After winning awards for his last film LOVE AAJ KAL, Imtiaz Ali continues to be the hot property in B-Town. Such is his demand in bollywood that even the top producers don't mind waiting for his nod.
Now, the latest is that Imtiaz Ali is on Yash Raj Films priority list for a movie with him. According to our sources, YRF is pretty impressed with Imtiaz's track record and they see him as a potential director who can deliver a sure shot hit.
It's also known that feelers are being sent to Imtiaz to do a film with Yash Raj Camp. Though, Imtiaz has already a few film assignments to complete before committing to any new film projects, it would be interesting to see Imtiaz Ali joining hands with the country's top most film production house.
Now, how soon would Imtiaz Ali finalize a deal with Yash Raj is something we all would be watching out for closely.
ALT Entertainment and Dibaker Banerjee's LOVE SEX AUR DHOKHA is everything that is novel, original and riveting!
Agreeing with industry analysts, Karan Johar said, "Films like LSD; backed by dedicated producers and brought to life by creatively uncompromising directors are the only way to continue to evolve the face of Indian cinema."
LOVE SEX AUR DHOKHA follows 3 individual stories of voyeurism in contemporary society intertwining to shock, question and inform audiences in the most unconventional manner it finds.
Opening to impressive collections across 350 screens in India Dibaker Banerjee's LOVE SEX AUR DHOKHA also sped away with great critical acclaim thanks to its enthralling storytelling, never seen before cinematography that made use of digital cameras , seamless mirroring of society and performances so real you almost feel like you're living their lives.
Says one of the acclaimed critics, "LOVE SEX AUR DHOKHA is original, innovative and ground-breaking cinema, which will shock and provoke you. The film is definitely not for the faint-hearted or those who swear by stereotypical fares, but for those who yearn for a change"
LOVE SEX AUR DHOKHA isn't for the faint hearted neither is it for those who wish to escape the realities of life
Talking about his intention behind making the film says National award winning director Dibaker Banerjee "I know there is an audience waiting for the film and it is that segment which wants to call a spade a spade."
Nearly shot down by moral watchdogs and putting decisions people take under a scanner - with LOVE SEX AUR DHOKHA expect the unexpected!
It's but obvious when two music directors are working together on one song; differences are bound to be there. Same thing happened with Raghav Sachar when he had to sing a song under the tutelage of another music director Sandesh Sandalia for his forthcoming film TUM MILO TOH SAHI.
Raghav Sachar, who is also doing a cameo as himself in the film, was asked by the director Kabir Sadanh, to sing a song on music set by Sandesh. Himself a music director, Raghav was very apprehensive for fear of creative differences between the two. "In fact I have never sung for any other music director till now. I create my own music and sing it or take services of other singers. But Kabir was insistent. So I eventually agreed but in the end we did have our difference of opinions," comments Raghav.
When he was called to sing and he heard the music, Raghav wanted to improvise on the music. Sandesh refused to relent at all and finally it came to a standstill. "Kabir used to settle down our fights. He would tell me that Raghav whatever Sandesh is doing its betterments for our song and film only," Raghav Says. Now that song has two versions. Both the music directors are happy. One is the original song and the other is remixed club version by Raghav.
TUM MILO TOH SAHI is the film wherein Raghav Sachar is doing a cameo and making his debut as an actor. Opposite Anjana Sukhani, he plays himself in the film. A musician, his is the story of a busy singer and his disillusioned girlfriend.
TUM MILO TO SAHI is a tale of ordinary people at different stages of life, who discover that 'their roots have intertwined so inseparably that they have become one tree and not two!'
Kajol is pregnant for the second time. We know this news is not the breaking news, but the fact that Kajol recently chose to be part of some intense gyrations despite being pregnant is big news.
Normally, pregnant women take utmost care before deciding to take part in activities that require intense body movements. But, such is Kajol's passion for her films that she forgot to consider this point and danced like there was no tomorrow.
So while many would-be mummies are constantly bothered about indulging in physical activities like playing a game, here's one mom who knows how to shake a leg in times of pregnancy too.
While bollywood actors are bee lining to debut on small screen, here's one actor who just missed to realize his dream.
Buzz is that Shahid Kapoor was being considered to be part of an upcoming reality show but the deal fell through. Shahid was being considered to anchor the show along with Priyanka Chopra. But when Priyanka chose to do FEAR FACTOR, the deal did not materialize.
Now, Shahid has to wait till his small screen debut takes off, for the moment the actor is enjoying the company of his dad Pankaj Kapoor who is directing him for the upcoming film MAUSAM.
Kangna Ranaut has found a new admirer in Bollywood. And the admirer is none other than the gorgeous actress Sonam Kapoor.
Apparently, Sonam Kapoor is highly impressed by Kangna's style statements. Sonam feels that no other bollywood actress can come anywhere close to Kangna's style.
Kangna, who comes from a small town, has evolved to become one of the most gorgeous actresses in B-Town today. So, if Sonam praises her for her style that is not without any reason after all.
While Kangna continues making her style statements, let's hope the actress keeps us entertained with her histrionics the way we have always been.
Reliance Big Pictures and Rakesh Roshan's highly anticipated film KITES unfolds yet another surprise! KITES marks the debut of actor Hrithik Roshan as a singer on the silver screen. To commemorate this Reliance BIG Pictures is launching the music of KITES on national television as a roadblock by airing Hrithik debut song 'Kites in the Sky', in English along with some behind the scenes footage on 29th March across 40 television channels.
Commenting on this, Sanjeev Lamba, CEO, Reliance BIG Pictures, says, "We are delighted to bring to fans across the globe the wonderful music of KITES and Hrithik's debut as a singer. This roadblock across all major channels is our way to commemorate this unprecedented occasion".
Hrithik Roshan says, "I was nervous to make my debut as a singer considering I come from a family that is well known in the world of music, but for this very reason my chacha (Rajesh Roshan) and Anurag were most certain that I could sing. I have given this song my best and honest shot, but I still don't consider myself a professional singer."
Director Anurag Basu says, "I first noticed Hrithik's singing talent when we were casually jamming one evening after dinner. After that when I told him to sing for KITES, he wasn't too sure initially but he agreed to give it a try. He is a natural singer and has the talent in his genes; I only did my job by tapping it. Hrithik has a good career ahead as a singer and I feel fortunate that we have a song sung by Hrithik in KITES."
This will also be simultaneously streamed on the official website of KITES and other social networking sites.
KITES has music by Rajesh Roshan and lyrics by Nasir Faraaz. The music (released on T-Series) will be available in stores from March 29th onwards. The music of KITES is also available on SD and USB cards and for download in a digital format (as a single song or entire album).
A few days back it was reported that Arshad Warsi is all set to act as a central protagonist in the directorial debut of Bejoy Nambiar, erstwhile assistant to Mani Rathnam. Though the title is yet to be frozen, Arshad is happy to talk about the genre of the film.
"This is going to be a hardcore film about corruption which is prevalent in our society. In fact if you ask me to describe the genre of the film, it comes quite close to the likes of AB TAK CHAPPAN, SHIVA, YUVA or even my own ISHQIYA. It is going to be real life, stark, intense and won't really revel in cinematic liberties", says Arshad in an exciting tone.
Since Arshad has recently turned producer, would he be putting his money on this film as well. After all that would allow him to have certain quality control over the making, marketing and promotion of the film.
Laughs Arshad, "Arrey yaar, right now I am completely broke after making HUM TUM AUR GHOST. Saara paisa wahin lag gaya. Currently there are some solo producers who have come together to make Bejoy's film. May be I will back it up but I would be able to make a decision around this at a later stage."
This film by Bejoy narrates the tale of an out of job cop (played by Arshad) who is brought into a case when a few drunk rich kids run over pedestrians. The incidents don't just shock the nation but also snowball into something bigger in days to follow.
In an industry where struggle is the much talked about word, here's a person who has never had to use it in her career.
Jacqueline Fernandez is not aware about what struggle really means. The reason: well, call it destiny or sheer talent, the actress has been offered roles on a platter. She thinks her charm is doing her the trick.
Speaking about her journey in bollywood so far, the actress says, "I am extremely satisfied with the way my career has been moving. I guess unlike many actresses who have to struggle hard to get things done, I have had a smoother ride. In fact film offers keep flowing, I'm just waiting for the big moment."
Jacqueline will be playing the role of an alien in the upcoming film JAANE KAHAN SE AAYI HAI in which she is paired opposite Ritesh Deshmukh for the second time.
It has been a week since the release of LOVE SEX AUR DHOKHA and as expected, it has resulted in widespread debates across the blog world, social networking forums as well as 'aam junta'. This Dibakar Banerjee directed film may not have given rise to controversies or an outrage but the fact remains that it has indeed created a stir. The hardcore treatment of the film, whether it is theme, language, visuals or an entirely new grammar of film making, has made quite a few stand up and take notice.
"Well, I always expected that this would happen", smiles Dibakar as he keeps a close track of the business that his experimental film is generating, "I knew it was a new territory that I was chartering but then I could also not shy away from saying what I had to say. Sometimes the truth can be bitter and in case of LOVE SEX AUR DHOKHA, it was always going to be the case. This is the kind of truth which is bitter, funny, sad - just about everything. One has to draw a distinction between these elements after watching the film."
Though the film has opened to a moderate response at the box office, the word of mouth is seeing a fast spread. Since the film is not really everyone's cup of true, there is a clear line that has been drawn between people who have loved the film and others who have loathed it. The silver lining though is that critics have been unanimous in calling the film as a bold step in the right direction.
"Instead of basking in the glory of all the acclaim coming my way and feel proud about it, I look at this response with a sense of responsibility. After KHOSLA KA GHOSLA, OYE LUCKY LUCKY OYE and now LOVE SEX AUR DHOKHA, I know for sure that I have to be on my toes for each of my subsequent films as well", says Dibakar who is yet to announce his next venture.
Actress Anjana Sukhani, who plays a college girl suffering from inferiority complex in director Kabir Sadanand's upcoming film 'Tum Milo Toh Sahi', says she can relate to her character in the movie.
'I am playing a bold Maharashtrian girl. She is a college going girl and also works as an assistant director. She suffers from some kind of inferiority complex, and therefore gives the impression to others that she is the one who does everything and that she is the boss, but that's not the reality,' Anjana told IANS.
'I could identify with some traits of my character. When I was in school and college, I also used to feel inferior. I was from a middle-class background and when people came in big cars and showed off their clothes, then you also started doing things which you would not otherwise.'
Releasing Friday, 'Tum Milo Toh Sahi' weaves together lives of three couples who connect with one another through a series of touching and funny moments. Anjana feels that the audience will be able to relate to film.
'Real life situations are depicted in a lighter note in the film. Surely, everyone will be able to identify with some or the other character,' she said.
The actress, who featured in last year's hit film 'Golmaal Returns', relishes her experience of sharing screen space with veterans like Nana Patekar and Dimple Kapadia.
'I had lots of scenes with Nana Patekar and Dimple Kapadia. It was a fantastic journey to work with them. They are amazing people. They are very senior so they had lots to offer in terms of teaching us acting and general nuances of a character,' said Anjana.
Anjana believes in choosing the right script and her next project is directed by Farouque Kabir and is called 'Allah Ke Banday' where she is playing the lead opposite Sharman Joshi.
'I am sure everyone is choosy and so am I. If I feel I relate to the concept what's being narrated to me...Yes I will think hundred times before I say yes because it is very important what you do, people are going to see you in that light. So it is very, very important that you pick the correct script,' said Anjana.
The shooting of charming beauty Charmi's Mangala, directed by Osho Tulasiram, maker of heroine-oriented blockbuster Mantra, and produced under the banner of Mantra Entertainment, commenced at Annapoorna Studios, Hyderabad with producer Bellamkonda Suresh clapping the muhurat shot on Charmi. Sairam Shankar switched on the camera, while Sukumar did the formal first shot direction. I knew Tulasi Ram from the time he was an assistant director. I never thought that Mantra would be a big hit and when I attended the Mantra's opening shot, all the cast and crew appeared in a depressed mood. Later, the movie proved to be a trendsetter. I wish the same for Mangala, Sukumar said. Charmi and Tulasi Ram spoke during the occasion. Music is by Vishwa; cinematography is by Sivendra. Story and screenplay are by the director himself. The cast includes Pradeep Rawat, Yuvaraj, Chitram Seenu, Subash and others.
Popular South Indian actor Sarathkumar has been advised bed rest for a month by his doctors, after he was injured on Monday on the sets of Kannada film Sarathi, directed by K.S. Selvaraj with Kannada actor Darshan and Sneha in prominent roles. Sarathkumar suffered a hip fracture while performing a daring action scene near Puducherry. According to reports, the actor was thrown off a horse and was immediately admitted to a private hospital. The president of South Indian Film Artistes Association was later shifted to a Chennai hospital. There is nothing to worry about his health condition. He will be perfectly alright soon, a hospital source said.
South India's slim beauty Ileana was recently in Chennai for the inauguration of choreographer Shoby's IBO Dance School along with Kollywood's most happening celebrities Kamal Haasan, Suriya, Jeyam Ravi and K.S. Ravikumar. When asked in a freewheeling interview at the event why she is taking a long time to make a comeback in Tamil, the actress said she has been getting lots of offers from Tamil after her debut Kedi. All along, I was busy with Telugu movies. Even now, recently I had agreed to do a film with Vikram under Vikram K. Kumar's direction because the script was amazing. But unfortunately, the project is not happening now. I had listened to yet another script from Bhoopathy Pandian with the same hero playing the protagonist. I liked the script but am yet to sign on dotted line. Let's see. Ileana earlier made headlines when she turned down a role Rajinikanth's Sultan The Warrior. Talking about refusing this role, Ileana said: When I realised it was an animated film and my face is not going to be shown, with the mutual consent with the film's director Soundarya Rajinikanth, I opted out of Sultan. Responding to rumours that she plans to undergo silicone enhancement, Ileana said: Silicone treatment? Do I look like that? (Laughs) I will never ever even think of it even in (my) wildest dreams. I don't want to play around with my body. Accept me as I am this is my mantra.
The success of Daggubati Rana's debut film Leader, directed by Sekhar Kammula under the banner of AVM Productions, was celebrated in an impressive function at the Film Nagar Cultural Centre, Hyderabad in the presence of Paruchuri Brothers, Suresh Babu, Venkatesh, Ramesh Prasad, M.S. Raju, Chinni Krishna, V.V. Vinayak, B. Gopal, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Richa Gangopadhyay, Priya Anand, Harsha Vardhan and Aswini Dutt. Sekhar Kammula said: AVM Productions is responsible for the success of Leader, as they never compromised in their budget and never interfered with the subject. Rana has a promising future as there is no doubt that he hails from a great family. Leader happens to be the best film so far in my career. I am happy that the Chief Minister K. Rosaiah has agreed to watch the film soon. Paruchuri Gopalakrishna said: "Though I've not watched the movie, I read the entire script, which itself is a legendary preparation for a political epic. Rana is trying different films like Venkatesh instead of getting stuck in an image trap. Ramesh Prasad, V.V. Vinayak, Venkatesh and Bellamkonda Suresh also spoke during the occasion.
Popular South Indian actress Nagma (sister of Tollywood actress Jyotika), who appeared in a number of super hit movies like Baasha, Kadhalan, Love Birds, Gharana, Allari Alludu and Major Chandrakanth in all Indian languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam, then migrated to Bhojpuri films, will be married this year. The announcement was reportedly made by the actress herself. My marriage will take place this year. I will announce about the bridegroom shortly. There were rumors linking me with director Deepak, Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan and cricket player Ganguly. All these relations were purely business-related. There is no truth in these rumors, the actress reportedly said. Further details are awaited.
Sonam Kapoor is learning lessons in time management these days. The actress is being given these tuitions free of cost by none other than her director Pankaj Kapoor, who will be directing her in the film MAUSAM.
The film stars Shahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor in the lead. Recently, when Sonam Kapoor showed up late at the director's office, Pankaj Kapoor cancelled the proceedings of the day in order to teach Sonam the value of being on time.
Now, for all her meetings with the director, Sonam makes sure that she reaches the venue on time rather than face the wrath of her director who is so particular about time management.
Well, let's hope these time management lessons help Sonam get rid of her habit of arriving late on her shooting assignments
Akshay Kumar was in for a surprise recently when his leather jacket went missing while he was shooting for his film ACTION REPLAYY.
According to reports, Akki was shooting with his co-star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for a song sequence and in between a break the jacket went missing. When it could not be found after searching all over, the producer of the film Vipul Shah finally decided to cancel the rest of the shoot.
The particular jacket was specially designed for Akki in the film. The actor is also upset about losing this prized possession.
Well, let's hope Akki no longer has to face such missing traumas once the shoot resumes.
Asin, who is relatively new to the industry, is fast making new buddies in B-Town. Though her act in her bollywood debut won her acclaim, the actress is still trying to figure out who her good friends are in the industry.
After bonding with Sridevi's family, now Asin has found a new friend in Sushmita Sen's daughter Renee. The two apparently met recently and bonded like a house on fire. Actually, Renee is so smitten by Asin's act in the film GHAJINI that she calls Asin by her character name Kalpana didi.
It's learnt that Asin is fast becoming thick friends with Renee and mom Sushmita Sen cannot stop feeling excited about the choice of Renee's friendship.
Eros International Media Ltd, the Indian Media and Entertainment Company has inked a co-production deal with Shri Ashtavinayak Cine Vision to jointly produce Imtiaz Ali's ROCKSTAR starring Ranbir Kapoor.
Imtiaz Ali's JAB WE MET and LOVE AAJ KAL were both musical romantic entertainers and ROCKSTAR completes the trilogy. The film will go on floors in May this year and is scheduled for a December release.
Commenting on the announcement, Sunil Lulla, Executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director, India - Eros International said, "Eros and Imtiaz Ali have had a fabulous and successful working relationship in the past and we are proud to take our association to the next level with ROCKSTAR in association with Shri Ashtavinayak. It is equally exciting to work again with the very talented Ranbir Kapoor after a fabulous experience during our first film with him, ANJANA ANJANEE, releasing this July".
Eros International will use its worldwide network to exploit the film and its music
Time and again one has heard actors make animated statements like - 'Working in the film was like being in a picnic'. Thankfully, WELL DONE ABBA is turning out to be one film where actors are refraining from saying that. Instead, people associated with this Shyam Benegal film have gone on record to state that being with the veteran director on sets meant a lot of learning and enhancement in one's craft.
Fascinated by the experience of working with Shyam Benegal, Minissha Lamba comments, ''I had to be quite alert and focused right through the shoot of this political satire. WELL DONE ABBA is told in a very simple fun light hearted way. In any case, cinema is the reflection of society and in the same mould, this film too is quite tongue in cheek.''
With Boman Irani in the central role, the film also stars Sameer Dattani (as Minissha's love interest), Ravi Kishan, Ila Arun, Salim Ghouse, Sonali Kulkarni, Rajit Kapoor, Yashpal Sharma and Ravi Jhankal.
"With such an ensemble cast in the film, you have to be on your toes all the time. There were some scenes in particular which were quite challenging and I didn't really know where I was and what was I doing. But as I said, Shyam sir gets it going for his actors at the end of the day. I can only say that working in WELL DONE ABBA was an educative trip for me and I only came back a little more well versed in cinema", says Minissha in awe.
A BIG Pictures production, the film has lyrics by Swanand Kirkire, Ila Arun and Ashok Mishra with music by Shantanu Moitra. Earlier titled ABBA KA KUAN, this Shyam Benegal directed film is releasing all over this Friday, i.e. 26th March 2010.
ATITHI TUM KAB JAOGE has turned out to be the sleeper success of the year. When released, not many were willing to spend their money on the film because a) due to its plot based story, it wasn't one of those quintessential Bollywood entertainer in the offering and b) the pairing of Ajay Devgn and Konkona Sen Sharma sounded pretty much chalk and cheese.
However, now that the film has turned out to be a decent success with more than 25 crores in collections already in its kitty, the reverse argument has begun. While Ajay and Konkona have shared screen space together earlier in OMKARA (though not really paired opposite each), one wonders if it's the experimentation around this unique pairing which has proven to be a blessing for ATITHI....?
"Don't really attribute our coming together as a matter of a unique combination being tried out", comes an outright opposition from Ajay, "That is just being unfair because no one was looking at experimentation here. Konkona came in because she was always the first choice. She has a class to her and the best part is that there is a certain timing that was required from her. With the kind of subject and treatment that the film has, this combination of class and timing was of much more importance than the combination of I and her as co-stars."
However, going by Bollywood diktats where a tried and tested formula is more often than not repeated, it won't be surprising if two intelligent actors like Ajay and Konkona are presented with more and more offers to pair up for screen all over again in years to come.
After making a career out of doing comic and light hearted films ever since his 1996 debut with TERE MERE SAPNE, Arshad Warsi is now all set to take a serious route. He is now doing a stark dramatic flick where he would be playing a cop. This yet untitled film would be the debut directorial venture for film maker Bejoy Nambiar who has been an assistant to Mani Ratnam for last many years. Incidentally, Arshad had played a cop in SEHER as well which is the only other dark film that he has done so far.
"This is a serious issue based film which I am doing and I can't explain how much I am looking forward to beginning work on it. After all how many comedies can one do in a lifespan? It was high time that I do a film like this as well. It boasts of a great plot and when Bejoy narrated the synopsis to me, I made up my mind there and then that I was going to star in it", details Arshad.
This film by Bejoy narrates the tale of an out of job cop who is brought into a case when a few drunk rich kids run over pedestrians. The incidents don't just shock the nation but also snowball into something bigger in days to follow.
Meanwhile Arshad is all geared up for the release of his first ever production HUM TUM AUR GHOST.
"If I go by audience reaction to promos, I have this really positive feeling about the film", says Arshad in a positive tone, "Because of the limitations of the story and the plot, I couldn't reveal too much in the promos. Anything more and the story would have opened up. Still, if I look at the kind of interest amongst audience and the curiosity, I think they have made up their mind to watch it. I will wait for Friday to do the eventual talking."
Jagmohan Mundhra a.k.a Jags in the industry is all set to create a benchmark in commercial cinema too.
Jags who took off his directorial career in Bollywood with award winning movies like BAWANDER with Nandita Das and PROVOKED with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is now rapt in making commercial movies.
This year seems to be lucky for Jags as the busy man has three films already lined up after his next release APARTMENT, which is a contemporary psycho-thriller, starring the two sizzling divas Tanushree Dutta and Neetu Chandra. The movie also stars Rohit Roy and Anupam Kher. Though Jag Mundhra is getting into commercial cinema with APARTMENT, one cannot forget that this is yet another women-centric movie on the block.
Akshay Kumar edged past the other stars in Bollywood to become the highest tax payer for the financial year 2008-2009.
This time the CBEC - Central Board of Excise and Customs, has roped in Akshay Kumar to feature in a television commercial urging people to pay taxes honestly and on time.
The CBEC was of the opinion that no other Bollywood star could convey the message of tax compliance better than Akshay Kumar who for the last 4 years has been diligently paying his service tax in advance.
Says the Additional Commissioner, Customs and Central Excise, CBEC, "In 2008-2009 Akshay Kumar emerged the highest Bollywood tax payer. We approached Mr. Kumar to feature in the advertisement since to us he was someone who could represent the message of paying one's taxes on time which is every citizen's duty. He has great appeal and being a superstar he can really help encourage people to pay taxes honestly."
The CBEC, which is responsible for collection of customs, central excise and service tax, released the advertisement on the 21st March 2010, Sunday.
Reveals a source "Akshay Kumar has always been meticulous when it comes to paying his taxes and is willing to help in whatever way he can to encourage citizens to do the same."
She has been sexy, she has been a girl-next door, she has been bubbly and innocent too but now we will see the no-nonsense actor Kareena Kapoor in a completely different avatar for her upcoming film.
Well it is being said that Kareena will be seen playing a tomboy in yet another sequel GOLMAAL 3, being directed by Rohit Shetty. And for the first time ever we'll see Kareena in such a rough n tough role.
In the film, Kareena will sport casual wear, speak in a typical tapori style, use too much of abusive lingo and ride around on a bike doing dadagari just like the boys in gangs.
Rohit is quite excited about Kareena's new avatar in his film and already working hard alongwith the well-known designer Manish Malhotra to give Kareena the perfect look.
So get ready to meet the female version of Munna Bhai!
Boman Irani is basking in global glory. A spate of accolades have rushed in, courtesy 'Well Done Abba'. Screened at international film fests, the winning response to the Shyam Benegal flick has delighted the heart of the Parsi actor.
'Well Done Abba' happens to be his 44th movie, with the Benegal movie showcasing him in the eponymous role.
"Every actor should do at least one film with Shyam Benegal in his lifetime," says Irani in a scribe chat. "I was willing to do any role in his film, but when I realised that he was offering me the lead role, I was thrilled to bits!"
Adds he, "Besides, the character was really interesting to play. The process of working on this film was such a wonderful experience, that as an actor I'm truly grateful to Shyam Benegal." Well done, Benegal.
It's a friendly foursome. Preity Zinta, Asin, Sushmita Sen and Diana Hayden met at a Mumbai party... and hit it off like long lost pals!
The gals got along like the proverbial house on fire; an elated Sush invited Asin over to her spacious pad ("Renee is a big fan of yours.")
Soon, Sush had to leave… but Asin and Zinta yakked away, talking nineteen… sorry, ninety to the dozen, even as Hayden got in a word sideways as the trio munched over dessert. Sweet note, eh?
A business management degree holder and pure vegetarian… turns mercernary killer! Heyyy, hold your horses… Anjana Sukhani hasn't lost it, folks.
Rather, she lost her kool… over a swarm of mosquitoes wanting to have a taste of her celeb blood! The 'Golmaal Returns' gal swatted down a sizeable number of the offending creatures who invaded her make up van, as they were canning scenes for a film at a locale replete with lush greenery.
Sukhani, though, has a way with daggers. Co star Rehan Khan of 'Tum Milo Toh Sahi' ought to know. He shuddered inwardly as Sukhani zoomed into action for a knife throwing sequence in the Kabir Sadanand helmed flick. A couple of tries later... she got it right, even as a young Khan composed himself and producer Nikhil Panchamiya beamed a relieved grin.
The friendly barbs hurled at Sukhani later… are another matter altogether.
It's official and has created quite a racket! The scorching publicity surrounding the Mahesh Bhupathi and Lara Dutta liaison will attract fresh media frenzy now.
Reportedly, the duo are readying to take their commitment to the next level. As per close sources, Mahesh has rented out a plush apartment in suburban Mumbai which is a stone's throw away from Lara's residence!
Incidentally, Lara accompanied her new love interest as he showed up to finalise matters on the rental deal, fuelling rumours that she was game for... a live in relationship with Mahesh.
Hrithik Roshan enacts a paraplegic in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Guzaarish', though, he also features in a dance sequence in the emotional opus! A dream sequence, probably, and Roshan Jr. lost no time in tweeting about it, hailing it as an "out of body experience."
The actor is expressly sold over the lyrical dance number crafted by Ashley Lobo, and has lauded it as his "best dance experience ever." The downside… HR pulled a hamstring, besides bruising his knee and shoulders. Tweets Hrithik.. "it's become consistent with my style."
He's 'Wanted', she's 'Ready'. Reportedly, Deepika Padukone who was supremely eager to be cast alongside Salman Khan in Anees Bazmee's forthcoming flick has been elbowed out… in favour of Asin!
The Bazmee flick, a remake of a South blockbuster 'Ready', will showcase the 'London Dreams' duo, once again. Although, Vipul Shah's flick didn't exactly set the cash registers ringing, it helped to forge a good palship between Khan and Asin.
Reportedly, it was Khan who convinced Bazmee and producer Bhushan Kumar (T series) to lassoe in Asin as the female lead for the romantic comedy, readying to roll in June.
Surely strange, considering SK was all over the town gushing to media types about how keen he was on pairing up with Dippy onscreen
It's a missing bling. And the vanishing link has left filmmaker Vipul Shah rather perplexed.
Reportedly, Akshay Kumar's "hand crafted bling bling leather jacket"… which he sports grooving John Travoltaesque to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in 'Action Replayy' has gone missing half way through the filming of the catchy song number!
Shah has little option but to stall shooting until a suitable replacement is served up. "I've asked Akshay to allot me a few extra dates in order to complete this song," states Shah in a tabloid chat.
At least 21 people were arrested and 5,909 pirated compact discs (CDs) of new films recovered in raids across Punjab, an Indian Music Industry (IMI) official said here Wednesday.
The IMI said that following their tip-off, police conducted raids Tuesday at Chandigarh, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Faridkot, Moga and Khanna towns and seized pirated materials, mobile memory chips, CDs, MP3s, DVDs, VCDs and other equipment.
The police also seized 23 memory cards, 5,909 pirated CDs, 17 computers, 13 DVD writers, 15 card readers and other material used for piracy of films.
'The police has arrested 21 accused involved in the business of piracy across Punjab,' an IMI spokesman said here.
Police recovered titles and MP3s of various hit movies like 'Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani', 'Singh is Kinng', 'De Dana Dan', 'Jannat' and several others.
IMI officials said that Bollywood was suffering a loss of Rs.6 billion (Rs.600 crore) annually due to piracy. They added that new formats like mobile chip piracy was leading to an estimated loss of another Rs.3 billion (Rs.300 crore)
Shyam Benegal's 'Well Done Abba' is all set to release Friday on 370 screens across 13 countries.
Produced by Reliance BIG Pictures, the Boman Irani and Minissha Lamba-starrer will be released in India, UAE, US, Canada, South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Kenya and Ghana.
The star cast of the movie will visit Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune and Nagpur to promote the film, according to a statement released Tuesday.
'Well Done Abba' is a lighthearted comedy film that tells the story of a Mumbai-based driver Armaan Ali (Boman Irani), who goes on leave to find a match for his teenage daughter Muskan (Minissha Lamba).
When he returns to work after three months, his employer wants to sack him. However, Armaan Ali has a story to tell about a government scheme he avails to dig a well in his agricultural patch. Things spiral out of control so much so that the government is about to collapse.
'Well Done Abba' also stars Ila Arun, Sonali Kulkarni, Ravi Kishen, Rajit Kapur, Ravi Jhankal and Yashpal Sharma.
The music has been composed by Shantanu Moitra and lyrics by Ashok Mishra, Swanand Kirkire and Ila Arun.
Actor-director Aparna Sen says the idea for her upcoming film 'The Japanese Wife' came about over a cup of coffee with author Kunal Basu.
'It's a very, very unusual love story,' Aparna Sen told reporters at a press conference here Tuesday.
She added that the movie, which stars Rahul Bose, Raima Sen, Moushumi Chatterjee and Japanese actress Chingusa Takaku, is set to release April 9.
'The Japanese Wife' tells the tale of Snehamoy (Rahul Bose), a schoolteacher in the interiors of Sundarbans, West Bengal, and Migaya (Chingusa Takaku). They start off as pen pals, fall in love and even get married through letters. And while they have been married for 15 years, they have never met each other.
Aparna Sen's source of inspiration for the unique story is writer Kunal Basu's short story.
'I was actually collaborating with Basu on some other script and was unable to get anything film-worthy. At a normal coffee break, when Kunal told me of this story, every other plot went out of my head,' said Aparna Sen
Shasha and negative hype seem to be deeply entwined. Have a heart, Shahid Kapoor can prove to be a daring hero…in real life too!
Anushka Sharma will vouch for it. Sharma and Shasha were canning a music video for Parmeet Sethi's 'Badmaash Company', when an overhead chandelier almost came crashing down on Sharma!
But the swift reflexes of her male lead, saved the star! Admitting it as a serious lapse from his end, choreographer Ahmed Khan states in a periodical talk, "My instructions went a little awry. Luckily, Shasha pulled Anuskha towards him and prevented the mishap."
Incidentally, this is the third disaster on the sets of the Yash Raj Films venture, although it's not the premier time that Shasha has displayed his valiant streak.
Case in point: Priyanka Chopra. A sequence in 'Kaminey' required PC to ride a scooter with SK riding pillion. She lost her balance suddenly, and if it wasn't for Shasha who buffered her fall to a great extent, Chopra would have sustained a serious face injury.
The 'Flying Sikh' has two in the running too. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra who's readying to film his biopic 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', centred around the life of the 75 year old sports legend Milkha Singh, is thick in the midst of a casting dilemma.
Mehra is keen to pencil in Abhishek Bachchan for the eponymous role, while Singh has expressed that he'd like Akshay Kumar to portray him onscreen.
"Akshay is a 'Punjab da puttar' and he has the right physique," says Singh in a media chat. "Besides, he also acts well."
Mehra has been doing his round of fence sitting, by telling an eager media that, "It's too early to say anything now, since Prasoon Joshi has to finalise the script."
She's a pert 23, although Kangna Ranaut opines that she's 45 in her starry head! "Acting as a career makes you mature much before your time," states the national award winner ('Best Supporting Actress' for 'Fashion') in a newspaper chat.
KG opines to feeling more euphoric as famed numerologists have predicted a zoom in career, taking her several notches higher…from this year. "I've turned 23 and it totals up to number 5, which is my lucky number." she says.
Presently, KG's beaming over the ten flicks in her kitty, which include Hrithik Roshan's 'Kites', Abhishek Bachchan's 'Crooked', R. Madhavan's 'Tanu Weds Manu', Ajay Devgn's 'Once Upon A Time in Mumbai' and Akshaye Khanna's ' No Problem'.
Although she's raring to go on the professional front, Ranaut is regretful that her personal life is bereft of romance. "I'm currently single, but not ready to mingle," she asserts, "But someday I do plan to make place for a permanent relationship."
Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon has gone public with her new romance after she was spotted holding hands with her boyfriend during a romantic weekend to celebrate her birthday.
Witherspoon had ended her long term relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal last year and was recently linked to Hollywood agent Jim Toth after they were seen enjoying a dinner date in California in January, reports dailystar.co.uk.
Vivek Oberoi is a man on a mission - apart from doing quality work in films, he wants to help the needy and says that 'inner happiness is achieved by doing good for others'.
'I feel it's my duty to help the needy. I have been taught by my family that inner happiness is achieved by doing good for others and I totally believe in this. Everyone should take out time from their busy schedule to spread happiness in the world,' Vivek told IANS in an email interview.
The 33-year-old is associated with a couple of charitable organisations.
Apart from being a part of his mother's NGO The Yashodhara Oberoi Foundation (YOF), he is also the brand ambassador of Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA).
'Today people have a very short span of memory. When I talk about a certain NGO, it generates awareness and leads to more helping hands which they require,' he said.
'It is not possible for any NGO to support its cause without any helping hand. I try to be the middle man by creating a right association with NGOs and corporate houses,' added the actor, who recently joined hands with Panasonic's Eco Idea Campaign and gifted a refrigerator to NGO Snehasadan, which works for street children's welfare.
'A couple of months back I overheard a conversation of a staff about Snehasadan and what they do for the street kids. It caught my attention and I did my own research. I was really impressed with their work. When I met Father Placido Fonseca, he mentioned that in summer it gets tough for the children. I gave it a thought and got in touch with Panasonic to gift a refrigerator,' he said.
Going back to his movies, the actor is looking forward to the release of 'Prince - It's Showtime', his first solo film in five years.
Asked what took him so long to do a film as a solo actor, he said: 'I was reading a lot of scripts but nothing really interested me and I just didn't want to work in random projects. I believe in quality work and not quantity.'
Directed by debutant Kooki Gulati, the film is about a quick-witted thief who wakes up one morning to realise that he has a gunshot on his arm and has absolutely no clue about how he gets it because he has lost his memory.
Vivek will also be seen doing some daring stunts in the film.
'I was a bit nervous doing some daredevil stunts in my film which I had never done before. 'Prince - It's Showtime' is my first action film and will showcase me in a new avatar. It's a story that could be every man's fantasy and every man's nightmare,' he said.
'All the action scenes have been shot in Hollywood style which audiences will see for the first time,' Vivek added.
Releasing April 9, the film also stars Aruna Shields, Nandana Sen, Niroo Singh and Sanjay Kapoor.
Vivek shares an intimate kissing scene with Aruna in the film and says he had to do several retakes to get it right.
'It was our first ever intimate kissing scene and both of us were jittery, which led to too many retakes as it was not looking natural,' he said.
Vivek is currently working on Ram Gopal Varma's 'Rakta Charitra' and has two other films in the pipeline.
Asked about recent reports of him planning to settle down, he said: 'Correction, I am not looking at settling any time in the near future and what's my age...I am still a child.'
She scores, size wise and price wise. Kareena Kapoor has charmed zillions of Indians… and it's time to dazzle fans across shores. In Pakistan, no less!
Reportedly, Bebo pencilled in Rs 3 crore to endorse 'Firdous Lawns', a topline UAE textile brand. The stunning ad campaign canned at Dubai, illumines KK sporting a variety of ensembles ranging from party wear to conservative salwar kameezes.
A close source states, "Kareena was very impressed with the clothes and she heartily complimented the Pakistani designers over their creations."
Billboards in the Middle East featuring the Indian fashion diva have become a certified hit. Keeping the winning trend in mind, KK would well be endorsing more brands from UAE in the near future.
Skin is always in! A show of curvy flesh in a bikini is enough to raise the collective pulse rates of cinegoers. Kareena Kapoor and Bipasha Basu have sported bikinis in their flicks and pulled it off with great panache.
The next babe to follow in their swim wear footsteps is Jacqueline Fernandez, who will show up in a yellow and blue two piece in the teaser promos of 'Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai'.
Apparently, co actor Riteish Deshmukh and producer Nikhil Advani thought of this canny strategy of having a cute and funny promo to catch viewer fancy. "It's not meant to titillate," says director Milap Zaveri. "And there's nothing cheap in it. Jacqueline had no qualms about wearing a bikini since she's been a Miss Sri Lanka and model too."
JF enacts Tara, an alien from Venus who comes to earth and slips into a two piece when she discovers water. Rivals, meanwhile, display ripples of jealousy…
She'll be holding court… and courting controversy, pretty soon. After her stint as a judge with reality show 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa,' Shilpa Shetty Kundra has reportedly bitten the arbiter bait, yet again.
Reportedly, the saucy star has raked in a whopping sum to play judge on 'IPL Rockstars'. A close source states, "The show 'IPL Rockstars' required a star connected to the Indian Premier League. Shilpa was roped in coz' she definitely fitted the bill."
Channel 'Colors' aims to blend the nation's two mega passions: cricket and music together, by having 12 talented singers competing to be the 'IPL Rockstar 2010'
The kool Mrs Kundra will judge contestants based on their stage presence and crooning capabilities. Rocking judge for rockstar magic!
Their little cat and mouse, sorry, Kat and mouse game, is providing ample grist to the gossip mills. Ranbir Kapoor's romantic equation with Katrina Kaif has earned sheets of newsprint. And his now on, now off alliance with Deepika Padukone has sent tabloids into a tizzy.
Delhi courted a date with controversy recently, when Padukone checked into a swanky hotel for the canning schedule of 'Break Ke Baad,' her Imran Khan starrer.
A few days later, who should check in… but Ranbir Kapoor! Blissfully unaware, Ranby Boy stayed put until he got wind of this queasy development. But he swiftly swerved into damage control mode… and shifted to sibling Riddhima's newly styled apartment.
A close source states, "Since he was out of the country for over two months, Ranbir thought it was a good time to catch up with Riddhima."
She's Brazil bound. Priyanka Chopra, the gutsy new host of 'Khatron Ke Khiladi 3' will reportedly stride into Copacabana and the rain forests of Brazil, where she will put a posse of cricketers through some tough paces. The start to finish schedule for the 16 episodes is slated to kickstart in July.
Chopra will challenge the fear factor of esteemed cricketers such as Yuvraj Singh, Virendra Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Adam Gilchrist and Brett Lee,among others.
The recent national award winner ('Fashion' 'Best Actress') has declared that unlike previous show anchor Akshay Kumar, she won't be all sugar and saccharine to the contestants.
Rather, she'll emerge as a tough taskmaster who will goad the contestants to crack the tasks in as little a time as possible. Besides, PC will display daredevilry…as she will do several stunts herself!
It's steel blue, crafted of reinforced latex and costs… a mere crore! Shah Rukh Khan has earned the right to beam as the owner of the costliest body suit in B town history, styled expressly for his role of a super hero in the Anubhav Sinha directed 'Ra.One'.
The special outfit, fitted with micro computer circuitry, was created for him in Los Angeles and SRK has unforgettable memories associated with it's fabrication.
The winning 'MNIK' star was required to stand in a 12x3 chamber, when the warm latex liquid would be slowly released until it reached his neck. Once the mould solidified, it was slit from the side and gently peeled off his celeb body. The process took close to an hour. A concealed zipper was used to join the two separated halves together.
Says a close insider, "The body suit is meant to provide both protection and flexibility. It acts as a tough exterior to minimise external injury, while it is flexible enough not to hamper movement while performing stunts."
Well Done Abba is the story of Armaan Ali, a driver working for a Senior Executive in Mumbai, who goes on leave. He wants to find a match for his teenage daughter, who stays with his brother Rehman Ali and his wife Salma. When Armaan returns to work after 3 months his young employer wants to sack him. But Armaan Ali has a story to tell. The story he tells is a humorous and often hilarious account of the events and happenings that delayed him from returning after a month. He avails a government scheme to dig a well in his agricultural patch. Things spiral out of control so much so that the Government is about to collapse! The question remains, how true is this compelling story!
Baby Kusum is a child star, a cute little girl. In reality, Baby Kusum is a boy, masquerading as a girl. He was christened Jerry, and then named Master Jai for the movies. He and his mother Mary share a turbulent relationship. Once the boy reaches adolescence, he becomes a drug-abuser who has never been to school and spends all his time at home. As a youth, Jerry meets his dream woman, Nandini, causing another inner turmoil. Nandini is the fantasy woman who Maradona conjures up in his head-a phantom who taunts him and fights with him, an alter ego who questions his every move. Jerry is made to face the camera again as a young man, which leads to the final catastrophe.
After winning awards for his last film LOVE AAJ KAL, Imtiaz Ali continues to be the hot property in B-Town. Such is his demand in bollywood that even the top producers don't mind waiting for his nod.
While bollywood actors are bee lining to debut on small screen, here's one actor who just missed to realize his dream.
ATITHI TUM KAB JAOGE has turned out to be the sleeper success of the year. When released, not many were willing to spend their money on the film because a) due to its plot based story, it wasn't one of those quintessential Bollywood entertainer in the offering and b) the pairing of Ajay Devgn and 
After making a career out of doing comic and light hearted films ever since his 1996 debut with TERE MERE SAPNE, 
She has been sexy, she has been a girl-next door, she has been bubbly and innocent too but now we will see the no-nonsense actor 
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