Sunday, December 21, 2008

Dub-Ble Talk

A spat between an actress (Bipasha Basu) and her producer (Reliance Big Pictures) has now assumed the proportions of a whodunit. Bipasha Basu wants to dub her own lines in the Rituparno Ghosh-directed Bengali film Shob Charitro Kalponik (All Characters are Fictitious). But she’s furious because she says her producers will not let her dub, and have got a dubbing artiste with a ‘terrible’ voice to dub for her. Bipasha, who thinks this is the most challenging role of her career, won’t compromise and, as she says, ‘con’ the audiences. She says, “When I first came to know that I wouldn’t be dubbing my own voice I was furious. I’ve gone through this process of having my voice dubbed by someone else. No way will I allow this to happen to this film! In fact one of the reasons why I waited so long to do a Bengali film was because I wanted to be sure I could carry off the lines.”After much furious sparring, the producers relented partially.Says Bipasha, “Now they want me to dub only for the print that would be submitted for the National awards (films with the actors’ lines dubbed by a dubbing artiste are not eligible). But I’m very clear on this issue. I will not let the film be released with someone else’s voice in it. I know what that does to a performance. And I won’t dub only for the National award print. I want every print to have my voice.”Bipasha finds the whole insistence on a dubbing artiste when she’s both willing and capable, highly absurd. “I don’t want some alien voice to speak for me. I don’t care if I get awards or not. Why should I dub only for the National award? My audiences know me well enough by now, they can’t be conned by another voice,” she says.
Getting bold: Rituparno Ghosh
Bipasha has heard the voice used to dub for her character in Shob Charitro Kalponik. She says, “The voice they plan to use is simply terrible! When I signed the film it was made clear that it’ll be shot in Kolkata but dubbed in Mumbai. Rituparno is supposed to come and supervise my dubbing in Mumbai.”Who does she blame? Bipasha replies, “It’s not Rituparno. It’s the production guys. I’ve all the email that Ritu has sent to the producers. They’ve behaved very strangely. I’ve emailed the producers and my director Ritu saying I’m not going to dub only for the National award print. I’ll dub for the entire film. I’ve been waiting to dub since February. I’m even willing to dub with Ritu’s assistant if he’s busy. But the producers are coming up with one excuse after another. I’ve poured my heart out into this film. They’re looking for excuses for me not to dub.”Rituparno makes supportive noises from Varanasi where he’s shooting, saying, “If the artiste is willing and capable there’s no reason why she shouldn’t be allowed to dub her own lines.”Now, here’s the twist in the tale. When we contacted the producers, Mahesh Ramanathan, COO, Reliance Big Pictures said, “This is a very sensitive subject. And Rituparno Ghosh would be the best person to answer why Bipasha hasn’t dubbed her own lines. Think about it, on our part, why would we not want Bipasha to dub? Her voice would only enhance the film’s equity.”We read between the lines. And gathered that perhaps Bips is barking up the wrong tree, with misplaced anger.

Deepika

She’s still as politically correct as ever’. ‘Is Ranbir also in town?’ These were just some of the musings doing the rounds at a recent event where namma hudugi Deepika Padukone was in attendance for a brand endorsement. The actress was also taking a short break visiting her family. BT caught up with her. I’m different... Don’t compare me with Priyanka Chopra just because she’s done stunts in Drona and I’ve done action sequences in Chandni Chowk to China (CC2C). Each person is unique and so am I. I worked hard for six months to learn those stunts and was specially trained by experts from Hong Kong. source:indiatimes.com

Oprah Winfrey

Media mogul Oprah Winfrey has been named as the ‘2008 Person of the Year’ by animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals


Oprah Winfrey (Reuters Photo) More Pics(PETA). According to PETA, the philanthropist uses her fame and listening audience to help the less fortunate, including animals. She has used her talk show Oprah Winfrey Show to uncover horrific cases of cruelty to animals in puppy mills and on factory farms, and Oprah even used the show to highlight the cruelty-free vegan diet that she tried. Previous winners of the PETA award include U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia in 2007 and the founders of the San Francisco-based cleaning product company Method in 2006. source: www.indiatimes.com

Friday, September 19, 2008

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Friday, March 14, 2008

Sanju in action again- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies

Sanju in action again- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies: "Amisha Patel has been signed opposite Sunjay Dutt in Ajay Chandok’s Chatur Singh Two Stars . It will be their second film together, they were cast in Tathastu.

This is going to be a fun film. Sanjay Dutt plays a two star police inspector. The caption on the poster says - 'He knows everything... about nothing, He's on a mission... to destroy himself. It seems Sanjay Dutt is back doing comedy again. He has also been signed for a comedy film that will be produced by Sunil Shetty’s Popcorn Entertainment and directed by Ashwini Dhir. He will also be seen in his Munnabhai series Munnahai Chale Amerika.

After separating from Sanjay Gupta’s production house White Feather Films. He not only plans to revive his father’s banner Ajanta Films, but is also planning to set up his own production house. He has named it, Sanjay Dutt productions Pvt Ltd.

His films like Kidnap, Alibaug and EMI are ready for release. He is currently shooting for Sujoy Ghosh’s Alladin . His other forthcomings include Woodstock Villa , Blue and Soham Shah’s next, to be produced by Ashtavinayak.

It is also believed that the Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan and Manisha Koirala starrer Afzal Khan’s much delayed film Mehbooba will finally see the light of day this year. But unfortunately Abbas Mastan’s film, Mr Fraud with the same co-actor, Ajay Devgan has been shelved"

Film ke liye kuch bhi karega..- Features-Features & Events-Indiatimes - Movies

Film ke liye kuch bhi karega..- Features-Features & Events-Indiatimes - Movies: "Once media shy, Kajol has made a lot of appearances in the past couple of years. Most of her appearances were at a time when her movies were about to release. She went on the sets of Indian Idol when Fanaa was about to release. Now she is back because U Me Aur Hum is about to release. She must be pushing herself hard as it is her beau’s film"

Anurag gets his paro!- Gossip-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies

Anurag gets his paro!- Gossip-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies: "Anurag Kashyap is a very happy man... at last his favorite project is going on floor... yes we are talking about Dev.D, his contemporary take on today's Devdas set against the jostling and busy life of a metro city. Dev.D starts it's shooting in Punjab in lush green sarson ke khets to by lanes of purana Delhi.

Anurag confirms, 'At last we start shooting in Punjab and from there we move to Delhi. It's going to be a very long schedule. Like it is with me always things are going to and fro... but we found our Chandramukhi and Paro and we have founds our locations'. Now all that Anurag need is a hit movie, hopefully he will get his acts right this time"

Anurag gets his paro!- Gossip-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies

Anurag gets his paro!- Gossip-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies: "Anurag Kashyap is a very happy man... at last his favorite project is going on floor... yes we are talking about Dev.D, his contemporary take on today's Devdas set against the jostling and busy life of a metro city. Dev.D starts it's shooting in Punjab in lush green sarson ke khets to by lanes of purana Delhi.

Anurag confirms, 'At last we start shooting in Punjab and from there we move to Delhi. It's going to be a very long schedule. Like it is with me always things are going to and fro... but we found our Chandramukhi and Paro and we have founds our locations'. Now all that Anurag need is a hit movie, hopefully he will get his acts right this time"

Kareena gets Rs 3.5 crore for a film!- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies

Kareena gets Rs 3.5 crore for a film!- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies: "Close on the heels of an Rs 3.5 crore deal with a leading studio, Kareena Kapoor we heard has cracked yet another yet another Rs. 3.5 crore venture with another production company. The untitled film will have Kareena and John Abraham and will be directed by known writer turned director Rumi Jaffery! A friend of the actress says, 'Kareena stands to be one up over Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Till yesterday Ash was the highest paid actress in the film industry. But that does not hold true anymore. Ash gets paid Rs. 3 crs for a film, while Kareena gets a neat Rs. 3.5 Crores! That makes the highest paid actress in the industry today.' Bebo for sure is worth every penny that filmmakers are willing to shell out. Atta girl, way to go. Should we say Mouza Hi Mouza to it"

Thursday, March 13, 2008

SRK’s war cry- Features-Features & Events-Indiatimes - Movies

SRK’s war cry- Features-Features & Events-Indiatimes - Movies: "As Bollywood’s Baadshah, SRK extends his control over India’s biggest obsession – cricket – his war cry is ‘Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo’. Translated in Hindi, it means Karenge, Ladenge, Jitenge! And to see to it that Kolkata Knight Riders emerge as the ultimate winners in the IPL, SRK is not leaving a single stone unturned"

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Salsa all the way- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies

Salsa all the way- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies: "love dancing. Its fluid, its graceful, its art in motion. And the best of it all is salsa. I think I have always wanted to learn the salsa. But it had taken a back seat with my career first and then Nysa taking precedence. So after Fanaa, I had some time to myself.. So alongwith a friend, I joined Sandeep Soparkar’s classes. It was so much fun. I felt like a child as I let the music flow through me and guide my motions.

A month after learning, ajay who I fondly call J told me that we will be shooting a salsa dance in U, Me aur Hum. My squeal of joy was reverberating in his ears for a long long time.

I rehearsed the dance steps with Ashley the choreographer. Not just in the rehearsal hall, but also on the ship. But I could not practice with J as our schedules were not permitting us. So we actually danced for the first time when we were giving the shot.

Now J is not known to be a grrreeat dancer. So when I started, I knew not to expect any miracles. But that man actually surprised me. He was superb. His steps were flawless and his posture “picture perfect”. I looked at him and exclaimed, “You have been practicing on the quiet.”

That’s J for you. I love that song and we are looking superb...."

Indiatimes - Advertisement

Indiatimes - Advertisement: "If you are thinking that here's yet another actor who has taken to film production, forget it. Apparently, Aashish Chowdhry, who has tried his hands at acting, also runs an ad agency side by side. People need to make money, remember? So, he has made many-an-ad with the likes of Malaika, Arbaaz, Katrina Kaif... The latest actor he has roped in for an ad commercial is Kajol, who will soon be flashing that lovely smile of hers on your television sets. Now, is that Ashish's claim to fame? Maybe! But the actor, we're sure nurtures a silent desire to feature with her sometime, too. Shh...that's only between U, Me Aur Hum !"

Indiatimes - Advertisement

Indiatimes - Advertisement: "If you spot Amrita Arora, don't click her picture. Simply because, you don't click well! When we met up with the gal recently, on the sets of Golmaal Returns, she commented on how fans click pics of her and manage to catch her in the weirdest poses. 'My eyes will be twitched, my mouth wide open, with the sandwich halfway inside, and that's the moment they'll go click,' she says, upset but laughing, 'They can come up to us and ask us...we'll pose for them.' Now, if only all actors were as accessible as you, Amu!"

Vidya Balan: Dressed to kill !- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies

Vidya Balan: Dressed to kill !- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies: "Shah Rukh and Saif said much about Vidya's bad sense of dressing at the Filmfare Awards this year and also presented her with the infamous nariya l award. And though Vids passed the buck (or should we say muck) on to Sajid Khan and Manish Malhotra, the irony of it all was her hideous orange outfit on the day of the awards as well. We nearly died when we saw it! Talk about being dressed to 'kill'! Honey, you need a better designer than the one who designed the kesari outfit for you. Else, be prepared to be nominated for the popular nariyal award next year yet again"

Monday, March 3, 2008

Dancing Queen: Aishwarya Rai- Features-Features & Events-Indiatimes - Movies

Dancing Queen: Aishwarya Rai- Features-Features & Events-Indiatimes - Movies: One factor that distinguishes conventional Bollywood cinema from its counterparts is the ‘naachgaana’ factor. Dance and music will continue to be an integral part of story telling in the Indian film industry. And it is only those who have mastered the art of expressing through dances full of ‘navrasas’ have managed to emerge as ‘stars’. This is especially true with the leading ladies since dance is a form more often than not associated with femininity. And Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is one such woman in Bollywood who will be known for the grace she exhibits through her dances.

Though not a classically trained dancer, Aishwarya has not only performed some fabulous dances, but also shown variation as a dancer and an actress. To prove our claim, we cite five of her best dance performances in Bollywood."

SRK’s poem recital.- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies

SRK’s poem recital.- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies: "This is a first for SRK, who will now be seen as a poet in the film Shaurya. To find out more about it we caught up with director, Samar Khan and he tells us, “SRK was in my first film as well and he is such a great guy as well as a very professional actor...its just a joy working with him.” Besides this he also adds, “SRK as been a constant help to me in my career, its like he’s always there when I need him the most.”

“My second film didn’t have Shah Rukh in any role and after the film was done I felt like there was something missing...its like as though that special something is absent. Hence for this film I knew that I just wanted him to be in it. Then came the poem part and I approached him to ask whether he would recite it.”

“SRK, for one thing I can tell you, is someone who at time you just can’t do without, while he can never say no to anyone. This being the basic reason I wanted him, besides when he heard the lines of the poem he was so taken up with it that he just agreed to do it on the spot. So we went ahead and did the recording. This particular piece will be at the end of the film and is also being used in the promos and teasers of the same.”

From what we have heard and understand from Samar we can say that the King Khan has definitely made him self one of the brightest stars in Bollywood today"

Kareena Kapoor: Khantastic!- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies

Kareena Kapoor: Khantastic!- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies: "We've always been cheering the Khans, and our ace ladies of B-wood are always left behind. Well, if they are roped in to do films with the Shah Rukhs and the Aamirs, then they've arrived as well 'na'? Our dear Bebo ought to be a happy girl. With the announcement of Rajkumar Hirani's next in which she'll star opposite Aamir Khan, she becomes one of the few actresses who will have worked with all the Khans...on screen we mean. Now, that's some Khantastic achievement"

Indiatimes - Advertisement

Indiatimes - Advertisement: "Fresh out of her two year relationship with her multi-billionaire British boyfriend popular Model, VJ, actor Pooja Misrra has decided to move on and pick up threads of life all over again. She is doing a very hot one hour show on a music channel wherein she actually gets to connect with her male fans and besides doing a quick vignette for Zoom TV. As if that was not enough she is doing umpteen numbers of live shows and has recently signed a big film along with being called a social butterfly. 'It's a big one, but you know how things in Bollywood work, I can't really talk about it,' she says. But are we really interested?"

Priyanka is always cheering! - News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies

Priyanka is always cheering! - News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies: "It's a bonding time between Priyanka and Kangana on thee sets of Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion . 'The two lead actors have really bonded well and are always cheering each other on the sets,' says a unit member. And over the weekend we stumbled upon them on the sets of Fashion . And while, Kangana was giving her shots, Priyanka was there large as life, keeping a hawk eye on the shots sitting next to the monitor, when the shot got over Priyanka was more than vocal in her cheering. We don't know whether, Kangana reciprocated the gesture later!"

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Indiatimes - Advertisement

Indiatimes - Advertisement: "Cast & Crew

Star Cast
Kay Kay Menon
Manisha Koirala
Sonali Kulkarni
Ranbir Shorey
Parveen Dabbas
Rituparna Sengupta
Ankur Khanna
Nauheed Cyrusi.

Director
Rajaatesh Nayar

Music
Shibani Kashyap
Sohail Sen

Releasing on: April 4, 2008


Synopsis

Life is like highway on the night when you don't know what awaits you on the next turn, still people move on with hope in their heart and dreams in their eyes. 'Sirf– Life Looks Greener on the Other Side', takes an insight into the lives of these people... how the pace of the city affects their relationships.... how they deal with it... how the problems of one person bring comical relief for others... No matter what happens, life has to go on.

The film revolves around four couples played by Kay Kay Menon with Manisha Koirala, Sonali Kulkarni with Ranbir Shorey, Parveen Dabbas with Rituparna Sengupta and Ankur Khanna with Nauheed Cyrusi. While one couple has money, they are looking for love. Other has love but money is missing in their life and the third couple is searching for trust. Fourth couple has to find time to nurture everything else that they have. They all belong to different levels of society and each couple has their own problems to deal with, but somewhere they all come across each other on the crossroads of life.

It is at this junction of life that they all can be set free from their worries. Will they find solutions or will their life be pushed into more chaos? Will this chaotic disorder show them the light of wisdom or will they fall in the darkness of folly?

'Sirf' is tongue in cheek look at the fast paced life of people in cities, big or small"

Malaika & Amu tango in item song- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies

Malaika & Amu tango in item song- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies: "Ever since she debuted on the train-top in Dil Se , Malaika Arora has been sizzling in item numbers for films like Bichoo , Indian, Maa Tujhe Salaam, Kaante, Kaal, Heyy Babyy to Welcome. Sister Amrita Arora too hasn’t been far behind and has done the item act in th
e seductive Dilli Ki Sardi track. And now the two sisters have come together to perform their combined item act for the first time.

The sister-duo will sizzle on the screen together in Sanjay Gadhvi’s forthcoming film Kidnap starring Sanjay Dutt. The song will be choreographed by Remo and from what we hear it is a very Chicago type song! Sanjay Dutt too will be part of the song. The shooting will start in Filmistan from March 9 and will continue till March 13.

The spokesperson from the production house, Shree Ashtavinayak CineVision Ltd confirms the development saying, “Yes, Ashtavinayak has signed on Malaika and Amrita Arora for an item number for Kidnap. After canning a song for Golmaal Returns on a very large scale we are really looking forward to shooting this song as well. This is the final shooting schedule for the film and after this song the film will be complete'

Kidnap also stars Vidya Malavade, Minissha Lamba, Rahul Dev and Reemaa"

Friday, February 29, 2008

rediff.com: Preity takes up another cause

rediff.com: Preity takes up another cause: "Preity Zinta is a really busy girl.
The latest buzz is that the actress is lending her support to a programme, Trapped launched by the National Geographic channel in collabration with Godfrey Phillips Bravery movement.
The programme will feature some of the world's best rescue operations and natural calamities.
Preity, who hails from an Army background is the ambassador of Godfrey Phillips Bravery movement."

Bipasha, Reebok's fittest star!

Bipasha, Reebok's fittest star!: "Move over Sagarika Ghatke, Bipasha Basu [Images] is here to kick up some sweat!
That's right, Reebok India has signed on the fittest Bollywood star as it's new face.
Also read: Bips on her 'racy' role
Tickled pink with the news, Bips, whose film Race is releasing shortly, couldn't stop gushing in her excitement, 'I love the energy, the exhilaration and the passion of the brand. I believe in the brand attitude of 'I am what I am'. In many ways it's me! And that's what I have been drawn by and relate to so deeply and well, for that matter there couldn't have been a better brand connect.'
Reaffirming their choice Subhinder Singh, Managing Director, Reebok India said 'Bipasha embodies the pulse points of our brand --individuality, authenticity and a life lived to the fullest in perpetual motion. She is an actor par excellence, a celebrated youth icon with an immense passion for fitness. These characteristics make her a perfect fit for our brand and we will drive this spirit through our future initiatives to motivate the Indian woman to take up fitness.'
It seems they have made the right choice!"

Beautilicious Babe-Oh!


Actress Kareena Kapoor has become larger than life. C'mon, she has made it to the covers of at least five magazines in the last one month, stories about her love life eat enough and more newsprint, and her pretty face along with her sexy bod is splashed on television celluloid. Her awards for her acting histrionics and her 'exorbitant fees' are being enviously talked about... Bebo simply describes this phase as a happy one. "I couldn't be happier. I'm walking in the clouds," she told me, jab we met on the sets of Golmaal Returns .

I walk into her vanity van, and make myself comfortable, courteously refusing the cuppa chai that's offered to me. Dressed in a cowgirl avatar - micro-mini , white shirt, hat and boots - Kareena is anything but the naïve Refugee . She today comes across as a street smart individual, who oozes confidence with as much ease as she does sex appeal. I get talking about her mini-skirt, her 'super-hot' role in the action-studded Tashan, and the supposed bikini that she has worn in the film. "I promise you it's nothing vulgar," she says, "It's a compliment of sorts if I can balance the well-covered Dolly in Omkara with wearing mini-skirts. It proves that I can be molded into any role. Actors should be like clay..."

So post her action stint, can Bebo kick ass now? "That, I don't know!" she says laughing. "But it has been fun shooting. For me, those action sequences were more of a challenge. I had to lose weight for my role. I worked out, was on a strict diet. But now that the film is over, I'm back to my normal routine. I'm eating everything although I make it a point to workout everyday."

Having upped her sexy quotient, would Kareena rather be called 'beautiful' or 'sexy'? Her eyes light up with greed, "Both!" she avers, "Every woman wants to be beautiful; every woman wants to be considered sexy as well. But the challenge lies in being beautiful and sexy when you are in your everyday clothes. I live in my track pants, and when I'm called 'beautiful' and 'sexy' when in them, sans any external embellishments, I feel good."

And how good does she feel having signed up a film with John Abraham - the hot guy whom Kareena described as an 'expressionless actor' on a talk show once? "The show is not to be taken seriously. It was a fun show. And besides, John, too gave me a six on ten for acting!" she explains, getting back, adding, "No, but it'll be interesting since it'll be our first time on screen together. It's a cute love story. I'm looking forward to having a nice conversation with John. I'm sure he's a cool guy. However, I'll definitely ask him one question at the end of the shoot: How much would you rate me on ten now?"

Will working with John mean burying the hatchet with his girlfriend Bipasha Basu? "Please! Bipasha and I fought when we were in school," says Kareena, rolling those light eyes. "It was that long ago. There's no problem between us now." And pigs can fly, but never mind! In stead of speaking of BB and her Beau, I turn to questions on Bebo's Beau!

"Saif's a great guy. I'm happy with him. Sometimes articles in the papers about us take me by surprise, because there are so many things said and written that are untrue. People are forever concocting stories, opining, assuming things, but I can't waste time clarifying. I have work to do and a life to live!" We are out of her vanity van, now. As I walk out of the sets, she continues her walk... in the clouds!(source : http://www.indiatimes.com)

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Guess Dia Mirza's pet name!

Guess Dia Mirza's pet name!: "She's the beauty while he's um, the comedian.
Bollywood's dazzling beauty Dia Mirza [Images] and the multi-faceted comedian, anchor and director Sajid khan will be seen competing with each other on Star Plus' game show Kaho Na Yaar Hai.
Sajid maintains his inevitable promise to entertain the audience who enjoy a mock fight staged along between Sajid and one of his friends Ricky Sandhu.
While, at the other end there is an interesting situation when Karan Patel, the anchor of the show reveals Dia pet name, 'Pumpkin'.
All through the episode, the entire team continues to embarrass Dia with repeated mentions of Pumpkin."

SRK's win-win situation!

Shah Rukh Khan's film, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi for Yash Raj promises to be a good listen judging by the musicans chosen for the task.



The hot contenders include the duos Salim-Suleman and Vishal-Shekhar.



Although sources inform that Aditya Chopra [Images], who is directing the film has agreed to give the baton to Salim-Sulema, who earlier composed for SRK's [Images] hit Chak De! India, it remains unclear whether the duo will compose only the background music (for which they're famous for) or if the baton for the rest of the film's music may go to the other musical duo, Vishal-Shekhar.



Vishal-Shekhar too have also worked with Shah Rukh Khan [Images] in the past. The duo bonded with King Khan [Images] during the making of Om Shanti Om.



But then brothers Salim and Suleman Merchant have an incredible track record as well. The brothers have composed the background music of many films including Chak De, Krrish [Images], Dhoom 2 [Images] and Namastey London [Images], to mention a few.



So it looks like a win-win situation for SRK, either way!

Aneek Dhar

Sanjay Dutt

Indiatimes - Advertisement: "After EMI, Sanjay Dutt will be seen in one more movie produced by Sunil Shetty’s Popcorn Entertainment. This untitled movie will be directed by writer turned director Ashwini Dhir.

It is believed that after working with director Ashwini Dhir, Sunil Shetty decided to sign him for his next. Sunil confirms “Yes I was a fan of his serial Office Office . Ashwini is a very good director he knows his work. Thus, I have decided to work with him again.”

He continues “I have signed him for Popcorn’s next untitled film that stars Sanjay Dutt. It’s a fantastic film that talks about a child and Sanju.”

When asked, why he chose Sunjay Dutt again for this film he says “I see him as a child so the movie will be brilliant. Sanju is apt for this role. I won’t be there in the film, rather I will concentrate on production this time.”

The movie will commence in August"

Ajay is Tensed

"When we visited the sets of *Golmaal Returns*, actor Ajay Devgan seemed tense. Was it the post-production work and release of his directorial debut *U, Me Aur Hum* that had got him all worked up? Nah! Director Rohit Shetty explains, 'He has to dance now, and is gearing up to do what he isn't so fond of. So, we don't expect him to play pranks on the sets today!' Looks, like AD was dancing to other people's tunes that day."(source : indiatimes.com)

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Rakhi 'Outlandish' Sawant does it again

Rakhi 'Outlandish' Sawant does it again: "Trust Rakhi Sawant to come up with something outlandish in whatever she does, talks and even wears. The Bindaas babe was seen at an awards show of a popular radio station in a 'jhatak-matak' black and silver dress. But what shocked the living daylights out of us was her choice to wear two different colored (black and silver) sandals.

What was Miss Sawant's idea to wear this weird and wacky combination of sandals is something we don't have an answer to? May be she wanted to match her black and silver dress with proper black and silver sandals. Your guess is as good as ours.

So, go ahead, post your views on this innovative fashion statement (pun intended) that Rakhi is trying to make."

Hello (Coming Soon)- Bollywood-Movies-Indiatimes - Movies

Hello (Coming Soon)- Bollywood-Movies-Indiatimes - Movies: "Hello... is a tale about the events that happen one night at a call center. Told through the views of the protagonist, Shyam, it is a story of almost lost love, thwarted ambitions, absence of family affection, pressures of a patriarchal set up, and the work environment of a globalized office.

Shyam (Sharman Joshi) is losing his girl friend because his career is going nowhere as he trudges his way around in a call center. His girl friend, Priyanka (Gul Panag), is also an agent like him at the call canter who is about to be snatched by an NRI techno geek.

There is also the aspiring model, Esha (Isha Koppikar), who is hopping for the break that seems to be always already eluding her and the man about town, Vroom, who is into well, things. The housewife, Radhika (Amrita Arora), who is constantly at the receiving end of her mother-in-law and a beleaguered grandfather, Military Uncle (Sharat Saxena), who has been barred from interacting with his grandchild make up the rest of the call agents who see their worlds crumbling around them as the decisions of right sizing are conveyed by Bakshi (Dalip Tahil), the boss.

It is a night when dreams will finally crumble. Or will it? For there is that call from God. Narrated as a tale within a tale as a beautiful woman meets the auteur narrator and promises him a story on the condition that he has to narrate it further, Hello, based on Chetan Bhaqat's one night @ the call Center , is the one remarkable story from Tales from a Thousand and One globalizing, urban, Indian Nights"

The theme of U, Me aur Hum-

"Oh, how we danced on the night we were wed
We vowed our true love though a word wasn't said
The world was in bloom, there were stars in the skies
Except for the few that were there in your eyes.
The night seemed to fade into blossoming dawn
The sun shone anew but the dance lingered on
Could we but relive that sweet moment sublime
We'd find that our love is unaltered by time.'

A relationship is like this woollen dress that I am knitting. As each thread gets woven with another, it strengthens the ties that hold a relationship together. Each knot has a connection. Its you and me and how we create a hum. A togetherness, a relationship. This is the essence of our film.

In life we value things that we strive hard to create. What comes easily to us, is oft considered of little value. Love and marriage need to be worked upon. The more you nurture it, the more it prospers.

For me, love should be constant. The biggest joy of love is come what may, that emotion is constant. When it is unaltered by circumstances, the security of that love is what makes a person grow.

In love, there is pain, sorrow, joy, adulation.. a variety of emotions. Its like you need the rain to feel the heat. Likewise these emotions test the strength of our love for another. U, Me aur Hum stand for all this and more.

See it to believe it.. U and Me make a Hum..."

Memories… at the 53rd Fair One Filmfare Awards -

"The Big Question doing the rounds is: Why didn't any member of the Bachchan family attend the 53rd Fair One Filmfare Awards? While we heard some lah-di-dahs whisper, 'It's because Shah Rukh is hosting the event, and you know how rude he was to them last time, nah?' others attributed the absence to them not having bagged too many nominations. Bah!

The real reason, however, is that the First Family of Bollywood is in mourning. Amitabh's mother Teji Bachchan passed away a couple of months ago, and the Bachchans aren't celebrating. Now that's a 'fair one', ok!"

Deepika Padukone

"Deepika Padukone is clearly the Super Star – no lets make that the superstar right at this moment, with her latest release ‘Om Shanti Om’ opposite Shahrukh Khan. Before ‘Om Santi Om’, her first appearance was in the music album ‘Aap Ka Suroor” by Himesh Reshammiya for the song ‘Naam Hai Tera’. She had already made her debut in the film industry with a Kannada movie ‘Aishwarya’ opposite Kannada movie star Upendra in 2006. Deepika Padukone is also a leading model right at this juncture. Apart from being a successful model, she is also a hype in the advertisement world. Deepika Padukone was awarded the Society Young Achievers’ Award 2004. Deepika Padukone also won the Model of the Year Award 2005 at the Lakme India Fashion Week. These awards were the first step towards her success in the glamour world. Deepika Padukone is also a successful brand ambassador for a leading cloth line as well as Jewels of India with a present brand valuation of 80 lakhs. Apart from this, she has also been announced the brand ambassador for Kingfisher Airlines. To add to this she has also taken up the brand ambassadorship of Levi’s Denims as well as Parachute coconut oil. Deepika Padukone has created this identity for herself in spite of being the daughter of the legendary Prakash Padukone, who was the World Badminton Champion and is a brand by himself."

Bhatts next to be Indo-Pak Venture

Indiatimes - Advertisement: "The Bhatts have always had a strong inclination towards Pakistan. Whether approaching Shoaib Akhtar for the title role of Gangster or consciously making attempts that their films like Awaarapan and The Killer release in the Pakistan market, they have always had a Pak connection. The bond only seems to have got better with their next film which they plan to base in Pakistan. If sources are to be believed, the Bhatts plan to start their next ambitious film Yeh Dil Na Hota which will be a story based in India and Pakistan.

When we checked with Mukesh Bhatt he sounded surprised initially saying, “Who told you about this?” Sounding reluctant he reveals on further prodding, “All I can say you as of now is that the film will have an Indian actor and an actor from Pakistan. We are also looking out for a new actress for the film. It’s an India-Pakistan story”.

Will the Bhatt favourite Emraan Hashmi feature in this film? Mukesh Bhatt doesn’t comment on this. “We will make a formal announcement in 15 days time”, is all he is willing to say. Raksha Mistry and Hasnian Hyderabadwala who had earlier directed The Killer and The Train will be directing Yeh Dil Na Hota.

The studio lights never go off in Vishesh Films. Post Jannat , they shall start with this project while they also have Raaz 2 in theirhands.

Recently Vishesh Films also had a compromise with the music company T-Series with whom they had a legal issue over the audio rights of their film Jannat . The issue has been solved with the intervention of AMPTPP president Pahlaj Nihalani. As per the new agreement T-Series have let go off the music rights of Jannat to acquire the music rights of Yeh Dil Na Hota"

Kajol dances despite sprained ankle

"It's common knowledge by now that Ajay Devgan and wife Kajol performed a lovely salsa on the Jee Le number in U, Me Aur Hum. But what nobody knows is that Kajol displayed heights of professionalism while shooting for the song, despite an injury!!!

Says a unit member, 'We shot the song 'Jee Le' on the cruise liner. Ashley Lobo has done the choreography. Once while performing the number in the evening Kajol had to leap down from the upper deck and during the leap she badly sprained her ankle and fell down with much injury, thanks to her five-inch heels! But despite that, she took some painkillers and shot the very next day for the same shot with full bravado!'

The source adds, 'Kajol is such is a professional and always listens to the director. Plus Ajay too was very calm and composed and encouraged Kajol to give her best'

Ajay says, 'I wanted a salsa song because that was the requirement of the script. First we decided what the requirement of the script was and then Vishal (Bhardwaj) composed the salsa number. It was an expensive shoot with more than 100 dancers. We had a crowd of about 600 people on the cruise. Once Kajol is convinced about the script and the screenplay you don't need to convince her about anything else. It was highly brave and professional of her to finish the shoot despite her bad leg injury.'"

Finally Kareena gets Aamir Khan- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies

Finally Kareena gets Aamir Khan- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies:
"Bebo just added another feather in her plum hat and this time it's something big. The news has it that after much anticipation, Kareena Kapoor has finally bagged the elusive opportunity of working with her dream actor Aamir

Khan. And the film is Vishal Badwraj's forthcoming film. The news is a big one for Kareena, as she has managed to steal the ever so elusive and perfectionist Aamir Khan from actresses like Rani Mukherjee and Preity Zinta and Vidya Balan .

'There was some confusion in between, but last night she finally got her contract letter from Vishal's office. And she's obviously delighted, because her last film with Aamir Khan which Mani Ratnam had planned did not work out.' says our source. For more, keep watching this space.."

Finally Kareena gets Aamir Khan- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies

Finally Kareena gets Aamir Khan- News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes - Movies:
"Bebo just added another feather in her plum hat and this time it's something big. The news has it that after much anticipation, Kareena Kapoor has finally bagged the elusive opportunity of working with her dream actor Aamir

Khan. And the film is Vishal Badwraj's forthcoming film. The news is a big one for Kareena, as she has managed to steal the ever so elusive and perfectionist Aamir Khan from actresses like Rani Mukherjee and Preity Zinta and Vidya Balan .

'There was some confusion in between, but last night she finally got her contract letter from Vishal's office. And she's obviously delighted, because her last film with Aamir Khan which Mani Ratnam had planned did not work out.' says our source. For more, keep watching this space.."

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Ajay Devgan

Ajay Devgan, whose birth name is Vishal, was born on April 2, 1967, and is the son of stunt coordinator, Veeru Devgan. He has reached superstardom because of his excellent performance in a series of good films. He is married to film actress Kajol, daughter of Tanuja. Ajay and Kajol welcomed their first child, a daughter, in April 2003.
Ajay is one actor who has gained stardom on the merit of his performances, not bas on Bollywood-style good looks. He started his career with movies centered on a lot of violence. Later, he ventured to make his mark in emotional and romantic roles. His roles in movies like 'Ishq' and 'Pyar To Hona Hi Thaa' brought out his softer side.
'Phool Aur Kaante' was his debut film in 1991. In 2000, Ajay produced and directed 'Raju Chacha'. He also produced 'Hindustan Ki Kasam'. But it was not until 2002 that Ajay's carerr was redefined. Fans and critics alike were impressed with his superb performances in movies like Company, 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' and 'The Legend of Bhagat Singh'. (source : internet)





One thought, and with reason enough, that Salman Khan had only biceps and some stylish hops to offer to Bollywood. The notion changed with time. Salman had acting cells in him as well. After all, he also was one with film lineage. Salman's father Salim is a renowned scriptwriter. And stepmom Helen leaves an indelible mark in Hindi films as the sensuous epitome of a cinematic diva. Initially, Salman had only B-grade films that did mediocre business. The actor came of age with Sooraj Barjatya's Maine Pyar Kiya. Hum Aapke Hain Kaun's phenomenal success established Salman as one of the formidable Khan trio.Today he is a sought after hero, working with almost all top banners. On the personal front, Khan had lovely ladies as his women. Salman's love story began with Sangeeta Bijlani and at the moment is on a halt with the ex-Miss World and Bollywood's current leading lady Aishwarya Rai.


John Abraham



John Abraham entered the industry as an underdog.Without any godfather or industry father,th model had come in as a write off.His maiden film didn't even have him on the hoardings;that was his value as a commodity in the bollywood market.
Born in Mumbai, India on December 17, 1972, John Abraham is one of the most successful male models in India, His height is 6' 1". [1] Abraham's Parsi name is Farhan but his father gave him the name John. He has one younger brother, Alan. Abraham's father is a Christian architect, from Alwaye, Kerala in India. His mother, Phiroza Irani, is part of Bombay's Parsi community.
Abraham first went to the Bombay Scottish School and later to Jai Hind College.[2] He was an avid sportsman, captaining the college football team. He earned his M.B.A degree from Mumbai (source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Abraham_(actor)

Hrithik Roshan

Hrithik Roshan born( 10 January 1974) is a prominent award-winning Bollywood actor.Hrithik was born in Mumbai, India, to actress Pinky and actor Rakesh Roshan, who was himself the son of a well-known film-music director Roshan. Rakesh later turned to film production and direction. Hrithik's entry into acting extended the Roshan family role in Bollywood to the third generation.Hrithik's first movie role was in the 1980 movie Aasha, where he was an extra, a dancing boy. Later he worked behind the camera, supporting his director father. While he was working on the movie Karan Arjun, the film's lead, Salman Khan, urged Hrithik to try his hand at acting. It is said that Salman gave Hrithik lessons in body-building and acting.Hrithik achieved fame when he starred in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai opposite debutante starlet Amisha Patel. The film was directed by his father. His performance earned him the Filmfare Best Debut Award and the Filmfare Best Actor Award. Many of his later movies have been successful. Most notable were Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham in 2001 and Koi... Mil Gaya in 2003, the latter of which was directed by his father, Rakesh Roshan.The actor is married to Suzanne Khan, his high-school sweetheart and daughter of actor Sanjay Khan. Hrithik is generally regarded as a down-to-earth, hard-working actor, neither an egomaniac nor a playboy.Like many other actors, Hrithik also tours in Bollywood stage shows. His first stage appearance was at Lux Zee Cine Awards in 2001.

Speaking of singletones we must mention Kangna Ranawat who hit the night clubs and was seen letting her hair down.What's more,bereft of male company the 'Who Lamhe' star seemed to b enjoying yeh lamhe.And a certain Mr.Pancholi can eat his heart out cause Kangstr finished the evening out by jumping onto the bar top and continued to dancee with equal gusto and aplomb three feet above ground level.Aaj kal paav zamin par nahin padte kangna ke.(source : stardust)





Monday, February 25, 2008

Katrina Bipasha Kareena : Lets Go


When we look back,which is not always the greatst policy,we realize that last year can be known as the year of the splitsvilles.Everyone from Kareena to Bipasha to Katrina have decided to walk the solo road,but not for long,cause all the lovely ladies found company and even moved away from them.
So while the divas play musical partners,it is the hunks who are left foot loose.Don;t burn the bras no more ladies;the buzzword in emanicipation is to dump the boyfriend.



Hi Bipasha


Politics may not deter many but it sure makes BIPASHA run a mile.So recently when a polotical party approached Bips for an appearance(she was supposed to be promoting the political party at a rally)but however fat the pay cheque the 'jism' star refused to budge.Atta girl like they say not everything comes with a price tag.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Stardust Awards 2008


It was the day everyone had been waiting for with great anticipation all year!!A galazy of stars descended at the Bandra Kurla complex in Mumbai,to grace the Max Stardust Awards.For those who've just begun their journey into the world of showbiz,this was a day when their achievements were recognized and honoured by stalwarts of yesterday and today.The eve was one to remember-dazzling performances,glitz,glamour,alluring costumes warm camaraderie - all made the night a stunning spectacle.Saif Ali Khan;s hot and sexy performance on the songs of the year was ably matched by girlfriend Kareena Kapoor's scintillating dance moves,which had everyone in raptures.The crowd favourite Govinda,was welcomed with huge applaause and loads of whistles as he grooved to hit numbers from his film Partner.Lara Dutta and Neha Dhupia were not to be left behind as they dazzled the audience with their acts.The brilliant stage and hightech lighting and acousics added to the magic of the grand evening.
DOWNLOAD BOLLYWOOD SONGS CLICK HERE

In News


'Tare Zameen Par' had rounded off last year on a high and the much awaited 'Jodha Akbar' has a lot to live upto.Meanwhile childstar Darsheel has films written for him.The New year is going to see the talent quality seems to be the new buzz word in Bollywood.Kangna Ranawat has refused three films where she has to play wallflower,even though they offered her an astronomical sum.Meaningful roles that touch the bottomost tip of the heart is the call of the day.Sodon't be surproosed when you hear that john Abraham said no to nine crores.Yes nine crores since abhraham has new goals to meet.All that is well,but then why go and say yes to the nee Anurag Kashyap film.


Shah Rukh meanwhile,is ruling the commercial world.Last seen the actor was working for an airline commercial directed by Shekhar Kapoor.The Kapoor and the Khan worked for six days on a commrcial that should have taken them three.While the airline did take off,we are hoping that int. project would also tak off soon.Chalo,at least SRK and Ash Bacchhan will share something in common,foreign agents(source : stardust)

Mumbai, Feb 16 (IANS) Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt's registered marriage with his partner Manyata may face legal hassles as it is in violation of the Muslim Personal Law (MPL), according to a legal expert.
As per the MPL, a Muslim woman cannot marry a man of any other religion unless she converts herself to the religion of her would-be husband or vice-versa, Bombay High Court advocate and MPL expert Neelofar S. Akhtar said here Saturday.
In the case of Manyata, a Muslim by birth, there is no proof that she converted to Hinduism before she married Dutt, save for the fact that she had earlier adopted a Hindu name, Akhtar told IANS.
Dutt and Manyata had a court marriage in Goa Feb 7.
Commenting on the reports that Manyata's former husband, Meeraj-ur-Rehman, moved a petition in the Bandra Magistrate's court that his marriage with Manyata has not been dissolved, Neelofar said he must have filed for restoration of conjugal right provided he is having a nikaahnama (marriage certificate).
Neelofar said if Rehman has not divorced Manyata nor has she sought khula (divorce at her behest) from him, then her marriage to Dutt is automatically rendered invalid.
Now the case would depend on whether Manyata can produce the official talaaqnaama (divorce certificate), or khulanama (divorce at wife's behest), or mubarranama (divorce by mutual consent).
Additionally, Neelofar said while the duo's marriage in Goa is proper, the marriage certificate issued by the Goa marriage registrar could be struck down as illegal.
"This is because though a person can get married anywhere in India under the Special Marriages Act, the marriage can be registered only in the state where he or she is domiciled

By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai, Feb 14 (IANS) From visiting cancer patients and holding special movie screenings to flirting and sipping wine, Bollywood stars had various interesting plans for Valentine's Day celebrations.
Aishwarya Rai: "I'll be attending the premiere of 'Jodhaa-Akbar' in Delhi on Valentine's Day, but Abhishek will be with me. So no complaints."
Bipasha Basu: "We're going for a short trip to Cape Town. For the last three years on Valentine's Day John and I have been in different countries. I'm looking forward to this flash holiday.
Zayed Khan: "I proposed to Malaika on Valentine's Day five years ago. So it's a doubly special day for me. I think I'm going to try my hand at being chef and have a go at some fine wine that I've been saving up for us for a special day. We'll be at home since we don't want to leave our son Zidaan alone."
Koena Mitra: "Since I don't have anyone special in my life I'll do the usual things like watching a movie with my girlfriends, shopping till I drop and some harmless male-bashing with my girlie pals. And I may do some serious flirting. Is that allowed?"
Celina Jaitley: "Though I'm working on Valentine's Day, I have a special show for the day on MTV for single people. I'll watch it and have a good laugh. My Valentine wish is to find true love."
Imtiaz Ali: "There's a special screening of my 'Jab We Met' for young Delhi romantics. So it's a day of good business for me and this is as romantic as I can get. I want to keep making films that girls will adore on Valentine's Day."
Esha Deol: "It's an unromantic Valentine for me. I'm shooting an ad with my mum and sister. I want to give lots of love to all those who've given me love, lots of love to all my ex-boyfriends too. May God keep me single for as long as possible because I love my freedom."
Farhan Akhtar: "Since I'm shooting for 'Rock On' it'll be a very routine Valetine's Day for me. But the night gets exciting when I get to see an intensely romantic film - 'Jodhaa-Akbar'. I want to see Mumbaikars bring back the secular spirit of the city on this day."
Muzamil Ebrahim: "It's my mother's birthday on Valentine's Day so there'll definitely be lots of celebrations."
Dino Morea: "Since I have no love life I'll be doing some good for society. I'll be meeting cancer patients who are couples and helping one another through life. Then I'm off to Delhi for an event."
Divya Dutta: "I'm celebrating Valentine's Day with my favourite people on the sets of 'Dilli 6' in Jaipur and that includes my childhood crush Rishi Kapoor."
Amrita Rao: "I'm shooting all day and attending a birthday party in the evening."
Priyanka Chopra: "I don't believe you need a reason or a particular day to say you love someone. When you're in love every day is special."

By Subhash K. Jha, Bollywood Hungama News Network
Nikhil Advani left for Shanghai on Monday, Jan 28, to shoot for the action opus Chandni Chowk To China. "We've story-boarded the entire film. The action-comedy is now coming to life. And the big news is that this would be the first film to be shot on Beijing's Great Wall Of China. Roger Yuan from Shanghai Knights will be one of Akshay's adversaries. But the main villain is being played by Gordon Lieu of Kill Bill Part 2."
"Akshay Kumar will be performing huge action scenes on the Great Wall Of China. In terms of action we want to take Bollywood to another level with this one," informs Nikhil. A romantic song featuring Akshay and Deepika Padukone may also be filmed in around the Wall. "But the space for love in the plot is between the action and the comedy. The romance here has a different flavor. We finish the film in four weeks at a stretch,” warns Nikhil before taking off to China. Deepika has many difficult stunts to perform. While Akshay has been training for his action scenes, Deepika who has been shooting with Ranbir Kapoor in Australia returned on Sunday to join the unit in China. "In October and November she trained for her share of the martial arts. She needs to brush up her martial arts training. All her songs are ready and choreographed. So now that she's back she just has to start rehearsing," informs Nikhil.
Said Nikhil excitedly, "This would be my fourth visit to China in four months. Our entire unit is going, and that includes cooks." Akshay Kumar plays a cook in this action film.(source bollywood.com)


By Bollywood Hungama News Network
John Abraham has added another feather to his hat with his presence in the directorial debut of the internationally acclaimed photographer and screenplay writer, Sooni Taraporevala. The film titled Little Zizou is in the post-production stage and is being produced by Indian Films.
The director of film, Sooni, who also happens to be a close friend of Mira Nair, claimed that John's role of a Parsi boy would take everyone by surprise. She further added that, although the film revolves around the game of football, John's character had nothing to do with the game.
A spokesperson from Indian films informed that the only actor who fitted in the bill as soon as they heard the script was John. The film also stars Boman Irani, Immaduddin Shah, Cyrus Broacha and Kurush Deboo.




By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai, Feb 19 (IANS) Juhi Chawla will be seen in a Rakesh Roshan film again, "Krazzy 4", which is scheduled for release April 14.
Her earlier venture with Roshan was in his ill-fated "Karobaar" in 2000, in which she played Rishi Kapoor's wife who's tempted to spend a night with tycoon Anil Kapoor. The remake of the Robert Redford-Demi Moore film "An Indecent Proposal" was a fiasco.
"That's because the film got delayed. By the time 'Karobaar' was released, the story was stale. Anyway, Juhi is working with us again," Rakesh Roshan told IANS.
In "Krazzy 4", the actress plays a psychiatrist. The film is being directed by Raja Sen.
"Juhi plays a very important role of a psychiatrist. We needed someone mature. While all the guys - Arshad Warsi, Rajpal Yadav, Irrfan Khan and Suresh Menon - are funny, Juhi is very serious," said Rakesh Roshan.
This is Juhi's second role as a shrink in a comedy. She was given the thankless task of curing Govinda's mind in David Dhawan's "Deewana Mastana".
Not too many of our leading ladies get to play psychiatrists. Lately, starlet Pinky Harwani starred as a shrink whom the troubled Sammir Dattani was seeing in Vikram Bhatt's "Life Mein Kabhi Kabhie".
Almost her entire track was edited out.

Jodha Akbar


By Bollywood Hungama News Network
We can breathe easy! JODHAA AKBAR, the first major release of 2008, has fetched impressive numbers at major centres across India, faring exceptionally well in Overseas.
Let's not compare JODHAA AKBAR with either OM SHANTI OM or WELCOME. Here's why…
* The genres are different. OM SHANTI OM tilted more towards comedy, while WELCOME was a non-stop laugh-riot. Both were mass-friendly films. JODHAA AKBAR is a historical and generally speaking, history is not everybody's favorite subject.
* The release period was different. OM SHANTI OM opened during Diwali, while WELCOME was timed during Christmas vacations. JODHAA AKBAR didn't coincide with any festivities.
* In India, OM SHANTI OM was released at multiplexes and single screens at one go. WELCOME had a Friday noon release at multiplexes. JODHAA AKBAR lost out on the Friday booty since UTV and the multiplexes couldn't reach a settlement till Friday night. Resultantly, JODHAA AKBAR opened at several multiplexes across the country on Saturday, but the moviegoer was completely clueless of the development. It was only towards Saturday noon/evening that the multiplexes started reporting better occupancy.
* JODHAA AKBAR didn't release in Rajasthan, thus losing out on a substantial amount.
* While four shows a day were performed at single screens for OM SHANTI OM and WELCOME, in this case, the shows were limited to three shows a day, looking at its excessive length.
Friday was slow, but the business of JODHAA AKBAR showed a big jump on Saturday and Sunday; the film was excellent at all major centres. Even the single screens at smaller centres, which were weak, showed an upward trend. Let's not forget, the major chunk of business comes from bigger centres today, with multiplexes contributing enormously to the booty.
Monday onwards, JODHAA AKBAR has been maintaining 40% to 60% collections at multiplexes and with no major release till March 7 [BLACK & WHITE], the historical will have an open run for another two weeks.
The budget of the film was initially Rs. 37 cr., which shot up to Rs. 40 cr. [Ashutosh Gowariker officially confirmed the figures on my TV show]. Add to it another Rs. 8 to Rs. 10 cr. for print and promotion, which takes the final cost to Rs. 48 - Rs. 50 cr. And that amount is a cakewalk given the business at multiplexes of India, Overseas [fabulous] and also sale of Satellite and Home Video rights. In fact, the film should fetch an astronomical amount from Satellite and Home Video territory.
All said and done, JODHAA AKBAR is, in terms of economics, a success story. Pessimists be damned!

Shusmita Sen



By Esha Razdan (with imagery inputs by Suleman Mobhani), Bollywood Hungama News Network
"I love travelling," says the ever-gorgeous Celina Jaitley who was in Dubai lately. Having traveled around the world three times, Celina pictures the exotic beaches, deserts and bustling city life of Dubai with her recent visit. Of late, Burj Dubai (the Dubai Tower), a marvelous skyscraper under renovation is predicted to be the world's tallest structure made by man. From Dubai Museum to Grand Mosque and from Dubai creek to Ban Yas Square, Dubai is the city with a cosmopolitan style.
Bollywood Hungama brings you the enigmatic city of Dubai through the eyes of Celina Jaitley.
Draped in a slick black cocktail dress, Celina stands in the classiest restaurant on the top of Burj Al Arab in Dubai. "There is a strict dress code that one has to wear, as a result I decided to wear my cocktail dress," informs Celina. The restaurant is famous for its best line up of wines and the most amazing seafood steak. "I enjoyed gorging into the big gigantic lobsters at night" says Celina, who is crazy about spicy and cheese filled dishes. "I know it's unhealthy but I indulge myself at least once a year and can eat a barrel of fondues by myself without sharing it with anyone…that's how crazy I am about cheese."
This is Celina's favourite point at Grand Hyatt in Dubai, which she says has an excellent service. The place is also blend of various cultures, she adds. The greenery cultivated in the hotel interior creates a mini replica of an oasis thus alleviating the travelers from the scorching summers of Dubai. "I was balancing on the edges of the railing and could have had a big fall," laughs Celina.
"Well, I was scared out of my wits ends with cars zooming by at 200 km/hr on both sides at the Emirates towers," exclaims Celina. One of the main attractions of Dubai, this stretch has got all the important buildings surrounding it. The most fascinating fact about this stretch is its four feet width which one cannot figure out because of the way this picture has been taken. Celina further adds, "The sun was at its peak and I thought that I was practically gonna faint but it was too fascinating to change my idea of capturing the beautiful array of buildings behind and its beauty through my eyes. Everything about Dubai is marvelous in spite of being in the middle of the desert. Also at night, the Fair Mont Hotel changing ten different colors on this stretch is something enthralling to witness."
"I am a very impulsive shopper and like to buy silly stuff. Over the years, I have learnt to become a more sensible shopper. I only buy what I really need that includes a lot of clothes, bags and over a thousand pairs of shoes," confesses Celina. Well, shopping at Kabana, one of the magnificent pieces of architecture she bought quaint jewelry and handicraft objects. This shopping mall also boasts of some exquisite traditional clothes encompassing old antics scarfs, Persian carpets etc. Well, our shopping queen seems to be living up to her word. She goes on to say, "The architecture reminded me of Aladdin and the exotic sets of Arabian Nights." (source bollywood.com)
By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai, Feb 16 (IANS) Diya Mirza is all set to change her prim image. She is acting in a comedy, "Fruit & Nut", directed by television's funny man Kunal Vijaykar.
She giggles: "It's meant to be a comedy. But it's an absolute horror because someone as wacky as Kunal is directing it. Boman Irani and Cyrus Broacha woo me in the movie. Can you imagine! I'm having a super-blast. It's my first full-fledged comedy. And it also involves a lot of physical comedy, which I've never done. It has been challenging, and finally a lot of fun to just let go. The smallest of actors in 'Fruit & Nut' are seasoned troupers, so I am constantly on my toes."
Diya says she's tired of being asked why the 'big chance' eludes her. "How can I answer that? For some people, it happens quickly. For others it takes time. I'm lucky to be getting roles in spite of so many unsuccessful films. I'm still getting offers from people like Naseeruddin Shah and Shojeet Sircar, who is making a movie with Amitabh Bachchan. The fact that someone like Naseer thinks of casting me is a big compliment to me."
Diya sees 2008 as a huge turning point in her career. "The line-up of films is versatile. And there're going to be many more lead parts. I think I am going to take giant steps this year. Even in a crazy film like "Cash", I carried myself with dignity."
She has several films in the pipeline. "I'm part of Rakesh Roshan's "Krazzy 4" though I'm one of the sane members of the cast. That's sad because I'd have happily played one of the nuts. It's been good fun because I got to work with artistes I've always admired like Irrfan Khan, Arshad Warsi and Juhi Chawla. I adore Juhi, to be working with her is like a dream come true."(source bollywood.com)