And now Amitabh to read news on national television

MUMBAI, Dec 30: After playing Auro from Paa in a number of off-screen events, Amitabh Bachchan now assumes the role of media magnet Vijay Harshwardhan Mallik from his forthcoming movie Rann and will appear on a TV channel to do a year-end news round-up. “And we aren’t just talking about entertainment-related activities,” said the film’s co-producer Sheetal Talwar who was present when Big B donned the garb of a news anchor holding forth on events of the year from the world on the news channel Times Now. “And it was events from the world of global politics. Mr Bachchan just took over the television space as though he had done news analysis all his life. It was an amazing experience,” Talwar told IANS. On Wednesday night the megastar will reportedly be heard talking on roughly six global issues of 2009 - Indian national politics, terrorism, cricket, swine flu, recession and Obama on an hour-long segment. This would be the first of several media-related activities that the Big B is scheduled to participate in before director Ram Gopal Varma’s Rann hits the screens on January 29. Apparently he intends to assume whatever character he plays in his forthcoming films and promote the film as the character rather than ‘Amitabh Bachchan’. (IANS)

‘If it wasn’t for Ghalib, I wouldn’t be a poet’

‘If it wasn’t for Ghalib, I wouldn’t be a poet’

Mumbai, Dec 29: Remember the television serial on Mirza Ghalib that Gulzar made in 1988. Twenty years later the Urdu poet remains as strongly imprinted on the mind of the veteran Bollywood lyricist as ever. Proof of it lies in the fact that on the occasion of Ghalib’s 200th birthday on Sunday Gulzar participated in the annual candlelight march in honour of the peerless poet in Delhi. “It’s an annual ritual started by Pavan Kumar Varma who has researched intensely on Ghalib. Every year on Ghalib’s birthday we Ghalib followers march with candles from the Town Hall in Delhi to Ghalib miyan’s home at Gali Qasim Jaan,” Gulzar told. “Remembering Mirza Ghalib on his birth anniversary is the least we can do. Do you know his house had been converted into a coal depot until Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji stepped in to rescue the monument from doom. Now Ghalib’s home is a museum and a shrine which we visit every time on his birth anniversary. If it wasn’t for Ghalib, I wouldn’t be a poet,” he added. (IANS)

Rajnikant moved after watching Paa, meets Amitabh

Rajnikant moved after watching Paa, meets Amitabh

NEW DELHI, Dec 27: Tamil veteran Rajnikant was so impressed with Amitabh Bachchan’s performance in Paa that he has confessed to the Bollywood megastar that he has set very high standards for actors by playing a 12-year-old progeria patient convincingly in the movie.

“Had a surprise visitor in Rajnikant in my room at the Fariyas (resort, Lonavala). He is shooting for Robot with Aishwarya (Rai) in and around Lonavala and dropped in for a chat,” Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda. com/blog early on Sunday morning.

“He had seen? Paa. I had organized it for him to see it at a private theatre in Chennai and he was meeting me for the first time after that. He had wanted to speak immediately after the film got over, but somehow we missed each other,” he added. Paa that had been warmly accepted both by critics and audiences alike left its impact on the southern superstar too.

“Rajni was exuberant this morning. And we spoke for more than an hour about Paa. He said we are all upset after seeing the film, not so much because of the content and its emotional quotient, but because now that ‘you have done this, what are we going to do’,” wrote the 67-year-old. (IANS)

‘I don’t want to play bechari maa roles’

NEW DELHI, Dec 23: Yesteryears glamour girl Zeenat Aman can give the current lot of actresses a run for their money with her style and poise even at 58. She says she is looking forward to doing offbeat and “age appropriate” roles but is clear that she doesn’t want to play a bechari maa (helpless mother).

“I would like to work with any good filmmaker who offers me an age appropriate role. Like an older woman who has something to do in a movie except for the woh bechari maa. I think women have many more dimensions than just that,” Zeenat told IANS in an interview. The actress, who was in the capital to launch Kanchan Kapoor’s The W Factor Club - a women’s wine appreciation and celebration club - says even though she has been associated with glamour all through her life, she wants to do offbeat films now. (IANS)

'My Name is Khan' a love story, not about terrorism - Shah Rukh

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan says his upcoming film 'My Name is Khan', which pairs him with co-actor Kajol after an on-screen hiatus of eight years, does not have terrorism as its main theme and is mostly a love story.

"This film is first and foremost a love story. In fact this is one of the nicest love stories I have ever participated in – and I have participated in some of the best love stories that have been made here," Khan told reporters on Wednesday night after the first look of the film was released.

Directed by Karan Johar, 'My Name is Khan' tells the story of an autistic man Rizwan Khan (played by Shah Rukh Khan), who is caught in the aftermath of the September 11 militant attacks in the United States.

Khan, co-actor Kajol and Johar are teaming up after more than eight years, in what has been billed as one of the biggest releases to come out of Bollywood in a while.

The film is widely anticipated by fans of Khan and Kajol, whose great on-screen chemistry have helped deliver several hits in the past.

Fox Star Studios has signed a deal to finance and distribute the film, which unconfirmed media reports have pegged at 21 million USD.

However, both Johar and Fox have refused to confirm the figure, which, if true would be the highest ever for a Bollywood film.

"This film will be a step towards Indian cinema reaching worldwide," Khan said. India, home to the world's most prolific movie industry, has long tried to draw wider audiences, including by forging ventures with Hollywood studios looking to offset sluggish box-office sales with new markets and cheaper production costs.

My Name is Khan releases worldwide on February 12, 2010.

http://www.ibtimes.co.in/

Avatar’ earns Rs.22 crore at weekend in India

NEW DELHI - Director James Cameron’s much-hyped and anticipated 3D sci-fi epic “Avatar” is raking in moolah at the Indian box office - its opening weekend collections is Rs.22 crore (Rs.220 million).

Touted to be the highest ever weekend collection for any Hollywood film in India so far, it has beaten the opening collections of international blockbusters like “2012″, “Titanic” and “Spider-Man 3″.

“‘Avatar’ has had an amazing opening and the audience reactions are fantastic with a very large proportion of them wanting to see it again. Our theatrical partners are delighted to see queues building up outside multiplexes for advance bookings. The movie is being appreciated across all age groups,” Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios India, said in a statement.

Indian collections are also amongst the top 10 weekend performances in the world for the movie beating the likes of traditionally better performing countries like Taiwan, Singapore, New Zealand, Sweden, Holland and Hong Kong.

Starring Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver and Zoe Saldana, the movie depicts the story of a wounded ex-marine thrust unwillingly into an effort to exploit an exotic moon rich in bio-diversity, who eventually crosses over to lead the indigenous race in a battle for survival.

Source:http://blog.taragana.com

Deepika unveils Kingfisher's calendar

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone recently unveiled the 2010 edition of Kingfisher's swimsuit special calendar.

"In the beginning of my career, I was a part of the calendar and it's becoming better every year. Girls in this calendar have done a fantastic job," said Deepika, who figured in the 2006 calendar.

"It's of international standards and it's one of the best calendars in the world," she added.

Asked if featuring in the calendar was a good platform to enter Bollywood, Deepika said: "Well, I didn't use it as a platform to enter the film industry, so I wouldn't say that. You can't be a model to be an actor. That's not what I did. But yes, Farah noticed me as a model and then decided to cast me in Om Shanti Om."

"I am very proud of 2010 edition of the Kingfisher swimsuit special," said Vijay Mallya, UB group chairman before the calendar was unveiled at his palatial home.

Mallya said the calendar has given an opportunity to many young models from India and the world, and he hoped to continue the trend.

Noted photographer Atul Kasbekar has taken the photographs for the calendar.

HT

Priyanka Chopra is Bollywood's Twitter queen

Priyanka Chopra is the most popular star in the country as far as Twitter goes, the actress has just crossed the 100,000 mark making her the most followed star.

"I was one of the first people to start with Twitter. And I got all my Friends on Twitter. I prefer it over Facebook as Twitter is more quicker," said Priyanka.

Politician Shashi Tharoor has crossed the 500,000 mark and she is second to him.

The actress is regularly updating her account by telling fans about her movies, her moods and more.

Priyanka, who has given a series of hits last year, will be seen opposite Uday Chopra in Pyaar Impossible.

NDTV

Delhi girl recalls “Om Shanti Om” moment from past life

New Delhi, When Kulvinder Kaur, 22, underwent past life regression recently, she found out she was burnt alive in her past birth – just like actress Deepika Padukone’s character was in Farah Khan’s hit movie “Om Shanti Om”.

However, while Deepika’s character was shown being burnt alive by her on-screen husband (Arjun Rampal), Kaur says she recalled how she was burnt to death by her mother-in-law in her past life in the 1980s.

“I used to dream a lot about a girl caught in a fire in a huge house. And since my childhood I have been very scared of fire and marriage, but I never knew why. I went for the past life regression therapy and I came to know I was burnt alive by my mother-in-law in my past birth. I was very shocked,” Kaur told IANS.

Kaur, who is pursuing B.Com from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in the capital, recounted her experience on NDTV Imagine’s “Raaz Pichhle Janam Ka”, which digs into past lives of people to solve their current problems.

The young girl says she used to believe in past life earlier, but the show has only reaffirmed her belief.

“This show is not at all fake. I was under regression for 50 minutes and nothing was fake. The psychiatrist (Trupti Jayin) told me what all I had remembered after I opened my eyes and I could relate with whatever I was told,” she said.

Kaur says though she felt better after realising the cause behind her fears, she is yet to come to terms with it.

“I had fallen little ill after undergoing regression because I was quite shocked. Though I am not so scared of fire now because of regular work in the kitchen, I still fear marriage,” said Kaur, who stays with her parents in west Delhi.

The episode featuring Kaur will be aired Wednesday at 9:30 p.m.

Source:http://www.bollywoodworld.com/

“Accident On Hill Road” not based on Salman’s hit and run – Director

Mumbai, Mahesh Nair says his directorial debut “Accident On Hill Road” is not based on actor Salman Khan’s infamous hit-and-run but admits that the film refers to it.

“The story is not based on Salman Khan’s accident, but there is a reference to Salman Khan incident,” Nair told IANS.

In September 2002, Bollywood actor Salman Khan drove his jeep over some people sleeping outside a bakery on Hill Road junction in Bandra here, killing one and causing serious injuries to three people.

“Salman Khan did one accident, but in India 250 accidents take place every hour. There are reports on it. This film is based on accident and every one of us have either met with one or has heard of it from friends,” he added.

Nair informs that it is based on a real incident that happened in the US.

“There was an incident similar to the plot of the film that happened in the US. The incident was that a woman hit a man then drove home and parked the car in the garage with the man wedged halfway through her windshield,” he said.

“There is already a film on this incident and we have adapted from it. We bought its rights,” he added.

Asked how is it different from the original film, he said: “It shows what a person originally does if he meets or sees an accident – either he calls police or just passes by as if nothing has happened or tries to help the victim. The film portrays realistic angles.”

Talking about Salman’s incident, he said: “From the Salman Khan incident I have taken that some people do severe accidents, but nothing happens to them and they resume a normal life.”

Celina Jaitley, Abhimanyu Singh and Farooq Shaikh play lead roles in the film. Made on a shoestring budget, the film will release Dec 31.

Soruce:http://www.bollywoodworld.com/

Ricky Gervais brings animated TV comedy to US

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - British comedian Rick Gervais is bringing an off-beat animated comedy series to U.S. television in February that will feature musings on everything from population control to round heads.

Cable channel HBO said on Tuesday that the 13-episode "The Ricky Gervais Show" will debut on Feb. 19, and will be voiced by Gervais, his longtime collaborator Stephen Merchant and friend Karl Pilkington.

The show is an animated version of popular podcasts by the trio that were first created for the website of British newspaper "The Guardian" and which were widely downloaded.

The HBO show strengthens the growing presence of Gervais on the U.S. entertainment scene. The actor and stand-up comedian won an acting Emmy for his series "Extras" and created the Golden Globe winning comedy series "The Office" -- which was later turned into a hit American version starring Steve Carell.

Gervais, 48, wrote, directed and starred in the 2009 movie comedy "The Invention of Lying", and will host the Golden Globes movie and TV awards from Beverly Hills on Jan.17.

I don't want to play 'bechari maa' roles: Zeenat Aman

New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) Yesteryears glamour girl Zeenat Aman can give the current lot of actresses a run for their money with her style and poise even at 58. She says she is looking forward to doing offbeat and 'age appropriate' roles but is clear that she doesn't want to play a 'bechari maa' (helpless mother).

'I would like to work with any good filmmaker who offers me an age appropriate role. Like an older woman who has something to do in a movie except for the 'woh bechari maa'. I think women have many more dimensions than just that,' Zeenat told IANS in an interview.

The actress, who was in the capital to launch Kanchan Kapoor's The W Factor Club - a women's wine appreciation and celebration club - says even though she has been associated with glamour all through her life, she wants to do offbeat films now.

'Of course I want to do different roles. One always likes to do something different. Just because one is glamorous or looks glamorous doesn't mean he or she doesn't have brains or that one doesn't know his or her craft,' she said.

Zeenat, who was last seen in 'Ugly Aur Pagli', says she stayed away from the arc lights for years as she was busy raising her two children - Azaan, 23 and Zahaan, 20.

'My family, my work, my life has kept me busy all this while. I have been primarily busy with my family. My boys lost their father around 11 years ago. They were very little, so my first priority was my family and my children. I had to be both mom and dad to them. Everything else became secondary in my life. But now they are grown up,' she said.

Asked if her children are considering a career in films, she said: 'Never say never. I don't know. They might just get into movies. The older one has actually just finished his bachelors in film direction.'

So does he plan to direct his mother soon?

'They direct me enough at home - mumma this, mumma that,' she laughed. Though she added on a more serious note: 'He will be directing films some time though.'

Zeenat says she is now working on a few films, including Sanjay Sharma's 'Dunno Y...Jaane Kyun', but didn't want to divulge any details about the movie.

'I'm working on a few films, but when they are absolutely ready, that would be the right time to talk about it,' she said.

Zeenat, who walked the ramp for the first time in the capital, says she gets occasional calls to participate in fashion shows and she chooses them according to her convenience.

'If I have time and I feel like it, I go for fashion weeks. I have walked the ramp in Kolkata and Mumbai. I was invited to Chennai but couldn't go. This is the first time I have walked the ramp in Delhi,' said Zeenat, who was looking elegant in a black-red kaftan by her favourite designer Sapna Chopra.

A former Miss India, Zeenat didn't look a wee bit uncomfortable walking the runway.

'It was an interesting experience. When you have done something, it's not difficult to go back to it. Did I look uncomfortable? I wasn't at all,' she said.

Yash Raj Films goes Blue-ray with 11 films

New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS) Yash Raj Films (YRF) have released their 11 films on Blue-ray disc to give consumers an experience of high definition viewing through the cutting edge technology format.

The studio has released 'New York', 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi', 'Dostana', 'Bachna Ae Haseeno', 'Chak De! India', 'Dhoom: 2', 'Fanaa', 'Veer-Zaara', 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', 'Silsila' and 'Kabhie Kabhie' on the Blue-ray disc.

YRF had also collaborated with Philips and the Blu-ray Disc of 'New York' was available exclusively with Philips Blu-ray Players in India for the first three months. But now it is available everywhere.

The 11 films on Blue-ray disc are available in Music World, Planet M, Rhythm House (Mumbai), Landmark, and Crossword in India. These have also been released in the US, Britain, UAE and other countries.

3 Idiots – Movie Preview

New Delhi, Aamir Khan is returning to the big screen exactly after a year with “3 Idiots” and the film has created the right buzz thanks to the innovative ways he has been promoting it. Revolving around three friends and their college days, the movie releases Friday.

Loosely based on Chetan Bhagat’s bestseller “Five Point Someone”, the film has been produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who has invested around Rs.35 crore in it.

Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, it also stars Sharman Joshi, R. Madhavan, Kareena Kapoor and Boman Irani. It is being distributed by Reliance Big Pictures and is releasing with nearly 1,000 prints worldwide.

To market the film, Aamir has been travelling across the country in different get-ups. His travels have so far taken him to Varanasi, Madhya Pradesh’s Chanderi district, former cricket captain Sourav Ganguly’s home in Kolkata, Jaipur and Punjab’s Faridkot district.

The story revolves around three engineering students — Rancho (Aamir), Farhan Qureshi (Madhavan) and Raju Rastogi (Sharman) — and their journey. The film covers every aspect of their lives including Rancho’s romance with Pia (Kareena) and his conflicts with their teacher Viru Sahastrabudhhe (Boman).

“3 Idiots” is about how Rancho influences his two friends and teaches them to live life on their own terms. But one day he just vanishes. Then begins Farhan and Raju’s search for Rancho and finally learning the secret behind his disappearance.

The music of the film is already topping the charts with songs like “Aal izz well”, “Zoobi doobi”, “Jaane nahin denge tujhe” and “Give me some sunshine” becoming chartbusters.

This is the third year in succession when Aamir’s movie will release in December after “Taare Zameen Par” and “Ghajini”.

No big budget Bollywood movie is preceding “3 Idiots” from the previous week and it has created just the right amount of curiosity among audiences…will this Chopra-Hirani-Aamir collaboration strike gold at the box office and close 2009 on a happy note?

(BollywoodWorld.com)

Shilpa Shetty to celebrate New Year on ship

New Delhi, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty who is back from her honeymoon from the Bahamas with London-based businessman husband Raj Kundra is still on holiday mode. She is preparing to celebrate Christmas in London and New Year on a cruise in the Mediterranean.

“Back to reality, the last couple of weeks felt like a dream — from the sunny Bahamas back in London for the last couple of days… There’s no place like London when it comes to celebrating Christmas,” Shilpa posted on her blog shilpsshettylive.com/blog Saturday.

“Really excited about the Mediterranean cruise we are taking with the family, my first ever making it even more special. I will be out at sea for the next two weeks… Will be bringing in New Year on the ship,” she added.

“Here’s wishing everyone a merry Christmas and a fantastic love filled, healthy and prosperous New Year ahead,” she wrote.

Source:http://www.bollywoodworld.com/

Veer – Music Review

Film: “Veer”
Music Directors: Sajid-Wajid
Lyricist: Gulzar
Singers: Sukhwinder Singh, Sonu Niigaam, Wajid, Neuman Pinto, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Suzanne D’Mello, Roop Kumar Rathod, Shreya Ghoshal, Rekha Bhardwaj, Sharib Sabri, Toshi Sabri, Shabaab Sabri and Sunidhi Chauhan
Rating: *

Composer brothers Sajid-Wajid have come up with one of their best works in Salman Khan’s period drama “Veer”. The soundtrack boasts of eight songs and the music is melodious, hummable and is an interesting bouquet of various genres.

It starts with “Taali”, a song brilliantly crooned by Sukhwinder Singh, Sonu Niigaam, Wajid and Neuman Pinto. The power-packed track gives the album an edge and a positive start. It is hard-hitting and makes the listener sit up and take notice.

The song also has a solo version by Sukhwinder and it has been sung with a lot of punch.

Up next is a total contrast to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s mushy track “Surili akhiyon wale”. It is melodious and extremely pleasing to the ears. It also has English verses by Suzanne D’Mello, something similar to the song “O ri chhori” in “Lagaan”. It’s surely a likeable number and will make an impact.

It also has an extended version with Sunidhi Chauhan, who sings it in a way unlike her original style.

Then there is “Salaam aaya”, currently doing the rounds of television channels. The romantic song, which has Roop Kumar Rathod, Shreya Ghoshal and Suzanne D’Mello behind the mike, is a soft, light and pleasing number. It is worth a hear.

Next in line is Sonu Niigaam’s “Meherbaniyaan”. It starts with a long prelude and orchestration powers over the vocals. The fast-paced number is average and offers nothing great.

Then we have a very likeable track in “Kanha”, a thumri sung by Rekha Bhardwaj with ample support from Shahab, Toshi and Sharib Sabri. This is one of the best tracks in the album. A song of this genre has been incorporated in a film after a long time. A must hear.

Finally, there is an instrumental piece called the “Spirit of Veer”.

On the whole, Sajid-Wajid have made an effort to make the album different and they have succeeded in doing so.

Rural backdrops: Reality shows rock small screen

NEW DELHI, Dec 21: Soap operas crowded the small screen, but it was Balika Vadhu and Bandini - serials with a rural backdrop - that were the big hits. Reality shows like Sach Ka Saamna and Rakhi Ka Swayamvar also found many takers in 2009.

IANS picks 10 fiction and non-fiction shows that captivated audiences despite cricket matches.

1. Rakhi Ka Swayamvar (NDTV Imagine) - Item girl Rakhi Sawant left the nation shocked when she decided to find a suitable life partner through the reality show. It brought unprecedented TRPs for the channel, but Rakhi failed to sustain her engagement to Toronto-based businessman Elesh Parujanwala, whom she found through the show.

2. Balika Vadhu (Colors) - Set in rural Rajasthan, the family drama changed the face of Indian television in 2008 and continued to rule the charts this year with its gripping script. It deals with grave social issues like child marriage, perils of teen pregnancy and mismatched marriage.

3. Sach Ka Saamna (STAR Plus) - The Indian version of popular American reality show “The Moment of Truth”, Sach Ka Saamna hosted by Rajeev Khandelwal featured contestants who had to answer 21 questions, the authenticity of which was determined by a polygraph machine. Though the government expressed its ire against “vulgarity” on the show, it hasn’t stopped the channel from planning its second season.

4. Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo (Zee TV) - Another top rated rural-based show Agle Janam... revolves around the plight of a poor girl Laali who strives to help her family financially. But she is later sold off to a rich landlord by her parents. The show has proved to be a worthy replacement for the hugely popular soap Kasamh Se.

Stylists have designs on Bollywood - as directors

By Shilpa Raina

New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS) Ace stylists like Sabysachi Mukherjee and Manish Malhotra are eyeing Bollywood with plans to direct movies on romance, art and more. Though their numbers are still small, fashion designers turning movie directors seems to be quite the fad.

Kolkata-based Mukherjee has said that he is ready with the script for his directorial debut and that he has also finalised the actors and producer for his venture.

Bollywood's Katrina Kaif named sexiest Asian woman

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif has retained the top spot in an annual list of the world’s 50 sexiest Asian women.

The Bollywood babe beat off tough competition from other actresses, former beauty queens, models and pop stars to hold on to the Eastern Eye crown she won last year.

Indian actresses took eight of the top 10 spots, Hindustan Times reports.

The top 10 of the Eastern Eye 50 Sexiest Asian Women are: Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Freida Pinto, Laila Rouass, Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Lara Dutta, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Mehwish Hayat and Deepika Padukone.

“One has to understand the definition of sexy because it’s not as simple as the word sounds. Sexy is not just about the physical equation but also about the fact that you would be comfortable with this person being your girlfriend at the same time. You would like to go out with them and at the same time they are desirable. And I think there is nothing more sexy than a confident woman,” says Katrina about her achievement, India Info informs.

Actresses from India who took eight out of the top 10 spots once again dominated the popular countdown. Slumdog Millionaire fame Freida Pinto was the highest new entry at No 3.

Top 10 Sexy Ladies

1. Katrina Kaif
2. Priyanka Chopra
3. Freida Pinto
4. Laila Rouass
5. Kareena Kapoor
6. Bipasha Basu
7. Lara Dutta
8. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
9. Mehwish Hayat
10. Deepika Padukone

Soruce;http://www.tltnews.net/2

Room to Aamir Khan proves costly for hotel

A hotel in Uttar Pradesh's Chandauli district is in trouble for providing a room to Bollywood star Aamir Khan without establishing his identity.

Police have served a notice to the owner of Saraswati Hotel, seeking an explanation for "flouting the basic rules for allotment of rooms in a hotel", a police officer said Wednesday.

For promoting his forthcoming movie 3 Idiots, Aamir Khan Saturday roamed around Varanasi district in the guise of an elderly Maulana.

He stayed in the Sarawsati hotel in adjoining Mugalsarai town, some 300 km from Lucknow.

"It's a security lapse. We want to know how the rooms were booked when the claimants did not reveal their true identity. Prior to allotting the rooms, the hotel staff must have checked their ID proof," Chandauli police chief Lakshmi Narayan told reporters.

"Prima facie, it is a clear case of not following procedural norms related to security measures. For this the license of the hotel could be cancelled," he added.

According to police, in the name of Akram Shah and Co, seven rooms were booked for Aamir and his team in the hotel. The actor arrived in Varanasi Friday and headed to other destination Sunday.

Priyanka Chopra Plays Herself in a New Commercial

Priyanka Chopra will now endorse Asmi Jewelry and will be seen a commercial where she will play herself. The commercial was shot a few days back, directed by Marlon Rodrigues and styled by Gavin Mingul. The ad will be a showreel of her real life and in this commercial, Priyanka will be seen delivery dialogues with scenes from Miss World title and other film awards that she has won in her career. With the jewelry brand in her kitty Priyanka will now become one the leading ladies in Bollywood to endorse maximum brands.

movietalkies

Reality of infidelity: Angad Bedi to host show

New Delhi, Dec 17 (IANS) After his stint in historical TV series 'Prithviraj Chauhan - Dharti Ka Veer Yoddha', Angad Bedi returns to small screen as the host of a new reality show 'Emotional Atyachaar', about infidelity.

'Emotional Atyachaar' will go on air Friday on UTV Bindaas. In the show, one partner's actions will be captured through hidden cameras while the other will watch it secretly.

'I'll act as a medium through which couples communicate. The couples in problem will come to me and talk to me. The real life couples will discuss their love life problems with me,' Angad told IANS in an interview.

'The show is different from a regular reality show. I play a friend to the contestants rather than just an anchor,' said Angad who feels small screen is a great medium to reach out to large audiences.

'Big Bollywood stars have shifted to small screen and they have done well. Thanks to these shows, their popularity has doubled. So I believe TV is a wonderful medium.'

Angad, son of former India cricket skipper Bishan Singh Bedi, chose acting over cricket and doesn't regret his decision.

'It's not that I don't like cricket. I have played first class cricket and represented Delhi in the Ranji Trophy as a spinner, but at the same time my inclination to become an actor was very strong. I wanted to be a part of commercial cinema,' he said.

'I have always loved cinema more than the cricket. I don't think there is any harm in taking a different field,' he added.

Angad, who teamed up with Seema Biswas in the 'Kaya Taran' about anti-Sikh riots, is set to make his Bollywood debut with Joy Augustine's movie 'Little Godfather'.

'The movie is based on Mumbai train blasts and talks about how a common man can survive if he has the will to do so. It's a very interesting script and an unconventional film to make a debut with.'

Angad is a great fan of Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan and hopes to work with them one day

Rahman wins entertainer of the year award

New Delhi, Dec 17 (IANS) Oscar winning music maestro A.R. Rahman has won the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year award 2009 in the entertainment category.

'Rahman has redefined contemporary Indian music and is the pride of the entire nation. He is also an idol to millions for making a mark on the global music arena,' Rajdeep Sardesai, editor-in-chief, IBN Network 18, said Thursday.

The other nominees in the category included megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor, Prince Group of Orissa and Colors Entertainment Channel.

Rahman will be given the award Dec 21 at Hotel Taj Palace in the capital. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be the chief guest at the occasion.

Akshay Kumar carries the Olympic Flame in Toronto

Toronto, (CNW) – In the glamorous world of Bollywood, it doesn’t get much bigger than Akshay Kumar! This Indian superstar of more than 120 films has come to “Bollywood North” to run with the Olympic Flame in Toronto on Dec. 17.

Kumar is an international torchbearer with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, presented by Coca-Cola and RBC and supported by the Government of Canada. He takes up the flame on Yonge St. between Gloucester St. and Breadalbane St. at approximately 6:10 p.m.

“I am honoured and privileged to have been selected as an official torchbearer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay,” says Kumar. “Running with the Olympic Flame in Toronto gives me an exceptional opportunity to represent India and all of my fans. The flame is a symbol of freedom, peace and global friendship, and I would like to thank Canada for this honour and recognition.”

Kumar calls Canada his home away from home, and supports numerous Canadian charities, including the Trillium Health Centre in Toronto.

“Akshay Kumar is a global star, a citizen of the world and a friend to Canada. Akshay’s fans will join him in person or virtually as he runs along the world’s longest street – Yonge St. His presence and exuberance will inspire the Olympic spirit in all of us and draw the world’s attention to this magical moment in Toronto,” says Michele McKenzie, president and CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC).

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), in collaboration with the CTC, has selected international torchbearers to participate in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay International Media Program to maximize international media coverage of the relay and spread the excitement and Olympic spirit around the world.

The international torchbearers are from CTC’s global markets and include former Olympic athletes as well as entertainers and media celebrities. Their journeys through Canada will be broadcast and shared in their home countries during both the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay and the 2010 Winter Games, all to inspire the world to travel to Canada.

Source:http://www.bollywoodworld.com

My Name Is Khan not about terrorism – Karan Johar

Mumbai, Putting speculations to rest, director-producer Karan Johar said that his forthcoming film “My Name Is Khan”, that has Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in main leads, has nothing to do with terrorism.

“‘My Name is Khan’ has nothing to do with terrorism. It is not a terrorism-based plot at all. It is a humanitarian tale about love and sacrifice,” Karan told reporters after unveiling the first look of “My Name Is Khan” at JW Marriot Hotel here Wednesday.

The film’s story revolves around Rizwan Khan (Shah Rukh) who suffers from Asperger syndrome, a form of autism. Rizwan falls in love with a single mother Mandira (Kajol) who lives in San Francisco. Rizwan is detained by authorities at Los Angeles International Airport, mistaking his disability for “suspicious” behaviour.

“It is about overcoming a phase, it is about triumph of the human spirit,” said Karan.

Shah Rukh and Karan’s last outing together “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna” (2006) couldn’t spell magic at the box office.

But the superstar seems to be pretty impressed with Karan’s work in “My Name Is Khan” and said that the film is the ultimate evolution of the director’s work.

“I have worked with Karan in his first film (’Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’) and has been with him all through his journey. I think ‘My Name Is Khan’ is his ultimate evolution,” said Shah Rukh.

“In this film, the way Karan has touched upon the scenes and sequences, it is very different from his all previous films,” he added.

The film is slated to release Feb 12 next year.

(BollywoodWorld.com)

Aamir is the 'Emperor' of Bollywood: Kareena Kapoor

All of us want to see more of Aamir Khan, but the actor does only one movie each year. Eagerly waiting to watch 3 Idiots, here is what makes Aamir the best ‘idiot’ in Bollywood and also the ‘Emperor’.

Expect Aamir to do the unthinkable, defy norms of filmmaking, portray roles half his age, and even challenge the dictionary meaning of the word - Idiot. That is the inimitable Aamir Khan for you. The self-proclaimed proud idiot. And you would think this man has his college grades mounted on the wall and endless tales from his wonder years. Right?

It’s true that he wowed us with the unforgettable Papa Kehtey Hai in his debut film, and went on to do a variety of campus roles like in the movie Dil Chahata Hai and Rang De Basanti, but in reality, this idiot has lived his life rather differently.

“I didn’t really have a college life, because I started working very early in life as an assistant director. I got a chance to experience college life through my roles in ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, ‘Rang De Basanti’ and ‘3 Idiots’,” says the 44-year-old actor. A few lesser years of college obviously hasn’t flawed his exemplary track record.

In fact, he is undoubtedly the finest idiot in the movie business. Aamir confesses, “Whenever I thought I was being smart, I fell on my face.” With the best movies, biggest banners, awards and accolades galore, Aamir is undoubtedly the ruling ‘Emperor’ of Bollywood. A title pompously bestowed to him by co-star, Kareena Kapoor. No wonder, after months of search for a young face all around town, director Raju Hirani could trust only this Khan to essay the perfect idiot. The actor explains, “In this movie the word ‘Idiot’ means someone who takes a different route in life. People think he is insane, but later on they realize how wrong they were and how right the Idiots are! Some of the greatest men like Socrates and Galileo have taken the path less traveled. For those of you looking for the complete idiot’s guide to life, turn over to Aamir.

So be an idiot!”

Katrina Kaif hospitalized; undergoes surgery

Katrina Kaif, who was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai early this week, has reportedly undergone a surgery.

However, what the young Bollywood star is suffering from is not yet known. The actress had been advised complete bed rest earlier but yet she was seen making intermittent public appearances at a wedding and the Triumph lingerie show in the past fortnight.

The gorgeous actresses, who has had a string of successful films at the box office this year including New York, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and De Dana Dan, will surely want to get back at her fittest best at the earliest.

Bollywood Hungama

I hope I don’t drop the Olympic torch says Akshay Kumar

Mumbai, Akshay Kumar, who will participate in the Olympic Torch Relay Thursday in Toronto, keeps telling himself not to drop the torch.

“I just keep telling myself one thing over and over again, ‘No matter what happens, Akshay, don’t drop that torch. Naak kat jayegi.’ It’d be so embarrassing. I’d never be allowed to come back to Canada,” Akshay told IANS before leaving for Toronto.

Akshay was busy shooting for Priyadarshan’s “Khatta Meetha” and had to take permission from him to attend the gala event.

“I had to ask my director for a few days off from his tight schedule of ‘Khatta Meetha’. He kindly agreed. Now I’m very very excited to be part of something as prestigious as the Olympics. I just feel the whole experience will be truly inspiring. I think this is one of the biggest happenings in my life,” he said.

Akshay worked round the clock to beat the deadline for his departure.

“Only when I go home in the night do I allow myself the luxury of feeling tired. On 17th I run with the torch. Then I return to Canada again to see some of the Olympics sports. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

But the actor has one regret before he left that his son Aarav couldn’t accompany him.

“It was just for a day. And I somehow managed to squeeze it into my schedule. For Aarav, it’d be too tiring. If I was going for at least five-six days, I’d have taken my wife (Twinkle Khanna) and son.”

The torch for the 2010 Winter Olympics will be in Toronto from Dec 17 to 19. The 2010 Winter Games shall be held at Vancouver Feb 12-28.

(BollywoodWorld.com)

What makes Aamir Khan the best idiot in Bollywood?

Expect Aamir to do the unthinkable. Defy norms of filmmaking. Portray roles half his age. And even challenge the dictionary meaning of the word – Idiot. That is the Inimitable Aamir Khan for you. The self-proclaimed proud idiot. And you would think this man has his college grades mounted on the wall and endless tales from his wonder years. Right? It’s true that he wowed us with the unforgettable Papa Kehtey Hai in his debut film, and went on to do a variety of campus roles like Dil Chahata Hai and Rang De Basanti, but in reality, this idiot has lived his life rather differently. “I didn’t really have a college life, because I started working very early in life as an assistant director.

I got a chance to experience college life through my roles in Dil Chahata Hai,Rang De Basanti and 3 Idiots,” says the superbly talented, 44-year-old actor. A few lesser years of college, obviously hasn’t flawed his exemplary track record. Infact he is undoubtedly the finest idiot in the movie business. Aamir confesses, “Whenever I thought I was being smart, I fell on my face.” With the best movies, biggest banners, awards and accolades galore, Aamir is undoubtedly the ruling ‘Emperor’ of Bollywood.

A title pompously bestowed to him by co-star, Kareena Kapoor. No wonder, after months of search for a young face all around town, director Raju Hirani could trust only this Khan to essay the perfect idiot. The actor explains, “In this movie the word ‘Idiot’ means someone who takes a different route in life. People think he is insane, but later on they realize how wrong they were and how right the Idiots are! Some of the greatest men like Socrates and Galileo have taken the path less traveled. So be an idiot!” For those of you looking for the complete idiot’s guide to life, turn over to Aamir.

BollywoodWorld.com,

First look of 'My Name Is Khan' unveiled

Mumbai, Dec 16 (IANS) The first look of 'My Name Is Khan', which reunites superstar Shah Rukh Khan with Kajol on screen after eight years, was unveiled by Star TV network Wednesday night at a star-studded event here.

The first look was launched by Shah Rukh, director Karan Johar and Kajol at the JW Marriott hotel. The promos were aired at 10 p.m. across 70 countries.

'It is one of the nicest love stories I have participated (in),' Shah Rukh said while the promo was unveiled.

The film brings Karan, Shah Rukh and Kajol together for a film after the hit 'Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham' eight years ago.

The story revolves around Rizwan Khan (Shah Rukh), a Muslim from Mumbai who suffers from Asperger syndrome, a form of autism.

Rizwan marries a Hindu single mother Mandira (Kajol) in San Francisco. But post 9/11, Rizwan is detained by authorities at Los Angeles International Airport, mistaking his disability for 'suspicious' behaviour.

The film is slated to release Feb 12, 2010.

Karnataka minister essays a role in movie

Bangalore, Dec 16 (IANS) Karnataka's Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu will be seen in cameraman-turned-director Ashok Kashyap's film 'Lift Kodla'. He says he agreed to do the movie at the behest of his friend Jaggesh, who plays main lead in the movie.

'It is my friend Jaggesh who insisted that I do this role. I agreed and all the shooting was completed within hours. I'm now eager to see the film. I hope I won't prove to be a bad actor,' Subramanya Naidu told reporters here.

A remake of Telugu hit 'Maa Shreyobhilashi', the film is about a group of people who are dissatisfied with society and want to end their lives. Jaggesh leads the group.

The film also stars Jaggesh's younger brother Komal.

While Komal plays a film producer trying to end his life by committing suicide, Subramanya Naidu features as the home minister in 'Lift Kodla'.

Kashyap is pretty satisfied with the minister's performance.

'I think all good speakers in politics will make good actors as they won't forget their lines,' he said.

'Real Goan ethos' in new Sippy film

Mumbai, Dec 17 (IANS) Inspired by the realistic style used in Steven Soderberg's 'Traffic', Rohan Sippy is set to direct a film about drug-peddling in Goa and he is looking at a cast that can look as Goan as possible.

'I want to get into the cinema verite (French term for realistic cinema) with this film. I'm deeply inspired by the realistic style used in Steven Soderberg's 'Traffic' and even 'District 9', though that's not at all the space I'm entering in my new film,' Rohan told IANS.

'Even my crime caper 'Bluffmaster' was shot on actual locations. But now I want to capture the real Goan ethos and spirit. And for that I need my actors to act, look, behave, dress and speak like Goans,' he added.

Abhishek Bachchan is the only actor who has been finalised so far for the film.

'We're in talks with others including Pratik Babbar. But no one except Abhishek has been finalized. Like I said I want actors who can look like authentic Goans,' said Rohan.

Abhishek, currently shooting in Goa for Ashutosh Gowariker's period film 'Khelenge Hum Jee Jaan Se', is using his spare time to cruise the beaches and cafes to understand how the Goan underbelly works.

The actor is also trying to pick up Portuguese and Konkani for the character of the drug-busting cop he plays in Rohan's film.

Since a lot of the film is to be shot on the crowded streets and beaches of Goa, Rohan will construct sets whenever actual Goan locations would be impossible to shoot.

Asked why Aishwarya isn't in the cast of his film, he said: 'The minute I think of a project, I think of both of them in the cast. Though my new film has a couple of strong female parts, Aishwarya doesn't fit in.'

It has been more than four years since Rohan directed 'Bluffmaster'.

'Why only that? I've directed only two films in seven years. Now my writer Sridhar Raghavan has written three scripts that I'd like to direct. Hopefully, I'd like to make up for lost time,' said Rohan who recently tied the knot with Roopa De Chowdhury.

Speaking about his wife, he said: 'She was the line producer for my production 'Chandni Chowk To China' and also on board for Arjun Rampal's production. She's a very private person and doesn't like me discussing her in public.'

Neha Dhupia shoots a special calendar for Go Green campaign!

With the issue of climate change and the Copenhagen summit grabbing headlines these days, Bollywood is also doing its bit in spreading the green word.

While Rahul Bose is in Copenhagen representing Oxfam at the global climate talks, Bollywood hottie Neha Dhupia recently did a refreshing calendar shoot as a part of Franchise India's Go Green initiative. Shot by ace photographer Jatin Kampani, the photographs symbolize different elements of planet earth - air, water, soil and the flora.

The actress is all for people contributing to the green cause. "I think the importance of protecting our environment is something that each one of us understands and that the only way to promote this cause is by getting involved. This calendar is one such endeavour that I believe will go a long way in making people more aware of the need to get involved in environment protection," she says.

Talking about the shoot, the actress says, "When I get an opportunity to do my bit, in my own way, I make sure I give it my best. Everyone involved in the making of this calendar was truly passionate about creating something spectacular, and the passion shows."

Serious as she is about the issue, Neha adds, "A calendar is an excellent, light hearted and an entertaining way to inspire people to nurture nature and take care of the environment."

Neha also showers praise on the photographer - "The calendar has turned out to be a really exotic, truly creative and imaginative piece of work by Jatin Kampani."

Finally a word for the company that planned it all, "Gaurav Marya and Sachin Marya of Franchise India Holdings Ltd, have given me this opportunity to support an initiative that is so close to my heart. Hopefully, all of you will enjoy this calendar and remember the message behind it - Go Green."

We can only wish that more and more people from Bollywood do their bit for the environment.

Soruce:http://www.bollywood.com/neha-dhupia-shoots-special-calendar-go-green-campaign

To be part of Winter Olympics is one of the biggest happenings in my life" - Akshay

"My favourite Olympian sportsperson is Ivan. And as I watch his skills I want to now learn it so that I could apply it to my own dancing and fights on screen. I think gymnastics are the hardest and most dangerous sports in the world. He was unbelievably graceful. Ivan's agility and power is unbelievable. I want to try for it. In India my favourite sportsperson would have to be Sachin Tendulkar."

And cricket is the sport that Akshay needs to brush up for a forthcoming film. In fact the actor has asked the star-batsman to give him tips for his role as a cricketer in a forthcoming film.

Says Akshay, "I had to ask my director for a few days off from his tight schedule of Khatta Meetha. He kindly agreed. Now I'm very, very excited to be part of something as prestigious as the Winter Olympics. I just feel the whole experience will be truly inspiring. I think this is one of the biggest happenings in my life.

"I'm going to be so proud to have so many Indians, Sri Lankans and Asians cheering for me when I run with that torch. I know a lot of Indians in Toronto because it's my second home. I've never been more excited," said Akshay before he left.

Akshay says when he got a call from the Canadian Prime Minister's office informing him that he'd be carrying the Olympian torch, the actor didn't tell anyone. "Until it happened, I didn't believe it myself. I'm very lucky to be chosen for this honour. It'd be great to be standing on the same platform as Arnold Schwarzenegger. I wondered why they chose me!"

Akshay feels it is work for Special Olympics (physically challenged sportspersons) that did clinch the Olympian torch in his favour. "When it comes to sports, I've taken up a lot of responsibilities. When I joined Special Olympics three years ago, we had 1.5 lakh special athletes. Today we have 5 lakh athletes. Also I'm deeply connected with Canada. Toronto is like my second-home. I do a lot of charitable work. I even have a cancer ward in my father's name in a hospital in Toronto. I had taken my father for treatment to Toronto and they looked after him really well."

Looking back on 2009, Akshay says, "It was not a professionally rewarding year work-wise. But I am happy with De Dana Dan. Next year, I'll try my best to better myself. In 2010, I've Housefull and Action Replayy, all commercial cinema. My New Year resolution is to only do films that will entertain audiences."

Yash Chopra to Direct Again

The long wait is over. Yash Chopra, the last of the great movie mughals has finally decided to direct a film once again. He is now busy giving the final touches to his script and if all goes well, the film will go on the floor in early 2010. Yashji is also zeroing down on the stars who will work in his film. As usual he is not divulging any more details. 'I will talk only when I am satisfied and all the arrangements are finalized,' he says when asked about the cast. The last film Yashji directed was 'Veer Zaara' staring Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherji and Preity Zinta and with music from the collection of tunes composed by the late music director Madan Mohan.

Soruce:http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news.html

Golmaal 3 Set for Next Diwali Release

Yes, we know the film has not even been scripted, let alone shot. But actor Ajay Devgn and director Rohit Shetty have decided to complete and release Golmaal 3 by next Diwali.

In fact, the duo has made it a tradition to release their films on Diwali over the last two years and they do not want to let the next Diwali go by without any release. They set the precedent with the second in the Golmaal series, 'Golmaal 2', and then followed it up with 'All The Best' this year.

Now they are all set to unleash 'Golmaal 3' on the box office next Diwali.

Currently, Rohit is completing the script of the movie. In fact, the only actors who have been locked in are Ajay Devgn, Shreyas Talpade and Tusshar Kapoor. The makers are believed to have roped in Kareena Kapoor as well for a phenomenally high price, but there has been no official statement on that as yet. What is true though, is that Rohit wants to complete the script and give Kareena a reading. If Devgn and Rohit have a special affinity for Diwali, then it is Christmas for Aamir Khan, who has been releasing his films on Christmas Day, since the last two years. It started with 'Taare Zameen Par', year before last and was followed by 'Ghajini' last year.

Currently, all eyes are on '3 Idiots' which is set to release this Christmas, making it three in a row from Aamir. Basically, both Devgn, Rohit and Aamir are very good at marketing their films as producers and have both managed to grab a perfect slot for their films during the festive season.

Soruce:http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/74193/Golmaal-3-Set-Next-Diwali-Release.html

Rajkumar Santoshi Bounces Back!

Rajkumar Santoshi had been lying low after the release of some of his earlier films like 'Khakee' and 'Halla Bol' which failed to arouse interest and got a very luke warm response at the box office. He changed his genre to comedy with 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' which turned out to be one of the biggest films this year. Post 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani', he has been flooded with offers from various producers and production houses, who at one point did not consider Santoshi while he was going through a bad patch with his films at the box office. He has confirmed 2 projects, one for Sunny Deol and one for Firoz Nadiadwala. 'There are some others which are very tempting but I cannot work on more than one film at a time and Sunny's film will be my first priority,' Santoshi says. This will bring Rajkumar Santoshi and Sunny Deol back after they both have given hits like 'Damini' and 'Ghayal'.

'My Name Is Khan' to screen at Berlin film festival

Washington, Dec 16 (IANS) The latest Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol film 'My Name Is Khan' has been selected to screen at the 60th annual Berlin International Film Festival, next year, according to the festival organisers.

Directed by Karan Johar and set in the US, 'My Name Is Khan' will screen at one of the oldest and most respected film festivals in the world and in a country that has a growing appetite for Indian cinema.

The Berlin International Film Festival runs from Feb 11 to 21, 2010 and will host premieres from top filmmakers from dozens of countries including the world premiere of Martin Scorsese's next film 'Shutter Island' starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Both Johar and Scorsese will be debuting their fourth feature films with actors Khan and DiCaprio, respectively.

'The Competition of the 60th anniversary Berlinale will be marked by a mix of styles and genres, by exciting newcomers and renowned directors,' says festival director Dieter Kosslick.

'My Name Is Khan' is set to be released in theatres in India and over 40 countries including the US, Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East on Feb 12 on Valentine's Day weekend.

In North America, it will be released by Fox Searchlight Pictures which previously released 'The Namesake', 'Bend It Like Beckham', 'Water', and 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

An exclusive first-look trailer for 'My Name Is Khan' will air on STAR TV Wednesday, at 10:00 p.m. IST and will then be beamed across 70 countries worldwide.

In the film, Shah Rukh stars as Rizvan Khan, an unconventional hero who embarks on an incredible journey across America in order to win back the love of his life. Along the way his unique brand of goodness and humanity touches the lives of many and inspires a nation.

'My Name Is Khan' reunites Shah Rukh, named by Time magazine as 'the world's biggest movie star', and Kajol for the first time in eight years. They were last seen together in 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (2001).

They have previously starred in five films together, including 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' and 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', all of which were blockbuster hits that established the pair as Bollywood's hottest on-screen couple.

The film also marks a re-teaming of Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan, who most recently collaborated three years ago on 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' (2006).

Over the years, Karan and Shah Rukh have enjoyed an unbelievable run at the box office, working together on such hit films as 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' and 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', some of the most successful Indian films at the international box office.

Rahul Roy set to enter Nepal's film industry

Kathmandu, Dec 16 (IANS) Bollywood actor Rahul Roy, who made a sensational debut in 1990 with the romantic film 'Aashiqui', and his One Stop Shop (OSS) company are now poised to enter Nepal's film industry with a love story that will also act as the promotional gimmick for the company in the Himalayan republic.

The 43-year-old, who is also executive director of OSS, a corporate group with interests in real estate, technology and Internet marketing, arrived in Kathmandu with the group's CEO Subhash Jewria to announce that OSS Entertainment, the entertainment wing of the company, will make a Nepali film with Rahul playing the lead.

'We are looking for a Nepali director for the project,' Rahul, winner of the popular reality show 'Bigg Boss', told IANS. 'And we have already begun talks with Nepali musician Rajesh Pariyar who is keen to do the music.'

While the script is still being worked on, Rahul says it will be a realistic love story, like 'Aashiqui', and will have a message for the audience.

'Because of my years in the industry and stature, people look up to me for a message and not just entertainment,' he said.

Shooting will start around March-April and Usha Poudel will play Rahul's love interest in the film.

Usha, in her 20s, made a name for herself with 'Muna Madan', a Nepali film based on a classic and in the past Nepal's entry in the Cannes Film Festival.

The rest of the cast will also be from Nepal and the tickets will be priced at only NRe 1.

'We want to promote the Nepali film industry and OSS in Nepal,' Rahul said. 'So we were looking for something different from the usual advertisements, posters and banners. Since people here are so fond of films and music and since I am in the film industry myself, I was frequently asked whether I was going to make a film in Nepal. So we decided to do that.'

In the past, Rahul has also acted in a Marathi film and learnt the language to do the role.

The upcoming film, however, could also be in Hindi.

Right now, Rahul's focus is to do three films in Bollywood a year.

His latest film, 'Ada, A Way Of Life' directed by Tanvir Ahmed and with A.R. Rahman as the music director, was slated for release Dec 18. But the makers decided to push it to January 2010 to avoid clash with James Cameron's 'Avatar' and Rahul says no one wants to compete with the potential blockbuster.

The other film on the anvil is 'Mera Bachpan' by debutant director Rajiv Sharma that will also star yesteryear's dancing diva Helen.

His nearly two decades in the film industry, Rahul says, has made him wiser.

'I now know which kinds of films not to do. I know in which direction to go,' he added.

The director he would like to work most with is Madhur Bhandarkar.

'Bhandarkar makes very realistic films. I like realistic and intense roles. I have a straight face. I am not comfortable with comedy.'

Top Bollywood stars walk the ramp for a cause in Mumba

Mumbai, Dec 16 (ANI): Bollywood's who's who walked the ramp on Tuesday in the collection designed by aspiring fashion designing students, for the cause of girl child education.

The fashion show named 'Mizwan - Sonnets in fabric', was conceptualised by Namrita Goyal and styled by renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra and Anita Dongre. Goyal, 20, is daughter of Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal.

The show was organised by veteran actress Shabana Azmi. The funds raised from the event will be given to the Mizwan welfare society, founded by eminent poet Kaifi Azmi, father of Shabana Azmi, for the empowerment of girl child.

The collection of the show was designed by young students of five renowned fashion institutes of Mumbai and was being judged by panel.

"What to me is very-very interesting is that you get generation next to get the opportunity of lifetime. They could never dream that while they are students all these leading stars would showcase their clothes and you connect it to a small little girl child that is still waiting to be empowered in Mizwan the village in which my father was born. His focus was the education of girl child," said Shabana Azmi.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was also present at the occasion to support the cause.

"Very honestly we are here for Shabana Azmi. I think the fact that she is doing something so noble and fulfilling her father's dream is definitely is very moving. We are here to support her to support her fathers' dreams of all the accomplishments of Mizwan welfare society," she said.

Urmila Matondkar, Tushar Kapoor, Prachi Desai, Amrita Rao, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Raima Sen, Soha Ali Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Celina Jaitley, Abhishek Bachchan, Konaka Sen, Malaika Arora Khan, DiyaMirza, Abhay Deol and R. Madhavan walked the ramp to support the cause. (ANI)

'Rocket Singh' going great guns in US

WASHINGTON: Bollywood's latest offering "Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year" is going great guns in the US with its review currently the numberone most read movie story on the New York Times site.

The Times review, beating stories on the Golden Globe nominations and reviews of all US films, calls "Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year," with Ranbir Kapoor "a smart, focused Bollywood movie".

Shimit Amin, "who directed the delightful 'Chak De! India', about a girls' hockey team, dispenses with Bollywood's normal tangle of subplots and mashup of genres", it says. "There's music, but no big production numbers. Even romance is back-burnered. Instead, Mr. Amin sticks to the story at hand."

"Kapoor, a heartthrob who has quickly become a star playing cads, turns in a skilfully understated performance," says the review. "His Harpreet is an old-school hero: solid, righteous, compassionate. You can't help cheering for him."

In an equally flattering review, Film Journal International says: "David-and-Goliath workplace drama from India goes unexpected places, and hits satisfying chords."

The posters for the Bollywood import "promise a workplace satire or a light-hearted employee caper" it says. "Instead we get a sharply observed drama of an honest man trying to survive in the usual business world."

"In the exploding modern India, it's a very American story: How do you succeed in business without really trying to compromise your ethics?"

"Not all Bollywood movies are big, colourful musicals, of course, and this one offers only a couple of plot montages set against songs, it says, "But with uniformly excellent performances-particularly by (Naveen) Kaushik and (Shantanoo) Bhagyaraj as the conflicted and not-so-conflicted antagonists, respectively."

In addition, there is "a no-nonsense pace and storytelling sense by director Shimit Amin, and a truly universal and credible office mise-en-sc?ne, 'Rocket Singh' is instantly accessible to any stateside audience," the Journal adds.

Harpreet Singh, the protagonist, "may be a prisoner of the system, but he can proudly say, 'I am not a number. I am a free market'." it says.

ET

SRK, Karan, Kajol are back

It has the ‘K’ factor going for it. Eight years after Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar and Kajol came together for one of the biggestBollywood blockbusters of all time – Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham – the charismatic trio are presenting the trailers of their February 12, 2010, release, Fox Star Studios’ My Name is Khan.

MNIK is the first production of Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar together. Tonight at 10 sharp, Karan, SRK and Kajol will unveil the first look of the film that will then be beamed across 70 countries worldwide on the Star TV Network.

Says Karan, “This is a first in the history of Bollywood – that the promos of a film will play across such a wide platform. And, this has mainly been made possible because of our synergy with Fox Star Studios. It is my first production with SRK, and also the first time a Bollywood company is tying up with a mainstream Hollywood studio. So, there are many firsts to this venture.”

He adds, “The idea of the launch was suggested to us by Fox Star. Both Shah Rukh and I felt that it was the best way to flag off our campaign. We wanted to create a road block and since the Star network has such a broad base globally, we both conferred that it would be an ideal way to launch our first promos.’’

So wherever you are, across the globe, you can catch the promo of My Name Is Khan for sure.For Karan, MNIK is not just his biggest professional challenge, it is also an emotional journey
. One of India’s brightest talents, he says, “Shah Rukh and Kajol have never gone wrong in their pairing. For me, collaborating with these two actors is not only a professional high, it is also an emotional bond. The three of us have done two super-hit films in the past – Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham (K3G). Now, we’re hoping that we can recreate the same magic with My Name Is Khan.’’

The buzz is that MNIK is the most expensive deal to have ever gone through in Bollywood history. Unconfirmed reports say that Fox has allegedly picked up the film for Rs 100 crores. The theatrical trailers of the film have been attached to the prints of James Cameron’s Avatar, which is about to be released.

Trade specialist Komal Nahta says, “Never before has there been such an excitement over a film; nor has there been such a wide release for any Bollywood film so far.’’
Fox Star Studios will release MNIK with 600 prints overseas, making it the widest release ever for a Bollywood film on foreign shores.

TOI

Love Aaj Kal bags 15 nominations at Apsara awards

Mumbai,Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone starrer “Love Aaj Kal” has bagged 15 nominations for the 5th Apsara Film and Television Producers Guild Awards to be held here Jan 8 next year.

“Love Aaj Kal” has been nominated for awards in various categories, including best film, best director (Imtiaz Ali), best actor in a leading role (Saif), best actress in a leading role (Deepika), best female singer, best male singer, et al.

The film is about the essence of love that never changes despite time and space difference. It raked in Rs.8 crore (Rs.80 million) on its opening day.

A total of 24 films have been nominated in various categories, including “Kaminey”, “Wake Up Sid”, “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi” and “Ghajini” for the Apsara awards.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Chitrakoot Grounds, Andheri, here.

(BollywoodWorld.com)

Veer movie songs reflect 18th century colonial culture

Mumbai, Music director Sajid says he and his brother Wajid have tried to reflect 18th century colonial culture through their music in Salman Khan starrer period drama “Veer”.

“The film focuses on British culture in India and how they used to mix with each other then. So while making the music, we combined the music of two cultures to give the actual feel of that time,” Sajid told IANS at the music launch of “Veer” here Monday.

Before starting work, Sajid-Wajid did research on the instruments extensively used during that time.

Asked if they utilised original musical instruments used during that period, he said: “I made use of keyboards. When things are available, better make use of that because finally it’s the sound that matters.”

“Veer” is about bravery, treachery and love. The story revolves around Pindaris who preferred death to dishonour and fought to their last breath to save their land. In the film, Salman plays a Pindari soldier.

The film has five songs and Gulzar has penned them.

(BollywoodWorld.com)

Love Aaj Kal bags 15 nominations at Apsara awards

Mumbai, Dec 15: Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone starrer Love Aaj Kal has bagged 15 nominations for the 5th Apsara Film and Television Producers Guild Awards to be held here on January 8 next year. Love Aaj Kal has been nominated for awards in various categories, including best film, best director (Imtiaz Ali), best actor in a leading role (Saif), best actress in a leading role (Deepika), best female singer, best male singer, et al. The film is about the essence of love that never changes despite time and space difference. It raked in Rs 8 crore on its opening day. A total of 24 films have been nominated in various categories, including Kaminey, Wake Up Sid, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Ghajini for the Apsara awards. The awards ceremony will be held at the Chitrakoot Grounds, Andheri, here. (IANS)

No Comeback for Karsima Kapoor

Some month ago there was talks about Karisma Kapoor making her comeback as an actress. Her decision was taken seriously and there were three film makers ready to start films with her who were considering her in the lead role. She too worked on her body and personality and looked as fresh as she was when she first came to films and even better. But now the entire picture had changed with Karisma about to be a mother for the second time. Will her new decision mean that S. Raamnathan's Amitabh Bachchan starrer 'Zamaanat' will be the last film of Karisma?

Soruce:http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/74016/No-Comeback-Karsima-Kapoor.html

Fardeen Khan to Fulfill his Father's Dream

Fardeen Khan is very keen to fulfill his late father, Feroz Khan's dream of making a sequel to 'Qurbani'. Feroz Khan had almost finalized all plans to start his film and the script was also ready. He had even talked to some of the stars till he was struck by cancer which ultimately killed him. Fardeen who was very close to his father is aware of what kind of film his father wanted to make. He has now decided to do everything possible to make 'Qurbani 2' and is working out plans to make it a very ambitious film as his tribute to his father. Earlier it was rumoured that late Feroz Khan had roped in Saif Ali Khan to play Vinod Khanna's role while son Fardeen would essay his role. This was almost 2 years back and now one will have to wait and see if Saif still agrees to be a part of the remake. Fardeen will also have to look for a director who can do justice to this dream project as the earlier one was going to be directed by Khan saab himself.

Source:http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/74017/Fardeen-Khan-Fulfill-Fathers-Dream.html