Entertainment

Why does Anurag Kashyap feel he couldn’t ever make Kangana Ranaut’s Queen?


Queen, Vikas Bahl

The filmmaker co-produced, edited and aided in the music department for Rajkummar Rao’s film, but couldn’t direct the film. We wonder why…

Anurag Kashyap co-produced Queen and was involved in its editing, but the filmmaker has no qualms in saying that he couldn’t have made an entertainer like it is. For every filmmaker, he says, a certain conviction is necessary towards the project they take up.
Explaining his stance about making movies which reach out to an entire gamut of audience, he said, “We all try to do that. There is not a single filmmaker who does not want to reach out to the entire audience. “Even Anand Gandhi (of Ship Of Theseus fame) wants to reach out to the entire audience. But we cannot do something that we have no conviction in. I might like some films, but I cannot make them. “Like, I edited Queen and loved it, but I couldn’t have made it.”
Directed by Vikas Bahl, Queen features Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao, and it turned out to be a hit.




30 years since 'Saaransh', Anupam Kher gets nostalgic


New Delhi: Come Sunday, it will be three decades since Anupam Kher-starrer 'Saaransh' hit the screens and catapulted his career in the Hindi film industry to new heights. The veteran actor admits the movie changed not just his life, but also thinking.
"'Saaransh' was released on May 25, 1984. Tomorrow I'll complete 30 years in this fabulous film industry. 30 years of 'Saaransh'. What a journey," Anupam posted on his Twitter page Saturday.
"'Saaransh' changed my life, my thinking for ever. It made me a better person. It's not a film, but a philosophy for me," he added.
30 years since 'Saaransh', Anupam Kher gets nostalgic

Anupam Kher, Rohini Hattangadi and Soni Razdan, in a still from the film 'Saaransh'.

The actor, a National School of Drama alumnus, was only 28 when he took on the role of a retired middle class Maharashtrian man, who had lost his son, in the drama directed by Mahesh Bhatt.
Anupam's stellar performance not just won him his first Filmfare best actor award, but the film was also chosen as India's official entry for the 1985 Academy Award for best foreign language film.
A theatre enthusiast and two-time National Award-winning actor, the 58-year-old's career has been eventful - with films, plays, TV and as an acting teacher.
Having featured in films like 'Karma', 'Lamhe', 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge', 'Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Maara', 'Khosla Ka Ghosla', 'A Wednesday' and 'Special 26', the actor cemented his space as a versatile talent, who slipped into comic as well as serious roles with equal ease.
Anupam was honoured with a special jury National award in 1989 for 'Daddy' and his second National Film Award honour came thanks to 'Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara'. He is also a proud recipient of the Padma Shri.
He has also featured in international movies and projects and has worked with directors such as Gurinder Chaddha, David O Russell, Ang Lee and Woody Allen. His big moment came when he shared screen space with legendary actor Robert De Niro in the Oscar nominated movie 'Silver Linings Playbook'.
He has done his bit of TV with shows like 'Say Na Something To Anupam Uncle', 'Sawaal Dus Crore Ka' and more recently, with a cameo in the Indian '24'.
The actor is now making his TV production debut with 'The Anupam Kher Show...Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai', a chat show with celebrities.
Apart from this glorious career, he also runs an acting school called Actor Prepares and has written a book titled 'The Best Thing About You Is You', which tells people how to live life in today's time.




Sonakshi Sinha to Don the Producer's Hat


 Sonakshi Sinha to Don the Producer's Hat
Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha's first love is acting, but Shatrughan Sinha's daughter is also keen on working as a produce and wants to be associated with her family production house Shotgun Movies which is helmed by her twin brothers Luv and Kush. (Also read: Sonakshi Sinha Bruised While FilmingTevar

Sonakshi said in an interview recently, "I do have a production house at home called Shotgun Movies, which my brothers are taking care of. They are working on getting a good project in place. I am sure directly or indirectly, I will be a part of it."

The Dabangg actress will follow in the footsteps of actresses like Shilpa Shetty, Anushka Sharma and Priyanka Chopra who have also entered into film production with the movies DishkiyaaoonNH 10 andMadamji respectively.

The 26-year-old, overloaded with film projects such as Tevar, Lingaa and Action Jackson, is currently busy promoting her upcoming film Holiday in which she co-stars with Akshay Kumar. 


Vidya Balan to Launch Bobby Jasoos Trailer With 10 Detectives

Vidya Balan to Launch Bobby Jasoos Trailer With 10 Detectives

Vidya Balan, who plays a detective in Bobby Jasoos, will reportedly launch the theatrical trailer of her upcoming film with 10 real life detectives.

Bobby Jasoos revolves around the journey of a Hyderabad-based female detective. (Also read: Spot Vidya Balan in the first look of Bobby Jasoos 

When the idea for the trailer launch popped up, the makers were keen to celebrate the launch with some real detectives. 

The trailer is likely to be launched this month, said a spokesperson. 

Bobby Jasoos has been produced under Dia Mirza and Sahil Sangha's banner Born Free Entertainment. 

Vidya is upbeat about the film, directed by Samar Shaikh. (Also read: Why Vidya Balan took "the least time" to sign up for Bobby Jasoos )

Talking about the movie, the National Award-winning actress earlier said, "It's a female detective film but it's not just a detective film, it's a human story." 



Anurag Kashyap: I Couldn't Have MadeQueen

Anurag Kashyap: I Couldn't Have Made Queen
Anurag Kashyap co-produced Queen and was involved in its editing, but the filmmaker has no qualms in admitting that he couldn't have made an entertainer like it.

According to him, a certain conviction is necessary for filmmakers towards the projects they take up. (Also read: Anurag Kashyap: Kalki and I Remain Good Friends 

Explaining his stance about making movies which reach out to an entire gamut of audience, he said, "We all try to do that. There is not a single filmmaker who does not want to reach out to the entire audience. 

"Even Anand Gandhi (of Ship Of Theseus fame) wants to reach out to the entire audience. But we cannot do something that we have no conviction in. I might like some films, but I cannot make them. (Also read: Anurag Kashyap: The World Before Her must be seen across India )

"Like, I edited Queen and loved it, but I couldn't have made it." 

Directed by Vikas Bahl, Queen features Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao, and it turned out to be a hit. 


2 States Scores 100 cr, Not Out

2 States Scores 100 cr, Not Out
A still from the movie 2 States
2 States, starring Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor, has joined the Rs 100-crore club.(Also read: Why 2 States Offers a Refreshing Take on Romance)

Said to have been made on a budget of approximately Rs 45 crores, 2 States released in over 2,000 screens in India on April 18.

"2 States hits a ton. Crosses Rs 100 crore mark. Rs 102.13 crore nett. Super Hit," trade analyst Taran Adarsh posted on Twitter on Monday.

Co-produced by Karan Johar and Sajid Nadiadwala, distributed by UTV Motion Pictures, and directed by Abhishek Varman, the movie is based on a bestseller by author Chetan Bhagat.

The movie is about two states, different cultures and families and one love story.

2 States, based on Chetan Bhagat's book 2 States - The Story Of My Marriage, also stars Ronit Roy, Amrita Singh and Revathi.

Celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhu Deva, Riteish Deshmukh and Sonakshi Sinha have also praised the film.

Shahid Kapoor’s night out with Jacqueline Fernandez!

Shahid Kapoor’s night out with Jacqueline Fernandez!

Shahid Kapoor has emerged as quite a ladies’ man these days. While speculations are rife that something is brewing between him and Sonakshi Sinha, the actor was spotted with the Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandez at a popular night club. 

Ahem! If on Saturday night, Shahid reportedly partied with Sonakshi, Monday he had Jacqueline for his company. Yes, the two actors, who are currently not even working together, were spotted outside the popular restaurant Hakkasan in Bandra post midnight. 

Shahid Kapoor-Sonakshi Sinha’s night out! 

Shahid Kapoor was as usual in his casuals, and sported specs. Jacqueline Fernandez was simply dressed. It’s reported that both the actors were aware of the flashbulbs during their exit, so they did not leave the restaurant together. 

There were others too at the restaurant. Shahid Kapoor’s close friend and director Ken Ghosh was also spotted. 

This is not the first time that Shahid’s name has been associated with an actress. In the last few years, he has allegedly dated actresses Priyanka Chopra and was linked with Nargis Fakhri and Bipasha Basu. Nowadays, he likes to hang out with Sonakshi Sinha; and now add Jacqueline’s name to the list. 

Where could the two actors have met first? Was it at IIFA 2014! The award function was a perfect occasion for many B-towners to mingle and party and Shahid Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez both were there. 


Kamal Haasan to Lead Official Indian Delegation to Cannes

Kamal Haasan to Lead Official Indian Delegation to Cannes


“As chairman of the FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee - South, I am delighted to have this opportunity,” says Kamal.
Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan, who is also chairman of FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee-South, will lead the Indian delegation to the 67th Cannes International Film Festival, which begins on Wednesday.

Apex business chamber in India, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), will co-ordinate on behalf of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the Indian Pavilion at the gala this year. (Also read: Kamal Haasan to play dual role in Uttama Villain )

Kamal will lead the official Indian delegation to Cannes and inaugurate the pavilion along with luminaries such as Arun K Singh, Indian Ambassador to France; Bimal Julka, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Jerome Paillard, executive director, Marche du Film (the Cannes Film Market); and actor-producer Uday Chopra.

The India Pavilion will showcase Indian cinema across linguistic, cultural and regional diversity, with the aim of forging an increasing number of international partnerships in the realms of distribution, production, filming in India, script development and technology, and promoting film sales and syndication.

"Indian films - including south Indian ones - have been selected and honoured at the Cannes Film Festival for many years now. I'm happy to be part of the official Indian delegation, which will allow me the chance to speak to the world film community about the Indian film industry today." (Also read:Kamal Haasan slams plagiarism allegations )

"As chairman of the FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee - South, I am delighted to have this opportunity to also speak about the development of the southern industry, which has been a special focus of mine for the last five years," Kamal said in a statement.

The Cannes film gala will conclude on May 25.


Sony brings back ‘Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega’


MUMBAI: For four fun-filled seasons, the show continued to dish out non-stop entertainment apart from serving as a platform for ordinary Indians with extraordinary talent.
 
 Two years after it went off air, Sony Entertainment is bringing back its talent hunt,Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega by popular demand. Produced by Wizcraft International Entertainment, the show is based on American reality series, 30 seconds to Fame, where contestants continue to strut their stuff for a minute without the judges interrupting them.
 
In its fifth season, Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega will be aired from 9pm to 10 pm Monday to Friday, replacing Jee Le Zara and Nandini in the bargain from 12 May. It is slated to run for two months.
 
This time, like all the previous seasons, will be judged by Farah Khan and Anu Malik while Mona Singh and Krushna Abhishek will be the hosts. Two promos of the show have already hit the television screens. Auditions are on since January, taking audiences through thrills and chills even as contestants show off their special skills in an emotionally charged environment.
 
With so many talent shows crowding the small screen, how will the new season net eyeballs?
 
“The format of the show is going to remain the same. But we are making this season more interesting for the viewers. I think the quality of talent that you are going to see, the kind of interaction you are going to see with the judges and the talent, the attitude and the approach of the judges to the talent… will be different,” says Wizcraft International Entertainment director Sabbas Joseph. “I think as the standards across India have grown, you will see those standards getting reflected in the show and especially the quality of entertainment. Our aim is to make this season more exciting and sharper.”
 
While Sony is the only channel which has experimented with all genres, it continues to struggle at number six position of TAM TV ratings. Months ago when NP Singh was elevated to the position of CEO from COO, he made a promise to make changes in the channel’s programming and work on bringing the channel back to its now lost top position.
 
Accordingly, Singh changed focus from fiction to tried and tested non-fiction properties to buoy Sony’s image. A case in point is Boogie Woogie, which was dragged out of its closet and re-launched and which did pretty well for itself and the channel.
 
However, a highly placed media planner expressed the view that Sony should tag itself as a ‘non-reality’ based channel. “I think its fiction shows need some rest. The fifth season is going to air at a time when other channels are buzzing with fiction properties. Though, the plan to air a daily reality show is okay, but how are you going to sell it to viewers, who have already booked their tickets for dramas. To get viewers on-board, firstly, they have to produce good content and secondly, promote that good content in a strong way.”
 

A Little More Wait For Rajnikanth’s Magnus Opus Kochadaiiyaan

Kochadaiiyaan MAIN COVERA little more wait for Rajnikanth‘s magnus opus Kochadaiiyaan, the futuristic fantasy film’s release directed by Rajnikanth‘s daughter Soundarya has been shifted two weeks after its previously announced date.
The film was all set to release on May 09, 2014, but due to some technical problems faced by the team the date for the worldwide release of this mega movie has been finalised on May 23, 2014.
Kochadaiiyaan features a unique visual of photorealistic performance capture technology for the very first time in India. The movie is said to be released in six Indian language versions of Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Marathi, Bhojpuri and Punjabi, simultaneously in 2D and 3D in over six thousand screens worldwide.
Although the entire unit was optimistically gearing up for a May 09, 2014 release, due to some unexpected technical issues, this mammoth worldwide release is now May 23, 2014. The fans frenzy for Rajnikanth‘s Kochadaiiyaan has begun months in advance and the wait is now over.
Rajnikanth appeared on twitter for the very first time on May 05, 2014 and he instantly broke the record for the very first day followers by any Indian movie star by getting over 2.5 lakhs followers on the very first day itself.
Kochadaiiyaan is an epic dramatization of good versus evil starring South Indian megastarRajinikanth in a double role in a larger than life depiction. Also starring in the grand production is  leading lady Deepika Padukone together with South India’s leading stars R. Sharath Kumar,NazarAadiShobana and Rukmini.
Providing the musical score is Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, whose list of credits includes a BAFTAGolden Globe and Academy Awards.
Kochadaiiyaan was shot extensively at Pinewood Studios in the UK with a team of world-class technical experts including the London based Centroid Studios, a state-of-the-art facility for Full Body Motion Capture, which has worked on various Hollywood productions including the recentBrad Pitt starrer World War Z as well as Pirates Of The CaribbeanIronman 2 and Harry Potter.
A team of technical experts from South India and China have worked on this technology, with the best production facilities in London, for the overall completion of the project.

Rhea Pillai, Leander Paes on the verge of split

There is no denying the fact that Rhea Pillai and Leander Paes are on the verge of split as Pillai alleges that he was trying to deny her entry into their house.

Mumbai: Ace tennis player who brought India onto the international tennis stage is facing accusations from his wife Rhea Pillai that he locked her outside their home and didn’t allow her to enter the house.

The two have been facing marital blues for sometimes and reports have appeared in media that their relations were no longer normal.

Rhea Pillai is a respected model and comes from a great lineage. Both her father and mother have great family backgrounds and Rhea herself was married to the bad boy of Indian cinema Sanjay Dutt. But the two separated and were officially divorced in the year 2008.
leander paes rhea
It should be noted that Rhea Pillai’s maternal grandmother was famed actress Zubeida, who acted in the first Indian talkie Alam Ara.

It is said that Rhea took their 6-year old daughter to Rani Mukherjee’s niece’s birthday. When she came back she found the house locked and Leander Paes not allowing her to enter the house. While talking to the press the ace tennis player said, “Pillai was trying to gain sympathy, create controversy and stop his parents from staying in the house”.

Meanwhile reports suggest that Rhea Pillai approached the Bandra police station on last night, but so far no case has been filed against the player. Meanwhile it is said that Rhea was let inside the house when she complained on 103 number and a woman police official was set to tend to her.


No differences at all with Karan Johar, clarifies Kajol

Mumbai: Actress Kajol denied reports claiming she had differences with her friend and filmmaker Karan Johar post her appearance on his talk show 'Koffee With Karan'.
When asked about it, she said: "No differences at all with Karan Johar."
Kajol, who cut down her movie assignments post motherhood, will next be seen in her home production and added: "I have confirmed this news before and yes, I am doing that project."
No differences at all with Karan Johar, clarifies Kajol

Kajol denied reports claiming she had differences with her friend and filmmaker Karan Johar.

The actress, who tries to spend maximum time with her daughter Nysa and son Yug, says the biggest gift her children can ever give her is acknowledgment.
"The biggest gift your children can ever give you is the acknowledgment. When I go back home and my son says I missed you and hugs me, I really love that. That makes my day," said the actress who was crowned Mighty Mom Thursday by the makers of forthcoming animation movie 'Mighty Raju Rio Calling'.
Talking about the children's safety and current scenario, she said the world is not so safe for children anymore.
"As a child I have never watched cartoons as I was busy with physical activity. My mum used to tell me to go out and play, and we didn't use to go out with our maids. Today, world is different if kids go out, we send our maids with them. World has become unsafe today it's different," said Kajol.

I am foremost a composer, acting is my passion: Himesh Reshammiya


Himesh Reshammiya and Zoya Afroz
Himesh Reshammiya and Zoya Afroz
Himesh has teamed up with Punjabi rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh for this murder mystery. The film will also see couple of new actors including the leading ladies Zoya Afroz and Sonali Raut. Besides, the film also star national award winning actor Irrfan Khan in a special appearance in the movie.

In a candid chat with Dainik Jagran, Himesh opens up more about this murder mystery, his inner side, future projects and lot more.
Q. With ‘The Xpose’, you are back again on the big screen after around two years. Tell us more about the movie.

Ans. ‘The Xpose’ portrays the darker side of the Hindi film industry. The story revolves around a murder mystery set in the film industry of 60s. A sudden death takes place at a five star hotel right after a glitzy award function. Almost every character in the movie has been inspired by yesteryear Bollywood actors. If we see the 60s of Indian cinema, there was a conservative atmosphere in industry. But leading ladies like Zeenat Aman and Praveen Babi came forward in bold avatar changed the whole scenario.


Q. You are playing the character of Ravi Kumar in the movie. Tell us something about your role. 


Ans. Ravi is a former cop who turns to a charismatic and enigmatic star by some turn of fate. My character is inspired by yesteryear actor Rajkumar.


Q. Yo Yo Honey Singh is doing his acting debut with ‘The Xpose’. How did the Himesh-Honey casting happen?


Ans. Honey is playing a very strong character named Kenny Damania, better known as KD, who has style, grey shades and a brilliant voice. Honey was a superstar in negative role. When we were discussing about the character, Honey was the first person who strikes my mind. I approached him and he accepted the role.


Q. You've worked with Director Ananth Mahadevan many times. How was it working with national award winning director like him?


Ans. Working with Ananth was really incredible. He is a smart director. He has worked religiously on our characters.


Q. You have given over 600 songs, of which many have become major hits and were of course trend setters.  In your long career, you have worked with singers of almost all ages. Who were your favourites? 

Ans. Yes, I am fortunate to have the opportunity of working with some of the refined singers. Sonu Nigam, Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik are some of my personal favourites. In recent times, Arijit, Shreya Ghosal, Palak, Ankit are incredibly good.

Q. What sort of roles suit Himesh? 


Ans. I would love to do different roles. The only thing that matters is I should justify my character completely. Besides, giving complete dedication to the character, in terms of time, is equally important.


Q. What’s your take on doing negative roles? Can we expect Himesh in villainous and dark shade roles in future?  


Ans. Oh…why not? You never know what opportunity comes your way. I am really happy to see Honey accepting the negative role in his first movie. I will definitely go for such roles if offered.


Q. How was your experience working with Irfan Khan? Is he a difficult person to work with? 


Ans. No…not at all. It was a learning experience to work with Irfan.  He is doing a special appearance. He plays the character of Adil Hussain, a black marketer.


Q. We have heard that Irfan was upset as his cameo is played for publicity.


Ans. These were only rumours. We have never used his image for the film’s fake publicity. Out of the nine film posters, only one carried his picture. And that was quite obvious as he was in film, even though for a shorter span.


Q. Which Bollywood actress would you like to work with in future? We have heard about Deepika Padukone saying she would do it if offered. Please tell us something about it.


Ans. I don't know whether she would do a film with me. She has done her debut with one of my video albums. Yes, she once has said this on record that she would do it if any interesting script comes out. I'd love to work with her.


Q. Himesh, singing seems to be in your blood. Your father is a veteran music composer. What have you taken most from your father?


Ans. My father has been the backbone of my success. He has been an innovator in his own field. He introduced electronic instruments in the film industry. Besides the basic music form, he taught me being daring and experimental.


Q. Yes, your career graph shows you have been experimental throughout. You are a successful music composer. You have given voice to many commercial hits. Besides, you have also tried on acting. Which suited you much-composer, singer or actor?

Ans. I am foremost a composer and acting is my passion.

Q. Himesh, you have preponed the release of ‘The Xpose’. Now, it is going to release on May 16, the election counting day. Don’t you think this will hurt the film’s opening, especially when the IPL is on?


Ans. Our distributors and marketing team have done a proper research and then the release date was finalized. ‘May 16’ is a better date because there is only one IPL match that weekend. Besides, there is no other release. The audience will definitely come up to appreciate our work.


Q. The new benchmark of judging the performance of a Bollywood film, is the famous '100 crore club'. How much you agree to this trend? 


Ans. Yes, ‘100 crore club’ has become a trend now and this is important in order to match with the pace of others. But at end of the day, it is the quality and content of the film that matter.


Sreesanth to shake a leg on Jhalak

Show to be a stepping stone to movies for former cricketer who has been banned from the game 

After months of negotiation and dilly-dallying, former Indian cricketer S. Sreesanth has agreed to participate in the seventh edition of dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.

The cricketer, banned from playing for his alleged involvement in spot-fixing, was initially hesitant to come on the show.

“Sreesanth was approached two months ago after he was released from jail. Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa wanted to provide him with a platform to tell his story about the spot-fixing allegations. Sreesanth refused,” said a source.

“We think at that time he thought he’d clear his name and get back to cricket. But after he was banned, Sreesanth softened towards the idea of doing the show,” the source added.

“Sreesanth sees Jhalak... as a stepping stone to movies. And yes, he will be talking about the spot-fixing charges,” said the source.

Another contestant who has been finalised is actor Purab Kohli. Sukhwinder Singh, Sophie Choudry, and popular TV faces Karan Tacker and Mouni Roy are also likely to join the show.






We have grown up together...




Arjun and Sonam Kapoor's cousin, Mohair Marwah (his mother Reena is Boney and Anil Kapoor's sister), is making his Bollywood debut in Fugly. here the newcomer talk about his star cousins. Read on...

My cousin Arjun:
Arjun is my cousin and Boney, Sanjay and Anil are my mamas. He's a very closed person and takes time to open up to people. He's the complete opposite of what he played in Gunday. I was shooting in Mehboob when someone told me Arjun was also there for a photoshoot. I rushed over to meet him and he was like 'what are you doing here?' It was a great feeling for both of us shooting at the same studio at the same time. We had lunch together and when after he finished his shoot he spend time my sets. Salmanbhai and Akshay were also on the sets shooting for the title song so it was like one big starry set! We had all these big boys shooting and the energy was amazing! I remember Akshay asking me 'yaar teri height kitni hai? Tu bahut lamba lagta hai!' (laughs). I am 6 feet 1 inch.

My childhood days
Arjun and I have grown up together. We cousins (Sonam, Rhea, Arjun and his sister Anshula) hang out as a close group of friends. I bounce off scripts to both Sonam and Arjun as both are actors and have been working for a while. It makes sense to ask them as they are young and know what's going on. When we all meet we only discuss movies so much so that the people around us especially my Delhi friends get bored with us. They feel left out. I watch all Arjun's films and I think I am more a critic than a fan. If there's something I don't like I tell him honestly because that's the kind of relationship we share. When you are the same age and very close to a person then you can go and say whatever you want. I loved Ishaqzaade and 2 States and found Gunday to be very entertaining.

My journey
When I entered Bollywood Arjun did tell me certain dos and donts. He has his own rules which he plays by. Some of my relatives have given me tips which include: be sure of the script and sign the film if it's challengeing, always focus on the your role and give it your all while while doing your part and stay on the right track I feel as an actors one should go and carve your own journey while taking little bits from others. I know Arjun too feels the same. In acting you can't take tips from anyone and that's the fun of it doing things individually.

My foodie friend
Arjun is a huge foodie and so am I and we both have to work our asses off so that we can enjoy the food. We are both Punjabi boys who love our butter chicken. Just recently I downloaded a healthy set of recipes from the internet which I shared with him. I keep searching online for food recipes and when he's not working he's only watching movies. He has the biggest collection of of movies. In fact he's my library when I want to watch films. Arjun and I have our exchange offer which you are the first to know - I give him healthy yet delicious food recipes in exchange for DVD's. As a child I remember Arjun as a fat kid but I never made fun of him ever. Every time I used to come to Mumbai from Delhi he was my anchor to the world here because barring my cousins I didn't know too many people here. In a way he helped me meet lots of ppl and I found my space. As a kid he used to attend every birthday party as he was a great dancer even then. Arjun would enter every dancing competition as he's fond of dancing and I would clap for him from the sidelines.

Arjun on Mohit
I am very happy somebody else from the family is also turning an actor. Mohit has always been fitness conscious since the age of 16 while I had to struggle to get rid of my weight. He's the one in my family who started going to the gym first and forces me to eat healthy food. Mohit and I have always shared a passion for movies ever since we have known each other. As kids Akshay, Rhea, Sonam, Mohit and I would hang out together. We never had friends because we were many cousins and would always hang out together and were more friends in many ways than one. Whenever Mohit has needed me I have been there for him and vice versa. Our love for acting and cinema has allowed us to bond on another level besides being brothers. I don't advise him because we are the same age and it's strange to give advice. It's best to be supportive and let him discover his own journey. He's very hardworking and and we are all there for him. He has to discover like I did. Whatever I am today comes from my own journey. Mohit is an honest critic of mine.


Big B awards scholarship to Ranchi student in Melbourne


Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan on Friday presented an Indian student with a scholarship of upto AUD 200,000 (appoximately $185,000) at La Trobe University here.


The recipient of the Amitabh Bachchan Scholarship, that runs for four years, is La Trobe graduate Roshan Kumar, who is from Ranchi in Jharkhand. He will works towards a doctorate in the potential of using social media to better communicate health messages to India’s estimated 80 million social media users.
“I have grown up watching Amitabh Bachchan in movies. To imagine that I would meet him in person still seems like a dream,” Roshan Kumar said of his meeting with the ‘Angry Young Man’ here.
“I am honoured to receive this scholarship which will help fund my research into improving the health of thousands of people living in India,” added Roshan Kumar, who graduated from La Trobe with a masters in international business in 2010.
The scholarship will be presented every four years by Amitabh, 71, to an Indian citizen to develop a thesis related to media, digital technology and communication.
Earlier, the 71-year-old actor had taken to his blog to thank the state of Victoria for naming a scholarship after him.
He views it as a way of “fructifying the bonds that exist between our two nations and lending unstinted support to our film industry in conducting such events to acquaint the locals with our cinema”.
University’s vice-chancellor John Dewar said it was an exciting and important day for the institution.
“La Trobe University is very proud that Mr Bachchan has agreed to work with us and help support the education of the next generation of Indian leaders who will help make a difference to the complex problems facing our world today,” said the V-C.

More Details : Click Here


'Purani Jeans' Review: This story of friendship has nothing new to offer


What do you expect from a movie that is based on true friendship? Well, an intense bonding between the friends, few heart-wrenching dialogues and a fabulous story line that touches your soul. Director Tanushree Chatrji Bassu's 'Purani Jeans' lacked all three. What seemed to be a delight to watch by the trailer, turned out to be a melancholy at the theatre.
The story has nothing new to offer and the plot is utterly predictable. Bad acting makes it even worse. There's a so-called bunch of cool friends named Kasuali Cowboys (self-proclaimed) and they have there own set of some dim-witted cowboy rules which can't be broken. All five of them are high school pass outs and preparing for their college entrance exams. But their silly friendship dialogues won't even be spoken by kids who study in 5th grade and have an oh-so adorable friend circle. Dialogues like 'alpha, beta, gamma, theta jo hai sexy wo hai Gita', simply crosses the line of absurdity. Best friends turning foes because of girl is something that we have seen through ages in Bollywood.
Tanuj Virwani, Aditya Seal and Izabelle Leite- all three leads in the movie lack expressions and they seem to be trying too had to act. The only saving grace was the amazing milieu that seemed intriguing till the time, there acting got bad to worse.
'Purani Jeans' Review: This story of friendship has nothing new to offer

A still from 'Purani Jeans'.

Izabelle Leite's inscrutable expressions make it too hard for the viewer to comprehend if she is happy or sad. We don't blame it on her. Maybe it is because of years of modelling career that has made her a poker face. Tanuj Virwani fails to impress again in his second chance and Aditya Seal shows some potential in acting, but that too won't help him in the long run.
The film is a bad attempt to display the emotions of friendship and love in its true sense. You would rather concentrate on munching your popcorn because the movie has nothing unique to catch one's attention. It is recommended only for those who want to watch this movie just for the heck of it.
Ratings:1/5

More Details : Click Here


Amitabh Bachchan starts promo shoot of KBC 8

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has started shooting for the promos of the eight season of popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC).

Kaun Banega Crorepati is the Indian adaptation of the internationally popular format of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.

The 71-year-old has hosted six seasons of the show, except for the third edition, which was hosted by superstar Shah Rukh Khan.


"The early morning shoot for the promos of the fresh season of KBC were accomplished," he posted on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com Sunday.


"...and rushed then to the PVR to attend the cleaned up version of Bombay to Goa by dear friend Anwar Ali, brother of Mehmood bhai one of the greatest we have had... to quickly battle the traffic after to greet another dear friend and now family, Prem Chopra who releases his biography...


"That over a meet with people from distant worlds, admirers that have long been desiring a personal interaction... switched soon thereafter to a make-up room for the look test for Balki’s film, which I start shooting within a week... followed by the most exciting moment of the day - Bhoothnath Returns at the private theatre at home with the kids and family... watching their expressions and their squeals of laughter and their moments of silent emotion," he added.

More Details : Click Here


‘Nothing has come easy to me’

Actor Rajkummar Rao. Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

A lot of hard work goes into the making of an effortless performance, says National Award winning actor Rajkummar Rao

Rajkummar Rao and his co-star Patralekha were among the Citylights team that spent a few days in a small hamlet near Sadri in Pali district, 150km from Udaipur in Rajasthan, observing the lifestyles of people in the area. “That’s my job. It’s necessary that I do enough groundwork so that my character, that of a migrant from Rajasthan, looks believable on screen. I observed people, their traits and tried to understand what they do and how they live,” he says.


Citylights is Rajkummar’s first release after he was conferred with the National Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of the slain human rights lawyer Shahid Azmi in Shahid. The mention of the National Award brings a hearty smile but he doesn’t want the award to weigh on his shoulders. “I’ve been choosing films going by scripts I can connect to. That’s how I want it to be. I don’t want to select a film thinking I am a National Award winning actor,” he says.
 People hated me in ‘Queen’, which is great. My character was not supposed to be likeable. 
Rajkummar can play a solo lead, like in Shahidand Citylights, be a part of ensemble casts like inShaitan, Chittagong and Kai Po Che and quietly shine in supporting roles like he did in Talaash and Queen. His filmography reveals an astute mind at work, trusting his instincts and choosing films that won’t be forgotten easily. “Nothing has come easy to me, since my days in Delhi. There’s a lot of hard work behind what appears like an effortless performance. I like to understand the context of a film and my character, but I don’t rehearse much. I prefer an organic method of work,” he says. The organic method of acting, he feels, makes the character appear spontaneous on screen.
As he basked in all the positive reviews to Shahid, he followed it up with a chauvinistic character in Queen. “The feedback was fabulous. People hated me in the film, which is great. My character was not supposed to be likeable,” he laughs.
Speaking about Citylights, he confesses he hasn’t watched the original British-Filipino film on which it is based. Like Hansal Mehta, he didn’t want to be influenced by the original. “I went by the script given to me and felt it would be better to approach the character from my perspective,” he says.
Citylights was initially to be directed by Ajay Bahl. Once he stepped aside, Rajkummar suggested Hansal Mehta’s name. “It was a co-incidence that the Bhatts had watched Shahid a couple of days ago, were impressed and keen to have Hansal Mehta on board,” says Rajkummar.
Short and impactful
The actor’s repertoire includes a three-minute short film titled Mumbai Mirror, directed by Shlok Sharma. “The film is four years old, but is being discussed in social media now,” he says.
Mumbai Mirror is a forceful short that shows how a secular person can turn communal in minutes. “We shot the film in two to three hours,” says Rajkummar, adding, “Whichever project I take up, I make an effort to relate to the characters. Citylights, for instance, is a story anyone can connect with. We see our cities teeming with lakhs of migrants. The story could happen anywhere.”

More Details: Click Here




I take awards as compliments: Shilpa Shetty



New Delhi: She is as svelte and stunning a mother of a two-year-old as she was when she danced to the tunes of "Chura ke dil mera". Shilpa Shetty, who was given the title of 'Spalicious Mom' at an awards event here, says she takes the awards as 'compliments'.
Breaking into a laughter on being congratulated for being a 'Spalicious Mom', Shilpa told IANS: "What does it mean? I have no inkling of what it means. I don't understand it really, but an award is always a compliment and so, I am happy and excited about this."
Shilpa, who co-owns spa and wellness chain IOSIS along with business partner and cosmetologist Kiran Bawa, also couldn't contain her excitement that two IOSIS outlets won an award each at the recently held seventh GeoSpa asiaSpa India awards 2013 here.
I take awards as compliments: Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa Shetty was named 'Spalicious Mom' recently.

IOSIS, Shilpa said, has eight outlets so far, and nine more are in the pipeline.
Married to businessman Raj Kundra, the actress' business acumen seems to be getting stronger by the day. She says the franchise model has worked in favour of IOSIS, and that it has helped them to explore places like Benares, Lucknow, Ghaziabad and Pune, apart from some of the metros.

More Details : Click Here

No comments:

Post a Comment