News # 145

These News are from “www.filmfare.com”


* Tusshar is now a 'dirty' boy!

The 'Kya Kool Hai Hum' shooting experience was indeed an 'eye-opener' for actor Tusshar Kapoor. Like he tells us, "Saying all those double-meaning lines and stuff was indeed a tough job for a shy guy like me. But I think I have opened up and become bolder now." Also, co-stars Neha Dhupia, Ishaa Koppikar and Riteish Deshmukh often pulled Tusshar's legs on the sets, latching on to the fact that he was the only vegetarian in the non-veg clan - but "joke-wise only," insists the otherwise veggie-eater, Riteish. "He used to go all red in the face," they say. Well, the one thing this flick has managed to do is to get Tussh to talk dirty! Do we hear a 'non-veg' joke coming up?


* Jai Kalra - Life after 'Page 3'!

The hero of the hit 'Page 3', Jai Kalra, has finally decided to move on. He told us, "After 'Page 3', the adulation was huge and I was flooded with offers. But I took my own time to choose the right offer, as I didn't want to fall into the trap of making easy money by doing mediocre films. I would rather do one good film in a year and make my mark," says the man. And has the right film come his way yet? "Yep, I have a beautiful movie called 'Cabaret' coming up. I'm playing the lead role of a sniper in the film and it has Mumait Khan (the girl who did the sizzling item number, 'Seekh le' in 'Munnabhai MBBS') opposite me." We are sure this is one helluva cabaret number to rock the screen!


* Amitabh mobbed in Dubai!

Bollywood's biggest superstar had a taste of real stardom recently, far away from his home town, in Dubai. Our sources tell us that Amitabh Bachchan was in that part of the world as brand ambassador of a jewellery company, to inaugurate a store. It was supposed to be a quiet affair, but somehow the news of his visit was leaked and thousands of fans arrived at the venue unannounced. They wanted to have a look at their favourite star and, when the crowd got unmanageable, Bachchan had to beat a hasty retreat. "The organisers decided to sneak him out of the store through the back entrance, while thousands of fans were seen chasing him, chanting 'Amitabh Bachchan zindabad!'" we hear. Well, it's just one more bit of proof that the Big B is still the king of Bollywood!

News # 146

These News are from “www.filmfare.com”


* Sanober Kabir - The new singing star!

Remember Sanober Kabir? Yep, the same girl who made her debut in Sawan Kumar Tak's talked about and much delayed movie, 'Mother 98', starring Rekha (we still have no clue whether the film was released or went straight to video). After acting in a few very forgettable flicks, Sanober decided to shift focus with her career and concentrated on television. The latest is that the actress has turned singer and recently launched her remix album, 'Bombshell Babe'. On a more sober note, not many know that Sanober is a trained semi-classical singer, too. The classics remixed, perhaps?


* Sanjay's 'Dost' is not 'dead'!

There has been much speculation on whether the Sanjay Dutt-starrer, 'Dost' has been shelved. But director Punkej Kharbanda clarifies that most of the film has been completed and that it will release around October this year. "This sudden rumour has unnecessarily been blown out of proportion. The first time I heard that 'Dost' was going to be shelved was when a journalist called me and asked me about it," he tells us. Sanjay Dutt's spokesperson also insists that 'Ninety percent of the film has already been shot, so how can it be shelved?' Ever since director-writer Veena Bakshi, who has written and directed a portion of the film, parted ways with the project, Pankaj took on the direction himself. "We have only one schedule of ten days pending," he informs us. Well, this should put all the 'shelving' rumours on the 'debunked shelf' for now, huh?


* Money, money, money - Cinema's 'great' problem!

Reputed filmmakers like Shyam Benegal, Amol Palekar and Govind Nihalani may have artistic vision, but that is, more often than not, impaired by a serious dearth of funds, making it difficult for these greats to give form to their creative inspirations. Palekar believes that he is 'an actor by accident, a producer by compulsion and a director by choice'. And he was most glad when Shah Rukh Khan offered not only to act in his film, but also produce it. When we asked Benegal whether he wouldn't have liked his production company to back his dream venture, 'Bose -The Forgotten Hero', he instantly replied, "Where would I get the money from? It's a mega project that requires a lot of money. And the subject, too, is risky. One never knows if it's going to work." Nihalani returned to the scenes with 'Dev' after a long break. His excuse was similar: "It's tough collecting money for some ventures!" he candidly told us. And they all thank various corporate houses who have been more than generous in helping give form to their creative ideas and investing not just money, but faith in them. So we figure that it's people like these filmmakers who are our 'forgotten' heroes. Hats off to 'em!

News # 147

These News are from “www.teenstation.com”


* Pakistani actress Meera says she is victim of conspiracy
By ANI

Bangalore, May 6 : Pakistani actress Meera, trapped in the controversy over a kissing scene in a Bollywood movie, has said that she is a victim of conspiracy hatched by her enemies.

She, however, expressed confidence that her fans back home were unfazed by the issue.

Meera's first Indian production "Nazar" with Indian actor Asmit Patel will hit theaters in June. The actress, who entered films in 1995 and has starred in nearly 70 films, has never given a kissing scene before.

Censors forbid kissing in Pakistani films. "I was expecting some controversy because there are some people in Pakistan who do not want me work in India. All these were their ill-doings. Till today they do not want me work in Indian films," Meera told reporters here on the sidelines of a product promotional tour in the city.
She had earlier alleged that she was receiving death threats from Islamic fundamentalists after media reports splashed news of her being fined by the government. Islamabad has however denied reports.

Though India's films are readily available in video stores across Pakistan and are watched by millions on cable television, they are officially banned in theatres. Meera's second Indian venture, "Lal Haveli", portrays a Muslim dancing girl and a Hindu lawyer who fall in love in Rawalpindi,but are torn apart by partition.

Content Provided By ANI


* Pooja Bedi returns to the small screen
By ANI

New Delhi, May 6 : Pooja Bedi, the sizzling sensation who rocked the Indian silver screen some time back, has decided to return to the small screen with a vengeance through her talk show named "Just Pooja".

Pooja, the daughter of celebrity couple Protima and Kabir Bedi, says that she will be repeating her image in the new soap "Just Pooja"-- bold, sensuous and daring in her line of questioning. When asked that how she gets the time out for writing, hosting and compering she smilingly says its all about interests.

"I think its about time management, its about loving your job, its about loving to communicate with people. If you see whatever roles I have taken recently, all have to do with communicating with people, whether its comparing an event, hosting my television show, giving interviews, writing columns, its all about communication. I guess I am a good communicator," Pooja said.

Pooja, who left films after getting married, is not interested in playing any character on the small screen. Rather, she wants to be herself and enjoy her work.
"When I decided to come back into the media business I wasn't sure which direction I wanted my life to go and after a lot of thought, I decided I didn't want to play characters anymore, I wanted to be Pooja even if you ask me on small screen," she says.

"Ever since I have come back, I have got so many offers for films with the biggest names in terms of stars and biggest names in terms of production houses and directors. I have refused them all. I have been offered many roles in soap operas, but I refused all of them as well."

" I don't want to play any character, I want to be Pooja. I want to make a difference and I want to go out there, I want to spread a message, I want to make conversation, I want to shake people up, I want to open their minds whether through the column, or whether its through my show. I really enjoy doing that," she added.

Talking about her future, she said, she has no time to plan for it.

"I am having so much fun right now and honestly I have no time, to even plan forget about another job at this moment because between hosting shows, compering shows, writing, my own talk show, my two babies that take time and energy. Then travelling,friends,social life. I have lot of things to do, I am totally busy I don't want any more plans," she answered.

Pooja loves to spend time with her two kids and partying with her friends, but she says she is very professional when it comes to work.

Along with her show on the small screen, Pooja Bedi is also writing two books. One is on everything regarding pregnancy and fitness. The second is a daughter's tribute to her maverick mother.

Tentatively titled, Timepass, the book is based on the diaries and letters written by Protima Bedi to her daughter and other writings.

Content Provided By ANI

News # 148

These News are from “www.bollywoodmantra.com”


* A new riddle for Shahrukh Khan

Having backed a film by a non-mainstream director like Amol Palekar, is superstar Shahrukh Khan ready to contribute his mite to the cause of unconventional Hindi cinema? It is not often that a big-time crowd-puller joins forces with a steadfast purveyor of offbeat fare. Shahrukh Khan’s track record as a producer of non-formulaic fare isn’t particularly encouraging. In 2001, King Khan’s financial – and probably creative – intervention had reduced Asoka, helmed by one of India’s finest cinematographer-directors, Santosh Sivan, to pop history for the MTV generation.Last week’s thriller Kaal, too, bears the stamp of a star-producer bent upon achieving box-office success, even at the cost of diluting a defiantly non-mainstream script. Co-produced by Karan Johar and Shahrukh, the film even opens with an item number performed by the megastar. It is probably the best thing about the film but, given the low-grade feel of the overall effort, that isn’t saying much. Kaal veers off the ordained track because it is an offbeat, low budget film with super-sized ambitions. No wonder it falls between two stools.With the Asoka and Kaal experiences still fresh in our minds, can we be faulted if we have serious concerns about the final shape of Palekar’s upcoming Paheli, which stars Shahrukh and Rani Mukherjee? Or will this update of a 1973 Mani Kaul film, Duvidha, mark a clean break from the past for Bollywood’s biggest box-office draw? Shahrukh is, of course, not the only Mumbai star to have donned the mantle of film producer? The Mumbai film industry has had a long, often glorious, history of actors choosing to bankroll films. The successful cases of the likes of Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand are too well known to require repetition, but more recent adventures of this nature haven’t exactly been crowned with glory. The sole exception has been the slow-and-steady Aamir Khan. His only home production to date, Lagaan, released four years ago, remains a benchmark that other Mumbai filmmakers can only aspire to attain. Bollywood star of the 1970s, Shashi Kapoor, who made millions from run-of-the-mill Hindi films in his heyday, chose to plough all his spare funds into ‘meaningful’ films. He produced films like Girish Karnad’s Utsav, Shyam Benegal’s Junoon and Kalyug, Govind Nihalani’s Vijeta and Aparna Sen’s 36 Chowringhee Lane. Needless to say, one of the biggest stars of popular Hindi cinema isn’t exactly flush with cash today. Many contemporary Bollywood actors – Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff and Sunil Shetty, to name only a few – have had choppy rides through the unpredictable waves of the production-distribution-exhibition business. Even Ajay Devgan, who has made a pleasant habit of essaying offbeat roles on the silver screen, burnt his fingers with Raju Chacha. Shahrukh, too, had started his stint as a producer on a false note with Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani. It bombed at the box office. So did Asoka. It was only with his third production, Chalte Chalte, directed by long-time associate Aziz Mirza, that he tasted commercial success. He followed it up with an even bigger hit, Farah Khan’s Main Hoon Na. It gave the masses what they wanted in giant shovels. Now with Kaal not quite measuring up to popular expectations, will Shahrukh be tempted to dumb down Paheli a tad to make it acceptable to the masses? It would be rather sad if that were to happen. With Paheli, Shahrukh Khan is in with a chance of making a breakthrough as a producer. He will do well, not only for himself but for the Mumbai film industry as a whole, to grab the opportunity with both hands. The conundrum will unravel soon enough.

Courtesy: Wide Angle

Posted on Monday, May 09 @ 16:21:34 PDT


* "I've got Veer-Zaara and Bunty-Babli in my film" Karan Johar

After co-producing Kaal, a movie very unlike him, Karan Johar is back to the theme he does best: relationships. "I've got Veer-Zaara and Bunty-Babli in my (new) film," chuckles Karan Johar, referring to the cast of his directorial venture Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna."It's got Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji and Amitabh Bachchan. Believe me, that (Big B's) was the only piece of casting in the film that's irreplaceable. If I didn't get Mr Bachchan for the role that I have in mind, I wouldn't have been able to make this film. It's a role that rocks!" says Johar. "As for Abhishek, I think his presence on the posters would add curiosity value to the project. This is the first time he's working with me. I'm really happy to have him in my film." The enthusiasm level for his new film has been rising over the months, as Karan has been struggling to put together the script. The director says Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna is his most mature and in-depth take on human relationships. "It hasn't been easy," he says. "In terms of characters, this is untrodden territory for me. But the important thing this time is not the stars that I've signed. It does not matter if Shah Rukh has played Veer or Rani is Babli. Once I wrote the script, they became the characters that were playing in my mind. Shah Rukh Khan in Swades and Mr Bachchan in Black were Mohan Bhargav and Debraj Sahay. The same will hopefully happen to them in my film. "Kabhi Alvida is one film that is not about getting the stars together. I admit K3G was guilty of that. But in my new film, the stars will cease to be stars. The characters will take over completely. There're no major confrontation scenes, no drama, no dips and highs…" But Karan shoots down rumours that Kabhi Alvida is going to be a departure from the 'Karan Johar style.' "Hello? I've tried to make every film different from the rest. If they still carry my stamp, what can I do? And why should I try to get away from it?" he asks. "Not that I'm comparing myself to him, but Guru Dutt's films bore his stamp even when they were as dissimilar as Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Pyasa. And my favourite director Sanjay Leela Bhansali makes different films each time. Yet they bear his stamp. So I won't say I'm trying to get away from my style in Kabhi Alvida. So yes, in terms of look, it will be as glossy and glamourous as my earlier works. "I hate it when I'm asked if my films are made for NRI (non-resident Indian) audiences. I make films for Indians everywhere from Bihar to Birmingham. Kabhi Alvida will be no exception. But it will be much more of an intimate study of human relationships than any of my films," he says. Ask Karan how he chose the film's title and he answers, "My film had to be called Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. It goes with the theme of human relationships set within a contemporary milieu. But to my dismay, I discovered that the title belonged to Aroona Iraniji. She had finalised a television serial by that title. With trembling hands, I dialled her number to submit my request. She was very categorical. 'Beta, everything costs. So what are you willing to give me as compensation?' I told her she could have whatever she wanted, if the title is mine. She said, 'You can have it on one condition. You have to give me a hug and a kiss when we meet.' I was completely bowled over by her goodness. I guess I'm reaping the benefits of the goodwill that my father (the late Yash Johar) sowed." Karan had planned to shoot in Australia but the location has changed. The film will start shooting in September, and Karan hopes to wrap up by the yearend.

Courtesy: Rediff

Posted on Monday, May 09 @ 19:55:54 PDT

News # 149

These News are from “www.bollywoodmantra.com”


* Shahrukh Khan uses might to cancel Sansui Awards

No one messes with Shah Rukh Khan. Or his family and friends. That’s the message SRK wants to send out. What started as a petty ego hassle between Khan’s good friend Karan Johar and wife Gauri with Rangita Nandy has ended with the cessation of one of the most prestigious awards in the country.Despite many apologies and peace offerings from the Nandys, Shah Rukh stood firm on his agenda. He told Sansui, “It’s me or PNC”, referring to Pritish Nandy Communications’ proximity to the Sansui Awards. Meanwhile, the founders of the awards, PNC, refused to allow the awards ceremony to go on without their brand association. Even though Shah Rukh and Pritish Nandy seem to have patched up on the surface, the simmering discontent continues. To end the stalemate, PNC and Sansui sat together and came up with a brilliant plan. And thus the award ceremony became a live show. There will be no Sansui Awards 2005. As a face saving tactic, the much-delayed award show has now been turned into a star-studded live show. Two shows will be held in Birmingham and Wembley on May 29 and 30, called Videocon Live in Concert. Videocon is a sister company of Sansui. The stars performing at the show include Shah Rukh, Salman Khan, Rani Mukerji, Lara Dutta and Malaika Arora-Khan. So everybody goes home happy. Shah Rukh got his way — PNC was out. The Nandys had their way — there is no awards show. And finally, Sansui got their event with Khan. However, Sansui is still unwilling to admit the cancellation of their show. A spokesperson for Sansui said, “The Sansui awards will happen this year and we are looking at Delhi or Goa for the venue. The truth is, we couldn’t hold the awards in Birmingham because there were tax problems and it was becoming expensive. We had signed a deal with Farhath Hussain who wanted to do a live show, so we thought why not.” Pritish Nandy was in London for the Golden Peacock Award for Convergence and was unavailable for comment. But a source from PNC confirmed our story. “Shah Rukh Khan has put his foot down and decided he will not do the show with us. He has said he wants to take a break for a year before doing any awards with us, that’s why Sansui took the easy way out and put up the show in Birmingham. In no way is PNC associated with it. Farhath Hussain is organising the Videocon Live In

Concert show.” Courtesy: Mid-Day

Posted on Thursday, May 12 @ 19:37:16 PDT


* Is Kaal setting trend for shiver givers?

When debutant Soham Shah's film Kaal got an overwhelming opening, everyone said it had something to do with Karan Johar's marketing acumen. Well, now this supernatural thriller has sailed across the first weekend to become a sure-shot winner. Producer Karan Johar can't believe the departure from his patent style has paid such rich dividends."Let's admit it, I could've never directed Kaal. It's much too scary for me to watch, let alone make. I guess Kaal has shocked many, especially by getting a better opening than my own films Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. It's caused a lot of anxiety in the trade," chuckles the proud producer. So is this the beginning of a new phase in the hoary history of the supernatural thriller? Barely a month after Kaal, it will be time for another debutant director, Shripal Morakhia, to create a hellish haven out of Urmila Matondkar's supernatural experience in Naina. Urmila describes it as one of her most challenging roles ever. "It's relatively easy to play blind. But to play someone who regains her eyesight after 20 years and to get a grip of a world of vision after an eternity of darkness... this was something unbelievably hard to do. I had to take professional advice on how a girl would behave under these circumstances." Filmmakers, specially the younger lot, are certainly getting more cautious and meticulous about how they project the much-abused horror genre to the public. Even Saurabh Narang, another debutant who directed Vastu Shastra for Ramgopal Varma, went into great detail about the ambience he created in his film. Much of the suspense in Vast Shastra depended on a little boy's responses to the eerie happenings in the house. Manoj Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense came to mind while watching the boy in Narang's shiver giver. The producers of Naina, I Dreams, are pulling out all the stops for the promotion of the film. The budget for the film's publicity seems to be higher than its production costs. This is understandable in the light of the fact that there are no stars in the film apart from Urmila. Besides her fee, all the resources have gone into creating an eerie terror through the experiences of a blind girl who can 'see' ghosts. According to Ashish Bhatnagar of I Dreams, "Naina is one of our most prestigious products. And we're certainly proud of it. The locations (London) and special effects are of an international calibre, if we may say so ourselves." After Kaal, if Naina works, we're sure to have many spooky spin-offs. "That's dangerous," says spook specialist Ramgopal Varma. "Because all the supernatural thrillers that came after Bhoot were disasters, including my own Darna Manaa Hai and Vastu Shastra. Still I'm going ahead with the sequel to Darna Manaa Hai. I love the horror genre. In fact people keep asking me questions about Kaal and Naina as though they're my films." Though Soham Shah is going to make another thriller next, Sourabh Narang intends to go into a totally different genre. Whether more directors, new or otherwise, come forward to stake their claims in the supernatural genre depends entirely on the fate of Naina. "I feel as though I'm being held responsible for the future of our cinema. But horror is a serious matter. I'm glad we're realising that," says Urmila.

Courtesy: IANS

Posted on Wednesday, May 11 @ 22:21:37 PDT

News # 150

These News are from “www.bollywoodmantra.com”


* Yes, prestigious projects on line: Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra says at long last things have fallen into place for her, with several hit films under her belt and more plum assignments on the way. "It's true. There are talks for some really prestigious projects with some of the best directors. I feel as though everything has fallen into place for me when earlier things seemed to be going wrong," Priyanka said."When I joined films I wasn't really showered with plum assignments. The industry was quite cynical about another beauty queen coming in. I don't blame them." Waqt is Priyanka's fourth hit with Akshay Kumar. "Of course, I'm elated by the success of Waqt. It's a film that's very dear to my heart. I had cried when I heard the script. And I'm laughing now when it has succeeded. It's very rare for a star-pair to have so many successful films together. I guess it is destiny and luck." She's just returned from Manali after a long spell of shooting for Rakesh Roshan's Krish. And Priyanka, currently slated to be Bollywood's next numero uno, can't stop raving about the experience. "It was like a picnic. In fact more fun than a picnic! Because we were enjoying ourselves while working! There's so much to learn from just watching the father and son at work. Rakeshji knows what he wants. As for Hrithik, I learnt a few lessons in dedication, focus and hard work from him." "Just watching him at work is so inspiring. Yup, all in all, this was one of my best outdoor shootings ever. And I love my role in Krish; I play a free-spirited, outgoing girl. It's a fun person. I love playing that." Career-wise the past year has been a blast year for Priyanka. "I guess Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Aitraaz have put in what's known as an enviable position. I'm walking very, very carefully. I don't want to make any wrong moves. I know it's not in my hands to choose a winner. But I'm learning to be very discreet." "At the moment I've two films ready for release, Yakeen and Barsaat. I'm working on Krish. After that I've said 'yes' to writer Rumi Jaffrey who turns director. His film will co-star Salman and me. Rumi is a terrific writer. I'm dying to see what kind of film he makes." "That apart, I'm committed to doing Subhash Ghai's film to be directed by Satish Kaushik some time during this year. But that's it. I've kept the whole of next year free for assignments that would creep up on me." And creeping up, they certainly are. Some of the finest filmmakers in the country are bracing themselves for the Priyanka experience. The past year hasn't been easy for Priyanka, what with her former secretary trying every trick to bring her to heel. "I've learnt to trust only my own judgment and my immediate family which is always there to guide me. Beyond them I've a few friends I lean on. That's it. Otherwise I'm a very private person, almost a loner. And contrary to my image I'm extremely shy about reaching out."

Courtesy: IANS

Posted on Sunday, May 08 @ 20:58:25 PDT

News # 151

These News are from “www.aishwarya-forever.com”


* Cannes film festival opens
By Marc Burleigh
12may05

THE curtain has gone up on the Cannes film festival, the world's top showcase of cinema, with a red-carpet screening of a surreal French drama - one of 21 pictures lining up for the prestigious Palme d'Or prize.

European and US celebrities posed before hundreds of cameras in black-tie and elegant dresses before heading in for the opening ceremony and the premiere of the movie, Lemming, directed by Dominik Moll.
US actor Dennis Hopper, French actresses Catherine Deneuve and Carole Bouquet, Indian star Aishwarya Rai, French model Laetitia Casta all swept up the carpet.
They were followed by this year's Cannes jury: the president, Sarajevo-born director Emir Kusturica; Spanish actor Javier Bardem; Mexican actress Salma Hayek; Hong Kong director John Woo; Nobel prize-winning US author Toni Morrison; Indian actress Nandita Das; French directors Agnes Varda and Benoit Jacquot; and German director Fatih Akin.
Their job will be to select a winner of the 58th edition of the festival from a strong field dominated by Cannes veterans, with only a few new faces.

Most entries upheld the event's emphasis on auteur cinema and the line-up was in strong contrast with last year's uneven selection, over which Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 triumphed in a politically-charged atmosphere informed by the Iraq war and US President George W. Bush's re-election campaign.
Directors Wim Wenders, Jim Jarmusch, Gus Van Sant, Michael Haneke, David Cronenberg and Atom Egoyan will all be presenting their latest movies.
One of the few wild cards in the pack is a film directorial debut by the US actor Tommy Lee Jones, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada.
The hottest ticket in town, though, is for a film that isn't vying for the trophy: Star Wars III: The Revenge of the Sith, George Lucas's prequel to his celebrated series that started back in 1977.

Indeed, Hollywood, as usual, has gone all-out to exploit the media glare at Cannes for its commercial products.

Sin City, an ultraviolent flick starring Bruce Willis and Mickey Rourke, is in the running for the Palme, but most of the other billboards announcing US fare in Cannes were for films that won't be released for weeks or months after the festival has closed.

Among them is the much-anticipated War of the Worlds, a remake of the H.G. Wells classic directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise, due for worldwide release on June 29.

Beyond the glamour and the hype and the parallel competitions taking place in the Palme d'Or's shade, there is also the business side of Cannes.
In the market section of the festival, some 35,000 movie industry types are gathered to buy, sell and plan celluloid releases.

And of course, in and around all the activity of Cannes are the tourists and star-gazers drawn to the trade of illusion that is cinema - 250,000 of them, hoping for a glimpse of their screen idols, and taking in the spectacular craziness that has transformed this corner of the French Riviera.


* Aishwarya Rai opens Cannes Film Festival
- aap

Indian actress Aishwarya Rai and US director Alexander Payne officially kicked off this year's Cannes film festival before a theatre packed with celebrities and the great and good of world cinema.

"It's an absolute pleasure and honour for me to declare the 58th Cannes film festival open," Rai said in English, echoed directly after in French by Payne.

Their announcement was preceded by a gymnastic spectacle by a member of Canada's Cirque du Soleil troupe accompanied by haunting music and cinematic-style directions delivered by a man with a megaphone.

Those in the audience included US actor Dennis Hopper and French actress Catherine Deneuve, while this year's Cannes jury - among them Spanish actor Javier Bardem, Mexican actress Salma Hayek and the president of the panel, Sarajevo-born director Emir Kusturica - welcomed the opening on stage.

Rai, who is breaking through into international cinema after becoming a Bollywood star in her own country, sat on the Cannes jury three years ago.

Payne, best known for his recent melancholic comedy Sideways, had his 2002 movie About Schmidt entered in that year's competition for the Palme d'Or.

The 2005 festival runs for 12 days.

Info # 69

This Info is from “www.bollywoodworld.com”


* Aish delivered inaugural speech at Cannes

She attended the opening night of the Cannes Film Festival 2005 on May 11 looking absolutely gorgeous in a black evening gown.

# “Ash at Cannes!”
Aishwarya Rai is painting Cannes red!

She attended the opening night of the Cannes Film Festival 2005 on May 11 looking absolutely gorgeous in a black evening gown.

This is Ash's fourth year at the prestigious film festival.
In a first for an Indian actress, Ash delivered the festival's inaugural speech along with Alexander Payne, the director of the Oscar-winning film, Sideways.

Talk about beautiful ladies!

Ash poses with French former Victoria's Secret model and actress Laetitia Casta. Casta also has a brown belt in Judo.

The two stunning ladies shared the red carpet last year as well, when Ash stopped over at Cannes for a day.

In 2003, Ash got a lot of flak for her outfits at Cannes, which were designed by Neeta Lulla.

This year, we don't think anyone will be complaining. As they say, you can't go wrong with black!

Ash has really been places recently, having featured in David Letterman's Late Show and Oprah Winfrey's show.

She was also listed as one of Time magazine's Asia edition's 100 most influential people in the world, and rubbed shoulders with the likes of Nicole Kidman, Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Jamie Foxx and former Miramax honcho Harvey Weinstein.

Ash's international career started with Gurinder Chadha's Bride And Prejudice, which saw her being romanced by The Ring star Martin Henderson.

Ash's foreign films in the pipeline include French director Coline Serreau's Chaos (costarring Meryl Streep), Roland Joffé's Singularity and Paul Mayeda Berges' The

Mistress Of Spices.
Back home, Ash will be seen in a range of films like Yash Raj Films' Dhoom 2 (costarring Hrithik Roshan), Rajkumar Santoshi's Saamna (costarring Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar and Nana Patekar) and Jagmohan Mundhra's Provoked.
But first, she will be seen in a hot item number in Shaad Ali Sehgal's Bunty Aur Babli, shaking a leg with Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan!

Besides the dazzling Ash, Cannes will also see Bollywood bombshell Mallika Sherawat. Mallika's first film with Jackie Chan, The Myth, will premiere at the festival on May 19.

Immensely talented actress Nandita Das also debuts in the Cannes fest as a jury member this year. Ash was part of the Cannes jury in 2003.

Info # 70

These Info are from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* BOLLYWOOD BANTER
By Eye TV India Bureau

“Saif in a hurry to remarry”

Saif Ali Khan who is living separately from his wife Amrita Singh and their children is in a great hurry to marry again. He is awaiting a legal divorce from Amrita to marry his ladylove Roza in England. Meanwhile, Saif has hired an eight- room apartment in Mumbai for himself, and has given his earlier residence to Amrita and their children. He had offered a sum of Rs 10 million to Amrita though she demanded Rs 100 million from him for a divorce. Saif says he will give half of his wealth to Amrita and their children. He has frozen his bank accounts. Industry circles wonder why Saif decided to part with Amrita when he had attained stardom, and Amrita has contributed a lot in his career growth. Soon after, Amrita found that Saif had started ignoring her. Besides, she had a great shock when she caught Saif flirting with an actress in England. Moreover, she found that Saif was frequently going to London to be with Roza. Thus, they broke their 13-year-long marriage in no time.


“Nana to direct Prakash Jha's movie”

Actor Nana Patekar has announced that he will soon enter the direction field. It is said that he is waiting to complete 'Apaharan', and then resume direction work under the banner of Prakash Jha some time in November. Since the scripting is over, he will start working on the casting. Nana said this to Smashits during the muhurt of Raj Kumar Santoshi' 'Saamana'. Nana didn't divulge more though. However, it is said that Nana would prefer Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee's pair in his movie. He has already sent the script to both of them for their study and approval. Both of them have sought two weeks' time to give their final reply.


“ Raghuvir as maiyyat dealer in 'Chalta Hai Pyaar' ”

Actor Raghuvir Yadav will deal in the funeral items. Yes, he will act as such in Marathi director Mahesh Tilekar's forthcoming 'Chalta Hai Pyaar'. He plays the character of Namdev who has inherited the trade of dealing in funeral goods. Yadav says he has never met such a dealer in life but he likes to play this character. Incidentally, Shakti Kapoor plays a good soul in this movie for the first time. Others in the cast are Himani Shivpuri, raju Narvekar, viju Khote, Shobha Khote and Asrani in lead roles.


“Sunny facing financial crunch”

Sunny Deol will soon start shooting for 'Kafila', starring Vivek oberoi. Besides, he will shoot 'Kavach' that is based on the exploitation of Indians going abroad by touts. As reported earlier, Sunny and his Vijayta Films is faced with financial problems. Hence, his pet venture of a period film on Prithviraj and Sanyukta seems to have been shelved. Sunny was to play the character of Prithviraj in the script being written by Dr Chandra Prakash Dwivedi. However, Sunny is busy these days in completing his home production' Deodhar Gandhi' that may be released in coming October.


“ 'Gahari Chaal' to release in May ”

Journalist-turned- producer Mansingh Deep is bringing his 'Gahari Chaal', a suspense thriller with a mix of romance and emotions. He claims that his movie is a different kind (hat ke) of film. It's an experiment type that is widely appreciated by the viewers. It's a story is of a young couple that hires a house of a cynic who is always suspicious about women. The story takes a turn when some strange and illogical incidents take place in the house. The movie tells us how the young couple deals with these incidents. Krishnabhishek, nephew of Govinda, is in the lead role, besides Bhojpuri super star Ravi Kishen, Miss India 2002 Reshni Ghosh, south Indian actress Trisha and Vishesh Khanna. Kalyani Singh has provided melodious music.

Info # 71

This Info is from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL IN HOLLAND
By Eye TV India Bureau
Movie Talk

Cinegoers in the Netherlands will soon have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best the Indian screen has to offer. The 6th Hindustani film festival will be held in several Dutch cities including Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Zoetermeer from 26 May to 12 June, this year. The theme of the festival is "Bollywood and the Global Force." Mr. Amar Soekhlal, chairman of Hindustan Film Foundation, has told smashits that Bollywood films can be seen everywhere and they make an impact on the people about India and Indians. "Indian films are very, very popular here.

We expect some six thousand people to attend the festival," he said. Art films to be screened at the festival are - Dilip Kumar starrer 'Mother India', Vivek Oberoi's 'Yuva', Aishwarya Rai's 'Choker Bali', 'Aitraaz', Uday Chopra, John Abraham, Abhishek Bachchan and Esha Deol starrer 'Dhoom', Big B's 'Dev', Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ranu Mukherjee - Amitabh Bachchan starrer 'Black', Meera Nair's Aishwarya Rai starrer 'Bride and Prejudice', and others like 'Subernekha', 'Rat Trap' (Elippathayam) and 'Hum Tum'. Mainstream films such as SRK starrer 'Veer-Zaara', and 'Swades', 'Waqt', 'Masti', 'Kisna', 'Phir Milenge' will also be shown. "We are very happy to hold the festival for the sixth time and we hope to continue for a long time," Mr Soekhlal.

Info # 72

This Info is from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* TITLE THEFT BY TV, FILM PRODUCERS
By Eye TV India Bureau
Magic Lantern

The film and TV industry seems to be suffering from a famine of titles. This is clear from the titles of the films and serials being either repeated or stolen by the producers. The industry is lacking in original titles for their ventures. Why else are they naming their movies after some old songs? These songs are turning into titles. For example, 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge' is a song of 'Chor Machaye Shor' , 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Ghum' of 'Baaton Baaton Mein', 'Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya' of 'Mughal-e-Azam', 'Mujhe Kuchh Kahna Hai' of 'Bobby' and Chal Mere Bhai' of 'Naseeb'. The same is true about TV serials too. While Zee TV is running a serial titled 'Sarkaar', director Ram Gopal Verma is making a movie with the same title with big star like Big B and his son Abhishek, besides others.

The matter has been taken to the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPA) and Association of Motion Pictures and Television Producers for the registration of original titles .A title has a life of ten years, according to rules. It hardly costs any money, say, Rs 250 to register a title and then retain it for ten long years. They can register these titles again for another fee of the same amount. Raj Kanwar wanted the title of 'Daag' that was registered by Yash Chopra who has already made a film under this title with Rrajesh Khanna, long ago. However, Chopra declined to give this title to Raj Kanwar. So, Kanwar had to change it slightly by naming it as ''Daag--The Fire', starring Sanjay Dutt, and Mahima Chaudhary.

Info # 73

These Info are from “www.bollyvista.com”


* Parvin Dabas to make a 'cross over'!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Actor Parvin Dabas ('Monsoon Wedding') who isn't a remotely big name as far as Bollywood goes is about to make a crossover in Hollywood, says his publicist. He has been signed opposite one, Emily Hamilton in 'Memsahib' by the makers of 'Monsters Ball'.

If that's any accomplishment, Dabas is the only Indian signed on for a 4-hour long American mini series. He will begin shooting for the mini series in Jaipur later this month. When asked for more details on the mini series, Parvin maintains that he has been asked by his producers not to divulge details.


* Pakistani cricketer in Bollywood flick?
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Trust Mahesh Bhatt to do the unusual! It seems he's approached Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar to feature in his next film 'Gangster' and the latter has agreed!

Bhatt got his friend and Pakistani actress Meera (who is featuring in Soni Razdan's 'Nazar' opposite Ashmit Patel) to call Akhtar and figure out if he'd be interested.


* Item girl splits with husband!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Remember model and item girl Yana Gupta ('Babuji Zara Dheere', 'Oh What A Babe')? Well, the Czech-born lady has separated from her husband, Satyakam Gupta, for reasons that are entirely personal.


* Filmfare Awards sponsor arrested!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Bad times for Filmfare Awards. First its erstwhile sponsor Manikchand gets dropped from sponsorship, for nefarious underworld links (alleged), and now its most recent sponsor, a certain Guru Swarup Shrivastava (owner of the Swarup Group of Industries that suddenly sprung up from nowhere!), has also been arrested by the Economic Offences Wing for forgery in order to obtain loans.

Guru is also presenting Rakesh Roshan's 'Krrish'. We wonder if that will be in trouble as well!


* Aishwarya's horrible pronunciation skills!
By Vickey Lalwani ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Given the honour of declaring the 58th Cannes Film Festival as open, Aishwarya Rai goofed it up! Said Rai, "It is my absolute pleasure to declare the 'Cans' Film Festival as open." Comeon Ash! it's 'Cannes' and not 'Cans'! What happened to your pronouncations?

Interview # 32

This Interview is from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* Interview: DIA MIRZA

“DIA MIRZA: I WON'T EXPOSE FOR NOTHING”
By Eye TV India Bureau
Tete-a-Tete

Dia Mirza began her filmi career with 'Rahna Hai Tere Dil Mein'. Earlier, she had been crowned as Miss Asia Pacific Beauty Contest. Though she has done several movies, but has failed in securing a right place for herself in the industry. At present, she is anxiously awaiting the outcome of her 'Koi Mere Dil Mein Hai'. Besides, she is acting in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 'Gayatri'. We met her at the audio release of 'Koi Mere Dil Mein Hai' recently.

Excerpts of a chat with her:

Q. What's your role in 'Koi Mere Dil Mein Hai'?
A. I am playing Simran's character who wants to live her way. She falls in love with Rakesh Bapat though the latter loves Neha. In fact, Rakesh and Neha love each other. My parents want to marry me with Priyanshu Chatterjee who also loves Neha. Thus, Neha and I plan to achieve our objects by hook or crook.

Q. How did your 'Tumsa Nahin Dekha' fall flat? Will you comment, please?
A. I have no role to play in making a movie hit or flop. Yes, it didn't fare well, but it has certainly attracted positive response to my performance. I had worked very hard for the movie. I am happy that the viewers have appreciated my glamorous image.

Q. What's the cause of the failure of 'Blackmail'?
A. A movie doesn't depend for its success or otherwise on any one artist. Even films of top stars fall flat. I like to taste success after failure rather than the vice versa. That's more painful. I am waiting for a hit. I don't get disappointed with flops. After all, a producer will not sign me unless he finds some talent in me.

Q. Are you ready to repeat your sexy image of 'Tumsa Nahin Dekha'?
A. I did a dance number in this movie. So, I had worn sexy clothes. I don't expose my body unless it's need of the story. You may recall that I declined Mahesh Bhatt's offer of 'Zahar' on this count only. I don't want to have that kind of image though. Both my body and face are quite fit for the role of a romantic girl. However, I can act in 'Tumsa Nahin Dekha' like movies if my character is strong enough. I give more importance to my performance.

Q. Aren't you doing Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 'Parineeta'?
A. No, I am not doing it. However, I am playing a vital role in his 'Gayatri' with Saif Ali Khan. In Bangla, Parineeta means a married woman. A new rising star is playing this role with Sanjay Dutt.

Q. Who is there in your life after separation from Bunty?
A. Whatever has to happen does happen, and it happens for one's good only. I loved him from my heart, but he deceived me. Now, I don't want to have an affair with anyone.

Q. Don't you need star power?
A. It's not important for me to have a star in my movie. Instead of acting in big banner and big budget but meaningless films, I prefer to work in low budget but meaningful movies. Life is very short. I wish to do something so that the people remember me for long.

Q. How come flops don't discourage you?
A. I work hard in my movies. That's why I am still getting offers. I believe that failure leads to success. I haven't lost self-confidence otherwise I would have been back in my town, Hyderabad.

Interview # 33

This Interview is from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* Interview: KOENA MITRA

“ KOENA MITRA BANKS ON ' EK KHILADI EK HASEENA' ”
By Eye TV India Bureau
Tete-a-Tete

Koena Mitra hasn't lost hope yet. She is still confident that she will soon register her performance with top stars. Yes, she began with an item number in Ram Gopal Verma's 'Road'. Her song 'Saaki Saaki' in Sanjay Gupta's 'Musaafir' shot her to fame as an item girl. However, she doesn't like repeating such a role any more. So, she has declined umpteen item number offers of even big banners. For instance, she refused an item number in 'Kaal' with Shah Rukh Khan, in 'The Rising' with Aamir Khan, in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 'Parineeta' and even in 'Chameli'. Though she admits that her 'Insaan' flopped; yet she hasn't lost all hopes. Now, she is banking on her latest 'Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena', starring Fardeen Khan and his father Feroz Khan. She is the only heroine in this movie directed by Suparna Verma. We chatted her recently on her future.

Excerpts of her recent chat:

Q. Why are you declining item songs that brought you in limelight?
A. I wish to establish myself as an actress. So, I do not want to be typecast as item number girl.

Q. Do you recall that even Kesu's 'Insaan' fell flat at box office?
A. One film has flopped; it hardly matters. I haven't lost all hopes though.

Q. What are you banking on?
A. I am confident that my next ' Ek Khiladi Ek Hassena' starring the father-son duo, Feroz Khan and Fardeen, will surely fare better.

Q. What's your role in this movie?
A. I play a doctor named Natasha. It's a Khan movie, and both Feroz and Fardeen are too nice. Fardeen takes all care at the sets. The half of the movie is over. It's likely to be released In June or July this year.

Q. Don't you feel that you have hurt big banner producers by declining their offers?
A. Yes, I felt it some time. But I am sure that they will realize that I have declined to do item numbers on principle. I have no grudge against them. I have done this for the sake of my career.

Q. Are you hopeful of a bright future?
A. I am sure that I shall get an opportunity to act with big stars.

Q. Will you never do item number?
A. No, it's not so. I shall do it in my films. I am not averse to doing such a song in my film. However, I shall not do an item number in any other's film.

Q. Do you remember that your item songs in ' Musaafir' brought you in limelight?
A. Yes, I am fully aware that my two songs picturized on Sanjay Dutt and Anil Kapoor in 'Musaafir' were highly appreciated by the viewers.

Q. Isn't that you declined even guest roles in the recent past?
A. You are right. I do not like doing guest roles. Yes, I said no to Prakash Jha for doing it in 'Apaharan', starring Ajay Devgan. I also refused to act in David Dhawan's 'Shaadi Number One' as there were six heroines in the movie.

Q. Why did you opt out of 'Shaadi Number One'?
A. I thought that there would be no scope for me as it had six heroines.

Q. Why then you refused 'Apaharan 's offer?
A. I had a few reservations. They didn't work out. So, I opted out.

Q. Didn't it mean that you are turning arrogant?
A. No, I haven't been arrogant. I have informed the producers that I have declined the offers for the sake of my career and not out of any arrogance.

Interview # 34

This Interview is from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* Interview: Soni Razdan

“RAZDAN READY TO DELETE 'NAZAR' KISSING SCENE”
By Eye TV India Bureau
An Encounter

Actor-turned-director Soni Razdan's directorial debut is 'Nazar'. She claims that the movie is a joint Indo-Pak production aiming at improving the relations between the two countries. She regrets that the movie has beome controversial even before its release in both the countries. Pakistani hardliners are agitated over a kissing scene picturised on Pak actress Meera and Indian actor Ashmit Patel. They don't like a kissing scene between the followers of two different religions--Islam and Hindu. In India, the controversy has arisen because Soni Razdan has associated the movie with the agitating bar girls who had been recently thrown out of employment following the ban on beer bars in Mumbai. She had a chat with the media:

Excerpts of her chat:

Q. How come you are doing the 'Nazar' premiere in the aid of bar girls?
A. I am opposed to any Tughlaq type of decision to throw bar girls out of job. After all, these girls are not committing any crime by dancing in beer bars. They do this to earn their livelihood. If the government cannot give them jobs, then it has no right to throw them out of their present jobs.

Q. Aren't you taking their cause for the sake of publicity?
A. No, it's wrong. There is a connection between my film and these girls.The villain of my film kills a bar girl because he doesn't like her job. I am in no need of publicity, as the film has already become a talk of the town.

Q. How do you look at the kissing controversy?
A. It's not a big deal though the people have made it big. I have been repeatedly saying that the scene is not at all vulgar. It's an ordinary scene. Since 'Nazar' is a joint Indo-Pak production, there is a lot of hue and cry in both the countries.

Q. Do you consider it unjust?
A. Yes, there is no scope for any such thing. How can they raise objection even without watching the movie.

Q. Are you releasing it in Pakistan too?
A. Yes, we are trying. What else could we do?

Q. Will you delete the kissing scene to release it in Pakistan?
A. Yes, a scene is not more important than the movie. Its aim is to create goodwill between the two countries. So, I shall not insist on the scene. However, nothing has been decided as yet.

Q. Which is the category of your film?
A. This is a normal thriller. I cannot tell you more, as it's a murder mystery.

Q. How do you rate Meera as an artiste?
A. My movie will prove that she is a very good artiste. She has done her role very well. Ashmit and Koel Puri have acted well too. I shall not talk about their roles as I wish you watch the movie.

Q. What is your experience as a debut director?
A. It was nice. After all it's not a new thing for me. I longed to direct a movie though the story of 'Nazar' is not mine. Mahesh narrated this story to me, and I liked it. So, I started making it.

Q. Didn't you direct a documentary some years ago?
A. Yes, in 1996, I did make a documentary titled 'Girvi' on child labor. Since then I have been thinking about making a movie.

Q. Could we term 'Nazar' too in the Bhatt camp's other sexy movies?
A. The Bhatt camp makes successful movies, and sex is there only according to the needs of the story. 'Nazar' has intimate scenes, but they are not vulgar.

Q. How much is Maheshji's contribution to the movie?
A. I have directed it. However, Mahesh has helped me at every step. This is the usual practice in our camp's films.

Q. What are you planning after 'Nazar'?
A. Yes, I wish to make a film on the story I wrote earlier. That's a love story with the backdrop of 1940. I cannot tell you more about it.

Interview # 35

This Interview is from “www.indiafm.com”


* Interview: Urmila Matondkar

“5 films that scared me!”
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 13th, 2005 - 1400 hrs IST

1. Exorcist takes the Number 1 slot.
Fear Factor: That movie almost took the life out of me. The atmosphere was chilling!

2. Stephan King's short stories were extremely spooky!
Fear Factor: Again, it induced fear through its eerie ambience. I almost froze through it. The people who created have to be geniuses!

3. Naina is next. It's the most complete horror flick I have done.
Fear Factor: Trust me; the fear will knock you dead

4. Bhoot It broke every stereotype of horror in Bollywood
Fear Factor: No meow-meow cats, no white saris, no fog. The fear showed in the eyes of the characters!

5. Madhumati from the B&W era.
Fear Factor: Though it wasn't scary, scary, I quite enjoyed the punarjanam thingie. I thought the music was brilliant!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Scare Fare with Urmila Matondkar”
'She's talented but not on top!'

'In Rangeela, yes but she's not hot anymore!'

'Urmila isn't doing well for herself'

All this is clay and crumbles in exactly 2 minutes of meeting her! Ditto happened when we caught up with the gutsiest actor of Bollywood for some natter-chatter on Naina. She might be riding 31 but her gorgeous face puts most Bollywood Barbie dolls to shame. She is proud of her success but not bitter of other's. She's there to pick an award when she wins one as much to cheer for a Rani when she looses it to her…

Urmila is the sexy surprise packet you come across on a bright day. She will talk, yak and mock, all in her adorable Maharashtrian accent. And the Matondkar mulgi has some very chatpata takes on movies-n-media. Now prepare for a scare dip with the oomphmatiz…

Q. Ek Hasina Thi was among the most criminally overlooked films at most film awards of 2004. Do you agree?
A. I can vouch that I loved playing the role. Most actresses would give an arm for a role like that. As for awards, I have never let that guide my choices and I like to keep it that way. Awards are nice but the reaction to my performance was nicer!

Q. 2005, Naina will be the first Urmila starrer to hit theatres this year. Tell us about the film
A. Oh, I can't stop talking about this one. For starters, I did like to declare in big block letters that it's nothing like Bhoot or Kaun.

Q. We never said that…
A. You may not think so but media for some strange reason likes to believe that 'all is one'. Kaun was a psychological thriller; Bhoot belongs to the horror genre whereas Naina deals with the supernatural. It's easy to put everything into a single bag and label it as horror but that's not the case.

Q. We were talking about Naina…
A. My director Shripal Morakhia wanted to create good cinema and that's the reason Naina has shaped up the way it has. In terms of the visual content, technical brilliance or characterization, there have simply been no compromises.

Q. Would this be another songless thriller?
A. Know what; even I suggested that we create some songs atleast as a promotional device. But my suggestion was completely vetoed. Because the director felt that a gimmick like that would dilute the essence of the film which is high on the fright. Just goes to show how honest Shripalji has been to the script. But the background score has been used in the most powerful manner. You have got to hear it; it makes you run for dear life!

Q. You play the central protagonist, what is the character of Naina like?
A. Ah, to play Naina was a revelation! She as a young girl lost her eyesight in an accident and now 20 years later, she undergoes a cornea transplant. Her eyesight is now restored but life isn't that easy for the girl. Because from seeing nothing she can now see things that normal people don't! She sees objects, people, images all of which isn't visible to others and here beings her horrific journey from a dark world to a darker one.

So to play Naina was fascinating because on one hand she is this mild, meek, vulnerable girl but shows great strength and courage when she has to deal with something as extraordinary as supernatural. And here's when she begins to realize that the thing that she considers curse might actually be her destiny!

Q. Do you believe in the supernatural?
A. I don't. I think I am too bull headed to pay heed to the presence of spirits and supernatural elements around me.

Q. So never experienced anything queer?
A. Never! Like I told you, I am too thick skinned to let myself experience or 'feel' anything supernatural. And like me most of us are so engrossed in the nitty-gritty of everyday life that we simply brush away the thought of spirits and souls saying that, 'Ah, I am just having a bad day'. We almost shut our eye to the 'beyond'. But I guess just like out world, there must be a world of theirs too.

Q. It's always a new Urmila one walks away with every time a person watches your film. So what's Naina looking like?
A. Since Naina was blind, there were a lot of details that went into her look and costuming. A blind girl will use flat footwear so we couldn't have shown her tottering around in stilettos. Same goes with her look, the girl who is used to 20 years of blindness won't suddenly cake her face with makeup, so it's minimal. As for the costume, we have kept away from things like buttons because as a blind person, they like to keep it as simple as possible. So it's more of intelligent designing rather than fancy wear.

Q. The men already frowning; you aren't going deglam, are you?
A. (Laughs) Nah, tell the boys not to worry. You can't take 'sexy' away from Urmila. But I would like to remind people that I was the only actress to have done a Rangeela and a Satya, a Pyar Tune Kya Kiya and a Pinjar. So try as hard but I will not get slotted. There is nothing like 'deglam' or 'hot' or 'glam' there are only characters. People take home characters not looks.

Q. Any scene in particular that you thought was particularly challenging?
A. There is one scene where I supposed to be in water and I can't swim to safe my life. So we created a water tank and shot it at film city but Shripal wasn't happy with the results. So we flew to London to shoot it. It is a scene when I am caught between the two worlds and am trying to transcend. The helplessness, the anguish, the disturbance, it is simply superb! It is easily among the most technically brilliant shots that I have done. Watch out for the climax too, its mind boggling!

Q. Sounds fascinating, when is Naina hitting marquee?
A. It should be in theatres on the 20th of this month.

Q. And what would you say is the best thing about Naina?
A. (Smiles) Besides me…the fact that nothing about Naina is 'chalta hain!'

Q. Finally, what do you think of the Ramsay movies?
A. (Laughs uproariously) Hey, come to think of it, Ramsay movies have more of less defined horror cinema in India. Its all masala nah, now that you have asked me, I think I will soon rent a copy of Chudail No.1!

News # 152

This News is from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* MAHESH BHATT'S BID TO WOO PAK PROTESTERS
By Eye TV India Bureau
In the News

Mahesh Bhatt is a strange personality of Bollywood. He knows what to do and when to do. He is hoping to cash his next release 'Nazar'. In the wake of growing Indo-Pak relations, Bhatt has agreed to delete the controversial kissing scene picturized on Pakistani actress Meera and Asmit Patel. He has offered to delete it to keep the Pakistani hardliners in a happy mood as they have been protesting against Meera on account of her kissing scene with a stranger and that too an Indian. However, all the distributors who have booked the movie in view of the controversial kissing scene are very much upset.

They are opposing any cut in the movie at this stage. They have high hopes from this scene, and its deletion might lose viewership. Besides, Mahesh has opened another front to please the agitating bar girls in Mumbai against the draconian law of closing the dance bars. The director of the movie is Soni Razdan, who has jumped into the fray to get sympathy from the supporters of bar girls. Apart from this, Soni has a plan to involve her movie's lead cast comprising Pak actress Meera and Asmit Patel even into the bar girls' agitation.

News # 153

This News is from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* GHAI TO MAKE A DOCUMENTARY ON DILIP
By Eye TV India Bureau
In the News

In India, nobody has done any major research on the lives of the people of the film industry, whether film directors, actors or even singers and musicians. However, the Government of Iindia's Films Division once attempted to do some such research but that was limited to a few like Prithviraj, Zohra Bai Ambalewali, Pankaj Malik and Raj Kapoor. Incidentally, Bollywood's showman Subhash Ghai has announced only recently to make a two- hour- long documentary on the living legend Dilip Kumar. Earlier, Nargis' daughter Priya made an hour long documentary on her mother, and handed it over to the Films Division.

In 1980s, Romesh Sharma, producer of 'New Delhi Times', did a nice job though for Doordarshan under its commissioned program category, by making a series 'Portrait of Film Directors'. This is a documentary on the lives and achievements of famous directors like Raj Kapoor, Bimal Roy, Gurudutt, Mehboob, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and V. Shanta Ram. Another successful attempt was made by Simi Grewal, an actor-turned-anchor, to do a documentary on the life of Raj Kapoor.

The industry anxiously waited for the reaction of Raj Kapoor vis-à-vis Nargis's place in it. However, Raj didn't comment. He just shrugged off the issue by saying that a man's relations inside and outside his house are quite different. After the death of evergreen singer K.L.Sehgal and famous actress Meena Kumari, attempts were made to edit their lives in a film format. Similarly, Shyam Benegal made an authentic one-hour film on Satyajit Ray. He made it in different languages. Director Gautam Ghosh made a documentary on Ray's music.

Among others, the B. R. Chopra camp documented its achievements of its 25 years of existence in the film industry . Lata Mangeshkar celebrated her 60th birth anniversary with a two-hour long film on the songs and interviews of her contemporaries. Satyajit Ray's son Sandip Ray, was good enough to pay a tribute to the legendary actor-cum-singer Kishore Kumar in the filmi way.

Director Yash made two movies of two hours' each on the completion of one hundred years of Indian cinema. He did this for the Films Division though. The documentaries were called 'Frame Within Frame' and ' I Am Hundred Years Young'. These documentaries were indeed good compilations of the history of Indian cinema along with a lot of comments on the actors and their works. On the other hand, Star TV documented parts of the movies of late actresses Nutan, Meena Kumari, Nargis and Madhubala besides on Sanjeev Kumar. Besides, parts of films of the living legendary figures like Waheeda Rehmaan, Vyajyanthimala, Hema Malini and Sridevi have also been documented.

Everyone inside and outside the film industry has hailed Subhash Ghai for making a documentary on Dilip Kumar. Subhash has always kept him as his idol. Besides, Amitabh Bachchan says that this documentary on Dilip Kumar will open new channels of learning the art of acting. This will prove a good instrument of learning for the upcoming actors. According to sources close to Ghai, he will try to trace the life of Dilip Kumar from his childhood in Peshawar, now in Pakistan, his entry into Bollywood, his struggle in the industry, his style of acing, his social and political life besides his achievements in the industry.

News # 154

These News are from “www.indiatarget.com”


* Celina gave up alcohol for ....!
by Debasis Jana

When we saw Celina Jaitely recently, the sexy gal looked slimmer and more beautiful than ever before. Well, it's not really over-work or stress that's making Celina shed the few kilos that she caried around - it's a little work and a bit of fitness consciousness, too.
The actress explains, "I've been training in kick-boxing for the last few months for Deepak Shivdasani's film. My character involves a lot of action, zest, and movement. In fact I'm working so hard at it that I've given up wine or any mild alcoholic drinks, that I would usually enjoy." So graceful, right!


* Now Bhoomika to portray a 'sexy image'!
by Debasis Jana

Bhoomika Chawla, a very down-to-earth actress has all set to play an extremely glamorous role for the first time in her forthcoming film. However, she has no qualms admitting she was conscious for portraying a 'sexy image'. "I don't think I can carry off the sexy image or the attitude that goes with it," she laughed adding, "I don't think. I'm cut out for the roles that requires me to play a hot chick."


* Injured Amrita Arora in US with ......!
by Debasis Jana

Recently, on the sets of 'Fight Club', Amrita Arora was at the receiving end of the rumble-tumble and hurt herself during one such high-energy 'action sequence. Ammu sprained her hand and was in pain for some time. But he lovely weather in the US, where she is right now with her sister Malaika Arora, seemed to be having a healing effect on her arm. "I have no regrets about it, as I loves doing all those action scenes. For a change it feels good doing what the heroes get to do all the time," says Amrita. That sounds like a tough gal already, doesn't it?

News # 155

These News are from “www.indiatarget.com”


* Esha Deol is in love?
by Debasis Jana

While most have the impression that our Bollywood beauties can't do without the 'cakey-bakey' make-up masks on their faces all the time, but in reality that's not true at all. There are some gals like Esha Deol who have no qualms about facing the camera without the gloss and greasepaint. In fact, as she tells us, she's far more comfortable that way. "I love these no-make-up days; it's so relieving! At least the skin can breathe. People ask me what I do to keep my skin looking so good. I tell them that I do everything that I shouldn't be doing to my skin. So even when I'm out partying, I don't wear any make-up - I'm happier that way," says Esha. Well, we don't know from where the Deol gal gets all that glow on her face these days. If it's love, she isn't telling us! Any guess, guys?


* "I have to fall in love ......," Rani !
by Debasis Jana

In a recent interview, Bollywood queen Rani Mukherji said she is not dating Abhishek Bachchan. Because she has absolutely no time for dates. And about her marriage plan, she said marriage is in her mind, but not in the next five years. After all she has not found yet the man much lovable. "I want to marry the man I love. For that I have to fall in love first. I want my family to approve of my man."
However, Rani made it confirm that once she got married, she won't work any more in the industry. "I'll stay at home, looking after my husband," she quips.


* Kajol: Dost Ho To Aisi !
by Debasis Jana

Kajol has finally come out of her self-imposed hibernation. And with a brand new look and image, the actress is looking simply gorgeous. But she's not taking up any new work right now. We hear that the reason for the continued hiatus is that her close friend is getting married and Kajol is busy with the arrangement. "She is personally looking after everything," says a buddy of the star. Dost ho to aisi! Right!

News # 156

These News are from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* Amitabh-Arjun-Perizaad for Lakhia film

Producers Jassi and Bunty Walia will finally launch their film. To be directed by Apoorva Lakhia and temporarily titled Ek Ajnabee, the film will star Amitabh Bachchan, Arjun Rampal and Perizaad Zorabian. Initially, it was John Abraham who was to do the film. But explained Lakhia, “John was busy with prior commitments. We wanted bulk dates and John had tight schedules. So we had to opt for another actor and signed Arjun Rampal,” he said. Also Dia Mirza was to do Perizaad Zorabian’s role. “Dia is busy with the IFFA awards. So she has been replaced by Perizaad,” Lakhia said.


* Akshay: Joy ride!

Waqt contest winner-a girl-could not believe her luck when she came to know that she had won a ride on a bike with Akshay Kumar. Taking out time from his hectic schedule, Akki zoomed on a bike, gifted to him by his late father, to Fame Malad and took the girl for a long spin. He then also took her to the sets of Dosti at Filmalaya Studios. The girl, of course, had a time of her life. She is still going gaga over Akshay's charm. By the way, a close source told us that Akshay is very particular about the bike gifted to him by his father. He takes care of it the way he takes care of his child. He washes it and at times paints it himself. Now that's Akshay for you!


* Did you know…

That Yashraj films Dilwale Dhulaniya Le Jaayenge has completed 500 weeks at Mumbai's Maratha Mandir theatre. The only film that has run continuously beating the record set by Ramesh Sippy's Sholay. And to think that SRK almost did not do the film. Said Yash Chopra, "Shahrukh Khan did not want to do a mushy romantic film. It was Aditya who convinced him. Aditya told SRK that with this film his fans would increase manifold right from age 8 to 80. And his words came true." Chopra maintained that DDLJ was a miracle and that the film would be soon completing 10 years of successful run.

News # 157

These News are from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* Dost: Not shelved

Producer Punkej Kharbanda is upset. A section of the media has reported that Dost starring Sanjay Dutt, Aftab Shivdasani and Rimii Sen has been shelved. A visibly angry Kharbanda said, "This reporter had called me to clarify whether the film had been shelved or not. The film was to be reportedly shelved because it had no buyers. I told him that the reports were not true. The next thing I learn is that he has written that the film has been shelved just because he wants to give vent to his personal grudge. We are through with the shooting of the film. There's just a 10-day shooting left. Dost is being presented by Boney Kapoor. Since he is busy with No Entry and Milenge Milenge, Dost has got delayed. But the film has definitely not been shelved."


* Juhi in Bhojpuri film

Actress Juhi Chawla seems to be in a mood to experiment. After doing Punjabi film Des Ho Gaya Pardes with actor and singer Gurudas Mann, Chawla has agreed to play the lead in Bhojpuri film Dhuliania Chalal Sasural. Juhi Chawla plays the role of a widow in the film. The actress has signed quite a few meaningful Hindi films too. The one role that Juhi is dying to do is a comic role. "I know I have done quite a few films that had really good comedy scenes. But I still crave to do them. In fact, I would love to do a comedy film. It gives me a kind of a kick. It also gives me immense creative satisfaction," she said.


* SRK: Moochh ka raaz

SRK's moustache in Amol Palekar's Paheli has become a topic of discussion in the media. When questioned about it SRK said, "I don't understand why my moustache in Paheli has become a topic of discussion. Paheli is set in historical era. It was important for my character to have a moustache. I cannot look like a cool dude from Bandra. Can I? But if people are going to watch Paheli to see Shahrukh Khan in a moustache! Then that's sad. It is not fair to the director nor the cast and crew of the film. The masses should want to see the film. Paheli has been made beautifully. So I hope my mooch does not override the film."

News # 158

These News are from “www.teenstation.com”


* Bollywood screen siren Mallika all set to dazzle at Cannes
By ANI

Mumbai, May 12 : India's sultry and sensuous actress Mallika Sherawat is all set to dazzle at Cannes Film Festival as she makes her foray in the international film arena. The Bollywood screen siren would promote the Jackie Chan flick "The Myth" at Cannes, in which she plays an Indian princess adored by the action hero. Speaking at a press conference here, Sherawat said that she was grateful to Chan and director Stanley Tong for providing her with an opportunity to prove her mettle. "An Indian actress is being launched internationally and for this I am thankful to Jackie Chan because he is a very big star and it's a very big film. He doesn't need to promote a new heroine, he doesn't need to introduce me but he and director Stanley Tong told me that they had total faith in me, they believed in me that I could make it as an international actress and now they are putting their money where their mouth is. They are giving me this opportunity and they are introducing me to the world media which is a very big thing not only for me but for every one around," said Mallika. The actress, embellished with jewellery worth millions of rupees, would walk the red carpet on May 14 mingling with other international celebrities at the fest. She would sport nine jewellery sets on the occasion specially designed by leading diamond jewellery band ORRA. Besides Mallika, other celebrities from Bollywood are also visiting the international film festival. Former Miss World and leading actress Aishwarya Rai opened the prestigious event today. Actress and social activist Nandita Das in on the jury panel and veteran actress Sharmila Tagore is visiting Cannes for the special screening of legendry filmmaker Satyajit Ray's film "Pather Panchali" in the classic section.

Content Provided By ANI


* Splitsville for Sameera Reddy and Sanjay
By ANI

Mumbai, May.12 : Yet another split in our film industry and this time, the couple in question is Sameera Reddy and Sanjay Gupta. Though both deny the news, the couple's close friend reveals that the major reason behind the break-up was the constant media peculation. Contrasting the general belief that Sameera is the reason behind Sanjay's split with his wife, one of the close aides of Sameera denied any such charges on her, explaining that the dusky actress had met him only in February 2003. She further says that it is the tough time for both Sanjay and her as both of them are very fond of each other. Tracing the past, Sameera Reddy has worked with Sanjay in 'Musaafir' and did a guest role in 'Plan'. However, this diva has more to look in life with her upcoming films like 'Kaalpurush' opposite Rahul Bose, an Aneez Bazmee's film opposite Ajay Devgan and also are her upcoming movies with Vivek Oberoi and the dashing John Abraham. So, Sameera has quite many reasons to overcome this heartbreak.

Content Provided By ANI

News # 159

These News are from “www.indiafm.com”


* Big B and John's item number
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 14th 2005 - 1800 hrs IST

Producer Gaurang Doshi (Deewaar, Aankhen) has launched his new film starring his favorite Amitabh Bachchan along with John Abraham. Shriram Raghavan who earlier directed Ek Hasina Thi for Ram Gopal Varma will be directing this as yet untitled mega-venture while Pooja Ladha Surti (co-writer of Ek Hasina Thi) has written the screenplay.

Doshi has grand plans for this project and even before his movie has gone on floors he has premeditated a lavish item number for the film that will be picturized on international personalities. And these international personalities are not just any junior foreign artists, but will be beauty pageant queens.

Doshi has tied up with Miss England and Miss Maya international beauty pageants who have agreed to promote the film internationally. The pageant winners - Miss England and Miss Maya will perform on the opening title track of the film alongside Amitabh Bachchan and John Abraham. The song will be composed by Vishal-Shekhar, choreographed by Sameer Dhiyani and will be showcased on 1st October at a prestigious dinner function at Grosvenor House in London.


* Eunuchs inspire one more film
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 14th 2005 - 1230 hrs IST

Eunuchs have time and again been an inspiration to Bollywood. After films like Tammana and Shabnam Mausi, another true story of eunuchs has inspired a film titled Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

After extensive research on eunuchs from various Indian states former journalist Vayalar Madhav has written and directed the film. Produced by K.P. Varghese of Welgate Cinemafox, the film has been shot extensively in Hyderabad and Kerala.

The film will be released in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam and Telegu. Divya Dutta, Neha Pendse, Tinnu Anand, Suhasini Mulay, Shrikant Ram, Vyapuri, Madan Bob and Hollywood actress Linda star in the film that explores eunuch's need for honour and dignity.


* Shoaib Akhtar to star in Bollywood!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 14th 2005 - 1230 hrs IST

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt is planning to cast cricketer Shoaib Akhtar in his next film Gangster that will be directed by Anurag Basu of Murder fame.

Bhatt had initially approached Sanjay Dutt and John Abraham for the role, however due to their prior commitments both the actors could not take up the project. Since the character requires a brooding look combined with innocence and animal magnetism, when Basu mentioned that the character should be someone like Shoaib Akhtar, it was Pakistani actress Meera suggested why not approach Akhtar himself?

Meera who is a good friend of Shoaib spoke to him about the concept on Bhatt's behest. Shoaib is open to the idea and would be listening to the script shortly.


* Yana Gupta goes solo!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 14th 2005 - 1230 hrs IST

Supermodel Yana Gupta has separated from her husband Satyakam Gupta. This Czech born model married Indian born sculptor four years ago.

The reasons are too personal said Yana and she would not like to speak about them. She however adds that the couple tried talking it over for long but finally decided that it would be best to part ways.

News # 160

These News are from “www.bollyvista.com”


* Yana Gupta's single status: The Inside Story
By Vickey Lalwani ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Czech-born Yana Gupta and her Indian painter husband Satyakam Gupta have called it a day! The couple, who have no children, had been married for four years. What is the inside story? Confirming the same is a message from Yana on her personal website matrixbay.com: "I am sad to say that my husband, Satyakam and I have decided to separate. The reasons for this are far too personal to discuss in the public domain."

According to sources, the marital relationship had been on the rocks for some time. "I just want to say we tried talking it over but for now we mutually felt this would be best," adds the message having a tinge of regret from the actress who aspired to become a landscape artist but got into modeling instead.

Did the relationship go sour because of Yana getting into films and doing item numbers? Yana, who topped the popularity chart with her maiden number Babuji Dhere Chalo in 'Dum' and rocketed the testosterone levels by swaying in 'Rakht', has also done about half-a-dozen sizzling dances in Telugu, Tamil and Kannada. What was it that drove apart the two lovers who unlike most Bollywood celebrities of today had decided to cement their relationship legally? When contacted, her manager Shanti said, "Yana and Satyakam are not together anymore but I cannot divulge why it happened and how it happened." When asked if Yana could be reached, Shanti pointed out, "No. Yana wants to be left alone. It's a very sensitive moment for her."

Not so long ago, Yana had gloated about her husband, "Satyakam helps me keep my bearings. He is an amazing man. He is very supportive of my work. Though I've been in India for quite some time now, I am still new to the ways of the film industry and the mindset of people around. So Satyakam tells me how to approach my work and how to deal with all kinds of people."

She can kill with her eyes; she can wound with her smile... Billy Joel's song fits like a crown when one describes Czech beauty Yana Gupta. We will not be surprised if some other guy falls to the voluptuous Yana's irresistible charms soon.


* Another cricketer joins films?
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Last we told you, Shoaib Akhtar had turned down Mahesh Bhatt's offer to feature in 'Gangster'. Now, we hear that Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has been signed to play the title role in Rajesh Bhatt's 'Tussi Great Ho Paaji'. A British actress will be cast opposite him.

The film is about a middle-class elderly Sikh falling in love with an English woman.


* Rishi Kapoor's daughter to wed?
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

There was speculation that Riddhima, Rishi Kapoor's daughter, would join films. She was even offered the lead role in 'Lucky' opposite Salman Khan. But according to sources, the parents have decided to get her married to an affluent North-Indian industrialist early next year. Let's wait and watch!


* When the women went crazy!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

On the sets of Tanuja Chandra's English flick 'Hope & A Little Sugar', the women on the set, we hear, were busy drooling at one of the hot 'firang' chief assistant, directors called Neil Daly. This included lead actress Mahima Chaudhry. Only hope they concentrated on the film as much!


* Subhash Ghai to produce Ashutosh Gowariker's next?
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

After UTV backed 'Swades', Ashutosh Gowariker had been looking for a producer to back his next, 'Akbar Jodha', to feature Hrithik Roshan. He had been in talks with various moneybags including Firoz Nadiadwala, but the rumour doing the round is that Subhash Ghai has expressed interest in backing Ashu's magnum opus.

Let's wait and watch!


* 'Sarkar' on June 30th
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Ram Gopal Varma's much-awaited 'Sarkar' (Amitabh-Abhishek-Tanishaa-Katrina) is slated for a June 30th release. Ramu has completed shooting the film at breakneck speed, and according to sources, the film has shaped up exceedingly well. For the ignoramuses, 'Sarkar' is somewhat modeled on Coppola's 'Godfather'.

News # 161

These News are from “www.bollyvista.com”


* Has Karisma Kapoor's marriage gone kaput?
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

The buzz in Mumbai is that actress Karisma Kapoor's marriage to Delhi businessman Sanjay Kapur is having problems. The actress is said to have recently walked out on the man, whom she had once said was her teenage crush. The reasons are not clear.

Karisma gave birth to a baby girl recently. She was engaged to Abhishek Bachchan, while Sanjay was previously married to socialite Nandita Mahtani, who is currently seeing Dino Morea.


* After Meera, it's Sana!
By Vickey Lalwani ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Another Pakistani actress is making her splash in Bollywood. Sana Nawaz will star opposite Sunny Deol in a film titled Kaafila — the Mission. The film dwells on the topic of illegal immigrations. This, after Pakistani actress Meera makes her debut in Bollywood this coming Friday in Soni Razdan directed 'Nazar' opposite Ashmit Patel.


* Shoaib Akhtar rejects movie offer!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

We recently told you about Mahesh Bhatt's offer to Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar for his next movie 'Gangster'. Reportedly, Pakistani actress Meera made the call to her friend Shoaib on behalf of Bhatt. But Shoaib is said to have rejected the offer saying that his first love was cricket and his fans wanted to see him as a cricket star, not a movie star!

"I love cricket and want to concentrate on it. I have absolutely no intention of featuring in films. I want to fully concentrate on my cricket which is my bread and butter," he says."

Akhtar also informed us that Shoaib's teammates Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik have also been getting offers from Bollywood.


* Pooja Kanwal signs next!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Remember Pooja Kanwal? She debuted in Rajshri's flop, 'Uff Kya Jadoo Mohabbat' last year (opposite newcomer Sammir Dattani), replacing Tanishaa Mukherjee.

While Sammir could not make a dent in Bollywood and is doing well for himself in the Kannada industry, Pooja has also gone South and signed a Tamil film opposite Mithun (not Chakraborty) called '7 O'clock'.


* Malaika opts out of item number!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Model and item girl Malaika Arora Khan had to refuse an offer made by Pakistani filmmaker Javed Raza to do an item number in his film, due to date hassles.

Raza had also approached model-turned-aspiring actress Katrina Kaif, but she turned it down as well. Incidentally, Katrina's voice has been dubbed by someone else in her forthcoming 'Maine Pyaar Kyoon Kiya', which also features Salman Khan and Sushmita Sen. The reason? The lady doesn't know Hindi that well and has an English accent to it!


* Akshay Kumar hikes his salary!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Believe it or not, Akshay Kumar, according to whom 'Waqt' is a big hit, has decided to hike his pay to Rs. 3 crores! We've chosen to reserve our comments on this one...

News # 162

This News is from “www.santabanta.com”


* Now Amitabh chases Abhishek

It's finally happening. Come May 27 and the two Bachchans will share screen space in "Bunty and Babli" for the first time.

"And we couldn't have had more fun making it happen," says Abhishek with a glint in his eyes.

"I was petrified," Abhishek smiles at the memory of shooting with his dad.

"Fortunately 'Bunty Aur Babli' is such a fun film, it just made me loosen up, unwind, let my hair down, put my feet up and... freak out," Abhishek lets out a whoop that can probably be heard all the way outside the walls of his family residence Jalsa.

He sobers down. "Seriously, working with Shaad Ali is such fun, I want to do it again and again."

Not too many people know Abhishek was Shaad Ali's first choice for the superhit "Saathiya" with Rani Mukherjee. "I don't want to go into that. But aren't I a great one when it comes to choosing?" Abhishek grins.

(He had also turned down two other successes "Lagaan" and "Bhoot".)

He lights up at the mention of his 'Babli'. "After 'Bas Itna Sa Khwab Hai' and 'Yuva' and 'Hum Tum' (where I played her husband for a bit) Rani and I share a terrific comfort level. We instinctively know how to react to a given scene. It's a very action-reaction kind of thing."

Does he enjoy it when people refer to Abhishek-Rani as the Amitabh-Jaya of the new millennium? He looks at me curiously. "Are you okay? There can never be another pair like Ma and Pa. But Rani and I are special together on screen. We can feel that. It's total masti in 'Bunty Aur Babli'. The two of us get to do things we secretly wanted to do all our lives. We're mischievous, wacky and one-up on everybody."

The general perception is that "Bunty Aur Babli" is the Indian version of the Hollywood caper thriller "Bonnie & Clyde". "Not at all. This film has nothing to do with 'Bonnie & Clyde'. You've to see how Shaad has shot it."

The film was shot in hitherto-uncharted territory in Shaad's home state Uttar Pradesh, in and around Kanpur and Lucknow. "Not only are the locations uniquely rugged, Shaad has presented me, Rani and Pa like never before," reveals Abhishek.

Adds his distinguished dad. " 'Bunty Aur Babli' is a full on fun film. Dhamaka from first to last. I play a cop on the trail of these two con-persons played by Abhishek and Rani. It will be a totally different Rani that the audiences will get to see with me after 'Black'. We're featured in completely different roles from 'Black'. No two films can be more different than 'Black' and 'Bunty Aur Babli'. Except that both have titles beginning with 'B'."

I point out to Amitabh that 2005 is the year of the Bs, the Bachchans, "Black" and now "Bunty Aur Babli".

"Is it?" he laughs. "It could be. I wish my 'Boom' had been released this year then. But I must tell you Abhishek and I don't play father and son in 'Bunty Aur Babli'. And we don't have too many scenes together in the film. For that audiences will have to wait for Ram Gopal Varma's 'Sarkar', which will be our next release together June-end."

Among the many highlights of the film is an item song featuring Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan with Aishwarya Rai.

A sure show-stopper! Producers Yashraj Films have an impeccable track record of successes. Last year itself they had three major successes in "Hum Tum", "Dhoom" and "Veer-Zaara".

Get ready to have fun with the zaniest couple since Laurel and Hardy. "Bunty Aur Babli" are going to storm into your lives.

News # 163

This News is from “www.santabanta.com”


* Meera's Nazar ready to shock

Our cinema houses are in for a shock. Both the films scheduled for this week are chillers and, that too, with similar titles - "Naina" and "Nazar".

Quite easily, the one to watch out for is debutant director Shripal Morakhia's unusual thriller "Naina" featuring Urmila Matondkar in the horrific and yet gripping role of a woman who regains her eyesight after several years of darkness only to find herself being able to 'see' ghosts.

IDreams, the makers of the film, claims that the concept, theme and treatment are totally untried. There's very little reason to doubt that claim. The conception, execution and promotion of "Naina" seem totally novel.

The special effects, which have been done entirely in London where the film has been shot, offer hitherto unravelled dimensions to celluloid diabolism.

This isn't the first time that Urmila has done a shiver giver. Ram Gopal Varma's "Bhoot" is indelibly etched in viewers' minds as the ultimate spook story.

However, "Naina" promises to be a totally different experience. Urmila's look and personality are transformed much beyond "Bhoot". The location and the ambience exude a different flavour.

The producers are charged about the film. The film's distribution has been handed over to Columbia Tri-Star, which is pretty much treating the film as an international product rather than a desi scare-fest.

After the success of "Kaal" there's no doubt that films about ghosts have a spirited chance at the box office. Unlike "Kaal", there are no item songs bracketing "Naina". And while "Kaal" had a cluster of stars, "Naina" has just one.

Can Urmila equal the box office draw of John Abraham, Vivek Oberoi, Ajay Devgan, Lara Dutta and Esha Deol in "Kaal"? She's the only star attraction of the film.

The other film is the Bhatt brothers' "Nazar". Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt have an uncanny way of grabbing the limelight for their films. And their latest is no exception.

Most of the controversies surrounding its leading lady from Pakistan appear uncalled for. Did Meera kiss Ashmit Patel in "Nazar"? And if she did what was so eyebrow raising about it?

We shall soon have the answer to these questions. At present, there's bigger suspense to be unfolded in this thriller...For instance, why does it have a title so similar to "Naina"? And to release "Nazar" on the same day as "Naina" would surely confuse the audience.

Maybe this kind of confusion is seen to be a box office advantage in some quarters. Besides the title, the other common factor is the hero-less predicament. Both films sell themselves to the audience on the strength of their leading lady's presence. The rest of the cast, including the male romantic lead, is purely in the shadows.

Will "Nazar", which uses the male gaze to exploit the feminine gaze, succeed in getting audiences interested? Lately the Bhatts have had success with two of their erotic thrillers, "Murder" and "Zeher". Will they be third time lucky?

More importantly, will Meera be the first Pakistani actor to succeed in Bollywood? Earlier Zeba Bakhtiar flopped in spite of an eminently high-profile debut in Randhir Kapoor's "Henna".

News # 164

This News is from “www.santabanta.com”


* Shoaib Akhtar refuses Bhatt!

What Bollywood producer Mahesh Bhatt proposes, Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar disposes.

Bhatt wanted to cast the Rawalpindi Express in his latest venture "Gangster" but reports from across the border say that Sohail's tribulations with the Pakistan Cricket Board apart, he says the game is his first love and will remain so.

Even so, the Bhatt camp is not giving up.

"Yes Bhatt has approached Shoaib for a role in my film "Gangster", said director Anurag Basu.

"Reports say he doesn't want to do it. But he hasn't informed me, Bhatt or (Pakistani actress) Meera (who also stars in the film) about his decision. This week Bhatt and Meera will be in Pakistan when they'll meet Shoaib," Basu added.

But then, the Bollywood experience of cricketers from across the border has been far from favourable.

Mohsin Khan married Reena Roy and was introduced by J.P. Dutta in the big-budgeted "Batwara". Amidst a rabble of big Bollywood stars like Dharmendra and Vinod Khanna, Mohsin hardly got noticed.

Bhatt, who has always preferred the unpredictable course in his cinema, also worked with Mohsin Khan in "Saathi", where he cast him as the good man opposite baddie Aditya Pancholi.

"Saathi" bombed - and so did Mohsin's starry dreams. He left Bollywood, and his wife Reena Roy.

Cricketers have never had an easy time in the movies anyway.

On this side of the border, Sandeep Patil, Salim Durrani and Salil Ankola tried to be movie stars and failed. The latest Indian cricketer to make a fool of himself on celluloid is Ajay Jadeja, who was booed out of Bollywood after Khel.

Also, contrary to the image-building exercises between the countries, the Pakistanis aren't really keen on seeing their celebrities in Indian films. They feel it to be a sign of cultural hegemony from their stronger more domineering brother.

News # 165

These News are from “www.indiatarget.com”


* Fed-up Karishma wants divorce!
by Debasis Jana

Actress Karishma Kapoor wants divorce. Two years back Karishma had married Delhi-based industrialist Sanjay Kapur. And she had also delivered a baby girl in March this year. But the buzz is that, Karishma has been very unhappy with Sanjay for last six months and she doesn't want to be with him.
However, neither the family nor the actress herself speaks anything about this. But a person close to Karishma said, Karishma's all set to seek divorce. It's enough to Karishma.


* Hrithik Roshan's 'Krrish' presenter arrested!
by Debasis Jana

Swarup Shrivastava, owner of the Swarup Group of Industries, has been arrested by the Economic Offences Wing for forgery in order to obtain loans. This year for the first time the Swarup group of industries had sponsored the Filmfare Awards after previous sponsors Manickchand got dropped from sponsorship, for nefarious underworld links. So there is big problem again with the Filmfare sponsorships.
But the most speculative thing is that Guru Swarup Shrivastava is also presenting Hrithik Roshan's 'Krrish', so this Rakesh Roshan directed film could be in trouble as well.


* Cricketer Shoaib Akhtar to meet Mahesh Bhatt!
by Debasis Jana

Cricket-film link is very old in this subcontinent. Many cricketers have left impression in film acting previously. However, this time when India and Pakistan are coming closer to each other, Bollywood filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt approached Pakistani bowler Shoaib Akhtar for his next movie called 'Gangster'.
However, Shoaib denied accepting the offer. He said, "Films do not interest me that much". The Pakistani fast bowler said clearly in next three years his main priority is cricket, so he has no time for acting. However, Shoaib intends to meet Mahesh Bhatt, when the filmmaker will be in Pakistan. "He is coming to Pakistan and we will treat him with good food," Shoaib said.

News # 166

These News are from “www.indiatarget.com”


* Each visit to Cannes is an occasion - Ash!
by Debasis Jana

Inaugurating the 58th Cannes Film Festival, actress Aishwarya Rai seemed to be on heaven-high. Though it was very simple, because Aishwarya had to say just one line before the festival got on, but to be there at the prestigious festival to declare the event officially open doesn't happen so often in one's life. "I'm very happy to be here. It's always a great pleasure and honour to represent my country for an occasion as special as the Cannes film festival," said Aishwarya. "I'm flooded with memories. Two years ago, I was on the jury. And then before that Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shah Rukh and I were in Cannes for a very special screening of 'Devdas'. Each visit to Cannes has been an occasion for me."
Aishwarya now leaves for London to shoot her new film, Jagmohan Mundhra's "Provoked". "It's been a hectic but finally very satisfying schedule," she said on the phone from Cannes.


* Yana Gupta-husband split!
by Debasis Jana

Model-turned item gal Yana Gupta set to stay separate from her husband Satyakam Gupta. Yana Gupta, whom you have seen in 'Babuji Zara Dheere', 'Oh What A Babe', showed no reason for this separation. She avoided the media saying it "entirely personal".


* SRK in trouble!
by Debasis Jana

The time, producer SRK is going through is not good. First for 'Kaal', as a co-producer of the film, he was accused of misusing wild animals in the film and also was issued a notice from Supreme Court for that reason. And now for 'Paheli', he got accused of same. Shah Rukh Khan's home production Red Chilies Entertainment is producing this film, starring Rani Mukherji and Shah Rukh himself.
Yesterday, PIDA (People in Defence of Animals) issued a notice to Shah Rukh Khan for the illegal use of domestic and wild animals in 'Paheli'.
In a press release, PIDA alleged that the filmmakers have used camels in a scene performing camel race in which they have cruelly beaten the camels and forced them to run fast.
And the PIDA also threats to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) for stopping the release of the film.

News # 167

This News is from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* NANA PATEKAR CHARGED UNDER ARMS ACT
By Eye TV India Bureau
Breaking News

A strange case has been filed in Mumbai. The managing director of an InfoTech firm and actor Nana Patekar have filed complaints against each other for assault after a near collision of their cars on the Mumbai-Pune highway. Utkarsh Morarka (25), MD of Vagus Infocom Services, alleges, "Nana's behavior shocked and surprised me.'' According to Morarka, nephew of businessman Kamal Morarka of the Morarka Group, Nana allegedly threatened him with a revolver.

Patekar, who was recently seen promoting BT seed to Maharashtra's farmers, has in turn lodged a counter-complaint. He stated in his complaint that he was driving his Lancer to Pune around 4.30 p.m. on Thursday when two unidentified men in a Scorpio cut lanes and almost hit his car. The actor alleged that this was an attempt to kill him.

On the other hand, Morarka said, ''I left home at around 3.30 p.m. to go to my Navi Mumbai office. I was driving my blue Scorpio and my driver was sitting next to me. We were on Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road when a car travelling towards Navi Mumbai took a sudden left turn to avoid ramming into an autorickshaw. To avoid colliding with the car in front of me, I applied brakes. A man inside the car abused me. But I ignored it.'' However, Morarka claims that when he stopped at Vashi toll naka, he realised the car had followed him. ''A man stepped out, approached me and slapped me. I realised he was Nana Patekar. 'Tum mujhe nahin jaante' he shouted and pulled out a revolver threatening to kill me, but I kept mum.'' The Mumbai police said Patekar is charged under Sections 323, 504 and 506 (2) of the IPC and certain sections of the Arms Act. Investigations have been ordered.

News # 168

These News are from “www.teenstation.com”


* Who scares John Abraham?
By ANI

Yes We are talking about 'Kaal' starrer John Abraham and this news has no connection with GHOST...but still do you know who scares Johny?

Not many know this, but one of the first people to have spotted the very sexy John Abraham is Rahul Rawail. Years ago, the filmmaker saw John, liked the lad and even started a film with him. After shooting for about 15-20 days, the project got shelved and no one ever heard of it again.

But to date, John has tremendous respect for the director. And there's more…"I'm even scared of him! We've been in touch since those days and though we haven't done any film together, if he ever calls me for anything, I try to be there - whether it's for the premiere of his film, or anything else," says John. Well, Rahul, maybe its time to tap JA's talent again. Like they say, strike when the iron is hot. And you can't get hotter than our Johnny boy, can you?


* Happiness doubles for Kajol
By ANI

Kajol is very happy these days. One, because her movie with Shah Rukh Khan titled 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge' has established a record of completing five hundred weeks at a theatre in Mumbai. Second, her sister Tanisha has recently got an offer from Yash Chopra banner.

The movie is untitled yet but Chopras have decided to get it directed by Arjun Sablok of the 'Na Tum Jaano Naa Hum'. Kajol is excited indeed as her younger sister Tanisha had been feeling frustrated because of no film offer for quite some coupled with her three consecutive flops. Now, both the sisters have heaved a sigh of relief. Tanisha is looking forward with high hopes from the Chopra camp. Interestingly, Tanisha will play opposite Uday Chopra of the 'Dhoom' fame in the untitled movie.


* Aishwarya Rai signs new British film!
By ANI

Washington, May 14: It seems Aishwarya Rai has made an impact in the international film arena.

According to contact music she has signed up to star in a controversial new British film about a real-life murder called Provoked. She will portray an Anglo-Indian woman who killed her violent husband by setting fire to him.

Content Provided By ANI

News # 169

These News are from “www.teenstation.com”


* J.P Datta joins Priyanka Chopra's fan club!
By ANI

Mumbai, May.13 :There seems to be another 'big' fan added to the fan list of Priyanka Chopra. The war director J.P.Dutta is all praises for her and has chosen her for his new venture which involves remaking of the epic 'Umrao Jaan'. Dutta says that Priyanka has the 'It' factor and has long way to go. 'Umrao Jaan' is a Muzaffir Ali's classic of 1981 which proved to be a milestone in actress Rekha's career. After making movies which brings the guy characters into forefront, it is now the girls who Dutta wants to highlight. The film may begin in October with its script written by veteran writer-director O.P.Dutta. Along with 'Umrao' fascination, Dutta also seems to be in awe of Maharani Gayatri Devi and soon wants to dedicate a film to her life and times as well.


* Is Sallu Bhai being made to repent?
By ANI

Mumbai, May 13 : Salman Khan has his own way of repenting. Interestingly, when this star appeared in the Bandra Court on Thursday, his assistant Nadeem said that Salman believed his legal worries were God's way of making him repent. He also said that despite good political connections, Salman did not wish to use them to escape from the trials. Also, the star was not granted exemption as demanded by him owing to his 'professional commitments'. Salman was apparently quite tired with his visits in the court as he was found taking naps in between his trials. He took three quick naps in between wherein the first time he woke up by himself, the second time by his sister Alvira and finally by his father Salim. However, the reasons for his this little napping was given as his rigorous shooting of his upcoming Hollywood flick 'Marigold'.

News # 170

These News are from “www.filmfare.com”


* Anupam Kher and Ashok Pandit met the President!

Former Censor Board chief and veteran actor Anupam Kher and director Ashok Pandit recently met the President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam to discuss the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits. According to Ashok Pandit, Anupam and he decided to take up the issue of their fellow Kashmiri Pandits with the President and sought his help in sorting out the issue at the earliest possible. We have no clue what the President’s response was to this, but we do applaud the effort!


* Meera mobbed in Kanpur!

Pakistani actress Meera continues to make news. This time focus has shifted to Lucknow and Kanpur - our source tells us that a crowd at Lucknow got very excited when they saw Meera, who was in the city to promote her film, ‘Nazar’. From there, she proceeded to Kanpur, where Mahesh Bhatt introduced her as the first big Pakistani actress to work in Bollywood. The crowd at the event appreciated her pretty presence by showering rose petals over her, as an emotional Meera broke down on stage. “I have never seen this kind love and affection, even in my own country. I was overwhelmed by the love and adulation I got from the Kanpur people,” she told us. Mahesh Bhatt, who accompanied the actress, says that he was pleasantly surprised at the response she generated in the two cities. Frankly, we were surprised, too!


* Shahid turns chain smoker!

All those who have an image of the boy-next-door in mind when they think of Shahid Kapoor will be shattered when they see their favourite star turning into a chain smoker. But they can heave a collective sigh of relief, because the star is lighting up only for his new movie. “I’m playing the role of a rich, cool dude in ‘Milenge Milenge’. And for that role, I ended up smoking 30 cigarettes in a day to make the scene look real. And I had to keep smoking every day for three months. And when the shoot ended, I was very tempted to continue smoking, but I somehow I managed to kick that habit,” says Shahid with relief. Now that’s what you call realistic acting, huh? Do we have a new Aamir Khan in the making?

News # 171

These News are from “www.filmfare.com”


* Kaizad and wife: What’s cooking?

Remember Kaizad Gustad? Yeah, the same young director who first hit the headlines with the successful ‘Bombay Boys’, and then made gossip-rags spark with the ill-fated ‘Boom’ and the even less lucky ‘Mumbai Central’. Since then, the director has preferred to remain low profile and chosen to give the media the slip. But recently we spotted Kaizad and his gorgeous wife Alexandra Ritt, an anthropologist and food writer, at a suburban restaurant. Both of them invited various women to share a meal with them on Mother’s Day, treating their guests to lavish Spanish cuisine. “Since it’s was Mother’s Day, we decided to treat all the deserving mothers to a Spanish lunch,” explains Gustad. We guess husband and wife must have added a few women fans to their roster with that delicious treat!


* India's first movie on black magic goes to Cannes!

Besides the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai, dusky Nandita Das and sexy Mallika Sherawat, one more Indian product is making a quiet entry into the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. And that happens to be India's first movie on black magic, titled 'Ho Sakta Hai'. It will be screened on the 15th of this month. Wilson Louis, director of the film, told us, "It's a great feeling. We wanted to release the film in India, but then we got so many feelers from overseas. We decided to hold off the release in India and instead concentrate on the growing overseas market. And it paid off in the long run. I'm off to Cannes, where the film will be screened. We will also sell the overseas rights to foreign buyers. They have already appreciated the technical brilliance of the film," he says proudly. Well, here's to the magic working!


* Rahul Rawail and his favourite actor!

After years, ace director Rahul Rawail and his one-time favourite actor, Sunny Deol are coming together to create new box office records for their latest, 'Jo Bole So Nihaal' - or so they fondly hope! Together they have made some of the best and most successful films in contemporary Bollywood history, like 'Betaab', 'Arjun' and 'Dacait'. According to Rawail, "I wanted to work with Sunny again, but his back problem delayed the film and it took some time for us to get together again. Sunny has been my lucky mascot and I'm sure this time also, we will create wonders," he says. As for the movie - we will wait for the audiences' verdict!

News # 172

These News are from “www.b4utv.com”


* Paheli courts trouble

Red Chillies Entertainment, Shah Rukh Khan's production house has been issued a notice by the People in Defence of Animals (PIDA) for alleged abuse of camels in Paheli. PIDA has claimed that Paheli features sequences involving camel race and it is impossible to make camels race without brutally whipping them. According to PIDA, observers in Rajasthan have informed them that camels were abused in the filming of Paheli. Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar had earlier been issued similar notice for alleged abuse of animals in their co-production Kaal.


* All for a good cause

When it comes to helping a noble cause, the film industry is always prompt. The recent rape case involving beat constable Sunil More at the Marine Drive Police Chowky in Mumbai that shook the city will now be seen on big screen by writer- director Aishwarya Chandra. She says "I will tackle the issue in a sympathetic and realistic manner." She already has credits of making issue- related movies like Aadhey Adhure (on male impotency) and Bahu Maange Insaaf (on dowry). Chandra now plans to donate this film's earnings to the victims of rape. To further explain her motive behind it, she says, "The idea is not to glorify it further, but to throw light on the trauma that Mumbai went through after the incident. Its an audio- visual study of crime." The director promises that the cops will not be portrayed in a bad light. The film is likely to go on floor by next month.


* Ramu's blue eyed boy ties knot

Mohit Ahlawat, who is to debut with Ramgopal Varma's film James, has found his life partner in model Sai Purandhare. The duo tied knot on the 11th May in New Delhi. Varma is confident that his newfound talent will be a huge success after the film's release and has no problems signing a married man for his movie. Sai and Mohit have known each other for the past two years and she has always been a model. Presently, she is completing her PhD and has quit modeling. Varma made it a point to attend the function.


* Sameera: Achy breaky heart

There is constant speculation about the romance and subsequent break- up of Sameera Reddy and filmmaker Sanjay Gupta. When asked about it, Sameera burst into a laugh, "When I haven't accepted an affair, why should I admit to a break-up?" Though both of them have not agreed to it, friends of the two confirm that they broke up a few months ago and that they are going through a tough time. The break-up was a mutual decision. After a long talk, they finally decided to part ways. It is also heard that Sameera could not bear the label of being a home-breaker. Many people believe that it was because of Sameera that Sanjay split with his wife. "What people don't know is that Sameera walked into Sanjay's office in May 2003 whereas Sanjay had filed for divorce in February 2003," says a friend of the actress. She continues, "The reason for the break- up is the media. It has been very painful for the actress. Sameera is too strong to show it." It is heard that they are still very fond of each other. Sources also say that they might come together for his next film Zinda. But the close friend maintains that she will not do the film as it is very heartbreaking for her and she will not be able to go through it all over again. What finally happens remains to be seen!


* Salman's dilemma

It seems like Salman is in quite a dilemma after being approached by Nikhil Advani for his next film. Salman is still is thinking whether he should go ahead with it. Rumors of fallout between director Advani with Karan Johar are buzzing round the industry. Nikhil Advani made his directorial debut with Kal Ho Na Ho but then walked out of Dharma Productions and insulted Johar in public. It is heard that Salman doesn't want to hurt Shahrukh Khan by accepting the movie, as Shahrukh and Karan are very good friends. However, producer Boney Kapoor denies any of these rumors to be true. He said that they are working out the dates and the film might go on floor by July. Whereas Vikas Kapoor, Salman's business manager, said, "Salman is definitely doing the movie and its still in scripting stage." Advani has asked Saif, Salman and Preity to act in the film as the leads. Saif and Preity refuse to admit that they are a part of this project. As for Salman, he has asked Advani to change the script as its similar to another film in the making. Advani was then asked to direct the remake of Hum Paanch, which will be produced by Boney Kapoor. The rest of the cast of the film is being finalized and Anurag Kashyap is working on the script.

Info # 74

This Info is from “www.santabanta.com”


* God makes Salman repent!

Salman Khan has his own way of repenting. Interestingly, when the star appeared in the Bandra Court on Thursday, his assistant Nadeem said that Salman believed his legal worries were God's way of making him repent.

He also said that despite good political connections, Salman did not wish to use them to escape from the trials. Also, the star was not granted exemption as demanded by him owing to his 'professional commitments'.

Salman was apparently quite tired with his visits in the court as he was found taking naps in between his trials. He took three quick naps in between wherein the first time he woke up by himself, the second time by his sister Alvira and finally by his father Salim. However, the reasons for his this little napping was given as his rigorous shooting of his upcoming Hollywood flick Marigold.

Info # 75

These Info are from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* BOLLYWOOD BANTER
By Eye TV India Bureau

“Aamir as Dinoo Kaka”

Again, famous Bollywood actor Aamir Khan will be seen in a double role of Manno bhabhi and Dinoo Kaka. In both roles, Aamir tries to explain the meaning of thanda (cold). You may recall that Aamir Khan has changed himself several times to sell Coke in the past. Though the actor is seen on the silver screen only once in a year or two, he is frequently found on the small screen publicing a product. This time he looks a different person with gamchha (towel) on his soldier and an east Indian haircut. He becomes too popular in these ads to be removed easily.


“Elder actor Mahipal is no more”

Hindi movie actor Mahipal died in Mumbai on Sunday following a heart failure. According to his family sources, Mahipal had gone out for a morning walk where he suffered a fatal heart attack. He fell down there and died. He was 86, and had acted in several religious and mythological movies. Among those prominent were 'Navrang', 'Sampoorn Ramayan', ' Dharampatni', and 'Allauddin and Wonderful Land'. He has left behind two daughters, besides his widow. Mahipal was very popular in Arab countries too.


“Anu Kapoor's goodbye to Antakshari”

One of the few most television serials titled Antakshari has successfully completed twelve years without any interruption. However, the management of the channel in India has decided to give it a break, at least for the time being. The credit for its popularity goes to Bollywood's versatile actor Anu Kapoor, and actress Pallavi Joshi. The serial was presented in the USA, England, UAE, and Singapore too. The main man behind this popular serial has been Anu Kapoor who had left his Bollywood career for this television show. Anu Kapoor doesn't want to comment except saying 'wait and watch'.


“Mundhra to make movie on Sonia Gandhi”

You may recall that Aishwarya Rai playing a housewife of London in 'Provoked' kills her husband and is jailed for this crime. However, she succeeds in changing this law in England. The director of the movie is Jagmohan Mundhra. He has announced that the movie would be released next month (June). Another Indian actress Nandita Das is also acting in this movie, which is based on a book titled 'The Circle of Light'. Besides it, Mundhra is also producing 'Sonia'. This movie is based on Sonia Gandhi; widow of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, and presently President of the Congress Party. She is the chairperson of the present ruling alliance in India led by Dr Manmohan Singh. Most of the actors in this movie are from Los Angeles and the UK.


“Kajol is doubly happy”

Kajol is very happy these days. One, because her movie with Shah Rukh Khan titled 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge' has established a record of completing five hundred weeks at a theatre in Mumbai. Second, her sister Tanisha has recently got an offer from Yash Chopra banner. The movie is untitled yet but Chopras have decided to get it directed by Arjun Sablok of the 'Na Tum Jaano Naa Hum'. Kajol is excited indeed as her younger sister Tanisha had been feeling frustrated because of no film offer for quite some coupled with her three consecutive flops. Now, both the sisters have heaved a sigh of relief. Tanisha is looking forward with high hopes from the Chopra camp. Interestingly, Tanisha will play opposite Uday Chopra of the 'Dhoom' fame in the untitled movie.

Interview # 36

This Interview is from “www.santabanta.com”


* Interview: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

“An Oscar for Amitabh: Sanjay Leela Bhansali”

“Black" has just completed 100 days and Sanjay Leela Bhansali feels both stunned and sobered by the success of his film, which even he thought wouldn't go beyond two days in non-metropolitan centres.

But the fact that it was a hit even in centres like Patna is a lesson to filmmakers that there is no such thing as a niche audience, says Bhansali, who is of the view that getting an Oscar is not really the ultimate goal for his much appreciated movie.

In the interview, Bhansali also puts up a stout defence of criticism that his film was ineligible for international recognition, being inspired by "The Miracle Worker". Insisting that "Black" is completely original, Bhansali says both "The Miracle Worker" and "Black" are sourced to the play on the life of Helen Keller.

"We just read the play to know about the protagonist's life. From there we constructed our own story and characters."

According to Bhansali, "Black" is crucial because it has the most important performances by "one of the most brilliant actors of our country". The film must be acknowledged for Amitabh Bachchan's brilliance. "It won't return for a long time," he says.

Q: Are you astonished by the film's success?
A: Yes, most certainly "Black" has gone way beyond expectations. I can't believe it has actually completed a 100-day run. I thought the film wouldn't go beyond two days in the non-metropolitan centres. I was stunned to hear that the film was a big success in a place like Patna. It's just so sobering! And a lesson to us filmmakers who insist on making presumptions on the audiences' behalf. There's no such thing as a niche audience. We create niches for our convenience when in fact all films should be made for the entire viewing sector.

Q: Why do you think it worked?
A: "Black" came at a time when the audience was craving for a change. I gave them that change and they embraced my film wholeheartedly. It's very gratifying, specially since I was repeatedly warned that "Black" can only be a limited success. 'Critics and awards will be on your side. But the audience will be cautious.' That's what I was made to believe.

Q: What are the lessons that you've learnt from the unexpected success of "Black"?
A: Why segregate the audience in our minds? I always believe one thing. My films are made because they have to be made. I don't make them for money. You either make films or you make money. Sometimes you get to make some money also. But that can't be the purpose of making a film. Trade papers weren't favourable to "Black". They kept saying it wasn't doing well in many areas when in fact "Black" has done well all over, including overseas.

Q: Why was the trade so sceptical about "Black"?
A: It wasn't a film where the boys and girls were trendily dressed. They didn't dance in exotic locations. "Black" didn't seem to have any of the elements that appeal to NRIs. But a work done with good intentions can never go wrong. For the first time in the history of Indian cinema abroad, a film picked up in its collections and actually made remarkable headway. Word of mouth on "Black" in both India and outside was amazing.

Q: What are your future plans for "Black"?
A: I don't think getting an Oscar is the ultimate goal for "Black". I think the kind of recognition and success that it got goes beyond anything we expected. But yes, the Oscar keeps recurring in all conversation on "Black". I think it's the people's way of telling us how much they appreciate the film, and what hopes they have for it. When they say Amitji deserves an Oscar, I think they want to tell him he has reached international standards of performance. I agree with that view completely. I just want "Black" to be seen by more and more people.

Q: So an Oscar for Mr Bachchan and "Black"?
A: I feel the West hasn't really acknowledged Indian cinema beyond Satyajit Ray and random parallel filmmakers. Mainstream Indian cinema hasn't been recognised in the West. I wonder where "Black" fits in! People in India thought it was an off-mainstream film. But it surprised everyone by being accepted by the masses.

Now they say "Black" is ineligible for international recognition because it's inspired by the film "The Miracle Worker". That reading of "Black" is a result of complete misinformation. Both "The Miracle Worker" and "Black" are sourced to a play on the life of Helen Keller.

Q: So your film goes back to the play?
A: Not even that! We just read the play to know about the protagonist's life. From there we constructed our own story and characters. In the play, Helen Keller's life is taken only to a point. We've gone much further. "Black" is a completely original piece of work.

I keep reading cynical comments by so-called avant-garde filmmakers from our film industry. One of them thinks "Black" is 'hammy'. Now what on earth is that? Another one thinks my film is overrated and unrealistic. God bless them and their hardly seen films. I think such people are trying to get a bit of recognition by trying to run my film down.

Q: Your own assessment of "Black"?
A: First and foremost, for me it's the most important performance by one of the most brilliant actors of our country. If nothing else, then "Black" must be acknowledged for Amitabh Bachchan's brilliance and excellence. It won't return for a long time. He has performed his character with such flamboyance and élan. It isn't over-the-top acting. It isn't hamming. It's a passionate confirmation of life, no less. And then to have the cynics saying it's no great shakes!

Please, let's have more constructive criticism. Everyone doesn't have to like my film. But if the criticism is done merely to settle scores or to vent your bitterness, then it's not done. No fellow-maker should comment on a film in print. For me "Black" has touched a chord in the hearts of dancers, painters, musicians, artistes and laypersons all over the world. Jealous and unimportant filmmakers' opinions don't matter.

Interview # 37

This Interview is from “www.filmfare.com”


* Interview: Hrithik Roshan

“Hrithik Roshan : He's back in Action !”
PRAVEENA BHARADWAJ

^ Hrithik Roshan plunges into Krrish after a year long break
I’m prepared for sleepless nights,” announces Hrithik Roshan. He’s smiling but I can’t miss the edge in his voice. It’s been quite some time now since I’ve caught that look in Duggu’s eyes—it’s the look I last saw when he was preparing for Koi... Mil Gaya. After months of free-floating post-KMG, Hrithik Roshan is back in action... and it suits him. When I tell him so, he grins, “Yeah, I’m really rarin’ togo.”

Hrithik’s clearly hungry for work, itching to sink his teeth into a good part. His insistence on waiting for the right role and movie had left him with no films on hand for more than a year but the wait seems to have paid off, with the actor taking on two major films in quick succession—Dad Rakesh Roshan’s Krrish (the sequel to KMG) and Yash Raj Films’ Dhoom II with director Sanjay Gadhvi. Also being talked about (though there’s no confirmation from either side for now) is a film on the young Emperor Akbar with director Ashutosh Gowariker. We also hear he’s been talking to Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Suddenly, everything’s fallen into place.

Leaning back on a comfortably oversized sofa at home, Hrithik admits, “I don’t know how things worked out this way. Maybe its destiny. But after a year-long break I look on this as the start of my second innings in films. In my last five years in the industry I’ve earned a lot of awards as well as rewards. But that chapter is over. You can say Part II of my career starts with two Part IIs.”

All that waiting between Part I and Part II, coupled with his ‘perfectionist’ tag has had people christening him Aamir Khan II as well. But the young actor is not entirely comfortable with that label. “I don’t think that’s an intelligent comparison because Aamir’s choice of films is backed by much more intelligence and many more years of experience. Whereas I go with my instinct,” he protests. A pause, then he points out, “When Aamir was my age, he was doing all kinds of films. He became choosy much later in his career. So I don’t think my graph is the same as his.

“Yes, I’m choosy—but that’s just the way I work. My decision to pick a film is based on a) whether it excites me and offers me enough motivation to give it my best and if I think I have the talent to pull off the character. If I feel I’m not suitable for the character, I have absolutely no problems telling the director to cast another actor.” (Though Hrithik won’t admit it, he’s said to have refused Hum Tum because he thought Saif Ali Khan would fit the role perfectly.)

“Look, in our industry, everyone wants to work with everyone. But it is only after the script is ready that one can try to fit in the faces. It’s not that one actor is better than the other. What matters most is that the face chosen should suit the character.”

So what made him pick Dhoom II? “Playing a negative character offers a different kind of excitement, especially when you’ve played hero for years,” he tells me. “Not only is my role very interesting, I’ll be working with Aishwarya Rai for the first time. She plays my love interest in the film.” Tell us more, I prod him. But it’s no go. “Hey, I’m not going to reveal anything more but I promise you, Dhoom II will be exciting, entertaining and charming,” declares Roshan Jr with a broad smile.

As for the film with Ashutosh Gowariker, he is even more circumspect. He says carefully and in a non-committal manner, “I don’t want to talk about anything till it’s official.”

Currently, though, Hrithik is completely absorbed with Krrish. For those who came in late, this sequel to Koi... Mil Gaya will have Hrithik playing the son of Rohit and Nisha (the characters played by him and Preity Zinta). Jadoo, the alien, has bestowed the lad with extraordinary powers and the buzz is that Hrithik will play a Superman-like character. “Krrish is the story of a boy with super powers, somewhat on the lines of a comic book hero,” is how Roshan Jr puts it.

Krrish will see Hrithik paired for the first time with Priyanka Chopra, the heroine that every film-maker seems to want to sign post-Aitraaz. However, Hrithik echoes what his father has always maintained: “We signed Priyanka before we saw Aitraaz. In fact I saw the film for the first time at the premiere and she really lived up to expectations in it. We would’ve been really worried if she wasn’t good in the film. In a sense, I think it’s not ethical to judge another actor when you are also an actor, but I must say I think she is perfect for my father’s film.”

And what of Aishwarya Rai, his leading lady in Dhoom II? Rumours are that Rakesh Roshan first approached her for the role, though the film-maker himself denies it. Hrithik’s reply is diplomatic: “Ash is an international face; who would not want her in their film? I’m sure my father must have gone to all the faces in the industry. But Priyanka is the one who suited the role.”

Shooting for Krrish has commenced in Kulu-Manali but the movie has been talked about long before it mounted the sets. Expectations are already zooming but Hrithik takes them in his stride: “Since Dad and I have two mega-hits behind us, that’s only to be expected.” On the other hand, he is also aware of the murmurs about whether sequels work in India. “People here think sequels don’t work in Hindi cinema but that doesn’t really bother us. When we were working on Koi... Mil Gaya, they said a film with an alien wouldn’t work too,” he shrugs.

His confidence in his father’s ability as a film-maker and in their collaboration is unmistakable. And under-standable too, considering father and son share a great professional chemistry that has come up trumps each time. Hrithik puts it down to a no-holds barred honesty. “I’ve always been free to be completely honest with my father. I never hold back when I talk to Dad. That’s why the interaction between us is so good. Besides, it’s not like I talk to him only when he asks me a question. If I don’t like something I can tell him without worrying about it. If I don’t like a song or a scene, I can not only tell him so but offer suggestions too.

“But if I were to make any comments while working with other directors, they’d probably turn around and say, ‘Hrithik ka dimag kharab ho gaya hai. Apne aap ko na jane kya samajhne laga hai.’ But I genuinely feel there’s no place for egos on the sets. All members of a creative team should be allowed to air their views, so long as you don’t sound like you’re dictating or judging others. I think I can express my feelings without hurting someone’s ego.”

Back to Krrish. As is well-known, Hrithik underwent some pretty strenuous training in martial arts and ‘wirework’ action in Hong Kong and Shanghai. He shows me his right thumb and his small toe as he tells me, “See, I broke two little bones and pulled a muscle in my left leg during my training. The training was very strenuous because the kind of wirework we’ve planned for the film usually requires three to four years of training. I’ve completed it in 25 days. But my trainer Tony Ching says I’m 10 times quicker than his other students and is pretty confident that I can pull it off.” Going by the hype already surrounding Krrish, Tony Ching is not the only one who thinks so.

^ Getting Wired
Tony Ching Siu-tung, under whom Hrithik Roshan trained for the specialised action sequences in Krrish, is one of Hong Kong’s most renowned action directors. He’s often credited with revolutionising the use of special effects in Hong Kong cinema and was among the first to popularise the use of wires in action sequences. ‘Wirework action’ is the specialised technique used in action sequences such as those seen in movies like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Kill Bill I and II, The Matrix trilogy, Charlie’s Angels and Lara Croft Tomb Raider.

Ching’s latest movie, Ying Xiong or The Hero is a huge international hit which has grossed close to $100 million worldwide.
Son of Ching Gong, a famous Shaw Brothers director, Ching turned director himself in 1982 with the martial arts spectacular Xian Si Jue. His partnership with producer Tsui Hars was a huge success, which created internationally known names like John Woo and Chow Yun-Fat.

Info # 76

This Info is from “www.bollywoodworld.com”


* Bollywood Breakups

^ Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh met at a party after which Amrita invited Saif over to her place but warned him to bring his own bottle of Scotch. Saif famously said, "I never left." The couple married despite strong opposition and had two children. One heard of the odd affair (Zoya Akhtar and Smriti Mishra) but nothing concrete came to the fore. However, Saif is said to have fallen madly in love with an italian heiress, Rosa and has officially separated from Amrita. He denies reports of having left Amrita in a financial lurch (she has since made a comeback with television serial- Kaavyanjali) and claims that his two children are extremely precious to him.

^^ It had all the makings of a classic fairy-tale romance: opposing families, different religions and an intense passion - it could well have been a rehash of the blockbuster Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Although the ending wasn't nearly as tragic, Aamir and Reena parted ways after a marriage that was constantly gossiped about. Whether it was the alleged affair with Mamta Kulkarni, liason with Lagaan co-star Rachel Shelly or more recently the dalliance with journalist Kiran Rao - Aamir has been linked with several women. While Reena is said to have threatened to walk out after hearing about Mamta Kulkarni, she was too caught up with her children when the subsequent rumours came about. However, the couple finally called it quits and Aamir is now allegedly living with girlfriend Kiran Rao.

The birth of their son Junaid proved to be a catalyst when Reena first threatened to walk out after hearing rumours of the alleged affair between Aamir and Mamta Kulkarni. However the second time round, nothing worked.

^^^ The luminous Rakhee and exquisitely talented Gulzar are not officially divorced but separated amicably. They have a daughter together - Filhal director Meghna Gulzar.

^^^^ Their's was a torrid affair - she was a young nubile nymphet whie he was The Phenomenon. Despite his playboy image, the duo got married and had two daughters - Twinkle and Rinke.

^^^^^ Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh were the nations sweethearts. She was only 21 when she decided to quit films and marry her boyfriend - the scion of the Kapoor Khandaan. Alas, like all good things, this too came to an end. Although, like most Bollywood couples, they are only separated - not officially divorced.

Info # 77

These Info are from “www.bollywoodworld.com”


* Big B, the best role model
18th May 2005 17.00 IST
By AKC Bureau

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has been named the number one role model of the Indians in a survey conducted by Indicus Analytics.

In the survey, Bachchan emerged at the top position, defeating other popular celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan , cricketer Sachin Tendulkar , President APJ Abdul Kalam and businessmen Dhirubhai Ambani and Bill Gates.

Reacting to the news, the Big B said he was ‘grateful’ for the love and affection of his fans and admirers who continue to support him.

Indicating the mix of role models from various walks of life in the top ten categories of the survey, Bachchan asserted that the profile of the average role model has changed over the years.

“Mahatma Gandhi and Bill Gates are featured in the same list. So the least we can say about the survey is that it’s democratic,” a Mid-Day report quotes Bachchan as saying.


* Parineeta: The immortal love!
18th May 2005 21.05 IST
By Nitika Desai

Vidhu Vinod Chopra production Parineeta is a touching tale of love, affection, jealousy, greed, loss and separation.

Directed by Pradeep Sarkar, the movie has Saif Ali Khan , Vidya Balan , Sanjay Dutt , Raima Sen and Dia Mirza in main roles. Rekha makes a special appearance in a song.

A big screen adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's timeless story of the same title, Parineeta is set in the Calcutta of early 60s.

Newcomer Vidya Balan plays Lolita, a gorgeous looking girl who came to live with her Uncle's family after she was orphaned at an early age. In her uncle's home she finds a new family, a friend and a companion.

Saif Ali Khan plays an aspiring musician named Shekhar. Shekhar and Lolita spend their childhood and adolescence days together. They share their joys and sorrows. Often Shekhar plays his songs to Lolita and she sings along with him.

Over the years that Shekhar and Lolita spend together, they gradually develop a special bond of intimacy that, unknown to them, culminates into love. But this realization dawns only with the coming of another man.

Sanjay Dutt plays Girish, the supposed outsider, whose arrival puts Shekhar and Lolita's love to test.

Gradually, things begin to slip out of Shekhar's control. Misunderstandings arise, tempers flare and it seems that separation is inevitable for the two lovers.

Parineeta will premiere at the sixth IIFA Awards to be held in Amsterdam in June. It would also be the first Hindi film to be broadcast on Dutch television.


* Mallika in Cannes agrees to perform in completely sexually explicit scenes – Ash shocked!
Pam Bhandari
May 20, 2005


Who said Bollywood bombshells are shy? Mallika shocked Ash as she bagged contract at Cannes in sexually explicit movie setting – even explicit lovemaking in the bed!

She is not shy! She is proud of her new contacts and contracts. It has opened a new horizon for her. Rumor was rampant that adult magazines will have completely exposed!

The Bollywood actress, in Cannes for the first time, likened herself to Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly and Madonna all in one sentence.

"A whole new market has opened for me," the actress told Reuters. The response of European media and American media here towards me has been fantastic, it has been great ...

I’m going to grab this chance with both hands." Asked whether she was daunted by the competition for producers'''' and directors'''' attention in the crowded resort, she replied: "There is no competition honey, there is no competition."

STAR WARS PARTY LESS THAN STELLAR Several publications have been less-than-complimentary about the "Star Wars" party in Cannes this week.

To mark the world premiere of the sixth and final episode of the world's most successful film franchise, punters were hoping for a celebration to match the lavish movie budget ($115 million) and special effects.

Instead?

"A relatively no-frills session of champagne swilling in one of the Darthest Cannes venues", wrote Hollywood Reporter. It gave the party just two "martini points" out of a possible five.

AMERICA ON HIS MIND Danish director Lars von Trier had some choice words for US President George W. Bush this week that have been reprinted and broadcast around the world - "I think Bush is an asshole and doing a lot of really idiotic things," he declared. Yet, as some American journalists have pointed out, von Trier has never been to the United States and says he probably never will visit the country he has criticised so heavily in his last two films and in subsequent interviews about them.


* K3G suicide girl gets 72% in ICSE
By: Nishant A Bhuse
May 20, 2005

Anshita Tiwari (15) who hanged herself on Wednesday, saying she was fed up with life, scored a first class in her ICSE exam, with 72 per cent.

“She would’ve been proud of herself. It really shocks me that an intelligent girl like Anshita would take such a wrong decision,” said one of her teachers who refused to reveal her identity.

Neighbours had speculated that Anshita was stressed about her exam results, which were due the same day that she committed suicide.

Said a neighbour, “We still don’t know why she killed herself and it’ll remain a mystery. Academics obviously were never the reason.”

Her marksheet showed that Anshita was strong in languages — 86 per cent in English and 78 per cent in Hindi.

Meanwhile, relatives and friends continue to throng the Tiwari residence at Lokhandwala.

Said a weeping classmate, “Anshita was a very caring human being. She was concerned about everything and everybody. Why did God take such a loving person away from us!”

The girl added that when Anshita was featured in K3G, her classmates would tease her that she would become a Bollywood actress.

Said police sub inspector Mahajan, “Preliminary reports state that the cause of death was asphyxia due to hanging. We have sent the viscera for examination at the forensic lab.”

According to the medical officer from Cooper Hospital, Anshita’s eyes were donated with the consent of her guardians in front of the doctors after her body was brought for post-mortem.

Info # 78

These Info are from “www.bollywoodworld.com”


* Indian cinema, a ‘non entity’ at Cannes!
20th May 2005 12.10 IST
By Agencies

Indian actors may be "almost everywhere" at this year's Cannes Film Festival but for the Indian films, the situation is the reverse! This time around, the prestigious Cannes festival has recognized Indian actors while ignoring Indian Cinema.

For, despite Nandita Das being chosen as part of the jury, Aishwarya Rai given the honor to utter the sentence to open this year's festival and 'sexy siren' Mallika Sherawat "walking the red carpet leading to the Palais", what makes Indian cinema at the 58th Cannes Film festival seem almost a 'non entity' is the absence of a single film-entry from India in any official Selection, even as many films from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and even Sri Lanka have been included in the official screenings.

The lacunae due to the absence of Indian films in any official Selection lacuna has, however, been somewhat made up due to the screening of several Indian films in the Market section.

Cannes is the biggest film-market in the world, with a number of preview theatres where films are screened by intending sellers. This year, a number of Indian filmmakers and distributors have turned up looking for buyers.

The films already screened/to be shown in the Marche (the Market section), or elsewhere privately, include Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Black , Subhash Ghai's Kisna (in its shorter, English version), and Delhi-based producer Bobby Bedi's two latest movies, The Rising (starring Aamir Khan ) and "American Daylight". The last-named film, which revolves around a girl employed in a Delhi call-centre, made its debut at the Goa IFFI last December but has yet to be commercially released.

On Tuesday, producer Akbar Khan, who is the younger brother of Feroze Khan and Sanjay Khan , screened his much-awaited "Taj Mahal- an Eternal Love Story". The film is mounted on a mega scale, and Akbar Khan hopes to release it in India in early August.

Notwithstanding the euphoria over the market screenings of the above films, it is notable that in most of the screenings, the audience comprised mainly Indians.


* Abhishek, Ash in ‘Bluff Master’
19th May 2005 20.15 IST
By AKC Bureau

Abhishek Bachchan will spearhead the cast of director Rohan Sippy’s next movie ‘Bluff Master’. Aishwarya Rai is also expected to play an important role in the film.

In Rohan’s own words, he has desired so much to work with Abhi and Ash after making his movie Kuch Naa Kaho... with them.

Rohan is now gearing up to start his next movie, tentatively titled, ‘Bluff Master’. The film will have Ritesh Deshmukh in a parallel role to Abhi.

‘Bluff Master’ will presumably be an out-and-out comedy about two con men. Abhishek will play a mellow character while Ritesh will enact the role of an absolute brat.

Originally, Rohan had plans to cast Saif Ali Khan in the movie but the role eventually went to Ritesh.

Rohan is looking forward to start shooting the movie in June. The only hitch is that Ash’s presence in the movie is yet not confirmed. However, Rohan claims that Ash’s role in the film will be substantial and not just a decorative one.

‘Bluff Master’ is based on Sridhar Raghavan’s script. The film will be shot in Mumbai over a period of a month.


* World's biggest Bollywood festival gets ready for launch
19th May, 2005

Having launched five years ago at the Millennium Dome in London, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards are being held again this year in Amsterdam.

The event has grown from being an awards ceremony to a three-day IIFA Weekend extravaganza that will focus more on reaching out to non-Asians and bring together industry executives.

The event will be held from 9th to 11th June 2005, culminating with a glittering awards presentation on the final day at the Amsterdam Arena. Events such as a celebrity cricket match and a film festival will also take place.

The IIFAs are organised by Wizcraft International Entertainment, one of India's biggest event management company. They have previously staged events in Mauritius, New York, Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Iraq, Australia and Sri Lanka among others.

Actor Amitabh Bachchan, brand ambassador for the IIFAs, says: "The IIFA Awards have marked the beginning of a new era for recognising and applauding the achievements of Indian Cinema.

"Regarded as one of the most credible award processes in India and abroad, I am proud to be associated with IIFA for the past five years and my commitment remains undiluted. I am looking forward to the celebrations in Amsterdam this year."

Star television, the Indian network that airs two channels on Sky, will broadcast the awards exclusively across the globe. CEO of Star India Sameer Nair says: "We are proud to associate with IIFA and will work together to make this year's event a truly memorable celebration of Indian Cinema and all our viewers."

The organisers hope that the three day event will boost the profile of Indian cinema in Europe. The Netherlands has a sizeable Asian community that centres around Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

The film festival will show some of India's most popular films made in the past, aiming many at new audiences.

More significantly, the Indian television industry event, FICCI, will also be held outside of India for the first time as part of the IIFAs. The FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum will take place at Expo XXI.

Attending these events will be celebrities, sports stars, government leaders and business executives from India and Europe.

The event has a long line of sponsors and partners that are headed by: NBTC - Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, ATCB - Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board, Pathé, Schiphol Group, EVD - Ministry of Economic Affairs, Olympic Stadium and Bols.

MSN is the online media partner while the print media partner is De Telegraaf. The voting process will be audited by PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

Samsung IIFA Awards - www.iifa.com

Media contact: Imogen Russon at DnA PR.
020 7851 8625 / 0784 344 1427 / imogen@dna-pr.com


* Why Hema Malini was born in California

Bollywood has always copied from Hollywood. Unless the trend is reversed, Indian cinema will not get better

MAHESH BHATT

Posted online: Friday, May 20, 2005 at 0000 hours IST

Just a couple of years ago one could not write the word ‘‘Bollywood’’ in an American newspaper without having to include a description of what it meant. Recently in Mumbai I had an unusual privilege of interacting with the senior editors of leading US newspapers. These editors had made a trip to Mumbai specially and made a request to meet Bollywood film-makers in order to get the hang of what makes Bollywood tick. The manner in which they listened to our making and marketing of movies made them gape. After that meeting I came to a conclusion, that in the past few years Bollywood has become shorthand, a buzzword for one of the most happening trends in America.

In a new India, multiplexes make it possible to screen a vast variety of movies, catering to different audiences. What’s happening is that from the traditional 1,500 seater’s they’ve come down to theaters which seat 150 or 300 people. So it gives the theater owners as well as audiences a lot of choices. It’s changing viewing habits.

A whole new generation seems to be taking center stage in India, both as audience and filmmakers. So you have these young audiences that are being exposed to a lot of different material, and a lot of specific youth programming. You also have young directors coming out of Bollywood who are trying to combine those kind of influences with American-style youth influences with a Bollywood sensibility.

It wouldn’t be entirely untrue to confess that even my success and the success of most film makers of my generation wouldn’t have been possible without the hours we spent in the cinema halls of India, which exclusively screened those Hollywood films. These were the classrooms where we learnt the ABCs of story telling through sound and picture—the ‘‘language of cinema.’’

Most filmmakers in Bollywood will concede that they owe their craft and the idiom that they flaunt as their own to Hollywood. Art is an image-using system. In order to create we draw from our inner well. This inner well is an artistic reservoir. As filmmakers, we in Bollywood realize that we have to maintain this artistic ecosystem. If we don’t give some attention to its upkeep, our wells are bound to become depleted, stagnant or blocked. And overproducing draws heavily on that artistic well. Over-tapping these wells is like over fishing, and leaves us with diminished resources. Our work dries up, and we start re-cycling. Then comes the time to replenish and restock our creative resources and fill the water afresh. Filling this well involves the active pursuit of images to refresh our artistic reservoirs, and for this we have always turned to Hollywood.

When we were kids, we often used to find great filmmakers like Ketan Anand, Manmohan Desai and Vijay Anand visiting our cinema halls. No prizes for guessing why they were there!

I remember once when I was struggling to put an ‘‘original’’ script together, the legendary IS Johar, a renowned comedian, filmmaker and Bollywood’s first intellectual, laughingly advised me, ‘‘Son, why don’t you ask your rich producer to buy you a ticket to London, see an American film, and come back and remake it with Indian actors? It is cheaper, less bothersome and guarantees success!’’ At the time I was horrified. Little did I know that in later years I would take that advice of his too seriously. Even today in this age of communication revolution the bulk of Bollywood filmmakers leans on the easily available pirated VCDs and DVDs to nourish their craft. The trade contemptuously refers to this generation as the ‘‘DVD directors.’’ Take away Hollywood and there’s no Bollywood. To fantasize about originality is one thing. To be completely original is a utopian dream, at least in Bollywood.

Info # 79

These Info are from “www.santabanta.com”


* Hot-n-Sexy Mallika at Cannes

At last the myth turned into reality when Mallika arrived in Cannes with superstar Jackie Chan and here too there was nothing that could stop the motor mouth bomshell from Bollywood.

Her opening shot at the jam-packed press conference: "Jackie is the biggest star in Asia so he deserves the best and he has got it."

The smiles broke out as the presswallhas from far-flung countries understood Mallika's real motive behind her modest statement.

Fully loaded in exquisitely embroidered low-cut dress worth Rs 48,500 and jewels worth Rs 75 lakh, Mallika held her own in front of legendary Chan, who was focus of attention at the news conference.

As always, Mallika was well aware of her assets and revealed them to the West with the equal finesse, though her name placard, placed strategically in front of her, hid the view to the scribes.

She began by graciously saying: “I would like to thank Jackie Chan and Stanley Tong for giving me this opportunity to star in this film. It’s a very big break for me. Bollywood will always be very important because that’s my bread and butter. But the whole world is becoming global now.”

Though her co-actress, Kim Hee Seon, a Korean, was also present at the podium but she had to play second fiddle because of her inability to converse in English.

Mallika on the other hand, did her best for Indian womanhood by attempting to portray the bold and the brassy image to the world.

We hope Ash is also watching the entire event for some pointers.

By: Somesh Vasishth


* What is wrong with Saif?

The only thing constant about Saif Ali Khan seems to be his inconstancy. He frequently says yes to projects, but then says no - and woman directors appear to be at the gravest risk.

What he did to Aparna Sen's "Gulel" was too cruel to be funny.

She convinced him that he was just right for a role in her first Hindi film. And she even got Saif's mother Sharmila Tagore to put in a word. Saif, then shooting for Karan Johar's "Kal Ho Na Ho" in the US, said yes, he might...he most probably will...And then disappeared on Sen.

Another woman director to be a casualty of Saif's dithering rationale is Zoya Akhtar. Her directorial debut "Luck By Chance" depended on the male star's availability.

But Saif seemed to have other plans. He decided "Luck By Chance" wasn't lucky for him. And never mind the fact that Zoya's brother Farhan Akhtar's "Dil Chahta Hai" gave Saif a new lease of professional life.

Off he went, leaving Zoya's project stranded. Sans Saif she decided to scrap the project and is now all set to make her directorial debut with another film. Needless to say, Saif will not be a part of her new cast. And of course, Saif has broken one more heart.

That is not all. Debutant director Anand Surapur waited patiently for Saif to make up his mind about "The Fakir". But finally he signed Farhan Akhtar for the role.

Why does Saif do this so often?

Says a top producer-director, "Post 'Kal Ho Na Ho', where he rubbed shoulders with Shah Rukh Khan, and 'Hum Tum', where he proved himself as the lead actor, Saif should have been flying high.

"Instead he has chosen to go off at a tangent. By making himself completely inaccessible he's simply reversing all the wonderful things that he had done for himself after Farhan's film."

Recently, the popular talent-scouting contest "Indian Idol's" organisers were at the receiving end of his confused nature. They invited him as a special guest on the show.

Saif said he was delighted but he changed his mind at the last minute and informed them that he was "unwell". Oh well. They had no choice but to go with his decision.

Info # 80

These Info are from “www.santabanta.com”


* Please leave Karisma alone!

I am appalled by the ghoulish interest being taken in Karisma Kapoor's marriage and its supposed breach. My colleagues from the paparazzi have been going crazy over the question of whether she's split with her husband or not.

When the couple doesn't wish to talk about its problem shouldn't we respect their wishes? Instead we have "close friends" of the two affected parties being thrust with responsibilities to speak on behalf of the affected couple.

But the knot is a knotty tangle. It cannot be resolved in the entertainment sections of papers and magazines because a marriage and an ensuing break-up are not meant for entertainment. To try to pry into lives which are already on the brink is tantamount to probing wounds that are too raw to be touched, let alone healed. Why add to the chaos when we cannot breach the dam?

Karisma's marriage is no one's business. Whether it's in trouble or not shouldn't concern any medium, print or electronic. Sad to say we journalists take a ghoulish delight in invading stars' lives. And Karisma is the latest victim of the alarming paparazzi culture that has hit Indian journalism.

Karisma isn't a friend. But we've spoken cordially and warmly over a period time. Her sister and mother invited me to her grand wedding. I could not attend. But I knew how lavish it was and how excited Karisma, her mom and sister were about the event. Later Kareena had said, "Almost everyone came. I felt so proud to see my sister on the mandap. It was a big moment for all of us."

We were in touch off and on. And during one of our sporadic chats Karisma excitedly told me about the new home that was she doing up for herself and her husband, and how every single item in the house was being selected by her personally.

Have her dreams of a home been shattered by the harsh reality of marital stress? I don't know. And I don't want to ask Karisma about it. I know her to be a very private person. And when I was bombarded with requests to find out about her marital problems I felt a surge of protectiveness towards her.

Surely being an actress doesn't take away your right to privacy?

Stories about Karisma's husband reached my ears long before their marriage. But as a close friend of the couple told me after these unsavoury stories of the break-up broke out, "It takes two to tango. Likewise it takes two to keep a marriage going. What we hear in Mumbai is one-half of the marital story."

A break-up isn't easy for a couple. Let's not make it more difficult by taking sides. Let's not behave as though the media knows the truth about Karisma's marriage. Until she chooses to tell us about it, we are in the dark and that's where we should remain.

As the weeks and months pass the break-up is bound to get uglier. There might even be a custody battle.

Why don't we give Karisma the right to fight her battle in peace? After all she has given us so much.


* 'Nazar' to release on Pak TV
The cultural barriers between India and Pakistan seem to be coming down with the forthcoming premiere of Mahesh Bhatt's 'Nazar' on Pakistani television on May 29, close on the heels of Islamabad's sanction to the theatrical release of the colourised version of K Asif's 'Mughal-e-Azam'.

Confirming this news from Pakistan, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who is currently on a visit to the country to participate in a telethon on Aaj TV, said, ''We yesterday inked a deal with Aaj TV, one of the biggest private television networks in Pakistan, wherein 'Nazar' -- the first Indo-Pak joint film production in 50 years -- will be shown on their channels from May 29 to June 4.

''It is the first brick laid by us in the long path of Indo-Pak people-to-people exchanges. After all, apart from cricket, it is films that can bring the people of the two countries together in a common bond of friendship,'' Bhatt said.

The release of 'Nazar' on Pakistani TV comes even as the Pakistani Government is yet to decide the date of theatrical release of 'Mughal-e-Azam', the sanction for which was given by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf last week.

''We wanted to be the first to break the barrier that marked film exchanges between India and Pakistan for several decades. In fact, I would say that 'Nazar' is the first Indian film in the real sense to make its official entry in Pakistan. For, unlike in the case of 'Mughal-e-Azam', which has a British connection as its negative right holder Akbar Asif is a UK national, the release of 'Nazar' on Pakistan TV is a result of an agreement between an Indian producer and a Pakistani entertainment channel,'' Bhatt said.

Moreover, 'Mughal-e-Azam' was a classic film of the bygone era starring the legendary Dilip Kumar, which has excited several generations of Indians and Pakistanis. So the nod for its theatrical release was not surprising, Bhatt said.

Info # 81

These Info are from “www.bollyvista.com”


* Sanjay Dutt in Applause Entertainment's next
By Vickey Lalwani ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Sanjay Dutt may have had a string of flops in the past one year, but at least Applause Entertainment has not given up on him. The company has signed him to play the central character in their next film.


* Soni Razdan to direct for UTV
By Vickey Lalwani ©2005 Bollyvista.com

After 'Nazar' (Meera, Ashmit Patel, Koel Purie), Soni Razdan will soon start working again. Her second directorial will be for UTV. The cast is yet to be finalized.


* 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' in New York
By Abid ©2005 Bollyvista.com

It seems like Karan Johar has finally decided to shoot his next, 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' in New York and the shooting is expected to start in September. It may be recalled that at one time London and then Australia were the expected shooting venues but finally New York seems to have won the race.


* Special show of 'Naina' tonight
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

A suburban multiplex in Mumbai will screen a special show of the Urmila Matondkar-starrer 'Naina' tonight. A rumoured remake of the Korean flick, 'The Eye', the much-advertised 'Naina' is carrying diametrically opposite pre-release reports. Some say it's nothing to write about, while others are singing praises for the special effects and production values. We'll decide for ourselves!


* SRK keeps his fans happy!
By Judi Silva ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Some time back we reported that Bollywood's King Khan literally gave the shirt off his back (well out of his suitcase anyway) and sent it to a fan from his Official Home at Asian Outlook, Wafa Barakat. "I am so excited my heart is skipping a beat," says Ms. Barakat when contacted for a comment. "On the sleeve he signed: 'Lots of love, Shahrukh'."

Here are the pics of Wafa wearing the officially autographed shirt and SRK without it.

Info # 82

These Info are from “www.bollyvista.com”


* 'The Rising' is a hit at Cannes
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Producer Bobby Bedi held a special screening of the Aamir Khan-starrer 'The Rising' at Cannes for select buyers. The reports we received are that the film was so immensely enjoyed and lapped up by the trade that every international territory was sold almost instantly.

Needless to add, all connected with the film are rejoicing. The eagerly awaited 'The Rising' is scheduled for an August release.


* Fun at 'Marigold'
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

American actress Ali Larter is on the sets of the Salman Khan-starrer 'Marigold' and is said to be enjoying every bit of it. This much-delayed near-Hollywood flick has finally taken off. Ali says she's loving every bit of Salman Khan, Bollywood dancing, and of course, all the pampering that our stars are used to!


* Akshay Kumar for Boney Kapoor?
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Some months back we were the first to tell you that Boney Kapoor had asked Prabhu Deva, the noted south choreographer, to direct a film for him. The development here is that Akshay Kumar is being considered for the lead role and the two have been negotiating with him.

Akshay did Boney's recent average runner, 'Bewafaa', directed by Dharmesh Darshan.


* 'Karisma will speak.... '
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Kareena Kapoor told the media that Karisma will speak when she is ready to speak, reacting to news reports about her sister's marriage being on the rocks. She added that no family member was in a position to make any statements on the marriage.

A close friend of the sources added that all this speculation was because Karisma had been in Mumbai for over two months. "What people forget is that Karisma has just delivered some months back and cannot travel with the baby. That's why she's been in Mumbai. By the month-end she will return to Delhi," said the person who pleaded anonymity.


* Shoaib is Bhatt's third choice!
By Vickey Lalwani ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Bet you didn't know this! Shoaib Akhtar is not Mahesh Bhatt's first choice for the role in Anurag Basu directed 'Gangster'. While the original choice was Sanjay Dutt, Bhatt later toyed about taking John Abraham.

Meanwhile, Bhatt refuses to give up on Akhtar who has sent feelers that he wishes to concentrate on cricket alone. Bhatt is optimistic that he will meet the Pakistani speedster, during his forthcoming visit to Pakistan (scheduled in the next three days) and convince him to act in his film. Let's wait and see.

Info # 83

These Info are from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* BOLLYWOOD BANTER
By Eye TV India Bureau

# “Karisma's marriage may break”

The marriage of actress Karisma Kapoor with a Delhi's business tycoon Sanjay Kapur is on the breaking point, according to sources close to her family. Since giving birth to a female child in a Mumbai hospital, Karisma has been mostly living with her parents in Mumbai. Her husband Sanjay Kapoor has, however, been visiting her in her parents' city only. These sources add that the couple's relationship has reached a point of no return. According to reports, Karisma is upset with her husband's alleged affairs with other women, especially with his ex-wife Nandita Mehta. Despite several warnings to her husband, Karisma has not found any change in his attitude. In fact, the whole film industry was amazed when Karisma readied to an arranged marriage with her family's friend Sanjay Kapoor soon after her severing relations with Abhishek Bachchan even after betrothal ceremony. However, film circles don't wonder if the marriage of Karisma and Sanjay breaks at a time when the industry has a lot of such cases.


# “Amisha: I take my own decisions”

Amisha Patel says that she takes all her decisions herself. She need not depend on any person howsoever close to her. She said this while replying to the media about her legal dispute with her parents. She clarified that she hasn't done it at the instance of her close friend Vikram Bhatt. Since her parents had misused her finances and were not ready to return her money she had resorted to a legal fight with them." I want to live my own life. My parents are financially sound." When asked about her very little presence in the industry these days she said she is determined to take right decisions. " I want to better my life. However, I shall not disclose more than this. Whatever I do in future it will be loud and clear," she claimed.


# “Bhatt denies song theft charge”

A Pakistan band that has reached India to release its new album has alleged that Mahesh Bhatt has illegally used the band's song in his 'Zaher'. The band has claimed that the song is ' woh lamhe...'. However, Mahesh Bhatt has vehemently denied this charge, and has alleged that such a charge will spoil the present climate of better relations between the two countries. Mahesh Bhatt has added that he has complete legal support in this regard. " I have foolproof legal authority to use the song." Moreover, Bhatt says he has no complaint against the Pak band for making wrong charges, as they are 'juniors'.


# “Aman Verma bags films”

Actor Aman Verma allegedly involved in the recent casting couch by a television channel's sting operation is back on the silver screen. Yes, the small screen seems to be keeping a distance from him. Aman has bagged few films like 'Kachchi Sadak' and 'Babul'. Aman is pained to admit that he had neglected the big screen for the small one in the recent past. He finds the silver screen more interesting.


# “Mandira's next 'Divorce' in June”

Mandira Bedi is indeed a versatile personality. She is frequently seen on the small screen either as an actor or as an 'expert' commentator on cricket or anchoring a show. She says, " I like talking to the people." At present she has added a large audience to a channel by anchoring its ' Dial One and Jeeto'. The credit for the popularity of this program goes to her format. She says, " It's a great concept. I enjoy doing it. I am unable to express my joy by presenting it." She will soon launch another 'Fame Gurukul' on Sony Entertainment. Besides, her next movie 'Divorce' with Sonu Sood is ready for release next month (June).

Info # 84

These Info are from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* BOLLYWOOD BANTER
By Eye TV India Bureau

# “Priyanka to play J.P's Umrao Jaan”

Today's number one runner up Priyanka Chopra is very excited with her latest assignment of playing Umrao Jaan in J.P Dutta's remake of 'Umrao Jaan'. We may recall that during the 80s yesteryears' super hit actress Rekha had played the character of Umrao Jaan. Priyanka Chopra told smashits recently that she is proud of getting the role of Umrao Jaan in J. P. Dutta's remake. However, she confessed that she could only try to do this challenging role as it was earlier played by as talented an artist as Rekha. When asked to identify the hero of the movie, she failed to answer it. She also didn't know about its shooting schedule.


# “PIDA bid to stop 'Paheli' release”

The People In Defense of Animals (PIDA) today said it would soon file a petition to prevent the release of the film 'Paheli'. The PIDA is annoyed by the alleged misuse and 'cruelty' to animals in Shah Rukh Khan's home production. In a release, the PIDA said it has "issued a notice" to the film production house Red Chilies Entertainment owned by actor Shah Rukh Khan for the illegal use of domestic and wild animals in his 'Paheli'. The release said the filmmakers have used camels in a scene performing camel race in which they have cruelly beaten the camels and forced them to run fast. The NGO will file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and will demand a ban on its release.


# “Court seeks censor's report”

The Censor Board has found no objection in any scene in Sunny Deol's recently released 'Jo Bole So Nihaal'. The Krishan Mohan committee, comprising seven members of the advisory panel, has given this report. This is significant in view of the recent Punjab and Haryana High Court's decision to seek a report from the Censor Board about the objections raised by a section of the Sikhs. This section had pleaded that the movie has hurt the religious feeling of the Sikhs. The court has deferred the case to May 19 and meanwhile sought the censor Board's report in the matter. The Petitioners have complained that the movie's CDs, cassettes and posters have hurt the sentiments of the followers of Sikhism. They have also objected to the use of religious slogan Jo Bole So Nihaal by its hero Sunny Deol several times in the film.


# “ 'Tajmahal's world premiere in July ”

Akbar Khan who is making the highest budget movie titled 'Tajmahal' says that the people all over the world have shown interest in his movie. The movie estimated to have cost Rs 750 million will be screened on May 17 at Cannes and will release throughout the world in July this year. Akbar said this on his return from the Cannes film festival on the basis of his interaction with the filmmakers of the world there.


# “ 'Shabnam Mausi' to release on 20th May”

'Shabnam Mausi', a movie based on the lives of eunuchs will be released on May 20 with Ashotosh Rana playing the lead role of Shabnam Mausi, a living real character. Shabnam says that this movie would certainly create respect for eunuchs. Shabnam who has been elected an MLA from Madhya Pradesh, added that she has tried her best to help Ashutosh Rana to play the lead role. Shabnam said, "I have tried to serve the people to the best of my ability. We are most distressed souls. We want to serve the people, and pray that nobody should have an eunuch in his family". However, Shabnam Mousi regrets that nobody has ever paid any attention towards them though she has brought out their pathetic conditions to everybody's notice.