Director Onir is bringing two versatile actresses together on screen, in his short film, ‘I Am Megha’. Juhi Chawla and Manisha Koirala will be featured in this Kashmir-based film. The team recently wrapped up their shooting in Srinagar. The story is based on the friendship of two women - one is Hindu named Megha and the other a Muslim, Rubina. According to reports, Juhi Chawla plays the Hindu Pandit girl who leaves her hometown for further studies. On her return, she finds her best friend, Manisha Koirala, the Muslim girl living in her home. “Things have changed since Juhi has gone and we have tried to capture the changes in the valley through the friendship of these two girls,” the director revealed. The film also stars Sanjay Suri, who is also the producer of this one. Onir is bringing up four short films of 20-25 mins in length and they are collectively called ‘I Am’. Interestingly, more than 200 volunteers from over 23 cities around the world have come together for this project, which will be shot across 4 cities of India. Besides Megha, the other titles are Abhimanyu, Omar and Afia. While Juhi has already worked with Onir in ‘My Brother Nikhil’, Koirala will be stepping on the screens after a long gap.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Juhi, Manisha to share screen
Meet Ramu’s Paritala Sunitha
Now the latest buzz is about the leading lady of the movie. Presenting Radhika Apte; the one who is going to play the hero’s wife, Paritala Sunitha. Sources have it that Radhika is well-known face in Bollywood and she has been lauded as a talented performer. However, the sources found that the actress doesn’t seem to resemble the real Suneeta, after the media released few photos of her recently.
But we say - why see the similarities when the performance can speak a lot? Let’s wait and watch this new entrant.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Asin shares her London Dreams
1. How did London Dreams happen?
I was still shooting for Ghajini but Vipul had seen some of my South Indian films. So I got a call from him and he said he had a role of a headstrong talented girl in his next directorial venture after Namastey London. Obviously I was excited at the sound of it! (laughs) I love Vipul’s cinema, he showcases emotions really well and his films always have strong music. So it was actually a no-brainer that I wanted to be a part of this project immediately on hearing its script. In a way, this is my first authentic Bollywood film even though Ghajini released first. That's because I had already played Kalpana in the south version of Ghajini before doing the Hindi remake with Aamir (Khan).
2. Tell us the experience of working with Vipul Shah!
Fabulous! Vipul is very organized, he does his homework really well so when you reach the sets the shot break downs are done, he knows exactly how he wants the scene done. And I am a complete Director’s actor. It’s important for me to understand my director’s vision and in that sense Vipul is very giving. I’ve been spoilt by him because now I think I will always want all shoots to be as planned! (Smiles)
3. Tell us something about your character in London Dreams?
I play a south Indian girl, Priya, who is emotional but strong willed and ambitious at the same time. And she has two radically different sides to her. At home she’s a traditional girl clad in Indian outfits but the minute she’s out with friends, she’s a fire brand, and that shows in the way she dresses. And she’s also partly responsible for the conflict between Salman and Ajay’s characters. So it was a wholesome character to play.
4. This is the first time you’re working with big names like Salman Khan & Ajay Devgn. What was that like?
When I came on to the sets of London Dreams I didn’t know them. I knew they were way senior and was anxious just like any newcomer would understandably be. And then I'd heard so much about them from different people. Salman has a ‘bad boy’ image. Many told me that he was very temperamental and erratic! Having worked with him I dispelled all those myths. I got to see a sensitive actor who had an absolute ball on the sets and went out of his way to make everyone comfortable. Both Ajay & Salman are also great off-screen friends and that shows on celluloid. Ajay, contrary to popular belief, was not reticent at all. He was very helpful and friendly! I realised that you find out the truth about people only when you work with them and get to know them better.
5. Tell us about the music of London Dreams!
Oh! There’s so much that I can say! (smiles) London Dreams has a backdrop of a rock band so it’s only right that the music should be an arterial part of the film. And I think that Shankar, Ehsaan & Loy have done complete justice to the film in that sense. The music is melodious but remains true to the essence of the film. It’s a very holistic album - there’s the masti of Punjab and the edge of contemporary music. I personally love Man Ko Ati Bhaave and Tapke Masti; they’re fun songs!
6. Everyone is waiting for London Dreams with bated breath. Tell us why we should watch it?
It's an absolutely stunning looking commercial entertainer with emotions, humour, music and drama! It's a big one for the families! We had a blast shooting it in the UK and I took back some really fond memories with me. The fantastic time we had on the sets and the chemistry between all of us will show on screen!
The Three Kings to unravel Parveen Babi’s secrets
Hollywood director Reynold Baines is going to bring up a film based on yesteryear actress Parveen Babi. Actress Shikha Puri - who had recently posed topless for a documentary film “The Dog” - will be seen playing Parveen Babi in the film “The Three Kings”. The film also features characters that bear some resemblance to Mahesh Bhatt, Kabir Bedi and Amitabh Bachchan.
Sources said that in the film, Shikha will pose nude for a bathroom scene. There are about 3-5 nude scenes in the film which will be made at a budget of Rs 10 crore. Shika Puri said that she has yet to officially sign the film. When queried about the nude scenes, she said, “As a professional actress, I have no problem doing nude scenes in front of the camera. The film depicts certain true aspects of Parveen Babi’s life, including her addiction to drugs like LSD in the later part of her life and her multiple love relationships.”
According to Executive Producer and script writer Flynn Remedios, Shikha has just signed the film and we are “yet to get the final script.” The film is in Hinglish and is primarily targeted at an international audience, but will also be screened in India, he said.
Flynn Remedios added that as the script writer, he has been researching the project for the last three years. “I have unearthed certain untold secrets of Parveen Babi’s latter life, including footage of scenes she shot which were never shown on screen. Then there were certain aspects of her love life that haven’t been told yet.” We are trying to get Mahesh Bhatt to be part of this project, he added.
However, Mahesh Bhatt says he is not disturbed by film on Parveen Babi. Mahesh Bhatt, in an interview to DNA, said that he would not be surprised or offended if the producers of the film used a bit of poetic license to portray him in the project.
According to the article, Bhatt told DNA that Reynolds hasn't approached him to double check facts about his affair with Parveen. However, he (Mahesh Bhatt) added that he does not have any problem if anyone unearths skeletons from his past. "I have no greatness that I will lose if they misrepresent me on screen. Every film needs an inspiration. I am fine if this movie is inspired by my relationship with Parveen. I can't speak for the others though. I don't think the makers are committing any crime if they aren't approaching the others on whose characters the other roles are loosely based on. Because I am sure the makers will not blatantly name anyone. Even if they do so, I don't have a problem. I won't wake up one morning to drag them to court," Bhatt said.
Shikha Puri was last seen in a Reality Show, Sarkar Ki Duniya on Real, Cash Cab on UTV and Exhausted on Channel V is the new babe to watch out for. She has done several ad films and print ads in less than six months of entering Bollywood. She recently shot for a music video with DJ Shezwood.
London Dreams goes Khanabadosh & why?
The Khanabadosh track in London Dreams composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and written by Prasoon Joshi has sparked off major curiosity about the word - Khanabadosh! Ever since the number (picturised on Ajay Devgn, Asin, Rannvijay Singh and Aditya Roy Kapoor) first airplayed, people have been trying to figure the meaning, language and etymology of the word!
Vipul Shah reveals, "It's a Persian word, which means gypsy or nomad. It goes perfectly with the mood and context of the situation. Ajay and Salman's characters have come to the UK from Punjab to carve their destinies on the music scene.
Rannvijay and Aditya's characters have come from Pakistan to pursue their dreams. So it is an ideal representation of their state of mind and living."
He adds, "When Prasoon (Joshi) suggested the word Khanabadosh I found it extremely interesting and unusual. I asked him to give me time to sleep over it and to get used to it. After a while I loved it."
‘London Dreams’ is in cinemas in the UK & UAE on Thursday 29th October and in the US on Friday 30th October. It is an Indian Films - Studio 18 release.
Priyan wants Aamir and Tabu together
Priyadarshan has almost completed his multi-starrer ‘De Dana Dan’ and is gearing up for his next on AIDS. Aamir Khan was already confirmed for the project and now, he’s trying pull in Tabu for the female lead. Of course, this will be the first time they’ll be spotted together in a film. Though, they had starred together in ‘Fanaa’, the duo didn’t have any scenes to perform together.
Filmmaker Priyadarshan confirms saying that Aamir Khan has already signed the deal and talks are going on with Tabu to pair up with him. Also Priyan mentioned that he wanted to make this film a year back in time, but wanted to experiment with audiences’ reaction over his offbeat film ‘Kanchivaram’. And now with the film winning laurels across the Nation, he’s more confident with this realistic cinema.
Totting up about the project, he said, “It will take 3 more months to complete the script works. Pulling in an actor like Aamir Khan will gradually help in drawing more attention from wider-range of audiences…”
Jail comes up with new age music
The ‘Jail’ team - consisting of Director Madhur Bhandarkar, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Manoj Bajpai and Music Director Shamir Tandon - had recently visited the Tihar Jail in Delhi; to celebrate Diwali with the inmates.
‘Jail’ has been produced by Percept Picture Company and Bhandarkar Entertainment in association with Mirah Entertainment, Sanjay Ghodawat Group & Maxwell Entertainment. The music of the film, which is already a craze, is on T-Series.
Expressing his views, Madhur Bhandarkar said, “I was always keen to know what actually happens inside Jail. Jail is actually a place where the criminals are sent to improve and come up as better citizens of the society, However while filming ‘Jail’, I learnt that sometimes, when a person tries to improve upon, he is set back by the environment and ambience of Jail and hence what was meant to be an imprisonment for betterment, becomes a worst nightmare. I believe that is something you will see in our film also.”
Music Director Shameer Tandon said, “I have done two songs for ‘Jail’, which are totally poles apart in nature. One is “Data Sun Maula Sun”, a prayer that takes place every morning in Jail. The song has been sung by Lata Mangeshkar. It is when we came up to a decision that the prayers in Jail are still monotonous and old fashioned and we wanted something like The New Age “Ae Malik Tere Bande Hum”, so I approached Lata Didi with this set of mind and finally she agreed. The other song is ‘Bareily Ke Bazaar Mein’ which is an item number in the film.”
Neil Nitin Mukesh, who has played a prisoner in ‘Jail’, said “I play character of a common man Parag Dixit in the film who gets trapped in the vicious circle of Jail. Only with this film I came to know that world of Jail is totally different and what goes inside Jail with the prisoners is something I cannot comment in words. Everyone inside lives with a hope alive, and it is this hope only which bounds them together.”
The story of Jail revolves around the protagonist Parag Dixit (Neil Nitin Mukesh) who was the King of his own World…A great job, a lovely house, a lovelier girlfriend Maansi (Mughda Godse)... a night out with friends at some suburban watering hole after a hard day’s job... life just couldn’t get better for him. And all of a sudden he finds himself inside the four walls of a prison thanks to a series of unfortunate events around him. The whole film is from his point of view and tells the stories of several other inmates of the prison. Some of these are under trials, convicts and also the cops who are in charge of maintaining the order in the prison. Jail gives a ringside view of the world that exists inside the walls of the prison spread across our country.
Manoj Bajpai, who plays a pivotal role in the film said- “Jail film should be a message to everyone in our society. Imagine a person is Jailed and the life of everyone associated with his/her, changes overnight. What all they have to go through, is also a part of our film. So, for all those who always wanted to know what actually is Jail, I think Madhur Bhandarkar reveals Jail in the best way possible. Thus I would request masses & classes to come and watch Jail.” Madhur Bhandarkar’s cinema as always known is the mirror to the society. Madhur is the only Film Director who has tasted the success of critical acclamation, Commercial Hits and Three National Awards. After Fashion’s super success, his film ‘Jail’ is eagerly awaited by his fans and the World.
Birthday wishes to Shammi Kapoor
Yahooooo! No other expletive will aptly describe this legendary hero. Coming from The Kapoor family, Shammi Kapoor had his share of success and hits in 50-60s, although for a short span. Bollywood’s classics have been enhanced with his contributions and his movies usually carry a remarkable magic. Several memorable movies, especially songs are still a popular among film buffs. Shammiji tasted immense success with ‘Junglee’, a movie which is well-remembered and popularly associated with him till date. In course of his career, serious roles gave way to romantic ones for this actor. ‘Dil Deke Dekho’, ‘Teesri Manzil’, ‘Brahmchari’, ‘Tumsa Nahin Dekha’ ‘Professor’, ‘Kashmir Ki Kali’, ‘An Evening in Paris’ - are not only his notable films but also well-known for its songs. “Aaja Aaja” (‘Teesri Manzil’) is a popular rock-n-roll hit of those times where Shammiji dances to the tunes in his famous head-shaking style. Many cabaret numbers are still favourites for the remixing heads. Sadly Hindi cinema didn’t have enough of this distinguished actor. Shammiji drifted away from the screens gradually; gracing several films as a supporting actor occasionally from 70s. Today Shammiji celebrates his 78th birthday. We extend our hearty wishes of good health and happiness to him. And we hope Bollywood comes up with someone as endowed as this fine actor.
RGV’s super-casting for ‘Raktha Charitra’
Ram Gopal Varma’s ‘Raktha Charitra’ is getting surpassed ever than we expected it to be. The unorthodox filmmaker of Indian Cinema has been roped in the unusual casting of actors under the same roof for this bilingual film.
The biopic of Parithala Ravi will bring Vivek Oberoi and South Indian actor Surya together in lead role while veteran ace actors like Shatrughan Sinha, Raj Babbar and Ranjeet have now signed in for the project.
Closer sources have revealed Ram Gopal Varma had vividly involved himself in the research works on this flick for past couple of years. Indeed, he was prone to the speculative stake of meeting the real life characters pertaining to Parithala Ravi and personally interviewed his rival Suri… The film’s shooting has recently hit the floors in Hyderabad and will be completed by January.
When asked about the unusual star-casting and non-involvement of local actors in Telugu version, Ramu said, “I think Vivek Oberoi and Surya have well-suited the intense characterization of protagonists and hence opted for them for all the versions…”
Kabir Khan ready for Yash Raj Films
Filmmaker Kabir Khan is all set to make yet another flick for the banner of Yash Raj Films. Earlier, the director had struck with an awe-inspiring flick ‘New York’ that offered a great bonanza in box office for the production house.
Apparently, the producers didn’t want to miss the godsend director and thusly, they’ve signed the deal.
Followed by the grand success of ‘New York’, Kabir Khan had strode all the way to mountains of Ramgadh (near Nainital), where he developed the script for next film. Finally, the filmmaker has completed with script works and ready to approach the actors by this month.
Interacting with media channels, Kabir Khan has said, “Yes, we will be making official confirmations about this untitled film at the earliest. There’s still a long way to go as the actors haven’t been finalized…”
Neither any officials from Yash Raj films nor Kabir Khan have afforded to reveal any more details about the film right now…
Once upon a time in Mumbai with Ajay & Kangana
His ‘All the Best’ successfully added up as the fun-dose to the Diwali festival. Then he is waiting for his next flick, ‘London Dreams’. Ajay Devagn is truly savouring his work commitments one by one.
The actor will be seen with slim hottie Kangana Ranaut in Milan Luthria’s ‘Once Upon A Time in Mumbai’. The movie is a period film and also stars Emraan Hashmi and Prachi Desai. One can look forward to see Ajay in the shades of ‘Company’, for his character here is said to be based on Mumbai don Haji Mastan. Most of the movie’s shooting shot in South Mumbai as that depicts a lot from the 70’s and 80’s with its colonial styled buildings, according to the director.
Currently, the director is busy with the second schedule of the movie with Kangana, Emraan and Prachi. It is said that Ajay will take over the last schedule in December.
Ranbir, the new kid on YRF’s block
The grapevines are buzzing with the latest buzz that Ranbir Kapoor has been roped by the Bollywood’s favourite banner Yash Raj Films. The actor has already three YRF’s films in his portfolio, with ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’ and soon-to-be releasing ‘Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year’. And now he will be seen next in Aditya Chopra’s untitled directorial.
First it was the King Khan, who did three movies with Aditya (Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Mohabbatein and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi) and now it looks like Ranbir is following the suit. Sources said that the director was keen to bring out ‘Dhoom 3’, however, due to lack of a proper script, the movie was stalled. Then he had plans to work with Shah Rukh, but the actor is having his hands full with ‘Don 2’ and Farah Khan's film ‘Happy New Year’. So Aditya started on with a fresh young love story, with Ranbir in mind.
For more info on this, we have to wait and watch...
Aftab to say Aao Wish Karein
After being a sighing lover boy in ‘Kambakth Ishq’, Aftab Shivdasani will be next seen in a fairy tale targeted at the families.
‘Aao Wish Karein’ will have Aftab along with Aamna Sharif who had co-stared with him in ‘Aloo Chaat’. The movie will be bannered under Mumbai Mantra Media Ltd and the movie is said to be based on a boy’s fantasy to turn into a grownup.
According to sources, Aftab Said, “Aao Wish Karein is an honest effort and that makes it endearing to anyone who’s been a part of this journey. It’s simple, sweet, funny and has exceptionally soulful music. This is the kind of film that would appeal to kids and teenagers, mamas and papas, grandpas and grannies too.”
Hmm, with such movies coming-up, looks like the industry is gearing up to impress the younger junta… Think ‘Aladin’…
London Dreams on Sa Re Ga Ma L’il Champs
While the world waits with bated breath to find out the winner of the popular title of Sa Re Ga Ma Little Champs (on Zee TV), the team of ‘London Dreams’, going the whole hog on the film's marketing, is gearing up to make it an event to remember!
Salman Khan, Asin and director Vipul Shah will be present at the grand finale on Saturday 24th October to bless the contestants. The much talked about show will see its entertaining
culmination in a larger than life LIVE telecast from the historic India Gate in Delhi. Not only will two of the stars of ‘London Dreams’ interact with the contestants but are likely to perform impromptu to their hit track Mann Ko Ati Bhaave from the same film.
Commenting on the association, Vipul Shah stated, "Sa Re Ga Ma Little Champs is an immensely popular show and showcases rare talent. What can be a better opportunity for the kids to meet Salman Khan? Salman is very excited at the prospect of being on the show and having fun and interacting with his fans and audience! Watch out for some great action from the team at the grand finale!"
The show will be beamed LIVE to all the international countries where Zee is present. ‘London Dreams’ is being released theatrically in the US on 30th October and in the UK and UAE on 29th October by Indian Films-Studio 18.
Samir Aftab wins laurels
‘Sachin Tendulkar’s century in Vain’ – Perhaps, this could’ve been the most commonly noticed headlines often when Sachin hits century and India loses the match. Much pertaining to this context, here’s Samir Aftab dashed down in spirits with the failure of ‘3 Nights 4 Days’.
The film was released couple of weeks prior to Diwali and witnessed complete washout at box office. Despites the results, Samir Aftab was acclaimed for his stupendous performance and won positive reviews for it. The young lad had indeed spelled a strong performance in this film winning laurels from industry’s leading critics.
Say for instance, he was labeled with such credits –
“Samir Aftab is extremely likeable”
“Samir Aftab is competent”
"Samir is a talent misused"
According to the sources Samir Aftab himself is disappointed with his earnest efforts going down in vain.
No worries Samir! You’ll have a great time with best offers in future.
If Madhur Bhandarkar attempts for trilogies based on pragmatic issues – (Page 3, Corporate, Traffic Signal, Fashion & Jail), here’s ad filmmaker Anto
Sanjeev Lamba has been appointed as CEO of Motion Pictures Business, Reliance Big Pictures. Being a prodigious entrepreneur, Sanjeev has a vast experience over the arena of entertainment field: advertising, consumer products licensing, video games and movies of which 15 years have been in senior international positions.
Much before laying his participation into Big Pictures, Sanjeev was associated with Ogilvy and Mather in Mumbai and New Delhi, The Walt Disney Company in Hong Kong, Tokyo and California, the Weinstein Company in New York.
Striding across the successful track of trenchant career, Sanjay Lamba has assured about marking his feat to a greater significance with Big Pictures.
Says Sanjeev: “We are currently undergoing a significant change in the way Indian movies are made, distributed and marketed. Reliance is well positioned to be a long term global media and entertainment player, particularly in movies. I am looking forward to working with talented senior team already in place to build a strong profitable global movie business …”
Antony D’Souza: From ‘Blue’ to ‘Aerial’
If Madhur Bhandarkar attempts for trilogies based on pragmatic issues – (Page 3, Corporate, Traffic Signal, Fashion & Jail), here’s ad filmmaker Antony D’Souza on an unparalleled efforts of making trilogy on ‘nature-borne adventures’…
If ‘Blue’ was an underwater escapades with breathtaking stunts, his next flick tentatively titled as ‘Aerial’ will bring the air-oriented adventure with three-heroes in lead role.
Earlier, it was reported that Akshay Kumar had signed the deal and so was John Abraham. But now with official information rendered by closer hands of Antony, it stated that Akshay hasn’t been roped in yet. At the moment, John Abraham and Sonal Chauhan have been included in the list and talks are going on with another actor.
John Abraham and Antony D’ Souza have been shared a great relationship and had discussed about working together. Well now, the duo has joined hands together for the first time. Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision, producers of ‘Blue’ will churn out this action-adventure as well and A.R. Rahman is expected to score music.
What made Kat to sign De Dana Dan?
After being vociferously praised across the tinsel town for his award winning ‘Kanchivaram’, filmmaker Priyadarshan is back in pavilion wielding megaphone for a comedy entertainer. This time, he brings back the ‘Hera Pheri’ team back in action with a substantial tale well packed with situational comedy.
Much before Akshay Kumar could get away his buffs with ‘Blue’ mania, ‘De Dana Dan’ is getting ready for release. The film features Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Katrina Kaif and Sameera Reddy in lead roles.
The mirthful promos for the film across satellite channels have mounted everyone’s hopes looking out for the release.
Well, Katrina Kaif seems to be more on the top of world for having paired with a ‘super-hit’ team. Says Katrina, “I never wanted to miss this flick as it has a power-packed humour sure to savour the tastes of every audience…”
On the pars, Kat admits that she was bit wedged in dilemma while signing for ‘De Dana Dan’ as she had a wrong presumption that her role may get overshadowed by the three leading superstars - Akki, Paresh and Sunil Shetty. But now, the actress feels more elated for having donned a substantial role in this film.