to cook. I just know how to eat everything, as I love food. I can only make tea, coffee and omelettes,' Karisma told IANS.


The actress has a four-year-old daughter with businessman husband Sanjay Kapur and says she loves good food but she is one of those actresses who has always flaunted a svelte figure.


Asked if she was into dieting, the 35-year-old said: 'I am not into exhaustive drastic dieting or anything.'


The actress, who took a sabbatical from the big screen after her wedding in 2003, hopes to have a second innings in the film world in future.


'I am hoping to get back to work and reach out to audiences,' she said.

Tum Mile is engaging


CommentIn Tum Mile, there's a thin metaphor to be found. Relationships are like the environment, messing with both leads to natural disasters. Only it's so vaguely highlighted, you won't give the nature bit much thought.

Even though the backdrop is a real one, the nightmarish rains of July 26, 2005 which led to massive loss of life and property in Mumbai [ Images ]. But then that all it is, a dramatic backdrop on the side, not the nucleus of director Kunal Deshmukh's second film, which alternates between a poignant flashback and action-packed present.

This fluctuating mood is also the greatest disservice to the movie, which gives the impression of being a Twister-kind of disaster flick, tries hard to ape Titanic [ Images ] (to the extent of lifting a scene) but follows the narrative in the tradition of Gulzar's [ Images ] Ijaazat.

And so, what, in fact, absorbs your attention is the breezy, effortless chemistry between two very unlikely personalities -- Emraan Hashmi [ Images ] and Soha Ali Khan [ Images ]. He lends her softness, while she brings him sophistication.

The duo play Akshay, a middle-class Indian student studying art in Cape Town and Sanjana [ Images ], a wealthy girl writing articles on eco-awareness for a youth magazine, sharing a unique sensitivity if not the same social strata.

Their romance reveals itself through numerous nostalgic moments experienced by present-day Akshay, now a toy-comic book developer and Sanjana, a features writer in a Mumbai-based magazine, when they bump into each other, on an exceptionally wet day of Mumbai, several years after their split.

What's amazing is how their story and affection unfolds. The viewer feels the stifling iciness between the two in the first scene. Initially, she's a bit condescending while he's mostly awkward, which is easily believable for not all couples part as friends.

Then as the story rewinds, we are familiarised to how they met, dated, began living-in, got intimate only to experience the not so pleasant side of a man-woman relationship.

Despite the rich-poor stereotype, Deshmukh handles the frustrations and conflicts between two strong-willed, independent individuals with astounding realism. No 'khandaan ki naak neechi kar di' screeching daddies to be found. No theatrical outbursts concerning the male ego and his penniless pockets. The issues -- her tendency to mildly control him or him refusing to communicate his thoughts to her or prioritising one's career over one's personal life are comfortably relatable.

The finely nuanced moments between the two aided by Pritam's [ Images ] fabulous soundtrack and Deshmukh's deft direction are the winning elements of Tum Mile. It's only when the story shifts to a round of forced-adventure in the monsoon-cursed streets of Mumbai, a sense of exaggeration begins to build up not to forget a ridiculously abrupt climax.

While occurrences like human chains, blocked car doors, crying school kids, water-logged roads, drowned vehicles, crashing trees and power outage draw inspiration from true-life, they are employed like mere gimmicks to bring in some VFX-enthused thrills. The special effects, while not world-class, do an adequate job of recreating an imagery of deluge.

Ultimately, though, Tum Mile's true strength lies in the combined appeal and compelling performances of Emraan and Soha. Awe-inspiring it is not but engaging? By all means.

Should Ranbir Kapoor star in Kaminey 2?


Often sequels result in a change of stars even if the main order remains undisturbed. It adds a new zing to the franchise while retaining its original feel.

And so while it's confirmed that Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham will feature in Dostana 2, Priyanka Chopra bids adieu to make way for, reportedly, Kareena Kapoor or Katrina Kaif.

Also, remember Dhoom 2, which had Hrithik Roshan stepping into the anti-hero shoes of Dhoom's John Abraham?

Here's looking at a wish-list of possible sequels and the stars we'd like to see cast in them:

Kaminey 2

Shahid Kapur and Priyanka Chopra's twins grow up to tell their own story. How about Ranbir Kapoor channeling his inglorious side this time around? It would be a welcome break from all the endearing Sids and Prems, no?

Tuesday, November 10

Shahid Kapoor plays Santa to Ahmad Khans' sons


Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) Choreographer-turned-director Ahmad Khan says he can't thank his friend Shahid Kapoor enough for fulfilling a long-cherished dream of his children.

'I had been promising my two sons Azaan and Subhan a trip to Disneyland for months. Earlier, when we shot in the US for Yash Raj Films' 'Bachna Ae Haseeno', I kept hoping there would be time. But I couldn't manage to get away. But this time Shahid made sure it happened,' Khan, who is back from the US after shooting for a song with his best friend Shahid, told IANS.

Shahid not only ensured that Ahmad wrapped up his work as quickly as possible, he made all the arrangements for his friend, his wife Saira and two sons to take off for Disneyland.

'And why not?' said Khan defensively. 'Shahid and I are childhood friends. Before my mother held my sons, Shahid took them in his arms. So it's perfectly natural for him to look out for me and my family.


'Out of the one month I spent in the US only 12 days were devoted to shooting the song. It wasn't even a dance song. It was a concept number showing the hero and his friends splurging and bingeing all over the US.

'We shot at casinos and at various pleasure and tourist spots in Philadelphia, Orlando, New York, New Jersey and Chicago,' said Khan who choreographed Shahid in the recently hit song 'Dhan te nan' from 'Kaminey'.

Shahid is also featuring in Khan's directorial debut 'Pathshala'. The first time director says that the actor's role is similar to Aamir Khan's in 'Taare Zameen Par'.

'In a two-hour long film, Shahid is there for an hour... he's there for 55 minutes. His role is like Aamir Khan's in 'Taare Zameen Par'. He comes in mid-way and yes, he's the teacher. Both Shahid and I have decided to focus on the kids in the marketing rather than on Shahid

Saif Kareena Romance Fuels Buzz for 'Kurbaan'


All eyes are now on Rensil D'Silva's 'Kurbaan', which is all set to release soon. The buzz surrounding the movie has mostly to do with its lead pair, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, who have been romantically cast opposite each other for the first time. They have done films like 'Tashan' and 'LOC' before this, but have never been cast opposite each other.

'Kurbaan' will be the first film where the real life lovers will also play reel life lovers. But unlike most Hindi films, the romance in this movie is not the frivolous kind but instead is intense and emotional, something which made the actors draw out from within themselves, emotions and feelings, which perhaps lay buried deep within. The film also stars Vivek Oberoi and its promos also manage to convey the intense mood of the movie. 'Kurbaan' has been written by Rensil and is set in the United States, against a backdrop of terrorism. It seems that story is about the protagonists who turn to terrorism after a series of unfortunate incidents that happen to them. But Rensil is very sure that he is not glorifying terrorism and that is what made Saif accept the role. He was bowled over by the script and which is why both he and Kareena agreed to do the movie. The couple will next be seen together in Saif's home production, 'Agent Vinod'. In fact, that is the only film which Saif will be working on for a while. Kareena, on the other hand, will be busy with the shooting of 'Stepmother' as well. She will also be awaiting the release of Raju Hirani's '3 Idiots' which has her starring opposite Aamir Khan for the first time.

Emraan to shed serial kisser image


Emraan Hashmi, whose next venture 'Tum Mile' with Soha Ali Khan is set to hit the theaters this Friday, described his role in the film as one of the best in his acting career.

"For me it's one of the best roles of my career. It's something that comes only once or probably couple of times in an actor's career. Acting in 'Tum Mile' was an incentive for me," Hashmi told reporters.

"It's (serial kisser tag) something that I have been wanting to change for a long time. I think I'm inching towards it. I definitely want the audience to look beyond that image," Hashmi, often dubbed as Bollywood's 'Serial Kisser', said.

"And films like 'Tum Mile' will definitely change that for me. The role in the film is something new for me as compared to other characters I have played before," Hashmi added.

Talking about the storyline of the film, Hashmi said, "Tum Mile is a love story which would definitely change the way we see romance in Bollywood. It's not a traditional filmy kind of romance on screen. I think it's a very honest script."

"It's something that all youngsters or anyone who has been in love or about to fall in love will relate to," Hashmi added.

Praising the work done by the lead pair of the film, Bhatt said, "Emraan has given one of his best performances. He makes a brilliant transition from being referred to as a 'Serial Kisser' in this film."

"Soha will really shock all of you with her performance in the film which will make you feel that why the hell you underestimated this pretty talented actor," he added.

Soha, who was last seen in Sonu Sood, Kunal Khemu starrer, 'Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge', said, "The character is close to my heart. Tum Mile is an opportunity to present my passionate side to the audience," Soha said.

'If I'm allowed to wear a bikini, I'll do soaps!'


Sherlyn Chopra is full of surprises.
First off, she comes across as a rather shy and quiet girl on Bigg Boss, which is at odds with her bold and sassy image from her music videos and bikini shots.

The Outrageous singer, who got eliminated from the house, dispelled many such notions about her during a very entertaining chat on Monday. For those who missed the chat, here's what transpired.

Sherlyn Chopra says, Hi guys and girls. Glad to be here with you all. Shoot your questions.

sam asked, hi , how was your exp at Big boss, and what do you think of krk, do you belive him that he actually quit bcoz of you
Sherlyn Chopra answers, I felt neglected and rejected most of the time. I made friends with Kamal thinking that he was hilarious but later realised he is the kind of guy for whom TRP mattered more than humanity.

chandu asked, Hi Sherlyn, chandu here. very sad that you evicted from Bigboss. u maintained your dignity in the house. i was wishing you to see you more. what say?
Sherlyn Chopra answers, Hi Chandu. Thanks a ton for your affection. Honestly speaking I wasn't mentally prepared to leave the house. I was beginning to gel with the housemates and it was sad to know that they thought of me as a fake person.

bigguy asked, hi, how is life after bigboss
Sherlyn Chopra answers, Amazing! There are interesting offers pouring in. Thanks to the exposure on Colors.

vindoo asked, How is Shamita as a person?
Sherlyn Chopra answers, Well from what I could see, it was clear that she is hyper-sensitive, tears come to her at the drop of a hat.

varvind4 asked, hi sherlyn...i like your name..what does it mean
Sherlyn Chopra answers, Hi dear. I choose to believe it is the name of a Greek goddess.

hiitsanand asked, what are your upcoming projects
Sherlyn Chopra answers, This month I will be performing for the Mumbai Police Force followed by an exciting never seen before show for a major entertainment channel.

sanjay4ever asked, Hi Are u aware of ,Raju was flirting with u.
Sherlyn Chopra answers, Do you really think so? Most of the time I could not comprehend his comedy, especially the punches.

When a bus sealed music director Pritam's fate


CommentA pair of twin flats on the seventh floor of a housing society in Oshiwara, Mumbai [ Images ], is music director Pritam Chakraborty's office, residence and hi-tech studio all rolled into one. As I wait to meet him in the guest room, actor Akshay Kumar (wearing red trousers) comes by with director Priyadarshan.

"Not every star comes for music sittings," says Pritam, "but this is Akshay's home production, Khatta Meetha, so he is more serious."

Pritam has been in the Bollywood music business just eight years, but is already Mumbai's busiest music director. The two cabinets in the room where we are sitting are almost filled with trophies. So I ask, when will another cabinet be required

Pritam is modest: "Yes, there are some trophies. But actually I have not received any major award so far. I am yet to get a Filmfare Award. I got two Zee Cine Awards but those were for two songs, not for the entire album."

Becoming a music director was never part of his plan, or even a dream, Pritam says. Music was a hobby and Pritam thought it would remain just that, jamming with Bengali bands being the only high point of that interest. He was briefly part of a popular Bengali rock band called Chandrabindoo.

In fact, Pritam enrolled himself in a master's course in a science subject, simultaneously sitting for job-related exams. "One day I bought a thin brochure. It was about various entrance exams. There, the Film and Television Institute of India [ Images ] [FTII] exam was also mentioned. It sounded interesting," recalls Pritam, lighting a cigarette.

The FTII entrance exam, though, coincided with a job exam that Pritam's parents wanted him to sit for. "I was standing [next to] a Kolkata bus stop with the two admission cards, sipping tea from a roadside stall and wondering what to do. For the FTII I had to go to south Kolkata, and the job exam centre was at College Street in the north. The southbound bus came first, and my fate was sealed," he says, grinning through his beard.

Those three years at FTII, Pritam says, shaped his career and gave him a sense of the film industry. Even so, he doubts the FTII diploma had much to do with his success as music director. In this industry, he explains, one learns on the job.

Today, Pritam says, everything about his life is like "a midsummer night's dream". "I saw Sunny Deol's Samundar three times, bunking tuition classes for R D Burman's music," he confesses. "Now, I feel strange that I am actually talking to Sunny Deol. Honestly, at times I can't connect to the reality that I am meeting people like Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan..."

In 2009, Pritam has 17 films releasing, compared to 15 in 2008 and 12 in 2007. Pritam says his days aren't about adhering to rigid schedules. Though he is under tremendous pressure, there are days when Pritam prefers to just sit at home. Sometimes Pritam confesses to having sleepless nights.

"One thing that has definitely happened over the years -- my health has deteriorated. Now I am planning to take better care of my body and slow down a bit. There are no Sundays in my life," says Pritam, a chain-smoker who recently had to cancel a trip to the USA on account of sudden chest pain.

Until a few years ago, music director-singer Himmesh Reshammiya's nasal voice was all over popular FM radio stations and in nightclubs. A R Rahman generally sings one song in each of his albums. Pritam, unlike his peers, has sung in just three films. He "can't sing very well", he says. One or two songs are fine, but not more.

"I can't stand my own voice, so how can I expect other people to like it?" Pritam says, self-effacingly. The song is more important than him singing it: if Pritam has someone in mind while composing, then he goes the extra mile to call that singer. "When I was composing 'Tum Se Hi' (for Jab We Met), I could hear Mohit Chauhan's [ Images ] voice in it. But he was untraceable at that time. I had to wait for a month to find him and record the song."

Times have certainly changed for Pritam. He may now own plush Mumbai real estate, but he comes from a modest background. Back home in Kolkata, Pritam recalls, before every monsoon he would have to help his father repair the asbestos roof to prevent leaks. He wants to hold on to that same Pritam Chakraborty of Presidency College.

"I have forcefully tried not to change myself at all. You never know (about) tomorrow. O P Nayyar died in dire circumstances. An actor who was a superstar just five years ago doesn't have any work now. In this profession, it is really difficult to predict kal kya hoga. One should not take money and fame seriously," he says, reflectively, looking out the window as he speaks.

In the middle of our conversation, Pritam receives a message from the owner of T-Series, Bhushan Kumar, who says that he is coming to meet him. At the same time, his sister peeps in to say that lunch is ready. Pritam juggles both while sharing with me his unhappiness over the fact that radio jockeys do not announce music director's names while playing their music.
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