INDIA CINIMA SCOPE

Rumors: Chiry goes into Hinding

2007-10-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

Megastar Chiranjeevi and his wife have gone into hiding.

Not because he is disturbed very much over his daughter Srija's marriage with a middle class fellow Sirish Bharadwaj, but because of the people who are calling on him day in and day out to express their sympthies for him.

Eversince the marriage of Srija took place, Chiranjeevi's residence is being flooded with friends, well-wishers, relatives and even his fans, who are expressing their sympthies and solidarity with him. Already, Chiru was in a state of shock given by his daughter; and this wave of sympathy has put him in the most embarassing situation.

The visitors include even Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu, while Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy called him up on phone and expressed his sympathy.

Adding to his embarassment, his brother Pawan Kalyan enacted a big drama by surrendering his weapon to the police and announced establishment of a Commonman Protection Fund, creating an impression that it was a prelude to Chiranjeevi's plans for establishing a political party. Unable to withstand pressure from all angles, Chiru is learnt to have gone into a hiding to have mental peace at least for some time.

Screen Talk: Pawan Kalyan's Land Protector!

2007-10-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Pawan Kalyan said that he has nothing with him other than a car, house and bank- balance.

But he bought expensive lands in and around Vijayawada and the prices increased as well.

He has Vangaveeti Radha, the MLA in Vijayawada for the protection of his lands. Radha is always standing behind Pawan Kalyan and we have said that yesterday.

There are some land dealing businesses between Radha and Pawan Kalyan as per the grapevine.

Well, nothing wrong in holding expensive properties.

It's only the rich man who can do great things these days.

Everything is revolving around money.

Pawan need no talk as the man dedicated for people renouncing everything.

Has Athidi Made Rs.21, 93, 85,644 rupees in the first 7 days.

2007-10-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

There is a big advertisement in all leading news dailies today. The ad says, "Mahesh Babu created new record. The film collected a whopping share of 21, 93, 85,644 rupees in the first 7 days'.

That's really a grand figure. It's specifically mentioned 'share'-not even 'gross'. Ramesh Babu freshly said that the film would cross the collections of 'Pokiri' if the trend goes this way. If the figures are true that is really a true sensation and historical record.

Let us wait and see till we get the correct figure with break up in area wise.

After long journey, Saif gets his due in Bollywood

2007-10-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

29 October , 2007,

What a long journey it has been for Saif Ali Khan! From the over-pampered scion of a nawab family to one of Bollywood's most versatile actors and a serious contender for the No.1 spot, he has truly emerged triumphant at the turnstiles.

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One still remembers the harsh comments that accompanied Saif's debut in Umesh Mehra's Aashiq Awara in 1993. Acidic comments about his looks and appearance were the order of the Friday. A well-known columnist wrote, "Put a dupatta on Saif's head and he looks like Sharmila Tagore."

Such comments hurt all right. But they hit home, bang-on. As Saif said recently, "My detractors and their harsh comments have been my greatest incentive to prove myself."
And then, in typical Saif fashion, he leaned back for some serious self-praise. "Actually that's a good quote, don't you think?"

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Saif almost always ends every observation tentatively. No wonder it took him so long to realise his worth. "But do I really know my worth today?"

The to-be-or-not-to-be debate was invented for Saif. Or so it seems. Saif never says an outright yes or no. Maybe is his clearest option and safest zone.

No wonder he remained in the zone of the probable for so many years. Looking gawky, ill at ease and out of sorts in a series of post-debut films, Saif all but finished off his career.

He was and remains to a large extent a Khan from the outside. Aamir Khan and Salman Khan belong to film families. And despite being a Delhi dude Shah Rukh Khan is more of an insider in the industry today than any other actor.

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Yes, Saif has his mother Sharmila Tagore. But moms, as experience tells us, don't count in Bollywood. If they did, Nutan's son Mohnish Behl would've been the hugest superstar on the block.

"Mom had actually agreed to play my mother in Aashiq Awara. That was sweet of her," Saif reminisced about the "good" old days when columnists took pot shots at him for everything, from his girlie looks to alleged sexuality.

There're stories about how insecure he would get on the sets of Karan Johar's Kal Ho Naa Ho. But Saif denies them.

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He said: "You know I get paranoid about every movie. I knew from the start that Shah Rukh would be the pivot of the film. But I knew I had great lines and a great role. I was never made to feel Shah Rukh was more important to the project.

I went with very clear expectations. It was a civilised unit. Everyone was young and fun. I didn't feel like an outsider at all. I never did, though I was from outside Mumbai."

He says he never felt any need to be a part of any particular camp.

"I was always warned about camps and groups. But I always felt there was some strength to be gained from standing alone, and not being part of any camp. But at the same time if you look at it I'm quite a Yash Raj boy, in many ways.

"I started my career with Yashji in Parampara. He saw my first screen test. My first hit Yeh Dillagi was also connected with Yash Raj Films. The way they work suits me. I'm not expected to socialise with them. So the whole 'camp' thing is quite a myth for me. Really, Karan Johar and Yash Raj Films have spoilt me."

Saif's makeover has been as remarkable as that of Karisma Kapoor, who came accompanied by a truckload of flak and left at her peak as a screen queen.

The actor seems to be enjoying his newfound status as a leading man to the hilt.

Omkara was definitely a new beginning. When Vishal Bahradwaj zeroed in on him to play the Indian Iago, Saif was, as usual, unsure. He never says an outright yes to any role, not even when it comes to a film like Farhan Akhtar's Dil Chahta Hai. That film clearly was the turning point in his career.

Farhan was sure he wanted only Saif to play the confused, naïve and confounded Sameer. As usual Saif wasn't convinced. Four years later, Saif was the same indecisive entity when Bharadwaj offered him Langda Tyagi.

"I was in Jaipur. And I began to think about how Vishal came down here to narrate Omkara to me. One morning I was sitting on a beautiful lawn in Jaipur's Rambagh Palace with no work to do. Vishal was sitting in front of me. At that point of time I was wondering why I was being offered a negative role. Vishal really pushed me. He told me he was worried because it was an important part. From getting me to cut my hair to delivering my lines properly... he was quite paranoid.

"Initially, I read my character's lines with a bit of an English accent. Looking back, I could've taken it even further. But it was correct timing. Everything fell into place."
Siddharth Anand, who's a close buddy, gave Saif's career as a leading man a further boost with Salaam Namaste. Siddharth thinks Saif is constantly doing roles that challenge him to make his presence felt.

Saif admits he's incapable of enjoying the gift of the present. "Perhaps. But at least I'm conscious of it. I'm always anxious about the future."

At the moment he's more relaxed than ever before and hogging the limelight for his alleged affair with Kareena Kapoor.

"On the sets of Omkara people would say there were four National Award winners. My first impulse would be to wonder who was the fourth after Vishal, Ajay Devgan and Konkona Sen. Then I'd realise, 'Oh shit, the fourth National Award winner is actually me!'"

Saif has the final word. "I may seem like a bundle of contradictions most of the time. But there's a method to my madness which is apparent only to me a lot of times."

By Shamsheer (Sify)

Non-bailable warrant issued against Aamir Khan

2007-10-24T10:51:00.000-07:00

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BHOPAL:24-Oct-2007.

A Bhopal court on Tuesday issued a non-bailable warrant against Aamir Khan after the actor failed to appear thrice before the court to defend himself in a case of 'disrespect' to the national flag.

First class judicial magistrate V S Muwell asked the police to bring the actor to the court on November 7. The judge dismissed his lawyer's explanation that the actor didn't know he had to appear in the court.

The complaint was filed by a local lawyer in August, saying at an event in Indore to promote a car as a brand ambassador for its manufacturer, Khan "dishonoured" the tricolour, which was stuck on top of the car much late after the function was over.

The Supreme Court has cautioned trial courts against issuing non-bailable warrants without verifying the frivolity of complaints. It has also said that an NBW could only be issued if a person fails to honour previous summons and bailable warrants.

Suresh Kanga, who filed the complaint against Khan, said, "The national flag was stuck on top of a car and remained there even when the function got over late in the night. The court admitted my complaint and asked the actor to appear before the court on three occasions. He was even issued warrants twice but did not come."

When Khan's lawyer argued that the actor had not received the previous warrants, the judge said it was not possible that the actor had not known about the developments in the case.

By Shamsheer (NDTv)

Rishi Kapoor plays himself in Hadd Behadd

2007-10-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

Mumbai, October 24, 2007.

Not too many actors get the privilege of playing themselves in a film. Recently, Bobby Deol played himself in Nanhe Jaisalmer. Now it's Rishi Kapoor's turn.

"It's a film called Hadd Behadd. It's a super social comedy and I've a great role. Yes, I play myself, Rishi Kapoor," Rishi told IANS.

Hadd Behadd is the directorial debut of theatre personality Ranjit Kapoor who had scripted films like Bandit Queen and Mangal Pandey.

"It's great to work with a young, enthusiastic team. This is a character-driven film. So there're lots of actors from the National School of Drama. Priyanshu Chatterjee and Kulraj Randhawa play lead roles. Really, at my age I couldn't have asked for a better role," said Rishi who is all keyed up about his son Ranbir's maiden release Saawariya.

Rishi is on tenterhooks about the impending release of his son's debut film and is visiting religious places to pray for his son's success.

"Dad gets so tense, I'd have been a nervous wreck just watching him. But he's taking time off to visit all the gurdwaras and temples in and around Himachal. In one of the temples, the priest came up to dad and said, 'I know your son is about to start his career. This is with Devi Ma's blessing.' And he gave dad a chunni as an auspicious token. It was a moving gesture, and one that I'll cherish for ever," said Ranbir.

By Shamsheer (H.T.)

Salman Khan is new Tarzan!

2007-10-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

22-oct-2007

Finally Salman Khan has all the reason to take off his shirt.

The brawny star will bew now seen as Tarzan, in a film to be directed by Anees Bazme.

It will be directed towards children, as Salman recently discovered he has a huge fan following among children and plans to dedicate the film to them.

"I want to do the film for children," says Sallu and adds, "I have found out that I have a huge fan following among kids, and I want to dedicate this film to them.

" He even promises a whole new hair style for the role, one that is sure to, in his words, "will become a style statement.

" When asked if he see a market for such kinds of movies, Salman replies, "If Hemant Birje could make Tarzan a hit film 20 years ago, then I am sure I too can make it."

By shamsheer (santabanta)

Rahman's small screen debut - for a cause

2007-10-23T10:36:00.000-07:00

23-oct-2007.

Composer A.R. Rahman is all set for the small screen debut. He has joined hands with the United Nations and production house Endemol for Mission Ustad - an enlightening musical show on to-be-launched Hindi entertainment channel 9X.

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The show aims at spreading the essence of the UN's Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and Rahman will feature along with some of the best entertainers of the country.

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"I am delighted to be part of Mission Ustad on 9X. Many eminent names from the entertainment industry will join me on the show. I am convinced that the partnership will bring about the desired awakening among Indian viewers, and the show will touch the hearts of the nation in a very entertaining manner," Rahman said in a statement.

Rajesh Kamat, managing director of Endemol India, said that music is a universal language and therefore the show would help bind people together irrespective of their nationality, religion or economic stature.

"With Mission Ustad, we will get an opportunity to reach out to our audiences and involve them in key issues using music as a binding factor. The distinct show promises not just to entertain, but also to enlighten," Kamat said.

The channel is scheduled to go on air by November.

"If India does not achieve the MDGs by 2015, the world will not achieve them. For the marginalised people of India like the Dalits and adivasis (tribals), minorities, the Goals offer a real hope to achieve better education, health and livelihoods. Mission Ustad will act as a reminder that time is running out," said Salil Shetty, director, United Nations Millennium Campaign.

By Shamsheer (sify)

Shriya goes to Hollywood!

2007-10-23T10:28:00.001-07:00

23 -October -2007.

Shriya Saran never ceases to surprise you at regular intervals. The pretty actress who has become a rage and queen of Kollywood after the stupendous success of Rajnikanth's Sivaji , is now all set to do a Hollywood film!

Last week the leading Hollywood studio MGM and Ashok Amritraj's Hyde Park Film, have signed Shriya to be the heroine of their new film The other End of the Line for which shooting would start in the first week of November.

The other End of the Line is a romantic movie about an employee at an Indian call centre in Mumbai, who travels to San Francisco to be with the guy whom she falls in love over the phone, during her working hours.

Jesse Metcalfe, the handsome hunk of the television serial Desperate Housewives is playing the lead in the film. Jesse may become a major star in Hollywood, as his new action film Loaded releasing on November 1, worldwide carries good reports.

Our own Shriya is going to play heroine to Jesse, a tremendous boost for her, on par with Aishwarya Rai doing Provoked. Shriya who was last week shooting a special song with Vadivel for Indiralokathil Na Azhagappan, in Courtallam area, confirmed to Sify.com that she is going to do the Hollywood project.

It is a major break for Shriya, whose Azhagiya Tamil Magan, with Vijay releases this Diwali, and has also signed Kanthasamy with Vikram.

By Shamsheer (sify)

Mona’s battle for life ends

2007-10-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: 21 Oct 2007

Mona Suri, the fashion designer who was set afire allegedly by two men outside her house in the upmarket Greater Kailash Part-II over two months ago, died due to a multiple-organ failure at Safdarjung Hospital here on Saturday.

The police are yet to make a breakthrough in the case.

Doctors at the hospital had put 36-year-old Mona on life-support system on Thursday after her condition deteriorated.

Her kidneys, lungs and other vital organs stopped functioning on Saturday and she was declared dead late at night.

Dissatisfied with the pace of investigations by the police, her bereaving relatives have demanded a CBI probe into the incident as they are yet to crack the case.

Mona married Naveen Suri, who works with a Gurgaon-based travel and tour agency, in 1995 and they have two daughters.

She was admitted to hospital with 80 per cent burns allegedly after two unidentified assailants, who came on a motorcycle, poured some inflammable liquid on her and set her afire around 8 p.m. on August 11. Naveen was then on an official trip to Goa.

In her statement to the police, Mona had accused a woman colleague of Naveen -- of having masterminded the attack on her.

However, the woman’s father alleged that Mona had been warning her to stay away from her husband.

On the basis of Mona’s statement, the police registered a case of causing grievous hurt and criminal conspiracy.
They then questioned Naveen, his woman colleague and also another colleague of his to ferret out the truth. Investigations indicated that Naveen had been maintaining close relationship with his woman colleague.

Suspecting their involvement, the police checked their movements around the time of the incident.

Their phone records were also examined, but nothing came of it.

The interrogation of another colleague of Naveen and friend also did not lead to any breakthrough.

The police are now awaiting the forensic report, on the basis of which they will take further action in the case.

By Shamsheer

Aamir brings “TAARE ZAMEEN PAR”

2007-10-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

New Dehli Oct 20:

Chanda suraj laakhon taare hain jab tere hi yeh saare, Kis baat par hothi hai phir thakraarein, Duniya mein kahin bhi, dard se koyi bhi…, Duniya mein kahin bhi, dard se koyi bhi, Thadpe to humko yahan peEhsaas uske zakhmon ka ho ke Apna bhi dil bhar bhar aaye roye aankhein
What are you waiting for another day another talk, Somewhere we have to find a new way to peace, What are you waiting for another sign another call, Somewhere we have to find a new way to peace!!!Certainly these lyrics of TAARE ZAMEEN PAR will leave you mesmerised.

Aamir Khan is ready to enter the marquee, with his first directorial endeavor “TARE ZAMEEN PAR”.

The film moves around a dyslexic child with a specific learning disability. Dyslexia is an inherited condition that makes it extremely difficult to read, write despite having average intelligence.

Aamir Khan plays the role of a teacher to this dyslexic child, the subject is chosen with compassion as such issue need utmost care.

Aamir has dedicated this film to all the children, the film with its main protagonist a child, will be able to evoke the issue related to child through this insightful movie, where seldom any movie is made to address such real life concerns.

The movie promo shows Darsheel, who plays the role of Tanmoy, the main child artist with silent gaze and a tear in his eyes seems to have emoted well the character of dyslexic child.

The small piece of the TARE ZAMEEN PAR, has captured the gestures of child playing, yawning, responding, liveliness, confused in their innocence and mischievousness, every moment is just so perfectly taken that it will leave you wondering.

With music by Shankar–Ehsaan-Loy and lyrics by Prasoon Joshi, one can expect the music to be soul touching.

The same lyrics writer, who wrote the lyrics of Rang De Basanti has swept nation in its tide. It revolutionise the youth power and one way energised social activism.

TAARE ZAMEEN PAR is the hobbyhorse of Amol Gupte, he is the creative director of this movie.

The movie which is slated to release on Dec 21, 2007 is produced under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions with Aamir himself being the producer and director of the movie.The star cast include Aamir Khan, Tisca Chopra, Darsheel Safary, M. K. Raina and others.

The movie has been choreographed by much acclaimed choreographer Shiamak Davar.

Tisca Chopra has also experimented in theatre in plays like Mahatma v/s Gandhi and Salesman Ramlal. She has bagged the role opposite to Aamir Khan in TZP. Her first break was Platform with Ajay Devgan and then plays some brief roles in films including Hyderabad Blues II, Cape Karma and Sarrkar.

After performing to perfection in Rang De Basanti, Fanaa, Dil Chahta Hai, it is for sure that Aamir will again quench the desire of the thirsty audiences.

Aamir said once in an interview on being asked about the choice of the subject of TZP “My choice of films is governed by my heart and instinct. I’m not governed by what the market demands. I loved the script of Taare Zameen Par and that’s why I agreed to be a part of it. It’s very simple. When I’m reading a script, I react to it as a member of the audience. If it excites me, I want to do it, irrespective of the budget.”

With promos liked and appreciated by people who want to enjoy a different movie Aamir is standing tall with his sensible taste and as the promos shows that he has successfully able to blend the emotions.

Now you don’t have to reach for the sky to hold stars …

By Shamsheer

Amitabh Bachchan in Vishal Bhardwaj's next

2007-10-22T07:27:00.001-07:00

Now this is official news coming to you live from London's Odeon cinema in Leicester Square.

Yesterday, (21st October, Sunday) at the Times BFI 51st London Film Festival, Rituparno Ghosh's The Last Lear was screened to packed audiences including the media, and it was none other than super star, Amitabh Bachchan who graced the occasion along with his producer.

Rituparno Ghosh, the director of The Last Lear could not attend the screening because his father was not keeping well in India. Firstly, Big B answered the questions asked by the media and then saw his first English film from start to finish only coming on the stage for the one last time to reveal an answer of a question asked by one of the members sitting in the audience.

In front of hundreds of people Amitabh Bachchan said that he will be a part of Vishal Bhardwaj's trilogy of Shakespearean inspired film and this time the maverick director is to cast Big B in the lead role from an adaptation of William Shakespeare's King Lear.

He also added that the film will be out in 2008 and the script is currently being worked on and will get over by the end of this year. Read this space tomorrow to know more on what Amitabh Bachchan had to say about his role in The Last Lear at the Times BFI's 51st London Film Festival.

By Shamsheer

WEL COME

2007-10-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

WEL-COME