News # 193

These News are from “www.b4utv.com”


* Saif: Heartbreaker

Saif Ali Khan has ditched two ladies! Now, don't start getting ideas. He has not walked out of Rosa's life too. We are talking about his reel life here. Reports have it that directors Aparna Sen and Zoya Akhtar are mighty upset with him. When Aparna had approached him for Gulel, Saif had more than willingly committed to doing the film. He was shooting for Karan Johar's Kal Ho Na Ho then. Later Saif just disappeared and became completely inaccessible to the director. Ditto with Zoya. He walked out of her film at the last minute irrespective of the fact that brother Farhan had given him a lease of life with Dil Chahta Hai. Zoya has scrapped Lucky By Chance and decided to start completely new film. One wonders whether the starry attitude is going to help the actor in him!


* Ritu's Antar Mahal at Locarno

Rituparno Ghosh is delighted. Antar Mahal starring Abhishek Bachchan and Soha Ali Khan has been selected in the competition section of the Locarno Film Festival. Antar Mahal is tale of love between a widowed daughter-n-law of a conservative household and a sculptor. "Abhishek and Soha are the best thing to have happened to the film," Ritu said. Ritu will be back to his first love - making Bengali film. "Yes. I'm going to soon begin my Bengali film. It will star Prosenjit and Konkana Sen Sharma. Prosenjit is the one who supported me when I began my career as a director. He is a superstar in Bengal. As for Sharma, it was I who suggested that she do her mother Aparna Sen's film. She is a wonderful actress. The film's theme will be marital infidelity. Two unrelated stories will be running parallel. In both the stories Prosenjit and Konkana will be playing the couple."


* Ramu's new film!

Ramgopal Varma has tied up with Sunil Chainani and Sameer Shrivastav of Horse Shoe Production House to produce comedy film Mr Ya Miss starring Ritesh Deshmukh, Aftab Shivdasani and Antara Mali. Ritesh and Aftab will be seen together again after Masti. The script of the film is penned by Antara Mali. Antara will also direct the film partly. Mr Ya Miss tells the story of a man's mind trapped in a woman's body. The film will be directed by Sachnit Puranik. Meanwhile Ramgopal Varma has been busy with Sarkar. Sarkar stars Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan. This is for the first time that the father-son duo will be seen together. Sarkar is reportedly based on Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather.

News # 194

These News are from “www.b4utv.com”


* Sequel time for Kya Kool…?

After the debacle of her earlier films, Ekta Kapoor seems to have broken into Bollywood with Kya Kool Hai Hum. The film has garnered an above average collection and is on its way to be a hit. The savvy businesswoman that she is, Ekta knows that she has got the pulse of the audience right and she is not the one to let an opportunity go by. As a result, there are already talks of a sequel to Kya Kool Hai Hum doing the rounds of the industry. Director Sangeeth Sivan said that they are toying with the idea of a sequel but refused to divulge any further details. According to Sivan, the sequel will star Ritiesh Deshmukh and Tusshar Kapoor but the heroines will be different.


* Mehmood: Immortalized in print

A book on veteran comedian Mehmood will be released today. Titled Mehmood-The Man of Many Moods, the book has been written by Hanif Zaveri who began his career as an assistant scriptwriter. Zaveri is also the member of Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA). Yesteryear stars Shobha Khote, Paintal and Viju Khote are expected to grace the occasion. The actors will share the experiences that they have had working with the late Mehmood. Veteran actor had passed away some time back in the US. His body was cremated at his home in Bangalore.


* 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.

News # 195

These News are from “www.bollyvista.com”


* 'Fight Club' fights Cancer
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

The cast of Sohail Khan's forthcoming 'Fight Club' (director: Vicky Chopra) will play a cricket match in Mumbai early this evening, the proceeds of which will go to the Cancer Association.

Sohail Khan, Ashmit Patel, Zayed Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, Suniel Shetty and Rahul Dev, are among the actors who will play.


* Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra again?
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Akshay Kumar walked out of Suneel Darshan's 'Barsaat' making way for Bobby Deol because he did not want to work with Priyanka Chopra, following the problems in his marriage. But there's bad news for Twinkle Khanna Kumar.

The buzz is that Akshay and Priyanka, though not opposite each other, might come together in Farhan Akhtar's remake of 'Don', which will feature Shah Rukh Khan in the lead. Priyanka is opposite Shah Rukh while Akshay plays Pran's character.


* Subodh Mukherjee passes away!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Veteran director-producer Subodh Mukherjee, 84, known for films like 'Paying Guest', 'Muneemji', 'Love Marriage', 'April Fool', 'Shagird', 'Romeo', 'Sharmilee', and 'Junglee', died at a Mumbai hospital this morning following a prolonged illness. He was suffering from blood cancer for some time now.


* The new woman in Abhishek Bachchan's life!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

The rumour is that Goldie Behl and Sonali Bendre, who are among Abhishek Bachchan’s best friends, introduced him to the well-known model and aspiring actress, Dipannita Sharma. The two are presumably testing waters to see where and how they can take things forward between them.

Dipannita was recently seen in 'My Brother Nikhil', and will be seen next in Ekta Kapoor's 'Koi Aap Sa' with Aftab Shivdasani and Natassha.

News # 196

These News are from “www.bollyvista.com”


* 'The Namesake' being shot in Kolkata
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Mira Nair is shooting the India leg of her much-awaited 'The Namesake' in Kolkata next week. The rest of it is being shot in New York. The film is based on the noted author Jhumpa Lahiri's novel of the same name.

The cast of the film including lead actor Kal Penn will be there for a week-long schedule, or so we hear. 'The Namesake' is a co-production between Fox, Entertainment Farm, and UTV Motion Pictures.


* Why Apurva Lakhia replaced Dia!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

The rumour is that Dia Mirza, who was to do director Apurva Lakhia's ('Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost') next film with Amitabh Bachchan and Arjun Rampal, is not doing it now because the director and actress (who were said to be seeing each other) have broken up. Perizaad Zorabian has replaced Dia.


* Numerology on 'Naina'
By Sudhir Daruwala ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Niraj Mancchanda, a well known numerology and graphology consultant, who incidently suggested the title for Rakesh Roshan's next 'Krrish' has given us his predictions on Urmila Matondkar's 'Naina' released just yesterday.

"Urmila Matondkar B’Day 4th Feb: Urmila comes to number 17 which is a very powerful number. This is the reason she starts of very well. But because she is born on a 4th she should not use number 17. Her full name does not come to a good number. This is the reason even after being acclaimed as a great performer and having hit films like 'Rangeela' and 'Bhoot' (both come to number 25=2+5=7and Ramgopal Verma is number 7) she does not get the due which her other costars have received with ordinary hits", says Niraj.

He continues, "The reason that most of the time she chooses the wrong films is because confusion she gets from the spelling of her full name and signature .( She had left Yash Chopra’s 'Dil To Pagal Hai' for 'Judaai' .If she would had done 'Dil To Pagal Hai' she would had been in all future Yash Chopra films.) Her angle of signature will always make her chose wrong films."

"Her next film 'Naina' comes to number 13. It vibrates with her and people will love her performance. As number 13 means "expect the unexpected" watch the unexpected result on Friday. "

Perhaps what Niraj is suggesting here is that 'Naina' may end up being a flop! Let's wait and see what the box-office says about it.


* Two SRK releases on one day!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

SRK's 'Paheli' (co-starring Rani Mukerji) is said to be postponed from June 17th to June 24th. Interestingly, even Khalid Mohamed's 'Silsiilay', in which SRK plays a 'sutradhar', has been pushed from June 3rd to June 24th. If the coincidence remains, SRK fans will be in for a double treat!

News # 197

These News are from “www.indiatarget.com”


* "I've never said I'd never kiss," Ash!
by Debasis Jana

"I've never said I'd never kiss, or whatever on screen," said Aishwarya Rai again while talking to a desi newspaper recently. On reminding her the TV show, where an American TV channel accuses her of being coy on question of sexual mores such as kissing, Aishwarya said that.

"I'm very clear I speak for myself. I've always maintained I'd cross the 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 any close-ended principle about it."

"When a song from one of my films, 'Kuch Naa Kaho', was shown on Oprah, they cut to a song. Everyone out there assumed a song is a substitute for a kiss in our films. That image of coyness about our movies exists from long before me. I keep saying on all my interview abroad that things are changing in our cinema, but very slowly," Aishwarya quips.


* "She is sexy, graceful, and......!"
by Debasis Jana

J.P. Dutta is finally back after months of exile. Now it is known that, Dutta is making a film on the kotha epic 'Umrao Jaan' and it will feature Priyanka Chopra in the role that Rekha immortalized in Muzaffar 1981 film.

But why Priyanka? Dutta said, "I believe among the current heroines she has the it factor. She's sensuously sexy, graceful and a very good Kathak dancer. The facet of her I got to know only when she met me and I offered her the role. If she watches her steps, the sky's the limit."

Initially, Priyanka was jittery about taking on such a complex role, and that too one taken to dizzying height of nostalgic glamour by Rekha. "But I convinced her that she had it in her. Priyanka is an extremely focused girl. She know exactly what's right for her." J.P. hopes to star shooting of 'Umrao Jaan' in October.


* Karishma-Sanjay marriage: Over already?
by Debasis Jana

The Karishma-Sanjay marriage is the current buzz in tinsel town. The notion that things are amiss between the two emerged when Karishma did not return to Delhi even after two months of giving birth to Samira, their daughter. Her hubby's continuous absence seemed to say it all. So friends and non-friends are all giving their opinion about what could have gone wrong, already. Some attribute it to Sanjay's extravagant life style, some to his liquor addiction and substance abuse, some to be being a party animal, while some say he was not even present when his daughter was born and was in a bar, drinking. We know Karishma had Kareena and Shahid for comfort then, but back in Delhi it was a different story. Karishma had become extremely lonely and was missing Mumbai and her work more and more. But others are rubbishing all that, saying it's nothing more than those hiccups that all marriage goes through. And that Karishma wants to avoid the Delhi heat especially for the baby. In fact, in Delhi the nursery is ready, and awaiting their return. Sanjay is currently abroad, but his family says that he visits Mumbai every weekend to meet them. Karishma is not opening her mouth yet. And Kareena promises she will, when the time comes….

News # 198

These News are from “www.indiatarget.com”


* "I will rather present the tandoor from Haryana," Mallika!
by Debasis Jana

"Here peoples love French fries and hamburgers and I give hem that, there they love the dosa-sambar and I will give them that,' said Mallika Sherawat, who is currently in Cannes to promote her first crossover film 'The Myth' with Jackie Chan. Mallika, famous for her tireless sex talking, now started talking like a chef of a five star hotel. "If I am going to compete with a French chef, it is no use trying to compete with cheese and wine, I will rather present the tandoor from Haryana."


* Akshay-Priyanka together again?
by Debasis Jana

If everything goes right, then after 'Waqt', Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra to be seen together again. In Farhan Akhtar's 'Don' remake, Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra have already been signed up; now the latest addition to the cast is Akshay Kumar. Shah Rukh will play the role, Amitabh Bachchan played, and Priyanka will play opposite Shah Rukh, while Akshay Kumar will play Pran's character.


* Jr. Bachchan in love, but not with Rani!
by Debasis Jana

The highly buzzed affair between Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukherji seems to be vanished soon. As Abhishek Bachchan has reportedly found new gal in his life and the both of them have no qualms in roaming together here and there and perhaps have no regrets in their current relationship. Do you want to know the name of the gal? Yes she is Dipannita Sharma, whom you have seen in 'My Brother Nikhil'. Actress Sonali Bendre had first introduced Dipannita to Abhishek and from them they are close friends and more…..

News # 199

These News are from “www.bollywoodmantra.com”


* I don't like Kareena in someone else's arms: Shahid Kapoor

How does it feel to see the woman in your life with different partners every Friday? That too in wide-screen glory? Ask Shahid Kapur who is struggling to keep reel and real love apart.

Shahid, who is dating teen heartthrob Kareena Kapoor, admits he's uncomfortable when his ladylove has to run around trees and romance other co-stars in her films. The experience of Fida, Chameli, Hulchul and Aitraaz has been absolutely galling, the actor says

"How can a lover feel good when he sees his sweetheart in someone else's arms? Although I don't like it, what can I do? Both of us happen to be in a profession where this is a requirement. I am pained each time I see Kareena in someone else's arms. It is difficult for me to accept the situation. But think I will get used to it after some time," he says.

At the same time Shahid insists he never lets personal emotions cloud his professional judgement. According to him, he didn't turn down Karan Johar's Kaal because in the past Kareena had done the same: "It's unfair to drag Kareena into the whole episode. People think I followed Kareena's example to refuse a film with Karan Johar. The truth is she didn't have anything to do with my decision. It was not at all easy for me to say no to Kaal. Such offers are rare for a newcomer like me. I had personal reasons for taking such a decision and I regret that. Moreover Karan wanted me to work continuously for 50 days on his film and I didn't have more than 30 days to spare. I had given dates to John Matthew Matthan and there were other commitments that I needed to fulfill. I know that after every film I turn down, people will concoct reasons of their own and start spreading rumours."

Shahid, who became an overnight sensation after Ishq Vishk, says the box office debacle of Fida and Dil Maange More was disappointing but he has taken it in his stride.

"It's not as if I don't want to do anymore multi-hero films after Fida. As long as I do good work, it doesn't matter to me whether the film has a single hero or many. But if you ask for my personal opinion, I don't prefer working in multi-hero films because I don't feel secure in them," he says.


* Paheli is a whim of mine: Shahrukh Khan

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 Shahrukh 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)," Shahrukh 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 Shahrukh'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."

Shahrukh 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".

News # 200

These News are from “www.bollywoodmantra.com”


* Bunty aur Babli will pass the test

Aaina writes “Whoever thought Amitabh Bachchan would be lipsing a rapped song from Blazee? But here he is, dancing and singing to the cool tunes of ‘B n B’.
The latest promo from Yash Raj Films of Bunty Aur Babli features Amitabh Bachchan acting hip while he tells us the story of “the two cool cats – Bunty Aur Babli.” we have experienced Yash Raj Film’s unique techniques to deliver something extraordinary to entertain the audience.
For example, the two cartoon characters in Hum Tum proved to be unusual among the other love stories. Recreation of Madan Mohan’s music in Veer-Zaara glorified the film as a musical epic. And now, Yash Raj Films is back with Bunty Aur Babli, whose title itself suggests the hatke nature of the movie.
Needless to say, all the films under the YRF banner are sure shot hits but Bunty Aur Babli speaks for itself. Everything about this movie is incredible:

· The starcast – The most successful star in the Indian Film Industry, Amitabh Bachchan. Abhishek Bachchan in the same movie as his pop, Big B. Rani Mukherjee, an actress holding the top slot today after the success of Hum Tum and Black. And to top it all, Aishwarya Rai in a guest appearance. Simply wow!
· The storyline – From what the posters and promos show, the movie appears to be full of loads of fun. The song, ‘B n B’ suggests that Bunty and Babli are “taking money all around, never do they settle down.” The story is sure to entertain thoroughly as far as different is concerned.
· The music – Each song leads the listeners more and more into the story. It seems like every song is relevant to the situations in the movie. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy stand out once again with the music that is enjoyable and very original. The music is definitely a positive!
Although not very experienced but surely capable of making good films, Shaad Ali (director of Saathiya) has directed Bunty Aur Babli.
Bunty Aur Babli will emerge to be a fantastic film, bar the criticism. Now all we have to do is, wait and watch”.


* Mallika Sherawat's Cannes act can't further Indian cinema

She Can(nes) do it...! Or so she would like to believe. Mallika Sherawat as India's representative at the Cannes film festival seems as improbable an idea as Saif Ali Khan representing us at a WWF tournament.
There are some things that are meant to be. Like Aishwarya Rai's global impact, which currently reverberates from Cannes to Los Angeles

When Rai stood up at Cannes to declare the festival open she did Indian cinema proud. She is, after all, the true face of Indian womanhood... delicate, feminine, beautiful, ethereal and very, very Indian.

In contrast, Mallika Sherawat with her brassy upfront image and strident self- proclamations looks like a revved-up advertisement for a silicone implant. Many of her colleagues from the film industry are appalled at her body-display in Cannes.

One leading actress, not known to comment on anyone unless provoked, was appalled: "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 (in which she has a starring and certainly not sari-ing role) 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.

The face of Indian cinema is the face of Indian grace and dignity - Hema Malini, Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit, Aishwarya Rai. These are the dream girls of Hindi cinema.

The overall impact of Mallika's bejewelled body exhibition in Cannes was nil. Mallika's presence didn't further the cause of Indian cinema in the West. It wasn't meant to. Post Mallika's bouncing pirouette at Cannes the question we all need to ask ourselves is... what exactly is the bare-all-dare-all brigade trying to sell in faraway lands where Indian cinema still epitomises exotica?

We can't replace curry-exotica with dime store erotica and expect foreigners to respect our cinema more. We need to be more careful in selecting the people who represent us at international film festivals.

We cannot sell our cinema to the West by exporting beach-blonde bombshells. We need to get proud of the way we are. And we need to market Indian cinema accordingly.

News # 201

These News are from “www.indiafm.com”


* What Shobha De told Urmila?
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 21st, 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

“Flak, flatter, barbs & bouquets
She takes it all with pride and that quintessential pout
Handshake with the most accommodating actor of Bollywood, Urmila Matondkar”

Tell her that she is hardly in the limelight these days and she retorts with, “Just because I am not smiling from 5 magazine covers, doesn't mean that I am not doing good work!” Ouch! okay. So she is gearing for Naina this may, right? “Yes and I am thrilled about it. It's the most complete horror film I have done!' she exclaims. Ek Hasina Thi last year, now Naina, Benaras in September, when is returning in her all-glam avatar? It's been a while since we saw her sizzle the screen.

“Actually I am myself dying to do a formula film, so it won't be too long” she reassures. “Actually, this reminds me of something that Shobha De told me some moons back. I had just done Satya and compliments were pouring in thick for my deglam role of Vidya. I was flying to Mauritius for a shoot and met Shobha De at the airport. She came up to me and said that she had seen Satya and was upset with me! Now that kind of made me uneasy…

As I stared at her blank, she explained, 'Urmila, why do you do such roles?' As if the first remark wasn't enough, this added to my anxiety. She continued, 'Anybody could have worn a cotton sari and played a chawl girl. But not everybody can do a Rangeela or a Daud. You are made for bigger and better stuff. The role of Vidya doesn't do justice to the glam bod that you are. There is no one in 15 yards of your distance to match your sex-appeal! Don't let that fade away, woman!' I remember her telling this to me. Most heroines would have taken offense at that but I realized the point Shobha was trying to make.


* Ash: Sense and Sensibility!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 23rd, 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

Whether she qualifies for the most talented actor in Bollywood continues to be a sticky topic. Even after sashaying the Indian screen for 7 long years, self-styled media mahouts have a gala time post-morteming her acting skills. But what cannot be argued for is the impeccable manner in which she conducts herself in public eye. And no we aren't into her closet, so nothing on her fat or fur.

Here's an incident where some rare dignity and conduct was on display, Ash style. Something that her own celebrity club is alien to…Sometime back the 'Thanda Aish Caish' Coke promotion was running in the city. And Ash being the brand ambassador for the cola brand was present there to announce the winner. While Coke had arranged for a 50 member media team to cover the event, such is the pull of Ash that 100 odd journalists turned up out of nowhere. The number grew and the shutterbugs easily outnumbered the volunteers present there.

And once Ash made her appearance, the media went wild! 'Ash look here', 'Ash, smile, 'Aishwarya yahan pe dekhiye', 'look straight', 'Aishwarya, side profile dijiye', 'ek yahan pe', the flashbulbs looked starved for the star. Any other celeb would have soaked in the 'media fair' happening there. But Ash took us by surprise when she was seen requesting the officials to curb the paparazzi and get on with the announcements instead. But the media showed no restrain. They were all over the place leaving the winners to fade in the background. And the ceremony, well, it was being delayed without a caution.

# Now was the time for action!

^ Ash takes centrestage…
Looking at the situation slip out of hand, Ash walks to the podium, picks up the microphone and addresses the media. Everyone including the Coke officials looked stunned when she said, “This is to all my media friends gathered here, I would really appreciate it if you stopped taking photographs, so that we turn the spotlight to the winners of the contest who are the real celebrities this evening.” Ash spoke in her untainted English. “We are already running behind schedule, so if you could back off from the stage, I can then call on the winners to whom this stage truly belongs!!” That was it, the media mellowed & the evening finally kick started. She taped the 100 odd journalists to their seats.

But since the photo-session had eaten into too much time, the plan of calling on the 10 winners who were promised to be photographed with Ash looked difficult. This justifiably upset the winners. After a tiring evening they were looking forward to the snapshot as a fond memory to carry home. Inspite of foul cry from the winners, nothing happened. No sooner than the closing speech happened than the media once again sprang onto the stage to capture Ash. Now the officials were adamant to wrap the evening & wanted the field clear. So the volunteers began to hush the winners away from the stage so that the camera crews loose interest and keep away. But this led to misbehavior.

^ Quite a mouthful!
The winners were being man handled and yanked away from the stage. And a small girl was caught amidst this confusion. While she was smiling and posing with her favorite star, a volunteer carelessly yanked her away thereby hurting the girl. Ash who saw the callous action turned to the guy, “Guys, just let her be, she's just a child! She's here with me to get a photo clicked. Stop pulling her, you are hurting the girl” Any other star in her place would have turned on her heels and reached for her vanity van to escape the chaos. And here was Ash showing some refreshing care amidst the mess.

^ Bring on the spotlight!
And finally the winner was announced! Instead of covering the winner, the scribes began to shoot questions to the stunner. Here for the third time in a row, Ash arrested the media frenzy. “Questions for me can wait, here's your hero” she said putting her arm around the shaky guy. “Shoot questions to him. Ask him all that you want!” she said helping him to the microphone while she herself melted into the backstage.

Bravo, lady! You are real, rare and sensitive. Wearing a Versace and selling solitaire stories makes for cardboard celebrities not an icon that millions swear by. Its time that Bollywood dunks some of its phoney attitude and sign up for Ash classes! Because fake celebrityhood is something that neither the Armani's nor the Chanel's of the world can fix.

Right, Ash?

Info # 108

These Info are from “www.santabanta.com”


* Better 'prostitute': Priyanka or Meera

Actress Priyanka Chopra is baffled by director Afzal Ahmed's claim that she was supposed to play the role of Umrao Jaan's daughter in his film.

"I don't even remember this guy. He had probably approached my dad with an idea that we never said yes to. And now he claims I was to do his film," Priyanka told in an interview.

"J.P. (Dutta) saab and I have been in discussion for quite a while. In fact we're working on the dates right now. We should start shooting soon," she said, referring to the film Dutta is planning on Umrao Jaan.

Ahmed has, meanwhile, gone ahead and announced his film with Pakistani actress Meera in the lead.

"He's welcome to it. May the best woman win," Priyanka said.

"Of course Meera, being a Pakistani, can speak Urdu a lot better than me. My first reaction to the idea of playing Umrao Jaan was nervousness. How can I play a character that's so complex and timeless?"

Having got over her initial trepidation, Priyanka is all set to brush up her kathak and Urdu.

"I'm going to hire teachers for this. J.P. saab is a perfectionist. And I can't get into the role without complete preparation."

Priyanka has also been finalised to play the lead in Farhan Akhtar's "Don".

"Can you believe it? I've to reprise roles already done to perfection by Rekha in 'Umrao Jaan' and Zeenat Aman in 'Don'. My only saving grace is that both the directors will allow me to interpret the characters in my own way," she said.

"But it's such an opportunity to relive the golden moments from the careers of two of our most famous actresses, and that too one after the other. Wow, I'm blessed!"


* Security cover for Sunny Deol

Actor Sunny Deol was om Sunday provided with security following blasts at two Delhi theatres that were screening his controversial movie Jo Bole So Nihaal , officials said.

The movie, starring Deol as a Sikh policeman, had generated protests by Sikh leaders, who said the title was to be used only as a war cry or inside a gurudwara.

"Security has been provided to Deol and a high alert sounded at all cinemas across the country screening the movie," a senior security official said.

According to officials, the blasts were a test case aimed at scaring away prospective viewers and therefore a local event.

"We will get the people behind the blasts," the security official said.

Distributors had voluntarily withdrawn the movie from cinemas in Punjab following the protests last week.

The Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), the governing body of Sikh shrines, had demanded that the movie's title be changed and the title song withdrawn.

The SGPC had threatened to launch a protest if its demands were not met.


* 40 injured in 'Jo Bole...' blasts

Nearly 40 people were injured when bombs exploded Sunday in two cinema halls here screening the controversial film "Jo Bole So Nihal", causing panic across the city and prompting authorities to sound an alert.

Police officials said the blasts -- which occurred almost simultaneously at 8.30 p.m. at the Liberty theatre and the Satyam multiplex located within a few kilometres of each other in west Delhi -- were caused by crude bombs.

However, authorities said none of those injured were in serious condition.

Police evacuated people from the popular PVR Anupam multiplex at Saket screening "Jo Bole So Nihaal". Night screenings were also cancelled at the Wave in Noida near Delhi, and cinemas in Agra in Uttar Pradesh as well as Faridabad in Haryana.

Home ministry officials said an alert was also sounded in Punjab and Maharashtra and security checks been intensified at Delhi's borders.

Minister of State for Home Shriprakash Jaiswal said there was a "conspiracy" behind the blasts while Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit urged people not to panic.

Sikh organisations had called for a ban on "Jo Bole So Nihaa", saying it depicted the community in a poor light. Distributors voluntarily withdrew the film from cinemas across Punjab last week following the protests.

Following the blasts at Liberty theatre at Karol Bagh and Satyam multiplex in nearby Patel Nagar, terrified viewers ran screaming out of the theatres.

Most of the wounded drove themselves to nearby hospitals, while anxious relatives made a beeline for the halls to search for their kin.

Ambulances, fire brigade personnel and policemen rushed to the theatres and TV channels beamed footage of bleeding men and women being treated at several hospitals.

Dikshit, who visited Satyam, said the law and order situation in Delhi was becoming a cause for major concern. She noted the blasts had occurred despite both theatres being equipped with metal detectors at their entrances.

Minister of State for Home Jaiswal, who visited Liberty, said: "There can be protests but one should not target innocent people in this manner. But it is very difficult to prevent such attacks."

Jaiswal said the home ministry had not received any intelligence reports about possible attacks on halls screening "Jo Bole So Nihaal".

Referring to the blast at the Liberty theatre, Delhi Police Commissioner K.K. Paul said: "The explosive device, which was kept under a seat in the seventh row of the ground floor, did not contain shrapnel which is usually found in such bombs."

The blast at Satyam occurred in a toilet, police officials said.

O.P. Sharma, the manager of Liberty cinema, said the blast just after the show's interval. The row where it occurred was unoccupied as the tickets for it had not been sold.

"I suspect extremists are behind this as we had earlier received threats," Sharma told.

Info # 109

These Info are from “www.santabanta.com”


* Raima is perpetually in love!

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", told. "There are so many nuances to love that I am just bewitched.

"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."


* 'Cannes won't go to my head'

Indian actress Nandita Das, who is thrilled about her Cannes experience as a member of the film jury here, vows she won't let it go to her head.

"Being on the Cannes jury is a great honour and privilege for me. It is a great opportunity just to be here and a huge learning experience since you meet great people from all over the world who are certainly among the best in the world of cinema today," Nandita told in an interview even as the festival ended here Sunday.

"It is a great experience, but in the larger scheme of things, it is another one of those very enriching experiences," she added.

The actress brushed aside suggestions that Cannes will propel her into international limelight or that she will be flooded with offers from all over the world, especially from Hollywood.

"Even if I get offers from Hollywood, it does not mean that I will accept them. I have always stood by what I believe in. I want to act in films with great scripts, great directors and great roles. I don't want to take on a role just because it is being proposed to me," she said.

Participating in an international film festival in France is not new to the actress-activist. She was presented with the best actress award for her role in Deepa Mehta's "Earth" in the Asian Film Festival of Deauville over five years ago.

But Cannes is at a totally different level and Nandita acknowledges the fact and the impact. For her the surprise selection of being on the jury could not have come at a better time.

"This has come at a stage when I am starting to look at films from a broader perspective, more than as an actor. I am thinking of getting involved in other aspects of film making like directing. So getting to Cannes and getting an exposure to this rich collection of films is well-timed for me," said Nandita, picking at her fruit-salad breakfast at the Majestic hotel in Cannes.

"It has been hard work, but enjoyable. As jury member, we had to watch two to three films everyday and after every five screenings, there was a meeting where all jury members discussed the films very passionately and openly.

"Besides the jury activities, there were other meetings and the obligatory parties. Though I tried to limit the number of parties I went to, many of my colleagues partied till 5 a.m. each day and then were ready for the new day at 9 a.m. again," said Nandita.

Though the jury was composed of film personalities from across the world, she said they all worked very well together.

"Right from the second day itself, we became a great team. We share a wonderful chemistry. There is a lot of humour in our intensive discussions too," Nandita said.

Of all the female celebrities present at Cannes, she must have been amongst those carrying the least amount of wardrobe baggage.

"When I landed at the airport, they had sent two cars, one for us and the other for our luggage. The driver must have been disappointed when he saw me with only two big suitcases, even though I thought that I was carrying a lot of baggage for only 10 days," Nandita recounted.

"At home I am comfortable in anything - jeans, skirts and salwar kameez. But when I dress up for an occasion, it is always in Indian clothes. I wasn't sure what to wear here, but thanks to the advice of some friends and offers from some designers, I have a fair collection of clothes now, including Rohit Bal, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Ritu Kumar, Rajesh Pratap, Namrata Joshipura and Priyanka Singh."

Nandita will head from Cannes to London to begin work on Jagmohan Mundhra's next film, "Provoked'', which is based on the true-life story of a woman battered by her husband.

The actress said she is strongly opposed to violence and that she would like to do films that fight the increasing trend of violence and sex in the world.


* 'Naina is not a copy!'

Shripal Morakhia, the director of "Naina" which has been accused of being a remake, says it is very much his own brainchild though he may have used other films as reference points.

"I've been so tense, I haven't been able to get more than three to four hours of sleep every night," Morakhia told. "It has been stress-filled last lap for the film, especially when unnecessary controversies are happening."

The film that released Friday shows a blind woman having supernatural experiences following a cornea transplant, but it has invited protests from doctors who are calling the story medically wrong and misleading.

He's even more stupefied by the premature assessments that his film is a "scene by scene" remake of the Chinese film "The Eye".

"A cornea transplant isn't a common subject in cinema. There have been approximately a dozen films, major and minor, on the subject in various countries.

"I haven't really gone back to any of these films specifically, though as reference points they were bound to swim to the surface when I wrote my script. But to say that 'Naina' is a remake of any one particular film is completely wrong. This is my own film, and that's the way I want to see it.

"Why are we so keen to run down our films by proving them copycats? The fact is many of the films being made abroad have begun to resemble our films."

Info # 110

These Info are from “www.b4utv.com”


* Vinod to come back with ABCL!

Vinod Khanna is all set to make a comeback opposite Jaya Bachchan in the forthcoming film to be produced by ABCL in association with Spice Team Entertainment. ABCL is recently doing Family with Keshu Ramsay. The new venture is a story of relationships where Aishwarya Rai plays Jaya's daughter and Ajay will be her son- in- law. The film which will be shot in Mumbai and London is directed by Sharbani Deodhar and will go on floor in September. The reason that Amitabh himself is not in the movie is that Jaya and Vinod are not the couple in the film. And also that they were looking for somebody younger than Big B. The actor himself suggested to cast someone else in the movie. Bhawani Iyer is scripting the movie and the music director will be either by Preetam or by Shankar - Ehsaan - Loy.


* Mallika as Monica?

Rumors are abuzz that Mahesh Bhatt's Gangster is based on the real life story of Abu Salem and Monica Bedi. The lead role was supposed to be played by none other than Sanjay Dutt. Sanjay will not be able to do the film due to date problems. The director is now trying his luck with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar. Sources also claim that Mallika Sherawat will be paired opposite Sanju, but this has not been confirmed. We wonder if Mallika will be interested in such vamp roles after her international sojourn.


* Big B: Still No.1!

Amitabh Bachchan is the No.1 role model of the country according to a survey conducted by Indicus Analytics. The actor, who is 64, still has his spell over the nation. When asked him about this, he says that he still doesn't understand why age factor is given so much importance. "What people give is a matter of destiny. Everyone works hard to achieve a certain position in life", says the veteran actor. Bachchan beat Shahrukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, Dhirubahi Ambani, APJ Abul Kalam and Bill Gates to make it to the top in the poll conducted. "It's a good feeling to be there. I am thankful to my fans for their support. I know it gives me a responsibility of setting an example. But I also have my do's and don'ts. And I might make a mistake soon", continues the actor. He says that the survey was democratic because people from different walks of life were nominated for the poll. He also agrees that some titles are quite flattering. But the modest actor believes that one shouldn't get carried away by these. Now that's something newcomers should learn!

Interview # 44

This Interview is from “www.santabanta.com”


* Interview: Urmila Matondkar

“Tonight I'll bash up someone(lol): Urmila”

"Naina" comes under her classification of "superior cinema" and doesn't have a single careless shot, says an enthusiastic Urmila Matondkar about her recently released thriller.

Urmila, who has essayed intense, different roles in "Bhoot" and "Ek Hasina Thi", says "Naina" offered her a chance to play a part that no actress had done on the Indian screen.

Though the film finds itself in controversy with ophthalmologists saying that it would mislead people about eye donation, Urmila is most upbeat about it. "In fact, if I wasn't in this film, it would look like any Hollywood film."

In this interview, Urmila also talks at length about Pankaj Parasher's "Benaras" in which she is part of an ensemble cast with Dimple Kapadia and Ashmit Patel. Describing it as a spiritual film, she says she is "happy to be part of a cast no matter how vast".

Also coming up is "Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara" by Assamese director Jahnu Baruah, another different experience. Then there is the possibility of yet another film with Ram Gopal Varma for which scripts are being worked on.

Excerpts:

Q: You seem to be very charged about "Naina"?
A: Yes, I feel it's one of the most challenging roles written for an actress. In fact I'd go as far as to say this is something that no actress on the Indian screen has done. Just like "Bhoot", which was the only supernatural thriller with no special effects.

To play someone who gets her eyesight back after years of blindness isn't easy. I had to attend acting workshops, meet specialists who told me about how a girl in this situation would react. "Naina" isn't the simple story of a girl who can't see, and then can see. The character's entire reflexes and instincts had to undergo a change after she begins to see. I spoke to the doctors about how a girl would react if she had to see herself for the first time after years.

Q: Sounds like a really tough task.
A: I had to open up a new world for my character. There are sights and experiences that we take for granted. Playing Naina I had to unlearn the comforts of the familiar without overdoing it. The simplest of visuals and gestures are an ordeal for someone who regains vision. And believe me, the character coming to terms with the loss of blindness isn't even one-tenth of the script. From there she goes into a completely harrowing experience that could destroy anyone's sanity. This was a tremendously challenging character.

Q: Again you've worked with a new director.
A: I enjoy working with new directors. When Shripal Morakhia met me to narrate "Naina", I could see tremendous clarity in his vision. He had the entire film in his mind, and he was viewing it over and over again long before he put it on camera. My entire character is of this vulnerable childlike girl who's suddenly confronted by a horrific reality and then comes to the conclusion that it's her destiny to fulfil whatever she has to... all these intricate details were narrated to me during our first meeting. I was very impressed.

Shripal wanted a minimalist look for my character. I don't have a single glamorous trapping on screen. The director was so clear about his ideas I just had to out his thoughts before the camera. I had to bring my character from abject darkness to this big bustling world of noise and hyper-activity.

Q: Does "Naina" live up to the levels of intensity and excellence you've created in "Pinjar", "Bhoot" and "Ek Hasina Thi"?
A: I'd think so. "Naina" comes under my classification of superior cinema. It was a pleasure working with people who haven't compromised at all. There isn't a single shot in the film that has been done carelessly. Unfortunately, in our country, horror films are treated rather carelessly.

There was a beautiful underwater sequence that we first shot in India, and then when it wasn't conveying the required mood we re-shot it in London. Incidentally, I had to swim when I can't do so to save my life. There're scenes shot in the underground railway of London that are of international calibre. There're no shortcuts in Naina. In fact if I wasn't in this film, it would look like any Hollywood film.

Q: You've just shot in Varanasi for a film called "Benaras".
A: Yeah, ask me about it. Shooting this film with an ensemble cast that included everyone from Dimple Kapadia to Ashmit Patel in a city I had never visited before was a thoroughly fascinating experience. I can't describe what Varanasi does to a visitor. For me, to experience the sights and sounds of any new city is a pleasure. But this time I felt it to be a thoroughly unique experience. Director Pankaj Parasher has made a spiritual film. But he has treated the theme in a very mainstream way with songs etc. I've never done a film like this.

Q: But in "Benaras" with so many people in the cast would you be as pivotal to the plot as you are to "Naina"?
A: I don't think being pivotal to the plot is such an issue for me. If in "Pinjar", "Ek Hasina Thi", "Bhoot" or "Naina" I had the author-backed role, I was also happy sharing the female lead with Sridevi in "Judaai". In "Benaras" everyone is important to the plot. As long as I've an interesting role to play I am happy to be part of a cast, no matter how vast. The variety of roles that's coming my way makes me wonder if I need to complain that actresses get a raw deal in this country.

Q: What else do you have on the anvil?
A: I've just shot for "Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara" with Assamese director Jahnu Baruah. It's definitely going to be a very different experience for me. In terms of genre, theme and backdrop, all my three releases this year are totally different.

Q: More awards nominations?
A: I don't think of awards at all. But yes, I'm proud of my nominations for "Ek Hasina Thi". It was a role that I worked really hard on. I think it was one of the most interesting thrillers in recent times.

Q: And now you're supposed to be doing another film with Ram Gopal Varma?
A: I might be doing another film for Mr Varma. There're scripts being worked on. If a section of the media wants to make a national issue of something as routine as an actress working with a filmmaker, what can I say? It's extremely flattering!

Q: So why don't you give them real news?
A: Yeah tonight I'll go to the discotheque and bash up someone.

Interview # 45

This Interview is from “www.bollywoodworld.com”


* Interview : Married to music

A singing sensation, Adnan Sami recently turned music director in ‘Lucky’. In a chat with him, we discovers that zest for life is the reason for the success of this ‘huge’ly talented artiste.

Excerpts from an interview:

Q. You have turned music producer with Lucky, How does it feel?
A. I am very happy and thankful to God that through this project, I have been able to bring together a wonderful collection from the greatest singers in the country.

I like the script because it had tremendous musical scope. A big part of the film was shot in Russia, so I was able to experiment with European/Russian music as well. Besides, Salman (Khan) is a dear friend and I wanted to do this for him.

Q. What do you think about R&B-Hip-Hop music and black music which are popular these days?
A. In the 80’s we had tremendous amount of melody, but post mid 90’s it went a little back track.

I like the current pop scene; yes, one tends to miss a little bit of melody now. One can never alienate melody from music. Rap is great, it’s very rhythmic, but I feel the roots of rap music lie in melody. I like rap, but miss melody.

Q. Is it true you want to get an Indian citizenship?
A. Yes, because of my mom. She is an Indian citizen and I have approached for Indian citizenship which I feel should eventually happen.

Q. Is your body weight genetic? Have you tried to reduce it?
A. I think I have picked up weight from the maternal side. They love their food and food agrees with their system very well. Weight is something that they put on even if they had a glass of water! Weight does not matter to me at all. I’m fine and happy with the way I look.

Q. You are highly emotional. We have seen you crying on TV while judging the talent search on Channel V?
A. To a large extent what I do is emotional - my music is my emotions expressed. Songs I write or compose carry my thoughts, my life and my vision. It really hurts me to see failure, which is why I cried when a singer failed to move up in the competition.

Q. Will you get married again?
A. I wouldn’t mind. My married life has been painful and I miss my son Azaan very much. Sometimes I wish he was by my side and talk to me. The break up with my second wife Safa was a mutual decision. I still have a lot of respect and admiration for her and wish her all the best. I would love to be in a relationship but as of now I’m not seeing anyone.

© Copyright 2005 by MusicIndiaOnLine.com

News # 202

These News are from “www.bollywoodworld.com”


* Mira's Namesake comes to India!
M Chhaya in Kolkata | May 23, 2005 16:51 IST

Mira Nair started shooting her new film, The Namesake, in Kolkata on Sunday, May 22. The film is an adaptation of Pulitzer-winning writer Jhumpa Lahiri's debut book of the same name.

"The two-week shooting schedule is tight and we will shoot at several locations in Kolkata, its suburbs and in the districts," says Nair.

The Namesake stars Tabu, Kal Penn (Harold And Kumar Go To White Castle), Irrfan (Maqbool) and Zuliekha Robinson (Hidalgo and The Merchant Of Venice).

"I'm so happy to be back in a city where I have spent 12 summers and a city I have such beautiful memories of," says Nair, who was born in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, but lived her initial years in Kolkata and Delhi.

The crew will shoot for the Bengali-English film in the narrow lanes of northern Kolkata, at Howrah Station and on a train to the university town of Shantiniketan.

The New York leg of the shooting is complete.

Nair says she hopes to start editing in September "after taking a summer break" and complete the film by February 2006 so that it can travel to the Cannes film festival next May.

The Namesake tells the story of an immigrant Bengali family from Kolkata in New York.

While parents Ashoke (Irrfan) and Ashima (Tabu) long for the family and culture that had enveloped them in India, their son Gogol (played by Kal Penn) is torn between his heritage and finding his own identity.

"The Namesake is the story of the sacrifices our parents have made for their children," Nair explains. "It is a deep human way of telling the story of millions of us who left one home for another, who have known what it means to combine old with the new."


The film will see Lahiri play a cameo as Jhumpa mashi (maternal aunt). Members of the author's family in New York and Kolkata will also feature in the movie.

Nair says she is happy to be in the city of Satyajit Ray and cult Bengali filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak. It "would be a proud day for me -- to be told my films portray the sensibilities of Ray and Ritwik Ghatak," she says.
"I'm such a big fan of these two. I have learnt so much from them. For instance, from Ghatak I've learnt how to shoot a tree. I have big posters of Ritwik Ghatak in my room. They are great inspirers. A film like (Ghatak's) Meghe Dhaka Tara teaches you so much as filmmaker," she adds.

In Kolkata, Nair picked Bengali actors like Tanusree Shankar and Supriya Devi to complete the cast for the The Namesake.

The maker of films like Mississippi Masala, Salaam Bombay and Kamasutra says she chose Lahiri's novel as her next film because she really identified with it.

"It so rightly catches the modern pulse of the South Asian culture in New York. The city's South Asian scene is really pulsating," she says.

The film doesn't depart too much from the book. "I haven't introduced any new characters. One of the changes is that Ashima is a fledgling singer because of my own love for music." she says.

"The film will have baul songs (folk music by roving minstrels of rural Bengal), Rabindra sangeet (Tagore's songs), bhatiali (boatmen's songs) and, of course, the great erudite culture of the Bengalis," she adds.

The $9.6 million film starts and ends with Ashima singing.


* Mumbai stands alone as screen scare spreads
- Cinemas across the country pull out Jo Bole So Nihaal after blasts, police yet to establish film link
OUR BUREAU

May 23: The agents are unknown and the motive unproven. Yet whoever carried out the blasts in Delhi last evening, killing one person and injuring about 50 in two theatres screening Jo Bole So Nihaal, has cinemas across India in the grip of fear.

Despite Delhi police playing down any connection between the blasts and the film, theatres have shut their doors on the Sunny Deol-starrer that has angered Sikh religious bodies.

From Dehra Dun to Chennai and from Ahmedabad to Varanasi, hall-owners needed neither prompting from their associations nor prodding from governments to impose their unofficial ban on the film.

Bengal went one better, with the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government taking the initiative to get the movie off cinema screens. “I have asked the police commissioner to ensure that screening is stopped. We haven’t received any directive from the Centre…. We are doing this as a precaution,” Bhattacharjee said this evening.

All seven halls showing the film in Calcutta have stopped screening it. Home secretary Amit Kiran Deb said anti-sabotage checks had been ordered in halls in the city as “we are not ruling out subversive activities in Calcutta”.

But Mumbai, which suffered a series of bomb attacks in 1993 and 2003, bucked the trend.

In the home of Bollywood, only two of the 29 theatres showing the film yanked it off, citing their location in heavily crowded areas. Joint commissioner (law and order) Ahmad Javed, however, said the police have decided to provide protection to Sunny Deol on their own.

Bollywood, too, stood firm. At a news conference organised by the Association of Motion Pictures and Television Programme Producers, the industry pledged to stick by the film and not allow “politics” to hijack filmdom.

Producer Babloo Pachisia and director Rahul Rawail told reporters they would neither withdraw the movie from cinemas nor change its title — a line lifted from a Sikh prayer — which has angered even the community’s highest body, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee.

“Yesterday’s incident is tragic and the film industry is grieving,” said Pehlaj Nihlani, who heads the association. “But we can’t step back. There were calls from individuals to the makers of the film prior to the blast, too, intended to blackmail them.”

But the Delhi police ruled out a Sikh hand in the blasts, saying the explosives used point to a Kashmiri militant group.

Defence minister Pranab Mukherjee suggested the attacks were linked to the anniversary of the UPA government rather than the film.

These views were echoed by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management which saw in the blasts a conspiracy to malign the Sikhs.

“There have been no protests over the movie in Delhi, whereas in Punjab and Haryana the film had already been withdrawn from theatres. So these blasts cannot be linked to the movie,” committee chief Paramjit Singh Sarna said.

The Central Forensic Science Laboratory is investigating the explosions. “A plastic explosive was used in the blasts. These are malleable and escape metal detectors. This kind of explosive is used by all major militant outfits and is aimed at causing maximum terror in crowded areas,” a police officer said.

Some major militant groups that have used these IED devices and are operating in Delhi include Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Harkat-ul Jehadi Islami, Harkat-ul Ansar and Jammu and Kashmir Islamic Front.

Unconvinced theatre owners in Delhi, however, removed the movie from their listings. They seemed to be in tune with the mood of the public, which largely avoided cinemas despite today being a government holiday.

The fear was compounded by a mild explosion at Nand Nagri area of northeast Delhi, triggered when a man tried to open a wallet lying close to a railway crossing. He sustained injuries in the hands and face and was admitted to hospital.

News # 203

These News are from “www.bollywoodworld.com”


* Big Bollywood names for film city project:-
Jaipur | May 25, 2005 12:40:04 PM IST

Jaipur, May 25 : The Rajasthan government has roped in big Bollywood names like Dharmendra, Yash Chopra and Subhash Ghai for a committee to plan and implement its ambitous film city project.

Besides Dharmendra, who is an MP from Bikaner, and the two filmmakers, others like Rakesh Roshan and Sajid Khan have also been made members of the committee.

The high level committee, including politicos like ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator and Rajasthani film actor Nathu Singh Gurjar, would be fully empowered to undertake speedy implementation of the project, official sources said.

It is learnt that a Kolkata-based firm has been asked to prepare a detailed plan for the proposed film city, to be built over 800 acres at Sumel village near here.

The film city would cater to all the needs of a filmmaker. There would be studios, recording studios, a colour laboratory as well as a grooming centre for youngsters who want to associate themselves with the industry in future.

The entire complex envisages five star hotels, golf courses, a shopping mall, a multiplex and an open-air theatre.

Rajasthan has always attracted filmmakers from all over the world with its rich history, architecture and picturesque locations. Classics like "Mughal-e-Azam" were shot in Deeg Palace, Bharatpur, and in the famous Sheeshmahal of Amber Palace here.

Endless scenes of sand dunes, drying chillies and village locations are commonplace for films with rural settings. Even blockbuster television serials like "Tipu Sultan" have used Rajasthan as a backdrop.

Hollywood has not missed out on Rajasthan either. The James Bond thriller "Octopussy" was shot here, as have "Far Pavilions", "Heat and Dust" and "Holy Smoke".


* Bengal fuels Ash, SRK 'n Bollywood

Press Trust of India
Posted online: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 1054 hours IST
Updated: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 1550 hours IST

Kolkata, May 25: With two classics from Bengali literature making the big bucks at the box office in the last two years and a couple more set to take over the silver screen, Bollywood seems to be falling back on 'eastern magic' as its success mantra.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's mega budget Devdas based on the Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay classic of the same name and Aishwarya Rai starrer Chokher Bali, adapted from Rabindranath Tagore’s work by National award winning director Rituparno Ghosh, rekindled the interest in period classics while raking in the moolah.

The success of these evergreen love stories chosen after research from sepia-toned pages in umpteen libraries, has paved way for more such screen adaptations.

And if rushes of the Vidhu Vinod Chopra film Parineeta are any indication, the old world magic of puffed blouses and Punjabi kurtas, oiled, middle parted hair and boatman songs would rule Hindi cinema for some time to come.

News # 204

These News are from “www.bollyvista.com”


* Tusshar not in Harry Baweja's next!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

There was talk in the trade that producer Harry Baweja had approached Tusshar Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh for a film to be directed by an unconfirmed director. However, when contacted, Tusshar said, "I have no idea about this. I have never even met Harry."


* Is Ritesh Deshmukh with Sanjay Dutt?
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

The buzz is that Ritesh Deshmukh has been signed alongside Sanjay Dutt for David Dhawan's next film to be produced by a corporate house.

Ritesh has bagged some decent films in his kitty, including Raj Kumar Santoshi's 'Saamna' alongside Ajay Devgan and Rohan Sippy's 'Bluff Master', in which he has replaced Saif Ali Khan.


* Priyanka - Harman spotted regularly!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja (producer-director Harry Baweja's son) have been spotted together almost regularly at well-known eating joints in the suburbs.

Just some days back, they were seen cozying up to each other at Mangie Ferra, a popular Juhu eatery. The two choose to maintain that they're just good friends though. Now where have we heard that one before?


* Pooja Bhatt signs Deepak Tijori?
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Actor Deepak Tijori has not met with much luck as director of late. Both his releases bombed, yet he has been signed up by Pooja Bhatt to direct a film for her banner. Pooja and Deepak go back a long way as Deepak's association with the Bhatts is an old one.


* Protection for Sunny Deol
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

In the wake of the recent blasts in the Delhi theatres running 'Jo Bole So Nihaal', the Mumbai police will be providing police protection to the film's lead actor, Sunny Deol.

Meanwhile, the Punjab and Haryana High Court declined to stay the screening of the film. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee member Hardeep Singh had filed a petition saying the Sunny Deol-starrer was damaging the Sikh psyche. The bench posted the matter for July 7th.

News # 205

These News are from “www.bollyvista.com”


* Urmila Matondkar excited!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Urmila Matondkar is happy with the way her new film 'Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Maara' has shaped up. Incidentally, this film, produced by Anupam Kher, and directed by the noted Assamese filmmaker Jahanu Barua, was shot in 40 days' flat, and also features Anupam, Waheeda Rehman, and Boman Irani.

Urmila was banking heavily on her recent 'Naina', which has failed to fare well at the turnstiles. Also heard that courtesy numerology, Anupam Kher will now add the initial of his father's name in between his first name and surname. Now it will be Anupam P. Kher.


* Shashilal Nair resurfaces
By Vickey Lalwani ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Shashilal Nair ('Ek Choti Si Love Story') has tied up with a London based corporate house and is all set to start four films. Nair himself will direct one of them.


* 'Nazar' on Pak TV channel!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Mahesh Bhatt and Sevy Ali's 'Nazar' (Ashmit Patel-Meera) just released on Friday and the producers, we hear, have already struck a deal for the telecast of the film on a Pakistani channel called 'Aaj'.

The Bhatts' other films, 'Murder', 'Ghulam', 'Tamanna' and 'Naajayaz', will also be screened on the channel. Incidentally, the title track of 'Nazar' and the 'Mohabbat Zindagi Hai' number from the same film, are becoming increasingly popular.


* Barjatyas move to television!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Possibly following their bad luck in films of late, the Barjatyas are also testing the waters on television. Rajshri Productions' new serial 'Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki', will go on air on Sahara One starting on May 30th.


* Salman does his bit for Katrina!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Salman Khan is not leaving Katrina Kaif alone with his 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' co-star, Akshay Kumar. In Raj Kanwar's forthcoming 'Humko Deewana Kar Gayee', which stars Akshay and Katrina, Salman will make an extended guest appearance, or so goes the rumour.

Little surprise that producers are showing interest in signing Katrina! Buy Katrina; get Sallu free!

News # 206

These News are from “www.bollyvista.com”


* Dubbed voices!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Not many in the audience know that while watching their favourite blockbuster, many actors' voices are not their own, but dubbed by professional dubbing artistes. In the recent 'Nazar', Paki actress Meera's voice has been dubbed.

In the forthcoming 'Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya' and 'Sarkar', even Katrina Kaif's voice has been dubbed.

In 'Silsiilay', Riya Sen's voice has been dubbed.


* Will 'Krrish' fall in trouble?
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Will the recent arrest of Guru Swarup Shrivastava (the gentleman who sponsored the recent Filmfare Awards and procured M.F. Hussain's paintings for some 100 crore, have any impact on Rakesh Roshan's home-production 'Krrish'?

Well, he's the same guy who's investing more than 35 crores into this Hrithik Roshan-Priyanka Chopra starrer, which is currently under production on a circus set at Mumbai's Film City!


* Twin blasts rock Delhi theatres!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Bomb blasts in two Delhi theatres, Satyam and Liberty, brought tremors of fear across the country last evening. Both the theatres were screening 'Jo Bole So Nihaal', which has been mired in controversy of late by the Sikhs, who feel that their religious logo has been commercialized.

The motive behind the blasts is not known. Several were injured in the blasts. The producers' association is yet to take an association on whether the film would be continued across theatres countrywide.


* Abhishek, Rani turn newsreaders!
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

To promote 'Bunty Aur Bubli' (releasing next Friday), Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, will play newsreaders on a leading Indian news channel, on primetime. Innovative, indeed!


* King Khan's Latest Passion!
By Abid ©2005 Bollyvista.com

We all know how passionate Shah Rukh Khan is about Bollywood, but here is something really different (not to sound clichéd!). We have heard that Shah Rukh is taking guitar lessons, something he’s wanted to do for a long time.

Now that the 'Paheli' schedule has been wrapped up and the audio is getting rave reviews, Shah Rukh is 'indulging his new passion'.

News # 207

These News are from “www.indiatarget.com”


* Buy Katrina; get Salman free!
by Debasis Jana

If Katrina Kaif is there, can Salman Khan stay far away? Salman doesn't want to take any chance about his ladylove.
In Raj Kanwar's forthcoming 'Humko Deewana Kar Gayee', Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif are playing the lead roles. But Salman doesn't want to leave Katrina alone to his 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' co-star, so he makes an extended guest appearance in this film.
Seeing the tight bondage between this two, producers are signing Katrina more. Because sign up Katrina, and get Salman free!


* 'Paheli' postponed!
by Debasis Jana

The release of Shah Rukh Khan's latest home production 'Paheli' starring SRK himself and Rani Mukherji postponed. Initially it was scheduled to release on June 17.
Now it has been postponed by one week and will rock the theatres on June 24.


* Bomb blasts at Delhi theatres showing 'Jo Bole So Nihal'!
by Debasis Jana

Yesterday at least 50 persons injured in two devastating bomb blasts, occurred at 20 minutes interval at two different cinema halls in Delhi. Both the theatres were showing Sunny Deol starrer controversial film 'Jo Bole So Nihal'.
The blasts have stirred deeply the capital city. First explosion took place within the cinema hall, called Liberty at 8:25 pm. And it was exploded amidst the audiences, watching the movie then. Almost 44 have been wounded in this blast. And the second blast took place after 20 minutes of first blast at Satyam cinema complex, this time it exploded in a toilet. Nine peoples have been injured in that.
Few days' back Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee had demanded a ban on the movie as the film has allegedly hurt the sentiment of Sikhs community.
Also the distributors on Thursday withdrew the movie from theatres across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. Though nobody has taken the responsibility of the blast yet, but Delhi police is not ruling out the Sikh community's anguish, which can be a strong motivation behind the blast.
However after the incident, all the Delhi halls showing 'Jo Bole So Nihal' are instructed to stop screening immediately.


* Rani: Love in Paris?
by Debasis Jana

Bollywood queen Rani Mukherji to visit Paris soon to launch her film 'Black's release in France, as per an announcement made yesterday at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Rani will be accompanied with co-star Amitabh Bachchan and director of the film Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Such has been the curiosity about 'Black', which has had a reasonably positive market screening at Cannes, that the Indian ambassador to France, Dilip Lahiri, has requested his personal DVD of the film.
Let's see, the film 'Black' can succeed at France or not. If succeeds then Rani will be the queen of abroad too.

News # 208

These News are from “www.indiatarget.com”


* Pak P.M watched 'Nazar' with Meera!
by Debasis Jana

Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz watched 'Nazar' along with filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and the heroine of the film Meera. After Mumbai premiere of 'Nazar', Mahesh Bhatt had organized a special screening for the P.M at Pakistan. Pakistani popular actress Meera, whose kiss to hero Ashmit Patel in the film roused lot of controversy, recently, was also there at the screening.


* Now in Kolkata, screening of 'Jo Bole So Nihal' stopped!
by Debasis Jana

Following the blasts in Delhi theatres, showing Sunny Deol starrer 'Jo Bole So Nihal', cinema hall owners of other cities seem to be over cautious to screening the movie in their theatres.
Delhi theatres have already stopped the screening of the movie, followed by Mumbai, Pune and finally in Kolkata also seven theatres showing the film stopped screening.


* Oomph factors depend on genes factors, said Shilpa!
by Debasis Jana

It's not secret that Shilpa Shetty is one of the best dancers in the industry today. And she has a perfect tan body too.
We're sure her fans must be wondering how the svelte actress manages to maintain the fabulous shape, in spite of her hectic schedules throughout the year. "It's all thanks to my genes," revealed the actress. "I think I have been blessed as far as my figure is concerned. Really I don't exercise as much as people think I do, although I do make it a point to work out whenever I can." Well, though it's quite hard to believe, that is the beauty secret of Shilpa. And that may cause jealousy to the not so lucky!


* Sneha wants to meet Ash!
by Debasis Jana

Ash look-alike Sneha Ullal wants to meet Aishwarya Rai. Sneha, who has made her presence felt starring opposite Salman Khan in her very first film, said recently in an interview. "Not only me, anyone wants to meet Ash." But she is not ready to agree that her resemblance to Ash gave her the break in Bollywood.
Do you find it annoying that you are constantly being compared to Aishwarya Rai?
"It's annoying, but it's cool. At least I'm being compared to a Miss World," said proud Sneha.
Finally, if at all you come face to face with Ash, what would be the first thing you would say to her?
Sneha said gleefully, "Hi!" (Hai! Hai!)

News # 209

These News are from “www.teenstation.com”


* What's Priety's style mantra?
By ANI

Everyone has their own style mantra. For some actresses like Kareena Kapoor, it's her sheer spunk and sprite that marks her style. For Rani Mukherjee it's her exquisite collection of saris and ethnic jewellery.

Well, when we asked the bubbly Preity Zinta babe about her style mantra, she left us surprised, as always. "My style mantra is, 'Wear a smile - nothing looks better than that!" she said. Okay, we've just fitted a smile in here, Preity…what happens next?


* 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 ' .


* Priyanka, Akshay avoiding each other!
By ANI

Mumbai, May 21 : If 'Aitraaz', 'Waqt' and 'Andaz' dazzled; the credit, even so ever partly, goes to the hot couple ' Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra.

With the recent rumours of their steaming relationship, both of them are avoiding public appearances together and would prefer not doing films together. But if the film involves the King Khan, they don't mind reconsidering their decision!

Apparently, Kumar is being considered to play Pran's character in the remake of Don, in which Chopra plays the lead opposite Shahrukh Khan. Although, Akshay's better half, actress Twinkle was quite upset with such news around the circuit, the couple in question still maintain that they are 'co-stars and nothing else,'.

Ironically though, Kumar opted out of films like Suneel Darshan's 'Barsaat', which starred Chopra to avoid further controversy. Now, this creates confusion, when stars' action and words don't match.

News # 210

These News are from “www.teenstation.com”


* Playing Umrao Jaan's daughter? Not me: Priyanka
By ANI

Mumbai, May 22 : Actress Priyanka Chopra is baffled by director Afzal Ahmed's claim that she was supposed to play the role of Umrao Jaan's daughter in his film.

"I don't even remember this guy. He had probably approached my dad with an idea that we never said yes to. And now he claims I was to do his film," Priyanka told IANS in an interview.

"J.P. (Dutta) saab and I have been in discussion for quite a while. In fact we're working on the dates right now. We should start shooting soon," she said, referring to the film Dutta is planning on Umrao Jaan.

Ahmed has, meanwhile, gone ahead and announced his film with Pakistani actress Meera in the lead.

"He's welcome to it. May the best woman win," Priyanka said.

"Of course Meera, being a Pakistani, can speak Urdu a lot better than me. My first reaction to the idea of playing Umrao Jaan was nervousness. How can I play a character that's so complex and timeless?"

Having got over her initial trepidation, Priyanka is all set to brush up her kathak and Urdu.

"I'm going to hire teachers for this. J.P. saab is a perfectionist. And I can't get into the role without complete preparation."

Priyanka has also been finalised to play the lead in Farhan Akhtar's "Don".

"Can you believe it? I've to reprise roles already done to perfection by Rekha in 'Umrao Jaan' and Zeenat Aman in 'Don'. My only saving grace is that both the directors will allow me to interpret the characters in my own way," she said.

"But it's such an opportunity to relive the golden moments from the careers of two of our most famous actresses, and that too one after the other. Wow, I'm blessed!"


* What lies ahead in Bollywood?
By ANI

New Delhi, May 22 : Almost halfway into the year 2005 and the Hindi-film industry is feeling triumphant. Without much effort on its part, Bollywood has managed to convey its willingness to experiment and take chances.

Riding largely on the shoulders of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Black" and Madhur Bhandarkar's commercially successful "Page 3", the industry has got good press for finally breaking the mould.

Call these new genre films what you want - arty, parallel, new cinema, crossover, multiplex films or meaningful cinema - many have hogged the limelight in the first half of 2005.

And in the garb of so-called different cinema, a slew of mediocre-to-terrible releases have made their way to the marquees and some managed to stay afloat. The one genre that did not work at all were conventional biggies that consistently performed badly.

But from all the films churned out by Indian production houses, none could be termed as world-class cinema.

This was more than evident from the fact that yet again no Indian film featured in the competition category of the prestigious 2005 Cannes Film Festival that concluded May 22.

Though Indian cinema was well represented at the prestigious festival by female actors Aishwarya Rai, Nandita Das and Mallika Sherawat, all the global attention did not convert into critical acclaim.

The only Indian film to have made the grade in any category at the festival was Satyajit Ray's "Pather Panchali", which was selected under the Cannes Classic section to commemorate the 50th year of the film by legend Satyajit Ray.

Interestingly, this week also marked the completion of 500 weeks showing of 1990s-hit "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge".

Both films represent two dramatically opposite genre in films.

Though packaged varyingly, the common thread running through most films hitting the silver screen this year is - sex.

Whether it is the latest box-office hit "Kya Kool Hai Hum" or the latest spine-chiller "Nazar", a generous flash of skin is seen as a sure card to box-office gains.

The trend kicked-off by films like "Jism", "Khwahish" and "Murder" has no dearth of takers though many "sexplicit" films this year flopped badly. Take "Rog", "Sheesha" "Fun... Can Be Dangerous Sometimes" and "Dreams" for example.

The other constant genre continues to be the big-budget multi-starrers. Though the likes of Subhash Ghai tried but failed with his big production "Kisna", most other veteran filmmakers preferred to stick to the beaten track.

"Bewafaa", a multi-starrer with Akshaye Kumar, Anil Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor failed to save face. Ditto for Akshaye's other big budget release "Waqt" in which he shared the screen with Amitabh Bachchan.

One exception was Salman Khan's "Lucky" that was mounted on a big scale. The debut of Salman's ex-flame Aishwarya Rai's look alike - Sneha Ullal - lived up to its name.

"Lucky" did well on account of Salman's mass appeal, great music and locale. Another film that benefited from star appeal and overall packaging was the superstar Shah Rukh Khan and celebrated director Karan Johar-backed film - "Kaal".

However, none come close to the star appeal of Tamil superstar Rajnikanth, who is a screen icon for Tamil-speaking audiences. "Chandramukhi", his latest film, is likely to gross a colossal $10 million, a record of sorts.

On the whole, the failure of big-budget Hindi films to click at the box-office has the Mumbai studio-based industry weary and the next six months are crucial for business. After having got some amount of critical acclaim, financial relief will be of prime concern in the months ahead for Bollywood.


-*-

Much of the Hindi-film industry's hopes are resting on Yashraj Films' "Bunty Aur Babli". Many are hoping the film, by director Shaad Ali, will send the cash registers ringing.

With an impressive star-cast of Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerjee, the film seems to have all it takes to be a resounding success.

The film's music is by Shankar-Ehsaan and Loy. The peppy promos of the film have already caught the audiences' attention.


-*-

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has a set of films ready to go on the marquees, including a tale about underworld dons called "D".

The Vishram Sawant film with performers like Randeep Hooda, Yashpal Sharma, Sushant Singh, Chunkey Pandey, Goga Kapoor and Rukhsaar is not raking up much public interest but it could be another hit like Varma's "Satya".

Bollywood's hit-films churner Vidhu Vinod Chopra will soon unveil his next film "Parineeta". The film by Pradeep Sarkar stars Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, new-find Vidya Balan and Raima Sen.


-*-

After "Bunty Aur Babli", Rani Mukherjee will get another chance to shine in Shah Rukh Khan-production "Paheli".

The film by offbeat film director Amol Palekar will also feature Shah Rukh in the role of a ghost. Others in the cast include Amitabh Bachchan, Juhi Chawla, Suniel Shetty and Anupam Kher.

The film may not be expected to set the box-office on fire but it will be an important addition to Rani's repertoire.

Ditto for "Silsiilay," a film by producer Vashu Bhagnani and director Khalid Mohamed, which will showcase Tabu's acting prowess.

The film includes Bhumika Chawla, Celina Jaitley, Riya Sen, Natassha, Divya Dutta, Jimmy Shergill, Ashmit Patel, K.K., Karan Panthaky and the very elusive Rahul Bose.


-*-

Year 2005's most anticipated film will be Aamir Khan's "Mangal Pandey", which may be the ticket for Bollywood to finally make it into the competition category of international film festivals.

The film by producer Bobby Bedi is mammoth in its scale and with director Ketan Mehta wielding the microphone it may be the critical-cum-commercial hit Indian cinema is yearning for.

Info # 111

These Info are from “www.b4utv.com”


* Big B: Southern spice

Been there, done that! Amitabh Bachchan can claim that about everything in the Indian film industry. Well, almost. In his legendary career of over thirty years, Big B has done everything that a superstar is supposed to do. Except… except, work in a south Indian film. He has acted in films produced or directed by South Indian filmmakers but never ‘acted’ in a South Indian film. Now, this is will change. According to the buzz, Bachchan Sr. has already shot for a special appearance in a Kannada film – Amrut Dhare directed by Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar where he plays the lead hero’s rescuer. If reports are to be believed, it took the director four months to convince the veteran to agree to this special role.


* Malaika: Pakistani item?

Malaika Arora Khan was offered an item number in Pakistani film directed by Javed Raza. However, she refused to do the song due to date problems. The director then approached model Katrina Kaif but even she turned it down. It seems that the cinemagoers of the neighboring country will have to wait a little longer to watch Indian actresses on their screen. Till now, only Kiron Kher and Divya Dutta have made an attempt to act in a Pakistani movie. No on else has tried this act.


* Sunil Dutt passes away

Actor turned politician Sunil Dutt passed away in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. While he was in UP last week, the veteran actor suffered a sun stroke and was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai. Sunil Dutt is the only actor to have be elected to the Parliament five times. Dutt began his career as an actor in Railway Platform. He went on to do many landmark films like Sujata, Gumraah, Mera Saaya, Mother India, etc. Reshma Aur Shera marked his debut as a producer. Sunil Dutt went on to produce several issue based films like Yeh Aag Kab Bhujegi that focused on dowry menace and Dard Ka Rishta that took a look at the turmoil of cancer. Dard Ka Rishta was dedicated to wife Nargis who had died of cancer. The blockbuster Munnabhai MBBS was the last film in which Dutt acted. It was the first film that the actor turned politician appeared with his son Sanjay Dutt. Sunil Dutt is survived by his son Sanjay Dutt and daughters Priya Dutt and Natasha Dutt Kumar.

I am JUST arrived.[Completing my 15 POST . Plz dont MINd]

Info # 112

These Info are from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* BOLLYWOOD BANTER
By Eye TV India Bureau
“Ritesh on cloud nine?”

Ritesh Deshmukh, son of a Maharashtrian politician, has been groping in the dark in the tinsel world for long as he has had no hit since his 'Masti'. Even his latest movie, a comedy 'Kya Kool Hain Hum', hasn't fared too well. Besides, whatever appreciation it has got at the hands of the audience is attributed to other members of the cast. This has disheartened him. However, Ritesh has hired a secretary to assist him. This is the height of his arrogance, according to industry circles.


“Veteran producer Subodh dies”

Veteran director- filmmaker Subodh Mukherjee died in Mumbai on Saturday at an age of 84 following a prolonged illness. He had blood cancer, it is learnt. Subodh had a lot of hits like 'Paying Guest', 'Muneemji' and Shammi Kapoor starrer 'Junglee' to his credit. Besides, his other noteworthy movies are ' Love Marriage', 'April Fool', 'Shagird', 'Romeo' and "Sharmilee'.Several contemporaries including veteran actors Dilip Kumar and Shammi Kapoor paid tributes to the late director-cum-producer.


“Amitabh, Mallika to act together”

Smooch queen Mallika Sherawat will now be seen on the screen with Amitabh Bachchan. Well, she has already acted with Rekha, one time female partner of Big B in ' Bachke Rehna Re Baba'. S Ranganathan has signed both Amitabh and Mallika in his next. Amitabh has done several hit films for Ranganathan like 'Giraftaar' and 'Ganga Jamuna Saraswati'. Amitabh has already completed Ranganathan's 'Zamaanat' starring Karisma Kapoor, Arshad Warsi and Vijayashanti in lead roles.


“ Longest, most intense smooch in 'ESMKH' ”

Former Miss Madhya Pradesh Tanvi will soon put the screen on fire by her longest and most intense lip-locking scene with her hero Sameer Kochar in their ' Ek Se Mera Kya Hoga'. It is said that such a kissing scene has never been enacted in any Bollywood film. K.C. Bokadia will release this movie According to informed sources; Kochar hosts a private television channel's sex talk show. The movie has been completed and is likely to release in June.


“Yana Gupta separates from Satyakam”

Super model-turned -actor Yana Gupta, who charmed her audience with her item song 'Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo', has finally separated with her husband. Only four years ago, Yana had married a well-known artist Satyakam Gupta. Yes, they were not happy with each other for quite some time. Now, Yana has a lot of offers. When asked about her break up with her husband, she declined to say anything about her separation with Satyakm though she claims that the reason is purely personal.


“CA-turned- producer Shekhar Kapoor”

Believe it or not, but it's a fact. Many of those in the world of entertainment or glamour have a different background. They studied other subjects, but were destined to shine in films. The list is a long one. But let's remember few of them. The producer of 'Mr India' and 'Bandit Queen', Shekhar Kapoor is one of them. Kapoor is a qualified chartered accountant (CA), but he is a film celebrity now. Similarly, MTV VJ Nikhil Chinappa is an architect by his professional qualification.

Info # 113

These Info are from “www.bollywoodmantra.com”


* Bunty Aur Babli has everything going for it

It's one of the most talked-about films of the year. And Bunty Aur Babli is expected to continue Yashraj Films' unbroken spell of success at the box-office.
The film, which will be released this Friday, is expected to have one of the best openings in recent times.
To begin with, it's a Yashraj Film. "And that's reason enough for the trade to girdle up its loins," avers Patna exhibitor Roshan Singh, who is all set to release it at his posh theatre

"I've released every single film produced or distributed by Yashraj Films in the last three years. From Saathiya to Hum Tum to Dhoom to Kaal...they've all been huge money makers for me. I expect Bunty Aur Babli to do the same."

The premium production's label puts an extra burden on director Shaad Ali whose crucial post-debut film this is. While the first time around, everyone said Saathiya was a frame-by-frame adaptation of his guru Mani Ratnam's Tamil hit Alai Payuthe, Bunty Aur Babli is an absolute original.

But it's an original with huge temptations to offer to the audience. It has the hot-and-saleable Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji in the lead. Together their films so far haven't set the box office on fire. But Rani and Abhishek are regarded as the Jaya Bhaduri and Amitabh Bachchan of this millennium.

Besides her unmatched track record of success in the last two years, Rani has the added advantage of getting rave reviews with Amitabh Bachchan in Sanjay Bhansali's Black.

She reappears Banti Aur Babli with the senior Bachchan, thereby adding a great deal of curiosity in the public mind as to what the Black pair has done in their follow-up film.

Perhaps the film's single biggest USP is the presence of the junior and senior Bachchan together on screen for the first time. Though they have Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar coming up together in June, Bunty Aur Babli is the first film where Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan will be seen together, though not as father and son, but as cop and fugitive.

In addition there's the music and songs. Shankar-Ehsan-Loys' earthy rustic rhythms capture the foot-tapping beats of dusty north Indian towns in Uttar Pradesh.

According to trade circles, Bunty Aur Babli is expected to rake in major moolah in the very first week. The Chopras have left no stone unturned to ensure the film is appropriately marketed, accentuating the hollering antics of two small town con artistes on the run.

In the title roles, Abhishek and Rani are expected to cross new frontiers of their image. From Bonnie & Clyde to Thelma & Louise, capers about characters on the run are common in Hollywood. But not in Bollywood.

How will the audience react to their main heroes creating a huge whoopee of con crime and escape? We don't have to wait long to find out.


* “According to my sources, Salman was innocent…”

…this is Salman's screen mother talking. Guess who? A brownie jar for the one who gets it right! Nah, it isn't his Rajshri mother of many films Reema Lagoo nor is it Rakhee or Himani Shivpuri either. Bang your head against the wall and you still won't be able to hit the name. Give up? Okay, it's Beena Kak. Beena who? Beena Kak was the opposition Congress MLA during Salman's blackbuck incident in 1998. And she has something interesting to tell us all

“It was 1998, he was held up with charges of illegal poaching. But my sources found Salman innocent. He was being framed to suit the impending elections at that point. I found that pretty unfair and so questioned the police action in Vidhan Sabha while urging them to find out whether poaching mafia was involved. This must have kind of upset the apple cart and I lost elections in 2003” the silver haired politician recounts.

“Salman came down to Jaipur specially to thank me for my objective stand. But what till date stays with me is just before leaving, he asked me if he could address me as Beena aapa, which stands for elder sister in Urdu. I told him I was okay with it, that's when he told me after whatever I had done for him, he found addressing me as 'Beena ma'am' a tad too impersonal” she smiles.

“It was all the more special because I was a huge Salman fan and my family kept teasing me around about my motherly feelings I had for Salman. Later one day he comes up to me asking me to play his screen mother! It was for a film his brother Sohail was making, Maine Pyar Kyon Kiya. Though the idea did give me kicks, I was scared of goofing up. Even director David Dhawan was unsure of my emoting abilities. But Salman believed I could pull it off and kept goading me. Finally, I decided to give it a shot and after the first take, David was tongue tied. That was some experience!” beams Beena.

Info # 114

These Info are from “www.bollyvista.com”


* Tiger Eyes - Now Available!
By Judi Silva ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Shah Rukh Khan's new perfume line 'Tiger Eyes' is now available online. The scents are described as: "Shah Rukh Khan's invincible facets captured in a bottle!"

'Tiger Eyes' for Men: "captures previously uncombined elements to create unforgettable fragrance with a freshly gathered bouquet of modern fern, aromatic green, spicy, fruity lemon and orange to form its fresh top note; a woody middle note of sandal, patchouli, cedar and vetiver and an amber and musk to harmonize its oriental base."

'Tiger Eyes' for Women: "has fresh top notes of orange, black currant, apple and apricot; while its floral middle notes is an alliance of lily of the valley, rose, jasmine, ylang ylang and clove leaves to attain the spicy tinge, with an inimitable combination to form an oriental base note of woody, cedarwood, balsamic, ozonic amber and musk."

Both are: "Exotic, sparkling and pulsating Fragrance of Tiger eyes harmonizes with properties of a precious birthstone called 'Tiger Eyes'. The precious stone is useful for psychic development and retaining energy. It promotes optimism, psychic ability and intuition."

Jeanne Arthes, the French company who manufactures the line is offering a special deal besides. Buy 'Tiger Eyes for Men' or 'Tiger Eyes for Women' and get a FREE body Spray! You can purchase the sensational new fragrances at Jeanne Arthes's official site. Get yours today and as King Khan says, "Have me all over you."


* Dia's new romance
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

Only recently we told you about Dia Mirza's breakup with director Apurva Lakhia, as a result of which she was ousted from his 'Ek Ajnabee', and replaced by Perizaad Zorabian. Dia, of course, finds such talk "hurtful" and maintains that she still respects Apurva.

Incidentally, Dia has a new man in her life, one Sam (Sameer), a music video director. The romance is new and has just started.


* Aamir Khan on 'Parineeta'
By Our Correspondent ©2005 Bollyvista.com

When asked to comment on the forthcoming 'Parineeta' (featuring his friend Saif Ali Khan in the lead), Aamir Khan said, "I liked the promos of the film, especially the train song."

We believe Aamir was in the reckoning earlier for Sanjay Dutt's role in the film. "I met Vidhu on a flight and he told me that I wouldn't suit the character being played by Sanjay," says Aamir, whose 'The Rising' and 'Rang De Basanti' are carrying excellent reports.

Info # 115

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


* 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 # 116

These Info are from “www.filmfare.com”


* Anil Kapoor is insatiable!

If you are a veteran of the silver screen, it's only logical to assume that you would find it difficult to select roles you haven't already done. But when we asked Anil Kapoor whether he felt he had seen it and done it all, the actor had a surprise in store for us. "Oh, there are so many roles I still want to do," said AK. "It's like an ocean out there. I don't think one lifetime is enough for me to explore the different kinds of roles available. Especially with trends changing - I feel like it is the beginning of my career. Look at Amitabh Bachchan. He is getting such drastically different roles and doing such a good job of it! Could he think of doing this earlier? He would keep repeating only one line in his earlier interviews, saying, 'There are no roles for me.' That was seven or eight years ago. But now trends have changed and people are making interesting films. Of course, I cannot compare to him, but I would like to do something like that." After all that he has done, AK is one actor who simply can't get enough!


* Shilpa's fitness secret!

It's no secret that Shilpa Shetty is one of the best dancers in the industry today. And that she has a perfect ten body, to boot. We're sure her fans must be wondering how the svelte actress manages to maintain her fabulous shape, in spite of her hectic shooting schedules. "It's all thanks to my genes," revealed the actress. "I think I have been blessed as far as my figure and dancing is concerned. Really, I don't exercise as much as people think I do, although I do make it a point to work out whenever I can." As difficult as that may be to believe, that we believe is Shilpa's beauty secret. Not for nothing do they say that facts are stranger than fiction!


* Divya Dutta: Identity crisis?

If you thought every actress wants to tom-tom her next role, you need to speak to Divya Dutta. This one is keeping mum about her next role - in the Antara Mali, Riteish Deshmukh, Aftab Shivdasani starrer, 'Mister Ya Miss'. But we managed to get this much out of a source: The lady is being given a completely new look for the film, and she is quite excited about this development. And, of course, she's not telling. Quite a riddle, isn't it? Now let's hope we don't have to take the title of the film literally and figure out which one DD plays.


* Abhay's 'train' to success!

He's a dashing Deol, after all - there can be nothing local or casual about him. The Deol brothers did a good job of launching new D-kid, Abhay. His first film, 'Socha Na Tha', didn't make an earth-shattering impact at the BO, but the lad's debut performance was appreciated. Well, after all the hype and hoopla, Abhay is on his own now. His brothers are always around for support, but he'll have to find his own feet in Bollywood. Like his bro Bobs once said, "Abhay will learn from his own mistakes." And from what we gather, he's already rolling…and learning fast. Apparently he's bagged a film called 'Ek Chalis Ki Local', to be directed by first-time-director Sanjay Khandoria. They don't want to divulge too much about the film, but the title seems to have a touch of reality to it. Just one bit of advice for Abhay as he sets out on his new journey - there's no fast train to success!

Info # 117

These Info are from “www.filmfare.com”


* Soham: Caught between RGV and KJ?

Okay, the news is confirmed that Soham (of 'Kaal' fame) is doing another thriller-chiller for his producer, Karan Johar. But what we were wondering is that if Soham has a penchant for the horror genre and that's what he's best at, why isn't he doing a film for Ramgopal Varma, who is the best so far in this realm? Without a moment's contemplation, Soham retorts, "No, I'll be working with Karan Johar now. Like I said, I've started scripting my second film for Dharma Productions. I've developed this comfort level with Karan and I want to continue working with him." No camp hopping for this director! So what did Ramu (his other mentor) think of 'Kaal'? "Actually, I met Ramu during the interval of the screening; after that, I haven't met him. I don't know what he thinks of the final product. From whatever he saw, he said, 'Good work. I like the way you've shot and filmed it. I'm so glad that both my mentors have approved of my work," says a confident director. Great going, Soham! At the end of the day, it's all about being happy. Right, Karan?


* 'Munnabhai'-inspired Hollywood flick is no big deal for director

So many Indian filmmakers get their inspiration from international films. And because we know that well, it came as a pleasant surprise to learn that Hollywood has indeed been inspired by the Sanjay Dutt-starrer, 'Munnabhai MBBS', and is well on its way to making an English version of the super-hit film, titled 'Gangsta MD' When we got in touch with director Rajkumar Hirani, he wasn't as overwhelmed as we thought he would be. The modest man said, "Yes, it's a good thing. But frankly, the film is now over and done with and I am busy making the next part of 'Munnabhai'. So it's good when good things happen to your movie, but 'Munnabhai MBBS' is now a thing of the past for me. I can't just sit and look at all the good things happening to it. I have to move on and work on different things" Bole to, that's some akal ki baat!


* Housewarming greetings for Ayesha

Wondergirl Ayesha Takia has been very busy these days. It's not only films that are keeping her busy, but also some housework. Apparently the lass has just bought a house of her own and is busy doing it up. When we called to invite her for a 'do' we were hosting, she gave us the good news - our instant reaction was obviously a hearty 'Congratulations!' The actress was thrilled when she heard us say that, and told us, "Most people usually call for their own work and don't even listen to what I have to say. Thank you so much for your wishes!" So if you are talking to Ayesha any time soon, be sure that you wish her well for her new home. Because this gal is really ‘listening’!


* Gulshan and Pooja 'Holiday' in Goa!

We have some interesting news about the proverbial Bad Man of Bollywood, Gulshan Grover. The news came to us that after a gap of a couple of films, the Bhatt camp has once again roped in Gulshan (a Bhatt loyalist) for its next film, called 'Holiday'. "It's an old association," says GG. "I have acted in almost all their movies, the last being 'Jism'. It's always a pleasure working with them, especially with Pooja. And of late they have been giving me positive roles. I'm no longer the bad guy in their movies!" laughs Gulshan and adds, "The latest film I'm doing is Pooja Bhatt's 'Holiday', which is currently being shot in Goa, in a start-to-finish schedule. I'm playing the emotional anchor in the movie." Now this is one 'Holiday' we are sure Gullu is going to enjoy!

Info # 118

These Info are from “www.filmfare.com”


* Pooja Misrra - Not just a VJ!

Another beauty from the modelling world is making a big leap into Bollywood. Pooja Misrra, the petite model-VJ, will be making her debut in producer Poonam Sinha's (Shatrughan's wife) movie titled "Mera Dil Leke Dekho". In this one, the new wonder gal displays her flair for comedy. We also hear that she'll be gyrating to an item number, which she promises will be a wee bit different from the usual run-of-the-mill stuff. Of course, we don't need to say it, but we are impressed already!


* Prabhudeva to turn director!

So far you have seen him moving his two magical feet on-screen, but now the buzz has it that the dancing king is eager to hang up his dancing - and choreographing - shoes and explore a new 'direction'. If rumours are to be believed, Boney Kapoor has roped in South India's best known dancer, Prabhudeva, to direct his next project. Though both sides have maintained a staunch silence so far on this issue, we were told of this latest development by someone very close to Boney - and we have little doubt about the authenticity of the report. We now wonder what the movie will be about. One thing you can be assured of - it will have plenty of naach-gaana to make the rubber-legged man's fans more than just happy!


* Is Ektaa the most successful person around?

Actor Tusshar Kapoor was invited to an Indiatimes chat where he interacted with his fans online. And when someone asked him, 'How does it feel to be compared with your sister? Does it hurt when people say that she has achieved more than you have?' he answered, "No, it doesn't hurt. Even if you compare a superstar from films, he wouldn't have achieved as much as Ektaa has. So why single me out?" Now that's some bhai-behen ektaa for you!

Info # 119

These Info are from “www.santabanta.com”


* Kool Riteish kicks Saif out!

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

Deshmukh is now all set to move into another orbit in his career. He has been signed on by Rohan Sippy in a new Abhishek Bachchan starrer as replacement for Saif Ali Khan.

"Yes, Saif was meant to be in my new film but at a very inception stage of Sridhar Raghavan's script. Now when the whole project has crystallised, it's Abhishek and Saif playing a mis-matched pair," Rohan said.

"While Abhishek will be cast in a more mellow mood, Riteish will be the more bratty one in my film."

The project, tentatively titled "Bluff Master", will be a fun caper. Aishwarya Rai is also expected to join the cast.

Rohan admitted it's a film about male bonding.

"But Ash will have a substantial role. She certainly won't be a decorative doll. After 'Kuch Na Kaho' I was keen to work with Abhishek and Ash again," he said.

"Abhishek, of course, was always 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."

Abhishek's dates have fallen into Rohan's lap.

"It's almost a windfall. Abhishek suddenly had dates because Karan Johar's film has been moved to September. We start our film in June and wrap up in a month. Since Shridhar's script is based almost entirely in Mumbai it shouldn't be difficult to complete the film on schedule."

Rohan is 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."


* A hot lady just for Amitabh!

For Ramya, it is a dream come true. She is finally sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan in his first Kannada, indeed south Indian, film.

An earlier proposal to work with the Big B did not materialize after initial discussions. Ramya was to have played the superstar's daughter in a Hindi film under Anil Sharma's direction.

Sharma and the film's producer had flown to Bangalore for discussions with Ramya and she had even allotted dates. But nothing came out of the negotiations.

It's different this time. Ramya is finally being paired with the Big B.

Amitabh has already worked four days for the Kannada film "Amrutha Dhare", directed by Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar. The shooting has been done in Mumbai.

Just days earlier, Kamal Haasan had accepted a role in "Rama Bhama Shama" directed by Ramesh. It would seem to be the day of the big stars for Kannada cinema.

Info # 120

These Info are from “www.indiafm.com”


* Urmila tours for 'Naina'
By Taran Adarsh, May 24th 2005 - 1000 hrs IST

Trust iDream to promote their films to the optimum. Whether it's the star-studded premiere of MONSOON WEDDING at Regal or the marketing strategies adopted for every film they are associated with, iDream sure knows to create all-round awareness.

Although most producers feel that their job ends when a film hits the screens, it's the reverse with iDream. After premiering NAINA on Thursday night in Mumbai, Urmila and Ashish Bhatnagar [of iDream] flew to Bangalore on Friday morning, interacted with viewers at PVR multiplex, then flew to Delhi on Saturday morning and visited three PVR multiplexes in the city.

That's not all! Since the flight from Delhi to Jaipur got cancelled on Sunday, Urmila decided to travel to the city by car and visited two theatres in Jaipur the same evening -- Golcha and Space. Bhatnagar and Urmila returned to Mumbai on Monday, after a whirlwind tour of three different cities. Quite a Bharat darshan, what say?


* Vashu pre-pones 'Silsiilay'
By Taran Adarsh, May 24th 2005 - 1000 hrs IST

Initially, Vashu Bhagnani had planned to release SILSIILAY on June 3, but the prolific film-maker eventually opted for June 24. But with PAHELI confirmed for June 24 now, Vashu has decided to pre-pone his film by one week. SILSIILAY is now confirmed for June 17.

“It's no point clashing with an SRK film,” Vashu admits, “It's better to release a week earlier, than in the same week.” Incidentally, SRK makes a 10-minute appearance in SILSIILAY and is not merely the sutradhar of the film.


* Salman inaugurates Yoga Centre in Dubai
By Taran Adarsh, May 24th 2005 - 1100 hrs IST

The first Bharat Artistic Yoga Centre was officially opened in Dubai by well-known yoga teacher Bharat Thakur, whose celebrity clients include Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Lara Dutta, Hollywood star Michael Douglas and sportsman Boris Becker.

In fact, the yoga expert even convinced Salman Khan to inaugurate the centre. The actor sold the practice of yoga to the audience and apparently, he even gave a demonstration.


* Big B fest again
By Taran Adarsh, May 25th 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

Call it a coincidence, June 2004 witnessed the release of three Big B starrers in three consecutive weeks -- DEV, LAKSHYA and DEEWAAR. June/July 2005 will also witness a Big B fest, what with PAHELI [June 24], SARKAR [June 30; it's releasing on Thursday, not Friday] and VIRUDDH [early July], releasing back to back.

Your comments, Mr. Bachchan!


* Time praises Mallika Sherawat
By Taran Adarsh, May 25th 2005 - 1355 hrs IST

Seems like Mallika Sherawat has won a number of fans worldwide. Attending the Cannes to promote her new film THE MYTH, the actress found praise coming her way from none other than the reputed Time magazine.

Writes Mary Corliss in Time, “We also met Mallika Sherawat, the Bollywood bombshell [her steamy musical 'Murder' was India's top-grossing film last year], who will co-star with Jackie in his new film, 'The Myth'. Articulate, friendly and forthrightly ambitions, Sherawat impressed the two visiting Americans. The weather and the film selection have been cool this year, but Sherawat instantly raised the temperature.”

Writes another journalist Richard Corliss in Time: “HOTTEST PAPARAZZI MAGNET: Bollywood bombshell Mallika Sherawat, whose warm smile and tight dresses restored Cannes's rep as a showcase for steamy glamour.”

Info # 121

These Info are from “www.indiafm.com”


* 'Naina' - Not in Overseas yet
By Taran Adarsh, May 25th 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

More on NAINA. It's a practice to release every Hindi film worldwide simultaneously, but NAINA is an exception!

iDream, the producers of NAINA, did release the film in India on May 20, but haven't released it anywhere in Overseas. Why? “There's a reason behind it,” Ashish Bhatnagar of iDream divulges, “Well-made horror films have a lucrative market in the U.S. and we plan to tap that area. Besides, we are in negotiations with some foreign distributors and hopefully, we should clinch the deal in a month from now.”

Bhatnagar continues in the same breath, “Had we released the film anywhere in Overseas in the conventional way, what we would've got is mere peanuts, but with foreign distributors showing a keen interest in the film, we hope to explore new horizons.” If all goes well, NAINA would be released by a leading studio in U.S. and would be dubbed/sub-titled for the remaining markets.


* The Big Three!
By Taran Adarsh, May 26th 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

The director duo is all set to commence work on their new project, which will be produced by a reputed production house. And the film is expected to star topnotch names. Incidentally, it's the first time the duo will be working with these actors.

Start guessing…
· Heading the cast will be this middle-aged actor, who specializes in gangster roles. However, he is expected to enact the role of a cop in this film.
· Expected to join the cast is the young actor, who has a period film coming up next. However, the actor is yet to sign on the dotted line.
· The third actor in the cast is the teen sensation, who hit headlines when he was 'caught' smooching his girl-friend on camera.
No prizes for guessing the star cast!


* Circus acrobatics for 'Krrish'
By Taran Adarsh, May 26th 2005 - 1000 hrs IST

Rakesh Roshan is making every possible effort, using every possible source or resource for his latest venture KRRISH. After completing a marathon schedule in Manali, Roshan Sr. is currently engaged in another major shooting schedule of the film on a specially created set of Singapore-style circus at Mumbai's Film City.

What's so special about this shoot? Action director Tony Ching Siu Tung [from Hong Kong] is filming unusual action scenes featuring acrobatic, trapeze and specialized stunt artists. Also, a song is being filmed on Hrithik and Priyanka by choreographer Farah Khan.


* Thailand - The hot destination
By Taran Adarsh, May 26th 2005 - 1000 hrs IST

Thailand seems to be the favorite destination of Bollywood producers these days!

While EK AJNABI [Big B, Arjun Rampal, Perizaad Zorabian] will commence filming in Bangkok in a few days from now and Sanjay Gupta has decided to shoot ZINDA [Sanjay Dutt] in Thailand extensively, Rajkumar Santoshi too has finalized Thailand for an extensive schedule of FAMILY - TIES OF BLOOD [Big B, Akshay Kumar].

In fact, the Thailand schedule of FAMILY is expected to take place in July. Meanwhile, Santoshi has already left for the country to finalize the locations.

Info # 122

These Info are from “www.indiafm.com”


* Anand Bakshi's grand-son turns director
By Taran Adarsh, May 26th 2005 - 1000 hrs IST

Noted lyricist Anand Bakshi's grand-son Aditya Datt is directing a film. His directorial debut, titled AASHIQ BANAYA AAPNE [working title], stars MURDER and ZEHER star Emraan Hashmi with Tanushree Dutta and Sonu Sood [SHEESHA] in pivotal roles. Himesh Reshammiya will score the music of this college romance.


* Shekhar - Perizaad together
By Taran Adarsh, May 26th 2005 - 1000 hrs IST

The lure of the big screen cannot be overlooked! Shekhar Suman, who has carved a niche for himself on the small screen, had decided to go easy when it came to the big screen. Barring a film with David Dhawan [CHOR MACHAYE SHOR] and Kundan Shah [EK SE BADHKAR EK], Shekhar wasn't seen on the big screen at all.

But the talented actor has signed a film finally! Titled MOONLIGHT - UNFORTUNATELY A LOVE STORY [quite an interesting title, must say!], Shekhar's co-stars in the film are Perizaad Zorabian and Kim Sharma. The film will be shot in Mumbai and London extensively.


* 'Samay' director's next with newcomers
By Taran Adarsh, May 26th 2005 - 1000 hrs IST

Robby Grewal, director of SAMAY [Sushmita Sen, Jackie Shroff], is starting his next venture, titled MUMBAI TO PARIS. The film will be shot in Mumbai, Delhi and of course, Paris. Grewal is on the look-out for two new faces -- one boy and one girl -- to play the lead roles in the film. “The only qualification is that they have to be around 17 years old,” Robby states.

Presented by Sahara One Motion Pictures, MUMBAI TO PARIS is a teenage love story. “It is that type of love where you don't really know if it is actually love or a simple crush,” adds Robby.


* Ghai attends I.I.T. Global Conference 2005
By Taran Adarsh, May 26th 2005 - 1000 hrs IST

Veteran film-maker Subhash Ghai represented the Indian film industry at the I.I.T. Global Conference 2005, held in Washington on May 22. 'Technology without Borders' was the theme of this year's conference that began from May 20.

This year's panel included accomplished leaders across several landscapes ranging from different industries to academia and from arts to politics. Ghai was also amongst the distinguished speakers.

Interview # 46

This Interview is from “www.bollywoodworld.com”


* Interview: Sunil Dutt (Last Interview)

'We all are one, whichever religion we belong to'
May 25, 2005

Actor-politician Sunil Dutt touched many people's lives in his 74 years (he would have been 75 on June 6). And journalist Lata Khubchandani is one of those who remembers Mr Dutt very fondly.

She recalls her last interview with Mr Dutt, just a few weeks before his death. He was in a very reminiscent mood:

I came to Mumbai in my teens.

I managed to get a place at Kala Ghoda (south Mumbai) in the Army/Navy building.

I shared a room with eight people, which included tailors, barbers, all sorts of people.

I studied at the Jaihind College (in south Mumbai) and also worked with BEST (the Bombay Electric and Transport Undertaking).

It used to be very hot those days. We would just leave our room and sleep on the pavement. We used to sleep right outside an Irani restaurant.

It used to open at 5.30 am every day -- and that was our wake-up call. As soon as it opened, we would ask for tea. My days started that way, before I left for my early morning classes.

It was fun.

We didn't have much money those days. I could afford only the cheapest fare.

I recall two other restaurants that I used to go to. In Dadar, at Khodadad Circle (northcentral Mumbai), there was another Irani café which we frequented. Then, there was another at Churchgate station (south Mumbai), where we would sit and eat khari (a crunchy, baked biscuit) and chai.

Where was the money for anything else?

It was difficult to live in the Mumbai of the olden days without the Irani cafés. Those were the restaurants we frequented. Today's generation goes to 5-star hotels.

I used to be facinated by the waiters who could carry ten to 12 cups of tea and serve everyone at once.

The cups would never fall. Watching this feat was a favourite pastime.

The Irani cafés have contributed to all of us strugglers. Their wonderful tea, their baked items. I recall the breadrolls we used to eat.

We would sit in groups and discuss our day's events. Our dreams. Those days hold a lot of pleasurable nostalgia for me.

I remember when I visited my village (in Pakistan) again after 50 years. I was invited by then prime minister Nawaz Sharief.

He was very kind when I told him my desire to visit my village. He made all the arrangements for my visit.

My village is called Khurd. It is about 14 miles from Jhelum city, which is on the banks of the Jhelum river.

I have always felt that the people of Pakistan are as affectionate and caring as our own people. You will be surprised (if I told you that) when I went to my village, the entire village gathered to welcome me.

I thought they were doing this because I am an actor and they know me. But it was because they genuinely felt that I belonged there, and that I was coming back for a visit.

The village youth gave me a huge welcome with banners, saying, 'Sunil Dutt, welcome to Khurd!'

I got a big reception there. All those who studied with me came to meet me. (I met) women who were then 10 years old, (and)were now 60 or 65.

My brother's nickname is Soma. They asked about him, my sister Rani and my mother Kulwanti. They remembered all their names. Imagine, after 50 years!

It would be understandable if they did that to me -- am an actor. But my family has not been in the public eye.

For me, it was a really emotional moment. I told them my mother had passed away.

In Punjab, when someone passes away, women beat their chests. When they heard about my mother, they started beating their chests as if someone from their own family had died. Where would one get more sincere emotion than this?

To think that after 50 years, people forget their relatives. These people gave me so much emotion and sentiment. I was deeply touched.

They took me out to the fields. They told me, "Yeh zameen teri hain (this land is yours], Balla.' My name is Balraj. I was called Balla.

I told them, 'No, it belongs to you.'

They said, 'Nahin, tum yahan aa jao. Tumhein de denge (No, you come here. We will give it to you).'

All this was not lip service. You could sense their sincerity, their genuineness. I am an actor-director. I can read a face and tell whether the person is genuine or not.

There were television channels (present). The villagers were asked why they were giving me so much affection.

They replied, 'It is not because of him. It is because of his forefathers who lived here and gave us so much respect. They were fine people and respected our religion. They were landlords. There is a dargah at the outskirts of our village. When they (Dutt's forefathers) neared the dargah, they would alight from their horses, walk on foot till they went past the dargah, and then get back on their horses. They gave us so much respect. Why wouldn't we respect them?'

My father died when I was just five. We lived in the village without any problem. There were more Muslims than Hindus there.

During Partition, my entire family was saved by a Muslim. His name was Yakub -- a friend of my father's who lived a mile-and-a-half away from our village.

He helped us escape to the main city, Jhelum.

I left Pakistan after I my matriculation.

I never had the chance to visit Lahore. I visited Karachi when I was invited to attend Benazir Bhutto's marriage.

I was very keen that my wife (Nargis, who passed away in May 1981) should also see my village, how we went to school.

I used to tell her stories about our life there.

In Jhelum, I studied at the DAV School. I travelled to school on horseback all through my middle school years, that is from Class V to Class VIII.

My school was eight miles away, and there was no other conveyance in those days. Being zamindars, we had many horses. One horse was kept specially for me to go to school.

I also remember Rawalpindi, where I studied at DAV School for a year.

There was Murree Road, where my school was. Murree is a hill station. It was called Ko Murree. 'Ko' means mountain. Buses plied from Rawalpindi to Murree.

Then there was Garden College, through which we would walk to get to our school. DAV College was just opposite Garden College, but Garden had this huge complex which we loved.

There was this area called Naya Mohalla, where my relatives were. I would live there with them.

Films were taboo for us in those days. We would just look at the posters.

My wife was keen to go to Pakistan and see all this. Unfortunately, she couldn't.

I really feel this process that has started between our two countries is very positive.

Somehow, this hatred should come to an end. I am a believer of nonviolence. I believe we all are one, whichever religion we belong to.

I wish it culminates in something positive and we can both grow economically. The money we spend on weapons can be used to give water to the people, to educate everybody, to give them medical aid and to give employment to the youth of the country.

If there is no friendship with one's neighbours, no one can progress. Look at Canada and the USA -- both countries help each other.

Interview # 47

This Interview is from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* Interview: Zayed Khan

“ZAYED READY WITH LIST OF FILMS”
By Aira - Eye TV India Bureau
Star Chat

That's the cool dude of Bollywood, trying his hand at something else other than acting. Zyed Khan was in the capital to launch a new pizza variant called Freshizza, for the international food chain Pizza Hut. At the innovative cookery show hosted by the food critic Rashmi Uday Singh Zayed got to bake his Pizza and eat it too. After being "Lucky" with his last film 'Main Hoon Na', this youth icon is now ready with a freshly baked list of films on his plate. But we caught up with him to find out what tickles his taste buds.

Excerpts of his recent tete-e-tete:

Q. Will you tell us more about your passion for food?
A. I love to eat. I am a hard-core non-vegetarian and relish each and every bite of my food. And yes I also enjoy pizzaz. But my favorite cuisine would be seafood and pastas. And of course what my mom cooks is out of this world. Being a half Parsi I also love Parsi food.

Q. Is this your first endorsement? Why only Pizza Hut and not something better which is more in sync with your image?
A. Pizza hut is in sync with me. I am a foodie and this place is for foodies. Apart from that, the strategy is to project pizza hut to the youth in such a way that it's affordable even with your pocket money. The 50-rupee ad was all about affordability. And being a young actor I guess Pizza Hut people think of me as someone who the youth can identify with.

Q. You are in news these days for your latest flick 'DUS'. How was the experience?
A. It was awesome. The song that you can see on TV these days with Abhishek was a blast. We had so much fun. Also working with Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Abhishek, Shilpa Shetty was all a learning experience. It's out and out action movie for me. So, it was educative in terms of stunts. I think the audiences will enjoy the film.

Q. What about a concert in Pakistan that you will doing?
A. Yes, I am supposed to do one. And I am excited about it. I have always wanted to visit our neighbors, and what better way than to entertain them and make a few friends there.

Q. What about the wedding preparations?
A. In full swing! I don't have to do much, as I have to go for my fittings and all. But my parents and sisters will handle major tension. I am not worried about jewelry as Farha, my sister, is into it, and music will be taken care of by Farha's husband DJ Aqueel. And anyway the wedding is in December, which is still a couple of months down the line, so I am not getting jittery now.

Q. What about life post- wedding?
A. I think it's going to remain more or less same. Both Mallika and I know each other well, so it will be cool. But yes it will change in the sense of being married.

Interview # 48

This Interview is from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* Interview: Shalini Pal

“SHALINI - BOLLYWOOD TREATED ME LIKE A BRIDE”
By Eye TV India Bureau
Tete-a-Tete

Dehra Dun's Shalini Pal acted in her debut 'Voh Tera Naam Tha' produced by business tycoon Vidyapat Singhania. She played as Muslim girl named Nassem in it. Now, she is busy in several movies. We met her during the shoot of 'Jabse Hua Pyaar'.

Excerpts of chat with her:

Q. What's your role in 'Jabse Hua Pyaar ?
A. I play the character of Nisha in this movie. She looks very simple, but is otherwise a very happy going girl. Her father wants her to marry his friend's son, but she loves another boy. She wants to marry the boy of her choice.

Q. What else are you doing?
A. I am playing glamorous Neha's character in Sunil Rathi's 'Jo Ander Phit Voh Bahar Bhi Phit'. Neha has been a student and now she has become a professor. Besides, I am playing the role of Pooja who is a doctor in an action film 'Ghaao'.

Q. How come you are doing very few movies?
A. Yes, because 'Voh Tera Naam Tha' failed. Moreover, I was bound by a contract.

Q. What types of roles you prefer?
A. I am at ease with all types of roles. I don't want to be typecast. My role in ' Jabse Hua Pyaar' is quite different from that in my debut. In this movie, I play a chirpy girl. 'Ghaao' is an action film.

Q. What's your vies about exposure to make a career in films?
A. I shall never stoop low to expose myself to improve my prospects. I won't do any role that may make my family hang their head in shame. I believe that one looks beautiful in proper clothes rather than in scanty dresses.

Q. What's your experience about casting couch in the industry?
A. I am indeed very fortunate to have come into contact with good people only in the industry. Bollywood has always treated me like a newly wed bride.

Q. What would you do if you happen to get such an offer?
A. I shall bring the matter to the notice of the media immediately.
Are you working on the small screen too?
No, I declined the Balaji's offer. I have no time to do daily soaps. I told them that I shall like to do weekly soaps though. Anyway, I have made a pilot for Doordarshan (India's state media).

News # 211

These News are from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* RANI: I SHALL ACT TILL I BREATHE
By Eye TV India Bureau
In the News

Bollywood's bee queen Rani Mukherjee who has given several consecutive hits in the recent past has announced that she will never quit acting until she lives. So, she will continue to act even after her marriage. However, she is not going to marry for the next two years, as she needs to devote herself fully to her profession. Yes, she is happy with the positive response to her films by the audience, especially to her Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Black' and Yash Chopra's 'Veer-Zaara'. Her expectations from her forthcoming 'Bunty Aur Babli' satarring Bachchans and 'Paheli' opposite Shah Rukh Khan are equally high.

Despite this she has not yet reached the zenith, she feels. Her recent meeting with Pak President General Musharraf at his official dinner and the interest shown by the first family of Pakistan in her performance have added to her status in the industry. She is anxiously awaiting the official invitation to visit Pakistan. When persistently asked by the media about her relationship with Abhishek and becoming the bahu of the Bachchan family, she said, " Both of us are good friends, and know each other as actors."


* COURT TO HEAR AGAINST 'NAINA' ON 25TH
By P. K. Chakravarty - Eye TV India
In the News

'Naina', an offbeat Hindi movie about a girl, who remains almost blind for two decades and cured, has been released as scheduled despite protest by eminent eye specialists. They are of the view that 'Naina' played by Urmila Matondkar, will create wrong impression among the people about cornea transplantation. The All India Opthalmological Society (AIOS) has approached the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the release of 'Naina' through a PIL. It will be taken up for hearing on May 25. The movie will derail the eye bank movement. AIOS, the largest association of eye surgeons in India with about 8,500 members, says.

While admitting that the protagonist has paranormal experiences after a corneal transplant due to what the donor experienced, the director of the movie, Shripal Morakhia, said from the US, "Our aim is to provide clean, wholesome entertainment. If such objections are taken into account, no horror film will ever get made." The movie was released on May 20.

Coming to the story, 'Naina' a bewitching beauty played by Urmila Matondkar, has everything except vision. She is treated by many renowed eye surgeons. But she remains sightless! A psychiatrist played by Anuj Sawhney diagnosed her ailment as a psychological problem. He takes up her case, treats her, and she is cured. He falls in love with her.

'Naina' will give him a much-awaited break in the movie land he has been struggling for. Performance of both Urmila and Anuj is splendid in one word. The movie enters the first week of its screening. The filmmakers wait anxiously for the hearing of the PIL by the Delhi High Court next week.

News # 212

These News are from “www.bollywoodheaven.com”


* VIVEK REJECTED, AAMIR ACCEPTED 'RANG DE BASANTI'
By P.K.Chakravarty
In the News

Aamir Khan, who has emerged as one of the highest paid and popular film star in India, is playing the lead role in 'Rang De Basanti', scheduled for release next year. Rakesh Mehra directs this bilingual film being made in Hindi and English. This is to recall that Aamir Khan first attracted international audience in ' Lagaan' that was India's entry to Oscar and many other international film festivals.

He recently startled the film world by charging a fantastic emolument for his appearance in ' The Rising' by its producer Bobby Bedi. He has sprung another surprise rather a shock by agreeing to play the hero in 'Rang De Basanti' at a much less price than what he was paid by Bedi. But filmgoers will be surprised to hear that the internationally known film star Aamir Khan was not the first choice of Director Rakesh Mehra. In fact, the director first signed Manoj Bajpai to play the role.

Since the financiers didn't come forward to fund it, saying that it will be risky to fund such a movie with Manoj Bajpai who is yet to establish himself as a film star. Rakesh Mehra had no other alternative but to cancel his contract with Bajpai. Meanwhile, he approached Vivek Oberoi. He heard the script but he did not like it. Mehra had almost given up the project. Incidentally, he met Aamir Khan at a Bollywood party. He told him about his project, and narrated the story to him. Aamir liked it and accepted Mehra's offer. Now, film financiers are making a beeline to provide funds to Mehra to help his dream come true.


* BAR GIRLS TO DISRUPT SANGLI ITEM DANCE
By Eye TV India Bureau
In the News

Mumbai's bar girls are taking their fight against Minister R R Patil to his hometown in Sangli. The song and dance now is over a live concert by Bollywood ''item girl'' Isha Koppikar in Sangli on May 14th evening. The bar girls are threatening to disrupt the event, organised by the Sangli district police for its welfare fund. Varsha Kale, president of the Bar Girls' Association who came to Sangli, said: ''We strongly object to the concert by this 'item girl.' What moral right do they have to organise such a show when they have banned dance bars?

If Kale is to be believed, the protest has already begun: some bar girls have already landed in Sangli. ''They have bought tickets and will not hesitate to disrupt the concert if any rule is violated,'' she says.

Superintendent of Police Milind Bharambe says he is taking every precaution to ensure that the show runs smoothly. ''I appeal to the bar girls to maintain law and order,'' he says. ''They are most welcome to attend the programme and watch it peacefully. This is a programme for the Sangli police and we have no enmity with the bar girls. They should solve their problems in Mumbai itself.'' The police are yet to finalise the guest list. Patil, for one, will definitely not attend the concert, since he is visiting China. Finance Minister Jayant Patil has confirmed his presence.

Quite apart from the brewing controversy, the response has been overwhelming. Passes, priced at Rs 100 and Rs 500, are selling like hot cakes. Isha's troupe has eight performers and the concert will be held at the police parade ground, which has a capacity of 25,000 people.

News # 213

These News are from “www.indiatarget.com”


* Sunil Dutt's death left film industry in deep shock!
by Debasis Jana

Actor-politician Sunil Dutt's death left film industry in deep shock. As soon as the news of his death flashed, leading film personalities rushed to Dutt's Bandra residence to pay the last respect to their departed star leader.

Sunil Dutt was 75, and just after few days on June 6 the great actor would have been 76. But tragedy is that, he died when just 11 days left before he celebrates his 76th birthday.

Almost all the big personalities described him as a great human being. Melody Queen Lata Mangeshkar said, "He was a rare human being. People like him are difficult to find."

Whereas actress-politician Shabana Azmi said "I can't believe that Dutt Saheb is no longer with us. It comes as such a deep shock not just to those who work in the film industry but to the people of the country."

"Dutt was a very good human being. His constituency (Dutt represented the Mumbai Northwest constituency in the Lok Sabha for five times) would be bereaved without him. He has always given more than he got in his lifetime," said veteran actress Sharmila Tagore.

Lyricist Javed Akhtar said the news of his was unbelievable to him. "The news of Dutt's death has come as thunderbolt to me. How could a person, who was so full of life, die all of a sudden?"


* Priyanka has no qualms in dating him!
by Debasis Jana

Sexy Priyanka Chopra has no qualms in dating the man at present she is seeing. But the lucky guy is not Akshay Kumar. Twinkle Khanna has full control over Akshay on this matter. We hear these days Priyanka and Akshay are avoiding each other, though they have another thing in their mind. Any way, leave Akshay; Priyanka is now going all out in dating with none but Harman Baweja, the eligible son of producer-director Harry Baweja.

Recently, Priyanka-Harman are being found together frequently in the Mumbai suburbs. Just few days back, they were seen cozying up to each other at Mangie Ferra, a popular Juhu eatery. Though they are not in position to agree that they are in love. Still they are "good friends".


* Filmmaker Ismail Merchant is no more!
by Debasis Jana

It seems the film industry's gone under shock wave. Before industry could feel little relieved after the actor-politician Sunil Dutt's death, another bad news verbally stirred the industry. Indian-international filmmaker Ismail Merchant is no more. The great filmmaker of 'The Householder', 'Shakespeare Wallah', 'Bombay Talkie', and 'In Custody' passed away yesterday early evening in London. Relatives said Merchant's ulcer burst, causing his death. Merchant had recently undergone surgery for abdominal ulcers.

News # 214

These News are from “www.indiafm.com”


* Big B makes debut in South!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 24th 2005 - 1300 hrs IST

In a career spanning over three decades, Amitabh Bachchan has acted in films directed and produced by South Indian filmmakers but it is for the first time that the superstar will appear in a South Indian film.

Amitabh Bachchan has a special appearance in a Kannada film titled Amrutha Dhare, directed by Nagathihalli Chandrasekhar. A leading daily reports that for the film, Amitabh has already shot for four days in Mumbai.

Although details are not being divulged about his role, sources say that he plays the role of a person who rescues the lead hero. The buzz is that it took director Nagathihalli four months to convince Amitabh to act in this film.


* Shilpa becomes Gabbar!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 24th 2005 - 1300 hrs IST

Shilpa Shetty plays a 'Gabbar Singh' in her upcoming Kannada film Auto Shankar. For this movie Shilpa is all set to ape Sholay's famous villain Gabbar's mannerisms, though obviously, she will not have the get up donned by late Amjad Khan.

"It is an out-and-out villainous role. This female version of Gabbar Singh looks beautiful but is ugly from within. She utters expletives whenever she opens her mouth; it was fun to use swear words in Kannada," grins Shilpa.


* Abhishek's international performance!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 24th 2005 - 1115 hrs IST

Abhishek Bachchan will be giving his first-ever international performance at the Samsung IIFA Awards, to be held in Amsterdam on June 11, 2005.

Aby's baby has also been nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category for his performance in Yuva and is a nominee for the Samsung Style Icon award. Abhishek is excited, as well as, nervous about the show, as millions of live and television audiences will watch IIFA.

Shiamak Davar is going to choreograph the event. The songs on which Abhishek will perform have not been finalized yet.

The other Amsterdam IIFA performances will be by Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Shahid Kapur, Kareena Kapoor, Lara Dutta, Esha Deol, etc.

Pop bands Bombay Rockers and Rouge are also slated to perform; the dance sequences will be choreographed by Shiamak Davar.


* Amitabh and Aamir together?
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 23rd 2005 - 1400 hrs IST

This could be a casting coup of sorts! Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan. Who would not like to watch Bollywood's biggest and best actors together? While Amitabh Bachchan has worked with almost every new and old star of the current generation from Shahrukh, Salman, Akshay to Ajay, Aamir is one actor he has never been teamed with as yet.

But now there is buzz going around in the industry that director Vishal 'Maqbool' Bhardwaj is planning to bring them together for his next film. The project is to be backed by UTV. Just keep your fingers crossed for this lethal combination to strike on screen.

Incidentally almost a decade back the duo were teamed together for a film to be produced by Bachchan's company and directed by Indra Kumar. Unfortunately the film never went on floors. The closest that the audience could catch them was on the Star Plus show Kaun Banega Crorepati where Aamir was invited as the first celebrity participant. Also Amitabh Bachchan's name features in the credits of an Aamir Khan movie but as a narrator (Lagaan).

News # 215

These News are from “www.indiafm.com”


* Staring death in the eye!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 25th, 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

^ Blasting lives!

“It could have been me with my arm blown off” she says, referring to the bomblast that happened at the Bollywood event in Srilanka. She feels like God's own child, we remark. “Yes, I agree, there is someone up there who loves me a great deal” she nods her head. While discussing Preity's spiritual leanings, we just halted by her close shave with death, not once, but twice but escaped unscathed, And she more than counts on the blessings that has her alive and chatting with us.

“I remember it all happened in the matter of a slit second. We were readying backstage for the finale act for the event. I was chatting Arjun Rampal, when I heard a huge noise and rushed to the stage. What I see is that a bomb has gone off in the front seater and a man was flying to his left feet. A woman with an arm blown off was crying in horror, there was a pool of blood next to her. I was shocked, terrified and drained! Shahrukh hurried me out of the place and hushed me into a vehicle awaiting us. I had gone numb…” she tells us with a void to her voice.

^ Killer waves…

“This was at Phuket where I was vacationing for the New Year's. I had ganged up with a few of my pals the previous night and we hung out till 2 the next morning. So I got back to my villa at 3 and crashed. I had slept through my alarm ring and got up only when I heard someone bang hard on my door. When I got to the door, I saw my friend who told me about the Tsunami that had hit all of Asia and had already killed 6000 lives in Phuket alone. I at once called up home and assured mom that I am safe and would be home with the fastest transport possible. On my way back, I thought to myself that I was staying at a secluded villa that was cut off from the mainland. But for his grace…” Preity breaks off.


* Big B and Sharmila in search of ideal couple
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 25th 2005 - 1600 hrs IST

The movie channel, Star Gold is coming up with new and interesting promotional strategies for upcoming Bollywood films. The channel has tied up with AB Corp's movie Viruddh starring Amitabh Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, Sanjay Dutt and John Abraham. As a part of the promotional package the channel will run a month long contest where Amitabh and Sharmila Tagore will choose an ideal couple based on the kind of relationship they share. The winning couple will be awarded with an LIC policy worth Rs 5-lakh.

Star Gold has also tied up with Shahrukh Khan's Paheli where they will launch a contest, 'Paanch Paheli'. The channel will ask five questions (one per day) a week before the release of the movie.

Other big films the channel is targeting towards is Anubhav Sinha's Dus and David Dhawan's Shaadi No.1


* When Salman shot Shahrukh…
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 25th, 2005 - 1520 hrs IST

“This will sure qualify as the baap of all pranks
Check out how the actors fooled their dear director”

Setting: 1995, Karan-Arjun shooting
The prankster jodi: Salman and Shahrukh
Bakra: Rakesh Roshan

Suniel, Ajay and Akshay might be the official pranksters of the filmi jagat but the Khan clan isn't far behind for their wicked-wicked ways. On one of their schedules, Salman and Shahrukh were taken to Samode near Jaipur. With quick wraps and nothing to do and nowhere to go, the duo set up their devil shop, ready for some mischief.

Action: Rakesh Roshan had called it a day and had retreated to his quarters for a quick nap (the unit had an early morning shoot, we are told). Had he just caught a few winks that he heard some huge sound and noise. He tried to ignore it and got back to sleep but no, that didn't look possible as the din simply kept getting loud. Finally, just as he sat up, Shahrukh, Salman and a group of people opened the door and entered his room. They looked all jovial and in fun. When Rakesh asked them the possible reason for this midnight procession, 'we were getting bored, so thought of something fun to do' chanted Salman and the crowd.

Just as everybody stood chatting, suddenly a quarrel broke between Shahrukh and Salman. They were shouting and screaming at each other. They now began to, push each other and hurl abuses. And before anyone knew, Salman pulled out a gun and baamm..! shot Shahrukh. He collapsed. People were shocked with their faces gone white with panic. Rakesh Roshan couldn't believe what he had seen. And all of a sudden, the dead body sprang up and started laughing his heart out!

Little wonder that Rakesh Roshan so strongly believes in punarjanam.


* Aditya to direct Rishi Kapoor
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 25th 2005 - 1500 hrs IST

While the film world is still awaiting the confirmation on the launch of Rishi Kapoor's son - Ranbir reportedly by Aditya Chopra; Rishi Kapoor is busy signing movies, the recent one to be directed by Aditya. However this Aditya is his cousin Aditya Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor's son. The film interestingly titled Sambhar Salsa will go on floors from June 20 with a start-to-end schedule of one month in London. Aditya Kapoor has earlier assisted on films like Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Ajooba, Saajan and Dil Tera Aashiq.

Meanwhile Rishi Kapoor seems to have gone in the crossover mode. He has signed another film titled Don't Stop Dreaming that co-stars Suniel Shetty. That apart his other two films under-production include Pal Tham Gaya (co-starring Dimple Kapadia) and Love Ke Chakkar Main (co-starring Shoma Anand).

News # 216

These News are from “www.indiafm.com”


* Pooja signs fresh face for Holiday!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 25th 2005 - 1500 hrs IST

Bhatt's are the true dream merchants; keeping up to their commitment of launching fresh talent in every film here they are on Holiday with Onjolee Nair.

Onjolee Nair, a TYBA student from Jai Hind College, a trained classical singer and dancer, is the new lead of Pooja Bhatt's Holiday. Originally, Pooja's niece Smiley, was to do the role but after a week of shooting, Pooja decided that her acting abilities were not up to the mark.

Interestingly, Onjolee had already auditioned for the Bhatt's for Paap, despite the fact that Pooja was immensely impressed with her potential; she rejected her, as she needed someone with a certain North-eastern look.

“I play a gawky character, a complete contrast of the dancer in me. I was require to shed my poise, agility and fair looks to get into the skin of the character of the rather clumsy girl I am playing,” gushes Onjolee, when asked about her role.

Ask her about the skin show that is closely associated with the Bhatt movies and she says “in Holiday, Pooja is the boss and besides being the director she is my guardian angel. This is a breezy subject and I am not aware as yet of any sizzling scene with my co-star Dino Morea, and even if there are I am sure Pooja will shoot them aesthetically.”


* Love beyond boundaries!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 25th 2005 - 1500 hrs IST

The buzz is that Ness Wadia is heading for Australia. No, he is not shifting his business base, it's just that girlfriend Preity Zinta is busy shooting there for Salaam Namaste since a very long time and it seems to be getting hard on the Bombay Dyeing scion.

Despite the hectic schedules across continents, the couple is meeting to celebrate Ness's birthday on May 30.


* Pyaasa, Apu Trilogy & Nayakan in Time's top 100
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 25th 2005 - 1500 hrs IST

Time Magazine has released its list of 100 all- time favourite films. Besides the widely acclaimed Satyajit Ray's Apu Triology (Pather Panchali, Apur Sansar and Aparajito), Mani Ratnam's Nayakan and Guru Dutt's Pyaasa have found place in this unranked but alphabetical list compiled by the magazine's critics, Richard Schickel and Richard Corliss.

The two critics separately picked up 100 films, out of which 40-50 titles made both the lists.

“…Ray's filmmaking is direct in manner, simple in its means and profound in its impact,” said Schikel.

On Ratnam, Corliss remarked, “He has no such difficulty blending melodrama and music, violence and comedy, realism and delirium, into a two-and-a-half-hour demonstration…”

For Pyaasa, Corliss said, “The writer-producer-director-star paints a glamorous portrait of an artist's isolation through dappled imagery and the sensitive picturising of S.D.Burman's famous songs. And Rehman, in her screen debut, is sultry, radiant - a woman to bring out the poet in any man, on screen or in the audience.”


* Sunil Dutt passes away
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 25th 2005 - 1250 hrs IST

Veteran actor and Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Sunil Dutt passed away today morning in Mumbai due to a heart attack. He was 74 and would have completed his platinum jubliee celebrations on June 6. He is survived by his son, Bollywood star, Sanjay Dutt, two daughters, Namrata and Priya and family members.

Sunil Dutt started his film career in 1955 with the film Railway Platform and has many hits from the 60's and 70's to his credits. Some of his most prominent films include Sadhana, Sujata, Main Chup Rahoongi, Gumrah, Waqt, Mera Saaya, Humraaz, Padosan, 36 Ghante, Zakhmee, Nagin, Jaani Dushman, Shaan and Munnabhai MBBS. He also starred in the first Indian Oscar nominated film Mother India.

Presently he was also a part of the sequel to Munnabhai MBBS, Munnabhai Meets Mahatma Gandhi.

News # 217

These News are from “www.indiafm.com”


* Shoaib is no Gangster!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 25th 2005 - 1145 hrs IST

Looks like Mahesh Bhatt's Gangster will take some time to emerge. For playing the lead role, after Bollywood actors Sanjay Dutt and John Abraham, the coveted Rawalpindi express has also shown a red signal. Despite all the media speculations, Bhatt, who is in Pakistan to promote his new film Nazar, met Shoaib Akhtar's media and marketing manager yesterday in Karachi to try and convince the bowler to take up the acting offer.

However, the manager conveyed the bowler's intention to continue to concentrate on his cricket and thanked Bhatt for his offer. Shoaib's manager thanked Bhatt for considering Shoaib for the film but made it clear that the paceman would not be taking up an acting career and that he wants to concentrate full time on cricket.


* Hot or not?
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 25th 2005 - 1230 hrs IST

…this is the question doing the rounds. While industry sources insist that Neha Dhupia is doing Harry Baweja's film that has huge dozes of skin show in exchange of an itsy-bitsy role, the hotbod disagrees. “Completely untrue, it's made to sound that I have been cheated of a role but what happened is contrary. When Harry bought me the role, I read it once and said 'Yes. I am doing this one' That's all that it took from me to sign the film. Everything else is what people think to be” she mocks the gossip mills.

“Besides, if you look at my career span, I am among the few actresses who have stayed away from two-heroine roles so here when I share screen space with Amisha, it's going to be a new experience for me” she points out. And is the skinshow bit true? “That again is untrue. There is nothing outrageous about my look in the film” she signs off.

Neha, going by your reputation, we aren't too sure of that…


* “Heroes mess up shoots!”- Amisha Patel
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 24th, 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

While most Bollywood buffs are wondering why Amisha Patel was replaced with Ayesha Takia in Shaadi No.1, we have got you the answer. “To begin with I wasn't anywhere close to excited about my role in the film” Amisha shoots. “I did it because Vashuji and David requested me. So contrary to what people might think, I am not shedding tears at the loss of a Mother India” she says curtly. Her voice has a sting of sarcasm that is unfamiliar to Amisha Patel.

But what really went wrong, we ask. “Fardeen and Zayed were going for some shows and their dates had to be readjusted. Now since this disturbed the original schedule my dates got messed, I couldn't work around the fresh dates that had been allotted. By the time I could get back to them, the makers had gone ahead and signed in a new girl. I thought it was thoroughly unprofessional of David and others to put me in a loop and get moving with the film when it is at their behest that I did the film in the first film” she fumes. “I can for once forgive them, because the director has to be selfish for his film and keep the shoot on. But what irks me is that heroes can fowl a shoot and get away with it. The boys still call the shots, I guess” Amisha says with a fallen face.


* “According to my sources, Salman was innocent…”
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 24th, 2005 - 1430 hrs IST

…this is Salman's screen mother talking. Guess who? A brownie jar for the one who gets it right! Nah, it isn't his Rajshri mother of many films Reema Lagoo nor is it Rakhee or Himani Shivpuri either. Bang your head against the wall and you still won't be able to hit the name. Give up? Okay, it's Beena Kak. Beena who? Beena Kak was the opposition Congress MLA during Salman's blackbuck incident in 1998. And she has something interesting to tell us all.

“It was 1998, he was held up with charges of illegal poaching. But my sources found Salman innocent. He was being framed to suit the impending elections at that point. I found that pretty unfair and so questioned the police action in Vidhan Sabha while urging them to find out whether poaching mafia was involved. This must have kind of upset the apple cart and I lost elections in 2003” the silver haired politician recounts.

“Salman came down to Jaipur specially to thank me for my objective stand. But what till date stays with me is just before leaving, he asked me if he could address me as Beena aapa, which stands for elder sister in Urdu. I told him I was okay with it, that's when he told me after whatever I had done for him, he found addressing me as 'Beena ma'am' a tad too impersonal” she smiles.

“It was all the more special because I was a huge Salman fan and my family kept teasing me around about my motherly feelings I had for Salman. Later one day he comes up to me asking me to play his screen mother! It was for a film his brother Sohail was making, Maine Pyar Kyon Kiya. Though the idea did give me kicks, I was scared of goofing up. Even director David Dhawan was unsure of my emoting abilities. But Salman believed I could pull it off and kept goading me. Finally, I decided to give it a shot and after the first take, David was tongue tied. That was some experience!” beams Beena.

News # 218

These News are from “www.indiafm.com”


* Poll Khol with Ayesha Takia
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 25th, 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

“She's on the wishlist of every filmmaker
The media likes the tart on its camera too”

The petite actor has never had it so good; after bagging some interesting roles (you will see her in Naseeruddin Shah's directorial debut. Yes the girl is going big!) Ayesha is currently shooting for David Dhawan's, Shaadi No.1 where she groups with Esha Deol, Fardeen Khan, Zayed Khan Soha Ali and Sharman Joshi. We caught her on the sets of her film and Ayesha is just back after wrapping a three day sequence. “Ma, it's done!” he gives off a sigh of relief, as she enters her trailer van. “Ayesha was having a tough time with the climax,” her mom Farida informs us.

Dabbing her face Ayesha sips on some coconut water, “Arey, it isn't as tough as mama makes it out to be” she waves away the remark. “That's a smart way to hush it up, now that it's over,” her mom teases. “Its nothing” she assures us. “This is the climax shot and it required us to walk on a pole 20 feet high suspended on harnesses. I am freaky about heights. What do your call that?” 'Acrophobia' we help her. “That's right, I am acrophobic! So when my shot had to be canned I was a wreck. Since the word passed around, my co-stars made it more obvious and Zayed who is by the way a big badmash did all sorts of things to freak me out. So on the day of the shoot, I was all the more nervous and kept falling off!” she tells us mildly.

“When I goofed up, they would come sit beside me and give me tips on how I should balance my body weight so that I get it right. After that little pep talk, I thought I will get my act right. So the shot is now ready and I am about to start. But the pests that that they are, the guys began to laugh! That was it; I wobbled a bit and David called for a retake. I had half a mind to kill them!” Ayesha smiles.


* Amrita Arora's challenge to Bollywood…
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 26th, 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

A supermodel, a style diva, an item girl
This glam goddess never retires of the flashbulbs

We can't help admire her near perfect figure and the famous rear, “Malaika, did you really have a baby or was motherhood a passing illusion? we humor her. She gives a throaty laugh “Hey, thanks you guys. Being a celebrity, you tend to get a bit obsessed about the way you look. Mirrors are what we actors spend most of the time with. So when I got pregnant and my body began to loose shape, it was a bit unnerving at first” she owns up. “But I put in a lot of sweat to regain the curves that the camera so loves” she smiles.

The lady has created some serious Dhamaal with SRK in the Karan Johar's Kaal. “Yup, compliments have been pouring in thick and fast. I was pretty confident of the song. It is probably the most stylized number in recent times” the lady tells us, her pout hasn't dimmed one bit.

But it's not just the song that has got tongues wagging, its Malaika's 'hotter-than-hell looks that have men sweating it out. “Well yes, I play a ballet dancer in the song. Suriley Goel fixed my clothes and you can't go too wrong when you have Shahrukh to dance along” Malaika smiles.

But now that she is married and has a kid, does she feel the need to cover up and go easy on the skin? “No, not once, neither Arbaaz nor his family imposed any rules on me. So it hasn't been bad. But yes I decide what I want to show & what I want to shelve. Nobody can arm-twist me into doing anything I don't want to” she says firmly.

And what her sister Ammu (she calls Amrita that) had to say was saucier. The sex kitten says, “When Malla comes on screen, she really blows you away” gushes the girl. “I so often heard people snigger, 'She's a mother, how can she do such things' and I can see just how jealous they are. Show me another woman who can look as hot as she does, I'll retire that very day!”


* John goes solo for Kaal premiere!
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 26th 2005 - 1400 hrs IST

Kaal's special premiere was held last night at Denhague, in the Netherlands. What's surprising is the fact that amongst the entire starcast of Kaal only John Abraham was invited for the premiere and the press conference preceding that.

The buzz has been for sometime that Karan Johar was promoting only John, ignoring the other two heroes, Ajay and Vivek. One of the most common reasons cited for this is Shahrukh Khan and the kind of relationship he shares with Ajay Devgan.

Karan, however, denies the allegations saying that Shah Rukh doesn't even know about the premiere. According to him the distributors of the film in Netherlands are holding this premiere and Dharma has nothing to do with it. John, he says, is a hot actor today in Netherlands, having a huge female following post Dhoom. It is because of his popularity that the distributors want to promote the event at a grand scale.

John comments on the fact that he is the only actor present at Netherlands. He says, he is happy to be there especially because people there are nice and warm.


* Ismail Merchant no more
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 26th 2005 - 1400 hrs IST

Filmmaker Ismail Merchant, 68, passed away yesterday afternoon at a London hospital. The veteran filmmaker had made some memorable movies in partnership with James Ivory. Merchant, reportedly, had been suffering from stomach ailments from the past few days.

Merchant was born in Mumbai on Christmas day (December 25, 1936). In 1958, he traveled to the US to study business at New York University, but was soon sidetracked into the film world.

Merchant made an impressive debut with In Custody, based on a novel by Anita Desai, and starring Shashi Kapoor, which won National Awards for best picture, best actor, best costume and best production design.

His second directorial venture was, The Proprietor, shot in Paris. Merchant and Ivory, an American, made some 40 films together, including A Room with a View, Howard's End, Heat and Dust, starring Shashi Kapoor and The Remains of the Day.

At the time of his death, Merchant was working on The White Countess, a period drama starring Ralph Fiennes, Vanessa Redgrave and Natasha Richardson, and set in China.

Info # 123

These Info are from “www.bollywoodworld.com”


* John to help Yamaha hit top gear
27th May 2005 08.52 IST
By Agencies

The dashing John Abraham has never minced words while talking about his passion for bikes. And that he set the screen on fire on a Hayabusa in Dhoom was no surprise.

John’s that passion for bikes seems to have encouraged Yamaha to sign John as its Brand Ambassador.

In a bid to reposition itself in the Indian motorcycle market as a youth brand, Yamaha Motors India has roped in John as its brand ambassador and will also launch a slew of new models in the next few months.

''Yamaha India is at a threshold of making new products in line with its global image. In John we have found a celebrity who truly fits into Yamaha's brand image. The association with John is in synergy with our marketing strategy of giving our bikes a sporty, innovative and stylish new look,'' Yamaha CEO and Managing Director Yanagi said.

John will play a key role in advertising, product and brand communication for Yamaha for two years. The television campaign will hit national channels soon.

The announcement comes at a time when Yamaha is evolving its market strategy to take biking to next level from the current functional attributes of economy, mileage and affordability to stylish, sporty and pleasure experience.

Over the last two months, the company has already introduced two new models -- CRUX S and Libero LX, City Cruiser -- in the Indian market.


* Two days before death, Sunil Dutt did his last noble act
26th May 2005 23.00 IST
By Nitika Desai

Just days before he left this world, actor-politician Sunil Dutt donated Rs 25,000 to the widow of a labourer to help her in the marriage of her daughter. Such was the integrity and large heartedness of this great, departed soul.

Sunil Dutt was the man who felt and fought for the downtrodden. So when he read media reports on Sunday about Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat donating Rs one lakh and five sarees to widow of a migrant labourer (who had donated his eyes, kidneys and liver after a fatal accident four months back), Dutt could not hold himself back from making his own “humble contribution.”

On Monday, a day after the reports and just two days before he died of cardiac arrest, Sunil Dutt wrote a letter to the Vice President, saluting him for his generous gesture and including in the letter an unnamed cheque of Rs 25,000 to be given to the labourer's widow for her daughter's wedding.

Here is an excerpt from the letter Sunil Dutt sent to Mr. Shekhawat:

“Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawatji, I went through yesterday’s (Sunday’s) newspaper reports ‘VP reaches out to family of migrant labourer who lit up six lives in death’. It was one of the finest human gestures because in today’s world of materialism, very few people are there like you who feel for the poor. I sincerely salute you for that. I’m sending you a blank cheque of Rs 25,000…Please hand over this cheque to the labourer’s widow when you attend her daughter’s wedding. This is a very humble contribution from my side, getting the inspiration from you. Thanking you, with regards, Sunil Dutt.”

In response to Sunil Dutt’s gesture, the Vice-President told a news daily: “Today, I learnt of Sunil Dutt’s fine gesture. I will definitely fulfill this last wish of his. I salute him. God bless his soul.”


* Malaika Arora - Mother of all
By MIO Team
May 26, 2005, 11:58

A person could do one thing or at the most two things right at a time. When we see a woman doing more than four things perfectly right at a time, we will be left dumbstruck.

If you want to get flabbergasted by seeing a woman and the way she works, then we will advise you to please look at Malaika Arora Khan. This lady is going places at a time when others think about retirement and relaxed life.

Malaika Arora Khan is a multi-faceted woman of the Bollywood. She is the reigning super model, style queen, a devoted wife, mother of a child and also item number specialist.

The most surprising part of the story is being a mother, how could she still retain and sustain the envious figure, which never lets her down under any circumstance. She works like hell to keep the figure with curves intact, which gives visual treat to millions of people worldwide.

Her latest item song with King Khan in the film, ‘Kaal’ is certainly far ahead compared to the same couple’s Chaiya Chaiya song of ‘Dil Se’ years back. This only goes to show that there is no ageing factor for both the actors, particularly Malaika. In the song, Malaika was dressed as a ballet dancer with Suriley Goel being the costume designer for her.

She is also aware of her mother’s status and chooses what to do and what not to do. The nice thing to know about Malaika’s household is she is never put under any pressure by her husband or by his family members. But at the same time, Malaika is not the one to go above the limit.

Her sister, Amrita Arora, showers praise on her Malaika. She is always in awe about her sister’s figure and talents. She pooh-poohs the unwanted comments her sister gets to hear whenever she sizzles on the screen. It shows that Malaika is supported by all her relatives and well-wishers.

It is only Malaika who could do different roles at the same time, yet come out successful.


© Copyright 2005 by MusicIndiaOnLine.com

Info # 124

These Info are from “www.santabanta.com”


* She told me to hug & kiss her

"I've got 'Veer-Zaara' and 'Bunty-Babli' in my film," chuckles Karan Johar from New York, referring to the Shah Rukh Khan-Preity Zinta-Abhishek Bachchan-Rani Mukherjee combo in his latest directorial venture "Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna".

The director has just celebrated his 35th birthday and he's groggy. "Because I'm in a different time zone friends from back home have been calling all night. It was uplifting but also exhausting," Karan tells.

Tired he might be, but he's more than willing to discuss his latest film. "'Kabhi Alvidaa...' has got Shah Rukh, Preity, Abhishek and Rani. And it's got Mr Bachchan. Believe me, that was the only piece of casting in the film that's absolutely irreplaceable. If I hadn't got Mr Bachchan for the role that I've in mind, I wouldn't have been able to make this film. It's a role that really rocks.

"As for Abhishek, I think his presence on the posters would add a certain curiosity value to the project. This is the first time he's working with me. And I'm really happy to have him in my film. Abhishek is the new element in my area of activity."

The enthusiasm level for his new film has been rising over the months, as Karan has been struggling to put together his script.

"Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna" is Karan's most mature and in depth take on human relationships. "It hasn't been easy. In terms of characters this is truly new territory for me. The important thing this time isn't the stars that I've signed. It really doesn't matter if Shah Rukh Khan has played Veer or Rani is Babli. Once I wrote the script they all became the characters that were playing in my mind. Shah Rukh Khan in "Swades" and Mr Bachchan in "Black" are Mohan Bhargav and Debraj Sahay. The same will hopefully happen to them my film.

"In terms of relationships this is a ménage-a-four. You must understand 'Kabhi Alvidaa...' is one film which isn't about getting the stars together. I admit 'K3G' was guilty of that. But in my new film the stars will cease to be stars. The characters will take over completely. There're no major confrontation scenes, no drama, no dips and highs..."

Karan, however, also shoots down the widely held belief that his film is going to be a departure from the 'Karan Johar style'.

"Hello? I've tried to make every film of mine different from the others. If they still carry my stamp what can I do? And why should I try to get away from it? Not that I'm comparing myself to him, but Guru Dutt's films bore his stamp even when they were as dissimilar as 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam' and 'Pyasa'. And my favourite director Sanjay Bhansali makes completely different films each time. And yet they bear his stamp.

"So I won't say I'm trying to get away from my style in 'Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna'. Why should I? When that's my USP. So, yes, in terms of look and appearance it'll be as glossy and glamorous as my earlier works. I hate it when I'm asked if my films are for NRI audiences. I make films for Indians everywhere from Bihar to Birmingham. 'Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna' will be no exception. But it will be a far more intimate study of human relationships than any of my films."

How Karan got the title for the film makes an interesting story.

"My film HAD to be called 'Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna'. It goes with the theme of human relationships set within a contemporary milieu. But to my dismay I discovered that the title belonged to Aroona Iraniji and that she had already finalised a TV serial by that title. With trembling hands I dialled her number to submit my request. She was very categorical. 'Beta, everything costs. So what are you willing to give me as compensation?' I told her she could have whatever she wanted, if the title is mine.

"She said, 'You can have it on one condition. You've to give me a hug and a kiss when we meet.' I was completely bowled over by her goodness. I guess I'm reaping the benefits of the goodwill that my father sowed."

Does he plan to shoot in Australia?

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I did plan to shoot in Australia. But now the locations have changed completely. I plan to start shooting in September and finish by year-end. Let's see how it goes. I feel like Soham just before he started 'Kaal'."


* He gave me confidence: Big B

^ Karan Johar
It’s such a depressing feeling. Dutt saab died on my birthday. I woke up this morning to greetings from all my friends back home…. and then the devastating news.

I know what it’s like to lose your father and I can imagine what Sunju, Namrata and Priya are going through right now. I know how ineffectual words of sympathy are at a time like this.

We always say good things about those who are gone. We forget about their blind spots and focus on the positive. But in the case of Dutt saab, it’s really true. He actually had no blemishes.

^ Aishwarya Rai
It’s so sad. Dutt saab was always there for all of us. I think the whole industry looked up to Dutt saab as a guiding light.

He was a true leader. It’s a loss to all of us, but to Sunju, Namrata and Priya it’s much more than just a loss.

^ Amitabh Bachchan
Dutt saab was the epitome of generosity and kindness. And to a newcomer in the industry, these are qualities that go a long way in instilling self-confidence.

When Dutt saab cast me in Reshma aur Shera, Raakhee and I were both newcomers. I can’t forget that we were given absolutely equal treatment on sets. I guess somewhere those values have remained with me.

Today, Sunju and his sisters have a father and brother in me and Abhishek. That’s a bond we share unconditionally.

^ Rahul Bose
I got to know Dutt saab only in the last one year. We met at the National Integration For Youth event in Delhi.

Then we met again for the Dandi March. Dutt saab caught my hand and we marched and released doves together.

Two days ago, his son-in-law called on behalf of Dutt saab to invite me to a football match on May 27. Dutt saab was amazingly youthful and committed. Our friendship had just begun to develop.

Our common interests on communal issues and his concern for the Andaman-Nicobar islands would have kept us bonded.

Info # 125

These Info are from “www.santabanta.com”


* Ash is Prithviraj's Sanjukta!

Two prominent Bollywood filmmakers want to make a film on Rajput king Prithviraj and his ladylove Sanjukta. And both of them want to cast Aishwarya Rai in the female lead.

Vying for the epic project are Raj Kumar Santoshi and Chandraprakash Diwedi.

Says Aishwarya: "Raj Santoshi and I almost did Prithviraj-Sanjukta. But then we zeroed in on another subject called 'Saamna', which we're starting later this year. But Prithviraj-Sanjukta...is very much on, though not necessarily with Rajji.

"Chandraprakash Diwedi wanted to make the same subject. He earlier offered me 'Pinjar'. I couldn't do 'Pinjar'. But he was adamant to do Prithviraj-Sanjukta with me. I told him I was ethically committed to Raj Santoshi for the subject. He said, 'Do both'.

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

Aishwarya has a point. This happened with Santoshi and Guddu Dhanoa's bio-pics on Bhagat Singh.

"The whole idea gets lost in superficial comparisons. I spoke to both. We've decided I'll be Sanjukta for whoever makes the film first.

"They both agreed only one of them would make the film. This was the settlement worked out amicably among the three of us. Both Raj ji and Chandraprakash ji have done ample research and are ready to share their knowledge with each other."

So who will finally make this prestigious costume epic? Perhaps Diwedi.

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

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

After proving himself in the partition saga "Pinjar", Diwedi will probably wangle the prized project.

But Santoshi or Diwedi, Aishwarya wins both ways.


* Abhishek's sexuality won't do

US-based filmmaker Mira Nair Sunday began a fortnight-long shoot of "The Namesake", a celluloid adaptation of Pulitzer-winning Jhumpa Lahiri's debut novel of the same name.

Mira said she hoped to start editing in September and complete the film by February 2006 so that it can travel next May to the Cannes film festival where several of her earlier films were screened.

"When I read 'Namesake' I was immensely happy. It is an exquisite novel and so I put two of my other films on the backburner and started with 'Namesake'.

"Jhumpa is just ecstatic that her book is being filmed. And she has a role in it. She plays Jumpamashi (Aunt Jhumpa)," said Mira who spent several years in Kolkata and idolises late filmmakers Ritwick Ghatak and Satyajit Ray.

"The Namesake" is the story of the Ganguly family of Kolkata, which moves to New York and tries to blend the new world with their old culture.

While parents Ashoke (Irrfan Khan) and Ashima (Tabu) long for the family and culture that had enveloped them in India, their son Gogol (played by Kal Penn of "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" fame) is torn between finding his own unique identity and his heritage.

"'The Namesake' is the story of the sacrifices our parents made for their children. It is a deep human way of telling the story of millions of us who left one home for another, who have known what it means to combine old with the new," said Mira.

"It is a film about the 1970s of Kolkata and the 1990s of USA. I have written it with my long time friend and collaborator Sooni Taraporewala," said Mira whose shot into fame with "Saalam Bombay" in the late eighties.

For Tabu, the film revives memories of shooting with Gautam Ghose three years ago for "Abar Aranya" (Again in the Forest).

"I think Bengali is one of the deepest and richest cultures. It is great that in a span of three years I am again playing a Bengali character. The romance of Kolkata just grips me," said the talented actor whom Mira cast along with Irrfan Khan after watching their awesome screen chemistry in "Maqbool".

According to Irrfan Khan, the character of Ashoke that he is playing is one from whom he is learning to be a better human being.

"He is a man at peace with himself and supports the family. I am still discovering him and learning," said the actor.

"It is true that we were considering Rani Mukherjee and even Abhishek Bachchan for the role of Gogol. But owing to date problems it did not happen. I also think the physicality and sexuality of Abhishek would not have matched the character of Gogol like it worked for Kal Penn who is born in the US," said Mira.

Veteran Bengali actor Supriya Devi (of Ritwick Ghatak's "Mege Dhaka Tara" fame) plays the grandmother of Ashima in the film while a host of other local actors included danseuse and choreographer Tanusree Shankar and Ruma Guhathakurata.

Present along with Mira Nair were UTV's CEO Ronnie Screwvala, coproducer Lydia Dean Pilcher (who partnered Mira on the Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning "Hysterical Blindness" and "Vanity Fair"), and actors Jacinda Barett ("The Human Stain") and Zuleikha Robinson ("The Merchant of Venice" fame who plays Mousumi in "The Namesake").

The movie is breaking new grounds with an Indian studio, UTV Motion Pictures, collaborating with Hollywood studio Fox Searchlight (which has entered in the movie production territory for the first time) and Japanese producer Entertainment Farm. While Fox is the overseas distributors of the film, UTV Motion Picture will handle the Indian territory.

"It is a new terrain for us, and being so closely associated with Fox will be a great learning for us. We chose this film because of Mira Nair's expertise and the brilliant scripting. Nair, a global Indian, understands the Indian and American psyche equally well," said Ronnie Screwvala.