Bollywood Next

Reliance Buys Karzzz!

2008-06-16T05:00:00.001+05:30

After investing $1 billion in Hollywood projects, Reliance BIG Entertainment (RBE) is expanding its footprint in India as well. It has acquired theatrical and other rights of T. Series' much talked about film 'Karzzz' for Rs.350 million.

RBE has bought the world theatrical, satellite and Internet rights for the film. This is apparently the highest price the movie starring composer-turned-actor Himesh Reshammiya has got so far.

The movie is shot on a lavish scale and T. Series reportedly spent Rs.280 million on its production. 'Karzzz' is the first of a three-movie deal Reshammiya had recently signed with the company for an undisclosed amount.

Apart from the Rs.350 million, T. Series is expected to earn at least Rs.250 million more from TV and other rights.

'Karzzz' is a re-make of Subhash Ghai's hit of the same name that was released in the early 1980s.

Indra Kumar, who delivered a number of hits in the late 1980s, has directed 'Karzzz' and his daughter Shweta Kumar makes her debut in it, playing the female lead opposite Reshammiya.

The cast includes Urmila Matondkar, Danny Denzongpa, Gulshan Grover and Raj Babbar.

Source: IANS

Mere Baap Pehle Aap - Inconsistent All Through

2008-06-16T04:25:00.002+05:30

What happens when a naughty kid gets hold of a ball of wool? He rolls it open and swathes it around the entire house, creating a terrific mess of complicated entanglements and accident-prone tripping zones.

Quite a few of Priyadarshan's comedies resemble such a scenario. They are insanely chaotic, and, more often than not, lead to nowhere. That wouldn't really be a valid crib if one got a few laughs and entertained in the process.

Mere Baap Pehle Aap kickstarts with a bikini-clad Mumait Khan soaking in the sun and sand, in the company of a dozen other equally under-dressed nymphs providing drool material for a lustful Om Puri and his tacky wig. It's like the makers decided to pack in as much forced hotness possible, in the first five minutes of the movie itself.

The next twenty minutes involve a salacious Puri convince his dough-kneading best buddy Paresh Rawal to help him bride-hunt who hasn't reached her 'expiry date'. Predictably, the mission goes kaput and they get in trouble with She-Cop [Archana Puran Singh, who else?]. Even as you recover from Singh's volley of bawdy metaphors, Akshaye Khanna comes to the rescue. And I mean that so literally [and gratefully]. The feeling doesn't last too long. Before you know it he's mouthing his own share of 'Bhains ki bachis!'

What's worse is that this entire caught 'n' rescued sequence is repeated thrice and in quick succession. Aesthetics, clearly, have no place in Priyadarshan's latest madness, said to be inspired by Malayalam flick, Ishtam. Having said that, Mere Baap Pehle Aap isn't a complete goner, either.

There are moments when you slip into your seat, comfortably viewing the effortless and endearing chemistry between Paresh Rawal and Akshaye Khanna, playing an unconventional father-son pair. Paresh Rawal plays the perfectly adorable and compliant daddy to Akshaye's admonishing, authoritarian son. Besides exuding mutual warmth and taking well-timed cues, both the actors give each other respectful space, all of which is palpable on and off-screen.

Oddly, the significance of its title --son marrying off widower father to estranged childhood sweetheart [Shobana looking elegant as ever and clad in gorgeous saris. Too bad she's only required to frown or sob through the film] -- is realised alarmingly late in the film.

On the positive side that provides the romantic track, between Akshaye and the disarmingly lovely Genelia D'Souza, ample screen space to bloom convincingly. As evident in the super-duper Telugu rom-com, Bommarillu, Genelia, besides her apparent cuteness, brings in tons of freshness and traits to the youthful characters she chooses to play.

Speaking of characters, Om Puri is grossly miscast in a role tailor-made for Johnny Lever. The actor known for his electrifying performances takes the standard of hamming to an altogether unexplored level here. And you thought he has done it all in Buddha Mar Gaya. Also, whose idea was it to take so many unflattering close-ups of the guy?

The problem with Mere Baap Pehle Aap is its stubborn display of inconsistency.

It starts off like a B-grade version of Basu Chatterjee's Shaukeen, changes into a crazy game of Chinese Whispers, develops into a feel-good tale of a father-son and his fun-loving girlfriend, detours to do some heavy-duty Kerala tourism only to drastically meander into a old-fashioned social melodrama followed by a proverbial 'kahani mein twist'.

Summer 2007- Movie Review

2008-06-16T04:16:00.002+05:30

If you liked Rang De Basanti, there's a chance you may like Summer 2007. The film does not pack in patriotism, nor does it boast of stars. But it has a touch of humanity, and a noble story.

Summer 2007 opens with a peasant putting himself on fire -- depicting the Vidarbha farmers' mass suicide. The scene cuts to three medical students, smoking a joint on a hill, and chatting -- they are the typically rich friends, with no big worries in life.

The gang of five friends -- Rahul Sharma (Sikander Kher), Qateel (Arjan Bajwa), Bagani (Alekh Sangal), Vishakha (Gul Panag) and Priyanka (Yuvika Chowdhary) -- are indifferent to the world around them, and remain absorbed in their lives.

After an incident in college, the five pack their bags and head to a village for their rural internship. For them, this is really a vacation. And then, reality strikes.

As soon as they reach the rural service centre, an entire family of farmers poison themselves. Rahul and his friends cannot believe what goes on in the villages. They try to escape to Goa, but instead, they're dragged further and further into the farmers' tragedies.

Like Woodstock Villa, Sikandar's acting is amateurish in Summer 2007. Gul Panag and Yuvika do well. Ashutosh Rana shows his versatility yet again.

Except for a song picturised on Sikandar and Yuvika, there aren't many songs in the film. But the music is pleasant and in sync with the film.

Debutant director Suhain Tatari does a fairly good job in making the film gripping, and laying down the hard facts. But he seems too inspired from Rang De Basanti , and should try something new next time.

Summer 2007 is a hard-hitting film, but it would have worked even better if it had a good climax.

Rani Plays Cricket

2008-06-16T04:15:00.000+05:30

After playing an angel in "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic", actress Rani Mukerji is all set to do another unconventional role - she plays a cricketer in Yash Raj Films' next venture and is busy practising on the field!

"I don't know if any actress has played a cricketer before. But I'm playing one for sure. In fact, I've been learning cricket regularly on the field for the past two months. I can most certainly play the game convincingly now, though not as good as professionals yet. It's a very big challenge for me," Rani told IANS from her swanky new home here.

So is she equipped to join the Indian Premier League now (IPL) now?

"I don't know about that. But I'm definitely enjoying it. My practical sessions are on in full swing."

She will also for the first time be paired opposite Shahid Kapur in the film that will be directed by debutant Anurag Singh.

Rani says she is hungry for new roles. "At this stage of my career I feel I need new challenges. When Kunal Kohli offered me an angel's role, I was kicked. I don't now of any actress who has played an angel before.

"Also, for the first time I was playing a character who couldn't cry. Now they can stop saying Rani cries so much in all her films. It was pretty cool to play a character who actually doesn't know how to cry and who had to fly around like Hrithik (Roshan) in 'Krrish'."

Being suspended on a harness, she says, was not easy.

"It required a lot of physical strength to assume the correct 'flying' posture on the harness. I guess it'd be equally difficult for me to look convincing as a cricketer. But I'm glad to be doing work with challenges."

So is she ok working with a first-time director?

"It isn't as if I haven't worked with new directors before. I was in Shaad Ali's first film 'Saathiya', remember? And Kunal Kohli started his career with me in 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge'," she quipped.

After an angel and a cricketer what would Rani like to play?

"Maybe an astronaut like Kalpana Chawla. And I'd also love to play a doctor. I've never done that before. Come to think of it I've never worked with Shahid Kapur before either. I'm doing so now."

Isn't there a danger of her being branded a resident Yash Raj heroine since all her recent films have been with that banner alone?

"Why? Wasn't 'Saawariya' with Sanjay Leela Bhansali? And if Yash Raj is making some of the best films in our country why should I keep out just because people are talking?

"Incidentally, my marriage date Feb 10 (as reported by some media) has come and gone. Would mediapersons like to set another date for me so I can start getting my trousseau ready?"

Source:Indo-Asian News Service

The Un Usual Pair!

2008-06-16T04:08:00.000+05:30

Gee, what a pair! But there you have it. 'Saawariya' star Ranbir Kapoor is all set to star opposite the twice National awarding winning Konkona Sen Sharma in a film that will be produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Production.

This highly unorthodox confluence of a Punjabi heir-apparent and the Bengali bohemian is being directed by Ayaan Mukherjee who's a cousin of Kajol. Ayaan has assisted Ashutosh Gowariker in Swades and Karan Johar in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.

Says a source, "It wasn't so much because Ayaan was Karan's pal, Kajol's cousin. It had more to do with Ayaan's script than anything else that clinched the deal. The minute Karan read it he fell in love with it."

But aren't Ranbir and Konkona coming together like the synthesis of Venus and Mars? "That's exactly the point. In this Mumbai-based romance about urban relationships, the director needed a pair that seems incompatible. The film is about seeking a level of compatibility in a world gone distinctly out of control."

Apparently, when Ranbir and Konkona heard the script, they immediately fell in love with the script. Now all they've to do is fall in love with one another on screen.

Source: Bollywood Hungama

Salman Is the Real King!

2008-06-16T04:04:00.002+05:30

Who is the real King Khan?

If TV ratings are anything to go by, it is Salman and not Shah Rukh! And Sallu has bested the Bollywood Badshah by a decent margin.

The game show he hosts on Sony, ‘Dus ka Dum’, was the numero uno on the first day, according to Amap’s six metro ratings. The show garnered an average TVR of 2.81 and a peak rating of 4.5. Shah Rukh’s show in Star Plus, ‘Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez hai?’ came a distant second with an average rating of 1.37 TVR and a peak rating of 2.3. ‘Paanchvi Paas’, which had begun much earlier, got punched on the chin by the IPL cricket in the beginning and has now been mopped by a muscular Sallu. Amap, a TAM rival, is a widely followed TV-rating agency.

‘Dus ka Dum’ was launched on June 6. Hrithik Roshan’s ‘Junoon — Kuch Kar Dikhane Ka’, launched on the same day in NDTV Imagine, managed only an average TVR of 0.76; the peak rating was 1.1, much less than that of the one hosted by Shatrughan Sinha in Star One, ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge 4’. On day two of DKD, Salman Khan reigned supreme with an average TVR of 2.27 and a peak rating of 3.5 TVR. ‘Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez hai?’ also picked up with the ratings.

What makes Salman’s show a success? Industry watchers say there is a novelty value in seeing him on the small screen, unlike Shah Rukh and Hrithik who have come on and off. Salman’s immense popularity with Indian households is also a factor.

His followers say it is the positive energy and cheer that he brings to the table that makes all the difference.Drawn on the lines of the US game show, ‘Power of 10’, ‘Dus ka Dum’ gives the contestants an opportunity to win Rs10 crore, the biggest prize money (to date) on Indian television, by answering just five questions. The contestant has to predict what would be the opinion of the Indian people. The prize money starts from Rs10,000. Thereafter wins grow by the power of 10 and losses shrink by the power of ten.

Salman Khan, it is believed, will cost Sony around Rs 90 crore. Akshay Kumar, though he is contracted for a single 16-episode season of 'Khatron Ke Khiladi’ (a ‘Fear Factor’ take-off) for Colors, the yet-to-be-launched channel, will be charging around Rs 15 crore-20 crore. Akshay will be starting off with 13 women celebrities.

Why are these channels running behind Bollywood stars? Aren’t they too expensive for the whims of the Idiot Box? Says Colours CEO Rajesh Kamat: “It is one way of cutting through the clutter and getting into Indian homes quickly.” That was just what happened to Star Plus, whose fortunes changed all of a sudden with Amitabh Bachchan’s mega hit ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’.

On the flip side, telly success has eluded most Bollywood bigwigs, including Anupam Kher, Manisha Koirala and Govinda. Shah Rukh-hosted KBC also had to flash a sad “The End”.

Source: India Syndicate

When Saif and Karena Played the Game!

2008-06-15T11:42:00.002+05:30

Katrina Rubbishes The rumors!

2008-06-15T11:39:00.003+05:30

Being linked with Akshay Kumar has upset Katrina Kaif for a while now. The latest rumour doing the rounds is that Akshay refused to answer her calls in Bangkok, when the duo attended the IIFA awards. This time, Katrina has refused to keep quiet.

She not only rubbished the reports but also released a press statement to end the controversy.

"People need to stop imagining so much," Katrina said in the statement. "This is pure imagination on someone's part. Akshay came in for the show in the night and left immediately as he had a flight to catch.

"I had dinner with Twinkle and her friends. My mother was with me as well. So what is with these stories?" she asked.

Katrina, who was voted as Sexiest Women in the World by FHM magazine, clearly wants to move on.

Bikini Babes

2008-06-11T08:51:00.002+05:30

Asin Arrives in Bollywood

2008-06-11T08:48:00.003+05:30

This South Indian Star has arrived in bollywood , She will be seen in Aamir Khan's Ghajini and then will be starring along with Salman and Ajay in a movie called London Dreams, and is expected to sign a Priyadarshan Movie too.

Mallika The Mistress!

2008-06-11T08:44:00.003+05:30

What is Mallika Sherawat up to these days? Well no one actually knows, But the news is that Mallika hates when people have unpleasant behavior on the sets. Everyone including the directors are forewarned not to scream and shout at the junior artists and technicians. Seems like the sexy lass has taken up cudgels to fight the assistants' cause!

Sunny busy again!

2008-06-11T08:40:00.004+05:30

Thought you could write him off? think again. Sunny is looking his best these days and plans to return with a vengeance. Sunny Deol is all set to hold the directorial baton, wear the producer's cap and don the acting costume too. The bottom line is that the actor has decided to get busy again. And what is interesting is the kind of movies he is part of now, from the action packed movies he has acted in he is moving over to the multiplex audience. Gues sunny is all set to become a cool dude.

Mehbooba sees the light of the Day

2008-06-11T08:36:00.005+05:30

In recent times, billboards and trailers of a film called Mehbooba have been all across town and the media. Starring Ajay Devgan,Sanjay Dutt and Manisha Koirala, the film was made ages ago. While none of the actors want to speak about it- Even though they all look much younger in the movie, The makers of the movie have gone all out and ensured that the movie hits the screen, Even if all this has taken 9 long years to happen.

Shamita Shetty UpSkirt!

2008-06-11T08:36:00.002+05:30

Lisa Ray- The Hot Babe

2008-06-10T21:39:00.002+05:30

Lage Raho Munna Bhai Steals the Show!!

2008-06-10T21:37:00.002+05:30

It was Bollywood's day at the National Awards Tuesday with 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' bagging four awards, Konkona Sen Sharma getting best supporting actress for 'Omkara' and Madhur Bhandarkar being tagged best director for 'Traffic Signal'.

The National Award for best feature film has gone to the Malayalam film 'Pulijanmam'. Veteran Bengali thespian Soumitra Chatterjee got the award for best actor for his role in 'Podokkhep' while Tamil cinema's Priyamani got the best actress award for 'Paruthi Veeran'.

'Lage Raho Munnabhai' won the National Award for best screenplay, best lyricist, best supporting actor and best popular film providing wholesome entertainment.

National awards were not announced after 2005, as per the Supreme Court directions in connection with the controversies erupted over the award selection in that year.

According to reports, Priyamani has been selected as the best actress for her stunning performance in the film 'Paruthiveeran'. The 2006 award for best Malayalam film went to the film 'Drishtantham’ directed by M P Sukumaran Nair. The reports said that the film `Lage Raho Munna Bhai’ won the award for the most popular film in 2006. The awards were decided by a committee chaired by Bangali director Budhadeb Gupta.

Source: India Syndicate/ IANS

Jaane Tu..Ya Jaane Na- Preview

2008-06-10T21:34:00.000+05:30

Rotlu. Jiggy, Bombs and Shaleen offer to tell Mala the tale of Jai and Aditi - a match made in the pastry shop of heaven - Mala is convinced that she is in for yet another love story with heavy doses of emotions... and a climax at the airport.

And indeed, 'Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na' is all of that. And more!

Meet Jai Singh Rathore ('Rats'), the most non-violent Rajput either side of the Aravallis. And meet, if you dare, the violent and passionate Aditi Mahant ('Meow'). Whatever you do, do not pick a fight with her. She scratches and abuses. If you do get into a scrap, take cover till Jai arrives, as he alone can calm our snarling wildcat.

Never was there a less likely couple. Jai thinks Aditi's parents should have rinsed her mouth with soap when she was a child. Aditi thinks that Jai is the biggest coward she has ever encountered. Heaven, it seems, has mixed up its apples and oranges.

More nuts in this fruitcake scenario: Rotlu weeps secretly for Aditi. Bombs' heart explodes for Jai. Jiggy applies golden mascara to his hair. Shaleen... Well, she's probably the only one who doesn't seem a few notes short of a concerto.

So, to come back to our story: Jai and Aditi are perfect for each other (in some odd, distorted way, impossible to understand). Friends know this. Parents know this. Everybody knows this. But do Rats and Meow know?

Can two people ever, truly, know the secrets of their hearts? And how do you know it's the real thing?

When do you know it's love?

Add to this quandary a quarrelling portrait, strange dreams of a desert warrior, a dope-head brother and his pet mouse, two Rajput 'cowboys', three ancestral conditions, a fateful night in jail, a climactic ride to the airport...

... And there, you have it! 'Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na'. The coolest, warmest, hippest, funniest musical-romantic-comedy of the year releases on Friday 4th July, 2008.

Source: Bollywood Hungama

Koena Mitra Angry!

2008-06-10T21:32:00.001+05:30

Koena Mitra is an angry lass, these days. She has boycotted the promos of ‘Anamika’. Reason: A dubbing artiste was called in to re-post the voice. Koena feels this has made her character look “incomplete”. “Why should my voice be dubbed when other actresses, who can’t even speak Hindi, are allowed to speak in their own voice?” Koena roars like the MGM lion. No one listens to her “Grrr”s. ‘Anamika’ is already nameless on the poster and lost at the marquee. And the nation does not seem to mourn Koena’s voice either! Cool down, Koena. Chant “I am no Amitabh Bachchan” a 100 times. You will feel better.

Source: India Syndicate

Desi Girl Friend for Superman!

2008-06-10T21:28:00.002+05:30

Superman, it seems, is getting bored of flying around with Lois Lanes and having his afternoon beer on the stony bosom of Statue of Liberty. He wants to fly down to India and have bhelpuri; and he has asked a Bolly actress to man his cockpit (no pun intented). The lucky one is none other than Priyanka Chopra. Director Bryan Singer is “extremely interested” in casting Priyanka opposite the ‘Man of Steel’. Singer, the birdie says, went to see Priyanka on the sets of Karan Johar’s ‘Dostana’, which was being shot in Miami. He was “greatly impressed” by the Indian beauty.

Time to fly, Priyanka!

Dia Gossip!

2008-06-10T21:23:00.003+05:30

Give Sanjay Gupta a cross and he will hold it upside down and make it look like a machine gun. Trying different permutations with sulphur, stubble, sex and speed is the king of remakes. His latest protégé is a starlet who is known for her girl-next-chair looks. Dia Mirza will wield the musket in Gupta’s next. The film is titled ‘Acid Factory’, and is a tall tale of seven baddies, played by Danny Denzongpa, Fardeen Khan, Manoj Bajpai, Irrfan Khan, Aftab Shivdassani, Dino Morea and Gulshan Grover. Dia’s ‘kirdaar’ is classified info, but it would surely be that of a trigger-happy gal, who would make howitzers rise and handguns go off by accident.

Himmesh Bhai Does his own Stunts?

2008-06-10T21:21:00.002+05:30

Who says Himesh Reshammiya is good only at blowing his nose on the microphone and calling it a song? He is the only actor in the world who can yell “Assalam Alekum” with a “I-am-going-to-kill-you-after-this” face. The latest to hit the grapevine counter is the scoop that Himesh is performing daredevil stunts for his ‘Karzzzz’ (reserve your seats and “zzz” off). A little birdie reports Himesh, jumping from a skyscraper with the guitar in his hand! He will also be seen ducking and diving in John Mathew`s ‘A Love Iiisshtory’, in which he plays “a violent tapori who sings”. Action masters from Hong Kong are being called in to train the chronic crooner for the “dishooms”. Himesh’s brief for his stunt gurus would be simple: “Kick, punch, kill or die, but the cap should live to tell the tale!”.

Shah Rukh's Show all set to Go International

2008-06-10T21:17:00.002+05:30

While Shah Rukh Khan's much talked about game show 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hai?' opened to quite a mixed response in India, looks like the NRI folks are really excited to see their matinee idol's show. Needless to say, King Khan enjoys unprecedented popularity among the NRI junta and it's this very reason that the show is all set to be telecast in some foreign countries.

According to Akash Sharma of Bulldog Entertainment, license owner of the show, the tremendous response in the form of fan-mail from NRI's has made them take the decision to telecast the show in some foreign countries.

The show would first be launched in U.K. on June 13 followed by countries like U.S., Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Indonesia, Fiji and Australia.

While NRI's would be able to enjoy SRK at his wittiest best, they would still be ruing the fact they can't participate in the show.

Source: Bollywood Hunagama

Aishwarya to Play a Sex Worker?

2008-06-10T21:14:00.000+05:30

Plans are afoot to bring Aishwarya Rai and Meryl Streep together in an American production of 'Chaos', Colin Serreau's 2002 French movie.

Says a source, "They ran the concept with Meryl and Ash and they were game. They need to Americanise the theme because 'Chaos' was a very French movie. But, yes, in principle Ash is on for this film."

Ash is slated to play a sex worker in the film.

Another international project Aishwarya has agreed to is Roland Joffe's 'Singularity' with Brendan Fraser.

Ash says she has asked for the final draft of the script. "Now the time factor has to be worked out. The time they want is devoted to Mani (Ratnam) Sir's project. New dates have to be worked out. There're so many projects that I want to do but because of the dates or a delay I can't. There're only that number of assignments I can take on. I've never done more work than I can do. I never can."

In the meanwhile, Aishwarya gets ready to shoot for Shankar's 'Robot' and Mani Ratnam's film with Abhishek.

"There has been a little delay in Shankar's 'Robot' because of his writer Sujata 's death. That has delayed 'Robot' a bit. All kinds of rumours have been floated about the project. The dates situation does get tighter for me because I was supposed to shoot 'Robot' now and Mani Sir's film a little later during the year. We just have to work under a tighter schedule now."

Source: IANS

Kamal Hasan's Daughter Gets ready for Her Debut!

2008-06-10T21:09:00.001+05:30

After filmmaker Harry Baweja's son Harman, it's the turn of another star child to be launched in tinsel town. Kamal Haasan's daughter, Shruti, has signed her first Hindi film, Luck, which will be directed by Soham Shah of Kaal fame. She will make her debut opposite Imran Khan, Aamir's nephew.

The film would also star Sanjay Dutt , Mithun Chakraborty, Danny Denzongpa, Ravi Kissen and Rati Agnihotri. Luck will be produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd.

If sources are to be believed, Shruti will do a lot of action sequences in Luck. The action director will be Allan Amin.

The shooting will start on July 8 in South Africa, where it will be shot in a start-to-finish schedule.

The background music is scored by Salim Suleiman (Chak De! India).

Aamir- Wonderful Movie!

2008-06-09T10:03:00.003+05:30

Unfortunately, the film isn't original — it bears too close a resemblance to Philippino film 'Cavite' (which had similarities to 'Nick of Time' and 'Phone Booth') to be coincidental — but Gupta's control of the medium is still masterful.

Aamir Ali (Rajeev Khandelwal), a doctor returning from London, puts up with the insolence of the customs officer with remarkable patience. The minute he steps out of the airport his nightmare begins.

A cell phone is tossed to him by two sinister men on a mobike, a voice tells him to take a cab and come to Dongri (a Muslim-area in South Mumbai), and that his whole family has been kidnapped and will be killed if he won't obey.

Aamir is made to go on a mad chase through the slums and ghettos of the area, presumably because the caller (Gajraj Rao) wants the privileged doctor to see how poor Muslims live, and feel the anger and urge to fight "them." Eerily, the film captures an ordinary day in the life of the caller — including his playing with a cute child.

Aamir's complete passivity is odd, as is his not taking off his suit jacket and tie in Mumbai's heat; at a few points in the film it looks as if Aamir will attempt to fight back, but this is not about unreal herogiri, it's about an ordinary man's extraordinary heroism.

Finally, in a tense few minutes shot in real time, his courage and humanism come to the fore. It is this kind of Muslim, the film seems to say again, who suffers the most and still holds on to his innate decency.

Apart from Khandelwal's superb performance, the other hero of the film is cinematographer Alphonse Roy, who realistic work (a lot of handheld and hidden camera shots) gives the viewer goose bumps --a scene in a filthy toilet makes you hold your breath, as if you were there yourself. The actors all look like they were picked from the real locations. The editing and music are near-perfect too.

Gupta worked with Anurag Kashyap earlier and the similarity in style is discernable, but the newcomer has all the makings of an excellent director. If only he can come up with an original script the next time.

Source: India Syndicate

Harman Bowled over By Lalu's Wit!

2008-06-09T09:59:00.004+05:30

Bollywood newcomer Harman Baweja, who debuts in the much-hyped futuristic film 'Love Story 2050', was bowled over by Railway Minister Lalu Prasad's wit when they met on the sets of 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain'

"He is the ultimate entertainer," Harman told us after his interaction with the minister on the reality game show hosted by superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

Lalu was invited to the show along with Harman and Priyanka Chopra as guests for a special celebrity episode.

"When I saw him get together with Shah Rukh, I realised what constitutes superstardom. It's just a quality that you have or you don't have," Harman said.

When Harman came to know that Lalu Prasad was in the studio to record for the same show, he made it a point to meet and greet him.

"The hello turned out to be quite an experience. Laluji knew Priyanka. But he also knew me. He knew about my father as well. I found that surprising since I have not yet been seen in any film.

"He asked me about my film and when I described the film, he wondered if it is a love story set in 2050 or 3050," Harman narrated.

On the show, the railway minister won a grand prize of Rs.10 million.

Harman said: "I wouldn't like to comment on what Laluji won. But, yes, Priyanka and I felt a twinge for not being able to go right up to the grand prize. The bell ruined us. We knew the last answer. But time was up. So we came away with Rs.5 million. Not bad for my first television recording, no?"

Harman and Priyanka played the game as a pair, so how would they divide the money?

"Oh, Priyanka can have it all and do what she likes with the money. I got my prize on the show when I met Laluji. Now, if he could only come for my premiere, I'd be quite happy."

The former Bihar chief minister and Harman apparently got along well on the sets.

In 'Love Story 2050', which is set to release July 4, Harman pairs up with Priyanka Chopra. Directed by Harman's father Harry Baweja, the film's promos are on air and are catching the fancy of cine buffs.

Source: IANS

RGV's Next Is a Movie About Black Magic!

2008-06-09T09:59:00.001+05:30

"'Phoonk' is all about black magic. I am working with a new team. It's a subject I want to experiment with images and with characters. I can do that only with new people," he told us in an interview.

"Stars have certain baggage because of their stardom and their limitations about how far they can push their character," explained Varma.

"Also, I don't give chances to people, I take chances," maintained the director who premiered his much-talked about 'Sarkar Raj', starring Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, at the 9th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend.

He also showcased his next release 'Contract' on Saturday.

How is 'Contract' different from his other films?

"'Contract' is a basically about underworld-meets-terrorism," Varma replied. "I didn't deal with this link in my earlier films. 'Satya' gave an inside view of the underworld, 'Company' was an overview of its organisational structure.

"In 'Contract', I speak about what can happen when the underworld and terrorists come together on a platform."

The film will be released in July.

Asked how he sourced information for his underworld dramas, Varma said: "I mostly get information from the media. The media keeps reporting about what is happening and I just have to pick pieces from here and there and join it all together.

"I am interested in anything larger than life and people who create an impact, whether negative or positive. I am interested in doing a psychological study of these people," he added.

Lately, the director has been ridiculed for making films like 'James' and 'Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag', but he says he makes film for his personal satisfaction and thus is not bogged down by criticism.

"I don't feel anything (about the criticism). I have a lot of fun while making a film. I enjoy every minute of it. I make films for my personal satisfaction.

"I am a storyteller. I have a story, various actors, situations and locations and I compile them all together to create a visual impact. That is my high in life," Varma maintained.

A lot has been said about three Bachchans in 'Sarkar Raj' but that's no big deal for Varma.

"I don't have this sense of achievement that I brought the three Bachchans together. For me, they are three separate and highly professional actors.

"Whether they are in one family or not doesn't make a difference to me," Varma contended.

Fitness Top Priority for Shilpa Shetty!

2008-06-09T09:56:00.001+05:30

A balanced diet, a strict fitness regime and regular yoga make Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty's skin glow and help her remain fit and glamorous as she turns 33.

Shilpa, who celebrates her birthday Sunday, looked svelte in a simple coral-coloured top paired with jeans at an event in Delhi.

"Yoga keeps my mind, body and soul fit," Shilpa said. "I have a neck problem and suffered from chronic spondylitis. So I started practising yoga. I took professional training and it really benefits," she added.

"I don't believe in starving myself to remain thin. I eat well, work out and practise yoga to remain healthy. But that doesn't mean I eat butter chicken and naan (bread) every day. If you want to get peace for the mind, body and soul, yoga is the only answer," she said.

She is not planning a big bash for her birthday. "I would just be spending my birthday with my family in Dubai," Shilpa told us.

Last year a special event was organised at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards function in Yorkshire to celebrate Shilpa's birthday. Several film personalities attended the same.

This year the actress has planned to skip the IIFA, which is on in Bangkok now. "No IIFA this year," she said. Although last year she was recognised at the event with an IIFA special award for Global Impact, this year Shilpa has not been nominated in any category.

Shilpa, who has contributed 15 years of her life to the Indian film industry starting with 'Baazigar' (1993), was here to launch her own instructional video based on yoga titled 'Shilpa's Yoga'.

She not only features in the video, which was released internationally in English last year, but has also produced it.

"This is not a money-making thing for me. It is purely out of passion that I have done this video. I had not thought of releasing it in India, but it has been a great experience. It was tough to dub it in Hindi though," she quipped.

On the production front, Shilpa has planned a big budget action flick under her banner S2 Global Productions. She would also be acting in the film.

"I do yoga and also work out at the gym for a fit look in the film," she said.

Shilpa hit the jackpot after winning British television reality show 'Celebrity Big Brother 2007' and became a big name. Her emoting in films like 'Phir Milenge' (2004), 'Dus' (2005),'Apne' (2007) and 'Metro' (2007) also fetched her acclaim.

"I am happy that both 'Apne' and 'Life...In A Metro' were well received by the audience. November onwards, the audience would see a lot of me," she said.

The actor's new movies include Sunny Deol's and Neeraj Pathak's 'The Man', and an international venture titled 'Hanuman' with filmmaker Uru Patel.

While 'The Man' will see Shilpa portraying the role of a simple, dedicated girl who rises to instant global stardom, in 'Hanuman' she would be portraying the role of Goddess Sita.

There has lately been a lot of speculation about her plans to marry London-based Indian entrepreneur Raj Kundra. But Shilpa, who believes that "marriage is important," said: "Whenever I get to know, I will tell you when and where it would happen, what would be served, so on and so forth," she said.

Source: IANS

Is Shah Rukh Khan Coming?

2008-06-09T09:53:00.000+05:30

A bevy of Bollywood stars including Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Preity Zinta and the four Bachchans have descended on Bangkok but Indians living here are missing Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

"Is Shah Rukh Khan coming?" is what most cine fans are asking the visiting Indian media.

They wear a disappointed look on learning that their favourite actor will be giving the show a miss. Many families here say they bought passes for the award night just to get a glimpse of King Khan.

Source: IANS

Hum Sey Hai Jahan- Not Worth A Watch

2008-06-07T12:41:00.001+05:30

I wonder what director Mashoor Amrohi was thinking when he made Hum Sey Hai Jahan. Only he knows. Launching himself, the grandson of Kamal Amrohi, with this film is surely a decision gone wrong. Was the film made to be a spoof of other stereotypical commercial films, or was it made to be a complete nonsensical comedy? Either ways Hum Sey Hai Jahan is bad.

Technically the camera and direction were all right. But what they failed to do was to mute the abusive language used occasionally.

Living life as a con-man in Singapore, Sameer Khanate (Mashoor Amrohi) lands up working as a 'recovery agent' for Gary Rosario (Jackie Shroff), a goon and owner of night clubs.

Earning his livelihood by cheating people of their money, Sameer's life takes a turn when his brother lands in a financial crisis and needs money. When his boss refuses to help him, Sameer makes a plan to kidnap the daughter, Esha, of a superstar, Gyaneshwar Singh (Shehzad Khan) in order to solve his problem.

He pretends to fall in love with Esha (Vishaka Singh), not knowing that he is actually gone head over heels in love. He takes her off to a romantic weekend with the motive of spending quality time with her, and letting her dad think she's been kidnapped and demand a ransom from him. Esha gets duped and agrees to elope with Sameer.

Gyaneshwar, who believes that Esha has been kidnapped, is forced to call his best friend, Gary, who happens to be Esha's godfather, for help. Gary promises to bring back Esha safe and sound and puts his best man Sameer on the job.

The film unfolds with further complications when Sameer gets involved in a drug deal and loses Esha to a gang of druglords, Dabar (Mukesh Rishi) and Pran Panwara (Kiran Kumar); the latter is also Gyaneshwar's relative.

Sameer saves Esha from Dabar and Pran in a series of dramatic escape and gunfights, the couple abscond, letting everyone assume that Esha is dead.

What happens next leads up to a confusing and tiresome climax, where all ends well. All in all a film not worth watching.

Bollywood's Sexy Sisters!!

2008-06-07T12:35:00.004+05:30

Kajol and Tanisha

Riya and Raima Sen

Shamita and Shilpa Shetty

Kareena and Karishma Kapoor

Amrita and Malaika Arora

Tania Zaetta Will recieve an Apology!

2008-06-07T12:32:00.002+05:30

Australian actress, Tania Zaetta, who has done Bollywood films like Mr Black, Mr White,Salaam Namaste , will receive a personal apology from Australian Defence chief for false claims about her sexual relation with the country's soldiers in Afghanistan.

Air Chief Marshal Houston said there was no evidence of any such conduct by Zaetta during a concert tour in April, an AAP report said today. "A quick assessment has been completed," Houston told a Senate hearing today. "There was no substance to the allegations, and I will conclude the matter with a letter to the person in question. I will obviously apologise and express my deep regret about any hurt she has suffered," he said.

Zaetta was at the centre of controversy last month after the Australian media reported that unsubstantiated claims that she had sex with troops at a base were detailed in a departmental briefing note prepared for Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon.

The actress, had paid a trip to the military bases along with other entertainers, angrily denied the claims, describing them as "complete made-up lies".

"Perhaps I do feel like I need an apology because not only my family name but my career which I have worked very hard for is suddenly at stake here," Zaetta had said.

The defence department has already formally apologised to Zaetta for the leak last month. On his part, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had raised his doubts on the sex scandal from the very beginning.

"I doubt very, very, very much - I have only seen all the girls conduct themselves in a very, very professional manner and certainly Tania, because she is a very professional person," Rudd was quoted as saying by APP last month.

Akshay and Saif Team Up Again!

2008-06-07T12:30:00.002+05:30

The failure of Tashan doesn't seem to bother our Khiladi and Anari all that much.

Getting ready to have another go at the Box Office are Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in a film to be directed by Pakistani director, Shoaib Mansoor.

Now, we don't know what Shoaib's film is all about, though the director is known for making meaningful films.

The film will be produced by Percept Picture Company. Sources inform Gullu that the actors are working out on the dates.

Akshay and Saif were first seen together in Main Khiladi Tu Anari in the mid 90s. The film was a hit. Very soon Akshay's career lifted off. Saif, on the other hand, wasn't so lucky, and it was a full ten years later that he tasted success with Hum Tum in 2004.

The World's Sexiest Woman!

2008-06-07T12:28:00.002+05:30

A Tribute to Shammi Kapoor.

2008-06-06T11:25:00.002+05:30

The Osian's Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema celebrates its 10th anniversary this year in Mumbai and Delhi.

The two-day film festival will showcase three exhibitions from the Osian's Arts and Film Archive Collection. It will also showcase The Shakespeare Gallery and the Original Artworks for Vintage Hindi Novel Covers.

There will also be a tribute to Shammi Kapoor for his contribution to Indian cinema. A host of films, including his Kashmir Ki Kali, will be screened at the festival.

The Osain's Cinefan festival will be held at National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Nariman Point, South Mumbai on June 13 and 14, from 10:30 am to 7 pm.

The film festival will shift to Delhi next month.

Emraan On a Roll!!

2008-06-06T11:23:00.000+05:30

Emraan Hashmi is on a roll.

After the success of his film, Jannat, the actor has signed a multiple deal with Percept Picture Company for Rs 15 crores.

"We are very happy to have Emraan Hashmi on board," Shailendra Singh, joint Managing Director, PPC, says. "We believe his performances are consistently improving and he has the potential to make a difference to our future line up with leading directors"

The deal comes after the success of Jannat, which took everyone by surprise considering the absence of big stars in the cast.

The film, which dealt with the predicament of a rookie bookie (played by Emraan), did surprisingly well at the box office, making it the only film after Race and Jodhaa Akbar to rake in big money.

We'll just have to wait and see if Mahesh Bhatt's nephew is as lucky in his next venture. After all, for every Murder, a God Boy, Bad Boy is not very far behind.

Clash Of the Titans!

2008-06-06T11:21:00.001+05:30

Television programmes really like to toy with us these days. Take show timings, for instance.

Just when we're all set to watch Salman Khan's new show Dus Ka Dum on Sony Entertainment Television that starts on June 6, NDTV Imagine has decided to premiere its serial Junoon Kuch Kar Dikhanne Ka with Hrithik Roshan on the same day.

The only consolation is that Hrithik's show starts at 8.30 pm, so we have half an hour to watch him before we switch over to Sony.

While Dus Ka Dum is a game show, Junoon is a musical consisting of three teams headed by singers Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ila Arun and Anand Raj Anand.

Unlike Salman, however, Hrithik will not be appearing on the show everyday. So, next week onwards it will be Sallu's show all the way

The New Bond Girl Shops In Mumbai

2008-06-06T11:19:00.001+05:30

Here's a snippet that will send temperatures soaring even higher in the summer heat: Bond girl Zaara Adams was in Mumbai scouting for some Indian styles to suit her Bond look, and chanced upon eyewear brand Mojo.

"I have a squarish face, so framed styles look better on me than rimless styles. Also, I always take care to see that the definition of my eyebrows is visible above my eyeglasses," she explains.

Hailing from an orthodox family in Pakistan, Zaara stars opposite Daniel Craig in the latest Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.

On a personal trip to the country, Zaara said that she was 'just spending time with a few associates.'

"Everything about India is hot now -- and I love this country full of enterprising, energetic people," she says. "I love the biryani, the pani puri and of course, Mumbai's vada pav."

She also met up with producer Sanjay Gupta and expressed an interest in organising a charity show in Mumbai. "I am planning on getting some merchandise from the Bond shoot and do a charitable show with my friend, designer Archana Kochar," she reveals. "In fact, I am wearing some of her clothes in the Bond movie."

John Abraham- Eco Warrior.

2008-06-06T11:15:00.002+05:30

Bollywood actor John Abraham's sensitivity and sense of social responsibility drove him to help in creating India's first elephant village in Maharashtra, for which he was awarded an EcoWarrior award on Thursday.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, the EcoWarrior awards were given out as recognition and to honour the crusaders who worked towards the cause of environment.

"These awards create awareness about what people do at their level for the environment. Everything starts at a micro level and one has to take it at a macro level," John told reporters at the event.

John has been working with grass root communities for creating habitat for animal welfare. His commitment towards elephants has helped several of these wild animals return to their natural home.

Of 15 real life heroes who have been working towards conservation of environment and wildlife, John was the only one from Bollywood. The awardees were an eclectic mix - a bus conductor, a 15-year-old-girl, a government servant and others.

"There are awardees from every field. They are the real heroes who have gone ahead and done great things for the environment," he said.

The awards are an effort by Earth Matters Foundation, a brainchild of environmentalist filmmaker Mike Pandey, and were handed over to the recipients by Vice President Hamid Ansari.

Source: IANS

Sexy Priyanka Chopra

2008-06-05T11:14:00.000+05:30

Hot Payal Rohatgi!!

2008-06-05T11:08:00.004+05:30

Kareena Puts on Some Weight

2008-06-05T11:08:00.001+05:30

A source close to Kareena has confirmed that she has put on weight for her new style for the film, which also stars brothers Salman and Sohail Khan in pivotal roles.

"'Tashan' had action scenes and required Kareena to be thin and to look fit. So she cut down on her weight. But her character in 'Main Aur Mrs Khanna' is entirely different.

"Kareena plays a housewife and has kept her style keeping the character in mind," the source was quoted as saying.

Incidentally, Kareena's favourite designer Manish Malhotra, who tailored her look for Karan Johar's 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham', said: "Bebo (Kareena) has never looked better."

Although the actress' prescribed diet includes paranthas, momos, cheese, pasta and bananas, which are mostly considered fattening, it is her daily practice of yoga that keeps her fit.

"She is feeling more energetic, healthier and sexy now. Kareena wants her fans to know that it is only due to her dedication and discipline about her eating and fitness habits that she could achieve her figure," the source said.

Source: IANS

Aamir- Preview

2008-06-05T10:34:00.002+05:30

Aamir (noun): A leader (meaning)

Aamir is a man-on-the-run thriller revolving around the eponymous London-based doctor's visit to his family in India.

Geographically, Aamir's maze is set in the Muslim dominated streets and residential pockets of Old Bombay. In its lanes and crowded alleys, cheap restaurants and lodges, amongst nameless pimps and whores, run-down buildings and packed markets, Aamir is made to confront the life he has lived, the 'choices' he has made, his dreams, his loves and his immediate fears.

Through the course of a day, lost in the streets of Mumbai, the question remains - do you choose your destiny, or does destiny choose you?

Does Aamir choose to be a follower or does he rise to become a leader?

Cast:Rajeev Khandelwal

Shriya Saran The New Bikini Babe!

2008-06-05T10:31:00.001+05:30

Pic Courtesy: Maxim

Kareena's New Look for Mr and Mrs.Khanna!

2008-06-05T10:30:00.000+05:30

Salman Takes a Dig at SONY TV

2008-06-05T10:27:00.002+05:30

Salman Khan likes to take a dig at those close to him.

When his home production, Hello Brother flopped, he told reporters that he saw the film only on cable because it was in and out of the theatres so fast.

On June 2, during a promotional event for his upcoming television show, Dus Ka Dum, the joke was on Sony Entertainment Television.

When the anchor asked Salman how excited he was for the show, he replied, "I'm not excited but it's the Sony TV guys, who are excited." Watch this video for more!

Dus Ka Dum will premiere on June 6, at 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays on Sony Entertainment Television.

A 25 million Dollar Deal for Hrithik?

2008-06-04T10:15:00.003+05:30

A billion-rupee deal for Hrithik's 'Kites'?

Bollywood filmmaker Rakesh Roshan is yet start shooting for his forthcoming movie 'Kites', but the Bollywood trade circles are rife with speculation that prominent distribution company Eros International has bought the world rights of the movie for an unprecedented Rs.1 billion ($25 million).

Some reports put the figure at Rs.1.2 billion, saying that besides buying the world rights Eros has also bought the music and satellite rights of 'Kites'.

But neither Filmkraft, Roshan's production banner, nor Eros have confirmed the reports.

"It is just a speculation in the market," a Filmkraft source told us.

The movie, starring Hrithik Roshan and the US-based Spanish model Barbara Mori, is scheduled to start next month. To be shot mostly in New Mexico, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, it will be directed by Anurag Basu with music by Rajesh Roshan.

The movie is about the romantic engagements between an Indian boy and a Latino girl who do not speak each other's language.

Source: IANS

Bachna Ae Haseeno- Movie Preview

2008-06-04T10:12:00.003+05:30

Apart from Saif-Kareena, one more pairing that's being talked about in glowing terms this year is Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone who shall be seen in Siddharth Anand's ;Bachna Ae Haseeno'. The real life sparks are rubbing into the groovy proximity in this red and black number as breathlessness kisses aching blushing cheeks. Releasing on August 15 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' also stars Minissha Lamba and Bipasha Basu.

Unshaven, raised eye brows and a twisted smile make Ranbir's black achkan glow with pride in this dhapli song scene from 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' as mesmerising Minissha Lamba smiles through her kaajal-touched eyes dressed in a delightfully embroidered saree. Can't you hear the mandolin in the air?

Bipasha may not be donning heavy duty make-up but this carefree look gives her a school girl feel as she blushes under the flirtatious gaze of the ruffled sexiness of Ranbir Kapoor in 'Bachna Ae Haseeno'. What can we say except… bachna ae deewanon!

What's the first impulse that you get when you watch this drool-worthy still? Well, of course you are ferociously jealous of the multi coloured cushions mischievously snuggling close to Bipasha Basu's delectable frame. If only the coveted cushions had lucky lips and they could narrate the heavenly experience. Wink…

Source: Bollywood Hungama

Drona- Movie Preview

2008-06-04T10:07:00.002+05:30

'Drona' is a slick, twenty first century tale that travels across continents but is profoundly and proudly Indian.

From the times, when time itself was a newborn baby, the universe has kept one secret carefully camouflaged within its folds. A secret, which if unraveled, could unlock the destruction of humankind and the entire cosmos.

Today, only one man can protect the universe's precious secret and thus, save the human race from absolute annihilation. He is Drona.

Rooted in the vibrant tapestry of Indian mythology, 'Drona' is the compelling modern tale of one man's spectacular voyage through the labyrinths of mystic myths and legendary legacies. It is a journey that will force him to face his fears and make him the hero he was born to become.

As good and evil clash in this contemporary fantasy fable, a breathtaking journey beckons you into a world of mythic heroes and malicious magicians, of cunning curses and absolute innocence. A world, where spells can turn live-flesh into cold stone.

Source: Bollywood Hungama

De Taali- Movie Preview

2008-06-04T10:04:00.003+05:30

'De Taali' captures the real friendship

Welcome to a world filled with friends, love and laughter!

It's a world where life is defined by friendship and friendship is defined by love. Paglu, Amu & Abhi live the lives of each other. They drink, eat & sleep together. Sleep? Don't take it otherwise though. But they are certainly an integral part of each others lives.

Amu is a girl amongst the two guys, though Paglu & Abhi don't treat her like one. Paglu is the one who makes her aware about her feelings and helps her get her love. And Abhi is the rich, kind and classy guy who falls in love every time he meets a weird girl. Life, however, takes a serious fun turn when one of them falls in love with the other. And the one is sadly in love with some one else all together.

Fun-filled and love-filled moments collide. Friendships break to turn into love. Or not? 'De Taali' captures friendship in its most real form. You are bound to realise how true this actually is.

Source: Bollywood Hungama

Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic- Movie Preview

2008-06-04T10:00:00.003+05:30

An angel who doesn't know what love is, a man who always lost love, four orphans who need love - all come together to bring you a film with fun, excitement, masti, tears, magic and love!

Ranbeer Talwar (Saif Ali Khan), one of the country's top industrialists, is a loner, not by choice, but because he lost everyone he ever loved. He is now faced with a very peculiar and uncomfortable situation.

In a rare and landmark court verdict, he is to look after 4 orphan children. The orphans hate him and want revenge from him. The children do not want to live with a man they hate; he too cannot face them or look them in the eye for certain reasons. Their life together is very unhappy.

One day they pray to God for help and he does help them. He sends his most mischievous, childlike, lovable angel to the rescue, with a mission to bring Ranbeer and the kids together. Geeta (Rani Mukerji) comes bicycling down a rainbow… and bursts into Ranbeer's house as the selfproclaimed new nanny.

And then starts the roller coaster ride of fun, emotions, magic and love.

More about the characters:

Ranbeer Talwar (Saif Ali Khan) : From the time Ranbeer Talwar was a young boy he lost everyone close to him. He became a loner. He was an achiever from the time he was a boy, but no victory, no trophy meant anything to him, as he was alone. The one thing he always wanted in his life was love and that was the only thing he always lost. A winner in every deal, in every aspect of his life, Ranbeer immersed

himself in his work and completely ignored every other aspect of his life, until he is face to face with four orphans who need love and an angel who could not love.

Geeta (Rani Mukherji) : Geeta is like a storm who barges into Ranbeer's life when he and the four orphans find it difficult to live with each other. Geeta comes with a mission from heaven to unite Ranbeer and the kids, but something happens on the way... an angel who could not love starts wondering what love is. An angel who is above all human emotions of tears and pain and love, starts to feel something. But how can an angel love? She's on a mission - she has to go back when it's done.

Vashisht, Aditi, Iqbal and Avantika

When the four Walia children are orphaned, they decide one thing - they don't need any relatives to take care of them as they have what they need to survive - they have each other. But what they really want is revenge from the man they hate - Ranbeer Talwar.

'Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic' will, simultaneously, appeal to kids and adults.

Source: Bollywood Hungama

LOVE STORY 2050- PREVIEW

2008-06-04T09:58:00.002+05:30

Battling all the production hassles while filming India's biggest ever sci-fi flick LOVE STORY 2050, producer-director Harry Baweja has finally embarked to hit screens in a big way. Being made on a lavish budget of more than 40 crore, the film travels back and forth in time. The music of Love Story 2050 has been composed by ace music composer Anu Malik. A swanky-looking Priyanka Chopra in red hair, Harman Baweja's chiseled looks are making waves among audience these days. The handsome young Harman stares confidently at screen with the entire team of LOVE STORY 2050 making sure that his 'first look' is a worthwhile affair. Let's wait and watch what the film has to offer which is set to arrive on 4th July worldwide. Synopsis: It's a story about Karan (Harman Baweja) a young spirited sparry boy who lives life off the rules and Sana (Priyanka Chopra), a young petite, shy girl who lives life by the rules. Their interaction thus develops into a magical love story. Karan's uncle Dr. Yatinder Khanna (Boman Irani), a whacky scientist has been working on the Time Machine for years, which one day finally, works! Sana expresses her wish to travel time to Mumbai in the year 2050. What they see in the future is a spectacular city with flying cars, 200 storey buildings, robots and sky rails that have changed the very face of Mumbai and the world! The two kids, Sana's brother and sister who have also traveled with them find the new world fascinating. Through a series of twist and turns, the time traveler Karan finds himself separating from his love. QT, a friendly femme robot and BOO, a small robotic teddy bear play their distinct roles in bringing the love story of Karan and Sana together but soon they find themselves under the threat of the demi-god of the future, Dr. Hoshi. Will Karan be able to overcome the threat of Dr. Hoshi and win his love and travel back in time? Source: Glamsham

Kareena Overworked!

2008-06-04T09:49:00.003+05:30

With five films, nine endorsements and three stage shows, Kareena Kapoor says she is overworked and exhausted.

"I've five films in various stages of production. Then I've nine endorsements for which I've to shoot ads round the year. Plus I've all these stage shows that require rehearsals. I can't seem to find the time to do anything properly," Kareena told us on phone from Melbourne.

She's shooting for Salman Khan's 'Main Aur Mrs Khanna' in Melbourne.

She has, in fact, agreed to perform at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards on June 8 in Bangkok and is rehearsing for it.

"I'm performing a medley of my songs from 'Jab We Met' and 'Tashan'. Gone are the days when I'd go on stage with just a little practice. Now I want to be my best in every stage performance.

"Here in Melbourne I'm rehearsing for IIFA at nights and shooting during the day. Am I overworked? I'm exhausted. But what choice do I have? I've decided to take my live performances as seriously as my movies and endorsements," she said.

After Melbourne and the IIFA performance, Kareena will spend some time with her beau Saif Ali Khan in London and then move to Los Angeles for a 40-day shooting for Sajid Nadiadwala's 'Kambakht Ishq'.

"I'll be away from home for more than three months at a stretch. I miss home. I miss my family. I've never been so much out of Mumbai. I'll finish shooting here, then head to perform at the IIFA. In fact, I'm working so hard that I hardly get proper sleep. I feel like I haven't slept for ages."

She'll join Saif in London from June 20. Saif will be shooting in the city for his first home production to be directed by Imtiaz Ali and Deepika Padukone is playing the female lead in it.

And Deepika is seeing Kareena's cousin Ranbir.

"I'm so happy for them. I hope they'll be happy together. It feels so nice to have another Kapoor from my generation doing so well. He was fantastic in 'Saawariya'. He's here to stay. I feel a sense of pride and belonging for him. The Kapoors and Khans are rocking the industry."

No hard feelings about not being in Saif's first home production?

"None at all," Bebo laughs. "I joked at the Stardust awards about not being in Saif's first production and everyone took it seriously. Honestly, I enjoy meeting him outside Mumbai. At least we can have some privacy. At home me and Saif can't even go out for dinner without people staring at us, constantly judging our behaviour."

Source: IANS

Sanjay Dutt's Visa Appliction Rejected

2008-06-04T09:46:00.002+05:30

Sanjay Dutt was denied a visa to fly to the Bahamas for a film shooting since he had failed to submit documents relating to his conviction in the 1993 serial blasts along with his application.

Dutt had applied for a tourist visa to travel to the Bahamas to shoot for the film Blue, produced by Ashtavinayak Films, according to sources.

However, the producers had failed to attach the documents relating to the 1993 serial blasts case along with Dutt's visa application.

On July 31 last year, the designated court here had convicted Dutt under the Arms Act in the 1993 serial blasts case and sentenced him to six years rigorous imprisonment.

Following his conviction, Dutt had spent nearly a month in Pune's Yerawada Jail but was subsequently granted bail by the Supreme Court on the condition that he would not leave the country without the court's permission. He is also required to present himself before the CBI office once in a month.

Sources said that the producers will again submit the visa application along with the requisite documents.

"Since the visa application has been returned, he can apply again and the producers will submit the requisite papers,'' the sources said.

Dutt's lawyer Farhana Shah pointed out that the actor had visited the US on several occasions in the past. ''Since he was not granted visa this time on some technical grounds, he will file a fresh application with proper documents,'' she said.

According to a senior CBI officer, the granting of visa is solely the concern of the Consulate. Usually, if a person is convicted, getting a US visa becomes difficult, he said.

Text: UNI

Abhi Ash Buy a Home In Dubai!

2008-06-03T14:49:00.001+05:30

The latest in the list, from India's tinsel town to acquire property in the gulf island, is Bollywood's star couple Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who have purchased a house in Sanctuary Falls in Dubai.

The house is expected to be ready in the first quarter of 2010 and the price of the villas ranges from AED 15 million to AED 35 million.

"Dubai is special to us not just as a place where we enjoy great warmth and generosity in terms of love from the people, but it's become a remarkable place and one that is so close to home for us," Abhishek said.

Speaking on the film Sarkar Raj -- starring both Aishwarya and Abhishek, besides Amitabh Bachchan , which is scheduled to release next week, Aishwarya said the Bachchan family had a great experience working for it and were excited about sharing it with the audience. "I'm always excited, I've never been nervous before (the release of) a film. It's been a great experience and I'm looking forward to sharing it with the audiences", said the former Miss World.

However, the two were yet to watch the film, they said. Asked if they planned to move to the Emirates, Abhishek said relocating "in the real sense" was not on the cards, as the family lived and worked in Mumbai. However Aishwarya said they were looking forward to spend more time in the island. "It's so close to Mumbai, so we'll probably be spending a lot more weekends here," she was quoted as saying by Gulf News.

Source: Rediff Movies

Ekta Kapoor Prays for here Protege!

2008-06-03T14:45:00.001+05:30

Television tycoon Ekta Kapoor is known for her contempt for actors who leave Balaji to pursue a career in films. However, the truth is otherwise. She has promised to pray for the success of her protege Rajiv Khandelwal's debut film 'Aamir' when she visits Tirupati.

'The first week of June is very special for Ekta. It's her birthday on June 7 and 'Sarkar Raj', which releases along with my 'Aamir', is being distributed by her. So Ekta will be making a very special trip to Tirupati. I was very touched when she said she would pray for my film,' Rajiv told IANS.

She has been the epitome of cooperation as far as furthering her proteges' career is concerned. When her blue-eyed girl Prachi Desai left Balaji to become Farhan Akhtar's screen queen in 'Rock On', Ekta was admittedly hurt. But she soon came to terms with the changing equations in Prachi's career.

She has apparently forgotten the sense of betrayal that assailed her when Rajiv walked out of her premium show 'Kahiin To Hoga' at the peak of its popularity.

'I had no choice,' said Rajiv recalling those days of his dominance on the home medium. 'Television became mechanical and monotonous. I'd have become creatively stifled if I had continued.

'Yes, it has been financially difficult for me to wait for three years to move to the large screen. But finally it all seems worth it because even the film I've chosen as my debut is as far removed from television and from what other big-screen debutants do as possible. I'm sure Ekta will be proud of me when she sees the film.'

Thought Ekta will pray for his success, she won't attend the premiere of 'Aamir' on June 5, because as a rule she doesn't attend premieres.

So which film will Rajiv watch first? His own or the one where Ekta has financial stakes?

''Sarkar Raj',' comes the prompt reply. 'Not only for Ekta's sake but because I'm a huge fan of Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. I'd first see his film and then rush to catch my own.'

Source: IANS

John shoots Through Pain!

2008-06-03T14:41:00.001+05:30

Pain, suffering and bereavement bring out the best in an actor. And John Abraham knows it only too well, having shot 'Aashayein' while both his parents were ill and in hospital.

John Abraham shot through pain for 'Aashayein'

Recalling the harrowing period John told us: "Illnesses in the family do scare you a lot. I really believe I'm a family person. My parents are the most important people to me. Their health is very important to me."

But sorrow was used for creative satisfaction. 'Aashayein' will release on June 20.

"Looking with or without regret is honestly not my space. I'd much rather look ahead. I believe there's a third axis beyond contentment and regret, and that's my axis. I can't have a two-dimensional attitude to my work. I'll always look and find the third dimension."

Although his films didn't do wonders, brand John Abraham continues to do well in spite of the man choosing to lie really low in recent months.

"I believe after a point, one's name - or the brand - acquires a life of its own regardless of failure or success. That's what has happened to me. People have started believing in the kind of person I am and the clothes I wear. I believe I contribute a lot to my brand, as much as it contributes to me."

John says his clothesline has grown by word of mouth.

"My clothes line-up is going great. We've created an artificial scarcity for my clothes. It is a very niche brand with only seven stores across the country. It's like the 'True Religion' brand that you'd have a hard time finding even at Harrods. I do not want to go to the masses with my clothes line-up. It's a choice I've made."

In spite of the failure of Anurag Basu's 'No Smoking', John plans to continue to seek unusual roles.

"Conforming isn't my cup of tea. How boring is life if you conform! And how dull life would be if all I did was to chase success. Sure, I want it. But I also want to take the untrodden path. It's the deviations that make my life exciting.

"Some of what I did last year might not have worked. But the fact that there was a debate about them was enough for me. At least the kind of films I do make people curious."

However, the 'No Smoking' experience has cautioned John about inept marketing.

"I realise 'my' kind of cinema needs to be a little more commercial. You've to position your product properly. Products fail because they're sold to the wrong audience. 'No Smoking' was sold to the wrong audience. My confidence level in my kind of cinema remains totally unshaken.

"I can't allow every opinion and every review devastate me. I need to have confidence in what I do. The fact that I've gotten where I am is proof that I'm on the right track. I believe I need to do more about my kind of cinema. And 'Aashayein' is my kind of cinema."

He has just completed a long schedule of Karan Johar's 'Dostana' in Miami.

"Priyanka Chopra is my co-star in Karan's film. She's a good girl. Always a pleasure to work with! As for Abhishek, I really enjoy working with him and his father. And director Tarun Mansukhani is a new boy with plenty to say."

Source: IANS

Ashiwarya Not Pregnant!

2008-06-03T14:36:00.001+05:30

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai on Monday denied media reports that she is in the family way.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan scoffs at pregnancy rumour

"I am not pregnant," Aishwarya, looking as glamorous as ever in a formal black suit, told reporters at a press conference at the PVR Ambience shopping mall, on the outskirts of Delhi.

Aishwarya, along with her husband Abhishek and father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan, was in Delhi to launch the Idea Sarkar Raj Yatra.

She also dismissed reports that the couple had bought a bungalow in Dubai to hide her pregnancy from the media.

"I am sitting here in front of you. So, it is not true that we have got a bungalow in Dubai to hide (pregnancy) from the media," she said.

Abhishek added: "We are not expecting a baby. In case we do, we will let you know. We will not rob you of that moment."

She also clarified that she had not worn Rs.1 million-worth shades in 'Sarkar Raj', that stars all three of them, as reported in the media earlier.

"I am not wearing a Rs.1 million worth sunglass in the film as reported by the media," she said.

Source: IANS

The Army Visits the Devgans

2008-06-03T14:35:00.002+05:30

Ajay Devgan recently had a special few noted guests from the Indian Army visiting the Devgan family at their bungalow.

Mrs. Neelam Singh, President of the Air Force Wives Welfare Association (Regional) and wife of Air Marshal K D Singh, Mrs. Jyoti Suresh, President of AFWWA (Local) and wife of Capt. K H Suresh and Wing Commander Rajneesh Bhatia spent about an hour at the Devgan Bungalow along with Ajay Devgan, Kajol Devgan & daughter Nysa.

Mrs. Neelam Singh turned about to be a die hard fan of Ajay Devgan and told him that 'Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha' was her all time favorite film!

After the encouraging response to his directorial debut 'U, Me Aur Hum', Ajay Devgan is thinking of directing an action flick next.

Source: Glamsham

Will Sanjay Dutt Get Into Politics

2008-06-03T14:33:00.002+05:30

Ever since Bollywood's embattled star Sanjay Dutt casually remarked to the media that he would like to contest Lok Sabha elections due next year, speculation is rife in the tinsel town, as well as in political circles, about his political ambitions.

Will Sanjay Dutt enter politics?

As we earlier reported, the buzz about his joining the Samajwadi Party spread after state unit president Abu Asim Azmi told the media that the party would give him a ticket to fight the election if he decides to join them.

Azmi said this after the party's national general secretary Amar Singh called on Sanjay Dutt and wife Manyata at their residence in Mumbai last week.

But Sanjay himself has not yet specified which political party he might seek membership to, if at all he does, or how soon.

Whichever party Sanjay chooses to join, he would prefer to be fielded in his father, Sunil Dutt's Mumbai northwest parliamentary constituency - now nurtured by his sister Priya Dutt, also as a Congress MP. But some resident associations of the constituency announced Sunday they would vehemently oppose his candidature for the Lok Sabha elections.

“We will write to all political parties not to give him a ticket,” president of the Khar Residents' Association Anandini Thakoor is reported to have remarked.

Some disgruntled elements in the Congress circles also added grist to the rumour mill by telling the media that Congress would be happy to field Sanjay from the Mumbai northwest constituency if he formally joined the party.

But the fact is that Dutt himself has not added anything to what he cursorily remarked earlier about his political ambition.

A well-isher of the family and renowned filmmaker said: “At this stage of his Bollywood career when he is riding on the crest of success, it would be suicidal if he makes additional career out of politics."

"Besides, there are also reports that he is going to launch his own production house. Will he be able to handle so many responsibilities together? And this is not counting his dates with the courts as he is still not exonerated by the Supreme Court in the 1993 bomb blasts cases.”

Source: IANS

No Laughs Here

2008-06-03T14:31:00.001+05:30

Hastey Hastey

Cast: Jimmy Shergill, Nisha Rawal, Rajpal Yadav.
Director: Ramanjit Juneja.
The film is well shot.

Poor script, ridiculous dialogues.

Number of weeks: New.
BO Verdict: Poor opening.

WoodStock Villa- Does No wonders

2008-06-03T14:30:00.001+05:30

Woodstock Villa

Cast: Sikander Kher, Arbaaz Khan, Neha Uberoi.
Director: Hansal Mehta.
Sikander does well in his debut film.

Cliched murder mystery.

Number of weeks: New.
BO Verdict: Poor opening.

Mithun's Comic!

2008-06-03T14:28:00.001+05:30

We grew up with an awesome Amitabh Bachchan comic, referencing his life and films and with the writing supervised by Gulzar. But Star Comics only ever got around to a dozen or so issues, and we comic book fans grew up in a Bollywood void. (A blessed thing, perhaps.)

Now, however, is born another hero. A hero who might have started with art cinema and moved ignominously into B-cinema but has eventually become an icon for the impossible, a messiah of mediocre madness -- and the duke of disco. It's a no-brainer, this man deserves his own comic. Ladies and gents, bring out your agarbatti, turn up the Bappida synth, wear something that has bulbs on it, and rejoice.

For Mithunda is here. Aaaie saala.

Jimmy Zhingchak, Agent Of D.I.S.C.O is one of the latest comics on the Virgin assembly line, and the first issue on stands across the US right now. A collaboration between Virgin Comics and UTV Spotboy -- who surely want to make this into a film -- this is one mad trip down 70s road.

Writer Saurav Mohapatra channels his inner Manmohan Desai, tosses in a dash of Mad Magazine, and emerges with a comic that is likely to have Farah Khan chuckling awhile.

The plot goes as you'd expect it to: young Jimmy Grover starts seeing visions of a mysterious fat neckless man wreathed in necklaces, telling him that he's the one, that the force -- sorry, the Zhingchak -- is strong with him, and soon our boy Jimmy is battling toughies like Sir John and his nefarious henchmen: some oriental, some robotic.

The fun thing about JZ -- and for me, the 'Agent of D.I.S.C.O' take on Nick Fury, Agent Of S.H.I.E.L.D never quite gets old, heh -- is that while it reads like a typical spoof of the mtv variety, Mohapatra brings in all sorts of non-Mithun, non-filmi elements into the fray, making this a complete trip down memory lane for all of us who grew up in the 80s. We can identify. Without giving much away, I never believed a single comic could exist and span across both Mala D and Domo Arigato, Mr Roboto, and for that, sir, I take my hat off to you.

Yet, perplexingly, the problem with Jimmy is that there is too much of the familiarity. While Mohapatra indeed does try and create an Austin Powers-like world for the Seventeesy character and his music and his Mithunwalk, it seems somewhat underdone, as if its not going out on a limb enough.

The funnest parts right now are the bits of obscure dialogue, the times the plot veers away from Master Dinanath or the blind mother, and stays cheeky -- 'cause honestly, it really is a spoof we've seen before.

Then again, it is an origin story, and maybe Jimmy needs a couple of issues to really get into the groove, to get his Mithun-Mojo going. Meanwhile, the first issue undoubtedly makes you laugh -- even at jokes you've heard before. May the Zhingchak continue to amuse.

Source: Rediff Movies

Who is the Senior?

2008-06-03T14:20:00.001+05:30

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan on Monday refused to comment on fellow actor Shatrughan Sinha's latest barb - that he thinks the Big B is senior to him in age, but junior to him in the Hindi film industry.
Amitabh Bachchan admits Shatrughan Sinha is 'senior'
Actor-turned politician Sinha made the comments at a press conference in New Delhi on Monday.

Asked by the media here to comment, Amitabh was in no mood to take war of words further, saying, "He is my senior, I admit that and I won't make any further comment on this. Because I have been taught not to answer back my senior."

The actor was here to launch Idea Sarkar Raj Yatra.

Queried on the reason for starting a blog, whether it was his urge to connect with his fans, the Big B said: "I think every artist would want to connect with the people. We survive because of them and we are here because of their patronage. It is important for us to know what they think about us. The only interaction we had in the past was when we went to public forums."

"If there is loud applause you should imagine you are alive. If it is less, then you need to work a lot; and if you are abused right on the street, which has happened to many of us, including me, it means you are a failure and need to do something about it."

"When we interact with people we come to know about their temperament. It is also a great morale booster for us. It is important for us to be in touch with them. We need the people just as much as our professional success. We are fortunate that modern technology has given us this facility."

He also spoke about helping the ageing nurse who looked after him while he was admitted in a Bangalore hospital after a near fatal accident on the sets of 'Coolie' in 1982. The nurse is reported to be dire need of money.

"I was not in a condition to remember who looked after me during that period. I was in semi comma. I have been told about her and I have sent money to her."

Source: IANS

Govinda and His English.

2008-06-03T14:01:00.001+05:30

Govinda is all set to shoot for his first English-language film in London. To be made by Jagmohan Mundhra, it is a remake of the 2005 Hollywood comedy 'The 40 Year Old Virgin' and the actor is confident of evoking laughs with his own brand of desi English.

'It's my first international project and very special. British NRIs don't always speak perfect English. A lot of them retain their desi accent and speak a mix of English and Hindi. That's what I'll do,' Govinda told IANS.

'The important thing is to be true to the character. And I think I can manage the English,' he added.

However, Mundhra has apparently decided to hire an in-house language instructor on the sets to make sure Govinda's diction doesn't dither.

It couldn't get any better for the comic Govinda. After a surprising comeback with 'Partner' and an international project, he is now on a weight-losing spree.

So is he trying to equal his pal Salman Khan's physique?

'Ha! Me equal Salman? He is one of the 10 handsomest men in the world. No, I just want to go back to the way I used to be during 'Raja Babu' and 'Hero No.1',' he said.

'It started in Bangkok where I was shooting for 'Loot', and then god took care of some more weight in Mumbai. As soon as I landed in Mumbai, I was down with a terrible viral fever. That brought down my weight even more. In spite of all this I've been working like a madman to complete all my assignments before I leave for London for a very special project.'

Source: IANS

Perizaad's In the Groove!

2008-06-03T12:20:00.001+05:30

Perizaad Zorabian is pretty happy about her forthcoming releases, and she seems to be highly happy being a mom. She is always talking about her six month old and says motherhood has improved her time management skills. well hope that applies to all the new moms out there.

Tabu is back

2008-06-03T12:16:00.001+05:30

The rather reclusive Tabu has been missing in action for sometime. But it seems she will be seen more from now on. The actress is presently busy shooting for a BR chopra film and was found at a film screening too. Its always a pleasure to see talented actors back in action.

Govinda has a blast while he shoots

2008-06-03T12:09:00.001+05:30

On the sets of Bandha Yeh Bindhas Hai, its all fun and games. Director ravi chopra was recently shooting some scenes with Salman Khan, Govinda, Ashish Chowdary and Vishal Malhotra, and the amazing chemistry between Govinda and Salman was there for everyone to see. The actors were filming some comic scenes that left the whole unit in splits. Even Govinda seemed to be enjoying the whole laugh riot rather too much. No wonder he is called the King of Comedy in Bollywood.

Kareena Shahid Kissing- One Hot Kiss

2008-06-03T11:08:00.001+05:30

Anil Kapoor and Anupam Kher Patch Up at last.

2008-06-02T21:32:00.001+05:30

One of filmdom's most enduring friendships that went kaput has resumed again. After almost two years' cold war, former best buddies Anupam Kher and Anil Kapoor made up in full public view at the premiere of the former's son Sikandar's debut film 'Woodstock Villa'.

'It was very generous of Anil to come. I half expected him to. But then we hadn't been in touch for more than three years, for whatever reasons,' Anupam told IANS.

Since his first big hit 'Tezaab', Anil teamed up with Anupam in many hits like 'Ram Lakhan', 'Lamhe', 'Beta', 'Deewana Mastana' and 'Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain'. In fact, Anil also featured in Anupam's directorial debut 'Om Jai Jagdish'.

During this cold war, Anupam didn't attend the premiere of Anil's daughter Sonam's debut film 'Saawariya' or for his prestigious home production 'Gandhi My Father'.

In fact, the bone of contention between the two was none other than the apostle of peace, Gandhiji.

As it happened, Anupam had announced his production 'Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara' with himself in the lead. When he heard overnight, without being informed by his friend, that Anil had launched 'Gandhi My Father' with another actor in the title role, Anupam felt betrayed.

There ended the duo's seemingly unbreakable friendship.

Talking about his decision to invite Anil, Anupam says he did it on impulse.

'I was driving by Anil's office when I thought I should invite him. But I didn't have his number since I had changed my phone. So I said, 'What the heck, why not now?' I drove into his office, went up and invited him. Anil was startled but welcoming.'

At the premiere Thursday the shutterbugs went amok capturing the two friends' reunion.

'It was a very touching moment for me. I had personally invited everyone. All the Bachchans came. Yash Chopra, who never stays up so late, stayed till the end of the film. And my mentor Mahesh Bhatt, who never attends a premiere, came especially for me. But Anil breaking the ice for my son's sake was the cherry on the cake,' said Anupam emotionally.

SOURCE: IANS

Long List of New Comers In Bollywood.

2008-06-02T21:30:00.001+05:30

It is raining newcomers with the list of wannabe cine stars growing by the day. After the likes of Mimoh Chakraborty and Sikander Kher, ready to bow in Bollywood this summer are Harman Baweja, Imran Khan, and Amita Pathak.

While as many as three actors opened their innings on Bollywood Boulevard this Friday, the most significant debut was of Sikander, son of versatile and acclaimed actors Anupam and Kiron. Critics have given his acting prowess the thumbs up in 'Woodstock Villa' that released Friday.

Sikander, who has been working in the industry since the age of 15, has also gone for acting workshops to hone his acting skills.

A clear pointer that the industry is short of saleable stars and is flush with cash is that Sikander already has another film completed and ready for release. His next is 'Summer 2007' by director Suhail Tatari that is likely to hit the silver screen in mid-June. The film also stars Gul Panag, Ashutosh Rana and Sachin Khedekar, among others.

Ditto for Sikander's 'Woodstock Villa' co-star Neha Oberoi, who also debuts in the film (she had a small part in 'Dus Kahaniyaan'). Neha, who is related to director Sanjay Gupta, will soon be seen in a film starring Sanjay Dutt called 'Easy Monthly Instalment (EMI)'.

The third newcomer this week is Nisha Rawal who debuted with 'Hastey Hastey' opposite Jimmy Shergill. Nisha also has two other small budget Hindi films in her kitty. Another new face in the film is Monishka who has a bit role.

The month ahead will be witnessing one debut each week on an average till the much-hyped silver screen clash of Harman and Imraan.

The star-cast for movies waiting in the wings for release include famous surnames, former models and some small screen stars aspiring to graduate to the big screen. For an industry where for a very long time producers could not imagine making a film that did not have one of the three Khans and debuts were far in between, the deluge of newcomers is a welcome change.

Coming up next week itself, is 'Aamir' which introduces TV star Rajiv Khandelwal. The film has a serious overtone and ample opportunities for the newcomer to showcase his talent.

Among multiplex crowds, however, it is the legendary Kamaal Amrohi's grandson Mashhoor Amrohi who is creating a flutter. He is probably the only one to have written his own debut film.

'Humsey Hai Jahaan', tentatively slated for release on June 6, features Mashhoor in the lead role and interestingly he has scripted the film as well. Vishakha Singh is the other new face who will be seen in the film.

Veteran Mithun Chakraborthy will return to Hindi film circuit after a long gap with a tentative mid-June release of 'Zindagi Tere Naam'. The film has three newcomers - Priyanka Mehta, Aseem Ali Khan and Aashish - though there is hardly any noise about them.

Mid-June is also likely to see the release of 'Good Luck' that introduces Raajveer and Naazneen Patel with Ranveer Shorey and Lucky Ali. Directed by Aditya Datt, the film also stars Aryeman, Sayali Bhagat and Archana Puran Singh.

The much-delayed 'Khushboo' will also feature two newcomers - Rishi Rehan and Avantikka - and 'Haal-e-Dil' will introduce Amita Pathak, Nakuul Mehta and Adhyayan Suman.

The biggest clash, however, will be July 4 when two newcomers Harman Baweja and Imran Khan will take the bow on the silver screen with 'Love Story 2050' and 'Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na', respectively.

While Harman is the son of well-known filmmaker Harry Baweja and the hype around him is already reaching crescendo, Imran is superstar Aamir Khan's nephew. Aamir, who has produced 'Jaane Tu...', is going all out to promote his nephew.

Even as marketers and brand-builders match their wits against each other to ensure good launch pads for both, for audiences, it is more the merrier.

Source: IANS

The Bong Bombshell!!

2008-06-02T17:16:00.002+05:30

Bipasha Basu Looking Wet and Sexy in this pic!!

MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP- MOVIE PREVIEW

2008-06-02T17:12:00.002+05:30

Though MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP was started and completed without much hype but now as the film is readying for its release this June, its promotion has kick started. While most films tom-tom about everything from pre-production to shooting tid-bits to any trivial thing related to the making of the film but the comedy king director Priyadarshan works in his style. According to him if too much is known about the film in advance than it looses its charm once it hits the screens. Priyadarshan has always given quality cinema. Coming back to the film, MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP assures that it will be appreciated by lovers of good quality comic fares. Some of the greatest acting talents of the industry have joined hands in the movie with the likes of Paresh Rawal, Akshaye Khanna, Rajpal Yadav, Om Puri, Genelia D'Souza, Shobhna, Archana Pooran Singh and Naseeruddin Shah (in a very special guest appearance). Shemaroo Films' MERE BAAP PAHLE AAP was shot in Goa, Kerala, Chennai and Mumbai. After HULCHUL, Vidyasagar has once again composed the melodious music for MBPA and the lyrics are penned by Sameer. Producer Raman Maroo's much waited MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP will hit the screens on 13th June 2008.

Synopsis:

Janaradhan Wishvanbhar Rane (Paresh Rawal) a widower has spent his life bringing up his two kids Chirag (Manoj Joshi) and Gaurav (Akshaye Khanna). Janaradhan has done everything for their kids to bring them up in the best possible manner, ever since they were toddlers. Now when the duos have grown up; Gaurav takes up responsibility of his father. They both manage the household chores and their business with best of their abilities. Though he is the younger son, he treats his father like his son. Gaurav is on the guard with the vigilance of a disciplined parent. He shouts, threatens, and fights - even locks up his father occasionally so that his prankster best friend Madhav Mathur (Om Puri) who is a divorcee, desperate to get married, does not spoil him.

Madhav and Janaradhan who are always in search of bride for Madhav forever land up in trouble and every time Gaurav has to bail them out and face the embarrassment.

Gaurav busy managing his business starts getting prank calls from a girl who turns out to be his old college friend Sheekha Kapoor (Genelia D'souza). Sheekha is staying with her guardian Anuradha (Shobana) who is also Paresh's first love.

Gaurav and Sheekha notice changes in behavior of Janaradhan and Anuradha when they come face to face after many years. They come to know about their past relationship. Now Akshay wants his father to get married to his lost love.

Gaurav and Sheekha embark upon a rib-tickling journey to arrange his father's love marriage and in the process find soul mates in each other. Of course, the path is not so smooth: there are obstacles. But then, Madhav's desperate desire for a bride comes handy. How this trio tries to arrange Janaradhan's and Anuradha's love marriage is a fun ride to watch. So stay tuned for 13th June to tickle your funny bones again with Priyadarshan.

Source: GlamSham

Ram Gopal Varma Starts to Blog!

2008-06-02T17:09:00.001+05:30

After actors Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, it is now the turn of ace director Ram Gopal Varma to be bitten by the blog bug.

Blogging is fun, says Varma, who had sworn he would never blog. 'But blogging sounded like so much fun. It sounded like a very naughty activity,' Varma, who started his blog site rgvzoomin.com this week, told IANS.

'Besides, everyone who is worth anything these days is blogging. I couldn't be left out, could I?' reasons the man who loves to do the unpredictable.

Varma admits he was influenced by Amitabh. In fact, the mega star urged the director to take the plunge.

'At first I laughed off the very thought of starting my own blog. I kept wondering how Amitji would sustain the blog on a day-to-day basis. Then I saw how passionately devoted he was to it. I grew interested,' said Varma, who is set to release his 'Sarkar Raj' June 6.

The political thriller features Amitabh along with his son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai.

However, Varma makes it very clear that his intentions and purpose for starting a blog are very different from the Big B.

'The Big B's big blog is a full on day-to-day affair. He talks about his day-to-day activities. I think he basically sees it as a platform to express his thoughts unhampered and to communicate his thoughts with his audience. I won't be going to rgvzoomin.com every day.

'I've neither the urge to tell the world what I'm doing with my private space nor the time or patience. And catch me carrying a laptop to my set to indulge my mental blog. I lose my cellphone every month. I'd have to spend a fortune buying new laptops.'

Here, then is the blog's raison d'etre for Varma.

'It's to express my thoughts on my films. For instance, everyone thought 'Nishabd' was based on 'Lolita' when it was not. If I had my blog at that time, I could've explained why it wasn't 'Lolita'. At the moment I'm taken up with 'Sarkar Raj'. So I've started by sharing my thoughts on 'Sarkar Raj'. Next, I'll start discussing my other new film 'Contract'.'

Does the presence of the print medium now become redundant for Varma?

'Not at all. I'll be carrying on a conversation with myself on the blog. The process of thought expression becomes very different when questions are thrown at you. I don't see my blog as a substitute for interviews. And I think my calculated quotable quotes would go to waste if I were to put them on my blog.'

How often will Varma visit his blog?

'Certainly not every day. I'll have someone to monitor the inputs and if I think a query needs to be answered, I'll do so.'

Source: IANS

Salman Dances At the IPL Final

2008-06-02T16:57:00.001+05:30

Though Shah Rukh Khan was not there, fellow Bollywood actor Salman Khan danced with a bevy of starlets to popular chartbusters amid razzmatazz, setting the tempo before the start of the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) final between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals here Sunday.

Salman, always a crowd puller, had the audience swaying as he performed to songs from his forthcoming film with an entourage of 24 dancers in the background. Kim Sharma, Shamita Shetty, Dia Mirza and Sameera Reddy also shared the stage with him at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Nerul.

They also danced to the theme songs of the eight teams that participated in the first edition of the IPL.

His performance was followed by those from four trampoline acrobats, eight German wheels and eight German spinning wheels.

The multi-million-dollar IPL opened in Bangalore April 18 with similar touches of glamour, leading to the 'cricketainment' that inaugurated the new chapter in the history of the game.

A laser show with 40 giant flames, followed by four para gliders and a fifth stunt man preceded the finale which had 16 dancers, all stunt artists.

Then it was the turn of the battery of IPL commentators, who made their presence felt in multi-coloured kurta-pyjamas.

Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar led the team of commentators, which also had Ravi Shastri, Arun Lal, Damien Fleming of Australia and Rameez Raja from Pakistan.

Speeches from International Cricket Council (ICC) president David Morgan, Indian cricket board president Sharad Pawar and IPL chief Lalit Modi over, it was time for folk dances.

Bollywood Next

2008-06-02T16:51:00.000+05:30

Its nice to start afresh in a better arena..