Considering every director has done underworld cinema to death - from Mahesh Bhatt to Ram Gopal Varma - and considering Sanjay has played a gangster in so many prominent and inconspicuous films, Luthria is at his wit's end as to how he should approach the age-old theme.
I've been focusing on getting the writing right. It's not easy to make a film that looks at the 1980s era and still manages to tell a powerful story, Luthria told IANS.
Although the director is trying to get the basics right for the project, he is clear about the fact that he will focus on gangsterism in the 1980s.
My film for Ekta will take a penetrating look at gangsterism in the 1980s. I'm quite enamoured by the period, quite taken up by the period and its flamboyance. There was a lot of action and inner life in some of the films during that period. I think the last film that looked at gangsterism from inside was Anurag Basu's 'Gangster - A Love Story'.
He admits the challenge is to give it a fresh look.
Earlier, when I was assisting Mahesh Bhatt, he did some interesting takes on gangsterism like 'Saathi' and 'Sir'. The challenge is to have a fresh take at the whole era. I've to take the whole period into account and yet it can't be a rambling look at the era. It has to have a strong story to tell. It has to be a clutter-breaking gangster film.
Ekta Kapoor gives Milan Luthria an ultimatum
Bachchan releases new album by Clayderman and Rahul Sharma
''It's good to see that Rahul has been brought up to follow his father's (Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma) footsteps, when young people get so easily distracted.
I congratulate his parents for ensuring that their musical heritage has been carried over by their son,'' Bachchan said at the release yesterday, which was attended by film producer Yash Chopra, RPG Chairman Harsh Goenka, singer Adnan Sami and Rahul's father and Santoor maestro Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma.
The album features the same combination of fusion music as its predecessor -- '' Confluence'' -- which stayed at the World Music charts for six years with Sharma on Santoor and Clayderman on piano.The sound is more contemporary with a remix track added to entice the Club and House music listeners. Seven of the nine tracks have been composed by Sharma and will be promoted by the video of the album's single
''The Chase''.''Speaking as a 'guru', my biggest satisfaction is seeing Rahul take the instrument and try out something that I had not tried,'' Shiv Kumar Sharma said proudly.
13-B Mein Sab Khairiyat Hain in Hindi bilingual film for Madhavan
Yavarum Nalam (13-B Mein Sab Khairiyat Hain in Hindi) is a forthcoming high budget bilingual film for Madhavan, directed by Vikram K. Kumar of Alai fame.
Yaavarum Nalam is a story about the sudden happenings in the life of Manohar (Madhavan) after he and his brother buy a huge flat (13-B). Acting as Madhavan’s wife Priya in both the versions is Neetu Chandra. Madhavan’s character is the only person to be aware of the things around. How he saves his family forms the crux.
National award winning cinematographer P C Sreeram is the cinematographer and Shankar Ehsan Loy have composed the music. Movie is Produced by Sujatha Cine Arts for Adlabs.
Walt Disney Pictures presents Roadside Romeo (2008)
Synopsis:
A rich, cool, spoilt brat of a dog is abandoned on the wicked streets of Mumbai. He faces situations he has never faced before.
He is confronted by dangerous, loony characters, the likes of which he has never met before; from mansions to streets, from five course meals to five courses of scraps, from soft beds to piles of garbage, from champagne to tap water.
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What’s a man without his vices? ShahRukh continues to puff his lungs out
Star Wars: Aamir and Shah Rukh recently had a tiff with both actors claiming to be the Number 1 in Bollywood. They are at it again. Main number one, nahin main number one. Who, you ask? Who else but Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. The duo is back with their jovial banter staking claims to being Number 1. Given the year it’s been for them, we are tempted to weigh them on our own scales. Here’s a look at how they pitch against each other in a Shah Rukh — Aamir face off.
Abs: Shah Rukh Khan wowed us all with his six-pack last year. Who can forget him, baring his Greek god bare chest in Dard-e-Disco?
Certainly not Aamir Khan, who has decided to go two-up with no less than an eight-pack for his upcoming movie Gajini. Though we are sure he can carry it off, shall we leave the chocolate boy hottie role for Shah Rukh please?
Looks: This one goes to Aamir; the man makes change a great thing. From the spikey-haired dude of Dil Chahta Hai to the roadside slickster of Fanaa, the man has tried everything, even cross-dressing and dancing to a dhinchak number many eons ago.
And now the man’s going bald.
So what if Aamir danced with a school full of kids, revolutionised the way Indian schools look at dyslexia and is working to promote education, Shah Rukh is hosting Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain? Shah Rukh’s first attempt at anything different is the long hair and pony tail he was seen sporting last year. As much as we like the urbane lover boy, we like adventure more and Aamir is definitely the more adventurous one.
Love: Okay so they’re both taken. But you can still love them, can’t you? And what’s more attractive than a man who loves pleasing his woman? Aamir who turned 43 recently could not stop gushing about his favourite gift. No, not diamonds, but a card made by his wife, Kiran. Was that an ‘awww’ we heard?
Shah Rukh on the other hand is the poster-boy for romance. His love and commitment for Gauri and the kids makes him the clear winner here.
Awards: Aamir’s taken Lagaan to the Oscars while Shah Rukh floundered with Paheli. However, award ceremonies in India are synonymous with SRK, especially if he’s hosting them. We love one’s antics and we respect the other’s ideals — sorry guys, this one’s a draw.
Kid appeal: So what if Aamir danced with a school full of kids, revolutionised the way Indian schools look at dyslexia and is working to promote education, Shah Rukh is hosting Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?
Having already done voice-overs for the Hindi translation of The Incredibles, Shah Rukh is all ready to don the cape of a Superman-like superhero for son Aryan. Tough call on this one too. Pass.
Vices: What’s a man without his vices? Hopefully, a hot and reformed rake. While Shah Rukh continues to puff his lungs out, Mr Mature, Aamir, has not only quit, but he openly spoke about his addiction and how difficult it was for him to quit. Now that’s what we like about a man, the ability to admit and conquer his weaknesses.
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Kambakth Ishq the first Indian film to be shot within Universal Studios
Mumbai, (IANS) After doing back-to-back comedies last year, it looks like Bollywood’s star Akshay Kumar is hell bent on making 2008 his year of actioners.
In producer Sajid Nadiadwala’s “Kambakth Ishq”, he plays a Hollywood stuntman and it will be shot in Universal Studios.
“This would be the first Indian film to be shot within Universal Studios. We’ve got the permission not only to shoot within the studio but also to use their logo. Akshay plays a stuntman from Universal Studios. We also had amazing superstars from Hollywood. We’re working out the legal aspects,” Nadiadwala told IANS.
Apart from that, Akshay will be seen in Nikhil Advani’s full on action flick “Chandni Chowk to China”.
“Kambakth Ishq” is to be shot in Hollywood, Los Angeles, and the producer has roped in a new director Sabir Khan to helm the film.
“It’ll also star 12-15 leading actors from Hollywood in various parts. It’s a candyfloss, ’safe’ film. We had to bring in an extra gloss in the backdrop. That’s why Hollywood.
“When I produced ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’, it was the first beach film in Bollywood. After that we had dozens of beach films in Hindi. Likewise my ‘Jaan-e-Mann’ was the first romantic comedy with visual effects. While making full-on commercial films we need to change the backdrop.”
Nadiadwala agrees shooting “Kambakth Ishq” in Hollywood won’t be an easy task.
“It will be expensive, yes. We’ll have 40-50 crewmembers flying to LA. We’re thinking of chartering a flight from Mumbai. It’ll be more economical. Or maybe we should just buy a jet,” he joked.
This is Nadiadwala’s most ambitious film to date with a budget of Rs.600 million. Kareena Kapoor plays a brand model.
Why a new director for such a lavish film?
“Sabir Khan has grown up in front of me. He assisted in my production ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’. He is a very hardworking. And if you’re suggesting that I should’ve first let Sabir make a smaller film then let me say I don’t make small films. I’ve dreamt 70mm dreams from before that format was invented.”
Recently, the producer has been signing a lot of new directors.
“After a lot of introspection, my company has decided that we need to continue making commercial films, but with a little deviation. That’s where my three new directors Sabir Khan, Siddharth Anand and Imtiaz Ali come in. They have the discipline of commercial cinema and the ability to take cinema further.
“Siddharth’s film, which will probably star Saif Ali Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, isn’t the routine candyfloss film. We start at the end of 2008. Siddharth wants to do something different. So do I. It’s a film set against Mumbai. It isn’t a dark film. But not frothy either.”
Imtiaz Ali will first direct a film for Saif’s production house.
“After that in March-April 2009 Imtiaz will make a film for me. I think his forte is romance. We’ll go by that. I’d like to take a little risk with the successful directors though.”
Pushing the envelope isn’t seen as a healthy trend in some quarters of Bollywood, if we go by the opposition to Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Jodhaa Akbar”.
“No,” protested Nadiadwala. “I think ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ was commercially viable from the start. Not a single critic questioned Gowariker for making the film. The promos weren’t that good. But in five-six places in the film we stood up and clapped.”
Asked how he picks his directors, Nadiadwala said: “I don’t look at the directors’ success graph. In 2006, I gave a break to Shirish Kunder in ‘Jaan-e-Mann’ when he was a film editor. In 2008, I took on Sajid Khan, who had no background in movies. In fact, he was a stand-up comedian and a critic. To put a commercial Rs.450 million project on his shoulders needed some guts and vision.
“Though ‘Jaan-e-Mann’ didn’t do well, I’m proud of it. My biggest blunder was to release it alongside another big commercial film, ‘Don’. It was one of the biggest blunders of my career. I failed with my release strategy. I take full responsibility.”
He becomes introspective.
“This is my 54th year in the industry. I must’ve inherited the filmy genes from my father. I do feel alone. I wish I had a sibling or a partner. My son is just a child. Yes, I’ve a first-cousin Feroz Nadiadwala who’s also a very successful producer. I did work with him for two years. But we chose to work separately.”
Why not direct a film?
“I do a lot of homework on all the scripts that I produce. But I’m too sensitive and shy to instruct a hundred people on the set. I won’t be able to shoot with an actor I don’t like. I’m an escapist in real life. Maybe I can direct a good escapist entertainer.”
Kites with the amazing musical composition by Rajesh Roshan
Rakesh Roshan signs the top Latin actress "Barbara Mori" as the leading lady of his upcoming film "Kites" opposite Hrithik Roshan.
The film is also starring Kangana Ranaut and is set to be directed by Anurag Basu along with the amazing musical composition by Rajesh Roshan. The remaining cast and credits are currently being finalized. The casting is taking place in Bombay & Los Angeles.
"Kites" is to be shot in New Mexico, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The film is another Film Kraft Production’s presentation and is scheduled to go into production by the end of July 2008.
Kareena denied being on crash diet and obsession for size zero figures.
Folks, you all must know about Kareena’s weight obsession, crash dieting and how she collapsed on Tashan’s set. But the actress has denied being on crash diet, and obsession for size zero figure.
Kareena said, “I am not thin. The media makes me out to be. I don’t diet. One look at me and you know I am quite healthy.”
Despite collapsing and crash dieting, Kareena still manages to make her self glow, we might think the result is because of her relationship with Saif, but the actress retorts, “It is the success of my films that’s making my skin glow.”
Deepika replace Priyanka in Pepsi ad for the next two years
Pepsi-co which is the famous beverages brand in the whole world wants something more from the model turned actress Deepika Padukone. Kicking off their summer funda, they are already in the air with their latest ad featuring Shahrukh, Ranbir and deepika tiled as Yeh Hain Youngisthan. Adding to this Pepsi- co is also looking forward to organize 5 stage performances which will feature Deepika, SRK and Ranbir Kapoor along with the latest young guns of the Indian Cricket Team.
There are reports that the cricketers like Yuvi, Dhoni, Ishanth and Rohit Sharma will be participating in the stage shows and the glamour will be added by kareena Kapoor, Deepika and Maliaka Arora.
Previously in 2005, Priyanka was featured in the Pepsi ad and now has been replaced by Deepika for the next two years.
Priyanka doesn’t expect cheap publicity stunts from a trusted brand like Lux.
Popular actress Priyanka Chopra and Indian cricketer Sreesanth were at a press conference to promote Lux strawberry flavored soaps.
Wait a minute … all this ‘Sreesanth and Priyanka are in love’ telephonic conversation circulating in the media is just a gimmick to promote Lux soaps?
Probably it is true because the invite said that it was a press conference addressed by Priyanka Chopra and Sreesanth, and there was no indication of Lux soaps. Well, I did not expect such cheap publicity stunts from a trusted brand like Lux.
Say Aamir Khan, a very Happy Birthday!
Aamir Khan is often known as the perfectionist actor in Bollywood. He has starred in over 40 movies since making his debut in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak in 1988 as a lead. Some of his biggest hits have been Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikander, Raja Hindustani, Rangeela, Laagan, Rang De Basanti and his recent directorial debut Taare Zameen Par.
Aamir has acted with all the top heroines including Madhuri Dixit, Karisma Kapoor, Kajol, Urmila Matondkar, Preity Zinta and many others. Aamir will be next seen in the movie Ghazini and Delhi Belly. The versatile actor turns 43 on March 14th. So take the opportunity in wishing this gem of Indian cinema on this occasion.
Black and White is a suicide bomber at the Box Office
Last week Friday release Black and White gives us info about quite a few bombs, - how to tame a suicide bomber and how to sit through a movie, which will eventually bomb at the box office. Its time to relieve Subhash Ghai of the “Showman” tag and award him with a ” No Show ” tag. And its high time for him to step down from the director’s seat, after giving a hat trick of bombs- Yaadein, Kisna and now Black & White (which can instill suicidal tendencies amongst audiences for sitting through them) and just stick to being a producer.
There is nothing white about this movie as everything is black except for the performances by Anil Kapoor, Anurag Sinha and Shefali Shah. Couple of years back we saw Amir Khan-the terrorist disguised as a flirty guide, but being a perfectionist he made it look real. Now come back to B & W guys, we have our Anurag Sinha as Numair Qazi- Fidayeen from an Afghan terror camp, a hardcore terrorist with a heart of stone, comes to Delhi on a mission. A mission to blow up the Red Fort on August 15- Hah! As if it was possible for this guy to do it single handedly, and I guess there is something called security too, Mr. Ghai thinks we are dumb enough to take it??
But then our quiet and grim terrorist must have seen the famous movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Ghum, because he heads straight to Chandni Chowk, saare Delhi mein Chowk hi mila tha?? Our stone cold terrorist is given aasra by a wise poet (Habib Tanvir) in Chandni Chowk, our Afghani hunk does his homework well and passes himself as a victim of Gujarat riots justifying his hatred towards disbelievers. Neighbors to our poet are Rajan Mathur ( Anil Kapoor ), an Urdu professor at Delhi university and his red-hot-chili-pepper social activist wife ( Shefali Shah-she is superb). Now our Professor Rajan is a believer of secularism, and makes no stone unturned to bring peace amongst Hindus and Muslims of Chandni Chowk, so he is a part time peacemaker.
The story moves forward, as our suicide bomber bumps into our peacemaker couple, who welcome him into their own family, loving, caring and giving happiness to him (which he never got back home), as they would have given to their own son. Now this results in conflicts in Numair’s mind, and we are left to wonder which part of the mind he will eventually listen to. Great and sensitive story we can say, but it fails miserably to keep the audience gripped to their seats- Chalo yaar jaldi suicide bombing kario, I cant sit through this crap, is what the audience starts to think.
Naah! Numair is not the real suicide bomber of the movie it’s the screenplay. Mr Ghai ruins the climax of the movie, making it unreal and unconvincing, even a child with a lollipop in his mouth will laugh at it. The only way to understand the ending is to rip off the main plug of your brain or you can become Paris Hilton, only if you really want to.
Anurag Sinha, does a good job as a debutant, with few dialogues to mouth, he manages to express through his eyes and body. Anil Kapoor acts convincing and composed. Shefali Shah is as usual great. Aditi Sharma-huh does she deserve a mention, I wonder how did she won that superstar reality show. Habib Tanvir has a great screen presence. The background score of the movie is good,and the songs are bad. Surely Mr Ghai deserves a pat on his back, for venturing into this dangerous territory, the thought and possibility that terrorists can be reformed makes the viewer bound to think about it.
But the whole package is a real disappointment, with nothing exciting and gripping. The bad movie at the end of the day overshadows the brilliant performances by the cast. We can say Black and White is a suicide bomber at the Box Office.
Stardust and Filmfare Kareena Kapoor rules Bollywood!
With three of the most prestigious awards under her belt—Star Screen, Stardust and Filmfare Kareena Kapoor rules Bollywood!
The actress bagged the awards under the Best Actress category clearly indicating her numero uno status in the film industry! And this is just the beginning!
While climbing the ladder of success, the actress is also exploring new avenues that ad on to her persona professionally and personally.
The pencil thin Kareena on Filmfare and Vogue cover has sparked off a sizzle! It is not only filmmakers but even the common man who cannot stop talking about the actress!
Kareena is not only the No. 1 star in Bollywood but also an A-list fashion icon. Her covers have been head turners.
Meanwhile her other films include Vijay Krishna's Tashan, a Yashraj Production, that will hit the theatres soon. There's Sajid Nadiadwala's Kambhakth Ishq with Akshay Kumar, Agent Vinod and Karan Johar's next with Saif and Golmaal Returns with Ajay Devgan.
Top companies and product manufacturers want Kareena to be the brand ambassador and her name is taken in the same breath as top international models. Kareena's high profile endorsement brands consists of Globus, Anne French, Emami, ICI Paints, Vivel of ITC soaps, Head & Shoulders, Boro plus cream, Citizen watch, Perfume, a Jeans line etc.
Needless to say Kareena has a packed schedule practically keeping her out of the country of the whole of 2008!
With Crème de la Crème assignments coming her way do we need to say that she is the highest paid actress and model in Bollywood and the fashion industry today?
Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif busy focusing on her career that has taken off in a big way
Wedding bells will not be ringing for Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif this year as the actress have switched busy focusing on her career that has taken off in a big way.
Speaking on the topic of wedding, Katrina said that she has 6 sisters and a brother, and her aim is to get them settled in life before she even plans her wedding. Besides, Katrina has just signed a movie opposite Ranbir has a 6 crore 2-film deal in her kitty so, Sallu’s girl sure is on a roll.
One dream that Katrina still aspires to fulfill is to be a journalist someday and write all about Bollywood marriage and engagement stories. The actress jokes that the way journalist are triggering stars to married and re-married in Bollywood they sure seem to be having the perfect party for themselves.
Salman however; is left asking the million dollar question, “Mujse Shaadi Kabhi Karoge.”
Trisha is naughty in Kuruvi
Trisha claims that she is a commercial girl. Even though she is commercial, she demands equal respect at par with girls who do only character role.
She says "As of now I am doing three movies and in all the three, the character that I do is unique from one another. Even though it was very tough initially, now I used to it and I feel comfortable...
In Kuruvi, I am a naughty girl, while in Abiyum Naanu, I do a value role. I never differentiate any movie as commercial or art. For me all are one and the same. A cine girl who do item role is no way different from a girl who does roles in which most of the time they weep."
She feels sad about disrespect item girls receive from public.
Today, Bollywood’s top heroine is model-turned-actress Aishwarya Rai
Heroines often do not get the same attention that their male counterparts do. But where would Bollywood be without the beautiful women who have graced its screens ever since the dawn of celluloid.
From among the heroines who have dominated our minds and hearts, there has always been the first among equals, that one lady who stood above the rest of her peers -- Nargis, Madhubala, Sharmila Tagore, Hema Malini, Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit, Kajol, Karishma...
Today, Bollywood’s top heroine is model-turned-actress Aishwarya Rai. Sohail Khan is reportedly paying her an unprecedented Rs 3 crore (Rs 30 million) for his next film!
The Miss World 1994 is clearly on a roll, and it just not due to her high price. From her first movie where her acting was lampooned for being wooden, today she is seen as an asset to any movie -- a heroine who can act, sing, dance, and with a face that can launch a thousand ships!
Deepika Padukone Biography
Name - Deepika Padukone
Date of Birth - 5th January 1986
Birth Place - Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Nationality - Indian
Height - 5' 9"
Hair colour - Light brown
Eye colour - Brown
Father - Prakash Padukone
Mother - Ujjala Padukone
Schoool Days - Sophia High School,Bangalore
Favorite Actresses - Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta, Sushmita Sen
Favorite actors - Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan
Hobbies - Music, eating, sleeping, watching movies
Dresses - Salwar kamez, sari, jeans and T-shirt
Profession - Actress, Model
Titles - Female Model of the year [2006]
Hindi debut - Om Shanti Om [2007]
Debut - Aishwarya, Kannada [2006]
Debut Film : Aishwarya (Kannada)
Claim To Fame : Female Model of the Year and Fresh Face of the Year 2006, Appearance in 'Naam Hai Ter
