Info # 85

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


* “Doing the Can Can”
by: Harneet Singh
- expressindia.com

This week when Aishwarya Rai walked the red carpet at the 58th Cannes Film Festival 2005 in a black Gucci gown, she wasn’t taking any chances.

Rai’s four-year-old association with Cannes has been mired in bad dress press. The memories of her 2003 wardrobe disaster, when she was on the Cannes jury, are still fresh.

Rai’s wisened up. But then, you can hardly go wrong with black.

"Hey, it’s all been fabulous as usual," she tinkles from the South of France. While Ash regular Neeta Lulla had designed a black saree, complete with black Swarovski, Rai has decided to stick with Gucci and Armani.

In a first for an Indian actor, Rai delivered the festival’s inaugural speech along with Alexander Payne, the director of the Oscar-winning Sideways. "That was an absolute honour. I have no words to describe what I am feeling," she says.

Rai happily narrates how she’s been embraced by Cannes regulars. "Yeah, they tell me that I am family now," she smiles. But if you think Rai’s all gushy, you’ll be surprised. For one, she can’t fathom why she’s being targetted for her pronunciation of Cannes. "I don’t know what’s the big deal. It’s pronounced as Can, for sure," she grumbles.


* “Ash: Samyukta with whoever is first”
by: Subhash K. Jha
- mid-day.com

Period movies are suddenly big. Every filmmaker seem eager to take on the epic mantle. While Ketan Mehta’s Mangal Pandey is on its way, Ashutosh Gowariker has also announced his intentions of making Akbar-Jodha next.

But the most interesting historical epic is yet to come. It’s the one based on the romance between the Rajput emperor Prithviraj Chauhan and his ladylove Samyukta.

Two prominent filmmakers, Raj Kumar Santoshi (Khakee) and Chandraprakash Diwedi (Pinjar), want to bring the same epic to the big screen. And they both want to cast Aishwarya in the female lead.

Explains Rai, "Santoshiji and I almost did Prithviraj-Samyukta. But then we zeroed in on another project, Saamna, which we’re starting later this year."

"But Prithviraj-Samyukta is very much on, though not necessarily with Santoshiji."

"Dr. Chandraprakash Diwedi wanted to make a movie on the same subject and was adamant to do Prithviraj-Samyukta with me. I told him I was ethically committed to Santoshiji for the subject. He said, 'Dono kar lo.'"

"But why should two good filmmakers make the same film? The core personality of the historical figure gets diluted in the duplication."

And she has a point.

This is exactly what happened with Santoshi and Guddu Dhanoa’s biopics on Bhagat Singh.

"The whole idea gets lost in superficial comparisons. I spoke to both directors and we’ve decided I’ll play Samyukta for whoever makes the film first. Both agreed that only one of them would make the film."

"This was a settlement worked out among the three of us. Both Rajji and Chandraprakashji have done ample research and are ready to share their knowledge with each other."

So who will finally make this prestigious costume epic? We wager our bets on Dr Diwedi.

Santoshi is currently busy with Family, featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar. After that, he goes straight into Saamna with Aishwarya Rai, Ajay Devgan and Akshay Kumar. Thereafter, he’s working on another film with Devgan.

The kind of discipline, dedication and focus required for an immense project like Prithviraj-Samyukta can be found only in a filmmaker with one assignment on hand.

After proving himself in the time-recall ambience of Pinjar, Dr Chandraprakash Diwedi would probably wangle the prized project.

But there’s only one person who has the most to gain from this battle royal: be it Santoshi or Diwedi, Ash wins both ways.

Q. Who is Samyukta?
A. Samyukta, the princess of Kanauj, married Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan after he won the battle of Tarain. She is describes by historians as “having thick, black hair and eyes like the black bee moving in the petals of the white lotus”.

There are numerous poems and scriptures written about the passion of their romance. However, their marriage was shortlived, as soon after that, the Mughal invader Muhammed of Ghori challenged Prtihviraj and defeated him.

There are numerous versions of what exactly happened after that. Some say Samyukta was raped by Ghori and she committed suicide as she couldn’t bear the shame. Others say she died a natural death.


* “Will Sunny win the race?”
by: Taran Adarsh
- indiafm.com

A lot has been written about the movies that Rajkumar Santoshi and Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi are planning to make on the life and times of Prithviraj Chauhan. But while Santoshi is busy with FAMILY - TIES OF BLOOD and SAAMNA, Dr. Chandraprakash has gone ahead and arranged finance for his magnum opus.

“We are all set to roll in September,” Dr. Chandraprakash informs me, quashing rumors that the film wouldn't take off this year since the scripting is incomplete, “I am ready with the hardbound script [penned by Dr. Chandraprakash himself, with dialogues by B.M. Vyas, Vipul Mehta and Dr. Chandraprakash].”

To be filmed in Rajasthan in India and also in Russia, there's a strong possibility that the film will be made in two languages simultaneously -- Hindi and English. “We should proudly show our heroes to the world,” Dr. Chandraprakash states.

The cast, as of now, is still uncertain. “Sunny Deol will of course head the cast, but the remaining actors are still being considered. We might opt for international actors for certain roles though,” he enlightens. There's talk that Dr. Chandraprakash had approached Aishwarya Rai for the film. “Yes, I did have a meeting with her. I also suggested that she can work in both the projects [RKS, Dr. Chandraprakash]. There's a possibility that she might be a part of our film,” he adds.

But the startling development is that Dr. Chandraprakash has decided to meet his 'opponent', Rajkumar Santoshi, before he commences filming of the film. Why? “He's a brilliant director who does extensive research on a project before he commences shooting. It's always better to interact with learned people, exchange ideas, keep oneself abreast of what's happening around,” Dr. Chandraprakash maintains.

Meanwhile, well-known director Anand Mahendroo is involved in the project in the capacity of the completion guarantor. “I've to ensure that the film is made in right time, right cost and right quality,” Anand tells me.

Info # 86

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


* “Shahrukh heads cricket team for IIFA weekend”
- radiosargam.com

Bollywood is going cricket crazy during this year’s IIFA Weekend, which takes place in Amsterdam. The event will feature the IIFA Foundation Celebrity Cricket Match. Some of the best cricketing and celebrity talent from India and the Netherlands will comprise the two teams, with Shah Rukh Khan and Suniel Shetty leading the two teams as captains.

Shah Rukh’s team includes the likes of Aishwarya Rai, Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Urmila Matondkar, David Dhawan, Isha Koppikar, John Abraham, Mahima Chaudhary and Shahid Kapoor.

Meanwhile, Sunil Shetty’s team will feature Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan Amitabh Bachchan, Vivek Oberoi, Anil Kapoor, Arbaaz Khan, Dino Morea, Diya Mirza, Esha Deol, Fardeen Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Ritesh Deshmukh and Shilpa Shetty.


* “IIFA Amsterdam set to rock”
- indiantelevision.com

The Samsung IIFA Awards Amsterdam to be held on June 11th, 2005 will see performances by the popular stars of Indian cinema including Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor and Suneil Shetty.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Parineeta will be premiered as the IIFA World Premiere in Amsterdam on June 9th, 2005.

The award extravaganza, one of the main highlights of the IIFA Weekend will be held in the presence of a global audience including dignitaries from the world of cinema like Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Yash Chopra, A.R.Rahman, Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Vivek Oberoi, Kareena Kapoor, Kajol, Ajay Devgan, Urmila Matondkar to name a few. Other guests would include stalwarts from the world of business, politics and sports.

While Samsung has committed itself to sponsorship of the Samsung IIFA Awards for the third successful year, this year's IIFA celebrations will be broadcast across the world by the Star TV network via satellite. Star TV viewers can experience the IIFA journey over multiple programmes that cover the various events and interactions in Amsterdam and the Best of IIFA over the past five years.

Much-admired film star Abhishek Bachchan will take the stage for his first-ever international performance at the spectacular Samsung IIFA Awards night at the magnificent Amsterdam ArenA. Over 10,000 people will witness a spectacular show by the best of the Indian Film Industry. The celebrated Shiamak Davar will choreograph these breath-taking performances, states an official release.

The IIFA Weekend and all IIFA events are conceptualized, produced and directed by Wizcraft International Entertainment, one of the world's leading entertainment agencies. As always, this year too the Samsung IIFA Awards will be celebrating the Superstars of Indian Cinema and paying tribute to the stalwarts from the Indian silver screen.

For the first time, IIFA will host the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum at Expo XXI and an IIFA Film Festival. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) have come together with IIFA to promote the globalisation of Indian Cinema across the globe. The Forum will be a place for shared synergies, ideation and new business opportunities between India and the Netherlands. Topics of discussion at the forum will be Cinema & entertainment, Civil Aviation, Commerce & Industry and Tourism. Speakers at the forum would be government officials, policy makers and industry stalwarts from both nations, the release adds.

Global Indian Cinema fans can vote for and help their favourite film stars to win an IIFA award this year. Lucky winners will be able to travel to Amsterdam and witness the Samsung IIFA Awards. The nominations for the Popular Awards are now open for public voting, using the globally accessible IIFA @ MSN and Indya.com platforms. The voting process is monitored and audited by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, who are also the audit firm for the Oscars.

Info # 87

This Info is from “www.aishwarya-forever.com”


* “Cannes candy with Ash”
by: Sunaina Kumar
- economictimes.com

In 2002, it was for the screening of Devdas. In 2003, it was as a jury member. In 2004, it was a blink-and-you-miss her appearance as a brand ambassador.

In all these years, Ash's fashion statement at Cannes drew varying measures of criticism...but the faux pas are history now.

Ash's wardrobe at Cannes 2005 gets the thumbs up from desi fashionistas. So, what explains the metamorphosis?

# THE CONFIDENCE QUOTIENT:

This time round, in what is her fourth consecutive appearance at Cannes, Ash comes across as a different individual altogether.

"That's because she is an international star now. She has finally made that crossover and the confidence of having done it is apparent. In any case, Ash's style quotient has been underrated. She's so beautiful that she looks a star no matter what she wears," says designer Monisha Jaisingh.

Adds fashion analyst Rajiv Goyal, "Ash appears to be confident about her understated style. This year, she is not trying to make an impression and everything seems effortless. Unlike her previous trysts at Cannes, she hasn't overdone anything, nothing appears contrived."

# GLOBALLY HAUTE LABELS:

As designer Rina Dhaka says, Ash is consciously wearing "international designer "wear." As the brand ambassador for two important companies, Ash is a recognised face in France.

This time at Cannes, she seems to have made a concerted effort to look European and very international. Keeping in mind her crossover status, that's appropriate."

# INTERNATIONAL INDIAN IMAGE:

Being the face of India at Cannes, should Ash have made a typically Indian statement there? Rina disagrees. "One can be Indian by intent. Ash, being a liberated modern woman and a global citizen, doesn't have to validate her Indianness by wearing traditional Indian garments."

Adds designer Malini Ramani, "Ash is glamorous and an international star.She carries the international look well.Why does she have to wear Indian attire? Fashion is about wearing what looks good on you."

# ANALYSE THIS:

Aishwarya's first appearance at Cannes was in a black evening gown which, according to designer JJ Valaya, made a chic style statement.

"The neckline was trendy and her makeup was minimalistic. She carried the dress with aplomb. However, the back of the dress could have had more detailing. Knowing that cameras would capture her from all sides,Ash should have thought of this."

The floral printed dress Ash wore for the screening of Woody Allen's Match Point, says Monisha,"is very spring-summer and worked well on her." Valaya, though, feels "the dress was a little laidback; maybe the occasion demanded it, but she could have been more dressy."

Interview # 38

This Interview is from “www.bollywoodworld.com”


* Interview: Aishwarya Rai

'I seem to know nothing about how to woo the press here'
Subhash K Jha | May 18, 2005

Aishwarya Rai, last seen wowing the Cannes crowds, is feeling on top of the world.

In a candid interview, Rai, one of India's prettiest international exports, spills the beans on getting Oprah Winfrey into a sari, and more. Excerpts:

Q. You made Oprah wear a sari on her talk show!
A. Yes, I was extremely happy to be on her show. I absolutely admire her. I never thought I'd actually be meeting her -- and that too, on her show! It's so strange. But prior to our meeting, during my visit to the US for the premiere of Bride & Prejudice, I had some afternoons off. And I watched Oprah. I thought how wonderful it would be to be on her show. And within a month, I was!

She put me in the Woman Of The World section. Her very efficient team did all the spadework within no time. The procedure was meticulous. On the evening of the Bride & Prejudice premiere, they did a quick interview. The next day, I rushed to Chicago to record with Oprah.

Q. And the sari?
A. I thought I'd wear one on the show, and packed two of them, in case Oprah wanted to wear one too. As luck would have it, my flight was delayed and I reached minutes before the show went on air! So I had no time to change, which is a pity. Americans love the garment but have no clue how it's tied.

Oprah is very respectful and appreciative of all cultures. She was very curious about the sari. And I helped her put it on, on air! She has sent me an autographed picture saying, 'Next time we change the blouse.' She was very sweet.

Q. Did she ask penetrating questions?
A. That's her. She's very direct. She asked me about skin-whitening products and the penchant for changing one's skin tone. I told her how everyone wants to experiment with skin colour, hair, everything. Being on a show like Oprah, representing your country, is a big responsibility. I answered for myself and not on behalf of the industry.

Even when I was asked by Oprah about Indian women in general, I was very careful because I live in a city. The core of India lives in less urban areas. There are so many different faces of Indian women. If we identify the Indian prototype as a woman with large black eyes, long black hair, and a graceful sari, then I don't fit!

During the Miss World pageant, there was an objection to my looks, saying that I didn't fit into the Indian prototypes. When I was joining movies, my light eyes and fair skin have been seen as impediments. For a long time, my looks were seen not suitable for Indian cinema.

Q. You've been accused of being coy on questions of sexual mores and even kissing....
A. Again, I'm very clear -- I speak for myself. I've never said I'd never kiss, or whatever on screen. I've always maintained I'd cross that bridge when I come to it. Again, I'm accused of playing it safe. The truth is, I don't know what tomorrow holds. So I can't make a close-ended principle about it.

When a song from one of my films, Kucch Na Kaho, was shown on Oprah, I realised everyone out there assumes a song is a substitute for a kiss in our films. That image of coyness about our movies exists long before me. I keep saying, on all my interviews abroad, that things are changing in our cinema, though very slowly.

I do know that the peck has become a familiar sight in our films, and I don't have qualms in saying so. Still, if people think I'm a prude in my pronouncements, what can I do? I'm definitely not judgemental about different kinds of films being made in our country. As long as there's an audience for them, there will be different kinds of films.

Q. Are you heading out to Hollywood?
A. Every time I'm asked if I intend to go to Hollywood, I insist I'd do films there just as I've done two Tamil films (Iruvar and Kandukondain Kandukondain) and acted in Bengali (Chokher Bali). There is no dearth of tempting offers at home.

I've always said I don't wish to speak about assignments until they're finalised. I hope filmmakers notice how respectful I've been to their projects, even when things haven't worked out. Many major projects have gone to other actresses, and people don't even know I had been approached for them.

Q. What else is coming up these days?
A. Raj Kumar Santoshi's Saamna. Rajji and I wanted to work together from the time I entered films. The first script he narrated to me was finally made as Dil Hai Tumhara by Kundan Shah, with Preity Zinta. Then we continued discussing projects.

I loved Lajja, and would've loved to be in it, but there was a date issue. We had decided I'd appear as Sita in a Ramayan episode in Lajja. Then he decided not to shoot it.

Finally, I just had to do Khakee! Rajji has so many ideas. We almost did a costume drama, Prithviraj Samyukta. We're now doing Saamna which is a very topical subject. It starts in the latter-half of the year. So Saamna or Dhoom 2 will be my next two releases. Dhoom 2, with Hrithik Roshan, starts in June.

Q. You attended the party for Time magazine's 100 most influential people in New York...
A. People are so busy playing up my so-called boring image. But yes, I did attend the Time party for achievers in New York. I flew down for four days, attended the event, and also did a photo-session for an American magazine before coming back home.

Q. So how was the Ash-Bash in New York?
A. Ash bash? Ash-bashing is what's going on constantly over here! Someone asked me why I'm politically correct, even when people hit out so openly at me. But the truth is, I've never been brought up to behave any other way. I can't say anything hurtful about anyone. I just don't believe in saying mean things. I won't feel good doing that. It's strange why being well-behaved is perceived as being too 'propah' and staid. This is the way I am.

I'm amazed how many people feel good hitting out at me. They're welcome to do it. Earlier, they had more leeway to deny their indiscretions in print. But now on television they look pretty ridiculous denying what they say.

Q. You're constantly travelling these days!
A. I know! But I do manage to catch four-five hours of sleep, plus a movie on international flights, so I like flying. It's the only time when I'm on my own.

Q. As long as your feet remain planted on earth.
A. Koi shaq?(Any doubts?) I had actually just flown in from London, done my ads for Lux and Nakshatra and then gone to New York, and I didn't regret the exhausting travel schedule!

Attending the Time event was great. To be in such fine company was humbling. I always feel proud to represent my country at any international event. I love to wear a sari and look Indian. Because I am! In all my interactions abroad, I'm perceived as representing my country, and not just as an actress.

Q. As an actress, you've just begun to be recognised abroad.
A. Why now? Even as far as Devdas, I was recognised for my acting. Critics abroad gave me very good reviews for Devdas, Kucch Na Kaho, Chokher Bali and Raincoat.

Q. Director Andy Tennant claims that he had offered you the lead in Hitch.
A. Did he? He re-wrote the role. When I first heard the script, I too wanted it rewritten. But then things didn't work out. In fact, I'm making no effort to get work in Hollywood. No one seems to pay attention to this fact.

The Indian media has accused me of employing a PR agency to get me work abroad! Actually, I need a PR agency in Bollywood since I seem to know nothing about how to woo the press here!

But seriously, it's good if Indian cinema is being finally taken seriously. Mr (Amitabh) Bachchan was in the US for a festival of his films and was warmly received. Rituparno Ghosh flew down with Chokher Bali and Raincoat in LA. Such a warm response! And Mr Subhash Ghai screened Taal in the US recently, and the audience responded so warmly! It's good to be appreciated for my work. I'm still exploring. I'm still growing as an actress.

Q. What are your international projects?
A. I've just completed Paul Mayeda Berges' Mistress Of Spices. It's a very Indian film, a masala film with a difference. It's about the spices -- their scents and significances. It's being readied either for the Sundance or the Toronto film festival.

And now, there's the shooting of Jagmohan Mundhra's Provoked in a start-to-finish schedule in London. It's the true story of a Punjabi woman named Kiranjit Ahluwalia who left India to marry a London-based guy, only to be badly abused in the marriage. She finally ends up in prison for murdering her husband.

These aren't routine roles.

But I have never pursued ordinary roles. From the start, I've searched for challenges as an actress. That remains unchanged.

Interview # 39

This Interview is from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* Interview: CHUNKEY PANDEY

“CHUNKEY PANDEY BACK WITH A BANG”
By Eye TV India Bureau
Star Chat

Chunkey Pandey is not new though he is back in films after a long gap. His comeback is significant as his two films will release this month. And, these movies are 'Sukh' of Govinda and 'D' of Ram Gopal Verma. Chunkey is very excited as he was called by his costar Govinda in Pahlaj Nihalani's 'Aankhen' to sign him for his home production 'Sukh', and also by Ramu for his 'D'. He remembers that 'Aankhein' had created a hangama during those days. He is also excited as Ramu whom he considers as the best filmmaker in the industry, invited him and signed for 'D'. He accepted the offer immediately. When asked about his future plan, Chunkey said that he would start shooting Ramu's another titled 'Darwaza Band Karo' in June, besides staging shows in India and outside. We had an encounter with Chunkey Pandey recently.

Excerpts of his encounter:

Q. How come you seem to be very excited?
A. Yes, I am, as two of my movies are being released this month though after a long gap.

Q. What kept you busy all these years?
A. I keep myself busy with stage shows inside and outside the country.

Q. What excites you more?
A. I was too thrilled when Govinda called me to act in his home production 'Sukh'. You should recall that I acted with him some ten years ago in Pahlaj Nihalani's 'Aankhein', starring Govinda. This created a hangama in the industry. Besides, Ramu called me and asked me to act in his 'D'.

Q. What about your roles in these movies? Are they similar?
A. No, both the films have quite different backdrops. 'Aaankhein' was out and out an entertainer, while 'Sukh' is a family drama in all respects. However, the common thing is that both Govinda and I are there. One may get as much sukh (happiness) by watching 'Sukh' as one got from 'Aankhein'.

Q. What about your role in Ramu's 'D'?
A. I cannot tell you more about it. Briefly speaking, I play the character of Raghav who is a gangster.

Q. Isn't it a negative role?
A. No, it's not a negative role. However, it can be described as gray shade though.

Q. What's your experience with Ramu?
A. Ramu has his own style of filmmaking. He is not only a thinker but a thought too. He is capable of taking a risk.

Q. Is 'D'similar to 'Satya' or 'Company'?
A. No. However, the theme may be similar. There is as much difference between 'D' and 'Satya' or 'Company', as has been between 'Satya' and 'Company'.

Q. What are your future plan?
A. I am doing another movie with Ramu. It is titled 'Darwaza Band Karo'. Besides, I am doing stage shows within and outside India.

Q. What's your role in 'Darwaza...'?
A. I play the role of a car driver, whose life changes within two days. We shall start its shooting next month.

Q. How would you describe your career?
A. I am doing less number of movies but with stronger roles.

Q. What type of a role you like most?
A. I prefer any role, negative or positive, provided it's a part of the story.

News # 173

These News are from “www.bollywoodworld.com”


* Karisma Kapoor's marriage on the rocks?
IndiaFm News Bureau
Posted online: Tuesday, May 17, 2005 at 1342 hours IST
Updated: Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 1157 hours IST

May 17: Another day in Bollywood and another marriage on the rocks. This time the affliction has struck the leading family in filmdom - Kapoors. Actress Karisma Kapoor's marriage to Delhi-based industrialist Sanjay Kapur is on the rocks, reports a national daily.

After the glitzy wedding and the initial honeymoon period ended, things started deteriorating. The actress who had moved to Delhi after her marriage has been in Mumbai since she gave birth to her daughter at the Breach Candy Hospital in March.

A friend of the family claims that the couple has been surviving a tumultuous marriage for a while now, belying Karisma saying she was happy to wed her teenage crush.

The Delhi-Mumbai divide has been too huge a gap for the couple to bridge. It’s been tough for Karisma to quit her career and adjust to the ways of an affluent, industrialist family.


* Malaika advises sister against marriage?
By IndiaFM
Thursday, 19 May , 2005, 10:38

She loves the way marriage is treating her, doesn't she? “Absolutely, I think I am one lucky girl! I have very understanding in-laws” she admits without second thoughts.

But from what has been gathered, the Khans are a conservative lot. So how did she 'fit in'? “Actually, I didn't have to fit-in per se. They are extremely accommodating people. They just accepted me the way I am, which is wonderful” she confesses.


“If I were to be reborn, I would ask for the same family and Arbaaz all over again. But I am not too sure whether God would be so gracious two times over” she says heaping compliments on the Khans.

Then why does she want to keep sister from marriage? “Huh?” Word has it that she has advised Amrita to stay away from marriage. “Why would I ever say that when I personally have a great marriage?

"All I told Ammu was that marriage is a responsibility. And it ties you down somewhere. Once you are married, your decisions affect a lot many people. You got to be careful. Not everybody is Arbaaz who'll let you do your own thing. So I asked her to take a long, hard look at marriage before she walks down the aisle. You don't want to regret later, do you?” the legged beauty explains.

News # 174

These News are from “www.santabanta.com”


* He was ready to share Aishwarya!
Period movies are suddenly big. Every filmmaker seem eager to take on the epic mantle. While Ketan Mehta’s Mangal Pandey is on its way, Ashutosh Gowariker has also announced his intentions of making Akbar-Jodha next.

But the most interesting historical epic is yet to come. It’s the one based on the romance between the Rajput emperor Prithviraj Chauhan and his ladylove Samyukta.

Two prominent filmmakers, Raj Kumar Santoshi and Chandraprakash Diwedi, want to bring the same epic to the big screen. And they both want to cast Aishwarya in the female lead.

Explains Rai, “Santoshiji and I almost did Prithviraj-Samyukta. But then we zeroed in on another project, Saamna, which we’re starting later this year.

But Prithviraj-Samyukta is very much on, though not necessarily with Santoshiji.

Dr Chandraprakash Diwedi wanted to make a movie on the same subject and was adamant to do Prithviraj-Samyukta with me. I told him I was ethically committed to Santoshiji for the subject. He said, “Dono kar lo.”

But why should two good filmmakers make the same film? The core personality of the historical figure gets diluted in the duplication.”

And she has a point.

This is exactly what happened with Santoshi and Guddu Dhanoa’s biopics on Bhagat Singh.

“The whole idea gets lost in superficial comparisons. I spoke to both directors and we’ve decided I’ll play Samyukta for whoever makes the film first. Both agreed that only one of them would make the film.

This was a settlement worked out among the three of us. Both Rajji and Chandraprakashji have done ample research and are ready to share their knowledge with each other.”

So who will finally make this prestigious costume epic? We wager our bets on Dr Diwedi.

Santoshi is currently busy with Family, featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar. After that, he goes straight into Saamna with Aishwarya Rai, Ajay Devgan and Akshay Kumar. Thereafter, he’s working on another film with Devgan.

The kind of discipline, dedication and focus required for an immense project like Prithviraj-Samyukta can be found only in a filmmaker with one assignment on hand.

After proving himself in the time-recall ambience of Pinjar, Dr Chandraprakash Diwedi would probably wangle the prized project.

But there’s only one person who has the most to gain from this battle royal: be it Santoshi or Diwedi, Ash wins both ways.


* Mallika in Vagina Monologues

Mallika Sherawat has not been to Cannes yet but her penchant for looking West is already obvious.

The motor mouth actress is all set to do a walk-on part in the Centenary show of Mahabanoo Mody Kotwal's Vagina Monologues, which will be staged at Prithvi Theatre.

Earlier done by Marisa Tomei, My Short Skirt, the piece which Mallika is going to perform, will put the Jat actress in the league of Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Julia Roberts, Jane Fonda and Eve Ensler and Judi Dench who have also done walk-on parts in 'Vagina Monologues' worldwide.

By: Somesh Vasishth


* Aman Verma in Jassi's life!

After a lovely makeover, Jessica Bedi aka Jassi is going through some rough time of her life.

She has been falsely accused of killing Jassi and as if that was not enough trouble for our once ugly duckling, now she faces even bigger menace - public prosecutor Thakral, played by Aman Verma.

Yes, you guessed it right, Thakral makes a grand entry with the help of Mallika (Rakshanda Khan) and Armaan (Apurva Agnihotri) who contacted Thakral to prosecute Jessica.

Verma, however, finds his new role quite interesting and says, "Thakral is greedy for money but quite focused as well. He is completely over-the-top, intelligent, and articulate and thinks he is good at everything. He has achieved a lot and wants more from life.

As for Jassi, we have just one advice, "Start praying girl!".

By: Somesh Vasishth

News# 175

These News are from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* BOLLYWOOD STORMS CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
By Eye TV India Bureau
In the News

Bollywood's boldest and sexiest lass Mallika Sherawat has stormed the Cannes Film Festival by her charm. Incidentally, her movie ' The Myth' with Jackie Chan, directed by Sandy, has attracted a wide appreciation. The presence of actress Nandita Das as a member of jury, and those of other top filmmakers like Bobby Bedi, Akbar Khan and Subhash Ghai, have brought Bollywood in the limelight this time round.

Bollywood's top film producers are very excited too as they have found good buyers for their mega budget movies in the international market. Bobby Bedi, producer of 'The Rising', has said that he has found buyers for his yet to release and much-awaited movie based on the life of 1857's rising in India for the freedom of the country led by revolutionary Mangal Pandey. Bobby has announced that he would premiere the movie costing him a huge sum of Rs 750 million on August 15th, the Indian Independent Day, all over the world.

Interestingly, Akbar Khan has also got buyers for his 'Tajmahal' in the international market. Subhash Ghai who is there with his 'Kisna', confesses that the festival is the right place to showcase Bollywood films and Indian culture. He is happy too with the positive response to his movie in the international market. Another Indian highlight there has been the movie based on the life of India's Amritanandmayee Maa. This movie has been directed by a French.


* 'PARINEETA' PREMIERE AT IIFA
By Eye TV India Bureau
In the News

IIFA brand ambassador and star of the millennium Amitabh Bachchan was in New Delhi on Monday to promote IIFA and to announce that 'Parineeta' will premiered at the IIFA this year. Cinematic adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel Parineeta, the movie stars Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan and newcomer Vidya Balan. Ad filmmaker Pradeep Sarkaar has directed it. He also said that the FICCI Frames would join the IFFA's four -day event at Amsterdam. Besides Amitabh, others from Bollywood to join the event would be Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai and Kareena Kapoor. On this occasion, Amitabh also said that the movies would go a long way in bettering the relations between the two neighboring countries - India and Pakistan.

He said, "After all, India and Pakistan are akin to each other in respect of language, culture and heritage. How are we different from each other?" Bollywood movies are more popular than those of Hollywood and 'Shahensha's Amitabh is the most popular actor in Pakistan. The recent news about the Pakistani actress Meera's acting in Soni Razdan's 'Nazar' and Mahesh Bhatt's offer to sign famous cricketer Sohaib Akhtar in his next movie is another significant step towards improving relations between the two countries. Besides films, the IIFA event would include a charity cricket match between celebrities led by Shah Rukh Khan and Suniel Shetty. Though the event will take place in the first week of June, and Star Plus channel will telecast it on July 19th.


* MEGHNA NAIDU: WHY TO DISTANCE FROM EXPOSURE?
By Eye TV India Bureau
In the News

The 'Kaliyon Ka Chaman' girl, Meghna Naidu, is doing a movie 'Husn' on a bold theme. This is being produced by Farha Ahmed, wife of late filmmaker Sultan Ahmed, along with Anoop Shrivastav and Dhirendra Jain. Earlier, Meghna shot to fame in the film industry due to her sexy movies like 'Hawas' followed by 'Classic Dance of Love'. These movies had plenty of sex and maximum exposure. Thus, she became very popular among directors and producers. She has no inhibition about these things. She says, " After all one produces a movie like any other product to sell and earn profit. "

About her next she says, " I am playing an ambitious girl's role who is ready to do anything to achieve her object. Yes, I have exposed in it, but it's not vulgar." She is also acting in Karan Razdan's 'At' in which she has excelled the boldness of 'Hawas' and 'Girlfriend', it is said. However, she denies the allegation that it is full of sex and nudity. "The movie gives due importance to human feelings and relationship. Why should one distance from exposure, she asks?" Besides, she is also doing 'Bekarar'.

News# 176

These News are from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* BHATTS' CREATE ANOTHER CONTROVERSY
By Eye TV India Bureau
In the News

The Bhatt camp has created another controversy even though the earlier one involving Pak actress Meera lip locking with Indian actor Asmit Patel in Mahesh Bhatt's movie 'Nazar' hasn't ended yet. The Bhatts are known for creating such controversies. Mahesh Bhatt has announced that in his next venture titled 'Gangster', he will sign the famous Pak fast pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar. He has added that Shoaib fulfills his need for a face that is young and innocent looking like animals. Bhatt says that his next 'Gangster' will be directed by Abnurag Basu and completely shot abroad.

Mahesh also claims that he has not only talked to Shoaib but has persuaded him to act as an absconding criminal in 'Gangster. Mahesh Bhatt claims that Shoaib was initially hesitant but later agreed when he came to know that the role was first offered to Sanjay Dutt who had declined only due to his dates problem. However, reports from sources close to Shoaib inform us that Shoaib has not accepted the proposal. He wants to devote his attention to cricket, which is his first love. Incidentally, Pakistan Cricket Board's chairman Shaharyar Khan has complained to the President of Pakistan General Musharraf against Shoaib for the latter's alleged misbehavior with a woman during his Australia tour.


* BOLLYWOOD'S RS 4000M STAKE THIS SUMMER
By Eye TV India Bureau
In the News

The Hindi film industry has a puzzle before it to solve. The current quarter of the year under review has the film industry's Rs 4000 million at stake. Will it be able to cross the past quarter's barrier of most of the flop films. The summer season is at its peak when the people want to enjoy cool climate of theatres and get entertained. They have high hopes because of the prevailing summer holiday mood among the people and especially in the teacher-taught community. Several good films with top star cast are ready to enter into the fray.

Among them are Rani Mukherjee's best 'Bunty Aur Babli' starring Bachchans, Shah Rukh's home production 'Paheli' and Ravi Chopra's 'Babul'. Besides, director Amol Palekar and Shah Rukh Khan's fates are at stake. Even Urmila Matondkar's horror film 'Naina' is also due for release. Khaled Mohammed's 'Silsilay' has Shah Rukh besides Bhunmika Chawla, Tabu, and K.K. Apart from this, Akbar Khan's 'Tajmahal' starring Manisha Koirala, Pooja Batra and Arwaz Khan, 'Parineeta' of Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Ram Gopal Verma's 'D' will not remain behind in testing their fates this summer.


* MEERA HOPES BETTER INTERACTION
By Eye TV India Bureau
In the News

Soni Razdan was indeed in an adventurous mood. She felt flaterred that the people expected much more from her. She admitted this, and said that she was getting bored and frustrated without doing much. '' I felt that I need to do more than what I have done so far." Soni is very proud that she has achieved her object of completing the movie according to her schedule and within her stipulated budget. This is the first time that she is seen directing a movie though she has shown her acting skill in her husband Mahesh Bhatt's 'Saransh'. Soni is very happy with the Pakistani actress Meera's bold performance in her directorial debut, and presented Meera to the media at a promotional afternoon meet in New Delhi.

Meera too was very excited to be in India again, and wished that her countrymen would realize that whatever she had filmed in 'Nazar' was according to the prevailing culture in her host country. She admitted, "My country's culture is different." (Such like scenes, presumably she referred to liplock with her hero Ashmit Patel, might not suit the atmosphere in her country). "However, I have not crossed the limit," she added.

Regarding her future plan, she said, "Yes, I have a lot of offers, but I am yet to decide on them. I don't want to burden myself." Besides, she said," This is my 'Nazar' (gift) to India! "She clarified her stand on the so called bold and sexy scenes. "I want to create my position in Hindi films on the basis of my acting skill." Thus, she said no to skin to exposure in movies.

She said that she would rather strive for creating a sense of confidence in the artistes of his country by organizing seminars and workshops there.

News# 177

These News are from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* 'SHABNAM MAUSI' TO RELEASE IN MADHYA PRADESH ON 17TH
By Aira
In the News

Five years back, it was Pooja Bhatt's film 'Tamanna', which explored the life of a eunuch. Now, it is actor Ashutosh Rana who drapes a saree to portray the real life story of the world's first eunuch-politician. The actor, who insists on speaking in chaste Hindi, is coming back after a break with yet another provocative role in 'Shabnam Mausi'. Ashutosh Rana likes doing things differently. The talented actor is back after a hiatus of sorts, in yet another unusual role; that of a eunuch in his latest film 'Shabnam Mausi'.

"It is life's reality for Shabnam Mausi, who despite belonging to a marginalized class, has been chosen as a leader by mainstream society. This means it is an out and out commercial story," explains Ashutosh. Directed by newcomer Yogesh Bharadwaj, the film attempts to bring out the trials and tribulations in the life of Shabnam Mausi, a transsexual, who stood for Madhya Pradesh state elections in 1999 and won. And for Yogesh this was an achievement in its own right.

"I was very excited after I read about Shabnam Mausi in a newspaper article. In a society dominated by men and women, that a eunuch is elected to power, in itself is an interesting phenomenon." The film,according to Rana, donning war paint for the role was just the easy part. " The best part about the film was that Shabnam Mausi was available for first hand information. Secondly, I read all kinds of literature on eunuchs. Thirdly, I ended up visiting many shanties to see and speak to eunuchs in their natural setting, off guard."

Ashutosh Rana is, however, not new to challenging roles. His flair for playing evil is what got him noticed. So be it a sex-maniac and a murderer in 'Dushman' or the psychopath killer in 'Sangharsh', the unusual roles also got him the Filmfare Award. After trying rather unsuccessfully to shed his bad boy image in films like 'Chot' and 'Pardesi Re', Rana has not been a busy actor lately. "I believe that if you cannot do good work, don't work. Also in today's time networking plays a major role and I am not very good at it," says Ashutosh. 'Shabnam Mausi' also stars actors like Vijay Raaz, Vivek Shauq, Govind Namdeo and others. Made with a budget of about 650,000 US dollars, the film will premiere, not in any of the metros, rather in Madhya Pradesh on the 17th of this month. And for those who love films inspired from a true story, this should certainly be a pick for them.


* DIRECTOR WELCOME, BUT NOT THE HERO
By Eye TV India Bureau
In the News

Director Mahesh Bhatt is happy that his Indo-Pak joint venture ' Nazar' will be the first Indian movie to be premiered in Pakistan on May 29th. However, he is a little upset that his hero Ashmit Patel will be missing the date. The reason is that he has been denied the visa to attend the premiere of his own movie in Pakistan. Bhatt says that actor Ashmit Patel, who co-stars with Pakistani actress Meera in 'Nazar', due to be released on Friday, was refused a visa late on Tuesday. But Pakistani High Commission sources say that they had no reason to deny Patel a visa, adding that Bhatt had approached Islamabad directly for the visas.

Bhatt has said that while he and Soni Razdan, the director of 'Nazar', were given visas, Patel's visa hasn't come so far. ''This is like a body blow to us. It violates the spirit of Indo-Pak friendship." Incidentally, Bhatt is scheduled to meet Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on May 21. Bhatt wonders as to why the Pak authorities are not giving the Indian actor a visa when his Pakistani co-star has been working in India for almost a year now. ''We expected a similar kind of reciprocity,'' said Bhatt. Asmit Patel is also shocked on denial of visa. He says, " India has welcomed Pakistani artistes and cricketers with open arms, surely we deserve better. ''

Pak authorities in India explain that no formal application was made from here. Information for the visas came directly from Islamabad. Perhaps Patel's name was left out of that list submitted to Islamabad then. High Commission officials say they never received any instructions for Patel. The actor has confirmed that he never applied formally. However, he hopes to get the visa soon as Mahesh Bhatt who is meeting Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on May 21, might seek the Pak prime minister's intervention to expedite the issuance of visa to him. He doesn't think that he will fall in the category of such Indian artistes who have not been allowed to perform in Pakistan this year.

News # 178

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


* “Mundhra ‘provokes’ Ash into action”
by: Saibal Chatterjee
- hindustantimes.com

Los Angeles-based Indian filmmaker Jag Mundhra is back to doing what, in his own words, he likes the best – making an issue-related film about a woman of substance. Provoked, an Aishwarya Rai-Naveen Andrews-Miranda Richardson-Nandita Das starrer that is currently shooting in London relates the real-life story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia, who killed her abusive husband, was convicted and incarcerated and then, following a long legal struggle, is exonerated.

“The film,” reveals Mundhra, in Cannes for just a single day, “has been in the works for a week now. It will be completed in six weeks.” Based on the book, Circle of Light, co-authored by Ahluwalia herself, the film has Aishwarya playing the protagonist, with Nandita essaying the role of a social activist who helped the former in her fight to vindicate herself. Andrews plays the husband that she was compelled to eliminate from her life – and the world.

Aishwarya, who, according to Mundhra, “is doing a fantastic job”, walked into the film quite by chance. The producer happened to meet her at a social gathering during the London shoot of Paul Mayeda Berges’ Mistress of Spices. The two got talking and when Aishwarya realized what Provoked was all about she expressed a desire to be a part of it. “I met her and everything quickly fell into place,” says Mundhra.

“Aishwarya asked me whether I could wrap up the film in six weeks. I told her I finish all my films in six weeks,” recalls the director. He could afford to be cocky. Jag Mundhra has completed as many as three films in the past year – Backwaters, Natasha and Private Moments, screened in the Cannes Film Market on the second evening of the festival.

Provoked will complete a trilogy of women’s films for Mundhra, Kamla and Bawander being the first two.

In an interesting reversal of roles in Provoked, Mundhra has cast Nandita as “a chain-smoking, hard drinking social activist who lives life on her own terms”. Nandita had played the victim in Bawander. In Provoked, she dons the garb of saviour.

Nandita, busy with her jury duties in Cannes, will head straight for London after the festival for the Provoked shoot. Aishwarya, in Cannes as L’oreal’s brand ambassador who has already put in two red carpet appearances – one on the opening night followed by one the next evening before the screening of Woody Allen’s first film ever to be shot entirely in London, Match Point – heads back to the sets of Provoked after a two-day break.


* “Ash 'provoked' to be tortured wife”
by: Nona Walia
- timesofindia.com

For years Kiranjit Ahluwalia was tortured so inhumanly by her husband that she killed him. Aishwarya Rai recreates the protagonist's story and Nandita Das plays activist. Delhi Times reports from the sets of an upcoming movie on this life less ordinary...

It's 4 pm at north London's Stanmore Street. Ash, playing Kiranjit Ahluwalia, adjusts her dupatta. Action! Naveen Andrews, Ash's husband in the film, is going out to meet his 'white' girlfriend.

Ash pleads with him not to leave because she is pregnant. Naveen pushes her off the staircase... and says: 'Sorry, baby; why do you make me so angry?'

'Cut', screams director Jagmohan Mundra. This is the real-life story of Kiranjit 'provoked'... of a battered woman who killed her husband after being tortured by him for numerous years.

"The power of the film lies in the story," says Mundra.

"The story is about the extraordinary struggle of an ordinary woman to break free from violence. Ash is very professional, works religiously for 14 hours at a stretch, and has blended into the role perfectly."

When Ash heard the story, this was her reaction, "I'd love to give my face to Kiranjit's story. I want the world to know the story of her suffering."

Next week, Mundra will shoot with Nandita Das, who plays an activist in the film. "Nandita was the victim in Bawandar, she's an activist in this movie - a role that comes easily to her. We work well together," says Mundra.

Ash, in turn has undergone a makeover for this role.

"Ash is very glamourous but that is not how Kiranjit is. So, we've given a 1970s look to all the characters. At her wedding, Ash wears a salwar-kameez with a chuda. The film has a real-life feel," says Mundra.

Provoked has been co-scripted by Rahila Gupta, Kiranjit's friend, biographer, and campaigner for her cause. "I'm impressed with Kiranjit's courage and persistence. Till the end, she didn't know that she had it in her to kill her husband."

"As for Ash, she has crossover appeal; it will be interesting to see how she portrays Kiranjit's story," says Rahila. Rahila met Mundra at the premiere of Bawandar in London.

"He was interested in making a film on Kiranjit, specially after reading a book on her. The most interesting part of Kiranjit's case is that the judge understood her years of trauma and, in a landmark ruling, changed the definition of being provoked to murder."

^ Here is the real story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia

Kiranjit, then 23, married Deepak Ahluwalia and moved to London, after being persuaded into an arranged marriage by her brothers.

Both her parents had died by the time she was 16. The violence and humiliation started two days after the wedding. What followed was 10 years of violence and sexual abuse.

Deepak saw other women while he continued to kick, punch and slap her. Deepak forced Kiranjit to have sex with him and she had two children.

The boys were terrified of their father and were also subjected to his violence. When Kiranjit ran away, Deepak found her and brought her back.

Finally, on May 9, 1989, she could stand it no longer - Kiranjit set fire to Deepak's bedclothes while he slept. The trial judge declared that the violence Kiranjit had suffered was "not serious."

A re-trial was ordered and on September 25, 1992, Kiranjit was found guilty of manslaughter due to diminished responsibility and sentenced to 3 years and 4 months (the time she had already served).

She was released immediately.

News # 179

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


* “Ash: Proud to represent India at Cannes”
by: Subhash K. Jha
- ians

She has never sounded happier. Talking nineteen to the dozen after inaugurating the 58th Cannes film festival, Aishwarya Rai also sounded busy. "It's been a hectic but finally very satisfying schedule," she said on the phone from Cannes.

"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. I'm flooded with memories. Two years ago, I was on the jury. And then before that Sanjay (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."

This time Ash was at the prestigious festival to declare the event officially open. "It was very simple. I just said one line and so did director Alexander Payne... and it was on."

Aishwarya now leaves for London to shoot her new film, Jagmohan Mundhra's "Provoked".

What amazes Ash is the growing power and glory of Indian cinema in the West.

"Indian cinema has begun to be recognised globally. And it's very important for us to make our presence felt at important events such as Cannes. I feel there should be more Indian representation at festivals. India is producing such a large cross section of films. We need to be part of world cinema, and we need to do that now."

Info # 88

This Info is from “www.indiafm.com”


* Upcoming Bollywood Movies

Next Week - 27th May

- Bunty Aur Babli
Producer: Yashraj Films.
Director: Shaad Ali.
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji.



3rd June

- D
Producers: RGV, UTV.
Director: Vishram Sawant.
Music: Nitin Raikwar.
Cast: Randeep Hooda, Yashpal Sharma, Sushant Singh, Chunkey Pandey, Goga Kapoor, Rukhsaar.

- Matrubhoomi
Producers: Patrick Sobelman, Nicolas Blanc, Punkej Kharabanda.
Director: Manish Jha.
Music: --
Cast: Tulip Joshi, Sushant Singh, Sudhir Pandey, Piyush Mishra.

- Zinda Dil
Producer: M. M. Movies.
Director: Mohan Baggad.
Music: Nadeem Shravan.
Cast: Abbas, Ashima Bhalla, Om Puri, Sharad Kapoor.



10th June

- Parineeta
Producer: Vidhu Vinod Chopra.
Director: Pradeep Sarkar.
Music: Shantanu Moitra.
Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, new-find Vidya Balan, Raima Sen.

- Bachke Rehna Re Baba
Producers: Vijay Galani, Rahul Sugandh.
Director: Govind Menon.
Music: Anu Malik.
Cast: Rekha, Mallika Sherawat, Paresh Rawal, Satish Shah.

- Sehar
Producer: Choice Films.
Director: Kabeer Kaushik.
Music: Daniel B. George.
Cast: Arshad Warsi, Mahima Chaudhary, Pankaj Kapur, Sushant Singh, Suhasini Mulay.

- Mazaa Mazaa…
Producer: Kheraj Chhadva.
Director: T.L.V. Prasad.
Music: Arun Daga, Satish-Ajay, John Hunt.
Cast: Payal Rohatgi.



10th / 17th June

- Jackpot
Producer: Ritesh G. Nayyar.
Director: Samit L. Baadkar.
Music: Dhruva Phukan
Cast: Himanshu, Meghna Naidu.



17th June

- Paheli
Producers: Gauri Khan.
Director: Amol Palekar.
Music: M.M. Kreem.
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Juhi Chawla, Suniel Shetty, Anupam Kher.

- Mohabbat Ho Gayi Hai Tumse
Producer: Satish Khanna.
Director: Rishi Talwar.
Music: Sanjeev-Darshan.
Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Chandrachur Singh, Shamita Shetty.

- Koi Mere Dil Mein Hai
Producer: Prime Hi-Tech Studios P. Ltd.
Director: Deepak Ramsay.
Music: Nikhil-Vinay.
Cast: Priyanshu Chatterjee, Dia Mirza, Rakesh Bapat, Neha.



24th June

- Mere Jeevan Saathi
Producer: Kareena Sana Combines.
Director: Suneel Darshan.
Music: Nadeem-Shravan.
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor, Amisha Patel.

- Silsiilay
Producer: Vashu Bhagnani.
Director: Khalid Mohamed.
Music: Himesh Reshammiya.
Cast: Tabu, Bhumika Chawla, Celina Jaitley, Riya Sen, Natassha, Divya Dutta, Rahul Bose, Jimmy Shergill, Ashmit Patel, K.K., Karan Panthaky.

- Yakeen
Producer: Shreya Creations.
Director: Girish Dhamija.
Music: Himesh Reshammiya.
Cast: Arjun Rampal, Priyanka Chopra, Kim Sharma.

- Amar Joshi Shahid Ho Gaya
Producers: Vibha-Ragini.
Director: Rajneesh Thakur.
Music: Sukhwinder.
Cast: Suniel Shetty, Rajpal Yadav, Shawar Ali, Udita Goswami, Shayan Munshi, Om Puri.



Expected in June

- 7 ½ Phere
Producers: Nimit Modawal.
Director: Isshaan Trivedi.
Cast: Irrfan Khan, Juhi Chawla.



Expected in June / July

- Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar
Producer: Bubby Kent.
Director: K.S. Adhiyaman.
Music: Sajid-Wajid, Daboo Malik.
Cast: Salman Khan, Shilpa Shetty.

- Fareb
Producers: Rajesh Singh, Sanjeev Jaiswal.
Director: Deepak Tijori.
Music: Anu Malik.
Cast: Shilpa Shetty, Manoj Bajpai, Shamita Shetty.

- Gumnaam
Producer: Shubir Mukerji.
Director: Neeraj Pathak.
Music: Nadeem-Shravan.
Cast: Dino Morea, Mahima Chaudhary, Suman Ranganathan, Irrfan Khan.

- Film Star
Producers: Sahara India, Vishesh Films.
Director: Tanuja Chandra.
Music: : Jatin-Lalit
Cast: Mahima Chaudhary, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Vasundhara Das, Aryan Vaid.

- Hum Do Hamaara Ek
Producer: Smita Thackeray.
Director: Anees Bazmee.
Music: Aadesh Shrivastava, Sukhwinder Singh, Sandeep Chowta.
Cast: Govinda, Raveena Tandon, Mahima Chaudhary.

- Mumbai Godfather
Producers: Seven Mountain Movies P. Ltd., J-71 Studio P. Ltd.
Director: Deepak Balraj Vij.
Music: Shreerang Aras.
Cast: Seema Biswas, Vikram Singh.



01st July

- Maine Pyar Kyon Kiya
Producers: Dhilin Mehta, Sohail Khan.
Director: David Dhawan.
Music: Himesh Reshammiya.
Cast: Salman Khan, Sushmita Sen, Katrina Kaif, Sohail Khan, Isha Koppikar, Arshad Warsi.

- Taj Mahal
Producer-director: Akbar Khan.
Music: Naushad.
Cast: Zulfikar, Sonya Jehan, Manisha Koirala, Kabir Bedi, Pooja Batra, Arbaaz Khan, Arbaaz Ali, Kim Sharma.



08th July

- Dus
Producer: Nitin Manmohan.
Director: Anubhav Sinha.
Music: Vishal-Shekhar.
Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Abhishek Bachchan, Zayed Khan, Shilpa Shetty, Esha Deol, Dia Mirza, Raima Sen, Pankaj Kapur, Jawed Sheikh.



22nd July

- No Entry
Producer: Boney Kapoor.
Director: Anees Bazmee.
Cast: Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Fardeen Khan, Bipasha Basu, Esha Deol, Lara Dutta, Celina Jaitley.

- Sarhad Paar
Producers: Nimbus Motion Pictures.
Director: Raman Kumar.
Music: Anand Raaj Anand.
Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Tabu, Mahima Chaudhary, Chandrachur Singh.

- Chocolate
Producer: Vibha-Ragini.
Director: Vivek Agnihotri.
Music: Preetam.
Cast: Anil Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Emraan Hashmi, Irrfan, Tanushri Dutta, Sushma Reddy.



Expected in July

- Viruddh
Producer: A.B. Corporation Ltd., Satyajeet Movies P. Ltd.
Director: Mahesh Manjrekar.
Music: Ajay-Atul.
Cast: Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, John Abraham, Sanjay Dutt.

- Milenge Milenge
Producer: Boney Kapoor.
Director: Satish Kaushik.
Music: Himesh Reshammiya.
Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor.

- Dil Jo Bhi Kahey…
Producer-director: Romesh Sharma.
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Revathy, Bhumika Chawla, Karan Sharma, Annabelle Wallis.

- Humko Tumse Pyaar Hai
Producer: Cineyug.
Director: Bunty Soorma.
Music: Anand Raaj Anand.
Cast: Bobby Deol, Amisha Patel, Arjun Rampal.

- Siskiyaan
Producers: Guddu Dhanoa, Sunil Saini, Deepak Sharma
Director: Ashwini Choudhary.
Cast: Neha Dhupia, Sonu Sood.

- Bhagmati - The Queen of Fortunes
Producer: Zee Telefilms.
Director: Ashok Kaul.
Music: Vishal Bharadwaj.
Cast: Tabu, Milind Soman, Somayajulu, Hema Malini [sp. app.].

- Iqbal - The Rampur Express
Producer: Mukta Arts Ltd.
Director: Nagesh Kukunoor.
Music: Sukhwinder Singh.
Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Girish Karnad, Kapil Dev [sp. app.].

- Aashiqui
Producer: Naveen Tak.
Director: Jai Prakash.
Music: Anand-Milind.
Cast: Leena Sidhu, Yash, Shakti Kapoor, Govind Namdeo, Ashish Vidyarthi, Gulshan Grover.

- Ho Sakta Hai
Producer: Ashok Kotwani.
Director: Wilson Louis.
Cast: Victor Banerjee, Khalid, Mukesh Tiwari, Mohini, Dharmik.



05th August

- Barsaat
Producer-Director: Suneel Darshan.
Music: Nadeem-Shravan .
Cast: Bobby Deol, Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu.

- Amavas
Producer: Shreya Creations P. Ltd.
Director: Siddharth Srinivasan.
Music: -.
Cast: Konkona Sen Sharma, Tara Sharma, Victor Banerjee, Mahesh Manjrekar, Neena Gupta.



12th August

- Mangal Pandey
Producer: Bobby Bedi.
Director: Ketan Mehta.
Music: A.R. Rahman.
Cast: Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Amisha Patel.

- Kyunki
Producers: Mukesh Talreja, Sunil Manchanda.
Director: Priyadarshan.
Music: Himesh Reshammiya.
Cast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Rimii Sen, Jackie Shroff, Om Puri.



26th August

- Deewane Hue Paagal
Producers: Firoz A. Nadiadwala.
Director: Vikram Bhatt.
Music: Anu Malik.
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Shahid Kapoor, Rimi Sen, Paresh Rawal, Om Puri.



Expected in August

- Mr. Prime Minister
Writer-producer-director: Dev Anand.
Music: Bappi Lahiri, Darshan Dave.
Cast: Dev Anand, Tara Sharma, Dev Gill, Boman Irani.



Expected in August / September

- Kuch Din Kuch Pal
Producer: Spice Team Entertainment.
Director: K.S. Shiva.
Music: Manoj Bhatnagar.
Cast: Sudhanshu Pandey, Sonu Sood, Bhoomika Puri, Shruti Ulfat, Indraneel, Dellip Thadeshwar.

- Chess... A Game Plan
Producer: Spice Team Entertainment.
Director-music: Manoj Bhatnagar.
Cast: Mahima Chaudhary, Anupam Kher, Sonu Sood.



02nd October

- Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara
Producer: Anupam P. Kher.
Director: Jahnu Barua.
Music: Bappi Lahiri.
Cast: Waheeda Rehman, Urmila Matondkar, Prem Chopra, Boman Irani, Parvin Dabas, Anupam P. Kher.



03rd November

- Shaadi No. 1
Producer: Vashu Bhagnani.
Director: David Dhawan.
Music: Anu Malik.
Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan, Zayed Khan, Sharman, Esha Deol, Soha Ali Khan, Ayesha Takia, Ria Sen, Aarti Chhabria.

By Taran Adarsh

u r an active member in dis forum....nice 2 c u here.....n thnx 4 da movies....

Info # 89

These Info are from “www.indiafm.com”


* Big B's new project
By Taran Adarsh, May 17th 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

It's a casting coup! Vinod Khanna and Jaya Bachchan will head the cast of A.B. Corporation Ltd.'s new project, to be made in association with Spice Team Entertainment.

While A.B. Corporation Ltd. is currently producing FAMILY - TIES OF BLOOD [Amitabh, Akshay, Aryeman] in association with Keshu Ramsay, this new venture will be A.B.'s first joint venture with Vibha and Ragini of Spice, who had earlier produced KAUN HAI JO SAPNO MEIN AAYA and SHUKRIYA and have completed filming CHOCOLATE and AMAR JOSHI SHAHEED HO GAYA.

The ambitious venture -- revolving around the mother-daughter relationship -- will star Aishwarya Rai as Jaya Bachchan's daughter, while Ajay Devgan will be seen as Ash's beau in the film. Directed by Sharbani Deodhar [who had directed the Karisma Kapoor-Chandrachur Singh starrer SILSILA HAI PYAR KA], the film is expected to go on floors in September this year. It will be filmed in Mumbai and London.

What does raise eyebrows is the fact that Vinod Khanna has been teamed with Jaya Bachchan in this project, considering the fact that it happens to be Amitabh's home-production. Why isn't Big B enacting the role himself? “Two reasons. In the story, Vinod and Jaya aren't paired opposite each other [both are married to someone else]. Now, the moviegoers wouldn't accept a real-life couple [Big B, Jaya] to act as strangers in the film. Besides, we wanted someone slightly younger looking than Amit-ji for the character and Vinod-ji fits the role to the T,” Ragini of Spice Team enlightens me.

In fact, it was Big B's suggestion that the makers cast another actor in the role. That's how they zeroed on Vinod Khanna. Describing it as a family film, Ragini adds that the four characters [Vinod, Jaya, Ajay, Ash] have ample scope to display histrionics in the film. Bhawani Iyer [BLACK, MAIN AISA HI HOON] is scripting the venture.

The music composer hasn't been finalized, but the producers are in negotiations with Preetam [DHOOM] as well as Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and either of them would be signed eventually.


* Now 'K2H2' sequel
By Taran Adarsh, May 17th 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

Sequels are rare in Bollywood! But there have been a few instances of film-makers trying their hand at a sequel if the first part is well-received at the box-office.

The latest news doing the rounds of the industry is that Ekta Kapoor is planning a sequel to KYAA KOOL HAI HUM. Director Sangeeth Sivan, who directed K2H2, doesn't deny the development either. “Yes, we are considering the possibility of making a sequel, but it's just an idea at the moment. We haven't started working on the script,” Sivan informs me.

Savoring the sweet success of K2H2 presently, Sivan adds that the lead men -- Tusshar and Ritesh Deshmukh -- would continue to be a part of the sequel, while the leading ladies might be different. A sequel to this laugh-riot is definitely an interesting idea, what say?


* Will Sunny win the race?
By Taran Adarsh, May 19th 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

A lot has been written about the movies that Rajkumar Santoshi and Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi are planning to make on the life and times of Prithviraj Chauhan. But while Santoshi is busy with FAMILY - TIES OF BLOOD and SAAMNA, Dr. Chandraprakash has gone ahead and arranged finance for his magnum opus.

“We are all set to roll in September,” Dr. Chandraprakash informs me, quashing rumors that the film wouldn't take off this year since the scripting is incomplete, “I am ready with the hardbound script [penned by Dr. Chandraprakash himself, with dialogues by B.M. Vyas, Vipul Mehta and Dr. Chandraprakash].”

To be filmed in Rajasthan in India and also in Russia, there's a strong possibility that the film will be made in two languages simultaneously -- Hindi and English. “We should proudly show our heroes to the world,” Dr. Chandraprakash states.

The cast, as of now, is still uncertain. “Sunny Deol will of course head the cast, but the remaining actors are still being considered. We might opt for international actors for certain roles though,” he enlightens. There's talk that Dr. Chandraprakash had approached Aishwarya Rai for the film. “Yes, I did have a meeting with her. I also suggested that she can work in both the projects [RKS, Dr. Chandraprakash]. There's a possibility that she might be a part of our film,” he adds.

But the startling development is that Dr. Chandraprakash has decided to meet his 'opponent', Rajkumar Santoshi, before he commences filming of the film. Why? “He's a brilliant director who does extensive research on a project before he commences shooting. It's always better to interact with learned people, exchange ideas, keep oneself abreast of what's happening around,” Dr. Chandraprakash maintains.

Meanwhile, well-known director Anand Mahendroo is involved in the project in the capacity of the completion guarantor. “I've to ensure that the film is made in right time, right cost and right quality,” Anand tells me.


* Anupam ties up with Yash Raj
By Taran Adarsh, May 20th 2005 - 0945 hrs IST

Actor-producer Anupam Kher has always been a Yash Chopra favorite. In fact, the talented actor and his wife Kiron Kher have essayed significant roles in several Yash Raj productions. The Khers have now cemented their friendship with the Chopras further.

Anupam has tied up with Yash Raj Films to distribute his forthcoming home-production MAINE GANDHI KO NAHIN MARA, directed by Jahnu Barua. In fact, the entire shooting of this Waheeda Rehman-Urmila Matondkar starrer has been wrapped up in a start-to-finish schedule. Also, Anupam has decided to release the film on October 2 [Gandhi Jayanti].

What's more, Anupam has altered his name slightly. It'll be Anupam P. Kher with this film.

Info # 90

These Info are from “www.indiafm.com”


* She's now Kallpana G. Lajmi
By Taran Adarsh, May 20th 2005 - 0945 hrs IST

While on name changes, director Kalpana Lajmi has altered the spelling of her name with immediate effect. Kalpana, who has completed filming her latest film CHINGAARI [Sushmita Sen, Anuj Sawhney, Mithun Chakraborty], has decided to spell her name differently.

Note her new name: Kallpana G. Lajmi.


* Remembering Sultan Ahmed
By Taran Adarsh, May 20th 2005 - 0945 hrs IST

It's time to remember our peers! Sultan Ahmed, who started his career as an assistant to K. Asif during the making of MUGHAL-E-AZAM and who later went on to produce and direct money spinners such as HEERA, GANGA KI SAUGANDH, DHARAM KANTA and DAATA, is being remembered on his third death anniversary by his wife, Farrah Dibaa Sultan Ahmed.

To mark the third death anniversary of the veteran as also unveil the first publicity of Sultaan Productions' latest venture HUSN - LOVE & BETRAYAL, a function has been organized on May 20 [today]. A number of film personalities, including Shatrughan Sinha and Jeetendra, are expected to grace the event.

HUSN - LOVE & BETRAYAL stars Sameer Dharmadhikari, Yuvaraaj Parashar, Nethra Raghuraman and Parmita Katkar.


* 3 premieres on 1 night
By Taran Adarsh, May 20th 2005 - 0945 hrs IST


The season of premiere shows is back! May 19 witnessed the premiere shows of three films, at three different locations of Mumbai city. The premiere of NAZAR for the bar girls of Mumbai was held at Maratha Mandir cinema, while the premiere of NAINA was held at Fame Adlabs in Andheri. The third premiere -- STAR WARS EPISODE III - REVENGE OF THE SITH -- was held at Fun Republic, also at Andheri. Quite a starry night!


* Pakistani singer for 'Krrish'
By Taran Adarsh, May 19th 2005 - 1045 hrs IST

Indian film-makers have started hiring the services of talented professionals from across the border.

The latest development pertains to Pakistani singer Rafakat Ali Khan rendering a song for Rakesh Roshan's keenly awaited biggie KRRISH. The song, tuned by Rakesh's brother Rajesh Roshan, was recorded in Mumbai on May 14 and 15. Alka Yagnik also participated in the song recording.

KRRISH stars Rekha, Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra and Naseeruddin Shah in pivotal roles.

Info # 91

These Info are from “www.indiafm.com”


* 'Nazar Telethon' on Pakistani TV channel
By Taran Adarsh, May 19th 2005 - 1045 hrs IST

Pakistan's premiere television channel Aaj TV has signed a historic contract with Mukesh Bhatt's Vishesh Films. The initial agreement is to acquire six films for telecast on Aaj TV. NAZAR will be the first of the instalments; the telecast date of the film will be announced shortly.

Before its telecast on the television channel, Aaj TV has organized an exclusive event, 'Aaj Dosti - Nazar Telethon Special', which will be aired live on Aaj TV on May 23, from 8 p.m. onwards. The telethon will feature NAZAR star Meera, director Soni Razdan and special guest Mahesh Bhatt. Pakistani film and TV personalities, along with officials from the Information Ministry as well as P.E.M.R.A., will also participate in this event.

The purpose of this event is to support the Government of Pakistan's ongoing efforts towards normalization of relationship as well as promotion of cultural exchange between India and Pakistan.


* Prestigious Global Award for P.N.C.
By Taran Adarsh, May 19th 2005 - 1045 hrs IST

Pritish Nandy Communications Ltd. received the Golden Peacock Global Award for Corporate Governance for the Emerging Economies [Private Sector] for the year 2005 at a glittering function held at the Nuffield Hall in Regent Park, London on May 12. The award was decided by a prestigious international jury headed by Dr. Ola Ullsten, former Prime Minister of Sweden.

The awards ceremony coincided with the Sixth International Conference on Corporate Governance 2005, being held at the same venue and was attended by some of the world's leading corporate governance experts. The function was chaired by Dr. Ullsten.

Pritish Nandy, Chairman of Pritish Nandy Communications Ltd., received the award on behalf of the company. The award is instituted by the World Council for Corporate Governance in London, in association with the Centre for Corporate Governance and the Institute of Directors, London.

This is the first time a motion picture company from India has won such a prestigious global award for corporate governance, dispelling the prevalent myth that the Indian movie industry is disorganized and chaotic.


* Will Sunny win the race?
By Taran Adarsh, May 19th 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

A lot has been written about the movies that Rajkumar Santoshi and Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi are planning to make on the life and times of Prithviraj Chauhan. But while Santoshi is busy with FAMILY - TIES OF BLOOD and SAAMNA, Dr. Chandraprakash has gone ahead and arranged finance for his magnum opus.

“We are all set to roll in September,” Dr. Chandraprakash informs me, quashing rumors that the film wouldn't take off this year since the scripting is incomplete, “I am ready with the hardbound script [penned by Dr. Chandraprakash himself, with dialogues by B.M. Vyas, Vipul Mehta and Dr. Chandraprakash].”

To be filmed in Rajasthan in India and also in Russia, there's a strong possibility that the film will be made in two languages simultaneously -- Hindi and English. “We should proudly show our heroes to the world,” Dr. Chandraprakash states.

The cast, as of now, is still uncertain. “Sunny Deol will of course head the cast, but the remaining actors are still being considered. We might opt for international actors for certain roles though,” he enlightens. There's talk that Dr. Chandraprakash had approached Aishwarya Rai for the film. “Yes, I did have a meeting with her. I also suggested that she can work in both the projects [RKS, Dr. Chandraprakash]. There's a possibility that she might be a part of our film,” he adds.

But the startling development is that Dr. Chandraprakash has decided to meet his 'opponent', Rajkumar Santoshi, before he commences filming of the film. Why? “He's a brilliant director who does extensive research on a project before he commences shooting. It's always better to interact with learned people, exchange ideas, keep oneself abreast of what's happening around,” Dr. Chandraprakash maintains.

Meanwhile, well-known director Anand Mahendroo is involved in the project in the capacity of the completion guarantor. “I've to ensure that the film is made in right time, right cost and right quality,” Anand tells me.

Info # 92

These Info are from “www.filmfare.com”


* Priyanka's 'Yakeen' about Arjun!

Though their first alliance in Asambhav didn't work, Priyanka Chopra hasn't lost all her hopes of making the big time with her on-screen hero, Arjun Rampal. And as proof of this faith, the two of them have paired up again, in a thriller called Yakeen, directed by Girish Dhamija. Priyanka says that this time there's no stopping Arjun. She insists, "Trust me, with 'Yakeen', his luck is going to change, for sure! He has given an outstanding performance. Though it's a difficult role, Arjun has pulled it off spectacularly and I'm sure our pairing will finally be accepted." Well, with the backing of a heroine like Priyanka, we're sure Arjun can't miss hitting the bull's eye this time around. Hum ko yakeen hai…!


* Akshay in Vipul's next?

Vipul Shah is very happy with the performance of 'Waqt'. "It has done very well even internationally," he tells us. And that has been encouragement enough for the filmmaker to start working on his next project. Vipul is currently writing a script that could well star Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar once again. When we got in touch with VS, he told us, "I am in the process of writing my next script. It's a different genre I am trying out this time. And also, unlike 'Aankhen' and 'Waqt', it's not a screen adaptation of any of my plays." So, can we well expect his two favourites - Amitabh and Akshay - to play their parts in this one, too? Vipul says, "I am waiting to complete the script, and if the characters suit them and the roles give them enough scope to perform, why not? Amitabh and Akshay are great actors and very important to me. But it's too early to say anything." Guess we need to give the filmmaker a little more 'waqt' before he decides who will play what in his next, huh?


* Abhishek: Holier than thou!

Actor Abhishek Bachchan recently made a holy trip to Badrinath in Uttaranchal. He accompanied close family friends, politician Amar Singh and industrialist pair Anil and Tina Ambani. We hear that there were a great number of people who made this trip to see the opening of the Vishnu temple that had been kept closed for six months because of the extreme cold. A tourist we met told us, "We got beautiful darshan there. And to add to the brilliant experience, we got to see Abhishek Bachchan! There was too much rush, and there were many people waiting to get a glimpse of the Bollywood actor. I didn't manage to meet him. But I did manage to click this snap!" Well, at least a few Abhishek fans got one of their prayers answered, huh! God listens, remember?


* Vivek's sister act!

Not many know that Vivek Oberoi's sister Meghna is also a talented painter - she is a singer; you may remember the song 'Saiyan baiyan chudake' from 'Mast'. To cut a long story short, here's the res: The younger Oberoi sibling recently had an exhibition of her series of paintings at an art gallery in Mumbai. "I have been painting ever since I was a child and this is for the first time that I'm showcasing my work on a larger canvas. My brother has been of great help and encouragement all along and he came to the show yesterday to lend me support," says the young lady. As for Vivek - well, he's got one more feather in his cap now, and it's painted a very sisterly colour!


* Manoj, Nirmal: Lagan lagi!

Filmmakers like the Barjatyas, Johars and Bhansalis have shown us what on-screen weddings are all about. And while the likes of Bhushan Kumar and Karisma Kapoor prefer to follow the on-screen formula and tie the knot with much fanfare off-screen, there are others who plan to keep their private moments very quiet and understated. Like Manoj Bajpai, who tied the knot recently with his beloved of many years - Neha (of 'Kareeb' fame); or actor Nirmal Pandey, who preferred to keep the ceremony a low-key affair. "It was a private thing, and I'd rather have kept it that way," says Nirmal. Bikram Saluja, who also had quite a low-profile wedding some time ago is of the opinion that "I personally didn't want to make such a big deal of my wedding. It was a very big deal for me, period. I didn't feel the need to have the sanctified event splashed across newspapers." Whatever the case, and however they did it, we wish all the newly-weds a happy married life!


* Nitin Manmohan: High flyer!

Filmmaker Nitin Manmohan is flying high these days. He has every reason to be happy, as his much-talked-about film, 'Dus' (don't confuse it with the late Mukul Anand's planned film of the same name, please!) is making news - it's ready to hit the screen soon. "Ever since the promos started, I have been flooded with phone calls. The promos have generated a lot of interest in the market and it's all thanks to my stars and director Anubhav Sinha, who made it happening," says Nitin. He adds, "Contrary to popular belief, 'Dus' is not an all-out action movie; it's more a story of intrigue. Something I have tried doing for the first time." Now we're really intrigued!

Info # 93

This Info is from “www.filmfare.com”


* Sanjay Kapoor plans to go topless at Cannes!
GAUTAM BURAGOHAIN
INDIATIMES MOVIES

He calls himself the youngest newcomer in Bollywood. Meet Sanjay Kapoor, the youngest of the three Kapoor brothers, his older siblings being producer Boney and actor Anil. And, in spite of living under the shadow of his two rather better known brothers, Sanjay hasn’t lost his famous sense of humour; he is still ready to crack a few funnies at his own expense. “It’s a God given gift, which not many people have. I think God was extra kind to me, more than to my brothers,” he grins.

And most of his black humour is directed towards his close buddy, Chunky Pandey. “I keep telling Chunky that the Ramgopal Varma film ‘D’ (which has Chunky in it) actually should be called ‘C’ - well, it certainly doesn’t stand for ‘Chunky’!” he says amidst peals of laughter. And before you blink, comes another crack: “Ever since Chunky straightened his hair, I have stopped eating roomali rotis , because they remind me of his hair.”

Besides the occasional crack directed at his friends, what else is happening in his life? In his career? “Lots! I might become the next superstar in a decade,” laughs Sanjay. “Jokes apart, I have some interesting films like ‘Sauda’ and ‘Tumhare Liye’ coming up and my fans will love me in these movies.”

Some time ago he announced ambitious plans of starting production work. “Oh, it’s on standby for the time being. I have serious plans, but I want to make everything foolproof before entering into this new venture,” he says. “I don’t want to get into production just for the heck of it.” Why not tie up with big brother Boney? “Our views don’t match. When it comes to movies, he has an altogether different outlook,” he informs us.

The grapevine insists that Boney Kapoor is going through a severe financial crunch. Sanjay refutes that with “ Arre, nothing of that sort; ups and downs in business happen all the time. The only problem with Boney is that he gets too obsessed with his films and he’s a flamboyant producer - he doesn’t believe in cutting corners - and that’s the reason his profits get affected every time.”

How does it feel to live in the shadow of his other famous brother, Anil? “Well, I guess though I have my own identity, people will still refer to me as Anil Kapoor's younger brother, and that’s something I can't escape,” he says.

The topic shifted to the Cannes Film Festival. Has Sanjay seen the photos of a busty Mallika Sherawat posing for the paparazzi? “Oh, that’s nothing! If I was invited (which we doubt will ever happen), I will appear topless,” he grins. And what if he is stranded on a desert island with Mallika? “I will make sure that Mahesh Bhatt is around to make a movie on it. The story will be about Mallika looking for me - and I will appear in the climax!” Sanjay laughs.

Info # 94

These Info are from “www.santabanta.com”


* I'm Half Indian: Kiss-Miss Meera

A leading Pakistani actress, who makes her Bollywood debut this week, wants Islamabad to lift a 40-year ban on Hindi language films to give a boost to warming ties between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.

Meera, who has starred in more than 30 Urdu language films, told Reuters on Wednesday she could work in Bollywood only because of the improved diplomatic relations between the two countries in the past one year.

"Film is the best media to improve relations between India and Pakistan. I only hope and pray current efforts to get the ban lifted succeeds," Meera said in an interview.

But she faces a daunting task after her family in Pakistan received death threats from Islamic groups on media reports she had done a kissing scene in Nazar, produced by Bollywood's Mahesh Bhatt.

"As an actress I have no inhibitions on screen. That doesn't mean I am willing to go to any lengths to prove my point. I know where to draw a line. I represent Pakistan in India and let me assure everyone I would never demean my culture. The 'kiss sequence' is part of the storyline and should not be seen in isolation," alleges Meera.

"Bhatt was the first person to take steps to improve cooperation between India and Pakistan in films. Hopefully he will be the first to release a movie there," she said.

Meera said all "negative impressions" about the movie, in which she plays a blind woman who acquires a bizarre ability to foresee murders in a red light area after an eye transplant, would be cleared when people get to see the film.

"It's a good film and will do well," she said. "I can't wait to know how people will receive it."

Indian films are hugely popular in Pakistan, and a flourishing bootleg DVD industry and satellite television mean Pakistanis can now watch Bollywood movies at home.

India and Pakistan have made tangible progress since they began a peace process early last year, easing visa regulations for the young and elderly and starting a historic bus service for more people-to-people contacts.

Though the core dispute over Kashmir, the divided Himalayan region that has been the cause of two of the three wars between India and Pakistan, is still to be resolved, cultural and sport ties have improved.

Earlier this month, Pakistan agreed "in principle" to screen or glance Mughal-e-Azam, one of the great classics of Indian cinema.

Meera, who says she was never made to feel she came from "an enemy country", plans to act in more Indian movies and has signed up for another film with Bhatt.

"People showered me with loads of flowers and garlands where ever I went to promote the film. This only shows how much people here love me."

"I'm half Indian now, but I have no intention to settle down here," she said.


* I will persuade Shoaib Akhtar: Mahesh Bhatt

Shoaib Akhtar, who missed a tour of India in March-April, has been offered the role of a gangster-on-the run in Mahesh Bhatt's forthcoming film Gangster but the veteran director is confident that he will be able to convince Pakistani cricketer and fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar to act in his film.

Talking to press on phone from Pakistan, Bhatt, who is considering Shoaib for the lead role in his forthcoming film ‘Gangster’, dismissed media reports of the Pakistani quickie having rejected the idea of joining films, saying ''Rather than going by anybody else's word in the matter I would like to hear it from the man himself.''

On Shoaib's reported statement that he wants to concentrate on his cricketing career rather than chalking out one in films, the filmmaker said,'' For all we know, it could only be his stated position, made to appease the Pakistani public. After all, any news of his joining a film career at a time when he is trying to regain his position in the squad, would not go down well with the local public who view him, first and foremost, as their cricketing hero.''

''Also, any reports of Shoaib joining Bollywood films would create an impression that he is not concentrating on his cricket,'' Bhatt explained, referring in this regard to rumours of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not appreciating moves by Shoaib to join films.

PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan has recently announced that Shoaib would have to seek Board's permission before acting in the film.

Bhatt, who is in Pakistan to attend a telethon organised by Aaj TV as well as to meet Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to secure a theatrical release for his forthcoming film 'Nazar', said he planned to meet the speedster on May 21 in Karachi.

''I will talk to Shoaib myself to convince him to act in my film. I will continue with my efforts to persuade him till the time he tells me himself that he is not interested. In that case only, we will look for someone else for the role,'' Bhatt said.

Shoaib was penciled in by Mahesh Bhatt for the title role in 'Gangster' after Sanjay Dutt and John Abraham expressed their disinclination to do the film due to various reasons.

Info # 95

These Info are from “www.santabanta.com”


* I'm like Madonna: Mallika

How is this for confidence? Sizzling Mallika Sherawat, 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. 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."


* Abhishek ready to shake butt!

Young Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan will take the stage for his first-ever international performance at the spectacular Samsung IIFA Awards to be held at Amsterdam on June 11.

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards will also have performances by Bollywood actors Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Shahid Kapur, Kareena Kapoor, Lara Dutta, Esha Deol, item girl Malaika Arora-Khan, 'Kisna' debutanat Isha Sharwani, pop singer Daler Mehendi, Hariharan, Suneil Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Sushma Reddy and international pop sensations Bombay Rockers and Rouge.

Bollywood bigwigs, including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Yash Chopra, A R Rahman, Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Vivek Oberoi, Kajol, Ajay Devgan and Urmila Matondkar, among other guests from the world of business, politics and sports, would be present at the event as guests.

Over 10,000 people will witness the show where the performances would be choreographed by Shiamak Davar. The IIFA Weekend and all the IIFA events have been conceptualised, produced and directed by Wizcraft International Entertainment, one of the world's leading entertainment agencies.

This year too the IIFA Awards will honour the Superstars of Indian Cinema and pay tributes to the stalwarts from the Indian silver screen.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 'Parineeta' is the film to be premiered at the IIFA World Premiere in Amsterdam on June nine.

A sensitive film on the joys, sorrows, fond memories, bittersweet experiences and a relationship of deep friendship, 'Parineeta' is a contemporary remake of an engaging and timeless tale by noted writer Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay.

The lead star cast of the movie includes Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, Raima Sen and Diya Mirza, a special appearance by Rekha and debutante Vidya Balan. This Pradeep Sarkar's film will receive a red carpet welcome during its premier at the 650-year-old Pathe Tuschinski Theatre during the IIFA Weekend.

For the first time, IIFA will host the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum and a special IIFA Film Festival at the magnificent Pathé Tuschinski Theatre. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), has come together with the IIFA to promote the globalisation of Indian Cinema.

The Forum will also serve as a platform for shared synergies, ideas and new business opportunities between India and the Netherlands. The subjects of discussion at the forum will be Cinema and Entertainment, Civil Aviation, Commerce and Industry and Tourism.

The IIFA festival will showcase some of the best films from the Indian Cinema, including hits like 'Veer Zaara', 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', 'Dil Chahta Hai', 'Kal Ho Na Ho', 'Koi Mil Gaya' and the Oscar nominated films - 'Shwaas' and 'The Little Terrorist'.

The fun-filled sixth IIFA Weekend in Amsterdam will be packed with a host of exhilarating events like the IIFA World premiere and the IIFA Foundation Celebrity Cricket Match.


* Abhishek, Ash together again!

Riteish Deshmukh’s back-to-back comedy hits Masti and Kya Kool Hai Hum seem to have put him in the forefront of laugh-fests.

Deshmukh is all set to move into another orbit in his career. Rohan Sippy has signed him in a new Abhishek Bachchan-starrer as replacement for the ever-elusive Saif Ali Khan.

Says Rohan, “Saif was meant to be in my new film, but at the inception stage of Sridhar Raghavan’s script. Now, when the whole project has been finalised, it’s Abhishek and Riteish playing a mismatched pair. While Abhishek will be cast in a mellow mood, Riteish will be the brat in my film.”

The project, tentatively titled Bluff Master, will be an out-and-out comedy caper. Aishwarya Rai is also expected to join the cast.

Rohan says it will be a film about male bonding, “But Ash will have a substantial role. She certainly won’t be a decorative doll. Actually, after Kuch Naa Kaho I was keen to work with Abhi and Ash again.

Abhi’s presence in my movie is a given. I can’t think of making a film without him. It’s amazing how his career has taken off in the last one year.”

In fact, Sippy says that Abhishek’s dates had literally fallen into his lap.

“It’s almost a windfall. Abhishek suddenly had dates because Karan Johar’s film has been pushed back to September. We start our film in June and wrap up in a month’s time. Since Shridhar’s script is situated almost entirely in Mumbai, it shouldn’t be difficult to complete the film on schedule.”

Rohan is also gung-ho about Riteish. “I’ve watched him grow as an actor. There’s something very likeable about his personality. And he suits my film completely. I’m working with a completely new crew. That should ensure that my film looks fresh.”

Info # 96

This Info is from “www.filmfare.com”


* Khan rises at Cannes
JITESH PILLAI
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

While the spotlight may have shone on Aishwarya Rai, Aamir Khan in his own quiet, understated way won the day at Cannes. After Pather Panchali, the next big event was the private screening of Ketan Mehta’s The Rising.

There was much brouhaha, despite the fact that it was an exclusive screening only for the European, South African and Australian buyers of The Rising. The print of The Rising, which was shown to the exclusive gathering, in trade parlance, is called a ‘work in progress’ print.

After the screening, the film was quickly snapped up; in short, all international territories were bought. Producer Bobby Bedi called Aamir Khan, who is shooting in Mumbai.

Even as Bobby spoke to Aamir on the phone, the distributor who bought the South Africa rights of The Rising snatched the phone from Bobby and gushed to Aamir about how he had fallen in love with the epic film.

When contacted, Aamir Khan said, “It was a private screening only for the buyers. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.There’s still more post-production work to be completed.”

Interview # 40

This Interview is from “www.indiafm.com”


* Interview: Salim-Sulaiman

“You want to reach for the panic button with Naina!”
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 19th, 2005 - 0945 hrs IST

Just as they were going to be labeled as specialists of songless thrillers, Kaal happened. And you got to give it to them, the duo did create some serious dhamaal. And now they are back to their niche slot of scoring music that is novel, edgy, & 'folksy'...yeah, the brothers like to hang on to that one. We talked to Salim, one half of the Salim-Sulaiman composer duo who warns us for some cold fear this Friday…

Q. Tell us the first thing you felt when you heard the score of Naina?
A. It was interesting; because the first time we played it back for ourselves, we thought it was scary! It's not often that once you have created a music piece, it scares you. But it happened with Naina. There are certain music pieces in the film that really frighten your senses and you want to reach for the panic button! I can safely say that we touched Hollywood standards with the effects that you'll get to hear.

Q. Did you consciously try to sound unlike Bhoot?
A. If it had been any other film, we probably would have had to do what you said. But in this case, the script of Naina was very unlike Bhoot, so not much effort there.

Q. So what does Naina sound like?
A. There are certain sound and shock effects that are a mandate with this genre but since the theme of the Naina was different, the color of sound is different too. And most importantly, Naina as a film travels from London to Kutch so that gives the music a huge music palette, from western flavor to the more folksy stuff.

Q. Is there anything new that you tried with Naina?
A. For sure. To begin with we used a slightly bigger choir, as in there were 8 people who were doubling and tripling. Now this amplifies and gives the impact of 32! Also since the film travels from London to rural India, it gave us the opportunity to use Ustad Sultan Khan's sarangi.

One another thing that made composing for Naina special is that we got the chance to work with a talented Gujrati singer like Shubha Joshi. She has a strong folk flavor to her voice and we used her alaaps for the bands that needed pain and a sad element. This gives a real twist to Naina.

Q. How was Shripal to work with?
A. Very nice, he gave us complete freedom to do our thing. We have worked really hard and Shripal had complete faith in our hardwork. So composing was a breeze!

Q. Finally, a music piece that you think was impressive?
A. I quite like what we have done for Being Cyrus. The film is yet to release but we had good fun scoring for it.

Interview # 41

This Interview is from “www.bollyvista.com”


* Interview: Meera

“ 'They did not want me to come to India' – Meera ”
By Vickey Lalwani ©2005 Bollyvista.com

In the midst of controversies, Meera is all set to see the release of her debut film in India in the form of Soni Razdan's 'Nazar'. However, Pakistani actress Meera doesn't seem to be the least pestered over what has been happening back home in Pakistan... 'I have done nothing wrong' she tells Vicky Lalwani.

Q. How are you feeling over the release of your debut film in India?
A. I am very confident, as I have worked with great people. This film spreads the message of friendship, peace and unity between India and Pakistan. It is great to play the bridge between these two countries.

Q. What has been the biggest difference between working in India and Pakistan?
A. I am very glad my misconception that Pakistanis are not treated well in India has been completely wiped off. I have lots of love and support from people here.

Q. What made you do a film with Mahesh Bhatt's wife in the first place?
A. When we met Mahesh Bhatt at the film festival in Pakistan, he suggested that we do a film together. I loved his sincerity and his intention of doing a film, which could bring both the countries together. I immediately agreed.

Q. After you, another Pakistani actress Sana Nawaz came to India and is doing a film. How do you feel about that?
A. That was precisely the reason why I did a film here. I had to go through the hard way and my path was full of thorns, but I am glad that it has opened all doors for others to come and do films out here. I just pray more and more like me come and do films in India.

Q. But your family was not in support of you doing a film here in India?
A. No one was in support of me doing a film here. In fact, as you can see my father does not even leave me for a single minute and constantly follows me like a spy. But I guess that things will change once the film releases.

Q. Did your father and other family members have a problem about the kissing scene?
A. No, they had a problem with me doing a Hindi film. They did not want me to come to India. I know they're still not happy. They keep stressing that I should return to Pakistan.

Q. Which are the other films you are doing?
A. I have just completed the film 'Kasak' with Lucky Ali and Raj Babbar. It is an art film, but I cannot give you more details.

Q. Are you disappointed that 'Nazar' is not releasing in Pakistan?
A. I will be very angry if the film does not release there. It's my right as I belong from Pakistan. If India can have a release, then why not Pakistan?

Q. Are you making any effort on the personal front?
A. I will speak to President Pervez Musharraf when I go back. I want 'Nazar' to release there, as my people there really love me.

Q. But 'Mughal-E-Azam' has already been given a go ahead?
A. See, 'Mughal-E-Azam' a great film. It is a classic and a citizen of UK is holding the rights, so it's easier.

Q. You had said that you were receiving some threats with reference to the kissing scene you have done in 'Nazar'. Are you still receiving those?
A. Yes, but I don't understand why they are doing it without watching the film. Let's see what happens after the film releases.

Q. Does the kissing issue have to do with the fact that Ashmit Patel is a Hindu?
A. Yes, it is something like that.

Q. So, do you regret kissing him in the film?
A. No, I don't. It is not even a kiss. It is just a romantic scene with a small peck on the lips. I don't think I have done anything wrong.

Q. Don't films in Pakistan have kisses?
A. Of course there are kisses and there are kisses in every film. But in my case, things were different and there were many other reasons as well.

Q. You said you needed police protection.
A. Yeah. I have my personal bodyguards.

Q. But why would any one want to harm you?
A. See, there are people who do not want peace between the two countries and so I'm in fear.

Q. Did the government give you the police protection?
A. They did. And now I have private security as well.

Q. Who are these people who have been threatening you?
A. I don't know.

Q. But there hasn't been any official name of a terrorist organization?
A. I never said they were from any terrorist organization.

Q. But then who would threaten you?
A. There are people from my industry and they are my people.

Q. My people, meaning?
A. They can be anyone from my family or my friends who do not want me to come to India and do films here.

Q. So, you know who they are?
A. Yes.

Q. Why don't you tell the whole world?
A. I don't want to. After all they are my people. I don't want to go against them. I don't wash dirty linen in public.

Q. People think this is all a publicity stunt for your film 'Nazar'?
A. It's not a publicity stunt. And I don't care for those who feel it that way.

Q. Are there any other projects in the pipeline?
A. An 'Umrao Jaan' remake, which will be directed by Afzal Ahmed.

Interview # 42

This Interview is from “www.filmfare.com”


* Interview: Amitabh Bachan

“ Amitabh: ‘Cinema can be a medium for Indo-Pak peace’ ”
NIKITA DOVAL

Q. There is a demand for Indian films to be released in Pakistan and vice versa. Can cinema help the peace process?
A. Indian films are seen in Pakistan and I think it is wonderful for cinema to be a medium of peace. Culturally, Indians and Pakistanis are the same. It would be nice if cinema could bridge any kind of gap between us.

Q. Efforts are being made to help the Indian film industry go global.
A. Indian cinema has already gone global. Figures show that 3.8 billion people worldwide see Indian films whereas Hollywood films are seen by 3.2 billion people. Our films are seen in parts of the world where English is not even a secondary language.

Q. To what would you attribute your continuing popularity?
A. I’ve been fortunate to have been part of films that have enjoyed success.Since cinema is a medium that cuts across time and borders, there has been a certain kind of recognition.

Q. Your latest release has done well.
A. It is a heartwarming family movie which people identify with. I was drawn to the film’s simplicity, humour and the father-son relationship.

Q. You are set to begin your second innings in TV .
A. I’m looking forward to hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati but, at the same time,am nervous too. When I fir
st did the show, it served as an eye-opener,and helped me out financially.Let’s see how things go this time round.

News # 180

These News are from “www.filmfare.com”


* Can the Big B be an ajnabi?

Apoorva Lakhia is not an ajnabi to the filmis, you know! For all those who need a bit of a brain tickler to figure that one out, we'll help you with it. Lakhia made his directorial debut with 'Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost' starring Abhishek Bachchan and Lara Dutta. The film didn't rake in the moolah at the BO, but the director won accolades for the way he filmed the project. And now he's back with some big stuff…back with a bang with the Big B. The film, titled 'Ek Ajnabi', also stars Perizaad Zorabian, Arjun Rampal and Vikram Chatwal - who was last seen in 'One Dollar Curry'. When questioned how he managed to rope in a biggie like the Big B for his second film, all Lakhia will say is, "What can I say about Mr. Bachchan? I'm thrilled that he's doing my film, and it's a challenge to direct an actor par excellence." Well, with a star cast such as this, we can't quite figure who the ajnabi is. Maybe someone in the film we don't know about yet - Jr. B, perhaps?


* Gracy Singh: Back to basics!

'Lagaan' brought in the accolades for Gracy Singh, but the actress just couldn't find her place in the numbers' game after that. Now, however, we hear she's banking on a new film called 'Chanchal', in which she plays the central character. But what's interesting is that the director of this one is Inderjit, the same man who directed her in the popular serial 'Amanat', for which she was known before her debut in films. With few directors being able to draw the best out of her, it looks like Gracy prefers going back to where she began. Of course, whether her 'basic instinct' will actually work remains to be seen. After all, success can be quite chanchal at the box-office, wotsay?


* Diana wants to be Rani…

Yes, our towering beauty queen Diana Hayden wants to be the gorgeous and daring queen, Rani. There's nothing surprising about that - almost every lovely lady in our nation idolises the heroine and would love to emulate her at some time in their lives. Now before our doe-eyed beauty Rani Mukherjee and the rest of you look at Diana curiously, we'll clarify something: Lady Diana isn't really talking about the Queen Bee of Bollywood; she's referring to the historical character, Rani of Jhansi. She was heard saying, "One of the most fascinating women history has seen is Rani of Jhansi. If I were to do an epic character, I'd love to play the Rani; a character like that on-screen will make an over-powering impact." So when do we see this queen being crowned anew?


* Bipasha's prediction!

While most directors are busy conning audiences into entering the theatres, with sensational posters and titillating promos, one actress who believes that viewers are intelligent enough to sift through the celluloid slough for themselves is Bipasha Basu. The beauty with brains believes in giving the audience its due; according to her, times are finally a-changing, with the line between great art cinema and commercial films slowly thinning. "I think, in some time, there will be no difference between a commercial and art films, because the sensibility of the audience is improving. People like to see more intelligent stuff done by their favourite commercial actors," she said, when we asked her what she thought about the change. Now if you see the actress doing a masala movie without mascara, you'll know where that came from!


* Sanjay Kapoor: Just call me 'Urmila'!

Actors love applause. What they like even more is to be in the news, preferably making it…along with a few large-font headlines, of course! Sanjay Kapoor is no exception. He confessed to us that he checks 'Bombay Times' every day to see if the paper has quoted him or at least carries a photograph of him at some 'do' or the other. During a recent interview, the actor told us that he was doing his usual once-over of the paper, dreaming about making it to the front page - and he even opened it in his sleepy stupor to see if he had indeed made the vaunted grade. But it was Urmila Matondkar's pretty face staring out at him instead! He promptly called us and, with his well-known sense of humour said, "Wow! You made me look great today. I've never looked so pretty!" Even though his wishbone (for filmi hits) may not be working too well, his funny bone is still strutting its stuff!


* Vivek's a Deol fan!

Our Oberoi lad might have strong likes and dislikes, but when he does attach the words 'love', 'friendship' and 'respect' to someone, he really means it. And no, we aren't talking about his lady-love Aishwarya Rai; in fact, even if we were to ask her to testify to that, all we'll get is the sound of giggling. So we'll tell you about someone else who wins Vivek's respect and appreciation. It's Bobby Deol. Apparently Oberoi met Deol on the sets of 'Soldier', which also had Daddy O in it. While dropping in to meet his father on the sets, Viv met Bobs, and from then on he's never stopped admiring him. Bobs called him over to his van for chai 'n chat and gave him a 'pep' talk that Vivek still remembers. "Bobby was so sweet and encouraging right from the beginning, even when I wasn't an actor. It's something I'll never forget," says Vivek. Well Vivek, it's nice to never forget friends, and even better to always forgive your rivals. Betcha you know who we're talking about – right?

News # 181

These News are from “www.b4utv.com”


* Ho Sakta Hai at Cannes

Aishwarya Rai, Nandita Das and Mallika Sherawat are creating news at the Cannes Festival, while one Indian film is making it big at the prestigious festival. India's first movie on black magic called Ho Sakta Hai will be screened at the Cannes this year. The film was first going to be released in India but was later decided to be screened overseas first. "It is a great feeling to get your movie premiered at the Cannes. I am also getting positive response for its technical brilliance", says an excited director Wilson Louis. The film unfolds some shocking facts about black magic and is not an attempt to show the positive or the negative side of it.


* Bhagnani denies rumors

There are rumours that producer Vashu Bhagnani was unable to pay the artistes of Silsiilay. As a result, the cast was forced to cancel interviews arranged for the media at the last minute. Bhagnani is one of the few producers who have a clean reputation so when contacted, a disturbed Bhagnani said, "I wonder who is spreading these rumors. The allegations are false and baseless. I have already paid actress Tabu and Celina. If other stars had a problem with me, they should have come and spoken to me about it." Bhagnani also denied the allegation that he had several scenes chopped from Silsiilay. "That is not true at all. I am the producer. How can I edit scenes from my film? If there are rumors that scenes have been deleted from the film then the question should be posed to director Khalid Mohammed and not me," he said.


* Meera picks Jism over Mughal-e-Azam

Pakistani actress Meera's controversial kiss in her forthcoming film Nazar brought her death threats and front-page fame. However, she still prefers bolder themes as far as movies are concerned. She says, "If I were to choose between Mughal-e-Azam and Jism or Murder, it would definitely be Jism or Murder as they reflect contemporary reality." She is ready to defend her 'kiss' every time she talks about her movie. She still fails to understand why such an issue was made about it. She maintains, "They are a part of any modern day romantic thriller."


* One more film on eunuchs

Issue- based movies seem to be the trend in Indian Cinema. Even though Tamanna and Shabnam Mausi have not yet released, one more director is inspired to make a film on eunuchs. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is written and directed by former journalist Vayalar Madhav. He seems to have done extensive research in this field. K.P.Varghese from Welgate Cinemafox has produced the movie. It has been shot in Hyderabad and Kerala. Apart from Hindi, the film will also be shot in Tamil, Malayalam and Telegu. It will star Divya Dutta, Tinu Anand, Neha Pendse, Suhasini Mulay and Hollywood actress Linda among many others. This film promises to explore the eunuch's desire for a life of honor and dignity. Sources claim that a real- life incident in Madhav's life inspired him to make such a movie. He came across startling facts that form the base of his film.


* Bollywood offer

Director Mahesh Bhatt is constantly on the lookout to introduce new faces in Bollywood. His latest attempt was Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar. However, Shoaib has prioritized cricket over the alternative and politely refused the offer. Earlier Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan had tried a hand at acting game but failed miserably. In our country too, cricketers like Sandeep Patil, Salim Durrani and Salil Ankola have given a try to acting but couldn't make it big. The most recent cricketer to bomb at the box- office was Ajay Jadeja in the film Khel.

News # 182

These News are from “www.b4utv.com”


* Amisha’s new crush???

It seems that Amisha can’t stop raving about her latest co- star Sanjay Dutt. The duo were shooting for their new venture Tathasthu. One particular scene Amisha narrates is the one where she was supposed to get very aggressive and violent. She recalls, “I had to scratch my nails into his back. They must have hurt him but he didn’t even say anything about it. I think that it was commendable.” When asked if she had a secret crush on Sanju, she exclaims, “No! I was not a big fan of Sanjay ever. I started liking him after Munnabhai. But after working with him for a film, I am speechless.” She admires Sanju because he never wants the limelight like many others. According to her, he is a very secure man. She continues, “I didn’t see him eating away other’s lines. During the shoot, he did his own thing and was also very supportive.” He is also supposed to be her best co- star till date. Looks like Sanju has got one fan added to the mass!


* Father to direct daughter

Antara Mali is reported to play the lead actress in the next film, which is going to be directed by none other than her father Jagdish Mali. The cameraman and music director is all set to make his directorial debut with his daughter. He says that Antara on screen always fascinated him. “I wanted to direct my daughter since when. Now it can really happen”, says an excited elder Mali. The film is supposed to be a musical thriller and will star either John Abraham or Abhishek Bachchan or Tusshar Kapoor in the lead role. Famous television writer Swapna Waghmare Joshi is writing the script for the film. The father- daughter duo was also heard starting their own production house, namely Antara Mali Productions. But it looks like the plan of introducing the production house is at a halt and launching their movie with this production house is not going to be executed for the time being. Also, Antara was heard writing a script for a Ramgopal Varma film, which is at present underway. What this father and daughter can do remains to be seen!


* Ananth Mahadevan: Shakespeare zindabad

Anant Mahadevan, director of Dil Vil Pyar Vyar and Dil Maange More is all set to make another comedy film that promises to be as hilarious as Padosan and Angoor. The film is titled Do Dooni Char. Mahadevan is too excited about his new project. He says, “My next film is a comedy in its fullest sense. It is based on the lines of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors. The whacky plot takes place over a period of two days.” Samir Kohli has scripted the film. The actor of Uff Kya Jadoo Mohabbat Hai, Samir Dattani has been chosen to play the lead in the film. The director can’t stop praising the new guy in the industry. “Samir has the same boyish charm and flexibility of expression as Shahid Kapur. Also, he isn’t afraid to experiment.” Mahadevan’s next venture in the line is Us Paar. It is a different romantic triangle with Samir Dattani as the lead again. He says that he has seen Samir in his debut role and is quite confident of him. “He is definitely here to stay”, says Anant.


* Actor Mahipal passes away

Yesteryear actor Mahipal breathed his last at his residence at Churchgate on Sunday. He was 86. Mahipal was on his way back home after his morning walk when he suffered a cardiac arrest. The actor had gone through a bypass surgery ten years ago. Mahipal shot to fame with V. Shantaram's Navrang. He later went to do films like Zabak, Sampurna Ramayan, Dharam Patni, Allahdin And Wonderful Lamp. Mahipal was known for religious and mythological films. The famous patriotic number "Yeh maati sabhi ki kahaani kahegi" was picturised on the actor.


* “What showdown?” says Priyanka

Priyanka Chopra seems to be the latest target of the press. She was involved in the latest controversy revolving around her and Harman Baweja. She couldn’t help bursting out. “First they say I had a showdown with Harman at the premiere of his dad’s film and now a fight with Salman Khan! What does the press think I am? This does not look like it is going to end!” The actress’s career is currently rising high and she is amazed by the latest rumors. She maintains that she is a well brought up girl and would never cry or fight in public. She also says that her parents would not tolerate her if she made a nuisance out of herself in public. When asked about what actually took place at the premiere of ‘Main Aisa Hi Hoon’, she clarifies, “I cried at after watching the film for that same reason as I did for Black. I was deeply moved by the film. I wished Ajay and left. Everything else is rubbish. Somebody’s stupid imagination! It is very easy for me to cry at such movies.” She says that she is too focused on her career to think of anything else. She also assures us that she will let us know if she has found the man of her life. Let’s see if she makes a hue about it later!


* Santoshi or Dwivedi? Ash’s dilemma!

Suddenly epic films were the in fashion in the Indian Cinema. There was Ashoka, then there was Bhagat Singh and Kisna and the most recent Taj Mahal; Ketan Mehta’s Mangal Pandey is on its way and Ashutosh’s Akbar- Jodha is next in the making. But it seems that the most historic epic film is yet to be made. It is going to be on the romance of emperor Prithviraj Chauhan and his love Samyukta. Rajkumar Santoshi as well as Chandraprakash Diwedi wants to make a film on the same subject. And the story doesn’t end here. Both want to cast Aishwarya Rai in the lead role. Rai almost committed to Santoshi for the film when they decided on another project called Saamna. She clarifies, “Prithviraj- Samyukta is in progress but not necessarily with Santoshiji. Diwediji also approached me with the same concept. When I told him about my commitment with Santoshiji, he told me to do both films.” What we don’t get is why do they both want to make a movie on the same matter? Ash is also puzzled, as she too believes that the core idea disappears in case of duplication. However, she has agreed to do the film with the director who makes the film first. We wonder who will win Ash as the leading actress. It should be Diwedi as Santoshi is currently too busy with other projects. And a subject like can be handled well only by a person who has only one project on hand. Diwedi has already shown his talent with a film like Pinjar. Whoever the director is, Ash wins in both cases. That’s what we call a safe bet!

News # 183

These News are from “www.indiatarget.com”


* Akshaye Khanna is right match fo me - Kareena!
by Debasis Jana

Shahid Kapur and ladylove Kareena Kapoor are coming together again on the big screen along with Akshaye Khanna. It's a murder mystery. And thriller specialists Abbas-Mustan will direct the film.
To date, only 'Fida', which had Shahid-Kareena pair in the lead, has rocked the theatres, but unfortunately couldn't set the cash registers ringing at the box office. On the contrary, Kareena-Akshaye in 'Hulchul' was a hit. In a recent interview, Kareena said, on-screen Akshaye Khanna is right match for me, not Shahid.
"It's my second film with them. But you know what I'm most thrilled about? Working with Akshaye again".


* Karishma's marriage troubles: Kareena speaks out!
by Debasis Jana

When peoples are talking about Karishma's dislike to hubby Sunjay Kapoor, and in result she wants divorce with him, younger sister Kareena Kapoor wondered on how all these baseless rumours, peoples spread.
Yesterday, the media went crazy over the rumour. And members of both the families were in 'no comments' mood. So we approached Karishma's younger sister Kareena to light on this matter, as peoples were eager to know what actually happened to Karishma. Kareena first said, "Nothing, and all is baseless". On reminding that Karishma had been in Mumbai for over two months, she said, "What people forget is that Karishma 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".
Adding to that a member of Sunjay's family also said, nothing happened wrong, everything is well.


* SRK, Ash, John, Preity, Saif, Urmila, Sanjay teamed up!
by Debasis Jana

It's indeed a star war, going to happen in Amsterdam on June at IIFA awards. Yes, stars like Aishwarya Rai, Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Preity Zinta, Urmila Matondkar, David Dhawan, Isha Koppikar, John Abraham, Mahima Chaudhary, Shahid Kapoor have been teamed up under the captainship of great Shah Rukh Khan to play a friendly cricket match against Suniel Shetty's team comprising stars Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan Amitabh Bachchan, Vivek Oberoi, Anil Kapoor, Arbaaz Khan, Dino Morea, Diya Mirza, Esha Deol, Fardeen Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Ritesh Deshmukh and Shilpa Shetty. The match as named, IIFA Foundation Celebrity Cricket Match, is truly unique in the sense.

News # 184

These News are from “www.indiatarget.com”


* Malaika Arora Khan refused to do an item number in Pakistan!
by Debasis Jana

Malaika Arora Khan, whose item dance in 'Dil Se' and very recent in 'Kaal' created history, turned down an offer made by Pakistani filmmaker Javed Raza to do an item number in his film, due to date hassles. She said that she would have loved to appear in the film, but she did not have the dates for the shoot. That's why the deal fell through. Incidentally, Raza had also approached Katrina Kaif with the same offer, and she too, refused.


* "Sunny should stop doing Pakistan-bashing films," Meera!
by Debasis Jana

Popular Pakistani actress Meera, whose Bollywood debut 'Nazar' has already been in the center of speculation after her controversial on-screen kiss to Ashmit Patel comes in fore, said in a recent interview that she would love to work with Sunny Deol, but one condition, he will have to stop doing Pakistan-bashing films.
Meera also wishes to work with Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. About Hrithik, she said, "Hrithik dances well, acts well and looks handsome. His body is good".


* Kajol going strong with hubby Ajay!
by Debasis Jana

Few days back, at 'Main Aisa Hi Hoon' premiere, Kajol was seen with hubby Ajay Devgan. After a long self-imposed hibernation, she was caught in her ever-charming posture with husband Ajay. Kajol is not a party animal, and not often attains social dos like others. But whenever she goes out, she is seen to have accompanied with none but hubby Ajay Devgan.
We have heard of Karishma's marriage with industrialist Sanjay Kapoor is on the rock. Fed up Karishma doesn't want to stay with him any more and wants divorce.
However, Kajol-Ajay is truly an exception. As per latest, Kajol-Ajay is attending this year's Asian Lifestyle Show in the UK. It will take place at The Grand Hall at London Olympia, and will continue from 8th to Sunday 10th July 2005. Not only Kajol and Ajay, Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan are also joining them to grace the show, happening in July.


* Aishwarya and Abhishek together again?
by Debasis Jana

It's Rohan Sippy again, signed up Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan together for his next 'Bluff Master' after 'Kuch Naa Kaho'. "Actually, after 'Kuch Naa Kaho', I was keen to work with Abhi and Ash again," said Rohan. This time Ash will have a substantial role; the actress of 'Chokher Bali' certainly won't be a decorative doll in this movie. The most surprising thing is actor Ritesh Deshmukh's selection as Saif Ali Khan's replacement. Ritesh of 'Kyaa Kool Hai Hum' fame has already been signed up to play with Abhishek Bachchan as a mismatched pair.

News # 185

These News are from “www.indiafm.com”


* The most explosive climax of Indian cinema!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 17th, 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

True, untrue or overrated, you decide that when the supernatural thriller hits theatres this Friday. But the team of Naina and Naina herself seem super excited about the climax. “This isn't among one of those Bollywood climax which keeps dragging on and on. That's the reason you find me all jumpy about it” Urmila says with gusto.

The sequence in question is filmed in London and has been created and shot on a grand scale. The shot apparently has underground trains and petrol stations blowing up in central London involving scores of ambulances and fire brigades, police cars and hundreds of extras, army reserves and paramedics. With such a huge canvas, were there any mishaps during the shoot? we ask.

“None! Had it been back home, there would have been a hundred hassles before we could even commence shoot. But the units there are so systematic and meticulous. Their sense of organization and safety precautions stunned me. Bollywood has light years to go before we touch their standards of production discipline. Everything was spot on and we pulled it off real smooth!” the gorgeous actor comments. “Getting back to the shot, it's the finale where all the loose strings are plugged, all questions find answers. And the fear, fright and horror will have you biting your nails. The action, emotion, images and SFX all collide to make it a visual wonder! Mind boggling!” Naina exclaims.


* Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya
By IndiaFM News Bureau, April 17th, 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

In 1989 Salman Khan said Maine Pyaar Kiya
16 years down the line…
In 2005 he is saying Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya!

”David Dhawan” is back this summer with another laugh riot, something at which he excels. Under the banner of Shree Asthavinayak Cine Vision, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya is a Sohail Khan Production.


# Storyline

There's no doctor like Samir (Salman Khan) - he mends broken hearts but there is no remedy for the hearts he breaks. That's because this orthopedic doctor just can't resist woman. Neither can woman stay away from this charming Casanova.

But there's one exception - his work obsessed dutiful nurse Naina (Sushmita Sen).

She has no life except the doctor's clinic and she's always busy making sure that the doctor keeps his appointments with his many patients and his as many girlfriends.

To make sure none of his affairs become serious, Dr Samir has one instant cure. He tells all his besotted girlfriends that he is already married. Most of this swallow this bitter dose and leave him alone.

But there's one exception. His latest love Sonia (Katrina Kaif). She is beautiful, bright and very sensitive. Sameer is finally in love and tells her he wants to marry her. But she has one condition. She will marry her only after she has met his wife!

Now Samir is stuck. Because there is one problem - he has no wife!

To make his lie true, Samir has to tell one more lie. Then another. And yet another…

Helping Samir cover the truth with his lies the reluctant but loyal Naina. Helping Sonia discover the truth behind the lies is her besotted neighbor Pyaare (Sohail Khan).

Into this shindig drops Samir's mom who likes slapping before speaking and Samir's best friend Vicky (Arshad Warsi) and his fake patient Thapa (Rajpal Yadav) who have their own lies to protect.

That's Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya - Love, Lies and Laughs.


* Watch movie with your pet
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 17th 2005 - 1245 hrs IST

In a one-of-its-kind promotional activity for the English film Airbud, a special screening has been organized in Mumbai today. What's uniquely unique about this screening is the fact that you can watch the movie along with your pet. So for all the pet-owners this is an interesting opportunity to enjoy a film with your pet. And your pet will enjoy the screening equally as the film is about a golden retriever dog called Buddy who has the amazing ability to play basketball.

The film has done great business in the US and making its Indian release on May 20. The special screening will be held at the lawns of Taj Lands End in Bandra. And entry is free for all pet-owners with their pets.


* Mallika's Short Skirt
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 17th 2005 - 1045 hrs IST

Mallika Sherawat couldn't have picked a more appropriate stage debut. The actor will do a walk-on part in the Centenary show of Mahabanoo Mody Kotwal's Vagina Monologues, which will be staged at Prithvi Theatre, Mumbai, later this month.

Mallika's spokesperson has confirmed the news. According to Kotwal, Mallika is a thorough professional and took all the initiative to make this possible once she agreed to do the walk -on.

Mallika will perform the piece My Short Skirt, which, Kotwal says is very apt in today's times. The same piece was performed by Hollywood star Marisa Tomei in Mumbai at the International Women's Day Celebrations last year.

Besides Tomei, Jane Fonda and Eve Ensler, who performed in Mumbai, Mallika joins the ranks of the several stars - including Dame Judi Dench, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg and others who have done walk-on parts in Vagina Monologues worldwide.

News # 186

These News are from “www.indiafm.com”


* A film titled Gabbar Singh.com
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 16th 2005 - 1230 hrs IST

Remember Gabbar Singh? Well that's a stupid question to ask to any movie buff. Who will forget the immortal character from the all time hit Sholay? Now in the cyber age, we have a film titled Gabbar Singh.com. However we are not sure whether this film has anything to do with the legendary Bollywood villain.

The film touted as a black comedy is being produced under the banner of Tez Entertainments Ltd. that is a division of the corporate firm of Total Presentation Devices Ltd. headed by former volleyball champion Nandita Singha.


* Karisma Kapoor's marriage in trouble?
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 17th 2005 - 1045 hrs IST

Actress Karisma Kapoor's marriage to Delhi-based industrialist Sanjay Kapur is on the rocks, reports the leading daily Asian Age. The actress who had moved to Delhi after her marriage has been in Mumbai since she gave birth to her daughter at the Breach Candy Hospital in March.

Sources reveal that Karisma has no intentions of returning to Delhi as she has been very unhappy with Sanjay for the last six months and she doesn't want to be with him. A friend of the family claims that the couple has been surviving a tumultuous marriage for a while now.

Neither the family nor the actress wish to speak about this but an industry source reveals that this time Karisma has made up her mind and will not go back.


* Navjot Sidhu in a Hindi film?
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 16th 2005 - 1230 hrs IST

Former Indian cricketer turned commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu is reportedly making his foray into the world of Bollywood. Sidhu is reportedly signed to play the male lead in Rajesh Bhatt's film Tusi Great Ho Paaji. The film is a love story between a middle-aged Indian Sardar and a young British girl. This is the same role that was earlier supposed to be played by Mithun Chakraborthy.

Now with a real sardar in the cast the film may gain more credibility. We cannot assure the same on Sidhu's acting abilities though.


* Sonu composes for his new album!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 16th 2005 - 1100 hrs IST

After singing and trying his hand in acting Sonu is back with something new and different - music direction. Returning with a music album after almost four years, the singer has composed all the nine songs for his album titled 'Chanda Ka Doli'

The album has been produced by T-Series. On the album Sonu says, “Bhushan (Kumar, owner of T-Series) caught me programming something at my computer in my home studio last year. He liked the stuff so much that he suggested that it should be made the opening song of my new album. I ended up composing 12 songs and we chose 9 from them.”

The album is slated for a very stylised release on June 10.


* SRK in trouble again!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 16th 2005 - 1100 hrs IST

SRK's production house Red Chillies entertainment was issued a notice on Saturday, by the People in Defence of Animals or PIDA for abusing camels in his forthcoming film Paheli.

PIDA claims that observers in Rajasthan informed them that the camels used in the film for a race sequence were severely whipped and ill - treated.

This is the second time the production house has been accused of ill treating animals in films. Earlier there were reports of the tigers used during the shooting of Kaal being tortured.


* After tigers, is it camels now?
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 17th, 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

Tigers, Tara and Sherkhan created more noise than John, Vivek and Ajay put together. Kaal gave its producers a lot of heartburn ever since it went on floors. Some time back PIDA threatened to take them to court for violating Animal Welfare guidelines and now the Supreme Court has once again bought a stay order on the film on the charges of alleged mistreatment of tigers. While the case is still being tossed around, here's something amusing…

Shahrukh Khan's Paheli walks on the wild side too and its camels this time around. The film apparently has the longest camel race ever shot. When asked about his experience of the film, Shahrukh was heard saying, “Shooting for Paheli was great but I didn't have a very good time shooting with the camels. For all the compassion I have for animals, camels are by far the toughest creatures to shoot.” he quipped. “You ask them to turn, they won't. Because camels don't turn, they simply keep running. You instruct them to sit, they don't. Because camels don't sit, they keep standing & grazing all day long. You tell them something and they do the exact opposite!” he smiled.

Shahrukh, Kaal isn't far behind you, hope you treated the humped beauties with all the respect one can afford. And don't get too cheeky about the whole episode; PIDA officials have already issued notice against alleged mistreatment of the sultans of sand.

News # 187

These News are from “www.indiafm.com”


* “Where's the talent?” asks Karan Johar
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 20th, 2005 - 1130 hrs IST

We caught Karan Johar in an upbeat mood as we discuss his forthcoming glam-n-gylcerin offering, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna or KANK as he calls it fondly. “Well, we were to roll this June, because I intended to release it this year itself. But I don't see that happening. Now instead of June it will be September” Karan informs us.

So yet another sparkling starcast to boot, huh? “Shine, sparkle all of that are tags which the media attaches to my film. I personally work with people I am comfortable with” he tells us. “Coming to KANK, Dharma can't do without Shahrukh, so count him in. Besides him, Abhishek Bachchan, Preity Zinta and my favorite Rani Mukherjee are on too” he reveals. We were in conversation with the witty anchor about his obsession with certain block of actors. “Actually it is media that is obsessed about my choice” he quips. “I am free to work with any artist I fancy, right? The people that I work with are the best, so why would I want to look the other way. Besides, show me this abundant talent that people accuse me of ignoring!” Karan takes a dig at the paparazzi.

“Honestly, for the last 10 years, there have been 4 top actors and 3 top actresses at any given point of time. Bollywood has run dry of talent. And not just in the acting zone, I see a bankruptcy of talent in almost every sphere of film making in India. It's stressful but that's where we stand” he comments, arching his brow. “So it's always musical chairs with the actors. If Rani works with me this time around, Preity does the next film and 'X' OR 'Y' steps in the next time around. The Chopras and we are constantly trading, mixing-and-matching actors to put a film together. It now almost feels incestuous!” he chuckles.


* Meera gets a voice over!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 20th 2005 - 1130 hrs IST

Pakistani actress Meera who makes her Bollywood debut with Nazar has not given her 100% to the film…well don't jump to conclusions just yet. The story is that the actress has not used her voice in the film because of her nasal twang and a typical Pakistani Punjabi accent that wouldn't have suited the character she plays in the film, a modern pop singer.

Director Soni Razdan had to rope in dubbing artist Malvika Shivpuri. However, Malvika was instructed to imitate Meera's voice and blend it with the modernity of her character in the film because Bhatt's like that certain something about Meera's original voice.

The filmmakers are confident about Meera's performance and feel that even if her voice will not be heard her performance will speak for itself!


* Distributors take off 'Jo Bole...' from Punjab!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 20th 2005 - 1130 hrs IST

The distributors of Jo Bole So Nihaal have taken off the film from screens in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh in affect to the orders from SGPC president Jagir Kaur who demanded a ban on the film.

Cinemas across Punjab have received such instructions though its not clear whether the film be removed across the country. While changing of the title would not be possible now the filmmakers are open to other suggestion.

The film is under trouble due to a large section of community objected to the title of the film and a certain portions of the film. The SGPC chief say that the holy Sikh granth cannot be shown in any movie, thus raising issues that would make it impossible for anybody in Bollywood to make a film on the community henceforth.


* Naina actors go the Ash way!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 19th 2005 - 1400 hrs IST

This one's an eye opener, pun intended. Actors Anuj Sawhney and Shweta Konnur have pledged their eyes to the Eye Bank Association of India. “I am happy to be a part of the cause,” said the Nayee Padosan star. “The thought that someone is going to see the world through my eyes is a wonderful feeling,” adds newcomer Shweta Konnur.

While there are people who believe that it is a pure publicity stunt, E.P.Ruia of the EBAI believes that filmstars can be a powerful medium of creating awareness for cornea donations that is relatively low in India due to traditions and beliefs. Meanwhile this supernatural thriller starring Urmila Matondkar in the lead releases this Friday. Naina tells the story of a girl who regains her eyesight after losing it in an accident 20 years back. But Naina now begins to see visions of things and people that others can't! The film is touted to be a real scare fare with some mind numbing background score by Salim-Sulaiman.


* Malaika advises sister against marriage?
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 19th, 2005 - 1000 hrs IST

She loves the way marriage is treating her, doesn't she? “Absolutely, I think I am one lucky girl! I have very understanding in-laws” she admits without second thoughts. But from what has been gathered, the Khans are a conservative lot. So how did she 'fit in'? “Actually, I didn't have to fit-in per se. They are extremely accommodating people. They just accepted me the way I am, which is wonderful” she confesses.

“If I were to be reborn, I would ask for the same family and Arbaaz all over again. But I am not too sure whether God would be so gracious two times over” she says heaping compliments on the Khans. Then why does she want to keep sister from marriage? “Huh?” Word has it that she has advised Amrita to stay away from marriage. “Why would I ever say that when I personally have a great marriage?

All I told Ammu was that marriage is a responsibility. And it ties you down somewhere. Once you are married, your decisions affect a lot many people. You got to be careful. Not everybody is Arbaaz who'll let you do your own thing. So I asked her to take a long, hard look at marriage before she walks down the aisle. You don't want to regret later, do you?” the legged beauty explains.

News # 188

These News are from “www.indiafm.com”


* Priyanka's dream comes true!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 18th, 2005 - 1200 hrs IST

Some time back, when we visited Priyanka on the sets of Barsaat, fresh from the success of Aitraaz she looked calm and confident. We discussed about her role as the 'I get-what-I-want' Sonia that bought her compliments from both Bollywood and buffs. And asked her whether she related to Sonia at any level, “Not at all” came the reply. But people thought you fit the role like second skin! we told her. “I am flattered if they think so. But that would have to do less with me relating to the character. I understood Sonia, not necessarily empathized” she smiled.

As we sat talking about how she was the Gen-X heroine and her 'today' looks were getting her a lot of offers, she sat smiling through the conversation and suddenly broke in, “All this is great, but know which is the role I am dying to play?” Looking at our amused faces, she continued, “I want to do a Pakeezah! Yeah, that's been my dream for a long time now. I simply love the nostalgia the characters had”

^ Then and now...

We recently got in touch with the actor when we heard that JP Dutta has penciled her in to play Umrao Jaan! Yes, the sassy Priyanka will now play the role of the nautch girl that Rekha immortalized. And Priyanka seemed only too excited to talk about it. “It was my dream to play those beautiful characters and here I am playing the role of Umrao Jaan. How many times does an actor get to do the roles that they are pining for? And here I am just 2 years old in Bollywood doing films I want to!' she smiles.

“I feel so grateful to JP Dutta for having thought of me for the role. No doubt it's a huge challenge but more importantly I feel it weighing my shoulders, it's a responsibility” says tells us in all earnesty. So what is it about these roles that she digs them so completely? “Funny that you must ask me this, they had such grace, dignity and nostalgia to them. I love that. They are characters that stayed” she emphasizes

“The character lasted 2 decades! I am here doing a 1980 Umrao Jaan at the turn a millennium!” she points out. Any apprehensions on her part since she now needs to look and belong to that era? “Well, it's a challenge but I following JP Dutta's instinct. I am his vision” she smiles. And what about the comparisons between the diva and her? “I would give anything to prevent that but since that is not the case; I will try and do a decent job. Rekha was marvelous as the courtesan, hope I don't shame her!” she informs us.


* Vivek Oberoi caught in confession corner!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 20th, 2005 - 1350 hrs IST

# 'Subah ka bhoola agar sham ko laute toh use bhoola nahi kehte!'

This somewhat describes the star who has is prone to what is commonly known as the 'foot-in-the-mouth' disease. Vivek Oberoi has been media meat for some time now. He said more, did less and most of what he said or did was misconstrued. Flak, flops and media fingering did him in. We caught the 30 year old in a confession corner where the actor admits to his goofs and promises to mend his mistakes…

Lend an ear to his errings…

# On loosing out on HumTum
Yes, I agree that I was a complete fool on that one. And it hurt me both personally as well as professionally. Once I saw the film, I understood I had lost out on a good product. Kunal came to me with the film and I showed him the door.

But what hurt even worse was that I had upset a friend. Now when I look back I realize that Kunal was a dear friend and saying no to him wasn't the right thing to do. But the manner in which I turned him away is what pricks me even now. But he has been very generous with our friendship, not only did he let it go, we are still friends. I was wrong and I apologize for the same.

# Flop Ho Gaya Nah?

Yes, have to admit to this one, I didn't have a clue of what was going on. Kyun! Ho Gaya Na was more of a reunion of friends rather than coming together of two creative minds. There was no script, no idea in place; I just did it for a friend. It was an irresponsible move on my part and I regret it.

# On Salman Khan and press conferences
Here I would like to make it clear that I still very much stand by what I did. If it were to happen again, I would do the exact same thing. The person was bothering the girl I loved and I am not spineless to let her go through the mess. So I did what a well-meaning boyfriend would do, I took a stand and spoke out. But yes, the thing did get a bit out of hand and my life became bit of a circus with all the mud slinging and name calling.

Not that I fear or regret at what happened but it hurt a lot of my people. My intention hasn't changed one bit but my approach has. I have realized that it's best to let bygones be bygones. If and when I meet Salman, I'll be cordial to him.

# False Alarm: Rai-Oberoi wedding

I never said that we'll be marrying the next year. The interview was simply blown out of proportion. The person asked me about our wedding plans and all I said was that yes marriage would be a wonderful eventuality to our courtship. There was nothing more to it. More so since I am aware of how private a person Ash is, I wouldn't drag our personal life under the arclights. So, all that you heard or read was totally untrue and completely fabricated by the media person. Nothing from my end; let me assure you that.

# …Of bad people and bad influences!
Now that you have got me to own up to my faults, you must also know that you do certain things not because you are entirely convinced about it, but others are. Similar was the case with me where a lot of people told me ways of doing things. They decided what was good and bad for me. And that kind of messed up things for me. I was all of 27; young and inexperienced, people took good advantage of that. But while I say all of this, it is not out of regret, it is to start with a fresh slate. I have learnt and grown stronger!

News # 189

These News are from “www.teenstation.com”


* Aditya Bal to debut
By V.S.

Aditya Bal who is nephew to ace designer Rohit Bal is all set to make a debut with Rajesh Ram Singh’s romantic comedy, RANGEEN. The entire shooting is complete and the film also marks the debut of former Miss India Sayali Bhagat.


* Kareena, Malaika, Katrina says no to being a Pak item number!
By ANI

Mumbai, May.17 : Hotstepper Malaika Arora Khan may have set many a 'desi heart' aflutter with her sizzling performances in films like 'Dil Se', 'Kaante' and now 'Kaal', but Pakistani cine goers might never get a chance to watch the sexy siren on their big screen. Malaika has reportedly refused an offer made by Pakistani filmmaker Javed Raza to do an item number in his film, due to date hassles. She said that she would have loved to appear in the film, but she did not have the dates for the shoot. That's why the deal fell through. Incidentally, Raza had also approached model-turned-actress Katrina Kaif with the same offer, and she too, turned it down. As of now, only Kirron Kher and Divya Dutta have featured in Pakistani films. None of our popular actresses have made an attempt to act in films made by filmmakers from the neighbouring country. Director Javed Shaikh, who appears in Bollywood film 'Dus' reportedly offered Kareena Kapoor a role in his next film, but the actress declined the offer.


* Lolo's anti-social dislike of hubby Sunjay!
By ANI

Mumbai, May.17 : Karisma Kapoor much publicized marriage is in the news once again. According to the grapevine, the actress is in Mumbai with her mother, former actress Babita. It is said that Karisma does'nt like her husband's socializing. Sunjay Kapur is known to be a party animal. Though they have been family friends since childhood, it was only after their marriage that Karisma was exposed to Sunjay's lifestyle. Also ,Sunjay was rumoured to be absent during Karisma's recent delivery. However, according to a member of Sunjay's family, everything is well. Karisma, who is in Mumbai for the traditional 40 day period after the child is born, will return to Delhi soon.


* Prabhu Deva to direct Akshay
By V.S.

If sources have to be believed South choreographer-actor Prabhu Deva is all set to wield the megaphone and make a Hindi film. It will be produced by none other than Boney Kapoor and is likely to star Akshay Kumar in the lead. Watch this space!

News # 190

These News are from “www.teenstation.com”


* Sallu Bhai not sure of Boney Kapoor!
By ANI

Mumbai, May 17 : Salman Khan is caught in a 'chakravyuh', is what industry sources claim. Having bagged Nikhil Advani's next film produced by Boney Kapoor, he's in two minds whether he should go ahead with it. Khan does not want to hurt Shahrukh Khan by acting in Advani's film. The director had fallout with Shahrukh's good friend Karan Johar, following which he walked out of Dharma Productions and badmouthed Johar in public. Boney Kapoor said that these were baseless rumours. He clarified that they are working out the dates, and the film might go on floor some time in July. Salman Khan's business manager Vikas Kapoor said that Salman is doing the film and it's still in the scripting stage. Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta were approached by Advani for this Boney Kapoor film. Saif and Preity clarified they weren't a part of the project, but Salman had asked Advani to change the script since another film with a similar storyline was being made with another action hero. Kapoor then decided to remake 'Hum Paanch' and asked Advani to direct it. Anurag Kashyap is working on the script of this remake, and the rest of the cast being finalised.


* Amisha’s new crush???
By ANI

It seems that Amisha can’t stop raving about her latest co- star Sanjay Dutt. The duo were shooting for their new venture Tathasthu. One particular scene Amisha narrates is the one where she was supposed to get very aggressive and violent. She recalls, “I had to scratch my nails into his back. They must have hurt him but he didn’t even say anything about it. I think that it was commendable.”

When asked if she had a secret crush on Sanju, she exclaims, “No! I was not a big fan of Sanjay ever. I started liking him after Munnabhai. But after working with him for a film, I am speechless.” She admires Sanju because he never wants the limelight like many others. According to her, he is a very secure man. She continues, “I didn’t see him eating away other’s lines. During the shoot, he did his own thing and was also very supportive.” He is also supposed to be her best co- star till date. Looks like Sanju has got one fan added to the mass!


* 'Paheli' is a whim of mine, says Shah Rukh
By ANI

Everybody is waiting for SRK and Rani starrer Paheli now as first time SRK will be playing a ghost in it.

In an recent interview SRK said " 'Paheli' is based on Vijaydan Detha's story. I had seen Mani Kaul's 'Duvidha' and liked the thought behind it. It's a fantastic folk story of a woman who falls in love with a ghost. Just that one thought gripped me... 'kya hoga, kaise hoga. bhoot kaise pyar karega' (What will happen, how will it happen, how will a ghost love),"

"I really feel 'Paheli' is a whim of mine. I just wanted to produce something completely different. "The shooting of "Paheli" is over. "Insha-allah, we'll release the film by June." adds SRK.

Info # 97

These Info are from “www.santabanta.com”


* 'Naina' in the eye of storm!

The All India Opthalmological Society (AIOS) has demanded a ban on the screening of the film "Naina" that released Friday, alleging it would mislead people about eye donations.

In the film, actress Urmila Matondkar plays a 20-year-old blinded at the age of five following exposure of her eyes to a solar eclipse. Her eyesight is restored by a cornea transplant.

AIOS president and eye specialist Ajit Sinha said here Friday that blindness caused by exposure to solar eclipse is due to retinal damage and cannot be corrected by corneal grafting.

"What is shown in the film is not only medically incorrect but misleading. The screening of 'Naina' is bound to hit eye donation in India," Sinha told.

He also objected to the film showing Matondkar in the grips of the cornea donor's spirit.

"It's unbelievable how the film creates the myth of an evil-spirited cornea. It will only discourage eye donation as well as corneal transplant because Hindi films influence a large section of the people."

Sinha said AIOS had filed public interest litigations (PILs) in the Mumbai and Delhi high courts for a ban on "Naina".

According to the Eye Bank Association of India, which works to popularise eye donations, only 30,000 people donate eyes annually whereas there is a demand for 100,000 cornea transplants.

The association fears that the film may discourage people from making or accepting eye donations.


* Finally, Ash gets right clothes!

Aishwarya Rai is on the top of the world. And it isn't just because she's playing the meaty role of a battered wife in her new film "Provoked".

"My recent visit to Cannes has given me a new perspective on our cinema. We really must push the envelope to go global... And thank God, my clothes didn't offend the delicate sensibilities of the haute-couture brigade back home," she told on telephone from the sets of "Provoked" in London.

It isn't just her choice of clothes that has pleased her critics. Her selection of roles is also giving the 'competition' some seriously sleepless nights.

"Really?" Ash is disbelieving.

"So far, I've shot for 'Provoked' for just under a week. And it has been a truly revealing and gruelling experience. I've never played a real-life character before. And that too a battered Punjabi wife! Throughout the week Naveen Andrews (who plays the sadistic husband) and me shot those tough scenes of domestic violence.

"But we really didn't go into the black eyes etc. I don't think the impact of domestic violence depends on how much brutality you show on screen. Most scars that really hurt are those that no one can see..."

Ash trails off meditatively. And you wonder if the role of real-life battered wife Kiranjit Ahluwalia has triggered off some secret scars within her.

"Oh don't try to read meanings into my roles," she's back to being bouncy and happy. "I have to speak Punjabi and have I mastered it? Well, I think I've got the hang of it... One thing that I haven't done is change my appearance. I haven't gone into prosthetics or facial padding to look like the real character.

"A lot of people believe that an actor must look like the person she's enacting. But I think it's far more important to 'feel' like Kiranjit Ahluwalia than to look like her."

It's a hectic schedule for Ash, but fun. She has worked with Naveen Andrews before in Gurinder Chaddha's "Pride & Prejudice". And though Naveen beats the hell out of Ash on the screen, they're buddies off-camera.

"I love the atmosphere on Jag Mundhra's sets. Though there's so much violence to portray, the set is absolutely stress-free."

Later this week, Ash meets up with an important Indian director in London for what could possibly be the most important role of her career.

"Things are happening. And I'm so glad I'm part of the movement of Indian cinema towards the West."


* Abhishek visits Vaishno Devi!

Film star Abhishek Bachchan and his mother Jaya Bachchan Friday prayed at Jammu and Kashmir's famous Hindu shrine of Vaishno Devi.

The mother and son duo flew here in a special aircraft Friday noon on their way to the shrine located at a height of 5,000 feet above the sea level.

The Bachchans were accompanied by actress-turned-politician Jayaprada and Samajwadi Party General Secretary Amar Singh.

Jaya and her son did not respond to any of the reporter's queries at the Jammu airport.

They prayed at the shrine for about 15 minutes, reports reaching here said.

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan and his family are regular visitors to the shrine. The shrine attracts more than 5.5 million pilgrims every year.

Info # 98

These Info are from “www.santabanta.com”


* SRK falls in love with Ghost!

Much as Amol Palekar would like to hide it, the fact is his much talked-about "Paheli" is based on the same Rajasthani folk tale by Vijaydan Detha that avant-garde director Mani Kaul made as "Duvidha" in 1973.

And producer Shah Rukh Khan confirms this fact.

"Yes, 'Paheli' is based on Vijaydan Detha's story. I had seen Mani Kaul's 'Duvidha' and liked the thought behind it. It's a fantastic folk story of a woman who falls in love with a ghost. Just that one thought gripped me... 'kya hoga, kaise hoga. bhoot kaise pyar karega' (What will happen, how will it happen, how will a ghost love)," Shah Rukh told.

Incidentally, SRK had worked with Mani Kaul way back in 1991 at the inception of his career in a screen adaptation of Dostoevsky's "Idiot". "It was my first non-commercial film. 'Paheli' is done in a format and mood totally different from 'Duvidha'. Like Sanjay Bhansali, Amol Palekar is an innovative creator. He has brought a special sensibility to the whole endeavour."

"Paheli" has special appearances by Shah Rukh's most special friends. "My friends like Amitji, Juhi, Suniel Shetty have been too, too good to me. None of them has been given any role to talk of. But they did it just because I asked them to.

"I really feel 'Paheli' is a whim of mine. I just wanted to produce something completely different. And the fact that everyone I asked went along with my idea proves how much they love me."

He then adds, "I never ask for anything wrong. But still it was really big-hearted of Amitji to agree to do the cameo."

Shah Rukh himself makes guest appearances in two forthcoming films.

"Yes I've done cameos in two films, "Kuch Meetha Ho Jaaye" and "Silsilay". Both are directed by old journalist friends, Samar Khan and Khalid Mohamed. And I can never say no to friends."

The shooting of "Paheli" is over. "Insha-allah, we'll release the film by June. I start Karan Johar's directorial film next. This year I was planning to shoot three films. Karan's and Farah Khan's and of course this small-sweet film 'Paheli'. But in between Karan's dad died, Karan himself fell ill and his film got delayed. Now I don't think his film will get released this year."

He describes Farah's film as a "sweet, comic, dancing, singing, happy film called 'Happy New Year'. As for Karan's film, I haven't heard the story as yet. But Rani told me it's very nice. I've been urging him to make a different film. But he shouldn't listen to me.

"If any of my friends get an urge to do something different I'll produce the film. Insha-allah, if 'Paheli' does well, we'll be financially equipped to do a lot of different films. I'm trying to learn about film production from my own and other filmmakers' mistakes."

Shah Rukh has just launched a perfume dedicated to him. "It's called Tiger Eyes. I can understand people using my talent. But using its trappings to sell products... all I can say is I'm blessed".


* Meet the new Don, Shah Rukh

The hot, young filmmaker is all set to take on Amitabh Bachchan’s super cool ’70s classic, Don.

Here, Akhtar gives a sneak peek into what will eventually go into making the film.

1. SRK takes on Bachchan
Shah Rukh Khan will play the Don and Vijay. “He’s the absolutely correct age for the part, and he loved the movie. He’s extremely excited about playing Don. We’re both fans of the film, so it would be great fun to recreate the magic,” says Farhan.

2. Priyanka takes on Zeenat Aman
Priyanka Chopra will play Roma, the Don’s love interest. “She remembered the script by heart. The only thing she didn’t remember was her own character,” says Farhan.

3. Akshay to take on Pran?
Akhtar says that the rest of the cast is yet to be finalised, but a little birdie tells that Akshay Kumar has been approached to play Pran’s role. Now wouldn’t that be a bonus?

4. Amitabh will not do cameo
“It would be too gimmicky. Besides, Don isn’t an archival classic like Devdas. Don is familiar to today’s generation. I don’t want to aggravate the comparisons by getting Mr Bachchan into my remake of Don,” he asserts.

5. Don — the coolest Bachchan flick
Says Farhan, “It’s the one Amitabh Bachchan flick that has stayed with me since my childhood. I think of all the cool films he did in the 1970s, Don was the coolest.

I’d put Mr Bachchan’s character up there with Dostana in terms of his sharp-wit, wry dialogues and attitude. It’d be a re-interpretation of one of my favourite films.”

6. Exploring new genres
“Lakshya was tough. Don would be a good change. It’ll be an exploration of a completely new genre. It’ll take me into an escapist zone. I’m sure smugglers and gangsters exist but I don’t think such baddies exist beyond Don,” says Akhtar.

7. Is Don going to be like Bond?
Farhan’s Don will be gadget-friendly. Mobile phones will play a big part. Says Farhan, “Though I won’t overdo the gizmos, I want to stick to the ideas and characterisations rather than rely on gimmicks. We’ve to keep in mind the technological advancement since Don was released.”

8. The coolest film of our time
The makers of Don had to make many financial compromises. Today, the film may look very 1970s but I it was very cool for its times. “I’ll try to do something that’s equally cool for our times.

Unfortunately, when we think of action thrillers they take us to Mission Impossible and James Bond. I’m sure my Don would be influenced by those films and The Bourne Identity, because I love them too,” says Farhan.

9. Khai ke paan banaras wala….
It was one of the biggest USPs of the ’70s Don. “To recreate that would be impossible. That’s why I’ll make Shah Rukh Khan do Khai ke paan banaras wala.

It’s left too strong an impression on me to be tampered with. As a viewer, I’d feel cheated if I didn’t see Shah Rukh doing Khai ke…. The rest of the songs are being done by Shankar-Ehsan-Loy.”

10. Copying it right
Certain procedures have to be followed in getting the remaking rights. The producers had to put in a public notice in trade papers announcing their intentions to remake the film.

Says Farhan, “I know the late producer Nariman Irani’s wife Salma, so there was no question of making the film without her consent.”

11. Start to finish schedule
The film will be shot between February and June 2006.

12. The original weighs on Akhtar
“Comparisons are bound to happen. That won’t deter me from making Don the way I want to. I don’t want my Don to look foolish, as I feel more people will come to watch my remake just to compare it with the old one,” he says.

Interview # 43

This Interview is from “www.santabanta.com”


* Interview: Aishwarya Rai

“I've never said I'd never kiss: Aishwarya Rai”

Termed as the true face of Indian womanhood, Aishwarya Rai had the crowd at her feet when this delicate, feminine, ethereal and very, very Indian beauty made an appearance at the Cannes Film festival.

In a candid interview, Rai, one of India's prettiest international exports, spills the beans on getting Oprah Winfrey into a sari, and more. Excerpts:

Q: You made Oprah wear a sari on her talk show!
A: Yes, I was extremely happy to be on her show. I absolutely admire her. I never thought I'd actually be meeting her -- and that too, on her show! It's so strange. But prior to our meeting, during my visit to the US for the premiere of Bride & Prejudice, I had some afternoons off. And I watched Oprah. I thought how wonderful it would be to be on her show. And within a month, I was!

She put me in the Woman Of The World section. Her very efficient team did all the spadework within no time. The procedure was meticulous. On the evening of the Bride & Prejudice premiere, they did a quick interview. The next day, I rushed to Chicago to record with Oprah.

Q: And the sari?
A: I thought I'd wear one on the show, and packed two of them, in case Oprah wanted to wear one too. As luck would have it, my flight was delayed and I reached minutes before the show went on air! So I had no time to change, which is a pity. Americans love the garment but have no clue how it's tied.

Oprah is very respectful and appreciative of all cultures. She was very curious about the sari. And I helped her put it on, on air! She has sent me an autographed picture saying, 'Next time we change the blouse.' She was very sweet.

Q: Did she ask penetrating questions?
A: That's her. She's very direct. She asked me about skin-whitening products and the penchant for changing one's skin tone. I told her how everyone wants to experiment with skin colour, hair, everything. Being on a show like Oprah, representing your country, is a big responsibility. I answered for myself and not on behalf of the industry.

Even when I was asked by Oprah about Indian women in general, I was very careful because I live in a city. The core of India lives in less urban areas. There are so many different faces of Indian women. If we identify the Indian prototype as a woman with large black eyes, long black hair, and a graceful sari, then I don't fit!

During the Miss World pageant, there was an objection to my looks, saying that I didn't fit into the Indian prototypes. When I was joining movies, my light eyes and fair skin have been seen as impediments. For a long time, my looks were seen not suitable for Indian cinema.

Q: You've been accused of being coy on questions of sexual mores and even kissing....
A: Again, I'm very clear -- I speak for myself. I've never said I'd never kiss, or whatever on screen. I've always maintained I'd cross that bridge when I come to it. Again, I'm accused of playing it safe. The truth is, I don't know what tomorrow holds. So I can't make a close-ended principle about it.

When a song from one of my films, Kucch Na Kaho, was shown on Oprah, I realised everyone out there assumes a song is a substitute for a kiss in our films. That image of coyness about our movies exists long before me. I keep saying, on all my interviews abroad, that things are changing in our cinema, though very slowly.

Q: Are you heading out to Hollywood?
A: Every time I'm asked if I intend to go to Hollywood, I insist I'd do films there just as I've done two Tamil films and acted in Bengali. There is no dearth of tempting offers at home.

Q: What else is coming up these days?
A: Raj Kumar Santoshi's Saamna. Rajji and I wanted to work together from the time I entered films. The first script he narrated to me was finally made as Dil Hai Tumhara by Kundan Shah, with Preity Zinta. Then we continued discussing projects.

I loved Lajja, and would've loved to be in it, but there was a date issue. Finally, I just had to do Khakee! Rajji has so many ideas. We almost did a costume drama, Prithviraj Samyukta. We're now doing Saamna which is a very topical subject. It starts in the latter-half of the year. So Saamna or Dhoom 2 will be my next two releases. Dhoom 2, with Hrithik Roshan, starts in June.

Q: You attended the party for Time magazine's 100 most influential people in New York...
A: People are so busy playing up my so-called boring image. But yes, I did attend the Time party for achievers in New York. I flew down for four days, attended the event, and also did a photo-session for an American magazine before coming back home.

Q: So how was the Ash-Bash in New York?
A: Ash bash? Ash-bashing is what's going on constantly over here! Someone asked me why I'm politically correct, even when people hit out so openly at me. But the truth is, I've never been brought up to behave any other way. I can't say anything hurtful about anyone. I just don't believe in saying mean things. I won't feel good doing that. It's strange why being well-behaved is perceived as being too 'propah' and staid. This is the way I am.

I'm amazed how many people feel good hitting out at me. They're welcome to do it. Earlier, they had more leeway to deny their indiscretions in print. But now on television they look pretty ridiculous denying what they say.

Q: Director Andy Tennant claims that he had offered you the lead in Hitch.
A: Did he? He re-wrote the role. When I first heard the script, I too wanted it rewritten. But then things didn't work out. In fact, I'm making no effort to get work in Hollywood. No one seems to pay attention to this fact.

Q: What are your international projects?
A: I've just completed Paul Mayeda Berges' Mistress Of Spices. It's a very Indian film, a masala film with a difference. It's about the spices -- their scents and significances. It's being readied either for the Sundance or the Toronto film festival.

And now, there's the shooting of Jagmohan Mundhra's Provoked in a start-to-finish schedule in London. It's the true story of a Punjabi woman named Kiranjit Ahluwalia who left India to marry a London-based guy, only to be badly abused in the marriage. She finally ends up in prison for murdering her husband.

Q: These aren't routine roles.
A: But I have never pursued ordinary roles. From the start, I've searched for challenges as an actress. That remains unchanged.

News # 191

These News are from “www.bollywoodworld.com”


* Cannes deluged by Bollywood babes
By: Amit Roy
May 22, 2005

London: This year it has been raining heavily in Cannes – raining Bollywood babes, that is.

One afternoon, for example, hearing the sound of a Bengali-type dhol drumming of the kind we get at puja, I turned round to find a rickshaw on the Croisette with two Indian girls. I caught up with them later to find they were promoting some Indian film or the other and “Bollywood in general”.

Of course, the ultimate Bollywood babe was here in the shape of Mallika Sherawat, who slipped into something revealing for her press conference with the cast of The Myth, for which she has been picked to star opposite Jackie Chan.


Mallika Sherawat has been spilling over at Cannes this year
Actually, Cannes is decorated wall to wall with beautiful women but the ones who (in my opinion) look the most appealing are the ladies who dress elegantly. The other actress in The Myth, Kim Hee Seon, a Korean, looked utterly enchanting and exquisite.

To be sure, beauty is in the eye of the Cannes journalist but the new generation of Bollywood starlets, such as Mallika, have worked their bodies and their faces into more of a western format. Nothing wrong with that for the desi market.

Mallika spoke well, I thought, at her press conference, where she made it clear that Jackie Chan was jolly lucky to have her in the movie. “In Asia, from number one to 10, it’s Jackie Chan,” she quipped, patting him (metaphorically) on the head. “He deserves the best — I think he’s got the best.”

The American PR lady from the film could only admire the bold and the brassy from Bollywood. “Wow,” she said. “We like that — (it’s) the statement of the table.”

Tales of the Taj

Once again I might find myself in a minority of one, but I very much enjoyed Akbar Khan’s Taj Mahal. Probably, this is a movie which will do better with the masses rather than with scholars of Urdu or Mughal history — though Akbar claims his film is historically accurate.

I don’t know who Zulfikar Syed is but he turned in a brilliant performance as Prince Khurram (the young Shah Jehan). Some of the music was wonderful, too.

Manisha Koirala, who plays Jahanara, confirmed the high opinion I have had of her as an actress ever since I saw her in Bombay. I know the poor girl gets a lot of stick over her alleged drinking problems but there is something fine and quite lovely about her screen presence.

I saw the film in Palais D, which has a small screen. This is a big movie which would look magnificent on a giant screen. No doubt others will quibble but I loved the sound of Urdu mixed with so much Persian.

Whether, like Mughal-e-Azam, Akbar’s movie becomes a classic remains to be seen but I have resolved that when I return to London, I will reread my Mughal history.

Cannes out takes

SRICHAND HINDUJA, though nearly 70, is an incredibly fast walker. He also cuts a dash, driving an open topped sports car and getting on to his yacht, Param Jamuna II, usually with three mobile phones (apparently his way of saving money). He has come with a number of scripts and wants to make his own movie.

ASHOK AMRITRAJ is the Indian in Hollywood who used his hired yacht, the Moon Maiden, to host nightly parties where he revealed he still wants to make an American movie, in which “an Indian girl falls in love with an American man”.

SUBHASH GHAI feels he has broken new ground by cutting the length of the Hindi version of Kisna by half and coming up with an English language film, renamed Beyond Love, for a global market. This may or may not work but the man gets full marks for trying.

SHARMILA TAGORE spoke with characteristic eloquence when attending the screening of Pather Panchali to mark the 50th anniversary of its release. I know it is fashionable among the bitter and twisted of Bollywood to knock Satyajit Ray but we won’t see his like again.

BHUVAN LAL, the Indian journalist cum lots else, gets my award for the man of the match. Bhuvan somehow brazens his way into the most restricted of parties.

Sometimes, he is accompanied by an Indian woman (perhaps a Deepa in real life), dressed to the nines, whom he introduces to burly security men as “Aishwarya – she’s a star.”

Invariably, Bhuvan and his friends are let through. I owe him several drinks. His view is: “Cannes is the best film festival in the world. And in India we cannot make good films.”

My own view is that the rising power in world cinema is China.

FARRUKH DHONDY, who has cornered the market in writing scripts, has done a very good job with Red Mercury, a fast moving thriller set in London and produced by London-based Inspired Movies.

We learn in the film that one of the three young Muslim men, who threaten to blow up London with a dirty bomb, learnt his physics at King’s College, Cambridge.

The fellow could easily have gone to another college — Pembroke, for example. Farrukh is not amused. “You are mad if you think I would have him go to my old college,” he rages.

SANCHAYITA SHARMA, a young Assamese film director who left her native Guwahati to settle in London four years ago, has brought a 27 minute feature, The Passage, which examines the effect of terrorism on ordinary people in Assam. She has sunk her entire saving of £50,000 into the venture. You don’t have to be mad to make films but it helps. “Films are my passion,” she says.

That is probably what unites most of the people who have come to Cannes this year from over 90 countries.

And that is what we need in Goa.

amitr@mid-day.com


* The Indian Beauty vs the Indian Sex Symbol at Cannes
21st May 2005 10.44 IST
By ApunKaChoice Bureau

The ongoing Cannes Film Festival is seeing a stark contrast of the Indian cinema this time.

While on one hand there is the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai who represents the true face of Indian womanhood - delicate, feminine, beautiful, ethereal, on the other hand there is Mallika Sherawat who with her brassy upfront image, recently likened herself to Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly and Madonna all in one sentence.

Ash undoubtedly did the whole of India proud when she declared the Cannes Film Festival open. The face of Indian cinema is the face of Indian grace and dignity -- Hema Malini , Rekha , Sridevi , Madhuri Dixit , Ash. These are the dream girls of Hindi cinema representing Indian grace and beauty personified.

But if eulogizing herself wasn’t enough, Mallika addressed a press conference for promoting her forthcoming film (the Jackie Chan starrer) ‘The Myth’ in an attire that not only showed more and covered little but looked like a revved-up advertisement for a silicone implant (have another look at the picture).

And many of her Bollywood colleagues are appalled at her body-display. Says one: "What was the need for her to wear, or not wear, clothes that left nothing, and everything, to the imagination? The hot-bod image may have men panting for her back home. But over there in Cannes Mallika represented India and Indian cinema. The foreigners are hardly going to be bowled over by a woman's sharp cleavage content. You need much more substance to grab attention at a jamboree like Cannes."

But Mallika has said at Cannes that she represents Jackie Chan's ‘The Myth’ and not Indian cinema at Cannes. She has also sent back her reactions to Cannes in a letter where she expresses her delight at being able to explore "unexplored anthropological territory".

Her powers of expressions in the English language seem to have improved dramatically. But her image as the consummate Indian actress seems to have gone for a toss in Cannes.

There's little to endear Mallika abroad to those who are curious about Indian cinema. Mallika represents the pseudo-cosmopolitan face of Bollywood. Her appeal is restricted to pre-pubescent students and single men who consider cinema a source of vicarious pleasure.

So cover up babe, before its too late.

News # 192

These News are from “www.bollywoodworld.com”


* Lollywood's Meera seals Bollywood debut with a kiss
Friday May 20, 2005 (0257 PST)

MUMBAI, May 20(Online): Popular Lollywood actress Meera expects a strong Bollywood debut this weekend in the suspense film, Nazar (Sight), and she is hopeful her fans back home will welcome the movie too.

"I pray that things go smooth as everything is now calm back home," Meera, who uses only one name, told AFP in an interview. Meera has reason to worry. She faced death threats back in Pakistan over rumours last month that she had a passionate kiss in the movie with Indian co-star Ashmit Patel.

But Meera denies the reports. "There is no smooching. I have only given a romantic shot and the closest I have come to kissing is to give a peck to my co-star Ashmit. Such shots are permissible also in Pakistan."

But she's not taking any chances. "I am very afraid," she said. "Now I take protection whenever I am in Pakistan. I have kept two personal body guards in Pakistan who guard me round the clock."

Meera is the first Pakistani actress in a decade to star in a Bollywood film after Zeba Bakhtyar starred in Heena, a production of Raj Kapoor films in the early 1990s. Nazar is also the first joint production of Bollywood and Lollywood, the Pakistani film industry based in Lahore, and comes at a time of warming relations between nuclear rivals India and Pakistan.

The two countries began a peace process 15 months ago that has led to a ceasefire along the Line-of-Control that divides Kashmir between them. In April, the leadership of both countries termed the peace process "irreversible."

But Meera said the thaw in relations has not extended to showing Bollywood films in Pakistan, even though pirated copies of most Indian movies and songs are easily available in video stores. Meera plans to go straight to the top to change the situation.

"I am going to talk to President General Pervez Musharraf and request him to allow my film to be released in Pakistan," Meera said. "I have a huge fan following in Pakistan and my fans are eagerly waiting me to see on big screen. I hope he agrees to my request."

Meera also hopes her Bollywood debut will open the doors to actors from across the border for working together in future.

"Let us forget the past and talk of a better future. I came here as an ambassador of peace and I got so much love in this country," she said.

Meanwhile, the horror of the "Malta Boat Tragedy" in which nearly 300 South Asian illegal immigrants drowned on Christmas Day 1996 will soon be turned into a movie starring two big-name Indian and Pakistani actors.

The Rs200 million ($4.5 million) film, Kaafila (Caravan), about one of the worst disasters on the high seas will feature muscled Bollywood superstar Sunny Deol and popular Pakistani actress Sana Nawaz.

On December 25, 1996, hundreds of illegal immigrants from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh boarded the "Yiohan" in Malta to travel to Sicily from where they hoped to fan out across western Europe. But the ship sank in stormy waters, killing 289 of the around 450 people aboard.

The film, expected to hit screens at the end of the year, will mark Sana's Bollywood debut. She is the second actress from Pakistan to work in Indian cinema in the past six months after Meera.

"Illegal migration to Western countries is a serious problem. Many of my countrymen go abroad illegally in search of a better life but get nothing in return," Sana said. Sana plays an Afghan girl who helps the illegal immigrants in their journey to western Europe.

End.


* Actress Meera hopes for a strong Bollywood debut
Published: Saturday, 21 May, 2005, 12:13 PM Doha Time

MUMBAI: Popular Pakistani actress Meera expects a strong Bollywood debut this weekend in the suspense film, Nazar (Sight), and she is hopeful her fans back home will welcome the movie too.

“I pray that things go smooth as everything is now calm back home,” Meera, who uses only one name, said in an interview.

Meera has reason to worry. She faced death threats back in Pakistan over rumours last month that she had a passionate kiss in the movie with Indian co-star Ashmit Patel.

But Meera said the reports were wrong.

“There is no smooching. I have only given a romantic shot and the closest I have come to kissing is give a peck to my co-star Ashmit. Such shots are permissible also in Pakistan.”

But she’s not taking any chances.

“I am very afraid,” she said. “Now I take protection whenever I am in Pakistan. I have kept two personal body guards in Pakistan who guard me around the clock.”

Meera is the first Pakistani actress in a decade to star in a Bollywood film after Zeba Bakhtiyar starred in Heena, a production of Raj Kapoor films in the early 1990s.

Nazar is also the first joint production of Bollywood and Lollywood, the Pakistani film industry based in Lahore, and comes at a time of warming relations between nuclear rivals India and Pakistan.

The two countries began a peace process 15 months ago that has lead to a ceasefire along the Line-of-Control that divides Kashmir between them.

In April, the leadership of both countries termed the peace process “irreversible.”

But Meera said the thaw in relations has not extended to showing Bollywood films in Pakistan, even though pirated copies of most Indian movies and songs are easily available in video stores.

Meera plans to go straight to the top to change the situation.

“I am going to talk to President General Pervez Musharraf and request him to allow my film be released in Pakistan,” Meera said.

“I have a huge fan following in Pakistan and my fans are eagerly waiting me to see on big screen. I hope he agrees to my request.”

Meera also hopes her Bollywood debut will open the doors to actors from across the borders for working together in future.

“Let us forget the past and talk of a better future. I came here as an ambassador of peace and I got so much love in this country,” she said. – AFP

Info # 99

This info is from “www.bollyvista.com”


* Where's the hype yaar?
By Joginder Tuteja ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Where's the hype yaar? This is the thought that comes to mind when one realizes that the release of 'Bunty Aur Babli' is just a week away. Coming from the house of Yash Raj Films, it's a surprise when one still gets queries on the exact date of movie's release.

'Dhoom', 'Hum Tum' and 'Veer Zaara' - all the three successful films in 2004 had been able to build up a substantial hype at least a couple of weeks before their release. The promos were all over the place and no stone was left unturned. Promotional numbers for both 'Dhoom' (the version by Tata Young) and 'Hum Tum' ('Mere Dil Vich Hai Hum Tum' by Rishi Rich) were unleashed just around the release that created a sensation all around. But in the case of B&B, the title track (the rap version) picturised on Big B has surprisingly not created the same level of impact as one would have initially had expected after hearing the rip-roaring number.

First, the promotion of the number has been patchy with not much television coverage. Second, the picturization itself is no great shake despite an innovative getup and dance steps for Bachchan Sr. Third, there is absolutely no buzz/word of mouth happening around the track despite the fact that it's been on air for about a week now.

To add insult to injury, the most recent of the other three songs released - 'Nach Baliye' - has been hardly exciting. Quite sad, as these days both Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee have been riding high. Not many have taken a liking to the song that has both Chota B and Rani appearing to be Hrithik Roshan and Karishma Kapoor clones. Give us the wonderfully composed and picturised 'Dhadak Dhadak' any time! This is where both of them seem to be in their right elements.

Nevertheless, something needs to be done very (very) quickly to build up a craze around B&B, which has immense potential to be an engaging fun 'n' frolic ride. The word of mouth needs to be positive in order to bring in the crowds. But for an all-important initial, there are still seven more days to go for an all out publicity assault!!

Talking about publicity, one film that has gained a lot in just under three weeks is the Urmila starrer 'Naina'. No one may know who the director is (Shripal Morakhia) or the producer (iDream Production) or the lead actor (Anuj Sawhney). But by now, everyone knows that what 'Naina' is all about, its genre, who has given the background music (Salim-Suleiman), the look of the film and what to expect!

Last but not least, they know when it's releasing! The producers have gone all out to have the promos bombarding the screens, special daily slots on portals, newspapers and FM. And then there are interviews galore. No doubt the curiosity to watch 'Naina' this weekend has built up immensely. The slick look of the film promises a lot and this seems to be another addition to the small movies (after Page 3 and Zeher) that may reap dividends.

Another small movie that seems quite promising is Arshad Warsi starrer 'Sehar' (Morning). It's only been a couple of days since the promo came out and the movie is already being noticed for its hard-hitting appeal. A movie that marks a tangential shift for Arshad Warsi's image, it is designed as a hard hitting drama about a young SSP in the state of UP, who brings together a group of like-minded cops to challenge the nexus between politicians, mafia, police and builder. At the very root level, it sounds like just another cop movie but one is bowled over after looking at the intense promo that showcases the characters of brilliant actors like Pankaj Kapoor, Sushant Singh and other talented artistes like Suhasini Mulay, Pratima Kazmi and others. Direction by debutante Kabeer Kaushik appears to have a stark and rustic look and gives glimpses of a crossover between 'Satya' and 'Haasil'. This one should be on a 'watch out' list!

Will small turn out to be BIG again after the avalanche of biggies dominating the months of April and May (Lucky, Waqt, Kaal, KKHH, MAHH, JBSN)? This Friday should be able to answer the question with the release of 'Naina', 'Nazar' and 'Shabnam Mousi', all of which are low to medium budget flicks. While 'Naina' is all over the town, 'Nazar' too is not too far behind with the Indo-Pak angle, the smooch controversy and statements by Mahesh Bhatt and Meera making the rounds. Forget the title similarities and enjoy the flicks. May the best 'eye' win!

About the author: An IT guy by profession, 1977 born Joginder Tuteja loves to hear, see and write about Bollywood. Having watched more than 2000 movies in his short life span so far, he charms himself in hearing every music album and watching every movie that releases in Bollywood. He believes that there is no entertainment industry that can beat the Hindi movie industry. Completely fascinated by the moving images on the silver screen, he dabbles in writing and loves doing previews, reviews and features that appear on numerous websites and newspapers. Have a thought to share? You can contact him by clicking Here.

Info # 100

This Info is from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* 'NAZAR' PROVES RAZDAN'S METTLE
By P. K. Chakravorty
Critic's I-view

Much awaited 'Nazar' produced by Mukesh Bhatt has been simultaneously premiered in India and Pakistan. It is also likely to be the first Indian movie to be telecast on Pakistan TV. The Hindi movie is about a successful dancer played by Pakistani actress Meera. She has made her debut in the Bollywood film. In her first assignment as director, Soni Razdan has proved that she will be a filmmaker to be reckoned with in the Hindi filmdom.

It will not be wrong on the part of the moviegoers to come to the conclusion after viewing 'Nazar' that she has done an excellent movie with almost unknown actors. The storyline, music and cinematography all are good. Plus doing the entire shooting has been done in the country.

Divya Varman (Meera) a successful singer and dancer is haunted by memories of the tragic car accident that left her orphaned in her childhood. It has left a deep scar in her psyche. Her life undergoes a dramatic change on a night when she is driving back home after a performance. She finds the body of a murdered woman lying on the roadside. Divya stops her car and comes near the body. To her utter surprise, the body pleads with her for help.

She is at a loss and does not know what to do. She faints. Policemen come. They take up the body for postmortem. They also help Divya regain consciousness. She comes back home. She sees young women being murdered with a scalpel. Nobody takes her seriously when she narrates. Her doctor who is in love with her says he has become a mental patient. The police do not trust the story narrated by her saying that she is not mentally balanced.

Rohan, a young police officer, takes her seriously and starts investigation despite protest by his colleague Sujata. He is a brunt out cop played by Ashmit Patel. He has almost become inactive after a serial killer killed his pregnant girl friend before he is nabbed by him. The story ends after the real killers are found.

Sujata played by Koel Purie has done a splendid job. She loves Rohan. But he is not interested in her. Performance of Koel Purie as a police officer and jilted lover is worth mentioning. And Meera? She is destined to have a place in Bollywood because of her shapely body and talents. About her much- hyped semi-nude body and kisses in 'Nazar' she says, " I am prepared to go to any length for a good movie. But there will a Lakshman Rekha (limit)."

One is convinced about her intention after sitting through the movie. Up and coming Ashmit Patel has got a new look in the movie. He has acted well and is assured of a place among the youngsters struggling for a foothold in the competitive Bollywood.

Anu Malik is the music director. His background music and item songs deserve to be mentioned. Perhaps after many years, it is a Hindi movie, which has been shot entirely without any foreign locations. Cinematographer Ansuman Mahally has demonstrated what can be achieved with his camera for the viewers.

Info # 101

This Info is from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* URMILA KE NAINA KAREN KAMAAL
By Pankaj Shukla - Eye TV India Bureau
Critic's I-view

Everyone wonders why filmmakers like Ram Gopal Verma and Mahesh Bhatt have opened factories of filmmaking and have been churning out film after film without even bothering to check the likes and the dislikes of the audiences. These filmmakers also agree that they do not bother for unique and original stories and borrow from films that are being made abroad. No one has ever questioned this trend of recycling the films in India. The question, however, remains why to increase the quantity, if there is the quality. The answer lies in 'Naina', which has Urmila Matondkar working out of the Ram Gopal Verma camp and giving a superb performance in a film that is made by a new director.

Film factories are losing because their heads are not listening to the people. This one-way communication mars the spirit of creativity, and also kills the soul that is the basic necessity of any art. 'Naina' says a lot just by its making. It has a heroine who is always ready to take on challenges. But her mentor thinks otherwise. 'Naina' is one step forward for Urmila Matondkar after 'Pinjar' and 'Bhoot'. Now, she can move in any direction without the help of her mentor. She has a position that can command the roles of her choice. We have had many technically brilliant films but without a good story. 'Naina' has both.

'Naina' is the story of a woman who loses her eyesight in an accident. She is helpless to do any thing on her own. She has the energy, but not the channel to make it beneficial. After several years, one day it is decided that she will get the light for her eyes courtesy an eye donor. She gets the cornea transplant done, but alas, her life turns worse. The problem arises when with the sight of the donor also come all those visuals that have been witnessed by the donor of the eyes.

The donor Khemi (Shweta Konnur) was a girl who had some supernatural powers and could see dead men walking all around her. At the very first, 'Naina' is not able to understand as to what is happening because she cannot distinguish between the normal and the abnormal. But once she comes to know the fact, she wants to explore the reasons behind all this. Her doctor (Anuj Sahney) also fails to understand the real problem.

Did any one say, love is blind? The story progresses as a horror film and eventually culminates in a psycho thriller, a kind of narration not witnessed often in Hindi cinema. Urmila Matondkar as 'Naina' also travels with her newly found 'power' to unknown places to find out the truth. Eventually, she comes across many revelations that are shocking as well as horrifying. Her travel includes dark bylanes of London to eerie daylights of Gujarat. 'Naina' tries to cross over in terms of audience too, and tries it best to relate with masses as well classes.

As a product, 'Naina' belongs to its director Shripal Morakhia. In Shripal, Bollywood gets a new director who is not only brilliant in technique but also sensitive enough to catch the emotions in a horror story. He is a perfect blend of modernity and traditions. Shripal also showcases a truly new horizon to Indian filmmaking that started with Ram Gopal Verma's films, but got lost somewhere in the middle.

Shripal also wins the race at the box office despite the heavy competition from veterans like the Bhatt camp's 'Nazar' and 'Star Wars'. His team is perfect for the job and does full justice to a tight screenplay by Sagar Padnya and Shripal Morakhia . The story cannot be cent percent original because it draws inspiration from western classics --- 'The Eye' and 'Sixth Sense'.

Still 'Naina' is a true horror film. Attempting a totally archetype film in debut making is not an easy task, but Shripal has proved it that he dares to be different for the best. 'Naina' also boasts of some scenes with very good visual effects that look real in the final effect. The credit for goes to the good work done by Parikshit Lalwani in sound department, C.K. Muralidharan and Jonathan Bloom's camera and once again a perfect blend of background music by Salim Sulaiman.

If Urmila gets a handful of awards for her performance in this film, it will not be a surprise for those who have watched this film. She has been growing as an actress for the last few years, especially post-'Pinjar'. She proves that there was something in her that made films like 'Rangeela' work.

She also proves that when it comes to portraying a character that is well drafted, she can give her best in each role of this type. 'Naina' belongs to Urmila, and Urmila now to 'Naina'. There are not many known names in this film except her's. But the film gets good help from likes of Shweta, Amardeep and Sulbha Arya. The film is a sure hit among fans of horror films. This will be liked by those who always look for something new.

Info # 102

These Info are from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* BOLLYWOOD BANTER
By Eye TV India Bureau

“Kareena wants to act with Abhishek”

Kareena Kapoor, daughter of yesteryears' glamour girl Babita, began her career with JP Dutta's 'Refugee'. Though 'Refugee' fell flat at the box office, yet the audience profusely appreciated Kareena's role. Incidentally, Kareena had accepted 'Refugee' after declining Rakesh Roshan's 'Kaho Na Pyaar Hai' that proved a hit. So, Kareena missed a hit movie for a flop. But her acting, especially with Abhishek Bachchan in 'Refugee', went very well with the moviegoers. However, the break up of the betrothal of her elder sister Karisma with Abhishek Bachchan did sour their filmi ties for quite some time. Kareena did act in several movies like 'Aitbaar' and 'Hulchul' that shot her to fame. Meanwhile, Abhishek Bachchan's career has been pacing towards stardom after his 'Dhoom' turning a hit. This seems to have convinced Kareena to act with Abhishek to better her career prospects.


“ Payal justifies bold acts in 'Chetna' ”

Film director B.R. Ishara had made a movie titled 'Chetna' in seventies. Being a bold movie during those days, it fared very well at the box office. Inspired by the seventies' movie, today's director Partho Ghosh has made another movie with the same title. The heroine in Partho's movie is none other than the sexiest Bollywood girl Payal Rohatgi, known for her skin exposure. Payal calls Partho's movie a bold one. She is said to gone extreme in exposing herself in this movie. However, she adds that this movie is not only sexy but much more than that. After all, she has done all these sexy scenes to win a person as any Indian woman does to attract her boyfriend. So, the movie has taken care of Indian sentiments too. Incidentally, Payal plays a woman loving a married person, and being ready to do anything to get her love.


“Meera Nair to sign Shabana, Nandita”

Meera Nair wants to make a film with her favorite actresses, Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das, on a woman-centric theme. The movie's story will be written by Soni Tarpurwala. Shabana has agreed to take the responsibility of its dialogues too. How can Zaved Akhtar remain behind? He will play the role of an advisor.


“Akshaye Khanna enhances fee”

Akshaye Khanna is following in the footsteps of some of his colleagues who lose no time in enhancing their fee with their demand growing fast. Khanna has declined even his favorite director Priyadarshan's offer because of the latter's inability to pay his increased remuneration. Besides, Khanna has also said no to Abbas Mastan. This shows that Akshaye Khanna's mind is moving faster than usual.


“Aish has turned wiser”

Aishwarya Rai has become wiser. She hasn't reacted to Vivek Oberoi's statement that he would marry with Aish. She has neither said yes nor has she denied it. She seems to be busy in trying to improve her prospects in Hollywood. Besides, she is trying to maintain her global image. She has turned herself into a brand. And everyone needs this brand.


“Tulip Joshi in wilderness”

The heroine of 'Matribhumi' Tulip Joshi is not in the news these days. She has no film offer at present. Why has she gone into wilderness? Nobody can answer it better than she. But the fact remains that no hero or a filmmaker is looking for her these days.

Info # 103

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


* Ash sitting pretty in London
- ians

Aishwarya Rai is on the top of the world. And it isn't just because she's playing the meaty role of a battered wife in her new film "Provoked".

"My recent visit to Cannes has given me a new perspective on our cinema. We really must push the envelope to go global... And thank God, my clothes didn't offend the delicate sensibilities of the haute-couture brigade back home," she told IANS on telephone from the sets of "Provoked" in London.

It isn't just her choice of clothes that has pleased her critics. Her selection of roles is also giving the 'competition' some seriously sleepless nights.

"Really?" Ash is disbelieving.

"So far, I've shot for `Provoked' for just under a week. And it has been a truly revealing and gruelling experience. I've never played a real-life character before. And that too a battered Punjabi wife! Throughout the week Naveen Andrews (who plays the sadistic husband) and me shot those tough scenes of domestic violence."

"But we really didn't go into the black eyes etc. I don't think the impact of domestic violence depends on how much brutality you show on screen. Most scars that really hurt are those that no one can see..."

Ash trails off meditatively. And you wonder if the role of real-life battered wife Kiranjit Ahluwalia has triggered off some secret scars within her.

"Oh don't try to read meanings into my roles," she's back to being bouncy and happy. "I have to speak Punjabi and have I mastered it? Well, I think I've got the hang of it... One thing that I haven't done is change my appearance. I haven't gone into prosthetics or facial padding to look like the real character."

"A lot of people believe that an actor must look like the person she's enacting. But I think it's far more important to `feel' like Kiranjit Ahluwalia than to look like her."

It's a hectic schedule for Ash, but fun. She has worked with Naveen Andrews before in Gurinder Chaddha's "Pride & Prejudice". And though Naveen beats the hell out of Ash on the screen, they're buddies off-camera.

"I love the atmosphere on Jag Mundhra's sets. Though there's so much violence to portray, the set is absolutely stress-free."

Later this week, Ash meets up with an important Indian director in London for what could possibly be the most important role of her career.

"Things are happening. And I'm so glad I'm part of the movement of Indian cinema towards the West."


* Gurinder at a new bend
by: Saibal Chatterjee
- hindustantimes.com

Bride and Prejudice is still doing the rounds of film festivals and movie theatres the world over and writer-director Gurinder Chadha has reason to be proud of the way the song and dance-laced love story has travelled across geographical and cultural borders.

"The manner in which it was received in the US was really amazing considering that Bride and Prejudice is really a Bollywood-style film," she says, raising here voice above the din of a crowded party on Cannes' Carlton Hotel beach.

But is she happy with the way Bride and Prejudice was received in India? "Oh yes, absolutely" she says. "It made more money at the box in India than the globally successful Bend it Like Beckham had done."

Talks are also on with a London-based company, HKC Entertainment, for the release of Bride and Prejudice in Pakistan. Says HKC's marketing director, Hammad Chaudhry: "Gurinder Chadha's film will hopefully beat Mughal-e-Azam to movie screens in Pakistan."

The colourised version of the K Asif-directed classic, scheduled for release in Pakistan in August, is expected to be the first Indian film in five decades to receive official distribution in Pakistan. "If all goes well, Bride and Prejudice might hit the screens before August," says Chaudhry.

But the Aishwarya Rai-Martin Henderson starrer is now behind Gurinder Chadha and she is looking ahead to The Mistress of Spices, written by her and directed by husband and scriptwriting partner Paul Mayeda Berges. "The film has shaped up wonderfully well," Says Chadha. "Mistress of Spices is sexy, sensual film."

Starring Aishwarya, American actor Dylan McDermott, Anupam Kher and model-turned-actress Padma Lakshmi, among others, The Mistress of Spices is a screen adaptation of Chitra Banerjee-Divakaruni's critically acclaimed novel of the same name. "It is now in post-production and should be ready for worldwide distribution by September," Chadha reveals.

She is currently gearing up to move to another level with her own next directorial project - her first big-budget studio film, Dreams of Jeannie. "I am now in the process of casting for the film. The shoot will begin any day now," she announces.

Dreams of Jeannie, a reworking of a television series, has the backing of Sony Pictures. "It's a studio production. So it could get underway in just two days or it could take all of two months," Chadha adds.

So, will she be relocating to Los Angeles to pursue a full-fledged Hollywood career? "No," asserts the peripatetic Chadha. "I will travel back and forth. London is home and will always be home."

Info # 104

These Info are from “www.filmfare.com”


* The men in Rani's life!

She's undoubtedly the reigning Queen of tinselville, and this year she has only big releases with the biggest of stars, starting with the Big B and ending with the Small B, with other biggies like the Khans in between. What more could one ask for? But Rani Mukherjee chooses to be her modest best while perched on the highest peak of her career. Quiz her on the line-up of Bollywood badshaahs she's working with and she pulls out a compliment from her bountiful basket for each one of them. Having grown up on Amitabh Bachchan's films, she considers him 'God', and says that she's 'too miniscule to comment on him'. About 'God's' son, she says, "Abhishek and I have great screen chemistry, and our off-screen camaraderie translates on-screen, too." As for the Khans - she's almost in a fix, not knowing how best to explain herself. She says, "In a weird sense I would call Aamir my 'guru'. I do idolise the way he is. I've learned a lot from him, personally and professionally. It's so relaxing and comfortable with him on the sets. We're more than co-stars; we're like friends." And last but not the wee bit least, Rani doesn't stop a moment to speak on her fave Khan man: "It's always a delight working with Shah Rukh. I started my career with him and, from then till today, there's been no change in him. I absolutely love him and have great respect for him, as a person and as an actor. He guides me, even scolds me at times, when I have to get the shot right. Above all, he inspires me to give my best." Now if the Mukherjee gal runs out of compliments, we can't blame her. With such a line-up of men, most actresses would be speechless!


* Zayed's dream date!

Our dashing young Khan, Zayed, has fine taste in women. For starters, he's quite an admirer of the lovely lady, Aishwarya Rai. He has even said, "I'm not too gentlemanly with most of my other female co-stars, as they're more like my buddies. With Ash, I have no other way but to be a thorough gentleman." Having heard that, we asked him which was the one lady he would like to go on a date with, and where to. Good humouredly he replied, "I have been an ardent admirer of Angelina Jolie. I think she is very sensuous, attractive and mysterious. I would love to go bungee jumping with her in New Zealand. The adventure will add to the thrill of meeting her. But, hey, she ranks only second to my fiancée!" Well, ZK's ladylove must be flattered hearing this. And we think the lad better get set, for someone's gonna ask him out on a date after reading this!


* Dream girl - Preity Zinta!

The gorgeous Hema Malini will always be the original Dream Girl of tinselville. And nobody has taken her place, not yet, not even Preity Zinta. But what we're really talking about here is a roster of dream roles, actually. And we're almost certain that every actress has one of those in mind. There are some who want to be a page in history and play a classic character; and then there are some who want to do a 'Charlie's Angels' kind of chic-flick. Then there are a few who want to soak their hands in blood and gore in a 'Kill Bill' wannabe. The Zinta babe has done all this and more, so her dream role would be worth asking about. When we did, she quickly replied, "I have played Nisha ('KMG'), Naina ('KHNH') and Zaara ('Veer Zaara'), and with each role I have lived a different woman. With each role, my world has changed. All have been like a dream come true for me. And I believe the fastest way to make your dream come true is to wake up!" This wasn't quite the answer we expected, but knowing PZ, we weren't surprised either. So if you find her sitting awake through the wee hours of the night, you know what this dream-gal is doing!

Info # 105

These Info are from “www.filmfare.com”


* Urmila - All fired up!

When we heard that a public litigation suit has been filed against the Urmila Matondkar starrer, 'Naina', we met the actress to get her take on the issue. Obviously she was all fired up and hurt about the controversy. "I think it is pure harassment. Because the movie has been publicised for four weeks now and if they had any problem, they should have clarified earlier," she told us. "Secondly, this kind of cinema is 'FICTION' in capital letters. For someone like me and my family, who have pledged to donate our eyes, this comes as quite a shock. The very fact that they filed a case just before the release says a lot. Also, if you haven't even seen the movie, how can you comment on it or file a case against it? The film's story is about me receiving an eye transplant, so where is the case of people getting scared to donate their eyes? Instead of filing a case, I would have appreciated it more and also cooperated to the best of my ability if they had used my star status to promote eye donation. Incidentally, we've just won the case - so I don't need to say anything more. Anyways, I think it's a great sign, because when a movie is hot, everyone wants to cash in on it." Now that's what we call an eye for an eye!


* Shamita won't expose!

With her last film ('Zeher') doing well at the box-office, Shamita Shetty is flying high. The actress, who is very excited about her next film with sister Shilpa, however, refuses to accept that she has ever crossed the line where exposing on screen is concerned. "I have always drawn a line beyond which I will not go," she told us recently, when we asked her how far she would go on that count. "I believe I have stuck to that without exception. There is a very thin line between making a scene look vulgar and making it aesthetic and I most definitely prefer the latter." We all do, Shams, we all do!


* Gul's underwater adventure!

Very few actresses are as adventurous in real life as they are on-screen. But Gul Panag definitely stands out from the crowd. The free-spirited actress not only blends into the concrete jungle, but is at home in the natural jungle as well. Whether it is trekking, rock climbing, scuba diving or just simply driving through the mountains, Gul definitely beats the others hollow. Now, we hear, she's even mixing work with pleasure. For her latest film, the actress is doing an underwater sequence in the beautiful seas around the Lakshwadeep isles. And there's no one more surprised at her watery abilities than the director - he thinks she's turning into a mermaid! If only he knew what Gul did when she was not in front of the camera, there'd be fewer worry lines on his forehead right now!

Info # 106

These Info are from “www.teenstation.com”


* I will never do a mainstream film: Rahul Bose
By ANI

New Delhi, May 20 : Two things define actor Rahul Bose: his vow never to work in a mainstream film and his detachment towards everything which includes not owning a house, a car, not even wearing a watch.

"I will never work in a mainstream film in Bollywood or anywhere else in the world, in any language," Bose told IANS in an interview here. "And keeping away from any sort of attachment is my very personal journey, it's very intrinsic to the way I am and the happiness that I seek."

The actor, who has done much applauded films like "Mr and Mrs Iyer" and "Jhankar Beats", is now working on three films, Buddhadeb Dasgupta's "Kalpurush", Aparna Sen's "15, Park Avenue" and "Silsilay".

In "Kalpurush", he plays a diehard romantic, with a failed marriage, a clandestine affair, a man whose life is going nowhere but he retains this quixotic viewpoint. He is paired opposite Sameera Reddy, and Mithun Chakraborty essays the role of his father.

Bose is acting as the fiancé of Konkona Sen's schizophrenic character in "15, Park Avenue", while he is part of the male team (along with Jimmy Shergill, Kay Kay Menon and Ashmit Patel) in Khalid Mohammed's "Silsilay" about the lives of four women.

"All the films are very different from what mainstream cinema is all about and that's why they fascinate me," said Bose.

Bollywood's recent popularity abroad doesn't impress Bose much.

"I don't think anyone is saying that Bollywood is brilliant and powerful cinema. What people are saying is that Bollywood represents a different strand of cinema which is an add-on to the different forms of cinema around the world," he said.


* Abhishek Versus Karisma On June 24 ?

Yes on this June 24 it will be Abhishek versus Karishma at Box-office.

Ramgopal Varma's 'Sarkar' , starring Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan , is all set to release on June 24 , as it has been preponed by a week . At least that is what the listed release date is , as of now . Another movie that is slated to release on the same date is Suneel Darshan's Akshay-Karisma starrer , 'Mere Jeevan Saathi ' .


* 'Naina' eyes controversy, doctors protest script
By ANI

New Delhi, May 20 : A Hindi film released Friday that shows a blind woman having supernatural experiences following a cornea transplant has invited protests from doctors, who are calling the story medically wrong and misleading.

The All India Opthalmological Society (AIOS) has filed public interest litigations in the Mumbai and Delhi high courts demanding that "Naina", directed by Shripal Morakhia, be banned as it would discourage people from making or accepting eye donations.

Info # 107

These Info are from “www.teenstation.com”


* Raima Sen is perpetually in love nowadays
By ANI

New Delhi, May 21 : These days actress Raima Sen is learning about love all the time.

As part of the cast of Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Pradeep Sarkar's "Parineeta", Sen is immersed in the enchanting love story that Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote more than 70 years ago.

And the actress said after her much applauded performance in Rituparno Ghosh's "Chokher Bali", "Parineeta" is turning out to be her great love lesson.

"It's all about love," Sen, who plays the character of Koel in "Parineeta", "Chokher Bali was fabulous because it too taught me different layers of love and how people behave when they are in love and what is love all about.

"'Parineeta' has its own subtle and not-so-subtle nuances that I really enjoy. I am very excited that I'm in the film and hopefully it will work wonders like 'Chokher Bali'," said Sen, daughter of actress Moon Moon Sen and granddaughter of legendary Bengali actress, Suchitra Sen.

"The most wonderful part of working with such works is that they really are full of different aspects of the man-woman relationship.

"Also they really reflect a Bengali culture and tradition that is alive in so many ways even today. Being a Bengali, that is very close to my heart."

Sen, a graduate in English, has a regal lineage. Her father is from the erstwhile royal family of Cooch Behar and Gayatri Devi is her paternal grandmother's sister.

She will next be seen in Rituparno Ghosh's "Antarmahal" and Anubhav Sinha's "Dus".

She said she was proud of her cinematic heritage but wasn't trying to emulate. "My grandmother did fantastic films, she is a legend. Those were different times and she got a wonderful variety of work.

"I am working with the people and the sort of movies that are being made now. I have been very lucky to have got films like 'Chokher Bali' and 'Parineeta' and I hope I'll continue to get films like these."


* Aishwarya Rai is glad
By ANI

Mumbai, May 20 : Aishwarya Rai is on the top of the world. And it isn't just because she's playing the meaty role of a battered wife in her new film "Provoked".

"My recent visit to Cannes has given me a new perspective on our cinema. We really must push the envelope to go global... And thank God, my clothes didn't offend the delicate sensibilities of the haute-couture brigade back home," she told IANS on telephone from the sets of "Provoked" in London.

It isn't just her choice of clothes that has pleased her critics. Her selection of roles is also giving the 'competition' some seriously sleepless nights.

"Really?" Ash is disbelieving.

"So far, I've shot for `Provoked' for just under a week. And it has been a truly revealing and gruelling experience. I've never played a real-life character before. And that too a battered Punjabi wife! Throughout the week Naveen Andrews (who plays the sadistic husband) and me shot those tough scenes of domestic violence.

"But we really didn't go into the black eyes etc. I don't think the impact of domestic violence depends on how much brutality you show on screen. Most scars that really hurt are those that no one can see..."

"Things are happening. And I'm so glad I'm part of the movement of Indian cinema towards the West."